Quatre was as surprised as she was. He wasn't sure if he should be happy or upset that se was now staying permanently with him. He was happy because simply being around her was like the ultimate high, but at the same time, in spite of all the great conversations he had with here, he still didn't know that much. Oh, sure, he knew all the superficial stuff, but nothing of substance. He kissed her forehead, and had to back away quickly before he did anything else that he would regret later. Gad! She made him completely lose his mind sometimes.
About four months passed, and Quatre could feel himself growing more and more attached to her every day. She was fun, and smart, and witty. Indeed, she was the most engaging conversationalist Quatre had ever met. The days grew colder, and snow covered the French countryside with a thick, white blanket. He had taken her to see the Arc de Triumph, and the Eiffel Tower, and so much more. He walked with her among the Louvre Museum. He did everything possible with her, and loved every minute of it. But he could sense she was hiding something from him, much the way he was hiding things from her. Quatre pounded his fist in his hand. He was going to do it today. He walked into the drawing room, and picked up his violin to relax his nerves. He sighed with the first few sweet strains, and could feel his mind relaxing under the hypnotic sound of his instrument. Quatre was so taken with the music that he didn't hear quiet footsteps until Avi sat down softly at the piano and began to play. He caught her eye, and she smiled softly at him as their music wove together beautifully. She tilted her had back slightly and began to sing. Quatre almost stopped in shock. Her voice was so pure, and beautiful and clear. Her mouth was wide open and her lips formed the words in graceful, trailing motions.
" How can I just
let you walk away,
just let you leave without a trace
When I
stand here taking every breath with you, ooh
You're the only one
who really knew me at all "
Quatre closed his eyes, relishing her sound, her music, her voice…
"How can you
just walk away from me,
when all I can do is watch you leave
'cause we've shared the laughter and the pain
and even shared
the tears
You're the only one who really knew me at all
So
take a look at me now,
oh there's just an empty space"
Quatre joined in, and sang with her. His deeper voice complementing her lighter, higher one.
"And there's
nothing left here to remind me,
just the memory of your face
Ooh
take a look at me now,
well there's just an empty space
And
you coming back to me is against all odds
and that's what I've
got to face
I wish I could just make you turn around,
turn
around and see me cry
There's so much I need to say to you,
so
many reasons why
You're the only one who really knew me at
all"
Avi smiled, and started singing the chorus again.
"So take a look at
me now,
well there's just an empty space
And there's nothing
left here to remind me,
just the memory of your face
Now take
a look at me now,
'cause there's just an empty space
But to
wait for you, is all I can do
and that's what I've got to face
Take a good look at me now,
cos I'll still be standing
here
And you coming back to me is against all odds
It's the
chance I've gotta take…"
"Take a look at me now"
Quatre finished the last strain on his violin, as Avi ended the song with a deep chord on the piano. Quatre walked over to her, and put his hands on her shoulders. She shifted slightly, about to get up, but he pushed her back onto the bench.
"Quatre, is…is something wrong?"
Quatre closed his eyes. He had to tell her, but he would rather her not be able to se him when he told her.
"Avi, I need to tell you something."
She tried to turn around and look at him, but he held her in place.
"Quatre, what's the matter?"
"You've asked me a few times about what I did during the War with Oz, and I've always given you generic answers. But I need to tell you the truth." Quatre paused and took a breath. "I'm sure you know I was a Gundam pilot with four others. They were Chang Wufei, Trowa Barton, Heero Yuy, and Duo Maxwell. My Gundam was named Sandrock. She was great. When I fought with her, it was like music. Perfectly synchronized, perfectly executed. I became one of the Gundam pilots for two reasons. One, was to end the war, I am a pacifist by nature, and the fact that it had not yet come to an end made me want to do anything to stop it. The second reason, and probably the bigger one, was to rebel against my father. He had forbidden me to have anything to do with the war, but I…Disobeyed him, and joined the army anyway. I fought with the other Gundam pilots for most of the war. We were fighting a losing battle, but that seemed like the only thing to do. But then…There was a new Gundam suit. It was called Wing ZERO. It was the most powerful Gundam of all. It had immense power, its speed was unparalleled. I was the first pilot. There was an unforeseen problem, however. This Gundam was designed with something called a Brain Twisting ZERO. It made the mind of the pilot operate on a higher level. Reflexes off the chart. Faster brain waves. Instinct and anticipation were heightened. The pilot became part of the suit. I…Lost my mind. I went insane with the power and ability to do everything through the Gundam." Quatre's voice shook, "I went into a rage. Destroying everything that came in front of me. I…destroyed a colony. I shot down a plane that I thought was carrying OZ members, when it really transported…my,…my father." His voice broke, and Avi turned around. "I killed my own Father. Avi just looked at him. Quatre couldn't read her expression, and turned away slightly. "You needed to know. If we are going to be married, then…I shouldn't be keeping any secrets from you. I understand if-"
Avi wound her arms around him, and hugged him tightly. Her voice was muffled by his shirt. "It doesn't matter. Its in the past, and you weren't right in your mind when it happened. I still…I still want to be your wife."
Quatre put his arms around her, and crushed her to his chest. His heart swelled. She was truly a woman among many. He took in the scent of her hair, and closed his eyes, and felt her body against his.
Avi could feel the weight lifting off his shoulders when he told her. He had seen so much death in the war, and he had even been responsible for many himself, and yet he still got up everyday with a smile. She was lucky to have him. She heard him say something.
"Excuse me?"
"I said, 'what happened to you during the war?'"
Avi's mind raced. She couldn't tell him. He wouldn't be able to understand. He might've killed his father, but it was by accident. She had…No. She wouldn't tell him. Not yet anyway.
"My…my maid and I were, kidnapped at the eve of the war. She had the same dark hair as me, and was able to pass herself off as Avarona Liv Rothgar. I managed to escape, and lived in a convent for the duration of the war, before meeting back up with my parents in England after Mariemeia Kushrenada's attack."
Avi held her breath. She was against his shoulder, so she couldn't tell if he believed her lie or not. She heard him speak.
"What happened to your maid?"
"She was…killed. She had become a spy for OZ, and was shot in crossfire."
"I'm sorry."
"No it's alright. She died bravely."
And I'm the one who should be sorry, Avi thought to herself. Quatre pulled away. I forgot to tell you. There's a Christmas ball coming up next week. Trowa Barton, a very dear friend of mine, and one of the pilots is going to be there. Also Heero Yuy. I really want you to meet them."
"I can't wait."
Quatre smiled and gave her a peck on the cheek. "I need to go now for two days to work out an engagement. I'll be back on Thursday."
"Ok. I'll be able to get a dress."
"See you later."
Quatre walked out of the room, humming the song they had just played together, while Avi sat down on the couch to stew in her fierce guilt.