AN: Yes, I know that it has been forever since I last updated this. I have no excuses so I won't say anything but thank you to all of you who have been waiting for me to continue. I realize that this chapter is longer than I thought it would be so it will be separated into three parts. Thanks again for all of you who have remained loyal to this story. I promise to quit being lazy and start writing!
Heero and Relena's Advice On Parenting
Chapter 2
Part 2
As they entered the restaurant, Mia kept her head hidden while clutching her father's neck in a death grip, her teddy bear close by in her hand. Heero cleared his throat and whispered quietly into Mia's ear so that only she could hear it.
"You're safe now."
Mia slowly lifted her head and allowed herself some space to look around cautiously at her new surroundings. Classical music filled the air, the light wasn't as bright, and the crowds of people sighing 'aw' were gone. She lifted herself higher in the protective arms that held her and turned to smile at Heero. Unfortunately, Mommy and Daddy were arguing again. Mia blinked and decided that sucking on her fingers sounded more appealing, so she did just that while curiously looked around.
"Fine," said Relena. The night was still young and she already wanted it to end. "Do as you please but I will not allow you to take Mia along to the bar with you." She took Mia from Heero's arms and began to follow the man that would lead them to the private ballroom. Mia's teddy bear swung with Relena's every movement, dangling off her elbow. "Find a booster seat," she tossed behind her shoulder. Heero glared at his wife's retreating figure before heading towards the bar.
"What would you like, sir?" asked the bartender.
Heero ordered his drink and gulped it down incredible fast that the other men at the bar figured it was unspeakable problems. He slammed his glass down hard and looked for some service. A waiter looking slightly annoyed walked by, but Heero could care less about what was troubling the young boy. It couldn't possible be any worse than what he was already going through. When the waiter got close enough, Heero grabbed him by the shoulders and yanked.
"I need a booster seat," he said through his clenched teeth. Only his lips moved and even that looked uncomfortably stiff.
The teenage waiter shrugged Heero's hand off his shoulder. "Look, man," he spat, "I don't get paid enough to follow all of you 'big shots' around and supply you with your every demands. Besides, you actually think we carry those things around here? What does this place look like to you, Chuck-E-Cheese? No, this is like a review show. Children don't come here."
The stereo-typical adolescent shunned the former gundam pilot, and continued in the direction to where he was heading before interrupted. Heero glared at the kid and threw him against the wall. People at their tables stared at the scene as the room became silent.
"Then it makes me wonder how the hell you found yourself in a place like this. I'm not going to ask you again," Heero inched his face so close to the boy's that heat flared through his nostrils and burned him. "I need a booster seat now."
"I-I'll see if I can find s-something," trembled the poor boy. Heero released his grip on the employee's shoulders and he sprawled onto his feet and ran. A nearby host placed himself by Heero's side cautiously.
"Excuse me, sir," he said a bit shaky after seeing what happened. "But does there seem to be a problem?"
Heero casually readjusted his tuxedo and answered, "Mission complete." Then headed in the direction that his wife and daughter had gone no more than ten minuets ago.
Meanwhile...
The private ballroom was filled with politicians from the Earth's Sphere United Nations and other top Preventers. The orchestra's tune flowed freely around the room. Men and women in beautiful gowns and tuxedos swirled across the dance floor in the center of the ballroom, gently bouncing to the beat of the waltz as they sparkled and glittered under the huge chandeliers above. Sounds of laughter and conversations, glasses tapping against each other, and corny jokes embraced the evening of the opulent party lifestyle.
To Relena it was just another political ball that would only have her anticipating for the end of the night. The only difference was that tonight would be the beginning of the next biggest move of her career.
'Dear God, give me strength for this.'
Although Relena was dreading inside, all of this was overwhelming Mia, who was currently bouncing in her mother's arms.
"Mommy! Mommy! Look!" shouted Mia. "They're so pwetty!" Her little chubby finger pointed at the dancing women and their companions.
Relena smiled at her daughter witnessing her first formal party. Even though Relena had developed an immunity to these sort of functions, considering how many she had attended while her father held the position of Vice Foreign Minister, but it was still exciting to see Mia observing it for the first time.
A familiar couple appeared to have spotted the mother and daughter, and began making their way through the crowd toward them.
"Aunty Noin!" Mia cried.
Zechs and Noin nonchalantly joined their respected family, away from the swarm of politicians. Mia out stretched her arms and Noin welcomingly took the toddler into her arms, careful not to wrinkle her dazzling white gown. Zechs took his position next to Noin in his matching white tux and smiled gently as Mia greeted him too.
"Mia," said Noin, a little astonished. "What on earth are you doing here?" Although the comment was made towards Mia, Noin looked at Relena in puzzlement.
"I was just about to ask the same thing," Zech's rough voice never wavered.
Relena inwardly sighed and shook off the questions with the wave of her hand. "It's a long story."
"Where's Yuy?" He asked after his efforts to spot out Heero proved to be fruitless.
For a second time Relena sighed. "Operation: I Need a Drink," she said crossly. Zechs and Noin exchanged looks and decided not to dig further into it. But before anymore words could be dispersed among the family, a voice from behind interrupted the reunion.
"Ah, Vice Foreign Minister Darlian," hissed the voice of a tall, thin, sleazy looking man, sliding his way through the crowd. His oily black hair slicked off towards the right, revealing a pale hair line straight down from the left. The glare off the top of his head was so bright that if one were to place a magnifying glass in front, it'd burn down the room. "How nice it is to see you."
"Hello, Representative Starzel," replied Relena. Starzel pin-pointed out her hand and bent down to place a kiss upon it. The sign of affection only had Relena appalling within the compounds of her mind. Representative Starzel was known for slithering in and out of trouble behind the council's backs. He was also known for sucking up to the young Vice Foreign Minister. Relena suddenly began to wonder about Heero's whereabouts and prayed that he'd be back soon.
"You are looking lovely this evening," he said with the tacky smile that Relena witnessed too often.
As awkward as the situation was, she smiled as polite as she could. "Thank you."
The slimy politician looked behind him to acknowledge Zechs and Noin for the first time.
"Mr. and Mrs. Merquise," he said bluntly. Zechs glared while Noin only nodded without any intention of accepting the man's greeting. It was then that Starzel looked down at the bundle in Noin's arms and smirked.
"And who might this lovely young lady be?" Starzel advanced his way towards Mia as Relena protectively followed his pursuit. At the same time, Zechs too moved in closer around the child. The representative noticed the multiple reactions and deviously smirked.
"Representative, this is my daughter Mia." Relena said, placing herself beside the man.
"Ah, yes. I've heard many stories about you," he said while winking at Mia. She returned his remark with a smile that worried Relena.
"With that smile you must surely take after your mother. But I've heard stories that have only influenced me to believe that you are much more like your father."
Relena mentally gasped and physically shook at the comment, but quickly regained her posture as Representative Starzel returned his attention towards her.
"Speaking of our husband," he said sickeningly, "Where might he be tonight? I seem to have failed to notice him at all."
Relena prepared to reply before a deep voice behind did it for her.
"Right here."
"Daddy!" cried Mia. Her shout of joy also washed a feeling of comfort over Relena. She turned around to see her husband making his way next to her, scowling at the snake-like man.
"Ah, Sergeant Yuy. We were just discussing you. It seems that you left your lovely wife and child alone, and I just stepped in to keep them company." Starzel sneered.
Zechs, Noin, and Relena watched Starzel visible twitch as Heero glared and took one step forward.
"I'm here now." The noise in the back of Heero's throat signaled Starzel that he had taken it as far as he could. It would be suicide if he decided to stay. Mia watched her father as he dangerously changed from before to now, and realized that this was another one of 'daddy's enemies.'
"I do wish you the best of luck for your announcement tonight, Vice Foreign Minister Darlian," said Starzel as he spat out her name, never removing his eyes from Heero. "But I must return to my group now." He gently shook Mia's hand farewell, but stopped suddenly as Heero began advancing towards him. Quickly, the representative retreated through a hole in the crowd.
The group watched Starzel's retreating figure as Noin snorted out, "Good riddance."
Relena looked up and glared at her husband. Heero could feel her gaze on him and calculated the probabilities of outcomes that would occur should he look down. Who was anyone to kid that Heero was not a person who took wild cards? He looked down and blinked as the 99.9 chance of her glare was accurate.
"What took you so long?" she cried.
Zechs and Noin sensed the tension between the two and quickly thought of alternatives to relieve themselves from the situation. A new waltz began as a thought ran through Zechs's mind. He cleared his throat and turned to his little niece.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, bowing his head in a gentlemen-like manner.
Mia giggled and nodded shyly. Noin passed Mia into Zechs's arms, and with the toddler carefully balanced on his hip, he and his niece made their way toward the dance floor.
Now came Noin's clever mode of evacuation.
"Oh, look. Punch." And with that she coolly walked off to the buffet table.
Meanwhile, Heero and Relena had no clue that they were completely alone, engrossed within their argument. Thankfully the hustle and bustle of the party left the angry lovers unnoticed. Heero crossed his arms and closed his eyes as his wife rambled on.
"I didn't think it would take anyone, especially you, that long to find a booster seat."
"Hn."
"Are you even paying attention to me?"
"Hn."
"How many drinks did you have?"
"Hn."
"Heero!"
Heero opened his eyes only to be welcomed by the gaze of Relena's pleading look. He suddenly felt a rush of guilt wash over the pit of his stomach. He knew she was stressed over tonight and by the looks of things, everything was only making it worse.
"…Only one."
Relena began rubbing her temples after inhaling a long and anticipated deep breath. This was just not her night.
Later on...
"Mommy."
"Just a second sweetie." Said Relena as she brushed off the little hand tugging at the bottom of her dress.
"Mommy," whined the tiny voice again.
"I promise you Sally that I'll have the registered information sent to you tomorrow. If you want, I can even-"
"MOMMY!"
Relena and Sally both jumped as the powerful demand escaped from the depths of Mia's small frame. Other nearby guests stopped their conversations and looked down at the little girl who seemed oddly out of place from the party.
Turning red in the face, Relena crouched down to Mia's level and sternly grabbed her by the shoulders.
"Mia," she said. "What have I told you about screaming like that?"
"Not to," came Mia's not so innocent response.
"I asked you to wait a moment because I'm in the middle of a conversation. You don't do that because it's rude. Do you understand me?" The toddler's eyes began to fill with tears as she nodded sullenly. Relena's heart immediately began to ache and she wished she could have a been a bit softer. She sighed and pulled the little girl towards her.
"I'm sorry." She felt Mia's arms wrap around her neck and Relena only held onto her tighter. "Mommy's just a little stressed right now." She looked at her daughter and wiped away the crocodile tears that slowly began to give away. Smiling, Relena fixed Mia's hair and groomed her little 'look-a-like'.
"I'm listening now. What is it that you wanted?"
"I have to go pee."
Sally laughed heartily causing the drink in her hand to swirl. "Well, now that surely calls for attention," she said as she took another sip of her drink.
Grabbing Mia by the hand, Relena laughed and led the way to the restrooms. "Do tell that husband of mine that we'll be at the dinning tables once we get back." Sally winked in response and laughed once again as Mia shouted 'yay' at the mention of food.
But just moments after Relena's departure, Heero arrived with Trowa Barton close at hand. Both men were so stiff and so well postured that it made Sally feel uncomfortable.
"Can't you two ever shake it off a bit?"
Trowa gave her a questioningly look before shaking his shoulders slightly, his horrible attempt to slouch. Sally laughed at his effort to look 'normal' as Heero only glared. For a clown, he didn't find it all too funny. But then again, since when did he ever find something funny?
"You're on duty." Heero growled.
Trowa quickly regained the standard posture required from every Preventer. He mutely took a sip of his champagne and winked at Sally, who could only laugh once more.
"Relena just left to take Mia to the bathroom," Sally said as she rested her hand upon her hip. Her stunning red ball gown glittered under the artificial lights. "She said that they'd be heading over for din-"
"I know."
Sally scrunched up her nose and smiled. "Then what was the point of me telling you that?"
"She thinks I'm intoxicated and unprofessionally disregarding my 'instincts'." Heero mumbled under his breath as Sally inched closer to hear.
"Pardon?"
Heero simply closed his eyes, crossed his arms over his chest, and turned away. Not bothering to answer the question, he silently inhaled but quickly exhaled where Sally swore she saw steam fuming out from his nostrils.
Trowa's shoulders bounced up and down as he tried hard to hide his laughter within the compounds of his champagne glass. "That's good humor."
Heero's teeth flared as a low growl emerged from the pit of his throat. Trowa only shrugged off the wordless death threat for he was used to it by now.
Sally allowed her eyes to wander off the amusing scene to watch as Relena, with Mia in arms, departed from the women's restrooms.
"Uh oh. The Vice Foreign Minister's on the move, and she's got a hungry little girl in hands."
Heero and Trowa both turned towards the sight as Relena began to greet other representatives for the first time at the party.
A low rumble bellowed amongst one of the three. Trowa, quite amused now, raised his eyebrow upon hearing the sound as he looked through the corner of his eyes to his superior standing beside him. Heero looked unfazed, like always. At least now he could rejoin his wife and child while satisfying what his body desperately needed.
"Position yourself." Bluntly put, he began his stride to catch up with his family. Trowa and Sally immediately gathered themselves and followed closely behind their fellow co-worker's steps.
Others began making their way to the beautifully placed tables and settings in the dinning area, adjacent to the dance floor. Waiters all in matching uniform, their noses up in the air, towels draped on their forearms, danced out of the ballroom's kitchen and began placing the ornate food to their respected guests.
Relena had just finished shaking hands with the other delegates dinning at the table when Heero had finally made his way at her side.
She cocked her head and asked, "Where's that booster seat?"
By a sheer chance of luck answering her question, the teenage kid from before came strutting through the room with a newly bought booster seat. He seemed to be grumbling as he made his way towards the table, but immediately stopped when reaching Relena.
The boy turned red and mumbled slightly. "He-here you are, Mrs. Vice Foreign Minister. We did-didn't have any booster seats so the restaurant staff bought one in favor of the occasion. We hope we didn't cause you any inconvenience." The last statement seemed to be directed towards Heero, who was glaring at the kid.
"Oh, no. No," Relena turned around and looked at Heero questionably. The two seemed to be in some sort of staring contest, leaving the boy as pale as a white crayon. "I'm terribly sorry if we caused the establishment any problems. Please tell your manager that we are very grateful for this."
The boy sheepishly smiled at Relena, but paled again at Heero and quickly ran off before handing the child seat to her. Relena blinked several times before irately turning around to face her husband. The look on his face just made her want to slap him silly.
"What did you do to that poor boy?"
Heero merely shrugged and took the seat from her hands, working to place Mia in it, in-between his wife and him.
The food was placed merely seconds after everyone was situated. On one side next to Relena sat Sally, Representative Welsh from Europe and his wife, Representative Fujiama from Asia, and other members. Heero, personally hating the company, just sat silent and ate his food. Out of the corner of her eye, Relena noticed a very laid back Trowa leaning against the wall, causally sipping his drink.
"Vice Foreign Minister," said Fujiama. Relena looked up from where she was cutting Mia's steak into smaller pieces. "I recently finished reading your document on the future of the Mars Transformation Project, and I must say that I am quite impressed." Heero sneered, but it went unnoticed. He hated suck ups.
Relena gave a fork to Mia and mouthed the words, 'Fork. No hands' before smiling at the representative and returning to her own food.
"Thank you, Representative. You are too kind"
Representative Fujiama bowed his head at her praise and began cutting his own meat. Representative Welsh's wife waved to Mia across the table as her husband straightened himself in his chair.
"Your daughter is absolutely adorable. How old is she now?" asked Mrs. Welsh. Her aging looks and delicate voice reminded Relena of a caring grandmother. She was aware that the Welsh's had their own share of children and were currently playing the roles of grandparents now.
"Three." Relena smiled and looked down at her daughter. Other delegates also watched as Mia paid no attention to their gazes and began to amuse herself by pouring salt into her water. Relena swiftly reached out and grabbed her hand to stop, only making Mia laugh. A couple of the ESUN members laughed and chuckled.
"Daddy, I dropped Teddy."
Without even bothering to spot out the location of the fallen teddy bear, Heero reached down and retrieved it as Mia squeaked with joy.
"Mrs. Darlian," said Mr. Welsh. In a manner for political purposes, Relena kept her last name, even after her marriage to Heero. So to the outside world, she was known as Vice Foreign Minister Darlian. But to those who knew her well, she preferred to be called Mrs. Yuy.
"I've heard that you recently had your office renovated into a much wider work space," Welsh continued. "But I can't seem to figure out what for."
"Daddy, I dropped Teddy."
Heero silently bent down once more and picked up Mia's beloved stuffed bear before returning to his food, pretending to pay no attention to the conversation.
"Yes," said Relena. "I too feel that it may be a little too spacious. It was the Preventers request that I'd have the work done. Although, my monkey seems to be very happy with it." Very serenely, Relena placed another bite of her chicken into her mouth, regardless of the puzzled looks her company was giving her. After she swallowed she continued, "It gives Heero more room to run around."
The table burst out laughing as Heero stopped in mid-chew and glared at his wife. She pretended to be occupied with her wine as she drank, but from the twinkling gleam she seemed to be giving out of the corner of her eye, he could tell she was enjoying his reaction.
"Daddy, I dropped Teddy."
This time there was no response. Mia looked up to see that her parents were again locked in a battle that seemed to be going on between their gazes. Despairingly, she rested her head in the palm of her hand and sighed. Looks like Teddy was going to have to wait awhile before help arrived.
"Vice Foreign Minister."
A man in a brown suit came running up from behind, interrupting Heero and Relena's glaring contest. Heero recognized him as Relena's publicist, James Swartz. At that point Relena inwardly groaned. With Swartz here, there could only mean one thing. More work.
He finally caught up to her and began to whisper in her ear. Relena's eyes were closed, but she nodded every once in awhile. It was obvious to Heero that Relena seemed some what expecting this. Once Swartz backed off, Relena gently placed her napkin upon the table and rose from her chair.
"Would you all excuse me for a moment." She nodded her head as Heero too began to rise from his seat. Relena motioned for him to stop and quietly said, "It's alright. Just watch Mia." And with that she quickly removed herself from the table with Swartz loyally at her side.
Heero watched her retreating figure until it disappeared in the crowd. Turning back around in his seat, he continued to eat with Relena's absence heavily on his mind.
"Where's mommy going?"
"Away."
"Is she coming back?"
"Yes."
"Will she bwing me a present?"
"She's not going that far. Eat your peas."
Mia wrinkled her nose at the horrid green balls left on her plate.
Later...
By now, the night had become just too much of a hassle. Relena was tired of everything and just about ready to call off the purpose of even coming to the ball. Swartz had just informed her that a local news station may have already figured out her intentions, and rumor was that they were betting other stations on who would announce it world-wide first.
Absently mindedly, Relena began to rub her temples. It seemed that the exercise had been used frequently amongst the hours of the night.
"Vice Foreign Minister Darlian," came a deep, warm voice from behind. Relena whirled around met the eyes of Senator Ranum.
Finally a genuine smile replaced the stern line that captivated her face just moments before.
"Good Evening, Senator." She bowed her head lightly.
Senator Ranum had always been a dear friend to Relena ever since she first gained her position as Vice Foreign Minister. He was perhaps one of the very few who had full confidence in her skills and wisdom to uphold her title. As a true supporter, he was always there to help her whether it was against the ESUN council itself. Although he was about forty years older than her, Relena never regarded the Senator as the weary old politician that he was, but as a friend who was always there to supporter her in some of her biggest decisions to make, whether they both knew it or not.
"My mind may finally be leaving me, but I yet to recall dancing with you at least once this evening."
"No, Senator." Her smile grew even wider. "You are still as sharp as ever."
Senator Ranum laughed heartily, his jelly-like belly shook with such a tremendous force. He held out his hand and Relena graciously took it as he led the way to the orchestra's new beat.
They danced in silence for a moment or two before the senator broke it.
"Are you nervous?"
Senator Ranum was the only other member in the ESUN that was aware of her next movement that would be announced tonight. After all, many of her decisions had gone through him first. Relena looked up at the wise sage's face as he smiled at her, similar to those that her father shown her many years ago.
"Yes."
"I have full confidence in you, Mrs. Yuy," he said as he returned his attention to the people around. Relena smiled as he addressed her by the name she loved to hear herself as. "And I know that your husband and daughter do too."
"Yes," she smiled as tears began to form in her eyes. "Yes, they do."
The senator smiled. "Your husband is such a fine young man." Relena closed her eyes and smiled upon hearing his words. "Of course you don't need me to tell you that, but it was exceptionally kind of him to step in and volunteer to take charge of the committee's proposal on the new security measures for the foreign delegates' travel expenses."
Relena's eyes snapped open.
"After all, I know that it is not his line of work to be worrying for others security besides your department in Preventers, but-"
"Wait." Relena cut in while shaking her head vaguely. The senator only waited patiently for her response. "You mean Heero was the one who volunteered for that?"
"Why, yes. Did he not tell you?"
Relena was in shock. This evening was indeed a night for surprises. Senator Ranum could only laugh at the expression on Relena's face.
"You seem surprised to hear this."
"To hear that Heero would volunteer for anything surprises me."
The senator laughed once more while continuing on with the waltz. "Yes," he said. "Your husband did volunteer to manage the request and did a fine job at it. Believe me when I say this, but the committee is exceptionally pleased at your husband's work and were extremely joyful when he offered to take on the responsibility."
Responsibility? Heero couldn't even figure out how to change Mia's diaper back when she was still in them. Relena's mouth hung from her sockets. None of this was having an easy time flowing through her head. Heero Yuy volunteering for anything was completely absurd.
Feeling another pair of eyes on her, she looked over her dance companion's shoulder and stared into the deep blue eyes of the man that captivated her heart.
"Heero." She whispered.
Senator Ranum stopped the danced and turned around at the new onlooker, who actually seemed to have been standing there for quite some time now.
"May I cut in?" Heero said soothingly.
"Sergeant Yuy," Senator Ranum graciously shook hands with Heero and patted him on the back. "I can't thank you enough for coming in on such short notice to help complete the files on the new security plans for us foreign delegates." Heero nodded at his thanks before looking at Relena, who returned a smile of her own before returning her attention to the senator. "I was just telling your wife here how you willing accepted the committee's proposal to take charge of the matter, although she claims that it's hard to believe that you would volunteer for anything at work." Senator Ranum laughed, his belly bouncing heartily at his comment.
Relena smirked at Heero's reaction as his eyes slightly narrowed in her direction. "Yes, I was surprised to hear this."
The senator laughed and slapped Heero across the back once more, thanking him for the last time. Although he did not seem to notice it, Heero paid no attention and kept his eyes hooked on Relena's, who in returned did not falter away. Both eyes locked onto an inner passion that blew in their gazes.
"Dance with me." Heero said suddenly, sticking out his hand gently and waiting for her response. Relena smiled warmly before accepting his hand. She had had enough fighting. Perhaps a slow dance with her husband would help slow things down a bit. They came in close and she rested her head against his shoulder as he led the way.
His spice scent filled her mind as her body finally fell at ease within her surrounding. Intoxicating, that's what he was. Heero felt her cave into him and held onto her sturdily. He figured that he too felt the same way, but had to be the one to support the both of them.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she said soft enough that only he could hear.
"It wasn't important."
Relena lifted her head and searched for his eyes. "I still would have liked to know."
When there came no response, Relena slowly dropped her head back onto his shoulder. The orchestra's soft melody swarmed throughout the ballroom as she subconsciously watched the other dancers swirl by. For a moment it felt as if everything was a dream. Feeling her eyes slowly closing, she drifted off and let her lover led her wherever. She trusted him.
"I'm sorry."
The deep voice was so close to her ear that it sent another spurge of warmth throughout her body. Smiling against his tux, she squeezed his hand that was currently holding hers.
"I must apologize too. I haven't exactly been the pacifist I'm known to be tonight either." She felt him smirk as he again kissed the top of her head. Laughing slightly, she resettled herself against his body once more and drifted off. She would be making her speech very soon, but for right now she wasn't going to worry about it.
Everything was in place again. Everything felt right. Well, except for one thing that seemed to be missing.
"Heero?" Asked Relena. "Where's Mia?"
Suddenly she felt his whole body stiffen against hers as their dance immediately came to a halt. His hold on her loosely fell apart and she no longer felt the warmth of his embrace. She lifted her head to see him frantically looking for something while clenching his teeth a little to tightly.
"Damn." Heero spun around searching for the one thing that would get him killed by the world's greatest pacifist.
Relena began to sense something was amiss and grabbed onto Heero's arm. Instantly, he reared his body back to facing her, leaving Relena a little surprised as she gasped. Very calmly he looked Relena in the eyes. For a second she felt safe again until the very words she expected to hear at some point this evening, but hoped that she wouldn't, came pouring out of his mouth.
"I lost Mia."