SWEET BLISS BY : angelofvenusl3

AN : Thank you to those of you who reviewed the previous chapters and as always, your comments are much appreciated. I'm really sorry for making you guys wait so long and I hope this chapter will make up for the delay. Enjoy and don't forget to review

CHAPTER FIVE

Alright, it's okay, Trowa assured himself as he strode down the hall towards the conference room where the meeting was held. Everything is still okay. So the other Senshi are here, that's not a bad thing. It just mean that a little more people will know about this special situation he's in. That's not so bad.

Trowa exhaled deeply. He felt the excitement due to his impending fatherhood and exhaustion from his tasks earlier this morning finally taken a toll on his body. He hadn't been able to relax much, he had so many things on his mind. Now with the presence of two Senshi in HIS office and the inevitable chaos that would ensue once he return, he was beyond disorientated. He had yet to discover the whereabouts of the other Senshi, who were most probably wandering about in this very building and he couldn't even begin to imagine the chaos they would bring. He was just thankful that most of the staffs had left. Particularly Duo. He didn't need anymore witness. Still, he did not like the idea of these girls wandering about in the HQ, dressed up as a member of their respective organization. Makoto had suggested that possibility, though she never implied with enough conviction to cause serious concern in him.

He couldn't understand how anyone was able to break into a building with tight security, masquerading as a member and get away it without anyone discovering the treachery. And they certainly didn't have the skills to break into their own house (he would know, he was there), much less a building filled with highly trained spies or penetrate the secret codes installed. However, after years of acquaintance with the girls, he had learnt a long time ago not to underestimate them and that some things were better left unexplained. At least not in detail. How a simple girl could transform into a heroine donning a mini in less than ten seconds and magically equipped with astounding ability to produce fire/laser/thunder/water and other source of elements was beyond him. The last time he tried to figure that out, he ended up more confused than ever because apparently, according to their feline guardian, Luna (he wasn't even going to attempt to rationalize the idea of a talking cat), it went further back into their 'past' life, which the girls insisted that the particular details of their life remained a secret.

It wasn't that he didn't trust the girls yet dealing with an angry Senshi could prove to be very troublesome and somewhat suicidal, considering they tend to get a little too emotionally involved in the problem than Trowa had liked, which thus, would obviously lead to some unfortunate outcomes, to which he did not like.

When Trowa reached the conference room, the discussion was still revolving around the area of Unit 01's lack of supplies. The members didn't stop their debate when he entered the room and slinked back to his seat next to Wufei. Wufei was too engrossed in the discussion to acknowledge his presence. They continued to exchange their opinions with heated conviction, to which Trowa realized this meeting would take even longer time than necessary to reach a consensus. The air was sizzling with tension as more papers, which he assumed were copies of damage reports were being handed out.

To others he might appeared calm, collected and detached, hardly looking like someone who was previously ambushed in his own office by two defenseless girls. Yet inside, he was appearing more and more harassed. His nerves were frazzled enough and the part where his task was questioned profusely didn't make it any easier for him. The transition from being accused of sleeping with someone in a drunken stupor to being accused for a botched mission that when horribly wrong and could have gone even worst if he had not made some significant discoveries left him slightly dazed. Back then, if he faced any similar situations, he would be able to take everything in a stride without having it affecting his mental state. Back then, when he was still intractable and what Duo had referred to him, when he was in one of his party mood and trying to get Trowa to 'hook up', as 'macho'.

But that was back then when he hadn't met Minako and before they had attained peace. He, along with the other pilots, had mellowed down from the pleasant, soothing environment where fire arms were not required in everyday life, unless of course, for those professions whose entire duty revolved around apprehending criminals. Although he was permitted to legally own a gun, his job didn't require him to go around shooting enemies frequently. All in all, he had gradually softened and therefore, his mind was not as intractable as it used to be since he was exposed to things which he had never been exposed before in the war. Peace had mellowed him down.

Either that, or old age was catching to him. Never mind the fact that he was only twenty four. Anyone who had gone through more than his share of surprises like he had could feel the wrinkles starting to form.

"I have to say, this is very unlike you, Wufei," Lady Une was saying, her eyebrow raised in inquiry. "You did a good job on the specific commands but unfortunately, they weren't exactly the correct order of business I have in mind." Wufei's features hardened just slightly to indicate his displeasure but the rules of conduct did not allow him to protest, not when he knew he was at fault. "Although we're not here to point fingers, I have to acknowledge that your lack of better judgment almost cost us million dollars of damages." She sighed and leaned back against the leather seat. "I can understand why you're not as alert as you used to be. Since Noin and Heero were sent to outer space, you've taken over most of their work and I can see that it has put quite a strain on you. But it's still not an excuse. If we are to handle anymore urgent missions like this, I can't afford to take any risk." She paused, as though waiting for Wufei's reaction but the Chinese man merely stared at her as he waited expectantly for her to continue. "Therefore, I'm giving you a leave of absence for two weeks. Without pay."

Even upon hearing this, Wufei's features were rigidly controlled and the only indication of his alarm was his raised eyebrows. "I'm suspended?" he retorted flatly.

"No, of course not," Lady Une replied, frowning. "I'm merely giving you a few days off from work. You deserve it anyway, after all the previous missions accomplished and your working over time for the past month. Surely you need the rest." When Wufei still didn't look too keen, she felt hastened to add, "If two weeks is too long for you, make it a week then."

Wufei hesitated, though now he didn't seem to disapprove the suggestion so much. "But what about the rest of my assignments?"

"I'll assign Trowa to fill in your shoes for the time being." Trowa raised an eyebrow. Lady Une regarded him with a wry smile. "Is that alright with you, Trowa?"

Trowa thought about it awhile, then he shrugged. "I have no objection. Besides, it's only a week. Two weeks, the most."

Lady Une nodded, satisfied. "Good. I'm also placing you in charge of 'damage control' and it must be effective immediately." Glancing at her wristwatch, she added absently, "Now, I have another appointment so I'll make this quick. I need you to prepare the necessary documents and bring them to my office tomorrow. Since you were the one who made these discoveries, I'm sure you're quite capable of providing the necessary remedies to cover the affected areas. I take it you're familiar with the procedure?"

"I'm aware of it."

"This may be a simple measure to cover up our errors but nonetheless, it is still very crucial. I need you to get this accomplished within two weeks. If there's any reason why you can't handle it, I need you to tell me now. Any problems whatsoever …."

Trowa drew in a deep breath to conceal his impatience. He just wanted to get this meeting over with. He had other emergencies to deal with after this. "There is no problem. I'll make this exclusively my work priority."

"Maybe it's not exactly a good idea for Barton to hold two positions at once," one of the members interrupted hesitantly. "No offence, Trowa. It's just that it's gonna be very stressful to do two things at once. Wufei's workload is burdening enough and to add 'damage control' in your list …"

"I said I'll do it."

Another member, Kent raised an eyebrow in amusement. "I think the question here is if you're capable of doing it." Trowa narrowed his eyes in irritation. Noticing this, Kent added hastily, "Hey, don't get me wrong. I'm not questioning your skills. I'm just wondering can you possibly handle all these in your condition, since you're distracted and all …"

Trowa appeared taken aback. "Distracted?"

"Yeah, I mean, you seem kinda different these past few days," Kent said lightheartedly, eyeing Trowa's expression. "Like you have a lot on your mind or like you'd rather be somewhere else. That kind of things. I don't think someone who has that kind of attitude is suitable to be handling a crucial task."

Trowa frowned. "That reason is not valid enough for you to doubt my credibility. I've never promised anything that I can't deliver."

"Well, you don't seem like yourself …"

"Whether I do or I don't, it will not have an effect on my work. But to answer your confusion of my mental state, I can tell you for certain it's doing much better than yours." Suddenly aware that he was becoming unnecessarily defensive, he leaned back and added nonchalantly, "Besides, I have no reason to be distracted."

Suddenly, the door burst opened, startling all of them as a raven haired girl stalked into the room and headed straight towards Trowa. "Trowa, you think you can just sleep with someone and not take your responsibility for it?!!! What kind of a man are you?!!"

How did he not see this coming?

Trowa maintained his composure but his body stiffened in response, the only indication of his alarm. But he did not move. He did not even dare to face the fiery priestess. Not until he regained at least a small measure of control, which seemed to have reduced immensely in the last five seconds. Kent's mouth dropped open, most likely mirroring the others' expression as well since Trowa had his gaze fixed solely at him, unable to get a good look at how the others were taking it. Better than he was, that he was sure. He could feel Rei's approach as she waited expectantly for him to say something. A moment of tensed silence fell over the room.

Clearing his throat, Trowa finally regarded Lady Une politely, keeping his tone smooth, impassive and without missing a beat, he said, "As I was saying, I have no reason to be distracted. Please excuse me for a minute while I take care of this unwanted guest." Without waiting for her approval, he immediately rose to his feet and dragged the squirming Rei by the arm to the door.

"What do you think you're doing?" Trowa demanded sternly once they were outside.

Rei yanked her arm back and scowled at him. "What do you think YOU'RE doing?!" she shot back. "I expected you to be in hiding by now. Didn't think you'd make it easy for us to find you but now that I have, don't you think you're going to get off so easily …."

"You almost cause me my job!" He didn't intend to sound so dramatic but there was a possibility of that happening. Not that he would get fired but he was very certain he would not get a promotion at this stage.

"Your job?" Rei cried incredulously. "Excuse me but if you get that bangs of yours chop off and open your eyes once in awhile, you would be able to see there's a real crisis here other than losing your job!"

Trowa was not impressed. "And losing the income to support the baby? I don't think so."

Rei hesitated and almost immediately, the scowl in her face and the scorn in her tone reduced to one of uncertainty and confusion. "What? But that's …"

"Not what you guys heard," Trowa finished in a bored tone, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes. Apparently that's been going around. No, I am not going to run out on her and yes, I know you've heard it from Minako's parents but you all are aware of my disposition within her family." He sighed inaudibly. "Now if you can just wait in my office until I'm done …."

"So are you going to marry her?" Rei appeared more astonished than uncertain at the prospect, rendering Trowa speechless.

And so, the horror continued.

The voices and murmurs in the conference room faded abruptly when Trowa entered. Pretending not to notice the expectant looks and grins from his colleagues, he went back to his seat, muttering an apology and refusing to meet anyone's gaze. Once in his seat, he turned expectantly to Lady Une, hoping his nonchalant attitude with dismiss any further probing on the previous event. Unlike the others, Wufei remained indifferent, understanding well enough that Trowa did not need any intrusion from his part.

Much to his chagrin, Lady Une appeared more amused than baffled. Which somehow had the effect of making Trowa squirmed inwardly and blushed a little.

"Well," Kent suddenly broke the silence, glancing around in amusement. "So much for distraction. At least someone's been getting some."

Trowa's eyes narrowed threateningly. "Don't start."

"You know, I gotta say, I'm a little relief," Kent went on as he perceived a chorus of snickers from the other members as encouragement. "I used to think that you were just, you know, weird. You've never batted an eye at any ladies before, not even men." He looked thoughtful for a minute. "Except maybe for Gary …"

"Alright enough," Lady Une intruded before Trowa was ready to jump at him. Then she regarded Trowa in amusement, albeit hesitantly. "Trowa, it's not entirely my place to question your personal affair and I'm very certain some of us in the HQ had gone through similar ordeal. But if it starts to get in the way of your job, I have to intervene."

"I understand that but that's not necessary because I have everything under control."

Suddenly, the door burst opened once more, this time almost dislocating the hinges. Suppressing the rising dread in his chest, Trowa's eyes widen when he realized who had walked into the room in his human form. None other than Minako's former feline guardian, Artemis. Trowa felt a surge of displeasure within him at the intrusion. Needless to say, the silver haired man's features were contorted in a scowl, his eyes blazing in fury as he met Trowa's gaze. Without missing a beat, he stalked towards Trowa as he instinctively rose to his feet partly in alarm.

"You think you can just sleep with anyone, get her pregnant and not marry her?!!!"

Before Trowa could even form an appropriate defense, the former white feline threw a fist at him, which eventually triggered a commotion for the next few minutes.

"Oh god, you guys!" Minako squealed in delight as she rushed over to hug her friends.

The tension in the air seemed to have broken the minute she entered the office. Trowa's features softened as he noted how happy Minako was to see her friends. Yet he was torn between contentment of her delightedness and jealousy since he was never able to assert this kind of reaction from her. At least not anymore.

The girls talked for awhile, exchanging brief pleasantries which bordered the main issue that brought them into this very building. Minako was currently stroking that darn white cat which had minutes ago gave him a light bruise on his lips before returning back to his feline form. Trowa would have so gladly trampled him if his mind hadn't rationalized the action of the angry guardian who, like the rest of her friends, was merely concerned about Minako's welfare. If Minako didn't care so much about her guardian, Trowa wouldn't have to feel the need to bluntly accept the assault. He had tried to explain the real situation but the girls, especially Artemis were not quite satisfied so he felt compelled to call Minako to put a stop to this ridiculous notion that he was trying to run away from his responsibility.

Minako's smile faded when she noticed Trowa's condition. Then, dropping Artemis to the floor, she rushed over to him.

"Trowa, what happened?" she demanded in concern, drawing out a hand as she tried to get a better look at the faint bruise at the corner of his lips. She gasped quietly as though it was such a horrific sight.

Trowa tried to fend her off, suddenly embarrassed at his lack of ability to defend himself from a minor assault. When her fingers brushed his skin, his breath caught in his throat. Somehow, his reaction was overwhelming when her touches were light and genuinely innocent.

"It looks terrible," Minako implied, flinching as she drew back. "What happened?" When Trowa didn't offer any explanation, she turned to her friends and demanded in astonishment, "You guys did this?"

"No, of course not," Ami quickly answered, exchanging guilty looks with the others. "We didn't lay a hand on him." Trowa narrowed his eyes in disbelief. Ami hesitated, biting her lower lip. "Well, perhaps we did get a little carried away. But we did not hit him."

"That's not important now," Rei intruded with a dismissive wave as she stepped over to Minako. "Now can you please explain to us what's going on?" Then, lowering her voice to a whisper, she added incredulously, "Are you really pregnant?"

Minako felt her body numbed with fear and she lowered her gaze guiltily to the floor before Trowa reached out to grasp her hand firmly. She looked up, startled to find a pair of green eyes gazing encouragingly at her. He remained silent, squeezing her hand in reassurance. Feeling a surge of strength from his grasp, she leveled her gaze bravely to meet Rei's puzzled look and announced clearly, "Yes, I am." Then, she repeated more confidently, "I'm pregnant."

Tears burned the back of her eyes at the effort it took to hold back. As the other occupants in the room, with the exception of Trowa, stared at her in a mixture of emotions that range from astonishment to sympathy, Minako felt her strength slowly began to desert her. All of a sudden, Rei turned her face away, concealing her inner feelings towards the confrontation. At that point, Minako felt her heart breaking and the tears threatened to spill. Suddenly, the fiery priestess turned back to her, her features sympathetic as she immediately grabbed Minako in a tight embrace. Minako gasped at the contact, forcing Trowa to let go of her hand as she hugged her friend back in uncertainty.

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Rei demanded brokenly. "Don't you trust us?"

Minako swallowed the lump in her throat and admitted, "I-I didn't think you guys would accept."

Usagi stepped over as the two broke apart. "Mina," she said gently, taking Minako's hands in hers. "We're your friends. You didn't think we will desert because of this wonderful news, did you? We'll support you whatever you decide and if you decide to keep the baby, then you can count on us! That's why we came storming into this building to force Trowa to take the responsibility. There's no way we'll let him do this to you."

A piercing sweetness flooded through Minako, washing away her defenses until her chin quivered. With that, she finally surrendered to the harsh, racking sobs that had been screaming for release since the burden of her predicament thrust upon her.

Trowa felt a surge of tenderness swept over him at the sight of her outburst and he was tempted to reach out and hold her in his arms. But her friends had clamored around her immediately, giving him no more than glimpses of her trembling smile as they fussed over her. The only one who wasn't exactly overwhelmed with excitement was Artemis. As Minako hugged him to her chest, he murmured some reassurance to her, making certain she acknowledged his support regardless of the absurdity of her situation but between his murmurs and chuckles, he cast Trowa a scowl, clearly directing the blame of her predicament to him. Trowa, who had his attention directed exclusively to Minako, was unaware of Artemis's look of disdain.

"Minako!" Makoto cried, laughing and feigning a horrified look. "I know it's alright to let out your emotions once in awhile but this excessive crying can't be good for the baby."

Minako giggled, brushing away the remaining tears and her sobs eventually subsided into light sniffles.

"I can't believe you're pregnant," Usagi gushed happily, placing a hand on Minako's tummy. "How many months has it been?"

"Usagi, you won't be able to feel the baby for another couple of months," Ami pointed out, chuckling. "From the looks of it, it must be about two months old."

"It is," Minako replied, beaming proudly and her radiance, Trowa couldn't doubt, derived from her maternity glow. "I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate you all coming here. There's so much we need to catch up on …"

"Of course, starting with how you got yourself into this and ending with how you're going to handle it," Artemis said half jokingly, which had the effect of dampening their spirit.

Minako sobered a little. "Artemis, it's going to be alright. I mean, I know it's going to be very difficult especially without my parents around but Trowa's here to help, too. And it's not like I don't have any plans. I've already started to look for a new place to stay." Then, her features lit up as she added proudly, "And I've a fantastic plan for my career, too. What do you think, a reality TV show, with me as a twenty year-old single mother striving to raise my baby in this cold world?"

Although Trowa's composure did not reflect any reaction, he was horrified at the suggestion of her life, which he had decided would definitely include him, exposed to the pleasures of the viewers at home. The girls exchanged uncertain glances with one another, seemingly to share similar revelations, then regarded her with polite murmurs of consideration. While appreciating their support for Minako's welfare, Trowa mentally pleaded that one of them would talk some senses into her. Fortunately, someone did.

"Um, Minako, I don't think you thought this through," Artemis implied softly.

Minako looked confused. "People keep saying that …"

Seizing the moment before anyone could steal her attention away, Trowa hastily demanded, "You're searching for a new place?"

Minako nodded affirmatively and scowled. "Yea, it seems like I have to. Erica seem to be spending a lot of time with her boyfriend over these past few weeks."

"So you decided to move out because you're losing a roommate?" Rei asked.

"No, it seems more like I'm gaining one. Literally. He's already moved in with us. I can't raise in baby in an environment where people kept playing 'horizontal' in the kitchen area."

Usagi looked disgusted. "Ew …"

"Wait, doesn't Quatre has some contacts?" Makoto inquired, regarding Trowa. "For a big, corporate guy like himself surely must have some intimate relations with some landlords somewhere."

"I'm not sure," he admitted. "You can try to check with him but if I recall correctly, he's in one of his business trip and you won't be able to reach him until he returns."

Minako waved her hand dismissively. "No big deal. I've found some potential apartments and maybe I'll check them out tomorrow or whenever I'm available …"

"Would you mind reserving your time tomorrow for me?" Trowa suddenly inquired.
Minako looked genuinely surprise. For a split second, it dawned on her that Trowa might want to ask her out and her heart leaped in joy as soon as that thought entered her head. Almost beaming in excitement which she struggled to contain, she replied as casually as she could muster, "Well, I was suppose to have a photo shoot later after class but I think I might be able to take off early." While mentally making a note to cancel her lunch date with her agent which was supposed to follow up after the shoot, she added nonchalantly, "Why?"

"We're going to see a doctor."
Her excitement deflated, she gave him a confused look. Then, understanding dawned on her. Sighing and mentally nurturing her disappointment, she told him soothingly, "Look, Trowa, I know this must have hurt. I mean, it looks terrible. I can imagine the pain." Her fingers brushed his slightly bruised lips, startling the man. "And it's partly my fault, I know. I'm sorry. But you don't have to see a doctor for it, least of all if you need me to hold your hand there. I mean, it did nothing to affect your good looks. It's nothing that a good bucketful of ice couldn't fix."

Trowa was torn between laughing at her misunderstanding and beaming proudly at her compliment. As he struggled to keep a straight face, Artemis, who obviously caught his meaning, sighed helplessly and told her, "I think he meant the baby, Minako."

Minako blinked, then catching Trowa's meaningful gaze, she blushed in embarrassment. "Oh …."
"I'll call you tomorrow to confirm the appointment," he said in a tone which Minako couldn't doubt was full of amusement. "I think it's time you girls head back to the hotel." Then, regarding Minako with a faint smile, he added almost tenderly, "You better get some rest."

Minako gazed at him, somehow caught by the affection in his voice and the flicker of warmth in his eyes. As they prepared to leave, a familiar angry voice bellowed in the distance, "What the heck happened to my door?!"

Bubbles of laughter floated faintly in the hotel room, punctuated by cries of horrified excitement and even more infectious giggles. Despite the lateness of the night and Trowa's advice to turn in immediately, the girls were clustered around the room in various positions, chatting excitedly while sharing a box of chocolates. Luna, who had stayed in the hotel room while the others pursued Trowa, was curled up comfortably with Artemis on one of the beds. Both had long ago given up trying to persuade the girls to sleep so they decided to stay up with them instead.

Minako plopped onto the floor with a box of chocolate and regarded Ami with astonishment, "A conference? So you're here for some medical conference? That's why you flew all the way from England?" Feigning a horrified expression, she added tearfully, "But I thought you were here to see me."

Ami giggled and looked up from the file she was reading at the nearby desk. "I am here to see you. I am seeing you right now, aren't I? It just so happened this medical conference is scheduled within the same time the others plan to see you."

Minako looked thoughtful. "So it's kind of like throwing two stones at a bird. How convenient."

Ami gave her an uncertain smile. "I think you mean, hitting two birds with one stone …"

"Doesn't matter what she meant, we're here to see her," Usagi exclaimed dismissively, throwing an arm around Minako for a quick hug. "God, I'm so glad to see you. I know conducting this reunion was a good idea."

"It could have been conducted better if you have actually remembered where her apartment was," Rei implied in annoyance on the bed. "Instead of leading us in a wild goose chase around the city at least twice before finally declaring we were lost. The least we could have done was call her for directions."

"If I remember correctly, you were leading us around half of the time," Usagi retorted indignantly. "And I told you before, we can't call her because this was suppose to be a surprise for her birthday!" As soon as the words poured out, her eyes widen and her hand instantly flew to her mouth, glancing frantically at the others in desperation. Ami could only afford a soft chuckle while Rei slapped her forehead in frustration. The felines were sporting a sweatdrop at the side of their temple, shaking their head in resignation.

"It's suppose to be a surprise?" Minako interrupted, unable to contain her pleasure as she glanced from one girl to the other. "You guys, that's so sweet! You all flew all the way here to celebrate my twenty-first birthday?! I think I'm going to cry!"

Makoto emerged from the bathroom in time to hear her last comment and chuckled when Rei cast a glare at Usagi. "I guess we completely blew that one out, huh? So much for our plan to sneak into her apartment and plan a surprise party."

Usagi regarded Minako with an apologetic smile. "Well, we wanted to celebrate your birthday a little earlier because we won't be able to be here on the actual date. Since we can't contact you and all, we have to use others means to locate you." She cast Rei a scowl. "But of course, half of the time we were more concerned with our whereabouts."

Rei sneered at her. "And going to her parents' was the best solution you could come up with?"

"It's better than your plan," Usagi cried indignantly. "Surprising her in college? Hah, we don't even know where her apartment is! And what good is it if you can read fires but you can't read a map? You have a lousy sense of direction."

"I do not!" Rei protested, her fist slamming onto the mattress.

"Well, whose idea was it to barge into the Preventers building in search for Trowa?" Usagi demanded haughtily.

Rei scowled. "What does that have anything to do with sense of direction?"

"You're right, in addition to possessing a lousy sense of direction, it only prove that you're just senseless in other things," Usagi said, rolling her eyes.

Rei's body went rigid with defiant and she glared at Usagi who merely stuck her tongue out at the fiery priestess. Sensing that another round of argument would ensue, Makoto and Ami interrupted with nervous smiles and soothing remarks, hoping to appease the situation. Artemis and Luna sighed helplessly as they watched the same situation unfolded in front of them, just as it usually did back then. It was so common that no one was really worried of the severity of the argument or even the implications of it. The relationship between Usagi and Rei was automatically comprehended by them.

Minako observed their childish antique with a surge of nostalgic, smiling fondly as memories began to replay in her mind. Perhaps it was her pregnancy hormone that increased her sensitivity towards the occasion or perhaps she simply missed her friends but what was clear, their timing couldn't have been more perfect. Her chest constricted with so much emotions she couldn't help welling up.

"Minako!" Ami suddenly exclaimed in astonishment when she noticed her friend's outburst, ending the argument abruptly and causing the whole room to tense in expectation.

"Minako, are you alright?" Usagi cried urgently, rushing over to her. "Is the baby hurting?"

"Minako, what's the matter?" Artemis demanded in concern, suddenly materializing at her side.

But neither received any answers and Minako's head shaking was the only indication to assure them that she was alright. After a moment, her cries eventually dissolved into sniffles and she finally gave them a weak smile and giggled, brushing the remaining tears away. "I'm sorry, it's just that …." She drew in a deep breath to collect herself and hold back her tears. Then, she finally managed to choke out, "I'm so glad you're all here!"

Their bodies sagged with relief and they exchanged warm smiles.

"So, Minako," Makoto suddenly exclaimed. "How's life in the limelight? I see you haven't change your image a bit, despite being one of those 'up and coming young stars'."

Minako snorted. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm lucky enough to still be in this field. Being a part time model and actress isn't as easy as you think, not when there's so many younger models rising up to stardom and stealing all those prestigious contracts. As if that's not hard enough." Her face darkened in despair when another thought toyed with her mind. Much to her dismay, she had almost completely forgotten about the baby and the major impact it would have on her career. However, not wanting to worry her friends and refusing to dwell in that worrying state, she quickly fastened a noncommittal smile.

Ami caught the doubts flickered in Minako's eyes and observed the immediate change in her friend's demeanor. "Still, you seem to be doing much better than we last saw you," she said gently, as if to comfort Minako of her troubling mind.

"That's right," Artemis agreed warmly. "Hasn't it always been your dream to be an idol? This is by far, the closest thing you ever got to it. At least you're no longer running loose in the city trying to get into auditions."

Minako looked offended. "I'm still doing that …"

Artemis blinked, then lowered his head sheepishly. "Oh …"

"It's not easy to secure a part, you know," Minako said with a sigh. "And I can't say I've achieved my dream. I mean, I don't even feel close to it. To be honest with you, this isn't exactly what I imagined being an idol would be."

"What do you mean?" Usagi asked, drawing closer to her friend. "What did you imagine it would be?"

Minako studied them thoughtfully, then a wistful smile touched her lips. "That people would recognize me when I walk down the street and ask for an autograph. Or having a flock of medias chasing after me. You know, things like that," she said with a giggle. Then, she sobered a little. "I know the road to stardom is not going to be smooth but I just didn't realize it would be that rough. But I guess it's a good thing I didn't get so far. I mean, I have a baby to think about now." She brightened up immediately, emitting an air of confidence she didn't really feel. "It's gonna be fun dressing the baby up and playing with her and changing her diaper. Well, I've never actually babysit a baby before but my cousin did it and it look so easy …"

"Minako, I gotta ask," Usagi intruded gently. "Are you and Trowa planning on getting together?"

Minako raised her eyebrows, stunned at the blatant inquiry. Then she glanced around the room, only to realize that everyone was waiting expectantly for her answer. "What?" she blurted out with forced joviality, blinking in surprise and fighting the increasing trepidation over her future. "Why should we? I mean, we're only having a baby together …" Her tone faltered drastically as she searched desperately for an appropriate respond that would not reflect poorly on her position. "I mean, we didn't exactly plan this ….It just happened. It doesn't mean anything. And it's not like we're legally joined in the bonds of holy matrimony."
"But why aren't you?" Luna asked quietly, seemingly more curious than in a manner to reprimand.

"Yea, Trowa didn't quite explain to us about that part," Rei spoke up, receiving collective nods from Usagi, Makoto and Ami.

Minako shrugged. "I'm not sure. The topic never pops up. Then again, he didn't seem like the type that wants to be tied down by a kid so can we blame him for not bringing it up? At least he wants to be a part of this baby's life."

Artemis didn't look convinced. "Alright, we'll give him credit for that. But what about your future?"

"It's taken care of," Minako answered, asserting just enough enthusiasm to convince her friends. "I'm still planning to complete my studies. And my career is still ongoing. The only thing that might prove to be a minor drawback is this apartment issue and also, the baby. But Trowa's always babysitting his niece and nephew so he's going to be great with the baby. So, that just leaves the apartment."

Artemis still didn't look convinced. "Minako, babysitting three year-old twins for three hours is very different from raising an infant. What if he starts to neglect the baby?"

"No, he won't. H-he's not like that …" Her voice trailed in uncertainty as the possibility dawned on her.

"Trowa's constantly out on a mission, isn't he?" Makoto pointed out suddenly. "Wouldn't that be difficult, since he's not around that much? If he's not on a mission, he's surely to be working fanatically in the headquarter."

Minako felt the knot in her stomach tightened in dread, unable her to formulate a response. Trowa might be around lately but once he received a mission, he could leave without a word and be gone for months without any contact. Maybe even for years. She remembered the countless times when he was assigned to complete some mission in outer space and how sick with worry she had been when she didn't hear anything from him. She couldn't afford to feel that way anymore, not when she had a baby to think about and worrying about his safety was certainly going to be a major distraction for her. But then, who would help her out? Would she be able to handle the baby on her own? What if Trowa had to leave for a mission in the first few weeks, or worst, days after the baby was born? How would she cope with it?
As her mind battled, her friends conversations swirled around her in a messy heap.

"Who's going to take care of the baby when you're at work and Trowa's on a mission? You can't possibly trust day-care centers these days and I wouldn't count on hiring a babysitter, either."

"Maybe your parents can help out …"

"You meatball head, she's not speaking to them, remember?"

"Oh. Gomen (sorry)."

"… I heard the cost of raising a child has increased in the past couple of years and you simply have to start saving for your baby's college now."

"… start thinking about how exactly you plan to raise the baby. What sort of environment would you like her to be raised in …"

"… surely it's going to demand a lot of your time and effort …"

"… the bills, the apartment rent and the living arrangement for the nursery …."

"… expensive baby products …"

"Okay!" Minako exclaimed with a shaky smile. She drew in a trembling breath and forced herself to remain calm and collected, an impossible feat since she appeared more and more disorientated. "I-I understand what you're all saying …" She forced a chuckle. "I know sacrifices have to be made and I-I'll worry about them once the baby arrives."

"Minako, we're sorry," Ami said, exchanging guilty looks with the others. "We didn't mean to pressure you …"

"I know you're all concern," Minako managed to choke out, swallowing the lump in her throat as she tried to console her friends, although, in truth, she was trying to convince herself. "But I told you, I've everything taken care of. It's going to be hard, I know that, but I …I just don't see the point of worrying about it until the time comes."

Makoto hesitantly inquired, "What about your life? I mean, since you're not marrying him, does it make it alright for you to date someone else?"

Minako was silence for awhile, then she shrugged helplessly. "I don't know," she admitted wearily. "I guess so ..."

"Then, maybe you should consider dating him," Rei implied.

"Yea," Usagi chimed in excitedly, her eyes sparkling. "You had a crush on him before. Isn't there at least a little spark left for him? A tiny fire that might eventually ignite into a burning flame?"

Minako ignored the tugging in her heart as she forced out a weak smile and mentally dismissed the appealing notion of dating Trowa. "I suppose there is a little spark left but it's exclusively reserved for friendship. And now, of course, for the baby. But that doesn't change anything." Then, she let out a horrified laughter. "Guys, it's been about two years and I've been going on dates in between then. I don't feel strongly for him anymore."

"I think you should still try," Ami suggested quietly.

"If it didn't work on him before, what makes you think it's going to work on him now?" Minako exclaimed in exasperation. "Don't say it's because of the baby, 'cause that's an even trickier situation than before. And it's unfair for the both of us." Her expression suddenly grew solemn and she expelled her breath in a rush of apprehension. "I don't want to get together with him simply because I happened to be carrying his baby. It's not fair for him …It's just … You know what, can we not talk about this? I know everything will work out but right now, I-I just need to ….take this baby thing one step at a time." Without meeting anyone's gazes, she rose to her feet and muttered something about going to the bathroom.

After they heard the bathroom door closed and the sound of water running, Usagi turned to the others and said worriedly, "Guys, I really think we should do something to help her."

"I agree," Rei jumped in immediately. "We should exchange our schedules and see who can drop by each month to help her out once the baby comes. I mean, I know Minako can take care of herself and all but she really needs all the help she can get, especially after her last attempt with her cousin's baby…"

"Now, wait a minute," Artemis interjected, frowning in disapproval. "That was an accident. She was only trying to put the baby to sleep. Besides, the doctor said the bump on the kid's head wasn't severe and he could recite his alphabet just fine. At least his first few words hadn't been from the four-letter variety like Duo accidentally instilled in Trowa's nephew."
Usagi rose to her feet as her eyes widen in excitement and exclaimed, "No, I mean, we could help Minako and Trowa get together!" She anticipated the stunned look on their faces and waited expectantly for a burst of encouragement which should follow up after that. But all of them merely stared at her in dumbfounded.

"No," Artemis replied, his tone threatening and filled with dread once he recognized the mischievous glint in Usagi's eyes. "I know what you're thinking and no, we cannot interfere in her life. It'll only make things worst."

"How will it make things worst?" Usagi demanded in exasperation, placing her hands on her hips.

"Because what you're planning to do contradicts her decision," Artemis snapped, scowling. "She already decided she didn't want to be with Trowa and we're suppose to be supportive of that!"

"Actually, Artemis, she didn't say that at all." Artemis and Usagi turned questioningly to Makoto, who merely gave them a wry smile. "They didn't exactly talk about their relationship, remember? And you guys saw the look on her face. The poor girl's confused and the fact that she didn't protest to the idea of dating him tells a lot, doesn't it? So technically, she hasn't made a clear decision yet."

Artemis's eyes widen in disbelief. "Are you saying the idea of intervening in Minako's life is appealing to you?"

Makoto's reply was interrupted by Ami's hesitant reply, "It couldn't hurt, could it?"

That was all the encouragement Rei needed to join in, "Not a bad idea." She turned to give Usagi an approving smile. "I think that's the best idea you ever came up. I'm surprise."

"This is gonna be fun," Makoto exclaimed, clapping her hands together in glee. "Finally, a chance to get back at her for that blind date she set me up with. We'll show her that she's not the only matchmaker around."

Rei looked puzzled. "But I thought you ended up dating that guy for a few months …"

"I know. It's my way of paying her back."

"But this isn't right!" Artemis protested indignantly, glancing from one Senshi to another. "She will never agree to this!"

"She doesn't have to know," Usagi said with a dismissive wave to ease his concern. When Artemis didn't seem convince, she persisted patiently, "Artemis, they're going to be tied together in the future anyway, whether they like it or not. They might as well like it and start thinking about spending the rest of their lives together. Because frankly, it's still going to happen anyway. And we're only trying to show them how wonderful and much easier the future will be if they're a couple."

Artemis scowled and turned away, hating the truth ringing in her words. His gaze incidentally met Luna's empathic ones, which had the immediate effect of smoothing his frazzled nerves a little. He always depended on Luna to be the voice of reason when it came to complex and personal situations like this. However, much to his consternation, Luna didn't seem hasten to object to this idea.

"You're actually agreeing with them?" he demanded, half in astonishment.

Luna shrugged, a wry smile plastered on her face. "It's worth a try."

Preview for next chapter:

"Duo, I understand why you're upset," Trowa began gently, holding his hands up in a truce as he slowly raised to his feet. "But I think you should seat down first before we …"

"How could you do this to me?!" Duo yelled, startling Trowa and Heero at the intensity of the situation. "I thought we're friends! You kept this from me for so long, you didn't think I'd find out, did you?! You think I wouldn't find out the truth!"