(A/N: Many, many thanks for all the reviews. I am so happy to know there are people out there who actually read and enjoy my stories. Yes, I know. It's been ages since my last update for this story. But I've been taking my time because I've wanted to keep the same tone throughout the entire story that I set in the first chapter. Believe me when I say it's been rather difficult. I believe I am succeeding though and I hope you all enjoy this chapter.)
Rain on the
Roses
Chapter 3: Someday Wishes
By: Starlight – x1
It had been three weeks since Relena had been on the colony. Quatre sat back in his chair with a frown. Three weeks and he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her. The memory of her smile was indelibly etched in his memory. The way her face lit up when she was happy, the smooth sound of her laughter. Everything about her intrigued him. Every time he saw her face on the television he found himself unable to concentrate on anything else, oblivious to his surroundings as he listened to the sound of her voice.
One of his sisters had observed that he was like a man in a daze before commenting that he must be in love and laughingly demanded to know who obsessed him so.
Quatre had of course denied vehemently the idea that he could possibly be in love, citing the busyness of his schedule and the fact he wasn't seeing anyone at the time as sufficient evidence to the contrary. His sister had nodded knowingly and left him alone.
Now he sat in his office determined to carefully consider the facts as he knew them. For a moment he sat blankly staring at his folded hands before bursting into laughter. Standing up he moved from behind his desk, gravitating towards the large window his office sported. Since his office was on the top floor of his company's building he was granted a luxurious view of the colony.
It was raining, despite promises made by the weatherman of a clear, sunny day perfect for picnics and other outdoor activities. Quatre thrust his hands into his pant's pockets and watched the downpour with amusement. The weather grid must be on the fritz again, giving the colony's residents a taste of true Earth weather. Lucky for him Winner Enterprises didn't have anything to do with the weather control system. He didn't have to deal with any complaints this weather accident would produce.
Unexpected, unpredicted, unforeseen. The heart, emotions, they never followed any set path. Always twisting, deviating away from where you thought they should go. Quatre had insisted to himself that his feelings for Relena were nothing more then brotherly at the most. A friend's sympathy for another close, dear friend. Now watching the rain outside he let go of the lies he'd wrapped around his heart and recognized that he was simply and unequivocally in love with Relena.
There was relief in his acceptance of the fact, but it also opened up a whole new set of problems. Mainly the fact that there wasn't any way he could tell Relena of his newly acknowledged feelings for her. Quatre leaned his forehead against the window and watched as his breath fogged up the glass. He was now trapped inside of his honor, forced to play the part he no longer wanted to fill.
Ah, the irony. Quatre straightened up and swiped at the window with the sleeve of his shirt, attempting to erase the marks his forehead and breath had left on the normally pristine glass.
The rainfall slowed and then came to a halt. Almost immediately the day seemed brighter regardless of the soggy landscape. Quatre gave the window one last rub with his sleeve and turned away just as his secretary buzzed him on the intercom. With a last glance out the window Quatre headed back to his desk.
----
The meeting was in an effective deadlock. Each of the participants had made it equally clear that they weren't going to budge an inch in their demands and were now occupied with glaring silently at each other. Relena shifted uncomfortably in her chair and let her gaze rove over the set and angry faces while she prayed for patience. Any attempt she had made to create a solution had been swiftly discarded by one or both parties.
Relena shifted again in her chair. They had been negotiating for well over four hours and any pretense at padding the chair possessed had disappeared a long time ago. She glanced to the side where Trowa sat against the wall, long legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles. He met her gaze and rolled his eyes slightly. She fought down a grin and turned her attention back to the conference table. The situation had regressed. Now the leader of the company whose members were striking was standing and yelling at the leader of the union who sat across the table from him, arms folded across his chest.
"Mr. Fisher, Mr. Stoakes, please…" Relena frowned as the two men ignored her and continued their argument. "Gentlemen…" She began again with similar results. Her frown deepened. Rising she took a deep breath and a shrill whistle cut across the arguing voices.
The room fell silent as every eye fixed on Relena. She lowered her hand from her mouth and smiled. "Thank you. Now, as you know gentlemen, the purpose of this meeting was to find some sort of compromise acceptable to both your parties. So far you have done nothing more then throw insults at each other."
The president of the company opened his mouth to protest but Relena cut him off. "You've had your turn to speak, Mr. Fisher, now it's mine. I've sat in these negotiations and watched you accomplish nothing. At this point I don't really care about reasons anymore. I care about the innocent people who are affected because of this strike. That includes not only the families of the workers, but the businesses on Earth who depend on you to transport their goods up to the colonies and the colonies who expect to send and receive shipments that aren't coming. ESUN has patiently waited, giving you time to sort this out by yourselves. When that didn't happen I was assigned to try and help negotiations along. Now, if you do not manage to find an acceptable solution within the remaining time allotted you then it is likely the companies who utilize your business to transport their goods will turn to other businesses and leave you to sink by yourself." Relena looked around at the now subdued group seated around the conference table.
After a moment Stoakes began to speak, gesturing with his hands as he did so. Relena sat down with a sigh. She hated having to threaten them with loss of business, but it would happen if they didn't manage to come up with a solution by the end of today. The complaints she had received had been loud and prolonged. Businesses on the Colonies and Earth were running out of patience. She watched Fisher nod his head reluctantly to something Stoakes said before coming back with a counteroffer. Stoakes nodded in turn and Relena sighed in relief. It appeared that both men were finally remembering what the word compromise actually meant.
It still took the all the remaining time left for the two parties to come up with a tentative plan that didn't send one or both into a fit. Relena gave a mental sigh of relief before plastering a smile on her face and heading out to give the media a report on how the talks had gone with Fisher and Stoakes right behind her. After a brief question and answer session Relena nodded graciously to the still clamoring reporters and left the podium followed by the two men
"I never knew you could whistle like that." Trowa had moved to walk beside her once Fisher and Stoakes had left.
A smile curved her lips. "Hilde taught me. She said it's a good way to get a kid's attention. I'll have to tell her it works better in a room full of arguing adults."
"Vice Minister!"
Both stopped and turned to see a young woman carrying a clipboard hurrying towards them, her high heels clicking in staccato fashion on the floor as she alternated between a fast walk and a jog.
"Yes, what can I do for you?" Relena's smile was a bit strained.
The young woman, who appeared to be a governmental aide or assistant, drew in a couple deep breaths and glanced at her clipboard as if to remind herself of the purpose of her run. "Um, yes, several reporters have requested the opportunity for an interview. They're waiting in the…"
"I already met with the press just now." Relena interrupted, a puzzled look on her face.
The young woman pursed her lips and tapped a fingernail sharply on the back of her clipboard. "Yes, I know. The reporters I'm talking about are interested in a personal interview."
"I'm sorry, but I don't have time right now. I have another engagement." Relena checked her watch. "I really have to go." She gave a graceful wave and began to walk away, leaving the young woman frowning over her clipboard.
"That was smooth." Trowa commented. "But can you really call a family dinner an engagement?"
"You can when you see your family as rarely as I've seen mine lately. I don't know why you're quibbling over details, tonight's your night off isn't it?"
Trowa nodded and held the door open for Relena to exit the building. "Yeah, and Middie's already informed me we're going over more wedding plans."
"Poor boy." Relena laughed. "Such torture."
"I really can't see what she wants to talk about." There was honest bewilderment in Trowa's voice. "The wedding's six weeks away."
"Trust me Trowa, you're going to be discussing wedding details until the big day rolls around." Relena patted his arm with a smile.
"What a relief." Trowa managed to sound only slightly sarcastic.
Relena laughed again and awkwardly attempted to enter the passenger side of her car. Trowa held onto her right arm firmly until she was safely seated. He then shut her car door and walked around to the driver's side while Relena struggled to buckle her seatbelt over her protruding abdomen. Trowa slid behind the wheel and glanced at her. "Need some help?"
Relena bit her lower lip and struggled a bit more before giving a sound of triumph as the seatbelt finally clicked shut. "I got it." She smiled over at him, her face slightly flushed. "Let's go home. I don't want anybody else trying to finagle an interview out of me."
Trowa gave a sharp nod and started the vehicle. They reached the Peacecraft mansion and Trowa let the engine idle, intending to help Relena out of the car. However, before he could open his car door, Relena's door opened and Zechs assisted her out of the vehicle. The platinum haired young man then bent down and nodded at Trowa. "I didn't want to keep you from your evening plans." There was the slightest hint of teasing in his voice.
"That was very considerate of you." Trowa answered a bit dryly, though a smile came unbidden to his face at the thought of his fiancée. Middie worked as an undercover agent for Preventer and the differences in their schedules had been wearing on both of them.
Zechs straightened and shut the car door. Backing up a few steps he slipped his arm comfortably around his sister's shoulders while she waved at the retreating taillights of Trowa's car. Once the dark blue vehicle was out of sight she let out a sigh and turned towards the mansion. "Long day?" he asked solicitously, still keeping his arm about her shoulders.
"Uh-huh." Relena began to walk toward the enormous front doors. "My feet are killing me."
He squeezed her shoulders, shortening his stride to match hers. "You did a good job negotiating that strike. The press has been singing your praises."
"There were times I just wanted to shoot them and be done with it." Relena said ruefully as they entered the mansion.
Zechs glanced down at her with an amused expression on his face. "I'm glad you didn't. It would make for really bad publicity."
"Since when have you cared about publicity?" Relena asked, arching one thin eyebrow.
"Never, but I do prefer good publicity over bad."
"And you assume my shooting Mr. Fisher and Mr. Stoakes would generate bad publicity?" Relena asked, a teasing gleam in her eyes.
Zechs pretended to be deep in thought. "Hmm, I guess that would depend on who's reporting the story. I almost guarantee that several business would applaud your action."
Relena chuckled. She loved this side of her brother; the side that only came out in private away from prying eyes and the stresses of his job.
"Welcome home Relena." Noin appeared at the doorway to the spacious entry. She was dressed casually like Zechs in a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. "Supper'll be ready soon." She continued. "Since it's so nice outside I told Pagen we would be eating on the patio."
"Sounds good." Relena smiled. "Do I have enough time to change?"
"Plenty." Noin assured her. "Will you need any help?"
Relena shook her head and began to slowly ascend the staircase to the second floor. She changed into a pair of maternity shorts and a voluminous sleeveless shirt and slipped on a pair of sandals. Shoes she had to tie were out of the question. She couldn't even see her feet, let alone reach them to tie laces. Relena cast a rueful glance at herself in her full length mirror before exiting her room. She started toward the stairway and paused. The room next to hers had been transformed into a nursery. Unable to resist the urge to look at it once again she opened the door and stepped inside.
The room was painted a cream color with a wallpaper border of teddy bears playing together. Relena walked over to the crib and ran one hand lovingly along the rail. A smile came unbidden to her face as she remembered watching Zechs struggle to put it together. She and Noin couldn't help laughing at his frustration, making him only more irritated. He had managed eventually and it now sat waiting, a silent testament of her brother's unbounded love for her.
In addition to the crib there was a matching dresser and changing table, both in the same golden oak as the crib. Several teddy bears sat on top of the dresser. Relena walked over and touched a faded ribbon. The bear Heero had given her so long before stared back at her with its fathomless black eyes. Relena fingered one of its soft ears. She had kept it in her room for so long. Now she would leave it in her baby's room, a silent guardian. Giving the teddy one last caress Relena left the nursery.
Zechs and Noin were out on the patio waiting for her. Relena stood a moment, relishing the light breeze that was blowing before sitting down in the lawn chair Zechs offered her. "I stopped to look at the nursery." She said, explaining her tardiness.
"If you didn't look in there at least as often as Noin has then I would be worried." Zechs said with a straight face.
Noin reached over and punched her husband's arm. "Hey, who did I find staring in there the other day? Your long lost twin?"
"I was just making sure that crib hadn't decided to fall apart once I left it alone." Zechs surreptitiously rubbed the spot on his arm where Noin had punched him.
"You did a wonderful job putting the crib together." Relena told him. "I'll make sure the baby appreciates all the hard work their Uncle Milliardo did to make sure they had a bed to sleep in." She couldn't help but laugh at the look Zechs gave her before leaning forward and patting him reassuringly. "Seriously though, I really do appreciate all the time you spent putting that crib together."
"That's okay Relena." Noin said mischievously. "He needs the practice."
Zechs' head whipped around and he stared at his wife, panic and joy mingled in his eyes. "Are you…?" He began, his question frantic.
"Not right now." Noin answered, her voice calm. "But we did agree we wanted children."
"Oh, yes. Of course."
Relena laughed. She'd never seen her brother look so flustered before. Briefly she wondered how Heero would've reacted to hearing she was pregnant. She felt a sharp pang of regret that faded after a moment.
The glass door that led out to the patio slid open and Pagen came out pushing a cart. Delicious smells wafted towards them and Relena was suddenly reminded of how ravenous she was. She leaned forward and waited as Pagen served them.
"Thank you Pagen." Relena felt her baby give an enthusiastic kick. "Ohh, the baby thanks you too." She patted her abdomen. "Settle down in there." She spoke to her unborn child and was rewarded with another kick.
They all ate slowly and leisurely, enjoying the time they had to spend together. Conversation turned to Trowa and Middie's upcoming wedding.
"How's your schedule looking?" Noin asked Relena.
"I've actually managed to keep that week pretty clear. All I have to do is mention the fact that I'm due about then. Its amazing how flexible people become. Obviously nobody wants a pregnant Vice Minister going into labor in the middle of some important conference, speech or ceremony."
Relena stabbed a piece of her fruit salad with her fork. "Now all I have to do is make sure I don't go into labor in the middle of the wedding."
"I'm no expert, but it seems to me like you don't have much say in the matter." Zechs said pointedly.
"True enough, but I have no desire to make Trowa and Middie's wedding any more memorable then it already is going to be."
"Quite understandable." Noin agreed. Unconsciously she reached up and swiped at her bangs, brushing them to one side.
Zechs sat back in his chair and let his folded hands rest in his lap. He appeared to be deep in thought, the tiniest hint of a frown evident on his face.
Noin placed her elbow on the table and leaned her cheek against her hand. "I love looking at him when he's like this." She told Relena in a confidential tone.
After a moment Zechs became aware of her stare. He cocked an eyebrow questioningly. Noin just smiled in reply. "Do you know how adorable you look when you're thinking?" She asked.
"Adorable." Now both of Zechs's eyebrows rose. "That is a term more appropriate for kittens, puppies, and babies."
"Not for ex-pilots turned Preventer agents?" Noin asked, a twinkle in her eye. Scooting her chair closer to his she ran her finger up and down his arm.
He captured her hand, lifting it so that he could place a kiss on her slender wrist. "I suppose I don't mind if you call me that."
Relena smiled as Noin made a contented sound deep in her throat. Pushing back her chair she attempted to rise. "I see that you two need to be alone." She said teasingly. Instantly Zechs released Noin and she sat back in her chair.
"Sorry." Noin said. "We'll be good."
Relena had finally managed to stand up. "Actually I really have to go and use the bathroom." She smiled indulgently at them. "Enjoy yourselves children." She pulled the sliding door to the house open and glanced back in time to see Zechs pull Noin onto his lap. She smiled again and continued on her way.
----
Quatre sat in front of his vidphone wondering what in the world he was doing. He had been relaxing in his private rooms when he had suddenly been seized with an uncontrollable urge to talk to Relena. Without any thought he had dialed her number and was listening to the phone on the other end of the line ring. As he waited he began to question the wisdom of his impulsive decision. It was late, she was probably in bed, sleeping. Or maybe she wasn't even home. Maybe she was off Earth somewhere. He was just about to hang up when someone answered.
"Hello?"
Quatre's heart leaped. It was Relena. "Hello." He responded, suddenly tongue tied.
"Quatre? Is that you?"
"Yes."
The picture blinked on and he saw her squinting slightly as she looked at him. "I thought I recognized the number." She said somewhat jokingly. Then she turned serious. "Is everything all right?" He could hear the concern in her voice.
"Everything's fine." He hastened to assure her. "I just called to see how you were doing. I haven't talked to you for a while…" He trailed off as he took in her somewhat tousled appearance. "I hope I didn't wake you up."
"No I was awake." She had a wry expression on her face as she answered.
Silence fell between them and Quatre searched frantically for something to say. Relena cocked her head to the side slightly. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong Quatre?" She asked again.
"Everything's fine." Except for the fact that I'm head over heels in love with you.
"Okay, if you say so." Relena covered a yawn.
Quatre felt an immediate wave of guilt. "Hey, I'll let you get to bed. I really shouldn't have called this late." He said apologetically.
"I'm glad you did." Relena smiled at him and he felt his insides melt. "I've really missed talking to you." She yawned again and Quatre found himself chuckling slightly.
"Go to bed Relena." He told her tenderly.
"Okay, good night Quatre."
"Good night." Quatre sat looking at the blank screen of the vidphone long after Relena had hung up.
