Rain on the Roses
Chapter 4: One Small Glance
By: Starlight – x1
The wedding had been beautiful. Now Relena sat watching as Middie and Trowa swayed together to the gentle strains of music from the band. Trowa whispered something in Middie's ear that had her blushing and laughing all at once. Relena's lips curved up in a smile that held bittersweet memories, while her eyes ventured to the other couples on the dance floor. She felt a twinge of envy that manifested itself in the form of a sigh at the sight of so many trim figures and slender waists.
Someone cleared their throat and Relena looked up to see Duo standing over her. He bowed elegantly. "May I have the honor of this dance?"
Relena stared at the hand he had extended to her and then up at his face. For a moment she sat looking at him, surprise in her pretty blue eyes.
"Aw, come on." Duo said, grinning disarmingly at her. "I'm not taking no for an answer. I've already had experience dancing with a pregnant lady and trust me, this," he pointed to her swollen abdomen. "Only adds to your charm."
Relena couldn't help laughing as he winked at her in a flirtatious manner. "Be careful, your wife's watching." She warned, glancing over at Hilde who smiled back at her and motioned for her to go ahead.
"Don't worry. I am pre-approved." Duo grabbed her hand and tugged her to her feet, giving her no choice but to follow him as he led her onto the dance floor. He began to lead, holding her gently. Relena followed easily.
"You dance divinely, Vice Minister." Duo said in an affected tone.
Relena felt laughter bubble up, spilling out of her in merry bursts. "No more then you do, Mr. Maxwell." She answered between giggles, playing along.
"So," Duo spoke in his normal voice. "What's up with the serious face and sitting by yourself?"
"Could I take a raincheck on that question?" Relena asked.
"Nope."
Relena chuckled. "I've just been kinda moody all day I guess." Her answer was half-hearted at best.
To her relief Duo accepted it and they finished the dance in a companionable silence. As the music ended and gentle clapping filled the room Duo tipped her chin so she was looking at him. "I just want you to know that I have never seen you look more beautiful then you do right now. You better not think any different or let anybody tell you any different." He said.
Relena blinked back a sudden wave of tears. "Thank you." She whispered.
Duo slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Come sit with Hilde and me." He escorted her to where his wife was watching Leann. The little girl was twirling around, waving her arms as she danced by herself. She looked up as they approached and a smile blossomed on her face.
"Daddy!" She squealed, raising her arms in an unspoken demand to be picked up.
Relena sank into a chair next to Hilde, watching as Duo swooped the little girl up into his arms. "Hiya precious." He planted kisses on her plump cheeks. Leann laughed and reached up to grip her father's ears. Duo shook his head, growling playfully.
"Dance, Daddy." Leann announced, pointing at the couples still whirling about.
"You wanna dance? All right, come on baby-doll." Duo moved onto the dance floor and began to dance in an extremely bouncy way, jostling the little girl up and down. He moved agilely around the other couples, his fast movements a contradiction to the slow dance that the band was currently playing.
Hilde smiled as she watched her daughter laugh before turning her attention to Relena. "How've you been?"
"I feel enormous." Relena looked down at her belly. "I can't see my feet and I feel like I've been pregnant forever. What's worse is that I feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever."
Hilde gave a sympathetic chuckle. "Hate to burst your bubble sweetie, but that baby is going to decide to come sooner or later."
"You're telling the truth, you're not fooling with me now?" Relena grabbed at Hilde's arm in mock desperation.
Hilde patted her hand reassuringly, amusement sparkling in her deep blue eyes. "Yes, I'm telling the truth. How else did you think I got that adorable little girl out there?"
"Pure, unadulterated luck." Relena answered firmly and both young women laughed.
"These last few weeks seem to drag on forever." Hilde said. "I remember feeling like I was gonna burst. Of course it didn't help that I was nervous about going into labor so I was one crabby lady the very last week. If you don't believe me ask Duo, he'll tell you." She paused and tilted her head to the side. "On the other hand, don't ask Duo. I don't think I want my reputation ruined." She grinned.
Relena looked at her friend, gratitude shining in her eyes. She wanted to thank her but her throat had tightened and the tears were close to the surface once again. Instead she gripped Hilde's hand and squeezed. Hilde gave her an understanding smile before turning the conversation to something else.
"Oh, there's Catherine, Trowa's sister. Have you ever met her?"
Relena looked at the very pretty young woman Hilde had pointed out. Her forehead furrowed as she thought. "Actually I think I did once. She's part of a traveling circus isn't she?"
"Yes." Hilde nodded. "Trowa was part of her act until he came to work at Preventer."
Catherine turned her head and noticed both of them staring at her. She smiled and waved before making her way over to them. "Hey you two! Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all. We were just sitting here enjoying some girl talk." Hilde made swift introductions as Catherine sat down in an unoccupied chair and they continued their conversation.
-----
Quatre had mingled, smiling and laughing politely with the other guests as long as he could before he slipped out of the reception hall into the comforting darkness of the night. He leaned his back against the building, the fresh air clearing his head somewhat. Crossing his arms he sighed, watching as the breath from his lungs froze into a vapor that quickly dissipated. The wind was crisp and he could feel the bite of it even with a suit coat on.
The door opened once again, golden light spilling out along with the sound of music and laughter. Soft footsteps approached and someone leaned against the building next to him.
"What's wrong?"
"Wufei," Quatre glanced over at his friend. "I thought I slipped out quietly enough."
"You did."
"Oh." Quatre was quiet.
"What's wrong?" Wufei asked again and then continued bluntly. "You've been avoiding Relena all evening."
"You noticed?" Wufei's statement surprised the exclamation right out of him. Quatre immediately wished he could snatch the words out of midair. He let out a sigh. "Was I really that obvious?"
"To me at least." Wufei said. "I don't think anybody else noticed."
"Well that's a relief." Quatre rubbed his face with one hand wearily.
Wufei shifted his weight, waiting patiently.
"I see you're not going to leave me to my misery until you've gotten your answer." Quatre said with a self-depreciating laugh.
Wufei lifted an eyebrow in a questioning manner. "Did you think I was standing out here in the cold for my health?"
"No, I guess not." Quatre agreed and then fell silent trying to figure out how best to answer Wufei's question without giving too much away. "I guess I just don't know how to act around her." He said finally.
"That's all?" Wufei sounded incredulous. "Good grief, Winner. The woman's pregnant, not dying. You treat her like you normally would. Having twenty-nine older sisters I figured you would've had experience behaving around a pregnant woman at some point in your life."
"You'd think so wouldn't you?" Quatre murmured.
Wufei stared at Quatre narrowly. "That's not what's bothering you though."
Quatre sighed. "You're too perceptive."
"You're very easy to read right now." Wufei countered. Pushing off the building he straightened. "If you don't want to talk about it that's fine, but come inside. It's too cold out here and you're likely to get sick."
"Very well." Quatre straightened as well. Wufei's words only evidenced verbally his great concern for his friend. A concern Quatre was grateful for even though he did not feel ready to confide in him. His love was a burden he alone would bear until the appropriate moment came, if it ever came. Swallowing a sigh he followed Wufei back into the welcome warmth of the reception hall.
Trowa and Middie were now mingling with the guests, talking and laughing. Quatre noted that Trowa had regained the cool collectedness that was as much a part of his makeup as the singularly long bang of hair that generally covered one eye. Quatre felt a smile curve the corners of his mouth as he remembered Trowa's frame of mind before the wedding. Never before had he seen Trowa so nervous. He'd fastened the taller man's tie for him while attempting to exude confidence and serenity. Still, Trowa hadn't relaxed until he'd seen Middie walking down the aisle glowing with beauty and anticipation.
"They're a good looking couple aren't they?"
Quatre glanced to his right and saw Noin standing there. She linked her arm companionably through his. "I'm somewhat disappointed. You didn't ask me to dance once this evening."
"I apologize. "Quatre couldn't help the smile that slipped across his face. "I seem to recall that you were engaged for most of the songs."
Noin laughed, pleased she had managed to erase the somber, occupied expression from off his face. "I suppose I was. Zechs is a marvelous dancer." She gave an exaggerated sigh as she watched her husband dancing with his sister.
Quatre found himself entranced as he watched the siblings. Relena moved gracefully, a look of contented delight on her face, while Zechs matched her in elegance. The music ended and he sighed. A hand tightened on his arm and he looked over at Noin. "Are you okay?" There was half a question in her eyes and he looked away to avoid it.
"Just a little tired. It is a long flight from the L4 quadrant to Earth." He glanced around the room and gave a chuckle. "It looks like Middie's getting ready to toss her bouquet."
Noin followed his gaze and smiled as she watched the currently unattached ladies form a single group behind the bride.
"Quite an eager bunch, aren't they?" Quatre commented wryly.
"Can you blame them? Especially with the most eligible bachelor of the L4 quadrant right here."
Quatre forced a smile. "Well, the most eligible bachelor of the L4 quadrant isn't interested in getting married right now."
"That's what they all say. You just haven't met the right girl yet." Noin gave his arm a comforting pat. "Come on, let's go sit down."
Quatre followed, inwardly reluctant, as Noin led him over to where Zechs and Relena were sitting with Duo, Hilde and Leann. The little girl was squirming on her mother's lap as she tried to get down. As Quatre and Noin sat down Duo reached over and took Leann from Hilde, plunking her securely on his lap. Instantly her lower lip protruded and her eyes filled with tears.
"Now, none of that." Duo chided her, smoothing her hair gently. Leann gave a whimper and rubbed her eyes with her chubby fists, yawning as she did so.
"She's tired." Hilde said somewhat apologetically.
"She's not the only one." Relena said, looking sympathetically at the little girl.
Duo stood up and swayed from side to side, rocking his daughter. "Lookie Leann, watch Aunt Middie throw her flowers."
After a few false throws that had the group behind her scuffling and reaching for a bouquet that wasn't there, Middie finally let go of the flowers she held. They arched high over the small group of single ladies and landed with unerring accuracy on the protruding abdomen of Relena before rolling off to rest precariously on her knees. Relena stared at the innocent looking assortment of roses and babies breath. Everyone else seemed frozen, unsure of what to do or say.
"Relena? Are you okay?" Noin touched her shoulder cautiously.
"Huh?" Relena looked up at her sister-in-law blankly for a moment before she smiled. "Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." Gingerly she picked the bouquet off her lap. "Pretty isn't it? Quite a coincidence too." She looked pointedly at Middie.
"I'm so sorry Relena. I must've thrown it too hard." Middie had hurried over and now stood in front of Relena, concern in her eyes.
"That's why you should always look before you throw." Relena said in a teasing manner, forced gaiety in her voice.
"Pwetty, pwetty." Leann leaned over from her position in Duo's arms, trying to touch the flowers.
"Here Hilde," Relena handed to the bouquet to her friend. "Why don't you take them? Leann seems to like them."
"Thank you." Hilde took the flowers and everyone relaxed, chuckling slightly at the extraordinary mishap that had passed without incident.
Quatre watched Relena surreptitiously out of the corner of his eye. She had handled the incident with all the ease of a politician in a delicate situation. She had responded so well she had actually managed to fool most of her family and close friends, all, except one that is. Due to his empathy Quatre could tell she was far from feeling as calm as she looked. Inside she was screaming.
Unsure of what he should do Quatre moved closer to her and allowed his hand to rest briefly on her shoulder. She didn't look up and he could feel the tension in her muscles. He could sense her weariness with the constant nursing of an old wound that seemed to open at every turn. Everyone's attention was turned away from her. Quatre felt a momentary twinge of anger. Why couldn't any of them see how tired and soul sick she was? Why was it left to him to see and care for her when doing so would tear him apart and letting her know how he felt would tear her apart?
Looking up in frustration Quatre met the gaze of Wufei. The oriental young man was standing with his arms folding across his chest, staring at Quatre with his piercing black eyes. Staring back Quatre realized one person at least had guessed his secret. In his friend's look he saw no pity. Caught in his friend's measuring gaze he realized a harsh truth that made him cringe inwardly, he wanted to be selfish. He wanted nothing more then to grab Relena, pour out his heart, and kiss all her pain and anguish away into nothing.
He stiffened, jerking his eyes away from Wufei's obsidian orbs. Leaning down next to Relena he whispered in her ear. "You're looking tired, would you like to go home?"
Relena looked up at him and gave a silent nod. "Actually I would." Her answer was reluctantly given. He knew her well enough to understand how she struggled with not wanting to abandon two of her good friends on their special day and the bone-deep weariness that seemed to encompass her physically and emotionally.
"I'll get your coat." Quatre left to rummage through the coat room. He found it quickly enough and returned only to find Duo and Hilde standing and saying their good-byes.
"Hey Quatre." Duo smiled at him. "I was just telling Relena we'd be glad to take her home. It's getting late and Leann's sleepy. This way all the rest of you could keep on enjoying yourselves."
Quatre opened and closed his mouth, momentarily at a loss for words. "Oh, uh, well I guess that would be fine Duo. Thank you." His experience as a socialite and businessman came to the forefront, rescuing him before he could embarrass himself further with a continued fish act. Turning he helped Relena into her coat, swallowing his disappointment and giving the perfunctory farewells, including the normal peck on the cheek Relena would expect. Then he watched her leave, hands thrust deeply in his trouser pockets.
----
Relena sat on edge of her bed staring intently as the red digital numbers on her alarm clock slowly counted the minutes away. One hand rested on her abdomen while her other supported her weight.
The numbers on the clock changed and Relena sucked in a quick breath of air and relaxed. Her contractions were coming closer together now. There wasn't any doubt that she was in actual genuine labor instead of the Braxton/Hicks contractions she'd become used to.
Standing took some effort, but she finally made it to her feet and moved slowly toward the door to alert someone in the household. It was time to head to the hospital.
-----
Quatre parked his car in the hospital's visitor parking. As he exited the vehicle he stared at the band of reporters waiting patiently outside the hospital's glass doors. Taking a deep breath he made his way past them, ignoring the camera's pointed his way or the hastily shouted questions. Inside he inquired at the front desk and was directed upstairs to the maternity ward where he again asked and was given Relena's room number. Wufei was leaning against the wall beside the door to Relena's room looking like a man in desperate need of a strong cup of coffee.
"Good morning Wufei." Quatre received a nod in reply. He then entered the room. Relena was sitting up in the bed cradling a small bundle wrapped securely in a blanket.
"Congratulations." Quatre handed Relena the present he had bought that consisted of a stuffed animal dressed in blue jean overalls that the saleslady had insisted was a teddy bear. Personally he thought it resembled some kind of dog but he hadn't argued. Tied to its right paw was a powder blue helium balloon with the words "It's a Boy!" written in white on the front.
"Oh how adorable." Relena looked up at him with a smile. "Thank you Quatre."
"What is it?" Zechs looked at the stuffed animal with a frown. "It looks like a dog."
"Don't be silly." Noin retorted. "It's a bear."
Relena smiled and placed the bear down on the bed next to her legs. "Come meet my son." She invited, adjusting the blanket so Quatre could see the baby's face.
The newborn's face was still slightly red while he sported a head full of fine dark hair. One little fist was curled up next to his cheek while the other was hidden in the blanket.
Quatre reached out and tentatively ran one finger over the infant's soft cheek. "He's so tiny."
"Here, why don't you hold him?" Relena asked.
"Well..." Quatre hesitated.
"Come on, he won't break." Relena smiled. "Just remember to support his neck."
Gingerly Quatre picked up the infant and cradled him against his chest. He was astonished at how right the small form felt in his arms and found himself relaxing. "What are you going to call him?" He asked suddenly, turning his attention back to Relena.
"His full name is Heero Edward." Relena brushed some hair back from her face. "He's already received his official nickname, Eddie."
"Heero Edward." He whispered the child's name down to him. "Eddie." He looked up. "It fits him."
"So, you ready to go home?" Noin asked Relena.
"Yes, more then ready in fact."
"Hi everybody!" Duo and Hilde entered the room. Hilde immediately headed over to Relena and gave her a hug. "Congratulations!"
"Thanks." Relena smiled.
"Hey Quatre, you're a natural." Duo grinned at his friend.
"You think so?" Quatre shifted the small bundle so the baby's neck was resting on the crook of his arm.
"Yep, anybody looking at you is gonna think you've done this before."
Quatre gave a wry smile. "Actually I have. Twenty-nine older sisters, remember? Comes with the territory."
"Let me see that baby." Hilde came up beside him and relieved him of Eddie. "Oh, he's adorable, Relena."
"Thank you." Relena picked up Quatre's gift. "Look what Quatre brought me."
"How sweet! A teddy bear." Hilde cuddled Eddie closer as she examined Quatre's gift. "I got something for you too, I just forgot to grab it on my way out the door."
"That's a bear?" Duo pointed at the stuffed animal. "I thought it was a dog."
