7. Surprise

Hikaru took Mika's hand and led her out of the room. They wanted to get ready four hours before the evening's events. Eagle smiled at the sound of their excited chatter echoing in from the hall. Today was his twenty-second birthday and, as it happened, the annual President's Ball. No plans were made to go sightseeing on this last full day of Hikaru and Lantis' stay; thus, it was permissible for his bodyguard to quit his side and attend to their female guest.

She's definitely blossomed since I last saw her, he thought, picturing the fourteen-year-old Hikaru. He glanced at Lantis, who shared his sentiment. "She's enjoying herself thoroughly," Lantis said, his eyes gleaming with mirth and fondness evident in his voice.

Eagle grinned and observed his best friend. How would he tell him that they fell for the same person? His grin faltered but he kept his lips stretched and mask on. He had a sense that Lantis already knew of his intentions toward Hikaru and that they would delay confronting each other's feelings on the subject in order to avoid an awkward situation that neither knew how to approach and resolve. He couldn't confess yet, not without being straightforward and certainly not behind Lantis' back. His brother…he loved him too much to do so and he owed him much more than that.

"I'm glad she's cheered up," he said, for the sake of saying something other than what he was just thinking. "Yes," Lantis agreed, "she stopped worrying as soon as she saw that you had recovered."

Eagle recounted yesterday's interaction: He did not realize how drained he was after the situation with Mr. Cyr, his assailant, and appeal to the Cabinet until he attempted to get out of bed the next morning. Dizziness overtook him so that he had to ask Mika to deliver an excuse that he had overslept. His absence at breakfast only brought Hikaru to his door and he was too ashamed of his weakness to let her see him. Later, when he finally emerged well-rested, she avoided meeting his gaze throughout the mecha tournament and the rest of the evening. Their conversations were stunted and forced. He had to fight every urge to brace her at the shoulders and get her to look at him. Fortunately, for her lack of openness yesterday, she finally started meeting his eyes and talking to him normally today. He was, in short, relieved to see her smiles and hear her tinkling laughter again.

"Shall we go down to see Geo?" Lantis suggested. They had three hours to kill before making themselves presentable. "Yeah," Eagle answered, moving his arm off of the fireplace mantel and straightening up. "She's going to look cute in a dress," he chuckled as they strode across the drawing room and entered the hall. "Women are enigmatic creatures," he laughed, wondering aloud what the girls would do with all of the time they've claimed. He had no doubt that he was in for a surprise.

-o-

The doors to the drawing room opened and Mika stepped in, clad in a white blazer suit. "Announcing Miss Shidou," she said with an air of suspense and moved aside. Hikaru appeared from behind her and stepped into the light.

Eagle felt the blood rise to his face. She smiled and shrugged shyly at him and then at Lantis, "How do I look?" She asks how she looks, he thought, wanting to laugh. If only she knew how lovely she really was. "Beautiful," he breathed, taking her hand and pressing it to his lips. A sheepish grin tugged at the corners of her mouth as she looked at the ground. "Thank you," she laughed. Her cheeks were pink from blushing. He slowly released her hand and allowed her to pass to Lantis.

As the two conversed, he noted the details of her appearance. He liked the way she pursed her lips and how they easily stretched into a wide, open-mouth smile as she spoke. Her ruby eyes squinted and twinkled beneath her fringe and around her face were crimson curls which fell in soft, graceful waves. The garnet crystal pendants of her earrings shook and dangled gently against her neck, with a matching choker resting delicately against her collarbone and the bangles at her wrists. The bodice of her pink strapless gown hugged her small figure well and flared out in draping folds from the waist on. She glowed. She was enchanting.

"I did a good job," said a smug voice. He glanced to his left and met his bodyguard's laughing eyes. "Just kidding," she added, "she is already pretty to begin with. It didn't take much work other than the hair." He smiled. "You look nice," he said sincerely, studying her. She didn't look too different from her usual self. Her hair was half-up instead of in its typical braid and parted on the side rather than in the middle. On her ears were gold bar studs. They were small alterations but they had a pleasing effect. She thanked him. "A dress would not do for you?" he teased. She grinned and responded that it would be hard to fight in a dress, if the need arose.

His eyes flew to her left cheek. "It's healed," he said surprisingly. She smiled wryly. "Somewhat," she said in a small voice. "I've put some of the salve Hikaru lent me and it's closed up." But it shouldn't have disappeared completely, he thought. He reached his hand out to her as if in closer examination. "But how?" he asked. She answered before he had reached her face, "It's makeup."

"Eagle, we're going down first," called Hikaru. She stood at the doorway, her hand wrapped around Lantis's forearm. "See you in a little bit!" Eagle nodded at them and waved. As she and Lantis disappeared from the room, he turned to his bodyguard. The rumors about the attack had been quashed; they were going to pretend it never happened.

"It's fine," said Mika, turning her cut cheek to the side and out of view. Her cheeks had a light flush to them. He had made her uncomfortable. "You cleaned up nicely, yourself," she teased, eyeing his uniform, "for the ladies." He rolled his eyes upward and laughed. Corolla had, without a doubt, invited her friends and their daughters. He put a finger to his nose. "Secret help signal," he said seriously. She fought a smile. "I'll try my best," she said.

-o-

Hikaru and Lantis were either somewhere in the reception hall or hidden amongst the guests in the ballroom, he could not say for sure. For the last hour, he had accompanied his mother and father in greeting the guests and feigning interest in their conversations. Soon after, he was introduced and committed to dance with each eligible and single daughter of Corolla's guests.

He needed to take a break from all of the frivolity. Eagle thanked his fourth dance partner for her time and retreated back to where Mika and Geo were standing. They appeared to make an interesting and complementary pair. Mika seemed to be holding back laughter while Geo candidly talked on.

He made it across the ballroom just after Geo had left with another young lady. Settling into a chair, he decided that the setting wasn't something he was unused to. He had attended many of these balls since his adolescence; they were not agreeable albeit tedious events. What irked him really was the thought of leaving his guests unattended. He felt like a very bad host, what with the fainting incident, the lie yesterday morning, and now being unable to accompany his friends. They frequently missed each other. He felt disinclined to go on with the rest of the evening.

He watched Geo with some envy. Geo was a renown and sought-after bachelor, his popularity having increased after their return from Cephiro. He was a war hero and the mediator between Autozam and the other countries. His approachability and good-naturedness recommended him to many of his acquaintance. Geo, too, had traced the room, mingling with the other guests. But, thought Eagle, he at least did it with grace and was enjoying himself very much.

"You did not want to dance?" Eagle asked his bodyguard, who remained silently by his side as he entertained his thoughts. She responded that she could not keep watch for him, should she be engaged elsewhere. He smiled and glanced up. "Not even with Geo?" he asked slyly. She smiled, as if pondering something.

From the south hall came Hikaru and Lantis. They must have visited the gardens, he thought, alone. Lantis whispered something in Hikaru's ear. She turned in Eagle's direction, waved, and proceeded towards him. "Do you want to dance?" she asked, when they were standing a foot apart. Lantis offered her hand to Eagle, who took it gladly and led Hikaru toward the center of the room. He'd been looking forward to this moment all night.

She stood a little taller tonight in her heels and her face was so close to his. She told him how beautifully decorated the gardens were and expressed her elation at seeing all of the people so elegantly dressed. "You could stay here," he suggested, to which she laughed, not taking him seriously. He spun her around and she came back a little awkwardly. He steadied her at the waist and her hand grasped his tightly for a moment. "Sorry," she laughed nervously, "I'm still trying to get the hang of this." The photographer lingered near them and took a couple shots before moving on.

Eagle's face felt warm. He was smiling so much that he was sure he looked like a fool and, though she spoke, he didn't hear a single word. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. He wished that the moment would draw on but, alas, the song ended. He wanted so much to tell her that he—

President Vision interrupted and introduced them to a middle-aged woman, the new secretary of state. Eagle ended up speaking with the secretary much longer than he had anticipated, prompting Hikaru to curtsy and politely excuse herself. He made his mind to seek her out again, but his mother called out from nearby and introduced another dance partner. Not wanting to slight their guest, he humbly obliged her.

The night dragged on and on as he continued to humor the ladies and gentlemen. He was stopped from every direction. Of course…he realized. It was because he had been absent from these gatherings during the previous two years that they had such a keen interest in him tonight. Yet, he needed to get away. The air was stifling and he felt a bit dizzy.

"Pardon me," rang a familiar voice from some feet away.

His eyes grew alert as the owner of that voice reached toward him and held onto his arm. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I must discuss a matter with Mr. Vision," said Mika. He excused himself and followed her to a less crowded area. "Thank you," he said when they stopped. "You're welcome," she replied.

He looked around and wondered where Lantis and Hikaru had disappeared. "They turned in for the night," she said, answering his gaze. "Hikaru was tired from all of the dancing and it's nearly midnight, so she left and Lantis accompanied her." He missed his chance. "And Geo?"

"Still charming the women," she giggled, nodding in the direction of Geo dancing with an elderly woman. He chuckled at the sweet sight; they could very well be grandmother and grandson. The pace quickened and Geo picked up his spry dance partner, who matched his steps without skipping a beat. Geo drew her attention towards them and they both waved. Mika and Eagle waved back and laughed.

It was fifteen minutes before midnight and the last dance was announced, bringing with it some eager eyes that set themselves upon him. Eagle had a foreboding sense that they would approach him until the ball ended. He looked to his right and Mika smiled. "It'll be over in no time," she said comfortingly.

"Yes," he said, grinning and bowing to her. Her eyes widened and she looked away. "No," she laughed nervously, "you can't be serious."

"'It'll be over in no time'," he said teasingly. Her brow rose and furrowed and she bit her lip, still unconvinced about his intention. He smiled his innocuous smile. "You'll be right in front of me, so you can't make the excuse that you need to keep watch." She frowned but accepted his hand, aware that many were staring in their direction. "I don't know any of these dances," she appealed as they took their place next to the other couples. Her cheeks were flushed and she held her hands in front of her. Despite her overall composure, he could sense that she was anxious about being in the spotlight. Eagle draped her right hand upon his shoulder and placed his hand on her waist. Her left hand trembled slightly in his palm. "Breathe," he jokingly whispered. "I lead."

The music started and he led her by the waist. "One, two," he said gently, "three. Step back a bit…two, three. One, two, three. And spin." He raised their hands and she twirled slowly back to position, her hand again resting in his palm. "Good job," he chuckled. "Easy, right?" She cracked a smile and nodded. "Now the rest is just the same."

Her movements, hesitant at first, became more fluid towards the end. "There," he said," stopping them as the music faded, "that wasn't so bad, was it?" She conceded that it was fun and thanked him. "Not at all," he replied. "Thank you for standing in." She bowed, "My pleasure, sir."

President Vision called for their attention and the ballroom fell silent. Eagle sighed in relief; he had forgotten that there was a closing speech. He and Mika exchanged looks. "You made it," she whispered.

-o-

"You go ahead," he said, pausing outside of the drawing room, "Lantis asked me to meet him." Mika covered her mouth and stifled a yawn. "All right," she murmured, "good night. Let me know if you need anything."

Her footsteps echoed and faded down the hallway. He twisted the knob and entered the drawing room. At the opposite wall, Lantis sat on the windowsill and watched the light rain tap its way down the pane. Eagle approached him, saying, "I heard that you left early. I hope that you and Hikaru had a pleasant time." He pulled up an armchair and lazily plopped into it. "It's a shame you would not extend your stay," he continued, recalling that their departure was scheduled at midday tomorrow. "It would not be possible, as Hikaru has to return home for school," Lantis reminded him. Eagle smiled. "I know," he said quietly. There was nothing he could do to persuade them to stay longer.

Lantis stepped onto the floor. "Eagle," he said solemnly. The situation seemed very serious. Eagle rose from his chair and stood up, watching his best friend intently. Lantis held back his words and scrutinized him. "I wanted to ask for your blessing," he said after some time.

Eagle paused and smiled. The words resounded in his mind. "My blessing?" he asked rather breathlessly, feeling like something had just knocked him in the abdomen. Lantis' eyes did not allow his to turn away. "Yes," the Cephirean said ever more firmly, "I want to marry her."

Afraid that his knees would give way, Eagle locked them and let out an astounded laugh. He knew Lantis loved her first and that she loved him back. They had had more time together, he thought, picturing their affectionate interactions throughout their visit. If Lantis should ask her now, he knew he would not stand a chance. He had been hoping that there was still time for him to win over her love. His mind raced with jarring emotional exclamations as he attempted to appear collected. "Why would you need my blessing?"

"You are my brother," Lantis answered simply, "and a very important person to Hikaru." And you want me to step down, he thought, allowing Lantis' blue eyes to bore into him. He'd contemplated confronting Lantis with the same request before—just this morning, in fact—but he did not fathom it would occur so suddenly and with himself on the giving end. Those eyes were hopeful, pleading…

How could he betray his friend again? How could he bear to face the same sullen eyes that told him about the tragic end of his elder brother and the princess? He clapped a hand around Lantis' shoulder, drawing him into a hug and patting him on the back. "Of course," he said, "I offer you my fondest wishes." Lantis hugged him and gave his thanks.

-o-

The men sat before the fireplace, watching the fire crackle as they recounted the memories of their friendship and the travails they faced together. They had come so far from their first meeting at the tournament two and a half years ago. Eagle was glad that Lantis had come to find love and warmth. It was because of Hikaru that he was at peace and able to smile openly. Still, he wished that the pain would dissipate already.

"It's getting late," Lantis said and pushed himself up from the rug; Eagle did likewise. They exited the drawing room and walked the corridor, talking in low tones. Eagle's door was not far away.

They stopped in front of his bedroom and bade each other good night. Eagle watched Lantis' figure continue on towards the guest dormitories before sliding his door open and going in.

The lamps lit as he stepped across the room and sunk down on the floor beside his bed posts. His heart and mind were so conflicted that he wondered how he would ever sleep through this night. The darkness outside seemed never-ending and the coming of morning, elusive. He closed his eyes, trying to drown it all out—all of his sadness, anger, misgivings, even the happiness he experienced up to this point, and his thoughts of her.