Disclaimer: I lay claim only to my family, cat, house and car.

Battle of the Platinum Blondes!

Rascal

Chapter 21

"So, Milliardo, how did you and Heero find each other?"

"Yeah. I wanna know how the hell this happened."

Milliardo ignored Duo's comment and looked to Heero, silently questioning him, and Heero gave the barest of nods in response. So Milliardo turned to Trowa.

"Not knowing whose shop I was going to, I took my car in to be repaired. And there was Heero."

"Wait a minute. You told me that your shop didn't do repairs."

"I told you my shop didn't do repairs on common cars like yours. Big difference."

"Hey!"

"Face it, Duo, with the exception of Milliardo and Quatre, nobody can afford the type of car Heero allows in his precious shop."

Heero glared at Sally but the doctor smiled and winked at him before taking a sip of her wine. He shifted his gaze to Wufei who just smirked and offered a shrug in his fiancée's defense.

"So it was love at first sight?"

Milliardo chuckled and let his gaze fall on Hilde who'd had a starry eyed gaze ever since recovering from her initial shock.

"Hardly. It took months before he even accepted me as a friend. And a distant one at that."

"At least he was talking to you."

Heero heard the mumbled statement from Duo and turned to see him staring at Milliardo, but he couldn't quite read the look. It wasn't hostile, much to his relief, but it unsettled him. He leaned over and lowered his voice.

"We discussed this."

Duo's gaze shifted to Heero and his cheeks reddened, unaware that he'd said anything out loud. He lowered his head making imaginary adjustments to his napkin.

"I know. You had your reasons and he just happened to show up."

Wufei was concerned about his friends' relationship. He knew Duo had put up a brave front for Heero. After their first conversation he'd shown up at Wufei's apartment looking like he was about to break. Wufei knew what had happened and he just let Duo in without a word. The sensitive man who always wore his heart on his sleeve immediately collapsed on his friend, crying his eyes out and babbling about Heero. But I had hoped that the bruise Heero is sporting was a good sign that things had been settled.

"Excuse me."

Quatre offered a sheepish grin and left the table. A few seconds later, without a word, Milliardo stood up and followed the petite blonde. Heero and Trowa just exchanged glances, confirming they agreed to let the two men sort out their problem.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Quatre, wait a moment."

Milliardo caught the petite blonde by the arm, stopping his retreat in a long hallway that served as the main walkway to the restrooms, coat check, and hostess station.

"I get the feeling you're not happy that Heero and I are together and I want to know why."

Quatre didn't pull against Milliardo's grip. He just hung his head, keeping his gaze away from Milliardo.

"It's not you, Milliardo. It's….well….how do I put this?"

"Simply. Just say what's on your mind."

Quatre turned to face Milliardo and Milliardo let go of his arm.

"It's just that…..we just got Heero back and….."

Quatre slumped down onto a nearby bench in the restaurant's corridor, suddenly looking tired, knowing he had to get the words out. His friends were very precious to him and now that he had them all together again, he would do whatever it took to keep them, even risking Milliardo's wrath.

"I've always wished for Heero to have a happy, normal life. And I was so relieved and pleased to hear that's exactly what he accomplished. But now, knowing he's involved with you and your world…..Please, Milliardo…leave him to be normal and content."

Quatre sighed and leaned over, elbows on his knees, staring down at the ground. He waited for Milliardo's inevitable argument, bracing himself for harsh words and possibly even a physical rebuke.

Milliardo was stunned speechless at the petite blonde's words. He was rather surprised Quatre had issue with him to begin with; but to be asked to remove himself from Heero's life….

Milliardo closed his eyes and squashed the immediate vehement response to Quatre's request and took a deep breath before sitting down next to Quatre. He tried to keep his voice quiet and even, belying the anger and resentment within, but even he heard the tinge of indignation.

"Explain to me what kind of world you're trying to save Heero from."

"All of us lost a lot in the war…..you too, I know…."

"Just spit it out, Quatre. What is so horrible about my life?"

Quatre cringed at Milliardo's tone, his anger coming through sharply, but Quatre sat up and looked the man right in the eye.

"I don't want Relena shining a spotlight on him and using him as some sort of political pawn. And I don't want him to join the Preventors or get involved in anything of the sort. And if he's with you, it's a strong possibility that he will be tempted to join. We both know Heero will do anything and everything in his power to protect those he cares for."

Milliardo could understand Quatre's logic, however……

"I love my sister, but we lead completely separate lives. And as for him joining the Prenventors….What about Chang? Aren't you worried he could join to protect the friend he's known for years?"

Quatre scoffed and shook his head.

"I'm no fool. I know Heero and Wufei have been in contact for quite some time. I could tell by the way they interacted this evening. Heero is still a little hesitant with Trowa, Duo and myself. But with Wufei it was as if it was just another day. So my concern lies with his feelings for you. You are the only person, apart from the four of us, that Heero has let into his life and that's something very special and powerful. So I believe that yes, he would join the Preventors to protect you."

Milliardo had never considered the possibility of Heero wanting to protect him to that extent. Could he really care for me that much?

"You're right, Quatre, I would."

Both men turned their attention to the archway leading into the dining room to see Heero leaning against the wall.

"Heero? How long have you been listening?"

"Long enough. I had to use the restroom and heard your voices."

Heero pushed off the wall and walked to stand in front of the two men sitting on the bench, his hands still shoved in his pockets.

"Quatre, I appreciate your concern, but don't tell me you wouldn't do the same for Trowa."

"Yes, but---"

"That being said, I have no intentions of joining the Preventors. If I feel Milliardo is in that much danger, I'll just make him quit."

"Excuse me?"

Heero turned to Milliardo with a lopsided smirk.

"You heard me."

"You can't just make me quit, Heero."

Heero leaned over until his nose was a breath away from Milliardo's, his smirk never faltering.

"Oh, I believe I could, Peacecraft."

Milliardo felt his cheeks get warm at the deep throaty voice washing over him and he found he couldn't look away from the glittering cerulean eyes. The pair just remained like that, Heero waiting for Milliardo to respond, but it appeared he was transfixed so he chuckled and stood up, looking to Quatre who had matching rosy cheeks and quickly dropped his gaze upon seeing Heero's eyes fix on him.

"Now if you'll excuse me?"

Heero made his way down the hall toward the restrooms, disappearing around the corner. Milliardo closed his eyes and sighed and Quatre just remained staring at the ground.

"So I guess that settles that."

Quatre nodded his head and looked to Milliardo.

"I'm sorry, Milliardo. I had no right to say those things to you."

"You're his friend and you were worried."

Milliardo stood up and gestured towards the restaurant.

"Shall we?"

Quatre managed a small smile and nodded. The pair returned to the table and no questions were asked about their absence. Heero returned shortly thereafter and the dinner continued along at a leisurely pace, the group renewing old ties and forging new ones.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So. You going to tell me how you got that bruise? I think I've been kept in suspense long enough."

Heero scoffed and looked over to see Milliardo smiling. The dinner had gone well, even with its few rough spots, and now Heero was relaxed as Milliardo drove them back to his place.

"It isn't obvious?"

"Sally?"

Milliardo chuckled while Heero just scoffed and smiled, turning his attention back to the passing scenery.

"I was expecting it so it's not as bad as it could have been. Also, Hilde came prepared with a cold pack."

"Those are some friends you have there, Heero."

"Yeah, I know. But they're your friends too, you know."

"I suppose they are. Although I don't expect Duo will be sending me flowers anytime soon."

"He'll be fine. He just needs some time."

Milliardo looked over and saw Heero gazing out the window with a content smile on his face. I know having them accept you back into their lives was very important. I'm happy for you, Heero. I'm happy for us.

Epilogue to follow…..

A/N: I decided to leave things like this with Heero and Milliardo happy together and Heero having reconnected with his friends. I didn't see a need to go any further. I mean, it's been 21 chapters already. Yikes!