Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and Follow Me are the property of their respective owners. I do not own anything.

Get in the mood: "Follow Me" by Rufio


The Tower

Chapter 1

"You're all I see these days, but you're so far away."


"I have nothing new to report since last time. It seems whatever they've been planning is a secret to everyone I've met. As deep as I am now, I still haven't gotten a glimpse of anyone who might be the mastermind behind this nor what his objectives seem to be. If I hadn't been told this business was a cover for operations to disrupt the peace, I'd likely believe it was just like any other corporation. A very successful one at that. Supposedly there are several wealthy behind the scenes investors."

"Hn."

"I have another meeting this afternoon. I'll report again in 24 hours to check in or if I discover something."

"Understood."


Quatre Winner sighed deeply. Since he had arrived at the masquerade ball, there had been no signs of Dorothy Catalonia. He had hoped to find her at tonight's ball so that he would have another opportunity to speak with her. In the past, he had been unsuccessful in his attempts to meet with her. Unfortunately, his chances were worse than usual tonight due to the elaborate masks donned by the attendees. The last time they had met face to face was two years ago on Libra. She had haunted his mind since then for reasons he couldn't explain. He was certain the events of that day had caused more of a shock to her than him. Part of him was concerned, part of him was curious but still there was something more, something he had hoped to discern by confronting her at one of these galas. She seemed to have no intention of talking to him though and had evaded him each time he had caught a glimpse of her. From his occasional visits to the Preventer headquarters, he knew she had found a place for herself in the new peace after the Mariemaia incident. In fact, she was working closely with Relena at the ESUN and the two had become good friends. Quatre wondered if Relena would know where Dorothy was and set out to find the brunette diplomat. He found her talking with a young man he didn't recognize. Despite the mask, as soon as Quatre approached, Relena's face lit up. She had recognized him immediately.

"Quatre how nice to see you."

There was a hopeful feeling emanating from her and Quatre took the hint.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Miss Relena, may I have this dance?"

Without further delay, Relena consented and practically ran with Quatre to the dance floor.

"Thank you for that, I only have so much patience. I want to have fun at these types of events too!"

"Any time Miss Relena," Quatre chuckled at her pouting face.

"Please just call me Relena. I'm just glad I have a mask to disguise me tonight. Although I guess since I've still been recognized by some boring gentlemen it's not working very well," Relena giggled.

They made small talk until a familiar figure tapped Quatre on the shoulder. Quatre had to bite his lip to keep from laughing at the sight of a masked Heero Yuy. He excused himself to let the two dance. Before he could turn to leave, Relena's voice stopped him.

"Oh, Quatre have you had an opportunity to see the garden in the back of the hall? If you haven't yet, you must before you leave. The view from the balcony is breathtaking."

"Thank you Relena. I think I will," Quatre nodded to her and started on his way to follow her advice.

As he opened the door to the balcony overlooking the garden, he realized that Relena was right. He stood in awe for a moment staring at the back of the figure before him. She was framed by the artificially starry sky and illuminated by the subtle glow of the moon. If he didn't know any better, Quatre would have believed he were in the presence of an angel. The view from the balcony was indeed breathtaking.


Quatre let out a slow breath as his eyes scanned the crowded ballroom. Across the room his eyes fell on the form of his friend, Trowa Barton, before continuing to take in the remainder of the room. Trowa had offered the blonde pilot a small, knowing smile before disappearing into the crowd of mingled delegates and businessmen. Although there were already a handful of uniformed Preventer agents standing guard, the former Gundam pilots had been asked personally by Lady Une to observe for anything or anyone suspicious during the ball. A smile crept onto Quatre's face as a retreating figure caught his attention. The night air was crisp as the fair haired pilot followed the equally fair haired woman to the balcony. As he softly approached, she addressed him in an even tone.

"Why Mr. Winner, are you stalking me?" inquired Dorothy Catalonia without shifting her stare.

The blonde pilot stopped beside her and looked to the sky seeking out what she saw. Although her stance was proud and icy, her emotions betrayed her. Quatre sensed something amiss, something that she desperately wanted to hide from him. He spared a quick glance at his companion. As quickly as she had felt his eyes appraising her, Dorothy steeled herself, putting her walls in place. Quatre could see a hint of a spark reflected in her eyes then returned his gaze to the heavens.

"Hello Miss Dorothy. The stars look beautiful tonight don't they?"

"I'm positive they must look more magnificent when floating among them. Tell me Mr. Winner do you prefer here or there?"

"Miss Dorothy?"

The silence settled thickly between them.

Finally, Dorothy turned toward him with a frown, "Do you prefer the beauty of the earth or the beauty of the colonies Mr. Winner?"

Imitating the action, Quatre turned to face her. Their eyes met and she challenged him in her gaze.

"Dorothy..." Quatre warned.

Suddenly he felt need consume him: the need to envelop her in his arms, to protect her with his entire being. Before either party could continue, both were startled by a voice from inside.

"I think Trowa was looking for you Quatre."

There leaning against the doorframe stood Heero Yuy.

Quatre nodded and turned to leave but faltered for a moment.

He leaned to Dorothy and whispered in her ear with a blush, "Personally, I prefer wherever you are".

As he exited the balcony, Dorothy spun back to her original position to hide her own blush. She returned her sight to the stars and Heero took Quatre's place beside her.

"So, you and Winner?" Heero questioned with a perk of his eyebrow.

"In this case it's more a matter of mutual fascination Mr. Yuy."

To any other person, Dorothy's indifference may have cloaked the true feelings that lay under her statement. However, due to Heero's training to become the perfect soldier, he did not miss the twinge of sadness and... guilt? Heero assessed her proud figure and noticed the lack of focus in her gaze. She seemed to be lost, peering into the darkness locked on something only visible to her eyes. After a long, peaceful silence Dorothy spoke again.

"I believe it is about time you rescue Miss Relena from whatever boring gentleman she's fallen victim. As for me I'm quite tired." With a wink she added, "Don't keep our dear Miss Relena out too long tonight".