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

Get in the mood: "Crossfire" by Brandon Flowers


The Tower

Chapter 5

"Our dreams will break the boundaries of our fear."


"Good morning."

"I trust it was a better morning for you than for me. I was offended you and Agent Sand didn't stay to listen to my presentation. Although I guess I should be thankful you didn't from the look of you. Had fun last night?"

"Well, I apologize for our rudeness. We obviously had... pressing personal matters to attend to."

"Hn. Enjoy the time you have off but remember to stay on focus. We don't know for sure what Fortune Enterprises has planned."

"You don't have to remind me as I'm well aware. Agent Sand may need a little more convincing. Luckily, I'll be more than happy to persuade him."

"Ha. I'm sure I could have done without that part of your report but Relena will be glad to know you two are happy."

"After this mission is complete it would be my pleasure to let everyone know. Until then..."

"I agree it's too dangerous. We don't need anyone taking advantage of your relationship nor do we need the distraction."

"Thank you Agent Light. I will contact you at the normal time after the next meeting."


From her bedroom, Dorothy heard the chime of the doorbell and looked at her clock. She smiled smugly before grabbing her purse and walking towards the entrance of the house. One of her maids had already admitted her guest who was waiting patiently in the foyer.

"Exactly 7:30. You are nothing if not prompt Mr. Winner," Dorothy greeted him.

"Good evening, Miss Dorothy. Please call me Quatre."

He gave her an indulgent smile and she couldn't help but show a smile of her own. She contemplated denying his request to tease him but ultimately decided against it. She had chosen instead to reward him for the exceptional courage he showed when asking her out.

"Well then Quatre, shall we?"

He nodded holding his arm out for her to take which she politely did. Dorothy was intrigued by this new Quatre. Since they had started talking again after a masquerade ball almost two years ago, he had been demure for the most part. Before that she thought she hated him: his innocence, his sincerity, his compassion, all of what she considered his weaknesses. She had prided herself on her successful avoidance of him at every event they both attended. But after he had found her at the balcony on that fateful night, she realized she was merely embarrassed and jealous. The qualities she saw in him that she secretly admired she couldn't see in herself. As revenge for flaunting his perfect self around her, she played with him. Her efforts however, were in vain. He weathered her constant attempts to rattle him.

At some point, she began to actually enjoy their friendship and her attempts to fluster him decreased as her attempts to challenge him increased. Dorothy met her intellectual match in Quatre. However, there was always something more. Inside of her there was something that pulled her to notice... Notice what? She felt giddy when teasing and prodding Quatre with her opinions and questions which he always graciously countered. Tonight was different though. It was as if she were to try those things tonight, she would feel guilt and regret. No, she'd follow Quatre's lead tonight and see where the path would take them. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as they walked to his waiting car.

The ride passed in peaceful silence and Dorothy's interest was piqued when they had reached the end of their journey at one of the Winner estates on Earth. As Quatre opened the passenger door and helped her out, his spaceheart alerted him of her curiosity.

"I remember how you despise the media's prying eyes and thought you'd appreciate a more private setting."

"Taking a girl home on the first date? How very forward, you're more naughty than I gave you credit for," Dorothy teased breathily as pink tinted his cheeks.

She giggled inwardly and they made themselves comfortable inside the dining room. Quatre fidgeted as Dorothy appraised him in the candlelight. Putting aside her earlier resolve to be compliant, she smugly smiled at him, plotting with glee. Sensing her emotions, he had quickly forced himself to regroup enough to start his own assault.

"Dorothy, I was hoping tonight we'd be able to talk."

She was tempted to say something piquant in response but her eyes softened as she realized he had forgone a title with regards to her name.

"I want to know more about you."

A devilish smile shone on Quatre's face as he sensed her bewilderment.

She thought for a moment before responding, "What would you like to know?"

Now with new found confidence he smoothly gave his reply, "Everything".


Dorothy stopped just inside the door frame of her bedroom and cast appreciative eyes at the bare chested man still resting comfortably on the bed. A mischievous smile touched her features.

"I'm a little worried about the Winner Corporation if its CEO chronically sleeps in late."

"I needed a vacation anyways," he responded playfully with a wink.

Quatre sat up as Dorothy advanced and sat down next to him on the edge of the bed.

He placed a delicate kiss on her shoulder before further explaining, "When Lady Une contacted me I let my sisters take over a bulk of the work."

"Heero just checked in. He was hurt we ran out on him," Dorothy informed him with a mischievous grin. "I guess that means it's my responsibility to brief you."

Reading between the lines, Quatre responded with a grin of his own, "Yes it does. Even if it takes all day and night."

He placed his hand over hers and he looked into Dorothy's eyes, mockingly pleading.

Dorothy laughed, "Business first."

"If you insist," he pouted but motioned for her to continue.

"Lady Une first approached me because she needed someone who could observe from the inside. My cover was to be a potential investor with the company. With my connections to Relena and you and my resources from the Romefeller foundation I was the perfect choice. Heero didn't have a problem working with me as a contact either."

"So is this mission the reason why you didn't want to go public with our relationship?"

"I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to protect your reputation. Imagine the headlines, "Devilish War Maiden Casts Spell on Angelic Winner Heir".

"How is that bad?" Quatre teased.

Dorothy pursed her lips to hide her smile and continued.

"But this mission did have some bearing on that decision. I had accepted the mission and was already undercover when you insisted on having our first date. I never expected the mission to last this long but after it's over I don't have a need to hide anymore. Until then Heero and I agree it's still too dangerous."

Quatre listened as their once lighthearted conversation took a serious turn. Although Dorothy had maintained her calm exterior, he knew otherwise. His spaceheart signaled that she was hiding an uneasiness below. He gently tugged on her hand.

"Come here."

"Let's finish with the briefing first," she protested.

Quatre persuaded her in a soothing voice, "We'll have time for that later. Please."

After a moment Dorothy relented and obediently laid down beside him. They found a comfortable position and allowed the quiet peace wash over them. Quatre broke the silence.

"Tell me what's bothering you."

Dorothy hesitated but relented, "There is reason to believe that Fortune Enterprises is suspicious if not aware of an investigation. Lady Une is concerned my cover may be compromised."

"That's why you tried to break up with me?"

"I never wanted you involved. She informed me later that she intended on recruiting the four of you in preparation of an assault. Even then, in the event of a battle, I didn't want your judgment to be clouded. Your life is too important to be taking unnecessary risks. Too many people rely on you." Dorothy continued as she stared at the ceiling, "You just couldn't leave well enough alone."

Quatre turned his body into hers and leaned over to softly claim her lips.

"Dorothy I appreciate you trying to protect me, but you know I'm far from weak. We'll protect each other."

She sighed at his obstinacy but knew it was futile to argue. Instead she turned on her side to face him, "If something happens, don't forget me."

He was puzzled by her sudden request.

Looking into her eyes he gently whispered, "I could never."

"I mean, I want you to move on of course. I just want you to remember me like this, not the girl from the war. You're the only one..." she trailed off with a distant look on her face.

"I promise, Dorothy."