Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, etc, etc. or the song "Bed of Roses" by Mindless Self Indulgence, or the song
"Chemicals Between Us" by Bush.
AN: Finally got up to writing this, ne? Thank you to all the reviewers and readers. I heart you all.
Inform me of any grammar or spelling mistakes as I correct my own work.
' ' are Thoughts
Italics are Past events
Italics in bold are Song lyrics
Bed of Roses
Chapter 7: "And Plans Nor Rome Were Built In A Day"
"This way's (Hey...) better for me (Hey...)
I don't care to live the life I've chosen (Hey...)
(Hey...) Hey it's alright my life (Hey...) has always been a sad emotion (Hey...)"
To the average observer, the circle of white lab coats around one large, metallic table could have been a normal meeting between an array of great minds. But this was no ordinary convention.
These doctors were all called together for a special meeting: to decide the fate of Dorothy Catalonia.
Wait, wait, let me back track.
What happened to Dorothy again? Ah, yes; she was in a car accident. She suffered a serious case of whiplash. The cause?—A woman darting across the street, late for an appointment.
She missed something else. Or should, I say "they" rather. "They" being the Dumb Dumb Pilots.
It's really too bad none of them were at the accident really, but you'll learn about that later.
"Dr. Sterling, Dorothy Catalonia has fallen into an almost too easy situation to manipulate. We cannot kill her, or risk our own necks. We cannot worsen a condition we have so far been straight forward about. It was through your generous insight that we even saw the chance to capitalize on the situation we find ourselves in today", began a prominent employee underneath Dorothy; Dorothy the current head of Romafeller.
"Yes, yes, similar thoughts have come across both mine and Dr. Cadan's mind. I believe this had gone through everyone here's minds Gwinter", Dr. Sterling responded a bit agitatedly.
He fell silent and silence once again pervaded the room. Dr. Cadan stood up then, a warm smile upon his face. Everyone visually calmed somewhat considering the circumstances.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have a solution," he said calmly and a murmur arose about the room. A smile lit up his features as he made a quieting gesture at the assembly of men and women.
"First, I want any electronic devices: cell phones, pagers, PDAs, etc. off," he commanded, his tone more serious.
"I'll wait," he said smiling and chuckles rippled around the room.
'I never saw a better man know how to work a room. I should know,' thought an older gentleman, seated at the center of the table. He was distinguishedly dressed yet as content to watch rather than speak.
"My plan is simple ladies and gentlemen," he began, taking his time to walk around the circular table, running his light brown hand along the rim.
"We do not need to defeat her, my dear friends…she will defeat herself," and with those ominous words he grinned and began to state the exact contents of his plan.
At the end, all of the men and women present had gone to their feet in applause.
"Brilliant Dr. Cadan, just brilliant," The Old Man finished, summing up all in the room's thoughts.
"Hey Trowa, did you talk to the others?" Quatre asked via vid-phone.
"Yes, I spoke to Heero and he said he'd been having similar thoughts. He was glad he was not the only one to pick up on something suspicious.
I spoke to Duo and he's agreed to keep up a "silly and stupid" persona. The doctors would be more willing to get into technical terms around him, believing he knows nothing. I doubt Sally will be able to get much since she is so well-known and the same for Wufei since its obvious he cares for her.
We all know Sally, but Duo and Hilde have the best chance of collecting information. Hilde's previous work as a spy will be very helpful."
"I agree completely. I have an idea what everyone would be best at doing right now, but I don't have a specific plan yet. I think I'll call Heero," Quatre responded, looking off a bit distractedly.
"Alright," Trowa responded simply and hung up.
Quatre dialed up Heero and Relena's.
"Hello Relena. How are you? Is Heero there?"
"Quatre! What a pleasant surprise! I'm great, and yourself?" Relena beamed.
"Good, good, considering. Is Heero there?" he asked again.
"Oh—yes! Yes he is. One moment, I'll tell him you want to talk to him."
Relena went off screen for a moment and he could hear her speaking into the intercom.
"Later Quatre!" Relena waved as Heero's face soon replaced hers.
"Bye Rel—Hey Heero. I hear you spoke to Trowa recently?"
"Yes. Quatre, first, any thoughts on a plan? I have some of my own, but I'd rather hear yours first," he told rather than asked.
"Yes, the sooner the better. Hilde I think should go undercover for us as a: nurse assistant or an employee at Romafeller. I say either because one has greater benefits than another.
I was thinking of who would have the most motive and I thought of Romafeller and perhaps certain persons unhappiness at her new leadership—especially one promoting peace. We can't forget Romafeller was built on war.
If Hilde were employed at Romafeller she could listen in on conversations and spy on meetings. I know she could find a way to do it and it's a major plus she's built so petite."
"But would she be in shape for the job?" Heero asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Working in a junk yard for twelve or more hours a day, running around to find parts within a short time for a client and lifting up metal I think keeps anyone in shape. Plus I hear Dorothy was teaching her fencing." At the mention of Dorothy, Quatre's face twisted painfully but he quickly buried away his reminiscences for a more convenient time.
Heero nodded. "I'll talk to Duo about that and get confirmation. And the benefits of being a nursing assistant?"
"Well, as you know two doctors are our main suspects right now. I'm unsure as to why they would be helping Romafeller harm Dorothy other than the benefit of a huge payoff.
She could assist in Dorothy's care and be there as they treat her," Quatre finished.
"But…It seems Quatre, Dr. Sterling has a specific number of people treating Dorothy. I don't think he'll be looking to interchange these people suddenly."
"I thought of that Heero," Quatre grinned then his face quickly became serious, "this is where it gets tricky. We need to dispose of one of the nurses and replace her with Hilde. A few of the nurses would not be too hard to manipulate in appearance.
Heero thought about this for a moment then came the question Quatre anticipated also. "So who would be doing this detain and capture?"
Quatre grinned again. "Why you of course."
"Why me?" Heero asked raising an eyebrow. "Wouldn't a female be better at mingling among other females?"
"Why of course Heero," Quatre said grinning wider, "that's precisely why we're going to be dressing you up as a girl."
"Quatre, wait just a damn minute. If anyone looks like a girl it's Maxwell not me."
"But Heero, you know no one would be better at impregnating a highly guarded area other than you."
"We're all Gundam pilots Quatre, you could easily do it also."
"But, I have to keep up public appearances Heero. I have a company to still run and so far I've kept up a pretty regular visitation."
Heero frowned, "Get Noin to do it."
Quatre frowned for a moment, "But would she do it? She and Dorothy aren't and weren't on the best terms. Also, she's too emotionally jarred right now.
I mean, we're all having a hard time dealing with this, but I believe Noin is the most. She feels not only sadness, but guilt; she blames herself partially for this also just like Milliardo does—another reason he's also out of the question."
Heero frowned again, "Fine, but I want you to make sure you've weighed all the possibilities of other people first. What will Sally, Wufei, Une, and Noin and Milliardo be doing then?"
"Une is going to work on getting the necessary papers for Hilde, of course all fabricated. Sally will be helping her since she knows more than anyone what would be needed for a medical profession, depending on which plan we choose.
Relena will need to keep up appearances of course--"
"I wouldn't want her involved anyway," Heero interrupted.
"Relena will keep up appearances," Quatre continued, "and Wufei, well I'm not sure what he will be doing yet. Maybe he'll go shopping with you or something for supplies--" Quatre began, biting back a smile.
"Very funny Quatre," Heero interrupted again, "I'll have Wufei help me with some more pressing things. I'm going to do hacking and Wufei is going to do some surveillance until we can pull this thing together. I'll think of what that exactly entails later."
"Alright. This was really helpful Heero. I--" Quatre's voice cracked with emotion before he shook his head.
"Alright I'll see you later Heero."
"Later."
The week entailed lots of rendezvous between the pilots and the girls. Heero continued to make calls on the secure line he designed and one day Relena decided she just had to know what was going on.
"Heero," Relena asked, knocking on the door as she walked into his office. "I want to know what's going on."
Heero didn't bother glancing up, continuing to type rapidly as his cordless laptop. "Nothing that involves you Relena."
"Heero! Of course it involves me! Now don't think I don't know this doesn't all involve Dorothy in some way. I've had some suspicions too, and Dorothy is one of my closest friends Heero! Don't tell me it doesn't involve me," she exclaimed, now with her hands on her hips and her face fully flushed.
Heero finally looked up and observed her briefly. 'She looks so beautiful right now,' he thought idlly.
"Earth to Heeeeero. Are you listening to me? Well are you? Heero?" Relena asked impatiently, waving a hand in front of his face.
Within a blink of an eye he was on his feet and back down in his leather recliner again, this time with her facing away from him on his lap.
"Heero, you can't just shut me up this time like this. Heero! Oh Heero," she sighed, a throaty moan escaping her lips as his hands trailed up her back, unclasping her bra conveniently, his hands slipping around to her full breasts, teasing them relentlessly.
He left one hand to pleasure her chest, the other trailing down her soft stomach and into the lace of her undergarments.
Relena dissolved into a delicious shiver and pressed back against him, losing herself in his touch. She was indeed shut up for the time being.
Duo frowned, cursing Hilde's lithe form and skilled past suddenly. He didn't want her to be placed in so much danger.
She hugged him from the back, kissing at his skin softly as she mumbled her assurances.
"I'll be fine Duo, remember when I took you down my little Gundam pilot? Plus you'll be visiting all the time and I'm sure you'll be able to keep an eye on me in the hospital."
"But what if you're in Romafeller?" Duo whined, turning around to face her and capturing her in a tight embrace.
She giggled. "I'm sure Quatre's got that all figured out. Plus I get to choose remember? I would never choose a desk job. I couldn't bear to be away from you that long and well, and could you really see me pushing papers all day?"
Duo whimpered again, making a puppy dog face. "No, but baby--"
"Sssh, no buts," Hilde replied, placing a finger on his lips. "Let's just enjoy our time together while we still have it. Remember, this is all for our friend Dorothy, that poor girl," Hilde sighed, placing her head against his chest.
He played with her hair before lifting her up to properly take her mind off all their shared sorrows.
Noin sighed, staring at the phone. She really thought she should call Milliardo. She hadn't talked to him alone in a while.
'But should I? What if he's not in the mood to talk? He really doesn't need me to be too clingy right now. He prefers dealing with things on his own but in the hospital…' she trailed off biting her lip anxiously.
She finally came to a decision within herself. "I'll visit him directly."
She stared at her reflection in the rear view mirror anxiously once again. She wondered if she had done herself up a little too much for an impromptu visit.
She'd opted to wear a simple spring green sundress with white, low heeled sandals. The dress was a scoop neck and reasonably loose—at least she hoped it was.
She'd simple put on mascara and lip gloss, as anything else would be a little out of character for her and the last she wanted to do was seem as if she was vying for attention.
She had emerald earrings in her ears, given to her by her mother and a single gold heart pendant.
'I really hope I look ok,' Noin thought anxiously and had to slam on the brakes as she almost drove past Milliardo's small mansion. The servants recognizing her from afar, waved and she waved back distractedly, driving her car up the long driveway and parking off to the side.
Millardo's valet promised to take care of her car and took it off to be parked in the visitor's garage. She stood at the door unsure of what to do next when it suddenly opened.
She jumped back staring up the entrance.
"Noin, you look well. Will you come in? You're just in time for lunch," Milliardo responded calmly. His face gave away nothing and she realized the servants must have informed him of her arrival.
"Why, I'd love to," she replied as casually as she could and slipped inside. He led her to his dining room, decorated to perfection yet remaining simplistic.
"I'd love to get in contact with your decorator. This room is a little different from the last time I was here. It's simple but beautiful," said a bit too excitedly she thought as he pulled a seat out for her. She quickly sat down, not before shivering slightly as his hair and arms brushed against her skin.
He smiled, moving to his own seat. "You like it? I guess you'd want to be getting into contact with me then," he chuckled.
She blushed. "Oh, I never knew you had such an artistic streak."
'Damn it Noin, get a hold of yourself here. You came here for a reason.'
"Yes, I just recently re-decorated this room which is probably why you noticed it so much. I'm sorry I really hadn't prepared for any visitors. I hope you like shrimp pasta."
Noin fidgeted. "Oh, sorry for being so short notice. I just wanted to drop by and see how you were doing. And I love shrimp pasta."
Noin cringed. 'How lame.'
Milliardo's gaze moved to his food and he began eating steadily. "Ah. And how are you Noin?"
"I'm fine," she replied, blinking then quickly realizing he was trying to draw the attention away from himself again.
"Have you been sleeping well? You look a little tired," she commented, a look of concern moving into her eyes.
He twitched slightly at the mention of sleep but luckily Noin didn't notice. He looked up at her.
"To be honest, no I haven't Noin. But that's expected, right? I doubt anyone's been sleeping that well lately."
Noin nodded. "Agreed. But wasn't the other day strange? You know, with the doctors?"
Milliardo frowned slightly. "Yes…you noticed it too?"
She nodded again. "Yes. What do you think they're hiding?"
"I…don't know. Relena mentioned to me Heero's been really busy on the phone lately, no doubt speaking to the rest of the guys. Did you receive any calls?" Milliardo asked as he bit into his garlic bread.
"No," Noin frowned slightly, "how strange. I think I'll talk to Sally."
Milliardo nodded and in the silence Noin could hear the soft sound of classical music.
"Zechs, who plays this? I never really hear you play anything that often."
"Yes, you never really are able to have distractions like music up in space. When I did listen to anything I was off by myself. It's "The Chemicals Between Us" by Bush."
"I like it", Noin said simply and she listened to the lyrics as both ate, comfortable in the other's silence.
I want you to remember
A love so full it could send us all ways
I want you to surrender
All my feelings rose today
And I want you to remain
The power of children can amaze
I'll try not to complain
I know that's a pisser baby
The chemicals between us
The walls that lie between us
Lying in this bed the chemicals displaced
There is no lonelier state
Than lying in this bed
I want you to remember
Everything you said
Every driven word
Like a hammer hell to my head
The chemicals between us
The walls that lie between us
Lying in this bed the chemicals displaced
There is no lonelier face
Than lying in this bed
The chemicals between us
The chemicals between us
Lying in this bed
We're of the hollow men
We are the naked ones
We never meant you harm
Never meant you wrong
I'd like to thank
All my lovers lovers lovers lovers lovers lovers
The chemicals between us
The army of achievers
Lying in this bed
The chemicals displaced
There is no lonelier state
Than lying in this bed
The chemicals between us
The chemicals between us
Chemicals
The chemicals between us
After the two finished eating, Zechs took Noin on a short walk around his grounds. Noin talked a bit about her environmental work and hope to restore a lot of the green that had been lost to the war.
"I hope one day I can find peace in something meaningful like you Noin," Milliardo said as they paused to sit down. He kept his eyes trained on the sky.
"You just being here is meaningful enough," Noin said before you could stop herself.
He looked at her a moment. "Noin, you're placing your better days in the wrong man."
Noin looked at him steadily, suddenly no longer nervous or afraid. "You're a good man Zechs. I never lost faith in the good in this world."
He laughed bitterly, slipping his hands into his pockets and staring out at the lazily blowing grass.
"Zechs, I told Relena once I'd follow you to whatever path you led me down and I intend to keep my word. I haven't said goodbye yet and I don't intend to start. Zechs—I know there's been a certain...situation between Dorothy, you, and myself. But, Zechs before you can love anyone else you have to love yourself. Even…even if it's not going to be me," she said firmly.
He looked at her steadily, his voice suddenly thick. "I never asked for this Noin. I never asked for love. Love and I don't mix well. We're like water and oil. You're love Noin; everything you do is in love. You wouldn't mix well with me."
At that he stood up, his hands still in his pockets. "I need to call Relena Noin. I'll walk you to the door."
She was quiet for a moment, standing up also. "I'll be fine alone," she said pointedly and brushed past him.
He stared after her back, lost in his own thoughts.
Well yes I know who I want heading this plot. I'll just say it all involves old grudges and characters in Gundam Wing that have been forgotten but live on to loath and loath until-well you'll see! Review kiddies!
Angel of Mirth