|Chapter Seven|

Trowa never asked what happened between them in that room, and continued with his obligations to the Sanq Kingdom. Setting Makoto in a hotel to recover her mind completely and review over the current events happening in the kingdoms, Trowa set up an arrangement to officially meet with Milliardo Peacecraft. Uncertain, Trowa wondered if Makoto would go through as she planned. Greeting her formally, he saw the kind Makoto he met in Crystal Tokyo return as she followed him through the palace.

"I hope you will enjoy your stay," started Trowa, watching Makoto look over the palace as they walked. "Mr. Peacecraft extends his wishes for residence in the palace while in the Sanq Kingdom."

"I will accept the invitation," replied Makoto rather quickly, nervous for the meeting. Today was the official release of the engagement before they would set out on a six month tour over the space colonies before returning for their wedding. Having already packed for the journey, Makoto knew she could do this and time away from Earth with Milliardo would release her of the memories. Trowa stopped at an entrance to a glass globed indoor greenery, watching Makoto cast a small look in his direction before moving into the room. Moving through the sweet fragrances, Makoto followed the stone path past the trees and colorful foliage before pausing to enter the heart of the garden. Milliardo stood stiffly with his back turned, his long bleach blond tresses cascading down his broad back. Makoto found it hard to find someone taller than her, feeling dwarfed by his tall stature dressed in a dark red and gold uniformed jacket. She had learned of his role in the Gundam Wars as a high ranked soldier that played the other side under an alias to protect his sister. It was brave of him to manage not to be found out and then bring his sister to power at the right time with the help of the Gundam Pilots.

Another piece of information that snuggled into his files were his loss in the wars. Not only did he lose his crew, but also a person he cared for. This had pulled the strings at Makoto's heart, keeping it in mind that if he requested such a proposal then she too would need to stay no matter what. Trowa had made sure that information was slipped in to show how important her obligations were. Feeling self-conscious in her royal deep green attire, Makoto finally pushed forward to greet the awaiting man.

"I apologize for the delay in my arrival," interjected Makoto as she gave a formal curtsey. Milliardo had heard her approach but finally turned at the sound of her voice. Producing a bow, Milliardo then offered a seat to Makoto as his power blue eyes seemed to notice a slight glowing change to her persona.

"I understand the importance of your business and congratulate the endeavors rewarded recently in Vegas," said his husky voice, a chill pulsing through Makoto. Did he know? Could he have known what happened and where she went from there? Swallowing, Makoto could see the analytical stare as Milliardo studied her appearance with lack of emotion. "Do I sense cold feet?"

Makoto noticed a small smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth and couldn't help but feel a smile spread. A blush pushed to her cheeks as she cast her eyes down, remembering how nervous she had been with the approaching days. The business agreement in Vegas had provided as something to keep her mind busy to stop thinking about him. From the few occasions Makoto had met him, he was kind, diligent, and she found him very attractive. Her friends made jokes at her expense about their wedding night, but Makoto felt it strike closer to home. How awkward would it be in their honeymoon suite during those approaching moments?

"I hope you will not misunderstand that there were no doubts on breaking this union, but more of a nervousness of what comes…after," replied Makoto honestly, the blush feeling permanent. Milliardo couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, having given no thought on the subject himself. After Noin died, Milliardo had bustled through women in a desperate attempt to forget her greedily before stepping up to his obligations. Meeting Makoto had given him a change of heart when he first laid eyes on her kindness. Every meal they were served or snack had personally been made by Makoto, and he could see her loneliness in the kitchen while she cooked. Rescuing her was his first attempt, feeling as if they could save each other. An attraction coursed through him like never before, watching her blush and how she was able to push through the embarrassment to gaze in his direction. He thought her eyes would avoid him for the rest of their conversation but felt the strong gaze challenging.

"The mystery will be well worth the wait," answered Milliardo, watching the smile curve. A cleared throat brought their attention to a bowed Trowa in his royal blue uniform holding a folder.

"I apologize for the interruption. The press room is ready for the announcement," said Trowa and then slipped out of the room once more. Milliardo moved to his feet as he held out his hand to Makoto.

"Are you ready for the beginning to the rest of our lives?" asked Milliardo, seeing as how Makoto hesitated for a moment before slipping her hand into his.

"As much as I'll ever be."

One month had passed beginning their space tour as Makoto enjoyed exploring each colony with Milliardo. The private parties and entertaining activities had proven to be what Makoto needed to keep her mind off of Heero for the most part. In the evenings, before she would sleep, Makoto couldn't help but think of him as she drifted off. His rich chocolate locks, Persian eyes, and warm embrace seemed to plague her. Finding sleep hard to come by this evening, Makoto sat on the balcony gazing at the stars through the glass. It was strange to see the planets surrounding her from this location, but she felt somewhat at peace in space. Closing her eyes for what felt like a moment, Makoto pushed her eyes open when she felt movement. Warm arms cradled her as they started to disappear when laid against the soft coldness of her bed. Reaching out, she grabbed the arm belonging to her helper only to feel a familiar sensation pulse through her skin at the touch. Frantically she pulled him to her, the tears burning with joy that he had been so close.

"Don't leave me Heero," she whispered into the darkness as a warm kiss pressed against her forehead. His hand traveled against her cheek before pressing a kiss against her lips tenderly.

"You left me," came the response as she felt him move away. Makoto couldn't believe how much he was out of reach, trying to catch up to him in the darkness. Struggling to keep up, Makoto jolt awake breathing heavily as she looked around the balcony where she had fallen asleep. Taking a moment to compose herself, Makoto looked to her right where she noticed Trowa sitting on the side of the balcony gazing down at her.

"If you are unable to sleep, sedatives can be requested," offered Trowa, watching Makoto lean against her chair trying to gather her wits.

"Thank you, but I don't believe it will be necessary," replied Makoto, starting to move to her feet and leave the balcony.

"I find it strange that I have heard no requests for certain personal hygiene items this month," commented Trowa, watching Makoto come to a dead stop.

"No…I never noticed," she replied softly, taking a moment to think. Makoto hadn't kept track and it never crossed her mind. Could it have been from the change of pressure and altitude in space? Worry creased her brow as she tried to find the words but they never came. "Trowa…"

"The item is in your bathroom, I would suggest checking," urged Trowa. Makoto felt fear coat through her as she leaned against the door.

"What if…?" Makoto stopped at the strange look in Trowa's eyes, finding herself unable to speak. Moving to his feet, Trowa closed the distance between them as he knew what would need to be done. He could tell Makoto was not one to give up a child, but in most circumstances, she may very well. He would give it to her straight, seeing which one she would decide.

"There are only two options. The first does not need to be mentioned, since I am sure you already know what it could be," replied Trowa, seeing Makoto give a soft nod. "The second would be to make him believe it is his."

Makoto thought she was going to be sick…if there was a possible chance then she knew it would be a secret she needed to keep for the rest of her life. Not only would Heero never know of the possibility of their child, but Milliardo would be put in a position of thinking the child was his. Could Makoto do this? There was no questioning the thought of it she could do it, but more of the fact she would. A sigh escaped her as she quickly left Trowa alone while rushing back to her room. The thoughts plagued her as she thought of how her relationship with Milliardo was building. She respected him more than anything, and was attracted to his personality but wondered if the attraction went further. Moving into the bathroom, Makoto read over the instructions carefully while locking herself in. Following the simple steps, all she had to do was wait.

Her dream had felt so real before, and now she wondered if she should do the right thing. Her reputation would be shattered but a chance at happiness would be possible. But, what about the other party?

I'm being selfish, thought Makoto while finding herself fidgeting. If she kept it from Milliardo, he might as well be happy while Makoto continued to suck up the pain it caused her. In time, Makoto knew she would love Milliardo on a level but never as much as Heero had reached. Reaching for the applicator, Makoto studied the results as she let out a heavy sigh.

Her fate was sealed.