AN: Once again, I don't touch on T&Q. This is becoming more adventure and mystery than romance, in my opinion. *sighs* I hate mystery. But this chapter is a bit longer than usual, I beleive, and the next chapter shorter. I just couldn't find it in me to add anything to the scene in the next chapter, because I feel it detracts from the meaning. So... I hope you enjoy.

And thanks to all the people who add me to their fav and/or alert lists. I'm proud to say that this is my number one best fic ever!!!! Just look at the number of reviews.... WOW!!!! THANK YOU, EVERY ONE OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waking Up In Vegas

Chapter Eighteen

"I'm sorry, sir," Zechs said to the woman on the screen. "I'm afraid that the particular system you are looking for is not on the market at the moment. I can recommend other, similar systems that might...."

"No. We have done our research. The X303 Gundam Class interface is the only one that will perfectly suit our needs. Might I speak with Mr. Winner? I'm certain we can come to some kind of agreement."

Zechs shook his head. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lovecraft. Mr. Winner is unavailable at the moment. I can schedule a video conference, if it is important to you, ma'am. But I will say the possibilities of him changing his mind are slim. The X303 is a dangerous system, and we already have severe stipulations on the U.S. Military's use of it. You must understand our caution with a weapon of this caliber."

The woman nodded absently, annoyed. "Yes. See that you make an appointment with him, then relay the information to my secretary. Good day, sir."

She disconnected the link abruptly. Zechs sighed, leaning back in the chair. God, it was only morning and already the day was going bad. But that had been an interesting phone call. What would a personal 'body-guard' agency like the Serpent Guards need with a system such as the X303? He hadn't been lying. That system was dangerous. In his estimation, it should been destroyed.

After all, it had only been tested three times. And technically, neither time had been a complete success. First, an entire town had been eliminated, then a fishing trawler that had been in the wrong place at the wrong time... and finally.... poor Jezebel. Certainly that system was more accurate, precise, faster, more intelligent than any of the other interfaces available... but all that made it all the more dangerous.

At least the system was secure in their vault, and the key-cards to activate it and the passcodes were only held by three people in the entire world- two, Zechs corrected himself, remembering the gray-eyed young woman; her knowledge of the pass-code had died with her.

And speaking of Heero...

Zechs briefly wondered if he should tell Heero Yuy about Ms. Lovecraft. Heero would probably want to know about anyone inquiring into the X303... especially someone as shady as Louisa Lovecraft. Zechs nodded to himself. He would speak with Quatre first.

And then, depending on what his boss said, he would see whether or not to call Heero Yuy and tell him that someone was keenly interested in buying the system that had been termed 'ZERO'.

Cathy couldn't think straight. Her emotions had been tumbling around inside her, and now...

Delana's lips were pressing softly against hers. Not giving, not taking, but there just the same. She didn't offer comfort, or passion. She didn't ask for anything, or offer anything. She was just *there*, but yet the kiss spoke volumes to Cathy. It was confusingly simple in it's entirety.

Delana offered nothing, but would give everything if asked. Delana would never press Cathy for anything. She wouldn't ask, or demand. All she could, would, do was want.

Catherine pulled back, away from the feather-light touch against her lips. Indigo-blue eyes stared at her, for once unreadable. Cathy had so many thoughts swirling in her mind, and yet not enough at the same time. She tried to think of something, somehow to respond. She was surprised, shocked, even a little scared... and yet the thing that came from her mouth was...

"I didn't know you liked girls."

The brunette blinked, once, twice... and then laughed.

"I don't like girls," she replied with a smile, her voice soft once again. She took her hand, still resting against Cathy's chin, and ran it up the smooth, fair cheek to rest her palm against the face before her. "I like *you*," she finished, quietly, almost shyly.

"When?" Cathy breathed, trying to make sense of what she was being told. "How? Why?"

Delana chuckled softly, but noticed that Cathy didn't move away from her hand. If anything, she leaned into it. "I don't know. All I know is I do. I more than like you, Cath. I think I may love you. I can't explain it. At first it was just small things I'd find myself noticing. Like the numbers of freckles you have on your nose. Or the way your curls shine in the sun-light. Or the way you swing your hips when you walk. And then... I found myself *liking* those things. I'm not sure there was an exact place or time or reason. It's... unfathomable... the way I feel. I... I'm sorry."

She took her hand away, eyes cast down. Cathy could see her friend moving away, physically and emotionaly. She reached out and grabbed the slender wrist.

"'Lana... no. I... I don't know what I feel. Surprise, yes. Shock, yes. Hate? Never. I just... I think I need a little time to get used to the idea of you loving me... loving me like that."

Delana smiled, tentatively reaching back out to Cathy's face. The redhead's hand still touched hers. "I'd never force you into anything," Delana said quietly, her eyes meeting with Cathy's.

"I know. If I didn't... I wouldn't still be sitting here talking to you about this. 'Lana, if you think about it... we already have a relationship. A bond different than sisters. The only thing missing was the physical side." Cathy smiled at her. "I've never thought of you that way, truthfully. But I know I liked it... your mouth on mine just now. I didn't hate it. Can that be enough? Can we build off of that?"

Delana laughed. "Of course. Can.... may I kiss you again?"

Cathy could almost laugh. Her strong friend looking like a giddy, shy schoolgirl. "Yes. But only if you kiss me properly."

Delana laughed again, leaning forward to brush her lips across Cathy's. Once, twice... before coming back, and finally kissing Cathy 'properly'.

Cathy took a moment, savoring the sensation. It was different, but not as different as she'd thought it might be. Delana's lips were soft, sweet. She wasn't like the men Cathy had dated, bedded. She didn't rush or dominate; she didn't even try to push the kiss deeper than mere lips on lips. Cathy wasn't sure if that was just a 'girl' thing, or if it was Delana. But she didn't care. As Delana's tongue gently ran along her lower lip, Cathy decided she really liked kissing Delana. It was familiar, yet new, and though there was a hidden, banked type of passion there... it was *safe*.

Cathy knew Delana wouldn't... couldn't... cheat on her. The horse-rider wouldn't break her heart; the other was just as scared as she from her past, perhaps even more so. Cathy could trust her heart with Delana, she knew; because Delana was trusting her just as much.

Twenty minutes ago, Cathy would never have even considered a romantic relationship with Delana. But now, with each passing second of their lips pressed together... Cathy found the idea more and more appealing.

"I love you too, Delana," Cathy whispered as they finally broke apart. Delana smiled back.

"We really should finish feeding the horses," she returned in a whisper. You want me to go with you back to your house?"

Cathy almost winced, remembering once again her brother. "No. I don't wanna go back yet. Just... just let him have some peace and alone time with Quatre. Can't I help you work the horses?"

"Of course. I'll take you up to the house and let you get some clothes and proper shoes. You can help Jasper put Phoenix and Diana through their paces. I was planning on popping Pegasus and Persephone over some practice jumps today."

Cathy nodded. "Okay, then. That sounds good."

Delana leaned in and stole an unexpected, quick kiss, then smiled and she jumped off of the tail-gate.

"Good. Let's go."

"Changed? To tonight? I understand. These things happen," Relena nodded sagely.

"I apologize sincerely, Miss Relena," Tsubarov nodded. "I had some unexpected guests arrive, so I decided that tonight would be much more convinient. Might I ask what caused such a sudden change of interest?"

Relena took a breath. Alright. This was it. Time to lie. "It's not quite that sudden, Governor. I have been re-thinking my stances on several issues. If word were leaked, I could face ruin. I was hoping to keep up my public appearance, my public views, while I discussed these matters. They are, mostly, of delicate nature. I would rather not discuss them over such distances."

"Ah. Of course. I understand. I believe we can fit you in, if you're interested."

"Yes, please. I really do want to speak with you about several matters."

"Then come, we shall have room. You will have an escort, no?"

Relena nodded her agreement. "I will not have an escort, save for my personal body guard."

"Ah...." Tsubarov's face twitched, but Relena could not tell weather that was good or bad. "That would be Mr. Yuy, wouldn't it?"

"Yes. It would, yes. I would entrust my safety to no-one other than he."

"Of course," Tsubarov nodded, face still unreadable. "Very well then, I will have your name... and your... escort," he sneered the term, "added to the guest-list. Others will begin arriving around six or so."

Relena sent him a soft smile. "I appreciate this, Governor. I will see you then."

After a few other pleasantries, Relena disconnected the video-communication link and looked to Heero, standing against the wall, well out of sight of the camera on the computer.

"So? Did I do good?"

"Hnn," he replied. Relena beamed.

"I'll take that as a 'you were excellent, Relena! Such acting I've never seen in my life! Brava, brava!" She laughed at his raised eyebrow.

"You did good, Relena," he said. "But the real test will come when you try to convince a room full of Tsubarov's compatriots."

"I can do it, Heero. I *will* do it. This might very well be my best friend's head on the line here. And plus... I'll get to see you all dolled up in a tux again," she smirked, but smile faltered for just a moment when she recalled that the last time she'd seen Heero dressed up was his military dress uniform at the memorial for Jezebel Hartisan- Heero's self-appointed 'baby sister'.... and the girl he'd accidentally killed. Relena forcefully jerked herself from that train of thought; it had taken her and Quatre months to get Heero back to anything resembling 'normal' after that. She didn't want to dwell on that bleak time.

She didn't imagine the groan that slipped between those lips as the hands came up to cover his face. Forcing herself back to carefree thoughts of Heero in a tuxedo, Relena had to smile. He was bound to be devestatingly handsome, despite his reluctance.

Laughing brightly, all melancholy gone from her thoughts, she got up and began to plan her own wardrobe.