False Engagements 2: Playing Cupid (TBXRP)

[Kysra]

Enter, stage left, the well-meaning best friends! I swear, one day soon, I need to have a major revision session with this fic.

<center>False Engagemtents: Playing Cupid
by Kysra</center>


It was raining.

Relena stared out the window in horror. It was raining hard, and it didn?t look as if it would let up anytime soon, which probably meant her date was cancelled for the night.

The horror melted as a fire she had thought forever extinguished was ignited once more. Tears of happiness flooded her vision as a goofy smile lit up her face. What good luck for a change!

?RELENA! Phone for you!?

Racing downstairs, Relena hoped it was either Hilde, Catherine, or even Dorothy so that she could gush about this sudden turn of fate. She turned the corner, an exuberance that had been absent in her step for the past week making an appearance once more as she bounded past Milliardo for the vid-phone in the corner.

And then she saw who it was.

She halted in her rush to rejoice in her newfound if temporary freedom and approached the vid-phone with reserve, her steps again losing the excited note they had just moments before. Her smile was gone again, the light in her eyes once more dimmed to nearly nothing, and even her hair seemed to lose a certain element of joy.

?How do you do Paul? To what do I owe this call??

Milliardo cringed at the distant tone and impersonal phrasing. At least she had used the guy?s first name. He inched closer, listening to his sister?s conversation.

?No no, the rain doesn?t bother me.? Perhaps the rain didn?t bother her, but being forced to date complete strangers certainly did.

?Well, then we?re still on?? The poor guy sounded so uncertain, Milliardo felt a twinge of sympathy.

? . . . Um . . . sure . .? She didn?t sound very thrilled, Milliardo noted, but then she hadn?t been very thrilled about any of this from the start. He had hoped dating would open the way to a new relationship in her life, but she had just become more and more withdrawn, more depressed.

The two exchanged a few more insignificant words and there was silence.

?Milliardo??

Why did he suddenly have this sinking feeling when she said his name like that?

?Yes Relena??

?If you even think about setting me up on anymore dates, I swear I?ll invite your fan club to stay in the mansion for a month.? Her voice was so cold, so devoid of emotion. She sounded like Heero. Milliardo felt a shiver go up his spine, and it wasn?t just the sound of her voice that initiated such a reaction but the words that voice spoke as well. His fan club . . . It was enough to make a lesser man go insane. Another shudder wracked his body at the thought of that group of drooling fan girls staying in the same house with him.

?Yes ma?am.?

?Make sure that you don?t.? His little sister was so commanding, he had to suppress the pride that swelled up in him. She didn?t look happy at all, and he just didn?t understand it. What was so bad about meeting new people? Why was she being so difficult?

He listened as she stomped up the stairs and slammed her bedroom door. Nope, not happy at all.

?Don?t you think it?s a little late to make promises?? Noin came up behind him, disapproval lacing her tone.

?What do you mean?? Milliardo glanced at her and felt his mouth go dry when he saw the accusing look on her face, her arms crossed over her chest.

?You booked every lunch and dinner for the rest of the MONTH!?

?SHHHHH not so loud! She might hear you!?

Noin just gave him THE look (you know, the one your parents give you when you?ve been trying to hide something from them and they just found out and you try to deny it when there is evidence stacked against you . . . THAT look) then smiled sinisterly.

He really didn?t like that look.

?Oh honey, do you see that couch you?re currently sitting on??

Oh shit. He nodded slowly.

?It?s comfy isn?t it??

Ok, maybe it was time to work for some brownie points. ?Yes but it would be much more comfortable if you would join me dearest.? He smiled sweetly at her.

?That?s just too bad isn?t it, because until this whole ?Milliardo?s Dating Service? thing is over and done with, you will be sleeping on that couch ALONE.?

Milliardo sighed as he watched his irate wife stomp up the stairs in much the same fashion as his sister. Were all the women in his life crazy?

Muttering something about moody females and PMS, he settled down on his sofa, listening to the soothing sounds of the rain beating upon the roof, letting himself drift off to sleep.

<center>***</center>

?So Heero knows??

?Yup.?

?And he laughed? Actually laughed??

?Yup again.?

?Oh dear . . . ?

?You said it.?

Catherine sighed, staring at the steaming cup of tea before her like it held the answers to the universe. She and Hilde had been discussing Relena?s plight for the past half-hour, sitting in the small cafe as the rain poured down outside with only their tea to relax their strained nerves.

?He said that Relena could take care of herself in this situation,? Hilde murmured thoughtfully, her eyes staring out the window to her left, watching the cars pass by.

?Hhhmmm . . . So he isn?t in love with her then? Not the least bit jealous?? Catherine didn?t like prying into her friends? personal business, but if they were to be truly successful in helping Relena out of this ridiculous situation, they would have to know all of the particulars which could affect any plans they may come up with.

?No. I mean, I can tell he cares, but he?s not IN love with her ya know? As for Relena, I don?t think she was ever really in love with him either. It was just a school girl crush. I mean . . . she wasn?t even upset when I told her about what Heero said.?

?Well, it was a mutual break-up . . .,? Catherine mused softly, her eyes still glued to her tea.

?Yeah . . .?

Silence lapsed between them as they both retreated to their own half-baked schemes and meddlesome plans fashioned to help their friend in need. The only plan they had come up with so far -- the make-Relena-look-bad plan -- had backfired when Milliardo had strictly forbade Relena to even think of being manipulative towards her dates, and that meant she had to be herself. No acting, horrible make-up jobs, or mismatched clothes allowed.

?Ya know, Relena wouldn?t even be in this position if she were taken,? Hilde muttered under her breath, not really paying attention to what she was saying.

?THAT?S IT!!! Hilde you?re so brilliant!?

Hilde blinked up at the triumphantly posing Catherine who was grinning like an idiot and drawing stares from the other cafe-goers.

?What?s brilliant? I?m not following you Cathy.? Totally confused but somewhat anxious, Hilde stared at her friend questioningly as Catherine took a running leap for the exit.

?Hurry! We need to get home!?

Figuring Catherine meant the circus, Hilde groaned a little before grabbing their coats and slapping some money on the table. Running from the cafe, she followed her overzealous friend as best she could, all the while yelling at the red head to stop and reminding her that it was raining.

As she ran through the pouring rain toward the outskirts of town where the circus was currently residing, Hilde wondered what she had said to trigger an idea in Catherine?s head, reviewing their conversation before the older woman?s outburst.

*Relena wouldn?t even be in this position if she were taken.* The words jumped out at her, and a smile blossomed on her lips when she realized what Catherine must be thinking. Of course! Find someone to act as Relena?s significant other! Why hadn?t they thought of that before?

All they had to do was find someone suitable for Relena to act the part of ?possessive boyfriend?. She chuckled a little, wondering if Catherine already had someone in mind.

And then another thought occurred to her, raising her spirits even higher as she sloshed toward the circus lights, the rain falling in torrents around her: Maybe, if they played their cards just right, they would succeed in playing Cupid, binding two hearts together in true love. Hilde very nearly squealed with the romantic excitement of it all.

Finally, after what seemed a very long time in soaked discomfort, Hilde reached Catherine?s trailer and entered, yelling in mock anger about how Catherine was cruel to leave her to run through the rain all by herself.

Oh but it was good to be sheltered from the storm raging outside . . . so good. Hilde just stood in the doorway soaking up the dry warmth of the little space, trying to ignore the chill spreading across her wet skin. She had forgotten to put her coat on in her haste to catch up with her friend, and her clothes now clung to her skin, heavy and soaked with rain water. It was a decidedly unpleasant state of being.

?Here put these on before you catch your death,? Catherine smiled, exiting a darkened room with a set of clothes in one hand and a small, black leather-bound book in the other. She had changed into dry clothes and had a towel on her head.

Hilde grinned cockily, ?Hey I?m married to Death, remember??

Catherine giggled and pointed in the direction of the bathroom, handing the dark-haired woman the clothes she had brought.

While Hilde was busy changing, Catherine busied herself making hot cocoa in an attempt to calm the excitement raging in her blood. At least they now had a sketchy idea of what could be done to save their friend from the seemingly endless sea of meaningless blind dates ahead of her. Of course, the idea running around in her head wasn?t a long-term solution, but at least it would buy them some time and --

?Hey, what?s with the silly expression??

Jerked out of her musings, Catherine grinned at the now-dry Hilde, ?I?ll tell you in a sec. Go sit down. I?ll bring the cocoa.?

They settled onto the couch, cocoa in hand, and began to discuss Relena?s dilemma yet again. However, this time, they had a vague impression of a plausible plan.

?I?ll assume by now you?ve figured out why I got so excited by what you said. If we can find Mr. Right-for-the-moment for Relena, then she won?t have to go through all these stupid blind dates that have her so depressed!?

?How about Mr. THE ONE for Relena? I mean why not go all out and aim for true love? That way she?ll never have to worry about her brother trying to play matchmaker again.?

Catherine stared at her friend, wide-eyed, ?But won?t that be pushing it a little? I mean, if we play matchmaker as well, are we any better than Zechs??

Hilde shook her head, ?Of course we are! After all, we?re her best friends! We know what she needs much better than her brother ever could! Now, are you with me??

Thinking it over, Catherine pulled out the book she had been holding earlier, setting it one the table next to the couch on which they sat.

?This is my little black book and --?

?You call that little! It?s the size of a friggin? notebook!?

A glare answered Hilde?s comment, ?It has the name and phone number of every single man I know. I?m sure if we make up a list of qualities Relena?s Mr. Right should have we?ll come up with someone.?

?Oh boy,? Hilde stared at the book, ?this?ll take all night won?t it??

?Maybe. Maybe not.?

?So that means you?re with me??

?Yep.?

Hilde squealed and hugged her friend tightly as they began to collect their thoughts on Relena?s perfect mate.

?He has to be quiet. Relena likes the silent, mysterious type!?

?Yes! Oh and he has to be passionate but not quite emotional. Someone who fights for his beliefs.?

?Has to be a gentleman and thoughtful. Relena?s very sentimental.?

?Gentle but dangerous to add a little spice to their lives.?

?Graceful and confident but it has to be a natural air and not some act.?

?A friend. Someone who will listen to her when she needs to just let it all out.?

?Someone who doesn?t bother with fools and nonsense. He has to be a realist to tamper down Relena?s more idealistic side.?

?Must have an inner strength. Someone who can protect her and put up with her when she starts goin nuts from all the stress in her life.?

?Someone who doesn?t mind being alone since Relena?s job sometimes calls for long hours in the office.?

?Independent. Someone who won?t be all clingy, always demanding her time and space.?

?Not interested in just her money or looks.?

?Has to have a strong sense of family.?

?Intelligence is a must.?

?OOohhh...expressive eyes!?

?Ya know, I could fall in love with this guy, and we don?t even know if he exists yet!? Hilde gushed, holding both hands to her chest and blushing mightily.

?Silly! You?re married!? Catherine laughed at her nearly swooning friend.

?Yeah but,? Hilde leaned in conspiratorially, ?that doesn?t mean I can?t keep lookin!?

They burst out laughing at nothing, caught up in the silliness of their idea even if they were serious about putting it into action.

They quieted when they heard the door open and watched as Trowa appeared inside the trailer, his hair and clothes soaked through. He nodded at them in greeting then trudged into one of the back rooms. Hilde looked at Catherine questioningly,

?It didn?t know you two lived together . . .?

?We don?t, but on nights like these he comes to keep me company.?

?I?m not ruining your sibling time together, am I??

?No! Of course not!?

Reassured, Hilde smiled. She didn?t want to go home to an empty apartment, especially not in this horrid weather.

?Well, do you have anyone in mind yet??

?Nah, but maybe we?ll find someone in here.? Catherine picked up the black book, flipping pages after dismissing their contents as worthless while Hilde watched for Trowa?s return. Maybe he knew someone and --

The object of her thoughts walked silently on bare feet to the kitchen, his shirtless torso bare to the world, revealing the muscular physique that was so often hidden under his clothing. He was so graceful, so quiet, his motions speaking of a sureness that reminded her of a sleek jungle cat which hunts his prey, always aware of his place in the order of nature.

Wait a minute.

Hilde stared at the young man, her lip caught between her teeth as chewed on it thoughtfully, mentally going through the checklist she and Catherine had just set down.

Quiet and mysterious. Check.

Passionate but not overemotional. A fighter. Check.

A thoughtful gentleman. He had remembered her birthday and sent her a present while Duo hadn?t even remembered. Double check.

Gentle but dangerous. Check.

Possesses a natural grace and confidence. Check.

A good listener. Check.

A no nonsense kinda guy. Check.

Inner strength. A true-born protector. Triple check.

Doesn?t mind being alone. Check.

Independent. Woohoo, the guy was getting a lot of brownie points! Check.

Money and looks wouldn?t matter to him. Check.

A sense of family. He was insanely loyal to Cathy and thought of Quatre as a brother. Check.

Very intelligent. Check.

Expressive eyes. Hhhhhmmm . . . Hilde scrutinized the boy, searching in her mind for any memories that would give cohesive evidence that those gorgeous green eyes reflected the soul inside the man. Catherine had once told her the story of when she had accidentally cut Trowa during their act. It was a reaction to the utter despair she saw in his eyes, the will to die.

Now that could constitute expressive. Of course, it wasn?t a positive kind of expressive but beggers couldn?t be choosers, and he had such a good record so far . . . Check!

And he was good looking too! Trowa was THE ONE! She chuckled under her breath. Although, it would be nice if he actually had a sense of humor. Oh well . . .

?Why are you staring at my brother?? Catherine?s whispered voice jerked her from the ?Trowa Zone?.

?I?ve just found the PERFECT guy for Relena, and to think, he was right under our noses!?

?What are you talking about?? Catherine didn?t look very convinced.

Hilde didn?t like the vaguely suspicious tone in Cathy?s voice one bit. Did she think she was joking? Oh well, she couldn?t very well tell her the prime candidate?s name out loud where said candidate could hear, now could she?

With a silly grin, Hilde covered half of her face with one hand while pointing in Trowa?s general direction with the other.

Catherine?s face looked puzzled at first, not entirely sure she was reading Hilde?s signals correctly. Trowa? Her little brother? Relena?s match? She mentally went over the same checklist as Hilde had moments before, staring at her unsuspecting brother, and grinned slyly.

It just might work.

Nodding to Hilde, they both rose to their feet and approached the silent pilot of Heavy Arms.


To be continued . . .

[athena]

Brilliant!! mwahaha...I love how Catherine and Hilde are getting involved. I'm normally a 1xR fan..but, I'm seriously being to doubt!

*swoons* Trowa is perfect! hehehe..

*skips off to read next chapter*

[wicked]

I'm always in 'Trowa-Zone.' ^_^

Most humrous. While I won't skip off to the next chapter I am walking briskly. You wouldn't want to see me skip. *shudders*

~Wicked

[Kanya Barton]

Noin's giving Milliardo the classic "You're Sleeping on the Couch Alone" gig...GO NOIN!
Jolly good chapter my dear! lol...really funny! I had to supress my laughter in order not to awake my mum and dad...sorry...I've been reading a lot of books with British people in it and I haven't quite gotten out of it. Oh well...I'm off to the next chapter! I just love Trowa!! *sighs*
Peace out!

[Kysra]

And the secrets will be revealed . . .

athena: It is my solemn vow to convert all GW fans to the 3XR church of coupledom. As for Catherine and Hilde, my best friend is just like them -- hellbent on catching me a man and single-handedly saving me from a loveless life. She is currently fixated on the Pepsi man :-?

wickedchild_md: Me too, hun. Me too. *stares and drools at her Trowa poster*

Kanya Barton: I love Trowa, I really do (I love all the G-boys), and I have to say, I am very similar to Noin in temperament. Just a little side-story, I often act out scenes before I write them, and my parents walked in while I was throttling an imaginary Zechs

As always, thank all of you for reading!

- Kysra