The Unseen Pathway- Ch.15 and Epilogue (TB x HS)

[Silent Moon Sphinx]

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters.

Second Semester

Warning/Notes: Please be aware of the PG-13 rating in this chapter! Ow-ow! Finally! I don't think it's really quite a lime, almost though, so be warned.

Also, by this point everyone should know that I am a completely obsessed Trowa fangirl and will shamelessly write about how damn good the boy looks at every opportunity. Lots 'o Trowa worshipping in this chapter.

Chapter Fifteen
?Let?s find out, shall we??


It was amazing how much Trowa had improved after only a day. Unlike yesterday, when he had preferred to sit still and rest, the boy was now up and moving. Hilde was not sure he should have been taking things so quickly, but apparently, after three days of sleep, Trowa had insisted he was quite ready to get out of bed.

Hilde had suggested a walk, and the boy agreed with much more enthusiasm than the girl expected. Hilde found that she, too, was in great need of the outdoors. She had basically spent her whole break inside tending to Trowa. This walk, she decided, was a special occasion, and she inspected herself in the hall mirror as Trowa was changing in her room.

Cocking her head in the mirror, Hilde studied the image reflected there. Her eyes were tired and face pale, but her expression had brightened considerably since Trowa had woken. She added a bit of gloss to her lips and patted her cheeks to give them some color. ?It?s the best it?s gonna be,? she sighed to herself, before the creak of her door caused the girl to turn.

Trowa emerged in a slightly ruffled white button-down shirt, coupled with a nicely fitting pair of jeans--a delicious change from the sweats he had been previously sporting. The change of attire was not the thing that startled the girl, however. It was the fact that Trowa?s shirt was hanging completely unbuttoned, showing a good portion of his defined ab and chest muscles.

?Hilde?? Trowa said for a second time. ?Your roommate is on the vidphone. Did you want to take it??

?Oh!? Hilde gasped. ?Sariah, of course she?s checking up on me. Are you done getting ready, Trowa? I could call her back...?

?I?m fine,? the boy said, with a slight sparkle in his eye as he started slowly buttoning up his shirt while walking very closely past Hilde in the tight hallway. ?It?s all yours.?

Hilde attempted to hide her blush the best she could as she answered the call, though she expected the mischievous smile of Sariah and suggestive wink that accompanied it.

?Well, I?m glad to see you?re following one rule,? the teal-eyed girl quipped, referring to Trowa being the only guy allowed in their room. ?I was just calling to check up on you, but I can see you?re doing quite well for yourself.?

?There?s actually been a ton that?s happened, but I?ll fill you in when you get back. Trowa and I were just stepping out for a walk now, can I call you later??

?I was just going to say I had to go myself,? Sariah said with that evil glare in her eye. ?Carry on then, shirts just don?t unbutton themselves, now do they??

?You?re horrible!!!? Hilde exclaimed. ?There is no such thing going on here.?

Sariah looked at her skeptically. ?What a shame. Well, gotta run. Make sure to have all kinds of fun, Hilde!?

The raven-haired girl could not believe it. What had happened to her shy and quiet roommate? Why on earth did everyone seem to go bananas when Trowa had his shirt undone?

Hilde peeked out towards the suite area where Trowa was calmly waiting for her, the fabric of his half-way buttoned shirt looking all melty against his toned body.

Oh, right?

~*~*~

Little did Hilde know that a thing as simple as taking a walk could lead to so much more. The day was fine and fresh as the two youths meandered through the still vacant campus. There was a light breeze which tossed about the spring blossoms and made the weather pleasant, for although the sun shone brightly, cool wind kisses prevented the warmth from becoming overbearing.

Hilde could tell Trowa was in high spirits, finally able to go outdoors and taste the freedom of fresh air that he was not allowed while bedridden. It probably shouldn?t have surprised her that he wanted to celebrate the occasion as well, but she still looked a bit shocked when he suggested they wander over to the local grocery store together.

It felt strange to Hilde to walk through the aisles, Trowa pushing the cart as they decided what they should cook for dinner. It was strange, yet wonderful. How like a couple they must have looked, Hilde thought to herself as she watched Trowa ponder which brand of spaghetti sauce to choose. And what is it about a man shopping that is somehow cute, and also rather sexy? Hilde couldn?t help the giggle that escaped her as the green-eyed boy seemed so deep in concentration about something so trivial as tomato sauce. Her laugh caused him to look at her, and with a soft smile she recommended one of her favorite brands. He agreed and they moved on through the store together, finally ending up in Hilde?s favorite row, which contained shelves and shelves of beloved ice cream!

Instantly growing excited at seeing all the different brands and flavors to choose from, Hilde grabbed Trowa by the arm to drag him along as she bounced through the aisle in search of the perfect end to their meal. Trowa had done his surprised little widening of the eyes at her sudden contact, which caused Hilde to immediately retract her touch with flushed cheeks. Although it was well established the two had feelings for another, the subject hadn?t quite come up again after Trowa?s brush with death, and Hilde wasn?t too sure how she should act. She supposed she would just wait until he said something about it, for she was a bit shy when it came to matters of romance. But if Trowa kept wearing those nice white oxford shirts, Hilde might not be able to contain herself for too long.

She silently cursed Sally at this point in her thoughts, for the doctor knew of her weakness when it came to men?s attire and the girl was certain Sally herself had prepared the bag of supplies for Trowa. She was a tricky one, that Sally Po, and Hilde made certain she would have some witty remarks prepared for the good doctor and her budding romance with one Wufei Chang the next time they met. Oh yes?two could play at this game.

Hilde was shaken from her devious thoughts when Trowa announced that they seemed to have everything. Hilde was a little sad to have the outing come to an end, as she rather liked having a handsome man at her side to push the cart and cause other female shoppers to cast approving stares at her choice of companion. Yet the way Trowa moved through the store did suggest a familiarity that made Hilde wonder about what was to come. Somehow, this grocery trip seemed only the beginning of this amazing day. For Trowa seemed very nonchalant when she asked him about what he usually did for dinner, just mentioning he could ?whip up a few things?. Hilde knew him well enough by now to reason that the Gundam pilot could probably master cooking as quickly as anything else. And, boy, was she right.

~*~*~

?Trowa, would you please let me help with something?? Hilde said with exasperation as she attempted to apply herself in the kitchen, yet once again was denied.

?As I told you before, I?m going to cook tonight,? Trowa did his best calm, yet commanding tone. ?It?s the least I can do after all the help you?ve given me.?

Hilde wasn?t sure when this arrangement had been decided, but arguing seemed fruitless. The girl didn?t know how he managed it, but Trowa could sway a person to see his side of things with only a few soft words. Besides, she considered, it was a very thoughtful gesture, and Hilde was interested to find out just how good Trowa was in the kitchen.

But patience never really was one of her virtues, and Hilde couldn?t stand the anticipation any longer. She decided to check in on the cook when the wonderful aromas floating from the kitchen were a little more than mouthwatering.

Trowa stood at the stove, casually stir frying veggies in a pan as spaghetti noodles boiled in a giant pot. He had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up about his elbows, and more of his shirt buttons seemed to have come undone from the last time Hilde remembered looking at them, probably due to the heat from the stove. (But the stove still wasn?t the hottest thing in that picture! ^_~)

Everything seemed under control, Hilde noted as she came up and peered over the chef?s shoulder. While hovering close to him, the girl found that his cooking wasn?t the only thing that smelled delightful. Hilde was so near that she was sure she was breathing in the scent of the man himself, and after experiencing that wonderful, heady feeling, realized she was probably a little too close and found herself taking a quick step back.

?I suppose that you?re standing here in protest until I give you something to do?? Trowa questioned, with the hint of an amused defeat in his voice, and Hilde took the opportunity to break her flustering smelling session to heartily agree. Although she would hardly have called standing that close to Trowa an act of protest.

?I?m almost done these vegetables, but I still have some zucchini left over. If you wouldn?t mind chopping it, we can fry it up to add to the sauce,? Trowa suggested.

?Sure thing!? Hilde agreed, before realizing that cooking with Trowa meant she would still get to stand right next to him, as the kitchenette of the suite was quite tiny, and had the sink, counter and stove shoved all into one corner of the room. The close quarters unnerved the girl to no end, not because it was a bad thing, mind you, but because of the things it did to her. Some ideas of which could very well be considered bad. One might imagine what kind of restraint it takes to not drop everything and glomp a very nice-smelling, white button-down shirt wearing, man WHO CAN COOK!

It was another picturesque scene, much like the previous one in the grocery store, as Hilde primly cut vegetables while standing almost shoulder-to-shoulder with Trowa, who was busy checking on the spaghetti noodles. They were now making dinner together, much like a couple would on a date, and Hilde found herself blushing an embarrassingly noticeable shade of red the whole time. For how do you act when you realize you?ve fallen for someone? Every moment seems awkward, every word spoken hangs in the air, like you have an audience of thousands watching your every move. And the worst of it was, Trowa didn?t seem to be affected by this mysterious syndrome at all. There were no intense looks, no heated vibes, no lingering stares. And this caused the girl to become even more frustrated than finding no excuse to lean in for another whiff of Trowa?s delectable scent.

With the preparations finally complete, Hilde and Trowa sat down to a wonderful meal. The Gundam pilot/chef extraordinaire had somehow managed to turn simple spaghetti, vegetables and biscuits into a delicacy. She could definitely get used to this, Hilde thought as she savored each morsel, and decided then and there that her future husband must be a man who could cook.

Trowa humbly accepted her praises, saying that he was glad it turned out okay. And being a former Gundam pilot, then went on to wonder why everyone thought cooking was so hard when you just had to follow directions. His mind was far too analytical to realize that for some people, recipes were just dead set against them, and no matter how hard they tried, an ice cream sundae was probably the one thing they couldn?t mess up.

Which is exactly why Hilde picked ice cream for dessert.

~*~*~

The two sat enjoying sundaes in the suite area, lounging in front of the TV. Hilde had opened a window earlier in the evening to cool the room down after all of the cooking, and now could hear the tiniest drops of rain sprinkle outside. The sound delighted Hilde, who found it to be a beautiful little melody, like little bells tinkering against the earth. But just as it was beautiful, it was almost haunting, as the sound of rain always seems to bring one into a state of reflection, stirring up memories, and then like waves upon shore, washing them away again.

It was at this time Hilde realized that although Spring Break seemed to last forever when Trowa was unconscious, it now was quickly coming to an end now that he was awake and recovering.

It was sad that tomorrow would be their last full day with each other, as it was already Friday, and most of her suitemates would be returning on Sunday to prepare for classes on the upcoming Monday. Hilde felt it was a little unfair that she had only this short time with Trowa well enough recovered to do things together. However, she reminded herself that if not for the mission debacle, she would probably not have seen Trowa at all over break.

Hilde sat in troubled contemplation as Trowa flipped through channels when the earlier winds of the day finally decided to pick up. The previously soft rain now struck the roof of the old dorm in hurried torrents. And, of course, just as night began to creep up on them, the power decided to go off. It wasn?t as if there was a hurricane outside, it was just that the ancient power system of Hilde?s dorm wasn?t known to be dependable in any type of wet and windy weather.

Hilde mumbled a few profanities to herself as she stubbed her toe on a chair, trying to feel for a flashlight in the dark. Finding the object, she rummaged around her room, finally presenting her prize to her silent companion still sitting in the darkness.

?I know you?re not supposed to have these ?fire hazards? in the dorms, but I think this is a very good time to be a little rebellious,? Hilde stated as she lit the medium-sized, vanilla candle and placed it on the coffee table.

?Sooooo?what should we do now?? she awkwardly asked Trowa, who almost looked to be in a peaceful state of meditation. Of course, he could probably sit around in the silent, shadowed room for hours, but she could not.

Finally opening one eye as Hilde sat fidgeting, Trowa glanced around the room, his gaze falling onto one particular corner. ?It?s a bit primitive, I know, but we could always resort to reading.?

At last having something to take her mind off of the way the candlelight warmed the placid face of her crush, Hilde jumped at the opportunity for an activity other than sitting?and staring.

?A bit old-fashioned, but I like it,? Hilde jested as she fetched some books and magazines from the suite bookshelf. ?We have a wonderful collection of Cosmo, Glamour?? Hilde continued to list off the girly magazines, slightly embarrassed by their choice of reading material, but was finally able to pull a few classics out of the assortment. Surprisingly, Trowa first perused a magazine, holding it like some foreign specimen and cocking his head, perplexed at the many different kinds of lipgloss one would need on different occasions, while Hilde herself pulled out one of her books she had long been rejecting: Japanese for Beginners. She eventually wanted to master the language, but until her engineering curriculum allowed her some free electives, she would have to try to learn on her own. At least the subtitled anime she loved to watch was a good start?

Hilde had been sitting on an easy chair somewhat further away from the table in front of the couch upon which Trowa was resting, and it was obvious the arrangement would not do. The one, lone candle seemed to provide enough light for him on the couch, but as Hilde was bringing attention to herself by banging on her quickly dying flashlight, Trowa merely shook his head.

?Come on Hilde. I don?t bite. You can?t read over there. There?s not enough light. There?s room here,? he said matter-of-factly, and gestured at the cushion next to him.

It made perfect sense, but Hilde couldn?t seem to shake the butterflies as she gulped loudly and moved towards him. She was so nervous sitting down that she brushed against Trowa?s leg and consequently grew ever more flustered. She was sure Trowa noticed her slight jump at the contact and her bright red face, but his look remained unaffected.

Quickly growing tired of his reading material, Trowa reached over to the other books Hilde had tossed on the table.

?You have Byron??

Hilde looked up. ?Hai!? she said, displaying her Japanese skills, and he let out a slight smile. ?Pain or pleasure?? he inquired, wondering if it was for a class.

?Pleasure, actually. You like Byron?? Hilde asked, before the shock finally hit her. ?Wait-You read poetry??

?I?ve been known to on occasion,? Trowa replied in a slightly amused tone.

He flipped through the pages as Hilde was whispering some conversational Japanese to herself, but stopped abruptly as Trowa read the following words.

?She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless chimes and starry skies;
And all that?s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellow?d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.?

Hilde was quite sure her eyes had grown twice in size, and she quickly snapped shut her previously dropped jaw at the gentle tone of Trowa?s voice. She was only half listening to his words, but heard enough to recognize the famous poem as he continued.

?One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which moves in every raven tress.
Or softly lightness o?er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.?

Trowa?s voice was intoxicating. In fact, it was making the stunned girl melt more than the beautiful poem was. And the way his lips moved or how an unruly piece of his bangs fell across his face were still more pleasing distractions.

?And on that cheek, and o?er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent.
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent.?

Hilde wasn?t really even listening as the boy read the last stanza. She couldn?t focus on words as much as the rich sounds as Trowa read them, and his handsome features as he calmly completed his recitation. Although she had an inkling that the mysterious pilot might be trying to tell her something through the poem, Trowa merely flipped through the book with his usual nonchalance afterwards, and then handed it to the stunned girl, suggesting she read another to him. Hilde could barely find the words as she rummaged around to pick out on of her favorites, and rather shakily began. And the night passed in a similar fashion, as the two recited poetry aloud, listening to the sound of the rain.

~*~*~

The girl woke to a rather cold morning, which felt even more chilled due to the fact that the night before had been so warm. The candle, the comfort, and the man sitting next to her were all Hilde needed to felt completely cozy inside, much more than even a fuzzy sweater could make her feel.

The last she remembered was being surrounded by warmth, although the light of the candle grew a little fainter and the rich vanilla scent faded away as soft words lulled her to sleep?

Wait a minute! Hilde?s mind suddenly awoke! She must have fallen asleep during Trowa?s turn to recite poetry! And if that indeed was the case, why was she now here tucked in her bed?

Hilde flushed as she realized the only explanation was that Trowa had carried her. And as romantic as that may have been, she dreaded what she might have been like?probably drooling or snoring?oh yes, that would make for a lovely scene.

Pushing away her sheets, Hilde willed her tired form out of bed, nonchalantly gazing at her clock. It was a crime for anyone to be awake this early on Spring Break, Hilde grumbled, but she just had to check on her heroic houseguest, who was literally sweeping the girl off her feet every passing day.

And now she only had this last morning before people started arriving. Trowa had recovered well from his wounds and would be leaving at any time.

And Hilde found herself frustrated. Where are my slippers? she wondered irritably, flinging various clothes lying about the room. Her mood had darkened considerably in the short time she had been awake, and she stopped her frantic searching suddenly when she heard a rustle in the other room.

Trowa?

He would be leaving. He would be leaving her without any renewal of his previous addresses. His actions puzzled her to no end?

Was it selfish of her not to want him to go? Without knowing whether or not he still cared? To read poetry together, to cook dinner, to just sit next to one another? Hilde pouted, very frustrated at this point. She scolded herself at the hot tears she could feel welling up in her eyes as she stood in the middle of her ransacked room, all alone in a pool of discarded wears and mixed up feelings.

But she loved him. She knew that now. She knew that last night. She knew that when Trowa first fell upon her doorstep.

In fact, her love was even greater than before.

And she needed to tell him, show him, touch him?anything that would make him want her again. She needed to do something to let him know she was ready, if he even still was?

~*~*~

Trowa was rummaging through his bag in the suite area when Hilde appeared. She was still in her t-shirt and jeans from the night before, looking a bit disheveled. Although she would have liked to have more time to make herself more presentable for what she was about to do, Hilde thought she shouldn?t waste any more precious moments simply waiting.

She froze in the doorway, however, as she took in the scene before her. Clad only in a pair of loose jeans, Trowa, who had been facing away from her, finally fished up a clean shirt out of the supply bag Duo had brought and seemed to be assessing the rest of its contents. Hilde didn?t let the fact that the morning light softy filtering through the windows against very toned back muscles distract her from noticing Trowa looked like he was packing up to go.

?Are?are you leaving?? she questioned, barely able to get the words out.

Trowa halted his movements and slowly turned to face the girl, sighing a bit while avoiding her eyes. If she wasn?t mistaken, she almost saw a hint of sadness, or was it regret, appear on his face before he was able to wash the expression away with his practiced disaffected look.

?It?s probably time for me to be on my way,? he said. ?I?m well enough now that I can probably go back to my dorm without any question from my roommate. You?ve helped me so much, Hilde, but I don?t want to burden you any longer than I already have. I?ve probably already outstayed my welcome.?

?What are you talking about, Trowa?? Hilde exclaimed.

?I?m sorry,? he said, although Hilde was sure she actually saw a conflicted look passed through his face. ?But, it?s finally time. I?m sorry I put you in this position. You should have never had to worry over me.?

Why was he doing this? Why leave all of the sudden? After a perfect day yesterday and lovely night, he was distancing himself again. His words seemed to go deeper than just leaving today as well. Did he not know how she wanted him? How could he not know, after all of the blushing fits Hilde experienced the previous day?

Hilde just couldn?t understand. But as she got to thinking about it, she had done an extremely good job of restraining herself, and it caused her to question--had she really ever done anything to show Trowa she was ready to accept him?in that way? The girl couldn?t think of any moment when she had, and this time, she refused to let Trowa just detach himself and walk away. So she did the only thing she could think of to do. Striding across the room with purpose, Hilde charged over to the boy, who was looking a perplexed by her actions.

She stopped only a small distance in front of him, as if to reassure herself, and feeling a growing intensity in the small space between them, Hilde finally gained the courage to do what she had to do.

She kissed him. Hard.

?Hilde..?? he whispered uncertainly after the kiss when she instinctively pulled away, almost to confirm what had just taken place.

She took a step backwards, looking as if she might spring away at any moment.
Just as she seemed about to flee, a hand caught her.

?Have you really stopped?? was all he said. It was a very quiet question, though it hit her as forcefully as if it had been screamed. So he had heard her confession when she thought he was sleeping! Was it really true? Had she stopped running?

?Perhaps I should go?? a defeated voice again spoke. Hilde winced, yet still could not look back to the man who still held her outstretched arm.

No?was the only thing that rang clear in her mind. Trowa held her to her spot with more than a hand quickly loosing grip on her wrist. She loved him?she could not let him go?she would not.

?Stay?? she said with a slight crack in her voice.

Hilde turned towards Trowa and took a moment to breath out, her eyes now bright and voice steady. ?I want you to stay here with me.?

His look then- it was everything, it was all she ever needed to feel like this was right. It was complete?love, hope, joy, relief, and so much more.

They both stood still for a while, the request--the plea--sinking in?stares melting into one another until the heat in the air just wasn?t hot enough?just wasn?t the same as skin.

?I wasn?t sure if you were ready. You hadn?t said anything after I woke up,? Trowa said as he drew closer. The fluid movements of his very shirtless body made the girl extremely aware of the closing gap between them, and yet again they found themselves standing barely breaths apart. ?I just couldn?t bear to stay here, with you taking care of me. I didn?t want to grow any more attached than I already had if I knew I could never have you.?

He brought his face closer to hers, yet seemed to just linger around her neck and hair, while still whispering in her ear, ?I was losing myself so fast, I needed to get out before I did something I may have regretted. But luckily--? his hand touched her wrist and slowly moved up along her arm, ??you beat me to it.? She could hear the teasing tone as he slyly referring to her initiation of their first kiss, even though Trowa?s voice had dropped into a throaty, velvet hush of words.

Trowa moved around to face her then, and looked into her eyes with an emotion in his own brilliant green orbs that the girl now recognized as a bit more dangerous than the usual calm and loving gaze he often gave her. And he somehow grew more beautiful with that glint of desire as he gracefully dipped his head closer.

Hilde?s mouth parted ever so slightly in awe, and Trowa took the inviting opportunity with the corner of his mouth crooked up in a smirk that was not in the least bit his usual innocent expression as his lips claimed hers.

He was unlike any other, his lips both gentle and demanding, coaxing her to open more of herself to him and then rewarding her with more sensations?yes, Trowa was a very skilled kisser, indeed.

And again, Hilde found herself not realizing how powerful his form was until she was encircled by toned arms and pressed against his muscular chest. She felt completely safe within the solid and warm haven of Trowa?s embrace, but was even more pleased when his hands began to roam.

Fingers feathered her face and arms and waist like a thousand little kisses. He worshipped her, caressing the fabric of her nightshirt gently, sending pleasurable tingles following each stroke of his hand.

They made their way to her room slowly, and amidst all the sensations, Hilde hardly realized she was moving until the back of her legs bumped against her bed and she was softly lowered onto the mattress as lips continually brushed past one another with each sweet strand of kisses.

Hilde found that she, too, could not keep her hands to herself as she smoothed them over muscles of the shirtless man, gaining sharp hisses of breath when she had found a ticklish spot on stomach or lower back, a reaction that pleased the girl immensely and sent her looking for more secret and responsive places.

Although the passion in the room was probably enough to ignite a bonfire, Trowa was still being quite the gentleman, much to Hilde?s begrudging respect, not trying to reach under any garments and simply sticking to kisses, although those were quite amazing in themselves.

Hilde was not one to complain, but she knew there was more to the nice boy, who always did like to take his time.

?Shirt,? she breathed between kisses.

He nibbled at her neck, planting tender kisses at her throat and managed to breath a ?Huh?? before Hilde recoiled from him.

He brought his head up to hers lazily, and seemed a bit puzzled, a look which turned to worry as she had moved away.

?Oh, for goodness sake, Trowa, let?s ditch this shirt,? Hilde said at the look in his eyes and she quickly took to removing the garment herself and tossed it over her shoulder.

Trowa remained crouched over her in a state which must have been his most shocked in all the times they had known each other. Hilde prided herself of the fact that she was probably one of the only people who had given a bit of life in that indifferent expression he always seemed to wear.

Quite pleased with herself for getting such a reaction out of the normally cool Trowa Barton, Hilde breathed triumphantly, ?I just thought we should make it fair, don?t you think,? she said as her eyes raked over his amazing upper torso.

?I couldn?t agree more,? his voice dropped low and almost playful. And upon her comment, his eyes glowed, drinking in her form. Finally, with Hilde making such a move, he was convinced this dream had indeed come true. She accepted him. She loved him. And right now, she wanted him.

?Do you know what years of pent up sexual frustration does to a person, Hilde?? he practically purred in her ear.

?Let?s find out, shall we??

And he pulled her close for another searing kiss?

~*~*~

Epilogue


The second term of her first school year ended smoothly for Hilde, as the girl finally felt she was getting the hang of this whole college thing. She had just completed her last exam, and found the stress of finals this time around much easier to bear, especially when Hilde was pleasantly surprised to find her new boyfriend was an excellent masseuse.

The last exam had ended just in time, too, for Hilde couldn?t have missed the celebration that was to be thrown not a day after she moved out of her dorms. It was another bash at Quatre?s, but this time, it was being held for a very different cause than simple holiday cheer. The Preventers had decided to have a welcome back party for Trowa to honor his recent efforts in which he single handedly was responsible for the success of a nearly impossible mission. And this time, Hilde could accompany the amazing man, not just as a friend, but?-finally--as his girlfriend.

They arrived at the party arm in arm and were greeted by a cheering crowd and confetti. After a few fond speeches from his superiors and friends, Trowa Barton and his amazing work for the Preventers was celebrated with a grand toast. And soon after, the real party began as music started to play and the crowd soon dispersed into a pleasant mix as people mingled. Hilde hadn?t remembered a happier time when all of her friends were together. It seemed that in the jumbled puzzle of love matches and mis-matches, everyone had finally fallen into place.

The first happy couple Hilde noticed was Heero and Relena. Apparently, Hilde had heard rumors that someone finally talked some sense into the reluctant pilot of 01, and the chocolate-haired boy recently had expressed his love to the vice foreign minister. Relena pleasantly chatted up Hilde while Heero and Trowa exchanged a few words. But Hilde couldn?t help but catch a few pointed looks and sheepish grins from the men, and deduced that the wisdom of Trowa Barton had most likely struck again to bring together the happy couple that stood before them.

Hilde gave Trowa?s arm a squeeze as they moved on through the crowd, but her eyes grew mischievous as she noticed a familiar croissant hairstyle amongst the sea of people. ?Oh look, there?s Sally!? Hilde exclaimed, ?Let?s go say hi, shall we?? she said as innocently as she could, leading Trowa over to her guardian.

Delighted at seeing the Preventers? doctor engaged in a heated conversation with Wufei, Hilde finally had the opportunity to get Sally back for sneakily throwing the white oxford shirt into Trowa?s bag, which had turned the poor girl into a giddy pile of goo whenever he was near.

?So, when was the wedding?? Hilde interjected the quip into the lover?s quarrel with a surprising restraint of the amusement she was feeling.

That little remark certainly brought both Preventers? agents to a screeching hault in their conversation.

Sally looked at Hilde, her mouth forming a little ?o? with a look of confusion on her face, while Wufei?s brow furrowed deeply. All the surprised man could do was let out an exasperated ?What is your woman talking about, Barton??

Hilde rolled her eyes at Wufei?s conduct towards her, soon after catching the delighted green pool?s of her boyfriend?s own brilliant orbs.

?I just thought that with the way you two were bickering, you were an old married couple by now,? Hilde said as sweetly as she could. As if that wasn?t enough, she even added. ?And I must say, a very passionate one at that!?

Everyone could see the face of the Chinese man grow very serious and begin to redden, but whether it was from anger or embarrassment, one couldn?t tell.

?Oh look, there?s your sister, Trowa!? Hilde remarked as Sally gave a worried glance to her strangely quiet boyfriend. The raven-haired girl gave a playful goodbye wave and wicked wink to Sally as she made a graceful exit with Trowa--who was stifling chuckles--to wander off towards Catherine across the room.

Hilde was delighted with herself for getting back at Sally, for she had not only flustered the couple, but the girl was quite sure she had seen Wufei grow very contemplative after mentioned the big ?M? word. Maybe the doctor and Preventers? agent would have a reason to bicker like a married couple sometime soon after all!

Hilde giggled as she gauged Trowa?s reaction to his sister?s very eye-catching, sizzling red dress that did well to complement her fiery locks. Immediately giving her a disapproving brotherly stare--one of those classic looks that one gets not because she doesn?t look absolutely gorgeous, but exactly because of the fact that she does?Trowa let out a soft sigh at her laughing eyes.

Catherine smiled prettily at her younger brother?s concerned look as an act of defiance and then shot Hilde a wink before engaging the couple in conversation. Apparently, Catherine didn?t see why Trowa was giving her a look of disapproval when his own date looked as if she could easily have a following of male admirers given her off the shoulders, slick black dress. But before the sibling spat could really begin, a very jolly Duo arrived back to his date with some punch and joined in the group, acting a bit tipsy.

?I think the Maguanacs spiked it again, sneaky bastards,? Duo said of the pink tinted beverage, before greeting Hilde and Trowa cheerily while slipping an arm around Catherine.

Trowa took the affectionate gesture rather well, Hilde thought, only letting that scary eye-twitch escape him before his face grew softer when she found his hand and gave it a squeeze.

?So it looks like you two crazy kids are doin? well,? Duo said cheerily.

?I should say the same to you,? Hilde returned.

?Let?s just say there?s nothing like a couple of daggers to whip a man into shape,? Duo joked.

?Need we even mention the handcuffs,? Catherine whispered suggestively under her breath, after which Trowa promptly stiffened and turned.

?Hey--wait up buddy, where are ya going?? Duo called after him.

?I?m gonna need some of that punch,? the boy said in a grave tone, with a look that suggested he didn?t want any mental pictures of the information he had just received.

?Oh, stop teasing him,? Hilde said to the couple, even as she giggled at their antics. ?He?s really very protective of you, Catherine. And Duo, I would behave yourself if you don?t want Trowa to come back with a real punch later on. I?ve witnessed quite a nasty right hook.?

After such a comment, it was no surprise that when Trowa returned to the group a few moments later with an ample supply of punch, the braided boy was no where to be seen.

~*~*~

It was late into the night when Hilde and Trowa finally had a chance to sit down and chat with the host of the party and his lovely date. Quatre and Sariah looked so happy together, constantly giving each other little looks or touches. They seemed to fit so perfectly, Hilde couldn?t have imagined why she hadn?t thought of getting them together before that magical evening in Little Italy.

Hilde took the opportunity to study her friends while Trowa engaged them in small talk. Sariah looked heavenly in a soft aqua number that was the mark of elegance, yet Hilde could still see little accents here and there that lead her to believe her roommate had made the beautiful dress herself. Quatre?s eyes sparkled in a deeper teal color. Hilde had never remembered him seeming so content and relaxed as he sat there, a true smile gracing his usually tired looking features.

?Did you ever think things would end in this way?? Sariah said in her soft voice to Hilde once the men were engaged in a conversation about Preventers? work.

?I could never have imagined,? Hilde conceded, gazing at their two amazing boyfriends. ?But if you think about it, this is only the beginning. Our first year of college is officially over, and look at all that?s happened. Sheesh, I hope we?ll be able to survive another three years!?

?Ah, I?m sure it will pass more quickly than it should. I?m a little sad to see our first year already gone, though. We?ll have the nicer upper class dorms next year, yet I?ll be sorely missing our view,? Sariah sighed.

?I think I already have the best view of the bunch?and a close up, too,? Hilde said of her own star lacrosse player.

?Oh, and it was so nice of Trowa to have his teammates help us move out from that awful fourth floor,? said Sariah way too sweetly. ?Especially when it was so hot that day! And they didn?t even complain! I?ll always remember how they just took off their shirts, **swish**, and off they went to work again. I wonder, do they do move in as well??

Hilde was thrown into a laughing fit. ?Probably,? she said between giggles. ?But I can?t guarantee the shirtless factor in autumn.?

?And why would you want that anyway?? Quatre joined in the conversation at this point?it was hard not to notice of what the girls were speaking, as they had grown increasingly giddy at the talk of shirtless men. ?You known I?m perfectly happy to go sans shirt any time you wish??

Sariah?s smile was never wider. ?Any time???

~*~*~

The party atmosphere lightened considerably as a very shirtless Quatre Winner and his mischievous date moved onto the dance floor. After a few whistles and hollers, many of the other previously conversing guests soon followed them to the floor, and the whole party seemed to move into the grand ballroom of the Winner estate.

Surprised, yet impressed by how well Quatre took Sariah?s little joke, it was a wonderful opportunity for Trowa to grow a little less formally attired, as he shed his tux jacket and loosened his tie considerably.

?I never was one for this formal stuff,? Trowa admitted a bit sheepishly to his date, while unbuttoning a couple of the confining top buttons of his crisp oxford shirt.

?Perhaps you should take our host as an example,? Hilde said slyly, hinting to her gorgeously built boyfriend to have a little fun and take off his shirt.

?Maybe later if you?re lucky,? he said, and his voice did that wonderful dropping into a slightly deeper and throaty tone. After that, it looked for a moment that he might pounce on Hilde?he had that ardent gleam in his eye--but he simply moved to take her by the hand, and then lead her out to the dance floor.

They fell into a comfortable fit in each other?s arms. Hilde fingered the material of his collar and half-undone tie, whispering ?Ah, how you tempt me?, and then gaining a feather light kiss on the neck from Trowa in response.

The song that had been playing was neither too slow nor too fast, but it soon ended as a familiar, haunting melody began to play.

The song that Quatre had played on the violin during their first date at Little Italy now filled the room, seeping slowly as the couples on the dance floor fell into hushed and measured rhythm, each movement lingering on the drawn chords of the melody.

Hilde looked over to see Quatre now coming back from requesting the piece from his hired musicians, and he moved in to closely hold Sariah for a slow dance. And almost in the same moment, the raven-haired beauty felt herself completely become enveloped in Trowa?s arms as he gently, yet with some little force, bought her firmly against him.

She took it all in: his warm, solid form, the fabric of his shirt against her bare shoulders, his smell?a faint spice mixed with soap and aftershave?that unique scent of a freshly showered man that?s so strangely irresistible it should be bottled.

The tune to which they gently swayed was beautiful and deep, sensual and full, and Hilde was brought to a state of total and complete contentment. She felt as though she had finally arrived to this sacred place, and that she would always be able to rest in the sanctuary of Trowa?s arms.

Hilde had once heard that life was full of pathways, invisible pathways that when followed, never ended. They always lead into another opening, a new beginning, though the fate of the pathways might not be immediately seen or understood. Her whole college adventure was the result of a seemingly unbelievable puzzle of pathways that she could never quite make sense of until now. But here, in Trowa?s tight embrace, Hilde knew that these pathways were all perfectly woven to lead her not into limitless beginnings, but to a single, perfect destination. The young woman was now certain that all unseen pathways lead to the heart. They travel through the soul, taking countless twists and turns, but they all end in the same place. And though she would continue journeying on pathways still, she had finally found her heart would always lead her back to him.

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?Behind all seen things lies something vaster; everything is but a path, a portal, or a window opening on something other than itself.?

~Antoine de Saint-Exepery
The Wisdom of the Sands

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Well, that's it. That's the end.

I'd like to thank every single person who was kind enough to take the time to read this and review. You all have really made all the difference. You inspired me to keep writing and always brightened my day with your kind words. I can't tell you how much it means to me. **Giant Duo-style bear hugs for everyone**

Sphinx's nostalgic time: It was so hard to finish this thing, as schoolwork has been incredibly insane. And although I'm so relieved it's finally done, I'm also a bit sad--three years in the making, can you believe it? Even though there were lots of stories in this and characterizations pulled from my own college adventures, *sigh* I'm still lookin' for a Trowa Barton to show up in one of my engineering classes.

This chapter was dedicated to my wonderful friend Kay-chan who is studying in Japan. Happy birthday on October 29th! Hope you are having a rockin good time.

And of course thankies to my beta reader Jin. I know I probably totally shocked her, as this chapter was a bit on the scandelous side in some parts. Believe me, I was completely blushing the whole time I was writing. But Sphinx may not be as innocent as she looks, ne? **suggestive eyebrow raise** Kidding, kidding again!

Besides *grumbles* how can I even have time for any such thing with the courses I'm taking? Speaking of which, I'm off to go cry in a corner thinking about this biomed lab I have to do. I swear, Immunofluorescence will be the death of me...

Oh, and another little disclaimer: the Byron poem was fun to throw in. I do not own "She Walks in Beauty", just used it here to set the mood for romance...wheeeeeeee....(I am so sappy).

It has been a wonderful journey and my pleasure to share this story with all of you!

Best wishes for everyone in their pathways of life, both seen and unseen.

~Love, Sphinx

[Waking Dreamer]

AMAZING! I was so excited to see everything came into a full circle (nice job btw using the quote from the Little Prince author again ;D The English major approves! =D), and I am also so sad to know the story has ended... now, if only I could find a Trowa and a Quatre, willing to take off their shirts, anytime? Woo.. ;D Great story, as always. =)

[silversong]

Oh, thank you! You finished it! It was an absolutely wonderful ending, a much-needed pick-up for my stressful day. I am very sad that it is over, but very glad that it has gone so well!

~Silversong

[Kanya Barton]

Ahhhhhh, now I see what you meant by unseen pathways...wow. That was really, really good! I loved every chapter of it! Sphinx...this truly is a masterpiece...and who can blame you for praising Trowa's heavenly body? I know I would LoL...yup...there are some lucky girls in this story.
Once again, this is a great story and it will probably be put into one of my favourites!
Peace out!

[Beck]

Been wanting to comment on this since last week but kept getting side tracked. *sigh contently* As much as I didn't want it to end just yet, you lead it all up to how it should've been. DAMN DAMN, HOT DAMN!!!! Do you know how hard this was to finish reading when you start having naughty images of Trowa in my head???!!!!! F' ME!!!! You need a cold shower after reading his vision. Hell I'm sure Hilde had to do some of her own too.

It feels like I have so much to gush about this but I'm a lost for words.

Wonderful end to a wonderful fic, how's that?

[Silent Moon Sphinx]

Oh! I feel so special! After a very stressful--not one, but TWO--hell weeks in a row, the comments all of you wonderful people have made mean the world to me!!! So a long overdue round of thanks for you:

Dreamer--> If you happen to find a Trowa and Quatre who will take off their shirts anytime, YOU WILL LET ME KNOW!!! Right? Right? *puppy eyes* If you do, I'll find a guy who looks like Vash for you around campus.

Silversong-->Thanks so much for all of your support. Stress sux, doesn't it? I'm glad to know you felt better after reading, tho. I can't tell you what a compliment that is! So thank you again, and let's all think of warm, fuzzy thoughts to melt that stress away...Quatre in a bunny suit perhaps...or we could just make him and Trowa shirtless as usual. That never gets old.

Kanya--> Quote: "and who can blame you for praising Trowa's heavenly body? I know I would" Lol! I feel so much better now. When I reread the chapter, I was seriously starting to believe some people would think I really needed help because all I seem to do is go on and on about Trowa's gorgeous body. But lord knows, it's about the only fantasizing I can do nowaways. I keep seeing stuff about these so called ravishers of BI women around. Maybe I need to get me one of those? I'm a lady in neglect here! Well, really engineering has consumed my life, and real life guys just don't seem to be cuttin' it who take my classes. I mean, I know they all can't look like Trowa, but if you remember reading my thoughts on E-school guys...well...you know how it is. (And I'm sorry if I offend any engineering guys reading this--there are many very nice E-school guys, and cute ones too, and I even like a somewhat cute nerdy guy---but there are just none in my classes like that ) Ok, I will really stop getting off track now. Kanya, THANK YOU for all of the lovely comments you always give me! I'm so honored this story will be one of your favorites. *blush* Thank you so so much!

Beck--> Oh, how I always enjoy your comments. Thank you again for your reply this time. I must say, I'm very pleased Trowa had such an impression on you. (It's nice to know I'm not the only one who gets naughty images of him in my head! Ow-ow!! I mean....um...yeah)
Well, actually, seeing how popular Trowa boy is here on this forum, I suppose I'd be more surprised if people didn't think of him that way. He seems to be King of the Alt. forum, and it ain't hard to see why. Ahem...but I digress. Thanks again for being a constant source of support for this story!

Thank you all for everything! You really are the best!!!! Sorry if some of my comments are ramblings that make no sense....I am severly sleep deprived. Wheeeeee!

Love,
Sphinx

[bookworm]

SMS, it wouldn't matter what some ppl think when u praise Trowa's body (if they think ur weird, that is). If I were them, I would say Hallelujah (sp?) for each scrumptious detail of Trowa's body. Or Heero's. Or Quatre's. Or Duo's. Or Wufei's. Or Zech's. Or Treize's. I think u get the meaning. (But since I'm a Heero fan first and foremost, I would want to praise his body first, then Trowa. ) If I were Hilde, then I get to admire Trowa's body...*drool* (And if I was Relena, same thing. *double drool*)
OK, enough about my fav couple. Back to the story. This alt. fic is great. I usually don't read a lot of alt. couples, but this is one of the few exemptions that I did. Trowa is such a...

*clears throat*

I think I better go. Too much sexy guy images running thru my head is not good for me. I already took a shower and I really don't want to take a cold shower, esp. since it is already cold outside. So I better stop while I'm at it, ne?

SMS, I salute u!

[Silent Moon Sphinx]

Bookworm:

It always makes me so happy when people take a chance on Alt stories and enjoy them! I'm so glad you liked the fic and are someone who appreciates the epitomy of hottness that is Trowa Barton! (And Heero, of course)

And say what!? Too much sexy guy images running through your head is never a bad thing!!! They can keep you warm in the cold. *wink* hee hee

Thanks so much for your reply!!!!

~Sphinx

[Cinthya_Dee]

I must say this is one of the most amazing stories I have ever read. It was well written, the characters were wonderfully portrayed ( no ooc), the setting was quite appropriate ( I'm really looking forward to College this Year), and it kept me in it till the end. it makes me really sad for this story to end.....(if it was up to me it would keep going to at least 20 more chapters).......but either way it was a great story. the pace was perfect Trowa and Hilde fell in love gradually which made it more believable. You made the moments between them sweet and intense. Since I loved this story I'm going to check out more of your writings.

Till next time
Cinthya_Dee