Love's Labours Lost Chapter 3 by Stella and Rose

[blackrose]

?But Heero?? Vash whined. ?What if we?ya know?NEED?.?

The cab driver snorted, his tiny eyes finding the tall blond?s reflection in his mirror. ?Sounds like yous better git used to datin your hand.?

Title: Love's Labours Lost
Author: Stella and the Black Rose
Category: AU. Romance. Comedy. Crossover (w/Esca, Trigun, and Weiss Kreuz)
Rating: PG-13 for now.
Warnings: ummmmmmmm...none I can think of
Spoilers: It's AU. No spoilers.

(If you haven't read them yet, you can find the Prologue , Chapter 1, and Chapter 2 here)



Pairings: This chapter - hints of Vash x Meryl, Ran (Weiss Kreuz) + Relena, vague reference to Van x Millerna (Esca), and Treize + Iria o_O

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Disclaimer: We do not own Gundam Wing, Escaflowne, Trigun, Weiss Kreuz, or Andrew Talon. This fan fiction has no commercial value and we am not making any kind of profit or income off of this.



Chapter 3



Heero had never been one for crowds. He hated them, in fact. Second on his list of least favorite things had to be cold weather. He was used to bleak and dreary Seattle winters filled with day after day of rain and rain and?more rain, and was long familiar with spending most of the winter indoors.

Not like it had ever been a difficult task. Work was inside his office and his house, where the heater was in tiptop condition, and his driver always had the car fully warmed for his commute. But this was not Seattle. And looking around at the masses of people crammed into the Newark airport baggage claim area for Cinq Airways brought him to two conclusions: 1 ? that New York City was not the place to be to avoid crowds, and 2 ? that judging from the way everyone else was bundled up, and the general chill that was already nipping at his exposed skin, it was damn cold outside. He scowled and reached into his duffel bag to retrieve his cell phone. He was going to need Millie to send him some of his winter clothing along with the status reports she would be mailing next week.

Before he could make the call, however, the phone display blinked, then illuminated the little message icon signaling he had voice mail. Heero frowned at the little gadget in his hand. Millie had been given strict orders that she wasn?t supposed to call unless it was a matter of life and death. It had been what, ten hours since they left Seattle?

He was ripped from his thoughts by the sight of his suitcases making the round on the luggage carousel, and stepped forward to collect them.


*****************************************************

The scream of car horns reverberated against the airport building behind them, blending in a strange, minor harmony that held a distinctly urban sound. The winter air bit the flesh of his knuckles, turning them red and numb; he gasped in frosty breaths as his body tried to adjust to the cold. Whose brilliant idea was New York City in the middle of winter? He released his bags at the curb and jammed his hands into his pockets, desperate for warmth.

?So where are we going?? A shivering blond asked from the corner of his vision. Hair not spiky, must be Quatre. His mind fought against the cold to keep working.

?I arranged for a apartment near campus. It should be sufficient for our needs, nothing too elaborate.? His lips were already splitting and beginning to feel sore.

?What kind of car did you get?? Van came over and joined the small huddle, dancing from one toe to the other as he spoke.

?We?re in New York City, we don?t need a car.?

?We have to walk?? Vash?s wild mane suddenly bobbed in front of his face.

?Or take a cab,? Heero bit out, fighting not to let his teeth chatter. ?Trust me, you don?t want to drive.?

Vash scrunched up his face at the suggestion, but stood still, his emerald eyes eagerly devouring the new sights around them. He seemed wholly unaffected by the cold. Heero thought that if he tried to wrinkle his skin like that, it would crack and fall off.

Vash turned back to face his friends. ?I don?t want to ride in a cab, either. Those guys can?t drive, can?t speak English, and will totally screw you if they know you?re not from the area.?

?Just tell them you swore off men, too.? Van smirked as he razzed his friend.

Vash scowled. ?Ha?ha??

?They can?t be worse than Van,? Quatre spoke up from under the hood of his jacket.

?Hey!?

?I?m with Quatre,? Vash admitted. ?I saw my life flash before my eyes when you drove us to that meeting last week! It was pretty depressing, too,? the blond pouted. ?No women, no booze, oh wait?that?s my life NOW.?

?Shut up.? Van spat through his clicking jaw.

?Oh, hey! There?s my ride,? Vash grinned and pointed at the silver, ten passenger limousine that had just pulled up at the curb a few feet away. He started toward the sleek automobile, only to come to a screeching halt as someone caught his shirt collar from behind and tugged ? HARD.

?No extravagance.? Heero growled, keeping his fistful of Vash?s shirt as he pushed his friend in the opposite direction ? towards a cab that was coming to a stop in the middle of the street. It was blocking traffic, which prompted a medley of car horn blasts accompanied by lyrical shouts of ?Up yours, pal!? The driver, however, appeared unfazed as he waddled around the side to open the trunk of the car.

?Hey, boss, I can?t breathe!?

Heero released his grip on Vash?s shirt and tossed his bags into the back. ?Get in the car.?

?Ah man! We?re taking more than one, right??

?No, shove your stuff in the trunk and let?s go. I don?t want to give directions twice, and besides, we?re on a budget now.?

?I like that car better,? Vash whined, pointing back to the limo. ?We?re going to be squooshed??

?Shotgun!? Van called out, attempting to stuff the last of his bags in the cab?s small trunk.

?What? No way!? Vash rushed to the front of the car, ready to stake his claim. ?I get car sick.? He pulled open the door and started to sit inside. ?If anyone should ride in the front??

?It will be me,? Heero cut in, his right arm snatched the top of the door frame before Vash could shut it. ?I have to call in to Millie and make sure everything?s all right.?

?What happened to no business?? Vash asked, his fingers flexing on the metal handle as he held his ground.

?Unfortunately, we still have to be somewhat on hand in case of emergency.?

?And you think there?s an emergency?? The red-clad man rose and crossed his arms, but stood fast between the open door and the car - still barring Heero?s advance towards the front seat.

?I have one missed call on my phone, Millie?s the only one not present that has the number, and I told her it had better be a matter of life and death if she disturbed me. So, yes, I think there?s an emergency.?

?Oh. Mr. Logical strikes again.? Vash turned up his nose and glared at Heero from the corner of his eye.

?Hn. Do you want a company to go back to? Get out of the way.?

?All right, fine. But I need a window seat in case I have to throw up.?

Van leaned out from his place in the rear of the taxi. ?Vash, stop being such a wimp.?

?Do you want my kosher meal and peanuts all over your lap??

Van abandoned his frown momentarily as he stared up at the man leaning on the car door. ?Why did you get a kosher meal? You?re not Jewish.?

Vash tucked both hands behind his head and started towards the backseat. ?Just like to keep those airline people on their toes.?

?I?m sure they appreciate that. Get in the car and let?s go.?

?Hell-oh, mister cab-driver man. And how are you doing to-day?? Vash greeted the person behind the wheel as he slid into the back. He looked up into hostile, dark brown eyes glaring at him in the rearview mirror.

?Ehhhh heh heh. I mean?I was just kidding.?

?Git your ass in the cahr mister funny man.?

?Yes sir!?

Vash?s head bounced off the backseat as the cab shot forward, narrowly missing a hotel shuttle and cutting off a black Mercedes and another taxi. Leaving screeching tires and blaring horns in their wake, they were finally on their way into the city. He slowly opened his eyes and peered cautiously out the window. Leaning forward, he tentatively tapped the driver?s shoulder. ?I?m no expert, mister taxi driver sir, but aren?t you supposed to drive on one side or the other of that yellow line there? I don?t think we?re supposed be riding in the middle of it.?

?Whose drivin this freakin cab??

?Um, you are?.?

?Thas right. Ah?m drivin it. So keep yur mouth shut!?

Green eyes turned to look at dark-haired man next to the driver. ?Boss, he?s scarier than you are. Hey!? Vash cried out as Heero?s hand came up and pushed against his face, shoving him backwards into his seat. The President of G.L.L.C. didn?t even let go of the cell phone he held to his ear while he waited for Millie?s voice to inform him of the latest crisis.

?Jerk,? Vash grumbled and shot daggers at the back of his friend?s head.

Mr. Yuy, I?m so sorry to bother you, sir. I know you said not to call unless it was an emergency, but the man said that if you didn?t meet him he?d be really upset. And so I think you really should meet him since he is our number one client and all, although it?s not technically a matter of life and death to any particular person, it could be very bad for the company.

So, anyway, you?re supposed to meet him for dinner tomorrow night in New York City. He?s going all the way there just to meet with you. Well, and also to see his sister, he said. He?s very nice, Mr. Yuy, I know you said you don?t like him, but, really, I don?t know why not. I guess it?s lucky you all chose New York City since they do have an office there that his sister is in charge of. He wasn?t nearly as upset as he could have been to find out you weren?t here.

Oh, I?d better go, there?s another call. Hope you?re having fun. Say hello to Mr. Vash for me. Bye!

?Errrrrg.? Heero growled while the recording ended. Millie was very intelligent, most of the time, but she had her air-headish tendencies to forget key details when leaving him messages ? things like the man?s name whom he was supposed to be meeting, where they were meeting, and why he had called. His face contorted at the seemingly innocent phone as if it was the one responsible. Nothing had gone right today.

?What?s up?? Van asked from the back seat.

?Not sure. All I know is I have a dinner meeting tomorrow night somewhere in the greater metropolis of New York City.?

?Another one of Millie?s voice mail messages, huh?? Van guessed.

?Yes,? Heero answered in a dark tone. ?She says to tell ?Mr. Vash? hello.?

?Hellooo!?

Heero turned and glared at his friend, but then shifted his gaze to the man on the other side of the car.

?Quatre.?

?Yes, Heero??

?Who is our largest client at the moment??

The marketing director pounced on the question before Quatre could open his mouth. ?In the third quarter of this year, Peacecraft Computer Corp. was officially the largest distributor of Z/OS on all their home-based systems. However, we have practically zero share, no pun intended, of their very lucrative server division.?

?Something we?ve been trying to remedy for some time,? Quatre added. ?But our relationship with PCC isn?t very good since you and Mr. Peacecraft hate each other.?

?Ah. My dinner meeting.? Heero rolled his eyes.

Van leaned forward. ?You?re meeting Milliardo Peacecraft for dinner tomorrow night??

?According to the clues Millie left, yes.?

?What did she say??

?Something to the effect that our number one client called and will be meeting me for dinner tomorrow night. Someone she knew I disliked.?

?Yep. That?s gotta be him,? Van sat back into his seat, crossing his arms again and occasionally throwing a sidelong glare in Vash?s direction. ?Wonder what he wants.?

Heero drummed his fingers on the taxi?s greasy armrest and stared at his phone. ?Whatever it is has to be important if he?s willing to travel all the way to New York City.?

?They do have offices out here,? Quatre said. ?Maybe he was heading out this direction anyway, Heero.?

?Or maybe they want to start offering our new server software on their systems. Their hold on the server market slipped a bit last quarter compared to others offering Z/OS Server,? Van suggested.

Heero shook his head. ?Doubtful. They?ve been the biggest supporter of Alliance-ware forever. At one point, they tried to get Noventa to write a GUI1 interface for it to run on their home PCs so that they wouldn?t have to use Z/OS at all.?

?Yeah,? Van nodded. ?I?ve often wondered why it was that didn?t happen.?

Quatre looked from one man to the other. ?Supposedly, one of their high-ranking officers recommended against it. Their CEO did an about-face on the issue, and the next thing anyone knew, PCC was number one in the industry ? well, in the home and small business servers. Krushrenada Systems still has the hold on the high-end, million-transactions-per-second market.?

?Hn.? Where does he get this stuff?

Vash, getting bored with counting the cigarette burns in the seat upholstery, turned inquisitive eyes on the man in the front seat. ?Hey, Heero, why do you and Mr. Peacecraft hate one another??

Heero exhaled through his nose as he tightened his grip on the cell phone. ?He?s an idiot. He wouldn?t know a computer from a hole in the ground. He?s a businessman, not a computer expert.?

Van smirked. ?He used to pick on Heero when we were in high school, remember??

Vash?s jaw dropped. ?Geez, that was years ago. I didn?t know you were the type to hold a grudge, Heero.?

?I?m not. I really couldn?t care less.? The GLLC president fixed his attention on the city street just outside the window. ?He?s the one that insists on carrying his dislike of me into the business world. Which isn?t very smart business.?

Vash?s eyes drooped closed. ?Uhhhhng?? He moaned as the driver swerved to avoid an unlucky pedestrian.

?What?s wrong Vash?? Quatre asked.

?How much longer ?til we get there?? Their usually boisterous friend gulped slow, even breaths.

?Another ten miles or so. Our place is uptown. Why??

?I don?t feel so good.?

Van gave a hard look to the man sitting next to him, noticing his complexion had taken on an ashen hue. ?Roll your window down if you have to puke, Vash. If you throw up on me, I swear I?ll kill you.?

?Thanks, you?re a real pal,? he groaned, languidly reaching for the switch on the door. ?Oh man, the window won?t roll down!?

?That window?s busted,? the driver barked. ?The one on the other side works.?

?You?re just going to have to hold on? Van insisted. ?I?m not kidding, I really will kill you if you throw up on me.?

?I need air!? Vash cried, crawling over Van. ?Quatre, roll down the window. Please!?

?Vash, get off of me! What the hell are you??

?It?s freezing out there!? the other blond said, shivering at the thought of letting the cold air in. ?Can?t you just hold on for another couple of miles??

?I?m not kidding you guys!? Vash shouted, flopping across the two other men and desperately grasping for the window control on Quatre?s side.

The car lurched forward as it came to a stop, and Vash?s complexion turned a ghastly shade of green. Just in time, he threw the door open and vomit spewed onto the steaming city street.

?Ugh! Vash?? Quatre turned his head, locking eyes with Van.

?Well, this adventure is off to a fantastic start,? he seethed. ?We nearly missed our flight; Vash is likely to spew on us at any moment; and before we even land, Heero was scheduled to have dinner with the least agreeable of our clients??

?No, Van ? actually I think that Treize is the least agreeable of our clients. He?s an ass.?

?Quatre!? Vash?s head popped up as the door closed. The cab rolled ahead and Vash rested his head on his friend?s knee. ?I can?t believe I heard those words come out of your mouth. That?s so..so?impolite!?

A dangerous look stole over the usually mild-mannered Financial Officer?s features. ?Well, the last time we attended a charity function, he was hitting on Iria2, in front of his wife. I was so angry; I wanted to punch him in the mouth. And poor Iria, she couldn?t get rid of him to save her life.?

?Man,? Vash said, picking himself up and scooting back to his own side of the cab. ?I wonder how his wife puts up with him. Anybody have some gum??

?His money,? Van answered, fishing in his pocket and handing a few pieces to Vash.?

?That?s gotta be it.?

?She?s another one of those society women,? Heero spoke up from the front seat.

?Yeah, like Millerna,? Van said in a low voice, his eyes staring at the gummy off-color carpet in the backseat of the cab.

?She?s not worth your time, Van.? Heero turned to glance at his friend. ?You ought to be glad you came to your senses when you did ? before she cleaned out your bank account.

?She and that Schezar guy deserve each other,? Vash said, the mint from the chewing gum momentarily quelling the turmoil in his gut. ?He did you a favor, if you ask me.?

?I don?t get it,? Van shrugged. ?On the one hand, we?re regarded as social lepers ? the computer geeks completely oblivious to societal norms and not fit for any respectable woman. On the other, we?ve got every female trying to earn a living on her back clamoring for our bank accounts. It?s frustrating. Why can?t there be any decently intelligent, attractive women out there that?.?

?Would be a complete distraction and violation of our agreement.? Heero finished.

Vash crossed his arms and sneered. ?Dream wrecker.?

?We agreed.?

?But Heero?? Vash whined. ?What if we?ya know?NEED?.?

The cab driver snorted, his tiny eyes finding the tall blond?s reflection in his mirror. ?Sounds like yous better git used to datin your hand.?

Vash blanched and threw the back of the cab driver?s head a withering glare. ?No one asked you.? He crossed his arms and settled back in his seat, closing his eyes against the nauseating sway of the automobile. They would be at the apartment in a moment?.


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Daylight had hedged into early evening, taking its effect on numerous things in its path. Relena?s suit jacket had been unbuttoned and discarded; her hair torn from its upswept design, now cascaded in golden waves around her oval-shaped face. No matter how long they had taken up the private booth at Vassani?s restaurant, Ran still hadn?t budged on the issue at hand.

?So, you?re telling me there is no possible way to make this work??

Intense blue eyes stared into hers, unyielding in their intelligence and probably anything else their owner decided to pursue. ?It?s not impossible. It?s just more difficult.?

She nodded, leaning in closer to the man who shared the table. ?I understand that, but??

?Is there anything else I can get you Miss Peacecraft??

Relena blinked. That strange maitre?d had been showing up at the most inconvenient of times ? always red-faced, as if blushing, his mop of brown hair looking like it needed a good combing, and half-hiding his forest green eyes. He had introduced himself when they walked in?what was his name? ?Ummmm, I could use a refill on my iced tea, Mr. Talon 3.?

?Andrew, Miss Peacecraft. May I call you Relena?? He asked and took her hand, bringing it up to his lips in a chivalrous gesture.

?I??

Ran glowered at the interruption, looking up from the paperwork sprawled across the table. ?Do your job and bring the lady some tea.?

?I?m?yes sir, right away.? His eyes darted quickly towards the floor.

?That was?odd,? Relena mumbled, watching the tuxedo-clad Mr. Talon depart.

?No,? Ran reasoned, pushing the papers aside and focusing on Relena?s face. ?You?ve caught quite a few admiring glances since we?ve entered the restaurant.?

?Hadn?t noticed.?

?So I noticed.?

Relena glanced up and met his eyes, observing for the first time how deep the color seemed to bleed into his soul. For a moment, she saw something spark in his gaze, causing a rush of blood mixed with cold air to sweep over her body. She looked away, a lump catching in her throat as she tried to find something to say. She hadn?t lied to Dorothy and Hitomi, she found Ran attractive ? very attractive. But this was business, and it had to come first. She couldn?t afford to let herself get swept away by some hormonal fascination with a man she didn?t know very much about personally. But perhaps there would be time later?

?So,? she said in a quiet voice, her eyes focused on the paperwork in front of her. ?Not impossible??

?Just more difficult.?

Relena blushed at the implication, and tried to steer the conversation back to the contract. ?But you can make it work??

A brief pause caused her to look up from the fascinating table cloth. His dark glare had lifted, though his brow still knit itself together beneath his flaming red hair. ?What?s in it for me??

Relena?s hand came to rest on the bundle of papers. ?The compensation is fully outlined on page??

?I?ve read it.?

?I see,? she said, sitting back. ?You?re very subtle.?

?No, I?ve been subtle,? Ran corrected. ?You haven?t seemed to notice.?

?I?I?ve got a lot riding on this contract. I just haven?t had the time for anything more personal.?

Ran rose to his feet very suddenly, stuffing his hands in both pockets of his long black trench coat. Relena?s chest tightened at the thought that she might have offended him.

?I?ll have Omi forward a list of requirements to your office. If Gundanium will make the changes, then we can discuss this further. If not, we?ll go back to the original proposal based on the Alliance-ware platform.?

Relena nodded, noticing that his rigid posture slackened when he met her gaze.

?GLLC will never agree.?

?My brother has a history with Mr. Yuy,? Relena said, gathering her paperwork. ?We?re hoping that he?ll cooperate with us if we promise his company just compensation.?

?Hn. I wouldn?t place too many of my hopes in Heero Yuy. But we can still make this work with Alliance-ware.?

?I know, Ran,? she smiled. ?And I appreciate your willingness to work with us on this.?

He nodded once in her direction. ?Call me when you?re ready to discuss the alternatives.?

?You?re very sure of yourself.?

?I just know Heero Yuy,? her companion?s mouth twisted into a crooked line; he held the dining room door for her as they made their way out of the restaurant. ?His business tactics are callous, and the reason why we have a PC industry based on a few large makers instead of several smaller businesses. PCC, if it was just starting out today and having to depend on Z/OS, would be out of business by the end of next year.?

?You know a lot about them,? Relena observed as the two stepped into the elevator for the long ride down.

?Hn,? her companion replied just as the elevator car began its descent to the bottom of the Empire State Building, plunging the two occupants into silence.

Relena glanced sideways at the man, studying him. In the short time she had spent in his company ? at more than one of these lengthy meetings ? she knew almost nothing about his past, but quite a bit about his personality. He was a very kind person despite the dark glare he typically wore on his handsome features.

Maybe getting to know him on a more personal level wouldn?t be such a bad idea. Maybe she could handle dating him and working with him. It was a lot of maybe?s, but if there was any man she was willing to take a risk with, it would be him. And it had been a long while since she had gone on anything close to a date.

I?ve already rejected him once, so I?ll have to be the one to ask him out.

The elevator finally stopped, and the two business associates alighted and made their way out to the front of the historical building. ?Thank you for a lovely afternoon,? she said. The sun had only recently set, the days at their shortest during the bitter winter season.

Ran nodded, his eyes hidden in the dark shadows beneath the street light. ?Take a cab. You shouldn?t walk alone.?

?I?? She took a deep breath of freezing cold air. Damn, I suck at being forward ? that?s Dorothy?s department. ?Ran??

?Yes.?

The chill of the night was combated by the blood rushing to her face. ?Are you?are you busy a week from this Saturday??

?I?ll check my calendar.?

?Okay. It?s just?PCC is sponsoring a charity casino night and silent auction that evening.? Her eyes flicked up to meet his for an instant before fixing themselves on the soot-gray city sidewalk.

?Your office already sent us an invitation.?

?Yes.?

?Was there something else??

?Are you?? She swallowed and hoped he couldn?t see her crimson complexion in the poor light. ?Planning to join us??

He stepped forward, his hand coming up to twist a single strand of wavy blond hair caressing pallid, cold-flushed cheeks. Their winter breaths mingled in the frosty air, his blue eyes twinkling mysteriously in the silver lamplight. ?It depends. Are you asking me to escort you??

She lifted her face at his touch, convinced that his cold fingers had to be able to feel the fire in her cheeks. ?People will talk, but I thought it might be?fun.?

?You want to make this something more personal??

?I?d like to get to know you better.?

?Hn,? Ran replied and stepped back. He turned away, calling out over his shoulder. ?You even negotiate your dates.?

A nervous chuckle escaped her lips. ?I?m sorry.?

He spun back around, but she couldn?t see his face. ?Don?t be. I accept.?

She smiled at his retreating form before taking a steadying breath. Dorothy will be proud, she said to herself, her body shivering with the cold. She held out a hand to wave down a taxi and climbed inside its wonderful warmth. Ran was intelligent, handsome in a brooding sort of way, and most of all, interested ? he?d made that fairly clear today. They even had several things in common - not the least of which was apparently a similar situation with their respective only-siblings. It was his admission today that had changed the course of their afternoon, and?

?Where to, lady? Or did you want me to just drive around all night until I run outta gas??

Flustered, Relena gave him her home address, chiding herself for getting lost in her thoughts of Ran and all-around juvenile behavior.

He?s already distracting me, she realized with a small frown, then thought about all the work she had to get done over the next two weeks. And I can?t allow that to happen. Not now?.

?What have I done??

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The outside of the building holding hadn?t looked like much, and the interior managed to live up to all of its mediocre promises. The entryway to the apartment was scuffed and brittle; the once beautiful oak flooring appeared dry and cracked beneath the bare bulb lighting, and continued into the main living area, lying beneath a dusty, brown velvet couch and a single coffee table that wore its years like a middle-aged crone. Three men glanced around the furnished apartment, noting every flaw with their inspection. The fourth didn?t seem to care; he paced back and forth along the trodden floor, completely oblivious to his friends? growing objections.

?Yes, yes, Millie I gathered that. Milliardo Peacecraft??

?So, what do we want to do for dinner?? Van asked, dropping his bags just inside the door to their new home while Heero grilled their poor secretary from three thousand miles away.

?I say we should order a pizza!? Vash suggested, having recovered from his time in the taxi. ?There?s got to be a zillion pizza joints in this city.?

Quatre moved into the living room, his hands scouring the surface of the wall in search of a light switch. ?I thought perhaps we should celebrate. Maybe go somewhere nice??

?Celebrate what?? Vash frowned. ?Forced celibacy for three years?? His look softened and his eyes turned heavenward as if searching for an angel of mercy to take pity on him. ?Three years?.?

Heero?s voice echoed from the next room as he ventured down the hallway. ?I understand that Millie. But what did he say? No, I?m not going to get mad at you ? unless you don?t tell me word for word what it was he said.?

?Geez, I?m glad we don?t have to conduct any business while we?re on this trip,? Vash observed, sarcasm dripping from the words. He stared at the dull and very brown furniture in the living room. Boring? He?d need to head out to the nearest home store and pick up some pink flamingos and racing Christmas lights.

?It?s not his fault,? Van said, interrupting his friend?s mental redecorating. ?We can?t afford not to jump when PCC calls. You know that.?

?Yeah, yeah. So what time do we have to register for classes tomorrow??

Quatre scratched his head. ?Ahhhhh?Noon, I??

?Millie, I need to know exactly what he said,? Heero shouted, charging back in their direction. ?What were his words? Because if it?s some trivial contract thing, just send me the revised version to veto. This is our software, and they abide by our rules.?

Vash?s eyes followed his friend as he once again stormed out of the room. ?There he goes again. Same as ever. We hold the all the cards, so the computer makers have to bend to us.?

?It?s smart business,? Van cut in.

?Yeah, it is ? I guess. But I can?t help but feel bad sometimes.?

?You don?t seem to feel too bad about cashing your check.?

?You know I donate a lot of it to charity, Van.? Vash spat, dragging his suitcases further into the room. ?I think that remark was uncalled for.?

Van blinked. ?Charity? What charity??

?You know?? the programmer said, counting off on his fingers. ?Like disadvantaged children, feeding the homeless, finding cures for diseases ? things to help other people. Charities, Van.?

?Bleeding heart liberal,? Van groaned. ?Fine, I take it back.?

?Gee, thanks. I feel so much better, now.?

?Millie!? Heero came back into view, this time stopping at the set of French doors leading out to a small balcony, giving them a dazzling view of the skyscrapers downtown. ?WHERE am I supposed to meet him for dinner and WHEN? This city has millions of people and probably thousands of restaurants. What am I supposed to do go from door to door looking for the arrogant ass??

Vash knew that tone of Heero?s voice ? and the effect it had on whichever poor soul was at the receiving end of it. ?3-2-1??

Heero stopped his death march and threw his head back to stare up at the ceiling. ?Uhhhhng. Don?t cry? I hate it when you cry.? He brought one hand up to rub roughly over his face. ?All right. I?m sorry,? the dark-haired man relented. ?I?ll call him and find out myself. Just?take the rest of the day off or something. Yes, I?ll tell him. Bye.?

Heero turned around, his eyes squinted in irritation as he let out a long breath. He fixed a hostile glare on one of his friends. ?Millie says hello, Mr. Vash.?

Vash grinned. ?Hellooo.?

?She?s not on the phone anymore,? Heero growled, holding up the darkened cell.

?I know. But it?s only polite to respond to a greeting with a similar one.?

?Then do it on your own time.? The GLLC president spun on his heel and stalked out of the room, heading towards the far end of the hall. The two guestrooms and guest baths lay down that corridor, the master bedroom and study were arranged on the other end of the apartment.

?Sheesh! What?s gotten into him?? Vash asked, leaning back against the kitchen bar, and eyeing Heero?s retreat warily. He turned to face Van and Quatre still standing near the entryway. ?He?s been super-ultra-mega grouchy since we left Seattle. I can just imagine him in three years ? he?ll have mutated into a living, breathing, slimy, Oscar the Grouch, and no one will believe he was once the world?s greatest computer genius. They?ll think he was always this hideous, green, yelling, grumpy?thing. And then we?ll never get him laid so that he?ll change back into his once-charm?well, once not-quite-as-irritable self.?

?Are you done??

Vash blanched and turned to meet the source of the voice that had crept up behind him through the double-entry kitchen. ?Uhhhhh?Hi, boss. Nice place, dontcha think??

?It?s adequate, Heero said, his eyes giving their new place a brief going over. ?And it has one feature I?m especially fond of right now.?

?Really? What?s that??

?A very uncomfortable sofa bed. Your new place of residence. Van and Quatre, you get the two guest rooms. I?ll take the master.?

?Thanks a lot.?

?Anytime.?

******************************************************

His three friends tried their best to push the stubborn software mogul out of the apartment. They were all starving, but their ?fearless leader? was the lone holdout on their plan to eat at the famous Vassani?s restaurant on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.

?This is completely contrary to our budget idea. The only way we can avoid extravagance is to put ourselves on a budget.? Heero was beginning to feel like a missionary trying to convert a group of unrelenting heathens.

?It isn?t an extravagance,? Vash rationalized. ?It?s a celebration.?

?Celebration isn?t necessary, it?s??

Vash clapped a hand oh his friend?s shoulder. ?Did I say celebration? I meant it?s a mission to scope out neutral territory for your important meeting tomorrow. I mean how can one have a business meeting in the heart of New York City at anything but the most famous and most expensive restaurant in the metropolitan area??

?He?s right,? Van agreed.

?Definitely,? Quatre added.

Heero looked from one to the other, his ?loyal friend? side getting the better of him for the moment. He let out a languid breath. ?Hn. Fine, if that?s what you want. We?ll go.?

?Can we even get reservations?? Quatre wondered aloud.

Vash snorted. ?Can WE get reservations? WE are on the cover of the Bernadelli Financial Weekly?s edition on billionaires under twenty-five. I think WE can get reservations anywhere WE choose.?

?Then do it,? Heero ordered, retreating to his room. ?But if I have to wait more than five minutes for a table then I?m eating at whatever pizza joint is within walking distance. And ?Mr. Peacecraft? will be given the same treatment.?

?Well, aren?t we Mr. High and mighty all of a sudden? Sheesh put the man?s picture on one magazine cover, and suddenly he has an attitude.?

Heero turned and glared at Vash.

?I?m kidding, I?m kidding! Can?t even take a joke?.?

?Van, what?s the number for Vassani?s?? Quatre asked, producing his cell phone.

?Do you want me to call a cab, too?? Van questioned, heaving what seemed like ten pounds of New York City Metropolitan Area phone book on the counter top. ?I?d just look one up online, but our connection won?t be installed until tomorrow.?

?I think I?ve had all the cab rides I can take for one day, thanks,? Vash whimpered, clasping his midsection as his face revisited its previous shade of nauseated green from this afternoon. ?Can?t we just hoof it??

?It?s twenty-eight degrees outside and the restaurant is in mid-town? that?s about forty blocks away,? Heero surmised. ?Do you still want to walk??

Vash groaned.

?I vote for the subway,? Quatre chimed in, clicking off his phone. ?I picked up a transit map at the airport. There?s an entrance about two blocks away from here.?

?Ooooh, but there are scary people on the subway. They hang out in the dark corners of the station or in the last cars just waiting for unassuming victims!?

?Vash, I?m hungry, jet-lagged and in a really bad mood,? Heero hissed. ?They can?t be any scarier than me.?

?Well, you got me there, boss.?

?The reservation is for six, we?d better get moving,? Quatre reminded them, picking up his coat and heading towards the door. ?Guess the rest of the unpacking can wait til we get home.?

?Home?? Vash trailed off, looking back at the drab, sparsely furnished apartment. It seemed even grayer as the daylight began to fade outside, darkness creeping in through the sterile Venetian blinds and hovering over eggshell walls and the dark oak hardwood floor. It seemed so cold; so vacant even though there were four of them in there. ?Guess this place will take some getting used to,? he mumbled to himself, trailing behind the others.

Van was already tapping his foot, impatiently glaring at the elevator doors as he jammed his finger into the already lighted down button. ?What is taking this thing so long??

?I?m not a tremendous fan of elevators, myself, they make me queasy,? Vash said, glancing around and setting his eyes on the stairwell. ?I think I?ll just take the stairs ? anybody with me??

?Seventeen floors? No thanks,? Quatre answered. ?My back is still killing me from helping Van haul all his bags up here.

?Hmph.?

?Okay, well see you down there!?

?Better hurry or we might leave without you.? Heero called out to the closing door, listening to the echo of his friend?s rapid footsteps and fading cries of:

?Oh, man? it?s kinda dark in here! What the hell was that? Hey nice doggie, nice d-? You?re no dog! Rat, rat ? giant rat? Ahhhhhh??

Vash burst into the lobby, the red fabric of his coat swirling up in the eruption of air sent forth by the slamming stairwell door. He leaned against the wall trying to catch his breath, beads of sweat trailing down his flushed face. A man in gray uniform stalked towards him, the click of his boots echoing on the polished tile floor.

?You okay there, buddy?? The voice sounded cheerful in its concern, and Vash looked up to meet a set of friendly cobalt eyes.

?I?m fine,? he panted, straightening his stature. ?That?s some impressive, er, wildlife ya got around here.?

?Oh,? the stranger laughed. ?I see you?ve met General Septum.?

?General Septum? Is he furry, rodent-like with beady little eyes and the size of a small canine?? Vash sucked in his cheeks and wrinkled his nose, making a series of sputtery squeaking noises.

?That would be him.?

?What the hell kind of a name is that for a rat anyways? And what does he eat, little children? Geez? Aren?t there ordinances in this city about keeping a creature that size indoors??

?It?s a long story,? the man said with a shake of his braided chestnut hair. ?A very long story? Duo Maxwell,? he grinned, extending his hand.

Vash laughed and offered his own. ?Vash. My three friends and I just moved in today. We?re here from Seattle. Maybe you?ve seen them? Two grumpy-looking dark-haired types and a shy blond guy??

?Nope. Been here for the last two hours.?

?Okay then. Elevator must be really slow. So, what are you, like the night watchman??

?I guess you could say that,? Duo said, leading Vash over to his station of black and white screens, a log book and a box of donuts. ?The management likes to have someone to keep an eye on things here 24-7. This shift is a good gig for me since I have school during the day.?

?You go to Columbia?? Vash inquired, his fingers snaking their way towards the unassuming box of glazed.

?Only a few months away from my masters in computer science.?

?Really?? Vash smiled. ?Well, that?s awfully interesting because my friends and I??

?I?m sorry,? Duo cut in. ?You said your name was Vash, right??

?Yeah,? the answer came between bites of donut.

?Well, when my shift started, this really cute little lady with dark hair came by and asked if you were here. The updated tenant list wasn?t in its folder, so I told her I didn?t know. She said she?d try back later, but she left you a message.?

?Huh??

The phone rang as the guard rummaged around on his desk and produced a crisp white folded piece of hotel stationery. He moved to answer it while Vash crammed the last of the donut in his mouth and opened the note, feeling his blood pressure drop.



Mr. Vash,

As you may have noticed (since I didn?t run the story in BFW), I?ve accepted your offer for an exclusive on the GLLC pact. I?ve been transferred temporarily to New York City, and I?ll be holding you to your promise of weekly updates. You can reach me at the number on the top of this page, room B17.

Sincerely,

Meryl Stryfe



?I feel faint.?

?I see you got my note.?

?Ahhhh! Don?t sneak up on a guy like that! What are you doing here!? Vash turned to find a familiar set of hazel eyes looking up at him. The petite reporter glared at him while she removed her hat and gloves. The evening chill still radiated from her rosy cheeks, and she shivered involuntarily as she met his gaze.

?I?m working.?

?Oh no ? off the record! I told you after the fact??

?The main reason I?m here has nothing to do with your little pact. I?m covering some important computer industry news. I went through a lot of trouble to get this assignment, and I thought that while I was here I would keep tabs on you, too. And you do owe me.?

?That?s fine, but, lady, you can?t be poking around here. The others would kill me! They don?t know that you??

The rest of his sentence was cut off by the sound of elevator finally arriving on the ground floor. The doors opened slowly, and Vash knew there was nowhere to run.

?Miss Meryl? What a surprise!? Quatre beamed, recognizing the reporter as he stepped off the elevator. Heero and Van exchanged quizzical glances and promptly turned their attention towards the young woman standing in the lobby. Heero?s intense glare quickly shifted to Vash. The red-clad man swallowed hard, knowing full well that his friend was already suspecting that this meeting was more than a chance coincidence. He slid the note into his pocket and clasped an arm around Meryl?s thin shoulders.

?Hey fellas, you?ll never believe this but it seems our reporter girl here got transferred to New York for a while.?

?You?re right,? Heero said, keeping his cold stare fixed on Vash. ?I don?t believe it.?

Vash gulped, scratching his head as he looked nervously from side to side. ?I, uh, well?.?

?I?m working on a story about PCC?s newest line of servers,? Meryl offered, calmly taking a step in front of him. ?We talked about that very subject in your interview, I believe, Mr. Yuy.?

Heero, though still looking skeptical, nodded.

?It just so happens that my hotel isn?t very far from here and as I was walking by, I looked in and recognized Mr. Vash ? can?t very easily forget some one who looks like him.? Meryl plastered on her most convincing smile.

Vash?s head snapped around. ?Hey! I don?t think that was a compliment.?

?It wasn?t,? Meryl gritted out in mock cheerfulness through tightly clenched teeth, never moving her gaze from Heero?s face. ?So, gentlemen?? she asked, pulling a notebook out of her pocket, ?What brings you all to New York City??

Vash?s eyes narrowed.

?Hey, Vash, are these your friends?? the guard sauntered over to the group, gratefully received by the four young men anxious for a change of subject.

?Yep. Duo Maxwell ? meet Heero Yuy, Van Fanel and Quatre Winner.?

Duo?s eyes grew large, his jaw slackening as the names registered in his mind. ?Oh my God, you?re the Gundanium guys! Wow! I can?t believe this! What the heck are you guys doing in New York??

Quatre felt his shoulders slump, and he looked over to Heero, watching the muscles in his friend?s jaw tighten.

?Wow, are we going to be late for dinner or what!? Van blurted out, making an exaggerated effort to search out his watch from beneath all the layers he wore. He made hastily for the door, and turned to the others, his eyes urging them to make their departure.

?Excuse us, Miss Meryl, Mr. Maxwell,? Quatre said with a polite grin.

?Hey, Duo ? I owe you some donuts. We?ll have to hang out sometime,? Vash suggested upon his retreat. ?Oh, catch ya later, reporter girl!? He caught a glimpse of Meryl?s sour expression as he slipped out the door.

?Wow, that was close!? Vash huffed, watching his breath crystallize in the chilly night air.

?A little too close,? Van chattered, looking over at Heero.

?Vash, I still can?t help but think you had something to do with this.?

?Hey, boss. I, uh??

?Keep her out of our way. We?re not even one day into this and we have to keep it quiet for the next three years.? Heero shoved his hands in the pockets of his long woolen trench coat, silently wondering if this had all been one big mistake.

***************************************************

After an elevator ride that took an amazing ten minutes to make it up eighty-six floors, the four men arrived at the entrance to Vassani?s fine American bistro. They were immediately greeted by a rather young looking, tuxedo-clad maitre?d.

?Ah yes, Mr. Yuy, Mister??

?Vash, just Vash.?

Forest green eyes smiled beneath a pair of small wire frames. ?Mr. Vash. Excellent to make your acquaintance. And what brings you to our thriving city this evening, gentlemen??

?Business,? Heero answered, glowering at the Maitre?d.

?Oh. Yes, of course,? he nodded a head of somewhat messy brown hair. ?Well, my apologies for delaying you, I?m certain you?re all terribly busy men. I?ll be happy to show you to your table straight away.?

?Thank you,? Quatre said, being completely ignored as the young man grabbed a few menus and pushed right passed him.

?Right this way.?

Van crossed his arms, launching a venomous glare at the maitre?d. ?Hn.?

?Are we invisible?? Quatre mumbled.

Van picked up his pace and walked beside his friend, clearing his throat. ?We?re not on the cover of that magazine. We?re just the businessmen that manage the marketing and financial aspects of the business. We aren?t the geniuses that crave the spotlight or have it thrust upon them, therefore we are all but ignored by the under educated, brown nosing masses.?

Van smirked at the upturned nose, corner-of-the-eye glance he received from the haughty maitre?d. Quatre nudged his friend, an embarrassed flush coloring his cheeks, but Van just shrugged it off. ?I don?t care if he heard. It?s the truth.?



Sparkling lamplight gleamed off genuine silverware, and tinkled off expensive, spun glasses, chasing away the darkness of rich mahogany and navy hues which decorated the large dining room. The restaurant was quiet, probably highly conducive to business meetings, which would make sense, considering how many businesses resided inside the over a hundred story building. It would work out for his appointment tomorrow night, Heero decided. I?ll have to remember to make the reservation before I leave tonight.

?So, what should we drink our?sparkling cider to, guys?? Quatre held up his glass, and attempted to bring the silent companions out of their individual musings. The lot of them looked too serious for their own good.

?To renewed purpose.? Van held up his goblet full of the pale apple-smelling liquid.

?To new ventures.? Quatre smiled, and looked over at Vash.

?To a new challenge,? green eyes glowed as he raised his wineglass to the level of the others. They all turned to the last member.

?What about you, Heero??

Heero glanced at each of his friends before extending his right arm to pick up his glass and hold it up to the others. ?To becoming a better man.?

?To becoming a better man,? the three echoed and raised their glasses in a toast.

?Yes, the food?s here!? Vash announced, rubbing his hands together while his eyes followed the plates on the tray. ?Let?s eat, I?m starved.?

Van took a sip of his cider. ?It?s good to see some things will never change ? Vash and his bottomless stomach.?

?Hey, it?s not nice to make fun of a hungry guy. I?m still a growing boy.?

?Only if you?re growing horizontally?.? Quatre laughed.

Heero just watched his old friends banter with a slight smile. This was the right choice; this is what they needed. It had been a rough start, but after he took care of that business meeting tomorrow, he was sure they?d find the answers they were all looking for on this little ?adventure?.

And put themselves back on track for the future they had dreamed of so long ago.



************************************************************************

Rose?s guide:



1 ? GUI interface. GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. Think of the icons and schtuff on your computer screen. The picture of a file folder represents a data location on your hard drive. That is a graphical user interface that you are using in order to communicate with the hardware that is the frustrating contraption sitting on (or under) your desk called a computer. All the windows ? your internet explorer window, for example ? are part of a GUI. It makes a computer easier to use vs. if any of you have ever seen DOS. Black screen, you have to type in everything instead of clicking on icons to tell a computer what you want it to do.



It?s not terribly important to understanding what the boys are talking about. Basic gist is ? PCC has tried to find a way around buying and using Z/OS (which would be bad for GLLC?s business).



2 ? For those that don?t know her, Iria is one of Quatre?s many sisters. The typically really nice guy was displaying a bout of brotherly concern for her well-being.



3 ? Andrew Talon. What on Earth can I say about him???? *lol* Mr. Talon was so very good to us to allow us to use his likeness in our fanfic. He?s notoriously fond of Relena, and has written some fics sticking up for her against Relena-bashers (all in good fun, guys ? we?re just here to have fun) ^__^ Look for him again next chapter. ^__~



4 ? Note not in the chapter itself, but, FYI ? Vassani?s doesn?t exist. It?s purely a fabrication of our imagination. Every other excessively, tour-worthy, tall building in a major metropolitan area that Stella and I are familiar with have very posh restaurants high up near or at the top. Empire State Building? Has a deli on the 86th floor. But by then, a very important piece of the fic had already been written. SO. That?s why they call it fiction, I suppose. o_O



Thanks for reading!

[kmf]

To me the funniest part of this chapter was Vash and the rat - I attracted all sorts of odd looks here at work when I came up to it.

*note to self: do not try and drink tea and read this story at the same time, especially when I have only just got a new keyboard..*

Excellent story, and I am still behind a chapter so I can go and and enjoy more ^_^ My lucky day!