<center>Chapter Three</center>
Disclaimer: Yay! Gundam Wing is mine! *gets bonked back into reality* No, it?s not? wish it was!
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When Ann awoke, she found herself tucked in bed. She didn?t remember doing so and jumped a little. She had forgotten where she was. Suddenly, Isabelle walked around the corner.
?Time to get up, Ann.? She put some clothes down on the bed. Once Ann saw this, she remembered.
?I had almost forgotten I was here.? She laughed. Isabelle joined in after a while and the two of them just laughed.
?Master Andrew is waiting for you downstairs, Ann. He wants to take you into the big city to buy some clothing. We already got Master Yuy?s approval on the issue. But, we only told him that Master Andrew wanted to go into town nothing about you was mentioned. You are to be a surprise to Master Yuy. I don?t think that he?ll quite expect Master Andrew to have found a friend who needs to be in secret as much as Master Andrew does. This will give him quite a shock.? Isabelle found herself laughing for the second time that morning.
?OK, that sounds wonderful. Thank you, Isabelle. You know, I?ve always wanted to meet Heero Yuy. I never thought that I would be meeting someone as important as him.? She smiled and shook her head in bewilderment. ?I really didn?t. This is going to be fun, I think.? She winked at the maid.
?Yes, Ann, I completely agree. Master Yuy will be very surprised, that is for certain.? Isabelle smiled and left so that Ann could get dressed, but she did yell one last thing over her shoulder. ?Remember, breakfast is at eight. You need to take a shower and get dressed before you go down to eat.?
?OK.? Ann wandered into the shower and took a short, hot shower, not really thinking of anything this time. When she was done, she got dressed and headed back towards the bathroom. Ann wanted to do her hair nice for her little shopping spree that was to be this afternoon. She guessed that Andrew had never had to go shopping with a teenage girl before and laughed. Boy would he be surprised! Once she got back into the bathroom, Ann checked the drawers for anything that she could do her hair with. She found two barrettes, four clips, and three elastic hair ties. As she brushed her hair, Ann realized exactly how difficult it would be to get all of her long, thick hair up into a hair tie or barrette. She decided that doing her hair fancy would take too long and was probably a waste of time considering she would be trying on quite a few outfits and her hair would be ruined anyway. She decided to pull it all back into a single braid. She usually braided her hair when she had to go through a training course or something of the like, but this was a special occasion. As she finished braiding her hair, Ann noticed the hairs that didn?t quite make it into the braid hanging out around her face. It didn?t look very stylish, but it made her look like she hadn?t done anything special, which she hadn?t. She liked it. Her random hairstyle went perfectly with her outfit. She was wearing a short, black skirt that fanned out as it went down, and it only went down to right above her knees. Her top was one that laced up. It was white and had sleeves that were pretty tight at the top, but fanned out at the bottom. Ann decided that she liked this particular outfit and would base all the ones she was going to get off of it.
Once Ann had decided that she had spent enough time in front of the mirror, she decided to head back downstairs. Halfway down the stairs she heard the clock chime eight. She was right on time. Once she reached the dining room she noticed that breakfast was a moderately modest meal here, unlike supper. There was a plate of bacon, one of pancakes, and one of eggs. At her spot there was a glass of milk and one of orange juice, there was a personal syrup dispenser and some butter. She sighed; they even went pretty close to all out at breakfast. She had come to the steadfast decision that these people were going to make her pretty darn fat by the time she had to go.
?Well, there you are!? Andrew exclaimed. ?I had thought you had gotten lost and was about to send a search party up to your room.? Ann laughed at his strange exclamation.
?No, just finishing up getting ready. This looks delicious.? Ann sat down right next to Andrew.
?It is, my dear, it is.? Louis walked out. ?I taste test everything before I serve it. That way, I know for sure if it will please you all.? He bowed politely.
?I?m sure it is. I doubt that you could even bake something that wasn?t good.? Ann?s remark made the good chef blush.
?It?s nothing, really. Just the everyday breakfast.? Louis was still blushing.
Ann laughed. ?If I didn?t know any better, I?d say that you people were trying to fatten me up! I don?t quite think that I am edible, dear sirs.? Ann said with an air of royalty.
Andrew almost choked due to laughing. ?Oh dear, she seems to have found us out.? They all laughed. ?Well, you really look a little too brawny to eat, so I?ll let you live.?
?Well, thank you, sir. If you would have tried to eat me I would have kicked and screamed the whole way down.?
?That?s why you have to cook the meat.? Andrew laughed. ?Do not worry, Miss Ann, I am not a cannibal. I also have no intention of eating you. You really are quite too brawny.? Ann attempted to hmph indignantly, but failed miserably because she was trying not to choke on her food.
?Well, then, monsieur, I should like to take that as a compliment if you would oblige.? Ann was attempting to sound like an adult, but due to her horribly loud laughter, was not doing so well.
?Of course, milady. I shall allow you to think as you feel you need to on condition that you allow me to buy you a nice dress this afternoon.? Andrew was much better at acting than Ann was because he passed perfectly as a well off man in his later years with some voice changing.
?Sure, why the hell not?? At Ann?s rude and blunt comment everyone laughed.
?Well, you sure do know how to get one?s attention, don?t you?? Andrew laughed.
?Of course! I?m just your average teenage girl, you know!? Ann put her hands on her hips as she stood up. ?Well, that was a very good meal. Thank you very much.? She stretched out like a cat and yawned loudly.
?Manners are a virtue, my dear girl.? Isabelle tapped Ann?s arm.
?Gomen nasai, Isabelle.? Ann replied, not remembering that Isabelle did not know Japanese. She was rewarded with a very blank look from both Isabelle and Louis. Andrew just laughed.
?That means I?m sorry.? Andrew answered for the very confused girl. Ann obviously hadn?t noticed that she had been speaking another language.
?Was I just speaking Japanese?? She asked dumbly.
?Why yes you were, Ann.? Andrew laughed. ?You really mean to say that you didn?t notice at all??
?Nope, not at all. I do that every once in a while.? Ann warned them. ?You?re lucky you have Andrew to translate for you. I certainly don?t notice that I?m doing it. I also blurt out in French and German, but not as often.? She shrugged. ?Usually Japanese.?
?We?ll have to remember that, then.? Andrew stood up and wiped his mouth of a napkin one last time. ?Well, shall we go? Michael is waiting with the car.?
?Sure, why not?? Ann shrugged and followed him.
?I?m also coming along.? Isabelle said as she followed them.
?Cool.? Ann answered politely. As they reached the front porch, Ann noticed that they weren?t using Andrew?s Limousine. ?What happed to your limo, or do you just own numerous cars??
?I own numerous cars.? Andrew laughed. ?I thought that it would be less conspicuous if we used this car. That?s also why I?m wearing jeans and a T-shirt. I find this style very comfortable, but Father says that I have to dress nicely. Wearing suits al the time is very annoying.?
?Yeah, I know.? Ann replied, getting two more blank looks. ?What?? She blinked a couple of times. ?Am I speaking Japanese again??
?No.? Andrew answered offhandedly. ?Why would you have to wear a suit??
Ann laughed. ?Now that is an interesting story. I was on a mission to get some key codes from a politician?s home, but he was holding a party. An all male party. So, I had to wear a suit and tie and I had to pull all off my hair up into a blonde wig. That was a chore. Well, the party lasted longer than we thought it would, and there were usually people in the computer room, so I had to hang around in a suit for seven and a half hours.?
?The party lasted seven and a half hours?? Andrew asked, astonished.
?No, I got there about halfway through. I?d say it lasted about fifteen hours.? She seemed to be doing some math in her head. ?Yeah, that sounds abut right. From six in the morning until nine at night.?
?I?m sorry, I couldn?t do it. I can?t stand these damn suits my father orders for me.? He shuddered. ?There just so uncomfortable. Don?t you think??
?Yeah, I agree completely. Definitely uncomfortable. But at least you don?t have a bust that needed to be taped down in order for you to look male.? Ann smiled weakly.
?But, you always do that.? Isabelle said dryly.
?Oh, bite me.? Ann glared at her. Isabelle was suddenly shocked. The glare of Anrui Lethenanashi was definitely not something she wanted to witness on a daily basis. It was something of a death glare. *
?Well, Master Andrew, where do you want to go?? Michael asked.
?How about the big mall. I forget the name of it.? He snapped a couple of times in thought.
?You mean the L1 Mega Mall?? Ann asked.
?Yeah, that one!? Andrew suddenly exclaimed.
?Cool, I love that mall.? Ann smiled, still sadly.
Andrew just sighed at the still sad look in his friend?s eyes. He wanted to do something about it so badly. There had to be something he could do?
?We?re here.? Michael announced fifteen minutes later.
?Great, thank you Michael. I?ll call you when it?s time to pick us up.? Michael indicated his cell phone.
?All right, Master Andrew. Have a nice day.? With that, the chauffer drove away, waiting for his Master to call and ask for his assistance once again.
?OK, let?s shop!? Ann grabbed Isabelle and Andrew and drug them off into the mall, her two hostages laughing the whole way.
Once they reached the mall, Andrew insisted that they look in every store so Ann could find whatever she thought she liked. Ann agreed with this and they began their search.
The first three stores had nothing that really interested anyone in the party and the fourth, fifth, and sixth stores were electronics stores. Isabelle and Andrew had to drag Ann away from these with Andrew, of course, promising that they could go back and look later if there was time. The seventh store, however, was a hit. Ann found exactly what she had been looking for. Things that laced up.
?Sugoi! I think I?ve died and gone to heaven, folks. This is my store!? She quickly began rummaging through racks of tops while Andrew and Isabelle looked at skirts and dresses.
?Ann, look at this.? Andrew beckoned her over.
?Yeah, what?? Ann soon found out what he meant. On the wall, hanging up so that it didn?t wrinkle was the most beautiful dress that she had ever seen. The fact that it laced up only added to her liking. It was a dark blue, the same color as Ann?s eyes, and its sleeves did the same as the shirt she was currently wearing. To be completely honest, it looked like something directly out of a Shakespearean play.
?Try it on.? Andrew pushed her forward. Ann needed no second bidding as she took it down and hurried into a dressing room. The dress fit perfectly. Ann looked at herself in a mirror and smiled. Her braid looked perfect with the dress. She looked like some sort of tomboy princess in medieval times. The laces went from her waist up to the top, which came to right below her collarbone. The dress just barely covered the ends of her shoulders and went all the way down to her feet. The sleeves weren?t poorly put on either. They started fanning out at the elbow just like the shirt she had been wearing, but these were different. On her shirt, she could tell right away where they started to fan because they did it so abruptly and there was a seam tat started the fan. But this dress was different. There was no seam, she knew where they started, but it wasn?t visible. It just looked as though the cloth slowly got wider. The fan on her sleeves went below her hands and she liked that. Unlike most of the clothes she wore, which accentuated the fact that she had quite a bit of muscle in her arms, stomach, and legs, this dress did not at all. It made her look very feminine. She liked that; she had never looked feminine before in her life. She just had too much muscle. This dress, however, did make her notice something she never had before and she blushed.
?Oh, my?? Ann realized that she had not been lying when she told Isabelle that she had more to hide than she thought. Her, Anrui Lethenanashi, the immortal teen, had a bust. ?Damn.? She blinked a couple of times. ?I actually look female.? She suddenly clapped a hand over her mouth when Isabelle replied from outside the dressing room.
?Of course you do! You are female you know.? She laughed.
?I know that. I just? really, really look it.? Ann replied in astonishment.
?I think that you always look female.? Andrew answered.
?Well, pal, that?s your subtle opinion. It is, however, not mine.? Ann was still staring at herself.
?Just come out already. We want to see how you look.? Andrew whined. Ann knew that he probably didn?t notice that he was whining, but he most certainly was.
?All right, whiny boy.? She replied as she heard and indignant ?Hey!? from outside the door.
As Ann stepped out, she heard Isabelle take a deep breath.
?You are right, Ann. You do look surprisingly feminine. Not that you haven?t any other time, you just look at lot more feminine than usual.? That was the only reply that the genius maid could think of.
?I think that you look wonderful.? Andrew answered, looking her up and down. The movement of his eyes made Ann blush. ?I think that I shall buy you that dress.? He walked up to her and looked at the price tag. ?It?s less expensive than I thought it would be.?
?I?m sure that it?s still expensive.? Ann muttered.
?You?re right, it is. But it?s nothing that I cannot afford. It won?t even make a scratch in the large amount of money I have.? He laughed pleasantly.
?I would help you pay for it, but my money is all locked up in a bank that won?t let me near it until it is sure that the money is mine.? Ann muttered under her breath. She was shocked when she realized that Andrew had heard her.
?Well, I guess we?ll have to do something about that.? He smiled happily as he thought of how he would introduce Ann to his parents.
?No, you don?t have to do that.? Ann replied shakily.
?Nonsense, Ann. Of course I do. Why would a bank have reason to keep your money from you??
?Because they don?t know who I am??
?Now, why wouldn?t you tell a bank who you were?? He suddenly looked puzzled.
?Because they would cause a huge fuss over it. I already told you that I should be dead right now. Naturally, the bank thinks that I am. But, since it was made a law that you cannot cancel one?s bank account, even if they are dead, they can?t get rid of my money.? Ann replied as though this was all a well-known fact.
?Why would it cause I huge fuss? Were you rich??
?I guess you could say that.? Ann muttered as she poked two fingers together repeatedly.
?How rich??
?As rich as you?? She replied weakly.
?What?!? Andrew practically screeched.
?Shhhh! Don?t make such a scene!? Ann quickly poked him.
?Who exactly are you!? My lord! Not many people are allowed to say things like that!? Andrew was still venting his shock.
?I don?t feel like telling you right now. But, I can tell you that I am quite rich, but if the media knew I was still alive it would most definitely be bad. Let?s just say that my death was famous.? She had returned to poking her fingers together.
?How famous?? Andrew glared at her. He wasn?t really very frightening.
?Really, really famous?? Ann?s eyes suddenly got big. ?Don?t you dare go looking anything up! I would hate you forever and ever!? She narrowed her eyes and glared for the second time that day.
?No you wouldn?t.?
?Don?t pretend to know me! You don?t! Not at all! And if you ever expect to, you?d better not go and do something as foolish as that!?
?Oh, really? What if I did??
?I?d leave. Then you would be alone. If I left it really wouldn?t matter if you told those men that I had been there, they would storm your house and blow everything in sight up just to kill me. I could get away unharmed, I have friends in very high places.? She snarled at him, letting her temper get the better of her.
Andrew was just in shock at the change in her. ?I?m sorry. I did not know that you were so protective of your past.? He muttered as he turned and walked over to a bench to sit down.
?I?m sorry I overreacted.? Ann muttered gloomily as she went back into the dressing room to change. After she had, she hung the dress back up.
?Now why would you do that?? Andrew appeared as if out of nowhere behind her.
?So it doesn?t get wrinkled??
?I?m still buying you the dress you know.? He smiled and pulled it back down.
?Why? I?m just a rude little bitch.? Ann muttered.
?No your not. You?re just protective of your identity.?
?What if I told you I overreact like that a lot??
?Then I?ll just have to be prepared.? He smiled and paid for the dress.
?How much was that thing anyway?? Ann asked as they went back to looking through the normal clothes.
?Does it matter??
?Hai.?
?Why??
?It just does.?
?If you have it in your little mind that you?re going to pay me back your dead wrong.? He pulled the receipt out of his pocket and dropped it in probably the dirtiest garbage can Ann had ever seen. ?If you want to know so badly, check for yourself.?
?Did you know that you are a very conniving young man??
?Yes, very much so.?
They walked around the store for about five more minutes, in which time they picked out about twelve more outfits. Ann suddenly stopped short.
?Where?s Isabelle??
?Oh, well damn!? Andrew punched a wall. ?I?d almost bet she went off somewhere to order us lunch and we were too busy yelling to notice. That?s happened before. Except it was me and my dad arguing. She seems to like ordering lunch by herself, that way I eat proper. I like hamburgers and things like that and she thinks that they?re too greasy and will kill me someday.? He chuckled as he paid for the clothes. ?Let?s go to the food court and see if we can spot her.?
?Andrew, how are we going to carry all this stuff??
?Well, you?re pretty strong, right??
?Hai.?
?Then we?ll carry it.? He answered and took half the bags. He motioned for Ann to take the other half and she did. ?Let?s go.?
They walked for about five minutes before they reached the food court, and there, sure enough, was Isabelle.
?Isabelle!? Andrew called over to her. ?What are you doing down here??
?Ordering your food, what else??
?We are perfectly capable of doing that ourselves.? Ann yelled back.
?I only ordered Andrew?s and my own food, Ann. You may order your own. Andrew?s father made it a priority that he eats right.?
?Stupid parents.? Andrew muttered under his breath as they caught up with Isabelle.
?All right, I?ll go and order my own food.? Ann ordered a hamburger and fries, mostly to annoy Isabelle, but partly to make Andrew jealous.
?Oh, you?re mean!? Andrew smacked her as she got back to their table.
?Don?t worry, you can have some.? Isabelle puffed up like an indignant mother hen and sharply relied to that.
?I don?t think so! Foods like that are bad for you!? She glared.
?No they?re not. Not if you only have them every once in a while.? Andrew protested.
?Hah! I?ve lived off stuff like this and I?m in perfect shape.? Ann said defiantly.
?Well, you?re abnormal!? Isabelle said, and then quickly clapped her hands over her mouth.
?I know that! But, most teenagers live off things like this. There are still plenty of teenagers left, no??
Isabelle squirmed nervously. She had been bested by a fifteen-year-old girl.
?Don?t worry, no one has every bested me in a battle of words. Hell, no one has ever bested me in a battle of strength either! Or wits, or speed, or-? She was cut off by Andrew.
?I think we get the point.?
?OK. Did you want this?? She handed Andrew her hamburger. ?I don?t normally eat lunch.?
?Well, you should eat, but I?d love to have it.? They both laughed.
?Don?t worry, I?ll eat my fries. But if I?m too full to eat much for supper, it?s you guys? faults!? She started eating her fries, making sure to lavish them in ketchup and salt, just to annoy Isabelle.
?Oi! Teenagers! Why couldn?t God have not made such a thing?? Isabelle mumbled gloomily.
?Oh, you know you?d miss us too much!?
?Yes, I suppose my life would be rather dull with out you, I?ll admit. But you mustn?t eat like this while Master Yuy is around. He?d fire my ass quicker than heck!?
The two teens laughed. ?You know what, that?s probably the first time I?ve heard you swear!? Ann exclaimed and patted the maid on her back. ?Good job, Isabelle!? Andrew laughed even harder.
Once they had finished their meal, Andrew kept his promise and let Ann check out one of the electronic stores she loved so dearly. She spent the whole time testing out notebooks.
Andrew nudged Isabelle. ?Should I get her one to keep her occupied?? He asked softly.
?Yes, I think that would be a good idea.? Isabelle looked nervously at the girl. ?I have the feeling that she might wind up rewiring our house if she can?t find something to do.? Andrew laughed.
?I bet she would. And I bet that she would do a better job than a professional.? He laughed and walked up to Ann.
?So, what?s, in your opinion, the best of these strange things?? He asked, not quite sure what they did. Someone of his class never had to use them, only for vidphones.
?Umm?? Ann looked over the selection. ?This one is the best kind anywhere. It?s hard drive is practically infinite and you can buy components that add to it if you run out of space. Which probably wouldn?t happen with something like this.?
?All right. Would you like me to buy it for you??
?Ack! If you just go buying me everything I want I?m going to be spoiled rotten!?
?So what? Everyone deserves to be spoiled once in a while.?
?Not this much.?
?Plus, we don?t want you rewiring our house in your spare time.? He laughed. ?I also think that you deserve a few things. You have practically nothing.?
?Correction. I have nothing. Nothing except a huge store of money that I can?t get into.?
?There you go. You deserve to have a few things. And I am very willing to buy them for you. Remember my goal.? Ann smiled. Her smile was sadder than before.
?Well, my friend, you may have chosen an impossible goal.? She looked away.
?Well, I?m trying. Let me buy it for you??
?If that?s what you want.?
?It is.? Andrew replied solemnly.
?OK. But, if I?m up typing into all hours of the night, it?ll be your fault.?
?Fine by me. At least you will be entertained.?
?Again, I thank you for caring.? Andrew smiled at her, another of his bright smiles.
?No problem.? He patted her hand. ?Why don?t you grab it and I?ll call Michael. Then I can pay for it.?
?OK. That sounds good.? She picked up the notebook and carried over to the counter where the clerk began to ring it up and tell her about the warranty. Meanwhile, Andrew called Michael.
?Michael? Can you pick us up at the South exit? Thank you very much, Michael.? He then went over and paid for the notebook. ?I hope you like it, Ann.?
?Trust me, I do. I?ll fill it up with tons of things. Things that tell about myself, things that tell about everything that has happened to me, and things for my future children. Like the number on my bank account. So, don?t you dare go looking on it.? She glanced at him.
?I won?t, not unless you give me permission.? He smiled and reached down to hold her hand. A gesture that made Ann blush.
?Come on, we don?t want to keep Michael waiting.? She whispered.
?All right.? He let go of her hand so that they could carry all of their purchases out of the building into the car that was waiting outside.
?Thank you, Michael.?
?No problem, Master Andrew. It was my pleasure.? Michael replied as he helped to load all of the clothes into the trunk. Ann had insisted that she got t carry her new computer. She was like a child who had just gotten a brand new stuffed bear and wanted to play with it right away.
?My father will arrive on next Saturday, Ann. I?m sure that he will like you.?
?I sure hope so, I really do.? Ann replied as she looked out the window of the car. ?I sure hope so.?
Note: The * stands for a note on that subject. (Duh)
* Later called the Yuy Death Glare due to Heero?s incessant use of it towards a certain Duo Maxwell and a certain very annoying princess. (Note: this doesn't mean Ann doesn't like her...she just found her rather irritating in the series... Her purpose: great, her in general: semi-cute. Now, Endless Waltz? She ruled!
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