Posted: Thu May 23, 2002 3:15 am
What Ever Makes You Happy
The Gundam Boys and Girls are not mine. They?re only on loan okay? I have to give them back. Life is sooooo unfair.
Chapter Three
Her skin still tingling from her scalding hot shower, Hilde wandered aimlessly through the apartment, briskly rubbing her hair dry. Duo had left for work nearly an hour ago, but their home still seemed to resonate with his presence. Returning to their bedroom, she stood and stared at the still rumpled sheets. Was she doing the right thing?
Sitting on the beds? edge, she picked up his pillow and clutched it to her, inhaling his distinctive smell. It made her head swim with longing. Glancing up, she noticed her reflection in the closet mirror. Standing again, she moved to glare at her mirror image. It glared back at her, clothed in a pair of Duo?s boxer shorts and a tank top. Her short hair, still slightly damp, fell across her forehead in disarray.
What had Duo seen in her anyway? She looked at her boyish figure and plain face, comparing it to Relena?s golden beauty or Sally?s sensual curves. She had never understood what she could ever have done to be so lucky. They had always been close friends, best friends, but she had not dared to hope for more, he was simply too perfect. But when it had progressed into something more intimate, she thought all her dreams had come true. When he asked her to marry him, she thought she had died and gone to heaven. He was so nervous, actually afraid she would say no, that any doubts she had regarding his love for her were quashed.
But now it seemed that fate had come to knock at her door. Sorry, it seemed to be saying, there was a mix up upstairs. You?re living someone else?s dreams; time to return to the real world.
Duo wanted children. A family. She wanted more than life itself to be part of that family, to bear him those children. He had been through so much in his life. Had seen more pain and suffering than any soul should. He deserved to receive everything his heart desired.
If she couldn?t be the mother of his children then she had to set him free, to find someone who could.
******
Having spoken to Quatre, Duo felt slightly better, as he always did after a conversation with his friend. It had only been a dream, and Hilde most likely just tired. She had certainly looked that way. It was his fault. He really had to stop wandering around late at night, causing her to worry. He leaned towards the vid screen, thinking to call her, just to tell her he loved her. He stopped himself, however, as he remembered that she was going with Sally for her last dress fittings. She would probably already be gone. Oh well, he sighed wistfully. Maybe he?d be lucky, and she?d drop by on her way home.
He looked at his watch. It was definitely time for a coffee.
******
?I don?t think that will be problem, Colonel,? replied Heero, his mind only half on the subject at hand. What was taking Relena so long?
?Well, thank you, Heero. It would be greatly appreciated. Duo is only going to be gone for two weeks, but I really don?t like the cadets missing any of their combat training.?
He nodded quietly, although he was privately amused by the thought of the Preventer cadets being instructed in hand-to-hand combat by the former Deathscythe pilot. When he?d finished with them, they?d be begging for Duo back.
?Ah, Minister, how are you today??
Heero immediately swivelled his head in the direction of Une?s greeting. He smiled slightly at the sight of Relena approaching, obviously having completed her mornings? meeting. He relaxed immediately, glad that she was once again in his company.
?I?m well, thank you Lady Une. The day appears to be off to a smooth beginning.?
Relena paused to smile up at her devoted escort, her hand automatically coming to rest on his arm. He gazed back at her, a warmth in his eyes that he had always reserved just for her. She marvelled at the way he appeared to crave her presence, and she wondered if he would ever accept that she was not going to disappear in a cloud of smoke. He had been back for nearly three months now, settling into their new lifestyle, enjoying their mutual love. She still awoke every morning to feel his caress, finding that even in sleep he was loath to withdraw his contact.
?Heero has kindly agreed to relieve Duo?s combat classes while the newlyweds are away.? Said Une, interrupting Relena?s thoughts.
?Oh gods,? came a voice behind them, ?Well, whatever you do, don?t let him ask them to do him any favours.?
Duo strode towards them, steaming cup of coffee in hand. Heero smirked at him.
?Well, with any luck, they should be able to punch better than you.?
?Droll, Yuy, very droll. Really, you wound me.?
The two women shot each other a look, both choosing to decline commenting.
******
It was old now, well worn. But it was still his favourite. She smoothed her fingers over the shaped brim, before adjusting the back so it would fit her snugly. It was plain, a simple black, nondescript but not entirely without character. And it was his.
Resolutely, she pulled the cap down, so that it shaded her eyes. Not unlike the way she had seen him wear it so many times before. She hoped he would not begrudge her this one keepsake. Something close to him, that she could carry with her. Shouldering the simple bag of meagre possessions, she allowed herself one last scan of the cosy flat. She doubted anywhere else would ever feel like home.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped back, pulling the door shut behind her.
******
?What do we have here?? commented Sally, walking up to the small group, ?A hall party??
?Well, it does appear to be shaping up that way,? replied Relena, smiling sincerely at the older woman.
Sally glanced around the gathering, her gaze pausing momentarily on Duo. She noticed, strangely, the puzzled expression on his face. Had Hilde already told him, she wondered. She hoped so. He looked at his watch.
?Aren?t you going to be late?? he asked.
?Late? ? For what??
Duo shook his head slowly.
?Hilde said she was meeting you to do a few last minute shopping?.?
Taking in her perplexed look, his face blanched.
?Why did she? what is she?? he muttered, ignoring the frowns from his friends.
?I have to go.?
Spinning on his heel, he began to dash towards the buildings exit. Heero grabbed Relena?s hand, preparing to take up pursuit.
?Heero, wait!?
He turned to Sally, who?s expression was grim.
?I think I should come with you.?
He nodded.
?Why do I get the impression that you know more than you?re letting on??
******
