False Engagements 7: Blooming Rose (TBXRP)
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2003 11:48 pm
Get ready for a good bit of fluffyness as well as the return of the bitchy ex-fiancee!
<center>False Engagements: Blooming Rose
by Kysra</center>
Disclaimer: The Divine Miss M (Bette Midler for all you non-fans) has all rights to ?The Rose? (such a beautiful song ne?) Also, Chris de Burgh owns ?Lady in Red.?
~ Heero and Relena?s Hotel Suite ~
It was blue.
?Nuh uh.?
It was silky.
?No way.?
It was small.
?Forget it.?
She wasn?t wearing it.
?Heero??
?Hn.?
?I?m NOT wearing this . . . this --?
?Dress.?
Relena glared at her roommate, irritation and rebellion written upon her clean face, water darkened gold hair hanging stiffly around her face in neat newly combed lines, ?This THING is no dress! It can barely be classified as lingerie!?
Heero had the audacity to smirk, ?It?s a dress. Noin chose it for you, and you will wear it to Quatre?s party.? The truth was, he and Noin had chosen the dress for the expressed purpose of tempting Trowa. He just hoped no other male at the party would be attracted by the small, slinky, blue number or else he would have to add a few more casualties to the list of deaths brought about by his hand.
?NO I WON?T!!!! I refuse to wear this . . . this TRAVESTY in public! Do you hear me Heero! There?s no WAY I?m wearing this! It?s indecent! Furthermore, it?ll attract every male within a 100 mile radius to ME which I MOST CERTAINLY DO NOT WANT!!! Understood???!!!?
This time he chuckled which only served to infuriate the already irate Relena more, but he didn?t give her another order, nor did he swear she WOULD wear the thing. Instead, all he said was, ?If you can find something else to wear, fine.?
Grinning in triumph, Relena breathed a sigh, releasing the tension that had built up between her shoulder blades the moment the . . . dress had been laid out for her. Stretching out her legs and standing, she shivered at the sensation of her toes sinking into the plush carpeted floor of their hotel room before walking slowly to the large closet near the bed, enjoying the freedom of being clad in only her robe, no implements of torture (i.e. bras, pantyhose, etc.) hindering her movements or causing general discomfort.
With a gesture of lazy patience, she pulled the closet doors open, her eyes staring at the space where her clothing was supposed to be . . . . . but wasn?t.
?HEERO!!!!!!!?
<center>***</center>
~ One of the many unused guestrooms in the Winner Mansion ~
?You?re kidding.? Dorothy stared in mute disbelief at her two friends who were smiling wickedly, the kind of smile that told of a delicious shared secret.
Hilde sighed then grinned triumphantly as Catherine opened the guestroom closet, her hand coming up to present the various business suits, ball gowns, and assorted casual outfits housed there (better known as Relena?s wardrobe) as if it were a game show prize.
Wide eyed, Dorothy hoisted herself up from the floor to get a better look at the collection of clothes, ?You?re not kidding. I don?t believe this. You two really are serious! And Heero?s in on it??
?Yup,? Hilde brushed imaginary lent from her shoulder, ?Actually, he was the one who came up with this idea while Noin helped hammer out the details. It was actually pretty easy since Relena had some meeting to go to earlier today. He escorted her there then left to help us get all of her clothes transported here. In fact, Heero should be forcing Relena into that phenomenally sexy piece of man-catching material Noin picked out for tonight right about now.?
Shaking her head, Catherine feigned a sad frown, ?Relena and sexy just don?t mix. She?s probably yelling up a storm. Poor Heero.?
The three women dissolved into laughter, united in a sense of purpose. The second of their arrival at Quatre?s mansion two days ago, Hilde and Catherine had cornered Dorothy, regaling her with the tale of how their mission (which they had entitled ?Relena and Trowa?s Love Connection?) had come into existence, inviting her along for the ride. After all, Relena and Trowa had not yet figured out what they were doing, what was a few more accomp . . . er helpers to the cause?
?I suppose you don?t want me to tell Quatre about this?? Dorothy smirked, liking the idea of good ol?fashioned matchmaking more and more, especially since Hilde and Catherine had confirmed that the two subjects were showing signs of responding to the forced stimuli. It was like war, striking then waiting for your opponent to make a move. She was in her element.
Catherine looked thoughtful, ?Well, I guess we could include him, but . . . he?s so honest. If anyone would blow the whistle on this operation it would be him. I mean Trowa?s his best friend.?
?Hmmm . . . Dorothy, proceed with caution. If you think Quatre won?t spill then let him in on it, but if you think he?ll break, don?t. I?m not finished with those two . . yet.? Hilde rubbed her hands together, an evil grin slithering across her face.
?Yes,? Dorothy murmured, ?It will be a beautiful battle.?
Blinking Cathy turned confused eyes to the blonde woman, ?Huh? What do you mean by that??
?Quatre invited Marissa.?
Hilde slapped a hand over her eyes and groaned while Catherine just stared at Dorothy, eyes wide and blank.
Tonight would definitely be interesting. Case of the Ex indeed.
<center>***</center>
~ Elsewhere in the Mansion ~
Trowa was speechless.
No really. He was . . . never mind.
?I?m so sorry Trowa, but her father is a business associate, and --? Quatre stammered to a halt at Trowa?s quieting gesture.
?It?s alright.?
Still, that did nothing to assure the sensitive blond man who would have preferred it if the sly, manipulative woman wasn?t one of his guests for the evening. She was the type to cause trouble for an ex . . . especially if that ex had a new companion.
Trying to open a new line of conversation, one that wasn?t quite so controversial, Quatre turned away from his friend to inspect his image in a nearby full-length mirror, ?So how was Relena?s first circus??
It had been a surprise when Trowa had first told him about the time he had inadvertently been spending with the Vice Foreign Minister and even more shocking when his quiet friend told him he suspected he was developing feelings for the woman who was ranked as the #1 bachelorette on Earth and the Colonies.
?Good. May I ask a favor??
There was no hesitance in his voice, and Quatre couldn?t help a pleased smile. Trowa and Relena . . . It was so cute! ?Sure. Just name it.?
?At midnight, I need the West Wing secured for private use. No cameras. No security. No people.?
Quatre, satisfied his shirt was free of wrinkles and his outfit was spotless, turned to study his friend calmly, subtle curiosity alighting his features, ?That?s fine, but do you mind me asking why??
Trowa closed his eyes for a moment and said nothing, choosing his words carefully before leveling his green eyed stare at Quatre, ?She?s meeting me there. I want no interruptions.?
Smiling widely, Quatre didn?t have to ask who Trowa was referring to, but he couldn?t help the nearly euphoric happiness that welled within him at the confession that Trowa WAS going to see Relena tonight. He only hoped Marissa didn?t do anything to disrupt the newly blossoming romance between the unexpected almost-couple.
<center>***</center>
~ Night at the Winner Mansion ~
?No.?
?Please??
?No.?
?Pretty, pretty please??
?I said ?no? Relena. Don?t make me repeat myself.?
Relena leaned a little closer to her escort, ?Please Heero? I?m cold. I need your jacket. Please??
? . . . ?
She was very nearly on the verge of tears, ?Heeeeerrroooooo . . .? she whined, looking out the window nervously as the brightly lit Winner Mansion came into view. Her pleas became desperate, ?I?ll jump out of the car!?
Prussian blue eyes leveled a hard gaze on her, ?No.?
?I?m serious! You know I will!?
?The answer is still no. You won?t change my mind.?
Relena retreated to her side of the back seat to pout and sulk and think of something that would get Heero to comply with her wishes. The ?dress?, although the word said nothing about the flimsy slip of material currently NOT ?clothing? her form, was worse than she had originally thought upon just glancing at it. It was severely low cut, displaying the skin of her upper chest, the valley between her breasts and a small ?v? of her midriff for all to see. The straps were thin, and she could just envision some slimy Duke or Baron issuing just enough pressure on them to cause an abrupt detachment. The shimmery blue silk was the same shade as her eyes and hugged her curves snugly, leaving nothing to the imagination. She couldn?t even wear underwear with the damn thing, and the hem just barely covered her rear. She was so gonna kill Noin when she got back home, pacifism and non-violent action be damned.
?I?ll buy you any kind of weapon you want. I don?t care how destructive it is or how much it costs. Just let me have that jacket!? She couldn?t, wouldn?t be seen in public like this. She couldn?t, wouldn?t be seen by men like this.
Prussian blue eyes studied her for a long intense moment, and Relena thought that maybe, just maybe, she had hit pay dirt . . . that is until he opened his mouth.
?No.?
There was a definite finality to that last ?no? and Relena was hard-pressed to figure out a way in which to sufficiently con Heero out of his jacket so that she could have some kind of cover to hide her skin from the other guests. She was never letting Noin or Heero near her wardrobe again. Never. Period. End of story. Now to get that damn jacket.
?It?s not even cold. It?s the middle of August for goodness sake. Why can?t you just let me have the stupid jacket??
?I need it to hide my gun.?
?I need it more.?
?I said, don?t make me repeat myself.?
Relena threw up her hands in defeat before crossing her arms over her chest, not realizing the action pushed her breasts up in a dazzling display of cleavage, the flesh very nearly spilling out of the silky sheath everyone else called a ?dress?. ?Fine,? she said in a scathing tone, ?but next time you get near Cathy and don?t know what to say, don?t expect me to rescue you.?
Heero shrugged, ?We?re here.?
And they most certainly were to Relena?s chagrin. She watched as Heero circled around the back of the limo to open the door for her, too soon for her taste. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hands in his as the flashing lights of several cameras illuminated the small space which she and Heero occupied.
Nervously, she tried to huddle in back of him, concealing her front while simultaneously wondering if it was such a good idea allowing the press shots of her backside. She felt so naked, vulnerable, exposed. It would most certainly not be a pleasant evening.
She supposed this was her penance for having such a great time at the circus earlier . . . That kiss . . . A promise that made her yearn for more, for him. Her temperature immediately rose to feverish proportions as the skin of her face, neck, and lower became suffused with blood, the usually pale flesh suddenly a dark pink hue of embarrassment and innocent arousal.
Good Lord, how would she face Trowa tonight in this . . . this . . .
?Relena! Heero! It?s so good to see you two!? Quatre intercepted them at the door, smiling charmingly at them while he shook Heero?s hand and embraced the brightly blushing Relena. His bright blue eyes raked over her form innocently before returning to peer into her mortified face. ?You?re looking ravishing Relena.?
Heero choked on a chuckle while Relena?s face turned an even deeper shade of red, graciously thanking Quatre for the compliment while devising a plan to get Heero?s damned jacket.
They moved into the expansive ballroom which had been decorated to look more like the school dances she remembered from years ago with glittery streamers, bright colored balloons, and a mirror ball suspended over the room. The lights were turned down, a strobe light flashing to the beat of pulsating music played by a live band rather than a quiet mini-orchestra. It was like Prom or Homecoming all over again.
They stood at the edge of the party, both of them watchful, studious, silent. Relena?s mind was whisked away to a time not so long ago when such parties were not within her agenda, when she was just a schoolgirl bored with her life of pomp and superficial formality, when she was just a young girl full of idealistic fury searching for a wild dream in the skies. Suddenly, Heero?s jacket didn?t seem so important anymore.
She decided she was going to just let go tonight and forget the responsibility of her station to enjoy this celebration of love with her friends. What she was wearing . . . or not wearing was not important.
Of course, that didn?t keep her from feeling uncomfortably naked.
?You don?t have to stay with me.? Relena yelled to Heero over the music, her arms crossed over her body in a sad attempt to cover the skin left bare by the skimpy dress. ?Go find Cathy. Trowa should be escorting her.?
He looked at her uncertainly, his protective urge toward her and his desires waging war within his soul, and she smiled reassuringly at him, gesturing toward Duo and Hilde who were kissing in the corner. She would be fine with them.
Nodding, Heero allowed a small smile to cross his lips before briefly squeezing her shoulder and walking away, shoving through the teeming bodies swaying and gyrating on the dance floor.
Relena, her blush remaining in the form of a warm smattering of pink across the bridge of her nose, smiled as she watched the dancers silently. It amazed her at how much enjoyment she could take in the sight of others having fun, being happy, and just generally being . . . there. This was what she worked for, this carefree, peaceful kind of bliss, this normalcy.
Closing her eyes to the flashing lights, freeing her mind from the noise of the upbeat, pumping music, Relena retreated into herself, wanting to relish this feeling of purpose for just a few more moments before she made her break into the unknown and let go of her usual self-restraint.
?Can I have this dance?? A sensually low voice vibrated in her ear pleasantly, breaking her out of the trance she had immersed herself in.
Blinking, she turned her head to see none other than the young King Jean-Pierre of France, his handsome face hovering over her bare shoulder. She felt her heart drop. Over the last month, despite all of her adamant refusals, the man had still persisted with this marriage idea. She was on the verge of giving Heero the ok to severely hurt him.
Pasting a thin smile on her now pale face, she turned to him after stepping back to give herself a bit more personal space, ?Certainly.?
He led her to the dance floor, a soft, slow song wafting through the air as he touched his hands gently to her silk clad waist, her hands coming up to rest on his shoulders. She moved stiffly, fervently wishing the song would hurry and end so that she could go back to being a dazed wallflower while her dance partner stared at her pleasantly smiling face, wondering why she wouldn?t let him close the foot wide gap between their bodies. Didn?t her arms hurt from being so stiffly locked straight?
?So have you thought anymore on my proposal? I think I?m being very generous.?
Relena?s eyes went wide before narrowing into tiny slits of annoyance, ?I said no already Jean-Pierre, and nothing will change my mind.?
He was undaunted by her ire, ?I?ve promised you half of all collective assets if we should have . . . difficulties, but I am willing to grant you more if you so wish it.?
Halting in her swaying movements, Relena tipped her chin up just a little more before dropping her hands to her sides, ?I believe this conversation . . . and dance is over. Good night Jean-Pierre. I would appreciate it if you would keep your distance for the rest of the night.?
Not waiting for his reply, she turned on her heel to crash headlong into Duo who immediately wrapped an arm about her shoulders to steady her, his violet eyes never leaving the other man?s face, ?Is there a problem Lena??
Temporarily speechless, Relena shook her head slightly before saying, ?No. Jean-Pierre was just saying goodbye.?
Duo nodded, sparing the Frenchman a remarkable imitation of Heero?s death glare, taking Relena into his arms for the next dance.
<center>***</center>
~ On the other side of the room ^_^ ~
Trowa?s lips curved slightly as he watched Duo make his way toward the woman in blue, the woman Heero had identified as Relena. It was quite obvious she had wanted an out, to get away from the man who currently held her at arm?s length (or perhaps it would be more accurate to say she held him at arm?s length), the same man who had proposed to her a month ago. He felt an inner pride when she calmly halted in their dance to deliver what looked like an ultimatum from the grim expression on her face. She didn?t cause a scene, didn?t slap him for whatever offense he had paid her, just turned away, leaving the man there to deal with Duo?s glare.
She was so beautiful when she was angry, her hair flaring out behind her, and he knew she was going to be hounded all night. That dress . . .
?You know, you should ask Relena to dance,? Hilde suggested beside him, ?I mean Cathy abandoned you and Heero abandoned her. It?s only right that you two have a good time.?
Trowa glanced down at the short haired woman before returning his gaze to the sea of dancers, crossing his arms over his chest, ?I?m fine here.?
Hilde sighed heavily, ?How wonderful, but that doesn?t get me a dance partner now does it? C?mon!? She took his arm roughly, pulling him into the fray, scouting out a clear spot for them.
Suppressing a smile, the ex-Gundam pilot didn?t put up any resistance as Hilde grinned up at him when she found a sparse area before saying, ?You do know how to dance don?t you??
He remained silent, content to let her have her fun. After all, she was Duo?s wife.
?Oh dear, well, your hands go here, but don?t get too fresh. I?m irresistible, but I don?t think my husband would see it as flattery.?
?What wouldn?t your husband see as flattery?? Duo flashed Trowa a grin before returning his attention to his wife as Relena?s eyes became wide for moment, smiling as she coolly met Trowa?s emerald stare.
Hilde clicked her tongue, her arms pulling Trowa closer to her, ?Trowa?s forwardness. After all, I?m such a great catch, any man would be happy to dance with me, eh Trowa??
All eyes were on him, ? . . . ?
In a show of Oscar winning dramatics, Hilde?s eyed filled with false tears, teeth scraping her quivering bottom lip as she slightly pushed away from the tall man, ?H - how could you use me you creep *sniffs*? I?ve done so much for you, but I understand . . . I?m a married woman. It was doomed before it even began. Very well my love. I bid you adieu!?
Duo laughed, ?I?m sorry Lena, but I think Hilde wants to switch partners if you don?t mind.?
?Don?t mind at all.? Her eyes never left Trowa?s face.
Relena smiled shyly, her blush renewing itself, as she stepped naturally into his arms, Duo and Hilde moving away from them as the music changed, the song old and familiar but sorely out of place in their present situation. All sound faded as they gazed into each other?s faces, their bodies close enough to tell others that they were friends but with enough distance between them to infer a non-intimate relationship.
<center>I?ve never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight
I?ve never seen you shine so bright
I?ve never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance
They?re looking for a little romance
Given half a chance
And I?ve never seen that dress you?re wearing
Or the highlights in your hair
That catch your eyes
I have been blind</center>
?It?s not you,? Trowa said softly, just loud enough for her ears to hear over the loud but slow stream of music, disrupting their quiet little world, interrupting their intense staring match.
?What isn?t me?? Her blue eyes darkened with confusion.
?The dress . . .?
Relena?s blush deepened as she lowered her eyes to stare at his collar, ?Oh . . . You don?t like it?? Would his opinion of her change because of something she had absolutely no control over?
?I didn?t say that.? He smiled, looking down at her blonde head, hands bringing her just a fraction closer to him as her fingers tightened their grip on his shirt. The silk felt cool beneath his fingers while her skin felt like warm pale satin as her hand occasionally brushed against his neck. Her hair, strands of golden gossamer fell over her thin shoulders and his clothed arms. She was a veritable goddess of femininity, and he was very much aware that every other male in that ballroom was seeing exactly the same image he was.
<center>The lady in red is dancing with me
Cheek to cheek
There?s nobody here
It?s just you and me
It?s where I wanna be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I?ll never forget the way you look tonight</center>
Slowly her eyes rose again to meet his, and he was taken aback to see the most unadulterated look of contentment there, as if there was nowhere she?d rather be than right there with him swaying to a song about a man dancing with the woman of his heart; and even though Relena wasn?t wearing the right shade for it, he couldn?t help but compare the here and now with the timeless though fabricated lyrics.
His heart sped up pleasantly while his breath caught in his throat, the memory of her lips, the briefest of contacts, coming to the fore as he stared at her mouth.
He suddenly wanted very much to be alone with her.
?My word, if it isn?t Mr. Trowa Barton. It?s been awhile,? a female voice broke into their cozy little dream world where only they existed. Relena gave a mental sigh. Would they ever get to cherish these moments without interruptions? After all, this was her THIRD partner for the night and the THIRD time her dance had been halted. It was only made worse since said partner was the only one she really wanted as her dance partner.
Trowa stopped moving, his back and shoulders suddenly becoming tense as the smile slid off his face in favor of his usual non-expression, ?Hello Marissa.?
Blue eyes wide, Relena turned to look at Trowa?s former fiancee and felt her heart shrivel at the sight of the other woman. Marissa was nothing less than stunning, the stuff supermodels were made of. She was tall, just a few inches shorter than Trowa, her long legs shaped to perfection. Her waist was pencil thin while her bust was large and noticeable, hips finely sloped and perfectly formed. Smooth, tanned skin boasted a healthy lifestyle of outdoor activity though no blemish or callus was visible on her well-manicured fingers. She possessed the face of an angel with almond shaped brown eyes, a pert nose, and lush red lips framed by a lustrous mane of thick black hair. She was exotic looking, a forbidden pleasure that would tempt even the most chaste of men. Her daring red dress was (if possible) even tinier than Relena?s, and the blonde woman was very much aware of how far she fell short when compared to the other woman.
Marissa was everything Relena was not. Why would Trowa want a reed thin little girl with a title when he could have a voluptuous womanly temptress?
Unaware of her turmoil, Trowa introduced them while Relena tried her best to keep the smile on her face, blue eyes masking the insecure feelings roiling behind them.
?It?s very nice to meet you Miss Sheldon,? Relena said, her voice steady and professional as she lifted her hand towards Marissa who looked at the hand with a frown before smiling up at Trowa once more, laying her hand on his arm.
?Nice to meet you too Relena. Do you mind if I borrow this stud for a few moments? I am dressed for the song after all.? She physically pushed Relena away from her target, ?Thanks.? It was on Relena?s tongue to tell the crimson clad woman that she DID mind when she looked at them together and noticed how comely a couple they made. Her hopes were dashed once more.
Trowa watched helplessly as Relena forced a smile at him as Marissa snuggled close, laying her head on his shoulder when all he wanted to do was push her away, but he couldn?t. There would be time for them to have some time together . . . at midnight. For now, he would have to deal with his ex-fianc?e while watching Relena walk away.
<center>***</center>
~ Five minutes to midnight WAHAHAHAH ~
?I can?t stand her. She?s so damn rude.? Hilde grumbled while glaring at the object of her displeasure.
?Don?t I know it. Did you see how she cut in when I was dancing with him? I think I have a bruise!? Cathy groused rubbing her hip with a free hand.
?She?s some piece of work.?
?She?s some piece of ass.?
?DUO!!!!? *WHAM*
Heero listened to the others squabbling about Marissa who was just now leaving with her entourage along with all the other guests, his eyes searching the wrecked ballroom with a critical eye before asking, ?Where?s Relena??
Catherine, who was leaning against him tiredly, shoes in one hand, looked up at his profile blearily, ?Good question. Where?s Trowa??
Some distance from them, bidding goodbye to each guest as they passed, Quatre heard their questioning voices and smiled widely.
<center>***</center>
~ The West Wing (you guys were just waiting for this weren?t ya??) ~
?Trowa?? Relena padded silently down the darkened hall, her blue pumps in one hand as she searched for any sign of him.
She had thought long and hard after leaving Trowa to Marissa, thought about the past few months, their few meetings, and the feelings he inspired within her. She had debated about the wisdom of continuing this . . . whatever it was, argued with herself over the prudent course of action in cases such as these, and wondered if she should, in fact, meet him as he had entreated her.
In the end, there was really no question. She had never been happier than when she was with him. He gave her a peace that had been missing from her own life even as she fought for a peaceful world for everyone else. She had been smiling more, laughing more, filled with an excitement, a zest for the unknown. He made her feel as if she were still a young girl while bringing out the desires and characteristics of the woman she was. She wanted, no needed, to see this through to the end, even if she was destined to suffer from heartbreak. Marissa was his EX-fianc?e, past tense. She was the present, and if she didn?t grasp onto whatever it was developing between them, she knew she would never be able to forgive herself.
Something told her that this emotion forming within her toward him was forever, and if he never returned those feelings at least she could say she had given it a fighting chance.
And so here she was, wandering blindly through the West Wing of Quatre?s mansion at midnight, not really sure exactly where she would find her companion.
Coming to the end of the hall, Relena found herself at a set of massive oak doors, the gilded knobs beckoning her to enter, glinting in the sparse light of the corridor. Nervous fingers wrapped around the gold plated bulb, testing it to find out whether or not it was locked.
Click.
It wasn?t.
Filled with anxiety, Relena entered quietly, closing the door behind her before turning to study the room she now found herself in. It was large and empty with no furniture to speak of resting on its gray carpeted floor. Tall, thin Gothic style windows lined the walls, moonlight falling into the room as illuminated mist, ethereal and hazy. Gauzy lavender curtains floated against the cream colored walls softly like ghostly figures dancing to a silent melody, enchanting in the gentle glow of starlight.
Holding her breath, she stepped into the center of the room, enjoying the serene quality of the space while simultaneously worrying she had found the wrong location.
And then she heard it.
The crisp, clear notes of a piano rang through the air, and her heart accelerated in her chest as she realized that she had absolutely no idea what Trowa had planned.
<center>Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.</center>
The singer?s voice resounded with an irresistible note of melancholy while echoing a desperate kind of hope, a belief that the words were untrue for her but all too real for others. It was like a prayer, soft and slow, speaking to her. He was speaking to her.
Sometimes words were not needed. This time, music and the voice of a woman would be his vehicle of expression.
<center>I say love, it is a flower,
and you it?s only seed.</center>
The sound of rustling material drew her attention to her right where a shadow detached itself from the wall, moving toward her with animalistic grace and secret purpose, and despite the growing uncertainty and restlessness, she didn?t resist when strong arms pulled her into an intimate embrace, her hand releasing her shoes to crash into the floor.
Neither noticed nor cared.
<center>It?s the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It?s the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.</center>
No words needed to be said as they swayed in the moonlight, their vocal silence remedied by the language of bodies. She relaxed into his arms, her body melting against the hard contours of his chest, abdomen, and legs, her head resting against the place just above his heart as he pulled her even closer.
They had both suffered heartbreak in the past, but they were going to take this chance to find happiness and joy within each other. Fate had pushed them together more than once, and who were they to gainsay such a force? They would allow this to develop. They would allow nature to push them along the path they had already begun to travel, hand in hand.
<center>It?s the one who won?t be taken
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dying
that never learns to live.</center>
Relena closed her eyes, loving the feel of his arms around her, lulled by the sound of his heart beating against her ear. She slid one hand from his waist to lay it flat against the spot near her face when his hand covered hers, his chin settling against her crown.
Trowa, despite how many times he had listened to this song, was still spellbound at how close to home the words came to describing himself and perhaps, in some way, his fellow pilots. It made him wonder at how different he was from those days filled with desperation and hopelessness when all that mattered was surviving one more day only to kill, to fight, to destroy. Now . . . now he held life, warm and solid, in his arms, and he never wanted to let go.
<center>When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been too long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,</center>
They had both come such a long way, fought so many battles, only to end up here unexpectedly with each other. They had experienced so much in their young lives, suffering through war, death, and hardship, and yet they had persevered despite everything set against their separate causes.
She had sacrificed her dreams for the betterment of the universal population while he had shirked away from humanity to become the brain behind a deadly machine. She had seen her idealistic world crushed in the face of stark reality while he had given up his false affection in favor of honesty. They had endured hell only to find each other four years after the fact and establish a tentative kind of relationship.
A relationship both wished to see grow and change as fate willed it.
<center>Just remember in the winter
far beneath the winter snows
lies the seed that with the sun?s love
in the spring becomes the rose.</center>
His fingers urged her chin up, languid blue eyes opening to focus sleepily upon his face as his other hand came into view, presenting her with a short stemmed, thornless pink rosebud before his lips lowered to hers sweetly.
She was his rose, and with time, their love would bloom.
To be continued . . .
Next chapter is being worked on as I type
<center>False Engagements: Blooming Rose
by Kysra</center>
Disclaimer: The Divine Miss M (Bette Midler for all you non-fans) has all rights to ?The Rose? (such a beautiful song ne?) Also, Chris de Burgh owns ?Lady in Red.?
~ Heero and Relena?s Hotel Suite ~
It was blue.
?Nuh uh.?
It was silky.
?No way.?
It was small.
?Forget it.?
She wasn?t wearing it.
?Heero??
?Hn.?
?I?m NOT wearing this . . . this --?
?Dress.?
Relena glared at her roommate, irritation and rebellion written upon her clean face, water darkened gold hair hanging stiffly around her face in neat newly combed lines, ?This THING is no dress! It can barely be classified as lingerie!?
Heero had the audacity to smirk, ?It?s a dress. Noin chose it for you, and you will wear it to Quatre?s party.? The truth was, he and Noin had chosen the dress for the expressed purpose of tempting Trowa. He just hoped no other male at the party would be attracted by the small, slinky, blue number or else he would have to add a few more casualties to the list of deaths brought about by his hand.
?NO I WON?T!!!! I refuse to wear this . . . this TRAVESTY in public! Do you hear me Heero! There?s no WAY I?m wearing this! It?s indecent! Furthermore, it?ll attract every male within a 100 mile radius to ME which I MOST CERTAINLY DO NOT WANT!!! Understood???!!!?
This time he chuckled which only served to infuriate the already irate Relena more, but he didn?t give her another order, nor did he swear she WOULD wear the thing. Instead, all he said was, ?If you can find something else to wear, fine.?
Grinning in triumph, Relena breathed a sigh, releasing the tension that had built up between her shoulder blades the moment the . . . dress had been laid out for her. Stretching out her legs and standing, she shivered at the sensation of her toes sinking into the plush carpeted floor of their hotel room before walking slowly to the large closet near the bed, enjoying the freedom of being clad in only her robe, no implements of torture (i.e. bras, pantyhose, etc.) hindering her movements or causing general discomfort.
With a gesture of lazy patience, she pulled the closet doors open, her eyes staring at the space where her clothing was supposed to be . . . . . but wasn?t.
?HEERO!!!!!!!?
<center>***</center>
~ One of the many unused guestrooms in the Winner Mansion ~
?You?re kidding.? Dorothy stared in mute disbelief at her two friends who were smiling wickedly, the kind of smile that told of a delicious shared secret.
Hilde sighed then grinned triumphantly as Catherine opened the guestroom closet, her hand coming up to present the various business suits, ball gowns, and assorted casual outfits housed there (better known as Relena?s wardrobe) as if it were a game show prize.
Wide eyed, Dorothy hoisted herself up from the floor to get a better look at the collection of clothes, ?You?re not kidding. I don?t believe this. You two really are serious! And Heero?s in on it??
?Yup,? Hilde brushed imaginary lent from her shoulder, ?Actually, he was the one who came up with this idea while Noin helped hammer out the details. It was actually pretty easy since Relena had some meeting to go to earlier today. He escorted her there then left to help us get all of her clothes transported here. In fact, Heero should be forcing Relena into that phenomenally sexy piece of man-catching material Noin picked out for tonight right about now.?
Shaking her head, Catherine feigned a sad frown, ?Relena and sexy just don?t mix. She?s probably yelling up a storm. Poor Heero.?
The three women dissolved into laughter, united in a sense of purpose. The second of their arrival at Quatre?s mansion two days ago, Hilde and Catherine had cornered Dorothy, regaling her with the tale of how their mission (which they had entitled ?Relena and Trowa?s Love Connection?) had come into existence, inviting her along for the ride. After all, Relena and Trowa had not yet figured out what they were doing, what was a few more accomp . . . er helpers to the cause?
?I suppose you don?t want me to tell Quatre about this?? Dorothy smirked, liking the idea of good ol?fashioned matchmaking more and more, especially since Hilde and Catherine had confirmed that the two subjects were showing signs of responding to the forced stimuli. It was like war, striking then waiting for your opponent to make a move. She was in her element.
Catherine looked thoughtful, ?Well, I guess we could include him, but . . . he?s so honest. If anyone would blow the whistle on this operation it would be him. I mean Trowa?s his best friend.?
?Hmmm . . . Dorothy, proceed with caution. If you think Quatre won?t spill then let him in on it, but if you think he?ll break, don?t. I?m not finished with those two . . yet.? Hilde rubbed her hands together, an evil grin slithering across her face.
?Yes,? Dorothy murmured, ?It will be a beautiful battle.?
Blinking Cathy turned confused eyes to the blonde woman, ?Huh? What do you mean by that??
?Quatre invited Marissa.?
Hilde slapped a hand over her eyes and groaned while Catherine just stared at Dorothy, eyes wide and blank.
Tonight would definitely be interesting. Case of the Ex indeed.
<center>***</center>
~ Elsewhere in the Mansion ~
Trowa was speechless.
No really. He was . . . never mind.
?I?m so sorry Trowa, but her father is a business associate, and --? Quatre stammered to a halt at Trowa?s quieting gesture.
?It?s alright.?
Still, that did nothing to assure the sensitive blond man who would have preferred it if the sly, manipulative woman wasn?t one of his guests for the evening. She was the type to cause trouble for an ex . . . especially if that ex had a new companion.
Trying to open a new line of conversation, one that wasn?t quite so controversial, Quatre turned away from his friend to inspect his image in a nearby full-length mirror, ?So how was Relena?s first circus??
It had been a surprise when Trowa had first told him about the time he had inadvertently been spending with the Vice Foreign Minister and even more shocking when his quiet friend told him he suspected he was developing feelings for the woman who was ranked as the #1 bachelorette on Earth and the Colonies.
?Good. May I ask a favor??
There was no hesitance in his voice, and Quatre couldn?t help a pleased smile. Trowa and Relena . . . It was so cute! ?Sure. Just name it.?
?At midnight, I need the West Wing secured for private use. No cameras. No security. No people.?
Quatre, satisfied his shirt was free of wrinkles and his outfit was spotless, turned to study his friend calmly, subtle curiosity alighting his features, ?That?s fine, but do you mind me asking why??
Trowa closed his eyes for a moment and said nothing, choosing his words carefully before leveling his green eyed stare at Quatre, ?She?s meeting me there. I want no interruptions.?
Smiling widely, Quatre didn?t have to ask who Trowa was referring to, but he couldn?t help the nearly euphoric happiness that welled within him at the confession that Trowa WAS going to see Relena tonight. He only hoped Marissa didn?t do anything to disrupt the newly blossoming romance between the unexpected almost-couple.
<center>***</center>
~ Night at the Winner Mansion ~
?No.?
?Please??
?No.?
?Pretty, pretty please??
?I said ?no? Relena. Don?t make me repeat myself.?
Relena leaned a little closer to her escort, ?Please Heero? I?m cold. I need your jacket. Please??
? . . . ?
She was very nearly on the verge of tears, ?Heeeeerrroooooo . . .? she whined, looking out the window nervously as the brightly lit Winner Mansion came into view. Her pleas became desperate, ?I?ll jump out of the car!?
Prussian blue eyes leveled a hard gaze on her, ?No.?
?I?m serious! You know I will!?
?The answer is still no. You won?t change my mind.?
Relena retreated to her side of the back seat to pout and sulk and think of something that would get Heero to comply with her wishes. The ?dress?, although the word said nothing about the flimsy slip of material currently NOT ?clothing? her form, was worse than she had originally thought upon just glancing at it. It was severely low cut, displaying the skin of her upper chest, the valley between her breasts and a small ?v? of her midriff for all to see. The straps were thin, and she could just envision some slimy Duke or Baron issuing just enough pressure on them to cause an abrupt detachment. The shimmery blue silk was the same shade as her eyes and hugged her curves snugly, leaving nothing to the imagination. She couldn?t even wear underwear with the damn thing, and the hem just barely covered her rear. She was so gonna kill Noin when she got back home, pacifism and non-violent action be damned.
?I?ll buy you any kind of weapon you want. I don?t care how destructive it is or how much it costs. Just let me have that jacket!? She couldn?t, wouldn?t be seen in public like this. She couldn?t, wouldn?t be seen by men like this.
Prussian blue eyes studied her for a long intense moment, and Relena thought that maybe, just maybe, she had hit pay dirt . . . that is until he opened his mouth.
?No.?
There was a definite finality to that last ?no? and Relena was hard-pressed to figure out a way in which to sufficiently con Heero out of his jacket so that she could have some kind of cover to hide her skin from the other guests. She was never letting Noin or Heero near her wardrobe again. Never. Period. End of story. Now to get that damn jacket.
?It?s not even cold. It?s the middle of August for goodness sake. Why can?t you just let me have the stupid jacket??
?I need it to hide my gun.?
?I need it more.?
?I said, don?t make me repeat myself.?
Relena threw up her hands in defeat before crossing her arms over her chest, not realizing the action pushed her breasts up in a dazzling display of cleavage, the flesh very nearly spilling out of the silky sheath everyone else called a ?dress?. ?Fine,? she said in a scathing tone, ?but next time you get near Cathy and don?t know what to say, don?t expect me to rescue you.?
Heero shrugged, ?We?re here.?
And they most certainly were to Relena?s chagrin. She watched as Heero circled around the back of the limo to open the door for her, too soon for her taste. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hands in his as the flashing lights of several cameras illuminated the small space which she and Heero occupied.
Nervously, she tried to huddle in back of him, concealing her front while simultaneously wondering if it was such a good idea allowing the press shots of her backside. She felt so naked, vulnerable, exposed. It would most certainly not be a pleasant evening.
She supposed this was her penance for having such a great time at the circus earlier . . . That kiss . . . A promise that made her yearn for more, for him. Her temperature immediately rose to feverish proportions as the skin of her face, neck, and lower became suffused with blood, the usually pale flesh suddenly a dark pink hue of embarrassment and innocent arousal.
Good Lord, how would she face Trowa tonight in this . . . this . . .
?Relena! Heero! It?s so good to see you two!? Quatre intercepted them at the door, smiling charmingly at them while he shook Heero?s hand and embraced the brightly blushing Relena. His bright blue eyes raked over her form innocently before returning to peer into her mortified face. ?You?re looking ravishing Relena.?
Heero choked on a chuckle while Relena?s face turned an even deeper shade of red, graciously thanking Quatre for the compliment while devising a plan to get Heero?s damned jacket.
They moved into the expansive ballroom which had been decorated to look more like the school dances she remembered from years ago with glittery streamers, bright colored balloons, and a mirror ball suspended over the room. The lights were turned down, a strobe light flashing to the beat of pulsating music played by a live band rather than a quiet mini-orchestra. It was like Prom or Homecoming all over again.
They stood at the edge of the party, both of them watchful, studious, silent. Relena?s mind was whisked away to a time not so long ago when such parties were not within her agenda, when she was just a schoolgirl bored with her life of pomp and superficial formality, when she was just a young girl full of idealistic fury searching for a wild dream in the skies. Suddenly, Heero?s jacket didn?t seem so important anymore.
She decided she was going to just let go tonight and forget the responsibility of her station to enjoy this celebration of love with her friends. What she was wearing . . . or not wearing was not important.
Of course, that didn?t keep her from feeling uncomfortably naked.
?You don?t have to stay with me.? Relena yelled to Heero over the music, her arms crossed over her body in a sad attempt to cover the skin left bare by the skimpy dress. ?Go find Cathy. Trowa should be escorting her.?
He looked at her uncertainly, his protective urge toward her and his desires waging war within his soul, and she smiled reassuringly at him, gesturing toward Duo and Hilde who were kissing in the corner. She would be fine with them.
Nodding, Heero allowed a small smile to cross his lips before briefly squeezing her shoulder and walking away, shoving through the teeming bodies swaying and gyrating on the dance floor.
Relena, her blush remaining in the form of a warm smattering of pink across the bridge of her nose, smiled as she watched the dancers silently. It amazed her at how much enjoyment she could take in the sight of others having fun, being happy, and just generally being . . . there. This was what she worked for, this carefree, peaceful kind of bliss, this normalcy.
Closing her eyes to the flashing lights, freeing her mind from the noise of the upbeat, pumping music, Relena retreated into herself, wanting to relish this feeling of purpose for just a few more moments before she made her break into the unknown and let go of her usual self-restraint.
?Can I have this dance?? A sensually low voice vibrated in her ear pleasantly, breaking her out of the trance she had immersed herself in.
Blinking, she turned her head to see none other than the young King Jean-Pierre of France, his handsome face hovering over her bare shoulder. She felt her heart drop. Over the last month, despite all of her adamant refusals, the man had still persisted with this marriage idea. She was on the verge of giving Heero the ok to severely hurt him.
Pasting a thin smile on her now pale face, she turned to him after stepping back to give herself a bit more personal space, ?Certainly.?
He led her to the dance floor, a soft, slow song wafting through the air as he touched his hands gently to her silk clad waist, her hands coming up to rest on his shoulders. She moved stiffly, fervently wishing the song would hurry and end so that she could go back to being a dazed wallflower while her dance partner stared at her pleasantly smiling face, wondering why she wouldn?t let him close the foot wide gap between their bodies. Didn?t her arms hurt from being so stiffly locked straight?
?So have you thought anymore on my proposal? I think I?m being very generous.?
Relena?s eyes went wide before narrowing into tiny slits of annoyance, ?I said no already Jean-Pierre, and nothing will change my mind.?
He was undaunted by her ire, ?I?ve promised you half of all collective assets if we should have . . . difficulties, but I am willing to grant you more if you so wish it.?
Halting in her swaying movements, Relena tipped her chin up just a little more before dropping her hands to her sides, ?I believe this conversation . . . and dance is over. Good night Jean-Pierre. I would appreciate it if you would keep your distance for the rest of the night.?
Not waiting for his reply, she turned on her heel to crash headlong into Duo who immediately wrapped an arm about her shoulders to steady her, his violet eyes never leaving the other man?s face, ?Is there a problem Lena??
Temporarily speechless, Relena shook her head slightly before saying, ?No. Jean-Pierre was just saying goodbye.?
Duo nodded, sparing the Frenchman a remarkable imitation of Heero?s death glare, taking Relena into his arms for the next dance.
<center>***</center>
~ On the other side of the room ^_^ ~
Trowa?s lips curved slightly as he watched Duo make his way toward the woman in blue, the woman Heero had identified as Relena. It was quite obvious she had wanted an out, to get away from the man who currently held her at arm?s length (or perhaps it would be more accurate to say she held him at arm?s length), the same man who had proposed to her a month ago. He felt an inner pride when she calmly halted in their dance to deliver what looked like an ultimatum from the grim expression on her face. She didn?t cause a scene, didn?t slap him for whatever offense he had paid her, just turned away, leaving the man there to deal with Duo?s glare.
She was so beautiful when she was angry, her hair flaring out behind her, and he knew she was going to be hounded all night. That dress . . .
?You know, you should ask Relena to dance,? Hilde suggested beside him, ?I mean Cathy abandoned you and Heero abandoned her. It?s only right that you two have a good time.?
Trowa glanced down at the short haired woman before returning his gaze to the sea of dancers, crossing his arms over his chest, ?I?m fine here.?
Hilde sighed heavily, ?How wonderful, but that doesn?t get me a dance partner now does it? C?mon!? She took his arm roughly, pulling him into the fray, scouting out a clear spot for them.
Suppressing a smile, the ex-Gundam pilot didn?t put up any resistance as Hilde grinned up at him when she found a sparse area before saying, ?You do know how to dance don?t you??
He remained silent, content to let her have her fun. After all, she was Duo?s wife.
?Oh dear, well, your hands go here, but don?t get too fresh. I?m irresistible, but I don?t think my husband would see it as flattery.?
?What wouldn?t your husband see as flattery?? Duo flashed Trowa a grin before returning his attention to his wife as Relena?s eyes became wide for moment, smiling as she coolly met Trowa?s emerald stare.
Hilde clicked her tongue, her arms pulling Trowa closer to her, ?Trowa?s forwardness. After all, I?m such a great catch, any man would be happy to dance with me, eh Trowa??
All eyes were on him, ? . . . ?
In a show of Oscar winning dramatics, Hilde?s eyed filled with false tears, teeth scraping her quivering bottom lip as she slightly pushed away from the tall man, ?H - how could you use me you creep *sniffs*? I?ve done so much for you, but I understand . . . I?m a married woman. It was doomed before it even began. Very well my love. I bid you adieu!?
Duo laughed, ?I?m sorry Lena, but I think Hilde wants to switch partners if you don?t mind.?
?Don?t mind at all.? Her eyes never left Trowa?s face.
Relena smiled shyly, her blush renewing itself, as she stepped naturally into his arms, Duo and Hilde moving away from them as the music changed, the song old and familiar but sorely out of place in their present situation. All sound faded as they gazed into each other?s faces, their bodies close enough to tell others that they were friends but with enough distance between them to infer a non-intimate relationship.
<center>I?ve never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight
I?ve never seen you shine so bright
I?ve never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance
They?re looking for a little romance
Given half a chance
And I?ve never seen that dress you?re wearing
Or the highlights in your hair
That catch your eyes
I have been blind</center>
?It?s not you,? Trowa said softly, just loud enough for her ears to hear over the loud but slow stream of music, disrupting their quiet little world, interrupting their intense staring match.
?What isn?t me?? Her blue eyes darkened with confusion.
?The dress . . .?
Relena?s blush deepened as she lowered her eyes to stare at his collar, ?Oh . . . You don?t like it?? Would his opinion of her change because of something she had absolutely no control over?
?I didn?t say that.? He smiled, looking down at her blonde head, hands bringing her just a fraction closer to him as her fingers tightened their grip on his shirt. The silk felt cool beneath his fingers while her skin felt like warm pale satin as her hand occasionally brushed against his neck. Her hair, strands of golden gossamer fell over her thin shoulders and his clothed arms. She was a veritable goddess of femininity, and he was very much aware that every other male in that ballroom was seeing exactly the same image he was.
<center>The lady in red is dancing with me
Cheek to cheek
There?s nobody here
It?s just you and me
It?s where I wanna be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I?ll never forget the way you look tonight</center>
Slowly her eyes rose again to meet his, and he was taken aback to see the most unadulterated look of contentment there, as if there was nowhere she?d rather be than right there with him swaying to a song about a man dancing with the woman of his heart; and even though Relena wasn?t wearing the right shade for it, he couldn?t help but compare the here and now with the timeless though fabricated lyrics.
His heart sped up pleasantly while his breath caught in his throat, the memory of her lips, the briefest of contacts, coming to the fore as he stared at her mouth.
He suddenly wanted very much to be alone with her.
?My word, if it isn?t Mr. Trowa Barton. It?s been awhile,? a female voice broke into their cozy little dream world where only they existed. Relena gave a mental sigh. Would they ever get to cherish these moments without interruptions? After all, this was her THIRD partner for the night and the THIRD time her dance had been halted. It was only made worse since said partner was the only one she really wanted as her dance partner.
Trowa stopped moving, his back and shoulders suddenly becoming tense as the smile slid off his face in favor of his usual non-expression, ?Hello Marissa.?
Blue eyes wide, Relena turned to look at Trowa?s former fiancee and felt her heart shrivel at the sight of the other woman. Marissa was nothing less than stunning, the stuff supermodels were made of. She was tall, just a few inches shorter than Trowa, her long legs shaped to perfection. Her waist was pencil thin while her bust was large and noticeable, hips finely sloped and perfectly formed. Smooth, tanned skin boasted a healthy lifestyle of outdoor activity though no blemish or callus was visible on her well-manicured fingers. She possessed the face of an angel with almond shaped brown eyes, a pert nose, and lush red lips framed by a lustrous mane of thick black hair. She was exotic looking, a forbidden pleasure that would tempt even the most chaste of men. Her daring red dress was (if possible) even tinier than Relena?s, and the blonde woman was very much aware of how far she fell short when compared to the other woman.
Marissa was everything Relena was not. Why would Trowa want a reed thin little girl with a title when he could have a voluptuous womanly temptress?
Unaware of her turmoil, Trowa introduced them while Relena tried her best to keep the smile on her face, blue eyes masking the insecure feelings roiling behind them.
?It?s very nice to meet you Miss Sheldon,? Relena said, her voice steady and professional as she lifted her hand towards Marissa who looked at the hand with a frown before smiling up at Trowa once more, laying her hand on his arm.
?Nice to meet you too Relena. Do you mind if I borrow this stud for a few moments? I am dressed for the song after all.? She physically pushed Relena away from her target, ?Thanks.? It was on Relena?s tongue to tell the crimson clad woman that she DID mind when she looked at them together and noticed how comely a couple they made. Her hopes were dashed once more.
Trowa watched helplessly as Relena forced a smile at him as Marissa snuggled close, laying her head on his shoulder when all he wanted to do was push her away, but he couldn?t. There would be time for them to have some time together . . . at midnight. For now, he would have to deal with his ex-fianc?e while watching Relena walk away.
<center>***</center>
~ Five minutes to midnight WAHAHAHAH ~
?I can?t stand her. She?s so damn rude.? Hilde grumbled while glaring at the object of her displeasure.
?Don?t I know it. Did you see how she cut in when I was dancing with him? I think I have a bruise!? Cathy groused rubbing her hip with a free hand.
?She?s some piece of work.?
?She?s some piece of ass.?
?DUO!!!!? *WHAM*
Heero listened to the others squabbling about Marissa who was just now leaving with her entourage along with all the other guests, his eyes searching the wrecked ballroom with a critical eye before asking, ?Where?s Relena??
Catherine, who was leaning against him tiredly, shoes in one hand, looked up at his profile blearily, ?Good question. Where?s Trowa??
Some distance from them, bidding goodbye to each guest as they passed, Quatre heard their questioning voices and smiled widely.
<center>***</center>
~ The West Wing (you guys were just waiting for this weren?t ya??) ~
?Trowa?? Relena padded silently down the darkened hall, her blue pumps in one hand as she searched for any sign of him.
She had thought long and hard after leaving Trowa to Marissa, thought about the past few months, their few meetings, and the feelings he inspired within her. She had debated about the wisdom of continuing this . . . whatever it was, argued with herself over the prudent course of action in cases such as these, and wondered if she should, in fact, meet him as he had entreated her.
In the end, there was really no question. She had never been happier than when she was with him. He gave her a peace that had been missing from her own life even as she fought for a peaceful world for everyone else. She had been smiling more, laughing more, filled with an excitement, a zest for the unknown. He made her feel as if she were still a young girl while bringing out the desires and characteristics of the woman she was. She wanted, no needed, to see this through to the end, even if she was destined to suffer from heartbreak. Marissa was his EX-fianc?e, past tense. She was the present, and if she didn?t grasp onto whatever it was developing between them, she knew she would never be able to forgive herself.
Something told her that this emotion forming within her toward him was forever, and if he never returned those feelings at least she could say she had given it a fighting chance.
And so here she was, wandering blindly through the West Wing of Quatre?s mansion at midnight, not really sure exactly where she would find her companion.
Coming to the end of the hall, Relena found herself at a set of massive oak doors, the gilded knobs beckoning her to enter, glinting in the sparse light of the corridor. Nervous fingers wrapped around the gold plated bulb, testing it to find out whether or not it was locked.
Click.
It wasn?t.
Filled with anxiety, Relena entered quietly, closing the door behind her before turning to study the room she now found herself in. It was large and empty with no furniture to speak of resting on its gray carpeted floor. Tall, thin Gothic style windows lined the walls, moonlight falling into the room as illuminated mist, ethereal and hazy. Gauzy lavender curtains floated against the cream colored walls softly like ghostly figures dancing to a silent melody, enchanting in the gentle glow of starlight.
Holding her breath, she stepped into the center of the room, enjoying the serene quality of the space while simultaneously worrying she had found the wrong location.
And then she heard it.
The crisp, clear notes of a piano rang through the air, and her heart accelerated in her chest as she realized that she had absolutely no idea what Trowa had planned.
<center>Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.</center>
The singer?s voice resounded with an irresistible note of melancholy while echoing a desperate kind of hope, a belief that the words were untrue for her but all too real for others. It was like a prayer, soft and slow, speaking to her. He was speaking to her.
Sometimes words were not needed. This time, music and the voice of a woman would be his vehicle of expression.
<center>I say love, it is a flower,
and you it?s only seed.</center>
The sound of rustling material drew her attention to her right where a shadow detached itself from the wall, moving toward her with animalistic grace and secret purpose, and despite the growing uncertainty and restlessness, she didn?t resist when strong arms pulled her into an intimate embrace, her hand releasing her shoes to crash into the floor.
Neither noticed nor cared.
<center>It?s the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It?s the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.</center>
No words needed to be said as they swayed in the moonlight, their vocal silence remedied by the language of bodies. She relaxed into his arms, her body melting against the hard contours of his chest, abdomen, and legs, her head resting against the place just above his heart as he pulled her even closer.
They had both suffered heartbreak in the past, but they were going to take this chance to find happiness and joy within each other. Fate had pushed them together more than once, and who were they to gainsay such a force? They would allow this to develop. They would allow nature to push them along the path they had already begun to travel, hand in hand.
<center>It?s the one who won?t be taken
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dying
that never learns to live.</center>
Relena closed her eyes, loving the feel of his arms around her, lulled by the sound of his heart beating against her ear. She slid one hand from his waist to lay it flat against the spot near her face when his hand covered hers, his chin settling against her crown.
Trowa, despite how many times he had listened to this song, was still spellbound at how close to home the words came to describing himself and perhaps, in some way, his fellow pilots. It made him wonder at how different he was from those days filled with desperation and hopelessness when all that mattered was surviving one more day only to kill, to fight, to destroy. Now . . . now he held life, warm and solid, in his arms, and he never wanted to let go.
<center>When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been too long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,</center>
They had both come such a long way, fought so many battles, only to end up here unexpectedly with each other. They had experienced so much in their young lives, suffering through war, death, and hardship, and yet they had persevered despite everything set against their separate causes.
She had sacrificed her dreams for the betterment of the universal population while he had shirked away from humanity to become the brain behind a deadly machine. She had seen her idealistic world crushed in the face of stark reality while he had given up his false affection in favor of honesty. They had endured hell only to find each other four years after the fact and establish a tentative kind of relationship.
A relationship both wished to see grow and change as fate willed it.
<center>Just remember in the winter
far beneath the winter snows
lies the seed that with the sun?s love
in the spring becomes the rose.</center>
His fingers urged her chin up, languid blue eyes opening to focus sleepily upon his face as his other hand came into view, presenting her with a short stemmed, thornless pink rosebud before his lips lowered to hers sweetly.
She was his rose, and with time, their love would bloom.
To be continued . . .
Next chapter is being worked on as I type
More! Yaay!!
Woah!!!! Now THAT...is really special work. Nice job and can't wait for more!!!!! 
i want MORE! this is awesome! i can't wait to see wat happens next...i hope trowa and relena continue to date and i also hope that heero and catherine get together. write more SOON!