The Irony of a Dream
Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 9:59 pm
Hello there!!!! Newby here!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS PLACE!! SO MANY FICS, SO MANY AUTHORS!!!!! WOW I'M IN GW HEAVEN!!
Please tell me what you think of my ficcy!!
Warning! is unbeta! hope you enjoy it.
The Irony of a Dream
Sometimes it happens. Sometimes you give up on dreams. It's called growing up.
This is the story of a girl. Full of dreams and hopes. She was named the Queen of the World once. Then they called her the Dove of Peace. Untouched. Perfect.
A good girl with good intentions. She tried to save the world. She did. Many times. She gave everything for peace. But. There’s always a but.
She was in love with a dark knight. The silent type. Strong. Perfect. They loved each other. She loved him more, without conditions or boundaries. His love wasn’t like that. No. His love was conditioned according to his idea of honor and family.
She craved for the future. He thrived for his past.
She was to be forever innocent. She was to be in a pedestal. Eternally.
She fell.
She no longer was innocent. She changed. She fought like no other for their love. Forgetting her path, she fought, nothing was more important than their love. She would not give up. It was her downfall.
He left her.
She lost everything and everyone.
She was everything he ever dreamed of.
He was the perfect prince. For her.
With the wrong idea of love and honor.
But they loved each other. Differently.
They consumed their love.
They used each other.
In the end. A new life begins. The world wouldn’t stop moving. It never did.
He started again. Happiness in his grasp one more time. His past was his future.
Her dreams were shattered. Love was but a dream. Her broken dream. Her future lost in his past.
This time she would wake up for once and all. No longer a princess, no longer a symbol. But a Phoenix. Her future the past. She was doomed to repeat it. She would rise between the ashes.
She saw the wedding invitation one more time sitting in her dresser. His wedding. Funny. Ironic maybe. How sometimes the story didn’t go along with the plan. She gave up the dream for the reality. She woke in a nightmare. Everything for love.
“Pagan, make sure my new dress has arrived.” She ordered still looking at the wedding invitation. “I have a wedding to go.” She untwisted her hair letting it fall down in soft waves. Her best feature.
The old butler left the room with a sigh.
“Is this a good idea Miss Relena?” he asked holding the dress in front of her. His British tone held an unspoken admonishment.
Red. The dress was blood red. Bold and provocative. Daring. Everything she was not. She was making a statement. She was a new woman.
“Yes, leave it there.” Relena turned. Her make up ready. Elegant as always highlighting her best features. Her eyes. Clear of tears. Not a tear would she drop for him. She was dry.
“It doesn’t make sense you are willing to submit to such pain Miss Relena.”
“I’m crazy, remember? I don’t have to make sense.” She smiled. Bright. He’d not know how much effort it took.
He wouldn’t understand. She didn’t either. Except. She had to see him pledge to a woman she hated. To a woman who destroyed her. She was done with them. She will set them free. She was to set herself free. Free of him. Free of the whirling emotions she lived with him the last years. Free at last.
+++
The church was beautiful, considering it would be the first service ever performed there. Duo Maxwell kept his word. He built a beautiful church. And the decorations were exquisite. A gift of his good friend Quatre Winner. Money was their best friend. The bride proud at the altar with him at her side. She organized the wedding quickly, she was the winner. After all the groom was unpredictable as usual. Inconsistent in his decisions. Unbelievable given his background. But he was.
She sat in the backroom of the church, suppressing the urge to laugh at the irony. Here it was the man she loved pledging his live to another woman in the church she paid to build. Being the former Queen of the World she wanted a lavished ceremony with all their friends. She wanted to cry at the injustice, in the end she just smiled uncomfortable.
Her world was falling down around her feet. But she will rebuilt it again. Better. Stronger. Beautiful. Her future would not seek the past. For she was doomed to repeat it. She would feel again. Beyond reason, beyond present and past. Everything for love. But sometimes love had to be put on hold so the story could continue. So she could wait for her prince. For her knight in shinning armor. She could wait until he comes.
She entered the room where the reception was to be held with dignity, with self-confidence on her worth. Even knowing that she was entering the den of wolves. She was a prey to their hunger. A vessel of their venom. But she was Relena Peacecraft, she had taken on rogue empires head on and came out victoriously. There was no hiding or running. She was done with that. She was proud of who she was. No longer impulsive in her foolish dreams.
They turned their heads to see her, many mockering her lost. Snakes. As usual. She was always news. She smiled at them. She wasn’t afraid. They could take their shots at her. Let them come. She could take them. They could never get rid of her. She was a commanding figure. Even in the mud. She still had the influence and authority. Her sanity was restored. She would rise again. No one would keep her down. Her past was hers alone. She couldn’t shake it, but she could accept it. It would longer imprisoned her, it would change her future.
The pain would make me strong. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Nice words. She’d live by them.
She could hear the whispering around her. She stood proud. Alone. She didn’t need anyone. She’d prove them. She looked around taking gracefully a glass of champagne from a nearby tray. Her gaze landed on the group formed by the ex pilots and wives. They avoided her gaze. That’s what friends were for. Except her. Her only non friend among the group. Dorothy Winner. She raised her eyes offering sympathy and understanding. Never pity, she would never pity her. Dorothy wasn’t like that. She wasn’t that kind. But she was perceptive. She knew life. She understood the colors of live. She too lived in grays. She raised her glass in daring fashion, showing her support, breaking the rules. Their rules. She was never to follow rules anyway. Even when her shaky marriage was at stake. She was her own person.
She nodded in acceptance cementing their alliance. She wasn’t a friend. No. She didn’t believe in friendship. Friends were fickle at best. Her opinion. She had the best example. Always shifting to the better side. Capricious in their fidelity. No. Dorothy Winner was an ally. She understood loyalty and most of all she’d identify with being under fire. She was familiar with the concept of insanity. She was labeled as insane once. Just like her. Thinking about it, they were both put in the same concept not long ago in a highly publicized television show. Blondes in Power. A road to Hell. They were even categorized along with a famous singer, mistress of an American president. Tragic stories all of them. The tragic life of blonde. Funny, last time she checked she wasn’t really a blonde. Crazy? maybe. After all she was obsessed with a dream once. How similar and different both were. They were on one occasion were obsessed with love and war. The thin line between hate and love.
She took a sip of her beverage looking at the bubbled liquid. How much damage this innocent beverage caused. The destruction it brought to her life drinking those glasses of champagne. If only could she remember. If only…but life wasn’t made of what if’s. No. Life was made of choices. She’d chosen.
The bride and groom entered the gaudy decorated room. Taste was something money couldn’t buy. The bride face was shining with happiness meanwhile the groom was stoic. She wouldn’t bother trying to read his emotions. Silvia Noventa scanned the room proudly watching the top of the top in society. She had made it. Then she fixed her eyes on her and her smile disappeared, her eyes filling with hate. She turned to her newly husband kissing him passionately for all to see. The audience applauded enjoying the show. They turned to Relena expecting an answer. Snakes. Again the bride looked at her triumphantly. I won.
The formerly Queen of the world smiled ironically raising her glass in mock salute. Touch?. She replied. Enjoy it. It won’t last. Believe me. I know.
She swallowed the remains of her drink walking around strolling sarcastic in how many friends wanted to talk to her, wondering her next move. Friends indeed.
A few minutes passed. Mingling was her best forte as a diplomat a long time ago, now the atmosphere felt repressive. She needed air. Free. Clean Air.
No one noted when she left the room. They got tired of waiting a catfight between her and the bride. She was leaning against the rail enjoying the night. It was beautiful, bright stars adorned the dark sky. She hadn’t really take pleasure in simple things in such a long time.
It was a few minutes later that he came to her. No longer were flip flops in her stomach or pain at having him so close and yet so far away. She felt nothing. After all the love and pain. She feel blissfully nothing.
His voice usually distant. “You came”
“Of course”
“You behave. Thank you”
“You are welcome.”
“Why you came?”
“Why not?”
“You tell me. Were you waiting for me to change opinions? “
“Goodness! No. I came to see you married. I’m free of you.” She smiled feeling the words.
“So, you say.”
“So, I say. Go. Your bride awaits for you.”
“I miss you.”
“You do? I don’t understand how. You just said in front of a church how much you love your wife. “
“I know. But I can’t help it. I love you once. We were close.”
“You need me? You are a married man now. What kind of man are you?”
“I don’t want to lose you.”
“Are you listening yourself? Why are you doing this to me?"
“We were friends long time ago. I was wondering if we could continue so. I can’t lose you. I won’t..”
“We were never friends. You defended me when I needed. Then we jumped straight to lovers. There was never friendship involved. Now you need to leave. You have a wedding reception to attend.“
He nodded accepting defeat. “I’ll see you around.”
“Don’t count on it. I won’t seek you. And you won’t seek me. This is a goodbye” She almost choked at the finality of her words. Even in their oh so public affair. The comings and goings there was never an end. They never said the words. Now she did. And she felt proud. Hurt but free.
“I don’t believe it.”
“You better. Now if you excuse me,” she walked inside the room once again. Never faltering in her step. Wondering how life was full of surprises. You gain, you lose.
And talking about life surprises walking towards her, was the one of the surprises of her life. Catherine Bloom once one of the nicest, sweetest girls was making her way towards her. Her face displaying the bitterness and hostility she felt towards her. And showing her loyalty to her new best friend. The bride. And to think she considered her a good friend time ago.
“What are you doing here? It’s over. You lost. You should really be a gracious loser.”
“So they say me.” She nodded gracefully never losing her cool.
“He’s married. He doesn’t belong to you. Give up Relena. He doesn’t want you. What more proof do you need?”
“You tell me. After all you should know better.” She smiled her eyes darting towards the Winners. “Want to trade advises? You after all are sore loser. Aren’t you?” And for the first time in the life of the previously Vice President it felt good to be not so nice.
The former circus performer recoiled at her words like acid to open wounds. “You…You…”
“Do it. Insult me. I don’t care. ”
“I loath you. I despise the day I though you were my friend. You are nothing but a…”
“A killer? A manipulator? A liar? A what? Please tell me. I don’t remember all the nicest names you called me. ”
“You better leave if you don’t want me to do something I will regret.”
“Like what? Tell me. What more you could do to me. You after all helped to ruin my career. What more damage can you do to me? Bring it on. I will survive it. I’m a survivor. I will survive this and everything else that comes my way. And I won’t turn into a bitter angry woman whose sourness make you an ugly woman. ” With that she turned and walked away. Bumping into the blushing bride. Mad with fury after witnessed her over passing her welcome in her wedding. This was her day. Her day. Just hers alone. And Relena Peacecraft was ruining it.
“What are you doing here? Trying to ruin my wedding? If you so much pretend to do something. I will bury you. I did once. I can do it again.”
“You did? How? How did you bury me?” Relena grabbed her arm. Forget your education. Find the truth. She was the holder of it. She knew that.
“Let go of my arm. You crazy bitch.“ She turned around smiling politely at the guests. Luckily no one saw her talking to Relena, they were close to the exit door. She would not cause an scene in her own wedding. No one was going to spoil her hard won happiness. Not after everything she did to get the man she wanted.
“You know something. You know what really happened that night all those months ago.” She let go of her arm. Smoothing the creases of her dress. Always elegant. She was not going to lose her cool. No. Never again.
“I won. I married the man you wanted. And that drove you insane. You destroyed yourself.”
“No. I was never insane. I just forgot who I was. Don’t worry. I will find found out. Remember. The truth will set you free.”
The mother of the bride called her and she turned walking away composing a happy smile.
She turned away. She was done here. She’d finally woke up. Her priorities shifted again. This time in the correct order. She wasn’t blind. She knew what she had to do. The path was right for a second time. Her call was to help people. She would continue to do so.
She walked to pick her coat, she was leaving the party. She said what she had to. She didn’t get to far, bumping again into another woman, looking disapprovingly at her.
“Don’t embarrass yourself and leave. Have you got no shame? After what you did to him. To all of us.”
Relena looked up at the angry glare of Lady Une. She couldn’t really blame her for hating her. After all the circumstances pointed her guilty. Except money would get you a long way. And she wasn’t going to pay for crime she didn’t commit.
“I have nothing to be embarrassed for. I made a mistake and I paid for it.”
“And how much was that? Not even all your money can buy the truth. You belong in jail or in a mental institution. ”
“The truth always comes out. I didn’t do it. You have no proof. I’m sorry your career was ruined because you couldn’t prove what you think I did.” She didn’t added the personal lost it was for her.
“Who in the hell invited you anyway? You shouldn’t be here. You are not wanted.” Lady Une hissed.
“I did” A deep cold voice replied behind her. Oddly familiar. She felt his presence long before he spoke. A long forgotten tingle rushed to her body. He touched her bare back, a warm feeling invaded her. Along came different feelings. Protection. Comfort. Trust.
She turned to face her savior. To thank him and then send him his way. She didn’t need saving. She could do it on her own now. But she saw him. Tall and dark. Oh my he was gorgeous! Then again he was always handsome. He had growth taller almost 6’2’’ and he had filled more. The years had been good to him. His dark hair was still as messy as the first day she laid her eyes on him. And his usually cold eyes were filling with something alike to mischief conveying her in a simple nod to trust him. She always had.
“She came with me Lady Une” He answered to his former superior.
“What? Didn’t you know what she did? “ Lady Une hissed.
“Yes. Now if you excuse us.” He answered non committal. His hands on her back leading her away from the trouble her mere presence stirred. Saving her as usual. Except when he left to find himself.
“Thank you.” Relena responded to him after leaving a fuming Lady Une.
“Your welcome”
“Why?” She asked curiously. Didn’t he know? He should have heard the news. Princess Relena Peacecraft snapped and killed the competence.
“Because you needed it.” Again nothing in his voice. Cold as usual.
“No, I don’t. I don’t need a bodyguard. “ She replied annoyed. She was through with their protection.
“I don’t want to be your bodyguard.”
“Then what do you want?” Curiosity killed the cat. She sighed. But something in his voice made her blood stir with an old feeling buried long ago.
“I don’t know. Maybe your friendship? You offered a long time ago.”
“I don’t want a friend. I don’t believe in friendships.”
“Good I didn’t want to be your friend anyway.”
“I don’t understand. What do you want from me?” This time she detected the message. His touch gave her chills.
“Why don’t you wait and find out?”
“Because I don’t wait anymore.” She spoke the truth. Still the game they were playing was too good to pass up.
“I know. Me neither. I will tell you later what you need to hear.”
“I need an answer now.”
“We never need titles between us.”
“It was a long time. You left.”
“I’m sorry for that. “ He sounded truly sorry, but she didn’t know him anymore, she couldn’t be sure.
“Why are you here? ”
“I was invited. After all I’m a former pilot too.”
“You were never too close to him. You disappeared after the events of New Years Eve with Mariemaia.”
“ I need time to figure out what I wanted of life.”
“Did you?”
“What?
“Figure out what you wanted?”
“It turns out I knew all along. Still I needed the time to grow up. To find a way to live in this era. ”
“And what was it?”
“Why don’t I show you.” And this time she didn’t recognized the man in front of her. For in front of her was man who liked to play games. Not like the one she knew. Always focused on his mission. It was a shame she no longer played games. Except…Good God he was gorgeous and he was her long masked dream. She would play his game a little bit. If only to get to know him again. What was with her infatuation with the cold and silent pilots? Was she that self-destructive?
She lifter her perfectly elegant eyebrow in dare at his suggestion. “I better go.” She shock her head. He was everything she must avoid. He was the past. She could not linger anymore.
“Stay” he breathed in her ear. Barely touching her. But his mere presence burning her.
“I can’t.” she whispered again sucking in her breath at his closeness.
“Don’t go yet. Stay.” He touched her shoulder sliding to her hand. Sending her shivers of desire.
“Why?” she breathed turning head to the other side, don’t want him to see the blush in her cheeks.
“You’ll miss all the fun.” He touched her cheek turning her face him.
He was dangerous to her. He always have but now he was the best kind of danger. His usually cold gaze was burning with desire.
“I…I don’t know.” She stuttered.
“Stay” this time he commanded. “Trust me.”
And she obeyed. Always.
He offered his hand to take. His eyes conveying a secret.
She took it. His fingers interviewing with hers. A rightness feeling filling her. How her heart could be pumping wildly at his presence when it was supposedly breaking for another?
“What are we doing?” she asked softly leaning to his shoulder.
“Delivering my gift.” He replied just as softly walking into the ballroom where an audible gasp filled the air. Everyone turned to look at them. Whisperers rushed to gossip. Even the music stopped.
They made an stunning couple. Light and Dark. Both powerful in their own right.
A waiter walked by them and he took two glasses of the finest champagne giving her one. “May I have your attention?” he asked loudly commanding attention. Everyone cease their gossip looking curiously at the couple. Relena turned her head looking for the bride and groom, but found once again the stare of Dorothy Catalonia Winner who was looking at her with a knowing smirk. She clearly knew something and was just bidding her time.
“I would like to propose a toast to my fellow pilot and his bride.” He said.
The bride and the groom turned to him. The bride with a huge smile on her face whereas the groom with a weary look. More so when he saw her with him.
“May you get what you deserve” He said. And Relena turned to look at him sharply. Something in his words didn’t seem alright and Dorothy knowing look made her stomach uneasy.
“Hear, hear” chorused the guest.
“Now, and as wedding gift. I will give you what you have wanted all along.” He turned to the groom.
Unexpectedly the door of the balcony were open and a female figure walked to the room. Making the audience gasp audibly.
“Midii!” The groom breathed unbelieving.
“Nanashi!” The ghostly figure of Middi Une replied looking unsteadily towards him.
“Middi, you are alive!” Trowa walked quickly to her. Embracing her lovingly. “I thought you were dead. How?” he turned to Relena and his companion.
“You should really lay down on those drinks, they loose your tongue and secrets fly out your mouth.” Relena’s companion stated to the bride.
The bride paled looking away. Trying to remember when she could have said something to anyone. The only ones who knew the secret were Catherine and her. No one else could have known their secret. Then she remembered, her bridal shower. She took one too many drinks that day Had she revealed something? If only had she not accepted those drinks. She made the same mistake as Relena.
“No wonder they say alcohol is dangerous thing” Dorothy Winner said walking next to her.
And this time Relena couldn’t help it. She laughed out loud. Oh! The Irony! The truth will set you free. Free Indeed. She had been living carrying a blame for something she didn’t do. She was free at last. A lie would last until the truth find its way.
“He found me. I was too weak the first months I could not help her. I couldn’t stop the injustice they did to Relena.” Midii Une said to a flinching Trowa. What had he done?
“Next time you kill someone, make sure is really dead.” Relena’s escort said dryly.
“You!! You tried to kill her!” Lady Une yelled angrily at the bride. Looking ashamedly to the former Queen of the World for accusing her of the murder of her cousin. “Guards! Handcuffed her!”
“Silvia!” Roared Trowa walking dangerously to her. “What have you done? You tried to kill Midii” he shook her roughly. “How could you!” he continued to roar even when Quatre and Duo rushed to contained him.
Meanwhile Catherine Bloom rushed to the stairs in attempt to escape. A solemn Wufei ruined her leaving. Too ashamed at the injustice they made to say anything.
“They set you up. ” Dorothy informed to Relena. “Silvia always wanted everything you had. Your position, your money even your man. They both knew how important was Midii to Trowa, she was always the greatest love of him.” She said undauntedly, stating the truth. As it was her style. “So when she resurfaced and started to break havoc between you, Silvia knew it was time for her move. What better idea than destroy both of you. She was to kill Midii and let you take the fall.”
“But Catherine? Why? I thought she was my friend.”
“Because Silvia promised her what she always wanted. After you they were getting rid of Dorothy, so Catherine would get Quatre.” Her date replied.
“What now?”
“I’m now sure. Why don’t we find out? Together.” He kissed her hand.
“Heero.” She replied savoring a name she hasn’t said in years.
“Let’s go” he tugged at her hand. Nodding at Dorothy who was watching them with a barely concealed smile. She was happy for them and for her, even though she knew it would be a hard journey for everyone.
“Where?” Relena asked letting him lead still somehow dazed at the events occurred.
“Home” He replied with finality. He was back to her and he would not let her go. It took him years to find out what he felt for her. Even when he was about to lose her to another man. A man he considered a friend. A friend who couldn’t defend her. A friend who didn’t deserve her. Probably neither does he. But he was sure was going to try.
Sometimes the story didn’t go according to the plan. Sometimes you have to wake up from the dreams. Sometimes you have to stop believing, and sometimes you have to mistake love so the story could continue.
Months later Relena still wondered at what she lived. A murder she didn’t commit ruined her life just like a murder Silvia didn’t get to commit ruined hers. And the funny thing it was the alcohol that ruined both of her lives.
Silvia was committed to a mental hospital after a quick trial. Just like her.
Catherine Bloom was found out. She was too facing a trial for attempt murder.
What comes around goes around.
Even when her innocent was acknowledged by everyone she could take no pleasure of it. Even whey they tried to explained themselves, she would not accept them in her life. Loyalty was earned. They didn’t earn it.
Trowa tried to apologize to her. Several times. She would not heard of it. She wanted nothing with him. No friendship or anything. She wished him happiness for him and Midii but nothing else.
Love was truth. Love was loyalty. Love was something neither Trowa or her feel for each other.
And the story would continue. The world would keep moving around. Never stopping for them.
And now she understood. Sometimes you have to hurt to know happiness. Sometimes you have to wait more than long for your prince to come. And sometimes you have to sleep again to dream.
After the hurt she found happiness. With Heero. They finally discovered what happened next in their story.
They found together trust, loyalty, pleasure, and everything that conveys love.
After all the years of separation they understood that together were invincible, that they were halves of a whole. A whole they would keep together as long as they lived.
Sometimes you have too dream to find love and sometimes you have to wake up and find that love isn’t a dream but a fact.
Please tell me what you think of my ficcy!!
Warning! is unbeta! hope you enjoy it.
The Irony of a Dream
Sometimes it happens. Sometimes you give up on dreams. It's called growing up.
This is the story of a girl. Full of dreams and hopes. She was named the Queen of the World once. Then they called her the Dove of Peace. Untouched. Perfect.
A good girl with good intentions. She tried to save the world. She did. Many times. She gave everything for peace. But. There’s always a but.
She was in love with a dark knight. The silent type. Strong. Perfect. They loved each other. She loved him more, without conditions or boundaries. His love wasn’t like that. No. His love was conditioned according to his idea of honor and family.
She craved for the future. He thrived for his past.
She was to be forever innocent. She was to be in a pedestal. Eternally.
She fell.
She no longer was innocent. She changed. She fought like no other for their love. Forgetting her path, she fought, nothing was more important than their love. She would not give up. It was her downfall.
He left her.
She lost everything and everyone.
She was everything he ever dreamed of.
He was the perfect prince. For her.
With the wrong idea of love and honor.
But they loved each other. Differently.
They consumed their love.
They used each other.
In the end. A new life begins. The world wouldn’t stop moving. It never did.
He started again. Happiness in his grasp one more time. His past was his future.
Her dreams were shattered. Love was but a dream. Her broken dream. Her future lost in his past.
This time she would wake up for once and all. No longer a princess, no longer a symbol. But a Phoenix. Her future the past. She was doomed to repeat it. She would rise between the ashes.
She saw the wedding invitation one more time sitting in her dresser. His wedding. Funny. Ironic maybe. How sometimes the story didn’t go along with the plan. She gave up the dream for the reality. She woke in a nightmare. Everything for love.
“Pagan, make sure my new dress has arrived.” She ordered still looking at the wedding invitation. “I have a wedding to go.” She untwisted her hair letting it fall down in soft waves. Her best feature.
The old butler left the room with a sigh.
“Is this a good idea Miss Relena?” he asked holding the dress in front of her. His British tone held an unspoken admonishment.
Red. The dress was blood red. Bold and provocative. Daring. Everything she was not. She was making a statement. She was a new woman.
“Yes, leave it there.” Relena turned. Her make up ready. Elegant as always highlighting her best features. Her eyes. Clear of tears. Not a tear would she drop for him. She was dry.
“It doesn’t make sense you are willing to submit to such pain Miss Relena.”
“I’m crazy, remember? I don’t have to make sense.” She smiled. Bright. He’d not know how much effort it took.
He wouldn’t understand. She didn’t either. Except. She had to see him pledge to a woman she hated. To a woman who destroyed her. She was done with them. She will set them free. She was to set herself free. Free of him. Free of the whirling emotions she lived with him the last years. Free at last.
+++
The church was beautiful, considering it would be the first service ever performed there. Duo Maxwell kept his word. He built a beautiful church. And the decorations were exquisite. A gift of his good friend Quatre Winner. Money was their best friend. The bride proud at the altar with him at her side. She organized the wedding quickly, she was the winner. After all the groom was unpredictable as usual. Inconsistent in his decisions. Unbelievable given his background. But he was.
She sat in the backroom of the church, suppressing the urge to laugh at the irony. Here it was the man she loved pledging his live to another woman in the church she paid to build. Being the former Queen of the World she wanted a lavished ceremony with all their friends. She wanted to cry at the injustice, in the end she just smiled uncomfortable.
Her world was falling down around her feet. But she will rebuilt it again. Better. Stronger. Beautiful. Her future would not seek the past. For she was doomed to repeat it. She would feel again. Beyond reason, beyond present and past. Everything for love. But sometimes love had to be put on hold so the story could continue. So she could wait for her prince. For her knight in shinning armor. She could wait until he comes.
She entered the room where the reception was to be held with dignity, with self-confidence on her worth. Even knowing that she was entering the den of wolves. She was a prey to their hunger. A vessel of their venom. But she was Relena Peacecraft, she had taken on rogue empires head on and came out victoriously. There was no hiding or running. She was done with that. She was proud of who she was. No longer impulsive in her foolish dreams.
They turned their heads to see her, many mockering her lost. Snakes. As usual. She was always news. She smiled at them. She wasn’t afraid. They could take their shots at her. Let them come. She could take them. They could never get rid of her. She was a commanding figure. Even in the mud. She still had the influence and authority. Her sanity was restored. She would rise again. No one would keep her down. Her past was hers alone. She couldn’t shake it, but she could accept it. It would longer imprisoned her, it would change her future.
The pain would make me strong. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Nice words. She’d live by them.
She could hear the whispering around her. She stood proud. Alone. She didn’t need anyone. She’d prove them. She looked around taking gracefully a glass of champagne from a nearby tray. Her gaze landed on the group formed by the ex pilots and wives. They avoided her gaze. That’s what friends were for. Except her. Her only non friend among the group. Dorothy Winner. She raised her eyes offering sympathy and understanding. Never pity, she would never pity her. Dorothy wasn’t like that. She wasn’t that kind. But she was perceptive. She knew life. She understood the colors of live. She too lived in grays. She raised her glass in daring fashion, showing her support, breaking the rules. Their rules. She was never to follow rules anyway. Even when her shaky marriage was at stake. She was her own person.
She nodded in acceptance cementing their alliance. She wasn’t a friend. No. She didn’t believe in friendship. Friends were fickle at best. Her opinion. She had the best example. Always shifting to the better side. Capricious in their fidelity. No. Dorothy Winner was an ally. She understood loyalty and most of all she’d identify with being under fire. She was familiar with the concept of insanity. She was labeled as insane once. Just like her. Thinking about it, they were both put in the same concept not long ago in a highly publicized television show. Blondes in Power. A road to Hell. They were even categorized along with a famous singer, mistress of an American president. Tragic stories all of them. The tragic life of blonde. Funny, last time she checked she wasn’t really a blonde. Crazy? maybe. After all she was obsessed with a dream once. How similar and different both were. They were on one occasion were obsessed with love and war. The thin line between hate and love.
She took a sip of her beverage looking at the bubbled liquid. How much damage this innocent beverage caused. The destruction it brought to her life drinking those glasses of champagne. If only could she remember. If only…but life wasn’t made of what if’s. No. Life was made of choices. She’d chosen.
The bride and groom entered the gaudy decorated room. Taste was something money couldn’t buy. The bride face was shining with happiness meanwhile the groom was stoic. She wouldn’t bother trying to read his emotions. Silvia Noventa scanned the room proudly watching the top of the top in society. She had made it. Then she fixed her eyes on her and her smile disappeared, her eyes filling with hate. She turned to her newly husband kissing him passionately for all to see. The audience applauded enjoying the show. They turned to Relena expecting an answer. Snakes. Again the bride looked at her triumphantly. I won.
The formerly Queen of the world smiled ironically raising her glass in mock salute. Touch?. She replied. Enjoy it. It won’t last. Believe me. I know.
She swallowed the remains of her drink walking around strolling sarcastic in how many friends wanted to talk to her, wondering her next move. Friends indeed.
A few minutes passed. Mingling was her best forte as a diplomat a long time ago, now the atmosphere felt repressive. She needed air. Free. Clean Air.
No one noted when she left the room. They got tired of waiting a catfight between her and the bride. She was leaning against the rail enjoying the night. It was beautiful, bright stars adorned the dark sky. She hadn’t really take pleasure in simple things in such a long time.
It was a few minutes later that he came to her. No longer were flip flops in her stomach or pain at having him so close and yet so far away. She felt nothing. After all the love and pain. She feel blissfully nothing.
His voice usually distant. “You came”
“Of course”
“You behave. Thank you”
“You are welcome.”
“Why you came?”
“Why not?”
“You tell me. Were you waiting for me to change opinions? “
“Goodness! No. I came to see you married. I’m free of you.” She smiled feeling the words.
“So, you say.”
“So, I say. Go. Your bride awaits for you.”
“I miss you.”
“You do? I don’t understand how. You just said in front of a church how much you love your wife. “
“I know. But I can’t help it. I love you once. We were close.”
“You need me? You are a married man now. What kind of man are you?”
“I don’t want to lose you.”
“Are you listening yourself? Why are you doing this to me?"
“We were friends long time ago. I was wondering if we could continue so. I can’t lose you. I won’t..”
“We were never friends. You defended me when I needed. Then we jumped straight to lovers. There was never friendship involved. Now you need to leave. You have a wedding reception to attend.“
He nodded accepting defeat. “I’ll see you around.”
“Don’t count on it. I won’t seek you. And you won’t seek me. This is a goodbye” She almost choked at the finality of her words. Even in their oh so public affair. The comings and goings there was never an end. They never said the words. Now she did. And she felt proud. Hurt but free.
“I don’t believe it.”
“You better. Now if you excuse me,” she walked inside the room once again. Never faltering in her step. Wondering how life was full of surprises. You gain, you lose.
And talking about life surprises walking towards her, was the one of the surprises of her life. Catherine Bloom once one of the nicest, sweetest girls was making her way towards her. Her face displaying the bitterness and hostility she felt towards her. And showing her loyalty to her new best friend. The bride. And to think she considered her a good friend time ago.
“What are you doing here? It’s over. You lost. You should really be a gracious loser.”
“So they say me.” She nodded gracefully never losing her cool.
“He’s married. He doesn’t belong to you. Give up Relena. He doesn’t want you. What more proof do you need?”
“You tell me. After all you should know better.” She smiled her eyes darting towards the Winners. “Want to trade advises? You after all are sore loser. Aren’t you?” And for the first time in the life of the previously Vice President it felt good to be not so nice.
The former circus performer recoiled at her words like acid to open wounds. “You…You…”
“Do it. Insult me. I don’t care. ”
“I loath you. I despise the day I though you were my friend. You are nothing but a…”
“A killer? A manipulator? A liar? A what? Please tell me. I don’t remember all the nicest names you called me. ”
“You better leave if you don’t want me to do something I will regret.”
“Like what? Tell me. What more you could do to me. You after all helped to ruin my career. What more damage can you do to me? Bring it on. I will survive it. I’m a survivor. I will survive this and everything else that comes my way. And I won’t turn into a bitter angry woman whose sourness make you an ugly woman. ” With that she turned and walked away. Bumping into the blushing bride. Mad with fury after witnessed her over passing her welcome in her wedding. This was her day. Her day. Just hers alone. And Relena Peacecraft was ruining it.
“What are you doing here? Trying to ruin my wedding? If you so much pretend to do something. I will bury you. I did once. I can do it again.”
“You did? How? How did you bury me?” Relena grabbed her arm. Forget your education. Find the truth. She was the holder of it. She knew that.
“Let go of my arm. You crazy bitch.“ She turned around smiling politely at the guests. Luckily no one saw her talking to Relena, they were close to the exit door. She would not cause an scene in her own wedding. No one was going to spoil her hard won happiness. Not after everything she did to get the man she wanted.
“You know something. You know what really happened that night all those months ago.” She let go of her arm. Smoothing the creases of her dress. Always elegant. She was not going to lose her cool. No. Never again.
“I won. I married the man you wanted. And that drove you insane. You destroyed yourself.”
“No. I was never insane. I just forgot who I was. Don’t worry. I will find found out. Remember. The truth will set you free.”
The mother of the bride called her and she turned walking away composing a happy smile.
She turned away. She was done here. She’d finally woke up. Her priorities shifted again. This time in the correct order. She wasn’t blind. She knew what she had to do. The path was right for a second time. Her call was to help people. She would continue to do so.
She walked to pick her coat, she was leaving the party. She said what she had to. She didn’t get to far, bumping again into another woman, looking disapprovingly at her.
“Don’t embarrass yourself and leave. Have you got no shame? After what you did to him. To all of us.”
Relena looked up at the angry glare of Lady Une. She couldn’t really blame her for hating her. After all the circumstances pointed her guilty. Except money would get you a long way. And she wasn’t going to pay for crime she didn’t commit.
“I have nothing to be embarrassed for. I made a mistake and I paid for it.”
“And how much was that? Not even all your money can buy the truth. You belong in jail or in a mental institution. ”
“The truth always comes out. I didn’t do it. You have no proof. I’m sorry your career was ruined because you couldn’t prove what you think I did.” She didn’t added the personal lost it was for her.
“Who in the hell invited you anyway? You shouldn’t be here. You are not wanted.” Lady Une hissed.
“I did” A deep cold voice replied behind her. Oddly familiar. She felt his presence long before he spoke. A long forgotten tingle rushed to her body. He touched her bare back, a warm feeling invaded her. Along came different feelings. Protection. Comfort. Trust.
She turned to face her savior. To thank him and then send him his way. She didn’t need saving. She could do it on her own now. But she saw him. Tall and dark. Oh my he was gorgeous! Then again he was always handsome. He had growth taller almost 6’2’’ and he had filled more. The years had been good to him. His dark hair was still as messy as the first day she laid her eyes on him. And his usually cold eyes were filling with something alike to mischief conveying her in a simple nod to trust him. She always had.
“She came with me Lady Une” He answered to his former superior.
“What? Didn’t you know what she did? “ Lady Une hissed.
“Yes. Now if you excuse us.” He answered non committal. His hands on her back leading her away from the trouble her mere presence stirred. Saving her as usual. Except when he left to find himself.
“Thank you.” Relena responded to him after leaving a fuming Lady Une.
“Your welcome”
“Why?” She asked curiously. Didn’t he know? He should have heard the news. Princess Relena Peacecraft snapped and killed the competence.
“Because you needed it.” Again nothing in his voice. Cold as usual.
“No, I don’t. I don’t need a bodyguard. “ She replied annoyed. She was through with their protection.
“I don’t want to be your bodyguard.”
“Then what do you want?” Curiosity killed the cat. She sighed. But something in his voice made her blood stir with an old feeling buried long ago.
“I don’t know. Maybe your friendship? You offered a long time ago.”
“I don’t want a friend. I don’t believe in friendships.”
“Good I didn’t want to be your friend anyway.”
“I don’t understand. What do you want from me?” This time she detected the message. His touch gave her chills.
“Why don’t you wait and find out?”
“Because I don’t wait anymore.” She spoke the truth. Still the game they were playing was too good to pass up.
“I know. Me neither. I will tell you later what you need to hear.”
“I need an answer now.”
“We never need titles between us.”
“It was a long time. You left.”
“I’m sorry for that. “ He sounded truly sorry, but she didn’t know him anymore, she couldn’t be sure.
“Why are you here? ”
“I was invited. After all I’m a former pilot too.”
“You were never too close to him. You disappeared after the events of New Years Eve with Mariemaia.”
“ I need time to figure out what I wanted of life.”
“Did you?”
“What?
“Figure out what you wanted?”
“It turns out I knew all along. Still I needed the time to grow up. To find a way to live in this era. ”
“And what was it?”
“Why don’t I show you.” And this time she didn’t recognized the man in front of her. For in front of her was man who liked to play games. Not like the one she knew. Always focused on his mission. It was a shame she no longer played games. Except…Good God he was gorgeous and he was her long masked dream. She would play his game a little bit. If only to get to know him again. What was with her infatuation with the cold and silent pilots? Was she that self-destructive?
She lifter her perfectly elegant eyebrow in dare at his suggestion. “I better go.” She shock her head. He was everything she must avoid. He was the past. She could not linger anymore.
“Stay” he breathed in her ear. Barely touching her. But his mere presence burning her.
“I can’t.” she whispered again sucking in her breath at his closeness.
“Don’t go yet. Stay.” He touched her shoulder sliding to her hand. Sending her shivers of desire.
“Why?” she breathed turning head to the other side, don’t want him to see the blush in her cheeks.
“You’ll miss all the fun.” He touched her cheek turning her face him.
He was dangerous to her. He always have but now he was the best kind of danger. His usually cold gaze was burning with desire.
“I…I don’t know.” She stuttered.
“Stay” this time he commanded. “Trust me.”
And she obeyed. Always.
He offered his hand to take. His eyes conveying a secret.
She took it. His fingers interviewing with hers. A rightness feeling filling her. How her heart could be pumping wildly at his presence when it was supposedly breaking for another?
“What are we doing?” she asked softly leaning to his shoulder.
“Delivering my gift.” He replied just as softly walking into the ballroom where an audible gasp filled the air. Everyone turned to look at them. Whisperers rushed to gossip. Even the music stopped.
They made an stunning couple. Light and Dark. Both powerful in their own right.
A waiter walked by them and he took two glasses of the finest champagne giving her one. “May I have your attention?” he asked loudly commanding attention. Everyone cease their gossip looking curiously at the couple. Relena turned her head looking for the bride and groom, but found once again the stare of Dorothy Catalonia Winner who was looking at her with a knowing smirk. She clearly knew something and was just bidding her time.
“I would like to propose a toast to my fellow pilot and his bride.” He said.
The bride and the groom turned to him. The bride with a huge smile on her face whereas the groom with a weary look. More so when he saw her with him.
“May you get what you deserve” He said. And Relena turned to look at him sharply. Something in his words didn’t seem alright and Dorothy knowing look made her stomach uneasy.
“Hear, hear” chorused the guest.
“Now, and as wedding gift. I will give you what you have wanted all along.” He turned to the groom.
Unexpectedly the door of the balcony were open and a female figure walked to the room. Making the audience gasp audibly.
“Midii!” The groom breathed unbelieving.
“Nanashi!” The ghostly figure of Middi Une replied looking unsteadily towards him.
“Middi, you are alive!” Trowa walked quickly to her. Embracing her lovingly. “I thought you were dead. How?” he turned to Relena and his companion.
“You should really lay down on those drinks, they loose your tongue and secrets fly out your mouth.” Relena’s companion stated to the bride.
The bride paled looking away. Trying to remember when she could have said something to anyone. The only ones who knew the secret were Catherine and her. No one else could have known their secret. Then she remembered, her bridal shower. She took one too many drinks that day Had she revealed something? If only had she not accepted those drinks. She made the same mistake as Relena.
“No wonder they say alcohol is dangerous thing” Dorothy Winner said walking next to her.
And this time Relena couldn’t help it. She laughed out loud. Oh! The Irony! The truth will set you free. Free Indeed. She had been living carrying a blame for something she didn’t do. She was free at last. A lie would last until the truth find its way.
“He found me. I was too weak the first months I could not help her. I couldn’t stop the injustice they did to Relena.” Midii Une said to a flinching Trowa. What had he done?
“Next time you kill someone, make sure is really dead.” Relena’s escort said dryly.
“You!! You tried to kill her!” Lady Une yelled angrily at the bride. Looking ashamedly to the former Queen of the World for accusing her of the murder of her cousin. “Guards! Handcuffed her!”
“Silvia!” Roared Trowa walking dangerously to her. “What have you done? You tried to kill Midii” he shook her roughly. “How could you!” he continued to roar even when Quatre and Duo rushed to contained him.
Meanwhile Catherine Bloom rushed to the stairs in attempt to escape. A solemn Wufei ruined her leaving. Too ashamed at the injustice they made to say anything.
“They set you up. ” Dorothy informed to Relena. “Silvia always wanted everything you had. Your position, your money even your man. They both knew how important was Midii to Trowa, she was always the greatest love of him.” She said undauntedly, stating the truth. As it was her style. “So when she resurfaced and started to break havoc between you, Silvia knew it was time for her move. What better idea than destroy both of you. She was to kill Midii and let you take the fall.”
“But Catherine? Why? I thought she was my friend.”
“Because Silvia promised her what she always wanted. After you they were getting rid of Dorothy, so Catherine would get Quatre.” Her date replied.
“What now?”
“I’m now sure. Why don’t we find out? Together.” He kissed her hand.
“Heero.” She replied savoring a name she hasn’t said in years.
“Let’s go” he tugged at her hand. Nodding at Dorothy who was watching them with a barely concealed smile. She was happy for them and for her, even though she knew it would be a hard journey for everyone.
“Where?” Relena asked letting him lead still somehow dazed at the events occurred.
“Home” He replied with finality. He was back to her and he would not let her go. It took him years to find out what he felt for her. Even when he was about to lose her to another man. A man he considered a friend. A friend who couldn’t defend her. A friend who didn’t deserve her. Probably neither does he. But he was sure was going to try.
Sometimes the story didn’t go according to the plan. Sometimes you have to wake up from the dreams. Sometimes you have to stop believing, and sometimes you have to mistake love so the story could continue.
Months later Relena still wondered at what she lived. A murder she didn’t commit ruined her life just like a murder Silvia didn’t get to commit ruined hers. And the funny thing it was the alcohol that ruined both of her lives.
Silvia was committed to a mental hospital after a quick trial. Just like her.
Catherine Bloom was found out. She was too facing a trial for attempt murder.
What comes around goes around.
Even when her innocent was acknowledged by everyone she could take no pleasure of it. Even whey they tried to explained themselves, she would not accept them in her life. Loyalty was earned. They didn’t earn it.
Trowa tried to apologize to her. Several times. She would not heard of it. She wanted nothing with him. No friendship or anything. She wished him happiness for him and Midii but nothing else.
Love was truth. Love was loyalty. Love was something neither Trowa or her feel for each other.
And the story would continue. The world would keep moving around. Never stopping for them.
And now she understood. Sometimes you have to hurt to know happiness. Sometimes you have to wait more than long for your prince to come. And sometimes you have to sleep again to dream.
After the hurt she found happiness. With Heero. They finally discovered what happened next in their story.
They found together trust, loyalty, pleasure, and everything that conveys love.
After all the years of separation they understood that together were invincible, that they were halves of a whole. A whole they would keep together as long as they lived.
Sometimes you have too dream to find love and sometimes you have to wake up and find that love isn’t a dream but a fact.
Now that was a rather random comparison, wasn't it?