Blissful Ignorance

"Oh my God! It looks like they're playing with his..."
"Come on, boss, just pet him!" Vash's voice carried over the now silent room.


Title: Love's Labours Lost
Author: Stella and the Black Rose
Category: AU. Romance. Comedy. Crossover (w/Esca, Trigun, and Weiss Kreuz)
Rating: PG-13 for now.
Warnings: Sexual innuendo, perhaps. Van's terminally grumpy.
Spoilers: It's AU. No spoilers.

(If you haven't read them yet, you can find the Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4 page 1 , and Chapter 4 page 2 here)

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Disclaimer: We own nothing, not even the computers we?re using. :razz:

Chapter 5

The four men stepped off the subway and trudged their way up icy steps to the frostbitten city streets. Heero?s jacket was still insufficient for the New York winter, but in his estimation, the frigid air grew exponentially worse at night until he was sure the blood was going to freeze in his veins. Apparently he wasn?t the only one; he noticed his friends? pace quicken to practically a run as they emerged from the stillness of the tunnels into the darkened, brackish haze of a winter evening. Heero blinked against a mind-numbing gust, watching his breath mist when he gasped out directions to his business partners, who huddled in a tight formation as they moved along behind him. It was only a few blocks to the restaurant, but the bitter wind swirled around him, robbing his unconditioned body of precious warmth. He finally broke into a jog.

It should be against the law to be this cold. Heero swore as he trotted passed the entrance to a dark alleyway, his eyes fixed on the inviting, warm colors of the neon sign perched over Cipriani?s Restaurant. He nearly stumbled when he noticed something sitting near a vent on the sidewalk. It darted out before him, attempting to intertwine itself around his feet.

?Meow.?

Heero kept his gaze trained on their destination, the promise of the restaurant?s fireplace drawing him closer. Dumb cat. Go inside where it?s warm. The software exec leapt over the small black lump of fur in his path. He rounded the corner and would have smiled at the sight of the polished glass doors to the small, authentic Italian restaurant had his face not been numb.

?Hey!? A voice called out behind him as his hand closed around the door handle. He groaned inwardly and turned, the cold air curling around his fingers and sucking the warmth from their tips.

?What?? Heero barked at the last obstacle to the wonderful thing commonly referred to as heat.

Vash?s tall frame was hunched over the same misshapen mound on the sidewalk, and Heero knew what was coming next. ?Look at this poor kitty. It doesn?t have any tags??

Dark sapphire eyes rolled heavenward as if asking the question, why, God, must I be stuck with this moron? He shot his friend a murderous glare, before switching his attention back to the restaurant?s entrance. ?Neither do you, now come on.?

?I?m serious!? Vash protested, grinning at the shining set of small green eyes staring dolefully up at him. ?He?s so tiny ? probably just a baby.? He nuzzled his face against its teeny nose. ?You?re just a baby pussy cat, aren?t you?? He turned to cast a similar, pleading expression up at his friend. ?We can?t just leave him out here all alone. He?ll freeze to death.?

?So will I if I have to stand here another second,? Heero growled. ?I didn?t come to New York to play with pussy cats.? He jerked open the door and disappeared inside Cipriani?s.

?Yeah, that?s part of your problem,? Vash grumbled, throwing his friend?s retreating form a narrowed-eye glance from his kneeling position on the sidewalk. He removed one of his gloves, offering a hand to the small cat, his smile widening when the cold, wet nose touched his fingertips. ?Hey there little guy.?

?Meow.?



* * * * *

Warm air permeated his skin, and Heero flexed his hands, allowing the blood to give life once more to the corpse-like cells. He gulped in a few deep breaths marveling at how quickly his body recovered from the debilitating chill he left outside.

The interior of Cipriani?s glowed with a gentle light that danced across the rich red carpet and painted faces on the mural-painted walls. Scenes of happy couples strolling in a lush green countryside or white-shirted harvesters hard at work in a sunny vineyard captured Heero?s attention when he stepped deeper inside the cheerful entranceway. As he moved forward, he could hear the comfortable crackle a fireplace from the dining room beyond where he stood, mixing with the din of hushed dinner conversations and the sweet, melodic strains of Italian opera playing softly in the background. He spotted the hostess?s station, which appeared to be deserted at present, so he distracted himself by skimming a wall of photos picturing celebrities who had visited the small eatery over the years. Somewhere between Marlon Brando and the New Kids on the Block, he lost interest and glanced down at his watch. It read 7:29pm.

?Hn,? he murmured, a small frown taking shape on his forehead. ?Looks like I?ll be waiting again.? Before he could even lift his head to further complain about people not being punctual, the door swung open again, admitting a waft of cold air that stirred loose, golden locks which became pleasantly visible as she shook off her hood in a swift motion.

?I hope I?m not late,? she said through glossy lips fixed beneath healthy, cold-flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.

He flipped his wrist and pulled back several layers so he could check his watch again, having still not thawed out enough to relinquish his coat. ?No, you?re on time.?

Her glittering blue eyes darted upwards for an instant, while a finger thoughtfully tapped her chin. ?Amazing how that happens when I don?t have people shutting elevator doors in my face,? she mused, once again settling her gaze on Heero.

?You shouldn?t have been running late,? he chided.

?Neither should you.? Relena crossed her arms, the amusement draining from her tone. ?If you had been early enough, you wouldn?t have felt the need to rush to get upstairs.?

?I still?? He stopped himself from finishing the sentence. This was no way to be conducting business. And there were... other things he?d rather be discussing with her. Heaving an inward sigh, he conceded. ?If I had been earlier,? he nodded, ?You?re right Miss Peacecraft, it wouldn?t have happened.?

?Ah, so I?m back to being Miss Peacecraft again.? She turned away from him, handing her coat to the young girl in charge of the cloak room and tucking the small claim ticket into her handbag. ?Did you forget my name already? It must be difficult to lose your mind while you?re still so young.?

His lips stretched into a thin, exasperated line. He should have known that another dinner meeting with her had the potential to prove every bit as challenging as the first. However, a strange sensation now flickered within the confines of his chest, a feeling he recalled from last night as well. The occurrence startled him at first, nearly as much as the close proximity of her face as they attempted to keep their exchange quiet. ?I didn?t forget your name, Relena. Why is it you choose to insult me for showing you the proper respect one colleague deserves from another??

?You misunderstand me completely, Mr. Yuy,? she explained with a shake of her head, taking a step back. ?I didn?t insult you at all. The intellect is far from being the most treasured of man?s many faculties, in my opinion. It tends to, more often than not, get in the way of his more noble nature.?

Heero lifted an eyebrow as she continued. ?Is that so??

?Many a man who has been noted throughout history as having done great deeds often are revered for having no sense of logic.?

?That depends on your definition of ?great,?? Heero countered.

?On the contrary, Mr. Yuy, I think it depends on yours.?

?You?re supposed to be calling me Heero, remember?? He asked, meeting her unwavering expression as she stood, waiting for his answer. A philosophical discussion hadn?t been on his agenda for the evening, but the topic seemed to interest her. ?War,? he blurted out, deciding on what was, in his opinion, one of the grandest, logic-requiring events of which men were capable.

She merely smiled at him, as if she half expected his response.

?War? Let me ask you, what logical man can face certain death on blood-stained battlefields and charge right in, knowing full well that he might never again see those that love him??

Heero gave no reply.

?The great intellectuals are always cowards. They think, they speculate, but rarely do they take action. They leave that to those who are passionate and willing to take the risks. And so to say that you have lost your mind is really no great loss at all. It would instead be a compliment, for it seems like you would make a greater impact on the world to live by the words spoken in the language of your heart than that of your mind.?

Heero closed his eyes briefly, allowing his brain to sort through her voluble words. The wheels of his mind made a languid evolution as he fought against her unconscious talent for disarming his intellect with her very presence. ?You would make a fine politician, Relena,? he said finally. ?I?ve never seen such eloquent back peddling that not only made an interesting point, but managed to turn an insult into a compliment.?

The dazzling smile slowly faded into sincerity; the flesh around her eyes crinkled into honest lines tinged with a trace of sadness.

?Again, Heero, I think you misunderstand me.?

He frowned as she turned away, and had to strain to hear the softly spoken sentence he wasn?t entirely sure she meant for his ears.

?It?s better to lose your mind than it is to lose your heart.?

He reached out and caught her arm before she could leave the secluded corner of the foyer, twisting her around to face him and steadying her with his other arm. His hand floated upwards, tilting her chin to where her eyes met his - and that was where he made his mistake. Those eyes pulled him in, like the mythological Sirens? song that lured brave sailors to their deaths. He felt himself lean forward, the very logic they had discussed just moments before having long departed. His mind fell short to reason why he held her now, in a loose embrace, but his lips were firmly focused in their search?.

* * * * *

Van hopped from one foot to the other, circling the man who was kneeling on the sidewalk, in a sort of primitive, albeit annoyed, tribal dance.

?Vash, come on,? Van complained through chattering teeth. ?We can?t take the cat inside.?

His red-clad friend scooped up the small, furry object of their debate, and held it up for Van to see. ?But he?ll turn into a little kitty-cicle! We can?t just leave him out here.?

Van fought the sensation to run over to the nearest building and bang his head on the brick wall. ?Fine, we?ll leave you out here and take the cat.?

Vash pouted, cuddling the kitten under his chin. ?You know with PMS you?re almost as grumpy as Heero.?

?I?m sure he?ll be pleased you said that,? Van replied, looking a deadly serious as he possibly could while ten seconds away from contracting hypothermia. ?He?d hate to be dethroned as the King Grumpmeister, Chief of the Grumpalah tribe settled deep in the sprawling lands of Grumpdania.?

Vash blinked. ?Ooooooookay. Yikes - I take it back.?

Quatre tapped Van on the shoulder, and peeked around his friend to address Vash. ?Well, as entertaining as this is, I?m cold, and you know how much Heero hates it when people are late.? The CFO reminded them, turning and taking a step towards the door. He stopped short as a woman in a long fur coat crossed his path.

?Oh excuse me, Miss.?

?I?m with you, Quatre,? Van replied, heading towards the entrance while taking one last look over his shoulder at the software tester crouched near the alley.

?Here, kitty,? Vash whispered. ?I have an idea...?

Van shook his head and charged forward. Suddenly Quatre?s voice whipped through the cool night air, fighting for his attention. ?Watch out, Van!?

?Huh...?

He collided with something soft, warm and fragrant - a welcome change from the chill of the city streets and the scent of car exhaust that now seemed to cling to him wherever he went. Van squinted, untangling himself from the obstacle, while making an effort to smooth his rumpled coat before giving whoever had walked in front of him a piece of his mind. Glancing down to study his own appearance, he quickly noticed a pair of very feminine shoes standing across from him. His gaze travelled up a well-toned set of legs to the gold buttons on an elegantly cut velvet coat; and farther upwards to a graceful neck, touched by wisps of light brown hair that also framed... the flawless and delicate face of a young woman wearing an extremely ticked-off expression.

?You should watch where you?re going, lady.?

?Excuse me...?

* * * * *

Relena?s eyes widened as Heero closed the distance between them. His lips drew nearer and she could feel the heat of his breath graze her already flushed cheek. Is he?

The door flew open, emitting a thunderous bang and a short blast of winter air. Heero stiffened and turned away.

?You are the rudest man I?ve ever met. It?s one thing that you aren?t gentlemanly enough to hold the door for a lady, but it?s quite another to run me over and not even apologize.?

?I didn?t see you. It?s freezing out there and I was in a hurry.?

?That?s still not an apology.?

The president of GLLC ran a hand through his hair, watching helplessly while his marketing VP made a not-so-subtle grand entrance in the midst of a shouting match with a complete stranger. Relena stood beside him, gaping at the scene unfolding before their eyes as another couple shuffled through door.

?My mother used to say that chivalry was dead, Hitomi. I never knew how right she was,? A woman wearing a fur coat hissed aloud to no one in particular, tossing several strands of long blond hair behind her shoulder and moving to stand beside her friend. Quatre side-stepped the pair, hastily removing his gloves and taking up a position next to Van.

?Ladies, you have every right to be upset,? he smiled, speaking in a calm and civilized voice.. ?My friend indeed owes you an apology. But just because he didn?t think before he acted in this case doesn?t mean that all men??

?I don?t owe her an apology,? Van snarled at the would-be peacemaker. ?It was an accident, not something I did intentionally.?

Hitomi scowled. ?That?s all the more reason why you should apologize.?

?Van?? Quatre gritted out with an insistent glare.

?She?s insulting,? Van argued. ?I didn?t do??

?You ran into me, stepped all over my feet with your monstrous?hooves, and almost sent Dorothy and I sprawling to the ground. That?s hardly nothing in my estimation.?

Van scrunched up his face, his eyes momentarily sweeping his own loafer-clad feet. ?Hooves??

Quatre threw his head back, staring up at the fresco ceiling. ?Van, just apologize.?

Dorothy took her friend?s arm, leading her towards the coat check. ?Don?t worry about it, Hitomi. He?s not worth your time.? Dorothy cast a deliberate sidelong glance at where the two GLLC officers stood. ?It takes a real man to say he?s sorry.?

?Miss... Dorothy, was it? I appreciate your concern for your friend, but sarcasm isn?t helping the situation,? Quatre said, making one last effort to gain control of the situation. ?Van, you owe the lady an apology.?

?I?m?.I?m?.?

Hitomi crossed her arms and looked away.

?I?m sorry,? He blurted out, finally able to get a word in edge-wise.

Dorothy placed a hand over her heart, leveling a mocking stare at Van. ?Wow, the sincerity in that is just so heartwarming.?

?What do you want?? he seethed. ?I?m busy. I wasn?t paying attention. I have a dinner meeting and was freezing my butt off because my idiot friend wanted to play with a cat. It wasn?t intentional. I didn?t mean to hurt you. What else can I say??

Hitomi bowed her head, feeling the anger dissipate under the warmth of the young man?s soft brown eyes. ?That?s?.fine, Van. Apology accepted.?

A hint of a smile graced his features, only to disappear when Heero came into view, glowering at his pair of delinquent associates. ?Are you two done making a spectacle of yourselves??

?Yes.? Van pushed passed Heero and went towards the hostess stand.

Heero cornered the remaining man. ?You know I expect this of Vash, but you, Quatre??

?What did I do?? The blond financial officer shrugged, bracing himself as yet another gust of cold air assaulted his exposed skin.

?I heard my name. Which means I must be in trouble. Perhaps I should just go back outside,? Vash announced, finally joining the group.

?Get your butt over here,? Heero commanded. ?You have kept Miss Peacecraft waiting. You know how I hate??

?No, it?s quite all right,? Relena cut in, smiling at the new arrival, then turning her amused expression on Heero. ?It was very entertaining after all ? especially seeing my top account executive in a shouting match with one of your partners when we?re here to convince you to sign off on our contract changes.?

Hitomi blushed. ?Uhhhhhhhh. Sorry, Relena.?

?Your account executive?? Van asked, his eyes darting from Relena to Hitomi.

?Never mind Van,? Vash cut in, smiling at the women. ?It?s his time of the month.?

Heero drew in a deep, ragged breath as he glared at the final partner. ?Vash, I?ve changed my mind. Go wait outside.?

?But boss?? Vash whimpered. ?It?s cold out there and I?m hungry. Besides,? he grinned, sidling up to the PCC representatives, ?you haven?t introduced me to the lovely ladies, yet.?

?Oh yes, I remember your picture from the front cover of that magazine,? Dorothy observed, her eyes roving over Vash?s lanky figure, spiked hair, oafish grin and flamboyant red coat. ?You look?just like your photograph.?

Vash?s lower lip protruded. ?You think so? It?s my opinion that Meryl just threw that one on there to embarrass me.?

?Oh, but?no, you?re right,? Dorothy nodded. ?It doesn?t quite do you justice.?

?That?s what I said!?

?Dorothy, be nice,? Relena scolded.

?I am being nice,

?So, Heero,? Vash begged, bouncing around the stoic man in the center of the foyer. ?Are you going to introduce me or not??

?I have a choice?? Heero questioned. ?Then not.?

Vash frowned. ?Oh ha ha. Where are your manners Mr. Yuy??

?I left them in Seattle apparently,? Heero answered, catching Relena?s eye. She gave him a small smile, looking up as Heero presented his business partners. ?Vash, Quatre, this is Miss Peacecraft, and I?m not familiar?.?

?This is my top account executive, at least until tonight, Hitomi Kanzaki,? Relena said, stepping forward as the woman next to her reddened, , ?and the head of our legal department, Dorothy Catalonia.?

?Pleased to meet you.? Vash and Quatre said in unison.

Dorothy nodded. ?It?s good to meet you, Mr???

?Vash just Vash.?

?And you are??

?Quatre Raberba Winner,? The shorter blond answered, offering Dorothy his hand.

?Quatre and Vash are two of the partners in GLLC, the fourth is over there sulking.? Heero said, turning his head in the direction of where Van stood glowering at the celebrity wall.

?Van Fanel is usually the VP of our marketing dept,? Vash offered with smirk.

?Usually?? Hitomi asked.

?When he?s not in evil dragon mode insulting our clients, then we claim he?s VP of marketing. When he has PMS, he?s in the Inhuman Resources department.?

?Ah,? Hitomi giggled.

?I?m afraid we?ll need to change our reservations with the hostess,? Relena said to Heero, craning her neck to look for the still-absent woman who managed the reservations. ?I?m sorry for not being able to inform you prior of the change in plans...?

?No, it?s okay, really!? Vash interrupted, offering an arm to Relena, who, with some hesitation, linked it with her own. ?The more beautiful women you want to bring along, the better in my book.?

?Vash!? Quatre scolded.

Heero frowned, catching up with Vash and Relena as they made their way farther into the restaurant. ?This is a business meeting.? His fingers reached up and dug into the tester?s shoulder. ?Check the hormones.?

?Yep, still got ?em.? Vash smiled.

?I mean check them at the door. Or I?m going to throw you out on the street, and you can see if that cat will keep you warm.?

Vash?s hand came up as he gave his friend the customary salute. ?Yes sir!? Without missing a beat, and knowing that Heero was walking beside them, Vash turned to PCC?s Vice President. ?So, tell me Relena, do you have a boyfriend??

?Um, isn?t that a bit personal?? She asked, staring up at her much taller escort.

?I?m just curious is all,? Vash assured her, noticing that Heero had made no attempt to shut him up this time. ?I?m sure you?ve had lots of guys knocking down your door??



The long-lost hostess finally appeared at her station, and Heero wasted no time in ensnaring her before she wandered away again. ?Miss, I have a reservation for 7:30p. It?s for five people, but we had two more join us, so we need a table for seven.?

?That?s going to be a problem,? the woman frowned, glancing over her list of available seating. ?We don?t have any open tables that can seat?? He slid a large bill onto the top of the hostess stand. ?I?ll see what I can do.?

Noticing that Van was still estranged from the group, Quatre made his way over to where is friend stood, reading the hastily scrawled messages that the wall of stars had written for Cipriani?s owner, Vinnie. ?Can I trust you to sit at the same table with them and not make a scene??

Van turned to the CFO, his eyes resting on the crimson carpet. ?Yes.?

?Good,? Quatre smiled, motioning for Van to follow him back to where the others stood waiting. ?You?re the one that told Heero and I how important this is ? getting their server line business ? so don?t blow it. And Miss Dorothy and Miss Hitomi are still quite annoyed with you.?

Van sighed. ?I?m sorry, I didn?t??

?Not to me. To them.? Quatre ordered, making Van remember why the usually mild-mannered blond was such an excellent negotiator.

?Fine.?

The hostess returned at the same time, grabbing a handful of menus and leading them into the bustling dining area. ?Right this way, ladies... gentlemen.?

* * * * * *

?I?m sorry I didn?t get the chance to warn you they?d be coming,? Relena said from her place next to Heero. ?Dorothy and Hitomi pretty much invited themselves, but it looks like it worked out okay.?

An angry voice crashed through their conversation, causing them to shift their focus to the opposite end of the table. ?How many times do I have to apologize to you!? Van spat, waving his napkin at the women seated across from him and Quatre. ?Can?t you let it go? I?m sorry already! Can we move on and talk about this contract or something??

Hitomi stiffened and looked away. ?Hmph.?

?Or not,? Van mumbled, studying the silverware.

?He?s been in a bad mood all day,? Vash pointed out, leaning in towards his dark-haired friend. ?Not that you ladies would know anything about that.?



?I?m never in a bad mood.? Van argued.

Hitomi?s head snapped around. ?Well, it is good to know you don?t get any worse.?

Van frowned. ?Hn.?

?But are you ever in a good mood?? Dorothy questioned.

Giving them up for a lost cause, Vash turned to Heero. ?Hey boss! Why don?t we order a nice bottle of red to celebrate our new friends??

?Vash.?

?There?s no drinking, you jerk,? Van spoke up from the other end of the table.

?But wine isn?t the same thing as drinking,? Vash rationalized. ?I thought it was just that Heero had to lay off the bourbon, and we had to forgo the hard stuff.?

?It?s no drinking period.? Quatre reminded him.

?Why not?? Relena chimed in, studying the other GLLC officers, both of whom where growing paler by the second.

?Errrr?.Heero doesn?t like us to drink when conducting business,? Van lied, gauging the woman for a reaction.

?That?s a bit?strict.? Relena commented, waiting for further explanation.

Van nodded. ?He doesn?t think we should allow alcohol to influence our decision process, isn?t that right, Heero??

Heero took a sip of his water. ?It?s a sound business practice,?

?Wow, everything for the intellect, huh?? Relena teased, settling back into her seat. ?But you had wine with dinner last night.?

?Hn.? Heero shrugged, and caught the accusing stares from his three friends out of the corner of his eye.

?So. Why did you?? Relena pressed.

?I felt it would be impolite to decline once the maitre?d had already poured it. I would have made a bigger scene.?

Relena raised a skeptical eyebrow.

?And I didn?t actually drink any of it,? he said, returning the hostile glances from the other end of the table before turning back to Relena. ?Besides, I told you. I think he was trying to set us up.?

The VP bowed her head, eyes catching the unsteady light of the candle at the table?s center. ?Ah.?

?Speaking of which,? Heero asked, anxious to change the subject, ?did you bring that report??

Relena raised her head and blushed slightly. ?Hmmmmmm. No, I didn?t. Must have forgotten, I guess.?

?The report or my faults?? Heero inquired, watching a wide grin overtake her features. Her words ran in a steady stream, funneling directly into his ears. Heero watched with great intent as her mouth moved, once again threatening to draw him in.

?Oh, merely the report of course. With glaring faults such as yours, they are indeed not easy to forget.?

He sat back, planting himself at what he felt was a safe distance and nudging his mind back into gear so that he could have a fighting chance of matching wits with the woman next to him. ?As opposed to your own, albeit slight imperfections which are simple to overlook??

She tilted her head, wagging a finger in his direction before turning away to claim her glass of water. ?I never said that, but if you want to believe I?m perfect, I certainly won?t argue with that perception.?

Beaten again. ?Hn.?

Quatre?s voice traveled up the table, its tone far more stern than usual, edged with a hint of uncharacteristic frustration. ?Miss Dorothy, I think it would be better if we just let the incident go. Van is sorry??

Heero sat up, peeking over Relena?s shoulder in time to catch his red-faced marketing VP shoot up from his chair and lean over the table, the fire in his eyes sparking at the two women who sat frozen and gaping at the man towering over them.

?You... she-devils have just not heard of the phrase forgive and forget have you??

Quatre stood up beside him, ?Van!?

?She-devils?? Hitomi mumbled with a disbelieving shake of her head, looking from Van to Quatre, then over to Dorothy.

PCC?s chief legal representative sat with a pinched expression, her knuckles white over clenched fists, while her whole body trembled, rage bubbling out in sharp, heated gasps from her flared nostrils.

Vash gulped from his reclined position at the far end of the ?war zone?. ?Uh-oh...?

An explosion of platinum blond hair rolled over the shaking table as Dorothy shot up, reaching for her hand bag and heading for the exit. ?Well! I?ve never been more insulted in my life.?

?Miss Dorothy?Miss Dorothy wait.? Quatre called out, side-stepping Van and rushing passed the others.

?She-devils?? Hitomi repeated, catching Heero?s fleeting eyes as he leveled a frigid stare at his friend.

?Miss Kanzaki, my apologies. Van, if you stand up from this table again, it had better be to leave.?

?I don?t understand what is with those two.? Van protested, grudgingly taking a seat and avoiding eye contact with Hitomi.

?Hn.? Heero crossed his arms, his attention suddenly diverted when Relena rose from the table.

?Please, excuse me. I have to go talk to?Oh.?

He reached up, taking her hand and gently guiding her back to her chair.?Quatre can handle it.?

Relena bit her lip, her eyes straying from the sight of Heero?s hand covering her own to the blond woman rushing hastily towards the doors. ?Ummm, but??

?Trust me.?

* * * * * *



Quatre charged after the departing attorney, weaving his way through the crowded tables in Cipriani?s main dining room ?Miss Dorothy, wait. Please don?t go.?

She finally came to a halt at the coat check, breathlessly rummaging in her bag for the claim ticket. ?Mr. Winner, I have nothing else to say to you or that Cretan you call your friend.?

?I know that Van was way out of line, Miss Dorothy,? Quatre observed, ?but the rest of us would like you to stay. Just because he can be a jerk doesn?t mean that you should let him run you off. Unless, of course, you were just looking for a reason to leave.?

?I think my presence at the table was far from welcome,? Dorothy hissed, removing several tubes of lipstick and a compact from her purse, still searching for the elusive coat tag. A small piece of paper fluttered to the ground, catching Quatre?s eye as it landed near his shoe.

?That?s not true. I was enjoying your company. Please, for me??

Dorothy gave her bag a hearty shake, stopping only when she noticed her companion stoop to the floor. ?I don?t even know you. Why should I do you any favors??

Quatre slid the much sought-after ticket across the smooth, polished surface of the counter. She finally met his pleading gaze after snatching the flimsy prize in her hand, and signaling for the girl to retrieve her fur coat.

?You?re right,? Quatre granted. ?You shouldn?t have to do anything.?

She sniffed and turned her head, ripping the coat from the girl?s grasp and throwing it over her shoulders. Dorothy moved swiftly away from the counter, reaching for the door handle, but her pace slowed when she still sensed a presence behind her.

?Mr. Winner. I thought I made it clear that I had nothing...?

?Please hear me out, Miss Dorothy,? Quatre said, beginning to shiver as the cold night air crept in through the entrance way. ?Not for Van or GLLC or even PCC, but just for me ? please.... I can see that you?re a good person by the way that you care for you friends, and I also believe that somewhere beneath all those layers you wear, there is a tender heart. One you wear far too easily on your sleeve.?

Her hand tightened around the large brass fixture, but she hesitated, glassy eyes rising to meet Quatre?s kind expression.

?I?m sorry he hurt you, Miss Dorothy. Truly sorry. And even though we don?t deserve a second chance, I?m asking you anyway, please?don?t go.?



* * * * * *

?Where are they?? Relena asked as Vash dropped into his chair, still wearing his long red coat despite the fact that they were seated right near the fire place.

?At the bar,? he answered, wiping the sweat from his forehead. ?It took some convincing to get her to agree to come back and have dinner with Van still here, but Quatre managed to smooth things over and says they?ll be back after they finish their Shirley Temples.?

?Well, that?s certainly good news. I have to admit I was a bit worried, and Dorothy can tend to over react,? Relena admitted.

?Van had no business saying what he did,? Heero added, curiously regarding Vash out of the corner of his eye. The tall blond had been sitting across from him squirming uncomfortably all evening, at least between several bouts of leering at Relena like he was some kind of...

?So, have you been able to see much of the city since you got here??

Her voice interrupted Heero?s thoughts, and the sight of her smiling face reclaimed his attention. ?Hn... Not really. We took a trip uptown today.?

?Oh??

?Just saw the university and surrounding area.?

?Columbia?? Relena guessed, mentally flipping through a list of colleges in the city.

?Yeah.?

?What?s there??

?All right! Food?s here.? Vash proclaimed, sitting up straight and grinning widely like an eager child about to open a present.

?Yes, we can see the food, Vash. Thanks for the announcement,? Van grumbled, earning a dirty look from both his business partner and Hitomi.

?Well,? Heero continued, ?The four of us never went to college. Maybe it?s something we?d like to do.?

?Really?? Relena questioned, fork poised over her salad. ?That?s?unexpected.?

Heero raised an eyebrow. ?How so??

?I thought geniuses were supposed to know everything

?Does he hate everyone or just everyone at this table?? Hitomi wondered out loud, gripping her butter knife in a way that reminded Vash of the shower scene from ?Psycho.? He slid into Dorothy?s unoccupied seat, hoping that the attractive marketing rep didn?t have any other Bates-like tendencies.

?Well, you see, Miss Hitomi, it?s just that, well... Ehhhhhh?. Van is?don?t you want to put that down??

?I don?t hate everyone.? The dark-haired man insisted, toying with a cherry tomato.

Vash jumped up as the woman beside him shot forward, knife in hand. His heart raced when Hitomi speared a chunk of butter from the center of the table, viciously smearing it across her dinner roll. ?Could have fooled me. Are you alright, Mr. Vash?

Vash collapsed into his chair. ?I?m ok.?

Heero?s expression darkened. ?I never claimed to be a genius.?

?Oh, you mean you didn?t get the memo?? Relena teased.

?Memo??

?Declaring you a genius,? she stated mater-of-factly. ?The rest of us were all notified some time ago.?

Van slammed his glass of water down hard, rattling the unused silverware. ?I don?t hate everyone!?

Hitomi put her hands on her hips. ?You sure act like you do. I can?t imagine you?d be able to sell anything much less market an entire product.?

Heero shook his head. ?Actually, ?genius? is not a word I like to?.?

?Most of our male clients and I get along just fine,? Van sneered.

?Sincerely, if you hate the term, I understand.? Relena said. ?But I know you?re very intelligent. And still, you think you need to go to college? You must have a good reason.?

Heero drew in a deep breath. ?It?s??

?Oh, so it?s just that you have a problem with women?? Hitomi accused.

?Complicated.?

Vash let out a long breath. ?Here they go again?.?

?What?? Van shouted, attracting concerned stares from diners at the surrounding tables. ?How?d you get that?? You?re just trying to make me angry again,? he surmised, pointing an accusing finger at the young woman in front of him. ?That?s what you?re about ? making me mad so I?ll react and then Heero will apologize and do whatever you want.?

Hitomi stood up, ripping the napkin from her lap and lobbing it at Van. ?You?re crazy, you know that? I think I?m with Dorothy. I?m tired of being insulted by the likes of you.?

?Well?? Relena sighed, watching Hitomi stalk her way out to Cipriani?s deserted glass-enclosed lunch area. ?It looks like it?s going to be a long night, so we?ve probably got some time.?

?Hn.?

?Remind me to never invite you along on a double date, Van,? Vash scolded. ?You?ll chase off both our women and everyone else?s within a one mile radius.?

?Shut up, Vash.?

Heero leapt from his seat, his steely blue eyes flashing a warning not apparent in his tone. ?Van, go apologize and do it now.?

Van rose slowly in order to face his friend. ?What?but?I?.?

?NOW.?



* * * * * *

He found her standing in the farthest corner of the darkened sunroom. The lights from the street filtered in through the shaded panes, bathing her form in an ethereal, pallid glow, causing her to look more like an angelic apparition than his hostile dining companion. He?d thought she was attractive from the first moment he saw her, but had tried not to dwell on feelings he would be unable to act upon. The fact that she now looked like some mythological goddess he had only dreamt about as a teenager reading fantasy novels was certainly not helping his plight.

?Hitomi. Miss Kanzaki.? Van?s voice stretched thinly across the airy silence, his trembling hand following as he drew nearer.

?Don?t touch me.?

Her words hit him like a slap to the face. One he, no doubt, deserved. ?Miss Kanzaki??

She kept her arms crossed tightly, hugging herself against the chill in the room. ?Go away.?

Van halted when he reached her side, and she pivoted in order to fully avoid him. ?Look?I?m?sorry. I?m sorry for what I said ? all the things I said.?

?I don?t need your forced apology.? Her voice wavered for an instant. ?I know you didn?t come out here on your own.?

?There?s no one else with me.? He tried to smile. ?No one but you.?

?That?s not what I meant.? Her tone held a frosty chill that could have rivaled the air outside. He couldn?t get her to look at him. ?Just go back to the table and eat. I?m fine.?

The newborn smile died on his lips. ?You?re not fine,? Van pressed, fighting to keep his voice low and even, despite the way his heart pounded wildly in his chest ? whether it was from being this close to her, or the adrenaline still present from their earlier exchange, he didn?t know. ?You?re mad and you?re mad at me.?

Hitomi spun around, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. ?You are the undisputed master of the obvious.? Her mouth formed a perfectly shaped, pink line, with just a hint of irony in the indention of her chin.

The skin around his eyes crinkled slightly, the dark shadows of the room hiding the look of amusement creeping across his face ? her expression struck him as being cute. He sighed, his heart sinking back into its black temper, as he thought of how he had already blown any chance he might have had with her. ?You have every right to hate me, I know. I?ve been?cross.? Van relented.

?That?s an understatement.? Her breath puffed out from between her lips, and stirred the bangs that hung in wispy feathers over her forehead.

?Hn.? He could feel the ire rising within him, but he pushed it down, struggling every step of the way. The look Heero had given him clearly stated that he was not to return to that table unless the situation was resolved. Taking a deep breath, Van pleaded his case, hoping to strike a sympathetic chord with her. ?Well, it?s not easy moving across country with those three. Not to mention the change in climate, and the lot of them, Vash especially, aren?t easy to live with twenty-four hours a day. They?ve been getting on my nerves.?

?That?s tough to imagine,? she remarked, her sarcasm adding fuel to the anger rekindling in the pit of his stomach.

?From what I saw, I can?t help but think it would be the other way around.?

?Fine,? he spat. ?Forget I said anything. I apologized, and if that?s not good enough for you, then I don?t know what else I can do.? He turned to leave, but her words caused him to stop as if an invisible wall had been placed in his path.

?You sure don?t try very hard.?

?What?s that supposed to mean??

She took a step forward, fearlessly taking up a rigid stance right in front of him. ?That you love to give excuses instead of taking responsibility for the things you do and say. It marks a distinct lack of maturity.?

?You just called me immature?? He said, squaring his shoulders and throwing an accusatory glance in her direction. ?I?m out here apologizing to you and you called me immature??

Hitomi heaved a sigh of exasperation, stamping a high-heeled foot to emphasize her point. ?Have you ever stopped and just listened to yourself??

?Yes!? He shouted back, his voice suddenly trailing off. ?Wait?what do you mean? Listen to what??

?To you.? She answered. ?To the words that come out of your mouth. The way you say them. Have you ever stopped to consider how much you wound others with simple words??

Van stared at her vacantly, as if she were speaking a completely different language.

?Take Vash for instance. He was just enthusiastic over the arrival of our meal, and you not only treated him like an idiot, you hurt his feelings. You should think more about others before you speak,? She lectured. ?The world doesn?t revolve around you.?

?I??

?We all have feelings,? Hitomi continued, ?just like you. We all hurt sometimes, just like you. We all have our good days and bad ones ? just like you. Consider that sometime.?

She seemed to be on the verge of tears, Van noticed, as she stiffened and backed away from him. He could only liken the sensation pounding through his body with being punched in the stomach - breathless, unable to move or speak. He studied the picture she made, standing there before him, framed in the strange light of this strange city ? so angry, so hurt?so beautiful.

?I?m sorry?Hitomi, Miss Kanzaki,? he said finally, afraid he would stumble over the words. ?I?m really very sorry I hurt you.?

She smiled, for the first time since they?d met, he noted, and walked slowly towards him. ?Hitomi is fine, Van. And for what it?s worth, I?m sorry, too.?

?Will you come back and eat with us?? He asked, gesturing in the direction of the dining room as the request tumbled from his lips. ?I?d?I?d really like it if you would stay.?

Hitomi looked up at him. ?Even after my speech??

?Even after your speech.? He nodded.

?Okay, then.?

?Not that you?re right or anything.? Van added, the higher temperature of the inner dining room assaulting his cheeks.

?Oh, of course not,? Hitomi assured him. ?I wouldn?t dream of the great Van Fanel actually admitting I might be right.?

He tried to scowl at her, but she had that cute expression on her face again. ?Hn.? His grunted reply sounded far too cheerful in his opinion, but when she took his arm, he no longer cared.



* * * * * *

Maybe this wasn?t such a good idea, Vash thought, adjusting the front of his coat and changing position in his seat for what seemed like the millionth time that evening. Even with all the ?excitement? of the corporate battle of the sexes, the night still dragged on at an insufferably snail-like pace. If he could just make it through dinner with no mishaps, he had a fighting chance of Heero not killing him when they got home.

Even still, despite his preoccupation, he had to admit that he couldn?t have planned the match-making arrangements any better. He watched Van return, politely helping Hitomi into her chair before sitting down himself. Quatre soon followed, guiding a much calmer Dorothy back to her place beside Hitomi just in time for the main course to arrive. Heero and Relena had kept their exchange quiet for most of the evening, but Vash was pretty well satisfied that he?d seen all he needed to see. Now all he required was a plan.

But... no one can plot against his friends on an empty stomach, and he was very sure that the monstrous growling coming from his gut couldn?t be helping things. He inhaled his steaming plate of chicken parmesan, then sat back in his chair next to the fireplace and waited for the others to finish. As much as he hated to pass up dessert, maybe the ladies would be full and they could get this over with all the sooner.

?I can?t eat another bite,? Hitomi proclaimed, pushing her nearly empty dinner plate off to the side.

?I second that,? Dorothy attested. ?I was looking forward to some cheesecake, but I don?t think I?ll be able to manage.?

Vash couldn?t help but grin. Nothing but smooth sailing from here on...He glanced over at the fire crackling and smoldering in the large, brick enclosure and tried to spur his mind into action. Instead, he felt the heavy pull of a sated stomach on his eyelids. They fluttered closed, lulled further into sleep by the pleasant hum of conversation from the table?s occupants. Everything was good?

A slight vibration scurried down the length of the oak, as if someone was rising from their seat. Are they leaving already? The faint thought sought to separate him from his shallow dozing. He tried to blink open his eyes, but met with some resistance. Until a remembered female voice sliced through the haze with a single, razor sharp edge.

?Meryl??

His head snapped up when he heard Relena call out the familiar name, all semblance of peace and dreams disintegrating like the log consumed by the fire. ?Oh man... Please let her know another woman named Meryl!? He pleaded under his breath, biting his lip when the easy to recognize petite frame and dark hair came into view. Uh-oh...

?Miss Relena! What a surprise to find you here ? and with Mr. Yuy.? She turned her head and sharp, eagle eyes sought his. ?And Mr. Vash!?

?No such luck,? Vash mumbled, sinking in his chair and catching a withering glare from Heero. ?Hello, reporter girl. Fancy meeting you here,? he spat.

Meryl grinned. ?Life is just full of coincidences, isn?t it, Mr. Vash??

?You don?t say,? he choked out.

?Please, Meryl, won?t you join us for some coffee ? and maybe some dessert? We were just finishing up our meeting here,? Relena offered, gesturing for the reporter to take the empty seat between Vash and Dorothy. The spiky-haired blond sank further in his seat, wondering if he could crawl away without anyone noticing. But blissful escape was blocked by the persistent nightmare.

?Thank you very much, I?d love to,? Meryl said. She settled into the chair, producing her notebook and a pen from what seemed like thin air.

?So, may I ask why the top officials from Gundanium and PCC are having a dinner meeting??

?I?ll buy you some pie if don?t ask,? Vash whimpered.

?Well, I suppose the story can wait,? Meryl said. ?But a promise is a promise, Mr. Vash.?

?And what promise would that be?? Van questioned from across the table.

?I?d certainly like to know,? Heero added, staring at his wild-haired associate.

Vash?s eyes darted from one known grump to the other, a look of torment overtaking his face as what felt like a dozen tiny knives dug into the flesh of his abdomen. Just when I thought things couldn?t get any worse...

?Vash, are you all right?? A kind voice called down the length of the table. His eyebrow twitched and he sucked in a deep breath, trying not to cry out.

?I?m fine, Miss Relena, thanks.? He winced as the blades struck a nerve. Light green eyes darted back and forth, noting he had the whole table?s attention. He tried to smile, but was sure he didn?t manage more than a grimace. ?It?s just a little...?

?Meow.?

This is not good...He gulped in air and visibly relaxed as the tiny claws finally extracted themselves from the flesh of his stomach.

?Vash, what the hell was that?? Heero leaned forward, his voice low, but still managing to ooze menace from across the table.

Meryl squinted, eyeing him oddly with the hint of a smirk on her lips. ?It sounded like a...?

?Meow.?

?Just my stomach!? Vash called out, cutting the reporter off before she could finish her sentence. He widened his eyes at her, trying to send a silent message. ?Still hungry, I guess.? He forced a laugh and plastered on a wide smile. ?Who?d have thought it after that great big...?

?Meow.?

Uh-oh. The grin froze in place as he watched Heero?s countenance change from a calm, normally stony pale color to a chortled red streaked with white ? evidence that he was trying to contain his temper. Vash felt his blood run cold at the same time icy beads of perspiration formed all over his body. A mad boss was not a good thing?

Heero?s eyes narrowed. ?Vash...?

The tester launched himself from his chair, not even bothering to glance over his shoulder at his confused dinner companions. ?Would you excuse me,? he called out, rapidly retreating towards the front entrance as fast as he could go without breaking into a dead sprint. He spun around in a belated effort to explain himself, walking backwards as he offered the quick, and horribly lame excuse. ?Gotta go powder my no...? He bumped into something solid ? a body. He whirled around, ready to apologize to the poor soul he had inadvertently stumbled over, but was met with the taut, livid expression of??Uhhhh, hello, boss.?



They had paused near the entrance to the foyer, standing at the edge of the dining room with other tables in close proximity. Puzzled diners glanced up, their focus drawn to the tall man dressed in red, who was positioned with his back to the room, along with a shorter, very angry looking man in a suit. From Van?s vantage point, he could only see their backs ? from their chests down, his line of vision was obstructed by a polished oak half-wall. Meryl stood and crept towards the scene, gaining a better view.

?Vash!? Heero roared, drawing even more perplexed stares. ?Tell me that you didn?t bring that THING in here with you.?

The software tester bowed his head, as his fingers came up to undo the buttons on his coat. ?Well, I couldn?t help it, boss. It is kinda attached to me...?

?What are they up to?? Hitomi asked in a low voice that curled pleasantly into Van?s ear. She stretched her graceful neck in an attempt to see what the pair of men were actually doing at the front of the room.

Dorothy blinked and looked down, having gained her feet just after Meryl. ?Oh my God! It looks like they?re playing with his...?

?Come on, boss, just pet him!? Vash?s voice carried over the now silent room. Van shot up from his seat, and felt his jaw drop at the sight of Heero, bent forward and intently studying something around Vash?s waistline.

The president of GLLC recoiled, taking a step backwards while the room?s other occupants looked on. ?Vash, there is no way in hell I am touching it! I don?t know where it?s been! And you were playing with it out in that filthy alley...? Heero shouted.

Relena brought a hand up to cover her mouth as the two continued.

?Oh, now you sound like Mr. Germ-o-phobe Van. Just touch him ? it won?t kill you!? Vash argued.

Everyone at their table stared at the GLLC Marketing VP.

?What?!? Van demanded, horror dripping down his spine as his eyes sought out Hitomi?s appalled expression. ?I?ve never seen Vash?s... well...?

?I told you, Vash. I am not laying a hand on your...?

?Awwww. Look, boss. He likes you!?

?Oh my goodness,? Meryl gasped. ?I knew Vash was a freak, but I didn?t think that he and Heero were...?

?Zip it up, Vash!? Heero continued, unaware that the entire restaurant was now captivated by their performance. ?This is an eating establishment, for goodness sakes. What on earth possessed you? Did you think you could take it out and play with it at the table??

?Would someone please fill me in?? Quatre leaned in and whispered to his friend. Van glared at him and backed away.

?I don?t want to see yours, either.?

The financial officer?s eyes widened and his complexion paled. ?It?s not like I want you to!?

?Well,? Vash?s voice caught the group?s attention once again. ?I was hoping I would make it til we got home, but I figured if worse came to worse, maybe the girls might like it.?

Audible gasps and whispers swirled throughout the room. Relena gaped and exchanged glances with the other girls. Van sunk down in his seat ? stunned he had never picked up on his friend?s tendencies. They fight a lot, and they say opposites attract, but?

?They don?t want to see that thing!? Heero growled, staring daggers up at much taller blond.

Van stared at his business partners. So when did this all start? I remember in high school, Heero looked at Playboy the same as the rest of us?well, the rest of us but Quatre. WAIT A MINUTE! What about all Vash?s girlfr-

?But, boss, I couldn?t just leave him!?

?Vash, for the millionth time. No one wants to see the damn CAT!?

The din of voices rose all over again, repeating the word over and over. ?Cat??

?Cat...??

?Cat?? Relena asked, shooting a searching glance at Hitomi and Dorothy. They shrugged.

?Ugggggghhhh... He brought that stupid cat in after all,? Van complained, bringing a hand to his forehead as relief settled over his tense shoulders. ?I can?t believe that moron sometimes.?

?A cat?? Meryl asked.

?He found it outside,? Quatre told her, stifling a chuckle. ?He didn?t want it to freeze or go hungry, but we couldn?t take it home because we were coming here to meet Miss Relena.?

Ice blue eyes met his. ?So it had nothing to do with his, well-?

?No, Miss Dorothy,? Quatre laughed. ?Leave it to Vash...?



?Well, kitty,? Vash smiled, extracting the bundle of fur from his dress shirt. ?I wonder what I?ll do with you now. Guess we can just go...?

?I?ll watch him til you?re finished,? The girl at the coat check smiled.

?Wow, thanks a lot,? Vash grinned, handing the cat over the young lady. ?Very much appreciated.

Heero made his way back the table, his ears red in part from his shouting match with his business partner, and also due to the lopsided stares he received from pretty much everyone in the entire place. He came to one conclusion as he stared at the now empty water glass before him. He missed bourbon. He missed bourbon a lot.
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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: blackrose on 2002-07-03 10:05 ]</font>