Relena, Stand By me (6/?)
Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 6:27 pm
Relena, Stand By Me
Chapter Six: Carnival Town
Author's notes:
Thank you to everyone who waited patiently for me to update, I certainly have not forgotten this story, it?s so much fun for me to write? and now that I have an idea of where the plot is headed, I thank you for all your support.
~Calla.
- - - - - - - -
Heero grabbed his jacket and hung it over his shoulder, checking his place to make sure that everything was neat and tidy. He ran his fingers through his dark, unruly hair that Relena liked better when mused. He was also clean shaven, with a bit of aftershave added last-minute. His shoes had been polished that they shone all the way up to the colonies and beyond. There was just one last thing.
That darn rash.
He ran to the kitchen and grabbed the toaster, checking for any red marks using the silver metal as a mirror. Heero sighed in relief when he saw that it was completely gone.
Was there anything else that he had left to do? He felt as if there was but he couldn?t put a handle on it. After all, this was the first time that Milliardo would see them as couple. Ah yes, he remembered.
He ran to the closet to retrieve the red fuzzy object.
- - -
Dorothy paced the living room impatiently and started to wring her hands into knots. She stopped to expel a breath full of hot air before she looked out the window, apprehensive of what today might bring.
?Miss Catalonia, you?re wringing your hands again.? Rashid informed her kindly as the woman nodded towards him and resumed her pacing, ignoring his words.
Quatre entered, wearing tan trousers, white shirt, brown leather jacket, and to make the ensemble complete? his smile. A non-amused voice cut through the air.
?Do we have to go?? Dorothy had taken out her handkerchief and started to twist into thin strands. It wasn?t the carnival she was afraid of, it was the ?getting there.? Of all the things he could have chosen from, he had to pick this.
Quatre approached her and held her twitching hands, ?Don?t worry, I won?t let anything happen to you.? The girl rose to her full height, a fire smoldering in her eyes and she towered over the sandy haired Arabian man. It was amazing that he held no fear at the smoking pillar in front of him since Dorothy was basically breathing down his neck.
?But WHY let Sally drive?? she interrogated him, the eyebrows twitched uncontrollably and Quatre looked sheepish, his kind heart often landed him in situations like these and she was quite irked with his tendency for generosity.
?Because she offered??
The girl did everything in her power not to bite her nails to the core.
BAD habit.
And this time, she was referring to Quatre.
- - -
Catherine was occupied with the ritual of polishing her throwing knives when Trowa knocked on the door of her cozy little trailer. One day, she?d look into buying a house (but she?d forever stay with the circus). This was only a thought; a nice house, not too big but neat and tidy, for her and her brother. She smiled as she daydreamed, just maybe?
*knock knock*
?Yes?? and the handle turned of its own accord and he stepped inside.
Trowa stuffed his hands into his pockets, waiting for her criticism to come. Catherine looked him up and down, motioning with her knife to turn around and finally nodded in approval. There was nothing much to comment on, for he looked the same as ever. A dark blue turtleneck with faded jeans ? to her relief, the jeans remained hole-less in the knees ? and his sneakers. He really didn?t look that bad for a first date, and besides it was at the carnival grounds, people didn?t wear tuxedos there. Well, maybe except the ringleader?
?Nervous?? she placed her daggers on the vanity and put her hands on her hips.
?A little.? She tsk?d. A man of few words and yet, the slightest blush crept across his cheeks. He was doing that often, she noticed, and made the obvious connection that her brother was probably thinking of Middie Une. A muscle contracted in her throat and she felt her knife hand twinge slightly.
?You really like her, don?t you?? He nodded and his sister forced herself to smile.
?Well then, shoo! Go away! See her!? she insisted, laughing at his cute behaviour that brought a smile to his usually impassive face. He hugged her quickly at the door and she punched him in the arm in return. Such affectionate actions for a sister, no?
?You?re the best, Catherine.? He whispered before he took off for the carnival, hands in his pockets. For the first time since the end of the wars, he would not be performing with her. Catherine?s smile dissipated slowly.
- - -
Relena stood in between Milliardo and Lucrezia as they walked towards the Preventer?s Headquarters, her sister-in-law engaging her in a conversation while the man occasionally winced. They two weren?t on speaking terms this morning after the cold shower event, but Relena knew that this was just another one of those days. Besides, the girl knew a little secret.
A solitary boy who leaned on the front glass doors of the building watched as the trio made their way up the concrete stairs. Although he couldn?t hear their speech, he could decipher the words that came from the women?s mouths. They were talking about him.
As he approached, the sun shone brightly that it blinded Relena, her flaxen hair shimmer like threats of spun gold that Rumplestiltskin himself could not better. A hand covered her eyes and she was not able to see the face of the person who gradually held her hand. She guessed.
?Heero?? A grunt was all she needed, and he took her away from Lucrezia and Milliardo.
?Honey, do you really think we should let Relena go like that?" He replied yes.
?But why? You were never that possessive over your sister before.? He turned to look at her, but her gaze was directed the other way. She was being so disagreeable this morning, and it was really getting to him.
?It?s different now. I?m trying to make up for all those years lost.?
?You?re not trying to be her father now, are you??
?No.?
?What about Heero?? It was a while before he said anything.
?I trust him, well almost, besides his willingness to self-detonate. Yuy?s the most capable soldier we know, he?ll take care of her when I can?t.? Milliardo tried to slide an arm around his wife?s waist, but she moved uncomfortably and whispered in his ear.
?Won?t people recognize her for what she is, being exposed in such a public place?? Lucrezia edged away from his hand, ?Who?s keeping an eye out for Trowa now??
?Maxwell and Co.? The remark was made in such a sarcastic and mocking air that the lady felt obliged to slap him in the upper arm. The day was not going well for them.
?Relena will be fine; five people have already approached her about her identity.? The lack of an entourage around her did not mean Preventers were not in the area, they were just out of uniform.
?The pink limo? Where did Pagan park??
?Very far away, we?ll have to walk for about 20 minutes before we reach the car.? His wife did not seem pleased with the idea but stayed silent, convinced that her irritation was of no major importance. He sensed her discomfort and attempted once more to make her more at ease. He led her to one of the food stands and ordered some very gooey-cheesy nachos while Lucrezia asked for large fries, two soft drinks, a Bulgarian sausage and a chocolate sundae. He stared at the food and felt the heartburn coming on.
?Is all that necessary?? Milliardo inquired, seating himself at an empty table not far off from the Fun House. It was clean but the screams and yells emitted from the tarp building distracted him somewhat. During the breadth of eating his nachos, a high-pitched cry could be heard and soon after, a very rotund lady was seen exiting the Fun House with a teary-eyed little boy attached to her hand.
?That?s loud.?
?Mm-hm,? was all Lucrezia said between mouthfuls of her hot dog loaded with sauerkraut, mustard, hot onions, relish, chili, and ketchup. To his amusement, not a drop was spilt.
?How can you eat all of that?? Another chorus of shrieking kids departed from the Fun House, and he winced. She noticed and sighed quietly.
?I was hungry, took a walk this morning.? Milliardo was about to point out that she had woken up late so she couldn?t have taken a walk; however, two new people came to join them at the table.
?Oh food, I?m hungry.? The blonde grabbed a drink to share with her pilot while he reached for the other tray of fries and realized that it was nearly empty. Turning to the other man, both sets of eyes were directed at the ebony-haired female momentarily occupied with her onion saturated food.
?I'll buy more food. Anything you want?? Heero was sent to get another drink, (ice tea please) a chicken burger, large potato wedges, three cinnamon churros and a strawberry sundae, just like Lucrezia had.
?Slow down Noin, drink something,? her husband suggested with concern etched all over his face.
?I?m fine.? The scrunched up napkin was thrown on a paper plate. A slender hand held a spoon and was waved in front of the other two at the table, they reclined graciously. The sundae was her next victim.
?Aren?t you going to eat, Relena?? Even if she ate like a bottomless pit, she still held her manners and laid a napkin on her lap for any spillage.
?No thank you, I?m waiting for Heero. Oh, did you know we just got off the water-log ride?? Three sets of eyes changed to the south end of the amusement park where a roller-coaster-like structure stood. If one squinted, it was noticeable that the cars were designed as hollowed out logs and the ride depended upon fast-flowing water, splashing unsuspecting riders with a cold spray.
?Why aren?t you wet?? Thrill seekers were given ponchos, dark green.
?Bet Yuy liked that.? She nodded, noticing the look her brother was giving Noin.
- - -
Duo and Hilde were also in a bit of a pickle to keep themselves out of sight from mission: Carnival Town. They stayed in the shadows but found it hard to walk openly in public with spectators constantly assaulted by Duo?s unreasonably long braid. Hilde mumbled apologies at a constant stream, if only he had shorter hair like hers, the crowd wouldn?t part their way so much and they could have blend in better. Sadly, the boy?s habit of turning his head whichever way, especially to bright and shiny objects, was not helping.
?Duo, stop swishing your hair.? She hissed under her teeth and clutched at his arm. She had seen Middie ahead, and the girl had pointed to the Ferris wheel behind them.
?Sorry, babe, but my braid has a mind of its own.? Hilde ran into the nearest kiosk and ducked down behind the main table to keep out of sight.
?It?s bad enough the end has to smack against your butt, but does it have to do it to everyone else?? A mischievous grin lit his face, he couldn?t resist.
?Are you saying you want to spank my ass??
?Duo! No!?
Then a deep male voice from above their heads and bellowed, ?Do you want me ta do it for you, ma?am?? She gasped when someone grabbed her arm.
- - -
Waiting in line at the roller coaster ride, Quatre Raberba Winner glanced at his watch while Dorothy looked around expectantly at the entrance gates. Complaining about the cramps in her feet and her growling stomach, she looked at the sign propped up next to the ropes and read, ?Only 34 more minutes from this point.? On the opposite said, it said, ?Please stand in line until your turn.?
Dorothy frowned at the marker. ?I think we?ll have to come back later, Hilde just paged me saying they can?t watch Trowa anymore, something urgent came up.? She sighed at Quatre and he put his pager away.
?Promise me we?ll come back?? He nodded. ?Any idea where the turtledoves are?? The Arabian tilted his head upward, both eyes squinting and he pointed.
?Ferris wheel.? Dorothy pushed his hand down and they both walked away from the line, pretending that she was suffering from sunstroke and the mildly chilly air. Strange, considering it was the middle of February...
- - -
?I think I need to sit down,? Middie exclaimed, a bit queasy on her feet and Trowa offered his shoulder when they reached a bench. He turned his eyes to the carousel spinning round and round when he heard the girl beside him make a sound of distress.
?Maybe we went one too many times.? She laughed quietly. Maybe ten times on the Ferris wheel was a bit much, and that was only after the bumper cars, nightmare room, the Zipper, spinning teacups, and other numerous rides that consisted of movement, all partially unsettling in the gut when ridden one after another.
?Rest?? he inquired, leaning back in the bench and so did she.
?That would be nice, Nan- sorry, Trowa.? She looked down in embarrassment, ?Maybe we could see your sister later on? When is her show??
?Like you said, later on.?
?Do you perform on stage with her??
?Almost every show since I joined, but today I won?t be.?
?Why?s that?? But his head came to rest on hers, a silent answer.
Catherine felt her spirit *plop* and settle at the bottom-most pits of her stomach as she watched Trowa and Middie on the bench. Later on, she caught them walking happily among the circus grounds, their hands swinging loosely at their sides although they were not touching, and she sighed heavily.
- - -
?Ma?am, are you in?ne of my services?? the deep baritone voice repeated and Duo shot up to his feet, grabbed Hilde?s arm and pushed her behind him with the speed only gundam pilots possess. Sizing up the stranger, he replied coolly,
?No, she?s doing fine.? The other man didn?t think so.
?Lady, is this guy bothering you? I?d be happy to teach him a lesson.? And he grinned, revealing a set of perfectly white and straight teeth. Hilde felt Duo?s fingers tighten around her forearm and her first thought in her mind was that she had met a real live pirate, except for the teeth.
?Everything?s great, no threats made.? The girl wished her voice could have been more convincing but the reality was, to put it nicely, huge. Bulky muscles as thick and tough as burlap bulged under his black, worn out biker?s t-shirt. Short, grayish spike hair stood atop a balding head, dark wrap around shades hung from the pocket of his leather vest and multiple rips in his jeans exposed tree trunks of legs. He cracked his knuckles at Duo. And he was over fifty.
?You her boyfriend??
?Yeah.? The shorter man still shielded Hilde the best he could against this Sasquatch. ?Fianc?e.? A black beetle eyes swiveled from Duo?s set face to his long braid to Hilde?s short black-violet hair.
?So?? Tone hesitant, the pilot?s boy was wired for a physical fight, because no one was to touch his girl, even if he was in the wrong (which he knew he wasn?t).
?What do you want?? He challenged while his adversary smiled crookedly on purpose, waiting until the two people had backed away from the table and had their backs to the crowd, eager to disappear. He reached down behind the front desk and came back up, as radiant as the sun.
?Want to buy some leather spiked collars from me? Good wedding present.? The biker grinned with his dazzling teeth and handed each of them an oversized dog tag. ?All the rage in young couples like yer?selves, very popular to hang off the back of your getaway car, truck, bike, wha?ever.? Hilde?s arm drooped with the weight of the object; it must have been the chrome 5? spikes that jutted from the leather.
?Whaddya say? One for you and your gal, special price, cut off 25% for a pair.? His book-sized hands patted Duo on the head before he hitched them into the loopholes of his belt, laughing jauntily. ?If you don?t mind me sayin?, ma?am, the colour of this one right here matches your eyes??
Duo turned to his fianc?e, thinking the exact same thing.
- - -
Featured song: ?Carnival Town? performed by Norah Jones and her Handsome Band
Album: Feels Like Home (2004)
Written by Norah Jones and Lee Alexander
Chapter Six: Carnival Town
Author's notes:
Thank you to everyone who waited patiently for me to update, I certainly have not forgotten this story, it?s so much fun for me to write? and now that I have an idea of where the plot is headed, I thank you for all your support.
~Calla.
- - - - - - - -
Heero grabbed his jacket and hung it over his shoulder, checking his place to make sure that everything was neat and tidy. He ran his fingers through his dark, unruly hair that Relena liked better when mused. He was also clean shaven, with a bit of aftershave added last-minute. His shoes had been polished that they shone all the way up to the colonies and beyond. There was just one last thing.
That darn rash.
He ran to the kitchen and grabbed the toaster, checking for any red marks using the silver metal as a mirror. Heero sighed in relief when he saw that it was completely gone.
Was there anything else that he had left to do? He felt as if there was but he couldn?t put a handle on it. After all, this was the first time that Milliardo would see them as couple. Ah yes, he remembered.
He ran to the closet to retrieve the red fuzzy object.
- - -
Dorothy paced the living room impatiently and started to wring her hands into knots. She stopped to expel a breath full of hot air before she looked out the window, apprehensive of what today might bring.
?Miss Catalonia, you?re wringing your hands again.? Rashid informed her kindly as the woman nodded towards him and resumed her pacing, ignoring his words.
Quatre entered, wearing tan trousers, white shirt, brown leather jacket, and to make the ensemble complete? his smile. A non-amused voice cut through the air.
?Do we have to go?? Dorothy had taken out her handkerchief and started to twist into thin strands. It wasn?t the carnival she was afraid of, it was the ?getting there.? Of all the things he could have chosen from, he had to pick this.
Quatre approached her and held her twitching hands, ?Don?t worry, I won?t let anything happen to you.? The girl rose to her full height, a fire smoldering in her eyes and she towered over the sandy haired Arabian man. It was amazing that he held no fear at the smoking pillar in front of him since Dorothy was basically breathing down his neck.
?But WHY let Sally drive?? she interrogated him, the eyebrows twitched uncontrollably and Quatre looked sheepish, his kind heart often landed him in situations like these and she was quite irked with his tendency for generosity.
?Because she offered??
The girl did everything in her power not to bite her nails to the core.
BAD habit.
And this time, she was referring to Quatre.
- - -
Catherine was occupied with the ritual of polishing her throwing knives when Trowa knocked on the door of her cozy little trailer. One day, she?d look into buying a house (but she?d forever stay with the circus). This was only a thought; a nice house, not too big but neat and tidy, for her and her brother. She smiled as she daydreamed, just maybe?
*knock knock*
?Yes?? and the handle turned of its own accord and he stepped inside.
Trowa stuffed his hands into his pockets, waiting for her criticism to come. Catherine looked him up and down, motioning with her knife to turn around and finally nodded in approval. There was nothing much to comment on, for he looked the same as ever. A dark blue turtleneck with faded jeans ? to her relief, the jeans remained hole-less in the knees ? and his sneakers. He really didn?t look that bad for a first date, and besides it was at the carnival grounds, people didn?t wear tuxedos there. Well, maybe except the ringleader?
?Nervous?? she placed her daggers on the vanity and put her hands on her hips.
?A little.? She tsk?d. A man of few words and yet, the slightest blush crept across his cheeks. He was doing that often, she noticed, and made the obvious connection that her brother was probably thinking of Middie Une. A muscle contracted in her throat and she felt her knife hand twinge slightly.
?You really like her, don?t you?? He nodded and his sister forced herself to smile.
?Well then, shoo! Go away! See her!? she insisted, laughing at his cute behaviour that brought a smile to his usually impassive face. He hugged her quickly at the door and she punched him in the arm in return. Such affectionate actions for a sister, no?
?You?re the best, Catherine.? He whispered before he took off for the carnival, hands in his pockets. For the first time since the end of the wars, he would not be performing with her. Catherine?s smile dissipated slowly.
- - -
Relena stood in between Milliardo and Lucrezia as they walked towards the Preventer?s Headquarters, her sister-in-law engaging her in a conversation while the man occasionally winced. They two weren?t on speaking terms this morning after the cold shower event, but Relena knew that this was just another one of those days. Besides, the girl knew a little secret.
A solitary boy who leaned on the front glass doors of the building watched as the trio made their way up the concrete stairs. Although he couldn?t hear their speech, he could decipher the words that came from the women?s mouths. They were talking about him.
As he approached, the sun shone brightly that it blinded Relena, her flaxen hair shimmer like threats of spun gold that Rumplestiltskin himself could not better. A hand covered her eyes and she was not able to see the face of the person who gradually held her hand. She guessed.
?Heero?? A grunt was all she needed, and he took her away from Lucrezia and Milliardo.
?Honey, do you really think we should let Relena go like that?" He replied yes.
?But why? You were never that possessive over your sister before.? He turned to look at her, but her gaze was directed the other way. She was being so disagreeable this morning, and it was really getting to him.
?It?s different now. I?m trying to make up for all those years lost.?
?You?re not trying to be her father now, are you??
?No.?
?What about Heero?? It was a while before he said anything.
?I trust him, well almost, besides his willingness to self-detonate. Yuy?s the most capable soldier we know, he?ll take care of her when I can?t.? Milliardo tried to slide an arm around his wife?s waist, but she moved uncomfortably and whispered in his ear.
?Won?t people recognize her for what she is, being exposed in such a public place?? Lucrezia edged away from his hand, ?Who?s keeping an eye out for Trowa now??
?Maxwell and Co.? The remark was made in such a sarcastic and mocking air that the lady felt obliged to slap him in the upper arm. The day was not going well for them.
?Relena will be fine; five people have already approached her about her identity.? The lack of an entourage around her did not mean Preventers were not in the area, they were just out of uniform.
?The pink limo? Where did Pagan park??
?Very far away, we?ll have to walk for about 20 minutes before we reach the car.? His wife did not seem pleased with the idea but stayed silent, convinced that her irritation was of no major importance. He sensed her discomfort and attempted once more to make her more at ease. He led her to one of the food stands and ordered some very gooey-cheesy nachos while Lucrezia asked for large fries, two soft drinks, a Bulgarian sausage and a chocolate sundae. He stared at the food and felt the heartburn coming on.
?Is all that necessary?? Milliardo inquired, seating himself at an empty table not far off from the Fun House. It was clean but the screams and yells emitted from the tarp building distracted him somewhat. During the breadth of eating his nachos, a high-pitched cry could be heard and soon after, a very rotund lady was seen exiting the Fun House with a teary-eyed little boy attached to her hand.
?That?s loud.?
?Mm-hm,? was all Lucrezia said between mouthfuls of her hot dog loaded with sauerkraut, mustard, hot onions, relish, chili, and ketchup. To his amusement, not a drop was spilt.
?How can you eat all of that?? Another chorus of shrieking kids departed from the Fun House, and he winced. She noticed and sighed quietly.
?I was hungry, took a walk this morning.? Milliardo was about to point out that she had woken up late so she couldn?t have taken a walk; however, two new people came to join them at the table.
?Oh food, I?m hungry.? The blonde grabbed a drink to share with her pilot while he reached for the other tray of fries and realized that it was nearly empty. Turning to the other man, both sets of eyes were directed at the ebony-haired female momentarily occupied with her onion saturated food.
?I'll buy more food. Anything you want?? Heero was sent to get another drink, (ice tea please) a chicken burger, large potato wedges, three cinnamon churros and a strawberry sundae, just like Lucrezia had.
?Slow down Noin, drink something,? her husband suggested with concern etched all over his face.
?I?m fine.? The scrunched up napkin was thrown on a paper plate. A slender hand held a spoon and was waved in front of the other two at the table, they reclined graciously. The sundae was her next victim.
?Aren?t you going to eat, Relena?? Even if she ate like a bottomless pit, she still held her manners and laid a napkin on her lap for any spillage.
?No thank you, I?m waiting for Heero. Oh, did you know we just got off the water-log ride?? Three sets of eyes changed to the south end of the amusement park where a roller-coaster-like structure stood. If one squinted, it was noticeable that the cars were designed as hollowed out logs and the ride depended upon fast-flowing water, splashing unsuspecting riders with a cold spray.
?Why aren?t you wet?? Thrill seekers were given ponchos, dark green.
?Bet Yuy liked that.? She nodded, noticing the look her brother was giving Noin.
- - -
Duo and Hilde were also in a bit of a pickle to keep themselves out of sight from mission: Carnival Town. They stayed in the shadows but found it hard to walk openly in public with spectators constantly assaulted by Duo?s unreasonably long braid. Hilde mumbled apologies at a constant stream, if only he had shorter hair like hers, the crowd wouldn?t part their way so much and they could have blend in better. Sadly, the boy?s habit of turning his head whichever way, especially to bright and shiny objects, was not helping.
?Duo, stop swishing your hair.? She hissed under her teeth and clutched at his arm. She had seen Middie ahead, and the girl had pointed to the Ferris wheel behind them.
?Sorry, babe, but my braid has a mind of its own.? Hilde ran into the nearest kiosk and ducked down behind the main table to keep out of sight.
?It?s bad enough the end has to smack against your butt, but does it have to do it to everyone else?? A mischievous grin lit his face, he couldn?t resist.
?Are you saying you want to spank my ass??
?Duo! No!?
Then a deep male voice from above their heads and bellowed, ?Do you want me ta do it for you, ma?am?? She gasped when someone grabbed her arm.
- - -
Waiting in line at the roller coaster ride, Quatre Raberba Winner glanced at his watch while Dorothy looked around expectantly at the entrance gates. Complaining about the cramps in her feet and her growling stomach, she looked at the sign propped up next to the ropes and read, ?Only 34 more minutes from this point.? On the opposite said, it said, ?Please stand in line until your turn.?
Dorothy frowned at the marker. ?I think we?ll have to come back later, Hilde just paged me saying they can?t watch Trowa anymore, something urgent came up.? She sighed at Quatre and he put his pager away.
?Promise me we?ll come back?? He nodded. ?Any idea where the turtledoves are?? The Arabian tilted his head upward, both eyes squinting and he pointed.
?Ferris wheel.? Dorothy pushed his hand down and they both walked away from the line, pretending that she was suffering from sunstroke and the mildly chilly air. Strange, considering it was the middle of February...
- - -
?I think I need to sit down,? Middie exclaimed, a bit queasy on her feet and Trowa offered his shoulder when they reached a bench. He turned his eyes to the carousel spinning round and round when he heard the girl beside him make a sound of distress.
?Maybe we went one too many times.? She laughed quietly. Maybe ten times on the Ferris wheel was a bit much, and that was only after the bumper cars, nightmare room, the Zipper, spinning teacups, and other numerous rides that consisted of movement, all partially unsettling in the gut when ridden one after another.
?Rest?? he inquired, leaning back in the bench and so did she.
?That would be nice, Nan- sorry, Trowa.? She looked down in embarrassment, ?Maybe we could see your sister later on? When is her show??
?Like you said, later on.?
?Do you perform on stage with her??
?Almost every show since I joined, but today I won?t be.?
?Why?s that?? But his head came to rest on hers, a silent answer.
Catherine felt her spirit *plop* and settle at the bottom-most pits of her stomach as she watched Trowa and Middie on the bench. Later on, she caught them walking happily among the circus grounds, their hands swinging loosely at their sides although they were not touching, and she sighed heavily.
- - -
?Ma?am, are you in?ne of my services?? the deep baritone voice repeated and Duo shot up to his feet, grabbed Hilde?s arm and pushed her behind him with the speed only gundam pilots possess. Sizing up the stranger, he replied coolly,
?No, she?s doing fine.? The other man didn?t think so.
?Lady, is this guy bothering you? I?d be happy to teach him a lesson.? And he grinned, revealing a set of perfectly white and straight teeth. Hilde felt Duo?s fingers tighten around her forearm and her first thought in her mind was that she had met a real live pirate, except for the teeth.
?Everything?s great, no threats made.? The girl wished her voice could have been more convincing but the reality was, to put it nicely, huge. Bulky muscles as thick and tough as burlap bulged under his black, worn out biker?s t-shirt. Short, grayish spike hair stood atop a balding head, dark wrap around shades hung from the pocket of his leather vest and multiple rips in his jeans exposed tree trunks of legs. He cracked his knuckles at Duo. And he was over fifty.
?You her boyfriend??
?Yeah.? The shorter man still shielded Hilde the best he could against this Sasquatch. ?Fianc?e.? A black beetle eyes swiveled from Duo?s set face to his long braid to Hilde?s short black-violet hair.
?So?? Tone hesitant, the pilot?s boy was wired for a physical fight, because no one was to touch his girl, even if he was in the wrong (which he knew he wasn?t).
?What do you want?? He challenged while his adversary smiled crookedly on purpose, waiting until the two people had backed away from the table and had their backs to the crowd, eager to disappear. He reached down behind the front desk and came back up, as radiant as the sun.
?Want to buy some leather spiked collars from me? Good wedding present.? The biker grinned with his dazzling teeth and handed each of them an oversized dog tag. ?All the rage in young couples like yer?selves, very popular to hang off the back of your getaway car, truck, bike, wha?ever.? Hilde?s arm drooped with the weight of the object; it must have been the chrome 5? spikes that jutted from the leather.
?Whaddya say? One for you and your gal, special price, cut off 25% for a pair.? His book-sized hands patted Duo on the head before he hitched them into the loopholes of his belt, laughing jauntily. ?If you don?t mind me sayin?, ma?am, the colour of this one right here matches your eyes??
Duo turned to his fianc?e, thinking the exact same thing.
- - -
Featured song: ?Carnival Town? performed by Norah Jones and her Handsome Band
Album: Feels Like Home (2004)
Written by Norah Jones and Lee Alexander
Best one you've done so far!
I LUV IT 
