Love's Labours Lost Chapter 6

[blackrose]

Love?s Labours Lost

By Stella and the Black Rose



Chapter 6

[Subway]



The four GLLC officers braved the frigid winter night after their dinner at Cipriani?s, and marched to the station in frozen silence. But Vash soon noticed that the strained air between his three friends had ceased to thaw when they finally reached the warmer confines of the uptown express. Heero wore his usual tight-lipped and dark expression, though a scowl was etched more deeply into his features since they left the restaurant. He sank down a few seats away, followed by an equally stone-faced Van, who plopped down on the opposite side.

It was Quatre, however, that caused the spikey-haired software tester to sit up straight. He watched his friend stalk in behind them, whirl away from the group, and plunk down in a spot as far away from the others as possible in the nearly vacant car. The doors hissed closed, and the ground jolted beneath their feet. Lights dimmed and an indistinguishable voice blared from the loud speaker, pulling Vash?s mind from his friends. The subway drew away from the station, picking up speed as it went. Vash stifled a yawn and settled back in his seat.

Green eyes peered beneath lazy lids, squinting against the passing lights of the 42nd street platform before they disappeared behind the dank midnight darkness of the connecting tunnel. His head lolled in time with the clacking of the train; the sway of the subway car combated his half-hearted attempt to stop dozing.

Movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention as Quatre shifted in his seat, turning more of his back towards the group. Vash shook his head and fixed his stare on the blond man again. Something was definitely wrong.

?Quatre?? Blue-green eyes met his for a moment, but quickly found their way back to the floor. Vash didn?t heed the unspoken message. ?Is everything alrigh-??

His voice was drowned out as the train lurched forward again, screeching and howling to a halt. Vash bit his lip, and shifted his gaze between his three brooding business partners before settling into the dim, wordless void and giving in to his heavy eyelids?

?Can ya spare any change, mister?? Vash blinked, sleepily trying to focus on the man standing in front of him. The smell of soot and damp city streets wormed its way into his nostrils, rising from the tattered, splotchy overcoat the stranger wore.

?What?s that??

The man stretched out a calloused, dirt-streaked hand, almost toppling over when the car suddenly jolted. ?I?m hungry, mister, can you spare a dollar or two??

?Oh, sure thing, friend,? Vash yawned, mindlessly rummaging through his coat. He searched for his wallet, but instead pulled out a handful of colorful flyers he?d collected from his time downtown, then a pile of floppy disks, sandwich wrappers, and from the opposite pocket?

?Meow.?

?Ya know, pal, it?s ok?? the ragged passenger said, leveling a cock-eyed stare at the tiny black cat resting on Vash?s lap as he backed away. ?I don?t think I wanna know what else you got in there.?

The blonde?s jaw slackened and he stole a quick glance down at the sleeping kitten. ?Oh, well? I don?t normally keep small animals in my??

?Forget it?? he mumbled, glancing around the all but deserted train and catching sight of Quatre at the far end. ?Hey, what about you, pal. Buy a guy a cup of coffee?? He stumbled into the CFO as the subway jerked forward, heading for the next station.

?Get away from me.?

The stranger raised his arms as if in surrender and took a step back. ?Huh, well ya don?t have to get uppity, all I was askin for was a ??

Quatre jumped to his feet, the veins in his neck straining while he barked at the unkempt, homeless man. ?What do I look like? Some kind of easy prey? You think I?m a pushover? I meant what I said. Get the hell away from me!?

?Man, boss, what did you say to Quatre?? Vash whispered while the bum quickly exited the car. He stole a wide-eyed glance at the young man whose body trembled with a rage visible even under the heavy woolen layers he wore.

?None of your business,? Heero grumbled, his eyes boring holes in the floor.

Vash rose to his full height and glowered down at his friend. ?Or was it Mr. Eloquent over here,? he guessed, turning accusatory eyes on Van, ?who has a knack for pissing off only our most important clients or is it all women in general??

?I thought I only pissed off idiots like you,? the VP snarled.

?Not working,? Vash sniffed. ?I?ve become immune to your insults.?

The CFO pushed passed his partners, trudging towards the exit to the next car. ?Would you three stop with your pissing contest??

?Quatre! You need to get out of this city. It?s turning you into a rude New Yorker,? Vash called out to his friend?s retreating back.

?I don?t blame him.? Van scowled, crossing his arms and glaring out the window at a lighted platform that flashed by ? apparently not a stop on the express route. ?After what Mr. I?m-not-just-the-president-I?m-also-a-client-of-Jerks-R-Us said to him.?

?What?d he say?? Vash demanded. He looked passed Van and narrowed his sharp green eyes at Heero.

Steel blue flashed in the weak, overhead lighting. ?I told you, none of your business.?

?It is my business when you?re hurting one of my friends.? Vash shouted, gesturing towards the door that had just slammed shut behind Quatre.

Heero remained still, his tone unaffected. ?I didn?t say anything that wasn?t true.?

?That?s bullshit, Heero, and you know it,? Van cut in, stepping in front of Vash. ?You were out of line.?

?Heero,? Vash pleaded. ?Quatre is our friend, remember? Why would you??

?Friends,? Heero seethed. ?You?re such a sap, Vash.? He shot out of his seat and stomped to the subway car door. The train screeched as it came to a halt.

?Well, I?d rather be a sap than what you are!? The tester fumed, pounding a fist on the metal door. ?You?re dangerously close to taking a one-way trip to permanent solitude, friend. And I, for one, refuse to be an attendee at the going-away party.?

?What are you talking about?? Heero grumbled, stepping swiftly out onto the dingy cement as soon as the panel shooshed aside.

?I?ll tell you later. I hope.? Vash mumbled, watching his friend storm off - twenty blocks before their stop.

?Hey boss, wait up!?

Heero?s pace never slackened; he kept his head down and hands shoved deep in his pockets while Vash bounded to his side. ?What do you want??

?I?m worried about you,? his unwanted companion huffed, rushing to keep up.

Heero paused, looking intently up at the much taller man. ?Worried? About me??

Vash nodded, grateful for the chance to catch his breath. ?Yeah.?

?Don?t.? The dark-haired man spun on his heel, resuming his rapid progression to street level. Vash filled his lungs with the stale tunnel air, and sprinted after him once again.

?But Heero, we?re supposed to be friends. Why??

Heero froze at the base of the final set of steps, turning quickly to chastise his unwelcome company. ?Stop saying that word. It?s starting to irritate me.?

?What, Heero?? Vash questioned.

?No,? the president spat. ?Friends.?

?But what?s wrong with friends, boss?? Vash asked. ?They?re there to cheer you up ? to celebrate your joys and share your pain,? the tester said, counting an invisible list on his fingers.

Heero side-stepped his business partner and began his ascent into the night. ?Hn.?

Vash rolled his eyes, wrapping his arms around his midsection in order to make sure the kitty stayed warm as he braced himself against the merciless winter wind. ?You can?t go your entire life without needing someone, Heero.?

The other man lobbed a frosty reply over his shoulder. ?Yes, I can.?

?I see,? Vash shrugged. ?Well, I?m glad you are so much better than the rest of us. For my part, I don?t want to be alone. I want to have a wife and kids someday ? maybe a dog or a fish to play with Kitty.?

Heero snorted.

?Mock it if you must, but it?s what I want out of life, Heero. I never had a family. Rem was all I knew, and she was just my foster mother who took care of me before she got too sick. Then I had to fight not to be taken away before she died. She had spent all that time taking care of me, and I wanted to do the same for her, you know? I thought it was?right.?

?I remember, Vash.? Heero nodded, stopping at the edge of an icy crosswalk, waiting for the light to change.

?I know you do,? his friend continued, painful emotion ebbing out in his words. ?And I?m sure you still think me the world?s biggest sap for breaking down into tears that night at your uncle?s house, but even though you were all there, I was alone. I don?t like that feeling, Heero. I don?t ever want to have it again.? His confession was met with urban silence ? not quite noiseless but without the speaking voice of his companion.

?What about you, Heero?? Vash wondered as he and the man beside him fell into a slower gait. They walked on beneath the glimmering city lights, shivering under the flood bright florescence. ?What do you want out of life?

?I?don?t guess I know.? He hesitated. ?Respect, mostly.?

?Ah, but with respect comes love,? Vash observed with a knowing smile, glancing down to his stoic friend.

?Does it, now?? Heero grunted, staring straight ahead.

?Uh-huh. I don?t suppose you?ve ever been in love.?

Heero snorted again.

Vash?s smile grew wider, fond memories playing on the edge of his mind. ?It?s a wonderful thing.?

The programmer raised a dark eyebrow. ?Yes, but apparently not a permanent thing seeing how many times you?ve been in love.?

?Heero, I wasn?t in love with all those women,? Vash admitted with a shake of his head. ?I know I pretend, but I?m really still just searching for the right one.?

?I?m sure,? Heero mocked.

?I?m serious,? Vash insisted.

?Fine. Whatever,? Heero sighed. He threw up his hands and turned his eyes to the starless sky. ?Did you just come out here to bore me to death with your personal problems before the hypothermia sets in, or did you have a point??

Vash crossed his arms and glared down at his business partner. ?No, I came to tell you that no matter when she comes along ? the right girl, the one I want to spend my life with ? not you or this pact or anything else will be enough to sway me. I wanted you to know that love is worth more, friends are worth more to me than the business.?

?Hn.?

?Call me a sap ? call me anything you wish, but I know who I am and what I want. Can you say the same??

The only answer was the sound of passing cars and the howling of the icy wind in the space between the two men. Vash gave a slow nod to the silent man beside him. ?That?s what I thought. Maybe you should think about that instead of passing judgment on everyone else. I?m going to go get us a cab, I?m freezing.?

Heero blinked against the biting chill, huddling up against the front of the nearest building while he watched his longtime friend finally wave down a taxi. Vash opened the door, gesturing for him come over. Heero pulled up the collar of his coat, rushing towards the warmth of the car and Vash?s bright, forgiving smile.



I envy you; your humanity, your emotions. But I?m not you. I can?t ever be you.


******************************************************

?She hates me.? Van paced the length of his room long after the others had retired for the night, his tired eyes straining through the darkened stillness of the apartment as he recalled the evening?s events. ?Why did I have to be such a jerk? Now she thinks I?m self centered idiot that believes the world revolves around me. But I don?t ? well, not really.? He stopped for a moment, giving the carpet a much needed break, and sank down on the edge of his mattress. The marketing exec buried his face in his hands.

?Why does it bother me what she thinks of me??

It?s for the business. He repeated those words like a mantra, silently willing his mind to believe what he was telling it. But he knew it wasn?t the truth. Images of Hitomi flashed through his brain: the way she looked standing in the moonlight, the way she smiled at him, the sound of her laugh?

?Uggggghhh?. I can?t like her, or I?m doomed. Just because she?s beautiful and intelligent doesn?t mean? I can?t. It?s not worth losing my share of the company over a girl. Man, I?m getting to be as bad as Vash.? He flopped backward onto the bed and studied the cracks in the ancient plaster ceiling.

?But I can change her mind?.I could see her tomorrow, ask some questions about the cost analysis report, and make her see I?m not usually such a jerk. There?s no harm in that, right?? He slung an arm over his face to block out the last traces of light in the mostly dimmed room. ?It?ll just be a business meeting?.?

******************************************************
?She?s so?different from any other woman I?ve ever met. She acts tough, but wounds so easily. I hope she didn?t let Van really get to her ? she?s so sensitive.? Quatre?s brow furrowed as he lay sprawled on top of the covers. His feet were propped up where his head should have been resting so that he could stare out at the twinkling midnight sky.

?Perhaps I could arrange to meet with her tomorrow ? Heero wouldn?t have to know anything but that I?m going to discuss the contract ? just to check on her. Make sure she?s okay.? The CFO reasoned when he finally closed his eyes. ?It?s only right, I think. No matter what Heero says.?

******************************************************

?She?s a beautiful woman. They look good together, I think. But he?ll have to get his head out of his ass long enough to realize he?s in love with her before she?ll admit to anything,? Vash whispered to the purring bundle of fur perched on his chest. ?She cares for him, that much is clear. She?s definitely nothing like those women that usually hang around Heero and Van, just trying to get into their bank accounts. But I wonder what her story is. Everyone has one?Mine?s that I never had any parents. Van?s were never there, and Quatre?s were usually lost in a crowd of sisters. That?s why we are the way we are,? Vash yawned, bringing a heavy comforter up under his chin and moving Kitty to the pillow beside him. ?But why does she walk around with pain so evident in even her brightest smile??

********************************************************

?I?m sure I can find some time to give a tour for a friend.?

A friend. Of course he didn?t know what he was expecting her to say, but calling him a friend for some reason irked him, especially when she hugged and kissed Vash at the end of the night.

?Why does it bother me? What do I want her to say? It doesn?t matter if she does care for me as more than a friend; I can?t return the feeling. My company, my whole life would go down the drain, and I?m not willing to lose everything for a woman. I?ve worked too hard to be swayed by a pretty face ? even one with soft blue eyes and a sharp tongue.? He rolled over to face the wall, trying to focus his mind on sleep. But noooooo, his brain wanted to think about her, about how he almost kissed her and how he wasn?t going to see her tomorrow unless he could think of a reason?.

?We didn?t get much work done. I?ve wasted a lot of her time, or at least, my partners did tonight. It?d probably be better if we could sit down before the meeting on Friday and iron everything out. Then she could just present it to them and we wouldn?t be prone to a repeat of tonight?s incidents. I?ll stop by and see if she?s busy for lunch?.?

******************************************************
Shuffling sounds were coming from the direction of the kitchen. The fridge door slammed and he heard footsteps move out into the hallway, followed by the distinct rustling of coats on the nearby rack. ?Where ya goin?? Vash called out, blinking from amidst his cocoon on the sofa bed.

?Meeting,? a well-dressed and cologne-doused Heero grunted, not bothering to look back as he shut the door to the apartment.

?Give Relena a kiss for me.? Or two or three. Vash grinned as he reclined into the pillows and slipped back into unconsciousness. But an hour later, he woke up when the springs in the mattress squeaked and groaned under the additional weight of Quatre sitting at the edge of the bed.

?Have you been over the contract?? The blond asked in his usual soft-spoken tone, seemingly recovered from the tension of the previous night.

Vash made a non-committal effort to sit up, only to slump back down again. ?Uhhhhhhhh?.no, not really, why??

?I need to be ready for the meeting tomorrow,? Quatre said, shuffling the paperwork in his hands, ?but I have questions about some of the language. Did Heero go somewhere??

?Yeah, he went to see Relena.?
Quatre?s eyes widened. ?Oh??

?Said something about going over contract stuff I think,? Vash yawned. ?I was mostly asleep.?

?Huh.? The CFO breathed, straightening his shoulders after a moment. ?Well, I figured I should go straight to the source, and well, they mentioned at dinner last night?.?

?Go meet with Dorothy, Quatre,? Vash interrupted. ?I don?t care.?

?It?s just about the contract ? and to apologize for Van?s behavior last night,? Quatre explained, rising quickly to his feet. ?I still feel bad about how he treated her.?

?I?m sure she?d love to have a strictly professional visit from you. Why don?t you take her some flowers for an apology?? Vash suggested, trying not to let his friend see the grin fighting to take over his features. ?It?d make an excellent impression.?

?Good idea,? Quatre agreed, rushing towards the coats. ?All right, well I?ll get going then.?

?Have fun,? Vash said, suppressing a laugh from under the blankets. ?I mean, get lots of work done.?

?Okay. Bye.?

?Don?t do anything I wouldn?t do,? Vash mumbled upon hearing the lock click in place, closing his eyes again.

Or better yet, do something I would do. He curled up with Kitty and felt his eyelids slide shut.

?Vash! Where are Quatre and Heero??

?Uhhhhhhh, they went to PCC to see Relena and Dorothy about the contract,? the living room?s main occupant mumbled, squinting at the man leaning over the top of the sofa bed.

?Without me?? Van complained, stepping to one side and glaring down at Vash. ?Don?t I count for anything??

?Well, Heero went by himself, and Quatre left about an hour later,? Vash confessed, fluffing a pillow. ?They didn?t go together,? he said and reached his arms out in a wide stretch.

?Oh.? Van paced the length of the room again, stopping to inspect the layer of dust on the television set. He turned back to the sound of Vash?s voice coming from the mound of quilts on the sofa.

?Why do you ask??

?Well, I had questions on this cost-analysis report,? Van answered, brandishing a handful of file folders. ?So I wanted to arrange a meeting with someone over there myself.?

?Wouldn?t that be Hitomi?s department?? Vash ventured with a hinted smirk, sifting Kitty out of cushions and tickling the cat under its chin. He sat up amidst the covers, staring at his friend, suddenly feeling very much like an evil villain from a James Bond film. And if Van was supposed to be 007, he was falling right into Vash?s trap.

?Hitomi?s department?? Van repeated, drumming his fingers on the coffee table. ?Oh, would it? I hadn?t thought about it, but I guess you?re right.?

?Maybe you should bring her some flowers to apologize for your behavior last night,? Vash offered, a mischievous gleam sparking in his just-opened eyes.

Van whirled around, deep lines creasing just above his eyebrows. ?My behavior? You and Heero were the embarrassing ones. I can?t believe you brought the cat into the restaurant, and then you two going at it over dinner? It was?well, quite a spectacle, I thought.?

Vash swallowed a smile, schooling his expression into one of mock irritation. ?Then bring her some flowers to apologize for our behavior.? He extracted himself from the comforter and headed for the kitchen with Kitty tucked under one arm. ?I?ll pay you back ? tell her they?re from me... and Kitty.?

?Oh, you don?t have to do that,? Van called to his roommate?s back as the pajama-clad man mined the fridge for some breakfast. ?I?m the marketing guy after all ? smoothing things over with our clients is my specialty.?

?Is that before you call them she-devils or after?? Vash teased, pouring a saucer of milk for the smaller of his companions.

Van leveled another glare at his friend.

?Hey, go have your meeting with Hitomi,? the tester smiled, handing his friend a glass of orange juice. ?Shaken, not stirred,? he nodded, pointing to the cup.

Van looked down at the juice. ?What the hell are you talking about?? he mumbled.

?Nevermind?? Vash murmured with a shake of his tousled head, momentarily having a mental debate over who had been the best Bond actor. ?Anyways, the boss, I know, needs to have the right numbers on that report, so get going already. And do whatever you have to, to make sure we?re on good terms with their marketing guy, er, girl, k??

Roger Moore or Sean Connery?

?All right,? Van agreed, drawing in a deep breath and fishing his gloves out of his coat pockets before reaching out for the doorknob. ?I guess our work is never done, eh, Vash??

Blond spikes peeked up from over the re-opened fridge. ?Nope. Bye.?

?Later.? With a sharp and final slam of the door, the fourth officer found himself alone at last.

?Don?t forget to enjoy the view while you?re groveling on your knees. Maybe you?ll get lucky and she?ll be wearing a thong like that reporter-girl.? Vash chuckled to his partner?s departing footfalls, watching as Kitty blissfully licked milk droplets from his paws on the countertop. ?Definitely Sean Connery, don?t you think, Kitty??

I have the apartment to myself while my friends are busy working on their part of breaking the pact. May all their ladies be very?understanding, indeed.

?Meow.?

*********************************************************
Downtown NYC



The chill of the new day was not as unforgiving as he anticipated it to be, the long-lost sun bathing his skin in unexpected warmth when he emerged from the downtown subway entrance. The towering buildings of New York City?s business district gleamed in the crisp, wintry daylight, causing the young software exec to pause ever so briefly to admire the spectacle. He moved along, picking up his pace once again as the PCC offices came into view. The sun, he noticed, seemed to shine just a little brighter over where she was.

?Is Miss Peacecraft in??

A girl with shoulder length dark brown hair turned glazed blue eyes up from the monitor on her computer, regarding the visitor from across her desk. A nameplate situated just to the left of center read Sakura Tomoe. ?She?s in a meeting, Mr?.?

?Yuy.?

?Oh, Mr. Heero Yuy?? The young secretary inquired and rose quickly from her chair.

?That?s right,? Heero affirmed, loosening his scarf and unbuttoning his coat. ?Will you please tell her-?

?I?m sorry, Mr. Yuy, but as I said, she?s in a meeting. Is there a message ? or you can have seat if you?d like to wait. Miss Peacecraft asked not to be interrupted unless it was-?

He stepped around her desk and made for the door. Sakura darted out, giving chase as fast as her heeled shoes would allow.

?You can?t go in there?.?

He jerked open the wooden barriers and found her hunched over her desk. One hand supported the weight of her forehead on her elbow as strands of gold escaped the barrette positioned high on the crown of her head. Dorothy sat comfortably atop the plush couch, filing her fingernails. Hitomi scribbled as Relena continued to speak.

?Are you getting all this, Dorothy?? The blond VP glanced up at the corporate attorney.

?Of course, Miss Relena,? Dorothy replied, stretching out a hand in order to better scrutinize her manicuring job.

?I don?t think she is,? Heero cut in, making his way towards the desk as three sets of eyes followed him. ?She appears to be more interested in her fingertips.?

?I can take mental notes with the best of them, Mr. Yuy, I assure you,? Dorothy said, gracefully sliding off her place on the sofa. ?I have all but a photographic memory.?

Relena rested a cheek in her upturned hand, heaving a deep sigh. ?It would make me feel better if you?d at least pretend, Dorothy. But anyway? What brings you here, Mr. Yuy??

?Miss Peacecraft, I?m sorry?? Sakura breathed, resting against the doorframe.

Relena waved her hand. ?It?s fine. Could you please see that these get faxed to my brother at his hotel,? she asked, shuffling a few papers across her desk. ?Thank you, Sakura,? Relena smiled, before turning to address the other women in the room. ?Now Dorothy, Hitomi, if you would??

?We?re gone.? Dorothy said with a toss of her blond hair, smirking at Heero on her way out. Hitomi hastily gathered her unsteady pillar of file folders and notebooks and also headed for the door.

?Call me later,? she whispered to her friend, stealing a quick glance at the GLLC President before she moved into the hallway.

?Okay.? Relena smiled, well aware of what her friends were thinking when her office door closed with a soft click and she found herself alone with Heero. His eyes were locked on her while he sauntered towards her desk.

?So I am back to being Mr. Yuy am I? It must be hard to lose your mind at so young an age.?

?This is unexpected,? Relena said, feeling the color creeping into her cheeks at Heero?s approach. ?Tell me you didn?t come all the way across town to pay me back my compliment.?

Her visitor shook his head, raising his hands out of his coat pockets only to push the fabric back and bury them along the sides of his dress slacks. ?No. I wanted to apologize for last night, and see if we couldn?t get some work done over lunch. I have a little time this afternoon.?

?So I see,? Relena said, tilting her head and searching out her desk calendar. ?Well, I was supposed to have lunch with my brother, but I could reschedule with him for dinner tonight, if this is important.?

Heero leaned over the wooden barrier between them, leveling his face just inches from her own. ?This is of the utmost of importance, Miss Peacecraft.? The floral scent of her perfume caressed his senses, and he closed his eyes, feeling the soft heat of their closeness. He seemed to be falling, his body giving in to a world where only she existed. Trembling fingers reached out, grazing the silky cascade of hair that rested on her shoulders. ?Relena, I??

?Miss Peacecraft??

Sakura?s voice crackled over the intercom, the static hitting Heero like a fist to the jaw, snapping him back from a pleasant oblivion.

?Y-yes, what is it, Sakura?? Relena stammered, lowering her eyes and giving her full attention to the small speaker.

?Mr. Peacecraft for you on line one.?

?Thank you, Sakura,? Relena said, resting her hand on the receiver. ?Well, he saved me a phone call at any rate. I swear Milliardo has a sixth sense about when I?m about to bail out on one of our lunches.?

?Just tell him it?s for your most important software provider,? Heero instructed.

?Again with the arrogance?? The young woman chided. ?How different you are in your emails. But I?ll tell him lunch is off. Did you have anyplace in mind? Are you hungry for anything special??

Heero pressed his lips together, trying not to concentrate on the sheer material of her blouse and the way it seemed to hug her chest in all the right? ?I?m still a tourist, remember?? he blurted out, searching the window behind her for a focal point. ?But someplace fairly quiet with plenty of room to work would be ideal.?

?Hmmm?? Relena mumbled, tapping her chin with a well-manicured finger. ?We just have mostly small take-out places and delis around here. I?m afraid all I have to offer is my office. We could order something in??

Heero?s mind surged. Alone. With her ? in this office? A faint smile crept across his lips at the thought, but it was soon quashed by the heavy anvil of guilt ? with the word ?pact? clearly written on the side.

?No, I think I?d like to be outside,? Heero said, as if speaking the words out loud would convince him as well. ?It?s a bit warmer today.?

?Forty-three degrees,? Relena observed. ?Oh yes, a regular heat wave.?

?Not quite,? Heero grumbled.

?Well, if you don?t mind a bit of a walk, there?s a nice Chinese food place. It?s not quiet and it?s usually crowded, but we could get it to go or eat quickly and then come back to my office to work.?

GLLC?s president drew in a strained breath, telling himself that they could discuss business on the way, and that food would be enough of a distraction from?

?Heero?? He watched her lips as they spoke his name, marveling at their perfect shape. ?Heero, is Chinese food ok??

His eyes shot up. ?Yeah.?

?Oh good. Alright, well would you mind waiting outside for a minute? I?ve kept Milliardo on hold for long enough.? Relena punched another button before picking up the phone. ?Sakura , will you please get Mr. Yuy some coffee while he?.?

?I?ll be fine,? Heero spoke up, running a hand through his hair and striding in the direction of the lobby.

?All right,? Relena called out. ?I?ll be just one moment.?

**********************************************************

Quatre heard his stomach growl loudly, and he cringed, cursing himself for not grabbing a bite to eat and taking far too long to pick out the flowers. He hoped that Dorothy would like lilies. Their pungent and sweet perfume filled the small space of the elevator car before he stepped out onto PCC?s upper floors, meeting with the familiar odors of printer ink and freshly cleaned office carpets.

He felt the color flood his face as he approached the receptionist desk, peering over the massive bouquet ?Um, pardon me, miss. I?m here to see Dorothy Catalonia. Is she in??

The young woman?s eyes grew large at the huge arrangement of pink and white flowers. ?I?ll be happy to page her, sir.?

?Thank you.?

?Whom shall I say is here??

?Um, Quatre Winner. From GLLC, please,? he answered in a hushed voice.

Quatre ventured over to a row of paintings hanging on a nearby wall, attempting to calm his nerves and quiet his stomach, not to mention distract himself from the awkwardness of having the secretary disturb Dorothy. Maybe she?s busy, the blond told himself, staring blankly at a print of Monet?s ?Waterlilies.? She could be in a meeting, and I?d just be bothering her. I shouldn?t have come without calling first, I should probably just leave the flowers with a nice note and?

?Well, well, well, Mr. Winner. I wouldn?t have expected to see you today. Not that it?s an unpleasant turn of events.?

Her voice flowed through the air, grabbing him and refusing to let go. Quatre felt his body twist, seeking out the welcome sight of her long blond hair and crystal-like blue eyes. ?Good afternoon, Miss Dorothy.?

?Do you always look at this painting close up?? She questioned, stopping at his side and pointing a slender finger at the frame behind him.

Quatre took in a startled breath, realizing that she?d spoken to him and he hadn?t made an effort to comprehend one single word. He?d been too busy staring. ?What?s that??

?Monet,? Dorothy said. ?The Impressionists make much more sense from a distance.?

She took hold of Quatre?s shirtsleeve and guided him away from the wall. ?There. Now, can you see the flowers? You can see the use of light, on the water in the pond??

?Yes? yes, of course,? the CFO agreed, studying the painting for an instant before turning his attention to the warmth of Dorothy?s hand still resting on his arm. He frowned as she moved away, releasing her grasp far too soon.

?Have you studied art, then, Miss Dorothy??

?Oh, it was quite a while ago, back in college,? the attorney answered, leading the visitor down the hall towards her office. ?It was my passion ? right behind law, that is.?

Quatre swallowed hard. ?Well, if I had gone to college, I think I would have studied art, too. I always loved to go to the museums in Seattle. One of my sisters majored in modern art at the University of Washington, but I?ve always been partial to works prior to the 1950?s.?

She led him into her expansive corner office, weaving her way through neatly piled stacks of files, cabinets, cardboard boxes and sparse, simplistic furnishings.

?Please excuse the mess. I?m in the process of redecorating. I find a change is refreshing every so often. So, did you have some questions about the contract?? She stepped towards the window and opened the blinds, allowing the afternoon sun to fill the dim room.

?Yes actually,? Quatre answered, searching out a chair in the sea of disarray to relieve his tired legs. ?I wanted to go over some of the language, just to be sure we?re all on the same page here. I know Heero has enough to worry about with the changes to Z/OS, and the others don?t have the time.?

?Certainly,? Dorothy smiled, retrieving a nearby folder and producing her own copy of the contract. ?Was there a specific clause you needed clarification on, or shall we just go over the whole thing in general? Those flowers are really lovely, by the way. Lilies are one of my favorites.?

A shy smile overtook the young man?s face. ?It makes me happy to hear you say that, Miss Dorothy,? Quatre said. He rose to his feet holding the monstrous bouquet in his outstretched arms. ?I wanted to bring them for, well, I wanted to? I?m sorry for the way Van acted, I?m sorry for all of us, Miss Dorothy. And I?m just? I wanted to say?. Well, I?m awfully glad I got the chance to meet you.?

?Why, Mr. Winner?? Dorothy breathed, moving closer to accept the gift he offered.

The young man grinned again, lowering his bashful countenance. Quatre ? please,? He whispered.

The feathery touch of a feminine hand grazed his burning cheek, and as he looked up, a soft gust of her breath brushed the same spot.

?M-miss Dorothy??

?Quatre??



*******************************************************
Lion?s Gate Apartments



?And breathe in? hold that position, keep your arms out and your stomach flat. Now raise your right leg as high is it will go and lean forward??

?Dang it, Kitty. This yoga stuff is hard. But at least I have some peace and quiet, not that there?s really anything to do if I don?t feel like going out? Oof!? Vash toppled to the floor, tangled in his own limbs. He cocked his head to one side, studying the trio of well-toned and very limber blond women on the screen. ?I don?t know how those girls can do that, but I have to say, I am enjoying the tights... Has it been three years yet??

?That?s excellent balance! Keep that leg straight ? I?m so proud of you!? the perky instructor chirped from the television. ?Now exhale?? Vash grimaced.

?It didn?t hurt to breathe when I got up this morning. Reporter girl would get a kick out of this, she loves to see me in pain,? he sputtered, attempting to roll over when something on the floor caught his eye. ?Hey, what do we have here?? Vash finally managed to free an aching arm and snag the large manila folder sitting by the coffee table.

?I think this is Van?s report thing. He might need this??

With a heavy sigh, the lanky man heaved his tall figure to a standing position and grabbed his bright red coat. ?Looks like I?m headed downtown afterall. I?ll pick you up some kitten chow on the way home.? He swung the door open, tentatively stepping out into the drafty hallway with a shudder. ?Gee, I hope the elevator?s working??

****************************************************
PCC Tower

The twelfth floor was a maze. The only thing missing was a piece of cheese, for presumably, he was the misplaced rodent scurrying through the meandering halls. There wasn?t a receptionist desk to be found, just a myriad of cubicles placed in long, facing rows. How anyone could work under such conditions he had no idea. But then again, it was what their own company?s development department looked like as well.

A door just up the hall opened and several nicely suited people trickled out. One of them had a familiar build and a cute bob of light brown hair.

?Miss Kanzaki? Hitomi??

?Van?? Hitomi gave him a welcoming grin as she stepped out of the conference room, nodding politely to the other colleagues that filed passed her. ?What brings you down here? I wasn?t expecting to see you until tomorrow?s ? oh! Are those for me??

Van nodded, handing over a vase full of vibrant colored blossoms. ?I thought they might brighten up your office. I?ve always like Birds of Paradise, my mom used to grow them in her greenhouse when I was a kid. Even when it was raining all the time out in Seattle, I would go out to look at them and they would cheer me up?? his smile faded when he noticed her bewildered expression. ?I?m talking too much, aren?t I? I didn?t mean-?

?No, Van! No, it?s not that at all,? Hitomi gasped, tenderly cradling one of the silky blooms in her palm. ?It?s just that?? she took a step forward, the sunlight from a nearby window dazzling in her pale green eyes.

?Yes?? Van questioned, mesmerized by her every tiny movement. He could have sworn that he noticed something new about Hitomi every time he looked at her. This time it was the way her lips parted softly over her pearly white teeth when she was smiling ? at him.

??this is the nicest surprise I?ve had in a long time. It was very sweet and thoughtful of you, Van. Thank you.?

?You?re welcome.?

A grin lingered over her features as she stood before him, hugging the vase tightly to her chest and peering around its contents. Van finally blinked, his mind snapping into motion.

?Um? are you free for lunch?? he asked, breaking the awkward silence that had begun to settle between them.

Hitomi seemed equally distracted. ?Lunch?? she repeated, trailing off until the meaning of the word clicked and her face suddenly illuminated. ?Oh, Van, I?m sorry ? I wish I could. I have another meeting in twenty minutes and I really must get some documents ready. Perhaps another time??

Van?s mouth twisted into a thin, disappointed line. ?Sure,? he said, shrugging his shoulders. ?Another time.?

?Well, you could walk me to my office, right now,? Hitomi beamed, ?It?s pretty far down the hallway, I?m sure we?ll be able to figure something out by then.?

?Oh? sure,? Van agreed, following the account exec through the corridor. Hitomi glanced over her shoulder.

?So, did you have a question for me about the contract? I?m sure you didn?t come all the way down here just to bring me flowers.?

?Well, actually, I would have? I mean, I do have some things I?d like to talk to you about,? Van recovered, quickening his pace so that he walked right beside her. Hitomi tilted her head as if lost in thought.

?Hmm? The rest of the week is pretty jammed up for me, but if we don?t get to cover all your concerns in our meeting tomorrow, I have some time on Saturday.?

?Saturday?? Van nodded, trying to control the smirk dancing on his lips. ?I think I can find some time ? it?s for the contract, after all.?

*********************************************************
?Ooooh, and they even have nice elevator music. I knew I liked Relena,? Vash mumbled to himself while he snapped his fingers and rode towards the executive offices in PCC tower. ?I hope Van didn?t turn around and go home to look for this,? the tester thought, watching the glowing numbers above the doors.

A chime sounded when he had reached his destination, and Vash waited for the polished doors to part before him. He leapt out into the hallway, intent on figuring out how to navigate the labyrinth of corridors when he caught sight of a familiar?

?Quatre??

?V-vash? What are you doing down here? Did you have a meeting too??

?No,? Vash answered with a shake of his head, letting his lip curl upwards when he gave his friend a lopsided glance.

?What is it?? Quatre asked. ?Is everything ok??

?I?d say so,? Vash smiled. ?But you got a little something on your cheek there, my friend.?

?I do?? Quatre raised a hand to his face, and brought a red, lipstick-tinged finger in front of his widening eyes. His jaw slackened, and his mouth attempted to move, but his voice appeared to be refusing to cooperate.

?Here?s a bathroom,? Vash observed, gesturing towards a door across the hall. ?Maybe you want to take care of that.?

?I can explain! It wasn?t ? Miss Dorothy just??

?I?ll be right out here,? Vash said, giving his friend a little shove in the opposite direction. Quatre nodded dumbly and disappeared behind the men?s room door.

Vash allowed himself a satisfied chuckle. Hmmm? maybe we can have this pact thing wrapped up by the end of the month!

His mind was jarred from its thoughts at the sound of another voice traveling through the floor of offices.

?It was good to see you, Hitomi. I?ll be looking forward to this weekend.?

?Me too, Van. Good afternoon. Thank you so much for the flowers.?

The marketing VP rounded the corner, scuffling passed the restroom and moving towards the elevators. ?Oh, hey, Vash.? The dark-haired man called out absently over his shoulder. He walked on, but after a few more paces, Van froze and abruptly snapped his head around, calling out his friend?s name. ?Vash!?

?Hey, Van. ? The other man answered. ?Good thing I found you, you walked out without the??

?Van?? Quatre gulped, emerging from the washroom still swabbing his dampened face with a paper towel. Van pushed his dark hair back and trudged into the nearest waiting elevator.

?Oh, hi, Quatre. Vash said you?d be here,? Van said, greeting his friend with a tight-lipped expression, his tone sounding forced and tense. ?You guys could have at least mentioned you had meetings down here today. I had some questions, too.?

?Well, I just thought of some things this morning. You were still asleep and I? is it gone, Vash?? The shorter blond whispered, turning towards his roommate.

Vash scrutinized his business partner?s pale skin. ?You?re good to go, there, friend.? He reached out and tapped the lighted button that would take them to the ground floor.

?What are you two talking about?? Van pressed. ?Were there any problems with the contract on your end, Quatre??

?Uh? no ? everything looked just fine,? Quatre said with a quaking voice. ?Were you meeting with Miss Hitomi about their marketing figures??

Van bit his lip; his brown eyes darted quickly around the small room while it began its descent, lightly jolting its passengers. ?Yes? All in all I?d say we had an extremely productive meeting. Good thing I?d gotten that report done. She found it very helpful.?

?Oh. That?s good to hear,? Quatre commented.

Vash raised an eyebrow at Van and tightened his grip on the file between his fingers, snickering inwardly at his pair of fellow associates. I wonder how Heero?s doing? His will be the toughest ship to sink, but if anyone can do it, that Miss Relena can. Vash mused. I think Van and Quatre are already well on their way? Maybe we?ll even be done with this by the end of the week. But, first things first. The spikey-haired blond turned to his now-silent associates.

?Hey, did you guys eat yet? I?m starved!?
*********************************************************

?So, this part here talks about the proposed changes,? Heero said, highlighting a short paragraph on the sheet and handing it to Relena. ?But what changes are being proposed??

?It?s in addendum C which was forwarded to your office prior to our meeting,? Relena remembered. ?You didn?t receive it??

Heero held up empty hands. ?I am addendum C-less.?

?Hmmmm.? She tapped her pen on the edge of the desk. ?Well, I?m sure I have another copy somewhere, but it might not be the most up-to-date. Since then, some functionality was added to the software application, so how about I bring along a new copy to tomorrow?s meeting??

?That?ll work,? Heero agreed, easing himself out of the chair he?d occupied for most of the afternoon.

?Is there anything else? Relena asked, giving Heero an apologetic smile. ?I?m so sorry, but I have an appointment scheduled in ten minutes. We?ll have to make it another time.?

Heero grabbed his coat. ?No, I don?t suppose there is? but I?ll probably think of something.?

?Well, if you do think of anything,? Relena offered, shuffling a stack of papers off to the side, ?you have my cell phone number??

?Yeah.?

?Have a good evening, Heero. I?ll see you tomorrow.?

He nodded and measured his steps out of the office. He trudged all the way to the elevator door before he turned and glanced behind him. He could see her outline reflected on the glass through the blinds, cast by the light of the setting sun behind the window that looked out into the city. He watched her for a moment as she slumped over her desk, a pen illuminated in her hand as it danced over the page.

He frowned. Maybe friends would be a good thing, after all. He?d managed to control himself for the remainder of the afternoon, keeping his mind focused on work. Once the contract issues were resolved, they could spend the next three years getting to know each other. And then, maybe if things still felt?right, they could pursue something else. She was busy, and didn?t seem to be in a hurry to latch on to anyone. He could see her in between her hectic work schedule and his school one ? on a purely platonic level, of course.

But what if?

He felt his chest tighten at the thought of her being with someone else. He couldn?t explain it, really, he just?.

He had never had a relationship ? it wasn?t that he was completely set against the idea of dating; it was just that the women he met were so?timid, so easily swayed, so false. She wasn?t. And she was the only one he had ever met that caused some intangible thing to crawl inside his head and confuse his brain, tie his tongue and steal breathable air from the room as soon as she entered it.

The elevator sang behind him, and he moved to board. He was so intent on his thoughts, it wasn?t until he was on the car that he realized his three partners were there as well. Heero turned his head, staring blankly at the familiar faces until his eyes locked with a pair of friendly green ones. ?Vash??

The software tester raised his hand in a casual gesture. ?Hey boss.?

Heero blinked. ?But.. why are you? Van? Quatre??

Van opened his mouth, but his explanation seemed to lodge in his throat. Quatre pursed his lips, throwing a pleading glance at the tallest member of the group. Vash took a deep breath and turned back to Heero.

?Well, you see, boss, it?s like this. I was here delivering a report to Van, who had a meeting in the marketing department just now. And it was the funniest thing, because we also ran into Quatre, who was here having a meeting with the legal people.? Vash plastered on a toothy grin, preparing for the worst while his other two partners simply gawked.

Heero straightened his collar and spun back around to face the polished brass doors. ?Huh. It?s good to see you all taking your jobs seriously. You?ve been acting like we?re in New York on vacation.?

Vash peeped over the rim of his yellow glasses. Is this the same guy? Hmmmm, I?d better check him for lipstick, too. No, she wouldn?t have kissed him?yet.

?We, uh, just wanted to get this all taken care of,? Quatre spoke up, his voice hollow and shaky in the elevator?s cramped space, ?so we could start classes on Monday with no Dorothy?uh, I mean, no distractions.?

Vash?s eyes widened at their shy, blond companion. Not like that vixen, Dorothy. Quatre looks like a tomato. The CFO was blushing a furious shade of red - almost as red as the lipstick that had marked his cheek.

The spikey-haired partner also noted that Heero didn?t seem to notice a thing was up ? the edgy silence was completely lost on the young President.

I just wish I knew what was going on in that head of his.

The elevator came to a halt and opened to allow the four friends to exit. Vash caught Van?s arm, holding him behind.

?Vash? What??? He stopped in mid phrase as his friend thrust a handful of papers at him.

?Here?s the report you were working on.?

Van took the stack of printouts and shoved them under his arm. ?Oh, thanks. What?d I do, drop it??

Vash simply smiled as he brushed passed his friend. ?Nope. You left it back at the apartment.?