Two Princes (1 OR 2 xR), 3/15
Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:40 pm
Onward and upward! *grins*
Very grateful thanks to everyone who has read and responded thus far--you all brightened my day! ^_^
Two Princes
A pseudo-songfic, loosely based upon the song "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors
by Sara
Chapter 3
~One has diamonds in his pocket
That's some bread now
This one, he wants to buy you rockets
Ain't in his head now~
Relena's good mood the next day gathered a lot of attention, but none was as noticeable as that from a one Dorothy Catalonia.
Dorothy had known Relena for quite some time by now, and it was impossible for Relena to be as cheerful as she was without arousing Dorothy's suspicions. Dorothy also knew to bide her time, and she would be able to find out the truth behind Relena's cheerful demeanor soon enough, and without having to pry. Dorothy discovered that prying had the exact opposite of the desired effect, when you tried it with Relena.
Her chance came later that afternoon. It was just after lunch, and Relena was in her office, poring over paperwork, when the florist arrived. He delivered his parcel to Relena, and excused himself. She unwrapped the green floral paper with curiosity.
Someone had sent her a half-dozen long-stemmed red roses. Relena rolled her eyes in exasperation at first. This wouldn't be the first time some diplomat, in a rush of desperation, sent her flowers in a bid for her favor in a particular political matter. Still, it would be rude to ignore the gift. Someone had taken the time to pick these out, even if it had probably been the diplomat's secretary. She got up to fetch a vase, and filled it with water.
She unwrapped the roses completely, but before she threw the paper away, she noticed the tiny white gift-announcement card, stapled to one corner. "Might as well read the card," she grumbled, and pulled off the tiny envelope from the paper. Dorothy slipped into Relena's office, eyeing the flowers with curiosity.
"Who sent you flowers, Miss Relena?" she queried.
"I'm not sure yet, Dorothy. I haven't read the card yet." She gave the other girl an impish smirk. "I'll bet you lunch tomorrow that they're from that decidedly persistent delegate from L1's trade commission." The two girls giggled, and Relena opened the envelope. She studied the tiny card with a mixed look of confusion, concern, and amusement.
It read simply, "Who won the bet? Love, 02."
Relena must have been silent for some time, for when Dorothy cleared her throat politely, Relena jumped, startled.
"What does it say, Miss Relena? Who sent the flowers?" Dorothy snorted, slightly derisive. "Whichever diplomat sent them, he certainly is cheap. I mean, he only sent a half-dozen." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "If he was so afraid that roses were too expensive, he could've always gotten a dozen of a different type of flower, like carnations or lilies or something."
Relena looked up sharply.
"I happen to think that six roses is much nicer than twelve," she said archly. "A man doesn't have to put himself in the poor-house just to impress me."
Dorothy raised her eyebrows. A-ha! I knew she'd let something slip, sooner or later! She grinned, almost ferally, and moved in for the kill.
"A man doesn't have to do that to impress you, Miss Relena?" She studied her fingernails, and adopted an air of almost careless disdain. "I thought those were from a delegate. Was I misinformed?"
Relena opened her mouth to protest, then closed it grimly. She knew when she was bested by Dorothy. Silently, she handed over the gift-card. Dorothy accepted it with a smile, and studied it. Her expression soon grew puzzled. She looked at Relena.
"'02'? Not as in 'gundam pilot 02', right?" Relena was silent. "You mean to tell me it does mean 'gundam pilot 02'?" Relena was motionless for a moment, then nodded. Dorothy almost dropped the card.
"You got flowers from Duo Maxwell???!? What on earth, Relena...?" She studied the card again. "And what's this about a bet?"
Relena sighed. "Duo made a bet that I had never had fun on a date before, and to go out with him to prove it. That's all, Dorothy." She sat down, and made a study of examining the papers on her desk.
"Oh. Well then, that's no problem. I'm certain that almost any male cretin around here would be more entertaining on a date than Duo Maxwell, am I correct?" Relena was silent. Dorothy gave her a long, regarding look.
"Frankly, I'm surprised that this is such a difficult topic for you, Miss Relena," she said carefully. "I mean, I'd think that someone in your standing would have no problems attracting the right kind of guy. In fact, even Heero is more suited to you than--"
Relena interrupted her. "What do you mean, 'the right kind of guy'? Are you implying that Duo is not the right kind of guy for me?"
Dorothy laughed lightly. "Well, face it, Miss Relena. He hasn't exactly had the best upbringing, he doesn't know any of the right people, and does not clean up very well at all. I'd think you'd be able to do much better, really." She raised her eyebrows slightly. "But I suppose all of this is moot, now. After all, you won the bet, right?" She gave Relena a significant look.
Relena shifted uncomfortably for a moment, as if wrestling with something difficult. She then squared her shoulders, and regarded Dorothy coolly. "As a matter of fact, Dorothy, I lost that bet. Now, if you don't have any important business to discuss with me, I really must ask my leave. I have a lot of work to do this afternoon." She looked back down toward the papers on her desk, and made a show of shuffling them around noisily.
Dorothy stared at her, and only her upbringing prevented her mouth from hanging open in shock. Finally she turned, and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Relena waited until she was sure Dorothy was gone, and slumped back into her chair with a sigh. Yes, she had decided that Duo had won the bet. She hadn't had that much fun in a long time. She smiled slightly, and touched her lips gently. Nor had she been kissed like that...not in a long time, if ever. In fact, in the grand scheme of things, this had been one of the easiest decisions Relena had ever had to make.
Then why did she feel as if matters had just gone from fairly simple to very, very complicated?
. . . .
Dorothy walked briskly toward the main security office. She had a purpose, and a definite reason for this visit. If anyone had caught a glimpse of the slight smirk on her face, they would've known her motives were not entirely innocent.
She knocked once, then barged into the room. She already knew that the object of her search would be in this office, so there was no real reason to wait for him to get the door. After all, he tended to ignore people who knocked. Still, he looked up with irritation when she entered the room.
"My my, Heero Yuy. You'd think that by now, after hanging around us diplomats for how many years, that you would have at least picked up some semblance of manners now, wouldn't you?" Dorothy's voice dripped with sweet sarcasm.
Heero just stared at her dispassionately, then turned back to diligently tap away at his laptop, not bothering with a response. He may not have picked up any manners per se, but he certainly had learned not to bite when Dorothy baited him.
Dorothy sighed melodramatically. "Such a warm welcome, Heero. And here I had this wonderfully juicy gossip for you and everything." She assumed a wounded expression, and waited.
Heero did not look up. "I'm not interested, Dorothy," he said, still tapping away at the keyboard.
Dorothy smirked slightly, and leaned against the doorframe languidly. "Not even if it concerns dear Miss Relena, and a certain Gundam pilot, and their--shall we say--'after-school activities'?"
That got his attention. Heero looked up sharply, and fixed Dorothy with a calculating gaze. "What are you talking about, Dorothy?"
Dorothy played on his reaction, assuming a very startled expression. "What? What was that? I thought you weren't interested in what I had to tell you." She sighed, and made as if to walk out of the room. "I suppose I should be going..." She turned her back to Heero.
Heero did not respond. When she turned back, he had turned his attentions back to his laptop.
Damn! she thought, frustrated. This usually works with the other men around here... "Aren't you the least bit interested in what I have to tell you, Heero?"
Heero did not look up. "Interested in the information, yes. Interested in playing your little games in order to get the information, no." He stopped talking, and for a moment, the only sound was the rhythmic tapping of his fingers on the keys.
"It's really interesting information, Heero."
"Which I can probably get by myself, without your help, on my own, later on." Tap, tap tap.
Dorothy sighed. No, he had to know now. "Fine. Relena and Duo Maxwell went out on a date yesterday." She paused, waiting for his reaction.
"I know." Tap, tap tap tap.
Dorothy blinked in surprise. That's it? Where was the jealous-lover reaction?
"You mean...you're not surprised?"
"I already knew about the date, Dorothy. In fact, I saw her off last night, and was still there when she got back."
Dorothy winced inwardly. She had forgotten that Heero was also part of Relena's house security. Of course he would have known! She grinned. There was one thing he did not know about, however....
"Did you know he sent Relena roses today?"
The rhythmic tapping stopped abruptly. "What?"
Dorothy smiled. "Yes. Roses. Red roses. Six of them. Long-stemmed. Very pretty. And a little love-note to go with them."
Heero stood up slowly. "I'd better go and--"
Dorothy stopped him. "Wait just a minute. Where do you think you're going?"
"I have to go see Relena, and--"
Dorothy rolled her eyes. "Men! You doofus. You don't go confronting a woman after she's gotten flowers from another man! You have to think of something to one-up the man who sent them! After all, she didn't ask to get flowers from Duo Maxwell." She snorted slightly, folding her arms across her chest and staring out the window. "Men. You know, I would've expected more planning from a former Gundam pilot."
Heero studied her with curiosity. "Why do I have to one-up Duo? We're not in competition over anything."
Dorothy kept her smile plastered on her face, but inwardly, she grimaced. This was going to be harder than she thought... "But Heero. You really should do something to show Relena you care. You know, send her flowers yourself, or take her out for a nice dinner, or--"
"I do not need material things to prove to Relena that I care about her. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do." He sat back down, and turned his attentions back to his laptop.
Dorothy gritted her teeth in frustration, but she knew that the discussion was over. She left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
What she didn't know was that she had struck a nerve with Heero, and he found that, no matter how hard he tried, he could not concentrate on his work for the rest of the afternoon.
. . . .
Though his lack of concentration frustrated him, Heero did not assume that his behavior had to do with what Dorothy had told him. In fact, he had all but forgotten about Relena's date. The issue of the roses didn't cross his mind again until he was halfway to Relena's office at the end of the business day, preparing to escort her home. Even then, he did not feel them a threat. Flowers rarely were, unless you were allergic to pollen.
Relena's office door was closed, which usually meant that she was working on something, and did not want to be disturbed. He allowed a slight smile to crease his face. Relena rarely kept track of time, and he had little doubt that she would work well into the evening, if given the chance.
He eased the door open, and quietly stepped inside, closing the door with a gentle click. He scanned the room, and noted that Relena was not at her desk in the main part of her office. A blinking red light on a small metal panel integrated into the desk caught his attention. Ah, he thought. She's on a phone call. He turned, and faced the door to the conference room adjoining her office. The door was closed securely.
Heero frowned. Rarely did Relena close that door all the way, especially when she was on a phone call. She usually kept the door open a bit, so that she could hear if anyone stepped into her office, looking for her. He stepped over to the door, resting his palms flat against the cool wood.
The only time Relena shut the door was when she was conducting business that she did not want others to be able to listen in on. Rarely did she ever take a personal call at work, and even then, she was rarely on the phone for more than a few minutes. But nearly ten minutes had passed since Heero had entered her office. He leaned against the door, muscles tensed, and pondered his next course of action. Though the door was of a heavy wood, he could still hear Relena's voice, and could occasionally make out a word or phrase.
He immediately snapped to alertness as Relena let a very un-diplomatic giggle slip past her lips. Though prior information went against it, he decided that she was most definitely on a personal call, if she were laughing like that. Despite the fact that doing so made him feel guilty for some reason, he pressed his ear against the wood of the door, and listened in on her conversation.
"I actually haven't talked...anyone yet. Well, Dorothy asked. I didn't tell her much, though." Heero's expression soured. She was talking about Duo. "He sent me flowers...yes...six...red...oh, they're beautiful." There was a rustling sound, as if Relena were pacing the room. "The bet? Oh, that's the interesting part. I...decided quite yet...did have a good time...should concede...him?" She giggled again. "Just as long as...no more fishing....Can't use...fish kiss excuse again!" Fish kiss excuse? Heero allowed his mind to puzzle over that one for a moment.
Relena giggled again, and Heero returned his attentions to his eavesdropping. "What? Well yes...I did have a good time...makes this so difficult. I really...take him up on the offer. And he is...really nice person..." More giggling. "Oh, I agree...definitely not hard on the eyes..."
A wave of irrational jealousy washed over Heero, and he fought against the impulse to throw open the door. After he had gotten his jealousy under control, he was wracked with guilt. Guilt...but...why guilt?
She is discussing private matters. You should not intrude, a small portion of his mind spoke to him. No, a rational part of his mind argued. You are in charge of her safety. You should not have to make excuses for your actions concerning her. He was satisfied with that rationalization...yet, a small part of his mind, one he wasn't used to dealing with, taunted him in a gloating voice. Liar.
He let slip a frustrated, inarticulate sound, and tapped on the door softly with the edge of his knuckles. There was a shuffling sound, and the door opened a crack.
"Oh, hello Heero. Is it 5:30 already? All right, I'll just wrap up this call and be ready." She stepped back inside the room, but did not close the door.
Heero pretended to be very interested in studying a painting of willow trees, hanging across from the doorway on the conference-room wall, while she finished up her phone conversation, then studied his feet as she bustled about the office, gathering paperwork for the evening, and reaching for her coat.
Suddenly uncomfortable with silence, Heero searched for a topic of conversation, almots overwhelmed by the need to talk. His eyes fell on the vase on her desk.
"You got flowers."
Relena stopped. She set down the papers she had been holding, and placed her hands akimbo on her hips. Her normally serene features were set in a fierce scowl. "I knew it. Dorothy did go and talk to you, and after I asked her very nicely not to." She let out her breath in a huff. "Nothing is sacred with her, is it?"
Heero made a minuscule gesture, that might have been a shrug, if it had the ambition. "Hn."
She frowned. "They're just from Duo, as I'm sure you already know. He just wanted to thank me for a lovely date yesterday."
Heero stared at the flowers, feeling as though he'd just lost a battle he didn't realize he was fighting. Relena stared at him.
"Heero, why are you looking at those flowers as if they just put on top-hats and started singing 'Puttin' on the Ritz'? They're just roses. They don't mean anything."
"I am not staring at those roses."
Relena's frown deepened. "Then what do you call that fixed gaze you're giving them?"
Cannot allow Relena to know the real reason why I am staring at those roses. Must change the subject..."Treize Khushrenada liked red roses."
Relena looked puzzled. "Treize Khushrenada...Heero, what does that have to do with anything?" Her eyes narrowed. "Why are you skirting the subject?"
"I'm not skirting the subject."
She placed a hand to her forehead. "Look, it's been a long day. I just have a few more files to gather, and I'll be ready to go." She began stacking papers in her briefcase. "Are you going to be staying at the estate tonight?"
His reply was automatic. "Of course."
She nodded slightly, and Heero could almost hear her mind working, trying to figure out a way to get him to tell her what was on his mind. She set the last file in her briefcase and closed the cover, clicking the locks closed and leaned on it gently, staring at him with an earnest, pleading expression. "Heero? Please tell me what's wrong."
"It is of little concern."
She smiled slightly. "Yes, it is. If you are too worried about something to concentrate properly, then my safety could be at risk." Her voice had an edge of humor to it. They both knew that even if he was thinking about something, he would never lose his concentration enough so that she would be in danger.
"Your safety is not at risk. My concentration has not been compromised." He shrugged into his own jacket as she walked around the desk and to his side. Her eyes were full of questions and accusations, but she voiced none of them.
For that, Heero was grateful. He did not want to answer her questions, because he hadn't figured out good answers for his own yet.
. . . .
Duo had been, for lack of a better word, pacing since 6:30. Every now and then he would pause, and stare at the phone, sigh with frustration, and resume his pacing.
"Will you calm down already? You're going to wear a groove in the floor."
"That'll make it easier for me to pace, then." That comment elicited a giggle from his antagonist, and distracted him long enough to stop his nervous movements. Hilde leaned over the banister, her knees resting on the stairs, eyes dancing with mischievous glee.
Many people who knew Duo well knew that he had lived with Hilde, off and on, since the end of the Barton uprising. That surprised no one. What did surprise people was that they had never become anything more than close friends. The years had passed, and the two of them remained steadfast friends, and nothing else.
When questioned about it, Duo would willingly admit that he thought Hilde was gorgeous. "But you know," he was quoted as saying, "she's like my little sister. I could never go out with her! And she's told me the same, that I'm like a big brother to her." And so it had remained for the two of them. Rather than sharing a bed, they shared something akin to a sibling bond...and were happier for it.
"Really Duo, I've never seen you this nervous before. You were almost flippant about it, when you went on that date yesterday!" She blinked owlishly, then grinned. "I take it that means that things went well?"
Duo ran a hand through his unruly fringe of bangs. "Hell yeah, it went well. That's why I'm so nervous now. I thought she was gonna strike me down, last night! But now..." He wrapped his braid nervously around one hand.
Hilde bounced down the rest of the stairs, and came to rest in front of Duo. "Did you kiss her?" Duo flushed slightly, and Hilde squealed.
"You did, you did!" She giggled, and poked him in the ribs. "And that's why you're so nervous about calling her!"
"What if she says that she won? I mean..." He resumed pacing again.
"But she said she'd had fun last night, right?"
Duo nodded. "I sent her flowers today, just to be on the safe side."
Hilde grinned, and stood on her tip-toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Duo, I'm proud of you! All that nagging finally settled in." She danced over to the phone. "Which means I'm sure she'll say yes to a second date." She turned on the vidphone, and shuffled around on the desk for the scrap of paper with the Dorlian's number on it. "Aha!" She brandished the paper triumphantly.
"Hilde...what are you doing...?" Duo ducked his head from side to side, trying to see what she was doing.
"I'm helping you score that second date, brother-of-my-heart!" she sang, and cheerfully punched at the buttons on the phone.
"What? No!" Duo tried to wrestle her away from the phone. Hilde merely giggled, and began tickling him in the ribs. What ensued was a furious tickle-wrestling match, which wasn't interrupted until an older, elegant-looking woman's face appeared on the vidscreen.
"Dorlian residence. Can I...help you?" The woman cocked one eyebrow, and Duo hastily pushed Hilde out of the way.
"Ummm...yeah. Er, sorry 'bout that. Is Relena there?"
The woman nodded slightly. "I'll let her know she has a call." The screen dimmed for a moment, then flickered back to life, this time showing Relena's young face.
"This is Relena--oh, hello, Duo." Relena smiled, and Duo melted. "Thank you for the roses, by the way." Duo blushed, and scratched at the back of his head.
"Aw, think nothing of it, 'Lena. Just wanted to make sure you really did have a good time and all, last night, you know."
Hilde had crossed to the other side of the table housing the vidphone, and was leaning over the monitor, making kissy-faces at Duo. He swatted at her. Relena chuckled.
"Tell Hilde I say hello," she said, a slight smile on her face. Hilde hoisted her slight frame onto the table, and peered over the top of the monitor. "'Lo, Relena. Good to see you again!" She giggled.
"Good to see you, too, Hilde." Relena chuckled at the girl's antics. Hilde righted herself, and strode toward the door. "I'll leave you two to your conversation. Oh and Duo...don't screw up." She winked impishly, and closed the door behind her.
Duo scowled for a moment, and was brought back to the present by Relena's laughter. "It must be nice to have such a friendly and outgoing roommate, Duo."
Duo laughed. "Yeah, she really is a great person to have around after a long day, that's for sure. Better than ol' sourpuss Heero, I'll bet." Relena sobered, and Duo kicked himself mentally. No tact, Maxwell, that's for sure! He hastened to change the subject.
"Anyway, I was calling to see...you know...who won the bet." It worked. Relena's expression immediately softened.
"I've been thinking about that all afternoon, actually," she said, and Duo's chest constricted. "and I decided that...I lose. You were right...I haven't had that much fun in a long time."
Duo released his breath in a whoosh. "Really? You did? Wow, that's just...wow!" He leaped out of his chair and danced around the room for a moment, while Relena watched in amusement. Finally, he calmed down enough to retake his seat, and peered at Relena's image. "So does that mean you'll go out with me again?"
Relena nodded, unable to hide her smile. "Yes, it does. I would enjoy spending more time with you, Duo." Duo grinned.
"That's great, princess! But this time, I'll let you pick the place. We did something I like last time. This time, we do something you like!" Relena giggled.
"I will have to think of something, Duo, but that sounds like a wonderful idea to me. I'll let you know later this week what I decide on, and get in touch with you to set a time."
"Sounds great, 'Lena." The two exchanged small talk for a few more minutes, before finally ending the connection. Duo immediately dashed off to find Hilde, and to share the good news.
--
On Relena's end of the connection, she turned of the vidphone and leaned back in her chair, a slight smile hovering across her face.
In the shadows of the sitting room, where the call had taken place, Heero stirred slightly. One hand drifted up to his chest, as if feeling for the hilt of the icy dagger he was certain had been plunged into his heart only moments ago. He frowned slightly. He did not understand...why? Why did he feel like this? Relena was his charge; his only concern was for her safety. On a good day, he might even consider her a friend. Or was he mistaken?
Could it be he really was jealous of Duo Maxwell?
~*~
TBC
As always, C&C is greatly loved and appreciated. ^_^
--Sara
Very grateful thanks to everyone who has read and responded thus far--you all brightened my day! ^_^
Two Princes
A pseudo-songfic, loosely based upon the song "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors
by Sara
Chapter 3
~One has diamonds in his pocket
That's some bread now
This one, he wants to buy you rockets
Ain't in his head now~
Relena's good mood the next day gathered a lot of attention, but none was as noticeable as that from a one Dorothy Catalonia.
Dorothy had known Relena for quite some time by now, and it was impossible for Relena to be as cheerful as she was without arousing Dorothy's suspicions. Dorothy also knew to bide her time, and she would be able to find out the truth behind Relena's cheerful demeanor soon enough, and without having to pry. Dorothy discovered that prying had the exact opposite of the desired effect, when you tried it with Relena.
Her chance came later that afternoon. It was just after lunch, and Relena was in her office, poring over paperwork, when the florist arrived. He delivered his parcel to Relena, and excused himself. She unwrapped the green floral paper with curiosity.
Someone had sent her a half-dozen long-stemmed red roses. Relena rolled her eyes in exasperation at first. This wouldn't be the first time some diplomat, in a rush of desperation, sent her flowers in a bid for her favor in a particular political matter. Still, it would be rude to ignore the gift. Someone had taken the time to pick these out, even if it had probably been the diplomat's secretary. She got up to fetch a vase, and filled it with water.
She unwrapped the roses completely, but before she threw the paper away, she noticed the tiny white gift-announcement card, stapled to one corner. "Might as well read the card," she grumbled, and pulled off the tiny envelope from the paper. Dorothy slipped into Relena's office, eyeing the flowers with curiosity.
"Who sent you flowers, Miss Relena?" she queried.
"I'm not sure yet, Dorothy. I haven't read the card yet." She gave the other girl an impish smirk. "I'll bet you lunch tomorrow that they're from that decidedly persistent delegate from L1's trade commission." The two girls giggled, and Relena opened the envelope. She studied the tiny card with a mixed look of confusion, concern, and amusement.
It read simply, "Who won the bet? Love, 02."
Relena must have been silent for some time, for when Dorothy cleared her throat politely, Relena jumped, startled.
"What does it say, Miss Relena? Who sent the flowers?" Dorothy snorted, slightly derisive. "Whichever diplomat sent them, he certainly is cheap. I mean, he only sent a half-dozen." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "If he was so afraid that roses were too expensive, he could've always gotten a dozen of a different type of flower, like carnations or lilies or something."
Relena looked up sharply.
"I happen to think that six roses is much nicer than twelve," she said archly. "A man doesn't have to put himself in the poor-house just to impress me."
Dorothy raised her eyebrows. A-ha! I knew she'd let something slip, sooner or later! She grinned, almost ferally, and moved in for the kill.
"A man doesn't have to do that to impress you, Miss Relena?" She studied her fingernails, and adopted an air of almost careless disdain. "I thought those were from a delegate. Was I misinformed?"
Relena opened her mouth to protest, then closed it grimly. She knew when she was bested by Dorothy. Silently, she handed over the gift-card. Dorothy accepted it with a smile, and studied it. Her expression soon grew puzzled. She looked at Relena.
"'02'? Not as in 'gundam pilot 02', right?" Relena was silent. "You mean to tell me it does mean 'gundam pilot 02'?" Relena was motionless for a moment, then nodded. Dorothy almost dropped the card.
"You got flowers from Duo Maxwell???!? What on earth, Relena...?" She studied the card again. "And what's this about a bet?"
Relena sighed. "Duo made a bet that I had never had fun on a date before, and to go out with him to prove it. That's all, Dorothy." She sat down, and made a study of examining the papers on her desk.
"Oh. Well then, that's no problem. I'm certain that almost any male cretin around here would be more entertaining on a date than Duo Maxwell, am I correct?" Relena was silent. Dorothy gave her a long, regarding look.
"Frankly, I'm surprised that this is such a difficult topic for you, Miss Relena," she said carefully. "I mean, I'd think that someone in your standing would have no problems attracting the right kind of guy. In fact, even Heero is more suited to you than--"
Relena interrupted her. "What do you mean, 'the right kind of guy'? Are you implying that Duo is not the right kind of guy for me?"
Dorothy laughed lightly. "Well, face it, Miss Relena. He hasn't exactly had the best upbringing, he doesn't know any of the right people, and does not clean up very well at all. I'd think you'd be able to do much better, really." She raised her eyebrows slightly. "But I suppose all of this is moot, now. After all, you won the bet, right?" She gave Relena a significant look.
Relena shifted uncomfortably for a moment, as if wrestling with something difficult. She then squared her shoulders, and regarded Dorothy coolly. "As a matter of fact, Dorothy, I lost that bet. Now, if you don't have any important business to discuss with me, I really must ask my leave. I have a lot of work to do this afternoon." She looked back down toward the papers on her desk, and made a show of shuffling them around noisily.
Dorothy stared at her, and only her upbringing prevented her mouth from hanging open in shock. Finally she turned, and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Relena waited until she was sure Dorothy was gone, and slumped back into her chair with a sigh. Yes, she had decided that Duo had won the bet. She hadn't had that much fun in a long time. She smiled slightly, and touched her lips gently. Nor had she been kissed like that...not in a long time, if ever. In fact, in the grand scheme of things, this had been one of the easiest decisions Relena had ever had to make.
Then why did she feel as if matters had just gone from fairly simple to very, very complicated?
. . . .
Dorothy walked briskly toward the main security office. She had a purpose, and a definite reason for this visit. If anyone had caught a glimpse of the slight smirk on her face, they would've known her motives were not entirely innocent.
She knocked once, then barged into the room. She already knew that the object of her search would be in this office, so there was no real reason to wait for him to get the door. After all, he tended to ignore people who knocked. Still, he looked up with irritation when she entered the room.
"My my, Heero Yuy. You'd think that by now, after hanging around us diplomats for how many years, that you would have at least picked up some semblance of manners now, wouldn't you?" Dorothy's voice dripped with sweet sarcasm.
Heero just stared at her dispassionately, then turned back to diligently tap away at his laptop, not bothering with a response. He may not have picked up any manners per se, but he certainly had learned not to bite when Dorothy baited him.
Dorothy sighed melodramatically. "Such a warm welcome, Heero. And here I had this wonderfully juicy gossip for you and everything." She assumed a wounded expression, and waited.
Heero did not look up. "I'm not interested, Dorothy," he said, still tapping away at the keyboard.
Dorothy smirked slightly, and leaned against the doorframe languidly. "Not even if it concerns dear Miss Relena, and a certain Gundam pilot, and their--shall we say--'after-school activities'?"
That got his attention. Heero looked up sharply, and fixed Dorothy with a calculating gaze. "What are you talking about, Dorothy?"
Dorothy played on his reaction, assuming a very startled expression. "What? What was that? I thought you weren't interested in what I had to tell you." She sighed, and made as if to walk out of the room. "I suppose I should be going..." She turned her back to Heero.
Heero did not respond. When she turned back, he had turned his attentions back to his laptop.
Damn! she thought, frustrated. This usually works with the other men around here... "Aren't you the least bit interested in what I have to tell you, Heero?"
Heero did not look up. "Interested in the information, yes. Interested in playing your little games in order to get the information, no." He stopped talking, and for a moment, the only sound was the rhythmic tapping of his fingers on the keys.
"It's really interesting information, Heero."
"Which I can probably get by myself, without your help, on my own, later on." Tap, tap tap.
Dorothy sighed. No, he had to know now. "Fine. Relena and Duo Maxwell went out on a date yesterday." She paused, waiting for his reaction.
"I know." Tap, tap tap tap.
Dorothy blinked in surprise. That's it? Where was the jealous-lover reaction?
"You mean...you're not surprised?"
"I already knew about the date, Dorothy. In fact, I saw her off last night, and was still there when she got back."
Dorothy winced inwardly. She had forgotten that Heero was also part of Relena's house security. Of course he would have known! She grinned. There was one thing he did not know about, however....
"Did you know he sent Relena roses today?"
The rhythmic tapping stopped abruptly. "What?"
Dorothy smiled. "Yes. Roses. Red roses. Six of them. Long-stemmed. Very pretty. And a little love-note to go with them."
Heero stood up slowly. "I'd better go and--"
Dorothy stopped him. "Wait just a minute. Where do you think you're going?"
"I have to go see Relena, and--"
Dorothy rolled her eyes. "Men! You doofus. You don't go confronting a woman after she's gotten flowers from another man! You have to think of something to one-up the man who sent them! After all, she didn't ask to get flowers from Duo Maxwell." She snorted slightly, folding her arms across her chest and staring out the window. "Men. You know, I would've expected more planning from a former Gundam pilot."
Heero studied her with curiosity. "Why do I have to one-up Duo? We're not in competition over anything."
Dorothy kept her smile plastered on her face, but inwardly, she grimaced. This was going to be harder than she thought... "But Heero. You really should do something to show Relena you care. You know, send her flowers yourself, or take her out for a nice dinner, or--"
"I do not need material things to prove to Relena that I care about her. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do." He sat back down, and turned his attentions back to his laptop.
Dorothy gritted her teeth in frustration, but she knew that the discussion was over. She left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
What she didn't know was that she had struck a nerve with Heero, and he found that, no matter how hard he tried, he could not concentrate on his work for the rest of the afternoon.
. . . .
Though his lack of concentration frustrated him, Heero did not assume that his behavior had to do with what Dorothy had told him. In fact, he had all but forgotten about Relena's date. The issue of the roses didn't cross his mind again until he was halfway to Relena's office at the end of the business day, preparing to escort her home. Even then, he did not feel them a threat. Flowers rarely were, unless you were allergic to pollen.
Relena's office door was closed, which usually meant that she was working on something, and did not want to be disturbed. He allowed a slight smile to crease his face. Relena rarely kept track of time, and he had little doubt that she would work well into the evening, if given the chance.
He eased the door open, and quietly stepped inside, closing the door with a gentle click. He scanned the room, and noted that Relena was not at her desk in the main part of her office. A blinking red light on a small metal panel integrated into the desk caught his attention. Ah, he thought. She's on a phone call. He turned, and faced the door to the conference room adjoining her office. The door was closed securely.
Heero frowned. Rarely did Relena close that door all the way, especially when she was on a phone call. She usually kept the door open a bit, so that she could hear if anyone stepped into her office, looking for her. He stepped over to the door, resting his palms flat against the cool wood.
The only time Relena shut the door was when she was conducting business that she did not want others to be able to listen in on. Rarely did she ever take a personal call at work, and even then, she was rarely on the phone for more than a few minutes. But nearly ten minutes had passed since Heero had entered her office. He leaned against the door, muscles tensed, and pondered his next course of action. Though the door was of a heavy wood, he could still hear Relena's voice, and could occasionally make out a word or phrase.
He immediately snapped to alertness as Relena let a very un-diplomatic giggle slip past her lips. Though prior information went against it, he decided that she was most definitely on a personal call, if she were laughing like that. Despite the fact that doing so made him feel guilty for some reason, he pressed his ear against the wood of the door, and listened in on her conversation.
"I actually haven't talked...anyone yet. Well, Dorothy asked. I didn't tell her much, though." Heero's expression soured. She was talking about Duo. "He sent me flowers...yes...six...red...oh, they're beautiful." There was a rustling sound, as if Relena were pacing the room. "The bet? Oh, that's the interesting part. I...decided quite yet...did have a good time...should concede...him?" She giggled again. "Just as long as...no more fishing....Can't use...fish kiss excuse again!" Fish kiss excuse? Heero allowed his mind to puzzle over that one for a moment.
Relena giggled again, and Heero returned his attentions to his eavesdropping. "What? Well yes...I did have a good time...makes this so difficult. I really...take him up on the offer. And he is...really nice person..." More giggling. "Oh, I agree...definitely not hard on the eyes..."
A wave of irrational jealousy washed over Heero, and he fought against the impulse to throw open the door. After he had gotten his jealousy under control, he was wracked with guilt. Guilt...but...why guilt?
She is discussing private matters. You should not intrude, a small portion of his mind spoke to him. No, a rational part of his mind argued. You are in charge of her safety. You should not have to make excuses for your actions concerning her. He was satisfied with that rationalization...yet, a small part of his mind, one he wasn't used to dealing with, taunted him in a gloating voice. Liar.
He let slip a frustrated, inarticulate sound, and tapped on the door softly with the edge of his knuckles. There was a shuffling sound, and the door opened a crack.
"Oh, hello Heero. Is it 5:30 already? All right, I'll just wrap up this call and be ready." She stepped back inside the room, but did not close the door.
Heero pretended to be very interested in studying a painting of willow trees, hanging across from the doorway on the conference-room wall, while she finished up her phone conversation, then studied his feet as she bustled about the office, gathering paperwork for the evening, and reaching for her coat.
Suddenly uncomfortable with silence, Heero searched for a topic of conversation, almots overwhelmed by the need to talk. His eyes fell on the vase on her desk.
"You got flowers."
Relena stopped. She set down the papers she had been holding, and placed her hands akimbo on her hips. Her normally serene features were set in a fierce scowl. "I knew it. Dorothy did go and talk to you, and after I asked her very nicely not to." She let out her breath in a huff. "Nothing is sacred with her, is it?"
Heero made a minuscule gesture, that might have been a shrug, if it had the ambition. "Hn."
She frowned. "They're just from Duo, as I'm sure you already know. He just wanted to thank me for a lovely date yesterday."
Heero stared at the flowers, feeling as though he'd just lost a battle he didn't realize he was fighting. Relena stared at him.
"Heero, why are you looking at those flowers as if they just put on top-hats and started singing 'Puttin' on the Ritz'? They're just roses. They don't mean anything."
"I am not staring at those roses."
Relena's frown deepened. "Then what do you call that fixed gaze you're giving them?"
Cannot allow Relena to know the real reason why I am staring at those roses. Must change the subject..."Treize Khushrenada liked red roses."
Relena looked puzzled. "Treize Khushrenada...Heero, what does that have to do with anything?" Her eyes narrowed. "Why are you skirting the subject?"
"I'm not skirting the subject."
She placed a hand to her forehead. "Look, it's been a long day. I just have a few more files to gather, and I'll be ready to go." She began stacking papers in her briefcase. "Are you going to be staying at the estate tonight?"
His reply was automatic. "Of course."
She nodded slightly, and Heero could almost hear her mind working, trying to figure out a way to get him to tell her what was on his mind. She set the last file in her briefcase and closed the cover, clicking the locks closed and leaned on it gently, staring at him with an earnest, pleading expression. "Heero? Please tell me what's wrong."
"It is of little concern."
She smiled slightly. "Yes, it is. If you are too worried about something to concentrate properly, then my safety could be at risk." Her voice had an edge of humor to it. They both knew that even if he was thinking about something, he would never lose his concentration enough so that she would be in danger.
"Your safety is not at risk. My concentration has not been compromised." He shrugged into his own jacket as she walked around the desk and to his side. Her eyes were full of questions and accusations, but she voiced none of them.
For that, Heero was grateful. He did not want to answer her questions, because he hadn't figured out good answers for his own yet.
. . . .
Duo had been, for lack of a better word, pacing since 6:30. Every now and then he would pause, and stare at the phone, sigh with frustration, and resume his pacing.
"Will you calm down already? You're going to wear a groove in the floor."
"That'll make it easier for me to pace, then." That comment elicited a giggle from his antagonist, and distracted him long enough to stop his nervous movements. Hilde leaned over the banister, her knees resting on the stairs, eyes dancing with mischievous glee.
Many people who knew Duo well knew that he had lived with Hilde, off and on, since the end of the Barton uprising. That surprised no one. What did surprise people was that they had never become anything more than close friends. The years had passed, and the two of them remained steadfast friends, and nothing else.
When questioned about it, Duo would willingly admit that he thought Hilde was gorgeous. "But you know," he was quoted as saying, "she's like my little sister. I could never go out with her! And she's told me the same, that I'm like a big brother to her." And so it had remained for the two of them. Rather than sharing a bed, they shared something akin to a sibling bond...and were happier for it.
"Really Duo, I've never seen you this nervous before. You were almost flippant about it, when you went on that date yesterday!" She blinked owlishly, then grinned. "I take it that means that things went well?"
Duo ran a hand through his unruly fringe of bangs. "Hell yeah, it went well. That's why I'm so nervous now. I thought she was gonna strike me down, last night! But now..." He wrapped his braid nervously around one hand.
Hilde bounced down the rest of the stairs, and came to rest in front of Duo. "Did you kiss her?" Duo flushed slightly, and Hilde squealed.
"You did, you did!" She giggled, and poked him in the ribs. "And that's why you're so nervous about calling her!"
"What if she says that she won? I mean..." He resumed pacing again.
"But she said she'd had fun last night, right?"
Duo nodded. "I sent her flowers today, just to be on the safe side."
Hilde grinned, and stood on her tip-toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Duo, I'm proud of you! All that nagging finally settled in." She danced over to the phone. "Which means I'm sure she'll say yes to a second date." She turned on the vidphone, and shuffled around on the desk for the scrap of paper with the Dorlian's number on it. "Aha!" She brandished the paper triumphantly.
"Hilde...what are you doing...?" Duo ducked his head from side to side, trying to see what she was doing.
"I'm helping you score that second date, brother-of-my-heart!" she sang, and cheerfully punched at the buttons on the phone.
"What? No!" Duo tried to wrestle her away from the phone. Hilde merely giggled, and began tickling him in the ribs. What ensued was a furious tickle-wrestling match, which wasn't interrupted until an older, elegant-looking woman's face appeared on the vidscreen.
"Dorlian residence. Can I...help you?" The woman cocked one eyebrow, and Duo hastily pushed Hilde out of the way.
"Ummm...yeah. Er, sorry 'bout that. Is Relena there?"
The woman nodded slightly. "I'll let her know she has a call." The screen dimmed for a moment, then flickered back to life, this time showing Relena's young face.
"This is Relena--oh, hello, Duo." Relena smiled, and Duo melted. "Thank you for the roses, by the way." Duo blushed, and scratched at the back of his head.
"Aw, think nothing of it, 'Lena. Just wanted to make sure you really did have a good time and all, last night, you know."
Hilde had crossed to the other side of the table housing the vidphone, and was leaning over the monitor, making kissy-faces at Duo. He swatted at her. Relena chuckled.
"Tell Hilde I say hello," she said, a slight smile on her face. Hilde hoisted her slight frame onto the table, and peered over the top of the monitor. "'Lo, Relena. Good to see you again!" She giggled.
"Good to see you, too, Hilde." Relena chuckled at the girl's antics. Hilde righted herself, and strode toward the door. "I'll leave you two to your conversation. Oh and Duo...don't screw up." She winked impishly, and closed the door behind her.
Duo scowled for a moment, and was brought back to the present by Relena's laughter. "It must be nice to have such a friendly and outgoing roommate, Duo."
Duo laughed. "Yeah, she really is a great person to have around after a long day, that's for sure. Better than ol' sourpuss Heero, I'll bet." Relena sobered, and Duo kicked himself mentally. No tact, Maxwell, that's for sure! He hastened to change the subject.
"Anyway, I was calling to see...you know...who won the bet." It worked. Relena's expression immediately softened.
"I've been thinking about that all afternoon, actually," she said, and Duo's chest constricted. "and I decided that...I lose. You were right...I haven't had that much fun in a long time."
Duo released his breath in a whoosh. "Really? You did? Wow, that's just...wow!" He leaped out of his chair and danced around the room for a moment, while Relena watched in amusement. Finally, he calmed down enough to retake his seat, and peered at Relena's image. "So does that mean you'll go out with me again?"
Relena nodded, unable to hide her smile. "Yes, it does. I would enjoy spending more time with you, Duo." Duo grinned.
"That's great, princess! But this time, I'll let you pick the place. We did something I like last time. This time, we do something you like!" Relena giggled.
"I will have to think of something, Duo, but that sounds like a wonderful idea to me. I'll let you know later this week what I decide on, and get in touch with you to set a time."
"Sounds great, 'Lena." The two exchanged small talk for a few more minutes, before finally ending the connection. Duo immediately dashed off to find Hilde, and to share the good news.
--
On Relena's end of the connection, she turned of the vidphone and leaned back in her chair, a slight smile hovering across her face.
In the shadows of the sitting room, where the call had taken place, Heero stirred slightly. One hand drifted up to his chest, as if feeling for the hilt of the icy dagger he was certain had been plunged into his heart only moments ago. He frowned slightly. He did not understand...why? Why did he feel like this? Relena was his charge; his only concern was for her safety. On a good day, he might even consider her a friend. Or was he mistaken?
Could it be he really was jealous of Duo Maxwell?
~*~
TBC
As always, C&C is greatly loved and appreciated. ^_^
--Sara
