Two Princes (1 or 2 xR), 14/15

[Goldilocks]

Almost finished! This chapter should bring about some resolutions and conclusions, and the next chapter is really a rather short epilogue to tie up all the loose ends. In contrast, this chapter is...rather long. ^^;;;

Thanks to everyone who has stuck with the fic and waited patiently as I posted the chapters. I'm very, very glad that people have been enjoying it! I seriously am thinking of tackling that sequel. ^^

Two Princes
A pseudo-songfic, loosely based upon the song "Two Princes" by the Spin Doctors
by Sara
Pairings: 1 or 2 xR...maybe Heero should've consulted with Quatre on how to combat Dorothy. ^_~

Chapter 14

Just as she had hoped, the hot bath did wonders for lifting Relena's mood. By the time she began to dress for the ball, most of her anger had disspated.

She was, however, still slightly pensive over Heero's behavior. She had thought that he wasn't interested in her for anything more than a figurehead that he had made his duty to protect. Obviously, that was not the case. Heero had been even better at hiding his true feelings than even Relena herself had believed.

But hadn't Duo said as much? That Heero did care for her? She seemed to recall that Duo had said something like that.

Relena sighed, and pulled a soft, silken chemise over her head. This had been a whole lot easier when she had believed that Heero did not care for her as anything more than a friend. Why hadn't Heero said something sooner? What had he been so afraid of? That she would like him in return? Or was he afraid that she would not reciprocate his affections?

With a huff, Relena sat down on her bed heavily, and began tugging on her stockings. Well, she thought bemusedly, I guess it's safe to say that I know how Heero feels. But how do I feel?

She rolled one stocking past her left knee, and paused. For the longest time, she had been euphoric that Heero had stayed by her side, hoping that one day, he would tell her how he felt about her. She had been so happy that Heero had chosen to protect her that she had never once stopped and thought about her feelings for him, never paused to explore them. She simply assumed that what she felt was love, and was content to wait until Heero expressed the same.

She tugged the stocking over her thigh, securing it in place. When had she grown tired of waiting? She supposed it had been about the same time that she met Duo in the garden at that party. It seemed like so long ago now. But... She shook her head slightly. No, she had started to question her feelings for Heero before that.

And I don't think it was any one event that made me change my mind, she thought ruefully. It had been a slow doubt that grew over time, until she could no longer ignore it. She began to wonder if she had ever been in love with Heero at all.

She tugged the other stocking into place, and stood up. No, that wasn't quite right. But the way she loved Heero, and the way she loved Duo were two very different things. With Heero, she always felt safe, as though she was with an old, trusted friend. At times, he almost felt like a brother to her. But that was it.

Duo, on the other hand...A big, silly grin crossed her face as she wriggled into her gown. She never got butterflies in her stomach when she thought about Heero, not like she did when she thought about Duo. Her heart never leapt into her throat when she heard Heero's voice; she never found herself getting flustered and nervous whenever Heero was around. Simply put, she loved him. But she was not attracted to him, not like she was to Duo.

She twisted her arms behind her to tug up the zipper of her gown. When she finished, she regarded her reflection in the full-length mirror. When she stated her feelings like that, everything became very clear. She loved Heero as a trusted friend and bodyguard. But she loved Duo as more than that...and she was fairly certain that Duo loved her in return.

She patted at her hair and smoothed her hands over her skirts, admiring her reflection. A knock at her door interrupted her reverie.

"Miss Relena? Master Duo is here for you." Pargan bowed slightly as she opened the door to her room and regarded him.

"Thank you, Pargan. Please tell Duo that I will be down in a minute or two." Pargan nodded and excused himself.

Relena slipped her feet into her shoes, and regarded her reflection one last time. "No regrets," she said softly, and turned to the door. She had vowed that she would enjoy herself tonight, no matter what happened. And that was precisely what she planned to do.

. . . .

Duo had been standing in the foyer, trying his very hardest not to fidget too much. Despite the fact that Hilde had assured him several times that he looked great, he felt ridiculous. Never before had he dressed up this much for anyone or any event.

He rolled his shoulders, feeling the jacket settle around them more comfortably. He hoped that Relena would appreciate his outfit. A silly smirk crossed his face. He already knew she would love it.

Before he could think much longer on the matter, Relena's butler--wasn't his name Pargan?--appeared at the head of the stairs. "May I present Miss Relena?" he inquired politely, then stepped aside to allow Relena to crest the stairs.

Duo's jaw dropped. Relena was dressed in a long, silk ballgown, with a spaghetti-strap top and full, flaring skirts. Its color was a very pale pink, almost white in tone. She began to descend the stairs, and as she drew nearer, he could see a line of embroidered roses, in a shade of darker pink, lining the bosom of the gown. A gauzy shift was draped loosely around her shoulders, the gossamer fabric dotted with roses in the same style as the ones on her gown. Elbow-length white gloves completed the outfit.

"Relena," he breathed, when he finally managed to regain control of his facilities, "you look...absolutely beautiful." It took him a moment to realize that she had stopped at the foot of the stairs, and was regarding his own figure with an expression of surprised awe.

"Duo," she said, when she managed to find her own voice, "you look like a prince."

Hilde had managed to find a tuxedo, complete with tails, that fit Duo's rangey frame perfectly. The dark fabric accentuated the angles of his frame and added a sophisticated edge to his good looks. He had even re-braided his hair, with Hilde's help, and the final effect was very stunning.

Relena finally stepped over to his side and took his arm. "Duo, no one is going to question your presence at this ball when you look like that," she said softly, as if instinctively knowing the worries that had plagued him all week.

He took her hand and kissed it softly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I aim to please my lady," he said gallantly. Relena giggled.

"As long as the old Duo is back after the ball is over, you can do whatever you want," she said, a smile brightening her features.

Duo offered his arm to her again. "Shall we depart? I would hate to miss our dinner reservations," he said, only the twinkle in his eye belying his good humor.

Relena giggled again, and took his arm.

. . . .

Heero paced about his room at Relena's estate. Occasionally, he would glance at the bed, where he had laid out his outfit for the evening. Then he would glance at the clock.

In about 30 minutes, he was scheduled to pick up Hilde for dinner. Relena had even offered him the use of one of the cars for the evening, since she knew he'd asked someone to the ball, though she didn't know whom.

The problem was, however, that he was not certain when or where Dorothy would be making her appearance. He had not spoken to her since she had told him he would be her escort. Heero figured it was because she was afraid he'd try and weasel his way out of going with her, were she to talk to him for any reason.

Heero sighed, and thought about what Relena had told him. He knew it would hurt Hilde a great deal if he stood her up. He felt a strange, tugging sensation in his chest, and a nagging feeling that no matter what, he could not stand her up. He wondered why.

He turned again to face the bed. He had promised Hilde he would take her to the ball. He had made that promise to her before talking to Dorothy. Dorothy had not taken into account that he had asked someone else before talking to him. When he looked at the problem like that, the solution suddenly became ridiculously simple.

He walked over to the bed, and began to dress for the ball. If he hurried, he would still have time to make it to the florist before they closed, and pick up something nice for Hilde. He wondered if she liked roses....

He was jarred from his thoughts by a knock at his door. Heero slipped on his tux jacket, and strode across the room to answer the door.

It was Pargan. "Master Heero, Miss Dorothy is here...She says it's regarding the ball this evening."

Heero blanched, and for what was perhaps the first time in his conscious life, he felt fear. He swallowed it back, and glanced over his shoulder at the open window. He was suddenly grateful that the front door was on the opposite side of the building.

"Pargan, tell Dorothy I have already left for the ball," he said, and began to cross the room, heading for the window.

"But sir..." Pargan's voice trailed off as he realized Heero's intent. A slight smile crossed his aged face. "Very well, sir. Shall I inform Miss Dorothy that you will meet her there?"

Heero had thrown open the sash and was preparing to climb down a strategically placed ivy trellis. He glanced back up at Pargan. "Tell her whatever you wish, Pargan," he said curtly. "Though I must ask a favor of you--could you stall her for a few moments? I need to get the car." With that, his head disappeared below the windowsill.

Pargan stared at the open window for a moment. He sighed heavily, not relishing the task set before him. Kids, he thought sourly, and headed back downstairs to face Dorothy.

. . . .

Hilde sighed happily, and snuggled agaisnt Heero. After a moment's hesitation, he slipped his arm around her shoulders, using his free hand to steer the car.

They were finally on their way to the ball, and Hilde couldn't remember the last time she'd been this happy. Though he hadn't said anything, she could sense a subtle shift in Heero's demeanor. Hilde didn't want to jump to conclusions, but it was almost as if Heero had stopped seeing her as merely a good friend, and had started seeing her as something more....

In fact, the only thing that had happened to mar their evening so far was the fact that Heero seemed unusually jumpy tonight, which was not like him. All during dinner, he had been glancing over his shoulder, as if expecting someone to jump out from behind a potted plant and accuse him of wrongdoing.

But she hadn't pressed him for details. If he wanted her to know why he was acting so strangely, he would tell her...and so far, he had not offered up any clues.

But Hilde was so happy just being with him, like this, that the issue didn't bother her as much as it would normally. Or so she thought.

A slight frown marred her face. The more she thought about it, the more curious she was about Heero's behavior. She had thought she could simply overlook it, but knowing Heero as she did, it struck her that his nervous behavior was more than a little odd.

A sudden, cold chill ran through her body, and she shivered involuntarily. What if Heero was embarrassed to be seen in public with her? Nonsense, the rational part of her mind scoffed, he's been seen in public with you before, and has never acted this way. But still....

"Heero?" she finally spoke, almost timidly.

"Mm?"

"What's wrong, Heero? You seem...nervous about something."

There was a pause, and a slight sigh. "It's...it's nothing, Hilde. Don't worry about it."

"It isn't...it isn't about me, is it?"

The question startled Heero into looking at her, his eyes wide with surprise. "What do you mean?"

Hilde pulled away, and sat bolt upright in her seat. "It's not about me...you're not...embarrassed...or something, to be seen with me...are you?"

Heero regarded her for a long moment. "Who told you that?"

"No one did. But your behavior--" Her voice cut off suddenly as she felt Heero's hand caress her cheek gently. She blinked with surprise, hardly daring to move, her breath catching in her throat.

"I am not embarrassed to be seen with you," he said succinctly. "I have...other things on my mind, this evening."

"Is it Relena?"

Heero's expression registered shock again. "Relena?" He spoke the name as a question. Relena...she had not crossed his mind all night, not since leaving to pick up Hilde. Could it mean....

"No," he finally said. "In fact, she had not even crossed my mind, up until now."

Hilde sighed, and settled against Heero once more. "You'll tell me when the time is right, won't you?"

Tell her now! Tell her, and if Dorothy shows up, then she won't... "Yes," he said, not wanting to elaborate further.

But this answer seemed to content Hilde, and they drove on in silence.

. . . .

When they finally reached the ball, Heero quickly stepped around to the passenger's side of the car, opening the door for Hilde and offering her his hand. She took it with a smile, her fingers curling tightly around his.

No matter what happens after tonight, I will always remember this moment in time, she thought to herself as they walked toward the front entrance.

They made it to the promenade, and were announced. Hilde's face shone with excitement at the polite applause in welcome.

Then, a lone figure detatched herself from the throng of people in the ballroom, and began to stride purposefully across the room. Hilde thought the girl looked vaguely familiar. Hadn't she seen her somewhere before?

Before she could think much more about it, the girl got close enough to shout.

"Heero Yuy!"

Hilde looked at Heero. Her escort blanched a whiter shade of pale than Hilde had ever seen before, and once again assumed that strange, hunted expression he had worn all through dinner. He looked for all the world like he wanted to run and hide.

The other girl marched up to the couple, and latched onto Heero's free arm. "There you are!" she said, a touch of anger in her voice. "Why did you leave without me?"

"Dorothy, I..." Heero's voice trailed off.

And then, something clicked in Hilde's mind. Dorothy Catalonia. That's why the girl had looked so familiar! Even from Duo's less-than-flattering description, she was able to recognize the girl right away. As soon as she realized who the girl was, however, Hilde's heart plummetted.

Dorothy looked at Hilde, as if noticing her for the first time. "Who's she?" she asked Heero, as if Hilde were unable to hear or speak for herself.

"Dorothy, let me explain--"

"Oh, so you didn't want to go to the ball with me, so instead of being a man and coming forward to say something to me, you found some...thing to escort, and thought you could get out of your obligation to me?"

"Dorothy, for the love of--"

But Dorothy had already turned to face Hilde. "Shoo, you little...person," she said dismissively. "You're not needed here, any more."

Heero was looking back and forth between the two young women helplessly. Hilde was torn. Was it true?

"Hilde...I..."

Without another word, Hilde tore away from Heero and fled, not caring where she went.

Heero stared after her helplessly. He was brought back to the moment by Dorothy, who was making a dismissive sound.

"Pah. Good riddance. I don't know where you found her, Heero, but I'm glad I--"

Heero rounded on her. "Dorothy. Why did you do that?"

Dorothy looked surprised. "Why Heero, I thought you and I--"

"You and I nothing! You never let me get a word in edgewise."

Dorothy gasped. "Heero! What are you saying?"

Heero stared after Hilde's retreating figure, before losing her in the crowd. "Just...stay away from me, Dorothy," he said, and he, too, was lost among the other party-goers.

Dorothy stared after him. "Well," she said, folding her arms across her chest, "that's never happened before...."

. . . .

Relena caught sight of Heero, lurking in the shadows of the ballroom, and quite alone. She had already seen Dorothy, looking rather put-out, sitting by herself near the banquet tables. She had a sneaking suspicion what had happened.

She knew she had to do something. She looked up at Duo's face, only to find that he had followed her line of vision and was also starting at Heero. He caught her gaze, and sighed heavily.

"I know you have to go to him, 'Lena," he said, with some difficulty. "Just...come back to me, okay?"

Relena stood on her tip-toes to kiss Duo, a kiss that lasted for more than a few heartbeats. "I promise," she whispered against his lips. Duo smiled.

"One other thing, Princess," he said, a crooked smile gracing his features.

"What's that?"

"I want you to tell Heero something for me."

Relena raised her eyebrows, but humored Duo. "And what's that?"

"Tell him that if he breaks Hilde's heart, he'll have me to contend with."

Relena managed to hide her giggles behind a not-too-convincing scowl. "All right. I'll...make sure he knows," she said, and turned to confront her bodyguard.

. . . .

Heero had seen Relena approaching too late to attempt to hide, so he stayed where he was. He swallowed back a lump in his throat. She was so beautiful....

"Heero," her gentle voice cut through his thoughts. He turned to look at her.

"Relena..."

"What happened?"

Heero was at a loss. "I..."

"I take it things did not go as planned, and Dorothy managed to ruin everything, as she does best?"

Heero heaved a great sigh, and blinked back--tears? Was he...crying? Unable to trust his voice, he only nodded.

So lost was he in his own thoughts that the pressure of Relena's hand upon his arm startled him. "Walk with me," she said simply.

For whatever reason, her touch seemed to ease all of his confusion, all of his self-doubt. He knew, at that moment, that Relena would always be a trusted friend...but nothing more. What was more important, Heero realized that he was...glad.

Surrounded by Relena's comforting presence, Heero began to talk.

==

"...So I snuck away from the estate and picked up Hilde, thinking that if I showed up with Hilde at the ball, Dorothy would back off...but..."

"That did not happen," Relena finished softly. Heero shook his head mutely.

They had made their way into the gardens. The grounds were softly lit with gentle outdoor lights, and an occasional firefly left soft smudges of colored luminescence against the backdrop of greenery.

Relena had a purpose in unobtrusively guiding Heero to the gardens. She knew, once she heard muffled sobbing coming from a nearby hedge, that they had almost reached that reason. She sighed and turned to face Heero, who looked at her with almost wary surprise.

"Heero, after all these years, you're finally learning to follow your heart," she said softly. She hugged him, then stepped back. "You know, in your heart, what you have to do. Go to her."

Heero was confused. "But I--" He was interrupted as Relena gave him a very uncharateristic shove, causing him to stumble past the hedge, toward the sound of the sobbing. When he regained his balance, he looked over the hedge to glare at Relena, but she was already gone. He stood up and dusted himself off, and turned to face the sound of the sobbing.

It was Hilde.

==

Relena quickly made her way out of the gardens before Heero could come after her. She knew he wouldn't appreciate her pushing him over the hedge, but she knew it was necessary. After all, she giggled to herself, sometimes people need a little 'push' toward each other--in the very literal sense of the word!

She turned to glance over her shoulder, checking on Heero's progress, and literally ran into Duo, who had entered the gardens to find her. He wrapped his arms around her, stilling her startled movements.

She looked up at Duo and smiled. "I don't think you have to worry about Heero breaking Hilde's heart," she said softly.

Duo chuckled. "Did I ever tell you you're amazing?"

Relena assumed a smug expression. "Of course I'm amazing. I'm Relena Dorlian!"

Duo laughed, and claimed her lips with his.

==

Heero allowed himself only a moment of surprise before some unknown inner voice galvanized him into action. "H-hilde?"

She started at the sound of his voice, and stared at him in open mortification. "Heero! I--" She scrabbled among her possessions, searching for a handkerchief. Heero handed her his silently, which she took and dabbed at her eyes.

"I...I was searching for the door, and apparently...I guess I got lost," she said sheepishly. Heero just looked at her. Hilde's expression darkened.

"Why did you follow me, Heero? To add insult to injury? I'm sure your date is waiting for you inside."

Heero kneeled down beside her. "My date is right here," he said succinctly. "I never agreed to go to this ball with Dorothy Catalonia. She basically told me I was going with her, and never allowed me to explain that I was already attending with you."

Hilde looked away, trying to salvage the remains of her wounded pride. "And how do I know you're not just saying that?"

She was startled by Heero taking her by the shoulders, and forcing her to meet his gaze. He stared into her eyes, his own intense with emotion. "Because I am not lying," he said softly, and leaned forward.

Hilde's eyes widened as his lips first tentatively caressed her own, then more eagerly. She twined her arms around his neck, pulling him close to her, as the hopes and dreams she'd held for so long were finally realized.

When they finally parted, he stood up, offering her his hand to help her stand, and pulled her into his arms again.

"Hilde," he said softly against the side of her head, "I...I don't know...I can't be sure, and I know I'm not very good at understanding these things. Perhaps I've never given myself the chance. But I think...I think I'm falling in love with you."

She looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "But...but what about Relena?"

Heero shook his head. "You and I both know that we were never meant to be a couple. Besides, I have a feeling she's much happier with Duo--not to mention happily playing matchmaker with her bodyguard." He grinned slightly, and Hilde started with surprise.

"Heero! You're smiling!"

The smile broke for a second, and Heero blinked with surprise. "I can smile," he said in a near-retort.

Hilde hugged him tightly. "I know you can," she said, "and I'd better see you smiling a lot, from now on."

Heero gave her a bemused expression. "Do I have much of a choice?"

Hilde grinned back. "Nope!" She grabbed his hand. "Come on! I want to get in one dance with you before the ball is over."

. . . .

Dorothy stared out into the sea of couples, and sighed heavily. She ran her fingernails along the edge of her punch glass morosely.

Ten minutes ago, she had seen Duo and Relena enter the ballroom together, standing closer to each other than should be permitted in polite company. She made a moue. Must be nice to be so wrapped up in each other that you don't notice anyone else around you!

Then, a few minutes ago, Heero had come back into the ballroom as well, with Hilde Schbeiker on his arm. Hilde was beaming so brightly that Dorothy could've sworn she could easily light up the whole ballroom, and Heero hadn't taken his eyes off of her since they had started dancing.

Dorothy sighed again. What was that old phrase again, the one about the best-laid plans of mice and men?

She glanced around her surroundings again, looking at the other tables situated near the buffet tables. Her eyes fell on another lone figure, sitting a few tables away. Dorothy recognized him as L3's minister of foreign affairs.

Dorothy smiled slightly. Maybe this evening won't be a total waste, after all, she thought to herself as she stood up, and made her way over to the table where the man sat.

~*~
TBC
As always, C&C is greatly loved and appreciated. ^_^
Stay tuned for the conclusion!
--Sara

[Mellie]

Yea! The veil has been removed! Yippee! I loved it all! Can't wait for the conclusion! I'd say I felt sorry for Dorothy, but she put it on herself. And Heero with Hilde... he was so sweet and kind and gentle! I approve! *Stamps seal of approval* I really enjoyed this and will be saddened when it is finished. I liked how all the loose ends were loosely tied, but not forced. very well done!

[Goldilocks]

Yea! The veil has been removed! Yippee! I loved it all! Can't wait for the conclusion! I'd say I felt sorry for Dorothy, but she put it on herself. And Heero with Hilde... he was so sweet and kind and gentle! I approve! *Stamps seal of approval* I really enjoyed this and will be saddened when it is finished. I liked how all the loose ends were loosely tied, but not forced. very well done!

Thank you!!! I'm glad you enjoyed the fic. ^__^ I always like making sure that these stories end as happily as possible for everyone...and I even left it so that Dorothy might be able to find someone of her own, even if it isn't Heero. ^^ I'm almost sad to think that I'm almost finished posting the fic, too--it was fun to re-read through what I've written and see the story progress. Thanks for reading! ^__^

[lilac310]

finally!!!..I just got back from camping and here I am "again" reading your story!....It seems like things are already wrapped up and I can't wait to read the epilogue that will add the last touches to this wonderful masterpiece...As always, you're doing a great job!!!

[Kanya Barton]

*giggles* That was a good ending for this chapter...but there is still one left to read and I'm on it right now!
Peace out!