For Richer or Poorer - Chapter 5 [PG-13]

[wonderllama]

Disclaimer ? If I owned Gundam Wing, I wouldn?t have any student loans.

AN: Welcome back! I thought I?d take the time to tell all my readers how much I appreciate them and their commitment to this story! I would like to point out, though, that whereas I absolutely love the BBC?s version of ?Robin Hood?, I?m not following their storyline. I?m trying to follow the fable of Robin Hood. In the most general terms: the Disney story. With the fox.

Proofed by (and many thanks to): mafuyu hotaru





For Richer or Poorer

Oh whatever that your days may bring
No use hiding in a corner,
Cause that won't change a thing
If you're dancing in the doldrums,

One day soon, it's got to stop

Chapter Five: In the Evening




Night had fallen over New Port City. Lights were flickering and illuminating the houses on the street. Between the buildings, there was a certain amount of shadow, which could effectively hide any human being. Several people rushed down the sidewalk without a second glance at the alley to their right. It seemed as though it were invisible.

Luckily, Trowa Barton knew where to look.

Walking calmly down the sidewalk, he turned down the alley and found Heero, his blue eyes surveying the street.

?Did you complete the mission?? He asked, his gaze flickering to Trowa and back out onto the street.

?Yes.? Trowa moved and stood next to Heero. They existed in silence.

?Where are they??

?Duo?s houses were further down.? Trowa answered, his head nodding the way Duo had gone. ?And Quatre?s a humanitarian. He probably struck up a conversation with each house. He can?t resist helping people.?

?The mission was the drop off the money. That?s all.?

Trowa looked at him. ?You?re asking us to refuse their thanks??

Heero stiffened. ?No. I just don?t want us to be caught.?

Out of breath, Duo turned the corner into the alley and was greeted by his two stoic friends. ?Well don?t all congratulate me at once.? He said, doubling over.

?What happened??

?Oh you know, I thought I?d take a nice jog back here, get my blood moving.? Duo huffed sarcastically and stood up straight and put his hand on the wall. When neither Heero nor Trowa responded to his sarcasm, he rolled his eyes and explained himself. ?I ran into some of Gisborne?s guys.?

?Did you lose them??

Duo glared at Heero. ?Of course I lost them. Who do you think you?re talking to??

?Did you accomplish the mission??

?Yup. The taxes have been returned to their rightful owners!?

?So you left the pouch of money on everyone?s doorstep, like I told you to??

?Heero, I?m not five. You don?t need to check up on me and make sure I did everything right.? Duo said, rolling his eyes.

?Where?s Quatre?? Trowa asked, looking at the street as if he could see through walls.

?I dunno. He was on the opposite part of the street.?

?We have to find him. It?s taken him too long.?

As soon as the words were spoken, the blond man in question ducked into the alley. Unlike Duo, he wasn?t out of breath at all. He looked at the three men and smiled. ?Finished.?

?That took you too long.? Heero responded as his greeting.

?I wasn?t caught.? Quatre pointed out, walking further into the alley, casting a furtive look at Duo.

Duo threw his hands in the air. ?I wasn?t caught either!?

?You were close.? Quatre said with a grin as he leaned up against the brick wall.

?Me, the master of stealth, the God of Death, could never be caught by these idiots.?

Quatre shook his head, smile still on his face. ?All I?m saying is that you should be careful.?

?I?m always careful.? Duo said, narrowing his eyes, playfully.

V-v-v-v-v-v-v-V

Duo was the first to ascend the steps up to their hideout. As soon as he reached the top of the stairs, he looked to the cots. There was a man standing near the window.

?What?? Duo?s voice trailed off and he halted, stopping everyone else on the stairs.

The man turned around and stepped into a patch of light.

?I assume you call this home sweet home.? Wufei said, gesturing to the house.

Duo sighed and continued up the stairs. ?Would you all just stop doing that? Every time I climb these stairs it?s like someone new is going to be up here.?

?Then you should get a better hiding space.? Wufei deadpanned, watching each man climb the stairs and settle around him. Quatre and Trowa sat down on a cot. Duo sat on top of a dresser, and Heero stood.

?I assume you?re here for a reason.? Heero said, crossing his arms over his chest.

?Well I?m not here to bring a housewarming present, so your assumption would be correct.?

?Since when are you funny?? Duo asked, leaning back against the wall.

?Right around the time you become an idiot.? Wufei snapped.

?Har har. What a comedian.? The braided man rolled his eyes and put his hands behind his head, glaring at the Chinese man.

?So what brings you here, Wufei?? Quatre asked, trying to break the tension.

?I?ve come to warn you.? Wufei looked at Heero. ?Well, mostly to warn him.?

Heero showed no signs of being worried. He calmly stared at Wufei. ?Is that so??

?Your stunt two days ago got everyone?s attention.?

?Then it served its purpose.? Duo interjected.

?Not the robbery,? Wufei said, his eyes stayed focused on Heero. ?Your stunt on the stage.?

?There was nothing out of the ordinary. I took the bursary fund and quieted Gisborne.?

Wufei smirked and folded his arms across his chest. ?So you?re choosing to play dumb??

It was like watching a tennis match. Trowa, Quatre and Duo looked from man to man, wondering who was going to tackle who first.

Heero?s jaw was tight. ?It?s not playing dumb if I don?t know what you mean.?

?You put her in real danger.? Wufei?s glare was no longer flippant, but predatory.

There was no need to clarify. Immediately, everyone in the room knew the conversation had shifted to Relena.

?I didn?t do anything to put her in any sort of danger.? Heero?s voice lost any of its congeniality.

?What you think is irrelevant.? Wufei retorted.

?What could Heero possibly have done to get her in trouble?? Duo asked, making Wufei break his stare. The Chinese pilot turned his harsh stare Duo?s way and Duo instantly regretted asking the question.

?He looked at her.?

Duo shook his head in disbelief. ?He looked at her??

?Yes.?

?You?re telling me, that Relena is in trouble because Heero ? looked ? at her.?

?Don?t pretend for a second that you know anything about this government, Maxwell.? Wufei snapped, turning his head to Heero. ?You made eye contact with her. You gave them a reason to suspect her. When you looked at her on the stage, Prince saw it. You gave him another reason to suspect Relena.?

?Suspect her of what??

?Maybe she?s too nice to tell you what?s actually going on with her, but you can trust that I?m not.? Wufei narrowed his eyes in an accusatory way at Heero. ?She?s being investigated, not to mention, watched. They suspect her for treason. And Prince will do anything to get that claim to stick.?

?So how is a look from me going to prove anything?? Heero asked, his arms folded.

?It proves that she knows you, and that you know her. And right now, anything having to do with you, constitutes treason.?

?So what are they going to do? If they suspect her?? Quatre asked, a hint of worry for his friend in his voice.

?They?ve called her to the Senate. They made an investigatory committee.?

?When?s the meeting?? Heero demanded.

?In a few days. After the Good Will Gala on Thursday.? Wufei smiled briefly at the irony of the statement.

Heero turned to leave the hideout.

?I think it would be detrimental for you to go anywhere near her.? Wufei called after him with a hint of a smile, knowing it would only add to his frustration.

V-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-V

?You called for me?? Gisborne entered the office and closed the door. He cast an apathetic look at John Prince.

Prince wore the opposite look. He sat behind the desk with an expression that was nothing but utter glee.

?Yes, I did. Guy, sit down. I have excellent news.?

?Is that so??

Prince?s smile grew. ?Absolutely!?

There was a strained silence. Prince looked as if he were about to burst. Gisborne sighed, knowing that the older man was waiting for him to ask. He gave in. ?So, what?s the news??

?I finally have the piece of evidence that proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt, Relena Darlian is a traitor.?

This got Gisborne?s attention. He sat straighter in his chair and tried to mask his surprise. With Prince staring at him, he felt the urge to share in his superior?s joy. But he was having a hard time putting the ecstatic smile on his face. Gisborne took a long breath. ?And what is that evidence??

?52 letters.?

Gisborne was thoroughly confused now. ?Letters??

?I have spies on Mars, as you well know.? Prince was enjoying the suspense, as he watched Gisborne sit uncomfortably in the chair across from him. ?And one of their transmissions reached me yesterday. It seems that this man worked in the same camp with Heero Yuy.?

?And?? Gisborne was fighting to remain calm. If Relena was proved to be a traitor, that would mean he would have to be the one to throw her in jail, a thought that was losing more and more favor in Gisborne?s mind.

?It would seem that once a week, Heero Yuy received a letter from our pretty little princess.?

?What did the letters say??

?Gisborne, that is not the point. The point is that she had contact with Heero Yuy.? He hit his fist on the desk in delight. ?That means she lied to us!?

A millions questions raced through Gisborne?s mind. ?Where?s the physical proof? You know you can?t arrest her without the proof.?

Prince dismissed the question, waving his hand in the air as if he was batting down an annoying insect. ?I make the rules, Gisborne. I can arrest her tomorrow if I want to.?

?You know that the Senate wouldn?t stand for it.?

Prince?s good humor left him. ?The Senate is filled with idiots, whom I control.? His hazel eyes bore into Gisborne. ?They will do anything I tell them to.? He looked Gisborne up and down. ?Why aren?t you happier about this? We finally have evidence to put that brat away.?

He didn?t answer for a moment. ?I just don?t want you to risk everything on false evidence.?

Prince was silent. His head bobbed, nodding at Gisborne?s statement. ?Yes,?

Gisborne held his breath.

?Yes, you?re right.? Prince continued. ?I?ll have to get copies of those letters and prove that without a doubt she is a traitor. And then what do we do, Gisborne??

?We?ll arrest her.?

v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v

?There?s a gala at Capitol building tomorrow night.? Heero said as a greeting as he ascended the stairs into their hideout.

Duo, Quatre and Trowa all looked up from their game of cards.

?Are we invited?? Duo asked, glancing up from his hand.

?Are we ever invited?? Trowa answered with a hint of a smile.

Duo sighed and threw down his cards on the table. ?So what?s the plan??

?Waiters.?

They all looked at Heero skeptically. Quatre was the first to speak. ?Waiters, Heero??

?Yes.?

?Is there a reason we?re waiters??

?Would you rather just walk in there in what we have on?? Heero gave Quatre a questioning stare, his statement laced with biting sarcasm.

Quatre merely smiled. ?How are we getting in??

?Wufei has arranged for us to enter through the service doors.?

?And what exactly are we hoping to accomplish by playing dress up?? Duo asked, shuffling the deck of cards noncommittally.

Heero folded his arms. ?We?re not playing dress up. We?re infiltrating a government building and doing reconnaissance. Every member of the Senate will be there, not to mention foreign dignitaries. It?ll be helpful to know which ones are our allies and which ones are traitors to President Richards.?

?Well when you say it like that,? Duo rolled his eyes and set down the cards.

?How did you find out about this thing? I thought we haven?t had contact with Relena since we stole the bursary fund.? Trowa questioned without looking up from his cards. He seemed to be the only one interested in the card game anymore. From the look on his face, he was more concerned about his hand than the new mission.

?I got an anonymous message from someone in the Senate. They said if we could find a way in, they?d give us some valuable information.? Heero answered, watching Trowa pick out the four of diamonds and set it on the table.

?Is the source reliable??

?I believe so.?

Trowa set his hand down and finally looked at Heero. ?We?re trusting you not to lead us into a trap with this, Heero.?

The room fell silent as Heero and Trowa made eye contact. Trowa didn?t back down. Whereas it might have been the bluntest approach, it was the statement on the Duo and Quatre?s minds too.

?So I assume there will be costumes involved with this?? Quatre asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

Heero walked downstairs and returned with three garbage bags. He threw one to each of the others. ?Those are the costumes.?

Duo rifled through his like it was a Christmas present. He pulled out a mop of red stringy material. He held it up between his thumb and index finger, as far away from him as his arm would physically allow. ?What the hell is this??

?A wig.? Heero, answered, taking the clothes out of his bag.

?This is a wig??

Heero looked up. ?Yes, Duo. It?s a wig. You wear it on top of your head.?

Duo threw it in disgust. ?Yeah right. That thing is not touching my head.?

?You have to wear the wig.?

?Why??

Quatre put a hand on Duo?s shoulder. ?Duo, your hair is pretty recognizable.?

?What? How??

Quatre shook his head, fighting a laugh. It was Heero that spoke up. ?Duo, you have a two foot braid.?

Duo sighed and looked down at the red haired wig lying on the floor. ?I guess for one night I can pack this beauty up and look disgusting.?

?What a sacrifice.? Heero scoffed.

v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v

Relena sat in her limousine, watching the spot lights pan back and forth next to the Capitol building and the throngs of people, foreign dignitaries and Senators alike, file into the building. The longer she stayed in her car, the less she?d have to stay at the party.

?Are you going to exit the car anytime soon, Miss Relena?? Pagan asked with a hidden smile from the front seat.

She returned the smile, but it was half-hearted. ?Do I have to??

?The sooner you go in, the sooner you can get out.? Pagan reasoned.

Relena bit her lip and nodded. ?I suppose you?re right.?

?Besides, you look too nice this evening to hide it in a car.?

Relena gave her butler and old friend a warm smile. ?Thank you, Pagan.? She was wearing a dress that wasn?t so unlike the one she wore when she had been crowned Queen of the World. It was off the shoulder, but instead of pure white, it was a shade of blue that had somehow managed to match the color of her eyes. Her hair was left down, but curled. With a pearl necklace and studded earrings, she looked like every bit the princess she had been born to be.

?Would you like me accompany you up the stairs?? Pagan offered.

Relena looked up at the building, trying to see if she recognized anyone by the door. An older man stood, looking annoyed and Relena smiled.

?No, thank you, Pagan. I see an old friend.? She answered with a smile as she exited the car and walked gracefully up the stairs. As she got closer, she could hear the conversation.

?Young man, you should check the list again.?

?Sir, I?ve checked. You?re not on it. I can go get my superior, if you wanna talk to him.?

?Yes. Go and do that.?

Relena smiled and walked behind the older gentleman. ?Are you making a scene, Grandfather??

Marquis Weyridge turned around and returned her warm smile. ?Relena! You look more and more like your mother every time I see you.?

?Which one?? she joked, linking her arm into his.

The young man returned, bringing a tuxedoed and annoyed Guy Gisborne with him.

?Miss Relena,? he nodded to her, his green eyes traveling the length of her body and finally resting on her face.

She returned his nod and fought back the urge to shiver. ?Mister Gisborne.? She turned to the young man. ?I hope there isn?t a problem. The Marquis is a very dear friend to me.?

?I?m sorry Miss Relena, but the Marquis isn?t on the list.? Gisborne?s voice rose over the young man?s. Relena turned to him.

?Well that can be fixed. Marquis Weyridge is my date for the evening.?

Gisborne fought a smile and gag at the same time. ?Your date??

?Yes, Mister Gisborne.? She gripped Marquis Weyridge?s arm a little tighter. ?I invited him here. On the invitation it said that I might bring a date. He was courteous enough to wait for me near the entrance. And now that I?m here, my date and I would like to enter the gala.?

Gisborne looked at her, dumbfounded. ?Yes,? he murmured. He looked to the small looking young man next to him. ?Well, you heard her. Let them in.? Gisborne turned his back on them and stormed back into the Capitol building.

Marquis Weyridge looked at Relena with a small smile. ?I hope I haven?t gotten you into too much trouble.?

She looked up at him and playfully hit his arm. ?You?re never any trouble, Grandfather. Besides, I?m just returning the favor.?

?Prince won?t be pleased that I?m allowed to rub elbows with all of the important people here tonight. I could have gotten you into a lot of trouble.?

Relena shrugged as they started to walk into the building. They turned the corner and followed the other party guests into the ballroom. ?I?m already in trouble, Grandfather.?

?In what way, my dear??

She cleared her throat elegantly and whispered. ?I?ve been called to the Senate tomorrow. They?ve formed a committee to look into my actions.?

?What are they trying to find?? Marquis Weyridge asked, his voice dropping to match her volume, but keeping his face placid. He smiled at the dignitaries that passed them, as did Relena.

?Treason.?

The Marquis nodded. ?That is a serious offense, Relena. They could call for your death. Do they have any evidence??

?Not that I know of.?

?Is there anything you?ve done lately that could be considered treasonous??

Relena laughed softly. ?More than I can count on one hand. My problem is that I don?t know which event they?re going to ask me about.?

Marquis Weyridge chuckled to himself. ?For not being a blood relative of the family, you certainly act like a Darlian.?

Relena looked up at him. ?My father committed treason??

He smiled. ?Your father disagreed with your actual father. Although they were good friends, Mister Darlian knew exactly what would push King Peacecraft?s buttons. The King threatened to throw Darlian in jail once, citing treason.?

?What did my father do??

?He called King Peacecraft an idiot.? Marquis Weyridge answered with a twinkle in his eye.

Relena smiled. ?What ever gene they had for being troublesome, I certainly got it in abundance.? She replied as they walked into the main ballroom.

There were men in tuxedos and women in expensive dresses all over the place. In the back, on a stage, a brass band played a soothing melody. They made their way through the crowd giving polite hellos to the dignitaries that past. Finally they made it across the dance floor to a less crowded part of the ballroom. This part of the ballroom was partially vacated, mostly filled with amorous couples looking into each others eyes. Relena and the Marquis looked quite out of place.

?Relena, my dear, there is something I must confess.?

?Is it the ingenious way you?ve slipped into here?? Prince asked, appearing in front of them as if he had appeared through thin air. He stood, his hair slicked back. He was wearing a tuxedo and smug grin. Gisborne stood behind him looking bored, but dangerous at the same time.

Marquis Weyridge smiled genially at Prince, successfully hiding all his malice. ?Vice President. Very nice to see you again. I don?t believe we?ve spoken since the afternoon you threw me out of your office.?

?Yes,? Prince nodded, his grin turning into a sneer. ?What a lovely afternoon.?

?As much as I?d like to reminisce with you, sir, I do have other people to visit with tonight.? The Marquis put his arm around Relena?s shoulders. ?We should be leaving.?

?I find it curious that you showed to this gala, Marquis. I don?t remember inviting you.?

?That would be my doing,? Relena spoke up. Prince looked at her like he hadn?t seen her standing there.

?Is that so, Miss Darlian?? He asked, trying his best to feign polite.

Her lips curved upwards. ?Yes, on the invitation it said I could bring a date. The Marquis is an old friend, so I asked him to accompany me.?

Prince nodded as she spoke, a look on his face as if he had just tasted something foul. ?For tonight, it?ll be fine. But remember, Miss Darlian, not to stay too late. Your Senate meeting is tomorrow at eight, is it not??

Prince turned his back and walked away, blending into the crowd quite dismally. Gisborne stood in front of Relena for a moment. The look on his face suggested he wanted to say something. His eyes flitted from hers to a remote spot on the wall. Relena licked her lips, waiting for the inevitable uncomfortable question. But, there was nothing but silence between them. Finally, he nodded, pushing the thought back into his head and slowly walking back into the ball room. ?Have a nice evening.? He said as he walked away.

?I fear you?re in more trouble that you realize, Relena.? The Marquis said once the two had retreated into the crowd.

Relena let out a breath she didn?t realize she had been holding. ?How could you tell??

?John Prince obviously doesn?t like me. He won?t like that you brought me here.?

Looking up, she turned to him, causing his hand to drop to his side. ?Grandfather, why are you here??

He sighed. ?That is my confession to you, my dear Relena.?

?Would you care for a drink?? An untimely waiter appeared next to them. Relena briefly turned to the waiter and smiled.

?No thank you.? She turned her back, but still felt the waiter?s presence. She shook her head, annoyed. Suddenly a thought struck her. She could still feel the waiter behind her, but now it was different. Something was familiar. She turned around to see a tall blond boy with a tray standing two feet behind her.

There was something about his face. It was a something that she just couldn?t place. Her eyes searched his face as she waited for him to speak again. His voice seemed to be familiar as well.

?What are you serving, young man?? Marquis Weyridge spoke up, his tone tentative, like he was asking a secret question and the waiter was the only one who knew the answer.

?Champagne.? The young man answered. He wasn?t looking at the Marquis as he spoke, but was only looking at Relena.

Like a wave, the realization crashed into Relena. The blond hair couldn?t mask Heero Yuy. She said his name without speaking it. It made its way to her lips and died there. There was a long silence as Heero passed a glass of champagne to Marquis Weyridge.

?Blonde hair doesn?t suit you.? Relena said, taking a glass off of his tray and successfully escalating the tension between them by accidentally brushing her hand over his. She immediately blushed.

?I thought it was time for a change.? He said quietly. He tore his gaze from her and looked at their older companion. ?Marquis, I believe you?re the one who sent me the message.?

?Excellent cognitive skills, young man. Indeed it was.?

Relena looked from Heero to the Marquis in confusion.

Marquis Weyridge shook his head. ?But here is not the place to discuss it. There is a balcony that is usually unoccupied and good for conversations that should go unheard. Follow me.? As if trying not to raise suspicion, Marquis Weyridge linked his arm with Relena?s and walked down the hallway to the balcony. Heero followed them, calmly ridding himself of his try by asking guests if they wanted a drink along the way.

He caught up to them when they got into the dimly lit hallway. There were even less people here than in the corner of the ballroom.

?Are the other boys here as well?? Relena asked quietly. She knew Heero was there even if she couldn?t see him.

?Yes.? He answered. She could tell from his volume that he was right behind Marquis Weyridge.

?Most ingenious plan, young man. Are all of you waiters??

?There are only four of us. But yes, we?re all disguised as waiters.?

?That?s quite the gamble. Should you get caught -?

?We won?t get caught.? Heero answered, cutting him off. The Marquis chuckled.

?You see, Heero feels as if he is invincible.? Relena explained without looking at Heero. He could hear the disdain in her voice and it shot through him.

?Ah, to be young again.? The Marquis answered as they reached two glass double doors that led to a small balcony. He let Relena enter and sit before sitting next to her.

Heero stood, back against the railing, looking at Relena and Marquis Weyridge. A cool breeze blew, sweeping Relena?s hair off of her shoulders momentarily. In the night air, Heero?s wig looked even more ridiculous. The more Relena looked at him in it, the more she found it amusing that she hadn?t seen it before. His brown hair was poking out of the sides. He watched her stare at the wig. Her gaze ventured lower and their eyes met. He gave her a small self-satisfied smile. She rolled her eyes, but couldn?t fight the smile that had spread to her face as well. Once the Marquis got situated, he turned to Relena. ?This is what I meant to tell you before. I?m afraid I?ve used you, my dear.?

Relena looked at him and shook her head in disbelief. ?Used me? In what way??

?Since I was ejected from the Senate, I?ve been trying to fight back. But the ways for an old man like me to do that, are ? well, limited.? The Marquis sighed, taking one of Relena?s hands in his. ?When I heard of these brave gentlemen fighting back, I knew I would have something valuable for them. They are the only way I can help take down this dictatorship.?

She smiled softly. ?I still don?t see how you used me, Grandfather.?

?For me to trek out to wherever their headquarters is, would only attract attention. But it would attract more if they came to my home. I decided I would have to meet them in a neutral setting. I knew that if I showed up to this gala, you would see me, take pity on me and take me into the venue as your companion.?

Relena?s smile didn?t falter. She shook her head like she?d heard and amusing joke. ?I see. You counted on the fact that I would get you in to the event. But I don?t understand, all you would have had to do was ask. You didn?t need to try and trick me.?

He patted her hand. ?If you knew, it would open you up to more accounts of treason. No, my dear Relena. It was better that you didn?t know.?

She nodded and looked down at the stone floor. Finally, Heero spoke.

?Are you being tried for treason?? he asked.

She didn?t look at him. ?I have a meeting in the Senate tomorrow morning. I imagine they?re going to try to prove something.?

Heero felt an all too familiar feeling boiling in the pit of the stomach. It was a foreign reoccurring emotion, which he couldn?t quite get a handle on. The first time he felt it, it was so strong he thought that he would retch. He was carrying the dog that he belonged to the little girl he had killed. His chest got tight as he tried to push the feeling away. But one nagging thought ate at him as he watched Relena sit there on the stone bench. He had doomed her.

?You are Heero Yuy, are you not?? The Marquis? voice was a welcome break through Heero?s thoughts. He tore his gaze from Relena and looked at the older gentleman. He nodded.

?Very good. Very good indeed. I am Marquis Weyridge. Mister Yuy, I believe I can be of some service to you.?

?By helping me, you understand that you could be thrown in jail, or killed.?

The Marquis smiled humorlessly and looked to the scenery. ?They wouldn?t bother with an old man like me. Yes, now that I?m out of the Senate, I believe that John Prince believes me to be powerless.? He looked up at Heero. ?But that is a mistake. I know every secret entrance that this place has.?

?This building? The Capitol?? Relena asked, turning to face the Marquis.

?Yes, my dear. You forget, I?ve been around a very long time. I know everything there is to know about this building.? He stood up and Relena?s linked arm fell limply to her side. ?Mister Yuy, I would be honored to help you. There are precious little options available to me anymore. And I cannot stand this regime a moment longer.?

Heero narrowed his eyes, trying to tell the validity of the Marquis? statement. The old man stood before him, humbled and bowing slightly. Heero looked at Relena, her face shrouded in darkness. She was watching him, waiting for his answer as well.

?You?ll need a codename. I can?t very well refer to you as Marquis Weyridge.? He finally answered after a moment of severe silence.

The Marquis smiled and sat down next to Relena, who gently placed her hand on his. He seemed to be relieved. ?Yes, of course.? The Marquis put a hand to his chin, thinking. ?Precious few people know my middle name. It was a name I went by as a child. You may refer to me by that name.?

?And that is??

?Tucker. But you may call me Tuck.?

V-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-V

?This thing itches. Does yours itch?? Duo whispered harshly as a brunette Quatre passed by him carrying a tray of hors d'?uvres.

?A little. Just don?t think about it.?

?How am I supposed to not think about it? There?s a dead fox on my head!?

?It doesn?t look that bad.?

?Fine. Next time we do this, you take this wig.?

?Red hair doesn?t suit me.? Quatre answered, giving a smile to a couple next to them. ?Salmon puff?? He offered the tray and dazzling smile. The couple returned the smile and took a few off of his try.

?Seriously, though. Where is he?? Duo searched the ballroom, trying to look discreet.

?I don?t know.? Quatre?s voice dropped lower, to avoid anyone overhearing them. ?He should have found them by now.?

?They?re on the balcony.? Trowa had appeared behind them, his brown hair shoved underneath a black wig. His green eyes stood out brilliantly against his pale skin and raven colored hair. ?The party is winding down, though.?

?We need to get out of here.? Quatre agreed.

?Hey!? A large man, barely fitting into his tuxedo walked up to them. Duo?s blood ran cold, Quatre paled, and Trowa stood calmly. ?I?m not payin ya?ll to just sit around and chat! Get out there!? He snarled angrily and turned his back on them.

?You?re not payin us at all.? Duo muttered. He looked to Quatre and Trowa. ?I?ll go speed it up. We need to leave soon if we don?t want to be discovered.?

V-v-v-v-v-v-v-V

Heero handed the Marquis a slip of paper. ?Meet me here tomorrow.?

The Marquis nodded. ?I will bring what supplies I can.?

?Be careful.? Relena warned softly, aiming her remark at the Marquis. She lifted her head and looked at Heero. ?Both of you.? She added when they locked stares.

Marquis Weyridge stood and gave a slight bow. ?My dear Relena, I am going to retire now.?

?Yes, of course. I?ll walk you to your car.? She stood as well.

?No, no.? The Marquis insisted, looking at Heero. ?It will be better if I leave by myself. Perhaps John will think we?ve had a row.? He put his hands on her shoulders and gave her a warm smile. ?Besides, you?re in capable hands with Mister Yuy here.?

Relena tried to fight the blush that had stained her cheeks. Luckily it was dark. She embraced Marquis Weyridge and walked him exit the balcony. Once the door closed, she sat down gingerly on the stone bench. She didn?t look at him. ?It was nice of you to accept his help.?

?I figure I?ll need all the help I can get.? He answered, trying his hardest not to look at her. But he was miserably failing. ?You look very nice tonight.? He said quietly, hoping she didn?t hear it.

She did. This time the night couldn?t hide her blush. ?I think I like you better as a brunette.? She answered, looking up at him and giving him a small smile.

?I had to be unrecognizable. I thought a change of hair color would work.?

?It did. I just think you look more handsome as a brunette.? She looked away from him as she saw him give a slight smirk. She swallowed thickly. ?I was actually hoping I might run into you tonight.? She answered so quietly that Heero wasn?t sure he?d heard it.

?Really??

She opened her mouth to answer him, but was interrupted by a tap on the glass of the balcony doors. She looked over and squinted. ?Is that Duo?? A red headed waiter was making hand motions to them on the balcony.

Heero sighed. ?Yes.? He motioned for Duo to come onto the balcony.

Duo looked around for unseen foes and carefully stepped onto the balcony. ?We?ve gotta go. The party?s thinning out and we?re starting to stick out.?

Heero nodded. Duo looked at Relena for the first time and gave a low whistle. ?Lookin good, Princess.?

Heero scowled. This time, she didn?t blush, but stood and brushed off her dress. ?Thank you.?

Duo motioned to the door. ?I?d love to stay and chat, but we?ve really gotta leave.?

Heero nodded at him and then looked to Relena. ?Good luck tomorrow.? He reached out for her hand and gave it a soft squeeze. Relena looked away, trying to hide the fact that her eyes were beginning to fill with tears. When she looked up, the two men were gone. As if they had never been there in the first place.

V-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-V

Happy Holidays, everyone.

Thanks for reading!

[Nihal]

I wish I could see them with those wigs.. it would make up for this hellish month I've been through

[Midge-14]

I wish I could see them with those wigs.. it would make up for this hellish month I've been through

me too...

[Penguin on the Shore]

Tuck! I love it! And they're so sneaky and lovely. A good thing about your character portrayals is that even though, for instance, Heero doesn't act exactly like this in the series, I could see him doing this stuff, like smirking, and developing a dry sense of humor. I'm really enjoying that part of the story. POST...NEXT... PART!!

[DesignGuy]

Definitely digging your twist on the story. I agree with what Penguin said about Heero's dry sense of humor, I can see him acquiring it over the years. Keep up the good work

[BadPenny]

Ah, you've definitely answered my request for more Heero expression and more HxR time. I love the Marquis too. Now that I know he's Tuck I have a somewhat better idea of where he fits in. Relena's in trouble! I wonder what they've dug up?
I'm also wondering if we'll get any lime or lemon later on. Hope springs eternal. Either way I'm enjoying the story though.