Love's Labours Lost Chapter 10 by Stella and the Black Rose
Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2003 6:45 pm
Love?s Labours Lost
By Stella and the Black Rose
AN: All right, add one to the total chapter count. We cut ch 10 in half. Which means chapter 11 isn't too far behind, and really, we thought this was a better break.
Chapter 10
Morning light trickled in through the half-closed blinds of the office window behind her desk, giving the room a dull, gray appearance ? like the bright but hazy sky before a snowstorm. Relena shivered, trying to shake off the frost of her walk from the subway station, but the feeling was more than just the winter?s cold. The numbness had set in last night; with the ice in his stare, the way he spoke to her, his refusal. She heard the words over and over again.
?I can?t agree to it. And I won?t.?
She had wanted to tell him, but she had never been one to play on people?s sympathies. And now Relena had to wonder if knowing about her brother?s condition or her company?s problems would have made any difference to Heero Yuy at all. She stared at the latest, and still unsigned, draft of the PCC/GLLC contract that rested on her desk.
Heero. After everything she?d heard, how could she have thought that he?d actually agree? Well, she had hoped he would. The young VP slumped in her desk chair.
Heero. She wanted to stop thinking of him, she needed to ? but yet?
A memo faxed from Weiss caught her attention as her eyes drifted over the surface of her desk. Relena sat up straight, reading the typed words on the crisp white sheet. She reached for the phone, telling herself that she didn?t have time to dwell on her feelings, or Heero?s lack thereof. She had to get this matter resolved, and there was only one person left who could help her.
?Ran Fujimaya, please.?
?I?ll put you right through.? His secretary chirped out on the other end. After a few moments, his low, smooth voice interrupted the hold music. ?Ran.?
She took a deep breath. ?Hi.?
?Relena.?
?How are you??
She heard the clacking of keys and the shuffling of papers in the background. ?Busy.?
?Oh, if you need me to let you go??
?No. Don?t.?
Silence hung over the connection, and she felt the pang of that terrible emotion grab a tighter hold on her with each passing second. She glanced up at a gold-framed picture that sat by the phone of her and Milliardo as children, and her thoughts rushed to the girl who was in a similar set of circumstances. ?How?s your sister doing, Ran??
?As well as can be expected. Her treatments leave her weak, but the in-home care seems to be helping.?
Relena swallowed against the lump in her throat. ?Any word on?whether she?ll make it??
?Yeah. The doctors think she will.?
?Oh, that?s so great!?
?I owe a lot of it to you.?
?We?re helping each other.? Her eyes moved from the photograph and found the contract again. Suddenly the words on the paper blurred and she found herself choking back a sob.
?Relena, are you crying??
?I?I?m sorry, I don?t mean??
?Tell me.?
Her fist curled tightly around the pen she was holding as she paused to take a long, deep breath. ?You were right, Ran. All along. He?s?Gundanium refused.?
?We don?t need them, Relena.?
She wiped the moisture from her cheeks. ?I?But we?d??
?I?ll give Omi the go ahead, and we can have the final product to you Tuesday. We can make this work. Trust me.?
?Ran?I-?
?Relena, I?m holding a meeting in five minutes, I have to go. But I?ll see you on Saturday.?
?Oh!? She felt her lips curl into a genuine smile. ?Yes, of course. I?ll see you Saturday, then.? Relena hung up the receiver. She wiped at her eyes and then rested her chin on her palm while she paged through her daily planner. ?I totally forgot that we had a date??
?What?s that?? A voice cut into her musings. Relena sat up straight and turned to face the sound.
?Oh, Hitomi. I didn?t hear you come in.?
The marketing rep smiled as she moved towards the desk, letting the door close behind her. The panel drifted backwards, but flew open again with an abrupt bang.
?Sooooo, Heero Yuy asked you on a date after all? Does that mean he?s changed his mind??
Relena sighed. ?No. Actually, Dorothy, I have a date with Ran to the charity night-?
?RED?? The attorney grinned, taking a seat on the edge of her boss?s desk. ?My my, you sure don?t waste any time.?
?I?m glad you?re not mooning over Heero,? Hitomi said as she deposited a folder in Relena filing cabinet. ?He sounds like a jerk.?
The VP tapped a pen on a nearby stack of paperwork. ?Mr. Yuy and I have no relationship, never had one, never will have one. There?s nothing to moon over, Hitomi.?
?So,? Dorothy said, crossing her legs and turning to scrutinize the woman behind the desk, ?Did you find something completely low-cut and sexy to wear? Something that says ?I?m all yours, Red, take me here on this buffet table??? She questioned, raising an eyebrow and leaning back across the smooth wooden surface.
Relena stood up, glaring down at the woman sprawled over her files. ?Uh, no. I?m hosting a respectable charity event, not publicly displaying my personal assets.?
Dorothy sat up and then promptly hopped down from her perch. ?You?d probably get more donations that way.?
?No.?
?Something subtly sexy??
?To be honest, I haven?t had a chance to think about it, Dorothy.?
Hitomi?s head snapped around from her place by the filing cabinet. ?You don?t know what you?re wearing, yet??
Relena shook her head. ?No, I figure I can maybe go dress shopping tomorrow, or find something in my clos-?
Dorothy gasped.
?-et. What??
?You CAN?T go on a date with the sexiest computer geek alive in just something you find in your closet. We?re taking off now and going shopping.?
Relena stalked passed the attorney and took up a position next to Hitomi. ?Dorothy, I can?t. I have a conference call at-?
?We won?t take no for an answer.?
The brown-haired woman crossed her arms. ?We??
?Yes, you?re coming, too, Hitomi.?
She grinned.?Oh, good. Then I can cancel that meeting with that Farfello guy. He gives me the creeps.?
Dorothy made a face and nodded. ?Oh, eww, yeah. Skip that. You?re too busy.?
?Dorothy!?
?Relena! You don?t get a choice. I?m going to go back and sit in the middle of your desk and you won?t get any work done whether you stay here or not. So, you may as well make the most of your time by getting your shopping out of the way.?
The VP narrowed her eyes and pointed a chiding finger at her friend. ?I could fire you.?
Dorothy shrugged. ?You could, but you won?t.?
?Fine. Let me get my purse.?
<center>************************</center>
A sparse covering of snow sprinkled the Columbia University campus, as the wind gusted across the open courtyard. White powder settled and clung to the untouched grass and gathered in crevices of the weatherworn statues and stately brick window ledges. Vash shuffled through the administration building?s musty hallway and slowed as he passed a set of glass doors. The software tester stole a glance at the bleak outside and promptly turned on his heel, heading for the coffee cart in the lobby.
?What do you mean you won?t give me a double triple shot??
?Sir, I just think that?s a bit too much caffeine for one drink. I?m not even sure if it?s legal in this state.?
?Oh give me a break. This is New York. Just fill the cup, lady.?
Vash shook his head as he neared the source of the commotion. There was only one person in the world that would be having that conversation.
?Hey there, Van. Returning to your natural habitat??
Van sighed. ?Hardly. It?s more like an oasis in the desert of decaf and boring classes?? He shot a glare at the woman behind the counter, ?? and a crummy one at that.?
The cart attendant scowled and slid the large steaming cup across the countertop. Vash ordered a hot chocolate to go and took a quick sip, steeling himself for the trek across campus. ?Ready to brave the frozen tundra? I?m starved. How about the deli on 116th? ?
The marketing VP shrugged. ?Guess so.?
The two men buttoned up their coats, pulled on their gloves and pushed through doors. The winter air bit at their chapped skin, but Vash noticed the frigid temperatures were getting a bit easier to take. Could it be that he was getting used to this?
?What class did you have this morning? Modern Media?? The blond asked, clinging to the warmth of the styrofoam cup in his hands.
Van growled. ?No. International finance. I can?t believe that professor. He argued with me over the European economy, third world labor forces AND underground capitalist markets in communist countries. The man was a complete and total moron.?
?Just because he doesn?t agree with every statement you make doesn?t mean that he?s a moron,? Vash said.
?Yes it does.?
?Well, I don?t always agree with you.?
Van stopped in his tracks and turned to face the taller man. ?I fail to see your point, Vash. You?re the biggest moron I know.?
?From you, I?ll take that as a compliment. Maybe you should have more coffee now.?
Van narrowed his eyes as he took a sip, but the grim expression took a turn for the worse as he seemed to catch sight of something over Vash?s shoulder.
?Don?t look now, here comes his royal highness.?
The tester spun and craned his neck, noticing the approaching figures of Heero and Quatre. They emerged from the math and sciences building.
?Van, I?m just as upset about it as you are, but hating Heero forever isn?t going to fix it. Maybe if we give him some time, and then talk to him, we can still make this deal work with PCC.?
?It?s not that simple, Vash. Not anymore.?
?What do you mean??
Brown eyes darted away, turning towards the familiar pair of men joining their small huddle. ?Nevermind. Hey, Quatre.?
The shorter blond mustered a pleasant grin. ?Hi, Van.?
Vash fell into step behind his friends, grateful that Van at least was steering them all towards the deli.
?How was math class?? Van asked, directing his question only to Quatre while giving Heero a venomous glance out of the corner of his eye.
Quatre looked completely worn out. ?Not very productive. The professor spent most of the hour grilling us because he didn?t believe that Heero was Heero. After that he kept asking us questions about 7.2?s networking capabilities.?
Vash shuddered. ?Ugh. So you spent your advanced math class doing tech support??
?Basically,? Heero muttered.
?Aw, man, I?m sorry.?
Van huffed, seemingly not to be outdone by the company president and CFO. ?Well, it couldn?t have been as bad as my international finance class. You will not believe this professor??
Vash groaned silently and went to work searching for his headphones in the voluminous pockets of his red coat. Maybe, just maybe, if he turned the music up loud enough, it would drown out the sound of Van?s griping.
?? moron actually disagreed with me on European?? Vash?s finger found the play button, and finally, the welcome sound of an upbeat tune greeted his ears.
It?s the music that we choose? it?s the music that we choose?
The world is spinning too fast, I?m buying lead Nike shoes
To keep myself tethered to the days I try to lose?
The rapid beat moved him along, adding a bounce to his step. He shifted his heavy bag over both shoulders, freeing his arms to sway in time with the song while he half hummed/half sung the lyrics. Vash caught the looks of disapproval that Van and Heero were launching his way, but he couldn?t make himself care.
Keep a mild groove on ? there you go!
Get the cool! Get the cool shoeshine!
Day doo de bop?
The best part of the song! The four men melted into a larger crowd of people waiting on a crosswalk signal in the frosty New York afternoon. The tester dumped his heavy bag and cup on the sidewalk, giving himself over to the music as Heero, Van, and Quatre backed away and hid their faces in their hands. Vash swayed, he spun; he snapped his fingers and strutted around the small circle that had cleared to give him space.
Day doo de bop?
The signal changed and Vash knelt to retrieve the items he?d shed only moments before. Passersby stared at the tall blond, and as he scooped up his discarded cup in search of a trash can, they promptly began depositing their loose change in the empty styrofoam when they filed by. He blinked at the coins that clinked inside, then up at his patrons. ?Wha-? Um, thank you. I? Thanks a lot, ma?am. Uh??
?Nice show, sonny.? An older man smiled, throwing in a quarter before stepping out into the street. ?But I think your moves still need a little work.?
?Geez, mister, what do you want for twenty-five cents??
Vash raced to the corner to join his friends, only to notice they hadn?t moved at all. He sidled up to the company president, following the dark-haired man?s gaze across the street and stopping at the trio of young women emerging from a dress shop.
?It?s the PCC girls, boss.?
Heero?s mouth remained set in a thin line. ?I can see that, Vash.?
Blond spikes bobbed along with the tune still playing in his ears. ?We should go over and say hi.?
Heero stood still, his blue eyes obviously locked on Relena. Vash smirked.
There?s a monkey in the jungle, watching a vapor trail
Caught up in the conflict between his brain and his tail
?Aw, come on, boss. We could invite them to join us for lunch.?
?No,? Heero growled.
Quatre sighed heavily, his attention clearly fixed on Dorothy. Van glared at Vash, then stole another not-so-subtle glance at Hitomi from a distance. ?We should go home.?
?Too late for that.? Vash beamed. ?I think they?ve seen us.?
And if time?s elimination then we got nothing to lose.
Please repeat the message, it?s the music that we choose.
Vash pulled off his headphones, keeping one eye on his sorrowful group of buddies and the other on the approaching women. My friends, you have a choice to make, and I see I?m just going to have to make it for you. This is for your own good.
?PCC girls!? The tester rushed forward and enveloped all three ladies in a giant hug. ?How are you? I feel like it?s been forever since we?ve seen you!?
?We?ve been better, Mr. Vash.? Dorothy gasped, artfully disentangling herself from his hold. ?Though we can hardly hold it against you.? The flaxen-haired attorney?s icy stare flashed to a point beyond the man in the red coat and finally settled on?
?Heero?? Relena smoothed her rumpled jacket and looked up to meet the advancing software exec. Vash turned, noticing that his friend?s posture grew even more rigid, if that were possible. Heero froze in his position behind Vash and nodded coolly at the young woman. She bowed her head in response and kept her distance. Vash looked from one to the other and felt his mouth curve into a frown.
?Van!? Hitomi loosed herself and started towards the marketing VP, her eyes catching the smile spreading over her features. ?You hadn?t called, I was wondering what??
?Good afternoon, Miss Kanzaki,? Van bit out, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned to study something on the street behind him. Hitomi?s jaw slackened and her pace slowed.
?Van??
He appeared not to hear her ? or at least he was trying to appear that way, from what Vash could tell.
?Van!?
The dark-haired man finally spun around, this time addressing the young woman in a more frigid tone as Heero stared at the couple. ?Yes, Miss Kanzaki? Was there something further you needed to discuss with me??
Hitomi glared at him and crossed her arms. ?No, Mr. Fanel. I guess there isn?t.?
Vash watched Hitomi retreat back towards the other ladies and scowled in Van?s direction, then looked back at the girls. Dorothy was smiling at Quatre while the CFO avoided meeting her gaze, practically hiding behind Heero. This was turning into a disaster ? and fast. He had to do something.
?So, what brings you lovely ladies to this part of town on such a fine winter afternoon?? Vash plastered on his biggest grin and moved between the women and his friends.
?I needed a dress for a charity event that PCC is hosting tomorrow evening. It?s silent auction and casino night to benefit cancer patients,? Relena said. Vash saw her steal a quick glance over his shoulder at Heero.
All hope is not lost. But what is with those guys?
?Well, that sounds like it?ll be a good time. I hope it?s a big success.? The tester smiled, curling his arms around the women again in an attempt to herd them in the opposite direction.
?I hope so.? Relena smiled back as they walked. ?Actually, Mr. Vash, I had an invitation sent to your apartment. We?d hoped that you all would be able to join us. We still do.?
Perfect.
?Oh, you can count me in, Miss Relena. I can?t say no to a charity!?
Dorothy looked up at the tall blond. ?We knew we liked you, Mr. Vash. Can?t say as much for your three partners back there.?
Hitomi gasped. ?Dorothy!?
?Well, is there a reason that they have to act like jerks or does it just come naturally??
?That?s enough, Dorothy. Please.? Relena cut in.
?Listen, ladies,? Vash pleaded, waiting at the crosswalk with the women. He could feel his friends? eyes boring into him from a distance as he moved away with the PCC girls. ?I?m not going to make excuses for them, I?m not going to tell you to just forget about it, but I am going to ask you ? please, just give them one more chance? If I can get them to come to the party ? please??
?Do you think you can get Van to come with you?? Hitomi asked.
?They?d be crazy not to, and miss you three all dolled up! Besides, they all have a soft spot for a good cause ? even the grump twins back there.?
The women laughed as the signal changed and hugged him, of their own volition this time, and started back across the street. The tester spun around, coming face to face with?
?Vash! Just what the hell was that all about?? Van growled.
Vash shook his head. ?I should be asking you three what the hell you were doing back there. Those girls can still be our friends, even if the business stuff didn?t work out. Geez. So, I think the least we can do is go to that party.?
?Absolutely not.?
?Come on, Heero. It?s for charity.?
?Charity is your department, Vash. Do what you want. Hope you have enough allowance leftover to rent your tux.?
?Well, I think considering the event, maybe GLLC could make a small donation,? Quatre said.
?I could do with some catered food.? Van shrugged. ?The steady diet of leftover takeout and tv dinners is getting to me.?
?My thoughts exactly,? Vash said. ?So, come on, Heero. What do you say??
?Is there any chance of you shutting up until I agree??
Vash tapped his chin. ?Uh? nope. None whatsoever.?
Blue eyes flashed up at him. ?Fine.?
?You mean it??
?You heard me.?
?Loud and clear. You won?t regret it, boss. I think we?re going to have a great time!?
<center>*********************</center>
Saturday Night
Ballroom
Van?s anxiety to see Hitomi soured quickly as soon as they stepped through the door. Happy couples chattered nearby until the doorman called for their attention to announce the GLLC partner?s arrival. Several frosty glares were shot in their direction. His shoulders hitched into knots, and he leaned over to the person nearest him. Of all the luck, it happened to be Vash. ?Will someone just shoot me now??
?Hey, this is New York City. Be careful what you wish for.?
Van grimaced at his friend?s reply as the four men descended into a brightly-lit ballroom. A golden glow radiated from their surroundings, reflecting off of the tall windows, polished tiles and the brass staircase that swooped and curled into the low hum of clinking glasses and pleasant conversation. Buffet tables lined the walls, linens draped to match the large ?PCC First Annual Charity Casino Night? that hung over the still-empty dance floor. The small group of software moguls reached the lower level and stopped to take in the rest of the sights and?
Quatre spoke up. ?Is that Allen Schezar??
Van?s eyes shot over to the bar in the far corner. A tall man with long blond hair smiled and sipped a martini while a pair of very well dressed, very well endowed women in sequined evening gowns fawned over him. The marketing VP set his jaw and felt his temperature rise in the confines of his black Armani suit. ?Yeah, that?s him.?
?Forget about it, Van,? Heero said. The CEO turned his attention to a different side of the room. Van sought out a different focal point as well, until he felt Vash tap him on the shoulder.
?I think he?s coming over here.?
Van let out an agitated puff of air. ?So??
?And? I think he has on the same tux that you do.?
?What?? He glanced down, inspecting the expensive Italian suit. He glared across the room, then back at his clothes, trying to compare.
?How can you tell?? Quatre asked. ?Tuxedos all look the same to me.?
?It?s got the same little flippy thing in the lapel, with the fabric? and the??
?Will you shut up?? Van spat at the tester. ?I don?t care if he?s wearing the same suit.? He straightened his posture and crossed his arms. ?Besides, I look better in it.?
?You think?? Vash teased. ?What do you think, Heero??
?Hn. I?m going to get a club soda?
Quatre examined his own suit. ?I never did like tuxedoes.?
The marketing VP grabbed the taller blond by a shirt collar. ?This is all your fault, Vash.?
?I?m so glad that you could make it!?
Van lost his grip and spun around, his gaze seeking out the person who?d spoken the words. His entire body froze. He couldn?t move. He couldn?t take his eyes off of her. Hitomi.
He was only faintly aware of the low buzz in his ears; of Vash returning the greeting and saying hello to Relena, and answering her when she asked about Heero?s whereabouts; of Quatre commenting on how kind the invitation was and how they were happy to be here and for such a good cause. Relena said something in reply. Hitomi took a step forward and smiled.
Her dress was red, hugging tightly to the curves of her upper body before flaring out at the waist in gentle, sheer fabrics that stopped above her knees. The light from the crystal chandeliers danced in her short, light brown hair and dripped from the gold earrings in her ears.
Ruby lips started moving, and it took Van a few moments to realize she was speaking to him.
?How are you, Van??
?Hm? What?s that??
She moved towards him, and he stepped back in time with her advance. After several paces, the account executive had been unable to close much of the distance between them.
?Is something wrong? Van, if something is the matter, won?t you just tell me? Please don?t keep running away, or acting like I don?t exist. Van??
?I don?t have a choice, Hitomi.? He knew he regretted the words as soon as they passed his lips, even if he wasn?t quite sure what he meant by them.
?A choice?? She moved again and finally gained some ground. ?Van, I don?t understand. What?s that supposed to-?
?Van Fanel. You?re a long way from home, aren?t you??
His voice was the sound of nails on a chalkboard. Van turned a black look toward the interruption. ?What do you want, Schezar??
?Just wanted to come over and say hello. It?s the gentlemanly thing to do. And I don?t think I?ve had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful young lady.?
Hitomi?s uncertain gaze stayed for a brief second on Van until turning to the new arrival. ?Hitomi. Hitomi Kanzaki.?
The blond man grinned widely and stooped to kiss her hand. ?Why of course! Miss Kanzaki ? we?ve met before. Please forgive me. You?re even lovelier than the last time I saw you.?
A slight flush spread over the young woman?s cheeks and warmed her exposed shoulders. Van scowled.
?Why thank you, Mr. Schezar.?
?Allen, please.?
Hitomi giggled. ?Allen.?
Van?s nostrils flared when the taller man offered his arm. ?I think the band is starting up. Would you care to dance??
She bit her lip, once again glancing back at Van. He looked away.
She turned to Allen. ?I?d love to.?
The couple started off, and Allen?s ice blue eyes glinted back at Van as he seethed alone. Schezar laughed. ?It was good seeing you, again, Van. Oh, and nice tux, by the way.?
<center>***********************************</center>
Quatre bit his lip as he searched the group for his friends. He saw Van in the corner looking like he might try to drown himself in the glass of water he held in front of him. The CFO started off in his direction.
?Van, are you alright??
?Leave me alone, Quatre.?
The blond hung his head, a twinge of guilt seeping into his chest. ?I?m sorry. I didn?t think when I said it. I?m sure the last person you wanted to see was Allen Schezar.?
Van sucked in a deep breath and shook his head. ?No, it?s all right. He would have found me anyway. At least I had a few seconds to prepare myself.?
Quatre nodded slowly and turned to scan the room. He stopped at a heavily laden buffet table. ?Are you hungry??
?No, not really. Schezar made me lose my appetite. I think I?ll go sit down and get another mineral water and try to imagine it?s scotch.?
?Ok, well I?ll tell Heero where to find you and I?ll be over in a few minutes.?
The CFO wove his way through the maze of tables, guests and carts. His eyes flew to the dance floor again and again. They roved over the upper and lower levels of the massive room, but he still hadn?t seen her. But did it really matter? What would he say to her even if he did?
?Would you care to dance, Mr. Winner??
The financial officer nearly dropped his glass of punch. ?Miss Dorothy!?
?I?d hoped that I would see you here tonight.? She sidled up next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, which migrated downward to toy with the flower in his lapel. ?I?ve missed your company.? She smiled. ?I never did get to tell you what a wonderful time I had last weekend.?
?I had a nice time, too, Miss Dorothy.? Quatre gulped, distracted by her proximity. ?You look?? He caught a glimpse of her strapless blue gown as it brushed against the floor, revealing a dangerous amount of her legs through the high slits in either side. The CFO swallowed again. ??very nice this evening.?
?Why thank you. As do you. Some men are just born to wear tuxes. I think you?re one of them.?
?Oh. Well, uh, thank you. I??
The jazz band at the other end of the ballroom struck up a second time, this time starting in on a lively swing number.
?I love this kind of music,? Dorothy said, taking his hand. ?So, what about that dance??
Quatre?s eyes darted first to his hand, then to the table where Van and Heero, now joined by Vash, were sitting. ?I really can?t, Miss Dorothy.?
?Oh? You don?t know how? It?s very easy, I?m sure you?d pick it up in just a few-?
?It?s not that,? the CFO blurted out. ?I can?t. I really can?t dance?with you. As much as I want to.?
She dropped his hand and took a step back. ?Suit yourself, Mr. Winner.?
He watched her march towards the dance floor, alone - until she was swallowed up by the crowd. He sighed and forgot his plate, slowly making his way back to his friends.
<center>**************************************</center>
?Hey guys, you should see all the fun stuff they have here! There?s a booth where you can nominate someone, and then the rest of the people here vote on what they?re most likely-?
?Can it, Vash.?
Blond spikes turned in Van?s direction. ?Just because you?re miserable doesn?t mean we all are. Right guys? Guys??
Van could see his two other friends were enjoying this about as much as he was. Heero was scowling over a second glass of club soda and Quatre stared into space, seemingly oblivious to everything going on around him. Van couldn?t take it anymore. He picked up his glass.
?I?m going to get a refill. Any takers?? No one said a word.
He approached the bar, catching sight of captivating red and the woman wearing it. It was what he was hoping for. He had to talk to her, he had to say something?.
?Hitomi??
She turned her graceful neck slowly, regarding him only out of the corner of her eye. ?Van.?
Her hand rested on the bar?s wooden counter, waiting to pick up a glass. He reached out and covered it with his own.
?Please, Hitomi, just let me explain.?
She pulled away and whirled around to face him completely. ?I don?t need any explanation, Van. You?ve made yourself pretty clear without having to explain anything at all. I?m not stupid you know.?
?Hitomi, I never said-?
?I?ve had enough of you.?
?Hitomi.?
He could see the tears gathering in her eyes. He reached out again, but she backed away. ?Don?t come near me, don?t speak to me. I wouldn?t want to force you to do anything you didn?t want to do.?
He watched her go, for the second time that night. He thought that his heart had broken when Millerna left him. But now it seemed like nothing ? nothing in comparison with losing Hitomi.
<center>************************************</center>
Meryl watched Hitomi run off, her reporter?s mind painfully curious at what had transpired between the account executive and GLLC?s Vice President of Marketing. But from what Vash had told her about his friends, she could make a pretty good guess. The dark-haired woman moved towards the bar where Hitomi had last been, when she caught sight of Relena and Dorothy.
?Dorothy, I saw Hitomi run out,? Relena said, catching her friend by the arm. ?Would you please go to the ladies room and make sure she?s all right? I shouldn?t leave for more than a few minutes, but come back and get me if it?s something serious.?
The blond attorney nodded, brushing passed Meryl on her way.
?Is everything ok, Dorothy??
?I can?t say, Meryl. I have to go check on Hitomi.?
The reporter fell into step beside the taller young woman.
?I have a feeling what this is about, Dorothy. And I think there?s something you and Hitomi need to know.?
By Stella and the Black Rose
AN: All right, add one to the total chapter count. We cut ch 10 in half. Which means chapter 11 isn't too far behind, and really, we thought this was a better break.
Chapter 10
Morning light trickled in through the half-closed blinds of the office window behind her desk, giving the room a dull, gray appearance ? like the bright but hazy sky before a snowstorm. Relena shivered, trying to shake off the frost of her walk from the subway station, but the feeling was more than just the winter?s cold. The numbness had set in last night; with the ice in his stare, the way he spoke to her, his refusal. She heard the words over and over again.
?I can?t agree to it. And I won?t.?
She had wanted to tell him, but she had never been one to play on people?s sympathies. And now Relena had to wonder if knowing about her brother?s condition or her company?s problems would have made any difference to Heero Yuy at all. She stared at the latest, and still unsigned, draft of the PCC/GLLC contract that rested on her desk.
Heero. After everything she?d heard, how could she have thought that he?d actually agree? Well, she had hoped he would. The young VP slumped in her desk chair.
Heero. She wanted to stop thinking of him, she needed to ? but yet?
A memo faxed from Weiss caught her attention as her eyes drifted over the surface of her desk. Relena sat up straight, reading the typed words on the crisp white sheet. She reached for the phone, telling herself that she didn?t have time to dwell on her feelings, or Heero?s lack thereof. She had to get this matter resolved, and there was only one person left who could help her.
?Ran Fujimaya, please.?
?I?ll put you right through.? His secretary chirped out on the other end. After a few moments, his low, smooth voice interrupted the hold music. ?Ran.?
She took a deep breath. ?Hi.?
?Relena.?
?How are you??
She heard the clacking of keys and the shuffling of papers in the background. ?Busy.?
?Oh, if you need me to let you go??
?No. Don?t.?
Silence hung over the connection, and she felt the pang of that terrible emotion grab a tighter hold on her with each passing second. She glanced up at a gold-framed picture that sat by the phone of her and Milliardo as children, and her thoughts rushed to the girl who was in a similar set of circumstances. ?How?s your sister doing, Ran??
?As well as can be expected. Her treatments leave her weak, but the in-home care seems to be helping.?
Relena swallowed against the lump in her throat. ?Any word on?whether she?ll make it??
?Yeah. The doctors think she will.?
?Oh, that?s so great!?
?I owe a lot of it to you.?
?We?re helping each other.? Her eyes moved from the photograph and found the contract again. Suddenly the words on the paper blurred and she found herself choking back a sob.
?Relena, are you crying??
?I?I?m sorry, I don?t mean??
?Tell me.?
Her fist curled tightly around the pen she was holding as she paused to take a long, deep breath. ?You were right, Ran. All along. He?s?Gundanium refused.?
?We don?t need them, Relena.?
She wiped the moisture from her cheeks. ?I?But we?d??
?I?ll give Omi the go ahead, and we can have the final product to you Tuesday. We can make this work. Trust me.?
?Ran?I-?
?Relena, I?m holding a meeting in five minutes, I have to go. But I?ll see you on Saturday.?
?Oh!? She felt her lips curl into a genuine smile. ?Yes, of course. I?ll see you Saturday, then.? Relena hung up the receiver. She wiped at her eyes and then rested her chin on her palm while she paged through her daily planner. ?I totally forgot that we had a date??
?What?s that?? A voice cut into her musings. Relena sat up straight and turned to face the sound.
?Oh, Hitomi. I didn?t hear you come in.?
The marketing rep smiled as she moved towards the desk, letting the door close behind her. The panel drifted backwards, but flew open again with an abrupt bang.
?Sooooo, Heero Yuy asked you on a date after all? Does that mean he?s changed his mind??
Relena sighed. ?No. Actually, Dorothy, I have a date with Ran to the charity night-?
?RED?? The attorney grinned, taking a seat on the edge of her boss?s desk. ?My my, you sure don?t waste any time.?
?I?m glad you?re not mooning over Heero,? Hitomi said as she deposited a folder in Relena filing cabinet. ?He sounds like a jerk.?
The VP tapped a pen on a nearby stack of paperwork. ?Mr. Yuy and I have no relationship, never had one, never will have one. There?s nothing to moon over, Hitomi.?
?So,? Dorothy said, crossing her legs and turning to scrutinize the woman behind the desk, ?Did you find something completely low-cut and sexy to wear? Something that says ?I?m all yours, Red, take me here on this buffet table??? She questioned, raising an eyebrow and leaning back across the smooth wooden surface.
Relena stood up, glaring down at the woman sprawled over her files. ?Uh, no. I?m hosting a respectable charity event, not publicly displaying my personal assets.?
Dorothy sat up and then promptly hopped down from her perch. ?You?d probably get more donations that way.?
?No.?
?Something subtly sexy??
?To be honest, I haven?t had a chance to think about it, Dorothy.?
Hitomi?s head snapped around from her place by the filing cabinet. ?You don?t know what you?re wearing, yet??
Relena shook her head. ?No, I figure I can maybe go dress shopping tomorrow, or find something in my clos-?
Dorothy gasped.
?-et. What??
?You CAN?T go on a date with the sexiest computer geek alive in just something you find in your closet. We?re taking off now and going shopping.?
Relena stalked passed the attorney and took up a position next to Hitomi. ?Dorothy, I can?t. I have a conference call at-?
?We won?t take no for an answer.?
The brown-haired woman crossed her arms. ?We??
?Yes, you?re coming, too, Hitomi.?
She grinned.?Oh, good. Then I can cancel that meeting with that Farfello guy. He gives me the creeps.?
Dorothy made a face and nodded. ?Oh, eww, yeah. Skip that. You?re too busy.?
?Dorothy!?
?Relena! You don?t get a choice. I?m going to go back and sit in the middle of your desk and you won?t get any work done whether you stay here or not. So, you may as well make the most of your time by getting your shopping out of the way.?
The VP narrowed her eyes and pointed a chiding finger at her friend. ?I could fire you.?
Dorothy shrugged. ?You could, but you won?t.?
?Fine. Let me get my purse.?
<center>************************</center>
A sparse covering of snow sprinkled the Columbia University campus, as the wind gusted across the open courtyard. White powder settled and clung to the untouched grass and gathered in crevices of the weatherworn statues and stately brick window ledges. Vash shuffled through the administration building?s musty hallway and slowed as he passed a set of glass doors. The software tester stole a glance at the bleak outside and promptly turned on his heel, heading for the coffee cart in the lobby.
?What do you mean you won?t give me a double triple shot??
?Sir, I just think that?s a bit too much caffeine for one drink. I?m not even sure if it?s legal in this state.?
?Oh give me a break. This is New York. Just fill the cup, lady.?
Vash shook his head as he neared the source of the commotion. There was only one person in the world that would be having that conversation.
?Hey there, Van. Returning to your natural habitat??
Van sighed. ?Hardly. It?s more like an oasis in the desert of decaf and boring classes?? He shot a glare at the woman behind the counter, ?? and a crummy one at that.?
The cart attendant scowled and slid the large steaming cup across the countertop. Vash ordered a hot chocolate to go and took a quick sip, steeling himself for the trek across campus. ?Ready to brave the frozen tundra? I?m starved. How about the deli on 116th? ?
The marketing VP shrugged. ?Guess so.?
The two men buttoned up their coats, pulled on their gloves and pushed through doors. The winter air bit at their chapped skin, but Vash noticed the frigid temperatures were getting a bit easier to take. Could it be that he was getting used to this?
?What class did you have this morning? Modern Media?? The blond asked, clinging to the warmth of the styrofoam cup in his hands.
Van growled. ?No. International finance. I can?t believe that professor. He argued with me over the European economy, third world labor forces AND underground capitalist markets in communist countries. The man was a complete and total moron.?
?Just because he doesn?t agree with every statement you make doesn?t mean that he?s a moron,? Vash said.
?Yes it does.?
?Well, I don?t always agree with you.?
Van stopped in his tracks and turned to face the taller man. ?I fail to see your point, Vash. You?re the biggest moron I know.?
?From you, I?ll take that as a compliment. Maybe you should have more coffee now.?
Van narrowed his eyes as he took a sip, but the grim expression took a turn for the worse as he seemed to catch sight of something over Vash?s shoulder.
?Don?t look now, here comes his royal highness.?
The tester spun and craned his neck, noticing the approaching figures of Heero and Quatre. They emerged from the math and sciences building.
?Van, I?m just as upset about it as you are, but hating Heero forever isn?t going to fix it. Maybe if we give him some time, and then talk to him, we can still make this deal work with PCC.?
?It?s not that simple, Vash. Not anymore.?
?What do you mean??
Brown eyes darted away, turning towards the familiar pair of men joining their small huddle. ?Nevermind. Hey, Quatre.?
The shorter blond mustered a pleasant grin. ?Hi, Van.?
Vash fell into step behind his friends, grateful that Van at least was steering them all towards the deli.
?How was math class?? Van asked, directing his question only to Quatre while giving Heero a venomous glance out of the corner of his eye.
Quatre looked completely worn out. ?Not very productive. The professor spent most of the hour grilling us because he didn?t believe that Heero was Heero. After that he kept asking us questions about 7.2?s networking capabilities.?
Vash shuddered. ?Ugh. So you spent your advanced math class doing tech support??
?Basically,? Heero muttered.
?Aw, man, I?m sorry.?
Van huffed, seemingly not to be outdone by the company president and CFO. ?Well, it couldn?t have been as bad as my international finance class. You will not believe this professor??
Vash groaned silently and went to work searching for his headphones in the voluminous pockets of his red coat. Maybe, just maybe, if he turned the music up loud enough, it would drown out the sound of Van?s griping.
?? moron actually disagreed with me on European?? Vash?s finger found the play button, and finally, the welcome sound of an upbeat tune greeted his ears.
It?s the music that we choose? it?s the music that we choose?
The world is spinning too fast, I?m buying lead Nike shoes
To keep myself tethered to the days I try to lose?
The rapid beat moved him along, adding a bounce to his step. He shifted his heavy bag over both shoulders, freeing his arms to sway in time with the song while he half hummed/half sung the lyrics. Vash caught the looks of disapproval that Van and Heero were launching his way, but he couldn?t make himself care.
Keep a mild groove on ? there you go!
Get the cool! Get the cool shoeshine!
Day doo de bop?
The best part of the song! The four men melted into a larger crowd of people waiting on a crosswalk signal in the frosty New York afternoon. The tester dumped his heavy bag and cup on the sidewalk, giving himself over to the music as Heero, Van, and Quatre backed away and hid their faces in their hands. Vash swayed, he spun; he snapped his fingers and strutted around the small circle that had cleared to give him space.
Day doo de bop?
The signal changed and Vash knelt to retrieve the items he?d shed only moments before. Passersby stared at the tall blond, and as he scooped up his discarded cup in search of a trash can, they promptly began depositing their loose change in the empty styrofoam when they filed by. He blinked at the coins that clinked inside, then up at his patrons. ?Wha-? Um, thank you. I? Thanks a lot, ma?am. Uh??
?Nice show, sonny.? An older man smiled, throwing in a quarter before stepping out into the street. ?But I think your moves still need a little work.?
?Geez, mister, what do you want for twenty-five cents??
Vash raced to the corner to join his friends, only to notice they hadn?t moved at all. He sidled up to the company president, following the dark-haired man?s gaze across the street and stopping at the trio of young women emerging from a dress shop.
?It?s the PCC girls, boss.?
Heero?s mouth remained set in a thin line. ?I can see that, Vash.?
Blond spikes bobbed along with the tune still playing in his ears. ?We should go over and say hi.?
Heero stood still, his blue eyes obviously locked on Relena. Vash smirked.
There?s a monkey in the jungle, watching a vapor trail
Caught up in the conflict between his brain and his tail
?Aw, come on, boss. We could invite them to join us for lunch.?
?No,? Heero growled.
Quatre sighed heavily, his attention clearly fixed on Dorothy. Van glared at Vash, then stole another not-so-subtle glance at Hitomi from a distance. ?We should go home.?
?Too late for that.? Vash beamed. ?I think they?ve seen us.?
And if time?s elimination then we got nothing to lose.
Please repeat the message, it?s the music that we choose.
Vash pulled off his headphones, keeping one eye on his sorrowful group of buddies and the other on the approaching women. My friends, you have a choice to make, and I see I?m just going to have to make it for you. This is for your own good.
?PCC girls!? The tester rushed forward and enveloped all three ladies in a giant hug. ?How are you? I feel like it?s been forever since we?ve seen you!?
?We?ve been better, Mr. Vash.? Dorothy gasped, artfully disentangling herself from his hold. ?Though we can hardly hold it against you.? The flaxen-haired attorney?s icy stare flashed to a point beyond the man in the red coat and finally settled on?
?Heero?? Relena smoothed her rumpled jacket and looked up to meet the advancing software exec. Vash turned, noticing that his friend?s posture grew even more rigid, if that were possible. Heero froze in his position behind Vash and nodded coolly at the young woman. She bowed her head in response and kept her distance. Vash looked from one to the other and felt his mouth curve into a frown.
?Van!? Hitomi loosed herself and started towards the marketing VP, her eyes catching the smile spreading over her features. ?You hadn?t called, I was wondering what??
?Good afternoon, Miss Kanzaki,? Van bit out, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned to study something on the street behind him. Hitomi?s jaw slackened and her pace slowed.
?Van??
He appeared not to hear her ? or at least he was trying to appear that way, from what Vash could tell.
?Van!?
The dark-haired man finally spun around, this time addressing the young woman in a more frigid tone as Heero stared at the couple. ?Yes, Miss Kanzaki? Was there something further you needed to discuss with me??
Hitomi glared at him and crossed her arms. ?No, Mr. Fanel. I guess there isn?t.?
Vash watched Hitomi retreat back towards the other ladies and scowled in Van?s direction, then looked back at the girls. Dorothy was smiling at Quatre while the CFO avoided meeting her gaze, practically hiding behind Heero. This was turning into a disaster ? and fast. He had to do something.
?So, what brings you lovely ladies to this part of town on such a fine winter afternoon?? Vash plastered on his biggest grin and moved between the women and his friends.
?I needed a dress for a charity event that PCC is hosting tomorrow evening. It?s silent auction and casino night to benefit cancer patients,? Relena said. Vash saw her steal a quick glance over his shoulder at Heero.
All hope is not lost. But what is with those guys?
?Well, that sounds like it?ll be a good time. I hope it?s a big success.? The tester smiled, curling his arms around the women again in an attempt to herd them in the opposite direction.
?I hope so.? Relena smiled back as they walked. ?Actually, Mr. Vash, I had an invitation sent to your apartment. We?d hoped that you all would be able to join us. We still do.?
Perfect.
?Oh, you can count me in, Miss Relena. I can?t say no to a charity!?
Dorothy looked up at the tall blond. ?We knew we liked you, Mr. Vash. Can?t say as much for your three partners back there.?
Hitomi gasped. ?Dorothy!?
?Well, is there a reason that they have to act like jerks or does it just come naturally??
?That?s enough, Dorothy. Please.? Relena cut in.
?Listen, ladies,? Vash pleaded, waiting at the crosswalk with the women. He could feel his friends? eyes boring into him from a distance as he moved away with the PCC girls. ?I?m not going to make excuses for them, I?m not going to tell you to just forget about it, but I am going to ask you ? please, just give them one more chance? If I can get them to come to the party ? please??
?Do you think you can get Van to come with you?? Hitomi asked.
?They?d be crazy not to, and miss you three all dolled up! Besides, they all have a soft spot for a good cause ? even the grump twins back there.?
The women laughed as the signal changed and hugged him, of their own volition this time, and started back across the street. The tester spun around, coming face to face with?
?Vash! Just what the hell was that all about?? Van growled.
Vash shook his head. ?I should be asking you three what the hell you were doing back there. Those girls can still be our friends, even if the business stuff didn?t work out. Geez. So, I think the least we can do is go to that party.?
?Absolutely not.?
?Come on, Heero. It?s for charity.?
?Charity is your department, Vash. Do what you want. Hope you have enough allowance leftover to rent your tux.?
?Well, I think considering the event, maybe GLLC could make a small donation,? Quatre said.
?I could do with some catered food.? Van shrugged. ?The steady diet of leftover takeout and tv dinners is getting to me.?
?My thoughts exactly,? Vash said. ?So, come on, Heero. What do you say??
?Is there any chance of you shutting up until I agree??
Vash tapped his chin. ?Uh? nope. None whatsoever.?
Blue eyes flashed up at him. ?Fine.?
?You mean it??
?You heard me.?
?Loud and clear. You won?t regret it, boss. I think we?re going to have a great time!?
<center>*********************</center>
Saturday Night
Ballroom
Van?s anxiety to see Hitomi soured quickly as soon as they stepped through the door. Happy couples chattered nearby until the doorman called for their attention to announce the GLLC partner?s arrival. Several frosty glares were shot in their direction. His shoulders hitched into knots, and he leaned over to the person nearest him. Of all the luck, it happened to be Vash. ?Will someone just shoot me now??
?Hey, this is New York City. Be careful what you wish for.?
Van grimaced at his friend?s reply as the four men descended into a brightly-lit ballroom. A golden glow radiated from their surroundings, reflecting off of the tall windows, polished tiles and the brass staircase that swooped and curled into the low hum of clinking glasses and pleasant conversation. Buffet tables lined the walls, linens draped to match the large ?PCC First Annual Charity Casino Night? that hung over the still-empty dance floor. The small group of software moguls reached the lower level and stopped to take in the rest of the sights and?
Quatre spoke up. ?Is that Allen Schezar??
Van?s eyes shot over to the bar in the far corner. A tall man with long blond hair smiled and sipped a martini while a pair of very well dressed, very well endowed women in sequined evening gowns fawned over him. The marketing VP set his jaw and felt his temperature rise in the confines of his black Armani suit. ?Yeah, that?s him.?
?Forget about it, Van,? Heero said. The CEO turned his attention to a different side of the room. Van sought out a different focal point as well, until he felt Vash tap him on the shoulder.
?I think he?s coming over here.?
Van let out an agitated puff of air. ?So??
?And? I think he has on the same tux that you do.?
?What?? He glanced down, inspecting the expensive Italian suit. He glared across the room, then back at his clothes, trying to compare.
?How can you tell?? Quatre asked. ?Tuxedos all look the same to me.?
?It?s got the same little flippy thing in the lapel, with the fabric? and the??
?Will you shut up?? Van spat at the tester. ?I don?t care if he?s wearing the same suit.? He straightened his posture and crossed his arms. ?Besides, I look better in it.?
?You think?? Vash teased. ?What do you think, Heero??
?Hn. I?m going to get a club soda?
Quatre examined his own suit. ?I never did like tuxedoes.?
The marketing VP grabbed the taller blond by a shirt collar. ?This is all your fault, Vash.?
?I?m so glad that you could make it!?
Van lost his grip and spun around, his gaze seeking out the person who?d spoken the words. His entire body froze. He couldn?t move. He couldn?t take his eyes off of her. Hitomi.
He was only faintly aware of the low buzz in his ears; of Vash returning the greeting and saying hello to Relena, and answering her when she asked about Heero?s whereabouts; of Quatre commenting on how kind the invitation was and how they were happy to be here and for such a good cause. Relena said something in reply. Hitomi took a step forward and smiled.
Her dress was red, hugging tightly to the curves of her upper body before flaring out at the waist in gentle, sheer fabrics that stopped above her knees. The light from the crystal chandeliers danced in her short, light brown hair and dripped from the gold earrings in her ears.
Ruby lips started moving, and it took Van a few moments to realize she was speaking to him.
?How are you, Van??
?Hm? What?s that??
She moved towards him, and he stepped back in time with her advance. After several paces, the account executive had been unable to close much of the distance between them.
?Is something wrong? Van, if something is the matter, won?t you just tell me? Please don?t keep running away, or acting like I don?t exist. Van??
?I don?t have a choice, Hitomi.? He knew he regretted the words as soon as they passed his lips, even if he wasn?t quite sure what he meant by them.
?A choice?? She moved again and finally gained some ground. ?Van, I don?t understand. What?s that supposed to-?
?Van Fanel. You?re a long way from home, aren?t you??
His voice was the sound of nails on a chalkboard. Van turned a black look toward the interruption. ?What do you want, Schezar??
?Just wanted to come over and say hello. It?s the gentlemanly thing to do. And I don?t think I?ve had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful young lady.?
Hitomi?s uncertain gaze stayed for a brief second on Van until turning to the new arrival. ?Hitomi. Hitomi Kanzaki.?
The blond man grinned widely and stooped to kiss her hand. ?Why of course! Miss Kanzaki ? we?ve met before. Please forgive me. You?re even lovelier than the last time I saw you.?
A slight flush spread over the young woman?s cheeks and warmed her exposed shoulders. Van scowled.
?Why thank you, Mr. Schezar.?
?Allen, please.?
Hitomi giggled. ?Allen.?
Van?s nostrils flared when the taller man offered his arm. ?I think the band is starting up. Would you care to dance??
She bit her lip, once again glancing back at Van. He looked away.
She turned to Allen. ?I?d love to.?
The couple started off, and Allen?s ice blue eyes glinted back at Van as he seethed alone. Schezar laughed. ?It was good seeing you, again, Van. Oh, and nice tux, by the way.?
<center>***********************************</center>
Quatre bit his lip as he searched the group for his friends. He saw Van in the corner looking like he might try to drown himself in the glass of water he held in front of him. The CFO started off in his direction.
?Van, are you alright??
?Leave me alone, Quatre.?
The blond hung his head, a twinge of guilt seeping into his chest. ?I?m sorry. I didn?t think when I said it. I?m sure the last person you wanted to see was Allen Schezar.?
Van sucked in a deep breath and shook his head. ?No, it?s all right. He would have found me anyway. At least I had a few seconds to prepare myself.?
Quatre nodded slowly and turned to scan the room. He stopped at a heavily laden buffet table. ?Are you hungry??
?No, not really. Schezar made me lose my appetite. I think I?ll go sit down and get another mineral water and try to imagine it?s scotch.?
?Ok, well I?ll tell Heero where to find you and I?ll be over in a few minutes.?
The CFO wove his way through the maze of tables, guests and carts. His eyes flew to the dance floor again and again. They roved over the upper and lower levels of the massive room, but he still hadn?t seen her. But did it really matter? What would he say to her even if he did?
?Would you care to dance, Mr. Winner??
The financial officer nearly dropped his glass of punch. ?Miss Dorothy!?
?I?d hoped that I would see you here tonight.? She sidled up next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, which migrated downward to toy with the flower in his lapel. ?I?ve missed your company.? She smiled. ?I never did get to tell you what a wonderful time I had last weekend.?
?I had a nice time, too, Miss Dorothy.? Quatre gulped, distracted by her proximity. ?You look?? He caught a glimpse of her strapless blue gown as it brushed against the floor, revealing a dangerous amount of her legs through the high slits in either side. The CFO swallowed again. ??very nice this evening.?
?Why thank you. As do you. Some men are just born to wear tuxes. I think you?re one of them.?
?Oh. Well, uh, thank you. I??
The jazz band at the other end of the ballroom struck up a second time, this time starting in on a lively swing number.
?I love this kind of music,? Dorothy said, taking his hand. ?So, what about that dance??
Quatre?s eyes darted first to his hand, then to the table where Van and Heero, now joined by Vash, were sitting. ?I really can?t, Miss Dorothy.?
?Oh? You don?t know how? It?s very easy, I?m sure you?d pick it up in just a few-?
?It?s not that,? the CFO blurted out. ?I can?t. I really can?t dance?with you. As much as I want to.?
She dropped his hand and took a step back. ?Suit yourself, Mr. Winner.?
He watched her march towards the dance floor, alone - until she was swallowed up by the crowd. He sighed and forgot his plate, slowly making his way back to his friends.
<center>**************************************</center>
?Hey guys, you should see all the fun stuff they have here! There?s a booth where you can nominate someone, and then the rest of the people here vote on what they?re most likely-?
?Can it, Vash.?
Blond spikes turned in Van?s direction. ?Just because you?re miserable doesn?t mean we all are. Right guys? Guys??
Van could see his two other friends were enjoying this about as much as he was. Heero was scowling over a second glass of club soda and Quatre stared into space, seemingly oblivious to everything going on around him. Van couldn?t take it anymore. He picked up his glass.
?I?m going to get a refill. Any takers?? No one said a word.
He approached the bar, catching sight of captivating red and the woman wearing it. It was what he was hoping for. He had to talk to her, he had to say something?.
?Hitomi??
She turned her graceful neck slowly, regarding him only out of the corner of her eye. ?Van.?
Her hand rested on the bar?s wooden counter, waiting to pick up a glass. He reached out and covered it with his own.
?Please, Hitomi, just let me explain.?
She pulled away and whirled around to face him completely. ?I don?t need any explanation, Van. You?ve made yourself pretty clear without having to explain anything at all. I?m not stupid you know.?
?Hitomi, I never said-?
?I?ve had enough of you.?
?Hitomi.?
He could see the tears gathering in her eyes. He reached out again, but she backed away. ?Don?t come near me, don?t speak to me. I wouldn?t want to force you to do anything you didn?t want to do.?
He watched her go, for the second time that night. He thought that his heart had broken when Millerna left him. But now it seemed like nothing ? nothing in comparison with losing Hitomi.
<center>************************************</center>
Meryl watched Hitomi run off, her reporter?s mind painfully curious at what had transpired between the account executive and GLLC?s Vice President of Marketing. But from what Vash had told her about his friends, she could make a pretty good guess. The dark-haired woman moved towards the bar where Hitomi had last been, when she caught sight of Relena and Dorothy.
?Dorothy, I saw Hitomi run out,? Relena said, catching her friend by the arm. ?Would you please go to the ladies room and make sure she?s all right? I shouldn?t leave for more than a few minutes, but come back and get me if it?s something serious.?
The blond attorney nodded, brushing passed Meryl on her way.
?Is everything ok, Dorothy??
?I can?t say, Meryl. I have to go check on Hitomi.?
The reporter fell into step beside the taller young woman.
?I have a feeling what this is about, Dorothy. And I think there?s something you and Hitomi need to know.?
I couldnt stop grinning when you introduced Allen into the mix and I especially liked when Van saw Hitomi in her dress.