Chapter Ten Dream, a little dream

"Sally! It’s so great to see you, again!" Noin cried rushing down the stairs wrapping the Major in a bear hug. "I’ve got so much to talk to you, about." She continued no so subtly dropping a hint to Wufei. He grunted before striding ahead and opening the door for them as they dashed out of the rain. The two were quickly settled in the study where Noin immediately launched into her story the minute Wufei disappeared.

"I’ve waited for him. Believed in him, but will he just give me up without even a fight? Would he just let me go and forget all about me?" She asked her tone begging Sally for some great insight into her problem. Sally smiled evilly as she leaned forward in her seat lowering her voice slightly.

"I know exactly how you feel. Wufei’s the same. It seems that over the years since he became my partner I’ve been there for him. Don’t get me wrong, there have been times where I’ve needed someone to cry on and he had a shoulder ready. But I’ve waited forever for him to grow up and really see me. Maybe, a leave of absence would be wise." She suggested her blue eyes glittering.

"Just to see if they would come after us, of course." Noin added her eyes glimmering with the idea. "Zechs already knows something is wrong. I wouldn’t be surprised if he called soon. How long were you thinking of disappearing?"

"A week, minimum. It’ll give us some time to go shopping and do a little sightseeing. In fact, we could drop by Relena’s. I heard she actually shot Heero…"

"You’re kidding… Tell me you’re kidding! Relena? With a gun? That’s just scary!" Noin exclaimed interrupting Sally. (1) Wufei closed the adjoining door processing the information. Does Sally really think I don’t notice her? How can I notice my loud-mouthed gossiping gorgeous onna?! Zechs should know and Maxwell. His onna started all of this! He pushed away from the door starting down the hallway before mentally slapped himself as his own thoughts came back to smack him in his face, screaming for attention. I didn’t call her my onna… Did I? My gorgeous onna… Argh!!! Woman, why do they make everything so complicated!!!

Hilde traced the soap residue on the side of the sink her thoughts wandering. I wonder what’s Duo doing right now? He just took off after as soon as we got home.

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"You promise you won’t leave while I’m gone?" He asked again poking his back inside the house.

"I promise I won’t leave for the hundredth time, Duo Maxwell!" She yelled from the kitchen where she was starting on ‘her’ dinner.

"If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate!" He replied yelling back the familiar saying. She remained stony-faced glaring at the frying pan as the door clicked shut behind him. She quickly checked the door making sure it was locked before she turned the video-call back around.

"Relena?" She asked making sure the former Queen, was actually there before she continued. "Are the plans all set?"

"Yes, I made sure…" Relena trailed off at the slashing motion Hilde made across her neck.

"Do you really trust Heero after we disappeared like that not to keep tabs on your calls?" She asked. Relena hung her head slightly.

"I know and I really want to go shopping without a thousand bodyguards but I’m sure he’d be okay with it if at least Trowa or Quatre came. They are ex-Gundam fighters." She pointed out.

"You might be able to convince him but your brother?" She asked pointedly herself.

"You’re right." She let out a sigh as she propped herself up on her elbows. "I’ll call you afterwards." Relena said starting to draw the conversation to a close.

"After what?"

"Another stuffy ball, with rude old men that want to dance until you’re blue in the face." She sighed before reaching for the mouse. "Duty calls." The screen flickered out and Hilde smiled.

So, everything’s all clear for Operation Strike.

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The door opened and Hilde paused mid-bite as Duo appeared in the doorway, grinning proudly. Her tone was crisp and her words no more than the bare necessities. "Door?" His face lost a bit of its joyfulness as he plopped down in the chair across from her. His braid was disheveled; hunks of his chestnut hair falling out giving him a relaxed and setback look.

"It’s locked." She turned her attention back to the salad her entire posture screaming she was still upset at him. "I got you something." He added almost timidly. So, he’s trying to buy me out, is he? Well, it won’t work Duo Maxwell!

He slid a small brown wrapped packaged across the table studying her expectedly. She sighed before slipping a fingernail under the seal wondering if she should throw it at him or in the trash. A glimmer of black and purple aroused her curiosity though she kept it off her face. Soon, with a slowness that tempted the God of Death to snatch the package from her and rip it open, it was unwrapped revealing a picture frame with a black background with violet swirled into it.

A grinning Duo and a smiling Hilde gazed up at her. He had his arm draped around her shoulders hugging the raven haired girl closer to him. He was wearing his customary black, but the priest’s collar was absent from his neck. The huge bulky purple sweater she was wearing matched the violet swirls in the frame and brought out the blue-black highlights of her hair. Her face was slightly cocked to the side and they both appeared to be the very picture of happiness. She ran a fingernail across the grinning Duo her face softening as she did so and her resolve crumbling underneath her.

He almost groaned when the barrier snapped back up in her cornflower blue eyes. What shocked him even more was the faint glimmer of tears in her eyes as she continued to stare at the picture unblinkingly. Her fingers kept tracing the outline of his jaw as one of the tears splattered on the glass frame.

She was wrapped in his arms in an instant and found herself almost enjoying the feel of his warmth wrapped around her. His hand stroked her hair as the tears continued to fall. She burrowed into her chest trying to block the image of herself and Duo. We used to be cheerful, all the time. Now it seems all we do is argue and bicker. Oh, Duo what happened? When did we start drifting apart? Can I stop it? Can I bring back that couple? Is there anything I can do to draw us back together? Her tears started to subside as options swirled around in her head. It might work. If I could get him riled enough to take action, that doesn’t include duct tape, I might be able to bring back my Duo.

"Babe, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry, only cheer you up." He whispered into the short tendrils of her hair. She tilted her head up smiling at him through the dried tear tracks. You have no idea what you’re in for do you, Duo? His eyes followed her movements as she gracefully moved about the kitchen throwing away the trash before she set the picture on the kitchen windowsill above the sink. It really is a nice picture. This is for our own good… He watched in horror as her entire posture changed from warm and inviting to cold and aloof.

"Don’t think, this takes you off the hook, Maxwell." She said as she passed by him. He flashed her a pair of pleading eyes as he followed after her.

"You didn’t like the picture?"

"I never said I didn’t like it. It still doesn’t change the matter at hand."

"Matter at hand?" His brow wrinkled up in confusion.

"I’m still mad at you!" The wood paneling of the door leading to her room raced up to greet his face as she kicked it shut behind her. He heard the distinct click of a lock as he blinked staring at the dark brown stained door. (2) What is she doing? She knows I can pick her lock in my sleep… I wonder what she thinks about in her sleep. An almost feral grin appeared on his face. "Lets, see exactly what you dream about, babe." He whispered to the door.

Zechs annoyingly switched on the call as his computer beeped loudly at him startling him from his thoughts. Mostly ideas of severe threats if Relena ever tried to run off again. Wufei’s face appeared his brow wrinkled in frustration.

"Your woman is planning on leaving." He stated abruptly. Zechs blinked in disbelief before cutting off the channel.

"I always knew that boy would snap one of these days." He muttered to himself. The computer beeped again but he just ignored it turning back to the stack of paper, Relena temporarily forgotten.

Duo stealthily crept to her door, the slender fingers showing off his dexterity at his midnight activity. He noiselessly swung open the door before silently moving to her bed. The blanket had been kicked halfway to side, revealing the huge baggy nightshirt she wore but her legs were tangled up in the thick material. The bluish-black tendrils surrounded her head like a halo contrasted by the pristine white of the pillowcase. One hand was sprawled across the bed leaving the other close to her chest the hand coming up to cup her cheek. Her long eyelashes formed dark half moons over her smooth pale cheeks, fluttering slightly as he leaned over her slumbering form.

She smiled softly the very picture of child-like innocence as the artificial moonlight of L2 played across her face. He tentatively snagged his braid brushing the tip over her face, suddenly desiring an answer to his questions, even if it was the middle of the night. He continued to dust her gently facial features with the soft ends of his hair, hoping she wouldn’t blast him with words when she did wake up.

Instead she turned, moving further into the sheets, on to her side bringing both arms up to her chest before sighing contently. The collar of her nightshirt slipped down her right shoulder revealing the creamy texture of her bare skin. He ran the braid tip further down caressing the warm flesh and causing her to mutter the smile growing sweeter, something he wouldn’t have believed was possible if he hadn’t seen it with his own two eyes. Encouraged by her unconscious response, after all he was a male. (this is not a lemon! Look at the rating!)

He moved the braid back up to her face as his other hand brushed against the side of her neck. She turned toward him moaning something incoherent but louder. He grinned, devilishly pressing his own lips against her neck and starting a trail of kisses up to her lips. She licked her lips murmuring her consent and tilting her head back to give him further access. "Ohh… Wufei." He froze the grin dissipating in a blink of an eye.

"WHAT? THAT LECTURING JUSTICE RANTING CHINESE FREAK??!!!"

Eyelashes sprung open to reveal mischievously shinning cornflower blue eyes as she unsuccessfully fought down giggles. He blinked too shocked to comprehend the bright flash and click of a camera. She knew the minute the shock left his system. Glaring down at her through thin slits of cobalt blue the God of Death made her seriously reconsider all her plans. Especially, if the look on his face was any sign of what he was going to dish out in return.

Relena finally captured the troublesome tendril of golden-brown hair holding it firmly between her fingers.

"If you don’t behave I’ll be force to cut you off…" She threatened the stubborn strands. It almost seemed to taunt her daring her to cut off the silky and mule-headed lock. The former Queen viciously tackled the tendril bringing hair spray, gel, curling iron, and clips into the war. When she was finally satisfied that the reflection gazing back at her looked half-decent the pacifist started down the back staircase wondering why she even attempted the elaborate but complicated hairstyle. Even though she quietly slipped in through the back exit of the cathedral sized room, trying her hardest not to draw attention, two Prussian eyes immediately turned in her direction.

Her resolve returned as his eyes skimmed over her. Straightening her back and lifting her chin before the former Vice Foreign Minister strode forward with the effortless grace that surrounded her during a public appearance, giving off a regal bearing. He was the reason she had slaved over the thick mass, everyone called hair, but she was convinced a possessed hairball had taken over hers. Instinctively starting his way, the red fabric made a swishing noise as she wove her way past bright pastel gowns paired with expensive dark suits.

She was almost to where he was casually leaned against the wall giving him an unhindered view of the huge room, when someone cleared his throat as that person fell into step beside her. She stopped, tilting her head up to glance at her tall companion. His thick red hair framed two dark brown eyes set above ruggedly handsome features. He’s almost the exact opposite of Heero… She thought smiling gently at him, before mentally comparing him to Heero.

Warm brown eyes unlike the fierce chilling blue of Heero’s. His hair was styled and it looked like he spent more time on his than she had on hers. But appearances can be deceiving, no one could have spent as much time as I did in front of that mirror. The dark chocolate hair Heero grew never looked neat. His bangs looked like they’d never seen a comb before in their life, but she had to admit she did find it fascinating.

If she stood them shoulder to shoulder, she was positive he had to be at least a head and a half taller than the glaring Japanese male. I doubt he ever glares. He’s probably a lot like Quatre. A real gentleman, he’s perfect. Her smile grew wider since she was content in the knowledge that the one minor detail that had been missing in her plan had just wandered into her hands.

A.N- (1) I know, I know. They sound like a bunch of gossiping old ladies but I had to spread the news of the strike somehow… (2) Stained- it’s kinda like paint but it’s for woods keeping the appearance of wood design. It helps bring out the rings, darkens or lightens (depending on type chosen) the grain, and helps to protect the surface. Finally! *Punches fist in air* I‘ve been waiting to write that section with Hilde’s small bit of revenge ever since I originally thought up the plot! I’d continue to add on to this chapter with Catherine and Trowa but I’ve been dreadfully neglecting Changing the Devil, so I’m off to work on that! Hopefully, that is… I hope you liked this one. Mostly Hilde and Duo though… What did you think? Not bad enough? Remember, she’s still got that photo…

Review! And when you do, I’m holding a vote for the Trowa pairing. I can both ways. Catherine or Middi Une. This will effect the sequel drastically!!!! Hint:hint…