Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Dawn -- Revised ❯ 4 ( Chapter 5 )

I make no claim to any of the Gundam Wing characters. This story is written for my, and hopefully others' enjoyment and not for monetary profit. A huge thanks to Diane and Anasazi for the beta.

Beautiful Dawn

by Michalyn

Part Four

Milliardo toed off his shoes and dropped his keys on the table. Rifling through his mail, he found a bunch of coupons, two bills and a picture from Relena, with a note attached. The photograph was of a recent trip to Cancun and in it Relena was all smiles. The little square pasted on the corner read:

Having lots of fun! Wish you were here!

Love, Lena

Milliardo smiled. Well, it certainly seemed she was settling in all right.

While she was in high school, his sister had lived with their Aunt April and Uncle Tom. The couple had adopted them after their parents' death and both Milliardo and Relena thought of them as "Mom and Dad." It was especially true for Relena who had been too young to remember the accident. This summer, however, she had graduated and now lived in Boston with her boyfriend. Harry was a soft-spoken, coffee-skinned chemist who shared Relena's passion for politics. He and Milliardo had met a few times and they got on splendidly.

As much as Milliardo was glad his sister was making the most of her new independence, he had to admit, he missed having her around; she was always such a spot of sunshine, no matter what the day was like. His lips quirked: that sunshine would have been great yesterday after his encounter with Heero. Milliardo still hadn't figured out where he went wrong.

Grabbing an apple on his way past the kitchen, Milliardo logged into his computer. He hoped Relena was online. He was still getting used to the idea of his sister as a grown woman and couldn't imagine telling her about his love life but Milliardo knew just hearing her voice would make him smile.

He didn't have to wait long. He had just finished checking his email, when a little message box flashed on the toolbar. It was Harry, however, and not Relena who greeted him on the fuzzy web camera display. Milliardo adjusted his microphone.

"Hey Harry, how's it going?"

"All right ... you?"

"Not the best in the world but pretty good. Are you in class yet?"

Harry nodded, "Lena and I started this week."

"Hun, who're you talking to?" Behind Harry, Milliardo caught a flash of rumpled hem and below it, a round, feminine thigh.

"Was that my sister?"

Harry froze. He looked over his shoulder and winced, "Um ... yeah."

Milliardo chuckled, "Should I even bother to ask why she's half naked?"

"Well you see, um...." the younger man seemed just about ready to bolt and Milliardo couldn't help smiling.

" It's all right, Harry, I won't interfere. I'm sure you both are smart enough to be responsible about sex." He leaned forward to peer directly at Harry, "Right?"

"Uh ... yeah ... um ... lemme get 'Lena."

"Baby, I said who're you-- Oh hey, Mil,"

A young woman came into view, her honey blonde hair swinging about her ears in a fashionable bob. Relena nudged Harry out of the way and peered into the camera. She was wearing just the oversized tee shirt and as she bent forward, her full breasts swayed beneath the thin cotton, obviously unhindered. "What're you doing home so early?" Relena looked from Milliardo to Harry. She frowned. "Mil, were you giving one of your 'lectures' again?"

Milliardo pressed a hand to the bridge of his nose. When the hell had his pigtailed, little sister blossomed into this vixen?

"Relena, Mary-Ann Peacecraft, would you take pity on your poor brother and kindly put some clothes on?" He was glad Relena was adjusting well and he was perfectly happy to support his sister, but there were some things a big brother just did not want to see.

Besides.... Milliardo hated to admit it, but it seemed all the people in his life were moving on faster than he could ever catch up with them. Though Treize would surely deny it, their relationship had not been the same since he met Wufei. As for love.... Milliardo did not even want to think about his last relationship -- and if yesterday's incident was any indication, he certainly was not making any progress in that area.

"--And no I was not lecturing. I was merely telling Harry.... "

Relena raised an eyebrow.

Milliardo raised his palms in surrender. He grinned, "All right, all right, I get the point. What have you been up to? I just got the photo from Cancun today."

"Really? That was pretty quick." Relena tucked her hair behind her ears, "I'm doing okay. My classes seem fine and I have Harry to help me with everything else, so I don't feel nearly as lost as I would have otherwise. I can only imagine how difficult it would be without him."

Relena leaned over to kiss her boyfriend but Milliardo barely noticed. He was thinking of Heero and how different his experience must have been to his sister's. They were both starting college for the first time but as far as Milliardo could tell, Heero had no friends and he hadn't mentioned anything about family in the area. No wonder he was so skittish; he hadn't given the poor guy a chance to find his bearings.

Milliardo was sure if he introduced Heero to his friends they would welcome him. At least in terms of work habits, Wufei especially seemed to have a lot in common with Heero, and Treize, Quatre and Trowa always enjoyed meeting new people. The question was, could he get Heero to come near him again after yesterday's fiasco?

"--think he'd at least pay attention." Relena's dry tone drifted over the speakers.

"Sorry, got lost there for a second."

"It's okay. I was asking: What about your love life? Any recent developments?"

Milliardo thought of Heero somewhat wistfully, "No ... not really...."

"Not really? " Relena frowned, "Mil, I know Duo was a big part of your life, but at some point you have to move on. You're a great guy. If you'd just get out a little you'd realize there are plenty other wonderful men out there -- and they'd be more than happy to get to know you."

Milliardo rubbed at the bridge of his nose, "I do get out...."

"When was the last time you had a date?"

"I...."

Behind him, he could hear the phone ringing and never was Milliardo more grateful. He looked at his watch, "Is it six already? Sorry, Relena, that's probably Treize calling. I'm supposed to meet him and Wufei for dinner in a few minutes."

To make up for the missed coffee session, Treize and Wufei had invited him to dinner. Tonight, Wufei was chef and Milliardo was sure the meal would be delicious. Wufei was an excellent cook and his creations never failed to delight. He had, however, mentioned needing to pick up some specific ingredients first, so instead of driving to their house, Treize and Wufei had offered to pick up Milliardo on the way to the supermarket.

"No prob, Mil." She shot him a meaningful look, "You're off the hook for now, but don't think I'll forget about this."

Milliardo smiled, " I know. Love you."

"You too... Tell the guys I said hello okay?"

"I will."

Milliardo waited for Relena to log off and then hurried to the phone with a smile. Good food, good wine and even better company: perhaps that was just what he needed to put things in perspective.

*

"Treize, I'm telling you, he is exquisite."

"'Exquisite'?" Treize glanced at Milliardo through the rearview mirror, "That's quite a change from the disillusioned man I spoke to last week."

Milliardo sighed from the back seat, "You just have to kick a man while he's down, don't you?"

"Sorry, Mil " Treize chuckled. He glanced over at Wufei, "Is it this way, darling?"

Wufei nodded, "The supermarket should be coming up on your left, on Hamilton Drive. Milliardo, do you think it's serious between you and this Heero?"

"I can't say so since I've only just met him ... but I think I want it to be."

Treize looked startled, "I didn't realize things had progressed so quickly. It's been a long time since I've heard you talk like that."

"Honestly Treize, I couldn't say if they have progressed at all. In fact, it's safe to say they went rather badly. I invited him to coffee the other day and I made total mess of the situation. I wouldn't be surprised if he never wanted to see me again. I've tried telling myself it wasn't meant to be, but damn it, I just can't shake this feeling...." Milliardo shook his head. "Do you know what I mean or have I completely lost it?"

"Of course I do. Sometimes you know when something's right." Treize reached over to squeeze Wufei's hand.

"Hmm...."

Treize smiled, "Come on, man, don't tell me you're giving up that easily? When are you going to see Heero next?"

Milliardo shook his head, "Did I not just speak of the utter disaster that was our first meeting? It's rather pointless what I want if Heero isn't willing."

Wufei glanced over his shoulder, "but is he unwilling? I'm afraid I didn't quite get a sense of what happened. You messed up, but why is it the end of the world? Talk to him."

Treize nodded, "I agree with Wufei. This hesitation is unlike you, Milliardo. Perhaps you're the one who isn't truly willing?"

"I am willing," Milliardo frowned, "I've just learned to be more careful...."

"Good -- excellent even -- but don't let your caution turn to cowardice, eh, Mil?" Treize raised an eyebrow.

He made the turn and they found themselves at a supermarket specializing in Asian food and spices. It was part of the local strip mall and was neighbor to a bank and a thrift store. Treize pulled into a parking spot and they walked past the rows of shopping carts toward the storefront where neon green, pink and yellow posters announcing the week's specials were pasted on the glass. There was a 'bargain tray' of miscellaneous items on the pavement just outside the main entrance and an elderly lady with a wide-brimmed straw hat was rummaging idly through it.

"This is nice, Wufei," Milliardo peered at the overhead sign with its fat, black and red Chinese letters, "Any idea what that says? It seems so wonderfully esoteric."

Wufei looked up and laughed, "Not so esoteric. It just says: 'Huang's Grocery'."

"Besides, Einstein, it's written over there in English," Treize jerked his thumb at the awning above the automatic doors.

"You know, you're really becoming a nuisance. Did I ask for your input?"

Treize grinned, "Well, I could see you needed my help." He patted Milliardo on the shoulder, "Seriously, though, tell me, what can we do to help? I for one will be happy to see you getting back out there and dating again. "

Wufei nodded, " I would like to meet Heero as well. Perhaps we can invite him to dinner sometime?"

Milliardo released a breath he was not aware he had been holding, "I-- that would be wonderful. Truthfully, I wanted to ask, but I didn't want to be presumptuous."

"Presumptuous?" Treize's expression darkened, "We are best friends, Milliardo. When has that ever been an issue?"

"I know. It's not an issue. It's just lately--" Milliardo glanced at Wufei, who was listening to them with interest. "You are right ... I was being a fool."

Wufei looked from him to Treize. An emotion somewhere between suprise and hurt crossed his features before it was swiftly concealed. He lowered his head, "I'll grab a basket."

"Love?" Treize followed Wufei while Milliardo trailed guiltily behind them, cursing his wayward tongue. When the hell would he learn to keep his mouth shut? He admitted to feeling a little "slighted" by Treize of late, but Milliardo genuinely liked Wufei and considered him a good friend. The issue was between himself and Treize. The last thing he meant to do was hurt Wufei's feelings.

Milliardo sighed. He had caused enough damage for one night. Best to try to make up for it and enjoy the evening. He and Treize however, would have to have a talk very soon.

*

Milliardo peered at the vegetables on display, "Still not seeing any ginger...."

In the interest of saving time, he, Treize and Wufei had split up, each to find a share of the ingredients. So far however, this was his second time in the vegetable aisle and he was still empty-handed. Milliardo scratched his head. He was sure he had followed Wufei's directions; now why couldn't he find the damn ginger? It was almost becoming a habit with him these days. First the library and now this? Milliardo frowned. Was he that distracted?

"Now, did he say he'd be in the dairy section or was he going to get the rice...?" Milliardo looked around, hoping to spot Treize or Wufei but neither was in sight. He wondered if he should admit defeat and go find them, or if it was worth giving it one last look. Moving past the refrigerated greens, Milliardo wandered in search of an attendant.

A young man was kneeling on the floor, stacking spices onto a nearby shelf and Milliardo headed towards him. As he came closer, Milliardo couldn't help thinking there was something about the shape of his head and the way his hair was ruffled at the crown, but he couldn't quite place it. He watched the oddly graceful movement of the boy's arms as he unpacked the bottles, tagged them and placed them on the shelf. Grab, tag, shelf, repeat, grab tag, shelf, repeat-- his hands never paused. Milliardo watched, mesmerized. He saw the hair dusting the boy's forearms and the rosy, delicate points of his elbows and Milliardo tried to figure out why on earth he seemed so familiar....

"Pardon me, could you help me find something?"

"Yes?" the dark head turned.

Milliardo froze. His gaze traveled incredulously from the soft, familiar, face to the nametag pinned to the boy's breast pocket, his name spelled out in bold letters. Milliardo stumbled forward.

"Heero?"