Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Chimera of Life: Story 1: Mutual Conquest ❯ Story 1: Mutual Conquest Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

- Chimera of Life -
Story One: Mutual Conquest
Chapter Six
By Heartfire

~*~

"Duo! Duo guess what!" Hilde barged into his office with a wide smile on her face and a letter, being waved high in the air.

He couldn't help but smile at her excitement. "Well… I don't think there's any fire… a bomb threat?"

"No, silly!" Hilde ran to him and nearly made him fall when she dropped her weight on his body in a spontaneous embrace. "We have it! We're invited!"

Duo tried to catch his breath first then followed the waving letter around. "What? Where?"

"Look!" She pressed the letter in front of his face and Duo had to place his hands on her shoulder to still her.

"Hilde, angel, calm down and let me take a look, okay?"

With a wide smile on her face, Hilde tried to sit still on his knees and let go of the white, gold trimmed letter. "Just imagine! If we get this deal…! We wouldn't have to take another project for the next two years!"

Duo quickly read through the invitation with a frown, curious, though the emblem letterhead was already a huge tip.

"Remember? They're going to choose from forty already selected companies and we're one of them!!!" Hilde squealed from Duo's lap and hugged him again. "Can you believe it!? Our company! I thought we'd never get in when I filled out that form!"

"Yes… yes… it's all great…" Something on the letter blinked red at him.

Hilde's excitement toned down a little as she noticed Duo's frown. "You… you don't look excited at all…"

"Hilde, I don't care if our company wasn't one of the best." Duo placed the letter on his table. "I don't care if we were never invited to these things. If I know that our employees were all having fun and that we please our customers, that is what I consider best."

"Alright…" Hilde stood up from Duo's lap and he instantly missed her weight. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Hilde, I think you forgot about our acquisition meeting on one of the days during that five day invitation, and the plant inspection the day before that."

Her lips turned into an 'o' before one of her hands covered it then she reached for the letter to check the date. "Oh… Oh no…"

"And remember, Taggert specifically said that it was the only day he's open. Plus, we already set the date with the plant a month ago." He saw the flicker of disappointment in her eyes and he stood up, walked behind her, and started massaging her shoulders. "Hey, you okay?"

"I… I wanted to go… I wanted to show them that MS Industries was-"

Duo turned her around then placed his hand over her lips. "Hilde, we don't have to prove to anyone that we're the best. They just have to look at our records."

She nodded, but he could be blind and he would still see that regret in her eyes… He knew how much she wanted to get into this convention since the day Arche had announced that small opening in their closed market. He's just happy that the convention was going to be held in a free zone.

"Tell you what… How about you go to this thing," Duo reached for the invitation and placed it in Hilde's hands. "And I will go to the meetings."

Hilde bit her lower lip. Two things on two of the days…

"Hey, this is why there's two of us here. This was one of the things we decided on a long time ago." He tipped her chin up to make her look at him in the eyes. "Besides, You're gonna knock 'em dead and take home that contract without even trying."

She couldn't stop the smile on her face. "Thanks…" She closed the distance between them and hugged him. He understood how much she wanted to get Arche's market. Who wouldn't be thankful for such a wonderful partner?

Duo looked at her, his hands in the air, on either side of him, unable to decide whether to hug her or not. Then, he sighed, gave up to the inevitable, and hugged her. "Hey, how about if we celebrate, huh? I mean, I'm probably going to get that deal with Taggert, and Arche invited you because of your beautiful portfolio..."

"Hmmm… I could wear that one dress Relena and I bought with your money…" She rubbed her face on his chest and breathed in his cologne. He smells so good!

Duo closed his eyes and counted to ten while he willed his body to stay calm. "What? You're hoarding one more dress in that closet of yours?"

Hilde laughed. "Yep."

"So… how about that exclusive club down the Heights? Dinner and dance?"

"Sounds good." She pulled away from him for her sake, and so he could make the reservations.

Duo thanked and cursed at the same time. He didn't want to let go of Hilde, but he knew he had to. His fingers flew over their phone, and he focused on the screen to check the numbers that appeared and disappeared. He finally pressed stop and the dial button.

His call was promptly answered. "Hi there. Reservations for two, tonight please."

Hilde sat on the edge of Duo's desk to look at the monitor.

The silver attired teen glanced back at them with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, sir. The club is booked for the night."

Duo frowned. "But-" He stopped as he felt Hilde's hand on his shoulder. When he looked up, she just shook her head. With a sigh, he faced the monitor once again. "Fine. Forget it."

"Have a nice day, sir."

The monitor turned black and Duo twisted in his seat to face her. "Well… they're booked."

"Hey, it's okay. I wouldn't care if we celebrated and danced at home." Hilde shrugged as she stood up. She really didn't care. Though she was looking forward to dancing- she stopped when her hand was suddenly encompassed in his.

"Hey, that ain't a bad idea. That is, if you don't mind." Duo quickly let her go, when he felt his skin tingle at her touch.

Hilde frowned. "At home?" Her frown slowly disappeared, replaced by a smile. "All right, I'll cook."

"Nah. I'll cook. We're celebrating because you got that invitation!"

At that announcement Hilde backtracked and faced Duo with hands on her hips. "Okay. Duo, what is wrong?!" She needs to get to the bottom of this. It's becoming too much like a dream! "I turned a blind eye when you started waking up early, when you started cooking breakfast, and when you mowed the lawn even though the grass was only an inch high! You cleaned the roof yesterday and now… volunteering to cook dinner? Is there something you're not telling me? I mean… not that you don't work… but this is not like you! You're scaring me!"

Duo blinked a couple of times in surprise.

"I mean, 'Oh I'll do that Hilde', or 'Wake up Hilde', or 'I'll take care of that, Hilde.'" She leaned to him and reached out to touch his cheek, to cup his suddenly all too worried face… "If there's something that's bothering you… Please tell me. I'll do anything to help…"

Duo slightly turned his face and kissed Hilde's right palm just because he couldn't help himself. "Nothing's wrong, angel… I'm just… I'm probably just going through a phase…"

Hilde forced herself not to gasp when his lips touched her palm. "Are you sure? Are you sure you're all right?"

Duo nodded and then he slowly brought her hands down from his face. "I'm fine."

"Okay." Hilde sighed and let her hands hang limply by her side. "Just remember… I'm here for you."

Duo nodded, the lines on his face suddenly more pronounced. "I know, Hilde… I know…"

They stared at each other for a few more minutes finally Hilde nodded and turned away. Duo closed his eyes and let his body rest in his chair as if boneless while Hilde didn't stop walking until she reached her office, closed her door, then leaned against it with a sigh. She's as bad as Relena, and that, in her book, was hopeless.

…

"Duo! May I come out now? I really do want to help!" Hilde offered from inside her room.

"No! Just stay there until I tell you to come ou- ouch!"

She bit her lower lip to stop a laugh. For a moment, she felt guilty then she shook her head. The loud clanging sounds of her Teflon pans could probably be heard to the end of the street! "Are you sure you don't need me in there?"

Duo cursed. "I said I'm going to cook dinner and I will! Now, quit asking!"

Hilde grimaced as she heard another pan meet whatever it was it met. He's murdering her kitchen!!! Cooking bacon, eggs, and hash browns were different from cooking dinner, after all!

He had been acting strange since she came home… Actually, she came home first, then, an hour later, he came in and told her to go to her room, with a please, of course. That was before all the banging, clashing, and chopping sounds started echoing inside the house.

She sighed. "Well… there's nothing to do now but get ready, I suppose…" She pulled out a bag from her last drawer and spilled the contents onto her dresser. "Now which color…?"

…

She was sitting on the edge of her bed for God knew how long, with her chin propped on her palm and her elbow on her knees while she stared at the closed door. The mutter of expletives had finished about fifteen minutes ago and she heard him go inside his room. Either he already gave up or… he was getting ready. Either way, she told herself that she would not look at their kitchen, fearing the worst.

She looked down, at her dress, and started to feel nervous. Maybe she was a bit overdressed? Maybe she was revealing too much? What about her make up?

Hilde ran to her dresser and touched up on her lipstick. Funny… Why was she so nervous when they were just going to eat inside the house?

…

Duo pulled at the collar of his black, long sleeved silk shirt, checked his appearance for the last time then pulled at the first two buttons from his neck.

"Much better…" He nodded his approval. Good enough for a friendly and casual night out… He turned and eyed the fresh catleya over a bed of organza inside its plastic container, and grinned. Yep! He's ready. He's gonna give Hilde the time of her life tonight, even if it meant acting like a gentleman until it kills him.

With the box under his arm, he quickly walked out of his room, checked the set table in front of their new brick fireplace, tweaked centerpiece rose he bought after work, checked the champagne in the silver bucket which he bought along with the silver covers for the plates and new table napkins and placemats, then grinned his approval.

Now, all that's left was to set the mood… He turned on their fireplace, switched off the lights, and the soft, yellow orange glow from the fire reflected against the silver trays. Lastly, he walked to the stereo, pressed the programmed music, and turned the volume knob a few notches down.

Soft violin music filtered through the air and he knew that everything was ready… All he needed was the girl… Perfect.

Catleya in hand, Duo walked to Hilde's door and knocked. "Hilde? Are you ready?"

She jumped from her bed in nervous anticipation, smoothed her dress over her hips and breathed in deeply. "Yes I am. Is it time to come out?"

"Yep."

"All right… I'm coming out. Don't laugh or I'm going to punch you."

'Same old Hilde.' Duo grinned. "I promise."

She took another deep breath then opened the door.

Duo's grin froze on his face.

Hilde felt a blush start to bloom on her cheeks. This handsome man was actually taking her to dinner with food he had slaved over for nearly three hours. God! She's nervous and he's… magnificent! His silk shirt hinted at the hard muscles underneath and his opened collar took her breath away.

He blinked a couple of times more, just to make sure that she wasn't some vision he made up. No… this was Hilde, the real Hilde… not a fake one like the ones he had found himself dreaming of… This was she, with her hair brushed back, wearing an elegant dress that ended just below her knees. It was enough to accentuate the length of her legs, and her beautifully curved hips. Elegant, black, strappy high heels, and… Duo looked up from her feet and gulped once again. Her upper torso looked snug with that heart shaped cut that hinted at her full breast. A simple silver chain dangled around her neck- familiar necklace… familiar earrings.

"You're wearing the present I gave you last Christmas." He was finally able to talk and remembered when he saw the set on Earth. It started showering and he entered the first store in his path just to keep himself dry. He found himself standing in a jewelry store. Curious, he started looking around then he saw them. An earrings and necklace set, star designed diamonds on platinum and he thought of Hilde… Christmas was just around the corner, he wanted to give her something and it seemed as if his prayers were answered. He had never seen her wear them until tonight… It looked beautiful on her.

The blush on her face became more pronounced. "Yes… I thought that it might… go well with the dress… you know, platinum and diamonds with a black dress." Truthfully speaking, when she received the gift from Duo, she could only stare at it. They were stunning. She could tell that they had cost him a lot and… she had asked herself why he gave her the gift. When she couldn't come up with any answers, she just let it go.

"They… definitely look…" He wanted to say 'nice' but that wasn't the word that left his lips. "…Beautiful." It came out in a half whisper. He was in a complete state of awe!

"Well…" Hilde swallowed and tried to grasp at the last remaining reason in her mind before she got carried away. "You look handsome yourself."

For a moment, Duo just stared at her then he finally shook himself out of his stupor and remembered that he was supposed to be a friend. He grinned. "Gee, thanks." He brought the orchid in front of Hilde. "This is for you."

She was touched. It was rare that she receive gifts such as these. "Duo… This is… lovely."

'Not as lovely as you.' He smiled. He was able refrain from saying those words! Thank you, Lord!

Hilde took the flower out of its box, appreciatively examined it, and then looked up at Duo. "Could you… Would you pin this on for me?" She placed the orchid on top of her left, one-inch strap and Duo gulped.

"Sure. Easy." His hand brushed against her pearly skin and he nearly jumped at the shock. He was having a hard time trying to control his shaking fingers! "There! All done." He watched as she turned her head to the side and smelled the orchid while her eyes closed.

"Thank you, Duo." She opened her eyes and gave him a smile. Who wouldn't smile?

"You're welcome." He took a step forward then offered his arm. "Shall we, Ms. Schebecker?"

"Of course." Hilde placed her hand in the crook of his arm and let him lead her to… A place of dreams! "Oh… my…"

They stood at the threshold of their transformed living room. Their sofas were carefully placed on the sides, while a small table covered with white cloth, adorned the center. The whole thing was enough to melt the arctic, if arctic had a heart!

Duo bit his lower lips as he gauged Hilde's reaction. He usually could read her like a book, but right now, he was too nervous. "Do… do you like it?"

Hilde turned to him and couldn't help but hug him around the waist. "Duo… I… I can't believe you did this…" Oh God! She was starting to cry! Duo's silk shirt… She pushed herself away from him and quickly turned with her head down while her fingers tried to wipe away the tears before it could make a trail. "S-something… in my eye…"

'She's… crying…!' A warm feeling enveloped him. She really liked it! Gently, he touched her shoulder then turned her around just as he reached for his hanky. He's not going to ask any questions… Her sparkling eyes was enough…

"Here…" Tenderly, he patted just below her eyes. "Do you want me to blow on it? Which one has that thing?" His hand traveled from her shoulder to her chin to tilt it this way and that, as if trying to look for- that thing.

Hilde smiled, she knew exactly what he was doing. No questions… "I think it's gone." So… he's acting like his usual self… she should, too. Not like a girl in love. She glanced at the middle of their living room and let the soft music fill her ears. "I wonder when I'm going to wake up from this dream…"

The whisper reached his ear and Duo frowned. "What do you mean?"

She hadn't realized that she had spoken it out loud! Her eyes widened and she desperately tried to think up of an excuse. When she couldn't, she decided to speak her mind. "Well… You. This, cleaning, waking up early…" She swallowed a lump in her throat. "When I wake up, the whole house would probably be a mess again. Your shoes would be in front of the door, a magazine on the sofa. Your perfume soaked jacket in the kitchen-"

Duo pressed a finger on her lips as he grimaced. "Okay… okay. I get the picture. Have I been that bad?"

Hilde shook her head as sadness started to catch up with her. "No…" She looked away. "You helped maintain the house before, but when we started to build the company, we became busy. Then, after that, the yearly 'Mr. Bachelors' and you decided to have fun. With work and dating other girls… well…" Hilde shrugged and tried to show him that she didn't really care, even though it mattered a great deal. "Well, you just forgot… some of us back here."

A sinking, gnawing feeling went through Duo. "I'm sorry…" He apologized for everything he knew he did wrong, and those he didn't know.

"No. It's all right." Hilde forced a smile on her face as she faced him. She had reached the ground and found that hard, leveled, gravity-pulled plane. "You were just living your life to the fullest. There's nothing wrong with doing that."

"But what about you?" His hands reached for hers, and a satisfying feeling rushed through him at the touch of her ring. "I rarely see you out of the office… you only go to your family… no…" Duo stopped a grimace, "… men…"

A small, short laugh escaped her. She didn't know what else to do. "Duo, I chose how to live my life a long time ago. I'm happy just where I am, doing what I'm doing."

Duo bit his lower lip. She said it. She's happy just where she was… but… "Don't you want more?"

A forlorn smile flitted on her lips. "Sometimes…"

"How about just for tonight, I'll be your man, and you'll be my girl… and we're just out for dinner and dance…?" The words were out of his mouth before he had a chance to stop them, so he just finished it. It was a bad move… He could already imagine the 'no' coming in loud and clear, along with a few other words-

"I'd… like that." If this was the nearest thing to a date with him… then she'll take it. Take it and treasure it.

Duo started, blinked in surprise then grinned. "Well… uh… okay. Good." Why did he suddenly feel as if he was about to go on his first date? He noticed that he was still holding her hands so he let her go. Consciously, he brushed back his bangs and tugged at his shirt. Then, with an unplanned shy smile, he held out his hand for her. "Shall we go to dinner, Hilde?"

Hilde's heart pounded with excitement as she placed her hand in his, the words she would never dare say to him under normal circumstances left her lips. "I'm just waiting for you, Duo."

Her words made his heart flip and his hand curled over hers. Their eyes met with a hidden message, then a slow smile parted their lips as they started to walk to their table.

Funny how he had told himself over and over again to try to act like a gentleman with her when right now… right now, he wasn't even trying… He wanted her to value tonight… to be memorable, and that was what kept him going as he pulled out her chair, tenderly placed the table napkin over her lap, took out the cover from plate with flourish, and ate with soft voiced conversations and comfortable pauses…

He had gone to so many restaurants… he had been out with so many women… but never in his entire life did he ever just wanted to put his elbow over the table and stare at the woman in front of him while she ate… or sigh and hold her hand the way he was itching to do so…

He checked her plate and found that she only had one more bite to go. He bid his time until she patted her lips with the napkin, then- "Hilde, would you like to dance?" It was an excuse to have her in his arms and just hoped that she didn't see through it.

She closed her eyes and listened to the enchanting melody from their speakers. A part of her whispered that this was a mistake, but another told her to take a chance, and chance, she took. When she opened her eyes and she saw his hopeful violet eyes, shadowed by his dark brown hair, she nodded. "I'd love to."

She waited for him to reach her side, to offer his hand that with a slight bow and his braid fell over his shoulder as she placed her hand in his to let him sweep her off her feet.

His hands were shaking when he positioned them at the base of her back but after she willingly walked into his embrace, his nervousness disappeared, replaced by that comfortable feeling of belonging. She smelled heavenly and he pressed his cheek against her hair while she leaned against his chest and felt his calm heartbeat.

Nobody said anything… there wasn't anything to be said… they just let the music flow like a tranquil stream until it slowly faded…

They stopped and, against their wish, parted. They could hear the whirring sounds of the stereo while it tried to look for a song and Duo knew that the ones he had programmed were over.

"Well…" Hilde cleared her throat while her hand nervously tucked back a strand of hair.

He heard the start of a good bye in her voice… but he didn't want it to end yet… "I hope you had fun."

"I did." It wasn't an awkward situation, but they do have work tomorrow and… what was her other reason…? She mentally shook herself. "Thank you."

"I'll walk you to your room." It was the only thing he could say when his thoughts strayed to things one should never say to a best friend. Stay. Let me embrace you. Let me touch your face. Let me just look at you.

What he said brought a genuine smile on her face. Usually it's 'I'll walk you to your car', and then 'I'll walk you to your door', wasn't it? Never 'I'll walk you to your room.' And then what would happen? 'I'll walk you to your bed?' At that thought, Hilde's hands turned cold and her eyes widened. 'Oh God… ! Did I just…!'

"Hey, are you okay?" Duo frowned as he felt her tense.

The slight pressure on her arm made her turn to him and… blush. "Yes. Fine. Just fine. I think… You know, I'll take a rain check on that offer."

"Hilde, you're pale…" What's wrong with her? "You weren't allergic to the spices on the chicken, were you?"

"No… No! Really. I'm fine." She started to edge toward the hallway. She has to get out of there before she thinks of something more graphic… like the one in her mind right now! "Er… thanks for dinner. I'll do the dishes tomorrow."

She turned but he caught her hand, and she bit her lower lip and mentally cursed even as she turned to find her handsome Duo with a concerned look on his face.

"Hilde, you're pale, you're sweating and you're shaking. You know that I don't take no for an answer that easily so, no way I am gonna just let you walk a couple of steps to your door without me."

"But-" She wasn't able to say more because he was instantly beside her, with an arm embraced around her waist, smoothly pulling her into the hallway. What else could she do but comply?

They reached her door when they heard a click from the speakers and a new song filtered through the air. They stopped and let a few more bars play then looked at each other and grinned.

"Do you remember that song?" He didn't have to ask. He could tell that she did.

Hilde nodded. "It was playing when they approved our loan."

A chuckle left his throat. "Yep." Hilde was the one who answered the phone. He was sitting on the couch, flipping through the television when his braid was suddenly pulled, and Hilde hit the speaker button. He couldn't believe his ears! He was going to start a business… a dream… Hilde had pushed him along and he could finally start it. The song was playing over the radio. They just looked at each other then… they embraced… "We paid all of it, didn't we?"

"Yes, we did."

He looked at her now, and drowned in those midnight blue eyes. "Let's dance this one more song."

With a grin, Hilde agreed. Duo wrapped his hands around her waist and she encircled her arms around his neck. They danced three more consecutive songs when Duo finally realized that until she was out of sight, he would never let her go and would continue finding excuses to keep her in his arms… At the end of the third song, he unwillingly let her go and opened her door. He wouldn't dare touch her… if he does… God knows what could happen. "Good night, Hilde…"

It was over… her wonderful dream was over and tomorrow, they would wake up and find each other like before… Pals. That was all. But at least, now, she had tonight… "Good night, Duo."

She was about to close the door when Duo stopped her. Her heart was in her throat as she looked at him with confused eyes.

He cursed himself. He shouldn't have stopped her. He wanted to kiss her but… last time he kissed her, she punched the heck out of him… of course that was because he was an ass but… "I… uh… I just wanted to say… that… uh…" What?! What?!

Her eyebrow rose as she waited. Duo does not usually stutter… why now?

"I'm going to do the dishes." An embarrassed smile appeared on his face as he grabbed hold of the knob. What he really wanted to do was kiss her senseless. "Good night." He pulled her door shut.

Hilde blinked in surprise… 'Well… that was… unusual…'

Slowly, she walked to her bathroom as she unpinned her catleya, and then brought it to her nose to smell its velvety petals.

What a memorable night. How she wished it would be like this forever.

She took her time to get ready for bed. Made sure that her face was clean of make up and was about to settle under her covers when she glanced out of her window. She often saw Duo's cross… It blinked at her tonight, under his black silk shirt. She was open to any religion, and though she had her own sometimes she still questioned it. But right now…

Hilde kneeled on the floor and placed her entwined hands on the windowsill. "God… if there is a God out there… I know I had been a good girl… I know I never asked much from you… but please… I would be happy if he would never marry anyone… except… except me… but, if it can't be me… no… I wish to have him beside me forever… I would be happy just for that… just don't take him away from me…" It was selfish of her to ask such a request. God, if real, probably has his jaw on the ground at her blatant request… but how she wished…

…

Outside her door, Duo slowly backed against the wall… The cold concrete seeped through his silk shirt but his stunned face didn't register anything as he slowly slid down onto the floor…

Something that was unconsciously locked away had been turned loose…

"Oh God… I'm stupid…" The mumbled words were a plea and a curse.

He had done some pretty stupid things in his life but this… this takes the cake… How could he have not noticed that… He fell in love with his best friend…! Had been in love with her for the longest time…!

Duo raked a hand through his thick mop of hair, pulled half of them as if the pain would awaken him from this dream but it didn't.

He started going out with those other women, who were the exact opposite of Hilde, because… because he was trying to… to stop himself… he was trying to force himself to love another but it never worked because when he comes home, he would stop by her door for a few seconds, listen, then move on… or see her by the couch and carry her to her bed to tuck her in…

Didn't he… didn't he stay by her bed when they won the war a long time ago? He tried to make excuses… she was a good friend… she gave him a place to stay… he was grateful, the least he could do was to make sure she was alright… But those… those were just excuses to not let himself think of the inevitable.

He had enough money to buy his own house but he never left… He had dated enough girls who threw themselves at him, ready to take him to bed, but he never touched them… He wanted someone else… someone to cherish and to hold… someone he wouldn't care to sit up and wait for a fever to break… someone who had been there for him in the middle of the night to hold him until he fell asleep once again…

Hilde.

Everything was right with her. Everything he had dreamt of was with her… At first he thought it was impulse that he would always consider Hilde in any of his plans. 'Let's ask Hilde.', or 'I don't think Hilde would like this.'… Then the mere fact that he had wanted her to say yes to the marriage thing… But it wasn't impulse… It wasn't habit. He wanted her to stay by his side… He wanted her to love him more…

'More than a friend…'

A deep sigh escaped his lips. The thing was… she never looked at him more than just a friend… and maybe it was partly his fault…

'Hey bud.', 'How's my pal?'… Were those any way to tell the person he loves that he loved her?!

He started to hit the back of his head against the wall. "Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid."

Authoress: Heartfire