Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Fairytale City ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 2 )

Fairytale City

By Andrea Sinisterra

Romance

Rated PG-13

Standard Disclaimers Apply

 

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Part 1


The intercom beeped, startling her from the papers before her that she was reviewing. “Yes?”

“Ms. Darlian, I have the list of photographers you requested. Also, there's a Morgan Heart on line 3.”

Relena sighed, sinking into the massive expanse of her leather chair. “I'll take the call. And bring me the list; I want to go over that ASAP.” She pressed the flashing red button to switch lines. “Ms. Heart? Hello, I'm Relena Darlian, Claire Van Seiche's US representative, it's a pleasure.”

”Ms. Relena, it's such an honor to finally speak with you. I'm a fan of your work.”

Relena laughed. “Well, thank you Ms. Heart—“

Morgan Heart continued, laughing as she broke in. ”I can call you `Relena', right? It was such a pleasant surprise when Ben told me you were interested in me to represent your line!”

Relena frowned, an uneasy smile at her lips. “Actually, I called Mr. Cormack because, yes, I've been looking around for girls who have the charisma and personality, not to mention beauty to become the face of Seiche's American line. I, personally, will take charge of the casting. The photo shoot will be held on Friday the 17th, at 9:30 a.m., as I already told your agent, Mr. Cormack.”

“I hate to be so… intruding, but who else has been chosen for this photo shoot?”

Isabel, the secretary, knocked once on the door then peeked her head in, and Relena motioned for her to walk in. “I'm afraid I can't tell you. It wouldn't be ethical. I'm sure there's nothing you should be worried about, Ms. Heart.” With a calculated, subtle sigh, Relena added, “Well, I'm afraid work calls, Ms. Heart. I'll be waiting for you on the 17th. I'll see you then.”

At that, Relena Darlian hung up, not waiting for the model to say her goodbye.

Isabel handed over the manila folders she had been carrying under her arm, a soft smile at her lips. She knew how exasperated Ms. Relena could get whenever she talked to a model. Apparently, Isabel smiled again, she should start considering the lovely Ms. Morgan Heart a no-no on her list of possibilities.

Relena flipped through the five portfolios, finally stopping on one. “I like these pictures.” She mumbled as she looked through one of the photographer's work. He had sent a couple of pictures, some of them sceneries, animals, and people. She was amazed by the ones that were apparently taken spontaneously. The happiness and joy on the people's faces was surprising.

She handed Isabel the portfolio. “I want this guy. I want him. Call him, bribe him, threat him, do whatever it takes. I want him for this photo shoot.” She looked down at the picture she had unclipped from the file—a sepia of a young woman looking at the ocean line. One could just see the thoughtfulness in her eyes; her hair frozen in mid flow as the wind touched its ends. There was no posing, no falsity in this picture. And she was in love with it.

She stood up and adjusted her deep black cashmere sweater, and then she reached for the dark gold silk scarf which she wound around her neck and flowed to her hips in lush folds. Reaching for her clutch purse, Relena addressed the silent secretary. “Make sure to call these girls' agents again to confirm their assistance. I don't want to lose any more time on this. Chanel and Kenneth Cole are already starting on their new campaign, not to mention Dior and Versace. We have to step up.”


* * * *


“You know, Isabel still thinks it's amusing how I find models to be so snobby and pretentious, yet my best friend is one.”

“A model, or snobby and pretentious?”

Relena laughed, taking off her black leather gloves and scarf. “Both?”

Mina Del Cid laughed, pushing her friend lightly on the shoulder. “Why, thank you very much! I happen to be the nicest, most amazing best friend you'll ever have, you hear me? Don't you forget it!”

“Oh, how could I, when you throw it at my face whenever you get the chance… which is always!”

Mina lit up a cigarette. “So, about this photo shoot of yours, do I really have to go?”

Relena sighed. “Mina, I want to have as many alternatives as possible. Besides, if you don't get it, you'll still appear in the group set.”

Mina laughed. “Well, not to be predictable by sounding this cocky, but I know I will get it. The question is: would it be ethical? I know you don't care what others think, but people would still think you cast me because I'm your best friend. And don't, for a second, think the media won't be eager to smear this all over the fashion tabloids.”

“First of all, you're right; I don't care if people think I cast you because we're friends. If I choose you, it will be because you earned it. Second of all, you will still have to go through the casting and I won't be the only one deciding who goes and who stays. Sure, I'll make the final decision, but that doesn't mean I'll go against everyone else's suggestions.”

Mina feigned shock, “So that means I will actually have to be nice? Can't I just flirt with the photographer? Is he a hottie, by the way?”

Relena laughed again while she shook her head in mocked denial. “Mina, I'm amazed the male population has survived this long with you out there on the loose. I wonder if one of them would be willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of manhood and take you out of circulation because you, my friend, are a menace to society.”

Mina just wriggled her brows in response which promptly made them both burst out in laughter.


* * * *


“Fable!” Isabel sighed, irritated as she tried to explain the campaign to the studio manager. “A fable! It's about fairies and magic and glitter. There's supposed to be lots of pinks and purples and blues and greens. I faxed it to you, Kirsten, didn't you see it?”

Kirsten Logan, Bright Lights' Studio manager, looked frantically around her office, scattering papers and pencils onto the floor in her haste.

Isabel went on, frustrated and on the verge of crying. “I can't believe this! That… it looks like something taken out of a Halloween parade!”

Kirsten slammed a hand on her desk. “Shut up! Let me see how I can fix this!”

“Fix this?!” Isabel shrieked, “You can't fix this! Ms. Relena will be arriving in a few minutes and-“

Someone knocked on the door. Kirsten sighed as she called out a `come in'.

“The photographer's here.”

Isabel wailed, and then cried out. “See! He's here! What are-“

Another knock, this time the person didn't hesitate, and peeked his head in. “And Ms. Darlian.”

Isabel groaned harder still. “If I'm decapitated, you will have to deal with my head.”

Kirsten glared at her. “You are so morbid I'm surprised you didn't like the Halloween Parade idea.”

Isabel shook her head in almost a paranoid frenzy, laughing mirthlessly. “You know, maybe I'll just chop your head off before she gets a chance to do it to mine. A few seconds of pleasure might just make my death more bearable.”

They both glared at each other before Kirsten headed for the lobby, Isabel not far behind her. They had a designer and a photographer to welcome… and some explaining to do.


* * * *


“You must be the photographer. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Yuy.”

“Likewise.”

Relena smiled uneasily. “Um, I saw your work and really enjoyed your style; it was very sumptuous and different. I want you to portray that feeling into this campaign.” She smiled when she saw he was paying attention to her. “I'm sure you spoke with my secretary and she detailed you everything, right?”

He pulled the strap of his leather bag onto his shoulder as he switched the weight of his body from one foot to the other. “Yes, she did call. But since you're the one in charge, I would like to hear your ideas. What exactly do you want to portray?”

Relena smiled softly as they went to sit on one of the immense red plush love seats. “Well, I was hoping you would do that. I can give you the general idea, but I wanted you to develop it.” She took out a brown suede sketchbook from her briefcase, opening it on her lap. “You see, the collection is called Fairytale. Everything consists of delicate, elegant textures like wool, satin and silk. It's a very feminine line, very…”

“Alluring.” He said, looking at the drawings.

Relena looked at him, surprised at his description. “Yes. Alluring. Sensual. Low cuts; long, flowing skirts; soft wool pants… The dresses are the outstanding thing in the collection. The tendency is high cleavage at the front and a deep cleavage at the back, with knee-length flowing skirts in glittery satin and silk.”

She stopped suddenly, closing the book with a snap. “Do you even need to know this?” She asked, feeling self conscious and almost nervous.

Heero smiled, amused by her apparent nervousness. “Actually, no, I don't need it. But it's okay. The more background I get the best chance I shoot something you like.” He paused, frowning. “Usually, I deal with publicists and people of the like.”

Relena's smile was polite. “I like to know what's going on with my clothes. I don't want some stranger cooking up random `campaigns' for the clothes I design. They wouldn't understand what inspired me to create them. That's the real meaning of fashion.”

Heero shrugged noncommittally, “I really wouldn't know. I'm just a photographer. What I know of the fashion business I hear from clients… most of them being models, of course.”

“Of course.”

Isabel's voice startled her. “Ms. Darlian!”

She had the beginnings of tears at the corners of her eyes, and she appeared to be stressed.

“Is everything alright?”

Isabel turned to glare at Kirsten. “Apparently,” she began, trying to sort out her words. “There is a problem with the set up. I take it you haven't seen it?”

Heero shook his head.

“Ms. Darlian,” Kirsten cut in, exasperated. “There has been an error with the theme. Apparently my assistant mistook tomorrow's session for this one.” She started leading them to the main studio.

As soon as they entered the studio, their shoes clicking on the polished wood floor, Isabel made a sound at the back or her throat, a hand against her chest. “Look at this! Kirsten, it's a mess! It will look like a funeral—for fairies!”

“You're being hysterical.” Kirsten snapped, running a hand through her shoulder length blonde hair. She turned to Relena, sighing in defeat. “Ms. Darlian, I can't apologize enough for this inconvenience—“

Relena raised a hand to stop her apologies. “That's okay. There's nothing we can do about it now. It's good enough that you let me hire my own photographer and still use your studio, Kirsten. Maybe we can reschedule?”

“Of course,” Kirsten smiled, “why don't we go to my office and-“

“I like this.” Heero said suddenly, taking everyone around him by surprise. He walked to the black satin canvas that covered part of the floor and wall of the set, a thoughtful look on his face.

Relena crossed her arms over her chest, a small smile of interest pulling at her lips as she watched him work.

He went to the silver glitter-covered stars that hung from the ceiling on thin nylon strands, snapping them off one by one. He rolled the three black stools that stood in the middle of the set out of sight, and removed the dozen silver moons and stars that were clipped to the silk-covered back wall. All that was left was a midnight black background, devoid of any blemish.

He walked back to the women and turned around to study the results.

There was a sudden buzz as a dozen girls or so were led to the studio by Kirsten's assistant, Christina.

Relena glared at the group when she ran a fast count of how many models had come and noticed Mina was not amongst the women.

Kirsten, Christina and Isabel led them to the changing rooms, so they could get ready for the photo-shoot. It would take them at least an hour since they still had to go through make up, hair dressing and outfits.

Heero walked back to where Relena was. “Can I see that sketchbook again?”

Relena hesitated before she opened the side pocket of her briefcase and withdrew her portfolio. He flipped through the pages, looking at the outfits one by one. He raised his head to look at the set, then he turned to look at her clothes and then looked back at the sketchbook again, a smile on his lips.

“Are you going to tell me what's making you smile like this?” Relena snapped, exasperated and maybe even a little curious.

When he turned to look at her, his eyes were a shade different and the smile was now completely gone. He frowned for a moment before he put his bag on the floor to take out his state of the art, F6 Nikon.

“What are you wearing?” He asked as he changed and hooked the 45 mm lens to his camera.

Relena frowned at his question, suddenly feeling very self conscious as she lowered her eyes to look down at her outfit. She had dressed carefully that morning, as she always did. Just the night before, she had finally finished sewing her favorite piece out of the entire Fairytale collection; a delicate silk white shirt and soft wool fuchsia skirt combo. The texture was like liquid on the skin; the skirt reached to just above the knees and fell in a combination of three satiny hems, unleveled and purposely imperfect. A thick satin sash of the same color was wound around the waist, where it was met by the sleeveless ivory silk shirt with pearl buttons and seams at the back to help contour the body. The ensemble was topped off by a wool overcoat the same color as the skirt.

She had spent almost an entire month working on the skirt and shirt, doing and undoing and redoing the seams and cuts. The coat she had owned and was a personal touch she had added to the suit, along with her white high heeled sandals and her white leather Louis Vuitton purse.

He didn't wait for her to answer, instead walked behind her and grabbed the lapels of her coat. “Let me help you.”

Relena was beyond shocked as she let him remove her coat, discreetly looking around only to notice everyone had apparently disappeared. They must all be taking care of the models , she thought.

He slung the coat and purse on a chair and went back to stand in front of her. He saw her start to fidget under his intense stare and before she could utter a word, he reached behind her head and undid her hair which had been coiled into a tight ponytail. He ran his fingers through it, messing it up a little as it fell and the dark blond contrasted with the brightness of her shirt.

“What are you doing?” She finally asked as he led her to stand at center stage. She stood rigid as a statue and then crossed her arms defiantly. She flinched as the flash went off a fraction of a second before the camera clicked. “I'm not a model!”

Heero smiled but did not falter as he moved around her, shooting the camera at his whim and from any possible angle. “You need to relax.”

“I am relaxed!” She snapped, but then she sighed and softened her voice. “Maybe we should wait for the girls to get ready; I'm pretty sure—“

He let the camera hang from the sash around his neck before he went to stand in front of her. “Just relax. I need to warm up and you're as good a subject as any.”

She missed his smile. “Excuse me, but just because I'm not a model it doesn't mean—you're getting me all riled up on purpose!”

He shrugged. “So, tell me a little about yourself.”

“What do you want to know?” She started again as the flash went off.

“Where were you born?” He asked from behind the camera. “You don't look like you're from around.”

She tried to ignore the bright lights around her, instead focusing on him. Unconsciously, she started to loosen up and didn't seem to be as tense. “I was born and raised in Paris. Pretty common where people of the fashion business are concerned.”

He went to get a black satin covered stool and placed it behind her. “Sit.”

“Anyway, I used to work for my mom. She was a seamstress and a very popular one at that. She taught me how to sew.”

“Where is she now? Your mother.” Heero's voice came from somewhere behind her.

She turned to look over her shoulder, trying to locate him. “She passed away a couple of years ago. I owe her everything I am today.”

There was no sadness or regret in her voice, something that made Heero profoundly curious. “When did you come to America?”

“Eight years ago.”

She watched him as he approached her and almost gasped when he reached out and touched her leg. She had previously crossed them at the ankles but now he moved them so that he had them crossed at the knees. Then he arranged her hair, mussing it a little and messing her bangs so they partially covered her eyes. He stood back and lifted back his camera. Just when he was about to shoot, he told her to cross her arms as well.

Her heart was beating furiously under her shirt; his touch had taken her completely by surprise. It's not everyday you let a handsome man touch your legs, Relena, she thought. Yet, I could've crossed them myself. She frowned at herself. You're such a stuck up.

“What about you, Mr. Yuy?”

He shrugged just before the speedlights flashed again. “I'm just your average 26 year old local guy. And call me Heero.”

Relena laughed and the flash went off again. “Okay, Heero. There has to be at least something interesting lying behind those lenses! Where were you born?”

“Here. I lived with my parents but then they got divorced and chucked me off to some boarding school. I rarely ever saw them.”

Relena nodded, not pushing the issue. “When did you get interested in photography?”

He shrugged. “Since forever, I guess.”

“You're a very reserved man.”

“And you're a very shy woman.”

It was her turn to shrug her shoulders. “Perhaps. I just don't like to be the focus of attention. Which is why I feel a little uncomfortable having you take pictures of me.”

“Well, you shouldn't.” He stopped and opened the camera to take the film out. “You're a very attractive woman, Relena. It shouldn't faze you to have people look at you.”

“A man that can read a woman so easily is corrosive to our health.” Mina said from the doorway. “I'm sorry for being this late. Nana was late and I couldn't possibly leave Caitlin alone.”

Relena hopped off the stool as if it had burned her. For some reason she felt guilty. Had she been flirting with Heero? Or had he been the one hitting on her? Maybe she was reading in between nonexistent lines.

“That's okay,” Relena said as she pulled her hair back in a not so elegant ponytail. “Let me walk you to the changing rooms.”

Mina laughed, “Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?”

Relena laughed nervously and she was about to introduce Mina to Heero when the latter cut in.

“It's quite a pleasure to meet you. I'm Heero Yuy.”

“Mina Del Cid, and believe me,” Mina said. All Relena could do was frown as she felt completely out of place. “The pleasure is entirely mine.”

“Miss Mina! There you are!” Isabel rushed to Mina's side and took her purse, scarf and coat from her, and then led her to the backrooms. “I was starting to wonder if you would ever come! Your outfit is ready; we need you to try it on to see if there needs to be any last minute adjustments done to it.”

Relena smiled as Isabel spoke a thousand words a minute, dragging the slender Chilean model behind her. Relena turned to Heero and smiled. “I have to go check how they're doing back there. I'm sure they're almost done.”

And she was gone before he could say a word.


* * * *


She stayed out of his way all through the photo-session, never once standing near him.

His idea had been an undisputable success. He had told the make up artists to cover the model's skin and faces in glittering pink powder. They wore deep pink and purple eye shadow and neutral pink lipsticks. All this glittering pink combined with a satiny black background made a surreal effect of fantasy then heightened by the sparkling silk and satin pastels of Relena's latest collection and the shower of silver ribbons and glitter Christina had creatively thought of.

She felt relieved now that they had taken care of the hardest part. All they had left to do was develop the pictures and chose one of the girls to represent Seiche's newest campaign.

She had her marketing crew working on the campaign full force. It was a downhill ride since the toughest part had been taken care of. They had all agreed Mina Del Cid was the most appropriate for the job and Relena couldn't agree more. She hadn't asked the model to show up for nothing; she had been positive she would get it.

They had scheduled the second photo-shoot session and Relena had assigned Hilde, her marketing specialist, along with Isabel, to take care of everything.

She had been attracted to that man, she had realized. They had really clicked even if they had only talked for a few moments. She had found him utterly interesting in a mysterious sort of way. He was reserved and intense, and he had made her feel different. So different. Special.

She was such a fool! She felt like a schoolgirl having a crush on a rock star or something. But then Mina had waltzed in and Relena had seen how he had been smitten by the model. But she was used to such reactions. Mina had always had that sort of effect in men; and who could blame them? Mina was as gorgeous as they get. Tall and curvy; kind of exotic with her raven hair and startling grey eyes.

The strange thing was that Mina had not mentioned the photographer once in any of their conversations post the first photo-shoot--which was why Relena was surprised when she answered her cell phone to a rather breathless and ecstatic Mina.

“You just have to call Heero, Relena! He's so into you.”

“What are you doing?”

“I just got done with my 30-minute jogging set. Don't change the subject. He thinks he's so subtle and whatever… I just think you two belong together.”

“Mina, you're such an airhead. Listen to yourself! And I don't believe in your love prognostications anymore, especially after saying Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky were meant to be.”

“They did have an affair!”

“That was after the affair!”

“Anyway, he asked me about you. I invited him to lunch that day; it's such a shame you had to leave early—you could've joined us. The thing is, I subtly mentioned your name in our conversation and he asked me about you.”

“You've said that twice already. What exactly did he ask you about me?” Relena almost snapped in exasperation.

”Nothing.” Mina laughed. “Because we never went out for lunch.”

Relena blinked. “What?”

Mina laughed harder still. “See? You're very much interested in him, sweetie. I've been meaning to call you but Caitlin and this damn campaign of yours has kept me rather busy. You think I didn't eavesdrop on your whole photo-shoot session with Mr. Hot Ass? Honey, you have the most amazing, gigantic crush on him. And from what I could tell, he on you.”

Relena turned one of his pictures she had unclipped from his portfolio. “I don't have his number.”

Mina sighed exasperatedly into the phone. “Don't give me that excuse. Isabel has it. I know, I called her.”

“You are determined to be a pain, aren't you, Mina?”

She laughed again, “Honey, I was born being a pain. Literally speaking.”

Relena burst out laughing at that. After she calmed down a bit, she asked, “And what do I say? `Heero, hi, it's Relena. Just calling to tell you I like you. Bye, have a nice day. Remember to come to collect your check.' I don't think so.”

“That wasn't that bad. Just leave the check part out.” She paused for a moment. “Seriously, something like that. Call him and tell him you want to apologize for leaving the way you did that day, and invite him out for a nightcap or to see a movie; something impersonal and simple. Don't mention dinner.”

“I am not going to call him, Mina.”

There was a sudden rush of air as Mina sighed, apparently out of frustration. “When was the last time you had sex, Relena?”

She would have spat her coffee had she been drinking one. “Mina, this conversation is over.”

“Alright, alright! Then when was the last time you went out on a date? Alone.” She added to emphasize double dating didn't count. “Listen to me, babe— I should get paid for this.” She muttered to herself but was still loud enough to be heard over the line. “He's good looking; you two obviously have things in common, what more do you want?” There was a brief pause. “I just think it would be fun to, you know, do something different. The world is a different place now; women don't have to wait around for men to ask them out anymore.”

“Oh, please, don't go all motherly on me. Fine,” She said, sighing in defeat. “I'll call him, but if he doesn't pick up, then that's it, I did my part.”

“Modern technology includes the famous and rather cheap, answering machine!” Mina laughed. “Leave a message. I just want you to go out, have some fun! You spend 36 hours a day boxed in that office of yours. You're just 24, for God's sake!”

“—Twenty six, but thanks anyway.” Relena laughed softly. “I'll think about it.”

“Do it for me.”

“Fine.”

Relena had just closed the lid of her cell phone, an amused smile on her face, when the intercom beeped. She sighed before she pressed the button to access the line.

“Ms. Relena, Morgan Heart is on line one and Heero Yuy, on line three.”

Relena sat up straight in her chair, suddenly nervous. “Ugh, tell Ms. Heart I'm busy.”

“And what do I tell Mr. Yuy?” Isabel asked.

“Did he come to pick up his check?”

She could hear Isabel typing on her keyboard, probably checking her agenda. “Yes. Earlier this morning.”

“Okay… Um, put him through then.” Relena took a deep breath and answered the phone on the second ring. “Relena Darlian speaking.”

“Ms. Darlian, this is Heero Yuy.”

Relena smiled at the sound of his voice. “Oh, hi Mr. Yuy, it's been a while. Was there a problem with the paycheck?”

Relena slapped her forehead at the question. Stupid, stupid!

A horn and then some shouts could be heard in the background, and he rose his voice to he heard over the noise. “No, everything's perfect. I was just wondering if you were busy.”

She couldn't help but smile at his tone of voice; he seemed almost nervous. And this whole situation was almost laughable now that she thought about it. It was almost as if they had been sharing thoughts. “It depends.”

He chuckled softly. “Would you be too busy to have a cup of coffee with me?”

Relena smiled, almost biting her lower lip to keep herself from laughing. This was too good to be true. “Sure, but only if you promise to leave your camera at home.”

This time, Heero laughed. “I will. Meet me at Gelatiere in 10.”

“Okay, I'll see you then.”


* * * *


Going to Central Park at lunchtime was always a life threatening adventure. There was always the risk of being stepped on, pushed over, smothered, or mugged. And the chilly autumn air didn't help much either… not that she minded since autumn had always been her favorite season.

Getting to Gelatiere was something entirely different. It was nearly impossible. Relena held the faux skin lapels of her brown leather jacket closer to her body, making her way through the throng of people. She could see the restaurant's small sign up ahead, and picked up her pace.

She was not surprised to find people eating outdoors despite the cold weather. They all still wore their coats and gloves, some of them smoking or holding steaming cups of coffee to keep warm. Thankfully, she didn't spot Heero anywhere. He was probably seated inside.

It was confirmed when, as soon as she entered the small but cozy place, the door-chime still ringing merrily, she spotted him seating by a small table near the large French windows. He was dressed in black jeans and a thick, light cream wool turtleneck sweater. She noticed his hair was still wind-blown just before he raised his head to look at her with a smile.

She smiled in return, shedding her jacket and gloves and giving them to the hostess before she walked over to him.

“It's really cold out there,” he began as he helped her into her seat. “I was almost run over by a stampede of people trying to get inside.”

“I know. You would think people would want to enjoy the scenery.” She smiled as a waitress came by with their glasses of water and the menus. “On my way here I passed by Cipriani's and it was swamped.”

“That's why I made a reservation. I know how these get around lunch or dinner.”

Relena smirked, placing her elbows on the table and then resting her chin on her linked hands as she smiled at him. “That's kind of cocky of you. You were so certain I would say yes? What if I had been busy?”

Heero shrugged noncommittally, but then he leaned over the table without getting out of his seat. She was already leaning over, so now their faces almost touched. “No woman can resist my charming presence.” He said hoarsely.

Relena blinked at him, the smile frozen on her lips. Then she chuckled. “I won't commit myself by answering that statement.”

He leaned back with a laugh. “Why? Are you afraid of anything happening?”

Relena looked at him sideways before she took a sip of her water. “Not really. I just happen to be a very cautious woman.”

“I can respect that.” He picked up his menu, barely glancing at it. “Are you hungry?”

She looked sheepish for a minute, and then lowered her menu. “Actually, I already had a bagel and an extra large cup of coffee.”

“That's not a meal.” He frowned. “Then why did you accept?”

She shrugged. “Beats me. Why did you ask me to come here, anyway?”

“Do you really want me to answer that?” He waited a moment, but her answer never came. “The reason why I asked you if you were really hungry is because if you're not, there's this really great place I'd like to take you to.”

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. She put her menu aside as she assessed him with a curious frown. “And where would this `really great place' be?”

He shrugged mysteriously. “Somewhere nearby.”

She continued to look at him for a few moments before she shrugged and agreed. “With the one condition that you don't strike me unconscious or murder me only to dump my body in some lake or beach, I accept.”

He laughed as he left his tip on the table and helped her out of her seat before they went to retrieve their coats and other garments. “A simple `yes' would've sufficed.”

She winked at him. “I'm special, remember?”


* * * *


By the time they reached their destination, the wind had picked up, dusting leaves and grass making them dance around them. People still lingered around, sitting by benches or on the grass and she watched as Heero claimed a spot by a large tree.

She was thankful she had decided on long cotton khakis that morning and not some skirt as she sat beside Heero on the grass.

She crossed her boot-encased legs and leaned back against the bark of the tree. “So, tell me what's so special about this place.”

She could feel his eyes on her even if he didn't say or do anything. A moment or two passed before he finally answered her question.

He took in a deep breath, she could see from the corners of her eyes his chest expand and then contract. “I don't know. It's so… It somehow allows you to be a stranger yet at the same time, it allows you to really get to know these people.” He said as he motioned to the different couples and random people around them.” He shrugged, shaking his head. “Put your ear against the bark.”

Relena frowned at him a moment before she complied, feeling tremendously stupid as she rested the side of her face against the coarse wood.

“Now close your eyes and just listen.”

She did so, and after a minute of uncertain silence, she peeked one eye open. “Listen to what, exactly?”

He chuckled as he also opened one eye to regard her. “Just listen. You can hear the breeze at the treetops… the leaves… your surroundings…”

The feeling was just like putting your ear against a snail shell—that feeling of looking down an abysm, a sort of emptiness inside you. She opened her eyes and stared at his calm features.

She spoke softly, so as not to disturb the silence. “I like this place. It's so quiet… so beautiful.”

“I come here to take pictures from time to time… Or just to clear my head.”

She smiled at him as she resumed her position with her back against the tree.

“What are you doing tonight?” He asked suddenly.

She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. “I have no plans.” Then she glanced at her watch, frowning. “But I do have to get back. I need to go over some papers before the day's through.”

He stood up, dusting off his pants before he helped her to her feet. “Are you up for some Thai?”

Relena smiled at him. “One of my favorites.”


* * * *

She signed the report in front of her with a distracted mind, relieved that she could finally go home to get ready. Having been so absentminded, accomplishing much was hardly possible.

She had never acted this way in the past. She felt they were rushing into something without first establishing some game rules. There was so much chemically charged tension between them, yet their conversations and behavior with the other was so laid-back it could be considered ironic.

She didn't know what made her think that since she didn't really know him. Yet, as Mina had kindly asked, when was the last time she went out and had `fun'? Ages ago. If she could remember when. What was wrong with having some unadulterated, albeit not innocent fun? She could handle that.

Of course she could.

She laughed at herself. She was coaching herself.

Confident and pepped up, she left her office and hailed a cab, headed to her apartment at 77th and Park. It was only a 15 minute ride, traffic and all, from her office located at 47 W and 62nd St. to her apartment. It was a quarter past six and she was to meet Heero at Jasmine at 7:30.

She groaned when her cell phone started ringing and she fished it inside her purse. “Yes?”

“Hello, bitch!”

“Mina, I am not going to address you `slut' or `whore'. Stop watching so much TV, please.” Relena smiled at the cabby who glanced at her from the rearview mirror, a frown on his face.

“Aww, okay. What's cooking? I am!” She laughed at her own joke. ”I was wondering if you wanted to come over tonight. Caitlin misses you. I'm cooking Italian.”

“You mean, Clarisse is cooking Italian.”

“Details.”

Relena laughed. “How's Caitlin doing in school? It's been a while that I haven't seen her.”

Mina's voice was wistful. “Oh, you know. She's beautiful as always, and doing great in school. She's going to be a heartbreaker, I'm telling you.”

“She'd better! She has her mother's legacy to protect and continue.”

“No, she's completely unique.”

Relena smiled into the phone. She had always been amazed of Mina's change of personality whenever she was with or spoke of her daughter. It was amazing the changes children had in people.

“So, about tonight? You're coming or what?” She said in a newly recovered, chipper tone.

“Actually…” Relena laughed. “I have a date. And you're not going to believe me.”

“You bet I won't! You called him, didn't you? Oh, I'm so proud of myself! And of you, of course.” She added as an afterthought.

“Yes, we're meeting at Jasmine's and I'll be late if I don't get home now.” She said absently as she peered through the windshield. Traffic was a little heavier today than normal. “Just great.” She then frowned as Mina's words sunk in. “And actually, no, he called me. Out of the blue… Shit, I'm going to be late.”

“Babe, relax. You'll get there on time. And remember, the smitten man is the one who's willing to wait for you to decide on the right pair of shoes to wear.”

Relena laughed. “I'll keep that in mind.” They had finally reached her apartment complex. “We're finally here. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?”

“Sure. I expect you call me from his phone number.”

“We'll see about that.”


* * * *

To be continued....



...In the next (and final) part:


“Not really. I guess he just saw you and was struck by how stunning you look tonight. I was just allowed in out of pity.”

~

Relena frowned as the girl looked at Heero with a glint of… lust in her eyes.

~

Heero's eyes narrowed as Relena whispered her invitation in his ear, her hand still on his leg, and apparently she had no intention of removing it unless he accepted.

~

Arms snaking around her waist startled her. “You framed it.”

Heero sucked her earlobe into his mouth as he removed her black cardigan, letting it drop to the floor. “I did.”

~

“Just so you know, I make the best freaking Benedict eggs in New York, you should feel honored.”

~

She almost growled in fury, having had allowed that asshole to trick her like that.

~

“What are we doing?”

Heero frowned at her, his lips thinning to a grim line. “Do you really want me to answer that?”

 

.::.::.::.