Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Reservations For Sanity ❯ Chapter 7

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Title: Reservations For Sanity
Authors: Skeren Dreamera, Makoto Sagara, and Bagelbunion
Archive: www.makotosagara.net/fanfiction/, www.fanfiction.net, www.foreverfandom.net (under Makoto Sagara) www.gundam-wing-fanfiction.net, www.mediaminer.org, and www.nfiction.net, (under Skeren Dreamera) (any others… Good luck finding them)
Category: AU, Shounen ai, Het, Action/Adventure
Pairings: 4+1, 3+5+3, 2+6, R+11, OCxOC, very subject to change
Rating: R
Contact: Skeren Dreamera: Mickeofas@yahoo.com Makoto Sagara: makochan@makotosagara.net Bagelbunion: Bagelbunion@cox.net
Spoilers: Yes, Romefeller for almost the whole story line
Warnings: shounen ai, shoujo ai, het, language, violence, OOC, AU timeline from Antarctica on, angst, crazy muses and authors, too little sleep?
Disclaimers: All we own are our original characters and the story line. Everything else belongs to this *hideously* long list of companies with lots of lawyers who could get our pennies. So, seeing as how that's been said, please don't sue. Mako needs to save her money to move to Texas!! We sure as hell don't get any money off of this…Just have fun.
Notes: Wufei is still having trouble with Trowa's habit, and has a talk with him. Treize suffers from an unwelcome inspection of his base. And Makoto and Riku get some information and go to the park to check things out.

Begin part seven

Wufei woke up with the sun in his face and feeling like shit. "Che." He peered blearily over at the clock. "Seven AM. Fine." He climbed out of his bed and made his way to the bathroom for a cold shower. Duo had, unfortunately, fallen asleep with his radio blaring, and it was audible as Wufei passed. It didn't get a favorable reaction. Wufei snarled as he walked past the American's room, and banged on the door. "Turn that *down*, Maxwell," he shouted before making it to the bathroom, where he found peace.

Duo woke as the door was pounded on and sat up, putting his book away in his bag and fishing out his brush. "Not after the radio show last night, I'm not." It was a displeased mutter, and Duo would have been shocked to receive a reply.

Trowa hadn't slept a wink at all the previous. He just stayed in Heavyarms until it was morning. His eyes were red and bloodshot from smoking nearly all his stash hours before and the lack of sleep. Needless to say, he was in *bad* mood. Trowa wandered into the kitchen, blinking at Quatre sitting at the table. He nodded curtly at him and opened the fridge.

Quatre's welcoming smile faded as he looked at his friend. "Bad night?" He was already wondering what had caused Trowa to look like Heavyarms has *stepped* on him.

Trowa poured himself a glass of juice and sat down forcefully at the table across from Quatre. "Fucking rotten." Trowa said it in a slightly sardonic tone of voice, almost cheery. It was disturbing.

"What happened?" Quatre stood from his chair and moved over to the counter. "Let me get you something stronger than that." He was already pouring a cup of coffee for the banged boy.

"You don't think you could Irish up that coffee for me, could you?" Trowa groaned and buried his tired eyes in his hands. "Why does it have to be morning..."

Heero crawled out of bed, having long practice tuning out Duo's music as he got dressed in fresh clothes and went downstairs. Heero entered in time to hear this comment. "Because the sun came up."

"By Irish up, I assume you mean pouring liquor into it," Quatre replied, looking for something to add. "The morning always comes after a nasty night."

"Yes, and lots of it," Trowa added to Quatre, glaring coolly at Heero. "Sleep well?" He was being extremely sarcastic now that he had seen Heero's near jovial state.

Wufei made a quick job of his shower, cursing his mood on his crappy night, or what had been a nice night before Trowa asked that damned question. He returned to his room, dressed as fast as he could, fixed his hair in it's normal tail, and walked downstairs. He paused as he heard the other three pilots talking.

Heero nodded to Trowa with a slight smirk. "Sleep at all?"

"Trowa, you should *really* get more sleep." Quatre handed him the coffee as he scolded him. "Good morning, Heero."

"No, Heero. I didn't sleep at all," Trowa snapped. He grabbed the coffee that Quatre gave him and downed it all in one swoop.

"Good morning, Quatre." Heero moved and got some juice for himself.

Wufei scowled at the bitter tone in Trowa's voice. He sounded like shit. Taking a deep breath, he walked into the kitchen and went about ignoring everyone to make some tea. Trowa clamed up as soon as Wufei walked into the kitchen, his eyes following Wufei's every move with a cold scowl. The tension was high in the room.

Duo dealt with his hair before changing clothes, having fallen asleep before he'd gotten out of them, and he came downstairs, determined to be his bright self, sing-songing as he entered the kitchen. Didn't matter if *he* wasn't a morning person. "Good morning!"

"Good morning, Wufei," Quatre said, taking in the foul mood *radiating* off the Asian boy. "Sleep poorly as well." He could have sworn that he heard something like 'leave me alone, Winner' come from Wufei.

Duo put his hands on his hips as he was ignored. "What, don't I get a good morning back?" Trowa glared daggers at Duo, his red eyes making the move look strained. Quatre was more than happy for the distraction. "Good morning, Duo. You're up early."

Duo immediately turned to Quatre. "Ah, someone loves me!"

"Fuck you and your good morning," Trowa growled out, in a rare show of bitterness.

Heero snorted, shaking his head, and then taking a sip of juice. "Duo."

"Of course," Quatre said, before glaring at Trowa. "That wasn't called for, Barton."

Duo looked affronted. "After all the noise you people made last night, I'd think you'd be more peppy."

Wufei snorted as he listened, not commenting, and walked out with his tea. There was no way he was staying with *that* crowd in the tiny kitchen.

Trowa crossed his arms over his chest, glaring back. "Fuck you too, *Winner*"

"Go get some sleep, Trowa," Quatre stated coolly, glaring at the green-eyed boy.

Trowa stood up, gave the three of them the finger, and left the kitchen, heading back for Heavyarms.

Duo shook his head, tisking. "Honestly. He can't go to the meeting like *that*!"

Quatre blinked. "Oh, I think something happened between those two." He sighed and dumped what was left of Trowa's coffee-laced alcohol in the sink. "Doubt either wants to go now."

"We're going to go." Duo's voice was firm. "If the lot of you don't, *I'm* still going, alright?" Heero looked to Duo as he heard the annoyance in his voice before the grin hid it away.

Wufei reappeared in the doorway. "I *am* going," he stated calmly, before grabbing a few pieces of grain bread and making his way out to Nataku.

Quatre *looked* at Duo. "Of course we're still going. Whether or not I don't kill those two is another question totally." A definite snort accompanied the words.

Duo just laughed it off, peering over at Wufei, and then hooking his arm around the Chinese teen's shoulder. "Yeah, yeah, I see. Hey Wu, care to share why I needed me music?" He said this as he steered him back out of the room, in a direction other than his initial destination.

Wufei growled. "Leave me alone, Duo. I'm not in the mood."

"Don't much care." Duo didn't release him, steering him into an empty room and closing the door. "Why are you both so pissy?"

Wufei glared. "What do you want to know? Things were fine... until he asked me to... get *high* with him."

Duo made a face, and then let out a breath. "Well, that certainly explains it. Tell me why it bugs you so bad. Is it because he asked, or because he does it?"

"Both, maybe. I don't know." Wufei let out an aggravated breath, looking at his cooling tea and the few pieces of bread in his hand. "Why'd he ask me?"

"He wanted to share it with you. Drugs tend to be a group thing, and if you bring something, you intend to share it. It means he trusts you. You didn't like that idea though, did you?"

"No. I'm still not comfortable with the idea of him doing it, but that's fine if it's his way of coping. I just... It was too much, too fast." Wufei sat down on the nearest surface, the floor, and grimaced.

Duo gave Wufei a quick hug, retreating before he could get physically painful retaliation. "Just… let it go, man. It isn't worth being mad over anymore. It's day out, so it's time to start over, right?"

Wufei looked up, his face openly confused. "Perhaps. Just let me think about it."

Duo grinned widely. "Of course, Wuffles." Thus, the seriousness ended.

The Chinese pilot opened his mouth to retort, and then promptly closed it. "I'd like to think, alone, if you don't mind."

Duo shook his head. "You don't need to think about it. Instead, consider the look on Zechs' face when he sees me again. Think about *that*." Seconds later, he ducked out of the room.

Wufei shook his head. Duo was really hard to phase sometimes. Then, his thoughts traveled back to the night before. Everything had been fine until Trowa asked him to get high. He'd been... free... until then.

Quatre sighed. "I'm going to go see if I can keep Trowa from being a total jerk today," he said, placing a small kiss on Heero's cheek. "Good morning again." He headed to where the Gundams were stashed, leaving Heero in the kitchen.

Heero looked around the room and shook his head. "Well, that was pleasant."

The blond found Trowa in Heavyarms, looking nasty. "Want to tell me about last night?" He perched on the open cockpit door as he poked for his answer.

"No," Trowa responded, his voice still cold.

Quatre shook his head. "I'm sorry I snapped at you, Trowa. Something happened between you and Wufei that caused you not to get any sleep. Am I right?"

Trowa sighed. "Yes." He slouched a little. "I'm sorry I snapped at you too..." he added in a quiet voice.

Quatre patted Trowa's leg, because it was closest to him, and smiled faintly. "What happened?"

Trowa sighed, frustrated. "I made a comment that I probably shouldn't have."

"But things were fine until then, right? You two seemed rather cozy, if not cute, in the kitchen." Quatre grinned cheekily.

Trowa's lips quirked a little. "Yeah... I made some cookies for him..."

"That was nice of you... So, what happened? How far did you get?" Quatre turned around to face the other boy.

"Not far." Trowa nearly snorted.

"You probably got farther than I did with Heero," Quatre said, almost sourly.

"You struck out too?" Trowa asked quietly. "Shit... I thought at least one of us would get lucky."

"No such luck, my friend." The blond laughed. "At least he didn't hit me when I kissed him though. I expected him to do that."

"Aa, that's good." Trowa let himself smile a little.

"Well, what are we going to do about our problems?" Quatre asked, looking past Trowa and at the small cockpit area, so similar to the one he was used to seeing in Sandrock.

"Get 'em drunk and have our naughty ways with them?" Trowa suggested.

Quatre laughed. "I doubt that either would agree to that... At least the drinking part. Wufei'd say something about it dulling his senses, and Heero... That's a scary thought."

Trowa smiled. "I know. I was joking. Although... if you got Heero drunk, I would have to take pictures."

Quatre shook his head a little. "I'd have to make sure Duo was far, far, *far* away..."

Trowa made a sound somewhere between a snort and a laugh. "No doubt about that!"

Wufei carefully snuck into the hangar, listening to Quatre and Trowa talk. The normally quiet teen seemed to be unusually animated, so Wufei decided to just watch from his position.

"So, what are you going to do about Wufei?" Quatre asked after a friendly silence.

Trowa sighed, turning melancholy again. "I don't know."

The blond sighed, feeling a presence behind them. "Something tells me that you'll think of something. Are you going to be okay?"

"I think so. Eventually, I'll need some sleep." Trowa shrugged a little.

"Alright, well, *I* am going to get something to eat. Let us know if you don't want to want to come with us this afternoon."

"Yes, I will go," Trowa replied with a small nod.

"Okay, see you later," Quatre replied, jumping down, and heading back to the house, nodding in a small gesture to Wufei. "Go for it. He needs it."

Wufei nodded and walked on silent feet to Heavyarms. He jumped up carefully and stood in front of Trowa. "'Morning," he said gruffly.

Trowa was surprised to see Wufei come to him, but he didn't let it show. "Morning."

"You didn't sleep." It wasn't a question.

"No."

Wufei looked at Trowa, feeling nervous, but refusing to let it get the best of him. "You were out here all night?"

"Yes." Trowa gave a small nod.

"Why?"

"Couldn't sleep."

Wufei scoffed, but didn't feel anything behind it... He looked away, trying to gather his thoughts. "Why?"

"Too wound up." Trowa shrugged, focusing on something other than Wufei.

"That's not what I meant..." Wufei scrunched his nose, trying to find the right words. "Why do you... use drugs?"

Trowa blinked at Wufei, and then looked away for a moment. "I want to," he responded.

Wufei sighed. "What do you... gain... from doing them?"

"A sense of peace. Relaxation, happiness, stimulates my appetite." Trowa chewed on his lip a little. "It's fun," he added after a moment.

"Happiness?" Wufei looked at the look on Trowa's face. "How?"

Trowa met Wufei's eyes. "It makes me feel better."

"Explain." Wufei took a moment. "I want to know how."

Trowa sighed and rubbed his red eyes. "Releases endorphins... It just does, okay?"

"There are... other ways," Wufei said quietly, feeling his face heat. Damn his body for not listening to him.

"Name one," Trowa challenged and held up his finger before putting it down.

Wufei kissed him, hard, not even thinking about it. "Like that," he whispered, pulling back.

Trowa sighed, and pulled Wufei to sit in his lap. "You gonna do that every time I'm depressed?" he asked, almost sadly.

Wufei blinked at the sudden change in position. "Works, doesn't it?" he quipped.

"I don't know. Do it again."

Wufei smiled slightly, placing a chaste kiss against the Heavyarms pilot's lips. Trowa smiled a little into the kiss, and tightened his arms around Wufei's waist. Wufei slowly wrapped his arms around Trowa's neck. "See, there are other ways," he said softly, kissing Trowa's neck. "I could teach you another."

"Hmm," Trowa replied. "Go on," he said, tilting his neck to encourage Wufei.

"Meditation," Wufei responded. "It helps me. Why do you think Maxwell has lived so long since we met?"

"Huh?" That wasn't the answer Trowa had expected.

"Well, it's not easy to begin, but once you have the basics, you can perform it and feel more rested than actual sleep," Wufei said, sitting up and looking at the other boy. "You didn't expect that, did you?"

"Er... no," Trowa replied honestly, a little confused.

Wufei snorted softly. "Of course not. But Duo told me that if it bothered me so much, perhaps I should find something that I could share with you... that wasn't as dangerous."

Trowa scoffed a little. "Getting stoned isn't dangerous. Makes me a little dopey, but it's not dangerous. Wait a sec... You talked to Duo about this?"

Wufei flushed, feeling a bit uncomfortable all of a sudden. "Who else could I talk to? Winner? Or Yuy?"

Trowa looked exasperated for a moment. "I'd prefer that you didn't... At least, Duo's a better choice than either of those two for this."

"Duo was my only choice the first time, and the second time, he was the most logical." Trowa merely nodded in return for Wufei's words. Wufei relaxed a bit. "Are you interested?"

"In meditating with you? I don't know..." Trowa rubbed a hand over his face.

Wufei looked over the banged boy. "You should get a few hours of sleep before we leave," he said, making a move to go. "I will leave you."

"No," Trowa replied immediately, pulling Wufei close to him so he couldn't get away. "Stay." He knew he wasn't going to able to sleep, and he'd rather spend the time with Wufei.

Wufei slowly relaxed into the hold around his waist. "You will pay for not resting. Some part of me says that this meeting will be long, and filled with rambling women."

Trowa chuckled a little and rested his head on Wufei's shoulder. *Maybe I should get high before I go; then at least it will be entertaining.* "I can just tune them out and wait for it to be over then."

Wufei unconsciously nuzzled against Trowa, closing his eyes. It was strange how nice it felt being in the taller teen's arms. It… was a welcome feeling though.

Trowa sighed. "How much longer until this meeting?" His voice was soft and quiet, leaving Wufei to tell he just wanted to get it over with.

Wufei cast a look at the internal clock on Heavyarms' panel. "Three hours until we leave. Two for setup. Nataku only knows how long for the actual meeting. In all, too long."

"I couldn't agree more. Wanna sneak off early and have some fun?" Trowa gave the neck in front of him a small lick, just the barest of brushes.

Wufei shivered as Trowa's tongue came into contact with his neck. How in the hell did he manage to survive his marriage with something like that? Oh, yes... His mood soured briefly before he nuzzled against Trowa. "Fun?"

"Mm-hmm," Trowa purred, one hand caressing down Wufei's back to squeeze his rear.

Wufei felt his groin twinge as Trowa touched him. "What... what did you have in mind?"

Trowa got a little bolder in his groping and began to kiss Wufei's neck using just his lips. "Little more of this..." he mumbled between kisses.

Wufei let out a low moan. "And what would you like me to do?"

Trowa pulled back, giving Wufei a seductive look. He grabbed the back of Wufei's head with his other hand and pulled the smaller pilot's head down to his neck. He tilted his head to side. Wufei's eyes fluttered at the sudden actions, but he wanted to do this. The hold was too easy to break free of, if he wished, but he didn't. Instead, he licked at the exposed skin, lightly biting.

"Mm..." Trowa purred and shivered a little. He gave Wufei's rear another squeeze. Taking that as encouragement, Wufei sucked lightly on the abused skin, savoring the slightly salty taste that assaulted his tongue. "Wufei..." Trowa whispered softly. The hand in Wufei's hair tightened and began to lightly massage the black tendrils.

"Yes," Wufei whispered, moving one hand to travel up the brunette's chest.

Trowa moaned softly again and pulled the hair-tie from Wufei's hair to get a better hold. He pulled Wufei's head back and then pushed him forward again to kiss him.

Wufei nearly purred as Trowa's fingers touched his scalp, and he returned the kiss with as much passion. "Trowa..."

Back inside:

Quatre waltzed into the kitchen, finding Heero still there, with an almost spaced out look on his face. "You look cute like that," he said, pulling out an apple from the fridge.

Heero snapped to himself, setting his empty glass on the table, as he blushed a bit. "What?"

"It's just not often that you get that 'I'm not all here' look. It's cute," Quatre said, biting into the fruit after he washed it.

"I was considering this afternoon's meeting." Heero's voice was a bit embarrassed.

"Yes, of course. What did you come up with," Quatre purred, biting into the fruit once more.

"Ah." Heero closed his mouth, trying to come up with something.

Quatre smiled. He figured that he knew what the other boy had been thinking about, but he wasn't going to pry. His quarry was before him, but he was a *very* patient hunter.

Even giving an honest answer, Heero couldn't tell Quatre what he had been thinking. He'd outright zoned off for the first time that he could remember. "We need to be sure and win over this alliance."

"Of course, Heero, and we are all aware of that. But, what are you *really* worried about?"

Heero blinked at him, feeling... refreshed. "I'm not."

Quatre sat down. "Then, did you think about last night?"

"No." Heero had to be honest, he hadn't thought about a damn thing, not a single glimmer of a thought.

"Then, what about now," Quatre inquired, blue eyes taking in every detail of the other boy.

"Now? I was... I think I was meditating." Heero didn't sound sure though.

Quatre snorted. "No, what about thinking about last night, *now*."

Heero ducked his head. He'd rather hoped that wasn't what Quatre meant. "Well, what is it that you'd like to know?"

Quatre smiled to himself. "What did you think about it? And can I do it again, soon?" He winked.

Heero smiled a bit. "I wouldn't mind that."

"How soon is soon?" Quatre asked, getting out of his chair and moving over to sit next to Heero.

"Next time you do it." Heero tilted his head a little to look at Quatre.

Quatre took the opening and kissed Heero, lightly touching the boy's strong arm next to him. Heero returned the kiss before pulling back, a faint smile on his face. Quatre nearly beamed as the kiss was broken, but he didn't move his hand. Instead, he placed his other hand on Heero's bare knee. "Heero... you're rather shy."

Heero flicked his attention over Quatre and just raised an eyebrow in question.

"It's refreshing," Quatre stated, moving in closer and kissing gently on Heero's strong jaw. "I like it... You always seem so reserved... Are you really?"

Heero watched Quatre for a moment of lengthy silence. "I suppose that is so." Most of the time…

Quatre pulled back, not liking the way Heero nearly stiffened. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"

Heero just reached up, gently disengaging Quatre's hand from his jaw. "No."

"Then why do you keep pulling away from me?"

Heero released a faint breath. "Touch is not something I am used to being positive."

"Well, I'm going to have to change that. While I might not be as touchy as Duo is, I find that it's nice to touch someone you like, and to be touched back," Quatre stated calmly, looking Heero dead in the eyes.

"I've gotten used to Duo. I haven't had time to get used to you." Heero's voice was soft, holding an inherent shrug.

Quatre said back, a pensive look over his face. "I want you to not just get used to me, but want to touch me back."

Heero just sighed and glanced away. "I need time for that."

Quatre nodded, smiling. "I understand. If you need me, I'll be in my room," he said, placing a hand on Heero's shoulder before he left. Heero glanced after Quatre and sighed. He just had to figure out how to express himself to him then.

The hanger:

Duo had finally come out of hiding, deciding to avoid everyone and check on Deathscythe before the meeting. Of course, he didn't expect to hear a rather loud makeup session. Rather than pretending he hadn't noticed, he yelled right up to them. "Lemme guess, CPR?"

The hand soon left Wufei's hair and reappeared at Wufei's waist when he heard Duo's voice. "What the...?" Trowa scowled.

"Did I guess right?" Another shout from the braided teen.

Wufei fumed, and starting cursing in Mandarin about the American's heritage. "Do you have *no* class, Maxwell?"

"No," Trowa yelled. "Tonsillectomy."

Wufei's glared turned on Trowa. "Do you *have* to encourage him?"

Duo smirked. "Close enough. At least he knows ya care, ne?"

"Maybe he'll get the hint and go away?" Trowa asked. It was... very unlikely.

Wufei's glare increased "Yes, like... the sun will just mysteriously disappear..."

"Then, throw something at him." Trowa shrugged, reached out an arm, hit a button on Heavyarms panel, and the cockpit door slid shut. "There. Problem solved." His lips descended on Wufei's again.

Duo, waiting for another shout, saw the door close. "Fine, *be* that way!"

Wufei put his head against Trowa's shoulder, feeling tired all of a sudden, but relishing in the new, and surprisingly comfortable, closeness with the European. "Yes, but now it's rather cramped in here."

"Hmm," was all Trowa said, as his hands found their way into Wufei's shirt to rub his skin, where he originally wanted them to go before Duo interrupted.

Wufei's skin twitched at Trowa's callused fingers, and he repositioned himself until he was nearly straddling Trowa's hips in the chair. "What do you want from me?" he asked lowly, eyes hooded.

"This," Trowa replied, his voice dark and husky as one hand trailed out of Wufei's shirt to squeeze his groin. His mouth was busy admiring Wufei's neck, while his other hand held Wufei where he wanted him.

Duo went about the hanger and couldn't resist interrupting the happy couple when they knocked the speaker button. "Oi! Lovebirds! Watch where you put your hands!"

Wufei moaned, his senses overloading in so many ways as Trowa touched him. He threw his head back to allow the other easier access to his neck. He was cut short by Duo's comment. "Die," he snarled, hitting the button again.

Trowa growled and clicked on the loud speaker. "Get bent," he growled and then made sure he clicked it off and locked it.

Duo just laughed. Like that would faze him.

"Where were we?" Trowa turned back to Wufei and began to massage the smaller pilot's groin again.

"I think we were..." Wufei leaned forward. "Here," he breathed, before kissing Trowa again, one hand finding it's way to Trowa's hard erection. Trowa groaned low in his throat and pushed his hips forward into Wufei's hands, encouraging him. Wufei squeezed gently, moving to kiss the other side of Trowa's neck.

"Wufei..." Trowa purred squeezing Wufei's groin in turn, his other hand flying wildly over Wufei's body. He had stopped his kissing to tilt his head back and just encourage Wufei's own exploration.

Wufei slowly licked the area, still squeezing Trowa's arousal very gently, not wanting to bring any sort of discomfort to Trowa. He moaned as his own erection was touched. His blood felt like fire in his veins.

Trowa opened his eyes, licking his top lip once to wet it. "Wufei..."

Across town:

Makoto mumbled as her phone went off, looking at the time. It was only 9am. Whoever it was had better be ready to die. "Yes?" she hissed, leaving the room to the sleeping man.

"Moonie!!"

"Star?"

"Yes! You remembad me!" the girl shouted into Makoto's ear.

"Of course I do, silly. What do you want?"

"I got some info about that Dekim guy."

"Okay, I'm listenin'."

"He's meetin' Dermail sometime Wednesday, in Toronto."

"Toronto?" Makoto repeated, thinking how far that was. "Shit. Ok, you know what it's about?"

"The kid he drags everywhere."

"Oh, lovely. Didja get a picture?"

"Yep, I'll mail it to ya in a few."

"Darlin', when I see you again, I'm gonna kiss you. I'll wire you the money in an hour, okay?"

"No problem, just send me a picture of that hunky guy you tag along with."

Makoto laughed. "I'll see. Erg, I gotta eat and get ready. Talk to ya soon." Makoto ended the phone call, tossed her cell down on the couch, and picked up the room's phone. "I want some oatmeal, whole grain toast, freshly squeezed orange juice, and fresh strawberries delivered to room 405."

"Yes, Ma'am."

She hung up, thinking about her options. She could either wake Riku, or call Skeren and tell her about the gift and list. She snatched her phone up and hit five on the speed dial.

Skeren answered quickly enough, having just gotten back to her room, alone. "Be glad you didn't get a guy."

Makoto laughed. "But I saw him return it, suga'. So, I got you a few presents last night. One you'll have to share with Khushy-babe though."

"Oh, yeah. I need to be sharper than this." Skeren sounded a bit annoyed with herself. "So, what is it you have?"

"Well, you remember Layfield and Hart? I fed Layfield to his hounds, and I took a few things from that child molester, Hart... Namely, his heart and balls. Riku's called dibs on the heart though."

"But that's the best part! I suppose I can make do with the offending object." There was a huff of a sigh. "I doubt you want me to share *that* though. So, what's the other?"

"A list of our targets. Hart and Layfield were the *small timers*. Oh, and I need you to pass this info onto Treize. I have a picture of the girl. I'm bringing it today." She sighed, as someone knocked on the door. "Alright, breakfast. Talk to ya soon, Sky-girl."

"Later, 'Koto." Skeren hung up, considering the phone. "New art supplies. Must go wake our esteemed highness though. Treizey boy, I do hope you wear things to bed."

Makoto walked into the room, slipped on her robe, and shook Riku awake. "I ordered breakfast, darlin'. It's here," she said, leaving to answer the door.

Riku awoke, slightly groggy and got up. "Where are my pants?"

"Living room," Makoto yelled, taking the tray and winking at the boy. "Thank ya, sweetness." She slipped him a fifty and shut the door.

"What are they doing in the living room when I'm in here?" Riku pouted, pulling the sheet off the bed to cover himself while he wandered out to collect his clothes.

Makoto smiled as Riku came out. "You act like I know... By the way, I got you some more clothes yesterday, though I doubt you care." She sat in the plush chair of before, nibbling at a strawberry.

"Oh? Where are they?" Riku sat down on the couch, still in the sheet, and poured himself a cup of cocoa.

Makoto waved a hand at the bags she'd dropped the day before. "In those bags by the couch, sweetheart." She poured herself some tea and took a piece of toast.

"Ah." Riku scratched his nose. "I need a crossbow..."

"Crossbow? Those are illegal, but I think I know someone who'd let you borrow it," Makoto said, thinking quickly about her options.

"I know they are illegal, but since when has that stopped me?" Riku helped himself to some strawberries.

Makoto smiled to herself. "Never." She pulled out her phone, scribbled the number of her friend on the napkin and tossed it to Riku. "Mention you're a friend of mine. I'm showerin'."

"Thanks." Riku immediately called the number and got what he wanted. That sorry fuck was going to pay for stiffing him money, no matter how small the amount, even if Riku was technically a billionaire.

Makoto came out of the shower, with only a towel around her body. "Riku, hon, do I wanna know why you want that heart and a crossbow?"

"Nothing worse than what you did." Riku grinned. "If I'm lucky, I might give the poor fuck a heart attack." He had already dressed in his usual attire of black polyester pants, a white dress shirt and black sweater. "You want to come along for the ride while I go get it? I'll have just enough time to use it before we should start this meeting."

Makoto smirked. "I did nothin' to Hart that he didn't deserve. I'm surprised the bastard *had* a heart ta cut out. And sure, let me get dressed first." She grabbed some more clothes out of one of the bags beside the couch and disappeared into the bedroom. She returned a few minutes in her hip boots, a sky blue baby doll dress, and a silver choker and matching chain belt. "Ready."

Riku smirked at her. "Nice outfit." He got up and decided to walk out the front door this time.

She smiled and strapped her sword on her back, snapping her new knife to her side. "I thought you'd like it, darlin'," she purred, following him out the front door, and glaring at some older women, who was staring at her.

Riku left through the front lobby, smiling at nearly everyone on his way out and held the front door open for Makoto. "After you, Mrs. Masterson." He grinned at an old woman that frowned upon hearing what he called the other person in the suite. "We're on our honeymoon."

She smiled at him. "Thank you, Mr. Masterson," she replied, giggling cutely.

Riku faked a very convincing blush and led the way outside. He hopped on his bike, laughing, "Too easy."

Makoto draped her long legs across the bike and then slid up behind Riku. "Isn't it always?" she whispered, amused to no end.

"Sometimes, outrageously so." Riku started the bike and took off, still laughing.

"Ne, Riku, can we stop back at the hotel before we head to the park. I forgot my gifts," Makoto said, mentally kicking herself for her lapse.

"No problem, Mrs. Masterson." Riku replied as he pulled up to the location where he was supposed to meet the contact to get his crossbow.

Makoto snorted. "You like playin' people too much. Sometimes, ya scare me with your changes in attitude."

"Keeps you on your toes, right?" Riku replied. "Where's your friend anyway?"

Makoto looked around, trying to smooth her loose hair out of her eyes. She scanned the lot and pointed out a weasely looking man. "That's him there."

"Can this guy be trusted?" Riku whispered back to her.

"I got some of my best knives off of him. Besides, he has the best variety of... illegal weaponry around. How d'ya think I got some of those stars for Sky?" She hopped of the bike and walked over to the man, smiling. "Marty! Nice ta see ya again!"

Riku nodded at this Marty.

Makoto smiled and then elbowed Riku. "Ask the man about what you want. Duh," she said, rolling her eyes playfully and batting her lashes at Marty, who smiled a twisted smile.

"My crossbow?" Riku replied in turn.

Marty grinned again, and Makoto had to suppress a shudder. "Of course, of course. I brought two different kinds. One is fast action, and the other is slower, but more deadly."

"Can I have a demonstration?" Riku asked, his face set in a firm expression giving nothing away.

Marty took out a smaller crossbow, loaded a bolt, and shot it. The bolt struck a squirrel, which twitched and died. He handed the bow to Riku and took the other out, hitting another squirrel, which nearly exploded.

Riku barely suppressed a shiver. "Next time, hit a tree branch." His voice was ice. He turned the smaller crossbow over in his arms once and fired a shot into a tree. He hated to see animals killed.

"I'll take this one," he said and turned to Marty. "How much?"

"1400," the weasel-man replied, grinning again. Makoto shook her head, signaling he'd made a tiny mistake. "But, for a friend of Yuzuki's... 1350."

Riku pulled out a few bills and handed the man 800. "You take that, and I'll forget about the squirrels." He nodded at Makoto.

Marty tried to say something, but Makoto just *looked* at him. "Take the 800, Marty, and live to help another day," she said calmly, following Riku, in a foul mood herself.

Riku said nothing and led the way back to his bike. He waited for Makoto to hop on and wrap her arms around his waist. "How important is he really?" he ground out.

Makoto shrugged. "Not very, I suppose. I have a few other arms dealers I do business with." She laid her head against his back. "Sorry about the squirrels, darlin'. They are cute." Riku let out a small sigh, started his bike, and zoomed off to where he knew the shady bum that stiffed him lived. "He lives here." He pointed to a small house.

Makoto nodded. "What're ya gonna do? Spike him with one of those bolts?"

"Nope," Riku replied, and he put on a latex glove and pulled the slightly frozen heart from a compartment on his bike. "Just leaving a little thank you note for the good business." He stuck the heart to his crossbow and squirmed a little at having to touch it. "I'll be right back." He disappeared into some bushes near the house and waited.

She snorted. "For someone who's so anal about his job, he sure does like to torture people who screw him over."

When the bum walked out of his house, Riku fired the bolt and heart, where it struck the porch post, mere centimeters from the man's face.

Almost as predicted, the man grabbed his chest and started to hyperventilate. Riku then left the bushes and walked back to the bike, knowing the attention wasn't on him.

"Have fun?" Makoto asked as he came back. "I need to get that stuff before we head out, and we have about two hours. I still want to check the area out."

"Yes. Let's go." Riku hopped on the bike and took off without another word. Secretly, he hoped the guy was still alive so he could teach him a lesson.

"You want him to live, dontcha?" Makoto asked when they stopped the bike. "Not saying I blame ya, though." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Be right back, Riku."

"Maybe," Riku replied and waited for Makoto to return.

She ran through the hotel's lobby, took the stairs to their room, grabbed the bloody canvas bag out of the icebox's freezer compartment and snatched up her black jean jacket, with her phone, and the list for Sky. She ran back down.

"Where to now?" Riku asked.

"I'm ready to check out that park. South side of the city. The one with the really pretty gazebo," she said, shoving the bag into one of Riku's saddlebags. "I heard the park's pretty too."

"Why, Mako-chan... Are you taking me on a date?" Riku flirted a little, smiling at her.

Makoto grinned. "You sayin' yes, Ri-kun?"

Riku laughed brightly. "Yes," he replied.

At the base:

Skeren, taking in the hour, headed right to Treize's rooms and peeked in, seeing if he'd managed to get up with a ruined alarm.

Treize sat up, and sneezed, wondering if he'd managed to catch a cold somehow. He slipped on a robe and smoothed his hair in the mirror. Glaring, he answered the door when someone knocked. "Yes?"

Skeren beamed at Treize immediately. "It's nine in the morning, sleepy head."

"Well, good morning, Skeren," Treize said, opening the door, and waving her to sit. "What can I do for you so early in the day?"

She moved into the room. "News before the meeting this afternoon!" She walked in immediately, settling herself as though she owned the place.

Treize smiled. "Indeed?"

"Yes. Let's see. A few things actually. That picture will be accompanying Makoto to the meeting, and I found out a few things about who the little people in our big enemy are. Well, dead little people, but who they are still makes me worry." She glanced around. "Would you like to talk over breakfast?"

"Yes, of course," Treize said, totally serious. "I can have it brought here. I'd rather not go into my office. It seems one of the Duke's lackeys is stopping by this morning." He shuddered

"I hope it's not arrogant to say that I'm a better sight to wake up to than that?" Skeren sounded amused and sympathetic to the information.

"Oh, much more pleasant, my dear," Treize said with a smile. He picked up the phone and had Watts bring him breakfast for two to his room. "Considering this is one of the men I'd like to strangle..."

"Care to tell who?" She tilted her head, taking in Treize's figure. "You know, it's much easier to see you having been a pilot dressed like that."

Treize tilted his head, smiling faintly at the compliment. "Thank you. It's Vanderkind. The man's been trying to undermine me for years."

Skeren grinned widely. "Oh, it's my pleasure. That robe really compliments you." She was almost entirely sure that few people ever got to see him so casual as well, even if they caught him out of uniform.

Treize smiled wistfully. "It was a gift from my mother before she died last year." He was saved from saying anymore by a knock on the door. "Come in, Watts." The man walked in with a tray, sat it down, and left. Treize then looked at his guest. "Your friend, Ms. Yuzuki, she's a vegetarian, correct?"

"Vegan. It's worse." Skeren shivered in apparent dislike of her eating habits. "Anyone who can't handle meat will not be cooking for me. I learned that the hard way."

"Vegan? She must have a hard time going out to eat then," Treize responded mildly, a bit amused. "Is she not a good cook?"

"She simply makes food rather... bland." She made a face and shook her head. "It was a bit of a disappointment."

"I see... You are one of those types who like to see their food nearly one step up from alive?"

"You mean to tell me you didn't notice that?" Skeren laughed quietly, sitting back in her chair. "What about you?"

"Everything has a time and a place, Skeren. I've learned that... But, I don't mind a nice medium rare steak every once in a while," he replied with smile, motioning for her to sit at the table with him.

Skeren rose, moving to the table and sitting across from him. "That is true." She got some breakfast of her own together onto a plate, watching Treize for a moment. "I didn't think I was one of the people you'd sit around so casually with."

Treize shook his head. "And why not? You are acceptable company," he said, buttering a piece of warm toast.

Skeren couldn't resist a faint giggle. "Because you aren't exactly dressed for company."

"Ah, but you see, company is what you make of it. I find that I enjoy your company. And, at least you waited for me to have a robe on, Skeren," Treize replied, eating the toast happily.

"I considered not, but I didn't care for the thought of seeing what your sense of humor included." Skeren set into her food, giving Treize an innocent glance. "Though, I'm sure a look would have made it worthwhile."

Treize snorted. "Is that so?"

She tilted her head, taking in his figure fully and what she could see of it. "I'd like to hope so."

"You flatter me too much," Treize retorted, picking up a glass of orange juice. "Now, is there something that I can really do for you?"

"The truth and flattery are two very different things. Turn on the news before the meeting. There was a list of lower rung Romefeller people taken out yesterday. I got word of it this morning, and judging by the two I was told, these people aren't remotely unimportant."

"Really, but it must be something important for them to be killed. Was your lovely friend involved in the killings?" Treize said, seriously. "And I must assume that there's something else. What was that about a picture?"

"I meant they are important, but not to Romefeller. The picture of the little girl with Barton, Makoto is going to be bringing it with her today." Skeren could follow the subject changes.

Treize scowled, covering up his apprehension. "Did you catch any names? And what sort of gifts does Ms. Yuzuki enjoy? Besides of the dangerous sort."

"Layfield and Hart were two of them." Skeren paused with an annoyed scowl. "Good riddance, someone should have dealt with Hart ages ago. Err, sorry about that, personal history. Makoto is a woman's woman, really. She loves jewelry. But if you really want to make her happy, find some sort of silver dragon to add to her collection."

"Layfield and Hart, hmm? I am aware of the sort of thing Hart was into," Treize said, thinking over the information. "A perfect choice. She's interesting, to say the least. I will remember that."

"Advisable, although, I think with my most recent gift, she might just poke at me for more to match her new Ravenfire." Skeren smirked to herself, and then shook her head. "I'm glad you knew. I'd have hated to explain."

"Please, you insult my intelligence. Hart wasn't exactly... candid… about what his preferences were. Something tells me these murders weren't exactly... peaceful, but they were fitting."

Skeren couldn't help a little laugh. "Yes, knowing the people who did it gives me much peace of mind."

Treize smiled in turn. "I'm am very interested in knowing how you, and Ms. Yuzuki, met Hart now."

"He managed to corner one of us and the other came to the rescue. The bastard." She picked up a cherry and ate it, distracting herself from the thought.

"I can imagine who was who, but I may be wrong," Treize replied, pushing his plate of food away from him.

"And I won't correct you if you are. But, I also came to wake you up because I killed your alarm the other evening and wasn't sure if you needed it."

"You wouldn't be offended if I asked Ms. Yuzuki about her meeting with Hart, then? And so *that* is what happened to my alarm. I had completely forgotten to ask Watts to replace it as well."

"I don't see why not. She'll know I didn't say anything. We like to keep out problems to ourselves usually. Well, the alarm... It seemed like a good idea at the time."

"Of course not. I can recognize wonderful work when I see it," Treize said, sitting back and smoothing his hair again. "What was so important that my alarm clock had to suffer?"

Skeren had the grace to look a bit sheepish. "I honestly don't remember, but I think I was annoyed at Une, and she said she was relaying something you said..."

"Ah, so I have managed to incur your wrath, even without speaking to you," he said with a chuckle. "It's alright." He looked at his watch and groaned. "Time to deal with the parasite."

"I do pity you. I suppose you want me to leave now. Though. don't you?" Skeren had yet to make even a gesture that implied she planned on leaving, the little peeper.

Treize smiled. "As much as I enjoy your company...." He stopped, thinking things over. "Stay here, and I will change in the bathroom. I think Vanderkind would like to meet you as well."

Skeren sank into the seat. "Only because I like you." She said this so she wouldn't pout, but with the implied meaning of that she'd stick around to help him deal with the leech that was there.

Treize smiled. "What? One must face their enemies head on to be aware of the situation." He grabbed a freshly pressed uniform out of his closet and walked into the bathroom, grateful he'd showered the night before.

Skeren just laughed a bit. "That's one way of looking at it!"

Treize reappeared from his bathroom, feeling a more like his usual self. "Are you ready, Ms. Dalren? I know you asked me to call you Skeren, but while the leech is here, I must be formal."

"I cannot blame you for that, Your Excellency." Skeren actually managed to say it with a straight face, but her eyes showed her amusement as she got to her feet.

"Thank you for understanding, My Lady," he replied, offering an arm to her as they left.

Skeren took the arm, willing to play the game for the time being. She was even dressed all in dark red - loose velvet pants and a snug gothic shirt with dark blue panels of satin. "At least I dressed properly for once, hmm?"

"I find your attire entirely suited to your personality, but yes, it is much better than what Zechs assures me you were wearing a few days before," Treize replied, eyes twinkling.

"Just a change of shirts and materials!" Skeren grinned at him, accompanying him down the hallway with one of the airs that she did if someone risked annoying her as she came closer to his office. "Hope he doesn't set off my temper."

"I find it hard to control myself around him, but this will be a short inspection. The Duke is just checking to make sure I'm oblivious to his plans. Don't mind if I seem to be unlike myself," he said, snorting.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to be acting much like myself either. Call it a protective air, and don't stare at me, hmm?" Skeren glanced over to him, putting on a sweet smile before they entered the office. It looked nothing like one of her usual expressions.

Treize fought the twitching in his lips and smiled. "Good morning, Earl Vanderkind. How are you?"

Skeren didn't even say a word, her arm still hooked with Treize's as she studied the noble in front of them. He certainly was an old one.

"Good morning, Treize. Who is your lovely companion," Vanderkind said, smiling widely at the pair.

Treize plastered on a fake smile. "This is Skeren Dalren. Ms. Dalren is our civilian representative, and the daughter of Baron Dalren, whom I'm sure you know."

Skeren, if anything, turned up the vacant innocence of her smile, her voice quiet when she spoke. "Hello. I'm sure my father talked all about me before he got sick."

Vanderkind nodded, his smile taking a sad turn. "He did, Ms. Dalren. How are Treize and his company treating you? It must be boring here."

"Oh, it's alright. They try and keep me company. It really isn't so bad. Why, they even brought me a few of those new books that are all the rage recently." Where this all came from would remain a mystery to Treize as she giggled.

Treize rolled his eyes. "Yes, she and Lady Une seem to be getting along well." Blatant lie, but Vanderkind was a fool.

"Really? I would assume that Une would be jealous of anyone that took time away from you."

Skeren shook her head, batting her eyes at Vanderkind. "No really! She knows I couldn't possibly steal him away." She held her hand over her chest dramatically as she *fawned.*

Treize chuckled a bit, fakely of course, and just smiled. "Well, Earl, would you like the tour now, or later?" Skeren tightened her hold on Treize's arm a little, determined not to let the other noble out of her sight with the idiot.

"Now would be fine. The Duke sends his regards, and regrets that he can't make the inspection personally," Vanderkind said, his smile growing cold. "I am to inspect the troops as well. That means Une, Marquise and Noin also."

Treize stiffened. "Really, well, let me call them then." He walked to Watts' outer office. "Get on the PA and call the troops outside ASAP."

Watts snapped a salute. "Yes, sir."

Skeren looked over at Vanderkind, acting as though she just remembered something. "But, why would you want to do that? Sure, they're nice and all, but why would you want to go and bother with all the troops?" She made it sound as though she was confused as to the reasoning.

"Standard procedure, Ms. Dalren." Treize nodded mutely, his eyes telling her it was a lie, and that there was another game afoot.

Skeren took in the look and brought her hand to cover her mouth as though in shock. "But that would take forever! Surely you could just ask a couple people and leave it at that! Why, that would be positively horrid to do every month, wouldn't it?" How she was holding on to Treize was almost amusing, if you really considered it, and she leaned into him.

Vanderkind smiled. "Semi-annual inspection. The troops *must* be seen and accounted for. Only Treize, or his second in command, bothers with the monthly checks."

Treize's lips were almost pursed, and his jaw was locked for a moment. "Well, then, I'm sure the others are outside, as well as my other guests."

"Guests?"

"Ms. Peacecraft-Darlian and my cousin."

"Well, that's good. But still, surely you are too important to waste on these things!" Skeren wrinkled up her nose as she dropped her hand to her side. "Why, if Sir Khushrenada handles everything, then surely you don't need to do it too?" Her tone was questioning and she wanted to strangle the intruder for putting her two charges at risk.

Treize placed a hand on the small of her back. "It's quite alright, Ms. Dalren. It *is* procedure after all." He leaned over. "I'd like to kill him as well. Relax," he whispered, standing up straight to smile. "Let's go."

Skeren relaxed minutely under his hand, though there was no outward change in her sweet, mildly spacey act. "Well, I guess I get to see what this is all about then, don't I?"

Treize could have kissed the girl. She was doing a terrific job, but he wanted to throttle the man still sitting. "Well, Earl, shall we?"

"Of course," he said, standing and leaving.

"Do you think that if I gave the signal, my gate guards would shoot his head off?" Treize whispered with a semi-light tone.

"That sounds just marvelous!" She fairly chirped it, her smile getting a mite more genuine.

Treize snorted, making it look like he was flirting with her. "Yes, but if he dies, Dermail get suspicious. So, no matter how tempting, I can't."

Skeren gave a mock pout up at him, for all intents and purposes looking like she was flirting back. "How distressing."

Treize chuckled. "Yes, it is, isn't it?" He looked up to find his soldiers in perfect form, sending a sense of pride to his foul mood. "There they are, Earl."

The man stopped in front of Colonel Une. "Excuse me, Une, but where is your uniform?"

Skeren spoke up then, fluttering at the Earl. "Oh, that is entirely my fault! I spilled some juice into her closet when we had breakfast the other day!" She sighed a little, looking guilty, but hopeful. "She won't get into trouble though will she, sir?"

The man eyed the girl for a moment, not liking her at all. "No, she won't. Une, I'd like to see you in something more... formal, next time."

"Thank you, sir! I'm afraid I'm a terrible klutz, and she shouldn't pay for my errors." Skeren beamed at him, cheeks flushed cutely as she scooted back near Treize.

Treize silently commended her on her acting skills. If he hadn't known better, he'd think she really was the twit she was portraying herself to be.

The Earl stopped before Noin. He looked her over *especially* hard, trying to find something wrong with her.

"Is there something wrong, Earl Vanderkind?" Treize asked, fairly amused at the slight glare that Noin was giving the old man.

"No, nothing."

Skeren tilted her head, checking to be sure that yes, Zechs' had managed to get fitting clothes, and let out an inward breath of relief that they appeared to fit properly.

Zechs caught the look, and waved one hand behind his back to the girl. Besides his initial meeting, and following hardships, the stories that Relena had told him about her had made him like her.

She smiled back, flicking her eyes to the Earl, and then rolling them before plastering on her fake smile again. She hoped they wouldn't be late to the meeting in less than an hour.

The earl continued his inspection, slowly walking back to Treize and the girl. "Everything seems fine here."

Skeren giggled, waving a hand at the man. "Boring, just like I thought it would be!" She was glad to see her charges had remained in their rooms.

Treize checked his watch. It was eleven-thirty. Inwardly, he groaned. He wanted the slime ball gone. "Anything else you would like to see, Earl?"

"Yes, the suit hangar."

"Zechs?" Treize said, snapping the blond's attention to him. "Could you show the earl the suits?" He leaned over to his second-in-command. "If one *happens* to fall on him, I'll give you a week's vacation," he whispered loud enough so Skeren could hear him.

Skeren giggled again, batting her eyes at Zechs. "Oh, don't mind me, go on ahead. We'll talk later." She knew the Earl was listening more to her than to Treize, and watched as Zechs walked off.

Treize sighed as the older man followed his second and signaled to the troops that they were free to carry on. He then waved Une and Noin over. "No mention of Ms. Po on base, and I'm sorry."

Skeren let the expression drop and scowled off after the brute that had known her father. "Routine my ass. Une, just so you know, he thinks you and I are good friends."

"And we aren't?" Une said, hiding her sarcastic tone rather well.

"Look, I made up for my error, and you can't say you didn't enjoy me looking like a fluttery twit." Skeren raised an eyebrow at Une in obvious question.

"Eh." Une shrugged, but satisfaction slid across her face. "I saw no reason to say anything."

Skeren just laughed a little. "It's alright. I quite understand. Just don't go holding a grudge."

Treize raised one hand and put the other against his temple. "Stop it. Une, go get changed. Noin, inform Ms. Po that she will be joining us for the meeting. Also, I'd like to see you a bit less... preoccupied in your duties."

"Yes sir. Although, I'm afraid Ms. Po won't be joining us. She's away on business," Noin replied.

"No more..." Une lowered her voice and leaned forward a little so Skeren could hear her clearly. "Feminine items."
Skeren smiled. "Not in those quantities." She then looked to Treize. "Would you like an aspirin?"

Une sighed. "Send them to Ms. Peacecraft. She actually likes the stuff. If you'll excuse me, I must change."

"Fine, whatever," Treize said. He looked at Skeren. "I'd like a gun, and a moment without having to be nice that asinine fool."

Skeren nodded, watching as Noin left. "I doubt that we can do that just yet, but I promise you dibs if we get to kill him."

Treize looked at Skeren. "If I get to kill anyone, it will be my cousin's grandfather. I'll let Ms. Yuzuki in on a few secrets about that pig and she may have him."

Skeren laughed, noting that it was just the two of them. "One of these days, I might let you in on my hobby if I was sure it wouldn't bother you."

Treize smiled weakly. "It wouldn't surprise me a bit... At least, I don't think it would."

Skeren just shook her head. "Not today." She pulled a bottle of aspirin from her pocket and dumped one out, offering it to him. "You couldn't deal today, and there is enough going on already."

"No, I'll need more than that, Skeren. Four, if you'd please," he said, closing his eyes against the sun.

She chuckled softly, pouring out one more. "These are especially for me. A very potent prescription that I get from a friend of mine. Two should do you."

"As long as it will make this headache go away, I don't care what they are," he said, smiling and swallowing them dry.

Skeren laughed a bit and tucked the bottle away. "I can't blame you there."

Treize looked at his watch again. "Well, it's noon already. That old man and his inspection.... There's something off about this all. This isn't a 'Let's make sure we still have Treize' trip."

"I know. The timing is... off. You know you aren't going to leave my sight until that thing leaves, right?" Skeren glared off towards the direction the man last went.

"As if I would dare," Treize said, looking up to see Une approach. "You look better, My Lady."

Skeren changed the direction of her look and saw Une, waving with her free hand.

The park:

Makoto nearly jumped off the bike as soon as it stopped. "C'mon, Ri-kun. I know those Gundam pilots are around her somewhere. The Asian seemed more paranoid than you."

"That's not physically possible," Riku replied, remaining on the bike. "That tree would be good for sniping." He pointed to a tall oak.

Makoto looked at the tree and sighed. "You're not comin' are you?" She slipped on her jacket, more to cover her sword up than the fact she was cold. "At least help me check this place out first."

Riku obliged and hopped off the bike. "I'll be around and in hearing range at all times, but you know me..." He shrugged and trailed off.

Makoto nodded. "Yes, I do." She snatched his hand. "I overheard these girls, and they said there's a duck pond around here somewhere."

"Huh?" Riku replied. "Duck pond?"

Makoto smiled. The damn man had a soft spot for animals. "Yes, a duck pond, and it's got fish and all sorts of other things. Interested now?"

"Yeah..." Riku smiled a little. "Lead the way, Mrs. Masterson."

"But of course, Mr. Masterson," she replied, leaning on his shoulder as they walked. Riku just laughed.

Makoto watched as Riku's face seemed to all but relax as he watched the animals. The only other times he seemed so open was during a kill or sex. He was a strange one, that was for sure, but it wasn't like she had much room to talk.

Riku was quiet for the longest time, just watching the ducks and the fish. "Time?" he asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the small peace that had been established.

Makoto looked at her wristwatch, which matched her other jewelry perfectly, and sighed. "We still have another hour. You wanna stay here, or move on?" Makoto asked, her voice low as well.

"Stay," Riku replied, his voice barely even a whisper.

Makoto leaned against him again. "This is nice, ne?"

"Yes. Nice." Riku put an arm around her shoulders.

Makoto pulled out her phone, enjoying the warmth of the sun, and the quiet of the area. She checked her text messages and scowled, throwing the thing back in her pocket. "Someday, I wanna get a house and quit."

"Someday..." Riku said sadly, looking away from Makoto at the moment.

"I'll get you a dog," she whispered, kissing his cheek. "That ass left a message... or his friends did."

"What did he say?" Riku asked.

Makoto sighed. "He's in the hospital. You gave him the heart attack you wanted to, but now they want to talk to us. You should have just killed him. It would have been easier."

Riku smiled a little and shrugged. "How many?"

"Four of them. Talk my ass..." She snorted, watching the ducks as they swam and chatted to one another. She looked at her watch. "Thirty minutes. The gazebo's in the middle of the park, but there are trees."

"Let's go check it out. I wouldn't like standing there with so many trees around, unless I was in one." Riku got up and dusted himself off and extended a hand to Makoto. "Four is nothing."

Makoto smiled, took the hand, and dusted the bottom of her dress off. "I never said they were anything. It's just annoying." She took his hand again and walked towards the center of the park. "I wanna kill again. Soon."

"I'm sure you'll get your chance soon." Riku put one of his hands in his hair and fluffed it a bit as they walked. "This place is awfully secluded."

She smiled at the small sign of vanity in her partner. "Yes, that may have been why the pilots chose it. Not that I would blame them. Perfect spot to have a sniper in one of the trees," she said pointedly.

"Yes, one of their own," he said rather coolly. "Next time, I choose where we meet."

Makoto just sat down on one of the benches inside the building once they had arrived. "Whatever ya say, darlin'," she mumbled, her weariness catching up in her accent.

"How long is this meeting supposed to take anyway?" Riku asked idly and stood in front of Makoto, silently watching her back.

She gave a small, tired smile at Riku in thanks. "I'm not sure... Maybe a few hours. Depends on what's being said, and how long it takes to keep the peace. I think I'll stay away from China boy... I'm tired today."

"You should've slept last night..." Riku scolded playfully.

Makoto glared at him. "I would have, had Starry not called at 9am, like a jerk. But, she gave me some lovely info about Dermail and Barton."

"Oh? Willing to share that information with me?" Riku smirked at her.

"Dermail and Barton are in Toronto... with the kid. I can't get there to take either of them out, but Starry got a picture of the little girl. I'm gonna give it to Khushrenada. Sorry, forgot by the time you were able ta talk."

"You really sure about this Khushrenada thing?" Riku didn't look convinced.

"Why wouldn't I be, Riku?" She looked up, her brown eyes curious. "Are you worried about something?"

Riku just cast his eyes around the park somewhat sadly, before shaking his head. He wasn't sure yet. "No," he answered.

She watched him, and stood up so she was standing directly in front of him. She turned his head to look at her. "What's wrong?" she asked with a sweet kiss.

He gave a small kiss in return and just looked at her eyes, still seeming a bit sad, before it was replaced with his melancholy self. "Nothing. Don't worry about it."

She frowned, moving away to look at her watch. "Ten minutes. You gonna go hide in your tree with your new toy now?"

"I'll stick around on the ground for a moment," Riku replied, making sure his weapons were easily accessible. "But if this takes too long or I get suspicious, I'm out of here."

"I know. I'll catch a ride with Sky if that happens." She didn't bother to look at him, knowing he was keeping something from her. Riku just stood around and waited. Makoto watched, and saw the Gundam pilots approach, en masse, up one side of the hill. "The pilots are here," she said quietly, taking off her jacket and wrapping it around her waist for easier movement.

To be continued.