Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The 6th Gundam Pilot? ❯ Men are a Pain ( Chapter 5 )

~*~*~*~

Trowa finished cleaning up the kitchen and entered the living room to find Talia sitting alone on the couch. She seemed to be staring off into space, lost in thought. Instead of bothering her he sat at the other end and clicked on the television. Flipping through channels he found an interesting looking soap opera and stopped. There was a sudden pressure on his thigh and he looked down to find a dark blonde head laying on it. The first time she had done it he'd felt uncomfortable but now it seemed almost normal. She was lying on her side so he laid his arm on her shoulder as he relaxed into the cushions. She turned to look up at him questioningly. "If you're going to lay there then you have to pay the price. You make a nice arm rest like this." She grinned up at him and returned her attention to the mushy scene on the TV.

It wasn't long before a beaming Duo and a pleased looking Heero made their way downstairs. The braided boy took one look at them before pushing Talia over so she was on her back. Trowa's arm fell from her shoulder and lay across her collarbone. He stiffened looking down, making sure he wasn't touching anything he shouldn't be, before relaxing again. Duo then flopped down on top of her. His head rested on one of her breasts and he promptly snuggled into it slightly, "Makes a nice pillow." He was immediately smacked in the side of his head. Heero snorted and made himself comfortable in one of the recliners. "Not everyone likes to be treated like an object baka." Duo lifted his head slightly to stick out his tongue.

The soap opera was surprisingly interesting and the more sappy it got the bigger Duo's smile became. Talia nudged him knowingly when he sighed. She heard someone coming down the stairs and attempted to sit up to see if it might be Wufei. Of course this only served to unbalance the braided baka on top of her and she nearly choked herself on Trowa's arm. She coughed lightly, putting her head back down since Trowa didn't seem to want to give up his arm rest and grabbed the back of Duo's shirt before he rolled off onto the floor. As she turned back she found herself looking up at a very disapproving Wufei. "Care to join us? We'll make room for you!" She grinned up at him but his look darkened. "I don't believe couches were ever made to be used like that. I will be outside." Her smile instantly disappeared as he walked off.

~*~*~*~

Wufei sat in the shade attempting to meditate. It was impossible at the moment though. He was angry, but not sure about what. When he had seen Talia, laying on Trowa and being used as a bed by Duo he had felt a twinge. It had immediately ruined any chance of him being in a good mood. Why should it even bother me? I don't care what she does. Why would she even ask if I wanted to lay with them? How disgusting and degrading to be in such a tangle of bodies. A smiling Quatre coming out to sit beside him interrupted his thoughts. Though he sat down quietly and didn't interrupt, Wufei knew he wanted something.

"Do you need something Quatre? I'm rather busy at the moment."

The little blonde smiled apologetically. "I was thinking about some things. I don't know what to think of them. And wanted to hear your thoughts." The Chinese boy waited patiently for him to continue. When he did it was in a dreamy voice, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if you and Talia were together? Like Duo and Heero are and Trowa and I. Like one big happy family. Doesn't it sound perfect?"

Wufei stared at him dumbstruck for half a second. "Life is not a fairy tale Quatre. It would not be wonderful if Talia and I were together. I don't even find her attractive. She's rude and loud and annoying. Too much like Duo for my tastes. I'm sorry to tell you but you're little dream has no chance of coming true." It wasn't all true, but if he told Quatre the truth he would be trying to force them together.

"Oh. I see." He sounded like his life long fantasy had been crushed and he stood up. "I didn't mean to upset you Wufei. I just thought it would be nice, that's all." He walked away slowly. He had gotten his answer at least. But he couldn't tell Talia that! She would be so hurt! It was his duty to make sure she didn't get her heart broken. Love couldn't be one-sided anyway. If Wufei wasn't even attracted to her then there was no way it might turn out to be love. He had a whole little book of numbers though. He could find the perfect man for her! Grinning again from ear to ear he went to find his address book in search of the perfect match.

~*~*~*~

The next few days didn't go very well. Wufei was more irritable than usual for reasons no one could understand. He was pissed off that he continued to feel that twinge whenever he saw Talia hanging on one of the others. It didn't seem to matter that it was something completely normal, something that was done in a sister-brother manner. It was just that she never hung around him like that. Not that he ever wanted her to, of course. He had finally identified the twinge as jealousy. Another weakness, but it could be dealt with easily enough. He simply ignored the girl whenever he saw her. Whenever she tried to make conversation before bed he blew her off with a rather rude remark, usually about her fight with Relena, and turned away.

For almost a week after his talk with Quatre this went on. He was outside under one of the trees in the yard feeling a bit better when she came out the door. He had been doing so well, the twinge had almost disappeared. To his discomfort she headed straight for him and then sat down right in front of him. "What do you want?" He asked coldly, still trying to keep his newly gained distance.

"I know you talked to Quatre about a week ago. What exactly did he say to you? You've been acting strange ever since." She began fidgeting, playing with the blades of grass. She was sure Quatre had blurted something out about her feelings for Wufei. That was the only thing she could think of that would make him act like this.

"He told me about some stupid fantasy or dream or wish of his that we were together. That we were a couple like the others. How he could think that I would ever even be attracted to you is beyond me." To his surprise her face suddenly went red and she stood up and basically stomped away. He watched after her in complete confusion as she turned to glare at him before stomping inside and slamming the door behind her. 'What'd I say?'

~*~*~*~

Quatre was still grinning from ear to ear when Talia came in stomping and scowling. He stopped her before she was able to go upstairs. "I have someone I want you to meet! A friendly dinner tomorrow night. I know you think you like Wufei but before you make any decisions I think maybe you should meet this guy. His name is Rohit, he's a real gentleman. Please! Please!" He knew this would be difficult. She didn't like to date anyone, or at least she'd never agreed before. But he just couldn't let her find out what Wufei thought. He was completely ready for the argument this time. Especially after she'd admitted about not wanting to be alone.

"Fine." And she stomped upstairs, slamming the bedroom door behind her.

The little blonde stood staring up the stairs with wide eyes. 'Well that was much easier than I expected.' He wasn't sure what had happened but she had agreed and he was going to make sure she didn't back out.

~*~*~*~

Trowa stretched and yawned on his way downstairs the next morning. It was his daily routine to wake up before everyone and make breakfast. He was surprised when saw a leg hooked over the back of the couch and heard the sound of soft snoring. The leg could only belong to Talia, though he had no idea why she would be sleeping on the couch again. He hadn't heard her and Wufei fighting last night. Of course he had been listening to Quatre going on about the guy he planned to hook her up with most of the time. His love was so proud and so sure it would work. Shaking his head at the thought he smiled slightly, hoping he was right this time. He thought of the girl as a little sister and it would nice to see her happy with someone. He yawned again heading into the kitchen.

Pots banging in the kitchen roused Talia from her rather uncomfortable slumber. Her left leg was asleep, it felt numb and heavy. She opened her eyes to see that it had somehow made over the back of the couch without her permission and she pulled it back down. Standing up she felt sore from her previous position and limped into the kitchen, slumping into a chair. Her head landed on the tabletop with a thump and Trowa turned around to look at her curiously.

"Good Morning." She mumbled into the wood.

He furrowed his eyebrows, "What's wrong with you? Why were you on the couch?"

Her head popped up, "Because Wufei is a fucking asshole that's why!"

She said it with such vehemence that his eyes widened slightly in surprise. It was usually Wufei ranting about her the next day it had never been the other way around.

"Have another fight?"

"No." She grumbled her forehead plopping back down onto the table. He decided it might be best to just leave that subject alone. "So I heard you agreed to have dinner with someone Quatre picked out?" It sounded more like he was talking about clothing than a person and she smiled slightly. "I didn't feel like arguing. It can't hurt to do it once I guess. I have nothing better to do tonight." By the last sentence she was grumbling again and he decided to simply let her be.

~*~*~*~

Quatre was prepared to dress Talia himself if she started to make excuses not to go tonight. She had been in a bad mood all day. She'd snapped at Duo and then Heero for absolutely no reason. The house had gone very quiet when that happened, waiting for him to shoot or strangle her. Luckily he completely ignored the outburst and she went on her way ranting at everything and everyone. Everyone except Wufei, she wouldn't even look at him. Quatre wondered what could have happened yesterday between them that she was so cold towards him now. She had been somewhat friendly to Trowa and himself, sparing them both from her suddenly mean tongue, even giving them small smiles. He stood by her bedroom door waiting for her, pondering all of this when she came from the bathroom; her hair was damp so he concluded she'd just taken a shower. "Getting ready to go for tonight?" He asked hopefully.

"Huh?" She stopped midstride looking mildly confused. A half second later as if a light had switched on she smiled and nodded. "Yea, of course. I've just got to get dressed and I'll be ready. I'm taking your car to go meet him right?"

Quatre beamed at her, "Yes! Please don't be late. Hurry!" She was actually going to go! He was positive it was going to work between them! He watched her close the door before going to find his keys.

A half an hour later he was pacing the floor waiting. He wasn't even driving but he didn't want her to be late. He was about to call for her again when she came hesitantly down the stairs. "Oh my goodness! You look wonderful! I didn't think you would dress up so much. I didn't even know you had a dress!" She smiled shyly back at him, blushing a light pink. Duo had already complimented her on the outfit before she had come downstairs. She really did look beautiful, like a real lady.

Her dress was a maroon color, fitting her body perfectly to show off her shapely figure. The sleeves were made of lace, making it cool enough to wear and still hiding the scratches and bruises left over from her fight with Relena. It went almost to her knees and she was actually wearing hose and high heels! She'd curled her hair and put on just a little bit of makeup. She really looked like a new woman! She was thankful that Wufei had gone with Heero for groceries. He would have giving her one of those disapproving looks of his and ruined her self-esteem for the night. "Uh, can I have the keys now? I'm going to be late. Ugh! How can women wear these damn things all the time, my legs are going to be sore tomorrow I just know it." She began to grumble after she had taken the keys and gone out the door.

~*~*~*~

Wufei and Heero returned from getting groceries later than planned. Though he didn't know what he had done, he still felt guilty for making Talia angry. He thought perhaps he'd wounded her pride. Also, he hadn't been very nice to her the past week. Maybe he actually deserved it. So he'd dragged Heero to three different gift shops searching for a gift. Nothing expensive, nothing big, just something so she'd forgive him. Normally he would have just waited it out but she'd never stayed mad at him overnight before. It had bothered him more than he would admit (even to himself) that she had slept on the couch the night before. He had finally found the perfect gift and Heero was more than happy to get home.

After putting food away he went upstairs bearing his gift. The other guys had all been helping put things away so he assumed she had just stayed in their room. She HAD been in a bad mood. However, he found the room empty.

"DUO!"

Sounds of clomping up the stairs told him the braided boy was coming. He looked rather bewildered at being called. "You need something Wu… Why are you cuddling a teddy bear?"

Wufei turned red and tossed the bear onto his bed. "It's for Talia, hers is old and falling apart. I'm tired of seeing the ugly thing."

"Oh," Duo gave him a disbelieving look, "Well, what did you need then? A teddy blanket? Diapers maybe?"

Turning redder but this time in anger Wufei grabbed Duo's collar, giving it a jerk. "Stop making cracks about the bear. This is why I see no point in being generous. Where is Talia?"

Duo shrugged him off, straightening his shirt. "Didn't she tell you? She agreed to go out with some guy Quatre picked out."

Wufei's jaw dropped, "WHAT?!"

"Yea, she got all dressed up, in a dress even and make-up, looking all girly. She left less than a half hour ago. The way Q-man's talking this guy Rohit is perfect for her. She might not even come home tonight." He clucked his tongue, wriggled his eyebrows suggestively and nudged the stunned boy before him. "If you know what I mean!"

~*~*~*~

In the car she cranked up the stereo. Why was she doing this? It wasn't going to accomplish anything except for making her feel guilty. She didn't have any right to be angry with Wufei but she couldn't help it. He could be so damn insensitive sometimes! On this train of thought she drove right past the restaurant. Quatre would be pissed off about it but she really didn't feel like meeting someone new yet. A drink, ah yes, drinking always helped get your mind off things. She stopped in front of a nice little bar that happened to be owned by a friend of Duo's. He smiled when she came in, "All dressed up tonight little missy? Big plans?"

She laughed, "Yep! Standing up a date and spending the rest of my night here on a bar stool talking with you Alex."

He frowned but poured her a drink. "That's too bad. I'm not very good company and usually don't have many customers on week nights."

"Suits me just fine. I just don't feel like thinking and not much like talking either. Just keep my glass full and I'll be happy." He frowned once more but did as he was told.

Within a few hours she was less than sober. A lot less than sober really and Alex was beginning to worry. He hadn't the slightest idea where she and Duo lived but she was in no condition to drive home. There hadn't been another customer all night and he was thinking of closing up early to take her home when a tall blonde man walked in.

"Good Evening Sir! How can I help you?" Alex asked politely not noticing that Talia had straightened up suddenly on her bar stool. The man gave a small smile and took a seat right next to her. "A shot of tequila if you don't mind." Alex nodded retrieving the drink. After making sure there was nothing else he returned to his own business.

~*~*~*~

It was nearing eleven o'clock. Talia's date had called early asking where she was. Wufei had nearly rung Quatre's neck for setting her up on the date in the first place. He'd covered his anger saying it was foolish since the Gundams were still needed. That it would be a security risk. He'd then been restrained from going out to search for her twice already.

"She needs time to cool off."

"Let her have a night to herself."

'It's all bullshit! What if she's hurt?' Why didn't anyone else care? Why was no one else worried? He was literally pacing in front of the door, unable to concentrate on anything else. Trowa came and put an arm on his shoulder and he stopped, glaring up at him. "Calm down Wufei. If you're that worried go ahead and go look for her. I won't tell the others that you've gone." Wufei nodded feeling much more relieved. "Thanks. I owe you one." He closed the door behind him quietly. In his hurry to leave he failed to notice the knowing look he received from the green-eyed boy.

~*~*~*~

Talia had recognized him as soon as he came in and suddenly felt at least five times more sober. After Alex was busy again she turned to the tall blonde man sitting beside her and hissed in suspicion, "What are you doing here Zechs?" He smiled politely down at her, "It's not Zechs anymore, it's Milliardo. I'm just here for a drink, that's all. You look like you've had a few too many."

She glared at him, or at least tried to glare at him but he looked rather fuzzy. She mentally kicked herself for being caught so off guard. "I haven't had enough, I'm still thinking rationally." His little smile returned and he took her glass away.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"If you drink much more you're going to be sick or pass out. You can't even sit straight on your stool."

She reached out for her glass clumsily and he easily kept it from her reach. She ended up leaning over half his lap before growling, "I don't know who you think you are! You're not my brother and sure as hell not a friend. So why don't you just give me the drink back and go hop along your merry way bub."

He frowned down at her, "Well, I'm not going to let you have it back. I know you don't think very highly of me." She snorted in agreement still stretching for her drink.

She was starting to lose her balance but didn't want to resort to using her other arm. If she did it would end up on one of his legs. Intoxicated or not she didn't want to send that kind of signal. She really had no problem with Zechs except that he was Relena's brother. Anyone associated with that woman lost brownie points in her book.

He shook his head when she continued to try and reach the drink "But things are different now. We're not on opposite sides any longer. There is no reason we can't be friends and no reason for me to watch you get wasted and end up sick."

That did it, she had stretched so far she fell off her stool into his lap and would have landed onto the floor if he hadn't caught her. So maybe he was right, she had had quite a bit to drink. And all things considered she was feeling pretty good until he showed up. "Fine. I won't drink anymore. I'll just go home and go to bed or maybe be sick. Ugh, my stomach." She fought down a gag as she was placed back on her feet. To keep her balance she gripped his arm tightly.

"I don't think you should be driving right now." He slid some money across the counter to a worried looking Alex. "I'll take her home, don't worry." The bartender nodded in relief as Talia allowed herself to be ushered slowly out. He saw no reason to worry as it had been apparent they knew each other.

She felt much better in the cool night air but still kept a tight hold on Zechs', no Milliardo's arm. It seemed like all the alcohol had chosen to hit her all at once. His voice brought her back to reality for a moment, "Tell me where you live so I can get you home."

She stared at him in disbelief. Give the location of the safe house? The location of the Gundam Pilots? Was he nuts? She laughed weakly and looked up at him, "Sorry. Can't do that. Its classified information." She paused looking at his eyes. He actually looked concerned. "You know your eyes are a really pretty blue." There was that smile again. She looked away finding it hard to keep steady. There went Quatre's car; at least she thought it was Quatre's car. Boy! It sure was really dark out tonight. The street lamps even seemed dim. Did Milliardo just ask her another question? She turned her head to look at him and everything, including his face went dark.

~*~*~*~

Aren't you proud of me?! Even with all my problems with this chapter I got it up in just a few days! Also, I wanted to PLEAD for reviews!! I don't care if I only get one or two a chapter, but they would be very much appreciated. And you'll be thanked/have questions answered in when I post up the next chapter. I just want to know if anyone is enjoying this story or if I should just keep it to myself. Or you can just flame the hell out of me, or praise me, that would be nice *grins* Also, any ideas for future chapters are welcome!

If you would like to receive an e-mail alerting you when I post the next chapter, please e-mail me at scoobydoobubbles@hotmail.com ^_^