Waa! K, I’m trying to get over major writer’s block…ugh…Oh yeah, and ff.net keeps screwing up my formatting…sorry about that. I checked the other two chapters and they were like, messed up. I’m just a real freak about that stuff.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Gundam Wing. Fairly obvious, no? If I owned it, I’d be like, making this into an anime, complete with the original voice cast and Yoko Kanno music…ooh, that’d be cool…but since I don’t own it… *cough*
The Royal Square was breathtaking. The images that she created in her mind were not even close in comparison with the real thing. The morning sun shone brightly, making everything in sight sparkle. Lucrezia could only stare all the stands and shops all set against the magnificent Palace towers. She grasped Wufei’s sleeve, fearing she might lose him in the crowd.
“Wow, this is great, Wufei,” she exclaimed as they officially opened up the second Dragon Market. This one was twice the size of the original in the Country Place. Five minutes later, the place was packed. Quatre and Sally had stayed at the smaller store; Lucrezia considered herself loved when Wufei had chosen her over Quatre to help him open the new shop. She was only slightly concerned about working with only Wufei all day. Usually, Sally was there to calm his temper, but now Lucrezia could only pray that he kept his cool today. As it was, he was in exceptionally high spirits at the turnout of clientele. If she was surprised at the number of people who came, she was completely shocked with none other than Prince Milliardo stepped in.
He was, as usual, dressed in simple clothes and the cloak that hid his long hair. As crowded as it was, he didn’t stay long, but managed to single-handedly buy more merchandise than they had sold the whole day.
“I see your business is doing marvelously,” he told Lucrezia. She coldly informed him that she was not the proprietor. He only laughed. “I know, my dear. However, I’d like you to know that I have spent enough money to have my exceedingly prudent mother yell at me later. I owe it all to you,” he said.
At last, a smile crept across her face. He grinned victoriously and bowed slightly, as to not attract too much attention to himself. He left Lucrezia staring after him, still smiling.
By evening, there was nothing Lucrezia or anyone else could do to dampen Wufei’s mood. So pleased was he that he even bought her dinner. The day passed so quickly that Lucrezia was surprised when business began dying down. Glancing outside, she noticed that the sun had set and the merchants were all closing up.
“Lucrezia, I’ll need you to attend to the last of the customers while I pack the stuff up,” Wufei called out. She was standing at the doorway, admiring the castle. With the sun setting behind the castle, the place glowed a spectrum of pinks, reds, and yellows. Quickly, she ducked back in, taking over for Wufei as he began shutting the place up.
It was dark by the time Wufei finished locking the windows and doors. There were few people still out this late, and those were the night people; they were the beggars and whores. Lucrezia groaned as Wufei began walking briskly down the street, obviously not waiting for her. Running to catch up with him, she cast one more glance back to see the streetlights being lit. The loud, raucous rang in her ears long after she had left the Royal Square.
* * *
A week after the opening of the second Dragon Market, Wufei decided that Lucrezia and Quatre should run it alone. Lucrezia had reluctantly agreed; there were two rooms upstairs for her and Quatre, who had been a little upset about being farther away from Trowa. He had asked if Trowa could come along, not being able to even bear the thought of leaving his best friend behind. It didn’t matter either way to Wufei, of course, as long as the job got done, and as long as this Trowa didn’t steal or scare off customers. It was a little frightening being alone in a strange place at first. After nightfall, the Royal Square was like a different place. The scum of the earth gathered there, only to be shooed off by the Imperial Guards. Why they continued, Lucrezia didn’t know and didn’t want to know.
Quatre and Trowa slept soundly in the next room, but Lucrezia was wide-awake. Sleep would not come to her tonight. She threw her covers off, planting her bare feet on the cold wooden floor. Wrapping a soft blanket around her body, Lucrezia quietly padded down the stairs to the shop. The windows were locked shut with wooden planks and only tiny shreds of light filtered through, casting soft shadows across the room. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of incense and the cinnamon sticks Sally was so fond of. She opened her eyes and pretended she was a rich noblewoman, looking for whatever caught her fancy at the moment. Hanging beside the door were red silk robes that were fashionable among the nobility lately. Hurriedly peeking up the stairs, Lucrezia shed her sleeping clothes and slid into one of the robes. The fabric felt absolutely delicious against her skin. She smiled, wrapping her arms around herself. Feeling indescribably content and perhaps a bit childish, she spun around the room, allowing herself a small laugh. A noise on the stairs stopped her so abruptly she almost fell. Righting herself, she saw Quatre on the steps, a smile creeping across his lips.
“Well, Lu, now we know what you’re up to at night,” he laughed. Lucrezia had to join him. Being that there was nowhere to sit in the shop (Wufei considered that being lazy), Quatre sat on the stairs, patting the spot next to him. Lucrezia tottered over and tried to sit without falling into him; the spinning still had her dizzy. “Why are we up so late, huh?” he asked, staring out at the sliver of the moon that shone through a crack in the window.
“I thought you were sleeping,” she said. “I hope I didn’t wake you when I came down.”
Quatre chuckled. “No, I was already up, partly because of Trowa’s snoring.”
“Um, Quatre?”
“Yeah?”
Lucrezia cleared her throat uncomfortably. “Is there something with you and…” she trailed off, embarrassed. She looked over at Quatre, who had a pensive expression on his face.
“I’d be lying if I said we were just best friends,” he replied. “There’s more…it’s like a bond, an understanding.” He tilted his head to the side, deep in thought. “I suppose we love each other…but I don’t know that we could act on it.” Sighing, he turned to Lucrezia. “Trowa says that people aren’t accepting enough, and that he couldn’t stand to live in exile or hated by everyone. I- I suppose I feel the same, but…”
“I’m sorry, Quatre. I didn’t mean to pry or anything,” she said, seeing the boy begin to flush.
Smiling, he took her hand. “No, Lu. I trust you and tell you because I want to.”
She grinned at the nickname. “Thank you, I’m honored.” She leaned her head on his shoulder, the two of them watching what they could of the night sky. She felt his breathing become very even and hoped he hadn’t fallen asleep there on the staircase. Tilting her head up, she saw him still watching the sky, with tears in his eyes. He caught her gaze.
“No, I’m still awake,” he said, though he spoke through a yawn.
Lucrezia smiled sleepily. “Well, I think that I’m ready to turn in, but I don’t want to leave you here alone.” She stood and stretched. Quatre stood as well and together they headed up the stairs.
“Good night, Lu,” Quatre whispered before entering his room. Trowa’s snores were fairly audible.
“Night, Quatre,” she answered, smiling.
Only when she was back in her room, under her covers, and ready to drift off did she remember that she was still wearing the red robe. Too tired to head back downstairs, she sat up and shrugged the garment off her shoulders. She haphazardly tossed it onto a chair and lay back down. She didn’t often sleep nude, but now she felt she couldn’t keep her eyes open. She made a mental not to herself to pick up her nightgown off the shop floor before opening. She knew Quatre would never tell Wufei about what she did, so she went to sleep in peace.
* * *
The engagement was official. In seven months’ time, the Crown Prince of the Cinq Kingdom would wed Princess Anna Une, the daughter of the King of Luxemburg. Neither party was ecstatic on the matter. The Cinq King had ultimately left the choosing to his son and had to admit that he had done a good job. The Princess was an excellent scholar and fencer. She had a brilliant analytical mind, her father’s generals were all sorry she hadn’t been a boy. Maybe not so sorry; the Princess also possessed an earthly, mysterious beauty. Her tanned skin glowed and her green eyes sparkled when she smiled, which, unfortunately, was not often. She had resigned herself to her fate, but hated and cursed it every chance she got. Perhaps that was why Milliardo had chosen her. The Princess herself was not averse to the marriage; it was better than many of her previous offers. In terms of political strategy, this was an ideal pairing. Both nations were strong economically and militarily. In regards to personality, the two had met on several occasions and got along well. Though, at those times, neither thought they’d ever be getting married to each other. No matter, it was all said, done, and officially documented.
Milliardo felt as if he had just signed his own execution papers. He went through the reception as if he were already a dead man. He tried reasoning that it was better than some of the other airheads he could have had…Princess Anna was a fine choice, or so everyone said. Queen Katarina had wept throughout the whole official engagement speech. It was typical of her to be so overdramatic, but today it grated Milliardo’s nerves more than ever. Relena sat in an armchair sulking, only slightly cheered by the fact that Anna’s younger sister Isabelle, would soon be her sister in law. The two girls known each other since birth and were very close. King Ethan remained somber, probably because he had been in the same position many years ago.
The reception went as well as could be expected, what with a hysterical queen, brooding princess, and indifferent betrothed. To Anna, it seemed rather ridiculous. She figured she might as well get more comfortable with her soon to be husband. She would miss her home, but Cinq had much potential for her, full of forests, rivers, and prosperous cities.
“Milliardo, you will take me on a tour of sorts of all the interesting places here, right?” she inquired as the pair stood out on the Grand Hall balcony. It was much to cold to be out there, but Milliardo needed to clear his head by means of odd self-torture. Anna was accustomed to such climate and didn’t really mind. She was also wearing a long sleeved dress with a high collar.
“Of course, Anna,” he said, smiling as he looked out toward the river. “I’m sure you’ll find yourself never wanting here. There’s far too much to do. I highly recommend horseback riding in the forest. Those woods have a peace to them…” he drifted off. Why did his mind keep going back to Lucrezia…no, he didn’t even know her last name. That moonlit night still stuck in his head more than he wanted it to. She and her business partners had opened up another of their shops in the Royal Square. He had passed by often, in his commoner’s clothing, only to stand in the doorway and watch. It was unnerving the way he couldn’t bring himself to step inside.
He didn’t like what she was doing to him. On more than one occasion, he had found himself riding toward that spot at the river, hoping she’d be there. Damn, he shouldn’t be thinking such things. Becoming so involved with a commoner was dangerous. The people loved nothing more than a good scandal. And what better than the engaged Prince to be caught out with some merchant girl…
“Milliardo? Are you okay?” Anna’s voice reached his brain, snapping him quickly from his thoughts.
He turned to her, trying to play off his preoccupation. “Sorry, just thinking about the river. It’s really beautiful at night,” he said, wishing the words back into his mouth the moment they left. Anna looked at him quizzically before sighing.
“Well, I hope you’re right,” she said. With that, she excused herself and went back inside, joining her father and King Ethan.
Grumbling, Milliardo rested his elbows on the railing and continued watching the sunset.
*
The hallway was dark and cold. Relena was shivering standing there, but refused to move. Heero said he was coming and come he would. She heard footsteps and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the deep blue eyes and disheveled brown hair. She ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck, showering his face with kisses.
“Oh, Heero, why didn’t you come sooner?” she asked, resting her head against his chest. He took her hands in his, groaning.
“Relena, you know I have to show my face out there. You are expected to retire after a while. I, on the other hand, have to at least pretend that I care whether or not taxes go up in Cinq. Count yourself lucky.” He smiled and kissed her, encircling his arms around her.
She pushed away from him after a moment, anger in her eyes. “How hateful to have to meet like this. It isn’t fair, Heero!” she cried. She didn’t miss the tortured look in his eyes, but she had to say it, though she knew he could do nothing on the matter. “I’m sorry, love. I know it hurts you,” she whispered through her tears.
She sought comfort in his arms and they held each other for a time, not caring anymore what was expected of them. All that mattered for them in that moment in time was each other. “Let’s leave Cinq, Relena,” Heero murmured.
Relena had to stifle a laugh at his suggestion. “Where to, Heero? How?” She had already considered running away many times. It just wasn’t logical. They could leave, but they’d be pursued all their lives. Neither knew a practical skill, much less survival outside a castle full of servants, cooks, and butlers.
“It doesn’t matter, ‘Lena,” he said fervently. “As long as we’re together, we’ll make it work.” He let her go abruptly, raking his fingers through his already rumpled hair in frustration. “I can’t stomach the thought of you marrying Duo, Relena. As much as he’s my best friend…I just—” He slammed a fist into his open palm, the force startling Relena.
Running her fingers down his cheek, Relena smiled endearingly. “Heero,” she sighed. “I love you.” She kissed him and no more words were spoken.
* * *
A week after his engagement to Anna had been celebrated Milliardo could not shake the longing to see Lucrezia. He had gone out into the city dressed in ordinary clothing for years and had never been recognized. Caution and common sense be damned, he had to see her.
That evening, Dragon Market was unusually quiet. Upon entering, the first thing he noticed was the small blonde boy talking to Lucrezia. He seemed too young for her, but the two appeared to be talking like friends and nothing more. She recognized him immediately and received a small smile instead of the unwelcoming frown of last time.
“Good evening, Lucrezia,” he greeted warmly.
“Hi,” she replied uncertainly. Quatre was raising an expectant eyebrow at her. “Quatre, this is… um,” she stopped short; hesitant about whether she should tell him who it was. She looked helplessly at Milliardo, who only grinned enigmatically.
“Is he trustworthy?” he asked, eyeing a very confused Quatre.
“Yes, of course he is,” she responded. Milliardo nodded his assent.
Lucrezia sighed heavily. “Quatre, His Royal Highness, Milliardo Peacecraft,” she said impassively, a little more condescendingly than she had intended.
“No,” said Quatre disbelievingly, laughing. The look Lucrezia shot him sobered him quickly. “Oh goodness, Your Highness.” He began to panic at his disrespect for the Prince.
Lucrezia giggled. “Calm down, Quatre. And don’t talk so loud. We’re not aiming for the whole city to know he’s here. Even though it’s what the lout deserves,” she laughed good-naturedly.
Milliardo gave her a sly smile. “I was just beginning to think that you were going to be nice.”
His words were serious, despite his smile. She looked away, frowning slightly. She now readily admitted that she felt strongly for him, for by no means could she even bring herself to consider loving him. Not only was there the royalty thing to consider, but now he was engaged to be married to a princess.
“Would you care to take a walk with me?” he invited, extending his hand out to her.
Quatre politely coughed. “Well, we’re not busy right now, Lu,” he offered helpfully. Scowling, Lucrezia took his hand, Quatre having made her decision for her; she’d have to yell at him later.
Milliardo led her down the Square, toward the palace. Lucrezia remained silent, waiting on him to speak first; he was the one who had wanted to go for a damn stroll.
“Um,” he began. “Well first,” he said lightly. “My sister almost killed her tree. She left it in the care of her handmaiden, who is sadly not blessed with a green thumb. I had to have the Head Gardener take a look at it.” He was trying to make conversation and failing. Lucrezia nodded her head to indicate he had her attention, but she was expecting something else, most likely his reason her to be wandering the city streets with him. “It’s now on a windowsill in my study now. Relena ‘entrusted’ it to me.” They continued into a shaded glen, the beginnings of the forest, and out of sight of the city goers. “I probably should have realized that would happen…”
This was not working. “Look,” he turned and faced her, his hands on her shoulders. “I know I’ve asked for you to forgive me for being a jerk, but you’ve deftly avoided answering me.” He placed a hand on his chest, clutching at his shirt, his demeanor more intense. “I am asking you, pleading with you to forget about how we first met. Just pretend it never happened.”
Lucrezia’s eyes widened in disbelief. She could hear the sincerity in his voice and see the need in his eyes. Thank the stars they were in a relatively deserted clearing. “Okay,” she said. Her voice trembled slightly as she continued. “But why exactly do you care?”
The question was simple enough; she was wondering why the hell Milliardo Peacecraft should care so much of this matter. But he did care, and he couldn’t explain why without admitting something he continued to deny. He had to deny it.
“Maybe…” He let go of her shoulders, straightening. “Maybe it’s because I’m not the conceited royal snob you think I am. It could be that I actually care that you forgive me and think of me as a friend.”
Was he serious? Lucrezia’s world was turning upside-down again. “Alright, fine. I forgive you.” She figured she might as well go with it. It was almost sundown and she needed sleep. She’d been going insomniac for the last week and she didn’t know why. Right now, though, her head was pounding and she really didn’t need the stress.
“You do?”
“You sound surprised. I said I forgive you, isn’t that what you wanted?” she asked, exasperated.
Milliardo laughed, landing a kiss on her forehead. That was a surprise. Lucrezia gasped as he did it, suddenly feeling light-headed when he held her tightly in his arms. “Thank you, Lucrezia. You know, I don’t know your last name. You know mine, it’s not fair that I don’t know yours.”
“Mmm, it’s Hayden,” she murmured, ignoring the fact that it wasn’t really her last name anymore since she had no family. Oh well, there she was, as she had wanted to be since she met him, in his arms. It felt so good; he was so warm and smelled faintly of pine.
“Lucrezia Hayden…that’s a lovely name.” His chin rested atop her head, his arms wrapped firmly around her. He did not plan on letting go for a while. He was enjoying this as much as he knew he would. And though his brain might deny it, his heart knew that he was in love with her.
Now he was screwed. Royally screwed.
Breaking the embrace, he held her at arm’s length. She met his eyes, uncertainty lurking in the dark depths. “Would you think it completely inappropriate if I kissed you?” Milliardo questioned, his voice a bare whisper.
“…No,” she replied shyly. Oh, any worries she might have had about him fled the moment his lips met hers. The kiss was wrong in a million different ways, but to the two, it didn’t matter. Milliardo slowly deepened the kiss, continuing until Lucrezia pushed away, breathless. “Okay,” she managed, winded more from shock than from the kiss. “Maybe I should go back…” She backed away.
“Wait, Lucrezia,” Milliardo grasped her wrist when she tried to leave. He anticipated her fighting back. Instead, she relented, rushing back into his arms. “Look…” he said. “I’ve never met anyone like you. I don’t know what it is that you do to me, but…it’s driving me crazy.” He sighed in frustration. “And I don’t know what to do about it.”
The girl in his arms remained silent, not knowing what she could possibly say to that. She let him hold her, feeling right in his embrace no matter how wrong it really was. “I should be getting back. Quatre’s by himself…” she said, but making no move to leave him. After a few more minutes, she reluctantly left the safety of his arms. “I have to go, we can’t do this.”
Though loath to do so, Milliardo let her go, grazing her cheek with his palm. “It isn’t fair,” he murmured.
To that, she only smiled warmly. “Life’s not fair,” she said. “Good night.” And she left.
For a few more moments, Milliardo stood as he was, watching where she had been standing. Yeah, life was definitely not fair. He’d have to do something about that.
~~~
Author’s Notes/Comments/Rants: Wow, I think that I have nothing to say right now. Oh yeah, pardon the uh, pun… “Now he was screwed. Royally screwed.” I just couldn’t help myself…also, I realize Lucrezia’s last name is not really Hayden. For narrative purposes, that’s the way it is. Just…keep reading. Comments and constructive criticism always welcome and much appreciated!
