Quatre sat in his office and looked at the invitation in his hand. He shook his head. He would have never guessed she would be marrying him. He smiled. It would be an odd marriage indeed! He wondered who he would be able to take? He was tired of taking his sisters to all these functions. His mind flitted to a certain dark haired girl. He wondered if she would be available. He kind of hoped so. He punched in the number to the Maxwell/Schibecker Savage yard. He had talked to her a million times and he was totally smitten with her. Just looking at her smile was enough to brighten his day. He wondered if she had figured it out yet. He shook his head as the phone rang. She was probably involved with Duo. And why wouldn't any girl not fall for Duo. He was a wonderful guy. Maybe he was wasting his time. Just as he was going to hit the disconnect button, her face popped up.

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Hilde stood in the kitchen and stretched. She sighed when she looked at the coffee pot, then the stack of paper work on the table. She ran her fingers through her blue black hair and blink. "OOO! Duo Maxwell! I'm gonna get you for this!" She picked them up and hauled them into the computer room. She then returned to the kitchen and poured herself a large mug of black coffee. She grinned, thinking of all the practical jokes she could do him. She wondered where she could start first. She sat in front of the computer and started to work.

2 hours and 2 pots of coffee, Hilde had half the paperwork finished. She stood and went into the kitchen to dump her cold coffee out and opened the frig. She rummaged through the contents until she found a small bit of cheese. She stood and slammed the door and leaned against it. As she nibbled on the cheese she was trying to figure out what she could do to get even with Duo.

Just an Idea came into her head , the phone rang . She poured another coffee and went to answer it. She plopped down into her seat and hit the open button.

A cute blonde face popped up in front of her.

"Quatre! Hey! What's up?"

"Uh... Hi, Hilde!"

She looked at him and smiled. He was so damn good looking, but he wouldn't look sideways at her.

"So, what can I do for you? I suppose you want to talk to Duo about some big deal you have, hmmm? Well, I'm sorry, Quat. He's not here. I don't know where he is and when I find him I'm gonna......... O, geez, I'm sorry, I was ranting. So what did you need?"

He looked at her and blinked," Uh..... Actually I wanted to talk to you."

"Me? Really?" She frowned at him and then said, "Shoot."

"Well...... uh...... I need to ask you a personal question, OK?"

He saw her nod. He gulped. "Uh... Are you and Duo involved?"

He saw her take a sip of her coffee then promptly spit it all over the screen. She coughed, then started to laugh. "I'm ..(gasp) Sorry.....(Cough) Quatre!" She stood up and leaned into the screen now dripping with coffee. "I’ll be right back!"

He started at the blank screen as the coffee ran down it leaving streaks in front of him. He was a little confused at her reaction. Sudden she returned and wiped off the screen.

"Now, about your question. No, I don't think Catherine would be very happy with me if I took her boyfriend." She giggled. "Duo is like this giant big brother to me. I don't think of him that way." She saw Quatre visibly relaxed. "What? you didn't know Duo and Catherine were dating? I think he's gonna ask her to marry him! It's so cool! Hey, weren't you dating that Dorothy chick?"

Quatre blushed, "Yeah, but we broke up. She found someone else to keep her attention."

"Oh, geez, I'm sorry, Quatre."

"NO need. it was mutual. I have been invited to their wedding."

"OH, really? Who's she marrying?"

"Trowa."

"WHAT?!"

Quatre giggled, "So what does Trowa think of Duo and his sister?"

"He grumbles a lot." Hide said, with a big smile." Dorothy and Trowa. I wonder why he didn't say anything. Wait till I see him!!!!"

Quatre smiled, "I guess the reason I called was to see if you were unattached and if you would go to the wedding with me?"

"Me? You're asking me to go with you? Really?'" She paused." Yes, I 'll go. When is it?"

"Friday."

"So soon?"

Yeah, they're just going to the court house ,then there's a great big reception at the circus."

"OK. I'll see you Friday."

"I'll pick you up around 6, OK?"

She nodded and said, "Yep. Bye!"

They closed the connection. Hilde sat back and smiled. The one guy she had all ways wanted to date just asked her to a wedding!

Hilde was giddy until Duo came home 4 hours later.

"Where have you been, Duo Maxwell?"

He stepped back and looked at his roomy. She didn't look angry.

"Uh..I was helping Trowa." He stepped back as she leaped into his arms and hugged him.

"I have a date with Quatre Friday!"

Duo pushed her back and grinned, "So he finally asked you out, Huh?"

"To Dorothy and Trowa's wedding." She looked at him, "How come you didn't tell me about that?"

"Un... It was secret?"

"From Me? Your suppose to be best friend?" She put her hands on her hips and turned away from him, pretending to pout. "I'm sooooo hurt." She sniffled.

She felt his hands on her shoulders as he turned her around. "I'm sorry, Hilde, I didn't......"

"GOTCHA!" She shouted as she grabbed his ribs and started to tickle him.

He tried to bat her hands away as he fell to the floor in a fit of laughter.

After he yelled uncle, Hilde stopped and sat back. "You know It's a good thing Cathy is an understanding person! I could be a dead fred you know."

"Naw, Hilde! She knows how close we are. Just like her and Trowa."

Hilde nodded , then She glared at him, "So, when's the big date for you and Cathy?"

Duo sat back hard, shock on his face, "WHA......?"

Hilde Wrapped her arms around herself and started to laugh. ""Your.... face!" She gasped between fits of laughter.

Duo blinked , then leaped on her. "I'll get you for that!"

Laughter peeled through the house.

ON Friday:

Duo watched as Hilde paced back and forth in front of him. He crossed his arms and grinned.

"It's a little late to worry about what you're wearing, Hilde!" He watched the black shift move smooth and easy with each step. "He'll love that dress! Hell, I love that dress!"

She stopped and looked at him, "Duo!" She looked at the black silk as she smoothed it down. "You think so."

Duo stood and walked to her. He put his hands on her bare shoulders. "Honest, Hilde, he'll love it! He'll love you!"

She looked up at him, then stepped back, her arms crossing over her breasts, "I... I think he asked me so he didn't have to take one of his sisters."

Duo leaned down and whispered to her, "I don't think so," He grinned, "Why do you think he always talks to you?" Duo turned her to face him. "He always talks to you first!"

"Well, duh! I answer the phone!"

Duo shook his head, "It's more." He looked at the clock. "You better finish getting dressed and I better go. Quatre will be here shortly. I've got to go get Cathy. She and me have to sigh the papers as witnesses."

HildE sighed as Duo walked away, mumbling about , the psycho girl with the funky eyebrows and Trowa. It was just too weird.

HildE stood by the door in her black shift and her black pumps, waiting. She turned and looked at her hose, making sure the seams were straight. She tugged at them, smoothing them out. Hilde sighed. Her thoughts were flying through her head, mostly though of why she had agreed to go out with the richest man in the colonies. He asked Her! Her of all people! Maybe he did like her. She suddenly was feel quite giddy. She paced until the long white limo pulled up to the house. She was about to push out the door , when Quatre stepped out of the car. He was dressed in a white Tux and a white orchid in his hand. Hilde inwardly grimaced when she saw him. She looked at her plain dress. She was going to be soooo underdressed.

She stepped out of the door and started toward him.

"Hi, Quatre!" She said, with a bright smile.

Quatre stopped and stared at her.

She mistook his stare, and looked down at The ground. "I’m sorry....I"

He blinked and heard her start to apologize, "No! Hilde, you are beautiful. Oh my god, You'll put the rest to shame." He held out his arm, "Shall we go?"

Quatre closed his eyes as the beautiful girl grasped his arm and bit his lip. 'Tell me I'm not dreaming!'

He opened his eyes and looked at her. He caught Hilde looking at him. His eyes went to her lips. He couldn't control himself and he kissed her, pulling her close to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into his kiss. Here's where she wanted to be.

He released her and stepped back but still held her in his arms. He looked at her and stuttered, "I'm sorry, Hilde, I think I overstepped my boundaries."

She sighed, "No, that was nice, Quatre." She turned and pulled on his arm, "We should go, or we will be late," Then she giggled, "What would Duo say!"

Quatre's face fell and he gulped. "He would kill me!"

Hilde looked at his face and said, "I'm just kidding! Duo would not kill you!"

Quatre shook his head as he helped Hilde into the car. He knew if he ever hurt this girl he would be dead. You just don't mess with the god of death! He smiled as he sat beside her. Never in this lifetime would he hurt this girl. He liked her way too much for that. Maybe he even loved her. He wasn't too sure about it at all. He just knew this where he wanted to be.

Hilde looked over at Quatre as they rode to the circus. Dorothy and Trowa. Who would have thought. She wondered if this was going to be uncomfortable for Quatre.

"Quatre?"

He looked over at her and blinked.

"Are you going to be OK with this? I mean......."

He blinked again and then laughed. "It's OK, Hilde. Dorothy and I parted as friends. It would have never worked out. I like Dorothy but not that way like you better." He clasped her hand and squeezed it.

Hilde blushed, then looked at him. "Me , too."

When they arrived the reception was in full swing. Hilde looked around for the happy couple. She had a few choice words to say to that damn boy. She pulled Quatre along until she saw the pair.

"TROWA!" She shouted. She walked up to and grabbed him by his collar and pulled him away from Dorothy. "Excuse me ,Dorothy, I shall only barrow him for a minute."

Dorothy smiled and shook her head. She turned to Quatre.

"So you finally got the courage to ask her out."

He nodded as he sipped on the champagne she had handed him. "I know it took me awhile."

She grasped his arm. "Yes, It did, but I'm glad you did. I still feel a little guilt for all of this."

"No need, Dorothy. I'm glad your happy!"

He hugged her and then said. "I think I'll rescue your husband and take my girl dancing."

"Quatre." Dorothy called, "Wait! What does Duo think of all this?"

He shrugged. "I don't know."

Two months later:

"Duo! Hold still. How am I suppose to do this if you don't hold still!"

He fidgeted as she adjusted his tie. He grabbed her arms, and stopped her.

"Hilde! You can't do this!"

She frowned at him. "Marry Quatre? Why?"

"No, no, not that! I mean giving me the house, and ..... and.... I can't....."

She grasped his arms and pulled him into a hug. "Duo, I'll be a phone call away. And All the paperwork will be sent to me automatically so the book work will be done. You just have to stay here long enough to run the business. Actually Howard could run it. He had plenty of help. I do all the paper work and....."

"We'll still be friends?"

"Why wouldn't we be?"

Well, Quatre.. he... I don't know." He mumbled as he ran his hand through his hair.

"He isn't jealous of what we have. He understands. Duo, you and I have been through a lot. He won't take that away from us. He can't. What about Cathy? Have you tried to explain things to her?"

He nodded.

"And what did she say?"

"She understood. We are best friends and she won't try to come between us."

"See, we have the world's most wonderful significant others, don't we?"

She grabbed his hand, "Now come on! You're giving me away."

Duo grinned as she pulled him into the cathedral. Hilde stopped at the door and looked down the asle. Cathy was standing next to Quatre. Trowa was on the other side. The wedding match began and Hilde started down asle with Duo hanging on to her arm. When they got near the altar they stopped.

"Who gives this woman to this man?"

Duo stepped up and said, " I do." He pulled Hilde up to Quatre and placed her hand in his. He whispered to him, "If you hurt her in any way, I'll kill you."

"Duo!" Hilde whispered. He turned to her, kissed her cheek and then winked .

She shook her head and turned to look at Quatre.

"He's such a knothead." She whispered.

They faced the preacher and listened to his words ready to start this new life together.

1 1/2 years later.

Quatre helped Hilde into the hospital. She grunted in pain as another contraction hit her.

"Damn, Quatre! I didn't know it would hurt so bad."

"Hang in there, Hilde." He said as they stepped up to the reception desk.

"Hi, we're here to have a baby?"

"Name?"

"Hilde Winner."

The girl checked her chart and stood. She came around the desk with a wheelchair. She helped Hilde into it and whisked her away. Quatre was about to follow when another girl caught him. " I need you to fill out this part, then you can go." She said as she pointed to the insurance form.

"I'll just pay cash for it, Miss."

"Cash, sir?"

"Yes."

"OK, I'll make a note of that." She scribbled on the paper and looked up at him.

"We have some friends coming. Would you send them up when they get here?"

She nodded and watched him walk away. "Cash?" She shook her head and sighed. "Cash!"

12 hours later, an exhausted Hilde and Quatre looked at the new little life Hilde held in her arms. "Oh Quatre! He's beautiful! Look what we have done!"

He sat beside his wife and gazed into the face of his newly born son. He looked back at Hilde. "yes, he's beautiful. Just like you." He looked at Hilde and asked one more question. "Hilde, are you happy?"

She looked up at him in shock. "Why do you ask that?"

He shrugged.

She reached up and grasped his hand. "Of course I'm happy. I love you, Quatre! I'll always love you! This just makes it all the better. What greatest gift can I have? I have your love and now I'll be having your children."

He leaned down to kiss her as the door burst open. Duo Maxwell and his new wife, Cathy walked in.

"Hey! You guys stop that! My virgin eyes couldn't......."

Cathy hit him. "God, Duo!" She walked over to the bed and looked at the baby. "Can I ...."

Hilde handed him over and Cathy looked at him. "Can I take him out and show everyone else?"

Hilde nodded.

"Quatre stood and grasped Hilde's hand. "I’ll go, too. Gotta brag you know."

Hilde smiled as they left the room. She looked up Duo. "Well. I now you arranged this. What's up?"

Duo Sat on the edge of bed and looked at her.

"Duo. What?"

"Are you happy, Hilde? I mean really happy?"

She looked at him, "What? Do I look unhappy? Why do you ask?"

"I was just checking! You are my best friend, you know!"

"Oh, Duo, You're such a goof!" She said looking at him. "I'm very very happy. I'm happy because of Quatre and happy because you're happy. I'm happy I have a brand new baby. I think maybe all my dreams are coming true! Now, get out of here and see your wife. Send my husband and baby in here! Move it Maxwell!"

Duo grinned and saluted her and slipped out the door. A minute later Quatre and the baby came in. She smiled at him as he came to the bed. He handed the little one to her and sat beside her.

"The nurse said she'd come for him in a few minutes, Then they'll bring in a bassinet for him."

She nodded looking at the baby then back to him.

I love you, Quatre!"

"I love you ,too, Hilde!"

She smiled at her husband knowing all was well in her little world of friends and family!

the end.

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liz_cando@yahoo.com