It was interesting how they had all ended up. Quite interesting, in fact. She hadn't expected connections made during the wars to spawn romantic attachments, but then again, she had always been easily surprised.

She was surprised when she had made it off Libra alive, surprised when Duo returned to her after Mariemeia's coup, and equally surprised when he left her again.

Reflecting on the whereabouts of her wartime friends, Hilde Schbeiker paused to take a moment to remember how far they had traveled together, and where their paths seemed to end, allowing new ones to begin.

~~flashback~~

Mariemara's rebellion had now quieted. Duo had returned, working with the Sweepers, and now shared an apartment with Hilde. She had been making a cup of coffee in their small kitchen when Duo walked into the room.

"Heero's disappeared again," he announced.

She looked up at his grave expression, and her eyes caught his hands gripped tightly around two bursting luggage bags. Everyone knew Heero did what he pleased. Why, this time, was her companion so concerned?

Spooning pure, white sugar into her coffee, Hilde stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. She seemed entranced by the way the waterfall of tiny crystals flowing from her spoon crashed into the blackness, immediately becoming saturated and swallowed by the dark depths.

"Relena's not doing so well," Duo continued. He paused for her reaction.

Hilde stopped mid-stir at Duo's reference to Relena and blinked, then simply continued mixing the sugar into the steaming black liquid.

When the subject of Heero and Relena came up, everyone admitted there had always been an affection on her part. More than likely, the Perfect Soldier cared for Relena as well, but without the presence of a strong protector, it was evident to anyone that the Vice Foreign Minister had grown more fragile, weary, and pale.

"I have to leave," the braided boy spoke up again. "Duty calls, but it's not just that. Heero was always my friend. He would expect me to look after her. He likes her, maybe not in the same way she feels for him, but he likes her nonetheless. I never know why he leaves, but I know he'll be angry if Relena isn't taken care of. He's funny like that."

Hilde took the little pitcher of cream and watched the liquid flow into her sugar-filled concoction, slowly surrounding the darkness in a creamy flush. She slowly stirred again, created a whirlpool of mixed extremes…black…white, melding into each other, until finally she was left with a warm, comforting, pale brownish color.

"Then go. It's not like you have to ask my permission," she told him, or rather, she spoke directly to her coffee.

"Aw, Hil," Duo murmured.

She looked up. He had that on that sheepish grin, with a tug of a frown, but there was a defined sadness in his face.

She could already tell from the look of guilt in his eyes that he was chasing a bigger dream. On more than one occasion, she had caught him with an infatuated look in his eye as he was watching a broadcast of the Vice Foreign Minister delivering a speech. It was hard not to love Relena, Hilde supposed, especially when you had actually met the girl. Many a man obsessed over the former Queen without a single encounter, but Duo had been able to cherish much more than that. He had her friendship…but it just wasn't enough.

Her beauty, her charm, the way a blush started in her eyes and rose to her cheeks…it was a little too much to compete with, Hilde decided. And the amazing thing about the girl was that she was genuine and kind. Hilde had witnessed that on Libra and during other brief meetings. There was no way around it, Relena Darlian was…almost perfect. But her one imperfection was perhaps the greatest of all. Her heart was already taken by a captor who didn’t have a clue. The chance of another gaining Relena's love was like finding the Fountain of Youth. It just wouldn't happen, ever. But still, some seemed just fine to settle on gaining her half-hearted admiration. Hilde never understood that stance. She wanted her partner to love her with his whole heart, just as she would give all of her heart to him. But perhaps love isn’t the fairytale that it's cracked up to be.

Completely engulfed in her revere, Hilde hadn't even noticed Duo's soft touch on her cheek. She flinched, tearing her eyes away from the endless oblivion of her coffee cup and looked at him.

They were companions, pure, simple and true. That was not to say at times she would have admitted she viewed Duo in a different light, as something more. He had his share of those times too. But when one got right down to it, they were only friends. Probably even best friends, but still, just friends.

Hilde had been sharing an apartment with Duo, working for the Sweepers as well. She worked part time while trying to take classes. It was her goal to go to college. She was now eighteen, almost nineteen, and had finally completed the equivalent of a high school education. It looked to be about that time for her to move on to the next level, but she just couldn't bear to leave Duo all alone.

Again, Duo’s voice, now gentle, brought Hilde back into reality.

"I was contacted by the Preventers," Duo explained. He had agreed to help the organization if something ever came up. "I'm assigned to be Relena's bodyguard. But I think I'm just needed for comic relief."

Hilde smiled weakly. Duo's happy-go-lucky countenance was infectious. He was always the most effective in brightening Relena's moods.

"It's better this way," Duo told her softly, a tone he did not use often. "I know you've been working on that application for forever, but you would've stayed because of me. I put it in the mail this morning."

Hilde's eyes widened, but then saddened again. He was referring to her application to the prestigious European University, one of the oldest academic institutions on Earth. She had filled out the application for fun, planning to stay with Duo a little longer. EU was the best of the best, especially in the area of technology, and Hilde was always up for a challenge in her area of interest. It would be a long shot to get in, but trying never hurt anyone. Hilde had always figured she could just go to a local college at night, while she lived out her days with Duo and the Sweepers. How quickly things change.

"Now how 'bout that smile?" Duo said as he gave her a friendly 'hey there tiger' punch on the arm.

'He never could be too serious for long,' Hilde thought as she shook her head and rolled her eyes at the boyish grin of the man in front of her.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow," Duo sighed and batted his eyelashes jokingly. "But you know you'll see me again, who am I kidding? Gotta go, babe. Death's never late for a date," Duo cooed as he gave Hilde a peck on the cheek, picked up his bags, and headed out the door.

As she watched his braid disappear from sight, Hilde absent mindedly knocked her carefully prepared coffee off the counter, shattering the mug and releasing its contents all over the floor. Her sad smile slowly faded as she bent down to pick up the pieces, tears welling up in her eyes.

"That's funny," Hilde thought to herself, "nothing Duo said got a reaction out of me, but look at me now…" and she wiped away a tear, "…crying over my coffee."

~~end flashback~~

Hilde had stayed by herself after that, receiving weekly visits from Sally Po to make sure she was still alive. After all, it was the Preventers that had taken away her roommate, and she was still only eighteen. Sally's mothering instincts knew how lonely it could be.

Hilde wondered why such a reflection of her past could have resurfaced from one tiny letter. Yes, today was the day she had received a package from the University! Calling Sally right away--she wasn't too sure of who else to call--Hilde stood in front of the vidphone, shaking.

"Is it a thick letter or thin one?" Sally questioned.

Hilde held up the envelope. "Well, it's not really thick or thin. It's kind of medium, actually…"

"Just open it!" Sally shouted with glee, and Hilde tore at the defenseless letter.

With jaw hanging open, Hilde mouthed out some words, but Sally couldn't quite make them out.

"Speak up, girl! What's the news?"

"I--I got in!"

~*~*~

She gulped. Loosening the collar of her snug turtleneck, Hilde squirmed in her seat as the shuttle landed on Earth.

"Nervous?" Sally Po asked with a smirk.

Her sudden comment only caused Hilde to jump.

"You didn't have to accompany me, you know," the girl told the Preventers' Agent.

"I thought I would act as the overprotective mother-type figure sending her precious baby off to her first year of college," Sally told her with an amused grin.

"That's nice," Hilde murmured, slipping off into a paralyzed dream world once again. Her head was spinning with questions, and worry was evident in her face.

'What if it's too hard? What if I don't like my roommate? What if she doesn't like me? What if I can't make any friends? What if my brain turns into a gelatinous mix of goo and I forget everything. WHAT THEN?'

Hilde sat stunned and numb, eyes glazed over with fear like a deer caught in the headlights.

"We're here." Sally broke through the girl's seemingly comatose state. Hilde had been about as responsive as a vegetable the whole trip.

"Already?" Hilde woke up from her dreamland, realizing that somewhere along the span of her worrisome questions, she and Sally had gotten off the shuttle, caught a taxi at the airport and arrived at European University. She was now standing in front of an intimidating stone building that looked gothic in appearance.

"So this is my dorm for the next year? I'm going to be living in a castle," Hilde stated.

"Let's just hope it has all of the modern conviences," Sally chuckled as she helped Hilde carry her bags up to the forth floor.

After a couple of trips, and a lot of sweat, the two women had finally managed to get all of Hilde's belongings up the old flight of stairs.

"You'd think they could afford an elevator," Hilde grumbled.

Finally entering the room that she would call home, Hilde saw it was already occupied. Sitting on one of the beds was who she assumed to be her roommate.

Hilde had always been a social girl, and when it came to meeting new people, she tended to be a bit bubbly. Perhaps that was how she made friends so easily.

Wasting no time, Hilde approached the girl cheerily. She was nervous on the inside as her stomach did some impressive flips and turns, but then she remembered some advice from a friend. No one will ever know you're scared if you put on a smile, Duo had once told her.

So, taking in a deep breath, Hilde was the first one to speak.

"Hi, I'm Hilde," she introduced herself, holding out her hand.

With that, the other girl brightened and returned the handshake. In a soft voice, she spoke, "I'm Sariah, it's nice to finally meet you."

Just from their first meeting, Hilde knew she and her roommate were going to get along just fine.

Her own extroverted nature seemed to complement the girl's introverted character. Sariah appeared to be everything polite and gentile, with a bit of an artistic flare. Her face was like a doll's, with big bright eyes, creamy fair skin and small, yet plump lips. Her hairstyle was quite unique, however. She had beautiful, wavy white-gold hair. But two sections of locks framing her face were longer then the others, intriguing because of their notable teal color. But it was a pretty sort of teal, Hilde admired, possessing a pastel hue that matched the color of the girl's eyes.

Sally had helped Hilde settle in, confident she would be okay after meeting Sariah and, with a hug, left to return back to Headquarters. Hilde was now completely on her own.

"She seemed nice," Sariah noted of Sally as she disappeared out the door. "Is she your sister or your aunt or something?"

"Just a friend," Hilde softly replied while unpacking her things.

"Oh," Sariah said gently. "My parents just left before you got here, always on the run, those two. So, would you like some help getting settled?"

"Yes, thank you." Hilde then continued to ask questions about Sariah, trying to take the focus off of herself.

Hilde learned that Sariah's father was a businessman, although the girl shied away from the subject. She preferred to speak of her hobbies, which had to do with anything artsy. In fact, wherever she went, the girl wore a cute little homemade flap of fabric that tied around her waste and had pockets for her notepaper, pencils, pens and paintbrushes, just in case she was suddenly inspired.

"So do you plan to take art while you're here?" Hilde asked Sariah.

"Oh, no!" the girl exclaimed. "Father would never let me. He says it would be a waste of his money. I'm in the business school. How about you?"

"Engineering," Hilde responded. “I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship to come here. You know, they’re always trying to get more girls involved in engineering.”

"Wow, good for you. Any reason you chose that area?"

"I've had some experience working with machines when I lived on the colonies," Hilde said vaguely. Even though she already trusted Sariah, Hilde was not about to reveal she had once been a soldier, knew how to pilot and repair a mobile suit, was at the final battle with Libra, and had worked for the Sweepers after the war. It would only lead to more questions, and she had rather put that part of her past behind her. Noin had actually offered her a spot at Lake Victoria Academy. The military school had quite a bit of a curriculum change after the destruction of mobile dolls in the era of peacetime, however it still trained cadets in the name of protecting the established peace. But Hilde, having experienced her full of the military, not to mention seeing enough bloodshed for one lifetime, Hilde had gracefully declined.

Sariah was extremely good at reading people and her quiet nature enabled her to be a great listener. Therefore, she immediately understood that Hilde was uncomfortable when speaking about her past. A noticeable sadness welled up in the girl's deep blue eyes and she seemed to get lost in thought. So as not to bring up any painful memories, Sariah switched to another topic.

"Have you seen our view yet?" she asked in her soft voice, which never seemed to go above a whisper. Her aqua eyes sparkled with laughter.

Hilde eyed the girl strangely, wondering what could be so special.

"Whoa." Hilde's eyes grew wide as about fifty, sweaty, utterly delicious, athletic males did sprints on the field below them.

"We have the men's lacrosse team's practice field right in our back yard." Sariah smiled like she had swallowed a canary.

"I like it here already," Hilde commented as the two girls giggled and reluctantly went back to setting up their room.

~~~~~~~~~~

Going to classes had been frightening at first, but soon Hilde found that she was comfortable with the material being taught. Many had warned her that teachers tried to "weed out" the students in the engineering school the first year, wanting to separate the truly serious and passionate students from ones who didn't care all that much. Hilde seemed on the right track to passing this test. Her previous knowledge gained from working for OZ and the Sweepers had definitely come in handy when working with machines. But the general textbook knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics was still a healthy struggle for her, so Hilde knew she could not afford to slack off.

Sticking with Sariah, both girls had met some new friends, but Hilde couldn't believe how unaware her classmates seemed. Most students at EU were from well-off backgrounds and very sheltered. Of course they all were intelligent, but a book couldn't teach them of what Hilde had experienced during wartime. Many of the students took too many things for granted, one of them being the Earth they lived on.

'We'd all be on an iceberg if Heero hadn't destroyed Libra,' Hilde thought to herself. She often wondered how all of the Gundam pilots were doing. Their bravery, kindness, and courage was unsurpassable, truly a rarity for people their age. Hilde had discovered that they were still the best men she had ever known. No one at EU could compare.

"Being in the presence of men so great has left me with a very high standard," Hilde sighed to herself, but still, she yearned for someone to fill the emptiness in her heart she had been feeling ever since Duo went away. Perhaps when she finally felt settled in, she would begin her search.

~*~*~*~

Classes had been going well. It was just the long hours of studying and lack of sleep that were proving themselves the hardest adjustments to college life. But Hilde knew she was just asking for piles of work when she entered the engineering school.

Hilde couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry when she had a chemistry lab, engineering workshop, and calculus test all on the same day her major technical report on genetic engineering was due. She had stayed up the whole night before to complete her paper, alternating between coffee and those sugar-infused energy drinks with labels like “Power” and “Focus” to ward off weariness in the wee hours of the morning.

It was times like those Hilde swore her professors were more demanding than OZ.

With all of the work, Hilde barely had any time to look for candidates to replace Duo. But of the guys she did meet, none of them ever came close to sharing the connection that she and the God of Death once had. It was a relationship beyond anything she had ever known…maybe that’s why it hurt so much he wasn’t with her now.

She had caught glimpses of Duo on the TV when an event Relena was attending was being broadcasted. But these rare visions only made the emptiness greater.

Sariah tried to cheer Hilde up as best she could, but the quiet roommate operated very much in the dark as to why Hilde seemed so down all of the time. Hilde had only informed Sariah that she knew the bodyguard of the current Vice Foreign Minister Darlian. She never mentioned anything about the Gundams or that she had met Relena once before.

Knowing that Hilde would tell her the details of her distress in her own time, Sariah tried to lend a comforting shoulder.

Hilde was glad to have that shoulder one seemingly peaceful fall afternoon…

It was a perfect day. Big, beautiful clouds rolled slowly over the landscape of mountains in the quaint European countryside. Leaves rustled gently and, every so often, were plucked off their branches by the balmy wind. The maples had the most delicate crimson blush color, which contrasted the deep blue of the sky. Yes…it was a little too perfect, Hilde thought as she made her way back to her dorm after classes.

She happily collapsed on her bed, mumbling a hello to Sariah before snuggling her pillow in preparation for a good, long nap.

Sariah sat in contemplation in front of the window, sadly watching the last of the lacrosse players head off the practice field.

“You missed a great practice,” Sariah sighed dreamily.

Hilde cracked a sleepy eye open to see Sariah smiling that little elfin smile of hers.

“I told you to take earlier classes,” Sariah continued to gently tease her tired friend.

“Ugh…” was Hilde’s only response.

Sariah sighed sadly, knowing Hilde was on the verge of a complete burn out. She moved to turn off the murmuring broadcast on their vidscreen so Hilde could get some sleep, but stopped short at the scene displayed on the afternoon news program.

“Hilde. Hilde?” Sariah called softly.

“Hmmm….” Hilde purred, already half-asleep.

“Sorry to bother you again, but I think you might want to see this,” Sariah informed her.

Conscious of Sariah’s somewhat serious tone, Hilde forced her eyes open and propped herself up on the bed.

“What is it?” she asked after a long yawn.

“Isn’t this that guy you know?” Sariah pointed to the screen. “You know, the bodyguard?”

Hilde jumped from her bed and huddled next to Sariah, who was now listening to the broadcast.

“So, it does seem to be official,” the announcer blared. “Gentlemen, I have some sad news. Rumors of Vice Foreign Minister Relena Darlian’s growing attachment to her new bodyguard have been proven accurate. The relationship between the Vice Foreign Minister and her bodyguard, Duo Maxwell, as our sources tell us, began in secret about a month ago, but now the two have decided to make their dating status public. Stay tuned for more details on this interesting development--” CLICK!

Sariah turned the broadcast off as Hilde still stared at the blank screen with her mouth open.

“The media will overplay any piece of gossip they can get their hands on. It’s a disgrace…” Sariah spoke in her gentle caress of a voice, eyeing Hilde worriedly.

It was apparent her roommate was in a mild state of shock, so Sariah decided to keep talking softly and wait for Hilde to speak when she was ready.

“But thanks to the Gundams and all of the soldiers who gave up their lives during the wars, the earth and the colonies finally have peace. The media doesn’t have any wars to talk about any more, so they’ve got to jump on any news they’ve got,” Sariah observed.

“Yes, the Gundams,” Hilde repeated. Then, after a moment, “The bastard finally did it,” she said under her breath.

Looking up at Sariah, Hilde’s eyes were wide and tearful, yet the girl did not cry. “He finally did it,” she spoke again in disbelief.

Sariah just looked at Hilde with understanding eyes of pure serenity. Hilde knew she could trust her roommate right then and there. She needed a crying shoulder…she needed someone to talk to…but above all, she needed someone to listen.

Her cerulean eyes filled with emotion, Hilde spoke in a quiet, controlled manner. “I am more than I appear to be. I know more than I appear to know,” she started.

“Aren’t we all? And doesn’t everyone?” Sariah commiserated with a gentle smile.

Hilde let a little, sad laugh escape. And then she spoke, “Let me tell you a story.”

“There once was a little girl. She lived in a war torn world. Her family was killed by the Alliance when she was barely a teenager. She was an orphan, she was angry and she wanted revenge. So she joined the military organization known as OZ, determined to honor her family’s death and crush the Alliance. But as she matured, she accepted her lonely fate and dreamed of fighting for truth, justice, and peace, so no one should have to suffer as she had.

But then one day, the God of Death crossed her path. Death was a beautiful and deadly boy who made her realize she had forgotten the true meaning of battle; she had forgotten her purpose of protecting peace. Death freed her from the binding chains of OZ and their false dreams, and she was indebted to him. This girl, completely entranced by the Great Destroyer, vowed to serve him. She gave her heart and soul to this wondrous being and fought for his side…the right side. She risked her life for five fallen angels, the saviors of the world, and she never regretted it.

She never regretted staying with her God of Death after the war. He was her hero, her friend…but he was never hers to have.”

There was silence for what seemed like forever. Tears were now flowing freely down Hilde’s face. Her past always seemed to bring her pain.

Sariah finally spoke, upon absorbing her roommate’ s amazing life story.

“Your angels--they’re the Gundams. And this Duo Maxwell, he’s the God of Death,” Sariah confirmed in disbelief, her voice barely above a whisper. Hilde nodded.

Sariah wanted to ask her friend a million questions. She wanted to know about the adventure and the excitement during the war. She wanted to hear everything that a sheltered businessman’s daughter could only dream of. Yet she knew this story had cost Hilde. It had hurt her roommate to talk of such difficult times. Questions would only be selfish, Sariah decided. What Hilde really needed was some advice.

“Well, I see the problem,” Sariah told her. “You said the God of Death had your heart and soul. You need to get them back.”

“Somehow, I don’t think it’s that simple,” Hilde said, wiping away her tears.

“Let Death chase after his Dove, you need to find yourself again.” And with that, Sariah gave her an understanding hug.

~~~

An unexpected cold front moved in quickly that afternoon and those earlier marshmallow clouds became harsh and threatening.

The sky grew dark and the wind turned chilled and it rained…it rained.

~*~*~

And so, recently Hilde gave up her search for a decent guy companion, deciding to concentrate on her schoolwork so she could feel sorry for herself later.

But it’s always when you’re not looking for something that it suddenly appears. And right when Hilde had decided she was better off without a guy, someone unexpected walked straight into her pathway of life.

~*~*~

After one of Professor Johnson’s less than enthusiastic Materials Science lectures, Hilde was sluggish getting off of her feet.

“At least that’s my last class of the day,” she thought happily.

Hilde began gathering up her things and had just zipped up her backpack when the monotonous voice of her professor hit a lively note. Wondering what could have caused such emotion in the rather dull man’s voice, Hilde listened to his conversation and could hear him coming up behind her, along with another set of footsteps.

“I’m so glad you stopped by,” she heard him speak to his companion. “This way you’ll finally have a chance to meet each other.”

“Oh, Hilde?” the Professor’s voice called to her. She was startled, but turned around to see what all the fuss was about.

“Hilde, I’d like you to meet another fine student in our Mechanical Engineering Division. You two pupils are at the top of your class! This is--”

“It’s—it’s you—“ Hilde stammered at the young man, before the professor could tell her his name.

“Nice to meet you. The name’s Trowa. Trowa Barton,” the other student said in a soft, firm tone as he grabbed her hand, quickly but gently forcing the girl into a handshake.

Hilde couldn’t believe it. The shock in her face must have been evident, but gazing into the cool green eyes of the familiar boy, she calmed down instantly.

So Trowa Barton was here…at EU! Hilde shook her head slightly in disbelief. The fearless clown from her and Duo’s trip to the circus a few years ago, whom she recalled as having called a hunk, was now standing right in front of her. Duo often spoke of the other Gundam pilots, Trowa included, but she had never actually met him—“met” as in the sense of shaking hands with him, as she was doing now. Trowa had lost his memory when they were at the circus, and when she was taken aboard Peacemillion towards the end of the war, Hilde was in too bad of shape to notice any other pilot besides Duo.

“Professor Johnson,” a student called, and the man that had introduced the two youths turned around at the sound of his name.

Using the distraction to his advantage, Trowa put a finger to his lips, the simple motion signaling Hilde to remain hushed about his identity.

By the time the quick movement was complete, Professor Johnson had turned back towards the pair. “Well, I’m so glad you two were able to meet. Your schedules always seemed to prevent you from being in a class together. You are both such promising students. I hope to continue to see good work out of you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, another student needs my help.” And with that the professor turned away, leaving the Hilde and Trowa standing in an awkward silence.

Hilde had so many questions, she didn’t know where to begin. She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Trowa intervened.

“Let’s go someplace quieter to talk, if you don’t have any classes,” Trowa told her.

Hilde meekly shook her head and followed Trowa’s lead.

~*~*~

After a walk in complete silence, they reached a cozy coffee shop that was a favorite of the locals, nestled in a cobblestone alleyway and hidden tightly between old stonewalls, which were overgrown by a beautiful English garden that lay beyond them. Upon receiving their coffee orders, Hilde and Trowa settled themselves in two great big chairs and began sipping their lattés.

By this time, Hilde was bursting to speak, for she was not accustomed to such long periods of silence. She had lived with Duo, after all.

Soon, her excitement in meeting a Gundam pilot could not be contained any longer. “Why are you here? I mean, you’re a Gundam pilot,” she fought to remain in a whisper. “Aren’t the courses too easy for you?” Hilde asked Trowa.

“A Gundam Pilot doesn’t know everything,” he answered stoically, taking a deep sigh while studying Hilde. Deciding she was worthy of his words, Trowa kept up the conversation. “I strive to continue to learn new things each day. Granted, these courses are not challenging at first, but perhaps they will be later. You can’t make a living on a clown’s salary. And a degree in engineering looks much better than ‘Gundam Pilot: Murderer of Hundreds in the Name of Peace’ on your resume.”

Was he being serious? Hilde couldn’t tell. “You’re being too hard on yourself,” she told him gently.

“Hn,” Trowa mumbled, his face indifferent. But after another sip of coffee, his expression softened a bit. “My sister, Catherine, was actually the one who wanted me to go to college. She wanted me to have the advantages she didn’t. And nowadays, you almost have to have a college education if you want to get a well paying job. Because myself and the other Gundam pilots chose not to be war heroes and have our identities remain a secret, I’m looking forward to a normal life, one without the Preventers, eventually. I know the circus will always be my home, but I hope to have a family of my own…someday,” he explained with a distant look in his eye.

“Ahh,” Hilde nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve always wanted to go to college, though I wasn’t serious about applying here. Duo actually sent in an application I had completed without me knowing.” She smiled a little at the memory.

Trowa raised his eyebrow at the girl’s small smile and faint blush. “How is Duo?”

“I haven’t talked to him in a while,” Hilde sighed, the fond expression in her eyes changing to sadness. Trowa’s own eyes narrowed a bit at this confession which obviously upset her. “I’m sure you heard he had an assignment with the Preventers,” Hilde continued.

“Vaguely, yes,” Trowa responded. Even so, he assumed Duo’s best friend and former roommate would have the latest information about the braided boy. Whatever prompted Trowa to take such a sudden interest in this girl was lost on him, but he couldn’t bear to see such sorrow cloud her beautiful blue eyes.

After a period of silence, Hilde spoke again. "What do you think of Relena Darlian?" she asked him cautiously. She didn’t want to seem to forward, she had really only just met Trowa. But she needed a male’s opinion on the subject, and Hilde was never one to be shy. She could see the amusement light up in Trowa’s eyes at her sudden choice of discussion, but he answered the question calmly.

"Probably the same as everyone else. I admire her. She is a strong woman."

"Yes," Hilde agreed absentmindedly.

Trowa studied the girl in front of him. Wanting to understand the reason behind her question, he continued on about Relena. "She loves the world and the world loves her back."

Hilde sighed. "It seems as though she's just perfect, you know? It seems everyone is in love with her."

"I'll agree to that," Trowa told her. "She is perfect. And although she has many admirers, her perfection is just enough to satisfy one man."

Hilde looked at the green-eyed pilot, stunned when his comment registered. The word ‘perfection’ was automatically associated with a certain brooding pilot. Had Trowa not heard about Relena and Duo? Hoping to clarify, Hilde stuttered, "You don’t mean--"

"Heero Yuy. He does have high standards. I wouldn't expect anything less from the Perfect Soldier."

"Heero l-loves Relena?" Hilde questioned, barely getting the words out. "How do you know that?"

"I just…" Trowa paused, "…know." He smiled warmly, a rarity for the Heavyarms' pilot. "I see it in his eyes."

"And when have you seen Heero? He doesn't seem to keep in touch with anyone," Hilde noted.

"True, but I have seen him now and then. I listen when he needs to talk. He usually tells me where he's going when he does his famous disappearing acts," Trowa admitted.

"Why does he go away?" Hilde asked.

"Sometimes he leaves because he has a mission, sometimes he leaves…just because. It seems to me that he's searching for something. He just doesn't realize that the thing he's searching for, he's already found," Trowa answered stoically.

"Relena," Hilde answered the pilot's riddle. "Trowa, you do know you're probably the only one he confides in?"

And Hilde knew that Heero wasn't the only one to enlist Trowa as their confidant. She had heard Duo tell stories of Trowa's good advice and profound wisdom.

Trowa simply lifted his eyebrow and cocked his head slightly at her statement--which was really more like a leading question--not giving any more information away. Hilde was actually surprised she had gotten so many words out of him.

"It seems to me that you are a keeper of secrets," she told the mysterious man in front of her.

"And I've just slipped one to you," he answered, his one visible eye constantly engaged in study. He gazed at Hilde's features, noting the way her mouth parted slightly when she was submerged in deep thought.

It was after Trowa’s comment that Hilde realized the consequences of the newly discovered truth. If Heero did love Relena, he would surely seek her love when he felt the time was right. He always had to do things his way. And Hilde knew Relena would return to Heero with open arms if he admitted his love to her. The one thing that was keeping the Vice Foreign Minister willing to love another was the fact that Heero had never actually said those three little words she longed to hear. If he told her he loved her, Duo wouldn't even stand a chance.

It's not like Relena was that cold, Hilde reminded herself. It was just that her love of Heero ran too deep. They had some sort of connection, they always had. Call it pure or supernatural. But somehow, they affected each other in a way that could hardly be explained or understood, sharing a bond found only in storybooks and legends. Relena was always given grief about her "unhealthy", as some called it, attachment to Heero, but Hilde realized it was more than that. It was true love. She was sure now that Heero was affected the same way, he just did a better job of hiding it, and probably had a harder time understanding what exactly his heart was feeling. He had been taught to be a cold and callous killer, after all.

Hilde's thoughts then went back to Duo. She was worried about him, even though it might be a long time before Heero decided to reveal his feelings to Relena.

"Poor Duo," Hilde sighed under her breath, forgetting Trowa was still near, and a very good listener, too.

"You must not worry about him. He knew what he was getting into," Trowa assured her.

So, the silent pilot had already known about the relationship between Duo and Relena! After shaking her head at her companion’s slyness, Hilde looked up at him and smiled. "Trowa, I hope you're right."

~*~

Shit, shit, shit, double shit…Hilde thought to herself as her warm breath made small puffs of smoke in the icy air. Tossing her falling, cherry red scarf back around her neck, the dark haired girl gripped her Calculus book tighter and raced toward the Mathematics building. She had overslept…again.

Stumbling into the room with barely a minute to spare, Hilde rather ungracefully took her seat in a huff while peeling off her winter clothes as a quiz was being passed around the room. She silently cursed the genius who thought of having a quiz every morning during her 8 am Calculus class. Hilde was convinced someone was playing a very cruel joke on her. She had never been a morning person, which her disheveled, sleepy-eyed appearance spoke in volumes.

AND, on top of everything else, this had to be the class that the dark-haired cutie she had been keeping her eye on was in. Hoping her appearance reflected the glowing, wind-blown, flushed fashion model look, from her neighboring classmate’s sympathetic gaze, Hilde knew she was kidding herself. Sporting frumpy sweatpants, bed-head that could not be contained by a ponytail, and sweaty cheeks from the sprint to class was not considered attractive in the rather upper class college she was attending.

“Cutting it a little close, Ms. Sheibeker?” her teacher openly criticized her as he handed her the quiz, drawing the girl out of her fashion nightmare and causing her embarrassment to rise even more.

As the class ended, Hilde fumbled out of the building, seeking a much-needed cup of coffee. Her favorite local coffee shop was too far of a walk to journey during this frigid morning, so she headed towards the direction of one of the school’s deli-type snack stores, seeking a sugar filled French Vanilla “coffee” drink. Although Hilde knew that the coffee part was somewhat lacking, the wonder drinks provided a caffeine/sugar kick unparallel to any other beverage sold on campus. It was just the thing to give her a jolt before her Physics lecture.

While Hilde was desperately trying to comb her fingers through her wild hair in an attempt to tame the unruly locks, she was surprised by three blonde blobs rushing towards her. As she rubbed her sleep-filled eyes, Hilde managed to bring the forms into focus. Ahh….so they were not blobs, just three of the most bubbly, preppy college girls one could imagine.

Hilde wasn’t sure she was quite ready to face such peppy people so early in the morning and braced herself for impact.

‘It’s Hilde, right?” one of the girls asked her between chomps of bubble gum.

This certainly didn’t happen every day. Hilde just stared at the girl, confused.

“We noticed you’ve been hanging around with Emerald Eye lately,” another one of the girls continued. This one had a high ponytail that swished around when she talked.

Again, Hilde’s face remained blank. Had she missed something?

“He just joined the lacrosse team and is oh so yummy!” the third girl piped in. After seeing Hilde’s confusion, the blonde then added, “You know, the tall, quiet one.”

Realization hit. “T—Trowa?” Hilde managed to squeak out.

“Yeah, Emerald Eye is our nickname for him. He’s such a hunk, huh?” the first girl spoke up. .

Hilde took a moment to ponder the statement, and for the first time thought about the quiet man she had come to (somewhat) befriend over the past few weeks. It was true, she admitted in her mind. Trowa Barton was one perfect male specimen. Hilde couldn’t imagine why she hadn’t noticed it before, but then again, she had never thought about him in that way. She had great respect for him, and all of the Gundam pilots, treasuring their amazing abilities before concentrating on their looks. But thinking back on Trowa’s lightly bronzed skin, his amazing green eyes, graceful manner, and powerful build…

“Um, yeah,” Hilde remarked on the girl’s statement quietly and slightly stunned, “I guess he is kinda cute.” But seeking to clarify the trio’s assumption, Hilde further explained, “But I really don’t hang out with him very much--”

“Well, our sources tell us that you’re the only girl, heck, person, he’s spoken more that two sentences to,” ponytail girl interrupted. “What’s your secret?”

“Uh, well, I think it’s just because we knew each other before through mutual friends,” Hilde reasoned. She really hadn’t hung out with him that much. They would occasionally run into each other walking to classes and have a quick chat, but with Trowa, it hardly ever lasted more than a minute. Perhaps the girls thought they were friends because of the one time Hilde had seen Trowa off in a secluded corner of the dining hall and sat down with him. Other than those few encounters, Hilde had barely seen the former pilot.

“Well, anyway,” the bubble-gum chewer interrupted Hilde’s thoughts with a slight hint of annoyance, “if you see him, can you tell him that Stephi, Tiffani, and Brandi say hi? Oh, and those are all with an ‘i’ at the end, ok? It would really help if you could be a doll and put in a good word for us.”

Hilde, now very confused, began, “I can’t promise anything, but suppose I could--”

“Well, gotta run!” one of the girls interrupted her yet again. “It was nice talking to you, Hilde.”

“Yeah. Ohh, I like your scarf,” another cooed.

“Hey, you should really hang out with us sometime,” the third said, scribbling on a piece of paper. She gave Hilde her room and phone number and in an instant, the blondes were gone.

Hilde was left in a daze. So Trowa was now a lacrosse player, not to mention the latest love conquest around campus? What next? She becoming one of the coolest girls in school?

~*~*~

It’s funny how life is so….well, funny. Hilde couldn’t have even imagined that just by knowing “Emerald Eye” Trowa, she had been transformed into one of the “in” crowd. EU wasn’t that big of a school, but still had parties a’plenty, almost all of which were invitation only. Besides Sariah, who was and would always be her closest college companion, with so much schoolwork Hilde barely had time to meet any other real friends, which was hard for a girl who usually made friends so easily. The new trio of blondes were a refreshing change from the pupils attending the engineering school. They were loads of fun and silliness, and were nicer than Hilde expected upon closer acquaintance. Hilde hadn’t contacted them after their first meeting that one winter morning, but somehow they found her. And Hilde soon found herself being dragged into their world of parties, parties and more parties. But the dark haired girl was even more surprised when she found she enjoyed them. She hadn’t realized how her childhood in OZ caused her to miss out on crowds of laughing people and stupid things kids do while having a blast. For the next few weeks, Hilde caught up on her missed childhood, but when she saw her grades slipping, she had to sadly make some important decisions.

Giving up parties, but still having the advantage of often being recognized around campus (the nicest feeling one could possibly imagine in an endless sea of nameless faces) Hilde once again hit the books, and she hit them hard. With midterms coming up, she couldn’t afford any slacking. After all, she had been at the top of her class, and her scholarship depended on good marks. But all of her partying, although she would never give up any of her experiences for the world, had caused her to get behind in those classes in which homework was never collected and all grades were based on a midterm and final. When she analyzed her situation in Computer Science one morning about two weeks before the dreaded days of exams, Hilde knew she was in serious trouble. She needed some major tutoring and was at a loss as to who might be willing to give up some of there precious crunch time to help her out of this mess. Then suddenly, it dawned on her: Trowa! He was the perfect candidate. She was certain he was breezing through the class, and she had been meaning to talk to him anyway after much pleading from the Blond Bombshells.

Vowing right then and there to enlist his help, after a quick check of his address from the student directory, Hilde was in her coat and out the door before Sariah could even inform her now popular and busy roommate who had been MIA these last few weeks that someone had stopped by to see her the other night while she was away.

~*~*~

Trowa had looked a bit shocked to find a visitor at his door. Hilde noted this as he now lead her into the dorm’s common room. Shocked for Trowa being that his eyes grew a little wider than usual at her surprise appearance and it took him somewhat longer to manage a reply to her sly “Lacrosse, Trowa?”

He sighed slightly as they now walked through his doorway into his cozy dorm room. “I haven’t seen you in awhile, or at least never long enough to get the chance to tell you,” he explained. “One of the lacrosse recruits was badly injured in preseason training, a fluke accident that busted his ankle. I happened to be doing laps in the gym with my roommate at the time. The coach said I looked athletic, grabbed me, and threw me in the scrimmage as the trainers were hauling the poor guy off on a stretcher. Now I’m part of the team.”

When Trowa said no more, Hilde couldn’t believe it. “That’s it?” she exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air. “Trowa, I need details! It’s amazing you made the team, I’m really happy for you, but could you give me a little more information? How does it feel?”

The tall boy shrugged. He was never one for unnecessary details, but seeing as Hilde liked all the gossip, he reluctantly succumbed to her request. Somehow, the pleading look in her beautiful eyes had managed to render him powerless.

“It’s nice,” Trowa slowly began. “I came here because I was tired of being a soldier. But it is all I have ever known. I now have the opportunity to go into battle without shedding any blood…for the most part,” he added with the hint of grin on his usual serious face. “In sports, I am experiencing the thrill of competition as it was meant to be. Before, when I fought, I was empty. Death was real, and the lives of thousands were at stake. During the wars, you never won, you survived. This is different. Your skill and strength and training is rewarded with smiles and cheers and respect. I now know what true victory feels like.”

Hilde smiled at the lost soldier who had found his new purpose.

“Besides,” he smirked, “I am good.”

“Alright, alright, Mr. Superstar. I don’t deny it. But I bet you never thought of the publicity you’d get,” Hilde pointed out.

“I admit I overlooked that fact,” Trowa groaned. “However I’ve heard you are quite the Social Queen nowadays,” he remarked as he motioned for her to sit down on his neatly made bed as he sat in a chair across from her.

“Well,” Hilde began, blushing a bit, “I wouldn’t say that, but I admit I have…gotten out more lately. It’s nice to meet new friends, to get a taste of what normal kids do with their lives instead of passing their youth in a mobile suit.”

Trowa nodded, but was quick to remark, “Even so, I hear the party scene gets old, and true friends are the ones who remain long after the keg runs dry.”

“What are you trying to say, Trowa?” Hilde asked, eying him.

“Only this: I happened to run into your roommate the other day. She seemed to think of you as a missing person.”

Now Hilde was the one to be surprised. “You saw Sariah?” She exclaimed. “You talked to her?” she said even more stunned.

Trowa gave her a look, but calmly explained the situation. “The lacrosse team’s practice field is right by your dorm. It was unseasonably warm yesterday, so we decided to practice outside. I thought I would stop by afterwards. I met your roommate, although she said she hadn’t the slightest idea of where you were, or where you had been in the past few weeks. She looked rather…down about it, quite lonely in fact.”

Hilde was certain Trowa was the quickest and most accurate person she had ever known when it came to reading someone’s character. “I guess I have been away a lot lately,” she confessed. “And Sariah is the sweetest thing and would never dream of saying anything,” Hilde thought aloud. “How could I ditch her like that?” she wailed while whacking herself on the head in realization.

“It’s alright,” Trowa said quietly, looking into her eyes, which calmed her immediately. “She’ll be fine with an apology. She does seem like a very sweet girl. But you, Hilde, I see have come here with Computer Science book in tow. I will assume you have decided to concentrate on your studies. What perfect timing you have,” his eyes softened, “as midterms are only two weeks away.”

“Okay, Trowa. You’ve figured me out. What’s it going to cost me, oh wise one, to pass the test and make up with my roommate?”

“Again, you have come to me with questions when you already know the answers,” the green-eyed boy smiled slightly.

“Trowa, will you pleeeeeeese be my tutor? And come with me to take my favorite roommie out to lunch as an apology?” Hilde pleaded as she stood and dragged the former pilot out of his chair. “And go out on a date with a fabulous blonde who’s dying to meet you?” she added quickly.

“Run that last one by me again,” Trowa looked at her with an arched eyebrow as he retrieved his coat.

“Ok, well, you see,” Hilde began as she and Trowa made the long trek over to her dorm to retrieve Sariah for some chow. “You are hottest thing on campus!” she finally blurted. Trowa looked unaffected, so Hilde assumed he didn’t understand her.

“Trowa,” she punched him playfully, “you are the one they call “Emerald Eye,” the ultimate challenge and prize in the dating world of EU, the most sought after guy, the cat’s meow, the…”

“I understand, thanks,” Trowa interrupted her quietly.

“Oh. Then, will you go?”

“I’m not looking,” he simply replied. “I’ve tried before, the lacrosse guys want to see me get out, but it hasn’t worked.”

“I can’t believe you, Trowa. Just being seen with you made me jump in social status. There are tons of girls who would willingly throw themselves at you, yet you want no part of it. Why?”

“They’re not my type, I can assure you.”

“You’re impossible, you know that?”

“We’re here,” Trowa broke the conversation as Hilde looked up to see her dorm.

“Right, well, I’ll just go grovel at Sariah’s feet and hopefully she’ll come to lunch with us.”

“Yo, Trowa!” a figure suddenly yelled, approaching them. Hilde’s eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw who it was. THE CUTE BOY FROM HER MATH CLASS!

“Austin. Hey. This is my friend, Hilde. Hilde, meet fellow lacrosse player Austin,” Trowa introduced them.

Austin gave her a smile and shook her hand while she returned his smile dreamily. Trowa noticed and couldn’t help a smirk, but he was also feeling a twinge of something he couldn’t explain. Something that made him feel like…he wished that smile was for him.

Hilde excused herself to go get Sariah as the boys began talking plays. Bounding up to her room, she found her roommate alone, drawing in her notebook. Upon seeing the girl, Hilde apologized profusely, explaining how the whirlwind of a newfound social life had led her to overlook her one true friend. And like a true friend, Sariah forgave her on the spot.

“Aw, I missed our spontaneous dance parties, and our weird jokes, and our late night talks!” Hilde gushed as she gave her roommate a hug. “Let’s reminisce over lunch.”

“Uh, Hilde. It’s only been three weeks,” Sariah pointed out.

“I know, but let’s hurry, because the really cute guy from my math classes is right outside talking to Trowa! Move, move!”

“Oh dear, I see how it is,” Sariah giggled. “Oh- and I almost forgot, that Trowa guy stopped by the other day, I never got the chance to tell you, but--”

“He told me,” Hilde interrupted quickly as she pulled her roommate out the door. But alas, by the time they ran downstairs, Austin was gone.

“Trowa!” Hilde whined. “Couldn’t you stall him?”

“I’m afraid he’s already taken, if that’s what you were going for,” Trowa told her.

“NOOOO!” Hilde cried as she had a mock heart attack. Trowa just shook his head and Sariah laughed at her animated roommate’s antics, but stopped suddenly as she observed Hilde’s rather tall and handsome friend. She watched his expressive eye, which gave away the feelings that his stoic face did not, and found it interesting that the delight in the glowing green orb upon their approach had now faded into a slightly sad and faraway gaze upon Hilde’s dramatic act.

~*~*~

“Are you going like that?” Sariah’s quiet voice held a hint of surprise.

“What’s wrong?” asked Hilde, looking down at her sweats. “It’s only a study session.”

“The last one, right?” Sariah questioned.

“Don’t remind me,” Hilde groaned. “The exam’s tomorrow. It’s my first one, too.”

“Well then, there’s not really much you can do about it now, is there?” Sariah commented gently. “Hilde, you’ve really gotten your act together these past two weeks. You’ve met with Trowa and definitely seem more confident about Computer Science. Besides, the night-before cram sessions are all about hanging with your friends from that class while attempting to learn the whole semester’s worth of material in a couple of hours-- like that ever happens!”

“What are you implying, Sariah?” Hilde looked at her grinning friend.

“All I’m saying is that I think you’d look really nice in that cute red sweater we bought the other day,” she said, her smile widening.

Hilde looked at her puzzled, but before she could say anything, Sariah jumped up from her bed and began searching for her keys, quick to say, “I hope you have fun tonight. I’m off for a coffee run before my review session for Economics. Good luck!” And with that, she slipped out the door.

By this time Hilde was absolutely certain she had the Sphinx for a roommate, as Sariah loved to leave her with riddles. But instead of pondering her friend’s statement, Hilde gasped at the time. She would be late for Trowa if she didn’t hurry, and his apartment was on the other side of campus!

Not thinking clearly, her brain seemed instead to remember only what Sariah had said, and in a rush, Hilde threw on a pair of jeans and her sweater before running out the door.

She knocked on Trowa’s common room door completely out of breath. Standing still, she finally took a moment to realize what she had done. Gazing at her new sweater, which really did look amazing on her, she wondered why Sariah had told her to change. Trowa didn’t care what she wore, did he?

Hilde’s thoughts were interrupted as the door opened. Trowa began mumbling something about being sorry for making her wait, when he suddenly stopped short as he finally took sight of her.

“Trowa…what’s wrong?” Hilde asked him.

He blinked a moment, then shook his head, motioning her to come in. “N-nothing,” he said, “…nothing.”

They shuffled into Trowa’s cozy room. As Hilde had learned from her previous study session times, Trowa’s roommate was hardly ever around. He apparently slept most of the day and was gone most of the night, causing his suitemates to label him “The Vampire”. But The Vampire’s living habits suited the former Gundam pilot just fine. As Trowa liked to point out, “We don’t talk a lot, we don’t see each other much, so we really can’t get on each other’s nerves.”

And Hilde was happy about the arrangement as well. Instead of trekking out to the over crowded libraries during the exam time frenzy, she was able to study without disruption--with the added bonus of a personal tutor--in the quiet and calmness of what had to be one of the most comfortable dorm rooms she could have ever imagined.

Both boys were actually rather tidy, and though the décor might be seen as plain, the aura of the place was its greatest appeal. Trowa’s placid demeanor was reflected in a few soft impressionistic posters he had up on the walls--to Hilde’s surprise, he was apparently quite the art lover! The lamps in the room emitted a soft golden glow, and The Vampire’s easy chair was Hilde’s favorite place to curl up.

As Trowa rested calmly on his bed, his previous troubles apparently subsiding, and Hilde took to her chair, both youths fell into an easy silence as they began hitting the books. Hilde was amazed as she moved to her place on the chair without even thinking. But, after all, she had been coming here nearly every day for the past two weeks, Trowa graciously giving his study time to tutor her.

The dark haired girl forced herself to focus her thoughts once again on the subject at hand and directed her attention to her computer science book. “Ugh...I must have read this passage a million times,” Hilde thought to herself. Then it hit her. Sariah was right! She did finally know this stuff!

And she finally knew him, too. It may have taken awhile, but the bond of trust that was beginning to form between Hilde and Trowa when they first met earlier in the school year had now been sealed with the events of the past few weeks. Hilde could now officially bump her relationship with Trowa up to a friendship status. And even though he was still an enigma most of the time, she was now happy to call Trowa her enigmatic friend.

She hadn’t realized she had been staring at him…until Trowa’s gaze met hers in a questioning glance. She jumped as the eye contact brought her out of her dream world, only to receive a more puzzled look from his gem of green.

“So I seem to be more entertaining than your Computer Science book. I’m flattered, really,” he jested with her.

That was another thing Hilde liked about their acquaintance. Trowa had this wonderful, dry sense of humor that was making more of an appearance now that they had spent time together.

She smiled and closed her book with a resounding **thwap**! “I am a Computer Science Goddess,” Hilde announced. “I know all.”

“Well, Ms. Goddess, your humble mortal servant congratulates you,” Trowa commented.

Hilde giggled. “Servant, eh? I like the sound of that.”

Trowa rolled his eyes and tossed his book aside.

“But seriously, Trowa, thank you so much for all of the help you’ve given me. I don’t know what I would have done without you. And for your help, this Goddess will grant you any wish. What can I do for you? Please let me repay you,” Hilde pleaded with him.

He didn’t answer her right away. His gaze was firmly focused on the floor and he seemed to be pondering something. His face almost looked troubled, but then suddenly his quiet tone broke through the silence. It seemed a bit uncertain at first, but then became a steady gentle flow of words.

“I-I was wondering if you had heard about the holiday party Quatre is to be holding.”

He looked up at her for conformation, and seeing her shake her head no, continued on.

“He hasn’t mentioned it to many people yet, but Sally will probably contact you soon. The other Gundam pilots should all be there, as well as Relena.”

Gudam pilots…Relena…those key words always seemed to cause Hilde’s heart to take a little jump. She was still in shock really, from Duo and Relena’s newfound relationship; the whole idea didn’t seem real. Away from the bustle of everyday life, hidden in the rich countryside of EU, Hilde felt disconnected from the events that were going on in the world around her. Too occupied with work, she hadn’t watched TV much or even read the newspaper. Without the popular couple being shoved in her face, it all seemed like a bad dream.

But Trowa’s announcement would mean the dream would soon be coming to an end. Hilde would have to face reality sooner or later. And the holiday party seemed like the right opportunity to do so, for Hilde was never one to miss seeing friends due to an account of heartbreak.

Trowa caught her gaze again after his announcement had time to sink in. Hilde now looked at him with particular interest mixed with a tiny hint of dread.

“Would you accompany me to the party?” Trowa asked politely, causing a feeling of complete warmth and relief to wash over the girl.

She smiled brightly at him. “Yes, Trowa. Thank you. I would like that very much.”

Hilde didn’t know how he had managed it, but even when accepting her favor, Trowa had given her another gift. They would have seen each other at the party, but because they were now going together, Hilde knew Trowa meant to stay by her side and give her strength for her inevitable meeting with Duo.

“That must have been why he looked so troubled before asking me,” Hilde reasoned. The kind, quiet pilot had been worried about her!

“Actually, thank you,” Trowa said gently. “I’ve never been granted a wish before.”

He then gave her a small, rare smile, which Hilde returned with a giant, beaming one.

The night seemed to pass by rather quickly after that, as talk of exams once again was brought to the forefront. Hilde had been perfectly calm up to that point, but as it was getting late and the end of the semester seemed to loom up upon her, those busy little butterflies began to reappear in her stomach. Before finally retiring for the evening, Hilde wondered whether the fluttering was a result of pre-exam jitters or Quatre’s upcoming party.

~*~*~

Trowa fell back on his bed the moment Hilde had left his dorm room. Taking a deep breath, he was relieved to have a room to himself again. Spending all of two weeks with Hilde had certainly been an experience. It was both a joy and a struggle…something Trowa couldn’t quite explain.

It was confusing how this girl had affected him, a former pilot not easily touched. He wondered how she somehow could always lift his spirits, how he suddenly seemed willing to do anything to help her…

Why then, at the same time, was he tormented, haunted by visions he could not control, feelings he could not suppress?

Trowa ran a hand through his tousled, thick bangs and sighed wearily before turning out the light, thoughts drifting to the recent events from the evening.

What was he thinking? He hadn’t planned to ask Hilde to the party, but for some reason, he felt it his duty to look after her. And he couldn’t believe how simply her presence could distort all logical thought, how her appearance that night had rendered him powerless.

Old habits die hard, Trowa tried to reason with himself, therefore he must have chosen Hilde to be his new “something worth protecting”, as all true soldiers have.

But why did a little beat in his heart tell him this was something different, maybe something more?

And why did she have to wear that damn red sweater?

~*~*~

Hilde couldn’t quite believe it. The first semester of her college career was over! With exams out of the way, the much-needed wave of relief could finally wash over the rather burnt-out academic. Hilde was so ready to go back home for a relaxing break, until she realized she didn’t really have a home to go back to. Sure, she could return to her apartment…her empty, lonely, Duo-less apartment. But what fun would that be during the holidays?

Luckily, Hilde’s guardian angel seemed to be looking out for her…and seemed to come in the form of a courageous doctor with a hairstyle that held an uncanny resemblance to an ever-popular breakfast food. Yes, the croissants were a styling mystery causing wondrous whispers reaching far beyond the corridors of the Preventers’ base.

Shaking the thoughts of Sally’s delectable hairstyle out of her head, Hilde was overjoyed with the thought of spending her break with one of her best friends and mentors. Hilde barely let Sally get out all of the words to offer her the invitation before shouting an enthusiastic YES!

When learning of Hilde’s plans to go with Trowa to Quatre’s party, Sally contained her amusement, only letting a Cheshire cat smile slip past her defenses, and suggested that they meet Trowa and Catherine on Colony L3 before the party. It was right on the way, and it would be nice to arrive all together. Sally couldn’t believe she sounded so calm when suggesting the idea, for her insides were practically bursting to ask about this new relationship that seemed to be forming between the usually reserved Gundam pilot and her younger friend.

Sally desperately fought the urge to seek out some gossip or ask Hilde further questions about Trowa, as the topic seemed so nonchalant to the girl. However there was one thing Sally could do to help “move things along”. Thinking it would be fun to have a little romantic spice in the air, Sally was determined to make Hilde a knockout for the upcoming party…then she could see what was really cooking in the love department when she got to judge Trowa’s reaction to her makeover magic.

~*~*~

“Sally Po! I can’t believe you talked me into this dress,” Hilde scolded her friend as she passed to observe herself in the mirror before heading out the door. Adorned in a slim, shimmering lavender number, Hilde was quite a sight to behold. The girl still was in shock that it was party night already, and could barely contain her anxiety, anticipation and dread.

“Too late now,” Sally chuckled at her irritated companion. “If you stare at yourself any longer, the party is going to be over before we get there. Admit it, you look good and you know it.”

“Well,” Hilde smirked, “I suppose it is a little different from what I usually wear.” The sparkles gleamed as if she had danced in fairy dust, and the delicate flow of the neckline draped seductively low. However, the long length of the dress made the whole ensemble capture the elegant simplicity and fairytale quality of a pixie princess, with soft, shimmering makeup completing the look.

“Yeah, just a little different,” Sally agreed wryly as she grabbed the dark-haired girl and rushed to the shuttle-ship.

All settled in, they headed for L3. “We don’t want to keep our little Trowa waiting, do we now?” Sally remarked with a sugary smile, only causing Hilde to give her one heck of an eye-roll.

~*~*~

Is it possible for me to be any more nervous? Hilde wondered as she was face to face with the most longed for and feared moment of her entire Winter Break, while Trowa now stood beside her in front of Quatre’s enormous mansion.

Sally and Hilde’s stop on L3 had been a quick one, as they were running late. There was only enough time for a few pleasantries to be exchanged before Trowa and Catherine jumped in Sally’s personal shuttle bound for the Winner estate on L4.

Sally and Catherine stood closely behind the two youths now ringing the bell on the elaborately carved door of Quatre’s home. All the while, the women exchanged devilish looks, eyeing their two younger companions like cats gazing at canaries. Oh yes, Sally did get the recognition in Trowa’s eye she was looking for. She had hardly believed that the quiet boy’s usually stone-faced appearance could grow as shocked or as soft upon Hilde’s approach. Yet if she had blinked, she would have missed the whole thing entirely. Catherine, on the other hand, who knew her little brother’s every move and every look, immediately enlisted Sally to encourage the match. She knew Trowa’s heart was not easily touched…but this girl…Hilde…she might be the one.

The door of the Winner mansion finally opened into a fantastic dreamscape, as the four guests entered a world of holiday wonders. Instead of a typical red and green holiday color scheme, the theme was of a glittering, silvery ice palace! Hilde and her pixie-like, sparkling form fit right in! Shimmering snowflake decorations hung from the ceiling like a cascade of falling stars in the night sky. A multitude of tinsel and garland adorned the halls, was round about columns, and up upon staircases. Hilde had never seen anything quite like the fairytale before her and gasped, rather loudly, at the beauty of Quatre’s extravagant preparations.

Trowa gazed warmly at his companion, who had never before experienced Quatre’s luxurious home and enthusiasm for festive get-togethers.

The man himself soon appeared, as Trowa lightly nudged Hilde out of her reverie to greet him.

“Trowa! How are you? I haven’t seen you in ages!” Quatre exclaimed, rushing up to his guests.

“Quatre, yet again, you have outdone yourself,” Trowa remarked as the two exchanged a warm handshake.

“And Catherine, my you look lovely,” Quatre complimented, “and Dr. Po, too! I’m so glad you could make it.”

The handsome blonde then turned his attention to the pretty young woman who stood next to Trowa. He had to stare at her a bit, when after a moment, he looked pleasantly surprised at his sudden realization.

“Why, Hilde, is that you?”

“Hello, Quatre. I wasn’t sure if you even remembered me. Thank you for inviting me to this wonderful party,” Hilde graciously told her host.

“One doesn’t forget such a face so easily,” Quatre said smoothly, causing a smile from Hilde and a wince from Trowa, which luckily went unnoticed. “I’m so glad you all are here, please follow me into the banquet hall. The others would surely be angry if I kept you all to myself.”

~*~*~

Following her companions, Hilde stepped into the main hall expecting the worst. However, they were greeted with the warm smiles of a number of tipsy Manguanacs and welcomes from Noin, Lady Une, Wufei, Dorothy Catalonia, and Millardo Peacecraft. Many business associates of Quatre’s were also there, as well as his twenty-nine sisters scurrying about trying to manage the event. Hilde let out a sigh of relief as no Duo and Relena were to be found.

Eager to speak with her Preventer friends, who had made sure to look after her when Duo left, the night begin pleasantly for Hilde, as she perused the overloaded food tables and mingled with the other guests. All the while Trowa had kept a close watch over the girl, and even let a small grin escape at her wonderful laughter and smile as she spoke with some of the Manguanacs, who were probably relating one of their hilarious stories about the pranks they pull on their Master.

A hand on his shoulder disturbed the green-eyed youth from his observations, as he turned to meet the beaming face of Quatre Winner.

“Trowa, my friend, you must tell me more about this Hilde Schbieker,” the blonde encouraged.

“Oh?” was Trowa’s only response, using his expected succinct answers to his advantage this time.

“I mean, I remember she was Duo’s girl, but I’ve never seen her like this. She’s fantastic.”

“She was never Duo’s girl,” Trowa remarked in monotone.

“Ok, friend, I suppose,” Quatre brushed the comment aside. “You go to school with her. What’s she really like?”

If Quatre had been aware of another’s feelings like his usual empathic self, if he hadn’t been so loosened by wine or clouded with a crush, he would have noticed the slight tone of hurt in the taller boy’s answer.

“She’s everything a man could want,” Trowa said before walking away.

When most of the guests had arrived and the banquet tables had been ransacked, music began to play and couples slowly started moving to the ballroom. It was at this time, during the mass congregation, that Quatre took advantage of the opportunity to slip towards Hilde and persuade her to join him for the first dance.

“How is it we have scarcely spoken before this night?” Quatre asked the lavender beauty in his arms with the faintest trace of a purr in his voice.

Hilde smiled at the pick-up line. “Has anyone told you just how suave you are, Mr. Winner?”

His blue eyes laughed at her counter remark. “How suave am I?”

Hilde giggled. “A little too suave for your own good.”

They fell into easy conversation after that. Quatre had always been the innocent type, yet Hilde knew he was a little seducer at heart. He was charming, friendly, and charismatic, but still a tough former Gundam pilot who was ready for anything. Overall, the handsome blonde possessed the perfect ingredients to make one hell of a businessman.

As the dance ended, Hilde thanked her partner for the waltz. She was given in return a kiss on the hand in apology for rushing away so soon, as he had to meet some guests who would be arriving shortly.

It was strange, but Hilde soon felt a hint of remembrance in the air, as she suddenly grew a bit cold and looked about for a familiar face. However, she was infused with a growing warm as she felt two hands catch her own.

“May I have this dance?”

Hilde turned to meet a gentle green gaze. “Of course!” she answered, and smiled as Trowa gracefully led her back to the middle of the dance floor.

She didn’t know why, but she was blushing a bit, for the song was rather slow and the space between them seemed to be disappearing with every step. He looked painfully handsome, too, dressed to kill in a black tuxedo. Trowa’s hands finally settled on her hips, and she rested her hands on his shoulders, which seemed much broader up close than she had previously thought.

How mysterious he is, Hilde pondered, intrigued by the man who possessed such strength and a countenance so quiet, viewed by some as almost cold…yet whose touch was so delicate, and whose gaze could be so tender that no words were even needed to express what feelings lie in his fingertips and those hunter green depths.

Hilde had almost lost herself in the music and Trowa’s arms, when some murmurs cascading through the room caused her to look up at her companion. His gaze had grown a bit steely towards the entrance of the ballroom, and she turned to see what all of the commotion was about, as her stomach suddenly grew queasy before her brain could register the sight that almost destroyed her.

Her arms slowly sliding off Trowa’s shoulders in shock, Hilde gazed at the newest couple to arrive at the party. The angelic Relena Darlian was speaking to Quatre as she stood arm in arm with a devilishly handsome Duo. Relena, of course, was a mark of perfection, dressed in a delicate, champagne pink number, while Duo stood as delicious arm candy, tailored in all black.

Hilde knew she was staring, but just couldn’t stop as Relena lightly stoked Duo’s arm, laughing at something Quatre had said. She proceeded to jest her boyfriend, who made a remark that sent the whole group laughing and then gave his date a quick peck on the cheek.

It was the kiss that did it. The kiss that sealed the perfect picture of a couple so happy, so in love. At that time, the room had grown quite warm, all of the voices seemed to fade away, and Hilde was now convinced she would surely start to hyperventilate if she did not get out of there that instant. Mumbling something to Trowa about getting some air, Hilde made her way to the exit, turning to avoid the happy couple, when suddenly WHAM!!!

She was flying, or rather, she had been lifted completely off the ground and squeezed into a gigantic bear hug. Dear Lord, there was only one person who could give hugs like that.

“Hilde!!! Babe!!! How the heck are ya? How’s college life? Food pretty bad?” Duo asked after he proceeded to put the girl down.

She froze. Hilde was now as stiff as an icicle, unable to move, unable to breathe. Why did he do this to her? It was torture, horrible torture…couldn’t he see? He had touched her, stirred feelings deep beneath her current frosty exterior. And she could never have him…

“Hilde? Hilde? You ok?” she heard him ask, and was just about to collapse, shatter into a thousand ice pieces, when she felt a warm hand support her back, and melt some life back into her.

“Barton?” Duo questioned in a slightly surprised, aggravated tone, as Trowa now stood protectively next to Hilde.

“Duo,” Trowa addressed him simply, with a rather hard glare that sent the two men into a staring contest.

It was then Relena appeared with Quatre at the scene and soothed the tension in the air, as she took Death’s arm in hers and smiled sweetly at Trowa. Hilde had finally regained her strength, mainly because of Trowa’s presence, and took this opportunity to speak, trying her best to be all politeness.

“Duo, Relena,” she said with much more composure than she had expected, “I am sorry to have worried you. I am not feeling very well this evening and must be leaving shortly.”

“But Hil,” Duo protested. “I haven’t even had a chance to talk with you. I know we haven’t kept in touch lately, with your schoolwork and my Preventers work and all, but I was hoping to catch up tonight.”

Hilde only shook her head, avoiding eye contact with those pleading purple puppy dog orbs. “I really can’t stay any longer,” she stood her ground, whispering, “I couldn’t bear it.”

Duo was about to protest again, but Relena jumped in, “I’m very sorry to hear that, Hilde,” she said gently, “but perhaps during your next break, you’d come by and visit us. I hear of nothing but you, and would very much like to get to know you better.”

“Yes perhaps.” Hilde softly answered.

“May I offer you a shuttle to get home?” Quatre suggested. “One of my attendants could accompany you if your party would like to stay longer.”

“That is very kind of you, Quatre,” Hilde said, “But, I think I would like Trowa to take me home.” She looked up at the tall man standing beside her, “If that’s alright with you, of course.”

He slipped a ghost of a smile to her, and grasping a sheltering arm around the girl, whisked her past Duo and Relena, following Quatre to make preparations to leave. It was decided they would take Quatre’s offered shuttle back to L3, where Hilde could stay until Sally and Catherine arrived later.

~*~*~

The ride to L3 was quiet, to say the least, as Hilde sat silent and numb in the seat next to Trowa, who wasn’t quite sure how to go about consoling her, and therefore decided to simply concentrate on piloting the ship. Luckily the trip was short, and soon the two youths were sitting in the comfort of Trowa’s trailer, sipping on some coffee he had made. However, after only a quick conversation about the circus life, they once again sat in silence, until at last the concerned boy couldn’t take his companion’s somber expression a moment longer.

“Wanna talk about it?” Trowa’s words lightly coated the quiet air, and Hilde looked up at him. Trowa wanting to talk? Now there was something new. He really must be worried about her. Hilde herself didn’t quite know what was wrong with her.

“I don’t know what happened to me, Trowa,” she said at last. “How could I have been that weak?”

“You don’t have to be strong all of the time,” Trowa told her.

“I just…I just realize now that I loved him so much. I’m angry that I still--”

She stopped suddenly. “I’m just angry at how he can make me fall apart.”

“No,” Trowa said, which caused her to look up and catch his smoldering gaze. “I won’t let you fall apart.”

The green-eyed youth had expressed volumes in a deep stare and simple words. Hilde was overwhelmed by his concern. She jumped from her chair and flew to him, catching the stoic youth off-guard in a tremendous hug.

“I know you’re protecting me,” she whispered, “thank you.” Normally, she would not have been so forward, she would not have whispered in such an intimate position; Hilde would not have done a lot of things. But it seemed right, and she was touched by the kindness of this mysterious boy.

Trowa held his breath. Tense at first, his muscles seemed to meld against the little ball of soft lavender nestled in his arms. He never before realized how small Hilde was, how fragile she seemed now. Her enormous smile and usual sunny disposition seemed to make her at least a foot taller. But as she hugged him tightly for a moment, her still form resting lightly against his, he suddenly realized what Duo had been bragging about a year earlier.

I’m telling you, man, most of the time, she’s this beam of sunshine, she can light up a room with that smile…but it’s those other times that I love her most, the quiet times, when you hug her—God, she fits so easily into a hug--it’s like you never want to let go…

Trowa couldn’t understand why Duo had never taken the plunge, never decided to seriously date the girl whom he could talk about for hours. But thinking back on Duo’s words, Trowa suddenly felt like he was trespassing. Even if Duo didn’t want Hilde, she still wanted the God of Death. And Trowa wasn’t about to get involved in this battle of hearts any further than he already had. His heart was growing a little too attached to the pixie-like creature he now held in his arms. It would be wrong of him to confuse her with such feelings, especially in her delicate condition.

“Thank you for being such a good friend,” Hilde said as they parted from their lengthy hug.

Trowa tried to smile at her, although it came out rather sadly. Luckily, the girl was too exhausted to notice, and she accepted Trowa’s offer to nap on his bed. He watched her sleep, intrigued by the quiet sounds of her breathing, until Sally came to claim her. Gently picking the girl up, Trowa hugged Hilde’s sleeping form to him. Surrounded by her light flower-mist scent and sparkle, he carried her to Sally’s shuttle for the journey back to Earth, all the while inaudibly chanting Just a friend, just a friend…

~*~*~

It was February now, and though the campus lay nestled in the deep of winter, the academic atmosphere was a rather enjoyable comfort to Hilde.

She had finally fallen into the rhythm of classes and schoolwork after winter break. The vacation seemed all too short, but was, with the exception of Quatre’s party, a stress-free and relaxing time. Ahh, the party. Even now, it was still fresh in her mind, especially upon receiving a call just the other day.

“Hilde! It’s so good to see you again. I hope you are well recovered since the last time I saw you. I remember you weren’t feeling too well at my party,” Quatre’s face appeared on her dorm vid-screen. Hilde was astonished Quatre had sought to contact her, especially after leaving so abruptly and awkwardly at his Holiday get-together. She wasn’t even quite sure how he had found her, until he owned up that he was talking to Trowa earlier and asked for her number.

“I will be visiting him in a couple of days, and hoped that I could see you, too.” Quatre explained to the girl, who still looked to be surprised to see him.

Hilde agreed and proposed they meet at her favorite local coffee shop before having to rush away to a Pi Club meeting.

Yes, the Pi club. It was a silly idea conjured up by tired though sugar-high minds at two in the morning. Hilde and Sariah had grown to be quite good friends with their hall mates, especially during the new wintry semester, when it was much more fun to gather round and watch movies than trek out to parties in the bitter cold evenings. So it began as the group of friends on the fourth floor who weren’t interested in the frats and sororities around campus created the Pi club, poking fun at the Greek life.

Each member of the club drew the name of a person they had to literally pie in the face! Who knew when danger would strike? It became much like the popular assassins game. Once a target had been hit, the successful thrower of the pie then took on their victim’s next mark. The winner of the game would be treated to an ice cream pie at a local favorite sweets shop at the end of the semester.

Hilly enjoyed these wacky games, which, besides being tons of fun, let her experience a taste of battle without any casualties. Unfortunately, she hadn’t yet had time to work out a proper strategy to pie her prey, as she was determined to focus on her studies this semester, having her fill of the party scene from the past one. But she needed time to study the schedule of her target to find out when he was out and about for classes, as a strict rule of the game was no pie throwing indoors- it would just be too hard to explain to the RA’s.

Hilde had not been hit herself, trying to vary her own schedule to throw off her pie-wielding attacker. But of course it would be just her luck that when she least expected it, probably on a day she had to look her best too, she would be caught off guard and wind up with a face full of the dreaded dessert.

~*~*~

Hilde was running late. This was nothing new, but she wanted to make a good impression on Quatre Winner. She did not often have visitors, especially powerful, famous, and handsome visitors, and did not want to keep the busy businessman waiting.

Her mind completely unaware of her surroundings, Hilde was only focused on her destination of The Unicorn, her favorite coffee shop on the outskirts of the local town and just a step out of the college. She had almost reached the other end of campus and was nearing the borders of the University, when IT happened.

The IT she had been so nonchalant about, that she knew was going to occur at the worst possible time, had indeed happened at precisely the perfect moment to turn her day into the most horrible, humorous nightmare of the new year.

The poor girl found herself covered in a make shift pie consisting of a paper plate and whipped cream…and chocolate whipped cream at that!

“You forgot the crust!” Hilde jokingly spat as her fellow Pi Club member ran off laughing, for the whole situation was rather absurd, and Hilde was sure she would find it hilarious looking back on the event. But currently, she was in a dilemma, and definitely not fit to be seen, judging from the brown fluff staining her shirt. She was almost at the coffee shop and had a little time to spare, but she would certainly be late for Quatre if she ran back to her dorm to change. She just needed a quick, close place to try to clean up into a more presentable looking person, rather than the chocolate coated mess she was right now. Spotting a familiar dorm only a few yards away, Hilde pushed aside her embarrassment and sauntered towards the building, doing her best to ignore the shocked faces and giggles of her peers along the way, all while mumbling, “It just had to be chocolate whipped cream, didn’t it? Grrr…”

~*~*~

Trowa looked surprisingly calm to see Hilde arrive at his doorstep, dripping with once fluffy, now melting, gooey whipped cream and holding a paper plate tightly in one fist. It was at times like these Hilde was grateful for the boy’s cool exterior, for she certainly did not need any more funny looks and laughter.

But finally bringing herself to look him straight in the eye, Hilde noticed his green orb was smiling. He opened the suite door wider and motioned for her to come in, finally ending the silence with, “I would make a wry comment, but I don’t even know where to begin.”

“Well,” Hilde huffed, “I’ve had quite enough snickers already, let me tell you.”

Trowa gave her a genuinely understanding look, which eased her temper, while he handed her a towel. After wiping off her face as best she could, Hilde stopped as she noticed Trowa’s scrutinizing glance, as he held a hand over his mouth, both for contemplation and to hide his growing smile.

“What?” she asked him pitifully.

Gazing at the girl who managed to look cute even in such a predicament, Trowa merely shook his head. “I’m afraid that won’t do. Come on.”

He lead her into the bathroom and handed her a washcloth, as she hunched her upper half, shirt and all, under the running shower water and finally washed away the awful sugary stuff. Luckily, only her jacket and the front of her shirt had been ruined, not to mention a very sticky tangle of hair.

Trowa leaned against the doorframe, his placid face hiding his amusement, as Hilde began relating the story of the Pi Club and the terrible hit and run attack. He didn’t hear much of it, though, as he was more pleasantly occupied with hypnotically watching the girl run shampoo through her deep raven tresses.

Now dripping wet, Hilde called to Trowa, who came to her side fully prepared with a towel. But there still was a problem of her shirt, which was not only soaked, but still smelled horribly of sour chocolate cream and soap.

Trowa sheepishly admitted he needed to do laundry, and the only clean thing he could offer her was a long sleeve lacrosse T-shirt. He apparently had plenty since the team had to practice in them. Hilde graciously accepted the shirt, smiling when she examined herself in the mirror. Not only was it too big--the sleeves fell long over her hands—but Hilde didn’t know how he managed it, for plastered across her back was a triumphant 03!

Hilde found Trowa in the kitchenette, making himself some cocoa. He let a slight smile escape when he saw her in his shirt, her small frame seeming to drown in the fabric.

“Want some?” he asked. “I have mini-marshmellows.”

Although that had to be about the cutest comment ever, the hot drink only served to remind Hilde about her meeting with Quatre at the coffee shop. She would just make it on time if she hurried.

“Ah, how you tempt me. Those are my favorite! I’d love to, but I’m meeting Quatre at The Unicorn in just a couple of minutes. I’m really sorry to be running off like this, and after all of your help, too.”

She couldn’t see his face, as he was turned tending to his steaming mug. So, she tried to lighten the mood by adding, “Besides, ‘Zero Three’, I don’t know if I could handle any more chocolate after this mess.”

Trowa looked back at her then, with the trace of a smile. “I understand,” he said, as she moved to the door. Quickly, he removed the thick, faded sweatshirt he was wearing. “Here, take this, it’s going get cold. I’ll take care of your jacket,” he said quietly as he shoved his favorite, old sweatshirt into her arms, now standing quite close to her in only a flimsy undershirt. “It’s not a coat, but it’s still quite warm.”

“Thank you, Trowa,” Hilde said in an equally quiet voice, a bit surprised at the boy’s thoughtfulness. Some guys could be so dense when it came to these sorts of things. Trowa’s caring nature had already been demonstrated numerous times, but he never ceased to amaze her. She glanced him over, growing exceeding puzzled by Trowa’s kindness and the affect his muscular build was having on her. She found herself blushing again when her eyes lingered on perfectly sculpted shoulders, and managed to slip out the door before embarrassing herself any further. She silently scolded herself for having such thoughts, for Trowa was her friend…he was just a friend.

~*~*~

The brisk air cooled Hilde’s flushed cheeks as the girl rushed towards her favorite coffee shop. Exactly on time, Hilde entered to find Quatre already there, and was relieved to discover he had not been waiting long.

Having ordered their drinks, the pair settled on two of the shop’s big, comfy plush chairs and began to chat. After the usual pleasantries and inquiries about school and work—Hilde was not quite sure how to relate the most recent Pi Club episode yet—the dark haired girl found that the blond businessman had grown rather pensive and had been staring most obviously at her for the past few silent moments.

“What’s on your mind?” she asked her thoughtful companion.

“You’ve been wonderful humoring me, Hilde, you really have. But you must know why I’m here.”

This took her by surprise, and seeing the puzzled look on her face, Quatre gave her one of his most charming looks while explaining, “I would like to take you out, Hilde.”

“But we’re out…here--” she began to say, only to be interrupted with Quatre shaking his head.

“No, on a real date,” he said lowly, giving her a burning look. “I have a charity ball coming up…or a Valentine’s Day celebration.”

“Oh,” Hilde whispered, eyes wide in amazement. Quatre Winner wanting her? It was if another pie had been pummeled in the girl’s face. She couldn’t believe it. But sadness set in her eyes as she knew it could never work. She, unfortunately, still had a lot of feelings to work out in her wounded, confused heart, and Quatre…

“Ah, Quatre. I am truly honored that you asked me. But I’m afraid I’m not suited for the spotlight,” Hilde confessed.

He looked a bit down, and was about to speak when he seemed to suddenly take note of her attire with a semi-shocked, “Isn’t that Trowa’s sweatshirt?”

“Why, yes,” Hilde said, and had no idea why yet another blush had come over her.

“He used to wear it sometimes during the war. It’s his favorite, you know,” Quatre divulged to her.

Trying to shake the sparkle in the blond man’s eye, Hilde then began to explain the whole pie incident that had happened a short time before she had arrived.

“Trowa just happens to live on the edge of campus, so I was right by his dorm when disaster struck. He was very kind, helping me clean up and lending me some of his clothes,” she explained, as the blush seemed to grow and grow with each word. Hilde couldn’t believe how furiously her face was burning, and was sure Quatre must have noticed it.

The young businessman sat there studying her for a long time. He smiled sadly before picking up the previous topic of his offered date. “I fear my position is sometimes a curse, you know,” Quatre sighed, looking at Hilde with the gaze of someone staring wantonly at the silver moon, reaching with their eyes, but knowing they will never be able to touch it. “Certainly, there are beautiful women throwing themselves at me left and right, hoping for fame, power and fortune, yet only the worthy ones want nothing to do with it and, consequently, with me.”

Hidle gave him a sad half smile, and pitied the young Winner born into a world of shimmering riches and vacant hearts. Yet, at that very moment, an idea came to her, which she couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of sooner.

“Quatre…” Hilde began, the sly wheels churning in her head with a life of their own…yes…she would give him his perfect date after all. “What if I gave this offer of yours to someone else? To a person whom I know is a worthy and wonderful human being and would be just perfect for you?”

Quatre gazed at her with interest, leaning forward in his chair. “So instead of a refusal, you are offering me a date?”

Hilde smiled at him.

“At what point did I lose control here?” Quatre said teasingly. “But in any case, it seems a fair deal to me. I accept. You should really look into business, Miss Sheibecker. I could definitely use someone like you at the Winner Corporation.”

“I’m flattered, Quatre. I’ll hold you to it if I should decide to take such a route in the future.”

“I’ll count on it,” he smiled with a boyish grin, causing Hilde to remember why he had practically all of the women in both earth and in space madly in love with him. “But since you’ve been so kind as to let me down gently, may I return your offered favor and bring a date for you as well?”

“You mean, double?”

“Exactly. You bring your friend and I’ll bring mine. It will be more comfortable that way. We could just go for dinner at a local restaurant if you’d like.”

He still managed to spend an evening with me after all, Hilde thought to herself after the visit as she walked back to her dorm. They don’t say Quatre Winner always gets what he wants for nothing.

I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner, friend, Quatre thought as he left the coffee house. Upon his earlier visit to a certain green-eyed boy’s dorm, Quatre could tell the placid pilot wasn’t his usual self, especially after inquires about his pretty pixie friend. And after Hilde’s blushes, the blond man’s suspicions were now quite concrete. Yes, Trowa would thank him later for this.

~*~*~

Hilde’s incessant pleading could be heard all the way down to the first floor of their gigantic castle-like dorm. She was determined to get Sariah to go out on a date with Quatre, and be her support for this mystery date the blonde businessman was supposed to bring. Hilde also thought it would be fun to surprise Sariah with the dashing young Winner on the eve of the date, so getting Sariah to agree to a blind date was proving harder than the dark haired girl originally thought. For some reason, her roommate shied away from anything social. The quiet girl had only once blamed her “rather unusual” upbringing for her lack of enthusiasm for going out, but confided that it took a lot for her to gain trust in a person, leaving Hilde exceedingly puzzled, but content with the answer for the time being.

“Pleeeeeeese??? Pretty please with a cherry on top and chocolate fudge and caramel, I know you like caramel sauce…but no whipped cream,” Hilde babbled on to her roommate.

Sariah laughed. “I still can’t believe your pie story. But, seriously, Hilde, I don’t even know the guy. I mean, I’ll admit I have attended social functions with my family where there were other young gentlemen present, but I’ve hardly been on any dates. How do you expect me to fare with a blind one?”

“I’ve told you before, Sariah, you will absolutely looooooove this guy. He’s my friend, so have a little faith in me. You know how I explained he wanted to go out? I felt so bad refusing him, but I know he’s not my type. You, on the other hand, are perfect for him. Your dad’s a businessman, right?”

“’Well, yes but that shouldn’t really matter--” Sariah began.

“No, that’s great. My friend’s really…” Hilde chose her words carefully. “…into business. His dad was a businessman.”

“Into business, huh?” Sariah repeated. “Sounds like loads of fun,” she sighed sarcastically. “Besides, most of the businessmen’s sons I know aren’t all that great.”

“Sariah,” Hilde looked at her friend with her best puppy dog eyes that could rival even Duo’s. “Do this one favor, for me,” she said gently.

“Oh, alright, just stop with the puppy eyes, will ya?” the girl finally conceded, resulting in a tremendous bear hug from her relieved roommate.

~*~*~

Hilde flipped through the pages of her diary while waiting for some nail polish to dry. Usually, she didn’t mess with the stuff. She had tried once, but just didn’t possess the talent for painting nails, and never had the patience to let them dry anyway. But Sariah had insisted on giving her a manicure, so she let the artist go to work. Besides, she owed her roommate big for going on the double date with her.

Yes, tonight was the big night, and Hilde couldn’t contain her butterflies. Just who was Quatre bringing for her? It seemed like he was always up to matchmaking. She only hoped she could return the favor to him with Sariah.

After skimming a few more pages, one particularly girly entry caught Hilde’s eye, as she read the passage and imagined her date being just the hero she hoped would meet her tonight…though she knew enough to realize that he would exist only in her daydreams.

Could there be such a man…so handsome, glowing, strong, yet with deep, endless eyes? He wouldn’t have to smile much, if he saved those rare and precious smiles just for me. Gentle, calm, graceful, like the wind, yet firm like the earth to keep me grounded. One who would notice the little things, who would become intoxicated just by the shampoo in my hair and wrap his arms around my waist and hold me. A whisperer, murmuring sweet words with his delicious voice, incomprehensible because he was so taken with me. With a softness and a kind heart. A touch of radiating warmth to balance my cold hands. A perfect fit.

“Could there be such a man for me?” Hilde whispered to no one in particular.

“What are you talking about over there?” Sariah turned from examining herself in the mirror to look at her mumbling roomie.

“Oh nothing,” Hilde blushed a little embarrassed. “Wow, you look gorgeous, Sariah.” She gazed at the girl’s deep aqua velvety shirt, which caused her usually pale teal eyes to soak up the rich color, causing them to glow brilliantly. A simple crystal on a delicate chain adorned her neck, adding subtle beauty to the v-neck of her princess style shirt that had long, wide sleeves and a simple though elegant pattern stitched in. Sariah had actually made it herself, and it perfectly mirrored the unique, though sophisticated style of its wearer.

“Thank you, Hilde. How do you like the shirt I made you?” she asked timidly. Hilde couldn’t believe Sariah’s almost self-conscious nature regarding her fashion masterpiece. Hilde looked at the royal purple wonder Sariah had created, which was currently laid out on her bed. It was in a couple of pieces, one a rather corset looking bodice accented with beautiful violet ribbon running up the front and ending in a bow. Next, there were two arm pieces, which covered the whole of Hilde’s arms, ending just below the shoulders, matching up with the top of the bodice. It was exquisite, and undeniably sexy, yet held that elegant flare which Sariah always seemed to express in her designs. Hilde always thought it was such a shame Sariah was enrolled in the business school when she had oodles of artistic talent, but kept her opinion to herself, at least thankful her roommate had the creative outlet of being in the fashion design club.

Lost in her thoughts while gazing at the beautiful shirt, Hilde was brought out of her revere by Sariah saying, “Come on, I won’t let you off that easy. I heard you saying something about a man before.”

Hidle laughed. “I was wondering when Mr. Right would show his face, that’s all.”

“What if your dream guy is right here on campus?” Sariah mused. “Maybe even the guy you are going out with tonight!?”

“Hmpf. That’s not very likely, is it? A blind date? Ick!” Hilde snorted. “Besides, last semester going to all of those parties, I saw a lot of people. None of the guys on campus seemed to really catch my eye, though,” Hilde said, disappointed.

“You can’t rule out every guy that goes here based on that fact. Maybe the guy you’re looking for doesn’t go to the parties,” Sariah suggested.

“Why do you never go to parties?” Hilde asked, trying to change the focus to the girl herself. Even though Sariah had given her a vague reason before, she thought it odd that such a gorgeous girl with a wonderful character would skip the party scene. Hilde was sure Sariah would be loved by everyone if she ever made an appearance.

“I had just rather not go,” she stated simply, giving Hilde her best serene smile, causing the more outgoing girl to drop the matter entirely. Besides, after glancing at her clock, Hilde had to scramble to get her outfit on, as somehow she managed to let time slip away from her again. Dabbing on a bit of moonflower perfume to complete her date preparations, Hilde and Sariah grabbled their coats and rushed to the Italian restaurant because, as one can only guess, Hilde had caused the girls to run late…again.

~*~*~

Hilde was practically dragging Sariah--who at this point looked more than a bit nervous--into the fancy Italian restaurant. It was a lovely little place, one of the many quaint local spots. Sparkling with the stars above and a multitude of glowing candles, Little Italy had a beautiful outside fountain area and an even more cozy and romantic ancient roman interior. Hilde spotted a familiar flash of platinum blonde hair and tugged at Sariah’s elbow in excitement.

“Are you ready?” Hilde squealed to the other girl and she began moving them both in the direction of Quatre and the very tall shadow standing next to him.

Sariah looked a bit concerned and kept her gaze towards the ground, “You have that unmistakable tone of mischief in your voice,” Sariah noted accusingly as Hilde was now shoving her towards the entrance from behind.

Finally, Hilde caught the eye of Quatre and approached him. Not even bothering to discover her own mystery date at the moment, she was too involved in gauging Sariah’s reaction to her amazing blind date. The secrecy in the matter was all too sweetly rewarded when seeing the quiet girl’s wide-eyed reaction. The other unexpected joy was the look on Quatre’s face as well, as Hilde could clearly see the surprising hint of recognition on his handsome features.

“Why, Mr. Winner!” Sariah breathed, and stumbled back so that Hilde almost had to catch the startled girl.

Finally finding the words to speak, an equally bewildered Quatre managed to say, “You’re Brennon’s daughter, aren’t you? Miss--?”

“Laraway,” she answered, now remarkably composed, offering her hand. “Sariah Laraway.”

A deep, though quiet and smooth chuckle then escaped from the shadows. This time Hilde was the one to be caught off guard. Taking in Trowa Barton’s dapper form as he moved from the darkness, after a moment of frozen silence, followed by a gasp, all Hilde could do was smile and lightly shake her head. Some mystery man!

“Shall we?” was all the taller boy said, as he smiled with his eyes and motioned them into the restaurant. He offered Hilde his arm with an accompanying eyebrow quirk, and she accepted it with delight as they moved into the glowing candlelit embrace of the most secluded table in Little Italy.

The moment they all were comfortably seated, Hilde turned her attentions directly to Quatre. Before she could speak, he quickly remarked, “So, how do you like my matchmaking handiwork?”

“You little devil, you! You had this all planned!” was the only thing Hilde could mutter before the mysterious blushing syndrome she was having recently set in yet again having caught Trowa’s intrigued, sparkling stare. Quick to change the subject, the girl was now quite perplexed by Quatre and Sariah’s former acquaintance and was longing for more details.

“Soooo,” she began, looking at the other couple, “how did you know each other before? And Sariah, why did I not know that you were the daughter of the man owning the most prestigious technology company in the Earthsphere?”

After stealing a glance at Quatre, Sariah spoke first. “Well…you see Hilde, as Mr. Winner is probably well aware, being in such a family, it is almost impossible to avoid stereotypes. If people heard the name Brennon belonging to a student at EU, and in the business school no less, I would immediately be recognized and judged.” The girl’s voice turned small, and held a hint of sadness as she continued on. “People would never see me as I truly am. They would only see my name. That’s why I chose to keep my mother’s last name. She came from a well-respected family from the colonies, but hardly anyone here on Earth knows of the Laraway’s. I never told you of this because…” she paused, her brow now lightly furrowed, “…because I loved how you accepted me immediately without even knowing my name at all. I didn’t want to ruin that.”

“Aw, Sariah,” Hilde said gently, but giving a huge smile back to the girl. “Nothing will ever change our friendship. You are the best roommate ever, whatever your name may be.”

“You two are roommates!?” Quatre suddenly entered the conversation, very interested in this new discovery. He had almost toppled over in his seat upon hearing Sariah’s heartfelt speech. The girl was so sincere, and knew exactly how he felt growing up as the Winner heir…how he still feels. Finally, he thought, someone like me, someone who understands...

Upon placing their orders, the nervousness and surprise that had surrounded the group now melted away in the golden hue of the flames that danced upon their table, carefully contained within fine crystal orbs.

“So Hilde mentioned my date was ‘into business’,” Sariah said playfully. “What might you know about business, Mr. Winner?”

“It’s Quatre, please,” he charmed her gently, “And I might know a thing or two.”

During the whole discussion, Trowa had managed to sit in silence, fully amused by the events playing out. He had never seen his best friend so mesmerized, especially when dazzled by Sariah’s glowing smile. Occasionally he would catch the straying gaze of a most seductive looking Hilde, who, when caught would immediately flush and turn away. Yes, this is becoming a most interesting evening after all…

~*~*~

After a delightful dinner, the couples moved to walk about the beautiful garden area. It was a mild evening, full of magic, as a pure white moon glowed and spilled its silver to the world below. The moonbeams flowed as if to encourage the violin player who was entertaining the various pairs now roaming about the softly lit paths around the fountain.

Somehow, Hilde found herself being escorted by Trowa to admire the sparkling waters of the fountain, while Quatre and Sariah were floating off to another corner of the moonlit garden. When Hilde looked up at her quiet companion, eyes inquiring about the apparent separation of their party, he merely graced her with the slightest trace of a smile.

“I thought,” he began quietly, transfixed on the glimmer of light blue waters, “that we should give them some time alone.”

Hilde was surprised at this, but merely joked, “Trowa, you are almost as bad as Quatre in your matchmaking conspiracies.”

He met her eyes, shining now from the reflection of lighted liquid. His face was as placid as his words, “He really likes her.” But Hilde couldn’t help feeling he meant something more.

“You must have been surprised to see me waltzing up to meet you, huh?” Hilde asked him.

“Seeing how late my date was, I should have known it was you,” he teased her.

Hilde giggled. This was…nice. The relaxed atmosphere suited Hilde just fine, as she couldn’t have imagined all of the potential horrible happenings she might have been subject to on a real blind date.

To be honest, she had felt a bit awkward at first, as the fact began to sink in that she was out on an official date with one of her best guy friends, who was also hands down the most popular catch in the freshman class. However they both decided to humor their friends and act somewhat like a couple, just for this night. And now, separating from their group, they had managed to turn the tables on Quatre and Sariah and play matchmakers themselves.

Hilde gazed at the couple across the small garden, soaking in the sweet melody of the violin. She had never seen Sariah so happy. Her smile was full, a thing that happened but rarely. Hilde noted her graceful posture and regal air and could not believe she did not realize who her roommate was before tonight.

“You knew, didn’t you?” Hilde asked the seemingly stone statue standing next to her.

The Adonis came to life and moved to face her. It was a vague question, but somehow just from following Hilde’s stare, he understood and answered. “I had an idea of who she was when we first met, yes.”

“Of course you would,” Hilde remarked, bringing her attention back to her current ‘date’. “You’re a watcher.”

“I am many things,” he said stoically.

Hilde studied him, puzzled. It was at this point Hilde realized the casual atmosphere surrounding them had started to grow more serious, although a notion surfaced that perhaps it was turning into something else entirely.

“It still amazes me how you can read people so well,” she said quietly.

He said nothing at that, turning his attentions back towards what had to be the most interesting looking water, as he had been staring at it for most of the time they had lingered outside, and Hilde was left to keep gazing at his contemplating form.

She couldn’t think of a previous moment in their entire friendship when he had looked as handsome as he did now. Even the night of Quatre’s party could not compare to the more relaxed, though incredibly sexy look of the man who was actually hers this moon caressed night. At first, her mind tried to dismiss the thoughts. Maybe it was the silk of moonbeams, maybe it was the perfume of midnight blossoms, or maybe it was the hint of spice when she neared him, but tonight, Hilde decided to indulge herself.

She let her eyes soak in the white of his dress shirt, which seemed to flow about him, flooding shadows in the contours of his muscles, betraying nothing of the chiseled body underneath.

Trowa felt her eyes on him, and contained a smirk before turning to her once more. This action only gave the girl more pleasure as she watched the fabric, glowing from the wash of moonlight, move across his body in a seductive fluid motion. As he stood before her, her eyes now had full access to admiring the way the first few buttons of the shirt were undone, tempting anyone to finish the job that was started. It was at this thought, Hilde blinked at her own dirty little mind which was beginning to wander in a place she did not want to go in regards to her friend. Hoping her blush was hidden by the dark, she tried the tactic of jesting with him to ease her own growing nervousness.

“I have to say, you clean up quite well there, Trowa-boy. I know it must have been hard, you know, to actually do some laundry, but I’ve very impressed,” she remarked referring to the earlier pie incident when he had barely any clean clothes at all to offer her.

He stared at her with a look of his that Hilde could now read. He was thinking of a comeback, and Trowa’s comebacks were always a demonstration of the most supreme wit.

She thought he was about to speak, when they both stilled at the sound of the most hauntingly beautiful violin music Hilde had ever heard. Her body refused to move from the spot she was standing and allowed only a glance to realize Quatre Winner had now captivated an entire audience of dining couples within an ear shot of his accomplished violin playing. He must have borrowed the instrument from the musician playing before and was now serenading Sariah, who looked liked she was in an absolutely blissful dream.

The music was dark, powerful, though sensual and enchanting. Trowa caught Hilde’s deep gaze before she could think a moment more. And when Hilde Schbeiker cannot think, a certain reaction is sure to follow. The girl began to babble.

Going back to the previous topic about the day she was pied, words flowed from the girl that would have been completely incoherent for the average person to understand. But Trowa was not the average person, and he was deeply captivated by the movement of her crimson stained lips.

“I never really thanked you enough for all of the help you gave me that day. Your kindness meant so much to me. And I still have your shirts. Don’t you need your lacrosse shirt to practice in? I really should give it back to you--”

His voice had grown husky and cut her off. “Keep it,” he breathed.

Feeling as though she was caught in a spell, Hilde was rendered powerless as he moved closer to her. The back of his fingertips lightly whispered to her neck, sending tingles chasing their path as he brushed them ever so slowly down to her collarbone.

All breath, all time, all space seemed to swiftly drift away from them and expand to surround a captured moment that would most certainly end in a kiss, unless…

Beep

Beep beep

Startled, they jumped away from each other, spell broken. Breath quickly returned as the air seemed to drown Hilde’s lungs causing the girl to take short, shallow gasps.

Trowa growled as he rummaged through the jacket he had been holding to his side and found the small vidlink he was forever cursed to carry around due to Preventers emergencies.

He turned and answered the call as Hilde hugged her arms, trying to figure out exactly what had happened, or would have happened, if not for the sudden interruption.

Trowa swirled around to face her abruptly, any previous sign of their intimate moment now gone. He swallowed hard, his eyes darkened.

“What? What is it, Trowa?” Hilde asked, now very concerned.

“Heero’s back,” he stated in monotone.

Cupping a hand to her mouth, Hilde could not contain the whisper that escaped her, not knowing how much a single word could hurt her companion.

“Duo”.

She surprised herself that she did not remember him throughout the entire evening until now. But recalling his goofy grin and violet eyes, she felt a pain run through her heart as she cringed at Trowa’s next words.

“Heero’s back, and he’s pissed.”

~*~*~

A week had passed since the big date, and Hilde and Sariah were still talking about it. Quatre had even stopped by their room just a day ago on a visit to see both girls (he claimed), but Hilde knew his intentions veered in the direction of one beautiful, serene and newly discovered well-off EU business student.

Hilde couldn’t contain her excitement when Quatre had suggested Sariah give him a tour of the campus. The two dressed in a discreet manner, hoping no one would take notice of the popular business couple. Before leaving, Hilde had given Sariah a rather obvious wink, which left both youths adorably flustered.

Hilde didn’t really know what to think of the enchanted night she spent with Trowa, as she tried to account the events in her journal, only to become frustrated with herself, feeling her face rise in a full blush.

But gazing at the piles of schoolwork crushing her poor desk, she decided she was just going to have to push all thoughts of Trowa Barton out of her head. He was beginning to affect her in a way she never thought possible, invading her thoughts at the most inopportune times. She would be at the grocery store minding her own business, only to see mini-marshmellows and smile at the remembrance of his offer. She would walk the halls of the school buildings and hear excited whispers of the awaited lacrosse season in the spring, her mind thinking back to the too-big 03 practice shirt she still had in her possession. Heck, it was becoming so bad she would look at a bag of animal crackers and think of the circus, fond memories of Trowa’s enjoyable athletic body flooding her mind.

Hilde stopped herself at this thought and tried to figure out exactly when she had become so undeniably girly. She had bested many a man in combat during her OZ training, and loved piloting the “manly” mobile suites. She always felt more comfortable around the guys, which Duo would joke about mercilessly. And she had seemed to pick up the braided boy’s humor as well. Why would anyone want to get involved with an outgoing, joking, machine-lovin’, ex-soldier like her?

It seemed that the only one who ever cared was Duo, who understood her and loved her despite all of her imperfections. She thought they were meant to be together, and then fate played a cruel joke and sent him running after the most perfect woman of all.

If Duo didn’t want her, Hilde honestly didn’t know who would.

As much as she discovered she liked Trowa—still battling whether as a wonderful eye-candy friend or something more--a part of her still held on to her girlish fantasies of Duo returning to profess his love. With Heero now back, her heart fluttered as her dream had the potential of turning into a very possible reality, as the moody, chocolate haired assassin would most likely try to reclaim Relena- but that was another issue entirely she would leave to ponder some other day.

The girl sighed and looked at herself in the mirror, studying her short, dark locks, her deep blue eyes and pursed lips. She had always considered herself a tomboy (though one with an uncharacteristic fetish for shopping and gossip), and couldn’t imagine what a guy could ever see in her less than extraordinary features.

She was kidding herself if she ever imagined that Trowa was about to kiss her in the garden in front of Little Italy. Maybe I spilled something on my shirt, she wondered to herself, and he was leaning in to point it out. Hilde could think of a million excuses why that beautiful boy would have nothing to do with her romantically, but she had only gotten to #18 before Sariah burst into their dorm room.

“Hilde, I don’t believe this is happening,” she gushed before flying over to hug her friend.

“Wow, Sariah, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this excited. Where’s Quatre?” Hilde asked as they ended their embrace.

“Gone,” Sariah said, taking a breath of air, but upon seeing her roommate’s puzzled look, she quickly continued. “But, he’s asked me to go with him to his company’s Valentine’s Ball tomorrow evening.”

Hilde smiled widely, she was so happy for her friend. “That’s great, Sariah!” she congratulated. Her smile then turned sly and she couldn’t help but add, “I didn’t realize you guys were so serious.”

Sariah gave her a look, as Hilde raised an inquiring eyebrow. “Do I sense looooove in the air?” she chided the teal-eyed girl.

“I could be asking you the same question,” Sariah countered.

“Whatever do you mean?” Hilde played innocent.

Sariah only giggled. “I’ll let you off this time, but whenever you’re ready to talk, I’m here to listen,” she said more seriously.

Hilde looked at her roommate with a silent Thanks expressed in her eyes. Sariah must have sensed how she was struggling in the guy department lately. Not wanting to waste a perfectly good evening on that confusing subject, Hilde went back to being her cheery self and turned her attentions to Sariah and Quatre.

“So, how is our favorite lover-boy businessman?” Hilde asked, causing Sariah to blush furiously. “Man, I am so good! I knew you guys would be perfect for each other!” Hilde congratulated herself.

“Yes,” Sariah commented softly. “This all feels like a dream. I never believed I would ever find a man in such a high position as kind and compassionate as Quatre.”

“Yummy-looking, too,” Hilde added with a wink and smile.

“Yes,” Sariah exhaled with beaming expression, “Delicious.”

The girl then seemed to get a nostalgic look in her eye, and she began to speak in a voice barely above a whisper, trying to contain a growing smile as she spoke.

“You know, Hilde. I don’t think I’ve told anyone this before…it seemed so silly, I brushed it away as a young girl’s fantasy. But I just have to tell you, I’ve had a crush on Quatre Winner for the longest time!”

Hilde burst out laughing, and caused her roommate to break out in giggles as well.

“You and the entire female population!” Hilde howled.

“I know, I know. I didn’t think anything would ever happen, and I was almost angry at myself for letting him affect me so. I mean, he’s the world’s most eligible, but actually unattainable bachelor. I had seen him a few times at social functions, and couldn’t believe how handsome he really was, but that wasn’t what really got to me. I watched as he was constantly crowded, often by swooning girls or stuffy businessmen. Although I had heard about his kind nature, I could tell he often put up a façade in public. He always looked so sad to me, and I felt for him. He looked like he needed a friend.”

Hilde could not believe her roommate’s reasons for liking Quatre. The two youths must have been intended for each other. Sariah was the sweetest, gentlest girl she had ever known. Many women liked Quatre because of his money, power or his good looks, but she had seen past all of that to the real person underneath titles and riches. Hilde supposed Sariah’s own situation enabled her to understand Quatre better than most.

“Oh, can you believe Valentine’s Day is tomorrow? I would never have guessed I would be going on a date, much less with Quatre Winner!” Sariah said excitedly. “Speaking of which…what would be your perfect date?” she asked her roommate.

“Hmm…my idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day date, huh?” Hilde mused. And, after awhile of searching through her wildest daydreams in whismy, at length she replied...

“Well, I suppose my dream guy would take me far into the country where we would ride on beautiful white horses through the forest, hills, and trails, with lakes and fields scattered about the landscape. Then, we would have a picnic lunch, which he made, because of course he would be a fabulous cook.” The girls giggled at this before Hilde continued, really getting into her description.

“And then we would run through a field of wildflowers and he would pick a bouquet for me, imagine this all in slow-mo now, like a cheesy commercial or something,” she told Sariah, who was beaming in delight from all of the girl talk.

“Then he would sit me down and play a song he wrote for me on his guitar, or some other kind of dreamy instrument like that. Then we would go out on the lake in a small rowboat. He would be wearing a sexy, button-up shirt, which would of course only be half buttoned, or even less!!,” she giggled at this, with a slight blush as she realized exactly where she had found her shirt inspiration. The memory of the Trowa-sported style in front of the fountain flashed in her mind before she continued, “And it would move across his muscles in the light breeze, which would ruffle his hair a bit into a sexy, messy style. I would be blushing with a crown of flowers in my hair as he spoke of nature, softly, sounding poetic without even trying.”

Sariah giggled at this, “You’re a romantic at heart, aren’t you Hilde girl?” But she also noted slyly to herself that this description of the perfect guy that Hilde was relating in her most fantastic daydream didn’t sound too much like the fun-loving, outspoken, jokester Duo that the girl had once told her about. To be quite honest, it reminded Sariah of Trowa. The observant roomie merely stuck this interesting thought in the back of her mind as Hilde went on, and on, and on…

“…and there would be swans in the lake, and water lilies…aw, heck, flowers would be everywhere, even in February! Nearing the end of the day, he would give me a single, pure white rose. The most simple, delicate, beautiful symbol of the soul.”

Hilde then sighed. It was true, beneath all of her layers, past the tomboy, under the pixie and all that lie beyond, she had the heart of a hopeless romantic. Maybe she pushed that side of her away, constantly trying to uphold some image of her strength so people would take her seriously. It had never occurred to her she could have both…that she didn’t have to be strong all the time…not until Trowa had whispered those wise words to her.

The girl knew she had been lost in thought and quiet for some time and looked up to Sariah, who was now studying her. Hilde smiled half-heartedly as the beautiful aqua blue pools staring back at her seemed to reflect her sadness when she spoke…“If only dreams were real.”

~*~*~

It was amazing how all of the Gundam pilots had been blessed with uncommonly good looks. Quatre Winner was a prime example. When he entered Hilde’s dorm on Valentine’s Day evening, she had to wonder what craziness had possessed her to turn the man down for a date.

If the Gundam girls ever had a contest, Quatre had to win Most Improved in the looks department. He was always boyishly handsome, but over the past three years, he had magically transformed into a golden god. Finally having his growth spurt, he had reached at least six feet tall, his shoulders had doubled in size, and his face was now more defined. His enthusiasm and innocence were faded as a result of his busy life as a popular businessman, and he now held a subdued intensity, a quiet passion which could always be viewed in the striking blue-green of his eyes.

Quatre’s calm countenance and wide smile made him instantly agreeable, and though he was not vain, he had learned to charm many ladies knowing full well the effect his appearance had on them. The beautiful classic black tux he was wearing for the evening’s ball only added to the drool factor of his fabulous body.

Yes, Quatre Winner had indeed grown up. And Hilde felt fortunate to be able to know the real man behind all of the Winner titles. Very few people knew the identity of the Gundam pilots. Even less knew them as more than mere soldiers, but as wonderful friends. Finally, Hilde was glad that they could extend the secret to another person. After all, such a girl as herself knowing the richest man in the world was hardly ordinary or easily overlooked.

Quatre had allowed Hilde to explain his involvement in the war to Sariah. Since the girl was bright, and already knew of Hilde’s connection with the Gundams, she couldn’t help but speculate Quatre’s involvement. However, she never expected him to be an actual pilot! The sheltered girl was thrilled with the excitement of it all, and both Hilde and Quatre were relieved in her easy acceptance of his rather controversial former occupation.

“Hilde?” Sariah questioned, knocking the engineer out of her reverie. “We’re leaving now. Are you sure you’re going to be okay by yourself?”

“Sure, sure. I have a date with my Mechanics book anyway,” Hilde jested. So much for my romantic Valentine’s dream date…

As Quatre whisked her roommate away for an amorous evening, Hilde couldn’t have imagined a more perfect ending to her matchmaking efforts. She was so happy for her friends, that it took a full hour after they were gone for her to realize her suite was empty and she was alone on Valentine’s Day.

~*~*~

Trowa Barton was a man of sense. He was not easily confused, and certainly never let anything get the best of him. Well…almost anything.

As he walked the chilly streets of the deserted campus, the green-eyed student had to wonder when his logic had escaped him. He trudged on, however, deep in thought. He often was there, perusing the contents of his mind, but never had he been so lost before.

What, exactly, was he doing? Most normal people weren’t out walking alone in the frigid air. They were going on dates or at least curled up cozily at home. He could see the soft golden glow of restaurants on the outskirts of campus, and imagined all of the happy couples celebrating this holiday of romance.

Valentine’s Day was foreign to him. He was not trained to love, or express feelings at all. But he couldn’t deny he felt something. A something that was growing stronger each passing day.

Maybe that was why he was clutching the delicate object in his hand so dearly, walking through frozen night to deliver it personally, hoping it would say all the things that he could not…

His thoughts began to linger on the recent information circulating throughout the Preventers’ loop. Heero was back at his princess’s side, and the girl was quickly falling for him all over again. Duo was now sporting a black eye and growing restless. His assignment to protect Relena was over, and her love for him was quickly waning, or maybe it was never really there at all.

Whatever the matter, one thing was for certain. Duo was leaving Preventers’ Headquarters, and Trowa knew exactly where he was going.

Deep down he always knew Relena’s infatuation with Duo would be over as soon as Heero returned. And this time, as the brooding boy’s confident, Trowa knew Heero was finally ready to give Relena the only thing she had ever wanted: a declaration of his love. Her relationship with Duo proved to be the breaking point of Heero’s comfortable silence. Trowa shook his head, recounting their heated discussion and his friend’s enlightenment during a recent surprise visit…

Heero, you’re getting out of line. Punching Duo is going a bit too far, don’t you think?

He was my friend, how could he do this?

Technically, he didn’t do anything. Your only fault with him is that he is going out with Relena. It’s not a crime, you know.

Don’t get cute, Barton, I’m not in the mood.

Heero, Relena is free to make her own choices, but deep down, you know she loves you. You cannot pretend not to care and then become angry when she chooses to move on.

I don’t care.

Oh, really? I think Duo would beg to differ.

It’s just…I don’t know.

Well, I know. You don’t want her to be with anyone else, but you’re too much of a coward to be with her yourself.

I don’t deserve her, no one does.

That line is getting old. Heero, don’t be stupid. I wouldn’t be a good friend if I let you lose the best thing in your life. And I wouldn’t be a friend to Relena if I keep letting you and whatever inferiority complex you’re hiding behind destroy her.

Don’t you see? I can’t be with her, I destroy everything around me, I refuse to ruin her.

Heero, do you love her?

**silence**

Do you love her!?!

**pause** YES! Alright? Yes, Goddamnit, I love her. I love her so much it hurts. I don’t understand what she does to me. I love her, and I hate her for it. Trowa, tell me…tell me what to do.

The only way you will not hurt her is if you are by her side. Go back to her, Heero. Go back and tell her you love her. Go back and touch her and kiss her. Then you will understand what she does to you. Only then will you understand yourself.

Heero left after that with half a nod, and not a word. But Trowa could see in his eyes the boy had made up his mind. If only I could follow my own advice, Trowa thought to himself as he passed a couple holding hands.

Finally reaching his destination, Trowa walked up four familiar flights of stairs. All was silent as he crept through the shadows. It was imperative that he was not seen.

He breathed in, and felt the beat in his heart. It surprised him, this sudden nervousness. Sometimes it was hard for him to remember he had a heart at all, but there it was, thumping away, carrying a beat that made him feel more alive.

The boy looked at his precious cargo one last time before gently placing it on the doorstep. Washed in moonlight, his green eyes flashed before he disappeared as silently as he came.

~*~*~

Hilde sat with a box of chocolates and sparkling apple cider. Her textbook had been long tossed away and forgotten during the course of the evening, and she had given in to her urge to watch chick flicks and feel sorry for herself.

It was a perfectly legitimate day to do so, as every boyfriend-less girl is allowed to mope on the dreaded Heart Day. There’s really nothing wrong with not having a boyfriend, but this day seems to shove singledom into one’s face. And besides, Hilde was never one to pass up an occasion to break out the sparkling apple cider.

It had grown quite late and Hilde decided to turn in for the night. She went to lock the suite door and caught the glimpse of the most fantastic looking moon out the window. She loved gazing at the sky from Earth, it seemed so magical…never a place where horrible battles could occur.

Deciding to step out to moon-watch, Hilde was surprised to see an illuminated object lying on the ground in front of the door. Upon closer inspection, the girl gasped as she realized what it was. Looking around, there was no one to take credit for the gift, so she picked up the most beautiful white rose she had ever seen and went to put it in water.

This must be some kind of joke, the girl thought to herself, as she carefully removed a small tag tied on the string, which was addressed to her in beautiful gold letters. She examined the flower, entranced by its elegant petals, its perfect, unassuming beauty that evoked the greatest sense of peace.

Putting the beautiful rose in a vase, Hilde placed it on her desk and simply stared. She was rendered totally and completely powerless in the presence of such a gift. Who could have known her ultimate wish on such a day? Duo? her mind hoped. But Hilde knew Duo was about the most clueless guy when it came to flowers, much less romantic holidays.

Before letting her thoughts roam too far, envisioning a handsome, secret admirer who was the dream man she always wanted, Hilde’s flying imagination was suddenly shot down by reality: it must have been Sariah. Maybe she even got Quatre to help her. Her roommate was the only person Hilde could think of to whom she ever described her perfect Valentine’s date, and only just yesterday! That was too coincidental.

Hilde smiled at her friend’s efforts. But, even when admiring the glowing, moon-white rose before her, Hilde couldn’t help the growing frown on her face, as she began to realize she would most likely never receive such a gift from a real life admirer.

~*~*~

Sariah entered her dorm room in the wee hours of the morning. She was completely exhausted, but was conscious enough to spot one beautiful blooming white rose on her roommate’s desk.

She was also surprised to see Hilde sprawled out in bed half asleep, a discarded book and cider bottle at her side.

“You awake?” Sariah whispered.

“I wanted to stay up to find out how it went,” Hilde murmured, as she peeked her tired eyes open.

“It was completely amazing, and I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. We both should get some sleep,” Sariah told her.

Hilde made a little noise in agreement before turning over to hug her pillow. “Oh, thanks for the flower,” she whispered as she burrowed into her blankets.

Sariah let out a wide smile, immediately guessing who the flower was from. “I didn’t give you the rose, Hilde,” she said simply as she rummaged around for her pj’s.

“Very funny,” Hilde commented with a yawn.

“I’m serious. It’s a gorgeous flower and I wish I had thought of it, but seriously, I can’t take credit for it. There must be someone who really knows you, Hilde, who really cares.”

Hilde’s eyes shot open at her roommate’s words. Ok, so there could be other reasonable explanations, but she was taken aback as a certain face flashed in her mind that fit Sariah’s description of her secret admirer.

She gasped. “It couldn’t be…”

~*~*~

By early March, the cold of February had melted away to a crisp, new spring. Already, new sprouts of green were appearing on the long-bare branches of plant life. It looked as though the darkened, cloudy days of winter were finally over, revealing everything the season of rebirth had to offer…including—much to Hilde’s displeasure—the lovebirds.

The dark haired girl grumbled. “If I have to see another hand-holding, eyelash-fluttering, smoozy-face couple, I am going to seriously hurt someone,” Hilde said with hands clenched as she and Sariah passed yet another pair of love struck students who obviously had no problem with PDA.

“Oh Hilde,” Sariah sighed. “Tis the season of love.”

“Not for everyone,” Hilde sighed as they headed in the direction of The Unicorn.

Sariah gazed sadly at her roommate, but then a glint of mischief appeared in her eye. “So you never figured out who the white rose was from, huh?”

“It’s still a mystery,” Hilde explained. “I mean, this may seem silly, but I thought it may have been Trowa.”

“No!” Sariah said softly, doing her best to feign polite surprise, when really she was bursting on the inside. Anyone could have guessed the gift was from the mysterious green-eyed boy himself. But still, Hilde could not see his interest in her, blinded by her own self-doubt and confusing feelings. Sariah thought it best to let the matter reveal itself in its own good time, and thus was forced to quietly listen to Hilde’s ponderings, offering advice when asked, but never giving too much away.

“Well, he is a good friend,” Hilde conceded. “I even brought it up, you know. Which, might I add, was about the most awkward thing I’ve ever had to do. I mean, can you imagine me telling a guy like Trowa about a Valentine’s rose, much less trying to figure out if he was the one who had given it to me?”

Sariah giggled. “That does make for one hilarious mental picture.”

Hilde continued on with her story. “I honestly wasn’t sure he even knew that Valentine’s Day had occurred the way he just blinked at me. You should have seen it, Sariah, his face was completely blank. I guess I should’ve known. He doesn’t seem like a big romantic, even though he can make a girl melt during a slow dance,” she admitted.

Sariah just smiled. “Maybe there are still things you don’t know about him.”

Hilde snorted. “Yeah, that’d be pretty much everything. The more I get to know him, the more he puzzles me. Besides, I don’t see him very much anymore. Not after--” she faded away a bit. In her mind, she thought about the evening at Little Italy, in front of the fountain, he seemed so very close, and in a moment, whatever had passed between them was gone. The girl then brought her mind back to the present and only finished her statement with, “after lacrosse season started, you know. It’s very intense.”

“Yes,” Sariah said quietly. “That’s why--” she started; she was never good with surprises. “That’s why I didn’t think you’d mind if I invited him to our Sunday study sessions at The Unicorn. I hope it’s okay with you. Quatre is the one, actually, to blame. He seemed a bit worried. He thought Trowa might be in need of a friendly face. The lacrosse season does require a lot of extra time and effort, plus schoolwork, fending off the crowds of adoring fans, and lately, some Preventers’ work.”

Sariah’s whole statement had caught Hilde completely by surprise, but the last piece was particularly of interest to the girl. “Preventers’ work? Is something the matter?”

“I’m not sure,” Sariah said. “But Quatre’s been called to Headquarters a couple of times. With the former Gundam pilots working on the case, I’m sure everything will be solved in no time,” the girl smiled.

“I hope so,” Hilde breathed as they turned on to the street that led to the coffee shop. Hilde was so glad Quatre and Sariah were hitting it off. They had now been officially seeing each other for the past few weeks and were about the most adorable couple Hilde had ever seen.

After a short period of silent thoughts the girl spoke up once more, “It will be good to see Trowa again,” she said, as if finally deciding her feelings on the matter.

“I’m glad you think so,” Sariah responded softly. “And you know, Hilde, even if it wasn’t Trowa who gave you that rose, it’s still nice to know there’s someone out there who cares.”

“Yes,” Hilde said, a smile finally gracing her features, “it does make the world a little closer to something of a fairytale.”

~*~*~

The meeting had been a little awkward, but Hilde congratulated herself on her composure, now that the whole ordeal over with.

It would have been hard for any woman to not freeze at the sight of Trowa Barton, who sat serenely next to a sun soaked window of their favorite coffee shop. The golden light played upon his well-toned body--easily admired under a thin, white cotton tee--and reflected upon the bronze highlights of his hair. The lean muscles of his arms were more defined because of the sport season, and his tanned face looked a bit weary, but still as handsome as ever.

Any other girl would have been breathless when an emerald eye focused its sole attention on her, looking as beautiful as liquid green glass melting under the penetrating rays of light.

But somehow, Hilde nervously swallowed and managed to put on her usual smile as she and Sariah approached the magnificent male specimen.

They talked pleasantries before burying their noses among their books. Hilde couldn’t help but notice how Trowa seemed more distant than usual, as if all those times they had spent together previously had never happened. Perhaps it was just that the span of time since their last encounter was a little too long, and he needed some warming up to.

She tried to ask him some Mechanics questions, but he answered them with a minimal amount of words. Hilde couldn’t help but grow sad at his aloof manner. How could a boy who was basking in sunglow have grown so cold?

Hilde was glad when the afternoon was finally over. Sitting next to Trowa, who, besides reverting back into his statuesque personality, being clad only in a flimsy white T-shirt had to be about the biggest study distraction the girl had ever encountered!

~*~*~A few days later~*~*~

It was raining. Perfect.

“I just have to be coming out of the furthest class from my dorm!” Hilde threw her arms up in exasperation and glared at the pesky droplets while filing out of her Mechanics class, which was in fact on the complete opposite site of campus from her cozy suite.

It was days like these in which Hilde felt she should be able to curl up on a pillow filled bed. She wanted nothing more than to listen to the rain while admiring the refreshing green of the trees and grasses out her window, which the gray of the sky always seemed to make more brilliant. And that was exactly what she intended to do now that she had suffered through her last class of the day.

But, of course, because there had not been a cloud in the sky that very morning, Hilde did not have an umbrella. If only the headmasters agreed with her viewpoint that classes should be cancelled on rainy days, she would not be in this predicament.

A crowded campus bus had just pulled away, leaving Hilde to decide whether to wait out the shower, or run back to her dorm.

This time, she chose the latter. It’s not like a little rain was going to stop her from her ever-so-heavenly bed.

As she started on her journey, Hilde realized that “a little rain” may have been an understatement. A big one. Once tiny raindrops had now multiplied into plump water pellets hurling themselves towards the ground with a mission of soaking everyone trying to evade them. It was then Hilde realized running was fruitless. As water trickled down her face from her sopping wet bangs, the defeated girl came to a halt and accepted her natural shower.

Closing her eyes for a moment, Hilde took a deep breath and let the rain wash away all of her troubles. She felt a calmness overtake her, something she hadn’t felt in quite a while, and welcomed a sense of peace. She also welcomed a sudden dry sense of peace and opened her eyes to realize an umbrella was being held over head, and she turned, face to face with a rather large shoulder. Her gaze traveled up to see Trowa Barton’s face display a hint of worry on his handsome features. She eyed him wearily, wondering if he had taken off that emotionless mask he was hiding behind the other day.

“I was coming out of my dorm when I saw you run by,” Trowa explained as he walked Hilde back to her dorm under the shelter of his umbrella and a protective arm, wrapping part of his long, black raincoat around her. “I thought you might need some help getting back.”

“T-thanks, Trowa,” Hilde stammered, for she could barely contain her surprise when Trowa held his arm around her in an extra effort to shield her from the heavy rain. She was now huddled in the crook of his arm, trying to not completely go weak in the knees as she walked with him.

But Trowa took her answer differently. “You must be cold,” he said, as he pulled her closer to him. Hilde almost burst and she pressed against the side of body, feeling muscles underneath the fabric of his shirt. She could smell something spicy, like apples and cinnamon, and unconsciously nuzzled closer to the warmth of her companion.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around lately,” he said gently, barely a whisper over the sound of the rain. This was the Trowa she used to know, not that lifeless being who met her in the coffee shop.

“You always seem to appear at just the right times, though,” Hilde said, trying her best to act like her usual light-hearted self.

She looked up at him, though his gaze was firmly focused ahead, and then remembered what Sariah had told her earlier. “You must be busy with the Preventers. Have you often been away on assignments?”

He chose to look down at her then, her form immediately bringing a soft smile to his lips. Yet when his gaze met her eyes, he winced a bit and had to look away. He gave a small sigh before replying, “Something like that.”

How could he tell her he had been staying away because Duo was soon to return? That it was torture to try to act indifferent towards her when he felt so much more. Only when she needed protecting like this could he let those barriers slide. But he had to be more careful. He could not afford to interfere any further…he would have to be content to be a secret admirer, and nothing more.

“Thank you,” Hilde whispered as they approached the stairwell to her dorm, feeling shy all of a sudden.

He didn’t disappear as quickly as he normally did. He seemed to stare at her a while, as the two stood in silence. Then it was as though he caught himself, and took a step back, finally nodding before twirling away, overcoat flipping gracefully behind him.

Hilde watched him go, and felt an overwhelming sadness stir within her after he disappeared into a rainy haze. The girl couldn’t understand why a tear escaped her cheek. Perhaps she never realized how lonely and empty she was until after being sheltered by Trowa’s comforting form. She had almost forgotten how good it felt to be touched by another. It was this she let her mind believe as she watched him walk away, never noticing that she had fallen for the man behind the touch.

~*~*~

Hilde normally dreaded Sundays. It was the day to frantically finish all of the assignments that she was supposed to be working on all week. But now the study times at The Unicorn proved a happier atmosphere, with friends and fuel to make cramming sessions a little less painful. And after Trowa’s kindness in the rain, Hilde was sure that whatever tear had happened in their friendship was surely on the mend.

“Sariah, we’re going to be late,” Hilde called as she stood in the suite doorway and glanced at her watch. “And this time--probably the only time--it’s not going to be my fault!”

“I’ll meet you downstairs,” Sariah called, and Hilde agreed, seeing as her roommate was busy on the vidphone with Quatre.

Hilde was just about to emerge from the stairwell, when a shadow appeared, blocking her from the lazy sun of the afternoon.

“It’s been awhile.”

The girl jumped as she found herself face to face with smiling, violet eyes.

“Miss me, babe?” Duo Maxwell purred as he swept Hilde lovingly into his arms.

“W-what are you doing here, Duo?” she gasped as he put her down and lead her to a shady spot under a cluster of apple blossom trees at the side of the building.

Hilde saw Sariah emerge and look over the forth floor balcony. The blonde girl looked puzzled as Hilde waved her on to go to The Unicorn, her other arm held by a boy with an impressive braid swishing behind him. It was then that Sariah registered the sight before her. Quatre had warned her of Hilde’s ex-roommate making an appearance. Sariah quickly scurried off to The Unicorn to inform Trowa, waiting to see how this battle of hearts would play out.

~*~*~

“’What are you doing here?’ Is that how you greet an old friend?” Duo asked her, his eyes pitifully large.

“I’m sorry, it’s just…I’m not used to visitors,” Hilde replied, trying not to melt under his smile.

“I know I didn’t get to see you as much as I should have,” Duo admitted. “But I’m here now, how do I make it up to you?”

“Duo, you can’t just…just show up here like this and expect to pick things up where we left off,” Hilde said frustrated. She didn’t realize the words would come out so harshly. She had always expected to be so happy to see him. How different this seemed from all of her dreams.

“Hilde? What’s the matter with you? Don’t you know why I came here today? I wanted you to know that the thing with Relena, it’s over. We never coulda worked out, but I guess you knew that already. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and you know what, you were the person that came to mind. I missed you, babe, more than I could bear. I wanted to know if you’d take me back.”

“Back to what?” Hilde asked, stunned at his words, yet equally stunned at her own. “Duo, this is the whole thing that’s been driving me insane. We never had anything that you can take back. I’m still your friend, nothing’s different there. What is it you really want?”

“I want you. I want your hugs. I want your love,” he told her in a quiet voice he used but rarely.

Hilde’s fire faded at his words. Her expression turned to one of sadness. “You have those things, Duo. You’ve always had them. Can’t you see?” The tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

He grasped on to her shoulders and rested his forehead against hers.

“I’ve waited for so long,” she continued, staring down at the ground. “For you to finally come back. But now, I see. I love you Duo, but…do you want me back because you love me?”

Silence.

It seemed to linger there for an eternity. She could hear his breathing, feel his grip on her arms, his head upon hers. For support. She finally realized that she was his support, but that didn’t necessarily mean she was his love. And now, it was time to find out his feelings, once and for all. She could no longer give her deepest love without any love in return.

“You know, Duo, I will never be a Relena Darlian,” Hilde said lowly.

“I know.”

More silence. That was it. That was all.

That was not the answer she was looking for, and she pulled away from him. From now on, she knew she must let him stand on his own.

“I can never live up to your outstanding ideals. That much is clear to me.”

He opened his mouth, looking rather offended, but Hilde shushed him.

“Please, it will be better this way.” She used his own words from what felt like ages ago. “All I ask is that you leave here as my friend…I can only love you as such. But if I didn’t have your friendship, I don’t know what I’d do. I’d--I’d be lost. Don’t leave me lost again.”

She felt cold. She was shivering. God, that was harder than anything she’d had to do before. And thankfully Duo wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. He pulled her into an embrace and held her close.

She was the best he’d ever had…he realized this now as he felt her form, petite but solid, huggable, real. No, she was not an idol; she was a goddess in her own right. And he would respect her wishes.

Duo decided he would leave right away, his absence would soothe the pain he’d put her through…maybe even make the heart grow fonder. Perhaps then, someday, they could have that same connection they’d shared before. But the braided pilot knew he had somehow left their beautiful bond of friendship tarnished forever. He had chased a fleeting shadow, tried to tame a unicorn, leading his destiny to a point of certain failure. Luckily, Hilde had given him a second chance. And he would always love her for that.

~*~*~

She walked swiftly, though her body and mind were both numb. Her feet just seemed to walk and walk, knowing exactly where they were headed, and she let them march on towards their final destination.

Hilde felt a sense of comfort wash over her when she saw where her feet had taken her. It was The Unicorn and, glancing at her watch, she knew that Trowa and Sariah would still be there for their customary study session.

Hilde flew into the shop, and saw both of her familiar companions look up right away, the pair immediately noticing her disheveled appearance. Her eyes were placid, her hair was wild and she seemed an unhealthy shade of pale, which was countered with a bright crimson blush just touching the apples of her cheeks as a result of early March winds.

Hilde sat before Trowa and Sariah in a heap and let out a great sigh. Both of her watchers knew of the meeting with Duo, but neither said a word. They just sipped their coffee and waited. Trowa spoke only once to order Hilde’s favorite, a spiced Chai tea latte, but still sat motionless afterwards.

When the hot drink finally arrived, the aroma brought Hilde’s mind back to the present, although it had been a million miles away just moments before.

With a sip of the liquid, Hilde closed her eyes and savored the tea, purring as the steamy drink flowed down her throat, the warm feeling next engulfing her chest, and finally resting in her stomach. With new life, Hilde opened her eyes, deep blue orbs immediately met by the concerned gazes of aqua and green.

A small smile escaping her lips, Hilde knew her friends wanted to hear what had happened, and so began recounting the previous events of the encounter with Duo to Trowa and Sariah…

“…and when he said ‘I know’, something just clicked. My heart took over from then on, I can’t even remember what I said. But, in the end, he left. He left me as an old friend and nothing more,” Hilde finished the long tale with a drop of her head.

Sariah looked sympathetic after the story, and Trowa seemed deep in thought, as usual.

“What should he have said?” Hilde contemplated out loud. “If he had said something different than ‘I know’, I’m almost positive things might have taken a completely different turn.”

The room seemed to fall silent at her question.

“He should have said ‘I love you’,” Trowa stated suddenly. Hilde’s drooping head shot up, meeting a brilliant glint in Trowa’s visible, green, looking-glass eye.

Hilde then looked quickly down at the floor, slightly embarrassed, for she was positive her mouth had completely dropped open at the comment. Trowa was right. He was absolutely right.

But there was something behind Trowa’s look that Hilde just couldn’t shake. There seemed to be a flicker of passion in his stare, along with anger and confusion. There was a battle going on in Trowa’s eyes. The silent enigma was becoming more readable, and Hilde wasn’t so sure if that was a good or bad thing.

Before she could look up to study Trowa again, he had somehow made it halfway out the door, mumbling a good-bye.

“There’s tension in the air,” Sariah said quietly after Trowa had gone, “and in more than one man’s heart.”

“What is going on around here?” Hilde exclaimed.

“I should think it obvious,” Sariah glanced at Hilde, but seeing the girl was clueless, she just shook her head. “Know this—you are going to have to make an important decision very soon.”

“Huh?”

Sariah continued, “My advice to you is to look towards the future. Dwelling in the past will only cause you to lose a very important part of your life, whether you realize it now, or not.”

And with that last bit of wisdom, Sariah simply smiled and left her friend to digest the events of the day. She knew Trowa meant more to Hilde than the girl herself realized, but left the baffled youth to discover that fact on her own.

~*~*~

“Tell me again why I have to wear this scrap of material in high winds in front of a bunch of sweaty males?” Hilde asked Sariah through clenched teeth as a face-off signaled the start of the traditional Spring Fling lacrosse game.

Sariah brushed off her roommate’s usual dramatic, though humorous, comments, offering her own sly, “But the sweaty males part isn’t so bad, is it?”

“What’s that?” Quatre joined the conversation. He had a possessive arm wound through Sariah’s. After all, the head of the Winner Corporation doesn’t travel all the way down to EU to have his girlfriend oogled by other guys, now does he?

The girl blushed nervously and smoothly continued, “I was just telling Hilde here that it’s tradition for the girls to wear sun dresses during the Spring Fling game, just as the guys are supposed to wear ties. Although why she doesn’t feel very comfortable is beyond me, because I think she looks gorgeous.”

Quatre smiled. “You both do.”

“Oh!” Hilde gasped, her attention turned to the game. “Are they allowed to pummel each other like that?”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t been to one of Trowa’s lacrosse games before?” Quatre asked her, a bit surprised.

“Well,” Hilde started, “Schoolwork always keeps me pretty busy. Go ahead, tell me how horrible of a friend I am.”

“Oh, you’re fine, Hilde,” Sariah assured her. “I, on the other hand, usually avoid them because I have absolutely no idea what’s going on. But since it is Spring Fling, and we’re playing EuroTech, and Trowa is the star player, I figured if I was going to go to a game, this would be it.”

“Yeah. It’s kind of sad that most people skipped out for an early Spring Break, though,” Hilde noted.

Indeed, Spring Fling celebrated the arrival of Spring, and more importantly, Spring Break. The biggest lacrosse game of the season was held on the Friday afternoon before break began, and the opponent was EU’s archrival EuroTech. Many students, however, preferred to start their Spring Break plans instead of showing school spirit, leaving the already small EU population down to a minimal, though enthusiastic crowd cheering for their top-ranked team. Even so, the crowd was of the friendly size that allowed fans to either watch the game from one of the sidelines or from the stands.

So as to afford a good view of Trowa, his friends were huddled on the sidelines of the field, gaining a front-row view of EU’s new recruit turned superstar, number 03.

Although clad in helmet and numerous amounts of other padding, Hilde’s eyes immediately fell on the tallest member of the team. His legs were long and lean, and with most of him covered up, Hilde found she never really noticed what nice calf muscles he had, and couldn’t suppress an approving smile.

As the ball moved to EuroTech’s goal area, Trowa sprang into action. He was an attackman, and perfectly suited for the position from what Hilde could tell. His speed seemed unbelievable for his height, and although most of his teammates were getting checked, bumped and bruised, Trowa appeared untouchable, emanating a power and grace that was reminiscent of both lion and gazelle. His skill allowed him to effectively dodge his opponents while displaying magnificent stick work, and his precision passes were deadly across the goal. He was the kind of player that was not selfish, leading the team in number of assists rather than goals, although he still had an impressive amount of those as well. Definitely hero material, but Hilde knew that already.

“Let’s go closer to the side EU’s attacking so we can see more of Trowa,” Hilde suggested, grabbing Sariah by the arm, which effectively pulled Quatre along as well.

Hilde couldn’t deny she loved the feeling of battle. It was just the death and destruction part that wasn’t so pleasant. But, as Trowa had mentioned before, sporting events were different. There was still the competitive atmosphere, without the unnecessary bloodshed.

Hilde cheered wildly after EU’s first goal, which was only too easily made by Trowa himself. By this time, the girl was really getting into the game, and she couldn’t understand why she hadn’t been to one sooner.

It was the pause after the goal that allowed the sports star to take a quick glance at the sidelines for the first time. Trowa was stunned to find Hilde at the front of the crowd, cheering for him in a tiny yellow sundress that flapped up to reveal a little more than her usual modesty would allow in the windy weather. He found his eyes frozen to her form, and was so taken with her that he completely missed the restarting of the game.

“Don’t you think it’s a little unfair to have a former Gundam pilot on the team?” Hilde asked her companions, referring to the way Trowa had weaved his way through three defenders and still managed to make a beautiful goal look effortless.

**THWAP**

“Maybe…not,” Quatre answered, beyond bemused, trying his best to suppress a laughing fit as Trowa was checked—hard—and sent flying to the ground, no doubt on account of his obvious fixation on Hilde only a moment before his introduction to the grass.

~*~*~

Half-time had come and gone and the second half of the game was underway. EU had a decisive lead at 6-3, but they could still not afford to slack off.

While Quatre and Sariah decided to watch from the stands, Hilde had again moved to Trowa’s side of the field, and she found herself happy to be immersed in the intense, though beautiful game unfolding before her. Happy, that is, until another player besides Trowa noticed her presence on the sidelines.

“Hey Lemon Cream, why don’t you lift up that skirt a little more!” a EuroTech player yelled, who had been positioned on the flank close to her for the second half.

Hilde’s jaw dropped in astonishment. Looking down at her light yellow sundress, which was, she admitted, a little shorter than she would have liked, Hilde knew the comment was aimed at her. The wind tossing the flimsy material this way and that was obviously not helping her situation, either. Hoping that the player would end his taunting there, Hilde brushed off the insulting remark and tried to focus on Trowa instead.

But the comments kept on coming. More “sweet thangs” and “cream pies” and “lemon-this or that’s” with hoots and hollers and plenty of rude and degrading remarks. Hilde was just about to give up watching Trowa’s beautiful plays and accept defeat by moving into the stands with Quatre and Sariah, when three familiar blondes bounced over to her.

“Hilde, dear, how is it that you always get all the guys?” Tiffani, or was it Stephi, asked her.

“I would hardly want any guy’s attention like this,” Hilde cringed as the EuroTech lacrosse player whistled at her.

“Don’t you know who that is, Hilde?” another one of the Blond Bombshells asked her.

“I cannot imagine,” Hilde responded indifferently.

“He’s only the hottest lacrosse player on the field right now, even if he is the enemy. We scoped him out before the game. He’s got the most gorgeous brown eyes you’ve ever seen!”

“Yeah, totally the tall, dark and handsome type,” another squealed.

Hilde just shook her head. “No more Emerald Eye infatuation I see?”

The girls did a collective shrug. “The boy is fine, we’ll give him that. But he’s totally a social nightmare. You couldn’t take him anywhere. But what could you expect, he is in the engineering school.”

Hilde gave them a look, and they then remembered she was a proud engineer herself. “Not that all engineers are socially incompetent, mind you,” Brandi recovered, patting her on the arm.

“Just most of them,” Tiffani giggled, and Hilde couldn’t help but agree.

“Anyway, I hear Emerald Eye is basically off the market anyway,” Stephi eyed Hilde accusingly.

“What do you mean?” the dark haired girl asked, genuinely clueless.

“Well, from what I hear from some of the lacrosse guys, he’s been totally crushing on a girl for forever…” one of the blondes began.

“…Someone who matches your description remarkably well, Hilde,” another finished.

“Just thought you might like to know,” the third one added with a wink. It was at this point all three decided they had caused enough mischief and wished Hilde a good Spring Break. They disappeared as quickly as they came, leaving the girl in a baffled silence.

“What was that all about?” Sariah asked as she and Quatre walked up to her roommate. The girl was always amused by the blonde whirlwind that liked to attack Hilde now and then.

“I really don’t know,” Hilde said, still in a daze.

“Well,” Sariah eyed the girl worriedly, “Quatre and I thought we’d join you again for the last few minutes of the game. I honestly don’t know how you’ve had this much energy to jump up and down and cheer for the entire game.”

Just then, Hilde’s EuroTech admirer started with the catcalls again.

“Has he been doing this all half?” Quatre asked her, anger coating his usual smooth voice.

“Yeah, I was actually just about to leave because of it,” Hilde admitted, and started to turn, looking very fatigued and irritated.

“Wait just a minute,” Sariah held her back as a very interesting sight was taking place before her.

It appeared that not only Hilde, but Trowa Barton was finally fed up. The boy had just finished marching the distance from his attacker position to where the EuroTech midfielder stood giving air kisses to Hilde. Apparently, the green-eyed boy had witnessed quite enough of his opponent’s verbal harassment and, as the ball was out of bounds on the opposite side of the field, finally had the time to deal with the matter.

“Oooohhh,” Quatre breathed, able to see Trowa’s dangerously narrowed eyes now that he was so close to the sidelines where the Tech player was positioned. “It takes a lot to make Trowa mad, and even if he is, you would normally never know. But let me tell you, he is sooooo pissed right now.”

Quatre knew his friend well. With an eerie calmness, in one fluid motion, Trowa slammed his stick to the ground, continued to approach Hilde’s offender, and proceeded to deliver a swift punch that connected right with the EuroTech player’s now certainly broken nose.

The crowd went silent, and the game came to a halt. But just as quickly as time seemed to freeze, the world started in motion once again. The fans on the sideline, who were in earshot of the EuroTech player’s degrading remarks, erupted in cheers and applause, while on the field, players were trying to talk Trowa out of beating the guy into a bloody pulp. Needless to say, 03 was ejected from the game. But now, with only minutes left and a lead of 5 points, it hardly even mattered.

The seething green-eyed boy, who looked remarkably calm on the outside, approached the EU bench, avoiding the scrutinizing gaze of his coach.

His voice was equally calm as he tugged off his helmet and quietly apologized, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me, coach.”

The old man only chuckled, and gave him a pat on the shoulder. “It’s called love, Barton. Just don’t let it happen again.”

~*~*~

Hilde, Sariah and Quatre waited for Trowa after the game. Although the lacrosse star, who had scored 4 of EU’s final 8 goals and assisted in the rest, was bombarded with adoring fans, he somehow managed to slip through the crowd just as easily as he could dodge defenders, and quickly found his friends.

After Trowa and Quatre did a tactical analysis of the game and the girls poked fun at their Gundam pilot habits, Sariah and Quatre managed to slyly separate themselves from the other pair. Apparently Quatre could not leave without first getting cotton candy, for he was never allowed such childish treats on the colonies, as he had an impression to keep up with his important business associates. The line for the sugary treat was so long that he and Sariah begged Hilde and Trowa go on without them.

By this time, Hilde and Trowa realized their friends’ rather obvious plan to get them alone, and accepted the cotton candy story with little argument.

The lacrosse field was closest to Trowa’s dorm, so Hilde suggested they walk the way together, and she would continue to her own from there.

He nodded in agreement, and they started off, both content to stay silent and enjoy the scenery of the European countryside. The lacrosse field was situated in the middle of a meadow-like landscape located in a far-off corner of EU. A long path lined with trees and other foliage, now thick with flowered vines and the blooms of spring, led back to the main campus. In the afternoon sunlight, as flower petals floated down to the ground from the winds, the scene was a little more than romantic, and Hilde tried to avert her gaze from the man beside her in an attempt to prevent her infamous fits of blushing.

It might have worked, but then Trowa sighed deeply and caused the girl beside him to steal a glance. His calm face was raised to the sky, as he soaked in the sun and was soothed by the wind. His hair was mussed from his helmet and the breeze ruffled it even more, causing his bangs to be tossed about which allowed peeks of his usually hidden eye.

And Hilde couldn’t help it. She blushed.

Her face grew an even deeper shade of red when she felt Trowa’s eyes focus on her.

“I’m happy you came today,” he said quietly. “I’m just sorry you had to be subjected to the remarks of that idiot. And I’m sorry you had to see-” he faltered. “I just couldn’t stand to see him treating you like that.”

“It’s really ok,” Hilde managed to find her voice, and placed an understanding hand on his forearm. His eye widened a bit at the touch, causing Hilde to quickly pull her hand away. She hadn’t even realized that she had sought to comfort him so naturally.

“The guy deserved it,” she continued. “It was a really good punch, and if you hadn’t done it, I most certainly would have tried to after the game,” she admitted lightly.

She received a slight smile at that, and he shrugged his shoulders a bit as he shifted his lacrosse gear from one side of his powerful back to the other before speaking once again.

“I’ve been wanting to ask how you were doing,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hilde knew he was referring to her episode with Duo. “I’m fine, really,” she assured him. “It’s been one long ride, but I think I’ve finally reconciled my feelings. Duo’s my best friend, he’ll always be, but he’s nothing more than that,” the girl said decidedly.

“I can’t say I was sorry when you two didn’t work out,” Trowa said softly after a time. “On the contrary, I was rather glad to hear it.”

“You were…glad?” Hilde questioned, so surprised at the comment that she stopped dead in her tracks.

A beautiful white primrose blossom traveled down and landed on her bangs, but she was too stunned to even try to move it.

Trowa turned to her and gazed down into her wide blue eyes with a look that was softer than she had ever seen him use. He reached over and brushed his hand on her forehead, gently removing the blossom from her hair.

“I’ve always been partial to white flowers,” Trowa murmured as he left his fingers to caress her midnight tresses before finally sliding down to cup her cheek in his palm. He paused then, reveling in the touch of her skin before finally slipping his hand away.

Trowa smiled. It was a full, warm smile, and he seemed content just by the fact he was able to touch her.

Hilde looked at him in astonishment, never before graced with Trowa’s real smile, which was so amazing that she couldn’t help but smile back. Her fingers unconsciously crept back up to her cheek, and she shyly turned her face away and into her hand as they continued walking.

She couldn’t believe how nervous she was now, not quite knowing how to act or what to say. The man beside her, however, seemed as relaxed as could be, as if a curse had been lifted, or a secret revealed.

She was surprised at how many times her gaze had tiptoed in the direction of the quiet lacrosse player, and before she even realized it, found herself locked in a stare with an orb of green and was forced to look away. And she couldn’t believe the creeping crimson blush that increased upon her complexion as the minutes next to Trowa passed by.

They reached his dorm much sooner than Hilde expected, but she thought it for the better, as the butterflies in her stomach were bursting at her sides.

Before parting, Trowa surprised the girl by gently latching a hand on her arm.

“I’ve found that it takes a lot to keep on running,” he said, dipping his head to whisper more closely to her ear, “running away from things because you might get hurt or you’re just not sure you’re good enough. I’ve stopped running, Hilde.” His voice was smooth and his breath was hot against her neck, “And I’ll be waiting here when you’re finally tired of running away as well.”

He pulled away, looking deceivingly calm compared to his passionate whispers a moment before. Offering his usual nod as a goodbye, he gave her a final soul-searching stare and cute barely-there smile before disappearing up to his room.

Hilde let out a long, long sigh, and began meandering back to her dorm, pondering Trowa’s words all the while.

She couldn’t believe how so much had changed in one afternoon. Just as she had finally given up the hope of love from one Gundam pilot, another freely offered his to her. It was one of the most cryptic declarations Hilde had ever come across, to be sure. Yet that, she supposed, was just his style.

But did she love Trowa? The girl wasn’t so sure. She certainly liked him…a lot, more than she cared to admit. But so soon after Duo? And what about her rose-bearing admirer? Her mind was filled with questions to which she had no answers.

But there was one thought that she just couldn't figure out. It had been bothering her throughout the entire walk back. The girl recalled how Trowa’s hand fit so perfectly against her cheek. His touch was so soft, yet so burning. She felt restless with it, yet more so without it.

And--wait a minute…he had always been partial to white flowers!?!

**CLICK** (that was the light bulb in Hilde’s head turning on)

Truly, her secret admirer was not so secret anymore.

~*~*~

Hilde took a surprised little inhale of breath as a soap bubble popped before her, breaking the girl out of her dishwashing revere. This was the third time she had caught herself humming. And it wasn’t the happy-go-lucky hum she might have usually done while completing her chores around the suite. It was that unmistakable hum--the gentle, almost caressing, absentminded hum--that caused other listeners to deviously conclude, “Ah, so the girl’s in love!”

Hilde was now thankful she was alone, for the girl knew if Sariah had caught even a whisper of her tunes, her very perceptive roommate would begin a tirade of soft, but pressing questions about Hilde’s love life that she really did not wish to divulge. Although Sariah’s personality was normally mild, as of late, Hilde’s friend had not let her get off so easily when avoiding questions of romance.

Apparently everyone had thought it high time that Hilde should finally rope her man. Even Trowa, as he had so willingly offered to be roped…

“I’ve found that it takes a lot to keep on running. Running away from things because you might get hurt or you’re just not sure you’re good enough. I’ve stopped running, Hilde. And I’ll be waiting here when you’re tired of running away as well.”

The girl meshed the two analogies as her mind vividly played out a scene in which she, a gallant cowgirl complete with ultra-cute western hat, impressively lassoed a shirtless Trowa (it’s always fun to make Trowa shirtless in mental images ^_^). But once she caught him, she just kept running around him, circling around the now placid man…she couldn’t stop running…

The dark-haired girl let a soft smile slip into disheartened sigh. After rinsing her sudsy hands, she fished up a towel and dried them, wondering what she had done to deserve the affections of a man like Trowa, and at the same time, trying to reason her reluctance to be whisked away in his arms.

She was just not sane, that was the only thing that could be determined, the girl concluded, flopping upon the suite’s plush easy chair and basking in the sunlight washing through the broad window next to her.

Trowa was just too kind, too considerate, too gorgeous, too…she remembered his delicious voice close to her ear…god, he was too good.

Hilde felt completely undeserving. So long she had been without love, she had lost love even for herself. It was much easier to constantly flutter away from emotions, shy away from anything too serious. The pixie everyone liked to compare her to was completely on the mark…she had such trembling, flittering wings that never let her stay still long enough for anyone to truly touch her. Maybe she wasn’t running…maybe she was fluttering, staying just out of reach. For Hilde knew what happened when the taunting butterfly’s wings were touched…it could no longer fly.

The vidlink beeped at her then, shocking her out of reflective mode as she rushed to her room. It had been so quiet around the suite, the normally bubbly girl had reverted into her tendency to slip into a ponderous state when no one was around for her to laugh with.

Sariah’s bright face beamed as she checked up on her roommate, who must have been quite lonely having the suite all to herself for the week of Spring Break. But the blond haired girl didn’t miss a trip as she noted Hilde’s dazed expression before her roommate forced an ever-impressive smile.

“Hilde, have you been thinking too hard again?” Sariah inquired with a mock-stern look on her face.

Hilde now smiled genuinely as her roommate jested with her, only replying, “And hello to you, too!”

“I just wanted to make sure everything was alright. Remember what we went over.”

“Yes, mother,” Hilde shook her head gently at Sariah’s over-protectiveness. When discovering Hilde was the only one who would be staying at EU for the break, Sariah immediately began worrying. She first tried to get out of the trip her father had planned, then tried to coax Hilde in accompanying her. But Hilde refused to be a bother, to both Sariah and her own guardian, Sally Po, and thought it better to get time to herself, for a week break really wasn’t that long to take the trouble of traveling all around.

“What was our first rule?” Sariah asked, her eyes pleading Hilde to play along.

Oh for heaven’s sake… “Don’t talk to strangers,” Hilde rolled her eyes.

“And speaking of strangers, don’t answer the door unless you’re expecting someone. Furthermore, no crazy parties, and please don’t get into anything other than your sparkling apple cider,” Sariah continued in her best motherly tone. “But then again, even so much of that and you sure do act like your dru--”

“Ok, ok, I get it,” Hilde interrupted. “I will restrain myself. Jeez.”

“And finally,” Sariah said, completely amused, “absolutely no guys allowed in our room, except…?”

I can’t believe I agreed to this…Hilde thought.

“Except?” Sariah questioned again. She was certainly enjoying this.

I can’t believe she even mentioned this…Hilde’s thoughts roamed further.

“Exceeeeeept?”

“Trowa,” Hilde grumbled almost inaudibly, completely flustered. Sariah smiled widely, then apparently thought nothing of it, relating the events of her first day of vacation.

Luckily, Hilde had not heard a peep out of Trowa. Ever the gentleman, he was giving her time to compose herself and, as promised, letting her come to him. And besides, what would keep him here? He had a home to go back to, so it was unlikely she would be graced with his presence during the break, not even fathoming her snatching him away to her room. Bad Hilde!

After Sariah’s call, the dark haired girl couldn’t believe it was only the first day of break and groaned openly. Sariah had left her with a worried look, as the busy businessman’s daughter would be whisked away to the farthest reaches of the colonies to help her father with tours and openings of new offices, meaning that she would probably not have another opportunity for a check-up call. How the hell was Hilde going to last a week with no one to distract her from her mind’s wanderings?

~*~*~

The following night Hilde lay in bed, listening to the sound of quiet. It was amazing, no party music drifting up from the usually noisy people in the room below her…no giggles or screeches through paper thin dorm walls of her other sugar-high suitemates who could somehow stay up far later than Hilde thought humanly possible…no rustling of sheets now and again from Sariah’s side of the room. It was just her, and she hugged her blanket a little tighter, feeling safe from the cool, quiet night under the downy marshmallow bed-coat, even though she was clad only in a small tank and boxers.

Though it was quite late, Hilde was still restless, and could do nothing more than stare at the drawn-out shapes the shadows made about her bedroom walls. But she was grateful for her attentive state when a knock came at her door.

Immediately, the girl grew tense. Who could it be? And at this hour? She waited, hoping it was something of her imagination. And she almost breathed a sigh of relief at the stillness, when it came again.

She rose immediately, padding softly out of her room, and crept through the hallway to the commons area.

The moonlight now lingered against the large window separating the cozy interior of the suite to the outside open hall and railing. Hilde felt her heart quickening as the rapping came a third time, a little more desperately, yet still quite soft for such urgency, until it seemed to fade away.

Hilde was beginning to worry now. Great, of course this had to happen while she was alone, in the middle of the night, and not a day after Sariah warned her of the important rules she should follow for her protection. Perhaps it would have been better to have had Trowa in her room…*Smack*! The girl hit herself.

C’mon, Hilde-girl, now you’re just going into hysterics. What to do? What to do? Okay, let’s sneak up to the window and have a look-see…

But whoever was standing outside of her door was drenched in darkness, and Hilde could see nothing at the angle she was peeking her gaze through the glass.

Okay, onto Plan B. Hilde snatched up a frying pan as quickly and quietly as she could and assessed the situation. She had decided she would call to her visitor through the door. Damn these old doors on this friggin’ castle, she silently cursed, her eyes burning the spot that severely lacked a peephole. She knew her call would give herself away as being home, but the fading of the last knock had bothered the girl tremendously. Besides, she was quite a skilled fighter if she did say so herself, and decided if she could hold her own when grappling Duo during their occasional friendly wresting matches in the old days, she could certainly handle Mr. Let’s Frighten Hilde to Death Midnight Knocker.

“Who- who is it?” she said, but noticing the timidity in her voice, she called louder. “Who’s there!?”

It was a moment before she heard a rustling outside of the door and what she thought was a masculine grunt, before a familiar, though strained, “Hilde” caught her sensitive ears.

Eyes widened in shock, the girl quickly undid the lock and swung the door open…

She couldn’t see his face clearly at first, but his moon-haloed silhouette was easily recognizable.

Shocks of spiked hair outlined against the moon’s pale light immediately caught Hilde’s attention as her jaw dropped, as well as the frying pan she was holding.

She just kind of stared for a moment, neither of them moving. Only the dark figure’s labored breathing began to register in Hilde’s mind as she tried to speak, but could not, her eyes blinking rapidly to absorb the sight before her.

Trowa’s eye flashed as he stared at her, fighting to control his breath. He was hunched, but even so, still much taller than she, and his left hand was gripping his right shoulder protectively, dripping with a deep, thick liquid.

Hilde could smell the sickening scent of blood, and registered the stained tears scattered on his uniform, a few on his arm, one noticeable lack of fabric on his thigh revealing a deep gash. His clothes, too, were unusual. He was clad fully in black, the material hugging his body so tightly Hilde had to insist her mind not to think of such things at a time like this. Finally, she recognized a “P” etched onto the shoulder of his left arm. So he had been on a Preventers’ assignment, in a spy suit no less. Spies were not meant to be this bloodied…something had gone horribly wrong.

Hilde gasped at the realization, only to have the man before her take a slow, heavy step towards her. “I didn’t know where else to go,” he said lowly.

“Trowa,” she heard herself whisper, surprised at the calmness in her voice, “we have to get you to a hospital.”

“Don’t--” he breathed with a shake of his head before he collapsed in her arms, and she crumbled to support his fall.

~*~*~

Hilde struggled to her senses, desperately thinking where to put this broken man. Her eyes scanned the room and fell upon the couch, but she immediately saw that Trowa was much too tall and his wounds looked so painful, there was no way he was going to be comfortable.

It was decided then, she would put him in her bed. Mustering up all the strength she had (and she was quite strong), Hilde hooked Trowa by his upper chest and dragged him as gently as she could towards her room. She had thought he would wake when she clumsily pushed his body up onto her bed, but the boy looked as if he would not be roused for some time. This proved advantageous to Hilde, who stood over him to assess the work that needed to be done. Figures these Preventers’ boys would think themselves too big and bad for the hospital, Hilde thought, irritated. But she knew that taking him there would lead to questions about some highly classified issues. She would instead call Sally immediately after she tended to him to make sure he was out of danger.

She had treated some of her comrades during her time at OZ, and let her hands lead her on instinct to help her injured friend. She scanned his wounds, settling on his right shoulder where he was losing the most blood. Besides this, and a nice slice on the leg, from her outer examination these were the worst. He had been lucky.

Returning to her patient with an armful of gathered make-shift medical supplies, Hilde began her work. She hissed in a breath as she un-zipped the front of his slick, black second-skin and peeled it back from his upper body. She discarded what was left of the material from his right shoulder and examined the wound, thankful the bleeding had slowed. She dipped a cloth in warm water and pressed it there lightly, eliciting a slight wince from the boy in his sleep.

Moving to his muscled thigh, Hilde seemed to consider it a moment before gripping the ends of the teared fabric. “Forgive me,” she whispered, still embarrassed even though Trowa was unconscious, as she tore the material further, revealing more toned flesh so she could clean and bandage the wound properly.

Satisfied with her work on his leg, Hilde went back to check on his shoulder. She took the now red soaked towel and replaced it with a fresh one, again applying light pressure to stop the bleeding. Trowa moaned slightly and Hilde reached out her free arm to his cheek in an attempt to calm him, now noticing a cut on his cheekbone below his eye, and gently tried to stroke her fingers soothingly around it. She frowned at how hot his sweaty skin was, and moved her hand to his forehead, noting he certainly had a very high fever.

The poor boy. She let out a sympathetic sigh at his sorry condition. He was probably more fatigued and fevered than anything else. What had he been doing to end up in such a state? Hilde moved to get some ice and a compress for his head when was satisfied that the bleeding from his shoulder had stopped, never noticing his whimper at the loss of her touch.

~*~*~

Hilde trudged back to her room utterly exhausted after the conversation with Sally. After tending to Trowa’s wounds as best she could, she immediately called the Preventer’s doctor, both for a reasonable explanation for her dear friend’s battered state, and for more help on how to heal him.

Sally had been shocked to hear from Hilde in the middle of the night, but she was more relieved than anything else. The Preventers had not heard from one of their best in the field for nearly forty-eight hours, and were about to assume the worst.

After receiving a thirty-minute “heal all” lesson from the experienced military doctor, Hilde was let in on the secretive details concerning Trowa’s mission. It had already slipped from Sariah that the boys were involved in something important, but she did not appreciate the magnitude until after hearing Sally’s tale.

Apparently, the Preventers were aiming to disarm the infamous black-market mobile suite dealers for good, seeking to take out their production strong hold on a seemingly abandoned colony. It didn’t seem as though it was very protected from early surveillance, probably so as not to arise any suspicions the colony was still active. But due to an insider tip-off (the traitor was now in custody), the crime-lords knew of the Preventers planned attack and hired back-up. Trowa was the man who was recruited to actually infiltrate the base and set up an array of hidden bombs without being detected. However, he ran into some unexpected company just after the bombs were set, and barely managed to escape alive as the illegal factory went up in flames.

“I’m sure he can tell you the rest,” Sally said, with only a hint of sleep in her voice, which was incredibly good for four o’clock in the morning. “But I can tell you what he did was one of the most heroic acts I ever saw. He would never tell you this, but he actually volunteered himself for the position, and requested it be a one-man operation, knowing full well he would have a better chance of success if he had a team of agents to support him. I mean, the mobile suit factory was the whole damn colony! The task was huge and, besides the unexpected bad guys, security was almost hopeless to break.”

Sally’s voice grew more tender as she continued on, “But he did it alone to protect the rest of us, and the other men originally assigned to the job. This operation was so important we knew the former Gundam pilots were the only men who we could count on. However, Trowa knew Heero had just confessed his love for Relena, he knew Duo was still a mess of emotions and avoiding the place entirely, he knew Quatre had just found the girl of his dreams in your roommate, and he knew—he knew Wufei and I had just gotten together!”

“Oh my Gosh!!! You and Wufei!!!! It took you long enough!” Hilde almost shouted excitedly at the news of the blossoming romance between two of the most stubborn Preventers’ agents, who were rumored to have had feelings for each other for years. But Hilde quickly remembered to contain her voice so as not to wake the heroic man sleeping in her room not too far away. Besides, Sally was giving her an awful sharp stare as if to say “Look who’s talking.”

“Yes, but anyway, that’s not the point,” Sally sputtered. “Trowa knew all these things. He wanted to protect everyone, whether it be their newfound love, or lack thereof, both of which could cause distraction occurring so close to the mission. He also knew that in destroying the base, he would destroy the greatest threat to our newfound peace. He would sacrifice himself so that his friends, and the world, would be safe.”

Hilde felt a rush of emotion overtake her. “But what about him?” Hilde strangled the words out of her, feeling hot tears brimming in her eyes. “He never—he never gets anything. He just keeps giving…giving.” Hilde felt her heart pounding hard and fast. “He never asked for my love, he just…loved me!” the girl realized through tears.

If Sally could have reached her hand through digital space to comfort the quietly sobbing girl, she would have. But she could not, and thought it best to keep silent and let the poor dear have a much-deserved cry after such a trying night.

“Did he ever think what we would feel if he were gone?” she asked quietly, settling from her passionate tears.

Why was she so angry with him now? How could he think he could just leave her like that? How could he—

Hilde gasped. Did I ever know that I loved him before now?

The older woman shook her head mumbling quietly, “Looking back, it was such a dangerous assignment. We should have never let him do it.”

“Why did you?” Hilde asked softly.

“Because…” Sally pondered, “because of the look in his eyes. Because of the determination, the steady calmness. His will was so strong to protect, his gaze so unafraid of sacrifice, of death, that deep inside I guess I knew he would make it out alive.”

Sally’s blue eyes sparkled at Hilde. “But I think most of all, for the first time, through everything else, I saw the will to live. It was like he had unfinished business, like he had a reason to survive. I knew that even though he would have still been content to accept death at any time, he had some stronger will to keep on living. I’ve never seen it in his eyes before. That is why I let him go.”

“I see,” Hilde said, brushing away the salty remains of her tears. “Thank you, Sally,” the girl said in a hushed voice, yet it was steadier now. “I must check on him now.”

Hilde ended the call, deep in thought. So that contentment she saw in Trowa’s eyes and in his smile during the lazy afternoon after the lacrosse game was enough for him? Just his hand on her cheek made him feel he could go off and destroy an entire colony without having to worry if he never came back? Well, a touch on the cheek may have been enough to satisfy Trowa, but he certainly had something else coming to him, if Hilde had anything to do with it.

The girl sauntered back to her bed to find the boy resting peacefully. Her drama melted at the sight of his angelic face, and the sound of his even breaths, a vast improvement from the earlier ragged gasps of air.

How was it that just the sight of him disarmed her? How could she have not known the love she felt for him, this flood of calm his presence bestowed, a wave tinged with the pleasures of butterfly wings. It was a warm sensation, fluttering, as if the air that touched her was made of pure love, and for the first time, she realized that she could still fly with her feet on the ground.

~*~*~

He had been like this for two days now, either lying deathly still or tossing roughly in his sleep, in and out of painful dreams. Hilde was beginning to wonder whether it was alright that Trowa had not yet risen, but constant check-ins with Sally informed the girl that after all the Preventers’ hero had been through, he well deserved a rest.

Sally had been kind enough to arrange some supplies and clothes for Trowa to be sent to Hilde’s dorm room. The messenger was actually due any moment now, but Hilde still remained dutifully at Trowa’s side, not leaving him unless it was absolutely necessary.

A knock soon came, and she reluctantly left her post to answer the door. Weary from days and nights of worrying and watching, Hilde opened the door in a state of only half-awareness, although the sight of the delivery boy did wonders to sober her up.

“Damn, Hil, you look like hell,” Duo announced, only half-joking to the poor, shocked girl in front of him.

“And no retaliation either,” he quipped. “You must be tired. Have you slept at all these past few days?”

Hilde barely managed a groan and head shake as the violet-eyed boy walked past her with a large luggage bag, poking his head around the apartment until he located Trowa.

“Still sleepin’ like a baby, huh?” Duo whispered, not able to cover the relief in his tone at the sight of his comrade. Sitting down in the chair Hilde had faithfully occupied next to the sleeping man, Duo began to rummage around the bag as Hilde pulled up a seat beside him.

She was utterly amazed, not only because it had been Duo who came to make the delivery, but by the way he was acting. He seemed like his old self again, if not calmer, and had lightness to his step even Hilde in her weary state couldn’t mistake.

“How—how are you, Duo?” Hilde asked quietly after a while of awkward silence.

“To tell you the truth, I haven’t slept much either,” the braided boy admitted, finally emerging from his digging with some fresh medical supplies, a simple gray t-shirt, and sweatpants.

“Now, Nurse Nightingale, I’m gonna take over a bit from here. Why don’t you take a good long nap on that comfy looking couch out there and I’ll wake you when I’m through.”

Hilde was reluctant to leave Trowa, but didn’t need to be told twice. She moved to the suite area, dozing off as soon as her head hit the couch pillow. It was more than three hours later when she finally awoke.

Duo was sitting on a chair beside her with a more serious look gracing his expression as Hilde sleepily rubbed her eyes.

“Hey there, Sleeping Beauty,” the light in Duo’s eyes appeared again at the sight of her.

“Why didn’t you wake me up? You must have been finished tending to Trowa long ago.”

“Aw, you looked so cute and peaceful there. I just couldn’t do it,” Duo said, giving her his classic wink. He then jumped up and rummaged around the kitchen, coming back to her with a steaming mug.

“Coffee? I made some while everyone was in dreamland. I didn’t want to end up joining in on the Z’s, although it was tempting. I’m on a mission, you know.”

“I’d love some,” Hilde graciously took the mug, the intense aroma instantly waking her. She was surprised at how grown up Duo appeared now, taking care of both her and Trowa. “I was wondering why they sent you,” she admitted. “Not that you’re not capable, but--”

“I know what you mean,” Duo interjected. “Why would they send the person who acted like a jerk to both you and Trowa, right?”

He wasn’t being sarcastic, either, Hilde noted as he looked at her apologetically. “Duo,” she said softly, trying to comfort him.

“No, please, I came here to apologize and make things right again,” he said seriously. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Trowa made us all think after he went on the mission. God, we were so worried. So, so worried…” he faded off.

Hilde waited patiently, knowing it was hard for him to say all of this. She vaguely thought back to the time he first told her he was leaving. How she was drinking coffee just like this. But this time, he was explaining why he came back. Life certainly has a sense of humor when it comes to traveling full circle.

After a time, Duo continued. “Trowa’s amazing,” he sighed. “So selfless…one of the best people I’ve ever known. I’m proud to call him my friend. He’s the only one who deserves you, Hilde. The only one to whom I could ever let you go.”

Hilde’s eyes grew wide…so he knew…about Trowa’s feelings, and about hers. Was it that obvious?

“I just wanted you to know that,” Duo said. But just as quickly as he turned serious, his eyes grew mischievous again. “Besides, everyone back at Headquarters figured you could use some cheering up, and no one can make you laugh like the champ.” He gave suggestive eyebrow raises and a cocky head nod for added effect and did cause Hilde to giggle.

“Duo…” she said after her chuckles subsided. Hilde was still in awe of what had happened, and wanted to know more. Especially when she had the inkling that Trowa himself was not the only reason Duo seemed like himself again. “What happened before? When you went away?”

“I just…needed some time,” he said with a faraway look. “I was sent on some minor missions for the Preventers, something to take my mind off of everything. But the truth is, what I really needed to do was think. And after we all didn’t hear back from Trowa—that really hit everyone hard. I can’t tell you how relieved we all are. I didn’t know what I was going to tell Cathy--”

The boy stopped short as Hilde took the silent opportunity to register the comment.

“Cathy?” she said, eyeing him, and smiled mischievously when she noted his rising blush. “Who is this? Do tell!”

“Oh, come on,” Duo groaned. “Need you know all of my personal dealings?” he jested.

“As your best friend, I should think so!” Hilde said giddily.

Duo looked at her very intently. “Best friend, eh?” he said, eyeing her.

“Always were, always will be,” Hilde smiled with satisfaction, knowing that all the troubles they had been through in the past year had finally been resolved.

“Weellllll, Cathy is a very special lady I met during a mission on L3. I’d seen her before, but never quite realized how much of a turn on a fiery, dagger throwing redhead is,” Duo said lightly.

“You couldn’t be talking about Trowa’s sister, could you?” Hilde asked in disbelief.

Duo just beamed.

“Trowa is going to have a fit!” Hilde giggled. “I’ve heard he’s so overprotective! Oh, Duo. Figures you have to go for the challenge.”

“I happen to enjoy hard to get women; they’re more worth the earning. And I have a few cards up my sleeve, you know, Hilde-girl. I wouldn’t part with you to just anyone. You have an equally over-protective brother watchin’ out for you, as well.”

Hilde shook her head, and had luckily put down her coffee, for Duo then shouted “BEAR HUG!!!” and practically jumped the unsuspecting girl. And the two old friends passed the afternoon in smiles and laughter, despite their tired constitutions, while the healing environment seemed to do good for more than just themselves...

~*~*~

It was late in the evening when Duo finally left. Hilde had regained her strength and spirit with his visit, and was now well equipped to care for Trowa on her own with the supplies Sally had sent.

Hilde was now reading next to Trowa’s bedside when a small sigh seemed to escape from the sleeping form beside her. She immediately put down her book and knelt over him, looking to see if he had opened his eyes, but they remained closed. Hilde put a hand to his forehead. It was only slightly warmer than usual, but the boy seemed to have a pained expression on his usually placid features. He moved slightly at her touch and his face softened a bit, but his body seemed tense. He must be dreaming again, the girl concluded, gazing at the clock. It was almost three in the morning; she might as well retire for the night after she made sure the boy had calmed.

She decided to check on Trowa’s shoulder one last time as well. It was by far his worse wound, and the bandages needed changing more often than his others. Besides the scratch on his cheek, one would hardly be able to tell Trowa had been on a mission by the start of school, as the rest of his wounds could be easily covered with clothing.

Hilde removed his shirt as gently as she could and, having fished up the proper supplies from Sally’s bag ‘o wonders, began to change the dressings. Trowa stirred more than usual as she worked, and Hilde didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing. Could he finally be ready to wake, or had his conditioned worsened and become more painful? The girl just wasn’t sure, and was growing more concern as Trowa groaned.

“Shhh…” she whispered as she stroked his hair back and touched his face. Perhaps if she tried to talk to him, to calm him, it would help, Hilde considered.

“It’s alright,” Hilde spoke softly. “I’m here. Rest…get well. Take as long as you need to,” she told the boy, who was indeed beginning to grow quiet and relaxed.

She took his hand in hers and laid her head down next to his while still kneeling by the bed.

“But remember…there are people who miss you, who want you to come back,” she whispered as she held his warm hand tightly. She missed him so dearly. She missed his comforting voice, his deep eyes, and calming presence….all of him.

Hilde sat there thinking of all the things she loved about Trowa, and the love she felt but never told him. She didn’t know how long she had been resting there, holding his hand, growing increasingly weary. She finally surrendered to sleep as the words escaped from her lips, and her grip on his hand lessened, but did not slip away.

“Please come back…please, Trowa…I’ve stopped running.”

And in the dark, there was a smile.

~*~*~

Hilde woke the next morning to a surprising sense of peace. The light filtering in from the window had caused her to rise earlier than usual, especially considering how late she had finally gotten to sleep, but the girl didn’t mind.

Just looking at the sight before her was enough to want to wake up in morning. Upon opening her eyes, she found herself face to face with the placid, beautiful features of Trowa Barton. He looked unreal, his bangs splaying about the pillow, mouth slightly parted, so innocent and unearthly, besides the slice below his eye. But that only proved to remind the girl that the man before her was indeed mortal, a human who was made of flesh and blood and whose hand rested under hers even still.

Sitting up lazily, Hilde gazed at Trowa’s sleeping form. His skin was no longer slick and his whole body looked so calm that Hilde breathed a sigh of relief as she realized he was no longer in danger of a fever.

The girl sat up over her patient, reexamining the conditions of his wounds. While doing so, Hilde ran her fingertips gently over a scar on his side absentmindedly, which crossed around to end on the flat of his stomach, the motion causing toned abs to flex lightly under her soothing touch.

Hilde stared at her hand softly resting on Trowa’s firm abdominal muscles, and felt the skin there grow warm at the contact. She brushed a dizzying feeling out of her head while she reached over him to adjust the bandage on his shoulder, which she had been tending before she had drifted off to sleep in the wee hours of that morning. In fact, that was the reason Trowa was so deliciously shirtless right now.

As she lifted her hand away from Trowa’s body, Hilde was shocked to find a warm hand gripping her wrist protectively.

The hand then slid to entwine their fingers and brought her arm back down to rest on Trowa’s stomach.

“Did you think I’d let you get away that easily?” Trowa said with a growing smirk, taking his time to slowly open his eyes and raise himself up a bit to look at Hilde, who resembled a child who had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

“Trowa Barton!” her temper fumed openly, due to the shock of Trowa finally having regained conscious, yet acting like he had been in no danger at all. “Do you realize how worried I was about you!?! You were out for three days! Three days! Don’t ever scare me like that again! Don’t you ever--”

She stopped short and hugged him as tightly as his tender wounds would allow. Although Hilde had thoroughly surprised Trowa--as the boy’s eyes went wide with her sudden launch towards him--the raven haired girl decided he needed to be brought out of dreamland and back into reality. Besides, his eyes were so beautiful and sparkling, that even in the midst of scolding him, Hilde could not stay angry with the very gorgeous, and very close man whom she was embracing for long.

It seemed there was not enough time for tender moments after Trowa had risen. Hilde jumped to contact the Preventers soon afterwards, and the boy himself needed freshen up after all of the days he had been caught in a place beyond sleep.

Trivial things took the boy a long time, yet with Hilde’s assistance, he was able to finally get out of bed and walk around the dorm. After a nice, long shower (by himself, that is ^_~) and comforting meal Hilde prepared, the boy now sat resting on the suite couch in a sea of blankets Dr. Hilde had insisted were necessary. She did not want him catching cold again, as he seemed to have suffered from a nasty fever while he was unconscious.

Hilde had just finished tidying up the kitchen and suite area, and plopped down on one of the easy chairs next to where Trowa was reclined. After all of the excitement earlier in the day, she had finally managed to get her green-eyed patient all cleaned up and comfortable. The relief that he seemed to be alright was more than words could express, and Hilde let out a long, long sigh as she looked towards the Preventers’ agent.

Trowa met her gaze after a few moments, and let a soft smile escape him. His eyes were deep and they seemed to speak to her before he did in a very quiet voice, as it had been ever since he woke up.

“You have been very good not to ask me any questions, Hilde,” he said, referring to how he ended up in the condition in which she found him at her doorstep. Hilde was very impressed with herself, too, but thought it better to wait until Trowa was ready to say something, worrying the events may be very painful to remember.

“But it’s okay, if you want to know what happened. I don’t mind telling you.”

Hilde had been beyond curious about hearing the details from Trowa, and could not hide her look of anticipation at his words.

“I’m sure they must have said something anyway,” he noted of the Preventers.

“Well, Sally did fill me in,” Hilde admitted. “It’s not every day you get a wounded Preventer at your door. What happened to you? I mean, I know all about your mission. But how did you escape that exploding colony? And why did you come here?”

Hilde stopped short with the questions when she noticed Trowa’s gaze fall to the floor in heavy contemplation. She knew her mouth could run away with her sometimes. Not wanting to exhaust Trowa any further, the girl patiently waited, and at length, he began. It would be the largest amount of words strung together from Trowa that the girl would ever hear. “As you remember, I was supposed to rig bombs to destroy an entire colony housing an illegal mobile suit construction operation…”

“It’s easy for me to work alone,” Trowa said in his cool voice. “When the mission came up, I decided it would be better that way. Unfortunately, when it was discovered my enemies were expecting me, it was a little too late to just abandon the mission. I determined that I could still destroy the colony if I sacrificed my escape plans. Bringing an end to the biggest illegal mobile suit factory and ensuring the peace of the Earthsphere seemed a bit more important than my safety.

“However, Lady Luck has always been extremely good to me. The one successful part of my mission to destroy the colony was that I had in fact infiltrated the factory and planted the bombs before they could find me. From an insider tip off, the crime lords were expecting a Preventer in their factories, but they luckily didn’t find my trail of explosives until a little too late. Even so, I was being hunted all the while I was in that place, and unfortunately had some wounds to show from some close calls with the numerous guards patrolling the factory in search of me. I suppose that’s how they eventually found me. Normally, I wouldn’t have been so sloppy, but a bleeding wound doesn’t help when you’re trying to be stealthy. In any case, it finally came to a point where I had to make a decision to set off the explosives, even if I was in danger of being destroyed along with the base. So I pushed the detonation button, and didn’t look back.”

The boy paused a moment to reflect on that intense moment.

“Too late,” was all the spy said with a dangerous glint in his eye. His face remained fixed and fearless, but some may have said his lips lifted into a smirk as he dared anyone-even Death- to challenge him. The Angels themselves held their breath as all eyes focused towards the man’s outstretched arm and his thumb pressing into one tiny, lethal red button...

“I’m not really sure of all that happened afterwards,” Trowa said softly after a while. The guards who had cornered me were easy to take out in the confusion of the explosions. Knowing where the bombs were planted, I was able to avoid the most devastating blasts. I just remember the sounds, the fiery metal corridors, and running…”

It sounded like hell itself, Hilde thought, as her hand was now covering her mouth in shock. Trowa, however, seemed so calm explaining all of this.

“There’s always a certain window to flee before the effects of the many individual bombs culminate into the undoing of the entire colony,” he reasoned. “I knew the layout of the colony in my head and found myself running towards a hangar. I managed to get in the nearest mobile suit and blast out of the colony just as it exploded. The suit was pretty damaged, as well as myself. I managed to make it fairly far away from the colony, but not yet close enough to any others when the engine finally gave out. So I floated there in space, just like I had during the time I was thought missing in the war. I didn’t mind it so much, but I was wounded and I was tired. The sense of peace I had was deathly, but I didn’t want to give up just then.”

Trowa gave Hilde a look that caused her to shiver before continuing.

“There are many scrap ships that pass through the area, and sure enough the suit was picked up. So, before anyone could come and sort out the pieces of their trash collection, I was able to sneak out of the suit and hideaway on the ship. It stopped many different places, but finally it landed on earth late in the evening. I guess I might have been able to get to Headquarters, but the ship landed at the shuttle port not too far from here, actually. I figured it was probably best if no one saw me in my condition, and since the dorms were so close, I vaguely remember stumbling towards EU.

“I had heard you say you would be staying at the dorms alone during spring break,” Trowa explained. “And I couldn’t go back to my own dorm…the Vampire was here for break, too. You…you were my only option, Hilde. You know what I am, you know that there are some things that must be kept secret. Our pasts are very similar, so I knew you would understand.”

The girl was overwhelmed by Trowa’s story. His escape was amazing, and the way he looked at death so calmly gave her the chills. But the thing was, though the boy was not afraid of death, what Sally had said before was right. This time, he did not want to die. And from the way he was looking at her now, Hilde was beyond breathless that she might be the reason why he stayed alive.

“I do have one question,” the girl said after a while. “When you were out in space by the colonies, your home on L3 was probably closer. Didn’t the scrapper ship you were on ever stop near there?”

Trowa pondered this for a moment. “I’m sure it must have, it was hard to keep myself aware and awake during the journey. But even though I probably could have returned to the circus on L3 and received care from them, I couldn’t face my sister Catherine. She would have worried too much, and she doesn’t know I still secretly work for the Preventers. She would probably kill me before any of my missions would if she found out.”

“Oh dear,” Hilde giggled, but then thought about the pilot’s actions. Trowa certainly did care about his sister a lot, enough to risk his own safety to shield her from his dangerous missions. But then remembering Duo’s words, Hilde found herself letting another “Oh dear!” escape her for a very different reason.

“What?” Trowa inquired at Hilde’s concerned expression.

“Trowa…you might not want to hear this right now,” Hilde tried to warn him.

“It’s about Catherine, isn’t it?” he asked, growing very serious. “What’s happened? No one told her, did they? I’d never hear the end of it.”

“Well, it is about Catherine,” Hilde admitted. “But it’s not what you think. I’m not sure it’s even my place to tell you, but you may want to know…”

“Hilde, I’d like to hear whatever you have to say,” Trowa said very patiently, although anything having to do with his sister was very important to him and he could not be put in suspense after Hilde’s oddly worried expression.

“Duo was here just a day ago,” Hilde began as gently as she could. “He had some rather interesting news…”

Trowa’s reaction to the new relationship between his sister and the violet-eyed pilot was not as bad as Hilde expected…she thought. He had said nothing, his mouth pressed into a straight line. Perhaps the muscles of his face were a little bit more tense than usual, but Hilde couldn’t be sure. The only thing the girl was certain of was a very obvious eye twitch; a slight reaction that could be considered rather scary considering the boy’s silent, though eerily intense, stone faced impression. Yes, Trowa was indeed the epitome of an overprotective elder brother.

Poor Duo had absolutely no idea what he was in for.

~*~*~*~

It was amazing how much Trowa had improved after only a day. Unlike yesterday, when he had preferred to sit still and rest, the boy was now up and moving. Hilde was not sure he should have been taking things so quickly, but apparently, after three days of sleep, Trowa had insisted he was quite ready to get out of bed.

Hilde had suggested a walk, and the boy agreed with much more enthusiasm than the girl expected. Hilde found that she, too, was in great need of the outdoors. She had basically spent her whole break inside tending to Trowa. This walk, she decided, was a special occasion, and she inspected herself in the hall mirror as Trowa was changing in her room.

Cocking her head in the mirror, Hilde studied the image reflected there. Her eyes were tired and face pale, but her expression had brightened considerably since Trowa had woken. She added a bit of gloss to her lips and patted her cheeks to give them some color. “It’s the best it’s gonna be,” she sighed to herself, before the creak of her door caused the girl to turn.

Trowa emerged in a slightly ruffled white button-down shirt, coupled with a nicely fitting pair of jeans--a delicious change from the sweats he had been previously sporting. The change of attire was not the thing that startled the girl, however. It was the fact that Trowa’s shirt was hanging completely unbuttoned, showing a good portion of his defined ab and chest muscles.

“Hilde?” Trowa said for a second time. “Your roommate is on the vidphone. Did you want to take it?”

“Oh!” Hilde gasped. “Sariah, of course she’s checking up on me. Are you done getting ready, Trowa? I could call her back...”

“I’m fine,” the boy said, with a slight sparkle in his eye as he started slowly buttoning up his shirt while walking very closely past Hilde in the tight hallway. “It’s all yours.”

Hilde attempted to hide her blush the best she could as she answered the call, though she expected the mischievous smile of Sariah and suggestive wink that accompanied it.

“Well, I’m glad to see you’re following one rule,” the teal-eyed girl quipped, referring to Trowa being the only guy allowed in their room. “I was just calling to check up on you, but I can see you’re doing quite well for yourself.”

“There’s actually been a ton that’s happened, but I’ll fill you in when you get back. Trowa and I were just stepping out for a walk now, can I call you later?”

“I was just going to say I had to go myself,” Sariah said with that evil glare in her eye. “Carry on then, shirts just don’t unbutton themselves, now do they?”

“You’re horrible!!!” Hilde exclaimed. “There is no such thing going on here.”

Sariah looked at her skeptically. “What a shame. Well, gotta run. Make sure to have all kinds of fun, Hilde!”

The raven-haired girl could not believe it. What had happened to her shy and quiet roommate? Why on earth did everyone seem to go bananas when Trowa had his shirt undone?

Hilde peeked out towards the suite area where Trowa was calmly waiting for her, the fabric of his half-way buttoned shirt looking all melty against his toned body.

Oh, right…

~*~*~

Little did Hilde know that a thing as simple as taking a walk could lead to so much more. The day was fine and fresh as the two youths meandered through the still vacant campus. There was a light breeze which tossed about the spring blossoms and made the weather pleasant, for although the sun shone brightly, cool wind kisses prevented the warmth from becoming overbearing.

Hilde could tell Trowa was in high spirits, finally able to go outdoors and taste the freedom of fresh air that he was not allowed while bedridden. It probably shouldn’t have surprised her that he wanted to celebrate the occasion as well, but she still looked a bit shocked when he suggested they wander over to the local grocery store together.

It felt strange to Hilde to walk through the aisles, Trowa pushing the cart as they decided what they should cook for dinner. It was strange, yet wonderful. How like a couple they must have looked, Hilde thought to herself as she watched Trowa ponder which brand of spaghetti sauce to choose. And what is it about a man shopping that is somehow cute, and also rather sexy? Hilde couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her as the green-eyed boy seemed so deep in concentration about something so trivial as tomato sauce. Her laugh caused him to look at her, and with a soft smile she recommended one of her favorite brands. He agreed and they moved on through the store together, finally ending up in Hilde’s favorite row, which contained shelves and shelves of beloved ice cream!

Instantly growing excited at seeing all the different brands and flavors to choose from, Hilde grabbed Trowa by the arm to drag him along as she bounced through the aisle in search of the perfect end to their meal. Trowa had done his surprised little widening of the eyes at her sudden contact, which caused Hilde to immediately retract her touch with flushed cheeks. Although it was well established the two had feelings for another, the subject hadn’t quite come up again after Trowa’s brush with death, and Hilde wasn’t too sure how she should act. She supposed she would just wait until he said something about it, for she was a bit shy when it came to matters of romance. But if Trowa kept wearing those nice white oxford shirts, Hilde might not be able to contain herself for too long.

She silently cursed Sally at this point in her thoughts, for the doctor knew of her weakness when it came to men’s attire and the girl was certain Sally herself had prepared the bag of supplies for Trowa. She was a tricky one, that Sally Po, and Hilde made certain she would have some witty remarks prepared for the good doctor and her budding romance with one Wufei Chang the next time they met. Oh yes…two could play at this game.

Hilde was shaken from her devious thoughts when Trowa announced that they seemed to have everything. Hilde was a little sad to have the outing come to an end, as she rather liked having a handsome man at her side to push the cart and cause other female shoppers to cast approving stares at her choice of companion. Yet the way Trowa moved through the store did suggest a familiarity that made Hilde wonder about what was to come. Somehow, this grocery trip seemed only the beginning of this amazing day. For Trowa seemed very nonchalant when she asked him about what he usually did for dinner, just mentioning he could “whip up a few things”. Hilde knew him well enough by now to reason that the Gundam pilot could probably master cooking as quickly as anything else. And, boy, was she right.

~*~*~

“Trowa, would you please let me help with something?” Hilde said with exasperation as she attempted to apply herself in the kitchen, yet once again was denied.

“As I told you before, I’m going to cook tonight,” Trowa did his best calm, yet commanding tone. “It’s the least I can do after all the help you’ve given me.”

Hilde wasn’t sure when this arrangement had been decided, but arguing seemed fruitless. The girl didn’t know how he managed it, but Trowa could sway a person to see his side of things with only a few soft words. Besides, she considered, it was a very thoughtful gesture, and Hilde was interested to find out just how good Trowa was in the kitchen.

But patience never really was one of her virtues, and Hilde couldn’t stand the anticipation any longer. She decided to check in on the cook when the wonderful aromas floating from the kitchen were a little more than mouthwatering.

Trowa stood at the stove, casually stir frying veggies in a pan as spaghetti noodles boiled in a giant pot. He had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up about his elbows, and more of his shirt buttons seemed to have come undone from the last time Hilde remembered looking at them, probably due to the heat from the stove. (But the stove still wasn’t the hottest thing in that picture! ^_~)

Everything seemed under control, Hilde noted as she came up and peered over the chef’s shoulder. While hovering close to him, the girl found that his cooking wasn’t the only thing that smelled delightful. Hilde was so near that she was sure she was breathing in the scent of the man himself, and after experiencing that wonderful, heady feeling, realized she was probably a little too close and found herself taking a quick step back.

“I suppose that you’re standing here in protest until I give you something to do?” Trowa questioned, with the hint of an amused defeat in his voice, and Hilde took the opportunity to break her flustering smelling session to heartily agree. Although she would hardly have called standing that close to Trowa an act of protest.

“I’m almost done these vegetables, but I still have some zucchini left over. If you wouldn’t mind chopping it, we can fry it up to add to the sauce,” Trowa suggested.

“Sure thing!” Hilde agreed, before realizing that cooking with Trowa meant she would still get to stand right next to him, as the kitchenette of the suite was quite tiny, and had the sink, counter and stove shoved all into one corner of the room. The close quarters unnerved the girl to no end, not because it was a bad thing, mind you, but because of the things it did to her. Some ideas of which could very well be considered bad. One might imagine what kind of restraint it takes to not drop everything and glomp a very nice-smelling, white button-down shirt wearing, man WHO CAN COOK!

It was another picturesque scene, much like the previous one in the grocery store, as Hilde primly cut vegetables while standing almost shoulder-to-shoulder with Trowa, who was busy checking on the spaghetti noodles. They were now making dinner together, much like a couple would on a date, and Hilde found herself blushing an embarrassingly noticeable shade of red the whole time. For how do you act when you realize you’ve fallen for someone? Every moment seems awkward, every word spoken hangs in the air, like you have an audience of thousands watching your every move. And the worst of it was, Trowa didn’t seem to be affected by this mysterious syndrome at all. There were no intense looks, no heated vibes, no lingering stares. And this caused the girl to become even more frustrated than finding no excuse to lean in for another whiff of Trowa’s delectable scent.

With the preparations finally complete, Hilde and Trowa sat down to a wonderful meal. The Gundam pilot/chef extraordinaire had somehow managed to turn simple spaghetti, vegetables and biscuits into a delicacy. She could definitely get used to this, Hilde thought as she savored each morsel, and decided then and there that her future husband must be a man who could cook.

Trowa humbly accepted her praises, saying that he was glad it turned out okay. And being a former Gundam pilot, then went on to wonder why everyone thought cooking was so hard when you just had to follow directions. His mind was far too analytical to realize that for some people, recipes were just dead set against them, and no matter how hard they tried, an ice cream sundae was probably the one thing they couldn’t mess up.

Which is exactly why Hilde picked ice cream for dessert.

~*~*~

The two sat enjoying sundaes in the suite area, lounging in front of the TV. Hilde had opened a window earlier in the evening to cool the room down after all of the cooking, and now could hear the tiniest drops of rain sprinkle outside. The sound delighted Hilde, who found it to be a beautiful little melody, like little bells tinkering against the earth. But just as it was beautiful, it was almost haunting, as the sound of rain always seems to bring one into a state of reflection, stirring up memories, and then like waves upon shore, washing them away again.

It was at this time Hilde realized that although Spring Break seemed to last forever when Trowa was unconscious, it now was quickly coming to an end now that he was awake and recovering.

It was sad that tomorrow would be their last full day with each other, as it was already Friday, and most of her suitemates would be returning on Sunday to prepare for classes on the upcoming Monday. Hilde felt it was a little unfair that she had only this short time with Trowa well enough recovered to do things together. However, she reminded herself that if not for the mission debacle, she would probably not have seen Trowa at all over break.

Hilde sat in troubled contemplation as Trowa flipped through channels when the earlier winds of the day finally decided to pick up. The previously soft rain now struck the roof of the old dorm in hurried torrents. And, of course, just as night began to creep up on them, the power decided to go off. It wasn’t as if there was a hurricane outside, it was just that the ancient power system of Hilde’s dorm wasn’t known to be dependable in any type of wet and windy weather.

Hilde mumbled a few profanities to herself as she stubbed her toe on a chair, trying to feel for a flashlight in the dark. Finding the object, she rummaged around her room, finally presenting her prize to her silent companion still sitting in the darkness.

“I know you’re not supposed to have these ‘fire hazards’ in the dorms, but I think this is a very good time to be a little rebellious,” Hilde stated as she lit the medium-sized, vanilla candle and placed it on the coffee table.

“Sooooo…what should we do now?” she awkwardly asked Trowa, who almost looked to be in a peaceful state of meditation. Of course, he could probably sit around in the silent, shadowed room for hours, but she could not.

Finally opening one eye as Hilde sat fidgeting, Trowa glanced around the room, his gaze falling onto one particular corner. “It’s a bit primitive, I know, but we could always resort to reading.”

At last having something to take her mind off of the way the candlelight warmed the placid face of her crush, Hilde jumped at the opportunity for an activity other than sitting…and staring.

“A bit old-fashioned, but I like it,” Hilde jested as she fetched some books and magazines from the suite bookshelf. “We have a wonderful collection of Cosmo, Glamour…” Hilde continued to list off the girly magazines, slightly embarrassed by their choice of reading material, but was finally able to pull a few classics out of the assortment. Surprisingly, Trowa first perused a magazine, holding it like some foreign specimen and cocking his head, perplexed at the many different kinds of lipgloss one would need on different occasions, while Hilde herself pulled out one of her books she had long been rejecting: Japanese for Beginners. She eventually wanted to master the language, but until her engineering curriculum allowed her some free electives, she would have to try to learn on her own. At least the subtitled anime she loved to watch was a good start…

Hilde had been sitting on an easy chair somewhat further away from the table in front of the couch upon which Trowa was resting, and it was obvious the arrangement would not do. The one, lone candle seemed to provide enough light for him on the couch, but as Hilde was bringing attention to herself by banging on her quickly dying flashlight, Trowa merely shook his head.

“Come on Hilde. I don’t bite. You can’t read over there. There’s not enough light. There’s room here,” he said matter-of-factly, and gestured at the cushion next to him.

It made perfect sense, but Hilde couldn’t seem to shake the butterflies as she gulped loudly and moved towards him. She was so nervous sitting down that she brushed against Trowa’s leg and consequently grew ever more flustered. She was sure Trowa noticed her slight jump at the contact and her bright red face, but his look remained unaffected.

Quickly growing tired of his reading material, Trowa reached over to the other books Hilde had tossed on the table.

“You have Byron?”

Hilde looked up. “Hai!” she said, displaying her Japanese skills, and he let out a slight smile. “Pain or pleasure?” he inquired, wondering if it was for a class.

“Pleasure, actually. You like Byron?” Hilde asked, before the shock finally hit her. “Wait-You read poetry?”

“I’ve been known to on occasion,” Trowa replied in a slightly amused tone.

He flipped through the pages as Hilde was whispering some conversational Japanese to herself, but stopped abruptly as Trowa read the following words.

“She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless chimes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.”

Hilde was quite sure her eyes had grown twice in size, and she quickly snapped shut her previously dropped jaw at the gentle tone of Trowa’s voice. She was only half listening to his words, but heard enough to recognize the famous poem as he continued.

“One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which moves in every raven tress.
Or softly lightness o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.”

Trowa’s voice was intoxicating. In fact, it was making the stunned girl melt more than the beautiful poem was. And the way his lips moved or how an unruly piece of his bangs fell across his face were still more pleasing distractions.

“And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent.
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent.”

Hilde wasn’t really even listening as the boy read the last stanza. She couldn’t focus on words as much as the rich sounds as Trowa read them, and his handsome features as he calmly completed his recitation. Although she had an inkling that the mysterious pilot might be trying to tell her something through the poem, Trowa merely flipped through the book with his usual nonchalance afterwards, and then handed it to the stunned girl, suggesting she read another to him. Hilde could barely find the words as she rummaged around to pick out on of her favorites, and rather shakily began. And the night passed in a similar fashion, as the two recited poetry aloud, listening to the sound of the rain.

~*~*~

The girl woke to a rather cold morning, which felt even more chilled due to the fact that the night before had been so warm. The candle, the comfort, and the man sitting next to her were all Hilde needed to felt completely cozy inside, much more than even a fuzzy sweater could make her feel.

The last she remembered was being surrounded by warmth, although the light of the candle grew a little fainter and the rich vanilla scent faded away as soft words lulled her to sleep…

Wait a minute! Hilde’s mind suddenly awoke! She must have fallen asleep during Trowa’s turn to recite poetry! And if that indeed was the case, why was she now here tucked in her bed?

Hilde flushed as she realized the only explanation was that Trowa had carried her. And as romantic as that may have been, she dreaded what she might have been like—probably drooling or snoring—oh yes, that would make for a lovely scene.

Pushing away her sheets, Hilde willed her tired form out of bed, nonchalantly gazing at her clock. It was a crime for anyone to be awake this early on Spring Break, Hilde grumbled, but she just had to check on her heroic houseguest, who was literally sweeping the girl off her feet every passing day.

And now she only had this last morning before people started arriving. Trowa had recovered well from his wounds and would be leaving at any time.

And Hilde found herself frustrated. Where are my slippers? she wondered irritably, flinging various clothes lying about the room. Her mood had darkened considerably in the short time she had been awake, and she stopped her frantic searching suddenly when she heard a rustle in the other room.

Trowa…

He would be leaving. He would be leaving her without any renewal of his previous addresses. His actions puzzled her to no end…

Was it selfish of her not to want him to go? Without knowing whether or not he still cared? To read poetry together, to cook dinner, to just sit next to one another? Hilde pouted, very frustrated at this point. She scolded herself at the hot tears she could feel welling up in her eyes as she stood in the middle of her ransacked room, all alone in a pool of discarded wears and mixed up feelings.

But she loved him. She knew that now. She knew that last night. She knew that when Trowa first fell upon her doorstep.

In fact, her love was even greater than before.

And she needed to tell him, show him, touch him—anything that would make him want her again. She needed to do something to let him know she was ready, if he even still was…

~*~*~

Trowa was rummaging through his bag in the suite area when Hilde appeared. She was still in her t-shirt and jeans from the night before, looking a bit disheveled. Although she would have liked to have more time to make herself more presentable for what she was about to do, Hilde thought she shouldn’t waste any more precious moments simply waiting.

She froze in the doorway, however, as she took in the scene before her. Clad only in a pair of loose jeans, Trowa, who had been facing away from her, finally fished up a clean shirt out of the supply bag Duo had brought and seemed to be assessing the rest of its contents. Hilde didn’t let the fact that the morning light softy filtering through the windows against very toned back muscles distract her from noticing Trowa looked like he was packing up to go.

“Are—are you leaving?” she questioned, barely able to get the words out.

Trowa halted his movements and slowly turned to face the girl, sighing a bit while avoiding her eyes. If she wasn’t mistaken, she almost saw a hint of sadness, or was it regret, appear on his face before he was able to wash the expression away with his practiced disaffected look.

“It’s probably time for me to be on my way,” he said. “I’m well enough now that I can probably go back to my dorm without any question from my roommate. You’ve helped me so much, Hilde, but I don’t want to burden you any longer than I already have. I’ve probably already outstayed my welcome.”

“What are you talking about, Trowa?” Hilde exclaimed.

“I’m sorry,” he said, although Hilde was sure she actually saw a conflicted look passed through his face. “But, it’s finally time. I’m sorry I put you in this position. You should have never had to worry over me.”

Why was he doing this? Why leave all of the sudden? After a perfect day yesterday and lovely night, he was distancing himself again. His words seemed to go deeper than just leaving today as well. Did he not know how she wanted him? How could he not know, after all of the blushing fits Hilde experienced the previous day?

Hilde just couldn’t understand. But as she got to thinking about it, she had done an extremely good job of restraining herself, and it caused her to question--had she really ever done anything to show Trowa she was ready to accept him…in that way? The girl couldn’t think of any moment when she had, and this time, she refused to let Trowa just detach himself and walk away. So she did the only thing she could think of to do. Striding across the room with purpose, Hilde charged over to the boy, who was looking a perplexed by her actions.

She stopped only a small distance in front of him, as if to reassure herself, and feeling a growing intensity in the small space between them, Hilde finally gained the courage to do what she had to do.

She kissed him. Hard.

“Hilde..?” he whispered uncertainly after the kiss when she instinctively pulled away, almost to confirm what had just taken place.

She took a step backwards, looking as if she might spring away at any moment.

Just as she seemed about to flee, a hand caught her.

“Have you really stopped?” was all he said. It was a very quiet question, though it hit her as forcefully as if it had been screamed. So he had heard her confession when she thought he was sleeping! Was it really true? Had she stopped running?

“Perhaps I should go…” a defeated voice again spoke. Hilde winced, yet still could not look back to the man who still held her outstretched arm.

No…was the only thing that rang clear in her mind. Trowa held her to her spot with more than a hand quickly loosing grip on her wrist. She loved him…she could not let him go…she would not.

“Stay…” she said with a slight crack in her voice.

Hilde turned towards Trowa and took a moment to breath out, her eyes now bright and voice steady. “I want you to stay here with me.”

His look then- it was everything, it was all she ever needed to feel like this was right. It was complete…love, hope, joy, relief, and so much more.

They both stood still for a while, the request--the plea--sinking in…stares melting into one another until the heat in the air just wasn’t hot enough—just wasn’t the same as skin.

“I wasn’t sure if you were ready. You hadn’t said anything after I woke up,” Trowa said as he drew closer. The fluid movements of his very shirtless body made the girl extremely aware of the closing gap between them, and yet again they found themselves standing barely breaths apart. “I just couldn’t bear to stay here, with you taking care of me. I didn’t want to grow any more attached than I already had if I knew I could never have you.”

He brought his face closer to hers, yet seemed to just linger around her neck and hair, while still whispering in her ear, “I was losing myself so fast, I needed to get out before I did something I may have regretted. But luckily--” his hand touched her wrist and slowly moved up along her arm, “—you beat me to it.” She could hear the teasing tone as he slyly referring to her initiation of their first kiss, even though Trowa’s voice had dropped into a throaty, velvet hush of words.

Trowa moved around to face her then, and looked into her eyes with an emotion in his own brilliant green orbs that the girl now recognized as a bit more dangerous than the usual calm and loving gaze he often gave her. And he somehow grew more beautiful with that glint of desire as he gracefully dipped his head closer.

Hilde’s mouth parted ever so slightly in awe, and Trowa took the inviting opportunity with the corner of his mouth crooked up in a smirk that was not in the least bit his usual innocent expression as his lips claimed hers.

He was unlike any other, his lips both gentle and demanding, coaxing her to open more of herself to him and then rewarding her with more sensations…yes, Trowa was a very skilled kisser, indeed.

And again, Hilde found herself not realizing how powerful his form was until she was encircled by toned arms and pressed against his muscular chest. She felt completely safe within the solid and warm haven of Trowa’s embrace, but was even more pleased when his hands began to roam.

Fingers feathered her face and arms and waist like a thousand little kisses. He worshipped her, caressing the fabric of her nightshirt gently, sending pleasurable tingles following each stroke of his hand.

They made their way to her room slowly, and amidst all the sensations, Hilde hardly realized she was moving until the back of her legs bumped against her bed and she was softly lowered onto the mattress as lips continually brushed past one another with each sweet strand of kisses.

Hilde found that she, too, could not keep her hands to herself as she smoothed them over muscles of the shirtless man, gaining sharp hisses of breath when she had found a ticklish spot on stomach or lower back, a reaction that pleased the girl immensely and sent her looking for more secret and responsive places.

Although the passion in the room was probably enough to ignite a bonfire, Trowa was still being quite the gentleman, much to Hilde’s begrudging respect, not trying to reach under any garments and simply sticking to kisses, although those were quite amazing in themselves.

Hilde was not one to complain, but she knew there was more to the nice boy, who always did like to take his time.

“Shirt,” she breathed between kisses.

He nibbled at her neck, planting tender kisses at her throat and managed to breath a “Huh?” before Hilde recoiled from him.

He brought his head up to hers lazily, and seemed a bit puzzled, a look which turned to worry as she had moved away.

“Oh, for goodness sake, Trowa, let’s ditch this shirt,” Hilde said at the look in his eyes and she quickly took to removing the garment herself and tossed it over her shoulder.

Trowa remained crouched over her in a state which must have been his most shocked in all the times they had known each other. Hilde prided herself of the fact that she was probably one of the only people who had given a bit of life in that indifferent expression he always seemed to wear.

Quite pleased with herself for getting such a reaction out of the normally cool Trowa Barton, Hilde breathed triumphantly, “I just thought we should make it fair, don’t you think,” she said as her eyes raked over his amazing upper torso.

“I couldn’t agree more,” his voice dropped low and almost playful. And upon her comment, his eyes glowed, drinking in her form. Finally, with Hilde making such a move, he was convinced this dream had indeed come true. She accepted him. She loved him. And right now, she wanted him.

“Do you know what years of pent up sexual frustration does to a person, Hilde?” he practically purred in her ear.

“Let’s find out, shall we?”

And he pulled her close for another searing kiss…

~*~*~

Epilogue

The second term of her first school year ended smoothly for Hilde, as the girl finally felt she was getting the hang of this whole college thing. She had just completed her last exam, and found the stress of finals this time around much easier to bear, especially when Hilde was pleasantly surprised to find her new boyfriend was an excellent masseuse.

The last exam had ended just in time, too, for Hilde couldn’t have missed the celebration that was to be thrown not a day after she moved out of her dorms. It was another bash at Quatre’s, but this time, it was being held for a very different cause than simple holiday cheer. The Preventers had decided to have a welcome back party for Trowa to honor his recent efforts in which he single handedly was responsible for the success of a nearly impossible mission. And this time, Hilde could accompany the amazing man, not just as a friend, but–-finally--as his girlfriend.

They arrived at the party arm in arm and were greeted by a cheering crowd and confetti. After a few fond speeches from his superiors and friends, Trowa Barton and his amazing work for the Preventers was celebrated with a grand toast. And soon after, the real party began as music started to play and the crowd soon dispersed into a pleasant mix as people mingled. Hilde hadn’t remembered a happier time when all of her friends were together. It seemed that in the jumbled puzzle of love matches and mis-matches, everyone had finally fallen into place.

The first happy couple Hilde noticed was Heero and Relena. Apparently, Hilde had heard rumors that someone finally talked some sense into the reluctant pilot of 01, and the chocolate-haired boy recently had expressed his love to the vice foreign minister. Relena pleasantly chatted up Hilde while Heero and Trowa exchanged a few words. But Hilde couldn’t help but catch a few pointed looks and sheepish grins from the men, and deduced that the wisdom of Trowa Barton had most likely struck again to bring together the happy couple that stood before them.

Hilde gave Trowa’s arm a squeeze as they moved on through the crowd, but her eyes grew mischievous as she noticed a familiar croissant hairstyle amongst the sea of people. “Oh look, there’s Sally!” Hilde exclaimed, “Let’s go say hi, shall we?” she said as innocently as she could, leading Trowa over to her guardian.

Delighted at seeing the Preventers’ doctor engaged in a heated conversation with Wufei, Hilde finally had the opportunity to get Sally back for sneakily throwing the white oxford shirt into Trowa’s bag, which had turned the poor girl into a giddy pile of goo whenever he was near.

“So, when was the wedding?” Hilde interjected the quip into the lover’s quarrel with a surprising restraint of the amusement she was feeling.

That little remark certainly brought both Preventers’ agents to a screeching hault in their conversation.

Sally looked at Hilde, her mouth forming a little “o” with a look of confusion on her face, while Wufei’s brow furrowed deeply. All the surprised man could do was let out an exasperated “What is your woman talking about, Barton?”

Hilde rolled her eyes at Wufei’s conduct towards her, soon after catching the delighted green pool’s of her boyfriend’s own brilliant orbs.

“I just thought that with the way you two were bickering, you were an old married couple by now,” Hilde said as sweetly as she could. As if that wasn’t enough, she even added. “And I must say, a very passionate one at that!”

Everyone could see the face of the Chinese man grow very serious and begin to redden, but whether it was from anger or embarrassment, one couldn’t tell.

“Oh look, there’s your sister, Trowa!” Hilde remarked as Sally gave a worried glance to her strangely quiet boyfriend. The raven-haired girl gave a playful goodbye wave and wicked wink to Sally as she made a graceful exit with Trowa--who was stifling chuckles--to wander off towards Catherine across the room.

Hilde was delighted with herself for getting back at Sally, for she had not only flustered the couple, but the girl was quite sure she had seen Wufei grow very contemplative after mentioned the big “M” word. Maybe the doctor and Preventers’ agent would have a reason to bicker like a married couple sometime soon after all!

Hilde giggled as she gauged Trowa’s reaction to his sister’s very eye-catching, sizzling red dress that did well to complement her fiery locks. Immediately giving her a disapproving brotherly stare--one of those classic looks that one gets not because she doesn’t look absolutely gorgeous, but exactly because of the fact that she does—Trowa let out a soft sigh at her laughing eyes.

Catherine smiled prettily at her younger brother’s concerned look as an act of defiance and then shot Hilde a wink before engaging the couple in conversation. Apparently, Catherine didn’t see why Trowa was giving her a look of disapproval when his own date looked as if she could easily have a following of male admirers given her off the shoulders, slick black dress. But before the sibling spat could really begin, a very jolly Duo arrived back to his date with some punch and joined in the group, acting a bit tipsy.

“I think the Maguanacs spiked it again, sneaky bastards,” Duo said of the pink tinted beverage, before greeting Hilde and Trowa cheerily while slipping an arm around Catherine.

Trowa took the affectionate gesture rather well, Hilde thought, only letting that scary eye-twitch escape him before his face grew softer when she found his hand and gave it a squeeze.

“So it looks like you two crazy kids are doin’ well,” Duo said cheerily.

“I should say the same to you,” Hilde returned.

“Let’s just say there’s nothing like a couple of daggers to whip a man into shape,” Duo joked.

“Need we even mention the handcuffs,” Catherine whispered suggestively under her breath, after which Trowa promptly stiffened and turned.

“Hey--wait up buddy, where are ya going?” Duo called after him.

“I’m gonna need some of that punch,” the boy said in a grave tone, with a look that suggested he didn’t want any mental pictures of the information he had just received.

“Oh, stop teasing him,” Hilde said to the couple, even as she giggled at their antics. “He’s really very protective of you, Catherine. And Duo, I would behave yourself if you don’t want Trowa to come back with a real punch later on. I’ve witnessed quite a nasty right hook.”

After such a comment, it was no surprise that when Trowa returned to the group a few moments later with an ample supply of punch, the braided boy was no where to be seen.

~*~*~

It was late into the night when Hilde and Trowa finally had a chance to sit down and chat with the host of the party and his lovely date. Quatre and Sariah looked so happy together, constantly giving each other little looks or touches. They seemed to fit so perfectly, Hilde couldn’t have imagined why she hadn’t thought of getting them together before that magical evening in Little Italy.

Hilde took the opportunity to study her friends while Trowa engaged them in small talk. Sariah looked heavenly in a soft aqua number that was the mark of elegance, yet Hilde could still see little accents here and there that lead her to believe her roommate had made the beautiful dress herself. Quatre’s eyes sparkled in a deeper teal color. Hilde had never remembered him seeming so content and relaxed as he sat there, a true smile gracing his usually tired looking features.

“Did you ever think things would end in this way?” Sariah said in her soft voice to Hilde once the men were engaged in a conversation about Preventers’ work.

“I could never have imagined,” Hilde conceded, gazing at their two amazing boyfriends. “But if you think about it, this is only the beginning. Our first year of college is officially over, and look at all that’s happened. Sheesh, I hope we’ll be able to survive another three years!”

“Ah, I’m sure it will pass more quickly than it should. I’m a little sad to see our first year already gone, though. We’ll have the nicer upper class dorms next year, yet I’ll be sorely missing our view,” Sariah sighed.

“I think I already have the best view of the bunch…and a close up, too,” Hilde said of her own star lacrosse player.

“Oh, and it was so nice of Trowa to have his teammates help us move out from that awful fourth floor,” said Sariah way too sweetly. “Especially when it was so hot that day! And they didn’t even complain! I’ll always remember how they just took off their shirts, **swish**, and off they went to work again. I wonder, do they do move in as well?”

Hilde was thrown into a laughing fit. “Probably,” she said between giggles. “But I can’t guarantee the shirtless factor in autumn.”

“And why would you want that anyway?” Quatre joined in the conversation at this point—it was hard not to notice of what the girls were speaking, as they had grown increasingly giddy at the talk of shirtless men. “You known I’m perfectly happy to go sans shirt any time you wish?”

Sariah’s smile was never wider. “Any time…?”

~*~*~

The party atmosphere lightened considerably as a very shirtless Quatre Winner and his mischievous date moved onto the dance floor. After a few whistles and hollers, many of the other previously conversing guests soon followed them to the floor, and the whole party seemed to move into the grand ballroom of the Winner estate.

Surprised, yet impressed by how well Quatre took Sariah’s little joke, it was a wonderful opportunity for Trowa to grow a little less formally attired, as he shed his tux jacket and loosened his tie considerably.

“I never was one for this formal stuff,” Trowa admitted a bit sheepishly to his date, while unbuttoning a couple of the confining top buttons of his crisp oxford shirt.

“Perhaps you should take our host as an example,” Hilde said slyly, hinting to her gorgeously built boyfriend to have a little fun and take off his shirt.

“Maybe later if you’re lucky,” he said, and his voice did that wonderful dropping into a slightly deeper and throaty tone. After that, it looked for a moment that he might pounce on Hilde—he had that ardent gleam in his eye--but he simply moved to take her by the hand, and then lead her out to the dance floor.

They fell into a comfortable fit in each other’s arms. Hilde fingered the material of his collar and half-undone tie, whispering “Ah, how you tempt me”, and then gaining a feather light kiss on the neck from Trowa in response.

The song that had been playing was neither too slow nor too fast, but it soon ended as a familiar, haunting melody began to play.

The song that Quatre had played on the violin during their first date at Little Italy now filled the room, seeping slowly as the couples on the dance floor fell into hushed and measured rhythm, each movement lingering on the drawn chords of the melody.

Hilde looked over to see Quatre now coming back from requesting the piece from his hired musicians, and he moved in to closely hold Sariah for a slow dance. And almost in the same moment, the raven-haired beauty felt herself completely become enveloped in Trowa’s arms as he gently, yet with some little force, bought her firmly against him.

She took it all in: his warm, solid form, the fabric of his shirt against her bare shoulders, his smell—a faint spice mixed with soap and aftershave—that unique scent of a freshly showered man that’s so strangely irresistible it should be bottled.

The tune to which they gently swayed was beautiful and deep, sensual and full, and Hilde was brought to a state of total and complete contentment. She felt as though she had finally arrived to this sacred place, and that she would always be able to rest in the sanctuary of Trowa’s arms.

Hilde had once heard that life was full of pathways, invisible pathways that when followed, never ended. They always lead into another opening, a new beginning, though the fate of the pathways might not be immediately seen or understood. Her whole college adventure was the result of a seemingly unbelievable puzzle of pathways that she could never quite make sense of until now. But here, in Trowa’s tight embrace, Hilde knew that these pathways were all perfectly woven to lead her not into limitless beginnings, but to a single, perfect destination. The young woman was now certain that all unseen pathways lead to the heart. They travel through the soul, taking countless twists and turns, but they all end in the same place. And though she would continue journeying on pathways still, she had finally found her heart would always lead her back to him.

~*~
fin
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