Look Beyond My Facade
Part One: Quatre - the Unknown

20-04-23
Author’s Note: This is story number three, following Duo’s Awakening. It’s a ‘what could’ve been events’ after the Endless Waltz movie. The character’s in this story is from the Gundam Wing anime, except for Aria, Henry and Thaliah. Aria is an Asian girl for Quatre since, well, I didn’t see anyone he looks nice with, and compatible for a ‘till death do us part’ kind of a relationship. Anyway, hope you like it.

“Last call for passengers for flight 94…” the loudspeakers blared out.

Relena hugged Heero one more time before he boarded the shuttle. “Take Care.”

Heero leaned toward Relena for a kiss, “You know I will…”

They broke apart, and Heero faced Quatre.

“You look after her.” Heero said, his tone underlined with warning.

Quatre smiled softly, “You know I will…”

Heero turned around and started walking to the passage.

“Good Luck with Duo!” shouted Quatre and then murmured to himself “I think you’ll need it.”

“Call me!” Relena added.

With a last wave, Heero was aboard.

The two friends waited until they saw the shuttle blast off.

Quatre offered his arm to Relena, “Let’s go home.”

The next day:

“Henry, I’m going out for a jog.” Quatre said to the person standing by the kitchen, “Take care of Ms. Relena for me.”

Henry bowed.

Quatre let himself out since most of the household staff were still asleep. He checked his watch, 4:30 am... “Good, I’m right on time…” He did some stretching exercises, making sure that every muscle was stretched. Checked his shoelaces and then he started down his usual jogging route, enjoying the quiet of the morning to clear his head for the day. Remembering the small talk he had with Relena yesterday at the airport.

[Start Flashback:]

Relena had noticed Quatre suddenly look thoughtful and sad.

She smiled, “What is it, Quatre? Something wrong?”

He shook his head and smiled faintly, “No, nothing… It’s just that…” his voice trailed off as he glanced outside the window.

Relena saw the lost look on his face and reached out to touch his hand. Quatre looked down at Relena’s hand then at her face.

“You know that you can tell me anything, and that I’ll listen.”

Quatre had sighed, “You two seem to be very happy. I wonder if I’ll ever find that certain person for me.”

Relena laughed softly. “Remember Quatre, I went after Heero for two years and waited for four more years, before he finally came out. And that’s only because I nearly drowned!!!”

Quatre smiled.

“And (Relena pouted) IF I hadn’t nearly died, he wouldn’t have come out to tell me how he feels (patting his hand). So, don’t worry about it. It might just suddenly hit you on the head and you’ll suddenly find out you’re in love.”

“Yes, that’s true… I know that… but look…. I have to live up to my father’s name… At least you do not have to anymore since you’re officially dead...uhm...no offense!… You have a new life with Heero, a new name…” Quatre sighed dejectedly, “I can’t do that. If I do, I’ll be letting down a lot of people…Besides, everyone around here knows my name, if not my face”

“But you want to live your own life, am I right?” asked Relena, fully understanding how Quatre felt..

Quatre remained silent. “I know how you feel, I was in the same boat. My name and my beliefs tied me down to become a person I am not even sure that I truly am. But, Quatre, (She squeezed his hand lightly and Quatre looked at her) My name may have changed because I married Heero, and because I need to since I’m supposed to be dead (Relena added quickly) But, I am still the person I was… Only happier.”

“Relena,” Quatre started, “You said so yourself that your beliefs and your name tied you down… Right now, I’m confused. I don’t know who I really am! I’ve been a gundam pilot- a soldier, but my actions were dictated for the sake of the colonies. I’ve become my father’s successor, and again, my actions are dictated for me because of my name! I have never acted on my own, without something looming behind me, dictating how I should act! It’s all very frustrating!”

“You guys accepted me because of the situation we were in, and I earned your faith and trust. But, the other people, here, now!”Quatre sighed in frustration, “They will only look at me and expect me to live up to my father’s name and reputation.”

Relena placed a hand to Quatre’s cheek. “Quatre, you’ve been like a brother to me… Accepted that we met during a war. But, that’s part of my memories of you, and I’ll treasure it. But, unless you accept your past, you can never know who you are.”

Silence engulfed the pair as Relena placed her hand on her lap. “Here is what I know. The Quatre in front of me is my friend, and all the other gundam pilots’ friends.”

[End Flashback:]

Quatre reached the place where the early morning market is usually held. Wiping his forehead with his sleeve, he stopped jogging to observe the people living in his colony.

Somebody waved at him, and he waved back with a smile, making his day nearly perfect. ‘This is what life should be…’ he thought, as another passerby that he usually sees said hi to him.

‘Everything is peaceful… happy, and trusting.’ Then, a loud honk from a car was heard and angry curses followed.

Quatre didn’t look at the scene that destroyed the tranquility. ‘But there are just people who can’t accept it…’ he said to himself as he sadly sighed.

He saw the old fruit vendor whom he usually helps start to arrange his stall, and Quatre walked up to him.

“Hello, sonny.” Came the cheery greeting.

Quatre smiled, “Good morning, sir.”

“Came to help me today?” he asked as he bent to lift a box from the floor.

Quatre bent down and helped the man, “You know I always do…” and for the next few minutes, he was helping stack up crates and arrange fruits, earning his shirt and pants a few smudges.

The other vendors greeted him as they pass by him. And happily, Quatre helped without thought.

~*~

Aria walked down the bustling streets of Gaia colony. Looking around, she smiled at the clear peacefulness of the colony. She saw the vendors putting up their tent. A blonde haired man in sweats, with his back to her, is helping an old man. The other vendors giving a greeting to each other, and patting the blonde guys’ back.

“They’re all so friendly…” she whispered. She shook her head and willed her mind to focus at the matter at hand. “Aria! You’ve got an apartment to find…”

Her face suddenly saddened as she remembered what happened nearly three days ago.

[Start Flashback:]

“Aria! You’re not going anywhere!”

“Dad you can’t stop me! I am not going to marry anyone just for their money!”

“What do you mean!? If it wasn’t for my money, you wouldn’t have the education that you had, or the money to buy the clothes on your back!”

Aria looked at her father in disbelief. Thrusting some of her clothes to her father, she said, “These are not brand names father. I never cared for those. And I had never asked for money from you! I worked, in case you’ve forgotten, father!”

[End Flashback:]

She had turned around from her screaming father and locked herself in her bedroom. That night, she crept out of her bedroom window, and flew from Earth to the colonies- the Gaia colony.

She’s been living in one of the hotels for two days and knew that she needs to look for a house for rent if she’s going to live with her limited budget for quite some time.

She looked at the street to a boy who was playing ball. His mother was buying some fruits.

The streets had steadily become busy with cars when Aria saw the ball from the little boy’s hand bounce into the middle of the street.

Her eyes grew wide as she saw the toddler started walking to the middle of the street, then she saw a truck speeding up the lane.

“Oh my God! NO!” shouted Aria as she started to run toward the boy.

She pushed the toddler out of the way then she looked to the truck, which seems so close! Fear gripped her heart and she couldn’t move. She watched as the truck came closer to her.

She closed her eyes, waiting for the impact…

~*~

Quatre heard a woman scream. Turning around, he saw a girl, run toward the street. He scanned the area ahead and saw the toddler right in the middle of a truck’s path.

Quatre didn’t think about the consequences as he started running toward the street, but the woman got there first, and had pushed the little boy to safety.

Then he saw it, the fear in her eyes. He knew that she couldn’t move. Looking at the truck’s distance from the girl, Quatre gambled a chance.

He ran to the girl, strapping his arm around her waist, they rolled together to the other side of the street.

Quatre felt the wind through his clothes as the truck, tires squealing, drove past them.

The truck stopped, a few feet away from them, and the driver quickly went out of the car to them.

“Are you two all right?”

Quatre looked at the figure under his body. The girl wasn’t facing him, but somehow, he knew that she’s all right. He sighed in relief.

Knowing that his knees will be shaking if he stands up, he just pushed himself to a sitting position.

“We’re all right.” Quatre said.

“I am so sorry.” Said the man morosely.

Quatre gave the man a shaky smile. “It’s all right. Drive carefully next time, all right?”

The man looked as if he didn’t want to go, as of yet. But Quatre gave him another forgiving smile, “You’ve got places to go… I’ll see to her.” He said as he motioned to the girl.

The man gave another apologetic smile, “I promise I’ll drive safely.”

Quatre smiled. “I’ll hold you to that promise.”

With that, the man boarded his truck and left. The bustle in the street started once again, and Quatre looked at the old vendor he was helping.

The old man just gave him a thumbs up sign and motioned for him to look after the girl. Quatre nodded in return.

The girl, on the other hand, started to move.

Quatre looked with concern at the girl as she turned over her back, her long black hair covering her face like a curtain.

She moaned and quickly placed her hand to her temple. Slowly, and with Quatre’s help, she sat up.

“What …happened…?” she asked brokenly, through her jumble of hair.

“You were almost hit.” Replied Quatre, “Are you all right?”

The girl brushed her hair back, and Quatre saw a beautiful oval shaped face- not ‘dead gorgeous’ as Duo might have said, but pretty… very breathtakingly pretty.

“I’m fine…” she frowned as her other hand went to her temple, “Just a slight headache…” Then, her head jerked up. “The boy… Where’s the boy? Is he hurt?”

Quatre glanced behind her, and she quickly did the same thing.

She saw the boy crying, hugging his mother’s waist, while the mother has fear in her eyes.

The girl smiled toward the boy and held out her hand. Slowly, the boy went to her, and Aria wiped the tears falling from his eyes.

“Are you okay?” she asked. The boy nodded.

She smiled once again, “That’s good.” Then looked up at his mother.

“I’m so sorry ma’am! I hope you’re all right!” she said in distress.

Aria’s hands went up from her sides. “I’m all right, no broken bones. No need to worry. (She looked at the little boy) I’m just happy that he’s not hurt.”

“Bless you, ma’am.” The older woman said as she bowed her head.

“It’s all right, really.”

Throughout this exchange, Quatre was surprised to see that the girl’s first concern was not of herself, but of the person she saved… She didn’t even complain about her sore body, which Quatre could very well see from the jerky way she moved, and the tight clenching of her jaw… Amazing! It’s not often that people have this type of attitude… most especially a young woman as beautiful as her.

Quatre had half expected for her to grab her handbag first, and check to see any damage to her face, but she didn’t!

‘Wait a minute! Why am I thinking so sarcastically?’ he asked to himself, he quickly dismissed the thought, and observed the girl longer, trying to see if there were more damage than a sore body.

The conversation between the girl and the woman with the little boy ended with good-bye’s and promises to be more careful.

The girl turned toward Quatre and dark brown eyes met blue. She smiled, an open, cheerful smile, that Quatre was a little bit surprised. But the smile was so warm that he smiled back in return.

“So,” the girl started as she tried to stand up. Quatre quickly got to his feet and offered her his hands.

Aria felt callused hands under her own. She closed her eyes savoring the feel of one persons’ hard work through his hands while Quatre tried his best not to rub his thumbs across her soft skin.

Aria’s train of thought made her look down and break contact with the boy. She started again, “I… I heard that there were two rescues.” She tried to walk, but found her self wobbling, shaking.

Quatre’s arm was quickly around her, “You’re in shock. I think that you should sit down for a while, until it passes.” Concern etched on his face.

Aria laughed, “Y- yeah… That was a near death e-ex-experience, wasn’t it.” Her teeth had started shaking and Quatre held her to him closer, lending strength and support.

Aria closed her eyes and let him lead her, relishing the feel of safety she felt with this guy’s arm around her.

She opened her eyes in time to see Quatre open a café door, and lead her to a corner. He gently deposited her to a chair, then called a waitress.

When the waitress came nearer, Quatre gave the order.

“Two orange juice, please.” He stopped and looked at the girl, “I mean, if that’s all right with you.”

Aria nodded.

The waitress gave her cheerful smile. “Coming right up!”

Aria had been observing Quatre as he talked to the waitress. She noticed the torn sweatshirt, probably due to saving her… Then, she remembered the vendors.

“You were helping that old vendor this morning, weren’t you?” she asked curiously.

Quatre blushed and looked down as Aria thought how attractive it was.

“I was…” came the soft reply.

“Well, I think it was very nice of you…” Quatre looked up with a smile.

“Thank you, but I wasn’t doing anything much…”

‘Humble!’ thought Aria, “Well, I also want to thank you for saving my life.” She added. ‘No one I know would have done it!’ she thought to herself as she remembered her so-called friends.

“You saved the little boy’s life.” He stated. “I couldn’t let a hero die when I could do something.” He said with a smile.

Aria smiled back, “And you are my hero.” The moment she said that, she wanted to take it back, but then she saw him blush again.

‘He really is attractive!’ she thought. She wants to run her fingers through his thick blonde hair, and look at his blue… she remembered the first time their eyes met, ‘Yes, blue with a little bit of green… beautiful eyes’ she sighed inwardly. Then her eyes widened a little bit. ‘Aria! You should be ashamed of yourself! Maybe you were shaken more than you think- or else, you bumped your head!’

Quatre, on the other hand observed her. Long black hair, (possibly seven inches from her shoulders?) Chinese dark brown eyes… Just the right size and color of lips… Quatre shook his head… ‘Lips! You’re thinking of lips at a time like this?!’

Aria looked outside the window, as Quatre cleared his throat, both guilty of their wayward thoughts…

“Two orange juice!” called the waitress.

Quatre and Aria smiled their thanks.

“So, this is awkward… I don’t know you’re name…” Aria started.

Quatre looked at her incredulously. ‘She doesn’t know me?!’ he asked to himself. Then, he remembered his conversation with Relena from yesterday. His spirit soared as he realized a dream that may come true is just in front of him.

Oh, he’s not looking for someone to play a prank on, just a friend who has no idea about his family or fortune.

Quickly thinking, Quatre smiled at the girl. “My name is Quatre. Quatre Reba.” He said, as he brought his hand out for a handshake.

Aria smiled back, and took hold of his hand. “Hello Quatre. My name is Aria Heartzell.” Aria sighed in relief as she remembered to use her mother’s maiden name.

“Nice to meet you… Aria Heartzell.” Quatre said, trying out the feel of her name across his tongue and liking it.

“The pleasure is all mine… Quatre Reba…” Aria’s hand tingled, and she felt goose bumps across her arm when she said his name, liking the way it sounds…

The pair finished their drinks quietly, and left.

“Let me walk you to your home.” Quatre offered. He saw Aria bow her head.

“I- uh… Don’t exactly have a home yet, Quatre.” She looked up at him, “But, thanks for the offer. I appreciate it.”

They stared forward, again, walking in silence…

“Uhm, sorry if you think I’m prying, but…”Quatre looked at Aria curiously, “How come?”

She smiled though rather sadly, Quatre noted. “I just came here, (at this piece of information, Quatre felt his spirits soared once again) I don’t know the place yet, or a good place to stay. And I need one soon because my budget can’t keep up with hotel prices…” Aria admitted openly.

Quatre nodded. Then, an idea came to him… “You know, I live quite near here. (Aria looked at him) and the landlord just told me that there’s a space open…And the prices are negotiable…” Quatre crossed his fingers inside his pocket at the lie he just said.

Aria beamed at him, “Really?! (Quatre smiled in agreement) Oh gosh! I can’t believe it! My first day of apartment hunting, and I might just be lucky!”

“So, you want to see it?” Quatre asked.

“Yes! Of course I want to see it!” she cried out. Happily smiling.

‘She really has a nice smile,’ he thought to himself.

A few streets later, they stood in front of a respectable, well maintained apartment complex. Quatre stopped Aria.

“Wait here, I’ll see if he’s in…” he said, glancing around if anybody he knows were around. Then, he walked into the office, as Aria sat down.

The moment Quatre closed the door, the man at the desk looked up. A wide smile appeared on his face as he saw a tall, very handsome boy with golden hair go inside.

“Master Quatre! What a pleasure!” he said as he got out of the desk and held out his arms.

Quatre went to the man, and clasped his arm, “How are you, Abdul?” he asked to his comrade, a manganac during the time of war.

“Fine! Sit down, how can I help you?” Abdul said, motioning to the chair behind the desk, the one he was sitting on before.

Quatre sat, “I was wondering if there are any apartments available here.”

“About three.”

“Good, I need a favor…” Quatre said as he leaned on the desk. Abdul came in closer to hear him out. “I have a friend out there with limited budget and she needs a place to stay. I want you to agree to any amount she say.”

Abdul smiled widely, “She- eh, Master Quatre?” he asked slyly.

Quatre’s cheeks flushed softly, and Abdul laughed once again.

“You are the owner of this apartment- (Abdul flung out his arms) of this whole colony! Beside, you are my friend, how can I say no?” he asked.

Quatre smiled. “Thank you Abdul…”

“And what else, Master Quatre?” he asked, knowing the little boy well enough that there are more to be done.

Quatre looked at him, then at the door. “I want another space… for my own. (Quatre saw Abdul’s eyebrow go up in question. But, he ignored it by looking to the entrance.) I want you to say that I’ve lived here since this place has started. (He looked at Abdul) Basically it’s true, I’ve lived in this colony since it started, so you are not lying.”

Abdul nodded solemnly, “You are doing this for the girl, I can see…”

Quatre smiled softly. “I want a friend who does not know about my money and name, Abdul. I think (he looked once again at the door) she might be it.”

“All right, Master Quatre.” Abdul said as they started walking to the door.

“Oh! And another thing, Abdul, (They stopped right outside the entrance, and Quatre whispered.) Do not call me Master Quatre. My name will only be Quatre from now on…”

Abdul looked about to object, but he saw the urgency at his Master’s face and complied. “As you wish Ma- Quatre.” He amended, “But, habits are hard to break…” he warned.

Quatre shook his head as he smiled. “Just do your best, my friend.” And with that, the two men went out to meet Aria.

Aria straightened from her position of observing the flowers in front of the office as she heard the door open.

She looked at Quatre, and smiled softly. “Quatre, this place is so beautiful! I don’t think I can afford it!”

Quatre stopped in his track in surprise, but Abdul swished past him to go to Aria.

“My dear girl, everything is not what they seem…” he said, and he glanced at Quatre through the corner of his eyes. Quatre saw the glance and looked away, starting to feel guilty.

“Ma- Quatre has told me that there is limited budget. (he looked at Quatre) at first, that was exactly his problem, but we worked things out…”

Aria looked hopeful, then her face fell as she murmured the money she has to offer.

Abdul clapped his hands, “Why! That is enough!” he said excitedly.

Aria looked up in surprise and hugged Abdul. “Thank you!” She looked toward Quatre, and went to hug him.

Abdul smiled at the scene that he saw, feeling that they are perfect for each other.

“Thank you, Quatre!” she whispered, “I know you had to pull some strings for me in there, and I appreciate it…” she said.

She turned to face Abdul and held out her hand, “My name is Aria Heartzell, sir. What is yours?”

Abdul smiled, “Just call me Abdul… Everyone does. And I will show you you’re humble abode.” He said with a flagrant bow.

Aria giggled, and Quatre couldn’t help but be impressed.

As they passed by the complex, Abdul pointed to a second floor window, facing the pool. “That is Quatre’s place.” He said as he looked at Quatre significantly. “It’s just one bedroom and bath, a kitchen and living room, just like yours.” He said.

They went around the pool, to the other window facing directly from Quatre, “And this is yours.”

Quatre saw Aria almost skip up the stair in excitement as Abdul opened the door.

Plush peach carpet covered the living room floor, and white tiles for a cheerfully decorated kitchen. Sunlight filtered beautifully from the kitchen window, and Aria sighed.

She went inside after she took her shoes off and went to check the bathroom. It had peach tiles and white sink. “A bath tub!” came the surprised voice.

Aria checked the bedroom and saw that the window facing Quatre’s was in here. She smiled, not really knowing why she felt so…excited (?) about that fact.

She went to the other two. “Abdul! Are you sure you’re going to give this to me for the amount I told you?” she asked incredulously.

Abdul laughed once again. “Of course! I do not go back on my word!”

Aria looked around her, while Quatre observed her animated face. “The architecture is beautifully done! It seems to be spacious, though it is not! And the colors are perfect!” she exclaimed. “I commend the architect and the person who chose these colors!”

Abdul looked at Quatre and smirked as he saw his Master look at his shoes and turn beet red.

“I’m sure the person who did it knows, Aria.” Abdul said as he glanced once again at Quatre, who finally got his blush down.

They went back to the office and did the transaction while Quatre was outside. Not thinking, Aria wrote down her full name. When she realized what she had done, she panicked.

“Abdul! May I have another paper please?” Abdul went behind her,

“What is wrong with this one, Ms. Heartzell?” he asked. He saw the panic in her eyes. And Abdul looked down at her paper, where a different name was written.

He looked back at her, his eyes guarded.

Aria bit her lip, “It’s not what you think! I have a reason!”

Abdul nodded, for some reason, he believes her. “Tell me little one, maybe I can help?”

Aria shook her head. “Nobody can go against my father’s will, Abdul. I don’t think anyone could…” she said sadly.

Abdul patted her head. “You will never know… And, your secret will be safe with me…” he said, as he signed the bottom paper.

Aria watched on as the person she just lied to about her name, still sign the paper. Abdul looked up at her with a smile and an understanding look and Aria looked down on her hands.

“Thank you…”

When they left the office, Quatre was looking at his watch. He turned to his friend,

“Thank you, Abdul.” Abdul just nodded in reply.

“Aria,” Quatre started, “I need to go to work very soon. But, I would really like it if I could walk you to your hotel?”

Aria smiled softly. “Why should I mind? I owe you my life from this morning, and the roof on my head on the same day.”

They waved their good bye to Abdul and started walking to Aria’s hotel, using the shortcut Quatre knew.

Quicker than they expected, Aria was already in front of her door.

“Thank you again, Quatre.”

Quatre smiled down at her. “I told you before, if I could help, I will…” he said as he looked into her eyes.

BEEEEEP!!!

Quatre looked down at his watch, then back at Aria. “I need to go! Nice meeting you, Aria!” and with a wave, he ran to the elevator just as it was closing.

Aria opened her door. And once inside, she leaned to her wall as she sighed softly. A soft smile appeared on her face as the face of a certain golden haired boy passed through her thoughts.

“I just might accidentally see you tonight, Quatre…” she said to herself. Then, realizing what she had done, she blushed.

“Aria! You don’t even know the man!” she said, reprimanding her wayward thoughts. But, she couldn’t help it.

Walking dreamily into the bedroom, she started taking out her suitcases, getting ready to move, and to accidentally see Quatre.

America, Earth:

A large man stood beside a window, smoking a tobacco. “Dammit Aria! I am going to get you back… just you wait.” He promised as he clenched his first.

The office door opened,

“Mr. Walker, a man just came in to see you. He said it’s important.”

The large man didn’t turn around, “Send him in, Ms. Thomas.”

“Yes sir.”

Mr. Walker went to his desk and sat down his heavy mass. The chair creaked just as a thin man dressed in impeccable black suit came in.

“So?” Walker asked, that one syllable commanding and threatening.

The lanky man leaned against the wall without any flicker of emotion, “There isn’t any trace of her, as of yet, sir.”

A large fist slammed into the hard wood. “I’m warning you, Boggart. Either you find her or you are going to die.” Came the angry shout.

The man shrugged. He’s had one too many of that same message all ready, and it shouldn’t make him shudder any more. But coming from this man… What’s he gotten himself into?

“Don’t worry. She’s bound to make a mistake very soon…” he promised.

Finally, he left the office.

“Aria Walker you can’t hide for long…” he muttered to himself as he walked through the shadows of the building.