Look Beyond My Facade
Part Two: I Am Who I Choose To Be- Right?

20-05-01
Author’s Note: Here’s part two everyone! As I’ve said before… the main characters in this story- except for Aria, Abdul and Henry, are from the Gundam Wing anime. Hope you enjoy!

Quatre burst inside his house, smiling happily and on the verge of singing.

“Relena! Henry!”

Relena almost dropped the watering can she was holding, while Henry clutched at his chest, trying to calm down his racing pulse.

“Quatre! Don’t do that! You scared Henry and I half to death!” Relena scolded when Quatre saw them.

Quatre smiled widely, ignoring what Relena had said. He faced Henry,

“Henry, could you please get my clothes ready? And tell Jimmy that I need the black limousine to drive to the airport. I need to pick someone important.” Quatre had ordered in a kind tone. Henry bowed and went out of the room.

Quatre faced Relena and grabbed her arms. He could almost jump in joy!

“Relena! Guess what!” He didn’t give Relena a chance to answer.

“I just met the most amazing person!” He let go of Relena and started walking down the hall to his room. Talking animatedly, with his hands moving, creating the picture with both words and hands as he spoke about the near accident, and meeting the girl.

He got to his room and Relena waited for him outside his slightly open door listening as he finished his story. Muffled sometimes because he is dressing.

When he finally went outside, he is dressed impeccably in a black suit, which accentuated his blond hair.

“So what do you think? Do I pass?” he asked Relena as he turned around.

Relena reached out to straighted his tie. “Perfect.”

They started walking to the limo. “Just imagine Relena! This is the chance of a lifetime! I can act like the mysterious and tough Heero (Relena smiled at this) or a very comedic yet romantic Duo, or maybe…” He snapped his fingers, “Maybe like Trowa- mysterious and suave!”

Quatre faced Relena once again. “I can be anyone!” he exclaimed just as they got to the limo.

Then, Quatre’s face fell and he leaned his head to the roof of the car.

“What am I saying? I acted like a total jerk today! I wasn’t even talking! I bet she thinks that I’m such a boring person!”

Relena placed a hand on Quatre’s shoulder. “Are you sure you are doing the right thing? About not telling her who you are? I mean, it’s a part of you.”

Quatre turned around and looked seriously at Relena, “Relena I’m sure.”

Bowing her head, she sighed. “Well, I can’t stop you from doing whatever you want… Just don’t get hurt and don’t hurt her…”

Quatre went inside the limousine, but before the door closed, Relena said one last sentence,

“Don’t loose who you are in your journey, Quatre.”

Quatre smiled. “I won’t…”

With that, the limousine drove off, leaving a very worried Relena.

Quatre sighed in pleasure as he eased himself on his leather chair in his office. Leaning back his head, he closed his eyes and a picture of Aria floated in his mind.

Quatre smiled. So far, the day has been going great. He won the business deal with the person he picked up from the airport and Aria’s got a home…

Quatre sat up. His apartment!!! He pushed the button for the intercom,

“Ms. Henderson, please connect me to the Millard’s Garden Apartment, Section B4.” He waited for only a few seconds until he heard Abdul’s voice.

“Abdul here, how may I help you?”

“Abdul! It’s Quatre. How’s Aria doing? Is she settled in?”

Abdul laughed, “Master Quatre, everything is fine! She’s inside her apartment arranging her clothes, I suppose…”

Quatre nodded, “Good…good… Uhm… Abdul, I need another favor.”

“Yes Master Quatre?”

“My apartment. Could you furnish it for me? Something like the way my tent was when I was on Earth with you guys. But less extravagant.”

“I know exactly what you mean. And don’t worry, it’ll be done by today without Ms. Aria’s notice. I will be discreet.”

“Thank you Abdul, for everything.” Quatre said, his voice conveying his gratitude.

“Master Quatre, you know that I will do more than this…”

Quatre smiled, remembering how they had fought so bravely before, “I know…Thank you again Abdul. Good bye.”

With that, he leaned back on his chair, relaxing before he takes a look upon the report Rashid had mailed to him.

By the end of the day, too tired, Quatre came back home, forgetting about his apartment, yet not of Aria.

~*~

Aria fiddled with her pillow and glanced back at Quatre’s window for the hundredth time that night. No change… There’s still no light.

She bit her lip and settled back down on the bed. “Maybe he’s just working late… Yes, that’s it, working late…” She glanced back at the window.

“Oh Quatre…Maybe, tomorrow…” with that, she closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep.

For the next few days, nobody seemed at home in Quatre’s apartment. Aria started to get worried.

On the other hand, Quatre had been busy with the development of a new deal on Earth. Finally, assigning Rashid of proposing the buyout of the company, his schedule has slackened a bit.

Quatre looked at his watch, 4:00. Maybe he could pass by Aria and see how she’s doing… He smiled. “Yeah, I’ll do that…” he muttered to himself.

“Ms. Henderson, tell Jimmy that I won’t need the limousine… I will be walking.”

“Yes, Mr. Winner.”

Quatre went inside his private bathroom and took off his coat and tie. He unbuttoned the first two buttons of his polo shirt and slightly mussed his combed hair.

Then, he observed himself at the mirror. “Casual…That’s good…”

He walked out of his office toward the apartment thinking, “Now, who should I be? Mysterious…? Funny…? Tough…?”

When he got to the apartments, the first person he saw was Abdul, patting the plants outside the office.

“Hello Abdul.” Quatre said cheerfully.

Abdul turned around, and instead of a cheerful face, Quatre saw a look of relief pass across his friend’s features.

“Master Quatre! Thank Allah that you’re here!”

Quatre frowned. “Why? What happened? Nothing happened to Aria, has there?”

Abdul shook his head, “More of something that might have happened to you!”

Quatre’s frown deepened. “What do you mean?”

Abdul rolled his eyes. “Ayah!” He cried in frustration, “He asks what I mean!” He faced Quatre,

“The little lady has been worried sick of you! She noticed that the light at your house has not been turned on for almost five days!”

Quatre felt funny and good at hearing that Aria was worried about him, “Really?”

Abdul shook his head once again, “I already told you so! She has been in and out of this office asking if you are home or not! Honestly Master Quatre, you had better start living in that apartment, or she will get suspicious!” Abdul scolded.

Quatre laughed, “Don’t worry Abdul, everything will be fine now… Is she in today?’

“She went out for grocery.” Abdul had said, relieved.

Quatre turned around and started to walk away. “I’ll be here tonight. Have my apartment fixed.”

“Already done, Master Quatre!” Abdul replied.

~*~

That night, as Aria started to cook her dinner, she accidentally glanced to the window on the other side of the pool. She almost dropped the pan she was holding as she saw the light turn on and a shadow appear by the blinds!

She smiled softly, “He’s home!”

With that, she happily hurried in doubling the mixture for the Swedish meat pie dinner that she is making.

When she was finished, she glanced back at the window.

“Whew! The light is still turned on!”

She placed a laced cloth on top of two plates, closed her lights, and went out the door, walking toward Quatre’s apartment, crossing her fingers to hope that he will not think it strange that she came over.

Inside his apartment, Quatre was lying happily on top of one of the pillows strewn beautifully across his living room.

When he first came inside, he was surprised to see how similar the decorations were to the one he had in his tent on Earth… But, then, Abdul was always the one for details… he mused.

He has taken a shower, and now, is in one of the few clothes that he brought in from the house.

He smiled in recollection of how Relena had acted once he said that he’ll live a little while at the apartment. She was almost bouncing in happiness and making out little matchmaking plans that Quatre told her to forget about…

Suddenly, his bell rang. He frowned, ‘Now who could that be? Abdul would be eating with his family right now…’ he thought.

He opened the door and saw a raven-haired girl holding a tray. All thoughts of becoming someone different left his mind.

“Aria!” he cried in surprise.

She smiled up at him uneasily. “Uh… Good evening Quatre…”

Quatre opened the door wider, “Come in…” He smelled the delicious aroma from the tray she was holding. “You brought something.”

Aria smiled shyly, “I, uh, cooked something for you… I wanted to thank you, but you haven’t been home…Then, I accidentally saw your lights turn on tonight, and I (she shrugged) I hope I’m not intruding…” she finished.

“No- it’s all right. Thank you.” Quatre reached for the tray, “Here, let me hold that for you.” Aria willingly let go of the tray.

“Feel free to look around.” And with that, he went into the kitchen.

For the first time, Aria noticed his place. It was full of pillows of every size and colors, strewn all over a red Arabian rug. Simple, neat, and delicate to look at.

She tried to look for photographs, but there aren’t any. His place is sparsely but beautifully decorated!

Quatre came back out the living room with a wide smile, “Those Swedish meat pies looks and smells great!” he cried out in enthusiasm.

Aria smiled, “You know it’s Swedish!” she said in surprise. People don’t usually know their food.

Quatre shrugged shyly, he’s not about to tell her that he’d been to Sweden. “I know some things…Shall we eat?”

Aria nodded. Quatre led her to the kitchen with a small round table with two chairs in the middle, covered with white cloth, and the two plates with the pies on either side.

At the first bite, Quatre’s eyes widened then closed as he leisurely tasted every single piece of the entrée that Aria made. When he finished chewing, he looked at Aria in admiration,

“This is great! You must be very talented when it comes to cooking!”

Aria just smiled, “I learned.”

With that, the conversation flowed easily among the two, now friends. After they had finished, Aria helped Quatre wash the dishes, even when Quatre protested.

Joking around and having fun as they were playing with soap suds. When they finished, they lounged at the living room.

“You know… It never registered to me that you are an Arabian. I thought you were European… It was presumptuous of me, I know.” Said Aria.

Quatre smiled, “Don’t worry, everybody mistakes that about me. I’m pretty sure that even if you look very much Asian, you are an American?”

Aria suddenly looked thoughtful and sad, “My mother was Asian, and my father an American… They were pretty much in love… Afterwards, she died…I don’t know after that anymore…”

Quatre reached out to touch her hand, “I’m sorry…”

Aria smiled, “It’s all right, it’s been a while.” Quatre’s hand on hers were doing some funny things to her stomach, the same goes for Quatre. Finally, he withdrew his hand.

“The dishes are probably finished by now…” started Aria as she stood up.

Quatre followed her action. “I’ll take you to your house.” He offered.

They picked up the dishes and started to walk to Aria’s home.

“I’ve got to warn you, my apartment doesn’t have anything… I’m just happy that it already has a refrigerator and a table for the kitchen.” Aria told Quatre.

She opened the door and flicked the light switch.

Quatre looked around, ‘She wasn’t kidding… She really has nothing around here…’ he thought.

“Thank you for walking me home, Quatre.” Aria said as she herded him to the door.

Quatre stopped, “You know, I’ve been working overtime at the office for the past few days, I think I’ve earned my vacation…”

Aria looked at him, confused.

“Well, you know… maybe we can go tomorrow and shop around? I know the place well, and I could probably help you.” Quatre offered.

Aria beamed, “Oh will you! Thank you Quatre!” Quatre smiled again.

“So, tomorrow then, at 9. I’ll pick you up.”

“I’ll be expecting you.” And she closed the door.

Quatre tuck his hands into his pockets and started to walk home, remembering to ask Jimmy to bring the white car around for him to use.

Both went to bed with smiles on their faces, not able to wait until tomorrow comes.

~*~

They have been shopping for hours. Getting little knick-knacks for Aria’s house, imagining what can make it look lively and unique.

Their arms were loaded with bags when both of them stopped at a music store, staring at the display case where a grand piano and a beautifully made violin were placed.

Both looked longingly at the mirror, wanting to go inside. They accidentally looked at each other at the same time, and saw the longing in each other’s eyes. Laughing at what they saw, Quatre offered his arm and they went inside.

Aria walked straight up to the grand piano, similar to that by the window and fingered the wood gingerly.

Quatre, on the other hand, went to the violin displays.

Aria looked at the clerk. “May I play on this piano, Sir?”

The sales clerk smiled, “Of course! Play to your heart’s content… I can see that both of you are music lovers.” He said as he motioned to the violin display where a gaping Quatre stood.

Aria smiled as she sat down on the stool. ‘It’s been so long, do I still know how to play it?’ she asked herself.

She closed her eyes then touched the keys and her fingers were suddenly dancing across the white ivory, creating a haunting melody.

Quatre turned around at the sound of the piano and saw Aria playing. Walking up to her, he saw how much emotion fluttered through her face.

Focusing on Aria and her music, he tried to understand, and he did, as he so often does…Pain, lots of it, and sadness… Quatre looked at Aria questioning at her choice of music which seem to talk so much about herself…

Five minutes later, her hands slowly ceased, and she opened her eyes to see a smiling Quatre.

“That was beautiful! I don’t think I’ve ever heard that piece before…”

“It’s my composition…” she admitted shyly and gloried at the praise.

Quatre could still see the haunted look in Aria’s eyes. How he wants to take that away. An idea worked its way to his mind… If it worked on Trowa, maybe it’ll work on Aria…

“Just a minute…” Quatre went up to the sales clerk then went back to Aria. A moment later, the clerk was back with a violin.

“Would you mind playing your music again, Aria?”

Aria shook her head, and played once again, this time with eyes open.

She saw Quatre position the violin under his chin, and piano and string combined together.

‘He got the melody so quickly!’ Aria commented in surprise.

Quatre closed his eyes, lost himself to the music. In the middle of the composition, Aria had stopped, content to watch and listen to Quatre.

‘He looks so happy and peaceful…He hasn’t even noticed I’ve stopped playing.’ She smiled to herself. He is so handsome…

Finally, he slowly finished the crescendo of melody from his violin piece.

Aria clapped her hands as his eyes opened.

Quatre saw that she wasn’t even facing the piano!

“You weren’t playing!” he cried out in surprise.

“I was listening to you… You play the violin beautifully!” Aria said in awe.

Quatre blushed, “Thank you. I have a very good friend who plays a flute wonderfully, also…”

“Yes, but I only heard you, and not your friend, Quatre.”

Quatre nodded. “Uh… Shall we go and finish your shopping?”

Aria nodded. They thanked the clerk and went on their way.

By the time they were finished, it was nearly evening. Packed in Quatre’s white car, Aria contently leaned back on the passenger seat, watching as the scenery changed…

Suddenly she sat up, “Quatre! Can we stop there! At that park?”

Quatre glanced ahead, then back at Aria, noticing her hopeful smile.

“Why not? I’m at your service for today.” With that, he checked his rearview mirror, changed lanes and turned towards to park.

They were walking side by side at the park, satisfied to walk together even though both were thinking of holding each other’s hands.

They stopped by a huge fountain, and sat by the edge.

“You know Quatre, this is such a beautiful place… so much more peaceful than the Earth, don’t you think so?”

After a minute of not answering, Aria glanced at Quatre who wasn’t even paying attention to her.

He was making silly faces at the baby near them! And the baby is laughing at all the antics!

“Oh Quatre…” Aria sighed as she looked at the man who saved her life.

He stopped and turned to look at her, “I’m sorry Aria, did you say something?”

Aria smiled and shook her head. She saw the baby pout, missing her new playmate already, “I think the baby wants to see some more.”

Quatre blushed and turned toward the baby once again who seem to be on the verge of crying. He made some more funny faces, and the mother noticed him.

She came nearer. “Would you like to hold her? It seem like she wants you to.”

Quatre’s face lit up, “You’ll let me?! Thank you!”

Carefully, the mother passed to Quatre her baby daughter who seemed delighted at her new holder. She grabbed fistfuls of golden hair and Quatre laughed, rubbing his nose to hers.

Aria felt her heart melt at the touching scene. Who wouldn’t be touched? Looking at Quatre, she started to list all his good qualities: charming, gentleman (remembering the many times he held the door for her at the mall, even with an armful of parcels) funny, understanding, heroic, (she sighed) he loves kids… the list seem to go on forever!

But one thing bothers Aria, he doesn’t talk much about his family, or his past. Not that she blames him, after all, she’s also a little bit vague about her own past…

Quatre gave the baby back to her mother and thanked her. Giving a cute good bye to the baby, he turned to Aria who has a secretive smile on her face.

Quatre’s eyebrows met together. “What are you thinking of, Aria?”

‘Of you…’ she thought, “Oh nothing, you are going to be a great father someday.”

A small laugh escaped his lips, “Thank you. And I’m betting that you’ll be a wonderful mother someday also.” Aria laughed.

Quatre glanced at his watch. “Maybe we should start going home and arranging your place. It’s getting pretty late…”

Aria pouted, then she sighed resignedly, “All right, I suppose you’re right.”

Quatre softly chucked her chin. “Let’s go, I want to help you set up your stuff…”

Aria smiled, "If you want."

~*~

Quatre stretched his arms over his head and heard his spine crack softly. Aria heard it and laughed.

“I’m sorry Quatre, but you insisted on helping!”

Quatre shook his head, “It’s all right.” He looked around at the newly decorated room, almost like his own, but more feminine, with flowers on vases and frames on the walls.

“I thought you were kidding when you said you wanted it to be almost like my house, I guess I’m wrong.” Quatre said with a smile.

“Well, I’ve always wanted to visit Arabia. And ever since I was a little kid, I’ve imagined myself to be a princess (She took a flimsy scarf and placed it in front of her face seductively) and dance before my prince.” She swayed to her side. But she didn’t finish her dance because she was laughing so hard.

Quatre plopped himself beside her and laughed along. They enjoyed a few more talk until by chance they saw the time on Aria’s clock.

“It’s midnight already!” Quatre exclaimed as he jumped up from the pillow.

Aria went to the door and opened it.

“I had a great time, Quatre. Thank you.”

Quatre smiled down at her, not wanting to go, yet knowing that he should. “Same here.” Then, he got an idea.

“You know… do you want to go out tomorrow night?” Quatre placed his hands in his pockets, looking so much more boyish under the dim light.

“I’d love to…” Aria answered softly.

Quatre looked at her, surprise evident at his eyes, then he smiled. “All right, I’ll pick you up at 7:30… Uhm… It’s going to be a black tie occasion. Do you have a dress?”

Aria smiled to herself thinking how smart she was to pack a few of her evening gowns. “I do… I’ll be ready.”

“Uhm… Okay… Good night Aria. Sweet dreams…”

“Good night… Quatre.” And she slowly closed her door.

Quickly, she went to her window to look at the figure walking under the moonless night, his calm steps not showing the happiness he is feeling inside…

“Reeeleeennnaaaa!” Quatre whined as he clasped his hands together and gave her a pleading look. “Come on! Don’t tease! Do I look all right or what?”

Relena looked at the handsome picture Quatre made- although not as handsome as her Heero… Wearing a black tuxedo with his hair combed back, he is a sight to behold. But, right now, nearly kneeling in front of her, he looks too much like a little boy wanting to grow up.

Relena chuckled and Quatre pouted his lower mouth.

“Aawww! Not again! You’re not going to laugh at me again, are you?!”

“My…my… aren’t we being overly conscious of the way we look…” Relena teased some more then she laughed out loud.

Quatre crossed his hands on his chest, “Fine! Be like that! See if I’m going to help you with picking out your dresses again!”

Relena tried to stop laughing, “All right! Honest! I’m… (chuckle!) I’m being honest!” Relena breathed deeply and looked a little more seriously at Quatre and saw that he is somber.

“Gee, this is a big thing for you, eh? First date?” Quatre remained silent. Relena got up from her seat and patted some imaginary dust on his lapel.

Looking straight into his eyes, Relena said, “You look perfect Quatre.”

Slowly, that charming smile appeared on his face then he quickly hugged Relena.

“Thanks Relena.” He turned around and started for the door. “Don’t wait up… I’ll be staying at the apartments!”

“Quatre wait!!!” Relena called as he got to the door. He turned around and looked at her, confused.

Slowly, Relena walked up to him, holding something behind her.

“This is a masked ball, dear Quatre…(holding out her hand with two intricately designed work). You are missing your mask, and your partner’s.”

Quatre grabbed for it and kissed Relena on the cheek. “Thanks!”

He dashed off to the plain white car already parked outside his house.

Relena leaned by the doorway, “I hope you two will have fun.” She said to the moving car.

Aria checked her reflection on the mirror for the thousandth time that night. Her hair is still up in a cascade of curls, and some curly strands were down to soften her face.

She’s wearing a royal blue gown, fitted by the bust and flowing from the waist down. Clinging to the figure Aria thinks she doesn’t have, making her look slender. And when she moves, she seemed to be floating.

She glanced at her watch. Ten more minutes! She checked her make-up.

“Oh God, oh gosh, oh…” she kept muttering as she felt the butterflies in her stomach move more rapidly.

She put on her silver shoes, the same hue with the silver jewelry she’s wearing.

“Okay… Aria calm down…Please…”she told her reflection. “I know that you are not the most beautiful girl in this colony… Quatre could have asked any supermodel and who would probably have given their arm and leg just to go out with him (she sighed and thought how handsome Quatre is)… But he asked you, and you are not going to let him down… You look presentable enough.”

She eyed her (own opinion of herself) lame figure, and (again, something she thinks) her plain face that has a light make-up and sighed dejectedly.

“Why couldn’t I have been born better looking? I’m so… so plain.”

Her reverie was broken when she heard her doorbell ring.

Quickly saying a small prayer, she went to open the door, repeating

“Please, let him like me…”

Quatre checked the corsage he brought for Aria. Good thing he remembered that orchids are her favorite flowers.

“I hope that white is going to go with her dress.” He muttered to himself, feeling more nervous than the time he got into his Sandrock.

He heard muffled footsteps, then the clicking of locks.

Slowly the door opened.

Quatre faced the door and took a deep breath.

He saw Aria standing in a flowing royal blue dress with the soft light behind her, smiling shyly at him.

His mouth dropped and he forgot about the air in his lungs…

( ^_^ hehehe! What do you think? Take care!)