Look Beyond My Facade
Part Three: Beginning

20-05-06
Author’s Note: Here’s part three 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!

Aria shifted her weight from one foot to the other awkwardly,

“Uhm… Quatre…? Is there something wrong?” she asked, thinking that she might’ve messed something with her make-up to make Quatre stare at her like this.

Quatre blinked as he crashed back to reality. Swallowing several times before speaking, he was only able to whisper.

“You…look… beautiful!”

Aria bowed her head, “Th-thank you… (she looked at Quatre, trying to make light of the situation, she eyed him critically and smiled mischievously) You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Catching on with the joke, Quatre just smiled. “Thanks.” Then, he bowed, like Henry but with his right hand outstretched, “Shall we go, m’lady?”

Aria giggled, “Just a minute. I need to get my bag and shawl.”

When she left, Quatre bumped his head to the doorframe, “You look beautiful! Geeze Quatre! What a suave thing to say! And she saw my mouth hanging! Damn! The others wouldn’t say that! Duo would look at her in appreciation and say something funny, Trowa would probably kiss her hand the moment she faced him to show his appreciation. Heero… well…(He knocked his head to the door frame once again) I can’t believe I did that!” He suddenly heard Aria’s footsteps and he stood up from his original position.

“All right. I’m ready.” Aria closed the door and faced Quatre.

He swallowed once again, ‘Dang! She really looks wonderful in that dress…’

“You’re corsage and mask.” Quatre said as he offered her the items.

“Thank you.” She held out her hand for him to loop the flowers around her wrist then took the mask. “This is cute!” Aria said, observing the silver sequined lady mask as they started to walk to his car.

Aria saw the soft smile that played across Quatre’s lips. “Yeah…My sister, Thaliah made it before she left.”

Aria bit her tongue to keep herself from asking the questions in her mind. ‘How many sisters do you have, Quatre? Brothers? Where are your parents? What is your past?’

Instead, she just said, “She is very talented.”

Quatre closed his eyes remembering the other talent of his closest sister, “Yep, and she makes delicious meals! She always does this one favorite of mine, and no one can top it!”

They got to the car and Quatre opened the door for her. As they drove, they continued their conversation, but Quatre stuck to only talking about things his sister did in the past, and not his own. Making Aria wonder more about Quatre.

‘But then… If he can accept me without knowing about my past, then why can’t I?’ and with that last thought, she closed her mind to asking questions about Quatre’s life and snuggled into her seat.

“Gosh, there are a lot of people!” Aria muttered under her breath as they went inside the massive room.

Quatre adjusted his mask, making sure that his face is covered since he doesn’t want anyone to know who he is, after all…

“Who’s hosting this party?” Aria asked. Quatre pointed to his ears to show her the he didn’t understand what she said, so she shouted the question.

Before Quatre was able to answer, a bulky figure moved in front of Aria.

“Young lady, you mean to tell me that you don’t know what this is or who’s hosting it?”

Aria nodded in agreement.

A wide smile split the man’s face in half, “The person hosting tonight’s party is one of Mr. Winner’s sisters. Mr. Winner started this charity ball to help people who are out of jobs to get jobs, and to give charity money to the needy. It later became one of the best social events of the year since the food is free and everyone in the colony is invited, provided that they will behave accordingly and dressed in the right attire, meaning a mask in a suit, or dressed in character of a show, like that man over there who looks like a hunchback.” The man said, pointing to a noticeably hunched, poor-looking man.

Quatre mentally thanked the man for saying such high praise about his family, ‘But, I’m only doing this because people needs help…’ Quatre thought. He motioned to Aria with his hands, indicating that he was going to get some drinks. Aria nodded.

Aria is very impressed with this Mr. Winner… It seems, as if, a million hearts were captured by him… “He sounds very kind.”

The man shook his head. “He is the kindest person in this colony! No one can be kinder. You see all these people? (He motioned to the whole room, Aria nodded) no one in this room will think of hurting Mr. Winner and they would gladly sacrifice their life for him.

Aria smiled understandingly, “I’m sure.”

“Here you are, strawberry punch.” Quatre said when he got back.

“Excuse me, I have to meet other people.” The hulky man said and left.

Aria looked at Quatre, “Thank you for the drink. Quatre, who’s Mr. Winner?”

Quatre, who was sipping his drink at that moment, almost choked. But after coughing a little, while Aria held his cup, he was able to regain control of himself.

“What exactly do you want to know about him?”

Aria shrugged, “General stuff… I’m new, and it seems as if he is well known around here…

Quatre mentally grimaced, ‘You don’t know the half of it’ he thought.

“…so, I just want to have a general idea of him.”

Quatre looked down, then with a shrug, he looked at Aria, “Mr. Winner is the owner of this colony… and another that was left to the Winner family by their deceased father. (Quatre noted the shocked look on Aria’s face.) He’s got twenty-nine sisters, and he, I think, is the youngest. But, since he’s the only boy, he inherited the Winner responsibility of looking after the family and it’s possessions. Does that satisfy your curiosity? Any more questions?”

Aria slowly shook her head. “I’m surprised that money has not changed him into a man possessed to only want power and control…”

Quatre’s brows drew together. “What do you mean, Aria?”

When she looked up at Quatre, he saw hurt and sadness in her eyes.

“I’ve met too many people that have changed because of their money and power… that’s all…”

Quatre touched her cheek, “Don’t worry, Mr. Winner will never be like that.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please.”

The crowed hushed as they saw a black haired, beautiful young lady in an elegant black dress.

“As all of you know, the Winner Family extends their warmest greetings to all, and hopes that you enjoy yourselves with tonight’s festivities. Tonight’s theme, for the dance, is ballroom dancing. You name it and we have them. So, let the dancing begin!”

With that, the crowd applauded, and the music began.

“Gosh! She’s beautiful… Is she one of the Winner sisters?” Aria whispered to Quatre.

He nodded, “She’s the second oldest.” Quatre said.

Then, he remembered that he shouldn’t know that, so he added, “ I think.” Putting his hand to Aria’s hand, he directed her to a table, “Let’s sit down and eat, shall we.”

~*~

A while later, they’ve finished eating. A passing waiter took their plates away.

Soft tango music drew some old people, and some young, to the floor, to dance with the music. Aria leaned over her chair to look.

Quatre saw the eager look on her face and smiled. He tapped her shoulder to get her attention,

“Would you like to dance?”

Aria’s eyes widened as she slowly placed her hand to her chest.

“Me?” her voiced squeaked, and she swallowed. She could feel a blush coming up as Quatre nodded.

“You look like you would like to be on the dance floor.”

“Do you know how to dance?” Aria asked, stalling.

“I wouldn’t ask you if I don’t, now will I?”

She shook her head, then muttered something.

“What did you say?” Quatre asked and leaned forward.

Looking sad, Aria said, “I don’t know how to.”

Quatre tilted his head, “So? Don’t worry, I’m the one who should be leading.”

Aria shook her head, then looked at the dance floor.

“Come on, nobody will laugh at you. Besides, they (pointing to the other dancers) should know how it was when they first tried the dance.”

Quatre saw that she was about to say no again, so, he stood up then offered his hand to her,

“Please.” It wasn’t a plead, nor an order… But when Aria looked up to his eyes, she couldn’t say no, and slowly, her hand went up to his.

They walked to the dance floor.

“Relax Aria, everything will be fine… I promise.” Quatre whispered to her ear as he felt her hands grow colder every step they came nearer to the floor.

He saw her relax, but only a little bit…

They reached the dance floor…

Quatre faced her. He slowly placed his right hand around her waist, ending at the base of her spine in a half embrace. Then, he took her right hand and held it at the correct position.

He leaned to her ear, “Put your left hand behind my right shoulder. But, it should be the back of the hand that touches me… (He felt her stiffen) Relax…” he whispered.

He saw her take a deep breath, willing her body to relax.

“We need to be closer for the dance.” Quatre said. Aria’s eyes widened, but she took a step forward.

“Closer…” he said.

Aria bit her lip. But again, she reconciled. ‘God! Please! I hope I don’t do anything stupid…’ she thought.

His hand holding hers is already doing havoc to her stomach. Being this close to him, feeling every breath he took, was creating havoc to her heart… But, when she looked at him, he was all business, just happy to teach her how to dance.

“Here’s the basic step. (And they moved.) Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. Got it?”

Aria nodded. “Ok, let’s do that first.” Again and again, they did it, until Aria was able to mix in with Quatre’s steps. Then they stopped.

“Aria, you have to relax. Hold your body upright but relaxed because you need to feel my hand, where I want you to go and what I want you to do.” Quatre said in what seem to be a teacher’s voice.

She bit her lip. “All right… I’m trying.”

Quatre sighed. “Here. Maybe this will help… Close your eyes and try to imagine no one around you. Only we exist… Us.” He said as he closed his eyes. “Feel the music and relax. Focus on my hand and nothing else.”

He opened his eyes and saw Aria’s upturned face, her eyes closed, and a soft smile playing on her lips… And for the first time, since they started dancing, Quatre was looking and felt Aria…

He moistened his dried lips. ‘What am I doing?!’ he thought.

A new tune came up and Quatre moved with a close-eyed Aria.

Aria knew she’s dancing better. ‘Quatre can really lead,’ she thought as she felt another change on his hand pressure to her back and her hand. He isn’t forcing her, just gently telling her which way to go, out of in. Swivels with their hands, up in an arc.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, and looked straight at Quatre.

Something changed… They don’t know what, but, the moment their eyes connected with each other as they danced, they knew something closed and opened…

Quatre twirled Aria out of his embrace, and back to him, catching her… Then, as the music stopped, he dipped her over his knee…

Aria moistened her lip…

Then, one by one, people suddenly cheered and applauded all around them, making Quatre look up, and slowly, he brought her back up.

Aria tried to squash the disappointment she could feel rising. ‘Stupid! As if he would want to kiss you!’

Quatre, on the other hand, was forcing himself not to look at her. ‘Why didn’t I kiss her? I wanted to… Duo would probably have kissed her earlier, Trowa and Heero would’ve too…Damn!’

Unwillingly, his eyes darted to Aria, who has her head bowed, checking her watch.

“10 o’clock…” he heard her whisper.

“Would you like to go home?” he asked, still not looking.

“Please…” it was the same tone that he used to make her dance with him…

Damn! Quatre mentally cursed himself as they picked their coats at the entrance.

They drove in silence, and later on walked in silence to her apartment.

“Thank you for teaching me how to dance Quatre…” Aria said without looking at him. She opened her door.

“Good night…”

Quatre gave himself a mental kick in the… Since they’ve finished the dance, the only thing he’s been thinking of is kissing her. And now, she’s just closing the door on him… Probably angry at him! Well, if she’s already angry why not just make her angrier?

“Aria wait!” Quatre said as he grabbed her arm.

Hell! If she doesn’t like it, then she’ll either push me or slap me. I'll take the chance.

Before Aria could say anything, Quatre tilted her head, and kissed her softly, his lips just touching hers.

Slowly, he drew away, but Aria wanted more. Her lips followed his and they kissed harder, and more passionately.

When they finally let go of each other, Aria blushed, embarrassed of her actions, she looked down.

Quatre, on the other hand, is in seventh heaven. “I guess this means we’re not friends anymore…” he said as he tilted Aria’s head upwards so he could look her in the eyes.

“I was more than ready to receive a slap, not a kiss…” Quatre said with a smile.

Aria bit her lip. “So, if we’re not friends… Where does that leave us?”

“How about in front of your apartment door, kissing each other…?”

Aria smiled mischievously. “With the girls’ arms around your neck.” Doing exactly what she said.

Quatre leaned towards Aria, and no more words were said.

“He did what?!!” Quatre asked incredulously at the person on the monitor in front of him. Quatre heard him snicker once again.

“I said that he was gaping at Hilde’s legs like a fish out of water!” The person on the monitor did some facial expressions and Quatre laughed out loud, knocking himself off his chair.

When he opened his eyes, he saw Relena scowling. “I don’t think it’s funny. To think that the only times guys look at girls is when they’re wearing skirts!”

“Aww… C’mon Relena. It was a great show. I knew Duo would take a second look at Hilde once he saw her in a skirt, so I suggested it to her. But I wasn’t expecting to see him nearly faint by the doorway when Hilde picked up those papers! He didn’t even know that I was there!”

Quatre tried to stop a laugh and ended up coughing.

Relena’s scowl deepened. “Heero…”

“Besides, the first time I saw you, you were wearing a white miniskirt.”

Relena shook her head “I give up! You are just an ace when it comes to changing the topic of conversation… But, what can I do? (she shrugged) I still love you.”

Heero turned serious, “I love you too… I can’t wait until this is over…”

Quatre coughed, then, stood up, “I guess I was wrong about you and your matchmaking skills, Heero.”

Heero just nodded. Then, Relena suddenly pushed Quatre away from the monitor.

“Guess who has a girl friend here!” she said in a sing-song voice.

Heero looked at Relena then at Quatre. His eyebrow went up.

“Have you been busy, Quatre?” Heero asked as he noted his friend’s furiously blushing cheeks.

“They went out on a date last night. I think that did it.” Relena said.

“Really.” Heero said, that one word meaning so many things.

“Hey! Nothing happened! I took her home, we kissed, I went back to my apartment! That’s all!” Quatre said in defense.

Relena giggled, “Yeah, and when he came in, he was in this dreamy state.”

“Well, I’m happy for you Quatre. But, I’ve got to cut this conversation short. I’m on phase 2 of my plan. I’m going to ask Hilde out for lunch before Duo does, (he glanced at Relena) only as a friend, of course.”

“Duo won’t know what hit him.” Quatre said, “Good luck Heero.”

“Thanks, you too with your girl. (Heero looked at Relena) I love you.”

Relena placed two fingers to her lips, kissed it, then touched the screen. “I love you too, darling. Good bye.”

Quatre looked at the two. He doesn’t feel that envious anymore. He actually feels happy, and he started imagining something like that happening to him and Aria. Man! Heero sure have changed a lot...

America, Earth:

“Mr. Lawske, are you telling me that the Winner Foundation is offering to buy us out?!” Shouted Mr. Walker from the other side of the room.

The skinny guy with glasses shuddered in fear, “Y-yes Mr. Walker… They’re offering more than enough money, so-”

Walker slammed his fist on the table, “I don’t care! I am not letting go of this company! I was the shark for the export industries, and I will be again!”

With that, he dismissed the man.

“I just need to get money somehow…” he thought of Aria, “If you didn’t leave, I wouldn’t be in this financial fix! I would’ve gotten the money after I got you married to that old Harskly! Damn you!”

“When I find you, you are going to regret doing this to me.” He promised as he looked at the picture of his smiling daughter on top of his desk.

Gaia Colony, Outer Space:

Humming a tune, Aria finished washing her dishes then went inside her bedroom to get ready for her date with Quatre that night. They’ve been going out for a month now, and everything is perfect.

She looked at her reflection. “What can he possibly see in a girl like you?”

Sighing as she shrugged and finished putting on light make-up.

Minutes later, she’s ready. She looked at her clock.

“5…4…3…2…1…”

Beeeeeppppp!

“Always on time.” She whispered as she heard her doorbell ring, and opened the door to see Quatre.

“Good evening Quatre.” Aria said as she leaned to Quatre to give him a kiss.

When they finished, Quatre was finally able to talk, “Now it’s a good one.”

Aria lightly punched him. “Let’s go!”

“Are you sure you want to go to the botanical garden?” Quatre asked as they walked to his car.

“I want to see it. I heard that it’s beautiful.”

Quatre saw the happiness on Aria’s face as she surveyed one flower from another. He’s tired from working out some problem with the company at L-15 which kept him on his toes the whole day. But then, I’d give anything to always see her happy.

At that moment Aria came upon a large orchid and sighed.

“This one is the most beautiful of all!”

Moving behind her to embrace her, Quatre snuggled her towards him,

“Not as beautiful as you.”

Aria swiveled out of his embrace, “Quatre! Stop saying that.”

“Saying what?” Quatre asked, clearly confused.

“Saying that I’m beautiful…”

“Why shouldn’t I?” Quatre asked, his patience nearly on it’s end after a long day of using it again and again. Besides, he’s getting tired of Aria saying these things!

“Because I’m not!” she answered back, clearly angered.

Quatre’s patience snapped, “You are hiding from yourself Aria! IF you can’t accept who you are, then don’t!”

Aria’s eyes widened, he’s hit too near to home. In anger she replied

“Look who’s talking! You’re also hiding! Every time I ask you something that’s just slightly connected to your past, you change the subject!”

Quatre was about to say something, but then closed his mouth… She’s right…

“Let’s go… We’re creating a scene.” Quatre walked on ahead.

Aria crossed her arms. “Fine with me.”

Silently, they drove back to their apartments. Aria didn’t even wait for Quatre to walk her back to her home. She just got out of the car and walked away from Quatre. Seconds later, she heard the car drive away.

When she got to her apartment, she quickly went to her bedroom and cried… Their first argument… and he was right…and it was stupid…

~*~

A few hours later, Quatre drove back to his house.

“You’re back!” Quatre heard Relena exclaim as he came inside.

She came up to him and gave him a hug. “We weren’t expecting you tonight. We thought you’d be sleeping at the apartment.”

“Well. This is my house, so why shouldn’t I be here?” Quatre curtly replied.

Relena’s eyes widened. Quatre’s never like this…

“What happened with you and Aria? Did you guys have a fight?”

Quatre didn’t answer. Instead, he walked past her and into the hallway leading to his bedroom, “Don’t disturb me. I need my rest.” Leaving a confused Relena in his wake.

Quatre sighed and put his pen down. Why can’t he concentrate?! He stood up and walked to his window.

Yeah right Quatre! As if you don’t know… It’s Aria… always her.

He combed his hair with his hand in frustration. ‘What is wrong with me?!’ It’s nearly been a week since they’ve had the fight. And no one is backing down from them… I’ve never acted like this before…

“If this is what love is…”

Quatre frowned… love..? Then, he smiled and shook his head.

Damn! What am I going to do?! He remembered what Relena had said to him earlier during breakfast,

“Quatre, I think you should go to her and call a truce.”

“What!?” Quatre exclaimed.

“You haven’t been acting like yourself! It’s not good… Besides, you have to swallow your pride when it comes to someone you care about… Saying an apology isn’t that hard.”

Quatre placed his hands on his face. ‘I guess she’s right… I was the one who shouted first… I wasn’t really mad at her… I was just tired…Besides, Aria’s right.’

Making up his mind to go to Aria after work, he busied himself and tried to concentrate once again with the new contract on the buy-out from Rashid.

~*~

‘He hasn’t been home… Or maybe he has, he just comes in very late and leaves very early…’ Aria thought as she stared at Quatre’s window.

Is he ignoring her? She closed her eyes and leaned her head to her arms, ‘How could I have been so stupid?! I can’t believe I did that to him! And now… he’s not even talking to me…’

Oh Quatre… I’m sorry… I want us to be together again…

Aria sighed and lay down on her bed, hugging her pillow to herself.

‘Why do I care so much about you anyway? I’ve only met you for a month…’

She sat up on her bed. ‘I don’t care if he thinks I’m too forward… I’ll do the first step… I’ll apologize…’

Her mind started thinking of ideas, ‘I’ll write him a card, and drop it under his door tonight…

“Please let that work…” Aria pleaded as she went outside to look for a card.

~*~

Quatre checked the bouquet of flowers he brought for Aria as he walked out of the parking lot onto the pathway.

Aria closed the card then kissed the flap. Going outside, she walked towards Quatre’s house.

Halfway through, both lost in their thoughts and looking down instead of up, they collided.

“I’m sorry-”

“No I’m sor-”

Neither one finished their sentences as they recognized whom they bumped into.

Quatre smiled uncertainly, “Hi Aria…”

Aria nodded, “Hello, Quatre.”

At that same time, they said, “Uhm.. Here. This is for you.” To each other and offered the little gifts.

Aria smiled then started to laugh, and Quatre joined in as they exchanged gifts.

“I guess we think alike…” Aria commented.

Quatre grew serious and placed a hand on Aria’s cheek. Aria leaned to it.

“I missed you Aria.” Quatre said softly.

“I missed you too…and I’m sorry.” Aria replied, looking into Quatre’s blue eyes.

“I said some pretty stupid stuff myself… I’m sorry too…” Quatre added.

Aria smiled, “Are we going to kiss and make up?”

Quatre smiled back at her, “If that’s what you want…”

They leaned to each other and tasted each other’s lips. Missing it for the week that they had not touched.

Earth:

He’s been traveling all over the world, trying to find her. Then, one evening, he looked up and thought of the colonies…

‘Why not…’ with that, he went back to his hotel and looked into the files of the twenty colonies in outer space…

“You have been gone for nearly a month and two weeks, Ms. Walker, but I’ve found you at last…” Boggart said as he looked on his computer screen with rental information.

Boggart sighed, happy that his job is finally finished… Picking up the phone, he made flight reservations back to America…

America, Earth:

“Commence with the sabotage now.” Walker ordered to the person on the screen.

The man shifted nervously… “I- Sir, it will be a little harder than we thought… They’re very loyal to Mr. Winner…”

“I don’t care if you have to blow up a machine! I need that Mr. Winner to loose money! Lot’s of it!”

“Maybe… if one of the main machines blows up accidentally, then the production will lessen… within a day, they will loose a lot of profit…” the man suggested.

“I don’t care! Do whatever!”

He closed the screen… Then, glanced at the picture of his daughter…