Enclosed Heart, Hidden Treasures
Part Three: The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach...

20-06-08->20-07-06
Author's Note: Here is story four, part three, of the five mini-stories that I'm writing. The characters are derived from the Gundam Wing Anime (meaning they aren't mine) except for the teacher, students, and Thaliah. So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as the other stories!

Trowa floated to Leonnard's engine project, situated at the far-left corner of the classroom, and started to inspect it. As usual, Leonnard's skills are proven true.

"He's going to make one heck of an engineer…" Trowa said to himself with pride…

He looked out to the windows and noticed the darkness that enveloped the sky pronouncing the start of the night, and Trowa drifted towards the window.

Standing by the sill so he can look out to the twinkling lights that have started to scatter around the evening sky, his mind started to wander… 'Outer Space… Where Quatre is supervising his family's business; where Duo is possibly laughing while in his office with a business that started from nothing and is so far have grown to one of the best companies around… Where Heero might be… but then, who knows where that person might be… and lastly Wufei, almost like Heero…'

His forehead touched the glass as memories exploded in his mind about his past- his family, experiences, the war… so many things… He wants to scream in frustration! But then, Catherine's face came up…

Catherine… the only one who accepted him for who he is with no questions asked… the one who protected him even when he was the most vulnerable… the one who made him accept who he is… And the one who made him feel special…

The frustrations that Trowa felt started to ebb, replaced by a feeling of near peace. But only near…

Trowa sighed. Another night to face his nightmares… when will it end? Why doesn't it end? The war is over, he's accepted who he is, and he's started with his life… what is the problem?

Thaliah drew up the collar of her jacket as she shivered once again, but she kept on walking, not knowing why she's heading in this particular direction.

"I'm cold, I'm hungry and I'm walking clear to the middle of the forest in the middle of the night! Tell me, what's wrong with this picture?" she muttered.

She heard an owl hoot, and the different sounds that only come out during the night. She just came from the north library after doing some research for more recipes she plans to experiment on, and the next thing she knew, it was dark outside.

It was the first time, since she started working in this place, that she actually stayed in the library and used the back exit, wanting to explore the university a little bit more. But, what she found were thick tree trunks and a dirt path leading to an easily identifiable isolated building in the middle of a clearing.

That was when she remembered what she had overheard (all right, eavesdropped!) from the students in the cafeteria, and her curiosity got the better of her… Not even the mere fact that she couldn't see lights coming from that small building had stopped her from walking down that dirt path.

She went around the building and tried to peek inside from the windows. No such luck since the windows are high above her head and with no lights inside and outside, she couldn't see a thing! Then, she saw what seems to be the entrance to the main door after nearly going around the building.

Walking up to the door, she felt excitement bubbling within her… And then, luck of all luck! The door is partly open! She could see the little opening, just probably two inches wide!

Thaliah started to get this growing sense of worry, but then shrugged it off with a thought, "Well… they did say that this is a very safe location…" And with that in mind, she stepped up to the door and started to open it…

Trowa pushed himself away from the window as he felt the hair behind his neck go up… 'Someone's outside…' he thought to himself. Quickly, he took out the knife that Catherine gave him,

"I don't want to use you like this, but you're my only weapon at the moment…" Trowa muttered, even though he knew he could easily use his students' projects, but then, it would be a shame to destroy all their hard work…

Pushing away from the wall, he guided his body to the corner of the room where his dark clothing can easily be camouflaged by the shadows, and waited patiently…

Thaliah opened the door, once again avoiding that warning sensation that started tugging at the back of her mind. Then, once she got her whole body inside, she felt herself slowly rise!

Thaliah let out a cry of surprise, "What in the world-?" She started to panic, and all her childhood fantasy of ghosts came back to her… She looked around, and tried to feel for anything that might seem out of place, but her moment of panic have worn off quickly, being replaced by sudden happy elation!

"A zero-G room!!!" Thaliah exclaimed to her delight. Suddenly feeling very homesick, she began to move her body gracefully, enjoying the feel of weightlessness.

Trowa withdrew the knife back to his pocket, with his eyes still on Thaliah. Wonders never cease… she knows, how to handle herself with zero G… Maybe she lived in outer space before? Trowa smiled as he thought of asking her the question.

He was more than ready to face some petty thieves, he was completely surprised when he saw Thaliah's form step from outside. That was when he remembered that he haven't close the door and that it's already dark outside…

Once again, he watched in interest at the animation and force of feelings shown by Thaliah's expressive face.

'She looks as if she's just gone back in time, to her home…' Trowa observed. 'No use in hiding here.' With that, he pushed himself away from the wall with a greeting,

"Good evening."

Thaliah clutched at her chest at the sudden greeting and quickly spun around to face well… whoever greeted her!

To Trowa, it showed how much she knows of her body coordination in zero-G since most of his inexperienced students would probably have gone a full 360 or even 720 before stopping.

Her heart pounded heavily against her chest as she squinted through the shadows to get a good look at the person who was moving to her. A cloud must've been blown away since there was suddenly moonlight enough for her to see the persons' face… Trowa…

She closed her eyes in a quick prayer then opened them to glare at Trowa, "You scared me half to death, Trowa!" Thalia shouted angrily, "Why didn't you tell me you were in here when I came inside?"

Trowa smiled to himself in amusement as he felt the growing anger from Thaliah, and because of the tone of her voice. "I thought you were a prowler."

Thaliah's anger faded at the logical answer, "Oh… That explains it."

Trowa moved towards the light switch and flipped them on. Both of them had to squint to get their eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness.

"May I ask what you are doing here at this hour?" Trowa said as he regarded her while leaning against the fall, although not with both feet on the ground.

Thaliah glided to the table and clutched at the edge so she could sit on it without hovering.

Not looking at Trowa, she started to talk. "I was feeling curious about this building when I saw the path from the back exit of the library… I just got out from there. And, (she looked at Trowa as she bit her lip) I'm sorry I got angry at you when well in fact I have no right to be since this is your room…"

Trowa nodded and feeling that smile coming up, but again, he repressed it.

Silence…

Trowa just leaned against the wall with that unreadable expression on his face, looking disinterested.

Thaliah started to swing both her feet back and forth.

Silence…

Trowa shifted his position. Why does he feel the need to talk? He liked silence before. But, now. With her. He feels awkward not speaking…But he's spoken more times to her than he have to other people, exceptions are his fellow Gundam Pilots…

He cleared his throat.

Thaliah looked up at him expectantly, 'Please make him talk, I don't want to go yet…' she pleaded to herself though for her life she will never admit it.

Trowa gulped when those eyes turned on him, and for the first time in years, he felt the want to free himself from that emotional wall he'd constructed around him.

He mentally shook himself… What is wrong with him? If he does let go… he'll be susceptible to being hurt once more, just as he got hurt when his family-

"Trowa, are you all right?"

Thaliah unknowingly stopped Trowa's mental assessment. She just knew that all of a sudden, a pained look quickly passed his face and that he had grown pale. He hasn't answered yet…

"Trowa…?" she asked again.

Trowa was finally able to shake himself out of the state of depression he almost fell into at the thought of his family and turned all his attention to Thaliah, trying to remember what she asked… Oh yes… my health…

He nodded, rather too quickly thought Thaliah.

"Yes, I'm all right…" Trowa glided to his table and turned off the zero-G switch and felt his weight, reminding him to keep his thoughts secure.

Inwardly, Thaliah sighed. She felt that wall envelop him once again…

She glanced at Trowa and noticed that though Trowa is in a good shape, he still needs to add on a few pounds… A thought struck her head and once again, that accusing tone crept into her voice,

"Have you eaten today?" she asked abruptly.

Trowa frowned, confused that she would ask him that question… Oh yeah… she is the culinary arts teacher, you half brain… He looked up at her.

"Yes I have."

Thaliah, not missing a beat, felt that it took him a little longer to answer, and she tilted her head to one side, an open gesture to mean that she didn't think that he's telling the truth, "Really? What did you eat?"

Trowa looked at the top of his desk once again… Why does he feel ashamed? Look up at her and don't show her that you're afraid of her!

Trowa did just that, but even so, when he answered, his voice was soft. "Orange juice."

Thaliah looked at the ceiling and shook her head, "That was it? And that was probably during lunch! No wonder you looked so pale just a while ago!" Thaliah said, misdiagnosing Trowa, or maybe not...

Trowa felt ashamed once again… What is this woman doing to him? The only other person he knew who can make him feel this roundabout is Catherine! But before he could even open his mouth, Thaliah is once again talking.

"This will never do! You're going to get sick!" She jumped from her sitting position then checked her watch. "I need to go already, but I want you to promise me that tomorrow, you'll be at the cafeteria where you saw me today and you are going to join Grayson and I for lunch." She started walking to the door and opened it, then stopped. Once again, she turned to face a stupefied Trowa,

"By the way, you don't need to bring any food. I usually cook enough for two people anyway." Thaliah didn't wait for Trowa to reply, accepting his silence as a positive response.

"Good night and I'll be expecting you!" With a wave and a flash of that wide smile, she was gone.

Trowa blinked. Closed his eyes then opened them again…'What just happened? Was she really here?' he asked himself. The loss of vivacity in the room proved the latter question to be true, but he's still bewildered with the former…

He shook his head, 'What can happen anyway? I'm just going to eat lunch with Thaliah this once…' and suddenly he felt happy at the thought that someone cared whether or not he was eating… 'What is it with her?' He asked himself as he picked up his bag from under the desk to shrug it on.

He walked toward the door, "Thaliah…" then, he stopped and frowned…Thaliah… he racked his brains for that name… Somehow, it feels as if he's heard that name before…

He started walking once again and reached the door when the frown disappeared and the door was given an example of Trowa's rare smiles.

"Of course! That's where I've heard it before!" he exclaimed exuberantly as he switched off the lights and locked the door.

"Quatre is going to laugh his head off when he hears about this… Now I've got two questions to ask her… Her name and whether or not she's been to space before." With those questions in mind, he felt easier in confronting her tomorrow.

Grayson looked at the couple eating their lunch and smiled softly… It's been a long time since I saw Thaliah look so happy… It hasn't been easy for her… Trying to keep up with all her sisters just so her father could give her a little attention… Then, when Quatre came… Grayson sighed… She never really had a chance to have a special someone… Trowa will do nicely for her… She needs someone steady, just like him.

"Aren't they such a cute couple?" squeaked Lisa, a geography teacher, beside Grayson.

"It's the third time this week I've seen them eating lunch together." Matt, the Calculus teacher observed.

"Yeah, and Thaliah's been the one cooking the food their eating… isn't it so sweet?" Hannah- Social studies.

"Grayson, don't you miss Thaliah's company during lunch?" teased Damon, the psychology professor.

Grayson laughed, "Who do you think gave them the idea of eating together? Who do you think discreetly went away so they can have some time together? Who do you think-"

"Okay! Okay! We get the picture, cupid." Cried Damon, "And I do say that you did quite well. Those two are perfect for each other. I mean, Trowa needs some… well…. Zest in his life, and Thaliah seems like the perfect girl for the job."

The conversation went on, but Grayson's mind was on the first day that Trowa was going to eat with Thaliah…

[Start Flash back:]

"So, you got him to come here, in the cafeteria to eat lunch with us?" Grayson said in a disbelieving voice, "HOW?!"

Thaliah laughed, "I don't know how I did it… It just happened… That's all." She started taking out the food from her pack…

Grayson's eyes widened at the three tupperware containers… Then looked at Thaliah with an eyebrow raised, "Been busy last night cooking, haven't we?"

Thaliah blushed.

"You know, there's a saying that goes like, 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

Thaliah gave him a glare and nearly threw one of the covers of her Tupperware at him.

"Er… heheheh… I don't know what came over me… I just started cooking…"

"Hmmm…. So… This is the start of your plan? You know, the one wherein you're going to try to find out everything that's wrong about him so you can hate him."

Thaliah stopped zipping her bag, "Did I say that? I'm sorry… Actually… This isn't my plan… And I didn't say that I want to hate him… Just to get him out of my system…. Besides, when I offered (actually.. forced is the right word) for him to eat with us, it was more out of concern since - have you ever noticed how pale and thin he is? I just want to fatten him up a little bit…" Thaliah's voice softened.

Grayson laughed mentally. 'You don't know it Missy… But you're in over your head here… And I'll make sure your head stays under!'

Thaliah glanced nervously at the door… "Where is he? Lunch started 8 minutes ago… You don't think that he's going to stand me up.. do you?"

"I thought you said that this was only lunch… That this isn't a date." Grayson teased.

Thaliah blushed and threw a napkin at him, "You know what I mean!" She looked at the door again and sighed in relief when it opened and Trowa came in.

"Lover boy is here." Grayson whispered comically.

Thaliah gave him a glare then stood up and waved at Trowa to show him where they were.

Trowa closed his eyes before entering the cafeteria… What the hell is he doing here anyway? He opened the door and saw Thaliah through the crowd immediately. He saw her stand up and wave… She doesn't need to… I would have seen her anywhere…

He saw Grayson with Thaliah and sighed in relief… Good… There's someone with her… At least I wouldn't have to feel the need to talk to her when it gets silent.

He started to walk to her table.

"Hey Trowa!"

"Afternoon Professor, Thaliah. Sorry if I'm late, some students were asking me questions."

'No one else can make me feel these colors in the air. Shoobidubidoo aaahahaahaaaa' Whoa Thaliah! Girl, where did that thought come from?!' Thaliah thought as she stared at the tupperwares. She took off the lids and saw Trowa's eyes widen just a little bit.

She smiled nervously, "That's allright. Ah… Lunch is served everyone. Dig in…" She gave Trowa some of the paper plates from her classroom (Grayson already has one).

"Thank you." Said Trowa still not quite believing the small feast in front of him… When did he last eat such good food? Hmm… Not since Catherine has cooked for him when he visited the circus… He has no idea how to cook at all, save for over cooked eggs, burned hotdogs… well, you get the picture… Not even his coffee is good. He usually eats out. But food had started to taste alike. Now… Good home cooked food. His mouth started to water.

"Uh… Trowa, is there anything wrong with the food? You've been staring at it… I mean, if you're allergic to any-"

"No!" Trowa coughed, "I mean… no… I was just reminiscing when I last tasted home cooked food. That's all…"

Thaliah's heart fluttered, "You mean to tell me that no one cooks you home cooked meals? That this is your first in, how many months?"

Trowa gave Thaliah a faint smile, her liveliness is contagious! "Yes and for nearly a year." He said as he scooped up some rice, warm because Thaliah heated it inside her classroom, and others.

'Yes! No girl friends~ huh? Thaliah! What are you thinking of!'

'Yes! He has no girlfriends! That means, I can play matchmaker between these two!' Grayson though gleefully.

The conversation went on, with Thaliah and Grayson leading, and Trowa just giving small insights about his views. Unexpectedly, politics came in.

"Well, Ms. Peacecraft should really try to run for presidency you know." Grayson said nonchalantly.

"Grayson! Ms. Peacecraft may seem like the best candidate, but don't you think that she needs a break? I mean come on! She became responsible for so much at such a young age of fifteen… She has her own dreams to fulfill… I think that she shouldn't if she doesn't want to." Thaliah argued passionately, then looked at Trowa, "Don't you think so too?"

Trowa stopped eating, and his thoughts went to when he was that age… with Heavy arms. Given missions after mission, killing… so many deaths… He did have a dream once… but then he stopped caring. Then, Catherine came into his life and he- against his own will- started to care once again also… He knows exactly what Thaliah means…

"Logically, Relena is the perfect candidate." Trowa answered.

Thaliah's face fell.

"But, I think that Thaliah is correct this time, Grayson." He added.

Thaliah smiled exuberantly. She didn't know what came over her, but since Trowa is sitting right beside her, she gave him a quick hug. "Thanks Trowa!"

Trowa stiffened… It was just a quick hug… Something that she always gives… Look at her, she's eating as if it didn't happen at all-

(Thaliah on the other hand was busy trying to keep her blush down.)

"Hey Trowa, Thaliah," Trowa's thoughts were interrupted by Grayson, "I wanna know which Gundam you liked best."

Trowa almost choked on his food at the question. But, thankfully, no one noticed.

"That's going to be hard…" Thaliah replied as she tilted her head and started thinking.

Trowa looked at her… Why would it be hard? His choice will be Heavy arms, that's for sure… But that's because he was the one who piloted it… He's biased… But why would it be hard to choose for Thaliah?

"You see… Each one of them is special." She answered as if reading his thoughts. Trowa started to listen.

"Take for example, Zero… He's the one that has the best pilot- or so they say. So that makes him special… Sand rock holds a special place in my heart because… (uh-oh! I can't tell them that the pilot is my brother! What should I tell?)…uh… because it seems so peaceful and friendly, as if not wanting to fight but it fights because it has to."

Trowa smiled… She knows it… Quatre is definitely that one…

"Deathscythe is stealthy and graceful… The green one… I don't know the name, but the one with the dragon hand seems to fight with such passion and justice."

Trowa frowned… How can she tell those? It's rare that people see those type of traits on machines for battle… All they see is tactics and chaos made by such machine-

Trowa's thoughts were interrupted when he heard Heavy arms' name.

"Heavy arms… Now that's a nice machine for a war. With all those guns, bullets, missiles, and that jack knife! A good weapon for close battles. (Thaliah sighed) I wish I could pilot it… I mean it is such a beautiful machine! And it's my favorite color too, red. Not to mention that it always seem to fight with a plan…"

Trowa felt a blush coming on to his cheek and glanced away. Joyful that Thaliah seems to think of his Heavyarms that way!

"But Heavyarms is a heavy Gundam… It can't move as fast." Grayson said skeptically.

"So what? All it needs to do to fly fast is to let go of the gun on the left side… It's just too bad that they have to destroy those gundams…"

Trowa smiled to himself, feeling happy that she really likes Heavyarms…

"I didn't know that you were such a violent person, Thaliah! (he shivered dramatically) Guns!"

"Hey! You asked which one I liked, and I told you… So what if I liked all those guns? I think it's cool, and the pilot too (Not to mention that my brother thinks highly of him!)… What about you Trowa? Which one do you like best?"

"Er… ah… This will sound funny, but I like Heavyarms the best too…" he said, still looking

"Really…?" sighed Thaliah as she looked at Trowa from beneath her lashes.

Trowa looked at Thaliah…

Grayson laughed mentally, 'Heheheh! One similarity, zero difference… mwahahahah… My plan is going to work! Just look at them… Already moony eyed with each other!'

"Well… I don't think I can stand being with two people who thinks so highly about violence… I'm changing tables."

He stood up… He looked at the two, no reaction…

Noisily took his stuff… Still no reaction.

"Good bye you two."

Thaliah nodded, still looking at Trowa.

"Bye Grayson…" Trowa said softly, still looking at Thaliah…

'Joy! Joy! Joy!!! Look at that! Ain't I just the best!!! Now, Thaliah… remember… I hope you remember that you need to make the first moves. I wonder what my wife will say when I tell her this! Ooooh! I want to jump!' Grayson thought as he left the two and went to another table with his other fellow teachers.

Through out lunch, he kept an eye on the two and was happy that the conversation wasn't at all stilted… Thaliah even laughed (guess he has a sense of humor) once in a while at whatever Trowa said… Though Trowa keeps on that poker face of his…

He saw the look of surprise and a little sadness when the bell rang on both of their faces, though on Thaliah's face, the emotion was more evident.

Saw Thaliah point at the table as they were packing up their lunch- which seems to be wiped out.

'I guess Thaliah's inviting him again tomorrow?' Grayson thought as he crossed his fingers…

Trowa nodded.

The two walked out of the cafeteria together. Grayson followed.

Through the circular glass of the cafeteria, he saw the two go on their separate ways.

He snapped his fingers in frustration. "Dammit! Trowa you should have walked her to her classroom!" he muttered under his breath… 'Well, I'm going to sit at another table again and see if you two are going to eat together again tomorrow… If not, I'll just join Thaliah again.'

[End flashback]

Grayson looked at Trowa and Thaliah's table again… 'Well… it seems that I was right." And smiled contently.

'Three days that they're together and even if there are laps of silence every now and then, they seem to be enjoying themselves…I am sooo good.'

"Hey Grayson. Thaliah doesn't have any classes tomorrow, does she? I mean, it's Friday, and I know that I don't see her here." Angie said.

Grayson looked at Angie in surprise, then at the two- 'Ooo!!!! How could I have been so stupid?!!! I didn't remember that she doesn't have any classes on Fridays!!! Stupid!!!' Then, he stopped mentally kicking his behind and his face lighted up,

'Waitaminute! Trowa doesn't have any classes either!!!'

The other teachers looked at Grayson in confusion at the sudden change of expression on his face.

Grayson looked at Thaliah, 'Thaliah… If I have ESP I want you to invite Trowa to be with you tomorrow…' thought Grayson again and again, trying to do power of the will upon Thaliah.

The other teachers looked at each other with questions in their eyes and shook their head, not even knowing what their fellow teacher is thinking of.

At Trowa and Thaliah's table:

Trowa savored each and every bite of food he took in, though his face doesn't show whether or not he's enjoying it.

"Thaliah, you really are a good cook." Came that monotone voice.

Thaliah smiled, somehow she knows that he means more than what his voice is letting on… "Thank you."

'Why won't you open up, Trowa? I'll listen… I'll understand.' She looked at him, still eating with all such graceful manner. His back straight, his elbows not touching the table, and never did he chew with his mouth open… 'I want you to smile more. I want to hear you laugh… I want you to look more than skin and bones… There's so much I want for you… If only you'll-'

"Thaliah, is there something wrong?"

Thaliah was shaken out of her reverie and looked at Trowa in shock… 'What am I going to say?! I can't let him know that I'm thinking of him!'

She laughed, "Er… hahaha! Nothing! Nothings wrong!"

Trowa looked at Thaliah's smiling face, fully aware that she's not telling the truth.

"Oh Trowa, by the way…" Thaliah started, clasping her hands together and looking at it.

"Yes?"

"Well, I'm not going to be here tomorrow. I don't have any classes." Thaliah still looked at her hands, 'So… how will I go about this…? Think! Maybe I should just say, 'I want to be with you tomorrow, would you spend the day sight seeing with me?' Yeah right! If I say that he'll probably run away from me!'

Trowa looked at Thaliah. 'She doesn't have any classes tomorrow either!' he thought happily… Somehow, he just feels that he just doesn't want to stop seeing her…

"What are your plans tomorrow, Thaliah?"

Thaliah started to move her thumb, "Oh… nothing… I was just planning to go around and do some sight seeing... I mean, I've only been here a month and one week. The moment I got here, I went straight to work, then my other four Fridays I spent trying to organize my stuff and records… know what I mean?"

"Yeah." Trowa answered, 'Hmm… So she's going sight seeing, eh?'

"I mean… I would love to have someone who knows their way around here…" Thaliah frowned, 'Maybe Grayson was wrong… Maybe Trowa doesn't have his Fridays free…'

No answer… Thaliah sighed.

"Oh well, I mean… I could just go around and look at places by myself and-" she didn't finish her sentence.

"I'll go with you." Trowa cut in with more zest than he wanted to have, but he didn't like the idea that Thaliah will go traipsing around town without protection… and if he is being true to himself, he'll admit that he doesn't want to leave her side.

Thaliah smiled widely, her eyes happily shining at Trowa, "Really?!" she squealed with delight, "You would?! The whole day?!"

'Why do I have the feeling that I just fell into a trap?' Trowa asked himself in confusion… 'Oh well.. Spending the whole day with Thaliah doesn't seem like a trap, and it's possibly going to be fun…'

He half smiled at Thaliah, "Yes, I'll be your guide for the day, ma'am."

'I can't believe this!!! He's actually going to be with me the whole day! Ohhh! I just want to hug you!'

"Thanks Trowa, really!! I mean, I hope I'm not intruding."

"Oh no!" Trowa answered quickly. Then stopped and coughed, 'Don't get too excited, Trowa.'

"Not at all, I'd be happy to give you a tour… But, I think we should take only two places tomorrow."

"All right." Thaliah agreed happily. "How about if you pick me up at 7 am and I'll bring a picnic lunch and we can eat at a park or something." Thaliah took a piece of napkin and a pen and started writing.

Trowa looked at her in confusion.

When Thaliah finished, she passed it to Trowa, "Here. Here's my address."

Trowa nodded, surprised by his own actions. "Okay, I'll pick you up at 7… uhm… are you afraid of motorcycles?" Trowa suddenly remembered.

Thaliah frowned… How did motorcycles come into this conversation? Oh well, "No. I like motorcycles. The feeling of freedom that you feel when the wind is blowing through your hair…"

Trowa looked at her… She's right on the mark…. That's exactly why he likes motorcycles- and (he felt a smile slowly part his lips) she likes them too.

Thaliah stopped her chatter as she stared at Trowa's smile… 'No wonder this guy doesn't smile! He's got a to die for smile!'

"Well, then. Everything is set." Trowa announced, more cheerfully than he expected.

"You should smile more often…." Thaliah whispered.

Trowa looked at Thaliah, "Wh- what was that?"

Thaliah looked at her hands, "I.. I said that you should smile more often…"

Trowa suddenly felt weird… "I… I have to go… Thank you for lunch, Thaliah." , he stood up and left Thaliah.

Thaliah looked at Trowa's retreating back, 'Does this mean that he's not going to be with me tomorrow…? Oh please not….'

Trowa suddenly sat up straight on his bed, gasping for air. His comforter all twisted around his sweaty body.

He closed his eyes in pain and cupped his face in his hands, "Why?! Why doesn't it stop?!" he muttered angrily, his voice, breaking with silent sobs.

"Three days and I haven't had a good night's rest!" He grabbed his alarm clock and threw it at the wall, "Why doesn't it stop!!!" He bent his head and brought his knees to his chest, trying to feel that he is still alive.

After a while, finally able to quiet down, he went downstairs while rubbing his forehead- wanting to go to sleep but knowing that if he does, his nightmare will start haunting him once again.

He started making some coffee and looked at the clock, '2 am…Maybe… maybe I should just call Thaliah and cancel it with her…'

But the very thought of doing so is not pleasing. He went to the sink and splashed cold water on his tired face.

"Who am I kidding? I want to be with her…" he admonished as he leaned over the sink. "I just… need to… (he yawned) stay awake… (he yawned again) the whole day…"

He turned, leaned on the sink and stared at the coffee maker, waiting for it to be finished.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trowa turned the switch and the sound of sprinkling and splashing water stopped abruptly.

He opened the glass sliding door, his whole body shivering from the cold water bath and his hand started groping along the wall for his towel.

He found it and started to quickly rub his whole body with it, trying to create a little warmth on his numb wholeness.

But the cold bath didn't seem to help at all as he yawned once more. He went out of the tub, his eyes half closed and nearly slipped to the floor!

His hand grasped for the towel holder and he was able to straighten himself, "Dimwit!" he muttered as he began to walk more carefully out of his bathroom and into his bedroom.

Rubbing his wet hair with the towel, he glanced at the clock, "6:00, one more hour to go…"

He wrapped the towel around his middle and flopped back to bed, snuggling at the softness enveloping him… He started thinking of her.

'Wonders never cease… I can't believe she likes motorcycles…' he thought with a smile.

His smile stopped and his eyes widened.

He sat straight up on his bed with a panicked look then smashed the palm of his right hand to his forehead.

"Aaaarrrgggghhh!!!! You stupid idiot!!! You don't have a helmet for her!!!"

He rolled over to his left and opened his drawer quickly to get his electronic organizer.

"Ed…Ed… Ed… Ah!!! Here it is!"

He started punching the number on the telephone beside him.

It started ringing.

"G'morning…" came a low groggy voice, obviously Trowa just woke him up.

"Ed! This is Trowa."

"Trowa… ahh… Catherine's brother?"

"Yeah-"

"Good, then you wouldn't mind me saying this. You dumb ass! A man needs to get some rest you know!!! #$%^&@!!!"

Trowa wrinkled his nose as he distanced the phone from his ear. When the shouting finished, he replaced it back.

"So, what do you need? Sorry 'bout that, I know that you're my best customer, but, Hell! Trowa! It's 6 in the morning!"

"I need a favor Ed. C'mon. For Catherine's sake."

"You sure this is Trowa? I mean the last time I saw you, you never sound as excited as this, not even when you got that beauty of a motorcycle from here."

Trowa snorted, "It's me Ed."

"Whatever. What's the favor?"

"I… ah… need a lady's helmet pronto. And when I say pronto, I mean now."

Silence.

"A lady's helmet, eh? Not for Cathy I'm sure, she hates that motor of yours… So, I'm thinking that you have a date?"

Trowa frowned… 'Date? I never really thought of it like that…' But the sound of it seems nice… He quickly shook his head, "Uhm… I'm taking a friend for a little sight seeing."

"Heheh… Yeah, with her arms around you while you speed up some more."

"Ed…" Trowa said with warning, though the sound of it seems nice…

"All right, I'll stop my teasing. If my memory serves me right, you've already kicked my butt across the circus tent once. Anyway, What time can you get here?"

Trowa looked at the clock… 6:10… 20 minutes to get there. He looked down, he needs to get dressed… Hell! All he needs to do is to break a couple of speeding laws and he'll be there less than 15!

"I'll be down there at 6:30." And he slammed the phone down to run to his closet and dress up, finding everything he needed in just a few seconds.

He murmured a silent thanks to his mother for teaching him to always organize his things.

"20 minutes to get back here, lets say 10 minutes to look for Thaliah's place… Dammit!!! I'm gonna be late!"

He grabbed his wallet, keys and helmet as he ran outside, not forgetting to lock it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

True to his word, Ed's store was open when he got there. Trowa nodded a greeting at the bulky, muscular man who played Mr. Muscles at the circus once before.

"So, what does your lady want?"

Trowa was about to say that Thaliah wasn't his lady… but then gave up… besides, my lady sounds nice…

"What does she want…?" Trowa murmured to himself as he started to survey the collection in front of him. His mind drifted to the time when he first ate lunch with her.

[Flash back:]
"I like Heavy arms… my favorite color too!… Red…"
[End Flash back:]

"Red…" Trowa whispered.

"Ey? What was that?"

Trowa looked at him, "Give me the best red, with a little white, helmet that you've got."

Ed motioned Trowa to come with him to the back door.

It didn't take Trowa too long to find it. The moment he went inside, his eyes riveted to the helmet in the middle. He could already see Thaliah wearing it… Brown hair trailing behind her…

"I'll take that."

"Mighty expensive taste you've got Trowa."

Trowa laughed mentally, "Don't worry. I'll pay you."

Five minutes later, he went out the store with a box in his hands. He grabbed some elastic cord from his cycle's side container and made sure that the box wont fall.

He looked at his watch- "Holy Shit! 6:45!!!"

He jumped on his cycle, roared it to life and sped to Thaliah's house.

"7:15…" Thaliah sighed and looked at her hands then at the picnic basket in the middle of the table… "He's not coming…"

She stopped her pacing and sat on the chair, "Who am I kidding? He's never late… except for that first time that we ate lunch together…"

Tears started to form in her eyes as she propped her elbows on the table, cupped her chin and stared outside the window… "It's such… a (*sniffle*) nice day too…"

She heard a motorcycle roar past her house and stop, but too wrought up with the feeling of sadness, she didn't pay any attention to it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Good… I'm here." Trowa took of his helmet then unclasped the chords from the box. He checked his watch "7:19. Damn!" He quickly ran to the door and rang the bell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thaliah frowned. 'Who'll be ringing at this time of the day?' She glanced at the mirror in her closet to check her appearance.

Wearing tan slacks, practical sandals and a white blouse with a red scarf around her hair, she looks fresh and ready to go to a picnic she'll never go to…

She opened the door and gasped at the sight of a very tired looking Trowa by her doorstep.

He gave a slight apologetic smile, "I'm sorry that I'm late."

"Uhm… N-no… I mean… don't- don't worry about it." Thaliah stuttered.

Trowa smiled shyly, "Ready to go?"

At the sound of the invitation, Thaliah's face lit up and she smiled happily. "Yes! I'm ready! I just need to get the picnic basket."

"I'll get it." Trowa offered as Thaliah let him inside the small rented apartment. When he got to the kitchen, his eyebrow shot up.

"Uhm… That's a pretty big picnic basket." Trowa observed, staring at the basket that seems to be 4 times the size of the box he's carrying. Suddenly remembering what's inside, he faced Thaliah.

"I had to pick this up for you."

Thaliah took the box with a frown and opened it… "A helmet…?" She glanced at Trowa who went outside the house with the basket in both hands, and she saw with disbelief, right behind Trowa-

"… a motorcycle..!"

She remembered her talk about Trowa having an 'average car… and being an average boring teacher' and she started to laugh.

'Well, so long to average! I should've known… What average teacher has a zero-G room for himself? What teacher is so mysterious and charming and-'

"Does the helmet fit, Thaliah?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by Trowa leaning by the door frame.

"What's so funny?"

Thaliah shook her head, 'No way am I gonna tell you!'

"Nothing… I'm just surprised that you remembered my favorite color… that's all." - 'Waitaminute! He did remember!' Thaliah thought as she looked at the helmet on her hands… The dominant color is red.

Her eyes became misty once again as she looked at Trowa, "Thanks."

Trowa shifted his weight and tried not to look at Thaliah's shimmering eyes. He couldn't explain the joy that he feels that she likes what he brought her.

Not being able to control himself, he went to her, took the helmet with his left side, softly cupped Thaliah's pony-tailed brown hair and pooled it on top of her head then placed the helmet.

Thaliah stared into Trowa's eyes, and Trowa looked at hers while he strapped the helmet in place.

"It… it looks nice on you…" Trowa whispered. 'What the heck is he feeling?' he asked as he felt butterflies in his stomach and something else…

"Thank you…" she whispered back.

They stared at each other some more.

"I guess we have to get going…" Thaliah said, not really wanting to.

"Yes." Trowa answered. Then, he forced himself to look away from her and walk outside.

Thaliah sighed then smiled as she followed Trowa, locked her door and then stopped by the sleek black motorcycle.

"Need some help getting on it?"

"Nope! You go on it first."

Trowa sat on hic cycle, adjusted his helmet then looked at Thaliah.

She gracefully slipped on it, remembering the first time that she was on a motorcycle with her little brother, and slowly wrapped her arms around Trowa and settled it on his flat stomach, relishing each second that her arms are wrapped around him.

Trowa smiled as his motorcycle roared to life once again and they started going to the first place he had planned for Thaliah's first outing on Norway.

His smile became wider as Thaliah's hands hugged him harder when he added more speed.

"Gosh! That amusement park is so cool! Thank you for bringing me there, Trowa. But you shouldn't have had to pay for everything you know!" Thaliah exclaimed as she sat on Trowa's bike.

The day has been going along great! First, they went to a well known museum, and then an amusement park… Learn and Fun…

Thaliah giggled. Oh, Trowa has been mostly aloof the whole time, but somehow, she knew that he was enjoying himself too! She looked at Trowa's back, resisting the urge to snuggle her face to it. And now, the day is almost over… Six o'clock and…

"Ouch!" Thaliah suddenly cried out as she felt something prick her elbow. She looked behind them.

"What's wrong?" Trowa shouted so that Thaliah could hear him.

Thaliah felt the cycle gain some speed, made some turns, slowed down then stopped.

Trowa turned around, "What was it?" sounding concerned.

Thaliah smiled, "I guess, the picnic basket just wanted us to remember it. I got pricked by it.."

Trowa looked at Thaliah then at the basket, and for the first time, since Thaliah had ever known him, he started to laugh softly. 'Oh what a lovely sound…'

"Yeah… We've been ignoring your good home cooked meal." Trowa replied after he laughed. He looked around.

"Well, we stopped at a park. Would you like to eat here?"

Thaliah looked around. The park seems peaceful… The sky is still bright even if it's 5:30 pm…

"Why not?"

Trowa smiled… What is it about her that makes him so happy anyway? He has never felt so carefree in his entire life!

"Well then…" he helped Thaliah down his bike, "Pick the place you want."

Thaliah looked around then found the perfect place at a nearby man made lake.

"Over there! By the lake, I want us to go under that tree."

"Your wish is my command."

Trowa dragged his bike to the tree and parked it. He took out the basket and Thaliah leaned over it then handed Trowa a checkered red and white blanket.

He unfolded the blanket and started placing the food containers in the middle.

"You know… I've never been out on a picnic before…" Trowa said, then stopped. Why did he just give a personal information away like that?

Thaliah looked at Trowa in disbelief, but then noted his serious expression and just smiled, "Well then, I hope this will be a perfect picnic."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I hope you won't mind cold fried chicken." Thaliah announced as she sat on the blanket and leaned over at the tree. She patted the space beside her and Trowa sat down on it.

They started to dig in when Trowa remembered a few questions he's wanted to ask since that night at his classroom.

"Thaliah, have you ever been to Outer Space?"

Thaliah nodded with a dreamy look, "Yeah… It's so peaceful there now… Thanks to the Gundams…"

Trowa nodded, "No wonder…"

"Huh?"

"Well, you were able to coordinate your body so well back at my classroom that night that I've been wanting to ask you that question…" Trowa frowned.

"Actually, there's another question that I wanted to ask you."

Thaliah looked at Trowa as she took a huge bite of the chicken, "Yes?"

"Your name sounded so familiar that I knew I read it before, or heard it before…"

Thaliah stopped chewing as her eyes suddenly widened.

But Trowa didn't notice it since he was looking at the lake, "Then I remembered where I've read it…"

Thaliah's mind went back at each and every newspaper article that was made about her family, trying to remember which article had her name on it….

"Yes…" Thaliah croaked.

Trowa looked at her with his eyes sparkling, "I read your name in one of the mythology books when I was bored!"

Thaliah felt her jaw nearly drop in confusion, "Huh?!"

"Your mother named you after one of the Nine Muses of Arts. Thaliah is the Muse of Comedy." (At the back of Trowa's mind, he thought how suitable that name is for her)

Thaliah sighed in relief, 'Okay. My secret is safe.'

"Yeah, I know… My mom was into the mythology stuff when I was born… Actually, my eight other sisters before me were named after the other muses."

Trowa looked at her in disbelief, though his tone didn't hint on it. "Really?"

Thaliah nodded, "Yes. And you know, you're the first one outside of my family who's actually got the connection!" she announced cheerfully, happy that Trowa knew something so personal about her.

Trowa smiled to himself, "That's good."

They continued on eating in comfortable silence, and leaning back at the wide trunk provided by the tree.

"That was good." Trowa complemented as he leaned back on the trunk and closed his eyes. He felt Thaliah move away from him and opened his eyes.

Trowa saw Thaliah putting away the containers, and started to move to help her.

"No. Stay where you are and let me finish this by myself, Trowa." Thaliah warned as she gave him a look that left no room for argument.

Trowa shrugged. How do girls do that look anyway? He's seen that 'look' on Catherine… Tried it for himself once or twice but he'd never had much success with 'the look'…

He closed his eyes. The sound of soft children laughter sounded like lullabies and Trowa started to fall asleep.

When Thaliah went back on the blanket from securing the basket behind the bike, she saw Trowa sleeping.

She smiled and sat down in front of him, propped her chin over her bent knees and started to stare at Trowa.

"You know… You look handsome today… With your designer black slacks and dark blue shirt… Why are you always wearing dark colors? Maybe I should buy you some light bright colorful shirts…"

Thaliah saw Trowa's head lean forward.

"Poor Trowa…" she whispered, remembering this morning when he was standing outside her door. She didn't want to ask him but it seemed as if he was very tired and didn't get enough sleep…

But then, he's been such a gentleman and didn't forget his promise, remembered to give her a helmet for safety, kept her company the whole day even if sometimes he was so silent… But then, she doesn't care that he's silent… She can feel that he was enjoying the day also…Besides, her talking had been enough…

She laughed, "I hope you don't mind that I talk a lot, Trowa."

She heard him moan and a look of pure pain pass his face.

Thaliah frowned.

Trowa moaned once again and she saw him frown. His hands looked as if he was pushing something. Then it looked as if he was holding a stick and he's rotating it and pushing it.

She saw him bite his lower lip and his frown creased deeper.

"Oh my poor darling…" She slowly leaned Trowa's upper torso towards her, and he struggled against her.

"Sssshhh…" He stopped struggling, but the look of fear, hate and pain is still etched on his face as she lowered his head on her lap.

"It's all right Trowa… It's only a dream… only a nightmare…" she whispered as she caressed his face and drew his hair away from his face.

Slowly, Thaliah felt Trowa start to calm down, and the rigid ness of his body leaving him.

She sighed in relief but she didn't stop combing back his thick hair and not resisting the urge that she felt, she leaned over and kissed him on the forehead.

She leaned back on the tree, her gaze not leaving Trowa's face. "Oh Trowa… What are those nightmares…? I hope you can tell me… You can trust me…" she whispered.

She didn't know how long they were sitting there, but the moon has already replaced the sun when Trowa started to wake up.

Trowa moved his head… 'I don't want to wake up yet… My pillow is so soft… This is my first real rest… I need my rest before I take Thaliah out tomor-'

Trowa opened his eyes and looked into Thaliah's light brown eyes.

"How long have I been asleep?"

Thaliah smiled down at him affectionately. "Not long enough, if I do say so myself."

Trowa felt his mouth turn up in a smile once again… He hasn't smiled this many times for a long time! Her name really is perfect for her!

"No, really…" He moved his left arm and looked at his watch, not moving from his comfortable position, lying on Thaliah's lap.

"7:30!!! He cried as he started to get up. "I've probably been asleep for two hours!"

Thaliah laughed at his outburst, "You know, this is the first time I've seen you shocked, Mr. Trowa Barton."

He sat in front of Thaliah. "Why didn't you wake me up?" he asked seriously.

Thaliah looked into his dark forest green eyes. 'What am I suppose to say? I didn't want to wake you up because you were having a nightmare? Because I think you need your rest? Knowing how prideful you are, you'll be ashamed that I know you're having a nightmare…' Thaliah thought. But she only sighed and gave Trowa her sweetest smile.

"I didn't wake you up because you looked so tired and it seemed as if you needed some rest. Besides, it was mostly my fault that you're tired."

Trowa placed his hand on Thaliah's shoulder. "It wasn't your fault. I was having… (Trowa stopped) I just didn't get enough rest, that's all."

Thaliah nodded as if accepting his stupid half lie.

Trowa looked at her lap and felt a blush creeping from his neck, "And… Thank you… for letting me sleep on your lap."

Thaliah only smiled at Trowa, "It's all right." She stood up, fully aware of the fact that it's time to go home.

"I've had such a great time today Trowa."

Trowa, much to his surprise, found himself answering her, "So did I Thaliah…."

Thaliah smiled some more. This is a good end to a good day. "I guess it's time to go home now?"

Trowa smiled softly, "Let's go then."

Thaliah closed her door and leaned on it while she clutched the basket to her.

She sighed and started walking dreamily to her kitchen.

"What a wonderful day this is…"

She saw her answering machine's light blinking and turned it on.

"Thaliah Winner!!! I demand that you answer me right now!!! Thaliah! All right! If you're not there, I want you to call me! It's been a month and a week! Where are those weekly Saturday calls that you promised me?!" came that rarely angry tone of voice.

Thaliah laughed.

The tone suddenly changed and it became more of concern, "Come on Thaliah… I'm worried about you… Call me back please…"

Thaliah smiled as she started to dial her brother's private phone number, ready to ease some of his concern.

"Quatre Winner speaking." Came that serious yet soft voice.

"Hey little bro… What's been happening?" Thaliah greeted cheerfully.

"Thaliah! How have you been? Why haven't you called?" Quatre demanded.

"I am sooo sorry little brother. I've been a little busy… Can't I have a little date now and again?"

"What!? You're dating? Who is he? Did you do a background check on him?"

Thaliah laughed. "Quatre! Stop acting like a protective older bully of a brother… I know that you're just concerned for my welfare. And don't worry about him… He's safe. I actually like him… I think you will too."

She heard Quatre sigh at the other end of the line. "I wish I could date too Thaliah…"

Thaliah suddenly became sad, fully aware of the heavy load her brother is carrying, not to mention that everybody knows that he is rich and only wants to marry him for money.

"I know Quatre… You'll find her… someday…"

Silence…

"Quatre… What's wrong?"

"What makes you think that there's something wrong, Thaliah?"

"You're unusually quiet… Tell me…"

"Someone hacked into one of my personal projects… The one I'm working with three other people…"

"Oh Quatre… I'm sorry…I know how important that project is to you…"

Silence…

"Oh, lets stop with this talk… There's nothing we can do now… So, are you going to start phoning me every week from now on or am I going to have to come down there?"

Thaliah laughed some more, "All right! All right!!! I'll call you! You know that you're my favorite brother of all!"

"I'm your only brother."

"I know. And I know that I'm your favorite sister." Thaliah teased.

"Well, you know that I'm not supposed to have favoritism… but since you're only a few month older than I am…. Yeah.. you are."

"Well, then… This favorite sister of yours is very tired and needs some rest."

She heard Quatre laugh. "Okay Thaliah… Get some rest and Take Care. Sweet dreams…"

Thaliah placed the receiver back on the hook with a smile and went to her room to take a quick bath before going to bed.

Trowa unlocked his door and went inside. Then, he felt a prickling sensation… 'Someone's inside his apartment.'

He didn't turn on his light, but the light from outside is enough to let the person know that he already came home.

Trowa's eyes turned to slits as his gaze went around his house, ready for any attack, his hand went to his back pocket and took out Catherine's foldable knife.

He saw the shadowy figure sitting on a corner chair in his living room.

"Who are you?" Trowa asked his voice, monotonous and hard.

The figure started to move…

(Ain't I a stinker? Heheheh! Sorry guys, but don't worry, Chapter four will be here sooner than you think… I hope J Just contact me and you know where! But just in case, here it is again. KIT. Hope you enjoyed this!)