Enclosed Heart, Hidden Treasures
Part Four: Revelations and Plans

20-07-07 -> 20-17-07
Author’s Note: These characters, aside from Thaliah and a few minor ones, are not mine. I shout a claim on disclaimer!!! (too theatrical, huh?) Enjoy!

Trowa asked again, his tone soft but dangerous, “Who are you?”

The figure leaned over his knees,

“Why don’t you let go of that knife Catherine gave you before you hurt anyone… Besides, bullets are faster than knives… Don’t you know that Mr. Logical?”

Trowa sighed in relief at the familiar baritone voice and laughed softly. “And I know for a fact that you’re carrying one right now.”

Trowa locked the door then turned on the lights. He walked to the chair opposite his friend and sat down.

“So, what’s the problem, Heero?”

A soft smile passed Heero’s face, “You always get down on the dirt, don’t you?” But it was more of a statement of observation than a question.

Trowa laughed some more, “I know you, Heero, as much as you know me... And knowing that I carry a knife behind my back shows how well you do.”

Heero took a sip of the drink he was holding, “I hope you don’t mind that I helped myself with some of your soda, but I just came from the airport and I was thirsty.”

Trowa shrugged and smiled at Heero, “Help yourself. (propping his elbows on his legs, he leaned over) So, what is it?”

Trowa noticed the serious look on Heero’s face and bit his tongue to stop the barrage of questions that was about to come out of his mouth.

“Someone tapped into the Dual Way Head Quar Ters Project.”

Trowa felt a numbness envelop him… If the information in that project leaked out… It could be the start of another war…!

“What happened to Yasmine’s program?”

Heero snorted, “I told you guys to let me do the security programming, but all of you voted for Quatre’s sister so that she’ll be able to show her talent.”

Trowa leaned on the backrest at the hateful tone Heero used on the word ‘talent’. “So, in other words, the program Yasmine did was no good… You, being fully aware that this is so, created a back-up program that not one of us knew about. But, Yasmine’s program took so long to activate that it caused trouble to your own backup system and the only thing it could do was to tell you that someone was able to hack in the files and copy it. Am I right?”

Heero smiled without amusement, “As always.”

“Does Quatre know that you made a back-up program? Was Duo notified? Have you found Wufei?” Trowa started to ask Heero, not able to stop himself.

Heero looked at him with that hard expression on his face, but Trowa knows him better now.

“Yes, Quatre now knows about the back-up program that I made and he made me promise not to tell Yasmine about her faulty program. Yes, I’ve notified Duo of the hacking. And lastly, No, we haven’t found Wufei yet.”

Heero saw Trowa about to speak again but held his forefinger up, “And, No, we don’t know who the hackers are yet. They are pretty good and didn’t leave a trace.”

Trowa smiled, happy that his friend knew what he was about to ask before he was able to voice it. He thought of the time when they’ve all accidentally saw each other in a café, except for Wufei… It seemed like fate. Then, Quatre voiced out that they should always get together… That became the start of their strong friendship…

If there really such a thing as best friends, Trowa considers these three his own, though sometimes it feels that they are more than friends, considering that all of them went through the same things in war- losing people they love... It made their friendship stronger… almost like a part of a… family… But no… he can never have one. He’s just happy that they are his friends.

They’ve learned so much about each other… Quatre was even able to shred Heero’s defenses down and make him accept his true feelings for Relena… Then, Sally came into the picture and proposed her project… And they’ve all became closer than before, working on the DWHQT… He felt the same peace with these three guys that he felt when he was with Catherine… And now, with Thaliah…

“So, what do we do now?”

Heero leaned backward and looked at Trowa over the lip of his glass, “We wait for them to come to us…”

Trowa looked at Heero in shock… This means… another blood bath… But, what else can they do? There is no alternative path…

“I hate the name of that project. I wish Quatre never even named it.”

Trowa smiled at Heero’s scowl. “Hey, it’s based on our names, (he started naming it in order of the DWHQT) Duo, Wufei, Heero, Quatre, and me, Trowa. It’s pretty cute, once you think about it…”

Heero frowned as he looked at Trowa in amusement, “Cute, eh? Never heard that word in your vocabulary before…”

Heero noticed the slight redness on Trowa’s cheek and smiled some more. “Ah, doth Romeo foundeth a Lady?” Heero teasingly asked.

Trowa shook his head, “Better stick with your battle vocab, Heero. That language doesn’t suit you at all!”

“I know that it doesn’t Trowa.” He stood up, getting ready to leave.

Trowa frowned, “Aren’t you going to stay?”

Heero looked away, “It’s Friday night, Trowa… Tomorrow is Saturday…”

Understanding dawned on Trowa, “And Saturdays is when you can look at Relena…”

Heero didn’t answer.

“Why don’t you just tell her?”

Heero started to walk to the door, not answering. When he got there, he turned the knob, “I can’t yet, Trowa… It’s too much still… The only thing I can do is to give her roses on Valentines Day…”

And with that he left, leaving a shocked Trowa staring at the back of his door.

“…V-V-Valentines…(*gulp!*) Day…???” He ran to his door and opened it, “What the heck do you mean by Valentines’ Day?!” he shouted at the slowly fading image of a man…

The man half turned and Trowa had the feeling that Heero was looking at him in disbelief. “Trowa, I thought you had more sense with what’s happening??? Valentines is Monday the week after next.” And with that, he turned around and began walking away again.

Trowa shook his head. “It can’t be… it couldn’t be Valentines Day…” he muttered as he went to his room and checked his calendar…

He dropped it the moment he saw the red number 14…

‘Okay… There’s nothing to be nervous about… I mean, I know that I’ve always hated this stupid day… But Man! Why am I so nervous?!’ he thought as he paced his room…

He’s never had anyone special for Valentines Day since his mother died when he was a child… Then, with Catherine… she never really expected it from him…

Thaliah’s face floated in his mind… “Figures!” He sat on his bed.

‘The first girl he’s ever met that he’s actually gotten along with, and not telling him that she’s in any way related to him… and he’s being jittery about everything… Wait… Why am I nervous?’ His head went up with a frown.

‘I mean… We’re just friends… aren’t we..? Sure, I agreed we’ll go and eat lunch together again this coming week. Yes, I agreed to take her sight seeing again next Friday… but we’re still just friends…’

Trowa breathed a sigh of relief… ‘Yeah… just friends…’

He stood up from his bed and started taking off his clothes… ‘Wonder how Heero got in here… Nah… Shouldn’t even bother…’

He went into the shower and thought of both Catherine and Thaliah… He’s never given Cathy anything in the entire time that he knows her… Maybe it’s high time that he does…

He smiled… She deserves it anyway.

With that thought in mind, he started to lather the soap.

Trowa walked inside the flower shop. Today’s Sunday… tomorrow is Monday- Valentines…that dreadful day…

The bell jingled and a slightly round woman turned to face Trowa. “How may I help you?” she asked cheerfully.

“Can you make cross country deliveries? A friend of mine recommended this store since he said that you have a worldwide chain. Also, I need it delivered by tomorrow.”

“Why yes. You have to fill out a little form though and it will be slightly more expensive than the usual roses…” She said with a smile.

Trowa slipped his wallet out, “She deserves the best.”

The twinkle in the old woman’s eyes sparkled more, “Ooohhh… She’s that special eh? Shall I recommend the Kennedy red roses? Just about to bloom?”

Trowa smiled slightly at the woman’s happiness for romance, “If you think a lady will like it.”

Trowa filled out the forms and passed it back to the woman. He was about to leave when he stopped. He closed his eyes and Thaliah’s image drifted.

“Dammit!” he muttered.

He turned around once again and started walking towards the counter.

“Excuse me, madam, but I’d like to make another order… It’s just that I don’t know what to give…I just know that it shouldn’t be anything romantic. I don’t want her to get the wrong idea, but she is special.” ‘Hell! Why am I blubbering to this lady??? All she needs to do is to take an order and send it out! I don’t have to explain myself! Trowa! Get a grip!’

The woman’s eyebrows went up.

“Well, I suppose this is a special friend, right?”

Trowa nodded.

“Yellow roses symbolize friendship.” She suggested.

Trowa nodded once again.

“Would you like to write a note?”

Trowa looked at the small card the woman was holding and nodded again. He took the card and started writing in his lean cursive writing.

He paid and gave Thaliah’s address to her.

When he was finally out the door, he didn’t feel guilty and actually feel pleased with himself…

Monday:

Thaliah felt edgy as she neared Trowa’s office… she clutched the package to her chest and had a feeling of déjà vu… The last time she did this… she giggled in amusement as she remembered.

And here she is, once again after school, going to his office…

Valentines day… ‘She’s not expecting anything from Trowa’, she thought to herself, ‘No! Nothing at all! We’re just friends!’

She remembered Damon’s – the psychology professor- questions as he passed by her classroom earlier-

[Flashback:]

Damon looked inside Thaliah’s room to check if there’re any roses from Trowa. He frowned when he didn’t see any.

“Hey Damon, what are you up to?” Thaliah asked as she noticed the head, in between the door and the wall.

Damon looked at Thaliah guiltily then coughed and went inside.

“Er… nothing… I was just wondering why you and Trowa didn’t eat lunch together in the cafeteria today.”

Damon saw Thaliah blush furiously and bit his tongue… ‘Me and my big mouth!!!’

Thaliah looked away, “So, everyone in the faculty have been observing us, huh? Well, for your information, Trowa called me earlier and told me that there are students who needed his help, and since I had students of my own who needed help also, we just agreed that we won’t eat lunch together.” (Darn it!!! And I made some good food last night to celebrate Valentines!!!)

Damon walked towards Thaliah and made her face him, “Thaliah, what do you expect? You and Trowa have been eating lunch together for two whole weeks! We teachers just like to have a little news now and again.”

Thaliah laughed and she tried to contain her embarrassment.

“There’s nothing to talk about, Damon! Tell everyone that. We’re just friends! Really! Just plain good friends…” Thaliah said with as much cheerfulness she could muster, but deep down inside her, she didn’t believe a word she’s saying.

Damon shrugged, being a psychology professor, that blush is a dead giveaway… But if she doesn’t want to accept her feelings as of yet.. It’s better to make her think that he agrees.

“Okay… So you guys are friends. Doesn’t very good friends give presents on Valentines Day though?”

Thaliah glared at Damon and he started backing away.

“O-okay… I’ll shut my mouth now and leave…” He quickly backed to the door and left.

Thaliah stared at the door and shook her head…

[End Flashback]

Thaliah stared at the wall and shook her head…”We’re just friends…” she whispered.

She breathed in deeply and knocked at his door.

She heard his deep, calm and serious voice say, “Come in…”

She turned the knob, placed her left hand with the package behind her and went inside.

And there he sat, in the middle of the room, facing her…

“Hi Trowa!” Thaliah said with forced enthusiasm.

Trowa stared at her in surprise but his tone nor face didn’t show it. It was such a cowardly act- what he did this morning just before lunch.. But he couldn’t bear eating with her on this day! It’s too… He remembered his mother’s words: “When you eat with someone on valentines day, it’s always so much special… You’re father was the first boy I ate a valentines lunch with…” Trowa shook himself out of his day dream.

“Thaliah. Sit down.”

“Oh no! I’m going to be quick! I just wanted to give you these!” she announced and took the box she was holding from behind her and placed it on the desk.

‘Thank God I got her those flowers!’ Trowa thought in relief. “Thank you… What are they?”

“Oohhh, Cherry Drop Cookies… Hope you’ll like em!”

“I’ve lo-liked (better not say the L word!) the chocolate chips, macademia, pili, vanilla and English cookies so far. I’m sure I’ll like these too.”

Thaliah smiled at his compliment, “Well, I wanted you to taste the variations so you can tell me which one is your favorite when I ask you the second time what you’re favorite cookies are, then you’ll be able to answer me. Not like that first time.”

Trowa laughed to himself, “I think I’ll have a harder time answering the next time because every cookie you’ve made is delicious.”

Thaliah beamed a smile once again, but couldn’t help but feel a sadness when he didn’t show any hint of giving her a token for this special day.

“Well… I better get going.”

Trowa felt as if he just missed something… Why does he feel as if Thaliah is sad..? “Thank you, you shouldn’t have done this.”

Thaliah reached the door just in time since she felt a few tears in her eyes, “Oh it’s all right… We’re friends after all!”

She opened the door.

“Yes… Friends…” Trowa murmured as he looked at Thaliah’s back then the door.

He opened the box and smelled in the aroma. He couldn’t stop himself… They smelled sooo good!

He quickly put two small cookies in his mouth and closed his eyes as he chewed… ‘This is the best one yet!’ He gulped it down and grabbed two more. The next thing he knew, there’s only four left of the dozen cookies!

“Dear Lord! I’m becoming like Duo!” he muttered. He looked at the box but he couldn’t stop himself.

“Oh well… Who can resist?” and popped two more into his mouth, savoring the taste.

She leaned against the wall and wiped her tears. She laughed forcibly, “Why am I crying?”

And she started walking out of the building to her house.

But she knew the answer perfectly well… She shouldn’t have expected any gifts from him, but she had… He never showed any feelings towards her… She’s the one doing all the moves…

Doing all the moves…

Her eyes widened.

‘I’m… doing all the moves…! I haven’t been trying to get away from him!!! I’ve been trying to get closer to him!’

She turned around on the sidewalk and looked at the university behind her. ‘Oh God what have I gotten myself into…!’

She turned around once again and resumed her walk, blind to everyone but her thoughts.

‘He doesn’t even know that I exist! Sure we’ve known each other since that first week of school, but other than those accidental meetings and these last two weeks of eating together and going out on Fridays… When did I start falling for him?!’

Her hand combed her hair and unlocked her apartment methodically. She dropped her bag and books on the floor and went straight to the sofa to curl up and think.

Her finger pushed her answering machine’s rewind button.

Grayson wished her a Valentines day… her 28 other sisters seems to have a party at the background all screamed ‘Happy Valentines Day’

Then it was silent and another message played. Thaliah sat up straighter.

“Hey Thaliah… You better know who this is, but just in case- you still haven’t kept your promise of calling me every Saturdays!!!”

Thaliah laughed.

“Anyway. I wanted to greet you a Happy Valentines Day. I hope you’re having a better time over there with that guy you’re dating, rather than I am- guess who my dates are… Rashid’s reports. * sigh * I’m happy for you though… Don’t forget, if you need to talk… I’m here. You know the number. Take Care sis.”

Thaliah picked up the phone and dialed… ‘Yes… I need to talk right now…’

The phone rang.

“Quatre Winner speaking.”

“Quatre, it’s Thaliah…”

“Thaliah? What’s wrong?” Quatre’s voice sounded panicked. “What happened?”

Thaliah laughed, though a little sadly, “No! Nothings wrong… I just need to talk.”

“You sound like… I’ve never heard you this sad since… well… for a very long time.”

Thaliah sighed.

“Quatre… How do guys think? You see… This guy that I’m…uh… going out with…”

“What’s his name?!” Quatre growled over the telephone, “I’ll… I’ll pulverize him!”

Thaliah laughed again, this time more happily, “Quatre! I haven’t finished yet… Besides he hasn’t done anything…! He hasn’t done anything at all…”

Silence…

“Er… from the tone of your voice you want something to happen.”

Thaliah sighed, “Yes… I… I’ve only known him for such a short time… but Quatre, it seems like we’re connected! I could sense what he’s feeling even if he doesn’t show it… I just can’t sense if he likes me… He doesn’t talk much… but I understand him… I… I like him, Quatre.”

“Like is good.”

“No! I mean, really like him, Quatre! Really really really like him!”

Silence…

“… ooohhhhh… Why don’t you just say the word, Thaliah?”

“Because… I think he doesn’t like me… It’s Valentines Day and he didn’t give me anything! I mean, it’s not that I expect him to, it’s just that I thought he would… I mean, we have been going out and eating together…” Thaliah’s voice trailed off.

Quatre remembered Trowa. That’s funny… The guy Thaliah’s speaking about reminds me of him.

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

In Trowa’s office:

“AAAACCCCHHHHOOOOO!”

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

Back at Thaliah’s house:

“Thaliah… I have a friend… the guy you’re talking about reminds me of him… In this case, Thaliah… I think you shouldn’t do any thinking about how this guy will act. I think that that’s why people misunderstands each other so much, they try to put themselves into this other person’s shoes and try to think like them… But you see, each one of us is different and we cannot really think the way this other person thinks… It’s like putting your own words into his mouth. Just accept him for who he is.”

“But-”

“Thaliah.” Quatre cut in, “If you like this guy so much, just show it to him… Try to keep him in touch of the way you feel… Don’t let go of the ball. And when the time comes, you will know the answer. Just follow your heart the way you always do.”

Quatre’s words sank into Thaliah and found that that- once again- he’s right… She has been doing the thinking for him

Thaliah laughed, “The way YOU always do, bro…”

Quatre laughed.

“Well… thanks Quatre… That really helped…”

“Anytime sis. I- Oh oh! (Quatre’s voice became lower) I have to go and finish these papers!”

Thaliah laughed, “Don’t worry about Rashid, just tell him that you’ve been talking to me and that I’ll bake him an apple pie when I get back.”

Quatre laughed, “Yeah… That’s gonna help all right. Bye sis. Love you.”

“Bye Quatre, I love you too.”

Click.

Thaliah looked at the watch… 5:00. She stretched and started to walk to the kitchen when…

RRRRRIIIINNNNGGG!

She frowned, “I’m coming!”

She opened the door and stared into a seemingly three dozen of yellow roses being held by a delivery boy…

‘It must be from Quatre…’ she thought as she signed the paper.

She went inside, feeling happy. Getting three vases from under the sink, she set to work to arrange the roses.

Well… She was wrong… It was four dozen! 48 pieces of sweet smelling yellow buds! Quatre shouldn’t have done this…

She was about to throw away the wrapping when a small white envelop dropped on the floor.

She frowned as she looked at the handwriting… Cursive and lean… This isn’t the way Quatre writes!

She opened the envelop and read the letter.

To Thaliah,
I hope you’ll have a happy Valentine. Thank You… You are a good friend…
-Trowa

She stared at the four dozen roses then at the card… “ ‘Good friend…’” then she smiled, “Well, at least he’s acknowledged me as a friend! Besides… Maybe I’m more than a good friend since he just gave me four dozen roses, even if it isn’t red. It’s only a matter of time…”

“And maybe… maybe I could start with a quick little hug now and again… After all, physical contact is a must!”

And she started to think of a special lunch for tomorrow to show him her appreciation for the roses… and her feelings…

April; Thursday:

Trowa breathed in the sweet smell of air as he walked towards his classroom. The grass seems greener… there seems to be more birds singing…And Thaliah… Thaliah’s been acting weird for the past few months…

Trowa opened the door.

I mean, not that he doesn’t like those quick little hugs that she gives him… but…

Trowa’s thoughts stopped as he started to float in the air. “What the- I know I turned off the Zero-G off before I left!” he muttered as he floated towards his desk and switched it off again.

“All right. Whoever you are, come out.” Trowa ordered without looking behind him.

“I just wanted to see if you got your money’s worth, Trowa.” Came that low baritone.

Trowa breathed out a sigh of relief as he recognized the voice.

“Heero, when are you going to stop breaking and entering in my classrooms and house?” Trowa muttered just loud enough for him to hear. He sat down on his desk and faced his friend.

“Can’t help it. Everytime I’m here, you’re out… So, since you know you can trust me, I just go in.” Heero explained as he sat on the first row’s foldable desk.

“What’s the problem now? Have they contacted you- do you need my help in ambushing them?”

“No… they haven’t. I actually came here to give some things to you…”

Heero frowned as he surveyed Trowa… There’s something different about him...

“Trowa, have you gained some weight?”

Trowa felt a heat creep up his neck and tried his best to ignore Heero’s question, “Give me what?”

“Look under you desk.” Ordered Heero.

Trowa slowly walked behind the desk and took out his chair. When he looked underneath, he saw a 24x24x24 inch box wrapped in colorful paper with a large yellow bow on top.

Trowa took the box and placed it on the table then looked at Heero with a frown. “What’s this?”

Heero smirked, “Quatre knew you were going to forget.”

Trowa frowned some more. “Forget what?”

“Your birthday, idiot. In two days... This Saturday.”

Trowa’s eyebrows shot up then a smile appeared on his face and he started to laugh softly. He shook his head, “Yeah… I forgot all right.”

“Quatre wanted you to open it before I leave so I can describe your reactions to him.”

“You sure you can do that with that serious face?” Trowa asked as he observed the package.

“Just open it.” Growled Heero.

Trowa reached for the bow.

In the Main building:

Thaliah knocked once more and waited for two minutes before giving up.

“Well… he’s definitely not in his office…” She looked at the package in her hands… This’ll be the first time I won’t be able to give his cookie supply…”

Then, a thought struck her mind.

“Wait! He could be in his classroom!” And she quickly went to the nearest exit.

Trowa’s classroom:

He opened the box and smelled the sweet smell of roses. Against, his will, Trowa suddenly felt very excited opening a present. He haven’t celebrated his birthday for so long… And then, when Catherine showed up, after he had amnesia- after the war, she celebrated it with him… even if it was just the two of them and it felt awkward, blowing a single lit candle off the small cake, it made him feel special…

Then, when him, Heero, Quatre and Duo accidentally met each other in that café, and Cathy was with him, she told them the news- his birthday… Eversince then, those four has been celebrating his birthday in such a way as giving a present or a phone call… Such small things, but they mattered a lot to him… It makes him feel a part of something.

He took away the layers of tissues and found five roses and a candle with a note tied to it.

He took the note and started to read Quatre’s beautiful cursive handwriting.

“This is supposed to be your birthday candle, but since I don’t know where you are (being mysterious again, Trowa? Don’t worry- you can tell me whenever you want), just buy yourself a cake… I want you to blow it on your birthday. Happy Birthday, dear friend.
- Quatre”

Trowa took the roses and candle and carefully placed them on his desk with a soft smile.

“That Quatre…”

Heero smiled.

Trowa saw more tissues and took off another layer, underneath it is a complete tuxedo, carefully folded with a pin on the tie… and in folds of the collar, another note.

“Trowa, when I see you , I owe you a concert.”

He smiled once again and looked at Heero, “This is too much! He shouldn’t have.”

Heero just smiled and shrugged.

Trowa looked back in the box… somehow… he just have a feeling that there’s one more in it…

He took out another layer of softly crumpled tissues and took out a black container.

Trowa’s eyes widened as he stared at it. His hands started to shake . He knows what’s inside… but, is he sure..?

He opened the lid and saw a shiny silver flute inside. His eyes suddenly grew a little misty and he tilted his head down, knowing that his bangs will cover his face, but also knowing that Heero already knows.

He took the note inside.

“Trowa, don’t forget your music… It’s beautiful… Have a Happy Birthday and Take Care. See me soon and let’s play a duet!
Your friend always,
Quatre.”

Trowa fingered the flute like a delicate flower then slowly closed the lid.

He looked at Heero after he was sure that his eyes aren’t sparkling with tears anymore.

“Tell Quatre thank you. I’ll start practicing soon.”

Heero nodded. “By the way…” He reached on the chair behind him and drew out another colorful package. “Catch.” And Heero threw the present at Trowa.

Trowa caught the present easily and felt something like a book…

“That’s from Duo.”

Trowa looked at Heero in surprise, “Duo? A book? Are you sure?”

That smirk again, “I know… Just open it…”

Trowa opened the package and saw that it was a magazine and that Duo covered the front page with cardboard and wrote in his heavy scrawl.

“Trowa. Take out the cover after you read the first page!!!”

Trowa, curious, opened the magazine and read out softly enough for Heero to hear.

“101 Ways to Excite and Surprise Your-”

Duo had placed another piece of paper on top of the last word with a print-

“Curious title eh? Now you can take out the card board on the front cover.”

Trowa closed the book and took out the cover. His jaw dropped and he felt heat creeping back up his neck.

“I don’t believe this!!!” he cried out.

Heero walked over to Trowa and glanced at the book, “Well, you gotta admit… Duo knows how to pick a magazine that have nice bodies on the front.”

“I’m… I’m – I’m going to kill him!!!” Trowa glanced at the taped message on the front cover,

“This is to help you with your girl… * smirk *”

“Heero! What does he mean ‘girl’? Where did he get the idea of a ‘girl’???”

Heero backed away from Trowa with a mischievous glint in his eyes, “Well… I might’ve said something about you saying something about a word cute- a month ago…”

Trowa started to walk towards Heero, “Heero! What if Thaliah sees me holding this? I’m going to be in so much trouble!!!”

Heero smiled, “Ahh… so that’s her name… Thaliah!”

Trowa growled, but at that instant, the door burst open and Thaliah ran inside and flung herself around Trowa.

“Oh Trowa! I thought you already left without me giving you your cookies!”

Trowa’s blush increased as he tried to hide the book behind his back and tried to think what he should do with Thaliah’s arms around his waist… Not to mention that Heero is looking at him!!!

“Er… Thaliah…”

Trowa saw Heero’s eyes sparkle the message ‘Ah-hah!’.

‘I’m done for!’ he thought.

Thaliah finally let go of Trowa and looked at him, noticing his discomfort…

She frowned, “What is it, Trowa?”

She saw his eyes dart behind her and she slowly turned around. She saw a casually dressed man with dark brown tousled hair sitting on one of the foldable desks, staring at them.

Thaliah frowned. ‘I- I know him…where…’

Heero frowned, ‘I’ve seen her before… where…’

Trowa frowned at the way Heero and Thaliah is gazing at each other… You can almost feel the electricity!

He suddenly felt angry at Heero, ‘Heero… You better stop staring at Thaliah…’ he thought menacingly. This is the first time he’s ever felt this kind of anger before… and he doesn’t like it.

He coughed, breaking Thaliah and Heero’s stupor.

Thaliah blinked a couple of times before turning to Trowa and noticing the torn wrappings, bow and presents on Trowa’s desk.

She looked at Trowa in confusion, “Who’s…” suddenly comprehension dawned on her, “Oh Trowa!!! Is it your birthday today?! Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve baked you a cake!” she said in panic.

‘No oh no!!! His birthday and I didn’t… I wasn’t able to do anything special for him!!!’

Heero saw the distress on the girl’s face and felt that he wanted to ease her distress,

“His birthday isn’t today… It’s on Saturday.”

Thaliah’s panicked look faded, replaced by a grateful smile, “Thank you!” she faced Trowa, “Trowa, these are for you (she placed the tupperware of cookies on his desk) and I want you to promise to call me tonight.”

Trowa could only nod.

Thaliah quickly went to the door, “I’ll leave you with your friend now… Don’t forget your promise.”

And with that, she left banging the door behind her.

Her quick walk slowed down as she remembered the image of the guy inside Trowa’s room, “Where have I seen him before…?” then she shook her head, “Maybe it’s just someone who looks like him…”

Heero looked at Trowa, “You know… Her cheerfulness reminds me of Quatre…”

Trowa frowned, “Come to think of it…”

Then Heero glanced at the package on the desk.

“Cookies, hmm? And from what she said, she’s been giving you a lot… No wonder you’re starting to gain weight.”

Trowa looked away, embarrassed, “I… er… We’re… just friends.”

Heero shrugged and stood up, “I better start going. I’m needed at the company. By the way, thanks for your reports, I’ll look up into investing into that company soon. I’ll invest your percent in also. Looks like another few millions for you.”

Heero stopped by the door and turned around.

“I almost forgot…” He took out a small box from his pocket and threw it at Trowa, “Here.”

Trowa caught it and looked at the simple box, not wrapped in anything, just a simple cardboard box.

“Don’t open it until you see my present.”

Heero opened the door.

“Where will I find your present?”

Heero smiled at the door, “Don’t worry, you won’t miss it.” Then closed it.

Trowa looked at the box he was holding, then at the presents on his desk.

“I really am lucky to have them as friends…” he said thoughtfully. He unclutched his left hand and looked at the magazine Duo gave him and chuckled.

“I am going to put you away where no one will know… I wonder where Duo gets these explicit magazines!” He placed the magazine at the bottom of Quatre’s box and placed the presents from Quatre back into it.

Then carried it to the parking lot and zoomed his way back to his apartment.

He opened the door. The moment he went inside, he instantly felt that something is different. His eyes scanned the whole area and didn’t find anything.

Trowa shook his head, “I must be getting paranoid…” he muttered.

He dropped the box on his living room table and went to his bedroom door.

When he opened the door and looked inside, his jaw dropped and his eyes popped.

“Holy-”

There isn’t any words to describe it…!

In the middle of his room stood the newest model, top of the line, shiny red and black motorcycle!

He was planning to buy it when he saw it just a two weeks ago… But now, he doesn’t need to!

He took the box Heero threw at him and opened it to find a set of keys.

He walked to the motorcyle, speechless and looked at the mileage… Zero- straight from the factory and not even ridden!!!

His hands glided across the smooth metal, still looking at it in disbelief. His friends knew exactly what he wants for his birthday and gives it to him… Except for presents from Duo which always makes him laugh or mad. Duo’s presents are always made to unbalance his control- and they’ve always worked… All three of them, and Cathy are the reasons he’s started to laugh again… “Yes… I really am lucky to have friends like them…”

Friday, 1700 hrs:

Thaliah hugged Trowa’s arm harder as she felt the chilly wind through her wind breaker.

Trowa looked down at Thaliah. When did they start walking like this..? How did they start walking like this?!

He called her last night and she asked if they could just go to a mall today and just walk around. Trowa had grimaced at the idea… but now, he’s actually enjoying himself!

“Trowa, what flavor do you want your cake to be?” Thaliah whispered as she leaned against his arm.

“Which one do you think is the best?” Trowa asked, staring straight ahead, trying his best to act nonchalant.

Thaliah pouted then, an idea struck her head and she giggled.

“What’re you giggling about?” Trowa asked as he looked down at her.

Thaliah was about to answer when Trowa suddenly jerked into a stop and a look of surprise and joy flashed across his face.

She followed his gaze and saw a poster pasted on the sidewall of a shop.

Thaliah smiled, “Oh Trowa! A circus!!! In town and the first performance is tonight at 7:30! We still have time! Can we go?”

Thaliah looked up at Trowa but it seems as if he’s off to his own world, staring at the girl in the center of the picture… She bit her lip in envy as she looked at the graceful body of the reddish-brown haired girl.

Trowa didn’t seem to hear her… He was staring at the poster. She hasn’t changed a bit… She’s still smiling that bright smile of hers and using those knives… He looked at his watch, 6:45… they can catch their performance!!!

“Come on, Thaliah. Let’s hurry…” without any explanations at all, he tugged at Thaliah and both were running to the parking lot where Trowa had parked his motorcycle..

“I am not going to miss her performance…” Trowa muttered to himself, not knowing that Thaliah was able to hear him.

She glanced away and tried her best not to show what she’s feeling when well in fact all she wants to do is to cry… Her looks is nothing compared to the girl on the picture! And her body! She looked down and saw an ugly body… Her body can’t compare to hers…

At the Circus:

“Excuse me… Coming through… Thank you… Sorry about that…”

Finally they were seated. Trowa was surprised that they were able to steal two seats in the fourth row! He glanced at his watch… Fifteen minutes till the show starts.

He was so excited that he’ll see Catherine again that he didn’t notice Thaliah’s sullen mood.

Trowa saw Greg- the ring master, still looking the same as when he last saw him, go in the middle of the tent and address the audience in his loud voice…

“Ladies and Gentlemen… Welcome to….”

Trowa didn’t listen to the words, he knows them by heart… He waited for the show to move on… waited for the final act where he can see Cathy…

“And now, for our Finale, the lovely Ms. Catherine Bloom!”

Trowa leaned forward, all his concentration focused on Catherine.

Thaliah looked at him, eager as a boy on his first date… only his date isn’t her… She looked at Ms. Catherine Bloom… Bloom indeed! Even her name is as exotic as she looks!

Catherine waved her hands around as she asked for silence from the crowd.

“Ladies and Gentlemen… This performance that we are giving is in honor of (Trowa saw Catherine’s gaze flicker around the tent) my brother who is going to have his birthday soon… I can feel that he is with you tonight, therefore, I will be giving this performance my best!”

And with that, she bowed.

Trowa felt his throat swell after what Catherine had said… She acknowledged to all these people that she has a brother that she is proud of…

“Cathy…” Trowa whispered.

Thaliah glanced at Trowa, hearing the joy, excitement and almost breathless way he spoke her name and felt the full force of the ugly green monster envelop her.

She couldn’t look away from Catherine Bloom, though as she gave the performance of a lifetime which left the audience in awe…

‘Well… she is good…’ Thaliah grudgingly complied as Catherine bowed down.

Suddenly, there was a commotion by the other side of the tent! And a man wearing a clown suit went into the middle of the rink, right behind Catherine.

Trowa slanted his eyes as he observed the clown who was walking with a menacing air towards his sister.

He saw Cathy pale when the clown seemingly said something to her and stayed right behind her.

He saw her close her eyes as if praying to God and a feeling of utter terror gripped Trowa’s heart as he understood that something was wrong… That Cathy is in danger!

Thaliah felt the tension from Trowa and saw him staring at the performance in front of them… and she understood… This isn’t part of an act! There’s something wrong!

The man jerked Cathy to one of the poles which lead to the high acrobatics plank-

Trowa couldn’t stop himself as he stood up placed his hands on the backrest of the seat in front of him and flipped in the air towards the rink, skipping the first three rows of chairs.

He landed gracefully.

The audience clapped enthusiastically, thinking that this was all part of the show…

Thaliah looked around wildly, couldn’t they see that there’s something wrong?! She stood up and tried to get pass the people towards the rink… She needs to be there!!! Trowa might need her…

‘Please Trowa… Be careful…’ Thaliah thought as she saw the clown reveal a gun.

Catherine saw him, “Trowa!!! Help!!!” She struggled against the man and stomped at his foot with her heels.

He pushed her down on the dirt and Catherine felt pain across her chest and breathed in the dusty soil. She felt her surrounding spin and against her will, she fainted.

Thaliah saw the man wave the gun at Trowa, but Trowa seemed to move like a lion, stalking a prey… No one can stop him… Thaliah can almost be sure that Trowa can smell the other man’s blood… She’s never seen Trowa like this before!

The man was backing away from Trowa. Trowa snorted. ‘Good, he better be afraid… I won’t let him get away with scaring and hurting Cathy!!! I won’t!!!’

The man looked around him wildly and started running towards the poles and climbing up, now only caring of getting out from this mess. From that guy…

Trowa felt the urge to stop beside Cathy before going after the guy… He looked behind him and saw Thaliah.

Thaliah saw the conflict in Trowa’s eyes and waved him off to follow the guy, pointing to her chest then looking at Cathy to show him that she’ll be the one to take care of her…

Before he turned away, he read Thaliah’s mouth, ‘Be careful…’

Trowa nodded and walked towards the poles to go after the man. Thaliah went to Ms. Bloom and kneeled beside her. She remembered how Ms. Bloom had called Trowa’s name and remembered the look that passed by Trowa’s face…

‘He loves you… I hope you love him too…’ she thought sadly.

Patting the unconscious lady’s cheek, she tried to wake her up. “Ms. Bloom… Wake up…”

After a while, Thaliah saw Catherine flinch then her eyes fluttered to open at the same instant that Thaliah heard the crowd gasp.

Thaliah looked at the audience who had their eyes trained on the tent’s ceiling and her own eyes riveted there.

She saw Trowa and the man fighting on top of the small wooden plank. Her whole body froze and she couldn’t look away at the scene unfolding before her eyes.

The moment Trowa got his hands on the board, he felt it squished under the man’s shoes. He grimaced in pain, took hold of the man’s clown shoe with his other hand while his left leg encircled the pole and pushed the shoe away.

The plank, being small and wobbly, and the force of Trowa’s push sent the man backwards and clutching at one of the metal bars along the plank.

Trowa pushed himself up but the moment he looked at the man, powder was thrown into his eyes and he could feel the painful sting in his now watery eyes and tried to blink it away.

His breath was knocked out of him as the man punched him in his stomach.

“Leave me alone!!!”

Trowa took a step back and felt that there wasn’t any more wood under his foot, but only the wire.

The crowd gasped.

Trowa blinked his stinging eyes and could now see the panicked and maniacal face of the man. His wild eyes showed Trowa that this man doesn’t care for any life.

Throwing caution in the wind and putting his confidence in his ability, Trowa stepped on the wire.

The man grinned and snarled, “You are going to die today, whoever you are…” and he aimed the gun at Trowa’s heart.

Thaliah shook her head slowly at what she’s seeing, ‘No… no…’

Trowa looked down at the safety net which looked secure enough and looked back at the man.

“Let’s see about that.” He retorted. With nimble feet, Trowa lifted his right foot off the ground and kicked the man at the stomach, making the gun fall on the net.

But instead of falling forward, the man pushed his weight to the front which ended up with him sliding off the platform and his hands grasping for the tight wire that Trowa’s standing on.

The audience gasped again.

The man didn’t give up as his hand encircled around Trowa’s ankle and pulled him down.

Trowa heard Thaliah and Catherine’s cry from below and quickly grabbed the wire on both hands

Now facing each, as they held on the wire, Trowa finally saw the fear in his eyes. But as quickly as it was there, it disappeared, replaced by that mad glint and his foot went up straight at Trowa’s stomach.

Acting on reflexes, Trowa swung himself upright and back on the wire, causing the wire to wobble.

The wire’s wobbling combined with the force of the man’s kick which didn’t connect with Trowa’s body caused him to loose his grip on the wire and fall with a scream.

Trowa looked on as the net caught him. He glanced to the side where Thaliah and Catherine is standing and felt relief that they are both all right.

He stepped into the air and fell into the net also.

Trowa motioned for the other clowns to stay where they were and he brought the unconscious man down from the tent.

He signaled to Greg to end the performance and walked towards Thaliah and Catherine with the man.

“Catherine, hold Thaliah’s hand. Thaliah, when I say now, bow to the audience.”

Trowa saw the look of disbelief and shock on her face but she nodded.

Catherine gave her smile to the crowd once again and raised both Trowa’s right hand and Thaliah’s left hand to the air.

“Now!”

They bowed. The applause is thunderous and after making three more bows, Trowa tugged on to Catherine, who was still holding onto Thaliah’s cold hands, to the backstage.

They heard Greg shout in his booming voice:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the finale!!!”

Then they were outside where police cops and ambulances are parked where the crowds couldn’t see from the main or side entrance.

A mob of other circus workers clustered around Trowa’s group.

Trowa felt the man he was holding by the collar stir then heard the policemen shouting orders to clear the way.

He saw Thaliah shivering from fright and wanted to comfort her but Catherine faced him with eyes full of tears and hugged him.

“Oh Trowa… I was so scared… Thank you…” and she cried on Trowa’s chest. Trowa patted Catherine’s back. He looked at Thaliah who looked so forlorn and tried to catch her eyes, but she looked away.

Thaliah looked away from the sight that greeted her and hugged herself tightly… ‘I’m scared too… I was scared too…’ she thought, trying to stop the tears from flowing down her face.

She looked at the touching scene in front of her once again. Not wanting to show her hurt she turned to anger and the first person she saw with her blazing eyes was the man in the clown suit, groggily awake and being questioned by officers.

She slanted her eyes and walked towards the man. ‘You are the one who started all this!’ she thought as her hands turned to fists. ‘You even hurt Trowa…’

Trowa saw Thaliah walking towards the cuffed man and started. Catherine felt Trowa’s tension and looked at his face and trailed his gaze to the woman with light brown hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a pair of jeans and shirt.

Catherine saw that the workers made way for her, she even saw a scared look pass over one of the policeman’s face…

They heard Thaliah’s sweet voice, “Officer, may I have a word with this man?”

Cathy could feel the hair at the back of her neck stand up and Trowa felt his skin crawl at the sound of the Thaliah’s very sweet voice.

‘This is one girl you shouldn’t mess around with…’ thought Catherine as she saw the petite girl face the man, drew back her fist in a lightning fast speed and punched the man straight at his face!

The crowd grew silent.

Catherine and Trowa’s jaw slackened.

Thaliah grimaced at the pain she felt on her knuckles but she thought that what she’s feeling is worse than physical pain and turned away from the astonished police officers and the man who blacked out and fell on dusty road. She let her tears fall.

She didn’t feel the blood trickling down her fist but Trowa saw it.

Cathy let go of Trowa as Trowa looked down at her, understanding him…

Trowa walked up to Thaliah, through the crowd and cried out her name softly, “Thaliah…”

“Shut up, Trowa.” Came that angry tone.

Trowa stopped in midtrack- He heard Grayson talk about Thaliah’s temper… but… it couldn’t be that bad…

He tried again, “Thaliah…” he said softly.

“I told you to ‘SHUT UP’, Trowa!” came the reply without even looking at him. Her tears blinded her… She doesn’t want him to know that she was crying because of him! She doesn’t want him to feel guilty for her!

Thaliah saw a cage door, blurred by her tears and slid it open with a good jerk.

Trowa felt anger growing up inside him… These are his friends who are looking at him being bullied by her! Catherine is here!

But then his thoughts were interrupted as he saw in shock, Thaliah sliding open a cage door with rage.

“Thaliah!” he cried out.

This time, Thaliah turned around and Trowa saw that she’s crying, “I told you to SHUT UP! TROWA! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” and with that, she slammed the cage door shut.

Trowa’s eyes widened as he glanced on the other side of the cage “But…”

The crowd stared at them in shocked surprise.

Trowa started to walk faster towards Thaliah…

Thaliah heard a growl behind her. Anger clouding her judgment, she turned around and shouted “GROWL YOURSELF!”

But then, she stopped as she saw four full grown lions in front of her…

“Oh…my… God…!”

She felt renewed fear in her and knew that these animals could sense it because they were all ambling towards her, sniffing the air…

She felt something trickle down her right hand and looked at it… Blood…!

She swallowed, willing herself not to give into blacking out and out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Trowa opening the cage door in haste.

“Trowa! Get away! They’re lions! Get someone!” Thaliah blubbered, fearful now for both of their lives.

But Trowa only gave her a look that silenced her… Worry etched in his face.

He clapped his hands and the lions turned to him.

“Thela! Remu! Gelro! Ulfer! Come here!” he said with a commanding tone.

Thaliah glanced up at Trowa, ‘He knows their names!’

And to Thaliah’s surprise, like obedient children, they went to Trowa who was looking at Thaliah and mouthing:

‘Walk slowly and get to the door.’

Thaliah nodded and waited until all four lions faced Trowa. She moved towards the door slowly but her eyes were trained on Trowa who was being greeted by the group of lions like a long lost friend!!!

She reached the door and she felt someone hold her shoulder. She looked into Ms. Bloom’s green eyes and knew that she was offering her help.

Thaliah nodded and Catherine placed her arm around Thaliah’s waist, trying to move her away from the cage but she shook her head.

“I want to see him get out.” Thaliah finally said in a strained voice.

Catherine only laughed, “No need to be concerned… Those lions won’t hurt Trowa…But you need to rest after what happened today. And to freshen up a bit.”

Thaliah glanced at Trowa who was ruffling one of the lion’s head then looked at Catherine’s friendly smile and couldn’t help herself as she smiled back, “You must be tired yourself, Ms. Bloom…”

Cathy smiled, “Cathy, please, you are Trowa’s friend after all…”

They started walking to the other side of the ground where campers and small tents were set up.

“Yes, I’m tired… but if you’ve lived through a war, this seems hardly nothing in comparison.”

Thaliah glanced at Cathy and thought that she was thinking that Thaliah never knew the pain of suffering during the war… All right! So, she wasn’t in the front lines! But she had been worried sick for Quatre and some of her sisters who were helping the rebels! They wouldn’t hear of her helping them out, saying that she was too young, even if Quatre was younger and he was fighting battles where he could easily die! And her father! He died!’

Catherine saw the emotions that passed through Thaliah’s face as she opened her camper and shook her head, “I didn’t mean it that way… er… Thaliah… I didn’t mean that you are an ignorant girl. I’m sure you went through a lot of pain during the war also… I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Thaliah breathed in to try to calm herself and shook her head… She’s been going haywire all afternoon! And yes, she is jealous of Catherine Bloom, but she seems so kind… She gave up trying to fight herself and just accepted Catherine’s help and decided to ask her for the truth.

Catherine motioned Thaliah to sit down. “Coffee? Tea? Coke?”

Thaliah suddenly felt her clammy fingers as she brushed her head, “Thank you…Tea please…”

Catherine came over and sat in front of Thaliah as she waited for the water to boil.

Thaliah looked at her hands then looked at Catherine in pain, “Tell me, Catherine… do you love Trowa?”

Catherine’s eyes widened as she understood what Thaliah was asking her… This explains why she have behaved angrily at Trowa…

Thaliah saw Catherine look surprise, then her lips suddenly formed a smile. “Thaliah, I love Trowa.”

Catherine saw the desired effect of her statement clearly on Thaliah’s expressive face and she quickly added,

“But only as a brother.” To ease her pain.

Thaliah’s eyes widened, “But… how can… You see… Trowa loves you!”

Catherine leaned on her sofa and smiled, “Yes, I know that, even if he has never told me… But, Thaliah… Trowa is my brother… I’m his sister…”

Catherine saw the look of shock on Thaliah’s face, then the weariness and heavy aura the girl has been carrying disappeared with a beautiful smile.

“HE’s your brother?!” Thaliah exclaimed cheerfully.

Catherine nodded.

“Oh I’m sooo sorry!!! I thought… You see… I was so jealous of you! I mean, you’re so pretty… and… we…”

Catherine laughed, “It’s all right. Thank you for the compliment. I know what you thought… I guess Trowa didn’t tell you that we’re related?”

Thaliah blushed, “Er… no… You see, Trowa doesn’t talk much about his past or his family…”

Catherine nodded as she remembered when she first met Trowa… Now, he’s different, more attuned to others and himself… “I know…” she whispered.

Thaliah leaned over. “Tell me about him.”

Catherine shook her head… She herself doesn’t know Trowa’s full history… Just very few such as his parents dying when he was little in front of him… Shot…

“I’m sorry Thaliah… But, I can’t… I think Trowa should have the privilege of telling you that himself.”

In some ways… Thaliah understood what Catherine is saying, and she respects Trowa’s privacy…

They heard the teapot and Catherine stood up to make the tea.

“We were planning to have a celebration for Trowa’s birthday… He’s a part of this circus, this is family… We wanted to celebrate with him on the very second his day comes… Want to join us?” Catherine said from the kitchen.

Thaliah’s eyes lit up, “Could I, really?”

Catherine laughed at her expression…. Trowa shouldn’t let go of this girl… she’s perfect for him…

“Yes, you can, that was why I asked!”

Thaliah laughed, “Silly me!”

“But,” Catherine went back to the room and handed Thaliah her tea, “We need to find you a costume… Everyone will be in costume…”

Catherine started to think as she looked at Thaliah’s body, “You almost have the same body size that I do, I like your body better though! (Thaliah blushed, remembering her earlier thoughts)… hmmm… I think I’ve got a costume for you!” she cried as she jumped up and went inside the other room.

Thaliah could hear Catherine’s voice murmuring, “nope, nahh… uh-uh..” and smiled… She really does like her, especially now that she knows that Cathy is related to Trowa!

“AH-HAH!”

Catherine came out of the room with a triumphant smile and looked at the watch by the door, “It’s 9:30, the party starts at 10:30, we’ve got just enough time to dress up! I’ve haven’t played dress up for such a long time!”

Thaliah thought of all her sisters and smiled, “I’d be happy to help you!” and they laughed, a female bond growing between them.

Thaliah suddenly remembered someone, “Cathy… Do you know who that man was…?”

Catherine looked at Thaliah, her eyes, sad, “The man escaped from an asylum a week ago…”

Thaliah nodded.

Silence…

Catherine smiled, lightening the mood and her eyes started to look dreamy, “You know… The man I’m engaged to is coming over tonight to meet Trowa!”

Thaliah squeeled, “You’re engaged?! How wonderful!!! How did you know that Trowa will be here tonight?”

Cathy laughed, “Well, we put up posters all over the place and we had a word from one of Trowa’s friends that they’re going to get Trowa here either right before the show starts or during his celebration even if it means kidnapping!”

Thaliah laughed, “You’re kidding! I don’t think they can put a finger on Trowa though!”

Catherine looked thoughtfully at Thaliah, “You would be surprised…” but then she smiled, “I’ll tell you about my engagement and how I met him if you tell me how you met Trowa and what you’ve been doing together!”

Thaliah blushed but nodded her head, “Deal!”

The two started to talk to each other like they’ve known each one forever while they dressed up for the festivity.

Trowa walked out of the cage and quickly scanned the area for Thaliah. He saw one of his old co-workers walking to him and called out, “Harry, where did the brown haired girl go?”

Harry smiled, “That spirited young lass? Heh! You know how to pick Trowa!”

Trowa squished the blush that was creeping up his neck, “Where is she?”

“I reckon that she’s with your sister, dressing up for the cel’bration, like yur s’posed be!”

Trowa frowned, “What celebration?”

Trowa saw Harry signal to three other clowns and they encircled Trowa. “Don’t worry ‘bout your lass, Trowa. Now, are you coming with us to get dressed quietly, or are we going to use brute force?”

Trowa shook his head. He might be out of practice, but he’s single handedly manhandled these three huge clowns before, and they know it! But, remembering his promise to Catherine that he won’t hurt them ever again, he just shrugged.

“Lead the way, Amos.”

Thaliah looked at herself in the mirror and tugged at the bodice upwards to cover her chest some more. “Are… are you sure this isn’t too… low…?”

Catherine looked at Thaliah critically, “Nope… it’s just great! It fits you and everything! It’s just too bad that you don’t have ebony hair to go along with that gypsy outfit. But… Thaliah!”

Thaliah turned around and felt the skirt swish around her legs, “What?!”

Catherine went up to Thaliah, “Your hair! It’s still up in that pony tail of yours! Come on! You’re not cooking! You’re going to a celebration! So let it down.”

Thaliah blushed, “Er… sorry…”

Catherine smiled as Thaliah let down her hair which flowed halfway down her back in soft light brown curls.

“Beautiful!” Catherine sighed as she took a brush from her drawer. “Let me fix your hair the way you did mine. Having eight other sisters like you do certainly have it’s advantages!” she said as she looked at Thaliah’s work with her hair, looped up with some curly tendrils coming down, framing her face. Catherine had argued that her hair wouldn’t stay up, but, to her surprise, it did!

Thaliah blushed at Cathrine’s compliment, ‘Well… actually, more than nine…’ she thought as she sat on the stool Cathy guided her to.

After a few more trials, Catherine sighed in frustration. “I think that having it down is the best for you… Besides, now that I think of it… A gypsy doesn’t have their hair up, and having your soft curls is just perfect.”

Thaliah stood up and looked at her reflection once again. Emerald green skirt with white ruffled off-shoulder top and a black vest-type with strings criss-crossing each other, making her waist appear slimmer. And her hair, let down only when she sleeps, is framing her pixie face.

She looked over at Thaliah who was wearing a gauzy, white dress that looks regal- yet with a hint of childishness. She’s going as a pixie, and already had glittery make-up on her face.

“Let me look at you.” Cathy ordered. Thaliah turned around to face Cathy who smiled. “Trowa wouldn’t know what hit him!”

And the two girls laughed.

“Oh! Almost forgot!” Catherine went to Thaliah with a lipstick and eyeliner on her hand. “Your eyelashes are thick enough but, I want to emphasize your eyes a little bit more (Thaliah stood still as Cathy worked on her face) Just subtly though… and a little red lipstick will add to your charm.”

Then Cathy turned her around to face the mirror again and it seemed to Thaliah that she’s looking at another person. “Er… don’t you think that the red is too red?”

Catherine smiled mysteriously, “You’re supposed to be enticing.” And brought her eyebrows up and down in a silent message and the two laughed.

“Let’s get the shoes.”

Thaliah hurriedly followed Catherine. It was such a surprise that even if Thaliah was still two inches smaller than Cathy, their shoes size are the same.

Then, the two sat down once again in the small living room and waited for the boys to come.

Trowa stopped by the bushes to watch a man, dimly lit by Catherine’s camper light look at the clock then pace.

He glanced at the harlequin suit he’s wearing, then back at the black thick hair and square jaw… No doubt about it… This is Johnne…

He shook some bushes to announce that someone’s coming and saw Johnne look at his direction.

Trowa walked out of the forest into the dimly lit ground and stared at the man, “Who are you.”

Trowa saw the man swallow his fear and look courageously into his eyes, then take his right hand out for a handshake.

“Johnne Pulairn. I’m waiting for Ms. Bloom to come out.” Johnne said in heavy Italian accent as he looked at the man in a gay clown suit which rivaled the serious expression on the wearer’s face.

Trowa just looked at the outstretched hand then, after a few more seconds, reached out to shake it.

“Trowa Barton.”

“Oh! You are Ms. Bloom’s brother she has spoken so highly of! I am pleased!”

Trowa just nodded, “And you’re the person she’s engaged to.”

Trowa let go of the man. Firm handshake… Good, I don’t like wimps. He turned to face Catherine’s camper door and said in a dangerously low voice.

“If you hurt her… I’ll kill you.”

Trowa didn’t see Johnne flinch. Instead, Johnne shook his head as he looked at Trowa. “I will never hurt Cathy…”

Trowa didn’t answer. ‘He seems sincere enough… But still, if he does anything… He’ll be sorry…’

The door suddenly opened. “Johnne! Trowa! You’re both here!” Catherine cried out as she stepped out of her camper and gave each of the man a hug, then wrapped an arm around Johnne’s waist while he did the same. “Have you met each other already?”

Trowa nodded and Johnne smiled warmly down at her, “Yes. You’re brother loves you very much.”

Trowa started, but Cathy just gave him one of her warm smiles, “I know. I love him a lot too.”

Trowa looked away and hid his blush. It wasn’t the first time she’s ever told him that… But it always have the same effect on him… He feels special, a feeling he’s lost and thought would never again gain.

He coughed to break the comfortable silence, “Cathy, where’s Thaliah?”

Catherine looked at the door with a smile, “Thaliah! Come on down! Trowa’s waiting!”

“But-”

“Or else I’m going to drag you down.” Catherine cried out in a singsong voice.

Trowa heard Thaliah’s laugh and wondered why she wouldn’t come down.

“Trowa,” Catherine whispered with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “Thaliah’s a little shy, so don’t stare at her, all right?”

Trowa’s jaw almost fell, “Shy?! Thaliah? Are you sure Cathy?” he asked as Trowa tried to remember one instance that he’s ever known ever-confident Thaliah to be shy.

But, his brain seemed to stop thinking as Thaliah emerged from the camper.

Catherine smiled satisfyingly at Trowa’s stare. ‘Yup… she’s good for him. So far, I’ve seen concern, anger, shock and surprise… Which is definitely an improvement from his old placid self…’

For the very first time, Trowa saw Thaliah’s hair down… and it made a difference… She seems more… mature… and her off shoulder dress is definitely… * gulp * enticing…

Catherine glanced at Thaliah who’s blushing under Trowa’s stare and decided to break the silence, “You guys! If we don’t hurry, we’re going to miss Trowa’s birthday celebration!”

And with that, Catherine placed her hand within Johnne’s bent arm and walked to where they could hear the music and see the fire blazing red orange.

Trowa took one last look at Thaliah and offered her his arm. When she shyly took it, he looked down into her eyes,

“You look… nice tonight…”

The compliment made Thaliah laugh, ‘Nice, am I?’

They started walking.

“Thanks Trowa… Do you know that this is the very first time I’ve seen you in lively colored clothes?!”

Trowa looked down at his old circus clothes then looked up in the sky, “I used to work here…”

“So I gathered when you called those (Thaliah shivered) lions to you!”

Trowa shook his head, “I still can’t believe that! Do you know that they were scared of you because you shouted at them?”

Thaliah looked at Trowa in disbelief, “THEY were scared of ME?! I was petrified of them!”

Trowa felt a laugh bubbling in him and looked down at Thaliah once again…

“Hey Trowa! Guys! The birthday boy is here!” roared Greg as the two entered the ring with a large blazing fire in the middle and the three circus chef cooking hotdogs and others.

“Welcome back Trowa! We just want to say-”

Everyone opened their mouths, including Thaliah, and shouted at the top of their voices,

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!”

The celebration began. Their dancers dancing to music, people eating, Catherine talking to Thaliah, Trowa and Johnne… Everything was lively… and everything was to celebrate his birthday with him… Trowa was touched… But not knowing how else to express his sincerity, he only said a whispered ‘thank you’ to everyone that only Thaliah heard.

It was three in the morning, but the celebration doesn’t look near to ending.

Thaliah faked a yawn which Trowa noticed and told everyone that they’re leaving.

Thaliah motioned for Catherine to come with her.

“Cathy, there’s no cake.”

Cathy’s palm slapped her forehead, “Oh darn! I forgot about it!”

Thaliah laughed, “That’s okay… I’m going to bake one when I get back home, it’s going to be enough for everyone here…”

Catherine frowned, “Are you sure it’s all right? I mean, I’m sure you’re tired…”

Thaliah placed a hand on Cathy’s shoulder, “I don’t have any presents for him yet… I’m only good at cooking, nothing else… This is going to be my present for him.”

Cathy nodded.

“What I need you to do is to ask one of your staff to come over my house, (Thaliah took a napkin and started scribbling directions) and pick me and the cake up at around… hmmm…. 5 tomorrow… You don’t have any presentations tomorrow, do you?”

Catherine smiled, “No… It’s a day-off. Greg knows that we’re all going to be tired after tonight.”

“Okay then… Tell everyone there’s going to be cake tomorrow, after Trowa and I leave… And, er… how can we get Trowa back here?”

Cathy smile became wider, “Leave that to me.”

The girls nodded, “Okay then… Tomorrow… It was nice to know you, Cathy.”

Cathy shook her head as she hugged Thaliah, “The pleasure is mine, Thaliah.”

Trowa walked with Thaliah hugging his arm and yawned again, this time for real.

“You really are sleepy, aren’t you?”

“Hmm…? No… it was such a great party…” Thaliah could feel her eyes dropping to sleep and forced herself to stay awake.

“Try to go to sleep when we’re riding back to your house. I’ll make sure that you won’t fall off…”

Thaliah nodded, knowing that he’ll do just that. And on the way back, feeling secure as she hugged Trowa’s waist, she fell asleep.

“Thaliah… we’re here…” Trowa whispered as he rubbed Thaliah’s cheek softly. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled.

“Thank you Trowa.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek then jumped off the motorcycle, and with a last wave and smile she called out

“Good night.” Before closing the door.

Trowa stared at the door as his hand went up to where Thaliah kissed him. A genuine smile of pleasure appeared on his face as he revved up his cycle and took off for his own rented apartment to sleep, knowing that he won’t dream any nightmares today…

Thaliah yawned and groggily looked at the watch. “Hmm… already * yawn* 5:00… where’s that person Cathy said will come..?”

She went inside the kitchen, holding on to the wall for fear of toppling over and checked her cake.

A towering four-layered circular cake with the base, 20 inches in diameter of mocha cake with mocha icing, the second layer, 14 in. in diameter, is chocolate cake with similar icing; the third is 10 inches in diameter pure vanilla, and lastly, a 4 inch angel cake, Catherine’s favorite cake with a white lemon flavored icing.

And for decorations, Thaliah added a few coloring to her white icing and added the needed frills and flowers. The cake looks weird having three different colors… but, the circus workers will love the decorations on it. And on the base, it said, “Happy Birthday, Trowa” in her neatest cake calligraphy.

Thaliah grimaced as she bumped her left hand on the edge of the table, “Dammit…” she muttered and took off the gauze to look at the burn.

“Utter stupidity!” she angrily said as she splashed cold water over it and applied another coat of lotion on it, then a new gauze. She got the burn when she accidentally fell asleep while waiting for the cakes to cool and her hand fell on top of the just-out-of-the oven pan and burned herself.

RRRRRRRRIIIIIIINNNNNGGGGG!

“Oh good! They’re here…!” Thaliah said in relief as she opened the door. She saw Greg, the ringmaster in casual clothes. “Greg! How’ve you been?”

“Hello, sweet Thaliah. Catherine informed me of your plans (he said with his eyebrows going up and down) where is the cake? Everyone loves delicacies such as cakes in my circus.”

Thaliah laughed, “Right this way.”

When Greg saw the cake, his eyes widened, “Mama Mia! Thaliah, my dear, I think that that is the grandest cake I’ve ever seen.”

Thaliah smiled, “You think s- * yawn * so? Excuse me..”

Greg looked at her with concern, “You didn’t stay up all day long, did you?”

Thaliah didn’t look at him, “Er… It was for Trowa… It’s all right… Maybe I can sleep in your truck while we’re riding back to the grounds?”

“Yes, you can… Er, could you take hold of the other side, while I take hold of this side?”

Thaliah smiled and did as she was told. They finally got the cake in the truck and Thaliah fell asleep as they rode on.

When they got there, Greg woke her up.

“I’ve got keys for Cathy’s camper. You can stay there and sleep… Then, I’ll call you when Trowa arrives.”

Too sleepy to argue, Thaliah just nodded and followed Greg. She couldn’t remember much of what happened, but she could remember curling up on the sofa she was sitting on last night and falling asleep.

“TROWA!!! WAKE UP!!!! HEY! SLEEPY HEAD!!!”

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

DING DONG! DING DONG!!!

Trowa groggily opened his eyes and almost fell off his bed at the racket, “All right! All right! I’m awake!” he muttered as he put on some slippers and went to the door.

He opened it and found Catherine with a wide smile, “Hi little bro…” Her gaze fell down on his pajamas and shook her head, “You just woke up?! Geeze!” She pushed Trowa inside and went to the kitchen, “Go and dress up…. We’re going back to the grounds.”

“What… Cathy what is this?” Trowa asked, completely confused.

Catherine gave Trowa a glare which shut him up, “Just go and dress up, will you!”

Trowa shrugged and went inside his room. But he could hear Cathy speaking.

“You know, I specifically remember that even the slightest whisper could wake you up when we were in the war… You’re starting to loose your touch Trowa!”

Trowa grimaced, ‘I didn’t want to wake up… I was having the nicest dream! But you had to make all that racket and make me wake up…’ he tried to remember what the dream was but he couldn’t… all he knew was that he felt so much at peace for the first time and didn’t want to wake up.

“I’m ready.” He called out as he emerged from his room wearing a black shirt and brown colored slacks.

Cathy was looking at the candle in the middle of Trowa’s two seat dining table, “I get it that this is from Quatre?” she asked as she held up the red and white spiraled candle stick.

“Yeah. He wanted me to blow that candle for today.”

“And you haven’t blown it yet! How perfect!” exclaimed Cathy as she slipped the candle in her purse and grabbed Trowa’s arm.

“C’mon. Johnne’s been waiting for hours.”

Trowa stopped, “You are not going to move me until you tell me where we’re going.”

Cathy just smiled, “To the grounds, of course! Everyone is probably waiting there already.” She herded Trowa inside the passenger seat and settled herself in the back seat. “Let’s go Johnne!”

When the trio reached the circus grounds, Trowa could see the workers settled where they had the celebration the night before. But instead of the great fire in the middle, it was a four-layered cake…

Catherine quickly went to the cake and propped the candle on top and lighted it. Then, she started singing ‘Happy Birthday to you…’ and the others sang along with her.

Johnne pushed Trowa to the cake, and when the song ended, Trowa blew the single candle’s flame.

Everyone cheered.

“All right everyone! Get your cake! The angel cake is mine though! So no touch!” Cathy announced gaily.

She stepped up to Trowa, who still looked surprised and dragged him to her camper.

“Thaliah’s inside. Greg told me that she’s sleeping…”

Trowa looked at Cathy and understood what she meant… It was Thaliah who made that cake and she probably labored all day and not sleep… “Thanks Cathy…”

Cathy shook her head as she smiled, “It’s her you’re supposed to be thanking… The door is open.”

And with that, she left Trowa and went back to the celebration.

Trowa went inside the camper and saw Thaliah curled sweetly on the couch, with her right hand under her head. He went up to her and kneeled beside her.

Then, he noticed her left hand. He frowned as he took it gently and unwrapped the gauze. The back of her hand is reddish brown with burn. Trowa bit his lip and frowned.

“Thaliah…” he said in a soft scolding tone… He couldn’t stop himself and he leaned forward to touch his lips to her burn.

Thaliah’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled, “Hello… Trowa…”

Trowa looked down at her with a frown. “What’s this?”

“Oh… it’s just a burn… (her other hand went up and traced his face) Don’t frown… oh… no, forget I said that… I’d rather see you frown than to see that dead pan expression of… (yawn) yours again… I’m just… going to… close my eyes for five…minutes…”

She grasped the hand holding her burn, brought it to her face to cuddle and closed her eyes, once again asleep.

Trowa brought his left hand and smoothed her hair away from her face, “What am I going to do with you..?”

(Okay- that’s it, Chapter 5 is gonna be shorter- If you want to know… The celebration went on but Trowa stayed with Thaliah until she woke up. Sorry if some of you guys got bored… Hey, I finished this in 1 week and 3 days! I’m proud of myself! Anyways, comments and criticisms are welcome at the same address! KIT Take Care!!!)