9Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing.
A/N: Hi guys, sorry for the late updates. I, BTW, have a very important question: where can I read the whole Frozen Teardrop novel? I know, I'm too late and that's maybe why I can't seem to find a place to read it. English translation please? I really need to read it especially now I know that the ending, canonizes (is this even a legit word for the act of a thing being officially 'canon') the 1xR pairing, my OTP forever and ever haha! Please comment on your reviews, the link. Thank you so much in advance! Please read and review!
Fatal Five
a 1xR Gundam Wing fanfic by Ines Kanoyan
Romance/Comedy
Chapter 15 – Party Poopers
It was a busy day at the Romefeller Academy cafeteria. Most of the freshmen students were on their lunch break so everybody was hanging out at the school's huge cafeteria that could rival the city's malls food courts. Different types of food concessionaires can be found in it so the students have a wide variety of sumptuous foods and beverages available to them, only the best for the city's best and brightest students, as they say.
While everyone was busy either lining up or already munching on their favorite grubs from the various concessionaires, Relena Darlian entered the cafeteria with her very own lunchbox. As usual, judging looks lingered around her as she made her way to one of the empty tables. Relena was used to all these judgmental stares and whispers so she simply ignored them and sat loud and proud, alone in one of the tables near the floor to ceiling glass windows. Relena always made it a point to choose a table near the windows so she could eat while looking outside, making it easier for her not to feel alone in a cafeteria full of people.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed over her and her lunchbox. She looked up only to see a very smug Heero Yuy, staring at her.
"What do you want?" Relena coldly said, looking back onto her lunchbox.
"Is that how you would greet your boyfriend?" Heero replied, cockily.
Relena rolled her eyes and gave out an exasperated sigh, as she hurriedly chewed her food, still kind of ignoring the arrogant guy.
Heero grabbed her arm and said, "Stand up and come with me."
Heero's hold was so tight and he pulled her arm with such force that Relena was forced to stand up. Heero dragged her all the way to the center of the huge cafeteria, where there was a mini platform, used by occasional musical performers during school events.
"What are you doing?" Relena barked at Heero as she stood awkwardly beside him on the stage.
Of course, where Heero Yuy goes, the crowd gathers to watch and hear what he is about to do.
"May I have your attention please?" Heero spoke in a loud enough voice that covered half of the cafeteria.
The crowd that had gathered around the stage became quiet and was awaiting for what seems like a very important announcement from the leader of the Cinq Fatale.
"From now on, this lady beside me, Relena Darlian, as you may know her, will be treated with the same high esteem you give the Cinq Fatale. By being my girlfriend, I expect all of you to be nice to her and consider her an honorary member of the Cinq Fatale."
Relena couldn't believe what she just heard. She was automatically nervous when she stood there beside Heero, but after hearing him tell almost the whole school about their fake relationship, her mind simply went blank.
The crowd, of course, cheered and clapped after Heero's announcement. Some were even cheering for Relena. Some were shouting, 'all hail the queen of Cinq Fatale', another cried, 'we love you, Relena!' while some were talking amongst themselves.
Heero held Relena's hand and led her towards the exit of the cafeteria. Relena was still in shock that she let him drag her wherever he was going. As they were making their way out, they passed by a very shocked Hilde, who tried to call out to Relena. However, Relena was like a zombie being dragged to nowhere that she didn't hear that Hilde was calling her.
"Relena!" Hilde cried but she was already gone. Hilde decided against running after her, since she didn't want catching the attention of the infamous Heero Yuy. And now, that apparently, her best friend and fiercest protector, is now the girlfriend of the leader of Cinq Fatale.
"How could that have happened?" Hilde muttered loudly to herself.
"Yeah, tell me about it," a stranger's voice said back to her.
Hilde was surprised after hearing a reply since she hadn't noticed that she had said those words aloud. She looked in front of her and saw the braided member of the Cinq Fatale, Duo Maxwell.
"So, you also can't believe how those two got together, huh?" he said.
Hilde nodded nervously. She couldn't believe that a member of the Cinq Fatale was actually talking to her.
"You're Relena's friend, right?" he asked.
Hilde nodded nervously again. She just couldn't find the strength to talk.
Duo chuckled softly and said, "Hey, relax, no one's gonna give you a black ribbon. That's Heero's thing, not mine."
Hilde looked at him and gave him a shy smile.
"Mind if we chat about them? I'll buy you coffee for your thoughts," Duo invited.
Hilde was shocked upon Duo's invitation but was too excited to decline it. Not everyone is invited for coffee by anyone from the Cinq Fatale. Plus, Hilde couldn't deny how ridiculously charming Duo Maxwell was.
At the coffee shop, Relena was telling Kenny all about the crazy cafeteria announcement, when an unexpected customer dropped by. Relena was shocked for the second time today, upon seeing Sylvia Noventa enter.
Kenny immediately stood up and said in his usual perky and chirpy tone, "Welcome! I'll get the menu for you!"
Kenny walked to where the menus were and assisted Sylvia to her seat while Relena was still frozen in shock.
Suddenly, Relena was awaken from her trance when Kenny went to her and said, "Hiiiii girl, wanna say 'hi' to your bestie over there?"
Relena smiled and nodded to Kenny then approached the table where Sylvia was seated. Sylvia looked up to her and said, "Relena, please join me."
Relena was still panicking internally but tried her best to control it. She sat down and joined Sylvia.
Sylvia smiled and touched her hand. "Relena, I'm so jealous of you!"
"What?!" Relena said, terrified and clueless on how to further react.
Sylvia sighed but smiled slightly. "You're so lucky! I mean you and Heero? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Sylvia, I'm so sorry. I honestly didn't think that you like Heero, if I had -"
"Shhhh," Sylvia stopped her. "How did you know that I like Heero?"
"Um, well, I-"
"Oh well, yes I like him, I mean who doesn't right? I've always had the biggest crush on him. But, don't worry, I like you, too and if ever I would lose Heero to someone, better to lose him to my friend, right?" Sylvia said, as Kenny arrived bringing her orders.
"Enjoy!" Kenny chirped happily, as he left the two girls to themselves.
Sylvia started talking again. "I was just shocked, I mean I didn't realize you and Heero were dating, maybe that's what I'm sad about. You didn't tell me,"
Relena was finding it hard to process everything, Sylvia was saying, but she was glad that Sylvia's here and opening up to her.
"Well, it all happened so fast, actually." Relena replied.
"Geee, you just couldn't resist him, couldn't you?" Sylvia teased.
Relena shook her head in embarrassment and in denial. She couldn't take it. She wanted nothing to do with Heero Yuy and now Sylvia thinks she's so into him? Hah! But, what Relena wanted to know was if their fake relationship brought Sylvia closer to Trowa.
"I thought you were mad, you left early last time when Heero told everyone about us," Relena said, trying to slowly change the subject.
"Well, I think I drank too much beer, and yes, I'll admit, I was a bit crushed when he announced it, right after I gathered the courage to ask him to be my escort."
Relena felt bad for Sylvia that she said, "Hey, he can still be your escort!"
"What?" Sylvia asked, confused.
"I mean, it's your party, you should be able to be with someone you like." Relena said slowly, not quite sure what she was doing. Was she actually sabotaging Trowa's chances with Sylvia?
"No, no, no," Sylvia said, shaking her head. "I'm fine. Trowa offered to be my escort. You and Heero should go together, this is your first event as a couple."
"Really, Trowa did ask you?" Relena asked, trying to hide her excitement. Their plan worked!
Sylvia smiled with fondness. "Yes, Trowa's always there for me. He always makes me feel special."
Relena smiled but her heart ached inside. "Trowa's really nice," Relena commented. "you are the lucky one, Sylvia."
That night, back at Hilde and Relena's dorm, Hilde decided to grill Relena about the truth between her and Heero.
"What is happening, Relena?" Hilde started off as Relena emerged from the bathroom after taking her evening shower.
Relena looked at Hilde in confusion as she towel dried her hair.
"Oh, no don't give me that confused look. I was there when Heero announced your relationship." Hilde continued, not letting Relena go.
Relena was sitting on her bed, as she replied, "We're dating, I guess."
Heero made Relena promise that she cannot tell anyone that they were faking it and risk the possibility of it leaking to Trowa and Sylvia. So, now that Hilde wants details, Relena was finding it hard to talk. How can she lie to her bestfriend?
"You hate him, right? I used to tease you all the time with him and you almost cursed me for it, now you're together?" Hilde asked.
Relena couldn't look Hilde in the eyes. Of course, she still hates him, but he's her only chance to help the tow people she cares for dearly.
"Well, I realized that he's not that bad. I mean he's the leader of Cinq Fatale." Relena tried her best to sound convincing.
Hilde shook her head. "No, no, no. You know even Duo finds it weird. He says that Heero doesn't do girlfriends,"
Relena was suddenly alert. "What do you mean?" she asked Hilde.
"Duo thinks something's up. Relena, you have to tell me if he's blackmailing you or something. I want to help you, I'm worried about you." Hilde said, as she sat across Relena on the bed and looked at her intently.
Relena sighed sadly and tried to think of what to do next. Should she tell Hilde about everything, and risk sabotaging Trowa and Sylvia's budding romance? Or be loyal to Heero's plan, so everyone would be happy, except for her.
"No, Hilde. Heero didn't do anything bad. I agreed to be his girlfriend coz, I kind of like him."
Hilde was silent and just stared at Relena, as if searching for something. She squeezed her bestfriend's hand and said, "Okay, if you say so. I'm just worried, I didn't think you would have a change of heart, after all that's happened."
Relena felt bad for lying and instead thought of something positive to say, "Well, at least now, the black ribbon's lifted!"
Hilde smiled and said, "Yeah, I guess that's the upside to all of these. Anyway, I have news, too."
"Really? What?" Relena excitedly asked.
"Duo Maxwell of Cinq Fatale asked me to go with him to Sylvia's party!" Hilde shyly said.
Relena's eyes widened at Hilde's news. "Really? But, isn't Duo Maxwell, the resident playboy of the Cinq Fatale?" Relena asked. "I heard he's really good with the ladies,"
Hilde nodded shyly. "Well, it's not like were dating, like you and Heero. I just thought at least I could enjoy Sylvia's party, too. Plus, if Heero tries to take advantage of you at that party, I'll be there to punch him!"
Relena laughed at Hilde's words. She really is the sweetest friend and roommate.
"Well, I'll be keeping my eyes on you and Duo, too." Relena teased back.
At the day of the party, Relena decided to work at the coffee shop in the morning as Heero will be picking her up in the afternoon. Kenny also volunteered to do her makeup so she didn't need to spend too much on it. Heero has sent her a dozen of different gowns in different styles and sizes claiming that she needs to look her best and that he had no idea what her size was.
Kenny crashed into Relena's apartment right after their morning shift to help her get ready for Sylvia's big party. Kenny helped Relena choose the perfect dress for the occasion.
Relena stood right in front of the mirror admiring herself in her cobalt blue off shoulder gown that was fitted onto the upper part of her body and cascaded into a soft layers of fabric from the waist down. It was regal and whimsical at the same time, exactly what Relena felt at the moment.
"Giiiirrrllll, you look exquisite!" Kenny commented, as he admired Relena's image at the mirror. "Let me just finish your makeup, so we could head onto the coffee shop where your prince is waiting,"
"Thanks Kenny, good thing, you are so updated with all the trends. I wouldn't want to embarrass Heero nor Sylvia by looking out of place at that party. Hilde begged her mom to send her allowance early so she could go at one of those posh salons, I couldn't afford." Relena mumbled sadly.
"That's what I'm here for, but don't forget my Cinq Fatale photos! I bet all them would look so yummy all dressed up, ooohhh I can't wait!"
Relena couldn't help but laugh at Kenny's request.
At 4 o'clock, Relena and Kenny arrived at the coffee shop only to find a black limo parked outside it already.
"Uh, oh, Heero's here already," Relena gasped. "Hurry, Kenny, hand me my paper bag where I put my heels!"
"Here, princess!" Kenny said, as he handed Relena the paper bag and Relena hurriedly walked towards the black limo.
"Thanks!"
The driver went down and opened the door for Relena. Relena smiled shyly and bowed her head in gratitude.
A very impatient Heero was waiting for her inside, looking all bored and pissed at her.
"You're late," he sternly said.
"Sorry, it was hard to get a cab," Relena replied as she gruffly sat down beside him and started taking off her flats and was attempting to put on her heels.
Heero barked angrily, "What are you doing?"
"I'm putting on my shoes, can't you see?" Relena barked twice as exasperated.
"In here? In front of me?"
"Why? What's wrong? I can't do that at the party, right?"
Heero rolled his eyes in annoyance. "You made me wait for an hour and now you're scrambling in here putting on your shoes?"
"What is your problem?! What is the big deal? Don't you like to see my feet?" Relena said to further infuriate Heero then raised her right foot almost touching his face. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"Ahhhh! Get that off me or I will throw you out of the limo!" Heero threatened, turning his face on the other side to avoid Relena's feet.
"You can't hurt me, I'm your date and girlfriend! Bleh!"
Duo and Hilde were already at the private events place, Sylvia booked for her special party. Duo was looking especially handsome in his full black tux while Hilde was just as gorgeous in her nude halter, mermaid cut gown. Her short hair was style into soft waves which accented her smoky eyes and dark red lip makeup, completing her full glam transformation.
Hilde was surprised how she and Duo were getting along. She used to have all these tense and weird feelings when it comes to him but as they spent time together trying to uncover what Heero and Relena are really up to, she realized he was a really happy-go-lucky guy who hates losing bets. It turns out that the Cinq Fatale had a bet whether Relena would go out with Heero, all the others, except him and Wufei, already conceded and paid Heero after his announcement. But, Duo couldn't believe what happened. Their bet was only about Relena going out with Heero, not becoming his girlfriend, but Heero claimed that what he did was 100 times greater so they must all pay. Duo thought it was too good to be true. Wufei simply liked to annoy Heero. And so Hilde found herself spending time with Duo to investigate and keep an eye on Heero and Relena. Relena was acting so normal but, just like Duo, Hilde felt something was off.
But, more than finding more about Heero and Relena, Hilde and Duo seemed to be discovering more about each other as well. And tonight, though they initially planned it to be a place to observe their targets, both were looking forward to be each other's date and have a great night.
That even though, the infamous couple made their grand entrance, the two (Duo and Hilde) were wrapped up in their own bubble, enjoying drinks and a good chat.
It was Sylvia, in her champagne off shoulder, Swarovski-encrusted ball gown, who spotted the bickering couple and proceeded to welcome them.
Heero and Relena dropped their argument and composed themselves as they saw the host of the party approaching, followed by her handsome escort.
"So nice to see you two, together!" She greeted genuinely happy. "Heero you look handsome, as always. Relena, you look exquisite!"
Relena blushed at Sylvia's complement. She almost forgot where she was after all the fighting and arguing, she and Heero were doing. But after Sylvia's words and upon seeing how handsome Trowa and his smile is, nervousness crept back to her. She really was in this dream world, wearing a beautiful dress. She was Cinderella.
"Relena, may I borrow Heero for a dance?" Sylvia asked, looking intently at Relena.
Heero looked surprised at Sylvia's gesture while Relena nodded shyly, she did not expect Sylvia to ask permission for something pertaining to Heero. Sylvia then enclosed her arm unto Heero's arm and slowly led him to the dance floor.
As soon as Heero and Sylvia hit the dance floor, the other guests followed suite and took their places as well. A soft classical melody perfect for slow dancing flowed into the room while Relena and Trowa stood face to face to each other. Relena felt so tensed that she looked anywhere but at him.
"I think we should dance," she heard Trowa say.
When she looked at him, his hand was waiting for hers. She hesitantly took it and allowed him to lead her into the dance floor.
Heero caught sight of Trowa leading Relena unto the dance floor. He scrambled for a plan to ditch Sylvia and get in between those two.
"We should be dancing with our dates," he commented, hoping Sylvia to catch his drift.
Sylvia simply smiled and said, "They'll be our last dance. Don't worry, Trowa will take care of her."
Heero tried his best to stop himself from rolling his eyes at Sylvia. It was exactly what he was avoiding - Trowa and Relena, together. It made him worry.
"I must admit, I didn't know Relena was your type," Sylvia spoke again.
"Hn,"
"But, I, too am, very fond of her. I like how she's so feisty, I remember how we first met," Sylvia recalled, smiling, as memories flooded her mind.
It got Heero intrigued. "How did you two first meet?" He asked.
"I was busy window shopping, I didn't notice a pick pocket has already taken my wallet. Relena coincidentally was there and saw everything. She ran after the culprit and caught him. She's bad ass like that!" Sylvia chuckled as she narrated.
Heero couldn't help but grin himself. It was easy to picture Relena, petite as she is, running after the bad guys and shouting for justice, pretty much how they first met. The only difference is, on their story, he was the bad guy.
Relena and Trowa were three couples away from where Sylvia and Heero was, but they (Relena and Trowa) could see them (Sylvia and Heero) laughing, enjoying themselves.
"Sylvia seems to be enjoying herself tonight." Relena said, trying to fight her nerves. She still couldn't believe she was dancing with Trowa.
Trowa glanced at Sylvia and Heero's direction and said, "Heero hasn't had any problems with the ladies."
Relena was a bit shocked at Trowa's reply. She knows Heero was popular with the ladies, but basing from her experience with Heero, she couldn't understand why girls like him.
Trowa seemed to sense Relena's disagreement with his earlier comment. "Except for you, I guess." Trowa remarked, grinning playfully.
It was the first time Relena saw Trowa smile like that, boyish and naughty and cute and oh, she is losing it. She smiled, trying her best to suppress all the butterflies fluttering inside her stomach.
Trowa spoke again, "All the other guys couldn't believe it when he waltzed in that bar declaring you're his girlfriend."
"Really? I thought you said he doesn't have girl problems?"
"Yeah, but you're not his girl, you're his worst enemy, right?" he teased again. "The other guys tease him all the time, it's the first time a girl went up against him."
"He thinks he's so great but he doesn't have the right to go on bullying other people!" Relena said, fired up, remembering her black ribbon days.
Trowa chuckled a bit louder. "And now you're a couple, how did that happen, huh?"
Relena suddenly felt self-conscious. Heero would totally kill him, she's practically showing Trowa how everything is fake between them.
Relena faked her laugh. "He begged so hard, I-"
"Relena," Trowa interrupted her. "You're sort of a part of Cinq Fatale now, if Heero tries something foolish, me and the guys won't tolerate Heero. You can tell us anytime, ok?"
Relena's face was so red she just nodded as she swallowed hard. Trowa was looking at her so sincerely, she fought so hard not to tell him then and there, that everything was fake.
"Thanks for this dance, Heero. I gotta go and make my announcement first," Sylvia said, as she broke apart from Heero and made her way to the stage.
As Sylvia found her way unto the center of the stage, the music stopped and everyone turned to face her. Heero joined Relena and Trowa as they awaited for Sylvia's announcement.
"Trowa, you know about this?" Heero asked, as he moved to place himself in between Trowa and Relena, making sure he separated the two.
Trowa simply shook his head and continued staring at Sylvia.
Sylvia took the mic and said, "Thank you everyone for coming here. I appreciate all of you, taking your time and spending it with me. I am so glad to be back in town and seeing all of you from Romefeller Academy, from our businesses, all my relatives and of course, Mom and Dad."
Everyone clapped but Sylvia stopped them, she had more to say.
"I gathered everyone, to say my goodbye." She said with a sad smile. "While most of my friends are busy studying in high school, I was fortunate enough to be offered a chance to pursue my dream a bit earlier. Thanks Mom and Dad for trusting me to do this,"
Sylvia looked into the direction of her parents, while the she encouraged the crowd to clap for them.
"I've decided to accept the modelling scholarship offered to me by a French modelling agency. I'll be staying in France for 3 years. I hope you're all happy for me. Thank you and please let's go back and enjoy the rest of the evening."
As Sylvia went down the stage, Trowa suddenly walked out.
"Trowa, wait!" Relena cried and made her way to follow him, but Sylvia blocked her.
"Please, allow me to talk to him," Sylvia said. "Please enjoy yourselves,"
Duo, Hilde, Quatre and Wufei suddenly appeared as Sylvia made her way to follow Trowa.
"Man, that was such a surprise." Duo commented.
"You guys have no idea about this?" Relena asked the guys.
Both guys simply shook their heads.
TO BE CONTINUED….