Eighty-One

Just Deal

      “So how much of that base did we destroy?” Quatre asked Heero.
      We were waiting for Relena to grace us with her presence to discuss what she thought we knew.
      I spaced off as Heero responded.
      Quatre had called Relena as we drove back to the hotel, he’d invited her to dinner, he hadn’t decieved her. He’d told her right out...well, heavily implied, that he knew she’d questioned me.
      I wasn’t offended by it, she had every right to question my word when her brother accidently let on a bit more than he should have. He’d admitted to that as we rode back to the office.
      I could only assume this had something to do with jealousy...as...wrong...as that was to assume. Maybe she was just upset that she wasn’t part of our group when she’d done so much in the past to help them...even to the point of allowing them to remain in her country when stupid fools who thought they were right and over-ran her kingdom...were threataning her daily...
      It occurred to me exactly who she was...not that I didn’t know...it’s just...she was after Heero and he was mine...she’d done so much...sacreficed so much for peace...and now it was going to be broken again. After all her efforts...
      I may not like the bitch personally, but she did deserve the respect...
      Heero had been watching me, and tilted his head.
      I smiled a bit, shaking my head and re-joining the conversation.
      The guys should be happy...Relena would get her respect now.
      There was a timid sounding tap on the door.
      “Enter.” Quatre called, turning to the door.
      Relena came in, her lips pursed as she looked us over, then focused on me, “I just want to let you know right out that I meant no personal offense.”
      I nodded, “I understand, though I’m a bit annoyed.”
      That got some looks.
      Relena looked at Zechs, “I’m sorry...”
      Zechs shook his head.
      “You could have just asked me, Relena.” Quatre told her, “You didn’t have to go through Une. In fact, I would have been more willing to give you the direct information than giving it to the entire organization.”
      Relena looked away, “I’m sorry.”
      Quatre shook his head, “Anything specific you want to know?”
      She blinked, looking at him, then thinking, “Well...I thought there might be something I needed to know...”
      Quatre gave her a level look. “We would have told you.” he informed her, “As it stands, now our enemies know that we know more than we told.”
      Relena frowned.
      “They’ve penetrated your organization. They have someone in top rank.”
      “How...”
      “I’m not sure, yet. I’m looking into it...or rather, having Nikki...”
      That was news to me...but that was all right, it was my new challenge he’d promised. I nodded.
      Relena looked me over, thinking. I didn’t look away, she wasn’t going to stare me down.
      Finally she looked away, “Again, I apologize. The affront was unintentional...”
      “Where would you like to have dinner?” Quatre asked after a stressed silence.
      “Where ever you were planning on going...” she muttered.
      Quatre shrugged, “I made no plans.”
      “Chinese?” Sam asked happily, “I’m in the mood for stir-fry.”
      I smiled, nodding, “Sweet and sour pork and pork fried rice...”
      She made a face at me and I chuckled.
      There was the general aire of assent over the room, even Relena nodded...
      The night was a bit of a blur...to an extent. We ate, then went to a club.
      I wasn’t sure how it happened, but eventually, she and I were sitting alone at the table. I sat back and looked her over as she did the same to me.
      “What’s the matter?” I asked. She’d been a bit depressed all night.
      She shrugged, “I’m having a bad day.”
      I could almost see her adding in her mind that seeing me with Heero didn’t help.
      “Why?”
      She shrugged, “First, I’m on my way to a meeting when we’re almost hit by some...bastard...” her cheeks flushed a little as she said it, “...who wasn’t watching where he was going. Then, the meeting ends up being boring and uneventful. Then I’m on my way home when I get a call from my brother, saying he was about to go to Quatre and formally request things that had been withheld. He’s annoyed with me...then I get home, only to recieve an unmarked letter saying that I needed to be careful...”
      “Wait.” I interupted before she could go on, “Do you have that letter?”
      She blinked, then nodded.
      “May I read it?”
      She gave me a look, but dug into her pocket, extracting a folded piece of paper, handing it to me.
      I accepted it, then read it over. The first thing I noticed was Suretta’s signature. The note didn’t say she was targeted, but it did imply furhter plots against her. I handed it back, keeping my face placid.
      She sighed, putting it in her pocket, “Then Quatre calls me and let’s me know in none too sublte tones, that he knows it was me who went to Une, and that he does not appreciate the attack on his personal assistant...” she smiled a bit at that, “You’ve gained quite a bit of prestige from this position...and him supporting you through anger doesn’t dampen that.” she chuckled, “Of course, I’m having quite the time convincing some that you’re not a...slut...” again she blushed a bit, “That you’re quite secular...Mr. Price is most vehmenant that you’re not exactly exclusive...”
      I laughed a bit, “How would he know?” it was hard not to let on that had this been a year ago he’d be right.
      She nodded, “I made that argument any number of...”
      “You’re siding with me?” that surprised me a bit.
      She smiled slightly, “I’ll always love Heero. There’s nothing that can change that. Having people think badly about his...lover...puts bad light on him...that he’s a player...”
      I smiled at that, “Two things, I’m more than a lover. And he was a player. Bad.”
      She rose an eyebrow, “And did you help that?”
      I laughed, “Again, that would be telling. I think I’ve said too much as it is...must be the alcohol...” I took a long drink from my glass.
      She grinned, “Don’t worry, no one else will hear it...if you can promise me confidence...”
      I nodded, “Of course. That’s fine with me. Go on.”
      She sighed, “So on the way over here, I have Une complaining to me about Quatre’s scolding her...and demanding to know if I was doing it for revenge or not...”
      I shrugged slightly, “I think it is.”
      She also shrugged, “You may think what you like. I know the truth...and I’m trusting that you’re not going to go crying to the press...”
      I rolled my eyes, “Sorry, dear, I’m not that petty.”
      She smiled, “I didn’t think so. And then I arrive at Quatre’s to all...twelve of you watching me like I’m a mouse and you see me as lunch...not to mention that I spilled my coffee...then my drink at lunch...then I broke a cup...then lost my purse for a while...then the shoes I wanted to wear had disappeared and I ripped my shirt...” she made a face, “It’s just one of those days...”
      I nodded, “My day wasn’t so eventful.”
      She nodded encouragingly.
      “We went to work...then Zechs showed up all formal...then we went to Une, then we went back to the office...then home.”
      She nodded again, “How’s Heero?”
      I shrugged, “His arm is healing nicely. He’s sleeping...as normal as can be expected, and he’s eating right.” I shrugged again, “He seems happy...”
      She nodded again, still studying her cup, “And the others?”
      “Why don’t you ask them?”
      She looked up to me.
      “We are all annoyed that you challenged me, but they’re still your friends. If you’d like, I’ll get them to dance with you...” I looked out on the floor to Heero, who was dancing with Sam.
      She sighed, “I can’t dance like that...”
      “Do you really not know how?”
      She chuckled, “Of course I know how. It’s just too public a situation...”
      I shook my head, “Naw...no one knows we’re here...and if they do, then they won’t be surprised.” I smiled as she seemed to be caving, “Come on...surprise’em...none of’em think you can...”
      She was willing, but nervous.
      “I’ll dance too...”
      She met my eyes, “I want to dance with Heero.”
      I shrugged, “Fine, I’ll dance with one of the others...come on...” I stood and started to step away. When she didn’t immediately follow I grabbed her arm and pulled her onto the floor...I needed to let them know that Suretta had warned her...
      I let go of her and gestured for her to wait as I cut-in, giving Sam a look.
      Relena was shocked at that, but Sam was amused.
      “What?” Heero asked, leaning forward so he could say it in my ear...since we couldn’t hear over the music.
      “Suretta warned her...”
      “Really?”
      I nodded, “She wants to dance with you, too.”
      “Does she know how?”
      I nodded again.
      “Are you okay with that?” he pulled back to meet my eyes.
      I smiled, kissing him, then leaning back to his ear, “Would I be mentinoing it if I weren’t?”
      He smiled, “So what will you do?”
      “Duo.”
      He gave me a look and I laughed delightedly.
      “Stop drinking, Koibito. You’re a bit too close to drunk for my piece of mind...”
      I nodded, “We’ll see.”
      He looked about to protest, but Sam had been paying attention and shoved Relena at me. Relena was shocked, but I moved before I could be shoved. Heero gave me a look, then picked up the dance with Relena...she was scared at first, but got over it.
      “What are you doing?” Sam demanded as I started for Duo and the lady he was with...no one we knew.
      “I’ll tell you later...meet me in the bathroom in...” I looked to my watch, “...ten, all right?”
      She looked to her watch and nodded.
      “Get the others?”
      She gave me a look.
      “Okay...so just Sally and Noin...I’ll get Kris and Kitty...”
      She shook her head, “I’ll get Kris and Kitty, you get the rest.”
      I nodded, then cut-in as she walked off.
      The lady who’d been dancing with Duo looked pissed, but when Duo didn’t even hesitate to move up his dancing with me, she skulked off and hid in a corner.
      “What are you doing?” he whispered in my ear.
      I laughed, “Dancing, dear-heart...”
      He looked at Heero, then his eyes traveled the room, “I don’t believe that. You have Sam on an errand and Heero’s dancing dirty with Relena...what did you do?”
      I bit my lip as I met his eyes, then leaned to his ear seductivly...noticing Kris was giving me a dirty look, I winked at her, “Suretta’s sent her a message. Told her to be careful...can you help keep an eye on her...”
      “Where’d she learn to dance?” he was appreciative.
      He wasn’t looking at me, “Oh shut-up and answer me.”
      He snickered, “Jealousy, my sweet?”
      I rolled my eyes at him and he laughed, “Of course. I will...there’s Trowa...”
      Suddenly I was dancing with Trowa.
      He blinked at me in surprise and I smiled.
      “What?” he asked.
      “Relena got a message from Suretta...keep an eye on her? Duo is...and Heero...”
      “Of course...”
      “Thanks...I have no idea what all’s going on...”
      He grunted his affirmation, “Want to dance with Wufei?”
      Before I could reply, he’d cut in.
      “Plotting?” his eyes were sparkling.
      I smiled, nodding.
      “Do I get to play?”
      I nodded again, leaning to his ear, “Suretta sent Relena a letter. It said to be careful, that there’s more than one plot going on...can you keep an eye on her too?”
      “I always do. What did you put in her drink...or say? I saw you talking to her...”
      “Then you know what was said.”
      He laughed, “Okay...I do. I just wanted to see what you’d tell me. I will.”
      “Thanks...”
      “Here’s Quatre...”
      Then I was with Quatre.
      I gave him a look and he laughed, “We’re playing hot-Nikki...who ever ends up with her wins...”
      “Wouldn’t that be loses?” I asked, not managing all the sarcasm I’d inteded.
      He laughed, “Well, you’re not a potato...” he got serious, “What’s going on?”
      I sighed, “Suretta messaged Relena...told her to be careful...”
      “Mm...who haven’t you told?”
      “Zechs.”
      “All right...he’s right there...”
      “I’m meeting the girls in...” I looked to my watch, “Three in the bathroom...”
      “All right. I’ll tell the others...here he is...”
      I was passed to Zechs who smiled.
      “You won...” I muttered in his ear.
      “What?” he asked.
      I laughed, “Ask Quatre. I’ve got news.”
      “What?”
      “Suretta sent your sister a message.”
      He tensed.
      “I know...I need to get Sally and Lucratzia...”
      “She’s at the table...Sally’s with...Quatre.”
      “All right. Thanks. I’m gonna go meet with them and the girls in the bathroom...”
      “All right.”
      I crossed the room to Lucratzia, “Come on...”
      She gave me a look, but nodded, standing as Sally got close.
      I noticed Sam disappearing into the bathroom with Kitty and grabbed Sally’s arm, pulling her with me.
      “What?” she asked, not fighting.
      “I’ll tell you when we’re together.”
      She nodded and followed me in silence as I entered the dimly lit bathroom, then passed into the bright lounge that happened to be empty of all but Sam, Kris, and Kat.
      “So?” Kris asked from her seat...a plush over-stuffed chair to one side.
      “Guess what, ladies...Suretta has sent Relena a warning...sweet of her, isn’t it...”
      I sighed at the burst of questions and answered them to the best of my abilaties.
      Nothing else I could do.


      It was marvelous to dance with Heero...to smell him...to feel him...he didn’t seem bothered that Nikki was flirting with Duo...
      I didn’t quite understand what was happening with her...how could she even seem to care what was with me? How had she even noticed? Why was she letting me dance with Heero? Why had she already moved on to Trowa...
      Something was happening. She had whispered in Duo’s ear...and now did the same to Trowa...
      “What’s she doing?” I asked Heero.
      “Hmm?”
      “What’s she doing?” I repeated.
      He shook his head, “I’m assuming that she’s letting them know you can dance...”
      I almost blushed at that.
      “Don’t be surprised if someone cuts in shortly.”
      I laughed, “I won’t...” my day was getting so much better...I didn’t even think about it when she moved from Wufei to Quatre to my brother...and he tensed...
      Actually, that made me nervous. He nodded and she separated from him, ignoring the various people trying to get her to dance and talking to Zia.
      Sally approached and they started to the bathroom...
      “What are they doing, Heero...”
      “I told you....”
      “Bull-shit...” he didn’t react, “They just went into the bathroom...and I don’t see Katie or Krystal anywhere...not to mention Samantha...”
      He chuckled, “She’ll tell you later.”
      I snorted and was about to protest, but suddenly Duo was in front of me and Heero was dancing with some skank...
      I met Duo’s eyes and he laughed, “I take it you don’t dance in crowds very often...do you?”
      “No...what...”
      “Don’t worry...just dance...you look like fun...”
      I wasn’t sure how to take that...but it evidently was a complement...
      We started talking about mundane things...until I realized that the ladies were still gone.
      “Duo, you tell me...what’s going on?”
      He pulled back to look at me, “What do you mean?”
      “Why are they...”
      He was shoved aside by Wufei...they tussled a bit, but Duo ended up falling away and Wufei moved a little too close...
      “What’s going on.” I demanded, pretending not to notice.
      He laughed, “All in good time, my dear lady...”
      “Oh hush. Just answer me.”
      He thought about that, “Naw.”
      “Chang Wufei!”
      He laughed...he sounded like a little boy...
      “You’ve been reading lips...haven’t you?” it all made sense when I thought about it. It was just a little too conveniant when I was getting too close to making them answer.
      “What makes you say that?”
      “Oh, not much...just the perfect timing...”
      “Perfect? If it were perfect, then I wouldn’t have had to shove Duo away.”
      “Cute, Mr. Chang.”
      He smiled, “You think so? I thought it was rather...amusing...”
      “To you, maybe...”
      “Well, Miss Dorlain...I think that Duo found it just as amusing.”
      I snorted.
      “Oh, here’s Quatre...I guess my turn is up...I’ll be back...” he had that boyish look again as he kissed my forehead, then disappeared.
      Quatre was grinning at me with a tilted head, “When did you learn to dance like this?”
      “I could ask you the same thing...” I mutterd, feeling slightly peeved.
      He snickered with that same boyish look... “You could. But I asked first.”
      I met his eyes, “Will you tell me?”
      He shook his head, “Nu-huh. Nikki can have the pleasure.”
      I rolled my eyes, “And I’m sure she will...”
      He lost some of the grin, “Well, you can talk to her about it. Let’s just dance...are you enjoying yourself?”
      I nodded, “I’m feeling much better now.”
      “That’s good...”
      I sighed, “I want answers.”
      He laughed at my change of topic, “Ask Nikki then...she does all the research...”
      I laughed, “How is that working out...her being your secretary?”
      “Assistant.” he corrected, “She’s helpful. She can do anything I ask...”
      “Anything?”
      He gave me a level look, “Anything.”
      “That’s good, I’m sure it makes your day easier.”
      He nodded, “A lot. And stress relief.”
      I nodded, knowing he was serious and not making innuendos.
      “Here’s Trowa...”
      He disappeared and Trowa took his place.
      Nikki was very efficient...after a conversation with Trowa, I noticed Zechs sitting at the table alone, watching me.
      I talked to him all the time...but she’d said she’d tell them...and she had. I let Trowa know and joined my brother at the table, noticing Nikki was with Heero...and they were very close...eye to eye...
      I looked away quickly.
      “Don’t dwell.” Zechs muttered.
      I nodded.
      “What do you know?”
      “That Nikki let all of them know I wanted to dance.”
      “I couldn’t dance with you like that...” he made a face.
      I laughed, “I know. A sentiment I completely understand and share. What’s going on?”
      He shrugged, extending a hand, “Let me see the letter.”
      I frowned, “Is that what all this is about?”
      He nodded, his hand still out.
      “It’s nothing...really...just another unmarked...”
      He shook his head, “There’s more to it than that. Nikki knows. Let me see.”
      “So that’s what she was doing...” I muttered without realizing it was aloud.
      He nodded, emphasizing his demand with a shake of his hand.
      I passed it over, wondering how Nikki knew...
      Quatre was right, I did need to ask her. She was, after all, the expert.
      “Do you have anymore in anyway similar to this?”
      I shook my head.
      “Good...”
      “What’s going on, brother?”
      He sighed, “A lot more than what meets the eye. Be careful, little sister.”
      “I will.”
      He shook his head, “More careful than normal.”
      “Why?”
      He smiled a bit, “You’ll have to ask Nikki that.”
      That was irritating.
      “Why? Why can’t you tell me?”
      He shrugged, “I don’t have all the facts.”
      “But you know more than I do!”
      He nodded, “I do. But that’s not the deal.”
      “I made no deal.”
      He rose an eyebrow, glancing past me, then re-focusing, “Neither did I.”
      I jumped as someone tapped my shoulder and turned to look.
      “Want to dance again?” It was Wufei.
      I looked back to Zechs, but I could tell he wouldn’t say anymore...besides...I’d had fun dancing with Wufei and playing word games...
      I allowed him to lead me onto the floor, resolving to ask Nikki before the night was up.

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Kyeian