Walking into the Winner business a little before seven, he was all too surprised when he found the dark haired receptionist...one of the few people around at such an early time. No one else was in the front but those two. He figured he would be the only one around for at least half an hour, but a quick wave from the pretty girl proved him wrong.

Waving back with a small smile, he stopped before the immense desk, resting his briefcase on the large counter. He raised a curious eyebrow her way. “What’re YOU doing here so early?” He inquired good-naturedly.

She looked at him blankly, a headset strapped to one ear. The small device wrapped around the delicate curve, a single earring gracing the bottom lobe. The earpiece curved around the natural molding of her cartilage into the hole of her ear. A small piece of plastic stopped about an inch away from the edge of her lips, the small receiver looking like it wouldn’t work that far away from speaking range.

Raising a manicured eyebrow, she gave him a slightly bizarre look. “Working sir.” She simply replied. “I DID say bright and early.” She added with a small smile.

“How did you get IN? I figured the doors were LOCKED.”

She nodded. “They usually are until seven, one reason you had to use a key to get in. But there’re people from shipping and receiving who’ve been here since six and I got in through the back door.”

He stared at her and blinked, unable to say anything to that.

She smiled slightly at his empty look. “I know how to get around is all sir.” She informed.

Slowly pulling his briefcase off the counter, he walked behind the receptionist area to see what it was she did.

She was feeling those butterflies from the close proximity of her boss as he walked around behind her, nervous that he would find fault in something she did. ‘Stop it.’ She ordered curtly. ‘You KNOW your STUFF; you WERE trained by someone that had been here for YEARS doing the same thing. I THINK she taught you a little CONFIDENCE in between there.’ A small smile made its way through. ‘Besides, you’ve had a few weeks to work the kinks out of everything.’

“If you have a vid phone, why do you have another strapped to your ear?” He asked casually.

Swiveling her chair to face him, one leg crossed over the other. Hands entwined as she gripped the raised knee, sitting comfortably now that she was away from the low set desk.

“This also acts as a transmitter, a walkie talkie if you will. Sometimes I go and get reports that need to be copied and/or typed out.” She smiled a little, feeling a little less nervous as she rattled off her duties. Wasn’t TOO hard to be nervous with something like that... “There’s only so many secretaries around here and I offered to pull more when it’s early like this. We normally never pick up till around eight thirty or so. Gives me something to do.”

He nodded absentmindedly as he continued to look around. Filing that information away with everything ELSE he learned, he was glad she told him. It would give him an hour or so to get contracts read, stuff done, things ready for meetings...

Her area was spacey, but quaint. The desk was set up in a large L shaped area, supplies and office papers sitting on the underside of the curve. The useable part of the desk jutted out farther than its other half, for obvious reasons. A computer sat a little off from the vid phone, a printer and copier next to that. A few decorative things set on top of the shorter section, making it look homey. Eyes dancing around the objects, he decided to voice another question before a possible call came up.

“So...do I have a personal secretary...or are you IT?” He asked, eyes eventually meeting hers. Staring into them again showed a slight twist to the normal design. Having been around Wufei long enough allowed him to be able to spot oriental descent, which he saw in the front and back corners of her eyes. It was faint, but still noticeable if one looked hard enough.

She stared into his unique eyes, seeing the color of the ocean within their depths. Blinking, she struggled to find her voice. “Well, I’m it. But I’d advise you to get anything you want typed out to me first thing in the morning. I usually get one or to two manuscripts to type up at least each morning. Or someone gives them to me later before everything closes and I get everything done then.”

Staring at what she was saying, his eyes widened slightly. “How late do you STAY?” He asked, somewhat shocked. She had taken on quite an immense workload from the sound of it.

“Well I’ve been working since six fifty, and I doubt I’ll leave till around five.” Her lips pursed. “Well, if I have things that need to get done for tomorrow, maybe five thirty.” She said, one finger rubbing against her chin thoughtfully.

His eyes widened a little more, unbelieving she faithfully STAYED that long. Calculating the hours, he figured at LEAST ten, depending how her breaks worked out. “So who’s the other person that works with you?” He asked, wondering if he met the other receptionist.

“Jenny?” She asked, eyebrows raising a little. “Oh, she doesn’t really work unless I have a day off.” She shrugged small shoulders a little. “But I normally work the rest of the time.” She stated. “Five days a week. Sometimes I’ll come in on weekends if I’ve been unable to complete something the day before.”

He stared at her; stunned that she pulled a fifty-hour a week workload and possibly MORE. “That’s...a LOT.” He sputtered. She blushed a little and ducked her head, staring at her knee. He figured it to be about the same amount of hours HE’D be putting in before he got comfortable with everything.

‘Or MORE, if I don’t get the hang of this.’

Feeling uncomfortable with the death of their small talk, she dropped the comfortable stance and turned halfway toward her desk, clearing her throat softly. “Well, I’ll let you get to work since you came in to early to get it done Mr. Winner.” She said softly.

Coming out of his thoughts, he nodded and backed up a step toward the exit. She grabbed a paper that was set on her desk before she arrived and positioned it next to the computer screen, allowing her a quick view to check for mistakes if need be. Not that she had much to fear; she was good at typing and copying things to computer files, but something she didn’t start just yet. She didn’t want to worry about him seeing her work; it would cause her to screw up.

‘I’m just not as comfortable around him as everyone else is.’ She sadly thought. ‘NOT good, considering I’m WORKING with him.’

~*~*~

“Divinity, I’m going to take lunch. Is there anything else I need to worry about beforehand?”

Going through the computer files for his schedule, she pulled up his electronic ledger and eyed it. Reaching up to the device, she tapped it twice, taking the mute off.

“You have a meeting in two hours, but nothing before that.” She reported into the earpiece.

He nodded and smiled. “Want to join me? I’ll just have something delivered.”

She shook her head before realizing he couldn’t see her. Closing her eyes slowly, she smiled from her silly behavior. “No Sir, I have my lunch. Thank you for the offer though.”

“Okay, know anywhere good?”

“Sorry Mr. Winner, I don’t eat out much.” Reaching to a small device attached to one side on the monitor, she tapped it once, closing their conversation.

Flexing her fingers a little, she continued on with her typing. It was only noon ANYWAY; she didn’t plan on having lunch till one or so. That way, she wouldn’t be so hungry later ON. If he didn’t plan on leaving his office, he wouldn’t know all she planned on having was one of the apples she bought those two days ago.

‘I’ll have to find something to go with it.’ She thought sadly, brow furrowing as she worked. Fingers flew across the keyboard in constant a rhythm motion as she worked, forcing thoughts from her mind. They only got in her way; she realized that early on.

~*~*~

He left the office room long enough to pay the deliveryman before closing his door again, but not before his ears picked up a faint clickety clack of typing in the hush. Furrowing his brow, lips curiously pursed, he walked back inside and set the small spread on his desk. Leaning forward in the leather chair, he tapped the COM again. “Divinity, I thought you were taking a BREAK?” He asked confused.

Pausing in her typing again, she closed her eyes, knowing she was busted. ‘Rats.’

“I didn’t say I was taking a break sir, I just said I had my lunch.” She reported evenly. Taking the time to fix a few spelling errors, she sat back and stretched her arms after quickly finishing.

His lips jutted out even further. “Well it’s LUNCHTIME. Why don’t you take a break and EAT? I’m sure those reports can be done later.”

Going through where she left off as if not having heard his request, a slim, manicured fingernail paused where she needed to continue. Positioning her hands, keeping an eye on the next word she needed to copy, she continued typing. A minute later, a body popped into her peripheral vision, but she ignored it. It was probably someone just handing another paper down for her to copy.

“Take. A. BREAK.”

Startled, all her fingers pressed down on the keyboard, adding a jumble of letters to what she was working on. With a mental sigh, she quickly deleted all the mistakes before turning to him.

Giving him a small, patient smile, she met his eyes. “I’m sorry Mr. Winner, but I take lunch when I’m hungry. And I’m fine right now.” Her smile widened a little more at the small concern she picked out in his eyes. “But I appreciate your worry for my well-being.” Giving a small nod, she closed their conversation and went back to typing.

He watched her fingers speed across the keyboard momentarily, the action reminded him of Trowa’s handiwork with computers. A small bout of sadness hit him. ‘I sure hope he’s fairing better than I am at this.’ He thought, thinking about his life.

Being reminded of his friend cast another reminder in his head. ‘I FORGOT!! She’ll have my HEAD!’ Quickly departing without an explanation, he turned back to his office, leaving Divinity a little stumped at his abrupt exit.

Shaking her head slightly, she quirked an eyebrow at his strange behavior. ‘I hope he’s not ALWAYS this strange.’ She thought, than blanked out all thoughts as she focused on her job again.

Dialing the number into the vid phone, he crossed his fingers that she wasn’t too busy. He didn’t want to disturb her if she was working on something. It rang a few times before being picked up. Her face was a sight for sore eyes and he smiled immediately.

“Hey Quatre!”

“Hello Relena.” He greeted softly.

“How’ve you BEEN? Busy I take it.” She said, smiling.

He nodded, sighing softly. “You have NO idea.” He muttered, running a hand over his face. “I actually forgot to get the number until now. But before I do, how’re YOU doing?” He asked, remembering his manners. Her put out expression was enough to make him laugh softly, knowing what she was going through.

“Does HELL classify as a place in the politician business?” She asked mirthfully. The two laughed, that small sound easing their stress levels incredibly.

“If it does, it also qualifies for a NORMAL business.” He continued. Comfortable silence followed, the sight of each friend’s face more than enough. None of them NEEDED words in that moment.

Remembering to get the number for her, he eagerly rattled it off with another reminder to have Hilde call the moment she woke up. Relena smiled and reminded him of Duo’s over protectiveness and vowed she’d get a phone to Hilde, once Duo would allow her to have visitors. That brought another laugh, but it was strained on both parts.

“Has Duo even LEFT her room?” He asked curiously. Relena looked at her hands with a small shake of her head. His eyes widened slightly.

“I normally have someone bring him his food.” She looked up at him with sadness and admiration in her eyes. “I’ve never SEEN Duo so focused on staying by her side. I basically have to ORDER him to get out of that room once in a while. And he’ll only do so when I can take time to watch Hilde.” A small smile popped up. “Even so, he makes me carry a two-way radio so I can inform him of any changes while he’s gone.”

His head shook from the utter devotion his fellow ex-pilot had. The Duo he was dealing with NOW acted NOTHING like what he knew during the war.

‘His priorities sure have CHANGED.’ He KNEW Duo was in love, even a BLIND person could know that. His utter vow of protection over Hilde was clear and total. He didn’t think Duo would EVER leave her side. ‘Even AFTER she gets better.’

The two chatted as long as he could before he remembered his food was getting cold. Saying a regrettable farewell to his good friend, he shut the vid phone down and focused on his stomach, which growled loudly in its protestations.

~*~*~

Looking up at the clock, he was surprised to see that it was six already. ‘I’m going home.’ He thought firmly, needing a break from work.

Closing the ledger he was writing notes in for an upcoming meeting, he went for his briefcase. ‘It’s not like I won’t continue this LATER.’ Knowing FULL well he would finish reading the documents over dinner, he grabbed a few he KNEW he needed to go over again and placed them in his briefcase. Shutting the lights off, he leaned against the archway of his father’s old office.

Staring with nostalgia in his eyes, he froze until his mind recognized his surroundings again. Pulling away with a quick check in the hallways to make sure no one was around; he smiled slightly from the silliness of his actions.

After locking the door behind him, he turned to head out the front doors. Waving a goodbye to those very few still around in their offices, he proceeded toward the front doors. The familiar clickety clack caused a small stunned jerk in his walk and he caught it before he fell.

Striding purposely up to the counter, he stopped before Divinity, who seemed too caught up in her ever current typing. Fingers flew across the keyboard a little quicker than when he was last out front at lunch. He took that small amount of time to study her, since she seemed too preoccupied with what she was doing. A small, but slightly cute, line on her brow marked total concentration as she worked on. That small, rhymthetic nibbling on her lower lip was all too adorable in his eyes.

Shaking himself once again, he mentally scolded himself. ‘Need you remind yourself once AGAIN’

“I thought you’d be gone already.” He piped up. This time she didn’t push down on the keyboard, but she DID jump a mile.

Whirling around, she came face to face with humorous eyes. Resting a hand over her heart, she nearly glared. “Aye, sir...you’re going to give me a HEART ATTACK one of these days.”

“Sorry Divinity.” His lips pressed together in a vain attempt to hide a smile.

“Well, I’m working on getting this last document done. I’ve had quite the busy day and it put me behind schedule.” She commented, cracking her fingers. He watched her fight a small yawn, covering it up with her hand.

A small smile sprouted again. “How much MORE do you have to DO?” He asked.

Her lips pursed as she looked at the lessening stack she sorted through. “Looks like I only have one more to go.” She commented happily, more to herself.

An eyebrow rose slightly. “Well why don’t you finish THIS one and call it a night?” He suggested, disguising it as an order. He didn’t like his workers busting themselves so hard for him. He wanted to be the only one that did so.

Looking at the paper she had left to do and what she was already working on, the temptation to leave rose in her mind.

“Come on, you’ve been here,” His gaze moved to a clock on her computer and his eyes widened, “eleven and a half HOURS already?!”

Looking at the clock, her eyes widened as well. “Wow, I’ve been racking up the hours.” She muttered.

“Well call it a NIGHT then.” He repeated, still somewhat stunned.

Looking at him, she blinked blankly, the idea to leave sounding better every minute. “Let me at LEAST finish this and then I’ll go.” She compromised. Looking at where she left off, she saw only a few more lines needed to get done. “Shouldn’t take me more than a few minutes.” She figured.

Repositioning her fingers, they flew across the keyboard as she continued on. He listened to her type, looking around the lobby in content silence. Leaning against the counter, his mind blanked with the constant sound of the clacking until her voice piped up again.

“Ahh...one less document to worry about.” She muttered happily. She looked up and jumped slightly, seeing her boss right there. A blush crept forward when she realized how dumb she must sound, talking to herself. Looking up at him timidly, she felt a little better when he seemed to not have heard. Saving the document, she was once again proved wrong.

“Good, now you can go home.” His beautiful eyes looked at her once again, seeing a small tinge to her face. His eyes narrowed minutely as he looked at her cheeks, noticing a small embarrassed look in her eyes. One she tried to hide.

After closing the computer down, she grabbed a water bottle she snagged from work and exited the area. He followed her movements, watching the ingrained grace she possessed. Mentally, he shook himself again. “I’ll walk you out.” He offered with a friendly smile.

He locked the doors behind him, reading the white hours on the glass doors. ‘Mon thru Fri...seven to four.’ Spying a glance at his female companion, he looked at her curiously. ‘Why does she work long hours when she doesn’t HAVE to?’ He wondered. She met his eyes and nodded, giving a small wave goodbye. Standing at the top step, he watched her descend the dozen small steps to the bottom of the walk. She looked back at him again and gave another wave before starting away from the building.

A brow quirked. ‘She WALKS home?’ He wondered. His face turned, eyes following her as she continued up the block. A small honk sounded a little later and blue jerked to the plush car in front of the building. Looking at her trail one last time, he descended the steps and got into the open car door.

~*~*~

After walking up two flights of steps and unlocking two deadbolts, she promptly tossed off her heels. Wiggling her toes on the thin carpet, she sighed in pleasure. “That ALWAYS makes that walk worth it.” She gushed, leaning against the door tiredly. Putting her shoes where they ACTUALLY belonged, she started walking back to her bedroom, taking off her work jacket as she went.

Changing into normal sweats and tank top, she walked back to the kitchen, looking for something to eat. ‘That apple isn’t going to cover it.’ She agreed after her stomach rumbled loudly.

Looking through the cupboards, she fought a yawn. Looking at the clock, an eyebrow rose slightly. ‘Wow, I stayed later than normal.’ She thought. It was already seven twenty. Another yawn finally made its way through and her eyes involuntarily closed. Shaking her head forcefully, she resolved to find something small to eat before crashing.

Sitting on the counter with a good-sized bowl of rice, she looked out the kitchen window, eating in silence. Her thoughts, however, were one of hope and wishes.

‘If I have to keep arguing with him about going home, I’ll just have to start going IN earlier.’ Her eyes closed with thinning patience and she sighed quietly. ‘It shouldn’t have to COME to that.’ She looked down at her rice and took another bite. ‘I won’t fight him over this, but I will if I HAVE to.’ A small grimace painted her face. ‘That’s not going to go over well...fighting with the boss to stay in work?’

An ironic smile graced her face. ‘I would’ve figured he’d be HAPPY I put in so many hours.’ The smile split into one of humor as she remembered the shocked look on his face. ‘I could’ve DIED laughing. I’ve worked TWELVE hours before and no one had a problem with it. Though I’m sure Jenny is not appreciating her CHECKS.’

Deep brown looked out the window as night approached. It was one of her favorite times, just sit on her kitchen counter and watch the sun set in the distance. Even though it was the colonies, it was still pretty.

‘It STILL doesn’t compare to Earth though.’ She thought, a small wrinkle in her nose showing off her distaste. Realizing she was ignoring her food, she quickly finished it, allowing her to get to bed.

Washing her dishes, she made a quick stop in the bathroom to brush her teeth and hair. It was so thick, and if she didn’t put it in a bun, braid, or brush it everyday, it got tangled quickly.

Plopping down in bed, she pulled the covers over her, the alarm already set. Snuggling into the pillows, a blissful sigh worked its way through the quiet. ‘I’m not going to explain my reasons to him for wanting to work so much. If he doesn’t like it, he doesn’t have pay attention.’ A small groan worked its way through closed lips as she turned on her other side.

“I just wish he wouldn’t worry so much about my welfare...”

~*~*~

The same routine followed for days. After the last insistence that she eat, she smartly cooked up something for lunch instead of bringing an apple in all the time. She knew if he saw how little she brought to work everyday, he would throw a fit more than normal.

She just wondered what his interest in her was. Sure it was nice to be worried about, but she planned out what she was DOING with this job.

‘It was nice when I was left alone without question.’ Working on yet another document, her fingers paused every so often, due to thoughts springing up in her head. A once haven for passing the time WITHOUT thinking...typing was now no sure way to keep thoughts from her head. ‘Of course a lot of people around here know what’s going ON. Jenny being one.’

One reason the part time receptionist didn’t MIND taking odd hours, or so FEW. She was a good friend to Divinity and understood the reasons for her needing to work over ten hours a day for an entire week.

A quick beeping on the vid phone sprang through her thoughts. Quickly abandoning her typing, she swiveled in the chair to the phone. Pasting a smile on her face, she pressed a button to answer it. “Mr. Winner’s office, how may I help you?”

“Is Quatre available?” A soft voice asked.

She blinked at the pasty reflection staring at her. Light blue eyes seemed tired and slightly pain riddled.

A soft shake of her head gave the whitish girl her answer. “I’m sorry...Mr. Winner is in a meeting for the next hour or so. Was there a message I can give him?”

“Well I was told to call him when I woke up.” She said. “Is there any way you could go ask if he’d like to take my call? Just tell him that Hilde Schebeiker is on the line.”

Giving a courteous nod, she put the female on hold, feeling somewhat irate. ‘Do the words MEETING not MEAN anything to you miss?’ She spat. Quatre TOLD her not to let ANYONE bother him when he was in a meeting. He mentioned that he wanted to make a good impression with those he met with and getting interrupted with calls all the time was NOT a good business strategy.

Turning in her chair, she put a small card saying she’d be back shortly on the top of the desk and left the receptionist area. Quickly walking up the stairs to the meeting rooms, she stopped in front of the one her boss was in, biting her lip. ‘I hope I don’t get in TROUBLE for this.’ She hoped. Grasping the knob, she knocked softly as she slowly opened the door, announcing her presence.

All conversation stopped when she entered, and he gave a small glare when everyone looked her way. He KNEW she was aware of his rules during meetings...he told her himself...so what was she BOTHERING him with?

“Yes Divinity?” He asked politely, keeping any irritation from his voice. She looked at the floor timidly, not looking at ALL happy with interrupting him. Good. Standing, he walked over to her after an apologetic smile to his fellow businessman. Stopping extremely close to her, his head bent toward her ear. “What?” He hissed in a tight whisper. “You KNOW not to bother me during meetings.” He reminded, as if she DIDN’T know.

“I KNOW Mr. Winner.” She whispered back, somewhat perturbed at his non-existent distance. His breath was tickling her ear and she fought not to move away and scratch it. “But there’s an important call on hold. She said she was supposed to call you when she woke up?”

He pulled back a few inches, slightly wide-eyed.

Her brow furrowed. “She said Hilde Schebeiker was on the line.” She softly finished. His eyes positively lit up, and THAT confused her.

Quickly turning away from her baffled gaze, he met the interested associates at the table. “Gentlemen, I’m sorry for the abrupt pause in our discussion. There is an extremely important call that I absolutely NEED to take.” With a quick bow of his head in apology, he stepped around his secretary. “I will make it quick and we can get back to where we left off. If you need anything, my secretary will be able to get it for you.” He hurriedly explained. Looking at her pointedly, he nearly ran from the room.

Staring at his hurried exit, she blinked in total mystification. Remembering the eyes on her, she pasted a courteous smile on her face and turned to the elders in front of her. “Would anyone care for something to drink?”

~*~*~

Bursting into his office, he quickly plopped down in the leather chair. Fingers racing to the vid phone, he pressed a few buttons, bringing the face to view. A wide smile greeted her, even in the condition she was in.

“Hey Quatre.”

He nodded, GREATLY relieved she was awake. “Hello Hilde. Glad to have you back with us.” He commented happily. “When did you wake up?” He asked.

Her brow furrowed. “I think an hour or so ago.” She smiled gently. “Duo wouldn’t let me call you until I was a little less disorientated.”

Hiss brow furrowed, but it left as quickly as it appeared. “How IS Duo?” He asked, concern heavy in his voice.

Her smile widened a little more. “He’s ecstatic that I’m awake, but now he’s worse than last time I was comatose.”

He blinked at her, the comment lost on him. “Well he’s Duo.

Her eyes lowered, a small blush bringing SOME color to her cheeks. “And that’s what’s making him go crazy over my health right now.” She smiled softly. “I hear you’re pretty busy right now.” She commented, a small amount of guilt in her eyes.

“Yup, but I had specific instructions for you to CALL me when you woke up. Even though I very well KNEW I’d be busy over here.” He said sternly, seeing her somewhat downcast look. “So don’t go feeling guilty that you disturbed me...it was only a meeting. I WANTED to know how you were feeling.” A small smile broke through her remorseful demeanor. “Besides, I needed a break.” The two laughed; the sound all too inviting to their ears. “Is Duo around?” He asked, wanting to know how the youth was doing.

She nodded with a wry grin. “He’s outside my door, probably listening in case something ‘happens’ to me.” She joked. One hand moved and a small buzzer sounded over the phone. Not even a minute later, the door burst open and Duo’s voice broke through.

“Hilde? Are you okay babe?” He asked worriedly. Her gaze shifted from him, love shining in her eyes. He watched it sprout, smiling happily. He was glad the two loved each other...they’d been through a lot with the war and it was time they were together.

“Hey Duo, come here.” One hand waved him over and soon his face was in the view of the vid phone’s camera.

“Hey Duo.” He greeted. Relief shone through his eyes at the change on Duo’s face. Gone were the pain and remorse, love and protection replacing it. “You can stop worrying now.” He said, reminding him of their conversation before he left.

A smile split Duo’s face, finally reaching his eyes.

Hilde grinned and chuckled softly. “Not gonna happen Quatre. He worries when I’m well and NEXT to him.” Duo’s mouth gaped open as mocking shocked eyes turned her way. She looked at him and giggled lightly. “Well it’s TRUE.”

Duo smiled widely. “She’s got a point.” He said, turning back to the vid phone. “So Q-man, how’s life in the frenzied business world?” Blue drooped tiredly, showing the braided youth all he needed to know. A half-grin popped up and a chuckled sounded. “Well don’t worry bud, hang in there. You’ll get the hang of it.”

He nodded with a serene smile, feeling the love and happiness radiate from his friend.

~*~*~

Leaving at six once again, he shut the door and locked it as normal. He wasn’t all too surprised to hear that familiar clack of keys, actually hoping she’d be out there still. It was becoming a routine, but a nice one. He would leave his office only to find her still working and prompt her to leave, than walk her out of the building.

He was trying to find answers to give her after his meeting was over. She basically avoided him the rest of the day, which was easy considering he had meetings all day till they closed. Afterward, he took the time to review the contracts after closing.

He stopped at her desk, awaiting acknowledgement for standing in front of her. He just hoped she didn’t think he was MAD at her. At the time he was just irked, but he didn’t know the REASON behind her visit. Now that he DID know, he was happy she interrupted him; otherwise he would’ve missed talking to Hilde.

She felt the eyes but didn’t bother looking up. She already knew whom they belonged to, having grown accustomed to his presence since he started working. She was finally growing comfortable enough around him, a good thing in her book.

“Just let me finish this up.” She said softly, thinking he was waiting for her to leave. She didn’t want to argue with him today, not after what happened earlier. He almost yelled at her in front of those people for what she guessed was a good cause. Though he didn’t know it at the time...so she shouldn’t be TOO worried about losing her job. The thought HAD popped into her head though, but it was just ONE slip up, not something worthy of firing her over...she HOPED.

She was too scared to get into another disagreement over her work habits when he now had the time to VOICE his opinions on her work happy efforts.

Quickly finishing, she saved it and closed the computer down. Shuffling the completed papers to one side, she did a quick check to make sure everything was neat and orderly before standing. She carried no purse because there was no money to tote around, and she wore no makeup. A quick swipe for her empty lunch container in the back of the counter and she stepped from behind the receptionist’s desk.

He walked her out in silence, feeling a little uncomfortable. He knew he should explain and maybe apologize for snapping at her, but he didn’t really know where to start.

‘What I wouldn’t give for Relena’s gift with words.’ He was a tactician and a planner, but not a speech expert. He could plan and brainstorm what he wanted to say as much as he LIKED, but on the spot speeches were not his forte. Locking the doors behind him, he turned to Divinity before she could walk down the steps before him.

“Divinity.” He called out, stopping her. She turned to him, waiting. Staring into her deep chocolate eyes almost caused all thoughts to fly away, but he retained the root of what he wanted to say.

Softly clearing his throat, his weight shifted slightly. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry.” A small smile popped up on her face as she stared into his unique eyes. “I didn’t mean to yell at you.” The smile widened a little more, making his discomfort ease slightly.

“Well you didn’t know sir, so it’s not that big a deal.” She answered, side-stepping his apology. It was nice to HEAR, but in truth, she wasn’t mad at HIM.

“It IS. I try to live by the golden rule and I DIDN’T.” He continued. She started her slow descent and he hurried to catch up. His eyes looked at her sideways, but also on the steps below him.

She smiled softly at his kindness. “Well if it means that much to you, then...you’re forgiven. Though there is nothing to FORGIVE. You didn’t KNOW.”

The two stopped at the bottom, looking at each other smiling. He was glad she forgave him; it was the PRINCIPLE of the matter that HE was worried about. He didn’t want to come off as an ass and he figured he DID. He knew he sure FELT like one, after he realized what she entered the room for.

A small honk startled the two from their thoughts. She looked around him to his ride, patiently awaiting his entrance. “Well...I guess you should get going.” She said softly.

His gaze landed on the plush vehicle behind him before swinging back to the quiet girl in front of him. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

A hand snaked out and grasped her upper arm as she started walking away, startling them both. Her eyes swung to his hand and then met his own, causing him to blush a little from the sudden action.

“Um...can I give you a ride?” He asked, letting go to scratch his head slightly.

She smiled at his bashful demeanor and shook her head slightly. “No thank you sir...I don’t live too far away. I can walk there.”

She gave him a small smile, vowing now to never let him see the shabby apartment she stayed in. She couldn’t even call it HOME; it was just where she lived at the time. Home for her was back on Earth with her family. The elegant clothes she wore totally contradicted the tattered, cramped area she paid for each month. But for now, until she had no more use for this job, she was forced to stay in the cheapest place she could find.

She had yet to walk away and he fought the small loneliness that suddenly invaded him. “It’s no trouble though.” His eyes shot down to her heeled feet. “Besides, that has to be uncomfortable.” He commented, looking into her eyes again with a small smile.

She smiled back at the jest, but her eyes still refused his request. “It’s a nice change of pace from sitting in one spot all day.” She turned away, taking a few slow steps up the block. “I appreciate the offer though!” She said loudly, making sure he heard.

He watched her until the driver got out and opened his door. Moving from his befuddled stance, he got into the car and looked at the straight trail she was taking up the block.

The drive back to his extensive mansion was a thoughtful one. He didn’t understand her and he figured he would know SOMETHING from her by now. Their relationship was strictly work-related and professional, though she was pleasant all the while. He didn’t understand her secrecy.

‘If she lives close to the office, why didn’t she accept my offer?’ He wondered. Questions would plague him until he sought answers, but it was none of his business really. Maybe she PREFERRED walking to driving. Maybe she actually DID want to stretch her legs from sitting in one spot almost all day. He wished he could know, but would never find the nerve to ask. Something in her eyes told him to stay away, but he didn’t know why.

‘What’s she so scared of me finding out?’ He wondered, one finger rubbing his chin.

~*~*~

She repeated the same process with her shoes like normal. They weren’t extremely uncomfortable, but they were narrow in the toes and she possessed long toes. And walking eight blocks WAS uncomfortable.

‘He’s right about THAT.’ She thought, flexing the muscles in her feet. Grabbing a pair of comfy clothes, she decided to forgo dinner tonight and soak in the tub instead of her nightly schedule. ‘Too bad I don’t have more time to do both.’ She thought, almost sadly. Sitting on the porcelain, staring absently as the warm water filled, she sighed.

‘Too bad...but...if only. I really need to knock that doubt crap off.’

Forcing herself from the dank mood she was in, she took a quick walk into the kitchen. Grabbing a mug and a bag of tea, she went into the bathroom and stuck the glass under the faucet. Filling it to the brim with a smile, she stuck the tea in and turned the water off. Slowly getting in, she put the glass on one side of the porcelain for easy access. Hair still up in a bun, she took out the scrunchee, letting the mass come tumbling free.

A blissful sigh worked its way through the silence, small splashes of water sounding throughout. ‘Oh if only I had more time to do this.’ She wished aimlessly. ‘But it’s either this or dinner.’

Coming home at such a late time, normally seven or a little after, didn’t allow much time to do much. That and the long work hours wore her down so much that she only had a little time before she was too tired to do ANYTHING. Normally she immediately made dinner and went to bed before eight. If she stayed up any later she would never get enough sleep for the next day.

Another sigh worked its way through after she dunked her head under to wet her hair. ‘If only I didn’t have to get UP at four in the morning.’ She wished. ‘Oh to sleep in past eight for once.’ An ironic smile popped up. ‘I probably would be up by six.’

Regrettably getting out of the now lukewarm liquid, she took a while to towel dry the thick mass she owned. ‘I need to get this cut.’ She thought, feeling the weight pull her head back. Even though she wished it on an almost regular basis, she would NEVER cut her hair. Long hair was a tradition for her people; only men possessed short hair.

On a small burst of inspiration, she grabbed a wide-toothed pick and started getting the tangles out. Still dripping wet as it was, the whole thing didn’t take her very long. Now as straight as its natural curl would allow, she parted it and began to braid the mass into a more workable load.

The lengthy task left the waist length curls a few inches higher than normal, in a braid starting from the crown of her head. Looking in the bathroom mirror, her head turned slightly to see her handiwork.

‘Not too bad, I could almost twist this into a bun.’ She pleasantly thought. Donning her appointed pajamas, she once again snuggled against her pillows, feeling sleep creep up on her again.

‘Sure has been a weird day.’ She marveled tiredly. ‘Wonder what made that girl so special that she got Quatre out of a meeting for nearly twenty minutes?’