Releena looked around the upper story apartment with no little awe. The living room alone was massive, and from what she could see the other rooms were almost as large. She ran over to the window and looked out at a spectacular view of the city below. She turned to look at a smiling Hilde. "I wasn't expecting this!" Hilde laughed. "You should be safe here. There are no buildings anywhere around this building near this height, so no one can shoot in easily. I've registered us here under a well established alias with a verifiable history. Also, I've used this place enough times, tipping generously, that the staff doesn't ask any questions." she explained. "How did you find it?" Releena asked curiously. "Remember back when Noin was running missions for you and the Sank Kingdom? She established this as a safe house then." she smiled. "I've always liked to have a fall back position, as well." "What do you mean?" Releena said, frowning. "Why here?" "In a standard Taurus mobile suit, Noin could have you evacuated out of the Sank and over here in an hour" Hilde explained calmly, "just in case. When she found out I was going to be your bodyguard, she told me about it soon thereafter." Releena looked at her in a bit of surprise. "All of you have made sure you could save me," she said softly, looking at Hilde fondly. "Just doing my job," Hilde said with a shy smile. "Above and beyond the call of duty," Releena said smiling. "Have I ever thanked any of you for how well you've protected me over the years?" "Not so well, and I had help," Hilde said dryly. "The Gundams, Preventers, your brother, Heero...I'm sorry. I-" "It's all right, Hilde," Releena calmly assured her. "I've accepted the fact that he’s gone and never coming back some time ago," her voice catching as she stated this. "So I think I can bear mention of his name." She smiled across to her sadly. Releena continued, "Anyway, I just wanted to thank you, for all you've done for me over the years. In your line of work, I doubt you hear that often." Hilde was actually blushing brightly; something Releena found herself secretly enjoying. "You're welcome," Hilde quietly replied. As they unpacked their suitcases quickly, Releena asked Hilde, suddenly curious, "Did Noin tell you about the times when the I had traveled with her?" Hilde chuckled softly. "Oh, yes. She says you snore, by the way," she said to her teasingly. "I do not!" Releena protested, and Hilde laughed. A loud gurgle was heard, and Hilde looked at Releena in surprise. "Sorry," Releena said with a little blush. Hilde grinned and shook her head. "Dress up nice, we're going to dinner," she laughed. Hilde then pulled out a bagged dress from one of her bags, and went into the bathroom to change, as Releena began to dig through her own luggage. Later, they sat together at the restaurant, a three-course meal lay out around them, and soft candlelight illuminated their features. 'Hilde sure cleans up good,' Releena thought, as she looked across at her dinner companion. Hilde was in a classically styled black dress, simple and elegant, with a little makeup and her pierced ears as the only accents. "I noticed no one here seems to be bothered by two ladies eating dinner together," Releena remarked curiously. Hilde nodded thoughtfully. "We're not too far from the city's gay district, so it's not too unusual," she said. Hilde looked at Releena in her pink dress, an off the shoulder number that was classy and sexy looking, and didn't even try to mention the 'business meeting' excuse. Of course most people would assume they were on a date, but as long as it didn't bother Releena... "Well, if I am out on a date, then at least I'm with the best looking woman here," Releena said with a wicked smile on her face. Hilde looked at her, dumbfounded, then began to laugh. Releena joined her, her soft laughter a nice counterpoint to Hilde’s. "Thank you," Hilde said with a grin. They ate together quietly. When they had finished, Hilde looked over at Releena. "You know, I've wanted to do this for a long time," Hilde said, standing and offering Releena her hand. Releena took it hesitantly, and Hilde firmly pulled her to her feet. She led Releena over to the dance floor, and gently led her to the dance music. They swayed gently together, the soft lighting making everything seem like a scene from a movie. "You lead very well," Releena said with a smile. "Thank you, very much," Hilde said, holding Releena closely in her arms. "But I couldn't lead so well if you weren't so very good at following." She spun Releena out, drew her in close, and with a stylish move dipped her. The music ended, and the nearby patrons applauded cheerfully. Releena and Hilde each took their bows, and they returned to their table. "I hope I didn't embarrass you out there," Hilde said softly. Releena laughed, smiling up at a slightly surprised Hilde, "It was the most fun I've had in ages." They finished off their deserts peacefully, and finished the night talking softly. Later that evening, Hilde gently opened the door and looked in on the fast-asleep Releena. The girl slept there soundly, the strain that sometimes showed on her face erased by the sweet balm of sleep. 'She looks so innocent and carefree,' Hilde thought. She smiled at her, and gently closed the door. She walked over to the couch, and prepared to lay down there herself. She remembered Noin telling her via e-mail, the only way the two ex- soldiers kept in touch since she went to Mars with Zechs, about the time she had met Releena for the very first time: she had been struggling like a wild cat in the group of OZ soldiers' arms. She just absolutely refused to give in, to let them take her anywhere. It had been because she had tried to kill Lady Une to avenge her Father’s death at Une’s hands, and she had very nearly pulled it off. Hilde had known then that this was a girl that was not to be crossed, ever. She laughed to herself softly, and curled up on the couch. 'She's really quite the lady,' Hilde thought drowsily. Releena heard the door open a little, then close, and smiled sleepily. 'Hilde, checking I'm all right,' she thought, as she drifted off to sleep.
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