It was driving her insane.

She knew a secret, and it was eating at her soul, trying to escape into the world, wanting to be known, and every single word that crossed his lips seemed to coax that precious fragment of information from her.

It was madness. It was torture. It was three days of this hellish nightmare come to fruition, and all because she had been in the right place at the right time . . . that and Relena trusted her too much.

Three days . . . and she hadn't broken down . . . yet. It was driving her insane.

"Hey Hilde-babe, did you happen to talk to Relena lately?"

Hilde paused in scrubbing the last breakfast dish too look at him.

He looked so innocent and unassuming, she just knew he was trying to extract this information from her. Well, it wouldn't work. She had made a promise, and she was damn well gonna keep it. A will of iron, that was what she needed. She was IRON dammit, and there was no way he was gonnabreak through her resistance.

"Yes. Why?"She was so proud of herself!She hadn't even sounded suspicious or nervous. A trickle of moisture slid down the side of her face unnoticed by both.

"No reason. Just wanted to know if she was alright. "

Damn it!Now he was going to pull the concerned friend routine. She could feel her will of iron melting under the warmth his caring nature inspired in her. The secret she kept locked within her pounced upon the lapse of will as it rose to her lips. She clamped her mouth shut, losing the inner battle, trying to rebuild the shattered remnants of her control.

"Hilde?Are you alright?"

That did it.

"I can't take it anymore!"

Duo blinked, a look of confusion etched on his face. He looked so darn cute like that.

"Hilde . . . "

"She's pregnant ok?!Relena's pregnant!!!Happy now?!You've finally dragged it out of me!!!"She raved around the kitchen, hands alternately rubbing themselves over her apron and trying to tear the knot at the small of her back loose.

O. O;;

Oh shit, did she just tell him what she had promised not to tell?Oops.

"Oh man, Relena's gonna kill me," Hilde moaned, finally sitting at the table opposite Duo and burying her face in her hands.

O. O;;

Hilde then noticed how quiet Duo had become, and a quiet Duo meant . . . well, she didn't know what a quiet Duo meant. She had never experienced a quiet Duo before. Aahh well, there was a first for everything.

O. O;;

"Duo, if you don't stop that your face is gonna freeze that way. "

O. O;;

*SMACK!*

"SNAP OUT OF IT!"

"Damn it Hilde. Do you have to hit so hard?One day you'll ruin this beautiful face of mine!"

"Baby. "

"Whatever. I could have sworn I just heard you say Relena's pregnant. "

"Maybe because she is?"

"Oi, this is bad. "He actually looked concerned. Hhmmm interesting.

"Why is that?"

Laughing rather nervously, Duo got up and walked toward the door of their new house, "Nothing. I'm gonna go tell the guys the good news. "

Argh!She couldn't let him tell anyone else or Relena would never forgive her!Fueled by panic and seeing no other options, Hilde tackled her fiance to the floor.

"Gah!Hilde get offa me!"

"You CAN'T tell them!!It's bad enough that you know!"

"And who's fault is that?"He cocked an eybrow at her.

"Yours!If you hadn't badgered me endlessly for the last THREE DAYS, I would have never broken down!" She was livid.

"I did not badg --"

"YES YOU DID!"

If there was one thing Duo knew with certainty, it was that if he contradicted Hilde while she was using that tone, he would spend a really hellish night on the couch. His mission:avoid couch at all costs.

"Fine. I badgered you. I'm sorry. Now, despite how much I love the thought of you being on top, can you please get off me already?"

Hilde looked down at him, finally calm and comprehensive, and blushed a little. He looked so disheveled there sprawled on the floor. His hair showed signs of releasing itself from the ever-present braid, his face was flushed but smiling with that charming smile of his, and his body was hard and familiar under hers. He was sssssooooo cute.

A really evil thought came to mind. Why not distract Duo while taking a little pleasure for herself?

"I'll get off only if you take me to bed. "She trailed a finger down his chest and smiled seductively.

Duo's eyes widened before a slow grin smoothed its way across his lips.

Relena momentarily forgotten, the couple got off the floor and ran for the bedroom.

"Tell me he isn't . . . " Relena groaned when she saw the silver gown laid out on her bed along with matching accessories.

Noin came up behind her, "I'm afraid so. He wants to celebrate your recovered health. "At Relena's alarmed glance, she amended, "Don't worry. He didn't tell the press the real reason for the ball. "

The younger girl's shoulders relaxed noticably, and Noin couldn't help but feel a little worried. Relena had been sleeping a lot more lately, not that her sleeping habits were cause for alarm, but she had been horrified to find out the younger Peacecraft had even fallen asleep during a very important meeting this morning.   Aside from the new and unusual tiredness, Relena had also been on edge recently, a chance remark or comment could unnerve her easier than an all-out threat. Noin wondered if the sickness was coming back.

"It's only been two days since I returned to work, and he's throwing a party already?"The blonde stared at the gown in distaste. She wanted to sleep, not traipse around in a dress entertaining men who wanted nothing more than to say they had spent time in her company.

"What can I say?He's excited and relieved you're back on your feet. "Noin studied Relena's expression. She didn't look happy. It was true that Relena had never really enjoyed the many parties, balls, and quiet but formal gatherings she was forced to attend, but she had never reacted like this towards them. Calm acceptance had always been a trait Noin had envied in her young sister-in-law.

Relena sighed. She should have expected something like this. The only really good thing she could say about it was the possibility of the Gundam pilots and their probable dates being included on the guestlist.

"Noin?I can confide in you right?"

Taken aback by the question, the dark-haired woman stuttered a bit before answering, "Y-yes . . . Why would you ask something like that?" Her concern was now piqued as she watched Relena's features. The girl was chewing on her lip throughtfully, brows drawn together over unseeing blue-eyes.

"It's just . . . Would you please make certain that everyone stays a little after the party is over. I have an annoucement to make, but I'd like you to know it before hand . . . if only to keep my brother from killing me. "

"Of course. What's wrong Relena?"

Relena turned around to face the older woman, her face set in a neutral expression, "I think you'd better sit down. "

"This is positively ludicrious!"

"Oh stop gaping Wufei. You should have expected something like this. Now let's go in before Relena and the others wonder what's keeping us. "

"What was Zechs thinking!?"

"I have no idea, but I think it's a cute idea. "

"AAAAHHHHGGGGHHHH!!!!"

Sally smirked slightly as her 'date' ranted and raved about the 'injustice' of it all as she stood by studying the objects of his displeasure.

"Wufei, calm down. It just wouldn't do for you to make an ass of yourself at such a formal affair. "

"They're ICE SCULPTURES!!!!"

She had the hardest time keeping a grin from breaking out on her face as he rounded on her, his face the picture of irritation, "Yes, I can see that. "

"They're ICE SCULPTURES OF US!!!!!"

She failed in suppressing a giggle, and his frown deepened considerably.

"Woman . . . "It was a warning, but since when did she heed his 'warnings'. Sally promptly burst out laughing.

"This is not funny Woman!We're here to protect -- Where are you going!?"

Still laughing, Sally had opened the rather large oak doors to the ball going on inside, entering while a steady chuckle remained on her lips, eyes alight with amusement. She distantly heard Wufei follow, mumbling something about 'incompetent women', but didn't pay him any mind. She was accustomed to his rants by now.

"Merquise certainly outdid himself . . . " Sally murmured in awe and appreciation. The dining hall of the Peacecraft mansion had been cleared out to provide a rather expansive dancefloor, small, circular tables with two or three high-backed chairs surrounding them lined the walls, and on an upraised dais there was a mini-orchesta playing a slow, soft melody which caressed the senses. Chandeleurs had been hung from the ceiling while other decorations, white ribbons, magnolias, and rich, burgundy draperies, were set up along the perimeter as well. It almost looked like a wedding reception to an extent.

"Sally!Wufei!Thank you so much for coming!"Relena rushed up to them, and Sally felt Wufei tense slightly. She knew he didn't know the Princess very well but had a grudging respect for her; however, she didn't know why her presence would make him tense. Interesting.

"Relena," Sally acknowledged with a smile, enveloping the younger woman in a friendly embrace then watched as Relena smiled and gave Wufei an uncertain hug.

"You two look fabulous. I want you both to enjoy the party, and please disregard the ice sculptures. I was so mortified when Milliardo showed them to me. "

Wufei snorted under his breath then scowled when he caught Sally glaring at him, "I thought they were disgraceful. ICE SCULPTURES!INJUSTICE!"Sally sighed in resignation. Would nothing reform the man?To her surprise, Relena agreed.

"Oh I know!At least you're honest about it. Quatre complimented them, but I could see he was having a hard time holding the laughter in and Duo can't stop preening!"

"That sounds like Maxwell. "

"Yes it does, but ice sculptures aside,I do hope you two have a wonderful time. Oh and I'd like to request your presence for an after-party meeting. "

Sally's face turned serious, "Is something wrong?"

Relena gave them a reassuring smile, "No, nothing wrong," *depending on how you look at it*, "I just have a small announcement to make. "

Sally looked over at Wufei, noting his stoic expression but worried eyes. Something was going on. She nodded, "We'll be there. "

Relena smiled again, this time both noticed the preoccupied shadow darkening her eyes, "Thank you. Well, I need to go greet Trowa and Catherine. I'll see you two later!"

And before Sally or Wufei could question her further. Relena breezed passed them towards the newly arrived couple.

*Ten minutes. Just ten, torturous minutes, and I will be free of these . . . these PIGS!* Relena's empty smile ached with false beauty as she again let out a bogus giggle in response to yet another piece of fake flattery. She was so sick of these posers who wanted nothing more than to be connected with her money and position. It was ridiculous, this game of theirs, this unnecessary competition for her hand. If only she could make them understand she was already taken.

The song ended, allowing Relena a moment to breathe before the next would-be suitor approached her. Curtsying primly, she turned away from her former dance partner, eyes searching the edges of the dance floor of a friend who would be kind enough to take pity on her in this crisis.

She spied Quatre escorting Dorothy onto the dance floor and had to sigh at the utter look of adoration the two gave each other as their arms circled the other's body in a tender but chaste embrace. Relena couldn't help the smile that came to her lips, happy for them and a bit jealous at the same time.

Noticing a particularly persistent young man making his way toward her, she immediately turned and fled through the couples joining and leaving the dancing as another song -- a love ballad -- began to waft through the air, crying violins and laughing flutes speaking to her through the universal language of music. She needed to get away from him.

Another irresistable smile lit her face when she distantly heard Hilde rebuke Duo over the soft music. Those two were something else and -- Oh God, Duke Hammerstead's son was coming toward her too!Was she a man magnet or something?Perhaps she shouldn't have worn the shimmery silver gown Milliardo had chosen for her as it was a bit overly elaborate for her tastes.

Detouring and ducking slightly, Relena's progress was cut short by a hand snagging her wrist, a very strong, determined hand. A gasp escaped her throat as she straightened and turned her head, a flimsy excuse poised on her lips before she saw who it was that held her.

Trowa. Would wonders never cease?

Relena suppressed the urge to glomp him for saving her from a fate worse than . . . well, she really, REALLY didn't want the last dance of the night to be wasted on men who only saw a pretty face behind which lay a fortune. She would rather spend it with someone she was comfortable with. Trowa fit the bill at the moment.

A soft smile illuminated her features as she opened her mouth to greet him, but he surprised her by asking her to dance. She nodded, still somewhat shocked that he would want to dance with her. Gently, his hand released her wrist in favor of taking hold of her hand, leading her to the dancefloor.

Or at least he WOULD have lead her to the dancefloor if Duke Hammerstead's son had not planted himself in their path, a hurt look etched on his face.

"Miss Peacecraft, it would be my honor to escort you to --"

"She's already accepted my invitation. If you would excuse us?"Not waiting for an answer, Trowa stepped around the other man, pulling a somewhat bewildered Relena behind him. Finding a clear space, Trowa halted, guiding Relena in a wide arc to place her before him. Facing one another, he could see the slightly uneasy look in her eyes, and he felt the need to assure her. With a slight tug on the hand he held, Trowa encouraged Relena a little closer, his other hand flattening against the silk covering the small of her back, his arm wrapping around her lithe body. He partially understood why most of the men here had singled her out. It was hard to resist the charms of a woman as beautiful and pure as Relena was.

"Thank you, Trowa . . . for saving me again. You've been doing that an awful lot lately," Relena smiled up at him. She didn't expect a reply, and he didn't give her one unless you count a half-smile as a reply.

Sighing, she allowed the dance to pass in silence, her head unconsciously resting on his shoulder. Her eyes closed, her ears open only to the strains of music as it told the story of two tragic lovers. She felt her body sway slightly with his as he set their course, traveling the dancefloor, steering clear of other couples. She felt comfortable with him.

"Are you feeling alright?"His voice was low and soothing making her fuzzy mind revert even more deeply into the sleepy little world she had created for herself where only she and the music existed.

"Mmm . . . "

A chuckle. Yet another surprise from him.

"Your brother is about to dismiss the party. "

Uh oh. That snapped her out of her trance pretty quickly. Alarmed blue eyes looked up into cool green.

It was time.

It was sometime later -- about an hour after the ball had ended -- that found Relena nervously wringing her hands while looking around at the familiar faces of her family and friends. The only two people absent that she fervently wished could have made it were Heero and her mother. One was obviously detained while the other was currently on the L1 colony visiting with family.

Relena stared at them. They stared back. Zechs cleared his throat,

"Relena, you wanted to tell us something?"

Clearing her throat, her eyes immediately sought out some other focal point besides her brother.

"I think I need something to drink. "

Brandishing a glass of wine, Zechs handed it to her, and much to her dismay, waited for her to drink. She COULDNOT drink wine. Her other hand immediately caressed her abdomen just before a gust of air brushed against her cheek and the sound of breaking glass caused her to jump.

Eyes wide, Relena saw Duo standing with his back toward her, facing Zechs in a defensive position. His words caused her heart to turn to ice.

"What are you? Stupid?! You don't give alcohol to pregnant women!!"

Silence. Stares. Gasps. Hilde slapping her forehead in mortification.

If the situation hadn't been so nerve wracking for her, Relena would have laughed at how her secret had come out, and later she would reflect on how humorously fitting it was that Duo be the one to accidentally blurt out such sensitive information while protecting the child in her womb. However, at the moment such a mishap occured, Relena couldn't help but feel a blanket of shock override her senses at having her pregnancy announced in such a way.

After several moments, Relena raised vulnerable, worried eyes to her brother. His face had gone from a pleasant shade of tan to furious red, his hands were clenched into shaking fists, and his teeth were chattering with suppressed anger. Noin came up behind him, whispering something in his ear in an effort to calm him, but Relena could clearly see it was only angering him more to know that his wife had known and not said anything.

He was livid. He was shocked. He was disappointed. It was more than she could bear.

Gulping down the lump that had somehow lodged itself in her throat, Relena stared unblinkingly at her brother, tears pooling into her eyes. She felt herself step back a bit, trying to distance herself from that accusing ice-blue gaze.

"I . . I'm sorry . . . I never meant . . . " She couldn't speak anymore, her voice hoarse and throat dry. Heart constricting in her chest and nausea surging in her gut, Relena covered her mouth just as the tears escaped from her eyelids, turned on her heel and fled, leaving chaos in her wake.