A BEND IN THE RIVER

It has been a year since Jackie, Lauren, and Michelle had decided to stay in space with the men they love. With Jackie and Duo starting a new chapter in their lives and Lauren and Heero happily together, everything seems content…almost…

(Quatre and Michelle are sitting outside on the grass of a large butterfly field. The Gundams are all settled into some nearby trees (so as not to be seen) and the pilots are spending a much-needed vacation on a secluded island.)

Quatre: The day is so beautiful… *wincing in pain as he expects Michelle to smack him for saying that word*
Michelle: Yeah, it is… *starts playing with some grass*
Quatre: You're not gonna smack me?
Michelle: *looks up and laughs at his confused face* Hee hee, of course not.
Quatre: *slightly confused*
(In the distance, alarms are sounding, but they cannot hear)
Michelle: Oh look, what a pretty butterfly! *starts to chase it into the middle of the field*
Quatre: *watches her with realization that she is stunningly beautiful. His heart swells* what is this feeling?
Michelle: *giggles in the fields as she continues to chase butterflies*
Quatre: You're nuts…
Michelle: What's you point? Tee hee…
Quatre: Come here… *chases after her and encloses her in his arms*

LATER THAT DAY…
Jackie: Where are they?
Duo: Unless Quatre's dead, I don't wanna hear excuses from *either* of them…
Jackie: Oh stop, babe, you're overreacting…
Duo: Overreacting? Jackie, we had to fight one of the toughest battles of our lives without one of our pilots! Do you know how dangerous that was? We're lucky we survived…
Jackie: *looks up to see Quatre and Michelle coming out of the woods* Well then tell him that yourself…
Duo: Believe me, I will…
Jackie: Michelle! (Michelle looks up) Come help me and Lauren with some of this firewood…
Michelle: Okay… *looks at Duo's angry expression as she follows Jackie away* What's his problem?
Jackie: It's nothing…
(they leave down the beach)
Duo: Quatre!
Quatre: yeah?
Duo: Where were you today?
Quatre: What do you mean?
Duo: Exactly what I said, where were you today?
Quatre: I was in the butterfly fields with-
Duo: *sharply cutting him off* That girlfriend of yours?
Quatre: *stunned* …Yeah…
Duo: And what did I say about staying away for too long? I mean, I understand you wanna be with her, but I told you to be here at a certain time today so that we could prepare for the invasion…
Quatre: oh, don't tell me…
Duo: You missed it…
Quatre: I'm sorry-
Duo: *holds up a hand to signal him to stop with the excuses* That's all I hear from you anymore, Quatre! What is up with you? You've gotten so out of focus after she came, and it's only become worse! This is the seventh time I've had to fight a major battle without you, Quatre, and it's getting too dangerous. Once more and…
Quatre: And what?
Duo: *shakes head* And I'm gonna have to suspend you…
Quatre: You wouldn't.
Duo: I'd have to! You're lagging, and it's getting too dangerous when one of us depends on you for backup or to cover an area and you're not there.
Quatre: I already told you I'm sorry…
Duo: Save it! *starts to walk away*
Quatre: Well what about Jackie?!
Duo: *stops and turns angrily* Jackie is my wife…
Quatre: I'm talking about before…
Duo: She never distracted me from my work! I always did what I had to do when I had to do it.
Quatre: *storms off angrily*

MEANWHILE…
Michelle: So what's up with Duo? He didn't look too happy…
Jackie: He's a little upset at today's battle, that's all.
Michelle: Oh… I really don't understand about that, sorry. I'm no a pilot *thank god* so I don't know what kinds of things make you mad.
Jackie: Um, honey, it's nothing like that.
Michelle: Hm?
Lauren: Duo's pissed cuz ur boyfriend spends too much time swooning over you!
Michelle: What?!
Jackie: Great, Lauren…
Lauren: Hehe, sorry. *innocent smile*
Michelle: Duo hates me…?
Jackie: NO! He doesn't hate you, he just thinks that…well…Quatre isn't concentrating on his work so much anymore…
Michelle: *finishing for her* because of me?
Jackie: um…
Michelle: You can tell me the truth, Jackie, I'm alright…
Jackie: Alright, the truth is that because you and Quatre spend so much time together, he's not doing work and Duo is upset because that is really dangerous when we're supposed to be battling. Can you understand that?
Michelle: *nods* I understand. And I know that I need to be more responsible too.
Jackie: Good girl. Now let's finish up and get back…

THAT NIGHT…
(Everyone is seated around a fire, quiet in thought or engaged in light chatter.)
Duo: *finishes whispering to Jackie and walks over to Michelle and Quatre* I need to speak with you two.
Quatre: *still irate* What about?
Michelle: Don't argue, just go.
(They follow him to another part of the beach)
Duo: Jackie, please go.
Jackie: Why?
Duo: Just please go.
Jackie: No, if this concerns Michelle, it concerns me too.
Duo: *sweatdrop* fine… you're so stubborn. *small smile* Anyway, I need to talk to you about before, when you, Quatre, missed the battle.
Quatre: I already apologized twice.
Duo: I know, and I except this time. But I'm telling you this for the last time. Either you two each take on the responsibility of being aware of our current state or war, or I'll have to suspend Quatre from his Gundam.
Michelle: You're giving us an ultimatum?
Quatre: What does it mean in English?
Duo: Break up or get kicked out.
Jackie: DUO!
Duo: I'm sorry, but you're not doing what I need you to do! What if something happened to one of us because you weren't there, Quatre? You'd be to blame if one of us died!
Quatre: You bastard!
Jackie: *stepping in the middle of them* Stop!!!!!
Duo: *letting down his guard* ok…
Michelle: I can't handle this anymore… *runs down the beach into the forest and keeps on going, finally stopping in the moonlit butterfly field* Why is this happening…?
Jackie: *chasing after her* Michelle, are you bitching?
Michelle: @#%$ you!
Jackie: Duo's just being a jerk, relax…
Michelle: No, he's right.
Jackie: Not even I would say that right now!
Michelle: He is. I keep Quatre away from his work and it's chancy. What happens if one of you gets hurt, or even worse, dies? I know what I have to do…
Jackie: You're being ridiculous, stop it…
Michelle: No, I'm serious… I'm gonna, leave… tonight, without anyone knowing.
Jackie: You're being asinine, now stop. You're just upset…
Michelle: I'm serious! I have to get out of here; it's not good…
Jackie: Well where will you go?
Michelle: To one of the colonies…to Zechs's… I don't know! Anywhere but here.
Jackie: *backing down* Alright, but I think you should tell everyone. It's not good to hide. You remember what happened when I tried that…
Michelle: You got us all worried and Duo's ass got kicked by a really hot gay guy.
Jackie: Uh, yeah… if you wanna put it like that… *sweatdrop*
Michelle: Alright then, you can let everyone know, but I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning…
Jackie: Okay.
(They return to the beach)
Lauren: So what did he say?
Jackie: Well, he said that Michelle and Quatre have to stop seeing each other or Quatre will loose his job.
Lauren: What a jerk!
Jackie: oh stop…
Lauren: oh...sorry.
Wufei: Well Duo's right, that girly girl isn't helping anyone here.
Jackie: Don't talk about Michelle like that!
Wufei: Who was talking about Michelle? I was talking about *Quatre*!
Jackie: You suck.
Wufei: You're weak! *she walks off* and stop saying my line!!!

THE NEXT MORNING…
Michelle: Well then, this is it. I'm going to Zechs's, and he's gonna get me a place to stay and a job at his sister-in-law's.
Jackie: I'm really gonna miss you, hun.
Lauren: Me too.
*They all hug (aw )*
Heero: Good luck...and goodbye. *he gives Michelle a hug*
*She skips Duo*
Trowa: Thanks for being a great friend… hey, can I have that really cool Swiss army knife of yours…?
Everyone: No!
Trowa: oh …
Michelle: * gives Trowa a hug* I'll be back one day…
*She is about to board the plane when she hears "Ahem"*
Quatre: Aren't you forgetting something?
Michelle: *looking down, not meeting his eyes* I think this will be easier if we didn't… *tear falls*
Quatre: *tries to brush away the tear*
Michelle: no… *moves away and boards the plane as everyone waves solemn goodbyes*

A MONTH LATER…
(Everyone is sitting around the kitchen. It is nighttime, but Jackie has gone to get the mail and now has returned)
Jackie: Hey look, the mail's here!
(Everyone rushes to the kitchen table and looks over Jackie's shoulder)
Jackie: Hey, we got a letter from Michelle! *she tears it open and starts to read* It says:
Dear Jackie and Lauren and everyone else at Libra,
Hey. I'm sorry that I have not written until now, but I have been very busy. Zechs has put me up in a nice apartment in colony…
Everyone: What colony is she in…?
Jackie: I can't tell you!
Everyone: Why not?!?!?!
Jackie: Because! She made me promise!!!
Everyone: Oh, fine…
Wufei: You suck.
Jackie: Anyway:
He has also gotten me a job working at his sister-in-law's law office. I'm just a secretary, but it pays pretty well and I work comfortable hours. Noine's sister, Maria, is nice to work for. She doesn't ask a lot of questions and let's me do my job. She isn't pushy or nosey. I like it here, and have adjusted well. I miss you all, but I'm doing fine. I'll write back soon.
Love,
Michelle

Quatre: She sounded pretty happy without us…
Everyone: *somberly* yeah…
Jackie: Cheer up, guys, she says she misses us!
Trowa: Duo, this is all your fault!
Heero: Yeah!
Duo: wait a minute, my fault? How, why?
Trowa: Because you made her leave!
Duo: I didn't make her do anything!
Trowa: Well you drove her to it!
Jackie: HEY, hey! Stop this! It's nobody's fault, just stop. She says she misses us. Hell, we all miss her too!
Lauren: Yeah… you think she'd consider coming back?
Jackie: Maybe…
Lauren: Maybe we should go look for her…
Jackie: No, we shouldn't, we should just leave her be for now…
(They all disperse)

Quatre: *out of nowhere, talking to Duo* I saw the colony number on the letter…
Duo: Really?
Quatre: Yeah… I have to see her…
Duo: No!
Quatre: No?
Duo: No.
Quatre: why not?
Duo: I forbid it.
Quatre: You can't tell me what to do…
Duo: As the leader of the group, I won't allow it. You can't see her. You can't contact her you can't interact with her, you can't write or talk to her. That definitely includes looking for her.
Quatre: But why?
Duo: *sigh* Because honestly, I'm not really sure you'd come back… *he walks away*
Quatre: *to himself* You're right, I don't think I would…
(Lauren and Jackie are suddenly walking towards him)
Quatre: Duo says that I can't look for Michelle.
Jackie: *stops talking to Lauren and looks up* Huh? Why?
Quatre: Cuz he doesn't want what happened last time…
Jackie: oh, we're all worried, Quatre. One letter after a month won't make us happy, but we have to learn to live with it. She's not coming back, she's made that clear.
Quatre: I wish I could see her…
Jackie: Oh, hun, we all do.
Quatre: Uh... I'm gonna go take a drive… I'll be back later. Don't wait up… *he leaves*
Jackie: So like I was saying, I'm worried about Michelle. I wonder if she's really happy like she says.
Lauren: She's such a liar, you know she isn't with out Quatre…
Jackie: I don't really know, but I think we should find her and bring her back.
Lauren: I'd leave her alone for now… Well, I'm tired. I'm gonna go to bed.
Jackie: yeah, me too… *smiles at her inner thoughts*
Lauren: Yeah… I don't wanna know… Night.
Jackie: *flouncing off to her and Duo's bedroom* tee hee! ^_^ Night!!!

LATER…
*Jackie is really getting into it with Duo, when suddenly…*
Duo: I notice you're not enjoying this as much I am…
Jackie: I'm sorry, I just can't stop thinking about poor Michelle.
Duo: No Michelle… Michelle bad, you good…now good…
Jackie: *pushing him off of her* not now…
Duo: No… stop… come back now…
Jackie: Nah.
Duo: Look, it was her choice to leave.
Jackie: Well won't you at least come help me find her?
Duo: Uh… no? Okay, you could come back now…
Jackie: *putting on her skirt* I don't think so…
Duo: *getting ancy* stop that…
Jackie: *putting on bra* No more for you until you help me find Michelle. *starts picking up her shirt*
Duo: Drop the shirt and put your breasts where I can see 'em!
Jackie: *sticks out tongue* No way buddy! No peek-a-boo until we find you-know-who!
Duo: *panicking* Stop that!… clothes bad, naked good…
Jackie: *grabs a pillow and starts to leave* I guess I'll spend the night in Lauren's room. I'll see you in the morning if you change your mind. *smiles seductively and leaves*
Duo: *sitting all alone in the king-sized bed* Wait, come back!… nooooo!

MEANWHILE…
(It is midnight at a gas station in the middle of nowhere on colony 438. Michelle has gotten out of her car to pump gas and pick up something quick and cheap to eat)
Michelle: *hands the counter clerk some money and heads back outside to pump gas. She concentrates as the numbers on the pump go higher. Suddenly, she hears a familiar voice behind her*
Quatre: So how have you been?
Michelle: What are you doing here? *turns to face him, and stops short when she realizes their faces are so close that their lips almost touch. She takes a step back, blushing a little*
Quatre: *points to the red porsche behind him* Just gasin' up.
Michelle: well why are you in the colonies?
Quatre: I came to find you, even though Duo says I'm not allowed.
Michelle: You came all the way out here for me?
Quatre: Of course, I love you…
Michelle: stop… *holds up a finger*
Quatre: *backs away a little* ok…
Michelle: *breaking the silence* So how is everybody at home?
Quatre: They're fine. We miss you a whole lot though.
Michelle: That's nice… but I really didn't fit in there anyway.
Quatre: What do you mean?
Michelle: Look, its nothing. Why am I even getting into this with you?
Quatre: But-
Michelle: No buts… I have to go now. Goodbye… *she climbs into her car and drives away* Well, any thoughts I had about going back sure faded fast. I guess going to Zechs and telling him I'm going back home won't work… well I'm happy like this… Zechs has given me a nice home and gotten me a good job and supported me financially for however long I need it. And I'm not endangering anyone anymore… *an unguarded tear falls, making her think twice about the decision*

BACK ON LIBRA LATER THAT NIGHT…
(Duo, even after Jackie has refused to sleep with him, tries to prove a point by still refusing to go look for Michelle. He walks into the common room to see Jackie)
Jackie: Rough night?
Duo: What, you think I can't last five minutes?
Jackie: Yes…
Duo: *getting furious* But you know what? You're not the best I've ever had!
Jackie: *at first looks hurt, then pissed* Well I'm sorry, but I don't have anybody to compare you with, but rest assured that if I had a comparison, I could probably find a couple of problems.
Duo: *rolls eyes* coulda fooled me, slut. I find it hard to believe that with all your feminine graces that I'm the only guy you've ever been with!
Jackie: *looses control and starts cursing like a truck driver*
Duo: @#%$ you!
Jackie: I already did!
*slap!*
(Duo, who had lost any once of control left, slaps Jackie to make her stop)
*stunned silence*
Duo: Oh man, Jackie, I'm sorry-
Jackie: *turns around slowly and gives him an evil glare* When a man hits me, he only does it once. *decks him causing him to reel backwards* *she runs out of the room*
Lauren: *gives Duo a disgusted look and chases after her*
Heero: what kind of a man would hit a woman? *goes after Lauren*
Wufei: *pause* You're a dick!
Duo: @#%$ you. *leaves*
Quatre: *Looks at Wufei, then runs out of the room to follow Duo* *he catches up to him. Duo is rubbing his jaw angrily. His face is flushed as if he was crying*
Duo: get the @#%$ away from me, I took enough crap from that slutty twat. *he looks shocked at the passion with which he uttered the words*
Quatre: *flinches from what Duo says* I wish you wouldn't call her that, but I'm not here to give you hell.
Duo: Well what am I supposed to call her, she just punched me?!
Quatre: *pissed* well if she didn't hit you, I would've.
Duo: forget you, I have other things to do.
Quatre: What're you gonna do, hit Jackie again?
Duo: *stops, opens his mouth to say something, but instead walks away*

MEANWHILE…
(After her fight with Duo, Jackie goes to Lauren's room, where she and Heero try to comfort her…)
Lauren: *hugging Jackie* Did he hurt you?
Jackie: *sobbing uncontrollably* He didn't mean to, it was my fault! I went too far!
Heero: Bull@#%$! What happened back there was not your fault, don't you dare take the blame for what he did!!!
Lauren: *stunned* …Heero…
(Heero turns Jackie's face towards him to inspect where Duo hit her)
Jackie: Please, Heero… he didn't hit me as hard as he could have…it didn't even really hurt that much…
Heero: *frowns when he sees the slight red mark* I'm gonna @#%$ing kill him.
(He starts to leave, but Jackie grabs his arm)
Jackie: Please don't! This is my problem! What's important now is finding Michelle!
Heero: Well, alright, but if he touches you again, he's a dead man!
Jackie: I know he won't…
Lauren: Heero, will you help us find Michelle?
Heero: Yeah. Let's just calm down a little before we talk about that, though.
Lauren: Sounds good.

(Meanwhile, Trowa (who has been out all day and has no idea what's happening) is sitting in the kitchen working at a laptop when Duo walks in…)
Trowa: *not looking up* Hey, whatcha doing?
Duo: Just need some ice…
Trowa: Huh, for what? *looks up* Jesus tap-dancing Christ! What happened to you?
Duo: *putting an ice pack on his bruised jaw* Nothing. Don't worry about it…
(Just then, Jackie (who was thirsty from all that crying) enters the kitchen. Duo looks at her apologetically, but she refuses to meet his eye…)
Trowa: *confused* Hi, Jackie.
Jackie: Hi.
(Duo approaches Jackie, which only makes her more uncomfortable. He reaches out to touch her cheek, and she flinches in spite of herself before he even makes contact.)
Duo: *genuinely upset* …you think I'd do it again?
Jackie: *eyes tear up* I don't know what to think… just leave me alone…
(She runs out)
Trowa: *stands up* Duo, what really happened?
Duo: We had a fight… I lost my temper…and…
Trowa: Please tell me it's not what I think it is… (Duo doesn't answer) You hit her, didn't you?… So did she give you that or was it one of the guys?
Duo: It was her.
Trowa: *picks up laptop and starts to leave* You are so damn lucky that I wasn't there or else you would look a lot worse right now.
(Trowa leaves)

THE NEXT AFTERNOON, IN THE COLONIES…
(Michelle is at work, trying to think up a memo for some meeting. She has changed very much in appearance. Instead of her short, shiny clothes, she is wearing a very un-revealing light-blue skirt and regular white sweater. Also, her hair is clipped up very casually and instead of her contacts, she is wearing a thin pair of wire-rimmed glasses. She isn't in a very cheerful mood and Maria notices that she is unfocused)
Maria: You don't look too happy. Tough day? Something on your mind?
Michelle: *looking up from her blank paper* No, it's nothing much…
Maria: Alright… I was never one to prod…
Michelle: Well actually… I'm kinda feeling a little homesick. I mean, I miss everyone at home, but I know I don't want to go back.
Maria: Sounds to me like you really do.
Michelle: Maybe I do, but I can't anyway, so what's the point?
Maria: You know what? I think you need something to take your mind off of home, liiiiiiiike… a boyfriend!
Michelle: Huh?!
Maria: Yeah!
Michelle: *instead of saying "I have one", says-* Ok…
Maria: Great! I have a client coming in any moment, and he's the perfect distraction, if ya know what I mean. *wink* he's tall and has long wisps of bluish silver hair, and oh is he buff. He's a real catch, and the fact that he's rich and a famous actor in the colonies is just and added bonus. *wink*
Michelle: Oh, he sounds great.
Maria: he is…
Intercom Lady: Miss Maria, your client is here to see you now.
Maria: Ok, send him up… I'll let you meet him later. *she returns to her office to wait for her client, and Michelle goes back to work.*

After the Meeting…
Maria: *coming out of her office with her client* well thank you, Mister Pierce, I'll make sure to have that contract drafted for you by the end of the week…
Mr. Pierce: Please, call me Vincent.
Maria: *looks at Michelle* Oh, Vincent, I would like you to meet a friend of mine, she's such a sweetie… *walks over to Michelle and stops Vincent right in front of her* Vincent, this is Michelle…
Vincent: Pleased to meet you, I'm Vincent Pierce.
Michelle: *takes his hand* Michelle…
Vincent: it was lovely to meet you… I hope you don't mind my effrontery, but would you like to have dinner with me tonight? I'll be celebrating the release for my new film all alone if you don't.
Maria: *nods frantically behind him*
Michelle: Alright…
Vincent: fabulous. I'll pick you up at seven and I'll take you to that charming little café downtown.
Michelle: Sounds great, thank you. *smile smile*
Vincent: Wonderful, see you then… *he leaves*
Maria: Oh my god! *giggles*
Michelle: *laughs in spite of herself*
Maria: See, he's not so bad.
Michelle: No he's not…
Maria: Now aren't you glad I thought of it? I bet that made you feel better!
Michelle: Yeah, thanks!
Maria: Well, go home and get ready!
Michelle: Okay, see you later! *runs out to get her stuff so she can leave*

BACK ON LIBRA…
(Jackie is in her and Duo's room. She's taking some of her stuff so she can stay in Lauren's room. She doesn't notice when Duo walks in…)
Duo: *touches her shoulder* Where are you going?
Jackie: *moves away from his hand* That's none of your business.
Duo: *holds out his hand with the wedding band* This says it is.
Jackie: *angrily* That's funny, it hasn't said much to me lately.
Duo: …these are for you.
(Jackie turns and sees Duo, looking like a kicked puppy, holding white roses)
Jackie: *bitterly* Don't try to buy my love, you didn't loose that.
Duo: *hopeful* What do you mean?
Jackie: *looks away* I never stopped loving you… I just don't trust you.
Duo: *obviously injured* and the fact that I regret what I did to you more than anything in my entire life means nothing?
(Jackie doesn't answer. Duo tears up a little, but keeps his composure)
Duo: Jackie, I'm so sorry.
(He starts to hug her, but she stops him)
Jackie: D-don't! I can't forgive you right now…please don't try to understand me, your hands already know too much anyway…
(She tears up and starts to run away)
Duo: Wait! Tell me what you want!
Jackie: *stops and looks back at him* … I want my friend back.
(she leaves)
Duo: *puts down the flowers* Than I'll find her for you.

SOON…
Jackie: I can't take this anymore! We need to find Michelle and bring her back.
Lauren: I agree. C'mon Heero, we're going with Jackie.
Heero: Good idea.
(As they are about to leave, Quatre enters the room)
Jackie: Quatre! Come with us and help us find Michelle.
Quatre: I don't think that's such a good idea.
Jackie: You don't want to find her?
Quatre: Of course I do! But Duo said I can't…
Heero: And you're gonna listen to him?!
Quatre: You guys go, good luck.
Lauren: Thank you.
Jackie: Well alright, we'll be back soon.
(They leave)
Quatre: Good, now I can go find her on my own…

LATER…
(Heero, Lauren, and Jackie make reservations for a private jet to take them to the colony in Michelle's letter…)
Lauren: *boarding jet* Hurry up, Jackie! I don't know how much longer Duo will believe we're going shopping!
Jackie: *lagging* I'm sorry, I just feel a little guilty I guess…
(Jackie doesn't notice Heero's behind her. He picks her up and swings her over his shoulder)
Jackie: ACK! Put me down!!!
Heero: *boards jet* Sorry, Jackie, but we don't have time for lolly gagging!
(They are on the jet bound for the colony. Jackie, grossed, out by the sounds from Lauren and Heero in the back, decides to chat with the pilot…)
Jackie: *enters pit* Hello?
Pilot: Hi there. *smile*
Jackie: Is it okay if I sit?
Pilot: Of course, Mrs. Maxwell!
Jackie: *sits next to pilot* You know, you're the first person to call me that.
Pilot: Really? How do you like it?
Jackie: It's a little weird. You can call me Jackie. *smile*
Pilot: Alright then. You can call me Lantis.
Jackie: So, Lantis, how old are you?
Lantis: I'm 19. Say, you look a little young to be married. Duo's always talking about you, ya know.
Jackie: What does he say?
Lantis: Usually stuff like how beautiful you are, and funny and smart.
Jackie: *surprised* Really?
Lantis: Oh yeah! And he wasn't kidding.
Jackie: Thank you…hee hee!
Lantis: *smiles* You're a real cutie. It's a shame he got to you first, or I would ask you out.
Jackie: There's no reason why we can't be friends!
Lantis: Good point.
Jackie: Are we there yet?
Lantis: *laughs* In a little while.

(They arrive in the colonies 20 minutes later…)
Lauren: So, where to?
Jackie: We're looking for Maria Noin's office…
Heero: Where's that?
Jackie: I'm not sure.
Heero: Nice going, Magellan!
Lauren: This isn't a problem! We'll just ask around.
(after an hour of searching, they finally find the building…)
Michelle: *looks out the window to see them coming* AHH!
Maria: *comes running in* What? What is it?!
Michelle: *frantically looking for a hiding place* Two girls and a guy are gonna come here! Tell them I'm not here, that I quit, that I died! Anything! Just cover for me.
(She runs into the bathroom and locks the door, leaving Maria looking confused. Lauren, Jackie, and Heero walk in…)
Jackie: Are you Maria Noin?
Maria: Yes, who are you?
Lauren: We're friends with a girl you hired named Michelle-
Maria: Oh, I'm sorry, but she quit two days ago.
Heero: Huh? Did she say where she was going?
Maria: No, I didn't ask. Sorry. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.
Lauren: Thank you…(they leave)
Maria: You can come out now.
Michelle: *opens door a crack and looks around* Are they gone?
Maria: What was that all about?
Michelle: *sigh* It's not important… thanks for helping me.
Maria: No problem. *she goes into her office*
Michelle: I'm sorry guys…

(Meanwhile, the others have stopped at a local café before leaving…)
Lauren: I can't believe she's gone…
Heero: I wonder if she'll tell us where she is.
(Jackie is sitting in silence, still thinking about what Lantis told her Duo said)
Lauren: Jackie! Hel-lo! Libra to Jackie!
Jackie: Huh? Oh, sorry. What were you saying?
Heero: We were talking about Michelle.
Jackie: Oh… maybe she doesn't want us to find her.
Lauren: What do you mean?
Jackie: it's probably easier for her to avoid us…
(Lauren and Heero look at the table, not wanting to believe Jackie)
Heero: Let's get back to Libra.
(They leave for the jet)

MEANWHILE, A LITTLE LATER…
(It is mid-evening at a nice restaurant in the colonies. Michelle is there with Vincent. Quatre is there too, sitting across the room watching her, but she doesn't see him)
Vincent: *beeper goes off. He shuts it and glances at the message* Ugh, it's my manager. He says he needs to see me. *looks back up at Michelle* I'm really sorry…
Michelle: That's okay, I understand. I better be going, too, anyway.
Vincent: *gives her a quick kiss* Great, thanks. It was fun, I would like to do it again sometime. Call you later… Bye.
Michelle: Bye.
(He leaves)
Michelle: *sigh* *He's great… but not as good as-*
Quatre: You look lonely.
Michelle: *startled gasp* You scared me-!…
Quatre: Sorry.
Michelle: *sigh* *looks around* What are you doing here? Who are you here with?!
Quatre: Nobody, I came by myself.
Michelle: What, are you stalking me now?
Quatre: No… I just want you to come back…
Michelle: *stands up and gathers her coat and purse* Well that's not happening.
Quatre: Why not?
Michelle: This isn't the place to discuss it. *walks out the door, heading towards her car*
Quatre: *chasing after her* Then let's so somewhere else! Anywhere… I don't care where…
Michelle: *stops*… anywhere?…

Later that night…
(Michelle and Quatre have driven to the top of a hill, overlooking the lit town below. They are now sitting quietly, deep in thought.)
Quatre: *breaking the silence* So why won't you come back?
Michelle: Because…
Quatre: That's not a very efficient answer.
Michelle: *starting to cry* Because, I don't want anybody to get hurt…
Quatre: What do you mean?
Michelle: *full-fledged crying* …if I go back, then you'll get distracted again, and then you won't fight, and then everyone else will get killed… *starts sobbing uncontrollably at the thought of one of her friends getting hurt*
Quatre: *moves closer to her* It's not your fault…
Michelle: *pushes him away* Please stop, you're not making this any easier…
Quatre: No, I don't want this to be easier. What happens at home is my problem, you have nothing to do with it-
Michelle: I have everything to do with it!… *gets up and walks back to her car*
Quatre: *calling after her* Just because you're gone doesn't mean I've stopped loving you! I still love you!
Michelle: I love you too… that's the problem.
*Without another word, she drives away, leaving Quatre hurt and alone*

LATER THAT NIGHT…
(Michelle is sitting on her couch, flipping through the TV channels)
*ring ring*
Michelle: *picks up phone* Hello?
Vincent: Hey beautiful.
Michelle: *sigh* Hi.
Vincent: Something wrong?
Michelle: No, I was just thinking about home…
*knock knock knock*
Michelle: Hold on… *puts phone on mute and opens the door* *gasp* Duo!
Duo: hey.
Michelle: What are you doing here?
Duo: I came to get you back.
Michelle: *in annoyed and sarcastic overdramatics* Oh darling, I knew you'd come, I just couldn't live another day without you. * throws up her hands* What is this?! You know, maybe I don't want to come back!
Duo: But everyone misses you.
Michelle: *holding her stony front* Well that's just tough…
Duo: Please, I *need* you to come back!
Michelle: Need?!
Duo: yeah…
Michelle: Why? *crosses her arms*
Duo: Well…me and Jackie got into a really bad fight, and we both lost our tempers, and… *eyes tear up* and I slapped her…
Michelle: *takes a step backward, but maintains her look* well, she gave you a nice bruise there, hun.
Duo: How did you know she did this?
Michelle: Hey, she may look cute and harmless, but she's one-hell-of-a-bitch when she's angry.
Duo: You can say that again…
Michelle: She packs quite a punch, but I coulda told you that *before* she decked ya…
Duo: *gingerly touches his bruised jaw*
Michelle: And I bet she's givin' ya that half-silent treatment, half-hell thing now too.
Duo: Yeah… so you understand now why you have to come back…
Michelle: *holds up her hand* Wait a minute, who says I'm ready to come back? I like my life here… I have a job, a home of my own, a car, a boyfriend-
Duo: A boyfriend?!
Michelle: Yeah, oh speaking of which…*takes Vincent off of mute* Sorry, hun, one more minute... *puts him back on hold*
Duo: What about Quatre?
Michelle: *shrugs* What *about* him?
Duo: He misses you the most.
Michelle: *shrugs*
Duo: O c'mon, Michelle, you're breakin' the poor guy's heart! He's so distraught, he's depressed, he's…lost without you.
Michelle: *In and off-guard show of emotion, her stony outside falters and her expression becomes one of a child who has lost their puppy*
Duo: *Please* come back… I'm sorry…
Michelle: *pats his shoulder* okay.
Duo: *gives her a quick hug* Thanks! * he goes outside to wait*
Michelle: *takes Vincent off of hold* I'm sorry, but I have to go.
Vincent: Alright, when can I call you back?
Michelle: Never.
Vincent: Never?! Why not?
Michelle: Because I'm leaving…I have someone else to be with. I'm sorry.
Vincent: But-but… *sigh* Alright then. Goodbye.
Michelle: Bye. *click*
(She goes outside to get Duo and together they go home)

BACK ON LIBRA…
(It is very late and everyone is sitting in the common room)
Jackie: *pacing around the room tugging stressfully at her hair* Oh, where is he? What if he's done something drastic? Why didn't he tell me anything? I told him that I didn't hate him… *all teary* I hope he still loves me…
Lauren: Calm down, I'm sure nothing's wrong.
Jackie: Well what if he's hurt or lost?
Heero: Duo can take care of himself.
Jackie: Well God only knows what he's gone and done! Oh, this is all my fault!
Everyone: No it isn't!
Trowa: Jackie, stop! Duo just probably went to clear his mind. He'll be back by the morning, he always is… Besides, really, how many times can the self-detonation button work? I should know…
Everyone: Trowa!
Trowa: What?
Jackie: *starts wailing uncontrollably*
Quatre: Well Duo's a tough guy…tough guys like me and him can handle anything! *puffs his chest out trying to look all manly and proud*
Wufei: *starts cracking up* You?! TOUGH?! Ah-ha ha! Now I've heard it all!!!
Quatre: *elbows him in the stomach* Shut up! I'm more of a man than you'll ever be!
Wufei: You suck.
Duo: *from down the hall* I'm back!
Jackie: Duo! He didn't leave me, thank God!
(Everyone runs towards the door, about to cram through it, when it swings open, causing everyone to jump back. In comes Duo, leading Michelle by the hand behind him)
Everyone: Michelle! *they all run to hug her, minus Wufei of course*
Michelle: Hey everyone, I've missed you!
Jackie: Michelle, I'm so glad you're back!!! *gives her a big hug*
Lauren: *also gives her a hug* You are here to stay, right?
Michelle: Yeah. *reassuring smile*
Heero: Great. *gives her a hug too*
Trowa: Hooray! Now I have a new reason to buy myself a new knife!
Everyone: No!
Trowa: Oh…
Michelle: *gives Trowa a hug* It's okay.
*Everyone pretty much disperses after that, leaving Michelle and Quatre alone*
Michelle: Aren't you glad I'm back?
Quatre: Of course. Are you?
Michelle: Yeah. It's great to see everyone again.
*She gives him a kiss, which is all the apology *either* of them need*
Wufei: *sitting darkly in a corner of the room, sickened by the joyous festivities*
Michelle: Wufei, don't think I don't see you!
Wufei: *looks up to see Michelle coming towards him* Huh?
Michelle: C'mere!
Wufei: Hug me and I'll kill you…
Michelle: hee hee! ^_^ *starts chasing him around the room*
Wufei: Get away from me!
Michelle: You know you want a hug!!!
Wufei: NO!!!

(Duo and Jackie have collapsed against each other in their room, listening to the antics of the Libra)
Jackie: Thank you for bringing her back…
Duo: It was the least I could do…
Michelle: *from inside the common room* Gotcha! tee hee!
Wufei: *sweatdrop* Aw geez…
Duo: …even if Wufei doesn't think so.
Jackie: *content sigh*
Duo: Babe, I'm sorry.
Jackie: Me too. You mean the world to me.
Duo: I love you so much.
*CRASH!*
Michelle: hee hee! Look what you did, Wufei!
Wufei: You suck. If you weren't legs forever… I mean-!
Jackie: I love you too Duo… Well hey, you found Michelle…you know what *that* means… *wink*
Duo: Woo-hoo!!! Sex!!!
(They shut the rest of the Libra out as they instead get lost inside each other)

~*THE END*~