I got several emails asking me to write a sequel well I didn't really plan on that so I thought I would try and see if expanding it might make those kind enough to email just as happy.
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Masks
By Amber



The ballroom looked magical and, for one brief moment, she was just a woman, like any other enjoying the magic of the night. The masked ball had a surreal air about it, and if she stood really still, she could almost feel like something momentous was in the air. For just a moment, Relena felt the wonderment of being carefree again. The colorful costumes swirled and dipped in youthful abandon, celebrating simply being alive and, for a time, it filled the aching void in her own heart.

At the war's end, life had went on. Smiling wistfully, she was content, at least, in that those she cared for were enjoying their peace. They didn't keep in touch as much as they would like, but enough to know that they were finding a measure of happiness after so much sacrifice. Suddenly she felt eyes on her; it was something primal, deep within, that warns you to beware. Slowly moving her eyes around the room, she searched for anything out of the ordinary. What she found was the extraordinary.

He was dressed ala Phantom of the Opera and, by far, he seemed the most dangerous presence in the room. He stood out like a panther among sheep, drawing glances from female and male alike. Masked and hooded, he was a mystery, and she always loved a mystery. She felt goose bumps appear along her arms just from thinking about whom it could be and why he was watching her so intently. Relena absently rubbed her arms. He was an impressive figure with an aura of danger about him that insured no one invaded his personal space unless by invitation. Relena smiled whimsically. It seemed appropriate somehow that he was the Phantom.

She stood there in wide-eyed fascination, feeling oddly comfortable with his eyes moving so intimately over her. It was so rare that anyone remembered anymore that Relena Peacecraft was a woman, just like any other, with hopes and dreams and desires. He stood there watching her with eyes of cobalt blue that burned with an intensity she couldn't quite place, and everywhere his eyes touched her, it felt as if he had physically caressed her.

The Phantom effortlessly crossed the room, skillfully navigating through the myriad of dancers with an unhurried stride. Once he reached his destination, he stopped in front of her. Looking intently in her eyes for several seconds, he finally bowed. Silently, he offered her a rose. Relena smiled. Lifting it, she drew in its sweet fragrance. "Thank you."

He offered her his hand, "May I have this dance?” he said quietly.

A small smile lingered on her face, as she tilted her head thoughtfully to the side. Offering him her hand, he drew her into the dancers. Never once did his eyes leave hers as they skillfully circled the floor. Neither spoke; strangely enough, they were content with one another's company.

One dance led into several, as his hand gradually slid down, softly stroking the small of her back. Relena sighed, content for the moment to not question or analyze this pleasant surprise. Hearing her sigh, he pulled her closer. For a split second, she tensed, but then relaxing, she lay her head on his chest and trusted in her Phantom to safely steer her through the night.

Relena lifted her head at the dulcet tones signaling the approach of midnight. She drew back, waiting until her gaze met his. "I will have to go soon, so I wanted to tell you before I leave I had a lovely time, largely in part to you…for that I thank you." They gradually stopped dancing and were standing there when Relena slowly withdrew her hand and prepared to say her goodbye before the magic was ruined by her identity.

The old Relena once would have left no rock unturned, no lead unexplored to discover his. But this was a wiser Relena who had learned the hard way that sometimes it's the small things that make life bearable at times. She wanted this magical memory unspoiled for when the walls closed in and once more she was alone.

The clock started chiming and the quiet murmurs and laughing of the guests preparing for the unmasking could be heard. He looked frantically at the clock, and then at Relena. He opened his mouth. But she was there, lifting her fingers to gently rest on his mouth. Her head shook no. She had wanted to leave without seeing his expression change at learning her identity, but there was no time now.

She backed away slowly but he grabbed her arm. I waited too late, she cried silently, too late. From the corner of her eye, she saw everyone removing their masks, so she surrendered to the inevitable. "It's time to remove our masks," she smiled sadly.

"Relena," he whispered huskily; pushing back the mask and hood, he stepped forward. Cupping her face, his lips closed over hers in a gentle kiss. Duo pulled away, his eyes entreating her, his voice strangely subdued, "Would that be such a bad thing?"

"Duo!" She silently mouthed amazement and a carefully banked excitement eased across her face.

"Duo," he affirmed, gently sliding off her mask. His hand tugged her to him. Once more, leaning closer, he hesitated, giving her the chance to refuse. When she didn't, his mouth brushed against hers lightly once, twice, then gently he nibbled at each corner before sliding over her mouth and thoroughly exploring its secrets. He pulled back enough to see her face bathed in frank pleasure before lowering his mouth once more. His tongue flicked out, licking her lip. Relena gasped, allowing him to keep his promise to make the most of this chance. Settling more firmly over her mouth, he deepened his kiss and hungrily savored her mouth.

Relena reluctantly broke off the kiss and, with a shivery sigh, her eyelashes fluttered open and met his. "Duo?” she murmured questioningly, dreamily.

Duo eyes tenderly caressed her face. Now you know how I feel, all my masks are gone.