1 He just came out of the blue one night. He just came and sat there, never saying more than a few words. This went on for two weeks. The first night, Annelda had been sitting in her chair reading a book when she heard a rattle of someone trying to break in through the balcony door. Startled and frightened, she drew back the curtains. She gasped as her eyes met an intense steel gaze in the black night. "Heero!" Lighting flashed as the rain poured down, drowning everything in black chaos, everything except Heero. Caught off guard, Annelda fumbled with the lock, but successfully opened the doors. What was he...? The rain fell down his face and dripped off the tip of his nose, he was drenched, but this didn't seem to faze him in the least. His cold expression remained. "Heero?" "Can I come in?" Heero asked solemnly. "Sure I..." Annelda stepped out of his way. Heero walked to her bedside and sat down on the floor next to it, leaning his back against the bed.
Heero's fierce eyes were distant, yet intensely focused on something she could not see. Still shocked, Annelda opened her mouth to question Heero, but thought better of it. She could ask him her questions later. Now was not the time. Annelda resigned to her comfortable chair and reluctantly returned to her book. Heero was silent the whole time; his mind caught somewhere thinking about what, Annelda didn't have a clue. It was well after midnight when he finally spoke. "Thank you, Annelda." the golden haired girl looked up from her book, ready to hear what he had to say, but he was already getting up and headed for the balcony door. Annelda hastefully followed him. "Where are you going Heero? You can stay if you want." Heero walked out into the balcony straight to the ledge. The rain had stopped. Heero paused, looking into the night. He is so stubborn she thought. Uncertainty crept into Annelda's skin, the worrisome fear she would never see him again struck her heart. "Will you come back?" she asked quietly. Heero jumped onto the ledge and turned his face towards her. "Yeah, tomorrow night." "Sure, I'll be here." And with that Heero jumped into the night. Back inside her room, Annelda worried that maybe he wouldn't return, that somehow he would be swallowed up by the night, or kidnapped by whatever problem that was plaguing him, and without a trace he left.
Heero came back the next night as promised and then the night after that and the night after that. Those nights turned into weeks and soon those weeks turned into months. Each time one more word was said and the silence between them would say the words much better than if spoken. Heero's mind gradually left that unknown dimension, his eyes stealing thoughtful glances upon Annelda. Likewise, Annelda would occasionally peek behind her book, stealing her own glances at the mysterious solider. This game continued until one night, the pair caught each other's gaze.
At first Annelda thought he would quickly look away, but he didn't. He stared back with his intense Prussian eyes, bearing into her heart, questioning her, challenging her. She felt naked, utterly naked under his gaze, but she wouldn't back down either, not on her life. Heero was scrutinizing her very being, and she was determined not to break, not now. What was he trying to prove? Was he testing her? Annelda threw back a glare of defiance, but the intensity of Heero's gaze continued. Annelda could feel herself weaken, her strength eaten away by Heero's glare, but she wouldn't, not for anything back down. Suddenly, Heero rose to his feet and without breaking his fierce gaze, walked over to the chair. Heero easily plucked the book out of her hands, and placed his hands on the arms of the chair. His face with his cold burning eyes was about a foot from her face. Annelda's body involuntary quivered, she desperately hoped Heero could not see the turmoil she was feeling. "If you look away now you can still save yourself from the consequences." Heero's voice was low and smooth, not a hint of any unsettledness. Annelda's heart fluttered at the sound of his voice but she fought too outwardly and kept her composer. "I'm sure I could handle any consequence it brings." She responded calmly. Was his face getting closer to hers, or was she the one leaning towards him?
An unknown force drew them both close, very close. "Even if it means I have to kill you?" He asked softly. Annelda could feel his warm breath brush against her lips. His eyes no longer held the challenge, the blinding intensity. Instead behind the cool expression, his eyes were filled with a certain sincere, compassionate emotion, an emotion Annelda had seen only once before. "If that's what you want." Annelda answered smiling as Heero closed the tiny space and caught her lips with his.
Soft morning light crept through the curtains; slowly making its way around the room. The virgin rays bounced off the fresh linens creating an unearthly glow around the poster bed, and amidst the satin sheets, laid Heero. Wide awake, Heero laid pondering her question, "Heero, what is your real name?" Heero thought about this very carefully. What should I tell her? The implications, revealing his true name meant that he would have to tell her about his past too. A painful, confusing past. Some things the perfect soldier couldn't remember, but others remained permanently imprinted on him, like the deaths, the innocent deaths. The raw ravenous emotions, but somehow Annelda could see the black amber eyed ghost that plagued his inner mind. Heero glanced at his partner lying beside him, Annelda was still peacefully asleep.
Her chest rose up and down to the rhythm of her gentle breath. An affectionate smile spread across Heero's lips. She looked so innocent, so pure. Heero reached out to touch her face, but then pulled back. No, he wouldn't wake her. Heero's gaze traveled down Annelda's figure, studying how the sheets curled around her body. Seductively emphasizing each curve. Heero smiled and then his thoughts drifted to the night before, the night when Annelda asked "Who are you, Heero?"
It was close to midnight when Annelda strode into her bedroom with Heero close behind. "These preventer missions are starting to wear me out." Annelda sighed. She stood in front of her mirror tugging at the hair band that held her hair back. "I know it's my duty and to my advantage that I was a former Gundam pilot, but during every lecture all they want to do is talk about me, you would think they never saw a woman pilot before." Annelda did her best impression of the old fashioned aristocrats as she pulled the hair band out. "My dear Annelda you look so elegant in that dress of yours! I heard you were simply brilliant at the Terra convention last week! Bravo! I've never seen another person that speaks with your eloquence and air." Annelda sighed as she set the hair band on the dresser. Silence filled the room for a moment. Annelda could hear footsteps walk across the carpet. She could actually feel his presence behind her. He covered her hand with his, Annelda slowly turned around to meet his eyes. "You like dancing with me!" Heero answered. "But they don't dance like you Heero." "Then you should dance with me more often." Without another word, Heero brought Annelda's hand to his shoulder as he slipped his other arm around her waist. A bit puzzled at first, Annelda soon got the hint. The pair twirled to the music only they could hear.
Heero could feel her warm breath tickle his neck. Their dance had settled down now to a slow sway. Annelda rested her head upon his shoulder. He held her close and maybe he thought, just maybe, if he held her close enough those cold memories, those black thoughts would truly go away just for a moment. Annelda gently pulled her face away from Heero's neck and looked into his eyes. Heero greeted her eyes staring right back into hers. Annelda's eyes filled with love and passion, pierced through him, straight to his heart. "Heero?" Annelda's voice broke the silence and also the fear that started to well up inside him. "Yes!" "What is your real name?" She asked. Taken by surprise, Heero broke his gaze and looked away. He put up his protective glassy stare. He couldn't answer questions like that. He just couldn't especially about his past. There was so much he didn't remember, and yet there were things he didn't want to remember. Life was much easier if no questions were asked.
Annelda rested her head against his chest, unsure if she should regret what she just said. She had only asked what his real name was, but she was actually asking much more, too much. Both were silent. Time and gentle swaying of their bodies seemed to melt away the uneasiness left by Annelda's question. After a while Heero spoke. "I could tell you, you know.' Heero mused. "But then I would have to kill you." Annelda could sense Heero's inward smile. "Oh really?" Annelda smiled, relieved. "Did anyone ever tell you curiosity killed the cat?" He said into her ear. Annelda answered "My curiosity has had many opportunities to kill me, but." She brushed her lips against his ear. "But it seems he never can." Annelda anticipated Heero's reaction out of the corner of her eye. Foolishly, Heero opened his mouth to chide her for thinking so recklessly but stopped. She was making fun of him. No one made fun of Heero Yuy, no one. Instantly Heero's hold on Annelda changed. He no longer held her with a light, tender touch. He held her as if she was caught-ensnared in a trap. He spoke in her ear coldly. "Don't push me!" He growled. Heero could hear Annelda's breath catch in her throat.
"What make you think I couldn't kill you right now? You've become too trusting miss former pilot." He sneered. Heero felt her confusion radiate through him as he held her firmly in his arms. Maybe he shouldn't have spoken to her like that. He only wanted to frighten her a little. Annelda became still under his grip. "Hmm? What makes you think I couldn't kill you right now? Answer me!" Annelda was silent and still for a moment. Then she quietly spoke in his ear, "because," She whispered. "Your gun is in your jacket," she continued. "And your jacket is on the chair." Annelda pointed across the room at the recliner. The perfect soldier looked at Annelda then at the recliner then back again. He stared in disbelief. Damn, beaten again! Heero let out an exasperated sigh of defeat. Damn, he loved her too much. Annelda laughed, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"What are you going to do now?" She asked, trying to keep a straight face. "The only thing left to do." And with that Heero grabbed Annelda's legs and threw her over his shoulder. "Heero!" Annelda cried having trouble controlling her laughter. "Put me down!" With Annelda hanging over his shoulder, Heero nonchalantly strolled over to the chair and deftly slipped out his gun from his jacket. Meanwhile, Annelda tried to lift herself up to no avail. "Heero Yuy, let me down this instant!" "Stop squirming so much." Was Heero's only answer. Heero dropped out the cartridge, juggling both gun and cartridge in one hand. The other of course held tightly onto Annelda. Hearing the clicks of the gun, Annelda became mildly alarmed. "What are you doing?" She asked, but Heero continued to fiddle with the gun. "Answer me, Heero!" Annelda was starting to get a little frustrated. She still couldn't see anything that was going on.
"I'm checking to see if my gun is loaded." Heero finally responded. "Is it?" Smiling Heero snapped the last piece into place. "Now it is." Annelda held tightly onto Heero as he abruptly whirled around, walking away from the chair. Annelda's golden hair hung over her face like drapery, preventing her from seeing where they were headed. All senses alert, she listened carefully to every movement and sound, and waited. Heero stopped; Annelda could hear him set the gun down on a table. My night stand? What? Annelda's thoughts were cut short as Heero swiftly took her off his shoulder, and into his arms. Then gently laying her on the bed in one smooth motion. Annelda could smell the fresh sheets as her head sunk into the soft feather pillow. A moment later Heero's face came into her vision. His face and body close to hers, Heero gazed deeply into her eyes. Instantly, Annelda's nerves were calmed, her apprehension gone. Hearing his shallow breath and feeling his chest against hers put Annelda into a state of eternal calmness.
Breaking his gaze, Heero closed his eyes and laid a sweet kiss on her forehead. Inhaling, Annelda's eyelids closed as she felt his lips against her skin, recuperating from the excitement. "And the gun?" Annelda asked, her eyes still shut. Heero's face came back into view as Annelda opened them. His face wore an affectionate expression. "In case I change my mind." Heero said smiling, tracing his fingertips lightly along the edges of her cheek bone down to her jaw. "Or," Heero continued. "In case some unfortunate soul decides to interrupt us." Annelda's eyes danced as Heero sealed his promise with a sweet kiss.
Heero grinned at the memory; he glanced over at the still sleeping Annelda. Yes, he could tell her, Heero mused. She could handle it. Annelda had seen, heard and had been involved in more stressful situations than most people. Who was he kidding? She could probably understand where he was coming from better than himself. She had also witnessed her parent's death, and at the same time was informed that her father wanted her to be a Gundam pilot. Heero couldn't decide which was worse, a warm secure life shattered or a life where there was nothing to shatter. Nothing worth losing anyway. At least she had some memories that she could hold on to. Heero bent down touching his finger under her chin, and kissed the sleeping beauty. He pulled away, still gazing at her, as her eyes fluttered open. "Good morning." Heero said softly. Annelda drew a deep breath stretching her arms out and then curled up again hugging her pillow. She looked at Heero with huge innocent eyes. "Good morning." Annelda cooed, smiling brightly. Heero stared into her clear blue eyes and became lost for a moment, only coming back when he remembered he had to tell her something important.
"I want to tell you," He said. Annelda understood the vague statement. "I can tell you what I know, what I remember." He continued. Heero laid his head back down on his pillow and stared at the ceiling. After a brief moment of silence, he spoke, speaking in an emotionless tone. His past couldn't be explained any other way, itself was devoid of emotion. "I was raised by a professional assassin called Odin Lowe, and I was trained from a young age to follow his footsteps. When I was ten, Odin told me that he was going to abandon me after our last mission. He said he wanted me to live a normal life." Heero paused. "Odin got himself killed on that mission. From then on I was free to do what I wanted." Silence. "I went by Odin Lowe Jr." Annelda gazed intently at Heero's profile. Odin Lowe Jr., she murmured, the name certainly fit his fascinating past. "Soon after Dr. J found me, and offered me a job I couldn't refuse." Heero's train of thought paused. He could still hear Dr. J's exasperated voice. "You can come with me and use your life to fight against OZ for the colonies, or you can rot on the streets. Which do you prefer?"
Heero shook his head gently pushing the memory away, but it didn't stop the flood of further memories of his accomplishments as a Gundam pilot, both good and bad. Heero finally brought himself out of the lurking memories to the task at hand. What else could he say? Was that the end? His name, "Dr. J knew about Odin Lowe. I don't know how, not many people knew about him. The higher powers including OZ made sure all records associated with the assassination of Heero Yuy were deleted. Anyway, he knew that a Gundam pilot running with the name Odin wasn't such a good idea. Operation Meteor's goal was not only to take over Earth but also to revenge the death of Heero Yuy. The chances of meeting a high official who new Odin were too high and very dangerous, so he gave me the more appropriate codename Heero Yuy." There he said it. Heero's questioning eyes met soft reassuring face. Content with himself, Heero stretched out and laid his head upon Annelda's stomach.
Glowing with maternal expression, Annelda played with Heero's unruly hair, running it through her fingers. My beautiful dark angel. Time passed and the two soldiers just laid there, soaking in the morning rays. Time passed without another word between them, only the gentle sound of fingers running through hair. The color and the decor of the room had a surreal effect, almost like they were in heaven, with the yellow light and warm caressing breeze. "Heero?" "HN?" Heero answered without opening an eye. "Do you remember your mother?" Heero frowned and opened his eyes. "My mother?" "Yes." Annelda said slowly. "Do you have any memories of her?" Dumb founded, Heero opened his mouth but then shut it. Those memories, the time before Odin Lowe, the short time when he actually possessed pure innocence had died long ago. All those years with Odin, he had lived inside his head with an exhausting intensity. His own little world, Odin Lowe Jr., experienced things a child normally wouldn't experience until much later in life or for some not at all.
Heero came to regard the rest of the world with cool pretended indifference. He did this to keep himself from going crazy, handling everything with a cold objectivity that could protect him from potential pain. Though it didn't totally eradicate his feelings. He didn't let that happen. "No I don't remember anything of my life before Odin." Heero replied with sliver of regret. Did he really have no memories of his real parents? Why? Why did it have to be that way? Heero put this question to rest a long time ago, but something nagged at Heero's mind and heart. With Odin he didn't have much time to dwell on what his life was like before. He always assumed Odin saved him from the streets. Though Heero never had any memories of living on the streets. Still, he must have had a mother one way or another. Heero's eyes furrowed in frustration. He didn't even have a clue what she looked like! How pathetic was that? Damn him! Odin was never one for volunteering information. Heero never asked about his past he knew he would never get a straight answer. Damn him and his ways! Heero thought angrily, he couldn't even remember her face! Her name! Then suddenly out of nothingness, a memory rose deep within Heero's mind and stuck him forcefully but her long black hair had fallen over her face like a shroud, hiding her porcelain face forever. Heero's breath caught in his throat. His mind went numb as he increasingly realized the truth of the memory. That day, that day changed his life, his soul forever. "What of your real name Heero?" Annelda asked lightly. "I don't remember my real name. I'm sorry but that's all I can remember." Heero answered in remorse not telling Annelda about the memory. "I'll help you find out who you really are Heero. Just like you helped me when my parents died." Thank you, Annelda!" He said as they both fell into a deep slumber, and stayed together wrapped up in each other arms.