Standard warning Gundam belongs to Gundam and any scene or plot similarity to another person's story, movie or anime is purely coincidental. With this one I feel a long nauseating preface is needed. I have taken a few liberties with this one concerning the main characters personalities. And I'm trying something different a little darker. If you disagree about 1xR character representation here then accept my apologies and chalk it up to the assumption that the characters have grown and changed as all beings with the passages of time.If 1xR repulses you then you will want to avoid this story. * here indicate the characters private thoughts. And as always I hope there is some enjoyment from this story.
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Darkness Without the Light
By: Amber
Silently he moved down the hall until he encountered the security camera stopping in front of the camera he stared directly into the lens. The cold smile turned into a full-blown laugh that echoed eerily through the hallway. Turning away he moved on until he stood before the door of the Vice Foreign Minister. Pushing the door open he moved through the outer office and entered her private domain. His hands trembled as he placed the vase on the corner of her desk. Fingers moist with perspiration lightly trailed across the surface before moving around to her chair.
Running his hands over the arms and back of the chair he released a shaky breath that sounded unnaturally loud in the stillness of the room. Lowering himself into the chair he leaned his head back, his eyes slid closed, rubbing his hands up and down his legs a keening whimper escaped from tightly held lips as he detected the faintest traces of her perfume lingering within the leather. His eyes snapped open at the sound. His hands tightened on his thighs until the knuckles showed white fighting the urge to relieve the source of the ache that thinking about her brought. He sat there panting trying to control the riot of emotions swirling in his mind, drawing a steadying breath he pushed himself up and stiffly headed for the door. He stopped in the entrance; turning back he smiled a humorless smile.
"Soon my dove, soon it will be just you and me."
~ ~ ~ ~
Relena briskly entered her office looking over her schedule for the up coming week circling the corner of her desk she stopped in the middle of reaching for the intercom. There sat an enormous vase of roses, their sweet fragrance seemed to permeate her office. A smile illuminated her face making her normally solemn demeanor brighten. Relena tossed the papers down and leaned in cupping her hands around the buds of the roses. She closed her eyes delighted with their intoxicating scent. A soft smile lingered as she curiously searched through the flowers for a note. She released a breathy laugh charmed by the unexpected gift.
Relena pushed her intercom "Mrs. Carnes could you come in here for a moment please." The knock sounded a moment later. Relena absent-mindedly called out her permission to enter. "Ms. Peacecraft?"
Relena looked up and smiled. "Mrs. Carnes I can't seem to find a note for these flowers. " Who sent them?" Mrs. Carnes blinked in confusion. "I'm sorry miss I don't know."
"Well who delivered them then Relena asked in an amused tone?" A brief look of consternation flickered across her secretary's face. "I'm sorry, I saw no one deliver them either." She studied the flowers a moment longer, then shrugged. "Ms. Peacecraft should I call security?"
Heero? Relena distracted looked up. " Hmmm O no I don't think." The only danger I see here is perhaps some thorns." She smiled politely, "that will be all thank you."
She watched the door shut before her eyes settled once more on the mysterious flowers. She smiled wistfully just for a moment she allowed herself to dream it was Heero. She shook her head at her folly no that required more thought about her than Heero could be bothered with.
~ ~ ~ ~
Every week they arrived. A dozen roses always the same no one saw them delivered and there was never a note. At first, Relena was charmed but it had been months now. No one seemed to want to take the credit for them. She had discreetly made inquiries but turned up nothing. Who ever it was had certainly covered their tracks either way she was starting to swim in flowers. Now there was the added mystery of the chocolates, it seemed the anonymous benefactor had now taken to including her favorite chocolates as well. She was truly mystified. To her knowledge only a few knew that information and they were claiming it wasn't them.
A month ago she started handing them out to the ladies at the office. Last week Hilde had taken them home. This week she smiled wryly, I'll give them to Lucrezia. Milliardo never said but Relena sensed he was concerned. However since nothing had come of it except a weekly gift he hadn't pressed the issue. She shrugged checking the time she mentally brushed aside the questions there was no time now. Relena grabbed the current offering and her brief case, and headed home to prepare for the Summer Solstice Ball.
Zechs stood at the window watching his sister make her way across the courtyard her guards following at a discreet distance. A small frown creased his brow he would have felt allot better if they had been closer but he knew Relena gave them hell for smothering her as she put it. The knock at the door pulled him from his grim thoughts. "Enter."
The young man moved across the room on silent feet. "Thank you for coming so promptly." I need your help." I know your feelings about protecting Relena." But some things have happened." I would like you to expand the parameters of your duties least until this situation is resolved satisfactorily."
"You mean the flowers." Heero joined him in watching Relena get into her limo. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth it didn't surprise him Heero had his finger on the pulse of everything going on around here.
"The flowers and the chocolates," he conceded. Zechs turned from the window and took a seat leaning back his fingers steepled together. "No one has seen anything. We attempted to obtain surveillance it showed nothing." Further analysis determined alteration of the feed." Who ever it was rigged a digitally enhanced loop the small computer fed the same interval continuously." Routine maintenance of all things found it. Anyone could have gotten in. How he or she continues to eludes us is a mystery I want solved."
Heero turned crossing his arms he leaned his shoulder against the window. "How long?"
Zechs shrugged, "unknown however the head of surveillance has now been replaced with a new captain." Heero smirked. "Computer?"
Zechs shifted restlessly his hands lowering to the arms of his chair before he continued. "The so called computer experts came up with nothing."
"Hm so who ever it is knows our system, Relena's schedule and her personal preferences well." It sounds to me like your doing everything you can. What do you think I can do Zechs?"
Zechs stared intently at his profile, "I'm not sure myself but something about this makes me uneasy and I've learned over the years to not ignore that feeling."
Heero looked up, "and Relena?" Zechs turned his head toward the window. "She accepts it for what they are gifts from an admirer." I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't hoping it's you."
Heero shrugged, "she can think what she wants it's not me." Zechs laughed softly, " Heero eventually even she will get tired of waiting."
"I am doing all I can for her. She doesn't need the added danger that being with me publicly would attract." I will continue to protect her the only way I know." Zechs sighed, " I understand." Their eyes met in silent communion.
Heero had walked to the door and opened it to leave when Zechs voice stopped him. " However, it's not me that has to accept as you've noticed Relena doesn't take lead worth a damn." In fact you're the only one that seems to hold any sway with her at all." Heero glanced over his shoulder, his mouth lifted slightly at the corner before his face returned to its original enigmatic mask. "I will see what I can find out."
~ ~ ~ ~
Relena stood behind the columns softly humming along with the music. She wistfully watched the masked dancer's dip and sway effortlessly around the ballroom. A flute of champagne appeared in her line of vision. Her eyes widened as she swung around.
"Quatre she smiled, how did you know it was me?" He blushed. "I saw Ms. Lucrezia earlier and she told me how you were dressed."
She laughed delighted. " How did you find her?" He grinned, "that was easy no one has hair quite like your brother."
He frowned. "Wait how did you recognize me? "
She leaned over and affectionately tweaked his hair. "Because no one has hair quite the shade of yours either she whispered." Relena smiled fondly. "I am so glad you could make it." Trowa she lifted her eyebrow quizzically?"
Quatre turned in the direction of the banquet table and gestured. "Eating," he grinned ruefully. They stood there in a companionable silence enjoying the music and for the first time all night Relena slowly relaxed.
~ ~ ~ ~
He stood against the wall sipping champagne; the lights from the chandelier making him seem like a shade. No one passing him would have given him a second glance a nondescript man leaning against the wall neither wanting or desiring attention. Grey eyes the color of storm tossed seas stared across the room at the object of his fevered desire. My Dove his eyes went unfocused as he slipped into a twisted fantasy about the two of them finally meeting. Suddenly his entire body stiffened eyes narrowing his mouth-tightened cruelly how dare he a growl escaped his tightly pinched lips. Coldly calculating he negligently gestured at a waiter slipping the note on the platter he dismissed him. Then leaning back against the wall he smirked strangely aroused watching all the players come together they would never know how close to destruction they were.
The servant approached carrying a silver plate, she sighed watching him make his way through the crowd to her she knew it was to good too last. Stopping in front of Relena he bowed. She smiled apologetically at Quatre before taking the note.
My dove I gave you my heart. Is it not enough? Why?
Why have you betrayed me so? You will not act like a harlot again.
I will save you; you are not to blame I will deal with these defilers.
Then nothing will keep us apart.
Relena's smile died lifting her eyes they slowly moved around the room trying to pick up anything unusual Quatre touched her arm gently. "Relena?" She started in surprise, dismissing the servant she turned to Quatre.
"Relena what's wrong," he stared at the note then her concerned? Relena met Quatre's worried look and grimaced. "Politicians," she rolled her eyes. "They can't forget for one evening," she said slipping the note in the sash of her gown.
She took a sip of her wine distantly she noticed her hand was trembling. "On no she forced a smile I see Duo." She glanced teasingly at Quatre, "have you eaten?" " No he smiled. "I told Trowa to go ahead. I wanted to say hello first."
"I'm starved do me a favor stay here and guard our spot I'll grab us something to eat before Duo cleans the table off and if I see Trowa I'll bring him along as well." "No Relena let me go." She reached over and squeezed his hand. "I'll be right back then we'll have our own party."
She wound her way through the crowd politely smiling at those she passed. Her eyes constantly moving looking for Trowa until she spotted him. A clown mask her eyes closed in relief, she should have known thank god their predictable. She walked up beside him laying her hand on his arm she smiled in his direction
"Trowa I am so glad I found you." Please wont you join us Quatre and I have staked claim on the perfect spot to watch tonight's festivities without being harassed." Her eyes slid around never resting going from person to person. Suddenly a hand gently captured her chin lifting it to meet his gaze. "Relena?"
Smiling weakly her eyes flicked to his then darted from person to person making sure no one was within range to hear. "Trowa I want you to keep a close eye on Quatre, you two be extra careful for a while please." Her eye silently tried to convey the importance of her words but she felt hindered by her mask. "Trowa!" Her voice low and urgent she grabbed his arm and tightened. "Can you do that? Be a bit more cautious for a few days?"
Then just as suddenly she resumed her role smiling and nodding as if he said something amusing. Trowa's gaze lingered on hers before breaking contact to look over the crowd. Relena took a plate and started loading it with enough hors d'oeuvres for three people. Then picking up her glass she looked at him.
"Ready?" He studied her a moment longer then as if he had come to a decision nodded. They started making their way back through the crowd with his hand placed respectfully at the small of her back guiding her safely through the throng of guests. When they reached the column where she and Quatre were earlier, he was gone.
TBC
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Darkness Without the Light
By: Amber
Silently he moved down the hall until he encountered the security camera stopping in front of the camera he stared directly into the lens. The cold smile turned into a full-blown laugh that echoed eerily through the hallway. Turning away he moved on until he stood before the door of the Vice Foreign Minister. Pushing the door open he moved through the outer office and entered her private domain. His hands trembled as he placed the vase on the corner of her desk. Fingers moist with perspiration lightly trailed across the surface before moving around to her chair.
Running his hands over the arms and back of the chair he released a shaky breath that sounded unnaturally loud in the stillness of the room. Lowering himself into the chair he leaned his head back, his eyes slid closed, rubbing his hands up and down his legs a keening whimper escaped from tightly held lips as he detected the faintest traces of her perfume lingering within the leather. His eyes snapped open at the sound. His hands tightened on his thighs until the knuckles showed white fighting the urge to relieve the source of the ache that thinking about her brought. He sat there panting trying to control the riot of emotions swirling in his mind, drawing a steadying breath he pushed himself up and stiffly headed for the door. He stopped in the entrance; turning back he smiled a humorless smile.
"Soon my dove, soon it will be just you and me."
~ ~ ~ ~
Relena briskly entered her office looking over her schedule for the up coming week circling the corner of her desk she stopped in the middle of reaching for the intercom. There sat an enormous vase of roses, their sweet fragrance seemed to permeate her office. A smile illuminated her face making her normally solemn demeanor brighten. Relena tossed the papers down and leaned in cupping her hands around the buds of the roses. She closed her eyes delighted with their intoxicating scent. A soft smile lingered as she curiously searched through the flowers for a note. She released a breathy laugh charmed by the unexpected gift.
Relena pushed her intercom "Mrs. Carnes could you come in here for a moment please." The knock sounded a moment later. Relena absent-mindedly called out her permission to enter. "Ms. Peacecraft?"
Relena looked up and smiled. "Mrs. Carnes I can't seem to find a note for these flowers. " Who sent them?" Mrs. Carnes blinked in confusion. "I'm sorry miss I don't know."
"Well who delivered them then Relena asked in an amused tone?" A brief look of consternation flickered across her secretary's face. "I'm sorry, I saw no one deliver them either." She studied the flowers a moment longer, then shrugged. "Ms. Peacecraft should I call security?"
Heero? Relena distracted looked up. " Hmmm O no I don't think." The only danger I see here is perhaps some thorns." She smiled politely, "that will be all thank you."
She watched the door shut before her eyes settled once more on the mysterious flowers. She smiled wistfully just for a moment she allowed herself to dream it was Heero. She shook her head at her folly no that required more thought about her than Heero could be bothered with.
~ ~ ~ ~
Every week they arrived. A dozen roses always the same no one saw them delivered and there was never a note. At first, Relena was charmed but it had been months now. No one seemed to want to take the credit for them. She had discreetly made inquiries but turned up nothing. Who ever it was had certainly covered their tracks either way she was starting to swim in flowers. Now there was the added mystery of the chocolates, it seemed the anonymous benefactor had now taken to including her favorite chocolates as well. She was truly mystified. To her knowledge only a few knew that information and they were claiming it wasn't them.
A month ago she started handing them out to the ladies at the office. Last week Hilde had taken them home. This week she smiled wryly, I'll give them to Lucrezia. Milliardo never said but Relena sensed he was concerned. However since nothing had come of it except a weekly gift he hadn't pressed the issue. She shrugged checking the time she mentally brushed aside the questions there was no time now. Relena grabbed the current offering and her brief case, and headed home to prepare for the Summer Solstice Ball.
Zechs stood at the window watching his sister make her way across the courtyard her guards following at a discreet distance. A small frown creased his brow he would have felt allot better if they had been closer but he knew Relena gave them hell for smothering her as she put it. The knock at the door pulled him from his grim thoughts. "Enter."
The young man moved across the room on silent feet. "Thank you for coming so promptly." I need your help." I know your feelings about protecting Relena." But some things have happened." I would like you to expand the parameters of your duties least until this situation is resolved satisfactorily."
"You mean the flowers." Heero joined him in watching Relena get into her limo. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth it didn't surprise him Heero had his finger on the pulse of everything going on around here.
"The flowers and the chocolates," he conceded. Zechs turned from the window and took a seat leaning back his fingers steepled together. "No one has seen anything. We attempted to obtain surveillance it showed nothing." Further analysis determined alteration of the feed." Who ever it was rigged a digitally enhanced loop the small computer fed the same interval continuously." Routine maintenance of all things found it. Anyone could have gotten in. How he or she continues to eludes us is a mystery I want solved."
Heero turned crossing his arms he leaned his shoulder against the window. "How long?"
Zechs shrugged, "unknown however the head of surveillance has now been replaced with a new captain." Heero smirked. "Computer?"
Zechs shifted restlessly his hands lowering to the arms of his chair before he continued. "The so called computer experts came up with nothing."
"Hm so who ever it is knows our system, Relena's schedule and her personal preferences well." It sounds to me like your doing everything you can. What do you think I can do Zechs?"
Zechs stared intently at his profile, "I'm not sure myself but something about this makes me uneasy and I've learned over the years to not ignore that feeling."
Heero looked up, "and Relena?" Zechs turned his head toward the window. "She accepts it for what they are gifts from an admirer." I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't hoping it's you."
Heero shrugged, "she can think what she wants it's not me." Zechs laughed softly, " Heero eventually even she will get tired of waiting."
"I am doing all I can for her. She doesn't need the added danger that being with me publicly would attract." I will continue to protect her the only way I know." Zechs sighed, " I understand." Their eyes met in silent communion.
Heero had walked to the door and opened it to leave when Zechs voice stopped him. " However, it's not me that has to accept as you've noticed Relena doesn't take lead worth a damn." In fact you're the only one that seems to hold any sway with her at all." Heero glanced over his shoulder, his mouth lifted slightly at the corner before his face returned to its original enigmatic mask. "I will see what I can find out."
~ ~ ~ ~
Relena stood behind the columns softly humming along with the music. She wistfully watched the masked dancer's dip and sway effortlessly around the ballroom. A flute of champagne appeared in her line of vision. Her eyes widened as she swung around.
"Quatre she smiled, how did you know it was me?" He blushed. "I saw Ms. Lucrezia earlier and she told me how you were dressed."
She laughed delighted. " How did you find her?" He grinned, "that was easy no one has hair quite like your brother."
He frowned. "Wait how did you recognize me? "
She leaned over and affectionately tweaked his hair. "Because no one has hair quite the shade of yours either she whispered." Relena smiled fondly. "I am so glad you could make it." Trowa she lifted her eyebrow quizzically?"
Quatre turned in the direction of the banquet table and gestured. "Eating," he grinned ruefully. They stood there in a companionable silence enjoying the music and for the first time all night Relena slowly relaxed.
~ ~ ~ ~
He stood against the wall sipping champagne; the lights from the chandelier making him seem like a shade. No one passing him would have given him a second glance a nondescript man leaning against the wall neither wanting or desiring attention. Grey eyes the color of storm tossed seas stared across the room at the object of his fevered desire. My Dove his eyes went unfocused as he slipped into a twisted fantasy about the two of them finally meeting. Suddenly his entire body stiffened eyes narrowing his mouth-tightened cruelly how dare he a growl escaped his tightly pinched lips. Coldly calculating he negligently gestured at a waiter slipping the note on the platter he dismissed him. Then leaning back against the wall he smirked strangely aroused watching all the players come together they would never know how close to destruction they were.
The servant approached carrying a silver plate, she sighed watching him make his way through the crowd to her she knew it was to good too last. Stopping in front of Relena he bowed. She smiled apologetically at Quatre before taking the note.
My dove I gave you my heart. Is it not enough? Why?
Why have you betrayed me so? You will not act like a harlot again.
I will save you; you are not to blame I will deal with these defilers.
Then nothing will keep us apart.
Relena's smile died lifting her eyes they slowly moved around the room trying to pick up anything unusual Quatre touched her arm gently. "Relena?" She started in surprise, dismissing the servant she turned to Quatre.
"Relena what's wrong," he stared at the note then her concerned? Relena met Quatre's worried look and grimaced. "Politicians," she rolled her eyes. "They can't forget for one evening," she said slipping the note in the sash of her gown.
She took a sip of her wine distantly she noticed her hand was trembling. "On no she forced a smile I see Duo." She glanced teasingly at Quatre, "have you eaten?" " No he smiled. "I told Trowa to go ahead. I wanted to say hello first."
"I'm starved do me a favor stay here and guard our spot I'll grab us something to eat before Duo cleans the table off and if I see Trowa I'll bring him along as well." "No Relena let me go." She reached over and squeezed his hand. "I'll be right back then we'll have our own party."
She wound her way through the crowd politely smiling at those she passed. Her eyes constantly moving looking for Trowa until she spotted him. A clown mask her eyes closed in relief, she should have known thank god their predictable. She walked up beside him laying her hand on his arm she smiled in his direction
"Trowa I am so glad I found you." Please wont you join us Quatre and I have staked claim on the perfect spot to watch tonight's festivities without being harassed." Her eyes slid around never resting going from person to person. Suddenly a hand gently captured her chin lifting it to meet his gaze. "Relena?"
Smiling weakly her eyes flicked to his then darted from person to person making sure no one was within range to hear. "Trowa I want you to keep a close eye on Quatre, you two be extra careful for a while please." Her eye silently tried to convey the importance of her words but she felt hindered by her mask. "Trowa!" Her voice low and urgent she grabbed his arm and tightened. "Can you do that? Be a bit more cautious for a few days?"
Then just as suddenly she resumed her role smiling and nodding as if he said something amusing. Trowa's gaze lingered on hers before breaking contact to look over the crowd. Relena took a plate and started loading it with enough hors d'oeuvres for three people. Then picking up her glass she looked at him.
"Ready?" He studied her a moment longer then as if he had come to a decision nodded. They started making their way back through the crowd with his hand placed respectfully at the small of her back guiding her safely through the throng of guests. When they reached the column where she and Quatre were earlier, he was gone.
TBC