A/N: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUNDAM WING AND RELENA!

Disclaimer: I Don't Own Gundam Wing.

Relena didn't need a mirror to know that she had the darkest shadows underneath her eyes. Her limbs felt like lead as she nudged Heero lying next to her.

He turned his head in response, his usual grunt response must have been too exhausting for him too.

"How did we end up like this again?" She could barely keep her eyes open.

Heero sighed, he didn't even bother to open his eyes which had dark circles that matched her own. "It was July, you were in the middle of hell week and I told you to take a break," he lifted his lids and looked pointedly at her. "You didn't listen to me and I had to 'abduct' you for a weekend so you wouldn't lose your sanity."

She lifted her finger, "I wasn't going crazy and two," she poked him, "I was sore by the end of the weekend no thanks to you."

"Didn't complain then." He smirked.

"I didn't know you impregnated me with triplets then!" She growled and pulled his cheek, albeit gently. "And Duo wouldn't let us hear the end of it."

He frowned, "Yeah he got our number again."

"How?"

"Chang."

"Ugh." Although she knew their friend didn't mean to be overbearing, these last few months till the triplets birth had really been stressful for both her and Heero. The gibes, even friendly ones, had grated on her nerves. And she was currently in no state to put up with any humor about being compared to a bunny.

"Don't worry he'll keep his distance till we get settled with all of this." He took her hand and caressed it.

"You didn't threaten him too severely did you?" Although she wouldn't be total against a forceful reminder to leave them alone, peaceful methods be damned right now. Heero smiled at her, he knew full well what she was thinking.

"I only suggested he keep a good eye on his garage unless he would want to travel the Earth looking for those very expensive parts that even Hilde doesn't know how much they cost."

Relena laughed out loud and she wanted to kiss him. However she knew she looked a wreck. She hadn't combed her hair this morning, hadn't washed her face, or changed from her baggy clothes since last night. Baggy clothes were now her best friends for the last 4 months. Turning 30 was giving her a wilder ride than when she was 15. At least 15 year old her had more energy, and no faint wrinkles.

Yet, here laid her husband, physically drained, and staring at her like he did from the beginning of their relationship. Warmth exuded from them, like sunlight brushing cool skin. A tingling flush spread from her chest down to her toes. She was grateful that she was laying down otherwise she was sure she would have lost her footing.

She inched closer to him and he wrapped his arms around her. All her muscles that had felt so wound up relaxed in his embrace. As if she was no longer bound by her tired body and floating in space, she wondered if he felt something similar or if it was simpler. That he was happy.

"Should we give it an hour before one of them wakes up?"

"Your mother texted me before you got up here," he rubbed her back, "she says she, Pagan, and the staff will watch over them for a little bit."

Relena looked up at him, "They're our kids though, I don't want to them to have to take responsibility."

He kissed her forehead, "I don't claim to know everything about raising children but a person under great stress for a prolong period of time is more likely to make mistakes. You need the rest, we both do."

"Oh," she raised a brow. "You don't think I can handle a little stress?"

"Relena we have two children and three babies. This is more than a little stress."

She giggled, "Well out of all your missions would you say this has been the toughest?"

His stared up at the ceiling in thought. "Not the toughest, it is the most," his eyes narrowed searching for the word. "Unknown."

In everything they had done, from political battlefields to actual war, their respective expertise had some layout, something to expect and how to handle it. Even if most of their works outcomes were unpredictable for their long term effects they had enough knowledge and ingenuity to think ahead to handle any setbacks.

No one got that as a parent. Anyone could be the most intelligent, dedicated, or kind parent, but this never guaranteed that their children would share their values, respect their work, and would surely deviate to become their own person. And they had five. Having children has had to be the most frightening field she has ever dared tackle. And so far, in spite of every cell craving sleep, and having one foot in the unforeseeable abyss, she wouldn't trade their children for anything.

Besides, it wasn't the first time she had jumped into the unknown, she at least had experience in that. What also made a huge difference, was that she had a partner as well who was just as tenacious as she was.

"We're still doing pretty good considering the circumstances." She stifled a yawn. "And like some of the others have said it should get easier over time."

"Should." He chuckled softly.

"Oh go to sleep," she nuzzled his neck and he stroked her back.

It was going to be tough, but when was she complacent when things were easy?

A/N: Of course I had to post something up for GW 22nd Birthday! It has been quite a journey being part of this fandom for so long but I'm happy to say I wouldn't want it any other way! Thank you all for the support and patience over they years, it is truly motivating how dedicated this fandom is. Part 2 will be uploaded next week. ^ ^