"I Shall Believe" by Sheryl Crow

Written by Tyoko

Come to me now

Lay your hands over me

Even if it's a lie

Say it will be all right

And I will believe

Relena slowly walked down the stairs. She felt dead. Seven hours of arguing with grumpy, sour old men did nothing for her mental state. 

Sighing, she sat down on the bottom step, feeling the cold seep through her wool skirt. Letting her head fall back, she felt a cold drop hit her face.  Then another, and then a third. Soon, a torrent of ice-cold rain was drenching her. The sound of a car pulling up and a familiar voice calling her name jerked her back into reality.

Broken in two

I know you're on to me

That I only come home

When I'm so al alone

But I do believe

Warm arms embraced her and gently lead her to the car, sitting her in the passenger side before opening the driver's door and sliding in.

As the car weaved in and out of traffic, Relena took time to study the driver. His face was more…masculine. She berated herself. It had been three years since she saw him. As the car came to a halt in traffic, the strong eyes turned to her.

"Are you all right?" he asked. Relena could feel the total meaning of the question and bowed her head.

"I…I don't know anymore."

That not everything is gonna be the way

You think it ought to be

It seems like every time I try to make it right

It all comes down on me

Please say honestly you won't give up on me

And I shall believe…

I shall believe

A hand gripped hers, giving her strength as the car made its way again. Silence consumed them as they arrived at a modest flat.

Quickly, he got out and rushed to help her, putting a warm jacket over Relena's shoulders and nudging her towards the door.

Once inside, he instantly headed to the kitchen. "Down the hall, second door to the right. You can find some clothes you can change into."

"Thank you," Relena said as she pushed the door to the room open. With a blink, she realized this was his room.

Sighing, she set to find something to wear.

Open the door

And show me your face tonight

I know its true

No one heals me like you

And you hold the key

Wandering into the kitchen in an oversized shirt and a pair of sweatpants barely hanging on her hips, Relena took in the sight of two steaming cups of tea and a very handsome man waiting for her. Following his lead, she picked up her cup and walked into the living room.

Sitting on the couch, she felt him come up behind her and start to massage her shoulders. Rolling her head forward, she wondered at this newfound consideration and love. She knew he was capable of it, and had seen him act like this before, but never with her.

Never again

Would I turn away from you

I'm so heavy tonight

But your love is all right

And I do believe

As his hands roamed her spine—relaxing her completely—she reflected that they never knew each other. Before, they each had their own lives and easily dismissed each other's presence. But somehow he knew what she needed: strength, love, and understanding.

Not that everyone else wasn't willing to give that and more, but he was hearing her cries for it, and was willing to give it in full, without question.

Leaning back to rest her head against him, she sighed. His hands traced her face, his fingertips like feathers. Soon he was beside her, and she leaned up against him, letting her eyelids drift shut in tranquil peace.

I shall believe