At All Costs
This is a rewrite of a story that I published years ago. It takes place after the events of Endless Waltz in A.C. 197, when all five former Gundam pilots have become Preventers. In this version, the Preventer HQ is in New York City. The Preventers, including the Gundam pilots, along with Zechs, Noin, and Une, accept missions from various high profile leaders who need assistance in keeping the peace.
Obligatory disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, as much as I wish I did. I also don't own the incredible Muse lyrics you'll notice at the beginning of each chapter (I highly recommend listening to their songs while reading this; it's the perfect soundtrack). What I do possess are my faculties, my love of happy endings, and a few original characters sprinkled throughout this story. Enjoy!
Chapter I:
Unintended
You could be my unintended
Choice to live my life extended
You could be the one I'll always love
You could be the one who listens
To my deepest inquisitions
You could be the one I'll always love
I'll be there
As soon as I can
But I'm busy
Mending broken
Pieces of the life
I had before
Before you…
Duo Maxwell propped his feet up on his desk in contentment. It had been a slow day at Preventer headquarters, which was always good news. The less we're needed, the better, he thought. But still... It's nice to make a little cash on the side. He pulled out the Preventer schedule to check for his name; it was empty. Well, he laughed a little at the thought, guess I'll be broke for the week. I suppose I could always borrow from Quatre; the guy's loaded!
The shrill ring of the phone interrupted Duo's thoughts. "Ah, that must be Destiny calling; looks like I'll be getting some dough this week after all!" Duo answered the phone.
"Hello, Preventer headquarters. Duo speaking, what can I do ya for?"
"Why, hello, Duo. My name is Adrian Guilermo. I work in the Cinque Kingdom's Foreign Relations department."
Duo's eyes widened. "The Cinque Kingdom?"
"Yes, that's right. Have you been there?"
"Uh, no, not exactly. So, you need one of our Preventers to come to the Cinque Kingdom, eh? What seems to be the trouble? Is it Relena Darlian?"
Adrian chuckled. "I'd say you were getting ahead of yourself, but you're right on target. Some terrorist threats have been made against her life, trying to keep her from attending the Global Summit this coming week. While we have implored her to stay behind for her own good, she insists on going."
Duo gave a low chuckle. "That sounds like her, all right; stubborn as ever. So, you want one of us to accompany her?"
"Yes, someone who is an exceptional soldier and could serve as a worthy bodyguard. He would need to be near Miss Relena at all times."
Duo forgot all about his desire to earn some extra money. "I have just the guy for you, Mr. Guilermo. So, where's he going, and when does he have to be there?" Adrian relayed the necessary information to Duo, which he jotted down quickly.
Boy, is Heero in for a surprise! Duo grinned mischievously. But I don't think I'll tell him this mission is to protect Relena; he can find that out when he gets there! Duo stuck the information on Heero's desk, and waited for him to come and discover it.
The next day, Heero Yuy found himself standing outside the United Nations building in New York City. He had assumed that he would have to go further for this mission, protecting the leaders at the Global Summit; he hadn't realized the meeting was right in his backyard. Heero stood where Duo had told him he was to wait, right in the front corridor. There, a man named Adrian Guilermo was supposed to meet him. While he waited, his mind began to wander.
Is Relena going to be at this conference? I haven't seen her in some time. He let out a low sigh.
"Relena..." he murmured. Snap out of it. He told himself. There's work to do. Focus. Yet he knew that an encounter with Relena was inevitable, unless she had heeded the terrorist threats and stayed home. That's not like her; she's not afraid of anything. She'll be here.
Heero closed his eyes and leaned back against the cool wall. Before he allowed himself to think about Relena any further, he heard footsteps at the other end of the corridor. Heero's eyes snapped open. A man who looked about ten years older than Heero was approaching. He was tall, with light brown hair and cool grey eyes. Heero was surprised to see that he wore the uniform of the Cinque Kingdom. He narrowed his eyes. Duo had conveniently left that part out.
"Greetings," the man extended his hand. "Are you Heero Yuy?"
"That depends," Heero said, eyeing him warily. "Are you Adrian Guilermo?"
"Last time I checked," the man joked. Heero allowed himself to relax and shook the man's hand.
"The conference begins tomorrow," Adrian began as they headed down the corridor, "but not all of the diplomats have arrived yet."
"I see you're from the Cinque Kingdom," Heero interjected. "Have you come alone, or have the rest of the kingdom's representatives arrived as well?"
"We all traveled together," Adrian said. "Rather pleasant trip, I might add. The Atlantic Ocean looks so beautiful from a plane."
Heero tuned Adrian out as he continued to drone on. All Heero cared about was finding Relena, even if he wouldn't admit it to himself. Soon the two were walking outside, toward a stately hotel.
"All the members of the Summit are staying here," Adrian explained as they waited for an elevator to take them to the thirteenth floor. "We have positioned you in such an area where you can easily access any of us if the need presents itself." The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside.
"I must say," Adrian said as he surveyed Heero, "it's good to have a Preventer on our side. We have plenty of bodyguards available, but I've heard that your team does an exceptional job. And from what Duo Maxwell has told me, you're often referred to as the Perfect Soldier. Is this true?"
"Yeah," Heero said as he lowered his head, trying not to look proud.
"Then I am sure you will make an excellent bodyguard. The members of the Cinque Kingdom Foreign Relations department will be pleased." Heero hated suspense. And surprises. He wished this guy would cut to the chase.
"Including Vice Foreign Minister Darlian," Heero stated blankly. He looked at Adrian pointedly.
"Why, yes, of course." Adrian looked pleased that Heero seemed to know something of his department.
"She came," Heero murmured to himself. Adrian overheard.
"Yes, we tried in vain to keep her away for safety reasons, but she wouldn't hear it. I hope that there are no terrorists looming around right now, because I have to show you which room Miss Relena will be occupying."
Heero nodded as Adrian pointed the room out. "Yours is right here," Adrian gestured to the adjacent room. He held out a key, and Heero prepared to move in for the week.
Meanwhile, Relena Darlian stepped out of a black stretch limousine. Tall buildings loomed overhead like an inescapable fate. Relena felt trapped in this city, but she was determined to attend this conference and let the other world leaders know where the Cinque Kingdom stood.
"Thank you," she said to the chauffer, tipping him generously. She stood outside the hotel for a full minute, gazing up into the night sky; well, at least what could be seen of it in the bright glare of city lights. Most of the windows in the building she faced were darkened or had curtains drawn in front so no one could see in. One window, however, was open, and the light streamed down onto the street below, illuminating Relena's figure. Relena looked up. A dark-haired young man sat on a windowsill, gazing out thoughtfully. Relena began to move inside the hotel so that she would not disturb him by staring. But he looked so peaceful, she couldn't seem to tear her eyes away. She realized the boy was staring at her, and right then she knew.
"Heero," she whispered.
"Relena," came the reply.
Relena was stunned. Was it possible she had actually heard that? Of course not; my ears are playing tricks on me! She looked closer. Is that really you, Heero? Relena decided not to wait a moment longer and entered the hotel. If you're here, Heero, I know we'll find each other. Her thoughts swimming, Relena checked in to the hotel, then took the elevator to the thirteenth floor. As she headed down the hallway to her room, she was met by Adrian Guilermo.
"Ah, Miss Relena! It's good to see you. Did you enjoy your tour of the city?" Adrian took her arm to escort her.
"Yes; it was just fine, thank you." Relena didn't feel very talkative, but Adrian chattered noisilyas he led her down the hall. Relena cringed inwardly, wishing that he wouldn't talk so loud.
Heero continued to gaze out the window from his hotel room. The blonde girl he had seen below had disappeared inside the building. Whether or not it had been Relena, Heero was not certain, but something told him she was near. He heard voices in the hallway and cocked his head to listen. He could hear Adrian's voice, jubilant and booming, as he came closer to Heero's room. Heero stood by his open door, in such a position that he could see the people approaching, but he himself could not be seen. He had no need to stand like this, in stealthy hiding; he did it mostly out of habit. Adrian was coming this way, all right, but who was that behind him, hesitating to move forward? Heero drew in a sharp breath. Relena.
A strange feeling overcame Heero each time he beheld Relena Darlian. He didn't know if it was love, or merely admiration. Whatever it was, Heero felt it now as his eyes followed her down the hallway. Even though she had matured from the naive schoolgirl she was when they first met, she still seemed young and innocent. There was purity in her eyes, sincerity when she spoke, and grace and beauty in her movements. Despite her soft and feminine appearance, there was something very intimidating about her. She is so much stronger than I could hope to be, Heero thought.
Relena and Adrian were about to pass. If they turned around, they would be able to see Heero. They stopped at the room next door, and Heero almost wished that Adrian would move out the way so Relena would be able to see Heero out of the corner of her eye. To Heero's dismay, she entered the room and shut the door behind her.
"Good night, Miss Relena!" Adrian said cheerfully through the closed door. This almost made Heero chuckle to himself; it seemed he wasn't the only one who found Adrian a bit too much to take. Then again, he and Relena were more alike than most people seemed to think. Adrian caught sight of Heero leaning against his open door. "Oh, hello there," he said with a chortle. "Are you ready to meet your assignment?"
This guy is starting to get to me, Heero thought warily. He walked over to Adrian and found himself outside Relena's door.
Relena stood in the center of her spacious hotel suite. She found herself drawn to the windowsill, and sat gazing out, just like the young man she had seen earlier. Heero, she thought. I wonder where you are? She thought of the mysterious boy who so often filled her thoughts. Oddly enough, Relena knew little more about him than she did the day they met. Then again, there was little to know about Heero. If anything, the two of them had come to an understanding; he had his job, and she had hers. Once in a while, their paths crossed somewhere in between. But still... Sometimes Relena couldn't help but long for something more. She was tired of being alone, and Heero was the only one in the world who seemed to truly understand her. The next time she saw him, she hoped they could deepen their acquaintance at last.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door, causing Relena to jump in her seat.
"Miss Relena," Adrian called from outside.
Relena sighed in disappointment. "Yes, Adrian?" She answered him warily. Adrian was friendly enough, but she was in the mood for a quiet evening alone.
"I have someone I want you to meet..." Adrian's voice rang in with a sing-song tone.
"I'll be right there." Relena glanced in the room's large mirror as she headed for the door and could see that she looked presentable enough. She wore a conservative, yet feminine, violet suit dress that was cut a few inches above her knees. Her long, honey-colored hair fell softly around her shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkled in anticipation, and she opened the door.
There was Heero, standing before her.
Relena gasped. Even though she had half-expected it, even though she was certain she had felt his presence here, it was still a surprise to see him. Heero, however, didn't look surprised or amazed in the least. Relena thought she saw a hint of emotion flicker in his eyes, but if it had been there at all, it was impossible to tell now.
"Heero." His name slipped from her lips as she stood in the open doorway. She couldn't help but stare at him in his black Preventer's uniform.
"Relena." Heero returned her look with a steady gaze.
"So, I see you've met!" Adrian interrupted. "Heero, you are Relena's bodyguard from this moment on. I am entrusting her life into your hands. Got that?" Adrian looked to Heero, who was still gazing at Relena, and noted that Relena stared back, unblinking. "All right then," Adrian said as he started to move away from the pair. "I'll just leave you two alone, then." He began to head down the corridor. "Oh, and Heero—whatever you do, don't let Miss Relena out of your sight!"
Heero ignored him, which didn't bother Adrian in the least. He knew it was an easy enough mission for Heero. It was obvious that he was in love with Relena, and would probably never leave her side if he had the choice. This, Adrian thought to himself, is going to work out beautifully.
Heero found himself in the sitting room of Relena's large suite. He paced around for a minute, uncertain of what to do or say. Relena was back at her windowsill, smiling contentedly just to have Heero nearby. He watched her as she sat, about to speak, but she turned to him first.
"I just knew you were here, Heero. No one told me a thing, but I still knew."
"I know what you mean." Heero moved over to her and sat by her side. They studied one another for a moment, as if to be sure that nothing had changed between them since they last met. Their relationship was indefinable, to say the least. It was the type of connection that could pick up wherever it left off without a hindrance. Heero and Relena seemed to have made a silent agreement not to contact one another. Why, neither knew—they never talked about it. They both lived their own lives and worked hard to accomplish their individual aspirations. An observer might say that they were both too involved in their separate tasks to ever be together; however, both thought of the other often.
Relena turned her face to look out the window. Heero said nothing, but merely kept his eyes on her.
"Heero?" Relena spoke softly. "Was that you I saw sitting on your windowsill earlier, like we are now?"
Heero offered a half smile. "I thought that was you I saw on the street; then again, the limo kind of gave you away."
His voice, at once gruff and gentle, warmed Relena. "You're on the this floor as well, then, aren't you?"
"Yeah. I'm right next door when you need me." Relena noted that he didn't say if.
She shifted in her seat. "I guess they figure I'll be safer that way."
Heero frowned. "Who's they?"
"Oh, you know. The Cinque government in general. They've been very protective of me, especially since we were attacked a year ago and were forced to surrender. You remember that."
Heero lowered his eyes to the floor. "Maybe you aren't so safe with me around after all."
"That's not true, Heero. I felt secure the moment I entered this city, just knowing that you live here."
Heero looked up, a little surprised at he words. "Relena?"
"I really hoped we'd find each other again, but wasn't expecting it. Well, I am always being surprised when you're around, Heero." Relena smiled at their inside joke.
"Hn." Heero seemed to be deep in thought. He stood up suddenly and took Relena's hand, raising her to her feet.
"What is it, Heero?" Without responding, Heero drew the curtain in front of the window, then went into Relena's bedroom to do the same. Satisfied, he came back into the sitting room.
"Is something the matter, Heero?"
"Not at the moment, but you can never be too careful. I don't want anyone seeing you in here. It's easier to see in than out, and you never know who could be watching."
Relena nodded, then concentrated on pushing back a strand of Heero's hair, which had fallen in front of his dark blue eyes. He seemed touched by the gesture, and responded by capturing her hand and brushing it against his lips.
Relena blushed slightly. "Heero..." Their eyes locked. Then Heero broke away from her.
"You had better get some rest. You have a long day ahead of you," he spoke softly in his monotone.
Relena smiled warmly. "You too. Goodnight, Heero." She resisted the urge to kiss him on the cheek. Since when do we start kissing each other goodnight? She admonished herself. Relena, you're being unreal. Heero's your bodyguard for the week—don't expect so much from him.
Heero walked to the door and let himself out. "Goodnight, Relena." He looked at her once more over his shoulder, regarding her with a gentle expression. Then he shut the door behind him.
Relena watched him go, then let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. All right, relax, she chided her heart, which had skipped a beat. You've got to remain professional with him. Then she glanced down at the hand Heero had just kissed. Shaking the memory away, she went into her room and dressed for bed. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she settled down in her large, four-poster bed and tried to concentrate on sleeping. Anxieties about the conference kept her awake, and she spent most of the night sleepless and frustrated. At length, her thoughts turned back to Heero. She could only hope he was sleeping more soundly than her.
Heero awoke early the next morning to hear a knock on the door. "Hmm?" He murmured sleepily. "Relena..." He had been dreaming about her, which was nothing new… though he wasn't about to admit that to anyone. He rolled over and attempted to get back to sleep, but the knocking grew more persistent. With a grunt, Heero swung himself over the bed and went to see who would dare interrupt his precious sleep. He yanked the door open, and there stood Adrian.
"Good morning, Heero!" Adrian greeted him chirpily.
"What do you want?" Heero growled.
Adrian laughed. "Not quite the morning person, are we?"
Heero only glared at him. "I'll say it again; tell me what you're doing here."
"Oh, right." Adrian held out a large bag of clothes. "These are for you."
Heero grabbed them with a questioning look, then slammed the door on Adrian.
"What a charmer," Adrian lamented, then shook his head and walked away.
Inside his room, Heero surveyed the clothes Adrian had given him. They were the uniforms of the Cinque government, a different one for each day. Heero laid them aside, then quickly showered and changed into a blue one. He decided to wait for Relena in the hallway, so he could escort her to breakfast and, then, her first meeting.
In the meantime, Relena stood in front of her bathroom mirror. She brushed through her long hair, debating whether to wear it up or down. She absentmindedly wondered what Heero would prefer, then decided not to waste anymore time and left it down. After a quick swipe of lip gloss and mascara, Relena smoothed her light pink suit dress, grabbed her black leather messenger bag, and headed out the door.
She found Heero waiting in the hall for her and stopped short when she saw him, whichwas a typical reaction. He always looked so dark and mysterious, it took her breath away. She couldn't help it; the sight of him wearing a uniform from her kingdom made her heart flutter.
Heero caught her eye and nodded to her. "Good morning, Relena."
She smiled. "Good morning, Heero. Did you sleep well?"
"Not bad," Heero said as they began walking down the hall. "You?" He didn't need to ask; he cast a sidelong glance at her and observed the dark circles under her eyes that she'd tried to conceal with makeup. "Hn," he murmured. "You were letting the world's troubles keep you up, as usual." It was a statement, not a question.
Relena shook her head. "I don't know how you always manage to read me like a book." She offered a slight laugh, but it turned into a sigh. Heero kept his eyes on her and continued to listen. "You wouldn't believe how often I went over my speech during the night," she said softly. "And I'm still not sure what I'm going to say this morning."
Heero raised an eyebrow. "You mean… you don't prepare a speech ahead of time."
Relena nodded. "That's right. I usually just say whatever comes to me in the spur of the moment. I mean, I always think about the issues thoroughly ahead of time, but... I guess I still get nervous." She lowered her head.
"No one can tell, you know."
"Hmm?" Relena looked up at him.
"You're very poised. When you're speaking you appear confident and elegant. No one would be able to tell by looking at you that you're nervous."
Relena relaxed a little. "Thank you, Heero. That makes me feel much better."
"Good." Heero let the subject drop. Neither of them spoke as they continued down the hall, and they rode the elevator in silence as well. It suited them both just fine; they were both consumed by their own thoughts, and neither felt pressured to keep a conversation going. Relena closed her eyes and visualized which points she was going to emphasize in her speech; Heero concentrated on his mission at hand. Part of him was worried that he might let his personal feelings for Relena, which were growing deeper by the minute, affect his job. Although he was hired to keep an eye on her, he couldn't let her distract him too much, lest he fail to spot any terrorist activity.
The elevator stopped, and Heero moved aside to let Relena off first. The two exited the hotel, then walked across the street to the United Nations building. Heero gently hooked his arm through Relena's as they crossed the busy intersection, flooded with the usual Manhattan morning traffic. Once they entered the stately building, Relena gave a sigh of relief.
"It's so crowded here," she gasped, brushing off her delicate pink dress as if the smog from the cars had rubbed off on her. Heero found her reaction to the city amusing and endearing.
"It's not at all like the Cinque Kingdom, is it," he murmured in understanding. He realized that his arm was still grasping hers, and he didn't bother to break away. Instead, he allowed his hand to rest on her forearm and lightly caress her skin. He wanted, somehow, to reassure her that she was safe with him.
"No, not at all," she almost whispered. She forgot what they were talking about, distracted by the way Heero was stroking her arm with his hand. Relena tried desperately to converse with him and smoothed her hair back anxiously with her free hand. "Oh, I must seem so frazzled. Do I look all right?" She glanced up at Heero timidly.
Heero was caught off guard by the question and dropped his eyes down to the floor. He didn't have to look at her to know the answer to her question; her image was burned into his mind. He could see the way her dress perfectly fit her increasingly womanly figure; the way the light pink color emphasized the beauty of her porcelain skin; the way her eyes, the color of the sky, shone with both tenderness and strength. You look beautiful, was what he wanted to say. The words were on his lips, ready to be said, but his boldness wavered. He brought his gaze back to Relena.
"You look fine," came the toneless reply. Relena stiffened at his words, nodding her head resolutely. She untangled her arm from his and let it drop to her side.
"Thanks," she murmured flatly. Heero realized she was hurt and could have kicked himself. Even though he had not insulted her, he knew better than to hide his true feelings from her. He felt that, somehow, she could sense them. That was one of the reasons Heero was secretly afraid of her—she could see right through him. She saw all of the sheer emotion he kept hidden behind the eyes… She was the only one.
And now his curtness had driven her away. Whether or not she knew what he was really thinking didn't matter; she was shaken. Heero almost shared his feelings with Relena right then and there. He opened his mouth again, but he couldn't bring himself to say what was really on his mind. Apologies had never been his strong suit. Besides, the moment was gone before he had a chance to recapture it. Once again, the two walked together without speaking, but it was unlike the peaceful stillness they had shared just moments earlier, when it felt like they understood one another better than anyone else in the world; this time, they walked with a strained silence hanging over them, dividing the two hearts that had come close to uniting.