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Disclaimer: I don't own this anime
Chapter Fourteen: Moving Forward
[ ] Heero's thoughts
( ) Relena's thoughts
We really cant put our guards down for the sake of her safety. "They" haven't given up on eliminating her yet. Ever since the incident from the hotel, there were real sick shits that have been going on lately.According to Preventers studies, it's been confirmed that the enemy is a group of people with unique capabilities and equipped with vast resources.. These people don't act like terrorists because if they were they would act at least unexpected anytime and anywhere. These guys still leave untraceable notes in riddles just to warn us before hand they move for the kill.
Though that is the case, it doesn't mean that we only counterattack everytime they would challenge us. There are still others that want her dead but only not as uncanny as these guys. That means there is no rest for the wounded.
One thing that I noticed about them is that they don't do their jobs on a constant duration. It may take them days, weeks or months to move again. If it's seems that they take their time planning their next move again. Professionals need patience as well.
Their previous attempt was 3 days ago. We got another note from them prior to that. It was in riddles so it got us thinking to decode it. One of the lines stated, "Within the circle's center stage, the gust serves as the sword and cut through deep."
It turns out that she was supposed to be a guest in a fundraiser concert and give a short speech for the audience. The building is an open- air circular dome with seats arranged like bleachers in a stadium. The stage is set right down the middle.
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Knowing those facts, we were able to guess a piece of the riddle but I, myself couldn't think of the part "the gust serves as the sword". But thanks to Quatre's knowledge of science and history, it gave us a hunch of what that piece of the riddle mean. Being a great tactician himself he requested the cooperation of the airforce while he ordered me to go to her as fast as I could.
According to him, a forceful wind can be trapped inside an open-air circular or cylindrical structure. The entrapped air will then search for an exit before it settles but before it disperses, it will create a powerful vacuum inside and the center of the structure shall be the main focal point by the wind strong enough to rip you to shreds.
But to create a powerful wind to do that, it takes a sonic boom from a speeding jet plane going on Mach 2 atleast. As predicted, a flying cruiser was reported and it seems to be in a real hurry getting to where she was at that time. The airforce added that it is an unmanned flight vehicle, enough to figure out that it was they all along.
But the sonic boom reached the building and indeed caused a vacuum. It made the whole crowd hold on to their seats as the violent wind encircled the place. I managed to get there in time and I was able to drag her on the ground with me after I sprung to leap to her rescue. The whole stage was trashed not to mention every hair of each person in there but fortunately nobody got hurt.
All and all, we were able to fail them again. I for one am able to say that we all agree that there is no political power behind the accidents. Why would somebody order such radicals to make their attempts noticeable, treat it like it's a game and take their time on achieving the goal? And if there is a political power pulling the strings then this one surely is twisted.
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Right now she is doing fine and looks like she forgot everything that had happened days ago. She seems feel more secured whenever its me beside her. Even though I was not ordered to, I am currently standing guard while she is here at her home. She gave herself a few days vacation with nothing but her survival to worry about.
So here I am so early in the morning, drinking my cup of mocha java and reading the Sunday paper. Then she joined me on the table with a few mail on her hands. She sat down not so far away from me and began browsing for some letters. I think it's safe for her to do that.
"Hello, what is this? A letter for me from St. Gabriel?" she said in surprise
"What does it say?" I took another sip
She took the letter opener and cut the envelope and removed the content and folded the paper open with her slender fingers. She let her eyes move from left to right as she reads every word of the message.
"It says here that I am invited for our class reunion being held this Wednesday at the St. Gabriel Academy."
"You should come. You can see your old friends."
"Well I really do miss them a lot and it's been so long since I last saw them. Maybe I should. You'll be coming too of course."
[What?]
"Hmm?"
"You got the same letter from the academy, Heero."
I took the letter from her and I actually read whom it is addressed to and it says my name. I laid down my cup and read the letter as well. Something is not right here. How did this letter got here when I deleted every shred of my personal profile in their files? And why would I even make the address here at Relena's place?
[How the hell this got here in the first place?]
May I ask how this letter reached all the way here?
"Well, the people in charge of the whole things were our former classmates. They managed to got in touch with me about the plan and asked where can they send my invitation."
[That doesn't answer my question.]
"And?"
"Well, they haven't forgot about you as a matter of fact so they asked me if I know where to get you. To save them the trouble, I said that they could send yours with the same address as mine. They did ask a lot of questions though."
[Let me guess, that we are living together?]
"Oh? Like what?"
"Look, I just told them that you are moving from place to place and I might have a better chance of finding and giving the invitation to you."
[Better check if this is legit]
"Is that so?"
"Uh huh. But then of course there is the possibility of you might ripping the invitation in my face again."
[Sarcasm!]
"Very funny."
"Say Heero, they also mentioned to me that those guys are also the ones making sure the preparations are going smoothly. Can we go there tomorrow and help them out?"
[I don't know]
"Let me make some checking first, we just can't decide immediately."
"Oh c'mon Heero, It's just a reunion party. It's not my birthday or anything."
[Again, Sarcasm!]
"Fine. We will go first thin in the morning. For a girl, you sure do can produce multiple sarcasms."
She stood up from her seat and walked to where I am sitting. I just sat there and watch her move closer and then I felt two graceful arms surround me as she stopped right behind of my chair, while I took my cup again and laid my lips for another sip.
"Nah, I'm just screwing with ya"
[How would you like the taste mocha java on your lips from mine?]
"Hmp. You're still not off the hook from your little "story-telling" missy."
"Would you drop it already? It's not my fault Duo recorded everything and gave the others copies. I didn't tell him to do that."
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We went to the academy Monday morning. Thankfully no freak accidents happened during the trip and also she behaved like she always does as the Vice Foreign Minister. I would always walk behind her but she notices this when I purposely let her lead the way but she would always insist that I should walk beside her.
We arrived at the academy's gates and she's surprised that the school has gradually rebuilt itself after the OZ attack the last time I was here. We walked with me falling behind again, to see those "former classmates" of ours. I wouldn't actually call them that because quite frankly, I only stayed here for only a few days and I certainly didn't cared much socializing with the others.
Besides the fact that I am looking after her, I don't know what the hell am I doing here. Well at least by going here I might actually see her be the normal Relena along with her friends. She might actually get the R&R to forget momentarily all of the worries she's encountering. I want her to enjoy as much as she can on this vacation she is having.
We saw atleast ten people who are arranging props at the main hall. I guess she recognizes these people judging by seeing her running to them and them looking so glad to see her doing the same. I just let her take their time with their girl talk of catching up.
I just stand here looking around the progress of the preparations. It would have been better if they let the staff do all of these things, or at least some others would help because it is such a big room. But I figured nobody else would on account of there is no class this season.
Relena then realized that I am with her so she called me to get to the gathered crowd and say hello. I do say that they all look familiar to me but I don't exactly remember what to call each and every one of them. That would be rude so I guess a simple "Nice to meet you guys again" would be sufficient.
I can tell that they are indeed surprised to see me there, not to mention ready to offer my services to lend them a hand. But before they could ask me more questions, Relena told them why we came two days early. It's either I stay there at my spot and talk to them or I stay silent and just help.
After she insisted on helping with the preparations, my first assignment is to help other guys with the tables and chairs while the girls would go finish cleaning up. They would have made most of their work done if they would just stop giggling and blabbing. But she is also doing the same so I guess it's okay for me and just stay stoic. I think they kinda noticed that we don't stay far apart from each other.
They were planning to go and fool around after this thing is finished. But everytime they would ask Relena about going out later, she would look at me as if she is asking for permission. She really doesn't have to look at me when they mention different places to go just to seek my approval. I already decided that I want her to have her fun and me just keeping an eye on her. Apparently she also keeps hers on me as they kinda noticed that we keep eye contact every once in a while.
The ladder was not needed anymore and the preparations are almost complete. I volunteered to take it back from whence it came while she let herself to go with me and walk me to the storehouse. They all just grin while looking at us but I wont grant them the satisfaction of hoping to see what may happen, so rather than reject her offer I just made the same old expressionless face and just walked away carrying the big ladder. To her that's an affirmative so she catches up after all.
"Heero, how come you're acting so edgy today?"
[I'm not edgy]
"What makes you say that?"
"Nothing. I think that you are worried that they might be a rumor that we are getting too close with each other?"
[Gee, you think?]
"It's not like you to wonder those kind of things. The very same rumor has already spread back at the headquarters thanks to that fool and his recorder."
"Well I suppose you're right. I should have gotten use to it already. I can tell that they wanted to ask me questions about you though."
[Oh no... not again]
"You're not planning to do what I think you're planning to do, are you?"
"Don't be silly, Heero. I wont go through that again. I promised that I wont do it if it's not really necessary. Besides, I don't want to blow your cover. It would be dangerous for them to know too much and I should know."
[Better believe it]
"Then what did you girls chatting about earlier? I thought you might have already said something."
Before she could answer, we stopped in front of shed and she opened the door. The storehouse is full of equipment, supplies and tools for every school clubs and gym. She pointed me where I should place it and I just let it stand at the said spot.
"We just talk about sorts of stuff like what are the others are doing currently. Most of the talk was about my job."
[That would be understandable]
"C'mon. Lets go back.
"You know, it's still evident that you are being unsociable to them again."
[Was it that obvious?]
"I know."
"Heero please, don't be like that on Wednesday."
[I wasn't expecting an invitation for a reunion in the first place]
"I would still go there to accompany you, wouldn't I"
"Ya as my bodyguard, you are. Regardless of your job, lighten up a little."
[I resent that. I'm not that uptight.]
"Hmm"
"Look, I don't want them to find out that you're my bodyguard. I don't want to degrade your image in front of them. I want you to be there at the reunion as a fellow classmate and ofcourse a friend. I also don't want them to think that there is something going more or less between us."
[Friend. Got'cha]
"That's better for both of our sakes."
As I jammed every word that she said inside my brain, I was startled as she skipped right in front of me and looked at me. Then she let her body slump against me with her arms surround my neck. She really could have picked a much suitable place to do this now.
"Don't look at me like that Heero. I would rather like you to act like a friend more than a bodyguard for now. As far as the rumors are concern, I would insist to them that you're my friend. But to me..."
She raised herself by a couple of inches as she tries to stand up tiptoed. Simultaneously, I allowed myself to lower my head as she drags it down a bit. She placed her lips as close as it can get to my left ear. She still scent great after all that work, intoxicating me as my nose breathes in her blonde hair tied up in a pink bandanna. Then I felt soft air brushing over my earlobe as she whispers some words ever so gently.
"... You're a very special friend."
[I like strong women. They energize me.]
"Do you think those gym mattresses are clean?"
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After our little "alone" time in the storehouse, I decided that we should go back before the others really start thinking that there is something going on. By now they should have wrapped it up over there so I told her to go to them while I wait outside. I figured we might escape unnecessary issues if stay outside for a while.
"Thank you again for helping us Relena. You really shouldn't have."
"No Sheila, I told you I just couldn't wait to see you girls again."
"It's such an honor being aided by the Vice Foreign Minister."
"Tanya, please stop talking like that. I'm your friend before I came into position."
"Well that aside, we are really shocked to see you come here with Heero. I mean what's goin' on with two of y'all?"
"We can sense the tension between the both of y'all. Though he is damn fine but he still got his attitude goin' on. How could you even get close to the guy?"
(At least they still remember him)
"I don't know why y'all is acting like this. He's still our classmate more or less y'all. You know what am sayin' "
"Uh huh... listen to her backing up his man."
"Remember the time he ripped her invitation, we were there girlfriend."
(Keepin' your rep this good is not easy, I tell you that Heero)
"He aint my man, a'ight? I admit that he maybe rough around the edges at first glance and maybe he has attitude problems and sure maybe he have done that in front of my face but he is not all that bad once you really get to be his friend."
"Well... he did grant Relena a dance back then before all hell broke loose."
"Yeah. If you could have worn your dress if would have been perfect beginning to get the two y'all hooked up."
(Ha! You don't even know the half of it girlfriend.)
"You really think so?"
"So... you really did just saw him and convince him to go to here with you?"
"And gave his invitation with him not tearing it apart in front of your face?"
(I kinda thought that he might)
"Yes. And I was able to convince him tom go to the party as well. But I still doubt that he will be the shindig of the party."
"You sure got a hold on the balls there, girl."
"Hush yo' mouth. It's just how to show ya how our home girl here can handle even the toughest cookie like Heero."
(By the balls huh? She really did put it so delicately)
"Well the years have been friendly to him. He sure has grown after all this time."
"She's right, girls. But we do miss the single life, don't we? It's just so strange that you're the only one who hasn't got a fiancé Relena."
"Yeah. I thought that of all of us you would be the first one to get the knots tied. Aren't you really seeing someone?"
(No but I am getting some piece of action every now and then)
"Well... let's just say that my love life is a stand still due to my job description."
"Say Relena, speaking of hunks, Jean Paul has been checking up on you quite a while now every since you got here."
"She did gave her number right after he asked for it earlier too, just like that."
(The guy who fenced against Heero?)
"C'mon girls. All I did was just give my current number. It's no biggy."
"Oh bet yo' butt it is. Have you seen how he looks at you? His eyes were all over you."
"It's not a surprise because we all know he got the hots for Relena ever since back then. And the years didn't ignored her too, I mean check out your own curves."
"Hey. You making me look like a piece of meat here with all of your flattery."
"Relax girl. You the one who said that you're love life is a stand still. Maybe he might call you tonight and ask you out on a movie or something."
"If he did Relena then give it a shot. Or maybe you are hang up on Heero."
(Actually I still am.)
"Well I'm not going to stay here much longer anyway. But let's just see what happens. Now let's get out of here."
"So where do you girls wanna go now? The guys have already split."
"Hey I heard from my cousin about this really good chick flick. We can go catch that then hit the mall for some intense shopping. I wanna get me some new threads for the party."
(Oops! Heero!)
"Um... listen y'all, I think I'll take a rain check on this one. I'm a little beat and I still got things some job related matters to attend to, if it's a'ight with y'all."
"Oh Rei. I think you still have the juice to go all out tonight. But were cool."
"Sheila's right. Say no more. We understand Relena. Maybe after the party you wont be ditchin' us."
"Thanks Tanya."
"Let's just get to the formalities already, shall we? Have a nice journey back home Vice Foreign Minister."
"If Jean Paul indeed calls you tonight, please don't spare us the details Ms. Relena."
"Ha ha ha. Fine I say. Be careful tonight."
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(A/N: What the hell was that?
Before I get started, the last chapter's title is called "T to the 4th Power Y". And if some of you are wondering what those suppose to mean, it means "Time To Talk To You". As you might notice, I removed the note saying "some events happen after Blind Target and Endless Waltz" because the following chapters after 13 wont contain much of H&R past official moments.
And also as promised, I am crediting those names that reviewed the last chapter, the most numbers as of yet. I don't know where are the others who have read and reviewed my early chapters, though. I figured that they kinda got tired of my babbling and thought "why is this guy making the H&R's past such a big deal?" or something. Just kidding! I am truly grateful for ALL of the ones who have read the chapters, namely the ones that I am about to mention accordingly to the date they posted their reviews. Here is a little segment I call, "Montage Appreciation"
Two-BitGortez says, "Keep up the good work"
What can I say? This one has been supporting this story right from the beginning, chapter 2 rather, and I think of T-BG as one with a few words. Apparently he has the same review line to the other H&R stories here in FF.net and I seldom notice read something not so similar. But who is complaining? Thanks T-BG for being a mainstay!
Hououza says, "If you can, do. If you don't have the time then I for one am happy to wait. You can always come back to it when you have more time. Till then whatever you decide to do that was an excellent chapter and I enjoyed it as well as the rest of this story very much. Good luck & best wishes, Hououza"
I really don't know how to pronounce that signature name. But seriously, H seems to be always the second one to review after T-BG lately, thus considering H as a mainstay as well. H's first review was from chapter 8. In fact this one is not lost for words and keeps every end of the review with the signature name like it's a letter. But like T-BG, H has a one liner as well. Good luck and best wishes from me to you, too.
SakuraXHimura says, "Awesome job...keep up the good work. I wouldn't worry about getting in trouble. I've already gotten in trouble for something I didn't do just because someone didn't like something I did and I just reposted it. So I wouldn't worry about it. Get another chapter out soon. :)"
SXH first reviewed chapter 8 then went silent till chapter 13. I kinda got shocked to see a familiar signature name because lately its just TBG and H are the only ones posting. I am still glad that he didn't forget to check my story out again. I mean not all hardcore H&R fans are always browsing FF.net 24/7 anyway so I'm not in the position to say anything inappropriate. SXH seems to be caring person, I'll say.
lan-yue says, "This is such a great chapter its so cute with four Gundam pilots sleeping on the floor and Heero and Relena cuddling you did a great job I so want to see a picture of the four Gundam pilots sleeping on floor with blankets Great story, great chapter keep it up (if there is further chapters that is )"
Well l-y's review debuted on chapter 13. This one is a new name from my story's reviewer list. After I read the message, It made my belief that more people will post their feedbacks if I put more spice in H&R's moments together. Because basically, I noticed that most people don't appreciate the storyline with only them doing the "staring game". Chapters 6, 9, 11, 12 and 13 have more intimate moments, I agree to that and made a little hypothesis. So to check if I am correct, I'll continue as I can.
Hikari-Kawai says, "hey...really cool!! Update soon, wanna know what will happen between those 2... lol... well, gotta go, cya...n keep with the good work, ur doing well... xo Hikari =.="
If my Japanese serves me correctly, the signature means "Cute Light" or something. Anyhow, H-K started to review my story on chapter 12 and posted another compliment on chapter 13. If you can read H-K's posts you might think that this one is always on a hurry. Most H&R fans really like a little fluff and sugar in fics but it's really hard to make the two stay in character, namely the guy.
To those readers, old or new, I just want to say that I appreciate ALL of you. I just made a promise to credit those people who might review my so-called "season finale". As far as the story is concern, the first 13 chapters are basically involve the past moments and I'm planning to make more of "assassin chasing/romantic cuddling" whether it's Heero or Relena or anybody for that matter is doing the narrating. I've watched a lot of detective flicks and also I know a handful of couples, who let's just say have different kinds of relationship stories that I've watched and heard and I'm not afraid to exploit any of them to get inspiration. As far as school is concern, I think you guys will understand the upcoming yet obvious circumstances. I got priorities too you know. See you in the next chapter soon! Consider yourselves appreciated.)