A/N: I'd just like to thank these wonderful people: Purdy, Artist Blue, SommerStars8o8, LoVe23, jdeppgirl4, Nihal, Inda, Alaskantiger, My-Angel-Wings, WhiteRaven88 and karen516! I love you all very much for reviewing and you have given me a lot of confidence so I dedicate this chapter to all of you. :D

Disclaimer:*checks* Nope don't own anything but the plot.

Warning: Once again a little limey hot action from Heero so watch out ;)

CHAPTER III – Taking the Risk

After that day, Heero and Relena did not meet for a week. Heero became heavily engrossed in his work and Relena was always busy. It wasn't until he happened to pass Relena in a empty corridor as she made her way to a meeting that he realised something was wrong. He was glad at the chance to see her because it had been too long and she was constantly on his mind. He had slowed to greet her and to his chagrin she smiled nervously, muttered a quick hello, skirted around him and dashed down the corridor out of sight. She was avoiding him. Heero wanted answers and decided to confront her but his doubts were confirmed as it was impossible to get a hold of her. She was always conveniently out or too busy to stop and talk to him. She wouldn't meet his eyes either and looked nervous when he was close.

Heero stormed into his office after another unsuccessful attempt at cornering Relena and found Duo leaning back in his chair with his feet on the desk. Heero scowled, "Don't you have somewhere else to be?"

Duo looked wounded, "But I'm here to help you buddy."

"I don't need any help."

"But look at you all sad and distressed about the princess," Duo said sympathetically.

"I'm not sad or distressed," Heero said looking at him blankly.

"Hmm…I found out from someone why she's been acting weird. Don't you wanna know?"

"Hn."

"I'll take that as a yes," Duo said jumping up. "Trowa's been her guard detail at the Manor for a while and he says she's avoiding you because she thinks that Zechs will cause you grievous bodily harm if she doesn't."

"What!?"

Duo shrugged, "He was pretty pissed off that day, Trowa says he grilled her about you not being right for her and stuff."

Heero closed his eyes and sighed, maybe Zechs was right. But I feel right when I'm with you…she had said, that meant something didn't it? Heero opened his eyes to find Duo peering at him closely, he gave him a glare and took a seat behind his desk.

"Trowa says she's really unhappy. You should go see her and tell her you don't care about Zechs."

Heero put his head in his hands, "I don't know…"

Duo raised his eyebrows in disbelief, "WHAT! She needs you and you need her. Are you actually afraid of getting beat up? I thought you could take him?"

Heero grunted, "For the last time, I'm not afraid of Zechs!" His expression hardened and he got up in determination with the intent to go and see her until Duo's hand at his shoulder stopped him.

"Trowa also said that Relena's schedule is full of meetings today but you're in luck; she's got to attend a party tonight and that's the best time to catch her."

"Fine."

Duo suddenly reached over and pulled out a tux from behind the door. Heero looked at it for a while and then gazed at Duo with a raised eyebrow. "What?" Said Duo defensively, "If this works then I can say four beautiful words to Wufei. 'I told you so'."

~~~*~~~

"Okay Trowa says he'll manage to get her away from Zechs and Noin for a while and you grab your chance." Duo whispered.

Heero's brows knitted together in a frown. They were by the bar, which was to the side of the huge hall, and this tux Duo had lent him was a little tight. He gazed out at the people milling around. "Why is Trowa helping me?"

Duo choked on his drink and looked at Heero with concern, "Why wouldn't he? He wants her to be happy. The same goes for me, we can't stand to see her miserable so we're rootin' for you buddy."

"Hn."

"I mean," Duo continued ignoring Heero's sigh. "She may be the Vice Foreign Minister but she's around our age and she's always working so hard. We all feel the need to look after her…"

"There's Trowa." Heero cut in and sure enough the tall man dressed in uniform was making his way across the crowd. Zechs and Noin were also there, Zechs dressed in a white tux and his wife Noin dressed in a dark blue number with her arm linked in his. Heero didn't spare them much attention because his eyes were riveted on the slender figure behind Trowa. She was wearing a black dress which swirled over her curves to rest above her ankles. A strap clasped her dress together at the back and left the rest of her back bare. Her hair was held up with pins and a few curls were hanging loose; she looked beautiful.

Trowa glanced around the hall quickly and even though he didn't pause, Heero and Duo knew he had seen them. He leaned over to whisper to Relena who nodded and he disappeared into the crowd. Duo gave Heero a nudge, "She looks gorgeous doesn't she?"

"Hn," Heero never took his eyes off her.

"I happen to agree," A soft voice came from their left and Duo jumped nearly spilling his drink. Heero just continued looking at Relena, "Trowa," He said in greeting.

"Heero, Duo," Trowa nodded in acknowledgement. Duo looked at the two silent men and shook his head in bewilderment before asking, "So what's the plan?"

Trowa leaned against the counter and crossed his arms, "There's an empty hallway at the far end that leads away from the main hub of the party."

Heero nodded; he had studied the floor plan. "It's the oldest part of the building." He added.

"Yeah, the stone alcoves that line it have been covered with curtains. The carvings in the stone were too unsettling." Trowa pushed himself upright, "Wait there for us and I'll bring Relena along shortly."

Heero grabbed Trowa's arm, "I…appreciate it."

Trowa nodded, he knew Heero didn't like to take charity but that was in matters of war where he was the perfect soldier and he had been trained not to need any help. This was a matter beyond Heero's capability but it didn't make it any easier to accept. Trowa had gone out of his way for Heero before and Heero was painfully aware of it.

"Just make sure she doesn't get hurt," Trowa said slowly, "And treat her right." He walked away and disappeared into the crowd. Heero paused and finished his drink before moving off with his hands in his pockets. Duo walked alongside him, "I'll keep watch here in the main hall I guess."

Heero frowned and turned to Duo, "I still don't understand what I'm doing exactly," he admitted. Duo widened his eyes, Heero wasn't usually open with him. He grinned and patted the stoic young man on the back.

"It's quite simple really…"

"Forget I asked." Heero said bluntly but Duo continued.

"You're the lowly soldier," He stated dramatically, "She's the forbidden princess trapped in her boring life. Her brother wants to kill you, you're too scared to face him…"

Heero growled warningly, "Duo…"

"Oh wait! You're actually taking a risk tonight so you can't be that scared of Zechs…"

"Cut it out…"

"But then again, if we play this right Zechs won't ever know so in a way…"

"DUO!"

"All right! All right!" Duo pouted but Heero gave him a black look that kept him quiet.

The sounds of the party drifted into the background as they made their way into the corridor and Heero drew back the curtains of one of the alcoves in the middle. Duo made a face, "I see what Trowa meant about the carvings." The etchings in the stone resembled weird beasts and mythical creatures with haunting expressions. The whole feel was somewhat mournful and frightening at the same time and not the kind of feeling one wanted to display at such a lively party.

"Well I guess I'll be going back to the bar then," Duo said, "I'll leave you alone…with them." He jerked his thumb at the carvings, shuddered and then left quickly.

Heero studied the carvings stoically and then leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. It was approximately 15 minutes later that he heard the soft voices drifting down.

"Trowa are you sure the ladies room is this way?" That voice made his head swim. They were getting closer.

"Yeah I'm pretty sure," That was Trowa. Heero stood poised by the curtains and calculated their positions as they spoke.

"But there's nobody hereahhh!" His arm snaked through the curtains, grabbed Relena and pulled her roughly into the alcove with him. Outside, Trowa simply reacted by making his way down a little to give them privacy and then leaned against the wall and waited.

Relena's eyes were wide with shock but they widened further when she made out Heero's dark outline, "Heero?" She gasped as he pushed her against the wall and kissed her urgently. Her hands rose to his shoulders as he slid his fingers over her back. She quivered at his touch and pushed him away gently. His Prussian blue eyes penetrated her own. "What are you doing here?" She hissed and looked around wildly, "You could be caught!" He lifted her chin to face him. His calm expression soothed her and she relaxed involuntarily.

"Don't you want to be with me?" He said mockingly, repeating the words she spoke in her garden. She frowned, "It doesn't matter what I want…" then she raised an eyebrow as she realised, "We seem to have reversed roles."

"Hn," He lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers, pressing her body close to his. She sighed and traced a finger down his neck. "Heero, I don't want to get you in trouble. You'll get reassigned and taken away from me and I won't even see you anymore let alone be able to touch you."

"It's all right," He whispered into her ear, "Trowa and Duo are keeping watch." He slipped his hands over the single strap that crossed her back and began to undo it. He kissed a path across her collarbone and then looked up at her. "Tell me you don't want this and I'll leave."

The strap came undone and she fumbled as she pressed the dress against her chest in order to keep it from slipping off. He looked at her in amusement as she went crimson, this flustered Relena was far different from the seductive one he had encountered before and he felt all the more predatory for it.

"I'm sorry it's just that you've caught me by surprise," She stammered, "I wasn't prepared for this and… and I'm not wearing a bra under this dress." His eyes glimmered in the dim light that filtered through the curtains and she went redder. He put his hands over hers, "You haven't answered my question," He said gently. She looked up at him for a second before nodding, "I want this…" She said slowly.

His hands jerked hers away and her dress slipped down to hang around her waist where it fit snugly around her hips and was prevented from falling lower. She gasped and flushed at the way his eyes drank in her creamy body before pulling her against him and kissing her madly. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back equally and moaned when he bent his head to her breasts. Her fingers gripped his shoulders tightly as her body rippled with pleasure.

"Heero!"

But that soft warning wasn't Relena's voice. Heero cursed under his breath and reacted fast, pulling Relena behind him to cover her nakedness. Trowa stepped through the curtain and turned his back to the two immediately as he drew them shut. His mouth quirked upwards as he heard Relena adjust her dress and felt Heero's gaze burn into his back. "Zechs and Noin are walking down the corridor."

"Heero," Relena said anxiously but he drew her into his arms and reached behind to fasten her strap, "It's okay just keep quiet," He said in a strained voice. Trowa felt sorry for him. They all tensed as footsteps approached and stopped right outside their hiding place.

"I was sure they came this way," Zechs sounded unsure.

"No darling," That was Noin, "She was going to the ladies room and that's the other way."

"But…"

"Look she's with Trowa so there's no need to worry. Let's head back, it's a big party and she's probably somewhere in the main hall by now. Why don't you relax for once?"

"Hmm…"

"Come on let's go back."

"…Okay."

Then the footsteps began to recede and from the sounds of the shuffling, Noin was dragging a reluctant Zechs away. The trio sighed in relief. Relena put her head against Heero's chest, "Thank God for Noin," she murmured.

Trowa turned back and took in their dishevelled appearance with amusement. "I'd better check if the coast is clear," Before he could make a move, Duo's head popped through the curtains startling them all and Trowa stepped aside hastily as the braided pilot pushed himself into the cramped space.

"Aww I see Trowa's joining in the fun and nobody invited me," He joked and was earned with a glare from the two men. He widened his eyes at Relena, "Woah princess, you look roughed up," she blushed and Heero growled, "Is there a reason why you're here apart from being annoying?"

"That hurts Heero," Duo moaned, "But in answer to your question, yes." He turned to Relena, "Princess, the hosts are planning on giving a toast in your honour shortly and when they make the announcement it's going to bring to everyone's attention that you aren't there and it might look suspicious. Zechs will definitely flip."

Relena bit her lip and looked put out. Heero shifted himself so they turned away from the others, "It's all right. I'll come see you again."

She put her hands on his cheeks and pulled him close, "See me tonight."

"What?"

"Please Heero," she pleaded, "You should be able to sneak past security. Come to my room tonight and stay with me." She whispered huskily.

"It's getting awfully warm in here," Duo said tugging at his collar. He got a slap across the head for that remark from Trowa, who was looking politely away.

Heero was oblivious to them anyway, he was looking at Relena's gentle eyes as she looked up at him in a way that made him want to take her there and then. "All right," he agreed, "I promise."

She pulled him into a hug and his arms went around her automatically, "I'll wait for you. I don't care how long it takes you, I'll wait all night." They tightened their hold on each other and kissed each other deeply. Duo's eyes started drifting upwards as he began whistling nonchalantly. He got another slap across the head from Trowa.

They emerged seconds later, Relena had straightened herself out but still looked flushed. She hesitated and squeezed Heero's hand gently, before following Trowa back to the main hall.

~~~*~~~

Relena and Trowa entered the hall silently. He brought her a champagne glass and stood with her in a secluded corner. Zechs and Noin found them not long after. Zechs looked worried, "Relena! I've been looking for you everywhere. Where have you been?"

"I've been right here." She said quietly and Zechs looked at her strangely. "What happened to your hair?"

Relena looked up speechless. Noin held out her compact mirror and Relena saw that her hair was still ruffled and displaced. She outwardly remained calm and inwardly scanned her brain in a panic for a suitable excuse to keep him away from knowing the truth. She went into politician mode and immediately came up with one.

"Oh it's unfortunate really," she laughed, "One of my pins was sticking so uncomfortably into my scalp and I was trying to loosen it but it was quite deep and it dislodged everything else." She rubbed the area and winced, "I can't do my hair up again the same way. The maids did it for me before I left. Shameful isn't it?"

It was a very reasonable explanation and left Zechs no room for suspicion so he nodded and Noin came forward. "Here Relena, I'll help you sort it out." Zechs then thankfully excused himself and went to meet some acquaintances.

Noin was smiling as she pulled the pins out. "So Heero was here," she whispered and smirked when she saw Relena's eyes widen. "How did you know?" Relena asked.

"I can tell," Noin said smugly, "You're lucky Zechs didn't catch on. It's a pity he doesn't approve of Heero, he's so stubborn. I tried to convince him otherwise but he won't budge."

"Thanks Noin," Relena said from the heart, "I knew you'd understand."

Noin kissed her on the head and went back to addressing her hair, "I'm just going to leave it open for the rest of the night. It'll take too much time to do it up like it was."

"That's fine," Relena felt loads better and hugged the woman.

~~~*~~~

"Come on Heero, we should make our way out now," Duo said softly. Heero was still standing where he was when Relena had left and he had a pained expression on his face. Duo didn't blame him, this was the third time their liaison had been cut short and it mustn't have been easy. Heero's shoulders loosened eventually and they both turned to leave when a curt voice stopped them in their tracks.

"I thought I might find you here."

They turned to stare silently at Zechs who stood glaring back at Heero.

"I'm not stupid Yuy," He growled, "I know she was with you just now. I think I've given you too many chances."

Heero felt worn out and frustrated but his promise to Relena shone in the back of his mind. He wasn't afraid of Zechs and he wouldn't let her down. "She wants to be with me," He replied shortly and met Zechs' stare.

"I know," Zechs replied and Heero looked at him in surprise, "I still want you to stay away."

Heero frowned, "What about what she wants?"

"What she wants is not the immediate concern," Zechs said and then his expression softened. "Yuy, listen to me for a moment. We all believe in Relena's ideals for peace. She's able to work hard towards that ideal because she's untouched by the horrors of war that we have endured. You're a soldier like me Yuy, your hands are stained with the blood of innocents as much as mine are. How can I let someone like you be near her? She deserves better."

Heero's throat constricted against Zechs' words. "I …" He couldn't speak.

"The war's over now but with the way you've been trained towards completing your missions; I haven't seen any evidence that you have a life beyond that, Yuy…" Zechs sighed, "I feel that you still retain the cold heart of a soldier; you aren't capable of giving her the love that she's worthy of."

Duo looked uneasily from Zechs to Heero. Heero's shoulders drooped as Zechs continued. "Look at what you're doing now…meeting secretly, is this any way to treat a young respectable woman?" Heero grimaced.

"And how long would this charade go on? What about your plans for the future? Would you marry her? Have children? I don't see you fitting in that role." Zechs chided, "Do you even know how to love and look after a woman?" Heero looked up suddenly, his eyes blazing. Zechs met it with his cold blue eyes.

"I somehow don't see it working out. I don't picture you as the flowers and hearts type. Relena needs and wants someone like that. Someone who can build a happy future for her. Your relationship with her will be short-lived and she'll want more from you that you can't give. You'll break her heart Yuy. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Heero's gaze broke as he brushed a hand through his hair. Duo watched him silently and noted the pained expression on his face as his emotions conflicted with his thoughts. He composed his face into an expressionless mask and looked up determinedly and nodded. Zechs smiled in relief, "Good. I think its best if you two stay away from each other. I know that even if you leave Relena alone she might not do the same so I'm going to reassign you to the L1 colony."

"Hey wait a minute!" Duo's voice cut in but he was silenced by Heero's silent voice, its gravelly tones cut through the loud pilot like ice, "I'll leave at once."

"Heero no! Wait buddy…"

It was too late. Duo watched in despair as the steel form of the young Gundam pilot who was his closest friend walked down the corridor away from the party. Zechs turned on his heel and walked the other way without sparing Duo a glance and leaving him alone. Duo balled his fists and vent his frustration to the heavens, "Nooooooooo!"

TBC

A/N: Please review!