My deepest apologies for the delay! My life got pretty crazy for a few days and I suffered from writer's block so I was stuck on 200 words for a long time! Sorry! Hope you like this chapter.

Chapter Ten

Heero had packed her bags for her as she slaved away on the remaining paperwork. She had a speech to give at the upcoming meeting and she still had some budget files to look over for her Mars Terraformation. She had remained silent once Heero demanded her appearance on L4.

After Heero's change of mind, they had sat down and discussed that it would be best for her to pretend not to know anything at all about Liberatutm and that Heero was going to accompany her as her bodyguard. She had to grit her teeth when she realized he was right. She wanted to help Preventers when she could and now was the perfect opportunity. She felt a little ridiculous that Heero had to pack for her, but she didn't know what else to do. Packing was also tedious and she couldn't spare five minutes to instruct him on what she wanted to take.

Besides, he'd seen her in most of her clothes so he should have some idea what to pack.

Relena was typing away, nearly finished with her speech when her home office opened. She spared a quick glance then returned to work. Although he had made a good point, she still wasn't pleased with him. Heero sat down in front of her desk, elbows resting on his knees and watched her. Although Relena could feel his intent stare, she refused to give in. A battle of wills had ensued.

Ten minutes had passed and she wasn't even sure he had blinked. Still, she wasn't going to talk to him until she was finished with her work. Her chest ached and her back was stiff, but she was going to finish this speech now.

"You're all packed." Heero finally said after another five minutes.

"Thanks." She said shortly.

"How's the speech coming along?" He tried again.

She didn't reply, only because she was done. The last word typed. File saved. Computer now in sleep mode. She stood up, stretching only one arm above her head. Heero stood as well, shoving his hands in his pockets. Relena had to admit that she was enjoying giving him the cold shoulder. He'd done it to her so often so she didn't feel bad about it.

She walked out of her office and straight to her bedroom where she tried to close the door quickly in his face. He was, of course, too fast and was able to sneak in before she was even completely across the threshold. She sighed heavily and walked around him to fish out her pajamas. It was coming close to midnight now and she had to be at the space port in five hours. Heero had cleared his throat as she walked by. She nodded but closed the bathroom door behind her.

She was upset with him as well about not moving forward. Usually when you tell someone that your feelings are reciprocated you both mutually make the next step to do something about it. Relena didn't claim to be an expert about relationships since she had never had one. She knew there had been a few boys interested in her when she was in school, but she didn't care. Of course, once Heero showed up, there was absolutely no hope for anyone else. She was hoping that now would be the time to move forward.

When she reemerged from the bathroom, Heero was still standing by the door. He had his eyes closed and arms crossed over his chest. It was time for them to talk. He always started his serious conversations that way. She tried to be quiet as she walked over to her bed.

"Relena." Heero growled.

She stopped in mid stride. She suppressed a sigh at the command in his tone. There was always dominance in his voice and she was nearly immune to it, except when it was directed towards her.

"Are you doing all right?"

"Yes." She lied.

His reaction was immediate. His eyes opened and his arms uncrossed, grim expression clearly visible. He wanted to say something to her. More than likely it was going to be about tomorrow's mission.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?"

"Of course. I don't feel comfortable going to spend extra time with a terrorist that is against a close friend of mine."

"Quatre will be fine. He's capable of handling himself in this situation. You don't need to worry about his safety at all. What you need to worry about it yourself. I know you never do, but this is the time. Even though I'm going to be there to protect you, Libertatum is stealthier than Duo so they'll more than likely try something." Heero said calmly.

She walked the rest of the way to her bed before responding. "You're not confident that you'll be able to keep me safe the entire time, then?"

He didn't respond. She settled on her bed as he began to walk towards her. She knew he wouldn't admit that he might fail. He never admitted failure until it was done. If there was a chance, he still took it as if he would surely be the victor. That was one of the things she loved about him. When he was so confident, she felt as if she herself could take on the world.

Now, she just needed ten seconds of courage. She needed courage to start the conversation. It wasn't relevant to what they had been discussing, but she needed to know. She inhaled deeply as Heero joined her on the bed. He draped his arms over his knees and watched the floor, as if it were moving.

"Heero," She whispered, fighting with the volume of her voice, "What did you mean when you told me my feelings were mutual?"

"You said you love me. I feel the same way. I thought it was clear?"

She laughed lightly, almost inaudibly. "So what's going to happen now?"

He shrugged, still looking at the floor. "I'm not sure what to do. I've only been in love with you and it's taken since I was fifteen to tell you. Maybe it'll take a few more years to make it move forward."

She laughed loudly this time, falling back onto her bed. Every so often, he would say something that she found absolutely hilarious, even if it were truthful.

"You need to get some sleep, Relena."

"You're right. Are you going to stay with me, Heero?"

"Hn."

"Thanks." She smiled. She had grown fond of his half committal grunt. Most people thought he meant no or he was unwillingly agreeing to something, but she knew better. She knew it was him agreeing, but wanted to keep his stoic and unattached front up. Perhaps he was excited or nervous, but the indifference was important for him.

That night, she was able to fall asleep smiling, knowing Heero was lying next to her willingly.

There was some sort of ringing that was entering her dreams. She could feel her body struggling to wake up. However, she could tell Heero was already awake and moving. His mind could always process things much faster than her. War habits die hard.

"Yuy." She heard his morning growl say.

Slowly, her mind was able to process that the ringing wasn't in her dreams. She slowly realized that it was Heero's phone and that he was now talking to someone.

"I am." He said, his voice growing a little stronger.

Relena raised her head slightly off the pillow, trying to listen to the other part of the conversation.

"What? I already approved this with you. You can't change it now."

Sorry for any grammar issues. I was trying to get this out ASAP.