Chapter 10

All Bets Are On

Trowa and Serena had spent the rest of the day talking. Trowa was enjoying the time he had to himself with her. He still didn't know much about her personally. She had said a few things but she usually changed the topic to something else. What he did learn was how intelligent she was. He had asked her about the course, along with her thoughts on it. She had quickly told him that she was impressed. Until she ran it. They had gone back and forth between the positive and negative aspects of it. While she had agreed with him that the course shouldn't be overly impossible for the training agents. It also wasn't difficult enough. It wasn't testing them on their abilities as much as she thought it should. If they wanted highly trained agents that could maneuver through any situation. The course needed to be redone in order to provide the results they wanted.

With her statement he had asked her if she were to redesign it. What would she change about it? She had surprised him by grabbing a pad of paper along with the pen that had been once used to hold her hair up. She had set to work drawing the basic outline of the course. Her guesses on the size along with most of the rooms she had been in were spot on. She had taken the time to not only write out her ideas, but also explain them to him. She had made notes on the side of her design. Along with some key points. He was so immersed in what she was doing and saying that he hadn't noticed that he was leaning into her personal space. Their shoulders had touched. Then he felt her shift on the bed.

"Sorry." He murmured as he pulled away.

"It's fine." Serena said before handing him the note pad.

"This is truly amazing." He was still impressed with her engineering knowledge. Her drawing along with the neatly written notes could stand as a blueprint. "Do you mind if I take this? I'd like to show Quatre." He asked turning his head to look back at her.

"Sure. Do whatever you want with it." She said with a shrug of her shoulders.

"Thanks." Trowa smiled softly at her before looking back down at the paper in his hands. After a few minutes he had turn back to look at her. He saw something flash through her eyes. "Everything okay?"

"Yes.." She started out slowly as she leaned into him. Trowa watched her face as she now entered his personal space. "Tell me something, Barton." Trowa raised a brow. She was doing it again. Saying his name with that playfully note to it. "What's the deal between you and Relena?"

Both his eyes went wide. She smiled to herself as he tried to school his face. "We're just friends." He said quickly. Their faces were only inches apart.

"Just friends huh?" Serena clucked her tongue.

Trowa pulled his face back into an unreadable mask. "She's a friend. Has always been a friend. Not to mention Heero and Relena have been dating for some time now."

"Ah yes." Serena pulled herself away from him. "So I've been told."

Trowa frowned slightly. "It's no secret. Everyone knows. Even if they deny it."

"Yes. Almost four years now." Serena smirked when she saw the look on his face before he chuckled slightly.

"Guess I lost that bet with Maxwell."

"You had a bet going?" She quirked a brow at him.

"Yes, on how long they had been dating. I should've known better. Duo has his ways of finding out this information." Trowa crossed his arms over his chest as he smiled at her.

"I see. Well.. Duo wasn't the one who told me." As her grin grew wider. "Though, if there's another bet. I'd like to be in on it."

It was Trowa's turn to lift a brow at her. "Heero, himself told you?" He watched as she just kept grinning at him. The knowing look twinkling in her eyes. "I'm even more impressed with you." He shook his head before dropping his arms. "The next one is on when they might get engaged."

"What's the going rate for that one?"

"Hundred dollars."

"This time next year." Serena simple said. "In fact, I'll double it. When should I transfer the money?" Her blue eyes sparkled up at him.

"Relena can't this wait till tomorrow?" Heero tried again to plead with her as he threw on a pair of jeans.

"No, it cannot." Relena said briskly as she grabbed a pink sweater out of her closet.

"Relena…" Heero said in a low voice. The night was finally turning around and he was hoping to just spend the night laying in bed with the woman who was now currently starring ice daggers at him.

"I have every right to properly thank her, Heero." She pointed a finger at him, "and since you're currently my bodyguard. It's your responsibility to come with me." He wanted to roll his eyes. He didn't really have to go along with it… "Heero, you're still in hot water with me. Not to mention you probably didn't even thank her yourself! If she hadn't of been there what would've happened?"

He pulled a shirt on before glaring slightly at her. "We could've handled it. I could've handled it."

"That may be true, but you didn't have to yell at her. I know you said something to her. I fully support her in the fact she gave you the finger." Relena huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest for good measure.

Can I ever catch a break? Now Relena is taking her side? Heero sighed outwardly. "Fine, let's go. It's getting late and I don't want to be there all night."

Relena beamed a smile at him. Before walking over to him and peeking him on the cheek. "Thank you for seeing it my way. We won't be long, I promise."

The whole drive back to HQ, Heero had lost himself in thought. The whole day started out shitty and was slowing going back to being shitty. While there was a hundred thoughts going through his head, the one that was at the forefront of them all was Serena. Within forty-eight hours, everything had changed once again. Ever since she had shown up, it seemed like everything and everyone was changing. She had single-handedly won over almost everyone. Sally and Trowa were the first, more so Trowa. Then Duo and Relena shortly afterwards. But the most surprising one was Wufei. He was someone who didn't warm up quickly to anyone, and yet, she had managed it within such a short amount of time. Heero, himself, was still up for debate. Though he had gone to her for help. Was it even the right idea in the first place to ask her?

Heero sighed to himself as he thoughts changed. He had tried to take Relena's advice early and just relax. She was safe and while there was an attempt on her life. The person responsible was behind bars. Or at least one of them. There was the potential for others to come. Even with that in mind, as long as he was with her, no one else would get close enough to touch her. All he wanted tonight was a nice dinner, followed by good sex and the rest of the night spent in bed with Relena. He didn't want to think about things. He wanted to turn off all the alarms that always rang loudly in his head. Though doing so was easier said than done. He knew he'd always be on guard no matter what. But here he was now. Driving back to work and going over every little detail of the day.

Analyzing everything only brought him to a terrible realization. Watson would of tried something no matter what. If Serena had no knowledge of anyone from ROE being in Preventers, then there would've been no way to stop him in the first place. Which brought back his biggest question. If he could, or any of them for that matter, trust her? How much more information did she have that she had yet to reveal to them? It only opened up more questions that he knew at some point would need to be addressed with her.

But what about J? Heero's mind wander back to earlier in the morning. Serena had been angry over the information they had uncovered. He wasn't happy either, but what did bother him was the fact that Serena was right. They had been set up. J had planned everything. The e-mails were meant for him to see. He knew J had to be involved, even if he didn't voice it out loud. The only issue was that they hadn't had any contact with each other since AC 195. Even in AC 196, Heero had not heard or even bothered to try and get in touch with him. So why was it now that J was making an effort of sorts, to contact him? Even more so, why was he trying to get Serena and him to meet? None of it made sense, but Heero knew there was a reason. He just needed to figure it out. But there was a possibility that he might be able to get the information from someone else.

"Heero?" Heero snapped his head up as Relena's voice broke through his thoughts. Turning his head, he saw the concerned look she was giving him. "Heero is everything alright?"

"Huh?"

"You've been staring at the steering wheel since we pulled into the parking lot. Is everything okay?" Relena was starting to worry a little more. Was it lack of sleep of had she pushed him too far with this one?

He was so lost in thought that he hadn't even realized they were already at HQ. He shook himself mentally. "Yeah, are you ready?"

Relena eyed him carefully before nodding her head. "Yes. You look tired. We won't be long alright?" Heero nodded his head before opening the driver's side door to exit the vehicle. Relena followed suit as she opened her door.

Trowa didn't even realize how late it was until Serena tried to cover a yawn. He had completely forgotten that she had been up the night before. Not to mention running Sally's test. "You should probably get some rest." He frown slightly as he went on. "I didn't mean to keep you awake this long."

Serena wave a hand at him. "It's not a big deal. I guess I've been spoiled being here and being able to sleep nightly." She watched as his frown deepened. "Don't worry yourself, Barton. I can handle being awake for long periods of time."

"You should still get some rest."

"And I will." She say the questioning look on his face as he looked around the room before returning his attention to her. Heero was normally the one who stayed in her room at night. Why was beyond her but she had a feeling he wasn't going to be tonight. "I think one night won't kill anyone. I'm not allowed out of my room remember?"

"Yes. But I know Heero comes in at night to watch over you."

"Yes, till early in the morning. Then you come back before the two of you switch off during the day. I'm well accustomed to your routine now." Her lips curled up slightly.

"If Heero isn't coming in, then I'll stay."

"No." Trowa opened his mouth to speak before Serena shook her head. "Go home Trowa. I'll be fine. I'll be here in the morning when you come back."

"Are you sure? I don't mind staying." Once again he'd have to leave her alone. He just didn't feel right about it for some reason.

"I'll be fine. Go home, get some rest yourself." She offered him a small smile before covering her mouth with her hand as she yawned.

Trowa smiled back at her in return. "Alright. Then have a goodnight, Serena." He said as he stood up.

"Thank you. Goodnight." She said back to him. She watched as he stopped at the door to look over his shoulder. She smiled again before nodding her head. He returned the gesture before opening the door and stepping out into the hallway.

Trowa had only made it halfway down the hall before he heard the 'ding' of the elevator. He stopped to watch who was getting off. To his surprise, Heero and Relena step off the elevator together. He wait till they came were close enough before he spoke. "What are you two doing here?"

Relena smiled at Trowa as they came to stop in front of him. "I wanted to speak with Serena. Is she still awake?"

"Oh. Yeah she's still awake." Trowa was slightly confused. He wasn't expecting to see Heero. Let alone Relena.

"Good." Relena smiled again before turning to Heero. "I won't be long." She moved past both men to Serena's door before knocking and swiping her ID, allowing her to enter.

Trowa lifted a brow as he watched Relena enter the room before turning back to face Heero. "You're not going in with her?"

Heero huffed before crossing his arms over his chest. "She made it clear that I wasn't allowed to go in with her."

Serena hadn't said anything to him, but Duo had informed him that Heero was currently in the dog house with Relena. It seemed Relena was still punishing him for not calling her. "Oh. Well do you want me to stay till she's done?"

Heero met his eyes with a steady gaze. If the car ride over showed him anything, it was that he needed to speak with not just Serena. But Trowa as well. "Actually, we need to talk."

Serena heard the knock on the door. Figuring Trowa had returned she called out to him. "I'll be fine Trowa. Go home and…" She trialed off as she opened the bathroom door. "Relena? What are you doing here?" She wasn't expecting Relena to be the one who entered her room. "Where's Heero?"

Relena laughed lightly, the expression on Serena's face was one of shock and confusion. "I came here to speak with you." She watched as Serena's face deadpanned. "Heero's out in the hallway." Serena nodded her head before tilting it slightly to the side. She had never seen Relena in such causal clothing. She was wearing a light pink sweater with a pair of jeans. Her hair laid over her shoulder in a braid. "I'm happy to see you're wearing my clothes."

Serena blinked before looking down at what she was wearing. She had thrown on a pair of sweatpants and a plain t-shirt. All belonging to Relena. "I'll returning everything once I've gotten my own." She said as she brought her gaze back up to Relena's.

"Don't worry. Keep them as long as you need them." Relena offered her a smile as she stepped back. Serena had thanked her again before gesturing for her to sit down on the bed. As they walked over to the bed, Relena couldn't help but notice the protective stance Serena had taken on. "You're too much like him."

"Huh?" Serena moved herself to face Relena better on the bed.

"I've been around Heero for seven years now." Relena bought her leg up, tucking it under her. "I know when someone is being protective of me. But I came here because I wanted to thank you for what you did today."

"There's no need to thank me." Serena frowned.

Relena shook her head, "yes there is. If you hadn't of been there, who knows what Agent Watson would've done?"

"Heero and Trowa could of handled it."

Relena bought her hand up to cup her chin as she rested her elbow on her leg. "How did I know you were going to say that?" She watched as Serena lifted a brow but offered nothing in response. "That is true, but you did come and help."

"What are you really trying to say?" Serena crossed her arms over her chest. She knew the question was coming.

"Why? Why did you come to stop Watson?" Relena lifted her head, allowing her hand to drop into her lap. "Why did you feel the need to come help if you knew they could handle it?"

"Watson is a member of ROE." Relena kept her face masked as Serena went on. "He was a former member of White Fang and before that OZ Special Forces."

"He was a Mobile Suit pilot then." Relena concluded.

"Yes."

"Can you tell me why he joined ROE?"

Serena wasn't sure where Relena's line of questioning was going to go. She wasn't sure if telling Relena all this information was a good idea. Though part of her knew that she would probably find out one way or another. "Same reason anyone joins a rebellion fraction. They're either unhappy with being discarded as a soldier. Or they're unhappy with the way their government is run." Serena shrugged a shoulder.

"Soldier's aren't discarded. Just because we have disarmament doesn't mean those who once fought are forgotten." Relena had heard men and women say the same thing to her over the years. "We have programs to help those who fought in both wars. To learn to live in these peaceful times. We also have jobs set up for those who cannot find work." Passion had filled her voice as she spoke about one of the many things she had been working so hard on over the years.

"Yes. Those programs are beneficial to those who seek out and use the resources provided. But you and I both know not everyone wants that. There are still those who wish to undo everything ESUN has worked towards."

Relena was taken back by the look in Serena's eyes. Her gaze may have become hard but she was able to see something else. "Then tell me. Truthly. What does ROE want?"

"Complete control."

"What do you mean, 'complete control?'" Relena tightened her eyes as her brows furrowed. She wanted to know the truth about what was going on. And the only person who knew the answer to that was sitting across from her.

"What are you getting at Heero?" Trowa said. They had been leaning against a wall talking after Relena had gone into Serena's room.

"She's not telling us everything. I want to know if you've been able to obtain more information from her." Heero kept his voice as neutral as possible. But Trowa was able to detect the hint of anger.

"I told you already. She didn't want to talk about what had happened today." Trowa pushed himself off the wall. "She's obviously still upset from this morning and to top it off, someone made an attempt on Relena's life. To be honest, I believe her when she said she didn't know this was going to happen."

"What did she tell you about this morning." Heero had crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at Trowa.

"That J planned everything. The base in Russia, the e-mails." Trowa said flatly.

"You figured that out yourself?"

"Not all of it. It was easy once she told me J had set us all up. Though I think the real question you and her are looking for is why?" Trowa stated.

Heero nodded his head. "Then what else has she told you?"

Trowa frowned as he looked at Heero. This was the same conversation they had every day. "Nothing you don't already know."

Heero turned his head away from Trowa. Staring at the wall he was wondering about something else. "How close are you to her?"

"What do you mean by that, Yuy?"

Heero glanced sidelong at Trowa, watching his reaction. "She seems to trust you more than she trust me."

"I don't yell at her." Trowa kept his face masked, even though his lips threatened to tug up at the corners. "I think you're reading into everything too much. She's not just going to come out and tell us everything. She needs a little more time to make the decision to trust us."

"Time isn't something we have the luxury of right now."

"And I agree with you. But you need to give her some time, Heero. You know more about her past than I do. But from what you have shared with me, trust isn't something that comes naturally to her like it does for Relena." Trowa kept his gaze on Heero. Waiting for any hint that his words were sinking in. "She's just learned that she's been lied to. Her decisions from here on out will either have a huge impact on herself. You remember what happened during the war to us." Heero gave him a small nod. "Give her a day or so before you going charging in there with loaded questions."

Heero lifted his chin as he took in what Trowa was saying. Part of him wanted to interrogate Serena till she gave him more information. The other part… the other part was agreeing with Trowa's words. When he had received information about an OZ meeting at the New Edwards Base, he had quickly destroyed a fleeing OZ shuttle. Only to find out it had been a set-up. Which resulted in not only OZ declaring war on the Colonies but also compromised his mental state. He had felt guilty for killing those who were only trying to better the outcome of the war and those who were truly fighting for peace. That incident alone had changed his way of thinking. Even more so was when Relena had followed him to the ends of the Earth in search of him. He knew something had changed in him then. And just maybe, something had changed in Serena as of today.

"They don't sound any different than another fraction looking for power."

Serena shook her head. "Their plans are more…" she trailed off trying to find the right words. "More…" Relena watched as Serena took on a far away look. "What they plan to do will be catastrophic to Earth and the Colonies. It's not just taking over the government and running it as they see fit. It's also the people they want to control." Serena turned to look back at Relena. The gravity of what Edwards was planning for ROE and the world came to light. She watched as Relena frowned before breaking their eye contact. 'And it would start with me.' Serena thought to herself. "Relena." Relena turned her eyes back to see the stern gaze Serena held. "You need to watch everyone. Do not trust anyone. Follow any instructions Heero gives you. If they try anything again, if this was planned, they will not hesitate. If you are captured, I cannot promise that you will walk away with your life."

Relena gasped. Her eyes grew wide as she let the words sink in. "What are you saying?" She knew, but she needed to hear it.

"They will hurt you. I cannot protect you. Heero may not be able to. You need to protect yourself. Do you understand me?"

Relena blinked at her statement. "You would protect me, if you could?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Her voice just above a whisper.

Serena softened her gaze. "Relena your role in this world is far greater than my life is worth. You've done the impossible and brought peace to this world. There will always be those who oppose you, but you have to remember to always keep fighting for what you believe in."

"Your life is just as important..." Relena's heart was breaking. Heero had said something similar years ago to her.

"In a perfect world, maybe. But this is not a perfect world, Relena." Serena eyes harden. "Do you understand what I've told you?"

Relena closed her eyes, bring her hands to her chest. "Yes."

"Tell me. Tell me you understand the gravity of this."

Relena placed her hands in her lap after a moment. She opened her eyes with a determination clearly visible in them. "I will not let them take control of our government. I will fight with everything I have… and most importantly. I will be responsible for protecting myself should something like this happen again. To protect those who cannot protect themselves." Serena smiled. "I will fight them. But you need to fight back as well. You need to be willing to work with Preventers. No secrets, no hiding anything. Do I make myself clear?"

Serena's smiled faded as she lifted a brow. She knew Relena was passionate in her work. She also knew that Relena wasn't one to bow down to anyone. Relena tightened her gaze. Glaring slightly at her. "I know you haven't been forthcoming with information. That needs to stop and it needs to stop now. Do you understand me?"

Both Serena's brows shot up. "Understood…" She wasn't sure how convincing she sounded in that moment.

"Good" Relena gave her a curt nod. "One last thing before I leave." She waited till Serena nodded in response. "You and Heero need to work on getting along better. You will be working closely with him. If you cannot get along, how will we bring them down?" Relena looked pointedly at her when she saw the frown form on her face. "I know how Heero can be. I also know that you're well aware of this as well. He'll eventually come around to you being here and working alongside him. He did have you help him earlier remember?" Serena nodded her head again. "I will have the same talk with him later. Alright?" Serena offered only another nod. "Alright, then I'll let you be. Get some rest. I'll see you soon?"

Serena stood up when Relena did. "Get some rest yourself. Heero is staying with you tonight correct?"

"Yes and I will. Thank you again Serena." Relena smiled before turning to head towards the door. She felt Serena fall in step behind her. "That isn't necessary." She said lightly as she looked over her shoulder.

Trowa sighed before ranking a hand through his hair. "Look Heero, just go home and get some sleep. Duo and Wufei should be finished with Watson by the time we get in tomorrow morning."

Heero tightened his eyes as he looked over to the taller man. "Are you staying?"

Trowa was about to answer when they heard the sound of a door opening. Heero growled under his breath as Serena stepped out into the hallway. He was about to say something as she looked at him before he noticed Relena stepping out after her. Relena moved past Serena to stand in front of him. "Are you ready to go?"

Heero looked down quickly before looking back up to meet Serena's eyes. "We're going to have a talk."

Relena was about to remind him of her number one rule between them. Though with the tone of his voice she knew it wasn't a wise decision to do so. She turned herself to face Serena. Her face was masked as she swung her eyes to Trowa before looking back at Heero.

"Come by whenever. All of you go home and get some rest." Serena turned on her heel, pushing on the door to open it fully again. Her hand had been resting against it as to not allow it to close when they came out.

Heero was about to say something else before the door shut. He didn't want her to be left unattended. But he wasn't about to leave Relena alone either. "I offered to stay." Trowa's voice drifted over to him. Heero turned his head to look at him. "One night won't hurt anyone. She knows she's not allow to leave."

Heero tightened his eyes before looking down at Relena. "Do you have your ID badge?"

Relena nodded her head. "Yes, its right here." Relena removed her ID from her pocket showing Heero. "I swiped it then put it back." Relena tightened her own eyes as she looked at him. "She didn't try and take it. She stepped back when I did do, then moved past me to enter the hallway first. She just wanted to make sure you were still here."

Heero kept his gaze trained on her. While he was satisfied with her answer he was still on edge about everything else. "Alright, then let's go." He looked over to Trowa who was standing just off to the side of them. "I want you back here early. Understood?"

Trowa nodded his head before saying his goodbyes. He walked to the stairwell knowing that Heero and Relena would likely take the elevator. He needed to stop by his office before he headed home. Even if part of him thought about just staying down the hall from Serena for the night.

Serena leaned her head against the door. Closing her eyes she tried to calm her racing heart. Memories had flooded her mind when she was speaking with Relena. Had she done the right thing by telling Relena the truth? Even if she kept some of the detail vage? Heero would find out and with that brought more pressure to tell them everything she knew. The real reality was, J had never trained her for this moment. He had always told her to watch what she said in case she was brought in by Preventers. But he had never fully instructed her on what she was to do.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm the rage that was building in her again. She may of been tired but her body and mind were at war with each other. J had lied. He sent her in hopes of having Preventers catching her. That was never part of the plan. She was to go in, gather the data and leave no trace she was ever there. Then she was to go to somewhere, a safe house, and contact him. Why go through the trouble? If he wanted her and Heero to meet. None of it made sense to her.

Taking another breath she opened her eyes. Pushing herself away from the door she walked over to the bed. Another memory surfaced in her mind as she pulled back the sheets to climb in. "Your one and only goal is complete the mission. At all cost." Serena reached over switching off the light. As she laid down in bed, she knew what she had to do. She had to complete the mission… at all cost...

Happy Saturday! I hope you all are having a good start to your weekend! So what do you think is going to happen now? Is Serena going to tell all that she knows? Or is she going to turn on everyone... even Trowa to complete her mission? We'll have to wait and see won't we! What I can tell you is that things are going to start really picking up now. I don't want to give too much away, but I cannot wait for the new few chapters to go up! You'll all soon fine out why ;).

Have a great weekend everyone!

-MM