Disclaimer: Yea yea yea, I don't own Gundam Wing or its characters…so…STOP BOTHERING ME!

I Can't Live Like This

Chapter 12

Relena walked out of the bathroom after drying and brushing her hair. Heero had finally left her alone and gone to pack his things, or at least the things he didn't want anyone else touching. Turning to the mirror she saw the old her once again. The blonde dye was close enough to her normal honey-blond hair color. Of course her hair was shorter but the public had seen her cut her hair many times, the only difference with this haircut was that her bangs were long and puffy instead of short and right above her eyes.

Pulling her hair into a ponytail, she thought about how her life used to be. She did miss some of it. Mainly her friends, or who she thought were her friends. She thought about this for another hour while she tried to pack up the rest of her possessions as fast as she could since they were returning in a week.

>

Heero walked back into Relena's apartment after he had finished packing his stuff. Expecting Relena to still have the towel wrapped around her hair he wasn't prepared for what he saw. He looked up and saw the old Relena, his Relena. He stared at her and memories raced through his mind. Shaking his head slightly he tried to ignore it all and kept his stoic mask on.

Relena could see him out of the corner of her eye but didn't acknowledge that he was there. Standing up and looking around she saw that the living room was all packed except for the couch, end tables, coffee table and TV but she didn't expect to be taking them with her. moving to her bedroom she gave a sigh and plopped down on the bed. She didn't know why she was packing anything, she wouldn't need it. There would be no room to put anything since she already had stuff back at the Sanq Kingdom.

"Maybe I should just throw everything away, I won't need any of this later on," she whispered to herself. Sighing again she began packing the little knickknacks that she could put around her room. It only took a small box to fit all these items but it didn't matter. Picking up a bear from her bed she gave it a quick hug and put it into the box.

Heero was able to get a quick peak of the bear she grabbed and saw that it had been the bear that he had given her on her sixteenth birthday. He smirked to himself quickly and let if fade faster than it appeared.

Relena turned her head and saw Heero staring at her; she smiled at him like she would when they "were dating". Heero just stared straight back not giving her a response what-so-ever, not a smirk or smile, not even his eyes gave an emotion for her to go on. This just made her realize how things were now, it wasn't that she hadn't expected this, but she was hoping it wouldn't happen. Heero didn't feel the same about her, even though he knows there's nothing different about her. There was nothing she could do so she might just have to live this way.

>

"Give us a little more time, Une," Duo said into the phone. Through the screen he could see Lady Une tapping her fingers with her eyebrow furrowed.

"I wish I could Duo but I can't, we need Relena Dorlain back now!" she repeated what must have been the third time to Duo. Duo shook his head and sighed. He didn't want to tell Relena that she had less time and would have to return tomorrow night.

"Why does she have to come back so soon? Will it really make a difference?" Duo asked more in a pleading way, he wanted to buy time. Une stared at him with a look; it wasn't a look of anger or annoyance, it was a look of worry.

"Duo, if Relena Dorlain does not return the morning after tomorrow, the new colony L3X410 will be blown up. Someone has already hacked in and tampered with the computer system that controls the colony. The colony was completely sealed off; a strong protected shield closed all the ways in and out. Normally this would be used to protect the colony from an attack or object flying towards the colony, but if a destructive explosion were to be set off inside, it would actually hold in the explosion to only the colony and double the damage. The terrorists have already told us that if they do not have word from Relena Dorlain by the morning after tomorrow they will blow up the colony with all the civilians still inside," Lady Une finished slamming her palm into the table while her voice raised in volume with every sentence.

Duo listened silently. He was on the edge of pissed and sad. He was pissed that these terrorists would make such a demand on the spot and he was sad that he would have to make Relena leave sooner. Looking back up at the screen Duo gave a curt nod and a solute, she was still his commander after all. As he turned the phone off, he heard a voice from behind him.

"I guess it's a good thing we finished packing." Turning around he saw Quatre, Trowa, and Wufei at the door. Duo sighed again and nodded walking out of the room past his comrades. He stopped in the middle of the living room and turned around to face the trio in the doorway.

"Are you guys coming?" he asked in more of a begging tone. The three followed him and the quartet began their trek to the young queen's temporary home.

>

While Heero taped up the boxes that Relena packed, Relena was making the two of them something to eat. When a knock came from the door she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel over the sink and walked to the door. Looking out the peak hole she unlocked the door and welcomed her friends in.

"Finished packing?" she asked. They nodded with solemn looks upon their faces. Relena began to get a touch of worry at their expressions. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

"We have bad news," Quatre started off. "We have to get you back to the Sanq Kingdom the morning after tomorrow so we're going back just a little bit earlier." Relena sighed expecting as much. She smiled and gave a small nod.

"That's fine," she whispered. "So, you guys want something to eat?" she asked them as if the news didn't faze her at all. The four looked at each other with knowing looks and responded to her question with slight nods.

>

"What's the latest word, Une?" low voice asked from the doorway of Une's office. Lady Une looked up and spotted the platinum blonde hair of Zechs Marquise, also known as Miliardo Peacecraft. She gave a sigh and looked out the wall size window.

"I've contacted Colonel Duo and he'll be bringing the Vice Foreign Minister back within 2 days time," she answered. He smiled and let it disappear.

"Any word from the terrorists?" he asked. Une shook her head and turned back to him.

Zechs had been looking for Relena ever since she first disappeared and was extremely relieved knowing she was coming home. He would have to have a talk to her when he saw her; he would also have to have a talk with the four young former gundam pilots since it took them a long time to bring her home. Sitting down across from Lady Une, Zechs heard a gasp. Looking up at where Lady Une was looking, he saw the television screen light up as another threat was given and someone was shot, blowing their head into little pieces and splattering blood all over the walls.

>

Relena sat with her eyes wide as the murder appeared on the screen of the television. She began to tremble and she wasn't breathing. Duo rubbed her shoulders trying to calm her down but knew he failed as the young girl broke down into a sobbing mess. Relena hugged her thighs and put her face against her knees.

Heero turned off the TV as Duo slid off the couch and wrapped her in a hug. Looking up at Quatre, Duo told him to call Lady Une and tell her they saw what happened on the TV. Quatre gave a nod and went to do as he was asked. Trowa and Wufei got up to finish their packing. They all knew they'd be returning even earlier than they thought now, possibly leaving that second if they could.

Heero watched Relena with a stoic face. Standing up he retreated to his room. When Relena noticed this, her sobs become worse, her breathing becoming staggered, her body shaking violently. Duo tried to speak soothing words to her but they didn't help.

"Don't worry 'Jousan," he whispered softly. "We'll return as soon as possible and find out who's doing this, ok?" She gave a slight nod that would have been missed if Duo hadn't been paying attention. He helped her stand up, guiding her to her apartment for some rest. Helping her into her bed he tucked her in slightly and smiled. Grabbing a tissue he wiped away her tears. "Goodnight, 'Jousan," she whispered. Leaning down he kissed the top of her head gently.

>

Heero was lying on his bed thinking about many different things but the main thing on his mind was a certain blond that he was taking care of. So much had happened in such a short about of time and he didn't know what was happening anymore. He knew he was being stubborn by saying Relena and Lena were two different people, but he was just trying to keep Relena safe. He was going to keep his promise, even if it broke her heart, or was it his that was breaking?

"What," Heero asked as he sat up. Duo gave a soft sigh and scratched the top of his head.

"We're going home tomorrow afternoon, the plane leaves at 2," Duo stated. Heero stared at him knowing that that wasn't all he wanted to say.

"Spit it out, Maxwell," Heero said softly but forcefully.

"Heero, you're hurting her. She's already heartbroken about going back, now she can't even have you to love. What's wrong with you, Heero?" Duo asked him scowling.

Heero stood up slowly and stepped not a foot away from him. They were both around the same height now with Duo maybe an inch or two taller. They stared each other down, Heero's eyes projecting his personal death glare. Duo was projecting his own glare.

"I am doing my job, and that is not to date the Vice Foreign Minister, but to protect her," Heero stated. Duo sighed and shook his head. He stared at Heero with anger. Relena was his friend and he wasn't about to let Heero hurt her more than he already has.

"You're giving up something really good, Heero. Girls like 'Jousan don't just show up everyday!" Heero just stared at him. Duo gave a sigh of defeat. "Look, Heero. If you can honestly tell yourself that you don't love that girl, then fine. But if you're just doing this to her cause you're afraid, then I feel so sorry for you. She could have any guy she wants. Heck, I'd be honored to have her but I have a girlfriend and I love her." Turning around Duo walked towards the door but before he left he looked at Heero one more time. "Sleep on it and get your head on straight, man. I'm your friend, but I'm her friend too," he finished as he walked out of the room.

Heero gave a groan of pain and punched the wall next to the bed. He let himself fall on the bed covering his eyes with his arm. He wasn't going to let this get to him; he wasn't going to change his plans. Though Duo's talk did make him think but not to the extent of what Duo wanted.

>

No one that night got a very good night's sleep, but they slept and that did cool a few emotions down. Trowa was the first one to wake up and he woke everyone up, making coffee and breakfast. Next up was Quatre whom helped set the table, and then rose Wufei and Duo. Heero had been awake for a while but had not left his room; instead he sat at his desk typing away. Relena was awake, but hadn't left her bed. She was avoiding being in contact with anyone until she absolutely had to be.

"Is 'Jousan awake, yet?" Duo asked as he chewed on a piece of bacon. Quatre poured the last glass of orange juice and gave a shrug.

"No one has been over there yet," Trowa stated. The three of them were about to volunteer but Wufei broke in.

"Let her be, she wants to be alone," he said sternly. Duo glared and sneered at him. He stood up and walked over to him with his hands balled up into fists.

"How do you know that? Haven't you already broken her heart? What right do you have to tell us what she wants or not?" Duo nearly screamed. Quatre put a hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down.

"Duo, Wufei is her friend, too. Just because their relationship wasn't meant to be doesn't mean he doesn't care about her," Quatre explained. Duo turned around and went back to his seat to eat.

The room was soon swallowed up by silence. A few minutes later, the soft creak of a door opening and the sharp slap of a door closing awoke everyone out of their thoughts. Heero walked over in his Preventers' uniform carrying a box with the rest of his stuff from the room. He looked over them noticing Relena wasn't among them.

"Get ready, we're leaving in an hour," he stated. Everyone just stared at him for a few second but eventually got up. By the time they were half way to their rooms, Heero asked, "Where's Relena?"

Everyone stopped for a few seconds but just went back to going to their destinations without saying a word to Heero. Heero scowled at their backs and placed his box on the floor. He quickly walked out of the apartment, slamming the door, then began his trek to Relena's apartment. He gave 3 sharp knocks and waited.

>

Relena was pulled out of her thoughts by loud knocks at her door. She slowly sat up, too worn out to rush herself. Pulling her comforters around herself she stood up and began to drag herself to the door. Her hair was pulled into disheveled ponytail, the straps of her spaghetti-strapped shirt were around her shoulders, and her face was red and blotchy from crying and sleeping. She began rubbing her eye on the way to the door and held her comforter in place around her with her elbow as she grabbed the door handle and pulled it open.

Heero stood there leaning with his hand against the doorway; he looked as if he had been waiting for a while. He looked her over, his expression never changing. Slowly he walked passed her and into the apartment. He looked it over seeing nothing but bare walls and furniture.

"We're leaving soon, where's your stuff?" he asked.

Relena stared at him with her eyes barely open. Walking passed him without saying a word she moved to her room and fall back onto her bed. Heero followed her quietly and looked at his surroundings subconsciously at the same time. Once he made it to her room he saw 2 boxes on the floor, one marked clothes, and the other marked fragile.

Slowly Heero picked up the box marked fragile and walked out of the room. Relena watched him out of the corner of her eye, still lying on her stomach half awake. When Heero came back in empty handed and went to pick up the box marked clothes, Relena sat up with the comforter still wrapped around her torso and legs. He walked out of the room again and she slid out of bed. Going over to the door she locked it and gave a soft sigh. Grabbing a pair of jeans, she slid them on then ran a brush through her hair after taking it out of its ponytail.

Heero stood leaning against the kitchen counter next to the coffee maker waiting for Relena to come out. When she came out of the room she was trying to put her hair up in a semi-bun. He watched her out of the corner of his eye for a few seconds then closed his eyes and waited. The coffee maker and the rest of the appliances and furniture would stay here for now since they had to time to or need for it.

"Are we going now?" Relena asked softly. Heero stood up straight and opened his eyes, his arms falling to his sides. He walked over to the door and opened it, waiting for her to walk through it.

She stood there for a few seconds but then moved across the room and out the door. Heero walked behind her quietly as they went a few doors down to the other apartment. Not even halfway there, there was loud yelling coming out of the apartment. A crash sent an alarming shock through the two and they sprinted to the door. Heero slammed open the door to find Duo and Wufei wrestling on the ground and Trowa and Quatre trying to stop them.

Heero ran over and pulled Duo off of Wufei and pinned him to a wall front first with his arm behind him; as he did this Trowa did the same with Wufei but on an opposite wall. Duo struggled, nearly sending Heero and himself falling to the floor. Quatre stared at his comrades and at their forming wounds. He shook his head slowly and walked off to find the first aid kit in one of the boxes.

Relena stood there quietly, listening to Duo and Wufei exchange insults. She looked down and stared at the bloody floor; her eyes began to water but she ignored it. She closed the door and walked over to the kitchen table.

Quatre came back out with the kit and waited for Duo and Wufei to calm down. Heero dragged Duo to the table, hands still behind his back, and sat him across from Relena. Duo stared at the table, his hair covering most of his face from Relena's view. He felt too ashamed to look at Relena, acting so childish in Relena's time of need.

"What were you two doing?" Relena asked softly as Trowa forced Wufei into another seat at the table. Wufei gave a glare in Duo's direction then turned away to look out the window. Relena gave a sigh and stood up. "Stop acting like children! You're Preventers for God's sake! Look, whatever it is that you're fighting about, get over it, ok? We need to hurry up and get home," she scolded them, her voice softening at the end.

Silence once again overcame the room and everyone stayed still. Heero let go of Duo and walked over to the door and leaned against the frame. He closed his eyes and waited a few minutes then said in his monotone voice, "Let's go, or we'll be late."

yes! Done! Ok, it's a little sketchy but I really haven't had time and I really wanted to get this out!

Anyway, r&r! oh! And check out my new fanfic Misguided Emotions

Anyway, me off for now! REVIEW! TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS! YOUR THOUGHTS!