NECKLACE

Again he found himself in a jewellery shop. It was her birthday and her mother was throwing a party to their family's closest friends. He had to give her something breath-taking because the presents would be opened during the party, in front of a roaring crowd. Or so Mrs. Darlian had informed them. The only problem was… he had already bought her a present.

Relena had been sad that morning. He did not understand why, after all they were spending an amazing week with their friends at Winner's private oasis and she had seemed happy the night before. It was hard for them to be alone during the day so it was only after supper, when they retired to their bedroom, that he was able to ask her what was wrong.

She sat on the bed and pulled a box from underneath it. "Look."

Inside the box, the teddy bear that he had given her, and that she always carried with her when she travelled, lay in pieces. Apparently, Duo's dog had found it and left it beyond repair. At the sight of her tears Heero did not know what to say.

He would have never imagined Relena's family had so many friends and, apart from Winner, none that he knew. For some time he wandered around, watching as Relena entertained her mother's guests. Quatre was also surrounded by people. It seemed he was the only one who did not attract any attention.

When Relena started receiving flirtatious looks and whispered words from the sons of wealthy politicians, he decided it was time to find a hiding place. He trusted Relena, but that did not mean he liked to watch her get courted.

There was a couple in the balcony, but they paid him no mind. When Mrs. Darlian's voice came from inside, inviting everyone to the opening of the presents he was left completely alone.

It was far too beautiful a night to be wasted in a party. It reminded him of nights spent in the woods, alone with his gundam, quietly admiring the moon and the stars. The wars had left many memories, most of them bad, but there were good ones as well. He had had a deep connection to all his mobile suits, except maybe for Epyon, and then there had been Relena. The only memory he was able to keep close to his heart both literally and metaphorically speaking.

'Mother is furious with you.' She locked the door behind her and let her hair down.

'I thought she might be.'

Relena smiled. 'Of course, you knew she would be.' She walked up to him and kissed him. It was a deep and meaningful kiss that gave place to a comfortable silence.

'Did you like your presents?'

'Mostly expensive useless stuff. It seems there's a dispute going on… Who gives the most expensive present.' she sighed in annoyance. 'Didn't you wish to participate?'

'Your mother did order me to buy you something "worth envying". Her words, of course. But I could not find anything that fit that description and I had already bought you this.' As he spoke he pulled a black velvet box from inside his jacket and handed it to her. 'Happy thirtieth birthday.'

Relena took the box in her hands. It was long and slim, obviously not a ring. She met his expecting eyes for a moment before opening it. It was a very delicate necklace with a bear pendant. There was also a note: "SO YOU CAN ALWAYS KEEP IT CLOSE TO YOUR HEART." With teary eyes she looked at him. No words could express what she felt at that moment.

'It is easier to carry and I don't thing dogs like to chew gold.' He smiled when she turned around and held her hair up, still unable to speak.

The bear was small, from afar it was almost imperceptible – a tiny detail – but it looked perfect around her neck. He probably knew her better than he knew himself.

'It's beautiful.' She finally said, touching the little bear.

'I'm glad you like it.'

'I love it. Thank you.' She watched him smile and gave him a kiss. 'You didn't win the competition though, and mother said she would give a special prize to the winner.'

'I already have everything I want. Right here.'

Relena smiled.

It was a beautiful night indeed.