Family
Chapter 20: Back in VLA
Author's note: Previously on Family, Heero was going on a mission that would take him a year away. Unable to make contact during his mission, Heero wrote e-mails to his family and friends and called Fate to inform her of this. Fate celebrates her 21st birthday party and receives the gift that Heero asked Karone to send to her. The gift was revealed to be a rose locket necklace and we learn about what happened 5 years ago during the summer of AC 197. Almost 3 months later, Carlton informs Fate of Heero's promotion and the mission was revealed to be a plan to bring Heero back to VLA. Fate is unsure if she should go for Heero's promotion ceremony and Heero leaves St. Annecy to finally return to VLA.
Will Fate attend Heero's promotion ceremony? What is it that Heero wants to tell Fate? Will they ever be together?
Thank you for reading this story and I hope that you continue to support it. Please read and review, NO FLAMERS! Pairing: HeeroXOC
After Colony 202, 19th December
Colony L1, VLA, Airport
Afternoon
Heero Wingate has never felt as happy as he felt today. He couldn't wait for the plane to touch down on VLA and he was anxious to get home as soon as possible. After going through customs, he waited for his suitcase in the baggage claim area. The long flight from Colony L10 to Colony L1 has given him more than enough time to think things through. He had made plans about his future and knew that from here on, things were only going to be harder. He will have to form his own army and train his own men. He made plans to spend more time with his family and friends. His only concern was Fate, was she still waiting for him?
After he found his suitcase, he walked to the arrival gate with his walking cane in hand. As usual there was a crowd of people outside the arrival gate waiting for their friends or family members or even their lover.
"Heero!"
Heero saw his youngest sibling, Aaron running towards him. Aaron is 12 years old this year, but he was still short as he hasn't reached puberty yet. Aaron smiled up at him and seems to hesitate a bit, but then Heero held out his arms and Aaron came over to hug him.
"Welcome home, Heero." Aaron told him.
Heero hugged him and then pats him on his head after breaking their hug. Aaron led him to where the rest of his family was at. Heero was actually surprised that all of them came to fetch him from the airport. He greeted each of his siblings and was pulled into a hug before he could say anything else. It has indeed been 11 months since he last saw them.
"Rachel." Heero called out when he saw his mother.
Rachel smiled at him and came over to hug him. After that, she suggested that all of them go back to the Wingate Mansion for tea. Heero was about to protest as he have to go back to his penthouse and check on how things have been in his absence. But none of them will hear it and they started to drag him away. Then they started to talk to him and filled him in about what have happened after he was gone. Heero was silent, but he listened to what they have to say.
Heero was forced to be in the Wingate Mansion as he drank hot tea and chat with his siblings. He was glad to know that everyone was well. After that they talked about his promotion ceremony tomorrow morning and the grand ball at night. His family was proud of his achievements and congratulated him for earning medals, awards as well as his promotion. As the females discussed about the grand ball, Heero asked Rachel about Carlton. Apparently, Carlton was still busy but he will be present tomorrow as there are a few medals that he has to give out to a few officers in the army.
After a few hours have passed, Heero made his excuses and left the Wingate Mansion. He left to go back to his penthouse and Rolland was happy to see him.
"Master Heero, you are back!" Rolland exclaimed.
Heero nodded and went into the penthouse. He was glad to see that Rolland had kept the penthouse neat and tidy.
"Does it get lonely here?" Heero asked, as Rolland was staying in this penthouse alone.
"It does sir, but I have made friends with the neighbours. And I went on a holiday like you asked me to." Rolland told him.
Heero nodded as Rolland carried his suitcase to his room. Then the two of them went to his study room whereby Rolland gave Heero updates about his company and the estates that he had owned. Heero then made the necessary arrangements and Rolland informed him that the weather this winter was colder than usual. Heero made a mental note to write to the weather station of Colony L1 about that.
"How are your legs, Master Heero?" Rolland asked.
"They are well, but there are a few things that I have yet to try. And I have grown used to having a weapon in my hand; hence it would be difficult to have to give up the walking cane." Heero told him.
"What do you suggest to do instead?" Rolland asked.
"I will need to go to the laboratory the day after tomorrow." Heero informed him.
"Very well sir, is there anything else?" Rolland asked.
Heero saw the clock on the wall and realized that night has already fallen. Standing up, Heero informed Rolland that he will not be back for dinner and that he will be out late.
"I will prepare the limo, sir." Rolland told him.
"There is no need to." Heero told him.
"Shall I call a cab then?" Rolland asked.
"No, I will be driving." Heero announced. It was about time that he finally started driving again.
Rolland looked surprised for a moment and then he smiled.
"Very well, Master Heero."
Preventer Headquarters
Night time
Night had already fallen but the Preventers were still busy working. Most of them were still at their offices and busy behind their desks. But there seems to be buzz that's going around the office and Duo looked up to wonder what was going on. It was already late yet he still couldn't leave as there were reports to finish before the dateline. To make matters worse, he was hungry and his secretary was off gossiping. Annoyed, Duo came out of his office and saw that his secretary was whispering away with Trowa and Wufei's secretary. (Wufei, Duo and Trowa's office are on the same floor.)
"Is something going on?" Duo asked.
"Quiet Duo, I'm trying to concentrate here!" Wufei shouted from the open door of his office.
"Didn't you hear?" His secretary asked.
"Hear what?" Duo asked.
"The staff at the lower levels saw a silver sports car bearing the SilverWings logo park right outside of the Preventer Headquarters building." She told him.
"What about it? Many rich people can own a SilverWings car." Duo told them.
"Yes, but none of them are as handsome as the man driving it." Wufei's secretary told him.
Duo frowned.
"And who the heck is he?" Duo asked.
"They say that he's back." Trowa's secretary informed him.
"Who?" Duo asked feeling confused.
"Who else could it be? Preventer Wingate is back! Imagine how surprised everyone was when we saw him walking into the building." Duo's secretary told him.
Duo stared at her. Silver Sports Car, Heero walking into the building… It then got to him that Heero's here in this very building right now.
"That's not all. The first place he went to is upstairs." Wufei's secretary told him.
"He went to see Lady Une?" Duo asked.
"No, silly, he went to see Preventer Camden." Trowa's Secretary told him with a smile on her face.
"Oh no…. He didn't!" Duo exclaimed.
"He sure did." Duo's secretary told him.
"Wufei, Trowa, we have an EMERGENCY NOW!" He shouted at his two friends.
Heero is having the time of his life. It has been ages since he had last drove his own car and he felt the rush of adrenaline as he sat behind the steering wheel. He started the engine and drove the car out of its parking lot. As he stepped on the brakes with his left leg he didn't feel any pain at all hence he knew that his leg have healed enough for him to drive his own car now. He took a longer route as he wanted to feel what it was like to drive again. He started with a slow speed before stepping on the gas to increase his speed to his usual driving speed. He likes the feeling of speeding so fast on the roads and it didn't take him long before he pulled up at his destination. He stopped his sports car outside of the Preventers Headquarters and got out of the car. He still carried his walking cane for assurance, but he walked up the flight of stairs without the help of the walking cane.
As he walked into the building, he noticed that there were still many staff around which was odd as most of them should have already left work by now. He earned a few stares and he noticed how everyone was whispering about him. He walked towards the lifts instead. As he got into the lift, he wondered who he should visit first. He was about to press the button to his friends' office but decided against it. He pressed the button that will bring him to what used to be his office level. The lift brought him up to that floor and as the lift doors opened, Heero stepped out and looked around the entire level.
Some renovation work has been done to the entire level. In the past, this entire level was empty except for his office. But now, the entire level has been used up. There are smaller meeting rooms and three more office rooms but all of them seem to be vacant. There were no lights coming out from any of those rooms except one. Heero walked towards that room and saw a plaque on the wall that has Federick's full name written on it. As he approached Federick's room, he saw that there was a desk placed before Federick's room, signaling that it was his secretary's desk. Judging from the items that were on the table, he could tell that Federick has a secretary as well. He knocked on the closed door instead.
"Come in." He heard Federick's voice.
Heero braced himself mentally before opening the door and stepping into the office. The first thing he did when he went in was to look around Federick's office. His office was plain and professional looking, but it seems to be smaller than his old office. His office smells clean, it was also neat and tidy. Federick's desk was neat and he didn't have many files stacked on it. Federick didn't seem to notice him as he was busy writing something.
"You seem busy."
Federick looked up and he looked surprised to see him. He immediately dropped the pen that he was holding and gapped at him.
"Heero Wingate… What are you doing here?" Federick asked.
Heero walked further into his office and noticed that at least Federick was still able to have a good view of the city from the glass windows. Federick seems to be watching him carefully and he frowned as Heero continued to look around his office.
"Are you doing what I think you are doing?" Federick asked.
Heero didn't know what he was referring to until he realized that Federick was staring at his legs.
"You are standing on your legs." He pointed out.
Heero didn't respond to him.
"But how… Wasn't your leg so badly damaged that it can never be healed?" Federick asked.
"I found a way." Heero told him as it was the truth.
Federick frowned at him but he couldn't stop staring at his legs.
"Are you sure that you are completely healed?" Federick asked looking at him with doubt.
Heero refrained from saying something mean and didn't reply him.
"Why are you here?" Federick asked, getting to the point instead.
"There is something that I would like to talk to you about." Heero told him.
Heero pulled out the chair that was in front of Federick's desk and sat down without Federick giving him permission to do so. The two of them stared at each other in silence. For as long as he remembered, his relationship with Federick has been strained. They do not get along well with one another and Heero knows that Federick hated him. Naturally he never did ask why, but he knew that it was because of Fate. Federick have always treated him as a rival and have often made things difficult for him. Nevertheless there was a reason why Heero was here to see him, and since he is Fate's elder brother, it is only right to inform him of the matter first.
"What is it that you want to talk about? I still have a lot of work to do." Federick muttered.
"It's about Fate." Heero told him.
The two of them were silent for a while. This was the one subject that Heero hated talking to Federick about as he had always been so overprotective of her.
"What about her?" Federick asked.
Heero wondered how he should phrase it so that Federick will not take it the wrong way. But after many failed attempts, he decided to just go with the blunt truth.
"I love her." Heero told him bluntly.
"Excuse me?" Federick asked looking shocked.
"I said that I love her." Heero repeated.
Federick continued to stare at him in shock but then his shock soon turned to anger.
"Do you think that it's funny to joke about something like this?" Federick asked him.
"I'm not joking."
Their eyes met and they stared at each other for a long moment.
"You have done nothing but continue to hurt her and now you expect me to believe that you actually love her?" Federick asked.
Heero didn't answer him but his gaze never wavered.
"Why are you really here, Heero?" Federick asked.
"It's only right to inform you as you are Fate's elder brother." Heero told him.
Federick watched as Heero stood up instead. Heero started to make his way towards the door.
"She still believes that you are her destiny, but I think otherwise."
Heero turned to look back at Federick.
"Prove to me that you are worthy of her love." Federick told him.
Their eyes met for a moment and Heero gave a hint of a smile. He had expected Federick to pick a fight with him, but he didn't.
"Will you be returning to the Preventer Force?" Federick asked him instead.
Heero knew that it was possible for him to return to the Preventer Force now that his legs have fully recovered, but he actually like being in the United Colonies Army. There are more challenges and resources there. Not to mention he will soon have his own army of men to command, being a Preventer cannot give him that.
"No, I like being in the army." Heero told him.
"Pity." He heard Federick mutter.
Heero knew that Federick had hoped that Heero will return to the Preventer Force so that they can be rivals again. Heero opened the door and left Federick's office instead. As he waited for the lift, he looked back at the rooms behind him. This place had been his office for the past five years… But now it was no longer his office and it's time to move on to the next chapter of his life.
An hour later,
VLA, Blue Marine Pub
After he visited Federick, he visited his friends who were surprised to see him here in VLA. They were even more surprised to know that his legs were fully healed. Duo suggested that they go and have a drink while Trowa was going to the airport to pick Quatre up. Quatre was in VLA as he was going to attend Heero's promotion ceremony tomorrow. They agreed to meet at the Blue Marine Pub and left their separate ways. Heero arrived at the pub first as he was speeding. Heero was glad that he could return to this same place again. It has been ages since he was here and he was glad to see that business at the pub was still doing very well.
He managed to get their usual table and ordered his favourite whisky. It has been ages since he last drank any alcohol; there weren't any alcohol in the military base as no one likes drunken soldiers. Heero could taste the quality of the whisky and was enjoying the drink as he waited for his best friends to show up. Eventually Wufei and Duo arrived. Duo started to talk about how his life has been while Heero merely listened without saying a single word. Trowa and Quatre arrived later and Quatre was so happy to see him that he hugged him.
"Oh it's so good to see you again. And I'm so happy that your leg has healed!" Quatre exclaimed as they broke the hug.
They ordered a new round of drinks and started to chat with one another. They asked him about how his leg was healed and were happy that he was well again. Then Duo asked about the details of army life, but Heero didn't disclose anything. They went on to ask him how his life has been ever since he left VLA. Heero didn't enjoy having to answer their questions, but he felt happy to be back in VLA again, it felt just like good old times again. Except for a very small factor…
"Any of you heard from Fate?" Heero asked.
There was an abrupt pause between them, but then Duo spoke up.
"We saw her at her birthday party."
Heero nodded, knowing that he had missed her birthday party.
"Did you invite her to your promotion ceremony tomorrow?" Quatre asked.
Heero shook his head; he had no intention of doing so. He had planned to fly to Japan right after his promotion ceremony; he wasn't going to stay for the grand ball.
"But why didn't you invite her?" Duo asked.
"We have some unfinished business to settle." Heero told them.
Duo and Quatre stared at him with a frown while Wufei raised his eyebrow at him.
"What do you plan to do now that you are in VLA?" Trowa asked, changing the subject.
"I think more importantly, are you coming back to the Preventer Force?" Duo asked.
"No."
All of them were surprised to hear this.
"I have come to like being in the army." Heero explained in very simple terms.
"Are you sure about this?" Wufei asked.
Heero nodded and they continued to drink their own drinks in silence. Eventually they continued chatting with one another until it was late. Then they bid goodbye and parted ways knowing that they will see each other again tomorrow.
The next day, 20th December
Colony L1, VLA, Heero's Penthouse
It was morning and Heero was dressed in the United Colonies Army's uniform. Today was a huge day for everyone who will be receiving a promotion, a medal or even an award. As he checked his reflection in the mirror, he realized that he looked smart in the army's uniform. He picked up the visor hat that was on his desk. He stared at the United Colonies Army's coat of arms that was on the hat for a moment before putting on the visor hat. He checked his reflection in the mirror one last time before picking up the rest of his belongings. His eyes then fell on his silver headed walking cane that was leaning against the wall. He stared at it for a long moment before sighing, he won't need it anymore. He walked towards the door and left his room.
Colony L1, VLA, Central Military Base of VLA, Grand Ceremonial Hall
Heero knew that there will be many officers who will be attending the promotion ceremony today, but he hadn't expected the numbers to be so overwhelming. The Grand Ceremonial Hall was huge, but the seating arrangements were arranged in a way that all the officers will be sitting on the right side while their family, friends and guests will be sitting on the left side. The entire right side was totally filled with officers all dressed in the uniform of the same colour. Heero was sitting near the back of the ceremonial hall as they start the promotion ceremony with the officers of the lowest ranks. He didn't need to count to know that it would take hours before it was his turn to go on stage.
He turned to his left and tried to find his family members and friends in the large crowd on the left side. He couldn't see where they were but have a feeling that they were seated at the front, after all, his father is the President of the Colonies. The Major who sat next to him started to talk to him. Heero listened to him but he didn't say much about himself in return. After all the General rank officers of the different divisions in the United Colonies Army and the guests of honor have arrived, the promotion ceremony finally started.
Officers went up the stage one by one to receive their promotion. It was a rather long process as these officers were also given a chance to stand at the podium and make a speech. Most of them thanked their families, their wife and their lovers. Of course there were some men who gave humorous speeches, but Heero was starting to feel bored. He wasn't the only one who felt this way, but the guests, family and friends of these officers seem to be having a great time as they listened to the stories of different men and their thank you speeches. He noticed how the wife of these men will cry when their husbands thanked them. Naturally he knows that he have no idea what they have been through, but these army wives all looked like they were so proud of their husbands. He wondered what it would be like if he continued to stay in the military and eventually marry. Will he too, be like those men who were standing up on the stage thanking their wives? He found it hard to picture that image but he pushed the thought away and tried to think of his own thank you speech. He came unprepared as he didn't know they have to give a thank you speech.
What seemed to be hours passed by and soon it was Heero's turn to be on stage. He stood up and walked to where the stairs to the stage were. His legs felt numb after sitting down for so long. As he looked at the people in the ceremonial hall, he tried to see if his family was around. That was when he saw Major General Weller approach him.
"Sir." Heero greeted.
"Relax, Major Wingate. Your turn will be here soon." Weller told him.
Heero nodded and looked at the stage.
"Is this your first formal promotion ceremony?" Weller asked.
Heero nodded. He was aware that he had jumped a few ranks in just a short duration of a year while some of these men here took two to three years before finally receiving a promotion. The men before him have left the stage; hence it was now his turn. He waited for his name to be call and watched as Major General Weller went up the stage to help him with the promotion ceremony as he was his superior officer.
"Major Heero Wingate promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Wingate." The MC announced.
He heard the sound of applause as he went up on stage. He shook Weller's hand as Weller congratulated him for his promotion. Then Heero turned to face the audience as Weller helped to pin his new rank onto the insignias of his uniform. After that, a lady holding onto a metal tray came over towards them. Heero saw that there were medals on that tray.
"Lieutenant Colonel Wingate has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Distinguished Service Cross Medal and the Bronze Star Medal." The MC announced.
The audience gave him another round of applause and Weller picked up the medals that were on the tray. He then moved to help him pin them on to the top right hand side of his uniform. Heero thanked him and was about to make his speech when Weller shook his head telling him that it wasn't over yet.
"Lieutenant Colonel Wingate has also been awarded with a total of four awards. The first award is the Most Outstanding Performance award." The MC announced.
Heero wasn't informed that he would be receiving any awards, hence he hadn't expected this. Weller took the first certificate from the lady and held out his hand. Heero shook his hand and received the certificate from him as the audience applauded.
"We would like invite the President of the Colonies to come on stage to give out the next three awards, Mr. President, please." The MC announced.
Heero watched as a General ranked officer stood up and escorted his father to the stage. Weller stood back so that Carlton will be able to give out the remaining three awards.
"The second award is the Leader of the Year award." The MC announced.
The audience broke into a round of applause as Carlton took the next certificate from the tray. He turned to Heero and held out his hand. Heero shook his hand and thanked him. The process was repeated another two times as Heero was also awarded the Soldier of the Year award as well as the Man of the Year award. The audience all gasped in surprise as Heero had indeed won a lot of awards and according to them, the Man of the Year award was the most prestigious award. Finally when it was all over, he thanked Carlton and Major General Weller. He walked to where the podium was and looked at the audience that was sitting before him. Everyone was silent as they stared up at him, waiting for him to give his thank you speech.
"I would like to thank my superior officer, Major General Weller for looking out for me during this year. I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me on my decision to join the United Colonies Army, and my father who have believed that I will be able to complete my missions despite my leg injury." Heero spoke into the microphone.
Carlton did look surprised to hear this. Heero knew that he was making up lies, but some of it was true. After all only Carlton seems to support him in joining the army, although Carlton didn't really give Heero a lot of options to choose from.
"I would like to thank all of the soldiers and officers in St. Annecy, for listening to my commands and for working together with me as a team. I would also like to thank my friends who have supported me and who did not give up in trying to stay in contact with me when I was assigned to a faraway place. Thank you."
The audience broke into a round of applause and Heero came down the stage. He went back to his seat with the certificates of those awards in hand. Weller did inform him that he will be receiving the actual trophies later. Heero sat in silence as the promotion ceremony continued.
Colony L1, VLA, Central Military Base of VLA, Grand Ceremonial Hall
Night time
It was the Grand Ball and the large hall has been transformed into a ballroom. The place was packed with many officers who are with their wife or lover. Naturally there are singles, but they were a rare sight in the large ballroom. Heero was at the back of the ballroom and leaning against the wall. The ball was boring, all people do was chat, dance on the dance floor and dine here. Heero sighed as he remembered what have happened when he came here. His father immediately started to introduce him to the other General Rank Officers in the army. Carlton sounded proud when he introduced him to those Generals and those men looked at him in interest. They congratulated him for his promotion and for achieving the Man of the Year award. Heero merely nodded and made short yet polite remarks. After the introduction was done, Carlton continued to chat with the Generals while Heero went off somewhere on his own. He ventured into the large balcony area but immediately regretted doing so as the entire place was filled with couples. Not to mention there were already quite a few marriage proposals tonight.
"You seem bored."
Heero turned to see that it was his friends who came up to join him.
"Sadly everyone here seems to be taken." Duo remarked dryly as he drink his red wine.
As they watched the couples that were dancing a slow waltz on the dance floor, Heero decided that there was something that he wanted to tell them.
"There is something that I want to tell all of you." Heero told them.
His best friends turned to look at him instead.
"Shall we go somewhere more private?" Trowa asked.
"There is no where private here." Wufei pointed out.
All of them were silent for a moment but Quatre thought of something.
"Shall we leave this place and go somewhere else instead?" Quatre asked.
"Yes, let's get the hell out of here!" Duo exclaimed.
Heero went back into the ballroom to find Carlton. He told Carlton that he was leaving, but Carlton gave his a disapproving look.
"We are all here for you; you should at least stay until the end." Carlton told him.
Heero didn't say anything; he merely turned to walk away. Eventually all of them made their way out of the grand ceremonial hall and got into Trowa's car. Heero came here in his family's limo, while the rest of them came together. They sat in the car and turned on the air conditioning. They didn't have any plans to go anywhere yet.
"This is what I call privacy." Duo exclaimed, taking off the bow tie of his tuxedo.
Heero was the only one dressed in his army's uniform, while the rest of his friends were wearing formal wear. Heero was seated at the front passenger seat with Trowa behind the steering wheel.
"Are we going somewhere else or are we staying here in the car park?" Wufei asked.
"What is it that you wanted to tell us, Heero?" Quatre asked instead.
Heero felt his best friends' eyes on him. He looked down slightly and decided that it was best if he tell them the truth as well as clear up all the misunderstandings between them. He knew that he should have this conversation with them sooner, but he just got back yesterday and he wanted to have a good time with them again after being away for so long that he didn't bring up the subject.
"I'm sorry." He told them.
All of them looked surprised.
"I'm sorry that I left without saying a single word and that I joined the army without informing anyone. That I didn't keep in contact with any of you and caused all of you to be worried about me." Heero told them.
He didn't turn back to look at them, but the atmosphere felt rather tensed.
"Why… why did you join the army Heero?" Quatre asked softly, breaking the long silence.
Heero thought the question through before answering it truthfully.
"After Lady Une fired me, I tried to apply to many other agencies but no one would take me in." Heero admitted.
"But why not? You have an excellent history of accomplishments!" Duo asked.
"No one will take him in because he's disabled and cannot work in the field. In short, he's useless if he cannot work in the field, even if he has a long list of accomplishments." Wufei answered Duo's question instead.
"Carlton gave me two choices, to go into hiding or to join the army as a General." Heero told them.
"You joined the army because you didn't want to go into hiding." Trowa concluded.
"That's not all. Joining the army will give me power and my purpose in life again." Heero told them.
"Power? Whatever do you need it for?" Duo asked.
"We all need contacts in high places. I wanted to your contact." Heero told them.
They stared at him in shock, but they slowly understood what Heero meant. Heero wanted to be someone important in the army so that someday he will have the power and resources to help the Preventers should they ever need it.
"But you weren't a General." Wufei pointed out.
"I decided to earn my way up instead of relying on relations." Heero told them.
All of them were silent for a long moment.
"Was it tough being in the field again?" Trowa asked.
"At the start yes, but I got used to it." Heero admitted.
"But why didn't you contact any of us?" Duo asked.
"I wanted to know if I can survive through the army alone without anyone's help. I didn't contact anyone partly because I knew all of you will object to it and will try to stop me." Heero told them.
"Of course we were against it; it's inhumane to put a disabled person on the front lines!" Duo exclaimed.
"Please understand that joining the army was my choice, no one forced me into it." Heero told them.
Wufei sighed instead.
"We were worried about you but we are glad to see that you are back alive and in one piece. That was why we didn't say anything yesterday." Wufei told him.
"We were surprised that you want to continue to stay in the army." Trowa admitted.
"But we have come to accept it knowing that you do like it there. And I'm glad that you have found your purpose in life again." Quatre told him.
Heero turned and looked back at his friends to see that they were smiling at him.
"Thank you, all of you." Heero told them, feeling really glad that he has such good best friends who support and understand him.
"Don't mention it, what are friends for? But next time if you disappear off like that again… I swear that I will hit you." Duo told him.
Trowa, Quatre and Wufei started laughing while Duo looked confused.
"What's so funny?" Duo asked.
"You should make a threat sound more like one." Wufei told him.
Duo frowned instead as the three of them continued laughing. Heero smiled a little in return.
"I will keep that in mind." He told Duo.
"What do you plan to do from now on?" Trowa asked.
"Continue to work my way to the top and form my own Regiment." Heero told them.
"What about Fate?" Quatre asked.
"There is something else that I want to tell all of you regarding Fate." Heero told them, reminded of why they were having this conversation in the first place.
His friends looked at him as they waited for him to continue.
"I have realized that I… love Fate." Heero told them.
He was met with silence for a rather long moment; he watched them silently, waiting patiently for their response to his declaration.
"I knew that this day was coming! Oh god I have waited for it for so long!" Duo exclaimed with joy.
"About time." Wufei muttered under his breath.
"I have suspected as much." Trowa told him.
"All of you… knew?" Heero asked.
"Our dear Heero here is still as slow when it comes to relationships! Of course we knew! You were acting a little odd ever since you broke up with Relena. But it became more obvious when she left VLA." Duo told him.
Heero had no idea that it had been so obvious all along, why hadn't he realized it sooner? Was he really that blind when it comes to matters of the heart?
"I'm really glad that you have finally realized that you do have feelings for Fate." Quatre told Heero with a big smile on his face.
"However there is one thing that I want to know, do you love her more than you love Relena?" Wufei asked.
Duo jabbed Wufei in the ribs instead.
"That should be Federick's question instead." Duo told him.
"Nevertheless as Fate's friends we deserve to know the answer too." Wufei pointed out.
They looked at Heero instead.
"I never did love Relena; I thought I did, but I didn't. But yes, I love Fate more." Heero answered.
"I never thought that the day you claim that you love someone will ever arrive." Wufei muttered.
"That only proves that Heero's human like all of us. Plus LOVE is a huge word." Duo pointed out.
Heero smiled a little in return as he thought of Fate.
"I'm glad that you have understood the meaning of love." Quatre told Heero.
"So… all of you will approve if I start a relationship with Fate?" Heero asked instead.
"Of course buddy, why will we object? We are not her overprotective brother Federick!" Duo exclaimed with a smile on his face.
Heero looked at Trowa instead.
"No objections from me." Trowa told him with a smile.
"Me too." Quatre grinned at Heero.
All of them turned to look at Wufei instead.
"I still can't believe that it's true." Wufei muttered.
"Wufie, if Heero can love someone, it only means that one day it will be your turn too!" Duo told him.
"Hell no, there is no way in hell I will ever love anyone!" Wufei exclaimed.
"Things change." Trowa told Wufei softly.
"That's right; we will never know what the future will be like." Quatre told them.
"And of course look what happen to Hee-man here! It's a miracle baby! Love has struck our ex-killing machine and it will strike you too Wufie!" Duo exclaimed.
Heero shook his head; he didn't like it when Duo was calling him like that.
"You haven't answered Heero's question, Wufei." Trowa pointed out.
"Well I guess I don't mind…" Wufei muttered.
Heero smiled a little, feeling happy that he has gotten his friends' approval.
"So… have you told her yet?" Duo asked.
"No."
"WHAT!" Duo exclaimed.
"I was planning to." Heero told them.
"What's your plan?" Duo asked.
And then they continued to have their private conversation in Trowa's car. Later on, Heero took a cab back to his penthouse where he packed his luggage bag and boarded the next plane to Japan, Sakura City.
The next day, 21st December
Japan, Sakura City, Sakura Mansion
Afternoon
Fate was sitting on the sofa in her living room and reading one of the latest fashion magazines. Winter season was here and she was looking at the newest winter clothing collection. She has been busy filming commercials as well as doing fashion photo shoots. Plus she had a few music award ceremonies to attend. She won a lot of music awards this year and she made a mental note to buy more shelves for her trophy room as she was running out of place to put all of her music award trophies. She continued reading the magazine but stopped after a short moment.
She was silent for a long moment as she stared ahead. She was thinking of Heero again, she knew that the day before was his promotion ceremony. She wanted to take up Carlton's offer and attend his promotion ceremony, but she had a feeling that Heero might not want her there. Hence she didn't go… She did regret not attending his promotion ceremony, but it was already a matter of the past now.
Sighing, she pushed Heero out of her thoughts and continued to read the magazine that was in her hands. A few minutes later, Light knocked on the door and gently slides the door open.
"Miss Camden, someone is here to see you." Light informed her.
"Who is it?" Fate asked looking up from the magazine.
"Mr. Heero Wingate, Miss."
Fate stared at Light in shock. Heero was here to see her? But more importantly why was he here?
"Shall I send him away?" Light asked her softy.
"No, please show him in and prepare a new pot of tea." Fate told him.
Light nodded and left the room. Fate put the magazines aside and waited patiently for Heero to enter the room. The door slides open again and Fate watched as Heero stepped into the room. Fate stood up and approached him slowly. She still found it hard to believe that he was really here in front of her, but could there be another reason behind his visit?
"Hello Heero." She greeted softly.
"Fate." He greeted in return with a nod of his head.
She stopped in front of him and she stared deeply into his eyes. She hadn't seen him since August, and he looked as dashing as ever in his casual yet formal looking suit. Fate managed to look away or it would appear to be rude to be staring at him for so long.
"Have a seat." Fate gestured.
Heero nodded and both of them sat down on the sofa, with Heero taking the sofa that's directly opposite where Fate was sitting.
"What brings you to Japan, Heero?" Fate asked softly.
Heero didn't answer instead Light interrupted them by appearing with a new set of tea. He left them alone after setting the tea pot down. Fate was about to move forward to serve Heero tea when Heero beat her to it. He poured a cup of hot tea for her before pouring one for himself. Fate thanked him softly and added sugar and milk to her own tea. She was used to drinking her tea this way while Heero always drinks his tea and coffee plain.
Fate took a sip of her hot tea and was glad that the tea warmed her up. She knew that it would have the same effect on Heero and it was important as it was cold outside especially in the winter season.
"Why are you here in Japan, Heero?" Fate asked again.
Heero was silent and his face was as emotionless as ever making it hard for Fate to read what he was thinking, feeling or trying to say. Silence continued to fall between the two of them.
"Heero?" Fate asked softly.
She was starting to have a bad feeling about the reason as to why he was here. As she continued to examine him, she noticed that he didn't have his walking cane with him. Wait a minute… if he didn't have it then how did he walk into the room just now?
"Where's your walking cane?" Fate asked.
"I don't need it anymore." Heero told her.
"You don't need it anymore…." Fate repeated softly.
She continued to examine him and that's when it hit her that if he didn't need it anymore it could only mean that Heero's legs have healed and that he could walk again!
"Does this mean that your legs…"
"Has healed." Heero finished her sentence for her.
Fate was overwhelmed with joy and she was feeling so happy for him that she could practically fling herself at him and hug him until he couldn't breathe. But she stopped herself as she remembered that things between them were still rocky and unstable. Plus she doesn't think that Heero would like her to hug him. She forced herself to smile at him instead.
"That's… great news. But how were your legs healed? I mean… the doctors said that it was so badly damaged that you could never walk again." Fate asked.
"They were right, but I experimented with another new method known as cellular regeneration." Heero told her.
She stared at him in shock instead.
"I… can't believe you! You experimented with a completely new method and you simply decided to try it on yourself?" Fate asked.
"But it worked." Heero pointed out.
"What if it didn't? What if things went wrong? You could end up losing your entire leg instead!" Fate exclaimed.
Heero knew that she was concerned and she certainly sounded concerned, but it was odd to see her so concerned about him again. He thought that she didn't care about him anymore but she obviously still did. He felt a little bit better as he realized that it could only mean that she still loves him. On the flight o Japan, Heero had been worried that Fate might have stopped loving him or have simply moved on since the last time they met. But seeing her so concerned about him now makes him feel relieved.
"Calm down Fate."
"I…" She trailed off instead, but she still looked a little upset.
"I managed to regenerate the cells in my legs so that it could go back to its original stage, healing my broken leg." Heero explained.
"My father's working on cellular regeneration too. He hasn't perfected it yet, but he mentioned that it might be the only way to heal your leg." Fate whispered.
Heero was silent, so Belmont knew that it was the only way to heal his leg? That could only mean that Heero wasn't wrong in experimenting on cellular regeneration. Now his leg is completely healed and he was sure that if he worked together with Belmont, they will be able to perfect the technology. That way they will be able to save many people's lives and allow people who have lost their limbs to re-grow them.
"Heero?" Fate asked, breaking him from his thoughts.
"I will need to speak to Belmont about this." Heero muttered.
They were silent for a long moment before Fate broke the silence.
"Is that why you are here, to tell me that your leg has healed?" Fate asked.
"Not really." Heero admitted.
"Are you going back to the Preventer Force now that you can walk again?" Fate asked instead.
Heero shook his head.
"I find that I like being in the United Colonies Army." Heero told her.
"I see." She whispered.
Then she looked down instead.
"Congratulations, I heard about your promotion to Lieutenant Colonel." Fate whispered and Heero could tell that she was forcing herself to smile at him.
Heero stared at her and realized something instead.
"You don't like me being in the army." He concluded.
"I…"
She looked down sadly instead.
"It's not my place to tell you what to do. Besides it's your life, your decision…. And I have to respect that whether I like it or not." She whispered.
She continued to look down sadly.
"You are worried about me." He concluded again.
"I am always worried about you, Heero. It's just that being in the army is more dangerous than being a Preventer. Nevertheless when has my concern for you ever stopped you from doing what you wanted to?" Fate asked.
Heero was silent. Fate knew that she wasn't important to him; she hadn't been in the past and probably never will be. It was the reason why Heero had never listened to her and continued to take on missions head on as if his life depended on it. Both of them were silent for a long moment before Fate sighed.
"Is there anything else?" Fate asked softly.
Heero continued to remain silent.
"Very well, goodbye Heero. Light will see you out." Fate told him, standing up.
Heero knew that it was now or never and Fate was already walking towards the door.
"Do you remember what you said in St. Annecy?" Heero asked her suddenly.
Fate stopped in her tracks and turned to look back at him instead.
"What about it?" Fate asked.
Heero stood up and walked towards her instead.
"You said that you knew that we have a lot of things to talk about, things to catch up on and misunderstandings to clear up. And that when I feel that I want to talk or am ready to give us a chance, I can come find you." Heero told her as he walked towards her.
His eyes met hers and he maintained eye contact throughout the entire time he was saying that.
"And?" Fate asked softly.
Heero stopped right in front of her and his Prussian Blue eyes met her Sapphire Blue eyes. They stared at each other in silence for a rather long moment before he spoke.
"What if that time is now?" Heero asked her softly.
Heero watched as Fate slowly realized what he was implying.
"Do you mean… that you are ready to give us a chance?" Fate asked softly.
Heero nodded at her in reply. Fate stared at him in shock for a short moment before forcing a rather fake smile on her face.
"If this is a joke, it's not very funny." She whispered, her voice almost breaking.
"I'm not joking Fate."
She looked at him in surprise and their eyes met. They stared into each other's eyes for a rather long moment before…
"But you don't even like me. In fact you hate me." Fate whispered softly.
Heero saw the hurt and sadness in her eyes and wondered how he should tell her the truth.
"How can I hate you when I love you, Fate?" Heero asked her softly.
She stared at him in shock after hearing what he had just said. Heero didn't respond instead he looked at her for the next few minutes, trying to read what she was currently feeling from the expression on her face. But for a few silent minutes, no one moved or said a single word. Just then, Heero saw a tear fell from Fate's eyes.
"Fate…"
At first only a few tears fell from her eyes, but then Fate started to tremble and covered her face with both of her hands. She slowly sank down to the floor as she broke down in tears. Heero hadn't expected her reaction to be this extreme. Nevertheless he slowly sat down next to her and watched as she continued to cry.
Heero wasn't afraid of woman's tears; neither will he be affected when they were crying. But somehow he never liked it when Fate cried, so when she did cry in front of him, the first thing he thought of was to walk away and leave her behind. Sometimes it worked, but sometimes something was stopping him from leaving. His feet won't move and all he could do was stand there and watched as she cried.
But this time he finally understood what was stopping him from leaving all these time. It was guilt, the conscience inside of him that was shouting at him to comfort her or to stop her from crying. Yet somehow Fate's tears always affected him, even now. He felt like someone has just pierced him with a knife right through his heart. It was painful to watch her cry. That was when Heero did something that surprised both of them. He slowly reached out and pulled Fate into his arms. He felt how surprised she seemed to be by his actions and felt her body tense against him. But then she relaxed and continued crying instead. Heero did nothing for a very long time but continue to hold her as she cried against his chest.
He closed his eyes and was somehow thankful that he was able to be here again. That he could feel her against him again. It has been far too long ever since the last time they hugged each other. He missed her familiar scent, her familiar warmth, the way her face lights up when she smiles at him and how she was always there when he needed her. He missed everything about her.
"I forgive you and I miss you Fate." Heero whispered as he hugged her.
Fate didn't say a single word but he knew that she had heard him.
"I miss you so much…" Heero admitted.
It was only sometime later that Fate slowly reached out and hugged him in return. Heero smiled a little. He was aware that this was just the start for them and he hoped that they will be able to stay together till the end this time round. Because Heero knew that he couldn't afford to lose her and he's not going to ever let her go again. This time he will hold her close and he will do everything he can to make sure that he doesn't lose her again.
He gently broke their hug and looked down at her. Fate turned to look away from him as she knew that her eyes were red and she must look really ugly now. But Heero wouldn't stop staring at her; she could feel his eyes on her.
"Stop looking at me like that." She whispered.
Heero merely cupped her cheek with his hand and gently turned her head so that she was facing him. She tried to look away from him again but then Heero moved in closer and claimed her lips. Fate was shocked by how sudden and unexpected his kiss was but then she calmed down and started to kiss him back as she closed her eyes. It was a rather gentle and soft kiss but Fate was just really happy that Heero's finally here with her and that he loves her! Her heart was beating wildly, knowing that Heero's here next to her and she knows for certain that Heero is definitely the one for her.
To be continued…
Author's: Note: Yes, the two of them are finally together. I am aware that both of them have come a long way and a lot of time has passed, but they are together now.
Firstly, I have never been to a formal military promotion ceremony before, so let's assume that's what they normally do there. And I also know that it's a bit unrealistic that Heero could move up the military ranks in just one year, as usually this will take two years or more.
Secondly, I wanted to give Heero some sort of closure hence I wanted him to explain things to his best friends who were kept in the dark about his decision to join the army. Yes Heero might have started out being forced to join the army, but in the end he likes being in the army.
I was actually against the idea of Heero joining the army again initially, as he will still continue to be a soldier. He should have his own life now that the war was over and be a normal person. But the more I thought about it, I think that Heero can contribute to the peace between the Colonies and Earth directly if he joined the army. Yes he will still be a soldier, but if it's for a better and good cause, why not?
I know that Heero seems a bit out of character here, but I have often believed that with the right people around and with time, Heero's cold and silent personality will change for the better. Hence that was what I wrote him to be, he can't be the same cold, unsmiling person throughout all his life, right?
Lastly, for the future of this story, Heero and Fate will definitely face things together from now on. As for how things will go, we shall wait and see. I'm not going to spoil things for you.
Thank you for continuing to support my story, Family. I hope you enjoyed this chapter; because it's probably the chapter that you have been waiting for, hope I didn't disappoint you. Please read and review, but NO FLAMERS! Stay tuned for the next chapter! Sorry for the long author's note.