Family
Chapter 34: Guilt and Comfort Part One
Author's Note: Sorry for the late update, was busy with my studies. Previously on Family, Heero is busy with his army's new military base. Soon it is his birthday and he was forced to attend his own birthday party. Heero had publicly announced his relationship with Fate, shocking everyone in the process. Nevertheless Fate convinced Heero to stay over at the family mansion, whereby Heero discovered more about Jace. They also planned a birthday surprise for Heero and Jace.
This chapter will not be broken down into shorter chapters, but will be a long chapter.
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 203, 18th May
Colony L1, VLA, Somerleyton Wright Manor, Underground Base,
Morning,
Heero Wingate was seated behind his desk at his work office, still busy with work. He hadn't stopped to take a break at all ever since his birthday. There were far too many things to do and somehow being stuck in this underground place kept him away from the situation in VLA. Ever since his public announcement about him dating Fate, the media has blown this announcement way out of proportion. The media were covering this story for many days and the news was all over the newspapers, magazines and the internet. Many people were shocked, some had expected this to happen, while some were against their relationship. They have also sent a lot of reporters and the paparazzi to follow after Fate as if they were hoping that they could catch the latest scoop.
Heero had asked for Federick's help to ensure that Fate is always protected and that the paparazzi were not bothering her. However the situation seems to take a turn for the worse when the media turned to their friends and family for answers that they couldn't get. Heero was angered by the whole situation, but he had no time to deal with this. Heero had asked Rachel to help to deal with this matter and asked that she looks after Fate as well.
Heero hadn't contacted Fate since the whole media frenzy took place. He knew that she's bound to be affected by the whole situation. But he's far too busy at work to deal with this. He knew that it was wrong of him to choose his work over Fate, but he was running out of choices. Especially since he can't be at two places at one time. He knew that he had neglected Fate but he could only hope that the news will die out soon.
His eyes then fell on the digital calendar projection that was on the corner of his desk. He then realized that tomorrow was a big day as well. Looks like he will have to change his schedule. But can he afford to go on leave at such a crucial period?
VLA, Moonstone Mansion
Afternoon,
Fate has just returned to her mansion after appearing on a music program as a guest star. Things have been crazy ever since Heero's birthday and the media were going overboard. It has been thirteen days yet they hadn't chosen to back off. They were all still waiting outside her mansion gates and they followed her everywhere she went. They snapped photos of her, took videos of her and kept on asking for more details regarding her relationship with Heero. Fate had always kept silent and said nothing to them. She thought that with time the news will die down a little, but it only got worse when her family and friends were involved.
It hurts Fate to know that she had caused trouble to the people who are important to her. As for Heero? He was hardly contactable and has been missing from the entire picture. Fate was upset at Heero for his behaviour especially when they are in the middle of a crisis. He should had stayed by her side to support her through this, instead he's not even around.
"That boyfriend of yours needs me to go and beat some sense into him." Federick muttered.
Fate merely continued to look down sadly at the coffee table in front of her. Federick continued pacing around the living room instead. Federick has been busy trying to protect her from the paparazzi and it has proved to be a tough job. Her agent Kimberly is on damage control, but the negative comments were spreading all over the internet. Fate knew that she may have lost a lot of her fans as they may be disappointed in her.
"Reminder, Reminder!" Meteor suddenly exclaimed.
Fate was surprised when Meteor jumped towards her, showing her a projected screen containing an event that Fate had previously marked down. Fate's eyes widened in shock when she realized that it's 18th of May. She clenched her hands into fists instead. What should she do? Especially since tomorrow will be a tough day for Heero. But if she goes to him and if anyone catches them together, the media frenzy would only continue longer.
"Federick…"
Federick stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her. Fate was silent for a moment as she was unsure what she should do, but then she decided that she has to help Heero.
"I need your help for something." Fate whispered.
Federick stared at her in silence.
"Why do I have a feeling that you are about to do something crazy?" Federick asked.
Fate forced a weak smile at him before she continued to tell him what she was up to.
"There is always the telephone." Federick reminded her.
"Please, I need to see him. And Heero hasn't been contactable since the day after his birthday party." Fate told him.
"You are putting yourself as well as Heero at risk!" Federick exclaimed.
"I know, but I have to do this. Please help me Fed, or I will do this on my own." Fate told him.
Federick saw the determination in her eyes and knew that he wouldn't be able to stop her.
"You don't even know where he is." Federick told her.
"Blue Marine Pub, he will be there. I know it." Fate said.
Federick sighed and wondered how they were going to sneak Fate in there. It would be tough to sneak past the paparazzi who are following their every step.
VLA, Blue Marine Pub
Night Time, 8pm
It has almost been a tradition for Heero's four best friends to gather at Blue Marine Pub on the 18th of May every year. They will always sit at their usual table, appearing to be talking with each other about work and their daily life. But the truth is, they were all waiting for Heero and they knew that he would come by here tonight. This was their way of seeing him off before he leaves. Yet somehow all of them were waiting for Heero to ask them to go with him. He never did ask them but they never gave up hoping. Maybe because they knew that this was all they could do for him.
"This is getting ridiculous." Quatre muttered, referring to the headline news of the gossip column.
It was a huge article about Heero and Fate's relationship. A lot of it was merely speculations and gossip. But it was painful to watch the media write such atrocious and untrue things about their friends.
"They are simply digging for more information which they cannot really find." Duo muttered.
"Dorothy was shooting daggers at me and uses every opportunity she has to tell me what a bad match the two of them are." Quatre said.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion." Trowa said.
Wufei was silent as he drank his drink, although he kept an eye on the door.
"I hardly ever hear from Fate but the paparazzi are chasing her everywhere. Somehow Heero managed to stay missing." Duo said.
Quatre merely sighed and hoped that this will end soon. They noticed that there was a commotion outside the pub and there it was creating a lot of noise.
"What's going on?" Quatre asked.
"I'm not sure." Wufei said.
Quatre noticed how the three Preventers looked tensed and ready to spring into action should it be an attack. But they were surprised when Heero entered the pub looking as emotionless as ever. There were a lot of reporters and paparazzi who were busy snapping photos after him. Wufei was about to move over to help him out when Heero snapped at the doorman once and the pub's security team came over to hold the people back.
"Shut the doors, no one comes in unless he or she is a VIP." Heero ordered.
"Right away sir." The door man said, immediately rushing over to lock the door in order to keep the press outside the pub.
Heero then made his way down the stairs and immediately walked towards where his friends were.
"Whisky." Heero ordered to a nearby waiter who scrambled to go to the bar with the owner's order.
Heero joined his friends at their table but said nothing. His face was as emotionless as ever but his friends could tell that Heero was fuming mad.
"What happened?" Trowa asked.
"They were waiting outside the pub for me." Heero said.
"You can't blame them, you disappeared from everyone's radar for thirteen days." Duo pointed out.
Duo flinched when he received a cutting glare from Heero. The same waiter came over to serve Heero his order. Heero immediately signaled the waiter to bring three more glasses of whisky. He then gulped down the first glass of whisky like it was water.
"Speaking of which where have you been these past thirteen days?" Wufei asked.
"Work." Heero answered.
Quatre regarded Heero with concern but he showed Heero the headline news.
"Articles like this are all over the place." Quatre said.
Heero didn't even bother to look at it because he already knew that the situation hadn't gotten any better. There wasn't much he could do and he refused to pay them money to leave Fate alone. The waiter returned with more whisky and Heero gulped down his second glass of whisky. There was a loud commotion going on outside the pub and Heero's eyes narrowed.
"Leave it alone Heero." Trowa said.
"Not when this is my pub." Heero said.
All of them were silenced when the doorman allowed a woman and her bodyguards to enter the pub. All her bodyguards were dressed in black suits and it didn't take the Preventers long to recognize that they were their colleagues. The woman was dressed in a white strapless chiffon dress with a green silk sash under her bust. She was wearing a pair of sunglasses to block out her face.
"Isn't that…" Duo trailed off as if he couldn't believe his eyes.
The woman was talking to one of her bodyguards and they made their way down the stairs. Heero finished his third glass of whisky and left the table to approach the woman. He already knew who the woman was just by looking at her legs. However he was stopped by one of her bodyguards who was blocking his way towards her.
"Preventer Camden." Heero said in monotone.
"You don't seem to realize what my sister has went through for the past thirteen days." Federick said as he glared at him.
Heero didn't respond, but his eyes was still on Fate.
"You seem to be doing a very poor job at being her boyfriend and you don't seem to be treating her well." Federick said.
Heero didn't respond, but Fate definitely noticed him.
"Federick, please." Fate whispered.
Federick stepped aside, letting Heero go to Fate. He couldn't see her face through her large sunglasses, but he noticed how Fate was looking around them as if afraid that the customers around them will recognize them. Heero merely signaled for Fate to join him at the VIP section. Her bodyguards stood outside the VIP section as they continued to watch the people in the pub. Fate finally took off her sunglasses and Heero could tell that she looks tired as well.
"You look tired." Heero commented.
"You as well. It's almost as if you hadn't slept in a very long time." Fate whispered.
Heero didn't respond to what she had said but it dawned on her that it was true.
"Heero…"
"I'm fine." Heero cut in.
"You are not!" Fate remarked.
Heero didn't say anything else after that.
"Why are you really here Fate?" Heero asked.
"I knew that you will be here before you leave for France tonight. Hence I knew that I had to take risks so that I can see you before you leave." Fate told him.
Heero wasn't surprised to hear this, since Fate knows about Field Marshall Noventa. Fate looked down at her hands and wondered how to phrase her next words. She was afraid of rejection but she didn't want Heero to face it alone.
"Do you want me to go with you?" Fate asked softly.
Heero looked at her suddenly as if in surprise while Fate turned to look at him. Their eyes met for a rather long moment before Heero broke eye contact.
"No, it's not necessary." Heero told her.
"But…"
Heero checked his watch and realized that it was getting late. He stood up instead knowing that it was time he leaves. He noticed the disappointment on Fate's face but knew that his decision on the matter wouldn't change.
"I will be back." Heero told her softly as if trying to assure her that he will definitely come back to VLA.
Yet somehow Fate did not look convinced. He could lie and come up a million excuses but Heero knew that none of them will work on Fate.
"Heero… I still think it would be best if I go with you." Fate whispered.
"It's not necessary." Heero repeated.
"But…"
"I will be fine." Heero told her and the look he sent her stopped Fate from pressing the issue any further.
"I… will see you then?" Fate asked sadly.
Heero merely nodded and then he turned to walk towards his best friends' table.
"I will be gone for a while, look after Fate for me." Heero told them.
His best friends nodded at him in reply while Quatre bid him goodbye. After that Heero left the pub as if he was already prepared to face the paparazzi outside. The men were surprised when Fate joined them at their table.
"I don't feel that it is wise for Heero to go alone." Fate whispered.
"He will be back, all that we can do is wait for him." Wufei told her.
Fate looked even more upset by what Wufei had said. Quatre gave her a weak smile as if to encourage her. Nevertheless Fate looked down sadly for a short moment. That was when the craziest idea hit her.
"I need your help." Fate suddenly said.
"If it's something we can do, we will do it." Trowa told her.
"I want all of you to help me to board the same plane Heero will be on." Fate told them.
"Are you nuts?" Duo asked in disbelief.
"I'm going with him even if he doesn't want me to be there." Fate told them.
"It would be a rather tedious thing to do, but it's not impossible. We just need to work together to do it. Though the paparazzi outside will prove to be a problem." Wufei pointed out.
"What should we do?" Quatre asked.
Trowa checked his watch and realized that time was running out.
"We need a plan and we need to do it fast." Trowa said.
"I'm already prepared for the trip to France. I just need to know where and which plane Heero is boarding." Fate told them.
The four of them were shocked to know that Fate had already made preparations in advance.
"It was done incase Heero said yes." Fate explained to them.
"Very well let's get started." Wufei said.
Hence the five of them began their plan to help Fate to board the same plane that Heero was on.
2 hours later, 10.30pm
VLA, VIP Airport
Heero was currently seated in the limo and Rolland was driving him to the airport. He had returned home as quickly as possible after he had left the pub. As the paparazzi could not keep up with him, they lost sight of him easily. He packed his luggage bag and left his penthouse. He had instructed Rolland to take a more roundabout route so as to ward off any paparazzi who might be on his tail. Heero had informed Rolland that he would only be back on 20th of May. They passed through the security check at the VIP airport's gates before Rolland drove the limo into the private airport. As Heero was flying to France via his private plane, his immigration and customs declaration was already cleared in advance for him, hence he could board his private plane straight away. There was only one private plane present at the VIP airport, hence Rolland drove towards it. Heero got out of the limo after the limo had pulled to a stop in front of his plane. Rolland unloaded his luggage bag from the limo's boot for him.
"Goodbye Master Heero, have a safe trip." Rolland told him.
Heero gave him a curt nod before he walked towards the plane with his luggage bag in toll. He was greeted by the pilot of the plane and two air stewardess. These three staff were from SilverWings Airline which is also owned by Heero. Heero boarded the plane and sat down on the nearest chair. He immediately attached his own tablet computer to the docking station, giving him access to the plane's system. Heero then checked the security system of the plane. As his private plane was the size of a 787 airplane, it was a lot of floor space for one single person. Heero had specially designed the plane's advanced system and have included a lot of facilities as well as bedrooms in the plane. The design and system for his private plane was similar to the plane he was on when he was in the future.
Heero waited for the computer system to do a complete scan of the entire plane to make sure that there was no bombs or any concealed weapons onboard the plane. He then scanned the engines and turbines as well to make sure that there wasn't any problem with them.
"Are we ready to go sir?" The pilot asked him.
Heero nodded and put on the seat belt as they were getting ready for take-off. He disabled the internet and Wi-Fi connection so as to not disrupt the plane's systems. After that he sat back and looked out of the plane's open window. The plane moved to where the runway was and started running down the runway before lifting off into the skies of VLA. Heero continued to look at the City of VLA below him as the plane flew towards the space hangar which leads out into outer space. After passing through the hangar gates, the plane continued on its course into outer space. It was only until sometime later that the plane changed its course to fly towards Earth. Heero waited until the movement of the plane has stabilized before he unbuckled the seat belt.
He immediately turned on the Wi-Fi and internet connection before he removed his tablet computer from the docking point. He then stood up and floated in the air for a moment as there was zero gravity. With his luggage bag with him, Heero then easily made his way down the plane's interiors to where the bed rooms were. The two air stewardess asked if he would like to have his supper or if there was anything he would like to drink. Heero shook his head and instructed them to return to the cabin crew's rest area. He opened the door to the first bedroom which was the largest bedroom out of the three bedrooms onboard the plane.
He closed the door behind him and moved over to where a large desk was. He pushed his luggage back under the desk so that it wouldn't float away. He docked in his tablet computer at the docking station. After that he pressed a few buttons on his tablet screen to activate the gravity setting. With the gravity in place, Heero was no longer floating in the air. After shifting the position of his luggage bag, he sat down on the chair and immediately got to work. He activated projections from his tablet and the entire room was filled with many projected screens. Each screen showed many data and information. Heero watched over the screens in silence before he continued working. He was checking up on his military base as well as the missions that some of his men were being sent on. Heero continued working for a rather long period of time before he checked on the plane's status. The plane was still maintaining its course and will reach France in the morning. He then checked on the number of people on board the plane and was surprised that there was five people onboard the plane instead.
"Check the people onboard the plane again." Heero said.
"Five people have been confirmed." The system told him.
"There should be four, show me who are onboard the plane." Heero said.
An additional screen popped up showing that only four people have been approved to be onboard his private plane. One of them was him and the other three were the staff from SilverWings Airline. Heero immediately stood up and took out his gun. He checked that it was loaded and knew that he should have checked this in the first place. He has a stowaway onboard his plane and this person could even be a terrorist.
"Show me where the fifth person is." Heero said.
"Heat signals suggests that this person is at the far back of the air plane, in the sitting room." The system tells him.
Heero saved his work and disabled all projection screens. After that he locked his tablet computer's screen so that no one can see what he was up to. He left the bedroom and have to get used to the zero gravity that was outside of the bed room. He then moved as silently as possible through the air as he moves to the far end of the plane. He stopped behind the closed door to the sitting room and removed the safety of his gun. After that he gently opened the door before moving in as quickly as possible with his gun raised. The sitting room was a rather large area with a large bar and some kitchen facilities, allowing staff to prepare food here. Heero scanned his surroundings and moved slowly through the air as he continued to scan the room, looking for the intruder. He found the intruder near the bar and noticed that the intruder was floating around in the air but was facing the bar. Heero then moved out of his hiding place with his gun raised.
"Put your hands up in the air and turn around to face me." Heero called out.
"I would need your help to do that."
Heero was surprised to realize that the intruder was none other than Fate.
"Fate? What are you doing here?" Heero asked as he lowered his gun.
Fate looked like she was caught in an embarrassing position and Heero could see why. She wasn't used to the zero gravity and seems to be having difficulties moving about. Heero immediately moved towards her and helped to pull her down so that she wasn't floating anymore. She held onto the edge of the bar to prevent herself from floating off again. She frowned at the sight of Heero's gun, who quickly turned on the safety of his gun and kept it away.
"Care to explain why you are an intruder onboard my plane?" Heero asked.
Fate looked down at the bar's surface in silence.
"Fate?" Heero asked.
"I know that you didn't want me to go with you, but I can't help feeling worried about you." Fate whispered.
"So you took matters into your own hands." Heero concluded.
"I guess you can put it that way." Fate whispered.
"How did you get past immigration and customs, the security and how did the staff allow you to board the plane?" Heero asked.
"Well I asked your best friends for help and I'm amazed they pulled everything off so perfectly." Fate answered.
"They helped you?" Heero asked.
"I won't be able to find out which plane you will be boarding without their help. They helped me to get past immigration, customs and security. Yet somehow being a superstar can be really useful at times. I lied that I wanted to give you a surprise and since our relationship is almost headline news for the past few days, they immediately agreed to help me out. They asked me to hide out here until the plane is in outer space, but I wasn't expecting the zero gravity." Fate told him.
Heero continued to stare at her in silence.
"Look Heero, I know that you don't want me to be here. But since I am already here, I going to France with you." Fate told him.
Heero turned to look away from her as he was trying to control his anger. He didn't want Fate here for obvious reasons, but her actions have only angered him further.
"You should have waited for me to return." Heero told her through clenched teeth.
"And what if you don't ever come back?" Fate asked him softly.
Heero turned to look at her.
"There are times when you suddenly disappeared and no one knows where you are. No one can find you and no one can contact you. It scares me Heero, to know that one day you might just decide to play this disappearing game. Who knows how long you will be gone? A week, a month, a year or maybe forever?" Fate asked.
Heero didn't respond to her question.
"I waited for you Heero, no matter how long you were gone I have patiently waited for you to return. But do you know what pains me? It's to sit there and wait for someone who might never return. I worried about you, constantly wondering if you are still alive. Yet there was nothing I could do to help you because I don't even know where you are! All I can do is wait, and with each passing day I die a little inside. Sometimes I wonder if my hopes of you ever returning will be crushed." Fate told him.
Heero could see the pain and sadness on her face.
"I am so sick and tired of sitting there and doing nothing except to wait for your return." Fate told him.
"Do you have that little faith in me?" Heero asked.
Fate didn't say a single word but he already knew the answer to his own question.
"So you decided to board my plane without informing me and you even got my best friends involved in it as well." Heero said.
"You wouldn't have let me board the plane if you knew about it." Fate pointed out.
Heero stared at her in silence but he noticed that her grip around the bar had tightened.
"I have my reasons for not wanting you here." Heero told her.
"Then enlighten me." Fate suggested.
"This is something that I must do alone Fate, can't you understand that?" Heero asked, suddenly raising his voice.
"No I cannot understand that. Why must you do it alone? Why…"
"I don't want or need anyone else to do this with me. This is my guilt to carry, my responsibility!" Heero shouted.
Fate stared ahead in silence, she knew that Heero was mad at her but she hadn't expected him to shout at her. This reminded her of the time she fought with him in his car.
"There is nothing I can ever do that can make up for the time when I wasn't there for you after you woke up from your coma. But I made a promise to myself that I will not let something like that happen again. I want to be here for you, especially since I know that you are going through a tough time. I want to always be there for you, to support and comfort you. This time is no exception." Fate explained to Heero her true reason for being here.
"I don't need your help Fate nor do I need you to be here with me." Heero said in a cold tone.
"You don't mean that." Fate whispered.
Heero turned to leave the sitting room instead.
"Heero!" Fate called out after him.
"You are to never do such things ever again, I hate surprises and this just happens to be one of them." Heero told her.
Fate was hurt by his words but she gathered her thoughts as Heero moved towards the doors of the sitting room.
"You can say whatever you like, but I going to France with you whether you like it or not. So deal with it!" Fate shouted after him.
Heero shot her a cold glare before he left the sitting room. Fate didn't bother to hold back the tears that were falling from her eyes.
"Damn you Heero, why don't you ever appreciate what I'm doing for you?" Fate asked no one.
Fate was surprised to see that her tears were floating around her as well due to the zero gravity.
"So this is what my tears looks like in the air." Fate whispered.
Fate released her hold around the bar's edge and wrapped her arms around herself as she continued crying.
1 hour later,
On board Heero's private plane
Fate wasn't used to zero gravity and has not spent a lot of time in outer space. She might often travel around the Colonies due to her occupation as a singer but she was often too tired that she remained asleep throughout the flight. Therefore she has difficulties moving around Heero's private plane as she wasn't used to the zero gravity. After crying for a rather long time, she decided to go to one of the bedroom. She had already placed her luggage bag in there. She was surprised to find her luggage bag floating away in space. She wondered how she was going to sleep at all. She closed the door behind her and realized that Meteor had connected itself to the plane's computerized system.
"So this was where you went to." Fate told Meteor as she did notice that Meteor wasn't with her.
"I have hacked into the system, turning on gravity setting." Meteor informed her.
"Wait…"
Fate was immediately standing on the ground while her luggage bag fell to the floor with a loud thud. She immediately went to retrieve it, and was checking if it was damaged when the door to the bedroom opened immediately.
"I heard something loud." Heero muttered.
Fate looked up in surprise as she hadn't expected him to come in to check on her. Heero did a scan of the room and saw nothing amiss, hence he left almost immediately. Fate stared at the closed door in anger.
"I should probably throw this at him to get his attention." Fate muttered.
She tested the waters in the connecting bathroom first and was surprised that with the gravity setting, even the waters no longer float. She took a short bath before changing into a night gown. She got into the king sized bed and turned down all the lights. Fate tried to close her eyes and to get some sleep, but somehow she couldn't. All she could think of was Heero and his heart wrenching words.
At midnight, Heero could no longer concentrate on his work. He saved his work and cut off all screen projections. After that he did nothing but stare ahead in silence. All that Heero could see before his eyes was the playback of what had happened in AC 195. How he had piloted the Wing Gundam to cut down the plane that was carrying the many officials who were wishing for peace. It was a relatively fast kill, it was probably painless too as an explosion that followed after that had destroyed everything. He remembered realizing that he had been tricked and how he was filled with guilt and remorse for his own actions.
It was ironic how sometimes many people wished that they could simply turn back time and do things differently. For Heero, this was one of the things he wished he could change. But the reality was that he cannot do that, he can't change the past. He had been carrying this burden with him for so long but he still found it hard to let it go. He couldn't forgive himself for what he have done, not even if their family members have already forgiven him.
He thought back about the conversations he had with Fate, about Marshall Noventa. It dawned on him that Fate knows that he still hadn't forgiven himself for what he has done. She even went to the extent of boarding his private plane without his permission. Why was she doing this? Simply because she loves him and she wants to be here for him. It was a very simple answer, but Heero had pushed her away like he always did. Sometimes he was just too good at being an ass to the people around him.
He sat there in silence for a rather long moment before he stood up. He left the room he was in to enter the room Fate was in. Fate had locked the door but Heero hacked it in less than a minute. After the door was unlocked, he went into the room. The room was pitch black but he knew that Fate was already in bed. He walked towards the side table that was next to the bed and switched on the lamp.
"Who…"
"It's me." Heero told her.
He noticed that Fate hadn't slept yet and she slowly sat up on the bed. She looked like she had been crying as her eyes were red and puffy. Heero removed his shoes and got into bed next to Fate. She watched him in silence as Heero positioned the pillow behind his back. After that they were both sitting up on the bed and Fate was staring at Heero while he continued to stare ahead in silence.
"Why are you here? I believe that there are other empty bedrooms." Fate told him.
Heero didn't respond for a rather long time and Fate's patience was running thin. She turned and was about to lie back down when he finally spoke.
"Forgive me." He said softly.
She looked at him in surprise, she hadn't expected him to admit that he was wrong so soon. Nevertheless the look in his eyes caused her anger at him to fade away.
"I forgive you." Fate told him sincerely.
Heero managed a very weak smile at Fate, but his mind seems to be galaxies away from here. Fate caressed his cheek and looked at him in concern.
"Don't think about it anymore, it will only do you more harm than good." Fate whispered.
Heero didn't respond while Fate kissed him on his cheek. She lied back down to go back to sleep, but she shifted closer to Heero so that at least he knew that she was here for him. She held onto his hand and gave it a tight squeeze. Fate stared up at Heero in silence and knew that he probably wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. It pains her to see him like this, she knows that he's blaming himself for what he had done. She knew that he couldn't forgive himself and that is why he is still suffering. His face was as emotionless as ever, but his eyes were filled with pain, guilt, regret and sadness. Fate shifted even closer to him and closed her eyes instead.
It didn't take long before she drifted off to sleep, as for Heero he knew that tonight was going to be one of the longest nights ever. Time seemed to take forever to pass and with each minute he wondered how long he can still maintain this. The picture in his head was getting replayed over and over again like a movie that cannot be stopped. He tightened his grip around Fate's hand but she didn't respond as she was already asleep. This was why he didn't want anyone to go on this journey with him, because the pain that he's causing himself is the one thing he never wanted anyone to see. Heero held onto Fate's hand as he stared at the door in silence, waiting for dawn to come.
The next day, 19th of May
Outer space, On board Heero's Private Plane
Morning, 7am
Heero sensed that Fate was waking up and turned to look at her as she slowly opened her eyes. She still looked a little sleepy, but she smiled at him.
"Morning." She whispered.
Heero didn't respond as he was unable to find his voice. Fate sat up on the bed and realized that Heero hadn't moved at all from his position last night. She immediately reached out to cup his cheek as she looked at him in concern.
"You didn't sleep." She whispered.
"No." Heero managed to say.
Fate watched as Heero got out of the bed. Heero's body was numb for sitting down for too long. He hadn't slept last night and he gave up holding onto Fate's hand as he was probably crushing her hand instead.
"I will see you later at the board room for breakfast." Heero told her.
Fate watched in silence as Heero left the room to return to his room. She got out of bed, washed up and took a bath before changing into a new dress. She left the room with Meteor in hand. She was surprised that there was gravity throughout the entire plane. It didn't take her long to get to the board room where Heero was already waiting for her. He had also freshen up and changed into a new suit. He greeted her with a nod of his head but his eyes were glued to his tablet computer's screen. The air stewardess asked Fate what she would like for breakfast and she ordered her food. She stared at Heero in silence as she waited for her food to be cooked.
"Heero…" She whispered.
Heero finished whatever he was doing before looking at Fate.
"What are we doing when we get to France?" Fate asked, it was odd to say "we", as if they were a team that was working together.
"Get through immigration and take a cab." Heero told her.
Fate frowned at his vague answer, after that her food came and she was surprised that Heero ordered nothing but black coffee.
"Heero, you should eat something." Fate advised.
"I'm not hungry." Heero told her softly.
Fate asked for another plate and shared some of her food with Heero. Heero simply ignored the plate that she had pushed to him.
"Heero please, you need to get some solid food into your system." Fate whispered.
He stared at her for a rather long moment before he ate a little. She stared at Heero in disapproval as he hardly ate anything, but he ignored her as well. After breakfast, they returned to their room to pack their luggage bags. Later on, they sat down at the small sitting area near the plane's doors. Heero was as silent as ever but Fate knew that he must be going through a tough time.
"Do you want to take a nap?" Fate asked him.
"It is not necessary." Heero muttered.
Heero noticed the look of concern on Fate's face, but she didn't say anything else. Heero merely stared ahead in silence, he was surprised when Fate reached out to hold his hand. Fate closed her hand tightly around his as if trying to tell him that he still has her. Heero turned back to look at her and their eyes met briefly. Fate gave him a weak smile while Heero merely gave her hand a gentle squeeze. They didn't say a single word but both of them knew what the other was thinking.
Soon the plane was going through Earth's ozone layer and the plane ride was a little rocky. The gravity setting throughout the plane was removed as Earth already has gravitational forces. Fate seemed more relieved as well to know that there was no longer zero gravity. The plane continued its descend and was making its way to the airport in France, Marseilles. After flying around the airport once, the plane finally touched down on the runway. Heero sensed that Fate was a little nervous when the plane was landing as she was squeezing his hand. They waited until the plane has pulled to a stop and the seat belt sign was unlighted before they got up from their seats. They held onto their luggage bag and waited until the boarding bridge was attached to the door of the plane.
The two air stewardess and the pilot positioned themselves by the door as they waited for the door to be opened. When the door was opened, the staff greeted the two of them goodbye. Heero instructed the pilot to have the plane ready by 9pm tonight. Fate didn't say anything for she knew that Heero had no intention of staying overnight in Marseilles. She forced a smile and thanked the staff before wishing them a good day ahead as well. Heero merely nodded at the air stewardess. After that they walked down the connecting bridge into the airport's arrival gate that would link to immigration. It wasn't the first time she was here yet somehow this place still feels rather foreign to her. She only came here once with Quatre before, and now she is here with Heero.
"Sunglasses." Heero told her.
Fate looked at him in confusion.
"I don't want to attract more attention." Heero explained.
"They can't possibly follow us here." Fate told him.
"But there's always the media in Marseilles as well. Besides I would want to avoid letting anyone know where I am. It would look bad if my subordinates ever find out that I was here in France with you. They might assume that I have neglected my work duties and went on a pleasure trip with my girlfriend." Heero said.
Fate merely sighed as she wore her sunglasses.
"I guess there are ups and downs when you are so popular." Fate said.
Heero didn't respond and both of them made their way to immigration. However they were approached by a security officer and Fate noticed how Heero was already holding onto his gun as if for precaution. They were then directed to the VIP Immigration instead. As there was no one in queue, they got through immigration swiftly. As they exited the airport via the VIP exit, Fate was surprised that there was already a black sedan waiting for them with a man dressed in a black suit.
"Good Morning Mr. Wingate, Miss Camden." The man greeted.
"You arranged for this?" Fate asked him.
"Your presence here does complicate matters hence I have to take the necessary measures to protect you from the press." Heero said.
They got into the sedan car as the man loaded their luggage bags into the boot of the car. After that Heero gave the man a location and the car sped off into the city of Marseilles. Heero was staring out of the car's window at the city of Marseilles but he could feel Fate's eyes on him. He could sense that she is worried about him but he is grateful that she hadn't said a single word, leaving him to brood in silence.
Fate's eyes never left Heero as she is really worried about him. He didn't sleep at all and he hardly ate anything. Plus she rarely ever saw him like this, this was much worse than the times when he got into a fight with Relena or when he had caught Relena cheating on him. The pain and sadness in his eyes were obvious even though his face was as emotionless as ever. He was lost in his own thoughts as if he was so far away that he doesn't even know that she is here with him. It pains her to see him like this yet somehow she felt so helpless. She wanted to help him but she doesn't know what she should do or how to go about doing it. The silence between them continued to drag on for a rather long time before the car turned to a stop in front of a flower store.
"Stay here and watch out for any suspicious people or vehicles. Protect her." Heero instructed the man before he turned to look at Fate.
Their eyes met briefly before Heero got out of the car and went into the flower store alone. Fate sat there and waited in silence for Heero to return. Heero came out some time later with a bouquet of white flowers. He got into the car and then instructed the man to drive them to the cemetery. Placing the bouquet of flowers on the seat between the two of them, Heero continued to look out of the car window as the drive continued. The fresh flowers were beautiful and Fate could smell the fragrance coming from them. The drive continued and no one said a single word. Fate was wondering what she should talk about though she has a feeling that Heero might not be in the mood to talk about anything.
The car pulled into the cemetery's car park and it stopped in front of the stairs that lead to the cemetery.
"Wait here." Heero said to Fate and to the man in the driver's seat.
"I'm coming with you." Fate said almost immediately.
They stared at each other in silence before Heero opened the car's door with the bouquet of flowers in hand.
"Suit yourself." He told her before he got out of the car.
Fate opened the car door from her side and got out of the car. After closing the car's door, both of them made their way up the stairs. This place looked like it has not changed at all since the last time she was here a year ago. Fate followed after Heero as he seems to know where Field Marshall Noventa's grave is. They walked past rows and rows of tombstones before Heero turned to enter a row. Fate followed after him and it didn't take long before Heero stopped before a tombstone. Fate stood some distance away as she knew that Heero needed some time and space alone to pay his respects to Field Marshall Noventa. She noticed that there wasn't anything placed before the tombstone hence it signaled that they were here first.
Heero placed the bouquet of flowers he had bought down before Field Marshall Noventa's grave. He stood up and took a few steps back before he closed his eyes and said what he wanted to say to him in his mind. This year was Noventa's eighth death anniversary and sometimes Heero wonders how many more years it was going to take before he will be able to forgive himself for what he had done.
Heero's eyes were closed for a rather long moment as if he had a lot of things to say to Field Marshall Noventa. Fate watched Heero silently before she turned to look around the cemetery. A few minutes passed by in silence and Heero finally opened his eyes again. Fate walked towards where he was standing and stopped beside Heero. Both of them stared at the tombstone before them in silence. Fate then closed her eyes and kept her hands closed together in a praying position. She then said what she wanted to tell him in her mind as well. Fate prayed that Field Marshall Noventa will be able to forgive Heero for what he had done and she asked that he helps Heero to forgive himself. After she was done, she slowly opened her eyes.
Both of them stood there in silence as a rather strong wind blew past, causing the leaves of nearby trees to sway in the wind. Fate gently pressed her hair down to prevent the wind from messing up her hair. As her hair was flying in the strong wind, she turned to look at Heero instead. Heero's face was as emotionless as ever but he was staring at the sky above them. Fate slowly reached out to hold his hand, hoping to give him some form of comfort. She was a little surprised when Heero closed his hand around hers the moment their hands touched.
Heero turned to look at Fate while Fate gave him a weak smile. Both of them stood there before Field Marshall Noventa's grave in silence as the wind continued to blow past them. Fate didn't care if the wind was messing up her hair, all she wanted Heero to know was that she is here for him and he doesn't have to face this alone. She silently prayed that Heero will be able to understand what she is trying to tell him. They stayed like this for a while before Heero freed his hand from her hold. Fate was surprised by his sudden action and understood why as she heard someone approaching them.
They turned to see Sylvia Noventa walking over with a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Fate watched as Sylvia continued to approach them and she turned to look at Heero instead. She was surprised by what she saw in Heero's eyes. She knew that those were the emotions Heero felt for Sylvia and there was no way she could be mistaken for Heero was still looking at Sylvia. But all traces of emotions were immediately removed from Heero's eyes and his face was as emotionless as ever when Sylvia was near.
"Hello, we meet again." Sylvia said to Heero as she stopped infront of them.
Heero merely gave her a curt nod.
"Good Morning, Miss Noventa." Fate greeted, forcing a smile at Sylvia.
They stood aside and let Sylvia approach her grandfather's grave. They watched as Sylvia placed the bouquet of flowers she was carrying down before the tombstone. After that they waited as Sylvia closed her eyes and assumed the praying position. She seemed to have a lot to say to her late grandfather and it took a while before she stood up. Sylvia stared up at the sky for a short moment before she turned to look at both of them.
"Thank you for continuing to visit my father's grave every year during his death anniversary." Sylvia said to both of them.
Fate smiled at Sylvia, while Heero didn't respond.
"It's good to see you again, Heero. You look well." Sylvia said.
Fate noticed how Sylvia was looking at Heero, but Heero didn't respond as well. Fate watched as Heero and Sylvia stared at each other in silence. She suddenly felt like she seemed to be a third party among them. Maybe she should give them some time alone to talk to each other. As she looked around the cemetery for a place to go to, her eyes fell on a patch of purple wild flowers that was some distance away from where they were standing now.
"I will go over there." Fate told Heero softly, signaling where she was going with a turn of her head.
Heero looked at where she was referring to and nodded at her. Fate smiled at Sylvia before she turned to walk away, leaving the two of them alone. Sylvia only spoke when Fate was out of earshot.
"The news of the two of you getting together has taken Earth by storm as well." Sylvia told him.
"News spread fast." Heero muttered.
"They sure do, but Relena was upset when she knew about it." Sylvia said.
Heero didn't respond, for he wasn't interested to find out what his ex-girlfriend thought of his relationship with Fate.
"How have you been?" Heero asked instead, changing the topic swiftly.
"I'm doing well, I guess. I'm busy with work and life can get a little hectic at times. However the peaceful days that we have are what we should all be thankful for." Sylvia told him.
Heero didn't respond at all and Sylvia merely smiled.
"Thank you, for continuing to protect the peace between the Colonies and Earth." Sylvia said.
"There's no need to thank me for it, we all have a part to play in it. After all the price to pay for the war has been far too great." Heero said.
Sylvia noticed that Heero was looking at her grandfather's grave and she understood what he meant.
"Yes the price to pay was too great, but it is because of that we can all enjoy the peaceful days ahead." Sylvia said.
Heero didn't respond, he merely turned to look at where Fate is to make sure that she is safe. Fate was looking at the wild flowers around her. Heero refrained from frowning as he could sense that Fate was feeling a little down. He wondered what had brought about the sudden change in her emotions.
"Remember the last time we met, you mentioned that fighting was still the only way you knew how to live?" Sylvia asked.
Heero nodded, but his eyes never left Fate.
"Could Miss Camden be a new reason or a new way for you to live?" Sylvia asked.
Heero turned to look at Sylvia, who merely smiled at him before she looked at Fate as well. Both of them stared at Fate in silence while Heero thought of the answer to her question.
"Maybe." Heero said.
"That's good to hear." Sylvia said before she smiled at him.
Heero didn't respond as he continued to watch Fate.
"Do you two want to join me and my grandmother for lunch? She would love to see the two of you again." Sylvia asked.
Heero was reminded of the fact that Fate has met Mrs. Noventa last year.
"Do they get along well?" Heero asked Sylvia, out of curiosity.
"Who?" Sylvia asked, surprised by his question.
"Fate and Mrs. Noventa." Heero said.
"My grandmother is rather fond of Miss Camden, especially since Miss Camden had sent her a gift and a handmade card last Christmas." Sylvia said.
"I see." Heero said, realizing that there were still things that he didn't know about Fate.
"Will you two be joining us?" Sylvia asked again.
Heero merely nod his head once while Sylvia smiled up at him.
To be continued…
Author's Note: This chapter is split into two chapters as it was getting too long. This chapter as well as the next chapter was written to shed some light on what Heero actually goes through every time he returns to France on the 18th of May to pay his respects to Field Marshall Noventa. Who was someone Heero had killed in Episode 7 of the Gundam Wing TV series. The feelings of guilt and regret continues to plague him even after so long. Fate may seem like a rebel in this chapter, as she did take matters into her own hands to go to France with Heero. That is because she knows that Heero is going through a tough time and wants to be there to support him. We also learn why Heero never asked anyone to come along with him on this trip, for he doesn't want anyone to see him in such a sorrowful state. There is a part two to this story plot in France, so stay tuned for the next chapter!
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