Chapter Forty-Nine
Saying Goodbye is Never Easy
Heero had become overly obnoxious with his persistent phone calls and visits. The day Trowa had given her phone back, Heero had been bombarding with calls. Claiming to be just checking. He had been calling almost hourly. She wished at one point that she hadn't gotten her phone back in the first place. The device becoming her newest nemesis. Relena had sent her a few messages, but other than that, she had kept her distance. Mostly likely because of Heero. When she had thought about asking Trowa to handle the calls she realized that he had problem been subjected to the same torture she was enduring now.
Is this what he's really like with Relena? She had thought to herself after the sixth call that first day.
The day she had viewed the flash drive, Heero had stopped by a while on his way back home. Which was in the opposite direction of Trowa's apartment. She hadn't said anything about it. He seemed happy to see her in the living room rather than the bedroom. She knew he was trying. He didn't have to say that he felt guilty for everything that had happened between them. It was clearly written on his face every time she saw him. She didn't want his pity. It's wasn't like he could change things. Go back in time and prevent everything. But what did she want from him? Acceptance?
Her mind had continued to race with her options. She thought she had come to a decision, but it didn't help that every time Trowa sat down next to her, be it the couch or bed, he'd wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. With every tender look he gave her. Every soft kiss he'd place on her lips, made her decision that much harder. Didn't he know what he was doing to her?
Serena had even tried to go back to a normal routine with him. Showering in the morning with him. Making his coffee, along with a few meals. She didn't try and push it, for the sake of hiding that she was completely back to normal. Like a light switch being turned on, she awoke one morning, feeling like herself again.
At first she had been angry. Angry that it had lasted this long. She should've been recovered days ago. But then she slowly let the anger go. There was no point in staying mad. If anything it prolonged her time. Prolonged her time with him.
Getting out of bed Thursday morning, she felt Trowa grab her arm, stopping her. Turning her head, she glanced at him from over her shoulder.
"Are you sure you're alright going in today?" A slight crease in his brow showing his concern. Even though his voice had been calm and smooth.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Lair. She was fine physically. Mentality though, that was yet to be determined. "Shower?" The meeting wasn't until eight-thirty, but it was already after seven. They'd needed to shower and get ready before heading to HQ.
"Sure." Trowa smiled softly at her before throwing the sheets off himself, relieving the dark green boxers he had spelt in the night before. They hadn't been physical with each other since her return. Even though she had been up for it the night before, she didn't bother to ask.
Serena tried not to let her mind wander too much as they showered. With every brush of his fingers, it reminded her where she was and what she was supposed to be doing. Focusing on relaxing her body and mind. She needed to be present. Need to prepare. Today was important and she couldn't be spacing out.
Trowa brushed a few kisses to her shoulder, murmuring that they needed to get out and get ready. Once out of the shower, Serena tried to busy herself. Drying her hair with a towel as best she could before she finished getting ready. She hadn't noticed that she was glaring at her own reflection till Trowa said something to her. She was losing it and she knew it was starting to show. Her facade was cracking, little by little.
"I just don't want people fussing over me when we get there." Serena turned her head away from him to look back in the mirror.
"You mean Heero?"
"Especially him." The last thing she wanted was him to be questioning if she was really feeling better and if she should be at the meeting.
"He won't." Trowa said calmly. "Remember, we're going to be at work." The corners of his mouth turning up.
"Like that's ever stopped him before." Serena rolled her eyes before turning to leave the bathroom. "C'mon Barton, we gotta leave soon." She tossed over her shoulder. She wondered how long she could fool herself into believing it was that easy. Easy to pretend that there was nothing wrong.
Everyone had gathered in one of the conference rooms at HQ. They were currently waiting for Trowa and Serena to arrive. Une had been pleased to find out that Serena was feeling better and was able to attend, but she wanted to make sure no one saw her enter the building so she requested that Trowa wait to bring her up. Especially after the last incident. Une want them to go over their options as what they should and needed to do to take down ROE. They had arrested all the people of interest that they could, but it still left them with little to nothing to go on. Serena had and was still their only lead.
Now that the air had been cleared about Serena, Une decided to put things aside as Serena had been working alongside them. Doing whatever she was asked to do. While Une wasn't happy with the fact Serena hadn't come out and informad them about the microchip, she ended up given Serena the benefit of the doubt. Now wasn't the time to be punishing her, especially with ROE knowing where she was. If they wanted her back, they would send more members of their organization to get her. Une had been quick to agree with Heero that they needed to try and protect Serena at all cost, while also protecting the members of the ESUN. If ROE was planning to attack, it would most likely be sometime soon, which is why they needed to come up with their own plan.
Une had been lost in her own thoughts when the door to the conference room opened. Trowa and Serena stepping through into the conference room. She glanced up in time to see Duo stand, making his way over to them before enveloping Serena in a hug. One that didn't seem to go over too well with her. Serena gave him a small pat on the back before: in Une's option, eased him back gently. Once Duo moved away Serena took the open seat next to Heero. Trowa sitting down next to her and to the right of Wufei. Duo had retaken his spot to the right of Heero.
Une watched the exchanges continue. Heero had leaned closer to Serena, speaking quietly with her, before returning his attention to his laptop that was set up in front of him on the table. Wufei greeted her from his seat, Serena offering him a small smile in return. Once everyone was settled Une cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the group.
"Lowell, it's good to see that you're doing well, and thank you for coming in today." Serena gave her a curt nod. "I've requested you all here today to go over what information we have on ROE as well as formulate a plan. Unfortunately, Lowell is still our insight into this organization and with recent events, I fear that time is of the essence now." Une paused, glancing around the room before continuing.
"We're well aware that ROE now, in fact knows where Serena is. With that comes the threat of them returning to try and take her back. We may have to make a move sooner rather than later because of this. With that being said…" Une stopped abruptly when an incoming call came through on her laptop. Looking down at the screen, she frowned when she didn't recognize the number.
Serena narrowed her eyes as she stared at the head of Preventers. "What is it?" She knew there was a video call from in, but from the look on Une's face she could tell that the other woman was confused. Standing up from her seat, Serena walked around the table to where Une was seated. Looking down at the screen she knew exactly who it was. "It's him."
Une's head snapped up to look at her. "Who?"
"Edwards. That's his personal line." Serena stated calmly. Une's face paled slightly before her features hardened.
"Are you sure?"
"I set the line up myself." Serena turned her head to face Une. " It's him." Serena's own face hardened as she moved slightly out of view. "Answer it."
Une thought it over before glancing at Heero. "Heero, trace the call. Now." Heero didn't like this. Something was wrong with the whole situation. But he did as he was asked as his fingers started to fly over the keys of his laptop.
"Have the call displayed on the projection screen." Serena said before Une answered the call. Une hit a few keys before a man in his mid to late forties appeared on the screen behind her. She glance at Serena who had stepped father out of view. Her eyes firmly locked on the man.
"Commander Une. I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time." Edwards smiled as he clasped his hands together. "I was hoping we could discuss an issue that has come to my attention."
Une narrowed her eyes. "To whom am I speaking with?" Edwards laughed before responding.
"My name is Edwards, Jonathan Edwards." Une glanced at Serena. Her face was masked, but she nodded her head in confirmation. Heero felt his skin start to prickle, but he continued to focus on the task at hand.
"How may I help you?" Une kept her tone neutral. "And you do realize whom you are calling, correct?"
"Why yes, I am aware of who I am contacting. I've learned recently that you have been hiding something that belongs to me. Something very important. I only wish for the return of my property."
Heero gritted his teeth. He had stopped working on trying to trace the call with Edwards last words. He knew exactly what Edwards was talking about. He could feel his blood starting to boil. Taking a chance he glanced at the screen mounted on the wall. This was the man who was responsible for all the horrible things that had been done to Serena. Most of it done by his own hands.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." Une tried to stay calm, but stern in her approach towards this man.
"Ah, but you do. I have it on good word that you have someone there. I do hope you have been treating her well. It'd be a shame to find out that she was being mistreated by Preventers. I wonder what the President would have to say about this?"
Heero glanced at Serena. She had closed her eyes, her hands were balled at her sides. He glanced back at the man on the screen. Short brown hair with hints of gray. His brown eyes boring down on them as his smile flattered for a moment. It was then that Heero noticed that Serena had moved into view.
"Ah, there's my girl." Edwards's smiled returned. A sinister smile in Heero's opinion.
"Miss me?" Serena said as she stood next to Une.
"Of course I do, you should know that better anyone. You should be with me, where it's safer." The hairs on the back of Heero's neck stood on end. The way Edwards spoke to Serena, making his stomach twist. He sounded caring, like he was relieved to see her. But it was all a lie.
"That's such a shame," Serena started as leaned in closer. "I rather like it here." Her lips curling up into a wicked smile.
Edwards narrowed his eyes. "You shouldn't be thinking such things. They'll only filling your head with lies."
"Oh? Like you?" Serena tightened her eyes. "Don't look so sour about it, Edwards. You knew something like this would eventually happen. Can't keep me all to yourself."
"Delta, I want you to return ASAP." Edwards commanded in a low growl.
"No."
"What was that?" Edwards leaned forward in his seat. "You will return to me."
Serena moved to angle the laptop so that the focus would be solely on her. Slipping her jacket off, she tossed it onto the table before leaning forward again. The v-neck t-shirt hanging dangerously low. "I want to hear you beg for me to come back." She smiled wickedly at him.
"Beg?" Edwards growled.
"Oh, is someone's ego too big? Can't beg for his toy to come home." Serena narrowed her eyes at him. "Too much for you to handle?"
"You know it doesn't work like this."
"No" Serena hardened her face. "You should know how I work."
"It seems your time there has put inexcusable thoughts in your head." Edwards mirror her expression.
"Has it? Isn't this how you've always wanted me to be? Perfect in every way?"
"Enough. You will return to me."
"No." Serena said more sternly. "Paybacks a bitch Edwards, and you know how much I love to bite." Serena smiled wickedly.
"What did you say to me!?"
"Don't be so bitter. You made me this way. Too bad you'll never get me back." Serena's smile as sinister as Edwards had been.
"You'll regret that." Edwards said before the screen went black. The connect severed.
"What the hell was that?" Heero growled from his seat. He was beyond furious with her. She had just not only put herself in jeopardy but possibly their whole agency. What was she thinking? "Are you out of your mind!?" Serena only glanced at him, as she made her way back to her seat.
Duo looked around the room at everyone's stunned faces. All expect Heero's who looked like he was about to start his own fight with Serena. No one else had said a word as Serena grabbed her jacket before she threw it back on.
"Um?" Duo said, looking around confused still.
"What?" Serena asked as she glanced at him.
"What!?" Duo looked utterly shocked by her calm and collected posture. "You do realize that you probably just started a war right? That guy means business and we don't know shit about him. I get that you're some badass chick Rena, but seriously… that was…"
"That wasn't Edwards." Serena said, cutting him off.
"What!?" Duo stood from his chair. "I thought you said that was Edwards!?"
"It was but it wasn't. None of you noticed?" Serena glanced around the room. When none responded, she elaborated. "That was a hologram. It flickered in the beginning." Serena threw a thumb behind her. "He's not stupid enough to call in person, nor will he try and come here. Especially after the last attempt."
"How can you be so sure?" Une questioned her.
"I know him well enough…" Serena trailed off. "What I can say is that he's probably preparing to make some kind of a move since he's trying to lure me out of hiding. Like I said before, he can't do anything without me. With or without the chip he'll still need me to pilot my suit if it's completed."
"What do you think we should do then?" Trowa finally spoke. Serena turned her head to him. Soft but firm eyes staring back at her. Her heart did a flip as she took in a small breath.
"We come up with our own plan like Une said." Serena looked around the room. Everyone's face had gone into their own masks. She caught a hint of anger from Heero and she knew that he'd be speaking with her later.
"We can't let them get to you, Serena." Trowa said.
"Then we won't let them." A smile forming on her lips as she turned back to him.
After the meeting, Trowa took Serena back to the apartment. They had a half decent plan in place, though he could tell from Heero's domener and Serena's that it wasn't enough. They had agreed to meet again the following day, as everyone had to return to other duties. Heero wanted Serena to stop by and see Sally but she claimed to be fine. After Trowa let them argue for a few minutes it was decided that Serena would see her before their next meeting. Heero wasn't thrilled over the idea, but in the end he agreed.
Driving back to the apartment Trowa noticed a change in Serena. She seemed tense as she kept her gaze locked out the window. He thought about saying something to her, but decided against it. The meeting had been stressful enough and at the end he was pretty sure that she just wanted go back home. When they arrive back at the apartment, Trowa went inside with her. Something nagging at him to make sure she was alright. Opening the door, he let her through first. She walked past him taking off her jacket in the process before throwing it over one of the chairs in the dining room.
Shutting the door behind them, he kept his eyes on her as she stood between the livingroom and kitchen. Her head was down, hair falling about her face. She seemed like she was worlds away. Her head was down, hair falling around her face. Lost in thought. When they entered the apartment she had dropped her stuff on the dining room table, throwing her coat over a chair.
Shrugging out of his own coat, he continued to watch her. His concern was growing as the minutes ticked by. Clutching his coat in his hand, he took a few steps closer to her.
"Serena?" Worry lacing his voice. Slowly she lifted her head, turning herself to face him. Her face appeared normal, but the clouded look in her eyes told a different story.
In two long strides he was standing in front of her. As he reached out to touch her, she lifted her head higher, staring into his eyes. Before he could do anything, she flung her arms around his neck, pulling his head down into a rough kiss. Trowa froze at first before slowly closing his eyes. His coat falling to the floor as his hands moved on their own accord to grab her waist, pulling her closer. Her kisses becoming more desperate as she slide her hands down his chest to the hem of his shirt, giving it a sharp tug.
Trowa broke away long enough to pull the white t-shirt he had on over his head, throwing it carelessly to the floor. Grabbing her shirt, he lifted it up over and over her head, adding it to his already discarded shirt. Their mouths meeting once again in an intense battle. Each fighting to win the war on who was more domante.
Serena slid her hands over his bare chest, slowly and torturously moving her fingers along every muscle. When her fingers grazed his stomach, he sucked in a breath as his his muscles contracted under her touch. Smirking against his lips, she moved her hands further down to the top of his pants. Making quick work of his belt, she pushed down on the them. Causing them to pool around his ankles. Kicking his shoes off, he stepped out of his pants, kicking them to the side. Never once breaking their kiss.
Moving his hands back to her to roam, he made his way down to her waist. Unbuttoning her pants, he pushed them over her hips, letting his fingers linger against her skin. He felt her kick off her own shoes, before adding her pants to their growing pile on the floor.
Letting his hands begin to roam again, he remember how soft but soft her body was. It had been days since they made love and though he had wanted to, he didn't want to hurt her while she was recovering. He had missed being so intimate with her. The way she felt in his arms, fitting perfectly against him. Her lips just as soft as her skin. No other woman would ever come close to her.
Pushing her backwards they slowly began to move. His hands slid up her back to the clasp of her bra. In one fluid motion, he slid the garment off her body. Tossing it behind them. Once the item was removed, he slid one of his hands up to cup her breast, modeling the soft tissue as his other pressed against her lower back. Just above the lace of her underwear. Smiling against her mouth as a soft moan escaped past her parted lips.
Trowa was about to move his head to capture one of her breast in his mouth when Serena pulled away, breaking their contact. She looked up into his eyes. Deep blue eyes filled with lust before he saw the smirk form on her lips. Grabbing his hand, she pulled it away from her chest. Biting her lips, she placed her other hand on his chest as she took a step closer to him. Keeping her eyes locked with him, she slowly lowered herself.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he felt her pressing herself against him as she made her way down onto the floor. He opened his eyes in time to see her staring up at him as her fingers curled around the waistband of his boxers. Sliding them over his hips till the material fell to his feet. Never once breaking eye contact. Trowa sucked in a breath as her hand wrapped around him, her touch slowly torturing him as her mouth joined her hand. Shutting his eyes tightly, he lifted his head as his hands moved to tangle in her hair. Guiding her movements.
Minutes passed and he knew that if she kept going he wouldn't last. Reluctantly he opened his eyes as he pulled himself away from her. Her mouth releasing him as she peered up at him. The questioning look she sent him seemed so innocent. Even though she was anything but. Slowly she stood, her hands sliding up his body as his hands moved from her shoulders down her back to rest on her hips. He linked his fingers in the lace fabric before slowly pushing her underwear down over her hips till the fell to the floor. She stepped backwards out of them, as he stepped out of his boxers. Her hands reaching out to him.
Without a second thought, he grabbed her by the waist as he crushed his lips to hers. He directed her towards the couch as their hands began to roam once again. Feeling everything they could touch, leaving goosebumps in their wake. When they made it over to the couch, he was about to lower them when Serena quickly spun them, causing him to fall. Their contact was momentary broken as he landed sitting straight up.
Trowa stared up into midnight blue eyes. Her chest rising and falling with each breath she took. He could feel his own heart start to pound as her lips curled up. She lowered herself to straddle him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes clouded with lust before she leaned in capturing his mouth while she slowly slid onto him. He felt a deep rumbled in the back of his throat as their body joined together. She felt like heaven, no she was heaven.
His hands reached up, as he took ahold of her waist when she slowly began to rock her hips. She started her pace out slow. Trowa thought she was slowly trying to kill him through pleasure. With every rock of her hips, a new wave of sensation washed over him. She pulled her head away, breaking their kissing as she breathed heavily. Her eyes half lidded as she licked her lips.
Serena kept the pace slowly growing. Her back arching as her head titled back. She was beautiful then. Trowa watched memorized as she lifted her body before coming back down. It wasn't long before his grip tighten on her waist. Guiding them both as he moved his own hips. Her head coming down to rest against his shoulders as she placed her hands on either side of his head. Lifting her body to accommodate his thrusts.
It wasn't was long before their movements became frantic. The need for release growing fast. Trowa threw his head back as Serena met each thrust with her own. His own chest heaving from the effort. With a few more rocks of their hips, pleasure consumed them. Serena buried her head into his shoulder as he kept his head back against the couch. Their cries sounding together.
Slowly as their bodies came down, Trowa wrapped his arms around her body, pulling her closer. He didn't want her to move. He wanted to keep them together for as long as he could. Placing a kiss to her shoulder, he watched her breathing, knowing his was just as labored.
After a few minutes Serena slowly pushed herself up. His arms loosening as she placed her hands lightly on either side of his head. She lowered her own head to kiss him gently, a tender kiss. Nothing like what they had been doing moments ago.
Pulling away, he stared into her eyes. She was so beautiful. How had he gotten so lucky to have a woman like her in his life? Slowly he let out a breath. The words flowing freely. "I love you."
The lust that had once been in those deep blue orbs slowly faded, being replaced by something else. Sorrow? She smiled sadly at him and Trowa felt panic start to build inside of himself. Something was wrong. He was about to ask her if she was okay when she spoke first.
"I'm sorry..."
"What?"
Serena leaned down to kiss him again, but her lips never met his. The last thing he felt was pressure to his neck before everything went black.
A/N Happy Saturday!
How do I put this other than, holy shit!? What just happened!? If any of you were on the edge of your seats waiting, knowing that something was going to happen, then I've done my job and have done it well! To be honest, writing this chapter had me on edge. You may also thank NaNo for the fact I've been writing every day and we're only four days into the month. Woot woot! That is also why I couldn't help but post this chapter as soon as I finished editing it. Shit's about to get real. There's no other way to put it. So let me here your thoughts, and opinions. Were you expecting any of this? How do you feel about the possible decision Serena has made? Was it the right one, or has she not only doomed herself, but everyone else? (You'll find out soon btw.)
Also, I am well aware that Trowa and Serena's scene was more detailed than Heero and Relena's. With that being said, I am currently working on adding more details to it and if you wish to view the revised copy of the scene, just PM me and once it's finished I'll send it. I'd add it to the chapter but that chapter is already at almost 5k for words and for now I'm going to keep it as it is. When I go back through the whole story and split up more chapters I will be adding it in then.
Thank you all for reading and I hope you have a great weekend and stay tuned for the next chapter!
-MM
