Family
Chapter 46: Coping Part Four
Author's Note: Previously on Family, Heero and Fate talked it out and Fate convinced Heero to still be with her. Heero feels that there is a need to set physical boundaries with her. Fate's PTSD resurfaced where she cannot tell the difference between reality and dream. She thinks that she is still Gabriella, forgetting about Federick as well. Heero managed to help her snap out of it but this worries Fate. The five guys met up again to talk about how they are coping with matters after the fear gas. Heero suggested that Fate cooks for him and she ended up cooking too much. Hence, she called on more of their friends to help them out. They have a good time together, but Fate was unable to wake up from her nightmare. Heero woke her up from the nightmare and comforts her.
This chapter will not be broken down into shorter chapters, but it will be a long chapter instead.
Warning: Dark, Mature Themes and Angst as well, you are warned.
Thank you for reading this story and I hope that you will continue to support it. Please read and review, NO FLAMERS! Pairing: HeeroXOC
After Colony 203, 17th August
Moonstone Mansion,
Morning, 7am
It was a Sunday morning and Heero didn't have to go to work today, which was why he was able to sleep in longer. He had watched Fate closely last night as well. She had stayed awake most of the time as she was still in fear of her nightmares. But she slept soundly after her body's fatigue took over. Fate shifts a lot in her sleep, but she will often end up being really close to him. She will hug him or rest against him despite being asleep. It was an odd feeling to have someone sleeping so close to him, but it wasn't a bad one. Her body is so soft, yet; he knew that he couldn't move to touch her in the ways he wanted.
He slowly sat up on the bed and watched her as she continued sleeping. She even looks so pretty in her sleep. He then got out of bed, washed up and was going through his work files while waiting for her to wake up. She did wake up at around 8am thanks to Meteor's alarm clock. She slowly got out of bed to wash up. After that they both went down to the dining room for breakfast. Federick was already gone as he was needed at the office. Heero and Fate talked about random things and Heero wondered if he should bring Fate out today.
"Do you want to go shopping?" He asked.
She looked at him in surprise.
"We have the entire day." He told her.
Fate considered the options; it will be good to go out for once instead of constantly hiding at home.
"But the press and media will come once they get tipped off." Fate said.
"And we will avoid them." Heero said.
Fate hesitated.
"It will be like old times again." Heero told her.
She smiled when she was reminded of the times when Fate will sneak out of her hotel to go explore the cities that she was doing promotional work or holding a concert in. Yet Heero will always find her and eventually end up protecting her from the media, paparazzi and the crazy fans. They often had a few close calls but those were fun and exciting days.
"Yes, but we aren't that young anymore. And my fame only continued to grow." Fate said.
"Yes, but it doesn't mean we can't enjoy life anymore." Heero said.
Fate laughed instead; it was odd for Heero to say that. For he was the one who hardly ever enjoyed life. He was often stuck behind his desk, too busy working to have any time off. But it will be a good break from everything else.
"Okay." Fate said with a smile.
"Do you have anywhere in mind?" Heero asked.
"I do have a few places that I want to go." Fate told him.
With that Fate left to get dressed to go out while Heero was already dressed in a new suit. Fate came out almost half an hour later, dressed in a mint chiffon dress and white high heels. She had styled her hair into a side wavy ponytail and had put on makeup as well. She looked really beautiful and Heero was glad that at least she has more colour on her face as well. Hence, they went shopping and Heero brought her to a famous shopping district. They definitely did catch a lot of attention as Fate is an incredibly famous superstar. They spotted her easily, but Heero easily directed Fate into the stores before anyone can approach them. He asked for the VIP treatment and they were immediately shown into the back room.
Heero was keeping an eye on the people's reactions after spotting Fate while the designer was busy showcasing his latest collection to Fate. Every designer wants to see their clothing on Fate, as it will bring a lot of publicity. Fate was smiling and chatting with the designer which was a good sign. Heero checked the internet on his mobile phone and was not surprised that a snapshot of them on the streets and entering the store was already posted and circulating on the net. Oh well, he was prepared for it to happen. People were asking questions about Fate's whereabouts since the fear gas attack happened, hence they are definitely curious and want to know more about her experience. Which was something Heero wanted to avoid, he didn't want them to interview her about it. Especially since Fate is still coping with it and he won't want her to break down in front of the cameras.
"Heero."
He turned to look at her.
"Which should I pick?" She asked him, referring to two dresses.
The dress on the right was black and the one on the left was white.
"Try both." Heero suggested.
"Yes, excellent choice." The designer said immediately.
Fate merely nodded and went to try both dresses on. She did come out of the dressing room to show them to him. He would either shake his head or give a nod of approval. In the end Fate bought a really sexy black dress which Heero frowned at when he saw her in it, but he will let her have it as she seemed happy in it. He paid for the dress and asked to leave by the back door. He held onto Fate's hand and they started strolling down the street. Fate was aware of the looks that she was getting and how Heero was on really high alert. He was constantly checking their surroundings to make sure that they were not going to be mobbed by anyone.
He directed her into a branded handbag store and let her take her pick. But Fate didn't like anything there and the shop assistants were definitely disappointed. But they moved on to a shoe store and to another branded handbag store. They were not disturbed as Heero was giving the don't approach us aura, hence even the other customers in the store didn't come up to them. But they were definitely watched. Fate was having fun trying on new heels and Heero frowned at how ridiculously tall they were. But they definitely make her legs look sexier.
Fate brought him to a branded menswear store and started to match ties for him. They did seem intimate as they did that and Heero could see people constantly snapping photos of them through the shop's glass windows. Fate was happy to select two well-made silk ties for him to try on.
"Fate, I don't need more ties." Heero said.
"I know but it's the least a girlfriend can do." Fate said.
She touched the tie that he was wearing and smiled up at him. Their eyes met and he definitely felt the spark between them as it was a rather intimate touch on his chest despite being in public. They changed ties and Fate couldn't decide which one of the two to buy as both looked good on Heero. So, she got him both ties. Heero held onto her hand automatically after they left the store. They went on to another nearby store and that's when Fate frowned.
"I feel like people are following us." Fate said.
"They are." Heero said.
"Oh?" She asked as she looked around them discretely.
They continued window shopping until they decided to have lunch. They did consider a few restaurants before Heero lets Fate decide where she wants to have lunch. Heero asked for a private room and Fate relaxed when they were away from watchful eyes. She was slowly able to enjoy her lunch as well. They chat over random things and Heero decided to bring Fate to watch a movie. Fate was excited a she seldom has the opportunity to watch a movie in a cinema, due to her fame. Or usually they will watch movies at her own house when the movies were already released in digital format. She was smiling and laughing again which was a good sign. The food wasn't that great in Heero's opinion but at least they were able to get away from the eyes of the public for a while. Heero booked movie tickets to the cinema and they had some spare time before the movie starts so Heero brought Fate to a nearby aquarium.
Fate was excited to be there as she had never been there before. She will look at the large tanks filled with fishes for long periods of time without saying anything. They went through the aquarium and Fate had a lot of fun watching the otters and the penguins.
They went to the cinema and Heero had booked tickets to the premium class hence there were lesser people in the cinema. Fate focused on the movie throughout while Heero was watching her and still wary of their surroundings. He had chosen a romance movie as he is aware that Fate likes romance. Naturally, he found it odd when she started crying at the touching moments. He handled her tissues and watched as she continued to focus on the movie ahead.
The movie ended with a happy ending which was expected, and they exited the cinema. Fate knows that Heero is trying really hard to make her feel better. First, they went shopping, then lunch, he even brought her to the aquarium and to watch a movie. It was the first time she watched a movie in a cinema with him and she was happy to be there. Heero didn't seem to enjoy the movie or was he even actually watching it? They talked about the movie for a short while as they were leaving, and he didn't really give much of response.
They walked around the area for a while before Heero said that there was a place he wanted to go. Fate agreed to go there with him and hence Heero drove there. She was surprised when they pulled out in front of the closed off Blue Marine Pub. Fate followed Heero closely and they entered by the back door through the kitchen. It was messy inside, but construction works were already ongoing. Heero brought Fate to a table and laid out the blueprint of the new Blue Marine Pub. Fate looked at the blueprint as he started explaining his plans for this place. She could tell that this was something important to him for he spoke with such conviction and determination, to see this place rise up again after the fear gas attack.
"It sounds great." Fate said, as she looked down at the blueprint.
"I was thinking that after the construction works have finished, can I ask you to promote the renovated pub?" Heero asked.
"Of course, I will love to." Fate said.
"There's more to it, for you will be promoting it with me." Heero said.
"Oh?" She asked in surprised.
She is aware that Heero doesn't like to be in the spotlight or in front of the camera after all he was trained to hide from it, not be in it. But this comes as a surprise to her.
"It's for the pub to gain its popularity again, this place means a lot to me. And I don't want it to fall because of the fear gas attack." Heero told her.
The marine animals were completely safe probably because they cannot dream at all, nevertheless the renovations will increase the tanks as well.
"So, there's more to it than bringing me to the aquarium today?" She asked.
"I was doing research on what kind of tanks will draw crowds and I have a few ideas." Heero said.
"And I thought you were trying to cheer me up." She said as she made a sad face.
"I am, but it was hitting two birds with one stone." He said.
She looked down at the blueprint again. They may not know this, but Blue Marine Pub was the first pub Heero started and it's a place his best friends always gather at, that must be why this place is important to him.
"What about me?" She asked casually.
He raised an eyebrow at her in question.
"Which is more important to you, the pub or me?" She asked.
"Hmm, a tough question."
Fate made a sad face while Heero hugged her from behind, trapping her between the table and him.
"Heero…" She whispered.
"You, always you." Heero told her.
She smiled at him before she turned in his arms to kiss him. They shared a rather passionate kiss, aware that they are very much alone in the closed down pub.
"Yes." Fate said against his lips.
"To?" He asked as he kissed her again.
"The promotional work with you." She said, as she catches her breath.
He gave her a small smile before he released her and started packing the blueprint. It was likely that they were going back to her mansion, but Fate has a place she wants to go.
"Heero?"
"Yes?" He asked as he finished packing the blueprint.
"Can we go to your penthouse?" She asked him.
He froze in his movements almost immediately before he slowly turned to look at her.
"Fate… you are not ready to go there again." Heero said.
"I want to."
"It's too soon." He said softly.
"Please, this time with you there." She said.
"Won't my presence there hurt both of us more?" Heero asked softly.
She looked down sadly before she sighed.
"I don't know how to explain this, but please… can we go there?" She asked.
Heero was genuinely concerned about her request.
"Fate, I am worried about your condition and I don't want it to worsen with your nightmares. And my penthouse will trigger it for it is the source of your fears." Heero said.
"But… I can't keep on running like this." She whispered.
"Facing it head on when you are not ready will only kill you." Heero advised.
Fate continued to look down sadly.
"We will go, but the moment I think it's too much for you, I am pulling you out of there and you will not argue with me on it. You will not be given entry to my penthouse until I feel you are truly ready to face it. Can you promise me that?" Heero asked.
"Yes."
Heero sighed this was going to ruin his efforts to cheer her up.
Night time, 9pm
Heero's Penthouse
The silence between the two of them was tensed, all the way since they entered his sports car until they reached Heero's penthouse. Heero had parked his car and turned to look over at Fate. She was silent as ever, but she looked rather pale. And they hadn't even gotten near his penthouse at all. She wasn't ready for this; he was aware of that. It will only hurt both of them more and he knows that she was trying to stop running away from it.
"Fate..." He tried one last time to dissuade her.
But she reached out and silenced him by pressing a finger to his lips.
"I know that you are concerned about me, but I… need to do this. For myself, please." She whispered.
He reached out to take her hand instead, words failed him as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Can we take this slowly?" She asked him softly.
He gave her a nod and they left his car before making the way towards the lift. No one said a single word as they waited for the lift to bring them up to Heero's Penthouse. He noticed how tightly clenched her hands were and he knew that she was scared. He watched her silently.
"Two words, "help me" and I will get you out of here as soon as possible, is that clear?" He asked her.
She looked at him in surprise before giving him a nod. They slowly made their way towards his door, but he noticed how reluctant Fate was. Eventually she reached out and grabbed onto his arm. He looked back at her and could feel her entire body trembling. It was far too soon for her as well. He didn't say a single word because he wasn't going to push her, she has to be the one to decide if she wants to go on. She hadn't stopped trembling, but she took in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Then she nodded and they moved forward slowly. They finally reached his door and he hesitated for one moment before he unlocked it by scanning his thumb. He could feel her hesitation and how scared she really was. The door opened and they stared into his penthouse's entrance.
Fate's eyes widened in shock and she seriously doubt that she was strong enough to continue this. She hadn't been here for two years now and she first noticed how some things looked different. She was not able to see much from her angle, but she could tell that the sofa in the living room wasn't the same as the one she was used to seeing.
"Welcome back, Master Heero."
She watched as Rolland appeared, walking over to greet them. She was suddenly unsure how to react.
"Miss Camden, it's good to see you again." Rolland greeted with a smile.
Fate merely forced a fake smile but was at a loss of words. Rolland frowned a little when he realised that they hadn't stepped into the penthouse yet.
"Rolland, I will tend to her myself. Please return to what you were doing." Heero said.
"How about tea?" Rolland asked.
"I will get it." Heero said.
Fate noticed the exchange of looks between both men.
"Very well, do call me should you need help, Master Heero." Rolland said.
Then he bowed before going back further into the penthouse, probably back to his room. Heero then looked at Fate who slowly stepped into the penthouse. Heero closed the door behind them quietly but didn't lock it for he wants Fate to know that she can leave this place if she wants to. They took off their shoes and stepped in further and Fate was stunned to realise that Heero's penthouse looked completely different from what she remembered. The furniture and decorations were different, the placement of personal items was different as well. The place which she used to know very well was not the same anymore…
"It… looks different." She whispered.
"I did a major renovation of the penthouse last year after I woke up from the coma. It was necessary to include another room on the first floor for Rolland." Heero told her.
"I see." She whispered as she continued looking around the living room slowly.
The staircase was the same but somehow, she didn't think she was courageous enough to go up. It just looked so different… So different from the nightmares that she used to have. Maybe she was trapped in her own traumatic experience that she couldn't move forward from it. But looking around the living room she knew that the reality was so much more different. That the penthouse she feared wasn't really the same place anymore. She suddenly realised that it wasn't really about the penthouse at all. It was how she felt during and after the whole event that took place.
Heero didn't say a single word but merely watched her as she moved further into the living room, as if on a grand tour of his penthouse. She looked at the furniture and briefly looked at the personal items that he had placed. The books on the shelves, the almost non-existent decorations, the weird looking gadgets which she had never seen before. Everything just wasn't the same anymore. She walked past the television shelf and found herself staring at a photo that Heero has placed in one of the photo frames. It was a photo of the Wingate family taken during Christmas in AC 200, yet oddly she was there in the photo too. As if she was Heero's girlfriend and already part of the family.
"Why did you pick this photo?" Fate asked Heero softly.
If he were choosing a family photo, he wouldn't have picked this one as she was in it. Yet at that point in time, she was just a friend of his.
"You were so happy in the photo. I thought that your smile was bright enough to make up for my lack of one." Heero said.
She looked at him in surprise but indeed she had seemed so happy and lively then. She continued exploring the first floor of his penthouse and she noticed the change in subjects of the books in his bookshelves. Two years was a lot of time for a house to change, for people to change as well. Yet why does she feel so stuck in the past? As if she couldn't really move forward? Was it the fear of feeling used by someone she really loves?
She went into the kitchen and was surprised that the kitchen had gotten certain kitchen equipment upgrades but the dining room remained the same as she remembered them to be. At least these there was one room which remained unchanged. She looked at the staircase but knew that this was enough, she didn't have the courage to go up there.
"Can we go?" She asked quietly.
Heero nodded and they left his penthouse. He noticed how she was breathing as usual the moment she was in the lift that was heading down to the basement. He knows she was feeling nervous being in his penthouse again. And that she was having a hard time, but she was forcing herself to be there.
"Fate…are you okay?" He asked her softly.
Fate didn't answer him, she was feeling disappointed at herself.
"I… don't know." She answered honestly.
He looked at her in silence before they went out of the lift to get to his car. Heero drove her back to Moonstone Mansion and the atmosphere in the car was tensed.
"How do you feel after being there again?" He asked her softly, breaking the silence in the car.
Fate was unsure how to answer him, but she sighed.
"It was… scary to be there again. But I had to go there and see it for myself. And I was surprised by how much your penthouse has changed." She whispered.
"Change in a good way or bad way?" He asked.
"It's weird isn't it? That it was no longer what I remembered it to be, that scary place in my nightmares." She whispered.
Heero looked at her briefly before he concentrated on the road ahead.
"Sometimes we seemed to be stuck in time, caught up in our own traumatic experiences." Fate whispered.
Heero was immediately reminded of the little girl and her puppy. How he had regretted killing her and how the memory of that mission kept on coming back to haunt him. He stepped hard on the brakes and that threw Fate forward. She looked at him in surprise when he stopped the car by the roadside.
"Heero?" She asked softly.
He was silent as if deep in thought but the car horn that they received behind them seemed to snap him back to reality. He moved to continue driving but Fate reached out and placed her hand on his arm.
"Let's go somewhere nearby, you don't seem to be in the mood to drive." Fate said softly.
Heero nodded and with that drove the car to a nearby carpark. He parked the car before he turned off the engine, while still retaining the air conditioner in the car. Both were silent for a while before Fate looked at him.
"Are you alright?" She asked.
"I was reminded of something from my past." Heero said.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Fate asked.
Heero was silent as if the flashback were playing through his mind again, why was he thinking of it now? Maybe because Fate was suffering from the same thing but not out of guilt, but out of fear.
"There was a time when I let the guilt get to me, replaying those moments over and over again, killing those people time and time again." Heero said softly.
The look of shock was on her face, but she looked away sadly. She is aware that Heero doesn't talk much about his past.
"But we can't go back and change them no matter how much we want to. So we have to move on, trying to make a difference in our present days, to not make the same mistakes again." Heero said softly.
"You mean…"
"If we keep holding onto the past, we will start to lose sight of what we currently have. And you have me now." Heero said.
Their eyes met and Fate knows that Heero is trying to cheer her up. But indeed, she was the one stuck in this mind game, she needed to stop running. For it will only cause both of them more pain and she have to cherish what they have now. She merely gave him a smile and wondered when she will truly be alright again.
Night Time, 11pm
Trowa's Apartment,
Arabella stood up when she heard the door opened. She glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was 11pm. He was home late almost every day since he returned to work. She was no fool, something major had happened during the time he was gassed. But somehow, he refused to rely on her, to tell her what was really going on. He had refused to talk about it and was constantly lost in his own thoughts. And she didn't know how to approach the matter as well. How can she help him? She doesn't want to keep tiptoeing all around him.
"You are back late." She said as he came further into the living room.
"Yes, work piled up as I was gone for a while." Trowa said softly.
Their eyes met and Arabella decided to be courageous for once.
"Trowa, are you alright? You look terrible." Arabella said in concern.
"Work fatigue." Trowa said simply, brushing the matter off as he went into the kitchen.
Arabella followed and watched as he reached for his half-filled vodka bottle. He has been drinking a lot more than usual as well.
"Trowa… what's going on?" She asked.
"Nothing, I'm just tired from work." He said simply.
"No, it's not that and don't lie to me about it!" Arabella burst out, earning a look of surprise on his face.
Arabella decided to be forth coming about it.
"You haven't been yourself since the fear gas happened. I thought you were fine too as you refuse to talk about it, but it's clear that you are far from being fine! What happened Trowa? Why won't you tell me anything? I'm your girlfriend! I want to help you and cheer you up when you are feeling down too. But I cannot do that if you refuse to tell me anything!" Arabella exclaimed.
Trowa said nothing as he simply opened the vodka bottle and poured himself a glass full of it.
"Why can't you rely on me? Is it because you don't trust me enough?" She asked.
He slammed the bottle down on the kitchen counter, surprising her with its sound.
"It's not about trust." Trowa said.
"Then why won't you confide in me?" Arabella asked, demanding an explanation.
Trowa said nothing but Arabella came forward and shook him so that he was facing her.
"Tell me, Trowa." She pleaded.
He moved away from her but still he said nothing, and she was really hurt by his reaction.
"Is this all our love amounts to?" She asked him.
Her question surprised him, and he turned to look back at her.
"How one sided our love is when you are always the one protecting me and there for me, yet you refuse to let me be there for you when it matters. If this is all our love amounts to, then I don't want it!" Arabella declared.
Trowa didn't even chase after her when she grabbed her belongings and left his apartment in a rush. He can't tell her the truth; he was protecting her this way. At least that was what he believed in.
Next day, 18th August
Moonstone Mansion
Midnight, 12am
Heero was staying over tonight with Fate as well. Fate knows that he's doing this as he wants to watch over her. She hadn't slept yet and there was a knock on the door. Heero looked at her as if in question. Killian announced himself behind the closed door. She frowned and asked what it was, Killian told her that Arabella is here to see her. With a frown on her face, she got dressed in her jacket. She went out to find Arabella while Heero got dressed in his clothing. He came out to the living room to see Arabella crying into Fate's arms. He knew that it must have been caused by Trowa.
"He won't tell me anything, stupid Trowa!" Arabella exclaimed.
Fate merely turned to give him a sad look but Heero nodded in understanding. Then she reached out and comforted Arabella.
"It's okay, just let it out." Fate whispered.
"Why won't he tell me?" Arabella questioned.
Heero decided to step in and went down the stairs.
"He doesn't want to burden you." Heero said.
"What?"
Both women looked at him in surprise as Heero approached them.
"There are things we can't let go of, things we are afraid to tell our loved ones about." Heero said.
Fate looked down sadly, aware of what Trowa must have been feeling. For Fate had struggled with telling Heero the truth. She didn't tell him because she was afraid that he will break up with her. But she knew that she was only running away from it, was Trowa running away from something too?
"What do you mean?" Arabella questioned.
"He still blames himself for what happened during the landslide when he couldn't save me." Heero admits.
"But that was a long time ago…" Arabella said.
He saw the pained look on Fate's face, but he said nothing in response to Arabella's words. For time cannot solve every problem and trouble. Some things don't go away no matter how much time has passed. Arabella looked down with a sad expression on her face as well.
"I don't blame him for what happened, he knows that. He has to move on from it." Heero said.
"He wants to solve it on his own?" Arabella questioned.
"He's not going to be able to do it on his own." Fate whispered.
"What makes you so sure?" Arabella asked.
"For I am in a similar situation, but Heero is helping me with it. Two is better than one, which is why you must support him through this." Fate advised.
The two women exchanged glances and Arabella hesitated.
"But he doesn't want my help." Arabella whispered.
"Be persistent, it worked for Heero too." Fate said, giving a forced smile.
Heero knew what Fate meant. Arabella sighed as she wiped her tears away.
"Let him know it's alright to break down and be honest for once." Fate said.
Heero was reminded of his relationship with Fate, how he had broken down in front of her for a few times now. They all need honesty from both parties, especially in a relationship.
"I… will try." Arabella whispered.
Fate smiled and gave her a tight hug before she sent Arabella off. Heero noticed Fate's sad smile after Arabella was gone.
"The fear gas is hurting us, Heero." Fate whispered.
"I know. But if we don't deal with these fears, we will always be running from them." Heero said.
"I don't want to run anymore, but…" She trailed off.
"It's okay, take it slowly." He whispered.
Fate merely nodded before she sighed, hoping that things between Arabella and Trowa will get better.
Morning, 10am
Heero's Penthouse
Fate was here again, but this time on her own. She knows that Heero asked her not to rush it, but she was desperate to get over her own fears. She wanted to face it head on and overcome it on her own. She's not going to let it ruin both Heero and her life. Yet as she was outside Heero's penthouse, she still hesitated about going in. She paced around the front door a little and was still really scared to go in.
But she had already gone in once and saw for herself that Heero's penthouse has changed, it was no longer the same place in her nightmare. But why does the fear still feel so real? Gathering what little courage she had, she rang the doorbell to see the door being opened by Rolland. Rolland greeted her and asked why she was here as Heero is at work. Fate hesitated but asked if she can go in. Rolland stopped her and said he was given strict orders not to let her into the penthouse by Heero. Fate was surprised to hear that Heero had instructed Rolland to do so. It proved that he was taking precautions for her sake.
"But…"
"Miss Camden, would you like me to give Master Heero a call first?" Rolland asked.
"No, it's alright. I understand." Fate whispered.
Somerleyton Wright Manor, Underground Base, Heero's Office
Noon, 12pm
Heero was busy going through the many mission report files that were on his desk. And there were still some closing matters related to the fear gas. Lionel was in his office making sure that he signed on the right papers. Heero scanned through the report in front of him, he's well trained enough to read through everything and remember them in five seconds. He turned the next page and slapped the file close.
"I want a rewrite." Heero said.
Lionel sighed and pressed a few things on the tablet that he was holding.
"That's the fifth reject this morning." Lionel said.
"They are not detailed enough." Heero stated as he reached for the next file.
There was a loud knock on the door and Lionel checked the security footage to see that it was one of his men. Heero nodded and Lionel allowed the door to slide open.
"Lieutenant Colonel Wingate, Sir." The man greeted, saluting him.
"At ease." Heero said.
"Yes, Sir."
"What is it?" Heero asked as he read through the next report.
"You have a visitor by the name of Fate De Camden." The soldier reported.
Heero looked up while Lionel looked surprised to hear that as well.
"I will deal with it, ask her to wait for me." Heero said.
"Yes Sir."
The soldier left quickly while Lionel looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"You told her where your workplace is?" Lionel asked.
"No, I did not."
"Then how did she mange to find you?" Lionel asked.
Heero puts on his military coat.
"You are going?" Lionel asked.
"Yes, and you don't have to act as my personal secretary, you have other things to do." Heero said.
"You know that I already gave all these reports the pass." Lionel said.
Lionel has to look through all these mission report files and approve them before Heero gives the final approval.
"I want updates on the new plan." Heero said softly.
Lionel nodded before he left Heero's office as well. Heero went out of his office and took a shortcut to the entrance which only he knew about. As the entrance was really far away from his office, it was built for emergency use but he uses it to get out of the underground base fast as well. He reached the entrance and went above ground. He was greeted by his men around there and went out of the gates to see his house's limo. Of course, Rolland had brought Fate here. He opened the door and got in, seeing Fate inside.
"Fate, why are you here?" Heero asked.
"I wanted to see you, but I have no idea where your new workplace is and so Rolland volunteered to drive me here." Fate said.
Heero looked at his watch and said he will message Lionel that he will be out for lunch. With that he gave Rolland an address and the limo was on its way.
"Your new workplace looks huge." Fate said.
"Yes, it is." Heero said.
On the surface it looked like a large mansion but only the staff and a few people know that the military base is actually underground, not the mansion itself. Fate closed the gap between them and rested her head against his shoulder.
"Is something wrong?" He asked her.
"No, I just missed you." Fate said, it was a partial truth.
"We just saw each other last night." Heero reminded her.
"I know." She whispered.
Heero held onto her hand as the ride continued.
VLA, Restaurant
Heero brought Fate to a Japanese restaurant and they have a private room to themselves. But what surprised Fate was the fact that Quatre was in the room when they arrived.
"Quatre!" Fate greeted with a wide smile on her face.
Quatre smiled and stood up to greet both of them.
"Why are you here?" Fate asked.
"I am still in VLA for business matters and I have been wanting to check up on you as well." Quatre said.
Fate looked at Heero and knows that he had set this lunch meeting up. They took their seats and ordered food. They chat with each other on lighter topics as they waited for their food.
"How are you really?" Quatre asked her.
"I am… coping." She said after glancing at Heero.
"I was worried about you especially after hearing about your condition from Heero." Quatre said.
"I'm sorry for causing all of you to worry about me." Fate whispered.
Quatre merely smiled while Fate knows that something seemed a little different about Quatre too.
"What about you, how are you?" She asked him.
Their eyes met and Quatre sighed. But they were interrupted as their food came. Heero was awfully silent but Quatre waited for the door to be closed first.
"I am doing okay." Quatre said.
"I see." Fate said.
Heero had a phone call and he went outside to take it. But Quatre gave a sad smile as if thanking Heero for the too timely exit. Fate was about the start eating when she realised that Quatre hadn't picked up his chopsticks at all.
"Honestly, I am not doing okay." Quatre said softly once they are left alone in the room.
Fate looked at him in surprise and sets her chopsticks down so that she can focus on listening to him. Quatre gave her a summarized version of his nightmare and fear. Fate was stunned to hear that Heero was the murderer in his nightmares. Was this related to the other side of Heero that Heero told her about?
"I finally told Dorothy the truth, but she rejected me." Quatre said.
Fate knows what it felt like for she had to go through the similar heart break when Heero rejected her.
"And?" She pressed for more.
"I am cutting off all ties with her." Quatre said, explaining more on what he meant.
"Are you sure that is the wise thing to do, Quatre?" Fate asked softly.
Quatre looked down at his food in silence.
"I tried to do that by cutting off everyone related to him and I regretted not being by Heero's side when he really needed me. But that is me, maybe your resolve is stronger than mine." Fate said giving a sad smile.
"I don't know but I cannot let it drag on any further." Quatre said.
"Take your time Quatre, it's not fair for anyone if you jump right into another relationship without being fully over Dorothy." Fate said.
"I know." Quatre said.
Fate wondered what she can say when Heero returned after giving a sharp knock on the door. She knows that he has to finish his food because he needs to return to work. Fate and Quatre didn't say anything else more on the matter at hand but talked about lighter topics. Heero was more of a listener and spoke a few words as they had lunch together. Heero finished first and whispered to Fate that Rolland will send her back when she's ready to leave. Fate thanked Heero for his kind consideration and Heero said he was leaving first as he has to get back to work. He signalled to Fate that he will message her. Fate nodded and bids goodbye to him. With that the two friends are finally back on the topic at hand. Fate knows she will do her best to help Quatre out. They had a long talk and Fate did not fully confide in Quatre about all her fears especially those related to Heero, as that was between the two of them. But Fate felt refreshed after the talk, as she had gained another perspective as well. After that they were going to leave the restaurant only to learn that Heero had already paid for everything on his way out.
"He's really smooth when it comes to executing such plans." Quatre said as he kept his credit card.
Fate merely smiled for she had no idea that Heero had planned this, but everything went well. Rolland took her home and she texted Heero that she wants to see him tonight. For they were distracted earlier, and she hadn't told him the true reason she wanted to see him.
Night Time, 10pm
Moonstone Mansion
Federick returned back to the mansion late but they had a chat about the clean-up related to the fear gas. Then she heard that Wufei was promoted which came as a surprise to her. Nevertheless, Federick knows that Wufei is impartial and can help to take the Preventers further. Fate smiled when she saw Heero entering her mansion. She ran over and hugged him a little too enthusiastically that it took Heero by surprise. He managed to remain steady and she kissed him on his cheek. Federick left them alone while Fate asked if he had eaten. Heero said he wasn't in the mood for food and earned a disapproving look from Fate. But they went to her room.
"Right, so why did you turn up at my military base?" Heero asked.
"I wanted to see you." Fate said.
Heero sat down on the edge of her bed.
"How did the talk with Quatre go?" He asked.
"It went well, he told me about Dorothy." Fate said.
Heero sighed instead and Fate looked at him in question.
"Sometimes I feel like you know him better than I do." Heero said.
Fate merely shook her head.
"That is not true." Fate denied.
He didn't say anything else on the matter, but a thought came to Fate.
"Could it be that you are jealous of Quatre?" Fate asked.
"A little." He admits softly.
Fate didn't expect him to admit it, but she smiled instead.
"We are simply comrades in the same boat." Fate said.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"We got closer because we were both stuck in our unrequited love, not having the courage to tell the one we love how we feel. And he has similar views as me in terms of peace, violence and doing our part for society." Fate explained.
"You have never considered being more than friends with him?" Heero asked.
"Hmm…"
She looked away as she thought about it.
"I did think about it once but decided that it won't work out. For we are too in love with someone else that we will be miserable together. It will feel like we are settling for each other simply because we can't be with the person we really want to be with." Fate said.
Heero nodded as if accepting her explanation. Then Fate hugs him and wondered if she should tell him the truth. She decided to do so.
"I went to your penthouse this morning."
Heero stared at her in silence, but she felt his body tense up.
"Rolland won't let me in that's when he brought me to see you at your new base." She told him.
"Why were you there?" He asked her softly.
"I… wanted to face my own fears and overcome them on my own." She whispered.
"But forcing it when you aren't ready will only make matters worse." Heero said.
"I wanted to try. But I realised that you have taken measures to stop me from acting rashly." She whispered.
"I did it because I know that you aren't ready yet. Take your time Fate." He told her softly.
"But I… don't want to wait anymore. I have waited two years and it still hadn't gone away." She said, moving away from him.
Heero watched her in silence as she stood up and looked away from him.
"I… don't want to be a runner anymore." She said.
"But…"
"The longer I drag it on, the more it will hurt both of us! I… just want to move on with it and be close to you." She told him.
Heero was silent before he stood up and placed his hand on her shoulders. She won't look at him.
"Calm down, Fate." He said softly.
She took in a deep breath and lets it out slowly to calm herself down.
"Take your time Fate, don't rush into it just to get good results for it may backfire instead." He told her.
She finally nodded her head. With that both of them got ready for bed. Fate was setting her alarm clock for tomorrow when Heero slipped into bed with her. He asked her for permission to hold her and she gave it to him. Then Heero watched as she slowly fell asleep. He wondered if she would have those nightmares again.
Fate's Nightmare
Fate opened her eyes and was surprised that she was inside Heero's Penthouse again. No, this wasn't real. She's in a dream, she's aware of that. After all the interior of Heero's Penthouse has changed completely but the one before her was the one from the past. She looked up at the staircase and knew that she has to face her fears. She's not going to run away anymore.
She made her way up the stairs and headed straight for Heero's bedroom. She stopped outside of the door knowing very well what was behind it. She was lying if she said she wasn't scared. Her hands trembled, giving away her fear but she clenched them into tight fists. She will not let this fear have a hold on her. She had been running all these times, she don't want to run anymore. For Heero's sake as well as for her own sake. She reached out and placed a hand on the door's handle.
Fate suddenly felt afraid for she remembered what she had seen as in her nightmare. She had fainted from the sight of it. She took in a deep breath and gathered up as much courage as she can. Then she opened the door and pushed it open. His room looked exactly the same and she stepped slowly into the room. True enough she saw Heero and her on his bed. The impact of it hit her hard and she immediately collapsed to the floor. She tried to look away, but the sounds won't go away. She covered her ears as well, not wanting to hear anything. But no, she was not facing it head on at all, she was simply escaping from the cruel reality of what had happened that night. Tears fell from her eyes as she didn't need to see it to know what was going on for, she had been reliving in that memory for two years now. Why wasn't she strong enough to overcome it?
"Help me, Heero." She cried out in vain, aware that there was no way he could have heard her. After all she was trapped in a replay of what happened that night.
19th August,
Moonstone Mansion,
Early Morning, 3am
Heero sensed that something wasn't right, and his eyes flew open immediately. He sat up on the bed and turned to look at Fate. She seemed restless and was trembling really badly. He switched on the lights on the table lamp and saw how pale she was. She still seemed to be asleep, but it was clear that she was having a nightmare again. Heero tried to wake her up by shaking her but still she slept on. She started trembling more violently and he was getting worried. He touched her cheek and was stunned that it was scorching hot. She didn't have a fever a few hours ago. He knew he can't dump her into ice water to wake her up as it will only worsen her fever. Heero immediately got dressed and tried to wake Meteor up. Meteor was linked to Fate's consciousness, but it was awake and watching over her when she was down due to the fear gas. Meteor woke up and Heero asked it to help dress Fate while he rushed to find Federick. Federick was asleep but woke up when Heero shook him.
"What the?" Federick asked.
"Federick, it's Fate. She's not waking up." Heero told him.
It took a few seconds for Federick to register what was going on. Heero won't find him unless it was an emergency that he couldn't solve.
"I will be there." Federick said as he got out of bed and rushed to get dressed.
Heero returned to Fate's room and was glad for Meteor's assistance in dressing her. Federick came into the room and both tried to wake Fate, but it wasn't working. Heero immediately carried Fate into his arms and said he's bringing her to the hospital. The same hospital where the Psychologists were at as some fear gas patients were there undergoing treatment for, they suffered from reality disorder.
"I don't think they can help her." Federick said, for they are dealing with people who woke up.
Heero could feel how hot Fate's body was and knew that he has to take her somewhere safe. She felt so weak and lifeless as he carried her.
"Where else do you suggest?" Heero asked.
Federick was silent but he saw how much Fate was trembling. He was definitely worried about Fate, but the hospital will only help with her fever, not with her nightmare. Heero wrecked his brain and then he remembered something.
"I know where we can go, but you can't come along." Heero said.
"Why not?" He asked.
"I'm bringing her to a secret laboratory of mine." Heero said.
"Then all the more I should come with you." Federick said.
Heero hesitated but Fate is his priority right now. With that both of them went down the stairs and Heero carried Fate effortlessly. He placed Fate in the backseat of Federick's car. Then he gave him the address and asked him to bring Fate there. He was going ahead to set things up, he immediately went to his car and drove off towards the same destination. He gave Rolland a call and asked him to prepare a few things for them.
VLA, Unknown Location,
Early Morning, 3.30am
Federick constantly checked his rear-view mirror to look at Fate who was still trembling in her sleep. He knew that Fate was suffering from being unable to differentiate reality and dream. But it was the first time she was unable to wake up at all, just like when she was exposed to the fear gas, stuck in a never-ending nightmare. He has no idea what Heero was up to but can only hope that it can save Fate.
He arrived at the location Heero told him but there was nothing there but a deserted street. He was about to call Heero when suddenly the ground opened up and revealed a tunnel that went underground. Federick looked around to make sure that there was no one else around him before he drove down into the tunnel, the trap door closed behind his entry. He turned the car lights on and relied on that to continue driving downwards. It was a good thing that Fate was strapped into the seat. He finally came to a flat ground and parked his car next to Heero's sports car. He opened the car door to the back seat, unbuckled Fate and then carried her. He was surprised by how hot her body felt, she was definitely burning up. He carried her to the large metal doors as it was the only way forward. The doors opened and he went in with Fate. He was in a small hallway and approached the next metal door which opened up for them. Then he found himself in a long and large weaponry room. Heero was standing by the right door and Federick walked past the long weaponry room and stopped in front of him. Heero unlocked the door by a biometric scan of his iris. Heero went in first and Federick saw that they were in a white laboratory, but it looked really clean as if it wasn't used for a while. Heero opened another door which showed two laboratory beds and Federick placed Fate on one. Immediately Heero hooked her up to a heart rate monitor. He did everything swiftly and accurately. Federick watched in silence but can tell that Fate's condition has not improved.
Then Heero received a phone call, he left to take the call. Federick watched Fate and wiped her face with a clean handkerchief as she was sweating as well. Heero returned with Rolland who brought with him some medical supplies. Heero picked up an injection needle and took some medicine.
"What's that?" Federick asked.
"It's for the fever, it works faster if injected." Heero said.
Federick was surprised that he seemed to be dealing with it calmly. He held Fate down as Heero disinfected her arm. He said he will be quick, and he did just that. Fate gasped a little at the contact of the needle but Federick held her steady as they would have more problems on their hands if the needle broke inside of her. Heero injected the medicine inside of Fate and pulled the needle out before he stuck a plaster over the needle point. Fate was pretty much the same but Heero instructed Rolland to help check on Fate's temperature. Then he left to go back into the laboratory. He returned with two odd looking head gears.
"What is that?" Federick asked.
"Something that's still in a testing phrase." Heero said softly.
"Master Heero." Rolland said softly.
"I know, Rolland. But I have to save her." Heero said as he removed his suit jacket and guns before he lied down on the bed next to Fate.
"Hook me up Rolland." Heero said softly as he watched Fate.
Rolland did what Heero asked for and strapped him to a heart rate monitor.
"What's going on?" Federick asked.
Heero puts on one of the headgear and activated it before he passed the other one to Rolland.
"It's a dream sharing device, it allows me to enter the host's dream." Heero said.
"What?" Federick asked in disbelief.
"I will enter Fate's dream and save her, as it's clear that she's suffering from this nightmare." Heero said.
"Isn't it dangerous and a breach of privacy?" Federick asked.
"It's the only chance we have to save her as she's not waking up." Heero said.
Rolland puts the headgear on for Fate and activated the host function for her.
"What side effects are there?" Federick asked.
"I may lose my consciousness inside her nightmare and may never wake up from the dream as well." Heero said.
Federick was silent and knows that Heero will risk everything to save Fate.
"Three hours should do it." Heero told Rolland who sets a timer for three hours.
"Rolland will forcefully wake me in three hours' time if I don't wake up before that. I can go another round if I'm not mentally exhausted after that." Heero said.
"And Fate?" Federick asked.
"It doesn't affect the host; the dream sharing will be turned off once the host wakes up as well." Heero said.
"Good luck, Master Heero." Rolland said.
Heero nodded as he lied back down.
"Help monitor both of us." Heero told them.
Federick sighed and gave a stiff nod, if Heero can wake Fate up from the nightmare itself, then it should save her. He doesn't know of another method as well. Sure, it was risky but Federick can only hope that it works.
"Do not wake me before three hours no matter what happens. Hold the fort with the weapons outside if you have to." Heero told them.
"We are not being attacked." Federick said.
"It's just a precaution." Heero said.
With that Heero closed his eyes and controlled himself to fall asleep. He was so good at it that his body fell asleep immediately, allowing him to dive into Fate's nightmare. He hopes that he will be able to save Fate from her own nightmare.
To be continued….
Author's Note: This chapter continues the Coping Story Arc and how the characters are still trying to move on with their lives after the fear gas attack. Heero is trying hard to cheer Fate up by going on a date with her. Fate is desperately trying to overcome her own fears but Heero is trying to get her to take it slowly. Will Heero be able to wake Fate from her nightmare? Stay tuned for the next chapter!
Trivia: The dream sharing idea came from the movie Inception, a dream within a dream. I did think it was a rather far fetched idea to help wake Fate up, but it did seem possible as the whole After Colony timeline is already way advanced in the future, far from our current timeline. With that science fiction setting, I decided to use this idea instead.