Family
Chapter 47: Victors
Author's note: Previously on Family, Heero brought Fate out in hopes of cheering her up. They went to a few places before Heero revealed his new blueprint for Blue Marine Pub. Fate agrees to promote the pub with Heero after its renovation has completed. With Fate's persuasion, they went to Heero's Penthouse. While Heero is worried about Fate's mental condition, Fate realised how much the penthouse has changed now. Arabella and Trowa got into a fight and Arabella came to Fate. Heero revealed to Arabella what Trowa is struggling with and Arabella wants to help Trowa through it. Heero sets up a lunch appointment with Quatre for Fate. But Fate is trapped in her own nightmare and they went to a secret laboratory in an attempt to wake Fate up. Heero suggested entering Fate's nightmare in order to save her.
This chapter will not be broken down into shorter chapters, but it will be a long chapter instead.
Warning: Violence, Dark and Mature Themes, you are warned.
Thank you for reading this story and I hope that you continue to support it. Please read and review, NO FLAMERS! Pairing: HeeroXOC
Inside Fate's Nightmare
Heero Wingate opened his eyes and found himself in his own penthouse. But the interior design, furniture and objects looked different. He then remembered that it was the older layout of his penthouse. Which meant that Fate was trapped within her past memory and it was reflected in the older state of his penthouse. He looked at the calendar to see that it was AC 201, 14th February. Indeed, it was the night that caused all of these problems. Heero knew that if he could, he would have gone back in time and stopped himself from hurting Fate like this. And he will woo her properly so that it won't be an issue like it is now.
He went up the staircase and turned to go towards his bedroom. Where was Fate? He's certain that she's still here somehow. Or was she in the room? That's when he saw her, she was sitting on the floor, hugging her knees close to her body. She was crying really horribly, and she seemed lost in her own thoughts.
"Fate."
She looked up at him and flinched immediately as if in fear of him. Heero was hurt by her reaction towards him, but it was only natural. For she was still fearful of being intimate with him. He approached her slowly.
"Fate, it's me…" He said softly.
She looked at him before she looked at the closed door that led to his bedroom. She seemed confused but then she shook her head at him.
"Don't come any closer." She called out.
Heero froze in his steps and looked at her in silence.
"Please, just don't come any closer to me." She whispered as the tears continued to fall from her eyes.
"What's going on, Fate?" He asked her softly.
She didn't answer him but continued to weep silently, hugging herself as if trying to comfort herself somehow. He felt uncomfortable, seeing how upset she was. But if she doesn't tell him why she was crying, he cannot save her from this nightmare. He approached her anyway as she was looking down, so she didn't see him.
"Fate."
She jerked away from him at his sudden closeness, her actions hurt him but Heero knows she was reacting out of fear.
"Get away from me… you…" She trailed off instead but Heero was certain that she was going to call him something bad.
"Fate, I'm not going to hurt you." Heero said softly, holding his two hands out to her, showing that he's not carrying any weapon.
But she didn't seem to believe him.
"You are lying! You hurt me painfully." She said.
"In what way?" Heero asked instead.
She looked surprised at his question and Heero regretted his words.
"In the same way you are forcing yourself on me inside this room." Fate declared, pointing to the closed door.
Heero was silent, he's aware that she's trapped in her own memory of that night which was traumatic to her.
"The way you used me as a substitute for Relena…" She said.
"Fate…"
"How you won't listen to me when I asked you to stop." She said as tears continued to fall from her eyes.
Her words were a major slap to his face and to his pride. He knew that he couldn't blame it all on the alcohol as he was drunk that night. That was still not an excuse to force himself on anyone, especially one who loves him so much.
"All I did was love you, yet you used me… Made me feel so… used." She whispered.
He knew that a million apologies weren't going to cut it. It was not going to undo the damage that he had done, the pain that she had felt and the fear she still feels after all these times. Indeed, it begs the question why she still chose to be with him? The answer was clear, she still loves him so much that she tried to look past this fact. She probably buried it deeply inside herself, but the fear gas brought all of it up again. He knows that if they don't deal with it now, they can never truly be together.
He then surprised her by walking over, she immediately puts distance between them. But he wasn't heading for her, he reached for the door handle and threw the door open. Fate watched in surprise as Heero entered his bedroom. He saw himself and a younger Fate on the bed. It was clear that the younger Fate was trying to fight him off, but he was too strong for her. The sight of it sickened him too but he immediately came forward, pulled his past self off the bed. Then he punched his past self hard in the stomach, until he fell to the floor in pain. The younger Fate looked at him in shock, but the tears were clear in her eyes as she struggled to hide her naked body from his view. He picked his past self up and started to hurt him with his fists. He doesn't care if it was his past self, he won't forgive himself for hurting Fate like this. He kept on punching his past self and while his past self did try to fight him back, Heero was much quicker and sharper. He had trained a lot more than he did two years ago and easily pinned his past self to the wall.
Fate was stunned by what was going on in front of her eyes. Suddenly a second Heero appeared in her dreams and she avoided him like the plague as she was afraid of what he might do to her. But then he entered the room and started punching the younger version of Heero. As she watched from the open door, it was clear that the Heero who was punching the other him was older and stronger. The younger version of Heero was badly hurt but he was still trying to fight back as well.
"You don't get to hurt her like that. She's someone extremely important to both of us, what you are doing is only going to hurt you later!" Heero shouted at his younger self.
That's when the stench of blood hit her, blood? Yes, his younger self was bleeding and so was Heero's raised fist. But he kept on pummelling his younger self as if he were in an insane rage.
"Stop…" Fate whispered weakly.
But Heero didn't seem to hear her, she turned and saw her younger self. She was watching all of this happening as she sat on the bed, with the bed sheets wrapped around her, looking at both men in fear and shock. This was her back then, but this hadn't happened. No one came to her aid to stop Heero that night, nor did he stop. But seeing this now she wasn't quite sure how to react. It was soon clear that if Heero doesn't stop hurting his younger self, his younger self will die. His younger self was no match for Heero at all.
Fate hesitated to step into the room for while she needed to stop the fight she was still scared. But she was stunned when her younger self got off the bed and held back Heero's raised fist. As if not caring that she was only wearing a single bed sheet around her body.
"Stop, please!"
Heero was surprised to see that his raised fist was being held back by the younger version of Fate.
"You will kill him!" She said.
"He… no… We deserve it." Heero said softly.
"Please let him go!" She pleaded.
"He did something horrible to you." Heero told her.
"He didn't mean to. He was drunk and just broke up with Relena." She said.
"Why are you making excuses for him?" Heero asked her instead.
The younger version of Fate looked down at him sadly.
"Because as much as he hurts me, it doesn't change the fact that I still love him."
It was a pathetic reason in the face of justice.
"So please, let him go." She pleaded with him.
Heero finally released his younger self who dropped to the ground unconscious. Heero watched in silence as the younger version of Fate rushed over to check on his wounds. Heero knew that he had went overboard when he saw the blood on the floor. His heart ached as he watched the younger Fate hug his younger self. She still loves him even after all that he had done to her. His knuckles were bleeding from the crazy punching he had given just now but his heart ached more. He turned and saw that Fate was watching all of this from the opened door. Their eyes met and she looked at the couple on the floor as tears continued to fall from her eyes.
Both Heero and Fate were silent as they sat down on opposite ends of the sofa. The door to his bedroom was closed but it didn't matter what happened after that. It still didn't change the fact that their horrible past cannot be changed. Fate seemed to have calmed down and was looking at him in silence. Heero ignored his bleeding knuckle as he wondered what he can say.
"I… I'm sorry Fate." He said softly.
Their eyes met and Fate knows that he meant it, for the regret and guilt were clearly in his eyes.
"I really am." Heero whispered as he clenched his hands into tight fists as he looked down.
He was ashamed of his past actions for it landed them in this situation. Fate was silent as indeed they can no longer go back like this nightmare and change it. Treating it like it didn't happen wasn't going to help things. But it was clear to her, one fact hadn't changed. But was love enough to overcome something like this? She slowly shifted closer to Heero who didn't notice as he was looking down at the floor.
She had no idea how he appeared in her dream, but it was clear that she didn't conjure him up in her dream. For he behaved very much like the Heero she knows.
"Your hand." She whispered.
Heero looked at her slowly and noticed that she had closed the gap between them. He didn't move but she slowly touched his injured hand. It looked painful but Heero's face gave nothing away. Sometimes she wondered if they had removed Heero's sense of pain for he feels nothing from physical wounds. Or maybe he was hiding his pain from her as well.
"It looks painful, we should treat it." She whispered.
He freed his hand from her hold, taking her by surprise.
"It's a small matter." He said softly.
Fate was a little upset but knows that he's trying to put distance between them for she had reacted in fear towards him just now.
"Are you ready to return?" He asked her instead.
"Return where?" She asked him.
"To reality." Heero said softly.
Their eyes met and Fate wondered what was going on.
"Heero…"
Just as she spoke, a sudden strong gust of wind surprised both of them. They turned and saw a large black hole appearing in front of them. Heero immediately tried to reach for her but the force of the black hole increased, sending everything flying towards it. It sucked everything in its path. Fate found herself flying towards it as well.
"Fate!" Heero shouted.
He allowed himself to be carried away by the force of the black hole and reached out towards her. She tried to reach for him too, but the force of the black hole became even stronger. It swept her away before she could even grasp onto Heero's hand.
"Heero!" She shouted before she was carried off by the wind into the black hole. Heero allowed himself to be sucked into the black hole too, not sure where it will lead them to.
Heero woke up to find himself in a familiar office. He knew that he was in the CEO's office in SilverWings Headquarters Building. He remembered Fate and him being sucked into a black hole. Why was he here? He looked down at his injured hand to find it completely healed, how odd? He looked at the calendar and was surprised to see that it was AC 207. He went to the future instead. No this was still Fate's dream; she must still be in this dream somewhere. The clock on the wall showed that it was night time, 8pm. There was a knock on the door to his office, it opened before he could give permission for the person to enter. He kept his face expressionless as Relena came into the room.
"Heero, shall we go?" She asked.
What was she doing here?
"Where are we going?" Heero asked instead.
She looked at him in surprise.
"You said that you have a surprise for me." Relena said with a smile.
Heero was silent, he did? Since when? That's when he felt a small box in the pocket of his suit jacket. He was reminded of what Fate said. How she was in a world where Fate didn't exist, and she was just a simple person by the name of Gabriella. He has to find her; he doesn't care if the Heero of this world wants to propose to Relena. He's making the biggest mistake of his life!
"Something came up at work, I have to attend to it." Heero said, lying with his same emotionless face.
"But… you said you have cleared everything for this day?" Relena asked.
"It was a last-minute emergency." Heero lied.
Relena looked disappointed but Heero didn't care. He stood up to leave and chased her out of his office so he could lock it as well.
"Can you call me later after you have finished?" Relena asked.
"It will take all night." Heero said as he went to his lift, he didn't care if she was upset.
His secretary looked surprised as well but said nothing.
"I see." Relena whispered softly.
The lift came and he entered it. Then he swiftly blocked Relena from entering it.
"My secretary will get a taxi for you." Heero said.
"I will see you soon?" Relena asked hesitatingly.
Heero didn't answer her and avoided her when she tried to kiss him goodbye. She looked confused but Heero closed the lift doors in her face. He dug out the ring box and stared at the ring inside it. He was surprised that the diamond on the ring was only of three carat size. As the CEO of SilverWings, he can easily afford a much larger diamond. But why such a small one? It didn't matter, Heero pocketed the box and immediately started searching for Gabriella's name on his phone's contact list. No, she wasn't in his contact list at all. He wondered how he was going to find Fate.
He was reminded of what Fate talked about. That he had went to her flower shop to order the bouquet of flowers for his proposal. He got into his car and saw the very same bouquet of flowers on the passenger seat. He picked it up and looked for any sign or logo that it was from which flower shop. A small logo was printed on the back of the small card. He took a photo of it, scanned it through the internet and found the flower shop. With the address in hand, he drove as fast as he could towards it.
She's here again, living the life of Gabriella. She hated this boring life but there was nothing she could do but get on with the flow of everyday life. She remembered Heero reaching his hand out to her, but maybe it was a dream as well. For she can conjure up anything in her own mind and it must have conjured Heero up in her dream. She busied herself with the next day's orders. She sighed yet again and wondered if there's something she could do to spice up Gabriella's life. The Heero of this world was too far out of reach to her, she might as well give up and be with someone else. But can she do it when all she ever loves is Heero? Why was the universe so set on tearing them apart? Maybe they are better off apart?
Fate looked up at the same ceiling of her flower shop as she thought of Heero. Then she sighed again, he's probably already engaged by now. All she had was memories and a name card from him. Surprisingly, the scar from when she slit her own wrist wasn't there anymore. Fate too wondered who Gabriella is. Why was her life so lonely? Pushing those thoughts away, she continued arranging the flowers in front of her.
She looked up when she heard the doorbell chime, looks like she forgot to lock the front door to keep people out.
"Sorry, we are closed…" She said but trailed off when she saw that she was looking at Heero.
Heero? Why was he here? She mentally reminded herself that Heero is not her Heero. In this world, he was Relena's Heero.
"Mr. Wingate? What are you doing here?"
Fate was stunned speechless when Heero approached her quickly and pulled her into his arms. For a while Fate couldn't react, why was he hugging her? Wait… She immediately freed herself from him.
"Mr. Wingate, what are you doing? You have a fiancée!" She warned him.
"I don't." Heero told her, taking her by surprise.
"But the proposal…" she asked.
"There won't be one." Heero told her.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"Did something happen between…? I mean… I'm sorry for being a busy body." She whispered.
"You are the one that I want to be with."
She looked at him in surprise.
"More than Relena, more than what the universe throws at me, I will always choose you." Heero told her, gripping both of her hands in his.
Their eyes met and she saw the sincerity in his eyes, he wasn't joking!
"But you don't know me. I'm just an ordinary florist. A… nobody." She whispered.
"I don't care who you are. Famous or not, rich or poor, I still choose you." Heero declared.
Fate wondered if he woke up on the wrong side of bed today. Did he mistake her for someone else?
"I love you, Fate."
"Fate?" Fate asked in surprise, how did he know who she is? Isn't she Gabriella to him?
"Yes you, Fate. The only woman I love." Heero told her.
"How did you know my real name?" Fate asked softly.
"Of course, I know your real name, we are lovers." Heero said.
She was getting a bit suspicious.
"No, we are not, your girlfriend and fiancée to be is Relena." Fate pointed out.
"But you are not from this world, just as I am. I have come to rescue you, Fate." Heero told her.
Their eyes met and Fate wondered could it be that this is her Heero instead?
"Tell me something that only my Heero will know." She asked.
Heero frowned a little and seemed to be thinking of something.
"You went to France with me for Marshall Noventa's death anniversary." Heero said.
Fate was surprised but indeed it was something only her Heero will know for she had went with him. She was overwhelmed with happiness and broke into a smile for once. They embraced each other tightly.
"My Heero." Fate whispered.
"And you doubted me?" Heero asked, teasing her.
"I had to be sure." Fate whispered, breaking the hug.
Then she caressed his cheek and hesitated as she stared at his lips.
"Remember this Fate, I will rescue you no matter where you are at. I will be with you always, even if you are Gabriella and living a simple life. As long as we are together, everything else doesn't matter." Heero told her.
She nodded and gave him a smile.
"Since when are you so sweet?" She asked.
"Maybe only in dreams." He said softly.
She laughed and kissed him on his cheek. Heero then cupped her cheek and asked if he can kiss her.
"Yes." She answered.
Heero kissed her gently before she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down so she can kiss him harder. Their kiss deepened and she moaned against his lips. More, she wants more of him.
"Heero." She whispered.
They broke apart, both gasping for air after that passionate kiss. Heero kissed her on her forehead instead.
"Are you ready to go back?" He asked.
"I… think so." She whispered.
He looked around the flower shop before he looked down at her.
"I remember you, don't ever forget that." Heero told her.
"I know, thank you for coming to save me." She said.
Their eyes met before she hugs him again.
"Fate?" He asked in question.
"You are my hero, Heero." She said.
"What is with that cheesy line?" Heero asked as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Can't I at least say it once?" She asked.
Heero merely smiled at her.
"Let's go, Fate."
Fate nodded and knew that this time she wasn't going to be fearful anymore, she has Heero with her.
After Colony 203, 20th August
VLA, Unknown Location
Early Morning, 6.15am
Heero's eyes opened and he knew he was back in reality when he saw how relieved Rolland looked.
"Master Heero." Rolland greeted.
Heero merely nodded as he turned off the headgear device. He sat up on the bed and looked to Fate who was slowly waking up as well. Federick looked relieved for once and smiled at her.
"Fed? What… where am I?" Fate asked.
Federick hugged her instead and Fate was surprised but she turned and saw Heero.
"Heero? Rolland? What's going on?" Fate asked, feeling confused.
"We will explain later." Heero said as he asked Rolland to remove the heart rate monitors.
Rolland went on to tell him that his vitals were all stable, but Fate's fluctuate as well before it stabilised. Then it went on to fluctuate before it was in normal levels when she woke up. Heero was relieved to hear that. Rolland removed the heart rate monitor's cable from Fate and Heero. Fate was surprised by the equipment that was used on her. Heero removed her headgear and turned it off as well. Then Heero checked in on Fate. He might not have a doctor's license, but he knows enough on how to take care of a patient. For in his line of work, one must act as a substitute doctor or a paramedic when his men are injured in the field. Her fever has gone down but she blushed when he checked in on her. He measured her blood pressure but frowned at her.
"Your heart is racing incredibly fast, are you alright?" He asked her.
"I'm fine, just…" She looked away for a short moment.
"Master Heero, maybe I should check Miss Camden instead." Rolland suggested.
Heero frowned instead while Federick agreed on it. Fate heaved a sigh of relief when Rolland checked in on her. Her heart had raced like crazy when Heero acted as her doctor, she had never seen him so serious about her health before. Not to mention he was incredibly close and ever so handsome; it was only natural for her to react that way. She was all in the normal but Heero asked Rolland to give her another shot of the fear gas' antidote. Fate looked at him in confusion but Heero explained the situation to her.
Fate was surprised to hear that she was stuck in a nightmare she couldn't wake up from and that Heero went into her dream to save her. It made sense as he appeared in both of her dreams. She agreed to take the antidote injection shot and realised that it was her second injection that night. After that Heero advised her to take it easy for the rest of the day. Then they started packing things up. Fate knows that she needed to talk to Heero. She held onto his arm and asked him about it.
"Can we talk?" She asked him softly.
"We can talk tonight; I want you to rest first. You had a rough night." He told her.
She nodded and agreed with him. Federick was going to drive her back as Heero needed to go back to work after packing up. Fate looked back at Heero as he bids her goodbye before he turned to talk to Rolland about something.
Night time, 8pm
Trowa's Apartment
Trowa returned home earlier than expected today. He was surprised to see the lights switched on as Arabella hasn't returned to see him since she fled from his place. He didn't know how to face her as well as he couldn't really tell her the truth about what happened. Wufei and Duo advised him to talk to Arabella, but he found it hard to. But it takes both parties in a relationship, maybe he needed to try letting her in as well.
"Trowa."
He was silent as he looked at her.
"I… made dinner." Arabella said softly.
He nodded stiffly, were they going to pretend the fight didn't happen? Still he sat down and lets her tend to his dinner. The silence between them felt heavy and he sighed as well. He puts down his cutlery and looked at her directly.
"I thought you weren't coming back." He said softly.
"I… was upset that you chose not to confide in me about your troubles. I went to find Fate that night. Heero was there and he told me what was troubling you. I didn't expect it to be about the landslide." She said softly.
Trowa was silent but at least Heero had spoken of it to her.
"I took some time off to cool my head and thought about us. Trowa, I… still love you a lot. And I really want to be here for you be it in the good and bad times. So please talk to me, it will make you feel better as well." Arabella said.
Their eyes met before she placed her hands over his. He hesitated, unsure if he could tell her. Especially when it was something that was troubling him all these times. She had already taken the first step by coming back and it showed how much she wants to be here for him. Hence, he needed to meet her halfway. He decided to tell her the truth about his whole experience during the nightmare he saw, and how all he wanted was to save Heero. Then he talked about his talk with Heero and Heero asking him to move on for he had never blamed him. The talk ended with him in tears for he still felt bad about it and Arabella hugged him instantly. She comforted him and whispered soft words to him, telling him that things were going to be okay.
"Thank you for telling me, Trowa." Arabella said.
Trowa was silent as he continued hugging her.
"Heero told me that he doesn't blame you, so you need to move on from this. We can do it together, one step at a time. Don't worry, I'm here with you Trowa." Arabella said.
Trowa was surprised but relieved at the same time. They were right, it was time he moved on. To stop feeling sorry for himself and for Heero. He was reminded of Heero's words. "Live Trowa." Heero had told him and he was going to do just that. It might still take a while but at least he's taking the first few steps in the process.
Meanwhile, Colony L4, Quatre's Mansion
Night time, 8pm
Quatre had made the decision to move out of his mansion in Colony L4 and officially move to VLA. Colony L4 has always been his home. He grew up here and revived Winner Corporation from its fallen state right after the war ended. But he was starting to realise that there was no longer a reason for him to remain here. He had told Rashid and his servants the decision right after he returned to Colony L4. He doesn't want them to move to VLA with him as most of them already have families in Colony L4. He will still keep the mansion running should he ever need to fly in to check in on Winner Corporation. Its headquarters is here, and he had no intention of changing its headquarters to Colony L1.
He asked himself if it was a hasty decision that he had made to try to get away from the source of his pain. But he truly had no reason to stay. Winner Corporation has stabilised enough that he can manage it offshore. His friends are all in VLA, while his family is in Colony L4. He will still visit them regularly, but he felt that it was time to do something new for a change. Maybe he could stop being a businessman, but he wasn't sure what he will do next.
His servants don't want him to leave especially since he's not taking anyone with him. Rashid insisted on following him but Quatre was not cruel enough to tear him away from his young son. So Quatre said he has matured enough to take care of himself besides all his best friends are there in VLA, they will look after him if he needed help. It was a sad goodbye, but it wasn't forever. They were busy helping him to move some of his belongings to the mover trucks which will ship them to VLA by air freight. He hadn't told his best friends of this decision, but he already has an apartment in VLA which he will stay in for now.
His office felt cold and impersonal after all of his personal items were all packed away. He looked out of the windows at the night sky above and asked himself can he really do this? Was this how Fate felt when she left VLA to forget Heero? Sure, he wants to forget her but partly because he wanted a fresh start for himself. Life is uncertain, but he didn't want to be apart from his best friends anymore, always having to between Colony L4 and VLA to see them. Rashid had said he had expected him to move to VLA after VLA was established as the capital of Colony L1. But Quatre stayed in L4 out of family obligations. He still has them, but he doesn't want to be tied down by them anymore.
There was a knock on his door, he turned to see Rashid who informed him that all his boxes were packed in the truck and the truck has left for the airport. Quatre nodded and thanked him for his help. He planned to board the last flight to VLA tonight. He was still early; he still had a few hours to go before he needed to go to the airport.
"Don't you have someone to say goodbye to?" Rashid asked.
Quatre was silent before he picked up the letter on his desk and handled it to Rashid.
"If she ever asked to see me again, please give her this." Quatre said.
"Wouldn't it be better if you give it to her personally?" Rashid asked.
"I… don't plan on seeing her again." Quatre said sadly.
"Why do this when you know…"
"Because she doesn't feel the same and this is me moving on." Quatre cuts in before Rashid could finish.
"How about a phone call?" Rashid suggested.
Quatre said nothing and thanked Rashid for looking after him all these years. He had left him his address in VLA should he ever need to find him. His contact details still remained the same.
"Please allow me to…"
"My mind won't change Rashid. I'm a grown man now, please allow me to be selfish like this… for once." Quatre cuts in.
His mind won't change about not bringing anyone alone. Rashid nodded, accepting his determined answer. With that they bid each other farewell before Quatre returned to his seat behind his desk. He sat down on it and stared at the telephone. He had time, he might as well… make a courtesy call. Hence, he called Dorothy's mansion next door and asked to speak to her. Her servants took a while to transfer the call to her.
"A surprise call in the middle of the night, how unlike you, Mr. Winner." Came her usual teasing voice.
He was silent for a short while and decided to keep the conversation short.
"I'm moving away, Dorothy."
There was silence on the other end of the line which was unusual for her.
"I called to say goodbye for real this time." Quatre said softly.
"Surely it's not that drastic to move away based on…"
"Goodbye Dorothy, take care of yourself." He said softly and ended the call swiftly after that.
He didn't trust himself that he wasn't going to break down, so he was glad the call was over. When the time came, he took his briefcase and left the mansion. His servants all came out to send him off. He was surprised but glad that at least he had been well liked by all his servants. He bids them goodbye before he entered his limo. He was filled with a twinge of regret as his limo drove out of his mansion grounds. But if he doesn't go, life will always remain the same for him. He needed this change for himself. His limo drove past Dorothy's mansion and he silently bidded goodbye to her. Maybe indeed for both of them, it simply wasn't meant to be.
Colony L1, Moonstone Mansion
Night time, 10pm
Heero came to Moonstone Mansion and went up to Fate's room. She was still up, waiting for him. They sat down on the sofa in her room while Heero removed his military uniform's coat and tie. The atmosphere between them was tensed but Fate broke the silence first.
"Since you shared my dream, you must have been present at both of my dreams." Fate whispered.
Heero nodded.
"I'm sorry for the things I said to you…" She whispered.
"But they were the truth of how you felt about the entire thing." Heero said softly.
The pained look on her face was clear as she looked down slightly.
"You felt used." Heero said, requoting her exact words.
She didn't respond but Heero knows that this topic was something that was hurting both of them. But they have to deal with it, or it will only continue to haunt Fate.
"Indeed, sorry is not going to change anything but I deeply regret my actions that night. If I had the chance to redo it, I won't do what I did to you."
"I know." She whispered.
Heero has no idea how they were going to solve this together as he knows she doesn't want to run from it anymore.
"I realised that you cannot forgive yourself for what you have done to me. That you are still filled with regret and guilt over it. But what surprised both of us was how my younger self acted despite everything else." She whispered.
"It's a dream Fate, any normal person in their right mind won't react that way."
"No, I'm sure I would have done the same thing, despite what happened." Fate whispered.
Their eyes met and Heero frowned a little.
"Her action reminded me of something. That I still love you despite all that have happened between us, that hasn't changed." Fate said.
"Like I said, it doesn't mean…"
"When I thought back about it, maybe at the start I wanted to do it with you because I felt that it was the only chance that I will ever have with you. After all you never saw me as anything more than a friend. It sounds like a pathetic reason, but I am at fault for what happened too." She said, Heero trailed off in silence at her words.
"It became something entirely different from what I expected it to be. I chickened out but… it was too late." She whispered.
Heero was silent and waited for her to finish telling him what she wanted to say.
"I was ashamed, to love someone so much only to be used as a substitute. Yet we went through so much to finally be together again. Then it started coming back, reminding me that I'm not over it no matter how much I tried to hide it from you." Fate whispered.
She sighed to and looked at him.
"I wonder why I can't rule it as bad sex and move on." She whispered.
A sudden question came to his mind.
"You and Matthew…"
"No, we didn't have sex. We never got to that stage." She told him.
Then she hesitated and decided to ask him.
"And you before we got together?" She asked shyly.
"You were the last woman I slept with." Heero admits.
The shocked expression on Fate's face was clear.
"But that's… more than two years ago. You mean all these times you never had sex with anyone else?" She asked.
"No."
"Wow!" Fate exclaimed in surprise.
Heero raised an eyebrow at her and she blushed under his gaze.
"I mean I thought men have urges and needs. How do you… deal with that?" She asked softly.
"I think of something else that stops all mood and urges." Heero explained.
"Like?" She asked, but then blushed as Heero continued to stare at her in silence.
Their conversation seemed to have turned to be about sex instead. Heero was silent but decided not to tell her.
"It's my secret." Heero said softly.
It made Fate curious, but she decided to press a little further into it.
"Is it about me?" She asked.
"No, thinking about you will naturally make matters worse." He said stiffly.
"Oh?"
"Let's get back on track." Heero reminded her gently, but she smiled instead.
"My perspective has changed after the dream sharing. Yes, what happened was horrible, the feelings were horrible too. But if I continue to dwell on it, I will only end up hurting both of us. And I still love you so much that I don't want to be apart from you. I… want to focus on the now, not the past. I'm not going to let something that happened in the past ruin our current happiness. And I'm certain that you will be here for me no matter what happens. Saving me, protecting me and cherishing me. With that I know… next time should we ever get there, you will be gentler and kinder towards me." She whispered.
"But Fate…"
"I forgive you, if that counts for something." She said softly.
Heero was surprised at her words but he fell silent, maybe this was what he needed to hear from her as well.
"Promise me that it won't happen again, and you will be considerate to me?" She asked softly.
"Fate…"
"I mean not now, but in the future." She whispered.
Heero reached out and pulled her into his arms, hugging her. She closed her eyes and rested against his muscular chest.
"You don't have to force yourself to move on from it so fast, we can still take it slowly." He told her softly.
Fate said nothing as she took in the warmth of his body against hers.
"I promise you, Fate." Heero whispered.
She smiled a she looked up at him. He caressed her cheek and she closed her eyes, expecting a kiss. But it came slowly, when she thought he wasn't going to kiss her, she felt his lips on hers. It was a gentle kiss and she smiled at him after it.
VLA, Preventers' Headquarters, Wufei's New Office
Night time, 10pm
Wufei was still stuck reading reports even at such hours. His new training had started ever since he said yes to become the Deputy Head of the Preventers. He was promoted immediately and given a new office on the top floor next to Lady Une's. His secretary had moved with him as well and she had to undergo new form of training as well. There were more responsibilities that comes with this new role but Wufei knows that he will miss field work too. But it was for the best, after all Lady Une can't hold the fort for so long on her own. She will often ask for his opinion before making major decisions as if testing him as well. She was strict with him and Wufei won't have it any other way. They have rules and protocols to follow and as the second highest level of command, there were things he has to memorise by heart before giving the orders to proceed.
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in." He called out.
The door opened and he was surprised to see that it was Lady Une who came into his office after closing the door behind her. He noticed that she's still wearing heels.
"Shouldn't you wear flats by now?" Wufei asked as he puts aside the report in front of him.
"I only have heels." Une replied.
Wufei frowned instead.
"I see that you are still doing overtime. How are things so far?" She asked as if to check in on him.
"Busy and there are a lot of things to learn." Wufei said.
"Good, for there will be more to come. The Fear Gas attack is finally settling down, with only a few more victims getting treated in the hospital. We are stepping up our internet and social media surveillance as well." Lady Une told him.
"I heard about the blackout." Wufei said.
"Heero… Lieutenant Colonel Wingate covered it perfectly although we did face issue with the damage of property from the Minister of Transport while retrieving the bombs on the trains." Lady Une said.
"The permit took too long." Wufei said.
"Yes, but as you know there's more than just us in play, it's a problem with too many levels of approval. Which is being looked at by the President himself." Une told him.
"We received complaints from the victims' families." Wufei said.
"Cannot be helped when people need someone to blame for the loss of their loved ones." Une said.
"Did we hear anything about the people who were caught?" Wufei said.
"The army is handling that one, most of them are pleading guilty as they have enough evidence to bring all of them to trial. Which is what's going to happen soon, especially the man who started it all." Une said.
Wufei nodded, indeed it was finally going to be over soon.
"How's everyone coping after the fear gas happened?" Lady Une asked suddenly.
Wufei knew that she was asking about Trowa, Heero and Quatre.
"We are all coping but getting better." Wufei said.
She nodded and remained silent for a short while.
"Have you told your husband about your pregnancy?" Wufei asked instead.
"I did, he took it well. I am uncertain about breaking the news to Mariemaia, I don't want her running away again." Lady Une said softly.
Wufei nodded and noticed the slight hesitation in her.
"Wufei, do you think…" She trailed off before she sighed.
"That you will be a good mother?" Wufei finished her sentence for her.
The surprise on her face was clear but that was indeed the question she wanted to ask.
"Aren't you already one?" Wufei asked.
"I know, but it's different. Looking after a child who already twelve years old is different from looking after a child from birth." Lady Une said.
Wufei frowned, maybe she should speak to a woman about this instead for he knows that he can't give her the assurance she needed.
"It's not like you, you are usually very clear cut about things and people." Wufei said.
She didn't answer but Wufei can still sense her concern.
"I never thought about it until recently." She said softly.
"You should talk to Heero." Wufei supplied.
"Why the suggestion?" Lady Une asked.
"I'm sure he will be better at giving you advice." Wufei said.
Lady Une was silent before she shook her head and turned to leave.
"Don't stay too late, Wufei." She said.
"Une, you are hesitant proves that you too are only human." Wufei said before she left his office.
Une gave him a small smile before she left his office. Wufei looked at his phone and realised that Fate had invited him to a private party at Moonstone Mansion tomorrow.
The next day, 21st August
Heero's Penthouse
Evening, 6.30pm
Heero Wingate knows that this was a bad idea, but Fate insisted on going to his penthouse first before going back to her mansion for the party. She threw everything together at the last minute and he felt it too abrupt but thankfully everyone could make it. Now they were standing in front of the door to his penthouse. He looked back at Fate in question. She was already dressed for the party and she noticed how he was staring at her.
"I'm fine Heero." She said.
"The fears don't disappear from one dream sharing experience, Fate." He said.
"I know, you said it more than five times today." Fate said.
He stared at her in silence.
"I know that you don't want me to do this, but I feel that I am ready."
"Too…"
She pressed a finger to his lips to quiet him down.
"Too soon, you already said that ten times today. I know that you are concerned for me, but this is getting too extreme. It's not like you at all, Heero." She pointed out.
Can you blame him? He's about to have a heart attack but she seemed totally fine with it. What had brought about this change in her? She was so pale and trembling in fear just a few days ago but now she seemed perfectly fine.
"Aren't you going to open the door?" She asked.
He gently shifted her finger away from his lips so he could speak.
"Fate if you are forcing yourself to appear calm…"
"I'm not." She said.
He tried to turn her away one last time, but she stopped him.
"My mind won't change so open the door if not I will ask Meteor to hack it." Fate said.
He resigned himself to this and opened the door. Rolland was surprised to see Fate but greeted both of them as they entered it. He kept a watchful eye on Fate as he took off his military coat and tie before handling them to Rolland. He asked Rolland to leave them alone and so Rolland left them alone. Fate took in a deep breath and sighed as she walked further into his penthouse. He followed after her, not sure what she was truly after. She headed for the stairs and he immediately stepped forward to block her from going up.
"Fate." He warned.
"I'm ready to face it, or at least I think so." Fate said.
"Fate, you are rushing this too much. Don't force yourself to do this as it will only make matters worse." He told her.
"I need to do this." She told him instead.
Their eyes met but Heero didn't move from his position. He saw the determination in her eyes.
"I will tell you if I can't take it anymore." Fate said.
"No." Heero denied.
"Please." She whispered.
The two of them stared at each other for a while but Heero refused to move. Fate sighed before she tried to squeeze past him, but he stood firmly there. He was like a strong wall against her. She sighed in defeat.
"Okay, not today then." She said, moving to walk back towards the main door.
Heero was a little suspicious of her hence he didn't move from his position on the stairs. She loudly sighed this time and went to the kitchen instead, totally out of his view. Still he didn't budge, aware that Fate will change direction to go back up the stairs once he was out of the way. She peeked out at him and was saddened to see that he hadn't moved.
"You need better tactics than that, Fate." He told her.
"Yes, I see that." She whispered before heading to the stairs again.
He stared her down, but she wasn't afraid of his glare.
"I could kiss you." She suggested.
"I still won't move from here."
"I can't believe you are so stubborn about this." She exclaimed.
Still he didn't move so she puts more distance between them and Heero knows what she's after. She started running towards him and he caught her, stopping her from hitting him directly as well. She tried to squeeze past him, but he hugged her close to him instead. She stopped struggling against him after some time.
"I don't want you to get even more hurt than you already are, Fate." He told her softly, speaking the words from his heart.
She didn't respond while he tightened his hold around her. He felt her reach up to hug him as well.
"I know that you will be here for me even if that happens, that's why I know I can do this… with you." She whispered.
"Not when I'm the one hurting you, Fate." Heero said.
She gently pushed against him and so he broke their hug to look at her. She was smiling up at him.
"It happens both ways Heero, even I hurt you. But isn't resolving them together more important than avoiding them?" She asked.
"Timing is important as well." He pointed out.
"True, but can't we give it a shot today?"
He was still worried about her, and she knows this.
"Please Heero, I need to do this for myself. For us too." She said.
He hesitated before he finally moved aside but then he warned her.
"You remember the safe words?" He asked.
She nodded and they proceeded up the stairs. Fate walked slowly and Heero walked beside her, wanting her to know that he's here with her too. They were going to his master bedroom, he's aware of that fact. They stopped in front of the door to his bedroom and he noticed the slight hesitation in her.
Fate knows that this was it. Yet the closer she got to this place the more the fear grew. But she realised that it wasn't the place itself that was the source of her fears. It was the emotional and physical pain from what happened, not the location. Hence, she wanted to prove to Heero that she wasn't afraid of his room anymore. But somehow standing here made her realise how much she had feared this place. In her nightmares, it was always this place. This very room where it happened. She took in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. She knows that she needed to face reality head on. She's not going to run away anymore.
She turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. She's aware that Heero's standing beside her. She looked into the room through the open door as if afraid to enter it. Heero went in and switched on the lights for her so that she could see the entire room better. He then came out to stand next to her again. As she looked at his bedroom slowly, she realised that even his bedroom had changed. The entire bedroom seemed to have been remodelled, all the walls, furniture and layout were different as well. She turned to look at Heero in silence instead.
"I remodelled the bedroom and my home office along with the first floor, which explains why it looks different." Heero explained.
Fate wasn't sure how to react to this news, but it dawned on her that even the room that she had feared so much was no longer the same room anymore. How ironic so many things could change in just two years, yet the room that she was trapped in didn't exist in reality anymore. It was all in her mind, she knows that. The atmosphere of the room now is different, it looked brighter somehow with the different shades of grey. She slowly stepped into the room so she could look at it closely.
She looked at everything silently, trying to commit even the tiniest details into memory so that she will remember it. Then she will remember that this is the reality of the bedroom now, it was no longer the one she remembered in her nightmare. It no longer existed…
Fate was silent as she stared at the large bed, oh the irony of seeing it. Even though the positioning of the bed and the bed sheets have changed, it was still the same bed. She stared at it in silence as if remembering what happened on it.
"Fate."
She jerked slightly, as if remembering where she was again. She looked at him only to feel something dropping down. Fate looked down to see that it seemed like a droplet of water. She touched her cheek and that's when she realised that she's crying. Oh, since when? Heero watched her in silence, his hands were tightly clenched into fists at his side. He seemed to be trying to stop himself from touching her as if wanting to give her the space she needed. Especially since this was a painful thing to her.
Fate looked back at the bed and wondered why she was crying. Was she crying for her past self, for what happened or for the two of them? She wasn't sure as well.
"Should we go?" He asked her softly.
She shook her head.
"Can you give me a few minutes?" She asked.
"Fate…"
"Please." She whispered.
Heero watched her silently as she continued to stare at the bed. The tears still fell but Fate knows that she was finally acknowledging what really happened that night. Sure, it was painful and hurtful, but she wasn't running anymore. Yes, what happened here back then was real. The room was no longer the same as it was back then. But that can't change the fact that it cannot be undone, so she can only come to terms with the reality of it and move on. For Heero and for herself…
She surprised herself by stepping forward and then reached out to touch the side of Heero's bed. Heero did seem to want to stop her but he held back. Yes, this was very much real, it wasn't her nightmare nor was it a dream. This room that she's in is real as well. It took her a while to stop crying and calm down as she focused on the facts. Finally, she straightened and stepped away from the bed to look at Heero. Heero was staring at her with his same emotionless face but his eyes were filled with concern for her.
"It's okay now." She whispered.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"I… have come to terms with it, I'm no longer afraid of this place anymore." She told him.
He looked at her in silence as if uncertain if she really meant it. She gave him a small smile.
"Can I come back here when I want to?" She asked.
"Fate, are you sure you are not forcing yourself?" He asked.
She nodded her head, but he reached out and placed his hands on her shoulder as if to determine her true feelings.
"Are you really not afraid of this room anymore?" He asked her.
Their eyes met and she knows that he was asking this seriously.
"Yes. For I realised that this room is no longer the same place I remembered it to be. It has changed drastically over time. The place I'm afraid of is the room that's in my mind, one that I constantly trapped myself in, not your actual room anymore." Fate said.
"About the room in your mind." Heero said.
"I know, we will deal with it later. I think I can slowly get used to being here again." She told him.
"My opinion still doesn't change; we can take it slowly." He told her.
She smiled and nodded at him. With that they came out of his room and Fate disappeared into the guest room's toilet to freshen up her makeup as they were going back to the party in her house. After that Heero drove her back to her mansion. Fate was quiet during the drive back but then she thanked him for his concern over her, but she's really okay. At least she can tell him that now.
Moonstone Mansion
Night time, 8pm
Heero's family, Fate's family, Heero's best friends and Fate's best friends were all gathered at Fate's mansion. Even Fate's manager, Kimberly was here tonight. They have all gathered at the mansion's outdoors, near the gardens and the swimming pool. Some of them have no idea why they were here but Fate finally appeared with Heero. It was a late start to the party as most of them came over from their workplace. Heero lets go of her hand and stood near the front as Killian handled Fate a wireless microphone. As it was an outdoor party, everything was already set up and arranged properly despite the short notice.
"Thank you everyone for coming. I know you all rushed down from work, some of you even from overseas to be here." Fate said, giving the opening speech.
All eyes were on her and then she nodded her head as her staff came forward to give everyone a glass of champagne. Angel and Aaron got juice as they are still underage.
"We have all been through a lot these past few weeks, ever since the fear gas happened. I just want to thank everyone involved in it. The people who fought so hard to ensure that we are all still alive, our family and friends who worried so much about us. Thank you for your care, concern and support that you have shown to us who were caught in the fear gas." Fate said with a smile.
Heero then understood what this party was for.
"I wanted to host this party to celebrate us having gone through the fear gas attack. Not just because we are still alive, but also because I know we are making attempts to fight against our worst fears." Fate said.
Then she took in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Her eyes watered a little, but she puts on a smile especially when she felt Heero's eyes on her.
"I would like to propose a toast to all of us, that we will be victors over our own fears. And that they will have no more hold against us." Fate said.
She raised her glass, and everyone followed suit.
"To us, cheers!" Fate said.
Everyone echoed the cheers as they drank them champagne.
"I have an announcement to make as well." Fate said after the toast.
All eyes were still on her and Heero wondered what it was about.
"I'm going back to work starting from tomorrow onwards and I plan to make major changes to my current work on the newest album. So please look forward to my newest album. And to Kimberly, we will have our work cut out for us. But please, continue to support me." Fate said.
With that she gave a bow to the audience and everyone clapped for her. Kimberly looked confused but merely sighed, as if she knew something like this was going to happen.
"Thank you, everyone. Please enjoy the food, drinks and the party." Fate said.
She then signalled to Heero as if asking him if he wants to say a few words. Heero nodded and then he took over the microphone from Fate.
"Thank you, Fate. The Fear Gas Attack's case has been closed officially. We have all been through a lot these few weeks. But I have learnt that doing something about our fears is what truly matters. Hence, I urge you to overcome your fears regardless of how big or small you think they are. Never let your fears consume you. Thank you all." Heero said.
They did clap for him and with that the party continued. Fate was hugging practically everyone she's close to. Her family members, her best friends, Kimberly and even some of his family members. Carlton was absent from the party and Heero took time to thank everyone in his family as well as his best friends. Duo had invited Hilde and Fate welcomed her warmly as well. They started to mingle among themselves even when eating. But eventually the five men found themselves with each other again. The food was good but Heero is glad that Fate's finally smiling again. He knows that she's not truly cleared from her reality distortion issue but he's certain that she will get there one day.
"I have an announcement to make." Quatre said.
"Yes?" Duo asked.
"I have moved to VLA officially since this morning." Quatre said.
All four of his best friends stared at him in shocked silence. Quatre didn't know how to ease the awkwardness in the tensed silence.
"I…"
"It's rather sudden, Quatre. Are you sure about this?" Trowa asked, cutting in first.
"I am sure. I will be staying in an apartment that I bought a few years ago." Quatre told them.
"What do you plan to do while in VLA?" Heero asked as Winner Corporation only has a small branch office in VLA.
"I have not decided yet, but I think it's a fresh start which I needed. A chance to do something different but still be close to my best friends." Quatre said.
He sounded confident and happy but the other four seemed to know why Quatre was doing this.
"Are you sure it's not because of a certain blonde woman?" Duo asked.
"We are over but I'm doing this for myself." Quatre said.
"It will make it more convenient now that you are in VLA too." Wufei pointed out.
Quatre nodded in agreement but then Fate came in to join their conversation. She then hugged his best friends one by one as if to thank them and to comfort them. Quatre told her of the news that he had moved to VLA. Fate was surprised but smiled warmly at him. Then she congratulates Wufei on his promotion. Wufei thanked her and only allowed Fate to give him a very brief hug. Fate then hugs Heero and kissed him on the cheek. Then she had to move on to the next group though he reminded her to eat as he hadn't seen her eat anything as she was moving about from people to people. She nodded at him before she moved to the next group. She's being a good hostess as she talked to everyone.
Eventually Heero went to find Fate and stole her away from Rachel who merely smiled at both of them. Heero leads Fate to walk around the swimming pool with him. They looked back at everyone and they all seemed happy as they chat with each other.
"Trowa seems better." Fate said.
Heero nodded noticing how Trowa seemed to be back to his usual self too. He had confided in Fate about his best friends' condition, but he left out some confidential details.
"Hilde seems…nervous to meet me." Fate told him.
"She is Duo's girlfriend now, hence Duo wanted to introduce her to you. Naturally, she's nervous as she probably never met so many people form high society before." Heero said.
They watched Hilde with Duo in silence before Fate noticed something. Heero looked at where she was looking at and saw Rebecca talking rather civilly to Wufei. It was a rare sight as they used to fight almost every time they meet.
"Hmm I have never seen them not fight before." Fate whispered.
"It's good for a change." Heero said softly.
"True." Fate admits.
"You didn't eat anything yet." Heero pointed out.
Fate was surprised but she guessed it was because Heero always kept an eye on her no matter where she went.
"I was too busy entertaining people." Fate said.
"I know, do you want me to get anything for you?" He asked.
"Something light, the desserts look good though." She said with a smile.
Heero nodded and left her side to get food for her. Fate saw that Jace cornered Heero at the buffet table as if teasing him. Heero continued taking food for her while they chat.
"How are you, my dear?"
She turned to smile at Helen, her mother.
"I'm much better now." She admits.
"Really?" Helen asked her softly.
Fate nodded.
"Heero helped me greatly." Fate admits.
Helen nodded and hugs her tightly.
"I'm glad that you are alright now. It must have been a horrible experience for you but I'm glad that we didn't lose you." Helen whispered, sounding a little emotional.
Fate nodded and hugs her mother gently before she broke the hug as Heero was approaching them.
"I'm an adult now, I can take care of myself, mother." She said.
"I certainly hope so." Helen said.
Both mother and daughter smiled before Helen left them alone. They sat down on the pool lounge chair as Fate ate a little. She was smiling from the desserts but Heero advised her not to have too many. Kimberly caught up with them and gave Fate a brief summary of how everyone is still asking for her especially since her shopping trip with Heero ended up all over the internet and paparazzi papers. Fate said she will deal with everything from tomorrow onwards.
"Are you sure you are ready to come back for work?" Kimberly asked.
Heero had the same question but it was Fate's decision to make. She nodded and smiled at her.
"Yes, I am. I have rested enough and I'm eager to get started on producing the new album again." Fate said.
"I have a bad feeling about what is to come." Kimberly muttered.
Heero looked at Fate in question who merely smiled at Kimberly in return but even Heero can tell that Fate has her work cut out for her.
"You will know tomorrow." Fate said.
Kimberly sighed and asked her to be careful as well since people are still watching her. She nodded and then managed to eat in silence for a short moment. Heero gave her hand a squeeze before he was called away elsewhere. He was talking to his siblings and his best friends when he saw Fate talking to Rebecca and Arabella. Soon it was getting late and people were leaving. Fate bids them goodbye and Heero managed to have a private talk with Belmont. Belmont had stayed in VLA to finish up on the scientific report for the fear gas for the military's files. This included the write up on the antidote, Heero had thanked him for doing it.
Meanwhile he had met up with Belmont secretly regarding their side project on cellular regeneration. They have visited the biomedical laboratories that SilverWings own. Both of them agreed to push their project to the next stage. Heero will be participating more in this project from this stage onwards. Naturally, it was a secret between the two of them. Belmont hugged Fate and wished her well before saying that he was going back to Japan tonight with the rest of the De Camden family. After most of the guests were gone, her servants started to clean the outdoors up. Federick retired to his room while Fate is bidding Heero goodbye in the gardens. They finally have some private time of their own.
"Are you alright?" He asked her.
"I'm fine, just slightly tired." She said, before she placed her hands around his neck and hugs him.
Heero hugs her back as she smiled up at him.
"You will be busy from now on?" He asked.
She sighed and nodded.
"But you have the key to my mansion so you can still drop by if you want to." Fate said.
Heero nodded and guess he will have to do that as he's still watching her regarding her nightmares.
"Work might be stressful for you." He said.
"I know, but I am filled with inspirations after all that have happened." Fate said.
He raised an eyebrow at her, she merely smiled and kissed him on his cheek.
"I won't reveal something so personal to the entire universe. But I have a few ideas which I can use." Fate said.
"But you will be doing a complete do-over of your new album?" Heero asked.
"That is still up for discussion." Fate admits.
He was silent as he thought about it.
"It's your album Fate, do what you want with it." Heero said.
"If only my manager and producers allow that." Fate said.
"One phone call and you know that I can buy over the entire studios." Heero said.
"Heero, not everything can be settled with money. Besides, I already struck gold with SilverWings, so any more interference is not necessary. SilverWings is already my studios' biggest client." Fate said.
"Because you are from it."
She kissed him on the lips instead as if telling him that she doesn't want to talk about it anymore. He kissed her back gently as he still remembered what happened today.
"I will see you soon?" she asked after they broke apart.
Heero nodded and with that they broke their hug. He bids her goodbye and watched as she entered her mansion. Then he turned to leave, he was going back to his military base to finish up more work.
To be continued…
Author's Note: This is the closing chapter to the Coping Arc of the story. While all the characters are slowly moving on with their lives, we know that it will take time for Fate to overcome her past. But at least Heero is helping her with it. It has been an intense ride filled with lot's of emotions for the Fear Gas and Coping Story Arcs. Hope all of you enjoyed it so far, please do continue to support this story, thank you.