Family
Chapter 52: To AC 204
Author's note: Previously on Family, Blue Marine Pub has reopened again after a major renovation since the Fear Gas' incident. Fate performed on the re-opening night and met Lionel. Fate and Heero disagreed over whether they should take their relationship to the next level of intimacy. But things were resolved after Heero returned from his yearly check on Wing Zero. Wing Zero showed him a vision of the future to come as a warning, hence Heero needs to ensure that the future he saw in the vision does not happen.
This chapter will not be broken down into shorter chapters.
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, 30th December
Heero's Penthouse,
Morning, 10am
Heero raised an eyebrow at his girlfriend who was outside of his penthouse's door. She smiled brightly at him. He noticed that she was carrying a lot of supermarket's shopping bags.
"What are you doing here?" Heero asked.
Heero had closed down his army base until the 2nd of January and hence was working from home. He wanted to give his soldiers more time to rest as they won't have any rest time once the next year starts. After all, Heero is still busy coming up with mission plans. Rolland isn't back yet hence Heero was alone at home.
"I figured that since Rolland isn't back yet, you must be lonely at home. And probably skipping meals or eating unhealthy food for meals. So, I decided to come and cook your meals for you. Just for today as I have a packed schedule tomorrow, it is New Year's Eve after all." Fate said.
"I can always go your house." Heero said.
"But my family are there, we won't be able to get much couple time." Fate said.
"Are you sure you are comfortable with being here?" Heero asked cautiously.
"I'm fine." Fate said.
He eyed her with narrowed eyes as if he doesn't believe her.
"I waited here alone for you on Christmas Eve." Fate pointed out.
He eventually lets her in and locked the door after her. She took her coats off and he carried her bags into the kitchen. She had bought a lot of ingredients and she was surprised that his refrigerator was empty.
"Rolland timed the food well so that the leftovers won't spoil when he's away. He knows that I don't cook." Heero said.
Fate nodded and said that she will be busy preparing food and cooking lunch hence she shooed him away from the kitchen. Heero asked if she needed help but she said no.
"I will be in my home office. You can call my phone if you don't want to come up." Heero told her.
"I can send Meteor if I want to." Fate said.
"You know the way around my kitchen?" Heero asked.
"You renovated the entire kitchen as well, but Rolland has helped me out the first time. Relax, I know where most tools are kept. I have cooked here before." She said as she was busy putting the ingredients away.
Heero still stared at her in silence.
"Go and do your work, I know that you still work even on your off days." Fate said.
He didn't move as he continued to stare at her.
"Heero?" She asked, looking at him.
He decided to leave her alone. He went up to his home office and continued working. He did look at the clock on the wall and knows that he will check in on her eventually. Time passed as Heero focused on his work. As the kitchen's door is closed, he did not smell anything, but he was getting a little worried about Fate. He saved his work and came down the stairs to see that Fate is cooking something on the stove. He went in and noticed that she was cooking the side dishes first. Though the main dish was prepared but left one side as if to be cooked later. He hugged her from behind instead.
"Heero?" She asked looking at him in surprise.
He was silent as he hugged her, she feels warm and soft against him. He can smell her familiar rose scent from being this close to her. Funny he used to see couples do this in the movies, but it was surprisingly nice to do. After all she's cooking lunch for him and it seems very homely. He tightened his hold around her and kissed her on the nape of her neck. She jerked immediately to that and he wondered if it was because she's sensitive around her neck area.
"Heero, stop. I have to concentrate here." Fate said, turning slightly to look at him.
She was blushing badly but Heero didn't listen to her, continuing to nuzzle her in her neck. Fate had tied her long hair up into a ponytail hence it gave him access to her neck.
"Heero…" She whispered.
The way she's responding to his touches was cute.
"It's burning." Heero whispered into her ear.
"Hmm?" She asked.
"It's burning."
She jerked in shock and looked at the pot that was on the stove. She was supposed to keep stirring it, but she had stopped as Heero was distracting her. She immediately continued stirring it and was relieved that it wasn't overcooked. She pouted at Heero while he merely smiled at her.
"You need to wait outside; you are a distraction." Fate declared.
Heero continued smiling and asked if he can help her. It will be faster if two people help out. But Fate pushed him out of the kitchen.
"I can manage, just wait for your food." Fate said, closing the kitchen's door at him.
He raised an eyebrow and watched as she continued to cook. He decided to leave her alone and he went back to his home office to continue working. He lost track of how much time had passed as he was absorbed in his work. Heero was in the middle of writing his report when there was a knock on his office's door.
"Come in."
The door opened and Fate peeked her head in.
"Lunch is ready." She told him.
"I will come down now." Heero said.
She waited for him, but he continued typing down his notes in point form so that he won't forget it. Then he saved the document and went out of the room. They went down the stairs together. Fate had freshened up after cooking. They sat down at the dining table and Heero saw that she had prepared French cuisine for lunch. There was beef stew, salmon salad and French bread to go with the stew. She had also prepared mushroom soup which was what she was stirring in the pot just now. They started eating and Heero complimented her for her cooking. The food was delicious, and she smiled warmly at him. They ate and chat over various things and Heero had an enjoyable time with her. After they have eaten lunch, Fate was clearing up the plates and Heero decided to help her.
They were both washing up the plates, utensils and cooking pots together. Cleaning up took a while but Fate is glad that Heero volunteered to help out. She cleaned up the sink area while Heero dries the plates and places everything back in their place. Then Fate asked Heero to go back to work. He did have to finish his report, so he went back to work. Fate cleaned the kitchen and knows she will have to do it again after dinner. She decided to clean his penthouse since Heero's busy, and she had nothing to do. Also, Rolland is away for two weeks, hence no one is cleaning the house as Heero's busy working.
She wore gloves, a mask and an apron before she gathered the cleaning tools. She went up the stairs and paused in front of Heero's bedroom. This place still unnerves her a little, but she took in a deep breath and went in. Indeed, it was no longer the place she remembered it to be and when she was calmer, she went to clean the room. Fate did the cleaning in silence as she had done this for Heero before. She doesn't need to clean her own mansion, but cleaning does help to pass time sometimes. She moved on to the guest rooms and skipped Heero's office as he's still working inside. Heero finished his report and submitted it to his superior officers. Then he came out of his home office to find Fate mopping the first floor. Damn he left her alone and she ended up cleaning his penthouse for him.
"Fate, you don't have to clean the penthouse for me." Heero said.
"It's alright, I have nothing to do. And I don't want to disturb you." Fate said.
He came down the stairs and asked her to rest as he will finish the rest. Fate refused and they fought over the mop until Fate gave up. She left the remaining mopping to Heero and returned the apron, gloves to their original position. Then she sat down and waited for Heero to finish. He did the cleaning fast and efficiently. Soon the penthouse was clean, and he asked about the second floor.
"I already cleaned everything except your office." Fate said.
Heero looked at the clock and was surprised that so much time had passed. Fate said she needs to prepare to cook dinner now. Heero stopped her and asked if they should go out instead as she must be tired after all that cleaning. He then thanked her for her help though she didn't have to do it. Fate needs to take a bath as she was sweaty after all that cooking and cleaning. Heero returned to his home office to check on SilverWings' progress reports. Fate enjoyed a long bath as she soaked in the bath tub. Then she got dressed and went to find Heero.
They drove out to a Japanese restaurant and were showed into a private room. They had a good time enjoying the food and each other's company. Then Fate felt that it was too early to go back hence they were deciding where to go next when both of them got a text message. The guys want to meet up to drink tonight as most of them are spending New Year's Eve and the New Year with their girlfriends. He looked at Fate who was texting a reply.
"The guys want to drink tonight." He told her.
"Rebecca and Arabella too." Fate said.
Heero nodded, aware that they will be going their separate ways. He will drop her off at Arabella's apartment. Fate got into his car and strapped the seat belt on. Heero leaned over and kissed her suddenly, taking her by surprise.
"Heero?" She asked.
"Thank you for lunch and for spending time with me." Heero told her.
She smiled at him. The overnight plan was ruined but she decided not to mention it. Fate closed her eyes and kissed him back. They kissed for a while in the car before Heero said they should get going. Fate smiled and tried to calm her racing heart. Heero was concentrating on the road ahead.
"Do you have any plans on New Year?" Fate asked him.
"No." Heero said.
She was silent and the silence that followed after that felt awkward. Fate suddenly felt shy, but this is a great opportunity.
"Shall we spend the New Year together?" She asked.
Heero nodded as he continued driving. Fate still felt a bit shy, but she should give Heero a heads up.
"Can we meet at the hotel suite after the countdown at midnight?" She asked him.
Heero looked at her briefly as if sensing something more to her question.
"Are you sure, Fate?" He asked instead.
"Yes."
Their eyes met before Heero looked ahead to concentrate on driving. He will be lying if he said he wasn't anticipating that night. But no, he should not have too high expectations, Fate still has the choice to refuse him.
"Okay." Heero said.
Fate smiles and looked down shyly. She looks forward to that day.
Quatre's Apartment
The usual five men have gathered at Quatre's Apartment. They didn't go Blue Marine Pub tonight as they wanted to drink all night. And it was more comfortable to fall asleep at someone's house than at the pub. Heero was the last to arrive and saw that the four have already started drinking. He poured himself a glass of whisky and sat down with them.
"Right, so let's conclude how our entire year has been!" Duo said.
Wufei rolled his eyes as he gulped down his drink and got another refill.
"Duo can go first." Quatre suggested.
"Yes, this year has been a roller coaster for me. First with Lady Une getting married, I never saw that coming. Then I met Hilde again and actually fought with Heero." Duo said, recounting the major events for him this year.
Heero said nothing as it wasn't a fist fight.
"Then the fear gas happened, had to work with Camden. And I'm really happy we managed to save everyone. Then I confessed to Hilde and found out everything that happened to her. And now we are officially together." Duo said with a smile.
"I guess the year ended well for you?" Trowa asked.
"Yeah, you can say that but there are moments when I wished I didn't have a girlfriend." Duo muttered.
Heero understands what Duo meant, as there are frustrations that came with any relationship.
"So yes, I am going to drink till I'm drunk tonight. And go for the second round at the countdown party tomorrow night!" Duo declared as he finished his glass.
Duo will always be Duo, but Heero is happy that he's with Hilde again.
"I can go next." Quatre said.
"Yes, go ahead!" Duo said.
"This year has been… bad. I was shocked about Lady Une's wedding. I saw my worst fears coming alive due to the fear gas attack. But it gave me the push I needed to finally… tell Dorothy how I felt." Quatre said.
Silence fell between the five of them. The other four are aware of how much Quatre loves Dorothy despite their crazy, dysfunctional dynamics.
"Was rejected by her and hence really heart broken." Quatre said softly.
Trowa reached over and gave him a pat on his shoulder. Quatre sighed.
"Then I moved to VLA and started a non-profit company with Felicia. She is a great partner and a kind person as well. We are doing really well and have received a lot of support from Heero." Quatre said.
Heero merely nodded his head.
"I am still very much single. But definitely back in the market." Quatre declared with a smile.
Smiles broke out on the other three's faces.
"It's good to have you in VLA." Trowa said.
"Yes, I don't have to keep flying back and forth now." Quatre said.
"Well, you are not alone, Wufie here can join you!" Duo said, channelling the conversation towards Wufei.
Wufei stared at Duo with narrowed eyes.
"I can go next." Trowa said.
The other four turned to look at Trowa.
"The year has been relatively constant until the down moments. Arabella finally met Catherine, but they didn't get along. Hence I was caught in-between both of them for a while." Trowa said.
"I will never want to be caught in that situation." Duo declared.
"Isn't it worse for Quatre?" Wufei asked.
"If you take in twenty-nine of them into account." Quatre said with a stiff smile.
"Not all of them are in contact with Quatre." Heero pointed out.
"That is also true." Quatre said.
"When was the last time you saw all of them?" Trowa asked.
"My twenty first birthday, we had a major gathering at my mansion. All of my sisters came with their family members as well. I admit to losing track of who was who, but I'm happy to meet all of them again. We even have a photo of all thirty of us." Quatre said with a smile.
Quatre showed them the photo in his mobile phone. Not all of his sisters look alike but most of them have blonde hair and blue eyes.
"Right, back to the topic at hand. Thankfully, they managed to patch things up and now they get along well with each other. It was like a hundred- and eighty-degree change. Then we had the whole situation with Mariemaia and Lady Une. I was also surprised that Lady Une actually got married." Trowa said.
"For God's sake, she's already pregnant. Get it into your heads." Wufei muttered.
They started laughing while Heero merely gave a hint of a smile.
"Then the fear gas happened, and I understood what my real fears are." Trowa said softly.
He was looking at Heero but Heero continued to remain silent.
"Then I got into a fight with Arabella over it, but we patched things up. Things have been smooth sailing so far minus having to get used to Wufei ordering me around." Trowa said.
"Imagine my pain for a moment here! Wufei shouts at me during work and even in personal times." Duo said, faking his tone to sound pained.
"I'm sure Wufei has a valid reason to scold you." Quatre said.
Heero merely drank more whisky as he watched them bicker with each other over this.
"It was odd to see Wufei as my superior officer at first. But I got used to it." Trowa admits.
"He's super strict with me like he's biased towards me." Duo accused.
"Lady Une may have given up on you, but I will whip you into shape!" Wufei declared to Duo.
Duo grimaced, trying to get Quatre to be on his side. But even Quatre won't switch sides so easily.
"If only Duo bucks up in his paperwork, Wufei and Lady Une won't be hounding at him constantly." Trowa muttered to Heero.
Heero agreed with a nod of his head.
"What about you, Wufei?" Quatre asked, changing the conversation's topic.
"I am grateful that all of you celebrated Chinese New Year with me. I was overseas when the situation between Mariemaia and Lady Une happened, hence no comments on that one. I met Sally again at Lady Une's wedding and she is well. Was still constantly at odds with Miss Crescent." Wufei said.
Heero knows he's talking about Rebecca.
"Then the fear gas attack happened, and I decided to be Heero's fail safe. I got promoted and there's a lot to learn and do now that I am the Deputy Head. I will have to do everything when Lady Une goes off for maternity leave hence the stress level is definitely there. Some issue came up regarding Miss Crescent and I stepped in to help Fate out." Wufei said.
"While Heero wiped the drug cartels out." Trowa added in.
Wufei had not shared the specific details with anyone including Heero as he felt it was Rebecca's personal matter.
"Through it all I felt that she is one crazy woman, but she is not that bad." Wufei said.
"Am I hearing things?" Duo asked.
"No, I heard it too." Quatre said in surprise.
"Did you hear it too, Heero?" Duo asked, jabbing him in the arm.
"Yes, I heard it." Heero confirmed.
"Yes, Wufei said she's not that bad." Trowa said as if he was a replaying tape recorder.
"What is wrong with the four of you?" Wufei asked with a frown on his face.
"Because you hate Rebecca! What happened to change your opinion on her? Come, we want details!" Duo exclaimed.
Wufei raised an eyebrow as three of his best friends stared at him intently.
"Nothing happened." Wufei declared.
"He's lying." Trowa said, reading Wufei's body language.
"I'm not!" Wufei said as he drank more whisky.
Wufei looked at Heero as if asking for help.
"She stayed over at his apartment for one night." Heero said as he drank his whisky.
"What!" Quatre and Duo exclaimed in shock at the same time.
"I knew you had it in you, Wufei! I'm proud of you, she seems like a feisty one in the bedroom." Trowa said, praising Wufei in a joking manner.
"Heero!" Wufei exclaimed, glaring at Heero instead.
"I am stating facts." Heero said with the same emotionless face that he always had on.
"Now you must tell us everything!" Duo said, pressing for more details.
"What is she like?" Quatre asked.
Wufei looked angered by the direction the questions were going.
"For God's sake, nothing happened!" Wufei said, slamming his hands on the table to make the three excited men shut up.
"When they claimed that nothing happened…" Trowa said.
"Something must have happened." Duo finished with a mischievous smile.
Wufei groaned in frustration.
"He spoke up for her." Heero said.
"Heero, you are adding oil to the fire and it's not helping!" Wufei snapped.
"Even turned Fate and I away at the door." Heero said, adding more details on purpose to make fun of Wufei as well.
"Oh my, something is definitely going on." Quatre concluded.
"Yes, very suspicious indeed." Duo agreed.
"Tell us Wufei, how do you manage to get past all of that hatred for her and bed her? Won't you want to vomit in disgust?" Trowa asked.
"I…"
"She must be one hell of a woman." Duo said, concluding before Wufei can answer.
Heero smiled at where the conversation has headed as it was four versus one.
"What's her cup size?" Trowa asked.
"Trowa!" Quatre exclaimed in disapproval.
"C." Wufei answered automatically.
His answer caused everyone to stare at him in silence. Then Wufei's face turned red as if aware that he had said something totally wrong. Even Heero was surprised that he knows. Looks like something did happen but knowing Wufei, they probably didn't have sex.
"You saw them." Duo said, giving Wufei the leering look.
Wufei kept quiet as if aware that whatever he said now will only add more oil to the fire.
"Don't worry Wufei, we will keep your secret for you." Trowa said.
"I never thought that you two will ever… get together." Quatre admits.
Wufei glared at all of them in silence.
"Well then enough about Wufei, what about you Heero?" Duo asked.
Heero thought about how his entire AC 203 has been. There were ups and downs, especially with his relationship with Fate.
"There were ups and downs this year. I came back to VLA and started my own regiment. The start-up was tough, having to train my men into the capable soldiers I want them to be. But we are doing very well now with our new military base as well. I managed to find a second in command that I trust, Lionel. SilverWings is still progressing very well. I finally renovated Blue Marine Pub." Heero said as it was work related.
His friends nodded as they drank their drinks.
"Relationships wise, I have to admit there are times I feel frustrated too. We have our fair share of fights and I still have a lot to learn when it comes to relationships." Heero said.
Then he sighed.
"The fear gas affected us greatly and we are overcoming that together. Our relationship has grown but it's not all happiness one hundred percent of the time." Heero admits.
"It's a realistic view on relationships. No couple is happy one hundred percent of the time." Trowa said.
Duo agreed instantly but Heero felt that it had been a year of growth for him in the sector of relationships.
"What about next year? Any plans or resolutions in mind?" Duo asked everyone.
"Same constant life will be good." Trowa said.
"I want to be a better Deputy Head to support Lady Une and all of you better." Wufei said.
"Will you be getting attached next year?" Duo teased Wufei.
"I have no time for relationships when work comes first." Wufei said dryly.
"What about you, Quatre?" Trowa asked.
"I plan to continue expanding my non-profit business and hopefully have a girlfriend. I do plan to start dating again." Quatre said.
"That's good to hear." Duo said with a smile.
Heero did check in on Dorothy and is surprised that she seemed to be finally backing off. She always made his life difficult but her sudden change of actions did raise Heero's suspicions. She might be up to something, it's not like her to give up so fast.
"As for me, I aim to be a good, doting boyfriend to Hilde. And I really hope that AC 204 will be an easy year for me. Please let me relax for once!" Duo said.
"You are always relaxing." Wufei pointed out.
"Yes, but training the juniors make me wants to vomit blood." Duo muttered.
"You are a senior for a while, it's natural to have to train your juniors." Trowa said.
"I am not a good teacher." Duo said flatly.
"Maybe he should improve his teaching skills." Wufei added for Duo's sake.
They then turned to look at Heero.
"What about you Heero?" Trowa asked.
Heero was deep in thought as the vision that the ZERO system triggered was in his mind.
"Things at work might be complicated but I hope that everything will work out eventually. And I hope to be a better boyfriend to Fate." Heero said.
Duo raised his glass and the rest followed to do the same.
"I propose a toast. Regardless of how this year has been for us, we all hope that next year will be an even better year! More bonuses and for relationships to go smoothly as well!" Duo said.
"Cheers to that." Trowa said.
With that they clinked their glasses together before they finished them in one gulp.
"No one is going home tonight, let's drink!" Duo declared.
Quatre looked slightly troubled as they are touching his private alcohol collection. Nevertheless, the five men enjoyed talking with each other over alcohol that night.
Arabella's Apartment
The three best friends have gathered and were now in the living room. Arabella and Rebecca are drinking while Fate is drinking juice. Fate was the last to arrive as Heero dropped her off after dinner. They were talking about how their year has been.
"I think so far it has been rather smooth. I had more jobs this year which made me busier, but I did gain more fame and recognition from it. I managed to get along with Catherine. I did get into a big fight with Trowa, but I feel that he trusts me more now. So that's how my year went. And yes, the sex is still amazing." Arabella said.
Fate blushed at Arabella's last words.
"Was AC 203 a good year for you?" Rebecca asked.
"Yes." Arabella said with a wide smile.
"As for me… I do have more performances and concerts this year as well. I broke up with Patrick because he cheated on me with an air stewardess." Rebecca said.
Fate knows that Rebecca's year did not end off that well.
"Nearly got arrested due to drug possession. Can't believe that Mr. Chang actually helped me out throughout the whole thing." She muttered.
"He's not as bad as you thought right?" Arabella asked.
"Yeah, he's alright." Rebecca said softly.
Fate smiled at least the two of them do not hate each other that much anymore, which was a good thing.
"But the holidays feel a little lonely now that I'm single again." Rebecca said.
"You can always start dating again." Arabella said.
Rebecca merely sighed.
"What about you, Fate?" Arabella asked.
"Well, there were ups and downs. My relationship with Heero has its tough moments but we are overcoming them together. I think we have grown closer as a couple. The fear gas did take its toll on us and I really thought that we were going to break up. But thankfully we are still together. I did release a new album with a totally different style, and that was really well received by my fans." Fate said.
"Talk about well received, it still topped the charts even after so many months. Your music videos are so popular on the internet and across all social media channels." Rebecca pointed out.
Fate merely smiled, she's glad that her fans like her album and music video.
"Acting was a bit tough but I guess I'm learning. I also collaborated with Heero on screen for once." Fate said.
"Have you two worked on the other matter?" Rebecca asked suddenly.
"What other matter?" Arabella asked, feeling curious.
Fate felt herself blushing, but she shook her head.
"Still a work in progress." Fate whispered.
"What are you two talking about?" Arabella asked Rebecca.
"Nothing serious." Rebecca said, brushing the topic off.
Fate gave a small smile, internally thanking Rebecca for not letting her secret with Heero out.
"Well then anyone has any resolutions for the new year?" Arabella asked.
"I have a few. I want to continue to gain more prestige in the music world, winning more music competitions. After that I do want to get a boyfriend again." Rebecca said.
"Hmm for me, I hope that the next year will be a smooth year as well. It will be the fourth year Trowa and I are together. I hope that he has plans to… marry me." Arabella said with a smile.
Fate was silent as she hadn't thought about marriage with Heero yet. Of course, she wants to marry him, but she personally felt that the time wasn't right yet. But she will be really happy if Trowa and Arabella get married.
"What about you Fate?" Rebecca asked.
"I hope to continue to produce music that everyone will love. That my relationship with Heero will be smoother." Fate said.
They were simple goals and wishes but she wants them to come true. She also secretly hopes that Heero will reveal more of himself to her. Arabella raised her glass and the other two followed suit.
"To AC 204, may it be an even better year!" Arabella exclaimed.
"Cheers to that!" Rebecca said.
Fate merely smiled as they clinked their glasses together and drank their drinks.
The next day, 31st December
Wingate Mansion,
Night Time, 11pm
Members of high society, politicians as well as family friends have all gathered at the large ballroom in Wingate Mansion to countdown to the New Year. It was a yearly affair and Heero arrived late to the party as the highlight was the countdown at midnight. He had been working on upgrading security systems in SilverWings' offices before this. Everyone seemed busy chatting away, enjoying the food and dancing to the orchestra's music.
He greeted his parents and his siblings before he left to find his best friends. His best friends were drinking at a table in the far corner. He greeted them and got a glass of whisky from a nearby waiter. Duo had a hungover as he drank too much last night but he was still happily drinking. That was until Hilde appeared and frowned at him.
"Sorry gentleman, duty calls." Duo said, leaving the table to take Hilde to the dance floor.
Trowa also excused himself to dance with Arabella. He spotted Rebecca who looked bored. Quatre excused himself as he and Felicia plan to make good use of this party to look for more sponsors, after all they are a non-profit organisation but still required funding for their events. Heero shook his head as he's still thinking of work at such a party. Hence the table was left with him and Wufei.
"Where's Fate?" Wufei asked.
"She is invited to the largest countdown party hosted in town." Heero said.
"You will see her later?" Wufei asked.
Heero nodded and noticed Jace's approaching him with Federick behind him.
"Heero!"
Heero accepted Jace's brotherly hug.
"You should drop by more often." Jace said.
"I do when my schedule allows." Heero said.
"He never changes even after all these years." Jace joked.
Federick merely stared at Heero in silence. The men all saw a bunch of women heading their way.
"Right, vultures are on their way we better leave." Jace said.
"I think they are hunting you more than me." Federick commented.
"Heero can you help me out?" Jace asked.
"He's already taken." Wufei pointed out.
"Yes, but he's still my brother first." Jace said.
"Take Rebecca to the dance floor." Heero suggested since she seemed bored.
"Yes, excellent idea." Jace said, immediately approaching Rebecca to use her as a shield.
Heero noticed the narrowed eyes on Wufei's face. He raised an eyebrow at Wufei who caught his look.
"What?" Wufei asked.
"I thought you two…"
"I need more food." Wufei declared, leaving him alone with Federick.
Heero watched Wufei leave before turning his attention to the dancefloor. Rebecca was smiling at what Jace said, but Jace was deliberately trying to put more distance between him and the "vultures".
"You don't need to run from them?" Heero asked Federick.
"They ignore fishes among the whales." Federick replied.
"You are a whale among the fishes too." Heero said, as he knows the nett worth the DeCamden family has.
"A killer whale versus a fin whale?" Federick asked.
Heero wondered about that.
"Then again if you are a bachelor again, they will chase after you first. For you are the largest blue whale amongst all of us." Federick said.
Heero doubts that because they all know he doesn't converse with random strangers.
"How are Fayne and Faith?" Heero asked.
"There are talks of them wanting to move to VLA." Federick admits.
Heero was surprised but he did not reveal it. But the presence of more DeCamdens in Moonstone Mansion will merely increase his inconveniences.
"Can't blame them. VLA is where all the action and attraction are, compared to Japan." Federick said.
"You will have more on your hands." Heero said.
"I do not mind Faith coming over, but Fayne is the troublemaker. She and Isabelle are the worst combination ever." Federick muttered.
Heero nodded his head in agreement.
"Then again I can't stop them. Fate seems to be against the idea too, but she did not oppose them." Federick said.
It does sound like Fate for she will not speak of her own inconveniences. Heero watched the couples on the dancefloor in silence. Federick was called away and he excused himself. Wufei returned with a plate of food and Heero decided to get some food as well. He looked at the food on display and picked a few items. He returned to the table and ate his food. Wufei was called away by a couple who were ex clients of the Preventers. They chat for a while and hence Heero was left alone. He went out to the balcony as it was always quiet outside. He decided to take a walk in the gardens as Fate will not be coming for the countdown party at all. They will meet at the Presidential Suite at 2am instead. He walked around the gardens but spotted Aaron and Angel. They were quite well dressed for two teenagers supposed to be in bed.
"Heero!" Angel called out.
Heero approached them and asked what they were doing out here.
"We sneaked out to watch the fireworks. Mother wanted us to sleep at 10pm." Aaron told him.
Heero sat down on the ledge of the large fountain, between the two of them. He spends the least amount of time around this pair of twins. They were still in junior high school and the ten-year age gap between them made things a little difficult.
"Why the gardens?" Heero asked them.
"Because we can see them in the gardens too. Besides everyone will be too busy with the party to check on us." Angel said.
"Even if they did see us, they can't be bothered with us." Aaron said.
"Not exactly true but… Heero, I'm worried." Angel whispered.
"About?" Heero asked.
"Mother told us that next year she has plans for us to go matchmaking." Aaron said.
"But you two are barely fourteen." Heero pointed out.
"Yes, she wants to us to have an arranged marriage." Angel said.
"Those customs died out a long time ago." Heero said.
"Not when you are a Wingate." Aaron pointed out.
Heero was silent as he looked down at his two siblings. But he knows Rachel enough to know that she does care about the happiness of her own children.
"Rachel won't force you two into it if you tell her properly." Heero said.
"I wish it was that easy." Angel whispered.
"But even so you two won't get married until you are an adult. You still have about eight years of freedom before that." Heero said.
"It will be a very long engagement." Aaron said.
"Do you want me to speak to Rachel on your behalf?" Heero asked them.
"But she's quite set on it." Angel said.
"And what does Carlton think?" Heero asked.
"He's supportive of the idea. Then again ever since Jace left politics, there was no one left to take over his position." Aaron said.
"Is he forcing you to take on politics?" Heero asked Aaron.
"He did increase my lessons on politics." Aaron admits.
Heero knows that Carlton eventually wants someone from his family to take over his position as the President of the Colonies but forcing them into it wasn't right. Especially when Aaron is still young. Then again, he was probably preparing Aaron from a young age.
"I will speak to Carlton and Rachel on both of your behalf." Heero said.
"You will?" Angel asked hesitantly.
Heero nodded and the two of them smiled up at him. Just then he looked down at his watch, it was fifteen more minutes to the New Year.
"Fifteen more minutes to the New Year." He told them.
The twins smiled and stood up.
"Come on, let's go to our secret spot!" Angel said, grabbing his hand.
"Where is that?" Heero asked.
"You will see." Aaron said.
Heero allowed himself to be dragged by his siblings. They were rather excited and actually ran across the large gardens. Heero followed to run after them, not wanting to lose sight of them. They reached the end of the Gardens which was surrounded by large walls. But Angel went ahead, and she jumped up to touch a brick.
"What is going on?" Heero asked.
"Can't reach it." Angel said.
Heero moved over and pressed down on the brick to see something in the brick wall move, showing a passageway. Heero is aware of the secret passageways that the mansion has but he has never used this one before.
"Where does this lead?" Heero asked.
"Outside!" Aaron said, turning on his mobile phone's torchlight.
"Come on, we have to hurry!" Angel said.
Heero eyed the passageway suspiciously but thankfully it was large enough to fit him for he's a rather large man. He went in after the two of them and watched the door close behind him. With their mobile phones' torch light in hand, Aaron led the way. It was clear they often used this passageway as they know the way very well, even when they were at crossroads. Eventually they reached a door which Heero helped to open. They got out and Heero was surprised that they were in the fields. The entire Mansion's lands were fenced up, but the fields can lead to the forest which was not part of their land.
"Isn't it dangerous here?" Heero asked as the fireworks were set off from here.
"No and we get the best views without any obstructions." Aaron said.
They actually ran towards the forest. Heero immediately went after them, the forest can be dangerous at night even if it was a man made one. Aaron took off his shoes and started to climb the large tree. Angel did the same. Heero watched them go as if they were two active monkeys. Heero took off his suit jacket and shoes. Then he climbed the tree after them, supporting Angel as she nearly slipped. They got to a large tree branch and sat down there.
The two of them were swinging their feet even though they were really high up on the tree. Heero was worried that the tree branch will snap with his weight combined. But thankfully it was thick enough to support the three of them. They sat there as the wind blew making it rather chilly.
"How is this a secret spot?" Heero asked.
"It's quieter than the mansion during parties and no one will ever find us here!" Aaron told him.
"We made a few friends in the forest as well."
"What?" Heero asked, shocked to hear that.
"It's starting!"
It was 12 midnight and the fireworks shot up to the sky, lighting up the entire night sky with its different patterns and colours. The two of them watched in awe as Heero watched it in silence.
"Happy New Year!" Aaron shouted at him.
"Happy New Year!" Angel shouted at both of them.
Heero sighed and decided to look past the safety concerns temporarily.
"Happy New Year." He told them, ruffling both of their hair as he pats them on their head.
Angel smiled while Aaron didn't like to have his hair messed up. They watched the entire twenty-minute fireworks show from up in the tree. After it was over Heero got down and asked them to jump off. Aaron jumped off first and Heero caught him easily. Angel hesitated but did just that. Heero caught her and sets her back down on the ground. They wore their clothes and shoes before they made their way back to the mansion. The twins seemed happy while Heero is aware of this other passageway. The forest was still his concern, but he will not tell Carlton about the twins' secret, for it was clear that they needed their little escape sometimes.
Heero returned to the mansion with the twins and Rachel was displeased to find them gone from their bedroom. The twins were surprised as usually Rachel is too busy with the party to check on them. After they were scolded, they washed up and were tucked into bed. Rachel then turned her attention to him.
"Why were you with them?" Rachel asked.
"I saw them in the gardens and watched the fireworks with them." Heero said.
Rachel was silent as if she were deep in thought.
"I have to head back to the party. Happy New Year, Heero." Rachel said looking at him with a smile.
Heero nodded and said the same back at her. They walked back to the ballroom and Heero saw Carlton outside as if waiting for Rachel. Rachel smiled and took Carlton's hand. It was a rare sight, but it was clear that despite everything else, his parents still love each other very much. He will need to talk to them about Aaron and Angel soon, but not today. Heero went back to say his goodbyes to his best friends who were also leaving. Heero looked at his phone and saw that Fate texted him that she was changing clothes before she heads to the hotel suite. He decided to leave as well, saying goodbye to his parents and siblings as a form of courtesy.
Heero drove to the hotel aware that he should be reaching before Fate. He took the lift up to the highest floor and unlocked the door to the presidential suite with his key card. He switched the lights on and turned on the heaters as it was cold inside the suite. He boiled water and poured himself a glass. He then stood by the glass windows, watching the City of VLA. It seemed like a city that does not sleep tonight after all people were going off to celebrate the New Year after the countdown. He slipped off his suit jacket and tie. He folded them and placed them on the sofa before he looked out of the glass windows again. It just started snowing.
There weren't a lot of snow in December this year but with the weather being controlled by the weather station, one can always manipulate the weather conditions. They never had a snow storm so strong that everyone and cars are affected by it. It was one of the perks of being in a Colony, but to Heero those were fake weather too. He smiled to himself as he thought about how people have asked him why he lives in a place where the sky and weather are fake. Because these are minor things compared to what's more important. Heero sat down on the sofa and watched the snow fall from the night sky above. Eventually the door to the suite opened.
Heero stood up and turned, expecting to see Fate. But he was surprised by what he saw, it wasn't Fate. He did not show any emotions on his face, even when a metal gun was aimed at him. The sound of the gunshot was muted by the silencer.
To be continued…
Author's Note: This chapter is more of a recap chapter of what the characters have went through in AC 203. Sadly, I left it with a cliff hanger for now. Thank you for continuing to support this story, do stay tuned for more chapters.
