Family

Chapter 53: Attack

Author's note: Previously on Family, Fate went to find Heero and made lunch for him. Then she cleaned his penthouse as Rolland is away. They decided to spend their New Year together. The five guys gathered at Quatre's apartment and they recapped how their entire year had been. They also made goals and resolutions for the New Year. Fate gathered at Arabella's apartment where the ladies recapped how their year was and made new resolutions for the New Year as well. On New Year's Eve, Heero watched the countdown fireworks with Aaron and Angel. He went to the hotel's suite to wait for Fate, only to see a gun that was aimed at him.

This chapter will not be broken down into shorter chapters, will be one full chapter instead.

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 204, 1st January

Hotel's Presidential Suite,

Early Morning, 3am

Fate de Camden has finally arrived at the Hotel to go to the Presidential Suite. She was invited as a guest to sing for the large countdown event. It was cold outside, but she still has to wear her short dress and dance fast to her music. But she was glad that it was over. There was a delay as she has to get changed before she leaves the area. Furthermore, as a lot of people attended the countdown event, the traffic was congested when everyone tries to leave at the same time. She was stuck in the traffic for a while and she did text Heero that she will be late.

She was a little nervous as she took the private elevator that goes straight to the top floor. Today is finally the day she has been waiting for! Heero has waited long enough for her while Fate feels that she's finally ready to be with him. She is looking forward to this and has even prepared extensively for this. She hopes that she doesn't screw up like the previous times and that Heero will be gentle with her.

The lift came to a stop and she stepped out of the lift. She headed towards the Presidential Suite, reaching for the key card in her clutch bag. Heero should be here by now. Fate is nervous but took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Calm down, she can do this. They can do this! She was going to unlock the door with her key card when she was surprised to see that the door was unlocked. How odd, Heero is someone very uptight about security, he doesn't leave doors open unnecessarily. Unless he has a surprise for her or there is a hotel staff inside? She wasn't sure but pushed opened the door to go in.

The living room of the suite was lighted up and she closed the door behind her. She took off her high heels. It was really quiet in here, she wondered where Heero was.

"Heero?" She called out but she didn't get any answer.

Frowning at his lack of response, she walked further into the living room. She looked around the living room, scanning for Heero. The heaters were up, keeping the place warm as it was really cold outside. But there was suddenly a strong smell in the room and Fate had no idea what the cause of it was. She came to a sudden stop when she saw red patches on the white marble floor. Her eyes widened in shock, the stench of it, it was blood! Fate was so shocked that she didn't know how to react. Why was there blood?

Fate looked around the living room carefully and she noticed the bullet holes in the sofa and the broken glass cup with water spilled over the floor. But what shocked her was the large patch of red colour on the carpet. Someone was shot and lost a lot of blood! There was also a single bullet shell with blood on its tip meaning that it did hit someone. Heero, where is he? She immediately reached for her phone and called him, but he didn't pick up. His suit jacket and tie were still on the sofa, informing her that he was here before.

"Oh god, please be safe." She whispered as she redialled his number.

But there was still no answer from Heero. She reached to call the police but decided not to. She called Heero's emergency phone. Heero told her about the usage of this phone before. If he doesn't pick it up, the line will route to his best friends until someone picks up. No one seems to be picking up as she heard the line being diverted for a while until finally someone picks up.

"Chang Wufei here." Came a male's voice.

"Wufei, it's me Fate. Please help me." Fate said.

"Fate? What's wrong?" Wufei asked.

"I can't find Heero and I think he's been shot." Fate whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"I…" Fate stared at the large patch of blood stain on the carpet.

"Calm down first and explain what's going on." Wufei said.

Fate calmed down slightly first and briefly explained the situation to Wufei.

"We agreed to meet in the suite, but there are traces of blood and bullet holes here. I can't seem to find him and he's not answering his phone." Fate said.

She then told him which hotel it was.

"I am on the way, get out of there and stay in the lobby." Wufei said.

Fate nodded and gave the blood stains one more look before she left to wait for Wufei in the lobby. She tried to appear calm as she doesn't want to cause any commotion. She wore her large sun glasses to block her face out. Wufei must have rushed over to find her and he approached her. Fate was glad that the sun glasses blocked out her pale face, but she was trembling a little as they went up again. Fate handled Wufei the key card and Wufei entered the suite again with his gun out. He asked her to wait outside as he will do a check on the entire suite first.

Fate waited anxiously outside and texted Heero to ask where he was as she's worried about him. She looked down at Meteor and wondered if Meteor will be able to help her find Heero. Wufei came back out and she noticed that his face looked concerned.

"I checked the second floor too, no one is around. But you need to see this." Wufei said as he kept his gun.

Fate followed him and was surprised that there were traces of blood on the staircase as well. Wufei followed the blood trail and they went to the guest room. Fate immediately felt a chill and was shocked to see that the glass window was broken. The trail of blood was clear, but it ended at the window. Fate looked out at the opened space as cold wind blew in. It was still snowing outside but it's an extremely high drop. Fate couldn't speak as she stared out at the snowy city through the broken glass.

"Do you think he's still alive?" Fate asked Wufei.

Wufei looked down at the ground level from the opened window.

"Judging from the height it's hard to tell if Heero brought his grappling gun with him. But I did not see his SilverWings sports car in the basement carpark." Wufei said.

"I am still confused as to what have happened here." Fate said.

"It's likely that Heero was attacked in the suite, but he chased the attacker up to this room." Wufei said.

"What if Heero was cornered to this room by the attacker instead?" Fate asked.

"Not likely, Heero will never take the fight into a smaller room as it will only make it hard for him to escape as well. The attacker must have been injured or he or she will not try to escape through the window like this." Wufei said.

Wufei said he was giving the Preventers a call to get an analysis and clean-up crew in here.

"Trowa and Duo are probably busy so I will not contact them until morning." Wufei said.

Wufei can tell that Fate is worried about Heero. He was also afraid that something bad has happened to Heero but upon seeing Heero's customised cartridge shell, he knows that Heero had fought back. Heero does not trust anyone to make his own personal firearms, hence he makes everything himself. Customising the two pistols down to its bullets. His best friends know about it and can tell if he fired his gun from the shell alone.

"He's not a normal man Fate." Wufei said softly.

She looked at him in surprise.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"He's Impossible, he won't die so easily." Wufei said.

She didn't look assured, but Wufei led her back to the living room. Fate hugged Heero's folded suit jacket close to her chest in silence. She's really worried about him. Wufei waited for the Preventers' team to show up to assist. But for the attacker to choose to attack here meant that he or she knew they were going to meet here.

"Why did the two of you choose to meet here?" Wufei asked.

Fate looked down in silence.

"Fate?" Wufei asked.

Heero's penthouse is a much more secure location than a hotel suite. Alternatively, Fate's mansion is also more secured with it being private property. But why here?

"It's complicated but most of it is my fault." Fate whispered.

Wufei can tell that Fate is not going to tell him the true reason why. But still this was still a much too public place for a private rendezvous. The teams showed up and started to collect the blood samples for testing. Wufei spoke with the hotel manager who was shocked at the sight of the broken window. Wufei asked him not to call the police as it will complicate matters. Fate waited in the dining room as they needed to take photos of the scene and gather the bullet shells. She watched everything with a heavy heart, knowing that she's too worried to be able to sleep. Heero, where are you? She wondered to herself.

Wufei left her alone with the teams as he went to look at the footage of security cameras. He was in the hotel's security room, looking through the videos. It was turning out to be a rather dramatic start to AC 204, but he believes that Heero is still pursuing the attacker hence he cannot answer their calls.


Fate must have spaced out as she had no idea how long have passed until Wufei sat down on a chair next to her.

"I saw the security footage. Heero did enter the suite first. Then a suspicious man dressed in black went up to the suite's level. He hacked to unlock the door and entered the suite. The cameras did not capture anything else as there are no cameras inside rooms. But I saw falling pieces of glass at the other side of the hotel. The same man was running away but he seemed injured. Heero was seen in pursuit and he seems fine." Wufei told her.

"They survived the drop?" Fate asked.

Wufei nodded but Fate didn't seem relieved at all.

"He did not call for backup because he thinks he doesn't need it. Give him time to handle the situation, Fate." Wufei said.

"But he hasn't been in the field for a while." Fate said.

"Trust me, Heero never stopped his own training." Wufei said, as they still meet twice a week for sparring.

Wufei did badly against Heero at the start, but he was doing much better now. He can land a few hits on Heero compared to the past where he couldn't even land one. But Heero adapts to moves amazingly fast hence Wufei can never use the same move twice.

"Thank you, I know you were supposed to be celebrating New Year." Fate whispered.

"It's alright, I didn't have any plans unlike the rest of them." Wufei said.

The clean-up team came to remove the evidence and to clean the entire suite of its traces of blood. Wufei then drove Fate back to Moonstone Mansion. Fate lied down on her bed in silence and finally the tears came. She's really worried about Heero and his silence is killing her especially at such a critical time. She prays that Heero will be alright.


Somerleyton Wright Manor, Underground Base, Interrogation Room

Early Morning, 5am

It was not every day that Lionel received an emergency call from his superior officer. But this call was different as it was the first time his superior officer survived a personal attack on his life and even brought the attacker in for questioning. The entire base was quiet but Heero had left the essentials on and Lionel proceeded into the Interrogation Room. Heero had built the interrogation rooms rather far away from the command centre and their offices. He never asked why but he knew why when he saw how some terrorists were interrogated. These were all sound proof rooms but all with an emergency button that will gas anyone inside the room should they try to escape or injure their soldiers.

There was only one lighted up interrogation room and Lionel entered the back room. He was shocked with what he saw inside the interrogation room. There was a man who seemed to be in a lot of pain and was bleeding badly from gunshot wounds. He was strapped down to the chair tightly so that he won't escape. But he was briefly patched up so that he can live longer. Heero was in the backroom dressed in his formal wear but without his suit jacket. Heero's face was as emotionless as ever but he seemed to be radiating with anger.

"What's going on?" Lionel asked.

"He attacked me when I was in the hotel suite waiting for my girlfriend." Heero said stiffly.

It was odd, how did this man know Heero's schedule or where he will meet Fate?

"I injured him, but he escaped. Hence I chased him down and brought him here." Heero said.

"Then why bring him here and call me?" Lionel asked.

"I needed a place to interrogate him, but I need someone to do the interrogation for me." Heero said.

"Why?" Lionel asked in surprise.

"If not, I will end up killing him." Heero said coldly through narrowed eyes.

"Are you injured?" Lionel asked.

Heero didn't speak but it was clear that he was, but he didn't seem to be bleeding anywhere from what Lionel can see.

"I will help to patch you up first." Lionel said.

"No need, get the interrogation done first." Heero ordered.

"As you wish."

Lionel left the backroom to enter the interrogation room. Heero watched everything from the backroom through the 2-way mirror. The man refused to give up any information on whose orders it was to kill him. Heero allowed the use of a few torture devices while Lionel sighed as the truth serum will make things much faster. But Heero didn't want to use that, he seemed to be really angry at this man. Interrogation was always dirty work but even Lionel has to agree that Heero can be rather ruthless when he's angry. He plucked off the man's third fingernail with pliers before he finally talked.

He had been stalking Fate recently and knows that she meets Heero there. Hence, he had been lying in wait at the hotel for Heero. When he showed up tonight the man simply took action. But he still refused to say who sent him. Heero stepped into the interrogation room himself and Lionel stepped back to watch him. It was quite a bloody mess to see him trying to injure the man further through his bullet wounds but the look in Heero's eyes was scary. Finally, the man spoke where he was sent from and said he will be killed if they let him go now as he had betrayed his own organisation. Heero did a search on his phone and looked up at Lionel sharply.

"What's wrong?" Lionel asked.

"Nothing." Heero said.

It was an obvious lie, but it was clear that now was not to place to talk about it. Hence, they patched the man back up. They left him in the room with his mouth stuffed so he couldn't bite his own tongue. They went into the backroom where Heero activated the button which triggered the sound proof of the room and cut off all camera recordings in the backroom.

"He's from America, I found a match using his blood sample." Heero said.

"America? It makes no sense, why will they want to kill you?" Lionel asked.

Heero was silent as America was already making a move against him and he hasn't made his own move towards them yet.

"He used to be a soldier but became a professional hitman, he was probably hired to kill me." Heero said.

"But why target you?" Lionel asked.

"We are standing right on it; the base has its own secrets which America probably wants. We have sent back a lot of their spies since we opened this base." Heero said.

"But killing you gets nothing." Lionel said.

"No but it creates chaos, and they will use that as a diversion to enter this place." Heero said.

"But they don't know…" Lionel trailed off as he thought of something.

"Damn, the past spies know of this underground base!" Lionel exclaimed.

Heero was silent as he was the one who decided not to kill them off, but they were at a disadvantage this way.

"What are we going to do?" Lionel asked.

"We are in for a tough year ahead, but boot camp comes first." Heero said.

Lionel nodded.

"And him?" Lionel asked about the man in the room now.

Heero deactivated the lock down in the back room and left the room to go to the weaponry lab. Then he took a special type of gun and went back into the interrogation room. He set settings on the gun before he fired it at the man. It was like a taser, shocking the man with an electric current. But its function didn't seem to be to stun the person. When the current was over, Heero kept the gun.

"What's that?" Lionel asked.

"It wipes a person's memory through the electric shot." Heero said.

Lionel stared at him in silence.

"Yes, unethical and inhumane, but it's still better than killing them. We will have to face a lot of spies from now on. And now I won't hesitate to wipe their memories to protect everyone in the base." Heero said.

"Now what?" Lionel asked.

"Drop him off and fake an ambulance report. He will survive if he's treated." Heero said.

"Won't there be evidence on him that can be traced back to us?" Lionel asked.

"We wore gloves and besides the police does not have my gun's ballistics, only the Preventers have it. Wufei already stepped in to help clean up the hotel suite, I only need to update him on the status here. I will clean the place up." Heero said.

Lionel looked at him in silence.

"Go and enjoy the rest of the holiday, we won't be getting any more breaks once we are all back." Heero said.


Moonstone Mansion,

Early Morning, 6.20am

Fate was unable to get any sleep as she's still worried about Heero. She was surprised when she heard the familiar roar of a car engine. She opened the curtains slightly and was relieved to see Heero's silver sports car. He's alright! She switched on the lights in her room and waited anxiously to see him. Heero came into her room sometime later and she immediately flung herself into his arms. Heero hugged her back.

"Oh Heero, I was so worried." Fate whispered.

He didn't speak but when Fate broke the hug, she was shocked to see that there was blood on her right hand.

"Heero?" She asked looking at him in shock.

She caught him just as he leaned forward a little. He's injured! But as he was wearing his suit's black vest, the blood stains were not obvious from afar.

"How long have you been injured?" She asked.

"Since the first shot." Heero said softly.

She supported him and brought him to the bathroom. He was still conscious, but it must obviously be painful. She helped him to sit down on the edge of the bathtub. Yet he said nothing, and he must have left it untreated while he chased down the attacker.

"Can you wash up? I will help to treat it." Fate said.

Heero nodded briefly while Fate washed her hands and immediately left to get the first aid kit. Heero knew that he lost quite a lot of blood. He thought that it was Fate to show up at the suite, hence he was surprised to see that it was a man with a gun aimed at him. He did evade the first surprise shot but he wasn't fast enough. The bullet scrapped his right side and caused blood to flow, staining the carpet first. But then Heero got his guns out and returned fire. He ignored the pain from the wound and continued to fight the attacker. He cornered him into the guest room where he tried to escape by jumping through the window. Heero followed immediately and used the grappling function in his gun to swing to safety before he drove after the attacker in his car. In his sport car he stuck an absorbent pad on his wound quickly as he needed two hands to drive the car. It worked to soak up the blood temporarily and he focused on chasing the man down.

He outdrove him and cornered his car before they got into a brief fist fight. Heero won easily despite his injury and hauled the man back to his military base for interrogation. The pad must have been totally soaked through for Fate to get his blood on her hand. He finally relaxed once he got to her mansion hence, he was finally feeling the dizziness and the pain. He will always ignore it in order to push forward in his fights. It was cruel to treat his body like this, but his willpower was stronger than his physical body. But it was catching up now.

Fate returned and was shocked that he hadn't moved at all. She cupped his face in her hands.

"Heero, can you hear me?" She asked, looking into his eyes with deep concern.

He nodded briefly but was too dizzy to move on his own.

"I will help to wash you up, please excuse me." She whispered.

He merely nodded as she unbuttoned his suit vest and was shocked that his shirt was totally soaked through on the right side, but the dark colour of the vest had covered it out from afar.

"We should go to the hospital." She whispered.

"No hospital, they will ask questions." Heero said.

It was like a golden rule, he will get treated in his own base if they were still around. But as he lets everyone off for the New Year, no one was around to help treat him.

"Meteor, disposal bag!" Fate ordered.

Meteor immediately threw the bag out from its mouth and opened it up as Fate took off his vest and threw it inside the bag so that his blood will not stain the bathroom floor. Heero can tell that Fate looked pale and was probably panicking as her hands trembled a little at the sight of his blood. He reached out to take her hand.

"I'm okay Fate, just breathe." He coaxed.

"You don't look okay to me." She whispered, obviously looking very worried.

"You can do it." He told her softly.

"I haven't done this for you in a long time now." Fate said.

He tried to stay awake while Fate unbuttoned his dress shirt and threw it into the disposal bag. She blushed a little at the sight of his muscular body. He seems much more muscular than the last time she saw him topless, with his eight pack of abs. But she mentally slapped herself, now was not the time to admire his pack of abs. The entire absorbent pad was bloody red, and Fate winced as she took it off him and disposed it. She wets a towel and starts to clean the blood off his right side.

"What happened?" She asked him as she tried to clean the blood off, but it was still a lot of blood. His blood was turning the towel red.

"I tried to evade the first shot, but it scrapped my sides." Heero said.

"If it scrapped you, it won't bleed so much." Fate said.

"I thought so too." Heero said.

Fate finally cleaned the area to look at the wound properly. She has seen enough of Heero's injuries to know the difference between a minor or major wound. After all she had to stitch up his bullet wounds for him.

"Any slower and it would have been a bullet wound." She said as it was a rather severe scrap.

Heero said nothing while Fate asked him to apply pressure on the wound. She washed her hands clean before she puts on surgical gloves. Meteor brought the medical stitching kit to her, which she disinfected the needle and the stitch. Then she went over and disinfect the wound. Heero didn't even react to the stinging sensation but Fate got to work quickly. She hoped that her hand was steady and immediately started stitching his wound up. Heero didn't react when she poked him with the needle, and she tried to work fast but accurately so that at least she can stop the bleeding. When she was done, she tied a dead knot and cut it off. Then she disinfected the area again and wiped it down gently. Fate then applied antiseptic cream over his wound before she placed a waterproof adhesive bandage over the wound. And she was done.

She heaved a sigh of relief and needed to clean up. But before that she handled Heero a towel and asked him to towel wipe himself first. Heero did that briefly as he was almost half asleep while Fate cleaned everything up. She returned and helped him to wear one of his shirts. She supported him to her bed. Heero removed his two guns and placed them on the bedside table before he lied down on Fate's bed. Fate removed his shoes for him.

"Get some rest." She told him softly.

"But your family are around." Heero pointed out.

"I'm not going to let you drive back half asleep. I will explain to them when I have the chance." She told him.

Heero nodded.

"Do you still want your clothes? The blood removal process will take a while. The vest has a cut where the bullet scrapped you." Fate said.

"Throw them, I have plenty more." Heero said.

She nodded and then left him alone as if she had more things to take care of. Eventually he felt her get into bed with him. He was trying hard not to fall asleep on her, but his eyes were half closed.

"Thank you, Fate, you handled things well." Heero said.

She sighed and hugged him as she is now on his left side. Her body warmth was comfortable and familiar. Heero finally allowed his body to relax totally as he needed to rest as well.

"You know how worried and panicky I get when I know that you are shot." She whispered.

"I know but you get the job done first." Heero said.

"It's easy for you to say, try getting your hands steady when you need to stitch your lover up." Fate chided lightly.

"What time is it?" Heero asked.

"7am, everyone will be up soon." She whispered.

"You didn't sleep at all?" He asked her.

"No, I was too worried wondering if you are alright." Fate admits.

"Sorry, I know we had huge plans." Heero said softly.

"It's not your fault someone tried to shoot you." She whispered.

"Were you prepared this time round?" Heero asked.

"Yes." Fate whispered shyly.

Heero smiled.

"What were you wearing?" He asked.

"Heero, this doesn't seem to be the time and place to talk about it." Fate chided.

"Accommodate the poor patient." He said.

"You should really go to sleep." She said.

"Can't, not until you tell me." Heero said.

"I was wearing a beaded silver chiffon gown." Fate admits.

Heero can imagine seeing it on Fate.

"With?" He pressed on.

Fate blushed and buried her face into his chest. It was embarrassing to tell him what she was wearing.

"A sexy white, lacy underwear set. With lacy white thigh highs." Fate admits.

As her gown was long, it covered up the thigh highs, but she will be really embarrassed if Wufei saw her wearing them. Heero refrained from groaning but he wanted to see them on her. He sighed, guess those punches he landed on the man was worth it as he lost his sweet night with Fate.

"Please wear them for me next time." He told her softly before he finally allowed himself to sleep.

She nodded and raised her head to look at him. She was surprised to see that there was a slight smile on his face. She lied back down and tried to get some rest as it will only be a matter of time before the mansion gets noisy again.


2 hours later, 9am

Moonstone Mansion

Fate was woken up by someone calling her name through the door.

"Fate are you up?"

It was Faith behind the door. Fate looked at Heero to see that he was still sleeping. She got out of bed, threw on her jacket and opened the door slightly.

"I just woke up." Fate said.

"We are having breakfast; we were thinking of maybe going somewhere as a family since it is the first day of the year." Faith said with a smile.

She looked at Heero who is resting. He's too tired to move about hence it won't be wise for him to go with her.

"We can discuss it over breakfast. I will go down later." Fate said.

"Okay." Faith said and she left to go down.

Fate closed the door and moved over to Heero. She felt a bit shy as she lifted his shirt, but it was necessary to check on his wound. There was no more bleeding on the bandage hence she was relieved. She pulled his shirt back down only for Heero to grab her hand. It was his reflex; he had told her as much. His body was trained to be on alert all the time, hence he reacts even in his sleep. His grip was hard around her hand, but she called out to him.

"Heero, it's me. Relax." She said.

His grip loosened at the sound of her familiar voice and he seemed to go back to sleep. Fate washed up and took a short shower before she got dressed. She checked his temperature and is relieved that he doesn't have a fever which could be caused by wound infection. She kissed him on the forehead before she went down to get breakfast with her family. Things seemed rather normal until…

"I saw Heero's car, is he with you?" Federick asked her suddenly.

She froze in her movement before she continued cutting her pancake.

"He's asleep, he had a long night." Fate whispered.

"Now about the discussion to move to VLA." Belmont said.

"Can't we have a peaceful breakfast as a family on the first day of AC 204?" Helen asked.

"This topic has been an issue since Christmas Eve." Belmont said.

Everyone looked at Belmont as he's the head of the house.

"I have discussed it privately with everyone on their views of the matter." Belmont said.

Her father did talk to her about it and she personally felt that it will inconvenient her life with Heero. Faith doesn't have a strong opinion on it, she was okay with either. Fayne desperately wants to move to VLA. Federick said he is too busy to care for all three of his sisters. Hence Fate isn't sure what Belmont's final decision will be.

"Fayne and Faith can move to VLA to stay in this mansion with Fate and Federick." Belmont announced.

Fayne looked so happy while Faith merely shrugged.

"But on one condition." Belmont said.

The smile on Fayne's face fell.

"Only if Jace Wingate agrees to date Fayne with marriage in sight." Belmont said.

Fayne's jaw dropped.

"That is unfair, to place their future based on a man's answer." Federick argued.

"We already have a connection to the Wingate family that will be set in stone in due time, hence we do not need a second connection to the Wingates." Belmont said.

Fate felt everyone turn to look at her and she felt her face flush red, after all it was too soon to talk about marrying Heero yet.

"That's unfair Father! You can't choose such things!" Fayne argued.

"I can because this is not the first time you have been pressing for this. And the man in question does not seem to feel the same way you do." Belmont said.

"I…" Fayne trailed off, at a loss for words.

Fate was silent as she knows that Fayne has always loved Jace. But Jace never did seem to reciprocate back Fayne's love. Fayne have dated a few men but she always breaks up with them. Fate knows that she isn't the one to talk for she was in love with Heero for a long time before they got together. Maybe Fayne wants the same with Jace. It will explain why she so desperately wants to move to VLA.

"Your mother and I still have a lot of matters to take care of in Japan, though it's clear that none of you wishes to follow in any of our footsteps." Belmont said softly.

Her siblings were all quiet. Federick is the heir of the family and was supposed to take over the family business. But Federick is now a Preventer and he doesn't seem to want to quit anytime soon. Federick always felt that the family business was something he can fall back to when he retires from the front lines. Fate is too busy being a superstar. Fayne seems to want to do something related to fashion while Faith is not interested in business. Her father still has his science research going on which he is busy with. But sadly, none of them is interested to be a science researcher as well.

"We both felt that it's time we groom someone in the family to take over the family business. We have given all of you free reign for a long time now." Helen chipped in.

"So, if Jace will date Fayne, the two of you can move to VLA. If not the two of you will join the family business." Belmont said.

"That's not fair! Fate and Fed don't have to help the family business out." Faith said.

"Last I checked, Fate's earnings are six times more than the family business' earnings. She gives up thirty percent of it to the family monthly which is still a huge sum of money. While Federick has promised me that he will return to the family business when he retires from duty or is discharged from the force." Belmont said.

Fate looked at Federick in surprise.

"He winged it out of me when I wanted to join the Preventers." Federick whispered.

Faith was silent but it was clear that she didn't like the arrangement as well.

"Nevertheless, we should not use Jace as the deciding factor." Fate voiced out.

It wasn't fair for anyone.

"I have been approached by prestigious families asking for a marriage between our families. And I have been considering them." Belmont told them.

The shock on the ladies' face was clear though Federick's face seem stiff. Why isn't Federick shocked? But their mother looked upset at the mention of this subject. It was a strategic move on Belmont's part to expand the Camden family name, but it was not wise to use his own children as pawns. Especially when it comes to marriage.

"There are plenty of opportunities on the political front in England and Japan, but we have ignored them for the longest time." Belmont said.

Fate is aware of their connection to England's crown through her grandmother Karone. But it was a rather distant connection after all these times. Then again one only need to trace the history books to find the connection easily. Her father had never gotten into politics, but he has been supporting a lot of politicians both in England and in Japan. Hence, he is a man with many powerful friends. Could it be that he feels it was time a Camden holds power in the political scene as well?

"Dear, shall we talk about this another time? The children are clearly upset." Helen asked.

"Now is the best time as we have finally gathered here again." Belmont said, shooting Helen's suggestion down immediately.

Fate's eyes flicked to the dining room's door, slightly worried if Heero wakes up and overhears all of this. Thank goodness there was no staff around as Belmont asked all of them to leave the dining room much earlier.

"We all need friends in high places, and I have decided that one of my children will have a strategic political marriage. Either to a family in London or one in Japan." Belmont said.

"Father, this is not the olden days anymore!" Fayne objected.

Faith turned pale as by elimination, it was clear that it was going to be her.

"The Somerset family has reached out again." Belmont admits.

Federick's face was stiff but he seemed to have turned pale as well. The Somerset surname sounded familiar to her.

"Helen, if you will tell them about Amelia." Belmont directed.

Helen sighed while Fate found the name familiar.

"I met Amelia Somerset recently when I was visiting your grandmother Karone in London. She visited with her grandfather, the current Duke of Beaufort." Helen said.

All colour drained from Federick's face as if he knew what was going to happen.

"The Duke reminded Karone of the promise your grandfather made with the Somerset family. It was arranged for our heirs in the third generation to be married." Helen reminded them.

"I remember Amelia briefly; she was in the private school with us before we returned to Japan." Fayne said.

Yes, Fate had a brief memory of Amelia in her younger days. She was not pretty back then but things might have changed.

"She has grown to be a beautiful woman and she is groomed to marry royalty since she was born. But the Duke wants us to honour the promise that your grandfather made." Helen said sadly.

"We did some background check on our own, she was one of the princess candidates for the second prince. But that prince had a wild side, and we all know what happened after that." Belmont said stiffly.

It was quite a scandal when the second prince had a shotgun marriage with his girlfriend who is a commoner. They are happy now and that was all that mattered to Fate, but not to the noble families in England. They felt that the importance of the royalty's bloodline and its traditions were all side-lined.

"The new prince and princess are far too young for Amelia to marry. Hence the Duke wishes us to honour the promise made with my father." Belmont said.

"So Federick must marry the second prince's cast away?" Fayne asked.

She did put it bluntly, but it does seem that way.

"We did further checks on Amelia to be certain of her character and found no bad records so far. She's healthy and is a wonderful lady. But my concern is the fact that she might be too mild for Federick." Helen said.

"Karone puts in a word for Federick and suggested that both Amelia and Federick should get to know each other better. Before deciding to go through with the arranged marriage." Belmont said.

"No." Federick said abruptly.

"No?" Belmont asked.

"I remember her to be quite an airhead. I will not marry someone that will stop me from serving as an agent." Federick said.

"She did express her concerns about your occupation, but I'm sure with time you two can work it out. Besides, it was a long time ago since you two last met, just give her a chance Federick." Helen said with a smile.

Federick was dead silent.

"The Duke was merciless. Should the arrangement between Federick and Amelia fail, he wants his second grandson to marry one of my daughters." Belmont said stiffly.

Fayne and Faith turned pale instantly.

"Hence should Jace refuse to date you, Fayne will be meeting the Duke's second grandson. Should Jace say yes, Faith will be the one meeting him." Belmont said.

The Somerset Family is very insistent on tying their family tree with the Camden's family.

"Count yourself lucky Fate, for you have caught the best candidate among the entire Colonies." Belmont said with a smile.

Fate was shocked to hear this. If Heero was not a Wingate but a mere commoner, she will likely have her marriage arranged as well.

"What if we have someone that we love?" Faith asked timidly.

"Your mother and I will review him or her thoroughly. Should they be found to be unworthy of the Camden name, then off they go." Belmont said.

"You two will go so far to tear two people in love apart?" Faith asked in shock.

The anger on Belmont's face was clear and Fate chose to remain silent.

"Look at all of you right now, excluding Fate. Already adults yet still single for an awfully long time. Three of you have been in relationships before but they have not lasted which is why you three are still single. In a sense you three have already had a taste of what a relationship is, now it's time to settle down with your future in sight. No more fooling around or your allowances will be cut off, though this will not affect you Federick." Belmont said sternly.

Her siblings were silent, but it was clear none of them were happy with what their father just said.

"Amelia is coming to VLA in a week's time, be prepared to host her Federick. If I hear any complaints from the Marquis at all…" Belmont trailed off, but it was clear what he meant.

Federick immediately looked at his phone's calendar as if to check if he will be free or not.

"Fayne, you have today to get Jace's reply. We will be returning to Japan tomorrow. Whether you two are coming with us depends on this answer." Belmont said.

Fayne's eyes widened in shock but it was clear she was not in the mood to eat anymore.

"Do not lie to me Fayne, for I can contact Jace myself." Belmont added on.

The heavy mood in the dining room was clear but Fayne got up.

"Excuse me, I lost my appetite." She said, moving to leave.

Faith did the same while Federick rushed off to settle his schedule. Fate was silent as she looked at her parents.

"Aren't you two being too harsh on them?" Fate asked.

"Sometimes a stronger push is necessary." Belmont said stiffly.

"Whatever happened to marrying for love? You and mother have that." Fate asked.

"Yes, but not everyone does. It's time we acknowledge that sometimes love is out of our own control." Belmont said.

"We do allow exceptions." Helen added.

"On a case-by-case basis. Don't let Wingate go Fate, for you come before Fayne and Faith." Belmont reminded her.

Fate was upset that her father spoke of her as if she were incredibly lucky to ensnare the biggest whale in the Colonies. She left to return back to her room. Fate was relieved that Heero is still asleep. But she got into bed and hugged him. He woke up from sensing that movement.

"What…"

She didn't speak as she hugged him, he reached out and stroke her head gently.

"What's wrong?" He asked her softly.

"I am learning that being born in a famous family has its weaknesses." She whispered.

"What happened?" Heero asked.

"It was horrible, father wants to marry my siblings off to expand the Camden name." Fate said.

"Carlton too." Heero said, reminded of what Aaron and Angel said.

"Will Rachel even agree to it?" She asked.

"She did." Heero said.

Fate was silent and her heart went out to all of them. But she told him about Fayne and Jace. Heero shook his head.

"Jace will say no." Heero said.

"How do you know that?" Fate asked.

"He doesn't love Fayne, he saw her as a sister. He told me that himself." Heero said.

"Oh dear." Fate whispered.

Heero kissed her on her forehead and started to get up.

"Heero, you should sleep longer." Fate said.

"Can't, I have to go back to dealing with the attack." Heero said.

He sat up slowly and reached for his guns. Fate watched as he looked at his phone.

"I have to meet the rest; they are worried about me." Heero said, noting all the missed calls and text messages.

"Be safe, please?" She asked.

Heero nodded while Fate got one of his formal shirts from his drawer. He went to the bathroom to wash up and get changed. He seemed to be back to his usual self after that, but Fate asked him to eat iron pills as he did lose quite a bit of blood. She walked him to the main door and Heero kissed Fate goodbye. She watched as he left and wondered how Fayne's request will go.


Heero's Penthouse

Afternoon, 3pm

His best friends came to find him to talk about the surprise attack at around 12pm. They ordered food delivery as Heero discussed a little about his own findings. Heero warned them to be careful of America for now and after lunch he was back to work. His sides do hurt but he ate painkillers. Fate did text him to check on him but Heero was too busy preparing for the upcoming boot camp that he cannot rest yet.

His doorbell rang and he saw from his security camera that it was Jace. Jace did not look happy and Heero found it odd. He lets Jace in and Jace made his way into his home office.

"You look pale." Jace commented when he saw him.

"Someone tried to attack me this early morning." Heero admits.

"What?" Jace asked in shock.

"I was injured on my right side." Heero said.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Jace asked.

"I think you are tired of getting injury or emergency calls about me." Heero said.

Jace asked to check on his wound and Heero showed him the bandage. Trowa had helped to change the bandage just now but it was no longer bleeding which was good.

"Shouldn't you be resting?" Jace asked.

"I can't afford to, I have too much to do." Heero said.

Jace sat down on the chair opposite his seat at his desk.

"What is it?" Heero asked suddenly.

"Why ask? Can't I visit my brother?" Jace asked.

"Not on the first day of the year. You usually spend it with a woman. Didn't you go off with someone?" Heero asked, if his memory served him right.

"No, I didn't go off with anyone because something happened last night." Jace said.

Heero stared at Jace.

"What happened?" He asked Jace.

"Fayne kissed me during the fireworks show." Jace said.

Heero stared at him in silence instead.

"She had dated a few people, so I thought she was over me. But apparently no. She came to Wingate mansion and confessed her feelings for me two hours ago." Jace said.

"And?" Heero asked pressing on.

"I just stood there staring at her in shock. She said that if I said no to her, she would end up marrying someone else due to an arranged marriage by her parents." Jace said.

Heero looked at Jace in silence.

"She asked me to enter into a contract relationship with her temporarily even if I don't like her to avoid the arranged marriage for now." Jace said.

It does sound like something Fayne will suggest just to get away from the arranged marriage, but it will only hurt her more as Jace still doesn't love her.

"What are you going to do?" Heero asked.

"I don't know, that's why I came here." Jace said.

"You won't find your answer from me." Heero said.

"That is true but…"

"But?" Heero pressed on.

Jace was silent as if deep in thought.

"Do you actually have feelings for Fayne?" Heero asked in surprise.

"Not romantic ones, but I don't want her to marry someone she doesn't love." Jace said.

"She loves you and has for a very long time." Heero pointed out.

"I don't know if I'm noble enough to help her out." Jace admits.

"Be selfish for once, for what happens to her is not your concern." Heero suggested.

"But she might become your sister-in-law someday." Jace pointed out.

"Regardless, you cannot force feelings out of nothing. I'm sure you already have the answer. Don't let her plans get your sympathy." Heero said.

"But I can't not care about her." Jace said softly.

Heero raised an eyebrow at him.

"Enough to put your own future at stake?" Heero asked.

"No…"

"Then you have your answer." Heero said.

"You seem set on being against us." Jace said as he frowned at Heero.

"Because she doesn't suit you. She needs a man who is stern enough who can shape her up." Heero said.

"Someone like you?" Jace asked.

"I'm very much in love with Fate, please exclude me from the equation." Heero said.

Jace sighed yet again.

"I guess I should be honest with myself." Jace whispered.

"Do you know about Carlton's plans to groom Aaron in politics?" Heero asked suddenly.

Jace nodded.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Heero asked.

"Because Aaron has the time to do it if he starts now."

"He might not be cut out to do it." Heero said.

"And he will learn, father will make sure of it. I was the same way." Jace said softly.

"And the twins' arranged marriage?" Heero asked.

"It is still in discussion as they have not finalised the candidates in mind."

"You knew everything but kept quiet about it." Heero said.

"In case you forget, you are hardly around when such decisions are to be made. I kept quiet because you will be against it." Jace said.

"Of course, I am, they are only turning fourteen."

"Arranged marriages between prestigious families are not uncommon, Fate was my fiancée before the war separated us!" Jace declared.

"What?" Heero asked in surprise, he never heard about any of this.

"Father was supposed to marry Helen while Belmont was supposed to marry Rachel as you know. But they fell in love with the other person hence they made a pact that their heirs will marry each other. I was the heir hence I was supposed to marry Fate, while Isabelle was supposed to marry Federick. But Federick's arranged marriage was voided due to an earlier promise made by his grandfather to the Duke of Beaufort. Federick is to marry Amelia Somerset since the day she was born." Jace said.

Heero was silent as he hadn't heard about this before.

"Fayne has always had her eye on me according to Federick and hated Fate for being my fiancée. But war separated us, and the arrangement was not brought up again as there was a chance we might die in the war. But when it was over, we found you. That caused the arrangement to be voided because now you are the heir to the Wingate family. And at that point of time, you were quite set on Relena Darlian. You were new to our rules and traditions hence Rachel lets it go. Miraculously you and Fate finally ended up together and your union will honour the pact made by our parents." Jace said.

Heero was surprised to hear that they would have forced him to marry Fate due to the pact made by their parents.

"They don't need the pact to be fulfilled twice, hence Rachel has made it quite clear to me that I don't have to be with Fayne." Jace told him.

Heero was silent, to think they had such agreements done all before his generation.

"All such arrangements are no longer valid if the party involved is in love with someone else. Hence Aaron and Angel still have their freedom to love, but they have a more ideal future partner as recommended by the family." Jace said.

"Was that one of the reasons why you secretly hated me at the start when I joined the family? Because I took Fate away from you." Heero said.

"Yes." Jace admits with a sigh.

Heero had expected it to be related to Fate.

"But it was clear to me that she only has eyes for you, arranged marriage agreement or not. That's when I gave up on her and moved on." Jace said.

"And now?" Heero asked.

"I don't hate you about it anymore." Jace said softly.

"What about the Somerset family?" Heero asked.

"They aren't bad. I met Amelia Somerset again two years ago, she seems nice and is a beautiful woman now." Jace said.

"Fate told me that Federick's arranged marriage may be carried through." Heero said.

"What? But Federick hates such things." Jace said in surprise.

"Hence you better watch over your best friend." Heero said.

Jace sighed what a complete mess all of this was.

"Shall we drink?" Jace asked.

"I can't take alcohol as I took painkillers but help yourself." Heero said.

Hence Jace helped himself to Heero's whisky collection, Heero watched as his brother drank quite a lot of whisky. After that Jace left to give Fayne his answer. Heero texted Fate to warn her of what was to come.


Moonstone Mansion,

Evening, 5.30pm

The atmosphere in the mansion has been tensed. Fayne returned with a very stiff look on her face but she broke down when she was in the guest room that she was using. Fate was warned by Heero of what was going to happen hence she was waiting for Fayne to come home. The three sisters sat on the edge of the bed as Fayne cried. Fate is worried about her two sisters' future, but their father seems set on wanting them to marry into prestigious families. It was a cold arrangement lacking in any form of feelings for there was no need for love in such arrangements.

"I love him so much." Fayne whispered as tears continued to fall from her eyes.

Fate merely hugged Fayne and reached out to squeeze Faith's hand as she was crying about her bleak future too. It was like a crying party though Fate was the only one not crying. There was a knock on the door, and they looked as Federick came in.

"Dinner will start at 6pm and I suggest you two stop crying." Federick said softly.

But Fayne and Faith only cried harder while Federick sighed and closed the door. Federick joined them on the bed and sighed too.

"Guess it has its drawbacks to be in the Camden family." Federick muttered.

"Where were you?" Fate asked.

"Doing my own research on my fiancée to be." Federick muttered.

"And?" Fate asked.

"Nothing of worry came up, she looks much better now though." Federick said.

"I think Father will match me to a family in Japan." Faith whispered.

"It is likely now that the route to London will be secured through Fayne or Federick." Fate said.

"Why can't I marry for love?" Faith asked.

Fate didn't have any answer for Faith, but she looked at Federick who merely sighed. At their coaxing, the two ladies washed their faces and tried not to let their red eyes show.

"At least they won't be staying with us." Federick said as if relieved.

"But we won't be able to help them should Father tries anything." Fate said.

"You can always use the friend route to go about it." Federick said.

"Meaning?" Fate asked.

"Get help from Rachel." Federick suggested.

Fate was silent but it was worth a shot for Rachel and their mother are best friends. The dreadful dinner soon came whereby Belmont is already aware of the news as he had phoned Jace personally. Hence Fayne and Faith were to pack their luggage bags as they will be flying back to Japan. Fayne puts on a brave front but it was clear that she was about to cry.

After dinner, Fate helped her sisters to pack their bags as none of them were in the mood to do it. As she's still worried about Heero, she decided to go find him in his penthouse. She went there by the family limo.


Heero's Penthouse,

Night time, 8pm

Heero was not happy when Fate showed up, but he decided to be frank to her, after all there could still be people tailing her around. She hugged him immediately after the door was closed and he could tell that she's upset.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"It's depressing at Moonstone." She whispered.

He kissed her on the cheek and leads her to sit on the sofa. He held onto her hand as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"How is your wound?" She asked.

"It's not bleeding anymore; I will need to change its dressing after taking a bath." Heero said.

"I can help you." Fate said.

"With the bath?" Heero asked with a raised eyebrow.

She blushed instantly and looked away from him.

"The dressing, not the bath." She whispered.

He was teasing her, but she always gives such a cute reaction. He turned slightly and kissed her gently first. She accepted his kiss but soon their kiss grew in intensity. His tongue entered her mouth, and their tongues were tangling with each other's as they continued kissing. He stopped the kiss briefly so that they can both breathe properly. She was blushing but she had this really sexy look on her face as she looked at him.

"You shouldn't tempt a wounded man, Fate." He said softly.

"I'm not tempting you." She denied.

"Your face says a different story." He whispered while her blush deepened.

He lets her go as any more than this he will want to bed her regardless of his stitches. She took in deep breaths as if to calm her racing heart.

"What do you want to do while you are here?" Heero asked.

"Can we just talk?" She asked.

He nods and said he will make tea, but Fate stopped him. She then reached to touch his wound gently over its bandage.

"Fate?" He asked.

"Any later and it would have been a gunshot wound, I'm really worried about you Heero." She whispered.

Heero sighed.

"It's part and parcel of my everyday life." Heero admits.

"Yes, but you have me now. Please… don't make me worry so much about you." Fate said.

Their eyes met and he hugs her, aware that she's still concerned about him.

"I can't guarantee you that I won't get shot or killed in combat, Fate." He whispered.

"I know." She whispered.

"But I will try my best to return to you." He told her.

"Do you promise me that?" She asked.

He broke the hug so that they can look at each other.

"Yes." He said.

Fate nods her head as if satisfied for now. That's until Heero pushed her down onto the sofa.

"Heero?" She asked in surprise.

"Let's seal it with a kiss." He said.

"But your stitches."

He merely smiled before he kissed her yet again. Fate wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back just as passionately. God, she wants to be even closer with him, but now was not the time. She doesn't want his wound to open again. He broke their kiss and looked down at her.

"I wondered what will happen if the attacker didn't show up. Will we be one by now?" He asked her.

She blushed but she had wanted that to happen too.

"We seem to keep missing each other in this." He whispered.

He was right the timing was off almost every time. Maybe they should let nature take its course and stop trying to plan this. Isn't sex supposed to be spontaneous? The sound of the doorbell ringing surprised both of them. Heero got off her and checked the intercom. Fate tried to calm her own racing heart and heated face.

"It's the guys." Heero told her.

"Oh?" She asked in surprise.

Heero opened the door and she heard Duo's cheerful voice.

"We can't leave you alone on the first day of the year! So, we came to cheer you up with alcohol!" Duo said.

"Are you feeling better?" Came Quatre's voice.

Heero's only response was to open the door wider so that they can see Fate standing inside. The guys were surprised to see her, but they seemed to get the message.

"Right, talk about bad timing." Duo muttered.

"It's alright, all of you were not interrupting." Fate said with a smile.

"Well then we are coming in!" Trowa declared loudly as if to tell her that.

Heero lets them in and looks at her in silence as if he were apologising. She mouthed that it was okay to him. The men got down to drinking instantly though Heero can't drink as he took medicine. Fate said she will leave first as his friends can help to change his dressing. And on top of that she didn't want to intrude on their conversation.

"You told her yet?" Wufei asked Heero.

Heero was silent as he was suddenly confronted with that question.

"Tell me what?" She asked.

"Guess that's a no." Wufei muttered.

"What does he mean?" Fate asked Heero as Wufei went to heat up the pizza they bought.

Heero frowned as Wufei had placed him in a tight spot. But he wondered why his best friends thinks he can't take care of himself. Sure, his butler isn't around, sure he was wounded but he can still eat and function properly.

"The attacker found the hotel suite after following you around."

All colour drained from her face. He didn't want to tell her this as she will take it personally that it's her fault he was attacked.

"Did you know that you were being followed?" Heero asked her softly.

She shook her head and looked down sadly.

"I'm sorry, I…"

"It's not your fault, don't think too much into it." Heero said, cutting her off.

"But you were shot at."

"We will need to be more careful from now on. I will assign a bodyguard to protect you." Heero said.

She nodded and didn't oppose to the idea.

"That aside, I will be away on a training camp for a month." Heero added.

"What?" Fate said so loudly that all his four friends turned to look at them.

Heero had found it hard to break the news to her but he was left without much choice.

"But… you are wounded." Fate pointed out.

"I am merely the one giving out orders, it will not affect my wound. Besides the Preventers will be joining us." Heero said.

"For two weeks, not for an entire month!" Wufei shouted as if he heard everything just now.

"To be tortured by Heero's regiment seems like a painful way to die." Duo commented.

"Surely it's not that bad." Quatre commented.

"Have you seen his soldiers? All of them are like muscular bronze statue!" Duo exclaimed.

Fate looked at Heero in silence.

"Will it be dangerous?" She asked him.

Heero was about to answer when….

"Naturally, Heero's a training sadist." Trowa said.

"Come back to me in one piece, Heero." Fate whispered before she kissed him on his cheek.

"I will try." Heero admits.

Heero sent Fate off still feeling slightly worried about her. But then he turned and glared at his four best friends who made matters worse.

"You four need to read the atmosphere better." Heero remarked.

"So, we were interrupting something." Duo concluded.

"I did wonder about that." Trowa said.

Heero tried not to be angry at them as he doesn't want his wound to reopen.

"She has the right to know." Wufei said stiffly.

"Yes, but at my own timing." Heero muttered.

"Calm down everyone and watch your stitches Heero." Quatre said.

The smell of the heated pizza floated into the living room.

"Pizza's ready!" Duo exclaimed as he left his seat to go get it.

Heero sighed, what will he do with them? There were times he wanted to strangle them, but he knows he can count on them in times of emergencies.

"So, who had sex on the New Year?" Duo asked.

And yes, Duo deserves to be strangled and hanged. Heero thought that to himself as he approached his best friends.

To be continued…


Author's Note: This chapter covers the attack on Heero that happened when he was in his private moment. It also covers the topic of arranged marriages and promises made before their generation which is still common among prestigious families. Thank you for reading and do continue to support this story!