At some point they had drifted off to sleep in a plush reading chair Heero kept in the corner of his windowless office.
He had covered them with a spare winter coat he found in a nearby closet, but the heat emitting from both of their bodies had been more than enough. The jacket had been discarded at some point during their slumber.
Heero woke first, sitting stock still so he wouldn't disturb her. Looking up at the clock, he saw it was 17:00. Soon, he'd have to wake her and drive them both home.
He couldn't resist holding her closer to his chest, and resting his chin on the top of her head.
Home. He was starting to realize that she embodied the word for him. He found that at some point during their several year friendship, she had stopped annoying him. On the contrary, she was the last subject he thought of before falling asleep and the first he thought of upon waking. Being in her presence was almost as comfortable as being in her arms. She quenched his thirst for peace and quieted his fiery soul.
He closed his eyes and breathed her in. Tomorrow morning, he'd have to make it to Boom in order to meet with an additional Clark, and then somehow report for a deposition with Relena. How detailed would Zechs get with his questions? Did he really want to hear those answers from his own sister?
Heero felt himself smirk. It would be interesting to see how the Lightning Count would take the news. He had always been one of his greatest rivals. And Relena always seemed to push between them. How would he react when he learned that Relena chose him?
But then Heero felt dread pool within him. What could this mean for her? Would they take Heero off her off-hours security detail? Would they release the record of the investigation to the public? How would this harm Relena's image?
He held her tighter.
He had worked too long on himself in order to give himself to her, to have it shattered by his own behavior. They would have to address this tonight, when they got home.
The deposition would force them to define their relationship, as casual sex between a bodyguard and his charge was an absolute ethics violation. It was one thing that he was commanding an entire subdivision of Preventer, but after he left HQ everyday, he was responsible for her safety. If he were his superior, he'd be facing suspension and reassignment.
But weren't they a special case?
Heero felt himself scowl. There was nothing special about them, not according to the protocol. Preventer Code of Ethics did not leave much room for interpretation when it came to fraternizing.
He wanted to kick himself. Heero's entrenchment with Preventer was turning out to be a greater burden than he had ever thought it could be.
But he would rather risk his career than hers, no matter what.
She was the inspiration behind his work, after all. She lived and breathed foreign relations. Watching her career grow and develop was the most inspiring thing, and he had been following her progress for years.
Heero felt that he had finally started to get to know her and her work while traveling. He remembered the exact moment, four years prior, as he sat in his favorite noodle stall, trying not to sound too eager as he slurped his food.
Each private stall had its own television, and he seemed to be perpetually tuned in to the international news channel.
Relena had been giving a press conference regarding a new initiative to promote 'galactic tourism' that day. It aired live that night in Japan. He smiled as he watched her detail numerous proposals that would stimulate galactic economy as well as promote awareness and education. He was starting to miss her, even though they still spoke regularly via e-mail. He noted that an interpreter's voice had been layered over the broadcast, drowning out her pitch-perfect English. The realization sobered him.
He had discovered then that he missed her voice.
And he missed interacting with her, with anyone really. His trip in its entirety had been largely solitary.
He remembered how after he ate, he rushed home to congratulate her on the speech via e-mail. He had received her reply almost instantly, reading her girlish use of abbreviations and emoticons and feeling at home immediately.
Again, he held her tighter.
He had come a long way. Years before he would never have dreamed of casual conversation with anyone, let alone a politician from Earth. And his interaction with women was indeed limited. He had met a female operative or two while under Dr. J's watchful eye, but overall he had lived an incredibly isolated existence prior to the onset of Operation Meteor. Any other people he had met were usually either targets, or unfortunate passerby.
Relena took in a deep breath while he cradled her in his arms.
He laced his fingers through her hair, but any serenity he felt had began to fade as he was reminded of two unfortunate passersby he had met as a young teenager.
"I'm not lost...I'm taking Mary here for a walk." The soft voice echoed in the room. Images of the dead dog in the rubble began to seep into his mind's eye. He could almost smell the scent of lingering jet fuel, of burning flesh.
He felt his grip tighten on Relena. It was all he could do to steady himself.
She shifted, adjusting to his strengthening embrace.
"He.. Heero..." she muttered, waking up. Heero felt himself relax. She blinked her eyes open in a languid pace, and let a small smile play on her mouth. She was glowing with the aftermath of having given herself completely to him.
She didn't move to cover herself, and he noticed that she was studying his body from her place in his lap. He watched as a small blush formed on her cheeks.
"Hi." He spoke first.
"Hello." Came her bashful reply. "What time is it?"
"About time to get you home. Guess we should... track down your clothes." Heero suggested, eyes scanning the room for rogue fabric.
Although Heero moved to sit up, she wouldn't have it. She looped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her for a chaste kiss. Heero let his eyelids droop, and moved his lips against hers, deepening the contact.
They rode home in comfortable silence, stopping briefly to pick up drive-thru fast food. The type Relena indulged in rarely, save for special occasions. Perhaps she considered tonight special, considering what they had done that afternoon.
What could he call what they had done? What would she call it?
The silence began to weigh on his shoulders. He stole a glance at her as he pulled the SUV into her garage. She had fallen asleep at some point during the drive, still clutching the large paper bag of American-style takeout on her lap.
For a second, he had almost forgotten who they were.
For a second, they were just a normal couple of twenty-somethings. Two nervous young adults, recovering from their first hookup, dancing around the reality of their undefined relationship.
What was their reality? What did he want it to be?
He would let her decide.
He had grown so dependent on her to take the lead in all socialization, he dared to entertain the notion that perhaps he didn't want her.
The notion was fleeting, the doubt lasting but a second. Of course, he wanted her.
He needed her.
But how healthy was that?
A/N: Super short chapter today guys! I've had this one sitting forever, and I just couldn't let it sit anymore. Life got a tad crazy for me, and I had to handle it. Without you reviewers, I would have never been motivated to continue on. I can't wait to respond to each of your reviews, I am so sorry I let you all wait so long! I promise I will update regularly from now on.
Thanks for your continued support!
~murshmallow