Chapter Twenty-Three
Decision Made

Une wanted Heero removed from the room. After some protest, he finally gave in and left. Slamming the door behind him. Une wanted this conversation to be between her and Serena only. And she wanted to make sure that none of it was recorded.

"Shut down the recording," Une said, turning to face the mirror. After several long minutes, two knocks came. Turning her head back she finally sat down in the empty chair. She didn't want to waste any more time.

"What are they building?" Serena's face was masked but it seemed she was fighting with herself on how to answer. "Serena, if you truly want to help us, you need to be honest. No more withholding information. You are our only lead now. Your information is highly valuable and if you want to see ROE taken down, you need to work with us. I'm willing to pardon you of anything that may come your way once we bring everyone involved to trial. But that can only happen if you help us. You need to tell me what else they're building."

Serena closed her eyes for a few moments before opening them. Her decision was written on her face.

"A Gundam."

Une didn't skip a beat as she clasped her hands together, placing them in front of her.

"Are you the pilot?" She had a feeling when Serena stated they were rebuilding old Mobile Suits that there was a possibility that a Gundam could've been created as well.

"Yes."

"Is it completed?" Une saw the flash of hesitation in Serena's eyes.

"It's nonfunctional. Only the cockpit was completed and tested. I have not seen or know if anything else was ever finished. There were no schematics to go by."

Une knew she wasn't telling her the truth, but she let it slide. There was a reason but she didn't want to push Serena. Not yet at least.

"But Doctor J developed several in the past?" Une knew some information on Doctor J's history. He was a part of the creation of the Tallgeese and the sole creator of Heero's original Wing Gundam. She had learned later that the Wing Gundam was based on the original Gundam that the five scientists were working on together. The Wing Zero was even more powerful than the Wing Gundam which Heero had also piloted. Not to mention Heero had helped create the Mercurius and Vayeate.

"Yes, but he never handed over the designs of his previous models to ROE. All information on the Gundams themselves was destroyed."

"Are you saying they are coming up with their design?" Une narrowed her eyes slightly. She wasn't fully convinced.

"Yes, based on previous MS models and the general idea of what and how a Gundam should look and perform," Serena said, keeping her face masked.

"Do you know if it's possible for them to still construct it? Given the opportunity?"

"I don't know for sure. I was the only one who was trained to pilot it. The ZERO System is linked to me and me only. If they were to put someone else in the suit it wouldn't function."

Une kept her face masked. She wasn't expecting her to say that her Gundam had the ZERO System. But part of her knew that if Doctor J was the one helping to build it that it most likely would contain the system.

"Can you tell me where the Gundam is being built?"

"No," Serena shook her head. "It was never built together. All parts were built separately and were to be moved together in one central location when everything was completed. I'm not even sure the cockpit is still in the same location I was last at."

Une could hear the sincerity in her voice and along with the slight disappointment showing on her face. Une believed that Serena would've told her.

"I have one last thing to say." Serena nodded her head. "If you're going to work alongside us, you are to follow any orders that are given to you. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree. Do you understand?"

"Understood," Serena said as she lifted her chin, meeting Une's eyes.

"I will have Maxwell escort you back to your room. My decision on what to do with you and how we will move forward will be brought to you shortly. You're dismissed," Une stood, watching as Serena stood. A moment later Une saw Duo enter the room.

"Ready to go, Rena?"

Duo had been with Serena for almost half an hour. At first, he wasn't sure if he should talk to her or just sit and watch her till either Heero or Trowa came. Though he was hoping it'd be Trowa.

When he left the observation room to collect Serena, Heero was about ready to shoot a hole in the two-way mirror. A small fight had broken out between the three of them. Trowa defended Serena, while Heero made it seem he was planning out her execution. Duo, himself, had defended both what Trowa and Heero were saying but that only resulted in the three of them shouting at each other more. It wasn't like they had never argued over something before. But the whole situation was putting everyone on edge.

After a while, Duo finally gave in and started a conversation with Serena. Though a huge part of him wanted to ask a hundred questions about her Gundam. He knew it wasn't the best idea, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't miss Deathscythe.

Duo started with small random topics and it seemed like she was engaged enough in the conversation. So he tried his luck with one question he had yet to ask her.

"So," he said as he crossed his arms over his chest. A wide grin on his face. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Are you being serious right now?" Serena's voice rose slightly. Duo chuckled to himself as he watched her face deadpan.

"It's a simple yes or no answer, Rena."

"I don't see how it's any of your business, and aren't you married?" She pointed a finger at him.

"Why yes, yes I am," Duo held up his left hand. The gold wedding band reflected the room's lights as he wiggled his finger. "But it doesn't mean I can't ask."

"The answer is no."

"Ahh," Duo started as he nodded his head. "So... no boyfriend. Such a shame too. A pretty girl like you probably wouldn't last long on the market anyway."

"I beg your pardon? Market!?" Serena's eyes went wide.

"The single's market?" Duo arched an eyebrow. "What I'm saying is, someone as good-looking as you wouldn't stay single for long," he shrugged his shoulders. "Take it as a compliment. Don't have to read into it."

Serena didn't say anything more and after a few minutes of silence, Duo proposed his next question.

"What about Barton?"

"What?" Both her brows shot up in confusion.

"What about Trowa? You do like him right?" Duo's grinned at her.

"He's been nice to me. But-"

"So you do like him!" Duo said, cutting her off. "He probably likes you too. We should set something up. Dinner? Movie? We can come up with something."

"What the hell, Duo!?" Serena threw her hands in the air. "I never said I liked him. I simply said that he's been nice to me."

"Ahh, don't kid yourself!" Duo waved a hand at her. "People fall in love in mysterious ways all the time. Look at your brother and Relena," Duo saw her face deepen into a scowl. "They fell in love, probably the minute Heero turned a gun on her. Geez if that isn't crazy enough Relena followed him around the freaking world! And he even went to save her when she was in Space!" Duo said, emphasizing certain words. "Now they've been dating for some time now. Will probably get married and have some kids. So now that we have described the perfect example of how people fall in love in some fucking crazy way…" he paused for dramatic effect. "What about you and Barton?"

"I think you're out of your fucking mind," Serena deadpanned.

"I'm telling you, it could happen. Maybe already has. You never know, Serena. You never know."

Heero and Trowa were currently in her office to discuss the results of Serena's interrogation. Trowa had stayed relatively quiet other than defending some of Serena's actions. But Heero had gotten into a heated argument with her over the information Serena had given them.

Heero was angry over the fact that it took two weeks before Serena said anything. Une had agreed but was quick to point out that given the time Serena had been with them and the fact that Muller Watson had attempted to harm the VFM. It seemed to have made something snap in her.

Une had hoped that if they gave Serena some time that she would be more cooperative. From where they stood, she felt comfortable with the idea that they had ROE's essential player. Without Serena, they may not be able to fully fulfill their goals. That and the fact that they now had the upper hand. With Serena, they would be able to start planning a counterattack against ROE.

They just needed to plan out their next course of action and Une knew where she wanted to start. It was a gamble but it was one she knew they needed to take.

"I've made a decision," Une started after Heero had stopped yelling at her. "Serena cannot stay here. She's been seen and other agents have already started to talk. If there are more members of ROE hidden within this organization, it would be wise to remove her and find out if there are any others before word gets back to the leaders of ROE that we have her in our possession," Une eyed both men. "The only issue is where to send her? We need her to be able to be in contact with us, as well as monitor her. While I trust her information, it wouldn't be wise of us to set her free and unattended."

"She can stay with me," Trowa offered. Heero turned wide eyes to the taller man before narrowing them. Une knew another fight was about to start.

"Not a chance in hell, she will stay at my apartment where I can monitor her," Heero growled. Trowa turned to glare at him.

"She would be better off staying with me," Trowa received another growl from the slightly short man. "I have a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment. While you have a single bed and bath. Not to mention you're staying with Relena and monitoring her security full time right now. And if that's not enough," Trowa's eyes tighten more. "You two would end up killing each other."

"I agree with Barton," Une said, cutting in, hoping to defuse the fight. Both men whipped their heads around to face her. "Trowa, I will allow her to stay with you, but under these conditions," she looked pointedly at Heero before looking back to Trowa. "You are a hundred percent responsible for her and her actions. She will have to check in while you're at work," Une said. Trowa nodded his head.

"How often will she be required to check in?" Trowa asked.

"Every two hours."

"Every hour," Heero shot back. "I want her checking in every hour, on the hour. No exceptions. I also want GPS monitoring. She will not be allowed to leave the apartment unless being transported back to here," Heero said as he stared at Trowa. After a few tense moments, Une cleared her throat, regaining both men's attention.

"I have a phone set up for her. It has all of our numbers programmed into it," Une looked directly at Heero. "It also has GPS monitoring on it so we can make sure she is where she says she is. She will have to report every hour and she will report to me daily via email or by phone. If she doesn't adhere to these rules, I will have no choice but to arrest her and hold her till after ROE has been taken down," Une waited a moment watching Heero. His face had gone into a stone mask as he had crossed his arms over his chest. "Are these conditions up to your standards, Agent Yuy?"

"Yes."

"Very well then," Une reached into her desk pulling out the phone. "Barton, this is her phone. You are to explain everything we have gone over with her and I want her to report to me tonight. You are to go collect her and make sure that no one sees you leave with her. I will make sure to clear the area but keep your eyes open," Trowa nodded as he accepted the phone from her. "You're both dismissed."

Heero was the first to leave. Trowa pocketed the phone while thanking Une before heading out of her office. In the hallway, he saw Heero waiting for him.

"Barton," Heero glared at him. "I don't know what the hell you're thinking but heed my warning," Trowa tried to keep his face masked, but as he watched Heero he couldn't help the scowl from forming. "Do not, I repeat, do not get involved with her in any way. Do I make myself clear?"

Trowa wasn't sure how to take the statement. Was he being protective of Serena or was it because he didn't trust her?

"Yeah," was all he could say as he moved past him. Heero followed closely behind him as he made his way to the elevator.

"I mean it, Barton," Heero growled.

Trowa was going to ask him why he was coming with him. But he didn't want to give the other man the satisfaction of another argument. They didn't speak to each other as they made their way down to the medical floors. Exiting the elevator they headed towards Serena's room.

Finally, the tension got to Trowa.

"You don't need to be here. Go to Relena's office or something, Yuy," Trowa said angrily. Heero snorted.

"Like hell," he said as he swiped his badge at Serena's door. What greeted them when the door opened was Duo laughing. Tears were forming in the corners of his eyes as he held his stomach. Trowa glanced at Serena. She was sitting with her arms crossed over her chest while she tried to hide her amusement.

"That's fucking hysterical!" Duo yelled while still laughing. Trowa saw Heero stiffen in front of him, his hands clenched.

"What the hell is going on in here!?" Heero's voice rang out, causing Duo to stop laughing altogether. Serena's head shot up.

"Whoa, Heero, Trowa! Didn't see you guys there. Man, you guys just missed it!" Duo waved his arms dramatically. "Rena's one hell of a jokester. Hell, she could give me a run for my money!" Duo's laughter filled the room again. "I didn't know she could be so funny!" Serena must've noticed how Heero was acting as her eyes darted to him before quickly darting back to Duo.

"Duo…" she said quietly. "Not now."

"What do you mean? C'mon Rena! We all need a good laugh every once in a while!"

"Enough!" Heero bellowed. "Maxwell, shut it. Serena!" Heero took a few angry steps toward her. "I don't know what you're planning on doing or how you plan on doing it, but you better listen," Heero said in Japanese to her as he took the last few strides before he was close enough to grasp her. "You've lied to me. I don't care if you didn't know that someone was going to hurt Relena, you should've told me everything the first time we spoke!"

"What are you saying?" Serena shot back.

"You put Relena in harm's way. I can't let that just slip so easily like everyone else!" Heero's body tensed. "Enough of this bullshit, Serena. If there's anything, and I mean anything else, you better tell me right now!" Serena stood abruptly, coming face to face with him.

"I told you that I didn't know, but everything I told you the first time was the truth. I never lied to you about that."

"But you did lie!" He shot back. Serena lifted her chin so their eyes were more level.

"How would you have gone about this if you were in my shoes? My whole life has revolved around orders. I'm in a position I wasn't trained for. What would you have done?"

Heero took a step back. He hadn't viewed it that way. Anger had clouded his judgment. But she was right. If he was in the same position he would have done things the same. He had done things the same way.

"I'm sorry. I told you this was all new for me. I'm willing to help, but you need to trust me as I trust you," Serena said quietly. Heero lowered his head. Shielding his eyes with his bangs. The nagging voice was back. Telling him to accept her apology. He lifted his head when he heard her start to speak again. "If I could change things, I would. But we can't change the past. We can only change the future."

"I want you to listen to me," Heero was still angry but for once he was going to listen to that voice in his head. "I'll accept your apology, but it doesn't mean I fully trust you," he took a breath trying to calm himself. "You'll be leaving HQ," he saw Serena arched her brow in confusion. "You'll be staying with, Barton."

"What do you mean?" Serena's eyes went wide.

"Une has agreed to allow you to stay at Trowa's. I'll let him fill you in on everything. But you better listen, and listen carefully," Heero took a small step towards her. "You will follow my orders at all times. And you will check in with me daily as well. Do I make myself clear?" Serena tightened her eyes.

"Yes," she said. Heero nodded his head, turning on his heel, he headed for the door.

"Maxwell," Heero called over his shoulder. "My office."

Trowa explained everything to Serena as they packed a duffle bag. Heero had returned with his spare laptop shortly after they had finished. Heero told her that she would be using it while staying with him. She would have to work remotely since she wouldn't be staying at Preventer. Trowa noticed that Heero had somewhat calmed down and was speaking calmly to Serena. Serena nodded her head but didn't say much other than asking him for the log-in formation.

They had been able to leave without incident. Heero had double-checked the area before they left the room to enter the parking garage. The whole ride to his apartment was spent in silence. Trowa wanted to talk but he wasn't sure if Serena was in the mood. She had been staring out the passenger window the whole time they drove.

He just hoped the whole situation would work out. Not just for himself but for her as well. It was a gamble either way. He wasn't even fully sure why he had offered his place. Even if it did make the most sense.

Twenty minutes later, he pulled them up alongside a six-story building. It housed a complex of apartments ranging in size. Turning into the parking lot, located next to the building. He parked his Preventer-issued black SUV in his parking space. Climbing out of the vehicle, he opened the driver-side rear door, pulling out the duffle bag. Serena had insisted she was capable of carrying the bag herself. But he had taken it upon himself to carry it for her.

The two made their way into the building, walking over to the elevator. Trowa pressed the up arrow button as Serena came to stand next to him. They waited quietly for the elevator to return to ground level.

Once inside he processed to hit the 3rd-floor button. The pair continued to remain quiet on the ride up. When they arrived on the third floor, Serena followed behind him as they walked down the hallway till he stopped in front of apartment 333.

Trowa produced a set of keys from his pocket and proceeded to unlock the door. He allowed her in before entering himself. Setting the duffle bag on the small dining room table that was set off to the left of the entranceway. He watched as Serena walked into the apartment more.

His eyes followed her as she looked around at what she'd be calling home for the foreseeable future. A decent size kitchen was placed to the right of where the dining table sat. With a small island that had two bar stools nestled underneath.

Off of the kitchen was the living room where a couch was set in the middle facing a TV, with two sets of windows on either side. The tall windows allowed the natural light to fill the whole room, it was one of the reasons why Trowa had picked the place. As Serena moved around, her attention turned to the large bookcase that was placed on the far wall of the living, close to the guest side of the apartment. An armchair nestled in the corner.

Trowa watched as Serena walked to the bookcase, running her fingers over one of the shelves. He enjoyed reading in his downtime and over the past few years, he had collected a wide array of novels.

"Have you read all these?" Her voice floated to his ears. Trowa looked to see her questioning blue eyes.

"Most of them, but some I haven't had the chance to read," he said. She smiled at him softly as she turned to look back at the collection of books. "You're more than welcome to read any of them."

"Thank you," Serena smiled at him from over her shoulder.

A/N

Happy Monday, again! So I know the last chapter was so short so I figured I'd be nice and post a second one. So a lot's of things going on in this chapter. If you figured out the last chapter there was a Gundam, congrats because this wouldn't be a GW story without some sort of Gundam now wouldn't it? Things are changing once again. What will happen now that Serena and Trowa are living together? Things should be interesting. They will be interesting, to say the least. How will Serena and Heero's relationship go from here on out? If I could do the shrug emoji, I'd put that here. For now, I will leave you all here, and I will see you on Friday!

-MM