My Soul to Keep
By Amber
Trowa frowned moving deeper into the shadows of the room he had heard the whimpers start an hour ago and became concerned when they didn't abate he made to go to her but each time it appeared she would wake he drew back. Living by ones emotions was not what its cracked up to be he sighed soundlessly drawn against his better judgment he moved to the bed sat on the side. With a finger he gently moved strands of her hair back from her face she seemed peaceful at the moment he could probably go to his room after all she had made it more than clear she didn't want or need anyone. So what was he going to do he turned his head watching the sheers flutter in the breeze. Stay for as long as she let him anyway.
Relena shifted anxiously it was starting again mentally cringing she tried to wake herself anything but this god please not again please don't make me watch him die again. God wasn't in an accommodating mood this night with a sense of dread she watched her nightmare happen all over again this time in living color.
The mist rolled across the ground and Relena noticed with a sense of detachment how it danced and swirled around her gown as she moved forward. For a split second she wondered where she was going then the thought was lost as her sense of urgency grew. This was different it was deviating she was standing at the reception turning her eyes slowly went around the room watching the death and devastation this was her worst nightmare there was no one alive the smoke the smell of blood they were all there dead. This was her worse nightmare come true the very thing she was afraid would happen eventually they would all die because of her and she would be left alone. Lifting her hands they were covered in blood whimpering she turned looking for Heero among the wreckage but he wasn't there turning around and around she screamed out for him. When suddenly he was standing before her.
Now she thought this would follow like all the other dreams Heero held his hand out reaching for her his lips moved but she couldn't hear him. Shoving her hands behind her back she ducked her head and shook no more no more. Now, now he'll fade like he always does leaving me alone. Lifting her head she stared through tear filled eyes. "Heero."
"I'm here." She blinked, "I don't understand am I dreaming?" He smiled. Relena shook her head. "Now I know I'm dreaming." She lifted a trembling hand toward him then faltered hovering midway between them he took her hand and placed it on his chest. Heero she whispered causing a fresh new trail of tears to escape.
He shook his head ruefully. "I never saw a woman cry as much as you I had forgotten."
"O Heero I'm so."
He shook his head placing a finger across her lips. "I love you Relena I'll always love you but I can't stay."
"No don't leave me I can't go on without you." He stared at her sadly. "Yes you can you've always been stronger than this. Already your healing your moving on and you love me too much to make my last gift to you a useless one." He lifted her chin making her stare him in the eyes. "Live for me, for us live for those that love you as I do." He turned her and looked in the distance swiping her eyes with a hand that trembled she looked where he gestured. There sat Trowa curiously she watched herself toss and turn in the bed before she saw Trowa shift against the headboard and pull her against his chest gradually her crying stilled as his hand softly threaded through strands of her hair.
She turned away. "No." Heero shrugged, "that is up to you but he loves you and you." He cupped her cheek, "care more than just a little for him already he'll take care of you and keep you safe where as I can't any longer." She shook her head. He turned her. His hands lifted and cupped her face. "You didn't kill me I made my own choices its time for you to stop hiding." His thumbs brushed away the tears, "refusing to see it won't change anything your no more blind than I am. I told you once my soul was yours let it go now. My love is always and forever yours. But for now our paths must part. Just for a little while." He brushed his lips across one eyelid then the other. "Live your life to the fullest that's the greatest gift you can give me." Relena lifted her arms and clasped them tightly around his neck trying to hold him there with her. "Goodbye Relena .."
"No Heero just a little longer.. Please."
"Relena I'll always love you." She pulled away to find herself holding air. "Nooo Heero wait."
Relena jerked up panting she flinched when she felt something softly brush the back of her hair swinging around her eyes met Trowa's in the dim light of the room hesitating a moment she finally leaned forward burying her face in his chest and cried. Gradually her crying subsided and she lay there against his chest listening to the comforting rhythm of his heart. "He's gone she murmured, I'm alone again."
"No your not I'm here." She shook her head rubbing her cheek against the soft cotton of his shirt. "No you'll leave me too in the end they all leave me." He resumed stroking her hair. "So your not going take a chance that isn't like you. You're always so full of hope." he murmured.
"Its not, I am?" She sounded bewildered Trowa thought like a lost child needing reassurance. "No you're stronger than this." Her hand clenched in his shirt. "Maybe I'm tired of being always strong." She pulled away enough to look up into his eyes. "I don't know how to do it anymore." He leaned down to kiss her forehead when she shifted he brushed her mouth instead. It was hard to tell who was more surprised. Relena found it didn't hurt quite as much as she thought it would there was a bittersweet feeling but also one of comfort like a fire in the fireplace on a fall day, hot chocolate on a cold winter's night or being enfolded in a beloved blanket watching the rain fall outside your window.
Trowa searched her face intently watching the emotions flicker back and forth. "You don't want this," he said flatly. Her mouth quirked slightly before she leaned in again pausing long enough for him to realize her intent she lifted a shaky hand to brush back his bangs watching his eyes widen. "You can see."
"Some things better than others," she whispered enigmatically before her lips kissed his entreatingly. Pulling back she waited until his eyes met hers and held. There was an odd light there. "You will regret this." She tilted her head. "Will you," she asked inaudibly suddenly feeling on shaky ground?
"Only if you do," he said in a level voice. Leaning in she covered his mouth sealing their pact with a kiss. She pulled slightly away her breathing loud and fast and waited slowly his eyelids fluttered and opened she bit her lip shivering at the hunger and something to complex for words a need for reassurance, a wistfulness. Her face softened and the look in her eyes shifted subtly becoming languid, dreamy murmuring nonsense she shifted. Both hands came up to trace his face closing his eyes he felt full overwhelmed his chest hurt so much from feeling so many things at once. He was loosing that ability to analyze it because her hands they felt so delicate and soft drifting over his face, his lips before slipping through silky hair he felt her palm cup his cheek and hold him before sliding on it was almost like she was memorizing him through her hands.
Dazedly he realized her thumb was stroking feather light over the soft lines of his forehead, temple and cheek, and even over one eyelid. Relena smiled when she watched his lashes flutter they were long and thick. Eye lashes like that on a man should be outlawed she lightly brushed her thumb across them. She shivered it felt soft and intimate against the pad of her thumb. Taking his hand she lifted it to her face tilting her head sideways she paused adsorbing the feel of his palm against her cheek. Retracing her earlier actions with his hand her eyes fluttered and closed. She lost herself to the sensation releasing a breathy sigh she turned to nestle her lips in the center of his palm, nuzzling there softly before forcing lids that seemed incredibly heavy to lift and focus once more. She blushed at the intensity of his gaze she felt muscles along his length trembled and flexed, his whole body responding to the intimate touch of her own. He shifted without thought tightening his hold upon her, drawing her in closer towards the shivering aching planes of his body. He rolled them until both were enveloped in a curtain of silky gold hair. Her satiny flesh beneath his hands inflamed him, hypnotically he slid his hand under her shirt stroking her skin with an intense absorption, moving higher along the tender curve of her spine until he reached her shoulders cupping them both he pulled her close his whispered words stirred her hair and lashes setting off another round of trembling.
"One last chance," his voice trailed off in uncertainty.. He watched her closely trying to see into her very soul past the look of innocent affection and needy longing. It wasn't love in the degree he needed but she was well on her way and for now that was enough he had a chance and one day he would have it all convinced gradually the lines of tension and worry slowly dissipated as a slow half smile curved his lips. Watching eyes of midnight blue draw closer and closer his whole world narrowed into savoring the emotion he saw within those eyes.
He leaned against the terrace doors watching the gradual lightening of the sky the swirl of grays, bronze and reds gradually shifting into a hint of gold the sun would be up soon he shifted until his eyes could also see the slender figure sleeping so peacefully. A rueful smile crossed his face about the intelligence of leaving the warmth and comfort she offered to brood at the dawn. Still there was that tiny niggling doubt that the peace and love he found within her arms was all about to come crashing down around his head when she woke. He wasn't a coward but the temptation to slip away before she could break his heart was strong all his doubts coupled with every word of caution Catherine and Quatre uttered replayed in slow motion since he woke earlier. Pushing off the door jam he moved trance like toward the bed his choice made long ago it wasn't the time for doubts at this stage. Staring down his eyes softly caressed her slender form clearly outlined under the silken sheet he closed his eyes and swallowed against a sudden tightness in his throat as he relived the hours in her arms. Opening his eyes he unbuttoned his jeans and let them drop to the floor no he made his choice and god help him he couldn't find it in him to regret it pulling back the sheet he joined her. Almost like a prearranged signal she rolled over reaching out for him, he in turn pulled her against his chest turning his head he drew in the sweet smell of her hair before willing his mind to blank and return to the realm of half wish's and dreams.
Relena gradually swum up through the depths of cotton wrapped around a mind still thick with sleep too drowsy and sated to understand why this morning felt so different why waking was such a effort. She stretched a little eyes slowly fluttered then opened to slits before widening at the smooth muscular chest that filled her sight. Slowly shifting out from under his arm she slid to the side of the bed clasping the sheet to her chest she searched inward for regret or shame no there was a bittersweet feel maybe it was in part the weird dream and Heero's blessing or maybe it was simply Trowa's persistence wormed his way into her heart. Relena absently rubbed her temple what ever the reason she decided she was tired of analyzing everything it was giving her a headache she just wanted to enjoy this new found feeling while it lasted. Moving from the bed she walked to the balcony and let the suns golden rays warm her before her gaze rose to take in the glory of the sun lifting into the sky for the first time in almost a year. Glancing over her shoulder she watched Trowa sleep on his face curiously innocent in repose and for some reason she wanted this moment to last just a little longer before his mask descended once more. Relena sighed before moving to the chair and shrugging into her robe it was still early maybe she could make it to the kitchen and bring them some breakfast without anyone noticing.
Relena quietly nudge the door open she had already been gone longer than she would have liked but once Quatre's servants found out they could do something for you it almost took a army in itself to get them to let you go with only what " you" felt you needed. She looked down at the breakfast tray and smiled they prepared enough for three people she kept studying their faces intently to see if they knew something about her unexpected guest but if they knew she couldn't tell. She nudged it closed with her foot and turned expecting him to be asleep she paused disconcerted. "O you're awake."
He was standing by the chair she usually sat in to sketch silent and dressed there was something in the room that made her uneasy. She moved into the room sitting the tray on the table turning slowly she fiddled with the tie on her robe stalling she was no good with these things and for the first time she wished herself a normal girl with more experience behind her to ease both of their awkwardness.
"Trowa." She whispered slowly moving around him until she faced him. Relena frowned he appeared to have been in the process of getting dressed he stood there his shirt half buttoned looking down he wouldn't meet her eyes. She bit her lip, "what's wrong?" At his continued silence she shook her head and turned moving toward the balcony she pushed the door open and stared blindly out. "I should have known give me political intrigue and I'm fine the do's and don'ts of relationships and I'm lost." She sensed his movement before she felt him wrap his arms around her and pull her back against him.
Trowa closed his eyes laying his cheek against top of her head he confessed. "I thought you were gone." Relena smiled timidly relaxing tensed muscles. "I thought I'd get us breakfast before anyone was stirring but as with all things with Quatre's help." Her hand waved around for a description then just settled that he would understand. "It became more involved." Trowa turned her until she was facing him tilting her face up with his knuckle he stared at her solemnly. Whatever he saw must have reassured him but Relena realized wherever they went from here they still had long way to go. As long as they had known of one another it wasn't going to be enough they needed to get to know each other. Her hand rose to cup his face. "I always seem to get involved with someone backwards the deep end first." She dropped her hand to fiddle with the buttons on his shirt. "I want to do this right."
"There is no wrong or right."
"I know but this is too important isn't it?" She searched his face intently for understanding. He smiled, "you want a courtship."
She smiled wryly; "well I wouldn't want you to think I'm easy." Trowa's mouth quirked in a half smile and he replied dryly. "I would never associate you with easy."
She frowned thoughtfully, "I suppose your right." He cupped her face lightly brushing his lips against hers. "That's all right I'm not sure I would know how to react with simple anyway."
The Epilogue
The door swung inward bumping against the wall from the force sighing he swung around he had been expecting this. He impassively watched her stride toward him. "Enough already we're running behind someone has to go get her." He shrugged, "then send someone up there to get her."
She stared at him compassionately, "wont you go?" He turned back and stared across the manicured lawns. "She doesn't need me babying her she's made that perfectly clear."
"How long are you going to keep this wall of silence between the two of you?" She moved closer stroking her hand soothingly up and down his back. "You're the only one being stubborn about this, you'll regret it later she'll need you today more than ever." His head dropped a sheath of silken hair hiding his expression; before he abruptly straightened making his choice. Dropping a kiss on her forehead he turned and left the room.
"Well?" She jumped and turned to the double doors at the other end of the room. She took in his stylish suit, braided hair and impish grin with a smile of approval. "What was that?"
He smirked again knowingly, "is the iceman thawing?"
Her lips twitched but she forced a frown to hide the twinkle in her eye. "Behave please don't antagonize him today of all days this is difficult enough for him." Duo smiled and held up two fingers to signal peace. "I'm not promising anything afterwards though." She rolled her eyes heavenward men. "That will have to do."
Zechs pushed the door open and then closed it but it might as well been a slam for all the notice she gave he could hear her humming as the morning the light poured into the room and for a second it almost seemed like a halo blazed above her hair. He smiled wryly he knew more than any just how misleading that assumption was. He shoved his hands in his pockets and moved close enough to see. "You're good." She jumped swinging around a smile blossomed across her face before comprehension turned it into panic.
"I'm late." He shrugged, "cutting it close they sent in reinforcements." Relena stared at him silently taking in his troubled face before turning back to the painting. "You think so?" He frowned a second trying to make the switch before the realization set in on what she meant. Staring at the canvas objectively he had to admit she caught her subject with sensitivity and perception that made it better than good but an excellent likeness as much as it galled him to admit it.
"Yes."
"I was just putting a few finishing touches on it." She nibbled her lip nervously. He smiled the first genuine smile since this fiasco was announced. "I really think so. It's truly incredible it's him." She started cleaning her brush then set it aside packing up as best as she could.
"Are you sure about this Relena?" She paused then continued wiping her hands on a towel she pulled off her work shirt before she turned to meet his worried eyes. She smiled, "I love you." She moved close enough to hug him. "Thank you for caring."
"I just think that." She leaned back and smiled and when she smiled like that it would take a stronger man than him to ruin it. "Please don't worry." He sighed surrendering he jerked his head. "Go get ready I'll have a servant place the painting in the reception hall." She smiled squeezing his waist once more before turning to hurry across the room. "O tell them to."
"I know I'll tell them to be careful. Hurry I'll send that horde up to help you first Winner, now you maybe Schibecker will get that baka Maxwell to the alter as well." He smirked at the image. "Milliardo," she chided. "What? I haven't broken my promise yet." She shook her head and smiled.
The music swelled and she could barely contain herself clenching her hand on his arm he looked down at her before covering her hand with his. Relena looked up and smiled standing on her tiptoes she kissed his cheek before leaning in to press her cheek against his. "I will always need you in my life I love you my beloved brother never forget that." She whispered as she pulled back. Smoothing his hair back she smiled at him tremulously. "Be happy for me."
Zechs took her hand and kissed her knuckles gently, "you look beautiful. "Mother and father would be so proud. Be happy Relena that's all I've ever wanted for you a happy life." He tilted his head toward the closed doors as the music swelled. "It's time." He helped her arrange her veil before they turned and moved as one through the doors.
"Are you all right?" She slipped her arm through his as they watched Relena turn and wave energetically. He smiled ruefully, "how could I stand against that smile?" He frowned at the mish mash of decorations trailing behind the limo. "I see Maxwell managed to make a menace of himself after all I thought Schibecker was going to keep him under control."
Lucrezia laughed, "well she kept him away from you." He frowned, "he's a menace. he muttered. She squeezed his arm. "Cheer up it could be worse he could be your brother in law."
He glared, "don't joke." She laughed. He turned staring at the direction Relena and Trowa had departed. "Zechs?" She frowned. "We should go the reception will be starting they'll be looking for us." He clasped her hand silently still staring in the distance. "Zechs she'll be fine."
"Yes."
She smiled softly; "we're not loosing her." He finally glanced at her and smiled bending down he kissed her. "I guess it took me a while to realize those we love make the journey through life bearable and no one would willingly leave that behind especially her." He smiled ruefully; "forgive me for being so stubborn?"
"Hmm maybe we could negotiate that later." Zechs laughed, "I look forward to it."
Author note: This got away from me and started writing itself I confess I'm not sure how I feel about that. Some may feel the characters are OOC well if so my apologies this is what came out and well I confess it's different enough that I like it.
By Amber
Trowa frowned moving deeper into the shadows of the room he had heard the whimpers start an hour ago and became concerned when they didn't abate he made to go to her but each time it appeared she would wake he drew back. Living by ones emotions was not what its cracked up to be he sighed soundlessly drawn against his better judgment he moved to the bed sat on the side. With a finger he gently moved strands of her hair back from her face she seemed peaceful at the moment he could probably go to his room after all she had made it more than clear she didn't want or need anyone. So what was he going to do he turned his head watching the sheers flutter in the breeze. Stay for as long as she let him anyway.
Relena shifted anxiously it was starting again mentally cringing she tried to wake herself anything but this god please not again please don't make me watch him die again. God wasn't in an accommodating mood this night with a sense of dread she watched her nightmare happen all over again this time in living color.
The mist rolled across the ground and Relena noticed with a sense of detachment how it danced and swirled around her gown as she moved forward. For a split second she wondered where she was going then the thought was lost as her sense of urgency grew. This was different it was deviating she was standing at the reception turning her eyes slowly went around the room watching the death and devastation this was her worst nightmare there was no one alive the smoke the smell of blood they were all there dead. This was her worse nightmare come true the very thing she was afraid would happen eventually they would all die because of her and she would be left alone. Lifting her hands they were covered in blood whimpering she turned looking for Heero among the wreckage but he wasn't there turning around and around she screamed out for him. When suddenly he was standing before her.
Now she thought this would follow like all the other dreams Heero held his hand out reaching for her his lips moved but she couldn't hear him. Shoving her hands behind her back she ducked her head and shook no more no more. Now, now he'll fade like he always does leaving me alone. Lifting her head she stared through tear filled eyes. "Heero."
"I'm here." She blinked, "I don't understand am I dreaming?" He smiled. Relena shook her head. "Now I know I'm dreaming." She lifted a trembling hand toward him then faltered hovering midway between them he took her hand and placed it on his chest. Heero she whispered causing a fresh new trail of tears to escape.
He shook his head ruefully. "I never saw a woman cry as much as you I had forgotten."
"O Heero I'm so."
He shook his head placing a finger across her lips. "I love you Relena I'll always love you but I can't stay."
"No don't leave me I can't go on without you." He stared at her sadly. "Yes you can you've always been stronger than this. Already your healing your moving on and you love me too much to make my last gift to you a useless one." He lifted her chin making her stare him in the eyes. "Live for me, for us live for those that love you as I do." He turned her and looked in the distance swiping her eyes with a hand that trembled she looked where he gestured. There sat Trowa curiously she watched herself toss and turn in the bed before she saw Trowa shift against the headboard and pull her against his chest gradually her crying stilled as his hand softly threaded through strands of her hair.
She turned away. "No." Heero shrugged, "that is up to you but he loves you and you." He cupped her cheek, "care more than just a little for him already he'll take care of you and keep you safe where as I can't any longer." She shook her head. He turned her. His hands lifted and cupped her face. "You didn't kill me I made my own choices its time for you to stop hiding." His thumbs brushed away the tears, "refusing to see it won't change anything your no more blind than I am. I told you once my soul was yours let it go now. My love is always and forever yours. But for now our paths must part. Just for a little while." He brushed his lips across one eyelid then the other. "Live your life to the fullest that's the greatest gift you can give me." Relena lifted her arms and clasped them tightly around his neck trying to hold him there with her. "Goodbye Relena .."
"No Heero just a little longer.. Please."
"Relena I'll always love you." She pulled away to find herself holding air. "Nooo Heero wait."
Relena jerked up panting she flinched when she felt something softly brush the back of her hair swinging around her eyes met Trowa's in the dim light of the room hesitating a moment she finally leaned forward burying her face in his chest and cried. Gradually her crying subsided and she lay there against his chest listening to the comforting rhythm of his heart. "He's gone she murmured, I'm alone again."
"No your not I'm here." She shook her head rubbing her cheek against the soft cotton of his shirt. "No you'll leave me too in the end they all leave me." He resumed stroking her hair. "So your not going take a chance that isn't like you. You're always so full of hope." he murmured.
"Its not, I am?" She sounded bewildered Trowa thought like a lost child needing reassurance. "No you're stronger than this." Her hand clenched in his shirt. "Maybe I'm tired of being always strong." She pulled away enough to look up into his eyes. "I don't know how to do it anymore." He leaned down to kiss her forehead when she shifted he brushed her mouth instead. It was hard to tell who was more surprised. Relena found it didn't hurt quite as much as she thought it would there was a bittersweet feeling but also one of comfort like a fire in the fireplace on a fall day, hot chocolate on a cold winter's night or being enfolded in a beloved blanket watching the rain fall outside your window.
Trowa searched her face intently watching the emotions flicker back and forth. "You don't want this," he said flatly. Her mouth quirked slightly before she leaned in again pausing long enough for him to realize her intent she lifted a shaky hand to brush back his bangs watching his eyes widen. "You can see."
"Some things better than others," she whispered enigmatically before her lips kissed his entreatingly. Pulling back she waited until his eyes met hers and held. There was an odd light there. "You will regret this." She tilted her head. "Will you," she asked inaudibly suddenly feeling on shaky ground?
"Only if you do," he said in a level voice. Leaning in she covered his mouth sealing their pact with a kiss. She pulled slightly away her breathing loud and fast and waited slowly his eyelids fluttered and opened she bit her lip shivering at the hunger and something to complex for words a need for reassurance, a wistfulness. Her face softened and the look in her eyes shifted subtly becoming languid, dreamy murmuring nonsense she shifted. Both hands came up to trace his face closing his eyes he felt full overwhelmed his chest hurt so much from feeling so many things at once. He was loosing that ability to analyze it because her hands they felt so delicate and soft drifting over his face, his lips before slipping through silky hair he felt her palm cup his cheek and hold him before sliding on it was almost like she was memorizing him through her hands.
Dazedly he realized her thumb was stroking feather light over the soft lines of his forehead, temple and cheek, and even over one eyelid. Relena smiled when she watched his lashes flutter they were long and thick. Eye lashes like that on a man should be outlawed she lightly brushed her thumb across them. She shivered it felt soft and intimate against the pad of her thumb. Taking his hand she lifted it to her face tilting her head sideways she paused adsorbing the feel of his palm against her cheek. Retracing her earlier actions with his hand her eyes fluttered and closed. She lost herself to the sensation releasing a breathy sigh she turned to nestle her lips in the center of his palm, nuzzling there softly before forcing lids that seemed incredibly heavy to lift and focus once more. She blushed at the intensity of his gaze she felt muscles along his length trembled and flexed, his whole body responding to the intimate touch of her own. He shifted without thought tightening his hold upon her, drawing her in closer towards the shivering aching planes of his body. He rolled them until both were enveloped in a curtain of silky gold hair. Her satiny flesh beneath his hands inflamed him, hypnotically he slid his hand under her shirt stroking her skin with an intense absorption, moving higher along the tender curve of her spine until he reached her shoulders cupping them both he pulled her close his whispered words stirred her hair and lashes setting off another round of trembling.
"One last chance," his voice trailed off in uncertainty.. He watched her closely trying to see into her very soul past the look of innocent affection and needy longing. It wasn't love in the degree he needed but she was well on her way and for now that was enough he had a chance and one day he would have it all convinced gradually the lines of tension and worry slowly dissipated as a slow half smile curved his lips. Watching eyes of midnight blue draw closer and closer his whole world narrowed into savoring the emotion he saw within those eyes.
He leaned against the terrace doors watching the gradual lightening of the sky the swirl of grays, bronze and reds gradually shifting into a hint of gold the sun would be up soon he shifted until his eyes could also see the slender figure sleeping so peacefully. A rueful smile crossed his face about the intelligence of leaving the warmth and comfort she offered to brood at the dawn. Still there was that tiny niggling doubt that the peace and love he found within her arms was all about to come crashing down around his head when she woke. He wasn't a coward but the temptation to slip away before she could break his heart was strong all his doubts coupled with every word of caution Catherine and Quatre uttered replayed in slow motion since he woke earlier. Pushing off the door jam he moved trance like toward the bed his choice made long ago it wasn't the time for doubts at this stage. Staring down his eyes softly caressed her slender form clearly outlined under the silken sheet he closed his eyes and swallowed against a sudden tightness in his throat as he relived the hours in her arms. Opening his eyes he unbuttoned his jeans and let them drop to the floor no he made his choice and god help him he couldn't find it in him to regret it pulling back the sheet he joined her. Almost like a prearranged signal she rolled over reaching out for him, he in turn pulled her against his chest turning his head he drew in the sweet smell of her hair before willing his mind to blank and return to the realm of half wish's and dreams.
Relena gradually swum up through the depths of cotton wrapped around a mind still thick with sleep too drowsy and sated to understand why this morning felt so different why waking was such a effort. She stretched a little eyes slowly fluttered then opened to slits before widening at the smooth muscular chest that filled her sight. Slowly shifting out from under his arm she slid to the side of the bed clasping the sheet to her chest she searched inward for regret or shame no there was a bittersweet feel maybe it was in part the weird dream and Heero's blessing or maybe it was simply Trowa's persistence wormed his way into her heart. Relena absently rubbed her temple what ever the reason she decided she was tired of analyzing everything it was giving her a headache she just wanted to enjoy this new found feeling while it lasted. Moving from the bed she walked to the balcony and let the suns golden rays warm her before her gaze rose to take in the glory of the sun lifting into the sky for the first time in almost a year. Glancing over her shoulder she watched Trowa sleep on his face curiously innocent in repose and for some reason she wanted this moment to last just a little longer before his mask descended once more. Relena sighed before moving to the chair and shrugging into her robe it was still early maybe she could make it to the kitchen and bring them some breakfast without anyone noticing.
Relena quietly nudge the door open she had already been gone longer than she would have liked but once Quatre's servants found out they could do something for you it almost took a army in itself to get them to let you go with only what " you" felt you needed. She looked down at the breakfast tray and smiled they prepared enough for three people she kept studying their faces intently to see if they knew something about her unexpected guest but if they knew she couldn't tell. She nudged it closed with her foot and turned expecting him to be asleep she paused disconcerted. "O you're awake."
He was standing by the chair she usually sat in to sketch silent and dressed there was something in the room that made her uneasy. She moved into the room sitting the tray on the table turning slowly she fiddled with the tie on her robe stalling she was no good with these things and for the first time she wished herself a normal girl with more experience behind her to ease both of their awkwardness.
"Trowa." She whispered slowly moving around him until she faced him. Relena frowned he appeared to have been in the process of getting dressed he stood there his shirt half buttoned looking down he wouldn't meet her eyes. She bit her lip, "what's wrong?" At his continued silence she shook her head and turned moving toward the balcony she pushed the door open and stared blindly out. "I should have known give me political intrigue and I'm fine the do's and don'ts of relationships and I'm lost." She sensed his movement before she felt him wrap his arms around her and pull her back against him.
Trowa closed his eyes laying his cheek against top of her head he confessed. "I thought you were gone." Relena smiled timidly relaxing tensed muscles. "I thought I'd get us breakfast before anyone was stirring but as with all things with Quatre's help." Her hand waved around for a description then just settled that he would understand. "It became more involved." Trowa turned her until she was facing him tilting her face up with his knuckle he stared at her solemnly. Whatever he saw must have reassured him but Relena realized wherever they went from here they still had long way to go. As long as they had known of one another it wasn't going to be enough they needed to get to know each other. Her hand rose to cup his face. "I always seem to get involved with someone backwards the deep end first." She dropped her hand to fiddle with the buttons on his shirt. "I want to do this right."
"There is no wrong or right."
"I know but this is too important isn't it?" She searched his face intently for understanding. He smiled, "you want a courtship."
She smiled wryly; "well I wouldn't want you to think I'm easy." Trowa's mouth quirked in a half smile and he replied dryly. "I would never associate you with easy."
She frowned thoughtfully, "I suppose your right." He cupped her face lightly brushing his lips against hers. "That's all right I'm not sure I would know how to react with simple anyway."
The Epilogue
The door swung inward bumping against the wall from the force sighing he swung around he had been expecting this. He impassively watched her stride toward him. "Enough already we're running behind someone has to go get her." He shrugged, "then send someone up there to get her."
She stared at him compassionately, "wont you go?" He turned back and stared across the manicured lawns. "She doesn't need me babying her she's made that perfectly clear."
"How long are you going to keep this wall of silence between the two of you?" She moved closer stroking her hand soothingly up and down his back. "You're the only one being stubborn about this, you'll regret it later she'll need you today more than ever." His head dropped a sheath of silken hair hiding his expression; before he abruptly straightened making his choice. Dropping a kiss on her forehead he turned and left the room.
"Well?" She jumped and turned to the double doors at the other end of the room. She took in his stylish suit, braided hair and impish grin with a smile of approval. "What was that?"
He smirked again knowingly, "is the iceman thawing?"
Her lips twitched but she forced a frown to hide the twinkle in her eye. "Behave please don't antagonize him today of all days this is difficult enough for him." Duo smiled and held up two fingers to signal peace. "I'm not promising anything afterwards though." She rolled her eyes heavenward men. "That will have to do."
Zechs pushed the door open and then closed it but it might as well been a slam for all the notice she gave he could hear her humming as the morning the light poured into the room and for a second it almost seemed like a halo blazed above her hair. He smiled wryly he knew more than any just how misleading that assumption was. He shoved his hands in his pockets and moved close enough to see. "You're good." She jumped swinging around a smile blossomed across her face before comprehension turned it into panic.
"I'm late." He shrugged, "cutting it close they sent in reinforcements." Relena stared at him silently taking in his troubled face before turning back to the painting. "You think so?" He frowned a second trying to make the switch before the realization set in on what she meant. Staring at the canvas objectively he had to admit she caught her subject with sensitivity and perception that made it better than good but an excellent likeness as much as it galled him to admit it.
"Yes."
"I was just putting a few finishing touches on it." She nibbled her lip nervously. He smiled the first genuine smile since this fiasco was announced. "I really think so. It's truly incredible it's him." She started cleaning her brush then set it aside packing up as best as she could.
"Are you sure about this Relena?" She paused then continued wiping her hands on a towel she pulled off her work shirt before she turned to meet his worried eyes. She smiled, "I love you." She moved close enough to hug him. "Thank you for caring."
"I just think that." She leaned back and smiled and when she smiled like that it would take a stronger man than him to ruin it. "Please don't worry." He sighed surrendering he jerked his head. "Go get ready I'll have a servant place the painting in the reception hall." She smiled squeezing his waist once more before turning to hurry across the room. "O tell them to."
"I know I'll tell them to be careful. Hurry I'll send that horde up to help you first Winner, now you maybe Schibecker will get that baka Maxwell to the alter as well." He smirked at the image. "Milliardo," she chided. "What? I haven't broken my promise yet." She shook her head and smiled.
The music swelled and she could barely contain herself clenching her hand on his arm he looked down at her before covering her hand with his. Relena looked up and smiled standing on her tiptoes she kissed his cheek before leaning in to press her cheek against his. "I will always need you in my life I love you my beloved brother never forget that." She whispered as she pulled back. Smoothing his hair back she smiled at him tremulously. "Be happy for me."
Zechs took her hand and kissed her knuckles gently, "you look beautiful. "Mother and father would be so proud. Be happy Relena that's all I've ever wanted for you a happy life." He tilted his head toward the closed doors as the music swelled. "It's time." He helped her arrange her veil before they turned and moved as one through the doors.
"Are you all right?" She slipped her arm through his as they watched Relena turn and wave energetically. He smiled ruefully, "how could I stand against that smile?" He frowned at the mish mash of decorations trailing behind the limo. "I see Maxwell managed to make a menace of himself after all I thought Schibecker was going to keep him under control."
Lucrezia laughed, "well she kept him away from you." He frowned, "he's a menace. he muttered. She squeezed his arm. "Cheer up it could be worse he could be your brother in law."
He glared, "don't joke." She laughed. He turned staring at the direction Relena and Trowa had departed. "Zechs?" She frowned. "We should go the reception will be starting they'll be looking for us." He clasped her hand silently still staring in the distance. "Zechs she'll be fine."
"Yes."
She smiled softly; "we're not loosing her." He finally glanced at her and smiled bending down he kissed her. "I guess it took me a while to realize those we love make the journey through life bearable and no one would willingly leave that behind especially her." He smiled ruefully; "forgive me for being so stubborn?"
"Hmm maybe we could negotiate that later." Zechs laughed, "I look forward to it."
Author note: This got away from me and started writing itself I confess I'm not sure how I feel about that. Some may feel the characters are OOC well if so my apologies this is what came out and well I confess it's different enough that I like it.