Chapter Five: Playing Games

Chapter Five: Playing Games


Naryn walked down the maze of hallways, her ultimate destination to be the kitchen. She had excused herself from Quatre's company to seek a drink. As she rounded a corner, she ran right into an oncoming Heero. She fell to the floor as his outstretched hand hit her ribs and seethed through her teeth as the injury flared. His eyes softened for the first time, generally apologetic. She thought she saw something there that was new between them: concern for her well being.

"I'm sorry. Are you all right," he asked and helped her back onto her feet.
"Yeah. Why do I always end up on my back around you though," she teased playfully.
"I don't usually have that effect on women."
"You sure about that?"
"What does that mean," his eyes narrowed as if Heero thought she was trying to insult him.
"A good looking guy like yourself should have them laying in your tracks."

She left him with that, skirting around him to keep going. He turned his head to watch her go. Naryn smiled to herself at the thought that those blue eyes were a bit wider because of her bold response. He grinned to himself. She was an intriguing woman. He liked her style if nothing else. Which wasn't the case. Naryn entered the kitchen to find Mrs. Laning hard at work planning dinner. She looked up as the younger woman slid out a barstool and sat down at the counter.

"What can I do for you, Miss Hopewell?"
"How about a glass of water and then you can tell me all about your boss," she said and the elderly woman laughed.


* * *

"So, what's this game you're playing with Naryn," Heero heard Duo enter the library and looked up.
"It's nothing. She thinks it's a game. I have other things to worry about."
"Oh, but you like her though. I can tell. She obviously likes you."
"I don't have any attraction for her whatsoever, Duo."
"I didn't say attraction, but thanks for confirming it," he smiled knowingly.
"You're reading too much into this."
"Maybe, maybe not. You should give her a chance though. It's been four years now. Don't you think you should move on and let Relena go?"
"No. I can't," he shook his head and sighed.
"I think you can, but you're scared to do so. Tell me, is this the life she would have chose for you? Being locked away with your son?"
"I...don't know. I try to do my best for him. She didn't exactly leave instructions. I just woke up one morning to find I was a single father with a baby on my hands."
"Do you think she would have wanted you to be happy?"
"She was my happiness, Duo," he told his friend softly.
"Relena was a remarkable woman. No one will deny it. It would be hard to fill that void with just any female. Heero, Naryn is a remarkable woman too. Your heart is telling you that. Open your stubborn mind," Duo replied with complete seriousness.
"It's hard to let go though."
"Oh, she'll never really be gone. When Keno looks up into your eyes, you'll find her there. Relena left you the next best thing to herself."
"She would have made a great mother."
"No one doubts that."
"So, I should ask Naryn out?"
"That's usually the first step," he laughed at his friend's hesitation.
"I'm a bit rusty at the dating game," Heero shot back, smirking.
"Then I'll set things up! Don't worry! I'm good at this stuff!"
"Oh, help me now, whatever god is listening!"
"Stop it! It will be fun!"

Duo left him to be alone. Heero sat back in his desk chair and turned to look out the window, sighing. Was he doing the right thing, opening his heart after all this time? He didn't know for certain, but he was going to find out.