Protector
After talking to the groundskeeper, Sean O'Malley was his name, Heero realized that they had a big cause for concern.
~ Pagan tells me you saw someone in the garden.
Aye, I did laddy! Or, I think I did. I know ya've all been fussin' and frettin' over dear Miss Relena, so I thought it best I tell Pagan about it.
His Irish accent and fast speech made it at times difficult for Heero to follow the older man's words.
You did the right thing. I'd like to ask you some questions about what you saw, if I may.
Aye, shoot.
Heero cringed inwardly at the man's poor choice of words. On the outside, however, the perfect soldier façade was present, letting no feeling or emotion out.
For starters, about what time was it?
Well, I couldn't say for sure. If I had to guess I would say it was about two o'clock. It was about the time I was trimming the hedges in the rose garden. I usually get to that part of the day an hour or so after lunch and today I took me lunch at about noon and went back to work about an hour later, making it one o'clock. Therefore, an hour later would make it about two o'clock.
As the Irishman blathered on with his deductive reasoning regarding the time, Heero's mind raced, thinking where Relena would have been at two that afternoon. Her meeting started at three and he remembered that she wanted to be there early so she could look over some things in her office; but how early? Two hours he thought. Add in the time they needed to drive and that would make her long gone before this guy showed up in the garden.
Alright. Two o'clock then. Now, describe exactly what you saw out there.
O'Malley thought a moment before speaking.
Well, like I said, I remember I was trimming down the hedges and I saw this flash of light, like the sun reflecting off of something metal or glass or something like that. So I turned to look over where it came from, the trees and bushes at the back of the grounds. It was a wee bit far for me to see, but I thought I saw a shadow moving around between the trees. It was gone before I could fetch me glasses.
*Shit! Not good. Not good at all.*
Heero's rage was building inside of him.
*Who does this guy think he is? Does this asshole think he can get away with this? Coming up on the property? Warning us and still coming after her? I don't think so. Not on my watch, you bastard. You won't touch Relena. Not while I'm alive.*
Heero tried to quell his anger before he spoke, but his voice just came out sounding gruff and on edge.
Alright. Thanks. What's your name?
Sean O'Malley. Sean's fine.
The groundskeeper now spoke quieter and more to the point. He was obviously afraid he'd upset the young man standing before him. The youngster had a look about him like it would be a bad idea to cross him.
I need you to do something for me, Sean. I need you to go back out tomorrow and look around where you saw this shadow. Look for trampled grass, footprints, broken branches, anything like that. Got it?
Sure. I'll look around and see what I can dig up.
Heero thought a second and decided he should say something to let the man know he wasn't angry with him.
Watch yourself out there. He may still be around and if he's as good as he thinks he is he won't hesitate to stomp on someone like you or me to get where he's going.
Heero spun on his heel and stalked out of the room, but not before throwing a punch at the doorframe as he walked through it. O'Malley watched the boy's departing back with a disbelieving look on his face. ~
That conversation, to Heero, had answered the question of where Relena was most likely to be attacked. If this guy knew who she was and what she did, then he could easily find out where she was. The fact that he showed up at her home when she was clearly away proved to Heero that his intent was to strike here. But Heero would see to it that he failed.
As Heero reached the front foyer he heard laughter. He looked around for the source. His three friends had apparently decided to move out of the hallway and into the nearby receiving room. Dorothy and Quatre were sitting together on a couch while Duo sat across from them in a large, overstuffed chair. He was apparently recounting a humorous moment involving Hilde, as he mentioned her name several times.
Heero looked down at his watch. The others would be arriving soon.
*I should go get Relena.*
As he walked up the stairs, his mind wandered to the end of his conversation with O'Malley.
*What the hell was that? Watch yourself? So much for trying to ease the guy's fear. I probably scared the shit out of him. Moron! Maybe I should just be a hypocrite. This acting on your emotions' stuff isn't working out.*
Soon after rejoining his friends, they were already on his case about his cold personality. Heero tried to ignore it for a while, but soon came to the realization that if he was going to survive it this peaceful world, he was going to have to change some things. He decided to give it a try and recalled his advice to Trowa.
His friends had just about died the first time he was openly friendly. He remembered Duo tackling him, asking what had happened to the real Heero. Everything seemed to be going well with his new life. He had more fun with his friends, he was laughing more, feeling better, and slowly discovering why he felt strange when Relena was around. He decided it wasn't a bad strange, but rather a good strange. He was more relaxed around her and he liked the feeling.
He sighed as he walked toward her room.
*Some other time. I have more important things to worry about. Like making sure she stays alive.*
He stopped in front of Relena's door and knocked twice. She was probably finished changing, but just in case. He knocked again, louder, when he didn't get an answer.
*Oh, shit! Damn!*
Heero slowly opened the door, making sure not to make a sound. He quietly stepped into the room. The closet door was closed, her shelves and dressers seemed to be in order, and the small lamp on her cabinet was switched on. No signs at all of an intruder, but he wasn't going to take any chances. He silently closed the door behind him and took in the details of the room. Nothing was broken, tipped over, or out of place. Her change of clothes was still on the canopied bed and her shoes looked like they had been tossed across the floor. She'd probably kicked them off, no cause for concern there. Heero thought about that again and placed his hand on the grip of the gun in the familiar place in his waistband. He took three slow steps further into the room before he heard Relena humming.
Heero closed his eyes and visibly relaxed, his hand falling from the gun. He breathed a sigh of relief.
*She's OK. She's safe. Man! I think I'm getting paranoid.*
Heero had to laugh at himself. He was glad Relena hadn't seen him. He probably looked like an idiot. He shook his head and remembered what he had come for.
Heero stopped short as he opened his eyes and saw her standing a few yards away where she froze upon hearing his voice. He felt his jaw drop as he looked at her. Her hair was wet and hanging down on her shoulders, still dripping. She was clad only in a pink towel that barely reached the middle of her thighs and was clinging to her smooth, wet skin. Relena looked at him with a stunned expression on her face.
Heero quickly closed his mouth and turned his back to her as he felt his face and ears begin to burn and turn deep red.
*Stupid! You should have known she was taking a shower! But you walked in on her anyway. Idiot! Stillwhat a great body! The clothes she wears do her no justice at all!*
In his mind he could see her slim figure and felt a renewed redness in his face. He caught himself trying to look over his shoulder as she quickly changed. He snapped his head down, screwed his eyes shut, and made a conscious effort to shake the image of her slender body from his head.
I didn't hear you come in.
Yeah, I noticed that.
Relena laughed at his poor attempt at humor.
Am I hearing things? Was that the great Heero Yuy? Did the perfect soldier just crack a joke?
She laughed some more, still not used to his being more open. He smiled, thankful she wasn't angry with him.
So what did you want, Heero? Oh! I'm sorry. You can turn around now.
Cautiously, he turned toward her. She was wearing the same long-sleeved, white blouse and lavender skirt she had on when they first met on the beach.
*That brings back a few memories.*
As Relena stepped into her shoes and reached to the dresser for her watch, Heero got an idea. He picked up the towel that had been lying on the bed and began to dry her wet hair. She saw him in the dresser mirror and smiled.
You didn't answer my question.
What did you want? You did come into my room for a reason, didn't you?
*Fool! You've been so busy admiring her figure that you forgot why you came in here in the first place!*
I thought I'd see if you were ready. The others will be here soon.
She stood quietly while Heero continued to dry her long, golden hair.
He stopped what he was doing and looked at her in the mirror.
There's something else on your mind
She reached behind her, locked her hands together behind his back, and leaned back against him. Relena looked up at him with a mischievous grin.
and I don't mean me standing around wearing a towel!
Her comment stunned him into silence. He tried to think of something to say, but her face turned serious as she closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder.
It's about himisn't it?
Heero tossed the towel aside and put his hands on her shoulders.
I can't keep it from you, can I?
I wouldn't want you to. What I do want is for you to tell me everything, Heero. No matter how bad it is. I need to know what's happening.
Heero sighed. He supposed she would find out soon enough anyway. It would probably be better if it came from him.
I think he was here. One of the groundskeepers thought he saw someone in the trees this afternoon.
He felt her shudder at the words and thought he should say something to comfort her, despite his failure to do so with O'Malley.
Your brother and the others are working on finding this guy. It'll be all right, Relena. I won't let him near you.
Relena smiled genuinely at his reflection in the mirror.
I know you won't. Thank you, Heero.
There was an awkward silence. Heero couldn't think of anything else, so he reached for the towel again. The smile on Relena's face broadened as Heero ran his fingers through her soft, silky locks. He was just about finished when he heard her laugh.
While you're at it, do you think you cold braid my hair as well?
Heero laughed and threw the towel over her head.
Don't press your luck!
Relena pulled the towel off of her head with a mock hurt look. She turned around and grinned widely as she threw her arms around his neck. He stared at her with a stunned expression.
You know, Heero, I think I like you better this way.
The corners of her mouth turned up in a seductive smile. He knew what she was getting at. She had never been what he would call shy about her feelings toward him. And now that he was starting to share his feelings in general
Relena, I-
She pressed a finger to his lips to silence him.
I know it's difficult for you, Heero. I know this is all new to you, but I just can't help the way I feel about you.
He stood motionless as she stared into his deep blue eyes. Relena tightened her arms around his neck and closed her eyes, slowly moving closer to him. Heero's mind went into overdrive.
*Uh-oh. What the hell do I do now? I'm not sure I'm ready for this just yet. I'd kill for a distraction about now.*
As if on cue, someone rapped on the door. They quickly put some distance between them to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation. Relena brushed at her skirt and tucked her hair behind her ear before she answered.
From the other side of the door they heard Pagan's voice.
Pardon me, Miss Relena, but the others have just arrived and the kitchen staff says that they are ready to serve dinner. Shall I send everyone to the main dining room?
Yes, go ahead. Thank you, Pagan. I'll be there shortly.
Very good. Forgive my asking, but is young Mister Yuy with you as well?
Neither Heero nor Relena had moved their gaze from the other. Still watching her, Heero answered.
Yes, Pagan. I'm here.
Ah, good! Miss Sally asked me to relay a message to you. She says that she may have some information for you and would like to talk to you as soon as possible.
Alright. Thank you.
You are very welcome.
They heard his footsteps fade into the distance as he walked away. Relena visibly relaxed.
Well, I guess we'd better get going.
She started for the door, but stopped and turned her head as Heero grabbed her wrist.
What is it?
He gave her his famous smirk.
I haven't braided your hair yet.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Gundam Wing or Perfect Dark (it comes in later...don't worry about it now). They are copyrighted by people who have a lot more money than I do. This was written for fun and for the fans of the series. All ideas concerning the storyline are mine.
NOTES: Hmmm, the plot thickens! No notes for this part.
Comments and criticisms are welcome. Please send them to HeeroWZero@hotmail.com and be sure to include your name so I can get back to you. Thanks for reading!