wtrw1

When the Roses Weep
One

She'd stayed in his arms throughout the night. He'd ventured inside through the kitchen when Relena started to get cold from the chill of night. Miliardo did his part and left them alone, yet still eyeballing Heero as they snuck bast the brunt of the party. As Heero carried Relena upstairs to her room, she settled her head into his shoulder, tears still falling like an endless fountain.
And so they spent the night, both laying in each other's arms on Relena's gallantly dressed four poster bed. Heero wished that he hadn't waited so long. That he hadn't been so stubborn. Well after she'd fallen asleep, he looked into her face through the light of the distant silver moon, and brushed her bangs back and tucked them behind her ears. She looked so lovely, so peaceful but Heero knew she was being torn to shreds inside.

He woke to the pleasant feeling of Relena pressing her face into his chest. Slowly his eyes adjusted to the light of morning, and he looked down to see Relena wound up with him. Her legs circled his, and her arms had somehow found their way around his torso during the time he'd fallen asleep. She moaned gently and snuggled closer.
he murmured, smoothing her hair and rubbing her cheek. I'm sorry.
Why should you be sorry? Asked a new presence in the room.
Heero jerked his head up in the direction of the door. Sure enough, freshly showered and clothed in casual attire, Miliardo himself stood like an omen. His hands jammed into the pockets of his pressed khaki pants, leaving only his thumbs exposed, shoulders languidly sagged, eyes full of fire.
Feeling as if he should do something, Heero made a small motion to move before remembering Relena. He didn't want to leave her. He wanted her arms around him. And foremost he wanted to protect her from any harm that may come her way.
Did Miliardo know? The thought just struck him.
She hasn't woken up yet, Heero said gruffly, cradling the somber Relena within his muscled arms.
The eldest of the Peacecraft line seethed at the sight of his only sister in such a degrading position with that boy. Miliardo, as he was only called by his sister, took a breath and, in a defensive gesture, squared his shoulders to heighten his full image.
He let his gaze wander onto Relena, and felt his heart sink. She hasn't looked that happy in months, he said to himself. Heero Yuy, I need to speak with you after I have a discussion with Relena.
Just as abruptly as his entrance, he left. Heero relaxed after a moment and pulled Relena closer. She showed her delight by casting out a breath and letting him take her against his chest. Relena surfaced into reality, not wanting to say anything for fear of disrupting their moment. Heero brushed his cheek against her golden hair, taking in the muted scent of roses. Although she had her face hidden against the folds of his shirt, Relena knew she was blushing. The idea that he could feel the heat from her face skimmed over her mind, but she put it all aside when she inhaled deeply.
His cologne. Relena thought that she'd never smelled something so nice. None of her lotions or glycerin soaps could be compared to the scent of a man and his cologne. She felt his hand roam over her back, and finally take its place at the nape of her neck, his fingers weaving soft circles into her hair, sending shock waves of ecstasy through her. Unintentionally, her body tensed, every muscle tightening with the need for him. Heero sensed it. And Relena knew that he had.

She didn't face him. Relena couldn't. It would make her lose herself again. Lost in his eyes with no guide, she knew it couldn't happen. Shouldn't happen. Not after what had happened to her. She was tainted now.

she greeted shyly. Thank you for staying with me, Heero.
He looked down at her, her face hidden from his gaze. It was no trouble. When she made no motion to say or do anything, he went on. Do you want to tell me what happened?
Relena lifted her head and stared deeply into his eyes, a hard mask of pain pulled over to keep her sober. Are you sure you want to know?
It's your choice.
Did my brother come in? She turned to look at the door. I heard the door shut.
Heero nodded. Yes, he did come in.
What did he say?
Hesitating, not really used to talking this much, Heero put his iron line of vision on the window. He wants to talk to me after he has a discussion with you.

You don't have to see him alone, I could go with you...
Relena laid her head on his chest again and tightened her arms around him. He doesn't know.
I figured.
She closed her eyes for fear of crying. Heero, I can't stay here any longer. He's coming here tomorrow.

The man that, she couldn't seem to say it as her voice lowered to a whisper, you know.
Heero frowned. Who is it?
I can't say. Please understand, it's not safe here.
he dropped his voice and craned his neck so that he could speak so only she could hear him. Relena, if you say that it's not safe here, why don't you speak to Zechs about it?
I can't, Relena whispered. I can't, I just can't do it. But you have to take me with you. At least to the train station, Heero.
His heart broke. Relena, I...
She looked at him so sadly that he saw his own reflection in her glassy eyes. At least to the train station.
I wont do that, Relena, he said resolutely.
Tears started to fall. But you can't leave me here. And I know that Miliardo wont let you stay here. Frightened. She was absolutely terrified and Heero could tell. He'll come for me, I know it. I wont be able to take it, Heero, I wont.
Heero took her hands, which were clamped onto his shirt and shook his head. Don't talk like that. If it's really so dangerous... Her eyes, he couldn't stop himself now. She had him. He didn't want to cause her trouble, but it seemed that if he didn't take her away, she'd be in more pain than he could ever cause. Okay. I will take you with me, but where am I supposed to take you to?
Somewhere that doesn't have my brother in it or that dreadful man.
Promise me this, Relena, he made her look him in the eye. Promise me that you will tell me what's going on. That you'll rely on me only for your protection. You wont even think of suicide, and you will trust me.
I've always trusted you, Heero. She smiled faintly. Thank you. I'll never be able to repay you for this, Heero.
he hissed. Promise me.
Nodding, she stopped crying and sat up slowly, allowing him to do so as well. I promise you.
Silence. A blank exchange of understanding as Relena navigated her way shakily to her closet to gather her things for her oncoming journey to nowhere with Heero.

To be continued...