y3


three

What are you trying to do to me? Relena asked, at long last coming to her senses, dripping water. If you're going to do something, finish the job.
Heero crossed his arms without a word. Relena stood up shakily and pushed past him, her hair limp at her shoulders. She made it to her room and immediately pulled off her pajamas. Throwing them out the open door, they slapped to the carpet floor by Heero's feet without notice. Returning into the hallway, Relena had on the throw that Heero had placed on her so diligently before commencing to try and drown her in her own bath tub. He handed her a towel.
She went back into her room and wrapped the towel around her hair and put on a button up cotton pajama shirt and shorts. Are you just going to stand there, or do you have other plans for me?
Aren't you going to yell?
I trusted you before, Heero. Why shouldn't I trust you now? You even saved me from drowning just now, her voice was jagged with bitter disgust, a new side of her he hadn't seen. I should be thanking you.
But you're not.
She shook her head. No, I'm not. And don't expect me to implore you to stay here, either. I should contact Wufei right now and tell him what happened.
Heero remained in his place as she peeked out of her room. What good would that do?
He is my body guard. I could have him with me all the time, if you play on carrying out your old mission.
To kill you?
I would suppose so! What was that dip in the tub for just now, Heero?
He shrugged.
That isn't like you. You're always supposed to have a plan. Or were you just exercising your strength over me?
Are you going to keep talking, or can I go ahead and leave now?
Relena came from her room and stood a few feet away. I don't know what's happened to you, Heero, but I expect that you either explain yourself or leave me alone. Forever.
This hadn't been the first time Heero visited her in the night. Two weeks earlier he'd knocked on the glass sliding doors that led out to the porch from the sun room with a gun. Before that he'd found a way into her basement. The aggression inclined with each visit. This particular was the first time that he'd almost succeeded. Relena had felt it coming, and she was becoming worried that he might actually kill her the next time.
Is this some kind of joke, Heero? You're not scaring me, you know? You're just destroying me, that's all!
Heero reached out and touched her cheek. You don't understand, Relena.
I always seem to have a hard time understanding you, Heero. But I always find out somehow.
Water dripped down the side of her face as he rubbed her cheek, but there was no sign of her crying any time soon. She was becoming strong, that was for sure. Stronger than she had been before, and he was happy. Sooner or later she would callous, and he could sleep easier. He hated to do it to her, and it hurt him deeply, but it was for her own good. And if it were true, if they were fated to be together, she would still care for him. He just hoped on his own life that she would, if she didn't he wouldn't survive. It wasn't a joke. It was a test of character, and it was painful for them both.
Will you come again?
Heero removed his hand and saw her eyes close tiredly. Her shoulders sagged, and he leaned down to pick her up. This time he carried her to her bed and laid her down beneath the goose down duvet. She fell asleep promptly, a surprise because of the trauma she'd presently gone through, and Heero allowed himself to kiss the soft skin of her knuckles before cleaning up his mess and leaving without a trace.