Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing
_I did it. Here is the epilogue and I think it's pretty good. You'll laugh, you'll cry. Well maybe not, but read it anyway.
Epilogue 'Healing'
Relena stared out the passenger side window of Heero's car as flashes of lights crossed her shadowed face illuminating it for a few moments every couple of feet. She didn't know where they were going. He hadn't said a word about it just lead her toward the car and drove off. They were due to the airport in less than three hours and she hoped they would still make it, but something told her this was more important. That he was going to prove something to her here. Glancing to her side for a moment she saw him clutching the steering wheel with a vengeful force as his knuckles paled and almost turned white. He was fighting with something, an internal battle that only he could face. It pained her to know that she couldn't help him. All she could do was be by his side and maybe he could feed off her strength like she fed off his in times of need.
His brow was covered by his long bangs that he'd neglected to fix before they'd left the house, but she knew that underneath them his brow was creased in frustration and anger. The only thing was Relena didn't know what was causing his confusion. She knew that it wasn't her. They had figured things out and now the bond was stronger between them. Even when they fought which they had done actually the other day they couldn't hold the heat and would immediately stop and laugh or at least she would. Heero would sometimes smirk but that was as far as it went. He still hadn't mastered the art of laughter, through when he did laugh it was like a chiming church bell sweeping her spirits up and making her smile. His laugh was magical.
Turning from him again she reset her attention on the scenery, or what she could see of it. All of it was familiar. It was the half of the city that surrounded the huge memorial pack. Relena had set up that park with the help of Quatre in memory of the battles that took place on it. It had been a painstaking negotiation. Others wanted to till up more than half of the space to put in a new office building. Relena scoffed at the thought. Who could take an office building over history? The place needed to remain so people could remember what it had cost to fight for peace and hopefully remember that it was worth it. Possibly the hardest thing to do would be to convince the younger population, the ones that had never seen war, that life was better this way.
Just as the thoughts were running rapidly through her mind she felt herself pushed against the door as Heero took a sharp left. Pushing herself back to her original position she looked ahead and realized this was were he had been going the whole time, to the memorial park. She wondered why he had driven around it so many times. Slowly she turned to look at him as if the answer would reach her when she looked at him, but he was already getting out of the car and she quickly followed suit. It was pitch black when she walked out with only the faint light of the moon to greet her. Hesitantly she looked to Heero. He was starring at the moon his hands shoved in the deepest part of his huge trench coat and his lips poised in a frown. He looked so unhappy. She couldn't bring herself to speak though and shatter the picture of innocence he had painted for himself.
"I come here at night." He paused and pulled his eyes from the moon to look at the ground as if looking for something. "I don't know why I couldn't tell you. Maybe it was because I didn't even know why, but I'd walk this park more than a thousand times, looking for something. I became so urgent at times that I ran, for hours, until I was exhausted." He lifted his head to find Relena's eyes. When he did he spoke again. "I don't know what it is, but it eats at me until I hardly know if there is anything left." As if it were an after thought he added softly. "When I'm with you it leaves, but soon comes back with a vengeful heart. It wants to destroy me."
Relena tried to think of something to say, something that would make it better for him, but she couldn't. She didn't know what he was looking for. He had obviously brought her here to help him figure it out and she was going to fail him in his time of need. She had no idea. The only thing she could do was go to him. Maybe, if she held him for a while it would come to her. Carefully she took a few steps forward, breaking the silence with the crunching sound of her shoes on grass. He didn't pull his head away from the ground though, still looking still searching. When she did reach him she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close. She was almost surprised at how easily he gave in to her touch. He fell into her arms hugging her back.
* * * * * * ** *
Heero pulled her close to him hoping that she would be able to figure out what it was that was haunting him just by being so close. She was the only comfort in his life. The only thing he could rely on. He knew that more than he knew anything else and he would never let her leave his side. They were forever. Before he even realized it she had pulled away from him slightly as he let his arms come to rest on her shoulders he looked into her deep azure pools and searched for the answer he so desperately sought for.
"Heero…" She began and brought her hand up to brush a piece of hair out of his face. "I wish I knew what it was you were searching for."
Heero sank she didn't know and he'd wonder for the rest of his life. What was it that he was hoping to find and why couldn't he understand it? Without saying anything he took a step around Relena and into the darkness. He had to look at least once. He didn't think she would come, but Relena was right behind him and grabbed his hand. Heero looked down a small hint of surprise on his lips. She just smiled and squeezed his fingers and together they walked through the park each searching for something.
These fields were stained with more blood then Heero's own hands. He had fought more battles, taken so many lives… Quietly he gazed around the greenery that had once been a burned and broken wasteland. He could still here the gunshots. He could still hear the sounds of the wounded. He could still see himself a machine killing everything in his path. Not even realizing he was doing it Heero squeezed her fingers tighter and only noticed when she squeezed back. She didn't complain about them missing their flight. She understood, at least, that this was something that had plagued him for a long time, and one day with her help he'd be able to figure out what it was that made him want to search. What it was that made him walk this particular battlefield.
* * * * * * * The next day on L2********
Relena picked up her curling iron and tried to recurl on of Hilde's fallen locks. "Hold still Hilde." She warned. "I don't want to give you a large ugly red burn as a wedding present." She saw Hilde's lips curl into a smile with her words and Relena grinned back and went back to fixing Hilde's hair. When the lock of curled sprayed and practically glued in place Relena sat back down and admired her handy work. "I knew all those years fixing my hair for balls would come in handy." Hilde's short dark hair was piled on top of her head adorned by a small crystal crown. Her bright blue eyes were shining with excitement and maybe a little apprehension.
"Do you think this is right?" Hilde asked and reached her hand out to touch her mirror as if she didn't that the woman in it was her.
Relena frowned for a moment. "It looks just like that lady's in the magazine."
"No, I mean do you think that I'm ready to get married?" Hilde asked and turned to look at Relena her cheeks were flushed and tears brimmed in her eyes. "I think I'm just scared. I mean you and Heero…"
Relena stopped her train of thought with a wave of her hand. "Don't take an example from me and Heero. We've messed up more time then humanly possible." She sighed. "I wish he had asked me to marry him, but heck I was the one who suggested we live together."
"I heard about the big fight, well at least I heard what Duo heard." She paused. "Everything all right now?" She asked hopefully.
Relena smiled a real smile. "Yeah its better." Not wanting to explain any more she shook her head. "Besides you and Duo are perfect for each other."
"Sometimes I wonder though." Hilde paused. "Is it wrong to be afraid?"
"Hilde is wish I knew, but I would say it's fine. That it's normal. Everything new in life is scary." She paused and smiled. "You won't be so doubtful when you see him waiting for you at the end of that chapel."
"I guess you're right." Hilde smiled. "Well you'd better go get ready or I'll have to get married without one of my bridesmaids.
Relena looked down at her faded blue jeans and old T-shirt. "Well I guess getting dressed would be a good idea." Relena mused and smiled one last time at Hilde. "See you in a few."
Relena shut the door and leaned on it her eyes closing in thought. She didn't know why it bothered so much all the sudden. Yeah Heero and her weren't married, but it had been a mutual decision. Neither one of them wanted it yet… Relena sighed and looked down at her bare hand. Did she want to spend the rest of her life like this? Having everything thing, but missing one key ingredient. Smiling sadly she lowered her hand. She knew that she would if she was with Heero. If he didn't want to be married to her then they'd stay the way they were. Blinking she told herself she didn't care, but she knew that she did.
Sighing heavily she turned away from the door and went to her dressing room. It was only a little ways down the hall. It wouldn't take her long to get ready and she could go and talk to Hilde again. Perhaps the others would be there too. It had been a while since she'd seen Dorothy, Catherine, and Sally. Opening her heavy door she was met with the most incredible sight she had ever seen. Heero was standing in front of the mirror trying to adjust his bow tie. He was wearing a fine tailored tux. Immediately she imagined him standing at the end of the chapel she would marry in and she was walking toward him. His hair was combed and tamed for the occasion, and the dark black and gray vest accentuated his handsome features.
"You look good." She found herself saying without even thinking about it. He turned to look at her and frowned.
"I hate it."
Relena chuckled. He sounded just like a whining little boy. "It's not that bad. I mean you'll have to wear one eventually." Relena grimaced as the words escaped her mouth. What had she just said?
"What do you mean by that?" He asked and turned to look at her his eyebrows narrowing.
"Nothing." Relena assured him and went to unzip her dress from the bag it had come in. It was a light sky blue with a simple front and accentuated waist. Slowly she pulled it out and headed for the bathroom to change. She did happen to catch the strange look Heero was giving her. She didn't ask though and closed herself into the bathroom.
Heero watched the closed door for a moment and pulled the small velvet box out of his back pocket. Could she know? Who would have told her? He'd only told one person, Duo. Immediately he narrowed his eyes and jammed the box back into his pocket. He would get Duo for ruining his surprise. Ignoring logic he stormed toward Duo's room and flung the door open. Duo was sitting in a chair talking to Quatre, Wufie, and Trowa. "Why'd did you tell her?" Heero demanded ignoring the others in the room.
"Tell who what?" Duo asked sincerely perplexed.
"You know what I'm talking about." Heero told him blatantly and crossed his arms. "She knows."
Duo looked at him curiously for a moment until his face glowed like a light bulb had been turned on. "Oh, that…I didn't tell her Heero." He frowned. "I didn't even tell them that you were going to ask Relena to marry you." Immediately he covered his mouth. "Oops."
Heero didn't feel much like arguing. Duo had a big mouth, but he didn't lie. "Then how does she know?" He asked dejectedly. "I wanted to surprise her."
Duo would have laughed at his friend state if it hadn't been so serious. "What make you think she knows?
"She said something about me having to wear tux's." He paused. "At least I think she did." He was about to say more when Duo began to laugh. Heero looked up and considered punching the baka.
"I think you're nervous." Duo informed him. "I think you're scared." Duo hadn't meant it to, but it came out like a challenge.
Heero wrinkled his brow and gave Duo a hard glare. Without a word he jumped to his feet and left the room. He ignored the calls the others made after him. He wasn't afraid. This was what he wanted…he just didn't know if Relena wanted it. Gulping he stopped in front Relena's door and faltered. What if she didn't want to take on his name? He knew that she loved him, but what if she didn't want to be his wife. Maybe Duo had been right he was scared. Heero turned back down the hallway with full intentions of running, but the first thing he saw was all four of his friends peaking into the hallway. They all had expectant looks on their faces. Giving them a look of complete calm Heero opened the door and walked in.
She was sitting on a small couch pulling on her shoes. Heero felt his breath catch in his throat. Her blond hair was curled under and framing her beautiful face. Her blue eyes seemed to radiate from her face with the dress she wore. He was mesmerized and the small box clutched in his right hand began to get really heavy. How could he ask? Before he could even make a sound Relena looked up at him.
"Hey Heero, could you hand me my other sandal?" She asked and pointed to the white shoe halfway across the room.
Heero nodded and silently went to pick it up. Wrapping his shaking hand around the shoe he moved back toward Relena and attempted to smile, but he couldn't. He had never been very good at it anyway.
"Are you okay Heero?" Relena asked and took the shoe from his outstretched hand. "Don't tell me Duo got scared and ran." She laughed to her self, but immediately silence herself when he didn't answer. Raising an eyebrow she looked at him curiously. "What's wrong."
"Relena." He said and stopped. "Relena…I." He cleared his throat and found it hard to look at her.
"What? You're making me nervous. What is it?" She asked desperately and attempted to stand, but what Heero did almost made her faint. He was lowering him self to his knees, no one knee. Relena felt as if all the air had left her body and tears formed in her eyes. Was he asking her?
"Relena I love you. I love you more than anything, and I know that we fight, and that we don't always get along, but I…I want to know if you be me wife. If you'll marry me and be mine forever." Heero swallowed and waited for the verdict. He felt as if he were standing in front of a firing squad. Everything was riding on her.
Relena blinked and a tear escaped her eye. She felt his hand reaching up to brush it away, but she stopped his fingers. "Don't." She told him. "These are happy tears. It would make me the happiest person in the world if I could call myself Mrs. Relena Yuy." With that she wrapped her arms around his neck and cried with all her might. "I love you." She laughed and cried at the same time. "Forever."
Heero felt his heart sore if relief. They would still have their problems of that he was sure. Both of them were too stubborn to roll over and give up, but now she would never leave. He had her forever. In shear jubilation he picked her up and spun her around the room. He was surprised when his laughter joined her's.
* * * * * * * *
The wedding went off with out a hitch and Duo and Hilde were married. The reception was filled with laughter, congratulations and lots of cake.
Duo smiled at Hilde as he held the cake out for her to eat. She was holding hers for him too. He had decided that he would be nice and not shove it in Hilde's mouth. "Are you ready?" He asked and she nodded at him. He put the cake to her lips and she took a tentative bite.
"Now it's your turn." Hilde told him and held the cake out for him to take. Hilde could resist the urge though and smeared the white mess all over his face. She giggled happily at his shocked face. "I'm sorry." She managed. "But I couldn't resist."
Duo narrowed his eyes and dug his hand into the wedding cake and hurled a chuck of cake at Hilde. What followed was an all out food fight. Even Heero and Relena joined in.
Relena watched Hilde and Duo and laughed it was funny. Just as she was thinking about the mess they would have to clean up. She saw a piece of white wedding cake flying right for her. Before she could duck it hit her in the face.
"Sorry!" Duo called from across the table, and turned back to his food-covered bride.
Relena could only stand there as the icing dripped off her chin and on to the floor.
"That's a good look for you." Heero said as he moved up beside her and dipped his finer into the icing and tasted it. "Good."
Relena smirked. "Yeah, well would you like some more?" With that she smeared it all over him and they also joined the fight.
From across the room Wufie, Trowa, and Quatre stood watching the whole scene. "We can't do anything like normal people do, can we?" Quatre asked and smirked a little when Heero slipped and fell in some spilled punch.
"I guess not." Trowa said and winced as Hilde had a whole bowl of salad dumped on her head. "Do you think the tux place will give do his deposit back?"
Wufie turned his head and looked at the scene. "Damn I gave Maxwell that deposit money." He cursed. "I'll never get it back now."
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