Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing.

Chapter 8

Two weeks have passed by since Heero started to protect Relena. It was February, and Valentine's Day was coming up on the weekend. The school was planning a dance for the students. Everyone was really excited about it, well mostly everyone. Relena couldn't see the whole point to Valentine's. Sure it was a well-known holiday, but it was usually reserved for couples. Anyway, it was Friday afternoon, and Relena was waiting for Heero to take her home. He was in the gym, helping to decorate it for the dance tomorrow night. Relena was surprised when she found out that Heero was doing something like that. Apparently, Duo had tricked him into it, and Heero couldn't back out. So, Relena was sitting on the planters in front on the gym, waiting for him to finish. She checked her watch and sighed softly. It was getting late, but luckily she didn't have any lessons after school.

Relena continued to read her book when suddenly she heard footsteps behind her. She pretended not to hear anything. Unfortunately, it was Sylvia and her friends, and they were standing in front of Relena.

"Hello, Relena," Sylvia greeted in a sickening sweet voice. "Are you waiting for Heero?" Relena didn't even bother to look up at them. Instead, she kept on reading as if they were not even there.

"Hey, answer her!" Michelle demanded.

"Oh, that isn't necessary, Michelle," Sylvia replied in the same voice. "She's paying attention." Michelle scowled but didn't reply. "So listen up," Sylvia said, her voice changing to a more intimidating tone. "I can ignore the past two weeks, but from now on, you'd better stay away from Heero. He's mine. I repeat he is mine. So stay away or else I'll make the rest of your school life hell on Earth. Got it?"

Relena finally glanced up from her book. She looked Sylvia straight in the eyes, and a flicker of annoyance appeared in Relena's eyes. She didn't want to answer back, but something in her compelled her to. Relena did not like to be threatened especially by a rich spoiled brat who thinks she is superior. Plus, Relena hated her shrilly voice. Talk about getting on people's nerves. So, calmly and coolly, she said, "You have no claim on him."

Behind Sylvia, Amy scoffed at Relena's words. "Everyone here knows that Sylvia is Heero's girl," she declared.

"More like his stalker," a voice said from behind Relena. Suddenly Hilde and Sally appeared next to Relena. "Don't you have anything better to do than go around and bully people, Sylvia? I swear, you're like that guy who graduated last year who went around hounding people," Hilde continued. "Do you remember him, Sally?"

Sally pretended to look thoughtful. "I think so. Wasn't he short and pudgy with really bad sideburns?" Then Relena almost smiled when Sylvia turned a bright red.

Sylvia nearly exploded when she heard herself being compared to someone like that. She didn't even remember that there was no such guy. She opened her mouth to retort, but nothing came out.

"Trying to catch flies again?" Hilde smiled. This time Sylvia turned a deeper red and stormed off with her friends at her heels.

All of a sudden Hilde and Sally burst out laughing. Sally was laughing so hard that she clutched her stomach and nearly doubled over. Hilde stopped, wiping away the tears from her eyes. She still had on a smile. Relena couldn't help but look confused at their laughter.

"Oh, this sort of thing happens all the time among us," Hilde explained when she saw Relena look slightly confused. "They think our boyfriends are up for grabs."

"And now that you're with Heero, it has really shook things up," Sally added. She planted herself next to Relena on the planter.

Hilde sat down on the other side of Relena. "The rest of us think it's wonderful that Heero has someone now. He's been here for three years, and you're the first girl that he's gotten close to," Hilde explained. "I think Dorothy was right when she said that you two were right for each other."

Relena didn't show the surprise on her face that she felt. They thought that she and Heero were a couple! She guessed that it did look like that. Heero was by her side all the time. He even stopped eating lunch with his friends to eat with her. Relena wondered if she should straighten things out and tell them that they misunderstood. But what would she tell them? She glanced back and forth between Hilde and Sally. Then Relena said, "I believe there has been a misunderstanding. Heero and I have no relationship whatsoever."

Hilde was speechless. Could they have been wrong all along?

Meanwhile in the gym Duo, Heero, and many others were busy setting up the decorations. Duo was setting the sound system on the stage when he noticed Heero brooding. He jumped off the stage and moved over to Heero's side. "All right. What are you thinking about now?" Duo asked.

"None of your business," Heero replied flatly.

Duo was used to Heero's cold demeanor, so he was unperturbed by his words. He smiled and clapped his hand onto Heero's shoulder. "Come on, man. Get it off your chest."

Heero glanced at Duo's cheerful face and brushed his hand off. Perhaps he could help him. After all, Duo has been dating Hilde for a few years now. He sighed, thinking about the consequences of asking Duo. "Fine. I need some help."

"Sure, anything for my best bud. So what do you need help on? Women?" Duo questioned with an evil gleam in his violet eyes.

'I'm going to regret this,' Heero thought, closing his eyes. He took a deep breath and forced his mouth to form the words. "What...what do you buy for a girl for Valentine's?" he asked.

Duo couldn't believe what he just heard. He couldn't help but let out a laugh. Heero glared at him, and Duo put on a straight face. "A Valentine's Day gift, huh? Who's it for? Relena?"

"Just answer the question, Maxwell," Heero declared fiercely.

"All right! A gift, huh? Well, I suppose you could buy anything for her. The usual gifts are flowers, candy, or jewelry. Sometime guys go all out for their girls," Duo smiled, rubbing the back of his neck and thinking about Hilde.

Heero made no comment, but he went back to thinking. He glanced down at his watch, and his eyes widened. He was late! Heero grabbed his bag and rushed out the door, leaving behind a grinning Duo.

The next afternoon Relena was in her room, trying to do her homework. She looked at her math work and sighed. It was blank. For some reason she couldn't think. Finally she gave up and decided to have work out a bit in the training room. She wandered down the hall when she heard someone humming rather loudly, and it was coming from her brother and Noin's room. She knocked on the door and was greeted with a "Come in."

Relena stepped inside and saw that the room was a mess. There were dresses and other clothes thrown all over. "Noin? Are you here?"

A towel covered head poked out of the bathroom door. "Oh, it's you, Relena. Is there something you need?" Noin asked, stepping out. She was clad in a terrycloth robe.

"Did a tornado come through here?" Relena questioned, glancing around.

"Oh, it does look a bit messy, doesn't it?" Noin declared. She bent down and picked up a few pieces of clothes. "You know what? I was about to come and get you. I believe Heero is downstairs."

Immediately, Relena's guard went up. Her face tensed and her eyes turned cold. "What's he doing here?"

Noin shrugged her shoulders with a look of innocence. "I haven't the clue."

Relena knew something was up whenever Noin had that look. She frowned and quickly went downstairs. Noin smiled and started picking things up. Relena walked into the living room, and there he was, sitting and talking with her brother?

Zechs looked up and saw Relena standing in the doorway. "Hello, Relena. We were just talking about you," he stated with a small smile.

"Were you?" she said. Relena noticed that Heero wasn't looking at her. Instead, he was looking down at the teacup in his hands. "About what?"

"Well, it has come to my attention that you have a school dance tonight," Zechs replied, setting down his cup on the table.

"And?" Relena pressed. Heero was still not looking at her. Suspicion began to rise in her.

"And Heero has kindly asked if he could take you," Zechs finished. Relena was dumbfounded at Zechs' words. "I said it was up to you."

"Would you like to go with me, Relena?" Heero asked softly all of a sudden. He finally looked up at her.

Relena couldn't help but stared into those beautiful Prussian blue eyes. They were so intense, and they were staring straight at her almost pleading. Pleading? She must be imagining things. She glanced back at her brother who was still wearing that little smile. There was something in his eyes that made her think. It suddenly clicked! Noin was upstairs getting ready for something. Milliardo was willing to let her go to the dance. They wanted to be alone tonight! Relena didn't know what do say, so she simply nodded.

"Can I pick you up at eight?" Heero asked, standing up. He moved before her and looked down with a little smile. Relena couldn't say anything again, so she nodded again. "I'll see you then." Heero stepped back and bowed slightly and left.

"You're very trusting of him, brother," Relena said, finally finding her voice. "Why? You hardly trust anyone."

Zechs stood up and moved to wrap his arms around her. Relena returned the gesture, letting down her guard. "Let's just call it a gut feeling. I don't trust him completely, of course, but I believe he is on our side, and we need an ally at this crucial time."

Relena sighed into his shirt. She looked up at her brother and gave him a small smile. This was one of the few times she let her control over her emotions down. This was one of many special moments between them. "Have a good time tonight, Milliardo."

Zechs chuckled which wasn't often. "Thank you, little sister."

Relena disengaged herself from him and started upstairs to find a dress. "I know when I'm not wanted. I can take a hint," she said over her shoulder.

At eight on the dot, Heero showed up on the doorsteps. He rang the doorbell, and a few moments later, Pagan opened the door to let him in. Heero waited in the foyer for Relena when Noin came downstairs full dressed in a light red gown. She stopped when she saw him.

"Well, Heero Yuy, you clean up quite well," Noin praised, eyeing the formal wear on Heero.

"Good evening, Miss Noin," Heero said. From behind his back, he pulled out a red rose with one hand and handed it to her.

"And quite the charmer, too," she added, taking the rose. "Maybe I should warn Relena."

Heero smiled slightly when something caught his eye. He looked up to the top of the stairs, and his eyes widened. He felt his throat tighten at the sight. It was Relena, and she was absolutely beautiful. His gaze traveled over her form as Zechs led her down. Once they were down, Heero handed the other red rose to her.

Relena took the rose as a faint blush colored her cheeks. Luckily, the foyer wasn't lighted too well for the others to see it. "Thank you," she said, softly.

"You'll have her home no later than ten, right?" Zechs declared and suddenly felt a pinch on his arm. He glanced down at Noin and sighed silently. "Or eleven."

"I will," Heero replied and offered his arm to Relena who slipped her hand through. Together, they walked out of the house and down the front steps.

"Have fun!" Noin exclaimed as Heero helped Relena into his convertible that was the same color as his eyes. He slid into the driver's seat and started the engine.

"And watch it!" Zechs added as the car pulled out of the driveway. Heero raised an arm in response to Zechs' words, and the car disappeared into the night.

During the drive, neither Heero nor Relena said a word. Heero paid attention to driving, but once in awhile he glanced over at Relena. She was gorgeous! He couldn't believe what he saw when she came downstairs. She had her hair pulled up with a few wisps of hair curling around her face, and she had on a light blue gown that matched her eyes. The dress was floor length with long tight sleeves and a full skirt. Relena had added a white silk wrap to keep out the cold. The dim lighting had also added a mysterious aura to her. Heero could his throat constricting again. He gripped the steering wheel and turned his attention back to the road.

Relena wondered why Heero was so quiet during the drive. She fingered the rose with her gloved hands and slid a glance at the handsome boy next to her. He was wearing a black tuxedo without the bowtie. His hair was still wild and disheveled, but he looked good that way. She could see his leather gloves tightened as he gripped the wheel. He seemed nervous. Relena wondered why. She should be the one who was nervous.

They soon arrived at the school, and Heero parked his car. He led Relena up to the gym where inside music was playing and couples were dancing. For some strange reason, he felt Relena tense up at his side. Her icy blue eyes swept over the crowd, and her cold demeanor hardened even more.

"Never been to a dance before?" he asked, leading her offer to the refreshment table.

"With businessmen and politicians, yes. With people my own age, no," Relena replied, truthfully. She took the glass filled with punch that Heero handed to her.

"Relax. Have some fun. You do know how to have fun, right?" Heero teased, taking a sip of his own drink. Relena glared at his teasing. Then Duo and Hilde came over, so she couldn't retort.

"Hey, I didn't you two were coming," Hilde declared. She looked over Relena's dress and smiled. "You look wonderful, Relena."

"Thank you. So do you," Relena replied. Her voice sounded cold, but Hilde knew that Relena meant it despite the cool expression on her face.

"Hey, guys," a voice exclaimed. From behind Hilde and Duo, Trowa and Midii appeared. "Didn't know you were coming," Trowa stated directly at Heero. (I have decided that Trowa's going to have to talk more. He just can't be silent forever only adding a few words now and then.)

"Like I said before, miracles do happen," Midii said. "I love that dress, Relena. It really suits you." Relena thanked her.

Just then Sally came over with a scowling Wufei by her side. He didn't look comfortable in his tuxedo as he tugged on the collar. "Hey, has anyone seen Quatre? It's not like him to be late."

"He's around knowing him," Duo commented. Then the deejay started to play some slow music, and everyone except Heero and Relena went off to dance.

"Your friends are very kind," Relena said as she watched the others danced.

"They can be your friends, too," Heero said softly. Relena didn't want to broach that topic again, so she didn't reply. They continued to watch the others dance one song after another. Relena couldn't help tapping her fingers on the rose as she listened to the music. Heero noticed this and smiled. The song ended, and another began. He stepped in front of her and extended his hand to her. "May I have this dance, Princess?"

Relena glanced around to make sure no one heard him. She looked at his hand before accepting it. "Certainly." Heero led her to the dance floor and pulled her into his arms.

They started to dance, but at first Relena was a little stiff since she wasn't really used to dancing. She may have gone to many parties with her brother, but he never let her dance with anyone but him. Soon the gentle swaying relaxed Relena, and Heero pulled her closer when he noticed it. Relena nearly gasped at their close proximity. She looked up at him, and something in his eyes made her feel safe. With that Relena lowered her guard just a bit because she has never felt safe with anyone except Zechs. She gave Heero a tiny ghost of smile and rested her head against his chest. Relena didn't even noticed his hands tightening on her waist and his chin resting on top of her head.

Off to the side, there were sighs to be heard. The others were resting as they watched Heero and Relena dance. Hilde sighed again. Her head was leaning against one hand. "Look at those two."

"I know what you mean, Hilde. Do they look perfect or what?" Midii declared with a dreamy look in her eyes. Trowa raised an eyebrow at her comment. (I know that I said I was going to make Trowa talk more, but his silence seemed more appropriate at this moment.)

"I knew those two were right for each other. I love it when I'm right," Dorothy said also with a dreamy look in her eyes.

"And she said they weren't a couple. Yeah right," Sally smiled.

The guys looked at each other in slight confusion at the girls' remarks. What in the world were they talking about? Duo couldn't see what was happening. Trowa could see something between them. Quatre could see it clearly because of his empathy. He could see their two auras mixing perfectly. Wufei merely muttered, "Women."

The song ended, but Heero held Relena for a moment longer before pulling away. He looked down at her and had to smile. Her face was slightly flushed, and her eyes were sparkling and that made her even more beautiful. This wasn't the ice princess. This was Relena. "Would you like some air?" he asked, shaking her out of her reverie.

Relena nodded and followed him out to the bench not far from the gym. (There are benches everywhere for students to sit.) She sat down and pulled her wrap tighter around her shoulders. Heero asked if she was cold, but Relena shook her head. He sat down next to her, and silence filled the air. Breathing in the cold February air helped Heero cleared his mind for what he was about to do next.

Relena played with the ends of her wrap, feeling comfortable with the silence. She thought about her behavior. This was so unlike her. Heero was making her feel things she never felt before. It didn't scare her; rather it intrigued her. She noticed Heero fiddling with something in his pocket. He had on an uneasy expression. "Is something wrong, Heero?"

Heero stopped moving all together. 'She said my name.' It was the first time she ever said it.

"Heero?"

He had to smile. He liked the way she said it. Heero looked at her and almost stopped breathing. She was radiant! The moonlight emphasized the gold in her hair, and her eyes seemed to sparkle. "Are you having a good time?" he asked quietly.

Relena looked down at her hands. "I did this so Milliardo could be alone with Noin tonight, but yes, I'm having a good time." Suddenly a velvet covered box appeared in front of her eyes. She looked with surprise at Heero who was smiling.

"Happy Valentine's Day," he said softly. Relena didn't know what to say. She looked back down at the box and held it. "Open it."

Relena held it a moment longer and then slowly opened the lid. She let out an audible gasp. She pulled a gold necklace with a figure attached to it. She looked carefully at it and saw that it was an angel with her hands folded in front of her. "A guardian angel," she whispered.

"To protect you when I'm not with you," Heero explained. He took the necklace from her and fastened it around her neck.

Relena smiled faintly and touched the figure. "Trying to buy my trust, Heero?"

"Is it working?" Heero asked with a smile. Relena smiled even more and did something that completely surprised him. She laid her head on his shoulder and kept it there. Heero didn't know what do, so he simply sighed, and together they sat there, gazing up at the moon.

Later that night, Heero drove Relena home. It was silent except when they said good night. He watched her paused at the door and looked over her shoulder. She gave him a sweet smile and went inside. Heero knew that he still didn't have her trust completely, but that smile was all the hope he needed. Inside Relena leaned back against the door and sighed contently.

"Had a good time, huh?" a male voice said out of the darkness. The lights went on, and standing next to the staircase was Zechs and Noin all ready for bed. Relena just smiled and held the figure in her hand and started up the stairs.

"Is that a gift from Heero?" Noin questioned.

Relena nodded. "It's a guardian angel. To protect me when he's not with me." With that she disappeared upstairs.

Noin sighed happily. "You know what, Zechs? I think Heero Yuy wants to be more than just Relena's friend."

"I think so, too," Zechs replied, his eyes narrowing into slits.

Oh, please review, and if anyone has any ideas, I welcome them with open arms. That part with Heero and Relena was corny, I know, but I just couldn't help it. I'm a sucker for romance. REVIEW!! = )