Title: Chimera
Author: Amber
Pairings: Not Sure Yet but there will definitely be Yaoi.
Disclaimer: Gundam belongs to Gundam and any scene or plot similarity to another person's story, movie or anime is purely coincidental. Any new OC belongs to said author and her imagination.
Message in a Bottle
Zechs shoved his hands through his hair as he paced the study. "Relena for the love of god what were you thinking? Were you thinking? For years I've tried to understand your.." He struggled to diplomatically find a way to tell his sister she was nuts fortunately he didn't have to.
"Crazy," Duo offered helpfully. Zechs turned and glared. Duo shrugged he was pissed at her in his own right but his approach was different so right now he was waiting his turn.
Trowa shook his head trying to keep the discussion on track. "Relena." Trowa began slowly. "Not everyone has your sense of integrity. Speaking as a brother I can see why Zechs has lost whatever rationale he had on the subject of your tendency to do things your way. He was frightened by your close call and isn't phrasing things the best...."
Zechs sighed impatiently interrupting. "Do you have any idea how many dead bodies are out there?? Your just Damn lucky you weren't one of them. You should have shoved Yuy in there and let him at the bastard." Relena sat in the chair with her arms crossed patiently attentive until he said that then she glared.
"I didn't want Heero fighting. Besides he told me if I was quiet no one would be hurt."
Zechs swung around staring at her as if she had grown a third head. He looked at his wife for help before turning to face her again. "He broke into our home, choked her, knocked her unconscious. But hey it's ok he told her he meant no harm." He stalked to his desk and threw himself in the chair looking incredulously around the room before he continued in asperity. "Well I know I feel better now that the resident expert on psychos has given her opinion. Lord save me she'll be adopting this one as well."
"Zechs!" Lucrezia protested.
"No Lu she's got to stop these irresponsible stunts she pulls there are.." Relena stood suddenly the chair rocked slamming to the floor.
"Don't you dare lecture me on my responsibilities Zechs Merquis. Expert no! Good judge of character? Yes. After all, those psychos you claim I collect are now my two dearest friends. And almost died several times trying to keep the world you and your little friend Kushrenda wanted blown to hell. Safe. I was responsible enough to stay here and help put it back together, then help hold it together when every living soul I gave a damn about went off on their merry way with the exception of Wufei and Sally.
"Lena .." Duo moved forward impulsively.
"No!" Her hand sliced downward. "Don't you dare lecture me like a child I haven't been a child since sixteen." With that she turned throwing the study door open and stalked past Quatre.
"Merry Christmas?" He said tentatively shifting the gifts as they wobbled and slid in his arms. Duo whistled.
Lucrezia forced a smile, "Come in Quatre we'll catch you up on what's been happening."
Zechs stared at Duo menacingly. "Not a word." Duo silently held up both hands and threw himself on the settee. "Well!"
Heero looked up and shrugged. "I told you what he said and gave you the stuff he left on Relena 6'3, 6'4 dark haired long. That's about all I got he stayed in the shadows."
"Perfect." Heero straightened off the wall motioning for Duo they headed for the door. "Where do you think your going?"
Heero glanced back at Zechs and smirked. "If you think she will stay here after that you're the one that needs advising. I'm going to make sure she's safe."
"Like you did last night?" Heero's face became impassive but his gaze glittered dangerously.
"If you think you can do better you welcome to try but I think the past pretty much speaks for itself in that regard." Heero stalked off leaving Duo behind.
Duo stared at Zechs seriously. "Don't let her leave like this."
"Butt out Maxwell."
Duo shrugged, "fine man it's your loss. But your dog in the manger attitude is starting to suck. You can't have it both ways hating us for being with her when you weren't. Yet distancing yourself with that BS you told her and yourself about getting your head together. Who of us didn't have problems the difference was we were there when she needed us. She's all the family you have left. Don't let your guilt drive her away."
Wufei parted the sheers as the door slammed. Catching Duo's eye Wufei spoke. "You better hurry she's already heading down the drive. My guess is she means for you and Heero to take your Christmas gifts. Whatever the case she's not waiting for anyone."
Duo nodded then slid his eyes back to Zechs averted profile before looking at Lucrezia. He bowed slightly, "Ms. Peacecraft thank you for your hospitality."
Lucrezia smiled, "Duo always a pleasure." He held her look a moment before glancing at Zechs and back to her. She silently nodded. He grinned relieved.
"Quatre hate to hit and run man but I gotta go. Sally," he nodded. "Wuman."
"Maxwell," Wufei began. Heero interrupted calling him he tossed him his duffel as they took off toward the garage.
Quatre looked around the room bewildered. "Would someone please tell me what's going on?" Lucrezia sighed. "Well..."
A knock sounded at the door. Pushing it open Pagan bowed.
"I'm sorry to intrude security let a gentleman in he's a representative of Allensby, Cronenburg and Peabody it seems he needs to speak with Lucrezia Noin Peacecraft in private. I took the liberty of showing him into the library."
Noin blinked several times confused before looking around apologetically. "Excuse me please." Zechs startled watched her walk away with a hint of curiosity. The silence gathered as everyone looked at one another uncomfortably. Quatre cleared his throat bravely. "So who wants to fill me in?"
Relena stood back as the bellboy carried her luggage into the room making a final check before handing her key he asked her if she needed anything. Handing him a tip she quietly thanked him and told him no before slamming the door and locking it. She walked around the suite taking in the understated elegance of her new home away from home. After a quick tour she moved to the bed and slumped on it. She hated it.
But she in spite of what her brother thought she had heard and paid attention. The man said she was in danger. Add that to the bombs they pulled from the bag and she was convinced everyone near her was as well. Tomorrow she would call Lady Une for a security detail.
But for now she figured with the defeat this group had suffered she had a little time before they came after her again. It was enough to think, to plan this wasn't the first bully she had to take on and it wouldn't be the last. No after a hot bath and a meal she'd begin figuring out who wanted her dead the most and formulate a plan. Pushing herself up she got her small vanity case and pulled out her gown and robe and if she was lucky very lucky Heero and Duo wouldn't even suspect she was gone. They might think she was still in her room pissed.
Gabriel stood in the line of the trees watching the palace grounds swarm with people. He grinned thinking about the Princess reaction once she woke he was sorry he was going to miss it. He was still smiling when he saw a car pull to the front and she came out and got in. His mouth had a hint of a smile when she pulled from the main gate and headed toward the city. He swung his visors toward the mansion waiting for her security before swinging it back to her car. He was swearing by the time he made it to the vehicle he had appropriated and sped after her.
Relena came out of the bath toweling her hair and moved casually to the phone. Perusing the menu a moment she picked it up to dial and gave her order. "Hmm that sounds good make that two."
Relena yelped and dropped the phone. Swinging around she stared. Finally I have a face with the voice and what a face. The frantic voice on the phone pulled her from her daze as she picked it up and gave an excuse. One she remembered, when pressed later she couldn't repeat if her life had depended on it.
Hanging up she crossed her arms and swung around. "Now what? Haven't you caused enough chaos?"
"Hey! No fair Princess if you were a better liar I would have been gone before he knew it."
"Hmm I doubt that. It's not that easy to get one over on Heero.
"You would know I suppose."
She frowned at his tone moving forward she grabbed her brush from her case and waved it at him as she spoke. "Well for your safety I suggest you go I'm tired hungry and." She paused eyeing him significantly. "Have a headache so be gone before I return. It's been... interesting."
Relena strode into the bathroom and slammed the door. He smiled. Closing his eyes his head fell back as he inhaled deeply drawing in the hint of wildflowers and roses it was a heady combination. His eyes snapped open and he straightened as the door opened.
She came out and stopped abruptly seeing him. "You're still here?" She moved toward him purposely taking his arm she started guiding him toward the balcony. "It's kind of you to visit me and all but I'm tired."
"Where are we going?" He asked idly.
"I'm showing you out."
"The door is that way gorgeous."
Relena stopped flustered looking up into his eyes she froze. "I assumed you came in through the balcony."
He laughed, "why? When there's a perfectly good door. Is that what Yuy use to do?"
She gradually slowed then stopped her eyes intensely staring into his. "Who are you?" She whispered. Relena stared into eyes she had seen a thousand times before in her dreams and a thousand more awake.. Heero's eyes. Gabriel stiffened under the intensity of her gaze. His hand lifted slowly giving her enough time to decide whether she would allow him the familiarity or not. When she continued to stand there staring intently he slid his fingers through silken hair until his palm held her his thumb stroking feather-light over her cheekbone.
"Tell me your name," she pleaded.
Gabriel frowned dropping his hand he moved away leaning against the wall he crossed his arms and stared at her broodingly. "Where is your security?"
She sighed her lips twisted wryly. "their having a meeting of the minds. And since mine was called into question because I trusted you my input wasn't needed."
"In other words you ditched them?" He said shrewdly. She shrugged looking down she toyed with the belt on her robe. "Do you want to die?"
Her head snapped up. "Of course not." He stared at her patiently waiting for her to continue. She spun around. "But I don't want anyone else to die for me either." She whispered forlorn.
Gabriel started forward. "Relena.." A knock came at the door he frowned. She swung towards him her head tilted inquiringly ignoring the summons. "Relena I..." The knock came again more insistent this time and the voice calling room service was one he recognized quite well. "It's about time," he muttered.
"Relena!" Heero called through the door. "Relena open up or I'm kicking it in."
"No, she whispered. "How did they find me?"
The side of his mouth tilted slightly then tightened. "I told them. You were a fool to leave without them."
"No, Damn it!" She turned to glare. "Anyone can guard me I want them out of it they've fought enough." Swinging back toward the door she called out. "Heero, Duo. I'm fine go home I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Ah come on ojousan... Please let us in its cold out here."
Gabriel's eyebrow arched in amusement, "I suspect he'll be wanting leather with that bike before long."
Relena ignored him and glared at the door. "No."
"Relena, step back away from the door."
"Heero don't you dare."
"Well.." Gabriel grinned, "thats my cue Princess." He dropped a kiss on the top of her head before heading toward the bedroom.
"Where are you going?" She whispered.
"Out the balcony."
"O sure now you do it."
He smiled. "Hey I don't want to be caught in your bedroom not by those two anyway." Relena swung back frantically as Heero started counting.
"No, don't I'll open Heero don't ruin the door," she wailed. Looking back frantically to make sure he was gone she hurried toward the door and threw it open as Duo sailed in grinning and Heero stalked in frowning.
"What took you so long?"
She rolled her eyes. "Why are you here?"
"Where is he?"
Her mouth dropped. "Excuse me?"
"Where is he?" Relena closed her mouth striding over to the couch she plopped on it and jerked her thumb toward the bedroom. She shook her head as she watched them disappear into the bedroom only to reemerge a few minutes later. A knock came at the door as Duo waved her back and answered the door. Lifting the lid he studied the traditional Christmas dinner and sniffed.
"Hmm this looks good we're going to need two more of these. Take this back and bring it back hot with the other two. Thanks." He shut the door in his face.
"Duo," she chided.
"What? I'm hurt Lena. You left us to come here?"
Heero moved to sit on the sofa across from her and studied her silently. "Why?"
"Why did I leave or why did he show up here?"
"Both."
She sighed exasperated. "I don't know why he called you and blabbed my whereabouts. I left because I don't want you involved it's not your problem any more."
Duo frowned angrily. "That's bullshit."
"No. Some one almost blew us all up just to get to me. No one close to me is safe. As of right now you're both out of it. So it was nice of you to check on me We'll have dinner together, I'll go to bed, then you'll go home. First thing tomorrow morning I'll call Security." Duo and Heero looked at one another.
"No." Heero stood and started carrying the duffel bags into the bedroom.
Relena jumped up. "I mean it Heero go away."
Duo came bounding in behind and landed on the bed and bounced. "Nice digs. Which side you want Lena?" She shot him a dirty look as she stalked over to Heero.
"I mean it Heero I'll get a restraining order." He shrugged. "I'll have you locked up if that's what it takes."
Duo grinned. Standing he joined them he dropped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. "That will look swell in the morning papers. Minister jails ExGundams slash Preventors. Forget it Lena it wont work. Trust us enough to know what we're doing."
She watched Heero go about the room giving it a thorough sweep slumping she leaned into Duo and met his gaze. "I just don't want to loose anyone else I care about." He silently hugged her. She turned her gaze toward Heero. "Heero.." He stopped looking back over his shoulder. "Do you understand?" She pleaded.
His gaze softened. "We're not that easy to get rid of.."
"I'm going to hold you and Duo to that."
Lucrezia sat there stunned she read it through once more. A part of her wanted to toss it away, write it off as a prank but too much about it rang true her journal and yet not. Exact in every detail but one. Tomorrow and several tomorrows after were already written about. Years worth in fact.
After the man proved thoroughly his and his firms legitimacy. He explained that this document was one of the oldest remaining in their keeping. Once he left she began trying to make sense of what this was all about and now that she knew she wished she had never opened it.. All they strived for, all the worked, sacrifice. Gone. What was the most heartbreaking had been to learn was that Zechs was gone.. A sob escaped she and Zechs hadn't even had children. She stood moving to the window and stared out blindly.
All that was left was this last desperate gamble. But the Lucrezia of the future felt she had sacrificed enough had deserved some compensation for her enduring struggle. So had broke, bent, and all but tossed the absolute secrecy rule out the door. Her son was not about to be another casualty she didn't have Zechs and she hadn't really thought much about the child she helped create while his parents were alive. But her love for him grew. He grew on her. She wanted Lucrezia to help him have the life there he couldn't wouldn't have if he returned.
So she was altering Lycrezia's future and his according to the journal. She was gifting him with the one thing he wanted the most. A world where Relena was alive and well the chance to know Relena,Heero, Duo before the war changed them. Could she keep this from everyone? According to the journal his mission was to assassinate the hidden leaders of this faction one being in the very Cabinet itself.
When the bodies start to fall would she be able to keep their friends, colleagues, and him safe? Lucrezia turned staring worriedly at the journal. And what about Heero and Duo's part in all this especially if the man couldn't.. Wouldn't stay away from Relena. Then what? She didn't have any answers, but she did have an overwhelming curiosity about her child.. Man. He was a man now not a child with little use for a mother but maybe a friend was another matter. Lucrezia picked up the journal and clasped it to her chest. "Gabriel," she whispered. "I like that."
Author: Amber
Pairings: Not Sure Yet but there will definitely be Yaoi.
Disclaimer: Gundam belongs to Gundam and any scene or plot similarity to another person's story, movie or anime is purely coincidental. Any new OC belongs to said author and her imagination.
Message in a Bottle
Zechs shoved his hands through his hair as he paced the study. "Relena for the love of god what were you thinking? Were you thinking? For years I've tried to understand your.." He struggled to diplomatically find a way to tell his sister she was nuts fortunately he didn't have to.
"Crazy," Duo offered helpfully. Zechs turned and glared. Duo shrugged he was pissed at her in his own right but his approach was different so right now he was waiting his turn.
Trowa shook his head trying to keep the discussion on track. "Relena." Trowa began slowly. "Not everyone has your sense of integrity. Speaking as a brother I can see why Zechs has lost whatever rationale he had on the subject of your tendency to do things your way. He was frightened by your close call and isn't phrasing things the best...."
Zechs sighed impatiently interrupting. "Do you have any idea how many dead bodies are out there?? Your just Damn lucky you weren't one of them. You should have shoved Yuy in there and let him at the bastard." Relena sat in the chair with her arms crossed patiently attentive until he said that then she glared.
"I didn't want Heero fighting. Besides he told me if I was quiet no one would be hurt."
Zechs swung around staring at her as if she had grown a third head. He looked at his wife for help before turning to face her again. "He broke into our home, choked her, knocked her unconscious. But hey it's ok he told her he meant no harm." He stalked to his desk and threw himself in the chair looking incredulously around the room before he continued in asperity. "Well I know I feel better now that the resident expert on psychos has given her opinion. Lord save me she'll be adopting this one as well."
"Zechs!" Lucrezia protested.
"No Lu she's got to stop these irresponsible stunts she pulls there are.." Relena stood suddenly the chair rocked slamming to the floor.
"Don't you dare lecture me on my responsibilities Zechs Merquis. Expert no! Good judge of character? Yes. After all, those psychos you claim I collect are now my two dearest friends. And almost died several times trying to keep the world you and your little friend Kushrenda wanted blown to hell. Safe. I was responsible enough to stay here and help put it back together, then help hold it together when every living soul I gave a damn about went off on their merry way with the exception of Wufei and Sally.
"Lena .." Duo moved forward impulsively.
"No!" Her hand sliced downward. "Don't you dare lecture me like a child I haven't been a child since sixteen." With that she turned throwing the study door open and stalked past Quatre.
"Merry Christmas?" He said tentatively shifting the gifts as they wobbled and slid in his arms. Duo whistled.
Lucrezia forced a smile, "Come in Quatre we'll catch you up on what's been happening."
Zechs stared at Duo menacingly. "Not a word." Duo silently held up both hands and threw himself on the settee. "Well!"
Heero looked up and shrugged. "I told you what he said and gave you the stuff he left on Relena 6'3, 6'4 dark haired long. That's about all I got he stayed in the shadows."
"Perfect." Heero straightened off the wall motioning for Duo they headed for the door. "Where do you think your going?"
Heero glanced back at Zechs and smirked. "If you think she will stay here after that you're the one that needs advising. I'm going to make sure she's safe."
"Like you did last night?" Heero's face became impassive but his gaze glittered dangerously.
"If you think you can do better you welcome to try but I think the past pretty much speaks for itself in that regard." Heero stalked off leaving Duo behind.
Duo stared at Zechs seriously. "Don't let her leave like this."
"Butt out Maxwell."
Duo shrugged, "fine man it's your loss. But your dog in the manger attitude is starting to suck. You can't have it both ways hating us for being with her when you weren't. Yet distancing yourself with that BS you told her and yourself about getting your head together. Who of us didn't have problems the difference was we were there when she needed us. She's all the family you have left. Don't let your guilt drive her away."
Wufei parted the sheers as the door slammed. Catching Duo's eye Wufei spoke. "You better hurry she's already heading down the drive. My guess is she means for you and Heero to take your Christmas gifts. Whatever the case she's not waiting for anyone."
Duo nodded then slid his eyes back to Zechs averted profile before looking at Lucrezia. He bowed slightly, "Ms. Peacecraft thank you for your hospitality."
Lucrezia smiled, "Duo always a pleasure." He held her look a moment before glancing at Zechs and back to her. She silently nodded. He grinned relieved.
"Quatre hate to hit and run man but I gotta go. Sally," he nodded. "Wuman."
"Maxwell," Wufei began. Heero interrupted calling him he tossed him his duffel as they took off toward the garage.
Quatre looked around the room bewildered. "Would someone please tell me what's going on?" Lucrezia sighed. "Well..."
A knock sounded at the door. Pushing it open Pagan bowed.
"I'm sorry to intrude security let a gentleman in he's a representative of Allensby, Cronenburg and Peabody it seems he needs to speak with Lucrezia Noin Peacecraft in private. I took the liberty of showing him into the library."
Noin blinked several times confused before looking around apologetically. "Excuse me please." Zechs startled watched her walk away with a hint of curiosity. The silence gathered as everyone looked at one another uncomfortably. Quatre cleared his throat bravely. "So who wants to fill me in?"
Relena stood back as the bellboy carried her luggage into the room making a final check before handing her key he asked her if she needed anything. Handing him a tip she quietly thanked him and told him no before slamming the door and locking it. She walked around the suite taking in the understated elegance of her new home away from home. After a quick tour she moved to the bed and slumped on it. She hated it.
But she in spite of what her brother thought she had heard and paid attention. The man said she was in danger. Add that to the bombs they pulled from the bag and she was convinced everyone near her was as well. Tomorrow she would call Lady Une for a security detail.
But for now she figured with the defeat this group had suffered she had a little time before they came after her again. It was enough to think, to plan this wasn't the first bully she had to take on and it wouldn't be the last. No after a hot bath and a meal she'd begin figuring out who wanted her dead the most and formulate a plan. Pushing herself up she got her small vanity case and pulled out her gown and robe and if she was lucky very lucky Heero and Duo wouldn't even suspect she was gone. They might think she was still in her room pissed.
Gabriel stood in the line of the trees watching the palace grounds swarm with people. He grinned thinking about the Princess reaction once she woke he was sorry he was going to miss it. He was still smiling when he saw a car pull to the front and she came out and got in. His mouth had a hint of a smile when she pulled from the main gate and headed toward the city. He swung his visors toward the mansion waiting for her security before swinging it back to her car. He was swearing by the time he made it to the vehicle he had appropriated and sped after her.
Relena came out of the bath toweling her hair and moved casually to the phone. Perusing the menu a moment she picked it up to dial and gave her order. "Hmm that sounds good make that two."
Relena yelped and dropped the phone. Swinging around she stared. Finally I have a face with the voice and what a face. The frantic voice on the phone pulled her from her daze as she picked it up and gave an excuse. One she remembered, when pressed later she couldn't repeat if her life had depended on it.
Hanging up she crossed her arms and swung around. "Now what? Haven't you caused enough chaos?"
"Hey! No fair Princess if you were a better liar I would have been gone before he knew it."
"Hmm I doubt that. It's not that easy to get one over on Heero.
"You would know I suppose."
She frowned at his tone moving forward she grabbed her brush from her case and waved it at him as she spoke. "Well for your safety I suggest you go I'm tired hungry and." She paused eyeing him significantly. "Have a headache so be gone before I return. It's been... interesting."
Relena strode into the bathroom and slammed the door. He smiled. Closing his eyes his head fell back as he inhaled deeply drawing in the hint of wildflowers and roses it was a heady combination. His eyes snapped open and he straightened as the door opened.
She came out and stopped abruptly seeing him. "You're still here?" She moved toward him purposely taking his arm she started guiding him toward the balcony. "It's kind of you to visit me and all but I'm tired."
"Where are we going?" He asked idly.
"I'm showing you out."
"The door is that way gorgeous."
Relena stopped flustered looking up into his eyes she froze. "I assumed you came in through the balcony."
He laughed, "why? When there's a perfectly good door. Is that what Yuy use to do?"
She gradually slowed then stopped her eyes intensely staring into his. "Who are you?" She whispered. Relena stared into eyes she had seen a thousand times before in her dreams and a thousand more awake.. Heero's eyes. Gabriel stiffened under the intensity of her gaze. His hand lifted slowly giving her enough time to decide whether she would allow him the familiarity or not. When she continued to stand there staring intently he slid his fingers through silken hair until his palm held her his thumb stroking feather-light over her cheekbone.
"Tell me your name," she pleaded.
Gabriel frowned dropping his hand he moved away leaning against the wall he crossed his arms and stared at her broodingly. "Where is your security?"
She sighed her lips twisted wryly. "their having a meeting of the minds. And since mine was called into question because I trusted you my input wasn't needed."
"In other words you ditched them?" He said shrewdly. She shrugged looking down she toyed with the belt on her robe. "Do you want to die?"
Her head snapped up. "Of course not." He stared at her patiently waiting for her to continue. She spun around. "But I don't want anyone else to die for me either." She whispered forlorn.
Gabriel started forward. "Relena.." A knock came at the door he frowned. She swung towards him her head tilted inquiringly ignoring the summons. "Relena I..." The knock came again more insistent this time and the voice calling room service was one he recognized quite well. "It's about time," he muttered.
"Relena!" Heero called through the door. "Relena open up or I'm kicking it in."
"No, she whispered. "How did they find me?"
The side of his mouth tilted slightly then tightened. "I told them. You were a fool to leave without them."
"No, Damn it!" She turned to glare. "Anyone can guard me I want them out of it they've fought enough." Swinging back toward the door she called out. "Heero, Duo. I'm fine go home I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Ah come on ojousan... Please let us in its cold out here."
Gabriel's eyebrow arched in amusement, "I suspect he'll be wanting leather with that bike before long."
Relena ignored him and glared at the door. "No."
"Relena, step back away from the door."
"Heero don't you dare."
"Well.." Gabriel grinned, "thats my cue Princess." He dropped a kiss on the top of her head before heading toward the bedroom.
"Where are you going?" She whispered.
"Out the balcony."
"O sure now you do it."
He smiled. "Hey I don't want to be caught in your bedroom not by those two anyway." Relena swung back frantically as Heero started counting.
"No, don't I'll open Heero don't ruin the door," she wailed. Looking back frantically to make sure he was gone she hurried toward the door and threw it open as Duo sailed in grinning and Heero stalked in frowning.
"What took you so long?"
She rolled her eyes. "Why are you here?"
"Where is he?"
Her mouth dropped. "Excuse me?"
"Where is he?" Relena closed her mouth striding over to the couch she plopped on it and jerked her thumb toward the bedroom. She shook her head as she watched them disappear into the bedroom only to reemerge a few minutes later. A knock came at the door as Duo waved her back and answered the door. Lifting the lid he studied the traditional Christmas dinner and sniffed.
"Hmm this looks good we're going to need two more of these. Take this back and bring it back hot with the other two. Thanks." He shut the door in his face.
"Duo," she chided.
"What? I'm hurt Lena. You left us to come here?"
Heero moved to sit on the sofa across from her and studied her silently. "Why?"
"Why did I leave or why did he show up here?"
"Both."
She sighed exasperated. "I don't know why he called you and blabbed my whereabouts. I left because I don't want you involved it's not your problem any more."
Duo frowned angrily. "That's bullshit."
"No. Some one almost blew us all up just to get to me. No one close to me is safe. As of right now you're both out of it. So it was nice of you to check on me We'll have dinner together, I'll go to bed, then you'll go home. First thing tomorrow morning I'll call Security." Duo and Heero looked at one another.
"No." Heero stood and started carrying the duffel bags into the bedroom.
Relena jumped up. "I mean it Heero go away."
Duo came bounding in behind and landed on the bed and bounced. "Nice digs. Which side you want Lena?" She shot him a dirty look as she stalked over to Heero.
"I mean it Heero I'll get a restraining order." He shrugged. "I'll have you locked up if that's what it takes."
Duo grinned. Standing he joined them he dropped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. "That will look swell in the morning papers. Minister jails ExGundams slash Preventors. Forget it Lena it wont work. Trust us enough to know what we're doing."
She watched Heero go about the room giving it a thorough sweep slumping she leaned into Duo and met his gaze. "I just don't want to loose anyone else I care about." He silently hugged her. She turned her gaze toward Heero. "Heero.." He stopped looking back over his shoulder. "Do you understand?" She pleaded.
His gaze softened. "We're not that easy to get rid of.."
"I'm going to hold you and Duo to that."
Lucrezia sat there stunned she read it through once more. A part of her wanted to toss it away, write it off as a prank but too much about it rang true her journal and yet not. Exact in every detail but one. Tomorrow and several tomorrows after were already written about. Years worth in fact.
After the man proved thoroughly his and his firms legitimacy. He explained that this document was one of the oldest remaining in their keeping. Once he left she began trying to make sense of what this was all about and now that she knew she wished she had never opened it.. All they strived for, all the worked, sacrifice. Gone. What was the most heartbreaking had been to learn was that Zechs was gone.. A sob escaped she and Zechs hadn't even had children. She stood moving to the window and stared out blindly.
All that was left was this last desperate gamble. But the Lucrezia of the future felt she had sacrificed enough had deserved some compensation for her enduring struggle. So had broke, bent, and all but tossed the absolute secrecy rule out the door. Her son was not about to be another casualty she didn't have Zechs and she hadn't really thought much about the child she helped create while his parents were alive. But her love for him grew. He grew on her. She wanted Lucrezia to help him have the life there he couldn't wouldn't have if he returned.
So she was altering Lycrezia's future and his according to the journal. She was gifting him with the one thing he wanted the most. A world where Relena was alive and well the chance to know Relena,Heero, Duo before the war changed them. Could she keep this from everyone? According to the journal his mission was to assassinate the hidden leaders of this faction one being in the very Cabinet itself.
When the bodies start to fall would she be able to keep their friends, colleagues, and him safe? Lucrezia turned staring worriedly at the journal. And what about Heero and Duo's part in all this especially if the man couldn't.. Wouldn't stay away from Relena. Then what? She didn't have any answers, but she did have an overwhelming curiosity about her child.. Man. He was a man now not a child with little use for a mother but maybe a friend was another matter. Lucrezia picked up the journal and clasped it to her chest. "Gabriel," she whispered. "I like that."