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.
Kaleidoscope
Gabriel swung lightly against the building wondering for not the first time what the hell he was doing here. He knew her condition hacking the system even though she was cleverly shielded with anonymity wasn't hard. He could safely go back to the hovel he was calling home and take care of his own wound. His mouth twisted sardonically it may be peace time but the General's old man hadn't lost his edge anyone else wouldn't have known he was there.
He slid down another foot then stopped. The pull on his arm was annoying but not especially painful so why was he out here giving them another chance to fill him full of holes. Christ he was even coming through the window now of all things. He slid his visor down and scanned the room this was as good as it was going to get silently he entered the room tossing the nylon cord back out the window.
Lucrezia shifted in the chair her eyes snapped open and she palmed her gun before he could blink. He froze. They eyed each other in the dimly lit room. "Your crazy, you know that?"
"How is she?"
Lu sighed, "she's fine it grazed her there was allot of bleeding so they wanted to keep her a day or two but she's fighting it. They finally gave her a sedative and kicked everyone out that was a couple of hours ago but she should be waking anytime now." Lu studied him curiously. "How did you know I would be here?"
He shrugged, "I watched them leave."
"You're being reckless."
He moved toward the bed staring down at her she looked so fragile it reminded him of the stasis chamber and he hated it. "Reckless? No. Stupid. I wasted to much time.. But I." He trailed off.
She touched his arm in apology. "I delayed you I'm sorry."
He turned his head staring at her pensively. "I can't let you think that. I was curious about her.. Them.. I was watching when I should have just completed my assignment and left."
"That's natural."
He shook his head, "no I almost got her killed."
"I know you think you're alone in this but your not. We care deeply about her ourselves keeping her safe is a group effort."
He shook his head. "I work better alone always have you and the others your bound by a system of rules and regulations I have none but my own." His mouth tightened, "and for this it's better that way because I'll do whatever I feel necessary to insure she dies of old age and not a bullet." Gabriel lifted a hand and hesitantly brushed back a strand of her hair staring at it like he had never seen the like of it before. He started dropping his hand like he had touched a live wire he shoved them in the pockets of his jacket. "Besides you and the others are at a place in your lives where you don't need to do doing things that way anymore. So don't go back there willingly."
Lucrezia smiled sadly. "Then why are you here now?"
His eyes slid to Relena then away he looked like a little boy craving a dessert. She suspected for the first time in his life something other than necessity and survival dictated his actions. He forced his gaze away and looked at Lucrezia his face unreadable. "Curiosity?"
Somehow she felt ridiculously disappointed she would have bet her life he hadn't lied to her until then. "Then curiosity is satisfied there is no need for you to linger." His brow arched but he glanced back down as if drawn against his will. When the silence lengthened her eyes widened. "My god your in love with her." She whispered but it was still loud enough for him to hear.
His head jerked up he stood there watching her with hooded eyes then like quicksilver he changed again and gave her a tight smile. "Love. What's love? You have to know what it is to love," he said his voice laced with cynicism.
She cringed according to the journal once Heero and Duo died he had shut everyone and thing out except for regular visits to the encapsulated princess. It must have started as curiousity but grown as he had. Relena was the perfect woman in his eyes she wouldn't leave him, never expected the impossible and allowed him to be vunerable something being the child of two enfamous gundam pilots wasn't allowed. Well in his mind. She schooled her expression as she glanced between Relena and he. Lucrezia shifted grimacing a bit she murmured. "I would love a cup of coffee but I didn't want to leave her unprotected." She began but stopped, letting the full significance of what she said sink in.
He blinked then nodded abruptly. "Go."
Lucrezia swung away and grabbed her jacket sliding it on she moved to the door and stopped. "It won't be as much time as you'd like but it's a beginning." Then she was gone before he could reply.
Gabriel stretched a finger out brushing a sheaf of hair it slid off his finger light as a feather before shifting back against her shoulder and arm. His eyes lifted to her face meticulously studying it memorizing every curve, every line before allowing his hand to reach out once more. His finger parted her hair curling it around his finger he froze at the intense wave of longing rising up almost suffocating him. His eyes fluttered and closed exhaling he opened them and after the slightest hesitation he did what he dreamed about for years while she hung suspended in that tank. He leaned forward her hair looked golden and warm, alive. Inviting one to linger in the lushness of the strands. He brought it to his nose inhaling the sweet floral scent before bringing it to his lips he rubbed it back and forth before taking it into his mouth as if memorizing the taste. "No there's never enough time."
Duo rubbed his arms briskly, "why are we out here? We've been kicked out remember?
Heero turned from scanning the hospital to smile tucking the scarf around Duo's neck he offered him the visor. "Look and see."
Duo grimaced, "what am I looking for? The place is swarming with security and Lu's with Lena let's go get warm I'm freezing." Taking the visor he slid up the building. "Son of bitch." He jerked the visor down and tossed them to Heero. "Lets move."
He slid a leg over the bike then realized Heero wasn't following cocking his head to the side he stared at Heero's back. "OK. What don't I know?"
Heero turned and joined him at his bike tucking a loose strand back he slid his knuckles down his cheek. "For weeks every time someone has tried to take out Relena they've failed one percent of that ratio can be attributed to us the rest is.."
"Our guy in the garage," Duo finished. Heero nodded. "So you believe him he's not out to hurt Relena?" Duo asked skeptically.
"I didn't say I trusted him I just don't think he has anything to do with the assassination attempts."
"I know you there's something else you take suspicion to an art form. So why is he still alive?"
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Relena for all her blind optimism is a good judge of character."
Duo snorted, "sorry babe she trusted you yeah but you spent half the war Omae o Koruso-ing her." Heero arched an eyebrow silently. "Come on, Duo wheedled. "Tell me."
His mouth twitched. "Noin was very insistent on checking the second floor tonight. Someone killed our perp it wasn't our people yet when we met later she went so far as to down play it's importance. Then there's the half naked witness stuffed in the linen closet whose assailant borrowed his clothes then returned them bloody that she insisted on interviewing." Duo opened his mouth then paused with an arrested expression on his face mentally going back over the last few weeks. Heero was right she had been all but steering the investigation away from their mysterious benefactor. "Whose on guard in Relena's room tonight Duo?"
He looked at Heero in angry dismay. "What the hell is going on here?"
He turned his head toward the hospital with a calculating stare. "I don't know but we will before the nights over."
Relena shifted drowsily until pain slammed through her side with the force of a horse's kick. Sucking in air she forced the cotton out of her mind and eyelids that weighed a ton to lift. The first thing she noticed was the smell antiseptic and gauze blearily she tried bringing the room into focus. They drugged her. 'Damn it," she whispered hoarsely.
"Easy." A voice murmured somewhere above her. "Don't make it worse."
Her brow furrowed, "Heero?" She croaked.
Relena still out of it couldn't see well but she sensed the immediate tension. "No sorry lover boy's apparently busy."
Blinking she tried to pull things into focus still seeing double she tried to push herself up clearing her throat she tried again. "Whose there? Milliardo?"
Gabriel swore he had moved back out of the light the moment he felt her stir so not to startle her. Her disorientation and stubbornness was going to rip her side back open unless he stopped her. He was fucked, all this did was tighten the bond he felt with her and she didn't even know he was alive except as an annoyance. Gabriel moved to the bed and placed a hand against her shoulder. "Stop." he said gruffly. "Your just going to hurt yourself."
She slid her hand up his arm feeling the cool softness of leather against her skin hooking her fingers in the jacket she tugged weakly.
"For the.." He swore leaning down his hair shifted and became an silky curtain on either side of her face screening them from the room beyond. Gabriel swallowed uneasily he was inches from her his breath softly stirring her hair the thick dark lashes that framed eyes the color of the sea before a storm stared upward searchingly. It was those eyes now that held him enthralled as he watched them go from wide, blank confusion to gradual comprehension. He always thought once you studied a subject thoroughly being caught off guard was impossible. But once again she surprised him with her calm acceptance.
"Your back," she whispered.
"I'm back," he breathed.
"Where's Lu?"
"Coffee."
She blinked hazily, "you have.."
He shook his head silencing her. "It's alright I have a little bit of time."
"If you've come to yell at me wait until I feel better. I stayed," she swallowed with difficulty. "All those people."
His eyes darkened. "It should have never happened."
Her hand lifted and cupped his cheek before falling away. "I'm OK I've had worse. But it hurts they were caught in the cross fire because of me."
"That's not the point." He bit off. "Not because of you because of some sick fuck. I'm the one I should.."
Her fingers rose again the tips just brushing his lips. "Don't you'll make yourself crazy like that. I know."
His mouth twisted wryly, "how do you know I'm not already crazy?"
He meant it jokingly but she answered him seriously. "Your eyes I've seen that expression before I trusted it then. Just like I'm trusting in you now."
He flinched it wasn't hard to guess where this came from he saw those same eyes every time he looked at Heero. He smirked, "is that what this is all about you looking for a replacement for Yuy?"
Her eyes widened in shock. "That was unworthy of you."
He sighed roughly resting his forehead against hers. "You just don't know how much."
"I don't make a habit of explaining myself to strangers," she said reproachfully.
He closed his eyes wearily before pulling away. "It's none of my business I won't be around long enough to care."
She smiled but it held such regret he felt his gut clench. "I have no lover. Who would want to be a part of my crazy life?"
He clenched his jaw at his instinctive response O how he wanted to though. He smiled softly, "don't worry angel you'll meet someone one day who wont give a damn about over protective brothers or your crazy friends, the impossible hours, assassination attempts, or your haughty Queen of the world act. Having you will make it all worth it."
"Maybe I should run an ad." She tried to smile but couldn't keep the tears from her eyes and her voice.
"I'd give anything to be able to stay here and give Yuy a run for his money," he whispered huskily.
She shook her head slightly in protest. "Heero is involved with my best friend."
"That may be Princess but he is the template, that those that aren't to intimidated from the start to try for you know their measured with. I'm just crazy enough to not give a Damn about competing against Heero Yuy." Pulling back he swore silently at what he said here he was pushing her way with one hand and pulling her back with the other. "I gotta go angel."
"Wait," she whispered. "Why do you seems so familiar?" Her hand tightened on his jacket as if holding him there would work he lifted his to cup her hand. Then with a gentle squeeze he pulled away. "Wait! At least tell me your name."
He hesitated god knows it was wrong he was breaking the most important rule secrecy. But just once he wanted to hear her say his name. "Gabriel," he murmured.
"Gabriel." She husked he nodded swallowing past the sudden tightness in his throat he slowly backed away from the temptation to carve that tracker out of his neck and stay here and have the one thing he had always craved and couldn't have. Her.
"Gabriel."
"My times up and your security is coming. I'll say good-bye before I.. Go."
"I'll hold you to that. Be safe." Her smile lingered with him all the way home.
Gabriel unlocked the door and pushed it open the long squeak as it swung inward was annoying as hell but on this side if town you didn't want anyone being able to come in on you unaware. He leaned against the doorjamb watching the roaches scurry for cover and wanted nothing more than to turn around and go back to the hospital but nothing drove home more the fact he had no place in her life than depth he had sunk to just to survive. Pushing himself upright he entered addressing the scurrying bugs as he kicked the door closed. "Hello boys I'm home."
Tossing his jacket on the bed he entered the bathroom and stared thru the grimy mirror at his reflection. It wasn't hard to guess what fascinated her was the same thing that usually grabbed everyone's attention. Eyes of the darkest blue stared coldly back at him,his father's eyes she said she had seen that expression before. He had to the night his father looked at him across the Peacecraft garage thinking he meant to harm her. He took his fist and swiped down the filthy glass there was no sense in longing for things that couldn't be. The situation was coming to a head there were only two assholes left he needed to concern himself with once they were gone then the rest of the organization would fracture and fall apart. A life that can never be..
Shrugging out of his holsters he hung them on the towel rack then pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it. He stared at the scars marking his chest and arms with the technology in his world he could have had them removed long ago but he considered them badges of courage. He turned the water on grimacing at the brown color and the whine the old pipes made as the water sputtered and hiccupped. When it cleared he turned his arm examining the crease across his bicep splashing it liberally with water he opened the medicine cabinet and took out alcohol pouring it liberally over his arm. He hissed through clenched teeth. He patted it dry then slapped bacterial ointment on it followed by a pressure bandage it would do. Bending down he had just splashed his face with water when something changed within the room.
Leaving the water running he draped the towel around his neck and shrugged back into his guns. Pulling one he moved to the side of the opening and froze. He could feel the draft from the window blowing through the room. Someone had come in through the window. Unexpected since it was nailed shut but it had to happen sooner or later he had just been hoping it would be later. He moved slowly forward when a hand grabbed the gun jerking him through the opening. Striking out with his free hand he felt the grunt more than heard it but didn't have time to examine it to closely since he was lifted and slammed against the wall with enough force that his towel flew off as well as his gun slid across the floor. Slamming his free hand down on the arm at his throat he broke free and landed on his feet kicking out with his leg he just grazed him but it had little affect his opponent fell back a few steps and crouched.
Fuck they were evenly matched he knew who it was. Assuming a fighting stance he watched Heero mirror it when a gun went off drawing their attention from each other to the window. "Entertaining, as this is this it's my party I'm freezing ass off waiting so it ends now." Duo entered the room smirking.
Gabriel sighed dropping his hands he waited dividing his attention between the two. "Why don't you people ever sleep?"
Duo grinned as he moved closer. "Hee-chan doesn't need much sleep." He got his first good glimpse of Gabriel his eyes narrowed threateningly. "Son of a pus bucket." He glared at Heero. "You knew. No wonder he's still in the land of the living." Heero shrugged Duo stalked forward and shoved the gun under his chin grabbing the other gun from the holster he tossed it to Heero. "I want to know why you spent thirty-four minutes in Lena's room without Lu screaming bloody murder? I want you to tell me why the fuck you have my lover's eyes?"
"I wanted to make sure she was all right," he gritted.
"Who asked you? The only reason your alive right now is I called to check she was all right before we followed you."
"You were at the reception," Heero asked. "Why?"
His eyes slid to Heero. "I would think that's obvious since I left him there and you got the other one. My mission is to remove a rogue element within this government."
"Bullshit you're not with this government I would know." Duo snapped.
"I never said I was with your government."
"Then whose?" Gabriel grew silent.
Heero and Duo looked at each other pointedly. "OK, lets ask something you can answer. How do you know Lu?"
"I don't."
"Liar." Duo muttered. "Let's just shoot him. I won't tell Lena if you don't."
Heero moved slowly around him circling him studying him like a specimen in a jar. " We'll go back to the hospital call Zechs and ask these questions with Relena and Noin present."
He moved restlessly and Duo smirked. "I don't think he wants that I wonder why."
"I didn't lie I don't know the woman you know as Lucrezia Noin I think she's going on Relena's instinct and her own belief of my past actions that I wouldn't hurt the Minister.
Heero shrugged, "if what you say is true then you'll be free before the days out."
His jaw worked furiously he was pissed that he was too distracted to notice them following him. "What do I have to do to get you two cut me loose?"
Duo shrugged feigning indifference, "don't look at me I'm more inclined to shoot you I don't' trust you any further than I could toss Deathscythe. And I'm still waiting about those eyes.."
He looked from Duo to Heero's impassive face. Heero smiled coldly. "Talk."
Gabriel's brow rose in disbelief. "My talking won't get me free."
Heero chambered the gun and shifted it pointing it at him. "Not talking won't either."
"Then you might as well shoot Relena now because if I don't finish what I started they'll come after her again."
Duo laughed hardly, "confident isn't he?"
"Then tell us who they are and we'll deal with it. We can take care of her ourselves," he said in a tone devoid of emotion.
"No! I have to."
"Why," Duo fired back instantly.
Gabriel seethed trying to find an angle they would understand. "It's my mission."
Duo smiled coldly, "not good enough not with Lena involved."
He glanced at Heero to see if he was getting through but met an intense almost predatory gaze like he was just looking for an excuse to shoot him where he stood.
"Fuck," he whispered. Duo and Heero exchanged a look as Gabriel moved to the bed dropping on it he looked at them coldly.
"Hypothetically what would happen if Relena Darlian were killed tomorrow?" His eyebrow lifted quizzically, "what no answer? I can understand that it's not something anyone wants to think about. Relena is well documented as saying it's not one person that holds the reins of peace. Ahh I see that struck a cord. Do you believe that? Believe she could die and the world go on like nothing happened? Well let me tell you what happens. The world goes to hell in a hand basket. Three and a half weeks ago someone tried to blow up the entire Peacecraft mansion. In this reality no one was harmed. In mine Relena Darlian, Lucreza Peacecraft, Sally Chang and yourselves were the only ones that survived two incendiary devices planted on the Peacecraft compound. Survive I guess is an optimistic term she's kept alive by the science of the age but everything that makes her unique and special is suspended waiting for the day science can repair the damage to her brain. Assuming that she's still there once repairs are effected. What not ready to carry me off to the loony bin yet?"
He shrugged standing he moved to the window leaning his forearm against the trim the breeze from the window cooled his sweaty brow as he slowly relieved the nightmare that was his life. "Afterward it fell apart the reasons aren't important now. She was more than a figurehead it was almost like she was hope itself. To the people there was no peace or hope without Relena Peacecraft. She was it and with her gone.. Noin as you call her is the General of those of us still fighting. Your Princess floats suspended in a tank of symbiotic fluids that sustain her body and initiate tissue regeneration. But the process is slow and we don't have the resources to make the necessary adjustments to accelerate it. Chang is apparently a shadow of her former self. You both died in a mission on what was thought at the time to eliminate the last of the conspirators. It wasn't until later we learned differently the higher ups missed the man in charge the one behind the scenes pulling everyone's strings and completely misjudge the motivation. I was ten at the time the General.. Noin said it was how you would have wanted to go. Together."
Gabriel turned, leaning back against the edge of the window his face an indistinct blur among the shadows of the room. "After years of this dragging on they came up with this latest desperate gamble the eggheads of my time felt that if the act itself could be changed and the group eliminated then the timeline itself would alter as if it never happened. I have two left and then she's safe from that destiny. That's why I've risked telling you this as crazy as it sounds so you'll let me finish what I started."
Duo and Heero looked at each. "Ah man, I saw this movie last week on the Sci-fi channel." Duo scoffed.
Gabriel pushed off the window frame pulling a shirt out of his tote he shrugged into before turning to meet their gaze. "Fine. Something to convince you I'm being truthful." Gabriel looked at Duo. "You have a safety deposit box with personal items in it for the both of you."
Heero watched him intently unimpressed. "Most people do."
Gabriel inclined his head but coninued holding Duo's gaze, "yes but it isn't in a bank and there are only two people that know you kept a cross of silver and a small part of your Gundam Deathscythe. And they're both in this room." He met Heero's intense gaze with his own impassive one. "You put in a marriage license and a blue scrap of satin material." He let the silence stretch before delivering the final coup de grace. "That came from Relena's birthday dress. Clean but still splotched with blood that never came out."
Duo stood holstering his gun; he moved closer staring him in the eyes searching his face intently. "Who are you?"
Gabriel swallowed huskily, "I'm not the enemy that's all you need to know I've told you more than I should have as it is. And after this is over I'll disappear." He smiled ironically. "As if I never existed."
Duo looked over his shoulder and Heero. "Get your stuff." Heero said flatly
"Look I."
"Get your stuff until this is over we're going to be your shadows."
"I .."
Heero smirked, "I don't care what you want or think. Noin knows allot more about what's going on here than she's saying and until I know you're not crazy we'll be watching you and her closely."
Duo grinned, "OO won't Relena be surprised."
Gabriel jerked his head toward Duo. "That's not a good idea," he said uneasily.
Heero lifted his eyebrow. "It's us or take your chances with Zechs. You decide."
Duo winced, "Oo not good the Iceman really wants to get his hands on you." Duo shook his head. "That whole big brother thing with Lena." He grinned wickedly as he stared at Gabriel speculatively. "He can ream you for a change I'm going to enjoy this. Married?"
Startled Gabriel stared at him in dismay. "Uh no."
Duo's smile widened. "Boyfriend? Girlfriend back where ever?" Gabriel looked momentarily nonpulsed.
Heero sighed, "Duo.." Tossing Gabriel his jacket he nodded toward the door. "Lets go."
"Ok, OK just checking sheesh." Twirling the gun around his finger he handed it to Gabriel handle first before moving toward the door glancing over his shoulder he watched Gabriel grab the tote from his closet. Duo bent and grabbed the bloody shirt stuffing it in his jacket before continuing out into the hallway.
Heero stopped him at the door handing him the other gun. "You were very careful to not say who you are. Just tell me you weren't sent by some crazy old man with a claw."
Gabriel smiled, "no I wasn't."
He nodded before gesturing for him to proceed. "Do you have a name?"
He looked at Heero. "You didn't ask Relena? he asked dryly"
Heero frowned seeing it Gabriel shrugged. "Call me Gabriel."
"Hn," he nodded. "Now about Relena..." Duo laughed from the hallway.
Gabriel groaned it was going to be a long night.
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.
Kaleidoscope
Gabriel swung lightly against the building wondering for not the first time what the hell he was doing here. He knew her condition hacking the system even though she was cleverly shielded with anonymity wasn't hard. He could safely go back to the hovel he was calling home and take care of his own wound. His mouth twisted sardonically it may be peace time but the General's old man hadn't lost his edge anyone else wouldn't have known he was there.
He slid down another foot then stopped. The pull on his arm was annoying but not especially painful so why was he out here giving them another chance to fill him full of holes. Christ he was even coming through the window now of all things. He slid his visor down and scanned the room this was as good as it was going to get silently he entered the room tossing the nylon cord back out the window.
Lucrezia shifted in the chair her eyes snapped open and she palmed her gun before he could blink. He froze. They eyed each other in the dimly lit room. "Your crazy, you know that?"
"How is she?"
Lu sighed, "she's fine it grazed her there was allot of bleeding so they wanted to keep her a day or two but she's fighting it. They finally gave her a sedative and kicked everyone out that was a couple of hours ago but she should be waking anytime now." Lu studied him curiously. "How did you know I would be here?"
He shrugged, "I watched them leave."
"You're being reckless."
He moved toward the bed staring down at her she looked so fragile it reminded him of the stasis chamber and he hated it. "Reckless? No. Stupid. I wasted to much time.. But I." He trailed off.
She touched his arm in apology. "I delayed you I'm sorry."
He turned his head staring at her pensively. "I can't let you think that. I was curious about her.. Them.. I was watching when I should have just completed my assignment and left."
"That's natural."
He shook his head, "no I almost got her killed."
"I know you think you're alone in this but your not. We care deeply about her ourselves keeping her safe is a group effort."
He shook his head. "I work better alone always have you and the others your bound by a system of rules and regulations I have none but my own." His mouth tightened, "and for this it's better that way because I'll do whatever I feel necessary to insure she dies of old age and not a bullet." Gabriel lifted a hand and hesitantly brushed back a strand of her hair staring at it like he had never seen the like of it before. He started dropping his hand like he had touched a live wire he shoved them in the pockets of his jacket. "Besides you and the others are at a place in your lives where you don't need to do doing things that way anymore. So don't go back there willingly."
Lucrezia smiled sadly. "Then why are you here now?"
His eyes slid to Relena then away he looked like a little boy craving a dessert. She suspected for the first time in his life something other than necessity and survival dictated his actions. He forced his gaze away and looked at Lucrezia his face unreadable. "Curiosity?"
Somehow she felt ridiculously disappointed she would have bet her life he hadn't lied to her until then. "Then curiosity is satisfied there is no need for you to linger." His brow arched but he glanced back down as if drawn against his will. When the silence lengthened her eyes widened. "My god your in love with her." She whispered but it was still loud enough for him to hear.
His head jerked up he stood there watching her with hooded eyes then like quicksilver he changed again and gave her a tight smile. "Love. What's love? You have to know what it is to love," he said his voice laced with cynicism.
She cringed according to the journal once Heero and Duo died he had shut everyone and thing out except for regular visits to the encapsulated princess. It must have started as curiousity but grown as he had. Relena was the perfect woman in his eyes she wouldn't leave him, never expected the impossible and allowed him to be vunerable something being the child of two enfamous gundam pilots wasn't allowed. Well in his mind. She schooled her expression as she glanced between Relena and he. Lucrezia shifted grimacing a bit she murmured. "I would love a cup of coffee but I didn't want to leave her unprotected." She began but stopped, letting the full significance of what she said sink in.
He blinked then nodded abruptly. "Go."
Lucrezia swung away and grabbed her jacket sliding it on she moved to the door and stopped. "It won't be as much time as you'd like but it's a beginning." Then she was gone before he could reply.
Gabriel stretched a finger out brushing a sheaf of hair it slid off his finger light as a feather before shifting back against her shoulder and arm. His eyes lifted to her face meticulously studying it memorizing every curve, every line before allowing his hand to reach out once more. His finger parted her hair curling it around his finger he froze at the intense wave of longing rising up almost suffocating him. His eyes fluttered and closed exhaling he opened them and after the slightest hesitation he did what he dreamed about for years while she hung suspended in that tank. He leaned forward her hair looked golden and warm, alive. Inviting one to linger in the lushness of the strands. He brought it to his nose inhaling the sweet floral scent before bringing it to his lips he rubbed it back and forth before taking it into his mouth as if memorizing the taste. "No there's never enough time."
Duo rubbed his arms briskly, "why are we out here? We've been kicked out remember?
Heero turned from scanning the hospital to smile tucking the scarf around Duo's neck he offered him the visor. "Look and see."
Duo grimaced, "what am I looking for? The place is swarming with security and Lu's with Lena let's go get warm I'm freezing." Taking the visor he slid up the building. "Son of bitch." He jerked the visor down and tossed them to Heero. "Lets move."
He slid a leg over the bike then realized Heero wasn't following cocking his head to the side he stared at Heero's back. "OK. What don't I know?"
Heero turned and joined him at his bike tucking a loose strand back he slid his knuckles down his cheek. "For weeks every time someone has tried to take out Relena they've failed one percent of that ratio can be attributed to us the rest is.."
"Our guy in the garage," Duo finished. Heero nodded. "So you believe him he's not out to hurt Relena?" Duo asked skeptically.
"I didn't say I trusted him I just don't think he has anything to do with the assassination attempts."
"I know you there's something else you take suspicion to an art form. So why is he still alive?"
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Relena for all her blind optimism is a good judge of character."
Duo snorted, "sorry babe she trusted you yeah but you spent half the war Omae o Koruso-ing her." Heero arched an eyebrow silently. "Come on, Duo wheedled. "Tell me."
His mouth twitched. "Noin was very insistent on checking the second floor tonight. Someone killed our perp it wasn't our people yet when we met later she went so far as to down play it's importance. Then there's the half naked witness stuffed in the linen closet whose assailant borrowed his clothes then returned them bloody that she insisted on interviewing." Duo opened his mouth then paused with an arrested expression on his face mentally going back over the last few weeks. Heero was right she had been all but steering the investigation away from their mysterious benefactor. "Whose on guard in Relena's room tonight Duo?"
He looked at Heero in angry dismay. "What the hell is going on here?"
He turned his head toward the hospital with a calculating stare. "I don't know but we will before the nights over."
Relena shifted drowsily until pain slammed through her side with the force of a horse's kick. Sucking in air she forced the cotton out of her mind and eyelids that weighed a ton to lift. The first thing she noticed was the smell antiseptic and gauze blearily she tried bringing the room into focus. They drugged her. 'Damn it," she whispered hoarsely.
"Easy." A voice murmured somewhere above her. "Don't make it worse."
Her brow furrowed, "Heero?" She croaked.
Relena still out of it couldn't see well but she sensed the immediate tension. "No sorry lover boy's apparently busy."
Blinking she tried to pull things into focus still seeing double she tried to push herself up clearing her throat she tried again. "Whose there? Milliardo?"
Gabriel swore he had moved back out of the light the moment he felt her stir so not to startle her. Her disorientation and stubbornness was going to rip her side back open unless he stopped her. He was fucked, all this did was tighten the bond he felt with her and she didn't even know he was alive except as an annoyance. Gabriel moved to the bed and placed a hand against her shoulder. "Stop." he said gruffly. "Your just going to hurt yourself."
She slid her hand up his arm feeling the cool softness of leather against her skin hooking her fingers in the jacket she tugged weakly.
"For the.." He swore leaning down his hair shifted and became an silky curtain on either side of her face screening them from the room beyond. Gabriel swallowed uneasily he was inches from her his breath softly stirring her hair the thick dark lashes that framed eyes the color of the sea before a storm stared upward searchingly. It was those eyes now that held him enthralled as he watched them go from wide, blank confusion to gradual comprehension. He always thought once you studied a subject thoroughly being caught off guard was impossible. But once again she surprised him with her calm acceptance.
"Your back," she whispered.
"I'm back," he breathed.
"Where's Lu?"
"Coffee."
She blinked hazily, "you have.."
He shook his head silencing her. "It's alright I have a little bit of time."
"If you've come to yell at me wait until I feel better. I stayed," she swallowed with difficulty. "All those people."
His eyes darkened. "It should have never happened."
Her hand lifted and cupped his cheek before falling away. "I'm OK I've had worse. But it hurts they were caught in the cross fire because of me."
"That's not the point." He bit off. "Not because of you because of some sick fuck. I'm the one I should.."
Her fingers rose again the tips just brushing his lips. "Don't you'll make yourself crazy like that. I know."
His mouth twisted wryly, "how do you know I'm not already crazy?"
He meant it jokingly but she answered him seriously. "Your eyes I've seen that expression before I trusted it then. Just like I'm trusting in you now."
He flinched it wasn't hard to guess where this came from he saw those same eyes every time he looked at Heero. He smirked, "is that what this is all about you looking for a replacement for Yuy?"
Her eyes widened in shock. "That was unworthy of you."
He sighed roughly resting his forehead against hers. "You just don't know how much."
"I don't make a habit of explaining myself to strangers," she said reproachfully.
He closed his eyes wearily before pulling away. "It's none of my business I won't be around long enough to care."
She smiled but it held such regret he felt his gut clench. "I have no lover. Who would want to be a part of my crazy life?"
He clenched his jaw at his instinctive response O how he wanted to though. He smiled softly, "don't worry angel you'll meet someone one day who wont give a damn about over protective brothers or your crazy friends, the impossible hours, assassination attempts, or your haughty Queen of the world act. Having you will make it all worth it."
"Maybe I should run an ad." She tried to smile but couldn't keep the tears from her eyes and her voice.
"I'd give anything to be able to stay here and give Yuy a run for his money," he whispered huskily.
She shook her head slightly in protest. "Heero is involved with my best friend."
"That may be Princess but he is the template, that those that aren't to intimidated from the start to try for you know their measured with. I'm just crazy enough to not give a Damn about competing against Heero Yuy." Pulling back he swore silently at what he said here he was pushing her way with one hand and pulling her back with the other. "I gotta go angel."
"Wait," she whispered. "Why do you seems so familiar?" Her hand tightened on his jacket as if holding him there would work he lifted his to cup her hand. Then with a gentle squeeze he pulled away. "Wait! At least tell me your name."
He hesitated god knows it was wrong he was breaking the most important rule secrecy. But just once he wanted to hear her say his name. "Gabriel," he murmured.
"Gabriel." She husked he nodded swallowing past the sudden tightness in his throat he slowly backed away from the temptation to carve that tracker out of his neck and stay here and have the one thing he had always craved and couldn't have. Her.
"Gabriel."
"My times up and your security is coming. I'll say good-bye before I.. Go."
"I'll hold you to that. Be safe." Her smile lingered with him all the way home.
Gabriel unlocked the door and pushed it open the long squeak as it swung inward was annoying as hell but on this side if town you didn't want anyone being able to come in on you unaware. He leaned against the doorjamb watching the roaches scurry for cover and wanted nothing more than to turn around and go back to the hospital but nothing drove home more the fact he had no place in her life than depth he had sunk to just to survive. Pushing himself upright he entered addressing the scurrying bugs as he kicked the door closed. "Hello boys I'm home."
Tossing his jacket on the bed he entered the bathroom and stared thru the grimy mirror at his reflection. It wasn't hard to guess what fascinated her was the same thing that usually grabbed everyone's attention. Eyes of the darkest blue stared coldly back at him,his father's eyes she said she had seen that expression before. He had to the night his father looked at him across the Peacecraft garage thinking he meant to harm her. He took his fist and swiped down the filthy glass there was no sense in longing for things that couldn't be. The situation was coming to a head there were only two assholes left he needed to concern himself with once they were gone then the rest of the organization would fracture and fall apart. A life that can never be..
Shrugging out of his holsters he hung them on the towel rack then pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it. He stared at the scars marking his chest and arms with the technology in his world he could have had them removed long ago but he considered them badges of courage. He turned the water on grimacing at the brown color and the whine the old pipes made as the water sputtered and hiccupped. When it cleared he turned his arm examining the crease across his bicep splashing it liberally with water he opened the medicine cabinet and took out alcohol pouring it liberally over his arm. He hissed through clenched teeth. He patted it dry then slapped bacterial ointment on it followed by a pressure bandage it would do. Bending down he had just splashed his face with water when something changed within the room.
Leaving the water running he draped the towel around his neck and shrugged back into his guns. Pulling one he moved to the side of the opening and froze. He could feel the draft from the window blowing through the room. Someone had come in through the window. Unexpected since it was nailed shut but it had to happen sooner or later he had just been hoping it would be later. He moved slowly forward when a hand grabbed the gun jerking him through the opening. Striking out with his free hand he felt the grunt more than heard it but didn't have time to examine it to closely since he was lifted and slammed against the wall with enough force that his towel flew off as well as his gun slid across the floor. Slamming his free hand down on the arm at his throat he broke free and landed on his feet kicking out with his leg he just grazed him but it had little affect his opponent fell back a few steps and crouched.
Fuck they were evenly matched he knew who it was. Assuming a fighting stance he watched Heero mirror it when a gun went off drawing their attention from each other to the window. "Entertaining, as this is this it's my party I'm freezing ass off waiting so it ends now." Duo entered the room smirking.
Gabriel sighed dropping his hands he waited dividing his attention between the two. "Why don't you people ever sleep?"
Duo grinned as he moved closer. "Hee-chan doesn't need much sleep." He got his first good glimpse of Gabriel his eyes narrowed threateningly. "Son of a pus bucket." He glared at Heero. "You knew. No wonder he's still in the land of the living." Heero shrugged Duo stalked forward and shoved the gun under his chin grabbing the other gun from the holster he tossed it to Heero. "I want to know why you spent thirty-four minutes in Lena's room without Lu screaming bloody murder? I want you to tell me why the fuck you have my lover's eyes?"
"I wanted to make sure she was all right," he gritted.
"Who asked you? The only reason your alive right now is I called to check she was all right before we followed you."
"You were at the reception," Heero asked. "Why?"
His eyes slid to Heero. "I would think that's obvious since I left him there and you got the other one. My mission is to remove a rogue element within this government."
"Bullshit you're not with this government I would know." Duo snapped.
"I never said I was with your government."
"Then whose?" Gabriel grew silent.
Heero and Duo looked at each other pointedly. "OK, lets ask something you can answer. How do you know Lu?"
"I don't."
"Liar." Duo muttered. "Let's just shoot him. I won't tell Lena if you don't."
Heero moved slowly around him circling him studying him like a specimen in a jar. " We'll go back to the hospital call Zechs and ask these questions with Relena and Noin present."
He moved restlessly and Duo smirked. "I don't think he wants that I wonder why."
"I didn't lie I don't know the woman you know as Lucrezia Noin I think she's going on Relena's instinct and her own belief of my past actions that I wouldn't hurt the Minister.
Heero shrugged, "if what you say is true then you'll be free before the days out."
His jaw worked furiously he was pissed that he was too distracted to notice them following him. "What do I have to do to get you two cut me loose?"
Duo shrugged feigning indifference, "don't look at me I'm more inclined to shoot you I don't' trust you any further than I could toss Deathscythe. And I'm still waiting about those eyes.."
He looked from Duo to Heero's impassive face. Heero smiled coldly. "Talk."
Gabriel's brow rose in disbelief. "My talking won't get me free."
Heero chambered the gun and shifted it pointing it at him. "Not talking won't either."
"Then you might as well shoot Relena now because if I don't finish what I started they'll come after her again."
Duo laughed hardly, "confident isn't he?"
"Then tell us who they are and we'll deal with it. We can take care of her ourselves," he said in a tone devoid of emotion.
"No! I have to."
"Why," Duo fired back instantly.
Gabriel seethed trying to find an angle they would understand. "It's my mission."
Duo smiled coldly, "not good enough not with Lena involved."
He glanced at Heero to see if he was getting through but met an intense almost predatory gaze like he was just looking for an excuse to shoot him where he stood.
"Fuck," he whispered. Duo and Heero exchanged a look as Gabriel moved to the bed dropping on it he looked at them coldly.
"Hypothetically what would happen if Relena Darlian were killed tomorrow?" His eyebrow lifted quizzically, "what no answer? I can understand that it's not something anyone wants to think about. Relena is well documented as saying it's not one person that holds the reins of peace. Ahh I see that struck a cord. Do you believe that? Believe she could die and the world go on like nothing happened? Well let me tell you what happens. The world goes to hell in a hand basket. Three and a half weeks ago someone tried to blow up the entire Peacecraft mansion. In this reality no one was harmed. In mine Relena Darlian, Lucreza Peacecraft, Sally Chang and yourselves were the only ones that survived two incendiary devices planted on the Peacecraft compound. Survive I guess is an optimistic term she's kept alive by the science of the age but everything that makes her unique and special is suspended waiting for the day science can repair the damage to her brain. Assuming that she's still there once repairs are effected. What not ready to carry me off to the loony bin yet?"
He shrugged standing he moved to the window leaning his forearm against the trim the breeze from the window cooled his sweaty brow as he slowly relieved the nightmare that was his life. "Afterward it fell apart the reasons aren't important now. She was more than a figurehead it was almost like she was hope itself. To the people there was no peace or hope without Relena Peacecraft. She was it and with her gone.. Noin as you call her is the General of those of us still fighting. Your Princess floats suspended in a tank of symbiotic fluids that sustain her body and initiate tissue regeneration. But the process is slow and we don't have the resources to make the necessary adjustments to accelerate it. Chang is apparently a shadow of her former self. You both died in a mission on what was thought at the time to eliminate the last of the conspirators. It wasn't until later we learned differently the higher ups missed the man in charge the one behind the scenes pulling everyone's strings and completely misjudge the motivation. I was ten at the time the General.. Noin said it was how you would have wanted to go. Together."
Gabriel turned, leaning back against the edge of the window his face an indistinct blur among the shadows of the room. "After years of this dragging on they came up with this latest desperate gamble the eggheads of my time felt that if the act itself could be changed and the group eliminated then the timeline itself would alter as if it never happened. I have two left and then she's safe from that destiny. That's why I've risked telling you this as crazy as it sounds so you'll let me finish what I started."
Duo and Heero looked at each. "Ah man, I saw this movie last week on the Sci-fi channel." Duo scoffed.
Gabriel pushed off the window frame pulling a shirt out of his tote he shrugged into before turning to meet their gaze. "Fine. Something to convince you I'm being truthful." Gabriel looked at Duo. "You have a safety deposit box with personal items in it for the both of you."
Heero watched him intently unimpressed. "Most people do."
Gabriel inclined his head but coninued holding Duo's gaze, "yes but it isn't in a bank and there are only two people that know you kept a cross of silver and a small part of your Gundam Deathscythe. And they're both in this room." He met Heero's intense gaze with his own impassive one. "You put in a marriage license and a blue scrap of satin material." He let the silence stretch before delivering the final coup de grace. "That came from Relena's birthday dress. Clean but still splotched with blood that never came out."
Duo stood holstering his gun; he moved closer staring him in the eyes searching his face intently. "Who are you?"
Gabriel swallowed huskily, "I'm not the enemy that's all you need to know I've told you more than I should have as it is. And after this is over I'll disappear." He smiled ironically. "As if I never existed."
Duo looked over his shoulder and Heero. "Get your stuff." Heero said flatly
"Look I."
"Get your stuff until this is over we're going to be your shadows."
"I .."
Heero smirked, "I don't care what you want or think. Noin knows allot more about what's going on here than she's saying and until I know you're not crazy we'll be watching you and her closely."
Duo grinned, "OO won't Relena be surprised."
Gabriel jerked his head toward Duo. "That's not a good idea," he said uneasily.
Heero lifted his eyebrow. "It's us or take your chances with Zechs. You decide."
Duo winced, "Oo not good the Iceman really wants to get his hands on you." Duo shook his head. "That whole big brother thing with Lena." He grinned wickedly as he stared at Gabriel speculatively. "He can ream you for a change I'm going to enjoy this. Married?"
Startled Gabriel stared at him in dismay. "Uh no."
Duo's smile widened. "Boyfriend? Girlfriend back where ever?" Gabriel looked momentarily nonpulsed.
Heero sighed, "Duo.." Tossing Gabriel his jacket he nodded toward the door. "Lets go."
"Ok, OK just checking sheesh." Twirling the gun around his finger he handed it to Gabriel handle first before moving toward the door glancing over his shoulder he watched Gabriel grab the tote from his closet. Duo bent and grabbed the bloody shirt stuffing it in his jacket before continuing out into the hallway.
Heero stopped him at the door handing him the other gun. "You were very careful to not say who you are. Just tell me you weren't sent by some crazy old man with a claw."
Gabriel smiled, "no I wasn't."
He nodded before gesturing for him to proceed. "Do you have a name?"
He looked at Heero. "You didn't ask Relena? he asked dryly"
Heero frowned seeing it Gabriel shrugged. "Call me Gabriel."
"Hn," he nodded. "Now about Relena..." Duo laughed from the hallway.
Gabriel groaned it was going to be a long night.