Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing.
Chapter 10
" . . . Peace is not just an ideal. Peace is something that should spread over the land, almost like a wildfire burning out of control. What is needed now are the hearts that hope and strive for a peaceful world . . . "
Heero and Duo stood off to the side of the stage, watching Relena as she gave her speech. Heero was still amazed with the way she could capture an audience and hold their attention. As he leaned against the wall, he focused on her and not her words. She stood so proudly behind the podium. She seemed so at ease in front of an audience that was nearly twice her age. Instead of pulling her hair back, like normal, she let it fall down to her shoulders; it shining in the overhead lights. The sky blue business suit was the same cut as her normal political attire, but something about the way she looked gave her an aura of confidence.
"There's that smile again. Man, you've got it bad." Duo's amused voice brought Heero from his thoughts.
" . . ." Heero turned his death glare on Duo.
"I thought you would have figured out by now, that glare doesn't scare me anymore." Duo smirked. But when he came face to face with Heero's gun, he put his hands up in the air. "That, however, still scares me."
The sound of thunderous applause coming from the auditorium grabbed their attention. Turning back toward the stage, they saw Relena bow toward the audience and then make her way toward them.
"Well, that was the last one. No more public speaking on this trip." She said as he drew a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed the sweat from her forehead.
"Jousan, are you feeling all right?"
She gave Duo a weak smile. "I'm okay. Just a little warm from standing under those lights for so long." A small beeping noise came from her wristwatch. Pushing her sleeve away, she looked at the time. "Sorry, guys, I can't stay and talk but I have to prepare for this evenings gala. I hope you both will be in attendance."
"We'll be there. Heero and I are working security on the gala tonight."
"Until tonight then." She turned and stared into Heero's blue eyes only for a moment before she was escorted from the stage.
****************
Half hidden behind one of the marble pillars, Heero stood in the corner of the ballroom, surveying the scene surrounding him. The only lighting came from the crystal chandeliers and the thousands of candles lit about the room. Food was set along banquet size tables, allow people to pick and choose what they desired. Every imaginable type of food adorned tables on one complete side of the ballroom. Heero chuckled to himself as he saw Duo stationed by the food. 'I had a feeling that's where he would be.' An orchestra played a melody of classical music, which was nearly drowned out by the numerous conversations being held. All around him, people were socializing with one another, flitting from group to group like butterflies.
Pulling the collar of the tuxedo, he felt like a pauper crashing a royal party. 'How did Duo manage to get me to agree to this? This was not part of the original mission plan.' Heero only remembered Duo winking at him and mentioning something about working 'undercover.' He scanned the room, spotting Duo standing next to Hilde, his arm draped around her shoulder.
Heero felt a twinge of jealousy and quickly turned away. 'Why am I envious of him?' Already a few of the diplomats' young daughters had walked his way, but after taking one look at his grim mood, they headed in other directions.
The reason for his present state of mood and attire finally arrived at the entrance to the ballroom.
"Vice Foreign Minister, Ms. Relena Peacecraft-Darlian." The footman announced as Relena stepped into view. All conversations in the room halted and all eyes turned to examine the young woman standing at the top of the stairs.
Tiny beaded straps that lay upon her shoulders held up her off-white silk dress. Its bodice was fitted against her slender figure, but flowed from her waist, skimming the floor. Her blond hair had been pulled up into a French twist though some small curls framed her face. Around her neck, she wore a simple silver locket. She carried herself like a princess, under the scrutiny of all in attendance, never once dropping her gaze as she descended the red-carpeted stairs.
Her violet eyes shone brightly as she approached him. Heero audibly swallowed as Relena came closer. 'She's beautiful. How can I remain impassive to her on the outside, when she's twisting me in knots on the inside?' But Heero knew the answer to the question; he didn't tell her his feelings because he would never be her equal. She would always sit on a higher pedestal than himself.
"Good evening, Heero." She extended her hand toward him.
"Good evening, Relena." He grasped her hand and placed a chaste kiss on the inside of her palm. Relena blushed slightly by the intimate gesture. Never before had he shown is affections for her in public. He had thrown her completely off guard. Whispers and murmurs could be heard from all around them as everyone curiously watched the exchange between the princess and the unknown man.
Relena flashed a huge smile and said, "One way to get out of being the center of attention would be to start dancing. Hopefully, others will join in and not just gawk and stare. So, Heero, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"
Heero never remembered giving her his answer, but he found himself swaying to the music of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty. They floated across the floor, never taking their eyes off one another. Eventually, the bystanders grew tired of watching and soon Relena and Heero weren't the only ones on the floor. After the dance ended and the orchestra began the next song, they bowed and moved away from each other. The President became Relena's new dancing partner, while Heero moved back to the corner; his gazed never faltering from her position.
Eventually, Relena turned down a dance and walked outside onto the balcony. Heero followed, not just because of security purposes, but also because he was drawn to her. Outside, he found her standing next to Quatre, involved in some casual conversation.
"So, who asked who to dance?"
"I take it you saw the whole thing."
Quatre chuckled. "Kind of hard not to, since you both were the center of attention." After taking a sip of his drink, he continued, "Come on, Relena, answer the question."
Taking a deep breath, she answered, "I did, Quatre. Although a part of me wished he would have asked, I know that I'm just a mission to him." She held her cup tightly in both hands. "Unfortunately, we all have our missions to complete. "
Before Quatre could reply, Relena turned and walked back into the ballroom. Quatre set his glass down on the railing, leaned up against the cool stone and spoke to the shadows. "If you don't show her how much she means to you, you may end up losing her, Heero."
Of course, as he expected, Quatre received no reply from the shadows.
Soon after Quatre returned to the gala, things started to die down and people started to leave. Relena stood beside the President, saying farewells to various politicians. When all of the guests had left the mansion, Heero escorted Relena to her room.
Heero put his hand on the doorknob and drew his gun at the same time. He pushed the door open and began to check the locks, windows and alarm system to see if any had been tampered with. Relena just stood by, watching him as he continued his inspection. Once he was content that everything was in order, he turned to face her. Their eyes locked and neither one of them moved for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Relena broke the ice.
"Goodnight, Heero."
' "If you don't show her how much she means to you, you may end up losing her, Heero." What am I suppose to do?' He was torn between the emotions that had surfaced at Quatre's words. "Goodnight, Relena." Bowing to her, he walked away. But as he closed the door to her room, only one word came to his mind. 'Coward.'
****************
The moonlight shone through the lace curtains of the huge bay window in her guest room. Relena sat down in the windowsill and moved the curtain away, allowing her to completely view the stars. She closed her eyes and tilted her face up to the moon, almost like she was bathing in the moonbeams as they broke through the window. She still wore her silk evening gown, not ready to remove it and the memories that had been made during the night. As she freed her hair from the numerous bobby pins, she could still feel Heero's arms around her as they twirled across the floor. They last time they had danced like that had been five years earlier at her birthday party.
Heero stood in the shadows of her room, watching her bask in the moonlight. She had the look of an angel, sitting there in a white dress with her hair shining in the evening light. He had been fighting a battle since he left her at the door to her room only an hour earlier. A battle in which he lost. 'What had Odin said me when I was younger? "No matter what happens, act on your feelings. That's why I live by my feelings. That way I don't regret things after the fact. That's the 'right way' to live the moment to the fullest." How could I have forgotten that philosophy, until now?' He knew why he remembered, because the object of his feelings was staring at him.
"Heero, please come stand beside me." He couldn't have denied her simple request even if his life depended on it. On leaden feet, Heero slowly made his way over to Relena. She was now standing, still facing out the window, so he came and stood behind her.
"There were so many nights that I would ask the stars where you were and if I would see you again. Their only answer was silence."
"Relena . . ."
He tentatively put his hand on her semi-bare shoulder. When she didn't pull away from his touch, he let go of the breath that he had been holding. Slowly he rubbed his fingers over the slender column of her neck, causing her to slightly moan. Now he was totally controlled by instinct; logic no longer seemed to exist as his arm slid around her waist, drawing her against him. With his other free hand, he moved away her soft blond hair, totally exposing her neck. His lips gently touched the nape of her neck, then drifted up toward her ear. Pulling away slightly, Heero turned Relena around in his arms, never fully breaking contact with her. He laid his palm against her cheek, slowly running his thumb across her lips.
Relena turned her head, and bent her knees slightly so she could put her lips under his. Heero tilted his head to accommodate the kiss, his mouth fastening hungrily over hers. A series of small weightless kiss gradually gave way to something entirely different. A moan broke past Heero's lips as he pulled back and looked into her sated violet eyes. Snaking his hands through her hair, he held her head still as he lowered his mouth to hers one more time. There was nothing tentative about the movement, the kiss became consuming, mesmerizing. Relena's lips parted as she sighed, giving Heero the long-awaited answer to an unspoken invitation.
As Heero deepened the kiss, he ran his hands across her bare back, his hands running over her warm skin. His hands worked their way up to her shoulders and fumbled with the straps to her dress. Slowly, he pushed them off her shoulders. Breaking the kiss, Heero looked down at her; his body shaking with both need and fear.
A seductive smile crossed Relena's lips as she stared at Heero. "I do believe that the Perfect Soldier has met his match."
WHACK!
Heero never heard the person approach him from behind; he only felt the hard, large object connect with his head. Before everything went black, her name escaped his lips. Relena caught him as he pitched forward. But he fell into her with such force that she lost her balance and fell to the floor with him, breaking his fall. "Heero." She said as she ran a hand through his brown hair, locating a large lump where he had been hit. Carefully, she laid him down on the carpet and stood to face the man standing in the shadows.
A soft chuckle came from somewhere close by. "He always did have a hard head." Relena watched as the figure cloaked in darkness made its way toward her. His smile could be seen in the dark as he addressed her. "Hello, Relena. It's been a while hasn't it?"
Chapter 10
" . . . Peace is not just an ideal. Peace is something that should spread over the land, almost like a wildfire burning out of control. What is needed now are the hearts that hope and strive for a peaceful world . . . "
Heero and Duo stood off to the side of the stage, watching Relena as she gave her speech. Heero was still amazed with the way she could capture an audience and hold their attention. As he leaned against the wall, he focused on her and not her words. She stood so proudly behind the podium. She seemed so at ease in front of an audience that was nearly twice her age. Instead of pulling her hair back, like normal, she let it fall down to her shoulders; it shining in the overhead lights. The sky blue business suit was the same cut as her normal political attire, but something about the way she looked gave her an aura of confidence.
"There's that smile again. Man, you've got it bad." Duo's amused voice brought Heero from his thoughts.
" . . ." Heero turned his death glare on Duo.
"I thought you would have figured out by now, that glare doesn't scare me anymore." Duo smirked. But when he came face to face with Heero's gun, he put his hands up in the air. "That, however, still scares me."
The sound of thunderous applause coming from the auditorium grabbed their attention. Turning back toward the stage, they saw Relena bow toward the audience and then make her way toward them.
"Well, that was the last one. No more public speaking on this trip." She said as he drew a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed the sweat from her forehead.
"Jousan, are you feeling all right?"
She gave Duo a weak smile. "I'm okay. Just a little warm from standing under those lights for so long." A small beeping noise came from her wristwatch. Pushing her sleeve away, she looked at the time. "Sorry, guys, I can't stay and talk but I have to prepare for this evenings gala. I hope you both will be in attendance."
"We'll be there. Heero and I are working security on the gala tonight."
"Until tonight then." She turned and stared into Heero's blue eyes only for a moment before she was escorted from the stage.
****************
Half hidden behind one of the marble pillars, Heero stood in the corner of the ballroom, surveying the scene surrounding him. The only lighting came from the crystal chandeliers and the thousands of candles lit about the room. Food was set along banquet size tables, allow people to pick and choose what they desired. Every imaginable type of food adorned tables on one complete side of the ballroom. Heero chuckled to himself as he saw Duo stationed by the food. 'I had a feeling that's where he would be.' An orchestra played a melody of classical music, which was nearly drowned out by the numerous conversations being held. All around him, people were socializing with one another, flitting from group to group like butterflies.
Pulling the collar of the tuxedo, he felt like a pauper crashing a royal party. 'How did Duo manage to get me to agree to this? This was not part of the original mission plan.' Heero only remembered Duo winking at him and mentioning something about working 'undercover.' He scanned the room, spotting Duo standing next to Hilde, his arm draped around her shoulder.
Heero felt a twinge of jealousy and quickly turned away. 'Why am I envious of him?' Already a few of the diplomats' young daughters had walked his way, but after taking one look at his grim mood, they headed in other directions.
The reason for his present state of mood and attire finally arrived at the entrance to the ballroom.
"Vice Foreign Minister, Ms. Relena Peacecraft-Darlian." The footman announced as Relena stepped into view. All conversations in the room halted and all eyes turned to examine the young woman standing at the top of the stairs.
Tiny beaded straps that lay upon her shoulders held up her off-white silk dress. Its bodice was fitted against her slender figure, but flowed from her waist, skimming the floor. Her blond hair had been pulled up into a French twist though some small curls framed her face. Around her neck, she wore a simple silver locket. She carried herself like a princess, under the scrutiny of all in attendance, never once dropping her gaze as she descended the red-carpeted stairs.
Her violet eyes shone brightly as she approached him. Heero audibly swallowed as Relena came closer. 'She's beautiful. How can I remain impassive to her on the outside, when she's twisting me in knots on the inside?' But Heero knew the answer to the question; he didn't tell her his feelings because he would never be her equal. She would always sit on a higher pedestal than himself.
"Good evening, Heero." She extended her hand toward him.
"Good evening, Relena." He grasped her hand and placed a chaste kiss on the inside of her palm. Relena blushed slightly by the intimate gesture. Never before had he shown is affections for her in public. He had thrown her completely off guard. Whispers and murmurs could be heard from all around them as everyone curiously watched the exchange between the princess and the unknown man.
Relena flashed a huge smile and said, "One way to get out of being the center of attention would be to start dancing. Hopefully, others will join in and not just gawk and stare. So, Heero, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"
Heero never remembered giving her his answer, but he found himself swaying to the music of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty. They floated across the floor, never taking their eyes off one another. Eventually, the bystanders grew tired of watching and soon Relena and Heero weren't the only ones on the floor. After the dance ended and the orchestra began the next song, they bowed and moved away from each other. The President became Relena's new dancing partner, while Heero moved back to the corner; his gazed never faltering from her position.
Eventually, Relena turned down a dance and walked outside onto the balcony. Heero followed, not just because of security purposes, but also because he was drawn to her. Outside, he found her standing next to Quatre, involved in some casual conversation.
"So, who asked who to dance?"
"I take it you saw the whole thing."
Quatre chuckled. "Kind of hard not to, since you both were the center of attention." After taking a sip of his drink, he continued, "Come on, Relena, answer the question."
Taking a deep breath, she answered, "I did, Quatre. Although a part of me wished he would have asked, I know that I'm just a mission to him." She held her cup tightly in both hands. "Unfortunately, we all have our missions to complete. "
Before Quatre could reply, Relena turned and walked back into the ballroom. Quatre set his glass down on the railing, leaned up against the cool stone and spoke to the shadows. "If you don't show her how much she means to you, you may end up losing her, Heero."
Of course, as he expected, Quatre received no reply from the shadows.
Soon after Quatre returned to the gala, things started to die down and people started to leave. Relena stood beside the President, saying farewells to various politicians. When all of the guests had left the mansion, Heero escorted Relena to her room.
Heero put his hand on the doorknob and drew his gun at the same time. He pushed the door open and began to check the locks, windows and alarm system to see if any had been tampered with. Relena just stood by, watching him as he continued his inspection. Once he was content that everything was in order, he turned to face her. Their eyes locked and neither one of them moved for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Relena broke the ice.
"Goodnight, Heero."
' "If you don't show her how much she means to you, you may end up losing her, Heero." What am I suppose to do?' He was torn between the emotions that had surfaced at Quatre's words. "Goodnight, Relena." Bowing to her, he walked away. But as he closed the door to her room, only one word came to his mind. 'Coward.'
****************
The moonlight shone through the lace curtains of the huge bay window in her guest room. Relena sat down in the windowsill and moved the curtain away, allowing her to completely view the stars. She closed her eyes and tilted her face up to the moon, almost like she was bathing in the moonbeams as they broke through the window. She still wore her silk evening gown, not ready to remove it and the memories that had been made during the night. As she freed her hair from the numerous bobby pins, she could still feel Heero's arms around her as they twirled across the floor. They last time they had danced like that had been five years earlier at her birthday party.
Heero stood in the shadows of her room, watching her bask in the moonlight. She had the look of an angel, sitting there in a white dress with her hair shining in the evening light. He had been fighting a battle since he left her at the door to her room only an hour earlier. A battle in which he lost. 'What had Odin said me when I was younger? "No matter what happens, act on your feelings. That's why I live by my feelings. That way I don't regret things after the fact. That's the 'right way' to live the moment to the fullest." How could I have forgotten that philosophy, until now?' He knew why he remembered, because the object of his feelings was staring at him.
"Heero, please come stand beside me." He couldn't have denied her simple request even if his life depended on it. On leaden feet, Heero slowly made his way over to Relena. She was now standing, still facing out the window, so he came and stood behind her.
"There were so many nights that I would ask the stars where you were and if I would see you again. Their only answer was silence."
"Relena . . ."
He tentatively put his hand on her semi-bare shoulder. When she didn't pull away from his touch, he let go of the breath that he had been holding. Slowly he rubbed his fingers over the slender column of her neck, causing her to slightly moan. Now he was totally controlled by instinct; logic no longer seemed to exist as his arm slid around her waist, drawing her against him. With his other free hand, he moved away her soft blond hair, totally exposing her neck. His lips gently touched the nape of her neck, then drifted up toward her ear. Pulling away slightly, Heero turned Relena around in his arms, never fully breaking contact with her. He laid his palm against her cheek, slowly running his thumb across her lips.
Relena turned her head, and bent her knees slightly so she could put her lips under his. Heero tilted his head to accommodate the kiss, his mouth fastening hungrily over hers. A series of small weightless kiss gradually gave way to something entirely different. A moan broke past Heero's lips as he pulled back and looked into her sated violet eyes. Snaking his hands through her hair, he held her head still as he lowered his mouth to hers one more time. There was nothing tentative about the movement, the kiss became consuming, mesmerizing. Relena's lips parted as she sighed, giving Heero the long-awaited answer to an unspoken invitation.
As Heero deepened the kiss, he ran his hands across her bare back, his hands running over her warm skin. His hands worked their way up to her shoulders and fumbled with the straps to her dress. Slowly, he pushed them off her shoulders. Breaking the kiss, Heero looked down at her; his body shaking with both need and fear.
A seductive smile crossed Relena's lips as she stared at Heero. "I do believe that the Perfect Soldier has met his match."
WHACK!
Heero never heard the person approach him from behind; he only felt the hard, large object connect with his head. Before everything went black, her name escaped his lips. Relena caught him as he pitched forward. But he fell into her with such force that she lost her balance and fell to the floor with him, breaking his fall. "Heero." She said as she ran a hand through his brown hair, locating a large lump where he had been hit. Carefully, she laid him down on the carpet and stood to face the man standing in the shadows.
A soft chuckle came from somewhere close by. "He always did have a hard head." Relena watched as the figure cloaked in darkness made its way toward her. His smile could be seen in the dark as he addressed her. "Hello, Relena. It's been a while hasn't it?"
