BACK TO SCHOOL !
Author's Notes
Note that I don't own ANY of the characters throughout the fanfic. * sob *
Don't flame me for any pairings and there's no yaoi for you people out there ! 0_0'
***
" HEEEEEYY Baby ! I wanna knoooow … if you'll be my girl … "
A song blared as Relena and her flatmates stepped into the posh interiors of ClubHouse, located a few streets away from the dormitories. Relena had a great temptation to cover her ears with her hands but had to resist doing so. As her eyes tried to adjust to the darkness, she followed her friends blindly to the bar stand.
" Relena, what will you have ? "
" Anything … erm … but non-alcoholic please … "
The 4 girls looked at each other in stunned silence before bursting into laughter. Relena knew she said something wrong but she was adamant in backing up her decision. She had tried alcoholic cocktails at other functions before but somehow, she disliked the metallic taste in them.
" Relena ! You're here to drink and party ! "
" But … "
" She'll have a tequila please. "
" Anna ! I will not … "
" Relax, we'll make sure you reach home safe and sound. "
" But … but I don't really … "
" Relena, look ! "
Following her friend's pointed finger, she turned and stared in utmost disappointment that Michael had just stepped into the discotheque as well. He was relatively dressed to kill and most girls were ogling at him. Relena quickly turned her head around, praying fervently that he hadn't seen her.
" RELENA ! "
[ Oh noooo … ]
" Hi Michael. "
Relena turned around and smiled her most patronising smile, often practised and used at the many functions she had to attend all these years. She wondered when she could shed off this false pretence.
" I am surprised you'll attend such a party tonight. "
" Well, thanks to my flatmates … "
Her 4 friends waved cheerily from behind her and Michael waved back in a polite way. His attention quickly shifted back to Relena again, much to her displeasure.
" So do you wanna dance with me later ? I'm sure they'll be bringing on the music soon. It's only the prologue now. "
" We'll see … I … I am not a good dancer. "
" Don't be modest ! You're a very good one … I've seen you dance at one of the functions before. "
With that, Michael happily took her hand and tried to bring her to the table where his friends were sitting. Relena's eyes grew wide in alarm as she tried to bring her friends' attention to her. However, they were smiling and encouraging her to go with him. Relena's alarm bells only rang louder as she was being dragged across.
[ What kind of trouble have I landed myself in now ?! ]
" Ojou-san ! "
[ DUO ?! ]
Relena's sharp ears caught Duo's cheerful greeting even though the music was blaring. As her eyes tried desperately to scan through the crowd for him, she could feel Michael's grasp on her arm tightening.
[ He heard it too ? ]
Suddenly, a figure had loomed intimately close to her before she could even gasp in surprise. Cobalt eyes flickered in the darkness and caught hers, rendering her speechless. She felt an arm slithering around her waist quickly but modestly, pulling her smoothly away from Michael, who was too astonished to react.
" Who … "
Relena heard Michael responding uncertainly but she could not hear the rest of his sentence. She was steadily led away through the crowd, the hand still around her waist. She tried to look up at her rescuer but his face was expertly covered under the flashing neon lights. She knew it wasn't Duo, she could feel it.
[ Don't tell me it's … but that's impossible … ]
As she was led to a clearing, the hand swiftly left her body and she felt lost as she twirled around hurriedly, trying to search for any signs of the mysterious person.
[ Could it be you ? ]
Relena was shocked again by a sudden tap on her shoulder.
" Heer … D … Duo … "
Relena recovered quickly enough as she saw the face of the American standing before her. His face was occasionally lightened up by the flashing spotlights but it was clear that it was Duo.
" So Ojou-san is here as well ? "
" Yeah, I thought I should come and experience the other side of the pasture. "
" Where are your friends ? "
" I don't know … "
Relena looked around the crowded discotheque and realised that she was standing at a totally different spot now. As she turned back to look at Duo again, she realised that the other ex-pilots were sitting comfortably at a table behind him some distance away.
" You guys … "
" We heard you were attending so we came along, to be perfectly honest with you. "
" W … why ? "
" Relena, you do know that danger still lurks anytime and anywhere. "
" Duo … "
Relena turned solemn as Duo addressed her by her name. This wasn't a joking matter to them. They meant business.
" Then … then who was the one who pulled me away from Michael ? "
" A jealous boy actuall … Ow !! "
Duo winced as he made a face at his attacker. Relena was secretly pleased when she saw that it was Heero after all. He had elbowed roughly into Duo's side as he appeared from nowhere but he had his attention focused on her all the while.
" Thank you Heero. "
" Be careful. "
Relena nodded shyly as she felt her face flare up again considerably. She remembered that gesture around her waist and it made her feel awfully pleased and embarrassed at the same time. Realising that she wasn't half as brave as she was a couple of years ago, she turned her face away and shuffled to the rest instead.
" Hey everyone. "
" Have a seat Relena-san. "
" Thank you Quatre. "
Relena sat down gracefully beside Quatre as she took in everyone's clothings.
[ Hmm, they look splendid in normal clothings ]
Wufei took a sip from his barcadi as he read the menu placed on the table. Trowa was more interested in the dancers on the dance floor while Quatre chatted with Relena. Duo and Heero were standing at the railings enclosing the dance floor but they were not talking. Duo was slightly moving to the rhythm while Heero's eyes darted around carefully.
" Hey handsome, wanna dance ? "
Duo turned around as a girl with a spaghetti-strapped top and tight pants approached him. Boldly, she started to let her fingers roam lightly across his chest. She was beautiful, no doubt. Heero didn't even seem to see them, his head never leaving his original position.
" I am pleased, but no thanks. "
Duo smiled apologetically as he leaned backwards against the railings, facing her. Duo had this flair as he dealt with such situations like an old pro. His long braid laid carelessly down his shoulder, making him look almost irresistable.
" Awwww … why not ? "
" Beautiful, I'm sure you can find a much better partner than me. "
Duo meaningfully tousled his bracelet up so that she could see the initials there, with Hilde's name engraved there. The girl sighed with an exaggerated gesture of helplessness but she smiled anyway and waved goodbye almost reluctantly. Duo then turned back to face the dancing crowd again, a solemn expression resettling as he surveyed the area. Heero who had ignored the whole façade was almost impressed by the way he had turned down the girl.
[ Because of Hilde … I didn't know Duo was so emotional ]
As Heero expertly side-looked at Duo, he saw that Duo was staring into nothing with a very pained expression in his eyes. Quickly, he focused his eyes towards the front again. He didn't like intruding into private moments. Not even by looking. Suddenly, Duo seemed to jump back into life again as he hurriedly patted Heero's arm.
[ Michael again ? ]
Heero's eyes narrowed as he caught the sight of the irritating fellow walking straight towards Relena. He wasn't going to lunge into action until things get out-of-hand. Furthermore, the rest could handle it since they were sitting with her.
" Michael, what's up ? "
Relena smiled forcefully as Michael walked up to their table. The rest were expressionless as he angrily stared at them.
" Relena, why are you always hanging out with them ? "
Michael gritted his teeth as he tried to reason with her.
" Well, because they're good company. "
" Relena, come sit with us over there. "
" I hardly know your friends ! "
The first sign of irritation had sinked into her words. However, Michael seemed to ignore it.
" They're influential and very powerful, it'll do you tons of good. "
" I don't need it. "
" Come along … "
Michael had firmly planted his fingers around her arm as he tried to drag her away again. This time, Relena tried to struggle while the rest started to stand up in response. However, Heero was already in front of Michael before anyone noticed.
" Leave her alone. "
" Who are you to command that anyway ? "
" Anyone with a brain could see that SHE doesn't like your actions. "
" She's just being obstinate. "
" You're being mule-headed. "
" Say what you want, you … you uneducated … un … unknown piece of crap. "
Relena gasped in horror at the choice of words Michael used while Heero merely looked indifferent. With lightning moves that only the rest of the ex-pilots could see, he twisted Michael's wrist and flicked it away like a piece of dust. Relena rubbed her own sore hand and quickly stood behind Heero. Michael was seething but he controlled it with some difficulty as some people had noticed the commotion and were staring at them.
" You wait … you just wait … "
With that, Michael strode away angrily, nursing his injured wrist. Heero turned to face Relena, a slight concern passing through his face. As soon as Relena's eyes met his, he quickly erased any trace of it.
" Thank you Heero, you're always there to help me. "
" It's my mission. "
" Really ? "
Genuine surprise flickered through his eyes as he was rendered speechless. Relena smiled appreciatively as she left him to sit at the table again. The night went on as usual with no more interruptions. When the last song played at 2 am, it was a slow song for couples to dance to. Quatre quickly took the opportunity to push Relena and Heero to dance.
" Heero, ask Relena to dance ! This is the last song for tonight. "
" There isn't a need. "
" But I'm sure Relena would be VERY pleased. "
" I really don't see … "
Heero's voice trailed off as his eyes fell onto Michael, who was about to approach Relena again. Quickly, before Michael made it to their side of the discotheque, he extended his arm to a very alarmed Relena, wondering what made him do so.
" But … but Heero … "
" HE's coming. "
Relena shot a glance and just as swiftly slipped her hand into Heero's. He pulled her up with such ease and grace that most of the onlookers were amazed. Wufei forgot his drink in his hand, Trowa raised an eyebrow, Quatre smiled widely and Duo was admiring the pair from the railings. The 4 flatmates of Relena's were just as equally impressed with Heero.
" Heero, I'm sorry. "
Relena whispered to him as they were starting to dance with the music. Heero had his hand placed over her waist again for that night and another clasping her fingers lightly. He was surprisingly comfortable with slow-dancing as he twirled Relena expertly around the dance floor.
" What for ? "
" I … I keep causing you so much inconvenience. You … you probably find me … troublesome … "
Relena kept her head down throughout, feeling guilty about the whole event.
" I came here to protect you. What are you sorry about ? "
Relena remained silent, her eyes looking at her shoes as they continued dancing. She forgot all about the closeness they were sharing … her mind full of guilt and sorrow.
" Relena … "
The gentleness in Heero's voice was so sudden that Relena snapped out of her reverie and had to look up to him, wondering whether it was REALLY from him. His eyes were looking at her, showing nothing and everything, revealing nothing promising but something hopeful. They seemed expressionless but filled with a certain feeling. She couldn't explain it enough … she wanted to continue drowning into his eyes, his hold on her, his warmth … the dance floor was forgotten … the music had disappeared …
" Heero … "
She thought his hold around her waist had considerably tightened and his clasp had fully enclosed her fingers. His face seemed to be awfully close to hers now, his steady breathing edging nearer to her, she felt her face flush a million times up and she started to tremble with anticipation.
" H … Heero … ? "
He said nothing as he continued staring at her, holding her gaze long and hard. She could not decipher what he was thinking. It was frustrating. It was puzzling. It was eating into her. Suddenly, she felt angry and words came out of her mouth again.
" The music has stopped. "
They stopped dancing and couples around them were either kissing or hugging each other happily towards the ending part of the song. As Heero released his hold on her, she felt the same odd feeling of loss she had experienced earlier. However, she was still angry.
[ What was Heero doing earlier ?! I hate being misleaded. I would have thought he … he was interested in me … ]
Relena was a very determined woman and she was proud that she was someone who could contain her emotions. She had never really fell for a man yet and Heero sparked her curiousity within her. He was always so cold and aloof, which made her more determined to unravel him. But now that Heero had somewhat changed during the past few years, he had seemed to develop a new kind of emotion within him … and it seemed to be concerning her.
[ Or am I thinking too much ? ]
Relena had been a very busy and prominent figure, establishing her importance around the universe. She had no time for love, no time for anything at all ! After the Gundam pilots dispersed across the globe, she had immensed herself into endless paperwork and functions she could not count. She wondered about them sometimes, concerned for their welfare. She wondered about Heero, hopeful that he could find the humane side of him some day. Now that he seemed to have done so, she was now left directionless. She didn't know how to deal with this new Heero.
" Relena, Michael is here again. "
The icy cold voice broke through her reverie as she realised that she was still on the dance floor with Heero. Michael had made his way through the intimate couples and had a fierce look plastered on his face. The other pilots were crowding around Duo to witness the confrontation.
" What's the meaning of this, Yuy !? "
Heero remained silent as he stared right back into his eyes undauntingly. If there was a staring contest, Heero would most likely win hands-down.
" Relena, why would you rather dance with this piece of trash ?! "
" His name is Heero Yuy. "
" Answer me ! "
" He's a good dancer. "
" I can dance better that that … I couldn't bear to see you two dance just now. He completely squashed your style. "
" You mean flatter … "
" Relena ! … Well … how about going out for supper with me ? "
" I'm going home. I'm tired and all this smoke is killing me. "
" I'll send you home. "
" I'M sending her home. "
Heero cut in so abruptly and firmly, there seemed to be no place for negotiations. Relena had to giggle under her breath as Michael spluttered and muttered curses.
" Yes Michael, Heero here is sending me home. Thank you for asking anyway. "
Everyone was now silent and witnessing the conversation. Michael, realising that he had lost, tried to back out with as much style as he could muster. Quickly, he waved goodbye and hastily stormed out of the discotheque with his friends. Heero had walked off the dance floor and picked up his vest, lying beside Trowa on the couch.
" The whole school would be gossiping about this, Heero. Be prepared. "
The quiet voice of Trowa was heard for the first time since they arrived. Heero nodded in response wordlessly.
" There he is !! Relena-sama's bodyguard and lover I should think … he was so cool in front of Michael last night ! "
As Heero walked through the school grounds, there were hushed voices and excited chatters going around about last night's scene. Heero couldn't understand why this was such a worthwhile topic to gossip about. As he strolled into his classroom, he saw some of his fellow male classmates' admiring glances thrown towards him openly. As the teacher walked in to start the first lesson, he couldn't help but throw Heero a curious glance. The other ex-pilots smiled inwardly as Heero threw back a very icy glare in return.
" It can't be helped Heero … you're now the rumoured lover of QUEEN RELENA … everyone's tongues are sure to wag. "
Duo advised helpfully as they were walking down to the huge school cafeteria to grab their lunch.
" She's not Queen. "
" Heero, you're missing the whole point … "
Duo sighed out loud but had to smile again as 2 girls walked by and squealed excitedly. Heero flinched involuntarily as Duo resumed his attention to him.
" See the effect you have on girls now ? You're like some hot property. "
" I don't like being called that. "
" You can't help it … but seriously … you and Relena are perf … OK OK ! Don't stare at me like THAT ! "
Heero resumed his attention to the long queue for the ramen store and dug into his pocket for his wallet. Suddenly, there was a huge sound of chatterings as Relena stepped into the cafeteria with some friends. It seemed that she had been teased quite a lot too since she looked kind of awkward as she toed through the crowd.
" OJOU-SAN ! "
Heero shot Duo a " Why-the-hell-did-you-call-her-for " glare which was enough to cause Duo to reel back. Relena however, had caught his loud greeting and her face was one of peacefulness as she waved neutrally to them before turning her heels and queuing for another stall. Heero started to chid himself for being over-reactive.
[ Relena's not even bothered it seems … so why should I bother too ? ]
Duo caught the doubt in Heero's expression and was pleased that this matter caused him enough conflicts.
[ This is a good sign, Heero ]
Wufei was practicing his archery when he noticed some girls whispering excitedly between themselves. Dismissing them, he was aiming when he caught the words, " Michael is plotting BIG revenge ". His arrow pounded against the board, missing the bull's eye. As he nonchalently picked up his bow and arrows, his mind was whirling on how to warn Heero.
Professor J was smiling conspiratorily to himself as he quickly typed a command into his trusty computer in a dark and dusty corner in his secret chamber. He was updating himself on how the ex-pilots were coping with the normal tribunals of college life and was glad everything was happening just the way he wanted to. He was especially interested in Heero's matters, since he had almost single-handedly moulded Heero as he was today. The boy had managed to wade over his past with much difficulty and had re-discovered a new kind of emotion in which humans were borned with. He hoped that Relena was able to fish it out gradually. Professor J felt personally liable for causing Heero so much pain during his life as a training Gundam pilot so he was determined to make it up to him as much as he could.
" Heero, let's see how long you're able to bottle up your true feelings. "
Author's Notes :
Woo hoo, I've finally churned out Chapter 5 ! I'm sure lots of people are irritated with the fact that I'm trying to bring Heero and Relena together … but this is a non-yaoi fanfic anyway ! Do Read + Review all right ? Thanks in advance !
