Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Gundam Wing, I only own the plot.

~+~ Chapter 7 Moving On

Quatre trudged into his room, flicking on the light as he prepared himself for bed, Heero walking tiredly right behind him. It had been a long day, most spent making the final modifications on the gundams and getting them ready to load onto the trucks, Heero retelling his story and playing with Faith, and of course, who could forget, their lessons. The youthful Arabian knew he wouldn't, he'd have the bruises to sport for it as well. He was so sore that he knew tomorrow he wouldn't be able to move. The cot made and ready by his bedside only brought a smile to his face, less for him to have to do. "Go ahead and get ready for bed Heero, we've got a long day tomorrow."

Heero took the baggy, white T-shirt and black polyester shorts, heading sleepily for the bathroom to change. He was tired, but he was still happy over what he'd learned and how he flew that day. He knew he wasn't going to forget that, nor the panicked look of dread on Quatre's face when Heero was flying. "What are we doing tomorrow?"

Pulling the T-shirt over his head, Quatre tossed the dirty article of clothing to the floor and picked up a deep blue T-shirt. Pulling the new one on as he heard the bathroom door click shut, he figured he was fine in the shorts he was wearing and was too tired to do anything else either way. Now, just to get Heero into bed, then himself. "We're going to go ahead and leave Sally's base, Duo's healed and you're doing pretty good. It's just basically a long road trip, you can sleep on the way if you want, but the rest of us will be driving from time to time. We were planning to stop by the Sanq Kingdom on our way and say hi to Princess Relena, she'd love to see you again. She'll know about the change in plans and we'll get everything set from there, though we might be spending the night, considering how late we get there and how many stops we have to make for Faith to go to the bathroom and any of us. Then, we'll go ahead and catch up with the circus and let you meet Cathy, she's really nice and she really wants you to stay with her. We'll stay for a few days so that..." He was cut off by a soft cry and then the sound of something falling to the floor. Jumping up, his energy renewed with the adrenaline, Quatre quickly made his way to the bathroom, pushing the door open slowly. "Heero, what's wrong?" Kneeling, he looked at his friend.

Heero had tried to put the shirt on but at moving his left arm upward and trying to find the arm hole, a pain shot through his chest and he crumbled to the floor. Sitting on his hands and knees, the shirt cast to the side, he began to tremble as he felt Quatre's arms circle his shoulders. "I-It still hurts..." He moved his hand protectively over his newer wound, creating a shield so that nothing would hurt him when he wasn't looking.

Quatre smiled, helping the youth to his feet. "It's okay Heero, it will be sore for a little while. You're body is still healing. Here, let me help you." Bending, he took the shirt and turned it inside right, helping the other boy put it on and not to aggravate his gun shot wound any further. Finishing, he was slightly worried to see that Heero's complexion was a little wan, but he led him to his bed anyway. "Here, go ahead and sleep, you need your rest." Pulling back the blankets, he watched his friend enter the bed tiredly, then lay upon the soft pillow and drift into sleep as Quatre covered him. Turning, he picked up the dirty clothes and tossed both his and his friend's into the hamper, turning off the light and flicking on the small lamp for Heero. Settling himself into the bed, he felt so content and comfortable that he fell asleep near right away. Except for a small voice.

"Goodnight, Quatre..." Heero yawned and spoke softly, a small smile on his face as he heard Faith settle down by his side.

With a small grin, Quatre returned before he fell asleep. "Goodnight... Heero."

~+~ Awakening to the bright rays of sunlight streaming through his window, Trowa sat up and yawned, stretching his arms high above his head. He was really beginning to enjoy this sleeping the full night through thing. Smiling, he stood from his bed, watching the sun creep over the hills as he awakened in full. "Yet another wonderful morning..." Sighing, the youth smiled as he changed, they'd be leaving today, probably as early as possible, and stop to pay Relena a visit. He'd call Cathy again when they'd arrived, but he was to go ahead and call her before he left as well. She was always a bit over protective. Laughing softly to himself, he knew that it would be nice to see his sister and circus family again, though he'd hear about continuing to fight in the war from his older sister. 'I don't think Heero's ever seen the circus, well, he's bound to love to see his first show.' Buttoning up his shirt, he threw on a pair of black, denim pants and tucked the white, dress shirt in. It only looked dressy, but it wasn't all that uncomfortable as they always were. Snatching up his shoes and quickly putting them on, he headed out of his room after making the bed and gathering up his few belongings. The others would probably be a little mad for him waking them, but they had to get going as soon as possible or they wouldn't make it to Relena's until sometime around midnight. That, and Heero could sleep on the way up, two others as well. They'd switch drivers off and on, two others always resting besides Heero, it'd make it a faster trip when someone else was too tired to drive any longer. They were only taking two trucks, for that's all they needed.

Wufei groaned at the knock at his door, opening his eyes. "What do you want?" His tone was somewhat rude but one look out the window and he figured it was good enough reason. If it wasn't Heero, whoever was out of bed for some reason and waking him up was crazy.

"Get up Wufei," he opened the door and smirked at the young dragon. "We need to get going as soon as possible." Watching the Chinese pilot rise and glare at him, he only nodded in reply to his friend's scowl. "Come on, it's going to take us long enough as it is."

"Are you crazy Trowa? What time is it?" Looking down at his clock, he realized that he was still tired from yesterday and he was being woken up at 4:12 in the morning. Taking his pillow, he only threw it toward Trowa and laid back down. "You are insane bakka."

"Just logical." Catching the pillow, he laughed softly and tossed it back to the bed, turning to leave but called back. "Get up, I'll be back to see you are and if not, then I'll drag you from the bed myself and lock you in the shower with ice cold water running. That'll wake you up..." Closing the door, he only headed further down the hall. He'd wake Duo up, the American having taken Heero's room since the other youth was sleeping in Quatre's room, and then he'd wake up the two others.

Duo buried his head beneath the pillow, blocking out the sunlight as he heard steps walking up and down the halls. These people were crazy for being up that early, seriously loco. This was a nice and comfortable bed and he didn't get to sleep in very often, so he was taking advantage of everything. A soft knocking at the door drifted to his ears. "I don't know and I don't care who you are. Go away, I'm sleeping."

Trowa opened the door, the scene similar to Wufei's notice of him. "No you aren't, you're talking to me now. Get out of bed Duo, we need to get things ready and then get going. You're falling back into bad habits."

"They're good enough for me. And do we *have* to leave this early?"

"Considering how long it is going to take all of you to wake up, yes. That, and if we don't, we won't get to the Sanq Kingdom till around midnight. Get up, I could be waking you all up earlier." Shaking his head, he watched the cocky, American teen push himself out of the bed, forcing himself from the mattress and nearly falling to the floor. "Glad someone listened. Wufei's getting worse than you. That's sad."

"You mean Wufei isn't? Then screw this man, I'm goin' back to bed."

"No, he is, I'm making him whether he likes it or not. Don't think I won't make you either. Now get up." Smirking, he left for the last of the rooms. Raising his hand once more, he knocked softly. His answer was someone stumbling about before a few minutes of silence, then Quatre opened the door tiredly.

With his normal smile, though he was by far more tired than he appeared, Quatre greeted Trowa. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, but we need to get leaving as soon as possible so that we can get to the Sanq Kingdom at a reasonable time. We won't worry about waking Heero up yet, he can get some more sleep while we get the gundams on the trucks and everything ready. Then he can get up and eat, and if he's still tired, he can sleep on the ride up there. Two of you three, Wufei, you, or Duo can sleep as well, the other and I will drive. This way we can switch off and on when we get tired. You three will have to figure that out, though knowing Wufei, he'll tell the both of you to sleep. I'll be getting Wufei up again since he's a little reluctant and Duo as well, then I'll meet the three of you in the hangers." With a smile, he turned and left, he could hear that Duo was trying to wake himself up by the running water of the shower. Now just to see if Wufei was....

Quatre turned back to the room, crossing over and drawing the dark curtains to keep the light from bothering Heero who slept on. "We know you're trying to help us out," he whispered as he made his bed quickly, then recovered his friend's sleeping form for the blankets had fallen to the floor beneath the cot, "and we're just trying to help you out. Don't worry, things will be okay. I swear it." Motioning for Faith to come to his side, Quatre began to stroke the puppy's head, her large mouth opening wide in a yawn. "My point exactly, Faith." Laughing softly when the puppy only cocked her head with curious eyes, he rose and began to gather new clothes, heading for the bathroom. A nice, warm shower, that's all he needed. He'd be awake in no time.

Turning on the faucet, he let the hot water run as he stripped his shirt off over his head, pulling off his shorts and other clothing articles. With a weary sigh, he stepped inside, pulling the shower door shut and adjusting the temperature of the water. Just a little too hot for his liking. And he stood there, his head bent as the warm water soaked his hair and body, running down the features of his face, and he made no motion to wipe it away. He was still uneasy about leaving Heero. What if something happened? What if it wasn't the right choice to leave him alone? "What if 's" filled his mind, clouding his thoughts. He just had an uneasy feeling himself, he knew that Cathy could and would take care of Heero as she has and does Trowa, but what if something went wrong. "You can't turn back now, stop doing this to yourself and get these thoughts out of your mind. Things can and probably will go wrong if you don't learn to believe in the others." Speaking to himself, Quatre shook the thoughts from his mind and tilted his head upward, closing his eyes and letting the warm water fall over his features completely. Things would be fine, he had to believe that and trust in the Lord above.

~+~

Sighing, Trowa knew that the others were still trying to pull themselves from bed and to awaken. If it were battle, they'd be up in a blink of an eye, but this was more of like a vacation. Short and not the best, actually, far from it in many aspects, but a small vacation none the less. He'd already gone ahead and loaded each of the gundams onto the flat-bed trucks, all except Zero. Its gleam seemed to diminish when the others were covered in tarp and secured down, the fifth gundam standing off to the side. "As I said before Zero, we mean not to bring you down from such great glory, but you must accept that without Heero being able to fight, you are but a retired soldier. One that shall never be forgotten, nor yours and Heero's deeds. It was good fighting with you in battle." Saluting quickly for one last time to the once great gundam, he turned and hopped into the cab of the truck with his gundam. Sandrock was also on the same truck, the second trailer back.

Closing the door to the cab, he grabbed the vid-phone and clicked away at the keys, once again calling his sister. On the third ring, her smile appeared. She was an early riser as well, there was always something to do at the circus, just as on a farm or anywhere else. "Good morning Sis, finally, someone that's up."

Giggling, she brushed her hair back from her eyes and looked at him curiously. "The others still struggling?" She only began to laugh more when he nodded in a somewhat knowing but reluctant way. "I figured so, what are the plans?"

"We're going to go ahead and stop by Relena's, most likely stay the night. It's going to be a long drive, that's certain. We should be leaving tomorrow morning for the circus and then you can meet the newly changed Heero. What time are the earliest evening shows?" With a thoughtful gaze, he watched his sister.

"We'll be starting the show around 6, why? Thinking of throwing an act together and getting here in time to practice, then perform?" Smirking, she watched him and pulled her hair back into a loose pony-tail with a hair- tie.

"Something like that. I don't think Heero's ever seen the circus and I'm sure he'd enjoy it. It'd make him feel more at home, or I hope. That, and let the others enjoy themselves. Humph, we should be there in time if we leave early again. Everything's ready now, that I know of. We'll just eat and say our goodbyes, then leave. I'm not sure when we'll get to Relena's, sometime tonight." Smiling, he flexed his fingers and leaned back against the seat.

"I'll tell the manager then. You'd better go and get something to eat for breakfast and get the others going. Be careful and let me know when you finally get to Relena's. Bye Trowa."

"Bye Sis, don't worry about me..." With a slight grin, the young man closed the connection and took the vid-phone back to the desk where Sally had left it for him. Heading towards the doors, he made his way subconsciously toward the Mess Hall.

~+~

Wufei looked at his food, taking a bite of the eggs before yawning. Looking up, he glared at Trowa who was sitting across from him and eating his breakfast quietly. "And you woke us that early if you did everything yourself why?"

Smirking, he placed his fork on his plate and stood, finishing his meal. "Look how long it took all of you to get up. I was expecting a little help, but waiting on you would have us leaving around noon. You're up now..." Turning to leave, he heard Duo's pitiful groan and only laughed softly.

Heero took his glass and drank the orange juice. He didn't favor tea as the others did any longer, not in the morning. Looking up, he yawned and looked to the others. "Is it going to take a long time?"

Duo nodded. "Yep buddy, a long road trip, but you can go ahead and sleep most of the way. It'll go by faster. You got Faith ready to go?"

Nodding with a smile, he bent to pet the canine's head as she begged for some of the table scraps. She gladly took a half of a piece of toast from Heero's hand and ate it quickly before begging for more. "She's ready, but she's hungry. She wants to play too." Turning back to his food, he set aside a piece of sausage and a small bit of egg, then finished the rest while the impatient puppy sat at his side, whining softly.

Quatre stifled a yawn, they seemed contagious once someone started. Then everyone else did. "Well, we'll have to get her some dog food, it's better for her. We can get that when we go through town. She won't be able to play, we're only going to stop to grab something to eat quickly from time to time and for her to go to the bathroom or to take a break. We have a long way to travel in a short time." Smiling, he sipped from his tea and continued. "Then, tomorrow, we'll go to the circus and see Cathy."

Trowa returned, catching the last portion of what Quatre had said. "Have you ever been to the circus and watched it Heero?"

Looking up as he handed the scraps to Faith, he watched his friend with confused eyes. "No. What do they do?"

Smiling, he answered. "Well, they're people who put on a show for others to enjoy, with special talents that they work hard at to show other people. Certain acts. Would you like to see your first show?" With a nod, he only confirmed his idea to the others.

"Can I?" Heero watched him.

"If you'd like to. I called Cathy this morning, if we leave early again tomorrow, we can get there in time for the evening show. You guys can all go ahead and watch. If we get there in plenty enough time, then I'll have an extra surprise." Smirking, he looked at the other three pilots, awaiting their answers for he knew Heero's.

"Sounds like fun man, I'd love to. I just sorta fear what you've got in mind." Duo eyed him, then laughed softly as Trowa looked at him in question.

"It does sound like fun, I haven't been to one in so long it seems," Quatre added thoughtfully.

Wufei thought it over for a minute, he didn't really mind them, nor did he particularly love them. "I guess I'll go with the majority vote then, this time." Nodding to Heero's questioning gaze, he continued. "Don't worry Heero, I'm coming."

Standing, the young circus performer looked toward the others. "Then we'd better get going so we get to the palace and can get plenty of sleep. This way, we can leave early again." Watching the others stand, they made their way from the quickly emptying Mess Hall and headed toward the hangers where the trucks awaited them.

Sally greeted the boys with a saddened smile. "Well, looks like we go our separate ways again. It was a fun and--interesting visit to say the least. You all take care of yourselves, especially you Heero, and we're here if you ever need help. End this war for us so we can all go home and back to life." Smiling, she shook hands with each of the guys, returning Heero's hug and petting Faith for the last time. "You take care of her now Heero, and she will take care of you."

Smiling, Heero looked around to find that the others had gathered to watch them leave. "Wow...."

"They all came to see the five of you off, they've grown somewhat attached and especially protective of all of you. You've all made things exciting, good and bad, around here." Smirking, she saluted the five, her followers doing the same.

Heero looked at Sally, uncertain why she was doing that to them before he caught a few men and women saluting them from the platform. Turning about, he saw the many men and women that filled the larger hanger following in suite. All these people, they cared enough about the five of them to be here and see them off. Turning back, he realized that his friends saluted Sally in return. He wasn't sure what to do, so he just stood and averted his gaze.

"One of the five saviors gone, but not forever. You're the ones that inspired all of this, now lead us to peace." Sally brought down her arm, smiling as she stepped from their path and allowed them to leave. "When this war is over, Wing Zero will be right here, waiting for your return Heero."

Without a word, the four remaining pilots left toward the trucks, Wufei, Duo, and Quatre heading into one, Trowa leading Heero to the lead truck. This would give Heero enough room to stretch out and sleep along with Faith. Quatre would play peacemaker with Duo and Wufei.

With a soft call to Faith, Heero followed Trowa and jumped in on the passenger side, finding a pillow and blanket folded and waiting on his seat. Calling the dog up, he closed the door and watched Trowa enter before turning with saddened eyes toward Wing Zero. He would miss his gundam, and it was like he could feel Zero with the same emotions, asking him not to leave him behind. "I'll come back Zero, I promise," was his soft call.

Turning on the engine, Trowa looked back at Heero. He might not have really remembered Wing Zero, but there was always a bond there, and he knew that Heero would truly miss and feel weird for a little while without his gundam. That same bond existed between all of the pilots and their gundams, as well as each other. "Don't worry Heero," he assured. "Sally will take good care of him and when we finally end this war, you can come back and get him again. Go ahead and lay down, you're still tired and it will be a while. There you go, there's plenty of room. Sally must have anticipated this and let you keep the blanket and pillow." Watching his comrade lie down and cover himself, Faith laying on the seat in front of his legs, he began to drift into sleep. Putting the truck into drive, he pulled out of the hanger and watched Wufei drive the other truck out behind him, following and ready. Not but five minutes down the road, the youth could hear his friend breathing softly, his body and features relaxed as he slept, his large puppy cuddling next to him in content. With a smooth movement, he flipped the radio on softly and listened to the instrumental station, but not caring for the march they were playing, he turned it to soft rock and continued down the road, the window open to let in the cool spring air of the morning. They'd end the war, then all go home. Just where would that be for his friend? When the time came, they'd do what they had to do and deal with it one step at a time. They'd get through the war, and through life, one step at a time.

~+~

Without a word, Trowa drove on toward the horizon, feeling the warmth of the sun on his features as he watched the rolling hills and trees pass, some followed by flat plains filled with crops. It would be a long trip, long and silent for a while, but that was okay. He didn't mind the quiet, he actually preferred it. Turning his eyes back to the freeway, he watched the long and fairly deserted road with careful eyes. There wasn't anything there except a vast expanse of road. They'd already stopped a long time ago and actually gotten Faith some healthy dog food and a couple of bowls to eat and drink from. They had to wait around for a few minutes until the store actually opened, that was around seven o'clock, they'd left Sally's base about an hour before and had to wait for about ten minutes. Heero continued to sleep through the entire of it. Yet now, it was nearing on midday and they weren't even halfway through with the trip. This was going to be lots of fun, if they kept this up, they'd be there around nine or ten at night. With a heavy sigh, he switched the steering wheel from his left to his right hand, letting his left grace the air flowing by outside the truck.

Heero laid on the long seat in content, feeling the greyhound leaning against his legs as she pushed them back, asking for more room to stretch out in her own way. With a small smile, he moved his legs back against the seat and took a deep breath, yawning as he opened his eyes to the bright sunlight streaming in the front window from overhead.

"Awake are we?" Trowa called to his friend, sparing him a glance before returning his eyes to the road.

"Uh huh. What time is it?"

"It's almost noon Heero, we're still on the road. I bet that those five extra hours of sleep felt good." Reaching over, he turned the radio off, he'd lost the new signal for any music he cared to listen to and didn't really want to bother with finding another.

"Yeah, but Faith kept stretching out and taking all the room." Sitting up, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stroked the tired dog's head. "Do we still have a long time left?"

"We're not even half-way through Heero, you might as well get some more sleep while you can. The trip will go by faster then."

"I can't. I'm not tired anymore." Looking down, he watched the young canine raise her head and agree, her tongue lolling out of her mouth as she stood, hopping to the floor and whining at the passenger side door. "I think she has to go outside."

Trowa looked down at the dog, then smiled and watched the road signs. "There's a rest area up here, we'll go ahead and stop in so she can go, have something to drink, and it'd be nice to stretch and walk around a little bit. We've been on the road for a while, but we've still got a long ways to go." Sighing, he watched for the exit ramp and turning on his signal light, Trowa headed onto the rest area ramp and parked with the other large trucks. Wufei followed in suite, not questioning his lead. Turning the engine off, he looked over at his friend who was still trying to get his eyes to adjust to the light. "Go ahead and put her leash on, then we'll take her to the pet area so she can go."

Heero did as he was told, his large breed puppy wagging her tail enthusiastically. With a smile, he took the leash in hand and jumped out of the truck, Faith following him and pulling him toward the grassy area to explore. "Just a minute Faith." Laughing he led her to where the others were getting out.

Duo looked at Trowa and Heero, wondering why they'd stopped. "What are we doin' guys?"

Trowa only motioned toward Faith. "She was getting a little impatient and had to go."

Wufei yawned and shook his head, smiling. "It's a surprise, we being who we are and having to answer to the whims of a dog. A puppy none the less." Smirking, he headed with the others toward the rest area.

Quatre laughed softly, catching sight of the "Pet Area" sign and calling out to his friends. "We can go ahead and take her over here Heero. She's allowed over here. We'll meet you guys at the rest area in a few minutes." He motioned toward the direction of the building before showing Heero and Faith in the opposite direction.

Duo scanned over the map of the region, having used the restroom and was just waiting on the others. Man, they still had a long ways to go, and things were already getting boring. He didn't talk as much, Wufei had already warned him. Maybe he'd just let Wufei sleep and carry on a conversation with Quatre, his buddy had gotten as much sleep as Duo and there was surprisingly no way that he could get any more sleep. "Man, this is taking forever..."

Heero walked Faith up to the building, handing her off to Quatre so that he could use the restroom too. He'd spied the playground area and he would have loved to go ahead and do something, but he asked Quatre and he said that they had to leave, maybe another time. "Duo, are you done already?"

Duo turned and smirked. "Hey buddy, just waitin' on the others. Where's Quatre?"

"He's outside with Faith, he said that dogs weren't allowed in here." Following Duo's direction, he entered the restroom and left his friend to himself.

Duo sighed with a small grin, heading outside. "Hey buddy, I can take Faith off your hands if you've gotta go. Just waitin' on everyone else." Holding out his hand, he took the leash from the grateful youth and sat down, waiting for his comrades.

After another five minutes of lounging and stretching, that and Duo arguing with Wufei that he was tired and that the American pilot could drive, they finally entered the trucks again and were on the road, not stopping again until dinner, or so was planned.

~+~

Duo watched the road, surprised that Trowa had gone the entire trip thus far without switching off. He was pushing himself. They were only about an hour away from the Sanq Kingdom now, yet they were making pretty good time considering that it was only about seven thirty at night. They hadn't made any food stops and only one or two more for Faith, no one was really hungry. Surprisingly, Duo wasn't hungry for only having breakfast. He had a feeling though that Heero was but wasn't telling them and holding off. Sighing, he looked over to find a worried Quatre, Wufei having woken for a while but gotten bored and slept again. "What?"

Quatre spoke softly, stifling a yawn. "You just seem so off in your own world. Are you okay Duo or should we pull over and I can drive for a while?"

"Naw, I'm fine. I'd just get bored in the passenger seat and might give into temptation and probably bug Wufei, then Lord knows what'd happen." Smirking, he laughed softly as Quatre only shook his head. "I was just thinkin' how quiet Heero's been, we all told him to tell us if he had to use the bathroom or if he got hungry or anything, yet he hasn't said anything for himself. I think he is, but he's just keeping quiet until we say something about it."

Nodding, the young aristocrat pondered. "He has been rather quiet and isn't really asking to do anything, only doing it if we offer or persist. Well, we're almost to Relena's and then he can rest. She'll most likely have a meal ready for us and Heero did look rather hungry, even if he didn't say something, the last time we stopped. He can go ahead and eat then and relax." Smiling, Quatre continued to watch the sunset, the vibrant and soft colors cascading in a rainbow effect, disappearing behind the hills and stretching into the vast, navy heavens. The stars had begun to appear, their light pure and true, twinkling in the sky with an innocent touch to the space above them.

Nodding, Duo watched the road, smiling at the thought of seeing Relena and a nice, warm bed. The princess was cool enough, and she always spoiled them rotten. All the more fun, though it was probably going to kill her to see that Heero might not trust her at first, and that he'd changed greatly.

Trowa looked over, watching Heero stare out the window at the lowering sun. He'd been awfully quiet. With a sigh, he tried to find out what happened only a few days ago. "Heero? Is everything okay?"

Looking back curiously, Heero nodded. "Yes, why?"

"You're just quieter than normal." Thinking, he decided to bring the subject up now instead of later. "Heero, do you want to tell me what happened back at Sally's base? When you called us OZ soldiers and shot yourself. You said you'd rather die or kill us than be hurt again, but we weren't going to hurt you. We're not sure what happened, but if we can figure that out, maybe we can figure out how to stop that from happening again."

Throwing his gaze guiltily to the floor, he nodded and spoke quietly. "When I woke up, I couldn't see anyone but the dark room again. I wasn't chained up but when I saw a soldier come in, he said he was going to punish me again and I took his gun and sat in the corner. I wanted to kill him, but I didn't. There were too many and I didn't want to feel the pain again, I didn't know where you were. So I-I...."

"It's okay. We know what happened after all that. You didn't see us or hear us? We were in the same room with you, but you didn't seem to notice."

"I couldn't see you, just the dark room and the soldiers and they wanted to hurt me again, to have their fun..." Shaking, he hugged himself and leaned against the door.

Looking over to where Heero sat, he was sorry that he had to bring it up but he had to find out. With a soft smile, he spoke to comfort his friend. "It's okay Heero, nothing is going to happen to you, we're not going to let anything happen to you. There's no need to be afraid. You're going to be safe and there's no need to be scared ever again. Just remember that, we're never going to let anything happen to you. We've got about another hour, you look like you're getting tired. Why don't you go ahead and go to sleep for a little while, we're almost there but the last hour can be the longest." Nodding, he only let his smile widen at Heero's grateful one before he laid down and snuggled beneath the blanket. Faith dug her nose under the blanket, burrowing under and getting a laugh out of the Japanese teen while she cuddled closer to him, her head popping out from underneath the blanket just below his chin. "Comfortable?"

Heero laughed softly and stroked Faith, scratching behind her ear before he began to drift off into sleep, feeling the dog maneuver her muzzle and head under his arm. Then he slept, the last portion of the ride passing by without much of a problem while his hunger disappeared.

~+~

Relena sat in her room, having stayed on the same page of the same book for the past hour. She would try and read it, but her mind would wander elsewhere. The others were bound to be showing up here pretty soon, oh how she wanted to see Heero again. They said that Heero had changed, a lot more than she would really recognize, and he might be a little wary around her, but she didn't know why or in what ways. She just wanted to see her Heero.

In frustration, the young princess marked her page and put the book down, going to the window and out onto the balcony to watch for her friends. 'They should be here any minute.' Looking out over the railing, she watched the drive. Upon seeing the first pairs of headlights of the first truck, she was all too overjoyed and raced down to front door, tearing out into the night and waiting on the steps while the boys parked. "Welcome back to my home..." She called as they exited their vehicles and waved to her. Rushing over, her smile only grew when she saw Heero calling a young greyhound down from the truck. The others all crossed over to her, the princess returning Duo's energetic hug. "It's good to see you all again, I'm glad that you're all okay now. Please, come on inside, you must be tired and hungry."

"You read minds too?" Duo piped up, placing a comforting hand on Heero's shoulder and silently telling him that it was okay.

Laughing softly, Relena shook her head. "It's not hard to guess that you are Duo, that's only common sense."

Heero stared up at the large palace, then looked down at Faith. He'd remembered that at the rest areas, he wasn't allowed to bring her in. He wasn't sure if she would have to stay out in the truck all night by herself or not. If she couldn't come in, then he'd stay out with her. "Can Faith come in?" His voice was soft and inquisitive.

Relena was almost shocked at how innocent and youthful Heero sounded. He was greatly different, he almost seemed shy and scared of her, his voice and eyes once emotionless and cold were now filled with uncertainty and a hopeful pleading. Quickly composing herself, she looked at the now child- like form of her love and nodded. "Of course she can come in Heero. Is she your dog?"

Quatre spoke softly to Heero. "Go ahead, she's not going to hurt you. She's a friend. Why don't you show her Faith and how pretty she is now. Go ahead."

Heero kneeled and smiled nervously, holding his puppy's collar and nodding. "Uh huh, Sally said I could keep her and she let me name her. Her name is Faith and she's just a puppy, but she's mine now. I'm glad she can come in, I didn't want her to be alone out here all night. She gets scared and cold too. Say hi Faith." He laughed when the puppy wagged her tail and stood, trying to walk to the girl and barked at her, her tongue hanging out of the side of her mouth as she whined to be petted.

Relena was truly amazed, Heero sounded so innocent and he was laughing, not a cruel laughter, but that of actual happiness. Crouching down, Relena began to stroke the energetic pet, giggling softly when she tried to lick her face. "She's really pretty, and her name is too. She's welcome in my home too, I wouldn't want for her to get scared and to be alone. Sally was really nice in letting you keep her, wasn't see?" Standing quickly when the dog began to move at her face with a ready and slobbery tongue, she looked down and smiled at Heero's regret. "It's okay, I just don't mind her kisses as much and Faith looks like she was ready to jump on me. These clothes aren't meant to play in, but later we can. Are you hungry?"

Heero pulled Faith back, firmly but not harshly, and began to chide her. "No Faith, we don't jump up on this lady. Be nice, she's got a pretty dress on and you can't get it dirty. Stay down..." Faith only turned and looked him in the eyes, hers speaking that she was sorry, but she jumped up on Heero instead, sending them both to the ground while she laid on his chest again. Heero tried to speak but couldn't get past her tongue and her front paw was pressing harshly into his chest wound. Giving a cry, he tried to push her back but she kept coming after him, digging her claws in.

Wufei reached down immediately and pulled Faith away, holding her collar while Duo helped Heero up. His friend was shaking and hiding his face in shame, for tears flowed along his cheeks in pain. "Heero, are you okay?"

Duo held Heero, trying to soothe and calm his friend. "It's okay Heero, did she hurt ya buddy? Here, come on. We'll get you inside and you can go ahead and eat and rest. It's okay, it's going to hurt for a lil' bit but it'll all go away soon, I promise." Looking down, he watched as Heero tried to calm his breathing and stifle any sobs or cries.

Heero felt the pain race throughout his body, his hand gripping Duo's shirt tightly to focus on something, as somewhat of a comfort in knowing that his friend wasn't going to leave him. Feeling Quatre kneel by his side, he went ahead and took the offered handkerchief from his friend and quickly dried his tears so as not to embarrass himself in front of the princess. Taking in a few deep breaths, he nodded to Duo and handed back the cloth to his Arabian friend, slowly struggling to his feet. "I'm okay now..." His voice was soft and still pained, but he averted his eyes from the others. "No Faith, you can't do that now. You can't play like that, you hurt me..." Taking the dog's leash in hand, he petted her while she whined in guilt, then followed him inside with the others, head hanging and tail down.

Relena watched Heero the entire time, wanting to rush to his side but she refrained herself from doing so. "I'll go ahead and show you to your rooms, then when you're done I'll meet you in the dining hall. Are you okay Heero?"

"Yes..." Was his soft call as he followed the others up the stairs and down a long hall, turning and heading down another. He watched the others being led to their rooms, but when Quatre left, he followed his friend into his room.

"Heero, yours is right down here." Relena called softly, gently placing her hand on his arm.

Heero only pulled back at the sudden movement, looking at her and shaking his head. "I-I can't. I don't want to be by myself." Staring back at her, he could see the pure confusion, amazement, and disbelief in her eyes.

Quatre came back to Heero's side, motioning for his Japanese comrade to go ahead and go inside and get settled down. Stepping outside the door and closing it, he looked at the puzzled princess. "It's all right Relena, he's been sleeping in my room since we helped him escape. Do you perchance have any cots or anything?"

Finally finding her voice, the young woman spoke. "I can have another bed brought in for him then. He has changed a lot. It's a hideaway bed, but the mattress is soft and comfortable enough..."

"I don't mean to be rude, but you don't have a cot preferably? It will all make sense later, and I know he never used to be this picky. But, he won't or rather doesn't want to sleep on mattresses, let alone beds. A cot is somewhat different, and if you don't, don't worry about it. We can make due with sleeping on the floor again. I know you don't understand now, but it will all be explained later, after he's asleep." Sighing, he looked back at the door, hearing soft footsteps inside the room, making their way around curiously.

Still puzzled, Relena nodded. "I believe the best thing we have is an air mattress. Not too many guests would ask for a cot or rather have to. Will that work?"

Thinking, the young aristocrat opened the door to find Heero gazing at a picture hanging above the bed. It was that of the old Sanq Kingdom in spring, the wildflowers blooming on the hillside while the ocean lapped at the shores. "Heero?" Catching his attention, Quatre smiled. "Come here a minute, you're not in trouble."

Heero let Faith's leash go, watching her jump upon the bed and make herself comfortable. "No, down Faith." After the dog scrambled reluctantly to the floor, he walked and stood by Quatre.

"I was talking to Miss Relena about how you were going to sleep in my room tonight. She doesn't have any cots, but the floors can get cold at night. Do you think you can sleep on an air mattress? It lays on the floor and it's big enough for you to move around on, Faith can lay with you, and it's only filled with air. It's different, but do you think you could? We can try it and if it doesn't work out, we can make a couple of beds on the floor again, okay?" Laughing as the spunky greyhound jumped onto the bed again and made herself comfortable while her master wasn't looking, he only motioned to Heero's curious gaze.

"I can try..." Walking back, he grabbed the puppy's collar and led her to the floor, showing her that was where she was going to have to stay this time. "No, you don't climb on these beds. Not here Faith. Stay down." Letting her lick his face a couple of times, he smiled and laughed softly, letting her follow him back to where Relena and Quatre stood. Looking at her, he caught her eyes and smiled. "It's okay for me to sleep in here?"

"Of course. We'll go ahead and see if we can't get you something that you can sleep on comfortably. Are you ready to go on down to the dining hall? The palace cooks have kept the food warm and it's really delicious. Please, will you join me?" Holding out her hand, she watched the youth that had stolen her heart eye it before reaching his hand out attentively. She spoke quickly to put his fears to rest as he looked back into the room. "She can come too." With a smile, she felt his fingers curl around her hand, the bright smile on his face bringing one to hers. "Shall we?"

Quatre smiled at the two, he hadn't seen Relena this happy in a long time. She was always enjoying herself and trying to catch Heero's eye when he was there, but he always pushed her away before. Now, he didn't want to, nor had the reason to. He wanted her to be his friend, just like a small child would reach out a friendly hand to anyone else. Children, their innocence bringing magic and life back to the world, never a cruel or racist thought in their mind or lesson in their heart, for they don't care what one looks like, just who they are. If only life could be like that, but as one grows, that innocence is lost. But for Heero, it was just returned.

~+~

Heero followed Quatre back to their room, full and happy. The pain had slowly vanished from the evening's little event but it was gone now. He was glad to see that a small bed was made next to the large, four-poster bed. It was covered in quilts and a pillow rested at the top. That was good, because he was tired. "Can we sleep now?"

Laughing softly, Quatre nodded. "You can go ahead and go to sleep now. I'm going to go back downstairs and talk with Relena and the others for a little while longer. You're tired though, so don't worry about it. Heero, you do remember how to get back downstairs and to the first room I showed you if you need anything?"

"Uh huh..." Pulling back the blankets, he pulled off his shoes and placed them by the wall, then laughed when Faith got on the bed and slept right in the middle of it. "Hey, you can't do that. Come on Faith, come here first." After the dog had moved to the floor, he climbed into the bed, it didn't bother him much since it was like sleeping on the cot, only a little softer. Pulling the quilt up to his chin, he felt the large puppy whine and stick her nose by his arms again, pushing them until he lifted the blanket and she climbed in too, turning and laying with her head right under his chin and slept. Heero only put the blanket back, letting his arm drape over the puppy's body and closed his eyes, falling to sleep almost immediately. "Goodnight Quatre..." With a yawn, he called his goodnight but only started coughing in the end for a short spell.

"Are you okay Heero?" The young Arabian asked worriedly. He sounded like he was coming down with a cold, all the more fun.

"Uh huh... just tired." Smiling, he drifted off into sleep, Faith kicking and pushing back into him from time to time to get comfortable or to get warmer.

Smirking, the youth only shook his head and turned off the light, closing the door silently behind himself.

Relena looked at the surprisingly quiet boys, even Duo was, yet they all seemed tired but worried. So instead, her curiosity getting the better of her, she broke the silence. "What happened to Heero outside?"

Trowa perked up, his interest drawn away from the books as he looked back. "When Faith jumped on him, she usually doesn't know when he's hurt or if he's done healing yet. She usually doesn't bother him, but after about five days ago, he's still been healing from a fatal gunshot wound in the chest. The bullet pierced his heart and he was lucky to be alive." He spoke as if it were nothing and turned back to the book that had caught his interest.

"What?! How'd that happen?"

"It'll be easier to understand when Quatre gets here and we tell you everything, but he'd inflicted it upon himself." Wufei sat in a chair, not really saying much in the time being but calming his mind, body, and soul, clearing his head of the uncertainties that remained about their choice of Heero's stay.

"Why?"

"You'll understand in a few minutes Relena, if you want to know what happened to the poor guy. That, and why he is changed. Just, don't mention it to anyone else or to Heero himself, and try and stay away from saying anything about OZ or soldiers." Duo looked across the room from his seat to the princess, smiling sadly before yawning.

Relena wasn't sure she wanted to know by the way these guys were making it sound, but still, her curiosity pushed her on. She was all too relieved when Quatre entered quietly, having put his friend to bed. "Now, will someone please tell me what happened to Heero and why on earth he would have had the need to shoot himself at Sally's base?"

Quatre sat down next to Duo, watching Trowa join them from the shelves of books. "Well, it happened while he was captured. Something that should never have happened but did." Looking at the others, he really didn't want to be the one to retell the story, but it seemed that no one else did either.

Trowa could sense his friend's uneasiness and nodded, taking the role of reliving Heero's pain. "When they took him into custody, they beat him as they normally did to try and get the information out of him. They threatened him as normal and he was his usual self until that night. They must have put him to sleep with a small amount of the drug through an injection, but when he finally woke, he was inside a small room, chained to a bed with only a small sheet to cover himself. He couldn't move his arms or legs, that's why there are healing wounds and scars on his wrists that you can see, and why he now hates beds. You see, it *was* just the sheet, his clothes were gone." He could see the confusion but shock in Relena's eyes, yet she retained her silence and composure. She seemed to know what he was getting at, but not for sure. "He'd retold this all to Duo, and Duo to us. He'd said, that an older man, somewhere to about twice to three times his age came into the room, threatening him and telling him that it was going to be a long night to come. He also claimed that should Heero speak the information he wanted, he'd let him go in peace. Yet, Heero was gagged either way and couldn't do anything." Taking a calming breath, for a hatred flared within him once again, he continued. "He abused Heero like no one ever should, by taking his pleasure from his body. Heero had been raped repeatedly by different men, sometimes two or three times a night. Then they'd go about and beat the crap out of him the rest of the day, telling him that if they didn't get the information they wanted, they'd have more long nights. I doubt Heero was even conscious enough to realize what they were saying, after the lack of sleep and utter hell he'd been put through. It took a while, but he learned to trust each of us, because when Duo tried to help him in escape, he was terrified of everyone and everything. When he'd shot himself, he was hallucinating, he saw himself back in the OZ cell with the soldiers, waiting to take advantage of his body again. That's why he shot himself, he claimed he'd rather die than relive it or kill us, he didn't see us as us, but as the soldiers. I talked with him in the truck, and the reason he didn't shoot one of us was because he saw soldier upon soldier cornering him, wanting to take their night of pleasure and so he did what he could, in his mind, there were just too many. He shot himself before he snapped out of his hallucination, and he nearly died from it." Taking a deep breath, he watched it all sink in, the princess uncertain whether it was dream or truth.

"Relena? Are you okay?" Duo looked at her in puzzlement, her expression dazed.

Relena looked at them, not wanting to believe such a thing. How could that happen to Heero? How could anyone let that happen? How could anyone *do* that?! A bitter disgust filled her, anger blazing in her eyes. She understood now, and only felt the greatest sympathy for Heero. He didn't deserve that, no one did. It was very unlike her, but with hatred building in her heart, she spoke. "I hope those sick bastards burn in hell."

Duo stared wide-eyed, his breath caught in his throat. Choking out the words, he looked at the young princess. "Wh-what did she say?"

Quatre looked at the others to make sure he wasn't hearing things, then turned back to Relena. "Miss Relena? Are you feeling well?"

Relena turned to them, serious in all matters. "I hope those sick bastards burn and rot in hell, feeling the same pain for the rest of eternity that Heero never should have had to feel."

Wufei watched her in uncertainty and surprise, nothing like that was expected from one like Relena. Of course, it was allowed for one like her to say such a thing, and it happened. But no one thought that such words of a peace-loving, pacifist princess would speak from her mouth.

Trowa looked on, perplexed. Did he just hear right? Relena | cussing, hoping someone to hell and pain? That combination just didn't seem logical. "Okay...." The word was drawn out. "Maybe we should all go ahead and get some sleep, it's been a long day and will be a bit of a one tomorrow." Pushing himself off the back of Wufei's chair for he was leaning against it and telling the story of torment, he kept his eyes on the girl the entire time. "We still have to wake up early." His words were slow, but the others agreed.

"Yeah, I think you're right Trowa." Spoke Wufei in disbelief.

"It has been a long day," added Quatre.

"And tiring..." called Duo.

Relena let her hate diminish and her anger simmer, a saddened and tired smile crossing her lips. "You're right, you all look tired. I'm sorry for that, I'm not sure what overcame me to say such things. I just don't see how anyone could do that to another..." Sighing heavily, she wished she could take Heero's pain away, and now she understood everything.

Duo stopped his movements and watched the young, teenage princess in amazement. "Okay, is it just me or is there something wrong with this picture?"

"What?" She stared back into Duo's eyes uncertainly.

"One, you were just wishing a bunch of people to hell and torment for the rest of eternity, then you're smiling and like your normal self again. Doesn't anyone else see a bit of a Dr. Jekyel / Mr. Heide thing happening here?"

Shaking her head, Relena called back. "I was just angered that such a thing could happen to someone, let alone Heero. But I've suppressed my anger for now, and I understand his pain and why he is now more of a child than a gundam pilot. Please, you're all tired, that I can see, and you should get your rest." With a saddened smile, she rose and led them to the door, each of them too their rooms once more where they began to prepare for bed. Showing Quatre to his room at last, she stopped him. "I'm sorry Quatre."

Turning with a quizzical look in his bright blue eyes, he spoke gently. "Why would you need to be Miss Relena?"

Sighing, she let a small smile grace her lips, he was always so forgiving and understanding. "For all that I said down there and did. That, and for Heero's pain and I can only begin to imagine what you all went through with him, let alone what he did. And for this war."

Taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze, he shook his head. "None of that was your fault or wrong, and definitely not this war. I'm just sorry Heero had to go through such a thing, but he wasn't alone. And he won't be. There's no need for you to be sorry Miss Relena, not at all. Goodnight." With a soft smile, he entered his room and listened to her leave, taking his shoes off and heading toward the bed. "Lay down and sleep Faith..." he whispered to the puppy, for she was up and looking about curiously. She did as she was told, Quatre climbing into the other side of the bed and laying contently beneath the blankets. In no time, he was asleep as well, comfortable and warm.

~+~

Author's Note: Well, how was this chapter? You know, the guys are falling into bad habits with this sleeping in thing.... *giggles and looks to Duo* You're doing your job mio!

^Duo^ ^beams with pride, then looks at you^ What'd you just call me? Are you insulting me in another language again?! ^looks hurt^

*smirks* No, mio is Spanish for son. *shakes head* I could be calling you baka, you know what that means.... *snickers*

^jaw drops^ YOU'RE MEAN!

*nods* Can be.... why don't you go use your corrupting power to get Heero to forgive me for him being the victim here.... *tries not to laugh*

^eyes me^ And die THIS young?! Sorry babe, you're on your own... ^looks around for Wufei to irritate^

*rolls eyes* Chicos.... *sighs* Well, maybe I should have had Relena go all out and start "cussin' up a storm" (wow that sounds too much like my friend) but, I didn't. Woulda been funny.. especially put into animation... *ponders thoughtfully* Hope you enjoyed this and if you read my ramblings,*hugs* thank you! Please review and look for the next chapter... the end to this story but I've got the sequel written out. It's called, "An Older Sister To Lean On", the boys part ways again and leave the changed Heero who takes it fairly well, but not everyone can be strong all the time... *sad smile*

~Heero~ ~looks over my shoulder quietly and glares~ SO YOU'RE MAKING ME EVEN WEAKER AND STICKING ME WITH CATHY?!?!

*jumps and screams, whirling about* STOP THAT HEERO!! *tries to control breathing* Basically.... but you get to have fun too... *smirks*

~throws his hands in the air~ Am I ever going to be *NORMAL*!?

*snickers and bursts into laughter* You're never normal man.... you've yet to figure that out? Yeah, in the sequel you're turned back to normal again.... *sphinx-smirk*

~eyes widen~ Don't tell me you're going to...

*jumps up and clamps hands over his mouth* SHUT UP!!!!! YOU'LL RUIN IT AND I'LL HAVE TO MAKE IT WORSE FOR YOU JUST TO SPITE YOU!!!! *hisses*

~pulls away and glares~ Don't even think about it...

*returns the glare* Then don't say anything... *smirks in triumph* Well, gotsta get working on the next chapters and revising them.... *skips away, in a good mood*