Title: Heaven in her Eyes
Author: Amber
Pairings: Hetro
Disclaimer: Gundam belongs to Gundam and any scene or plot similarity to another person's story, movie or anime is purely coincidental and unintentional. AU
It was a beautiful place, a field full of wildflowers that ran up against a cool patch of woods. Where grass as tall as he was gently bobbed in a continuous dance stirred by the domes circulation vents. Separating the woods and the field was a shallow, playful brook. In the edge of the clearing, with leaves waiting for dusk to unfurl night phlox will explode into bloom as soon dusk arrives, releasing a delicious almond/honey/vanilla fragrance from umbrella-like clusters of delicate purplish flowers, honeysuckle with their fragrant bell-shaped flowers gently dipped and swayed in a intricate ballet.
Hummingbirds so iridescent they looked like individual rainbows come to earth, hovered lightly above snowy drifts of sweet alice, with their lime-green stars suspended above great saucers of the pink magnolias, and their waving wands of lavender, were headily pungent as he brushed aside its olive lace to watch the little girl beyond.
She was humming as she wove a small chain of daisies into a circular crown completely oblivious, as only the very rich or very innocent can be when they've never known fear or aloneness. Her hair fell behind her like a curtain of blonde silk occasionally dancing as if invisible fingers couldn't resist the temptation to touch it either. The clothes she wore put her in the first category very rich but in spite of it he couldn't bring himself to hate her for her privileged state.
Why not? He couldn't say. If pressed, he couldn't even explain why he had been following her all day. It wasn't as if he craved company. He didn't need anyone. He could barely tolerate that crazy old man who was always poking and prodding at him. Trying to always see at what point he would refuse him, at which point would he drop and simply be unable to continue. Always watching, always pushing, his little hands clenched.
She stopped singing.
He froze. Dropping to the ground he watched her look over her shoulder and frown. She reminded him of a picture he had seen once of an angel, an angel with the prettiest blue eyes. He glared intently trying to remember where, when even he had seen an Angel.
"Hello?"
Then he felt it like a imperceptible breeze that gently brushed across his mind then there was an exquisite, subtle scent that filled the air, one which defied any quantitative description later he would remember and it would bother him the same way he always knew things without having to be told. But for now he closed his eyes and savored the light touch. An infinitely gentle feeling,which the unexpected blending of the two of them wrought.
He bit his lip. Apparently, she was in the second category as well. She was strong but untutored and yet she still kept her probe slow and hesitant with a degree of sensitivity that couldn't be taught at that age so must be inherent to whom she was. Innocence. Everything he sensed screamed innocence. Or why else would she so openly seek his mind when psi was forbidden? Why give him such a weapon to use against her? For some reason, he found that though abhorrent he did want a weapon against her. And like a reflex his shields went up protecting them both. Her face scrunched, gasping she pushed herself up to stand. The crown of daisies fell unnoticed to the ground.
"Is somebody there? Please?"
Her sweet voice echoed with worry. For him? Or herself? She took a step forward he could feel her mind all around the edges of his shields testing searching. He didn't think she even knew what she was searching for, much less recognizing it if she found it. Then he felt him there was a familiarity to him he recognized. Power. This one knew how to shield himself still even with shields the boy's power leaked out around the edges. Apparently so did she because she turned with a welcoming smile and a giggle.
"Milli!" The young boy strode forward his solemn face relaxing into a smile. It was obvious they were related but several years older than he and the girl. He rolled his eyes, who named a boy Milli for god sakes?
"You shouldn't be out this far alone," he chided. She pouted. "Come back now, we have just enough time to find those cookies that Margarette made before we must meet father's guest." He held out his hand waiting for her to decide. Grinning she took it and started swinging it between them.
Heero swallowed against the sudden lump, he felt lonely his eyes filled. He lifted his hand to his face and swiped; puzzled he stared at the moisture. She stopped swinging his hand and turned back. She looked at the spot where he lay as if she could see him but he knew she couldn't. The boy also stopped his eyes narrowing as he silently scanned the area.
"Milli?" Her voice sounded young and scared, unsure, "You felt him too? So sad, so lonely."
"Him? Something," he murmured with a distracted air. He looked down at her and forced a smile. "It'll be fine, I promise." Her bottom lip trembled as she tried to smile but eventually she did manage. It was a smile of someone, secure in the knowledge that the one before her could and would make it all better. She let him finally coax her away and before they were out of sight he could hear her resume her happy chattering. Still, the blonde boy paused giving one last measuring look before disappearing from sight.
He waited, lying there until he could no longer hear her voice, until the birds settled down and silence returned to the meadow. And still he lay there. A bead of sweat slid down the side of his face, yet he ignored it until he was positive that he was completely and utterly alone. Minutes seemed like hours, before he finally got to his feet warily moving out in the open, he bent gently picking up the circlet of flowers. His mouth tilted slightly at the corners, eyes closed in anticipation as he lifted the flowers to his nose. Disappointed he frowned it wasn't the right smell.
He looked the direction the girl went, and something incredible happened, the young boy who many would say cared for no one smiled. A shy tentative smile, as if he wasn't quite sure of the why of it, or the ability to do it, but blossom it did across his face relieving it of it's austere severity. He glanced at the flowers; they were a beautiful momento that his pain, his loneliness had finally paid off it enabled him to see there were angels in this small slice of the world after all. Those faceless strangers, the old man was always running on about protecting. Now had a face. He had found something, someone that made the suffering worth enduring.
He lifted his head at the knock a deep sigh expelled and sounded loud within the recess of the room. "Come."
The servant pushed the door open and bowed, "he is here your Majesty."
"Where are Milliardo and Relena?"
"The Prince, was going to take the Princess for a snack sire then return."
He nodded, "admit the gentleman then tell the children I require their presence. Our guest has arrived." The servant bowed and backed from the room. Standing he turned to the window trying to loose himself within beauty of a fountain in the gardens. The dancing water shifted in the sunlight, sending a multitude of rainbow colored droplets skyward. "Please, he whispered heavenward, "Help me find the strength, to do the right thing in spite of what's to come." The knock gave him a moment to compose himself before he turned assuming a welcoming expression. The servant pushed the door wide.
"Doctor, my apologies for keeping you waiting. Thank you George that will be all." The servant bowed, pulling the door shut.
"Professor or J please, I no longer practice medicine." He held up the mechanical hand making a clicking motion. "I thank you for this opportunity, I'm not unaware of the difficulty this request represents."
He inclined his head, "how could we refuse? Your need is urgent, the task you've chosen enormous."
The odd little man laughed cynically, "Quite easily your Majesty you would be surprised at how many did." A flash of regret and something akin to guilt crossed his features. "King Peacecraft, what your about to do could add significantly to your own troubles. No matter how carefully I prepared, sooner or later what you did here today will become known."
His smile held irony and something close to surrender. A blind look settled in his eyes as if seeing something only he was privy to. Dr. J shuddered so the rumors were true about the King and Queen god help them if the Alliance decided to make it an issue. So far the Peacecrafts overwhelming popularity gave them some slight immunity but for how long?
'Then so be it, my people are loyal we will be all right. For a while anyway. And helping our fellow man is what separates us from the beasts."
"Some would say, animals sire are more humane than most of man."
"Perhaps," he nodded, "but I keep hoping."
A knock sounded
"Enter."
The King smiled, "ahh good." He motioned them closer. "Professor, these are my children. Milliardo, Relena, this is Doctor." At the man's look he smiled ruefully "Professor.."
"J is fine," he smiled. "I'm afraid I've long since ceased with formalities living alone too much I suppose."
He gave the King a pointed look. He simply nodded interpreting it correctly. "Relena and Milliardo have an obligation as my heirs, both of them will need to learn to govern wisely and accept responsibility for their people. They cannot do this if they remain ignorant of all the facts."
Dr. J stared at them with stoic resignation, two golden children with everything wonderful seemingly ahead of them. All he could see was the hundred different ways that this could all come crashing down around their heads. He saw Heero's angry eyes superimpose over theirs in silent accusation for a childhood lost adding one more sin to his weary soul. But there was no hope for it he and his colleagues had decided on a course of action. And damned they were to follow it.
Feeling the King's scrutiny Dr. J lifted his own heartsick gaze and met the trepidation and resolution in his. "There is no safe place, but in death no matter how much it grieves me." The King schooled his expression into calm serenity. Then smiling at the children he glanced back to him with eyes of a man at peace with himself and his choices. A man whose demeanor said he was not one to be manipulated or be taken for anyone's fool. "Shall we proceed? My aide said you were pressed for time and we have delayed you I'm afraid long enough."
Milliardo and Relena exchanged a look.
She stepped forward eagerly; "Father says your going to build domes in space? It sounds so exciting, may I come and see them when you're done?"
Dr. J laughed, "We're going to try thanks to your fathers assistance. After that we'll see if I live long enough to finish. If it works then you can all be my personal guests."
Relena clasped her hands in excitement then she held out her hand in innocent enthusiasm. "Can I show you the way Professor?" He hesitated then held up his mechanical hand and clicked it. Unfazed she smiled and placed her hand along the edge of the metal. Searching her face intently his own relaxed into one of gentle amusement as he let her lead him out the room.
When he was sure they were out of earshot, Milliardo turned a small frown wrinkled his brow. "Father is this wise? With the rumors about us manipulating people's minds and the increasing resentment about our beliefs in pacifism this may give them the excuse to try and take control of the kingdom."
He moved forward clasping Milliardo's shoulder for a moment something akin to grief flickered across his face. "Your mother and I have tried to teach you and Relena beliefs that will hold you in good stead the rest of your lives. But I don't expect you to be me, anymore than your mother expects Relena to be her. We understand you have to choose your own path. I understand your concern; we have done what we can to guard against such an event. But your mother and I feel it's important to help when or wherever we can."
Tenderly he brushed Milliardo's bangs back from his eyes. "Wherever you go, whatever you do I trust you stay true to yourself. Do that my son, and I will always be proud of you whichever path you walk."
It would be years later before Milliardo thought back to that conversation. It was a gradual realization, but one he became more certain of over time, his father must have known what would happen. And mother? Probably, he and mother were inseparable she wouldn't have wished to be anywhere other than his side. Which made that day, so long ago all the more ironic, it was the only time his father had ever discussed the choices he made, that set into motion, the downfall of the Sanq Kingdom. And birthed the weapon, that became Zechs Merquis.
Author: Amber
Pairings: Hetro
Disclaimer: Gundam belongs to Gundam and any scene or plot similarity to another person's story, movie or anime is purely coincidental and unintentional. AU
It was a beautiful place, a field full of wildflowers that ran up against a cool patch of woods. Where grass as tall as he was gently bobbed in a continuous dance stirred by the domes circulation vents. Separating the woods and the field was a shallow, playful brook. In the edge of the clearing, with leaves waiting for dusk to unfurl night phlox will explode into bloom as soon dusk arrives, releasing a delicious almond/honey/vanilla fragrance from umbrella-like clusters of delicate purplish flowers, honeysuckle with their fragrant bell-shaped flowers gently dipped and swayed in a intricate ballet.
Hummingbirds so iridescent they looked like individual rainbows come to earth, hovered lightly above snowy drifts of sweet alice, with their lime-green stars suspended above great saucers of the pink magnolias, and their waving wands of lavender, were headily pungent as he brushed aside its olive lace to watch the little girl beyond.
She was humming as she wove a small chain of daisies into a circular crown completely oblivious, as only the very rich or very innocent can be when they've never known fear or aloneness. Her hair fell behind her like a curtain of blonde silk occasionally dancing as if invisible fingers couldn't resist the temptation to touch it either. The clothes she wore put her in the first category very rich but in spite of it he couldn't bring himself to hate her for her privileged state.
Why not? He couldn't say. If pressed, he couldn't even explain why he had been following her all day. It wasn't as if he craved company. He didn't need anyone. He could barely tolerate that crazy old man who was always poking and prodding at him. Trying to always see at what point he would refuse him, at which point would he drop and simply be unable to continue. Always watching, always pushing, his little hands clenched.
She stopped singing.
He froze. Dropping to the ground he watched her look over her shoulder and frown. She reminded him of a picture he had seen once of an angel, an angel with the prettiest blue eyes. He glared intently trying to remember where, when even he had seen an Angel.
"Hello?"
Then he felt it like a imperceptible breeze that gently brushed across his mind then there was an exquisite, subtle scent that filled the air, one which defied any quantitative description later he would remember and it would bother him the same way he always knew things without having to be told. But for now he closed his eyes and savored the light touch. An infinitely gentle feeling,which the unexpected blending of the two of them wrought.
He bit his lip. Apparently, she was in the second category as well. She was strong but untutored and yet she still kept her probe slow and hesitant with a degree of sensitivity that couldn't be taught at that age so must be inherent to whom she was. Innocence. Everything he sensed screamed innocence. Or why else would she so openly seek his mind when psi was forbidden? Why give him such a weapon to use against her? For some reason, he found that though abhorrent he did want a weapon against her. And like a reflex his shields went up protecting them both. Her face scrunched, gasping she pushed herself up to stand. The crown of daisies fell unnoticed to the ground.
"Is somebody there? Please?"
Her sweet voice echoed with worry. For him? Or herself? She took a step forward he could feel her mind all around the edges of his shields testing searching. He didn't think she even knew what she was searching for, much less recognizing it if she found it. Then he felt him there was a familiarity to him he recognized. Power. This one knew how to shield himself still even with shields the boy's power leaked out around the edges. Apparently so did she because she turned with a welcoming smile and a giggle.
"Milli!" The young boy strode forward his solemn face relaxing into a smile. It was obvious they were related but several years older than he and the girl. He rolled his eyes, who named a boy Milli for god sakes?
"You shouldn't be out this far alone," he chided. She pouted. "Come back now, we have just enough time to find those cookies that Margarette made before we must meet father's guest." He held out his hand waiting for her to decide. Grinning she took it and started swinging it between them.
Heero swallowed against the sudden lump, he felt lonely his eyes filled. He lifted his hand to his face and swiped; puzzled he stared at the moisture. She stopped swinging his hand and turned back. She looked at the spot where he lay as if she could see him but he knew she couldn't. The boy also stopped his eyes narrowing as he silently scanned the area.
"Milli?" Her voice sounded young and scared, unsure, "You felt him too? So sad, so lonely."
"Him? Something," he murmured with a distracted air. He looked down at her and forced a smile. "It'll be fine, I promise." Her bottom lip trembled as she tried to smile but eventually she did manage. It was a smile of someone, secure in the knowledge that the one before her could and would make it all better. She let him finally coax her away and before they were out of sight he could hear her resume her happy chattering. Still, the blonde boy paused giving one last measuring look before disappearing from sight.
He waited, lying there until he could no longer hear her voice, until the birds settled down and silence returned to the meadow. And still he lay there. A bead of sweat slid down the side of his face, yet he ignored it until he was positive that he was completely and utterly alone. Minutes seemed like hours, before he finally got to his feet warily moving out in the open, he bent gently picking up the circlet of flowers. His mouth tilted slightly at the corners, eyes closed in anticipation as he lifted the flowers to his nose. Disappointed he frowned it wasn't the right smell.
He looked the direction the girl went, and something incredible happened, the young boy who many would say cared for no one smiled. A shy tentative smile, as if he wasn't quite sure of the why of it, or the ability to do it, but blossom it did across his face relieving it of it's austere severity. He glanced at the flowers; they were a beautiful momento that his pain, his loneliness had finally paid off it enabled him to see there were angels in this small slice of the world after all. Those faceless strangers, the old man was always running on about protecting. Now had a face. He had found something, someone that made the suffering worth enduring.
He lifted his head at the knock a deep sigh expelled and sounded loud within the recess of the room. "Come."
The servant pushed the door open and bowed, "he is here your Majesty."
"Where are Milliardo and Relena?"
"The Prince, was going to take the Princess for a snack sire then return."
He nodded, "admit the gentleman then tell the children I require their presence. Our guest has arrived." The servant bowed and backed from the room. Standing he turned to the window trying to loose himself within beauty of a fountain in the gardens. The dancing water shifted in the sunlight, sending a multitude of rainbow colored droplets skyward. "Please, he whispered heavenward, "Help me find the strength, to do the right thing in spite of what's to come." The knock gave him a moment to compose himself before he turned assuming a welcoming expression. The servant pushed the door wide.
"Doctor, my apologies for keeping you waiting. Thank you George that will be all." The servant bowed, pulling the door shut.
"Professor or J please, I no longer practice medicine." He held up the mechanical hand making a clicking motion. "I thank you for this opportunity, I'm not unaware of the difficulty this request represents."
He inclined his head, "how could we refuse? Your need is urgent, the task you've chosen enormous."
The odd little man laughed cynically, "Quite easily your Majesty you would be surprised at how many did." A flash of regret and something akin to guilt crossed his features. "King Peacecraft, what your about to do could add significantly to your own troubles. No matter how carefully I prepared, sooner or later what you did here today will become known."
His smile held irony and something close to surrender. A blind look settled in his eyes as if seeing something only he was privy to. Dr. J shuddered so the rumors were true about the King and Queen god help them if the Alliance decided to make it an issue. So far the Peacecrafts overwhelming popularity gave them some slight immunity but for how long?
'Then so be it, my people are loyal we will be all right. For a while anyway. And helping our fellow man is what separates us from the beasts."
"Some would say, animals sire are more humane than most of man."
"Perhaps," he nodded, "but I keep hoping."
A knock sounded
"Enter."
The King smiled, "ahh good." He motioned them closer. "Professor, these are my children. Milliardo, Relena, this is Doctor." At the man's look he smiled ruefully "Professor.."
"J is fine," he smiled. "I'm afraid I've long since ceased with formalities living alone too much I suppose."
He gave the King a pointed look. He simply nodded interpreting it correctly. "Relena and Milliardo have an obligation as my heirs, both of them will need to learn to govern wisely and accept responsibility for their people. They cannot do this if they remain ignorant of all the facts."
Dr. J stared at them with stoic resignation, two golden children with everything wonderful seemingly ahead of them. All he could see was the hundred different ways that this could all come crashing down around their heads. He saw Heero's angry eyes superimpose over theirs in silent accusation for a childhood lost adding one more sin to his weary soul. But there was no hope for it he and his colleagues had decided on a course of action. And damned they were to follow it.
Feeling the King's scrutiny Dr. J lifted his own heartsick gaze and met the trepidation and resolution in his. "There is no safe place, but in death no matter how much it grieves me." The King schooled his expression into calm serenity. Then smiling at the children he glanced back to him with eyes of a man at peace with himself and his choices. A man whose demeanor said he was not one to be manipulated or be taken for anyone's fool. "Shall we proceed? My aide said you were pressed for time and we have delayed you I'm afraid long enough."
Milliardo and Relena exchanged a look.
She stepped forward eagerly; "Father says your going to build domes in space? It sounds so exciting, may I come and see them when you're done?"
Dr. J laughed, "We're going to try thanks to your fathers assistance. After that we'll see if I live long enough to finish. If it works then you can all be my personal guests."
Relena clasped her hands in excitement then she held out her hand in innocent enthusiasm. "Can I show you the way Professor?" He hesitated then held up his mechanical hand and clicked it. Unfazed she smiled and placed her hand along the edge of the metal. Searching her face intently his own relaxed into one of gentle amusement as he let her lead him out the room.
When he was sure they were out of earshot, Milliardo turned a small frown wrinkled his brow. "Father is this wise? With the rumors about us manipulating people's minds and the increasing resentment about our beliefs in pacifism this may give them the excuse to try and take control of the kingdom."
He moved forward clasping Milliardo's shoulder for a moment something akin to grief flickered across his face. "Your mother and I have tried to teach you and Relena beliefs that will hold you in good stead the rest of your lives. But I don't expect you to be me, anymore than your mother expects Relena to be her. We understand you have to choose your own path. I understand your concern; we have done what we can to guard against such an event. But your mother and I feel it's important to help when or wherever we can."
Tenderly he brushed Milliardo's bangs back from his eyes. "Wherever you go, whatever you do I trust you stay true to yourself. Do that my son, and I will always be proud of you whichever path you walk."
It would be years later before Milliardo thought back to that conversation. It was a gradual realization, but one he became more certain of over time, his father must have known what would happen. And mother? Probably, he and mother were inseparable she wouldn't have wished to be anywhere other than his side. Which made that day, so long ago all the more ironic, it was the only time his father had ever discussed the choices he made, that set into motion, the downfall of the Sanq Kingdom. And birthed the weapon, that became Zechs Merquis.