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
They were walking companionably toward the cars when he paused touching her arm to draw her attention. Glancing pointedly at the guards and the aides they moved to a discreet distance. Close enough to protect, yet far enough to give the minister the privacy he desired.
"Relena. Thank you." She tilted her head puzzled. "I had a good time tonight." She smiled nodding in agreement. He hesitantly lifted a hand brushing a strand of loosened hair back. "I sometimes forget to stop and appreciate the life it's just."
She lifted her hand and clasped his shaking her head. "No, it has to be said. I know in part some of the distance is my fault and your mothers we.. you needed us to be there and somehow we failed. There was always something that needed our attention when our first priority should have been to you. I always thought tomorrow.. But the tomorrows kept getting further away." Something must have shown in her face because he smiled tenderly. "Now those tomorrows are gone. I know; it's too late to convince you of our parenting skills but hopefully it's never too late for friends."
Relena smiled sadly. He knew it wouldn't be easy it would take time he sighed mentally. "We'll take one day at a time. Would you like them to drop you at the hotel?" She looked around at his entourage shifting impatiently as they waited she shook her head making a dismissing gesture with her hand.
The aide smiled, "sir we can give your daughter a tour. If she would like?" She looked eagerly toward him and smiled hopefully.
"Relena," he began. Her hands clasped together her eyes pleaded. He nodded looking at the aide, "that would be most appreciative. My daughter has wanted to see something of the Colonies for a long time."
He bowed slightly, "then we will make it a visit she will treasure."
He turned back almost as if to say something then smiled awkwardly, "have a good time."
Two aides split off from the group and stayed behind the rest moved toward the front limo. The aide stepped forward and smiled, "I'm William Green and this somewhat solemn soul is Michael Kurry. Is there anything in particular you would like to see Miss Relena?" She shook her head smiling.
"All right then, we'll try to fit in as much as we can," he stepped aside gesturing to the second car. They fell into step beside her. There was a pop. Relena half turned then light and heat spread out enveloping everything in the vicinity. She slammed into the ground with enough force that her head bounced twice against the walkway.
"Miss Relena! Miss Relena, can you hear me?" Relena blinked dazedly meeting his eyes hesitantly she nodded then wished she hadn't the pounding in her head made it feel like her skull was going to explode. She lifted a shaky hand to her head tentatively feeling out the sticky wetness. William knelt staring worriedly at the wound on her head she nodded reassuringly. He moved on to Michael. She winced pushing herself up. Dazed she turned then gaped in horror toward what was left of the car. Without thought she moved toward the car smoke burned her lungs. Dust and debris stung her eyes. Blood trickled from various cuts and abrasions.
Mr. Kurry was helped up weaving on his feet he was coherent enough to understand the implications. "O God, o my God the Minister! No, Miss Relena stay back!" Suddenly a secondary explosion rocked the ground sending her stumbling backward she threw her arm across her face as a wave of heat rolled over her again. Tears flowed as she silently grieved for yet another casualty in the travesty that seemed to be her life.
The next few minutes seemed to happen in slow motion brief flashes of motion that seemed to occur as if the shutter of a camera recorded them all indelibly burning them into her mind.
The sound of a revving engine and the squeal of tires.
Sirens screaming in the distance.
The sound of shattering glass followed the pings and pops of bullets slamming into surrounding cars. Bits and pieces of concrete flying as bullets slammed into the sidewalk.
Michael Kurry spun around their eyes met and held hers horror. His surprise then disbelief as three red spots grew in size across his chest as he fell. William spun toward her and cried out her name. William of the twinkling eyes, the merry smile tried to reach her as two bullets cut short his selfless act, one above his heart the other his head jerking him around and throwing him away from her.
Relena turned so slowly as if her body were weighed down beyond her capabilities in the direction the gunfire originated. Even through the smoke and haze her gaze bore into the figure glaring at her over the gun and the distance between them closed as her eyes narrowed memorizing the face responsible for the death and destruction around them.
She grit her teeth as the pain exploded behind her eyes. Relena fought it. Right up until she was yanked back, to that night so many years ago and the last face she saw before Relena Peacecraft for all intense purposes died along with her family. Eyes staring blindly fixed at the horror before her and within cleared. They stared at one another through the hail of bullets growing increasing closer to her then the moment of recognition between them clicked. Relena's eyes flashed angrily. Anne she was called. She could hear herself scream hoarse angry then for the second time that day Relena slammed into the concrete this time she didn't get up.
Working his way through the booths of the market, Duo soaked up the laughter and the light conversations, letting the sights the sounds even the smells flow around him as a soothing balm. He looked upward, enjoying the warm sense of belonging and contentment temporary as it was storing it up for the rougher times ahead. Violet-hued eyes narrowed, a faint smoke trail drifted upward, automatically he plotted the approximate location. Curious, he started toward it. Suddenly, a black ball rolled upward he started walking faster, then jogging when he cleared the market he was running. By the time he hit the street where it was located he arrived in time for a front row seat.
The van that slid around the corner finished off the two men. All that was left was the girl. She stood there, glaring at her attackers with a steely determination that if the situation hadn't been so serious, he would have chucked her on the chin and cheered her on himself. Her hair was escaping the confines of the ribbon she had tied around it, and now framed her dirt-streaked, blood-smeared face in loose strands. Her hands were clenched at her sides, her posture betrayed shock and exhaustion, and it was pretty obvious sheer will held her upright.
She was a pretty little thing he mused, innocent looking his brow furrowed worriedly. It was that damn innocent bravado that reminded him too much of things he tried so hard to forget, and harder still to prevent from happening again. He turned away, he couldn't get involved he was too close to leaving. The others were already gone, he had just stayed around to see what Heero's hi tech zero system could really do.
"Fuck."
His jaw clenched the muscle working furiously. "Dammit." He swung back and started running, it was a race to see who got her first the bullets or him, because it looked like she had no intentions of giving way to save her own stubborn neck. Duo slammed into her slight body aw hell he knew she looked small but he hadn't realized just how petite she was. He turned them trying to take the brunt of the fall himself. He felt her stiffen then relax letting her body go with the motion as he rolled them out of range. Duo came up braced over her he stared coldly at the van as it spun heading back for another pass. When he glanced down, his eyes shifted softening he smiled humorously, trying to ease her frightened expression. "You looked like you could use some help." At the sound of slamming doors he offered her his hand.
Relena stared at him in confusion, there was a distance in her brilliant blue eyes that was eerie. She took his offered hand but when he went to help her up. She tightened her grasp, pulling his hand against her. Her pupils expanded, empty eyes stared blindly into his, the stillness of her gaze was so compelling he missed the slight brush against his mind. Too late he tried to block her, their minds merged in a series of flashes as she found what she sought.
His expression hardened with determination he glared down at her. She smiled apologetically. Tightening her hand, as if she knew he meant to pull away, Duo felt it again he tried to fight her. He felt a dissolving, the absence. A slight tingle. The first image blinded him. Then he started the process of learning about the girl before him. 'She had invaded his mind something she regretted something he knew she rarely did but her need to know if she could trust him was so great. How do I know that his mind whispered?' A light touch within? An apology. She returned the favor with her own trust. He jerked away pulling himself mentally and physically from her grasp. 'Shit.' He felt like they had been here for ages when in reality it was mere seconds.
"Shit. Relena Darlian, as in Vice Foreign Minister Darlian's daughter?" He could read the confirmation in her eyes. "Shit, he muttered, "the things I get myself into." He pulled her up, "lets go Lena before they try to shish kebab ya again." He glanced up, they had started around the burning vehicles and were running toward them.
Damn they were out in the open he cupped her face, "are you ok?" Her fingers touched her head wound gingerly she nodded. "Are you sure because we're going to have to make a run for it?" Her face blanked he watched her expression turn inward for a second then she met his eyes determinedly. "Ok babe, here we go try and stay with me a bit longer and I'll get you to a hospital."
They crouched as he pulled his gun, her eyes widened for a moment then met his gaze with one of trust. He grinned. She felt herself smile back then he turned and fired off a couple of shots before grabbing her hand pulling her across the square. They flinched as a spray of bullets exploded around them, but still he pulled her along as they zig zagged their way around the building and into an alley. Relena felt his wave of relief, as the sirens grew louder. For the moment the shooting stopped. She strained her senses the sound of pursuit continued.
He tugged her down another alley, then jerked her down behind a dumpster. She stared at him curiously, she was breathing like she had run for miles. He was barely winded. Relena froze holding her breath. She listened as they grew closer passing right by where they crouched then kept going. They stayed there waiting in silence, and then he turned apparently satisfied for the moment and smiled reassuringly. Gesturing for quiet he pointed. She nodded following him in a quiet jog as long as she could before the stitch in her side became unbearable. She tugged on his hand.
He glanced back, "tired?" She blew a winded breath outward and nodded regretfully. "Hey if you weren't I'd worry about you." He tilted his head, "you don't talk much do you?" She shrugged.
He grinned sliding his gun back into his pants he took her arm and drew it around his waist taking some of her weight onto him. "Well that's alight I've been told I talk enough for three people anyway." Relena sighed finding his endless chatter soothing, she gave him all the support she could as he helped her shuffle along.
"Ok gorgeous, we're almost there. At the end of this street is the hospital and they can help you allot more than I can. OK?" She met his look in a combination of gratitude and relief.
"You'll understand why er," he coughed, "I can't go any further." She smiled ruefully. Duo smiled relieved, "that 'a girl. Hey you're alright for one of those rich elitist types." Her lips twitched in amusement despite her pain and exhaustion. They came out of the ally and onto the sidewalk he drew her to a stop. "You sure you'll make it alright from here?"
Relena stiffly straightened gazing in relief at the red flickering lights of the arriving ambulance. She turned to him and smiled reassuringly. He nodded, "go I'll watch from here to make sure you get there ok. When you get inside start screaming for the cops. Got it?" She nodded.
He watched her cross the street, and warily approached the emergency entrance she paused glancing back. Relena lifted her hand then disappeared within. He winced feeling every bump and scrape he took from his close encounter with the walkway. He had just turned away, when caught a flash of movement from the corner of his eye. Stepping back out of sight, he watched the two bookends that were trying to turn them into Swiss cheese head for the hospital. This time, they apparently brought along a brain with them, she was dressed casually but she moved like military it was obvious she was held their leash.
Duo groaned, "Aw hell there goes keeping my involvement a secret. Heero is going kill me."
Relena turned her head as the door opened, when she saw the doctor's coat she resumed staring out the window. Until a lock click sounded loudly in the room. Her head turned back in dread. Slowly, the face became visible. Her mouth dropped. "Miss me?" Relena eyes widened worriedly she glanced toward the door. Duo tossed the compu pad down. "You scream for those cops yet?"
Relena swallowed, "going to.. get hem."
Duo frowned, "hey you hurt your throat?" She nodded because it was easier than the truth then winced as the pounding of her head increased. "We don't have time to wait guess who showed up out front?" Relena let him help her up.
Duo frowned; I was planning on going out the window that's not going to work. Hang on." He opened the door looked both ways. "I'll be right back." He left as quietly as he came.
A few moments later he slipped back inside. "Their at the front desk now," he tossed her some scrubs. "Dress now." He spun around giving her his back.
"Finished?"
"Almost," she croaked. She moved forward touching his shoulder. He spun around pulled the door open looking both ways then motioned her forward slapping the bed he helped on then covered her completely. She pulled the covers off her face frowning.
He smirked, "don't breath." Before covering her once more. It was the longest ride of her life, as she lay there listening to him cheerfully whistle, breathing she decided really wasn't a problem. It felt, like she held it the entire way.
"Hey you! Hey, where are you going with that?"Her hands clenched in the bed. Relena gasped, when the bed picked up speed she felt it tilt and squeezed her eyes closed preparing for new bruises. Suddenly the bed jerked to a stop Duo yanked the sheet off.
"OK, one ride per customer. Next time it's my turn." Duo lifted her down and winced at her bare feet, "good thing it's considered summer here." They took off across the street then moved into the sheltering shadows of the alley. Then stood pressed against the wall. A few seconds later, the two men ran out the door looking both ways. A moment later, the woman followed at a more measured pace. Relena hissed. Duo glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, "a friend on yours?" She shot him a blistering stare. Duo whistled.
He looked down the ally in resignation they were going to have to do this the hard way. "Come on, let's book." He kept her moving, not allowing her to stop until they had followed the alley sixty feet back from the street. Nudging her into a doorway, he studied her pale face intently trying to gauge how she really was. It didn't look like medical personnel had gotten very far in treating her injuries. He wanted to keep moving they could still be watching for her lets face it by now it was probably all over the news they couldn't stay in one place long but he couldn't afford to carry her either. That would leave them vulnerable.
"Can you keep going?" he asked urgently. "We can't stay here much longer." A weary expression crossed her face, pain and exhaustion began catching up with her. Shoulders drooped, as she dabbed at the moisture on her brow with the back of her arm. "Come on, it's not much farther," he took her hand and started walking backwards. "I'll have the doc check you out, we'll get you some shoes maybe.. I mean personally I like that shade of glittery blue on your toenails it really brings out your eyes." She stopped a cross between a cough and a laugh slipping out. He smiled. She blushed shaking her head. "Seriously, its not much further," he coaxed.
Heero's eyes lifted from his laptop and stared fixedly at the door. A moment passed, then another, before the faint sounds of someone approaching was heard. Dr. J stood there in shrouded silence then began without preamble, "why hasn't Maxwell left yet?"
Heero shrugged noncommittally. "Who knows why he does anything that he does. As long as he completes his missions without screwing up I don't care about his personal business."
With only casual interest he asked, "have you seen the colony news?"
Heero searched his face intently something flickered in his eyes but other than that his expression remained one of curiosity and irritation. "I have been going over the readouts of Zero if everything checks their installing it tomorrow," was his uninflected response. Heero's eyes narrowed. 'Was that relief?'
"They have started killing prominent politicians, Maxwell should leave as soon as he returns."
"Hn."
Dr. J turned away when Heero's next question stopped him. "Who was killed?"
"Five colony delegates in various locations, as well as Vice Foreign Minister Darlian. He was killed in a car bomb at a local restaurant, where he was reputedly having lunch with his daughter. It's begun."
At last, their destination loomed before them; Duo tripped the lock on a nondescript door in the warehouse district. Guiding her through, he squeezed in after her hurrying her through empty offices. He stopped before they entered the elevator.
"OK, your name is Lena that will protect your privacy," he smiled winningly, "and this." He pulled out a scrap of cloth, "is to make sure you stay alive." He took her arm and went to turn her.
She pulled back with a hurt expression. "Ah, don't be that way. Some of these people, are seriously paranoid on a scale you can't even begin to comprehend. Once, we step into that elevator every move, every sound will be scrutinized three ways from Sunday. Trust me please, one more time?" She held out her hand, they stood there staring at each other he placed his hand in hers and bit by bit he let her see behind his walls. He was tired, he was hurt, worried about her and something--someone.. she couldn't quite grasp. She sighed breaking off her mental probe she couldn't add any more of a burden onto his shoulders than there was.
She smiled trustingly and turned. "Thanks Lena, we're almost through with the dramatics hang on a few minutes longer." He gently covered her eyes then moved to guided her into the elevator she stopped him.
"Thank you," she whispered then followed him in. Relena shivered leaning tiredly against the elevator wall something of Duo's anxiety was affecting her. Without her eyes, her ears and other senses supplied the answers for what was going on around her. She could hear pings like those on the security system at her house. Then she sensed movement she could feel a downward pull. The silence stretched between them, each lost in their own thoughts. Now that she had a chance to catch her breath, her injuries were one by one making a nuisance of themselves.
Relena rubbed her temple gently, the continued ache of the cut at the front of her head and lump at the back seemed in a competition to see which one could throb the most. Her legs ached, feeling like limp spaghetti. She slid down the wall to sit on the floor the metal surface offered a cool relief against the various cuts and abrasions that seemed to cover her body.
"Lena?" She heard the concern in his voice as if from a deep well her body felt like one big wound. With that thought she cringed at least she had survived. Her father was gone another good man sacrificed. On the heels of that one her mother's image surfaced in her mind. 'O god, poor Helen she had tried so. How could she go back and face her?'
"Duo, I don't feel so good," she rasped her voice still hoarse from disuse. She leaned her head against her knee. His voice grew fuzzier and farther away. Distantly, she felt herself floating or was she lifted? A small corner of her mind, still processing things noted the air stir across her arms, the rhythm of movement there fore she reasoned they had left from the elevator. Belatedly, she stirred to protest. She could walk. For as long as she could remember she had taken care of herself. Leaned on no one.
The pounding, now resembled a school band banging away within her head. She felt Duo's emotions surge strongly and whatever had caused it Relena decided she would just as soon face it on her feet. She clenched her teeth and fought her way upward her hand felt along his shirt and fisted in the material. "Easy," he murmured.
Still she pulled herself into an upright position in his arms swallowing against the nausea. "Here's a friend of mine, he's not big on manners but he wont bite. I hope," he muttered. "Let me do the talking."
She drew a calming breath trying to focus there was an odd shifting she felt a moment of déjà vu. Her head hurt so badly this was the last thing she needed to be doing but there was something familiar just beyond her... Imagining a still pond, she centered herself shutting out everything, narrowing her focus to concentrate on the person approaching. Then stretching her senses she imagined a drop landing in the center of the still surface and spreading outward.
It was just sensations at first steely resolve, then a resolute patience that astounded her. "This had better be good." When he spoke her head swung toward him and a shiver worked its way through her body his voice was young soft but carried an air of authority and self-assurance she had never sensed before in one so young. It was the kind of voice one would pay to hear him read a dictionary if he could be persuaded. Something told her not many dared to even suggest it.
Aw, come on man. Can't you see she's hurt?
"That's why there are hospitals." Relena felt Duo shift abruptly then start walking again. Her ears strained for any sign of the other boy but couldn't hear or feel anything there was an unnatural stillness now that she couldn't penetrate they both were guarding their thoughts and feelings too carefully now.
"She can't go there."
"Who is she?"
"This is Lena."
"We don't have time for one of your strays," he said without inflection. "Get rid of her."
"No. Now are you going to get him or am I?"
"Does she know who you are? What you are?" His tone dropped sounding dangerous. Relena felt a slight ripple from Duo as he hesitated he must have recognized it as well.
"I'd like to know the answer to that myself," the third voice said dryly.
Her eyes widened behind the cloth weakly she pushed against Duo's chest and after a moments hesitation was lowered to the floor. He kept his hand on her arm to steady her. She lowered her head, reaching up she pulled the cloth away from her eyes letting her hair fall forward in a disheveled mass that hid her face. The silence grew heavy with expectation then she lifted her head but instead of looking upward where the voice came from she turned to stare at the boy whose voice intrigued her so much.
Piercing eyes of the most amazing shade of blue bored into hers with fierce cunning and intelligence before they flickered widening with recognition. Suddenly his lids lowered guardedly. He pivoted on his heel and left the room. For a moment she felt a crack in his shields there was joy then an overwhelming sense of aloneness before it drifted away as if it never was leaving her disoriented. Gathering her composure she turned back slowly moving forward until the light shown directly on her then she tilted her face up at the shadowed figure on the walkway. Her voice was a weak raspy whisper, but she forced herself to continue.
"Hello, Dr. J it's good to see you again."
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
They were walking companionably toward the cars when he paused touching her arm to draw her attention. Glancing pointedly at the guards and the aides they moved to a discreet distance. Close enough to protect, yet far enough to give the minister the privacy he desired.
"Relena. Thank you." She tilted her head puzzled. "I had a good time tonight." She smiled nodding in agreement. He hesitantly lifted a hand brushing a strand of loosened hair back. "I sometimes forget to stop and appreciate the life it's just."
She lifted her hand and clasped his shaking her head. "No, it has to be said. I know in part some of the distance is my fault and your mothers we.. you needed us to be there and somehow we failed. There was always something that needed our attention when our first priority should have been to you. I always thought tomorrow.. But the tomorrows kept getting further away." Something must have shown in her face because he smiled tenderly. "Now those tomorrows are gone. I know; it's too late to convince you of our parenting skills but hopefully it's never too late for friends."
Relena smiled sadly. He knew it wouldn't be easy it would take time he sighed mentally. "We'll take one day at a time. Would you like them to drop you at the hotel?" She looked around at his entourage shifting impatiently as they waited she shook her head making a dismissing gesture with her hand.
The aide smiled, "sir we can give your daughter a tour. If she would like?" She looked eagerly toward him and smiled hopefully.
"Relena," he began. Her hands clasped together her eyes pleaded. He nodded looking at the aide, "that would be most appreciative. My daughter has wanted to see something of the Colonies for a long time."
He bowed slightly, "then we will make it a visit she will treasure."
He turned back almost as if to say something then smiled awkwardly, "have a good time."
Two aides split off from the group and stayed behind the rest moved toward the front limo. The aide stepped forward and smiled, "I'm William Green and this somewhat solemn soul is Michael Kurry. Is there anything in particular you would like to see Miss Relena?" She shook her head smiling.
"All right then, we'll try to fit in as much as we can," he stepped aside gesturing to the second car. They fell into step beside her. There was a pop. Relena half turned then light and heat spread out enveloping everything in the vicinity. She slammed into the ground with enough force that her head bounced twice against the walkway.
"Miss Relena! Miss Relena, can you hear me?" Relena blinked dazedly meeting his eyes hesitantly she nodded then wished she hadn't the pounding in her head made it feel like her skull was going to explode. She lifted a shaky hand to her head tentatively feeling out the sticky wetness. William knelt staring worriedly at the wound on her head she nodded reassuringly. He moved on to Michael. She winced pushing herself up. Dazed she turned then gaped in horror toward what was left of the car. Without thought she moved toward the car smoke burned her lungs. Dust and debris stung her eyes. Blood trickled from various cuts and abrasions.
Mr. Kurry was helped up weaving on his feet he was coherent enough to understand the implications. "O God, o my God the Minister! No, Miss Relena stay back!" Suddenly a secondary explosion rocked the ground sending her stumbling backward she threw her arm across her face as a wave of heat rolled over her again. Tears flowed as she silently grieved for yet another casualty in the travesty that seemed to be her life.
The next few minutes seemed to happen in slow motion brief flashes of motion that seemed to occur as if the shutter of a camera recorded them all indelibly burning them into her mind.
The sound of a revving engine and the squeal of tires.
Sirens screaming in the distance.
The sound of shattering glass followed the pings and pops of bullets slamming into surrounding cars. Bits and pieces of concrete flying as bullets slammed into the sidewalk.
Michael Kurry spun around their eyes met and held hers horror. His surprise then disbelief as three red spots grew in size across his chest as he fell. William spun toward her and cried out her name. William of the twinkling eyes, the merry smile tried to reach her as two bullets cut short his selfless act, one above his heart the other his head jerking him around and throwing him away from her.
Relena turned so slowly as if her body were weighed down beyond her capabilities in the direction the gunfire originated. Even through the smoke and haze her gaze bore into the figure glaring at her over the gun and the distance between them closed as her eyes narrowed memorizing the face responsible for the death and destruction around them.
She grit her teeth as the pain exploded behind her eyes. Relena fought it. Right up until she was yanked back, to that night so many years ago and the last face she saw before Relena Peacecraft for all intense purposes died along with her family. Eyes staring blindly fixed at the horror before her and within cleared. They stared at one another through the hail of bullets growing increasing closer to her then the moment of recognition between them clicked. Relena's eyes flashed angrily. Anne she was called. She could hear herself scream hoarse angry then for the second time that day Relena slammed into the concrete this time she didn't get up.
Working his way through the booths of the market, Duo soaked up the laughter and the light conversations, letting the sights the sounds even the smells flow around him as a soothing balm. He looked upward, enjoying the warm sense of belonging and contentment temporary as it was storing it up for the rougher times ahead. Violet-hued eyes narrowed, a faint smoke trail drifted upward, automatically he plotted the approximate location. Curious, he started toward it. Suddenly, a black ball rolled upward he started walking faster, then jogging when he cleared the market he was running. By the time he hit the street where it was located he arrived in time for a front row seat.
The van that slid around the corner finished off the two men. All that was left was the girl. She stood there, glaring at her attackers with a steely determination that if the situation hadn't been so serious, he would have chucked her on the chin and cheered her on himself. Her hair was escaping the confines of the ribbon she had tied around it, and now framed her dirt-streaked, blood-smeared face in loose strands. Her hands were clenched at her sides, her posture betrayed shock and exhaustion, and it was pretty obvious sheer will held her upright.
She was a pretty little thing he mused, innocent looking his brow furrowed worriedly. It was that damn innocent bravado that reminded him too much of things he tried so hard to forget, and harder still to prevent from happening again. He turned away, he couldn't get involved he was too close to leaving. The others were already gone, he had just stayed around to see what Heero's hi tech zero system could really do.
"Fuck."
His jaw clenched the muscle working furiously. "Dammit." He swung back and started running, it was a race to see who got her first the bullets or him, because it looked like she had no intentions of giving way to save her own stubborn neck. Duo slammed into her slight body aw hell he knew she looked small but he hadn't realized just how petite she was. He turned them trying to take the brunt of the fall himself. He felt her stiffen then relax letting her body go with the motion as he rolled them out of range. Duo came up braced over her he stared coldly at the van as it spun heading back for another pass. When he glanced down, his eyes shifted softening he smiled humorously, trying to ease her frightened expression. "You looked like you could use some help." At the sound of slamming doors he offered her his hand.
Relena stared at him in confusion, there was a distance in her brilliant blue eyes that was eerie. She took his offered hand but when he went to help her up. She tightened her grasp, pulling his hand against her. Her pupils expanded, empty eyes stared blindly into his, the stillness of her gaze was so compelling he missed the slight brush against his mind. Too late he tried to block her, their minds merged in a series of flashes as she found what she sought.
His expression hardened with determination he glared down at her. She smiled apologetically. Tightening her hand, as if she knew he meant to pull away, Duo felt it again he tried to fight her. He felt a dissolving, the absence. A slight tingle. The first image blinded him. Then he started the process of learning about the girl before him. 'She had invaded his mind something she regretted something he knew she rarely did but her need to know if she could trust him was so great. How do I know that his mind whispered?' A light touch within? An apology. She returned the favor with her own trust. He jerked away pulling himself mentally and physically from her grasp. 'Shit.' He felt like they had been here for ages when in reality it was mere seconds.
"Shit. Relena Darlian, as in Vice Foreign Minister Darlian's daughter?" He could read the confirmation in her eyes. "Shit, he muttered, "the things I get myself into." He pulled her up, "lets go Lena before they try to shish kebab ya again." He glanced up, they had started around the burning vehicles and were running toward them.
Damn they were out in the open he cupped her face, "are you ok?" Her fingers touched her head wound gingerly she nodded. "Are you sure because we're going to have to make a run for it?" Her face blanked he watched her expression turn inward for a second then she met his eyes determinedly. "Ok babe, here we go try and stay with me a bit longer and I'll get you to a hospital."
They crouched as he pulled his gun, her eyes widened for a moment then met his gaze with one of trust. He grinned. She felt herself smile back then he turned and fired off a couple of shots before grabbing her hand pulling her across the square. They flinched as a spray of bullets exploded around them, but still he pulled her along as they zig zagged their way around the building and into an alley. Relena felt his wave of relief, as the sirens grew louder. For the moment the shooting stopped. She strained her senses the sound of pursuit continued.
He tugged her down another alley, then jerked her down behind a dumpster. She stared at him curiously, she was breathing like she had run for miles. He was barely winded. Relena froze holding her breath. She listened as they grew closer passing right by where they crouched then kept going. They stayed there waiting in silence, and then he turned apparently satisfied for the moment and smiled reassuringly. Gesturing for quiet he pointed. She nodded following him in a quiet jog as long as she could before the stitch in her side became unbearable. She tugged on his hand.
He glanced back, "tired?" She blew a winded breath outward and nodded regretfully. "Hey if you weren't I'd worry about you." He tilted his head, "you don't talk much do you?" She shrugged.
He grinned sliding his gun back into his pants he took her arm and drew it around his waist taking some of her weight onto him. "Well that's alight I've been told I talk enough for three people anyway." Relena sighed finding his endless chatter soothing, she gave him all the support she could as he helped her shuffle along.
"Ok gorgeous, we're almost there. At the end of this street is the hospital and they can help you allot more than I can. OK?" She met his look in a combination of gratitude and relief.
"You'll understand why er," he coughed, "I can't go any further." She smiled ruefully. Duo smiled relieved, "that 'a girl. Hey you're alright for one of those rich elitist types." Her lips twitched in amusement despite her pain and exhaustion. They came out of the ally and onto the sidewalk he drew her to a stop. "You sure you'll make it alright from here?"
Relena stiffly straightened gazing in relief at the red flickering lights of the arriving ambulance. She turned to him and smiled reassuringly. He nodded, "go I'll watch from here to make sure you get there ok. When you get inside start screaming for the cops. Got it?" She nodded.
He watched her cross the street, and warily approached the emergency entrance she paused glancing back. Relena lifted her hand then disappeared within. He winced feeling every bump and scrape he took from his close encounter with the walkway. He had just turned away, when caught a flash of movement from the corner of his eye. Stepping back out of sight, he watched the two bookends that were trying to turn them into Swiss cheese head for the hospital. This time, they apparently brought along a brain with them, she was dressed casually but she moved like military it was obvious she was held their leash.
Duo groaned, "Aw hell there goes keeping my involvement a secret. Heero is going kill me."
Relena turned her head as the door opened, when she saw the doctor's coat she resumed staring out the window. Until a lock click sounded loudly in the room. Her head turned back in dread. Slowly, the face became visible. Her mouth dropped. "Miss me?" Relena eyes widened worriedly she glanced toward the door. Duo tossed the compu pad down. "You scream for those cops yet?"
Relena swallowed, "going to.. get hem."
Duo frowned, "hey you hurt your throat?" She nodded because it was easier than the truth then winced as the pounding of her head increased. "We don't have time to wait guess who showed up out front?" Relena let him help her up.
Duo frowned; I was planning on going out the window that's not going to work. Hang on." He opened the door looked both ways. "I'll be right back." He left as quietly as he came.
A few moments later he slipped back inside. "Their at the front desk now," he tossed her some scrubs. "Dress now." He spun around giving her his back.
"Finished?"
"Almost," she croaked. She moved forward touching his shoulder. He spun around pulled the door open looking both ways then motioned her forward slapping the bed he helped on then covered her completely. She pulled the covers off her face frowning.
He smirked, "don't breath." Before covering her once more. It was the longest ride of her life, as she lay there listening to him cheerfully whistle, breathing she decided really wasn't a problem. It felt, like she held it the entire way.
"Hey you! Hey, where are you going with that?"Her hands clenched in the bed. Relena gasped, when the bed picked up speed she felt it tilt and squeezed her eyes closed preparing for new bruises. Suddenly the bed jerked to a stop Duo yanked the sheet off.
"OK, one ride per customer. Next time it's my turn." Duo lifted her down and winced at her bare feet, "good thing it's considered summer here." They took off across the street then moved into the sheltering shadows of the alley. Then stood pressed against the wall. A few seconds later, the two men ran out the door looking both ways. A moment later, the woman followed at a more measured pace. Relena hissed. Duo glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, "a friend on yours?" She shot him a blistering stare. Duo whistled.
He looked down the ally in resignation they were going to have to do this the hard way. "Come on, let's book." He kept her moving, not allowing her to stop until they had followed the alley sixty feet back from the street. Nudging her into a doorway, he studied her pale face intently trying to gauge how she really was. It didn't look like medical personnel had gotten very far in treating her injuries. He wanted to keep moving they could still be watching for her lets face it by now it was probably all over the news they couldn't stay in one place long but he couldn't afford to carry her either. That would leave them vulnerable.
"Can you keep going?" he asked urgently. "We can't stay here much longer." A weary expression crossed her face, pain and exhaustion began catching up with her. Shoulders drooped, as she dabbed at the moisture on her brow with the back of her arm. "Come on, it's not much farther," he took her hand and started walking backwards. "I'll have the doc check you out, we'll get you some shoes maybe.. I mean personally I like that shade of glittery blue on your toenails it really brings out your eyes." She stopped a cross between a cough and a laugh slipping out. He smiled. She blushed shaking her head. "Seriously, its not much further," he coaxed.
Heero's eyes lifted from his laptop and stared fixedly at the door. A moment passed, then another, before the faint sounds of someone approaching was heard. Dr. J stood there in shrouded silence then began without preamble, "why hasn't Maxwell left yet?"
Heero shrugged noncommittally. "Who knows why he does anything that he does. As long as he completes his missions without screwing up I don't care about his personal business."
With only casual interest he asked, "have you seen the colony news?"
Heero searched his face intently something flickered in his eyes but other than that his expression remained one of curiosity and irritation. "I have been going over the readouts of Zero if everything checks their installing it tomorrow," was his uninflected response. Heero's eyes narrowed. 'Was that relief?'
"They have started killing prominent politicians, Maxwell should leave as soon as he returns."
"Hn."
Dr. J turned away when Heero's next question stopped him. "Who was killed?"
"Five colony delegates in various locations, as well as Vice Foreign Minister Darlian. He was killed in a car bomb at a local restaurant, where he was reputedly having lunch with his daughter. It's begun."
At last, their destination loomed before them; Duo tripped the lock on a nondescript door in the warehouse district. Guiding her through, he squeezed in after her hurrying her through empty offices. He stopped before they entered the elevator.
"OK, your name is Lena that will protect your privacy," he smiled winningly, "and this." He pulled out a scrap of cloth, "is to make sure you stay alive." He took her arm and went to turn her.
She pulled back with a hurt expression. "Ah, don't be that way. Some of these people, are seriously paranoid on a scale you can't even begin to comprehend. Once, we step into that elevator every move, every sound will be scrutinized three ways from Sunday. Trust me please, one more time?" She held out her hand, they stood there staring at each other he placed his hand in hers and bit by bit he let her see behind his walls. He was tired, he was hurt, worried about her and something--someone.. she couldn't quite grasp. She sighed breaking off her mental probe she couldn't add any more of a burden onto his shoulders than there was.
She smiled trustingly and turned. "Thanks Lena, we're almost through with the dramatics hang on a few minutes longer." He gently covered her eyes then moved to guided her into the elevator she stopped him.
"Thank you," she whispered then followed him in. Relena shivered leaning tiredly against the elevator wall something of Duo's anxiety was affecting her. Without her eyes, her ears and other senses supplied the answers for what was going on around her. She could hear pings like those on the security system at her house. Then she sensed movement she could feel a downward pull. The silence stretched between them, each lost in their own thoughts. Now that she had a chance to catch her breath, her injuries were one by one making a nuisance of themselves.
Relena rubbed her temple gently, the continued ache of the cut at the front of her head and lump at the back seemed in a competition to see which one could throb the most. Her legs ached, feeling like limp spaghetti. She slid down the wall to sit on the floor the metal surface offered a cool relief against the various cuts and abrasions that seemed to cover her body.
"Lena?" She heard the concern in his voice as if from a deep well her body felt like one big wound. With that thought she cringed at least she had survived. Her father was gone another good man sacrificed. On the heels of that one her mother's image surfaced in her mind. 'O god, poor Helen she had tried so. How could she go back and face her?'
"Duo, I don't feel so good," she rasped her voice still hoarse from disuse. She leaned her head against her knee. His voice grew fuzzier and farther away. Distantly, she felt herself floating or was she lifted? A small corner of her mind, still processing things noted the air stir across her arms, the rhythm of movement there fore she reasoned they had left from the elevator. Belatedly, she stirred to protest. She could walk. For as long as she could remember she had taken care of herself. Leaned on no one.
The pounding, now resembled a school band banging away within her head. She felt Duo's emotions surge strongly and whatever had caused it Relena decided she would just as soon face it on her feet. She clenched her teeth and fought her way upward her hand felt along his shirt and fisted in the material. "Easy," he murmured.
Still she pulled herself into an upright position in his arms swallowing against the nausea. "Here's a friend of mine, he's not big on manners but he wont bite. I hope," he muttered. "Let me do the talking."
She drew a calming breath trying to focus there was an odd shifting she felt a moment of déjà vu. Her head hurt so badly this was the last thing she needed to be doing but there was something familiar just beyond her... Imagining a still pond, she centered herself shutting out everything, narrowing her focus to concentrate on the person approaching. Then stretching her senses she imagined a drop landing in the center of the still surface and spreading outward.
It was just sensations at first steely resolve, then a resolute patience that astounded her. "This had better be good." When he spoke her head swung toward him and a shiver worked its way through her body his voice was young soft but carried an air of authority and self-assurance she had never sensed before in one so young. It was the kind of voice one would pay to hear him read a dictionary if he could be persuaded. Something told her not many dared to even suggest it.
Aw, come on man. Can't you see she's hurt?
"That's why there are hospitals." Relena felt Duo shift abruptly then start walking again. Her ears strained for any sign of the other boy but couldn't hear or feel anything there was an unnatural stillness now that she couldn't penetrate they both were guarding their thoughts and feelings too carefully now.
"She can't go there."
"Who is she?"
"This is Lena."
"We don't have time for one of your strays," he said without inflection. "Get rid of her."
"No. Now are you going to get him or am I?"
"Does she know who you are? What you are?" His tone dropped sounding dangerous. Relena felt a slight ripple from Duo as he hesitated he must have recognized it as well.
"I'd like to know the answer to that myself," the third voice said dryly.
Her eyes widened behind the cloth weakly she pushed against Duo's chest and after a moments hesitation was lowered to the floor. He kept his hand on her arm to steady her. She lowered her head, reaching up she pulled the cloth away from her eyes letting her hair fall forward in a disheveled mass that hid her face. The silence grew heavy with expectation then she lifted her head but instead of looking upward where the voice came from she turned to stare at the boy whose voice intrigued her so much.
Piercing eyes of the most amazing shade of blue bored into hers with fierce cunning and intelligence before they flickered widening with recognition. Suddenly his lids lowered guardedly. He pivoted on his heel and left the room. For a moment she felt a crack in his shields there was joy then an overwhelming sense of aloneness before it drifted away as if it never was leaving her disoriented. Gathering her composure she turned back slowly moving forward until the light shown directly on her then she tilted her face up at the shadowed figure on the walkway. Her voice was a weak raspy whisper, but she forced herself to continue.
"Hello, Dr. J it's good to see you again."