AN: Last chapter folks. Thank you all for your kind reviews and your
patience, and most of all, thank you for reading. Please enjoy! ^_^
Chp.13
Dec. 23rd AC 198
Relena sighed contentedly as she switched off the vidphone. Christmas "Par- tay", as Duo had put it at his house, tomorrow.
Relena felt a true, genuine smile touch her lips as she thought of her friends. Trowa, Quatre, Duo, Catherine, Iria, Hilde, Sally...all these people she had come to know in the course of her years and become even closer with at the climax of the war.
And Heero. Still waiting, she thought with a little sigh. Perhaps she would see him at the party. He had been invited. But, in the words of Duo himself;
*******
"Who knows if he'll come." Duo sighed, referring to Wufei.
Heero nodded as Duo finished naming the people he invited to his Christmas party. It was also where Duo was going to announce his upcoming wedding. Naturally, he wanted everyone to be there.
"Oh yeah! " Duo said boinking himself on the head. "I also invited Relena!"
Heero, who had been taking a drink, suddenly started coughing and sputtering. Duo's inner mischievous grin widened considerably at Heero's reaction. His face, of course, mirrored that of unknowing innocence and concern.
"Why, Heero, are you ok?" Duo said his brows drawing together, although his primary thought was 'Damn I'm good.'
Heero could have kicked himself for showing such an obvious outside reaction to the mere mention of Relena's name, but to be honest, he really hadn't been expecting it. Panic began to overtake his senses. He didn't think he was ready to see her again.
During the time he was away from Relena, he was trying to learn to be someone who let their emotions shine through, to be more sensitive and open, so he wouldn't fail her. Unfortunately he *was* failing. Miserably. And when he decided to pursue his relationship with Relena, he wanted it to be perfect. So he did the only thing he could, although it made him ashamed to do so.
"I'm afraid I can't come to the party Duo" Heero said after clearing his throat.
A genuine look of disappointment overtook Duo's features. He quickly wiped it away though. After all, he knew that by inviting Relena he risked this kind of response from Heero. Perhaps he had overestimated how much their romance had developed. Or how soft Heero had gotten. He put his grin back on. Heero would probably be there in one way or another. Secretiveness was his nature.
"Well, we'll miss ya at the party but don't sweat it. But if you miss my wedding, I'll kill you."
"Well," Heero said with a smirk " I wonder who *you* sound like."
A deep chuckle was Duo's response. Heero was relieved. He was also willing to bet his famed spandex shorts that Duo knew, no matter what he said, he would be at that party.
'The funny thing is, he's right.' Heero mused before resuming his male bantering with his best friend. 'Best friend.how nice.'
*****
The Foreign Minister was in blind panic- She was going to be.LATE! Trying to fasten her little silver watch and slip on her heels at the same time she opened her door to leave, entirely unprepared for the surprise she found there. She froze as she stared at the face of the person at the front door. His fist was poised in the air, stopped before it could knock on the door.
"Millardo" Relena breathed.
He looked at her for a moment, marking the changes her face had undertaken during the years.
"I'm home" he smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling the exact way hers did.
Tears began to well up as she fell into his easy embrace.
"I thought you were gone for good! You disappeared the first time, and then you left after the Mariemaia incident! I just...I thought you didn't want a little sister anymore!" she cried.
"I just had to get some things settled, that's all." He assured her gently.
"I just can't believe you're here...it's been so long."
It was then that Relena chose to look at her watch. "Eep! And it's going to be longer! I am so late!" She jerked her gaze back to her brother. "Wanna come? It's a Christmas party. All the Gundam team will be there. I'm sure they won't mind if you tag along, Millardo."
Zechs smiled at the sound of his old name. He had always kept his fighting name, but Relena still called him by the name she did so many years ago. He yawned, his long trip weighing heavily on him. "I think I'll pass."
Relena fixed him with a stern look. "Then you stay here. I have lots of food and an extra room. And when I get back you're going to explain to me why you felt it was okay to disappear for two years without so much as a "See you soon"! But now I really must be going."
She gave her brother a quick peck on the cheek, something that she had always wanted to do, but her life never had room for. She made to leave, but stopped suddenly, lingering. "It's so good to see you."
Zechs knew she was afraid that he would leave again.
"Don't worry Relena. I'll be here when you get back."
Relena just gave him this ghost of a smile and she was off like a flash down the hall. As Zechs entered the apartment he fiddled with his wedding band. Relena had grown up so well without him. She had matured wonderfully and had spirit and strength that no other could rival. And now she could stand on her own two feet without an older brother as a crutch. Mission Accomplished.
***** Relena rang the doorbell and stepped back. Nothing could spoil tonight. Her brother's return had assured that. Duo opened the door, the biggest grin Relena had ever witnessed plastered on his face.
"Hey, hot stuff!" He greeted her good naturedly, "Come on in and join the party!"
Relena smiled and walked in . "Relena!" She heard someone squeal, a blue blur attached itself into her left arm.
"Hilde! How's it going! I haven't seen you in weeks!"
"I know!" Hilde exclaimed, looping her arm through Relena's as she led her into the main room.
There Relena saw all the familiar faces. all except for Heero's. She sighed. Oh well. Life was never perfect. She smiled slightly as she observed the stern Chinese man standing stiffly next to Sally. So the famed Wufei had actually shown.
"I was surprised too" Quatre said coming behind her.
Relena turned to him a bright smile in place. Quatre stood next to her quietly, keeping her company in the room full of people. "Don't worry Relena, he'll come back to you." he said gently, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"I know. The only thing I'm worried about is if it will be too late." The comment lingered in the air, unpleasant but true.
Relena immediately regretted her serious response. "I mean, I only have so many years before menopause!" She joked trying to neutralize her comment.
Lucky for her it worked. Or perhaps Quatre was just playing along. He took her by the elbow and steered her toward Trowa and Catherine.
"Come on, Relena. If there's one thing you haven't learned yet with all your diplomatic training, it's how to mingle." Relena allowed herself a rich full laugh that seemed to cleanse her of her wariness at Heero's absence. She had faith in him. He would only make her wait as long as he had to.
*******
Heero observed the party through the huge windows. He was outside, in Duo's garden, hiding away in the gazebo like the idiot he was. This was his best solution between the two possibilities he was caught between- missing the announcement of the wedding, and getting Relena's hopes up. Somehow, this had seemed to be the middle ground. How it made sense before, he'd never guess, but he was feeling pretty stupid now that he was putting that plan in action.
He watched his companions laugh and joke through the frosty windows. He didn't feel the cold, something his training allowed him to do. But despite this fact, he shivered, the contrast of the warm bright window to the inky night making him feel chilly. Ah well, he still had the stars to keep him company.
*****
Relena gently fanned herself, the heat in the room making her feel stuffy.
"Duo." she called to her host, across the room.
"Yeah?" He answered her.
"I'm gonna step outside for a minute and get some air!"
"Sure thing!" Duo said cheerily "The door's unlocked!"
Relena opened the door softly and stepped out onto the little stone path. She rubbed her arms vigorously as goose bumps pebbled her arms. Despite the temperature, she walked on, getting a much-needed breather from the festivities.
She followed the path until it reached a neat gazebo. She stepped inside and immediately knew there was another presence. She felt a small tingle of fear. "Who's there?" She called out uneasily.
'Dammit,' Heero thought, 'if only I hadn't been so engrossed in my thoughts I'd have heard her coming. And now she's scared. Great Yuy, another fine mess you've made. Now you're forced to reveal yourself.'
"Relena." He stated in monotone, his breath making a cloud in the night air.
"Heero? Is that you!? What are you doing here instead of inside!?" She asked, worry evident in her voice.
Heero didn't answer, merely watched her. Relena sighed and took a seat next to him. He was being solitary, she knew.
"Pretty sky." She observed and received a grunt of agreement. It was then she heard the song. Duo's oldies drifted over the chilled silence, reaching the pair in the gazebo. Relena didn't recognize the tune so she could bet it was one of his classics. The guitar was acoustic and the singer was soft and sad. Her heart tugged at the emotion of the song.
"Wanna dance, Heero?" She whispered gently.
She was surprised when he took her hand in his and gave it a little tug to pull her up with him. He put his arms around her waist and she wrapped hers loosely around his neck as they danced quietly in Duo's yard. She closed her eyes as the strains of melody crested and dipped, pulling her into a world of her own, where all that existed was Heero's arms around her, the feel of his warmth surrounding her.
It was then she heard him speak. It was barely a whisper, hardly even there. But the words screamed at her.
"I love you."
Heero heard himself whisper his hidden sentiment. Damn...how had he let that one slip? And then it got worse, because he kept on talking. "I don't deserve you. You should have someone that can love you better than I can. But it doesn't change the fact, that I am.*completely* in love with you."
He kept dancing, a wonder to him, because his mind was frozen. He had just poured his heart out to her. What would she say?
"Heero...."She said shakily, tears filling her eyes, hidden from his view by his chest. "I don't want anyone else, because. I love you, too."
It was then that he stopped. He could not have heard her right. Joy sung through his veins, making him lightheaded. What had he done to deserve this? For this wonderful human being to reciprocate his feelings...it was more than he could hope.
He tipped her face up to look at him. Her eyes were shining with tears, telling him the secrets of her heart. He wiped a few crystalline drops away, feeling very much like he had the first time he had seen her.
Beautiful had been the only thing he could think then. Now, that, and a thousand other adjectives that described the wonder in front of him ran through his head. Before he knew what he was doing he had bent down slightly to brush her lips with his own. Tiny prickles of cold hit his skin the minute their mouths touched. It was snowing. Like it had been that time he visited her at her house. The little flurries of white rained down from the heavens, tickling their bare skin. Heero tightened his hold in her before hauling her closer to him. It was then the door opened.
"So this is where you were, Heero! Quit making out with Relena here and come in and join the party!" Duo called a cheeky grin on his already happy face.
"I'll kill you, Maxwell." Heero growled as Relena jumped away, blushing bright red, looking about as guilty as a kid that had been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
"Yeah, yeah" Duo said unconcerned, waving his hand about "Now will you get in here and join the party!? *Before* you die of cold."
Relena glanced at Heero, a smile of affection gracing her features. There were little snowflakes caught in her hair and her cheeks and lips were rosy with his kisses and the cold, painting a picture he wasn't soon going to forget.
"Shall we Heero?"
Heero sent one last glare at Duo before turning to Relena and nodding. As they walked up the path he noticed Relena gazing at him.
"What?" He asked, his voice monotone, but a bit unnerved. She shook her head almost imperceptibly and sighed.
"Nothing...just thinking about what wonderful fights we're going to have." She said with an almost dreamy quality. Heero merely raised his eyebrow.
"It will keep the relationship interesting." She elaborated.
Heero smiled the tiniest bit and nodded. She was right about that. They'd have spectacular fights.
"Wait til my brother hears about this." She said offhandedly.
Heero grimaced. So much for the in-laws. She opened the door and turned to him, tilting her head a bit. "Shall we?" She repeated once again.
He smiled then. A real, warm, genuine smile. Anything for her. They would tease, make love, laugh, dance, argue, cook, read, talk and a million other things, for the rest of their lives. Because he loved her and she loved him. And, together, they would live.
"We shall." He said before giving her his arm and entering the laughing midst of people.
-Fin- ****
Thank you so much to Lady Saffir, whose kind e-mails were what kept me writing this series when it was first coming along, and to Figgy who not only hosted it, but had nothing but nice things to say about it. And thank you to *you*, for reading my little story. As my first romance, it has always been close to my heart, no matter how bad it is LOL, and I'm glad I could share it. Hopefully you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it.
Chp.13
Dec. 23rd AC 198
Relena sighed contentedly as she switched off the vidphone. Christmas "Par- tay", as Duo had put it at his house, tomorrow.
Relena felt a true, genuine smile touch her lips as she thought of her friends. Trowa, Quatre, Duo, Catherine, Iria, Hilde, Sally...all these people she had come to know in the course of her years and become even closer with at the climax of the war.
And Heero. Still waiting, she thought with a little sigh. Perhaps she would see him at the party. He had been invited. But, in the words of Duo himself;
*******
"Who knows if he'll come." Duo sighed, referring to Wufei.
Heero nodded as Duo finished naming the people he invited to his Christmas party. It was also where Duo was going to announce his upcoming wedding. Naturally, he wanted everyone to be there.
"Oh yeah! " Duo said boinking himself on the head. "I also invited Relena!"
Heero, who had been taking a drink, suddenly started coughing and sputtering. Duo's inner mischievous grin widened considerably at Heero's reaction. His face, of course, mirrored that of unknowing innocence and concern.
"Why, Heero, are you ok?" Duo said his brows drawing together, although his primary thought was 'Damn I'm good.'
Heero could have kicked himself for showing such an obvious outside reaction to the mere mention of Relena's name, but to be honest, he really hadn't been expecting it. Panic began to overtake his senses. He didn't think he was ready to see her again.
During the time he was away from Relena, he was trying to learn to be someone who let their emotions shine through, to be more sensitive and open, so he wouldn't fail her. Unfortunately he *was* failing. Miserably. And when he decided to pursue his relationship with Relena, he wanted it to be perfect. So he did the only thing he could, although it made him ashamed to do so.
"I'm afraid I can't come to the party Duo" Heero said after clearing his throat.
A genuine look of disappointment overtook Duo's features. He quickly wiped it away though. After all, he knew that by inviting Relena he risked this kind of response from Heero. Perhaps he had overestimated how much their romance had developed. Or how soft Heero had gotten. He put his grin back on. Heero would probably be there in one way or another. Secretiveness was his nature.
"Well, we'll miss ya at the party but don't sweat it. But if you miss my wedding, I'll kill you."
"Well," Heero said with a smirk " I wonder who *you* sound like."
A deep chuckle was Duo's response. Heero was relieved. He was also willing to bet his famed spandex shorts that Duo knew, no matter what he said, he would be at that party.
'The funny thing is, he's right.' Heero mused before resuming his male bantering with his best friend. 'Best friend.how nice.'
*****
The Foreign Minister was in blind panic- She was going to be.LATE! Trying to fasten her little silver watch and slip on her heels at the same time she opened her door to leave, entirely unprepared for the surprise she found there. She froze as she stared at the face of the person at the front door. His fist was poised in the air, stopped before it could knock on the door.
"Millardo" Relena breathed.
He looked at her for a moment, marking the changes her face had undertaken during the years.
"I'm home" he smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling the exact way hers did.
Tears began to well up as she fell into his easy embrace.
"I thought you were gone for good! You disappeared the first time, and then you left after the Mariemaia incident! I just...I thought you didn't want a little sister anymore!" she cried.
"I just had to get some things settled, that's all." He assured her gently.
"I just can't believe you're here...it's been so long."
It was then that Relena chose to look at her watch. "Eep! And it's going to be longer! I am so late!" She jerked her gaze back to her brother. "Wanna come? It's a Christmas party. All the Gundam team will be there. I'm sure they won't mind if you tag along, Millardo."
Zechs smiled at the sound of his old name. He had always kept his fighting name, but Relena still called him by the name she did so many years ago. He yawned, his long trip weighing heavily on him. "I think I'll pass."
Relena fixed him with a stern look. "Then you stay here. I have lots of food and an extra room. And when I get back you're going to explain to me why you felt it was okay to disappear for two years without so much as a "See you soon"! But now I really must be going."
She gave her brother a quick peck on the cheek, something that she had always wanted to do, but her life never had room for. She made to leave, but stopped suddenly, lingering. "It's so good to see you."
Zechs knew she was afraid that he would leave again.
"Don't worry Relena. I'll be here when you get back."
Relena just gave him this ghost of a smile and she was off like a flash down the hall. As Zechs entered the apartment he fiddled with his wedding band. Relena had grown up so well without him. She had matured wonderfully and had spirit and strength that no other could rival. And now she could stand on her own two feet without an older brother as a crutch. Mission Accomplished.
***** Relena rang the doorbell and stepped back. Nothing could spoil tonight. Her brother's return had assured that. Duo opened the door, the biggest grin Relena had ever witnessed plastered on his face.
"Hey, hot stuff!" He greeted her good naturedly, "Come on in and join the party!"
Relena smiled and walked in . "Relena!" She heard someone squeal, a blue blur attached itself into her left arm.
"Hilde! How's it going! I haven't seen you in weeks!"
"I know!" Hilde exclaimed, looping her arm through Relena's as she led her into the main room.
There Relena saw all the familiar faces. all except for Heero's. She sighed. Oh well. Life was never perfect. She smiled slightly as she observed the stern Chinese man standing stiffly next to Sally. So the famed Wufei had actually shown.
"I was surprised too" Quatre said coming behind her.
Relena turned to him a bright smile in place. Quatre stood next to her quietly, keeping her company in the room full of people. "Don't worry Relena, he'll come back to you." he said gently, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"I know. The only thing I'm worried about is if it will be too late." The comment lingered in the air, unpleasant but true.
Relena immediately regretted her serious response. "I mean, I only have so many years before menopause!" She joked trying to neutralize her comment.
Lucky for her it worked. Or perhaps Quatre was just playing along. He took her by the elbow and steered her toward Trowa and Catherine.
"Come on, Relena. If there's one thing you haven't learned yet with all your diplomatic training, it's how to mingle." Relena allowed herself a rich full laugh that seemed to cleanse her of her wariness at Heero's absence. She had faith in him. He would only make her wait as long as he had to.
*******
Heero observed the party through the huge windows. He was outside, in Duo's garden, hiding away in the gazebo like the idiot he was. This was his best solution between the two possibilities he was caught between- missing the announcement of the wedding, and getting Relena's hopes up. Somehow, this had seemed to be the middle ground. How it made sense before, he'd never guess, but he was feeling pretty stupid now that he was putting that plan in action.
He watched his companions laugh and joke through the frosty windows. He didn't feel the cold, something his training allowed him to do. But despite this fact, he shivered, the contrast of the warm bright window to the inky night making him feel chilly. Ah well, he still had the stars to keep him company.
*****
Relena gently fanned herself, the heat in the room making her feel stuffy.
"Duo." she called to her host, across the room.
"Yeah?" He answered her.
"I'm gonna step outside for a minute and get some air!"
"Sure thing!" Duo said cheerily "The door's unlocked!"
Relena opened the door softly and stepped out onto the little stone path. She rubbed her arms vigorously as goose bumps pebbled her arms. Despite the temperature, she walked on, getting a much-needed breather from the festivities.
She followed the path until it reached a neat gazebo. She stepped inside and immediately knew there was another presence. She felt a small tingle of fear. "Who's there?" She called out uneasily.
'Dammit,' Heero thought, 'if only I hadn't been so engrossed in my thoughts I'd have heard her coming. And now she's scared. Great Yuy, another fine mess you've made. Now you're forced to reveal yourself.'
"Relena." He stated in monotone, his breath making a cloud in the night air.
"Heero? Is that you!? What are you doing here instead of inside!?" She asked, worry evident in her voice.
Heero didn't answer, merely watched her. Relena sighed and took a seat next to him. He was being solitary, she knew.
"Pretty sky." She observed and received a grunt of agreement. It was then she heard the song. Duo's oldies drifted over the chilled silence, reaching the pair in the gazebo. Relena didn't recognize the tune so she could bet it was one of his classics. The guitar was acoustic and the singer was soft and sad. Her heart tugged at the emotion of the song.
"Wanna dance, Heero?" She whispered gently.
She was surprised when he took her hand in his and gave it a little tug to pull her up with him. He put his arms around her waist and she wrapped hers loosely around his neck as they danced quietly in Duo's yard. She closed her eyes as the strains of melody crested and dipped, pulling her into a world of her own, where all that existed was Heero's arms around her, the feel of his warmth surrounding her.
It was then she heard him speak. It was barely a whisper, hardly even there. But the words screamed at her.
"I love you."
Heero heard himself whisper his hidden sentiment. Damn...how had he let that one slip? And then it got worse, because he kept on talking. "I don't deserve you. You should have someone that can love you better than I can. But it doesn't change the fact, that I am.*completely* in love with you."
He kept dancing, a wonder to him, because his mind was frozen. He had just poured his heart out to her. What would she say?
"Heero...."She said shakily, tears filling her eyes, hidden from his view by his chest. "I don't want anyone else, because. I love you, too."
It was then that he stopped. He could not have heard her right. Joy sung through his veins, making him lightheaded. What had he done to deserve this? For this wonderful human being to reciprocate his feelings...it was more than he could hope.
He tipped her face up to look at him. Her eyes were shining with tears, telling him the secrets of her heart. He wiped a few crystalline drops away, feeling very much like he had the first time he had seen her.
Beautiful had been the only thing he could think then. Now, that, and a thousand other adjectives that described the wonder in front of him ran through his head. Before he knew what he was doing he had bent down slightly to brush her lips with his own. Tiny prickles of cold hit his skin the minute their mouths touched. It was snowing. Like it had been that time he visited her at her house. The little flurries of white rained down from the heavens, tickling their bare skin. Heero tightened his hold in her before hauling her closer to him. It was then the door opened.
"So this is where you were, Heero! Quit making out with Relena here and come in and join the party!" Duo called a cheeky grin on his already happy face.
"I'll kill you, Maxwell." Heero growled as Relena jumped away, blushing bright red, looking about as guilty as a kid that had been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
"Yeah, yeah" Duo said unconcerned, waving his hand about "Now will you get in here and join the party!? *Before* you die of cold."
Relena glanced at Heero, a smile of affection gracing her features. There were little snowflakes caught in her hair and her cheeks and lips were rosy with his kisses and the cold, painting a picture he wasn't soon going to forget.
"Shall we Heero?"
Heero sent one last glare at Duo before turning to Relena and nodding. As they walked up the path he noticed Relena gazing at him.
"What?" He asked, his voice monotone, but a bit unnerved. She shook her head almost imperceptibly and sighed.
"Nothing...just thinking about what wonderful fights we're going to have." She said with an almost dreamy quality. Heero merely raised his eyebrow.
"It will keep the relationship interesting." She elaborated.
Heero smiled the tiniest bit and nodded. She was right about that. They'd have spectacular fights.
"Wait til my brother hears about this." She said offhandedly.
Heero grimaced. So much for the in-laws. She opened the door and turned to him, tilting her head a bit. "Shall we?" She repeated once again.
He smiled then. A real, warm, genuine smile. Anything for her. They would tease, make love, laugh, dance, argue, cook, read, talk and a million other things, for the rest of their lives. Because he loved her and she loved him. And, together, they would live.
"We shall." He said before giving her his arm and entering the laughing midst of people.
-Fin- ****
Thank you so much to Lady Saffir, whose kind e-mails were what kept me writing this series when it was first coming along, and to Figgy who not only hosted it, but had nothing but nice things to say about it. And thank you to *you*, for reading my little story. As my first romance, it has always been close to my heart, no matter how bad it is LOL, and I'm glad I could share it. Hopefully you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it.
