A/N: Hey ya'll! We're back for yet another chapter. I AM SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SORRY THAT IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO GET THIS OUT! It is all my fault! I had writers' block, then a million projects piled on me, then tons of tests and sports practices and yeah...yeah...excuses. I know. But, I just had no time! Now, however, I am on Summer Break and Chick is too! Thank you so much for your patience! But...moving on...

We would like to thank all of our faithful readers!! We wouldn't be this far without you!!!

Disclaimer:

MUSE: *sneaks in classroom and binds and gags the teacher* Class, I will be your new teacher so repeat after me. "Chick does not own Heero. Muse owns Duo!"

CLASS: Nuh huh! You don't own Duo! Big powerful companies do!

MUSE: That's ludicrous you stupid kids! Of course I own him!

CHICK: And I own Heero!

MUSE: Now that's an outright lie.

*The teacher, bound and gagged, worms across the floor, under her desks, and somehow manages to hit the lil' red alert button with her head*

*The police barge in*

POLICE: Oh no, not these idiots again! Get 'em in the straight jackets.

*Muse and Chick look at each other in horror*

MUSE AND CHICK: Heero! Duo! HEEEEEE-------------

*Both authoresses are tied up and taken to the insane asylum*

(Extra Note: In this fic, we have taken the liberty to assume that Heero lived with the Peacecrafts in their mansion so as to protect her with more efficiency.)


WARNING: As POV's change, so does the time frame. I can't show you the views of every character simultaneously, but I think that you can pick out who is in what time frame. Trust me ^_^

Also, this chapter gets VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY sappy at the end. But, you can't have too much sap, right? ^_^

~*~*~

RELENA'S POV

"No...stop it...let me go..." my words hoarsely left my throat. "Stop it, Hector...leave me alone..."

Despite my desperate pleas, the crazed Spaniard sharpened the knife on the metal table, letting a metallic sound fill the room. Weakly struggling against my binds, I found myself to be strapped down tightly with wire cords that dug into my skin at every tug. All of my body was clothed, except for my stomach where my shirt had been lifted up. Hector was planning on torturing me as punishment for having been rescued. Pure terror nearly blinded me as he approached, cackling cruelly. One hand held the sharp knife, and the other clutched long needles.

"We're gonna have a h*** of a time," he chortled. As he approached, my frail body struggled harder.

"Heero," I cried. "Please, Heero, where are you?" Tears clouded my vision as the knife and needles lowered to my abdomen. My shrill screams resounded against the steel walls, and the haunting laugh of my captor mingled with them. "Heero!"

~*~*~

HEERO'S POV

Panic flooded through my veins at the sound of her screams. Adrenaline took hold of my senses, and jumping up from my current position of lying on my bed, fully clothed, I sprinted out of my room. Running down the hallways, I finally arrived at her room. Throwing the door open, my eyes scanned the room for a flash of golden hair or creamy skin. Rather, they met an empty bed, which had the covers disheveled and twisted, half in the floor. Grabbing my gun from the hilt of my belt, I clicked off the safety and cocked it. Listening intently for another scream that would signal her position to me, I stealthily tip toed around her room. No evidence of a struggle besides the unkempt sheets, but she was gone. 'Relena, where are you?' I thought frantically. Loud footsteps brought me out of my trance.

"Heero, where is she? What's going on?" Zechs asked with urgency.

"I don't know; I don't see anything here, though," I answered. Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck pricked and my blood ran cold as I heard her melodious voice shriek my name. Zechs and I took off at a rapid pace, running towards her. 'Keep screaming,' I pleaded with her, praying that she could somehow hear my thoughts. 'Let me know where you are.'

Following the horror filled voice, I approached the stairs. Not taking the time to run down them, I sat on the banister and slid. At the end of the stairs, I dashed to the kitchen. My eyes were shocked at the sight they met.

Lying on the linoleum floor was Relena, writhing and sobbing. Her hair was tangled around her shoulders and face that was streaked with her salty tears. Kneeling down beside her, I gently touched her shoulder. I had to jump back quickly as her small hand swung out to strike me. Deciding to be a little more forceful, despite my awareness of Zech's and others standing behind me due to their footsteps, I straddled her body and seized her wrists as gently as possible and pinned her to the floor.

"Relena, wake up. It's only a dream. Wake up, Relena." Slowly, she opened her eyes, and they widened as she met mine.

"Help me, Heero." Her words were slightly strangled as they came out. I lifted myself off of her, and scooped my arms under her petite frame. As I held her behind her back and under her knees, she wrapped her still bruised arms around my neck tightly, burying her face under my chin. I could feel warm drops of liquid streaming down my neck. I brushed past the observers and carried Relena to her room.

I walked into her plush room, and kicked the door shut. Her sobs had faded to whimpers, though her chest still heaved with her attempts in controlling her breathing. Laying her upon her silken bed and covering her frail body, I debated on my next actions. Before I could decide what to do, her meek voice peeped up.

"Heero, stay with me?" Fear was evident in her choking voice, and guilt gripped my heart. I laid down beside her, on top of the covers so as to prevent any indecent situation, and put my arm around her. Immediately, she snuggled closer to my side. I felt her body arch slightly as it inhaled a deep breath, and she began to speak.

~*~*~

RELENA'S POV

I woke up in my bed from a somewhat more peaceful sleep than I had been having for the past week, since I was rescued from Hector. Attempting to turn over in my sleep, I felt something inhibiting my motion. Looking down at my waist…an arm! I jerked my head to see behind me, and I saw him.

Heero.

His sleep was undisturbed, and must have been pleasant, due to the slight smile that graced his lips. I lifted his arm a bit, and turned so that I could face him. Studying the strong lines and relaxed features, I found him absolutely beautiful. Here was the man who was willing to risk his life to save me, and I would forever be grateful.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice that the olive skinned lids had retracted to reveal two eyes whose blueness was challenging to even the purest sapphire. I didn't notice, that is, until a sigh escaped from those lips that my eyes were glued to...

Hearing the deep breath flee his lungs, I jumped in embarrassment. I could feel the pink of my cheeks broadening to cover my face, even up to the roots of my hair. A small chuckle sang in my ears at my blushing, and the bell like sound produced a smile from myself.

"Thank you…for staying with me last night. And listening to me," I whispered. My words were sincere—he had stayed awake half the night to listen to my hysterical sobs and ramblings about my whole experience with Hector. The fear, the forcefulness, the abuse…he listened to it all patiently, rubbing small circles on the small of my back in comfort. His thoughtfulness and patience did nothing more than to reinforce my already resilient love for him A constant love that had taken six years to slowly cultivate itself into the present product. In response to my gratitude, his head slowly nodded.

Raising his disheveled, chocolate locks and body to a sitting up position, he swung his legs over the side of the bed. A calloused hand ran through his hair as he stood up, and he turned look into my eyes.

"Get up, Relena. You'll want to take a shower before we leave, don't you?" I'm sure my eyes showed their confusion at his command.

"P-pardon? Leave? Where to?"

"Out," he answered curtly, before walking out of the room. When he reached the door, he paused. "Be ready in about two hours." And he shut the door. I stared for a second, trying to comprehend his reasoning. Brushing my inquiries aside, I rose to do as he said, take a shower.

~*~*~

ZECH'S POV

Rubbing my head, I tried to control my anger. Only moments ago had Relena been crying on the linoleum floor of the kitchen. In the arms of Heero Yuy. I contorted my features in disgust as my hands ran through my hair. I hated the fact that she loved him, the perfect soldier. Worst than that, I hated that he actually cared for her in return, whether or not his feelings be true love. My fear of him hurting Relena overpowered any happiness I had that they both shared requited feelings of compassion and love to some degree. I let a groan out into the cold air, forgetting about the other soul lying in my bed that I currently was sitting on. A slim hand on my shoulder startled me slightly, but I turned to the beauty who had touched me with a smile on my face, despite my present inner turmoil. Her lips parted to reveal perfect teeth as she beamed at my loving glance. Then her smile faded, as she sighed.

"Zechs, I love you. I told you long ago that I would stand beside you forever. I told you that before you ever loved me, or at least admitted it to yourself. Now, Relena is doing something similar to my actions. Seeing how we ended up, how can you be so disturbed by her doing the same? I'm sure Heero, like you, will come around eventually." As her words sank into my mind, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward into my lap, noticing that she felt vaguely heavier than I recalled.

"I know, Lu. I guess it's just that she's my sister, and I'm being overprotective. I can't really help it, though. I'll have to warm up to it, huh?" Her head nodded against my chest, ruffling her midnight locks. I ran my hand through her hair, down her cheek and shoulders, and over her stomach. I was about to slide it down her thigh when I did a double take. Rubbing her stomach again, I heard a small giggle come from her. A mischievous giggle. "Lu, is there something you want to tell me?"

~*~*~

NOIN'S POV

His hand did an expected retake and rested again on my abdomen. Deep vocals, that sounded somewhat panicked, asked me that quirky question that many husbands ask. Kind of stupid, really. You'd think they'd figure it out!

"Lu, is there something you want to tell me?"

I pulled my head away from his chest. "What are you talking about, dear?"

"Your stomach," he murmured. "It's big." I formed my features to look as if I had been insulted.

"Are you calling me *fat*, dear heart?" I frowned deeply. And falsely.

His clear blue eyes appeared shocked at my accusation, and he stammered his apologies. "N-n-no, Lu. I-I mean that…that…are you?" I laughed. When backed into a corner, he looks absolutely adorable.

"Yes, Zechs. I'm three and a half months pregnant." I grinned at the peace that flashed across his handsome features. This turned into exasperation.

"I'm going to be a daddy," he cried.

Three.

Two.

One.

He fainted promptly; pulling me down with is body as he fell against the bed.

~*~*~

RELENA'S POV

Emerging from my room, I braved the maze of halls in my mansion, finally arriving in the kitchen. I shuddered as memories from that past night flooded my thoughts, but I stubbornly pushed them aside, willing myself to enjoy the day ahead. The week ahead, for that matter, as the public that considered me on vacation during the whole ordeal with HM Corps, didn't expect me back until another week had passed. I opened the fridge to get a small lunch out. It was about eleven o' clock when I had last checked the time, right after I got out of the shower. I was sure it had taken me almost an hour to actually fix my hair, make up, and get dressed, although I tried to look as casual as possible. As I looked for a light meal—I had to be extra careful because my body was still adjusting to proper eating habits—two arms encircled my waist.

Knowing who it was on instinct, I leaned back into the firm chest connected to the possessive limbs. Contentedly, I smiled and let my eyes flutter closed, as I breathed in the cinnamon, forresty scent that was uniquely Heero.

"Put that food back up; we're going out," he whispered huskily. His warm breath fanned my ear and cheek, and I followed his orders willingly. Using the leverage attained by wrapping me in his arms, he directed me out of the house and into my favorite car, his black Mercedes. Opening the door for me, he gave my puzzled self an expectant look. Receiving his hint, I comfortably sat in the passenger seat.

As we drove off down the road, an epiphany hit me over the head with a sledgehammer. I was going out with Heero. Was it a date? Suddenly, my calm and comfortable composure was slipping through my fingers like water. Flushed and nervous, I fiddled with my fingers and noticed my palms were damp. Wiping them on my flowered summer dress, I concentrated on the trees outside the window. Thoughts of Heero becoming disgusted with me raged through my mind. What if I ate too much? What if I ate too little? What if something got stuck in my teeth? What if I spilled something? What if….I groaned inwardly, doing my best to think about something else, but unfortunately, came nowhere near succeeding.

~*~*~

HEERO'S POV

In my peripheral vision, Relena was fidgeting in nervousness. At first, I felt completely at ease being so bold with her, especially after our two kisses. But now, it seemed as if we had gone back to the way we were before she was abducted by those…well, Relena never appreciated it when I used foul language. Her anxious movements caused me to begin to doubt my actions and myself. Was this the right thing to do?

Somehow, my consciousness answered. 'Of course, you idiot! You care for her! Taking her out to eat should be something NORMAL by now. Of course, YOU refused to do so for such a long time that it's awkward.' I growled softly in my throat in anger. Relena froze. I gave a sidelong glance at her, and nearly laughed aloud at her flushed features. Deciding to be bold, I reached out and offered my hand. I could feel her aqua marine eyes gaze at my fingers in confusion before hesitantly taking my hand.

I almost lost track of what I was doing, and had to force myself to remember that I was driving. The softness of her skin was intoxicating, dulling my senses. Praying my calloused hands didn't snag her delicate fingers, I gently ran my thumb in small circles over her skin. A soft sigh elicited in reward to my caresses. Slowly, a smile spread across my face. This was going to be a good day.

~*~*~

(Same POV)

"Close your eyes," I ordered as we drove along the country road.

"Come again?" Relena asked.

"Close your eyes. And don't peek." Obediently, though warily, her eyes closed. Taking a sharp turn, I drove off the road and into a field. A squeak broke the silence of the car, but she kept to her honor, and her eyes remained shut. Slowing to a stop, I glanced at her to assure her eyes had not opened. To make sure they remained so, I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and tied it around her head. Once confident she had been temporarily blinded, I opened my car door and ran to the other side.

~*~*~

RELENA'S POV

Upon hearing the car door open beside me, I gasped with the remembrance of my kidnap. However, the soothing grip of Heero's hands gave me more confidence, and he assisted me out of the car, taking care to keep my head from making contact with the roof. To my surprise, rather than walking me to our destination, he hooked his arms around me, and cradled my body. Grinning,I wrapped my arms around his neck as he carried me.

As we walked, I felt tall grass tickling my back and feet, and hear a rushing sound like that of moving water. We were in an open area of some sort, I knew. I beamed in excitement as I wallowed in the happiness that resulted from realizing the trouble Heero must have gone through for my sake. When he stopped, I was almost disappointed, wishing that I could be held in his arms forever—or as long as his arms didn't tire, anyways. He softly set me down on the ground in a sitting position, and I felt soft grass beneath me. My hands groped around me, and a blanket was beneath my touch.

"Heero? Can I take this hanky off now?" Rather than receiving an answer in words, I felt his fingers expertly untie the knot, and let the cloth fall in my lap. My eyes quickly scanned my surroundings, and I gaped at the beauty.

Beside the blue-checkered blanket I sat upon was a tall oak tree, shading the ground where we were located. Waist high green grass surrounded us from all sides, except for a small clearing where we now sat. Down a small slope, my eyes met a clear creek, running down to oblivion, from my vantage point. The pebbles could be seen beneath the sparkling, crystalline liquid. The gushing waters ran over in small spouts at large rocks that jutted upwards.

Throwing my head back and allowing my curled hair to grace the ground, I laughed. I jumped from the ground, and Heero followed suit. Twirling around happily, I just laughed in joy.

~*~*~

HEERO'S POV

I watched as color began returning to her form, and joy spread through her face. This was what I wanted out of this outing. I wanted to see Relena as her old self again. Ever since the...kidnapping...she always seemed to have nightmares, and was getting paler by the day. Her soft voice broke through my thoughts as I heard her request.

"Heero, dance with me..."

Well, I guess I expected that. I did have a radio on the blanket and I was waiting for her to notice it. I turned on the CD player to the song that I had picked out. Soft words began to sound from the radio as I walked towards her.

Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you

I looked deep into her eyes as they brightened at the lyrics of her favorite song. It helped to have a quiet friend to...interview Relena and ask about her favorite things.

Shall I say would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you

Gently swaying to the soft melody, I knew that we made a beautiful picture. Her head was rested on my chest and I had laid my head upon hers. The lyrics of the song simply spoke exactly what I was feeling. Even with the serenity of the moment, I couldn't help but wonder...Relena, do you feel the same way?

Like a river flows
To the sea
So it goes
Some things are meant to be
Some things are meant to be

"Are you listening to the words, Heero?" Relena whispered.

Her quiet words drew me away from my trance. "Yes."

"Are we meant to be, Heero? Like the words say?"

Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you

I drew her even closer as I gained confidence to say what I wished. "I can't help but fall for you, Relena. Do you even know how hard I tried to forget about you? I couldn't even leave my past behind me." I put my finger under her chin and forced her to look into my eyes. "The truth was...I didn't want to forget about you." I watched as her eyes began to soften and she moved her face closer to mine. I took the opportunity and gently kissed her, but soon, the kiss became more passionate as I ran my tongue on her lips, seeking permission to enter her mouth. I was happy to find that she opened her mouth and allowed me permission to enter and our tongues began dueling with each other. Right there, near the cool rushing water, at that exact moment, I wished I was able to stop time.

As we broke the kiss for air, I looked above me and noticed the clouds forming. "It's going to rain soon, we should probably go back so you don't catch a cold."

"And I was having such a wonderful time, too." I looked down into her eyes again and gave her one of my rare smiles.

"Well, we could always come back," I said as the first drops of rain began to fall upon our faces.

"I would love to," she said as she moved closer to me again.

And there, right under the rain, we shared another beautiful kiss.

But I, I can't, I can't help Falling in love With you
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Muse: It's over

Chick: Yeah, our fic is done!!

Muse: *extends hand* It was great working with ya Chick!

Chick: *extends hand* Yeah, it was great working with you too, Muse...

Muse: We kinda left it off without telling them how the story ended...I mean Millie fainted, and Duo never got to ask Hilde to marry him.

Chick: I think we'll leave it to people's imagination. ^_^

Muse: I agree! What a better part to leave this fic than Heero and Relena kissing under the rain.

Chick: *Dreamy eyed* Yes.......^_____^

Muse: *Cough Cough* Anyway, I'll see ya, Chick.

Chick: Oh...yes...I'll see you, Muse. Don't forget to keep in touch! E-mail me! You have to get online more often!

Muse: I will! I promise!! I will!! *Cries* Chick!!!I'll miss you!

Chick: No...don't cry!! *Cries* I will miss you too, Muse!!!

Wufei: Would you both please stop this, you weak women!! You're making it seem like you're both dying!!

Duo: Yeah! I mean, you're working on more fics together! You're already decided on one, didn't you! You know the one about--

*Chick and Muse cover Duo's mouth*

Chick and Muse: Don't you dare give away the plot! But, yes...we are working on another fic together. You can expect the first chapter to be out soon!

Heero: Hopefully...

Chick and Muse: ^_^;; We'll try!


Oh and by the way! We made bloopers for you guys! Consider it an apology for the delay in posting the epilogue. It will be up in a week! WE PROMISE!!