They left as soon as the sun rose next morning. She was given one of Dorothy's horses. After being deposited sidesaddle on her horse by her knight, amidst the populous that greeted their arrival, she managed a meek wave, trying not to blush worse than she already was. She looked into the higher parts of the castle, waving to those that looked out the window, smiling wider than she thought was possible. She looked down after a small tug on the dress she wore last night.

"Is this goodbye Miss Relena?"

She fought tears at the expression on Dorothy's face, at the tentative question in her voice. A hand reached down as she carefully leaned over, clasping their fingers. Part of her didn't want to leave her friend's company, or the majesty of their kingdom. But the overwhelming rest of her had a large desire to get home and see her own kingdom - hug her parents again. "Of course not Dorothy." She choked out, blinking. "When have I ever said goodbye to you?"

Dorothy gave a smile through her tears. Seeing her friend leave meant she was left alone with so few around her age, save for her handmaids. It was hard for a Princess to have friends when there were so few around that dismissed her status. "I guess Miss Relena. Just be sure to visit again as soon as you are able to."

Her smile grew. "I'll mention it to my father. If he can keep my brother out of the training area long enough, we'll take the journey together."

Dorothy's tears faded as her hands clasped together in brimming excitement. "Wonderful. I can't remember the last time the four Peacecrafts ventured to Catalonia castle at once. If you can't make it by the end of the New Year, maybe I can persuade my grandfather to come to you." So little did the royal family venture from the safety of their kingdom. It was a safety rule to keep Kings and Queens alive longer.

She gave a small nod, wondering if that proposition would ever come to be. Her future was NEVER set in stone. With the newest discovery of her healing powers, Hiro's status and powers, not to mention her entire kidnapping, she didn't want to EVER plan too far ahead. "We'll see." Of course, there was always middle ground for improvement and hope. Seeing Dorothy's smile assured her that IF life got back to a relative normal, then the impossible was always possible.

"We should get going Princess, we're wasting daylight."

She sighed, knowing he was right. But she was still warring with leaving and staying. In the end, her sensible side won out. She could barely conjure her family's face and the desire to see her homeland was eating away at her desire to stay. "You're right." She agreed, casting him a glance. Tears returned as she put on a brave smile and faced Dorothy again.

"My granddaughter is right Princess. You may come back again, just be sure to tell your father to take a holiday and come with you next time." King Catalonia announced, stopping behind Dorothy.

She gave him a smile and nod. Gripping the reigns when her horse shifted, she gave a final wave and gave a gentle kick to the horse's stomach, sending her trotting down the road. Seconds later, the sound of 'goodbye's' and 'farewell's' floated to her ears and her eyes squeezed shut against tears and pain that etched itself in her heart. So rarely did she see her friends, as they lived hundreds of miles away. The Catalonias were closer to the Sanc Kingdom by a dozen miles or so - their only saving grace. She really hadn't been able to go with her father on his business trips - women weren't allowed, let alone Princesses.

"Princess."

Hands gripped the reigns in an effort to control the mare. Seconds later, seeing her knuckles were almost white, she let go and looked at the knight. "Yes?" She asked, trying to hide scattered emotions.

The stallion stopped next to the mare, keeping their pace an easy trot. His eyes searched hers, feeling she was trying to be strong. The unconscious hard stare lessened a little and he managed a wisp of a smile. "It's okay to miss them you know." Not giving her any clearer explanation, his eyes stayed on their journey ahead.

She dumbly blinked and continued to stare at his profile, letting the horses do the traveling. She almost wondered if last night had been a glorious, though utterly odd dream. Had they really kissed? Or was it just another strange fantasy she had about healing and nature powers? Maybe ALL of this was a dream in her subconscious and she was still captive. Or maybe - MAYBE - she was still at home in her comfy bed, dreaming the entire thing.

Confused blue eyes looked at her hands interlocked with the reigns, wondering just what was reality and dreamland. Or, it could be possible that her entire mind was extremely overactive and in need of an explanation. She was one to do that on occasion.

~*~*~

An unnamable amount of miles passed, but still they rode on. The afternoon seemed to smile on them as the cloudless sky continued to be cloudless. No rain or cold pelted down, even though autumn was leading into winter. Soon, snow would come; and the farther north they went, the sooner that would become a reality.

She looked to the dress she wore and wondered if it would be enough to hold out the cold of winter. Course, that all depended on long they'd travel. She had no sure way to tell where they were exactly. Counting miles by foot was easy, but horse was a different matter. She felt a stab of embarrassment at how easily she could get lost in the middle of nowhere. Around them, groves of trees could be seen at close distance, held at bay by the wide farmer's trail they were on.

She held back a sigh at the slow, lazy pace they held. She knew Hiro didn't want the horses to tire so soon by anything more than a trot, but the lack of talk and activity was quickly boring her. It would've been easier to have a chattier companion to help eat up the miles with good talk.

Her eyes stole a quick glance, finding his eyes still ahead, occasionally glancing at the forests around them. She wondered if she could finally wheedle something about his life out of him. If what happened to them last night was any way to break the barrier, especially how he felt about and treated her, then miracles COULD happen.

The only problem was, where to begin. How to ask the first question that was open enough to get him talking, but not have a logical explanation in its place? All she knew was talk of honor and swearing to her father to bring her back. And there was, of course, the small matter of his feelings for her.

She fought a blush, the thought of her feelings coming up. That was a thought that could preoccupy her all day, if not for the burning need to have details. Just how DID she feel toward him? That final kiss they shared was one full of promise and ecstasy. It was the first time she ever kissed another man in her. The third was so unlike the first two. The first she received wasn't for a romantic kiss. Neither was the second. He did that more out of desperation to bring her back to her senses. But the THIRD...

Teeth quickly bit her lip to hide a girlish smile. Her lips pressed together when it didn't work. Ah, the third...his lips had been so soft and tender, so UNSURE. Or maybe those were her lips that were so unsure, if what she was doing was the right thing, or just being caught up in the moment.

Best to get on with it... Licking her lips in nervousness, she cast another glance off the reigns in her hands to find him watching her. Fighting an automatic blush, she kept their eyes locked. "Um...Hiro, may I ask something of you?" She stuttered, feeling all of a sudden, like the village idiot.

A small notch of his brow rose at her sudden interest. "Of what?"

Unable to take the intensity of his stare, eyes sheepishly cast back to the reigns, finding she was twisting them in her grasp. "Well...just, THINGS. Details of who you are, what kingdom you belong to." Her lips briefly pressed together as she met his gaze, wondering if she overstepped her boundaries. "If you don't mind."

His eyes softened at her agitated stance, knowing she didn't know anything about him. He always thought of the quest until that sudden request for her kiss last night. The memory of her lips rushed behind his eyes and he had to fight the sudden urge to stop the horses and kiss her again. She wanted answers, he would endeavor to give them. It couldn't hurt anyway, there was quite a bit she did not know about...but NEEDED to. Telling her some instances wouldn't be just idle talk; it would prepare her for what would commence.

"I don't mind. What do you want to know first?"

He wasn't going to refuse her request? Her eyes widened as she looked around, wracking her brain. Prying into another person's personal life like this was rude. But out in the middle of nowhere, she knew he didn't mind. Not that he'd mind even if they were home...

"Well..." She paused, quarreling with the load that sprang to mind. Just who WAS he? Why did he rescue her if he was a prince? What land was he from? Who were his parents? Where did his power come from? Trying to find a gentle way of dipping her toes in was not easy - all the questions were difficult to ask. "How did you come to rescue me?" There, THAT wasn't so hard. Just so long as she poised it the same way she wanted it answered.

He thought, wondering just how much he should tell. How much of him did she already know about? The Peacecrafts were widely known, and he already knew of her existence. How deep should he go into his explanation? "Have you ever heard of the Yuys Princess?"

She looked at him, unsure just where he was going with this turnabout. It wasn't exactly the answer she wanted. Oh well, best to answer. Eyes thoughtfully narrowed. The Yuys? That DID sound familiar. "Isn't that a kingdom in north Japan?"

He nodded, oddly pleased that she knew of his family. Her father must not have mentioned his alliance with the Yuy clan. "We live right near the coast. My family has lived there for generations, two more than yours. Your father and my uncle are friends. Your father holds an alliance with the Yuys. It was mostly thought up from my uncle."

She stared, astounded by this new news. It was a tad odd that the Peacecrafts ally with a country so far away. There was no way to get help if a quarrel ever broke out amidst her land. As amazed as she was, she knew not knowing the full reasons of the Peacecraft / Yuy alliance was no big deal. Women weren't allowed in talk with Kings and kingdoms. "If that's true, then how did you get picked to aid me? I know the Peacecrafts don't hold many knights in the kingdom..."

"One reason why I did come. I journeyed to you for many a reason, the biggest that had to deal with 'knighthood'. My master told me if I took this quest, it would allow me to prove myself amidst the others. Although, it wasn't much of a challenge..." He mused, mostly to himself. Shaking himself to the present, he looked at her again. "But, knowing your father didn't carry many knights that were skilled in battle, he sent messengers to every realm he was allied with."

"Was that how Dorothy knew?" During her brief stay, she often wondered how her friend was able to know she was kidnapped. News - even something of such magnitude - took months to spread. By the time it arrived to someone of the unknown, it already happened or was ancient by then.

He nodded. "As soon as my father received message, he called me from training; something no one should interrupt unless necessary." She gave him a blank stare, and he knew a small interruption was necessary. "When I train, I need utter concentration to absorb the skills I use. My master's style of training is very unique, but harsh. But I was a good learner; one of his best pupils. Many around me were already recognized as samurai, but were years my senior. I was an exception, an anomaly. Being the only son of the Yuy heritage, my father sent me and a few other knights of high regard. Your father knew of my skills through my uncle, and in the end, I know thta's what tipped the scales in my favor."

"'Tipped the scales'?" What a way to PUT it.

His lips twinged. "At least forty knights assembled in your father's hall. He spoke with us all at once, not wanting to waste time. Deciding the best was one thing, but he spoke of something that...no one could resist."

She heard hesitation and wondered what her father told so many knights. "What did he tell them?" She insisted. Her horse sidestepped a rock, throwing attention to her ride. She was amazed how caught up she was in his story, brief as it was.

His tongue tensely darted over his lips. Should she know? It was wise to do so. She SHOULD know the man she was promised to... "Your father promised to the knight he picked - that could safely bring you back - that your hand would be theirs."

Blue flew open, mouth dropping like a weight. How could he've DONE that?! She remembered a Princess had no right to chose the person she was to marry. With a submissive bow, she blankly stared at the leather in her hands. It didn't seem like the gentle father she grew up with and loved. After her return, she was to be married to Hiro Yuy.

It seemed so underhanded somehow, so devious. She knew her father must've been utterly desperate to think of such a thing. He didn't seem like the type of man to do that, at least without her knowledge.

"And my dowry must've persuaded a lot of knights to show up, hence such a large number." It was hard to keep bitterness and sarcasm out of her voice. She knew it wasn't her place to fight the law of Kings. Whoever her father chose was who he chose; she had no right to say otherwise. But, that didn't mean she couldn't be ANGRY at it...

"To some, yes." He quietly agreed.

"And, you as well?" She pressed, feeling mildly betrayed.

He met her eyes, seeing hurt. He knew after what happened between them so far, she had every right to feel led on. "Actually, I was more interested in the quest itself." To lie to her and say her acres interested him, would be a lie. He wasn't interested in land, especially not so far away where he couldn't govern it. His family had enough of their own. He was only interested in obtaining the rank of samurai and to master his powers. Before this trip, there was nothing else that really mattered.

Her eyes averted in a sense of humiliation. Of course, how could a person of his magnitude NOT be interested in something as petty as life? "I see." She whispered, fingers tightening on the reigns. He only wanted his rank increased. Marrying her would be nothing more than an obligation, as were marriages to a lot of people.

Her eyes slowly closed. She had hoped her father would be lenient enough to let suitors call and let her chose her husband. There was so little love in this barbaric world, she wished to break the cycle. Now, she knew that wasn't going to ever happen. She would force herself to honor her father's wishes instead of denying his offer to the person that returned her. Though was morally unfair- but common - she didn't want to cast her father a fool in his desperation to have his baby returned to him.

"Don't misunderstand me." He quickly answered, seeing her posture slump. Seeing her brokenhearted over this, knowing he started the whole thing, hurt him as well. Why, he didn't know - couldn't put a finger on it. "YES, I wanted the rank. YES, I thought about the quest and returning you to your father. But...I didn't intend to let emotions get in the way of this journey."

She looked at him, hope blossoming in her heart. Maybe... "What...what do you mean?"

He looked away as a small blush darkened his cheeks. How could he explain what he was feeling, what surged through him as soon as she gave that wide-eyed innocent look? He never knew anyone naïve, but she was the picture of an innocent, unknowing angel. The thought of such a heady degree sent a shiver through him. These emotions... His training had never delved into any sort of emotion, save for calmness and clarity during a battle.

His father was, at length, a distant man who he looked up to. He unknowingly put his father on a pedestal for his conduct with his kingdom and those surrounding him. It was who he wanted to be like, having grown up with him as a role model. His mother...well he never really knew his mother. She disappeared years after he was born, and the only thing he could conjure up were dark blue eyes - eyes very much like his own.

His silence wasn't really a good thing. She didn't know if he was skirting the most important issue she wanted to address, or was...embarrassed. In the entire weeks she knew him, he NEVER looked this way. In some sense, it was like he was a little kid. She gave a tender smile at the picture. A youthful Hiro Yuy, the same hair, those blue luminescent eyes of his seeking out wisdom of the world...ready to take on the world...

The close proximity was enough for her to reach out and touch his leathered arm. "Hiro...you can tell me." More like she wanted to MAKE him tell her. To hear that another man, no matter WHAT nationality or rank, held affection in any way resembling love would give her just cause to support him until her dying breath. Having all the luxuries she could buy wasn't enough. All the gold in the world couldn't buy something as precious - as RARE - as true love.

Their eyes locked. He stared into trusting blue, knowing in that second, he could confide the depths of his power and she would never tell a soul. If he told her secrets he harbored about anything, she would keep them and take them to the grave. She was, in all actuality, the innocent angel he pictured her to be.

"I know." He knew she could be trusted, but...where to begin? Where to start and explain where it all changed? The biggest thing was when their lips touched for the first time. He hadn't been thinking of rank or duty, not quest or marriage in those few seconds. He had only been thinking of her in such a vulnerable position, unable to move or speak. With that came an uncompromising urge to protect her with every skill and power he possessed.

"It's...hard to classify sometimes." She gave a supportive nod when he looked at her, urging him to break the silence. "I never really felt...ANYTHING before. There was no need to. My training abhors it - it is a waste of concentration. My father is an honorable man, but he mostly deals with the safety of the kingdom to pay much attention to his only son." His head bowed. "I...I never really knew my mother. She disappeared when I was only a few years old, and my father will not speak about her to me. I only have a vague recollection of eyes that look like mine, and a painting of her roughly my age hidden away in his room."

He stopped when his throat clogged. It was getting hard to talk, but he promised himself she would have answers, and he was going to give them. Feeling the familiarity of orders and directions gave him a piece of home to spring forward and help through this uncomfortable time.

She felt a sorrow in her heart at his past. He had it so harsh, only a father he couldn't count on to guide him through youth. No WONDER he was such an adept pupil in his training. There would be nothing better to do with his father out, occupied with something else. The lonely feeling was known to her, save she did have her mother, and a brother to keep company. But her brother was - like Hiro - off in the training fields all day, almost obsessed with becoming a knight and holding the peace.

Her hand still on his arm, she slowly rubbed it as best she could over bumpy road. Even a gentle prodding, if she dared. "Then, what is it that you feel now?" She asked, not looking away. She felt a strength that rivaled what she used during her capture, and knew it was a woman's heart that guided her.

He surprised them both by switching the reigns and grabbing the hand over his arm. The compassion in her eyes drove an almost indescribable need to be surfaced, examined, used. He felt this need to make her happy, if only by telling her how he felt. He marveled that out of ALL the things he could do with the skills he had, the powers he possessed, telling her his emotions was enough.

Slowly blinking, his eyes cast to their hands. "A lot of things. Most of them, I have never felt in my life. This is all new to me, something as foreign as your customs and lands." She gave him a quick squeeze and when he looked up, an understanding smile. His lips tipped, higher than the last. "Things changed for me during the first kiss. Seeing your determination to help jogged the warrior's mask I held in place. I had always taught myself - and been taught - to rely on myself. To know someone wanted to help was a foreign emotion and experience. Before the night you saw my power, I was always thinking as a warrior and fighter. 'How do we get out of here? How long should we ride for today?'" His head shook. "It was all too confusing to have you walk in the middle of my meditation, and not have a way to deal with the situation. As my power seeped from your body, seeing your helpless, scared look...I couldn't fight it. The emotions became overwhelming and that's when I kissed you."

A sweet smile blossomed at how boyishly shy he was being. Her fingers tingled in his palm, the happy fuzz in her brain still telling her HE was the one that took her hand first. She continued to stare, waiting for him to go on. She knew there was a lot more to tell, but she would let him get out what he could. Just knowing he felt something more than warrior's instincts was enough. To know she shook something so buried out of him was an accomplishment in itself.

"And now?" She quietly asked, feeling her heart beat with anticipation. Breath caught in her throat as she waited. She mentally begged he not lose to the fighter within. He was human, as she was. To lose one's grip on humanity, to deny and not feel emotions on a daily basis, would slowly kill a person. She didn't care if he WAS used to it his whole life, that wasn't living.

"Now-" His gaze dropped, "nothing has changed between us, not for me. The second time I kissed you was out of desperation to bring you back to your senses. But...had I kept my old ways in mind, the kiss might not have happened. I lost myself in the need to see the old you, to see the kindhearted Princess that I slept near on our trip. Knowing you turned into a shadow of my own self was something I couldn't bear."

His hand squeezed hers. It was as if he needed to make sure she was still the person he rescued, not the angry induced person the sorcerer played with.

She squeezed back, feeling tears come. When she set out to ask questions, she could never fathom he was so devoted. She never held such affections from a man as this. Even though he never dealt with emotions - never felt them - he touched them with such an intensity that almost startled her. If she asked these same questions days ago, she could NEVER picture such a cold-looking person being capable of tear-provoking thoughts. It was as if they were two people, evil and good cut from the same mold. Seeing such an exposed person made her want to embrace him, hide him from the evils of the world.

Had he ALWAYS felt this way?

"Was there any other questions you wanted to ask?" He evenly asked, silence allowing him to regain his composure. It was still a dangerous thing to feel, especially when it could be used against him. To have any kind of attachment, especially if they were attacked before they could reach the Sanc Kingdom's walls, would be more than dangerous. If she was held hostage, he knew he would give up on the spot. After such a long adventure, one that wasn't done yet, he had grown accustomed to her presence. Seeing her harmed in ANY way...he couldn't - WOULDN'T - allow it.

His hand unconsciously tightened on the reigns before he forced himself to calm down. That would never happen; he would keep a constant scan on their road to make doubly sure they could reach the castle safely. He would protect her till his dying breath.

She dredged into the recesses of her mind. What else did she want to know? She didn't want to say there was nothing else she wanted to ask, when she wanted to know every tiny detail about his life. She wanted to know what he thought about life, how he acted at his castle - small things. She didn't want to waste this chance and he clam up come nightfall. "Can you tell me about the Yuy Kingdom? I've never visited; unless I was too young to do so. What does it look like?"

His eyes almost brightened at the mention of his homeland. A small stab of longing speared him, but he looked into deep blue and somehow felt a little better. Where to start? There was so much to describe. The STORIES he could tell... He could say almost anything about his home and it would appease her. The differences in their house structure, the clothes they wore, the way they acted... It was just a matter of where to start first. He was a little excited at telling her the details of his family's realm, to have her imagine it as he could. He wanted her to picture where he lived, wanted to take her there...

~*~*~

As the sun flamed the sky into sunset, the two settled for the night. He helped her from the horse as custom, but felt like smiling when their eyes locked. She blushed and looked away, and he knew she felt something as well. He hadn't asked during their talk, knowing she would be too timid to explain herself. He didn't need to have her talk, her actions told him all he needed to know. Every smile, every blush told a story all its own.

She was smitten, as he was attracted to her. It was a good sign if they were inadvertently promised to each other. The match was an odd one, since their heritage was so far apart. How would they survive in the years to come? Someone would have to live in an empire that was nearly foreign to their normal life.

He handed her some food and started collecting firewood, mind buzzing with thoughts that never occurred before now. What would happen after they returned? All he intended to do was deliver King Peacecraft's only daughter and go back to his land. He didn't really have plans to be married, not for a year or two. They were the same age, and it was high time they were married. Both sets of parents would see to that.

He was more attracted to the idea of being known and going off on crusades, or continuing to heighten his rank. He wanted to be like his father, even top him. Though he didn't think that was possible to such a noble, respectable King, he saw his father through a distorted image. King Yuy was human, just as he was. It wouldn't do them any good to deny marrying Relena. He would shun his father's honor, along with his.

At the thought, his eyes sought her out, giving a small smile seeing a hand brush the horse's mane. Her face was decorated with a smile as the horse's nose nuzzled her other hand. It was as if they had an understanding. With his nature's powers, he was almost certain of it.

He continued to watch as she shifted on the ground, keeping the dress from under her. She continued to look so regal, even though she was sitting on the ground in a single dress that had to last weeks of travel. This was truly the first time she roughed it, by any means. She had no family nearby, no handmaids to cleanse her, no real food except his provisions, no guards except for him. She was an utterly admirable creature; never complaining, just finding beauty in their trip.

After a while, beautiful, warm day turned to dark, cold night. The sun went down, and the fire nearly died. The winds that kept at bay during their ride struck up a cool breeze, one that chilled to the bone. She tried to snuggle closer to her horse, to share warmth to get through the night. Oh, how she wished she had some type of blanket.

During his tales of home and of his training, she learned her daring, handsome knight could withstand complex temperatures. He wasn't affected by cold, and probably didn't need to build a fire like he did every night. He did it for her. She managed a small, touched smile through a shiver that struck with the wind. Arms tried to huddle in the fabric of her dress, to touch skin to warm skin and use the dress as a blanket to keep the wind out. It did no real good with such wide sleeves. Although beautiful and mildly thick, the dress was mostly for looking - not traveling in.

He lay on the ground, listening to the sound of the wind. It seemed nature held off so they could have a good day of riding. He gave a small smile in thanks. He couldn't have chosen a better day to leave on.

His eyes looked across the ashes, having died with the wind. He looked across and noticed the small bundle of blue and blonde. She was cold, and could not withstand temperatures as he could. He was fully clothed and armored, which helped a little, but resistance was his main weapon. It was what helped endure the hot days of ending summer and chilly nights of autumn.

He looked to the ground, feeling a little guilty somehow. Here he was, perfectly comfortable over the chill, and she was freezing. He could tell by the way she was pressed into the horse, the way the mare's muzzle wrapped around her body in effort to help warm her. In a quick decision - mostly impulsive - he got up and walked over.

Her eyes darted in the darkness upon seeing movement. For a second, a stab of fear and the urge to run set of the adrenaline that warmed her for a brief second through the cold haze surrounding her. After recognizing Hiro's bushy hair, fear subsided and brought back cold. Arms wrapped around her legs, hands bunched in her sleeves, she looked up and met his eyes. "Wh-what did you n-n-need, H-Hiro?" She felt a little embarrassed that she couldn't keep her mouth from shivering long enough to talk. She wanted to show she could endure as he could. But, it was just so COLD...

He kneeled, his face a foot away from hers. Her cheeks flushed a little in wonder at what he would do, surprise he was so forward. "You're cold." He stated, eyes darting over her face. He didn't need to say it to know. Her chin was spasming, softly clicking her teeth together.

Her head shook, though it was hard to tell. "N-no. I-I'm okay, H-Hiro." She mentally cursed, feeling foolish. It was so hard to keep warm in a non-wool dress and thin shoes. Her small frame didn't help any. She wished they could go back to Catalonia Castle and spend another night inside and stay warm.

His arms itched for a second, as he debated whether or not this was a good idea. The implications could have so many effects, and wreak havoc with his mind and body. It was possible she would freeze to death before the night was over. And - after vowing to protect her no matter WHAT it took - he wasn't going to let that happen. After all, he was of the Yuy Kingdom. One small task such as this shouldn't be TOO hard to bear...

"Here." He whispered, leaning forward. "You'll freeze like this." As if handling glass, feeling utterly nervous at this intimate contact, he unwound her arms and pulled her to him, situating them against the horse. He gave a strange whistle and his horse got up and resituated himself in front, creating a small barrier.

She watched with numb limbs, more from shock than cold. Her entire body started burning the second he unwound her arms, the anticipation of what he was doing warming her more than body heat could. He was sharing natural heat to keep her alive, along with using his horse. How romantic...

She knew the notion was silly. Here they were, a once captive princess, a knight who could brave the elements, and horses in the middle of nowhere with winter approaching. It was utter ridiculous, it was awkward beyond belief... His arms tightened around her stomach and her back rested over his chest. ...It was pure BLISS!

His chin rested over her head and she felt a giddy smile make an appearance. The adrenaline pulsated blood quicker than it had seconds ago. On impulse, she let the beginning resistance fall away and leaned against him more heavily. She suddenly felt as if it was only them and the horses, braving the world instead of being on a perilous journey. They were conquering the world, not the other way around.

"Is that better?" He quietly asked, voice suspiciously hoarse. Warning bells started sounding. Oh, this was a BAD idea...

The breath left her in a quiet whoosh, feeling his breath on her ear when his chin lifted. He had NO idea! She felt as if a summer heat had taken over her body and was burning out of control. Was that BETTER!? She was just glad he was behind her, or he would feel how wanton she suddenly became!

The urge to cuddle against him - armor and all - was becoming a very delicious notion. Since they apparently were to be married the second she was comfortable at Sanc, not to mention the kisses and emotions they shared, it wouldn't be all THAT awkward...

As her weight settled, he knew it was a terrible idea. Heat seeped through his armor, mingling with his. A different set of emotions flared, creating unknown images. Fidgeting was out; his hands crossed over her stomach and continued to rest there. Any movement would cast suspicion. He couldn't shift or she would feel as if her weight was pressing him into the horse. There was no simple out, except to ride out this emotion, one that took hold of his body and refused to let go. All of a sudden, he knew it was going to be a long, LONG night.

His chin surfaced on her head again, his eyes darted to opaque of his stallion. The horse's head cocked, as if asking him about the emotions he sensed. His eyes narrowed, daring the horse to do ANYTHING, even whinny. He knew the whinny of his horse, one that sounded like laughter. The unique snort a horse made sounded like they were letting out sarcasm in a way.

"Yes." She quietly managed, fearing what her voice would give away. It seemed lower than normal, almost matching his baritone. Her soft soprano was controlled by his touch, and she feared just how much female instincts gave gesture to.

Female instincts...that would make sleep impossible now! Her heart was pounding like a galloping horse and she feared it would run away from her. Her hands were shaking worse than when she was shivering. What was the MATTER with her? All she knew was Hiro's touch had the power to unnerve her in a SERIOUS way.

"We'll stay like this until the sun comes up." He answered, low rumble fighting to stay even. What he was suggesting...even the logic behind it wasn't enough to convince him to stay put. He wanted to move, and move BADLY. The position he thoughtlessly put them in... Her back against his, arms around her stomach, his legs cradling hers...it was utter TORTURE.

His blood was boiling with an unannounced need that took him by surprise. It was mostly surprising by how natural it felt, the feel of her in his arms. Even through his armor, he could feel every curve of her back, legs, her curved waist... The perfumed oils and shampoo she used the night before still lingered, and he could smell them in her hair. Eyes fluttered close when he breathed in, taking her essence with him. She smelled of flowers...reminded him of nature and the powers inside him.

A sense of peace surrounded her as she watched her breath puff. The thought of night no longer terrified her, as long as she could be in the safety of Hiro's arms. His breathing lulled her into a sense of fatigue, also brought on by long traveling. She could feel his voice rumble whenever he talked, and it loosened the muscles in her back.

Her lids fluttered down, though she fought sleep. If this never happened again, she wanted to memorize every tiny detail about their position, of Hiro's sleep habits, and nature surrounding them. But...she was just so tired all of a sudden, as if her consciousness was stolen by some unseen hand. Every time her eyes fluttered close, they popped back open, fighting to stay awake. She feared what happened the last time she slept, dreaded what would befall her. Hiro relocated a little, arms briefly shifting over her stomach, and she forgot everything but being safe. With that in mind, she allowed her eyes to close and mind to drift.

He knew getting sleep would be a good thing, if not for the need to stay awake and keep lookout. With Relena leaning against him, it would be hard to jump and unsheathe his sword for battle.

Especially when she just fell asleep.

A smile tipped his lips. He could tell she was by her breathing, and the way her weight slumped against his. His chin left her head, angling to see her face. She looked so lovely asleep. Her lips were parted enough that he could see puff clouds when she exhaled. Those thick lashes fanned across high cheekbones. Her skin almost begged to be touched, and he had to fight to keep hands from running over her face.

It wouldn't be so bad, not after what he revealed. What else did he have to be afraid of - to be tentative and timid toward her? But she was asleep and he didn't want to wake her. He knew she was fighting it by the few times her head dipped and startled back up. If she was worried about the sorcerer, he knew she would try to stay up as long as possible.

The smile widened as he felt protection by watching her sleep. There was such a moving notion about watching someone you felt something toward sleep. It was such a waste of time, but he had nothing BETTER to do. Truth be told, he actually didn't mind.

The smile widened on its own as he watched. On impulse - the smell of lilacs and wild flowers driving his nose insane - his lips feather-kissed her temple and stopped. His cheek touched her hair, still soft as it looked. Her pulse slowly beat against his lips, and he almost let sleep beckon to him. His eyes jerked to the surrounding forest, though his face stayed put.

What was going ON with him? He barely slept the entire time they journeyed, daring only at the castle. Blue gravitated to the beauty in his arms. She was the one responsible for his change, though it didn't anger him. After experiencing these things, he knew his old way of life was no way to live. His lips pressed to her temple, feeling peace at the heartbeat he felt. Maybe being married to her wouldn't be so terrible. It WAS time he settled down...