Dawn was the first thing that woke her. Squeezing eyes shut, her face snuggled into the warmth she felt, arms wrapping around her makeshift bed. A small sigh worked through, feeling content to spend a few more hours in such a relaxing, safe-feeling position. A small smile bloomed. Her cheek brushed against something hard and unique smelling, jostling her memory enough to squint her eyes open. The first thing she saw was the horse, trees, and a little bit of sky.

Quietly grunting against the annoyance that cast him from the darkness of sleep, eyes fluttered open and stared at the trees above, seeing blue sky. It was morning. He blinked and absently stared at the bright blue, mind not trying to process why he was staring at the sky. Hadn't he been asleep just seconds ago? Didn't he just say he was going to close his eyes for a brief second? Where did the night go to?!

Smelling the scent again when she breathed, eyes squeezed shut in annoyance. She didn't want this feeling to ever end, but the overpowering smell of leather irritated her nose, chafed her cheek. Wait - LEATHER? Her eyes quickly opened and squeezed shut as light flooded them. It was too bright! When had it become so sunny? The last thing she remembered was the horrible dream that taunted the safety she felt during sleep...

The last thing he remembered was the chill of the night and wrapping his body over Relena's, trying to make a makeshift blanket to keep her warm. He remembered looking his horse in the eye, kissing her temple... Did he pass out somehow? Why was it daylight?? The weight shifted and redirected his attention. Unable to sit up due to a weight covering his chest and lower body, his head craned up as far as it could and eyes widened - an actual, gods-forsaken blush appearing.

Peeking eyes open again, she shifted against the comfortable 'bed', hearing a close sharp intake of breath a second later. She completely stilled, eyes steadily rising. Breathing? Her BED was moving... Slowly moving as if terrified she would be caught doing something she wasn't supposed to, her head shifted up, meeting shocked blue. Her eyes widened to twice their size. What happened?! Her face flushed a deep scarlet, but she was frozen in place. It suddenly dawned on her...she was SLEEPING on Hiro!!

If he had any coherent thoughts or words, they flew into absence the second she looked at him, mouth parting in amaze. It took all his resolve to not grab her arms, yank her upward, and kiss her on the spot. She looked so innocent and mortified, as if the position they were in was a horrible one to be in. He forced his thoughts in a different direction, especially when she kept staring at hims.

'Don't go there Hiro. Just don't think of things like that! This's Relena Peacecraft here - naïve innocent!'

The front of her body was basically draped over his, was QUITE impossible not to feel her chest on his, her slim hands on his stomach, her waist over... His eyes jerked to the sky, ANYTHING to rid his thoughts of what just transpired! Oh GODS but this was embarrassing as HELL! Surely, that's where he was. There was no other explanation for it! Even though, the emotions surging through him made him feel like he was in heaven.

Her tongue wouldn't form words. She watched dark blue darken even further with something she denied. It wasn't possible. She dreaded to shift her body even an inch and feel proof that Hiro was just more than emotionally attached to her. True they were both youths and women her age normally thought about children by now...

When his eyes jerked upward, her squeezed shut. No, no, NO! Do NOT think like that! Her forehead thudded on his armor, his heart rapidly beat in his chest.

Her eyes snapped open. Was it possible that he was as nervous as she was? She knew hers could easily match his! If she weren't so discomfited to even LOOK at him, she would've found Hiro's eyes to make sure that she wasn't making this up! In the entire time she knew him, he had NEVER been nervous about ANYTHING. Was he nervous over her? Maybe it was the position.

Fighting to keep a cool head - and calm down - arms rose like one in a trance. They moved off the loose embrace over her back, releasing her. He slowly gripped forearms, as if doing so would cause an even worse reaction than what he was suffering from.

"Relena..." He mumbled, fighting to tear his gaze from the sky. He knew his face was beat red, it felt like he was standing in front of a fire! Their eyes met and he knew they were both mortified and humiliated by this strange turn of events. In an odd way, knowing she was feeling the same, wasn't so humiliating. "I think you should MOVE."

She complied as soon as he let go and nearly scrambled to her feet, as if he would harm her the longer she remained stationed over his body. There was no offense taken in that statement. She dusted off the dress, putting her entire attention to the cloth, as if it was the most fascinating thing she ever laid eyes on. The main reason was to keep focused off Hiro's body, allow him his dignity.

She was glad the dress was relatively thick - her breasts tightened during those few minutes and felt like they were straining for his touch. To feel the calluses of his thumbs tread over the softness of her skin, to brush over them...

The thought burst her cheeks into flame and she hastily gave him her back. When had she become so wanton?? This was TOTALLY unacceptable! How could she be so prim and proper when she got home?? Her eyes widened in a small sense of dread, wondering if she would be able to return to normal after such an occurrence.

He was utterly relieved when she turned. He walked to the horse and busied himself in the packs, rummaging through them for nothing in particular. If only he could keep his back to her for a few more minutes...

After sorting through everything three times, he felt the flush die down with the morning dew on his face and was confident enough he could move without discomforting the both of them. Clearing his throat, eyes snaked over his shoulder to see where she was. Still turned away from him - that was a good thing. He took in her posture and wondered what she was thinking, but was unable to predict what emotion clouded her the most.

"Let's eat real quick and get going. We have a lot of ground to cover." He gruffly answered, voice rough.

After taking food from him and being helped onto the horse, she gripped the reigns as if her life depended on it. Nails dug into her palms, but she hardly felt pain over the reminiscing of what just happened. She was neither angry nor chilled by his cold tone. It was strictly a cover-up to keep how he felt out of his voice. She was too preoccupied with her dignity to pay it much attention anyway. Her eyes remained on the horse's mane as he mounted and gently kicked the mare into a loose trot, trying to ride out the morning situation.

This didn't bode well for talk later...

~*~*~

It took a while to find her tongue, mostly since she couldn't open her mouth without the husk in her voice taking over. It lowered the soprano a few notches, giving her a come-hither appearance. He found it tremendously sexy actually. He knew she was still fighting to keep calm over the whole ordeal. Hell, he knew HE was!

Uncomfortable silence pressed through their journey, finally gave him time to contemplation. Talk was out of the question, so why not? He figured he could be away enough that if something did happen, he wouldn't be caught. Sitting astride his horse, he gave time to reflect, to feel. His eyes remembered hers, the way her mouth quickly lowered in realization and surprise. He remembered his desire to kiss it like the other times, to feel her lips.

It had been a fight to keep muscles from grabbing her and sliding her up his body. He knew that in doing THAT, it would've been even worse. Not due to the situation or the awkwardness, but adding to the emotions that swirled in both eyes and bodies.

Giving the stallion control over their trip, his eyes glazed over as his mind threw back to the morning. His skin itched where her body rested, and wished to have it there again. She was so small, her weight was barely a burden. His mind sprang into constant thoughts, more provocative ones that tempted his sanity and dignity.

The dress she wore was moderate for a lady of her rank. His eyes subtly shot over to her sidesaddle appearance. The way her waist curved... Gods the proud way she held the reigns... His eyes jerked to the road, feeling uncomfortable. He tried to shift in the saddle, but found it useless. He made his bed by tempting his body with insanity and now he had to live with it.

The most interesting prospect his mind suddenly pointed out, was he NEVER felt this way toward a woman before. Even though he had opportunity to sleep with village whores during excursions to town, it never became an issue. He wasn't interested in tumbling the harlots and creating bastards on a whim. He was above that, always HAD been.

Honor and male instincts were warring and it was a fight to keep on his horse and not run his hands over her skin. To feel how soft she was, even through three months of evil she underwent. Her healing powers kept her healthy at all times. He didn't know the extent of it, but knew she could go through miles upon miles and still look like she did. She was a marvel, and he was almost thrilled with the prospect that even though he didn't readily agree to marry her, he would be doing so when they reached the castle.

He gave a small grin, remembering the talk with her father. The main thing no one liked was his blunt honesty and way of handling things. He didn't intend to hide himself under the pretense of the King's promise, just because it was offered. He could go and find the Princess without being forced to marry her. He knew Relena was in that age where she was to be pawned off to the next available suitor.

In his mind, it was a tedious agreement. In the end, he agreed. It was against his better judgment to agree to something he couldn't see or plan on. That's what he was, meticulous and calculating, probably to his dying day.

Again he looked to her, being able to. She looked back and gave him a tentative smile, finally getting over insecurities. After they set out, she was embarrassed and mortified beyond anything she ever felt before. As the miles passed, the memory became just that. She was able to compose herself by being out in nature, what she knew he loved more than anything.

Knowing she was able to understand him and know what he liked and disliked was a great achievement. 'It should be. If I am to be married to him, I should start watching him more, get to know his small habits and quirks.' She figured, mouth tilting.

Maybe it WOULDN'T be so bad. Except for this morning's...problem, his method behind it was honorable. In fact, she was quite flattered he did such an action - it showed he cared about her more than he let on, even though he told her. She knew words only said so much and nothing at all. One could say as many as they wished, but until the person followed up to their pretty speeches, they didn't mean much to her.

She found him watching her again and those eyes caused a small excited and nervous reaction, much to the same she encountered this morning. He was the culprit, but it wasn't quite as bad as she figured it to be. After all, they were to be married when she reached home...she would have to be accustomed to pleasing him as a wife was duty-bound to do.

'But...if whatever we have is there, I don't WANT it to be duty.'

To pretend was the biggest sin - at least for her. To fake love, to fake passion...it might as well be nothing at all. If only there was a clearer glimpse into her future, she might be a little more prepared with the duties of a wife. She hadn't been around her mother in a needy time like this. True, she observed her parents when time was drawing near, but it didn't help as she thought. How would she act to someone she was promised to - and most likely wouldn't meet until her wedding day - when she had no clue how HE would act? 'At least NOW, I don't have to worry about that.'

With a small shake of her head, she looked to the road, inhaling the beauty of the cool afternoon. Time almost seemed to stand still, the day was so perfect. Trees were turning red and gold amidst green in suspense for winter. The flowers' fragrances were full to attract animals near and help there be a next generation. She could clearly spot multitudes of wild flowers in the distance, some of the bright colors catching her eye.

She felt so at peace out here.

Was THIS how Hiro felt when he was in the wilderness? Even though this was a savage land, full of dangerous things, days could be quite opposite if you just stopped and stared. She had the privilege of being able to ride through such beauty and was thankful. Mostly since she didn't know if there would ever be a next time. It was likely her parents would lock her in the nearest tower to keep her safe when she reached Sanc!

~*~*~

Night fell as it always did, though they openly dreaded it. The temperature was cold, as it was last night. If anything, it was COLDER. After making a fire, both sat on opposite sides and stared into the flames. Though it hurt her eyes to do so, she couldn't look at him or dredge up words for the smallest talk. It was as if they were strangers, though recent events denied that.

Arms consciously wrapped around legs, her chin on her knees, almost purposely keeping from making eye contact. What could she SAY? Her huddled up position was partly due to the cold, though she didn't want to let him know that. Her horse's heat was helping, and she was thankful for the lack of wind. She didn't know if she could help another night in his arms, ESPECIALLY if she somehow twisted in the night and wound up facing him.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She still hadn't figured out how they managed to get that way. She wondered if it had anything to do with the dream that haunted her again.

Her eyes closed. It had been horrible. She felt like she was running, feeling fear of being captive. In the background of a forest, in the dark of night, was the king's voice, almost gently calling her back. As she kept running, the sorcerer's laughing voice mocked her fear, heightening it.

During her run, she somehow found herself in front of some pond, halting her. She only stared for a little while before the water swirled up and sucked her to it. In response, she tried to clutch to anything she could. She must've twisted in the dream...and clung to Hiro. After that, the water disappeared and she felt safe in the forestry again, as though she was right at home. She had no more bad dreams after that.

Her cheeks burned, but a heavy shiver tiptoed up her spine. She could almost hear the laughter of the sorcerer; feel the fear that haunted her.

When she shivered again, his voice sounded across the way, almost too loud. "Cold?" He asked, hating the almost expectant way his voice sounded. What happened to the rough knight who fought off an entire army and saved the meek? Well...she was sitting right ACROSS from him.

"No." She quickly and meekly answered, wide eyes jerking to his. How had he seen? Was he watching her? The thought sent a stab of adrenaline through her body. How could he? She didn't feel his eyes.

"I know it must be, though I don't feel it." He rambled, eyes diverting to a stick he poked in the fire. Could he sound any MORE like nervous schoolboy? He mentally sighed at his behavior, as if he should be ashamed of the way he was acting nowadays. He NEVER rambled.

Eyes dropped to her knees, a thoughtful frown took residence. What was he saying? Was he suggesting something? She didn't know how to act around him, and was too shy and nervous to be abrupt. It wasn't her way of doing things. Princesses - or ANY lady - did NOT say what was on their mind unless called upon.

From the looks of things - not to mention the apparent tension between them - HE wasn't going to say anything anytime soon. If he didn't, one of them was going to explode from it all! "Why?"

"...No reason." He responded; keeping eyes locked on the flames. Was his face as red as it felt? When did he lose his cool exterior? And how could he get it BACK? This whole situation wasn't helping him. How was he supposed to act?

She sighed. He was going to keep up this uncomfortableness between them until she said something. Well, if HE wouldn't take matters into his hands...

"Is something the matter Hiro?" She couldn't TAKE this anymore - it was becoming too much to handle. Truth be known - though it would take a lot to admit it - she LIKED being in his arms. Never had she felt more safe and secure. Even with her family she never felt so complete.

His eyes almost hesitantly met hers over the dying fire, finding them a little frustrated and expectant.

Damn it, he KNEW she would bring it up. What could he SAY? That he liked holding her, cradling her like a baby? With her healing powers, she was capable of taking care of herself. If she could just find a place to hide, her body would repair itself. He was sure they would heal her on their own merit, mostly as they did to him. She didn't need taking care of.

She was as small as a child - STILL a child - that needed to be kept away from the horrors that wanted to snatch her away from him. He would like to hold her, there was no denying that, but he wasn't going to be so crass and abrupt to hold her when it was inappropriate. They were only promised on her father's word and they were in the middle of nowhere. What if something happened?

His eyes ducked to the fire, feeling his cheeks heat from more than just low flames. This was unacceptable. When had his thoughts turned so impure and crass?!

When he didn't answer, or look to, she openly sighed and stared at her knees. She wanted to drop it, but the stubborn side of her wouldn't let her. This had to end. Her sanity and patience couldn't - WOULDN'T - take much more of this!

"Hiro." She softly called. "This's gone on long enough. We're adults for heaven's sakes! We can't very well act like total strangers to each other. Not when we're to be-" She stopped. She was going to say, 'married to each other', but couldn't get words out.

His eyes looked to her when her head ducked, lips pressed together. She didn't need to finish for him to know what she meant. They were going to be spending a LOT more time together when they reached home...the rest of their lives. If this time together was anything, it shouldn't be this.

His jaw clenched. She was right, but he was loathed to admit it. To know he was wrong - something he rarely was - wasn't easy. This silence between them WAS grating on his nerves. To want to talk and be unable due to this morning was a stupid insecurity they needed to get past. She took the first step and spoke, why couldn't he?

"I know." He whispered, feeling a little humbled. This was something that never happened before. The thought of staring his future wife in the eyes was a little nerve-racking.

"Then what can I say that'll take this anxiety away from us?"

Without giving an answer, he slowly stood and rounded the fire, as if every step would lead him closer to something he didn't want to admit, something he didn't want to face just yet. It was apparent he was nervous. Taking her by surprise, he kneeled and placed a hand over hers, taking it in his grasp.

"Hiro?" She breathed.

"There IS nothing you should have to say to make us feel better." He softly replied, staring. "It's my fault for putting that between us and I'm sorry."

"It's not only your fault Hiro." She whispered, managing to find her voice. God this man had the power to take away her very ability to speak! All he had to do was be next to her and look into her eyes. "I'm at fault as well."

"Then we'll both agree this should disappear and get over it." He wryly answered. After a second, the smirk disappeared. "It is chilly again. Your hand is cold." His eyes dropped to her fingers, a thumb slowly rubbing over the back. "I'm asking on an honest offer. Would you like me to keep you company like last night?"

Her cheeks burned like a blaze, but her eyes couldn't tear away from his. He was sincere and forthright...and extremely caring. She knew tears would come at the gentle way he was staring, at holding her hand, if she didn't have a good grip on her emotions.

Her eyes finally dropped when something came to mind. If they were to get past this, there should be no lies, only truth.

"Only if you ask me a question. And answer me truthfully." Her eyes met his. "Please." When he didn't move or speak, she took that as a sign. "I have to be direct in saying that - last night - I had another nightmare. I won't go into the details of it, but...I know the reason I turned to you in the middle of the night and we ended up the way we did." Her lips pressed together to quell a sheepish smile. "When you held me while I was awake, I never felt so safe as I did with you. When I slept, I felt terror. The king's sorcerer taunted me again last night. During the end, I felt security and warmth, and held onto that." Her eyes met his. "I held onto YOU Hiro. You brought me safety that chased away my nightmare and I slept the rest of the night."

He knew she was being genuine by the haunted look in her eyes. The sorcerer invaded her dreams, but there was little he could do. There was so little he could do last time she was brought under the evil magician's spell. Last night...he seemed to reach her on the subconscious level. Just holding her had the power to chase away nightmares and bring peace for a night. Her hand squeezed, bringing his attention back.

"My point Hiro, is that in your arms, I feel safe. Nothing can harm me. Truth be told - I'd RATHER be in your arms," Her eyes bashfully ducked, "as long as you feel the same."

There, she said it - she said her peace. All she could do was wait and pray he felt the same. If he did, they would be unstoppable against ANY force that challenged them.

His eyes dropped to the ground, shadows flickering with the fire's light. He should've known that she felt the exact way he did.

Did he have the power and confidence to say he felt the same? Why not? What did he have to lose? It would be kind of NICE to speak his mind to a lady. His blunt opinion stopped to women, not wanting to hurt their feelings. But he knew that by NOT speaking, he would hurt her feelings. Looking back, his other hand rested under her chin, raising her to meet his eyes.

"I do." He answered, giving a small nod.

Her eyes teared over. Those two words said more than she ever thought possible. Relief flooded her, and she nearly flung herself into his arms, visibly shocking him. "Oh I'm so RELIEVED Hiro. You don't know how much I dreaded hearing you say no."

His arms tightened, wrapping on reflex. One hand came up and stroked her hair, feeling the need to comfort. He didn't know so much rested on his shoulders. His eyes stared at the top of her head, mouth tilting. "It's okay Relena." He whispered. The feel of her hair was exquisite, still as soft as it was the day she washed it. On impulse, his lips bent and touched the crown, resting there long after.

A few tears fell at his behavior. Would he always find time to show this? Out in the middle of nowhere, it was okay. But in the grounds of civilization, they would be forced to obey the laws of etiquette. Her arms tightened around his armor, cheek rubbing against leather. Well she would have to take all she could get, any type of kindness he would give.

Managing to compose herself, she sat up and stared into his eyes. The fire almost died out, casting sparks in his eyes. Her lids lowered as his thumb brushed over her jaw, head slightly turning into his palm. She didn't want this moment to end.

She knew he wanted to kiss her by his eyes, by the way he stared at her lips. She knew it wasn't proper to take initiative - but damned to proper! Out here, learning to survive, she knew that taking what you needed - or WANTED - was okay. Her chin tilted up, touching their lips.

He startled when she kissed him. He wanted to, but he wanted to savor the way the fire made her face look. His thumb stroked her jaw, cupping her chin. The other tiptoed to the back of her hair, running his hand through the water-fine locks. Somewhere in between his haze, her hands snaked up his chest to the back of his neck.

Her light touch created a fire inside his chest, tingling his skin. His tongue stroked the bottom of her lip, wondering where this sudden boldness was coming from. Hers seemed well-matched, because her tongue slid out and touched his in a slow caress. He startled, but kissed her more intensely than before, shock ebbing as sensations heightened and swept him away. Answering her caress, more emotion poured into the kiss - more pressure and passion.

It took forever for him to break away, mostly since he didn't WANT to. These new emotions were too delicious and enticing - as was she - for him to let go. But let go he did, although entirely reluctant.

"We need to stop." He raggedly breathed, lips moving hers. Though he pulled away, it was enough to break the kiss. To be away from her for any more than a breath's distance was too much.

Her eyes opened and locked on blue. "I know." She breathed back. They remained frozen like that for an immeasurable amount of time, as if testing their resistance. Finally, she pulled away and allowed him to cradle her as he did last night, putting his horse in the same position to keep out any wind.