Chapter 8
"Who threw that!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. His fury radiated over everyone and they began to slink back. He repeated again and all moved back again. Death was staring at them through his eyes. The crowd backed away was Duo walked towards them. As he searched all of their eyes, his own landed on a shivering young man his age.
"Bingo," he whispered. The young man knew he had been caught and turned to run, but Duo was already tackling him. He pulled back his fist and let fly! Others let out groans of their own pain as they watched Duo's administrations. By the time he was done the young man was cringing on the desert floor. Duo spat on the young man and turned back to Hilde who had recovered.
"You don't have to be the knight in shining armor." Duo grinned.
"It wouldn't be any fun if I wasn't." Hilde rolled her eyes. Just then, Heero stepped forward and glared at the crowd. They took the message and began to disperse, several dragging the battered young man. Heero stayed and stared at the arrivals.
"What do you want here?" Heero finally asked.
"We were coming to get our friends," commented Dorothy.
"You're free to take Duo." Dorothy's jaw dropped.
"But what about…"
"Cathy is married to Trowa and Relena is going to be my wife as well.
"What!" cried Wufei.
"It's true," said Relena proudly. "Before you came, I was preparing to leave for his home."
"So…you're not coming with us?" asked Dorothy with a shaking lip.
"No… I'm sorry."
"Duo…"
"I think we should all settle this inside. It's hotter than hell out here!" Everyone did see the up side to this statement made by Lucrezia. They made their way towards one of the dugouts entered with an aura of a death march. Each wore a grim face and Joshua seemed to sense the sudden tense air within the room. He tugged on Duo's sleeve, giving his infamous puppy eyes. To Joshua's chagrin, Duo shook his head seriously and proceeded to seat himself on the cool floor. Joshua crossed his arms and decided to try doing this with Trowa, but got the same response. Finally, realizing that he was not going to get anyone to go outside with him to play ball, he plopped down and quickly found a beetle to play with.
After everyone was settled, Heero was the first to speak.
"You can scratch the idea that Relena and Cathy are going to return with you to your tribe because of their commitments here." Dorothy sent a death glare over at Heero. Quatre, being the peace loving of all of them, jumped in and tried to cool any flaring retorts from Dorothy.
"Their place is with the ones they love and I can see why Heero is so defensive on that particular aspect." Dorothy gave him a peculiar look, but whatever she was planning on saying was quickly forgotten. She took an extra moment to examine the Dead Soul tribesman. She didn't know his name, but she had to admit, he was very good looking. His blond hair and ocean blue eyes made Dorothy feel as if he cooled down a lot of things, she shivered at the thought of being cool instead of hot and sweaty for once. In the back of her mind, she thought that if she were to spend more time with this young man, she would probably not care about the heat as much anymore. Frowning, she turned her attention quickly from where her thoughts were taking her and she turned to her friend Relena.
"So I guess there's no way you would be willing to come back with us at all? No chance in the least?" Relena closed her eyes, as if finally facing a longtime demon and when she opened them again, her eyes held a determination that answered Dorothy before she even spoke.
"I have a commitment here and I need to fulfill that commitment." Dorothy felt one tear seep out. She quickly shook her head and got up, not looking back as she made her way out of the dugout. Relena watched with a saddened expression. Wufei's voice brought her back.
"We were really hoping to bring all of you back. Dorothy had especially high hopes. These last three years have been especially hard on her. She stayed up every night next to the fires, talking of what it would be like if you and Cathy and Duo were to return." Relena bit her lip and looked once again at the doorway that Dorothy had disappeared through.
"Listen… Wufei…" Duo started nervously. "I'm not so sure that I can go with you either." Wufei's face became almost along the line of dejected. Duo quickly tried to explain himself. "You see… I was just beginning to make something of myself here and I don't know what I'm going back to. The White Banshee Tribe officially let us all go and therefore we no longer belong to the tribe…" Wufei was glaring at Duo now.
"Not belong!" he yelled. He jumped up and flashed lightening through his eyes at his longtime friend. "You have White Banshee blood! You have taken the oath of our brethren and ancestors! The tradition of this will fail for the first time in several generations and…" Relena interrupted in a quiet voice.
"Maybe tradition needs to change." Wufei stood stock still in shock. His jaw hung open and he swung his eyes from Duo to Relena and then to Cathy, who pointedly looked away. Trowa placed a protective arm over his wife's shoulders and turned to whisper something to her. She listened quietly and nodded.
"Wufei maybe we should all talk about this when we're not all tired and recovering from the shock of this. I think we all have some thinking to do first. Just stay a little while before you leave at least. You don't have to leave very quickly. It'll give us all time to think." Wufei took a deep breath and nodded, seeing that Cathy was only being logical. Besides Dorothy and he were very tired.
"All right, but we can't stay forever."
"Yes, I now." By now, it had gotten much darker and Cathy pointedly looked at Joshua, who had curled up on Trowa's lap, sucking his thumb as he slept soundly. Wufei stared for a while at the toddler and Lucrezia could have sworn she saw a sense of peace on Wufei's features. Relena then noticed that Quatre had suddenly disappeared out the door and Natria walked in to take his place.
"Hello all, I heard all the commotion and I came to see if everything is doing all right." Lucrezia answered this.
"As well as can be expected being that we were nearly mauled by a rioting mob." The corner of Natria's mouth quirked up ever so slightly. Heero was the first to make a move to leave. As he stood he offered an outstretched hand to Relena. She stared at it for a long moment and then took a deep breath and let Heero lift her from the ground. They quietly made their way out of the dugout.
They neared an empty hut and Relena seemed confused for a moment.
"My mother is allowing us to use her makeshift until I finish our own. It will be next to Trowa and Cathy." Relena smiled now. Heero felt a small burst of pleasure at the thought that he had pleased Relena, but he quickly shook that from his head.
"She is very generous." Heero didn't say anything as he stepped inside the hut and placed a lot on a dimming fire. In moments the small hut was illuminated in light. Relena looked around and saw a few pots in a corner. A mat covered in furs was for the bed. Relena stiffened. She had never thought of bthat/b yet. Her mind was whirling. Heero didn't notice this. Instead, he only made sure the fire was going well on its way. He glanced around and saw the bucket of water and pulled it next to the fire. He indicated for Relena to sit in front of him. With a damp cloth he began to wash her forehead of the blood and then her palm. Relena did the same to his. His hand was large in her own trembling hands. Heero took away the cloth and covered her hands with his own. Their eyes locked.
"Seal it with a kiss," stated Heero. Relena took a deep breath and began to lean forward. Heero did so as well. It was a bare brush of flesh, but the electricity ran through them both. Their eyes flew open and they stared at each other for a moment. Slowly, Heero leaned backing and took her lips. One of his hands reached up and snakes its way behind her neck, pulling her closer. Their lips melded. It was a taste of honey and he wanted more if it. His lips moved over hers with a demanding force. Her fingers clenched in his, but he still refused to let her go. He had thought once of kissing her before but he had quickly squished the idea. His thoughts flew away as he twined his fingers with her own. Leaning a little harder, he managed to lay her out on the floor. Her eyes shot open and she went ridged.
"Heero?" she asked nervously. He silenced her by taking her lips once again. Her mind fell into a haze. She had no control when her hands gripped his shoulders. That need in her belly craved to be fed and as she kissed Heero back she knew he would be the one to fill that need. He lay down on top of her grinding his hips into her own. Now both of his hands gripped hers. His breath was quick as he pulled away and proceeded to place small kisses along her jaw. Relena moved restlessly underneath him. He groaned out her name, his lips recapturing hers. Those blessed lips. He couldn't get enough of them. Relena moved her hands up and down his back. Finally, Heero pulled her into his arms and carried her to their bed.
"You are mind and I am yours," he whispered. His eyes took in her beauty and a pang filled his heart. It was a pressure that only wished to be encouraged. It overwhelmed him, making him feel as if the most precious thing was in his arms. Then he laid her on the mat. After staring for a moment, he lowered himself next to her. The rest of time seemed to stop for them.
The sun poked its way over the horizon and Heero's eyes opened slowly. He was still half asleep. Something warm was against him. He liked it so he pulled it closer. A small sigh brought him awake completely. His eyes searched the hut and then they landed on Relena. She was curled up to his side, looking very content. Heero stared in wonderment. She was the most gorgeous thing he had ever seen and she was his. That pressure from the earlier night returned. Heero let a hand reach forward and pick up a strand of hair, feeling its texture. Relena's eyes fluttered open and then she was sitting up in shock. She forgot where she was and when she saw she wasn't wearing anything she grabbed for the furs. Heero chuckled. Her eyes frantically looked at him and she began to relax. Heero reached up and drew her back down next to him.
"It wasn't a dream," she whispered. Heero smiled slightly.
"No it wasn't. You're my wife." He leaned down and kissed her deeply. She returned it.
"Should I make breakfast?" she asked breathlessly.
"Later." Heero kissed her again.
"I heard they've been in there all day," Cathy said excitedly.
"Would you settle down! It's none of your business anyway!" cried Dorothy.
"If I remember correctly, you and Trowa didn't come out for quite some time either," stated Hilde with a mischievous smile.
"Sure and I admit I enjoyed every minute of it," said Cathy unfazed. Trowa blushed and shook his head. Cathy did not hesitate to speak her mind.
"Hey Quatre, I heard that brunette has been after for a while. You planning on letting yourself be reeled in?" questioned Hilde. Quatre always guaranteed a blush if he was teased about women.
"I don't really know her that well. She's very nice sometimes, but…"
"She's a bitch the rest of the time," cut in Lucrezia. The others laughed and Quatre turned another shade of red. Dorothy sat strangely silent against the wall.
"Everything seems to be happening way too quickly for just two days," commented Lucrezia.
"I know," commented Dorothy. "Cathy is there anyway you can come visit us? Both you and Relena? There's so much going on. Zechs is changing a lot of things. We're finally beginning to improve our situation." Trowa stiffened at the mentioning of his wife visiting the Banshee tribe. Cathy noticed his stiffness and quickly looked to sooth him of it.
"Are you sure you can't visit us instead?"
"You saw that mob earlier. I don't know if that would be very possible," said Wufei regretfully. Cathy gazed sadly at her friends and she bit her lip with a look of desperation. Suddenly, Trowa's hand landed on her shoulder as he spoke to Dorothy and Wufei.
"I can assure you that she'll come as often as possible." Cathy felt her eyes tear up in joy. She swiftly lunged at Trowa and embraced him. He smiled a little and held her back.
"Thank you," she whispered. His eyes were gentle when he kissed her forehead.
"When are you planning on leaving?" asked Lucrezia.
"Anytime Duo is ready," said Wufei. Duo seemed to frown at this statement. Before he could say anything Hilde spoke up from across the dugout.
"I went home last night… My parents were furious with my actions yesterday. I'm not to return under their roof as their daughter because I have betrayed the tribe." Her eyes were downcast, but everyone could hear the deep sadness in her voice.
"Oh, Hilde…" breathed Lucrezia sympathetically. Hilde continued.
"I wish to go with you to your tribe, maybe start fresh if I can." Wufei looked at Dorothy and they exchanged looks.
"I guess, if you believe that's what you want. I can't promise that you'll be accepted," said Wufei. Hilde nodded in understanding.
"I realize that, but it's less painful to go there instead of being scorned among my own people and family."
"All right. So Duo and Hilde are to come home with us." Wufei turned to eye Duo to make sure there weren't any arguments. There were none.
"It seems as if everyone is leaving," said Lucrezia. "Or just changing." Everyone was silent at this putting an awkward feeling in the air. "Why is it that I feel as if something big is something?" thought Quatre grimly.
Heero agreed to take Relena back to the dugout to retrieve her things. The day before he hadn't given her much time to prepare to leave for her new home. To say honestly he head no clue as into what he was doing. She was pretty incredible, he head to admit. Last night was amazing but even after that he felt hesitant towards her. It was almost as if he was afraid. What the hell was he afraid of? He shook his head and picked their pace.
Relena stared at him I surprise, then her eyes fell to her feet. He hadn't said anything to her after they had gotten up. It was after he had gotten dressed when he had mentioned going to he dugout and told her to get dressed as well. The whole time he acted distantly towards her, as if she was still that outcast from three years ago. At that thought, her eyes began to sting. What had she done? She had traded her true happiness for something she was sure that would not matter to Heero. She had also noticed that he wouldn't touch her unless it was absolutely necessary.
Relena was a person who survived on loving touches and looks. From the time she was a baby and even over the last three years when she had Duo and Cathy, but now…
"What are you thinking?" Heero asked suddenly.
'Just how used and betrayed I feel,' she thought, but aloud she said, "Nothing." Heero didn't say anything further. The dugouts were coming into view now. There was a group of people sitting in a circle on the ground. They seemed to be immersed in conversation. Cathy was the one to look up and see the approaching couple. She waved at them.
"Hey you two! I see you've finally decided to join the living!" Relena blushed and sat down. She stated a greeting to everyone.
"So what was it that you guys were talking about?"
"You!" said Dorothy jokingly. The others laughed as Heero grunted and sat down as well. Wufei noticed that he sat away from Relena instead of next to her like expected. His eyes narrowed. Something wasn't right with this.
"Don't worry Relena, we weren't making fun of you too much. To tell you honestly we're just getting into a conversation of how the Banshee and Dead Soul tribes became enemies." Relena raised her eyebrows in interest.
"Really? And what have you come up with?"
"Well, Dorothy and Wufei insist that Dead Soul had stolen sheep from White Banshee, but Lucrezia, Trowa and Hilde are valiantly saying Banshee raided Dead Soul," stated Cathy. This surprised Relena because as she looked around the circle of faces, she saw there were no harsh looks or death glares. The conversation they had was only a good-natured opinion. It was as if none of them were enemies. They looked normal. Relena realized that they were a fourth generation of a mass disaster. This is what it could have been. Relena mentally shook her head and proceeded to laugh with her old and recent friends.
P.
Dorothy and Wufei eventually left with Duo and Hilde as well. Relena watched them with tearful eyes. She wished Hilde luck with her tribe and new home, knowing Duo would take care of her. After they had left things had finally begun to settle down. The Dead Should tribe left the outcasts alone to their daily lives. It was several months before anything began to stir.
"Relena was lonely most of the time. Heero kept on appearing and disappearing from her life. She contemplated her feelings when she saw Cathy standing outside putting up the wash. Joshua had decided to stay with Lucrezia for the day. She smiled happily when Trowa walked out and hooked an arm around her shoulders. She bent down and placed his forehead against hers and whispered something that cased Cathy to laugh and turn to embrace him. Relena stared on with a pained envy. Heero never openly showed his affection at that very moment. Something was slowly clenching shut on her heart. At first it seemed as if it was her own misery, but then she knew it was something else. Her hands flew up to clutch her chest in agony. She let out a cry of pain and fell to her knees. Cathy and Trowa looked from each other and glanced Relena. Her world was quickly fading away. Her friends were by her side.
Trowa lifted her into his arms and began to run her into the small hut Heero had made. Trowa yelled to a villager to fetch Heero. A t first the villager refused to move, but an extra glare from Trowa swiftly sent him scurrying to get Heero.
"Relena!" cried Cathy with panic as her friend was placed on the mat. "Relena please wake up!" Her friend's face was ashen white.
"Relena hold on. We're getting the doctor!"
"He's refusing to come," came a villager's voice from he door. Cathy glared at the speaker.
"Why not?!"
"Because the outcast stole his business. He refuses to help." Cathy's eyes were teary. Suddenly all movement stopped as Heero came rushing into the hut. He made his way next to Relena. When he picked up her hand he felt shocked by the limpness of it. His eyes turned to her face.
"Has the doctor been called?"
"No, he isn't coming," stated Cathy. Heero's eyes darkened in anger and everyone backed away. Heero stood up to drag the doctor to his wife and then kill him later but a gust of air came from Relena's lungs in a rush. Slowly a bit of color rose into her cheeks. Heero glared down at her as if it were all her fault. He also refused to admit that this heart was still racing from when the villager had warned him that his wife had fallen in a faint. He realized the kind of control she had over him and no one, not even his father could ever control him. His mind raced until he saw that Relena was breathing steadily He quickly left to pick up the work in the field he had put down.
Relena looked around her frantically and saw she was inside her hut with Cathy's worried face hovering over her.
"I'm alive," she whispered with amazement. Cathy relaxed a little.
"Yes, thank God! You scared the living daylights out of me!"
"Heero. Where's Heero?" Relena sat up but quickly fell back when a wave of dizziness hit her.
Stay down. You must be really dizzy," suggested Trowa.
"Heero came in, but I think he went back out to the field." First one tear fell then another and then they came earnestly. Cathy leaned forward and held her friend in comfort as the shattering sobs ripped through Relena. Trowa glared on with frustration towards his friend. The pain and helplessness in his wife's eyes was nearly unbearable. He quickly made his exit and headed for the fields where Heero had headed
"Heero!" yelled Trowa, his usual monotone voice gone and replaced with an undertone threat. His friend was among the harvested plants. Trowa was getting angry. What Heero did sooner or later affected Cathy and Trowa wouldn't stand for it. Relena was heartbroken and it hurt Cathy. He would kill himself or anyone else if any harm came to his wife. He approached his friend and called his name once again. Heero heard him, Trowa knew he did but yet he still chose to ignore him. He must have sensed the oncoming fight.
The moment Trowa reached Heero he spun the brown haired man around.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" growled Trowa to the stoic face before him. There was no reply. "You're bwife/b may have nearly died back there and you walk away as if it were nothing. What you're doing to Relena is killing her… What happens to Relena affects Cathy and I won't allow your stupidity to hurt my own wife!" Trowa lost his temper with Heero's impassable expression and shoved him at the last. Heero only stumbled back a foot or two. Trowa's strength was amazing, but Heero's ability to still stand after that onslaught was impressive. After a moment of long tenseness filling the air, Heero answered.
"I don't love her," said Heero simply. Trowa pulled back his right leg along with his right fist and plowed it into Heero's face. Now Heero fell and landed with a loud thud on the dry ground. Trowa's face was now stoic as well.
"Why in God's name did you make her yours then? Any man could have had her. You knew your mother was going to die soon anyway. You could have let her go back to her loved ones and let another man marry her. At least he would have cared for her." Heero's eyes darkened when Trowa mentioned another man marrying his wife and darkened when Trowa mentioned another man marrying his wife and Trowa knew he had hit a nerve.
"So you do care for her. You better find out how you feel for her soon because you just may lose her." With that, Trowa turned away and headed back towards the huts, but then he stopped but didn't turn.
"If any of this causes stress to Cathy, I'll rip you apart for it." He continued on his way. Heero wiped at the trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth and stared after Trowa. Heero's wife had nearly died that day and what Trowa didn't know as that Heero was shaken to the core with terror for her.
Suya smiled viciously as she felt the terror and pain rise in her enemy, Relena Peacecraft. It had been several months now and revenge had not been taken. Heero Yuy still had not given into his feelings so Suya decided to play the dark cupid and then her revenge would be complete. Relena would suffer greatly in an agonizing death and Heero won't be able to help her.
She smiled cruelly at the remembrance of her humiliation and seeked to take her revenge out on anyone possible. Heero Yuy was going to pay very soon.
Heero returned very late. He stayed longer than anyone else in the field. Furiously cutting down the intruding weeds, Heero thought of what Trowa said. As he stood over the mat he shared with Relena his words echoed back to him. 'What you're doing to Relena is killing her… killing her… killing her…' Heero sat and stared at his sleeping wife. Even in sleep her face was pained. He felt a twinge of guilt. Slowly, he lowered himself down next to her and brushed a hand against her cheek. She sighed and turned toward his warmth. She mumbled his name dreamily.
"Heero." He smiled a little and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open to stare into his Prussian eyes. Her eyes searched his face and tears began to well up. She bit her bottom lip and with a sob she threw herself into his arms. Her grip was desperate and full of despair. Her arms locked themselves around his neck and her head was buried in his shoulder. Heero was surprised at first but slowly his arms came up to hold her as well. Warming to these feelings, Heero tightened his grip and placed his lips comfortingly on top of her soft hair, letting her know he was there. Her sobs were heartbreaking to him and he wanted nothing more than to wipe away that pain. He was a fool for not seeing this before. Wasted time on pride and fear. He was disgusted with himself, but no more. Hesitantly eh lowered his lips to her ear.
"I love you Relena." Her sobs almost immediately stopped. She pulled back slowly.
"What?"
"I love you. Aishiteru. Aishiteru." Relena's eyes watered and she threw herself forward to embrace her husband.
"Aishiteru, my darling Heero." Heero held her tightly; his eyes squeezed shut as he finally let his feelings go. Soft words were spoken and the time of night and silence seemed to freeze for them.
Cathy smiled when she saw her friend step out from her hut. It seemed as though everything was fine now. Relena glowed with happiness now, whistling even. Heero now seemed almost willing to hold her in public. Feeling her happiness, Cathy gently rubbed her flat stomach and smiled secretively. She must have been standing there for a while because Relena had noticed her friend standing there in a daze.
"Are you all right?" asked Relena with a worried look.
"Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"You were standing there as if you were off in your own world. Daydreaming about Trowa?" Cathy laughed a little.
"Well you could put it that way." Relena was confused.
"Either you are, or either you aren't."
"I'm debating on how I should tell him something. You see, in about seven months Joshua will be an uncle and…" Relena let out a cry of joy and grabbed her friend in a huge embrace. One or two villagers turned to stare with curious looks on their faces. Relena ignored the looks as Cathy began to blush.
"That's wonderful Cathy! That's great! When are you going to tell Trowa?"
"If you scream any louder he'll know before I get the chance to tell him." Relena smiled and embraced her friend a little more gently this time.
"I'm so happy for you," whispered Relena.
"Thank you, Relena. I don't know what we'd do without you."
"Hopefully we'll never find out," said Relena jokingly.
"Who threw that!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. His fury radiated over everyone and they began to slink back. He repeated again and all moved back again. Death was staring at them through his eyes. The crowd backed away was Duo walked towards them. As he searched all of their eyes, his own landed on a shivering young man his age.
"Bingo," he whispered. The young man knew he had been caught and turned to run, but Duo was already tackling him. He pulled back his fist and let fly! Others let out groans of their own pain as they watched Duo's administrations. By the time he was done the young man was cringing on the desert floor. Duo spat on the young man and turned back to Hilde who had recovered.
"You don't have to be the knight in shining armor." Duo grinned.
"It wouldn't be any fun if I wasn't." Hilde rolled her eyes. Just then, Heero stepped forward and glared at the crowd. They took the message and began to disperse, several dragging the battered young man. Heero stayed and stared at the arrivals.
"What do you want here?" Heero finally asked.
"We were coming to get our friends," commented Dorothy.
"You're free to take Duo." Dorothy's jaw dropped.
"But what about…"
"Cathy is married to Trowa and Relena is going to be my wife as well.
"What!" cried Wufei.
"It's true," said Relena proudly. "Before you came, I was preparing to leave for his home."
"So…you're not coming with us?" asked Dorothy with a shaking lip.
"No… I'm sorry."
"Duo…"
"I think we should all settle this inside. It's hotter than hell out here!" Everyone did see the up side to this statement made by Lucrezia. They made their way towards one of the dugouts entered with an aura of a death march. Each wore a grim face and Joshua seemed to sense the sudden tense air within the room. He tugged on Duo's sleeve, giving his infamous puppy eyes. To Joshua's chagrin, Duo shook his head seriously and proceeded to seat himself on the cool floor. Joshua crossed his arms and decided to try doing this with Trowa, but got the same response. Finally, realizing that he was not going to get anyone to go outside with him to play ball, he plopped down and quickly found a beetle to play with.
After everyone was settled, Heero was the first to speak.
"You can scratch the idea that Relena and Cathy are going to return with you to your tribe because of their commitments here." Dorothy sent a death glare over at Heero. Quatre, being the peace loving of all of them, jumped in and tried to cool any flaring retorts from Dorothy.
"Their place is with the ones they love and I can see why Heero is so defensive on that particular aspect." Dorothy gave him a peculiar look, but whatever she was planning on saying was quickly forgotten. She took an extra moment to examine the Dead Soul tribesman. She didn't know his name, but she had to admit, he was very good looking. His blond hair and ocean blue eyes made Dorothy feel as if he cooled down a lot of things, she shivered at the thought of being cool instead of hot and sweaty for once. In the back of her mind, she thought that if she were to spend more time with this young man, she would probably not care about the heat as much anymore. Frowning, she turned her attention quickly from where her thoughts were taking her and she turned to her friend Relena.
"So I guess there's no way you would be willing to come back with us at all? No chance in the least?" Relena closed her eyes, as if finally facing a longtime demon and when she opened them again, her eyes held a determination that answered Dorothy before she even spoke.
"I have a commitment here and I need to fulfill that commitment." Dorothy felt one tear seep out. She quickly shook her head and got up, not looking back as she made her way out of the dugout. Relena watched with a saddened expression. Wufei's voice brought her back.
"We were really hoping to bring all of you back. Dorothy had especially high hopes. These last three years have been especially hard on her. She stayed up every night next to the fires, talking of what it would be like if you and Cathy and Duo were to return." Relena bit her lip and looked once again at the doorway that Dorothy had disappeared through.
"Listen… Wufei…" Duo started nervously. "I'm not so sure that I can go with you either." Wufei's face became almost along the line of dejected. Duo quickly tried to explain himself. "You see… I was just beginning to make something of myself here and I don't know what I'm going back to. The White Banshee Tribe officially let us all go and therefore we no longer belong to the tribe…" Wufei was glaring at Duo now.
"Not belong!" he yelled. He jumped up and flashed lightening through his eyes at his longtime friend. "You have White Banshee blood! You have taken the oath of our brethren and ancestors! The tradition of this will fail for the first time in several generations and…" Relena interrupted in a quiet voice.
"Maybe tradition needs to change." Wufei stood stock still in shock. His jaw hung open and he swung his eyes from Duo to Relena and then to Cathy, who pointedly looked away. Trowa placed a protective arm over his wife's shoulders and turned to whisper something to her. She listened quietly and nodded.
"Wufei maybe we should all talk about this when we're not all tired and recovering from the shock of this. I think we all have some thinking to do first. Just stay a little while before you leave at least. You don't have to leave very quickly. It'll give us all time to think." Wufei took a deep breath and nodded, seeing that Cathy was only being logical. Besides Dorothy and he were very tired.
"All right, but we can't stay forever."
"Yes, I now." By now, it had gotten much darker and Cathy pointedly looked at Joshua, who had curled up on Trowa's lap, sucking his thumb as he slept soundly. Wufei stared for a while at the toddler and Lucrezia could have sworn she saw a sense of peace on Wufei's features. Relena then noticed that Quatre had suddenly disappeared out the door and Natria walked in to take his place.
"Hello all, I heard all the commotion and I came to see if everything is doing all right." Lucrezia answered this.
"As well as can be expected being that we were nearly mauled by a rioting mob." The corner of Natria's mouth quirked up ever so slightly. Heero was the first to make a move to leave. As he stood he offered an outstretched hand to Relena. She stared at it for a long moment and then took a deep breath and let Heero lift her from the ground. They quietly made their way out of the dugout.
They neared an empty hut and Relena seemed confused for a moment.
"My mother is allowing us to use her makeshift until I finish our own. It will be next to Trowa and Cathy." Relena smiled now. Heero felt a small burst of pleasure at the thought that he had pleased Relena, but he quickly shook that from his head.
"She is very generous." Heero didn't say anything as he stepped inside the hut and placed a lot on a dimming fire. In moments the small hut was illuminated in light. Relena looked around and saw a few pots in a corner. A mat covered in furs was for the bed. Relena stiffened. She had never thought of bthat/b yet. Her mind was whirling. Heero didn't notice this. Instead, he only made sure the fire was going well on its way. He glanced around and saw the bucket of water and pulled it next to the fire. He indicated for Relena to sit in front of him. With a damp cloth he began to wash her forehead of the blood and then her palm. Relena did the same to his. His hand was large in her own trembling hands. Heero took away the cloth and covered her hands with his own. Their eyes locked.
"Seal it with a kiss," stated Heero. Relena took a deep breath and began to lean forward. Heero did so as well. It was a bare brush of flesh, but the electricity ran through them both. Their eyes flew open and they stared at each other for a moment. Slowly, Heero leaned backing and took her lips. One of his hands reached up and snakes its way behind her neck, pulling her closer. Their lips melded. It was a taste of honey and he wanted more if it. His lips moved over hers with a demanding force. Her fingers clenched in his, but he still refused to let her go. He had thought once of kissing her before but he had quickly squished the idea. His thoughts flew away as he twined his fingers with her own. Leaning a little harder, he managed to lay her out on the floor. Her eyes shot open and she went ridged.
"Heero?" she asked nervously. He silenced her by taking her lips once again. Her mind fell into a haze. She had no control when her hands gripped his shoulders. That need in her belly craved to be fed and as she kissed Heero back she knew he would be the one to fill that need. He lay down on top of her grinding his hips into her own. Now both of his hands gripped hers. His breath was quick as he pulled away and proceeded to place small kisses along her jaw. Relena moved restlessly underneath him. He groaned out her name, his lips recapturing hers. Those blessed lips. He couldn't get enough of them. Relena moved her hands up and down his back. Finally, Heero pulled her into his arms and carried her to their bed.
"You are mind and I am yours," he whispered. His eyes took in her beauty and a pang filled his heart. It was a pressure that only wished to be encouraged. It overwhelmed him, making him feel as if the most precious thing was in his arms. Then he laid her on the mat. After staring for a moment, he lowered himself next to her. The rest of time seemed to stop for them.
The sun poked its way over the horizon and Heero's eyes opened slowly. He was still half asleep. Something warm was against him. He liked it so he pulled it closer. A small sigh brought him awake completely. His eyes searched the hut and then they landed on Relena. She was curled up to his side, looking very content. Heero stared in wonderment. She was the most gorgeous thing he had ever seen and she was his. That pressure from the earlier night returned. Heero let a hand reach forward and pick up a strand of hair, feeling its texture. Relena's eyes fluttered open and then she was sitting up in shock. She forgot where she was and when she saw she wasn't wearing anything she grabbed for the furs. Heero chuckled. Her eyes frantically looked at him and she began to relax. Heero reached up and drew her back down next to him.
"It wasn't a dream," she whispered. Heero smiled slightly.
"No it wasn't. You're my wife." He leaned down and kissed her deeply. She returned it.
"Should I make breakfast?" she asked breathlessly.
"Later." Heero kissed her again.
"I heard they've been in there all day," Cathy said excitedly.
"Would you settle down! It's none of your business anyway!" cried Dorothy.
"If I remember correctly, you and Trowa didn't come out for quite some time either," stated Hilde with a mischievous smile.
"Sure and I admit I enjoyed every minute of it," said Cathy unfazed. Trowa blushed and shook his head. Cathy did not hesitate to speak her mind.
"Hey Quatre, I heard that brunette has been after for a while. You planning on letting yourself be reeled in?" questioned Hilde. Quatre always guaranteed a blush if he was teased about women.
"I don't really know her that well. She's very nice sometimes, but…"
"She's a bitch the rest of the time," cut in Lucrezia. The others laughed and Quatre turned another shade of red. Dorothy sat strangely silent against the wall.
"Everything seems to be happening way too quickly for just two days," commented Lucrezia.
"I know," commented Dorothy. "Cathy is there anyway you can come visit us? Both you and Relena? There's so much going on. Zechs is changing a lot of things. We're finally beginning to improve our situation." Trowa stiffened at the mentioning of his wife visiting the Banshee tribe. Cathy noticed his stiffness and quickly looked to sooth him of it.
"Are you sure you can't visit us instead?"
"You saw that mob earlier. I don't know if that would be very possible," said Wufei regretfully. Cathy gazed sadly at her friends and she bit her lip with a look of desperation. Suddenly, Trowa's hand landed on her shoulder as he spoke to Dorothy and Wufei.
"I can assure you that she'll come as often as possible." Cathy felt her eyes tear up in joy. She swiftly lunged at Trowa and embraced him. He smiled a little and held her back.
"Thank you," she whispered. His eyes were gentle when he kissed her forehead.
"When are you planning on leaving?" asked Lucrezia.
"Anytime Duo is ready," said Wufei. Duo seemed to frown at this statement. Before he could say anything Hilde spoke up from across the dugout.
"I went home last night… My parents were furious with my actions yesterday. I'm not to return under their roof as their daughter because I have betrayed the tribe." Her eyes were downcast, but everyone could hear the deep sadness in her voice.
"Oh, Hilde…" breathed Lucrezia sympathetically. Hilde continued.
"I wish to go with you to your tribe, maybe start fresh if I can." Wufei looked at Dorothy and they exchanged looks.
"I guess, if you believe that's what you want. I can't promise that you'll be accepted," said Wufei. Hilde nodded in understanding.
"I realize that, but it's less painful to go there instead of being scorned among my own people and family."
"All right. So Duo and Hilde are to come home with us." Wufei turned to eye Duo to make sure there weren't any arguments. There were none.
"It seems as if everyone is leaving," said Lucrezia. "Or just changing." Everyone was silent at this putting an awkward feeling in the air. "Why is it that I feel as if something big is something?" thought Quatre grimly.
Heero agreed to take Relena back to the dugout to retrieve her things. The day before he hadn't given her much time to prepare to leave for her new home. To say honestly he head no clue as into what he was doing. She was pretty incredible, he head to admit. Last night was amazing but even after that he felt hesitant towards her. It was almost as if he was afraid. What the hell was he afraid of? He shook his head and picked their pace.
Relena stared at him I surprise, then her eyes fell to her feet. He hadn't said anything to her after they had gotten up. It was after he had gotten dressed when he had mentioned going to he dugout and told her to get dressed as well. The whole time he acted distantly towards her, as if she was still that outcast from three years ago. At that thought, her eyes began to sting. What had she done? She had traded her true happiness for something she was sure that would not matter to Heero. She had also noticed that he wouldn't touch her unless it was absolutely necessary.
Relena was a person who survived on loving touches and looks. From the time she was a baby and even over the last three years when she had Duo and Cathy, but now…
"What are you thinking?" Heero asked suddenly.
'Just how used and betrayed I feel,' she thought, but aloud she said, "Nothing." Heero didn't say anything further. The dugouts were coming into view now. There was a group of people sitting in a circle on the ground. They seemed to be immersed in conversation. Cathy was the one to look up and see the approaching couple. She waved at them.
"Hey you two! I see you've finally decided to join the living!" Relena blushed and sat down. She stated a greeting to everyone.
"So what was it that you guys were talking about?"
"You!" said Dorothy jokingly. The others laughed as Heero grunted and sat down as well. Wufei noticed that he sat away from Relena instead of next to her like expected. His eyes narrowed. Something wasn't right with this.
"Don't worry Relena, we weren't making fun of you too much. To tell you honestly we're just getting into a conversation of how the Banshee and Dead Soul tribes became enemies." Relena raised her eyebrows in interest.
"Really? And what have you come up with?"
"Well, Dorothy and Wufei insist that Dead Soul had stolen sheep from White Banshee, but Lucrezia, Trowa and Hilde are valiantly saying Banshee raided Dead Soul," stated Cathy. This surprised Relena because as she looked around the circle of faces, she saw there were no harsh looks or death glares. The conversation they had was only a good-natured opinion. It was as if none of them were enemies. They looked normal. Relena realized that they were a fourth generation of a mass disaster. This is what it could have been. Relena mentally shook her head and proceeded to laugh with her old and recent friends.
P.
Dorothy and Wufei eventually left with Duo and Hilde as well. Relena watched them with tearful eyes. She wished Hilde luck with her tribe and new home, knowing Duo would take care of her. After they had left things had finally begun to settle down. The Dead Should tribe left the outcasts alone to their daily lives. It was several months before anything began to stir.
"Relena was lonely most of the time. Heero kept on appearing and disappearing from her life. She contemplated her feelings when she saw Cathy standing outside putting up the wash. Joshua had decided to stay with Lucrezia for the day. She smiled happily when Trowa walked out and hooked an arm around her shoulders. She bent down and placed his forehead against hers and whispered something that cased Cathy to laugh and turn to embrace him. Relena stared on with a pained envy. Heero never openly showed his affection at that very moment. Something was slowly clenching shut on her heart. At first it seemed as if it was her own misery, but then she knew it was something else. Her hands flew up to clutch her chest in agony. She let out a cry of pain and fell to her knees. Cathy and Trowa looked from each other and glanced Relena. Her world was quickly fading away. Her friends were by her side.
Trowa lifted her into his arms and began to run her into the small hut Heero had made. Trowa yelled to a villager to fetch Heero. A t first the villager refused to move, but an extra glare from Trowa swiftly sent him scurrying to get Heero.
"Relena!" cried Cathy with panic as her friend was placed on the mat. "Relena please wake up!" Her friend's face was ashen white.
"Relena hold on. We're getting the doctor!"
"He's refusing to come," came a villager's voice from he door. Cathy glared at the speaker.
"Why not?!"
"Because the outcast stole his business. He refuses to help." Cathy's eyes were teary. Suddenly all movement stopped as Heero came rushing into the hut. He made his way next to Relena. When he picked up her hand he felt shocked by the limpness of it. His eyes turned to her face.
"Has the doctor been called?"
"No, he isn't coming," stated Cathy. Heero's eyes darkened in anger and everyone backed away. Heero stood up to drag the doctor to his wife and then kill him later but a gust of air came from Relena's lungs in a rush. Slowly a bit of color rose into her cheeks. Heero glared down at her as if it were all her fault. He also refused to admit that this heart was still racing from when the villager had warned him that his wife had fallen in a faint. He realized the kind of control she had over him and no one, not even his father could ever control him. His mind raced until he saw that Relena was breathing steadily He quickly left to pick up the work in the field he had put down.
Relena looked around her frantically and saw she was inside her hut with Cathy's worried face hovering over her.
"I'm alive," she whispered with amazement. Cathy relaxed a little.
"Yes, thank God! You scared the living daylights out of me!"
"Heero. Where's Heero?" Relena sat up but quickly fell back when a wave of dizziness hit her.
Stay down. You must be really dizzy," suggested Trowa.
"Heero came in, but I think he went back out to the field." First one tear fell then another and then they came earnestly. Cathy leaned forward and held her friend in comfort as the shattering sobs ripped through Relena. Trowa glared on with frustration towards his friend. The pain and helplessness in his wife's eyes was nearly unbearable. He quickly made his exit and headed for the fields where Heero had headed
"Heero!" yelled Trowa, his usual monotone voice gone and replaced with an undertone threat. His friend was among the harvested plants. Trowa was getting angry. What Heero did sooner or later affected Cathy and Trowa wouldn't stand for it. Relena was heartbroken and it hurt Cathy. He would kill himself or anyone else if any harm came to his wife. He approached his friend and called his name once again. Heero heard him, Trowa knew he did but yet he still chose to ignore him. He must have sensed the oncoming fight.
The moment Trowa reached Heero he spun the brown haired man around.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" growled Trowa to the stoic face before him. There was no reply. "You're bwife/b may have nearly died back there and you walk away as if it were nothing. What you're doing to Relena is killing her… What happens to Relena affects Cathy and I won't allow your stupidity to hurt my own wife!" Trowa lost his temper with Heero's impassable expression and shoved him at the last. Heero only stumbled back a foot or two. Trowa's strength was amazing, but Heero's ability to still stand after that onslaught was impressive. After a moment of long tenseness filling the air, Heero answered.
"I don't love her," said Heero simply. Trowa pulled back his right leg along with his right fist and plowed it into Heero's face. Now Heero fell and landed with a loud thud on the dry ground. Trowa's face was now stoic as well.
"Why in God's name did you make her yours then? Any man could have had her. You knew your mother was going to die soon anyway. You could have let her go back to her loved ones and let another man marry her. At least he would have cared for her." Heero's eyes darkened when Trowa mentioned another man marrying his wife and darkened when Trowa mentioned another man marrying his wife and Trowa knew he had hit a nerve.
"So you do care for her. You better find out how you feel for her soon because you just may lose her." With that, Trowa turned away and headed back towards the huts, but then he stopped but didn't turn.
"If any of this causes stress to Cathy, I'll rip you apart for it." He continued on his way. Heero wiped at the trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth and stared after Trowa. Heero's wife had nearly died that day and what Trowa didn't know as that Heero was shaken to the core with terror for her.
Suya smiled viciously as she felt the terror and pain rise in her enemy, Relena Peacecraft. It had been several months now and revenge had not been taken. Heero Yuy still had not given into his feelings so Suya decided to play the dark cupid and then her revenge would be complete. Relena would suffer greatly in an agonizing death and Heero won't be able to help her.
She smiled cruelly at the remembrance of her humiliation and seeked to take her revenge out on anyone possible. Heero Yuy was going to pay very soon.
Heero returned very late. He stayed longer than anyone else in the field. Furiously cutting down the intruding weeds, Heero thought of what Trowa said. As he stood over the mat he shared with Relena his words echoed back to him. 'What you're doing to Relena is killing her… killing her… killing her…' Heero sat and stared at his sleeping wife. Even in sleep her face was pained. He felt a twinge of guilt. Slowly, he lowered himself down next to her and brushed a hand against her cheek. She sighed and turned toward his warmth. She mumbled his name dreamily.
"Heero." He smiled a little and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open to stare into his Prussian eyes. Her eyes searched his face and tears began to well up. She bit her bottom lip and with a sob she threw herself into his arms. Her grip was desperate and full of despair. Her arms locked themselves around his neck and her head was buried in his shoulder. Heero was surprised at first but slowly his arms came up to hold her as well. Warming to these feelings, Heero tightened his grip and placed his lips comfortingly on top of her soft hair, letting her know he was there. Her sobs were heartbreaking to him and he wanted nothing more than to wipe away that pain. He was a fool for not seeing this before. Wasted time on pride and fear. He was disgusted with himself, but no more. Hesitantly eh lowered his lips to her ear.
"I love you Relena." Her sobs almost immediately stopped. She pulled back slowly.
"What?"
"I love you. Aishiteru. Aishiteru." Relena's eyes watered and she threw herself forward to embrace her husband.
"Aishiteru, my darling Heero." Heero held her tightly; his eyes squeezed shut as he finally let his feelings go. Soft words were spoken and the time of night and silence seemed to freeze for them.
Cathy smiled when she saw her friend step out from her hut. It seemed as though everything was fine now. Relena glowed with happiness now, whistling even. Heero now seemed almost willing to hold her in public. Feeling her happiness, Cathy gently rubbed her flat stomach and smiled secretively. She must have been standing there for a while because Relena had noticed her friend standing there in a daze.
"Are you all right?" asked Relena with a worried look.
"Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"You were standing there as if you were off in your own world. Daydreaming about Trowa?" Cathy laughed a little.
"Well you could put it that way." Relena was confused.
"Either you are, or either you aren't."
"I'm debating on how I should tell him something. You see, in about seven months Joshua will be an uncle and…" Relena let out a cry of joy and grabbed her friend in a huge embrace. One or two villagers turned to stare with curious looks on their faces. Relena ignored the looks as Cathy began to blush.
"That's wonderful Cathy! That's great! When are you going to tell Trowa?"
"If you scream any louder he'll know before I get the chance to tell him." Relena smiled and embraced her friend a little more gently this time.
"I'm so happy for you," whispered Relena.
"Thank you, Relena. I don't know what we'd do without you."
"Hopefully we'll never find out," said Relena jokingly.