Disclaimers: not mine, no money, don't sue, me is just a poor
undergraduate, me owns nothing.
Notes: another fic to add to the other series ficcies I've been busy with. ^^;; it's 1 in the morning (this is the only time creative juices are flowing within me so I guess I'm kinda nocturnal) so coherent thinking and Kuroi Tenshi in the same sentence is very much unlikely. Please be warned accordingly. ^_^
And I was inspired by Lorena's fic, Chiaroscuro. But it's not the same thing, I'm just borrowing the idea of the nightmare in studying in a private school (which I'm currently experiencing). ^___^
Warnings: AU, Cross-dressing. Lame attempt at humor. Lil' bit o' Shounen Ai? By me, 'nuff to scare you? ^___^
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Going Undercover
By Kuroi Tenshi
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Part 2
The sun was slowly setting outside her window, casting red-orange shadows to penetrate into the spacious room that was Relena's home for another five weeks. She survived the first week without killing anybody and she was determined now, to win the bet and survive the remaining weeks. How hard could it be anyway?
Now, lying on her bed and staring at the ceiling, she was bored. Utterly bored out of her mind. She didn't know anything fun she could do to please her without risking her cover. Shaking her head in disdain, she shifted to her left and closed her eyes for a second. She was planning on buying food tomorrow afternoon; the food was already taking its toll on her. The normally cheerful, optimistic Relena's reduced to nothing but a tired and bored Reynald.
"At least my basketball's improving," she said aloud. Just that afternoon, she was able to score higher than Heero. She won with a close call, one-to-two, and she was sure Heero let her win. "Well, that's fine with me. Next time I won't lose to him, or let him lose to me on purpose," she growled at the prospect of Heero letting her win just because he thought she couldn't win on her own. She sat up from the bed and looked at the little kitchen she had in the corner of her room. She knew the bell would ring soon but she had no plans of going down.
Just the thought of going down and taking in another plateful of those blob they called food was enough to make her sick. She was tired, bored and she didn't want anything coming from the school's kitchen. Standing up from the bed, she took her car keys and stood up, intending to drive around for a while before going to bed. She needed, no, deserved a break. And she found a secluded spot near the cliff where she knew she could go and have no one find out.
Taking the light blue jacket from her closet, she grabbed her keys and walked out of her room, intending to spend the next few hours alone in solitude by the small rocky cliff.
Heero shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked around the rocky site that served as his sanctuary for the last three years he'd been staying at the dorm. The waves from the ocean at the foot of the hill where SKA was located crashed noisily against the rocky boulders below. He closed his eyes for a second, letting himself be lost in the rhythmic crashing of the waves, thinking, wishing, pretending he was alone, alone with only the crashing waves in a world only he inhabited. He wanted nothing else than to be alone with nature, no teachers, no classmates, no friends, and most of all, no family.
But the spell was broken after a few seconds as it always did. He would once again open his eyes and see in a distance the Academy where his father deposited him, shattering the image of the world he wished for, his world. He would always open his eyes and see the prison he was living in, away from his family, in the comfort of friends who, with their own reasons were deposited there as well, like him. Disregarded like some unwanted toy after being played with.
Turning to look at the wide ocean in front of him, he walked closer toward the cliff's edge, taking in the majestic view given by the ocean. The crescent moon that hung in the sky with the stars scattered around the dark blue blanket only highlighted the ocean's beauty. After many years of looking at it, the ocean at night still took his breath away.
~*~*~*~
Relena took of the wig and threw it at the backseat in disdain. The darn thing was cutting off the circulation to her head for the hundredth time that day and she'd had enough of the wig. Her head needed blood to function properly.
Opening her door and stepping out, she breathed the ocean air, the gentle ocean breeze blowing against her face. She smiled as she allowed the wind to caress her face gently, closing her eyes for a second to listen to the waves crashing below. She loved the ocean; ever since she was a small girl, she would always look forward to the family outings she and her family took during summer to the sea. To her, the ocean was some sort of refuge, a sanctuary she could always turn to when she wanted to get away from everything.
Continuing her walk, she came nearer toward the cliff, intending to stand as near to the edge as possible. Her family had always been protective of her, always worrying over her, so she never braved coming near the edge for fear of her parents worrying over her for nothing. But now that they weren't there, Milliardo wasn't anywhere near to stop her, she wanted to go as near as possible at the edge without the risk of falling off the cliff.
Her jacket didn't seem that much comfort from the wind, as she felt chilly, nevertheless she continued her walk toward the edge, very much determined to look at the beautiful ocean by the cliff's edge. Wrapping her arms around her, she took another step forward, pausing by the boulders to look at the sky.
It was beautiful, she thought as she gave at the hemispherical heavenly body hanging on the sky an awed stare. It was beautiful, letting out a happy and contented sigh, she moved forward, only to freeze at the sight of Heero Yuy staring at her from the cliff's edge.
Heero stared at the young woman in silent shock. He wasn't expecting anyone to be there, he didn't even expect anyone to know the place existed. So of course he was surprised to see the young lady standing by the boulders, the very pretty young lady.
She ran a hand through her silky honey blond hair and looked down on the ground. "I, uh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize someone else was here," she said, her voice sounding like music to his ears. She started to turn away but he Heero made a sound, foreign even to his own ears.
"Wait," Heero called out, hand unconsciously reaching out for her. She paused, eyes questioning. What was he doing anyway? What was he stopping her anyway? This was his sanctuary, he should be relieved she was leaving him alone. It was him who looked down this time, eyes locking themselves on the ground. "Wait," he repeated. "Don't go, you. you can stay if you want. The ocean's beautiful from here, you might want to look."
Relena raised an eyebrow. Heero Yuy? Mister I-couldn't-have-cared- less-if-you-writhe-in-pain-in-front-of-me-Yuy was inviting her to join him watch the ocean, willingly? Then she felt a small smile tug on her lips. Relena tentatively stepped closer, biting her lips to suppress the smile she was sure that was starting to turn into a huge grin.
Apparently, Mr. Yuy had a soft spot for women; and she just happened to be one. She glanced at Heero for a second before turning to look at the ocean. All thoughts of Heero instantly vanished as she stared to the ocean, eyes widening as she appreciated the majestic view. The ocean being beautiful was an understatement. It was magnificent!
"What a wonderful sight," she gasped. "I've never seen the ocean look this beautiful before."
Heero smiled and shrugged. The girl's reaction was something close to his initial reaction of the ocean years ago when he first came to discover the place. "I know. This place is like a haven to me. You can escape the world and be alone with the ocean and the stars here."
Something in his tone made Relena tear her eyes away from the sight and turn to him. "I take it as you're not very happy when you're not in here. Any problems? I know we barely know each other but if it'll help, I can listen."
Heero shook his head and walked toward the little cave near the cliff. He grabbed the bag of chips he took from Duo's "emergency reserve" and offered it to her. "Not really," he said nonchalantly. "We haven't introduced ourselves yet. I'm Heero," he extended his hand at her.
She stepped closer and took his hands, shaking it firmly. "Relena," she said; it felt nice introducing yourself using your real name for a change. "So what're you doing out here? Escaping to your haven?" she asked, boldly sitting next to him. She gathered her long blond hair to her right side and ran her hands through it absently.
She felt kind of nervous. She never had this kind of conversation with Heero before; her usual communication with him included only a brief "I'll meet you at the gym, don't be late," "whatever you say, captain" or "hnn's" and "hmp's." She never had a normal conversation with the boy and she had no idea how Heero is like when he's not in front of his laptop, not playing basketball or when he's not glaring at you or someone else.
"I was just thinking. trying to sort of my thoughts and feelings," Heero shrugged. "What about you? This is the first time I've seen you here."
Relena's mind was reeling. Heero? Needed to sort out his thoughts and- feelings? She was pretty damn sure he didn't have any before, especially during practices. She was about to make a sarcastic remark when she happened to glance at him. She stopped.
The Heero Yuy sitting next to her wasn't the aloof basketball star she knew. His eyes were. different. As if his eyes weren't as cold and flat as they usually were. She shrugged. "I, uh, I guess I just moved in few days ago. What about you? How long had you been going here?"
"Since Day 1 my father deposited me at the prison," Heero's answer came out bitterly. Realizing what he said, she saw faint red tainting his beautifully tanned cheeks. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it in a bad way. I mean."
"You don't really like being imprisoned in that school, huh?" she said, offering him a comforting smile. "I used to be just like that when my mom and dad told me I was to spend most of the year at my dorm. 'They'll teach you how to be a proper lady', they said. I didn't like it at first but I learned to adjust." She paused. "I'm sure you've had your adjustments too."
"Our reasons of being in dormitories may be different," Heero said, his cold persona slipping back on as he stood up. "They may have really wanted what was best for you."
"And you think your parents don't?"
"It's different."
"How different?"
"I don't know you. Why the hell should I tell you?"
His coldness didn't even make her a least bit hesitant. She'd been used to that by now, even worse. "Maybe because you need someone to talk to. We may not know each other very well but I've always believed in what some people say: strangers make the best listeners."
"Where the hell did you hear that crap?"
She shrugged. "Invented it. Well? Are you gonna spill or do we have to spend the night arguing instead of talking?" she said, looking up from where she sat, munching on the goods he brought with him. She noticed the "Duo's food-don't open, for Duo only!" on the bag. "I hope your roommate doesn't mind us eating his food."
"Duo's an idiot, he won't even notice a bag's missing."
"Why do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Insult your friends and call them names. Did you even think about the possibility you might've been hurting their feelings by pushing them away like that?"
"You don't-won't understand. You don't know me."
"That's why I'm here. Tell me about yourself and then I'll know something about you, piece them together and make a guess on how you really are. The real Heero."
"I don't want to. Mind you own business," he said, taking the bag from her and sitting next to her, though not looking at her, only at the beautiful brightly lit sky.
The waves crashed and Relena sighed. "My name's Relena, I'm the youngest of two. I have a brother and parents who are too protective of me. I know they mean well but I always feel as if I'm on a leash. I don't like it, but I try not to think about it too much. Because. that's how it is. I've always wanted to take on after my father, who's a political figure. I like chips and soda. There. Now you know more about me, not just my name."
"Who says I'm interested?"
"Nobody did."
"You're getting on my nerves, you know?" Heero asked, glaring at her. She didn't seem to falter. He decided she wasn't like any other girls he met. "What're you doing out here anyway?"
"Needed air. Can you believe how closed off I feel in the dorm? I guess I just wanted some fresh air for a change. And you, Heero? You haven't answered anything I asked."
"What question?"
"Why you're so mean to everyone who's trying to be friendly. Did it even occur to you they wanted nothing but friendship from you? I can guess your personality," she chuckled. "You tend to ignore everyone, doesn't talk much and glares a whole lot. Am I right?" The annoyed grunt was all the answer she needed to hear. "I knew it."
"What do you know about things anyway? You've probably been locked up in your precious little dormitory, being taught that everything in this world's beautiful and full of love. When I look at you, I only see a rich girl who's been pampered all her life. What do you know about pain? About life?" Heero turned away from her and looked up the sky.
Relena glared at him. "Pain? Life? I think I've read about those on my books. What about them?"
"See? I knew it, you're nothing but a pretty face who knows nothing about-" he turned to look back at her to see her smirking. "Are you mocking me?"
"No, I'm humoring you," she replied simply, shrugging. She grabbed a can of soda from his opened bag and took a long sip, savoring each second. "Wooh! Thank God you had one of these. I was positive I'd die if I had to drink another glass of orange juice instead of soda."
"You're starting to really get on my nerves."
The girl grinned. "Well then, that's something. I'm actually causing you a reaction out of you? Cool! By the way, can I have that?" she asked, fishing the bag of chips from Heero's hands. "You know, I wish I discovered this place sooner," she said through a mouthful of cheese balls. "This place is really great. I love it here."
Heero chose to ignore her, not knowing what to say. If her insulted her, she would only counter him and make him seem silly and foolish. But if he said anything relatively close to being nice, she'd be encouraged and he didn't want that-he didn't want her to act too friendly with him. So the wise thing to do was to keep quiet and let her do all the talking.
"You're really too quiet for your own good," Relena commented. "And it's really not fair that I told you something about myself and you're not saying anything about Heero. Well? Is Heero a nice guy? Does he have a record of committing a crime? What's his interest? Computers? Basketball? Or is he a dull man?"
"What is it to you if he is?"
"Well, I'm sitting right next to him so naturally I'd like to know if I'm sitting side by side with a pyromaniac on the loose."
"I'm not a pyromaniac, you can be sure of that." Heero cracked a smile.
Relena grinned and clapped her hands happily. "There! A smile, the first ever since I met you!" she giggled as Heero glared at her. "Sorry," she shook her head as she tried to keep a straight face. "It's just that I haven't seen you crack a smile since we met. It's good to know you were capable of doing that like most human beings are."
"Is it really hard for you not to make it seem as if I'm not human? Or normal?"
She shook her head. "Yup, it's hard for me when you keep acting like some sort of emotionally challenged robot."
"You think you're funny, don't you?"
"No, I know I'm funny," she chuckled. "Look, I'm just trying to make friends here. I don't intend to harm you in any way possible. Besides, I'm a just a poor, defenseless girl who was lucky enough to find this little sanctuary. You just came as an added bonus."
"Now I'm an added bonus? A pyromaniac on the loose, then an emotionally challenged robot, and now a bonus? I wonder what I'll be next."
Relena smiled at him, her violet eyes boring into his cobalt orbs. "Yeah, and it gets better. You're also my new friend."
~*~*~*~
"Are you crazy? Didn't I teach just now how to dribble properly?" Heero's harsh voice tore the silence of the afternoon.
Relena blinked, looking at him then at the ball dumbly. Then she remembered what he was yelling about. "Right, sorry," she said absently. Heero shook his head in annoyance and Relena watched him discreetly.
It had been three days since their meeting at the cliff. And Relena still hasn't gotten over the difference between the Heero she knew at school from the Heero she met at the cliff. Her mind had been busy the past few days comparing the two. And she concluded the Heero at school was an ass. And she liked her friend, Heero from the cliff better.
"Do you plan on standing there all afternoon?"
"No, I plan on annoying the hell out of you all afternoon. Can't we even have a break? My muscles are sore from standing, running and dribbling all afternoon without so much as a break to rest or drink water. I'm getting more exercise that those morons inside the gym!"
"That's probably because those morons inside the gym already know how to play. Unlike someone I know who signed up for a sport he had no idea on how to play."
"It's simple enough. You cause severe damage on your opponent, run away with the ball and make it sail into that little hanging thing called the basket. Isn't that so? That's how I saw you guys do it last time we played."
"I don't need you to tell me all this crap."
"And I don't need you to make my life seem like crap," she glared at him. "I'm going back to my room. Goodbye." Then she stalked toward the dorms, passing by the garden where James sat on the wooden bench.
"Why hello there, Rey," he greeted him with a wave. "You look like you need to rest. Come here, sit next to me."
Relena shook her head. "Uh, no. I'm going to my room for a shower. Thanks anyway," she said, already inching away.
"Shower? May I join you?"
Relena tried to keep herself from flinching, at least flinching too obviously. "Eh? No. No, I don't think so. I'd rather take my shower myself. Anyway, I need to go. Bye!" Then she started to run away again, like she did few days ago.
But she heard someone running after her. She turned her head and found James grinning at her as he followed, his hooded sweatshirt clinging to his body beautifully. She had to admit. The guy was HOT! But gay. "Where are you going?" she asked, increasing her pace, praying to the gods above that he'd trip or something. Anything to make him go away.
"Escorting you to your room," the boy replied, giving him a saucy grin. "Maybe you can offer me some sort of refreshments while there. Or we could take a shower together. I don't care. Just seeing you is enough."
"Haven't you seen enough of me already?" she muttered under her breath as she pushed the double doors and raced toward the stairs, cursing herself for choosing a room on the fifth floor. James seemed like the type who can definitely outrun her. As she reached the last flight of stairs, she felt her left foot pulled and she felt herself toppling backwards, right into the waiting arms of James. But the momentum made him lose balance and they both rolled down the stairs, finally landing with a muted thud.
Relena slowly opened her eyes and was a bit puzzled to find herself sitting on something soft instead of the hard wooden floor. She saw some of the students looking down at them from the floor above with expression varying from amused to concerned to annoyed. She heard a low groan from underneath her and she realized James had broken her fall. He was still a bit dazed from the fall and was holding his head, blinking at her. Then he smiled. "Glad you're alright, love."
She stared at him for a few seconds, frozen in her spot on top of him before she hastily picked herself up and made a mad dash for the stairs, hoping he was still too dazed to stand up and follow her again. "Thanks for breaking my fall!" she shouted to him, not looking back as she took two steps at a time then throwing her door open and locking it.
Now safely in her room, she heaved a sign of relief and started to catch her breath, leaning against the wooden door as she sunk on the ground, still too shocked by the events that transpired minutes ago. James was dangerous. He was the kind that women tried to avoid. He was handsome, arrogant and full of himself.
Worst of all, he falls under the category of deranged stalkers.
~*~*~*~
"Hey, I heard you and James were going all hot and heavy by the stairs at your dorm," Duo greeted him that evening at dinner.
Relena made a face as she plopped down on the chair next to him. Quatre and Trowa were missing while Wufei and Heero were already too immersed in their food to acknowledge her presence. She noticed Heero pause from his meatloaf and glance at her. She averted her eyes to her own food and shrugged. She was still a bit peeved with what happened that afternoon.
"God, please don't remind me," she moaned, poking her food absently. She really had no appetite but didn't want to stay in her room that's why she came down for dinner. "I wouldn't exactly call it going all hot and heavy. More like playing cat and mouse. I swear, he's starting to creep me out."
Wufei took a huge gulp of water then wiped the corners of his mouth before speaking. "Don't worry about it. He chased Heero around for half a year during first year. He'll grow tired soon enough and pick his next prey."
"I sure hope so. I'm getting more and more exercise by running away from him," she replied, resting her elbow on the table to support her weight.
"Mind your manners," Heero reminded her, not looking up from his food.
She scowled but removed her elbows anyway. "Anyway, how's swimming, Duo? I'd love to take a swim at night to cool off. It's been pretty hot this week, hasn't it?" The minute the words left her mouth, she regretted them.
"Why don't we take a swim then?" her braided friend suggested. "I'm sure I can have the pool opened up for us. The only condition everyone has to agree to is that they were the whistle."
"That silver whistle?" Wufei asked, pushing away his plate. "Sure. Besides, it's for our good anyway."
Anyone who wanted to swim at night at the school's Olympic sized pool was required to wear a nylon strand with a silver whistle on it. You sound the alarm using the whistle so anyone nearby would hear it and come to your rescue.
"Oh, sorry but I can't come," she said, feigning regret in her voice. "I just remembered I'm not that good a swimmer."
"Who says you need to be good?" Wufei said. "Besides, Duo here can help you out. It'll be fun. And it was your idea anyway."
"Yeah, why can't you come?" Heero asked, mildly curious. Reynald had been acting strange since the first time he got there and now, some of that oddity was returning. He's always had this feeling that there was something the newcomer wasn't telling them.
Relena's eyes widened as she felt herself trapped. Why can't she come? Why the hell did she have to open her big mouth anyway? "I never really told you guys but." Her friends looked at her in concern as her voice lowered and she looked down on her plate.
"But what, Rey?" Duo asked. "It's okay, you can tell us."
"I almost drowned when I was small. I was about six then when my family went to a resort to relax and I almost drowned. I guess it's still a bit hard for me to forget about the feeling of helplessness when I'm swimming," she said, not being able to stop herself from pouring out more lies. She hated lying but she had no choice. "I can't look at a pool without fainting."
When she looked up, the people around her were all silent. Duo was looking at her in concern as Wufei nodded his head in an understanding gesture while Heero just shrugged and went back to eating. She inwardly frowned. Had she gone too far with the fainting remark?
"It's okay," Duo said. "I'm sorry we were too persistent. Don't worry, we won't force you to come with us to the pool. Are you alright now?"
She nodded mutely, eyes widening like a child's. "It's okay, you guys didn't know," she smiled. But deep inside, she was banging her head against an imaginary wall. Lying was one of the things she detested the most. And the fact that she was lying to her friends-probably the only ones she has from the whole student population of the academy-didn't help make things easier. "Um, I'm done," she said quietly, pushing away the plate after giving the bland meatloaf one last poke with her fork.
Her friends nodded silently. Probably pitying poor Reynald in the privacy of their heads, she thought sullenly. Why did I have to open my big mouth anyway? Gaah! You're losing it, Darlain. Whatever happened to surviving the remaining weeks?
Her friends were done with their food soon after and had agreed to look for the other two to invite them to go to the pool with them. As she broke away from the others when they passed by her dorm, she couldn't help but regret lying to them and missing the chance to swim. It really had been too hot the past few days and the cold water of the pool would've been a welcome distraction.
Unfortunately, taking a swim with the guys on the pool will mean revealing her secret. And she wasn't about to lose to the bet and go home just after a week. She determined to wipe the smug smile off Dorothy's face, even if it meant natural sauna baths.
~*~*~*~
Relena passed the ball to Heero with refined agility that even the boy was impressed with how well she played in just two weeks.
"The secret in basketball is really simple. It's all in the body. If your body's done this move or that a million times before, then it's really easy for you. Take shooting for example. For most players who've played almost all their lives, it's almost purely reflex. It's semi-automatic," Heero explained, shooting the ball accurately.
Relena nodded, taking in all that he was saying. She may not like him that much but she couldn't deny that the boy knew what he was talking about. Heero threw her the ball and she was asked to practice shooting from under the basket this time.
Relena bit her lip in an effort to hide her smile. She saw how easy lay-up shots were made and she knew she'd have no trouble doing it. But just like everything in life, things always seem easy when in fact it's not.
"You have to jump a bit higher-not that high!"
The girl growled under her breath, feeling sweat dripping down her back as Heero showed her for the nth time that afternoon. The sun was beating hard on her back and she had lost count how often she wished she could dive into the cool water of the pool. Looking on the bright side, at least she was having one hell of an exercise. She hadn't realized how out of shape she'd been. Now she could run two meters without having to catch her breath.
"Maybe we'll have lay-up shots tomorrow. Why don't we have the afternoon off?" Heero suggested.
Relena looked up from where she was tying the lace of her rubber shoes. It was the first time Heero suggested they cut the day's activities short. It wasn't even two yet! "Are we going somewhere?"
"It's not any of your business."
"I was just asking. Who knows, you might be running off to meet a pretty lady that's why you're giving me the afternoon off."
"Forgive me if I was too presumptuous to think you deserved it. If you'd rather sweat under the sun, then I'd be happy to oblige. Pass me the ball, Dorian."
Oops.
"Sorry," she said lowly, feeling a bit silly. She couldn't understand it but she always felt kind of annoyed at Heero for no reason. She always had this urge to annoy the life out of him whenever possible.
"Was that an apology or had I been under the sun too long that I only imagined that whispered word?"
"You know what it is."
"I'll have to hear it again just to be sure. I seem to have forgotten my hearing aid, you know. I need to be sure before I jump for joy with the realization you're capable of apologies."
"I was apologizing before but never mind," she replied, feeling her temper flare. Why the hell did he always pick on her anyway? "I really don't know what your problem is but can you tell me, am I the only guy here that gives you pleasure by torturing?"
"Whatever gave you the idea I like torturing you? And to find pleasure in it as well? Sorry but I'm not into S&M, Dorian. And you're not my type."
Relena's cheeks burned and she stood up. "Very funny," she said, trying to cover her embarrassment. "I'll be going now since I don't think I can take any more of the bad air permeating the place." With that, she marched off, all the while hoping the damn blush would leave her face.
She didn't know why she was so affected anyway. Not his type right? We'll see! That stupid, stupid idiot!
TBC
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Liked it? Hated it? Loved it? Lost your lunch? Gifts? Threats? Praises? Mail me and tell me!
C&C are much appreciated, needed and craved for. Send 'em to kuroi_22@hotmail.com
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Many thanks to those who reviewed and gave comments. I really do appreciate it. And I'm sorry if it took me forever to come up with this part. I'm working on a number of fics right now and that's still not counting the other fics I'm supposed to work on so if things are a bit slow. sorry.
I really do want to finish this fic, I've got ideas and stuff, it's just a matter of writing and elaborating. _ Oh, well. But anyway, thanks for those who emailed me and urged to write more [you know who you are]. It helped. Thankies! ::glompies::
Notes: another fic to add to the other series ficcies I've been busy with. ^^;; it's 1 in the morning (this is the only time creative juices are flowing within me so I guess I'm kinda nocturnal) so coherent thinking and Kuroi Tenshi in the same sentence is very much unlikely. Please be warned accordingly. ^_^
And I was inspired by Lorena's fic, Chiaroscuro. But it's not the same thing, I'm just borrowing the idea of the nightmare in studying in a private school (which I'm currently experiencing). ^___^
Warnings: AU, Cross-dressing. Lame attempt at humor. Lil' bit o' Shounen Ai? By me, 'nuff to scare you? ^___^
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Going Undercover
By Kuroi Tenshi
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Part 2
The sun was slowly setting outside her window, casting red-orange shadows to penetrate into the spacious room that was Relena's home for another five weeks. She survived the first week without killing anybody and she was determined now, to win the bet and survive the remaining weeks. How hard could it be anyway?
Now, lying on her bed and staring at the ceiling, she was bored. Utterly bored out of her mind. She didn't know anything fun she could do to please her without risking her cover. Shaking her head in disdain, she shifted to her left and closed her eyes for a second. She was planning on buying food tomorrow afternoon; the food was already taking its toll on her. The normally cheerful, optimistic Relena's reduced to nothing but a tired and bored Reynald.
"At least my basketball's improving," she said aloud. Just that afternoon, she was able to score higher than Heero. She won with a close call, one-to-two, and she was sure Heero let her win. "Well, that's fine with me. Next time I won't lose to him, or let him lose to me on purpose," she growled at the prospect of Heero letting her win just because he thought she couldn't win on her own. She sat up from the bed and looked at the little kitchen she had in the corner of her room. She knew the bell would ring soon but she had no plans of going down.
Just the thought of going down and taking in another plateful of those blob they called food was enough to make her sick. She was tired, bored and she didn't want anything coming from the school's kitchen. Standing up from the bed, she took her car keys and stood up, intending to drive around for a while before going to bed. She needed, no, deserved a break. And she found a secluded spot near the cliff where she knew she could go and have no one find out.
Taking the light blue jacket from her closet, she grabbed her keys and walked out of her room, intending to spend the next few hours alone in solitude by the small rocky cliff.
Heero shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked around the rocky site that served as his sanctuary for the last three years he'd been staying at the dorm. The waves from the ocean at the foot of the hill where SKA was located crashed noisily against the rocky boulders below. He closed his eyes for a second, letting himself be lost in the rhythmic crashing of the waves, thinking, wishing, pretending he was alone, alone with only the crashing waves in a world only he inhabited. He wanted nothing else than to be alone with nature, no teachers, no classmates, no friends, and most of all, no family.
But the spell was broken after a few seconds as it always did. He would once again open his eyes and see in a distance the Academy where his father deposited him, shattering the image of the world he wished for, his world. He would always open his eyes and see the prison he was living in, away from his family, in the comfort of friends who, with their own reasons were deposited there as well, like him. Disregarded like some unwanted toy after being played with.
Turning to look at the wide ocean in front of him, he walked closer toward the cliff's edge, taking in the majestic view given by the ocean. The crescent moon that hung in the sky with the stars scattered around the dark blue blanket only highlighted the ocean's beauty. After many years of looking at it, the ocean at night still took his breath away.
~*~*~*~
Relena took of the wig and threw it at the backseat in disdain. The darn thing was cutting off the circulation to her head for the hundredth time that day and she'd had enough of the wig. Her head needed blood to function properly.
Opening her door and stepping out, she breathed the ocean air, the gentle ocean breeze blowing against her face. She smiled as she allowed the wind to caress her face gently, closing her eyes for a second to listen to the waves crashing below. She loved the ocean; ever since she was a small girl, she would always look forward to the family outings she and her family took during summer to the sea. To her, the ocean was some sort of refuge, a sanctuary she could always turn to when she wanted to get away from everything.
Continuing her walk, she came nearer toward the cliff, intending to stand as near to the edge as possible. Her family had always been protective of her, always worrying over her, so she never braved coming near the edge for fear of her parents worrying over her for nothing. But now that they weren't there, Milliardo wasn't anywhere near to stop her, she wanted to go as near as possible at the edge without the risk of falling off the cliff.
Her jacket didn't seem that much comfort from the wind, as she felt chilly, nevertheless she continued her walk toward the edge, very much determined to look at the beautiful ocean by the cliff's edge. Wrapping her arms around her, she took another step forward, pausing by the boulders to look at the sky.
It was beautiful, she thought as she gave at the hemispherical heavenly body hanging on the sky an awed stare. It was beautiful, letting out a happy and contented sigh, she moved forward, only to freeze at the sight of Heero Yuy staring at her from the cliff's edge.
Heero stared at the young woman in silent shock. He wasn't expecting anyone to be there, he didn't even expect anyone to know the place existed. So of course he was surprised to see the young lady standing by the boulders, the very pretty young lady.
She ran a hand through her silky honey blond hair and looked down on the ground. "I, uh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize someone else was here," she said, her voice sounding like music to his ears. She started to turn away but he Heero made a sound, foreign even to his own ears.
"Wait," Heero called out, hand unconsciously reaching out for her. She paused, eyes questioning. What was he doing anyway? What was he stopping her anyway? This was his sanctuary, he should be relieved she was leaving him alone. It was him who looked down this time, eyes locking themselves on the ground. "Wait," he repeated. "Don't go, you. you can stay if you want. The ocean's beautiful from here, you might want to look."
Relena raised an eyebrow. Heero Yuy? Mister I-couldn't-have-cared- less-if-you-writhe-in-pain-in-front-of-me-Yuy was inviting her to join him watch the ocean, willingly? Then she felt a small smile tug on her lips. Relena tentatively stepped closer, biting her lips to suppress the smile she was sure that was starting to turn into a huge grin.
Apparently, Mr. Yuy had a soft spot for women; and she just happened to be one. She glanced at Heero for a second before turning to look at the ocean. All thoughts of Heero instantly vanished as she stared to the ocean, eyes widening as she appreciated the majestic view. The ocean being beautiful was an understatement. It was magnificent!
"What a wonderful sight," she gasped. "I've never seen the ocean look this beautiful before."
Heero smiled and shrugged. The girl's reaction was something close to his initial reaction of the ocean years ago when he first came to discover the place. "I know. This place is like a haven to me. You can escape the world and be alone with the ocean and the stars here."
Something in his tone made Relena tear her eyes away from the sight and turn to him. "I take it as you're not very happy when you're not in here. Any problems? I know we barely know each other but if it'll help, I can listen."
Heero shook his head and walked toward the little cave near the cliff. He grabbed the bag of chips he took from Duo's "emergency reserve" and offered it to her. "Not really," he said nonchalantly. "We haven't introduced ourselves yet. I'm Heero," he extended his hand at her.
She stepped closer and took his hands, shaking it firmly. "Relena," she said; it felt nice introducing yourself using your real name for a change. "So what're you doing out here? Escaping to your haven?" she asked, boldly sitting next to him. She gathered her long blond hair to her right side and ran her hands through it absently.
She felt kind of nervous. She never had this kind of conversation with Heero before; her usual communication with him included only a brief "I'll meet you at the gym, don't be late," "whatever you say, captain" or "hnn's" and "hmp's." She never had a normal conversation with the boy and she had no idea how Heero is like when he's not in front of his laptop, not playing basketball or when he's not glaring at you or someone else.
"I was just thinking. trying to sort of my thoughts and feelings," Heero shrugged. "What about you? This is the first time I've seen you here."
Relena's mind was reeling. Heero? Needed to sort out his thoughts and- feelings? She was pretty damn sure he didn't have any before, especially during practices. She was about to make a sarcastic remark when she happened to glance at him. She stopped.
The Heero Yuy sitting next to her wasn't the aloof basketball star she knew. His eyes were. different. As if his eyes weren't as cold and flat as they usually were. She shrugged. "I, uh, I guess I just moved in few days ago. What about you? How long had you been going here?"
"Since Day 1 my father deposited me at the prison," Heero's answer came out bitterly. Realizing what he said, she saw faint red tainting his beautifully tanned cheeks. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it in a bad way. I mean."
"You don't really like being imprisoned in that school, huh?" she said, offering him a comforting smile. "I used to be just like that when my mom and dad told me I was to spend most of the year at my dorm. 'They'll teach you how to be a proper lady', they said. I didn't like it at first but I learned to adjust." She paused. "I'm sure you've had your adjustments too."
"Our reasons of being in dormitories may be different," Heero said, his cold persona slipping back on as he stood up. "They may have really wanted what was best for you."
"And you think your parents don't?"
"It's different."
"How different?"
"I don't know you. Why the hell should I tell you?"
His coldness didn't even make her a least bit hesitant. She'd been used to that by now, even worse. "Maybe because you need someone to talk to. We may not know each other very well but I've always believed in what some people say: strangers make the best listeners."
"Where the hell did you hear that crap?"
She shrugged. "Invented it. Well? Are you gonna spill or do we have to spend the night arguing instead of talking?" she said, looking up from where she sat, munching on the goods he brought with him. She noticed the "Duo's food-don't open, for Duo only!" on the bag. "I hope your roommate doesn't mind us eating his food."
"Duo's an idiot, he won't even notice a bag's missing."
"Why do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Insult your friends and call them names. Did you even think about the possibility you might've been hurting their feelings by pushing them away like that?"
"You don't-won't understand. You don't know me."
"That's why I'm here. Tell me about yourself and then I'll know something about you, piece them together and make a guess on how you really are. The real Heero."
"I don't want to. Mind you own business," he said, taking the bag from her and sitting next to her, though not looking at her, only at the beautiful brightly lit sky.
The waves crashed and Relena sighed. "My name's Relena, I'm the youngest of two. I have a brother and parents who are too protective of me. I know they mean well but I always feel as if I'm on a leash. I don't like it, but I try not to think about it too much. Because. that's how it is. I've always wanted to take on after my father, who's a political figure. I like chips and soda. There. Now you know more about me, not just my name."
"Who says I'm interested?"
"Nobody did."
"You're getting on my nerves, you know?" Heero asked, glaring at her. She didn't seem to falter. He decided she wasn't like any other girls he met. "What're you doing out here anyway?"
"Needed air. Can you believe how closed off I feel in the dorm? I guess I just wanted some fresh air for a change. And you, Heero? You haven't answered anything I asked."
"What question?"
"Why you're so mean to everyone who's trying to be friendly. Did it even occur to you they wanted nothing but friendship from you? I can guess your personality," she chuckled. "You tend to ignore everyone, doesn't talk much and glares a whole lot. Am I right?" The annoyed grunt was all the answer she needed to hear. "I knew it."
"What do you know about things anyway? You've probably been locked up in your precious little dormitory, being taught that everything in this world's beautiful and full of love. When I look at you, I only see a rich girl who's been pampered all her life. What do you know about pain? About life?" Heero turned away from her and looked up the sky.
Relena glared at him. "Pain? Life? I think I've read about those on my books. What about them?"
"See? I knew it, you're nothing but a pretty face who knows nothing about-" he turned to look back at her to see her smirking. "Are you mocking me?"
"No, I'm humoring you," she replied simply, shrugging. She grabbed a can of soda from his opened bag and took a long sip, savoring each second. "Wooh! Thank God you had one of these. I was positive I'd die if I had to drink another glass of orange juice instead of soda."
"You're starting to really get on my nerves."
The girl grinned. "Well then, that's something. I'm actually causing you a reaction out of you? Cool! By the way, can I have that?" she asked, fishing the bag of chips from Heero's hands. "You know, I wish I discovered this place sooner," she said through a mouthful of cheese balls. "This place is really great. I love it here."
Heero chose to ignore her, not knowing what to say. If her insulted her, she would only counter him and make him seem silly and foolish. But if he said anything relatively close to being nice, she'd be encouraged and he didn't want that-he didn't want her to act too friendly with him. So the wise thing to do was to keep quiet and let her do all the talking.
"You're really too quiet for your own good," Relena commented. "And it's really not fair that I told you something about myself and you're not saying anything about Heero. Well? Is Heero a nice guy? Does he have a record of committing a crime? What's his interest? Computers? Basketball? Or is he a dull man?"
"What is it to you if he is?"
"Well, I'm sitting right next to him so naturally I'd like to know if I'm sitting side by side with a pyromaniac on the loose."
"I'm not a pyromaniac, you can be sure of that." Heero cracked a smile.
Relena grinned and clapped her hands happily. "There! A smile, the first ever since I met you!" she giggled as Heero glared at her. "Sorry," she shook her head as she tried to keep a straight face. "It's just that I haven't seen you crack a smile since we met. It's good to know you were capable of doing that like most human beings are."
"Is it really hard for you not to make it seem as if I'm not human? Or normal?"
She shook her head. "Yup, it's hard for me when you keep acting like some sort of emotionally challenged robot."
"You think you're funny, don't you?"
"No, I know I'm funny," she chuckled. "Look, I'm just trying to make friends here. I don't intend to harm you in any way possible. Besides, I'm a just a poor, defenseless girl who was lucky enough to find this little sanctuary. You just came as an added bonus."
"Now I'm an added bonus? A pyromaniac on the loose, then an emotionally challenged robot, and now a bonus? I wonder what I'll be next."
Relena smiled at him, her violet eyes boring into his cobalt orbs. "Yeah, and it gets better. You're also my new friend."
~*~*~*~
"Are you crazy? Didn't I teach just now how to dribble properly?" Heero's harsh voice tore the silence of the afternoon.
Relena blinked, looking at him then at the ball dumbly. Then she remembered what he was yelling about. "Right, sorry," she said absently. Heero shook his head in annoyance and Relena watched him discreetly.
It had been three days since their meeting at the cliff. And Relena still hasn't gotten over the difference between the Heero she knew at school from the Heero she met at the cliff. Her mind had been busy the past few days comparing the two. And she concluded the Heero at school was an ass. And she liked her friend, Heero from the cliff better.
"Do you plan on standing there all afternoon?"
"No, I plan on annoying the hell out of you all afternoon. Can't we even have a break? My muscles are sore from standing, running and dribbling all afternoon without so much as a break to rest or drink water. I'm getting more exercise that those morons inside the gym!"
"That's probably because those morons inside the gym already know how to play. Unlike someone I know who signed up for a sport he had no idea on how to play."
"It's simple enough. You cause severe damage on your opponent, run away with the ball and make it sail into that little hanging thing called the basket. Isn't that so? That's how I saw you guys do it last time we played."
"I don't need you to tell me all this crap."
"And I don't need you to make my life seem like crap," she glared at him. "I'm going back to my room. Goodbye." Then she stalked toward the dorms, passing by the garden where James sat on the wooden bench.
"Why hello there, Rey," he greeted him with a wave. "You look like you need to rest. Come here, sit next to me."
Relena shook her head. "Uh, no. I'm going to my room for a shower. Thanks anyway," she said, already inching away.
"Shower? May I join you?"
Relena tried to keep herself from flinching, at least flinching too obviously. "Eh? No. No, I don't think so. I'd rather take my shower myself. Anyway, I need to go. Bye!" Then she started to run away again, like she did few days ago.
But she heard someone running after her. She turned her head and found James grinning at her as he followed, his hooded sweatshirt clinging to his body beautifully. She had to admit. The guy was HOT! But gay. "Where are you going?" she asked, increasing her pace, praying to the gods above that he'd trip or something. Anything to make him go away.
"Escorting you to your room," the boy replied, giving him a saucy grin. "Maybe you can offer me some sort of refreshments while there. Or we could take a shower together. I don't care. Just seeing you is enough."
"Haven't you seen enough of me already?" she muttered under her breath as she pushed the double doors and raced toward the stairs, cursing herself for choosing a room on the fifth floor. James seemed like the type who can definitely outrun her. As she reached the last flight of stairs, she felt her left foot pulled and she felt herself toppling backwards, right into the waiting arms of James. But the momentum made him lose balance and they both rolled down the stairs, finally landing with a muted thud.
Relena slowly opened her eyes and was a bit puzzled to find herself sitting on something soft instead of the hard wooden floor. She saw some of the students looking down at them from the floor above with expression varying from amused to concerned to annoyed. She heard a low groan from underneath her and she realized James had broken her fall. He was still a bit dazed from the fall and was holding his head, blinking at her. Then he smiled. "Glad you're alright, love."
She stared at him for a few seconds, frozen in her spot on top of him before she hastily picked herself up and made a mad dash for the stairs, hoping he was still too dazed to stand up and follow her again. "Thanks for breaking my fall!" she shouted to him, not looking back as she took two steps at a time then throwing her door open and locking it.
Now safely in her room, she heaved a sign of relief and started to catch her breath, leaning against the wooden door as she sunk on the ground, still too shocked by the events that transpired minutes ago. James was dangerous. He was the kind that women tried to avoid. He was handsome, arrogant and full of himself.
Worst of all, he falls under the category of deranged stalkers.
~*~*~*~
"Hey, I heard you and James were going all hot and heavy by the stairs at your dorm," Duo greeted him that evening at dinner.
Relena made a face as she plopped down on the chair next to him. Quatre and Trowa were missing while Wufei and Heero were already too immersed in their food to acknowledge her presence. She noticed Heero pause from his meatloaf and glance at her. She averted her eyes to her own food and shrugged. She was still a bit peeved with what happened that afternoon.
"God, please don't remind me," she moaned, poking her food absently. She really had no appetite but didn't want to stay in her room that's why she came down for dinner. "I wouldn't exactly call it going all hot and heavy. More like playing cat and mouse. I swear, he's starting to creep me out."
Wufei took a huge gulp of water then wiped the corners of his mouth before speaking. "Don't worry about it. He chased Heero around for half a year during first year. He'll grow tired soon enough and pick his next prey."
"I sure hope so. I'm getting more and more exercise by running away from him," she replied, resting her elbow on the table to support her weight.
"Mind your manners," Heero reminded her, not looking up from his food.
She scowled but removed her elbows anyway. "Anyway, how's swimming, Duo? I'd love to take a swim at night to cool off. It's been pretty hot this week, hasn't it?" The minute the words left her mouth, she regretted them.
"Why don't we take a swim then?" her braided friend suggested. "I'm sure I can have the pool opened up for us. The only condition everyone has to agree to is that they were the whistle."
"That silver whistle?" Wufei asked, pushing away his plate. "Sure. Besides, it's for our good anyway."
Anyone who wanted to swim at night at the school's Olympic sized pool was required to wear a nylon strand with a silver whistle on it. You sound the alarm using the whistle so anyone nearby would hear it and come to your rescue.
"Oh, sorry but I can't come," she said, feigning regret in her voice. "I just remembered I'm not that good a swimmer."
"Who says you need to be good?" Wufei said. "Besides, Duo here can help you out. It'll be fun. And it was your idea anyway."
"Yeah, why can't you come?" Heero asked, mildly curious. Reynald had been acting strange since the first time he got there and now, some of that oddity was returning. He's always had this feeling that there was something the newcomer wasn't telling them.
Relena's eyes widened as she felt herself trapped. Why can't she come? Why the hell did she have to open her big mouth anyway? "I never really told you guys but." Her friends looked at her in concern as her voice lowered and she looked down on her plate.
"But what, Rey?" Duo asked. "It's okay, you can tell us."
"I almost drowned when I was small. I was about six then when my family went to a resort to relax and I almost drowned. I guess it's still a bit hard for me to forget about the feeling of helplessness when I'm swimming," she said, not being able to stop herself from pouring out more lies. She hated lying but she had no choice. "I can't look at a pool without fainting."
When she looked up, the people around her were all silent. Duo was looking at her in concern as Wufei nodded his head in an understanding gesture while Heero just shrugged and went back to eating. She inwardly frowned. Had she gone too far with the fainting remark?
"It's okay," Duo said. "I'm sorry we were too persistent. Don't worry, we won't force you to come with us to the pool. Are you alright now?"
She nodded mutely, eyes widening like a child's. "It's okay, you guys didn't know," she smiled. But deep inside, she was banging her head against an imaginary wall. Lying was one of the things she detested the most. And the fact that she was lying to her friends-probably the only ones she has from the whole student population of the academy-didn't help make things easier. "Um, I'm done," she said quietly, pushing away the plate after giving the bland meatloaf one last poke with her fork.
Her friends nodded silently. Probably pitying poor Reynald in the privacy of their heads, she thought sullenly. Why did I have to open my big mouth anyway? Gaah! You're losing it, Darlain. Whatever happened to surviving the remaining weeks?
Her friends were done with their food soon after and had agreed to look for the other two to invite them to go to the pool with them. As she broke away from the others when they passed by her dorm, she couldn't help but regret lying to them and missing the chance to swim. It really had been too hot the past few days and the cold water of the pool would've been a welcome distraction.
Unfortunately, taking a swim with the guys on the pool will mean revealing her secret. And she wasn't about to lose to the bet and go home just after a week. She determined to wipe the smug smile off Dorothy's face, even if it meant natural sauna baths.
~*~*~*~
Relena passed the ball to Heero with refined agility that even the boy was impressed with how well she played in just two weeks.
"The secret in basketball is really simple. It's all in the body. If your body's done this move or that a million times before, then it's really easy for you. Take shooting for example. For most players who've played almost all their lives, it's almost purely reflex. It's semi-automatic," Heero explained, shooting the ball accurately.
Relena nodded, taking in all that he was saying. She may not like him that much but she couldn't deny that the boy knew what he was talking about. Heero threw her the ball and she was asked to practice shooting from under the basket this time.
Relena bit her lip in an effort to hide her smile. She saw how easy lay-up shots were made and she knew she'd have no trouble doing it. But just like everything in life, things always seem easy when in fact it's not.
"You have to jump a bit higher-not that high!"
The girl growled under her breath, feeling sweat dripping down her back as Heero showed her for the nth time that afternoon. The sun was beating hard on her back and she had lost count how often she wished she could dive into the cool water of the pool. Looking on the bright side, at least she was having one hell of an exercise. She hadn't realized how out of shape she'd been. Now she could run two meters without having to catch her breath.
"Maybe we'll have lay-up shots tomorrow. Why don't we have the afternoon off?" Heero suggested.
Relena looked up from where she was tying the lace of her rubber shoes. It was the first time Heero suggested they cut the day's activities short. It wasn't even two yet! "Are we going somewhere?"
"It's not any of your business."
"I was just asking. Who knows, you might be running off to meet a pretty lady that's why you're giving me the afternoon off."
"Forgive me if I was too presumptuous to think you deserved it. If you'd rather sweat under the sun, then I'd be happy to oblige. Pass me the ball, Dorian."
Oops.
"Sorry," she said lowly, feeling a bit silly. She couldn't understand it but she always felt kind of annoyed at Heero for no reason. She always had this urge to annoy the life out of him whenever possible.
"Was that an apology or had I been under the sun too long that I only imagined that whispered word?"
"You know what it is."
"I'll have to hear it again just to be sure. I seem to have forgotten my hearing aid, you know. I need to be sure before I jump for joy with the realization you're capable of apologies."
"I was apologizing before but never mind," she replied, feeling her temper flare. Why the hell did he always pick on her anyway? "I really don't know what your problem is but can you tell me, am I the only guy here that gives you pleasure by torturing?"
"Whatever gave you the idea I like torturing you? And to find pleasure in it as well? Sorry but I'm not into S&M, Dorian. And you're not my type."
Relena's cheeks burned and she stood up. "Very funny," she said, trying to cover her embarrassment. "I'll be going now since I don't think I can take any more of the bad air permeating the place." With that, she marched off, all the while hoping the damn blush would leave her face.
She didn't know why she was so affected anyway. Not his type right? We'll see! That stupid, stupid idiot!
TBC
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Many thanks to those who reviewed and gave comments. I really do appreciate it. And I'm sorry if it took me forever to come up with this part. I'm working on a number of fics right now and that's still not counting the other fics I'm supposed to work on so if things are a bit slow. sorry.
I really do want to finish this fic, I've got ideas and stuff, it's just a matter of writing and elaborating. _ Oh, well. But anyway, thanks for those who emailed me and urged to write more [you know who you are]. It helped. Thankies! ::glompies::