Chapter Three: Dreamless Comfort

"We're here," Heero parked roughly which woke Kai.

'I must've fallen asleep,' she thought groggily.

Heero opened the door for her and smiled at her sleepiness.

"C'mon. This car isn't as nice a bed as the one inside. Trust me."

Kai smirked at his tease and tiredly pushed herself from the car's leather seat. She walked a few steps with success, but failed too soon.

Heero jumped to her rescue and progressed with her progression.

He gazed at her as she struggled with the house's entrance steps and an expression of pure sadness loomed on his face.

'Why must she go through this pain? It's ludicrous! Those legs she stands on are not hers. They are the legs of a human who has witnessed what they shouldn't and paid for it dearly. She is not one of those people!'

Once they reached the house's entrance, Heero reached in his pocket for the keys, but with Kai hanging over him it was a bit difficult to open the door.

Kai noticed his trouble and helped him the only way that was obvious.

"Heero, I can stand," Kai told him.

Heero reassured her answer, "Are you positive?" He looked at her worriedly but never denied her words.

"Yes." She struggled to make use of her legs and ended up leaning against the white, cold wall of the entrance.

Heero unlocked the door and immediately went to aid Kai.

"Put your arms around my neck," he instructed.

She did so, but slowly.

After her arms were secure, Heero bent down to gather her legs and kicked open the door to carry her in.

Thought to be an empty house, Heero was taken aback to see Relena Dorlian sitting patiently on his couch.

"Relena?! How'd you get in?" Heero asked still holding the collapsed Kai.

"Oh! Duo let me in. You just missed him, but he assured me that he'd be back by 10 at the latest. Hilde wants an indoor wedding this time instead of a beach wedding." She smiled serenely despite the awkward position the two of them were in.

There was a slight pause and Heero was still stunned and speechless.

"I'm really sorry to put you in this position, but I had to come over and explain to you what's going on and why you were asked to be a politician," Relena explained apologetically. "Oh, by the way, may ask who that is?" she asked trying to be nonchalant.

"Relena, I'm sorry, but I think you'd better go. I can't explain THIS right now, so please, could you leave?" Heero could see the astonishment in her and the questions she wanted answered. "I promise you, we can talk about the election tomorrow."

Relena breathed in and looked at Heero with a disguised frown and smiled.

"Alright! Tomorrow it is. Just so it's in time for the ball."

"Of course."

And with that said and done, Relena walked slowly to the door.

"Goodbye then...Heero," she smiled before she exited but Heero could see her pain and wished he hadn't caused it with all his might.

Not even remembering the cargo in his arms came a small cry, "Heero..."

"Kai! I'm sorry! We have to get you upstairs," Heero sprinted up the stairs, but was careful not to disturb her.

He laid her upon Duo's bed and turned on the lamp next to her.

"Please don't," Kai buried her face in the pillow.

"Alright," Heero whispered soothingly as the lamp was turned off.

Heero thought she wanted to be alone and turned to leave.

"No! Please, don't leave. Not just yet," Kai wished.

Without a word, Heero returned to her bedside.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked attentively.

"Just stay where you are and never leave me...please," tears formed and streaked down her face.

They were visible and her gentle sobs audible.

Heero leaned down and touched her face gently, which made her cries cease with astonishment.

"Oh Kai. I will never leave you, not until you tell me so. I'm here to help," he spoke with softness to ease her pain. His eyes became warm and understanding, which calmed her to the point of few tears.

"Heero...thank you." Kai kissed his hand that lay on her tear-streaked cheek to show her gratitude.

He withdrew his hand from her face and bid goodnight.

"Have a peaceful rest, Kai. I will see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Heero," her voice was barely audible and she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The night carried on, as the two remained silent and serene in the tranquil darkness.