Love my reviewers, what else can I say? Oh yes, I'm not sure how long this will be, but hopefully I can get in a day or two of vacation in every chapter.

I don't own Gundam Wing. But I do own Anna and Charlie, the sexy club owner! Rrrrourrrr...()

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The rest of the afternoon passed by rather smoothly. They reached the picnic spot in good time, with only a minor distraction that consisted of Duo getting thrown into a river by his overly playful horse. He dried off by the time they reached the picnic spot, and lunch was deliciously pleasant. Carrying on, they rode over endless fields of green before hints of shore showed over the horizon. Finally reaching the beach just before sunset, they rode over the red drenched sands, with the glowing orange mass of sky above them. The scene was absolutely beautiful, and Relena couldn't help but feel slightly lonely from the purely romantic atmosphere.

Heero noticed that most of the couples had arranged their horses side by side, and were drifting away into personal spaces of their own. He figured this would be a good chance to talk to Relena about last night. He new she was still upset over it, and knowing how much this vacation meant to her, he wanted to at least settle things so she could enjoy her trip with a free conscience. As much as he hated it, he had to hint out that he was sorry for being so cold. He did it usually so he didn't see why she had gotten so upset, until he remembered the reason the conversation started in the first place.

'sigh...There is no was I can tell her about the fight. I just can't. So what am I going to say?'

He wracked his brain for an answer, yet disappointedly found none. He hardly spoke more than a sentence in a usual conversation, and now here he was trying to figure out a way to explain his actions. That would take much more than one sentence...

He figured he'd just start off with saying sorry for being so cold when she was just trying to help and then he'd...figure out a way to change the topic to something completely off and random.

'Sounds good to me. Alright here goes nothing.'

He sped up his horse with a nudge to its side, coming right beside her carelessly wandering appaloosa.

"Hey."

He could tell he caught her off guard by the sudden jerk of her head and look of mild shock in her eyes. Recognizing him almost instantly, she smiled weakly.

"Hey, Heero." Her voice was somewhat low and peaceful, as if she had just been woken from a wonderful dream. His brain searched frantically for something to say, feeling that it would not be a good idea to start off immediately with his apology.

'Bullshit, your just scared to say it.'

Ignoring the rude little voice inside his head, he looked towards the sun that was now melting into the ocean waves. His second statement did not startle Relena like the first one did...

"The sunset looks beautiful from here."

"Yeah it does..." she gazed dreamily at the glowing orb, half submerged in the blue waters, setting off rays of red and golden to bathe the surroundings. "...reminds me of the first time we met."

He turned to look at her, yet his eyes could not steal her attention from the glowing wonders around them. He sat up a little, straightening his shoulders and putting on his emotionless mask.

"Relena, I...I'm sorry about last night."

Her questioning eyes locked onto him, expression more awake than before. His head turned, eyes bearing into hers...

"I know you were trying to help, I didn't mean to reject it so harshly nor did I mean to hurt you... I...just..."

"It's ok..."

He gazed more deeply into her now softened eyes. She thought she saw a sense of sudden warmth in his look, something she had not seen before. It encouraged her to continue...

"It was my fault for intruding, I didn't mean to push you to talk about it. I just wanted you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what kind of help it is you need. The war is over Heero, you don't have to take care of everything on your own. We're your friends, we're here to help each other out every step of the way. We do it because we want to."

He turned his head towards the front, a gentle smirk lighting his features.

"Understood."

She smiled and looked ahead at the now distant couples.

"And thanks." His added statement made Relena's smile on the inside shine brighter than the glow of the sun beside her. For some reason, this little talk eliminated the lowly feeling of loneliness and the spirit inside her burnt with new energy. Suddenly a brilliantly evil idea popped into her head.

"Are you up for a little race?" She smiled mischievously, a truly evil grin that he caught and responded to with a cocked eyebrow.

"They look like they're a little too lost in La-La Land, maybe we should wake em up."

He smirked at her impish look and held on tighter to the reigns.

"See you at the finish line..." He suddenly kicked his heels, just enough to make the horse understand his intentions for a speedy get away. The powerful mustang neighed loudly and charged forward.

"Hey! I didn't say start! CHEATER!" She lunged after him, her appaloosa galloping at full speed in pure delight. They dashed past the other couples, indeed startling them greatly.

"WHOA! Look at em go!" Duo said in amazement as he watched the two whiz by in a flash. They all smiled at the speedily retreating figures, except for Wufei who grumbled angrily at his now startled and fidgety horse.

The two figures sped in front of the setting sun, hooves pounding on the blood red sand beneath. The wind ran over their bodies, pulling strands of hair behind them as it passed. The horses were now neck and neck, riders stealing competitive glances at one another. Water climbed up under them with every crashing wave, and the horses propelled forward in a cloud of white splashes. Heero purposely turned his horse so that the raging water beneath flew towards Relena. She giggled at the assault and shouted after him, daring to take revenge. The spirits of both horse and rider, thrived with energy, freedom, and they wished deep inside that this ride would go on forever.

Forever ended all too early as they rode up to the luau area and slowed their pace to a complete stop.

"That was a good race but I was ahead by a mile." Relena teased, trying to catch her breath as her heart slowed its rapid beating.

"Funny, I was about to say the same thing." He replied with a smirk and Relena stuck her tongue out in return.

"I guess we're at a tie then."

"Hn. For now." He got off his panting horse leading it over to the nearby posts. They tied the thirsty beasts, letting them rest and drink from the massive water stand in front. Heero handed a ten-dollar bill to the young boy who brought two bags of oats and placed them beside each horse. The child smiled brightly and returned to his post.

"There's the luau right there." She pointed at the large hut like building located several meters away from the shore. Outside was a large patio, where numerous tables and tiki lamps were placed. Nearest to the ocean, right in front of the tables was a small stage where the hoola dancers were performing. Happy tourists and guests sat at the tables, sipping tropical drinks in coconut cups and feasting on well-prepared meals. The site was very welcoming, and the two early arrivals headed towards the entrance.

"We're here for the reservation for a table of 14. I think the name its under is Winner." Relena asked the tanned man at the front podium. He looked through his book, eyebrows furrowed at the name he found.

"Miss Anna Winner? You had a reservation for 15. Is that the one?"

"Yes that's it. The rest of the party will be arriving shortly."

"Very well miss, sir, please come this way."

He led them outside to a large table lavished with small lamps, and tropical flowers. The silverware and china were tastefully picked and arranged, the look itself was very professional and Hawaiian at the same time. They took two seats and looked towards the dancers who were only several feet away.

"Wow, Anna got us all a really nice table. See we're right in front of the stage." She smiled in excitement as she looked towards the flame batons dancers who just began dancing on stage. Heero seemed to be occupied with another thought at the moment.

"She reserved a table for 15, but we're only 14 people. I think we have another guest coming."

"She probably invited Charlie. Kind of as a thank you fo-" She stopped herself before she could mention something she'd regret. Turning away she looked the small band nearby who was playing soothing Hawaiian music. He noticed her tense up at almost mentioning the fight, and suddenly he felt his hand come over hers, telling her that it was alright. She turned her attention towards him, feeling his warm palm over the back of her hand. The touch was almost electrifying, and she was mentally scolding her cheeks to withhold their peachy color and avoid any hints of red. His thumb caressed the skin above her knuckles, and she looked up at his face only to see a reassuring look in his eyes.

"Hey lovebirds! Decided to come up here all alone and ditch us back there did ya?" Who else could ruin such a moment as well as the ever so lovable Duo Maxwell.

Heero's hand retracted as he turned to see the group they left behind. Duo bounced on over to sit beside his scowling friend.

"Hope you didn't do anything I wouldn't do." The braided pilot nudged his friend with his elbow, giving him a most playful wink. The stoic pilot returned his friend's gesture with a death glare that sent Duo searching rather nervously for the menu. Heero watched over the opened up menu before him as everyone seated themselves around the table. He noticed Anna sending constant glances towards the entrance and back over to her watch, as if she was expecting someone.

'She invited her boyfriend. Great another apology on the way, I'm getting really sick of this...'

Heero looked blankly at his menu, not feeling too hungry at the moment. As Heero was deciding which random food to pick at, Duo was stuck on a dilemma whether to order the Halahalooa Halibut or the Monta Salmon Special...an issue that as usual ended up with him picking both.

"Are you all ready to order?" A tall man in a Hawaiian shirt and cacki's asked, holding his little notebook in front.

"Not just yet, we're waiting for one more person to arrive."

The waiter smiled at Anna and walked away to come back later. Quatre leaned over by her sister, asking if Charlie was to be joining them and she nodded in return. She noticed Heero's slight uneasiness at the mention of the guest, though it passed as quickly as it came. He looked towards her to find her staring at him with a reassuring smile. She mouthed out a 'I talked to him. Don't worry' and sent him a quick wink, making his conscience feel a bit lighter.

Within 5 minutes, Anna's face lit up at the sight of an approaching figure. Charlie walked up to the table with a big smile on his face as he kissed his girlfriend and greeted the other table occupants. He froze the second he laid eyes on two of the people seated at the table...

"It can't be...Zechs Marquise...Lucrezia Noin...?"

Milliardo and Noin looked the man over once more and slowly they stood up, both smiling with recognition.

"Charlie Lancer, long time no see." Zechs approached the dark haired man with a smile on his face and shook his fellow comrade's hand. Noticing everyone's sudden confusion, Zech's clarified that Charlie had attended the same military academy as Noin and he had, therefore they had become good friends. They had lost touch when the real fighting began, never to hear much form each other again. Charlie was pretty much in shock to find to the two had gotten married but after everything was pretty much cleared up, they all sat down to order their food.

They sat there conversing and enjoying the dancing until dinner was served and everyone's attention went to the plates before them. Behind them, the restaurant manager seemed to be having some trouble convincing a customer that they were not aloud to bring in animals. The old lady grabbed onto her pit bull's collar, refusing to take the pooch off the dining deck.

"Poor guy, there is no way he's gona convince that conservative prick to take her dog outside." Duo observed with a mouth full of salmon. Heero was too busy cleaning off the fish bits that landed on his shirt from Duo's mouth to even bother looking at what was going on behind him. The dog was beginning to get startled from all the arguing and started growling at the manager who he believed was disrupting its master. Suddenly, the dog's attention was switched to a long brown tail hanging from the seat behind it. It glared viciously at the cat's tail and it lunged for the object, grabbing at it with its teeth and shaking it violently.

"AHHHHHH! MY HAIR!!!! SOMETHING'S GOT MY HAIR!" Duo jumped off of his chair, and began bouncing around like a maniac. The old woman was scolding her puppy and shaking her finger while the waiters dashed to help the customer being mauled by a 2-foot tall dog. The beast hung on tighter as the wailing man tried to jerk it off. Unfortunately, Duo's wavering movements managed to strike one of the passing waiters, making his platter full of Filet Octopus fly several feet into the air and land on Wufei's face.

"AHHH! WHAT THE HELL! WHY IS SO DARK? GET THIS SLIMY MONSTROSITY OFF OF ME! DISHONORABLE FIEND!!! ARGGGH!"

The now blind Chinese man rose from his seat stumbling into inanimate objects trying to release the squishy sea creature. Several more waiters ran to the second incidental customer, trying to help him get the suction cups of the octopus's legs off of him. The attention of almost all the restaurant customer's was now turned to the two men being raging wars against animals and inanimate objects.

Quatre, Charlie, and Trowa struggled with the mangy dog, trying to get it off their braided friend without harming it. Meanwhile Heero, Relena and Sally attempted to get Wufei to stop moving so much so that they may wrench off the dead beast. The rest of the gang watched the scene before them, as crowds of waiters tried to help out the wailing customers. Duo, in last minute panic, swung his head around with a sudden force, causing the dog to release the braid midway and stumble into Relena. The poor girl lost her balance due to the sudden assault and fell onto Heero, starting off a domino effect that ended up knocking Wufei to the floor, sending the octopus off his face and onto a shrieking hoola dancer. The Chinese man opened his eyes to see Heero and Relena sprawled out on the floor over each other with a large ugly dog drooling over them.

Relena could feel the immense weight off the sitting dog above her, crushing her body against Heero's. It didn't help her breathing any bit, and she felt the hardness of his muscles, even the ones she shouldn't be feeling. Heero recalled the time they were alone in the forest, resting in each other's embrace, but he felt this was nothing like it. Last time he had managed to take in some air, but this time the added weight was seriously cutting off his oxygen supply. He felt her hip grinding over his and she struggled to get off and he couldn't tell if he face was beat red or pale blue.

"Get off of her you drooling mutt."

Zechs dragged the dog off by the collar, helping his sister up. Air rushed into Heero's lungs at the disappearance of the added weight, and he was quick to get back up and regain his posture. He noticed her reddened cheeks and caught the glance she sent him form the corner of her eye. But she was quick to turn away and return to her seat. Duo was now trying to catch his breath and calm down, as he petted and cleaned his brutally harassed braid. Running to her dog, the old women grabbed on to its leash and patted its head.

"OHHH! Silly Oscar wanted to play with the big old braid? Aww silly silly Oscar!"

She commenced squishing its face, to a point where the already present wrinkles had formed into a larger bundle of folds. The now furious manager came abruptly and demanded that she take the dog out. The lady put up her nose and walked out, muttering something about indecency and rudeness. Duo and Wufei turned to the manager who was now bombarding them with apologies.

"Oh hey no problem man, no major damage to the braid so its all good!"

The manager looked at the smiling braided man in slight confusion and left to order his employee's to give the men free drinks, on the house. Wufei scowled at his calamari, swearing that he'd never touch seafood again after this meal. This only made Sally smile and pinch his cheek playfully, reddening his face even more. The sun had set completely, and the festive scene was now lit by firelight coming from the flaming torches. Relena's cheeks still burned inside like little flames from the earlier incident, and sitting by Heero didn't help slow the rapid beating of her heart. Their faces had once again found themselves an inch away, breathing in each other's scent. Gods, if she had to go through that again she didn't know if she'd be able to resist capturing his lips with her own.

"Relena dear you ready to head back?"

Noin's voice scattered the many thoughts in her head, focusing her attention back on reality. She noticed they were preparing to leave, having already eaten dinner, had a few drinks, and enjoyed their stay there. Getting up, the young blonde grabbed her purse and followed the rest out the restaurant. Charlie thanked everyone for the wonderful night and gave Anna a quick peck on the lips before heading towards his car. The night air was chilly, and Relena was beginning to visualize her cottony soft jacket, which she had so carelessly left in her room. How her freezing shoulders ached for its warmth that very moment.

The sudden feeling of cloth around her figure spread warmness through her body and she closed her eyes, not realizing completely that it wasn't a dream like the one she was just imagining.

"Keep it on. You'll catch a cold if you don't."

Her eyes fluttered open, revealing the cool shades of blue and silver of the night. Warm lips brush her ear, only after coaxing the side of her face with warm breath. Her body suddenly sensed his arms on her shoulders and his face, sliding away from hers, caressing her skin as it moved. Relena turned around, smiling brightly.

"Thank you."

"Hn."

His look softened at the contact of her gaze, but he turned away towards his horse, for everyone was beginning to mount for the ride back home. They now rode back across more plains, avoiding the forest at night. It made no difference, because the scenery about them was as beautiful as the one they gazed at upon coming. The previously green grass was now covered with silver silk, kissed with drops of aquamarine shades. It was absolutely hypnotizing, and Relena could feel herself being pulled into a deep slumber. It was late and the events of the day had begun to take their toll on her. Loosening her muscles and dulling her senses, she felt more limp and soon enough her eyes closed, plummeting her into serene darkness.

Heero watched her from behind when he noticed her become limp and waver. Riding up beside her, his worried expression relaxed at the sight of her closed eyes and relaxed face. A small smile crept over his features. He motioned to Duo who rode over to investigate the situation.

"Poor Lena, must have had a long day. Better let her ride with you before she falls off."

Though Heero doubted she would fall, he thought it safest to keep her close just in case. Duo helped sit her in front of Heero, and took her horses reigns in his hands, leading it away. Almost instantly Relena's arms snaked their way around Heero's waist, allowing her to snuggle closer to the big pillow that had magically appeared before her. His muscles tensed briefly, relaxing only a few moments later from the rhythmic breathing of the precious cargo nestled in his arms. He encircled his arms around her, bringing her closer to his body, as his hands held the reigns in front. It was a long ride back, but he enjoyed every minute of it, relaxing to the feel of her body against his. A part of his heart sank at the sight of the mansion, and he knew he would have to part with her soon.

Riding up to the entrance they mounted off their steeds and servants came to lead the horses away. Heero gently carried her off the horse and brought her in, cradled in his arms. Everyone departed for their rooms after wishing their goodnights. Ignoring the over exaggerated wink from Duo and the glare from Milliardo, he commenced taking the sleeping VFM to her room. Upon arriving at the door he found a problem shining its ugly face upon him. He had to open the door...without breaking it, blowing it up, or shooting the handle off.

'Hn. This might be a problem.'

Suddenly a chibi Duo faced popped up in his mind replaying a memory where the braided pilot had taught Heero how to pick locks with pins. Heero had of course acted like he didn't care, when he was actually listening intently.

'Alright Duo, let's see how useful your lock picking theory is.'

Suddenly the second problem emerged...a pin. He sure didn't have any hairpins lying around; he needed a female that could possibly have one anchored in her hair. Looking over at the sleeping angel in his arms, he brought one hand up slowly, combing through her hair in search of a bobby pin of some sort. To his luck, he located a thin black one near her ponytail and shifting her weight to one arm, he carefully worked his way with the lock, face beaming triumphantly when he heard the clicking of the lock, allowing him to open the door.

Cool flower scented air rushed his face as he entered her neat living area. Walking cautiously to the bedroom, he moved the sheets over, laying her body down in the comfy bed, careful as to not awake her. He glanced at her sleeping figure, but his eyes refused to turn away. She looked so peaceful, her chest rising and falling in perfect rhythm, long lashes holding her lids still as her lips remained closed in a loose manner. It was just like the time he awoke to find her lying next it him, except this time her face was lit with silver moonlight instead of golden sun beams.

Folding the sheets over her body, he eased down beside her, unable to take his gazing eyes off of her. In her sleep she took on the form of a fragile young woman, living the life of any other normal girl her age. No hints of someone who carried the world's burdens on her back, fighting with words to sustain the peace that had long been overdue. There was no sign of a tired and hardworking Vice Foreign Minister, only that of the woman he loved, enjoying the most peaceful moments of her day when she could stray away from the harsh reality around her.

To think that at such a young stage in her life she would have to take on issues men three times her age were doing was a depressing thought, one that made Heero wonder how long it would take for her strength to wear away, crumble beneath her leaving only emptiness and lifelessness in its place. They all gave her their support and friendship, but there was still something she needed, something strong enough to keep her living everyday whenever the world around her would be hurting her the most.

The young pilot sighed deeply, raising his hand to brush away the bangs that lay teasing her face. Fingertips lingered as they glided on her cheeks, enjoying the softness of the flawless skin beneath them. Leaning in, he laid his lips on her forehead in a gentle kiss and slowly got up to leave. Only three days of vacation had passed and he could feel himself falling for her faster than ever.

Walking out quietly, he gently closed the door behind him, making sure it was locked.

"Here. Make good use of it."

Heero spun around with a sharp jerk at the sound of the unidentified voice. The blonde haired Lightning Count stood before him, holding a black briefcase in one arm. Heero nodded, remembering the laptop Zech's was going to lend him for his research.

"I want it back as it came. I trust that won't be a problem."

"None whatsoever."

Heero took the briefcase, avoiding the glare that Zechs sent him.

"Is she asleep?"

"Affirmative."

"Hm."

The two crossed ways, Heero headings towards his room, Zechs towards his. Entering his little haven, Heero set up the laptop and began his search on his little club buddy...

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Any changes? Any requests? Comments? Send em in because I do love a good review whether it has criticism or comments. Say some ideas and I might put them in the coming chapters; 'cough' 'cough' Vash's haircut plan 'cough'

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