ALERT!= I will be on vacation from August 20th –30th so I will not be updating then, but I promise to have nice new chapters when I get back!
IM SO SORRY! I know I haven't updated in a while, but it's because I had this comic workshop this whole week and I had to work my butt off! Seriously I was working nonstop, at one point I hadn't slept for more than 26 hours. Yeah pretty bad...
perfect sloderX24 - The vacation is 10 days and this chapter is day 6. I'm not going to extend everything very long so this fic will be ending shortly. (Not too shortly so don't worry). As far as chapter length goes, I'm trying to write a good amount without making the chapter tooooo long. So I'll try and keep it at a more tolerable length if this is too long. : ) Must please ALL the readers.
Guess what...I don't own Gundam Wing!
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The golden sun escaped the watery restraints of the ocean to rise once again, dawning the beginning of the 6th day of vacation for the gang. They couldn't have asked for better weather, there was a light breeze cooling off the warmth set upon the land by the sun.
A van had arrived at 10'oclock to take them to their hiking area up in the green west Maui Mountains. The ride was long, but nonetheless enjoyable as they speeded through the windy roads that cut like a maze through the lush tropical forest. The greenery was glowing under the light of the sun, and every now and then the ride would cross over and beside flowing streams of glistening water.
This would surely be a wonderful hike.
After about an hour or so of site seeing and having to tolerate Duo's utterly lame jokes, they arrived the large cabin to register for their tour.
"Oh hey, hey! Look! It's Smokey the Bear!"
Duo ran like a five-year-old child and gazed at the massive wooden carving of the brown bear. Everyone rolled their eyes and proceeded through the doors with Wufei and Heero following in the very back.
Wufei stopped just before entering and switched his gaze back and forth from Heero to Duo who was now glomping the statue and rummaging through his backpack for his camera.
"I'm not calling him." Heero could tell what Wufei was suggesting and he was in no mood to agree.
"Come on Yuy, if I go I'll probably end up breaking several of his limbs and then I'll never hear the end of it from Hilde and Sally."
"Do they bother you that much?" Heero had to smirk as he said this. Wufei glared.
"Just bring him in, we'll be going soon." And with that he went in through the door, leaving Heero outside with the hyperactive 19 year old.
The stoic pilot walked over to his friend, and met the frantic man halfway.
"Hey Heero can you take a picture of me with Smokey?"
Heero's cold glare remained unaltered though now it harbored slight sarcasm.
"Pleeeaaaaaseee?"
The Japanese pilot was debating whether to take some revenge on his ever so annoying friend by refusing to take the picture and dragging him to the door, or to wait for a more opportune and satisfying moment.
'I need something more satisfying for sure.'
And so he took the camera from the smiling boy and focused it as Duo jumped over beside the massive carving and put on his most childish grin.
!CLICK!
"Awesome, thanks buddy. You want to take one too?"
...GLARE...
"Ok ok, alright, jeez."
They began walking over to the cabin where the rest of the gang was now signing up for their hike.
"So you and Relena are going for a private little walk ey?"
"..."
"Well, hope you two have fun all alone in that nice spacey jungle. I heard its pretty romantic. 'snicker' "
"Hn. Especially with you out of the picture." Heero grunted.
"Yeaahhh...HEY!"
Heero chuckled at his slow friend who ran up and roughly patted the already injured pilot on his back. Heero stopped in his tracks and winced sharply at the biting pain that came from Duo's hit.
"Oh! Sorry buddy, forgot about that little bruise of yours. Heh heh."
"Maybe I should show you how it feels so you'll remember next time."
Duo swallowed nervously at the annoyed pilot and backed away immediately. He watched as Heero rubbed his sore shoulder and looked towards the green mountains in the distance.
"So Heero, are you planning to go steady with Relena any time soon. I mean, I kinda caught what happened yesterday and uh... it seems you two are getting pretty close."
Heero wanted so much to wipe that sheepish grin off the braided man's face, but his vengeful idea was cut short by another invading thought.
Duo noticed Heero drop his glare to stare at the green lawn beneath that was now blessed with sparkling dewdrops. His eyes were frozen in one spot, lost in thought.
'Going steady...'
Heero had never really thought about how everything would actually be if he were to have Relena as his girl. Happiness wasn't an issue; he'd gladly spend every day of his life at her side...but was it to her benefit? He could afford her a normal life, and give his heart to her...but was it what she truly needed...the heart of a ex-soldier, a heart that was half frozen from years of tarnishing training.
A family...yeah, she would definitely want to have one... would he be a good father to her children? To give life to something so pure and fragile when he himself was far from both?
'What the hell am I thinking about?'
He shook his thoughts away, not too pleased with how far he they had gotten. Emotions he had never called back upon before were now jumbled up in his heart and mind, leading to one
"Yo, buddy you alright?"
His head shot up to look at Duo's puzzled face. He noticed the slight worry in his comrade's look, so he merely nodded his friend to assure him of his well-being. Duo's mouth opened to speak, but he was cut off by Anna calling them from behind.
Heero turned to see everyone with their gears and backpacks set, grouping together outside with the tour guide. Relena stood by the side with a small cat shaped backpack. The two of them were going to take a walking route that passed by numerous pleasant scenes and was as simple as a walk in the park.
He walked over and stood beside her, as the rest of the gang finished up getting ready.
"We shall be taking Black Mound pass all the way until Ocean View. It's going to be a pretty long hike so we'll be stopping for snacks along the way." The tour guide spoke and pointed to various places on his map.
"The young lady and gentleman can take the path to Gem Waterfall, it's a nice walk with plenty of smaller waterfalls and streams along the way, I'm sure you'll enjoy it."
The man smiled sincerely as he handed them a small map of the area.
"Alright, so is everyone set?" The tour man turned towards the group and smiled brightly.
Zech's looked over at his sister.
"Are you sure you two will be alright?"
"Of course Milliardo, we'll be fine. Don't worry about us, just enjoy the hike."
Zechs smiled lightly at his sister and nodded at Heero with a keep-a-close-eye-on-her look. The others bid them farewell and headed up the trail. Duo turned to smile and wink at his two friends with a careless look, but inside he was slightly concerned about what Heero was thinking about after his comment.
Relena and Heero watched their friends depart, eyes set staring until any such evidence of them had disappeared beneath the brushes.
"So...should we get going."
Relena interrupted the uncomfortable silence and looked up at Heero, who only nodded in return and began walking towards the path.
The tour guide's estimation of their walk was completely underestimated...the place was beautiful. They walked in a peaceful silence for a long while, but there was no discomfort. The scenery was just too captivating. The path cut through the lush forest of the mountain that was now painted with lime green and a glowing yellow. Every now and then, they would stop by the small waterfalls and rivers that flowed freely beside them, pausing momentarily to watch the water cross under rays of sunlight that had dared to escape the foliage of the leaves above. The light formed crystalline orbs over the water, making it shine like a river of diamonds.. They walked for a good two hours when Relena's ankle started getting a little sore. Knowing from past experience that she shouldn't leave it unaided she decided to stop at the nearby waterfall for a small rest.
"I hope you don't mind if I rest a bit Heero, my ankle's getting worked up again."
"No problem."
He sat down on one of the large rocks across from her and watched the cascading waters.
Relena leaned back and enjoyed the cool misty breeze coming from the falling waters. The soft chirping of birds mixed with the music of the crashing water, blending into a most relaxing melodic lullaby. She looked down at the crystal clear pool of water at the base of the waterfall and got up to walk towards it.
Heero watched her leave her spot and cross over the rocks to the water. His eyes followed her every move, keeping an eye out for any falters in her step, much like a mother does over her child when he first begins walking.
She reached the water and pulled off her shoes slowly, then her socks. She gently massaged her ankle, lulling the already subsiding pain. The cold water tickled her toes as they dove in and moved over the smooth pebbles beneath. She sat there swinging her legs in the water, making small splashes like a young child. She smiled sweetly at incoming memories of going to parks with her father and putting her tiny feet into the lake. Oh how they would laugh as they sprinkled water on each other teasingly, basking in the warmth of the sun and each other...
She looked over at Heero who had now lain completely on the rock and was staring up at the sky and the greenery bordering it. His eyelids drooped and shut, taking in the serenity of his surroundings. He looked completely at peace, like any other regular man of the world. It was hard to see this young boy as a highly skilled pilot of weapons of war.
She smiled evilly at the mischevious idea that came to her head. His spot was not too far from her...
She raised her leg out of the water sharply, sending water droplets over to his rock and onto his resting face. He got up abruptly and shook off the water, turning towards her giggling figure.
He smirked at her, observing the light features of her smile. She looked pretty when she smiled.
She motioned for him to come by her and he did. Sitting beside her with his legs crossed, he let her rest her head on his shoulder. He took in the rosy scent of her hair and instinctively brought his arm around her back, over to her waist. Right now, he couldn't think about what was right or wrong...all he could think about was her.
"It's so perfect, not too quiet and not too loud. I wish I had a place like this near my home." Relena sighed as she snuggled closer to him. "It actually reminds me of the times my father and I would go to parks together..."
Relena's eyes softened at the bittersweet memories. Her head rose to gaze at Heero's handsome face, which was now looking towards the foaming waters. He had a distant look, something that puzzled Relena.
"Something on your mind?"
"Hn?"
He glanced at her questioning gaze. He was indeed thinking about something. Recalling memories of his own...some that were not too pleasant.
"Nothing really. Just memories from long ago." He leaned back as he said this, shifting into a reclined, lying position.
"Good memories?"
"..."
"Heero?"
"Some of them."
"Want to share?" She smiled sweetly, and he couldn't resist her warmth. She was always so open and loyal to him, holding his trust in her gentle grasp.
"About two years before the war, I was sent on a mission to obtain valuable data from an enemy compound. It was in Europe, near the Swiss Alps and just as I escaped with the information I needed, so I searched for shelter in a nearby forest. I stayed there for the night and in the morning, everything was lit up, just like this place...I didn't stick around to enjoy it then, I didn't even bother looking anywhere but the direction towards my base."
Relena watched him carefully as he took a deep breath of the fresh air and continued.
"I guess it feels good to get a second chance at seeing something like this."
"Hm...yeah it is. I believe in second chances. You can't expect people to get something right the first time." He felt such strong sincerity in her words, not uncommon since she was indeed an understanding person. The smooth sound of her voice rang through his head, and he felt he could listen to her all day. Relena was feeling exceptionally happy that he had shared a part of his past with her, something that wasn't too common for Heero to do. She turned towards him again, feeling much more revitalized and energetic.
"So! Should we get going, Gem Waterfall is about another two hours away."
He nodded his again and got up from his seat. Relena finished putting her shoes back on, and raised her head to see Heero reaching his arm out to her for assistance. She took it gladly, and he hoisted her up to her feet. His firm pull brought her face right up to his; so close that he could feel her breath on his lips as his widened eyes bore into her own. He was looking at her intently; wanting so much to lean over and capture the lips that had escaped him before...but suddenly, his previous thought flooded back into his head.
"Uh...sorry."
He quickly backed away and turned towards the trail, leaving the blonde girl behind him confused, and slightly hurt. Compared to what had happened yesterday, his behavior was truly strange.
Relena watched him walk away slowly and stop at the path, apparently waiting for her to follow. And so she did.
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"625 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL! 625 BOTTLES OF BEER! YOU TAKE ON DOWN PASS IT ARO-OUCH!"
Duo's melodious singing was cut short from the Hilde's sudden blow to the head.
"Duo! You've been singing since 968 bottles, now will you please shut up! Some of us here are trying to enjoy the peacefulness and QUIET. So can you please keep your mouth shut for just a little while?"
"Ok fine. Man, no appreciation for good talent these days."
"I would say that is too high an evaluation of that sad excuse of a voice, Maxwell."
"Shut up Wufei, it's not like your the greatest singer to walk on this planet."
"No, but that is why I choose to keep my pride and not make a complete idiot out of myself by singing some stup-OOF!"
Wufei was so busy arguing that he failed to notice the large stump in front of him. And down he went, face first into the dirt road.
"BAHAHAHAHA! YEAH! TALK ABOUT HURTING YOUR PRIDE!HAHAHAHA!!" Duo couldn't stop cracking up over his tempered friend's fumble, and soon enough he wasn't the only one laughing.
"Maxwell you baka! COME HERE!"
Everyone stood back as the two raced up the trail in quick pace. Zechs coughed lightly at the trail of dust and shook his hand to steer the invading dirt astray.
"Well atleast now we can pick up the pace. Duo's singing was completely adhering my concentration."
They all laughed in agreement and continued up the slope, following the dust trail left by the two pilots.
vvvvvvvv
Heero and Relena continued walking for another two hours, but it felt more awkward than before. Heero was trying hard to keep himself from thinking too much, because so far all it had done was bring upon him a massive headache. Relena walked silently, half enjoying the view and half wondering why Heero had acted so distant from her. It was so abrupt, as if he wasn't sure about what he was doing.
Relena let out a small gasp when the path ended and their final destination came into view. In front of her was a large clearing of beautiful green grass and multicolored flowers, all circled around a large pool of water formed by the massive waterfall crashing down. The waterfall was flowing down from a high cliff in the far back, and from their spot she could see a small river trickling form the pool down to deeper areas of the forest. It was absolutely breathtaking.
"Whoa...haha! Heero isn't it amazing?"
Heero looked around the clearing, taking in every stunning detail. His walking pace slowed as he took in the sight of the flowers that popped out of random patches of grass. He watched as Relena sat lazily on the greenery and leaned back to relax her muscles and came to join her.
They sat there for a while just enjoying the peaceful nature of Gem Waterfall.
"I wonder how fun it would be to just dive down from the top of that waterfall." Relena smiled as she began daydreaming about jumping down into the pool, flipping over in the air before she ended the long fall.
"Well, it would depend on how you landed."
Heero's statement caught her off guard, and she gave him a puzzled look.
"What do you mean, how you land?"
"Well, if you came down in pointed dive or huddled form, you'd make it without hurting yourself, but if you landed flat on your stomach or back, let's just say your body would be red for a good 3 days." (A.N Ok I'm BS-ing the 'red for 3 days part' so don't worry. But uh, it would still hurt a lot. )
"Ahh I see. You wouldn't happen to know that from experience would you?"
He glared at her from the corner of his eye, but his lips came up to form a small smirk, indicating an answer.
Relena broke out laughing, toppling back into the grass in wild laughter.
"Are you serious?! Hahaha! Wow, I can't imagine you of all people pulling off a bad dive. Were you really red for 3 days?"
"Heh. Yeah, but it healed quickly. I was pretty young back then so I was resilient to any damage and I got use to pain."
"Hm. It must take a lot of time to get use to pain...or getting over it."
Heero felt the soft sadness in her last few words, and he turned to look at her.
She stood up now and walked closer to the water, looking down into its sparkling beauty. Heero got up as well, heading over to her figure. He knew she must have remembered her father again. The hurtful memories that still dug into barely healed wounds. His chest was at her back now and his arms circled her waist in a firm grip. She leaned back into his embrace, bringing her head to rest at the bottom of his chin.
They stood there, resting in each other's warmth, protected from the coldness carried in the breeze of the waterfall. It was the most he could do to comfort her.
"Heero?"
"Hn."
She shifted in his arms and turned to look at him.
"I-I've been meaning to ask you, about yesterday."
He knew from the very look in her eyes... that he was in deep shit. She was probably going to want a confession from him, something he wasn't ready to give at the moment.
"I...I really care about you Heero and...I don't think I could handle the pain if you were to leave me, ever." She let out a small sigh and gazed at the trees in the back. "So I wanted to know..."
She returned her attention to his eyes, bearing into them with strong emotion.
"I wanted to know how you felt about me...if I really mean something to you. You mean everything to me Heero, if I were to lose you in any way, I ...I really don't know what would happen to me..."
"Don't say that, your stronger than that."
"Not when it comes to you. Please Heero just tell me, what am I to you?"
He couldn't stand it; his heart was torn in half. He wanted to tell her everything he thought, felt, knew, dreamed about her. But he was hesitating if it was the right choice. If taking her for himself would give her everything she would need for her whole lifetime. He just didn't believe...that love could pull them through everything.
"Relena I...I'm..." He lowered his head for a moment, before bringing it back up to gaze at her. "I'm sorry."
He could feel her warmth seep from her hands at his words.
"I'm sorry, but I don't...I can't..."
"What do you mean? Heero?"
"I can't be with you the way you want me to, it...it wouldn't work out for your benefit."
"My benefit? Heero, your not making any sense."
"Look I'm sorry but its not right. I-"
"Don't love me."
He was somewhat surprised at her choice of words for finishing his sentence.
'Its not true! Tell her that's not true!'
"Is that it Heero? Is that what your trying to say."
He was speechless. It was all too much, he felt so trapped. He couldn't tell her the truth, whatever it really was...damn he was lost. He felt his heart sink at the shiny glow coming form her eyes...she was close to tears.
She pulled away form his hold, body temperature rising in anger.
"So everything that happened yesterday was nothing? You...you were just toying around?"
"..."
"Tell me... please tell me that's not true..."
He said nothing, but he did feel all thoughts in his mind vanish at the sharp pain that suddenly stabbed at his cheek. His head turned form the force of her slap, but his body remained motionless. From the corner of his eye, he could see the free tears flowing from her eyes.
"I...I can't wait for your answer Heero. I've been waiting long enough." She spoke firmly, but the tears still came down, crumbling her strong appearance. She turned abruptly, and headed down the path from whence they had come.
He stood there, head turned now, watching blankly as she faded away. His hand rose to his cheek. In his past, he had dealt with wounds far more severe, varying from gashes to broken bones. But nothing...nothing had ever hurt him more. He could have sworn his heart cracked at the very hit. He had really messed up this time, all because he was too lost in his own thoughts to figure out what was most important. He hadn't done what his old companion had once told him so wisely...
Follow your emotions.
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I know that was short and I'm sorry but I was having some trouble with this chappy all the work I had this week. I'll be back with a new chapter when I return from my vacation, God willing. Until then, THANK YOU TO ALL MY REVIEWERS (YOU GUYS KICK ASS) Rest assure I will thank you all in the end. This is the CrimsonDragon flying off!
P.S. Bigger fight = Better make up 'wink wink'
Don't forget to review!