AN: Here we go…

000

Hayden stormed into the office angrily. The secretary yelled at him for coming unannounced, but he shot her a death glare that made her shut up immediately. The man sitting at the desk took no notice towards Hayden's unruly temper, he simply stared at the young man.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

Hayden glared, "You promised me that I could go back through the portal to take care of things. Why are you delaying the mission?"

The man behind the desk sighed, "I want you to calm down."

"Calm down?" exclaimed Hayden angrily. "You only make me more anxious by keeping me here! If I knew how to work that blasted thing on my own, I would have had the job finished two weeks ago!"

"My boy, the bottom line is that this is personal for you," warned the man. "I do not doubt your abilities as an assassin, but I do become fearful when it comes to a man's emotions. You are a very emotional man, Hayden, like it or not. If I were to send you in now, you would get yourself killed."

Hayden slammed his fist on the desk, "We are running out of time! The rebels are regrouping as we speak! Who knows what sort of plan, Yuy, has in store right now."

"We have time," said the man, "just be patient. I will send for you in a couple of days. Do not worry about Yuy. We have the layout plans to the Gundams, thanks to you, should this mission fall apart… should you fail."

"I will not fail," growled Hayden as he marched out of the office.

000

Heero made his way into Commander Une's office. He saluted, and stood at ease when she waved him off.

"Heero, you know that I do not require the usual protocol with you and the others. How can I help you?"

Heero cleared his throat, "It's been two weeks since the threat. Nothing has happened. I was wondering if I could be reassigned to my usual post."

The head of the Preventers sighed, "Heero, I know that sitting in your office makes you crazy, but you have to trust me on this. If you are still in danger, and take up your position as guard detail again, you will be putting the Vice Foreign Minister at risk as well. It is not possible. Until we know who this guy is and what happened to him, you will remain where you are. I know office work is not your specialty, but what else am I to do with you?"

"Place in charge of finding this man," said Heero.

Une nodded, "If I know you, Heero Yuy, you have already started a personal crusade. Staying up late at night watching surveillance videos, looking through records, examining fingerprints and other forms of DNA identification…"

"I need to know," interrupted Heero. "You know how important those plans are my laptop are; they are in the wrong hands, Une, this could be disastrous."

Commander Une leaned back in her chair and rubbed her temples, "I know, it's almost too much to think about right now. Tell me what you have found so far."

Heero nearly shrugged his shoulders, "To be quite accurate, nothing. It's as Wufei was saying, it's almost as if the man doesn't exist."

"What about the DNA test?" asked Une.

Heero nodded, "His fingerprints are not on record, as for other specimens, we are not sure yet. I sent over a hair sample we found to the lab the other day, but they said they found nothing."

"What are you going to do?" asked Une.

"Wufei and I are going to the lab later this week when they release the sample, I will try to find out more then."

"Heero, what makes you think that you will find anything on him if our best forensics team can't?"

Heero glared at her, "I will find him." With that, he turned and marched out of the room.

000

Wufei and Heero worked late into the evening that night in the lab. Wufei was ready to tell his stoic companion it was time to call it quits.

"Heero, we are not going to find anything that the forensics team has not already found…."

"What about the DNA sampling?" interrupted Heero. "As far as we know, this guy has no record of existence, but what about family members? He did not come out of thin air."

Wufei rolled his eyes and stared at his watch. It was two o'clock in the morning. "Heero, I'll have Sally look into it in the morning. Right now, we have other things we need to worry about, like what group wants to gain control of the Gundams."

Heero sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He was not usually this tense, but two years of becoming human had really taken its toll on him. So much to think about. The Gundams were in the wrong hands and he couldn't figure out who. Nothing like this had ever happened before. He had slipped up when carelessly leaving his laptop at home. He was losing it. Becoming more human was nothing more than a burden. He was better off remaining the Perfect Soldier he had trained to be.

Heero stood up and stormed out of the forensics lab. Wufei followed him calmly. The base was pretty much deserted except for the third shift security detail. As he passed some lower ranking Preventers, they saluted Heero, but he brushed them off. He was not in the mood for protocol.

Half an hour later, Heero and Wufei left the base and headed for Heero's apartment. The former Perfect Soldier had now grown use to the idea of a temporary roommate and seeing as he had no choice, allowed Wufei to stay with him overnight, sleeping on the sofa. Heero shuddered to think about what it might have been like to live with Duo Maxwell for two weeks. He could sometimes hardly stand his cheerful companion for two minutes.

000

Another week passed, and things were uneventful. Relena was on her usual work routine, but this time she went on her rounds with Duo as her companion. The two of them were becoming good friends. Relena enjoyed his cheerful company, admitting to herself that it was a nice change next to Heero's stoic manner. But, secretly, Relena longed to be near her former bodyguard once more.

Duo, who was use to striking up conversations with anyone he met, chattered happily while he and Relena drove around in her car. Relena laughed at his antics. She could see why the others grew annoyed with him at times, but that was just how Duo was. Sometimes, he liked to be annoying.

One day, as Relena was coming out of a meeting, she thought she noticed a pair of Prussian blue eyes in the crowd. Anxiously looking around, Relena sighed when she discovered her mind was playing tricks on her.

Duo noticed her agitation, "You're looking for him again aren't you?"

Relena looked somewhat baffled. Were her actions that obvious? She had hardly said a word about Heero in three weeks. She had still not spoken to him.

"I just thought I recognized someone," she said simply.

Duo shrugged, "Whatever you say, princess! My guess is that you are missing your former bodyguard," he concluded as they jumped in the car.

Relena looked annoyed, "Duo…"

"Hey don't get upset! I'm just stating the obvious!" he exclaimed holding up his hands in surrender.

She couldn't help but crack a small smile.

Duo put his hands down and looked at her seriously, "Have you talked to him yet, since that night?"

Relena looked at him and hung her head. She wound her hands nervously around one another, "No."

Duo's eyes grew dark, "I see," he said bitterly.

They were now on their way to Preventers headquarters. Relena was going on one of her routine visits with Commander Une. Hopefully this time, she would get in and out without any incidents.

The car stopped and Duo opened the door for Relena. The young woman stepped out, praying secretly in heart that she would just happen to run into Heero while she was there.

000

"Preventer Zero, Commander Une request that you and Fire report to conference room A immediately. The Vice Foreign Minister is here for her meeting."

Heero nodded to the private he stood in his office and saluted. The private left. Heero stood and Wufei nodded, following him to the conference room.

Heero nearly shook his head. This would be the first time he would see Relena in over three weeks. Duo's words rang through his ears.

…you took something away from Relena that can never be replaced.

There was no doubt in Heero's mind that he cared a great deal about Relena, but was it really love? Was this was humans were suppose to feel? Heero thought back to that night for the first time since it had happened. Her body had been smooth and perfect. The sound of her gasping breath echoed in his ears. He had craved her that night and asked her for everything. She gave it to him willingly, but at what cost?

He muttered himself for a fool as he walked in the conference room. Positioning himself in the corner, Heero watched as Relena walked in.

She tried to avoid his gaze, but their eyes locked immediately. Heero had almost forgotten had beautiful she was in person. Why hadn't he spoken to her in so long? He was a fool.

Heero listened as Commander Une read off the reports to Relena. As usual, Relena listened politely and asked question now and then. But, Heero could tell that she was struggling with something inwardly. He could see it in her eyes. They weren't sparkling.

When the meeting was over, Commander Une stood up and left abruptly, explaining that she had another meeting to attend to. Relena thanked her and everyone emptied out, except for the Vice Foreign Minister and her former bodyguard.

Relena stared at Heero from across the room and locked her eyes on the floor. Heero began to approach her. Out of the corner of his eye, Heero noticed Duo motioning for Wufei to exit the room with him.

Relena looked up at him, "Hello, Heero, how are you doing?"

Heero nodded, "Fine."

"I am glad that you are well," she said shakily.

They stood there in awkward silence for a few moments. Heero stared at her with those piercing blue eyes, trying to think of what to say.

"I missed you," she said suddenly, "I wish you would have called me, but I know you have been busy…"

"Relena," he began.

"No," she interrupted, "you don't have to explain yourself Heero. I understand. I just don't know what I expected that's all. I have to go…" she said as she began to pack up her things and walk towards the door.

Heero grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. "Relena," was all he could mutter.

She stared at him with her bright sapphire eyes. He could see that he had hurt her. He had promised to protect her from pain, but he was the one who inflicted it on her.

"I care about you, Relena. More than I have ever cared about anyone in my life."

Her eyes widened at his words, "Then why did you leave me?"

Heero shook his head, "I had no choice. I have been temporarily reassigned and I can't tell you why. But, Relena, believe me when I say that it could prove to be dangerous to be with me right now."

"Heero…" she said somewhat shocked.

"Don't ask me questions. It's better if you don't know," he warned her.

She nodded her head in understanding. Heero looked at her, still holding onto her arm.

"I am truly sorry that I did not talk to you. I don't like to see you hurt."

"I'm fine," she declared shaking her head.

"Relena, I know you have not been fine. Duo told me that you have been upset."

Relena looked at him speechless. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Just where was this conversation leading?

"Heero," she began, "I am not going to lie to you, saying that the other night did not mean something to me, because truthfully…it was the most wonderful night of my life," she nearly sobbed. "But if that is all we will ever have, then I hate to think of what…"

"Relena," he interrupted, "there is more. Believe me when I say that. I just didn't know what to do. Especially after what's been going on here at Preventers. Other things just seemed to disappear from my mind."

Relena could feel her body growing very hot. Her head was spinning but her heart was leaping. He did care about her. He had just said so.

"Relena, it's dangerous for you to fall in love with me," he said quietly.

"I know," she muttered. "But I'm willing to take that chance, Heero." Relena tried to maintain her composure, but suddenly her body felt like it was going to collapse. She barely heard Heero's next words.

"I don't want to hurt you, Relena."

She snapped her head up trying to hold onto the conversation, "You hurt me more by staying away."

Heero could not contain himself any longer. He drew her close to him and hugged her tightly. Relena held onto him, but suddenly felt like she was going to be sick. She let go and backed away roughly.

"Relena what is it?" he asked.

She tried to walk towards the door, but the room was spinning. She felt her body begin to fall.

Heero caught her up in his arms before she hit the ground. "Duo!" he yelled.

Immediately, the braided boy sprinted in the room. "Go get Sally!" barked Heero.

He lay her body on the floor. Wufei knelt next to him and took off his jacket, placing it over her legs. Heero did likewise, placing it over the upper half of her body.

"What happened?" asked Wufei.

"She's fainted," Heero said calmly. He felt Relena's face. "She has a fever," he muttered.

Duo rushed in moments later with the doctor. Heero jumped to his feet and grabbed Duo by the collar, "She's sick! What the hell is going on?"

"Geeze Heero, calm down," said Duo shrugging him off. "She hasn't complained all day. She's been fine up till now."

"Of course, she's been fine," barked Heero. "You know Relena would never miss a day of work in her life!"

"Heero calm down," said Sally. "It's probably just a flu bug and some stress related symptoms. She'll be fine."

Relena began to open her eyes slowly. She groaned a little.

"Relena," said Sally. "It's Sally, how do you feel honey?"

Relena moaned a little, "Nauseous."

Sally sighed, "She needs to get home and get some rest, Duo."

"I'll take her," said Heero as he picked up the girl into his arms.

"You're off duty Heero…" warned Wufei.

"I'm still the head of the Vice Foreign Minister's security. Disobey me and I will have you fired? Now, you can come with me or you can try and kill me."

Heero walked out of the room and Duo shrugged. "That guy cares about her a lot more than I thought."

"You baka," replied Wufei. "He is in love with her. A blind man could see that." The Chinese man walked out the door, following Heero.

Duo stood there dumbfounded and looked at Sally.

"Are you the only one out of the loop?" she smirked as she left.

000

Relena opened her eyes. She was in bed. Sitting up quickly, the young woman looked at the clock. It was five o'clock in the afternoon. Why was she in bed. She had meetings to go to and work to do.

"Lay down," said a voice.

Relena looked over to see Heero sitting in the armchair by the balcony window. "I have work to do…" she began.

"You're sick, just lie down. The rest of your daily activities have been cancelled."

His tone silenced her. She sank back down into her pillows and relaxed. Her head was spinning still and her face felt hot. Suddenly, she looked strangely at Heero.

"What are you doing here? I thought you said that it was dangerous right now."

Heero made no sign of emotion, "Some things are more important. My job is to take care of you Relena, first and foremost."

She sighed and closed her eyes trying to make her head stop wheeling.

"You still feel dizzy?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied softly.

Heero stood up and sat down beside her on the bed. She turned her gaze towards him and suddenly realized that he was there with her, in that room, taking care of her. Suddenly, she felt very foolish.

"Heero, I am sorry for everything."

"Why should you be apologizing?"

She shrugged, "I know a lot has been going on and the last thing you need to do is worry about me."

"Forget it," he said. "You need to eat something…"

"I'm not hungry," she replied. "I promise to eat in the morning."

"Relena…"

"Heero you should get home," she interrupted. "I'll be fine really. I am already feeling better. I'm just going to go back to sleep."

Heero nodded and exited the room.

Relena watched him go, then slowly drifted off back to sleep.

000

Another week later, Hayden marched back into the massive office. Only this time, his anger and agitation had been replaced by excitement and restlessness.

"You sent for me, sir?" asked Hayden as he saluted.

The man behind the desk turned around and smiled, "Yes. I am pleased to hear that your frustration has subsided and that you now have the clear head to go back. Promise me that you will not let things get out of hand again."

"They were never out of hand the first time," snorted Hayden.

"Of course…" replied the man quietly. "Take whatever precautions are necessary."

"I'll get the job done," replied Hayden as he headed towards the door.

"Hayden," called the man. The boy turned around and stared at him with cold eyes. The man spoke darkly, "I hope you fully understand the consequences of your actions."

Hayden bowed his head, "Life is not worth living unless you have something to die for. The consequences don't matter to me." He turned and left.

"It was nice knowing you," muttered the man.

000

Hayden was ready to go. The portal flashed brightly before him, and everyone in the control room stared in wonder. He was used to the portal by now, having traveled through it several times.

He muttered to himself some words of encouragement then darkly stepped into the light and disappeared.

From the corner of the control room, an extremely old man with white frizzy hair, watched frowning. This was not how it was supposed to be.

As the room full of people made their way out for the evening, no one noticed as the old man walked back into the control room. He was not the most respected individual within the base, but he was valuable. A prisoner of his own contraption, the old man sighed as he looked at the portal.

"What have I done?" he muttered to himself.

He walked behind the control panel, and punched in a few keys. Immediately, the portal turned on with its bright lights. The old man then slowly walked towards the portal.

Tucked underneath his arm was a package wrapped in brown paper. The old man looked at the package and sighed to himself again.

"This is for you, Heero Yuy," he said as he stepped through the portal into the unknown.

000

AN: Are we started to become more confused, or more anxious to find out what's going on? I know the chapter was short, but bear with me it was a good place to end. The next chapter is coming!

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