Relena sat on her plush white couch, speech notes in hand, chilled wine glass on the coffee table next to her. The Christmas tree cast twinkling lights and colors around the room while she gazed at her notes. The evening was quiet and dark as snow fell softly across the Belgian countryside. Barren trees covered in thick blankets of white reflected the moonlight. All was still. The Darlian country estate was the perfect December getaway and as her mother spent most of her time in the city, Relena utilized the manor house and extensive grounds as a private holiday house of sorts.
After finishing up some last-minute diplomatic engagements, Relena, escorted by Preventor security staff, headed to the estate on the day before Christmas Eve. Upon deposit on her familial property, the full-time security staff of the estate welcomed her and she was be able to exist without much protrusion from the outside world.
This time of year was always so difficult. Annual memorials of the Eve Wars hung in the air amongst traditional Christmas markets and holiday festivals. So much uncertainty still existed in their society. She felt a weight in her chest during this quiet week of Christmas that was amplified by the absence of her heart. Heero had been called away on a Preventor mission.
Heero and Wufei had been away for over two weeks. She'd barely had time to wish him luck due to last minute policy pushes through the legislature before the holidays.
There had been chatter in South America regarding explosives missing from a manufacturing facility and large shipments of metal alloys from the African continent heading to space. Une had suspected that disgruntled scientists were experimenting with stretching stores of gundanium left over from the war for weapon or mobile suit manufacture. Innovation and rebellion were still intersecting.
Quiet footfalls behind her preceded the comforting aroma of peppermint and chocolate. Pagan was asleep and her security staff was positioned at the gate to the estate.
"Welcome back, Heero," Relena said softly as a ceramic mug was placed adjacent to the wine on the table beside her, a soft kiss was positioned on the back of her neck. The hairs on her arm stood on end and there was a clench in her stomach. The lights on the Christmas twinkled and cast shadows upon the large form behind her.
"Pagan left this simmering on the stove," Heero murmured quietly next to Relena and laying his Preventors jacket and shoulder holster on the loveseat next to her.
Relena placed her papers on the end table beside her, highlighters and ink pens falling to the floor in her haste to look at the man who caused her hair to stand on end. Her New Year's Day speech could wait until the morning.
"I didn't expect you back until next week," Relena expressed directly turning her upper body in direction to the affection upon her neck.
Heero consumed her forgotten wine in one swallow. His neck and shoulders eased as he looked at her face.
"We were able to track the alloy shipments to a colony in the L3 cluster. The explosives were sent from Bogota to the same area," Heero explained softly as he sat next to her on the sofa, leaning his head back upon the frame and resting his boots on the coffee table.
"We've been digging into scientists and engineers with gundanium expertise. Howard gave us some leads. We were able to bug the warehouse an old White Fang engineer is using as a pilot plant. Wufei wants to spend the next few weeks gathering intel."
He'd be home through the New Year at least. That was comforting. She always felt stronger when he was present for high profile speeches.
His face was beginning to relax. Deep breaths stretched the white t-shirt across his chest. A set of tags reflected the tree lights and caught Relena's attention. The stark contrast between the crisp white of his shirt and the dark expanse of his neck and face caused a clench in her chest. The heaviness from earlier dissipated slightly.
Relena turned her gaze to his face as he closed his eyes. She curled herself into his side and placed a soft kiss upon his cheek, hand resting near his diaphragm.
"Do you need a shower? Pagan did a thorough clean on the estate linens before I departed the Capitol."
Heero opened the eye closest to her and exhaled through his nose. He placed his boots on the floor and slowly sat up straight to look at.
"How's your New Year's speech going?" Heero inquired quietly, ignoring her question. The annual obligation required from the Vice Foreign Minister was a focal point of the season.
"I'm not sure if I can adequately express the grief the world still feels along with compassion for the veterans," Relena lamented softly.
Five years later and families were still broken, warriors were still lost. She tucked her head into his neck. Her breath was hot and slow on his neck. If this man, who was a broken and lost warrior could find peace, surely other could as well.
His arm wrapped around her small frame and held her securely at the hip. His fingers found the small patch of skin exposed to the air as she adjusted her position. Fingernails grazed the sensitive skin above her hip.
Relena sighed as she sipped the peppermint concoction placed in her hands, careful not to spill any on his white shirt while tucked into his side. The tension held in her shoulders and upper back gradually released. The scent of motor oil and gun powder eased her into a rarely found sense of security. The aroma mixing with spicy residue of her wine was seductive.
"Heero?" Relena asked questioned, "how do you feel peace?"
Heero stared at the Christmas tree next to the hearth in front of them. He had come such a long way in the years since the war. Navigating the road from teenage terrorist to Preventor Special Agent was not the easiest of tasks. Most days, she couldn't even fathom how he could have adjusted in the ways he had, still stoic and intense, but also warm and supportive.
Heero sat up slightly and turned, hand still on her hip. His other calloused hand tucked stray golden strands behind her left ear. Cobalt contemplated aquamarine. His intense gaze softened.
"Knowing you're safe. Knowing that my skills can keep your work safe. You are my home and home is peace." He said.
Light reflected from the tree to her face. His lips grazed her neck softly again, tongue tasting her skin. Hair on the back of her back stood straight and gooseflesh appeared on her arms.
Relena sighed, body completely relaxing. This was the reason to celebrate. Her small family together over the holiday and anniversary of peace.
Heero released her from his grasp, lips leaving her neck. He stretched his arms upwards, standing, while peeling the white t-shirt from his torso. Standing in her living room, light reflecting the tags around his neck and belt at his waist, he reached out to Relena.
"How about that shower now?"
Author's Note:
Just a quick scene that popped into my head I wanted to explore and put on paper. I love sitting in watching the lights of my Christmas tree and thought our favorite GW couple could have a moment there as well.
A huge shoutout to the Love Reflection group for being amazing humans and encouraging me to take the leap into sharing my writing. Merry Christmas, Emily! It was a pleasure being your Secret Santa.