Chapter Two
Three's A Crowd

Heero and Serena walked side by side, making their way toward the restaurant entrance. When they reached the door, Heero moved around her, reaching for the door handle. Serena sent him a questioning look as she came to stand in front of him. Heero only gestured with his hand for her to enter first. Serena tried not to roll her eyes as she walked through the doorway. She wasn't used to him going out of his way to be nice to her. Although it could've been because they were in public, then again, Heero had always been the courteous type. It could've been merely out of habit. He had done the same thing when they were at the Spaceport two weeks earlier.

Once Serena was inside the restaurant, she felt Heero behind her. She wanted to say something to Heero about how she didn't need a guard when she felt him place a hand on her back, steering her off to the side where the hostess was standing behind a small counter.

"Good afternoon," the woman greeted with a smile. "Table for two?"

"Good afternoon," Heero said. "No, we're here to meet Ms. Darlian."

"Oh," the woman looked wide-eyed at Heero and Serena for a moment before schooling her features. "I'm sorry, but we don't have-" Heero didn't let the woman finish as he pulled out his Preventer's badge. "Oh! Mr. Yuy!" The woman blushed. "My apologies. Please, right this way."

"Thank you," Heero said before placing his hand on the small of Serena's back again.

"They know you by name?" Serena asked quietly as the hostess led them through the restaurant. Serena knew the chance of the woman being able to read Heero's name on his ID badge was slim. Considering Heero had only let her see it long enough to confirm he was an agent with Preventers.

"Yeah," Heero said. The hint of annoyance in his voice didn't go unnoticed by her.

"Oh." Serena frowned but dropped the subject. Something about it didn't seem right. It wasn't like his name wasn't unknown, but Serena knew that Heero kept his personal life private. Most, if not all, of the general public, didn't know who he was. There were rumors about who the Gundam pilots were, but only those who fought in the wars that had seen the pilots knew who they were. The general public only knew of the deceased politician whose name Heero shared. The only thing Serena could come up with was that Relena had informed the staff that Heero would be dining with her, but even then, Heero wouldn't want her using his name, would he?

Serena's thoughts were interrupted when Heero sent her a look before moving to walk in front of her, blocking her view. Even with her heels on, Serena wasn't as tall as Heero. But she stayed far enough back that Relena wouldn't see her as they approached the table. Heero even went as far as to shove his hands into his pockets. In an attempt to broaden his shoulders to cover her better. Serena wondered if it made a difference. She was roughly the same size as Relena, and she had seen how Heero could cover Relena's entire body with his own.

Then again, this was his idea, not hers.

Sighing inwardly, Serena glanced around the restaurant. She noticed the odd looks they were receiving. For the most part, those in the restaurant continued to eat or talk amongst themselves. Serena couldn't help but feel some of the other patrons' eyes linger as they passed by. She wondered if it had anything to do with the comment Heero had made in the car or that the hostess knew his name.

Serena tried to listen to some of the other patrons that were closest to them as they walked, but there were too many voices to pinpoint their remarks. But Serena swore she heard a few people questioning who she was or why she was with Heero, which only made her question Heero's comment even more. Why would these people be interested in knowing who she was or why she was with Heero?

It started to make her more uncomfortable. Serena hated the attention, even when she was with ROE. Everyone was always looking at her, talking about her, it was something she was used to, but it didn't mean she enjoyed it.

When the hostess stopped and gestured to the table where Relena was seated, Serena mentally shook herself. She needed to put on a brave face and pretend like this lunch was nothing more than a lunch between old friends. Serena had enough time to calm herself as Heero took the last few steps toward Relena. The bright smile she always wore for him shone as she moved to stand.

"Heero, I was wondering-" Relena started to say when Heero stepped to the side. "Oh my god..." Relena's hand flew up to her mouth. "Serena!?"

Serena took a deep breath as her eyes met ocean blue. The surprised look on Relena's face only lasted a few seconds before Relena squealed and darted to hug her. Serena noticed instantly that the other patrons in the restaurant had stopped whatever they were doing to stare at them. The uneasy feeling she had been having on the ride over resurfaced as Relena clung to her like she was a lifeline.

"I can't believe it's you!" Relena's voice rose another octave as she spoke.

"Hello, Relena," Serena said as best she could while the other woman continued to squeeze her. She was also more aware of how fast her heart was beating and possibly from lack of air.

"Relena," Heero said with a hint of amusement. "Serena can't breathe."

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Relena said as she pulled away. "I'm just-"

"It's okay," Serena smiled softly at her. "I understand." Relena blushed as she took hold of her hands. Serena reminded herself that Relena was just excited to see her and that she needed to be happy. Regardless of other thoughts swirling in her head.

"It's so good to see you, Serena," Relena beamed that bright smile of hers, one Serena had seen millions of times, but it never ceased to amaze her.

Serena understood why Heero enjoyed seeing Relena smile. But what Serena also understood was how the people of Earth and the Colonies felt when Relena would smile like she was now. It was warmth, reassurance that she would continue to fight for the peace they were currently living in.

"It's good to see you as well, and happy belated birthday, Relena," Serena said in return. "Why don't we sit?"

"Of course!" Relena said. "Thank you, and I think we should celebrate with a glass of wine."

"It's only noon, Relena," Heero said as he pulled Relena's chair out for her. "Not to mention you have a meeting at two-thirty."

"Oh, don't give me that." Relena waved her hand at him as she sat back down. "Serena's back, and we're going to celebrate. Besides, one glass won't hurt us."

"Says the woman who claims to have had only one glass, three glasses later."

Serena stared wide-eyed at them as they continued to banter back and forth. Relena rolled her eyes at Heero while commenting on how he could polish off a bottle himself. Heero pointed out some irrelevant remarks, and then the conversation stopped.

She couldn't help but wonder if Heero had always been this way with Relena or if it was something new. Heero appeared relaxed even while his eyes scanned the room. There was the slightest smile on his face that most wouldn't notice unless they knew him well.

When Heero ordered each of them a glass of red wine, Serena was starting to become convinced that Heero had changed drastically in the last five months.

Heero, of all people, would never agree to drink this early and especially if he was working. Serena couldn't wrap her head around any of it. Serena knew that things had changed, but the Heero she had spent the last month with was not the same Heero she knew before everything, even before she had met him in person. There were subtle changes, but Serena knew Heero like the back of her hand. For the most part, at least, specific characteristics she knew very well, but his personality change was something new.

Deciding to ignore her thoughts, Serena picked up her menu to browse. She wasn't feeling quite hungry, so she settled for a house salad with grilled chicken. She figured, if anything, Heero wouldn't comment about her lack of eating if he thought she was just eating a light lunch. Not to mention that a salad wasn't a terrible meal. Serena could always tell Heero she was planning on having a more significant dinner with Trowa and wanted to ensure she didn't overeat at lunch.

But only if it worked out in her favor.

The frown Heero sent her after she had informed their waiter told her that her ruse wasn't fooling him. He had been on her case about how she needed to eat better since they arrived on Earth. It wasn't her fault that her body was still healing and adjusting to being normal.

Relena opted for the same meal as herself, while Heero ordered one of their lunch specials. Relena had always been a fan of salads for lunch, which didn't surprise Serena. Relena ate a healthy diet even when she'd cheat and order take-out. Relena always made sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with meats and whole grains. She also worked out regularly.

Once the waiter left with their orders, Relena leaned closer to Heero. Serena saw the slight shift in Heero's arm as he moved it underneath the table. Ignoring what the two might be doing, Serena picked up her glass of wine before taking a small sip.

"Serena," Relena started with a smile on her face. "How long have you been back?"

"Not long," Serena said as she placed her glass back on the table.

"If you're anything like Heero, that could mean a week to even a few months." Relena's brow lifted. "Regardless, it's wonderful to have you back. Will you be staying permanently? Or are you just visiting?"

"I was planning on staying," Serena said. "Une offered me a position with Preventer."

"Really!?" Relena's smile widened while her eyes softened. "That's wonderful, congratulations. I think you'll be a perfect addition to the organization."

"Thank you," Serena said as she allowed a small smile to grace her lips. Serena was happy to finally have a job that didn't involve her fighting for all the wrong reasons but one that would allow her to find her purpose in life. "Has anything new happened since I've been gone?"

Relena glanced at Heero. Some unspoken message passed between them.

"Actually, yes," Relena said as she brought her attention back to Serena. "Heero and I got engaged."

Serena felt her eyes go wide as she looked between them, then glanced down to Relena's left hand, which conveniently was resting on the table.

They are engaged!? Serena thought as she stared at the diamond on Relena's ring finger. When the hell did that happen!? Serena racked her brain for the information, but she came up empty-handed. I thought he- Serena cut her thoughts short as she turned her attention to Heero.

"You're engaged!?" Serena hissed at him. "Don't you think that would've been information offered upfront before I saw her!?"

"I figured Relena would want to tell you." Heero shrugged nonchalantly.

"You should've told me," Serena said in a warning tone as she plastered a fake smile on her face, hoping Relena wouldn't read between the lines.

"Wasn't my place."

"Bullshit. You-"

"English, remember?" Relena said, cutting Serena off. Ending the discussion Heero and her were having. They had fallen back into their old habit of keeping their conversations from prying ears.

"Right, sorry," Serena said as she straightened herself in her seat. "Congratulations. That's wonderful news." Serena smiled at Relena. But not before sending a glare in Heero's direction.

"Thank you," Relena smiled back. Serena noticed the slight movement from Relena. Then Heero shifted in his seat. A frown formed on his face before he quickly masked it. Serena wondered if Relena had kicked him under the table. "I was thinking, if it isn't too much, would you be willing to be a part of the wedding?"

Serena felt both of her eyebrows shoot up. She looked at Heero for help, but it seemed Heero was reacting the same way as she was.

"Um, I don't know… I don't know what goes into a wedding," Serena shook her head. "I went to one, once…" her face fell into a frown. It was a blurry memory, but she remembered some kind of ceremony had occurred.

"That's alright," Relena said as she placed a hand on top of Serena's. "We're not going to do anything big, per Heero's request. It'll be simple, but I'll still need help with some things. Also," Relena smiled softly at her. "I think you should be a part of it. You and Heero are family, and you should be a part of our wedding."

Serena felt anything but a part of his family. She had no right, nor did Heero ever have a say in the matter.

"I think it's a good idea," Heero said before taking a sip of his wine. "You should be a part of it." Serena could only gape at him.

"Then it's settled. You'll be a part of our wedding." Relena smiled brightly at her.

Serena questioned whether this was Heero's way of getting back at her for something. Probably everything she had ever done to him. Or he genuinely wanted her to be a part of it.

Lunch had been intriguing, to say the least, in Serena's eyes. After the engagement and wedding conversation ended, the three had fallen into safer topics. Mostly about what Relena had been working on the last several months.

One of Serena's goals was to keep all conversation away from questions about where she had been or what had happened after Ischyrós. Serena found that she didn't need to divert the conversation. It made it easier for her, but it also made Serena question if Relena knew something was different about her. Serena ended up pushing the uneasy feelings aside so she could focus on being able to enjoy the time she was spending with Relena.

After everyone had finished eating, Heero refused to allow Serena to pay for their lunch before they went their separate ways. Heero informed Relena that he would be running back to Preventers before heading to her office. To Serena's utter surprise, Heero kissed Relena on the cheek as he helped Relena into her waiting town car. Serena only had been able to see it because she was standing off to the side of the car door. Heero had still kept it brief, but he had also concealed it from onlookers.

Another thing Serena added to her list of what had changed about Heero.

Serena said her goodbyes to Relena while wishing her a happy belated birthday again before shutting the car door. Once Relena's town car pulled away from the curb, Heero and Serena made their way back to his SUV. After they had settled themselves back into the vehicle, Serena turned to face him.

"Is there anything else you wish to tell me?"

"What do you mean?" Heero countered back.

"You didn't tell me you were engaged," Serena said, pointing her finger at him. "Is that why people were staring at us!?"

"Kind of," Heero admitted as he turned on the car. "Relena and I had to go public after shopping for her engagement ring."

"Come again?" Serena asked. Heero sighed as he put the SUV into drive.

"A reporter for one of those tabloids followed us to the store where we got her ring. The girl took pictures and confronted us as we left. After that, we decided it was best to go public about our relationship."

"Are you crazy?"

"No," Heero said bitterly. "But I didn't see what other choice we had. People would suspect something when they saw the ring anyway."

"And what happened to always being discreet?" Serena questioned. "You sure weren't discreet at lunch," Serena said matter-of-factly.

"We still are. But at least we've solved the "great mystery of who Relena Darlian has been seeing,'" Heero said dryly.

"Ha-ha, that's the joke of the century." Serena rolled her eyes at him, turning to face the windshield. "All jokes aside, it would've been nice if you told me."

"I'm sorry," Heero said, causing Serena to swing her head back towards him. "I thought you knew, but I guess you didn't get that information."

"It's spotty, and you know that. You still should've said something to me."

"I'm sorry," Heero said remorsefully. Again. "I should've told you, especially after you didn't bring it up, but then I remember how excited Relena was when she told Hilde. I figured she'd want to tell you herself when she saw you." Serena hadn't thought about that aspect, but Heero seemed sorry, so she let it go.

"It's fine. But you know Relena probably knows now that you didn't tell me?"

"Yeah," Heero chuckled darkly. "I'm sure I'll be reminded of it later today."

"Did she kick you under the table?"

"Yeah. Good observation," Heero said dryly. Serena rolled her eyes before turning back to look out the windshield.

Serena's mind went back to a few thoughts that had been troubling her. Heero had been acting differently. Some of it was because of her. Serena wasn't blind to the change in his demeanor. She figured some of it was also probably to do with him and Relena coming out as a couple, which Serena could only imagine had been stressing him. But Serena knew there was more going on that Heero wasn't telling her.

Mainly the truth about the last five months.

"Heero?" Serena said after a few minutes.

"Hm?"

"What happened after I left?"

"What do you mean? I've already told you-"

"No, you haven't," Serena cut him off. "You've told me bits and pieces, but there's something you're not telling me. Clearly, I don't have all the information considering I didn't know you were engaged." Serena turned her head to face him. "You practically have me under lock and key. Not to mention you freak out whenever I don't answer my phone."

"That's not true." Heero glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "It's for your safety," he said with a heavy sigh.

"Heero, I can take care of myself."

"I know, but until Edwards is found and put behind bars, I'm not taking any chances."

"So what are you going to do when I go on assignment? Hm?" Serena questioned him mockingly. "Tell Une I can't go because I won't have my babysitter with me?"

"That's different," Heero growled out. "And you know that."

"Then what aren't you telling me?" Serena asked hotly.

Heero ignored her as he pulled into the Preventers HQ parking garage. He knew this conversation was coming, but Heero had wanted to wait until she was officially assigned the case before telling her. Even though Heero didn't want her a part of it, Heero knew Serena was the best person for the job.

Parking his SUV, Heero turned off the engine before turning to face Serena. Her face was hard, and her eyes tight as she glared back at him. It still surprised him from time to time when she'd look at him like that. An almost perfect mirror image of himself.

"We were able to arrest a few members from ROE. None of them were of high ranking from what we can tell, but," Heero paused, thinking over his words. "We also arrested Gates."

"What?" Serena's eyes widened.

"Because you identified him as a member of ROE, we were able to locate him after we returned to Earth. Unfortunately, he wouldn't give up any information, and Gates refused to implicate anyone else. He, like Watson, committed suicide after we had interrogated him. The only information we have is what you offered up to us. There's also the matter of the members we were able to take into custody."

"What do you mean?" Serena asked. "How many were you able to arrest?"

"Quatre's team on L4 managed to get five of them before they tried to flee the Colony. It doesn't help the case much though they will be prosecuted for illegal activities and conspiring to commit crimes against ESUN." Serena's frown deepened as she listened to him.

"So you guys have nothing," she stated bluntly.

"Pretty much," Heero nodded his head. Serena sighed as she leaned her head against the headrest of her seat. "You're being assigned to the case as well."

"Do you think that's a wise idea?" Serena eyed him from the corner of her eye.

"Yes and no," Heero sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. "Une thought it would be best to bring you on once you were officially employed. While I agree with her on some points, bringing you in might jeopardize your safety. If Edwards is still alive and looking for revenge, it wouldn't be long before word got out that you were working for us again and looking for him."

"I would look for him either way, so what's the difference?" Serena asked. Heero turned his head towards her. The darkness that would consume her eyes whenever they talked about Edwards returned.

"That's what I'm worried about, Serena. I don't want you doing something stupid and getting yourself killed."

"I won't," Serena said coldly. "But I want to be the one to bring him down. I fucked up twice now. I won't let it happen a third time."

"You can't kill him." Heero watched as her face darkened. "Serena, there are rules that we need to follow, regardless of whether we agree with them or not." When Serena didn't say anything after a moment, Heero reached a hand out to her, touching her arm lightly. "Serena, I promised you that I'd never let him come near you again, but I need you to promise me that you won't run off the first chance you get to confront Edwards yourself."

"It's not that," Serena said, shaking her head. Heero had a feeling she had slipped back into some memory. "Only five more members have been arrested. Why weren't more taken into custody?"

"Their operation was almost flawless. There was a plan for almost every situation, but the one thing ROE didn't seem to plan for was you turning against them," Heero smirked at her. "They also probably didn't plan on Quatre sending some agents out to check on things. We should be grateful we got the five that we did."

"It's still not enough," Serena said.

"I know, but it's a start." Heero pulled his hand away when Serena seemed to come back to herself. "Let's go inside. We can talk more about this another time." Serena nodded her head before moving to open her door. "Oh, and one last thing," Heero said as he mimicked her movements. "I sent an email to everyone informing them of your return."

"You what!?" Serena yelled.

Heero moved quickly out of the SUV, shutting his door before swiftly making his way towards the side door that would take them into HQ. Serena cursed at him with every step he took. There was no way he'd let her see the small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Or he might find out if her left hook was still a knockout.

A/N

Happy Chapter Two!

First, I'm not always on my game and don't check my notes as well as I should. I switched the timeline a little. The Prologue takes place in A.C. 206 now and its current April A.C. 204 from chapter one and moving forward. I'm only pointing this out because I made the amended changes, but because these dates are important. I will place them at the top of the chapters when needed, so you the reader, understand the timeline better. Especially when we hit the first flashback. They will continue to come in handy during the second half of this story and that's all I'm going to say on that subject matter for now.

I know I have some people who have read the beginning... I want to say nine chapters, not including the prologue, before, but I want to first thank you all for returning to finally finished this story. Along with letting you know that there are some changes I have made to these chapters so it's worth rereading, even if you remember what happens in them.

I'm not going to go into any long explanations on certain chapters right now, because I feel I've hinted enough at something and what's going on and where the story is going at the moment. If you're a fan of my long-winded rants, don't worry, I'm sure I'll have plenty to come in the future. There's going to be a ton of explaining I'm going to have to do. For now, just enjoy the story and the fact that I changed the timeline a little and well... Heero and Serena still can't seem to break old habits. Although they do appear to be much closer this time around. We'll have to see what happens in Chapter Three, Afternoon Delight.

-MM

B&B4L - I wanted to tell you that I did it. Operation B was successful. Did I cry-laugh? Oh, yes I did! (For anyone wondering, don't worry. You'll find out what this message means... maybe, lol.)

Writer me and regular me have two VERY different ways of doing things. I'm REALLY noticing because I've changed how I write a little, but more of how I'm editing everything... I don't know how to explain it but currently, my editing program is angry at the way I sound in my notes. Haha.