Chapter Nineteen
Play Nice

Heero had been waiting outside of Serena's office. He hadn't spoken to Serena or Trowa since they returned from their vacation. Serena had ignored his calls over the weekend. While Heero had been annoyed, Relena had reminded him that she was on vacation and not to bother Serena till she returned to work on Monday.

Now here he was, waiting to speak with her. Heero had hoped Trowa had listened to him. But at the moment, he needed to talk to Serena about being on Relena's detail for the week.

When Heero heard someone approaching, he lifted his head to see Serena walking toward him. She was staring at a folder in her hand. Her left hand reached up, pushing of hair back behind her ear. And then he saw it. The ring sparkled from the overhead lights.

"Good morning, Heero," Serena smiled. Coming to a stand in front of him. "Is there something you need?"

"What is this?" Heero asked as he grabbed Serena's hand. Serena stared at him confusingly.

"My engagement ring? Heero, what is going on?"

"I told him to wait," Heero growled. Serena narrowed her eyes as she pulled her hand out of his grasp.

"What are you talking about?"

"I told Trowa to wait till we could speak."

"Why would you have to talk to Trowa about this?" Serena crossed her arms over her chest. "Pretty sure it's our decision."

Heero's anger was starting to get the best of him. Grabbing Serena's arm, he pulled her into her office, shutting the door behind them.

"What the hell, Heero!? What is your problem!?" Serena yelled as she whirled herself around to face him.

"My problem is that Trowa never came to me to ask if it would be fine to marry you."

"Why the fuck would he need to ask you!?' Serena glared at him.

"Don't you think it would've been proper to ask first?" Heero shot back. Serena gaped at him.

"You didn't ask Zechs," Serena pointed a finger. "Why would Trowa need to ask you?"

"This is different."

"How is it different!?" Serena crossed her arms over her chest. "You can't play this card on me when you did the same thing with Relena."

"I can and I will," Heero said.

"Heero," Serena growled at him. "Why am I not allowed to be happy?" Heero stared at Serena. He hadn't expected her to ask him something like that. "Just because you feel the need to protect me like-"

"You are my family," Heero said, cutting her off. "When we made this decision, I took those words seriously." Serena glared at him. Heero shut his mouth so she could finish whatever she had wanted to say. Sighing, Serena looked away for a moment before bringing her eyes back to him.

"Heero, I understand where you're coming from, but I'm finally happy. Though I wish some things were different, I finally feel like I belong here. I have a job. I have someone who truly loves me," Serena frowned. "I know you care about me, but for once, instead of being so hard on me, can you just be a… can you just be happy that I'm finally at this point in life?"

They stood staring at each other for a moment before Serena sighed, looking away from him. Heero knew she was pleading with him again to understand. It was still awkward at times, not knowing what terms to use with each other. And neither Serena nor himself were comfortable calling each other by anything other than their names.

"You know I'm capable of taking care of myself," Serena said, turning her head back to him. "You told me that you want me to be happy, and if I wasn't, we'd figure out where I could go. I'm happy here, being with you, Trowa, and this job," Serena sighed again. "Can you please just understand what this means to me?"

"Is this what you want?" Heero asked after a moment.

"Yes," Serena said. Heero nodded his head. Uncrossing his arms, he took a few steps closer to her before wrapping his arms around her.

"Then I'm happy for you, Serena," Heero said as he hugged her. "Congratulations."

While it wasn't ideal, Heero knew Serena deserved to be just as happy as himself and the others. If not more. He still wished Trowa had said something to him, but he wondered if he would've freaked out the way he had when Duo had informed him. While Heero was angry, he was grateful Duo had gone snooping once he learned Trowa and Serena would be gone for a week that wasn't work-related.

"Thank you, Heero," Serena said as she hugged him back before she started chuckling.

"What's so funny?"

"I think this is the first time we've ever hugged," Serena said as she pulled away from him. "It's weird."

"Yeah," Heero laughed lightly. "But I thought it was appropriate given the situation," he shrugged.

"It's fine," Serena smiled at him. "Just one thing."

"What?"

"Don't threaten, Trowa. Go be nice and congratulate him," Serena smirked at him.

"I never said I would go speak to him," Heero frowned. While Heero accepted Serena and her feelings, it didn't mean he had to think of Trowa's. Not to mention that now that they were engaged, Trowa would become his "brother-in-law." A thought Heero wasn't sure he liked.

"You didn't say it, but you were going to right after you left here." Serena narrowed her eyes. "Don't rip into Trowa the way Zechs did to you when he found out you and Relena were engaged."

"I'll be nice," Heero said before turning on his heel and walking to the door.

"You better be!" Serena said as her office door closed behind him.

Trowa had just gotten off a phone call when Heero came to his office. Looking at the other man, he wasn't sure what to expect. Heero kept his face masked as he came to stand in front of his desk.

"What can I do for you, Yuy?" Trowa asked as he sat back in his chair. He briefly wondered if Heero was there to have that chat he had promised him a few days ago.

"I already know," Heero said, crossing his arms over his chest while still keeping his face masked.

"Know what?" Trowa asked as he crossed his arms. Heero tightened his eyes. Trowa knew then that he had seen Serena. "You're not planning on hitting me again, are you?"

"Serena asked me not to," Heero said flatly.

"Then why are you here? Clearly, you're not happy about it."

"It would've been nice to be informed beforehand that you planned to ask her."

"We've already gone over this, Heero," Trowa sighed inwardly. "I asked you, and you-"

"Told you to wait," Heero said, cutting him off. "I'm only saying it would've been nice to know that you were going to ask-" Heero stopped. Trowa lifted a brow. "Serena to marry you," Heero continued.

"I didn't realize it was important to you," Trowa said, uncrossing his arms. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you."

"It's fine," Heero said, dropping his arms. "I'll get over it."

"Heero," Trowa said as he stood. "We've been friends and comrades for years. I understand this is new territory for the both of us, but when it comes to Serena, you and I want the same thing for her." Trowa waited for Heero to acknowledge him before he continued. "You know how I feel about her, and you know I would never do anything to hurt her."

"I know," Heero said gruffly. Trowa would be lying if he didn't say that this conversation wasn't uncomfortable for him. But if they were going to be brothers-in-law, they needed to start this next step in their relationship off on the right foot. "I don't hold anything against you," Heero said.

"Huh?" Trowa was shocked. Heero's whole demeanor changed.

"We're going to be family at some point, and I would like to have the same relationship we have now," Heero said. Trowa was at a loss for words. Was Heero extending an olive branch to him?

"I would like the same," Trowa said after a moment. Heero nodded his head before extending his hand out towards him.

"Congratulations," Heero said.

"Thanks," Trowa said, shaking Heero's hand.

"Just make sure you take care of her," Heero said, dropping his hand back to his side.

"I will," Trowa said, still slightly confused by the change in conversation. Heero nodded his head before he started making his way to the door. "One thing, Heero," Trowa said.

"What is it?" Heero asked, turning enough to face him again.

"You're not going to act as if you've accepted me, but in reality, you're going to hate me for being with your sister?"

"Haven't decided yet," Heero shrugged. "But you can let Serena know that I didn't punch you this time and that she needs to head to Relena's office for noon," Heero said before he left his office.

Trowa sat back in his chair, staring at his closed office door. He wasn't sure if he should laugh or be concerned. While he hadn't expected the conversation to take such a dramatic turn, Trowa wondered if Serena had said something to Heero. Other than requesting Heero not hit him again, which only made him question again how Serena knew in the first place. Pushing the thought aside, Trowa focused on the fact that Serena had said something to Heero. And that Heero had confirmed their relationship. Heero didn't correct him when he said, sister.

Smiling, Trowa pulled out his phone, sending Serena a message.

Heero came to my office.

If Heero punched you, I swear I'll go find him and show him my left hook again.

Trowa lifted a brow. Was she threatening to hit Heero again? Shaking his head, Trowa knew Serena would make good on her word.

No, he didn't. Heero told me to let you know.

Trowa waited for a reply. When one didn't come from Serena, he wondered if she had gone to find Heero. That was until the door to his office opened.

Serena stood, staring at him. Her eyes were tight as she made her way over to his desk.

"He didn't hit me," Trowa said as he sat back in his chair.

"I can see that," Serena said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Then why did you come here to check? I told you he didn't."

"The last time Heero found out some news about us, he punched you. And then he let you get shot," Serena narrowed her eyes. "Sorry that I don't trust Heero with your physical well-being." Trowa chuckled as he stood, making his way around his desk towards her.

"Yes, Heero did punch me. But I was shot because that asshole was planning on killing us."

"I warned him," Serena said, turning away from him. "But it was Heero's responsibility to keep you two calm and safe till I could get to you. And I know he didn't inform you."

"I wouldn't have listened," Trowa's lips curled up when she swung her head back to him. "I was angry. Heero was smart not to say anything to me."

"He still let you get shot," Serena frowned at him. "I'm still angry at Heero for that."

"Rena," Trowa said as he pulled her closer. "Heero didn't hit me this time, and the rest is in the past." Dipping his head, Trowa kissed her on the lips.

They stayed together, Serena's arms encircling his neck as he deepened the kiss. After a few minutes, Trowa broke away. Serena gave him a look of annoyance.

"We're at work," Trowa chuckled.

"And?"

"And we have to behave," Trowa said as he released her waist.

"When did you decide that? What about three weeks ago? In this office?" Serena lifted her brow. "Not to mention you suggested we continue to break the rule about not fraternizing at work?"

"Yes, I did. And while that was fun three weeks ago and very tempting to repeat, Heero wanted me to inform you that you have to be at Relena's office at noon."

"Huh?" Serena stared at him in confusion. "He didn't mention that when he was in my office."

"Guess someone had a change of heart and put you on guard duty," Trowa shrugged.

"Yeah…" Serena said slowly. "I guess I won't be seeing you for lunch?"

"What are you thinking?" Trowa knew that wasn't what was on Serena's mind.

"Nothing," Serena shook her head before she smiled at him. "Rain check?"

"Sure," Trowa smiled, leaning in to kiss her one last time. "Let me know how late you're working tonight."

"I will," Serena smiled before making her way out of his office.

Relena looked up in time to see Serena enter her office. Smiling, she moved around to the front of her desk. Relena tried to keep her face masked. Serena had been good. She was careful with how she moved her left hand, but years of being with Heero had taught Relena one thing. Always observe someone, even down to the smallest of actions.

"How was your vacation?" Relena asked as Serena came to stand in front of her.

"It was good," Serena said while offering a small smile.

"It looks like it was good," Relena's smiled. Serena looked at her questionably. "You got a tan," Relena elaborated.

"Yeah," Serena laughed lightly. "I spent most of my time laying out in the sun."

"I don't blame you. The weather was beautiful for you and Trowa," Relena said. "Now, let me see your hand." Relena's lips curled up more when Serena's smile disappeared. "Don't forget who I've been around for almost five years."

Serena sighed as she slowly lifted her left hand. Relena took her hand, looking at the simple, but still stunning single diamond resting on a white gold band.

"Trowa did a great job," Relena said as she let go of Serena's hand. "Congratulations, Serena. I'm happy for you and Trowa." Relena moved to hug Serena.

"Thank you," Serena said as she hugged her back.

"At least Trowa didn't wait," Relena laughed. "Had Heero not asked, I think I would've been waiting years."

"Probably," Serena chuckled.

"We'll have to celebrate this weekend."

"Can we make it through the week without Heero trying to kill Trowa before we celebrate?" Serena asked.

"Heero didn't punch him again. Did he?" Relena felt her eyes widen.

"No," Serena shook her head. "But it doesn't mean Heero didn't and still isn't thinking about it."

"If the guys don't kill each other. Then we'll go to dinner."

"I don't think it's a good idea," Serena frowned. "The press is finally off yours, and Heero's back about who I am. If we show up somewhere with the four of us, someone will have a blast with that." Relena sighed. She knew Serena was right, not to mention Heero would likely reject the idea as well.

"How about dinner at my house? We could order something and make the guys pick it up," Relena smiled.

"So long as they both make it through the week," Serena smirked. Relena's smile grew as she laughed.

They had a special relationship. While Serena would turn on what she had dubbed "Heero mode," Serena was much more laid back. And the two of them could joke around while enjoying a pleasant conversation. Relena and Serena had been growing closer, and Relena couldn't be happier.

"Deal. I guess you'll be going with me to my meetings today?"

"For once, yes," Serena smiled.

"About damn time," Relena tried to stifle a laugh as the corners of Serena's lips turned up more. "If Heero didn't allow you, I was planning on taking action against him until he did."

"I don't want to know," Serena shook her head. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes," Relena smiled before grabbing her things. Serena fell into step next to her as they left her office. "I hope you're ready to ruffle some feathers if need be. I may need you to give some people a look if they're being difficult."

"Not an issue," Serena said as she placed her hand on Relena's lower back. "Don't forget who I'm modeled after."

Relena learned fast that things would be interesting during her first meeting. Based on the double takes some of her colleagues had given Serena when they entered the conference room at a hotel they were at for a luncheon.

Serena had taken up a position behind her, leaning against the wall as Relena greeted everyone before taking her seat.

"Excuse me, Ms. Darlian," Stan Layne said as he sat next to her. "Who is the person that's accompanying you today?"

"My bodyguard," Relena smiled. "Why are you asking, Mr. Layne?"

"I don't mean to be rude, but she looks an awful lot like Mr. Yuy."

"That's because she's his sister," Relena covered her mouth with her hand as she laughed. "She's also an agent with Preventers."

"Oh," Mr. Layne looked shocked before glancing back at Serena. "Why is it I'm just learning this now?"

"Agent Lowell has been away on assignment, and now that she has returned, she's working as a part of my security detail."

"Does she always look like that?" Stan Layne asked in a whisper. Relena glanced behind her to see Serena glaring at someone standing next to her.

"Agent Lowell?" Relena called out, gaining Serena's attention.

"Is everything alright, Ms. Darlian?" Serena asked once she was in front of Relena.

"Yes. But could you please get me a bottle of water? I seem to have forgotten mine."

"Of course," Serena said before moving away.

"Your water is right in front of you, Ms. Darlian," Stan Layne said.

"Oh! I thought it was someone else's," Relena smiled sweetly. Truthfully, Relena wanted to give Serena a reason to leave her spot against the wall. The person who was standing next to her seemed to be interested in checking her out.

"Here's your water, Ms. Darlain," Serena said, handing her a bottle.

"Thank you," Relena said. "Did you see the view from the window?" Serena lifted a brow at her. Relena tilted her head in the direction of the guy that was still looking at Serena.

"Yes, it's a very nice view of the city."

"We should have some coffee outside after this meeting. How does that sound?" Serena's eyes tightened before she nodded her head.

"I'm sure we could make some time for that."

Relena smiled as Serena walked away, taking her spot next to the guy again. Relena watched from the corner of her eye as Serena leaned closer, saying something to the gentlemen. Relena smiled again as she saw the guy walk out of the room, but not before giving Serena one last look. When Serena turned back, Relena nodded her head at her.

Serena knew what every code word meant. Heero likely drilled it into Serena. Relena had recognized the guy who had been standing next to Serena. And if Relena's intuition was correct, Serena did as well. Someone at the meeting had tipped off reporters.

While nothing of importance was being discussed, other than it being a friendly luncheon between collogues, Relena didn't like the fact the press was being involved in any way. Having Serena get her another water gave Serena time to message Heero about the situation. Asking her about the view and getting coffee after lunch let Serena know that she wanted the man out of the room. Relena never doubted Serena's abilities. And hopefully, this would show Heero that Serena could be trusted to handle things.

Worst case, Serena would help keep things living for her during these meetings. Relena wondered if she could convince Serena to do other things by using some code words.

A/N

Happy Chapter 19!

I know, I know, I'm very late posting! Tis the season for being way too busy!

I'm going to keep this note short and sweet. I will be posting the long-awaited Heero and Relena chapter next week. After next week, I'm going to take a week or two off to relax after the hustle and bustle of the holidays and get some writing done.

I hope you all are doing well and taking care of yourselves! Don't forget to do that! Or you'll be melting into the floor like I am! Haha! Until next week, with chapter 20, First Time (hint hint!)
-MM