Disclaimer: All Gundam Wing characters and references belong to their respective owners. The song Insatiable belongs to Darren Hayes and the company that recorded it. It was used in this story with the best of intentions. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.
Dedicated to the evil people who make life interesting, to all the pompous jerks we love to hate!
Courting Relena
Part Two – Jesse's Crush
Not long before, Relena Darlian gathered the five young men who had been the pilots of the Gundams during the war. Her brother, Milliardo Peacecraft had requested their presence for a special mission, to create Peacecraft Security for the sole purpose of protecting Relena. Heero Yuy and Chang Wufei agreed immediately. Now, they prepare to go to a peace conference with a member of the royal family of a neighboring kingdom.
***
Relena packs her suitcase and tosses a light blue suit on her bed. She looks around her room for anything she might have forgotten, and her blue eyes rest on the teddy bear Heero gave her for her birthday. She lifts the teddy bear and hugs it before slipping it into her carry-on bag beside her nightgown. She takes another look around and closes her suitcase and her carry-on bag. She lifts them both and heads down to put them by the door in the entrance hall so Pagan can load them into the limo.
"Almost ready, Relena?" asks Prince Jesse bringing his three bags down the stairs. The half smile he gives her only draws attention to his obtrusive nose.
"Almost," says Relena with a diplomatic smile, "I just have to change for the trip."
"Milliardo reserved three rooms for us at the hotel," says Prince Jesse, "I think we'll get to know each other quite well during this trip."
"Well now, Prince Jesse, we shall see about that," says Relena, "Now if you will excuse me, I'll go change for the trip."
"You are excused," says Prince Jesse.
Relena nods her head and heads back up the stairs to her room. She kicks off her shoes as soon as she walks through the door. She pulls off her purple tank top and her blue jeans. She takes her white shirt with the ruffled neckline and cuffs, and she puts it on. She buttons it all the way up to her neck. Then she grabs her light blue dress pants and pulls them up her legs. She tucks the bottom of her shirt into her pants and slides her arms quickly into her pale blue dress jacket. She buttons her jacket up and quickly braids her golden-blond hair into a crown around her head. She flops down on her bed to put on a pair of white trouser socks before slipping her feet into her white pumps.
There comes a gentle knock on Relena's door.
"Just a minute. I'm coming!" calls Relena. She walks over to the door and opens it. She smiles when she sees Heero wearing a black pinstriped business suit. "You look really nice, Heero."
"I feel ridiculous," says Heero, "but you look beautiful!"
"I feel ridiculous," says Relena.
Heero smiles. "The car's all loaded, and the others are waiting for us."
Relena nods. "I'm ready to go."
Heero takes Relena's hand and leads her out of the room. He takes her downstairs and out to the limo.
Relena climbs into the limo and sees Wufei and Quatre sitting side by side with their backs to the front of the car. She sits down beside Prince Jesse, and Heero slides in beside her.
Heero closes the limo door and nods to Wufei.
Wufei taps on the glass behind his head three times, and the limo starts moving.
"How long is the plane trip going to be?" asks Quatre.
"About three hours," says Prince Jesse, "but the conference is well worth the trip."
"I think it's well worth the trip just to see these boys in suits," says Relena smiling. She looks over Wufei's sleek black suit and Quatre's navy blue business suit.
"Yes, I suppose that is how a woman might see things," says Prince Jesse.
"Is that a compliment or an insult, Your Majesty?" asks Relena noticeably tensing.
"A compliment, Princess Relena," says Prince Jesse with a quaint smile.
"Then thank you," says Relena, "So, Heero, Wufei, what's my schedule look like?"
"Same as mine," says Prince Jesse.
"I doubt that," says Relena curtly, "Some of our activities at the conference would make a protector's job terrible."
Wufei pulls a day planner out of his inside jacket pocket, and he opens it. His slanted black eyes gaze over the schedule. "This conference is going to be highly broadcast, so you will have to be at most of the events. We'll claim that you're sick for some though to get you out of them."
"Alright, fine," says Relena nodding her head.
"Our plane will be landing at about the same time as the other delegates'," says Heero, "So we'll be traveling to the hotel with them. It'll be a lot like a parade. Quatre and Prince Jesse will ride in the car with you. Wufei and I will walk along the side."
"Then we have dinner with the other delegates at the hotel, in a private banquet hall," says Wufei looking at the schedule, "And there will be a short welcoming speech before it's off to bed for the night."
"And in the morning?" asks Relena.
"After a small continental breakfast, we'll be going to a meeting which should last until noon when we meet the other delegates for lunch," says Wufei reading the book, "Then we'll listen to a talk in the main reception hall, and have the rest of the afternoon off."
"Alright," says Relena as the limo comes to a stop. "We must be at the airfield!"
Heero climbs out of the limo and holds out his hand for Relena.
Relena climbs out followed quickly by Quatre and Wufei.
"Quatre, Wufei! Get Relena in the plane!" orders Heero as the light wind whips at his disheveled dark brown hair.
Quatre grabs Relena's arm and pulls her towards the stairs with Wufei only a step behind.
Heero's Prussian blue eyes look all around for any sign of trouble before Pagan comes back to open the trunk of the car.
Prince Jesse climbs out of the limo and joins Heero. "What's the deal with you and Relena?"
"There's no deal. I'm sworn to protect her," says Heero loading up his arms with luggage. He heads towards the plane.
Pagan takes a handful of luggage and starts towards the plane leaving Prince Jesse to carry his own bags.
Soon, Quatre, Wufei, Heero, Relena, and Prince Jesse are on their way in the plane.
Relena rests her head on Heero's shoulder and closes her eyes. After a moment, the sound of Quatre and Wufei's conversation fades away to nothingness as she drifts to sleep.
***
"Relena?"
Relena stirs and feels Heero's arm around her, keeping her safe and warm.
"Relena?" comes the voice again.
Relena slides closer to Heero.
"Relena? Wake up!" shouts Prince Jesse.
Relena jumps and smacks the top of her head on Heero's chin. She blinks her eyes furiously. She whispers to Heero before sitting up, "Sorry, Heero."
"Relena. Nice of you to wake up," says Prince Jesse, "We've landed."
"Already?" asks Relena standing.
"Yes, you've been asleep the entire trip," says Heero softly as he stands up.
"Come, Relena," says Prince Jesse taking her hand and leading her towards the exit.
"Quatre, follow. Wufei and I will be right behind you," says Heero, "Be on guard. We don't know when he'll strike."
Quatre nods and hurries after Relena and Prince Jesse.
"Our luggage will be taken to the hotel in a separate car," says Wufei walking out with Heero.
"At least that's one thing we don't have to worry about. Keep your eyes out for Prince Jesse too," whispers Heero, "If someone wants to kill him, let them. I don't like him, and I don't want him close to Relena. However, Milliardo thinks a diplomatic arrangement can be met with him."
"Jealous, Heero?" whispers Wufei walking to the car that will take Relena, Quatre, and Prince Jesse to the hotel.
Heero glares at Wufei.
Wufei smiles and moves around to the left side to walk beside Quatre.
Heero takes up his position beside Prince Jesse's door. He looks at Relena fondly before starting to scout the gathering crowd.
After a twenty-minute wait, the slow procession of cars moves forward towards the hotel.
Relena watches the people as her car passes them, secretly wondering if any of the smiling faces could be hiding a madman who intends to kill her. Then she sees Heero, and she smiles bravely.
The trip to the hotel is long and hot in the mid-afternoon sun, but it ends quietly as all the delegates check into their rooms.
"Miss Darlian, you have room 604. Mr. Yuy and Mr. Yurameshi are registered in room 605, and Mr. Winner and Mr. Wufei are in room 603. Your luggage has already been sent up, and dinner will be served promptly at six-thirty in the Emerald Hall," says the clerk passing Relena five keycards, "Please enjoy your stay with us!"
"I'll need to secure your room," says Heero as they all walk towards the elevator, "Everyone else can go get ready for dinner."
Relena nods as she sorts through the keycards. She passes one to Prince Jesse. Then she gives one to Wufei and one to Quatre. She passes the other two to Heero. "Here, Heero. You can hold onto my key."
"In case I need to come in to rescue you," says Heero quietly.
Relena smiles as they all walk into the elevator, and she pushes the button for the sixth floor.
The elevator plays an old tune as it ascends to the sixth floor.
Everyone piles out of the elevator and walks down the hall together.
"Here's your room, Prince Jesse," says Heero stopping in front of 605 and waiting for Prince Jesse to enter.
"Don't you mean our room, Heero?" asks Prince Jesse opening the door and walking in.
Heero continues down the hall with Relena.
Quatre and Wufei head down the hall a little farther and enter room 603.
Heero slides the keycard through the reader and opens the door to room 604. He walks in followed by Relena. He closes the door. "Wait here."
"Yes, of course," says Relena as Heero heads off to look out each window and check out the bathroom.
Heero returns after ten minutes. "It looks okay. Keep the shades closed and the doors and windows locked. I'll be right next door. Yell or scream if you need anything."
"Or if it's not that urgent I could call," says Relena smiling.
"Or that too," says Heero.
"Thank you, Heero," says Relena, "I'm going to shower and change for dinner now."
"I will protect you, Relena," says Heero before walking out the door and locking it.
"I know, Heero. I love you too," whispers Relena before heading into her bathroom.
***
Relena walks out of her room smiling at her three friends in their black tuxedos. She wears her hair in a crown about her head. A flowing silver and gold dress adorns her body, hugging her to reveal the woman she has grown to be. Her white pumps can barely be seen beneath the bottom of her dress. She wears elbow-high gloves to counter the sleeveless top of the dress, and the necklace she wears is in white gold with a ruby pendant. The small stones of the pendant draw out a delicate rose.
Heero takes the red rose from his lapel and carefully puts it into Relena's braided crown. "You're beautiful."
"And your tie is crooked, Heero," says Relena, "Let me fix it." She reaches up and adjusts Heero's tie. "Perfect!"
"I feel like I'm about to be married," mumbles Wufei.
Relena smiles and giggles. She wraps her arms around Wufei's neck. "But Wufei, you look wonderful!"
"And what about me?" asks Quatre smiling. His pretty blue eyes sparkle happily.
Relena smiles at Quatre. "You couldn't look better if you tried! Just try not to break any girls' hearts, you two!"
"Okay," says Wufei laughing.
"We'll try," adds Quatre chuckling.
"Ahem," says Prince Jesse as he comes out of the room he shares with Heero.
Relena releases Wufei and turns to look at Prince Jesse.
"We should head downstairs for dinner," says Heero holding out his arm for Relena.
Relena takes Heero's arm and stares up into his eyes for a moment before he leads her towards the elevator.
"What would the other delegates think of the Princess of the Sanc Kingdom coming down to dinner on the arm of her bodyguard?" asks Prince Jesse.
"No one would care. I am completely unconcerned with their possible reaction, and no one knows what role Heero is playing here," says Relena angrily.
"No, Relena. He's right," says Heero, "You and Quatre are the delegates from the Sanc Kingdom and the Winner Resource Satellites, so it would be only natural for you two to go down together. Half the world knows about your close friendship with him. Quatre, do you mind?"
"Not at all," says Quatre with a wide grin as he offers Relena his arm.
Relena squeezes Heero's arm in thanks before she takes Quatre's arm. "Now let's go down to dinner!"
Quatre leads Relena into the elevator.
Wufei and Heero follow close behind with a sulking Prince Jesse in the rear.
Prince Jesse hits the button for the second floor where the dining hall is.
"Oh, Quatre, I've completely forgotten to ask you! How is your little sister? Ania, isn't it?" asks Relena.
"Yes, Ania," says Quatre, "She's doing well. You've only met her once, haven't you?"
"Oh, yes. When you came to visit me in the Sanc Kingdom after the Gundams were destroyed, and you brought her with you," says Relena, "I would like to see her again. I really enjoyed her company. I thought that she was the one whom Hilde was going to be bringing! I hadn't thought that Cathie could tear herself away from the circus, even for that short time she was with us."
"I'll invite Ania to come out and join us when we get back," says Quatre, "I'm sure Hilde just thought Cathie needed the vacation more."
"I think Cathie could use a vacation with us for about a year," says Heero, "She's too tense."
"Not to mention too protective of Trowa," adds Wufei, "Does she realize he is a grown man?"
"I asked Trowa that, and he says he just humors her," says Quatre with a gently, concerned sigh.
The elevator stops and the doors open.
Wufei walks out first followed by Quatre and Relena.
Heero walks out beside Prince Jesse.
"You've had plenty of time to get the princess to fall in love with you," hisses Prince Jesse into Heero's ear, "You lost it. Give it up and let someone else have a chance."
"You give up," whispers Heero, "She's not interested in you."
Heero and Prince Jesse share a steely gaze. If looks could kill, they would both be lying dead on the floor.
Prince Jesse turns his black eyes away first at the sound of Relena's voice. "I'm sorry. What was that, Relena?"
"I asked if you two were planning on coming into the dining room," says Relena nodding in the direction of the large banquet hall behind her.
"Yes, of course," says Heero, "After you, Princess!"
Relena blushes as Quatre guides her into the banquet hall.
Heero moves up beside Wufei and walks after his two friends.
Prince Jesse, still angered, follows behind Wufei a little more slowly.
Relena and Quatre mingle with a few of the other delegates while searching for their table. Then they spot an empty table with six chairs, and they move towards it.
Quatre holds the chair out for Relena, and she sits down.
Relena looks at her place card. "Princess Peacecraft. They must not have understood me when I told them I was using Darlian again."
Quatre looks at Relena's place card. "Princess Peacecraft. Sanc Kingdom."
Heero and Wufei reach the table.
Quatre looks at the place card to Relena's left, and he reads it aloud, "Mr. Winner. Winner Resource Satellite."
"Take a look at this one," says Heero lifting the card to Relena's right. "Miss Winner. Winner Resource Satellite."
"One of your sisters must be coming," says Wufei as Quatre sits down to the left of Relena. He moves to the next spot and looks at the card. "Mr. Wufei. Sanc Kingdom?"
"Oh, yes, when I informed them that you and Heero were accompanying me, I had to tell them what area you were representing. I didn't have time to ask you, so I told them the Sanc Kingdom," says Relena, "Telling them about Quatre was the easy part!"
Prince Jesse reaches the table and finds his place card beside the one for 'Miss Winner'. He takes his seat as Wufei sits down.
Heero looks at the card in between Wufei and Prince Jesse. He sits down as he reads the card aloud, "Mr. Yuy. Sanc Kingdom. I like the sound of that."
Relena smiles at Heero.
"So who is this seat for?" asks Prince Jesse indicating the empty seat beside him.
"One of my sisters is coming down from our resource satellite," says Quatre, "I can't imagine why she didn't call to tell me she was coming."
"She must have wanted to surprise you," says Wufei taking Quatre's hand beneath the table.
Quatre smiles. "It will be a nice surprise."
A waiter comes up with a bottle of white wine. "Good evening, Princess, gentlemen. You look extremely lovely tonight, Princess Relena. My name is Tori, and I will be your server for the remainder of the conference. Would any of you care for some white wine?"
"Yes, please, Tori," says Relena smiling sweetly at the tall, handsome waiter with the brown eyes and dark brown hair.
Tori opens the bottle he carries and pours a little wine into Relena's glass.
Relena lifts her glass and swirls the liquid around in it. She closes her eyes and inhales the fragrance before taking a sip. "This will do. Tori, would you happen to know the whereabouts of Miss Winner? She is a close friend of the Peacecraft family as well as a beloved sister of my companion. We would so like to see her."
"I'm sorry, Princess, I'm afraid I don't know, but if it pleases you, I could inquire on the subject," says Tori. He finishes filling Relena's glass.
"That would please me very much," says Relena, "Thank you."
"Would anyone else like some wine?" asks Tori blushing slightly from Relena's words.
"A round for everyone," says Heero looking to Quatre and Wufei for their approving nods.
Prince Jesse nods.
Tori starts to fill Prince Jesse's glass. "Tonight we are serving chicken, fish, pork, or steak."
"Choices, choices," says Quatre.
Tori moves to fill Heero's glass next. "If you would like a suggestion, I'd say don't take the fish or the pork. The fish is all bone, and the pork is rock hard."
"How is the steak prepared?" asks Prince Jesse.
"It is sautéed in butter with onions and mushrooms and served with mushroom gravy," says Tori as he begins filling Wufei's glass, "The chicken is broiled and served with a light cream sauce."
"What would you eat?" asks Wufei.
"Me?" asks Tori, "I love the chicken. The steak is really good too, but I love the chicken!" He moves over and fills Quatre's glass with wine.
"I'll take your suggestion," says Heero, "I'll have the chicken."
"As will I," says Relena smiling at Tori.
Tori smiles at Relena. He turns to look at Prince Jesse who happens to be scowling at him. "Prince Jesse, what would you like?"
"The steak," says Prince Jesse.
"Yes, and Mr. Chang? Mr. Quatre?" asks Tori looking at them both.
"Chicken," says Wufei, "and it's Wufei. Chang is my family name."
"Yes, sir, Mr. Wufei," says Tori nodding, "I will remember that."
"Chicken," says Quatre.
"Very well then. I will be back shortly with your first course," says Tori, and he walks away.
"He seems nice," says Relena.
Heero notices Prince Jesse glaring off in the direction Tori had gone in. "So, Quatre, which sister do you think is coming?"
"Well, this is the type of thing Iria would have gone to," says Quatre remember his older sister who died in the war, "But with her gone… the only one I believe might come would be Ania."
"So you might get to see her soon after all, Relena," says Wufei.
"Oh, I hope so," says Relena.
Tori walks up with a tray in his hands. He places a bowl of steaming soup in front of Relena. "I'm sorry, Princess Relena. Miss Ania has not checked into the hotel yet."
"Do you know when she'll arrive?" asks Heero.
Tori nods as he places a bowl of soup in front of Prince Jesse. He moves to give Heero his soup and says, "She has requested a car to pick her up tomorrow morning at the airport."
"Thank you, Tori," says Quatre as Tori places a bowl in front of Wufei.
Tori puts the last bowl in front of Quatre. "Will there be anything else right away?"
"No, but thank you," says Wufei.
Tori nods and walks away.
"Relena, I have an idea," says Wufei looking at Relena as she blows on the soup in her spoon, "Are you willing to share your room with Ania?"
"Yes, of course!" exclaims Relena. She takes a bite of her soup and winces. She pushes the bowl away from her. "What do you have in mind?"
"We cancel her reservation and leave a message for her to contact you when she arrives," says Wufei.
Heero takes a bite of his soup and pulls a small bone out of his mouth. "I'm not eating any soup with bones in it."
Quatre, Wufei, and Prince Jesse all push their bowls away.
"I think that's a wonderful idea," says Quatre.
Relena nods.
Tori hurries up. "You're not eating! Is something wrong?"
"The soup's lousy," says Wufei.
"But that's beside the point," says Relena sweetly, "Will you do me a favor?"
Tori blushes as he looks at Relena. "Anything."
"I would like you to get me a piece of paper and a pen. I'm going to write a note to Ania," says Relena, "and I would like you to cancel her reservation. When she arrives, she will be sharing my room. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes, Princess. I will need you to write a second note to cancel the reservation though," says Tori pulling a notepad and a pen from his back pocket. He passes it to Relena. "I'm not allowed to cancel reservations."
Relena quickly scrawls on the first note. "I am unable to attend the conference. Please cancel my hotel reservation. Ania Winner."
"I'll be back for your notes. I'll take the soup away and bring the second course," says Tori, "I'm so sorry you didn't like it." He backs away and leaves.
"Wufei? Who is my meeting with?" asks Relena, "Tomorrow morning?"
Wufei pulls the planner from his pocket and opens it. He shows the page to Relena.
Relena nods. She turns the page in the notepad and begins her note to Ania. "To Miss Ania Winner. I'm sorry to have cancelled your reservation, but Quatre insisted that you stay close to him. You can stay in room 604 with me, right next to your brother. You can have your bags sent up. I will either be in my room or in a meeting in the Lilac Hall. Feel free to interrupt if you have any problems. See you soon. Relena Darlian Peacecraft."
Relena rips the two pages out of the notepad.
Tori walks up with a tray full of salads. He makes his rounds quickly exchanging soup for salad. "Are you done writing, Princess Relena?"
"Yes, I am," says Relena passing the notepad and pen to Tori.
Tori tucks the notepad and pen in his shirt pocket before taking the two notes. He smiles and says, "I'll see that these get delivered. I hope you find the salad to your liking."
Tori leaves them alone to eat their salads.
For a while, no one speaks. They just sit in silence eating their salads.
Tori brings up the main course on a large tray. He grins. "I see the salad was edible."
"It's hard to mess up a salad," says Wufei.
Tori passes out the dinners.
Each plate contains a side dish of asparagus in butter and garlic-mashed potatoes with a light sausage gravy. The only other thing on the plate is the main dish, which on most of the plates is chicken except for the steak on Prince Jesse's plate.
"Tori, could you bring us some more wine?" asks Heero showing him his empty glass.
"Right away, Mr. Heero," says Tori piling the salad plates onto his tray. He walks away. He returns in a few minutes and fills all the wineglasses again.
Most of the dinner and dessert are spent in silence, and afterwards, all the delegates listen to a welcoming speech given by the organizer.
"Heero, will you take me to my room?" asks Relena, "I'm suddenly very tired."
Heero escorts Relena up to her room alone, having left Wufei, Quatre, and Prince Jesse to listen to the full speech.
"I can't wait to crawl into bed," says Relena as Heero unlocks the door.
"I have to check the room first," says Heero walking in.
Relena follows Heero in and watches as he checks everything from the windows and closets to the bathroom and under the bed.
"If you're too tired in the morning, you can skip the meeting, Relena," says Heero.
"Thank you, Heero," says Relena. She moves up to him and hugs him.
Heero holds Relena gently. "Good night, Relena."
"Good night, Heero," whispers Relena.
Heero walks out of the room. He hears a loud thud, and he runs back into the room. "Relena!"
Relena sits on the floor in front of a small table rubbing her lower leg. "That is a lousy place for a short table! I didn't even see it!"
"Are you hurt?" asks Heero moving over to her, "Let me see."
Relena pulls her skirt up just enough for Heero to see her leg. She smiles. "Will I die, doctor?"
Heero laughs. He jokes in return, "Only if you tell bad jokes!"
"No, seriously."
"You have a small cut, and you'll probably get a bruise," says Heero, "but you'll be fine!" He heads into the bathroom and brings out a wet washcloth to clean the cut. Then he helps Relena to her feet. "Go get ready for bed. I'll wait here to make sure you don't hurt yourself anymore."
Relena grabs her carry-on bag and heads into the bathroom. She closes the door.
Heero sits down in a comfortable chair and waits for Relena. He waits quietly for fifteen minutes before Relena comes out of the bathroom in her satin pajamas. He stands and moves to her side. He lifts her and carries her to the bed where he gently sets her down.
Relena covers herself with the blanket. She smiles at Heero as she sinks into the comfort of her bed.
Heero kisses Relena's forehead and quietly walks out. He locks the door behind him.
Relena turns out the lights and falls asleep.
***
Heero leans against the door for several minutes before heading next door to his room. He stares at the King sized bed he's supposed to share with Prince Jesse, and he silently curses Milliardo for not reserving a room with two separate beds. Yet he realizes that the extra reservations did come in rather late and this was probably the only room that the hotel still had available due to the large number of delegates at the conference. He sighs as he walks into the bathroom where he left his carry-on bag. He removes his tuxedo and puts on the boxer shorts he usually wears to bed. He brushes his teeth, picks all his clothes and his bag off the floor, and heads out of the bathroom.
The door opens, and Prince Jesse walks in. He sees how Heero is dressed. "Going to bed early?"
"Yeah. Relena's already asleep," says Heero dropping his stuff into a chair, "You even think of going in there with her, and I'll drop you out the window!"
"I wouldn't think of soiling a woman before marriage," says Prince Jesse walking into the bathroom.
Heero lies down on the right side of the bed and folds his arms beneath his head. He closes his eyes and relaxes. He doesn't hear the bathroom door open quietly as Prince Jesse swings it open.
Prince Jesse, with nothing more than a towel about his waist, steps silently out of the dark bathroom. Without making a single sound, he walks towards the bed. He drops the towel and slips stealthily over to Heero's side of the bed. He watches Heero lying in bed for a moment. He grabs Heero's arms, still folded beneath his head, and holds them down as he quickly lies down on top of him with speed and strength he shouldn't even posses. He kisses Heero and uses one hand to yank the boxer shorts down before grabbing his genitals.
For a second, Heero thinks it might be Relena, but then he realizes that she's locked in her room. He opens his eyes quickly and struggles as he sees Prince Jesse. He feels the young man groping him, and he quickly frees his hands from behind his head. He grabs Prince Jesse's hair and yanks him back.
"What's wrong, Heero? Aren't you enjoying yourself?" asks Prince Jesse, "I can do it differently!"
"You bastard!" exclaims Heero punching Prince Jesse in the eye, "If I wanted a boyfriend, I wouldn't be after Relena!"
Prince Jesse moves away from Heero clutching his eye.
Heero slides out of bed while pulling his shorts back up. "You may want to use Relena, but I won't let you! You won't touch her or me!"
"Heero!" exclaims Prince Jesse.
Heero punches Prince Jesse in the stomach before hitting him in the jaw. He pushes Prince Jesse to the floor and moves over to his suitcase. He opens it and pulls the lining back to reveal a rope. He removes the rope and quickly ties Prince Jesse up so he can't move.
Then Heero kicks Prince Jesse in the ribs. He grabs everything he brought with him and heads out of the room. He locks the door and walks down to Relena's room. He swipes the keycard and enters quickly. He closes the door and quietly sets all his belongings near the empty chair. He locks the door and looks at Relena sleeping peacefully in the bed.
Just the sight of Relena, sleeping in her navy blue pajamas, awakens Heero's body in the way that Prince Jesse's touch had intended to.
Heero walks up to Relena and gently brushes a strand of her hair away from her face. He quietly whispers, "I will protect you, Relena."
Heero smiles and walks over to the chair. He lies down in the floor in front of the chair and uses his arms as a pillow. He closes his eyes and falls asleep.
***
Relena wakes up about one in the morning. She crawls out of bed and walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. After a few moments, she opens the door and sees Heero sleeping on the floor. She leaves the bathroom light on and walks over to the bed.
Relena pulls off a blanket and takes a pillow from the bed. She walks over to Heero and lays the blanket over him. She kneels by his head with the pillow in her lap.
Relena carefully lifts Heero's head in both her hands. She holds it up with one hand and moves his right arm down to his stomach. Then she holds his head with her other hand and moves his left arm down to his stomach. She places the pillow beneath his head and sets his head gently on it.
Relena gently kisses Heero's forehead and moves away from him. She turns off the bathroom light and climbs back into bed. She smiles to herself and settles herself into the soft mattress.
Heero opens his eyes and looks at the bed where Relena quickly returns to sleep. He smiles and rolls onto his side, pulling the blanket around him tightly.
***
The early morning sunshine slides through a crack in the curtains and wakes Heero from his sleep.
Heero looks at the blanket and pillow and smiles towards the bed where Relena sleeps. He stands up and moves to her side.
Relena rolls over to face Heero, but her eyes remain blissfully closed.
Heero backs away and heads into the bathroom. He sees Relena's carry-on bag with a familiar teddy bear sitting on top. He smiles and lifts the bear. He heads back into the bedroom and walks up to Relena. He tucks the bear into her arms. Then he turns away.
"Heero," whispers Relena.
Heero turns back towards Relena.
Relena opens her eyes and looks at Heero.
"I'm sorry I woke you," says Heero.
"You didn't," says Relena sitting up. She shivers slightly.
Heero places his hand on Relena's forehead. "You're freezing!"
"That's what woke me up," says Relena.
Heero lifts the phone beside the bed and dials the number for room service. "Hello, I would like a bowl of chicken soup and two cups of hot tea to be sent up to room 604… Yes, thank you."
Heero sets the phone back down. He quickly grabs the pillow and blanket from the floor. He puts the pillow behind Relena's back and wraps her in the blanket.
"Heero, hold me," says Relena.
Heero sits down beside Relena and wraps his arms around her. "Do you feel warmer now?"
"A little, but I'd feel better if you were beneath the blankets with me," says Relena blushing slightly.
"Maybe after you have your soup," says Heero smiling.
Relena shivers in Heero's arms, and he quickly starts to rub her trying to warm her by friction.
"You'll be okay, Relena," whispers Heero, "but I would like Sally to come check you out, just in case."
"No complaints here," says Relena.
Heero reaches over and grabs the phone. He sets it on his lap and picks up the receiver. He quickly dials the number of a long-time friend and doctor, Sally Po.
Hello, Sally Po here.
"Sally, this is Heero Yuy. I need your help. There's something wrong with Relena," says Heero into the receiver.
What is it? What are her symptoms? asks Sally quickly.
"She's freezing. Her body temperature had dropped drastically," says Heero holding Relena close to him, "We're at the conference in Brussels! I don't know what to do, Sally!"
You're in Brussels? I'm not that far from you! Cover her with blankets and get her some hot tea. I'll be there soon! exclaims Sally, What hotel are you in?
"We're in the Regal Hotel, room 604!" exclaims Heero, "We'll be waiting for you!"
I'm on my way, Heero. Take care of Relena until I get there! says Sally.
"I will, Sally," says Heero, "Bye."
Heero sets the receiver back on the cradle and moves the phone back to the nightstand.
"Sally's coming?" asks Relena.
"Yes, Relena," says Heero, "She's coming… Relena, I…"
Heero is interrupted by a brisk knock at the door.
"Room service!" calls a voice on the other side of the door.
"Coming!" exclaims Heero getting up. He tucks the blankets around Relena and runs to the door. He unlocks the door and swings it open quickly.
The young redheaded woman pushes the cart into the room. "Will that be all, sir?"
"No. Bring more!" exclaims Heero. He grabs his wallet from his bag and stuffs a bill in her hand. "Two more cups of tea and another bowl of soup!"
"Yes, sir!" The woman bows and backs out of the room.
Heero closes the door and pushes the cart to the bed. He sits down and pulls Relena to him. He lifts the bowl of soup and the spoon. "Open wide."
Relena cuddles close to Heero as he feeds her the soup. Then she drinks her tea and half of Heero's cup.
"Okay, lie down now, Relena," says Heero wrapping the blankets tighter around her.
"Heero, you're going to squeeze me to death!" exclaims Relena.
Heero lies down beside Relena and wraps his arms around her. He doesn't say a word. He just holds her close to him.
"Don't let go… Heero, I just want to say…"
A loud firm knocking interrupts Relena.
"The door's open. Come in!" exclaims Heero.
The door swings open.
Quatre and Wufei walk in wearing matching black suits. They see Heero and Relena in bed together, and they share a quick smile.
"Well, I imagined you'd be dressed by now," says Quatre.
"I would be if I could only get warm," says Relena.
"Um… excuse me? Room service!" exclaims the redhead from behind Wufei.
Heero climbs out of bed quickly. He hurries to give the woman her tip. "Thank you."
"Thank you," says the woman leaving.
"Heero, do you know what you just gave her?" exclaims Wufei staring wide eyed at Heero, "That bill had a hundred written on it!"
"Listen, Wufei! I don't care!" exclaims Heero, "Relena's ill, and right now all I care about is her! I don't need money! I need her!" He lifts the bowl of soup and walks over to Relena, and he starts to feed her.
Relena starts shivering more, and she breaks into a cold sweat.
"Relena? Are you alright?" asks Quatre, "Should we call a doctor?"
"No! Sally's coming!" exclaims Relena.
Wufei hits the light switch as the room grows darker when the sun outside moves behind a cloud.
The room is suddenly flooded with light.
Relena screams and covers her eyes.
Wufei turns the lights off quickly. "I'm sorry, Relena!"
Quatre brings a cup of tea over to Heero. "Here."
Heero takes the tea and takes a sip before lifting it to Relena's lips.
Relena quickly drinks the entire cup of tea.
"Heero, have you eaten anything yet?" asks Quatre.
"I'm not hungry," says Heero helping Relena drink the last of the broth from her soup. He turns to look at Wufei and Quatre. "You go down and eat. Meet Ania when she arrives. I'm not leaving Relena."
"We'll be back soon," says Wufei before he leaves with Quatre.
"Heero, what is wrong with me?" asks Relena quietly resting her head on Heero's bare chest.
"I wish I knew," says Heero cuddling up to Relena.
The phone rings, and Heero snatches it off the cradle. He lifts it to his ear. "Heero Yuy."
Hello, Heero. It's Sally. The manager won't let me come up, says Sally.
"Put him on," says Heero.
Hello, this is Mr. Moore, comes a man's voice.
"This is Heero Yuy, one of the delegates from the Sanc Kingdom. Sally is a close friend of mine as well as the sole physician to Princess Relena Darlian Peacecraft!" exclaims Heero angrily, "Now send her up to room 604! Immediately!"
Yes, sir. She is on her way up now, says Mr. Moore, In fact, she just left for the elevator! I'm sorry for the inconvenience!
Heero drops the phone onto the cradle and gently caresses Relena's face. "Sally's on her way up."
"Heero, I have to tell you something," whispers Relena.
"Don't worry, Relena. I know there will be plenty of time for you to tell me later," says Heero, "and I think it should wait."
"You act as if you know what I want to say," says Relena.
Heero smiles. "I think I do."
The door swings open, and a woman with auburn hair in a single braid down the center of her back and dark sunglasses runs in carrying a large carpetbag. She wears a white T-shirt and blue jeans beneath a white lab coat.
Heero stands up. "Sally?"
"Yes. I'm trying out a new hairstyle," says Sally taking off her sunglasses to reveal her blue eyes. She closes the door and walks towards Relena. She sets her bag on the bed. "Heero, would you mind leaving the room?"
"Don't ask again, Sally. I'm not leaving Relena," says Heero firmly.
Sally nods as she opens her bag. She pulls out her stethoscope, flashlight and thermometer. "Well, then, will you at least turn on the lights?"
Heero nods and stands. He walks over to the light switch. "Cover your eyes, Relena."
Relena places her hand over her eyes.
Heero flips the switch, and the room is flooded with light.
Sally puts the thermometer in Relena's mouth. She lifts the flashlight and turns it on. "Relena, I need to look at your eyes."
Relena lowers her hand shakily and blinks repeatedly.
"Relena! Your eyes are bloodshot!" exclaims Sally, "What have you been doing?" She flashes the light into Relena's eyes and looks them over.
"I haven't done anything. I was fine last night. Then I woke up early today like this," says Relena trying to talk with the thermometer in her mouth.
Sally turns the flashlight off and sets it down. She lifts her stethoscope and listens to Relena's heart and lungs. Then she takes the thermometer out of Relena's mouth. "Your temperature is really low. I'm going to need to do some tests, but let's get you into the bathroom right now."
"What for?" asks Heero quickly.
"I need to get some samples to test," says Sally, "And I want to do a proper examination. She might be a little uncomfortable around you if she's not wearing her clothes. Now, please take my bag into the bathroom. I'll take Relena in there."
Heero grabs Sally's bag off the bed and takes it into the bathroom. He sets it on the sink and walks back out. "She will be all right, won't she, Sally?"
Sally helps Relena to her feet. "I'll do everything within my power, Heero."
Heero nods as Sally takes Relena into the bathroom. He starts pacing as soon as Sally closes the door.
Quatre and Wufei come back into the room with a plate of Belgian waffles.
"We brought you some breakfast, Heero," says Quatre, "Where is Relena?"
"In the bathroom with Sally," says Heero. He paces nervously with his arms crossed.
"Heero, please. Sit down and eat," says Quatre.
Heero looks at Quatre and sees the concern on his blond friend's face. He forces a smile. "What did you bring me?"
"Belgian waffles," says Wufei.
Heero takes the plate from Wufei and sits down on the edge of the bed. He tears into the waffles hungrily and quickly empties his plate. He dumps the plate on the room service tray.
"Heero, have you seen Prince Jesse today? He wasn't at breakfast, and the other delegates are worrying," says Wufei.
"Aw, hell! I forgot about him! He's probably still tied up in his room!" exclaims Heero getting off the bed. He grabs a black tank top out of his bag and pulls it on. He finds a pair of blue jeans and slides them on.
"Tied up?" asks Quatre.
"What happened?" asks Wufei.
"He was hitting on me last night," says Heero, "So I beat him up and tied him so he couldn't move. Then I came over here to sleep on the floor, and early this morning, Relena woke up sick. I forgot all about that perverted bastard!" He grabs the keycard to the next room and walks out the door.
Wufei and Quatre follow close behind Heero.
"He didn't try to… ahem," says Quatre blushing slightly.
"Oh, yeah, he tried," says Heero swiping the keycard and opening the door.
The three young men enter the room.
Wufei closes the door as Quatre turns the lights on.
Quatre gasps as he sees Prince Jesse lying gagged, naked, and tied up on the floor.
Heero unties Prince Jesse.
"How far did he get?" asks Wufei glaring at Prince Jesse as if he was just another pile of garbage on the street.
"All he really managed to do was kiss me when I was half asleep and touch me in a way that convinced me to kick his ass! Only one person can touch me like that," says Heero, "I'm done here. Let's go."
Quatre leads the way out.
Wufei turns the lights off and closes the door as he follows Heero out.
The three friends return to Relena's room just in time to hear the phone ring.
Quatre hurries to get the phone. "Hello, room 604."
Hey, I know that voice. It's Quatre, right?
"Ania!" exclaims Quatre happily, "You're here!"
Yes! I just wanted to call before I came up! exclaims Ania.
"I can't wait to see you. Hurry up," says Quatre.
You got it!
Quatre sets the phone down. He smiles. "Ania's coming up."
Heero starts to pace again.
The door to the bathroom opens, and Sally walks out.
"Anything?" asks Wufei.
Sally holds up a little blue vial. "I know the problem. I didn't even think of it until I saw Relena's eyes. She has been drugged."
"Drugged?" asks Heero, "When? By who?"
Sally looks in the bathroom and closes the door. "The drug is called Joy. It's something OZ used in the early years of the war. It's highly addictive. There's two parts to Joy. Alone, they do nothing. But when they're combined, the results can be devastating. The first part is quite common. It's found in most alcoholic beverages."
"Like the wine we had with dinner," says Quatre.
"Exactly, but the other ingredient is getting hard to find these days. A few medical research labs still have some around though," says Sally, "I hope the concentration is low. Otherwise she'll have to be on a special anti-drug the rest of her life. I'll need an actual lab to make the anti-drug and check the concentration in her blood, but I gave her something that should help raise her temperature. She'll be fine, Heero. I'll go down to the hospital and run the rest of the tests."
Heero closes his eyes and replays Sally's words in his mind. "How can I help her?"
"When she gets out of her bath, just try to keep her warm, Heero," says Sally.
"If the concentration of Joy in her blood is low, how do we treat it?" asks Heero.
"A single dose of the anti-drug, Venom," says Sally calmly, "and a fair amount of alcohol. Venom is also triggered by alcohol, so plan a party for tonight. I'll need to make the Venom."
"Go, Sally," says Heero opening his eyes to look at her. His eyes speak volumes.
Sally smiles. She checks the blood sample in the pocket of her lab coat. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Return soon," says Wufei with a friendly nod.
Sally smiles at Wufei and nods. Then she heads out the door.
"Hello!" calls a pretty blond haired teenager moving into the doorway. She holds her luggage in her hands. She smiles. "Was that Sally I saw coming out?"
"Yes, it was," says Wufei as Heero starts pacing in front of the bathroom door.
"Ania!" exclaims Quatre.
The white-blond girl looks so much like Quatre, and it shows when she smiles. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkle in the light. She sets her bags down and runs into Quatre's arms. "Quatre! I've missed you!"
Quatre holds his little sister in a comfortable embrace. "I've missed you too, Ania. Have you met Heero and Wufei?"
"I don't believe so, but I've heard a lot about them," says Ania.
Quatre guides Ania over to Wufei. "This is Chang Wufei."
"I'm honored," says Ania smiling.
"As am I, Ania," says Wufei shaking Ania's hand, "honored to meet Quatre's most beloved sister."
Ania blushes. She looks towards the bathroom where Heero's still worriedly pacing. "And that would be Heero Yuy?"
Heero looks over at Ania. He walks up to her and offers her his hand. "Heero Yuy. Nice to finally meet you, Ania Winner."
Ania shakes Heero's hand. She smiles at him and asks, "Where is Relena?"
"In the bathroom," says Heero glancing at the door again, "She's been taken ill."
"So that's why Sally was here," says Ania.
Wufei sees the concerned look on Heero's face. "Ania, would you please go in there to check on her?"
Ania sees Quatre nod. "Of course!"
Heero sits down on the edge of the bed as Ania slowly enters the bathroom.
"Relena will be fine," says Wufei.
Ania bursts out of the bathroom, leaving the door wide open. "Heero! Relena's unconscious!"
Heero bounds off the bed and sprints into the bathroom. He sees Relena lying in the bathtub with a soggy towel draped over her body.
Relena's head tilts to the side, almost resting on her own shoulder, and the little water that remains in the tub quickly drains out.
Heero lifts Relena out of the bathtub and quickly carries her into the other room. He sets her down on the bed. He spots the stethoscope Sally left lying on the blanket, and he grabs it.
Ania grabs Quatre's hand nervously as Heero listens to Relena's heart and lungs.
Heero stands up and looks at the others. "She's breathing and her heart beat is steady, but we should call Sally."
"You can go call Sally from Quatre's room while I get some clothes on Relena," says Ania.
Heero looks at Relena. "I'll be right outside the door. As soon as she's dressed, I'm coming back in."
Ania nods.
"Quatre and I will call Sally," says Wufei.
"Now out!" exclaims Ania.
Quatre and Wufei nearly pull Heero out of the room.
Heero stares back in at Ania and Relena before closing the door.
Ania opens Relena's luggage and quickly finds a loose spring dress. She drops the towel on the floor and somehow manages to put Relena's limp body into the dress. Then she pulls the blankets over Relena. "You can come in now, Heero!"
The door opens, and Heero walks in. He hurries to the bed and sits down beside Relena. He pulls the blankets tighter around her.
Ania lifts the towel and heads into the bathroom. When she returns, she sees Heero lying beside Relena with his arms wrapped tightly around her. She smiles and sits down in the chair.
Heero pulls himself closer to Relena and closes his eyes.
After a few minutes of silence, Quatre and Wufei come back into the room.
"Sally's at the hospital. She can have the medicine fixed up in about an hour," says Quatre.
"She said to just keep a close eye on Relena and keep her warm. She's hoping that Relena's just asleep," says Wufei.
"I think Heero may be asleep now too," says Ania quietly.
Wufei and Quatre look at Heero, and they smile at each other.
"We might as well relax," says Quatre walking over to the stereo cabinet. He opens the door and turns the volume knob way down. Then he hits the power button and tunes in a radio station. He slowly turns the volume up, so that the harmonious melody fills the room.
Wufei and Quatre sit close to Ania, and they all talk in hushed tones.
***
Sally walks into the room without knocking. Her eyes go immediately to Ania's smiling face. "Ania Winner? I didn't know you were here."
"I got here this morning," says Ania, "You look different, Sally."
"Yes, and I've decided I don't like it," says Sally, "but we can chat later. Now to business." She walks up to Relena and lifts her stethoscope. She listens to Relena's heartbeat. "Steady… good."
Wufei joins Sally. "What do we do?"
"First we need to wake them," says Sally, "Wufei, will you get my bag from the bathroom?"
"Sure," says Wufei heading to get the bag. He hurries back with it.
Sally takes the bag and sets it on the nightstand. She opens it and pulls out a small black bottle. She uncorks the bottle and waves it beneath Heero's nose.
"Hunh?" asks Heero snapping awake. He blinks and looks at Sally as she wafts the scent of the smelling salts beneath Relena's nose.
Relena gasps for air. She blinks furiously.
"Sally. I thought you left," says Heero sitting up.
"I did. You've been asleep for awhile," says Sally putting the cork back into the bottle. She quickly examines Relena's red eyes. "Tsk. Tsk. Joy is really taking a toll on you, Relena, but I brought the Venom. It'll fix you up soon enough."
"Sally, I can't see," says Relena.
"Don't worry about that. You'll be able to see once the Venom takes effect," says Sally pulling a bottle from her lab coat pocket. She reaches into her bag for a needle. "Quatre, would you call down to have a bottle of brandy and a few bottles of wine brought up?"
"Of course," says Quatre taking the phone and pulling it away from the bed to make his call.
"Heero, Wufei, I will need you to hold Relena still. I'm sorry to say this, Relena, but this will hurt. As soon as this anti-drug hits your blood, you're going to go into convulsions," explains Sally.
"That's why you need us to hold her," says Wufei.
Sally nods as she fills the needle with the liquid from the bottle.
Heero slides behind Relena and wraps his left arm around her waist and his right arm across her arms and chest.
Wufei takes Relena's left arm and holds it steady.
"Hold her tight, Heero," says Sally.
Heero tightens his arms around Relena.
Sally finds the vein in Relena's left arm and cleans the skin with alcohol. Then she slips the end of the needle into it.
Relena starts trembling and jerking around forcefully as Sally pushes the liquid into her body.
Wufei holds Relena's arm tighter as Sally finishes and withdraws the needle.
"You can let go of her now," says Sally, "I added a small percentage of alcohol to the mix to get it to activate instantly."
Wufei releases Relena, but Heero only grips her tighter as she struggles against him.
"So… what all… did you… find out?" asks Heero trying to hold Relena still so she won't hurt herself.
"The percentage of Joy in her system was small. She's not going to be addicted to it, and one dose of Venom will be enough to cure her of it," says Sally, "So, Heero, she will be fine by morning!"
"Good," says Heero as Relena elbows him in the stomach. He gasps.
"They'll be sending up everything you asked for Sally, plus some dinner for all of us," says Quatre setting the phone back.
Sally nods.
"Now we just wait?" asks Ania.
"There's nothing else we can do, I'm afraid," says Sally with a sigh, "Now it's just a matter of time before it takes effect."
"Can't we hurry it up any!" exclaims Relena through gritted teeth, "I feel like I'm burning!"
"The only way to speed it up is to add more alcohol, and we're waiting for that," says Sally.
A brisk knock on the door distracts Quatre, and he hurries to open it.
Tori stands on the other side of the door smiling. He pushes the room service cart in and quickly pushes the two from that morning out. He pours a drink of brandy and walks towards the bed. His smile is now replaced with worry as he looks at Relena. "How is Princess Relena?"
"She will be fine by morning," says Sally taking the drink.
Heero tries to hold Relena still as Sally pours the brandy into the princess's mouth.
Relena swallows hard.
"Fill it again," says Sally passing the glass back to Tori.
Tori pours more brandy into the glass and returns it to Sally's hand.
Sally pours the brandy slowly past Relena's lips.
Relena swallows, and her body stops trembling and convulsing.
"Did you give her Venom?" asks Tori.
"How do you know about that, Tori?" asks Wufei quickly.
"I used to work for OZ. I was the person they got addicted to Joy in the testing phase," says Tori, "I get a supply of Venom from a discreet source. Last week, someone kidnapped my younger sister. They promised to return her if I got Relena addicted to Joy. My Venom supplier wanted her to need him. I just got my sister back. They think I gave Relena all the Joy they supplied me with, but I threw most of that shit away. I just lightly frosted her wine glass with it… enough to make her sick, but not get her addicted."
"They kidnapped your sister to make you help them?" asks Quatre looking from Tori to Ania.
"I wouldn't have helped them if they hadn't had her," says Tori, "I'm very sorry, Princess!"
"Don't worry about it, Tori. I don't blame you," says Relena relaxing in Heero's arms, "You weren't the cause of my illness. You were just the carrier. I'd like to meet your sister later." She jerks violently.
Tori smiles. "As you wish, my Princess!"
"You should go now before I get angry," says Heero, "unless you know who kidnapped your sister."
"I don't know. I get my Venom through a quiet dealer. He's the one who gave me the Joy for Relena," says Tori, "He said the order came straight from the top and that my sister would be returned once I'd finished my job."
"Wufei," says Heero.
"I'm on it! Tori, I need you to take me to that dealer!" exclaims Wufei.
"I can take you tomorrow afternoon when I go to pick up my weekly Venom," says Tori, "I don't know where to find him now."
Wufei clenches his fists. "Tomorrow then. This better not be a trap!"
"I swear on my sister's life!" exclaims Tori.
Wufei nods.
"Go on now, Tori," says Quatre, "Go meet your sister."
Tori nods. "I'll be back early tomorrow afternoon. I usually meet him at two."
Tori heads out to take the two room service carts down to the kitchen.
"Relena, how do you feel?" asks Heero rubbing her arms gently.
"Hungry!" exclaims Relena jerking again, "And incredibly hot!"
Heero releases Relena, and she climbs out of bed.
Relena heads into the bathroom.
Heero gets out of bed and smiles at Sally. "Thank you."
Sally smiles and pours up glasses of brandy for everyone. "Now, let's enjoy ourselves and get thoroughly drunk!"
Ania giggles. She moves over to the stereo and changes the radio station before cranking the volume up.
Relena comes out of the bathroom smiling. She takes another glass of brandy and downs it quickly. "I like that song!"
"Good! We'll keep the radio here!" exclaims Ania.
Relena and Heero both take a sandwich from the cart and start to eat.
The door opens, and Prince Jesse enters. "So this is where you all are. You were missed today, Relena."
"I was feeling ill this morning," says Relena, "Nauseated from the trip, I'm sure. Nothing too serious though, Prince Jesse."
Heero glares at Prince Jesse as he closes the door and walks further into the room.
"This looks like a party. Might I join in?" asks Prince Jesse.
"No!" snaps Heero.
Prince Jesse walks up to Relena as she puts the last bite of her sandwich in her mouth. He takes both her hands in his and whispers into her ear, "Don't mind Heero. I'm sure he just doesn't want to share me with you. Not only is he rough in bed, but he's jealous too. But you wouldn't know that would you?"
"Your Majesty, get out of my room! I do not recall inviting you in!" exclaims Relena.
"Very well, Relena, for now," says Prince Jesse turning and walking out of the room.
Relena grabs another glass of brandy and gulps it down as her body shakes uncontrollably. She drops the glass onto the room service cart. "Heero! Did you sleep with that last night?"
Heero chokes on his sandwich. "Did he tell you we had sex?"
"Yes!" exclaims Relena with wide eyes.
Heero clenches his fists and seethes in anger. "Listen, Relena. I would never have sex with a man! Especially that ass! I spent the entire night here on your floor!"
"After you beat up Prince Jesse," adds Quatre.
"Yeah. He wanted sex from me, so I gave him that black eye and swollen jaw!" exclaims Heero proudly.
Relena wraps her arms around Heero and holds him close to her.
Heero places his arms around Relena and holds her as if his life depended solely on her.
"Aren't they cute together?" asks Ania with a sigh.
"Yes, Ania. They certainly make a cute couple," says Sally.
Heero takes a step back away from Relena. "You need to eat."
Relena smiles and nods. She lifts a bottle of wine and uncorks it. She fills up a glass and takes a long drink. "Ania, would you like some wine?"
"Um… do I?" asks Ania lifting a sandwich.
Relena fills a glass and passes it to Ania.
"I'm surprised the Venom is working this fast," says Wufei.
"Yes, it's because I added it directly to her blood," says Sally, "Well, everyone! We have plenty of sandwiches and more than enough booze! Let's enjoy ourselves!" She lifts a glass of brandy to her lips and takes a sip. Then she lifts a sandwich.
Everyone starts eating and drinking. In practically no time at all, they've gone through two-dozen sandwiches and six bottles of wine as well as the bottle of brandy.
Ania hums along with the music as she swirls the wine around in her glass. Her cheeks are pink from the alcohol. She decides not to finish her glass and sets it down on the cart.
The song on the radio changes.
"Oh, hey! I love this song!" exclaims Relena.
"It's my favorite!" exclaims Ania giggling.
Relena and Ania clasp hands across the cart, and they both sing off-key, "Turn the lights down low, take it off, let me show my love for you, insatiable. Turn me on, never stop, wanna taste every drop, my love for you, insatiable!"
Relena stands up shakily and pulls Ania to her feet. "Shall we dance?"
Ania giggles uncontrollably.
Relena and Ania keep their right hands clasped as the music takes control of their bodies, and together they dance as if the music was coming from deep within them. Their bodies move wildly, sexually to the music.
"Well," says Quatre watching his sister and close friend dancing, "that is definitely not the type of dancing you'd expect a princess to do."
Heero watches Relena in amazement.
"But it is the type a teenaged girl would do," says Sally smiling, "Like a mating dance."
"We levitate, our bodies soar, our feet don't even touch the floor. And nobody knows you like I do, coz the world, they don't understand. But I grow stronger in your hands," sing Ania and Relena laughing.
"She looks so free, so sexy, out there," whispers Heero really quietly.
"What was that, Heero?" asks Wufei.
"She looks so free out there," says Heero staring at Relena as she runs her left hand down her side suggestively. He swallows hard.
"Turn the lights down low, take it off," sings Relena as Ania grabs a bottle of wine and takes a drink from it. "Let me show my love for you, insatiable. Turn me on, never stop…"
Relena takes the wine bottle and takes a drink.
"Why don't you get out there with Relena, Heero?" asks Sally, "And Quatre can dance with Ania."
"Yeah, come on, Heero," says Quatre.
"Then I'll have a reason to dance with Sally," says Wufei.
Heero stands and moves to Relena. He takes the bottle and deposits it back on the cart. Then he takes Relena's hand.
Quatre moves over to Ania as the two girls separate.
Sally and Wufei stand and dance to the music together. They stay close to each other in an intimate conversation.
Quatre and Ania dance like old friends who've found each other at last.
It takes a moment for the music and Relena to take a hold of Heero, but before the song progresses too much, he is dancing just as carefree as Relena sliding his hands along her body as he dances close by her side. He whispers along with the music, "Can't close my eyes when I'm with you, insatiable, the way I'm loving you."
Relena giggles and pulls Heero to her. Her knees weaken, and she collapses into his arms. "I think I'm a little drunk, Heero!"
Heero lifts Relena and gently sets her on the bed as the song finishes.
"I suppose I should do a quick examination before we all go to bed," says Sally. She moves to Relena's side and checks her eyes. She listens to her lungs and heartbeat and checks her temperature again. "All fine. You'll be in great shape by the time you wake up!"
"Thanks, Sally," says Relena.
"Heero, I think we should let the girls stay here and all us guys will move over to our room," says Quatre.
Heero lifts the keycard for Relena's room. He nods at Quatre. "We'll be right next door, Sally, Relena. If you should need us… for any reason at all…"
"We know, Heero," says Relena smiling warmly at him. Trying not to move her lips and in a very quiet whisper, she adds, "I need you, Heero. I've always needed you."
Heero nods again and leads the way out.
Quatre and Wufei walk out the door and close it.
The lock slides into place as Heero uses the keycard from the outside.
"Now, let's get some sleep," says Ania yawning. She turns the stereo off. She stumbles over and plops down on the bed. She falls asleep almost instantly.
Sally smiles. "She's out."
Relena giggles.
Sally helps Relena move Ania into the center of the bed.
Relena lies down on one side of Ania. She closes her eyes and falls asleep.
Sally takes off her lab coat and tosses it inside her medical bag. She closes her bag and sets it on the floor. She turns the lights off and then lies on the opposite side of Ania.
***
Heero enters the room at six in the morning to get the suit he brought to wear on the final day of the conference. He smiles when he sees the three women asleep. He grabs his clothes and returns to Quatre and Wufei's room to shower and change.
Heero walks out of the bathroom putting on his double-breasted black suit jacket.
"Don't wake Quatre. He could use a little more sleep," says Wufei before going into the bathroom.
Heero sits down and waits in silence for Wufei to change and then again for Quatre to get dressed.
The three young men, in matching black suits, head over to room 604.
Wufei knocks on the door.
Ania opens the door still towel-drying her hair. "Come on in. Sally's just finishing her exam on Relena."
The three boys walk into the room.
"You look nice," says Quatre noticing Ania's light blue business suit.
"Yeah, well. It cost a bundle, but it's appropriate for these kinds of occasions," says Ania.
Heero moves up to Sally who once again has her hair in her two side braids. "How is the patient, Sally? Will she live?"
"She's doing great," says Sally putting everything away, "but once you're back in the Sanc Kingdom, I want to see her in my office for a full physical and an examination."
Heero nods.
"Now, Relena, you can go get ready now," says Sally.
Relena gets out of bed. "Thank you, Sally."
Sally smiles. "Welcome, Relena."
Relena grabs the navy blue suit with the gold shirt and hurries into the bathroom for a quick shower and change. When she comes back out, everyone is enjoying a small breakfast of muffins, bagels, coffee, and orange juice. She pulls her hair into a ponytail at the base of her neck and walks up to grab a bagel. "How is everyone this morning?"
Heero looks into Relena's crystal clear, blue eyes and remembers how blood-shot they were twenty-four hours previously. He smiles. "Wonderful!"
Wufei and Quatre smile at each other behind their coffee cups.
"I'm happy. We've missed almost the entire conference," says Ania, "I wasn't looking forward to attending. I was quite surprised though to find out you canceled my hotel reservation!"
"That wasn't Relena's idea," says Quatre.
"It was a good idea," says Ania smiling, "Now we just have a meeting, a quick lunch, and a closing speech to attend."
There comes a firm knock on the door, and Prince Jesse's voice sounds on the other side. "Princess Relena! The delegates are waiting for you!"
"So much for breakfast," says Relena dropping her half-eaten bagel. She takes Heero's coffee cup and takes a quick drink before passing it back to him.
"Let's go," says Heero finishing the coffee and standing.
"Sally, you can stay and finish breakfast if you like," says Wufei trying to hide a muffin in his pocket.
Ania stands up and takes Quatre's arm when he offers it to her.
Wufei opens the door and pushes Prince Jesse out of the way.
Quatre and Ania follow Wufei out.
Relena takes Heero's hand and squeezes it before she walks out alone.
Heero follows a step behind Relena and closes the door.
Prince Jesse walks along at Relena's side smiling as they head down the stairs to a conference room on the third floor.
The meeting is a lot of non-sense, filled with hopeful dreams and empty promises, but Relena manages to keep herself busy objecting to the ideas of the other delegates and telling them what should be done instead of their plans.
"We can't have total pacifism and at the same time be constructing weapons! What exactly is our enemy? Why do you believe we need weapons?" asks Relena furiously.
Half the delegates nod their heads in agreement to Relena's words, and the other half turn their gazes from her.
Relena retakes her seat in between Ania and Prince Jesse.
"The Sanc Princess makes a good point," says the chairman, "We have no enemies. We need no weapons! I'm glad to see that you have recovered from your illness, Princess Relena."
Relena nods her head and smiles.
The chairman begins his typical end of conference speech.
Relena nods at the appropriate times, but she doesn't really pay attention to his words.
Wufei sits on the opposite side of Prince Jesse discreetly eating the muffin he snuck into the meeting.
Quatre and Ania whisper quietly to each other.
Prince Jesse sets his hand on Relena's and intertwines their fingers.
Heero, from his position on the far side of Wufei, glares at Prince Jesse. He clenches his fists angrily.
"And now, I have a very special announcement!" exclaims the chairman, and everyone in the room turns their attention to him.
The chairman claps his hands and a troop of waiters, which include Tori, walk around with trays full of champagne, passing a glass to each delegate.
Tori slips a piece of paper to Wufei with his glass.
Wufei passes the paper to Heero who opens it and quickly reads it.
Heero nods to Tori.
The waiters deposit all the champagne and hurry out.
"Now, this morning I received the most wonderful news from the Sanc Kingdom. I called Foreign Minister Milliardo Peacecraft for confirmation of course," says the chairman.
Relena looks at the chairman in confusion.
The chairman smiles happily. "Princess Relena Darlian Peacecraft of the Sanc Kingdom…"
The delegates from the Sanc Kingdom and the Winner Resource Satellite hold their breath in anticipation of the news.
"Will wed Prince Jesse Yurameshi of the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom! With their union will be the creation of the Sanc-Europolitan Kingdom ruled by Princess Relena and Prince Jesse! A toast!" exclaims the chairman proudly nodding at Relena and Prince Jesse, "To Princess Relena and Prince Jesse! May they have a happy marriage!"
"To Relena and Jesse!" exclaim several of the delegates.
Prince Jesse stands up smiling and pulls Relena to her feet.
Relena stares at the chairman in shock as all her friends stare at her in equal shock.
"To the Sanc-Europolitan Kingdom!" exclaims Prince Jesse raising his champagne glass, "May it have a healthy and prosperous future!"
"To the Sanc-Europolitan Kingdom!" chime several of the delegates.
Relena rips her hand away from Prince Jesse and storms out of the hall.
"Forgive my fiancée," says Prince Jesse, "She wanted to announce it in her own way!" He sets his glass down and hurries out.
Heero, Wufei, Quatre, and Ania hurry out to catch up to Relena. They meet her and Prince Jesse at the elevator.
"Relena! Why didn't you tell us you were engaged?" asks Ania.
The elevator doors open, and Relena pulls Prince Jesse into it.
The others hurry into the elevator, and Heero hits the button for the sixth floor forcefully.
The doors close.
"How dare you!" screams Relena, "You and Milliardo planned this! How could you tell them we're getting married without even consulting me first? I do NOT want to marry you!"
"This isn't a marriage, Relena. This is just a diplomatic arrangement where we happen to have sex and children," says Prince Jesse.
"Uh… No! I don't think so!" screams Relena. She slaps Prince Jesse and turns her back to him. "I would NEVER have sex with you!"
The doors open on the sixth floor, and Relena storms off towards her room with everyone close behind her. She swings the door open and immediately turns on the small vid-phone by the stereo. She dials the number to her brother's office.
Sally looks at everyone confused. "What did I miss?"
Heero pulls Wufei aside and gives him the note Tori had passed them.
Wufei reads the note to himself. 'Meet me at the back entrance to the hotel at one-fifteen. I'll take you to the person you want to see.'
"You have twenty minutes before you need to meet him," whispers Heero.
"I'd like to know how this turns out, in case I miss it," whispers Wufei.
"You'll know soon enough," whispers Heero.
Milliardo's face appears on the screen. "Hello, Milliardo Peacecraft here. Oh, Relena! Is something wrong?"
"Wrong? Why would anything be wrong? I just found out that you and Prince Jesse are planning to get ME married!" exclaims Relena angrily, "If someone hadn't told the chairman, I wouldn't even have found out! When were you planning on telling me? My wedding day!"
"You mean Jesse didn't tell you in person?" asks Milliardo.
"No!" exclaims Relena.
"When I tried, she kicked me out," says Prince Jesse over Relena's shoulder.
"Next time you two decide to try to run my life, please leave me out of it!" exclaims Relena, "I am not marrying him!"
"Relena, we decided on this because it would be beneficial to the Sanc Kingdom," says Milliardo, "The Sanc Kingdom needs this."
"No! Don't you go bringing the Sanc Kingdom into this, Zechs," screams Relena furiously, "That's not going to work this time! Being forced to marry someone I don't love will not help the Sanc Kingdom, Zechs! If you want this union so bad, you marry him!" Her body shakes angrily as she clenches her fists. She only ever calls her brother by his adopted name when she is really upset with him, but she never knew what upset was until this moment.
"But it will help the Sanc Kingdom, Relena. Our two countries need each other," says Milliardo, "They need to be united, and we both know that Zechs Merquis is not fit to rule the Sanc Kingdom. Relena, for the sake of the Sanc Kingdom!"
Relena collapses to her knees. Her anger leaves her body, and she starts sobbing uncontrollably. For her country, she would do anything. She would even sacrifice everything. She knows it. Her brother knows it. "For the Sanc Kingdom!"
Prince Jesse kneels beside Relena and pulls her into his arms. He whispers into her ear, "Don't worry, Relena. You'll still see Heero. After we're married, I'll be making him my lover. Maybe we can even convince him to nail you once in awhile."
Relena only sobs louder.
Heero clenches his fists. "Milliardo! How could you do this to her? You know how much the kingdom means to her! How could you use her feelings for her people to do this to her? Can't you see you're killing her?"
Wufei whispers to Quatre, "I have to go, Little One. I'm meeting Tori to go check out his supplier. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Quatre nods and squeezes Wufei's shoulder.
Wufei heads out as Heero and Milliardo yell at each other.
"This isn't the end of this conversation, Milliardo!" exclaims Heero turning off the vid-phone. He turns towards Prince Jesse seething in anger. "Get away from Relena!"
"Relena, come here to Sally and I," says Ania quickly. She pulls Relena over to the bed where Sally joins her.
"I'm going to pack," says Prince Jesse quickly leaving the room.
Heero walks towards the door.
"Heero!" exclaims Relena between sobs.
Heero slams the door closed and rushes to Relena's side. He quickly and gently wraps his arms around her. "I'm here, Relena!"
Relena cries herself to sleep in Heero's arms.
***
Wufei returns to find everyone all packed to leave. He's amazed to learn that Quatre even packed his own things so that he wouldn't have to. He pulls Heero and Quatre away from the girls.
"What did you find out?" asks Heero.
"The main supplier of Venom is from the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom. Someone high in the government," says Wufei.
"So that person is the one who wants Relena dead?" asks Quatre.
Wufei nods. "That person holds a grudge against Zechs, and we got Tori in trouble so he'll never get Venom again. I told him that we would get Sally to make it for him from now on. What about Relena and that windbag?"
"Relena isn't going to marry that jerk, but I haven't yet figured out how to stop it," says Heero.
"Our shuttle will be leaving soon. We need to go," says Quatre.
And shortly, everyone is headed back to the Sanc Kingdom.