Disclaimer: All Gundam Wing characters and references belong to their respective owners. The song You're Not Alone, which appears on the Escaflowne: The Movie soundtrack courtesy of Bandai, belongs to the artists and company that recorded it. It was used in this story with the best of intentions. The song, Road to Peace, © Cecilia J. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.
Dedicated to the people I love. This gift is for you.
Gift of Love
By
Hideki LaShae
Several months have passed since Relena and Heero were wed. Hilde and Duo have since married. Ania and Trowa are desperately in love. Quatre and Wufei are happily dating. Sally is nine months pregnant with Noin and Milliardo's child.
***
Dr. Sally Po sits in silence as Milliardo Peacecraft and Lucrezia Noin Peacecraft talk over baby names. Her auburn hair fall in twin pigtails around her face, and her blue eyes speak of a mixed confusion of emotions. She rubs her large, protruding belly.
"What about Julie?" asks Milliardo as his blue eyes scan through a book of baby names. His golden-blond hair drops down around the middle of his back.
Noin tosses down the notebook she holds and runs her hand through her midnight black hair. Her brown eyes turn to the pregnant woman. "Sally? What do you think? You are the one who has carried the twins for all this time! What do you think we should name them?"
"I'm sorry I'm not giving you a son, Milliardo," says Sally.
"Sally!" exclaims Milliardo dropping his book in shock. He turns to look at her as he continues, "It doesn't matter that you're carrying girls instead of boys! I am just so thankful to you for giving me a child at all, and you're giving me two, so I am twice as thankful! You didn't have to help Noin and I with this! Don't feel bad about it!"
"But you wanted a son," says Sally sadly.
"No! Sally, I didn't want a son. I wanted a child. I still do! All I want is a child whether girl or boy is insignificant!" exclaims Milliardo, "I'll love it either way!"
Sally nods. "Reiya."
"What was that, Sally?" asks Noin, "Did you just say Reiya?"
"Yes. I would like one of them to be named Reiya," says Sally, "It is a name I have always loved. I would have liked to have given that name to my own daughter, but I don't think I'll ever have one."
Noin and Milliardo smile at each other.
Noin lifts her notebook and writes down the name. She draws a large heart around it. "Then the oldest will be Reiya!"
"And I have the perfect name for the younger sister. Nariya," says Milliardo, "It's an old Japanese name, I believe."
Sally smiles. "I approve."
Noin writes the name on the paper with a heart around it. She looks lovingly at the two people in the room with her. "Reiya and Nariya. I like it. I love you both!"
Milliardo lifts the book of baby names. "When is Sara planning to induce labor?"
"In two days, Milliardo," says Sally, "In two days, you'll be a father!"
"I'm ready for it," says Milliardo with confidence, "I'm ready for it."
"Good!" exclaims Noin, "Now you just need to get the nursery ready!"
"Nursery?" asks Milliardo suddenly going very pale as if he were about to faint.
"Yes. We don't have a crib yet," says Noin smiling, "but Relena got everything else for the nursery. You just need to pick up the crib. Ask Relena about it. She ordered one for us."
Milliardo stands and nods. "I'll go talk to Relena."
Noin kisses Milliardo quickly before he leaves.
"You have a wonderful husband there, Noin, as men go," says Sally.
Noin nods. She moves to sit beside Sally and hug her. "He is wonderful! And I'm glad he understands how much I love you!"
"I love you as well, Noin," says Sally holding Noin into their embrace.
"And he's passed the law that people of the same sex can marry," says Noin, "That will mean so much to so many people like us."
Sally nods and smiles. She looks at the book where Noin had been writing down the possible baby names, and her smile disappears. Her look of longing doesn't go unnoticed as she would have liked.
"Sally? What's wrong?" asks Noin caressing the auburn hair.
"Noin, do you think I'll ever have a child of my own?" asks Sally, "I feel… so connected to Reiya and Nariya… I know… I know that I'm only carrying them for you… you and Milliardo… but still… there is so much of me within them… I feel like I'll be losing a part of myself when I hand the twins over to you and Milliardo! Oh, Noin! I'm so sorry!"
"Sally! There's nothing to be sorry about! I felt the same way when I lost my son!" exclaims Noin, "It's natural! And the twins are as much your daughters as they are mine! Maybe even more so… which is why I want you to stay here with me. I want you to live here in Peacecraft Manor and help us to raise the twins. You can work at the local hospital. Please say you'll consider it! Reiya and Nariya deserve to know their mother!"
"But, Noin!"
"No buts, Sally! We are Reiya and Nariya's mothers. Not me… Not you… Us! Both of us!" exclaims Noin, "I provided the seed, but you provided the love! Think about my offer. The Sanc Kingdom could use a good doctor like you! You should go to bed now and get some rest. I have a meeting with Relena about some of the finances. I'll see you later tonight." She moves away from Sally and heads to the door.
"I'll think about it, Noin," says Sally.
Noin blows a kiss to Sally. She smiles. "You'll have your own child yet! I know you will!"
"Thank you."
Noin quickly heads through the door.
Sally rubs her belly where the twin girls await the day of their birth. "Reiya… Nariya… I'm one of your mothers…"
***
Relena Yuy walks out of the bathroom clutching her stomach. Her long golden-blond hair hangs damply around her face. She almost collapses into Heero's arms. "I feel so weak. Heero, I don't think I can move."
Heero Yuy carefully lifts Relena into his arms and carries her over to their bed. He sets her down and sits beside her, staring at her with Prussian blue eyes. "How do you feel?"
"Weak, tired, and still a little sick," says Relena quietly.
"Don't worry, Relena. I'll protect you," says Heero hugging her tenderly, "I love you."
"I love you too, Heero," says Relena inhaling his sweet fragrance.
"I'll go get you something to eat," says Heero, "Something light. And we'll talk to Sally later. Hopefully she'll be able to find out why you're sick. Otherwise, I guess we'll have to bug Sara about it."
"Alright, Heero. I'm just going to rest for awhile," says Relena. She runs her hand through Heero's dark brown, wild hair before closing her eyelids over her blue eyes.
Heero kisses Relena's forehead and places his pillow beneath her head. Then he leaves to find her something to eat. He walks past the living room and sees Wufei sitting close to Quatre. He enters the room. "I'm sorry to interrupt."
Quatre Raberba Winner, a former Gundam pilot for the Gundam Sandrock, looks up quickly and blushes slightly. His normally tidy blond hair is a little disheveled, and his blue eyes shine with happiness. He wipes the moisture from his lips. "Don't worry about it, Heero… We were just talking."
Heero smiles.
"What's on your mind, Heero?" asks the Chinese ex-pilot of the Shenlong Gundam, Chang Wufei. His black hair falls loosely to the base of his neck. He smiles at Heero as he sets his arm over Quatre's shoulders.
"I just had a thought. Do you remember the song we sang for the girls on the day I married Relena?" asks Heero sitting down across from them.
"Of course!" exclaims Quatre, "Wufei trying to play the drums one handed… Duo singing… me on the keyboard… Trowa playing the bass guitar… And you, Heero, on the lead guitar helping me sing backup for Duo. It was fun!"
"Yeah. It was fun!" exclaims Wufei, "The song was You're Not Alone, but we nicknamed it Heero's Song. It described your relationship with Relena quite well."
Heero laughs. "It's true. That song described me perfectly! I was thinking of redoing it!"
"What do you mean?" asks Wufei.
"I was thinking of getting Duo and Trowa back here and going into the recording studio with that song, just to make recordings as a special gift for the girls," says Heero, "That song has become Relena's favorite. She sings it whenever she thinks I'm not around."
"I think that's a great idea!" exclaims Quatre, "I can call Trowa. I'm sure he and Ania can come down for a few days!"
"I'll get us a session booked with the Sanc Studio first," says Wufei.
"Get a hold of me once you do that. I'll call Duo myself," says Heero, "but right now I need to go get something for Relena to eat. She isn't feeling well."
"What's wrong with her?" asks Quatre standing up concerned.
Heero shrugs his shoulders. "Either Sally or Sara is going to check her out later."
Wufei stands up. "Heero, return to Relena. We'll bring some food up."
Heero starts to shake his head, but Wufei grabs his shoulders.
"Go to her, Heero! I know you're worried about her! She needs you at her side!" exclaims Wufei, "Just as much as you need her in your life! Go to her, Heero, and hold onto her!"
Heero smiles his thanks and runs out of the living room.
"We have him trained so well now!" jokes Quatre with a huge grin.
Wufei laughs. He pulls Quatre into a warm embrace and kisses his cheek. "Now let's go get some chicken soup for Relena!"
Quatre hesitates about moving out of their close embrace, but he does slowly move away. He takes Wufei's hand and pulls him out of the living room.
The two young men hurry to the kitchen and quickly make up some chicken broth soup and plain toast for Relena. Then they head up to the room she shares with her husband.
Wufei knocks on the door, and it swings open, obviously not closed properly. "Heero? Relena?"
"She's asleep," says Heero looking up at his two friends. His hand gently strokes Relena's blond hair.
"We should wake her," says Quatre carrying the tray into the room. Setting upon the tray with the soup and toast rests a small bottle of Relena's favorite soda, a caffeine-free lemon-lime drink that's sure to cure any upset stomach. "She should eat."
Heero nods and shakes Relena gently. "Relena? Wake up, honey."
Relena sighs and slowly opens her eyes. She smiles as she sees Heero. "Heero."
"Wufei and Quatre brought you some lunch," says Heero.
"I don't know if I can keep it down," says Relena as Heero helps her sit up, "but I'll certainly try."
Quatre moves up and sets the tray on Relena's lap. "Here you go, Relena. Chicken soup. The best food for when you're sick."
"Thank you, Quatre! Thank you, Wufei! You don't need to worry about me. I'll be fine," says Relena before timidly sipping her soda.
"But we do worry about you," says Wufei, "because you are the strength that keeps all us ex-Gundam pilots going on, Relena. Get some rest and eat your lunch. Sara will be here later this afternoon to see Sally. She'll come look at you while she's here."
Relena nods.
"Heero, we'll see to that request and speak to you again when Sara's examining Relena," says Quatre.
"Thank you," says Heero.
Quatre and Wufei smile and leave.
"What was that about?" asks Relena as she starts to eat slowly.
"A present I want to get for you," says Heero smiling, "Now don't ask any more about it!"
Relena blushes and smiles. She eats her soup slowly and drinks most of her soda before eating her toast. Then she finishes her soda.
Heero takes the tray with the empty dishes and sets it on the nightstand. Then he gives Relena a loving kiss on her cheek. "I love you, Relena. I'll always protect you."
"I'll always love you, Heero. I'll protect you too," says Relena. She smiles and lies down again.
Heero smiles and tucks Relena in beneath the blankets. "Get some rest."
"I will, Heero," says Relena. She watches Heero sit down in a chair facing the bed. She closes her eyes and soon falls asleep.
Heero's mind races back to the day he married Relena. He hadn't been allowed to see her dress, so he was just as surprised as everyone else to see how beautiful she was in it. He felt silly wearing his gold crown after becoming the Prince of the Sanc Kingdom. Then he and his four best friends sang to the girls.
Heero stands and walks up to Relena. He brushes her hair gently away from her face and he whispers, "I've walked so long I can't remember… where was my home? The distant faces fade away. I'm always on my own. I can show a smile. It's not hard to do. I can have the strength to go on. But sometimes I wanna let go of everything."
Heero kisses Relena's forehead and walks to the door. Before he heads through the door, he stops and looks towards Relena. He whispers, "I don't want to let go of you, Relena. You're everything. My home is in your arms."
With those words, Heero leaves Relena to sleep in peace.
***
Sara Proctor, the short haired blond doctor who had helped Sally in countless operations and various tasks, walks through the doors to the Peacecraft Manor as if she owned the house. She carries her black medical bag in her hand.
Sara wears a pink short-sleeved dress shirt with a ruffled v-neck collar beneath a white lab coat. Her rich royal purple button-up vest embraces her body tightly revealing the delicate plumpness of her chest. She wears dark blue, almost black, dress pants that fall loosely down her legs to her ankles where they touch her pink pumps with the one-inch heel. She tucks her bright pink sunglasses into her jacket pocket and starts towards the stairs. Her blue green eyes blink repeatedly as the unfiltered light hits them.
"Sara? Is that you?" asks Noin coming from the direction of the kitchen.
"Yeah, Noin. I'm here to check on Sally," says Sara stopping in her tracks.
"The twins are getting restless," says Noin walking up to Sara with a cup of coffee in her hands, "They're ready for their life to begin."
Sara and Noin start to climb the stairs together.
"Their lives have already started. That happened at conception," says Sara smiling.
"You know what I mean!" exclaims Noin.
Sara giggles. "How is Milliardo?"
"He's fine. He thinks he's ready to be a father. He's out picking up some last minute furniture," says Noin, "Some stuff Relena had to order."
Sara nods.
Noin leads Sara down the familiar halls to Sally's room, and they enter together.
Heero sits beside Sally laughing.
"Heero! What are you doing here?" asks Noin absentmindedly drinking some of the coffee in her cup.
"You're late, Sara," says Heero, "You were supposed to be here a half hour ago."
"Traffic was a mess," says Sara setting her bag down on a small table near the bed.
"You didn't answer my question, Heero," says Noin passing the cup of coffee to Sally, "Decaf. Two sugars. Just the way you like it."
"Thank you, Noin," says Sally taking a drink of her coffee.
"I came to see Sara. Relena's not feeling well, and I wanted Sara to examine her after she's done with Sally," says Heero, "I was just talking to Sally about it… among other things."
"Relena's ill?" asks Sara taking off her jacket and tossing it into a chair, "I'll be down to check her out as soon as I can. Alright, Heero?"
Heero nods and stands up. He smiles at Sally. "Take care, Sal!"
"I will, Heero," says Sally smiling. She sets her coffee cup on the nightstand.
Heero walks out of the bedroom and closes the door tightly. He hurries down to his office where he finds Quatre and Wufei sitting on the couch talking. "What's the news?"
"We've got a recording session booked for early Friday evening!" exclaims Wufei happily.
"Great! Have you called Trowa yet?" asks Heero.
Quatre smiles and nods. "Just got off the line with him! He'll be here Friday morning!"
Heero smiles happily. He moves over to his desk and dials a number on the panel for his vid-phone.
A fair-sized screen on the wall comes to life. A pretty woman with raven black hair cropped in a short boyish fashion appears. "Hilde here!"
"Hello, Hilde," says Heero, "Is Duo around? I need to speak to him."
"You sure look happy, Heero!" exclaims Hilde smiling, "Is Quatre hiding behind you?"
Quatre stands up and walks to Heero's side. "I'm not hiding!"
"What about me? Aren't you going to say hello?" asks Wufei moving to Heero's other side.
"Hi, Wufei! Hello, Quatre," says Hilde, "I'll get Duo for you in just a minute. He's outside helping a customer."
"You have customers!" exclaims Heero with wide eyes.
"And Duo said you wouldn't know a joke if it bit you!" exclaims Hilde laughing. She turns around as a bell rings behind her. "Hey, Duo! Heero's on the line! Wants to speak to you!"
"Can you finish up with…?"
"Talk to Heero, Duo! I'll take care of it!" exclaims Hilde moving away from the screen.
Duo's smiling face appears on the screen. "Hey, Heero! Quatre and Wufei too! What's up, buddies?"
"We need you to come to the Sanc Kingdom, Duo," says Heero. He mouths out the words, 'We're going to make a recording of You're Not Alone in a studio, as a gift to the girls.'
"Really?" asks Duo nodding his head so Heero knows he understands, "Well… you sound serious. I hope there's nothing wrong. Of course I'll come. When do you need me there?"
"Before Friday afternoon," says Quatre, "Trowa's coming too. He arrives Friday morning."
"He'll be bringing Ania. Bring Hilde with you. Make it a vacation," says Wufei.
"Deal! I'll book our transport and call you back with the details," says Duo happily, "See you soon!"
"See you soon, Duo!" exclaims Heero before Duo ends the transmission. He turns off the vid-phone.
"Now we just need to find out what's wrong with Relena," says Quatre as his smile fades, "Is Sara with her?"
Heero shakes his head. "She was late getting here. She should still be with Sally."
"At least you aren't pacing nervously this time, Heero," says Wufei, "How is she feeling?"
Heero collapses into a chair. "She said she felt much better. She wanted to get up and do some work, but I told her to go back to bed. She should be reading now. I got her a book from the library."
"Heero. We have two of the best doctors in our house right now," says Quatre kneeling in front of Heero and looking into his eyes, "She will be fine. There's no need to worry."
"She's more than just my wife, Quatre. She's my life," says Heero.
"We know, Heero," says Quatre smiling, "That much is obvious! I know Relena won't die that easily! I think you two will grow old together!"
Heero laughs. "I look forward to it!"
"Now, Heero, we have some work to do," says Wufei.
"What work?" asks Heero.
"We could do one of two things," says Wufei, "We could go over the security detail for the press conference where Milliardo and Noin announce the birth of the twins…"
"Which is two weeks away, Wufei," says Heero, "Or?"
"We could rehearse the song," says Wufei.
"I like the rehearsing idea," says Quatre.
Wufei smiles at Quatre.
"So do I," says Heero standing up and quickly pulling Quatre to his feet.
"I actually have an idea for that song. I wanted to present it to the whole group," says Quatre.
"Your idea can wait," says Heero, "Unless you think you might forget."
"Oh, I'll remember! I just hope you guys think it's as good an idea as I do," says Quatre as they start to head towards the bedroom that's been converted into a small music room.
"I'm sure we will love it, Little One," says Wufei resting his arm across Quatre's shoulders.
"So… how long are you planning on trying to hide?" asks Heero moving over to turn on the amplifier for the lead guitar. He keeps the volume down and sets everything accordingly.
"Trying to hide what?" asks Wufei quickly taking his arm away from Quatre.
"Trying to hide that you two are a couple!" exclaims Heero turning to face them.
"What do you mean?" asks Quatre.
Heero smiles. "I'm pretty sure everyone here has figured it out! You two look at each other with too much love in your eyes to keep it hidden. I think it's great, but you don't have to hide. You're lousy at it anyway. Besides, Relena told me about your relationship when I told her that Noin had lost her uterus with her son. I think it's really great!"
"We didn't want to mention it for a while… just in case," says Quatre.
"From what I've seen of you two together, 'just in case' isn't going to happen," says Heero grabbing the lead guitar and putting the strap over his neck. He slides his arm through and stares at his two close friends. "I know how much trouble love can bring. I almost lost Relena because I couldn't tell her I loved her. Love is trouble, but it's worth every moment of it!"
Wufei turns towards Quatre and smiles. "Heero's right. It is worth every moment. I love you, Quatre!"
Heero smiles as he watches Wufei pull Quatre to him.
Wufei kisses Quatre passionately as Heero watches with a huge smile. He pulls out of the kiss slowly.
"I love you, Wufei," says Quatre happily, "Now… should we practice?"
Wufei kisses Quatre quickly and nods. "Let's go!"
Quatre moves to the keyboard as Wufei takes his seat behind the drums.
Wufei twirls the drumsticks in his fingers. He hits the drumsticks together as he exclaims, "One… two… three… four!"
Quatre starts playing, and Heero starts to sing the words.
***
Sara walks into Relena's bedroom with her medical bag. "Good afternoon, Relena. I hear you haven't been feeling well."
"I was sick this morning, Sara, but I feel fine now," says Relena smiling as she sets aside her copy of The Hobbit, "Heero insisted I stay in bed."
"I'm glad he did," says Sara smiling, "That way, I could find you to examine you!" She opens her medical bag on the bed. She pulls out a few of her tools. "I'm going to take some samples and have them analyzed at the hospital."
Relena pushes off her blankets and swings her legs over the side of bed and stands up. "Okay. What's first?"
Sara passes a cup to Relena and nods towards the bathroom door.
Relena takes the cup and heads into the bathroom.
***
"Mr. Heero?" asks Pagan walking into the music room.
The three ex-pilots stop playing as soon as they see the old gentleman in the doorway holding his hands over his ears.
Pagan lowers his hands.
"Sorry, Pagan. We didn't realize we were playing that loud," says Quatre.
"That is quite all right, Mr. Quatre," says Pagan smiling, "Mr. Heero, you have a call from Mr. Duo. He wishes to speak to you immediately."
"Yes, thank you, Pagan!" exclaims Heero taking off his guitar. He sets it on the stand and turns the amplifier off. He quickly follows Pagan from the room. He walks into the living room and picks up the phone receiver. "This is Heero Yuy."
Hey, buddy! It's Duo! Hilde and I will be arriving on Thursday night! We got an early shuttle! exclaims Duo happily.
"That's great, Duo! I'll send the car to meet you!" exclaims Heero smiling, "I don't think I'll be able to go, but maybe Quatre or Wufei could meet you at the airfield!"
Sounds great, Heero! But… what have you told Relena? asks Duo.
"I told her that Quatre and Wufei were helping me with a present for her, but I haven't mentioned you and Trowa coming with the girls," says Heero, "I think we'll keep that as a surprise!"
Okay! I'll see you on Thursday! exclaims Duo.
"Right, Duo!" Heero lowers the receiver back to the cradle.
"Heero?" asks Sara walking into the living room. She puts her lab coat on and sets her medical bag carefully on the floor.
Heero turns towards Sara quickly. "What did you find out about Relena? What's wrong with her?"
"As far as I can tell, nothing," says Sara, "But I'm going to run some tests, and hopefully that will reveal the problem. I will call you the moment I get the test results back."
"Thank you, Sara," says Heero sulkily. He sits down on the couch.
Sara moves to sit beside Heero. She takes his hand. "But until then, I don't see any reason in Relena being stuck in bed when she feels good. Let her rest when she feels ill, but when she feels fine, you can let her get out of bed. All right, Heero?"
Heero nods.
"I'll see you again soon," says Sara standing up. She puts her bright pink sunglasses on to hide her blue green eyes and grabs her bag. She heads out of the living room and leaves.
***
Two days later, Milliardo paces nervously in the living room having not been allowed into the delivery room due to his lack of medical experience. He wouldn't be able to assist with the delivery, and Noin is acting as Sally's coach, so his presence would only be a hindrance to the delivery.
"By the time she actually has them, Milliardo, you'll be too exhausted to hold them," says Relena from her seat on the couch, "Sally says that the first child usually takes a long time to be born. Several hours."
"For Sally's sake, I hope she's wrong this time. I don't want her to be in pain since she's doing this as a special favor for Noin and me," says Milliardo.
"Sit down, Milliardo. Read a book," says Relena smiling, "You have time."
Milliardo falls into a chair. He sighs.
Wufei and Quatre walk into the living room holding hands.
"Relena?" asks Quatre.
Relena looks towards them and smiles. "Yes, Quatre?"
"We're heading out to dinner," says Wufei, "We'll be at the Chinese Dragon restaurant if you need to find us."
"Call if Sally has the twins before we get back," says Quatre.
"I will," says Relena standing up. She hugs them both quickly. "Have a wonderful time!"
"We will," says Wufei smiling at Quatre.
Relena sits back down as Quatre and Wufei hurry from the room.
"They look happy. Do they know I passed your bill?" asks Milliardo.
"Yes. They know. I told them," says Relena turning her attention back to her nervous brother, "as soon as you passed it in fact. They were really happy."
"But not planning a wedding, are they?" asks Milliardo.
"Not that I've heard of. I think they're happy just dating right now," says Relena, "Wait! How did you know?"
"I live here. It's that obvious!" exclaims Milliardo.
Relena's cheeks turn a little pink.
Heero walks into the living room. "How long has it been?"
Relena looks at her watch. "Four hours."
Heero sits down beside Relena and pulls her into his arms.
Heero, Relena, and Milliardo sit and talk for hours… about the twins, Reiya and Nariya… about how happy Noin is with Sally… about how wonderful Sally is for being a surrogate mother. Then the conversation turns to Wufei and Quatre.
"What will they do if they ever decide they want a child of their own?" asks Milliardo.
"I would be a surrogate mother for them," says Relena smiling at Heero, "as long as Heero doesn't object!"
Heero kisses Relena's cheek. "We'll see about that if the time ever comes. We don't even know if they want children."
"If who wants children?" asks Quatre walking into the living room. His clothes are disheveled and his hair's a mess.
Wufei follows Quatre into the living room. His black hair falls loosely, and his shirt is mostly unbuttoned.
"We were actually talking about you two," says Heero.
"Yes, Milliardo's curious as to how you would have a child if you decide you want one," says Relena relaxing in Heero's arms.
"Children? Milliardo!" exclaims Wufei. "I don't want to be a father! At least not for several years!" He sits down on one of the comfortable sofas.
Milliardo laughs. "What about you, Quatre?"
"I just want to be in love right now. I'll think about children in the future!" exclaims Quatre.
"You two do make an interesting couple. Like Yin and Yang," says Milliardo, "but as long as it doesn't affect your work, it's none of my business!"
Quatre walks over to sit beside Wufei, and he wraps his arms around the man he loves.
Wufei kisses Quatre's lips quickly. "Any word on Sally?"
"Not yet," says Relena looking at her watch again, "It's been nine hours!"
"Shouldn't she have had the twins by now?" asks Quatre.
Relena shrugs her shoulders.
"This is her first time pregnant," says Heero, "It could take awhile."
Sara walks into the living room in her teal O.R. scrubs. "Milliardo Peacecraft, you are now the father of two beautiful baby girls."
Everyone stands up quickly.
Sara smiles. "I'll need to take them to the hospital to get checked out properly, but you can all see them now. They're with Sally and Noin."
"Lead the way, Sara!" exclaims Milliardo smiling happily.
Sara leads everyone up the stairs to the nursery beside Noin and Milliardo's bedroom. She opens the door and lets them all go in before her.
Sally its up in bed holding a small baby with a little patch of blond hair.
Noin sits in the rocking chair beside Sally's bed holding the other child whose little hair is midnight black. She stands up as Milliardo approaches her. "This is Reiya."
Milliardo carefully accepts the baby as Noin passes her to him. He looks into her beautiful blue eyes.
"Relena, would you like to hold Nariya?" asks Sally, "I need to sleep."
"I would love to!" says Relena walking up beside the bed. She gently takes her niece from Sally's arms. She smiles at the blond haired baby with her mother's dark brown eyes. She walks over to show the boys.
"I thought they were supposed to be identical," says Heero.
"So did we," says Noin, "but we were wrong."
"Yin and Yang. Right, Milliardo?" asks Wufei looking at the two children.
Milliardo chuckles quietly. "Exactly, Wufei."
"They're beautiful, Noin, Sally," says Quatre, "You should both be proud."
"Noin. I need to take you, Sally, and the twins to the hospital to be checked out," says Sara, "and we'll make out the birth certificates."
"Now?" asks Milliardo looking up at Sara.
"Yes. In case there's some problem I can't see," says Sara nodding.
Milliardo nods.
"I'll get the limo!" exclaims Heero running from the room.
"Quatre, Wufei, would you escort, Milliardo, Relena, and the twins down to the car while Noin and I get Sally ready to go?" asks Sara.
"Of course," says Wufei. He guides Milliardo and little Reiya out of the nursery.
Relena walks out of the nursery with Quatre beside her. She hums quietly to Nariya.
"She really is beautiful," says Quatre.
"Yes, she is," says Relena, "I'm surprised she's not yelling for food!"
Quatre chuckles. He leads Relena down to the waiting limo.
Relena climbs in and sits beside Milliardo with her back to the driver's seat where Heero sits.
The glass window that normally separates the driver from the passengers has been rolled down, so Heero can easily talk with the others.
Nariya blinks at Relena.
"I'll be there when you need. You don't have to hide from me what you are feeling now. I fill your soul," sings Relena with a soft, gentle voice, "We will seek together destiny. Troubles have an end. We will carry on hand in hand. You're not alone."
Heero smiles at Relena.
Noin crawls into the limo with Sally sleeping in her arms. Sara climbs in and sits beside Noin.
Quatre climbs in and closes the door as Wufei gets in front with Heero.
"We're ready to go, Heero," says Sara.
The engine starts, and Heero drives the limo towards the hospital.
Reiya starts fussing in Milliardo's arms.
"It's okay, Reiya," says Milliardo rocking her gently.
Relena starts to sing Heero's Song softly as if she were singing and old lullaby, and Quatre adds his gentle tenor voice to harmonize with her.
The limo pulls up outside of the hospital.
Heero and Wufei quickly hop out. They help everyone out of the limo and into the hospital.
***
The next afternoon, Heero and Relena escort Noin, Sally, and Milliardo back to Peacecraft Manor with the twins, Reiya Nene Peacecraft and Nariya Kiri Peacecraft. While they get the children settled into their new home, Wufei and Quatre head off to the airfield to pick up Duo and Hilde.
"Hey! Quatre, Wufei!" exclaims Hilde running up from the shuttle with her suitcase in her hand. She drops her suitcase onto the cement as she hugs Quatre. "Where're Heero and Relena?"
"Heero couldn't make it," says Quatre as Duo walks up with his bag.
"And Relena doesn't even know you're coming," says Wufei clasping Duo's hand.
"You didn't tell her we were coming!" exclaims Hilde, "This will be a surprise!"
"You also get to meet Milliardo and Noin's twin daughters… Reiya and Nariya. They were born yesterday," says Quatre smiling.
"Babies!" exclaims Hilde squealing excitedly.
"Yes," says Quatre taking up Hilde's suitcase and leading her towards a black sedan.
"They're quite cute… as children go," says Wufei taking Duo's bag.
"I bet they are!" exclaims Duo, "Don't go getting any ideas, Hilde!"
"Oh, Duo! This isn't some sort of competition!" exclaims Hilde as Wufei opens the trunk.
Wufei and Quatre put the two bags into the trunk and close it.
They all climb into the car and head towards the Peacecraft Manor.
"So… what was this emergency that we had to come down here so quickly?" asks Hilde.
"It's not actually an emergency, Hilde," says Wufei pulling into the driveway, "It's just something that means a lot to Heero."
"What's wrong with Relena?" asks Hilde quickly.
"Is she ill?" asks Duo, "She's the only thing that means a lot to Heero."
"Well, she has been feeling bad a bit recently," says Quatre, "Mostly in the mornings. She usually feels better by noon."
"That's… unusual," says Duo, "What's Sally and Sara say?"
"They've run some tests, but the results aren't back yet," says Wufei.
"Well! Let's go see Relena!" exclaims Hilde. She hops out of the sedan as soon as it stops.
Wufei, Quatre, and Duo climb out of the car and walk back to the trunk.
Wufei opens the trunk.
Duo grabs out the two suitcases. "I'll go put these in our room, Hilde. I'll meet you in the living room in a few minutes!"
Hilde kisses Duo's lips quickly. "I'll be waiting!"
Duo hurries into the house with the two bags.
"So… when are you two going to get girlfriends?" asks Hilde turning towards Quatre and Wufei.
Wufei slams the trunk down.
Quatre blushes slightly. "Well, I have someone that I love very much, Hilde. It's just that relationships are so hard to make work, and I don't want to risk adding more problems by introducing a whole lot of new people. I'll introduce you as soon as I feel ready, I promise, Hilde!"
Hilde smiles. She hugs Quatre quickly. "That's great! I hope it works out for you! What about you, Wufei?"
"It's not your business to know, Hilde," says Wufei. He walks into the house.
"Oh, Wufei! I'm sorry!" exclaims Hilde running after Wufei, "I would like to see you happy!"
"I'm happy the way things are right now," says Wufei looking over his shoulder as Quatre walks in. "Let's go to the living room to wait for Duo."
"Okay, Wufei. You'll get no complaints from me, but I hope when you do find yourself a girl, you'll let me know," says Hilde smiling. She takes Wufei's arm and reaches to grab Quatre's hand.
Wufei chuckles. "If that ever happens, you'll be the first to know, Hilde."
"Thank you!" exclaims Hilde with a huge grin. Her eyes sparkle with happiness. She pulls her two friends to the living room. "You are planning on telling Relena I'm here? We shouldn't surprise her while she's with two newborns!"
"We'll tell her," says Quatre.
Duo hurries into the living room. "Hey, buds! What did I miss?"
"Good, you're here! I want to go see the children!" exclaims Hilde. She throws her arms around Duo's neck.
Duo smiles and embraces Hilde affectionately. He whispers into her ear, "If you want a child of your own, we can start trying."
Hilde kisses Duo. "We'll discuss that later!"
Quatre and Wufei head to the door.
"Come on!" exclaims Quatre.
Hilde and Duo look towards the door. They quickly follow their two friends out.
Hilde, Duo, Quatre, and Wufei head up to the nursery in between Sally's room and the room shared by Noin and Milliardo.
Quatre walks into the nursery. He sees Noin through the open doorway into Sally's room.
Noin sits beside Sally as she rests and recovers from her delivery the day before.
Milliardo sits in a chair in the nursery feeding Nariya from a bottle.
Heero sits in the rocking chair, cradling the baby Reiya in his arms as he rocks back and forth.
"Where's Relena?" asks Quatre.
Milliardo looks towards his bedroom. "She's not feeling well. She's in the bathroom."
"Hilde and Duo are here, Heero. They would like to see the twins," says Quatre.
"Bring them in, but they mustn't be too loud," says Heero.
Quatre nods and steps out through the door. He conveys the message to Duo and Hilde.
Hilde walks into the nursery with Duo. She quickly steps up to Heero to look at the pretty child in his arms. She smiles as she sees the midnight black hair and the blue eyes. "Noin's hair and Milliardo's eyes."
"This one is Reiya Nene Peacecraft," says Heero, "She is the eldest twin."
Hilde gently caresses Reiya's cheek.
Duo walks up beside Hilde and wraps an arm around her. "I can't believe it. You finally have done something right, Milliardo. She's beautiful. She'll be a heart-breaker when she grows up."
"I'm afraid you may be right, Duo," says Milliardo approaching with Nariya, "but Nariya here may be the exact same way."
Duo and Hilde turn their attention to the child in Milliardo's arms. They see the blond hair and brown eyes.
Duo smiles. "And she has Noin's eyes and your hair. Lovely."
"This little one is Nariya Kiri Peacecraft," says Milliardo, "Would you like to hold her, Hilde?"
"Oh, no! I shouldn't," says Hilde.
Milliardo passes Nariya to Hilde. He takes Reiya from Heero and puts her into the crib.
Hilde rocks Nariya gently. "Is it time for her nap too?"
"Yes," says Milliardo.
Hilde kisses Nariya's forehead and places her into the crib beside Reiya.
Heero stands up. "I'm going to check on Relena."
Hilde and Duo follow Heero into Milliardo and Noin's bedroom where they see Quatre and Wufei sitting on the bed together.
The bathroom door opens, and Relena staggers out.
Heero quickly lifts Relena into his arms. "Relena? Are you okay?"
"Yes, Heero. I'm just a little weak," says Relena.
"Quatre, I thought you said she was normally feeling better by noon," says Hilde, "but it's almost dinner-time now!"
Relena looks towards her friends. "Hilde! Duo! What are you doing here?"
"We came for a visit!" says Duo.
Relena smiles.
"We've just seen the twins," says Hilde smiling, "You have some lovely nieces, Relena."
"Can you put me down now, Heero?" asks Relena, "I feel better."
Heero moves to set Relena's feet on the floor and help her stand. "Are you sure, Relena?"
Relena kisses Heero long and hard. She pulls away and caresses his cheek. "I feel much better!"
"It sure looks that way," says Duo, "Would you like us to leave the room for a few minutes? You could use the bed!"
"Duo!" exclaim Heero and Relena both looking at him angrily.
"I guess that's a no!" exclaims Duo backing away. He holds his hands up to surrender.
Relena approaches Duo slowly and wraps her arms around his neck. She pulls him into her embrace.
Duo wraps his arms around Relena and holds her gently. "Relena?"
"I'm glad you're here, Duo, smart-aleck comments and all," says Relena. She moves away from Duo and quickly hugs Hilde. "I've missed you, Hilde!"
"I've missed you too, Relena!" exclaims Hilde.
Relena steps away from Hilde. She looks towards Wufei and Quatre. "Are Ania and Trowa coming as well?"
Quatre and Wufei try to look innocent.
"Why would we know?" asks Wufei.
"Duo and Hilde coming was a surprise," says Quatre smiling.
"So… when do they arrive? In the morning? Or late tonight?" asks Relena. She crosses her arms and stares into Quatre's blue eyes.
Quatre stands up. He smiles. "Tomorrow morning, Relena! I imagine you'll still be in bed."
Relena nods.
"We should head down for dinner," says Wufei.
"Yes, it should be ready by now," says Heero taking Relena's hand.
"Oh, hey! What's wrong with Sally?" asks Hilde looking back into the nursery, "I saw Noin sitting in with her."
"She's been working too hard," says Heero, "She worked herself sick."
"Just like me!" exclaims Relena clutching her stomach.
Wufei stands quickly and grabs onto Relena to support her. "You should eat and get to bed, Relena! I don't think you're as fine as you claim to be."
Relena faints, and her body collapses in Wufei's arms.
"Relena!" shrieks Hilde.
Sally appears in the doorway with her medical bag. She wears a long, loose, forest green nightgown. "Wufei! Put her on the bed! I think I know what's wrong with her."
Wufei carefully places Relena on Milliardo and Noin's bed.
Milliardo and Noin walk into the room as Sally approaches Relena.
Sally pulls out her stethoscope. She listens first to Relena's heart then she moves the stethoscope down her abdomen. She smiles as she puts the stethoscope away. She pulls out a medicine bottle and opens it.
"Sally?" asks Noin.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," says Sally pulling out a pill. She closes the bottle and drops it into the bag. She opens Relena's mouth and pushes the pill as far down her throat as she can. She massages her young friend's throat until she swallows. "She'll feel better in about a half hour. Assuming we can wake her."
"What?" asks Hilde with wide eyes.
"A bucket of water should do it," says Sally smiling as she stands up. She lifts her bag. "I'm going back to bed now."
Noin and Milliardo part so Sally can walk between them.
Hilde moves to Relena and shakes her roughly. "Wake up!"
Relena gasps and opens her eyes. "H…h…Hilde!"
Hilde releases Relena quickly, and Relena falls onto the bed.
"You are going to bed now," says Heero lifting Relena up in his arms, "I'll bring your dinner up to you." He carries Relena out of the room.
"Will you be joining us for dinner, Noin, Milliardo?" asks Quatre.
"No," says Milliardo, "We'll be having dinner up here."
"Okay! Let's go!" exclaims Duo pulling Hilde and Wufei from the room.
Quatre smiles and heads out closing the door.
Noin heads into the nursery to check on her daughters before going in to sit beside Sally. "Sally, that medicine you gave Relena…"
"Yes, Noin, it is the same medicine Sara gave me," says Sally.
"Do you think Relena is…?"
"Her illness would certainly indicate it," says Sally smiling, "She has the symptoms, plus… she is late. She asked me about that earlier today."
"Relena?" asks Noin smiling happily, "Heero works fast!"
Sally giggles.
***
The next morning, Hilde sits impatiently at the airfield. "I can't believe you're planning on all running off as soon as Trowa and Ania get here!"
"We're not all running off!" exclaims Duo, "Honestly, honey! We're leaving Ania with you! And Relena's at home!"
"Relena's stuck in bed!" exclaims Hilde.
Duo, Heero, Quatre, and Wufei stand around the bench on which Hilde sits.
"Sorry about that, Hilde," says Heero, "but it can't be helped."
"There's the shuttle!" exclaims Quatre, "Trowa and Ania should be here in a minute!" He points at the shuttle that carries his little sister and best friend.
"I'm sure you can have a good time with Ania. We have work to do," says Wufei, "It can't be helped."
Hilde sighs as the shuttle from the colonies lands.
Several people come off the shuttle before Ania and Trowa walk off carrying two bags.
"Trowa!" exclaims Quatre waving his arm in the air, "Ania!"
Trowa and Ania run towards their friends.
Ania drops her bag and falls into Quatre's arms. "Quatre!"
Quatre embraces Ania affectionately.
Hilde stands up. She smiles. "Hello, Ania!"
"Hilde! It's good to see you!" exclaims Ania moving to embrace Hilde.
Quatre and Trowa embrace quickly.
Trowa clasps hands with his other three friends. "We should be on our way."
"Why isn't Relena here?" asks Ania looking around.
"She's ill," says Duo, "but she'll be okay."
"What's wrong with her?" asks Trowa.
"The doctor hasn't gotten the test results yet," says Heero shrugging, "We don't know."
"Ania, you'll be going back to the house with Hilde," says Wufei, "We need Trowa to come with us."
Ania kisses Trowa quickly. "I'll see you there then!"
Hilde grabs the two bags and puts them in the back seat of a cherry red convertible.
Ania and Hilde hop into the convertible and drive away waving at the boys.
The five ex-pilots climb into the black sedan, and Heero drives them towards the recording studio.
"I thought our recording session wasn't until this afternoon," says Duo.
"It's not, but I want to run a few ideas by you first," says Quatre. He smiles. "I was thinking we could make two recordings of the song to go on the disk for the girls."
"What's your idea, Quatre?" asks Trowa.
"I thought one recording could have a violin and flute along with the other instruments," says Quatre, "I've hired two musicians who will meet us at the studio. The rest of my idea is a little hard to explain, so I'll just have to show you."
"The girls will love this!" exclaims Duo.
Heero pulls the car into a parking spot outside of the Sanc Kingdom's recording studio.
The five young men pile out of the car and walk into the studio.
"Mr. Winner!" exclaims the young blond receptionist; "The rest of your party is already in Studio A. Your session is going to be interrupted at noon, I'm afraid. We had to move Cecilia from Studio B due to technical problems. I hope that'll be okay."
"That will be fine. Thank you, Becky!" exclaims Quatre smiling. He leads the way to the elevator.
Everyone walks into the elevator.
"Who's Cecilia?" asks Heero.
"She's a big singer from America," says Quatre, "Her hit single After Colony Wars is currently on its twenty-first week at number one on the pop music chart in America."
"So what's she doing here?" asks Duo pushing the close door button for the elevator.
"Hey! Can you hold that elevator?" calls a woman.
Wufei sticks his hand up and pushes the elevator door back.
A brown haired girl with gray eyes and glasses runs into the elevator. She pants as she says, "Thank you!"
"So… Quatre, what's this Cecilia person doing in the Sanc Kingdom?" asks Duo as he pushes the button for the fourth floor, "What floor?"
"Four," says the teenaged girl. She sees Quatre and smiles. Then her eyes rest on Heero, and her smile widens. She turns to Duo. "To answer your question, I thought it might be best to record my new single here in the Sanc Kingdom. It's called Road to Peace. It's about Total Pacifism. I am Cecilia. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
"I'm Duo Maxwell."
"Quatre Raberba Winner."
Wufei nods politely to Cecilia. "I am Chang Wufei."
"Trowa Barton."
"Heero Yuy."
Cecilia raises her eyebrows at the last name, but she doesn't say a thing.
The doors open on the fourth floor.
"A pleasure to meet you," says Cecilia bowing in the Japanese fashion. She heads out of the elevator and runs down the hall.
The five ex-pilots head towards Studio A where they find their instruments already set up.
Two young men sit in the room holding instruments. One holds a flute to his lips, and the other holds a violin. They stand as soon as they see the others.
"Alright, Quatre. Let's see this idea of yours," says Wufei.
"Okay. Everybody play naturally, and Duo, I'll be doing some back-up singing for you. Just pretend you don't hear me and sing over me when needed," says Quatre moving to the keyboard.
"Sure, Quatre!" exclaims Duo smiling.
Everyone gets into their positions.
***
"Okay, now what is the band name?" asks the man who will be running the recording machine.
Everyone looks to Heero.
"How about Gundam Wing?" asks Heero.
"Great!" exclaims Duo.
Wufei and Trowa nod.
"The band name is Gundam Wing!" exclaims Quatre.
"Okay, we'll also be making a video recording of these two songs as well," says the man indicating the flame-haired woman with the video camera, "And the photographer will be taking pictures… in case you want to make a music video as well."
The Japanese photographer takes a group shot as the band gets ready.
The violinist and flutist stand back in the corner out of the way.
"Are you ready?" asks the man at the recording equipment.
"Let's get this started!" exclaims Heero.
The man starts the recording equipment as Wufei starts spinning his drumsticks in his hands.
Wufei hits his drumsticks together as he says, "One… two… three… four!"
Quatre starts playing the gently melody on the keyboard.
Duo starts tapping his foot in time with the music. He sings, "I've walked so long I can't remember, where was my home? The distant faces fade away. I'm always on my own. I can show a smile. It's not hard to do. I can have the strength to go on, but sometimes I wanna let go of everything."
Wufei starts his steady, rhythmic drumbeat.
Trowa strums his bass guitar.
Heero picks up the rhythm on his lead guitar.
The photographer snaps several pictures as the video recorder on the redhead's shoulder takes in the scene.
They play and sing the song as the photographer and filmmaker try to capture the scene from various angles.
"Okay! Violin! Flute! Get in there with the band! We're going to start right in with the second recording!" exclaims the man operating the recording equipment.
The two men with the instruments hurry out into the midst of the ex-pilots. They lift their instruments at the ready.
"Whenever you're ready, Wufei!" exclaims the man in the booth. He checks the recording equipment.
Wufei hits his drumsticks together and exclaims, "One… two… three… four!"
***
Sally walks into Relena's room with a glass of water and a bottle of pills. "How do you feel, Relena?"
"Like I just lost my stomach," says Relena wiping her face with a damp cloth.
"Here. Take one," says Sally, "It'll help you to feel better."
Relena slowly walks up to Sally. She takes the glass and takes a sip of water.
Sally opens the bottle and gives Relena one of the pills.
Relena puts the pill in her mouth and takes a drink of water. She swallows the pill and finishes her glass of water. "What are these pills?"
"Actually? They're morning sickness pills. We give them to expectant mothers. It helps with their morning sickness but is mild enough it doesn't hurt their babies," says Sally.
"But I'm not pregnant," says Relena.
"You do have the symptoms of morning sickness though, and the pills will help you. It's all I have with me right now," says Sally taking the glass from Relena, "Now take a nap. Once you wake, you should feel better. Then you can see Ania."
"Ania's here?"
"She's helping Hilde and Noin feed the twins," says Sally, "You can see her in a little bit. I'll go call Sara to see if she has your test results."
"Thank you, Sally," says Relena. She moves to her bed and lies down.
Sally heads out of Relena's room. She hurries downstairs to the living room. She lifts the phone and quickly dials a number.
Proctor here.
"Sara?" asks Sally into the phone, "It's Sally! Have you gotten Relena's test results back?"
Actually I have. I'll be pulling into your driveway in about five minutes. I think you should make the announcement, Sally, says Sara on the other end of the line, Relena is pregnant!
"I thought as much," says Sally, "I've started giving her the morning sickness pills."
Sara's laugh is carried across the phone line. Mind reader!
Sally laughs. "I'll see you when you get here!"
Sally listens as the line goes dead then she hangs up the phone. She walks out to wait on the steps for Sara's car.
A blue sedan pulls up and parks in front of the steps.
A handsome dark haired man smiles and waves at Sally from the driver's seat.
Sara climbs out of the passenger side and carries a manila envelope towards Sally. She wears a pink T-shirt depicting two quite attractive but angry anime characters above the words Dragonball Z. She wears pale blue low-rider denim Capris that accentuate her long legs and pink sneakers. On the back of her dark blue denim jacket is a large Manga logo. She wears bright pink sunglasses with darkly tinted lenses. Her short blond hair is pinned to her head with small pink rose clips. She smiles at Sally.
"Sara! You sure look different!" exclaims Sally, "You're normally dressed more conservatively!"
"Yeah, well. I got the day off, so Chris and I are going for a picnic!" exclaims Sara, "It seems like forever since I've been able to go on a date with my husband!"
"He's cute," says Sally smiling as she looks at the man in the car.
Sara looks back at her husband lovingly. "He is…"
"Well, you better give me the file so you can go off with him!" exclaims Sally.
Sara gives the envelope to Sally. "Everything's in there! I'll see you later, Sally!"
"Have fun, Sara!" exclaims Sally.
Sara runs around the car and climbs in beside her husband. She slides up close beside him as he drives the car away.
Sally takes the file inside to the room she has transformed into her home office. She sits down at her oak desk and pulls the papers from the envelope. She reads through them all.
***
The five ex-Gundam pilots return to the Peacecraft Manor just barely in time for dinner.
"I can't believe we have to wait until Tuesday morning to get the discs for the girls!" exclaims Duo frustrated.
"Well, we do," says Wufei.
"I was hoping to give it to them on Monday night," says Heero, "but it can't be helped."
"Why was there a photographer and a video recorder there?" asks Trowa.
"In case we decide to release it as a single. They can use that video to make a music video," says Quatre, "I think it was the idea of Cecilia's manager. He seemed really interested in our band."
The five young men enter the house and head to the dining room. They walk in slowly, trying not to attract attention to themselves.
"There they are!" exclaims Hilde, "You're late! We were just about to start without you!"
"We're sorry, Hilde. Our business ran a little long! We didn't mean to be late!" exclaims Duo walking up to Hilde. He kisses her quickly and takes his seat beside her.
"How are you feeling, Relena?" asks Heero moving up to his wife and wrapping his arms around her.
"Besides being extremely hungry, I'm fine, Heero!" exclaims Relena, "Can we eat now?"
"Absolutely!" exclaims Heero smiling at Relena.
Everyone takes their seats, and Relena rings the bell for dinner to be served.
"Relena, Heero. I would like to see you both in my office after dinner," says Sally.
Heero and Relena nod as Pagan and Tori bring in the carts with dinner.
***
Sally sits down on top of her desk and lifts a manila file folder. "Please sit down."
"I'll stand," says Heero.
Relena sits down on the edge of a comfortable chair. "What is it, Sally?"
"I have the results of your tests, Relena," says Sally.
"What's wrong with her?" asks Heero quickly.
"Nothing," says Sally smiling. She opens the file folder.
"Then why have I been sick?" asks Relena.
"Relena, you're pregnant," says Sally, "You're going to have a baby. Congratulations, Heero! You're going to be a father!"
"Father?" asks Heero numbly. His eyes roll back in his head, and he falls.
"Heero!" exclaims Relena standing up and holding out her arms. She steps forward just in time to catch her husband. She drops down to her knees with Heero in her arms and lets his head rest against her chest. "Heero."
Sally's jaw drops. She giggles before she bursts out laughing. "He fainted!"
"Sally! This isn't funny!" exclaims Relena giggling. She holds Heero to her.
"Okay, you're right, Relena," says Sally trying to control her laughing. She jumps off her desk and gets her medical bag. She pulls out a small vial of smelling salts. She walks over and kneels beside Relena.
"Oh, I remember that bottle!" exclaims Relena crinkling her nose.
"It works," says Sally opening the vial. She wafts the scent of the salts beneath Heero's nose. "Wake up, Sleeping Beauty!"
"Heero!" exclaims Relena, "I love you!"
Heero opens his eyes and looks at where he is. He smiles and extends his hand up to touch Relena's collarbone and slides his fingers down her chest. "Relena, I love you!"
"Heero!" exclaims Relena blushing at his touch, "This is not the time!"
"Let's make it the time!" exclaims Heero moving to kiss Relena.
"I'll leave you alone," says Sally closing the vial. She walks out the door and closes it behind her.
Heero kisses Relena again.
Relena looks around the room and smiles. "Alright, Heero, but let's make this quick! All our friends are here, and I'd like to spend some time with them! We can do this right tonight!"
"You are wonderful, Relena!" exclaims Heero quickly pulling off her pants and underwear. He kisses her repeatedly as she lies down on the floor. "I love you!"
"I love you, Heero!" exclaims Relena watching him pull off his own pants and his boxer briefs. She grabs him and pulls him down to her.
***
Relena and Heero walk into the living room where all their friends sit playing a board game.
Ania sees them first. "Relena? Are you all right? You almost look like you're glowing!"
"Oh, I am, Ania!" exclaims Relena happily.
"We actually have an announcement to make," says Heero.
Wufei leans back in his chair as all faces turn towards Relena and Heero. "What is it, Heero?"
Heero takes Relena's right hand with his own right hand, and he wraps his left arm around her back. "Do you want to tell them, Relena? Or should I?"
Relena smiles at Heero. "Sally has discovered why I've been sick recently."
"Relena's pregnant," says Heero pulling her closer to him.
"Really?" shrieks Hilde jumping up. She accidentally knocks the board game to the floor in her rush to hug Relena and Heero.
"Hey, hey, hey! Daddy Heero!" exclaims Duo laughing.
"Laugh all you want, Duo. I could not be happier!" exclaims Heero.
"Congratulations, Heero," says Trowa.
"Yes. This is wonderful!" exclaims Quatre.
"Now! Should we start our game over since Hilde made a mess of it?" asks Sally happily.
Hilde releases Relena and Heero. She shies away as she looks at the others. "Sorry!"
"Don't worry about it!" exclaims Trowa.
"Relena, Heero! Join us for a game!" exclaims Wufei.
Everyone gathers around the board and starts to set it up again.
***
Everyone at Peacecraft Manor rejoices and celebrates life. For the next few days, nothing could upset them.
Relena, Hilde, and Ania sit together in the living room playing scrabble while the five ex-Gundam pilots head to the recording studio to get the discs for the girls.
The pretty brunette singer, Cecilia, meets them outside the recording studio.
"Hello, Cecilia. Still working on your song?" asks Quatre.
"Yes! I am singing it right, but the violin section keeps messing up!" exclaims Cecilia leaning against the door. "I'm about ready to give up on this song!"
"You're fired!" screams Cecilia's manager from within the sound booth.
Cecilia jumps away from the door and stumbles into Heero's arms as the door swings open.
A man carrying a violin storms away.
"Okay! I think I just lost my violin!" exclaims Cecilia. She smiles at Heero and steps away from him. "I'm sorry, Heero."
"I could try to play it for you," says Quatre.
"Would you? Quatre, that would be great!" Cecilia hugs Quatre quickly. She turns to her manager. "Get Quatre a violin!"
The elder man moves to a stand on the wall where several musical instruments hang. He lifts a violin and a bow, and he passes them to Quatre.
Quatre quickly tunes the violin, and he walks into the soundstage with Cecilia.
Cecilia sets up the musical sheets for Quatre and smiles as she moves up to the microphone.
"Whenever you're ready, Quatre, you can lead off!" calls the man at the recording equipment.
The other four ex-pilots watch through the glass siding.
Quatre smiles at Wufei before turning his full attention to the music sheets. He starts to play the ballad on his violin.
"Total pacifism is just the start," says Cecilia into her microphone.
The drums start their slow beat.
"The road to peace is worth every step," says Cecilia.
The lead guitar and bass guitars start to play softly.
"We have no need of weapons," says Cecilia.
The keyboard and a clarinet send their sounds out to join the other instruments.
"We can have peace instead of war!" exclaims Cecilia. She looks back at the band. She starts to sing, "I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace. I've said hello and I'll say good-bye to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"
The music continues to play, but Cecilia stops singing.
"That was your cue, Cecilia!" exclaims her manager.
"Cut!" exclaims Cecilia, "This is so not working for me!" She runs her hand through her chin-length hair.
"Am I playing it wrong?" asks Quatre lowering the violin.
"Oh, no! It's not you, Quatre!" exclaims Cecilia spinning around with a wide grin, "I just had a brilliant idea!" She runs out of the sound box and grabs Trowa and Wufei's hands. She pulls them back in.
"Cecilia! No! What do you think you're doing? I'm your manager, and I haven't signed off on a shared project!" screams Cecilia's manager.
Cecilia stops in her tracks. She releases Wufei and Trowa and spins on her heels. She waves her right hand in front of her face. When she moves her hand away, her smile has been replaced by an expression of steel. "You will do only as I command! I need no one!"
"Okay! Okay, Cecilia! Have it your way!" exclaims her manager raising his arms in surrender.
Cecilia waves her left hand in front of her face, and her huge smile returns. She turns back to Trowa and Wufei. "Wufei, will you take over on the drums please?"
"Come on, Wufei! This might be fun!" exclaims Trowa, "Would it be possible for me to play the flute?"
"Clarinet! You're out! Someone get the G-boy a flute!" exclaims Cecilia happily.
Wufei takes his seat at the drums as the former drummer and clarinet player leave.
"Heero! Duo! I could use you boys too!" exclaims Cecilia.
The manager passes a flute to Heero before he follows Duo in.
"Duo? Can you play?" asks Cecilia.
"Sorry. I just sing!" exclaims Duo.
Heero passes the flute to Trowa.
"Okay! Heero, you replace the lead guitar. I'll replace the bass guitar! Now here's the plan!" exclaims Cecilia giggling, "Duo, you'll sing with me on the chorus! Trowa, Quatre, you two will play normally throughout the entire song. But Heero, Wufei, and I are going to play according to the music sheets for the verses, and we're going to rock the chorus line a little more!"
"I think we can manage that," says Heero taking the lead guitar.
Cecilia takes the bass guitar and watches the two people leave as Heero starts playing a loud, fast music adding several notes to those already printed on the music sheet in front of him. She quickly starts to play, matching the music from the lead guitar.
Wufei strikes up a beat on the drums to complement the rock music.
"Hey! I could get into this music!" exclaims Duo.
The group practices for a few minutes before they stop playing.
"Okay, Cecilia, Gundam Wing! We're all set up to record when you are!" exclaims the man beside the recording equipment.
"Quatre! Lead off!" exclaims Cecilia happily.
Quatre starts to play the ballad on his violin.
"Total pacifism is just the start," says Cecilia into her microphone.
Wufei starts his slow, steady drumbeat.
"The road to peace is worth every step," says Cecilia.
Heero begins to play the lead guitar as Cecilia starts up on the bass guitar.
"We have no need of weapons," says Cecilia.
The keyboard starts to play softly as Trowa lifts the flute and starts to play.
"We can have peace instead of war!" exclaims Cecilia.
Heero, Wufei, and Cecilia start to turn the music into a livelier beat.
"I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace," sing Duo and Cecilia together into their microphones, "I've said hello and I'll say good-bye to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"
The music mellows down to the soft beat that would be expected of a ballad.
"I follow the ways of peace. I won't fight this war anymore. I follow the road to peace. There's no reason to fight again," sings Cecilia softly, "The Sanc Kingdom leads the way in honor of the Peacecraft name with hopes of a brighter day all along on our road to peace."
Heero smiles as the beat picks up.
Duo moves over to Cecilia.
Duo and Cecilia sing together sharing a microphone, "I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace. I've said hello and I'll say good-bye to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"
Cecilia pulls Duo away from the microphone and quickly whispers something into his ear as the music changes back to the soft beat.
Duo nods, and Cecilia steps up to the microphone.
"We follow the road to peace. Five Gundams fight to save the world hoping that we can find peace. There's one that will destroy them all. There's one to save everything and that is the way of our world. The dove will fly under wing all along on our road to peace," sings Cecilia smiling. She steps aside as the beat picks up.
Duo steps up beside Cecilia and sees the lyrics sheet. She grins.
"I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace," sing Duo and Cecilia together into their microphones, "I've said hello and I'll say good-bye to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"
The music slows down again.
"Yes Heero, oh my Heero," sings Cecilia. Her cheeks start turning pink.
"Did you die with your Gundam boy?" sings Duo.
"Yes Heero, oh my Heero," sings Cecilia.
"Whatever will happen to you?" sings Duo smiling at the shocked expression on Heero's face.
"Oh Trowa, oh my Trowa," sings Cecilia winking at the cute boy playing the flute.
"Would you get your Gundam right now?" sings Duo.
"Oh Trowa, oh my Trowa," sings Cecilia.
"Will you come on this road to peace?" sings Duo.
Wufei pounds heavily on his drums as the rock beat starts.
Duo and Cecilia lean close together as they sing, "I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace. I've said hello and I'll say good-bye to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"
The music slows back down to the gentle tune of the ballad this song was supposed to be.
"Quatre boy, oh my Quatre," sings Cecilia as her hands move across her guitar strings.
Duo gives Quatre a thumbs up as he sings, "Your Gundam helped you fight for peace."
Cecilia's cheeks remain pink as she blushes. She sings happily, "Quatre boy, oh my Quatre."
"Do you think it can help us now?" sings Duo.
"Hey Wufei, oh my Wufei," sings Cecilia.
"You never would refuse a fight," sings Duo.
Wufei glares at Cecilia and Duo.
"Hey Wufei, oh my Wufei," sings Cecilia.
"Will you follow this road to peace?" sings Duo.
Heero's guitar squeals as he picks up the beat.
"I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace. I've said hello and I'll say good-bye," sing Cecilia and Duo, "to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"
Cecilia bumps Duo away from the microphone with her hip. She smiles and winks as the music slows. She sings, "Hey Duo, yeah my Duo! How could you hide a Gundam here? Hey Duo, yeah my Duo! Will you ever stop this fighting?"
Cecilia moves away from the microphone.
Duo steps up and sings, "Cecilia, oh Cecilia. Do you want to pilot it now? Cecilia, my Cecilia. Do you follow our road to peace?"
The music picks up again into a lively beat.
"I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace," sing Duo and Cecilia, "I've said hello and I'll say good-bye to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"
The music fades back into its slow ballad as Cecilia quits playing the bass guitar.
"We can have peace instead of war," says Duo.
"On this road to peace," adds Cecilia.
Trowa stops playing his flute and moves up to Cecilia and Duo. "We have no need of weapons."
"On this road to peace," says Duo.
"Road to peace," whispers Cecilia into the microphone.
Heero lets the last chord fade on his lead guitar as he moves up to the others. He looks at the paper. "The road to peace is worth every step."
"The road to peace," says Trowa.
Wufei and Quatre quit playing and move up to their friends.
"Total pacifism is just the start," says Quatre.
"On this road to peace," says Wufei.
"Road to peace," says Heero.
"On this road to peace," whispers Cecilia as the keyboard plays the last few notes.
The man in the recording booth nods to let them know he's stopped the recording.
"That was great!" exclaims Cecilia happily.
"Who wrote that song?" asks Heero.
"I did," says Cecilia with a straight face, "I learned a lot during the After Colony Wars, including a lot of information about the five pilots of the Gundams. Heero Yuy, pilot of Wing Zero. Since your band is named Gundam Wing, people will think we're just pretending to be Gundam pilots. After all, no one has ever seen me in one."
Heero nods.
"We should get our discs and leave," says Wufei. He turns to Cecilia. "This was fun."
Cecilia smiles and nods.
Everyone walks out of the sound booth.
The man comes out of the equipment room with a small box. He smiles and passes the box to Duo. "We would really like to release that as a single. We think that song could be big!"
The five ex-pilots look at each other.
"We'd like that too!" exclaims Quatre smiling.
Duo pulls one of the disc cases out of the box. "Hey, check this out!"
Everyone looks at the picture on the case. The words "Gundam Wing" line the bottom in bold large print.
"And I'll be their manager," says Cecilia, "So I'll handle everything! Since my last three albums went multi-platinum and I don't need money, I'll even waiver the ten percent managers usually get, and I'll work for free!"
"Uh… thanks, Cecilia," says Trowa as the five boys stare at the picture of themselves.
"We have to go though," says Wufei, "Our family is expecting us!"
"I'll be in touch, Prince Heero," says Cecilia bowing as is a customary gesture for when a man greets royalty, "Or should I call you, Your Highness?"
"Heero's fine." The dark brown haired former pilot of Gundam Wing Zero leads the way out.
The five former Gundam pilots get into the car and return home. They meet up with Relena, Hilde, Ania, and Sally in the living room.
"Merry Christmas!" exclaims Duo smiling as he hides the box behind his back.
"Duo, honey, Christmas is still months away!" exclaims Hilde.
"Well then, why did we bring presents?" asks Duo.
"Presents!" exclaims Ania standing, "What are you talking about, Duo?"
Heero takes one of the CD cases from the box behind Duo's back and he walks towards Relena.
Relena stands up and smiles. "Heero…"
"Relena…" Heero kisses Relena passionately while he slips the CD case into her hand.
Relena looks at the CD case, and her jaw drops. She sees Heero standing in the front and to the left holding the guitar.
Quatre takes the box from Duo. He gives Duo, Trowa, and Wufei copies of the single and stands back smiling.
In the picture, Heero's blue jeans are mostly hidden behind his guitar. He wears a black leather vest that's left unbuttoned to reveal his nicely muscled chest. On his hands, he wears black leather palm gloves that leave his fingers free to move. The tan guitar strap is mostly hidden by the slight tilt of his body. He wears a necklace that hangs down over his heart, but the charm isn't clear enough to identify. His dark brown hair is just as unruly as it always is, and his Prussian blue eyes look towards Duo who has his arm thrown over his shoulders.
Duo passes the CD to Hilde and kisses her quickly.
Hilde looks at the picture excitedly. Her eyes shoot straight to Duo's image.
In the picture, Duo, with his arm over Heero's shoulders, wears a pink long sleeved shirt that hangs off his shoulders to reveal his bare chest. He holds a microphone up to his open mouth. His long chestnut braid hangs over his shoulder, and his blue eyes sparkle.
"Oh, wow! Duo! You look so hot like this!" exclaims Hilde kissing Duo long and hard.
Trowa walks up to Ania and passes the CD to her. He wraps his arms around her as she looks at the picture.
In the picture, Trowa stands to the right and back of Duo wearing a long sleeved green dress shirt. The shirt is left unbuttoned to show his well-defined chest. He holds in his hands the bass guitar, and the black strap crosses his chest to secure it. He has his head held high, and his brown hair hangs in its usual fashion to cover his left eye. His right eyelid is closed over his normally stunning green eye.
In the picture, Quatre stands behind his keyboard to the right of Trowa. He wears a light blue long sleeved shirt with a ruffled collar and cuffs. His shirt is left unbuttoned to show his bare skin. His blond hair and blue eyes both shine in the light.
Wufei passes the CD case to Sally and smiles. "I hope you aren't expecting a kiss."
Sally laughs, and she looks at the picture.
In the picture, above and behind Trowa and Quatre, on a platform sitting behind his drums is Wufei with his drumsticks held up high. His chest is completely bare, and the only things visible that he wears are his black wristbands. His hair is slicked back and tied at the base of his neck.
Relena moves over to the stereo and turns it on. She opens the case. "Hey! Look at the CD!"
The girls open their cases.
Quatre pulls out an extra copy and opens it. He looks at the back of the cover sheet and sees five headshots with their first names written beside them. Then he looks at the CD itself and sees the same headshots with the words "Gundam Wing". He lifts the CD out and sees a solid blue background behind it. He places the disc back in and closes the case. He turns it over to look at the back. He smiles. He reads the words aloud. "Track one. You're Not Alone. Track two. Heero's Song – You're Not Alone pop mix."
Relena puts the CD in the stereo and presses the play button.
Everyone listens to the first song in awe.
"Relena, would you like to dance?" asks Heero holding out his hand to her.
Relena takes Heero's hand and lets him pull her into his arms
"Me too!" exclaims Hilde looking pleadingly at Duo.
Duo chuckles and pulls Hilde to him after she sets her CD on the coffee table.
"Me too?" asks Trowa taking the CD from Ania and putting it on the coffee table.
Ania smiles and moves away from the coffee table with Trowa. She kisses his lips quickly. "Thank you."
Quatre and Wufei quickly move to sit beside Sally as the soft melody of a flute and violin begins.
The three couples start to dance.
The soft keyboard playing joins the gentle melody.
Quatre's voice exclaims, "Duo!"
Duo's voice sings out clearly. He gently starts tapping his foot in time with the music. He sings, "I've walked so long I can't remember, where was my home? The distant faces fade away. I'm always on my own. I can show a smile. It's not hard to do. I can have the strength to go on, but sometimes I wanna let go of everything."
The rhythm of the drums and the two guitars join the melody of the keyboard, violin, and flute.
"You're not alone. Not alone. Alone. You're not alone," sings Quatre. He exclaims, "Heero!"
"When thoughtfulness is not their game, I teach by giving love. High mountains seem higher endlessly when they're pebbles at your feet," sings Duo, "And if you should still fall into despair, there is one thing left to believe. I lie in your heart always."
"You're not alone. Not alone," sings Quatre, "Alone. You're not alone."
"Nothing is braver than honesty. My life is your faith in me!" exclaim Heero, Trowa, and Wufei almost as one.
"You're not alone," sings Quatre before exclaiming, "Trowa!"
"I'll be there when you need. You don't have to hide from me what you are feeling now. I fill your soul," sings Duo.
"You're not alone," sings Quatre.
"We will seek together destiny. Troubles have an end," sings Duo, "We will carry on hand in hand. You're not alone."
"You're not alone. Not alone. Alone. You're not alone," sings Quatre. He exclaims, "Wufei!"
"People searching desperately outside themselves, caught up in thinking of what never helped. And I'd forgotten too that love exists inside me as in those I wanted from. I feel you now!" sings Duo.
"You're not alone," sings Quatre before exclaiming, "Quatre!"
"I'll be there," sings Duo.
"I'll be there," sing Heero and Quatre.
"When you need. We will live together," sings Duo.
"Live together," sings Quatre.
"Nothing is in our way," sings Duo.
"Nothing is in our way," sing Quatre and Heero at the same time as Duo sings, "With trust in our soul."
"You're not alone," sings Quatre.
"We will seek together destiny," sings Duo.
"Destiny," sings Quatre.
"Troubles have an end. We will carry on hand in hand," sings Duo, "We won't forget we have each other."
The music from the drums ends, and the lead and bass guitars allow their notes to fade.
"Daite," sings Quatre.
"Love is in the hearts of all men," sing Duo, Heero, Quatre, Trowa, and Wufei, "You're not alone."
"You're not alone," sings Quatre.
The music from the keyboard, violin, and flute fades.
Relena kisses Heero as the CD stops.
Ania relaxes in Trowa's arms. She smiles at Quatre. "That was beautiful, brother. You sing very well."
"Not when I'm being compared to you, Ania," says Quatre with a smile.
"My angel," says Trowa kissing Ania's forehead.
Ania kisses Trowa's lips.
"Let's play it again!" exclaims Hilde. She hurries to the stereo and pushes the play button again.
Sally laughs. She stands with her CD in her hands. "Thank you for the gift! I'll cherish it always!"
"We also sing a song with Cecilia," says Quatre, "The singer from America. She was here recording a few songs."
"Well, I'll have to get a copy of that song too!" exclaims Sally, "I'm going to check on the twins!" She waves as she walks out of the room.
"Cecilia may call so we can do a music video together," says Duo.
"Oh? Well, we'll see if I'll allow it!" exclaims Hilde joking.
Relena looks around at her friends and smiles. She's never been happier.