You Are Not Alone

by Hideki LaShae

After Endless Waltz, Relena seeks out Heero and the other Gundam pilots at Milliardo's request. Their new mission, if they accept it, will be as the new security team for the Peacecraft family.

6. Life Alone

Disclaimer: All Gundam Wing characters and references belong to their respective owners. The song There'll Never Be Good-Bye, from the movie Metropolis, belongs to Minako Obata and the 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 Nikki G. and Ardelle M. who are the combined inspiration for the character Nikki Moulzolf. Also dedicated to the loving couple.

Life Alone

By

Hideki LaShae

Since the births of Reiya and Nariya Peacecraft three years ago, Relena and Heero Yuy have brought a son into the world, Thomas Xavier Yuy who is now just over two years old. Hilde and Duo Maxwell also have a son, a year old named Jason Maxwell. And about a year ago, Ania Winner, the beloved Angel of Trowa Barton, passed away of a brain tumor while pregnant. Their daughter, Grace Aria Barton, was born a month early due to her mother's untimely death. Trowa, in a state of grief that was too difficult to bear, left Grace to be watched over by Relena Yuy and Quatre Winner at the Peacecraft Manor, and he ran away. Trowa hasn't been heard from since.

***

Cold and heartless walls and never ending sighs

When you hold me close, were gone…

Quatre Raberba Winner and Chang Wufei return to the Peacecraft Manor from a late dinner. They head immediately for the nursery where they find the beautiful infant girl, Grace, fast asleep.

Quatre used to be the pilot of the Gundam Sandrock during the After Colony Wars, but the war is over now and his Sandrock's been destroyed. His blond hair is neat and tidy. He looks at the pretty blond girl and knows she'll grow up to be just like her mother. A tear escapes from his gentle, sapphire blue eyes. "I miss Ania and Trowa."

"I know, Little One," says Wufei wrapping his arms around Quatre, "but one day, Trowa will return to us." He used to be the pilot of the Shenlong Gundam, his pride and joy Nataku. Destroying Nataku was the hardest thing he ever did. His black hair is slicked back and tied at the base of his neck. He rests his head on Quatre's and closes his slanted black eyes. "Trowa will return one day."

Relena Yuy walks into the nursery from the adjoining room. Her golden blond hair falls loosely past her shoulders, and her blue eyes twinkle in the dim light. She smiles and rubs her protruding belly. "She's beautiful."

Wufei and Quatre turn to look at Relena and smile at her.

"Quatre, don't worry about Grace for tonight. Thomas isn't feeling well, so I'll be staying up all night with him. Besides, this little one's rather restless," says Relena approaching the crib and rubbing her belly, "A few more weeks… I'll take care of Grace since I'll be up anyway. I think you two need to spend some quality personal time together." She winks at them.

"Thank you, Relena," says Wufei smiling. He embraces her quickly and carefully, trying not to disturb the baby inside her.

Quatre embraces Relena before allowing Wufei to pull him from the room.

Quatre and Wufei walk out into the garden to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the coolness of the night.

Quatre wraps his arms around Wufei and kisses him.

"I love you, Quatre," says Wufei holding his blond friend.

"Wufei, will you marry me?" asks Quatre, "I love you so very much."

"Marry?" asks Wufei moving out of Quatre's arms, "I don't want to lose you, Quatre!"

"I don't want to lose you either, Wufei, but I'm afraid I don't see where that has anything to do with us getting married," says Quatre completely confused.

"Sit down. I'll explain if I can," says Wufei. He motions to an iron bench.

Quatre sits down on the bench.

Wufei sits down as far from Quatre as he can get on the bench. He takes a long breath and begins his story. "Traditionally, the heirs of the Long Clan wed at age fourteen. I was to be the husband of Long Meilan. We were married…"

"Wufei, I never knew you had been married," says Quatre a little hurt by his lover's confession, "I always thought I was your first partner."

"Sexually you were, Quatre," says Wufei, "I never had intercourse with my wife."

"But you were married!"

"She had not yet accepted me as her husband. She didn't feel that I was strong enough… that I was worthy to be her husband," explains Wufei hanging his head sadly, "So we never slept together. She called herself Nataku."

"Nataku? Isn't that the name of your Gundam?" asks Quatre.

Wufei shakes his head. "I named it Shenlong because I thought Nataku was too weak. I did call my Gundam Nataku though."

"Why?" Quatre stares at Wufei with concerned eyes. He's never seen this side of his lover before.

"Oz and the Alliance tried to destroy all life on our colony. Nataku died to protect my Gundam, and her spirit became a part of the Shenlong Gundam… That's why I called it Nataku, because my wife was a part of it," says Wufei, "I loved her, Quatre. She was the first person I ever loved, and I lost her. She died for me…"

"Wufei…"

"She died to protect me, the Gundam, and a field of flowers!" exclaims Wufei looking at Quatre with tear filled eyes, "I've never loved a woman since Nataku. I don't want to lose you, Quatre!"

Quatre slides close to Wufei and rests his head on his love's shoulder. "We don't need to get married, Wufei. We can keep things just the way they are. You won't lose me."

"Quatre?"

"Yes, Wufei."

"Let's go to bed. I'll show you how much I love you." Wufei pulls Quatre into a passionate kiss.

Quatre smiles. "Yes, Wufei."

Quatre and Wufei stand. They hold each other's hand as they hurry up to the room they now share. They shed their clothing carelessly. They don't even make it to the bed before their hands and lips are all over each other's bodies… caressing, kissing, exciting each other. They fall onto the bed together to begin their night of mutual ecstasy.

Burning orange light slowly melt into the sky

Sparkles in your eyes aglow…

Relena stands on the balcony watching the sunrise. She doesn't pay any attention as her husband walks out to join her.

"You're up early, Relena," says Heero Yuy, former pilot of Gundam Wing Zero. He wraps his arms around Relena's chest.

Relena looks over her shoulder at Heero's unruly dark brown hair and Prussian blue eyes. She smiles. "I couldn't sleep. Our baby was kicking almost constantly. Thomas had a stomach ache, so I told Quatre I would watch Grace."

"So that he could have a night alone with Wufei?" asks Heero kissing Relena lovingly.

"I think he really needed it," says Relena nodding, "They haven't had an entire night to themselves since Grace came home from the hospital."

Heero and Relena stand together for a moment just staring out at the sky.

"Milliardo told me about the important meeting that came up. Are you going with him, Heero?" asks Relena turning around in his arms. She looks into his eyes.

"He's ordered me to stay and protect the Sanc Princess," says Heero, "as well as his own wife and upcoming child. Wufei will be going with him, along with some of our best men. I get to stay here with you, Sally, and Noin."

"Poor Heero, staying with two pregnant women!" exclaims Relena giggling. She kisses Heero.

"I don't mind you being pregnant as long as I can still hold and kiss you," says Heero caressing Relena's face.

Relena shivers.

"Let's go in. I'll check on the kids. You get some sleep, Relena," says Heero escorting his wife into their bedroom. He closes and locks the balcony doors. He draws the curtains closed as Relena slowly crawls into bed.

"Relena…"

"Heero…"

"I love you, Relena. I will always protect you," says Heero turning towards her.

"I love you too, Heero, but I'd like to wait a good while before we have another child!" exclaims Relena, "I think seven years would be good!"

Heero chuckles. "We can discuss having more children after we have this one! We may even decide not to have anymore!"

"Hmm… I don't know. I have a feeling that this child is a boy, and I would very much like to give you a daughter as well as a son," says Relena rubbing her belly, "An angel of your own."

Heero moves up beside the bed where Relena lies, and he kisses her forehead. "I will only want a daughter if she is as beautiful as you, Relena, and you are very beautiful to me."

"Not as beautiful as you are to me, my Heero," says Relena holding Heero's hand. She smiles. "You should go to Grace. She's probably hungry by now, and Thomas will wake up soon for his breakfast."

"Rest now, Relena, my love, my wife. I'll take care of everything. If I can handle a Gundam in battle, I'm sure I can handle two kids for a few hours," says Heero.

Relena giggles. "Two completely different playing fields, Heero!"

Heero touches Relena's face before walking to the door. He turns towards her. "I'll protect you, Relena. I love you."

"I'll protect you too, Heero. I love you!"

Heero walks out of the bedroom and closes the door.

You are in my heart…

Wufei reaches over to the nightstand and pounds on the alarm clock until it quits beeping. He slides closer to Quatre and cuddles up to him.

"Wufei? What time is it?" whispers Quatre groggily.

"No clue," whispers Wufei.

"Wasn't that the alarm I heard?" whispers Quatre.

"No. Go back to sleep, Quatre," whispers Wufei burying his face in Quatre's neck.

"No. I heard the alarm go off. I know I did," whispers Quatre.

Wufei kisses Quatre's neck repeatedly. "I don't care."

"But you're going on an urgent trip with Milliardo," says Quatre squirming out of Wufei's arms. He sits up and looks at the alarm clock. "Wufei, you are far too rough on our clocks. We'll be needing a new one… again."

Wufei stretches out on his back with his arm beneath his head. He smiles and says, "I'm sorry, Quatre."

Quatre reaches over Wufei and grabs his gold wristwatch from the nightstand. He looks at the time. "Uh, Wufei. We really slept in. It's almost eleven thirty!"

"It's because we stayed up all last night," says Wufei pulling Quatre down on top of him and kissing him.

"You need to get ready! Your plane leaves at two!" exclaims Quatre sliding off Wufei and sitting up.

Wufei sighs and gets out of bed. He walks into the bathroom for a shower and a quick change.

Quatre gets out of bed and throws on some clothes. He walks to the bathroom door and opens it. "Wufei! I'm going to check on Grace!"

"I'll catch you before I leave, love!" exclaims Wufei.

"Alright!" exclaims Quatre. He closes the door and heads out of the room. He hurries to the nursery where he finds young Thomas playing with a model Gundam toy on the floor. "Hello, Thomas. How are you today?"

"Goody! Uncle Cat play?" asks Thomas. His unruly dark brown hair looks just like his father's, and his eyes as he stares at Quatre are the same Prussian blue.

"Where's Daddy?" asks Quatre.

"I'm over here, Quatre," says Heero from his seat nearly hidden beside the window. He holds Grace delicately in his arms. "She's already eaten, and I've changed her. She's doing well."

"Thank you, Heero," says Quatre walking up to his friend. He looks down at the daughter of his most beloved sister. His eyes start to fill with tears. "Heero, why couldn't he ask for help? We both lost someone. We could have helped each other. Why couldn't he ask for help?"

Heero stands up and places Grace in the crib for her nap. He pulls Quatre into a brotherly hug as the tears start to fall from the gentle blue eyes. "I don't know, Quatre. Trowa lost his entire life when Ania died. His whole world revolved around her. I have a small idea that I know what he's feeling. I almost lost my life. I'd probably feel exactly like he does if I ever lost Relena."

Quatre just cries on Heero's shoulders for several minutes. "I want them back! I want them both back!"

"Ania can't come back, Quatre! Ania can't come back!" exclaims Heero holding on tightly to his blond friend.

"I know… I know, Heero! Ania can't come back," says Quatre wiping his eyes on the collar of Heero's cream-colored shirt, "but Trowa could!"

"Trowa will! When he's ready, Trowa will come back to us!" exclaims Heero.

Quatre takes a step back out of Heero's arms, and he wipes his eyes. "I miss them."

"I miss them too," says Heero, "Ania was one of the most wonderful women I've ever known, and Trowa is one of my best friends. We all miss them."

Quatre moves to the crib and looks in at Grace.

Heero moves up beside Quatre. "She'll have the grace of an angel someday."

"She'll have the grace of our Angel."

Heero smiles at Quatre. "And men will be lining up around the corner to love her."

"She only needs one," says Quatre.

As if right on cue, Thomas runs up to Heero with outstretched arms. "Daddy!"

Heero lifts his son and ruffles the boy's unruly brown hair. He holds Thomas so that they can both look in at Grace.

"Daddy? When's lunch?" asks Thomas smiling.

Quatre looks at his watch. "It's almost noon, Heero. Shouldn't the nanny be here by now?"

"It's her day off," says Heero smiling at Quatre, "The kids are all ours today!"

Quatre smiles.

"Bring Grace downstairs. I'll get our lunch and meet you in the living room. We can listen to the CD," says Heero, "Gundam Wing."

"Only if we can watch the music video to Road to Peace afterwards!" exclaims Quatre smiling, "And we'll think about watching the video to You're Not Alone!"

"Deal!" exclaims Heero, "I'll see you downstairs!"

"Downstairs then," says Quatre with a nod.

Heero carries Thomas out of the room.

Quatre sees the Gundam toy on the floor. He lifts it and sets it on the toy box. Then he moves to lift Grace gently so as not to awaken her, and he carries her out of the nursery.

Quatre walks down the stairs and enters the living room with Grace sleeping peacefully. He sets his niece down in the playpen to sleep, and he sits down in the chair beside her.

Heero wheels a cart into the living room with Thomas jogging along behind him. "We have tuna salad sandwiches and potato soup."

Quatre's stomach growls loudly.

Heero passes a bowl of soup to Quatre. He chuckles. "Here. I think you need this!"

Quatre smiles and grabs a spoon. "Thanks, Heero."

Heero sets a bowl of soup and a plate with a half sandwich down on the coffee table in front of the couch. "Come on, Thomas. Sit down here and eat."

Thomas sits down on the floor and takes up his sandwich.

Quatre starts to eat hungrily as Heero moves over to the stereo.

Heero turns the stereo on and puts in the Gundam Wing CD. He hits the play button. He returns to the cart and lifts his bowl of soup.

Quatre finishes his soup before the song begins to play. He closes his eyes and sighs as he listens to the music.

Heero sits down on the couch behind Thomas and starts to eat his soup.

"You're not alone," whispers Quatre.

"Unca Cat?" asks Thomas.

"Yes, Thomas?" asks Quatre opening his eyes and looking at the little boy.

"You look sad, Unca Cat," says Thomas abandoning his food to walk over to Quatre.

Quatre reaches over to put his empty bowl on the cart. Then he lifts Thomas into his lap.

"Are you sad, Unca Cat?" asks Thomas.

"Yes, Thomas. I'm sad because I miss my friends," says Quatre, "but I'm okay. In a way, my friends are still here with me even though I can't see them."

"Where are they?" asks Thomas.

"In my heart," says Quatre, "as well as in Grace."

"In Grace?" asks Thomas standing up to look in the playpen at the small toddler. "Where?"

"In the markings that only love can leave on someone. Her eyes. Her hair. Her smile. That is where they are in Grace. My friends were her parents, her mommy and daddy," says Quatre, "Her hair is the color her mom's hair was. Her eyes are like her father, and she smiles the way they both did sometimes."

"Oh," says Thomas.

"Thomas, come over here and finish your lunch," says Heero, "We can tell you all about Ania and Trowa after we eat."

Thomas climbs off Quatre's lap and hurries back over to sit down on the floor. He starts to eat his soup.

"Ready for a sandwich, Heero?" asks Quatre smiling.

"Yeah," says Heero, "but I remember you wanted to see the music video to Road to Peace. I'll grab a sandwich after I put that in so we can watch it."

"Let's see the full-length version," says Quatre, "The one that's unedited for time."

"The long version," chuckles Heero getting up, "The one where we see more of Trowa." He puts his empty bowl on the cart and moves over to the stereo. He stops the stereo and pulls out the disc to put it away. He grabs a mini-disc and slides it into a slot on the stereo.

Quatre grabs a sandwich from the plate and starts to eat as a screen on the wall flares to life.

Heero grabs a sandwich off the stack and sits down to eat and watch the video.

A woman with chin-length brown hair and gray eyes nearly hidden beneath her glasses stands in the middle of a field of flowers. She wears a long loose, white dress that billows in the wind. "I am known as Cecilia."

The field of flowers races past until a man comes into view.

The man has unruly brown hair and Prussian blue eyes. He wears a black three-piece suit, and his hands are tucked into his pants pockets. "The name is Heero."

The field of flowers races past until another man comes into view.

This man has a long chestnut braid blowing in the wind. He has a huge smile on his face, and his violet eyes look happy. He wears a navy blue suit with a black tie. "Duo here!"

The field of flowers races past until another man comes into view.

The blond haired man with the boyish face and pure blue eyes kneels amidst the flowers trying to select one to pick. He wears a royal purple suit with a dark purple tie. "I am Quatre."

The field of flowers races past until a Chinese man comes into view.

The Chinese man has his black hair slicked back into a ponytail at the base of his neck, and his slanted black eyes stare forward. He wears a pure white suit, complete with a white vest and tie. "People call me Wufei."

The field of flowers races past until another man comes into view.

This man has brown hair that's brushed forward to hide one of his emerald green eyes. He wears an emerald green suit, and he looks up towards the sky. "Trowa."

The field of flowers races past until all five of the men come into view standing together.

"We are," says Heero.

"We are," says Wufei.

"We are," says Duo, "Gundam Wing."

"Gundam Wing," says Trowa.

"Gundam Wing," says Quatre holding the small bouquet of flowers he'd picked.

Cecilia comes running up to the five men. "Come on, Gundam Wing! I've found the road to peace!"

The field of flowers races past.

The soft music of the violin begins to sound as the image fades out into a stage.

"Total pacifism is just the start," says Cecilia into a microphone on the stage. She wears a white T-shirt with blue jeans and a blue denim jacket.

Quatre stands close to Cecilia playing the violin. He wears the same style of clothing, a white T-shirt with blue jeans and a jean jacket.

Wufei moves up behind the drums wearing his white T-shirt, blue jeans, and blue denim jacket. He sits down and starts to play the slow, steady drumbeat.

"The road to peace is worth every step." Cecilia lifts the bass guitar and slips the strap into place.

Heero walks onto the stage with the lead guitar. He also wears a blue jean jacket with a white T-shirt and blue jeans. He begins to play.

Cecilia starts to strum her guitar. "We have no need of weapons."

Trowa walks onto the stage as the keyboard starts to play in the distance. He wears a white T-shirt, denim jacket, and blue jeans just like the others. He lifts a flute to his lips and begins to play.

"We can have peace instead of war!" exclaims Cecilia as Duo walks out onto the stage holding a microphone.

Duo also wears the blue jeans, jacket, and white T-shirt like everyone else.

The scene changes quickly back to the flowery meadow where everyone stands in their formal wear. The music becomes fast paced and full of life.

Duo and Cecilia stand facing each other. They sing together, "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 scene changes as the music mellows down to a soft ballad.

Heero runs towards a large mobile suit that looks like the Gundam Wing Zero. He wears a white space suit.

Duo, Quatre, Trowa, and Wufei run after Heero wearing similar white space suits.

Cecilia hurries behind. She also wears a white space suit. She falls to her knees as she sings, "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. 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."

The music speeds up as the scene changes back to the stage with everyone in their casual denims.

"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," sing Duo and Cecilia in harmony, "on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"

The music slows down as the scene switches back to the meadow where the six people in their dressy clothes sit on the ground amidst the flowers.

"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," sings Cecilia, "The dove will fly under wing all along on our road to peace."

The scene changes back to the stage where everyone either sings or plays in their denim outfits. The beat becomes more frequent as the music changes to a lively rock tune.

Duo and Cecilia stand close to each other and the microphone 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 scene quickly changes to show Heero in the cockpit of the Gundam flipping switches. He wears his white space suit, and the music becomes soft and gentle.

"Yes Heero, oh my Heero," sings Cecilia.

"Did you die with your Gundam boy?" sings Duo.

"Yes Heero, oh my Heero," sings Cecilia.

"Whatever will happen to you?" sings Duo.

The scene changes quickly to show Trowa in the Gundam's cockpit in his space suit. He stares intently at some encoded information on a screen before him.

"Oh Trowa, oh my Trowa," sings Cecilia.

"Would you get your Gundam right now?" sings Duo.

"Oh Trowa, on my Trowa," sings Cecilia.

"Will you come on this road to peace?" sings Duo.

The beat of the music livens up as the picture changes to the meadow where the six people walk through the flowers.

"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 scene changes quickly to show Quatre in the cockpit of the Gundam working with a few of the controls. He sits there in his white space suit as the music lulls itself into a peaceful ballad.

"Quatre boy, oh my Quatre," sings Cecilia.

"Your Gundam helped you fight for peace," sings Duo.

"Quatre boy, oh my Quatre," sings Cecilia.

"Do you think it can help us now?" sings Duo.

The scene changes to show Wufei, in his space suit, relaxing in the Gundam's cockpit.

"Hey Wufei, oh my Wufei," sings Cecilia.

"You never would refuse a fight," sings Duo.

"Hey Wufei, oh my Wufei," sings Cecilia.

"Will you follow this road to peace?" sings Duo.

The music picks up as the scene shifts back to the stage where everyone moves with the music in their casual wear.

"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!"

The music slows again as the scene changes to show Duo arming the weapons in the cockpit of the Gundam. He wears the white space suit and a huge smile.

"Hey Duo, yeah my Duo! How could you hide a Gundam here? Hey Duo, yeah my Duo! Will you ever stop this fighting?" sings Cecilia.

The scene changes again to show Cecilia, dressed in her space suit, in the cockpit of the Gundam preparing to launch the missiles.

"Cecilia, oh Cecilia. Do you want to pilot it now? Cecilia, my Cecilia. Do you follow our road to peace?" sings Duo.

The music picks up again as the scene changes to the stage again.

"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 scene switches back to the Gundam where everyone stands looking at a map on the table, with the Gundam behind them.

"Oh Solo, solong Solo," sings Cecilia.

"We're living solitary lives," sings Duo.

"Oh Solo, solong Solo," sings Cecilia.

"Gundam pilots must work alone," sings Duo.

"Oh Solo, solong Solo," sings Cecilia, "In peacetime we've found each other."

"We don't have to work solo," sings Duo, "As long as there is no more war."

The scene changes back to the meadow where everyone stands in their formal clothing. The music livens up with a heavy rock 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 becomes softer as the sounds of the bass guitar fade.

"We can have peace instead of war," says Duo.

"On this road to peace," adds Cecilia.

The sounds of the flute echo away.

"We have no need of weapons," says Trowa.

"On this road to peace," says Duo.

"Road to peace," whispers Cecilia.

The lead guitar's last note is struck.

"The road to peace is worth every step," says Heero.

"The road to peace," says Trowa.

The drum and violin music fade.

"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.

The sounds of the keyboard fade.

The picture fades slowly out of focus, and when it clears again, everyone wears their blue jeans and white T-shirts.

Cecilia wears her denim jacket tied around her waist.

Heero and Quatre still wear their jackets.

Trowa holds his denim jacket over his arm.

Duo and Wufei hold their jackets slung over one shoulder.

Everyone starts walking away side by side.

The credits roll up over the scene as they walk away.

The camera angle widens to encompass more of the field and the six space suits lying on the grass and flowers at the feet of the Gundam. The six people walk away into the distance.

Quatre takes the last bite of his third sandwich as he stares intently at the screen.

"It's good to see him again," says Heero looking over at Quatre.

Quatre nods. He smiles.

Wufei walks into the living room. He smiles as he sees Quatre. "There you are."

"Hello, Wufei," says Heero, "Sleep well last night?"

"Wonderfully," says Wufei moving over to Quatre. He bends down and kisses the man he loves. "I'm all ready to go. Milliardo wants to leave now."

Quatre pulls Wufei into a warm embrace. "Come back to me soon, and please… be careful, Wufei."

"I'm always careful, Quatre. I'll call you when I can," says Wufei. He kisses Quatre quickly. Then he moves to gently kiss Grace's hand. "I'll be back soon, Grace."

"Unca Wufei," says Thomas standing and holding up his arms.

Wufei pulls Thomas up into an embrace. "I'll be back soon, Thomas. I'll miss you. Protect your mommy and daddy while I'm gone."

"I will!" exclaims Thomas.

Wufei sets Thomas down on the floor. He nods to Heero.

Heero nods back.

"I will miss you, Quatre," says Wufei, "but I'll be back as soon as I can."

"I'll be here, Wufei, waiting," says Quatre smiling.

Wufei smiles and kisses Quatre again. He grabs a sandwich on his way out the door.

So remember

This is never good-bye…

Dr. Sally Po walks into the nursery between her bedroom and the room shared by Noin and Milliardo. Her auburn hair is braided on either side of her head. She sits down in between the two small beds where Reiya and Nariya Peacecraft are taking their afternoon nap. She rests her hands on her pregnant belly.

Noin comes into the nursery from the other direction. Her short black hair is unusually untidy, and her brown eyes look tired. "Sally? Are you alright?"

"Oh, yes, Noin. I just felt like sitting in with the twins," says Sally. She giggles quietly. "I think it was a nice idea to arrange for my next pregnancy to coincide with Relena's. That way Sara can easily take care of us both."

"She should be here in an hour or so," says Noin. She moves up to the side of Nariya's bed and brushes a blond hair away from her face. "I cannot thank you enough for carrying these children, Sally."

"You are welcome, Noin," says Sally, "It's a pleasure."

"You have been so wonderful to Milliardo and myself. You have carried the children I could not provide him," says Noin. She wraps her arms around Sally. "And through it all you have still loved me! Sometimes I wonder why you haven't moved on and found someone new to love!"

"My love for you is too strong," says Sally. She pats Noin's arm.

"Are you happy, Sally?"

"As long as I'm near you and our children, Noin."

"I love you, Sally," whispers Noin.

Sally smiles. "I love you, Noin."

Noin kisses Sally's lips passionately.

Milliardo walks in from his bedroom. His blond hair falls straight down his back past his shoulder blades. "Ahem…"

Noin steps back from Sally and smiles at Milliardo.

"I just wanted to say good-bye to the girls before I left," says Milliardo walking up to Noin. He smiles as he pulls her to him and kisses her. "I love you, Noin."

"I love you too, Milliardo," says Noin.

Milliardo looks in on each of his daughters and kisses their foreheads. He wraps his arms around Sally and kisses her cheek. "Take care of my son while I'm gone."

"I will, Milliardo," says Sally.

Milliardo walks back over to his wife and embraces Noin. His blue eyes look almost sad that he has to leave.

"I wish I could come with you," says Noin.

"So do I, Noin, but you can't go anywhere until our son is born. I should be home before the delivery. We'll pick out a name when I get back, I promise," says Milliardo kissing Noin.

Stay close to my soul

Like you're close to my hands…

Sara Proctor, the short haired blond doctor who had delivered Reiya and Nariya, walks into the Peacecraft Manor with her black medical bag in her hand. Her blue green eyes are hidden behind the dark lenses of her sunglasses.

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 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.

Sara walks into Sally's office with her medical bag. She smiles as she sees Relena and Sally sitting together. "Anxious to get your examinations over?"

"More like anxious to get the pregnancy over," says Relena smiling at Sara.

"I completely agree," says Sally.

"Well, Relena, you have two more weeks," says Sara giggling, "and Sally, you have three more weeks. Can't you wait just a little longer?"

"Only if I have to. This little one kept me up all night with its fighting!" exclaims Relena rubbing her belly. She gasps. "Oh, no! He's starting again!"

Sara quickly pulls her stethoscope from her bag and listens to Relena's belly.

Relena gasps again.

"He wants to be born now!" exclaims Sara, "You may go into labor soon, Relena."

"Is that good or bad?" asks Relena.

"That depends on how soon you go into labor," says Sara, "but I think you'll be okay. I don't think it would hurt either of you."

Relena gasps. "You know, Sara, for a doctor, you sound pretty human!"

Sara and Sally laugh.

Relena closes her eyes tightly and clenches onto the arms of her chair.

Sara places her hand on Relena over her womb. She frowns. "I'm going to stay here. I think it's best to keep you under surveillance for a while. And just to be safe, we'll give you another ultrasound. With the baby moving around like that, there's a possibility of the umbilical cord getting wrapped around its neck."

"Whatever you want to do, Sara! I'm not complaining!" exclaims Relena gasping.

Sara helps Relena to stand, and she escorts her into the side room that has been made up into a delivery/examination room.

Sally walks slowly into the room. "Can I help with anything, Sara?"

"Can you get the equipment ready while I help Relena out of her clothes?" asks Sara.

"Of course," says Sally. She moves to the equipment and starts to get it ready.

Sara helps Relena remove her clothes and lie down on the examining table. She drapes two blankets over Relena so that only her head and belly are uncovered.

Relena gasps.

Sara moves over to Sally and the ultrasound equipment.

***

Sara sits alone at Sally's desk. She turns on the videophone and dials a number.

A man's face appears on the screen. He smiles. "Hello, Sara! Is something wrong? You look worried!"

"Don't try to be nice, Doc! I look like hell!" exclaims Sara rubbing her eyes, "I need to ask a favor. A big favor!"

"What is it? If I can help, I certainly will," says the man.

"I'm helping Sally Po take care of the Sanc royal family during their pregnancies. Both the Queen and Princess are expecting within the next few days," explains Sara, "Princess Relena is having a few problems. I'm going to have to stay here with her. I've taken a leave from the hospital, but it doesn't start until this weekend. Do you think you could cover for me at the hospital?"

"Of course I can, Sara!" exclaims the man, "I have to go now. I'll see you when you get back to the hospital."

"Okay, great! Thanks so much!" exclaims Sara before disconnecting the line. She quickly dials another number and sees her beloved husband. "Hi, Chris!"

"Sara! This is a surprise!" exclaims Chris.

"Honey, Relena is having a few complications," says Sara biting her lower lip.

"What kind of complications?" asks Heero walking into the office.

"I'll answer that in a minute, Heero," says Sara, "Chris… I'm going to be staying here for awhile."

"How long?" asks Chris.

"Until both children are born," says Sara, "Which very well could be three weeks or even a little longer."

"Three weeks? Without you?" exclaims Chris, "I'm going to die of loneliness!"

Heero walks over so that he can see Chris's face on the videophone screen. "Unless you move in here as well. You can both stay here until after the children are born. We have plenty of room!"

"That sounds like a great idea. Thank you, Heero," says Chris.

Heero nods his head and moves to sit down.

"I'll see you when you get home," says Sara smiling, "We'll pack up and move over here then."

"Deal, Sara!" exclaims Chris, "I love you!"

"I love you too!" exclaims Sara, "Bye!"

"Bye," says Chris before they disconnect.

"Now to your question, Heero," says Sara.

"What kind of complications, Sara? What's wrong with Relena? Will she be all right? And our baby?" asks Heero. His worry and concern strain his voice.

"One question at a time. I'm sure they will both be fine!" explains Sara, "The complications… well, it's not really that serious. I'm staying mostly as a precaution. I'm worried about the baby thrashing about. It could get itself entangled in the umbilical cord or turn itself so it's upside down. If that happens, we'll have to do a C-section."

"But you're sure they'll both be fine?" asks Heero.

Sara nods. "I am!"

Heero breathes a sigh of relief.

"Oh, Heero. You're not going to lose your wife that easily!" exclaims Sara laughing. "She's stronger than that!"

Heero smiles. "Yes… she is strong… stronger than anyone!"

"Even you?"

"When she needs to be," says Heero. He stands up. "I'm going to her now."

"If she's in too much pain, call me, Heero," says Sara.

Heero nods and leaves.

***

Chang Wufei leads the way into the large chamber where the meeting is to be held. His black hair is slicked back and tied neatly. His black, oriental eyes are hidden behind a dark set of sunglasses. He wears an expensive black, three-piece suit that hides his gun in a shoulder holster. He removes his sunglasses and glances around the room. He steps forward while nodding his head.

Milliardo Peacecraft steps into the room in a shimmering white double-breasted suit. His straight blond hair falls loosely down past his shoulders, and his blue eyes search the room for a friendly face. He follows closely behind Wufei as they move towards his seat.

Two other men, Ray Ato and Tyson Britan, members of Peacecraft Security, follow quickly behind Milliardo. They both have dark hair and wear black three-piece suits hiding their guns.

Milliardo takes his seat.

Wufei stands just behind and to the right of Milliardo while Ray and Tyson stand a little further back, but all three search the assembly for any sign of threat.

After a half-hour wait, the English Prime Minister calls the meeting to order. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice."

"Why were we summoned here?" asks the Japanese Prime Minister.

"Two years ago, we discovered and disabled a mobile suit factory on Lunar Base," says the female representative from the Lunar Base, "But now we have reason to believe that the anti-total pacifist movement has another mobile suit factory, this time on Earth."

"We must find out where!" exclaims Milliardo slamming his fist on the table in front of him, "We must not allow them to build or use mobile suits! This is a time when we must cherish peace!"

"The Sanc King is correct!" exclaims the Vice President of the United States, "This is a time when we don't need weapons!"

A woman with short black hair stands up. She looks rather a lot like Noin except for some subtle yet significant differences. She is at this meeting to represent her colony. "We do not need to fight them in order to beat them. We can detain the rioters and take away their weapons. We have done enough fighting."

For a moment, as Milliardo looks at this woman, he is reminded of his beloved wife, Lucrezia Noin Peacecraft.

I'd have never known if you had never shown

Someday I'd have wings to fly…

"We have done enough fighting," says Milliardo, "and we must find a way to convince the anti-total pacifist supporters that there is no longer a need to fight. We can have peace. It is within every human being, this potential for peace!"

"And so it the potential for war!" exclaims the South African Foreign Minister, "You should know that, Zechs Merquis!"

"My name is Milliardo Peacecraft," says Milliardo firmly, "and I do know of men's potential for violence. But we must not allow ourselves to succumb to it!"

"Sometimes that is easier said than done," says an elderly man from the colonies, "I have seen it happen too many times. I have seen the strength of men fail."

Milliardo nods. Many times he too has seen it happen.

"We must convince them to follow the road to peace that we have all established," says the Japanese Prime Minister, "but right now the most important thing is to stop the production of mobile suits."

Everyone nods in agreement.

"But without the use of force, how do we accomplish this task?" asks the English Prime Minister.

"First, we need to know where the factory is," says the Russian president, "That will dictate what our next move should be."

"A small tactical team could enter the factory and shut it down," says Milliardo, "It would not be difficult or dangerous."

"Unless there were a lot of armed guards," says the woman from the Lunar Base.

"That is very rarely the case. They would not want the factory to stand out or attract attention. It would most likely be lightly guarded," says Milliardo, "and a few sleep gas grenades would work on those guards."

"We already have our task force searching for the location of the factory," says the U.S. Vice-President.

The door opens, and a young man enters. He salutes. "Dove one, reporting! We have located the mobile suit factory!"

"Where?" asks the black haired Noin look-alike from the colonies.

But who'd ever dream these arms were meant to break

So I must go

Before you see me fall…

"In hell!" exclaims the young man drawing up a machine gun from beneath his coat, "Which is where you're going, Peacecraft! In the name of the Anti-Total Pacifist Army!" He points the gun at Milliardo and quickly pulls the trigger.

Wufei jumps in front of Milliardo and takes several bullets to his chest and stomach region.

Tyson and Ray quickly draw their guns and start shooting at the man with the machine gun.

Wufei falls to the floor.

Milliardo dives to the floor beside Wufei.

In the confusion, another gun is fired.

The bullet pierces Milliardo's heart, and he gasps.

You are in my heart

Until my heart's not mine…

One of the guards, it must have been Ray but in the confusion most people couldn't tell, turns and sees the new shooter.

"Mission completed! For the Anti-Total Pacifist movement!" exclaims the black haired woman from the colonies, the one who looks a lot like Noin. She lifts the gun to her temple and pulls the trigger.

Tyson, the guard who has been firing at the man with the machine gun, lands a few good shots to the assailant's heart.

"Wufei?" whispers Milliardo, "I don't think I'm going to make it. Please… tell Noin I will always love her…"

"Milliardo, I don't know if I'll make it," whispers Wufei in return, "so tell Quatre the same thing for me… Let's hold onto life together."

"Call an ambulance!" screams Tyson.

But I must go

Before you see me fall…

"You can't die, Milliardo," whispers Wufei as they wait for the paramedics to arrive to rush them to the hospital, "You have a wife and kids to worry about… and your kingdom. You can't die. Reiya and Nariya need a father."

"I don't want to leave them alone, Wufei," whispers Milliardo.

Darling if I fade away…

The paramedics rush into the room with two stretchers, and they place Milliardo and Wufei on them and start to take them down to the ambulances in a single, large elevator.

Milliardo gasps.

"We're losing him!" screams the paramedic.

"Milliardo! Stay with me, bud!" exclaims Wufei.

"Oh, no! We're losing him!" screams the paramedic.

"Wufei! You must live! Tell Noin I always loved her!" says Milliardo.

"No! Don't give up just yet!" exclaims the paramedic trying everything imaginable to keep Milliardo alive.

"I'll tell her, Milliardo, but you must live. She needs you," says Wufei.

"I can't hold on anymore, Wufei. Sorry," says Milliardo closing his eyes.

"Dammit, no!" exclaims the paramedic, "He's gone!"

Life time is a match

A momentary flash

Yet this forever remains…

The TV in the living room of the Peacecraft Manor is turned on to C-SPAN so that everyone can watch the live broadcast of the meeting Milliardo's attending.

Relena sits beside Sara on the couch gasping every so often from the restless child within her.

Quatre and Heero sit together looking over a file folder of plans for the new garden arrangement, and Quatre happily explains all his ideas to Heero who listens politely and smiles.

Sally sits in a chair looking through a book of baby names with Noin sitting on the arm of her chair.

Sara's husband, Chris, sits beside her with his arm over her shoulders.

In hell! Which is where you're going, Peacecraft! exclaims a man on the TV.

"Gun!" exclaims Relena pointing at the TV screen.

Everyone quickly looks at the screen.

"Wufei!" exclaims Quatre as he watches in horror as the man he loves is gunned down on the TV. "Wufei!"

On the TV screen, Wufei falls to the floor, and the security guards draw their guns to shoot at the assailant.

Milliardo dives to the floor beside Wufei, but they are still clearly visible on the screen.

"There's another gun!" exclaims Chris.

The gun fires, and Milliardo jerks on the screen.

"No!" screams Noin.

For the Anti-Total Pacifist movement! exclaims the female shooter before killing herself.

The first shooter falls as he is struck by the gunfire from the security guard.

The screen changes quickly to show a reporter at a plain anchor desk. "Milliardo Peacecraft, the current King of the Sanc Kingdom and its Foreign Minister, has been shot. I have just received word that he is being rushed to the hospital along with his bodyguard who has also been injured. There is no word yet on their condition."

"Milliardo!" exclaims Noin falling off the arm of the chair. She starts gasping for air as she tries to control the tears that pour from her eyes.

"Heero! I need to go there!" exclaims Quatre standing up in shock.

"I'm flying!" exclaims Heero standing up, "And no arguing! Let's go!"

Heero and Quatre run out of the living room.

"Noin!" exclaims Chris moving to her, "I'm sure he'll be alright!"

"Milliardo may be all right, but I don't think I am!" exclaims Sally gasping with pain, "I think my water just broke!"

"Oh, no! Come on, Sally!" exclaims Sara jumping up, "Relena, come with me to help Sally! Chris, please stay here with Noin!"

"Gotcha, Sara!" exclaims Chris pulling Noin into his arms as she sobs uncontrollably.

"Why couldn't I come with him?" exclaims Noin through her tears, "I could have saved him!"

"Don't say that, Noin! You couldn't have saved him," says Chris, "There was nothing you could have done!"

Noin starts sobbing loudly. She buries her face in Chris's shoulder.

Sara helps Relena to her feet. "Let's get Sally up to the delivery room!"

"Right!" exclaims Relena.

Relena and Sara help Sally to her feet and out of the room. They take her up the stairs as quickly as they can and head into the examination room beside Sally's office. Then they quickly undress her, and Relena helps Sally into a pale blue hospital gown.

Sally lies down on the delivery table.

Relena takes Sally's hand. "Soon, you'll have a beautiful baby boy, Sally!"

"Sally! You're already fully dilated! Have you been having contractions?" asks Sara.

"No! Yes! I don't know! Maybe! I have this really sharp constant pain!" exclaims Sally.

"You've skipped straight through the first stage of labor!" exclaims Sara, "Come on, Sally! Push! There's a new life waiting to start! Push!"

All fragments of our memory survive

Shining in the moonless night…

"It's all over, Sally," says Sara, "a beautiful baby boy… born at 7:23 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time." She quickly cleans up the baby and passes him to Sally wrapped in a blue baby blanket.

"His eyes are blue," says Sally, "and his hair is so pale. He looks just like Milliardo!"

***

Noin rests her head wearily on Chris's shoulder, unable to cry any more.

"The reporter's back," says Chris looking at the TV screen.

Noin looks to the TV.

We have just received word from the hospital where Milliardo Peacecraft and his bodyguard were sent after the shooting incident at the Pacifist Nations meeting earlier today, says the reporter.

"Milliardo?" asks Noin hopefully.

Milliardo Peacecraft, the ruler of the Sanc Kingdom, was pronounced dead at 7:31 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, says the reporter, There is no word yet on the identity or condition of his bodyguard.

"No! Milliardo!" screams Noin.

Life time is a match

A momentary flash

Yet this forever remains

You are in my heart

Until my heart's not mine

So remember

This never is good-bye…

Relena helps move Sally into her bedroom after Sara completes a quick examination. Then she feeds the baby boy and puts him to bed. She hears the scream from Noin. "Milliardo… my brother… is dead."

"Oh, Noin," says Sally.

Relena lifts the phone by Sally's bed. She dials an internal extension. "Hello, Marissa. It's Relena. Sally has just had her son, and I would like you to come up to her room to sit with them. Sally needs to rest and the nanny is with Thomas, Grace, and the twins."

Relena listens for a moment. "Alright, thank you, Marissa. Just come in when you get here. I'm heading downstairs now."

"Relena?" asks Sally as Relena hangs up the phone.

"Yes, Sally?" asks Relena.

"Help Noin. She'll need your comfort now," says Sally.

"I know. And you need to rest, Sally," says Relena, "Marissa will be here in a moment to take care of you and your son. I will take care of the one you love!" She squeezes Sally's hand and leaves. She checks on Sara as she cleans up the delivery room. "One of the maids is coming to help Sally with the baby."

"How do you feel, Relena?" asks Sara. She looks nervously at Relena's belly.

"Determined! Heero will be back in time to see our child born!" exclaims Relena smiling, "But now I must go to Noin, my sister! Milliardo's dead, and she'll need me!"

"Then go to her. I pray that Wufei is going to be alright," says Sara.

"As do I," says Relena, and she hurries down to the living room.

Noin lies on the floor bawling.

Chris sits beside Noin rubbing her arm.

"Noin!" exclaims Relena carefully lowering herself down to the floor. She pulls Noin into her arms, and she too begins to cry. "Cry all you want, Noin! Cry all you want!"

***

"I don't want to lose him, Heero!" exclaims Quatre sitting weakly in the back seat of the plane.

"I know, Quatre! And if we have any say in the matter, you won't lose him!" exclaims Heero flying the plane as fast as he can towards London, "We won't lose another friend! You've lost too much already!"

"Thank you for coming. I know you'd probably rather be with Relena…"

"Relena's fine! She's not due for another two weeks! We'll be back home with Wufei by the time she goes into labor!" exclaims Heero, "And Wufei will be fine!"

"What if… what if he's not… what if he's already dead?" asks Quatre sadly. The tears start falling from his eyes.

"Don't say that! Don't even think it, Quatre!" exclaims Heero, "Wufei will be fine! I swear it!"

Quatre sits in the back seat of the plane crying.

Heero calls London International Airport on his radio and informs them that he is on his way there. He requests permission to land immediately.

Twenty minutes later, as Quatre continues to cry in the back seat of the plane, Heero lands the plane at the airport, and he taxis it into a hangar. He climbs out of the plane and pulls Quatre out.

"I want to see Wufei now, Heero!" exclaims Quatre.

"We're on our way!" exclaims Heero pulling Quatre at a run into the terminal.

"Mr. Yuy? Mr. Winner?" asks a uniformed police officer as Heero and Quatre run through the door.

"Yes," says Heero, "That's us."

"The control tower called the station. I've been sent to take you to the hospital," says the police officer, "Did you bring Lady Peacecraft with you?"

"She is pregnant right now," says Heero, "Her doctor hasn't given her leave to travel."

"Very well. We'll need you to identify the body," says the cop.

"What body?" asks Quatre with wide, frightened eyes.

"Milliardo Peacecraft is dead," says the cop, "This way." He leads Heero and Quatre through the airport.

"What about his bodyguard?" asks Quatre.

"He was in surgery last I heard," says the cop walking out of the terminal. He steps up to a police car and opens the back door.

Heero and Quatre climb into the car.

The cop gets in the driver's seat and starts the car. He drives them away from the airport.

"How far is it?" asks Quatre.

"Not too far, Mr. Winner!" exclaims the cop, "We'll be there in a few minutes!"

"Good!" exclaims Quatre. He closes his eyes and hangs his head.

Heero sets his hand on Quatre's shoulder.

In a few minutes, the car pulls up outside of the hospital.

Quatre and Heero run into the emergency room without waiting for the cop who brought them.

"Heero! Quatre!" exclaims Ray, one of the guards who had been helping Wufei guard Milliardo. He stands beside a woman in a navy blue suit with her detective's badge attached to her blue belt right beside the buckle.

"How is Wufei?" asks Quatre quickly running up to them.

"Mr. Chang is still in surgery. He took several bullets," says the woman, "I am Nikki Moulzolf of Scotland Yard. Both of our shooters are dead. The woman shot herself, and the man apparently had a capsule of cyanide tucked in his cheek. Milliardo Peacecraft, however, is dead. Mr. Yuy, could you identify him?"

"Yes. Quatre, stay here! You two, guard him with your lives!" exclaims Heero, "I'll evaluate your performance in that crisis later!"

"Heero! I'm going with you!" exclaims Quatre.

Heero nods. He looks at the woman with shoulder-length blond-brown hair and green eyes. "Lead the way, Detective Moulzolf."

"Nikki," says the woman, "Right this way, Mr. Yuy, Mr. Winner." She leads the way to the elevator.

Heero and Quatre follow Nikki down to the basement and into the morgue.

"The autopsy hasn't been started yet," says Nikki, "but we're pretty sure the bullet to the heart killed him." She nods to the doctor who pulls the sheet back from Milliardo's face.

Heero and Quatre approach the table where Milliardo lies.

Heero tilts Milliardo's head to the side and pulls away his hair to see a small jagged scar. "He's died many times, but this time we have the body to prove it."

"What was that, Mr. Yuy?" asks Nikki.

"This is Milliardo Peacecraft, King of the Sanc Kingdom," says Heero, "May he rest in the peace that his reign has been searching for!"

"I'm very sorry, Mr. Yuy," says Nikki.

"Can we go now?" asks Quatre.

"Yes, of course," says Nikki, and she leads them back up to the waiting room.

"Detective Moulzolf?" asks the head nurse, "Mr. Chang has just come out of surgery."

"Is he okay?" asks Quatre quickly, "Can I see him?"

"You'll have to ask the doctor," says the nurse, "but I can take you to the recovery room."

"Yes!" exclaims Quatre.

The head nurse leads Quatre, Heero, and Nikki to the room where Wufei lies heavily bandaged.

A male doctor stands beside Wufei.

"Wufei!" exclaims Quatre running up to the Chinese man's side. He grabs Wufei's hand and stares at his unconscious lover.

"Now, doctor," says Nikki, "How is he?"

"This boy has the devil's luck. Twenty-three bullets. Luckily for him he was wearing a bulletproof vest beneath that suit. Five bullets made it through. Missed his heart and lungs. We removed one of his kidneys and part of his liver as well as his appendix. It was rather touch and go for awhile, but he will recover almost as good as new," says the doctor.

"When can I take him home?" asks Quatre.

"He is in no condition to leave the hospital!" exclaims the doctor.

"We have two doctors currently residing in Peacecraft Manor," says Heero, "Couldn't you release him to their care?"

"I don't feel he's stable enough to travel," says the doctor, "but if you bring one of your doctors here, I'll release him in three days. I'll permit him to travel if he's accompanied by a doctor."

Heero nods. "Quatre will be staying here with Wufei for the next three days then. I have some business to attend to. I'll bring one of the doctors here in three days, and we'll take Wufei home."

"He can't stay here in the hospital!" exclaims the doctor.

"If Quatre can't stay in the hospital, then neither will Wufei! I never leave one of the security guards in my employment undefended!" exclaims Heero angrily, "Wufei can't protect himself in this condition! He's not even awake! So Quatre Winner, one of the most loyal and best employees of Peacecraft Security, is going to be his bodyguard!"

"Enough, Mr. Yuy," says Nikki. She looks at the doctor. "Doctor, have a cot set up in here so that Mr. Winner can stay beside Mr. Chang. Do not complain or I'll arrest you! I will have two uniformed police officers posted outside this door! Do you understand?"

"Yes, Detective Moulzolf," says the doctor glaring angrily at Nikki, "Now! I have rounds to make! We'll take good care of them both!" He storms past Nikki and leaves the hospital room.

"Now, Mr. Yuy, let's leave them alone to rest," says Nikki, "I would like to talk to you about this business you have. I think we can help each other."

"We'll see, Nikki," says Heero, "Wait outside for me."

Nikki nods her head and brushes a blond-brown strand of hair over her shoulder. She walks out the door and closes it tightly behind her.

"Are you okay, Quatre?" asks Heero.

Quatre looks at Heero with relieved eyes. "I'll be fine. Thanks for bringing me here, Heero."

Heero nods and walks out of the recovery room

***

Heero and Nikki walk into the waiting area where Ray and Tyson wait.

"How did you get two uniforms here so quickly?" asks Heero thinking of the two men who stand guard outside of Wufei's room.

"I called the station while you were talking to your friends. They sent two people over," says Nikki, "I know them. They're good cops. Your friends will be safe!"

"They better be," says Heero.

"Now about your business. Are you going to try to track down the Anti-Total Pacifists?" asks Nikki.

"I actually have other business first. If time allows, I just might," says Heero, "Where could I find a videophone?"

"There's one at the police station," says Nikki, "I can take you there."

Heero nods. "Tyson! Ray! You're coming to the police station with me and Detective Moulzolf! Lead the way, Nikki."

Nikki leads the three men out to her station wagon.

"Don't you have a partner, Detective Moulzolf?" asks Ray as he climbs into the back seat with Tyson.

"I was just coming on duty. My partner is running down a few leads," says Nikki as Heero gets in the front seat. She climbs in the driver's seat. She drives them quickly to the station.

Nikki, Heero, and the two guards walk into the station and back to Nikki's desk.

"Here's a videophone, Mr. Yuy," says Nikki.

"Thank you, Nikki. Would it be possible to use one of your interrogation rooms later?" asks Heero, "For when I evaluate Tyson and Ray's performance?"

"I'll see what I can do," says Nikki.

"See if you can get a video tape of the meeting as well," says Heero, "And take them with you! I need to make this call alone."

"Alright, Mr. Yuy. Please, come with me," says Nikki. She walks away with Ray and Tyson following her.

Heero turns on the videophone and dials his home phone number.

Pagan's face appears on the screen. "Hello, Mr. Heero. Who do you wish to speak to?"

"Hey, Pagan, you'll do. How is everyone?" asks Heero.

"Miss Relena is fine, sir. She is with Miss Noin. They are both crying terribly, sir. The news reporter said that Mr. Milliardo is dead, sir," says Pagan sadly, "Miss Sally and Miss Sara have delivered the child as well, sir."

"Damn reporters! They couldn't even wait until the family had been notified!" exclaims Heero, "Damn them! I'll call back later, Pagan. I was just going to tell Noin that Milliardo was dead, but since she already knows…"

"Yes, sir, Mr. Heero," says Pagan, "And Mr. Wufei? Is there any word on his condition?"

"I… haven't found out yet. I'll call back after I speak to him and his doctor," says Heero, "Bye…" He turns off the videophone and turns around. He sees Nikki and the guards walking back up.

"Done with your phone call?" asks Nikki passing Heero the videotape, "That's the meeting. And we have the use of one of the interrogation rooms. I'll show you to it."

Heero carries the videotape while he follows Nikki.

Ray and Tyson quietly follow behind.

They all enter an interrogation room that has a TV set up inside.

Heero puts the tape in and turns it on before Nikki even has the chance to get the door closed with them all inside. He fast-forwards the tape to the part where the man with the gun entered. "Look at what Wufei did! He jumped in front of Milliardo and took the bullets that were meant for him! I know the way Wufei thinks, so I know what was going on in his mind. When he saw the machine gun, he felt he didn't have time to safely get Milliardo down. But what happens next? You two idiots draw your guns and start firing! You were supposed to protect Milliardo!"

"We were!" exclaims Tyson.

"Like hell you were! Milliardo had to get to the floor on his own! When Wufei had stepped up to get shot, one of you should have grabbed Milliardo and shoved him to the floor covering his body with your own. Then when Wufei fell, the other should have shot the attacker!" yells Heero angrily, "If you had done that, the woman would not have had a clean shot at Milliardo. She would have had to shoot through you! Milliardo could still be alive if it wasn't for your stupidity!"

"We did the best we could," says Ray.

"Your best is not good enough for Peacecraft Security. Because of you, my best man and one of my best friends was shot needlessly!" exclaims Heero, "You are both fired! You will return to the Sanc Kingdom at once and collect your paychecks from my secretary!"

"Yes, sir!" exclaims Ray. He turns and leaves the room with Tyson following.

Heero seethes with anger as he rewinds the videotape.

"Are you all right, Mr. Yuy?" asks Nikki.

"Heero. Call me Heero," says Heero taking the tape out and passing it to Nikki, "and I'll be fine!"

"What do you plan to do now?" asks Nikki.

"I seem to recall you wanted help," says Heero with a twinkle in his Prussian blue eyes, "Finding the Anti-Total Pacifist supporters."

"I didn't say I wanted help. I just didn't want you going after them alone!" exclaims Nikki.

"Well, then you better hang with me for awhile, Detective Nikki Moulzolf," says Heero, "and you just might find their clubhouse!"

"Deal!" exclaims Nikki with a smile, "Just let me drop this tape off, and we'll be on our way!"

"And I have a favor to ask," says Heero as they head out of the interrogation room.

Nikki leads the way to the evidence locker and signs the tape back in before giving it to the cop to log away. "What do you need, Heero?"

Heero pulls out his wallet and slides out a picture. "I need help finding this man."

Nikki looks at the picture. "Who is he?"

"His name is Trowa Barton. He's one of my best friends. He ran away when his… wife died. His loss was too great to handle. I want to find him so his daughter can have her father back," explains Heero.

"I'll want a copy of that photo," says Nikki leading Heero into another room. She takes the picture and makes a color photocopy. She passes back the picture and starts to write on her copy.

Heero slips the photo back in his wallet and puts it away.

'Trowa Barton. If seen, please contact Heero Yuy, Sanc Kingdom,' writes Nikki.

"My phone number," says Heero taking the pen and writing it down on the paper. He gives the pen back.

Nikki folds the paper and puts it into her inside jacket pocket. "I'll send it off to all my contacts and put out an alert with the other police stations. Now let's go find the Anti-Pacifists!"

Heero nods and leaves the station with Nikki.

***

Several hours after Wufei came out of surgery, Quatre sleeps on a cot beside Wufei's bed, with just enough room in between them for a person to walk.

Wufei watches Quatre sleep, and he sees the tears slide down his love's cheeks. He knows Quatre's dream must be sad, but he doesn't have the heart to wake him just yet.

A man slowly gets out of bed. His brown hair is as disheveled as the loose jeans and tank top he'd worn to bed. His green eyes are tired and swollen from crying. Tears still creep down the cheeks that haven't been shaved in weeks. His shoulders sag unnaturally as he walks into the bathroom. He looks into the broken mirror. "Ania…"

This man, ragged and torn as he is, is the one named Trowa Barton, a former Gundam pilot. But not even Heavyarms, had it not been destroyed, could fight against the sorrow that eats away at this young man.

Trowa stares at the broken mirror and sees a beautiful woman with pure blue eyes and long blond hair staring back at him. "Ania!"

The image fades quickly.

Trowa turns and leaves the bathroom. He leaves his near empty apartment and walks down an empty hallway out onto an empty street. He walks alone down the street never seeing or hearing anyone. He just walks alone.

Heero and Nikki walk into the recovery room with the doctor to check on how the patient is doing. They see Wufei reach his hand slowly and painfully towards Quatre.

"How do you feel, Mr. Chang?" asks Nikki quietly.

"Alive," says Wufei.

Quatre wakes up from the gentle touch of Wufei's hand wiping away his tears. "Trowa?"

"Sorry, Little One. I'm not Trowa," says Wufei.

Quatre opens his eyes and looks at Wufei, still groggy and half asleep. "I was dreaming of Trowa. It looked like he might have been on a deserted colony. He was all alone. Living all alone…"

"He doesn't have to live alone, and when he realizes that, he'll come back to us and Grace," says Wufei.

"Wufei!" exclaims Quatre snapping fully awake. He sits up quickly.

"Quatre?" asks Wufei looking at the blond hair and boyish face, "How'd you get here?"

"Heero flew me over in Noin's plane!" exclaims Quatre smiling. He moves over to give Wufei a long kiss.

Nikki turns away so she doesn't have to watch the two men kiss.

The doctor looks at them with distaste. "That is disgusting!"

"Yes, I suppose you don't see too many people who truly love each other," says Heero glaring at the doctor, "You being a surgeon and all."

"That's not what I meant!" exclaims the doctor.

"I know, but if you even think of what I believe you're thinking, you'll be limping for the rest of your short life!" exclaims Heero, "We are from the Sanc Kingdom where love is welcome in all its forms, and as the Sanc Prince and future King, I intend to keep it that way! If you insult my friends, you won't live to regret it!"

Quatre gently touches Wufei's chest as he pulls out of the kiss.

"Careful!" exclaims Wufei moaning in pain.

Quatre moves his hand away quickly. "Sorry!"

"How do you feel, Wufei?" asks Heero.

"It hurts to die," says Wufei chuckling.

"Don't even joke about that, Wufei!" exclaims Quatre, "You could have died!"

"Heero, will you give Noin a message?" asks Wufei, "From Milliardo?"

"Of course. What is it?" replies Heero sitting down beside Wufei.

"His last words were of her. He wanted her to know that he'll always love her and he always has loved her," says Wufei.

"I'll tell her, Wufei," says Heero, "Quatre, if you need me, call my cell phone."

Quatre nods.

"And so you know, Mr. Chang, both attackers are dead," says Nikki.

The doctor examines Wufei quickly to make sure he's recovering all right. Then he leaves.

"Can I use your videophone again, Nikki?" asks Heero.

"Of course," says Nikki leading Heero out of the recovery room.

"Quatre, I will always love you," says Wufei.

"I know, 'Fei! I'll always love you, too!" exclaims Quatre. He smiles lovingly.

I recall sweet and enchanted days

Your smile chased the clouds away…

"I was so afraid I would lose you, Little One," says Wufei grabbing Quatre's hand, "So very afraid!"

"That makes two of us, Wufei," says Quatre as a few tears fall from his eyes, "I thought I may get here too late, and when the cop told us we'd need to identify a body…"

"It's alright now, Little One. I'm hurt, but I will live… for you," says Wufei. He wipes the tears from Quatre's face and smiles.

Quatre gives Wufei a passionate kiss.

"I need to sleep now, Quatre," says Wufei, "Now rest, my love, and have happier dreams."

"I'll try, Wufei. You get some rest too," says Quatre.

Wufei chuckles. "All right!"

Quatre lies back down in his cot and reaches out to hold Wufei's hand.

Wufei smiles lovingly at Quatre before closing his eyes and falling asleep.

Quatre releases Wufei's hand and falls asleep.

***

"Here's the videophone, Mr. Yuy," says Nikki taking Heero back to her deck at the police station. "I'm going to get some coffee… Want some?"

"Yes."

Nikki walks off.

Heero turns on the videophone and dials his home phone number for the second time this night. It doesn't even occur to him how late it is or that they're probably asleep.

Pagan's face appears on the screen. "Hello again, Mr. Heero. Who do you wish to speak to? I'm afraid that most everyone is still awake, even at this late hour."

"Oh, yeah! I forgot the time! Sorry… you weren't asleep, were you, Pagan?" asks Heero.

"No, sir, I have been up to help take care of everyone," says Pagan.

"Pagan, please bring Noin to the phone then get Sara. I'll need to speak to them both, but Noin first," says Heero.

"Very well, Mr. Heero," says Pagan, "I'll go to get Noin for you." He walks away from the screen.

Heero tries to think of how to say everything to Noin, but nothing seems appropriate.

Noin approaches the screen with Relena supporting her. "Milliardo's dead."

Heero swallows hard. "Yes, Noin. Milliardo is dead, but he has a message for you. His last words were of you."

Noin perks up slightly at that. "What did he say?"

"Milliardo said he has always loved you," says Heero, "and that he always will love you and the kids!"

"He always loved me?" asks Noin, "Sometimes when we were training together… to be mobile suit pilots… I thought he might love me. I was never sure. He always loved me!" She bursts into tears again.

"I love you, Heero," says Relena as Pagan walks up with Sara.

"I love you, Relena," says Heero touching the screen where her face is.

Relena and Pagan help Noin walk away.

"Heero," says Sara moving closer to the screen, "What do you need?"

"Sara, Wufei was shot five times, but he'll be okay. He was wearing his vest. The doctor says he'll release him in three days if a doctor will be accompanying him back to the Sanc Kingdom," says Heero, "and I really don't want you to leave Relena alone. But I need you to come to London!"

"There may be another way. Noin's son has been born already. So Sally or I could come," says Sara, "And we wouldn't need to leave Relena alone."

"Talk it over with Sally," says Heero, "I'll be coming back with the plane, and one of you will return to London with me. So be ready!"

"We will be, Heero!" exclaims Sara nodding her head.

Heero nods. "Thanks. I'll see you when I come back."

"Bye," says Sally disconnecting the line.

Heero turns off the videophone and turns around. He sees Nikki walking back up with two cups of steaming coffee. He takes a cup from her when she holds it out to him.

"I didn't know how you like it," says Nikki.

"This is fine," says Heero.

***

Noin walks wearily into Sally's bedroom where Marissa sits feeding the baby boy. She walks over to look at her son. She sees the pale blond hair and happy blue eyes, and a new wave of tears fall from her eyes.

"Noin! Come to me!" exclaims Sally sitting up in bed.

Noin runs to the bed and falls into Sally's arms. "Milliardo's dead!"

"I know, Noin!" exclaims Sally. She rubs Noin's back.

Noin slowly stops crying. She dries her eyes and cuddles up to Sally, settling herself into the crook of one arm. "We need to name the baby. He looks just like Milliardo."

"I think I may have the perfect name for him, Noin," says Sally, "I'm pretty sure that it's going to be painful for you to even look at him for awhile."

"It will hurt to see him because he does look just like Milliardo," says Noin, "but he is our son. He's my son, Milliardo's son, and your son, and he looks like his father. One day, I'll be thankful that he looks like Milliardo."

"I think so too," says Sally kissing Noin's forehead.

"Sally, what was your idea?" asks Noin, "What did you think would be a good name for our son?"

"I didn't think of it until after I learned that Milliardo had died," says Sally as Noin slides farther onto the bed with her, "I thought it would be a nice way to honor and remember him. My idea was to name our son Zechs Merquis Peacecraft."

Noin gasps and pulls herself away from Sally. She nearly falls off the bed. "Zechs Merquis Peacecraft?"

"If you don't like it, we can name him something else!" exclaims Sally.

"It suits him perfectly!" Noin bursts into tears again and collapses on top of Sally.

"Should we name him Zechs?" asks Sally.

Noin wipes her eyes. She smiles weakly and says, "Yes. We'll name him Zechs Merquis Peacecraft. And we will pray that baby Zechs won't follow his father's footsteps down the path of revenge."

"Yes!" exclaims Sally, "We will pray that he follows his father down the road to peace."

Noin rolls over to lie beside Sally. "Marissa, would you bring Zechs to us?"

Marissa gets up from her chair. She burps the baby boy before taking him to the bed. "Do you want to hold him, Miss Noin?"

"Yes. Marissa, give me my son," says Noin.

Marissa places the baby in Noin's arms. She smiles and says, "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to run downstairs for a cup of coffee!"

"Take a break, Marissa," says Sally, "You deserve it. We can take care of Zechs until you get back."

"Thank you, Sally," says Marissa, "I'll be back soon." She turns and heads out the door.

Noin rocks baby Zechs in her arms and hums him a lullaby.

***

Heero walks through the door into Peacecraft Manor three days later. He sees Sally standing proudly in her lab coat with her medical bag in her hand.

Noin stands a little behind Sally with Reiya and Nariya on either side of her and her baby son in her arms. "Heero Yuy, I would like to introduce you to Zechs Merquis…!"

"Zechs Merquis!" exclaims Heero with wide eyes.

"Zechs Merquis Peacecraft!" exclaims Noin. She steps up to show Heero the baby.

Heero smiles. "He is Zechs's son!"

"Relena is resting now," says Sally, "and Sara won't let you see her. So we should go back to London… to get Quatre and Wufei."

"Yes," says Heero nodding his head. He looks at the light and dark twins… Reiya, the eldest, with blue eyes and short midnight black hair… Nariya, the younger twin, with dark brown eyes and short blond hair. "Hello, Yin-Yang. How are you doing?"

"Sad, Uncle Heero," says Nariya shrugging her shoulders slightly.

Reiya turns away from Heero's gaze and walks away.

"Come, Heero," says Sally. She pulls him out of the house and to the waiting taxi. "She's taking her dad's death really hard."

"Noin looks okay," says Heero climbing into the taxi with Sally, "How's she taking it?"

"Crying until she runs out of tears," says Sally, "but she realizes that she has three children to be strong for! She's trying. How is Wufei doing?"

"I've been sitting with him and Quatre during visitors hours at the hospital. Wufei's in pain, but he's happy to be alive," says Heero as the taxi drives towards the Sanc Kingdom Airfield, "He doesn't want Quatre to leave his side, not even to go to the bathroom."

"That's sweet," says Sally smiling.

The taxi pulls up at the airfield.

Heero pays the driver and hurries off with Sally to get on the plane.

***

Reiya sits out on the balcony hugging a picture tightly.

Noin walks up behind her dark haired daughter. "Reiya? Are you alright? It's almost bedtime!"

"I want daddy back!" exclaims Reiya. She looks at Noin with tear-less eyes. "I want daddy back!"

"I know, Reiya! I want him back too!" exclaims Noin pulling Reiya into an embrace, "Would you like me to tell you about him?"

"Yes, Mommy!" exclaims Reiya.

"Nariya, come out onto the balcony!" exclaims Noin.

"Yes, Mommy!" exclaims Nariya walking out onto the balcony.

"Come here, Nariya. I'm going to tell you about your father," says Noin.

Nariya and Reiya sit down in a chair together as Noin takes a seat.

Reiya shows them the picture she clutches, an old picture in an antique frame.

Noin gently touches Milliardo's image. "Back then, he called himself Zechs, just like your baby brother. When that picture was taken, we had just finished our training. We would be able to pilot mobile suits!"

As the rain starts to pour down, drenching them all, Noin begins to tell her daughters about the man she knew and loved. She takes them inside for a hot bath and tells them everything she can.

I recall sweet and enchanted days

Your smile chased the clouds away

All fragments of our memory survive

Shining in the moonless night…

Sally and Heero walk into the hospital room with the doctor.

"Well, Mr. Chang, you are free to leave," says the doctor, "Dr. Po will care for you now."

"Thanks, Sally!" exclaims Wufei as Quatre finishes buttoning his shirt up for him.

"He's all ready to go!" exclaims Quatre.

"Except for the wheelchair!" exclaims Sally as a nurse wheels a wheelchair in, "I don't want you to over-exert yourself, Wufei." She moves to embrace him. "I'm glad you're all right!"

"As good as can be," says Wufei smiling.

Heero and Quatre help Wufei into the wheelchair.

"Now let's go home, Quatre," says Wufei.

"I agree," says Quatre.

"We got a ride here from Detective Nikki Moulzolf," says Heero, "She'll be taking us back to the airport, and she'll be keeping an eye out for Trowa."

"We should investigate any abandoned satellites," says Wufei remembering the dream Quatre told him about.

"We'll start on that as soon as we get back home!" exclaims Heero.

Quatre pushes Wufei out of the room with Heero and Sally following.

They all head outside and get into the van supplied by Scotland Yard.

"Thanks for the ride, Nikki," says Heero taking his seat.

"No problem!" exclaims Nikki from the driver's seat. She drives them to the London International Airport. "If I see any sign of your friend, I'll let you know immediately, Heero!"

Heero nods.

Nikki watches everyone move into the plane. She waves as the plane takes off.

Heero, Quatre, Wufei, and Sally talk all the way back to the Sanc Kingdom.

"Sally, you haven't mentioned your son once!" exclaims Wufei looking out the taxi window.

"He looks like Milliardo. Like father like son! Blond hair, blue eyes! Noin agreed to my name choice. Our son is named Zechs Merquis Peacecraft," says Sally happily.

"Zechs?" asks Wufei.

"Merquis?" asks Quatre.

"Peacecraft," says Sally with a nod.

"I met him. He's cuter than Milliardo," says Heero.

"Thank you, Heero," says Sally, "I think..."

The taxi pulls up in front of Peacecraft Manor.

Heero gets out quickly to unload the wheelchair from the trunk while Sally and Quatre climb out and help Wufei from the car.

Quatre lowers Wufei into the wheelchair.

Sally pays the driver and helps Heero carry in the luggage as Quatre pushes Wufei into the house.

"Heero! I'm so glad you're back!" exclaims Chris looking up from his pacing, "Relena's in labor!"

"Relena!" exclaims Heero dropping everything from his hands. He sprints up the stairs and bursts into the room that Sara and Sally converted into a delivery room.

"I'm not having this baby until Heero gets here!" screams Relena.

"Relena!" exclaims Heero as the door closes behind him.

"Heero! You're here!" exclaims Relena.

"Relena! Concentrate! You need to push!" exclaims Sara.

Heero moves to Relena's side and grabs her hand.

"I tried to wait for you, Heero," says Relena through gritted teeth as she tries to push the baby out.

In a few minutes, they hear crying as a new life is born.

"It's a boy!" exclaims Sara.

Heero hugs and kisses Relena. "A boy! Another son! Oh, Relena! I love you!"

Sara cleans up the baby before giving him to Relena to hold.

The boy has blond hair like his mother and his father's Prussian blue eyes.

"He's beautiful, Heero!" exclaims Relena smiling.

"Not as beautiful as you, Relena, but he is very beautiful," says Heero. He kisses Relena again.

"Did you bring Milliardo back?" asks Relena suddenly remembering the recent events.

"Yes. Are the funeral preparations complete?" asks Heero.

Relena nods. "For tomorrow morning."

"I'm going to take him now," says Sara, "and you can start thinking of names!" She takes the boy from his mother.

Heero embraces Relena and holds her to him. "You are a remarkable woman, Relena!"

"I love you, Heero!" exclaims Relena.

***

Quatre dresses Wufei in a black suit to match the one he wears.

Wufei tries to stand up as soon as Quatre's finished. "Quatre! There's something I need to say to you!"

"Wufei! Don't get up! You're going to hurt yourself!" exclaims Quatre trying to push Wufei back down into the wheelchair.

"No! I want to do this right!" exclaims Wufei trying to get up again.

"That you're trying to do it at all is enough for me!" exclaims Quatre, "I don't want you to hurt yourself further, Wufei! I love you!"

Wufei settles himself down in the wheelchair.

"Much better," says Quatre smiling.

"Quatre, I love you. I love you a lot, and when I was shot, I was afraid!"

"Afraid to die. That's natural," says Quatre, "A lot of people…"

"No! I wasn't afraid to die! I was afraid that I would lose you!" exclaims Wufei, "I was afraid to lose you!"

"Wufei! You won't lose me!" Quatre kneels down in front of Wufei and takes both of his hands in his own.

"But I was afraid! Quatre, I don't ever want to feel that way again!" exclaims Wufei, "I don't ever want to feel like I'm going to lose you!"

"What are you saying?" asks Quatre.

"I love you. Quatre, will you marry me?" asks Wufei smiling hopefully.

Please remember

There'll never be good-bye…

"Yes, Wufei!" exclaims Quatre. He kisses his lover passionately. "I will marry you! But I thought you didn't want to get married because you might lose me like you did Nataku!"

"I realized something in that emergency room," says Wufei holding Quatre close to him, "I could lose you whether we are married or not! I would rather live as long as I can as your husband than to succumb to that fear and lose you anyway! I don't want to lose you, but death comes to us all in time. I want us to be happy! I want to die as more than your lover. I'd like to die as your husband!"

"Oh, Wufei! I'd be happy to be your husband! I love you so much!" exclaims Quatre.

"I love you too, Quatre!" Wufei kisses Quatre. He quietly whispers, "We should go now. Milliardo's funeral awaits."

Quatre takes Wufei downstairs and everyone in the Peacecraft household, including the newborns Zechs Merquis Peacecraft and Jeffrey Trowa Yuy, head to the cemetery to pay their respects to Milliardo Peacecraft as he is placed within the earth.

There'll never be good-bye.