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. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.
Dedicated to Sara who finally snags Trowa.
Epilogue
Starting to Live
Cecilia J Yuy, wife of Heero Yuy for the past year, walks into the nursery. Her chin-length brown hair falls around her gray eyes. The long braid she had over a year before is gone now. She walks up to the rocking chair and smiles at her husband.
Heero Yuy sits in the chair fast asleep. His unruly dark brown hair is more disheveled than normal. He holds a small bundle in his arms.
Cecilia chuckles lightly. "Take a look at this, Sara. He's asleep."
"Which one?" asks Dr. Sara Proctor walking through the door into the nursery. Her short blond hair bobs as she moves. The thin-rimmed glasses her age has forced her to wear accentuate her blue-green eyes.
"Both of them," says Cecilia. She lifts the small bundle into her arms and looks down at her precious son.
Heero sighs in his sleep and opens his eyes. He looks up at Cecilia with his Prussian blue eyes. He smiles. "How long have I been asleep?"
"I think about an hour," says Sara. She smiles. "Let me take little Heero. I want to examine him to make sure he isn't coming down with a cold like Herangelia."
"Oh, yes. Of course," says Cecilia placing the sleeping baby boy into Sara's arms, "Thank you, Sara."
"Not a problem, Cecilia. That's what I'm here for," says Sara, "Now, Daddy Heero, you be nice to Mommy Cecilia. She may be recovering from her pregnancy very well, but she's still weak from delivery."
"Go examine Heero Darlian Yuy!" exclaims Heero smiling.
Sara smiles and heads out of the nursery with the newborn boy.
Heero pulls Cecilia down onto his lap. "So how weak are you, my love?"
"I'm strong enough for that," says Cecilia kissing Heero.
Heero glances at the door. "Our son… Heero Darlian Yuy. It's a wonderful name. I hope he becomes a wonderful man."
"With you as a father? How can he not?" asks Cecilia.
Heero holds Cecilia tightly and rests his head against hers. He whispers, "It's finally over. All the anti-pacifists are in jail for conspiracy to murder. They can't hurt us anymore."
"No. They can't hurt us."
"Let's go to bed." Heero smiles slyly.
Cecilia climbs off Heero's lap and pulls him to his feet. She leads him through the door into their bedroom.
***
Grace Barton Yuy walks out into the center of the garden. Her blond hair falls to her shoulders. She shivers slightly as she brushes the snow from the water fountain. Her green eyes look at all the familiar faces carved into the base of the fountain where the water would fall.
"I thought I might find you out here, Angel," says Thomas Yuy walking up behind Grace. He places his arms around her and stares at her beautiful face with eyes of the purest blue. His unruly dark brown hair stands up in a few odd spikes.
"The artistry on this fountain is amazing," says Grace relaxing in Thomas's arms, "I'm so glad that Heero had it made. Everyone looks so young… so alive… Relena, Heero, Dad, Quatre, Wufei, Duo…"
"And the artist said that the water shouldn't erode them," says Thomas, "Something about the kind of stone I think."
"And around the outside edge of the fountain," says Grace, "Mother, Hilde, Sally, Noin, Milliardo, Cecilia, Reiya, Nariya, Zechs, Jason, Hannah, Jeffrey, Herangelia…"
"And us!" exclaims Thomas, "Dad says that baby Heero, Hee-chan, will have a statue with Quatre and Wufei's twins. Once they get older. It'll be guarding the garden entrance."
"And Herangelia means to make it! She sings. She sculpts! She's just a regular artist!" Grace shivers again.
"Let's go inside, Grace," whispers Thomas cuddling up to her, "We'll get some hot cocoa and make s'mores in the fireplace."
Grace giggles and pulls her husband at a swift jog back towards the house.
***
Hilde Maxwell sits in her bed being fussed over. Her short black hair is disheveled from her nap, but her brown eyes are wide open. A light blanket covers her large belly. "So, have you chosen names for the twins?"
"We have some ideas," says Quatre Winner setting a lunch tray down on the nightstands. His neat blond hair and blue eyes match his still boyish face. He smiles.
"Hilde, are you sure you wanted to have twins?" asks Chang Wufei fluffing a pillow. His black hair is slicked back with the help of a little hair gel, but he doesn't have it tied in a ponytail like he normally does. His slanted black eyes look at Hilde uncertainly.
"Yes, Wufei. I only want to do this for you once! Sara fertilized two of my eggs, one for each of your sperm, but it had been my idea!" exclaims Hilde, "If you want any more children, you'll have to ask Cecilia!"
Duo Maxwell chuckles as he helps Wufei put the pillow behind Hilde's back. His chestnut brown braid falls down to his waist, and his violet eyes look at his wife lovingly. "That's right! The next child she bears will be all mine!"
"If she has anymore," says Quatre passing Hilde the lunch tray now that she's settled in.
"What are you thinking of naming them?" asks Duo. He smiles happily as he turns towards two of his best friends.
Hilde starts to eat her ravioli and smiles.
Wufei places his arm over Quatre's shoulders. He smiles. "Since Sara said we're having a boy and a girl… we have decided to name our daughter Chang Nataku Meilan."
"That is a beautiful name," says Hilde.
"After Long Meilan?" asks Duo, "Isn't that like pouring salt on an open wound?"
"Not the way I see it. If I hadn't loved her and then lost her, I would never have found the happiness I have with Quatre," says Wufei, "I think naming her Nataku Meilan will be a wonderful way to honor my precious Nataku."
"What about your son?" asks Hilde before taking a bite of her breadstick.
"We were actually thinking of Rasid… Rasid Joseph Winner," says Quatre wrapping his arm around Wufei's waist, "I can't wait to meet them!"
"It won't be long now, Little One," says Wufei kissing Quatre quickly, "Sara's going to induce labor later this week."
"I am not breast-feeding them for you!" exclaims Hilde.
"We would never ask you to do that, but we are extremely thankful that you're carrying our children," says Quatre.
Hilde nods and smiles. Then she continues eating.
"Now get out so I can have some time along with my wife!" exclaims Duo.
Quatre and Wufei nod and leave the room.
"I love you, Hilde!" exclaims Duo before kissing her lips fervently, "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you!"
"Die of sex deprivation," jokes Hilde. "I love you, too, Duo! Very much!"
Duo gives Hilde a long kiss, which she happily reciprocates.
***
Hannah Maxwell, the pretty fourteen-year-old girl with midnight black hair and blue eyes, makes up a snowball and starts towards the tree.
Zechs Peacecraft hides on the other side of the tree with his own snowball. His long blond hair falls gently over his shoulders. His blue eyes look from side to side. He hears the footsteps in the snow, and he chooses this moment to strike. He jumps out from behind the tree and throws his snowball at Hannah.
Hannah throws her hands up as the snowball hits her square in the chest. "Well, I guess I'm out."
"Hannah? Can I ask you a very serious question?" asks Zechs.
"Sure," says Hannah smiling.
"You are one of my bestest friends," says Zechs, "Even though I'm four years older than you." He pulls Hannah into a warm embrace.
Hannah relaxes in Zechs's arms. "You're one of my best friends, Zechs!"
"Hannah." Zechs moves his mouth over hers and gives her a long, passionate kiss. He uses his tongue to tantalize her senses like he's never done before. "Hannah. I care for you more than anyone else in the world. Do you love me?"
"If I tell you the truth, Zechs, would you hate me?" asks Hannah.
Zechs clamps his eyes shut and turns his face away from Hannah. Certain that her answer is no, he forces out the words, "I could never hate you, Hannah. I've been in love with you for years!"
"I love you, Zechs! I love you very much!" exclaims Hannah before kissing Zechs's cheek.
"Hannah?" asks Zechs turning towards her and looking deeply into her eyes.
"I love you, Zechs," says Hannah blushing.
"Now for that question, Hannah," says Zechs smiling, "I love you, Hannah." He kneels down in the snow in front of her. "Will you marry me?"
"I'm…"
"Not now. When you're old enough to marry, will you marry me?"
"Yes!" exclaims Hannah hugging Zechs, "Yes!"
Zechs holds Hannah tightly.
"We shouldn't tell anyone that we're engaged… not yet. They'd think we're too young to make a decision like that," says Hannah.
Zechs nods. He stands up and holds Hannah. "I agree."
Hannah smiles at Zechs as she holds him close.
Zechs smiles and kisses her quickly.
***
The twelve-year-old Herangelia Yuy blows her nose into a Kleenex. Her blue eyes look at the chessboard tiredly. She tosses the Kleenex into the already full wastebasket. Then she runs her hand through her short, unruly blond hair. "It's your move."
"No, Herangelia. Actually it's your move. It's been your move for the past twenty minutes!" exclaims Jeffrey Yuy. His hair and eyes match his little sister's. "Maybe we should quit."
"Good idea. I'm going to get a cup of hot tea and go to bed," says Herangelia standing up.
Trowa Barton walks into the living room. His brown hair is styled forward to hide his green eyes.
Behind Trowa walks the youngest of the Peacecraft twins, the blond haired, brown eyed Nariya Peacecraft. Her hair is braided on both sides of her head. "How do you feel, Herangelia?"
"Well… besides the fact that I can't breathe and I have a headache the size of the manor, I'm fine, Doctor Nariya," says Herangelia.
"I'm not a doctor, yet, cousin," says Nariya smiling.
"But you will be," says Trowa.
"Sara asked me to check up on you, Herangelia. Let's go up to your room, and I'll examine you," Nariya.
Herangelia nods. She allows Nariya to help her from the room.
"Mind if I finish the game, Jeffrey?" asks Trowa.
"Only if you can make your move in two minutes!" exclaims Jeffrey smiling.
Trowa sits down and looks at the board. He moves the black queen to take out the white castle. "Fast enough?"
"Great! Herangelia wasn't doing too well thinking because of her cold," says Jeffrey moving his knight, "I hope you'll put up a good fight!"
"I always do!" exclaims Trowa. He smiles.
"A Gundam pilot to the end!" exclaims Jeffrey laughing.
Trowa laugh and moves his rook. "Forever!"
***
Reiya Peacecraft, the elder twin daughter of Noin and Milliardo, looks up the ladder in the library. Her short black hair falls around her blue eyes. She is dark and mysterious, while Nariya is light and caring. She is Yin, and her twin sister is Yang. She looks at the young man on top of the ladder. "Jason?"
"Yeah. Just a minute," calls Jason Maxwell from the top of the ladder. His brown hair is braided down the center of his back in a short braid. He slides down the ladder with a book in his hand. His blue eyes look at Reiya and he smiles. "Hi, Reiya!"
"Hello, Jason… are you done with the ladder?" asks Reiya. Her cheeks turn slightly pink.
"Yes. I am," says Jason.
Reiya moves past Jason and allows her arm to brush up against his. She starts to climb the ladder.
"Would you like me to get a book down for you, Reiya?" asks Jason looking up at her. The second he realizes that she's wearing a skirt he turns his eyes away.
"Are you looking up my skirt, Jason?" asks Reiya.
"No! … No!" exclaims Jason.
Reiya reaches out to grab a book. She starts to lose her balance. "Jason!"
Jason looks up at Reiya quickly. He gets a very good look at her underwear and her shapely rear before he sees Reiya fall from the ladder. He drops his book. "Reiya!"
"Jason!" exclaims Reiya.
Jason moves quickly and catches Reiya.
Reiya breathes deeply trying to calm her pounding heart. She wraps her arms around Jason's neck.
"It's okay, Reiya. I'm here," says Jason holding her tightly, "I'd never let you be hurt."
"Thank you, Jason!" exclaims Reiya, "I… uh… think I'm all right! You can put me down now!"
Jason lowers Reiya's feet to the floor.
Reiya keeps her arms wrapped around Jason's neck. Her knees buckle, and she falls up against him.
Jason wraps his arms around Reiya's waist. "Are you sure you're all right?"
"I'm not sure," says Reiya, "Can we sit down, Jason?"
"Yeah!" Jason helps Reiya over to a small couch and helps her sit down. He sits down beside her.
"My heart is still pounding," says Reiya. She looks at Jason as he blushes. "Jason… what did you see?"
"I swear! I didn't see your purple underwear!" exclaims Jason.
"Jason!" exclaims Reiya.
"I didn't mean to look! I saw it as you fell!" exclaims Jason clamping his eyes shut, "Go ahead and slap me!"
Reiya sets her hand gently on Jason's face. "Jason, I'd like to tell you something."
Jason opens his eyes and looks at Reiya. He smiles. "What is it?"
"Do you think I'm a lesbian? A lot of people do," says Reiya in a hushed tone.
"That doesn't matter to me. You're my friend. You can love whoever you want," says Jason.
Reiya smiles. "I'm like my mother. My first lover was a woman, but my first love was you, Jason!"
"What?" asks Jason as his smile fades.
Reiya stands up quickly and starts to move away.
Jason grabs Reiya's wrist and pulls her back down onto the couch. "I'm not letting you leave after a statement like that!"
"Jason?" asks Reiya looking at him with wide, frightened eyes.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Reiya," says Jason pulling her down to lie on top of him, "I never thought I would tell you this. I didn't think you would ever give me the chance. Reiya, I love you too!"
"You love me?" asks Reiya.
"I love you. I didn't think you could love me…"
Reiya presses her lips to Jason's.
Jason tries to relax as Reiya teaches him all she knows about kissing.
"Jason, will you come to bed with me?" asks Reiya as her heart pounds even faster and her cheeks turn bright red.
Jason's cheeks turn red.
"I'm sorry… I'm moving too fast!"
"Your room or mine?" asks Jason rubbing his hands along Reiya's backside.
Reiya smiles and relaxes in Jason's arms. "Your room. I'll give you the home field advantage. Meet you there in fifteen minutes? I need to put my book in my office."
"I'll be there," says Jason.
Reiya gently presses her lips up against Jason's. "It's okay to be nervous. You'll be my second lover, but the first man."
"Are you nervous?" asks Jason as Reiya climbs off him.
"More nervous than when I took over as Foreign Minister," says Reiya, "But I've never wanted anything more!" She smiles.
Jason smiles at Reiya. He sits up. "Can I walk you to your office?"
Reiya nods. She hurries to get the two books from the floor.
Jason stands and takes the books from Reiya before they walk out.
***
Two days later, everyone sits in the living room together as Hilde, Duo, Sara, and Nariya work away in the upstairs delivery room to bring two new lives into the world.
Cecilia cradles her young son, Heero Darlian Yuy, in her arms.
"How is Hee-chan doing, Mother?" asks Herangelia, "He didn't get my cold, did he?"
"No. Hee-chan is fine," says Cecilia smiling. She shows the baby to Herangelia.
Hee-chan is the chosen nickname for baby Heero. He looks up at his older half-sister with bright Prussian blue eyes. What little hair he has is already a deep brown.
Jeffrey and Thomas come over to look at the baby.
"Can I hold him, Step-mom?" asks Thomas, "I'm going to need the practice."
"Grace? Are you pregnant?" asks Trowa with wide eyes as Thomas takes Hee-chan from Cecilia's arms.
"Not yet, but Thomas has certainly been trying to remedy that!" exclaims Grace.
"You know, Dad, Hee-chan doesn't look a thing like Cecilia. He looks exactly like you!" exclaims Jeffrey as Thomas rocks Hee-chan in his arms.
"I've noticed that, Jeffrey," says Heero.
Jason places his arm over Reiya's shoulders and pulls her close to him.
"Go easy, you two. Uncle Heero's too young to be a grandfather," says Reiya resting her head on Jason's shoulder.
Duo comes rushing in still wearing the OR scrubs that Sara insisted he wear. "Come on, everyone! You've got to see the kids!"
"They're here already?" asks Quatre excitedly.
"Yes! And they're beautiful!" exclaims Duo.
Everyone runs outside and rushes up to the delivery room.
Duo heads back to Hilde's side.
"The kids are beautiful," says Hilde smiling.
"The eldest," says Nariya placing a baby in Quatre's arms, "Boy, eight pounds, six ounces. Eyes blue. Hair blond."
Quatre holds his son lovingly and stares into the newborn's blue eyes.
Sara places the second baby into Wufei's arms. She smiles. "Girl, seven pounds, twelve ounces. Eyes black. Hair black."
Wufei looks at the little girl's slanted black eyes. "Quatre!"
Quatre looks over at the little girl as Wufei examines the boy. He smiles happily at Wufei.
Wufei smiles at Quatre and kisses his cheek being careful not to squish either of the two children.
"Uncle Quatre. Uncle Wufei! What's their names?" asks Grace.
"This is Rasid Joseph Winner," says Quatre showing everyone the little boy.
Wufei holds their daughter gently and shows her to everyone. "This is Chang Nataku Meilan."
"They're wonderful," says Trowa smiling proudly.
"Very beautiful," says Heero. He smiles.
"The kids look great! This is going to be the start of a whole new life for all of us," says Jason before kissing Reiya's cheek.
"Jason?" asks Duo.
"What are you holding Reiya for?" asks Hilde.
"Reiya?" asks Nariya with wide eyes filled with pain.
"Sorry! We've started dating, but that's not important right now!" exclaims Reiya blushing, "The twins are important!"
"That's right!" exclaims Sara, "And they're probably hungry! We should feed them and then put them to bed!"
"Thank you, Hilde!" exclaims Quatre looking from his son to the woman kind enough to surrogate mother for him and his husband.
"Yes, Hilde. Thank you," says Wufei smiling.
"You're welcome, Quatre, Wufei," says Hilde smiling happily, "It's quite obvious which one of you was the father of each though. What will you tell them about today?"
Quatre and Wufei smile at each other. "The truth."
"Now, the babies need some attention!" exclaims Nariya, "And Hilde needs some sleep!"
Quatre and Wufei start to head towards the nursery that's made up beside their bedroom.
Thomas follows with Hee-chan as Cecilia, Heero, and Grace head to the kitchen to make up bottles for the three children.
Zechs heads out with Hannah while Jason leads Reiya away.
Jeffrey and Herangelia go off to play chess.
"Nariya, stay outside the door until I get back. Duo, Hilde, anything seems wrong, and you yell for Nariya," says Sara, "I'm going up to the nursery."
"I'll go with you," says Trowa.
"Yes, Doctor!" exclaims Nariya smiling. She walks out and stands by the door.
"Rest up, Hilde," whispers Duo lying beside her.
Sara walks out with Trowa, and they head down the halls together.
"How long have we been dating, Sara?"
"A little over three years… since my Chris died nearly five years ago." The last half of Sara's sentence was whispered. In a whisper she adds, "The fire nearly ruined my life."
Trowa stops Sara and kisses her quickly. "It didn't ruin your life, but it did give us both a second chance at love. Have you ever thought of making it a bit more permanent?"
"What are you asking, Trowa?" asks Sara. She smiles at him.
"I've never been married. Maybe it's time I gave it a try. I love you, Sara… marry me, please?" asks Trowa.
Sara wraps her arms around Trowa's neck and kisses him. "I love you, Tro'! Yes!"
Trowa holds Sara tenderly.
"Now let's go check on the new fathers!" exclaims Sara. She pulls Trowa onward.
***
Heero Yuy plays lead guitar for the band Gundam Wing and leads the Sanc Kingdom towards the future with total pacifism. Cecilia J Yuy is the co-singer for the band Gundam Wing and also the manager of the band. She also is one of the teachers for all the children residing at Peacecraft Manor. Thomas Yuy helps his father with the day-to-day running of the Sanc Kingdom. Jeffrey Yuy goes to school to study economics. Herangelia Yuy attends school and starts to paint, sculpt, and sing seriously. Heero Darlian Yuy – Hee-chan – grows up happily.
Duo Maxwell sings for the band Gundam Wing and is the co-head of the newly reorganized Peacecraft Security. Hilde Maxwell runs the daily affairs of Peacecraft Manor. Jason Maxwell marries Reiya Peacecraft within a year, much to the dismay of Nariya. He goes to school for accounting. Hannah Maxwell marries Zechs Peacecraft two months after her eighteenth birthday and gets a job designing computer games.
Trowa Barton marries Sara Proctor and plays bass guitar for the band Gundam Wing. Dr. Sara Proctor marries Trowa Barton and works at the Sanc Kingdom free medical clinic. Grace Barton Yuy works as a gardener at Peacecraft Manor.
Quatre Raberba Winner plays the keyboard for the band Gundam Wing and is the head gardener for the Peacecraft Estate. Chang Wufei plays the drums for the band Gundam Wing and is co-head of Peacecraft Security. Rasid Joseph Winner grows up filled with love like his two fathers. Chang Nataku Meilan grows up strong and kind.
Reiya Peacecraft marries Jason Maxwell and continues her duties as the Foreign Minister of the Sanc Kingdom. Nariya Peacecraft finishes medical school and assists Sara at the free medical clinic. Zechs Merquise Peacecraft marries Hannah Maxwell two months after she turns eighteen. He works hard as Reiya's personal assistant.
The end…