The first assignment Heero acted as an undercover agent for Preventers was the same day he confessed his feelings to Relena.

"And how much time do you have?"

Time? He had till tomorrow to set his affairs in order. Heero sighed heavily, walking over to the large floor-to-ceiling window. Staring out at the dark midnight sky freckled with hundreds of thousands of stars. He was going to miss this particular view of space from Earth. "0800 hours."

Relena nodded, hurrying over, and slipped a hand in his. "Good, then we have enough time."

The first assignment Heero acted as an undercover agent for Preventers was the same day he confessed his feelings to Relena.

He had been her bodyguard for nearly two years before he requested Une to reassign him. Thankfully Une didn't question him. Being with Relena, his friend, his... well, his nothing, she wasn't supposed to be anything while he worked for her. Relena was to be his ward, day in and day out, nothing more, but he had crossed the boundary of his job by having these feelings he had for her. A change of pace, he thought, would help him see things more clearly.

Now here it was, less than twelve hours before his mission, standing in front of Relena's home. He didn't know the reason why he felt the need to tell her in person. Une had already briefed Relena about her new bodyguard days ago. He could have just left without a word or a simple text conveying, "I'm leaving for a few weeks."

Thankfully, Relena wanted to be friends with him, even after he had gone behind her back, stepping down as her hired protector for some shitty fieldwork. It was better than jeopardizing Relena's safety.

She had texted him on his private number, letting him know there were no hard feelings, and that was that. He tried to respond, to hit send, but couldn't. It took him three days to muster the courage to tell her he was sorry, but he still couldn't say anything about his latest assignment, which irritated him. He knew why it rattled him. That was the whole reason for his dismissal as her bodyguard in the first place. He just didn't want to admit the truth.

It was almost midnight, and he could see her study light was still on. Heero shook his head, staring at the dim light pouring out the window as he walked to the front of her building, thinking, 'Typical.' Relena was just as much a night owl as he, always working until the early morning hours.

Heero didn't bother to ring the doorbell so as to avoid disturbing the house at all costs. The last thing he needed next time Relena invited him over was to be on the wrong side of her whole staff, especially Pegan.

He was the person who designed her security system and had little concern about how he would get in. It proved easier than expected even; his credentials were still unrestricted in her system.

Of course, the door to her study was wide open, and he leaned against the door frame, watching this beautiful tired woman sip her coffee while reading over a document. He waited for her to set down her cup to clear his throat, trying his best not to startle her.

She was in full work mode and hadn't even noticed his presence in the slightest. It was as if he had not taught her anything about being mindful of her surroundings.

With his hands in his pockets, he carefully strolled over to her desk, whispering her name, "Relena."

Relena finally looked up from her document, her tired eyes widening in surprise. A mix of emotions crossed her face—relief, joy, and a hint of annoyance. "Heero," she breathlessly gasped. "I didn't even hear you come in."

Heero raised an eyebrow. "I thought my training would have made you more aware of your surroundings," he teased, a small smirk forming on his face.

Relena's smile widened, and she chuckled softly. "Well, it seems I might need some additional training then," she replied, humor dancing in her eyes.

He nodded in acknowledgment that he knew far too well how consumed she could be with work. He walked over to the wall of books, examining the vast library before returning his attention to her. "What are you doing here?" She asked curiously, peeking at her gold wristwatch, "It's late. Is everything alright?"

All Heero had to do was tell her he was leaving for a few weeks, but his throat tightened whenever he dared to speak. His heart fluttered rapidly, something that would happen in battle, but these feelings and surroundings were vastly different. It wasn't until he darted his eyes over his shoulder realizing she had walked over to him and gently caressed his arm, significantly lessening his nerves. His eyes glanced down at the contact, then at her radiant smile.

"Heero..." She softly whispered.

He clenched his fists tightly at his sides, not realizing he was holding his breath, until he finally blurted, "I'm going undercover."

Relena dropped her hand to her side, nodding her head. "I see."

"It's going to be a while before I get back," Heero added, unsure why he was explaining.

Relena only nodded in understanding,

Heero stared at her. She was so calm about him leaving. He honestly hadn't expected that. He didn't know what he was expecting, really, just not this.

There was a beat before she spoke again. "And how much time do you have?"

Time? He had till tomorrow to set his affairs in order. He sighed heavily, walking over to the large floor-to-ceiling window. Staring out at the dark midnight sky freckled with hundreds of thousands of stars. He was going to miss this particular view of space from Earth. "Zero, eight hundred."

Relena nodded, hurrying over, and slipped a hand in his. "Good, then we have enough time," she said with an infectious smile that almost made him crack. Her hand felt soft and warm, which caused his stomach to flutter as she guided him out of the study with hurried steps.

He didn't know why he allowed her to usher him anywhere, but Heero couldn't help but follow her because he would, truthfully, go anywhere she wanted.

They padded down the hall, up the stairs, and around the corner, her soft, petite hand still clutched onto his calloused one. He knew every inch of the Sanc palace, yet he had no idea where she was taking him until they halted at her bedroom. His heart began to thump almost out of his chest. What was she doing? ...Instantly, without another measured thought, when she turned the knob and started to open her door, he spoke, "Relena? What…."

Relena paused, entryway half ajar, and turned to meet his gaze over her shoulder. An amused giggle emanated from her lips, "Heero, what do you think I'm attempting?" She squeezed his hand a little tighter, and her beautiful smile widened.

He shrugged because he could not and would not muster the words his thoughts lingered to.

She nodded somehow in understanding, "Well, just know, if I were trying to seduce you, Heero, I wouldn't have to bring you to my bedroom."

He didn't know if his eyes widened in shock or not at the word…... Seduce?! His whole body reacted. An electrifying spark shot down his spine, lingering in his gut and twisting itself in multiple knots. He hoped it didn't show. He was, after all, trained not to show any emotions. He could handle this, so he cleared his throat and spoke in a low, calm voice, "Huh? I didn't..."

She smiled wider, baring all her perfectly straight white teeth, chuckling as she cut him off, "You know, you're cute when you're flustered."

Heero felt the back of his neck burn, along with his cheeks. It was a sensation he rarely felt, and he only experienced it when he was around her. "I am not." He countered, offering her a deep scowl. What was she thinking? Cute... whatever that meant, she evidently saw right through his earlier mask. He hardened his gaze, stiffened, and felt lying still seemed like the right call. He was already too close to her by being her friend. Anything more wasn't or shouldn't be allowed, even if it hurt her feelings.

Relena raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, only tugging him through her bedroom to her large, opened balcony's double doors, letting in the cool spring breeze. She let go of his hand to rest her arms and leaned on the concrete railing. "This is my favorite spot to look up at the stars."

He stood next to her, watching her mesmerized by the night sky. He'd seen her here more than enough times when he was working as her bodyguard, and only now did he relize what this place actually meant to her. He put both hands in his pockets, fighting the urge to grab her hand again. Why did he want to? It was silly. He liked the way she fit in his hand. Her soft, warm skin against his murderous ones was as if they were purifying them with a single touch. He didn't deserve that. He didn't deserve her and her friendship. But he was greedy and never could say no to this woman.

"Isn't it the most breathtaking view?" She expressed interrupting his self-turmoil.

"It is." He softly spoke, but his eyes never once abandoned his observant stare on her. Stars aside, she was the most breathtaking woman he'd ever met.

Relena turned her head towards him, cocking her head a bit to the side in a silent question. Maybe she understood his deeper meaning, or perhaps not; either way, it didn't bother him. He ignored her wordless inquiry, tilting his head towards the beautiful night sky. "My Colony shines brighter here than anywhere on Earth."

"Really?"

"It's something I've noticed the past few years." He turned his attention back to Relena.

With a curious gaze, she walked closer, offering her hand to his, "Can you show me?"

Heero gulped, nodding wordlessly, looking down at her hand while trying to contain controlled, even breathing. She turned her back, facing his direction, and almost backed into him, pressing herself closer to his body than ever before. His breath was more uneven as he smoothed his hand over her shoulder, slowly feeling his way down her bare arm, which suddenly rippled in goosebumps while traveling to grab hold of her wrist. He thought for a brief moment that it was weird because it wasn't, particularly a cold night, but the breeze did make it feel slightly nippy. He wondered if he should get her a sweater, but with more of his touch; they had vanished just as quickly as they came. Heero pushed the thought out and gently wrapped his hand around her wrist, her pointer finger already extended, and he guided her toward the cluster of colonies that he had called home once, whispering in a deep, intense, breathy voice right up against her ear, "Right... there."

Relena leaned her head back, resting on his shoulder. "It's beautiful," she sighed.

Her strands of honey-blonde hair tickled his nose, and a waft of her rose and jasmine perfume permeated his senses. He let go of her, quickly stepping away. His heart was nearly pounding out of his chest again. Feelings came to life all through his body, overwhelming. Heero had to focus or lose all sense of himself. What was she doing to him?!

The need to kiss this woman and feel the softness of her lips again overwhelmed him. He had told himself all those years ago that it was a mistake. He shouldn't have been so careless then, and he was determined not to make that mistake again.

But right now, she was falling backward, unable to steady herself from his abrupt decision to pull away, so he swiftly caught her in his arms, back arched, as he hunched over her as if he dipped her in a silent, endless waltz they had been cautiously dancing to all these years. Their eyes met again as if the world had melted away. Now he'd be damned of social status or his past or hers. Relena was in his arms, whispering his name, a fake name, no less, but a name that had been more real to him than any other before.

And then, she murmured, "Please," breaking the barrier he built around his heart, crumbling instantly as if her words were an earthquake, shattering the wall he had made around it with her plea.

"Relena..." He murmured before his urgency kicked in, bringing his lips to hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck, crushing her chest against his, feeling the softness of the pillowy mounds of her breasts. The sensation caused the kiss to deepen, the raw, desperate eagerness from his want and need to kiss her again after all these years, full of regret for holding himself back the last time they kissed, lasting only mere seconds before he started to overthink. However, he surrendered at this moment, enjoying every part of Relena kissing him back with equal intensity. Time seemed to stand still as their worlds collided and hearts synced perfectly in rhythm.

He didn't dare roam his hands where he wanted, though, remaining where he caught her. One twisted around Relena's waist and the other holding the small of her back, but he enjoyed feeling her roaming hands. One hand teasing the hairs of the nape of his neck, the other running up and down his back. When she moved her hand to caress his cheek while their kiss depended more, he tore his mouth from hers, looking at her eyes fluttering open, trying to make sense of all this.

They were both panting, staring at each other, trying to catch their breaths, but after another moment, he collected himself, smoothly brushing a few wisps of hair from her face. Regret washed over Heero, and he let go of her, realizing the consequences of his impulsive action. "I'm ... I'm sorry, Relena," he muttered, his voice laced with remorse.

But Relena surprised him, her eyes shimmering with a mix of emotions. "Don't." She said, digging her perfectly manicured pointer finger into his chest, "Don't you dare apologize to me, Heero," her voice firm and laser focused.

Heero opened his mouth, about to speak, but she wasn't finished and cut him off before he could say another word, "You can't keep doing this to me."

"Huh? Doing what?"

Relena's eyes glimmered with determination as she interrupted him yet again, her voice filled with strength and vulnerability. "You're not the only one who gets to make decisions. Haven't you realized by now? I care about you too, and if you can't see that, then maybe it's time for me to move on."

Heero was taken aback by her words, realizing just how much he had underestimated her feelings. "Why, Relena? Why care about me?"

A gentle smile graced Relena's lips as she lovingly cupped his cheek. She took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering as she spoke with steadfast determination. "Because, Heero, beneath your stoic exterior, I see a person who's burdened by the weight of the past. I see someone who's fought countless battles, carrying the guilt and pain of the lives he's taken."

She paused momentarily, her voice softening as she continued, "But I also see the incredible strength and resilience within you. I've seen your unwavering loyalty and dedication toward those you care about, and I'm so proud of your change and growth these past years."

Relena dropped her hand, fisting it at her side, while her eyes shimmered with empathy and understanding. "But, each time you've gotten close to me, you've shut yourself out. But Heero, you're mistaken. You deserve happiness just as much as anyone else. You've become my best friend."

Heero's eyes softened as he listened to Relena's heartfelt words. She was right. He had always carried the weight of his past, believing he was undeserving of happiness and love. But listening to Relena's unwavering support and her declaration of friendship from her sweet, beautiful, kissable lips touched him in ways he couldn't fully express.

"Relena," he began, his voice filled with gratitude and vulnerability, "I never thought I could have someone like you in my life."

He hesitated, and a wave of memories flooded his thoughts, flashing back to the notable moments when Relena, through the years, supported him. "You've offered me more kindness than I ever deserved."

Heero paused momentarily. He ran a hand through his thick brown hair, taking a deep, steady breath, gathering his thoughts before continuing, "I've spent so much of my life believing that I must bear the weight of my past alone. But having you by my side for the last few years, I'm beginning to realize just how much I wasn't facing these things alone. I've trusted you. I've leaned on you when I needed the support."

"I am always here for you." Relena bit her lower lip, looking as if she were unsure if she should go on, but before he could tell her to come out with it, her eyes darkened, and hurt filled her tone, "The stunt you pulled on me last week, well, it hurt me. It hurt that you didn't tell me you were leaving in person. Une, of all people, had to brief me, not so subtlely, might I add, suggesting you had stepped down because of me."

It was like a punch in the gut. He'd forgotten all about that, so wrapped up in the here and now that he had hurt Relena only a week ago, guilt-ridden him, "Relena... I'm so..."

She touched his lips with a finger, silencing him, "Just promise me that you won't shut me out anymore. Promise me that you'll let me in."

Heero took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Relena's. "I promise," He muttered through her finger. He carefully grabbed her wrist, setting her hand to the side, stating, "From this moment, I'll let you in."

Relena's hands reached out, gently cupping both his cheeks. "You're not alone, Heero. You have people who care about you and want to be there for you. And I want to be more than friends. I love you unconditionally."

Love...All of his life, he desperately suppressed his longing to be loved. Relena, of all people, loved him unconditionally? The feeling was mutual, but self-doubt clouded his judgment again, and tears started to well in Heero's eyes, voice trembling with vulnerability. "But...I ...I don't know if I deserve someone like you, Relena."

She leaned in closer, forehead resting on his. Her eyes fluttered closed, and warmth filled her voice as she whispered, "Deserving has nothing to do with it, Heero. Love isn't about deserving; it's about accepting and embracing our shared connection. We all have flaws and scars, but it's through love and support that we find healing and strength."

Relena's thumb gently brushed away a single tear rolling down his cheek. "So, please, don't push me away. Please don't deny yourself the chance to be loved and to love in return."

Heero's resolve wavered. His walls crumbled as he placed one of his hands over Relena's, cupping his cheek, intertwining his fingers with hers, and squeezing lovingly. After moments of comfortable silence, he pulled his head away from hers, opening his eyes and finding she was already watching him with a hopeful smile. His heart rate quickened. Giving her a genuine smile, and nodded.

He let go of her hand to raise her chin. He was barely taller than her, only mere millimeters apart, but both of her hands still cupped his cheeks. He stared at her, finally allowing himself to show her his full intent for her. He gazed into her gorgeous blue eyes, thinking he could get lost in there, drown even. But then, Relena licked her lips, his eyes darting to them, bringing him back to reality. He noticed her lower lip quivering in anticipation, wanting him and silently begging him to kiss her again. And without another thought, he leaned in and claimed hers with his: the raw, pent-up frustrations no more. Replaced by... Love, passion, and lust.

He finally allowed his hands to roam, gripping a fist full of her silky, soft honey-blonde hair with one and the other caressed soothing circles along the small of her back. She was equally in his hair, kissing him with identical intensity. They stayed that way a long while till both were out of breath.

He wrapped Relena in his arms, back facing him, as they quietly enjoyed each other's company, appreciating the beauty of the night.

"Heero..." Relena broke the silence after a while.

"Hmm?" He breathed into her neck, engraining this moment in his head, wanting never to forget it. Relena's body shuttered under his touch, making him hold on tighter.

"If you can answer, what is the risk level of your mission?"

He stiffened. He had entirely forgotten why he was here in the first place but relaxed, knowing Relena was still in his arms, and placed his head on her shoulder."A get-in; find whatever we're looking for, then get out."

Relena rubbed her cheek across his, "I see. You're one of the strongest and most capable people I know, and I have faith you'll return to me."

Heero tightened his grip on her, feeling overwhelmed by her unwavering support and grateful for her words of encouragement.

Relena turned to face him, looking up at him with a soft smile. "I'll be waiting for you whenever you return from a mission. And take whatever time we have between them."

Heero's heart swelled with emotion as he looked down at her, feeling overwhelming gratitude and love toward her. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss, a silent promise of his own that he, indeed, would return to her every single time, no matter the length of his assignments.

And throughout the ten years, Heero kept his promise, returning to Relena, the love of his life, repeatedly—mission after mission after grueling mission.

He stumbled into Relena's bedroom, beaten, bruised, and bloodied. Not the worst state she's seen him in, but certainly not the best in the last few years. It had been the most demanding mission he'd been on in a while, the longest, too. He hadn't expected to be gone for five months, and when his patience grew thin at the end, he'd gotten sloppy. Sure, he'd obtained all the intel Preventers needed, but it opened windows for critical errors, such as the wounds he came back with.

Even though she was sleeping peacefully, it was like her sixth sense, knowing when he'd return. Her eyes opened, blinking back her sleep, "Heero?" She questioned as if she may have thought this was a dream.

Heero winced in pain, setting his black duffle next to the closet, and limped toward the bed, his exhaustion was evident in every step. He mustered a weak smile, despite the weariness etched on his face. "It's me, Relena."

Relena quickly sat up, flinging the covers off, then jumped out of bed, rushing to offer him aid. He gladly accepted her arm and leaned on her shoulder for support. He'd been stabbed in the thigh and walking hurt like a son of a bitch. He had for-goed seeking medical assistance after his plane landed, wanting nothing more than to return to Relena as quickly as possible. He'd missed her terribly and vowed never to be away from her that long ever again if he could help it.

Relena guided him to the master bathroom, sitting him down on her vanity stool. Heero watched her quickly rush to the first aid cabinet, where they kept it well-stocked for just these purposes—returning with an on-slot of things that she thought could help his injuries.

Wordlessly, she tended to his wounds, and he couldn't help but still admire, even years later, Relena's remarkable ability to patch him up. "Here, take this." she said, handing him two aspirin, along with a cup of water. He graciously accepted the pain meds and gulped them down with the entirety of his cup.

"Well, that will do until we get you to see Sally in the morning." She said, cleaning up the mess around him.

Heero looked up at Relena, appreciation and affection shining in his tired eyes. Despite his pain, he couldn't help but feel comforted by her presence and care. "Thank you, Relena," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Relena turned towards him after throwing the trash in the waste bin. She smiled gently, her gaze softening as she met his eyes. "Of course, Heero." A playful smirk crossed her lips, "Do I even want to know what the other guy looks like?"

Heero chuckled softly. Despite the gnawing pain in his thigh and a few bruised ribs, a hint of humor sparkled in his tired eyes. "You don't want to know," he said, shaking his head. "But let's just say he won't forget our encounter anytime soon."

Relena grinned, amusement gleaming in her eyes. "I'm sure he won't," she said, touching his shoulder. "But now, let's get you to bed. You look like shit."

Heero cracked another smile and nodded. She wasn't wrong; he felt like it too, and was grateful for her concern. "Yeah, sleep would be nice," he said, standing up with her help. "And a shower."

"Hmmm..." She sniffed his armpit. "Shower first, then bed." She remarked.

"That bad, huh?"

Relena wrinkled her nose playfully, teasing him. "Let's just say you've had better days, Heero," she said, giving him a mischievous grin. "But don't worry, a nice hot shower will do wonders."

Heero raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, so you're saying I don't look attractive, covered in dirt, sweat, and blood?" He teased, a smirk forming.

Relena giggled, her eyes sparkling. "Well, some people might have different tastes, but I think you clean up quite nicely," she replied, giving him a sly wink.

Heero feigned offense, placing a hand over his chest. "I'm wounded, Relena. Both figuratively and literally. I thought I was irresistible even in my battle-scarred state."

Relena playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You know I find you irresistible no matter what. But a shower wouldn't hurt, and it might save my sheets from getting ruined."

"Ah, so it's your sheets you're worried about. Noted."

Relena pointed a finger at him. "Don't you dare try to ruin my freshly cleaned sheets, Mr. Yuy. Now, off to the shower with you."

Heero laughed as he slowly and carefully stripped out of his soiled clothing. They could be burned for all he cared. He thought he never wanted to look at them ever again while Relena turned on the water. He turned his attention back to his beautiful girlfriend, and couldn't help but think how much he had missed her, missed this, missed them. He stepped into the shower while Relena adjusted the water to a soothing warm temperature. Before Relena could leave the vicinity of the shower, he caught her hand and tugged her into his arms, water splashing the both of them, not caring that Relena was still fully clothed in her nightgown, bringing her into a long-awaited deep kiss.

Relena quickly melted into it, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing closer. The warmth cascading over them only added to the intimacy of this private moment between them, and Heero found himself lost in the feeling of being with Relena again. It had been far too long since he'd held her like this. Kissed her like this... and made love to her like this.

After a few moments, they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily. Relena smiled up at Heero, her eyes shining. "I've missed you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the water splashing around them.

Heero leaned his forehead against hers, his smile mirroring hers. "I missed you too, Relena," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion. "More than you know."

She leaned back and swept a few wet chunky bangs away from his face, searching his eyes, before asking the question she always inquired when he returned from a mission: "How much time do we have?"

He sighed heavily, bringing her back into a tight embrace, not caring that his ribs hurt like hell. The answer was far worse than any wound he had ever received, whispering, "Never enough time."

Thank you for reading! Please kudo and comment I would really appreciate it!

And as Revy would say,

Go with Gundam! 3