Chapter Twelve

Emerald rows rushed passed them as Heero drove on the endless road. Occasionally, a random car from the opposite side of the road would zip by them.

"Where is this place at?" She broke the silence between them and the hum of the engine.

"We'll be there in another two hours." He continued to watch the road ahead of them.

Relena continued to gaze out her passenger side window. The sea of green was interrupted with farm houses here and there. At one farm house in particular, a Saint Bernard was lying out on the porch, barking at anything that came its way. And when they passed by the home, the massive dog lunged from the porch and chased a squirrel in the front yard.

The blacktop surface soon gave way to a gravel road as it cut towards a small town. Her eyes caught a sign…"Welcome to BlueGrass." She looked at her driver and wondered how on earth he found this place.

"I hear their town fair is one of the best."

"Ah."

He continued to drive through the small town until he saw the small inn. It was simple and quaint with white siding. The shutters were painted with hue just like a robin's eggs. The three level building stood on the outskirts of town and in the background it was framed with the rolling hills of other nearby farms.

The pair entered the small entrance and was greeted by the elderly female innkeeper. "Welcome to the BlueStem. How can I be of service?"

"Are there any rooms available still?" Heero placed the two suitcases down on the ground, and watched the old lady flip through her leatherbound book. Its pages worn throughout the years, but was still filled with history.

"Ah here we go. It's a deluxe suite on the second floor." She looked up at the young couple, "The both of you look lovely. On your honeymoon?" Her country accent stuck on the last few syllables.

"No, we're just visiting." Heero took Relena's hand and squeezed it lightly. "We'll take the room."

"Alright then." She turned herself around and took the brass keys off the wall. "You two have a lovely stay here. I'll just need a signature for the room."

Heero took the fountain pen and wrote their names down on the ancient paper.

"You two sure make a fine couple," she beamed. "Your room will be on your left, and I hope you enjoy your stay." She watched the two climb up the stairs, "And by the way, you're just in time for our centennial festival."

The two finally made it to their room, and the view was exceptional. The large window overlooked a small creek bed that snaked its way through the farms. In the distance, small hills jutted out from the sea of green. "You truly out done yourself, Yuy."

"I'm glad I can share it with you." He wrapped his arms around her waist.

…

The two walked hand in hand down the main street, passing by shops that were forgotten with time. An ice cream parlor with a working fountain machine piqued her interest and Heero knew she had a soft spot for sweet treats.

Fans swirled above the patrons' heads as the pair entered. It was like taking a step back in time. There were several open seats at the marble counter. "What can I get you kids?"

"Two sundaes," Relena ordered after staring at the massive menu.

"Coming right up."

Relena smoothed her white sundress out, as Heero looked at her. "What?"

"Nothing," he shook his head.

"You were about to say something."

The server placed their treats down and tended to the register with their cash. "You know how I don't like sweets."

"I know, but you have to try at least once."

Heero took the spoon and dipped it into the whipped cream and part of the creamy vanilla ice cream. He nodded his head from side to side. "It's not bad."

"See," she smiled.

"Hn." He occasionally sneaked a few glances as he watched her devour her sweet treat. "Here you can have a part of mine too."

"If you insist."

…

After their mini meal, the two headed out again and the town slowly came to life. Crowds were out in droves as they weaved through the open stalls. Vendors sold a variety of foods from pulled pork sandwiches, barbeque ribs, smoked bacon, and to fried chicken. A meat lover's fantasy.

Relena watched Heero devour half a slab of ribs, "You're going to have a heart attack," she muttered.

"Relax, you only live once." He took another rib and ate it, "Might as well enjoy it."

"True," she took a rib from his plate and nibbled on it.

The two trudged through the crowds and found the heart of the festival. A row of carnival games were splayed out.

"Come on," he pulled at her hand and found an open stall.

"Well what do we have here?" The vendor spoke in a thicker country accent. "Looks like this little lady wants to try her luck."

"Heero," she muttered. "What are you doing?"

"I want to see you try this."

"Shoot an arrow at the target and win a prize. It's that simple." The man beamed, while holding on the his suspenders' straps.

"More like a con," she thought to herself. "Probably magnetized."

"I'll help you." Heero paid the three dollar fee and grabbed the bow and arrow.

"Why don't you do this?" She shook her head.

"Nonsense." He walked next to her. "I think that bear of yours needs a new pal."

"Funny."

Within seconds, she felt his hands come at her waist and she was facing the row of targets ranging from cows, chickens, and ducks.

"Hold your arm out like this," he whispered.

Relena felt her breath hitch and she knew what he was up to. "You're making it hard for me to do this."

"Focus on the target and start creating tension on the bow." His touches were light and created a trail of fire on her skin.

"I think I'm going to aim at that scrawny duck." She felt his body nudge closer and if she could see his face, she would've saw a grin growing at the corner of his mouth.

The arrow sliced through the hot summer air and hit the duck by its tail feathers.

"Well little lady, looks like you won yourself a prize," the man winked and brought over a chocolate colored teddy bear with a blue ribbon wrapped around its neck. "And if I were you buddy, I would watch out."

"Hn."

"You're so evil, Yuy." She smacked his arm, and before she could rant even more, she felt him lift her off the ground with his tight hug and their lips met under the starry skies.

He held there for ages it felt like. Never did he waiver in his grasp. Slowly, he brought her back down to the ground, as he felt his hands run along the sides of her body. Teasing her ever so slightly.

And at that moment, everything was falling into place. She kissed him again under a shower of fireworks.