Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing

Heero pressed himself flush, against the wall, closing his eyes as he listened for his prey. The heavy thumping of small feet held no stealth; no training. The soldier's face twisted in a mischievous grin as he slid down to rest on his haunches, on hand balancing him as he prepared to attack.

With slow, steady breaths he waited.

The little feet hesitated as they reached the doorway, sensing the predator's presence. Big, violet eyes blinked, seeing no sign of the intruder. Carefully, the boy moved forward.

As he crossed the threshold, his body was grabbed by a hand, nearly the size of his stomach, and tossed upward, into the air. The boy's blood curdling scream ripped through the house, as he flew nearly to the ceiling and back down, into waiting arms. When he landed in the strong limbs that cushioned the fall, he was swept up, again, and dropped over his hunter's shoulder, flying backwards faster than he could ever move on his own. Long fingers wrapped securely around his broad, strong thighs, ensuring his safety in the flight. After several, thrilling seconds of riding, he was weightless, again, dropping back into the arms that carefully guided his body to a gentle landing on his back.

Jordan kicked, squealed and laughed at his godfather as the man stood over him, amused. From behind him, Heero could hear the ladies laughing, enjoying the sound of the boy's play time, while he was bonding with the Maxwell child.

A key in the lock of the front door hesitated, taking in the sounds, before the new arrival made his entrance. The image of the boy's father came into view, smiling broadly through his own violet eyes, with his long, brown hair trailing behind in an oversized braid. He stood behind his old friend, putting on hand firmly on his shoulder, watching the child scramble to his feet. The boy created his own impact sounds as he used his best form of martial arts on Heero's shins.

The father turned, bewildered, toward the kitchen at the sound of the women's laughter. "Hey, Buddy," he said. "Is that—Relena?"

When he met Heero's stare, he was answered with a silent, curt nod.

"Hm," he mumbled, raising his eyebrows in concern and surprise.

He wandered into the kitchen, leaning on the doorframe as he smiled at the second guests. "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. I didn't know there was a—thing—in town."

"A 'thing'?" Relena asked.

"You know. One of those circle jerks, where the old geezers sit around congratulating each other on has-been politics and looking at you crazy because they think you're naïve."

Relena scoffed. "Oh. Those things." She stood to greet him and he wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her into a powerful, warm embrace. "No," she answered when she could breathe, again. "There isn't one. I'm on vacation."

The brunet had walked to the stove, wrapping his arms securely around the small, raven haired woman, and openly nibbling at her neck as she giggled. "What?" He froze, turning his gaze back on the blonde. "Did you say 'vacation'?"

Relena nodded affirmatively through smiling eyes.

"Oh, good Heaven," he whispered. His face held a look of pseudo-horror. "It's the end of the world."

Heero entered his view, stopping in the doorway to openly eavesdrop.

"Shut up," Relena giggled. "I can take time off, too, you know!"

"Then why haven't you done it, before?"

She studied her hands in her lap refusing to answer.

"And why are you and Heero here, together? Huh?"

Hilde and Relena looked at Duo at the same time, both amused at his lack of information. Relena's grin deepened as she considered leaving him out of the loop for as long as possible. She glanced quickly back to Heero, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. Without a word spoken, it was agreed.

"Heero's a free man," she said authoritatively as she turned back to the host. "He can be wherever he likes."

Duo opened the refrigerator, pulling out two glass bottles of beer, and turned back to the politician.

"No, thank you," she said softly, looking at the golden liquid.

Duo looked down, before smirking at her. "Who said it was for you? I have more than one guest, you know."

"And Heero seldom drinks," she pointed out.

"How would you know? I know more about him than you do." He sat at the table, across from her, crossing his arms in protest.

Relena raised an eyebrow, pressing him for more. "Really?"

"Yeah," he scoffed out. "There is no way you know more about him than I do. No way you've seen more of his stuff than I have."

Relena choked on her water, hiding her face from him, and Hilde turned to him wide eyed.

"Really now?" Hilde's voice was a higher pitch than usual, laced with evil amusement.

"True story," he said, closing his eyes as though they weren't worth his gaze.

"You know, Baby," Hilde said softly as she stirred the chili. "You might just have to eat those words."

Duo refused to open his eyes, determining it was a sign of weakness. In the meantime, the other adults just shook their heads at his foolishness and began preparing for dinner. Once the entire house was around the table, they found that both of the beers were, in fact, for Duo, and once he had polished off six to "take the bite off the chili" he had still more to say about—everything.

"Take Hil, for example," he exclaimed, throwing an arm over her shoulder. "When she was nursing Jordan, her breasts were HUGE."

Hilde turned beet red as he spread his hands in illustration. Heero just sat back watching him, unexpressive, and Relena stifled a laugh at her girlfriend's expense.

"You should get pregnant," Duo stated, pointing at Relena with the hand that held his latest beverage. "You boobs are—"

Heero could see it coming, and opened his mouth to interrupt, but nothing came out. He hadn't planned for this, and honestly didn't know what to say to stop it.

"—Well—cute."

Relena's smile sank away as the insult cut deeply through her, hitting a raw nerve that only her lover knew she was hiding. After a moment's weakness, feeling herself frowning, Relena forced another smile.

"Okay," Hilde said dramatically, as she pried the drink out of Duo's hand and hoisted him onto his feet. "I think you need rest."

"Wha—" he tried to argue, but she was pushing him into the hall.

Hilde forcibly pushed him, to avoid any more remarks as she turned back to her guests. "I'm sorry," she whispered toward Relena, grimacing at his behavior. "You guys make yourselves at home. I'll be back to put the baby to bed after the other child is tucked in."

Relena smiled, again, swallowing to make sure she could feel. Her face was cold, and the rest of her body felt like an oven. She hid her hands in her lap, knowing they were shaking. Her eyes wouldn't focus, but she could feel Heero studying her. Relena knew that Duo meant no harm, but his words were exactly what she didn't want to hear—what she didn't need to hear. She swallowed, again, trying to focus on Jordan, who was happily digging into his food. Being unable to hold back the tears any longer, she surrendered, leaving the table in such a rush, she neglected to bother excusing herself from her companion.

When Relena left his sight, Heero finally let his head drop. He'd sat there for several seconds, watching her implode, unable to do or say anything that would help her. Every phrase he thought of sounded impotent and useless before it hit his tongue. He could see she was in pain, but he had no balm to heal her.

He cleared the table, refusing to leave the toddler unattended while he waited for Hilde to reenter. When she came, gliding back into the room, she quickly took over the chores for him. He thanked her for the meal and hurried to the guestroom to find Relena.

Relena was standing at the dresser, with her back to the door. Her makeup was laid neatly before her, with her evening moisturizer open, but unattended. He observed that her breathing had calmed, though her hands were still trembling where they rested, atop the drawers. The suitcase had already been set aside and the bed turned down. He assumed she was planning on trying to sleep without being forced to talk about what had happened, but, whether through coincidence or need, she was still awake, waiting to hear him out.

Gently he closed the door, keeping an eye on her for any movement. She straightened her posture slightly, unsurprised by his presence. Heero walked up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist, as he nuzzled into her hair to take in her scent. "You're perfect," he whispered, tightening his embrace.

Relena folded her arms over his, accepting the hug. His words were gentle and kind, but she was helpless as she felt them opening her soul, again. The tears came flooding out, unchecked. He pulled her still closer to his chest, protecting and supporting her as she broke down.

When she finally gasped for air, he turned her in his arms, allowing her to hide herself, as he laid her down with him, on the bed. Looking up to the ceiling, he gently rubbed circles on her back, soothing her as she sobbed. He rested his chin on the crown of her head, placing momentary kisses with loving whispers in her golden locks.

"Heero," Relena choked out, trying to even her breathing. "What am I going to do?"

"You're going to beat this," he answered.

"I'm afraid," she confessed, clinging to his shirt.

Don't be, he thought as he looked down over her. Suddenly he felt an icy chill run through his body, making him instantaneously nauseated as he considered her possible futures. One way or another, returning home meant going through hell, physically and emotionally, and it still wasn't a guarantee of survival. This woman, who embodied beauty, strength and courage to countless millions, was suddenly incredibly mortal, and she had reason to be afraid.

Gently, he brought his hand up her shoulder and neck, running his finger down her jaw line to the point of her chin. He firmly pulled her face up so she could see into his eyes.

For the first time since she'd met him, she saw salty tears pool in his orbs, emitting a powerful warmth between them.

"I am, too," he admitted in the softest voice she'd ever heard, before he closed his lips over hers.

A/N: For those of you I haven't said it to, (*ahem* Nite-fire,) thank you for the reviews. Your comments mean a lot. I appreciate that you're following, and thanks for reading!

-Bear