A Second Chance with Destiny

By Kit

20-15-04-01
Author’s Note: The characters in this story are from Gundam Wing. None of the characters are mine. This story is a ‘what could have been events’ after the Endless Waltz movie. I hope you will like reading this J. This is the start of four inter-related stories about the five Gundam pilots. And you are now reading Version 2

Heaps of mail overflowed the library’s massive, dark mahogany table, with some even cascading down toward the floor. The telephones on all lines were busy, with incoming calls one after the other while all three secretaries, flustered at the extent of activity happening, tried to do all that they could to answer questions.

Standing in the middle of all confusion and chaos, Relena Peacecraft talked over the phone with a calm voice while meticulously reading the mail one after another, exuding an aura of tranquility, yet one cannot help but notice the telltale glimmer of anger that sparkled through her expressive blue green eyes.

"I repeat," she said in a condescending tone, "I will not be involved with the government elections and yes, I am still promoting the colonies- as you, a reporter should already know. Goodbye!" She slowly placed the phone back to its hook and mentally counted from one to ten.

"Lita, Val, you too, Terri." She called over the hum of the fax and telephone rings. Three girls faced her, and if asked about their loyalty, they would have said to the death.

At the moment, all three girls waited apprehensively for their new orders. "Everyone, go home. Don’t worry about this office. It’s Saturday! You should be having fun with your family, not stuck in this office!" Relena announced.

Nobody argued, as they gave farewells to those on the other line, and in less than fifteen minutes, the whole office was vacated.

~*~

A ray of soft, ebullient sunshine spilled upon the lone figure standing against the ceiling high window, unconsciously fiddling the curtains’ hem. The view is magnificent yet, unlike seven years ago, before her father had died, she now doesn’t feel the happiness she once felt upon looking at her land.

Her hand moved to the window’s pane and lightly traced the face of a boy she last saw four years ago, when all the war and chaos finally ceased.

Her forehead touched the window, as golden hair cascaded down her face, hiding the tears that dropped from her eyes just as she hid the pain and sadness that has been gnawing a hole in her, eating her bit by bit…

"Oh, Heero, where are you…?" she whispered. Why does she even bother? She knows for a fact that she’ll never see him again… Knows for a fact that he doesn’t feel anything for him… Why is it that she couldn’t move on with her life?

The door creaked open, and Relena wiped the tears from her face before turning to the door.

"Ms. Relena, Your car is waiting. I will be the one to drive you." Paul, her old butler’s grandson, frowned, noticing the sad expression on his friend and employers’ face.

Relena gave Paul a smile, remembering how hard it was to make Paul just say her name and not the Peacecraft’s since they’re nearly the same age. In the end, he compensated by saying ‘Ms. Relena.’

"Thank you Paul." Relena falteringly smiled, once again hiding. "Alright, lead the way."

Paul bit back the words threatening to spill from his lips and just turned around to comply with her soft request, escorting Relena to the car, and once he was seated, he turned to his friend and employer, catching the unguarded sadness in her eyes. An overwhelming urge to protect her surged through Paul, but, who wouldn’t feel protective of Relena? Deliberately putting on a happy smile, his voice a cheerful note. "Where to?"

"To where I’ve been going every Saturday, Paul. You know that."

Paul sighed silently. Relena has been going to a certain beach every Saturday for the past couple of years. He doesn’t like it but, the look of hope and cheer that passes her face once she sets eyes upon the white sands and blue waves is enough to let her be, complying with her wishes.

~*~

Minutes later, Paul opened the side door. Relena gracefully got out of the car, "Thank you Paul. I’ll call you when I need the ride home." Relena saw the instant disapproval upon her request. "You know that I want to be alone at this beach, Paul."

Paul’s condescending look fell.

"And you know that I’m safe." Relena looked toward the beach with a faraway look upon her face. "I don’t know why, but each time I go here, I feel safe, as if someone is looking out for me…" Relena voice trailed and then she shook her head as if trying to clear something, smiling at Paul. "I know it’s silly… but…Well, I’ll see you later Paul." With that, Relena started walking to the sand.

Paul gave up, sighing as he revved up the car and slowly backed out… He can’t put his finger on it, but as always, Relena seems right- somehow…

~*~

A hooded figure loomed across the bushes by the beach, tense and taut. "Where is she…?" Flashes of what could have happened flitted in his mind as he stared at the direction she usually appears. He shook his head. ‘No… shouldn’t think like that… her security is strict…’ his train of thought trailed off as he saw a girl- no- he amended, a woman walk toward the beach… Skirt fluttering against the sea breeze, sandals held in one hand… golden hair gloriously challenging the sun’s rays…

"You’re late today, Relena… But that’s all right, I’m still here." He crouched lower from where he was hiding, observing the figure as she strolled by the shore, noticing that she had grown thinner.

An angry growl came out from his lips, "With all that money you have, can’t you eat decently?" the figure talked as if Relena is right beside him then, he sighed. "Why aren’t you taking care of yourself…?"

He saw her stop at the spot where she usually stops. A spot where he first saw her, or rather, where he tried to kill her.

Does she even know how significant that place is to him? How much he stops there and wishes that things weren’t the way it was… How he wishes to talk to her and give her his apology? But no, maybe she doesn’t know since she just usually stops then stares at the ground, seemingly angered. Angered! Had he made her life so miserable that each time she remembers him, he brings a frown to her face?

"Damn you, Heero. You stupid jackass."

Lost in his thoughts, he stared on. Not noticing the itchy grass by his cheek, or not even caring of the bird walking to him… He just wants to look on. To look because he knew he couldn’t touch her. He could only protect her…. One cannot say that he’s obsessed with her, after all, he could stay away from her for weeks but, he would rather not… this is the only way he knew where he could see her without the bulbs flashes or noisy crowds and… he couldn’t stay away from her…

"Quatre… Duo… Trowa… you three are the most corrupting, vile people I know… why’d I even listen to you guys, I don’t know… look what you’ve done to me now…" the frustrated mumble came with the tightening of his fists… But, he’s only kidding himself… he knew, even before those three jolted him out of his rationality, that he feels something for her… he just didn’t know what and that is what those three demons have made him realize…

~*~

As always, once Relena reached that one special place where she first saw Heero, she remembered all that had happened- Oz, how he sacrificed himself for the colonies that became their enemies…

A scowl showed itself on Relena’s face as she remembered all the hardships Heero had undergone. She turned away toward the sea, her frown disappearing, and a light smile on her face.

"But you always end standing up, Heero. Believing in what you thought was right… The perfect soldier…" with those last whispered words, tears fell from Relena’s eyes. The perfect soldier who had disappeared from her life… She wants him near her… She wants so much to touch his face, to caress his wind blown hair… to just stare into those Prussian blue eyes and maybe… just maybe see something she could only dream of… Where are you now…? Where?

She felt a burst of adrenaline, angered at her hopeless situation. "HEERO WHERE ARE YOU!!!" she suddenly shouted running toward the ocean, repeating that phrase again and again.

Suddenly, she stopped, becoming aware of what she had just done as the freezing salty water crashed against her bodice, soaking her clothes. Waist deep in the water, she cried more openly, her tears mingling with the ocean water.

"Where…are…you? I… need … you… Heero…" Relena brokenly said. She needs him… Why? To love… just to love… She had tried, God knows she had, to fall in love with other men, to try - even forcing herself- to feel for those other men what she does for him… but she couldn’t. She tried satiating her need through helping others but it’s still different from what she’s longing for… and she knows that there can only be one man who can fulfill her desire.

She didn’t know how long she stood there, but her remorse stopped as she felt something by her leg. Relena gasped as waves of shock going through her body. She suddenly couldn’t breathe. Can’t even move… Her whole body had become numb and even though she tried to fight against it, darkness surrounded her vision, and she felt herself falling.

Cold water enveloped her body, lapping over her, trying to engulf her and make her a part of the whole…

‘So this is it… I’m going to die like this without ever seeing your face again, my Heero…’ Relena thought just as she felt her lungs start to burn. Then, she was unconscious.

~*~

The person hidden behind the bushes, silently observing Relena, jerked to a stand. He saw Relena shout something, but he was too far away to hear… Then he saw her run toward the ocean.

Thinking that there might be someone in trouble, he had scanned the area ahead, then the next thing he knew, Relena suddenly twitched then lurched forward to the ocean.

"Okay, Heero, this might not be anything…" he said to himself trying to calm his taut nerves.

"Damn Heero! Didn’t they teach you to wait and see what’s going to happen first!" Heero scolded himself as he felt his foot take a step forward.

He drew in a calming breath, "Count," he looked at the sky. "…. 1," he looked at his shoes "…2," he looked at Relena "…3," She’s still lying face down. "…4," she’s being tugged farther away from the shore-

"Shit!" Heero cursed as he started running at break neck speed toward the beach. To hell with what’s been taught… There’s no more battle to fight! That much he had learned to accept this past four years.

"RELENA!!! Relena stand, damn you!" Heero shouted, splashing through the water, not noticing how cold it was. He started swimming towards her… She looks so far away! ‘She’s near… she’s near…’ he chanted to himself, trying to stay calm. ‘She just looks too far away… I can make it… Dammit! I have to make it!’

Finally, Heero reached her. He didn’t lose any time as he turned her around and hooked his arm around her neck, keeping in mind to be careful not to hold on too tightly, then he started swimming back to shore.

Once he felt sand under his feet, he gently scooped Relena up in his arms, and laid her tenderly away from the ocean waves that seemed to be asking for her body. He tried to remember those lessons taught so long ago, stooping low and opening Relena’s lips…

His ear barely touched Relena’s mouth, not breathing as he waited for that… he felt the hair on his skin tingle from Relena’s breath.

Heero sighed his relief, falling back to the sand while he looked down on her. Unconsciously, he bought his fingers to Relena’s face and traced her cheek. He brushed away her wet hair and sand when he suddenly felt a cold breeze. Already trained to endure any type of weather, the breeze was nothing to Heero, but looking at Relena, he knew that she is cold.

He picked her up once again and started walking towards the house by the cliff, overlooking the beach.

‘I wonder how she’ll react when she finds out…’ thought Heero. Then, he made up his mind.

"She will not know…" promised Heero. He brought Relena’s forehead to his cheek, a moment of joy coursing through him as he felt her skin against his. "I’ll take care of you until you are well Relena. And you will never have to know that it was me so that you will never suffer knowing me twice in your life…"

~*~

Three days later…

Heero walked to his bed where Relena’s still sleeping form lay. He laid his hand on her forehead and smiled to himself. "Good, there’s no more fever."

He sighed in relief just as his knees collapsed under him. Three days of worrying, hearing Relena moan, and no sleep took a toll on Heero and he let himself fall down on his knees. He could endure worse in the battlefield… why is it that he couldn’t endure this?

His hand crept to Relena’s hand and brought it to his face. Placing his cheek on top of her hand, Heero let his eyes close… drifting to sleep for only a few minutes before being tugged back to reality… Something’s waking him up… His instincts are telling him- he felt Relena’s hand move a little, under his cheek, and groggily, he looked up.

Relena stirred! Heero’s eyes softened, and he half smiled, "…finally…"

Her eyes started to flutter when Heero realized that she would see him! Panic suddenly blasted through him as he looked around for a place to hide.

Relena opened her eyes-

‘Too late!’ Heero thought just as his eyes fell on the cloak he uses to observe Relena. An idea quickly formed in his mind and he didn’t lose any time as he donned it on, turned around and walked to the wall, his back facing Relena.

‘I wanted to see how you wake up, Relena, but I will be deprived of that…’ the unheeded thought came to mind.

~*~

She opened her eyes, and a blinding light came to her. Blinking and squinting, to get acquainted with the sunlight, her hand went to her forehead.

‘God! My head is aching so much!’ she thought, as she frowned, slowly looking around her, a feeling of dread clouding her mind when she saw the unfamiliar room.

"Where am I?" her voice was hoarse and broken as she whispered out the question to no one…

A deep voice answered her. "You’re in my house…"

Relena felt a distinctive shiver go up her spine… She should be afraid, but what she felt was excitement and happiness. She knows who he is just by his voice alone and quickly tilted her head to the direction of the voice. A silhouette against the fading red orange rays from the setting sun, facing the wall with his rigid back towards her... His shoulders are broader than the last time she remembered, but she knew him.

Slowly, she got up from the bed and walked toward him… It has been too long… She had thought that she was starting to forget him…

~*~

He heard the rustling of his bed and knew that she was walking toward him. What is she going to do? What is she going to ask him? After what seem to be hours of wait, Heero jolted as he felt Relena’s hands on his shoulders.

Heero tensed. ‘What is she doing?!’ his mind cried out as Relena’s hands traced his shoulders, then his arms, going back up to the base of his neck and with fingers spread out, going down his spine.

Heero felt sweat build on his forehead. He doesn’t mind what Relena’s doing… He likes it, in fact – too much!- but does she even know what she’s doing?

Then, her hands went around his waist and hugged him tightly, burying her face to his back.

"Oh, Heero…" the sound was muffled but Heero heard it clearly.

Confusion warred in Heero. ‘What the hell is happening here?! How’d she know who I am? ’ he thought as he frowned.

"Where have you been, Heero?" asked Relena, her arms still around him. Slowly, Heero turned around to face her, looking down, he saw Relena’s upturned face, full of joy and he could only utter her name,

"Relena…"

She smiled. Relena’s hands went to his face, one, tracing his face, as if memorizing every curve, and the other, soothing his hair.

"You are better than my last one…" Relena wondered out loud. "I wonder when you will suddenly disappear."

Heero’s frown deepened, more confused than ever.

Relena smiled wider. "That’s it. That’s the expression I know." She brought her right thumb to his lips and started tracing it. Her eyes closed, and Heero had a feeling that she is memorizing his features.

"Relena, I-", Heero’s words were cut off when Relena brought her finger to his mouth to stop him.

She opened her eyes and looked pleadingly at Heero, "Sshh…Please, Heero, let me savor the moment a while longer before you disappear…" she whispered, then closed her eyes. ‘Ah God! Thank you so much! I almost forgot how he looked like…’

Heero felt his face softly being pulled toward Relena’s. Caught off guard, he could only stare, as Relena’s face slowly got closer.

Then, his lips were on hers. Shock coursed through Heero. He’s kissing Relena?!

Relena’s lips moved under his and after a few moment of being still, Heero knew that it was now or never and started responding, ready and willing to deepen the kiss when Relena’s lips stopped kissing him and he heard a funny sound escape her lips. She bowed away from Heero’s lips and buried her face on his chest while her whole body started shaking.

Heero panicked, not knowing what to do, he just stood there. He wants to put his arms around her but thought that she might not like it- not like it? She just gave him a hell of a kiss!

‘She’s shaking… is she in shock?’ Heero wondered.

Then, he heard it… Giggles?!… Relena’s giggling?! Trying to stop from out-rightly laughing?!

A breath of relief escaped Heero’s lungs, but he’s still confused with the situation. "Why are you laughing, Relena?"

Relena stopped. Looking up towards Heero’s serious face, she smiled wider. "I’m sorry Heero. It’s just that for all the times that I’ve imagined you, this is the first time that you actually responded when I kissed you. And I’m just happy…"

"Imaginary…???" Heero whispered. Again, he was cut off by Relena’s finger on his mouth.

"Let’s try again…" Relena said. Once more, she brought Heero’s face to hers and they kissed.

Heero’s train of thought flew out his mind as her lips opened like a flower full of sweet nectar under his. Softly first, just touching her lips then deeper, tongues clashing and breaths sagging… Heero lost himself as he hungrily kissed Relena and she, him.

Both didn’t know how long they were kissing each other, but finally, yet hesitantly, they broke apart to catch their breaths. Relena leaned her head to Heero’s chest while Heero bent his head to lightly lean against her golden hair.

They stayed that way, content to relish each other’s feel until Relena suddenly, but softly, pushed Heero away.

Heero felt as if he was pulled out of paradise while he stared at Relena’s thoughtful face.

"You know what… I’ve always wanted to do something for you. I want to do it before you vanish again."

‘Vanish?’ Heero again tried to question Relena what she meant by ‘vanish’, but once again, her fingers were on top of his lips.

"I know that this is just a dream… but you are my best illusion yet and I just… let me just do this, Heero…" Her eyes took on a pleading look, "Don’t disappear on me again… not just yet…"

Before Heero could question her any further, she skipped away from, headed out from the door and disappeared from his view.

Dumbfounded, Heero could only gape at the open door. Then, as if Relena could hear Heero summoning her to come back to his arms, she reappeared, looking very sheepish...

"Er… Heero, I know this is my imagination… but…" she looked at the floor, a bit embarrassed. "Can you tell me where the kitchen is? I don’t know where it is." She looked up to him and before Heero could stop himself, the words spilled from his lips.

"Down the stairs to the left, first door…"

"Thanks Heero. And no fair peeking!!!" With a smile, Relena left Heero again.

Heero looked at his hands, then around his house. This smiling Relena is so completely different from the silent and complacent Relena he usually observe, yet he likes her better this way.

He shook his head as if trying to wake up from a dream. "I’m a dream…? Am I dreaming?" He asked himself… He’s probably dreaming… How many times had he himself imagined something like this happening to him with her?

Yet, he knows that he can’t stay dreaming forever… Balling his hands into fists, Heero punched his stomach to see if either one was correct.

He gasped and doubled over, grimacing in pain.

"You’re going crazy, Heero…" he told himself. He suddenly thought of what Duo have always told him, ‘Are you CRAZY?!’ emphasis on crazy on crazy of course and he smiled.

"For once, Duo, you might be right on the mark…" With a sigh, Heero leaned back against the wall and slowly slid down. Exhaustion from lack of sleep, worry, and not eating overtook him. The last thing he could hear before drifting to sleep was the soft clinks of metal and spoon.

~*~

"Oh God this is such a wonderful dream!" She sighed to herself as she scooped some shrimp scampi out of the pot and into a bowl.

Her hand lightly scraped against the hot metal and she grimaced. "That’s odd... I shouldn’t have felt that… should I?" she frowned as she stared dumbly at her hand… But before she could let herself wallow into those disturbing thoughts, she shook her head.

"What am I thinking? If I start telling myself that I’m not dreaming, Heero might disappear!" Besides, how can this be not a dream, Heero’s here and she hasn’t seen him for years. "This has got to be the best dream I have, or the best work of imagination."

With a smile, convinced at last that this is just an exquisite dream, she checked the timer for the rice. Exhaling deeply, she started praying,

"Please Heero, don’t vanish on me yet… Please…"

The timer went off, and Relena rushed forward to take a bowlful of rice, good for two people. Placing the bowl on top of the portable desk she saw, she started half running, half walking, for the stairs.

A sense of dread grew each time she drew a little nearer towards the room she left and she couldn’t stop herself from whispery chanting ‘Please be there’. She held her breath as she pushed the door open-

A sigh of relief left her lips as she saw his sleeping form against the wall… Silently, she walked to him, placed the desk near Heero and sat down. Gently, she tugged him toward her, and Heero’s head fell down on her lap.

Relena stilled knowing that with Heero’s training, he’ll either snap to a stand or instinctively punch her, but after awhile and Heero did not stir, she gave into the joy brought by the weight of his head to her lap.

She softly caressed his hair. Heero slowly stirred, then, a half smile showed itself upon his peaceful face.

Relana smiled with pleasure. "It’s not often that I can imagine something like this…" Not being able to resist, she bent her head to kiss Heero awake.

Slowly, Heero stirred. He felt a different kind of softness under his head, and he liked the feel of whatever it was that’s doing something with his hair.

Frowning, his senses told him that fingers were soothing his hair. And suddenly, all thoughts went to Relena. He smiled a little as he thought of her.

Something started to tickle his nose and in a moment, the feel of lips on his, kissing him awake ever so softly… Then the lips were gone.

Heero opened his eyes and saw Relena’s smiling face. He smiled back. ‘This isn’t a bad way to wake up…’

The smile caught Relena off guard. ‘That smile… so genuine… so unlike Heero, but still him…’ Who wouldn’t smile back? "You look so beautiful when you smile Heero." She thought, and the next thing Relena knew, the words escaped her mouth.

Heero’s smile turned into a frown, ‘The heck? Did she just say that I was beautiful?!’

Relena’s hands came up to his face again, soothing out the frown. "Don’t frown, Heero. I like your smile better than your frown…" Her hands caressed his face. "You are so beautiful, so handsome, when you smile. Please smile again…" she pleaded… "Please… Heero…" In her mind, she willed this beautiful illusion in front of her to do so.

As always, Heero couldn’t stop himself from obeying Relena’s request. And he smiled up at her -- lovingly. "I’m the one who’s supposed to be saying those lines, Relena…" Heero teased.

Relena just smiled, not even caring about his teasing tone. "I just wanted you to know." she looked to her left, just as the delicious aroma of food hit Heero’s senses.

"That smells good!" Heero exclaimed.

Relena smiled and reached for the two bowls. "You show more enthusiasm than the real Heero. I hope you like it, I cooked it for us."

Relena’s comment about the ‘real Heero’ didn’t register in Heero’s mind as hunger took the reigns. Instead, Heero looked at her in shock. "You know how to cook?!" the phrase escaped him before he had a chance to stop himself. ‘I didn’t know that!’ he thought.

Relena laughed at Heero’s shocked face. "It isn’t often that I see a shocked Heero."

Heero’s eyebrows shot up.

"Of course I cook," Relena said, ignoring his arrogant look. She balled some rice around the shrimp. " I wanted to know how to cook just in case something like… ooh… let me see… If we have to hide from Oz during the war, then we wouldn’t be hungry." She dipped the rice into the shrimp sauce. "I guess it was just wishful thinking…"

Relena placed a shrimp atop Heero’s lips, instantly opening to take it in. Laughter bubbled within her as Heero’s eyes bugged out. Still chewing, he managed to say. "This is good!!!"

Sudden realization made Heero jump away from her lap. ‘Heero you asshole! She’s the one who’s sick! She’s the one who needs to be eating! And what happens? She’s the one serving you dipshit!’

"What’s the matter Heero?" asked Relena, clearly confused.

"I’m the one who’s supposed to be serving you, Relena…"

Relena looked at Heero in disbelief, "You? Serve me?" For a moment, she didn’t know what to do… Faintly, it registered in her mind that the Heero she usually imagine never talk, or if he does, it was only to grunt a response…

Relena sighed, "I don’t want you to serve me Heero… I never wanted you to… I just want to do this…" she lifted her hand to him. "I have been pampered, and served, since the day I was born, unlike you…" She looked up to his Prussian blue eyes. "From what Dr. J told me about you, I’ve started to imagine pampering you." ‘Maybe even showing you how to love me…’ she thought to herself.

For a moment, Relena thought that he would disappear as her hand faltered, then to her surprise Heero hesitantly placed his hand on hers. Why he did that, he doesn’t know…

Relena smiled. Though she knows that she’s in a fantasy, the feeling that she has achieved his trust didn’t leave her. Once again, she pulled Heero towards her, motioning for him to resume the same position he was in before.

As Relena started making the second ball, Heero stopped her hand. "Let me do that. I want you to eat, too." Without giving her time to argue, he grabbed the desk from her side and placed it atop his chest. Nimble hands created the same ball for Relena in no time and held it up high towards her mouth.

Relena sighed in pleasure. Blissful dream… She doesn’t want to ever wake up! She opened her mouth and leaned forward, but Heero teasingly moved the shrimp away.

"Hey!" exclaimed Relena feigned anger. "You mmphh-"

Her cry was cut short as a ball went into her mouth. She smiled, laughter trying to escape from her full mouth. She hasn’t felt this good, since… she can’t even remember!

The conversation flowed smoothly between them… Relena cunningly twisting it so Heero would talk more… Her imagination must have been running high because she where her Heero had come up with the answers she doesn’t know! I mean, Heero a President of a prestigious computer company? Heero, actually teasing and laughing with her…?

The food quickly disappeared, and Heero sat up straight, leaning against the wall, closing his eyes while he savored the moment while Relena pushed the portable desk to one side and snuggled beside him, loving how she could feel his heat even if he’s only a figment of her imagination…

"Why so quiet, Heero?"

"Is there suppose to be a reason why one is quiet, Relena?" Heero countered.

Relena smiled. "No… There’s no need for a reason…" she said quietly, turning to face him. "Do you always trust what you feel?"

Heero opened his eyes and looked down into her beautiful eyes once again. "I’ve told Trowa a lot of times to follow his emotion…" a thoughtful look encompassed Heero’s face. "I’m a hypocrite, I do not always do what I preach. But, I do believe to trust in what I feel. And now," He looked at Relena significantly, "to act with accordance to how I feel."

Relena felt as if he just complimented her, and acting upon impulse- something she hasn’t done since before the war- she threw her arms around his waist and hugged him.

"I wish this dream will never end… I wish… I wish that you will never disappear…I wish… I really wish that you." Relena looked up to Heero, "…that you are real Heero Yuy…because…" then she buried her face to his chest. "Because I want to tell you how much I love you…"

A wide, foolish smile split Heero’s face at those words, feeling giddy with joy, he held Relena by her shoulders and slowly drew her away from him so he can tilt her chin and look at her eyes.

"Relena…" he started… his throat suddenly felt as if something was caught in the middle, and his mouth feels like cotton.

"Yes...?" Relena frowned in confusion. This imaginary Heero is so different, interacting with her so much…

"This is not a dream. I am real… and…" Heero took a deep breath. He’s waited all these years to say these words to her… He thought that there will never be a chance, and now… now that those three demons have helped him realize what he felt, now that Relena is in front of him… "I love you too…" Heero finally said out loud.

Relena’s frown deepened while an eyebrow shot up, staring at Heero in a comical way. Did she hear that correctly?! Granted that this is her imagination and she always tried to make her Heeros’ say those three words, but the fact is, even if she imagined those previous Heeros’, they could never seem to be able to say those words! But now, this one! Relena couldn’t stop herself. Either from shock, or happiness, she started laughing.

Anger started to burn in Heero. ‘This is not the way I thought she’d react. She can’t be hysterical, can she?’

In between gasps Relena said, "Oh-"gasp!, "This is too funny." gasp, "I can’t believe that you just said that!…" She breathed in and out and finally regained some of her control.

Heero glared at her, irked at this sudden twist. "What’s wrong with telling you how I feel?" he asked in a dangerously serious voice.

Relena suddenly stopped laughing and sadness encompassed her face… "The real Heero will never say he loves me…" she looked at Heero’s Prussain blue eyes unflinchingly. "The real Heero doesn’t love me..." She looked away as tears started to form in her eyes. "He’s never shown it and he never will."

Heero felt as if he’d just been stabbed, and it hurts like hell. It hurt more than the time he pushed the self-destruct button the first time he fought with her stupid brother.

So, he had been a jackass with Relena. How bad was he? All he can remember is that he was so focused on his mission then he started thinking of Relena. Relena this, that- protect her… getting sidetracked. And because of that, he’s always irritated with her because he didn’t know the emotions he felt - emotions that Relena evoked in him. His time with Quatre started to help him understand these emotions. But he was confused. And the more confused he got, the more he lashed out.

But now… everything is different… Heero walked toward Relena and placed his hand on her shoulders. "How do you know if he loves you if you’ve never asked, Relena?"

Relena lost her hold on years of training pacifism and she finally lashed out. "How can you ask a person whom you haven’t seen in nearly four years that question? How can you?!" Relena asked as she faced Heero. "I used to think that he might have felt something for me because he always saved me. But, there are also times when he looks at me in such a disgusted way." She looked away as tears started falling from her eyes. "I thought I understood him more than anyone else does, but I was wrong." Her body shook with trying to control her tears…

Heero’s eyes widened as he walked to her, reaching out to hold her trembling shoulders. "No!" Heero argued. "You knew him so well that he got scared because he didn’t know himself at all… I didn’t know myself, Relena. But now, now I understand. There is no more war, and emotions can be accepted."

"Even if a person believes in one thing with her mind but hear no one – no one- telling that person, urging that person to believe, then, doubts will rise. And these doubts will plague this person!" Relena countered, trying to move away from his touch that seem so real.

Heero’s hold tightened, turning her around and tilting her chin for her to face him again while wiping her tears with his hands. "I can see why you were such a strong force for the Sanct Kingdom, during that bloody time."

"I am sorry Relena. I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve cost you…" Then, looking directly into her eyes, he continued, "But please… Please accept the fact that I do love you. It took me a few years to accept it, but it is true."

He gently traced her frame… "When I revived from self destroying 01, the first person I thought I saw was you."

Relena’s tears stopped.

"When I got out of Zero, exhausted to the point that I fainted, before I fainted, I thought I saw your face again…"

Relena’s eyes showed her disbelief.

"… and when you were kidnapped…" Heero’s hands balled into fists, "When you were kidnapped, I wanted to kill those bastards involved…"

"Heero, I-" Relena started, but this time, it was Heero who placed a finger to her lips, silencing her.

"I didn’t know what I was feeling then. I was taught to ignore emotions, love, sympathy, everything, except my instincts…" Heero sighed and turned away, "But, you saw right through me Relena, and that scared the wits end out of me." Heero finally let her go and moved away from her. This is his house but at the moment, he couldn’t stand to be in it any longer… "I’ve said what I have always wanted to tell you…" With a sigh, as if so used to saying it that he couldn’t stop himself, he whispered, "My…mission… for myself, is complete…"

Relena’s eyes widened… He’s walking away from her again… Again! This is her dream! Even if… even if it’s real, she’s not about to let him just leave her again! "HEERO YUY! YOU STOP RIGHT NOW!" Relena shouted, her voice full of anger.

Heero stopped walking. He’d never heard Relena use this tone of voice to anyone before! Why he even stopped, he doesn’t know and he heard Relena stomp towards him. He didn’t turn around, from the corner of his eyes, he saw a flash of golden hair then she’s in front of him.

"Where do you think you’re going?" Her hands were in tight fists and her eyes blazing with fire..

"Away…" was all the answer Heero gave. He needs to go away… have to, he just feels so lost… his deepest secret had been revealed and this is what he gets… It’s just so… not fair… then again, he’s learned that lesson a long time ago… Life is never fair-

Relena’s hand went up and, before either one of them knew it, connected with Heero’s face in a loud slap!

Silence encompassed the two, shock evident in their eyes… Heero was the first to come back to reality, the slap his wake-up call and he started to walk past Relena. "I deserved that…" he passed her, but old habits die hard and before Heero could stop himself, words spilled from his lips. "Is this what pacifism is, Miss Relena?"

Relena’s hands throbbed… red… color and feel… everything is real… she couldn’t believe what she had just done! She was- is a pacifist yet she just did an action completely devoid from all the lessons she taught and learned! And… and everything is real! Now, Heero’s walking away from her once more! Only this time, right in front of her face! She has to do something!

Turning around she let Heero take a few more step away… then, breathing in deeply for courage, Relena questioned the man in front of her in her most taunting voice. "Is that all you’re going to say, Mr. Heero Yuy?"

Heero stopped walking again and faced her. He used to never care for people’s tone of voice but, what Relena’s using on him… it’s pushing all the wrong buttons. "Yes, Ms. Relena Peacecraft. That is all there is to say." He has to stay in control… have to!

Relena shifted her weight in one foot and crossed her arms haughtily. "Hmph! And you told me to believe you when you said you loved me."

Heero looked at her stonily. "Yes, I did say that…"

Relena’s hands flew up in an exasperated action. "That’s what I meant, right there!" Relena exclaimed.

Heero looked at her, confused. What is she trying to-

Relena gathered up her courage and walked ‘angrily’ towards Heero. She blatantly poked his chest. "YOU just say it! YOU never – EVER- show it!" Relena threw her hands around her. "Aaarrrrggghhh!!!" she growled. "Why do you think I have an imaginary Heero, huh? Because I can make him act as if he likes me!"

"And you!" Relena stabbed at his chest with her finger once again. "You are a coward!" Relena saw Heero’s face turn harsh, she crossed her fingers mentally as she prayed she is doing the right thing. "You are not even half the man Quatre is! Sure you blow things up! Fine! Being a masochist and all. But what makes Quatre a man is that he knows how to show his feelings! And another thing! You-"

Relena didn’t finish as Heero punched the wall near him. "Damn you!"

Her anger disappeared, replaced by nagging fright… She might have overstepped Heero’s boundary this time- maybe too much…?

Heero menacingly walked to her, and Relena started stepping back until she felt the wall against her back. "N- now H-Heero…" Relena stuttered.

"Have you said everything you wanted to say to stomp on my ego?" asked Heero in that silent, yet threatening voice.

Relena started sliding to her left, then stopped as she reached the corner… She can’t move! Heero’s right in front of her and she’s in a corner! She could only look at his angry face-

"You want action… I’ll give you one…"

Relena felt Heero roughly tilt her chin up then felt Heero’s firm lips on hers, crushing her lips in a passionate kiss… feeling her lips getting bruised… but, she didn’t move away… instead, she opened up to him, happily accepting his kiss even if it was brutal.

Heero’s arm went around her waist, hugging her closer to him. He meant for the kiss to be as rough as the way he started it, but when Relena started responding to him, he softened. Lovingly, tenderly kissing her…

They pulled away from each other, finally accepting the fact that they both need to gain back their breaths. Heero looked down at Relena, wanting to see how she feel and saw mischief in her eyes, before hiding it from him.

Understanding dawned on Heero… "You tricked me…" he said plainly and squarely.

Relena looked up to him innocently. "Moi? How can little old me be able to trick Heero, the perfect soldier?" she smiled that infectious smile of hers.

Heero couldn’t control himself and laughed heartily, hugging her closer.

Relena sighed, content just where she is, finally. "So, I guess this means that you do love me…"

"I told you so…" suddenly, Heero remembered something. "Uhm… Relena, there are some things you need to do…"

"What things?" Relena tenderly rubbed her cheek against Heero’s neck.

Heero gulped and sweat started to form on his forehead as he tried to reign in his control. He stilled Relena, gently pushing her away from him- for his sake and hers! "You’ve been missing for three days."

Shock appeared on Relena’s face.

"Some people think you’re drowned, others say that you’ve been kidnapped." Heero saw her smile at him, and he smiled back. "Yes, in a way, that’s true…So, what do you plan to do?"

Relena toyed with Heero’s hair as she started to think. She have lived a pampered life, preached pacifism, the whole world is at peace… Who needs Relena Peacecraft anymore? She looked at Heero and knew what she needed to do. "Do you have a computer?"

Heh… computer… "Follow me…" he took her hand and guided her to the other room.

"I know that you are an ace when it comes to computers, Heero." Relena saw Heero’s back grow straighter at the compliment and she grinned. "So, can you possibly make a little Death Will dated oh, let’s see… a month ago?"

"Easy." A few minutes later, after Relena dictated what she wants to be in her will, Heero turned to her. "Are you sure you want to do this, Relena?" he asked seriously.

Relena cupped Heero’s face, and kissed him lightly. "I want to be with you… They don’t need me anymore. I want to live the life I’ve only dreamed of… A life with the man I love…"

"Are you sure?" he asked once more. It’s not that he doesn’t love what she just said, but he wants her to be sure… Relena nodded her agreement.

Heero hesitantly smiled. "What if I asked you to marry me right now?" he phrased this as if it was a joke, but to him, he’s serious, and Relena knew it.

His breath was knocked out of him as Relena hugged him- hard!

"I accept!" Breaking out of her hug, she took off the band holding her hair. "And before you can say no, this-" wrapping the band around her ring finger. "Makes it official."

Heero looked at Relena in shock. "You’ll have to change your hairstyle…"

"I’ve always wondered how I’d look like with shoulder length hair"

Heero shook his head to clear everything, and he could still see Relena smiling.

"So…" Relena leaned over Heero to touch the keyboard knowing that her chest will be in front of Heero’s face. Distracted, Heero could only look on as Relena pushed the enter key. "…that’s that." Turning to face her bewildered Heero, she started kissing him again.

In between kisses, Heero muttered. "I… wonder… what …mmm… the others…Relena… will say about… this…"

Relena stopped kissing him, surprised. "You still keep in contact with them?"

"Yeah…" Gads! He’s starting to lose his control!

A thoughtful passed over her face, remembering what Hilde told her once. "Does Duo have a girlfriend yet?"

Heero smiled, remembering his friends. "No, but I know he likes Hilde a lot…"

Relena sighed. "And Hilde loves him a lot."

Heero’s eyebrows rose, then a smile showed itself. "Maybe we can do something about it." He thought back to the time he took parts from Duo’s Gundam "It’s time I paid him back anyway…"

Relena nodded in agreement as she snuggled in closer.

His arms snaked around Relena’s waist. "But right now…" Heero pulled Relena to his chest. "I want to show you how much more of a man I am than Quatre…"

Relena grinned. "Oh really?" She glanced out the window and saw the clear stars against the midnight blue velvety sky… an idea quickly formed in her mind as she gracefully eluded Heero’s lips, and then with an impish gleam in her eyes, playfully turned around, signaling for him to follow her.

Heero stared at Relena in confusion but when she gave him that look-- a look that contained so much hidden meaning-- a mischievous grin appeared on his face Heero as he ran after her.

And while the two played inside the usually quiet house, the light sounds of something crashing and their squeals of laughter were music to the stars dancing gracefully against the still night air, beckoning the moon and the waves to join in their bliss…

(AN: I hope you all liked this... it's my first fan fic and I know I'm rusty -_-' But, anywayz, On to Duo's Story! If you'd like to email me, ^_~ Just click on KIT'S Mailbox)