FLEETING DREAMS: A SECOND CHANCE

CHAPTER III

By ... Divine Selenity

2001, February 22

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HIYA !!!!!! I know, I know I’ve been bad by not posting up my update for Fleeting Dreams sooner. My bad. By the way, for those of you who haven’t read A Perfect Rose: A Valentine’s Story, PLEASE READ IT!!!!! <picture Divine Selenity with wide, sad, puppy eyes> Anyway, the evil I call school has been giving me an enormous load of what I call injustice – HOMEWORK !!!! In fact I had a double whammy since not only did I have extensive homework, but I also had major tests for each day this week. I repeat – INJUSTICE !!!! <EVERYBODY SAY: Awwwwww, poor Divine Selenity> I think it’s because they know that in less than three months I’ll be graduating – FINALLY !!!! <everybody cheer, "YAHOO">

Hmm . . . Oh, yeah! Another thing. Sorry about the late posting. You see what happened was that . . . . MY DARNED COMPUTER CRASHED!!! Not only did it take down with it a lot of my research papers that happened to be due, it also took down with it the final and revised copy of Chapter 3. My only back-up [in a disk] happened to be one of my earlier versions of it. AHHHH, THE INJUTICE OF IT ALL!!!!!! [Little Divine Selenity screaming and running around avoiding more shoes and other smelly unmentionables while readers are shouting ‘You let such a minute thing such as your computer crashing get in the way? You loser!’]

On another bright note though, I was still able to slave all throughout these past few nights which happen to be my spring break, up to the wee hours of the morning actually just to finish the third chapter of Fleeting Dreams. <EVERYBODY CHEER while DIVINE SELENITY CHANTS: "Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Who’s the woman? Who’s the woman?" Then coughing, "Back to author’s notes everyone.">

Now turning to another matter, <EVERYBODY: "Geesh, will she stop it with the notes already? Some people really would like to get on with the story."> Anyway, as I was saying, about the ‘Catherine’ issue, I would like to thank everyone for all your wonderful, encouraging e-mails. That night that I posted my author’s notes – more like rants – I checked my e-mail box and I saw an overflow of sympathizers. I REPEAT, YOU GUYS ROCK. I just want to devote this section for my shout-outs. [Sorry if this is going to be long. You can skip this if you want. This part of Fleeting Dreams is dedicated specially for you guys out there.] The order of the names are in no way reflecting favoritism, which is why I actually put them in alphabetical order. =P . . . .

FFNET and BLISSFUL IGNORANCE REVIEWERS: Those who have just recently reviewed and those who will review, thank you for your constructive criticisms and for your praises and support. You guys are the best. A special ‘Thanks’ goes out to the following:

003, Abc, Alexia, Angel Love, Baby, Calliope, Carol, Cass, Chrissy, Diamante, Dragon Master 51, Eve, Fairy_Dust, Fanfiction Junky, Flying Fish, Gez, Gundamgal, Heerako, Identical Snowflake, Izzy, Jadet, Jadewaters, Jenn, Kimiko-Chan, Lady Ayanami, Lady Mercury, Lady Saffir, Lady Shorinai, Little Rini, LSR_7, Mandy, Meioko Yuy, Methyl, Midi, Midnight Anime Space Station, Mistress_Dreamz, Mona, Ndblue123, Neya, Nim, Opal Soul, Pepper, Phoenixstar, Polka Dot, Queenofallbees, Rei Tamashii, Roni, Ryuuko, Scm, Shot By A Gun, Silver Wing, Starlioness, TigerDM, Vee, Violet Scorpion, Zoi

THOSE WHO E-MAIL ME PERSONALLY: Thanks for taking the time to e-mail me. As I said before, they always warm my heart and I try to answer back to the best of my ability. If I have neglected to answer your e-mail, you are free to e-mail me [I think by now everyone knows where] and call me a knuckle-head. I don’t care if you only e-mailed me once, you’re name will be here. I only put your e-mail name here, not your address. Anyway, here goes, [deep breath]:

I know I said this before, and I will sound redundant saying this but I’ll say it again anyway. Everyone thank you for all your enthusiastic support. The e-mails that I receive everyday are so heart-warming, brightening up my day before I go to school. Keep ’em coming. Just for those who’ve just started reading this fanfic, I love comments and so on. HOWEVER, as I always keep stressing, this piece is an alternate universe purely centering around Heero and Relena’s love life since I am a devoted fan of this couple. Please, if you don’t like that coupling, don’t waste my time, and yours for that matter, e-mailing me and ranting about my choice of couples. Of course, our other beloved Gundam pilots and the other girls will make appearances. And to save the best for last, Lady Shorinai, my beta-reader, you rock!!! <EVERYBODY: WHOO-HOO!!! LADY SHORINAI you’re the best!!!!> Now, on with the story – and enjoy.

Disclaimer: <sniff><sniff> Gundam Wing isn’t mine. <sniff some more> This story is mine though, so if I see anybody taking this without permission. <grrrrrrrr . . . Divine Selenity with the famous Heero Yuy death glare> . . . Anyway, enjoy !!!!!!

P.S. I have some characters [you’ll see] here that are purely of my own making. Okei Dokei? If you want to borrow them, please ask for my permission first. Thank you very much.

P. P. S. S. BEWARE!!!!! This is a VERY – and I’m not exaggerating – long chapter. I just wanted to let you know that right now.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ signifies beginning and ends of flashbacks, coolio?

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As she succumbed to the land of dreams, Trowa – just before he left – had lovingly wished her, "Sweet dreams, Lena."

However, everyone knows that not all wishes comes true. This was one of them. Relena’s dreams were anything but sweet that night.

Oops, correction. For the most part they were sweet, but along with sweetness’ embrace came pain’s shrouding veil. Though her encounter with Heero Yuy had been brief, it had more repercussions than she had foreseen. A fleeting moment in time, that’s all it was. However, that fleeting moment in time was enough for long suppressed memories of the past to reawaken – besieging one who had done everything in her will to forget the bittersweet past.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

"Shh," whispered a fifteen-year-old Relena Peacecraft. Like a lurking thief in the night, she had inconspicuously sneaked past the house servants’ bungalows, the stable helpers’ sheds, the servants’ kitchen and canteen, and towards her goal – the stables. Finally she had made it inside the stable undetected - without obstacles and without being discovered by the guards. ‘But I guess that’s soon going to change,’ she thought wryly, for the horses seemed to be going ballistic once they had discovered that someone had invaded their abode.

"Shh!" she soothingly murmured, as she went to each horse, stroked their mane, and eased their frenzied nerves. Walking over to the last paddock, she smiled. "Hey boy," she joyfully greeted, "It’s me. Miss me?"

Inside the paddock stood a magnificent white steed regarding her for a moment and sniffing her, his nostrils flaring. Framed by a backdrop of darkness, his silver hide glinted as he moved forward, towards her. Stroking the horse’s dark mane, she allowed him to sniff her scent out. Immediately recognition set in as he continued nuzzling her outstretched hand.

"I’m happy to see you too boy," she whispered, laughing at the ticklish sensation. "Shh!" she repeated. Opening the stable door, she led the compliant steed outside the still darkened morning. After leading him farther – walking side by side with him – leaving the mansion behind them, she saddled him up and hoisted herself up. Then patting his mane, she asked, "You ready to go boy?" Fury only snorted as if saying, ‘Did you even have to ask?’

Laughing, she gathered in his reins and nudged him. "You’re right why did I even bother to ask?"

* * * * *

Before Aurora herself had the chance to release her streaming beams, Relena had already arrived at her destination. She had spent the better part of the trip simply galloping west in the direction of the mountains – just beyond the boundaries of the Peacecraft lands. As she neared the forest ahead – and coincidentally the border of the Peacecraft lands – she jumped out of the saddle and once more walked side by side with her steed, journeying inside the thick forest.

Spying her hide-out, a grove near the edge of the forest, she tied her steed to a tree and plopped down next to her grazing horse. There she spent the whole afternoon, quietly reading her favorites – Thomas Jefferson, Voltaire, Patrick Henry, Montesque, John Jacque Rosseau Thomas Moore, and other great political minds – you name it! Lazily lounging down the cool grass, uncaring of the dirt underneath her, she had read and read to her heart’s desire until the peaceful calm of the afternoon ambience – the gentle rhythm of a nearby stream and the sweet melodious song of the birds – together with the pleasant breeze of the summer haze, lulled her to sleep.

Some sixth sense had been badgering her mind all throughout her peaceful slumber though. And when she finally gave in to its persistence and dazedly opened her languor-filled sky blue eyes, she squinted against the bright sunlight. ‘Why is it so bright?’ she asked as she glanced at her simple watch. ‘It’s only one in the afternoon.’ Eye’s widening in alarm, she shouted, "One in the afternoon!?!"

Relena Peacecraft had never been known to have been late for anything in her life. She was mature for her age and much too aware of the weight of responsibility. But, as everyone also knows, there is always a first time for everything – which brings us to her dilemma. For the first time in her life, Relena was late. EXTREMELY LATE, no less.

And now, to put it mildly, she was in trouble. BIG trouble.

"Oh no!" came the frenzied cry of the fifteen-year-old Relena. Hurriedly standing up from her lounging position on the grass, she brushed futilely at the grass stains on her riding clothes, her face contorting into a horrified expression. She wailed once more. "No! No! No! No! No!"

Hastily saddling up her horse once more, her hands clasped the reins and gathered them in. Quickly and expertly she climbed upon her horse’s back and promptly ordered, "Fury, let’s go, on the double."

As the stallion’s hooves thundered across the earth below them, Relena recounted last night’s conversation with her Ma-Ma.

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Katerina Peacecraft had imperiously strolled into Relena’s bedroom, without even knocking. She saw her daughter lying on her stomach, headphones on her ears and her eyes closed as she immersed herself in her music.

"Relena, darling," she had begun, standing in front of Relena who seemed not to have noticed her presence. Clearing her throat, she began louder this time, "Relena, honey." Still no response. Muttering about kids and loud music nowadays, she removed the headphone from her daughter’s head.

Startled by the intrusion, Relena had looked up irritated, until she saw the glowering figure of her Ma-Ma. Offering a weak smile, she said, "Ma-Ma. Sup?"

That simple greeting in itself just furthered Katerina’s irritation. Needless to say, it wasn’t the right phrase for Relena to use to start a conversation with her mother for the Lady Katerina Peacecraft happened to be a very proper lady, a descendant from a royal lineage. Katerina arched her eyebrows at this introduction. "Young lady, what have I constantly said about eloquence and articulateness?" Then waving a hand to dismiss the topic she said, "No matter. There are other more important things to discuss."

Inconspicuously rolling her eyes, Relena thought, ‘Right. Business first, as always.’ She replied, "Shoot," which earned her another scolding look from her mother.

Gracefully walking towards her window, Katerina begun. "As you know your father is due home tomorrow from his month long sojourn in Japan." At this piece of information, Relena’s demeanor softened. She had missed her Pa-Pa greatly. Tuning in to the rest of her mother’s drivel, Relena was just in time to hear other news. "Aside from that though, we also have guests arriving tomorrow together with your father." Relena had frowned at this. She hated it when other people hogged the precious, little time she could spend with her Pa-Pa. "They happen to be very special and important friends of your father. They have finally found the time from their hectic schedule to plan a visit to our estate." Pausing as she glanced back to her daughter, to check if she had her full attention – which she did – and continued. "Now, since they are dear friends of your father, he would naturally want to introduce you and your brother to them. As with all meetings, proper decorum and a decent appearance is required." Katerina started walking back to the room’s entrance, "They should be here before noon, which means you will have to forego your outings with your horse. Tardiness will not be tolerated, understood?" She turned to walk through the door, "Oh, and Relena honey, we’ll soon have to talk about enrolling you to boarding school – preferably Madame Marguarite-Francoise-Louise de Lancret’s Finishing School. After all, we can’t have a royal princess running amok society with her juvenile behavior, now can we darling?" With that parting shot she had left the room wherein Relena’s figure had visibly slackened.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Relena grimaced even more, as she recalled that conversation. ‘Boarding school, what a slum! I am educated, by the best scholars out there. She just forgets that besides being a royal princess, I also happen to be a teenager.’ Then she smiled as a mischievous thought entered her mind, ‘A very rebellious teenager at that.’

Looking down at her horse, who had slowed a bit, she commented, "Speed it up Fury. You’re losing your touch, buddy." At this insult, he drastically increased his speed. They were riding parallel to the silvery green waters of Bordeaux Creek with the breeze skittering around like a happy child, fluttering the leaves and the swamp grasses, and ruffling the glassy surface of the water breaking up the reflections of flowering tress. It also scattered the pure white blossoms all around her – some of the blossoms clinging to her hair and to the fine cotton of her shirt.

She laughed gleefully as the wind swept her golden tresses all around her clear, smooth face. Then she spotted the silhouette of the mansion on the horizon. Soon thereafter she stopped laughing. Slackening the reins of her horse, she bent down and whispered to Fury. "Hey boy, from now on we keep a low-profile. We don’t want to attract any attention. Okay buddy?" Fury merely neighed in understanding as he slowed his gait – no longer running yet still maintaining his hurried flourish.

Relena’s gaze softened as she stared at Fury. He truly looked like some wondrous mythical creature conjured up in a wild dream. He had agility, speed, strength, and also brains. ‘But, he’s a softie inside.’ Fondly glancing at Fury, Relena caressed his dark mane. "You and me are two peas in a pod, buddy. No one can ever separate us, you know?"

Fury only neighed in understanding.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The first time the stallion was brought to the Peacecraft estate, he had been a wild one, unyielding to those who tried to tame him. At the age of seven, she had still been an innocent soul – naïve of danger, devoid of fear, and constantly sheltered by those around her. However, there were times when their watchful eyes would stray somewhere else, being occupied by another matter. And one of those times just happened to be the moment Fury was brought to the stables. She had been standing right next to her nanny behind the wooden fence, watching as their new prized horse was herded in. One of the Peacecraft’s best horse trainers – who had foolishly thought he could tame the wild beast – had ridden the horse and in the process was thrown over by the willful horse. Everyone had rushed to help him, leaving Relena unattended.

"Pegasus," she breathed in wonder as she stared up at the grand creature. Being the curious child she was – and being very small as well – she squirmed beneath the lowest bar of the wooden railing and entered the ring in order to get an up-close and personal look at the horse.

Walking shyly towards the ferocious steed, Relena was devoid of fear. She wasn’t aware of the fact that it could crush her frail body – literally. Its head was rearing back, neck arching and hooves pawing the air when it suddenly became aware of another presence.

He immediately stood his ground, eyeing the newcomer standing shyly and curiously before him. He snorted as if to say, ‘What the heck is this tiny, little thing doing here?’ His great, dark eyes flashed in wariness as Relena got closer and closer until she stopped a mere foot or two away from him. Slowly, he sniffed at her, scrutinizing every part of her small frame, then eyed her inquiring azure-blue eyes.

Relena lifted her arms – a sudden movement that caused him to back away suspiciously. Then, he snorted in surprise as she abruptly commanded, "Up."

Right after, he watched as the young girl unsuccessfully try to climb on top of him. Again and again, she only fell painfully on her bottom. She still didn’t cry though. With each try, she struggled to climb on his back.

In fascination the horse had continued to watch each of the girl’s failed attempt. He had watched as determination filled every pore of her gashed and wounded figure. And as if seemingly shrugging and muttering, ‘What the heck?’ he cautiously lowered his head and helped nudged her up on his back.

Tangling her small hands in his mane, the seven-year-old Relena eagerly scrambled up and sat on his back. She hugged him as tightly as she could, and laughed gleefully, simultaneously commanding, "Giddyup! Giddyup!"

And he, the indulgent horse he was, trotted around the ring, carefully aware of the fragile cargo on his back. Of course, his actions just further gladdened the light-hearted Relena and once more she shrieked in delight.

Her cries drew attention to her and the next thing she heard was a shrill cry and loud laments of ‘Oh My God! Somebody get her down,’ together with ‘The princess might break her neck.’ The men tried to get close enough to their princess – the key word being ‘tried’. They couldn’t. The stallion had suddenly turned and became her protector, fiercely and valiantly guarding her from people he viewed as enemies – after all, they had try to manhandle him, what would they do to his small rider?

What did Relena do in all these commotion? She proudly sat atop the horse she had instantly claimed as her very own and from that moment on decided that no he definitely wasn’t a ‘Pegasus,’ for a Pegasus was a gentle, mythical creature. The stallion beneath her was a wild, passionate beast, a fierce defender with eyes that were darkened in intensity. ‘Nope, definitely not a Pegasus,’ she thought as she shook her head. Instead he was a – "Fury," she breathed out.

And after this seven-year-old troublemaker had figured this all out and noticed those clamoring for her to get down from the horse, one would think that she would have dismounted. But, one should also remember that this girl was Relena Peacecraft. She never did what the rest of society did. So, she surveyed all the worried faces around her, then wouldn’t you know it? She waved at them and offered them all the best, satisfied, toothy grin she had ever mustered in all her seven years.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Relena smiled in recollection. ‘Ever since then Fury and I have been inseparable.’ She let loose a hearty chuckle, ‘Especially after I learned how to properly ride a horse.’ Relaxing from her riding stance, confident of Fury’s skills, Relena leaned back and actually laid down on Fury’s back. ‘It’s kind of scary how well we connect to each other,’ she thoughtfully contemplated. ‘Both of us long for freedom from our gilded cages. As a wild horse, he wants to roam the vast lands as his ancestors have always had and I – . . . . ’ Relena sighed. ‘I just want to have a chance to explore the world beyond aristocracies and prominent society – just like an ordinary teenager.’

Her train of thought was broken as awareness washed over her. They were approaching the castle. Straightening up, she watched as they drew nearer the place she had called home for the past fifteen years.

‘It is a beautiful place,’ she observed. ‘Truly fit for a royal family.’ Acres of formal and informal gardens swarmed in the view. A small lake was located nearby and her great-grandmother, Maria Antonia, who had undertaken the task of beautifying the surrounding area, had engineered for a tributary to be dug up to form several ornamental pools riddling the gardens – like a Japanese garden. Thereafter, terraces were built to look over the gardens while archways decorated each terrace’s walkway. Fountains and beautiful statues were situated near each ornamental pool, as they derived their flowing waters from them. In recent years, another summerhouse was added to the other four that had long been established. They were used mostly by close friends of the family who came for long visits or for those lingering after a social function.

Relena sighed, satisfaction resonating in every pore. Her blood quickened as it always did whenever she laid eyes on her home. To her, nothing could surpass the sheer romanticism of the place. She had loved it ever since she could first remember. And even now, she still loved it.

Unease filled her now though. ‘Odd,’ she thought as she looked about, at the same time dismounting from Fury’s back. ‘Where is everybody? It is past noon and this place should be bustling.’

"Oh well," she breathed out. "It seems like you and I are safe for the moment," she murmured to Fury as she led him to his paddock. She constantly looked left and right, alert to even the softest sound around her.

With a brief hug and a responding nuzzle, she sadly left Fury in his stall, having first taken care of his needs. "Until tomorrow, buddy," she whispered as she walked backwards to the stable’s entrance. "Rest well my friend."

She was so preoccupied with her horse’s welfare that she didn’t notice it until it was too late – she bumped into somebody.

‘Uh-oh,’ was the main thing running in her mind as she turned in trepidation at the person she bumped into. Grimacing, she crossed her fingers. ‘Hopefully, it’s not the housekeeper – Mrs. Glenn, or even worse,’ at this she grimaced even more as she gulped. ‘Or even worse – Ma-Ma.’ She glanced up and –

. . . immediately sighed in relief. "Milli!" She hugged him tight, then drew back from him – and promptly smacked his right arm.

"Ouch," Milliardo uttered as he winced from his little sister’s hit. It was a well-known fact that she was endowed with a mean right hook. He could only sigh with regret. ‘This is why I should never have let her tag along with me and my friends when we were kids.’ He rubbed his sore arm, ‘They taught her how to fight, a skill she seems to be fond of practicing on me.’ Raising a questioning brow, he sarcastically greeted, "Hello to you too."

His sarcasm was rewarded with another hit that he should have anticipated. Should have, but didn’t. As a result he would be sporting bruises on both of his arms. She glared at him. "You know better than to sneak up on me when I’m trying my darndest to be inconspicuous from Ma-Ma’s eyes. You creeping up on me like that nearly gave me a heart-attack." With a frightened tone, she shuddered. "For sure I thought it was Ma-Ma." Once more, she sighed in relief. "But, it’s only you Milli!" Smiling exuberantly, she slid her arm through his and began walking towards the castle. "So has Ma-Ma figured I’ve been gone yet? You didn’t tattle on me did you?" Looking up at him in apprehension, Relena was alarmed to see his grave face. She offered him a wry, wavering smile. "I take it that you aren’t exactly too happy to see me right now, are you?"

His playful air of moments ago was gone, replaced with the unrelenting face of a big brother ready to scold the wayward manner of his kid sister. He somberly nodded in answer to her question.

Continuing, Relena replied, "And, I’m guessing from that grim look on your face that I am in big trouble."

Milliardo Peacecraft – or ‘Milli’ as Relena fondly called him ever since she could talk at the age of nine months (As smart as she was at that young age, even she couldn’t say ‘Milliardo.’ She was, after all, only nine months old.) – nodded once more in reply. With both of his hands he stopped his sister’s saunter and turned her towards him. Relena unconsciously winced at his solemn attitude. ‘You’ve pushed it too far this time, Relena. He really looks mad.’

Milliardo Peacecraft was her brother, and the Crown Prince of Sanq Kingdom, the heir of Sanq Kingdom, current vice-president of Peacecraft Enterprises and future successor in the business, and he was also . . . . To put it simply he was a very powerful and important man.

Relena sneaked a glance at her brother. For a guy, he was elegant. She had only ever considered two men in her life as elegant, one of whom was her father, the other being her brother. She had very high standards for men and to be called an elegant man by her would be an honor unto itself. While the cerulean coloring of her eyes were inherited from their father, his dark blue eye coloring was from their mother. That wasn’t the only thing he inherited from their mother. Their mother had also bequeathed him his beautiful platinum blonde hair. She got a darker shade – deep honey blonde – probably due to her father’s light brown hair. One thing that he had acquired from their father though was his imposing figure. Relena smiled as she gazed at her brother’s hair and shook her head amusedly. She had always laughed at his ridiculous hairstyle – he grew it long. She had always shaken her head in disbelief as he always retorted , ‘You’ll see; women love long hair. They think it’s very sexy. It’s all the rage now in America.’ At this she would laugh even harder at his ridiculous drawl. Relena shook her head once more, recalling that he turned out right, as usual – while she was in the wrong yet again. A smile formed on her face at her recollections as she glanced once more at her brother. Then the smile faded. For one moment she had forgotten that he happened to be mad – very mad.

Mentally she prepared for the inevitable scolding she deserved. She wasn’t prepared for his next action. He tiredly sighed out, "Ma-Ma clearly told you that you weren’t supposed to go riding about today. And yet –." He punctuated his exasperation with another sigh, "You still disobeyed her."

Relena had the grace to look apologetic. "Ma-Ma always says that. She restricts everything I do." After a pause, she admitted in a whisper, "You know how I am."

Milliardo just answered. "I know it all too well." Ruffling her hair playfully, he thought, ‘Life as a young princess is clearly not for you, Lena. You have a wild spirit craving freedom from society’s chains. I hope you get it some day because I don’t want you tied down to something you don’t want.’ Gently, he nudged her towards the direction of the mansion. "I’ve been running interference for you. Ma-Ma is still terribly upset at your tardiness, though. Noin is in there trying to divert her from noticing my disappearance as well." As they entered the back door to the mansion, he urgently whispered, "Now, hurry up and get dressed." His soft eyes immediately glinted with impish glee as he picked stray blossoms and leaves stuck in her hair. He commented, "Not only do you look terrible, you smell it too." With one hand, he waved her off in the stairs direction. "Shoo!!!" The other hand was busy holding his nose, and his face was scrunched up in distaste. "Shoo!!!" he insisted, playfully.

Relena’s eyes twinkled whimsically. "Thanks for covering for me Milli. This is why I love you so much." That being said she launched herself on his arms. "This is a token of my gratitude. My undying sisterly love for you."

"Yeesh," Milliardo grimaced. "This is what I get for covering your hide?" He detached himself from her. "Not only do I smell like crap, I now look like it too."

"I love you too, bro." She playfully winked at him. Turning to climb the stairs, "Now I need to get dressed before Ma-Ma figures out that I’ve been gone the whole time."

"Too late," came the cold voice behind her.

‘Uh-oh,’ Relena thought in alarm. Suddenly, she became very religious, silently and desperately praying to the gods above her. ‘Jesus Christ, Buddha, Allah, or Yahweh. I don’t care whoever you are. Just please, please, for the sake of preserving my life, grant my prayer.’ With one last look at the heavens above, she mouthed, ‘Save me.’ Slowly and apprehensively she turned around, dreading what she would see. "Ma-Ma," she greeted out nervously, anxiety filling every pore of her being.

Relena, of course, had the right to be afraid. Standing before her was a very refined and graceful Lady Katerina Peacecraft – though clearly looking incensed at that moment. She was accompanied by a contrite faced Noin who immediately joined her husband’s side. As she passed by Relena, Noin sent an apologetic glance, simultaneously mouthing, ‘I’m sorry.’

Smiling fondly at Noin, the love of her brother’s life, Relena just shrugged the apology off. ‘You’ve done more than enough, Noin.’ Lucrezia Noin-Peacecraft stood proudly next to her husband’s side, her Mediterranean heritage brilliantly shining throughout the defiant stance of her face. While her dark purple eyes stared apologetically into Relena’s, Noin’s chin took on a bold tilt towards Katerina’s direction. Her spunk was one of the things Relena admired the most. It was also one of the reasons both girls got along perfectly – they were both stubborn and strong-willed women. Noin’s satiny black hair was cut elegantly short to compliment the shape of her face while her lithe body was clothed with a dark blue, lightweight, flowing dress that further emphasized her Mediterranean complexion. ‘They make such a handsome couple – young and in love,’ Relena had to admitted wistfully.

Immediately, she turned her attention back to her mother who was still standing there, and still clearly furious.

"Relena," her majestic mother greeted out coldly. She eyed her daughter from head to toe and a look of displeasure flittered to her face. "You went riding today," she calmly stated, not bothering to ask. Then with renewed vigor, "And deliberately disobeyed my orders?" Though angry she still kept that grace about her – never shouting yet furious nonetheless. Her calm anger – a paradox at its extreme – only served to tighten Relena’s wrung-out nerves.

The Lady Katerina Peacecraft stood regally, with her hair tied in an exquisite French coil, wisps falling softly around her face, emphasizing her genteel beauty. Her dark blue eyes were fiery and indignant, greatly contrasting Milliardo’s soft and gentle ones. Though she was already in her mid forties she still had a lithe young body toned by daily exercises and work-outs. She had donned a dress similar to Noin’s except hers was of a lovely lilac violet shade and long sleeved. Relena sighed, her mother was the epitome of a regal lady, truly deserving her title as the Queen of Sank Kingdom. Although the woman did prefer downplaying her importance, choosing instead to be called by Lady rather than her true title of Queen. Relena sighed. Her mother was garbed as her usual polished self, and here she was looking like a mess. ‘Why me?’ she silently pleaded to the skies.

Steeling herself for a heated confrontation, Relena sucked in a deep breath and started. "Ma-Ma –"

She was never even given a chance to finish her sentence as Katerina immediately launched into her tirade.

"No excuses. I specifically asked you to forego riding – just for one day. One day! You can’t even do a simple thing such as that!"

Relena looked down as shame filled her. ‘Ma-Ma. Why do you continue to live in your Old Regime views?’ she asked herself forlornly. "Ma-Ma – " she attempted once more.

And was again cut-off. "You knew your father was arriving today, with honored guests also. Your Pa-Pa and I had hoped to present a decent royal princess to our visitors. After all, as the illustrious Peacecraft family, we have an image to uphold."

"But, Pa-Pa doesn’t care my riding about nor any of my other extracurricular activities. He understands that I’m still a teenager." Relena rose up to defend herself.

"A teenager who also happens to be a royal princess," Katerina promptly added. A look of pure indignation crossed the matriarch’s face. "I’ve had enough of your childish games and immature behavior. Now, not only are you insulting me by disobeying my orders, but you are also insulting your heritage by carelessly treating our prominent background with indifference." Her voice startlingly rose up a notch, "You are now fifteen years old Relena. Soon, you will be crowned as the princess of Sanq. Act like it." Exasperatingly she cried, "Why can’t you be as responsible as your brother Milliardo?"

Relena visibly grimaced. ‘Ouch, that one really hurt.’

Milliardo moved in front of Relena, "Ma-Ma, enough is enough. That comment was entirely uncalled for. You and I know that –"

Katerina favored him with a level gaze that clearly warned him not to interfere. She then turned back to Relena. "First thing tomorrow morning you will be escorted to Madame Marguarite-Francoise-Louise de Lancret’s Finishing School." With that being said, she stared down her daughter, daring her to argue.

Milliardo, despite her mother’s warning, cut in. "Hold on. You can’t just do that. It’s not fair to –"

Coolly reprimanding her son, she argued, "On the contrary; I can, and I just did."

"But," interjected Milliardo.

"What’s going on in here?" cried a new voice. Relena’s head jerked back rapidly as she – along with the others – scanned the group of distinguished men heading their way. As soon as she spotted the man leading the group, she instantly smiled, locking her gaze at the man who’s face had also simultaneously lighted up once he saw Relena’s own. His silvering hair caught the fine light and his light blue eyes, aside from their usual calm intelligence, held abundant joy.

Through the haze of her angry and defiant emotions, a shaft of happiness flooded throughout her body. "Pa-Pa you’re home," she happily shrieked as she ran towards his outstretched arms and hugged him exuberantly. "I’ve missed you Pa."

Relena leaned her head towards her father’s neck savoring his favorite old cinnamon spice cologne. The fact that her beloved pa-pa was home was all she could think about. ‘Pa, I really missed you, so very much,’ Relena thought as she tightened her hold on him.

Milliardo, since he bore so much resemblance to their mother, was naturally closer to her while Relena, who looked so much like their father, had always been closer to him. In front of her mother, she had to act like a dignified princess, while she could loosen up and relax in her father’s presence. She had always loved his quiet, dignified manner, his maturity, his wisdom, and also his quiet poise. Days that were supposed to be spent refining her skills as a young princess were often found disposed in favor of refuge in her father’s study. He would cover for her, of course, later on making excuses to his wife about how she was particularly helpful in a certain business matter of his that was currently boggling his mind – which she actually was. Those getaways were either spent in moments of silence and reading or moments of learning about business strategies.

Relena, though unwilling, broke away from her father as she suddenly became aware of the men behind him. Slowly she perused each of the three individuals. Clearly they were all related. Their resemblance in their appearances, bone structure, and mannerism gave that fact easily away. ‘Even an idiot can see that one.’

Her gaze surveyed the people in front of her, turning from one man to the other, until she reached the last one, that is. When she locked eyes with that last man, her whole world came to a crashing halt and she imagined that her heart had stopped beating at the same time too. ‘Or is it just beating too rapidly?’ she thought in confusion. Prussian blue eyes, holding deep profoundness in their small orbs, weren’t hesitant to return her lingering perusal. ‘Wow,’ was the only thing she could think of as she eyed him up and down, a slight reddish tint emphasizing her roseate cheeks. He clearly was a man to be reckoned with.

Reluctantly she broke her gaze away from the striking man, her breathing shallow and her composure shaken. No one – and no man – had ever had such an unnerving effect on her. Slowly, she recomposed herself and ,’ she thought as she slowly tried to regain her composure and then returned her eyes back to her father’s exuberant face. She smiled at the childish glint in her father’s eyes.

"I missed you too, poppet," he fondly referred to her. "Now, princess," he called her by her other nickname as he held her at arm’s length, and looked at her. "It’s been two long months eh? You’ve grown tall and very pretty indeed." Staring at her, he scrutinized her more, "Though you do look somewhat rugged as of right now. And you do smell a little bit peculiar." He raised one of his eyebrows as he mischievously ignored Relena’s indignant face and admonishing cry of ‘Pa-Pa!’. "I see you’ve been out riding again, have you?" Not waiting for her answer, he ventured on, his twinkling eyes staring at hers, "I had hoped to present my beautiful little princess to my great friends, but I guess I’ll have to make do with you." He laughed as she playfully hit him. Then, gesturing to the men behind him, he said, "Princess, I’d like you to meet the greatest friends a man can ever have."

One of the men piped up behind him, "Oh stop it with the flattery. We get it already. You missed having us around terribly."

Relena stared at the man peculiarly as he continued to exaggeratedly blabber on and on about how her father had missed hanging around with the group in Japan. Questioningly, she turned to her father for the man’s identity.

Smiling wryly at the man’s antics, Constantine pointed to the man who continued to blabber on. "That fool," he affectionately began while in the background the ‘fool’ stopped his blabber long enough to cry ‘Hey! Are you talking about me?’. Constantine just shook his head, as he continued. "As I was saying, that fool over there is Lucenzo Yuy. My childhood best friend."

Lucenzo immediately stepped up to Relena and took her dainty hand in his and bowed in flourish. "Princess," he began with flourish. "It is my pleasure to meet such an esteemed young lady whose magnificent beauty is worldly known. My heart, whose beating had accelerated exponentially, at this time clamors peaceful rest now that such unworthy eyes had laid upon such a vision." Sighing blissfully, Lucenzo dramatically bestowed a kiss upon Relena’s small hands. As he rose, he looked at her and . . . winked in amusement at her shocked face.

Relena’s forcibly closed her openly gaping mouth as a smile teasingly tugged her lips. ‘This ‘guy’ is Pa-Pa’s best friend?’ Shaking her head, she thought, ‘Oh the horror. Now, I not only have one, but two idiots to take care of.’

Her attention was diverted to her father once more as she tuned in just in time to see her father deal Lucenzo with a smack in the head. "Idiot. Stop teasing my daughter." Crossing his arms in his chest, he huffily added, "Trust me Lucenzo, I am saving you from insufferable pain. My daughter can fight like the best of them." He added, "She single-handedly beat my son and myself up." While saying this, he had ignored her daughter’s outraged look, something that he shouldn’t have done. A moment later, he was sporting a bruised arm as he introduced the next man.

Relena’s gaze raked over the old man. She immediately decided that though he had a blank mask on his face that hid his emotions and made him look intimidating to some, he also had a warm presence about him that made him appear hospitable at the same time.

"Poppet, this is Natsushi Mizaki, Lucenzo’s father-in-law." Natsushi nodded his head in acknowledgement and offered a slight smile. Relena curtsied in return and proffered a shining smile. ‘He must be the patriarch of the family.’

Then Relena’s gaze turned to the final man, the man with the riveting Prussian blue eyes. She forced her heart to stop its rapid beating and her mind to stop its wandering musings as she looked up at the striking man.

"And here," Constantine once more introduced, "I am pleased to present you with Lucenzo’s young son and protégé, Heero Yuy."

Relena stood entranced as Heero approached her and caught her hand in his. His intense eyes held hers in its enchanting spell as he lowered his head down – not once breaking eye contact – and lingeringly bestowed a kiss upon the hand he held. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Princess," he huskily murmured.

All throughout his grand introduction, Relena had held her breath, afraid of destroying the magical moment. ‘God, get a hold of yourself Relena,’ she pointlessly tried to convince herself. Then, ‘Please, please, don’t let this moment end,’ she wholeheartedly wished. Alas, no divine entity seemed to be present, since once again no one answered her plea – the moment passed as he stepped back and gentlemanly bowed in recognition of her.

The magical moment shattered, Relena found herself reluctantly pulling her eyes away from Heero Yuy’s bewitching presence and tuning into what her father was saying.

"They’ll be staying with us for a month or so since they’re still deciding what estate they are going to buy. After that, they’ll have to look into paperwork, house furniture, relocating some of their household staff and other items. Thus, the month’s stay in our house." Looking excitedly at her face, "You’ll be hanging around with your old man this whole month. Scary thought eh?" Then, noticing her suddenly shut-out expression, he asked, "Poppet, what’s wrong?"

She didn’t answer his question. Instead, she just replied, "Pa, sorry to be a prude, but I hope you don’t mind if I visit Fury right now okay?" She offered him a fabricated smile as he, in a confused daze from his daughter’s abrupt change of mood, nodded.

Chin up, Relena strode out back to the way she came from.

Milliardo, seeing through the expertly placed happy mask of hers, attempted to walk away from the group and catch up with his dejected sister. However, he was blocked by his mother’s form. "Leave her be Milliardo." Seeing a rebellious look flit across his face, she added, "Do not try to usurp my authority in this house. A lesson must be learned, and the earlier the better."

"What’s going on?" asked a baffled Constantine. Katerina held her poise as she didn’t deign give him an answer. Noin attempted to, but was countered by Katerina’s imperialistic look of authority, one that rebuked all resistance against her command.

Finding no answer between the two women, Constantine focussed his attention on the concerned countenance of Milliardo’s. He donned an appearance even more sovereign than Katerina could ever produce – which was why he was so effective as the reigning sovereign of the Sank Kingdom – proving his worth as the royal majesty. He wore the look of a father wanting answers concerning his beloved baby girl. Looking Milliardo directly in the eyes, he asked – no he demanded, "What the hell is going on?"

Milliardo, looked down at the ground, remorse at his sister’s situation. "Pa, I know how much you’re looking forward to spending a whole month with Lena, but, I’m afraid she won’t be able to."

"Huh? And why the hell not?" By this time, not only was he baffled but he was downright furious. ‘How dare anyone try to tell me that I can’t spend any time with my own daughter!’

Sighing in defeat, Milliardo somberly answered. "She’s leaving first thing tomorrow morning for Madame Marguarite-Francoise-Louise de Lancret’s Finishing School."

"The hell she is!" he angrily countered.

Katerina, who had remained quite throughout the whole exchange between father and son, interjected. "And why not? She’s a princess. It’s about time she learned to act like one."

Understanding dawned in Constantine’s mind as he finally realized who had masterminded Relena’s current predicament. His countenance softening, Constantine turned to his beloved wife. "Katerina," he began softly. "Your intentions are noble, but they’re not right. Relena may be the princess, but no matter what, she’s still our little girl. So what say you? Shall we put this matter to rest, love?"

Her resolve softened for a moment – only for one moment though. Ignoring her husband’s pleas, she pointedly looked at their visitors and stated, "I think it would be wise if we discuss this later and tend to our guests. Don’t you agree?" Then looking beyond the group, she saw Mrs. Glenn standing behind them, awaiting her attention. Tilting her head to the guests’ direction, she commented, "If you’ll excuse me gentlemen, I need to attend to some matters."

"Katerina - " Constantine called out.

With a tight smile, Katerina looked back and replied, "Later, love." To which, Constantine sighed furiously. Looking back at Milliardo, he asked, "Stables, right?"

Milliardo just shrugged and answered, "That’s the only place she’ll be in right now. Unless, she’s already halfway out of our borders, riding at break-neck speed."

This didn’t ease Constantine’s worried mind. Rubbing his temples, he sighed, defeated. Then, just as suddenly, he donned a smile for everyone, a smile that everyone very well knew was forced. "Well, she’ll be back later," he stated with a wave. Then trying to divert the group’s attention to other matters, he switched to another topic. "Well, so far you’ve seen the family dining room, the ball room and its adjoining dining room, the gardens and the guest houses. What else would you like to see?" he asked, all the while ticking his fingers off in counting.

Lucenzo, trying to appease his friend’s concerned mind, interjected with a wry smile. "Seeing out rooms would be nice."

At this, Constantine had a blank look on his face followed by a sheepish smile. "Oh yeah. I forgot that didn’t I?"

Smiling in exasperation, Lucenzo shook his head while his father-in-law Natsushi Mizaki kept his same blank look, his eyes conveying all his amusement for the others. Lucenzo walked up to Constantine and smacked his back. Ignoring Constantine’s grimace – though it didn’t hurt – and his loud, ‘What did you do that for?’ he walked straight to Milliardo, put a hand on his shoulder, and with a tsk-tsk attitude, dramatically commented. "Son, I feel sorry for you."

Milliardo just raised his eyebrow and smiled in amusement. He was not stupid. He knew the other man’s ploy to ease his father’s anxiety. ‘I like that man already,’ he quietly thought.

Then, Lucenzo suddenly asked, "So, shall we proceed to our rooms?" as he proceeded to grant another hit upon Constantine’s back. With an impish glint in his eyes, he continued, "Or will you be standing there all day, Old Man?"

That comment definitely caught his attention. "Who are you calling Old Man, Old Man?!?!?" he yelled indignantly as they proceeded to playfully hit each other while following their other friends.

Milliardo just kept a detached expression on his face, though inwardly he couldn’t help but be amused at both of the aged men’s antics. A smile graced his lips as he shared an amused look with his wife. Milliardo shook his head once more. ‘For a successful corporate businessman, a respected husband and father, and not to mention the ruling head of the Sank Kingdom, Pa-Pa sure can act like a kid sometimes.’ Looking back once more at the playfully quarreling duo and the exasperated patriarch behind them, he mentally noted that, ‘Yep, there’s never a dull moment here.’ Then he noticed something else, ‘Hmm, I seem to be missing somebody,’ he noticed. Staring back at the direction they came from, he spotted their ‘missing’ guest – ‘Heero Yuy wasn’t it?’ –standing at the middle of the hallway thoughtfully looking around him. Detaching himself from the group with instructions for Noin to entertain and lead the group to their destination, Milliardo approached the thoughtfully mulling man.

"Hey," he gently interjected, breaking Heero from his train of thought. "Anything in particular you want to look at?"

Heero just nodded at him. "Thanks for the offer." Then as an afterthought, "Hey, you wouldn’t mind if I take a look around by myself, would you?"

Milliardo offered a slight smile. "No, not at all." He turned to walk away, at the same time, advising, "By the way, you’re room’s on the west wing, same as all the family members. The servants will know where it is if you can’t find it."

Heero just muttered a ‘Hn,’ and a mumbled, ‘Thanks,’ before proceeding down the hallway, towards the exit previously taken by the one who had unwittingly captivated his thoughts for the previous minutes.

Continuing along his way, he determinedly headed towards his destination – the stables.

* * * * *

Heero prowled along the perimeter of the stable before he reached its entrance. Taking a deep breath, he placed his hand on the nicely varnished wooden door and slowly pushed it open. The door yielded open without a single sound, something to which he was very grateful for. He didn’t want the stables’ occupants – and a certain someone in particular – to be alerted to his presence.

Stealthily he made his way to the far end of the stable, an inner sentient giving him the confidence that he would find what he was looking for in that direction. As he reached his destination, Heero smirked. ‘And as always, I’m right.’

At the last paddock, stood what – or rather, who – he was looking for. Though it was early afternoon, the stables inner sanctum was shrouded in darkness, the fact that the lights weren’t turned on adding to the dim effect. However, sunlight streamed in, shining down the ground on a gradient through glass windows situated high up on the stables’ wooden side foundations. It just so happened that the object of Heero’s thoughts was standing directly under one of these said windows. The rays of sunshine drifting down from the window illuminated the willowy figure beneath it.

Heero Yuy was one of those people who was rarely ever taken by surprise. In order to survive many sly, manipulating mongrels in the business world, he had to learn not only to rely on his basic instincts, but also on his powers of observation. Each inch of the surrounding he frequented would undergo his itemized scrutiny, not excluding the individuals in these surroundings. Every little move he made was calculated to ensure every little thing would turn favorably to his tide. Yes, he was definitely a person in control of everything around him. However, there’s always a first for everything.

As Heero stared at the figure, his jaw dropped to the ground – literally. It might have continued with its descent had not the ground made that move impossible. At that instant, he visualized the Earth stopping its regular spinning from its axis and Chronos himself wielding his staff to stop time. Heero felt what he imagined movie stars would feel when under the camera, and his mind then promptly visualized a set of camera lens zooming into his figure while everything around him faded into mere obscurity. The only thing holding anything of importance was the vision he beheld and the feelings exploding all at once within his chest.

A lump formed in his throat and he vaguely realized that his body was forgetting to perform one of its vital functions – breathing. Not like it would matter at the moment though since Heero would probably have barely even noticed that his heart was failing to beat its normal rhythm anymore. It was already occupied doing complicated summersaults. Vaguely, the logical and analytical side of his brain surfaced to berate him that his imaginings were not humanly possible. And, for once, Heero ignored that side. He focused on regaining enough of his bodily function, so that he could breathe out and be able to whisper the only thing he was capable of uttering at the moment – a soundless, "Wow."

Because of the resplendent light, the figure below it looked almost . . .

‘Ethereal,’ Heero’s numb mind barely whispered, a word that came nowhere near to describing the mirage before him, but happened to be the only thing his feeble brain could provide from its vocabulary data base. A golden aura seemed to surround Relena’s supple figure making her almost goddess-like. Her long, deep-honey-blonde hair was unfortunately tied back and constrained by a pink ribbon, though long wisps had escaped its bonds, and softly framed her gentle face. And her face, her face was the most alluring one any man that had ever lived had seen, holding such a distinctive charm to it that would naturally attract anyone around its vicinity. For one so young, she exuded a certain mature femininity about her. To put it simply, she was beautiful.

She was every artist’s dream project – a picturesque painting speaking to any soul more than a thousands word could ever convey. Yet, with all these poetic descriptions of this female divinity’s apparition running through his head, the only thing Heero could still scramble to say was, "Wow."

Then, as if remembering something important, he shook his head, attempting to shake away the sudden emergence of his poetic side while at same time trying to get his thoughts in order.

Straightening up, he treaded lightly to her side, his feet softly impacting the hay-filled ground. A few paces from her, he stopped, not wanting to make any sudden movements that would terribly surprise her. Instead, he chose to speak out to announce his presence.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Heero winced at the horrid cliché he just uttered. ‘For such a supposedly intelligent guy, I seem to have horrendous luck with first impression words.’ Seeing how she stirred from her reverie, turning to face him, he thought with a shrug, ‘Oh well, as long as it gets the job done.’

* * * * *

Right at this moment, Relena was upset. Nope, that wasn’t the right word. She was terribly upset. No, that was not sufficient for what she was feeling. It was more than that, she was rankled, disturbed, aggravated, irritated, irked, furious, enraged, incensed, and –. Relena shook her head one more. No, that still wasn’t adequate. So, she did what she usually did when her mind came up against a mental block, running out of vocabulary words. She stomped her foot angrily on the floor while clenching and unclenching her fists at her side, and cried out, "Grrr . . . ." Then, "Whoosh . . ." was what she sighed out, feeling extremely better already as if she had flushed out all her raging emotions, and fanning herself at the same time. "There," she said sighing. "All better."

Relena shook her head once more and proceeded to wipe the remaining tears dry from her swollen eyes. She was so angry, she cried. That was her instant reaction whenever she couldn’t bottle an extremity of a particular emotion, whether it was happy, mad, depressed, or upset. Her outlet was the tears and she had been really mad when she had entered the stables. Having removed the last of her anger, she finally stood still as she looked at the place around her. And what she saw, was that she had clearly made a mess during her frenzy. Though the stables were normally dirty, it was still an orderly place. Now it looked as if – cliché-ish as it might sound – a hurricane had gone through the room. The miscellaneous objects she had grabbed haphazardly and thrown all over in her fit of rage littered the floor around her. If the floor was wooden, Relena imagined she would have seen a hole through it as she remembered her heated pacing back and forth that spot. ‘Yeah,’ Relena thought as she made a last survey around the place, ‘the room has definitely seen better times.’

Smiling, Relena plopped down on a bundle of hay, and placing her elbows on top of her raised knees, she supported her chin as she prepared herself to go through the afternoon’s event through her mind once more. Before that though she released an amused smirk. ‘At least I got to vent. It’s not safe to bottle up things. It could get messier later on.’ And that was that.

As far as Relena was concerned the morning had been great. Not only had she spent quality time with Fury, she had also been able to catch up on her reading. It had been a while since she just sat down and read a good book. In this case, she figured that with the amount of books she had read that afternoon, she would be able to survive at least a month living her crazy, royal life.

Relena had been excited with the prospect of seeing her Pa-Pa after his long absence. Then there was also the added incentive of meeting new people – important friends of her Pa-Pa. And whomever her Pa-Pa liked, she ended up liking too. So, she had reveled in the impetus of probably having a friendly spar – she and her Pa-Pa having dabbled a little in martial arts, another activity her mother frowned on – or possibly an enlightening conversation with them. Weighted with those possibilities, she had anticipated the adventure that awaited her in the afternoon.

Yeah, the afternoon definitely ended up as an adventure alright – an adventure from hell.

Just thinking about it made Relena’s features screw up into a distasteful knot. Okay, so she wasn’t entirely blameless, she figured as she thought about her latest antic. She shouldn’t have disobeyed her Ma-Ma, she knew that. But, her Ma-Ma should also learn to lighten up a little. It didn’t help matters any that her mother had just sentenced her to years in Madame Marguarite-Francoise-Louise de Lancret’s Finishing School, effective immediately, without any second thoughts at all even when her father was clearly going to spend a whole month with his family – his first uninterrupted hiatus in a long time. Just thinking about the whole situation she was in revived her resentments and her deep-seethed anger.

Relena released a pent-up sigh, deflated and defeated. Okay, so thinking about the whole situation calmly won’t work. She was only getting angrier by the second Standing up, Relena dusted off the hay from her jeans, and walked towards Fury’s paddock to gaze at her sleeping friend. Seeing her old friend, just curled up and nestled in his makeshift straw bed, resting peacefully calmed her entirely frazzled nerves. The fury faded into the depths of her eyes to be replaced by a gentler expression in the sky blue orbs.

Removing her gaze from her peaceful friend, she stared blankly ahead of her. It’s not that she hated her mother – on the contrary, she loved her unconditionally – it just so happened that her mother grated her nerves in the most frequent times. Their relationship had only worsened as she reached her teens. Her mother hated the way she acted – which was the behavior of any other normal teen. In her eyes, she was born a princess she must act like a princess no matter what the circumstances are. It also didn’t help that Relena clearly preferred being with her father, thus earning herself the nickname ‘Daddy’s little girl.’

Relena let out another sigh. Something she had been doing a lot lately. That she has. She hated her forgiving and understanding side, like especially at these kind of moments. Relena knew that she couldn’t blame her mother for her actions. Ever since Katerina had been born, she was instilled by her own mother with values like those of any other old generation monarch – strict to the rules and relentlessly unbending to anything else. On the other hand, Relena liked to think of herself as part of the new generation of the royalty class – free from the restrictions placed by the old regime on monarchs.

It was this attitude that usually got her into trouble. Her liberal-minded Pa-Pa, a reforming mind full of progressive thoughts, welcomed her refreshing new look at the way monarchs should now behave. After all, he also happened to be a free spirit like Relena. In his perspective, the time of absolute monarchy regimes had expired thousands of years ago. This was now the era of the people where monarchs had no place imposing their views on the people nor trying to overrun the administration.

This difference in views was what separated Relena from her mother. It was just one thing yet it was everything that barricaded them from a harmonious relationship. It didn’t help that she had a rebellious streak in her that she couldn’t contain. However, Relena was trying to be a normal teenager and she definitely wouldn’t have been a normal teenager if she didn’t yield to her rebellious phase, now would she?

Ruffling her hair in frustration, Relena hugged her defeated form and struggled with herself to accept her mother’s command . . . for now at least. After all, leaving home, even if it was for a stuffy, pompous boarding school, might soothe her Ma-Ma’s ruffled nerves. Right?

An unbidden thought made its way into Relena’s mind, impromptu. Without thought, her lips curved upward as she thought of an enigmatic soul she met earlier, a mysterious looking, roguish man. Shaking her head woefully, she thought, ‘It is a shame though. Tall, dark, and handsome comes into my life, and is actually staying for one whole month in my house, and Ma-Ma chooses this instant to send me away to Madame Marguarite – Ah, forget it.’ She twitched her nose in annoyance. ‘Whoever came up with that name must be crazy. It’s too darned long. How do they expect people to remember that?’ Ruefully shaking her head, she turned her thought once more to the man who had sneakily tried to dominate her thoughts. ‘I don’t mind though since he happens to be such a gorgeous guy. Haaaaiiiiii . . .’ Relena smiled dreamily as she easily conjured in her mind the image of Heero Yuy. Then smilingly shaking her head once more, she berated herself, ‘Relena, you are one pathetic, infatuated girl. You’re practically drooling at the mere thought of him. What are you going to do when he’s right in front of you?’

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Relena gasped as a familiar, smooth baritone enshrouded her whole being. Turning around, she couldn’t prevent the shock that appeared on her face, realizing that the object of her thoughts materialized in front of her. ‘Can fate get anymore playful?’ she wryly asked herself. Not knowing what to say or how to act, she let the silence lie still in the taut-strained air.

Heero mistook her uncomfortable silence as an unwelcome reception from her. ‘I guess she doesn’t want me here.’ That mere thought should have only produced indifference from him, maybe a little awkward feeling at the fact that he had imposed himself where he was clearly not welcome, however, it bothered him more than it really should have. He felt an insufferable pain in his heart at the thought that she didn’t welcome his presence. ‘Must be the jet-lag,’ Heero reasoned for his current conflicting feelings.

Not wanting to prolong the silence and the awkwardness, Heero spoke up, hesitantly. "I’m sorry I bothered you. I should have realized that you wanted to be alone. I guess I’ll just see you later." Immediately he turned around and headed back towards the mansion.

"No, wait!" was the protest that stopped him in his tracks. To another person it might have just been a regular protest, a request for him to stop and a reason for him to turn around and inquire why she had asked him to top in the first place. Yeah, that would be a typical interpretation. However, though Heero was known by a lot of his peers as a man of few, straight-to-the-point words, it didn’t mean that he had totally lost the ability to communicate with another person. He preferred depending not merely on words alone, but observing and hearing the depth behind those words. Every pronunciation of a syllable and every melodic rise and fall of tone spoke volumes to him. And right at this moment, the very recent utterance from Relena’s euphonious voice spoke loud and clear to Heero. Behind that simple request was a cry of hidden anguish and disappointment. Relena was profoundly . . . sad.

So he did the only thing he could do at the moment – he turned around and made his way back to her.

Relena couldn’t reason why she had asked him to stay. Actually, scratch that. There were a lot of reasons she wanted him – or anyone – to stay, if she would only admit it to herself. First and foremost, numerous errant emotions were swimming through her head at that moment, the foremost being misery and as those wise sages of old said, ‘Misery loves company.’ Second, he mistook her silence for an unwelcome presence. Let it be said that Relena Peacecraft was a gentle, loving soul, not a meanie!!! Thirdly, she didn’t know who he really was besides being Heero Yuy, the son of her Pa-Pa’s best friend. She loved meeting new people. Then there was the most important reason Relena wanted Heero to stay with her. He was drop-dead gorgeous – AND BEYOND, earning him the foremost place in her mental list of the most gorgeous men she had ever laid eyes upon.

Her only conclusion? That impulsive cry did have reasons behind it. She really did want Heero Yuy to stay and talk to her. There was also the added something she was even trying to hide from herself. Relena was very much drawn to him, not just for his looks, mind you, though it was a bonus.. He was positively emitting warmth, affection, and understanding. And, that was exactly what she needed right at that moment. So, she had stopped him before he left the stables. But, as of late, her impulsiveness seemed to deposit her into trouble: she had no idea whatsoever what to say to him.

Relena was just standing there looking at his back trying to garner enough strength to open her mouth and produce some sound – any sound – when he walked back towards her and solved the problem of the moment for her: he broke the silence.

"So I’m guessing this is your sanctuary, huh?" he asked as his lips quirked up to form a welcoming smile. He stood a few paces from her, looking straight into her eyes, trying to read her soul.

A questioning frown formed on her forehead as she asked, "What makes you say that?"

"You look like you belong in this setting," he answered simply.

Her impish streak instantly returned to Relena as her eyes transformed from melancholy seriousness to mischievous laughter – a transformation not gone unnoticed by Heero. He was glad for her change of moods, but he suddenly felt very nervous indeed.

Clearly teasing, Relena’s voice turned on a playfully indignant tone. "Are you hinting at something with that comment? Are you trying to say that I look and smell dirty?"

Getting in on the act, Heero adopted a serious mask, eyes twinkling laughingly, as he smugly replied, "Oh, well what I actually meant by that comment was that you seemed very comfortable in this environment. But now that you mentioned it . . ." he trailed off simultaneously, looking her up and down. He looked straight at Relena seriously, but ruined his act by winking at her.

Giggling merrily, problems forgotten, Relena mock-threatened him, advancing towards him and trying – but failing horribly – to take on a menacing face. Simultaneously, she rolled up each of her sleeves, trying to add for effect. "You should learn to heed your elder’s advises. Weren’t you listening earlier when my father pointed out not to mess with me? You did see both my brother and father favoring their arms, didn’t you?"

Heero merely stood his ground, putting his hands on his pockets, acting nonchalant at her horrible pretend threat. Rolling his eyes, he replied, "I was there. I saw. I heard." Then, he added in a clearly exaggerated voice, "Oooohhh, I’m scared – shaking in my boots in fact."

"Oh, you’re going to regret you ever said that," Relena warned him as she tried punching him.

He evaded those punches, commenting, "I don’t think so. I am after all stronger, faster, smarter, and especially older. Experiences counts for a lot."

Relena just continued attempting to punch him while rolling her eyes in exasperation, as she remarked, "And here comes the famous male ego. You seem to have ten times any normal man. I shudder for your fellow men, having you as part of their gender." Then, frowning, "Stay still so I can punch you."

Evading her last punch, he leaned in close to her ear enough to say, "Do you know that you’re incredibly cute when you’re all huffy and mad?"

That stopped her in mid-punch. She sputtered out an incredulous, "Wha- What ?!?!"

Still sporting that same quirky grin, he added, "Also when you’re all speechless and in shock."

Wide, perplexed azure blue eyes stared at Heero as a rosy hue appeared on Relena’s soft cheeks. His grin only widened. "Most specially when you’re blushing."

" . . . . " was the only thing coming out of Relena’s gaping mouth. The rosy blush instantaneously blossomed to an uncontainable, raging, crimson flush.

Heero walked up to her and stooped down slightly in order to be eye to eye with her. Still sporting that wide grin, he patted his cheeks and said gaily, "You are so easily distracted."

"You are a horrible man Heero Yuy," Relena commented huffily as she made her way back to Fury’s paddock. Her thoughts were all a jumble as she replayed the past few moments of bantering with him. ‘He is an insufferable jerk. Totally without manners is what he is. Moron, loser, dork . . .’ Mentally she sighed as she recalled, ‘And he called me cute!!!’ She hid the evidence of a burgeoning pink tint displayed upon her face by busying herself with picking away dirt on her shirt and jeans.

"Thank you very much Relena Peacecraft!!!!" he replied with gusto and cheer as he followed her progress back down where she had been earlier. Now, she had placed her arms horizontally upon the chest-high paddock door, laying her head on top her meeting hands, obviously looking fondly at something. He came up behind her to peer over her bent head. "What ‘ya looking at?" he asked with a calm curiosity, ignorant at the tumble of emotions the girl before him was once again feeling.

Relena was grateful that her face wasn’t in direct sight of his eyes or he would’ve have wondered what had made her blush maddeningly once more. She knew that he was walking towards her, however, she had thought that he was going to position himself beside her, not right behind her. Every pore of her skin was prickling with awareness. He was way too near . . . and she liked it. She could smell his scent – clean, vaguely spicy, and altogether unique. He had braced his arms on both sides of her to balance himself, and, unwittingly, trapping her within his arms. And right at this moment, Relena was feeling, ‘Paradise,’ she light-headedly thought. Then, gathering her wits about her, when she heard him ask his question again, she cleared her throat and answered, "Fury."

"Fury?" he questioned.

"My horse," she answered simply, her mind still too muddled to muster any further information to give to him.

"I see," he remarked. Relena shivered slightly as she felt his breath, while he responded, stir strands of her hair.

Silence ensued as they just beheld the sight of the sleeping stallion before them. He wasn’t sleeping for long though. The silent gazes seemed to have alerted his subconscious, triggering his waking. For a moment, he just contentedly raised his head to indignantly scrutinize the people who had dared to wake him up from his restful slumber. His attitude seemed to be exuding a strong, ‘You’re going to be sorry you woke me up’, until his eyes feasted itself on Relena’s exuberant face. Then, ignoring the stranger behind his mistress, Fury immediately got up to his feet and started nuzzling Relena’s neck.

To Fury’s delight, Relena gifted him with her laughter and hugged him back. "Hey, boy!" she cheerfully greeted. She held Fury’s face between her dainty hands. "I’m sorry we woke you up. Did you have a nice rest?" she asked. Fury’s answer was a joyful neigh. Looking behind her, Relena pointed to Heero, "Hey Fury I’d like you to meet Heero Yuy. He’ll be living in the house for a month while he and his family looks for an estate here in Brussels."

Fury looked over Relena to the young man his mistress pointed to. And seemingly, Fury sized up the man Relena introduced as Heero. If he could talk, he would have said, ‘Hmm. Not too shabby, I guess. Pretty decent by the looks of it. I expect he’ll want to pet me now like any human here does.’ Heero leaned in more to Relena in order to pat Fury’s mane. ‘I was right,’ Fury scoffed smugly at being correct at his hunch. While allowing Heero to administer gentle brushes through his mane, Fury turned his attention back to his mistress. ‘I would have bitten his hand the instant he touched me, like I do to the others who dare touch my perfect mane that mistress Relena gently brushes for me, but since of my mistress seems to be fond of that thing I guess I’ll indulge her wishes and let him pet me.’ Then, ‘Hmm. Ahhhh,’ he thought satisfied, as he returned his attention back to Heero’s gentle hands. ‘Got to admit, this thing knows how to treat a great stallion such as myself.’ And that was when Fury stopped his monologue, choosing instead to whinny and neigh to convey his contentment.

"Hey there boy. How you doin’?" Heero murmured as he petted the willing Fury.

Relena blinked at this. ‘Fury had never instantly liked any person other than me. He’s just too stubborn and untrusting creature.’ Relena smiled. ‘It’s part of his animal senses. When he trusts you that means that you’re a trustworthy person.’ Looking at Heero interacting with her Fury, she smiled. ‘I guess that means that you’re a pretty okay guy. My instincts were right after all.’

Eyes softening, Relena observed the engrossed pair. As if sensing her scrutiny, Heero bent his head down and momentarily focused his attention at her, his eyes boring through her and a sudden smile lighting his face. With that smile, Relena felt as if her heart had once again failed to beat and her whole being was reeling. ‘There goes that light-headed feeling again.’

Regaining her composure, she unconsciously leaned back more into Heero’ warmth and offered him a slight smile. "I’m guessing he likes you." ‘And he’s not the only one.’

Heero smiled back and commented, "He’s a pretty strong horse for his age. He sure has spunk, I give him that." Smugly he added to her, "I like him."

Relena smiled back and answered, "Good." Silently, she continued to gaze at him.

Then, as if remembering something, Heero again focused his attention at Relena as he asked, "So you’re really leaving tomorrow?"

That question deflated Relena’s lively mood, a dark cloud shrouding her light-heartened feeling. "The hell I am," was what she wanted to say, but she had to face facts. Her mother was very stubborn, after all, Relena had to have gotten that obstinate trait from somebody and it was more from her mother than her father. So instead she answered sounding extremely defeated, "Yeah. Yeah, I guess I am."

Heero seemed to mull over her confirmation. After a few seconds, he answered slowly, as if he had put a lot of thought into his reply. "Think of it this way. You’re going to be coming home after every few weeks, and every time you come home, you’ll have something to look forward to."

Relena turned around, placing herself in an even more intimate position. She was still trapped between his arms, therefore, their new position seemed to display them as a loving couple in act of teasingly embracing each other. If she were aware of her situation, she would’ve blushed maddeningly, but playful curiosity was overriding her other senses at the moment. Clearly interested at his recent statement, Relena inquiringly asked, "And what am I looking forward to exactly after infuriating weeks of sitting at lessons I’m sure I have long been educated at? What could possibly gladden my heart after enduring bothersome lessons on aristocratic mannerism and form of etiquette?"

Impishly grinning, Heero quirked his eyebrows up in a mannerism suggesting ‘How can you not know?’ Then, while still sporting the playful twinkle in his expressive eyes, he retorted simply, "Why, the pleasure of seeing me of course."

Relena just looked straight at the widely grinning man before her. Suddenly, a prankish idea crossed her mind at that exact moment. An sly twinkle appeared only for a moment in her eyes, something that Heero should have noticed but didn’t. He was distracted with his banter with Relena. Relena leaned in seductively closer and smiled up at Heero. Huskily she murmured, "You are so cute, Yuy, do you know that?"

Heero could only watch, perplexed as Relena pressed herself closer to him. He swallowed a big lump that had immediately formed at his throat. Vaguely he noted that he needed water . . . badly. Just as suddenly though, he thought, ‘Ouch,’ as he in a flash, found himself unexpectedly lying down on the ground looking up at an indignant Relena innocently dusting off unseen dirt on her hands as she whistled without care. Thereafter, she placed her hands on her hips, smiling smugly down at him. "You are cute Yuy," she repeated. Grinning broadly than before, "But, not that cute." Crouching near his face, she patted his cheek, and devilishly declared, "Awww. Poor Heero-baby. You are so easily distracted." Standing up, she turned around and sashayed to the stable entrance. Tossing a smile Heero’s way once more, she waved, "Ta-Ta" and her graceful figure was out of the door.

Heero, having propped the upper half of his body from the ground with his elbows, looked at the door, remembering the Relena’s beautiful, expressive face, mirroring her internal feelings of fierce joy and uncontainable excitement.

‘Mayn,’ he thought in awe. ‘I definitely can’t wait to see her again.’

* * * * *

The next day found Relena leaving for Madame whatever’s boarding school in France. She was faced with tearful good-bye’s from her father, a terse and cold nod from her mother, and what she remembered most – an impish wink from the enigmatic Heero Yuy. That good-bye she would never forget.

For the next two years, she alternated between attending boarding school and trips to Brussels. She was right about an earlier comment she made regarding the boarding school. They taught things that she already knew and trivial things such as royalty’s etiquette 101 and aristocratic mannerism 100 gave her further ammunition to hate her life. It also furthered her desire to visit her home – so much so that she practically threw herself inside the designated limousine that picked her up every Friday night to bring her to the airport for her weekly visit home.

Every time she went home, she encountered her coolly receptive mother. Their relationship had been beyond repair ever since the day her mother sent her off. They’d exchange a few tense-filled words, Relena would offer a polite excuse, her mother would acquiescence, and Relena would immediately, yet gracefully, rush to her father’s study where she was sure to see her father and of course, Heero Yuy.

To the delight of both, their relationship had blossomed to great friendship – if one would call their constant bantering and Relena’s constant beating-upon of Heero friendship, that is. However, they said they were best friends, and so they were the greatest of friends. Granted, the first few outings with him had been a tad uncomfortable. He may have been very playful and mischievous at times, but he wasn’t used to revealing his deep inner thoughts to others. But, after the first few words were uttered by his mouth, the rest came easy. It was a whirlwind friendship, as they termed their easygoing relationship. Her weekend visits would never be the same without Heero being there, taking her out to see the latest movie, to ride Fury, or to just hang out with each other, even saying nothing at all.

Relena basked in her relationship with Heero Yuy. It was a giving relationship. He’d give his time and care for her while she committed the same for him. No secrets, even the darkest, ugliest one was kept between them. Boy, she would realize that she had been very wrong later. No secrets indeed! However, right at that moment, Heero was there in every turn, weaving himself into the fabric of her life. Endlessly, he listened to her dreams and her rages. Whenever Relena cried, Heero would let her cry on his shoulder and usually all over his new suit. When she was feeling melancholy, Heero would be silently sitting right next to her. He wouldn’t hesitate to berate her when he knew she did something wrong. He laughed whenever she laughed. And he would even go as far as to let her use his body as a punching bag when she was raging with anger. Of course, later on he would always wake up to Relena’s soft, tending hands and tearful, ‘I’m sorrys’, since her punches had him sporting black bruises all over. It was all good with him though.

Since this relationship was so perfect, Relena didn’t want anything else to mar it or change it, therefore when one day she had woken up to the realization that she wasn’t infatuated with him anymore, but was rather, in love with him, she forcefully suppressed her blossoming feelings and unsuccessfully attempted to forget those feelings ever existed.

They were kept concealed, and the duo’s relationship continued to grow stronger each day. However, all things must come out to the open. And all relationships were destined to change since the people within those relationships change as time passes. It was a natural cycle. So, therefore, it was only natural that Heero and Relena’s relationship change as two years passed, seeing as they had only had a very brief yet phenomenal relationship. One can only speculate if they would have changed for the better or for the worse.

It all started out on one the most important days of a girl. It was Relena’s eighteenth birthday . . . .

* * * * *

She had just turned eighteen and she couldn’t be happier . . . right?

‘Big whoopee. Sure couldn’t be happier,’ Relena thought sarcastically, weaving through the throng of well-wishers greeting her a very ‘Happy Birthday’ and the like. Feigning a totally enraptured smile, Relena would graciously thank them and present a picture of a very ecstatic birthday girl – something she was definitely not true at the moment. While expertly keeping track of her unknown current companion’s sayings, she inconspicuously darted her head left and right, back and forth. One thought ran through her head, ‘Where is that dufus?’ as she searched for the familiar face of her best friend, Heero.

Exasperated beyond belief, Relena looked behind her, and suddenly wished she hadn’t. Across the room a man – obviously royalty based on his expensive and decorated clothing (That fact was also probably was also a dead give-away that he was bearing a royal family’s coat of arms on his clothing.) – smiled and cheerily waved at her. Now, it should be brought up here that Relena had perfected her so called ‘mechanical’ smile ever since the age of ten. Once it is learned, it can’t be forgotten – akin to riding a bicycle, one can say. But, as has been the theme of her life, there’s a first for everything. Spotting that man, her smile faltered. However, Relena should be given credit since she regained control quickly as she waved back. And, evidence of her great intelligence could also be seen from her quick thinking. Before that said man could even think of disentangling himself from his chatter with a group of clearly love-struck women, Relena was already halfway across the other far side of the room, having made her excuses with her previous group and already chatting with the next group of well-wishers.

Once more, Relena furthered the distance between herself and ‘that man’ by nimbly socializing with as many people she encountered as possible. In the back of her mind though, she was already coming up with reasons for her to leave the current guest and move on to the next. Simultaneously performing this act, her eyes would rapidly scan the entire room – no mean feat whatsoever since it was a pretty big venue – locating Heero whom her mind has vindictively associated with the words, ‘blasted man.’

‘I swear when I get my hands on him, he’s dead,’ Relena vowed. As she noticed herself nearing a dimly-lit terrace – good for one wanting to fade in relative obscurity – she darted a furtive gaze around her and after making sure that no one was watching her, abruptly hastened outside the terrace.

Relena blended with the shadows as best as she could and waited for five minutes, standing as still as she could. Then a silent relieved, "Whoosh," came out from her lips, glad that no one knew she was there. Feeling more confident, she walked farther out the terrace, stopped, and tilted her head up to the skies, reveling at the satisfyingly cool night. She looked out from her spot on the terrace. It was truly a magnificent night to be celebrating her birthday. There were no objections to that. Nature seemed to be celebrating along with her by providing her a memorable setting. The night sky was clear, the clouds seeming to know that tonight was not the night to provide hiding places for the brightly, sparkling stars. They would have to forego their usual game of hide-and seek until tomorrow. Upon the shimmering backdrop, the moon took center stage, its crescent shape serving for Relena’s idea of a romantic night. Smiling wistfully, she reluctantly turned her attention from the entrancing view back towards the party, her fingers idly playing with the champagne flute, which she had somehow acquired before coming to the terrace, in her hand. Reflectively, she observed the festivities before her.

So far, the evening had been marvelous with her parents playing host to hundreds of guest – a hodgepodge of royalty, aristocracy, and important individuals in different governments and businesses. Basically, anyone who was ever anyone was there. Queen Katerina Peacecraft, her Ma-Ma, was glamorously bedecked in all her queenly glory. In a style full of grace and splendor, she looked resplendent in her long-sleeved creamy white silk evening dress flowing freely from her waist down. She wore her hair freely, styled for volume to make her already fabulous hair, even more so. A simple pair of pearl drop earrings adorned her ears while a matching beautiful pearl teardrop pendant was worn around her neck. The only ring she wore was on her ring finger – her golden wedding band.

King Constantine Peacecraft harmonized with his enchanting counterpart every step of the way. Relena’s Pa-Pa garnished in all his kingly majesty, dressed in a matching cream suit with a silk cravat rakishly tied at the throat. His only accessory was the matching golden band on his ring finger that glimmered brightly underneath the chandelier’s light. He was right by Katerina’s side involved in leisurely conversation to a bunch of people that had surrounded them. The pair was clearly the center of attention.

One thing Relena promptly noted was her Pa-Pa’s arm snaked around her Ma-Ma’s still slim waist. A slight flush graced her Ma-Ma’s cheeks. Relena permitted herself what she said would be her last wistful sigh of the evening. ‘That’s love,’ Relena thought as she envied her parents’ relationship even more. Even with all the arguments they had – and those were frequent and infinite – their affection towards each other was always there, steady through it all. Relena went back on her word, she sighed again, longing for a love as strong as her parents.

Turning her thoughts away from such yearning-filled ideals, Relena recounted the whole night in her head. Earlier in the evening, after the guests had trickled in and settled down, everyone had feasted on drinks and dozens of platters of delicious canapés in the cool of the verandas. Then, an hour or so later, dinner was served in an adjoining, lovely, spacious dining room that held the same capacity as the ballroom. The round dinner tables were all labeled with the seating arrangements and were all meticulously arranged to accommodate the needs of the guests. The room was especially charming with its floor-to-ceiling French doors and fanlights. Dinner had been finished some thirty minutes earlier, which brings them to the here and now.

Most of the guests were either standing around and talking to one another or dancing to the tunes being artistically played by one of the famous orchestras in Brussels – the Moonlight Sonata. As Relena watched couples before her dance to the soft tunes floating all around the ballroom, she mentally prepared herself for the part of the evening she had been dreading the most – the coronation ceremony. As was custom, as many past Peacecraft children before them had undergone, each royal prince and princess not only had a grand celebration for their eighteenth birthday, they also given a ceremony whence they receive their birthright and are formally crowned as the Prince or Princess from the House of Peacecrafts.

Relena shook her head in exasperation thinking about all the elaborate pomp and ceremony put into one’s royal status. ‘In fact, just thinking about it is giving me a migraine,’ she admitted wryly. Then a sly thought passed her, ‘Maybe I can just call it a night and let Pa-Pa and Ma-Ma handle the apologies while I curl up in my very comfy bed in my very comfy nightclothes – meaning an oversized T-shirt in Relena terms – and dream very comfy dreams, and in the process snore my heart out.’ She giggled at the mental image and a moment later reality came crashing down on her. ‘Nah. That’ll never work.’ She turned her attention back to the venue, the Peacecraft palace’s ballroom, and its elaborate decorations

Tonight all the doors were open to the wide expanse of the terrace for guests to freely go out in the gardens and enjoy nature whenever they wanted to. The breeze drifted in, ruffling the soft curtains that were dancing in time to the rhythm of the wind. As the cool air drifted all around, Relena made out the totally seductive aromatic scents of exotic and native flowers from the Peacecraft gardens.

Then, as she was starting to feel fully relaxed, lulled by the sweet sonnets the Moonlight Sonata was currently playing together with the sweet fragrance in the air, she felt a distinct yet familiar tingle course through her whole body. The prickles on her skin were going haywire while her whole being was flooded with the well-known warmth of another person’s presence. This explosion of feelings could only mean one thing. Heero.

‘Heero,’ Relena thought in anticipation as she pushed herself away from the terrace to make her way back inside. ‘That blasted man, fondly speaking, is finally here.’ Shaking her head amusingly she glanced left and right, then finally through some intuitive feeling raised her head to look straight across the room. Her eyes immediately locked with Heero’s distinguished Prussian blue orbs. Moments seemed to pass as she stared into those depths, then her vision expanded to include not only his face but his whole being, and his immediate surroundings. Unfortunately, by immediate, she saw something she hadn’t quite expected. ‘Heero brought a date!!!’ came the numb realization in her mind. ‘A beautiful date at that,’ Relena grudgingly admitted. The woman – a word Relena had wanted spitted out – was garbed in a lean, simple black evening dress that appeared as if it had been poured on her. Two thin straps held the whole ensemble upright, showing off her creamy skin. At the same time, she was given an image of having a slender neck while the contrasting of her dark dress and her pale skin brought out her features. Her short dark hair was modernly stylish and her purple eyes glowed with an inner delight at the happenings around her. She didn’t even need any jewelry to emphasize her beauty.

It was a good thing Relena was already covering up her instant dislike of the woman clinging to Heero’s arm as if she had the right in all the world to do that. And, Heero wasn’t doing anything to dislodge her either. Internally, Relena scoffed at him. ‘Why are you letting her touch you?’ She was drowning in emotions of love, hate, jealousy, rage, and lastly . . . self-pity. ‘Here I am in a day that’s supposed to be a milestone in my life. There’s a party being held in my honor and fate does everything in its will to wreck my day.’ Staring balefully at the sky, she inwardlly screamed, ‘And what did I do again to you to warrant your contemptful, hurtful, mischievous attention?’ At that moment, she was intensely jealous and she didn’t want to talk to Heero and especially that thing he brought with her. ‘It’s my day and he’s supposed to spend it with me. His birthdays are always spent with me and my birthdays are always spent with him.’ Betrayal was a cruel enemy. ‘We’re supposed to be laughing about those funny, pompous aristocrats who always think that they’re the be all and end all.’ Tears started to gather in Relena’s eyes as she watched Heero battle through the crowds waylaying him and his thing for a few words. And, Relena actually offered a murmur of thanks to the unsuspecting crowds that she had previously disliked.

If that wasn’t enough of a shock, she actually thanked her Ma-Ma when her Ma-Ma had unwittingly appeared at her side to call for her up front. As Relena looked up at her, she thought she saw concern reflecting in those eyes. ‘It must be the tears,’ she chalked up as blurry images started to multiply before her. Blinking rapidly to dispel the unwarranted tears, she cleared her throat and murmured, "Yes, Ma-Ma?"

Softly, Katerina replied, "It’s time for the ceremony. Your escort has been looking all over for you and when he couldn’t find you, I took over." Then, Katerina looked down at her daughter, touched Relena’s face, and spoke in hushed tones, "Happy Birthday my darling." A second later, her cool tone returned. "We don’t want to keep everyone waiting. Let’s go."

Breathing in deeply, regaining her composure, Relena knew that it was ‘the time of reckoning’ – as she liked to dramatize. Any other time, Relena would have allowed her rebellious streak to surface and would have cared less to keep everyone waiting. She would have given Heero an enthusiastic greeting first. This wasn’t any other time though. Turning slightly, she tossed a brief, apologetic smile to Heero and followed right after her mother.

She didn’t see Heero’s disappointed countenance behind her.

* * * * *

Having crammed all her feelings into a tiny corner of heart to be examined much later – when she would be able to cry and howl about it all night – Relena followed her Ma-Ma closely to a dais in the foreground area of the ballroom. Milli and Noin were awaiting for her arrival with smile on their faces. Her Pa-Pa was standing a few paces from them talking to two people she recognized as ‘that man’s’ parents. This puzzled Relena immensely. ‘It’s coronation time. Why are they still in the family’s place – where the coronation is supposed to take place?’ Before she could continue this thought, movement caught her attention. ‘That man’ had broken away from her family and started walking towards her and her Ma-Ma, all smiles. With all her might and drawing from her strict training in polite manners and etiquette, Relena stopped herself from slapping her head in exasperation with her hand and crying out, ‘Oi. Can it get any worse than this?’

Bracing herself, Relena instantly slipped on her ‘mechanical smile’ as ‘that man’, otherwise known as Prince Santino Echevarria from Italy’s Royal House of Echevarrian’s approached her. His clean and trimmed blond hair shimmered under the room’s bright lights. He stood proud and tall at the height of about 6’ feet. He owned a broad set of shoulders that clearly announced he was not a man to be tampered with. Not only was he a good-looking man, he looked like he also had the brains to back up his brawn. Neither was he a cruel, horrible man mad for more power. He loved serving his people, always giving to charity and volunteering his time as a lawyer to defend those who didn’t have the financial backing to afford good lawyers. He looked upon everyone as his equal, sharing Relena’s ideal regarding the new generation of monarchs. All in all he was a dreamy guy, only . . . ‘He’s not Heero,’ Relena wistfully thought. She had been avoiding his company ever since he had first arrived and greeted her a very Happy Birthday, producing a lovely wrapped present with flourish for her along with a bouquet of full-bloomed crimson roses. That had been her first cue.

Ever since Relena had first remembered meeting the Santino, then twenty-year-old to her mere sixteen years of age, she had known that he was instantly smitten with her. This had at first flattered her, but she forgot it soon enough and it seemed he did too. As of late though, he had been acting particularly amorous, regularly sending her blooming crimson roses and constantly dropping by whenever he would hear she was home. Of course, Heero would help shoo away the besotted man. In Heero terms, he kicked the poor guy out of Relena’s house. His lovesick attitude had Relena wondering what had revived it after it’s dormancy during the two years since they met. What had her even more bewildered was that her parents just shrugged off Santino’s behavior.

As Santino met her, Relena did one of her most hated things – she followed protocol. Curtsying low, she smiled to Prince Santino and offered out her hand for him to take and bow down to. Instead, he kissed her dainty hand, and as he straightened up his hazel eyes locked to her own, he murmured huskily, "You’re looking especially beautiful tonight, Princess."

A blush she couldn’t help graced Relena’s cheeks. It had been her first compliment of the night, strange at it might seem. While the guests had congratulated Relena regarding her birthday and coming of age, most praises were directed to her Ma-Ma, the ever-beautiful belle of the night. So, it was understandable to react such a way to Santino’s flattery.

She had carefully picked out what she was going to wear for the night. After all, it wasn’t everyday one would be formally crowned Princess and be given her birthright. She had blended her conservative and flashy sides. Opting for a light silver ensemble that flowed freely from her waist-down, like her mother’s, she had satisfied her conservative side. For an elegant touch she instructed her dress-maker to make the back hem longer, to make it trail the ground. From then on, everything was flashy – very flashy. On the back, her gown scooped low to show her smooth back. Influenced by new European attires, she designed the gown’s top to have only one strap, on the left, leaving the right shoulder bare. The strap, from the back, would flow straight down to the ground like an attached scarf. To add more touch of elegance to it, Relena had drawn up her hair, braided as a crown on the back, small wisps escaping to emphasize her heart-shaped face. Long silver strands were here earrings to serve the illusion of a slender neck, she had worn no necklace at all. She wanted a gown that screamed uniqueness and elegance. She got it, though she wasn’t fully aware of it.

Relena accepted Santino’s proffered arm, and graciously smiled at him as he flashed her a gorgeous smile that had been known to make women’s hearts feel feint. Relena didn’t feel a single thing. Thereafter they followed the procession of the monarchs, starting with both of their respective parents, then Milliardo and Noin, and finally Relena and Santino.

"So, nervous?" he had inquired as they lined up with the others on the platform.

"It’s only a coronation," she answered indifferently, though she felt quite the opposite. She wasn’t only nervous about being showcased in front of all these people, she was still upset about something else – Heero and that thing.

"May I please have everyone’s attention?" her Pa-Pa spoke through the mike Mrs. Glenn had handed him. Once sure that he had everyone’s full attention he continued, his voice loud, clear, and concise. "I would like to thank everyone for coming to such a joyous occasion and sharing it with us. We also thank you for bringing along such numerous, expensive presents for Relena. Thank you and everyone can leave now." He ruined his serious front by winking at them. The whole congregation erupted in a fit of laughter, which Relena shared in.

The rest of his words went from one ear right out through the other as Relena focused on looking for Heero. Instantly, as is always the case, she found him, his eyes boring through hers. Immediately she looked away, the image of that dark-raven beauty clinging to his arm and chattering animatedly to him burning in her mind. She, like an automaton, mechanically went through the movements of her coronation. She barely felt the cool diamond tiara on her head, too involved was she in her thoughts of Heero and the raven-dark beauty. Because of her lack of concentration, she had blanked out, the next thing she ended up hearing being, ". . . announce her betrothal to her escort – Prince Santino Echevarria of the Italian House of Echevarria!!!"

Needless to say, Princess Relena Peacecraft of the House of Peacecrafts was dealt with another surprise for the night. She was positively stumped. Blinking incredulously over and over again didn’t seem to dispel the roaring clapping of the people gathered and the cheers of congratulations swimming through her head. Vaguely she felt her feet move as her mind wandered away, her physical body being led down back onto the dance floor by her fia– by this time she was choking at the thought. So, instead she corrected herself. She was being led down back onto the dance floor by the Prince Santino, who was all smiles for the whole duration. It suddenly was very difficult for her to think. ‘This has got to be some great cosmic joke.’ However, looking at her parents proudly shaking their hands with Santino’s parents – Queen Amaia and King Benedicto Echevarria.

She was sorely tempted to breech all the protocols she had ever-so-painfully learned and throw a fit in the middle of the ballroom. But, keeping in mind, Relena was only raging mad, not insane. Therefore, she mentally prepared herself for a long night. ‘They are going to be so sorry when I’m through with them,’ she thought as anger began seething into the pores of her being once more. Various colors mixed together in raging hues before her eyes, and for a moment, Relena had thought herself blind. Only for a moment, since rage seemed to be taking a hold of her emotions once more. ‘How dare they!’ she thought of her parents. ‘Even Pa-Pa agreed! When they clearly knew about my stance of independence!’ Rage glazed her eyes at her parents gall. ‘Oh, this definitely going to be a rough night indeed.’

Rolling her eyes up to the ceiling, she cursed the heavens above. ‘You just like to keep rubbing in your power, don’t you? What are you? A damned supreme being on a power trip? Well, are you loving every torturous minute of my so-called life?’

Having concluded that she needed fresh air, Relena slipped on an overly saccharine smile – sly enough to be thought of as genuine – and turned to her left, laying her hand on Prince Santino’s arm and flashing him her biggest smile, she murmured, "Excuse me for just a moment, Santino." The Prince just gave her a sweet, indulgent smile and nodded, urging her to hurry back for every minute without her presence was hellish torture, or he had lamented something of the like. ‘Hellish torture my ass,’ Relena furiously thought, as, with her mask of bountiful happiness, she intermingled with more well-wishers and so. She was getting vulgar, meaning only one thing – she was really . . . ‘Grr,’ as one would have heard had they closely listened to her under the breath growl, or had they looked at her constantly clenching and unclenching fists.

Having made her way to her earlier get-away – the obscure terrace – she had looked around at the people around her. Having satisfied herself that she wouldn’t be missed at the time, she faded into the night, he silvery dress glinting once and was thereafter gone.

Relena had whispered right before she blended in with the night, "And just where is that ‘blasted man’ when you need him anyway?"

That so-called ‘blasted man’ was right behind her heels, softly sneaking after her, worry clearly etched on his Prussian blue eyes . . .

* * * * *

For every second, there would be one little girl out there wishing she was a princess. And based from what Relena’s been through, all she can ever possibly say to those girls is, "Don’t even think of wishing to be a princess. Dream of something else kids. And, I’m sure that whatever it is will turn out to be a whole lot better than being a princess."

Outside the terrace doors and beyond the projection of the side lights, a silhouette that was once tall and imperious, was now reduced to a slumped, vulnerable figure. The dark outline – clearly of a woman’s – was seen taking flight, her magnificently tailored evening gown swishing behind her, as far away as possible from the floating echoes of blissful and merry happenings coming from the brightly lit ballroom she had departed.

As soon as she ran out of breath from all her running – being a very long time since she had had the opportunity to exercise – Relena hunched over, resting her clenched fists on her wobbly knees. Her quick, short panting breaths were the only sounds that overpowered her racking sobs. Her coiled hair had come undone, the locks arranging themselves haphazardly on top of her head. Unseeingly, she stared at the ground below her, the soft, green grass and the baby, lilac blossoms below not registering in her mind.

Drip . . . Drip . . . Drip . . .

Those were the sounds of her tears as they fell ceaselessly from where they filled her eyes, running their course down the upper curve of her cheekbone and progressing down her nose, thereafter to fall on the earth.

From the second she had excused herself from Santino’s grasp, Relena had strolled towards the stables – only to turn around and march to the other direction, looming deeper into the Peacecraft backyard with the moon’s faint rays clearing the path.

After a minute of trying to catch her breath, Relena just collapsed onto the ground, her knees buckling beneath her to plunge on the ground painfully. She didn’t even whimper at the throbbing twinge her knee suffered, her mind too preoccupied to worry about things trivial to herself at that time. Over and over she was intent on figuring out why she was cursed with misfortune such as hers.

‘I mean, what did I do?’ she asked herself silently as she gathered the tattered and torn material of her once silvery-colored gown. She drew her knees together and hugged herself forlornly, a miserable child not even noticing her bleeding knees. ‘I’ve been a good child keeping up a cheerful front – which I haven’t always felt – while I coped with the ill-fated life fate has dealt me since birth,’ she rationalized. ‘Plus, I’ve been a little angel to everyone I’ve ever met.’ She started ticking off her fingers one by one. ‘I’ve been good to Pa-Pa, Milli, Noin, Ma – ’ She shook her head. ‘I’m not gonna go there.’ After that, ‘Then, there’s Heero.’ At the mere thought of his name, Relena’s features brightened . . . though for only a bit because along with his image, came the summoning of another image – his thing.

Too many conflicting emotions were overloading Relena’s psyche. So, she let out a nostalgic sigh, and plopped back on the ground, using her gown’s scarf-like sleeve as her head cushion. Dirtying her gown was of little consequence to her at this moment. ‘What the heck? It’s already ruined, anyway,’ she thought uncaringly. Staring off to the skies above her, she just quietly reflected on her life.

It had been getting harder and harder as of late for her to keep up a pretense. That potent attraction at the enigmatic Heero Yuy had always been there from her side and as time passed by, her strong feelings for him had been harder to ignore. She had long ago given up fighting the forceful pull towards him – she thereby admitted to herself that yes, she had fallen in love with Heero . . . irrevocably.

First awareness of him had already struck her when she had initially met him, she a mere fifteen-year-old girl and he, a sophisticated twenty-year-old. It was the pivotal point of Relena Peacecraft’s life, where her life had turned upside down. That meeting was her advent to womanhood. One instant she had been an innocent child – a growing teenager – with a very independent mind. The next, a budding woman barely able to cope with the intensity of her changed feelings. Her best friend, her greatest buddy ever, the ‘okay’-looking and very talented Heero she loved spending her every spare minute with became the person she was terrified of being close to, her turbulent and passionate feelings in danger of engulfing her rational sense at any given second. Whereas before, Relena had looked at him with only great pride and pleasure, she now perceived him with tumultuous desire and love . . . always love.

Every minute spent in his presence was a raging war in Relena’s soul. Whenever Heero would give her a fleeting kiss on the cheek at the event he visited the Peacecraft Estate – which was often – or when she had been especially helpful in a current business problem of his, she ached to throw caution to the wind and instead turn her mouth to him.

Heero Yuy . . . her first and, her only love . . .

* * * * *

Relena could have been there for seconds, minutes, or even hours. She didn’t know. She wasn’t called back to reality until soft footsteps on the ground near her had disturbed the calm she had just regained. Without even looking towards the direction of the noise, she knew who it was. It also helped that ‘that blasted man’ had stood directly blocking her line of vision. Relena just coolly nodded at him in acknowledgement.

Without asking for her permission, Heero plopped down on the grass beside her, heedless of his immaculate suit. Propping up his elbow, he lazily supported his head so that he could turn sideways and just look at Relena, who was obviously ignoring his presence altogether. "You want to talk about it?" he asked after a moment of staring at her tear-stained cheeks.

"No," she icily answered, turning over on her side so that her back was to him.

"Hn," came his neutral reply. Then, "Would you at least mind telling me why you’re mad at me too? As far as I know I haven’t done anything to deserve your chilly words. I haven’t even seen you until I arrived earlier – when you conveniently ignored me, by the way – "

"I didn’t ignore you. I had a duty as a princess."

"And among those duties is marrying the enthusiastic Prince Santino Echaverria, is that it?"

Relena turned over and instantly realized her mistake. Heero was now menacingly looming on top of her.

"Just what is your problem?" he asked angrily.

"Too much," she replied.

Softly, he countered, "Then why don’t you tell me? That’s what best are for right?"

Relena nearly gave in, until the image of him with his date tortured her mind once more. Drawing on her remaining energy reserves – which were very small at the moment – she pushed Heero off of her and stood up. Eyes blazing she shouted, "Why don’t you just get the hell out of here? I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone. So just go away and leave me the hell alone. Haven’t you left your date alone for too long already? You should be careful eligibility entices many desperate people. Ta-ta!" she finished as while stomping off.

She only got as far as a step away. Heero’s arms around her prevented her from going farther. Heero’s voice spoke softly in her ears, "So this is what it’s all about huh? You’re jealous of Princess Hilde Schibecker of the House of Brandenburg? Hmm . . . what do you know?"

Even as his revelation had shocked her, Relena struggled from his arms as much as she could while vehemently protesting. "I am NOT jealous!!!"

"Sure you aren’t," Heero smirked out. His features turned solemn once more as he seriously asked, "Why is it that running away is your solution to everything?"

"IT IS NOT!!!" she denied.

"If I let go of you will you promise not to run away?"

"I don’t need to promise you anything! As my best friend you’re supposed to trust in me that I won’t run away."

"I DO trust you," he fiercely confirmed. He then continued on with the same intense fervor, "It’s your tendency to run away that I don’t trust."

Relena had nothing to say to that. She continued her struggle against him, though it was no effort at all for Heero to continue his hold on her, as she refused to pay any heed to his words. Suddenly, there were no more struggles as Relena just slumped against Heero’s body. "Leave me alone, Heero," was her near-silent plea, tears renewing its trek down her face.

Within a flash, in a fit a strength, Heero quickly turned Relena around in his arms and proceeded to crush her to him, holding her for dear life. He buried his face in her hair as he nuzzled her neck, savoring the sweet, subtle scent of waterflowers on her skin. "I’m not leaving you alone. Because if I do you’re somehow going to vanish into thin air, and I won’t be able to find you." More passionately he cried, "You think I’m that stupid?"

Relena was dumb-shocked as his declaration rendered speechless. Softly cushioned within his arms, she was able to smell his cologne, and the world faded away from her sense. Gently whispering, her voice faint below the sweet melodies of the evening atmosphere, she asked, "Why do you care so much?"

Relena nearly cried out loud as she was jerked away from his warmth. She nearly cried out, ‘Put me back. Put me back.’ Heero held her upper arms, intently staring into her eyes, communicating his deepest emotions to her eyes. It worked. She could see his deep-seated fear, as well as the hopeful twinkle in his eyes, his clouding doubt, and the most important of all was, she could see the outpouring fervor of his love – all directed at her. Relena nearly cried at the sight she never thought she would’ve seen. She did.

Heero’s impassioned speech continued. "Why do I care? WHY DO I CARE?" he cried out louder. "I care because I . . . ." Heero started again, " . . . because I . . . ." and faltered once more. Flaming Prussian blue eyes glazed over as he drew Relena’s lithe form to him, crushing her against him. He tilted her head up to maintain their intense merging of souls. Throat clogging with the ardor of his emotions, he answered. "I care because of this . . ." And Heero proceeded to capture Relena’s lush lips with his own.

The world exploded in myriad of colors around them as that brief touching of lips elicited sparkles of electricity from each nerve ending to the next. A slow and longer touching of lips ensued, Relena’s eyes closing rapturously as she savored each sweet stroke of Heero’s lips. His palm was spread across her back, pinning her to him as his other hand caressed her velvety, creamy skin. A stroke on her face’s smooth skin drew a soft gasp of pleasure that Heero just captured in his mouth. Arching herself closer into his warmth, Relena felt the delicious edges of his sculpted lips, and nearly whimpered whenever he would feint drawing away.

When they had both reluctantly pulled away from each other, their passion-glazed eyes had instantly locked gazes. Heero’s hand sinking its fingers into Relena’s silky hair, his other fingers tracing each contour on her face with feather-like touches, their gazes never breaking even for one second.

Throwing caution to the air, Relena inhaled a deep breath and whispered lovingly, her fingers bunching up on his hard chest with nervousness, "I love you."

Heero just smiled and kissed her forehead, "I know." Then, focusing his heavy–lidded, Prussian blue eyes on her luscious, cherry-colored lips, he said, "Now, enough talking . . . " and continued to kiss her senselessly . . .

. . . And Relena was only too happy to oblige . . .

* * * * *

It’s not like she became the happiest woman on Earth after that Earth-shattering kiss. Well, she actually did. What needed to be cleared up though was that their new-found secret relationship was strictly that – their own little secret. As Heero had perfectly put it, ‘There are a lot of complications to our . . .’ he had coughed at this point and continued. ‘You already know what I’m talking about.’ She had thought it incredibly cute that when he had finished talking, he was madly blushing. She had proceeded to kiss his nose and . . . Well, it’s pretty clear what happened from then on – pure mush.

Though they acted the same as they usually did in front of their families and friends, each gesture and each glance would have a weight of a thousand more meanings behind it. It all became a game to the two lovers – to sneak a loving caress or a passionate yet brief kiss on the other without either family seeing. The longer the separation from each other – the more their ardor grew.

Once she had turned eighteen, and having spent three of the most torturous years in Madame Margaret Nicole Louise de Lancret’s Boarding School, she had immediately transferred to the College of Notre Dame. There she had met two of the greatest friends she could have after Heero – namely Catherine Bloom and Dorothy Catalonia. Relena found herself hanging out more and more with her two new-found friends, rather than going home to the Peacecraft Estate. It wasn’t as if she didn’t want to see Heero anymore, especially since visits home were the main ways she saw him. She wanted Heero to come to her – Relena was feeling especially coy. And come, Heero did.

Constantine Peacecraft, the loving father that he was, had worried when her daughter had foregone her regular visits home. Since Noin now had added weight to carry around – a weight dating three months old and yet not showing – Milliardo was quite preoccupied – more like panicking – and therefore couldn’t be sent to check-up on Relena’s situation in Notre Dame. The next best choice had been Heero Yuy.

Heero left the day Constantine had talked to him and a few days later he was knocking on Relena’s apartment door . . .

An entire week was all that Heero had, so they made the best of it. Two whole days were just entirely for them while the rest of the week was spent hanging out with Catherine and Dorothy. Department stores were the frequent stops of the girls and one would have to give Heero a gold medal of achievement for not just deserting the women in the stores – they took ungodly long. However, he did have something that kept him happily occupied.

Anyone interested to know Heero’s pastime while exasperatingly waiting for three girls shopping in department stores – keeping in mind that they, being wealthy women, had money to burn? Well, Heero sure was a sneaky, little man when he desired something. A couple of times, he would pull her away from her friends to show her something he claimed looked promising as a Christmas gift or even as a birthday gift. He would show her promising things – behind a display rack. Heero would briefly, but very powerfully kiss her, each short kiss being loaded with intense meaning and each embrace passion-filled.

Relena, positively dizzy from fiery kisses, lost count of how many times Heero had kissed her senseless. Never had she felt so giddy in her entire life . . .

* * * * *

Two years passed and they continued their subterfuge. Birthdays came and went between the lovers with delightful surprises between the two. And although Heero had already spent his time with Relena and her friends during her twentieth birthday, he had something else more exceptional planned for just the two of them.

A night holding more than one surprise for them both . . .

* * * * *

Heero was exceptionally nervous as he started pacing back and forth in Relena’s modest apartment. He glanced around his surroundings before looking at his watch. ‘6:30 P. M. She should be here by now.’ So, that left only one question. "Where is she?"

Exasperated beyond belief, he continued his current mission – wearing a hole on the carpet. ‘Okay,’ he breathed out. ‘Maybe I should have called her and asked what her plans were,’ he analyzed as he glanced once more on his watch for the umpteenth time that evening. ‘But she would’ve been very suspicious if I started asking all her minute plans for today. And a surprise wouldn’t be a surprise if she knew something was up!’ he frustratingly reasoned as he combed his fingers through his hair, ruining the perfectly hair he had spent hours of work he’d spent taming it.

Heero jerked upright as he heard a faint sound . . .

It was the sound of a key turning in the door’s lock.

. . . And couldn’t help but smile as he inconspicuously arranged himself to lean on the side wall that Relena would pass on her way in her apartment. In his arms, he cradled a lovely bouquet of blood-red roses and an elegantly wrapped present. All that was needed now was the aforementioned girl. And in she came . . .

* * * * *

Relena was dead-tired. She had just gone through the worst final exams she could ever have to take . . . MATH!!!!

She was grateful when she inserted her key and came into her dimly-lit quaint apartment. She proceeded down the hall, turning towards her coat rack to hang her coat simultaneously reaching for the light switch to provide some much needed guidance to her room.

"Now it’s time for a long, soothing soak in a warm bath," she sighed out loud as she turned around. She turned to make her way to her bedroom and promptly screamed as she saw something she was not supposed to see . . .

It was Heero lounging casually against one of her apartment walls.

Relena placed her hand on top of her chest as she struggled to regain her composure, panting little breaths of remnant fright.

Heero just smirked as he looked at her surprised state, and pushed himself off the wall. He shook his head in amusement. "Tsk-tsk. You are so easily surprised," he remarked, a wry smile plastered on his face.

He shouldn’t have made fun of her. He ended up not being able to dodge her blow. The result – a bruised shoulder the next morning when he wakes up.

"I see you’re happy to see me," he wryly noted, wincing as he touched the sensitive spot where she had smacked him.

At his words, her whole face brightened up, her scowl turning to a radiating smile, her azure blue-colored eyes sparkling with diamonds. "Now that you mention it," she said as she basically flew to his arms, Heero barely saving his well-thought of present and the lovely bunch of roses. "What are you doing here? Not that I don’t want you here of course," she asked as she snuggled to his warmth. Heero promptly threw his bundle to a nearby chair – gently – and surrendered himself to the delicious embrace.

"Well," he drawled out indolently, at the same time stroking Relena’s sun-kissed hair. "I figured that maybe we could make something of the night. We really didn’t get to spend that much alone time on your last birthday. And since this was an important birthday, it being your advent to adulthood, and your good-bye to your teenager years, I figured we could do something special. Which is why," Heero just inched Relena a little way off of him, as he withdrew something from his suit pocket. He held up that something in his fingers.

Relena’s eyes grew incredibly wide as she saw what was in his hands.

"No way!" she cried out unbelievably excited.

"Way," he affirmed. Then turning her to her bedroom’s direction, he patted her bottom and said, "Now go get dressed before we’re late."

Relena nearly flew to her room. As Heero watched her ecstatic form disappear in her bedroom, he looked at his hands. In it he held tickets to a play she had really been wanting to see: Les Misèrables. Looking up, he was alarmed when Relena came back to the room standing in front of him, garbed only in her robes, a sad look having taken hold of her features.

Instantly worried, he, in a distressed voice, inquired, "What’s wrong?"

Her silence further frightened him. His fright rising a notch at her quiet manner, she finally spoke. "I don’t have anything nice to wear," she complained and proceeded to heart-wrenchingly wail.

Heero released the pent-up breathe he had been holding while his heart struggled to return back to its normal beating. "Is that all," he asked, relieved.

"IS THAT ALL?" she repeated hysterically. "IS THAT ALL?" she repeated again, ignoring Heero’s pleadings to be quiet. "I need to look my best tonight! Beautiful! Ravishing!" She inhaled a deep breathe, prepared to rant once more, "Come on! If we hurry, we can still buy a glamorous dress. Then, if not we can – huh?" Her attention was caught by a beautifully wrapped present on the chair.

"Heero, honey," she interjected gently. "You know I love your presents, but we have to hurry or –"

"Open it," he insisted above her protests.

Giving in, she mumbled, "Okay, but if I don’t find a nice dress. You’re going to – oh my God!"

Relena was stunned as she saw a familiar sight to her. It was the dress she wore in her eighteenth birthday – except it was whole. She looked at Heero, her eyes tearing up at his gesture. "How – ?" she asked.

Shrugging, Heero simply answered. "I knew you had worked your heart out when you were thinking up that dress’ design. Then when you’re birthday came – " he gestured in the air, not wanting to explain more.

Relena’s heart swelled with pride as she looked through bleary eyes at Heero. Impulsively, she threw her arms around Heero. "I love you. Have I told you that?"

Heero buried his head in Relena’s silky hair and inhaled her soft cherry blossom scent – he smirked since he had recently had it imported from Japan and presented it to her. "I know," he answered, softly. Then shooing her away, he commanded, "You have thirty minutes to get ready or else ‘good-bye, tickets’."

Relena’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she stood and tip-toe and kissed him senseless. "You wouldn’t dare," she softly warned. Then, she skipped to her room, her steps light along throughout the way, her infectious laughter drifting all around the apartment.

Heero only stared after her, dumb-founded, his fingers on his lips.

‘Man, It’s going to be some night . . . ’ he said, looking forward to the evening.

Heero didn’t know how right he was.

* * * * *

"That was wonderful," Relena commented as she and Heero, together with the rest of the audience, exited the theatre. Appreciatively, Relena once more looked at her surroundings. Her enthusiasm had only increased ten-fold as she had entered the marvelously decorated theatre. The theatre gave off a romantic atmosphere, while at the same time retaining its modernized features. The ceiling was outlined with golden glitters as painting of cherubs adorned the ceiling. It nearly reminded Relena of Michelangelo’s work in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Rewinding the play in her mind, Relena had started humming one of the famous solos in the drama – ‘On my Own’. She and Heero had viewed the entire drama from the box on the left-hand of the stage, the silky curtains held back by tarnished gold tassels. Relena couldn’t help but clap with fervor along with the rest of the audience as the play came to an end. The romantic, piercingly sweet music and the tragic story-line, and the heartbreak – all had touched Relena’s soul.

"I take it that you enjoyed yourself," Heero inquired as he watched her enraptured face that was obviously off in la-la land.

Shaking off her fantasies, she smiled up at him. She hugged his arm to her, as she replied, "Yeah." Then, "So what’s next?"

Heero just shrugged and said, "Why don’t we take a stroll in the park?"

Relena had just stared ahead and softy sighed out, "That would be heavenly."

And so they headed to the park . . .

* * * * *

‘Nighttime at the park is a sight one shouldn’t miss,’ Relena thought dreamily as both she and Heero walked side by side, hands tightly clasped together, enjoying the evening’s calm and serenity, and mostly enjoying the feel of being close to each other.

Relena slowly closed her eyes, sighing blissfully, exhilarated at the feel of the cool breeze drifting through her together with the exotic scents of the roses all around them and the melodic harmony of a wedding ballad drifting all around them . . .

She forcefully opened her eyes. ‘A wedding ballad?’ she asked herself. Searching for the source of the sound, her eyes darted all around the park until she spotted a heart-rending sight.

On the far end of the park, a couple was dancing together – with all the signs of being newly married too. The bride looked dazzling in her flowing white gown, her hair tucked under a crown of roses. She looked completely enamored by her husband, not taking her eyes off him as they swayed to the slow tempo of the ballad. And the groom – he looked every inch a man completely and totally in love with his bride.

She couldn’t help it, Relena sighed and drew closer to Heero as she wretched her eyes from such a tender scene. It was a moment belonging for just the two of them and Relena respected it. Tugging at Heero’s hand, she led him away from that part, leaving the newlyweds to their own harmonious world.

Languidly, they walked towards another part of the park. Unknowingly, they walked near a manmade lake. By common accord, they walked on top of the bridge that perched over the lake. Beautiful water lilies were Relena’s main attention as of the moment, as she placed her elbows on the bridge’s railing to cradle her head and gazed her fill, watching nature at its best.

Heero was lounging right next to her, his body leaning against the railing, his elbows serving as a leverage. While Relena intently studied the water below her, Heero intently studied the person by his side. For some reason he had been contemplative and very spontaneous as of yet, which explained his appearance that day to take Relena to watch her favorite play.

Serving as Relena’s backdrop was the star-studded sky, the moon’s rays softly encasing her silhouette in a golden brilliance. Gentle murmurs of the evening breeze teasingly toyed with her hair, softly blowing it this way and that, her subtle cherry blossom scent mixing in with fragrance of other exotic flowers in the park. It was a romantic ambience at its best.

Fixing his gaze solely on Relena, he openly gaped at her. Her supple body was encased in the slim fitting silvery gown of hers, every curve delicately shown off. From such a close distance to her, he smelled her amazing fragrance, the natural scent of cherry blossoms with a mixture of clean soap and some softly, delicate perfumed lotion. That gorgeous shade of deep-honey-blonde hung around her shoulders, thick and rich and shiny, very soft to the touch. Her heart-shaped face was decorated with delicate features that were perfectly matched, innocently free of make-up. Straight, pert nose, slightly pointed chin, delicately shaped eyebrows, and her full and luscious mouth that looked as if it wanted to be kissed – by him.

Heero sighed. Relena was just so . . . adorable. He found her absolutely attractive, outrageously attractive, touching a part of him in a way he had never been touched before.

Long ago, Heero had decided that what he had liked the most about her were her eyes. Those cerulean orbs sparkled like diamonds with lingering shades of an appealing mix of intelligence, maturity and innocence, encased by the thickest dark lashes he had ever seen.

At that moment, Relena looked up at him and smiled. Twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and hair gleaming under the moonlight – a deadly combination. He kissed her, passionately.

Relena stunned could only look at him under-heavy lidded eyes, begging for more.

Heero Yuy had a clear, ice-cold logical mind, a perfectionist to the core and a man of control. So he didn’t understand why that Heero Yuy did not seem to be available at that moment. He blamed it on the romantic ambience, and Relena’s presence – she had always affected his thinking. All he knew was that between the incredibly romantic milieu, the whole electrifying experience of kissing Relena, and his uncharacteristically poetic side that evening, the next thing he knew was that he was, without warning, blurting out, "Relena, Will you marry me?"

* * * * *

Relena had been lazily staring at the water below her, watching the fascinating ripples whenever a tiny fish would surface only to plunge downward once more. She took in the green vines having intertwined itself beneath the bridge’s wooden railings, climbing up to each slim, elegant supports.

This charming display occupied her mind for only a minute or two before she feasted her thoughts on her favorite subject: Heero Yuy. It was hard to believe that for two years they had been romantically involved. An incredible smile flowered as she reminisced with the things they have been doing. However, a frown soon covered her face as she thought about the reality that only the two of them had any knowledge of their wonderful relationship. At first she had been satisfied, delighted even that they kept such a secret between them. But, that novelty wore off as she yearned to be able to openly express her feelings for him. She didn’t know how long she could endure their subterfuge. ‘Heero on the other hand, seems to be adept at it,’ she thought. Then, sadly she reflected that, ‘He hides everything so well most people don’t have a clue what’s going on inside him.’

Relena sighed, ‘It’s not like we could just come out and say that we’ve been romantically involved with each other for two years. There are too many complications, mainly my so-called fiancée Santino.’

Sighing angrily, ‘I hate the whole cruel insane tradition of arranged marriages. They ruin people’s lives before they’ve even started to live.’ Realizing something, ‘Mom and Dad, even Milli and Noin might have had arranged marriages, but way before they found out, they had loved each other. I don’t love Santino, never have and never will.’ Calming her mind, she chose to think of her Heero.

Like always, he had been breathtakingly handsome and very charismatic, and superbly dressed, wearing a beautifully cut tuxedo, most likely tailored to fit his form precisely. His suit did not at all conceal his active body, the outstanding figure of an athlete.

Ever since Relena had first watched her first James Bond movie, she had eternally loved a man in tuxedo. In normal outdoor clothes, Relena had thought of Heero as drop-dead gorgeous, but in a tuxedo . . . ‘It is definitely drool time. To be frank,’ Relena thought in a dazed way, ‘there has never been a more magnificent male that I have ever seen, in my dreams or out of them.’

Relena looked up as she sensed his eyes on her, as they had been for the past few minutes. Hypnotized, she had gazed into his enchanting Prussian blue eyes, intense and passionate. She loved the way he gazed into her eyes and the way he made her feel as if she were the only woman on the planet. Relena’s mouth parted slightly, taking in shallow breaths, shocked at the emotions shining in his eyes.

He smiled only very slightly, enough to soften his features, and an unnamed emotion took over his soul, and he promptly kissed her.

At his lips’ touch she was hit with nostalgia and more wistful feelings. He had never kissed her like this, though she didn’t do anything to stop him. As their surroundings blurred into one all around her, she vaguely heard Heero’s question, "Will you marry me?"

And time stopped.

* * * * *

The question hung in the air, unanswered and as yet unacknowledged.

Relena looked at him incredulous, not knowing what to say or how to react. Actually, she knew how she wanted to react – joyfully. But, ‘Something’s not right here.’ Magnificent though the proposition was, she couldn’t help but feel a little bit uneasy. Her feelings for him had always been clear to her. That wasn’t the issue. His feelings were the ones that were murky. She had known he felt great affection for her. He was definitely attracted to her. That was no question. What she had wanted from him was a proof of his love for her, she had wanted something from him for a long time – commitment. And, here he was offering the best commitment of all, the pinnacle of commitment – marriage.

When she should have been weeping for joy and basking in her happiness, she just glanced up at him in confusion and uncertainly asked, "Heero?"

He sighed nervously, and repeated his question. "I asked, will you marry me?"

‘This has got to be a dream,’ Relena thought wonderingly. Slowly she lifted her hand up to caress his cheek. When she did, he leaned his cheek more towards her palm-like a cat basking on his master’s caresses-then he turned his lips towards it and kissed it. Then, he turned back and, still leaning his cheek on her palm, stared directly at her eyes.

Relena had always been able to guess a person’s emotions through their eyes. With one’s eyes you could tell who they really were – their personality, their current feelings, and the like. Heero had been the first person whom she was unable to read. There had been the occasional glimpses through his eyes, but each would quickly disappear. But, right now, what she saw was –

‘He loves me,’ she answered. ‘He really does love me. And, he really does want to marry me.’ It was because of that – unheeding of her nagging and suspicious subconscious – she flung herself into his arms and cried for joy.

She was going to become Mrs. Heero Yuy – her lifelong and most desired dream.

Nothing could go wrong now.

* * * * *

‘Hmm, everything is right in the world,’ Relena lazily thought as she gazed out at the sunset from her grove. ‘How can everything not be right? Heero loves me. He’s going to marry me and, I bet, my family will love him, they already do. Now, all that’s left is to fix that whole fiancé disaster with Santino!’ Sighing in contentment, she stroked Fury’s mane. ‘I could learn to get use to life like this.’

Just staring out at the sinking sun, she suddenly missed Heero’s comforting presence. ‘What else is new?’ she asked herself. ‘I always miss him whenever he’s away from me.’ Sighing, she looked at her slim watch. ‘Well, he’s actually supposed to come to my house tonight. I want us to be together once we tell my parents the good news.’ With a thought, she brightened up. ‘Why not just go by his house right now – as a surprise visit? He should be there right now since he hadn’t planning on going anywhere else.’ Relena giggled at the thought. ‘He’d be so surprised!’ Picturing his surprised face, she smiled. ‘He’d look so kawaii with shock written on his face.’ She started with a surprise, ‘I’m actually learning from my Japanese lessons with him.’ With merry in her eyes, she ordered her steed, "Let’s go Fury." Silently, ‘I’ve got to thank a certain special someone for Japanese lessons – personally.’

Galloping all the way, the sun starting to fall from its place in the sky to be replaced by its sister the moon, only one thought rang throughout her being, ‘I am the luckiest and the happiest woman in the world right now.’

Suffice it to say that when she arrived at the Yuy Brussels’s Mansion, she changed her tune . . .

* * * * *

"Maman?" a teary-eyed Relena asked. After what had happened thirty minutes ago, Relena had immediately journeyed home while her mind dwelled on it. Thankful that only the servants were there, she called her maman. Simultaneously, she was packing her bags.

"Relena, honey, what’s wrong dear child?" came the concerned voice of her maman, her godmother – Mrs. Darlian.

"I’ll explain later, but do you mind if I stay there for tonight, at least, until I make further arrangements?" she had sobbed out. Looking fondly at a stuffed bear that Heero had given her, and she had once infinitely treasured, Relena burst into new tears.

"Relena?" Uncertainty was obvious in the voice of her maman. "Do your parents – ?"

"No," Relena interjected through the tears that was spilling forth from her eyes. "They can’t know either. This is something I have to deal with myself. I just need someone to cover for me. Will you be that someone?" Relena held her breath as she waited for her maman’s answer. Though Mrs. Darlian was close to Relena, she was still friends with the Peacecrafts. She didn’t like lying and this would constitute as lying. ‘Please say yes,’ Relena silently implored. ‘I don’t have anywhere else to go, maman.’

"Will you tell me the whole story once you get here?" Mrs. Darlian asked in hushed tones.

‘I’ll have to tell someone eventually. Better for it to be maman.’ Relena sighed. "Yes, I will."

Assured, Mrs. Darlian asked next, "How are you going to get here? Would you like me to send someone to – ?"

"No, maman. That’s quite alright," Relena interjected. "Fury will do."

"Alright then," came Mrs. Darlian’s defeated assent. "I’ll have Pargan alert the stable boy to ready Fury’s stall." After a pause, she added, "And Relena, please take care. Get here safely."

"I will maman." Her maman’s concern had triggered the tears once more. "Maman?" she whispered softly.

"Yes, my child?" came the equally soft reply.

Smiling, Relena answered. "Thank you." She paused as she caught herself before more tears started to fall. "For everything." Then she hung up the phone.

Desolate as she might be, and raring to leave the Peacecraft grounds before Heero Yuy’s arrival, Relena still had one phone call to make.

Mustering her courage, she dialed and awaited as a melodic voice answered, "Hello?"

Relena just breathed a sigh of relief as she held the phone closer to her – like a lifeline. "Catherine, it’s me Relena. Listen, there’s no time for explanations, but I have a BIG favor to ask. You’re supposed to be visiting you’re step-brother – Trowa Barton was it? . . . "

And from then on, she had done everything in her power to forget him – Heero Yuy. Because even if you had loved someone so deeply, you knew you couldn’t live without them, there was still a limit to love. There was only so much pain one can take – even if they had the strongest of wills . . .

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

"Oh. My. God." Was the first thing Relena uttered when she had bolted from her bed. Burying her face in her hands, she felt tears. ‘I actually still cry about those days. . . even in my dreams I’m haunted.’ Tears gathered in force once more. ‘Heero, why do you still affect me so?’

Restless, she tossed and turned on her bed. ‘Dammit. I hate being like this.’ Then, her whole frame went still as she listened carefully to the nocturnal noises – which weren’t nocturnal anymore. It was already six in the morning.

There it was again.

Relena, sat upright. ‘Am I hearing things?’ More acutely she listened. ‘Nope, I’m not hearing things.’ Standing up, she looked at the clock while at the same time stretching her limbs, like a cat who had just woken up. ‘Which is precisely what I’ve just done!’

"Six in the morning huh?" she mused tiredly. There it was again – that noise. Someone was knocking at her apartment door. ‘Must be Trowa,’ she guessed. ‘He’s the only guy brave enough to even attempt to wake me up this early on a Saturday morning.’ She didn’t bother putting on a robe. ‘Trowa’s seen me a my worst. He can deal with my ghastly appearance.’

That being said, she strode to her front door, her garment an oversized t-shirt that read, ‘Princess.’ While unlatching the chains and bolts that locked her door, she loudly spoke – loud enough for the person on the other side of the door to hear. "Trowa, you know I love you, but I’m going to severely beat you up as soon as I open this door." She was having trouble with one of her locks. "Hold on Barton, one of my bloody locks is stuck." Though she was still concentrating on loosening it, she continued to holler. "Trowa as important as you may think this is, I just saw you what – six hours ago?" Then, she let out a whoop of delight as she successfully loosened the stubborn lock. Opening the door, she asked, "So what can you possibly – Oh My God."

Relena’s face turned deathly ashen. Through frozen lips she was somehow able to murmur – though bit by bit only, "You. Are. Definitely. Not. Trowa."

A sarcastic tone met her distressed ones. "Really?" A figure indolently lounged at her doorway – a shoulder casually leaning against its frame. "I could’ve told you that myself." And as Relena stared at the face of the figure, cold, Prussian-blue eyes stared grimly into hers.

And since it was only six in the morning, the only thing Relena could do was gaze at those unreceptive – yet beautiful– eyes and whisper, "Heero . . ."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

. . . dun . . . dun . . . dun . . . Uh-Oh. Divine Selenity ducks as shoes and other smelly unmentionables are thrown at her direction. Sorry about the cliff-hanger people. Hehehehe. I couldn’t resist it. The opportunity was right there. Oi, I guess I guess I’m just such a sucker for cliff-hangers. It catches people’s interests, am I right? We have now discovered what happened in her past. Can we say closet-full of skeletons? Sorry about the length. I’m not sure if all of you readers favor long chapters, but I have a tendency to drone on and on about detail and such. It comes with my perfectionist nature. Plus, this chapter needed to establish her relationships with past characters. Hopefully, I have achieved that. I guess that’s it. Oops, no not all of it. My kuya[in Tagalog language] – older brother (though more like an older BOTHER) – wanted me to showcase him here for his contributions. He came up with the name for Prince Santino’s father – King Benedicto Echaverria. Anyway, don’t forget to e-mail me. Remember, I love e-mail and not to worry, I always reply. I guess that’s it for now. Oops, not yet. Sorry about that. I just needed to tell you guys that I’m not sure when the next chapter will be out. As said earlier, it’s near graduation so final exams are looming closer. I have to not only prepare for them, I also have to prepare for my A. P. tests so that I’ll get credit for my collegiate courses in high school. Catch you later. Peace!!!!!