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DISCLAIMER: Gundam Wing belongs to Sunrise and its affiliates, not the author. What? Not "EYES"? A note to "EYES" readers: 03/26/01****^.^. Okay, so this is not the next chapter to "EYES". I know... What happens next?!?!! Well, I'm working on it, so don't think I've shelved it permanently or anything. I'm not going to post until I've pounded out the next few chapters, but when I'm ready, I'll start TRYING to post once a week! Yay! Anywayz, since there will be sort of a long wait on that, I thought I'd take a little break from "EYES" and write a little HYxRP one-shot. Why? Cuz I NEEDED a breather and cuz... well, when I was first introduced to the world of GW fanfiction, I was bombarded with a plethora of HYxRP stories. Thus, here's my two-pence. ^^ Not very romantic, though, at least in my opinion. The Darlian-Winner
Ticket Author's Note: Watch out! This story uses a lot of dialogue! It moves quickly, too. I hope it doesn't seem rushed, but I did write the entire thing in about one hour! ^^ Anyway, I'm not labeling this AU because I tried to keep it set after Endless Waltz. However, due to the fact that the political system is vague in Gundam Wing, I will warn you now that I took some liberties with... ~ahem~... the politics of Gundam Wing. Simply put, I primarily based the government on the American system. Please excuse the... uh... discrepancies with the series! I wrote this very late at night, so I was feeling a bit facetious. Thus, don't be surprised by the quirky, random humour or the notable lack of romance in most parts. ~_^ I've also been told that I sound young (like a kid) when I write. ^^ I'm not that young, but not old either! I think it just depends on my mood. Okay, on with the story! "So... this is really going to happen?" "Yeah." "Yeah." The second voice said the word softly, almost disbelievingly. "Nervous?" "A bit." "You'll do fine, Miss Relena." "So..." "A team is being formed. Just a gathering of allies. Nothing to worry about yet." "Right... nothing to worry about." Noin smiled. "Ready?" "Yeah." An uncertain grin accompanied the answer. "Let's contact Quatre." ~*~ "Mr. Maxwell?" A muffled "Yeah?" was the response. "Would you like to come out from under there now?" "Sure—ouch! Gee..." A young man pulled out from repairing some sort of large machinery that he had been under, rubbing his head. "How would you like to participate in the campaign?" "The campaign?" "Yes, the campaign. As press secretary." "Secretary? Aww... come on. Don't call me that." "So, you'll do it?" "Nope. Hilde's the press secretary." "Uh..." "I'm the press... uh deputy. Yeah." A charismatic grin flashed. "Great. We'll see both of you on Monday." ~*~ "Oh, come on, Wufei. We need a man of honor, and knowledge, to handle this. We need a pollster. Please?" Agent Chang sighed heavily. He looked at his partner. "I suppose you want in on this?" Agent Po grinned. "Oh, no, Mr. Scholar, you can handle the numbers yourself. I'm just along for the ride." Wufei nodded. "Count me in for security details afterward, too." ~*~ "No, Quatre, we don't want the money." "But Miss Noin..." "It really wouldn't do us any good, Quatre. If anything, it'd smack of corruption." The blond billionaire sighed. "I really would like to help, though. I don't want to just be there, loafing about, Miss Noin." "Your word is as good as gold, Quatre." "Beg pardon?" "Speak. In the colonies. On her behalf. For both of you." "That's all?" "That's more than enough, Quatre. You'll be traveling and speaking more than you think. Just—just give her your support—" "She has it. Absolutely. I wouldn't be on this ticket if I thought otherwise." Noin smiled at the young man, nodding. "Thank you." She turned to leave, but stopped in the doorway. "Oh, but there is one more thing." "Yes?" "Suggestions for a possible Budget advisor? Campaign Finance Director?" Quatre smiled. "Iria will do it." ~*~ "Trowa, you've always had a way with words," Catherine wheedled. "..." "Yes," Noin continued, "we'd really appreciate your help." "Aw... come on, little brother!" A playful punch emphasized the words. He sighed in resignation. "Alright. You've gotten yourself a speech writer." "Great! See you Monday!" Noin turned to leave. "Ahem." Trowa cleared his throat. "Are you sure you want this"—he gestured at Catherine—"for PR Advisor?" Noin left before the daggers could start flying. ~*~ "Heero." "Hn." Relena watched him continue typing, her foot tapping impatiently. "I need you to stay away." He raised an eyebrow at her words, as if denying the fact that ever since the war, whenever he felt troubled or lonely, he often found himself sitting by her window and just thinking. Her temper flared at the implied lack of importance with which he treated her acceptance of his silent visits. "I'm serious, Heero." He continued to type. She sighed. "Fine. Just remember, no more late night window-tapping." His mouth twitched, but he still failed to acknowledge her. "No more sitting on my balcony. "No more peering through my window. "No more playing with the bear. If you want it back, take it." A slight tinge of pink touched his ears. "No more silent phone calls. "No more beating up my bodyguards." His fingers paused over the keys. "No more braiding my hair. "No more following my limo." Heero opened his mouth, about to speak. "No more contact, period." He stared at her. "Why?" Relena sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "Scandal." "What?" "You heard me. The soldier and the princess. War and peace. Everyone agrees that it's too risky at the moment. Too much like a scandal." "At the moment?" "Yeah. Not that we had a relationship or anything, Heero." "No, no relationship," Heero quickly affirmed. He asked again, "Why?" Relena smiled wistfully. "I'm running for President." ~*~ For the next few months, Relena Darlian and Quatre Raberba Winner were seen in all public circles, campaigning vigorously on earth and the colonies. The two young people attended social functions, made speeches, engaged in debates, and visited every region of the Earth Sphere Unified Nation. The Darlian-Winner ticket, through vigorous campaigning, quickly gained popularity. The media fell in love with the poised, attractive young former diplomat and her able (not to mention wealthy) choice for a running mate. The reporters also enjoyed working with the charming press... uh... deputy. Mr. Maxwell and his girlfriend handled most media relations, and reporters loved the couple for their enthusiastic, and amusing, updates on the status of Miss Darlian and Mr. Winner in their bid for the offices of President and Vice President of the ESUN. Early polls indicated that the situation was favorable for the fledgling candidates, despite some formidable, more experienced foes. Miss Darlian gave beautiful, moving speeches full of wisdom, and her PR Advisor made sure that she was always dressed to impress and projecting the appropriate image to the public eye. In light of the sheer elegance of the candidates, some Americans in the ESUN began to clamour about the return of "Camelot" to power. When asked his opinion about the subject, it is said that the candidates' ever charming, uh, press deputy, scratched his head and said, "What's Camelot?" Evidently, Mr. Maxwell failed his history lessons. ~*~ "What happened, Sally, is something wrong?" "Polls are dropping, Iria. We need to do something fast." "I'm on it. Everything will come out all right." "You sure?" "Sure." "Hey, ladies!" "What's with the smile, Noin?" "A transmission." "Transmission?" "Transmission. From someone dubbed Mr. Y." "You don't think it's..." "Yup, I think it is, Sally." "Okay, Noin, Sally, if you two want these documents soon, you'll really need to let me work." Sheepish glances. "Okay, sorry Iria." "Yeah, sorry Iria. Remember, we need those tomorrow. Duo's going to hold a press conference and Trowa is already drafting a speech. We'll repair the whole situation in no time." "Yeah, in no time." ~*~ Early in the campaign, scandal hit the candidates' bid for office. Accusations of funds being abused were mounted by an opponent; however, a quick refutation by Campaign Finance Director Dr. Iria Winner, in an unusual (she IS a doctor, after all) display of her family's keen instinct for money matters, quickly dispelled the rumors. It is also said that the identities of the accusers were revealed by irrefutable documentation offered by a mysterious "Mr. Y", who remained anonymous. (Not that we don't know who that is...) The accusers were forced to withdraw from the race. Following the scandal, Miss Darlian issued a reassuring statement to the people, alleviating their concerns about corruption in the campaign. Po-Chang Polls indicate that the Darlian-Winner ticket remained in a favorable light with voters even after the scandal. ~*~ In a tall, tall building far, far from earth, in a high, high apartment's dark, dark corner, there sat a lonely figure in blackest black. (Okay, 'nuff with the double adjectives.) His dark brown hair covered his eyes, which avidly watched a television screen, the only source of light in the room. The newscasters were speaking of the recent events in the campaign. "Today, Miss Relena Darlian made a visit to the L1 colony cluster..." The figure shifted restlessly in his seat. He suddenly decided that he didn't like presidential campaigns. Nope, not one bit. He sat there silently a bit longer. Slowly, as he watched the figure of the candidate move across the screen, a new thought struck him. Subject on L1...mission aborted. Stepping lightly out the door, the figure crept outside for the first time in weeks. ~*~ Tap, tap, tap. Relena pulled a pillow over her head, hoping the sound would go away. Trees, she thought. She sighed, missing the old presence that used to reside outside her window. Tap. TAP. *TAP!!!* Relena jerked into a sitting position and stared at the window. "Heero!" Scrambling off the bed, she rushed to pull aside the curtain, unlock the panes, and fling open the shutters. THUNK. "Oops, forgot. The window swings outward. Are you hurt, Heero?" He shook his head, climbing back up. THUNK. He glared up at her as she whipped her hands behind her back innocently. "You've got a mission, Heero, remember?" He picked himself up. "Stay away, Heero. Understand?" Silence. "Relena. We need to talk." His voice was startling in the stillness. "About what? Remember, we both agreed that there is no relationship between us." He nodded. "But no contact seems rather... drastic." He watched her reaction carefully. "We may not be romantically attached, but we are... acquaintances." "The way you say that just stirs my heart," she replied sarcastically. He ignored her and continued. "We were... becoming friends." She arched an eyebrow at him, skepticism evident in her gaze. "Besides, I need... I need something to do with my life." She glared at him. "That's it? I'm 'something to do'? My, my, we really are friends! Search for your purpose in life elsewhere, Heero! I'm tired of meeting your every emotional need—" "Everyone else is preoccupied with your campaign, too." She became very still at his words. "So, that's it. I'm a last resort?" Her eyes were hurt again. Heero shook his head in frustration. Talking was harder than he'd wanted to believe it would be. Not knowing how to respond, Heero let the awkward silence hang between them. Relena broke the silence, her voice soft. "Have you ever heard the line...'without me, his world would go on turning'?" Heero shook his head at her, his hands clenched and uncertain. Relena continued. "That's how I've always felt with you." She paused. "You'll be fine, Heero. Like you said, everyone is busy with my campaign, but when it's over, you'll have someone to talk to, to learn from. You'll be fine, Heero." As she closed the window he said, softly but distinctly, "I hope you lose the race." Relena paused in locking it, meeting his gaze before pulling down the curtains. She leaned against the wall next to the window, her heart heavy. A tear found a path down her cheek. It's not like he should care. Why does he have to be so mean? Outside, Heero turned away, his hands in his pockets. He sighed. He really shouldn't have said that. What bothered him, though, was that he meant it. I don't want Relena to be President... If this is how it's going to be, I don't want her to become President. The lone figure trudged through the rain along the streets of L1. ~*~ "Po's Chang!" "Don't call me that, Maxwell." "Aw, Wu-man, it's a cute nickname." He slapped the agent on the back. "So, how are the numbers?" Wufei pulled out a file. "The recent poll indicates that we have a very strong chance of winning. It's going to be a close race." "Not closer than Bush-Gore," Duo laughed. Wufei glared at him. "That is so old, Maxwell. Get over it." "Hey, you two." Wufei nodded to Sally as she entered the room. "What's up, Master of Chang—ow!—Wufei!" Sally smiled at Duo, her expression a bit weary. "The new numbers came in. It seems that we need district 3097 to win." "3097?" "Yes. 3097, the region of the ESUN once known as Japan." ~*~ Relena sat heavily down in the office, absently twirling a pen. She glanced at the bear on her desk, wincing at the memory of her last meeting with the giver. She missed him terribly, though she doubted that he'd care to come back after the last encounter. She'd actually been the one to chase him away, that time. She sighed again. True, she'd placed her career above him, something she'd never thought she'd do, but she'd had good reason; he'd never offered her any indication, any promise, of something more in the future. She knew her career certainly held more drive, and showed more promise, than her personal life. Relena pulled the bear into her arms, hugging it tightly. She shut her eyes, reflecting on the last six months of the long, hard campaign. Six months without him, she thought, remembering his last late night visit. She sighed again. The campaign was coming to a close tomorrow. The moment of truth had come; votes would be cast TOMORROW. Suddenly, she felt nauseous. Six months of hard work all culminating into one moment. She would have to give a speech—whether she won or lost. Her eyes flew open in panic. "Trowa!" As she hurried out the door, searching for her speech writer, a hand carefully lifted and arranged the forgotten bear back in its corner on her desk. ~*~ "Come on, come on, come on..." The chant went around the room as the votes were tallied quickly and electronically. Catherine, Trowa, Wufei, Quatre, Duo, Hilde, Sally, Noin, and Relena sat watching the numbers for district 3097. If they won that particular district, they would sweep the election and take an early victory. "Come on, come on, come on... ... ... ... ..." A news broadcast began to play in the background. "Election hot spot 3097 appears to be leaning toward the Darlian-Winner ticket. It seems that the shift is credited to a stirring, inspirational speaker who touched the hearts of his fellow Japanese voters and won their favor for the Darlian-Winner ticket. The handsome soldier appears to have been a veteran of the war, thus accounting for his rather stiff tone of voice, in spite of his young years..." Relena blinked, staring at the familiar face on the television. She turned as Quatre tapped her on the shoulder. "Some say that all behavior is either an act of love or a call for love." He smiled encouragingly at her. Relena nodded, turning to stare at the numbers once more. An act of love or a call for love... ~*~ A deafening cheer filled the streets. Cries of "President Darlian!" filled the air. Two women could be seen at the back of the crowd, watching as the new president prepared to deliver her speech. Une smiled at Noin. "Congratulations, Campaign Manager." The Italian grinned. "She's pretty well-qualified for someone elected democratically..." Une laughed. "Dèjà vu." ~*~ Relena Darlian stared around her new office, feeling slightly overwhelmed. President Relena Darlian of the Earth Sphere Unified Nation. She shook her head to clear it. Leaning against a bookshelf, she gasped as hands came to rest on her shoulders. She whirled. "Heero!" He looked at her. "Mission accomplished?" The question hung in the air for a moment as Relena hesitated. "I don't know, Heero. As president, I still need to maintain an appropriate public ima—" "Forget that for now, Relena," he interrupted. Heero gazed at her searchingly, reaching up to touch her cheek. "Thank you for Japan, Heero." He nodded. They stood in awkward silence for a while, content to just be there with each other for the first time in months. Suddenly, shaking his head as if gathering courage, Heero leaned closer to her, almost smiling. "Do you know who guards the president of the ESUN?" Her eyes widened, hope lighting them. Throwing her arms around Heero, she closed her eyes, burying her face in his shoulder. Returning her embrace and stroking her hair gently, he pulled her close and whispered, "Congratulations. Say hello to the Secret Service, Miss President." THE END ^^. Okay, so I didn't explore the HYxRP relationship over much. Gomen! Another comment: The reason I chose this premise is that I've never read a story that actually has Relena become the president of the Earth Sphere United Nation. She says in one of the mangas that she will be "running for president", and that was the inspiration for this story. Thanks go to Sea Wasp (Kathy?) at NYS for posting a note about that part of the manga on the ML. ^^ I happened to read her note, and that comment became the foundation for this story! Comments? Questions? Did anyone have trouble with the references or terminology and political jargon? The following are some interesting, vague notes (I know, lots of notes on this story) relevant to the story: Ticket: Term used to refer to the combination of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates (for example, the Democratic ticket in 2000 was the Gore-Lieberman ticket). PR: Public relations (Cathy's role in the story). Ever heard the story of President Reagan's jelly beans? I'm serious! That's the job of PR. They created the public image of the candidate through what the candidate wears, what he or she eats, etc. Speech writer: When a modern president gives a great speech, you can usually safely credit his writer and be correct in that assumption. ~_^ Kennedy, however, was a VERY smart man. ^^ Press secretary: A liaison between the media and the candidate. Issues statements, interacts with reporters. Usually most active AFTER the candidate has won the presidency. Pollster: Conducts surveys to mathematically project how the public will feel about an issue or how they will vote, thus guiding a candidate during a campaign and also helping to shape policy while the person is in office. In a way, the use of polling results by politicians allows the PUBLIC to maintain a very influential voice in government. Campaign Manager: The title is obvious enough, ne? Plans the campaign. Campaign Finance: Recent hot issue in the election. Soft money or hard? Regulations regarding how and where funds come to a particular campaign have arisen in recent decades. We're trying to sniff out political corruption... Camelot: A reference to the Kennedys of the 1960s. The glamour of the Kennedy White House was compared to the mystical English legend of Camelot. "without me, his world would go on turning": This is a line from the song "On My Own", sung by the character Eponine (about Marius and her unrequited love for him) from the broadway musical Les Miserables. District: An abstract division, or sector, of voters. Bush-Gore: Come on... who hasn't cringed or laughed over the deadlock this past year? Europe laughs at the American experiment. ;-.- The instant vote count: I figure, by A.C. whatever, the world will be safe from the danger of dangling chads. =D Quatre's "All behavior is either an act of love or a call for love": This is the general gist of something I heard and discussed at a speaker's workshop on life. Noin's comment at the end about Relena's qualifications: This line is similar to the cynical comment about democracy that Noin also made in Endless Waltz. Thus, it's "dèjà vu" because she said that before. Secret Service: The President's entourage of protectors. ~_^ Don't we love the men in black! Feel free to tell me if something in the story still needs explaining! Though... I doubt anyone read through all these notes or cares... *^^ I just like to blab on and on and on... |