Chapter 2

Relena glanced up from her book to look at the clock on the fireplace mantle. 'Dinner will be ready soon." She thought as she slowly got off of the couch and made her way to the guest room where Duo was. As she passed Heero's room she stopped to glance at the closed door before continuing on down the hall. The door to the guestroom was open and Relena saw Duo lounging on the bed. She knocked on the door and offered him a smile when he sat up and looked at her.

"Dinner time already?" Duo jumped off of the bed and stretched. "It's quiet, did Heero leave?"

"No, I don't think so. At least I hope he didn't." Relena replied and turned in the direction of Heero's room. No sound came from within the room when she passed by.

"Well, I don't think he is in any shape to be jumping out the window if that's what you're thinking." Duo moved to stand beside her. "He's probably debating if he actually has the nerve to wear another mans clothing, especially Zechs'. Think about it, wearing the pants of a man who had wanted to kill you at one time."

"I should go and check on him then." Relena started back down the hallway.

"Yeah, you go and do that." Duo winked at her as he passed her and headed down the stairs.

Relena stood outside the door and hesitantly raised her hand to knock. 'What in the world am I going to say to him? What if he tries to reprimand me again?' Relena pushed those thoughts out of mind and knocked on the door. No matter what Heero said or did, she had promised herself that she would take care of him until he was better. And she hoped that he wouldn't be on his feet too soon. It had been such a long time since she last saw him. She had to admit that she was worried, and had even missed him.

A cloud of concern shrouded Relena as she wondered why Heero wasn't responding to her presence at the door. Knocking again, Relena cracked open the door to peek inside. "Heero?" There was no sign of him and she feared that he had managed to slip away on her. Relena opened the door the rest of the way and entered the room. She noticed the bathroom door was closed and his clothes were piled on the edge of the bed. Crossing the room, she picked up his clothing. "Heero, I'm going to wash your things now. I'll bring you something to eat in a bit." As she turned to leave the room, she heard the bathroom door crack open.    

"Relena."

"Yes Heero?" She had to suppress the surfacing smile when she saw him swing open the door. He was just too darn cute standing in the doorway with her brother’s oversized clothes on.

"I don't plan on being dressed like this all evening. Hurry up with my clothes." He had planned to go back into the bathroom to wait for her return but remained where he was. He was shocked when he had heard a huff and saw her glare, but hid his surprise.

"Yes sir." Relena snapped and moved irately toward the door.

Heero felt like she had slapped him on the face. He had no idea why he was being so callous toward her. She had done nothing but try to help him.  The thought of her being angry with him deeply bothered him. It was an uneasy feeling that made his insides twist.  "Relena wait," He stepped toward her only to feel his traitorous body refuse to comply with him. He was exhausted from lack of sleep during the last two days of his journey to get there. Relena's driving had also taken a lot out of him. He felt her arms go around him, to support him from collapsing; his clothes dropped to the ground and forgotten.

"Heero are you ok?"

Heero looked into her eyes and saw a whirlpool of emotions within their cerulean depths. He felt himself lost in her eyes gaze, searching for what he hoped was still present. When he saw the glisten of love and concern in her eyes he felt his heart tumble. He should never doubt the feelings she had for him. She had made it clear that she was interested in him. Her actions alone led him realize that she was willing to wait for him, that she understood he had to find what he had lost during all of his years of training. He was still trying to find the right path for himself. He discovered that it had to include her, and that was why he came back.

But he had only intended to gaze at her from a distance at first. Since the circumstance had drastically changed he found it impossible to leave or ignore the feelings that were starting to resurface within him. He tried to move forward at one point, not wanting to get her involved in his horrid past. But he soon realized she was the source of strength, just as she had claimed he was for her during the war. He needed that strength. He needed her.

Heero gently cupped the side of her face in his right hand. He felt his heart tremble slightly when she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch with a sigh. Never had he laid a hand on her before now, but it felt right, so unbelievably right.  Her skin was smooth and warm to the touch and he found himself wanting to touch more. He slowly traced his fingers along her jaw and up to her lips where his eyes rested as he built up the courage to do what he had been wanting to for months.

    Relena couldn't believe the situation she was in. It was one she had only dared to dream about many nights alone. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled at Heero when she heard him whisper her name in a soft, caring tone that she had never thought possible. She could feel her heart start to race and her body tremble with desire as he leaned closer to her.

When their lips met it was as soft as a feather's touch, but as electrical as a lightning storm. It only lasted a moment and when they parted, Relena smiled nervously at Heero. Her heart was pounding furiously and her knees became weak from the butterflies in her stomach. Here he was, the man of her dreams . He, whom she never thought would do what he just did, had kissed her willingly; again. The first time had been so brief and such a shock that she hadn't had time to react. She thought she would never have another chance. But looking into his eyes now, she could see the vast array of emotions jumping out at her, capturing her, warming her heart in a way she had never experienced before.

Heero held her face gently in his hands as their eyes held each other in the trance of passion.. He wanted more from this woman, he wanted her. He had denied himself of her for too long and he knew he needed her like he needed air to breath. He wanted her to know what she meant to him, what his feelings were. Leaning over he captured her lips again, this time in a more searing kiss.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. When Relena gasped, Heero was given a chance to deepen the kiss. Their tongues dueled feverishly as they grasped onto one another in an attempt to get closer. With both hearts pounding wildly, they parted breathlessly. He ran his hands slowly down her arms to rest by her elbows as he watched her catch her breath.

"Heero, I...." Relena gazed up at him with flushed cheeks and bit her bottom lip nervously. What did this mean for both of them? Was he kissing her because he truly wanted to, or was it for another reason? "We should get you to bed."

Heero nodded and let go of her arms. He could tell by her actions that she wanted more, and he wanted to give it to her. But he was confused as to why she would suggest they stop. Nevertheless, he allowed Relena to help him over to the bed. They both stood in silence, not knowing how to respond to what just transpired.

"I... I should get you clothes washed." Relena nervously walked over to where she had dropped Heero's clothes. She had always wanted this to happen. But now she found herself unable to think clearly. She could feel her body shivering in excitement and fear. Excitement for what could become of their shared kiss, and fear of what it meant to Heero, for it meant the world to her. She quickly picked his clothes up and headed toward the door.

"Relena." Hearing his voice, she came to a halt and turned toward him. "I have no regrets over what just happened."

Relena blushed as she smiled at him. Just hearing those words eased her worries and filled her with hope of what could come. "Would you care to eat with us?" Heero shook his head in response. "Then I'll see you later." She exited the room, closing the door behind her. Once out in the hall, she leaned against the wall for support as she became overwhelmed with emotions. Touching her lips that still quivered from his, she sighed with a smile before proceeding down the stairs.