If I Were You

Okay – for the last time… I don’t own Gundam Wing… but it would so make my year if someone gave me Trowa for Christmas….

Epilogue

A little over a week had passed since Heero’s return, and Relena had eagerly organised a welcome home party, inviting all the “usual suspects”. I could tell Heero was more than a little uncomfortable with the attention, but I also knew that he had no intention of disappointing her.

Fortunately, Hilde managed to talk Duo out of cooking, although he was adamant that no one barbequed quite like he did (“yeah,” Wufei had muttered “if you like charcoaled on the outside and rare in the middle”). Subsequently lunch went without any third degree burns or visits from fire control units.

So, here we all were, on a warm Sunday afternoon, gathered around in a group more reminiscent of a high school reunion than a get-together of comrades in arms. Having consumed more than my fair share, I had retreated to a bench, positioned in the shade, and was now taking the opportunity to settle back and observe. Sally had challenged Wufei to a game of chess and, much to his astonishment, was beating the pants off him. Quatre and Heero were deep in discussion, although it did appear that Quatre was doing most of the talking. Heero seemed distracted, as his gaze constantly sought that of a particular blonde.

With a grin, I let my thoughts slide back to the few nights previous, when Pagan blew my cover. Actually, I still don’t think Heero knows I had been watching the entire confession that had taken place in the kitchen, but I’m sure as hell not bringing the topic up. It certainly opened my eyes to just how aware the old man is though, in regards to what takes place in that house.

I had watched Pagan stroll past me into the kitchen, and tagged along, expecting some form of commotion. However, Pagan had simply glanced calmly at a half naked Heero, and Relena wearing nothing but her nightgown, without raising so much as an eyebrow.

“So I assume that you will both be joining us for breakfast?”

Barely glancing at Heero’s and my rather battered appearances, he became more concerned when he observed Relena’s obvious lack of sleep. Although her face was no longer pale (in fact it was now quite rosy), there was no denying the shadowed eyes.

“Miss Relena,” he exclaimed, “You look most unwell.”

Any thoughts of a hot breakfast were vetoed, as a fretful Pagan bustled a protesting Relena out of the kitchen and back up to her room, Heero following silently behind. Sighing, I set about making myself an obligatory cup of coffee. Within minutes, Heero reappeared in the doorway, looking bemused. Reaching for another cup, I grinned at him,

“Wouldn’t let you in huh?”

“He kicked me out!” Heero actually sounded miffed. I had to laugh.

“I think Pagan’s intention is for Relena to get some sleep. I couldn’t imagine too much sleep going on if you stayed with her.”

Heero flushed.

“My opinion exactly Master Trowa,” commented Pagan, as he reappeared behind me, causing Heero to flush even more.

“Miss Relena suggested that if you weren’t planning on sleeping yourself, that you might perhaps make use of the time to go and collect your belongings.”

Heero blinked at him.

“I advise you get a move on, Master Heero. We both know you’ve wasted far too much time already.”

******

My musings were interrupted, as Duo flopped down on the bench beside me. Glancing at him, he gave me a broad grin.

“Hell of a day huh?”

I nodded my agreement, smiling inwardly at the picture of contentment my friend made. Leaning back, a beer in one hand and his sunglasses resting on the end of his nose, Duo couldn’t have been more relaxed.

“So is the countdown on?” I asked, knowing the countdown had been well and truly on since the day Duo had proposed. He smirked at me.

“That depends. Do you want to know right down to the last millisecond?”

He gave a long sigh.

“Eight weeks. Eight weeks ‘til I get to make her an honest woman. Just you wait Trowa. One day you’ll meet the perfect woman, and you’ll get to know what it feels like to receive a gift from God.”

I smiled softly.

“Oh? I didn’t think you believed in God Duo?”

“Tro, my friend, when an angel like Hilde comes into your life, it’s all you can do NOT to believe in God.”

Giving a small smile at my lovesick associate, I reflected with irony my own past experiences. I had met three women in my life that had come to reside in my heart. One revealed to be a spy, one my sister and the last in love with my Best Friend. I wondered briefly on the likelihood of being cursed at birth.

“I’m sorry, you know, for giving you a hard time before, about the whole Relena/Heero thing.”

I glanced with surprise at Duo.

“It’s nothing personal, you know. I mean, if you could see it from our point of view, you are kind of threatening, if you see what I mean.”

I stared at him, eyebrows raised, indicating that I did not, indeed, see what he meant. Duo shook his head, clicking his tongue with mild annoyance.

“It’s bad enough that woman are always fawning over you, without it being OUR women that are doing the fawning.”

Taking in my confused expression, Duo simply shook his head again.

“Anyway, let’s just put it behind us. Huh? Friends?”

Taking Duo’s offered hand, I returned his firm handshake. Pushing his glasses back in place, he suddenly bounced back to his feet.

“Well, better get back and make sure my lady’s not feeling too neglected.”

And with a wide grin and a cocky wave, he strode back over to the small gathering at the table. Okay, odd conversation. But then, I suppose, I had been talking to Duo.

“Not hiding, I hope.”

Looking over my shoulder, I saw that Quatre had appeared behind me.

“Well, if I’m hiding. I’m not doing it very well.” I replied.

Quatre laughed, as he dropped down beside me. We sat in comfortable silence for a little while, before my friend ventured,

“Well done, Trowa.”

I looked at him like he’d grown another head.

“Excuse me?”

Okay, so maybe I knew what he was talking about. I guess I just didn’t really want to talk about it. He gave me a measured look and then appeared to decide to drop the subject.

“So, what are we going to do to sort out Wufei and Sally?”

I groaned, before venturing,

“Ah, nothing?”

“But Trowa! We have to do SOMETHING! The guy’s completely clueless. Hell, he’s worse than Heero. I mean look at him!”

Quatre waved his hand at the object of his discussion, who was still being annihilated by Sally’s apparent chess skills. The two appeared to be exchanging some rather heated barbs, although I could see there was no malicious intent from either. To the quiet observer, there was no denying the sparks that flew between them. I just wondered if either of them was aware of it. Probably not. They were both far too absorbed in their work and careers.

“A bit hypocritical, coming from Mr ‘little black book the size of an encyclopaedia’, isn’t it?” I mentioned. Quatre shrugged defensively.

“Hey, at least I’m looking.”

Hm, guess I had to give him that.

“That was a very interesting statement from sleaze bag on the news the other night.” Quatre said, deciding to change the subject. I nodded my agreement, recalling the public apology Justin had given on a high profile current affairs program.

Looking slightly the worse for wear, and curiously also displaying a livid black eye, the diplomat had appeared embarrassed and decidedly chastened, as he expressed his regret to Relena for his recent slurs.

“It has come to my attention that recent publications have chosen to misquote a recent interview, and in doing so, has blemished the flawless character of my dear friend Relena Dorlian. While it is true that we have decided to end our personal relationship, it was entirely a mutual decision and there were no bitterness involved.

Nor was there a third party concerned, and I wish to extend my regret to Mr Trowa Barton, for the damage this may also have had on his reputation, and hope it has had no effect on the friendship he has shared with Miss Dorlian since their childhood.

I wish Miss Dorlian all the best in her future endeavours, and sincerely hope that this situation will not be left to reflect poorly upon all her past achievements.”

Apology or not, the man was still an ass. Relena was satisfied enough, however, although admittedly she was somewhat distracted from the state of affairs anyway.

The black eye, of course, had created a great deal of speculation over exactly who had come forward to defend Relena’s honour. There were also whispers that Relena possessed a wicked left hook.

“About time the stuffed shirt faced up to some of his responsibilities.” I grunted.

“Yes,” replied Quatre “Well he’s lost a lot more face over the whole debacle than he realises. He’s about to discover just how quickly you can fall from power and influence in politics.”

“Serves him right.” Stated Heero, as he dropped down next to Quatre. “What goes around comes around.”

“True,” I replied, “So very true.”

Again, the air stretched into silence, as we watched the gathering before us. Duo had returned to the group, and was now leaning over Hilde’s shoulder, as they appeared to tease Relena about something. I had little doubt about exactly what, judging by the colour of her blushes. Sally suddenly gave a cheer, as Wufei swore loudly, obviously having lost yet another game.

“He’s letting her win,” declared Heero.

Quatre and I glanced at him.

“No!” exclaimed Quatre, “Wufei would never concede anything to anyone.”

Heero shook his head.

“He may not be doing it on purpose, but he’s definitely letting her win. I doubt his minds much on the game.”

“Ha!” laughed Quatre, poking me in the arm. “See! I’m not the only one that sees it.”

I rolled my eyes.

“For a group of, supposedly, intelligent guys, we sure insist on making things difficult for ourselves.”

Quatre groaned as his pager suddenly shrilled. Plucking it out of his pocket, he suddenly tossed it over his shoulder, where it bounced several times across the lawn. Heero and I looked at each other, before both fixing Quatre with a stare.

“Okay, okay. Why me? One day off! Just one! Is that too much to ask! Can I PLEASE have a life…”

Muttering away to himself, he stomped off to retrieve the pager. We watched as he made his way in to the house, to use the phone.

“Good thing that thing’s shock resistant.” Heero commented, shooting me a wry grin. I smirked back at him.

“So tell me Heero…” I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye.

“That was one hell of a shiner Justin was sporting on the news the other day. Don’t suppose you know anything about it?”

Heero gave me what I thought was the most pathetic innocent expression I had ever seen.

“Well, according to his statement in the papers, he took a nasty fall when he tripped over his cat.”

“Really? I wasn’t aware that Justin would even have a cat.”

“Hn… maybe it was a stray.”

I couldn’t help it. I had to laugh. Heero smirked at me before commenting,

“Payback’s a bitch.”

Standing up, Heero watched Relena, as she appeared to share some uproarishly funny joke with Hilde. One of her hands was pressed to her mouth, while the other clutched at her side. Heero heaved a sigh.

“I don’t deserve her.”

“Heero…” I shook my head.

“Heero, nobody does.”

Offering me no reply, and merely pressing a hand to my shoulder as a simple gesture, he walked back towards the small group gathered around the picnic table. Sitting close to her, I watched as he ran an almost tentative hand along her bare arm, and I smiled as she took that hand, pressing it gently to her lips, before leaning up to impart a tender kiss. It warmed me, to see the expression of complete contentment that crossed Heero’s face. Catching my eye, a grinning Duo winked at me and gave me the thumbs up. I smiled sincerely back at him.

The Knight had finally returned to his Princess.

******

Well, here we are… at the end… finally. *grins* I hope you enjoyed reading it, as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Thank you so much for all the encouragement that I received, particularly from the LRML folk…. You really are the most splendiferous bunch of people. This was my first attempt at fan fiction and now, thanks to all the support I am seriously hooked.

As, hopefully, the Epilogue has hinted, I do have a few stories to follow this one up…. After all, this can’t be The End now can it? The direct follow on, “Whatever makes you happy” is going to include Duo and Hilde, but is still very H&R centric… Chapter one has already been posted at the “Believe Your Love” Forum (note: shameless authors plug… hehehehe.)

So, once again, thank you for taking the time to read (and reply to) to my ficcy. All the best!!

Cheers!

Mel

P.S. Heero & Relena forever!!!