Epilogue + bonus lemon
 

    It was all laid out; Relena would come over to his place for dinner Saturday night. They would eat, enjoy the evening together, and then he would pop the big question. But, would everything fall into place like he had planned? Or would he wind up chickening out like he did the last time - nearly two weeks ago?

    Heero knew he definitely wanted her to be his wife, he just couldn't find the right words. The atmosphere wasn't romantic enough; they were out in public having dinner. It took forever for their food to arrive. They danced a bit, and then, before he knew it, the evening was over. She had had an important meeting the next morning; so he took her home, ring still in hand, even as she kissed him goodnight.

    Heero glanced down at his study notes. He couldn't concentrate. His grades had already started to slip as the weeks went by. Relena was a constant presence in his mind. But he only got to see her on weekends, except for the rare lunch or dinner during the week.

    He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He had to get his studying done before he could call Relena and ask her out. He figured giving her two nights notice would be an ample amount of time. Heero once again pushed thoughts of his girlfriend aside and forced himself to concentrate on the papers in front of him.

   
    An hour later, he closed his notes and stood up from his chair. Heero twisted this way and that, stretching his cramped muscles, then headed towards the kitchen to grab a bite to eat and something to drink. He sat down at the small breakfast bar and ate his meal in silence. As he was finishing up, he glanced at the clock that hung in the kitchen. 'Relena should be getting home soon.'

    Heero gathered his dishes and walked to the sink to wash them. Just as he was placing the last dish in the cupboard, a knock sounded at the front door. He quickly closed the cabinet door and went to see whom it was.

    There were only a handful of people who knew this address, and none of them were expected. He peered out the peephole, then quickly tore the door aside. "Relena, what are you doing here?"

    He glanced to either side of his hall to make sure she was alone. "Come in." He held the door open to allow her to slip by. He wasn't even going to question why she was alone. It wasn't the first time that she had entered his building with a guard waiting outside.

    Relena walked into his living area, setting her purse down on a chair close to the hall, and stared at the desk he had set up in one of the corners of the room. "Are you still studying?"

    "I just finished."

    "Oh good, I was hoping that I wouldn't be interrupting you."

    He could sense it: something was bothering her. She twisted her hands together and then pulled them apart. She looked like she was afraid to tell him something.

    "Relena, what's wrong?"

    She whirled around to face him. Her eyes were damp as if she was about to cry. A wave of panic overtook him, was it something that he did?

    "Heero I.... I don't know how to tell you this."

    Her eyes left his to stare at her feet. He knew without a doubt, now, that whatever she had to say was of importance, and what came to mind made his stomach crawl.

    "Relena, are you trying to tell me that we were a mistake?"

    "What!" Her head snapped up. "Heero no... I never meant."

    "Relena."

    "I didn't mean for it to sound that way. I was just trying to..."

    "Relena." Heero smiled when he finally got her attention. "It's okay. I'm glad that's not what it is."

    Relena closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you, I've never been happier in my life."

    "I know." He gently took her face in his palms and kissed her. Relena's hands slid up his back and he deepened the kiss. Their tongues touched, and he sought to bring her closer. Her body fit snugly against his, and he wanted her closer still. He pushed her back a few steps, towards the couch.  It hadn't been his intention, but, if she was willing…

    'I love you.'

    Heero broke the kiss but continued to hold her tightly. He was beyond relieved that she wasn't leaving him, but still found it hard to express in words how he felt. "So, tell me what's on your mind then."

    "I have to go away for awhile."

    Heero pulled back, holding her at arms length to look her in the eye. "Is that all?"

    "I'm not sure when I'll be back. I don't want to go, I don't want to leave you."

    "Relena, we've been apart before."

    "I know, but our relationship means so much to me. It will be the longest that we will have been apart since you moved here."

    "And I'll be right here when you get back."

    Relena smiled. "I'm being foolish aren't I?"

    "No." He felt like kissing her silly. Instead he led them the rest of the way to his couch where they both sat down. He took Relena in his arms, holding her close and ran his fingers through her hair. He loved having moments like these with her. Just holding her in his arms and kissing her was enough to satisfy him. But he wouldn't deny the fact that his thoughts drifted to doing other things….

    "There is something else that you need to know."

    "Hn." He continued stroking her hair.

    "I'm set to travel with David for a week."

    "Oh." He wasn't jealous; Heero had won Relena's heart in the end. Besides, she had just confirmed that she loved him. But he could tell by the look on her face that she was waiting for him to say something other than "oh". But he had no idea what.

    Her position against him shifted and she backed away. Did she think he was mad, or upset? He couldn't care less. Relena was here in his home. He was the one that got to kiss her goodnight. He was the one that held her close and touch her. She was his. But then, she had nothing to show to prove that, and she was going to be with her ex for a week.

    Relena stood from her seat and headed towards the chair holding her purse.

    "Where are you going?"

    "I have to get home and pack, my flight leaves early in the morning."

    "Tomorrow?" He shot up from the couch and took her gently by the arm. "How long are you going to be gone?"

    "I'm not sure; this is going to tie into a couple of engagements I had already planned. Probably two months."

    This would ruin everything he had planned for the weekend. He couldn't ask her not to go - it was her job. He would never get in the way of that; she loved what she did. But if she left, it would mean that he would have to put his plans on hold once again.... Or maybe not.

    "Wait." He dashed to his bedroom before she could respond - and before he could change his mind. He opened the top dresser drawer that held the ring he had bought five months ago. If he couldn't propose to her Saturday night, then he would just have to find it within himself to do it now. He placed the ring in his pants pocket. When he returned, he found Relena sliding her purse strap over her shoulder.

    "Heero, I'm sorry that I can't stay longer. I only planned to drop by to let you know in person instead of calling you." She stepped forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. "I love you. I'll call you every day."

    "Stay with me tonight." It slipped off of his tongue before he had a chance to think about what he had said.

    Relena's eyes widened and she took a step back. Heero shoved his hands in his pockets and stared at the ground.

    "Stay with me."
 

****************************
 

    'Stay with me tonight.'

    Relena caught her breath - was he suggesting? Yes, she could tell by the look on his face.

    'Oh God.'  Her stomach fluttered. His hands came up to rest gently on her hips; Heero pulled her closer until there was hardly any space to separate them. Her knees started to shake. 'Yes! Stay with him!'  Her mind screamed. She wouldn't deny that she had thought about it many times, but Heero had never asked until now.

    "Stay with me, Relena."

    "Heero... I. My flight."

    "I'll get you home early to pack."

    "But your class, your test."

    He smiled at her. "Don't worry about that, I won't miss it."

    "I…." Relena had no idea what to say... She wanted to. But was it too soon? She glanced down and stared at her hands that were resting on his chest. Three years ago, when she had invited him to her house, she had been ready - if things had led to that. Now, he was asking her to make a choice: stay and it would more than likely lead to deepening their relationship, taking it that next step: Sex. Making love…with Heero.; Or, she could leave and sleep alone tonight just like any other night.

    If she stayed, it would change their relationship. She knew eventually she would sleep with him; she wanted that, but was now the right time?

    "Relena?" His right hand left her hip to rest under her chin. She allowed him to tip her face toward his. |

    "If you don't want to, I understand."

    "I don't know...."

    Heero released his hold on her and stepped away to grab his keys that were on the breakfast bar. "I'll take you home."

    As he approached her she placed a hand on his arm before he passed her by. "I'll stay."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Yes." She was sure. She wanted to be with him. It would be the last night that she would see him in probably two months. She wanted to spend every second with him until she had no choice but to leave.

    "Are you hungry? I already ate, but I'll make you something."

    "No." She smiled. "I'm fine for now, thanks."

    Silence overtook them; the hallway seemed too small all of a sudden. Relena nervously shifted on her feet; she had no idea what to say or do. She looked him in the eye: what was he thinking?

    "Do you want to get out of your clothes?"

    "What!" She could feel the blood rush to her cheeks.

    "Your clothes. I highly doubt that you would feel comfortable sleeping in that suit."

    Relena glanced down at her light gray pants and high heels and smiled. "Sure."

    "I'll get you something to wear." He turned and started towards the back of the apartment.

   
    Relena wasn't sure what prompted her to follow him, but before she knew it, she was standing just inside his bedroom door. She glanced around;. Heero had plain taste; a navy blue bedspread, ordinary white blinds, no curtains. The room contained a bed, two night tables, and one dresser. His walls were void of any decoration, just like the rest of his apartment. Everything was efficient, clean - nothing fancy or extraneous to his needs.

    "Here." Heero handed her a shirt and a pair of drawstring shorts. He kept his eyes on the floor.\

    She took the offered clothes from his hands. "Thanks." Her fingers brushed his and he jerked back like she had shocked him. 'He's nervous, too.'  The thought made her smile. Relena moved towards the restroom to change. His hand on her arm stopped her progress.

    Do you want to watch a movie or something on TV?"

    She nodded. "That sounds good."

    Heero stepped out of the room. "You can change here if you want."  He was back to staring at his shoes, both hands shoved deep into his pockets.

    "Ok." She smiled and began to close the door to his room.

    Heero cleared his throat and finally met her gaze. His eyebrows quirked up in a questioning slant, and he opened his mouth.  She waited. 

    'Is he…?'

    "I'll go make something to eat." He closed the door as he turned away. 

    Relena sighed. He had looked like he wanted to ask, or say something important. She rather hoped, maybe, one day, he would propose, but she was sure it was too early, still, for him.  Maybe once he graduated… 

    She placed the articles of clothing at the end of his bed, and had to resist the temptation to crawl under his covers. She unbuttoned her blouse and began to slide it off her shoulders, wishing that he was still there and waiting for her to disrobe before he touched her again. 

    'It seems like we're always waiting…' She thought with a wry smile and pulled Heero's shirt over her head. It smelled like him: clean and crisp and with just the faintest hint of an autumn breeze. 

    'But I can wait however long it takes.' She hugged the shirt tight against her body.

    'I can wait forever.'
 

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

    Heero stared in the direction of his room as he sat the bowl of popcorn down on the coffee table. Relena had still not come out. Had she changed her mind? 'It doesn't have to be tonight. As long as she'll stay…'

    He was about to go and knock on the door when it opened and she exited his room. He froze. His shirt was just a bit too big for her; the collar exposed one shoulder, and the neck plunged low to reveal the top swell of her breasts. She blushed as she pushed the sleeve up in an attempt at modesty, only to have it slip down again. She chuckled then crossed her arms.

    He smiled and sat down on the couch. Heero picked up the remote and turned on the television. Relena sank into the cushions beside him, tucking her feet under her; she leaned against his arm.

    "So what are we going to watch?"

    "Whatever you want." Heero handed her the remote.

    A half hour later, they were both involved in a romantic film Relena had found on one of the paid movie channels. Well, Heero had tried to pay attention to the movie. But the woman now lying beside him on the couch was too much of a distraction. Her head was tucked under his chin. Her bottom pressed against his hips, her back curved along his chest. Any time she shifted, his breath hitched. She driving him to the point where all he could think about was pushing her backwards, into the couch, tearing her shirt off and....

    "Hummmmmm." A sigh escaped Relena's lips causing his thoughts to vanish, at least for the moment. His attention turned to the TV, where the lead actor was currently proposing to the woman he loved. Heero's eyes were glued to the screen as the woman's eyes welled up with tears and she threw her arms around her fiancé.

    'Do all women act that way when asked to become someone's wife?' He watched Relena's hand come up, most likely to wipe her eyes from her own tears. Was she crying because of the movie? Or because she was thinking about their relationship?

    There was one way to find out. Heero shifted so he could pull the ring out of his pocket. 'I might not get another chance tonight.'

    He took a deep breath to steel himself. He held the ring up between two fingers and slowly moved his hand until the band caught the light of the television. It glowed in front of her eyes, forming a kaleidoscope of colors in the small, mostly bare room.

    She gasped and then her hand flew up to cover her mouth.

    "This isn't how I had this planned."

    "Heero..." She spoke his name just above a whisper.

    "I wanted everything to be perfect. I was going to have you over this weekend. I had it all worked out."

    Her palms slowly came up to take hold of his; she moved so she was laying on her back, looking into his eyes. Hers sparkled with tears as he leaned down to kiss her. Her hands squeezed his own as she kissed back.

    He pulled away and met her gaze again; Heero took a deep breath and finally spoke the words that he had wanted to say for quite some time. "I love you, Relena. Be my wife."

    Tears slid down her cheeks. "I'd love to."

    His heart swelled; he removed his hand from hers and slid the ring onto her finger. He watched Relena hold her hand up to look at the ring. Her eyes glistened from the light of the television.

    "It's beautiful."

    "It's nothing compared to you."

    Her smile brightened. "I love it, and I love you."

    Her ring hand came up to the back of his neck and pulled him toward her. Relena's eyes fluttered closed just before their lips met. As their kiss deepened he shifted so he was covering her body, his fingers burrowed into her hair as he kissed his way down her neck. She moaned and moved her head back, offering him more area to nip and suck. He wanted more. He wanted to see, touch, and taste as much of her as he possibly could. But he didn't want their first time to be on the couch.

    "Are you ready for bed?" He mumbled out as he nipped just below her jaw.

    "I'm ready," she whispered. He aimed the remote and flipped off the television.

    The light from the moon bathed the room in a soft silver light. Heero slowly ran his fingers through her hair, watching the way the strands shimmered as they fell back into place. It just felt right to be with her like this.

    Her hands squeezed his shoulders. He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. "Relena… Nothing that happens tonight will change my mind or my heart.  I want to marry you. I want to be with you.  I always have." He felt her chest heave and knew she was crying. He opened his eyes and sat up, pulling her with him.

    "Those years…"

    He stood up from the couch and offered her his hand. "They're all in the past, Relena." As her slender fingers took hold of his he tugged lightly causing her to bump into him when she was pulled from the sofa. She let out a startled gasp; he wrapped his arms around her waist, steadying her in his embrace. "Someone once told me that the past is something we can't change. Nor would we want to, because it led us to where we are right now."

    Her eyes widened, but before she could reply, he scooped her up in his arms and began moving in the direction of his bedroom. Relena rested her head against his shoulder. Her arms wound around his neck before she placed a light kiss on his jaw. His skin burned under her lips and his heart leapt. 

    He carefully placed his fiancé on the bed and sat down. He had to fight the urge to lie down next to her. Her smile wobbled in the dim light.

    "Good night, Relena." He stood up to leave the room.

    "Wait!" Her hand shot out and snatched his arm. "Heero I... I thought...."

    He smirked, knowing her cheeks were probably flushed at what she was insinuating. He had the fleeting thought he should have had the foresight to turn on the light. "That's not why I asked you stay."

    "I know... But …I want to, Heero. I want to make love with you."

    If his heart had ever seriously considered stopping, it was right then; she wanted to sleep with him. He wouldn't deny he had hoped things would lead that direction, but he hadn't expected it, nor did he want her to feel obligated. He wanted their first time to be right, something that they both planned and desired.

    "Are you sure this is right, Relena?" He swallowed hard as she pulled him back onto the bed; her eyes pleaded with him to stay. He could always take things a little at a time and if she wanted to stop....

    "I'm sure." She lay back onto the bed, her palms still cupping his left hand.

    He stared down at her, not knowing exactly what to do. He shifted his position, and brought his right hand up to smooth wisps of hair off her forehead. She let go of his other hand, and it took him a moment to finally settle it on the far side of her abdomen. He peeled up her shirt and stroked the skin of her stomach. Relena gazed up at him, a soft smile playing on her lips.

    He didn't know how long he stayed like that, just touching her, before he felt her fingers come to rest upon his own. She motioned for his hand to move higher. He allowed her to guide him, his heart pounding the entire time, to where she wanted him to feel her. His eyes followed the movement of his hand, but snapped up to meet her own when his palm cupped her breast. He traced the lace of the bra as she pulled her hand away, her cheeks flushed as she gave him a shy smile.

    "It's ok to touch me, Heero. I want you to."

    He wanted to do more than touch her at that moment; his blood was rushing though him like wild fire. Did she have any idea how hard it had been for him the past few months to keep himself under control when she was around? "I want you, Relena."

    He surged forward and captured her lips; his palm contracted of its own accord, squeezing her breast lightly. Relena moaned against his mouth as he shifted again, this time to move on top of her, covering her body with his own. He deepened the kiss, burying his fingers in her hair as she wound her arms around his shoulders.

    He broke the kiss only to ravish the silky skin of her neck instead. Every ounce of control that he had left was diminishing by the second. He loved the way her muscles tightened and her fingers dug into his back when he nipped at her throat, the way she moaned when he sucked just above her collarbone. He pressed his hips into hers; wanting to feel all of her beneath him, but it wasn't enough. He wanted to feel her flesh against his own.

    Relena gasped, and her arms coiled tighter around his body. "Relena…" His voice groaned. He was losing himself, and at that moment he didn't care.

    Her hands traveled down the length of his back, hovering just above his skin before slipping under his shirt. She pulled at the material, probably indicating she wanted it off. Heero paused for a brief moment to remove the article of clothing; one arm supported him as he tossed it from the bed. He froze staring at the woman that was beneath him. Relena's eyes were shut, her T-shirt disheveled, her breathing quick and erratic. He caught his breath; it was the most erotic thing he had ever seen.

    She opened her eyes. "Heero?"

    He offered her a rare, yet small smile as he gently touched her cheek with the back of his fingers.

    "Is something wrong?"

    He shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just… in love with you." He kissed her once more before moving slowly down her body, drawing her shirt up, to place light kisses on the skin yet to be explored. He helped her slip the material off her body; her cheeks flushed, and a quiet sigh escaped her lips. He placed his hands on her ribcage before moving them up to slide under the lace and satin bra. Relena bit her lip as he cupped her breasts and leaned down to place a kiss between them.

    "I love you, too. I always have."

    He moved his hands around her back to unclasp the confining piece of fabric. Relena arched her back to give him the clearance he needed to unhook it. She smiled as he slid the straps down her arms and tossed the garment to the side. He didn't waste any time cupping her breasts again and gently kneading them. His thumbs brushed over her nipples causing them harden as he placed gentle kisses along her neck.

    He watched her eyes slide shut once again; her hands grasped at the blanket on either side of her as he moved down to tease her nipples with his tongue.

    "Ah, Heero…" Relena gasped his name, her breathing and heartbeat quickened. He smirked and sat back while sliding his hands down her stomach. She was so soft, so beautiful. Her nearly nude body aroused him, driving his need to see more.

    His fingers brushed against the material of her shorts before slipping under the elastic. Her breathing seemed to completely cease; her body became rigid as he began to pull the remaining material off her body. He stopped, still having some control - for the time being, at least - to make sure she didn't want to stop. He was just about to back off of the bed when she opened her eyes as she reached out to touch his hand, then nodded.

    "It's okay."

    He smiled and leaned forward to give his future wife another kiss.

    THE END
 

****************************
 

Okay, okay, for the hentais… lemon continued.
 

    Once she was lying nude before him, he moved in between her legs. Her gaze locked with his; he could read the unease written in her expression. She was unsure of this physical union, and he had to admit that he was to a point, too. He didn't want to hurt her, and he knew about a woman's first time. He gently rested his hands on her thighs, slowly massaging upward. He wanted to please her, if he could.

    "Heero, please." She reached out to him; her palms slid over the tops of his hand that were now resting on her hips. "I want..." He could feel his arousal strain as her fingers pushed his toward her center. She moaned and bit her lip, while pulling her legs up beside him as he stroked her slowly. He explored her in slow circles, searching for what made her quiver, what made her gasp or cry out. Curious, he slipped two fingers into her, and her right hand seized his left wrist that was still upon her hip. He continued his slow torture, watching. Her eyes were clasped tightly, her breathing was erratic. And if he didn't control himself, they would both be finished before they truly got started. "Heero, I want you."

    Her words rang in his ears, causing his body to feel as though he just burst into flames. Without wasting another second, he struggled to remove his remaining clothing then moved to hover just above her; his sex pressed against her own. Relena's eyes slowly opened, a smile spread across her face and she reached out to touch his face.

    "Are you sure?" He asked one last time.

    "Yes. I love you."

    Heero slowly entered, taking a deep breath as he slid into her depths for the first time. He paused at the point when he felt some slight resistance. Burying his face into her neck, he whispered words of assurance before he pushed through her barrier. Relena cried out; her arms contracted and pulled him closer against her. He waited, yet it was so hard to control the urge to move. The feeling of being inside her warmth was unbearable. He wanted to make love to her, but would wait until the pain diminished.

    Her grip on him started to relax. He kissed her neck then lifted his head. Her eyes were still closed tightly the corners of them wet from tears that she was probably refusing to let flow. He braced himself on his elbows and gently wiped away the moisture from her eyes and smiled when she opened them.

    "Are you alright?"

    "Yes." She nodded; a smile of her own crept upon her face. "I'm ok."

    He kissed her before slowly withdrawing then reentering. As he picked up a steady pace, her legs wrapped around his waist. He closed his eyes, nuzzling his face into her neck once again as he let himself get for once just lose control. Each stroke felt better than the last; her muscles would contract around him with each quiet sound of pleasure she made.

    As he quickened his pace, Relena's moans turned into cries. He grasped her hips, pulling her closer to him so he could push deeper inside. Beads of perspiration collected on their bodies as tension started to build - each working to please the other. Relena's hands sought his face, pulling him toward her. Their lips locked with urgency, tongues dueling.

    She broke the kiss with a loud gasp. "Heero!"

    He smirked; his thrusts became more demanding as she arched her back and tightened her grasp on his shoulders. Throwing her head back, he devoured the silky-smooth skin of her neck. He could feel her body shudder beneath him as she climaxed; He thrust desperately a few more times before finally releasing into her.

    The sound of their labored breathing filled the room as they embraced and relished in the after glow of their love making. Heero lifted his head to look at the woman beneath him. She smoothed back his damp bangs and kissed him lightly on the lips.

    "I love you, Heero."

    He rested his forehead upon her own, staring into her eyes. "I love you, too."

    He slowly pulled out of her and he rolled his weight away, resting on the bed next to her. Relena sighed and snuggled next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. He rubbed her back in slow, lazy circles, trying to lure her to sleep. Her eyes slid closed; a short time later he stretched to reach the blanket that had managed to pool at their feet. Using his available arm, he covered the both of them the best he could, then checked his alarm. As much as he wanted her to stay with him and forget her trip, he knew he couldn't ask that of her. It would be hard to be apart from her, but he had fall break coming soon and planned to use it to visit her wherever her schedule took her.

    "Goodnight, Relena."

    He took another look at the sleeping woman beside him. She sighed in her sleep, and her hand twitched. He smirked, wondering what dream was playing through her mind. He could have stayed up all night, just watching her. But as sleep crept in through the door, he welcomed it, joining her, knowing that this wouldn't be his last opportunity to do so.

    They had the whole rest of their lives.