Chapter 2: A Retreat
The cicadas hummed and grasshoppers chirped. A light breeze played with her hair, tickling her face. Relena leaned back in the wooden swing and sighed. It was so peaceful here. Peace... She?d probably never learn the meaning of that word. A screen door opened and closed gently. Quatre came out onto the porch. ?May I sit down?? he asked politely.
?Of course,? Relena answered. ?I love being with you Quatre.? The blonde boy blushed slightly at the compliment. For awhile, the two were silent and simply gazed at the setting sun. Far off, a cow lowed and its bell tinkled as it settled down for the night. Relena looked at the nearby lake. Its glassy surface was unbroken except for an occasional fish that would leap out of the water. She vaguely wondered if Quatre swam there in the summer. He was so lucky to have this beautiful cabin right on Lake Bedford. When hassled by everyday life at the Winner Corporation, Quatre would take a shuttle to Earth and enjoy this place?s simplicity and solitude. Relena broke the silence.
?Quatre could I tell you something?? The boy acquiesced readily. He was used to being taken into people?s confidence. His quiet and agreeable nature made him a good listener. Relena told him of her dream and her uneasiness. Quatre quietly chuckled when he heard about Wufei?s part in her nightmare.
?This nightmare, it sounds significant, but you know Wufei would never do that to you. He respects you a lot because you?re Vice Foreign Minister, and -? Quatre stopped. He was going to say ?and because you got Heero to fall for you? but wasn?t sure if Relena knew how Heero felt for her. Some people could be exceedingly bright about some things, and blind about others.
?You help preserve the peace, and I think Wufei kind of feels indebted to you.? Relena cheered up visibly at Quatre?s words. She hugged him and then kissed him on the cheek. ?Thank you for being my friend,? she said quietly and Quatre?s heart swelled with pity. ?She sounds so sad,? he thought. ?Why can?t Heero comfort her? That?s what she really needs, not me.
Quatre stood up. ?Don?t worry Miss Relena, we are going to catch those arsonists.? Relena smiled sweetly. ?I?m going in now, would you come in too? It?s probably safer for you.?
?No, Quatre I?m going to stay out and enjoy the fresh air a bit longer.? Quatre went inside and was quickly ambushed by a waiting Heero.
?Why did she kiss you? She never shows that much affection to anyone else! Do you have feelings for her?? Quatre shook his head in disbelief. ?We?re friends Heero. Nothing more. I?m only her friend. Don?t you have eyes? Can?t you see that she?s head over heels in love with you?? Heero glared and was quiet.
?Go talk to her, she?s lonely.?
?But I-I don?t know what to say.?
?Tell her how you feel!?
?No! I?ll never do that. I.... can?t do that.? Heero averted Quatre?s gaze and walked onto the porch.
Meanwhile, Relena couldn?t help but hear Quatre?s and Heero?s raised tones. ?Am I really that obvious? Ooh, Heero makes me so mad! Mr. Constipated Emotions, I?ll show him!?
Heero faced Relena, totally oblivious to her plans. ?Relena, you probably shouldn?t stay out here alone. It could be dangerous,? he said dutifully in what he thought was an appropriate manner. Relena ignored him, grinning inside. ?Relena did you hear me? I think as your official bodyguard that I-?
?Thank you Mr. Yuy, I am not in need of your services.? Heero was shocked. She was so...brusque! He was so used to being showered lavishly with kindness, warmth, and love from her. Now he was just cast aside like a used paper towel. He hung his head and walked inside, temporarily defeated. Relena smiled, but didn?t feel satisfied. ?That wasn?t fun at all,? she thought. ?It hurt.?
******Later that Night********
Dinner passed by very slowly since everyone was silent. Relena studied her dinner plate, and Heero glared at her. Quatre made forced conversation that nobody paid any attention to. Finally Relena said, ?Quatre would you show me to my room? I?m a bit tired.? He happily obliged since he had run out of things to talk about long ago. He led her up a flight of stairs and opened a door. Relena was pleasantly surprised. The room was so pretty! It was bright and airy with many windows overlooking Lake Bedford and even had a skylight. Everything had a feminine touch about it. She flopped onto the canopy bed and smiled.
?I hope you like it,? Quatre said nervously. ?I know it?s not up to your standard, but we didn?t have much notice as to your arrival and -? Relena interrupted. ?Quatre, it?s marvelous!? The boy sighed in relief. ?I?m glad you like it. My bedroom is across the hall if you need me, and um....Heero is next to you on your right. He requested that he be next to you.? Relena grimaced but was secretly pleased. She felt safe.
Quatre left her and she inspected her room more closely. She sat down at a picturesque looking desk, and opened various drawers. Pens, pencils, writing supplies. Maybe someday she?d write Heero a letter. Relena looked up startled. What was this? An unfinished letter addressed to Quatre. She felt guilty reading it, but her curiosity got the better of her.
?My Dearest Quatre,
I don?t know how to start this. Really, I?m rather embarrassed at writing this so plainly but here goes nothing! Quatre - I have fallen in love with you! The word love is such an understatement for the feelings I harbor for you. I know you do not feel the same way but -?
Here the letter ended. Relena blushed just thinking about it. Quatre had a secret admirer! Suddenly her door opened and a certain braided pilot entered. Relena hastily shoved the letter back into a random drawer.
?Duo!? she cried. ?I didn?t know you were coming here.?
?Hey babe, I missed you!? Duo replied. He gave her a great big bear hug that nearly strangled her to death.
?What are you doing here?? Relena asked. A shadow crossed over his handsome face before he answered cheerfully, ?You don?t mind having another bodyguard lounging around here do ya??
?Oh no,? she replied quickly. ?Where?s Hilde? I haven?t seen her in forever.?
?She?s watching the garage; business is really picking up.? He grinned. ?But guess who else is coming? Your brother and Noin!? Relena smiled but asked,
?I thought they were on Preventer business.?
?Oh they are,? said Duo. ?But Zechs was mad that he wasn?t there when the fire occurred. I heard him yelling at Heero on the phone. He imitated an angry Zechs. ?Yuy, why didn?t you stop this? You aren?t her bodyguard for nothing! When I get to Earth we are going to have a long talk. And no funny business with my sister!?
?So they?re coming to Earth just because of me?? Relena asked.
Duo paused. ?Well I?m sure they have their reasons. They want to supervise your safety I guess. You go to bed now; it?s getting late.? He tucked her into bed like a father does to his child.
?He?ll be a good parent someday,? Relena thought. Duo tiptoed to the door.
?If you need anything, I?ll be down the hall ok? Anything at all; a glass of water, some milk, Heero....? He laughed at his own joke and went to confer with Quatre.
Despite all the whirling thoughts in her head, Relena managed to fall asleep. So she didn?t notice when someone snuck into her room. The person retrieved her teddy bear that had fallen to the floor and placed it gently into Relena?s arms. ?Relena,? it whispered before creeping out of the room unnoticed. ~
All done, more later
