Of Laptops and Love Letters (3-5)

[Penybright]

~ Good news, my finger isn't broken, just stoved REALLY bad. Anyway, I'm sorry for the delay in this chapter. Due to current events, I've had a little trouble getting into my humorous niche. I'm back now though! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I hate to disappoint all those lawyers looking to sue my butt, but I'm telling you right here, right now, that I do not own Gundam Wing or its characters. So there!

Of Laptops & Love Letters

Chapter Three

By: Penybright

Heero spent the rest of his day holed up in his new room. It wasn't that he had many belongings to unpack, it was just that he didn't want a chance encounter with his new charge. Relena had already managed to get him to drop his guard twice that day. He wasn't about to let it happen a third time. The time alone and undisturbed, also allowed Heero to begin the schematics of Relena's current security system. Even if he was given the job because he was a charity case, he was going to make sure he did the job right. After all, it was Relena's safety, and he would never allow anything to happen to her if he could help it. Of course, he had no idea how... interesting his job could get. He was about to discover that being Relena's personal bodyguard involved more than just protecting her from threats

*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*

The next morning, Heero descended the stairs wearing his usual Preventers uniform. Relena saw him as he made his way down, and ran up the stairs to meet him halfway.

"You're not seriously going to wear that?" she questioned skeptically, gesturing at his attire.

"Is there something wrong with my uniform?" Heero asked, a bit bewildered.

"If you are going to be seen with me in public, you're going to have to dress the part," Relena explained as she dragged him the rest of the way down the stairs.

"It seems that a shopping trip is in order," she informed Pagan. "My bodyguard needs a new wardrobe."

Heero instantly dug his heels into the carpet.

"Excuse me?"

"Look Heero, now that you'll be escorting me everywhere, you'll need some new attire. You can't very well escort me to tomorrow night's ball in this," she explained, tugging on the sleeve of his jacket.

"Besides, Lady Une and I agreed that if you didn't dress like my bodyguard, then possible terrorists would be less likely to succeed if they thought you were someone else."

"I don't know..."

"Oh come on! It'll be fun. You can even help me pick out my dress for the ball!" Relena bubbled happily as she dragged Heero out to the limo. Heero sighed in defeat, and allowed himself to be drug along.

*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*

Heero never did enjoy being the center of attention. Unfortunately, with the way Relena had him dressed, he was the focal point of every female in the entire mall complex.

"Relena," Heero hissed from the corner of his mouth. "Can we please get out of here? I feel like a slab of meat put before a cage very hungry tigers."

Relena giggled at Heero's comment and smiled, linking her arm through his. Instantly, looks of jealously were shot her way.

"Why don't we get some lunch? Then, we can look for a gown for me, and leave."

Heero reluctantly agreed, wanting nothing more at that moment than to hide in the shadows.

Lunch proved to be quite interesting. Their waitress insisted on flirting with Heero every opportunity she could, until Relena warned her to back off. Heero had thanked Relena, but instantly regretted it when he saw a feline smile alight on her face. She hadn't tried anything... yet.

Currently, the two were in a small boutique. Heero's eyes roamed over the small store. He glanced halfheartedly at the multitude of dresses hanging on metal racks. This was the fifth store they had been to, and Relena had yet to find something she liked. Heero continued to scan the store as Relena tried on yet another dress. Finding him a tuxedo had been much simpler. Of course, Relena had been picky about that too...

Suddenly, Heero's eyes caught on a scrap of fabric. It stood out among the rest of the dresses he had seen. Most, if not all, of the dresses Relena had tried on, were of light colors. He noticed that she seemed to stay away from black, and it was a shame. Deciding that he'd had enough of traipsing through dress stores, Heero made his way over to the dress he had spotted. Pulling it of the rack, he made his way to Relena's dressing stall, and knocked on the door.

"Yes?"

"Here," Heero said simply, tossing the garment over the top of the door.

"Heero... I don't think---"

"Just try it," Heero grumbled in irritation. Relena sighed, and tugged the garment the rest of the way over the door.

"All right," she complied.

When Relena opened the door and stepped out, Heero's attention was riveted to her, and only her. The dress fit her perfectly, accentuating all her beautiful features. Of course, Heero's opinion was a tad biased.

The dress Relena was wearing, was of a black slinky, velvety fabric. Three mauve roses cut diagonally across the front, their centers studded with shimmering gems. The neckline was scooped and modest, but the back was a completely different story. The dress basically had no back, only two thin straps that crossed in an X. A slit ran from about mid thigh to the floor. Relena looked at the garment she was wearing uncertainly.

"I'm not so sure..." Relena trailed off, looking to Heero for his opinion. She almost burst out laughing. Heero was practically drooling over her. Relena instantly decided that she would get the dress, just to torture Heero at the ball.

"Let's see you try and keep that impassive mask tomorrow night," she whispered as she turned back to the changing stall.

Heero stared at the space Relena had just occupied. What had he just done. Moments after Relena shut the door, Heero smacked himself. God, how was he going to be able to pay attention to anything with her wearing that dress tomorrow night? He had enough trouble paying attention to anything when she was around.

"Maybe she won't get the dress," Heero mumbled to himself, looking up expectantly when Relena came back out.

"Thank you, Heero. You managed to find me the perfect dress," Relena smiled, watching Heero flinch at her statement. "What would I ever do without you?" she teased, going to the register and paying for the gown. Heero stoically followed her out of the store, not sure what to expect anymore. Today had been a learning experience that he would not soon forget. He couldn't help but dread what tomorrow evening's experience would be like.

Heero's face paled as he realized something. Duo and the others would be attending the benefit ball tomorrow. That meant... Heero knew if he slipped up once, he'd never hear the end of it from any of his friends. He'd have enough trouble dealing with the comments about him being Relena's personal bodyguard. Stepping into the limo after Relena, Heero sighed and began to rub his temples. He could feel a headache of migraine proportions coming on...

~ Well? Poor Heero, being dragged through a mall like that... Anyway, how do you think Heero's going to cope at the ball? Will he survive? The questions will be answered in the next chapter, so stay tuned!




~ Yay, chapter four is finally here! I'm trying to get a chapter out at least every week. I hope I can manage. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this latest installment!
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. At least the plot is mine...

Of Laptops & Love Letters

Chapter Four

By: Penybright

With a grim face and steely resolve, Heero stepped out of the limo, offering his hand to Relena. Relena smiled gratefully, and stepped daintily out of the vehicle. Heero wanted to scowl darkly at the young woman standing beside him. She had worn that dress on purpose. As if he didn't have enough to worry about.

A sudden thought struck Heero. Why had Relena worn the dress he had picked? He knew she wanted to tease him, but could there be an ulterior motive? It was to much to hope for; that Relena could actually be showing interest in him. She had a perfectly nice boyfriend at the moment. Terry was a true gentleman, and could offer Relena things Heero could only dream about.

Again, Heero glanced at Relena from the corner of his eye. He wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell Relena the truth, and get the issue off his mind. He didn't want to ruin their friendship, though. After Heero had made it clear during the wars that he had no interest in Relena, she had accepted it. She instead sought comfort from another, realizing that Heero could never be more than a friend. Neither of them had been truly happy since.

The young couple walked through the doors of the ballroom, and were instantly besieged by flashing lights. Heero blinked in surprise, while Relena turned on the charm. Once they made their way through the mob of paparazzi, the two were surrounded by various diplomats. Inwardly, Heero groaned. He hated social functions, especially when he was in the limelight. Relena seemed to be enjoying herself very much though. Heero wasn't sure, but he thought she was actually taking enjoyment in his discomfort.

Of course he would never get her to admit anything. No, she was too good a politician for that. She could lie through her teeth with a perfectly innocent smile plastered on her face. Heero couldn't decide which was worse, facing Relena or Zechs. When thoughts of Zechs were brought up, Heero began to wonder how the older man would take the news of Heero being Relena's bodyguard... per her request. Heero was jerked from his thoughts when Relena commanded his attention.

"Heero, aren't you going to offer to dance with me?"

Heero looked at Relena and immediately noted her crafty smile.

"I think---"

"A proper escort would not desert his charge," Relena interrupted, a slight edge to her voice. Heero silently offered Relena his arm and led her out to the dance floor.

"Thank you," she said softly as they took up positions for a slow waltz. Heero kept his expression impassive as he nodded. Tonight was going to be a long night.

*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*

Several hours later, Heero found himself wishing that he could have a drink. Alcohol was out of the question, though, when he was on the job. Heero wouldn't allow anything to hinder his protection of Relena. A few drinks to dull his mind wouldn't have been amiss that night though. Heero found the constant gossip and babble grating on his nerves. He was reaching his limit, and was going to lash out at someone soon if he didn't remove himself to a remote corner.

Relena's eyes scanned the room, looking for Heero. She spotted him to her left, slinking into the shadows.

"Oh no you don't," she whispered under her breath. He was going to endure every excruciating minute of this social function, even if it killed him. She wasn't going to let him escape, not this time.

Heero sighed gratefully when he reached the darkened alcove. There was no one there to bother him. He could have a few moments peace until someone came looking for him. It wouldn't be long until...

"Heero."

He inwardly groaned. Why was it always her? She seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to him.

"Relena," Heero replied blandly.

"You still owe me a few more dances. The ball is almost over."

"Relena, I'm not going back out there."

Relena narrowed her eyes and grabbed Heero's wrist.

"You are coming with me, now," she said, pulling on his arm. Heero silently resisted, placing his feet firmly in place.

"No."

Relena sighed in exasperation. He was so impossible! She slackened her hold, throwing Heero off guard for when she yanked with all her strength. Heero's eyes widened as he stumbled forward, right into Relena. Relena discovered her error to late, as Heero tumbled into her. The two fell to the floor with a loud thump, Heero falling completely on top of Relena. They drew the attention of several guests. There was the flash of a camera and secretive murmuring.

Heero leaped to his feet as if he had been shot. Relena looked up at him, dazed. If she didn't know any better, Heero looked like he was blushing. Heero stuck his hand out to help Relena to her feet, turning his glare on the bystanders. They all quickly backed off, giving the two some space.

"Can I have those dances now?" Relena asked sweetly. Heero scowled at her, but led her to the dance floor. Frequently, Heero would have to avert his eyes from Relena to regain control of his emotions. When Relena moved closer and placed her head on Heero's shoulder, he swallowed thickly. He quickly averted his eyes from her gaze, a faint blush tingeing his cheeks. For the rest of the evening, Heero became Relena's "willing" dance partner.

*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*

The next morning, Heero woke up feeling less than wonderful. He still felt exhausted from the night before. Who knew that dancing could be so tiring? Dragging himself out of bed he proceeded to the bathroom. After a quick shower, Heero dressed and began his descent down the large staircase. Upon reaching the bottom step, he was greeted by Pagan, who handed him a newspaper. Heero looked at the butler warily. He had a decidedly unreadable expression on his face.

Heero's face paled and he felt physically sick when he opened the paper to the front page. In full color, sprawled across the page, was a picture of Relena and Heero in a rather... interesting position. Heero felt his face heat up from both embarrassment and anger. Those dirty reporters had turned an accident into something rather risqu?. In big, bold print the headline read: Vice Foreign Minister and Beau Found Together in Dark Alcove at Last Evening's Charity Ball.

Heero whirled around when he heard someone gasp. Relena was standing behind him, absolutely mortified.

"I- I can't believe they..."

Heero's head sunk to the cool wood table.

'This was not good, this was not good, this was not good...'

"Yuy!"

Heero's head snapped up, and he had the instinct to instantly bolt.

"What is the meaning of this?" an enraged Zechs asked, holding up a newspaper. Heero remained silent, not sure how to answer. Zechs glared coldly, taking a menacing step forward.

"What did you do to my sister?"

~ Oh my... What insanity ensues next time? Will Zechs beat Heero to a bloody pulp, or will Relena be able to diplomatically mend things?





~ I made it! Here's this week's chapter! It's perhaps not as funny as other chapters, but it's got some mush... Well, enjoy!
Disclaimer: The usual. I own nothing but the plot.

Of Laptops & Love Letters

Chapter Five

By: Penybright

Heero blinked, Zechs scowled, Relena bit her lip in anxiety, and then all hell broke loose. Zechs lunged forward, tackling Heero to the floor. Heero brought his fist up to connect with Zechs jaw. Zechs reciprocated by slamming his fist into Heero's face. Zechs pulled back his arm to hit Heero again, but it was caught by someone.

"Millardo Peacecraft! Get off him at once!" Relena demanded, tugging on her brother's arm.

"But..."

"You didn't even let us explain," Relena huffed irritably.

Reluctantly, Relena's brother got off of Heero, backing slowly away, his fists clenched. Heero sat up, gingerly raising a hand to his bloody, and probably broken, nose. Relena left the room and returned seconds later, a box of tissues in hand. Glaring at her brother, she walked over to Heero and knelt on the floor beside him.

"Let me see," she said softly, pulling his hand away. She critically studied his nose and came to a conclusion.

"It's broken," Relena sighed. "Here," she said, handing him a tissue as she helped him to a chair. She then turned her attention to a fuming Millardo.

"If you would have let us explain, you wouldn't be so upset. I wanted Heero to dance with me last night, but he was being as taciturn as ever. So, I tried to drag him onto the dance floor. Unfortunately, he wasn't expecting me to tug so hard, and we both fell."

"So he didn't try anything?"

"Millardo, even if he did try something, I'm the one who would decide whether or not to deck him. Is that clear?"

"Relena..."

"No. I'm not having this happen again."

"... All right."

"Good. Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Yes. Can we talk later? I really am sorry about this. It's just that..."

"I know, you're a little on the overprotective side," Relena smiled.

Millardo nodded before turning and letting himself out. Relena sighed heavily and sat down beside Heero.

"You should have a doctor look at that you know."

Heero glared at Relena. Relena couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out.

"You look hilarious when you glare with a bloody tissue sticking out your nose!"

Heero was saved from further embarrassment when Pagan entered, informing Relena that she had a phone call. Relena excused herself, still laughing at Heero's expense.

*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*

A while later, after Heero had cleaned himself up, he went looking for Relena. He hadn't seen her since she took the phone call that morning. After about fifteen minutes of searching, he found her. She was curled up on a plush love seat in one of her many studies. Heero quietly entered the room, not wishing to disturb her. As he neared her prone form, he noticed her tear streaked face. He knelt on the floor beside her, reaching a shaky hand up to brush back strands of gold that were stuck to her face.

Watery aquamarine eyes fluttered open. Heero jerked his hand away, preparing to bolt from the room.

"Heero?"

'Damn, he was caught.'

"Yes?"

Relena slid off the love seat and into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. Heero swallowed thickly, his arms frozen at his sides. He shuddered when Relena buried her face in the crook of his neck.

"Hold me, please?" she pleaded, as he felt wet tears against his neck.

Numbly, Heero wrapped his arms around her, cradling her like a newborn.

"What... happened," Heero asked at last, finally finding his voice.

"T- Terry broke up with me because of... because of the newspaper picture. He said some awful things, and... and I'm being threatened again..."

Relena was being threatened? By who? Why hadn't he been told? No wonder she was jumpy all the time.

"I won't let anything happen to you, I promise," Heero assured her. "And... and I'm here if you... ever need someone to talk to."

Relena sniffled, and he could feel her smile against his neck.

"Thank you," she whispered, snuggling against him. "You're far nicer than you lead people to believe."

Heero didn't have a response for that. He did, however, light up like a Christmas bulb when she snuggled closer. If she kept this up, he was going to pass out. He felt a little faint at the moment already.

"Way to go Heero!" Duo whistled as he walked in on the unsuspecting two. He made a mental note to aquire the surveillance tape for the room. If possible, Heero turned even redder.

"Duo, I'm going to kill you," Heero threatened, attempting to get up. Heero found he couldn't move with Relena in his arms.

"I'm not letting you get anymore broken bones today," Relena explained while trying to compose herself. Heero glowered at his so-called friend. Duo only smiled wider.

"I dropped by to tell you that Lady Une needs you to stop by Headquarters for some documents."

"Why didn't she just send them over with you?"

Duo shrugged.

"Are you two lovebirds going to stay like that all day?" he teased, enjoying the discomfort he was causing Heero. Relena disentangled herself from Heero and stood up. Heero instantly mourned the loss of her warmth. He felt so cold without her... Picking himself up, he grabbed Duo's arm and pulled him out of the room. Relena smiled as she watched the two of them.

Outside, in the hallway, Heero was having a heated conversation with Duo.

"If you say one word about this..."

"But you two are so cute together!"

"Duo, I am very close to causing you sever physical harm," Heero growled.

"All right, all right! I won't tell a soul."

"You promise?"

"I promise. Heero, you should really tell her how you feel."

Heero looked sharply at Duo.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play stupid with me soldier boy. I've read all those documents on your laptop. What's holding you back?"

"I... I don't--- If she rejected me, I don't know what I'd do," Heero said, glancing uneasily at the study door. "I don't want her to feel pity for me either."

"You've got it bad," Duo said, shaking his head. "I never would have thought of you as the shy type though," he mused.

"She's happy, that's all that matters."

"Is she really happy?" Duo asked, becoming serious. Heero didn't answer, he only stared blankly at the door.

"I'll give you twenty-four hours to confess, or I'm going to help the process along myself."

"Duo," Heero warned, turning back to face his friend, only to discover he was gone.

~ Uh-oh! Duo's going to "help"? Heero will be lucky to make it through the next few chapters without a nosebleed... Oh, so evil... *cackles*

[Raspberry]

Oh yes... This definitly is going to be good.....