If I Were You - Chapter Ten

[melodrama]

If I Were You

I don?t own Gundam Wing?. What? Is there an echo in here?

Chapter 10

Standing in a solemn line in front of the Minister?s desk, we watched and waited to hear what Relena had to disclose. Glaring up at us, she clasped her hands together, almost appeared to fight the urge to strangle someone. Duo cleared his throat nervously. I remembered his comment once, on how he would sooner face Heero?s wrath any day, than Relena?s.

?At least Heero would just kill you, and get it over with. Pacifist, my foot!? He had grumbled.

?Since when did Heero turning up at your place intoxicated, rate as a non-event in your books Duo?? Relena asked sweetly, her chin resting on her intertwined fingers in a deceptively tranquil fashion.

Dipping one hand into her jacket pocket, she pulled out a familiar diamond pendant, which she laid casually on the desktop. Duo shot a desperate glance at Quatre, who returned it with a grimace.

?I know Heero left this. What I want to know is what you had to do with it??

Leaning back in her seat, she crossed her arms, and waited.

?Well, Lena, it?s like this, well, that is?? Duo shot Quatre another look, which Relena noticed, turning to Quatre with her eyebrows raised. The blonde man flushed, self consciously clearing his throat.

?It was only partly my idea?.? He began, guilt flashing across his features, ?Heero wanted to know what would get your attention?I only suggested the pendant? he thought of the rest?? his voice gradually faded off, as he shot Duo a dirty look.

I shook my head, giving a sigh.

?I thought we decided we weren?t going to?.? I stopped abruptly as I suddenly noticed Relena?s hard stare. She glanced across at Wufei, who was simply shaking his head in disbelief.

?Hey, don?t look at me. I had nothing to do with this debacle.?

Relena groaned, dropping her head into her hands.

?And at exactly what time did my private life become a game to you? I think, perhaps, we should start from the beginning.?

?Relena,? began Quatre, who was then fixed with a very hard stare.

?From the beginning, Quatre. When did you first see him again?? she glared at Duo, and waited.

?New Years.? Duo mumbled. Relena waved her hand, entreating him to continue.

?He went to the ball, to watch over you. As he does,? Duo rolled his eyes.

?He saw you with another guy, and he sort of? got drunk.?

Relena shook her head slowly.

?But Duo, if he?s been watching me as closely as it seems, he would have already known about Justin. Why would seeing me with him at the ball make a difference??

Duo shook his head.

?It wasn?t Justin he was worried about. He knows you, Lena, and he knew you?d give that slime ball the flick, even if you did take a little longer than we thought. No, Heero got upset when he saw you dancing?? he pointed an accusing finger at me, ?with him.?

?What the hell are you talking about Duo?? I exclaimed. ?You told me yourself that it was Justin. What in god?s name has this got to do with me??

?When Heero turned up at Duo?s place, he was so inebriated, that Duo thought his jealous ramblings were about Justin.? Quatre paused, glancing across at me. ?They weren?t, they were about Trowa.?

?Okay, now you?re losing me.? Murmured Relena, her gaze flicking between Duo, Quatre and myself.

?Well, it wasn?t like he gave me a name,? protested Duo ?pretty much the only thing I could make out was that it had something to do with Relena. So when I saw the paper the next day, I just, kinda? assumed.?

?But then Heero came back a few days later, in a more coherent state apparently.? Interrupted Quatre. Duo shrugged sheepishly.

?Relena, he really loves you?.?

?Did he tell you that Duo? Or is this just another ?assumption??? inquired Relena.

Quatre cut short Duo?s explanation.

?Relena, Heero does love you. And as misguided and incorrect as it may seem, he is truly trying to look out for your best interests.?

Relena gave an inelegant snort, earning a raised eyebrow from Wufei and Duo.
The blonde entrepreneur ran his fingers through his tousled locks, obviously trying to formulate the best method to get his point across.

?Look at this from Heero?s perspective. You are the Foreign Minister. You are the head of the Sanq Kingdom Monarchy, as well as the former Queen of the World. Whether you like it or not, you are held up as a beacon to all those that hope for peace. You have long been placed on a pedestal, Relena, and the one Heero has placed you on is the highest of them all.

To us, he?s a champion, the warrior that saved the Earth from destruction. No one could be more deserving of your love. He was courageous, selfless and dedicated to what he believed was his only purpose in life; to obstruct those that possessed power and sought to abuse it. He was completely single minded in that quest, Relena, but I doubt he genuinely believed that we would ever experience success. Not until he met you. And you gave him hope.?

Relena nodded softly.

?But basically, what you?re trying to tell me, is that he doesn?t think he?s good enough for me? Quatre, that?s all very well and good, but it doesn?t explain why my ?friendship? with Trowa is worrying him so much.?

?Because Trowa is his equal. Their backgrounds are the same, as is their history. He sees all the time you?ve been spending with him, and begins to question his convictions. Why should Trowa be receiving all your free time, when it should be him? He?s been gone for five years, trying to understand who he is?. what place he has in this new world. But he has yet to determine what place a former assassin has in the life of a World leader.?

?And maybe he?s being an over analytical ass.? Relena snapped.

?Has it occurred to any of you, with all your plotting, scheming and bickering,? at this she shot a scathing glance at Duo, who flushed, ?that I might actually have an opinion on all of this. Fine, Heero needed to learn more about himself. But what about the rest of us?

Maybe I could have done with his support. His friendship. I?m not some weak little female that needs to be protected from herself. I?m perfectly capable of deciding what?s best for me, thank you very much. So you can tell him that Duo, next time you run into the Boy Wonder.?

Obviously chastened by Relena, Duo turned his attention back to me.

?So, can you honestly tell me you had no intentions in regards to Lena??

I gave Duo my best blank look. What was I supposed to say? ?Well you know, I would if I could but??

This time Wufei interrupted,

?For God?s sake Maxwell! How much more do we have to discuss this? Have we nothing better to do than discuss someone else?s love life??

?I?ll keep that in mind for the next time you come around to unload about your own unrequited love.? Duo actually smirked as Wufei began mouthing at him like a landed trout.

?Anyway, Trowa, you still haven?t answered the question. You have been spending a hell of a lot of time in the neighbourhood. Maybe you need to disclose your intentions.?

Duo was beginning to get wound up again, and I could feel my own patience wearing thin.

?What is this, the Spanish inquisition??

?Trowa, nobody expects the Spanish inquisition.? Duo spat. If the atmosphere hadn?t been so tense, the situation would have almost seemed funny.

?Oh that?s enough! You?re all giving me a head ache,? snapped Relena, slapping the palm of her hand down on the desktop. ?Duo can you spell? Hmm? Try this one F-R-I-E-N-D-S. Do you know what that spells? Friends. Which is exactly what Trowa and I are. All of us are, for that matter. So why don?t you try acting like one! Now go back to work. Or even better go home and tell your fianc?e you love her. Because that?s the only relationship you need to trouble your little head with. Okay??

The room went silent, Duo literally stunned speechless. Suddenly there was a low chuckling, and we all turned in astonishment, to see Wufei?s face plastered with a broad grin. Shaking his head, still chuckling away to himself, he wandered over to the large bookcase at the right of Relena?s desk. After skimming the titles, he pulled out a thick hard covered text, which he handed across to her.

?Have you read this one?? he asked, almost conversationally.

She gazed, slightly bemused, at the non-fiction manuscript in her hands. The book, containing a very detailed explanation of the conflicts of the last fifty years, including both falls of the Sanq kingdom, the rise and fall of Oz and Romefeller and Operation Meteor, had created a great deal of uproar from both the media and government bodies, when it was released a little over a year before. The authors name had not been disclosed, and the publishers guarded their identity as if their lives depended on it.

?Yes, oh course I?ve read it. Hasn?t everyone? It is brilliantly written.?

Wufei smiled.

?Well, I?m sure Heero will be very happy to hear you think so. After all, he wrote it.?

And tipping his hand in a half salute, he made his way out the door, before Relena had time to reply. Relena looked at her watch.

?Oh I wish the day would just end. I really don?t think I could take too many more surprises.? And with a groan, she hid her face in her hands.

******

I sighed loudly; throwing the bed covers aside and sitting up. The house seemed quiet, but I could not shift a feeling of uneasiness. Not bothering to turn on the light, I rummaged around until I had found my jeans. Quickly dressing, I padded softly towards the door, after checking the glowing digits on the bedside clock. 2am.

Despite Relena flatly refusing to acknowledge the media hovering ay her front door, they had finally disbanded some five or six hours previous. Using the excuse that I was still her guest, and that my leaving through the front door would only exacerbate the situation, Relena had had the final say on my remaining in the house. Duo had been far from happy, but as always, Relena had the last say. He had even gone to the extreme of offering to stay the night as well. Relena had simply fixed him with a very hard glare.

?The door is that way Duo. Go home.?

And so Quatre had dragged out a protesting Duo. Relena seemed to wilt slightly, as she excused herself to ?follow up on a few things?, before disappearing into her study. I somehow doubted that her mind was on anything except what Quatre had told her. She needed to be alone, so I had wandered off to recover my novel.

I had expected to see her for dinner at least, but was disappointed when Pagan announced that she had retired to bed early. I could see the concern on the older mans? face, and expected that mine probably mirrored it.

Creeping down the hallway, I noticed a spill of light coming from under Relena?s door. Scowling, I considered whether I should check on her. She had probably fallen asleep with the light on. I tapped softly on the door, waiting for some form of response.

?Relena?? I called softly.

There was no response, but pressing my ear to the door, I was sure I heard the rustle of someone moving around. Cautiously I pressed the door open, and was startled to find her perched on the end of her bed. She sat perfectly still, seemingly lost in her thoughts. Receiving no acknowledgment of my presence, I stepped into the room, coming to stand beside her.

?Relena? Are you okay??

She tilted her head to look at me, and I was taken back by the image of despair before me. What had happened?

?Heero sends his regards.?

Her voice was flat, empty. I stared at her.

?He came to wish us all the best. Oh, yes, and ?Congratulations??

?Congratulations?? I asked, slightly confused.

?Yes, he wanted to congratulate me on doing such a bang up job keeping my private life private. Apparently I?m only damaging my own reputation so I may as well have fun while I?m at it.?

I frowned, trying to think up a new, more satisfying way to curse him.

?When was he here??

Relena glanced at her watch.

?About an hour ago. He was in a pretty bad mood. He had one of those blasted newspapers with him, and started going on about my new plan to go through all the Gundam pilots. Wanted to now if it was part of some new repayment plan, you know, payment for services rendered. I tried to explain, but I couldn?t get a word in. He started ranting about my need to slum it, and that if I felt like ruining my character that was my prerogative. And then he left again.?

I was stunned. It sounded completely out of character for him. This whole thing obviously had the guy seriously rattled. Relena sniffled.

?You know the worst thing though Trowa? The whole time he stood there, saying all those horrible things, all I could think was how much I love him. And now there?s no hope for us.?

I opened my mouth to protest, only to be interrupted.

?How could he have believed that Trowa? Without even trying to hear my side of the story? I so wanted to tell him that it was him that I turned Justin down for, that there was never anyone else. But I don?t think it would have mattered. ?

We sat in silence for a few minutes. I was beginning to think that I should perhaps leave her to get some sleep, and was attempting to think up a tactful way to take my leave. With everything that had happened in the last few hours, I was actually feeling slightly uncomfortable sitting so close to her. I was so engrossed in struggling not to notice the warmth of her thigh against mine that the next development took me completely by surprise.

Reaching up, she gently tilted my face towards her and, before I could react, pressed her lips against mine. My mind raced. What was happening here? Warning bells were going off in my head, and all logic told me that I had to end this. But my senses betrayed me, lost to the touch of lips that were even softer than I could ever have imagined. My skin tingled; as I felt her fingers brush lightly against my cheek. I fought off the overwhelming urge to deepen the kiss; instead I grasped her gently by her shoulders and pushed her away from me.

She glanced up at me, her dazed expression suddenly converting to one of horror. Her hand flew to her lips, and her complexion took on a deep shade of red.

?Oh Trowa! I?m so sorry?? she whispered, her voice trembling. I gently took her hand, and ran my fingers down her tear-streaked face. Her skin was pale, and her eyes shadowed from exhaustion.

?It?s okay Relena. You?re just tired. You need to get some sleep.?

She nodded gently, moving to lie back against the fussily arranged pillows. As I stood to leave, I was stopped by her soft request.

?Would you stay, Trowa? Just until I fall asleep? I don?t want to be alone.?

Slightly surprised (Duo would have a fit), I sat back down beside her. Finally, stretching out beside her, I watched her quietly, knowing that she would not be able to fight off sleep for long. Sure enough, her breathing soon began to deepen and her features seemed to relax.

I had decided that I would have to get back to my own bed, as sleep sought to claim me also, when I found a slim arm flipped across my chest, and a blonde head snuggled against my breast bone. I sat rigid for a few moments, as I confirmed that Relena was, indeed, still asleep. Relaxing again, my heart sank as her voice rose softly, unconsciously imparting information I did not want to hear.

?Why couldn?t I have met you first? You?d have taken much better care of my heart.?

******

[Lady Saffir]

Oh, I LOVE that last line! So wonderful, Mel!

[Tsukiyo]

How do you do it? it's really just so heart-wrenchingly tragically fantastic. i mean really. i want nothing more than Heero and Relena to be together and yet Heero's being such a jerk and Trowa's being so sweet. ACK!! This is seriously bad news!! IT'S A HEERO X RELENA SITE!! WHERE IS THE HAPPY ENDING!! WHY IS THIS STORY SO GOOD!!
At least there's another chapter posted already...

~tsukiyo

[Ami Yuy]

Wow, keep it up!

Really, I'm not sure if I want Heero to get Relena with the way he's treating her! *gasps* Did I just say that??

*bounces off to go read the next chapter*

~Ami~

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ami Yuy on 2002-04-27 23:31 ]</font>

[Desert Bloom]

So beautiful! So wonderful! I love this fic!

[shadowcat]

just read chapter 10 of 'if i were you"
it is a very well written fic!!
jeeze...why don't heero just tell her his true feelings!!!
i am curious to see what is on the next chapter
***********
Just read chapter 11
its so sweet...he actually told her...i think i'm going to cry...
very well written overall....can't hold it...sniff
trowa seems really nice to her in this fic!!

Shadowcat

[shadowcat]

just read chapter 10 of 'if i were you"
it is a very well written fic!!
jeeze...why don't heero just tell her his true feelings!!!
i am curious to see what is on the next chapter
***********
Just read chapter 11
its so sweet...he actually told her...i think i'm going to cry...
very well written overall....can't hold it...sniff
trowa seems really nice to her in this fic!!

Shadowcat

[Kilmeny]

I'm gonna cry. Please don't hurt Trowa or Heero! Even though it's pointless for me to say that since this story is already finished. Anyway, I loved the twist, how Heero was really drunk because of Trowa not Justin. That was good!