I don?t own Gundam Wing
***Please Note: Many of you might remember a blond-haired guy who had a crush on Relena in the first episodes of GW. He brought her flowers for her birthday and told Relena that he saw Heero driving an ambulance. He even tried to kick Heero?s a$$ in fencing?poor idiot? well he?s back! The series never mentioned his name?so I?ve given him the name Harold. We don?t like Harold, do we?
He tore his mouth away from hers and trailed hot, greedy kisses down her throat. Relena shivered at the delightful sensation, and she lolled her head back, offering up her soft white throat to him. He made an inarticulate noise, and his hand slid up and around her body to cup her breast. A fierce heat speared against him unconsciously. He mumbled something against her skin, his hot breath tickling her. Relena let out a soft sigh, melting against him, as his hand caressed her breast. Her hand slid up and into his hair. Heat enveloped her, and she found it hard to think. She felt as if she was slipping away, sliding down into a red-hot maelstrom of desire, and she had no idea where it would end?
?Relena! Where are you?? A man?s voice came booming across the yard, plunging Relena and Heero back into stark reality.
Relena gasped, stiffening. Heero?s head came up, his dark eyes glittering.
?I?ll kill him.? He grated out the words. ?Who the hell is it??
?Harold,? Relena said with a groan, pulling away and smothering her dress back into place.
?Damn it! How many people are in this house??
?Too many. Harold and I went to school together. He used to work for Lady Une. He probable heard that I?ve just returned.?
Heero turned aside, combing his fingers back through his hair in an impatient gesture.
?Halloo!? came the booming voice again, and now a tall man came around the corner. He was dressed in mostly white.
Relena raised her hand and waved toward him, forcing a smile to her face. Heero drew a deep breath and released it slowly, tugging on the sleeves of his jacket to straighten them. He turned back to her, his face under control, and cast an assessing glance down at her. He stepped forward and, with a proprietary air, re-straightened the top of Relena?s dress, which had exposed part of her breast during their heated embrace. For a moment, his eyes glowered with their earlier heat, and his mouth softened sensually. His gaze went to her nipples, still pointed with arousal. As his hand pulled down, he brushed his knuckles across one nipple.
Relena drew in her breath sharply. He glanced back up at her face. Her lips were rosy and faintly swollen, and just looking at them sent desire spearing through his gut again.
?It?s obviously that you?ve been well and thoroughly touched.?
?Heero!?
There was no time to say anything else, by this time Harold was nearing them.
He smiled wildly. ?My dear Relena!? He came forward, ignoring Heero, and grabbed Relena?s hands.
?Hello Harold.? Relena tugged vainly at her hands. ?It?s nice to see you. May I introduce my husband, Heero Lowe.?
Harold looked shocked and, to Relena?s relief, dropped her hands as if they had burned him. ?Your what?? He turned toward Heero.
?Husband,? Heero supplied helpfully.
?But?I thought??
?Didn?t Lady Une tell you??
?Yes, but frankly, I thought it was just a rumor or something like that.?
?No. Heero is very real,? Relena assured him.
?This is so?surprising.? He looked at Relena, saying earnestly. ?You know that I always hoped that??
?Umm.? Relena smiled winningly. ?Don?t try to pretend you were serious with all those gifts and letters you always wrote to me. Everyone knows you were just being charming. The two of us would never have matched. I?m too?trivial.?
?Only because you?re still young. I?m sure that in time you would want to settle down and?? His eyes dropped down to her breasts, then skittered away. He cleared his throat. ?Um, well, want to be a wife and loving mother.?
?I?m sure she will be,? Heero interjected, taking Relena?s hand in his possessively. His hard eyes bored into the other man?s. ?Why don?t we return to the house Relena??
?Yes,? Relena agreed quickly as they started to walk back into the house.
Then added politely, ?For a more comfortable conversation. I?m sure everyone else would like to see you.?
They returned to the living room, where Quatre and Noin still sat, now joined by Duo.
?Hello,? Relena announced merrily. ?Look who we found in the garden.?
She wasn?t sure which of the occupants of the room looked up at them with the most horror. Duo glanced quickly around, as if seeking escape, and Noin turned a reproachful gaze at Relena. Quatre merely sighed in a resigned way.
?Hello Harold,? Quatre said languidly, as they all began rising to greet him.
Harold nodded and turned to greet Duo, managing to annoy him by clapping him heartily on the shoulder. Ever since Harold learned of Duo managing the security system in the Manor, he had decided to take it upon himself to lecture Duo anyway he could; Giving him frequent advice and even more frequent reminders on the safety of the lovely princess.
?How are the alarm systems around here??
?Fine.?
?I?ll have to ask some of the guards to make sure of that.?
?You don?t need to make sure of anything.? Duo began, greatly annoyed.
?Perhaps I should talk to the king??
?No!? Noin and Relena exclaimed in almost the same breath.
?You know he doesn?t like to be bothered Harold.? Relena explained.
?Relena, you wrong me. I would never bother a man as respectful and powerful as the king with silly questions. I know him very well, he wouldn?t be bothered by me.?
?Then you obviously don?t know my brother.? Relena said, trying to sound teasingly.
Harold smiled at Relena indulgently. ?My Relena, I disagree with you one that one. You must?ve forgotten that I hold great influence in politics, including ESUN. I?ve known the king almost as if he were my own brother. I?m sure that any advice I would offer him, he would appreciate my concern for the safety of his sister.?
Relena could see from the expression on Duo?s flushed face that he was getting close to punching Harold in the face. She looked around for something to divert Harold from the present course of conversation.
To her surprise?and relief?Heero spoke up. ?I?m sure the king does value your advice. I think he is a very sensible man.?
?Yes, of course,? Harold agreed, adding, ?Although he can be somewhat careless about certain virtues.? Harold set his narrowed eyes on Duo.
?Really? I admit that when we were talking earlier, he seemed somewhat lenient about spies in this country.?
?Spies!? Duo exclaimed. ?What the hell?I mean, why were you discussing spies??
Heero shrugged. ?The conversation turned that way. I can?t remember why.?
?I?m sure Milliardo isn?t interested in meaningless topics,? Duo said hotly.
Heero?s eyebrows rose lazily. ?But spying is illegal??
?Of course.? Harold pursed his lips disapprovingly and sent a stern glance in Duo?s direction. ?But too many people are interested in another?s activities, especially since this country has been betrayed before. You could say that many politicians are supportive of such things.?
?You mean, the locals support the government into finding information??
Harold shrugged expressively. ?It?s well known that everything in this country flows back to the king?s ears.?
?Harold, don?t be so dramatic. We?re discussing spying, not murder.? Quatre said.
?That is precisely the type of attitude I mean,? Harold said stiffly. ?You would think,? he went on, ?that with the death of Dekim?s son, everyone would?ve realized what gossiping will get you.?
?Dekim?s son?? Heero asked innocently.
?Yes. A general?s son, found dead a few weeks ago. Rumored, from an inside source, to be trying to get information about the Sanq Kingdom, and then found dead on this property. That?s what happens to people like that.?
?People like what?? Duo was white-lipped with anger.
?He was a spy,? Harold retorted flatly.
?This man was murdered?? Heero interjected. ?Because he was spying??
?He was found at the bottom of a cliff,? Duo said. ?That doesn?t mean he was murdered.?
?It does seem likely,? Quatre put in.
?You knew him?? Heero asked.
?No, but what I mean is that he was visiting Milliardo at the time. He was a guest, I don?t think he would go exploring the cliffs without a guide.?
Harold let out a snort.
?But his death was probably just an accident.? Relena put in.
?Yeah,? Duo said sourly. ?His death had nothing to do with spying.?
?Maybe he was working for someone.? Heero suggested.
?He did come with his father, Dekim Barton. After his death, Dekim established a base just outside the border.?
?What are you saying, Harold? That he?s preparing an army against my husband?? Noin tone was more annoyed than offended.
?Only that it?s well known he?s recruiting people from this country.?
Duo rolled his eyes.
?Harold, what a surprise.? Lady Une entered the room, holding her hands out to Harold. ?I just heard that you were here. Why didn?t you call me??
?Lady Une, please forgive me, but the news of Princess Relena?s arrival drove all other thoughts from my mind. I had to see her.?
?You tease,? she said with a roguish look, first at him, then at Relena. ?But I know how you young people are. More interested in each other?? She waggled a playful finger at Relena, as if she had been engaged in some youthful mischief.
Relena gazed back at her in amazement. She could hardly believe that the woman actually seemed to be encouraging a romance between her and Harold. Didn?t she believe Relena?s marriage was real, even after the scene in the garden today?
?Really?? Heero asked coldly. ?Precisely what do you mean, Lady Une??
Relena turned toward him. Heero?s voice was like ice, and his face was once again set in that fierce look of his. Even Lady Une seemed at a loss at his disapproval.
Lady Une gaped at him for a moment, then went on in a flustered way, ?That is, I was just teasing Harold a little. He and Relena have been close since they?ve meet in school together.?
Relena?s eyebrows went up at that gross overstatement. Quatre sighed and looked at Heero.
?Really?? Heero drawled. ?That?s odd. Relena has never mentioned him to me.?
Lady Une and Harold both looked affronted at this statement, and Relena hastened to say soothingly, ?Heero, you know that I?ve told you all about them.?
?Did you?? Heero replied in a bored way. ?I must have forgotten.?
Lady Une?s face hardened, and Relena could see from the way she looked at Heero that she was growing to dislike him almost as much as she hated Relena. Relena hoped she wouldn?t say anything, because Heero seemed to be in a horrible mood.
At that moment, however, Dorothy walked in, breaking the mood of the scene. Her hands were behind her back, and her forehead was wrinkled in thought. Duo, who had been watching the confrontation between Heero and Lady Une with interest, let out a groan at her arrival. Dorothy looked up and glanced around in surprise, as if she hadn?t been aware of where she was. Then her eyes fell on Quatre, and she grinned wickedly.
?Oh, Quatre,? she exclaimed, going over to him and putting her hand on his sleeve. ?I?ve been composing a poem this morning. You?re my inspiration. How lucky of me to have found you.?
?Have You?? Quatre returned vaguely. ?Isn?t that nice??
Duo jumped to his feet, looking frustrated and annoyed. ?I?m going to check on the ground?s security.?
Noin quirked an eyebrow. Harold nodded and beamed approval.
?That?s right! I?m glad to see that my influence had some effect on you.?
Relena had to smother a laugh at the frustration on Duo?s face. She knew that he was almost tempted to stay in the room, rather than let Harold think that his advice had had any influence on him.
?I have to check on some things,? Duo said sourly. He turned toward Relena suddenly and said, ?Lena, won?t you come too? I have some things I have to inform you about concerning your safety.?
Relena smiled at him and stood up, glad for an excuse to leave the room. ?Heero, dear?? She ignored Duo. Who was turned with his back to the rest of the room and was winking at her like crazy. ?Would you like to see how the security system works??
She was offering him an escape from Harold and Lady Une, so she expected him to leap at the chance. Instead, he said, ?Thanks Relena, but why don?t you go along by yourself? I would like to speak more with Harold.?
?Of course.? She tried not to look as astounded as she felt.
As she and Duo walked out the door, she heard Quatre saying to his sister, ?Doesn?t Heero look familiar, Dorothy. Where were you born Heero??
Relena smiled to herself, thinking that it served him right for staying.
?I can?t believe that you asked him to come with us!? Duo hissed once they were out of hearing distance of the room. ?Didn?t you see me winking at you??
?Of course I did. And you looked very silly, too.?
?I don?t give a shit. I didn?t want him with us.?
?I know you don?t like Heero, Duo, but I don?t understand why. You don?t even know the man.?
?Do you like him??
The question caught her off guard. ?Of course not.? She shook her head and repeated, ?Of course not. I was worried about what Lady Une might trick him into saying. That?s the only reason I wanted him to come with us. I can?t understand why he wouldn?t seize the chance to leave.?
?Cause he wanted to try to get more information out of them. Didn?t you see??
?No. What are you talking about? What kind of information could he possibly get out of Lady Une or Noin??
?Gossip, that?s what. And Harold?s the main one, not Noin or Lady Une. Didn?t you hear Heero asking about spies??
?Yes.?
?Well? Don?t you see? It proves that he is after something besides your money, just like I told you. As soon as he brought up that spying thing, I knew it.?
?Was he the one who brought it up?? Relena asked as they reached the staircase and started up it.
?I thought it was Harold who did.?
?Oh, Harold couldn?t keep from talking shit about it, with that dense brain of his. But it was your Heero who worked the conversation around it in the first place. And now he?s going to wring every last bit of information out of them that he can. Thank God Harold is such an idiot. He acts like he knows everything, when he knows nothing at all. He couldn?t misdirect the man more if he tried.?
Relena looked at Duo oddly. ?What does it matter? Why do you care whether he finds out anything? Personally, I would prefer that he is an infiltrator than a thief. If he is a secret agent, than he?s probably working for ESUN. That means any suspicion that Milliardo was involved in the murder would be cleared up.?
Duo glanced at her quickly, then away. Relena came to a halt, realization dawning on her. ?Wait!?
She reached out and took Duo?s arm, pulling him to a stop beside her. ?Duo! Did you??
She glanced all around, then dragged him down the hall and into her room. When she shut the door firmly behind them, she turned to him, hands on hips. Duo fidgeted, looking anywhere but her.
?Duo Maxwell!? she said fiercely, keeping her voice to a whisper, as if they might be heard even inside the room. ?Are you involved with that murder??
He set his jaw, still not looking at her, which was answer enough.
?Duo! I can?t believe this! I trusted you. What about Milliardo? If he finds out, he will kill you!?
?It?s not that bad. Milliardo doesn?t even know. Besides, I didn?t even kill the guy, he just?fell.?
?Don?t be ridiculous. You still withheld information. You were there at the scene. What if you get caught? Milliardo will be suspected because of your relationship with him. Think of my family Duo, think of me!?
?I won?t get caught. I?m careful.?
?Oh, Duo, you never think you?ll get caught.?
?Usually, I?m not.?
?All it would take is that one time. It?ll be the end of you, of us.? She turned away and began to pace. ?Why? Why did you do it? You can?t be a murderer.?
?Of course not. You don?t understand. He was after someone. He lied when he told Milliardo he was interested in you.?
?The General?s son??
Duo nodded and Relena groaned.
?I?m not who you think I am. I didn?t murder him. His father knows something about this kingdom and I was just trying to find out what he knows. That?s why I sneak out every night. I go to their base and investigate.?
Relena put her hands to her face. ?Duo, Duo??
?Come on, Lena,? he said while going to her and wrapping his hands around her wrists, pulling her hands from her face so that he could look down into her eyes. ?Believe me. I?m not betraying the kingdom. Trust me like you did when I saved your life.?
Relena blushed. She couldn?t deny his words. She did trust him. And she believed him. But it was obvious that there would be trouble if Duo got caught.
?You?re right,? she admitted. ?We can?t tell Milliardo about this. But we can?t let that base get a hold of anything,? she sighed. ?I?ve gotten myself into a mess, and it?s going to be hell to get out of it. But at least, If I get caught, I won?t be killed for it. If you get caught??
?I won?t be. You know how good I am.?
?Let?s hope not. You?ll be dead if you do.?
?I know, I know,? he said, his shoulders slumping. ?Oh, Lena, I know I shouldn?t have taken this onto my shoulders, but?it was awesome! The excitement, the danger and besides, this place is dull.?
Relena heaved a sigh. ?I know you?re bored Duo but even with an adventure, you shouldn?t have risked yourself this way. You can?t go on with this.?
?I know. I?ll end it. I?ll find out if they know anything about your family first, then I?ll leave. You guys can find someone to replace me, I?ll quit.?
Relena sighed. She supposed that she would have to be content with his promise, although she would?ve preferred that he quit right now, cleanly, before anyone finds out who he works for.
?Hopefully not. I wouldn?t want you to leave us. But it?s not a good situation.?
He sighed. ?Yeah, you?re right. I promise I?ll stop.? He looked a little wistful. ?But it was great, Lena.?
?I?m sure it was.? She smiled at him.
Duo hesitated, suddenly serious again. ?You won?t tell Lowe, will you??
?No.? Relena was aware of a curious longing to unburden herself to Heero. However, if there was a chance that Duo was right and her ?husband? was an ESUN officer, then he was the last person she could tell about Duo?s escapade. ?You?re right. We?ll have to be very, very careful to keep it a secret.?
?Keep what a secret?? asked a masculine voice from the doorway.
Relena gasped and whirled around. There in the doorway stood Heero, looking at them questioningly?
***Replies are appreciated** :razz:
Until the next chapter 
More on that tangent perhaps?? 
