(Chapter Two)
by AliLamba
Relena often had problems sleeping, so as she felt herself stirring awake while her room was still completely dark, she tried her best to fight against her raising lids.
Until blurry vision snapped onto the image of blood-shot, baggy eyed, sullen cheeked Heero Yuy.
Relena screamed and jumped backwards in bed.
?Get up.? Heero was unfazed by her sudden leap.
Relena was shaking, clutching the sheet to her chest despite being fully clothed. ?Didn?t you,? she gulped, trying to regain her bearings, ?sleep??
?Hn.? Heero started towards the door adjoining their rooms.
Relena?s brow furrowed. ?You could have asked me to get up, you know.?
Heero made another noncommittal noise as he disappeared around the wall.
Relena let out an audible breath. She looked around the room, allowing all the memories of yesterday fall back into place. She brought a hand to her head to massage the last traces of sleep from her mind, most of them having gone running at her sudden awakening.
Relena checked her wristwatch. Sounds of Heero rummaging about his room filtered through the walls.
Relena groaned.
It was 5:30.
In the morning.
Relena let her head fall back to stare at the ceiling. That was?uuugh?four hours of sleep? Four and a half? Relena toyed with the idea of taking a five-minute shower, and having to put back on the same clothes she?d been wearing since yesterday.
One whiff of herself and Relena rushed to the bathroom.
She had barely twisted the hot water knob, closing the door behind her with her foot, when there was a pounding on the door.
?You don?t have time.? A gruff voice called through the faux-wood. Relena sighed and glanced again at the ceiling.
?Then you should have woken me earlier.? She called, obstinately.
There was a pause.
?You don?t have time.?
Relena glared at the door and adjusted the water temperature. He could break it down if he wanted to, but Relena highly doubted he wanted to see her even partially naked. Relena began to hum to herself as she undressed, folding her clothes neatly on the top of the toilet. She let herself past the cheap plastic curtain quickly when she saw steam begin to billow around the ceiling.
For five minutes Relena let herself completely relax. She lathered, rinsed, and repeated without a thought of the man right outside the door, or her anxiety over Mackenzie?s health, which had kept her up the night before. She felt no guilt on behalf of Trowa, who had saved her life and still received blame.
By the time she was toweling off and putting her clothes (ugh) back on, Relena was in what she could identify as an ?all right mood?.
All, of course, deflated, when she swung the door open, getting an eyeful of Heero sitting, pissy as usual, on the bed directly in front of her. She walked to the mirror instead, padding her hair dry as she walked.
?You deliberately disobeyed me, Ms. Peacecraft.?
Relena sighed and put down the towel, resting her weight on the hands she laid on the counter. ?You may call me, Relena, Mr. Yuy. I feel as if we have known each other that long.? She looked at him through his reflection in the mirror.
Heero turned his head away.
Relena felt the desperation creeping in again, the need to feel affection. She smashed it down.
?Is there any coffee?? She tried to lighten the mood.
Heero seemed to start again. He nearly jumped from the bed, walking past her to his room.
?There would have been. You made your choice.?
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Relena sat on the black leather seat, in the small black sports car. She had managed a cup of bland coffee and a paper in the motel office as they checked out for the night, much to Heero?s dismay (he seemed intent on keeping her a secret, so she just loved the face she got from him as she peeped cheerfully into the lobby while he was at the desk). The man behind the counter had raised his eyebrows when they returned two keys, but his eyes seemed to have been too bloodshot to recognize the Foreign Minister.
Relena closed her eyes and placed her finger over the drinking hole of her coffee cup as the tires squeaked, skidding around another hairpin turn. He was completely mad. He must be.
She was trying desperately to read the paper and ignore Mr. Heero Yuy, too terrified of their close proximity to even attempt sleep. Relena found herself much more anxious about the day?s headlines than how Heero hovered around 90 miles an hour through the curvy mountain roads. While not a patient driver, he was a good one.
Relena reread another sentence about crop failures in the northwestern former United States.
Screeeeech!
Relena?s jaw set. She poignantly put down her paper and looked out the window, to the early-morning landscape that was once California. It was beautiful even through the haze?tall green trees covered arresting mountains as far as she could see.
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Nevada was gross.
Heero cursed as he saw another sign for roadwork ahead, knowing full well there wouldn?t be any active construction when he got there, and he was supposed to slow down anyway.
He preferred the colonies.
And breasts.
Heero steeled himself as he tightened his hold on the steering wheel. He didn?t like not being able to understand himself, something that often occurred when in the Foreign Minister?s presence. He resisted glancing at her from the corner of his eye. It must be something about her smell. She must rub herself in something that is meant to distract me.
Heero?s attention was caught by the rearview mirror, as a dark red sedan swung into view for a moment before receding into the background. Heero?s brow furrowed. That car looked familiar?
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Three hours later Relena fidgeted in her seat, trying to fit her skirt farther down her thigh. She hated skirts. She hated blouses. She hated?she hated high heels.
She did not like Heero?s car.
Relena cast a sidelong glance at Heero again. As ever, his gaze was unwavering of the road in front of him. Relena chewed on her inner cheek, trying to decide if she wanted to attempt small talk again.
?So, how have?you been??
She was met with silence.
?Do you have a job??
More silence.
?Any?friends? Pets??
Nothing but the quiet whirring of the engine.
?Have you seen any good movies lately??
?Books??
?Music??
Relena gritted her teeth. ?Is there a reason you?re ignoring me??
Heero didn?t spare her a glance, ?I don?t like chitchat. I could have said ?peanut fuck? to all those questions and it wouldn?t have mattered.?
Relena blinked. She opened her mouth, about to respond, but she was suddenly?at a loss for words.
?Peanut fuck?
Relena didn?t realize she was staring until she found two Prussian blue eyes staring back. Relena jumped an inch and quickly averted her gaze out the window. Oh goodness, that was embarrassing. She felt heat start to rise in her cheeks as she began to fiddle with the hem of her skirt.
The air became thick with tension.
She heard a slight cough, and fought the urge to turn around. There was a beep, and then the soft melody of a song long gone filtered to Relena?s ears.
A solo trumpet, backed up by a brass orchestra?.
Relena?s eyes fell on Heero?s satellite radio. Was that?jazz? She turned to look at Heero?s profile, her jaw slack and gaping.
Heero saw her move towards him again, and despite her completely shocked expression, something inside him..was quieted.
He stole a sidelong glance at her. He was uncomfortable.
?What.? He grumbled.
She seemed to awake from her stupor. ?Heero?what is that??
Heero?s brow furrowed. He shifted in his seat. ?It?s music.?
Her mouth curved up into a smile, ?Well, I know that, Heero. Does this mean?you have a hobby??
He turned his head for a moment to face her. He didn?t like that expression. He felt vulnerable. He didn?t know what to say.
?He?s dead.? Heero gestured lamely to the speakers.
Relena laughed. This couldn?t help but be noted. ?Yes, I know that Heero. What is this?Miles Davis??
?1957. ?The Duke?.? Year and song.
Relena nodded, turning towards the window again.
?Miles Ahead,? she named the album.
Heero spared her another glance, quiet descending once again as they let the soft music overwhelm them. Heero was fighting the engulfing?feeling that came with the way she was suddenly leaning back in her chair so comfortably, a slight smile playing on her lips as she gazed at the scenery. He had to force himself to be more alert to the situation.
It was at that particular moment something again caught his eye in the rearview mirror, something that he had seen too many times before.
Heero clenched his jaw.
Relena managed the first syllable of a scream as she was suddenly thrown against her seatbelt?Heero throwing the car completely 180 degrees into the other lane. He gunned the engine and managed it to sixty in less than two seconds.
Relena grabbed the armrests and turned wildly at Heero.
?What are you doing!?
Heero either didn?t hear her or didn?t care. He jabbed his hand behind his back and retrieved a pistol, hitting a button to roll the window down automatically and quickly.
They were closing in on the sedan, and the sedan had finally noticed them. It swerved around again into the other lane, intent on trying to outrun Heero.
But no one could outrun the perfect soldier.
Not even Relena?
Heero leaned himself out the window and aimed his gun. He blasted the two rear tires, sending sparks as the car insisted on trying to escape.
Heero ducked back inside and pushed the gas petal to the ground. Within a second he had come along side the sedan, and he used this to swerve in front, eliciting a high SCREECH as the driver slammed on the breaks.
Heero threw the emergency brake on and immediately jumped form the car, gun trained on the drivers window.
?Get out of the car!? Heero yelled murderously, and he fired at the windshield, only cracking the bulletproof glass from the passenger side.
He heard his own car door open, and the click of a high heel against the pavement.
?Heero Yuy?are you insane?!?
?Not now, Relena.? Heero growled, ?Get back in the car now or I will be forced to shove you in there myself.?
Relena ruffled indignantly. She walked purposefully around the car, pushing Heero?s gun down with her hand as she passed him on her way to the driver-side-door of the dark sedan. Sparing him a meaningful glance, Relena knocked politely on the glass and put on her best smile.
?Hello?? she called through the tinted window, ?Hi, I?m sorry about my companion. I know he didn?t mean to startle you, or cause damage to your automobile, but I assure you it will all be taken care??
Relena stepped back as the door swung open, and a tall man with rust-brown hair stepped out. His face was masked by the signature bang that gave him away immediately.
?Trowa??
His hard glare was set on Heero, who had risen his gun again when the door opened. He lifted his hands as the sign of surrender.
?Trowa,? Heero spat, his aim becoming ever truer.
Relena shook her head in confusion. ?I don?t understand,? she said, trying to attract either of the men?s attention, ?What are you doing here, Mr. Barton??
?He was following us,? Heero cut in. His insides were becoming hot. He couldn?t explain nor could repress the feeling, as much as he tried in the split seconds he was afforded.
?Heero, for heavens sake, put down your gun.? He spared a glace at the woman, hands on hips, giving him a reprimanding expression. He holstered his weapon, but not without longingly thumbing the safety first.
?Are you all right, Relena?? Trowa spoke for the first time. He elicited a soft smile from her. Heero?s insides began to burn.
?Yes, I?m fine, Trowa. Though I can?t say I?m not a bit confused. Weren?t you supposed to be taking some time off??
Trowa touched her. On the arm. With his hand. So casually. Heero wished there was something in his hands to rip to shreds.
?I just wanted to make sure you were in good hands.?
?She?s in very good hands.? Heero made himself known. Relena seemed to start when she saw him again, which quickly changed to a completely bewildered expression. Heero checked himself. He forced himself to relax his stance. ?So you can,? he cleared his throat, ?Go now, Trowa.? Heero looked nervously at Relena. She still looked totally perplexed. ?So, you know, go on.?
Trowa didn?t seem as fazed. ?It doesn?t look as if you?ve been feeding her well.? He looked Relena over. Heero took an unconscious step forward. ?Relena, would you like to get some lunch??
She smiled kindly. Heero noticed his step forward and tried to lean casually against the car, but, forgetting the door was open, nearly fell inside.
?That sounds very nice, Mr. Barton.? She accepted his offered arm.
?It is my wish that you address me informally, Miss.? He ushered her to his humming car, before remembering the two shot tires. The acrobat suddenly seemed to remember Heero, who was busy disentangling himself from the seatbelt.
?There was a place just up the street. I don?t think it will be up to your standards, but hopefully we can find something.?
Relena just missed Heero?s escape. Her smile turned warmer, ?Oh, I?m sure any place you like would be just fine.?
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Half an hour later, Heero was pissed. Not only was his untouched steak medium-rare and not medium, but he was currently being completely ignored by the two people he was accompanied by, who were engaged in quite animated conversation.
Heero growled under his breath as Relena giggled again at something??the other one? said.
Relena seemed to hear him. She brought away the hand holding her fork from her moistened mouth.
?Is something wrong, Heero??
Heero mumbled something incoherent. Relena looked at him for a second longer, and Heero didn?t miss the split second of her stare awash in sadness. She turned to Trowa, and shrugged, conveying innocently some sort of inside joke that Heero didn?t understand. Trowa broke out a broad smile.
Relena dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin, and moved to stand.
?If you will excuse me, gentlemen?? she nodded to each of them, and headed to the women?s restroom. Heero and Trowa watched her leave, though Heero noticed Trowa staring before the opposite could occur.
?It seems that even you couldn?t put a dent in her demeanor.? Trowa returned to his salad with salmon.
Heero sneered. ?She hasn?t almost been blown up yet, so I?d say she?s fine.?
Trowa?s fork stopped midway to his mouth for the briefest moment, but the former Gundam pilot did not look up. He rested his fork on his plate quietly.
?She hates this. I should take her.?
Heero?s expression darkened. ?I believe I outrank you, Mr. Barton.?
Trowa glared at his plate. ?Captain.?
?You know it is within my power to order you to leave.?
Trowa caught Heero?s eyes.
?We could ask her what she wants.?
?I believe I know what?s best for the Foreign Minister.?
Trowa?s mouth opened, poised for response. But he seemed to think better of it. Perhaps he was thinking of the tenterhooks he was already on because of botching the last mission. Heero was positive he didn?t feel pity for the fellow Preventer.
?I think you should go now.? Heero knew his face was cool, his stance poised.
Trowa too easily showed that he was pissed. To outsiders his face was blank; a mask, but it was there. Heero could tell.
?I think I should say good-bye to Relena. It is only polite.?
?No, I think you should leave now.?
Trowa calmly picked up his cloth napkin, and wiped his mouth. He laid it down on the table next to his silverware, and stood from the table.
?I never knew you to be the jealous type, Heero.?
Heero panicked, inexplicably.
?That?s Captain to you,? he emphasized his rank with a hiss, drawing the attention of the closest table. Trowa?s eyes smoldered as he stared at him.
?Captain,? Trowa reached inside his jacket for a small velvet box, which he promptly threw at the head of his former counterpart. His fellow Preventer wasn?t expecting the assault, the package smacking him square on the temple. Heero inwardly blanched, but did not move otherwise, as he picked the box from where it landed on the table, ?I wish I didn?t have the decency to have held on to this for you. Maybe next time you won?t be coward enough to do it yourself.?
Heero pushed himself roughly from his chair. He clenched the small package in his fist and glared down the other, willing him to self-destruct. No such thing happened, and Trowa spun on his heel and left the restaurant.
Relena reached the table just as the front door shut. She was looking confusedly from the door to Heero, who was still glaring at the swinging object as if he wished it at the bottom of the ocean, tied to four or five tons of Gundanium.
?Where?s Trowa??
Heero wasn?t startled by her presence. He had heard the pattern of her footfalls from the moment she stepped from the ladies? room.
?Urgent business. Says he?s not sorry.?
Relena?s brow furrowed. Something wasn?t right.
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Do you like this? I know I meant to have one chapter equal a day on the road, but the second part wasn?t working right, and I want to give it some good effort. Plus, midterms are this week, so I knew I wouldn?t be able to get much time to look. Two exams and a 5-6 pg paper on the ?mirror stage? and the villain!
Special thanks to takisha16
, who sparked the fodder/need for more of those juicy jealous moments. Maybe Heero was a bit of a jerk? Ah well. Anyway, I?m off to midterms! Ooo, the best part about being in college!Thank you for reading! ?Ali
PLEASE.... Heero jealous type... hmmmm... 
And don't worry about Heero being a jerk, because we are already used to that. We love him in despite of that. So does Relena. 
Keep up the great work 