A Message in the Steam [ chapter two: Home Alone ]
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2003 4:59 pm
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. All characters, terms, and affiliates of Gundam Wing are not mine, but belong to their respective owners, Shin Kidosenki, Bandi, &c.
Notes: Well, sweets, I have to say that I made a mistake. * scuffs toe on ground * A Message in the Steam will be three chapters long, not two as I had first thought it would be. When I was typing this chapter up, I tried to jam it all so it would end. But most of you know that I totally suck at that, so that?s why this is ending up being three chapters. You guys wouldn?t mind the wait for the third will you? Not like you have much of a choice :-? Forgive me? Yeah? Thanks...
Have fun reading...
A Message in the Steam
written by: Nausica?
They stood there in the rain, frozen in their spots as they gazed unblinkingly at each other. Relena couldn?t bring herself to even take in a breath of air. She felt like if she moved even an infinitesimal bit, the image before her would disappear. Her eyes were wide with shock and hope, her mouth slightly parted with her last words. Please, God, let him be real this time.
Over the two years that Heero had been missing in her life, Relena had traded in her misery of his absence for the cold numbness of work that she?d hoped would distract her from her pain. But even in the midst of pressing deadlines, nationally broadcasted speeches, and in her sleep, he would come to her.
She would walk by a room, and out of the corner of her eye, she?d see dark brown locks and freeze in her tracks, hope raising her spirits. But a closer look was all it had taken before she felt a stab of disappointment in her stomach. It was just another faceless worker who, by some sick twist of fate, had the same colour of hair as Heero.
At times during the night, Relena would wake up with the feeling of residual warmth on her cheek; like a hand had been there only moments before. Again and again she?d search the dark corners of the room, hoping but also knowing that she wouldn?t see what her heart told her had been there moments before.
Please, God, let him be real this time.
Slowly, Relena walked over to Heero and raised her hand to his cheek. Just a little bit closer, and she would be able to know for sure?
A sharp pain washed through Relena, her now limp hand dropping to her side. She?d barely seen it, but he?d done it.
Seeing her hand reachig forward, Heero had moved his head away.
Is she real?
He couldn?t move, couldn?t even blink the eyes that were drinking up the sight of her standing before him. Of all the places that he?d thought to meet up with Relena again, crossing paths with her after midnight, alone, and in the rain, was the last place Heero would?ve expected.
Beneath the collar of his grey turtleneck, Heero?s throat convulsed, swallowing the last bit of air he?d taken before seeing her. It should?ve been automatic, but standing before her now, Heero had completely forgotten how to breathe.
If there had been any muscles in his body that weren?t taught with awareness when he?d first seen her, they pulled tight now, as Relena took a few hesitant steps towards him. His fists slowly clenched, fingers aching to touch and hold. Heero nearly gave in, but memories stopped him. Memories of how many times he?d thought he?d seen her. Memories of how he?d reach to touch her face, and she?d disappear. He wouldn?t allow any contact; not when this fantasy looked too real.
Heero tilted his head a fraction of a millimetre away, but it was enough. Her hand dropped limp to her side. Everything should?ve been fine then. He?d make small talk with the Relena he?s seeing, and he?d wake up from this dream. But when he saw the hurt in the Relena?s eyes, his gut told him he?d done something terribly wrong. Done something terribly wrong to the very hurt and very real Relena.
Not knowing what to do, Heero just stood before her, staring down at the crown of her head as she ducked it, trying to hide the hurt evident on her face.
An eternity seemed to pass as they both stood in the pouring rain, neither saying a word. She was still trying to overcome the stabbing pain that had suffused her heart when Heero had moved away from her touch. He was still trying to get air into his lungs and the strength to lift his hand and hold onto her so she really wouldn?t disappear. They both fought their inner battles, and eventually Heero won his first.
He?d intended to raise her chin with the tips of his fingers, but Heero?s hand faltered and instead, settled onto her jacket-clad elbow.
?We?re soaked,? he commented, for lack of anything better to say. Looking into the light blue eyes turned on him made his throat close with longing. Great. He?d barely said more than two sentences to her two years ago, but now he was very nearly rendered speechless. ?Come on.?
Silently, Relena followed Heero, readily letting the role of protector rest on his shoulders. No words were spoken the entire way to their destination, but when they finally arrived, Relena knew with certainty of where she was.
Heero?s home.
As she stepped into the small but cozy house, Relena took her time to look around. At the door, Heeo had left her to dispense of her jacket and shoes, and as she walked, Relena left a faint trail of soaked carpet. The living room, dining room, and kitchen all looked the same: very few furnishings, but all the furniture and what not present to deem it livable. Spartan.
Relena didn?t understand why that observation calmed her, but then as she took another look inside them, she realized she?d been looking for signs of a female presence. Pondering on the overwhelming feeling of relief she felt, Relena didn?t hear Heero come into the room.
?Here, take a shower and put these on. Can?t have you falling sick.?
Relena looked down at Heero?s hands to see a pair of black cotton sweatpants and a grey t-shirt. Plain and serviceable, they beckoned to her with the promise of warmth, and feeling the chill of the clinging clothes she wore, Relena was grateful of the change of clothes. Slowly raising her eyes to his, Relena voiced a soft ?thank you? and silently followed his directions to the bathroom upstairs. Treading softly on the carpet, Relena was aware of the steady eyes that followed her trek on the stairs, but she didn?t see the look of worry that briefly shadowed Heero?s face.
He?d worried briefly on whether he should wait the storm out and escort her home, but as soon as the idea came up, Heero made a reason to counter it. It?s too late now. It?s almost two in the morning?
Why he was making excuses when he?d be better off shipping Relena home as soon as possible was something Heero didn?t want to think about. Thinking about it was akin to touching a sore tooth. You don?t want to think about it, but it?s always there, reminding you and keeping you aware of its presence, biding its time until you?re either willing to address it or forced to confront it.
With his decision made, Heero turned and prepared himself for a night spent on the sofa.
Upstairs and in the bathroom, Relena had stripped herself of her sopping wet clothes. Stepping into the glass-encased shower, she turned the faucet and adjusted the temperature of the water until steam began to waft its way upward and out of the stall. Relaxing under the shower?s jet spray, Relena allowed herself to languidly stand and enjoy the enveloping warmth of the water, its liquid fingers covering her with heat from head to toe. Sighing with contentment, she reached for the shampoo and lathered her hair, massaging the white lather deep into her scalp with slow movements. Lord, she wished she could stay in here forever.
With the shampoo rinsed from her hair, Relena went through the conditioner and soap, taking her time with each and humming a soft tune as she bathed. She had no sense of time in the sheltered room, but Relena was aware that she?d been in it for quite some time and Heero would be wondering what was taking her so long.
Ah, yes, Heero. Relena was surprised that a thought of him had never crossed her mind when she?d been inside the shower. But now, standing with a towel wrapped around her, reality returned to her as she remembered where she was. Heero?s home? Alone? with Heero.
Patting herself dry, Relena noted that steam was visibly rising from her body. It looked strange, like as if she was burning up inside. Fascinated, she watched the steam rise from her body like filmy wisps of flame to collect on the large mirror before her.
Wanting to see her reflection, Relena raised a hand to swipe at the steam but came up short as a fanciful idea struck. Looking about as if a hidden camera was secretly filming her every action, Relena carefully wrote Heero?s initials on the mirror. A small smile curved her lips as she added a small plus sign and her initials beneath. Knowing she should stop but feeling her heart urge her to continue, Relena finished her little indulgence of whimsy with a heart, surrounding all the writing within it.
Stepping back and looking at her work, Relena felt the logical side of her brain push aside the dreamy-eyed schoolgirl she?d let live for a few moments. What are you doing? If that were true, don?t you think Heero would?ve been around for you in the last two years? Think about it. The only reason why he?s with you now is because he found you alone and by accident. He?s only doing this because he feels it?s his duty to protect you.
With the small smile fading from her lips, Relena hurriedly ran her fingers across the drawing. It?s true. If Heero had felt anything for me beyond his mission, I would?ve had contact from him many times over these years.
Pulling on the clothes, Relena left the bathroom, feeling for the world like a foolish daydreamer. Back inside the bathroom, wet streaks now marred the silent message of love, the gathered droplets rolling down the glass like quiet tears.
Heero heard light footsteps and looked up to see Relena come into the living room, bathed, and looking ready for bed. A vision of her head pillowed on his shoulder as they shared his bed lanced through him, taking the words he was about to say right out of his mouth. Dumbstruck with the notion, Heero stared.
Growing uncomfortable with the steady gaze leveled at her, Relena delicately coughed, asking the question she?d been wondering since she?d gotten out of the shower. ?So, um, Heero? am I staying for the night??
Nodding, Heero indicated the makeshift bed he?d made on the sofa. ?Yeah. I?ll sleep here, and you can have the bed upstairs.? With nothing else to say and with total lack of hospitality, he cut off any chance of conversation. ?We?ll have you back at the mansion early tomorrow morning, and I?ll explain the situation to Lady Une. My guess is that she?s going frantic at your disappearance. Until then, get some rest.?
?Thorough as ever, aren?t you, Heero.? Relena replied. She should?ve known that he wouldn?t have wanted to sit and have small talk. Musing aloud as she turned towards the stairs, Relena spoke to herself. ?I hope Matt won?t be too upset? And Rob, oh no??
Hearing the unfamiliar names roll off the tip of Relena?s tongue had Heero tossing a glare at the space she?d just vacated. Lying down on the sofa and covering himself with the spare comforter, Heero closed his eyes and prepared himself for sleep. But when the soft creak of footsteps above him sounded, he snapped his eyes open and stared unblinkingly in the dark.
Relena. Here. Upstairs. In his bed. Damn it.
One sheep, two sheep, three sheep?
Notes: Just in case: Heero?s counting sheep so he could sleep. But we all know he can?t cause someone in particular is currently occupying his bed just above him. Poor Hee-chan
I hate to see him suffer like this but it?s just so much fun! Hehe, bad Naus? but yeah, sorry for the bad flow in this fic. The Heero and Relena moments will come in the next AND LAST (I swear this time!) chapter. But for now, can you please review? I would totally appreciate your thoughts, criticism, rants, &c. Or even email me, ok? Bye bye for now?
Notes: Well, sweets, I have to say that I made a mistake. * scuffs toe on ground * A Message in the Steam will be three chapters long, not two as I had first thought it would be. When I was typing this chapter up, I tried to jam it all so it would end. But most of you know that I totally suck at that, so that?s why this is ending up being three chapters. You guys wouldn?t mind the wait for the third will you? Not like you have much of a choice :-? Forgive me? Yeah? Thanks...
Have fun reading...
A Message in the Steam
written by: Nausica?
They stood there in the rain, frozen in their spots as they gazed unblinkingly at each other. Relena couldn?t bring herself to even take in a breath of air. She felt like if she moved even an infinitesimal bit, the image before her would disappear. Her eyes were wide with shock and hope, her mouth slightly parted with her last words. Please, God, let him be real this time.
Over the two years that Heero had been missing in her life, Relena had traded in her misery of his absence for the cold numbness of work that she?d hoped would distract her from her pain. But even in the midst of pressing deadlines, nationally broadcasted speeches, and in her sleep, he would come to her.
She would walk by a room, and out of the corner of her eye, she?d see dark brown locks and freeze in her tracks, hope raising her spirits. But a closer look was all it had taken before she felt a stab of disappointment in her stomach. It was just another faceless worker who, by some sick twist of fate, had the same colour of hair as Heero.
At times during the night, Relena would wake up with the feeling of residual warmth on her cheek; like a hand had been there only moments before. Again and again she?d search the dark corners of the room, hoping but also knowing that she wouldn?t see what her heart told her had been there moments before.
Please, God, let him be real this time.
Slowly, Relena walked over to Heero and raised her hand to his cheek. Just a little bit closer, and she would be able to know for sure?
A sharp pain washed through Relena, her now limp hand dropping to her side. She?d barely seen it, but he?d done it.
Seeing her hand reachig forward, Heero had moved his head away.
Is she real?
He couldn?t move, couldn?t even blink the eyes that were drinking up the sight of her standing before him. Of all the places that he?d thought to meet up with Relena again, crossing paths with her after midnight, alone, and in the rain, was the last place Heero would?ve expected.
Beneath the collar of his grey turtleneck, Heero?s throat convulsed, swallowing the last bit of air he?d taken before seeing her. It should?ve been automatic, but standing before her now, Heero had completely forgotten how to breathe.
If there had been any muscles in his body that weren?t taught with awareness when he?d first seen her, they pulled tight now, as Relena took a few hesitant steps towards him. His fists slowly clenched, fingers aching to touch and hold. Heero nearly gave in, but memories stopped him. Memories of how many times he?d thought he?d seen her. Memories of how he?d reach to touch her face, and she?d disappear. He wouldn?t allow any contact; not when this fantasy looked too real.
Heero tilted his head a fraction of a millimetre away, but it was enough. Her hand dropped limp to her side. Everything should?ve been fine then. He?d make small talk with the Relena he?s seeing, and he?d wake up from this dream. But when he saw the hurt in the Relena?s eyes, his gut told him he?d done something terribly wrong. Done something terribly wrong to the very hurt and very real Relena.
Not knowing what to do, Heero just stood before her, staring down at the crown of her head as she ducked it, trying to hide the hurt evident on her face.
An eternity seemed to pass as they both stood in the pouring rain, neither saying a word. She was still trying to overcome the stabbing pain that had suffused her heart when Heero had moved away from her touch. He was still trying to get air into his lungs and the strength to lift his hand and hold onto her so she really wouldn?t disappear. They both fought their inner battles, and eventually Heero won his first.
He?d intended to raise her chin with the tips of his fingers, but Heero?s hand faltered and instead, settled onto her jacket-clad elbow.
?We?re soaked,? he commented, for lack of anything better to say. Looking into the light blue eyes turned on him made his throat close with longing. Great. He?d barely said more than two sentences to her two years ago, but now he was very nearly rendered speechless. ?Come on.?
Silently, Relena followed Heero, readily letting the role of protector rest on his shoulders. No words were spoken the entire way to their destination, but when they finally arrived, Relena knew with certainty of where she was.
Heero?s home.
As she stepped into the small but cozy house, Relena took her time to look around. At the door, Heeo had left her to dispense of her jacket and shoes, and as she walked, Relena left a faint trail of soaked carpet. The living room, dining room, and kitchen all looked the same: very few furnishings, but all the furniture and what not present to deem it livable. Spartan.
Relena didn?t understand why that observation calmed her, but then as she took another look inside them, she realized she?d been looking for signs of a female presence. Pondering on the overwhelming feeling of relief she felt, Relena didn?t hear Heero come into the room.
?Here, take a shower and put these on. Can?t have you falling sick.?
Relena looked down at Heero?s hands to see a pair of black cotton sweatpants and a grey t-shirt. Plain and serviceable, they beckoned to her with the promise of warmth, and feeling the chill of the clinging clothes she wore, Relena was grateful of the change of clothes. Slowly raising her eyes to his, Relena voiced a soft ?thank you? and silently followed his directions to the bathroom upstairs. Treading softly on the carpet, Relena was aware of the steady eyes that followed her trek on the stairs, but she didn?t see the look of worry that briefly shadowed Heero?s face.
He?d worried briefly on whether he should wait the storm out and escort her home, but as soon as the idea came up, Heero made a reason to counter it. It?s too late now. It?s almost two in the morning?
Why he was making excuses when he?d be better off shipping Relena home as soon as possible was something Heero didn?t want to think about. Thinking about it was akin to touching a sore tooth. You don?t want to think about it, but it?s always there, reminding you and keeping you aware of its presence, biding its time until you?re either willing to address it or forced to confront it.
With his decision made, Heero turned and prepared himself for a night spent on the sofa.
Upstairs and in the bathroom, Relena had stripped herself of her sopping wet clothes. Stepping into the glass-encased shower, she turned the faucet and adjusted the temperature of the water until steam began to waft its way upward and out of the stall. Relaxing under the shower?s jet spray, Relena allowed herself to languidly stand and enjoy the enveloping warmth of the water, its liquid fingers covering her with heat from head to toe. Sighing with contentment, she reached for the shampoo and lathered her hair, massaging the white lather deep into her scalp with slow movements. Lord, she wished she could stay in here forever.
With the shampoo rinsed from her hair, Relena went through the conditioner and soap, taking her time with each and humming a soft tune as she bathed. She had no sense of time in the sheltered room, but Relena was aware that she?d been in it for quite some time and Heero would be wondering what was taking her so long.
Ah, yes, Heero. Relena was surprised that a thought of him had never crossed her mind when she?d been inside the shower. But now, standing with a towel wrapped around her, reality returned to her as she remembered where she was. Heero?s home? Alone? with Heero.
Patting herself dry, Relena noted that steam was visibly rising from her body. It looked strange, like as if she was burning up inside. Fascinated, she watched the steam rise from her body like filmy wisps of flame to collect on the large mirror before her.
Wanting to see her reflection, Relena raised a hand to swipe at the steam but came up short as a fanciful idea struck. Looking about as if a hidden camera was secretly filming her every action, Relena carefully wrote Heero?s initials on the mirror. A small smile curved her lips as she added a small plus sign and her initials beneath. Knowing she should stop but feeling her heart urge her to continue, Relena finished her little indulgence of whimsy with a heart, surrounding all the writing within it.
Stepping back and looking at her work, Relena felt the logical side of her brain push aside the dreamy-eyed schoolgirl she?d let live for a few moments. What are you doing? If that were true, don?t you think Heero would?ve been around for you in the last two years? Think about it. The only reason why he?s with you now is because he found you alone and by accident. He?s only doing this because he feels it?s his duty to protect you.
With the small smile fading from her lips, Relena hurriedly ran her fingers across the drawing. It?s true. If Heero had felt anything for me beyond his mission, I would?ve had contact from him many times over these years.
Pulling on the clothes, Relena left the bathroom, feeling for the world like a foolish daydreamer. Back inside the bathroom, wet streaks now marred the silent message of love, the gathered droplets rolling down the glass like quiet tears.
Heero heard light footsteps and looked up to see Relena come into the living room, bathed, and looking ready for bed. A vision of her head pillowed on his shoulder as they shared his bed lanced through him, taking the words he was about to say right out of his mouth. Dumbstruck with the notion, Heero stared.
Growing uncomfortable with the steady gaze leveled at her, Relena delicately coughed, asking the question she?d been wondering since she?d gotten out of the shower. ?So, um, Heero? am I staying for the night??
Nodding, Heero indicated the makeshift bed he?d made on the sofa. ?Yeah. I?ll sleep here, and you can have the bed upstairs.? With nothing else to say and with total lack of hospitality, he cut off any chance of conversation. ?We?ll have you back at the mansion early tomorrow morning, and I?ll explain the situation to Lady Une. My guess is that she?s going frantic at your disappearance. Until then, get some rest.?
?Thorough as ever, aren?t you, Heero.? Relena replied. She should?ve known that he wouldn?t have wanted to sit and have small talk. Musing aloud as she turned towards the stairs, Relena spoke to herself. ?I hope Matt won?t be too upset? And Rob, oh no??
Hearing the unfamiliar names roll off the tip of Relena?s tongue had Heero tossing a glare at the space she?d just vacated. Lying down on the sofa and covering himself with the spare comforter, Heero closed his eyes and prepared himself for sleep. But when the soft creak of footsteps above him sounded, he snapped his eyes open and stared unblinkingly in the dark.
Relena. Here. Upstairs. In his bed. Damn it.
One sheep, two sheep, three sheep?
Notes: Just in case: Heero?s counting sheep so he could sleep. But we all know he can?t cause someone in particular is currently occupying his bed just above him. Poor Hee-chan
I hate to see him suffer like this but it?s just so much fun! Hehe, bad Naus? but yeah, sorry for the bad flow in this fic. The Heero and Relena moments will come in the next AND LAST (I swear this time!) chapter. But for now, can you please review? I would totally appreciate your thoughts, criticism, rants, &c. Or even email me, ok? Bye bye for now?
Don't keep us waiting too long for the next installment will you?! 
Three cheers!
That's so cool...
Aw, I feel your pain, melo (may I call you that?), but I've just got this thing for cliffhangers. This one isn't as bad as other ones I've written, but even when I don't specifically try for a cliffhanger ending, * shrugs * it just happens. Go figure - maybe it's just that sick side of my muse that wants to make readers beg for the next installment 
But it's just probably me 
