(D2 Entry) Pretty Baby (2)
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2003 8:10 am
Title: Pretty Baby (Chapter 2)
Pen Name: J Alberghini
E-mail: JAlberghini2@aol.com
Categories: Best Series/Multi-part, Best Romance
Warnings:None
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing still doesn't belong to me. The song still belongs to Vanessa Carlton and a line is still the title, but it's really not a songfic. In any case, please don't sue me.
Note: This chapter is in Heero's point of view. They'll be switching back and forth each chapter, except the next and the last, which are narrated by both of them.
Pretty Baby
Chapter 2
"You lay me down and then I call for you"
"Here, give her a sip of this." I wrinkled my nose as the bartender thrust a glass of rum into my hand and stared at him. "It'll clear her head," he continued, looking at me as if I was insane. This from a man who gets people drunk for a living. Rum will clear someone's head. That was an old wives' tale if I ever heard one. It's like saying shooting someone is the same as giving them an aspirin. The "cure" is worse than the disease. I really doubted it would help her, except maybe to get completely sloshed, since I didn't think Relena had ever drank it before. But to appease the man, I put it to her lips reluctantly.
"Drink up, sweetie," I murmured. I don't know if she heard me or not, but some of it got in her mouth anyway. "Swallow, that's a good girl." I stroked her hair gently. To be quite honest, I wouldn't have minded if she didn't wake up right away. She looked so peaceful; I was perfectly content watching her.
The old man observed us with awe. "For a guy who gave that look before, he sure is a softy when it comes to the ladies," he said under his breath, thinking that I couldn't hear him. I did. I happen to have extremely acute hearing. One has to, if you're a Gundam pilot. Especially, if you were raised like I was. But I ignored him. He was right, at least partly. I am a softy when it comes to Relena, though not any woman, just her. Wufei would probably say I was being weak, but I don?t know. I feel stronger around her. And not just because she needs me to be either. Despite her unspoken accusations to the contrary, I do have feelings. I'm not the heartless "Perfect Soldier" everyone thinks I am. And I do care about her, a lot. She doesn't see that sometimes and I thought it was for the best then. At that point, I figured: better having her hate me now, then hurting her later.
Anyway, the rum didn't work, though I thought she might have made a face at the bitter taste. But she still didn't wake. Time to try a different tactic, I decided.
"Can you get me some water?" I asked the bartender. He looked surprised (I don't think anyone has ever asked him for that before), but got me a glass. I dipped my fingers into it with one hand and pushed her bangs away from her forehead with the other. Then I sprinkled a bit onto her face.
"Hey!" That did it. Her eyes flew open. "What's the big idea?"
"You fainted," I replied defensively.
"No duh." She glared at me. She'd been getting good at that. I was impressed.
"Napkin?" I asked smugly, handing her one.
She wiped off her face. "Thank you ever so much," she said sarcastically. Oh, joy. She was still mad at me. Goodie.
Relena jumped off the barstool. "I'm getting out of this place."
"That's the smartest thing you've said all night," I replied, hot on her heels.
"Come back soon!" The bartender called to us.
"Yeah, right," Relena muttered. I glanced back, giving him a dirty look to show I shared her sentiment. Fat chance he'd ever see us again. I'd make sure of it.
She quickened her pace, trying to lose me. I nearly had to jog slowly to keep up with her. If a cop saw this, it would look really bad, I found myself thinking. "Where are you going?"
"Parking lot," she replied. Fortunately, it was right next to the bar and she stopped running away.
"So where's your car?" I asked. No pink limo in sight, nor any car of that color.
"Not here. I have to call Pagan to pick me up." She whipped out her cell from her purse. I grabbed it.
"He let you come here all by yourself?" Has the man gone completely senile? I could see I was going to have to have a talk with him later.
"He dropped me off across the street. I told him I was going to volunteer at a church down the block," she answered me. "Can I have my phone back now?" I must admit, I didn't think she was capable of that one. Again, I was impressed. Relena's not as innocent as everyone thinks.
"No way are you waiting here in the dark. I'll drive you." I took her hand. Now it was her turn to trot after me. "My car's around the corner," I told her, before she had a chance to ask.
"Heero, you're cutting off my circu--"
"We're here." I stopped in front of a red jeep. It was beat-up, pretty old and kinda ugly, but I hoped she wouldn't notice. Not everyone can afford a limo and a chauffeur, least of all me. She would just have to deal with it. But Relena's never been that kind of person anyway.
I unlocked the door and opened it for her in my best Pagan imitation (yes, I do have a sense of humor). She looked wary, but hopped in. I went around and jumped into the driver's seat next to her.
"You know, Noin and Sally warned me about getting into strange guys' cars," she grumbled. "And you're the strangest person I've ever met." That was the last thing she said to me, aside from "Do you even know where my mother's house is?" for the next few stoplights or so. I remained quiet as well, because, well, that's just me. And I figured I'd give her a few minutes to cool off.
"Well," she said finally. Couldn't she give me a better opening that that? This was me she was talking to, here.
"Well what?" I replied.
She looked at me quizzically. "Aren't you going to say 'I told you so'?"
I shook my head. "I'm not your father, Relena. You learned your lesson; I'm not going to give you a lecture. Or ground you for life, though it might actually keep you out of trouble, if I did."
"Didn't stop you before," She mumbled. Then she sighed and her face softened. "Thank you, Heero." She put her hand on my arm as a gesture of peace. I shook her off and put it around her shoulders. She was surprised, but she didn't do anything about it, which I took as a good sign. I kept it there for the rest of the trip.
* * * * * *
"Hey!" Relena started suddenly and turned from the window. "You passed the exit!"
"No, I didn't," I said calmly. "I said I'd drive you. I didn't say where to."
"B-but-" she sputtered. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," I replied with a smirk.
She stared at me for a moment and then shook her head. "You're weird, Heero," she told me matter-of-factly.
"Not as weird as you," I replied, not missing a beat. I turned off the highway at the next exit, then drove on for a mile or so.
"Where the hell are we?" she wondered. There was only one streetlight, and it was dim. Trees loomed on both sides, blocking the moon and the stars from our view. I could barely see her face, let alone the road ahead of me. I flicked on the brights and glanced briefly at the clock. It was after midnight, perfect.
"Where are you taking me?" She tried again. I detected a hint of worry in her voice. I was slightly hurt, but it was understandable. After what I did before, no wonder she was scared. I wished she hadn't seen that, but it was too late now.
I shrugged. "Trust me."
She frowned, but nodded slightly. "I trust you, Heero." She whispered so softly, I could barely hear her, but I was reassured all the same. I made another turn and drove straight. Relena looked around and gasped.
"Heero, what? why?" I pulled into an empty parking lot and cut the engine.
"We're here." I flung open the car door and jumped over the hood, landing right next to hers. I opened it and pulled her out, nearly making her fall flat on her face. She looked somewhat bewildered, but that was okay. It would be more special if it was a surprise. Excitement welled up within me. No, I hadn't planned this. It was a totally spontaneous idea. I really had had every intention of bringing her home. Honest. I mean, since when do I try to surprise people? Then again, since when do I do something on a whim either? Trowa was right when he said I?m thorough. It makes things easier that way. I really had no idea what I was doing, to tell you the truth. I don?t think Relena did either. Sometimes when I get like that I almost scare myself. It doesn't happen very often.
"Heero, I can walk, you know," Relena complained, dragging along behind me. I ignored her and didn't let go. I'm not possessive; she's just slow. Really. I pushed open the metal gate and let her down the stairs. I felt sand under my shoes, coming into my socks. I checked Relena's feet and noted that she was wearing sandals. Smart girl. I wouldn't be able to get this out of my sneakers for weeks. Oh well, small price to pay.
"The beach?" she asked. The moon was now free to shine on her face. She would've looked like an angel, but for the confused expression on her face and the way she quirked her eyebrow like that. She stared at me. "Why?"
I took a deep breath. "Happy Anniversary, Relena."
"Huh? What?" She looked at me blankly for a minute. Then it dawned on her. "Oh! I almost forgot! That is to say, I didn't forget, but I was trying to forget, that's why I?" She shook her head to clear it and stop babbling. "Happy Anniversary, Heero." She grinned at me. "I'm surprised you remembered."
I shook my head. "I happen to have an excellent memory. Besides, it's two days before your birthday, how could I forget?"
I grabbed her hand again and brought her closer to the water. Yes, it's here. I remembered, because the stairs were right over there and the shore was there. The exact spot where two years ago today Operation Meteor began and my life changed forever, I found myself thinking. I nearly laughed out loud. Since when do you get all sentimental, Yuy? But it was a fact. Right there, I met Relena two years ago. And I truly haven't been the same since.
On an impulse, I pulled her closer to me. She put her arms around my neck, but turned her head away, staring at the water. I still didn't have the faintest idea what I was doing, but it felt good. It was just right. I've never been one for human contact, unless I had to strangle somebody or something (and I only did that once). Truth of the matter is I'd never really been that close to another person before, except for the time Relena and I danced together almost two years ago. And I probably never will be with anyone else.
"Relena, look at me," I demanded. I pulled her chin toward me. She jerked her head away.
"No, why? So I can watch you disappear again, right before my very eyes? No thank you! I've had enough. You promised, Heero, and you lied to me, twice. You said you wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. Once in the Sanc Kingdom and then? It was just a couple of months ago in the hospital. I don't know if you were drugged up on painkillers or something, maybe it was blood loss, but you swore you wouldn't leave me again. And then you were gone the next day." My heart sank. I had known it then, but it still hurt to know I caused her pain. How can she stand to look at me right now? I wondered.The thought of it made me hate myself even more than I already did.
Finished with one of her briefer speeches, she shivered. I don't know if it was because she was upset or cold, but I put my jean jacket around her anyway. It had been a warm April so far, but the night was cool and she wasn't dressed very warmly. I wrapped my arms around her tightly, offering my body warmth. She buried her face in my neck.
"Don?t' do this to me again," she whispered. I felt her warm tears on my skin. I brushed them away from her face. "You always do this," she continued. "Just when I try to think you're a jerk like everyone believes, you go and do something like this."
"Like what?" I asked. I rubbed her back gently to comfort her, though I knew it wasn't enough.
"You show this side of you and it's just? I don't know. It makes you feel different, like I know something about you that no one else does. And it makes me?"
"Shh, don't say it." I kissed her lips to quiet her. It was cruel of me, but I knew that if I let her say it, I'd be tied to her. And I couldn't do that yet. I must say, I didn't really mind kissing her. Not at all, actually.
We stayed like that for a long time until we finally needed air. She snuggled up to me. I kept my arms around her and we walked back to my car. I started the engine and we drove in silence again, but it wasn't an uncomfortable one. She fell asleep a few minutes before we turned into the long drive of the Darlian mansion.
* * * * * *
I scanned the terrain around me. It figured she had to have rosebushes planted under her balcony. For me alone, it would've been easy, but I had a passenger now. I slowly walked backwards then took off at a running start. I leapt onto the balcony swiftly. Relena stirred, but didn't wake. Thankfully, not a single scratch was on her. Using the keys I took from her purse, I opened the French doors that led to her bedroom. I'd disabled the security system right before we got there. It pays sometimes to have installed it myself. This was the quietest and easiest entryway without waking the whole household. Don't think any less of me, but I had a similar route in the Sanc Kingdom too, though fortunately without the bushes. Someone needs to check on her, I argued with myself. It's for her protection. Sure, believe what you want to believe. And people say Relena stalks me.
I pulled back the pink comforter of her bed with one hand, balancing her with the other. Then I set her down carefully and covered her up with the blankets. She rolled over and moaned softly in her sleep.
I headed towards the open door. A slight breeze was blowing through it, making the air chilly.
"Heero?" she mumbled sleepily. She huddled under the sheets for warmth and pulled my jacket tightly around her.
"I'm right here," I replied. Immediately, I regretted it.
"Good. Stay." With that she turned onto her side, facing me. Her eyes were shut tightly and I couldn't tell whether she was truly awake or asleep.
I suppressed a groan. So much for a quick get-away. "All right."
"Thank you," she said. I looked hesitantly at the door and back at her. I eased it shut, drawing the vertical blinds that covered it. Then I lay down on top of the covers and closed my eyes. Relena sighed contentedly and moved closer to me. I felt her breathing become even and soon she fell into a deep sleep, leaning on my shoulder where she belonged.
Pen Name: J Alberghini
E-mail: JAlberghini2@aol.com
Categories: Best Series/Multi-part, Best Romance
Warnings:None
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing still doesn't belong to me. The song still belongs to Vanessa Carlton and a line is still the title, but it's really not a songfic. In any case, please don't sue me.
Note: This chapter is in Heero's point of view. They'll be switching back and forth each chapter, except the next and the last, which are narrated by both of them.
Pretty Baby
Chapter 2
"You lay me down and then I call for you"
"Here, give her a sip of this." I wrinkled my nose as the bartender thrust a glass of rum into my hand and stared at him. "It'll clear her head," he continued, looking at me as if I was insane. This from a man who gets people drunk for a living. Rum will clear someone's head. That was an old wives' tale if I ever heard one. It's like saying shooting someone is the same as giving them an aspirin. The "cure" is worse than the disease. I really doubted it would help her, except maybe to get completely sloshed, since I didn't think Relena had ever drank it before. But to appease the man, I put it to her lips reluctantly.
"Drink up, sweetie," I murmured. I don't know if she heard me or not, but some of it got in her mouth anyway. "Swallow, that's a good girl." I stroked her hair gently. To be quite honest, I wouldn't have minded if she didn't wake up right away. She looked so peaceful; I was perfectly content watching her.
The old man observed us with awe. "For a guy who gave that look before, he sure is a softy when it comes to the ladies," he said under his breath, thinking that I couldn't hear him. I did. I happen to have extremely acute hearing. One has to, if you're a Gundam pilot. Especially, if you were raised like I was. But I ignored him. He was right, at least partly. I am a softy when it comes to Relena, though not any woman, just her. Wufei would probably say I was being weak, but I don?t know. I feel stronger around her. And not just because she needs me to be either. Despite her unspoken accusations to the contrary, I do have feelings. I'm not the heartless "Perfect Soldier" everyone thinks I am. And I do care about her, a lot. She doesn't see that sometimes and I thought it was for the best then. At that point, I figured: better having her hate me now, then hurting her later.
Anyway, the rum didn't work, though I thought she might have made a face at the bitter taste. But she still didn't wake. Time to try a different tactic, I decided.
"Can you get me some water?" I asked the bartender. He looked surprised (I don't think anyone has ever asked him for that before), but got me a glass. I dipped my fingers into it with one hand and pushed her bangs away from her forehead with the other. Then I sprinkled a bit onto her face.
"Hey!" That did it. Her eyes flew open. "What's the big idea?"
"You fainted," I replied defensively.
"No duh." She glared at me. She'd been getting good at that. I was impressed.
"Napkin?" I asked smugly, handing her one.
She wiped off her face. "Thank you ever so much," she said sarcastically. Oh, joy. She was still mad at me. Goodie.
Relena jumped off the barstool. "I'm getting out of this place."
"That's the smartest thing you've said all night," I replied, hot on her heels.
"Come back soon!" The bartender called to us.
"Yeah, right," Relena muttered. I glanced back, giving him a dirty look to show I shared her sentiment. Fat chance he'd ever see us again. I'd make sure of it.
She quickened her pace, trying to lose me. I nearly had to jog slowly to keep up with her. If a cop saw this, it would look really bad, I found myself thinking. "Where are you going?"
"Parking lot," she replied. Fortunately, it was right next to the bar and she stopped running away.
"So where's your car?" I asked. No pink limo in sight, nor any car of that color.
"Not here. I have to call Pagan to pick me up." She whipped out her cell from her purse. I grabbed it.
"He let you come here all by yourself?" Has the man gone completely senile? I could see I was going to have to have a talk with him later.
"He dropped me off across the street. I told him I was going to volunteer at a church down the block," she answered me. "Can I have my phone back now?" I must admit, I didn't think she was capable of that one. Again, I was impressed. Relena's not as innocent as everyone thinks.
"No way are you waiting here in the dark. I'll drive you." I took her hand. Now it was her turn to trot after me. "My car's around the corner," I told her, before she had a chance to ask.
"Heero, you're cutting off my circu--"
"We're here." I stopped in front of a red jeep. It was beat-up, pretty old and kinda ugly, but I hoped she wouldn't notice. Not everyone can afford a limo and a chauffeur, least of all me. She would just have to deal with it. But Relena's never been that kind of person anyway.
I unlocked the door and opened it for her in my best Pagan imitation (yes, I do have a sense of humor). She looked wary, but hopped in. I went around and jumped into the driver's seat next to her.
"You know, Noin and Sally warned me about getting into strange guys' cars," she grumbled. "And you're the strangest person I've ever met." That was the last thing she said to me, aside from "Do you even know where my mother's house is?" for the next few stoplights or so. I remained quiet as well, because, well, that's just me. And I figured I'd give her a few minutes to cool off.
"Well," she said finally. Couldn't she give me a better opening that that? This was me she was talking to, here.
"Well what?" I replied.
She looked at me quizzically. "Aren't you going to say 'I told you so'?"
I shook my head. "I'm not your father, Relena. You learned your lesson; I'm not going to give you a lecture. Or ground you for life, though it might actually keep you out of trouble, if I did."
"Didn't stop you before," She mumbled. Then she sighed and her face softened. "Thank you, Heero." She put her hand on my arm as a gesture of peace. I shook her off and put it around her shoulders. She was surprised, but she didn't do anything about it, which I took as a good sign. I kept it there for the rest of the trip.
* * * * * *
"Hey!" Relena started suddenly and turned from the window. "You passed the exit!"
"No, I didn't," I said calmly. "I said I'd drive you. I didn't say where to."
"B-but-" she sputtered. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," I replied with a smirk.
She stared at me for a moment and then shook her head. "You're weird, Heero," she told me matter-of-factly.
"Not as weird as you," I replied, not missing a beat. I turned off the highway at the next exit, then drove on for a mile or so.
"Where the hell are we?" she wondered. There was only one streetlight, and it was dim. Trees loomed on both sides, blocking the moon and the stars from our view. I could barely see her face, let alone the road ahead of me. I flicked on the brights and glanced briefly at the clock. It was after midnight, perfect.
"Where are you taking me?" She tried again. I detected a hint of worry in her voice. I was slightly hurt, but it was understandable. After what I did before, no wonder she was scared. I wished she hadn't seen that, but it was too late now.
I shrugged. "Trust me."
She frowned, but nodded slightly. "I trust you, Heero." She whispered so softly, I could barely hear her, but I was reassured all the same. I made another turn and drove straight. Relena looked around and gasped.
"Heero, what? why?" I pulled into an empty parking lot and cut the engine.
"We're here." I flung open the car door and jumped over the hood, landing right next to hers. I opened it and pulled her out, nearly making her fall flat on her face. She looked somewhat bewildered, but that was okay. It would be more special if it was a surprise. Excitement welled up within me. No, I hadn't planned this. It was a totally spontaneous idea. I really had had every intention of bringing her home. Honest. I mean, since when do I try to surprise people? Then again, since when do I do something on a whim either? Trowa was right when he said I?m thorough. It makes things easier that way. I really had no idea what I was doing, to tell you the truth. I don?t think Relena did either. Sometimes when I get like that I almost scare myself. It doesn't happen very often.
"Heero, I can walk, you know," Relena complained, dragging along behind me. I ignored her and didn't let go. I'm not possessive; she's just slow. Really. I pushed open the metal gate and let her down the stairs. I felt sand under my shoes, coming into my socks. I checked Relena's feet and noted that she was wearing sandals. Smart girl. I wouldn't be able to get this out of my sneakers for weeks. Oh well, small price to pay.
"The beach?" she asked. The moon was now free to shine on her face. She would've looked like an angel, but for the confused expression on her face and the way she quirked her eyebrow like that. She stared at me. "Why?"
I took a deep breath. "Happy Anniversary, Relena."
"Huh? What?" She looked at me blankly for a minute. Then it dawned on her. "Oh! I almost forgot! That is to say, I didn't forget, but I was trying to forget, that's why I?" She shook her head to clear it and stop babbling. "Happy Anniversary, Heero." She grinned at me. "I'm surprised you remembered."
I shook my head. "I happen to have an excellent memory. Besides, it's two days before your birthday, how could I forget?"
I grabbed her hand again and brought her closer to the water. Yes, it's here. I remembered, because the stairs were right over there and the shore was there. The exact spot where two years ago today Operation Meteor began and my life changed forever, I found myself thinking. I nearly laughed out loud. Since when do you get all sentimental, Yuy? But it was a fact. Right there, I met Relena two years ago. And I truly haven't been the same since.
On an impulse, I pulled her closer to me. She put her arms around my neck, but turned her head away, staring at the water. I still didn't have the faintest idea what I was doing, but it felt good. It was just right. I've never been one for human contact, unless I had to strangle somebody or something (and I only did that once). Truth of the matter is I'd never really been that close to another person before, except for the time Relena and I danced together almost two years ago. And I probably never will be with anyone else.
"Relena, look at me," I demanded. I pulled her chin toward me. She jerked her head away.
"No, why? So I can watch you disappear again, right before my very eyes? No thank you! I've had enough. You promised, Heero, and you lied to me, twice. You said you wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. Once in the Sanc Kingdom and then? It was just a couple of months ago in the hospital. I don't know if you were drugged up on painkillers or something, maybe it was blood loss, but you swore you wouldn't leave me again. And then you were gone the next day." My heart sank. I had known it then, but it still hurt to know I caused her pain. How can she stand to look at me right now? I wondered.The thought of it made me hate myself even more than I already did.
Finished with one of her briefer speeches, she shivered. I don't know if it was because she was upset or cold, but I put my jean jacket around her anyway. It had been a warm April so far, but the night was cool and she wasn't dressed very warmly. I wrapped my arms around her tightly, offering my body warmth. She buried her face in my neck.
"Don?t' do this to me again," she whispered. I felt her warm tears on my skin. I brushed them away from her face. "You always do this," she continued. "Just when I try to think you're a jerk like everyone believes, you go and do something like this."
"Like what?" I asked. I rubbed her back gently to comfort her, though I knew it wasn't enough.
"You show this side of you and it's just? I don't know. It makes you feel different, like I know something about you that no one else does. And it makes me?"
"Shh, don't say it." I kissed her lips to quiet her. It was cruel of me, but I knew that if I let her say it, I'd be tied to her. And I couldn't do that yet. I must say, I didn't really mind kissing her. Not at all, actually.
We stayed like that for a long time until we finally needed air. She snuggled up to me. I kept my arms around her and we walked back to my car. I started the engine and we drove in silence again, but it wasn't an uncomfortable one. She fell asleep a few minutes before we turned into the long drive of the Darlian mansion.
* * * * * *
I scanned the terrain around me. It figured she had to have rosebushes planted under her balcony. For me alone, it would've been easy, but I had a passenger now. I slowly walked backwards then took off at a running start. I leapt onto the balcony swiftly. Relena stirred, but didn't wake. Thankfully, not a single scratch was on her. Using the keys I took from her purse, I opened the French doors that led to her bedroom. I'd disabled the security system right before we got there. It pays sometimes to have installed it myself. This was the quietest and easiest entryway without waking the whole household. Don't think any less of me, but I had a similar route in the Sanc Kingdom too, though fortunately without the bushes. Someone needs to check on her, I argued with myself. It's for her protection. Sure, believe what you want to believe. And people say Relena stalks me.
I pulled back the pink comforter of her bed with one hand, balancing her with the other. Then I set her down carefully and covered her up with the blankets. She rolled over and moaned softly in her sleep.
I headed towards the open door. A slight breeze was blowing through it, making the air chilly.
"Heero?" she mumbled sleepily. She huddled under the sheets for warmth and pulled my jacket tightly around her.
"I'm right here," I replied. Immediately, I regretted it.
"Good. Stay." With that she turned onto her side, facing me. Her eyes were shut tightly and I couldn't tell whether she was truly awake or asleep.
I suppressed a groan. So much for a quick get-away. "All right."
"Thank you," she said. I looked hesitantly at the door and back at her. I eased it shut, drawing the vertical blinds that covered it. Then I lay down on top of the covers and closed my eyes. Relena sighed contentedly and moved closer to me. I felt her breathing become even and soon she fell into a deep sleep, leaning on my shoulder where she belonged.