sea of stars 12: the ride back to reality

[trekkiexb5]

"Sea of Stars"

A Gundam Wing Story
by Trekkiexb5


Category: Drama, Romance
Couples: 1xR, 2xH--the normal match-ups
Rating: R for language. Heero has a potty mouth and so does Zechs. It's a bit lime-y in parts, too.
Caution: part of this story is about rape, though it is really never described in detail.
Posting: I'm posting at fanfiction.net and at blissfulignorance.com, but anyone can post it, as long as my name stays attached. AND you write me and tell me how bad (or good) it was.

Summary: Relena told him to get a life, so he did, of sorts. Now, it?s her turn. But the past often shows it's ugly head at the worst of times. Are they ready to handle a past when they are just getting grips with the Present?

Gundam Wing isn't mine. If it was, you would be watching this, not reading it.

Author's notes: After MAJOR upheavals in my life and writer's block from hell, here's chapter 12. It's not as smooth as I would like but Chapter 13 is begging to be written, along with a FMP! story, I figured I would get this out and fix anything I didn't like in the rewrite.

A special thanks to Eylra-Chan, Draco2tiamat and Pearldragon for support for me during this time. Also, as always, I would like to thank Pilot03 and Beer-Monster for the entertainment at Club Beer.

A special nod to Yawning and Hououza for their continual support over at Fanfiction.net. They are the bestest cheerleaders, complete with virtual pom-poms!

I hope the next chapter (it has been started) doesn't take as long. Unfortunally, my life a bit of a mess right now, so I don't when I'll get it out. However, I will hold to my promise to finish the story by the end of November and SEA OF STARS II in January.

I had too many Ideas for this chapter, and it was difficult to trim. You will find many things just mentioned. I will come back and write short stories about them. Despite the trim, it's too long. Not the best I have written. So enjoy what you can, and remember, it?s a transition chapter.


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NOW, ON WITH THE SHOW!!!!

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***More Key LIME pie here.

"Sea of Stars"
Chapter 12
The Ride Back to Reality


It turns out that fate likes to play games with me. At least, this time, it had nothing to with Relena, thankfully. It had everything to do with the 'Sea of Stars.' Well, the figurehead, at least.

Rather, the missing piece.

Get this, the missing piece was located. Amazing as that was on the open sea, the best part was that ended up making the huge gash in the side of the 'Southern Cross's' wooden side and came to rest inside the hull. It was still there when they pulled into Easter Island. Chris found it when he was cleaning up.

Some deity has a sense of humor. I just wish he (she) would practice it with someone else.

Chris apologized profusely for not informing me immediately when he found it. Granted, He was distracted with Mary's injury and I, quite frankly, was pretty distracted myself those first days at the island. However, that doesn't excuse him for allowing me to sit out on the dock ALL DAY sulking about it. He knew what I was sulking about and had passed me several times that day.

When he informed me, I steamed a little, but surprisingly I wasn't too angry with him. I was tired and frustrated, not to mention had a severe migraine. I stormed off, leaving Chris's guilt (and apologies) in the sea air.

I felt a lot better the next day. Which was good, because the mast and the crane barge arrived promptly, along with Tamar and several members of his crew.

Relena's only task of the day was to keep the very curious Zero out of the way. My task (with some help from Chris, Anton, Tamar and the rest) was to release the old mast from its cradle.

Not to get too technical, the mast on the 'Sea of Stars' has a 'cap' on the bottom of it. That sits in a device that lets all the wiring (for the antenna on top) to connect to the rest of the ship and still allow the 180-degree swivel that the mast needs for the sail.

There is also a metal ring that is affixed to the mast where it goes through the weatherdeck above. That helps keep the watertight integrity. The electrical winches for the lines are attached to the overhead near where the mast and weatherdeck meet, but are separate from the mast.

Anyways, the first thing is to remove the broken mast. Over an hour of grunting by six of us strong, brawny men leaning on crowbars, the cradle latch popped. After connecting it to the crane outside the ship, we wasted thirty minutes maneuvering the released mast past the weatherdeck above us. The crane pulled the splinted mast clear of my ship and set in down the barge.

The new mast, complete with antenna and boom, was already wired and had the lines attached to it. The extra long lines were first fed through my new manual winches on the weatherdeck, next to hole for the mast, then through to the electrical ones. There were special grooves in the deck for the lines. I'll trim the lines later.

We then attached a new ring and the old cap to the new mast. Getting the cap off the old one was hell. I was lucky the two masts were virtually the same girth, and only had to use only one metal shim so that the cap sat snugly to the bottom.

The crane lifted the new mast in as we carefully guided the timber into place. After locking the mast into the cradle, we tested the lines, first the hand-operated winches then with the electrical ones. After lots of adjusting and we were assured that everything was working perfectly, we attached my back-up sail.

The 'Sea of Stars' was finally fully operational and was ready to set sail.

The whole process took most of the day. The day seemed to drag a little long due to Chris kept apoligsing to me over and over again, even after I told him it was ok. After the twentieth time, I told him if he said 'I'm sorry' one more time, I'd shoot him- complete with glare.

Didn't he hear me the first time?

Towards the end of the day, Tamar came up and thanked me for the new equipment that I purchased for his ship.

"No problem," I answered in French. "It was repayment for all your help."

'Still, thank you. If you ever need a good desial mechanic, give me a call, and we'll be there."

"Thanks."

Tamar glanced over at Relena, whom was some distance away talking to Dave, problem about dinner. He grinned. "How was the spanking?" he asked me.

I gave him an answering grin. "No spanking yet. We just worked our way up to sex in public, give it some time."

Tamar doubled over in laughter.

Well, I thought it was a good comeback, too.

We set sail the next day- heading towards New Zealand for Christmas. We almost didn't make it. I wanted to show Relena where the dolphins meet. It's only a GPS point but I wanted to show her. And, besides, I thought we needed some time alone. We did. Watching and swimming with them for four days. Our time together, alone.

So it?s none of your business.

It was...special, and its ours.

ehem...

Anyways, to allay Chris's guilt, I had him pick up Relena's gifts I ordered for her, since we would be running late. Relena, as always, was prepared for the holidays, for the presents wrapped and ready on Christmas morning.

I dislike holidays, normally. I didn't see the significance of them. But Relena does. And I she does so do I. Proof? There's a raggedly looking toy bear sitting on our dresser in our cabin.

I have turned into a sentimental fool.

I waited for the voice in my head to say that is, yup, you're pathetic, but it was silent.

I am going to miss that voice.

Chris had, at first, wanted to pay for the repair of the figurehead, but I said no. I'd already forgave him and besides, I have way more money than he has. And that Relena already had paid for it. When I asked why, she said that she needed to assuage her guilt. Well, that's what she said. I don't know for what but, whatever it was, she emphatically to pay for it. Like it would make a dent in her wallet.

So, I let it drop. I had decided by then I would use the same method I used on Tamar, I would buy her something expensive or hard to get to make it up.

She really did like the 2 carets apiece diamond drop earrings with matching 5-carat diamond pendant. It had cost more than the figurehead repair. I would have gotten it for her, regardless. She's worth it, and besides, what do you really get one of the richest women in the world for Christmas? Answer, unique jewelry and opera tickets.

Two pairs of them to the Sydney Opera House.

The one in Australia. Just checking.

For the Opening Night of 'Faust,' seven months from now.

Box seats.

They cost me more than the 'Sea of Stars.'

Her reaction on Christmas Day was reserved in front of everybody. Her reaction back at the cabin was far better than anything I could have received.

I was beginning to like holidays.

What else did she give me, Christmas Day? Besides the repair, she also gave me a book. It was a rather embarrassing book in front of everybody.

Damnit! She knows me WAY too well. The title of the book was ...was...

Hell!

The title was 'Aquasexualism: 101 ways to love in the water."

Everybody laughed, of course. You don't expect to have that kind of book under the tree, you know, so I was kind of blind-sided. And publicly mocked.

...Ok, ok! I have a thing for water, ok? There I confessed. I actually, I didn't noticed it until Relena jokingly said to me that we have more sex in the shower in the morning than in the bed at night.

I don't want talk about it anymore. End of discussion.

Oh, she did give me something else. After she joyfully 'thanked me' for the tickets, we laid in bead in post-coital bliss.

Did I ever mention I like bliss?

"Oh, Damn,? She suddenly sat up out of my arms scampered over me out of the bed and went to the dresser. She opened the top drawer, digging through our underwear drawer (yes, ours. I still find that amazing.)

I took the opportunity to get under the covers and prop myself against the headboard. And, of course, enjoy the view.

I like looking at a naked Relena.

I don't know what she was looking for but she was getting upset about it. I heard "stupid," and "Where'ya put it, Relena?" and "How could I forget." I was about to ask if she needed any help, when she suddenly stood up straight and saying "A-HA!" Her hands holding up a small jewelry box.

I'm glad she found it, but I was starting to feel a little 'uncomfortable' and thought that she really needs to put on a shirt. She was- distracting.

"Relena, could you get me a pair of boxers?" I asked, hoping she would get the hint.

She got it, a little too well, for she gave me a sly look with her ditching grin and tossed me a pair. She, thank god, put on one of my tee shirts. Now, I could concentrate on whatever she was going to say instead of her breasts.

She came back to bed. She found a seat on my thighs, straddling (which was back-firing my pay attention plan) and facing me. " Sorry, I was going to give it to you this morning but I forgot." Relena said, presenting me the small velvet box.

I opened it. There, on a thick rope of golden chain, rested a pendant shaped like the long-faced Easter Island statures in profile. It was about an inch and a half long with a diamond chip for the eye and ruby chips for the topknot. It was etched to the contours of the statue.

Why, I wondered. It was pretty, I supposed, but I didn't understand the significance behind it. "Why?" I finally asked, after staring at the pendant dangling from the chain.

"This," she replied, taking the chain from my hand and unlatching it. "Is a reminder to you and me of our promise. And, besides,? She grinned, hugging me to latch the chain around my neck. "You don't have any jewelry. So, I wanted to be the first to give you something."

I cocked my eyebrow.

She straightened out the chain, her fingers following it down to where the pendant laid on my chest. Her eyes refocused on my face, but her fingers continued to play with the pendant. "Well, Duo has jewelry."

And? "Duo has crosses, the man collects them. Duo also has tattoos, piercing and long hair. Do I have to be a copy of him or is Duo marrying the wrong person?"

She swatted my bicep and a peeved expression crossed her face. "God, no! Thought of marrying Duo is like marrying my brother:? She stuck out her tongue and squinted her eyes. "YUCK!" It was cute. She looked back at me. "Hilde told me where one of his piercing was,? She shivered at the thought.

So did I. I had the unfortunate to see it. "I would think that it would be painful and disruptive."

She shook her head. "I don't want to even contemplate it! And that goes double for you, mister!" She added, wagging her finger at me.

"Never, don't worry. But you are right. I rather learn the REAL reason you gave me this,? I pointed to necklace. "And not talk about Duo's..."

She covered my mouth. "Don't say it, Heero!" She released my mouth and placed both palms over the pendant, crossing to form a ?X.? She looked at me, her eyes full of emotion. "I got it to remind you that I love you, Heero Yuy."

I felt my insides melting. I still don't know how she does that, but I'm glad I'm the only one she looks at with that gaze. Mine and mine alone.

I leaned in towards her, taking a small kiss from her lips. "Thank you,? I replied solemnly, my hands covering hers. We sat like that for several moments. I enjoyed the silence, and feel of her, and her light blue eyes looking at me like I was the most important thing in the world. I hope that I was, for she is to me.

But sitting still wasn't my forte, and after a while, I grabbed he wrists suddenly and pulled them from my chest. With a yelp from her, I flipped her over on her back, my legs between hers and the heavy pendant swinging, banging her in the nose.

"Ouch!" She exclaimed, wiggling her nose in a vain attempted to scratch it. "Your necklace hurts!"

Still trapping her wrists in my hands, I lowered my head to kiss the injured body part. "You bought it. You should have considered this scenario, for you are often find yourself in this position." I smiled at her offended look and laughing in her eyes. I have found that teasing Relena is quite enjoyable. "Oh, by the way, to get the last word in and finish my statement from earlier when I was most rudely interrupted- dick, Duo's..."

I tailed off when she started to laugh. I released my hands and captured that joyous noise with my mouth. Though I was only teasing, I made it my mission to make sure she wasn't going to think of any body part of Duo's, or of anything, for a very long time.

I am happy to report that mission successful.

***

It was several days later, docked in Bangkok, when the news hit.

Relena had, the night before, introduced me too something call the 'three-handed massage.' Never heard of it. But, for something that required no sexual intercourse, it was...incredible. It took all night and most of the early morning to properly demonstrate it. Consequently, we slept in until the afternoon. We were awakened by Dave, who has no shame, coming into the cabin and shaking both of us awake.

I pushed the wild-eyed Dave out of the room, who only explained by saying that we needed to come out here. We quickly got dressed, thinking there was an emergency of sorts. When we talked out the main living area, all of our friends were there, staring at us.

Dave, refusing to explain what was going on, grabbed the remote for the entertainment center and turned it to the news.

They got him.

Daniel 'who is one lucky SOB because I wasn't on the hunt for his ass' Halstine was caught on the L4 colony last night. There were no details how, but he was to be extradited to Chicago to stand trail for the seven murders and five rapes that happened within the city limits, including Relena's.

I silently thanked any and every deity who allowed the State of Illinois to still have Capital Punishment, even though most are doing away with it.

I looked at Relena. Her face was expressionless, but her eyes were filled with remembered pain.

Unlike all the times before, when I was hesitant and unsure, I now knew what to do. I stood in front of her, breaking her trance with the television. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders drawing her to my chest. I kissed the top of her head. "You OK?" I asked softly.

One of her arms wrapped around my waist while the other played with necklace. She wasn't reluctant anymore to express her feelings with me, thank god. "No," she sighed into my shoulder, her hand gently smoothing the pendant over my tee shirt. "But, that's ok. You'll be with me, right?"

How could she ask...oh, she wanted reassurance: rule #11. "Of course, as long as you want me to be here with you."

It sound stupid, but she nodded into my shoulder and mumbled "Thank you," into my shirt. I just held her for the longest time.

Her nightmares started up again. They were just as intense as before, but less frequent. The frequently might have something to do with the fact I made sure she was utterly exhausted at night and she would fall into a dreamless sleep.

Another use for sex.

Relena told me what the nightmare was about, but I didn't know how to help her. I gave her some advice that I would use on my nightmares, and also told her she should contact the doctor for a web consult. She talked to the doctor, and soon the nightmares backed down to a rare event. I wasn?t sure if it was my advice or the doctor's, but whatever it was, I was glad of it.

Two other events took place before we docked at Sri Lanka; the first was Relena's Dirty Little Secret.

I often wondered how she was so...knowledgeable in the aspects of lovemaking. I assumed that was taught, perhaps, in the school or at home, by her parents.

I was way off.

It was from books.

Not books like "The Joy of Sex" or the "Katra Sutra." No, It was form a type of books called collectively, 'bodice-rippers.'

I know, what a strange name. I was surprised when I asked Chris on the radio about them. Though, I could see why they were labeled so y the cover.

Normally, I wouldn't care about what was on the cover or the title for that matter, but when you find a total of eighteen (so far) hidden all over he ship, all with similar scenes on the cover, you start to wonder.

And I was finding in the strangest places. I had pulled five alone out of the ruined furniture when we were on Easter Island. After that, they seem to pop up without me trying to find them. Two where wedged between our bed and wall. I found them when I was making it. There was one in the chair into our cabin. Two were in the head, behind the towels. There were three in her former bedroom, in various of places. There was one in Zero's half -bag of dog food. One in the cupboards behind the plates. The last two, I found wedged between the cushions of the couches in the living area.

The series was called 'Lord Laudrey's Conquests.'

Thinking it was an historical action series about a general in the British military, I started to read one of them. After all, with eighteen books, and the owner's intelligence, it must be a good series.

Ok...well, it wasn?t the type of action I was think about.

Or the type of conquests.

After scanning several others, I came to the conclusion they were all about sex. Let me rephrase that, all about sex that was 'dressed' (and I use the phrase loosely) in a badly written story.

Thus, I asked Chris about them.

'Mary has a ton of them!"

"Why?" I questioned. "If she wanted that type of gratification, wouldn?t pictures be sufficient? Looking at the covers..."

"No, no, no, my friend,? He chuckled over the line. "That is considered to be porn. That requires no imagination or thought to portray the event. Written word, however, stimulates the imagination, thus erotica proves that woman are smarter than men, for they are the majority purchaser of that literature."

huh?

"Well," He said after a moment. "That?s what my wife says. Actually, its because men are the whole are sight-based creatures and women's minds are geared to handle several levels of input."

Again, huh?

"She likes reading smut, like most women." Chris finally said, exasperated with the silence on my end. "You can use this against her, you know."

"How?" I was curious. Whether or not I acted on it was a different story.

"Well, since she hid them, she didn't want anyone to know she read such books. She would be so embarrass by the fact that you have knowledge of them. Also, that series, as I know because my wife has them, has many time women in submissive roles. You can egg her about that. Or..."

He kept going on, but I couldn't believe it. Women in submissive roles? And she was reading it? Relena? I couldn't comprehend it. I did really want to, though. I could easily get a woman to do some of the scenarios in the book but I would find her...unattractive. One of the best things about Relena is that she isn't submissive. It isn't in her nature. If she was, our relationship would quickly become...boring.

Perhaps, she was curious about it. I could ask, but how?

An idea formed.

I talked to Chris for a few minutes, discussing the plan I have thought of with him. With some tweaking, it became a satisfactory plan to be executed.

Chris agreed whole heartily. "This will be too good!" He laughed. "Gotta tell me how it ends, Heero!"

I agreed. Mission: to embarrass Relena and find out why she was reading this books. Mission Accepted.

The plan was quite simple. I would rearrange the books, shuffling them from their various hiding places. That would confuse her and have her speculate whether or not I knew of them. She would eventually have to confront me.

Then the fun would begin.

I shifted frequently, usually when she was steering the ship. The first days after impamenting the plan, she looked confused, especially when I knew she was looking for her books. Then she started to look embarrassed and nervous whenever she sat down to read anything. Finally, about a week later, she got the nerve to ask me.

"Heero,? She asked. "Have you seen some books of mine?" It was evening and we had just finished dinner. I had helped with the dishes and was now on one of the couches reading Tolkien. I placed the book face down on my leg and turned to look at her.

"What kind of book?" I replied. I kept my speech as close to monotone as possible.

Relena looked down at her hands, which were clasping and unclasping agitatedly. "Uhm...they were...uhm...paperbacks."

When Relena uses "Uhm" or "ah" or any word of that type, it's a sigh of extreme agitation. After all, she is politician, and is used to speaking clearly.

I had kept the worst of the lot near me and was tucked in the cushions. "Yes,? I answered her smoothly. "I have, Relena. Some series called Lord Laundry's Conquests?" That was deliberate.

"Laudrey," she corrected, blushing. "I'm...uhm...actually looking for one book in particular. It's called..."

I interrupted, pulling the paperback in question and held it up just out of her reach. "Is it this one;? The Surrender of Phillipa?'"

Her eyes widened. She nodded and tried to grab it from my hands. "Yes Heero, it is!" I kept jerking the worn paperback from her reach. "Give it to me, Heero!" Relena exclaimed, getting peeved from her fruitless attempts to recover the novel.

"Not so fast, I have some questions about this book, especially about chapter four." The chapter in question was quite worn, with missing corners on its pages. A well-read section. She gasped and frantically renewed her attempts to grab it.

And I was enjoying myself.

I grabbed her wrists in one hand and flipped the book to a marked passage. "It says, 'Phillipa moaned, her breasts heaving, when her Lordship revealed his proud man...'"

"HEERO!" She jerked out of my grip and made another grab for it. I slid the novel back behind me.

"I wonder, Relena, by the description of Phillpa's size, she was a small woman. And the description of Lord Laudrey says he was quite...substanantal, wouldn't it be painful? Especially when, in chapter eleven when they...urph!"

With a growl, Relena jumped on me, straddling my legs. She proceeded to reach behind me to try to retrieve the book. "HEER-O!!" She moaned. "Give me the book!"

"When you answer this question, why?"

She threw her hands in the air. "I dunno, maybe I like the covers. Why the curiosity?"

I shrugged. "Because I'm curious. Now tell me the REAL reason." I tried to say it in my best monotone, but was having a hard time maintaining it due to the fact my amusement was starting to show.

"Maybe I don't have to tell you the real reason. Her eyes gleamed as she leaned forward towards me, in stalking stance.

Oh no.

I have found out, to my dismay, that I have one weakness.

I'm ticklish.

Extremely ticklish.

And Relena knows all the spots.

Damn! Bitch.

She pounced on them, her fingers easily sliding underneath my shirt.

I tried to grab her hands, but without success. Soon with my laughter and our wrestling we ended on the floor. Zero, who was napping on the opposite couch sat up and soon joined is, yapping and licking, tail slapping us.

Relena took advantage of my distraction of Zero, and leaped up to the couch, grabbing the book in question. "Ah-HAH!" She shouted in triumph, holding her prize in the air.

I finally pushed Zero off of me and stood up, fixing my shirt. "Are you going to give me an answer?" I asked, crossing my arms.

She pursed her lips. "I don't know, really. For curiosity, perhaps. I think that I thought that is what you wanted in a woman. Docile and deferring."

I shook my head. "I cannot comprehend you being docile or submissive, Relena. Since I'm attracted to you, women like that don't appeal to me. And, besides, it would be dull after a while. I like challenges."

She cocked an eyebrow at me. "Really? I wonder if you're the submissive one, Heero. I retrieved the book so easily. The combination of your advancing years and you preference for domineering women has made you weeeeeek!"

I quickly took the steps towards her during the speech. I grabbed her and unceremonial threw her over my shoulders.

Advancing years? Domineering? hn.

I thought how I would have to prove how un-submissive I really am on the way to the cabin. All the while Relena was pounding on my back. We'll see whose the one who will be submissive and who will be domineering!

Later, after we 'settled' our argument (it was a draw), we lay curled up asleep on the bed, the vid-com rang.

I blearily rolled away from the sleeping Relena and checked the number. It was Duo, with an emergency icon next to the number.

With a sigh, I got out of bed. Relena sleepily protesting the missing heat source. I quickly got dressed in undergarments and put on a rope. I descended the ladder to the library, where my vid-com was located.

After activating the necessary security (from Duo, mostly. He's been trying to figure where I am.), I answered the call.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Do you know anything about the salmon?"

What? When did fish become an emergency? Here, I was thinking Mr. Halstine escaped. "A fish?" I hazarded.

"That's what I said, too, but apparently it?s also a color. Actually the bride's maids dresses' color."

Huh? "Salmon is a color?" He woke me up with this?

"Yeah, at least Hilde thinks so. Its a revolting shade of pink." On screen, Duo shook his head. "My future in-laws have taken over the whole thing! This is so doomed!"

I'm glad we agree on one thing.

"It was her mother's bridesmaid?s color! The dresses are hideous-looking as it was and now..."He sighed. "Anyways that isn't why I called,? He continued. "I actually need to ask Relena's advice on something."

"What? Salmon? She's resting right now and she hasn't been sleeping well since THE NEWS hit and we were NOT GIVEN PRIOR WARNING. After all, she's only the victim. Ask me and I'll see if its something I should wake her with." Chances are it wasn't. His idea of priority is totally different than mine. And, besides, I wasn't happy about the lack of knowledge of the capture of Halstine. Hell, I haven't been happy about anything to do with the man.

Duo had winced at every word I had enunciated. Good. "Sorry, man, but the team didn't want anybody to leak the story and they were afraid the comm was tapped. So, Nobody was told, including Zechs. I thought it was stupid, for encryption is your middle name, but trust me, Heero, they had a good reason. Well the did after the explained it to me."

There was something he wasn't telling me. damnit! If I don't get the whole story before the disaster of a wedding, there will be dead Gundam Pilots littering the aisle. This especially including a certain longhaired loud mouthed Catholic and pitiful excuse for a best friend on the screen. In fact, he'll be the first to go.

I'm not going to enjoy this wedding. I'm despairing the thought of going to L2.

Duo interrupted my plans to take out my friends in frustration. "I have a problem." He said solemnly, playing with the end of his braid.

You have several, Idiot. It's good he's nervous. I thought I was losing my touch of my ability to put the fear of God in him. "It is...?"

"I can?t find a caterer for the reception."

The word idiot doesn't begin to describe him. "I got up at,? I checked the clock. "Early in the morning,? Exact time would give away my position. "Out of a warm bed,? Next to an equally warn and wonderfully naked Relena. "FOR THIS?" I finished, with satisfaction that Duo winced at every word and paled. I placed my hand over the keyboard, my finger hovering over the disconnect switch, "You got sixty seconds, Maxwell..." I growled.

He waved his hands, his full of panic. "Wait! HEERO, Please!! Look, I've been through every caterer on L2. Quatre has tried everything. Hilde's parents hate them all!! I'm at my wits end!! They want this catered but can't agree who should cook. The ones I like the hate and vise versa. I was wondering if Relena could give me any ideas, names, anything to help me..."

"I can," I answered.

Duo's eyes widened. "YOU CAN?!?!"

"Do you trust me?"

Duo chuckled. "Yeah man, but Hilde's parents..."

I interrupted him. "Tell them the best cook on Earth who fix any menu you want will arrive with me. Get the staff part set up and leave the cooking to him. Dress it however you want, but if you want him, realize I am not going to give you a name right now."

"Man, some things never change. Once paranoid always paranoid." He mumbled under his breath but the mic picked it up. He shook his head as if to clear it. "Ok, no prob, buddy!"

"Good, anything else?" I would regret asking that. You would think I would learn by now.

"Well thee is an issue with the band..."

See what I mean?

Twenty minutes later, and after a through questionnaire on Relena and my relationship (which he got no answers), I finally returned to the cabin, undressed, and slid under the covers next to Relena.

"Who was that?" she mumbled, half-asleep.

"Duo. Something about salmon."

"Duo's having salmon at the reception?"

I sighed. "Go to sleep, Relena."

It was awhile before I did. I needed to convince my friends to join me to attend this wedding. Not a problem, free trip to the colonies, they will take it. Dave to cook, that will take a little more, but possible, especially when I tell him that the Winner family will be there. He has always dreamed of cooking for the elite. But the biggest problem was this. I have to tell them, really tell them who I am.

And that frightened me.

In the morning, I voiced my concerns to Relena.

She took a sip of her coffee before answering. "Well, I think you should just tell them. I think you will find them more understanding than you give them credit for." She grinned. "But don't sugar coat!"

For a moment, I scowled at her, and then I sighed. I hope that she is right.

When we pulled into Sri Lanka, I asked them to accompany us to L2.

Mary and Chris were excited. "We?ve never been off-planet before? Mary had exclaimed when she heard the news.

Dave, of course, had an air of supiority. "For you only, Heero, I shall accept this pitiful sum and a job way beneath my expertise."

Anton said nothing, but cocked his eyebrow. He easily figured out who Duo was.

I didn't say a word about who I was the entire time we were in Sri Lanka.

"Oh, Heero,? Relena shook her head when we cast off and I informed her of my cowardness.

It was, really.

Since I started to figure these emotions out, I have become more and more skittish about being hurt by them. I didn't want my friends to dislike me. I knew what to do, but actually going through the act was entirely different thing.

"When are you going to tell them, when the shuttle docks at L2/? She laid her palm against my cheek. "And that's not the worst of it."

I cocked my head. "What now? How can it be worst than the mess I have gotten myself into?"

She smiled, removing her hand from my face and clasping both in front of her. "As best man, you will have to give a speech at the reception."

I smacked my head against the bulkhead behind me. I closed my eyes.

Fuck!!

I was getting more and more nervous each day we got closer to Diego Garcia. Even winning our informal flotilla's sailing contest didn't help. Well, not for long.

Relena tried to help me write a speech, but at the each session all I got was lots of crumpled paper and a migraine. Our destination was looming ever closer and I had no idea how to tell them about me. I mean, what do I say? Hi, my name's Heero and I've killed lots of people, probably some of your own family members without remorse. Before that I was apprenticed to an assassin. What to meet all my friends?

But my time had run out and we pulled into the 17 square mile atoll's inner harbor.

The former British and American naval base was the only place there were humans living there. In the last hundred years, after the base was closed and the Island was given back to its native population, it became a spot for good food and a safe haven for sailing ships.

The prize for the race that I had won (I had help from Relena, Chris and Anton) was Lobster dinner at the "B-52," a restaurant situated on the inner harbor. The conversation was animated, but I felt tense, nervous. It didn't help to see every once in a while, Anton and Relena glance at me in concern.

I apparent ally couldn't hide my feelings. My friends were concerned, but I told them I was all right. That all I needed was some fresh air. So we all left the restaurant, walking down to the beach and silently agreed to take a stroll on the shore.

I was calming down. Out here there was some privacy and space. For some reason, I need the space.

After a while, the chatter between everyone died down. It was a nice night, with a full moon lighting everything up like the sun. But I could still feel the eyes boring into my back. Relena squeezed my hand and whispered that it would be ok.

Would it be? I don't know. And that is what is scaring me.

There was some rocky coral outcropping ahead of us, the only wrinkle on an otherwise flat sandy shore. I strode ahead, releasing Relena's hand. I will do it here. I clambered up the small rise and sat to face my fast approaching friends.

I've got to get this over with.

They soon formed a semi-circle around me. Relena stood close to me and laid her hand on my shin, rubbing it absently. I knew I had her support, and probably Anton's, but it was good to be reminded of it.

'So?" Dave crossed his arms. "There?s something you wanted to say to us? This is the only reason you would allow us to accompany you when it was obvious you wanted to be alone." The others nodded. How do they know me so well?

"Yes."

"An?" Chris replied. "We are your friends, Heero. You can tell us anything!"

Anton snorted. Thanks for the reassurance, there, Anton!

'I...I haven't been truthful about me, about my past." I started.

"Yeah, that's not a crime,? Dave retorted. "I'm sure all of us have our secrets that we don't want to tell anybody. That's all right. We respect your privacy."

Chris added, "Whatever you're gonna tell us can't that be that bad, right? It's not like you were an axe murderer. right?"

Anton snorted again- bastard!

Here goes nothing. I closed my eyes. "I was a Gundam Pilot."

Silence. I opened my eyes and then,

"No WAY!" Chris. "You're joshing. You'll be like fourteen!"

"I can't believe it,? Mary added to her husband's comment.

"Impossible!" Dave chuckled. "Those guy were nuts, and you look pretty sane to me, Heero!"

Oh, how little do you know, Dave.

Anton coughed, interrupting everyone's mirth. "I told you I built Gundams during the war for OZ, right?" The three nodded. "I rebuilt his after he tried to self-detonated it, and kill himself." Relena shuddered. I have to admit, not the most brilliant idea I had, but it did get the point across.

He finished. "I met him and another pilot in Antarctica while I was rebuilding Tallgeese, Relena's brother's Gundam."

The three looked shocked. For several moments, all you could hear was the ocean crashing onto the beach.

"Unbelievable," Dave finally said into the night. "That would make you..."

"Fifteen, the same age as Relena was at the time."

'You met him during the war, Relena?" Mary asked her. Relena nodded. "You knew?"

"Not at first, but after my father died, I learned most of truth."

"Wow, fifteen,? Chris murmured. "Which one?"

"Gundam Wing Zero. Or 01, Oz called it."

"That?s the one that killed the diplomats, right?" Mary questioned. I nodded. I already cleared my conscience of that incident.

Relena clarified that episode. "I was later determined that the Gundam pilots were fed false information from OZ. They wanted to take out some political headaches and have a rallying point for Earth. Besides,? He added, looking at me with a soft smile. "He was the one who blew away Maramaia's stronghold and stopped that war."

Anton added, "And stopped Libra from falling on the Earth." Well, part of it.

They stared at me. I was so frightened of their opinion. Their respect and friendship was important to me, and I didn't want to lose it.

Chris was the first to speak. "Well, you idiot, you should have told us from the beginning!"

Mary smiled and nodded. "Like that would make a difference on how we have treated you!"

Dave laughed. "I still think they were nuts, and now after finding out you were one, definitely certifiable!"

My tension flowed out to sea. They didn't care!

Relena squeezed my ankle. "See, It wasn't that bad!" She grinned.

No, it wasn't. I jumped down and joined them to make our journey back to our respective ships. "Please don't tell anyone, ok?" I asked after a moment. "I don't think everyone would be as flexible as you all are."

They agreed with me. With that over, I could sail to Capetown with less axiouity than before. All I have to do is to get past this damnable wedding, and everything would be smooth sailing.

I should known better to say that.









*******
Glossary-

FLOTILLA--a group of ships sailing together, usually applied to sailing ships. Today, we use FLEET, same meaning.

DIEGO GARCIA--a tiny (I mean TINY) island literary in the middle of nowhere, Indian Ocean. The only people on this foot-shaped Island is wildlife and British and American military personnel. And a few civilian contractors. If you find it on the map, you got a GOOD map. It's a British territory. It's part of the Chacos Arcipelcio.

******

R&R pleez!!!!

[Kuno-baby]

Ride back to Reality...I love that title. What can I say that hasn't been said? Amazing chappie like always. Your characterization of Heero is so smooth. He's so human in this and quite funny when he's around Relena. LOVE IT!

[Kuno-baby]

Ride back to Reality...I love that title. What can I say that hasn't been said? Amazing chappie like always. Your characterization of Heero is so smooth. He's so human in this and quite funny when he's around Relena. LOVE IT!

[Yawning!]

*Sniff* I wanted to be the first reviewer. Darn you Kuno-baby, darn yooouuuu!
Okay, my drama queen moment is done.

Anyhoo, trekkiexb5, you can do no wrong with this story. You know I love it. And I definitely cracked up and laughed at the scene with Heero and Chris and Heero telling he's a ex-Gw pilot.

Hell, the whole stories a laugh a minute...and sweet. Aw!

[Shinigamigrul]

yayyyyyyyyyy I love this chapter *like all the ones before it* heero is halarious in this story....write more soon!!!

[Kari]

OK this is the part where I'm going to start nagging at you for the next chapter. So I won't disappoint you. Here goes. * clears throat* When is the next chapter due???
Kari
P.S. Did you like it. I didn't disappoint you huh??

[Faye Faye]

Great Chapter! So Much Sexy stuff! I'm loving this series!

[Morrighan]

Loved this chapter!!! I can't wait to see what happens next!!!

[zipdos]

WOOOOWWW!!! Great chapter!!!!!!!!! I like the part where Relena gives Heero a necklace!!!! Can't wait for Duo's wedding!!!!!!!!!

[Elyn Yuy]

Yayyy!!! The ch.12 is here!!!

hops on her horse and rolls off her horse of her own accord... Great job!!!

write another chappie!!!

Elyn Yuy