SLOW TO REACT
Relena punched the bag with as much force as possible. Damn him, damn him, damn him. Damn him for sitting over there and watching her, damn him for not seeing what she needed, damn him for finally seeing it now, when she hated him. Each punch caused her arms to groan in protest and her knuckles to burn?but Relena was not afraid of pain.
She punched and hit, swearing angrily at the bag, her breath catching in her throat. She hit it again and again, not stopping, never ceasing her powerful blows. He was so distant, always. And he came back for her. She knew it, and she hated him for it. Damn him! Again and again she thought it, knowing she didn?t mean it, and it just increased her fury.
I woke up in dream today
To the cold of the static
And put my cold feet on the floor
Forgot all about yesterday
Remembering I'm pretending to be where I'm not anymore
A little taste of hypocracy
And I'm left in the wake of the mistake
Slow to react.
Heero sat quietly watching her. Something was wrong, and it was wrong with him. He knew what he had done was wrong; he should never have left after the Mariemeya incident, but he did and he hated himself for it. He wanted her to hate him, but he knew it was a lie to say that.
In truth, all that was keeping them apart was pride. And fear.
Relena remembered when he came back. He had told her he loved her. And she had turned away from him. He had been so shocked--it hurt him so much. But that was what happened. Relena felt the wet slickness of blood on her knuckles. She left red strike marks on the bag.
It's true: the way I feel
Was promised by your face
The sound of your voice
Painted on my memories
Even when you're not with me
I'm with you.
You
Now I see
Keeping everything inside
You
Now I see
Even when I close my eyes
Heero rose, grabbing the bag and rounding on Relena. It was time to go. But she did the last thing he would ever have expected. She hit him. The blow stung his face, bruising the flesh that had softened from lack of pressure. But the real pain came from inside.
Relena struggled against him as his arms came around her; she punched at his chest and shoulders, trying to get him away from her. Don?t get too close; I?ll never be able to let go again! She punched and hit at him, numbed by her first strike, not even realizing she was breathing in great gasping sobs.
Heero felt his patience wear thin. He raised an arm and slapped her across the face--instantly regretting it. Relena, my Relena. He had taken care not to hit her hard, but the action had hurt him inside-more than her striking him.
I hit you and you hit me back
We fall to the floor
The rest of the day stands still
Fine line between this and that
When things go wrong, I pretend that the past isn't real
Now I'm trapped in this memory
And I'm left in the wake of the mistake
Slow to react
Even though you're so close to me
You're still so distant
And I can't bring you back
She stepped backward, her mind cleared. He hit her. He hit her. And the pain that flowed from the bruise on her cheek was not anywhere near the pain that raced to her heart. He hit her. And she knew she didn?t hate him. She loved him so much.
His arms slipped around her shoulders, drawing her to his chest, and they both sank to the ground, smoldering in their pain.
?I?m sorry,? he choked.
Relena remained silent, crying against his chest. ?No! Don?t ever apologize! Hit me again!?
Heero stared at the top of her head. She raised her eyes this time, the sea green flashing dangerously. ?Hit me again! I want to feel the pain!?
?I?m sorry!?
?No! I want to feel the pain! God dammit, Heero! I can?t function between worlds! Either you leave and I hurt, or you hit me and you stay and I hurt! Being with you and not hurting is not a reality! Make my world real!?
He watched her speak, hearing every word. He saw her sweet lips curve in such a pained expression. Then he leaned forward and captured them. He was suprised to find she did not fight back, nor did she participate. Relena seemed so listless now. ?Is that good enough?? he murmured.
She shuddered and leaned against his chest. ?Just don?t stop.?
No, no matter how far we've come
I can't wait to see tomorrow
No matter how far we come
I can't wait to see tomorrow
With you
The End
AN- Wow, I found this little story on the laptop. I think I wrote it about a year ago. It's embarrassing how many little stories I'm finding.
And yet I can't seem to write anything right now! Anyway, please let me know what you think! 
Elyn Yuy
