Of Laptops and Love Letters (6-9)
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:24 pm
~ The weekly chapter has arrived! Granted, it's a bit late... Thank you all so much for the wonderful reviews. I'm glad you're enjoying this fic so much. And now, on with the fic!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. The song I'm Gonna Be is the Proclaimers'.
Of Laptops & Love Letters
Chapter 6
By: Penybright
The dimly lit apartment set the atmosphere for the unfolding plot. Four young men were seated around a folding table, three of them intently watching the braided one. Duo studied their faces, making sure he had their undivided attention. Pulling the others into his scheme would definitely make things easier. Heero didn't have a chance with all four of them working against... no, for him.
"As you all know, Heero was unable to attend our weekly poker gamed due to his new... occupation," Duo began. There were several snickers from various parties.
"I'm sure that it has come to all of your attention, that Yuy has some problems. Mainly in the relationship area. May I present exhibit A," Duo said, pulling out Heero's laptop with a flourish. He instantly had everyone's attention.
"Go ahead and look at some of the documents," he smiled. "I'm sure you'll find them quite entertaining. Personally, I never knew Heero had it in him to be a romantic."
The other pilots were floored, to say the least. There were various documents that contained detailed plans of possible date ideas. Other files were devoted solely to love notes, some of them epic. The odd poem or song was found as well. However, the most interesting detail, was who all the notes, letters, and songs were addressed to.
"So, who's in?" Duo asked casually.
"We're in," Quatre, Wufei, and Trowa chorused.
"All right, let us begin Operation Amour!"
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
That evening, Heero found himself pouring over security documents. Lady Une had given Heero detailed schematics of Relena's current security, and the known problems they had encountered. It wasn't exactly the most fascinating reading material, but he wasn't about to overlook anything concerning Relena's safety. He had questioned Une about Relena receiving threats. She had told him not to worry about it. They were on it. He was just supposed to do his job. Heero explained to her that knowing about possible terrorists was his job. Lady Une reminded him of his place, and quickly dismissed him.
Thinking back on it, Heero didn't like the answers he had been given. Something was up, and he hated being in the dark. Without access to any of the gathered information or threats, he could do nothing. Placing the stack of security details on the desk before him, Heero sighed heavily. Running a hand through his messy bangs, he stood up. It was going to be a long night, and he would definitely need some coffee.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
The next morning, there was a brisk knock on Heero's bedroom door before it swung open. Relena stepped into the room and stopped dead in her tracks. Heero was standing in the middle of the room, noting but a towel wrapped around his waist. He blinked in surprise, water dripping from his wet bangs.
Relena had to shake her head and bring herself back to reality.
"I- I'm sorry. I didn't realize..."
Heero remained standing like a deer caught in headlights, a deep flush working its way across his face.
"Um... I'll let you get dressed, then we'll talk," Relena mumbled, blushing as she stepped out, shutting the door softly behind her.
"Damn," she breathed once the door was shut, fanning herself. The mental image of Heero in nothing but a towel almost caused her to swoon. But then, reality settled in.
"He'd never think of me in that way," Relena whispered. "I'm a friend, a ... mission," she stated sadly, heading downstairs.
"I just hope I can keep this up," she murmured worriedly.
After Relena shut the door, Heero remained standing rigidly still in the middle of his room. He blinked several more times before coming back to reality. It wasn't everyday that the woman of your dreams walked in on you while... Heero shook his head to clear it. Relena wanted to talk to him, and he didn't want to keep her waiting. She was an extremely busy woman.
Once dressed and downstairs, Heero found Relena at the front door. She was talking to a delivery man, who had a small package. Creeping forward silently, Heero listened closely to the conversation.
"May I ask who the package is from?" Relena inquired, curious.
The delivery man looked down at his clipboard.
"A Mr. Yuy," he replied, handing her the small cardboard box. Relena accepted it with a nod and a thank you. Heero watched her puzzled expression as she turned back into the foyer.
"Why would Heero send me something? He could just give it to me..."
Heero was wondering the same thing himself. He hadn't sent Relena anything. He didn't have any need to...
"Shit," Heero cursed, blocking Relena's way and attempting to snatch the parcel.
"Heero! What are you trying to do?!" Relena cried, pulling the slim box out of his reach.
"Relena, give me the package," Heero commanded evenly.
"Why? What is it?"
"Just give me the package, Relena."
"What are you trying to hide, Heero?" Relena questioned as she twisted away, pulling the box open. Heero, again, attempted to snatch the object away, but Relena dashed around a corner.
"Relena!"
Relena tipped the box, and a slim CD fell out. It was unlabeled, and plain. She looked at it quizzically, before tucking it behind her back as Heero reached around her.
"What's on the CD that has you so worried, Heero?"
Heero came to a dead stop. Relena watched in fascination as all color drained from his face.
"D- did you say... CD?" he choked out.
"I most certainly did," Relena replied, taking the opportunity to escape up the stairs to her room. She could have sworn she heard Heero make a small squeak before giving chase. Giggling, Relena sprinted into her room, slamming her door shut just in time. Quickly, she jammed the lock into the place, knowing Heero all too well.
"Relena, give me the disc," Heero growled.
"I don't think so. I'm going to find out what's on this CD that has you so worked up."
"Relena, don't. Please, just give me the CD. Please..."
Relena ignored Heero's pleas as she slipped to disc into her stereo. She pressed play, and prepared herself for what was to come. To say the least, it wasn't anything she had expected.
As Heero heard the first several beats of the music, he slumped to the carpeted floor. As his head thunked against the door, he had only one thought. Duo was a dead man. If he managed to live this down...
Relena listened in fascination the music of a guitar. She jumped slightly when Heero's voice came on, singing.
...When I wake up, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
When I go out, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
If I get drunk, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you
And if I haver, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you
But I would walk five-hundred miles
And I would walk five-hundred more
Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles
To fall down at you door
When I'm working, yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money comes in for the work I'll do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you
When I come, oh I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if I grow old, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you
But I would walk five-hundred miles
And I would walk five-hundred more
Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles
To fall down at you door
When I'm lonely, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you
And when I'm dreaming, well I know I'm gonna dream
I'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with you
When I go out, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
And when I come home, yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you
I'm gonna be the man who's come home with you
But I would walk five-hundred miles
And I would walk five-hundred more
Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles
To fall down at you door
And I would walk five-hundred miles
And I would walk five-hundred more
Just to be the man that walked a thousand miles
To fall down at your door...
The music faded out to a blanketing silence. Relena's door began to slide open, and Heero hastily scrambled to his feet. He refused to raise his eyes from the floor, keeping his gaze locked there as he awaited his judgment...
~ Ah yes, Duo is one devious little monster, isn't he? Who knows what he has planned next? Only time will tell...
~ Sorry this is so late. My schedule is nasty right now. Anyway, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own. Got it? Good...
Of Laptops & Love Letters
Chapter 7
By: Penybright
Relena quietly opened her door to find Heero staring at the floor. She took a deep breath, and shoved the CD in his face. He seemed startled by her actions.
"I understand," she whispered. "This was meant for someone... special. Not me."
Heero's head shot up just in time to have the door shut in his face. He wanted to pound on the door and tell her the CD was meant for her. There was no one else. How could she even think such a thing?
Instead, Heero turned and slowly descended the stairs. When he reached the bottom step, he flopped down, cradling the CD in his hands. Things had turned out worse then he had expected. Now, Relena probably hated him. Heero became extremely angry with himself. He lurched to his feet, and in a sudden burst of temper, tossed the disc across the floor. It spun to a stop at the other end of the hallway as Heero stalked out the door, slamming it forcefully shut behind him.
Relena felt her entire section of the mansion shake with the impact. Not knowing that Heero had left, she rushed downstairs, thinking something was wrong. She was meet with an eerily silent hallway. Shrugging, Relena turned to go back up to her room when something caught her eye. A faint glimmer at the end of the hall grabbed her attention. When she saw what it was, she gasped and picked the CD up gingerly.
"But, why?" she asked herself, glancing sadly at the front door.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Heero was a man on a mission. He was upset enough to do something he would have never considered in his right mind. Ask for Duo to stop this torture, and maybe help him. Surely the braided idiot had to know something. He had gotten Hildie to marry him after all.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Duo wasn't home. Hildie opened her front door, and almost passed out in shock. She was very surprised to find Heero Yuy on her doorstep.
"I'm sorry, Duo's not home right now. I could tell him you stopped by?"
Heero seemed to hesitate before nodding reluctantly.
"Is something wrong, Heero? You don't seem yourself."
"I" Heero stopped not sure what to say.
"It's about Relena, isn't it? Why don't you come inside? Maybe I can help."
Heero reluctantly accepted her offer, not quite sure why he was acting in such a strange way.
"So, what seems to be the problem?"
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Duo watched the scene with Relena and Heero unfold with disappointment. He hadn't expected Relena to react like that. The idea was to get Heero to confess his feelings, not make Relena upset with him. This was going to be harder than he had originally anticipated. Who knew both of them could be so blindly stubborn?
"On to plan B," Duo muttered as he headed back to his car. He'd get them together yet, and if all else failed, Duo had one foolproof plan. He'd let Relena read the documents of Heero's laptop. A feral grin spread across Duo's features as he drove home. He could have a little fun while he was at it, make Heero squirm a little. Oh, that would most definitely satisfy his devious little mind...
Heero sat stiffly on the plush couch. His eyes roamed over the quaint room, done in a scheme of blue. As comforting as the room appeared, it did nothing to calm his nerves. Why was he here? Why had he accepted Hildie's help? What was he thinking!?! Heero began to second guess his faulty judgment. As he was getting up to leave, Hildie entered the room holding a steaming mug of liquid. She silently handed him the drink, sitting down in the chair opposite from the couch. Heero took a tentative sip of the liquid, and was surprised to discover that it was tea, not coffee.
"So... Heero---"
Hildie's question was cut off as the front door swung inward. Hildie jumped up from her seat, rushing over to the door.
"Duo!"
Heero perked up at the mention of that name. He waited silently for his prey to draw closer...
Duo entered the living room, and stopped dead in his tracks.
"Heero?!?"
'Shit!' Duo thought frantically, while trying to back away. Heero leapt up from the couch, and instantly had Duo pinned, one hand wrapped around his throat.
"I'm going to kill you, Maxwell," he seethed. And Duo believed him. Heero's eyes showed no mercy. Suddenly, Heero's hands dropped to his sides, and he stepped away.
"I shouldn't have come. I'll be going."
Wait! Maybe I can help. You do want to apologize, don't you?
Heero looked at him dubiously. Was this another trap?
"You do like her, don't you?"
Duo fell into helpless laughter as his friend answered him with a glare.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Heero crept silently into the dark room. In his arms, he cradled a large bouquet of lilies and roses, the white and red contrasting vibrantly. he had been reluctant to go along with this idea. Duo had insisted that flowers were the perfect way to make amends. He hadn't said anything about delivering them in person though.
Heero padded forward on the plush carpet, heading towards the dresser on his right. So far, he was doing good. All he had to do was leave the flowers and note for Relena to find in the morning. It was plain, simple. There was no way anything could go wrong...
"Heero?" a velvety, sleepy voice called as soft light flooded the room. Heero froze, not sure if he should make a run for it. Slowly, very slowly, he turned around to see Relena sitting up in bed.
He felt faint as he watched the covers slip down to her waist, revealing her scantily clad torso, wrapped in a thin silky material. He swallowed convulsively as one slender, creamy leg slid out from under the sheets. His eyes unwillingly traveled upwards, following her curves. What she was wearing, did not cover enough skin in his estimation. He could see incredibly too much, and he couldn't take it. The bouquet dropped from Heero's nerveless fingers as he took the full vision of her in. Then, promptly, he collapsed to the floor in an unconscious heap.
~ *evil cackle* This was soooo much fun to write! (Sorry, no nosebleed Moonkitty!) What's gonna happen when Heero wakes up????
~ Ooooookay, I know it's been AGES since I posted chapter 7. *in meek voice* I'm sorry... The next chapter of Specters should be coming soon too... Anyway, I hope I get chapter 9 out sooner. *crosses fingers* (And you'd think having the mob, an assassin, and The Noodle of Death after me, would motivate me to write faster... *sigh*
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters... blah, blah, blah.
Of Laptops & Love Letters
Chapter 8
By: Penybright
Cautiously, Heero opened his eyes, hoping that it was all just a bad dream. A bad dream that fate seemed to decide would last a bit longer. He stared blankly up at a ceiling that was not his. Actually, it would be a ceiling if it were his room. Instead, he found himself studying a royal blue canopy. He fervently wished that it wasn't that blue canopy, the one he knew belonged to a certain someone...
"Heero?"
'Damn it! This was not fair!'
He groaned in response, clenching his eyes shut. Maybe if he ignored her, she'd go away... This wasn't happening! It just couldn't be. Why did he never get a break?
'Where's a self detonation button when you really need one?' Heero thought acidly.
"Heero, are you all right? You just collapsed, and... Heero? Are you listening to me? I know you're awake..."
Heero reluctantly cracked one eye open. His other eye snapped open in surprise. Relena was leaning over him, her nightgown giving him a rather full view. He pulled in a deep breath, averting his eyes and tried to keep his mind out of the gutter. Did she have any idea...?
"Heero, what were you doing in my room?"
'Retreat, retreat!' his mind screamed in panic.
"I---"
What was he supposed to say? He had wanted to apologize, but... Taking another deep breath, he closed his eyes, swallowed thickly, and spoke.
"I'm sorry."
With those rushed words, he scrambled off her bed and beat a hasty retreat. Relena watched him go, a worried expression wrinkling her brow. He was sorry? For what? Her eyes pulled back to the forgotten bouquet, studying it.
"Why are you such a confusing man?" she sighed in exasperation at the flowers. They remained silent and beautiful in the dim light of her room as they lie on the floor.
"At least he has good taste," Relena relented as she stooped to pick the arrangement up. The pungent scent of lilies and roses assailed her senses. It was an intoxicating scent, and she found herself smiling wistfully.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
"Damn him!" Duo hissed in annoyance. He was the "perfect soldier". How the hell could he bungle up flowers?!?
"This is going to take more drastic measures than I thought," Duo sighed, rubbing his temples. "First, I'll let him squirm a bit," he smirked. "Then, I'll see if I can't get the two of them together..."
Duo's headache grew worse with that statement. At the rate things were going, he'd have to hold them at gunpoint to even have a chance of the confessing their feelings... A sudden thought struck him as he left the surveillance room.
"Oh dear god... I don't even wanna know how stubborn their kids are going to be."
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Meanwhile, Heero was leaning heavily against his door, his momentary panic beginning to ebb away. He had been in Relena's bed, with her hovering of him... The picture flashed briefly in his mind, and he blushed a deep scarlet. She was gorgeous. Every creamy inch of her, so smooth and soft...
Heero smacked himself in irritation.
"Pervert," he hissed at himself in disgust. He sunk into a plush chair, burying his face in his hands. What was he going to do now? That image would be forever etched in his mind. He half wanted to rush back to her room, take her in his arms, and...
"No, no, no, no, no, no, NO!" he growled in frustration, his hands fisting in his hair.
It didn't appear as though he'd get much sleep tonight.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Breakfast the next morning was subdued and silent. Millardo watched his sister and Yuy with suspicion. Something had happened, and he intended to find out what. If that man had hurt his sister in any way...
"Yuy," Millardo barked.
"Millardo," Relena sighed, "his name is Heero. H-E-E-R-O, Heero."
Her brother glanced at her, unfazed.
"After breakfast, I wish to speak with you privately, Yuy."
Relena began to protest, but Millardo silenced her with a meaningful glare. She glared back and sighed. He heard her mutter something about "men" and "stupid" as she got up from the table and strode briskly out of the room.
"What do you want, Zechs?" Heero asked disinterestedly.
"What's going on between my sister and you?"
That seemed to get the young man's attention quiet well.
"What do you mean?"
Did he sound a bit defensive?
"The two of you are acting strange..."
"I don't understand," Heero deadpanned.
Millardo growled in frustration.
"You're impossible, Yuy. I swear a block of wood is smarter than you," he grumbled, getting up and stalking out of the room. Heero was left sitting alone at the table, hands clenched into fists as he grit his teeth. He did know some things about... relationships...
With a groan, Heero allowed his head to sink on to the table top. Just great! Now Zechs was added into his dilemma... Wonderful! Now he had to deal with an overprotective brother who wouldn't hesitate to kick his ass if he made one mistake.
"Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way," Heero muttered. "Or maybe..."
A heavy sigh filled the air, followed by a thunk as Heero's head hit the table. If nothing else, his existence was becoming just a bit more twisted than it already was...
~ I promise the next chapter will be a lot more funny. I'll let you ponder what these words mean in combination: The song "I'm to Sexy", and a drunk Heero... *evil grin*
~ *cough* I'm such a slacker -_-; I'm sorry it took me so long to get yet another chapter out. I'm hoping I'll get a good chunk of writing done over vacation. This chapter somehow turned out a bit melancholy... *odd look* I guess it had to happen eventually. Story development, you know? *scampers off to hide from various readers with pitchforks and other hurtful items*
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, nor do I own the song "I'm Too Sexy".
Of Laptops & Love Letters
Chapter 9
By: Penybright
Heero paced his room restlessly. He was suffering another night of insomnia induced by images of Relena in that skimpy neglig?e... As much as Heero hated to admit it, he did need sleep, and his nerves were beyond frayed at this point. He glanced at the bottle of liquor sitting on his desk. So tempting...
"To hell with it," Heero muttered, stalking over to his desk and snatching up the bottle.
Relena had abruptly woken up that evening for unknown reasons. Once she was up, she found she couldn't get back to sleep. With a disgruntled sigh, she slipped out of bed, pulling on a long, pale blue silk robe. She might as well get something to drink, an possibly eat, while she was up. On her way to the grand staircase, Relena passed Heero's door, and paused in uncertainty. Did she hear music drifting through the crack under the door? Cautiously, she inched closer, pressing her ear to the wooden structure.
What Relena heard was not something she ever expected Heero Yuy to be listening too. It was almost bizarre to hear the lyrics and know who was listening to them. Stepping back from the door, Relena wrapped her knuckles against the wood. She suddenly had the oddest feeling that something wasn't right, and she wanted to make sure Heero was okay. When the door wasn't opened, or a grunt of admission heard, Relena really began to worry. Acting on impulse, she twisted the door knob and swung the door open. The scene that greeted her made her freeze in wide-eyed shock.
Heero, obviously drunk, was singing along to the lyrics and even... acting them out. The catchy beat of the synthesized music registered in Relena's mind as she watched in shock, frozen in place.
"'Cause I'm a model, ya know wha I mean," Heero slurred. "An I do mah little turn on tha catwalk. Yeah, on tha catwalk..."
Heero proceeded to strut toward Relena, doing a stumbling turn when he was halfway to her.
"I shake mah little touche on tha catwalk."
If not for the sheer oddity and shock of the situation, Relena would have doubled over in laughter as Heero continued to act out the song, "shaking his little touche on the catwalk".
"I'm too thexy for mah cat, too sexy for my cat," Heero sang as he approached Relena until he was inches away form her. Leaning in, he purred the next line in Relena's ear.
"Poor pussy, poor pussy cat..."
Relena gasped as his breath tickled her ear, her breath hitching as he pulled away. Damn he was hot when he was drunk...
"I'm to sexy for my love, to sexy for my love..."
Heero's voice seemed to grow quiet with those words. The last line came out slightly choked.
"Love's going to leave me."
And with that, Heero sunk to the floor in a half conscious heap. Relena regained her senses after his collapse, and rushed over to his side. Glazed Prussian blue eyes looked at her longingly.
"Re...lena..."
"Hush, you're drunk, Heero. You need to get into bed and drink some water."
"Un," he muttered, slumping against Relena's shoulder. "So warm..."
Relena couldn't help but smile at him. He was like a smile child. Shifting to a more comfortable position, she cradled Heero against her, her fingers idly playing through his tousled hair.
"Heero?"
"Hm..."
"What were you sorry for the other night?"
"I made you cry."
The words were barely above a whisper. Relena wasn't sure how to respond to that. He had made her cry, though she didn't think it was intentional. She knew Heero had his own demons to contend with, and that he'd been seeing a psychiatrist after the Eve Wars. His progress was slow, but he was trying, and that's what mattered. If she could help in any way, she would. He had opened her eyes and taught her so much...
"Don't you worry about that," she responded finally. "All is forgiven."
A soft mutter was her only indication that he had heard her, before he went completely limp in her arms. Relena sighed, and began to drag Heero over to his bed. She should have gotten him into bed then started up a conversation. But, it had felt so nice to have him in her embrace once more.
"Sleep well, Heero," Relena whispered, her lips ghosting over his before she padded out of his room, softly shutting the door behind her.
"So, you still have a thing for him."
Relena jumped and whirled to face the owner of the voice. Solemn blue eyes regarded her.
"Millardo..."
~ The reason for the sudden posting of all 9 chapters of this fic? Chapter 10 is in the works, and you need the rest of the fic to know what's going on in that chapter
Disclaimer: I own nothing. The song I'm Gonna Be is the Proclaimers'.
Of Laptops & Love Letters
Chapter 6
By: Penybright
The dimly lit apartment set the atmosphere for the unfolding plot. Four young men were seated around a folding table, three of them intently watching the braided one. Duo studied their faces, making sure he had their undivided attention. Pulling the others into his scheme would definitely make things easier. Heero didn't have a chance with all four of them working against... no, for him.
"As you all know, Heero was unable to attend our weekly poker gamed due to his new... occupation," Duo began. There were several snickers from various parties.
"I'm sure that it has come to all of your attention, that Yuy has some problems. Mainly in the relationship area. May I present exhibit A," Duo said, pulling out Heero's laptop with a flourish. He instantly had everyone's attention.
"Go ahead and look at some of the documents," he smiled. "I'm sure you'll find them quite entertaining. Personally, I never knew Heero had it in him to be a romantic."
The other pilots were floored, to say the least. There were various documents that contained detailed plans of possible date ideas. Other files were devoted solely to love notes, some of them epic. The odd poem or song was found as well. However, the most interesting detail, was who all the notes, letters, and songs were addressed to.
"So, who's in?" Duo asked casually.
"We're in," Quatre, Wufei, and Trowa chorused.
"All right, let us begin Operation Amour!"
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
That evening, Heero found himself pouring over security documents. Lady Une had given Heero detailed schematics of Relena's current security, and the known problems they had encountered. It wasn't exactly the most fascinating reading material, but he wasn't about to overlook anything concerning Relena's safety. He had questioned Une about Relena receiving threats. She had told him not to worry about it. They were on it. He was just supposed to do his job. Heero explained to her that knowing about possible terrorists was his job. Lady Une reminded him of his place, and quickly dismissed him.
Thinking back on it, Heero didn't like the answers he had been given. Something was up, and he hated being in the dark. Without access to any of the gathered information or threats, he could do nothing. Placing the stack of security details on the desk before him, Heero sighed heavily. Running a hand through his messy bangs, he stood up. It was going to be a long night, and he would definitely need some coffee.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
The next morning, there was a brisk knock on Heero's bedroom door before it swung open. Relena stepped into the room and stopped dead in her tracks. Heero was standing in the middle of the room, noting but a towel wrapped around his waist. He blinked in surprise, water dripping from his wet bangs.
Relena had to shake her head and bring herself back to reality.
"I- I'm sorry. I didn't realize..."
Heero remained standing like a deer caught in headlights, a deep flush working its way across his face.
"Um... I'll let you get dressed, then we'll talk," Relena mumbled, blushing as she stepped out, shutting the door softly behind her.
"Damn," she breathed once the door was shut, fanning herself. The mental image of Heero in nothing but a towel almost caused her to swoon. But then, reality settled in.
"He'd never think of me in that way," Relena whispered. "I'm a friend, a ... mission," she stated sadly, heading downstairs.
"I just hope I can keep this up," she murmured worriedly.
After Relena shut the door, Heero remained standing rigidly still in the middle of his room. He blinked several more times before coming back to reality. It wasn't everyday that the woman of your dreams walked in on you while... Heero shook his head to clear it. Relena wanted to talk to him, and he didn't want to keep her waiting. She was an extremely busy woman.
Once dressed and downstairs, Heero found Relena at the front door. She was talking to a delivery man, who had a small package. Creeping forward silently, Heero listened closely to the conversation.
"May I ask who the package is from?" Relena inquired, curious.
The delivery man looked down at his clipboard.
"A Mr. Yuy," he replied, handing her the small cardboard box. Relena accepted it with a nod and a thank you. Heero watched her puzzled expression as she turned back into the foyer.
"Why would Heero send me something? He could just give it to me..."
Heero was wondering the same thing himself. He hadn't sent Relena anything. He didn't have any need to...
"Shit," Heero cursed, blocking Relena's way and attempting to snatch the parcel.
"Heero! What are you trying to do?!" Relena cried, pulling the slim box out of his reach.
"Relena, give me the package," Heero commanded evenly.
"Why? What is it?"
"Just give me the package, Relena."
"What are you trying to hide, Heero?" Relena questioned as she twisted away, pulling the box open. Heero, again, attempted to snatch the object away, but Relena dashed around a corner.
"Relena!"
Relena tipped the box, and a slim CD fell out. It was unlabeled, and plain. She looked at it quizzically, before tucking it behind her back as Heero reached around her.
"What's on the CD that has you so worried, Heero?"
Heero came to a dead stop. Relena watched in fascination as all color drained from his face.
"D- did you say... CD?" he choked out.
"I most certainly did," Relena replied, taking the opportunity to escape up the stairs to her room. She could have sworn she heard Heero make a small squeak before giving chase. Giggling, Relena sprinted into her room, slamming her door shut just in time. Quickly, she jammed the lock into the place, knowing Heero all too well.
"Relena, give me the disc," Heero growled.
"I don't think so. I'm going to find out what's on this CD that has you so worked up."
"Relena, don't. Please, just give me the CD. Please..."
Relena ignored Heero's pleas as she slipped to disc into her stereo. She pressed play, and prepared herself for what was to come. To say the least, it wasn't anything she had expected.
As Heero heard the first several beats of the music, he slumped to the carpeted floor. As his head thunked against the door, he had only one thought. Duo was a dead man. If he managed to live this down...
Relena listened in fascination the music of a guitar. She jumped slightly when Heero's voice came on, singing.
...When I wake up, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
When I go out, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
If I get drunk, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you
And if I haver, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you
But I would walk five-hundred miles
And I would walk five-hundred more
Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles
To fall down at you door
When I'm working, yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money comes in for the work I'll do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you
When I come, oh I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if I grow old, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you
But I would walk five-hundred miles
And I would walk five-hundred more
Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles
To fall down at you door
When I'm lonely, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you
And when I'm dreaming, well I know I'm gonna dream
I'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with you
When I go out, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
And when I come home, yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you
I'm gonna be the man who's come home with you
But I would walk five-hundred miles
And I would walk five-hundred more
Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles
To fall down at you door
And I would walk five-hundred miles
And I would walk five-hundred more
Just to be the man that walked a thousand miles
To fall down at your door...
The music faded out to a blanketing silence. Relena's door began to slide open, and Heero hastily scrambled to his feet. He refused to raise his eyes from the floor, keeping his gaze locked there as he awaited his judgment...
~ Ah yes, Duo is one devious little monster, isn't he? Who knows what he has planned next? Only time will tell...
~ Sorry this is so late. My schedule is nasty right now. Anyway, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own. Got it? Good...
Of Laptops & Love Letters
Chapter 7
By: Penybright
Relena quietly opened her door to find Heero staring at the floor. She took a deep breath, and shoved the CD in his face. He seemed startled by her actions.
"I understand," she whispered. "This was meant for someone... special. Not me."
Heero's head shot up just in time to have the door shut in his face. He wanted to pound on the door and tell her the CD was meant for her. There was no one else. How could she even think such a thing?
Instead, Heero turned and slowly descended the stairs. When he reached the bottom step, he flopped down, cradling the CD in his hands. Things had turned out worse then he had expected. Now, Relena probably hated him. Heero became extremely angry with himself. He lurched to his feet, and in a sudden burst of temper, tossed the disc across the floor. It spun to a stop at the other end of the hallway as Heero stalked out the door, slamming it forcefully shut behind him.
Relena felt her entire section of the mansion shake with the impact. Not knowing that Heero had left, she rushed downstairs, thinking something was wrong. She was meet with an eerily silent hallway. Shrugging, Relena turned to go back up to her room when something caught her eye. A faint glimmer at the end of the hall grabbed her attention. When she saw what it was, she gasped and picked the CD up gingerly.
"But, why?" she asked herself, glancing sadly at the front door.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Heero was a man on a mission. He was upset enough to do something he would have never considered in his right mind. Ask for Duo to stop this torture, and maybe help him. Surely the braided idiot had to know something. He had gotten Hildie to marry him after all.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Duo wasn't home. Hildie opened her front door, and almost passed out in shock. She was very surprised to find Heero Yuy on her doorstep.
"I'm sorry, Duo's not home right now. I could tell him you stopped by?"
Heero seemed to hesitate before nodding reluctantly.
"Is something wrong, Heero? You don't seem yourself."
"I" Heero stopped not sure what to say.
"It's about Relena, isn't it? Why don't you come inside? Maybe I can help."
Heero reluctantly accepted her offer, not quite sure why he was acting in such a strange way.
"So, what seems to be the problem?"
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Duo watched the scene with Relena and Heero unfold with disappointment. He hadn't expected Relena to react like that. The idea was to get Heero to confess his feelings, not make Relena upset with him. This was going to be harder than he had originally anticipated. Who knew both of them could be so blindly stubborn?
"On to plan B," Duo muttered as he headed back to his car. He'd get them together yet, and if all else failed, Duo had one foolproof plan. He'd let Relena read the documents of Heero's laptop. A feral grin spread across Duo's features as he drove home. He could have a little fun while he was at it, make Heero squirm a little. Oh, that would most definitely satisfy his devious little mind...
Heero sat stiffly on the plush couch. His eyes roamed over the quaint room, done in a scheme of blue. As comforting as the room appeared, it did nothing to calm his nerves. Why was he here? Why had he accepted Hildie's help? What was he thinking!?! Heero began to second guess his faulty judgment. As he was getting up to leave, Hildie entered the room holding a steaming mug of liquid. She silently handed him the drink, sitting down in the chair opposite from the couch. Heero took a tentative sip of the liquid, and was surprised to discover that it was tea, not coffee.
"So... Heero---"
Hildie's question was cut off as the front door swung inward. Hildie jumped up from her seat, rushing over to the door.
"Duo!"
Heero perked up at the mention of that name. He waited silently for his prey to draw closer...
Duo entered the living room, and stopped dead in his tracks.
"Heero?!?"
'Shit!' Duo thought frantically, while trying to back away. Heero leapt up from the couch, and instantly had Duo pinned, one hand wrapped around his throat.
"I'm going to kill you, Maxwell," he seethed. And Duo believed him. Heero's eyes showed no mercy. Suddenly, Heero's hands dropped to his sides, and he stepped away.
"I shouldn't have come. I'll be going."
Wait! Maybe I can help. You do want to apologize, don't you?
Heero looked at him dubiously. Was this another trap?
"You do like her, don't you?"
Duo fell into helpless laughter as his friend answered him with a glare.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Heero crept silently into the dark room. In his arms, he cradled a large bouquet of lilies and roses, the white and red contrasting vibrantly. he had been reluctant to go along with this idea. Duo had insisted that flowers were the perfect way to make amends. He hadn't said anything about delivering them in person though.
Heero padded forward on the plush carpet, heading towards the dresser on his right. So far, he was doing good. All he had to do was leave the flowers and note for Relena to find in the morning. It was plain, simple. There was no way anything could go wrong...
"Heero?" a velvety, sleepy voice called as soft light flooded the room. Heero froze, not sure if he should make a run for it. Slowly, very slowly, he turned around to see Relena sitting up in bed.
He felt faint as he watched the covers slip down to her waist, revealing her scantily clad torso, wrapped in a thin silky material. He swallowed convulsively as one slender, creamy leg slid out from under the sheets. His eyes unwillingly traveled upwards, following her curves. What she was wearing, did not cover enough skin in his estimation. He could see incredibly too much, and he couldn't take it. The bouquet dropped from Heero's nerveless fingers as he took the full vision of her in. Then, promptly, he collapsed to the floor in an unconscious heap.
~ *evil cackle* This was soooo much fun to write! (Sorry, no nosebleed Moonkitty!) What's gonna happen when Heero wakes up????
~ Ooooookay, I know it's been AGES since I posted chapter 7. *in meek voice* I'm sorry... The next chapter of Specters should be coming soon too... Anyway, I hope I get chapter 9 out sooner. *crosses fingers* (And you'd think having the mob, an assassin, and The Noodle of Death after me, would motivate me to write faster... *sigh*
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters... blah, blah, blah.
Of Laptops & Love Letters
Chapter 8
By: Penybright
Cautiously, Heero opened his eyes, hoping that it was all just a bad dream. A bad dream that fate seemed to decide would last a bit longer. He stared blankly up at a ceiling that was not his. Actually, it would be a ceiling if it were his room. Instead, he found himself studying a royal blue canopy. He fervently wished that it wasn't that blue canopy, the one he knew belonged to a certain someone...
"Heero?"
'Damn it! This was not fair!'
He groaned in response, clenching his eyes shut. Maybe if he ignored her, she'd go away... This wasn't happening! It just couldn't be. Why did he never get a break?
'Where's a self detonation button when you really need one?' Heero thought acidly.
"Heero, are you all right? You just collapsed, and... Heero? Are you listening to me? I know you're awake..."
Heero reluctantly cracked one eye open. His other eye snapped open in surprise. Relena was leaning over him, her nightgown giving him a rather full view. He pulled in a deep breath, averting his eyes and tried to keep his mind out of the gutter. Did she have any idea...?
"Heero, what were you doing in my room?"
'Retreat, retreat!' his mind screamed in panic.
"I---"
What was he supposed to say? He had wanted to apologize, but... Taking another deep breath, he closed his eyes, swallowed thickly, and spoke.
"I'm sorry."
With those rushed words, he scrambled off her bed and beat a hasty retreat. Relena watched him go, a worried expression wrinkling her brow. He was sorry? For what? Her eyes pulled back to the forgotten bouquet, studying it.
"Why are you such a confusing man?" she sighed in exasperation at the flowers. They remained silent and beautiful in the dim light of her room as they lie on the floor.
"At least he has good taste," Relena relented as she stooped to pick the arrangement up. The pungent scent of lilies and roses assailed her senses. It was an intoxicating scent, and she found herself smiling wistfully.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
"Damn him!" Duo hissed in annoyance. He was the "perfect soldier". How the hell could he bungle up flowers?!?
"This is going to take more drastic measures than I thought," Duo sighed, rubbing his temples. "First, I'll let him squirm a bit," he smirked. "Then, I'll see if I can't get the two of them together..."
Duo's headache grew worse with that statement. At the rate things were going, he'd have to hold them at gunpoint to even have a chance of the confessing their feelings... A sudden thought struck him as he left the surveillance room.
"Oh dear god... I don't even wanna know how stubborn their kids are going to be."
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Meanwhile, Heero was leaning heavily against his door, his momentary panic beginning to ebb away. He had been in Relena's bed, with her hovering of him... The picture flashed briefly in his mind, and he blushed a deep scarlet. She was gorgeous. Every creamy inch of her, so smooth and soft...
Heero smacked himself in irritation.
"Pervert," he hissed at himself in disgust. He sunk into a plush chair, burying his face in his hands. What was he going to do now? That image would be forever etched in his mind. He half wanted to rush back to her room, take her in his arms, and...
"No, no, no, no, no, no, NO!" he growled in frustration, his hands fisting in his hair.
It didn't appear as though he'd get much sleep tonight.
*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*
Breakfast the next morning was subdued and silent. Millardo watched his sister and Yuy with suspicion. Something had happened, and he intended to find out what. If that man had hurt his sister in any way...
"Yuy," Millardo barked.
"Millardo," Relena sighed, "his name is Heero. H-E-E-R-O, Heero."
Her brother glanced at her, unfazed.
"After breakfast, I wish to speak with you privately, Yuy."
Relena began to protest, but Millardo silenced her with a meaningful glare. She glared back and sighed. He heard her mutter something about "men" and "stupid" as she got up from the table and strode briskly out of the room.
"What do you want, Zechs?" Heero asked disinterestedly.
"What's going on between my sister and you?"
That seemed to get the young man's attention quiet well.
"What do you mean?"
Did he sound a bit defensive?
"The two of you are acting strange..."
"I don't understand," Heero deadpanned.
Millardo growled in frustration.
"You're impossible, Yuy. I swear a block of wood is smarter than you," he grumbled, getting up and stalking out of the room. Heero was left sitting alone at the table, hands clenched into fists as he grit his teeth. He did know some things about... relationships...
With a groan, Heero allowed his head to sink on to the table top. Just great! Now Zechs was added into his dilemma... Wonderful! Now he had to deal with an overprotective brother who wouldn't hesitate to kick his ass if he made one mistake.
"Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way," Heero muttered. "Or maybe..."
A heavy sigh filled the air, followed by a thunk as Heero's head hit the table. If nothing else, his existence was becoming just a bit more twisted than it already was...
~ I promise the next chapter will be a lot more funny. I'll let you ponder what these words mean in combination: The song "I'm to Sexy", and a drunk Heero... *evil grin*
~ *cough* I'm such a slacker -_-; I'm sorry it took me so long to get yet another chapter out. I'm hoping I'll get a good chunk of writing done over vacation. This chapter somehow turned out a bit melancholy... *odd look* I guess it had to happen eventually. Story development, you know? *scampers off to hide from various readers with pitchforks and other hurtful items*
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, nor do I own the song "I'm Too Sexy".
Of Laptops & Love Letters
Chapter 9
By: Penybright
Heero paced his room restlessly. He was suffering another night of insomnia induced by images of Relena in that skimpy neglig?e... As much as Heero hated to admit it, he did need sleep, and his nerves were beyond frayed at this point. He glanced at the bottle of liquor sitting on his desk. So tempting...
"To hell with it," Heero muttered, stalking over to his desk and snatching up the bottle.
Relena had abruptly woken up that evening for unknown reasons. Once she was up, she found she couldn't get back to sleep. With a disgruntled sigh, she slipped out of bed, pulling on a long, pale blue silk robe. She might as well get something to drink, an possibly eat, while she was up. On her way to the grand staircase, Relena passed Heero's door, and paused in uncertainty. Did she hear music drifting through the crack under the door? Cautiously, she inched closer, pressing her ear to the wooden structure.
What Relena heard was not something she ever expected Heero Yuy to be listening too. It was almost bizarre to hear the lyrics and know who was listening to them. Stepping back from the door, Relena wrapped her knuckles against the wood. She suddenly had the oddest feeling that something wasn't right, and she wanted to make sure Heero was okay. When the door wasn't opened, or a grunt of admission heard, Relena really began to worry. Acting on impulse, she twisted the door knob and swung the door open. The scene that greeted her made her freeze in wide-eyed shock.
Heero, obviously drunk, was singing along to the lyrics and even... acting them out. The catchy beat of the synthesized music registered in Relena's mind as she watched in shock, frozen in place.
"'Cause I'm a model, ya know wha I mean," Heero slurred. "An I do mah little turn on tha catwalk. Yeah, on tha catwalk..."
Heero proceeded to strut toward Relena, doing a stumbling turn when he was halfway to her.
"I shake mah little touche on tha catwalk."
If not for the sheer oddity and shock of the situation, Relena would have doubled over in laughter as Heero continued to act out the song, "shaking his little touche on the catwalk".
"I'm too thexy for mah cat, too sexy for my cat," Heero sang as he approached Relena until he was inches away form her. Leaning in, he purred the next line in Relena's ear.
"Poor pussy, poor pussy cat..."
Relena gasped as his breath tickled her ear, her breath hitching as he pulled away. Damn he was hot when he was drunk...
"I'm to sexy for my love, to sexy for my love..."
Heero's voice seemed to grow quiet with those words. The last line came out slightly choked.
"Love's going to leave me."
And with that, Heero sunk to the floor in a half conscious heap. Relena regained her senses after his collapse, and rushed over to his side. Glazed Prussian blue eyes looked at her longingly.
"Re...lena..."
"Hush, you're drunk, Heero. You need to get into bed and drink some water."
"Un," he muttered, slumping against Relena's shoulder. "So warm..."
Relena couldn't help but smile at him. He was like a smile child. Shifting to a more comfortable position, she cradled Heero against her, her fingers idly playing through his tousled hair.
"Heero?"
"Hm..."
"What were you sorry for the other night?"
"I made you cry."
The words were barely above a whisper. Relena wasn't sure how to respond to that. He had made her cry, though she didn't think it was intentional. She knew Heero had his own demons to contend with, and that he'd been seeing a psychiatrist after the Eve Wars. His progress was slow, but he was trying, and that's what mattered. If she could help in any way, she would. He had opened her eyes and taught her so much...
"Don't you worry about that," she responded finally. "All is forgiven."
A soft mutter was her only indication that he had heard her, before he went completely limp in her arms. Relena sighed, and began to drag Heero over to his bed. She should have gotten him into bed then started up a conversation. But, it had felt so nice to have him in her embrace once more.
"Sleep well, Heero," Relena whispered, her lips ghosting over his before she padded out of his room, softly shutting the door behind her.
"So, you still have a thing for him."
Relena jumped and whirled to face the owner of the voice. Solemn blue eyes regarded her.
"Millardo..."
~ The reason for the sudden posting of all 9 chapters of this fic? Chapter 10 is in the works, and you need the rest of the fic to know what's going on in that chapter
Good job Penybright!
