Within Relena's Shame (9)
Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 12:16 am
Disclaimer: Applicable.
AN: It didn?t take that long to get this one out. And a special thanks goes out to Zechs. I detest your existence but you prevented haooy. But because they didn?t haooy here, they will in the Alt. Forum.
Within Relena?s Shame: Chapter 9
by Wicked Child
And so they stayed, longer than intended, her head held high challenging the man who shamed her to do his best. Determination found a new home in her eyes and heart. No longer would she allow him to dictate her life from the shadows. If he wanted to come after her, he?d best have the courage to do so openly. As far as Relena was concerned, the rapist was a coward and no coward ever told her what to do. And so she stayed, Wufei never leaving her side.
He stayed next to her, watching every face, every movement, every glance in their direction. It didn?t matter the age or gender, Wufei watched determined to remember everything. For all he knew it could have been a political adversary of Relena?s ordering the rapist?s movements from behind the scenes. If that were the case, gender didn?t truly matter. And so he watched, always by her side, Heero too busy to notice.
Heero had wasted no time in reaching the ceiling where the roses and confetti dropped. He high doubted the culprit would have hung around but he may have left evidence. The narrow passageway leading up to the ceiling was rather steep and rather treacherous making the possibility of someone committing such an act remote. The closer Heero got to the top he noticed the wooden railing bent outward from the steps themselves. Once he reached the top he carefully opened the door, gun drawn and ready.
The ballroom ceiling had been designed in such a way so to accommodate the drooping of balloons or confetti, depending on the occasion and if the renter desired such things. The crosswalks had been designed to blend in with the beauty of the rest of the ballroom. If a person were so inclined as to look up, she would only see the ornate wood carved ceiling rather than a myriad of crosswalks.
Heero pulled out his two-way and radioed Une. ?Nothing seems out of place up here but I suggest we get a team here right away.?
Une?s end crackled. ?I?ve a team standing by. They?ve been given their orders. You?re in charge Yuy.?
?Understood.? Heero paused a moment and looked down at the ballroom littered with dignitaries, delegates, royalty, and agents. ?May I request several, more experienced agents be sent up??
?Who do you have in mind??
?Agents Maxwell, Barton, Winner, and the other Maxwell. They should be sufficient.?
?Barton is currently stationed at Miss Dorlian?s residence and Winner has the night off,? Une systematically informed him.
?Not anymore. Quatre will agree to help and I?m sure you can convince Trowa to come.? Heero signed off without another word. He was sure Une would reprimand him later for that last comment but considering the abuse he received from everyone about his relationship with Relena, it was worth it.
Fifteen minutes later Heero was joined by a rather large forensics team along with Hilde, Quatre and Duo. Twenty minutes later Trowa showed.
?Une has some choice words for you Yuy,? Trowa said in greeting.
?They can wait,? Heero replied before smirking. ?Besides if he doesn?t want an affair with her subordinate to be known, she should have been more secretive.?
Trowa?s mouth twitched up into a smile. ?I suppose all of those private lunches in her office weren?t such a good idea.? Heero shook his head in response. ?It?s not matter really,? Trowa added. ?That?s over and we?re here for Relena.?
The investigation continued, a long night ahead of them. Heero had to control his temper and trigger finger when the buildings owner showed up creating a fuss. Once he learned the investigation was connected to the assassination threat, the owner became hysterical shouting about poisonous flowers and confetti. Heero?s trigger finger itched painfully but Une saved the owner from premature death by directing him toward the stairs. From there, everyone working on the catwalks heard him scream about the bowed railing and suing Preventer for damages.
Duo looked at Quatre and Hilde. ?Fifty bucks says that Une shoots the guy.?
Hilde shook her head. ?No. She?ll wait until it?s all over, bring him back up here and either throw him off the catwalk or shove him down the stairs.?
Duo grinned. ?Then bury him in poisonous flowers and confetti.? The married agents laughed quietly together before Duo turned to look at their blond companion. ?What say you Quatre??
Quatre stopped dusting for fingerprints, all the while thinking that his actions were a lost cause as it was, and looked back at Duo straight faced. ?I?ll bet my inheritance that Trowa gets laid.? Then the blond went back to his dusting leaving the married couple in shock.
?Maxwell!? Heero barked, patience gone. ?And the other Maxwell! Back to work!?
?Why do I get the feeling that whenever he says ?the other Maxwell? he's referring to me?? Duo asked.
Hilde smiled and kissed her husband. ?Because he is.?
?I thought so. Well back to work Maxwell!?
?Aye aye cap?n!?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The ride home from the ball was quiet, Relena looking out the window while Wufei sat with his head back and eyes closed. A headache he hadn?t felt since his wedding day was currently assaulting him and told her so.
Relena looked over. ?I would smile but my face hurts. Why the headache??
?I concentrated too hard and thought too much I suppose. Oh hell, if Maxwell hears that I?ll never hear the end of it.? Wufei?s headache grew proportionately.
This time, despite her muscles protest, Relena did smile. ?You have no idea how much Duo respects you and admires you. He likes teasing you because he loves you. In Duo?s eyes, the five of you are brothers and he?d sacrifice himself without hesitation.?
Wufei was quiet, letting her words sink in. He had never allowed himself to think of the others as anything more than men, no soldiers he had fought a war with and at one time against. To know that Duo considered him a brother, a family member even, was strange to him. It wasn?t unsettling just strange. ?First you and now him.?
?Is there anything wrong with that?? Relena inquired.
?No, not at all.? Wufei looked over at the woman he was in charge of protecting. She was beautiful, not drop dead gorgeous but then no woman was really. Yet Relena, without trying, commanded people?s attention and adoration. It was one of the reason?s why he refused her and her ideals. But then Heero and the people changed his view. She changed his view. The people changed their view because she had changed her own. Indirectly she changed him and was still changing him just as she was changing everyone around her.
?Wufei??
He blinked, realizing he had been staring at her throughout his musing. He smiled, though it seemed rather sad.
?I don?t mind being your brother. Although I?d rather?.? Wufei?s voice trailed off, unable to complete his sentence for fear of the repercussions.
?What is it Fei?? Relena reached out for his hand but he pulled away. The action made her heart ache and she didn?t know why.
?We?re here,? he said before getting out of the car. He had come close to saying something he didn?t want to admit. The cool air helped clear his mind and he smiled at Relena. Pagan was helping her out of the car, something the old man insisted upon.
?It?s nearly midnight. We best hurry before I turn into a pumpkin,? he quipped.
The two went inside the home, Pagan bidding them a good night at the top of the stairs. The two headed toward Relena?s room when she noticed Trowa wasn?t present.
?Where?s Trowa??
?I didn?t tell you?? Wufei asked, a frown appearing on his face. When she shook her head no, he added, ?Une called him down to the ball to help gather evidence.?
Relena nodded. ?But he doesn?t know right??
Wufei stopped in front of Relena?s bedroom door and faced the young woman. ?No, he does not know. The true investigation is still hidden.? He reached out for the doorknob when he felt her hand on his as well as the weight of her eyes. He was, in all honesty, afraid to look at her let alone hear her speak.
?Wufei look at me. I want to thank you for all that you?ve done for me. Truly I don?t know what would have become of me if it hadn?t been for you. You?ve become my source of strength whenever I felt to weak to go on.?
?Isn?t Heero your strength?? he asked. What was she trying to tell him?
Relena smiled as only she could. ?He?s my strength whenever I?m in battle. Meetings, debates, balls, even guest appearances are a form of battle. Politics is my war. For that I need Heero and I thank God every day for creating him.? She took Wufei?s hand off the doorknob holding it in her own. ?You, however, have become my day to day strength. I wake up and I?ll see you practicing your martial arts. I see the determination coursing through your body; its in your eyes and heart. Your entire soul is made up of it. You?re determined to live your life despite any failure, insecurity, or misgiving. You are my strength to merely exist.?
?Relena what are you saying?? Wufei didn?t understand what was going on. He knew his feelings for her had dramatically changed since that first night but he could never act upon those feelings. Relena was in love with Heero. It was common fact, knowledge that even a child would know. And Heero loved her more than anything in the world. Wufei knew this and that was the sole reason he couldn?t, wouldn?t do anything no matter how much his heart or body desired her.
?I?m not finished yet. Tonight I made the decision to meet my attacker head on. I will not hide any longer. No more excuses, no more coddling, or worse, pity. I am no longer afraid Fei. Because of you I?m no longer afraid. I don?t have to be.? Relena smiled again, exuberant at her own discovery within herself.
?So do you no longer need me?? Maybe if he went home, moved out things would be better. He could focus on the investigation, forget his feelings.
?No that?s not what I?m saying at all. You?re too important to me for you to leave. I no longer require you to sleep in my room guarding me and my dreams.?
Wufei gave a curt nod, hiding the hurt as best he could. ?I understand. I?ll do a quick sweep of the room before I go to my own.? Again he put his hand on the doorknob only to have her place hers on top.
?I said I no longer need you in my bed at night. I want you in my bed at night.? Relena looked up at the Chinese man through her lashes.
?Relena it wouldn?t be wise even though I desperately want to. It?s unethical as the lead investigator to become involved with you in any way other than professional.? Wufei?s pulse raced in his veins. His heartbeat quickened.
?Then should I order you off the case?? Relena asked. ?We crossed the line of professionalism a long time ago Wufei.? Why was he being troublesome?
?I can?t think of only myself Relena. I?m trying my damnedest to think of everyone involved.? Wufei licked his lips, focusing on the woman?s forehead instead of any other part of her body. He watched intently as her brow furrowed.
?Why do you mean everyone??
?Heero. He?s everyone to you. One day you?re going to have to tell him about that night and trust in your love, in his love that he won?t see you in whichever way it is you fear.? He took her face in his hands and continued. ?I know you love him. I assure you that he loves you. He is your everything. Do you really want to turn your back on that? Do you really want to give up on that?? I refuse to be his replacement.
She looked into his onyx eyes where tears threatened to spill over. Wufei had fallen for her. It was clear as day. But he was right. She did love Heero and she knew in her heart he loved her too. If anything occurred between she and Wufei it would ruin any chance she and Heero could have. Even worse, it would destroy Heero and she could not bear to see him in such a state.
?You?re right Wufei. I do not want to lose or give up Heero. But neither do I want to give up on you. So allow me this one weakness and forgive me of it as well.? With that Relena pulled Wufei to her and placed her mouth over his, licking and sucking his lip in an effort to taste him fully.
Wufei was caught off guard by her actions. But he didn?t stop her either, instead he encouraged her, opening his mouth to better accommodate her searching tongue. He flicked his own tongue, telling her to do the same resulting in the two exploring each other?s mouths.
Relena?s hands ran up his chest, eager to feel the toned muscles hidden beneath the formal clothes. Wufei cradled the back of Relena?s neck in one hand while the other fiddled with that once elusive doorknob. Relena pulled away from his mouth and kissed his chin before playfully biting the smooth skin. This time he was able open the door and the two stumbled into the room.
Neither had noticed the soft light that had been on ever since their arrival home. The sound of a throat being cleared alerted the two to the fact that they weren?t alone. Instinctively Wufei whipped out his gun and pointed it in the direction of the noise, holding Relena tightly to his chest.
?There?s no need for a gun Agent Chang.?
Relena pulled away from Wufei and turned to face their visitor and gasped. ?Milliardo!?
Sitting on Wufei?s couch, legs crossed with an open book in his lap, was Milliardo Peacecraft, also known to many as Zechs Merquise.
?Hello little sister,? he said in greeting. Zechs then turned his eyes to the man next to his sister, gun still drawn. ?And what, may I ask, are you doing with Relena Agent Chang??
AN: It didn?t take that long to get this one out. And a special thanks goes out to Zechs. I detest your existence but you prevented haooy. But because they didn?t haooy here, they will in the Alt. Forum.
Within Relena?s Shame: Chapter 9
by Wicked Child
And so they stayed, longer than intended, her head held high challenging the man who shamed her to do his best. Determination found a new home in her eyes and heart. No longer would she allow him to dictate her life from the shadows. If he wanted to come after her, he?d best have the courage to do so openly. As far as Relena was concerned, the rapist was a coward and no coward ever told her what to do. And so she stayed, Wufei never leaving her side.
He stayed next to her, watching every face, every movement, every glance in their direction. It didn?t matter the age or gender, Wufei watched determined to remember everything. For all he knew it could have been a political adversary of Relena?s ordering the rapist?s movements from behind the scenes. If that were the case, gender didn?t truly matter. And so he watched, always by her side, Heero too busy to notice.
Heero had wasted no time in reaching the ceiling where the roses and confetti dropped. He high doubted the culprit would have hung around but he may have left evidence. The narrow passageway leading up to the ceiling was rather steep and rather treacherous making the possibility of someone committing such an act remote. The closer Heero got to the top he noticed the wooden railing bent outward from the steps themselves. Once he reached the top he carefully opened the door, gun drawn and ready.
The ballroom ceiling had been designed in such a way so to accommodate the drooping of balloons or confetti, depending on the occasion and if the renter desired such things. The crosswalks had been designed to blend in with the beauty of the rest of the ballroom. If a person were so inclined as to look up, she would only see the ornate wood carved ceiling rather than a myriad of crosswalks.
Heero pulled out his two-way and radioed Une. ?Nothing seems out of place up here but I suggest we get a team here right away.?
Une?s end crackled. ?I?ve a team standing by. They?ve been given their orders. You?re in charge Yuy.?
?Understood.? Heero paused a moment and looked down at the ballroom littered with dignitaries, delegates, royalty, and agents. ?May I request several, more experienced agents be sent up??
?Who do you have in mind??
?Agents Maxwell, Barton, Winner, and the other Maxwell. They should be sufficient.?
?Barton is currently stationed at Miss Dorlian?s residence and Winner has the night off,? Une systematically informed him.
?Not anymore. Quatre will agree to help and I?m sure you can convince Trowa to come.? Heero signed off without another word. He was sure Une would reprimand him later for that last comment but considering the abuse he received from everyone about his relationship with Relena, it was worth it.
Fifteen minutes later Heero was joined by a rather large forensics team along with Hilde, Quatre and Duo. Twenty minutes later Trowa showed.
?Une has some choice words for you Yuy,? Trowa said in greeting.
?They can wait,? Heero replied before smirking. ?Besides if he doesn?t want an affair with her subordinate to be known, she should have been more secretive.?
Trowa?s mouth twitched up into a smile. ?I suppose all of those private lunches in her office weren?t such a good idea.? Heero shook his head in response. ?It?s not matter really,? Trowa added. ?That?s over and we?re here for Relena.?
The investigation continued, a long night ahead of them. Heero had to control his temper and trigger finger when the buildings owner showed up creating a fuss. Once he learned the investigation was connected to the assassination threat, the owner became hysterical shouting about poisonous flowers and confetti. Heero?s trigger finger itched painfully but Une saved the owner from premature death by directing him toward the stairs. From there, everyone working on the catwalks heard him scream about the bowed railing and suing Preventer for damages.
Duo looked at Quatre and Hilde. ?Fifty bucks says that Une shoots the guy.?
Hilde shook her head. ?No. She?ll wait until it?s all over, bring him back up here and either throw him off the catwalk or shove him down the stairs.?
Duo grinned. ?Then bury him in poisonous flowers and confetti.? The married agents laughed quietly together before Duo turned to look at their blond companion. ?What say you Quatre??
Quatre stopped dusting for fingerprints, all the while thinking that his actions were a lost cause as it was, and looked back at Duo straight faced. ?I?ll bet my inheritance that Trowa gets laid.? Then the blond went back to his dusting leaving the married couple in shock.
?Maxwell!? Heero barked, patience gone. ?And the other Maxwell! Back to work!?
?Why do I get the feeling that whenever he says ?the other Maxwell? he's referring to me?? Duo asked.
Hilde smiled and kissed her husband. ?Because he is.?
?I thought so. Well back to work Maxwell!?
?Aye aye cap?n!?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The ride home from the ball was quiet, Relena looking out the window while Wufei sat with his head back and eyes closed. A headache he hadn?t felt since his wedding day was currently assaulting him and told her so.
Relena looked over. ?I would smile but my face hurts. Why the headache??
?I concentrated too hard and thought too much I suppose. Oh hell, if Maxwell hears that I?ll never hear the end of it.? Wufei?s headache grew proportionately.
This time, despite her muscles protest, Relena did smile. ?You have no idea how much Duo respects you and admires you. He likes teasing you because he loves you. In Duo?s eyes, the five of you are brothers and he?d sacrifice himself without hesitation.?
Wufei was quiet, letting her words sink in. He had never allowed himself to think of the others as anything more than men, no soldiers he had fought a war with and at one time against. To know that Duo considered him a brother, a family member even, was strange to him. It wasn?t unsettling just strange. ?First you and now him.?
?Is there anything wrong with that?? Relena inquired.
?No, not at all.? Wufei looked over at the woman he was in charge of protecting. She was beautiful, not drop dead gorgeous but then no woman was really. Yet Relena, without trying, commanded people?s attention and adoration. It was one of the reason?s why he refused her and her ideals. But then Heero and the people changed his view. She changed his view. The people changed their view because she had changed her own. Indirectly she changed him and was still changing him just as she was changing everyone around her.
?Wufei??
He blinked, realizing he had been staring at her throughout his musing. He smiled, though it seemed rather sad.
?I don?t mind being your brother. Although I?d rather?.? Wufei?s voice trailed off, unable to complete his sentence for fear of the repercussions.
?What is it Fei?? Relena reached out for his hand but he pulled away. The action made her heart ache and she didn?t know why.
?We?re here,? he said before getting out of the car. He had come close to saying something he didn?t want to admit. The cool air helped clear his mind and he smiled at Relena. Pagan was helping her out of the car, something the old man insisted upon.
?It?s nearly midnight. We best hurry before I turn into a pumpkin,? he quipped.
The two went inside the home, Pagan bidding them a good night at the top of the stairs. The two headed toward Relena?s room when she noticed Trowa wasn?t present.
?Where?s Trowa??
?I didn?t tell you?? Wufei asked, a frown appearing on his face. When she shook her head no, he added, ?Une called him down to the ball to help gather evidence.?
Relena nodded. ?But he doesn?t know right??
Wufei stopped in front of Relena?s bedroom door and faced the young woman. ?No, he does not know. The true investigation is still hidden.? He reached out for the doorknob when he felt her hand on his as well as the weight of her eyes. He was, in all honesty, afraid to look at her let alone hear her speak.
?Wufei look at me. I want to thank you for all that you?ve done for me. Truly I don?t know what would have become of me if it hadn?t been for you. You?ve become my source of strength whenever I felt to weak to go on.?
?Isn?t Heero your strength?? he asked. What was she trying to tell him?
Relena smiled as only she could. ?He?s my strength whenever I?m in battle. Meetings, debates, balls, even guest appearances are a form of battle. Politics is my war. For that I need Heero and I thank God every day for creating him.? She took Wufei?s hand off the doorknob holding it in her own. ?You, however, have become my day to day strength. I wake up and I?ll see you practicing your martial arts. I see the determination coursing through your body; its in your eyes and heart. Your entire soul is made up of it. You?re determined to live your life despite any failure, insecurity, or misgiving. You are my strength to merely exist.?
?Relena what are you saying?? Wufei didn?t understand what was going on. He knew his feelings for her had dramatically changed since that first night but he could never act upon those feelings. Relena was in love with Heero. It was common fact, knowledge that even a child would know. And Heero loved her more than anything in the world. Wufei knew this and that was the sole reason he couldn?t, wouldn?t do anything no matter how much his heart or body desired her.
?I?m not finished yet. Tonight I made the decision to meet my attacker head on. I will not hide any longer. No more excuses, no more coddling, or worse, pity. I am no longer afraid Fei. Because of you I?m no longer afraid. I don?t have to be.? Relena smiled again, exuberant at her own discovery within herself.
?So do you no longer need me?? Maybe if he went home, moved out things would be better. He could focus on the investigation, forget his feelings.
?No that?s not what I?m saying at all. You?re too important to me for you to leave. I no longer require you to sleep in my room guarding me and my dreams.?
Wufei gave a curt nod, hiding the hurt as best he could. ?I understand. I?ll do a quick sweep of the room before I go to my own.? Again he put his hand on the doorknob only to have her place hers on top.
?I said I no longer need you in my bed at night. I want you in my bed at night.? Relena looked up at the Chinese man through her lashes.
?Relena it wouldn?t be wise even though I desperately want to. It?s unethical as the lead investigator to become involved with you in any way other than professional.? Wufei?s pulse raced in his veins. His heartbeat quickened.
?Then should I order you off the case?? Relena asked. ?We crossed the line of professionalism a long time ago Wufei.? Why was he being troublesome?
?I can?t think of only myself Relena. I?m trying my damnedest to think of everyone involved.? Wufei licked his lips, focusing on the woman?s forehead instead of any other part of her body. He watched intently as her brow furrowed.
?Why do you mean everyone??
?Heero. He?s everyone to you. One day you?re going to have to tell him about that night and trust in your love, in his love that he won?t see you in whichever way it is you fear.? He took her face in his hands and continued. ?I know you love him. I assure you that he loves you. He is your everything. Do you really want to turn your back on that? Do you really want to give up on that?? I refuse to be his replacement.
She looked into his onyx eyes where tears threatened to spill over. Wufei had fallen for her. It was clear as day. But he was right. She did love Heero and she knew in her heart he loved her too. If anything occurred between she and Wufei it would ruin any chance she and Heero could have. Even worse, it would destroy Heero and she could not bear to see him in such a state.
?You?re right Wufei. I do not want to lose or give up Heero. But neither do I want to give up on you. So allow me this one weakness and forgive me of it as well.? With that Relena pulled Wufei to her and placed her mouth over his, licking and sucking his lip in an effort to taste him fully.
Wufei was caught off guard by her actions. But he didn?t stop her either, instead he encouraged her, opening his mouth to better accommodate her searching tongue. He flicked his own tongue, telling her to do the same resulting in the two exploring each other?s mouths.
Relena?s hands ran up his chest, eager to feel the toned muscles hidden beneath the formal clothes. Wufei cradled the back of Relena?s neck in one hand while the other fiddled with that once elusive doorknob. Relena pulled away from his mouth and kissed his chin before playfully biting the smooth skin. This time he was able open the door and the two stumbled into the room.
Neither had noticed the soft light that had been on ever since their arrival home. The sound of a throat being cleared alerted the two to the fact that they weren?t alone. Instinctively Wufei whipped out his gun and pointed it in the direction of the noise, holding Relena tightly to his chest.
?There?s no need for a gun Agent Chang.?
Relena pulled away from Wufei and turned to face their visitor and gasped. ?Milliardo!?
Sitting on Wufei?s couch, legs crossed with an open book in his lap, was Milliardo Peacecraft, also known to many as Zechs Merquise.
?Hello little sister,? he said in greeting. Zechs then turned his eyes to the man next to his sister, gun still drawn. ?And what, may I ask, are you doing with Relena Agent Chang??
(I will never let you forget especially with what me and Beer have palnned for both Clownie and Wufei 
)MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAA(cough cough)
