AN: I forgot to mention the first time I posted this, but there is a prologue to this story. Just a silly poem I made so it wouldn't hurt if you read. -snicker-
Mom and Dad can make the rules
And certain things forbid,
But I can make them wish that they
Had never had a kid.
-Bill Watterson (The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury)
Heero and Relena?s Advice on Parenting
Chapter One
Checking his watch for the fifth time that evening, Heero Yuy annoyingly fixed his tie in great frustration. Duo and Hilde had some sort of important announcement to make and wanted to announce it over dinner. So here he was, dressed in a crisp, baby blue dress shirt and black tie. His black slacks laid at the bottom of his feet, exposing himself in just his boxers. His hair looked as if a tornado had hit it and his fresh dab of cologne was already wearing off. Their dinner reservation was set for 8 o?clock. Heero looked at his watch for the sixth time. It was already 7:45 and Relena still hadn?t come out of the bathroom.
He didn?t understand why Duo had to plan a dinner date on such short notice. What could possibly be so important? They?re already married, aren?t they? Couldn?t Duo have just told them over the phone? That?s why it was invented. To use it to tell someone your big news, so that you wouldn?t have to meet and bug the living crap out of them. Heero inwardly grinned to himself. Or maybe it was just him. ?Relena,? he shouted towards the bathroom. ?It?s just Duo and Hilde, not one of your political parties.?
?Just a second!? came a faint cry behind the closed door.
Heero bent down to pull up his pants and continued his battle with his tie, mumbling to himself, when he heard the click of the bathroom door opening.
?How do I look?? said a soft voice.
Heero turned his attention towards the bathroom and his whole body seemed to have shut down instantly. His hands paused their war with his tie as he eyed his wife up and down. Her honey-blond hair flowed elegantly down to her shoulders, curling out slightly at the end. The diamond earrings she wore swayed at her every movement, glittering under the artificial light. Her matching necklace laid graciously around her long, slender neck. It was the three-piece diamond set that he had gotten her on their very first Christmas. Now came the main attraction. Posing in her stunning, sleeveless black dress, anyone would have guessed her to be a fashion model. It was low cut around her breasts, revealing some cleavage, but not quite inappropriate. The dress finally came to a stop at mid thigh, but from then on out, it was legs all the way. At forty years old, Relena Yuy still had it made. Only one word could describe her. Glamorous.
Heero?s mouth remained shut but he couldn?t help his eyes from widening up a bit. He was off in his own little world, and without even knowing it, his pants slid right back down to the floor with a thud. He must have sucked in his stomach, causing his pants to lose support. It was amazing that after so many years together, her appearance still managed to paralyze him every time. Heero finally blinked when the sound of her infamous giggle filled his ears. ?Isn?t that,? his head nodded towards her appearance. ?A bit too much for?something as of this occasion??
?I?m a politician, Heero. I?m supposed to look my best.? she said as she advanced towards him. The first thing that caught her attention was his unruly hair. Maybe she should have given him sometime in the bathroom. Using her hands, she tried to get his hair back to normal, or at least as normal as it could get. While Relena was busy fixing his hair, Heero attempted to glance at his watch behind Relena?s shoulder. 7:50.
?We have ten minutes.? he said as Relena went along and straightened his tie.
?What?s the rush? I thought you disliked the whole thing in the first place, so why are you so anxious to get there on time?? she questioned as she finished up with his tie and moved on to smooth out the wrinkles on his shirt.
?The sooner we get in there and hear what we need to hear, the faster we can escape Duo?s silly nonsense,? Heero said as he watched her. ?For all we know, this could be another one of his, ?Happy Ronald McDonald Day?.
Relena chuckled. ?Hilde called during my meeting with the colony manufactures, so it has to be big news. Besides,? she said while straitening out Heero?s collar, ?Ronald McDonald Day was two weeks ago,? With one last look at his appearance, Relena gave her husband a peck on the cheek before saying, ?Try to enjoy it. For Duo and Hilde?s sake.? Heero?s jaw slightly twitched before nodding his head at her wish. After all, tonight couldn?t possibly be as bad as last time.
~
?So I say to Lady Une, ?Hey! I?m sure Heero would love to ?pack-it-n-go!??
The table was soon filled with roaring laughter, all except for one person. Heero quickly reached for his wine and drowned himself in it. He hated that story. Possibly because it was Duo?s only story that actually had him at fault, or maybe it was because he heard it so many times. Relena too, but she ?loved? the story and was willing to hear it whenever.
Relena quickly noticed Heero?s sudden need for alcohol and the scowl on his face. She yanked his glass away with a warning glance. Heero only glared back. Hilde noticed the tension between the two and decided that it was time to change the subject. They were held in one of the private rooms in the restaurant so if chaos were to take place, it would be out of the public?s way.
?So, how?s Mia?s first year going?? asked Hilde. Finally tearing her disgruntled face from her husband, Relena beamed one of her full potential smiles. Even Heero felt like talking now.
?Just fine,? Relena replied. ?In fact, we got a call from one of her professors the other day and it just so happens that Mia is taking college life really?? For a moment, Relena was lost for words and decided that ?well? was close enough.
Hilde casually took a sip of her drink before responding, ?She?s giving them all one hell of a time, huh??
?Exactly.? replied Heero and Relena, unfazed by their coincidence for choice of words. It seemed to have surprised Duo and Hilde for a bit, but then again, these were the parents that raised the wildest child in the universe. Nothing could surprise them anymore.
?What was she majoring in again? Music?? asked Hilde. Relena responded with a simple yes. Hilde whistled and leaned back in her seat. ?Mia sure is a modern Einstein when it comes to the violin.?
?Not to mention her drum skills too,? interrupted Duo. ?But putting aside the kiddy stuff, how?s her soccer career going?? he said while leaning forward in his seat.
From the corner of her eye, Relena watched as Heero suddenly jumped forward in his chair. It was his only chance to actually come alive in any further conversations that would take place that night. Soccer was a big thing for the family. Ever since Mia learned to walk, Heero had taught her how to play soccer. He decided that basketball was over populated and that soccer would be a new experience. She was a natural and tremendous player. By the age of fourteen, everyone knew who she was. Not because she was the Foreign Minister?s daughter, but because she was claimed to be one of the best female soccer players in the world. Sports networks even managed to get her high school games onto national television. The Women?s World Football League (WWFL) were practically on their doorsteps everyday to have Mia play for them, but she turned down every offer she was given and decided to go to college first. Now, she?s a starter for the L-1 Dragons. Heero and Relena couldn?t be prouder.
?Season is on a good start. Three games so far and each one eliminated. She?s on top of the charts.? said Heero. He was soon interrupted when two waiters walked in with the meals in hands. After resting the correct dishes with each person, the waiters retreated out of the room and the couples continued with their conversations.
?That?s Mia alright. Always on top,? Duo laughed as he began to cut his steak. ?All those grass and dirt stains, broken windows, smashed up furniture, and white hairs finally paid off, eh?? Heero reached for Relena?s hand underneath the table. As soon as she felt his touch, she turned towards him to meet his greeting smile. She returned the smile and turned back to the Maxwell?s.
?We couldn?t have asked for anything else.?
~
After the plates were taken away and a round of desserts, that Duo insisted on having, the friends decided to let their stomachs relax and continued on small talk.
?So, Hilde,? Relena said, before taking a sip of her drink. ?You?ve got me.? Hilde?s head tilted. ?You brought us here to this gorgeous-?
?Expensive,? Heero cut in.
?Restaurant,? Relena finished before giving Heero a questionable look. All of his concentration was locked on the two people who sat in front of him. He didn?t even blink so she decided to continue. ?Both of you had this whole night revolving around the family and-?
?You insisted on paying the bill for once.? Heero interrupted yet again. Relena kicked his shin underneath the table, never breaking eye contact with Hilde.
?What?s going on?? asked Relena. A nerve wreaking look replaced the usual carefree posture on Duo and Hilde?s face. Duo grabbed her hand and nodded his head, urging her on.
?Well, you see,? said Hilde as she gave one more look at Duo. He could only smile at her, making her smile in return. ?Heero, Relena,? Relena was now on the edge of her seat. Even Heero decided that it was best if he paid attention now. It was obvious that this was about to be something big. Just for caution, he reached over for Relena?s drink. She was too wide-eyed to notice. Hilde let out a huge sigh of relief before grinning like an idiot. ?We?re gonna have a baby!?
Heero choked on his drink, causing the liquid to fly right back into his face. Relena blinked once and was official put into shock. This was not something that they both were expecting. Heero was coughing like there was no tomorrow and his eyes felt like they were on fire. Red wine covered all over his shirt and it looked as if some had even come out of his nose. Relena?s eyes were wide and stayed wide. Her mouth hanging open. Duo jumped out of his seat to smack Heero across the back while Hilde waved her hands in front of Relena?s face.
After a couple minutes of Heero blowing his nose and dabbing his shirt, and Hilde trying to shake Relena conscious , they were all sitting back down in their seats, in awkward silence.
?You guys alright?? asked Duo as Hilde picked up her drink. The ice rattled against the side of the glass cup, so it was obvious she was shaking. They knew that this was big news but not that big. Heero grunted while Relena tried to think of something to say.
?How??When??Wow?? was all she could mumble.
?I?m sure you both already know how so I won?t go into that,? answered Duo. ?The doctor told us two days ago and yes, it is amazing.?
?Is it positive?? asked Heero, still in disbelief, but was only rewarded with a swift slap across the arm. He glared at Relena, who suddenly found the tablecloth very interesting. He knew that she was also thinking the same question.
?Hilde-? Relena began but was cut off.
?Relena,? Hilde said, ?We know that this is a real shocker. Believe me, we were was in shock too, especially considering our age but,? Silence filled the tense room as she grabbed a hold of Duo?s hand, looking for guidance. Funny thing how hands are such a powerful motion. ?We?re ready for this, and we?re willing to take the risks. After all these years of trying, God has finally answered our prayers.? Duo and Hilde looked as if they were about to break down. Tears also weld up in Relena?s eyes. Heero felt warm, but convinced himself that it was just the alcohol kicking in.
?Oh, Hilde!? cried Relena as she leaped out of her chair to give Hilde a hug, both women crying. Heero and Duo rose from their seats to shake each others hand.
?Congratulations.? said Heero with a nod. Duo broke out into a silly grin and pulled Heero into an embrace. Heero was pulled back for a moment and decided to just pat Duo on the back. Hugging Relena was one thing, but men, that was a different story.
Once the women regained their posture and took their seats, the room was filled with heavy chattering.
?There?s so much planning that needs to be arranged, so Duo and I thought that maybe you and Heero could give us some pointers.? said Hilde with a grin so wide, the world could have tipped over.
?You mean advice?? asked Relena.
?Yeah, advice!? replied a very giddy Duo.
?Well, take it from a mother with experience,? exclaimed Relena. ?If your not sure about baby proofing something, just do it anyway.? Heero snorted and reached for his drink. Relena decided to ignore his remark. She knew exactly why he was laughing at her.
Duo suddenly looked interested. ?Was it something serious?? Relena?s mouth gapped open as she tried to find the right words to say.
?Nothing really important.? she shrugged.
?A box of lotions.? Heero simply said, taking another sip of his bitter pleasure. Relena turned a crimson red, while Duo?s shoulders heaved up and down in laughter and Hilde tried her best to control hers.
?Thankfully, it was non-toxic.? Relena cleared her throat and took a sip of her water.
?Mia enjoyed that strawberry flavor, none the less.? said Heero. Relena looked at him in shock. A red glow surrounded Heero?s face. How many drinks did he have? With a simple wrist gesture, he watched the red liquid swirl around in his glass. He turned to look at Relena?s surprised face, then to Duo and Hilde?s. Duo was trying to disguise his chuckles as coughs and Hilde just looked stupefied.
Heero smirked. ?She likes strawberries.?
Duo elbowed Hilde in the ribs. ?You know what this means.?
?Duo!? Hilde cried. Heero looked disgusted and took another gulp of his drink. Relena was usually a person with good patience, but this was too much. Reaching over rudely, she grabbed Heero?s glass right out of his hand. Then, moved for the bottles and placed them all on her side of the table.
?I?m fine.? grunted Heero. With a ?don?t-push-me? look, Relena?s eyes spoke all that she needed to say.
?So, anyway,? said Hilde, trying her best to change the subject. Duo looked a little disappointed. ?We were interested in listening about your experiences with Mia.?
?Stories.? said Duo, as if pointing out the obvious. Relena laughed. If it?s stories they wanted to hear, then this was going to be a long night. Heero tried to get himself comfortable and placed his left arm on the back of Relena?s chair.
?What do you want to hear?? said a somewhat dazed Heero. ?We?ve got all sorts of stories.?
A light bulb flashed above Relena?s head. ?I?ve got one,? she said. Turning to Heero, she asked, ?Do you remember, fifteen years ago, when we had a dinner meeting with all of the colony peace makers?? Heero nodded her to go on. ?And you forgot to hire a babysitter, so we had to take Mia with us.?
Heero growled. ?I didn?t forget. You were supposed to hire the babysitter that night.?
?Let?s not start this again.? replied Relena. Duo and Hilde looked with amazement.
?Oh my gosh,? cried Hilde. ?What happened?? Duo crossed his arms and placed them on the table, giving the two his attention. Hilde?s eyes twinkled.
?Well,? started Relena. ?I simply had another dinner meeting to attend to and Heero was to come with me. Unfortunately, he forgot to call a babysitter to watch Mia.? Heero cleared his throat and sat up straight in his chair. With a scowl on his face and eyes closed, he crossed his arms and leaned back, listening to the story. ?Anyway, we got into this argument and it ruined my mood that night. We had no choice and had to bring Mia with us.? Amusement suddenly washed away the annoying look on Relena?s face and she suddenly chuckled. ?Mia was three years old at the time. Can you imagine how hard that night was?? Duo and Hilde started to laugh and even Heero smirked. He looked at his wife and she flashed her beautiful smile at him. ?One of the many highlights of my life.?
?So, tell us how that evening went.? said Duo. Relena groaned and shook her head. A good-hearted laughed escaped from Heero?s lips. It only made Duo and Hilde more anxious.
?Well,? laughed Relena. ?It all started when?..?
AN cont.: I apologize for my lack of getting this chapter up sooner. Also, if it gets sloppy near the end. I've had a lot on my 'To-Do-List'. But I can promise you all that we are now getting towards the exciting part! Feed back would be great!
No!
hope it soon...
....But I'll live. Heero on the other hand might have a few objections....MWHAHAHAHA!!! Your's trully..(wink)
I love it! Can't wait to read the next one. Just didn't like the sudden cliff hanger. lol Beautiful writings by the way.