Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2002 4:28 am
Yes that?s right. I don?t own Gundam Wing. Rub it in, why don?t you. How about you just give me a paper cut and rub some lemon juice in it, while you?re at it. Some really rich people in another country own it. Boo Hoo. Trowa ? ?get on with the blasted story!?? Fine, fine, *grumble*
Thanks to those wonderful, smecial people who took the time to read the first instalment. Now, without further ado, here?s some more.
Chapter Two
Quatre fixed Duo with a level stare. ?Duo?.?
The American glared back, dark eyes flashing. ?What Winner? What? We were his friends. Why did he just dump us like that? Don?t just look at me with that whipped dog expression like you don?t know what I?m talking about. He didn?t just leave Relena, he left all of us.?
Quatre flushed, his mouth hanging open momentarily. About to respond to his friends? outburst, he was interrupted by the Chinese man?s even, almost expressionless tone.
? It is my fault. He was finding some peace until the last battle. And then I made him doubt himself. I told him my own demons, and they became his.?
My eyes were drawn to Wufei, still the solitary dragon in so many ways. He was leaning against the wall, semi-obscured by shadow, and although I couldn?t clearly see his face, his rigid stance clearly betrayed the guilt he had obviously felt for some time.
?Do you really believe that, Wufei?? I asked. His head tilted in my direction, and dipped slowly in affirmation. I shook my head at him, wishing I could offer more assurance than I did.
?Wufei, Heero had his own demons. We all do. Any doubts he had in himself, he had them before the two of you fought. You cannot continue to punish yourself for what happened in the past, particularly those events that you had no control over.?
A sharp intake of breath from Wufei, confirmed he recognized my meaning.
?Follow your emotions. He told me that, what seems eons ago, and I have tried to do that ever since. But it seems almost as if he couldn?t follow his own convictions. We all know what it feels like to try and return to some kind of normality, to finally have our own destinies. But for Heero, war was normality. Perhaps he was afraid to include himself in a world without peace. Maybe he wanted to find his place in it.?
?But he does have a place in it.? Interrupted Duo. ?It?s here. With us. With Relena.? His expression was intense, imploring. He raised a hand, brushing it across his forehead in an agitated fashion. Quatre merely nodded, his gaze vacant, deep in thought.
?No Duo, Trowa?s right. There is no way any of us could have told him that, and made him understand. He needs to figure it out for himself. We can only wait. And hope that he does return. Showing his face to Trowa, even if it was only brief, may indicate that he wants to contact us again. We all know that no one ever knows he?s around unless he wants them to, so we have to hope. But he?s not going to come out of hiding until he?s ready.?
Quatre was interrupted suddenly, by a high-pitched signal from his top jacket pocket.
?Shit!? he swore dispassionately, fumbling to find the small comm. link. ?Sorry guy?s, but I have to take this,? and with a swift flip of his hand, he disappeared through the balcony doors. Duo shook his head, his face an expression of bewilderment.
?Someone needs to nail that boy?s feet to the floor.?
I felt the edge of my mouth twitch up into a grin, as I watched my best friend disappear back into the crowded ballroom, before turning my attention back to Duo.
?He will return Duo. We are his friends, and we are all bound by blood and by consequence.?
Duo tilted his head at me, the wide grin so familiar to us all returning to his face.
??Course he will Tro. I?m the best friend he?s got. Where the hell else does he have to go??
He bounced back up onto his feet, offering his hand and slapping me on the shoulder.
?Well folks, I?d better go fetch Cinderella and get her home before the coach turns into a pumpkin.?
Duo paused a moment, looking me directly in the eye.
?I miss him, man. I really miss the moody sod.?
He sighed, then, after imparting Wufei with a similar slap on the shoulder, he vanished back inside.
?It is late.? Imparted Wufei, stepping out of his shroud of shadows. I watched him, as he appeared to wrestle with the decision to impart some form of information ? or advice?
?You will see Relena tomorrow?? I wondered for a split second, if he was making a statement or asking a question. I simply nodded. He mirrored my action, appearing satisfied with my response.
?It will do you both some good.? He said, causing me to raise an eyebrow. He stood a moment, appearing to take my measure. The Chinese man?s face then creased into a soft smile, and clasping my shoulder he remarked,
?You are a good friend Trowa Barton. I thank you.?
Not waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel, and was also gone.
Turning towards the stars again, I leant on the balcony railing and pondered.
?I hope you heard all that Heero. Life is moving on without you. We need you here.?
I straightened up again, and moved back towards the doorway. Pausing, I turned back briefly.
?She can?t wait forever, Heero. Don?t make her wait forever.?
As I walked through the arched doorway, I had the all too familiar feeling of being watched.
********
I waited until a little after midday, before making my way to Relena?s home. It occurred to me, as I turned my motorcycle into her street, that I had not made an appointment and hoped that she was actually going to be available. I chastised myself for forgetting that she would most likely be too busy to receive my visit.
Drawing up to the front door, however, I was amazed to see the front yard swarming with media. Standing in the doorway, stood an unfrazzled Pagan, who was attempted to turn the persistent cameras away. Glancing over the heads of the crowd, however, the elderly man spotted me. He appeared to tip his head in an almost imperceptible fashion, in a signal that I took to mean, ?go around the back?.
Within minutes, I had managed to scale the back wall, and was standing in the apparently empty backyard. A slight movement drew my attention to a large, black dog that was lying at the base of a stately apple tree. The Rottweiler watched me keenly, dark eyes glittering and muzzle pinched.
?Hello Zac,? I motioned to the dog. ?Where?s your mistress??
The dog visibly relaxed and allowed me to approach him. Looking up, the first thing to enter my line of vision was a slender ankle. Looking for a sturdy branch, I lifted myself up to settle opposite the body that the ankle was attached to.
?Why hello.? Relena grinned at me over the top of the thick book she was obviously reading. I opened my mouth to reply, but found myself devoid of anything coherent.
Relena sat curled up in a crook in the tree, clad in what appeared to be a thick men?s coat, it?s collar turned up, so it framed her face. The denim jeans she wore were obviously old, and covered in numerous patches. Her dark blonde hair, still showing proof of the curls fashioned the night before, peeked out from under a soft woollen cap. Her face was scrubbed clean of any trace of make up, and her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold. I swallowed and reminded myself to breathe.
?Glad you made it past the wolves.? She commented, tipping her head in the general direction of the house. I blinked, her dialogue suddenly drawing me from my reverie.
?Uh, yeah. What??
Relena rolled her eyes. She snapped the book shut and tapped the edge against her chin. I observed her fingers, noticing the chips in the once perfect nail polish. I wondered if they were from climbing the tree. She unexpectedly reached towards me, catching me off guard. She touched the top of my ear, sending a shiver that raced straight down my spine. Leaning back again, completely oblivious to my reaction she smiled,
?Your ears are cold. I think we need to go inside hmm??
I simply nodded, dumbfounded, as she shimmied down the tree and began to make her way across the yard, Zac immediately taking his place by her side.
?Well? Are you coming??
I visibly shook myself, before jumping down, jogging to catch up with her. I reprimanded myself for being so distracted. After all, I was there to talk about Heero. And there was the issue of why her house was surrounded by media.
As we walked towards the house, I started repeating;
?She loves Heero, she loves Heero, she loves Heero?
*******
Chapter Three
Following Relena in through the back door, we found Pagan waiting in the kitchen.
?The President called, Miss Relena. He has requested that you meet with him this evening,?
Relena raised an eyebrow, before nodding.
?That will be fine, thank you Pagan. Are the members of the press still gracing us with their presence??
The elderly man chuckled softly.
?Yes, I fear they appear quite comfortable out there. I believe we can expect rain soon though, so perhaps that may send them on their way.?
Relena shook her head, before beginning to shake with laughter.
?You are far too optimistic, Pagan, I have no doubt that they all have umbrellas!?
This laid-back banter continued, as Relena rummaged through cupboards, appearing to scour the kitchen for lost treasures.
?Aha!? she declared loudly, spinning around with a large packet in hand. ?Cold day, almost inevitable rain on it?s way?. this is a job for MARSHMALLOWS!!? Relena declared dramatically.
She examined me meditatively, through narrowed lids.
?You do eat marshmallows, don?t you??
?I have been known to have the odd hankering,? I grinned.
?Wonderful!? she declared, and grabbing the already prepared tea tray from Pagan, she set off towards the living room. Casting a bemused glance at Relena?s aide, who simply smiled softly, then winked, I quickly followed suit.
Expecting to find the former Queen of the World seated elegantly in one of the armchairs, I was surprised to find her pulling a soft rug closer to an already blazing fire. Placing the tea tray in the centre, which contained the obligatory tea, as well as elegantly quartered sandwiches and fruit, she flopped down, sitting with her legs crossed.
?Ta Dah! Carpet Picnic.? She proclaimed, indicating for me to sit on the mat opposite her.
Since coming inside, she had shed the oversized jacket I had found her in, revealing a rather worn white men?s shirt. It looked familiar, but I couldn?t place its origin. She must have perceived my gaze, as she raised a hand to lightly finger the shirt collar. For a moment her smile seemed wistful, and her eyes averted to the flickering flames. My memory was adequately jogged, and I realised where I had seen the shirt before.
Having lowered myself onto the floor, my eyes navigated my new surroundings. The room was tastefully furnished, designed for comfort and repose. The heavy drapes were closed, though to prevent the intrusion of the cold or prying eyes, I was unsure. Save for the tasteful placement of elegant artwork and literary works, the room had no personal touches. It led me to believe that this was not a room that Relena frequented. My eyes, however, were drawn to a slender vase, which stood on the small centre table. Placed in the vase was a single crimson rose, its petals not yet unfurled in full bloom. I stared at it. It seemed strangely?. out of place. I was uncertain as to why it gained my attention so.
Noticing that Relena was quietly watching me as I surveyed her abode, I quickly sought to embark on a conversation.
?I guess I should ask why?? I said, my head tilting in the general direction of the front door. Relena winced, her nose wrinkling in distaste.
?Ah yes,? she began, ?the inevitable question. Why the media frenzy? Why indeed!?
She absently picked up a segment of sandwich, and unconsciously began to pluck out small wads of bread, rolling them between her thumb and forefinger.
?My `superior`, so to speak, the Minister of Foreign Affairs appears to have been embroiled in a rather embarrassing spot of scandal.?
She paused, glancing over at me. I nodded silently, waiting for her to continue, although the whole idea of a politician being exposed for some form of indiscretion was hardly surprising to me. Not all leaders could be as above suspicion as Relena was.
?It seems that even though his family life appeared somewhat ideal, the Minister has a few other `appetites`, mainly, evidence is suggesting, for?.? Relena seemed to bite out the latter with some distaste, ?young boys.?
I was at a loss for words. Relena flicked a wad of the bread into the flames, shaking her head.
?Oh, don?t worry, there?s little doubt in the truth, the evidence appears to be quite?graphic. The media is screaming for his blood, as are most of the Earth?s Sphere delegates. It?s expected that he will be officially requested to step down at this evenings meeting.?
?And the media are here because?? I paused mid sentence, knowing the answer already. She gave me a level look, which plainly stated she knew she didn?t have to explain any further.
The removal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs inescapably meant that Relena would be expected to assume the now vacant position, something she had been trying to avoid for some time. Her position had originally been invented, simply to sustain her place in the peace process, as well as the establishment of the Earth?s Sphere Alliance.
However, the influential speaker had many supporters, and it was well known that it was her ?guiding light? that steered many world leaders towards successful peace negotiations. She had been receiving added pressure, not only to resume the position of Minister, but also to eventually challenge for the position for President. I knew that Relena feared that any added responsibility would prevent her from continuing her own personal campaign for peace. I also suspected that she held other reservations, those related to a specific Gundam Pilot.
Relena sighed. Fidgeted. She appeared to be debating on the benefits of broaching a particular topic. Her gaze skimmed the room, until it came to rest on the single rose. The pause stretched into an uncomfortable silence.
?It was on my pillow.?
I gaped at her. I knew I looked foolish, but I couldn?t seem to prevent it.
?The rose. It was on my pillow when I arrived home last night. It had only just been placed there?there were still water droplets on the petals. He was there at the ball, I KNEW it. He was there listening to us.?
She reached into the pocket of her jeans, and pulled out a slightly crumpled, folded piece of paper. She all but threw it at me. Unfolding it, I witnessed two words, written in a familiar hand. I?m Sorry.
I watched Relena, who sat opposite me, who in turn was staring into the heart of the fire, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth. She sighed again, this time the sound betraying a slight tremor.
?I knew he was still there. Watching me. I was so annoyed with him. So?angry. I told him to go away. To leave me alone. That if he couldn?t show his face to me, that I didn?t want him there at all.?
She brought her hand up and wiped the back of it over her eyes in an almost child like gesture. I sat there, rigid, unable to move. I didn?t know what to do to reassure her, to offer comfort. I wished Quatre were there. Grasping at straws, I reached over, and piercing a marshmallow with a toasting fork, stuck it in the fire. Once the shell had turned an even brown, I offered it to her. Relena?s eyebrows shot up, disappearing under her fringe. She shot me a wry grin, and helped herself to the marshmallow. She continued to watch me, as she consumed the sweet treat.
?Hmm, you?re one heck of a marshmallow chef, Trowa. I?m impressed.?
I smiled as I staked another, and held it above the flames.
?Do you think he will go?? She whispered. ?I was quite fervent.?
The question hung in the air for a moment, and I pondered my response. The answer was most certainly not to be found in the fires flickering flames. Marshmallow toasted, I again offered it to my hostess.
?He won?t leave. He made a promise to protect you. He would never break that promise. Besides, he loves you.?
Relena snorted, and I started at the rather unladylike gesture.
?I don?t want him hanging around because his rotten pride won?t let him leave. Let him break his promise. I don?t want him darkening my doorstep, or window ledge, whatever, just because he feels bound by obligation. I want someone who wants to be with me, who loves me. I don?t need another bodyguard. I have enough of them.?
I was stunned to hear her speak in such a way. I simply stared at her for a moment, before realising that my carefully toasting marshmallow had now caught fire, and was dropping into the hearth in a gooey mess. Startled, I yanked the fork away from the flames and laid it down, turning my attention to Relena.
?He loves you Relena. Promise or not, he doesn?t leave because he doesn?t want to. I don?t know what reason Heero has for isolating himself from us, but surely you must appreciate that he loves you.?
?You make it sound like that should be enough, Trowa. And I don?t know that he still loves me, not really. I know he did. He told me some time ago. But people change their minds. His note said he was sorry. But sorry for what? Sorry that he?s left me alone and broken hearted? Sorry that he doesn?t have the courage to tell me that he wants to be with me? Or sorry, because he?s found someone else and he doesn?t know how to let me down gently??
Relena?s faced became flushed, as the anger she had obviously kept contained for sometime began to bubble forth. I opened my mouth, about to tell her of my parting message to Heero on the balcony the night before. That his apology was for keeping her waiting for him. I truly felt he was trying to tell her to keep waiting, and that he would return soon.
I was just about to tell her this, when a brisk rapping on the door interrupted us.
?My apologies, Miss Relena,? said Pagan, as he entered the room ?But the President has requested that the meeting be brought forward, and that you meet him at the soonest possible moment.?
Relena nodded slowly, her face returning to its usual smooth expression. She glanced down at her comfortable attire and exhaled.
?Well, I guess I had better change.?
I stood up and assisted Relena to her feet. She smiled softly at me.
?I?m sorry we?ve had to cut this short Trowa, and that the topics of conversation were less than pleasant. I appreciate your friendship more than I could possibly express. Thank you for listening.?
She reached over and grasped my hand in hers.
?Relena,? I spoke softly, ?Relena, just remember that the red rose represents true love. You must remember that.?
Her eyes suddenly glistened with unshed tears, and without warning, I found her arms flung around my neck in a firm embrace. Kissing my cheek, she stepped back again and whispered,
?Thank You.?
I stood for a few minutes, watching the door through which she had just departed. The room suddenly seemed devoid of all life. I let out a long, heartfelt sigh.
He doesn?t deserve her.
*******
Thanks to those wonderful, smecial people who took the time to read the first instalment. Now, without further ado, here?s some more.
Chapter Two
Quatre fixed Duo with a level stare. ?Duo?.?
The American glared back, dark eyes flashing. ?What Winner? What? We were his friends. Why did he just dump us like that? Don?t just look at me with that whipped dog expression like you don?t know what I?m talking about. He didn?t just leave Relena, he left all of us.?
Quatre flushed, his mouth hanging open momentarily. About to respond to his friends? outburst, he was interrupted by the Chinese man?s even, almost expressionless tone.
? It is my fault. He was finding some peace until the last battle. And then I made him doubt himself. I told him my own demons, and they became his.?
My eyes were drawn to Wufei, still the solitary dragon in so many ways. He was leaning against the wall, semi-obscured by shadow, and although I couldn?t clearly see his face, his rigid stance clearly betrayed the guilt he had obviously felt for some time.
?Do you really believe that, Wufei?? I asked. His head tilted in my direction, and dipped slowly in affirmation. I shook my head at him, wishing I could offer more assurance than I did.
?Wufei, Heero had his own demons. We all do. Any doubts he had in himself, he had them before the two of you fought. You cannot continue to punish yourself for what happened in the past, particularly those events that you had no control over.?
A sharp intake of breath from Wufei, confirmed he recognized my meaning.
?Follow your emotions. He told me that, what seems eons ago, and I have tried to do that ever since. But it seems almost as if he couldn?t follow his own convictions. We all know what it feels like to try and return to some kind of normality, to finally have our own destinies. But for Heero, war was normality. Perhaps he was afraid to include himself in a world without peace. Maybe he wanted to find his place in it.?
?But he does have a place in it.? Interrupted Duo. ?It?s here. With us. With Relena.? His expression was intense, imploring. He raised a hand, brushing it across his forehead in an agitated fashion. Quatre merely nodded, his gaze vacant, deep in thought.
?No Duo, Trowa?s right. There is no way any of us could have told him that, and made him understand. He needs to figure it out for himself. We can only wait. And hope that he does return. Showing his face to Trowa, even if it was only brief, may indicate that he wants to contact us again. We all know that no one ever knows he?s around unless he wants them to, so we have to hope. But he?s not going to come out of hiding until he?s ready.?
Quatre was interrupted suddenly, by a high-pitched signal from his top jacket pocket.
?Shit!? he swore dispassionately, fumbling to find the small comm. link. ?Sorry guy?s, but I have to take this,? and with a swift flip of his hand, he disappeared through the balcony doors. Duo shook his head, his face an expression of bewilderment.
?Someone needs to nail that boy?s feet to the floor.?
I felt the edge of my mouth twitch up into a grin, as I watched my best friend disappear back into the crowded ballroom, before turning my attention back to Duo.
?He will return Duo. We are his friends, and we are all bound by blood and by consequence.?
Duo tilted his head at me, the wide grin so familiar to us all returning to his face.
??Course he will Tro. I?m the best friend he?s got. Where the hell else does he have to go??
He bounced back up onto his feet, offering his hand and slapping me on the shoulder.
?Well folks, I?d better go fetch Cinderella and get her home before the coach turns into a pumpkin.?
Duo paused a moment, looking me directly in the eye.
?I miss him, man. I really miss the moody sod.?
He sighed, then, after imparting Wufei with a similar slap on the shoulder, he vanished back inside.
?It is late.? Imparted Wufei, stepping out of his shroud of shadows. I watched him, as he appeared to wrestle with the decision to impart some form of information ? or advice?
?You will see Relena tomorrow?? I wondered for a split second, if he was making a statement or asking a question. I simply nodded. He mirrored my action, appearing satisfied with my response.
?It will do you both some good.? He said, causing me to raise an eyebrow. He stood a moment, appearing to take my measure. The Chinese man?s face then creased into a soft smile, and clasping my shoulder he remarked,
?You are a good friend Trowa Barton. I thank you.?
Not waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel, and was also gone.
Turning towards the stars again, I leant on the balcony railing and pondered.
?I hope you heard all that Heero. Life is moving on without you. We need you here.?
I straightened up again, and moved back towards the doorway. Pausing, I turned back briefly.
?She can?t wait forever, Heero. Don?t make her wait forever.?
As I walked through the arched doorway, I had the all too familiar feeling of being watched.
********
I waited until a little after midday, before making my way to Relena?s home. It occurred to me, as I turned my motorcycle into her street, that I had not made an appointment and hoped that she was actually going to be available. I chastised myself for forgetting that she would most likely be too busy to receive my visit.
Drawing up to the front door, however, I was amazed to see the front yard swarming with media. Standing in the doorway, stood an unfrazzled Pagan, who was attempted to turn the persistent cameras away. Glancing over the heads of the crowd, however, the elderly man spotted me. He appeared to tip his head in an almost imperceptible fashion, in a signal that I took to mean, ?go around the back?.
Within minutes, I had managed to scale the back wall, and was standing in the apparently empty backyard. A slight movement drew my attention to a large, black dog that was lying at the base of a stately apple tree. The Rottweiler watched me keenly, dark eyes glittering and muzzle pinched.
?Hello Zac,? I motioned to the dog. ?Where?s your mistress??
The dog visibly relaxed and allowed me to approach him. Looking up, the first thing to enter my line of vision was a slender ankle. Looking for a sturdy branch, I lifted myself up to settle opposite the body that the ankle was attached to.
?Why hello.? Relena grinned at me over the top of the thick book she was obviously reading. I opened my mouth to reply, but found myself devoid of anything coherent.
Relena sat curled up in a crook in the tree, clad in what appeared to be a thick men?s coat, it?s collar turned up, so it framed her face. The denim jeans she wore were obviously old, and covered in numerous patches. Her dark blonde hair, still showing proof of the curls fashioned the night before, peeked out from under a soft woollen cap. Her face was scrubbed clean of any trace of make up, and her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold. I swallowed and reminded myself to breathe.
?Glad you made it past the wolves.? She commented, tipping her head in the general direction of the house. I blinked, her dialogue suddenly drawing me from my reverie.
?Uh, yeah. What??
Relena rolled her eyes. She snapped the book shut and tapped the edge against her chin. I observed her fingers, noticing the chips in the once perfect nail polish. I wondered if they were from climbing the tree. She unexpectedly reached towards me, catching me off guard. She touched the top of my ear, sending a shiver that raced straight down my spine. Leaning back again, completely oblivious to my reaction she smiled,
?Your ears are cold. I think we need to go inside hmm??
I simply nodded, dumbfounded, as she shimmied down the tree and began to make her way across the yard, Zac immediately taking his place by her side.
?Well? Are you coming??
I visibly shook myself, before jumping down, jogging to catch up with her. I reprimanded myself for being so distracted. After all, I was there to talk about Heero. And there was the issue of why her house was surrounded by media.
As we walked towards the house, I started repeating;
?She loves Heero, she loves Heero, she loves Heero?
*******
Chapter Three
Following Relena in through the back door, we found Pagan waiting in the kitchen.
?The President called, Miss Relena. He has requested that you meet with him this evening,?
Relena raised an eyebrow, before nodding.
?That will be fine, thank you Pagan. Are the members of the press still gracing us with their presence??
The elderly man chuckled softly.
?Yes, I fear they appear quite comfortable out there. I believe we can expect rain soon though, so perhaps that may send them on their way.?
Relena shook her head, before beginning to shake with laughter.
?You are far too optimistic, Pagan, I have no doubt that they all have umbrellas!?
This laid-back banter continued, as Relena rummaged through cupboards, appearing to scour the kitchen for lost treasures.
?Aha!? she declared loudly, spinning around with a large packet in hand. ?Cold day, almost inevitable rain on it?s way?. this is a job for MARSHMALLOWS!!? Relena declared dramatically.
She examined me meditatively, through narrowed lids.
?You do eat marshmallows, don?t you??
?I have been known to have the odd hankering,? I grinned.
?Wonderful!? she declared, and grabbing the already prepared tea tray from Pagan, she set off towards the living room. Casting a bemused glance at Relena?s aide, who simply smiled softly, then winked, I quickly followed suit.
Expecting to find the former Queen of the World seated elegantly in one of the armchairs, I was surprised to find her pulling a soft rug closer to an already blazing fire. Placing the tea tray in the centre, which contained the obligatory tea, as well as elegantly quartered sandwiches and fruit, she flopped down, sitting with her legs crossed.
?Ta Dah! Carpet Picnic.? She proclaimed, indicating for me to sit on the mat opposite her.
Since coming inside, she had shed the oversized jacket I had found her in, revealing a rather worn white men?s shirt. It looked familiar, but I couldn?t place its origin. She must have perceived my gaze, as she raised a hand to lightly finger the shirt collar. For a moment her smile seemed wistful, and her eyes averted to the flickering flames. My memory was adequately jogged, and I realised where I had seen the shirt before.
Having lowered myself onto the floor, my eyes navigated my new surroundings. The room was tastefully furnished, designed for comfort and repose. The heavy drapes were closed, though to prevent the intrusion of the cold or prying eyes, I was unsure. Save for the tasteful placement of elegant artwork and literary works, the room had no personal touches. It led me to believe that this was not a room that Relena frequented. My eyes, however, were drawn to a slender vase, which stood on the small centre table. Placed in the vase was a single crimson rose, its petals not yet unfurled in full bloom. I stared at it. It seemed strangely?. out of place. I was uncertain as to why it gained my attention so.
Noticing that Relena was quietly watching me as I surveyed her abode, I quickly sought to embark on a conversation.
?I guess I should ask why?? I said, my head tilting in the general direction of the front door. Relena winced, her nose wrinkling in distaste.
?Ah yes,? she began, ?the inevitable question. Why the media frenzy? Why indeed!?
She absently picked up a segment of sandwich, and unconsciously began to pluck out small wads of bread, rolling them between her thumb and forefinger.
?My `superior`, so to speak, the Minister of Foreign Affairs appears to have been embroiled in a rather embarrassing spot of scandal.?
She paused, glancing over at me. I nodded silently, waiting for her to continue, although the whole idea of a politician being exposed for some form of indiscretion was hardly surprising to me. Not all leaders could be as above suspicion as Relena was.
?It seems that even though his family life appeared somewhat ideal, the Minister has a few other `appetites`, mainly, evidence is suggesting, for?.? Relena seemed to bite out the latter with some distaste, ?young boys.?
I was at a loss for words. Relena flicked a wad of the bread into the flames, shaking her head.
?Oh, don?t worry, there?s little doubt in the truth, the evidence appears to be quite?graphic. The media is screaming for his blood, as are most of the Earth?s Sphere delegates. It?s expected that he will be officially requested to step down at this evenings meeting.?
?And the media are here because?? I paused mid sentence, knowing the answer already. She gave me a level look, which plainly stated she knew she didn?t have to explain any further.
The removal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs inescapably meant that Relena would be expected to assume the now vacant position, something she had been trying to avoid for some time. Her position had originally been invented, simply to sustain her place in the peace process, as well as the establishment of the Earth?s Sphere Alliance.
However, the influential speaker had many supporters, and it was well known that it was her ?guiding light? that steered many world leaders towards successful peace negotiations. She had been receiving added pressure, not only to resume the position of Minister, but also to eventually challenge for the position for President. I knew that Relena feared that any added responsibility would prevent her from continuing her own personal campaign for peace. I also suspected that she held other reservations, those related to a specific Gundam Pilot.
Relena sighed. Fidgeted. She appeared to be debating on the benefits of broaching a particular topic. Her gaze skimmed the room, until it came to rest on the single rose. The pause stretched into an uncomfortable silence.
?It was on my pillow.?
I gaped at her. I knew I looked foolish, but I couldn?t seem to prevent it.
?The rose. It was on my pillow when I arrived home last night. It had only just been placed there?there were still water droplets on the petals. He was there at the ball, I KNEW it. He was there listening to us.?
She reached into the pocket of her jeans, and pulled out a slightly crumpled, folded piece of paper. She all but threw it at me. Unfolding it, I witnessed two words, written in a familiar hand. I?m Sorry.
I watched Relena, who sat opposite me, who in turn was staring into the heart of the fire, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth. She sighed again, this time the sound betraying a slight tremor.
?I knew he was still there. Watching me. I was so annoyed with him. So?angry. I told him to go away. To leave me alone. That if he couldn?t show his face to me, that I didn?t want him there at all.?
She brought her hand up and wiped the back of it over her eyes in an almost child like gesture. I sat there, rigid, unable to move. I didn?t know what to do to reassure her, to offer comfort. I wished Quatre were there. Grasping at straws, I reached over, and piercing a marshmallow with a toasting fork, stuck it in the fire. Once the shell had turned an even brown, I offered it to her. Relena?s eyebrows shot up, disappearing under her fringe. She shot me a wry grin, and helped herself to the marshmallow. She continued to watch me, as she consumed the sweet treat.
?Hmm, you?re one heck of a marshmallow chef, Trowa. I?m impressed.?
I smiled as I staked another, and held it above the flames.
?Do you think he will go?? She whispered. ?I was quite fervent.?
The question hung in the air for a moment, and I pondered my response. The answer was most certainly not to be found in the fires flickering flames. Marshmallow toasted, I again offered it to my hostess.
?He won?t leave. He made a promise to protect you. He would never break that promise. Besides, he loves you.?
Relena snorted, and I started at the rather unladylike gesture.
?I don?t want him hanging around because his rotten pride won?t let him leave. Let him break his promise. I don?t want him darkening my doorstep, or window ledge, whatever, just because he feels bound by obligation. I want someone who wants to be with me, who loves me. I don?t need another bodyguard. I have enough of them.?
I was stunned to hear her speak in such a way. I simply stared at her for a moment, before realising that my carefully toasting marshmallow had now caught fire, and was dropping into the hearth in a gooey mess. Startled, I yanked the fork away from the flames and laid it down, turning my attention to Relena.
?He loves you Relena. Promise or not, he doesn?t leave because he doesn?t want to. I don?t know what reason Heero has for isolating himself from us, but surely you must appreciate that he loves you.?
?You make it sound like that should be enough, Trowa. And I don?t know that he still loves me, not really. I know he did. He told me some time ago. But people change their minds. His note said he was sorry. But sorry for what? Sorry that he?s left me alone and broken hearted? Sorry that he doesn?t have the courage to tell me that he wants to be with me? Or sorry, because he?s found someone else and he doesn?t know how to let me down gently??
Relena?s faced became flushed, as the anger she had obviously kept contained for sometime began to bubble forth. I opened my mouth, about to tell her of my parting message to Heero on the balcony the night before. That his apology was for keeping her waiting for him. I truly felt he was trying to tell her to keep waiting, and that he would return soon.
I was just about to tell her this, when a brisk rapping on the door interrupted us.
?My apologies, Miss Relena,? said Pagan, as he entered the room ?But the President has requested that the meeting be brought forward, and that you meet him at the soonest possible moment.?
Relena nodded slowly, her face returning to its usual smooth expression. She glanced down at her comfortable attire and exhaled.
?Well, I guess I had better change.?
I stood up and assisted Relena to her feet. She smiled softly at me.
?I?m sorry we?ve had to cut this short Trowa, and that the topics of conversation were less than pleasant. I appreciate your friendship more than I could possibly express. Thank you for listening.?
She reached over and grasped my hand in hers.
?Relena,? I spoke softly, ?Relena, just remember that the red rose represents true love. You must remember that.?
Her eyes suddenly glistened with unshed tears, and without warning, I found her arms flung around my neck in a firm embrace. Kissing my cheek, she stepped back again and whispered,
?Thank You.?
I stood for a few minutes, watching the door through which she had just departed. The room suddenly seemed devoid of all life. I let out a long, heartfelt sigh.
He doesn?t deserve her.
*******