Recrimination (PG-13, references to 1xR)

[kmblue]

I wasn't sure of where to put this because its mainly Relena and Trowa-centric w/out a pairing but since 1xR is referenced in it, I decided to post it here.

Title: Recrimination
Author: Kendra
Pairing: references to 3x11 and 1xR
Warnings: Angst
Disclaimer: I no own GW.
Notes: Just a little something I thought up.

They sat in the room, neither looking at the other. It was a tense silence, angry feelings all around. There were unaired grievances, recriminations from the past.

Une had locked them in here, telling them that it was time for this to be over and done with. Trowa lazily looked at the woman sitting across from him. Outwardly, she looked calm and unconcerned but he could tell that she was strained and furious. He thought, 'She probably doesn't like that Une forced her into this.'

Relena was all power and cunning, years as a politician shaping her into one of the most feared women in the entire ESUN. She radiated confidence belied by a rage that he had recently experienced. His Une was feared and he understood why, but Relena had a whole other dimension that Une would never have.

Relena leaned forward, resting her forearms on the desk. She calmly stated, "I wonder what Une twisted to make you come here today."

Trowa lifted an eyebrow while folding his fingers in his lap. Relena continued, "Well, of course, we all know what happened. You were the only one there when Heero died. The only one who knows the truth, but of course, why would you tell the truth? Too much at stake for your precious career?"

Relena stared at Trowa, trying to see if her barb had hit its mark. Trowa refused to give her a reaction and instead drawled, "Une believes that its time to let old dogs lie. It?s been seven months, the investigation is complete. Heero died from enemy fire, there was nothing I could do to save him."

Relena narrowed her eyes, a scowl marring the angelic features of her face. Then she leaned back and stared at the aquarium on the right side of the room. Then she replied, "You could have saved him. You didn't have to let him die like that, but I remember, mercenaries are still mercenaries even when they claim to be different. Cold, cunning, uncaring?"

Trowa started, his face turning grim. Not many knew of his history as a mercenary and the sacrifices he made to escape that life and become a Gundam pilot. He regained control of his increasing anger before saying, "Bringing up my past won't help. I loved Heero as a brother, and I miss him to. If I could go back in time, that ambush would have never happened."

Relena rolled her eyes and began tapping her fingers on the table. "Why should I believe you," she said, "You always said that you-"

Trowa cut her off, "I'm not Heero."

Relena turned around and stared at him, her blue eyes wide. Then she narrowed her eyes and snarled, "Of course, you aren't-"

"You can't try to hurt me to bring him," Trowa cut her off, his green eyes narrowing. He continued, "Nothing that you could do to me can wound me and bring him back. He's dead, Relena, deal with it."

Relena stared at him, her facade beginning to crack. Trowa's heart went out to the woman but he quashed those feelings. What was done was done and she needed to be pulled down a notch.

Trowa stretched his legs and rose from the seat. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a gun. Checking the safety, Trowa gave a satisfied smirk before putting the gun on the table. He said, "I've wanted to give you this for a while, I know he would have wanted you to have this. Say what you will about me, but always remember that all of us would have given our lives for Heero."

The gun was there, available and out in the open. Relena gulped, old fears and insecurities rising before she took it. Then tears began to trail down her cheeks. Trowa nodded before leaving the room, giving the grieving woman some privacy.

[Morrighan]

Sad! I could feel the pain Trowa and Relena were feeling at that moment...

It's incredibly in character! Great job!

[Eienvine]

Oh, poor Relena and Heero! This was really a great fic. I really liked the way you characterized Trowa, especially. Great job.