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Don’t Talk Back
If you think I own Gundam Wing, you’re crazier than I am. And believe me, that’s saying something
Part Three
People were screaming. The wooden floorboards rumbled with the sound of countless running feet, as hundreds of panicking spectators jostled their way to the exits. She watched in horror as some fell, simply to be trampled by those behind them. She tried to raise her voice above the din, pleading for calm, but it went unheeded. A fear swelled in her heart that she had never before experienced, fear for the people around her, and for a moment reason left her, bowing to her own growing anxiety.
She fought for composure, swallowing back the urge to run with them. It was just a hoax. A publicity stunt. There was no bomb. It would be okay… it would be okay. And then there was a deafening roar, and she found herself being pitched to the floor. The last thing she recalled, before everything went black, was the protective embrace that seemed to shield her as she tumbled into darkness.
Relena…
Whisper soft. The gentle, yet insistent beckoning drifted through the mist of unconsciousness.
Stay with me Relena…
She shivered… it was so cold. She wanted to open her eyes, to see the angel that was calling her name, but the heavy curtain of obliviousness refused to budge. She felt herself drawn closer to his warmth however, and the action seemed to surpass the relentless ache that wracked her body. A steady hand stroked her hair, the movement calming her.
The voice continued to speak to her, the underlining tenor of desperation preventing her from slipping back into the tempting abyss.
Relena, hang on, stay with me…
******
Relena shivered, as she attempted to curl further into her cocoon of blankets in the middle of the expansive four-poster bed. A nagging voice in the back of her mind reminded her that she need not have been sleeping, or attempting to sleep, on her own, had she not opened her big mouth. She sniffled, as another wave of self-pity washed over her.
She was such an idiot! Why did she have to ruin everything? What was she thinking? Reaching for one of the soft pillows, she hugged it close, as she remembered how it felt to be held in his arms, how safe it made her feel. She shivered again, as she recalled the dream she had just had… the same dream that seemed recurrent in the last few days.
Was it just a dream though? Some of it, she knew, was memory, reminiscences of a painful event. But the angel… she wasn’t sure. The voice… the touch… it meant something. And why was she having the dreams now? It was all so strange.
And it didn’t matter anyway. All that mattered now was how she was going to face HIM again. She was mortified. He must be used to women throwing themselves at him, although she doubted any had ever gone quite to this extreme. She groaned loudly, pulling the covers over her head, wishing the silk sheets would simply swallow her up and put her out of her misery.
Sighing, she realised there was no avoiding it. Better to release him from the humiliation she had subjected him to. It would no doubt cost Colonel Une one of her best Commanders, but perhaps one day he would at least forgive her.
She would send Trowa to see him, first thing in the morning.
******
“I want to see her… I’m not going anywhere until she speaks to me.”
Heero’s words were hard, menacing, and he moved towards the doorway with a stride that suggested he meant to throw the taller guard out of his way if he attempted to stop him. Trowa’s expression was grim, but it was his words that served to obstruct the enraged Commander.
“Don’t make an ass of yourself. She’s not here, and even if she were, her orders were very clear. She doesn’t want to see you. You’re free to go. All charges have been dropped, and no mention of these recent events has been added to your permanent record. So go home. Forget this ever happened.”
The glare that Heero bestowed would have felled an elephant. The deep blue irises flashed with malice and fury, yet not mirroring the true feelings in his heart. Hurt, anguish… heartbreak. Why was this happening?
“So she thinks she can just throw me aside, is that it? Use me and then move on to the next conquest? She must keep you busy, keeping her in ready supply of new toys. Is that a part of your job description?”
The contemptuous words spat from his lips like venom. Deep down, he knew the insults were empty, but he struck out none-the-less, as his bewildered mind attempted to understand why she had said what she did, and then reacted so fiercely.
She had said she loved him. Said it and, he knew, meant it. Why, he cursed himself, why couldn’t he have replied in kind? Why couldn’t he have told her how he really felt? He was a fool. Valiantly, he bit back his anger, struggling for calm.
“Please,” he ground out, his pride chafing at the prospect of asking the other man for help, “Just let me speak to her.”
Trowa stared back at him, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.
“I can’t help you. My loyalty, as was yours not so long ago, lies with Our Queen. I cannot allow you to hurt her anymore than you already have.”
Heero’s jaw dropped in astonishment.
“What? Hurt her? I didn’t…”
Trowa raised an eyebrow at him, apparently unmoved by Heero’s plea. Pointing to the folded uniform he had deposited on the bed, he moved towards the door.
“I think you’d better get dressed. There’ll be a car to take you home in half an hour. I advise you hurry, unless you want to walk back.” Pausing with his hand on the door, he turned back towards Heero.
“I’d recommend you keep what went on here to yourself. I don’t know what happened between you two, but I can only tell you this. She’s never done this before. Maybe it wasn’t the best way of doing things… but sometimes you do strange things when you’re in love with someone.”
Heero stared in shock, any opportunity to question the normally silent guard lost, as he disappeared swiftly through the door.
******
The gentle touch of Hilde’s hand on her arm briefly drew her gaze away from the tiny figure below, as it stepped into the waiting government vehicle and was whisked away.
“My Lady… are you sure you’re doing the right thing? It’s not too late, you know.”
Relena gazed at her in silence, before turning back to the window, her hand lifting to press her fingers against the cool glass. Hilde sighed softly.
“Sometimes, Your Highness, you’re far too stubborn for your own good.”
******
Relena smiled half-heartedly at her Royal advisor, as he bowed politely before taking a seat opposite her at the elaborate breakfast table. He frowned, glancing pointedly at her untouched serving of food, as a maid poured his tea. She folded her hands in her lap, knowing he would not remain silent for long. Absently, she began to count backwards in her head… Ten… Nine… Eight…
“Your Highness… You seem most unwell. Is something troubling you?”
Biting back a dry laugh, Relena covered the urge with a slight clearing of her throat.
“I’m fine, Quatre. A little tired perhaps… but nothing for you to concern yourself with.”
He quirked an eyebrow at her, his expression dubious. Glancing around, he signalled to the maid and guards to wait outside. As the heavy doors swung shut behind them, he turned back to her
“Relena, you’ve been wandering around in a state of bewilderment for the past two days. People are beginning to notice.” He paused a moment, noticing the minute form of a pout on her lips, “It’s not too late to make amends.”
She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, knowing that she would be incapable of hiding her feelings from her long time friend and confidant. Self-consciously, she began to pleat the heavy tablecloth, in a most un-Queen like action. Quatre raised his eyebrows at her, watching her agitation with interest.
“It would take very little exertion to get him back here, you know. From what I understand, it took some effort just getting him to leave.”
Relena blinked at him, before returning her gaze to the tabletop, and sighing.
“And what would you have me say to him, oh wise advisor? I used him, treated him without respect and placed him in a shameful situation. How could he possibly have refused me? How can I apologise, even look him in the face again? I forced my feelings on him. And I had no right.”
Quatre leaned forward, setting his teacup aside, and placing his clasped hands in front of him.
“So you slipped. You told him how you feel. Had you not panicked and socked him one, he may just have returned the sentiment.”
Relena flushed deeply, her face hot with embarrassment, privately wishing she had kept that part of the story to herself. She was silent for a moment, before she looked back up at him, her features etched with uncertainty.
“But then what, Quatre? If he did reply in kind, how am I to know if he meant it? And if he did? Where would we go from there?”
“Then you would proceed in the same fashion as most couples who wish to be together, though perhaps with a little more ‘formality’ than the average. Relena, it’s not as if you are locked in some ancient ritual of marrying for position or standing. You may be with whom you choose, within reason, and a man of Commander Yuy’s status would be considered more than suitable in this day and age. Stop making excuses. Simply send for him, and either way, you can stop dwelling on the situation and move on.”
A flicker of hope flashed across her face, only to be wiped away with an expression of doubt. Pushing the untouched plate of food away, and rising to her feet, Relena shook her head sorrowfully.
“I can’t, Quatre. Not yet. Maybe not ever. I’m sure that the Commander has already put this behind him, and now I must too. Now, I believe we have a full days work to get through.”
******
Heero walked warily through the main foyer of the Department of Defence, down through the halls towards the offices of Colonel Une. His passage appeared to go unnoticed, although he had expected the muffled titters and nudges from gossiping personnel. Not a head turned his way, however, save for the occasional nod of greeting from a passing colleague.
No one questioned his absence of the past few days, and there was not a murmur about his recent arrest. It was perplexing, particularly knowing his co-workers partiality to a good intrigue. Could she really have kept things so secret as to go unnoticed by even those that protected her?
He ran idle fingers through his thick hair, the turmoil of emotions still unsettled since the two days passed when she had cut his bonds and cast him aside. He had been wandering listlessly, unable to rest, attempting to return to his missions, but incapable of making them foremost in his thoughts. And now he had been summonsed to the Colonel herself, her message suggesting the onset of new orders.
Turning the final corner, he paused as he noticed Commander Chang leaving the Colonel’s office, his face etched with a dark scowl. Wanting to avoid an exchange with his long-time adversary, Heero began to move back in the direction he had come, but his actions proved ill timed.
“Couldn’t help yourself, could you Yuy?”
Wufei’s tone was hard, the words spat through gritted teeth. He glared at his fellow officer, making no attempt to conceal his contempt.
“I’d love to know how you got yourself out of this one. You disobeyed orders, not just Une’s but Her Majesty’s! And you just waltz back in like nothing ever happened! You’re either blackmailing someone, sleeping with someone or both, because it can’t have anything to do with your ability to pilot a craft.”
Heero stared back, unable to prevent the insolent smirk that flashed across his face. Choosing not to pursue the argument further, he stepped back towards the Colonel’s office, leaving a seething Wufei in his wake.
Nodding his acknowledgement to Une’s personal assistant, he stepped into her office, his step wavering slightly as he became aware that his superior was not alone. Standing to attention, he saluted the stern Colonel formally, before repeating the action to the composed gentleman who had not risen from his seat opposite the large oak desk.
Une nodded her recognition, before indicating to her guest with a wave of her hand.
“Commander Yuy, you of course know Lord Winner, the Queen’s Advisor.”
Heero nodded briskly, his teeth clenched and eyes narrowed in suspicion. Quatre stared evenly back at him, his expression betraying nothing, save the slightest hint of a smile. Apparently satisfied with his reply, or lack thereof, Colonel Une continued.
“Lord Winner has been made aware of a ‘situation’ of extreme delicacy, regarding Her Majesty’s security, and has requested your assistance in dealing with it.”
Heero blinked at her, before casting a sceptical glance in the direction of the blonde Noble. His reply was slow, stilted, as he struggled to conceal his confusion.
“Oh course, Sir. I am always at the service of Her Majesty.”
He cringed privately at his ironical choice of words. Was he imagining it, or did a flash of amusement glimmer in the other man’s eyes?
Mentally shaking himself, he set his gaze on the picture frame that hung behind the Colonel’s desk, praying that his usual mask of indifference had not failed him. Une stood silently, walking to stand before him. The action reminded him of all too recent events, and his bemused mind was relieved to see that the Colonel was not dressed in a short, revealing skirt. Her expression was most certainly in no way similar to his previous seductress.
“I’ll leave you Gentlemen to discuss the assignment then.” She paused, frowning at Heero for a moment. “Commander, I think perhaps you need to listen carefully to the mission that Lord Winner has in mind. And think carefully before you accept it. I fear this may be one task you are at great risk of failing.”
She moved away quickly, missing the widening of dark blue eyes and loosening of a usually rigid jaw. As she pulled the heavy door shut behind her, Heero turned his menacing glare on Quatre, who, to Heero’s chagrin, appeared completely undaunted. Rising from his seat, the Queen's advisor wandered across the room, his arms folded against his chest. He paused to scrutinise her highness's portrait on the far wall.
“I usually make it my business to stay out of her Majesty’s private affairs, Commander.”
Heero scowled at him, refusing to be won over by Quatre’s amiable tone,
“Then maybe you should stick to that principle, my Lord.”
Quatre glanced back at him, a raised eyebrow his only response to the Commander’s contemptuous tone. Heero found it strangely infuriating that his open hostility was having no effect on the man whatsoever.
“You know, Commander, that at the same time you were at the Academy, training in the ‘arts’ of war, I too was in training. Only I was groomed in protocol and politics. And while you protect her physically, it is my duty to protect her mentally… and emotionally.” He paused, as he turned from the picture, fixing Heero with his level stare.
“Her Highness is of great importance to me. I count her as one of my dearest friends. Her happiness is paramount, and I cannot allow anyone to hurt her. Do you understand my meaning Commander?” He waited for some form of answer, and on receiving none, continued. “I must say, I was somewhat surprised when Rel… when Her Highness related the events of the past few days. It appears her Lady in Waiting’s influence is rubbing off on her. But if you think that she has continued on for the past two days without regret or remorse, then you are gravely mistaken.”
Heero winched, a sickening feeling rising in his stomach at the thought that the time they spent together had caused her displeasure. He was swift to cover his disappointment, although he suspected that he had not been quick enough to fool the perceptive Quatre. His features darkened, schooled to an expression of condescending indifference.
“I’m sorry, My Lord, but I don’t think I follow you.”
It took every ounce of will power he possessed not to throttle the blonde as he began to laugh, openly laugh, at him. His fists clenched and unclenched, as he attempted to interpret exactly what the man found so funny. What the hell had she told him?
Quatre’s laughter gradually died off, and he coughed slightly at Heero’s look of furious bewilderment. Heero’s eyes narrowed, as he waited impatiently for Quatre to let him in on the joke.
“You two are as bad as each other.”
Heero quirked an eyebrow at him, thoroughly unamused by the disjointed conversation. He fought the growing urge to simply walk out, but he knew that with Lord Winner being his superior, protocol forbade it until he had been formally excused. He watched as the other man’s face smoothed back to seriousness, his expression conveying that he was aware of Heero’s agitation.
“I am not here to represent Her Highness, Commander, merely to… further understand… your position in this situation. I make no assumptions in regards to how she feels, or what exactly is going on in her head right now. I also have no intention of revealing her feelings, so don’t bother asking.”
He paused, seeming to consider his next sentence. Or perhaps he was allowing adequate time for Heero to respond. Well, Heero decided, he had no intention of giving him the opportunity for further mockery. Quatre tutted softly, giving his head the slightest of shakes.
“I believe it would be in the best interests of discretion, that you tell no one of what occurred. Her Highness wishes to place the entire incident behind her, and I feel it would be in your best interests if you did too. While it would be too obvious to remove you from active duty, it may be preferable to… relocate… you, until she has had the opportunity to overcome her embarrassment.”
The sickened feeling returned, along with a strange constriction in his chest at the advisor’s words. Embarrassment? Incident? He flushed, real anger rising as he listened to Quatre’s proposal. The other man’s gaze was calm and business-like as Heero ground out his reply, his voice dry and strangled.
“What if I don’t want to?”
Quatre blinked at him.
“Excuse me?”
Heero cleared his throat, agitated fingers raking through his heavy bangs as all pride was swallowed back, and the plunge prepared to be taken. He wasn’t going to let this pretentious jerk fob him off without a fight, dammit.
“I said, What if I don’t want to? What if I’m not willing to just walk away?”
He paused, the room settling to an uneasy silence as Quatre studied him with his sharp blue eyes. Placing a hand on the back of a chair, Heero stared at the floor, no longer able to meet the other man’s look or bear the judgement he was currently undergoing.
“She said she loved me…”
The words were whispered, not truly intended to be spoken out loud, and Heero was quick to shoot Quatre a threatening glance, daring him to laugh again. The blonde’s expression softened, however, and his mouth tipped up in a minute smile as he replied in kind,
“Yes… indeed she did.”
Heero blinked at him, no longer trying to conceal his confusion. Watching as Quatre leant back on the edge of the large desk, he himself sank down into one of the large leather bound chairs.
“I need to know if your intensions are good, Commander. A reliable source informs me that perhaps your time with Her Highness held a great deal of significance to you. Your loyalty to her is unquestionable, but I have been lead to believe that your feelings run deeper than that, and that they have for some time.” Quatre paused, appearing to brace himself for his next words, “You saved her life some years ago. Why did you request for your identity to be confidential? Most agents would have wanted the praise and promotions related to saving our sovereign, but you didn’t. Why?”
Heero frowned, his eyes squeezing shut as the memory of her fragile form flashed through his mind.
“I was merely doing my job, as any one would have. It did not deserve accolade, she was alive and that was all that mattered. I didn’t want her to feel… obligation. I just wanted to protect her.”
Quatre nodded his understanding.
“Do you know,” his voice was warm, gentle as he spoke of her, “To this day, she thinks you were an angel.”
Heero sighed, his gaze on the soft, flecked carpet.
“No… she is the angel. I’m merely a mortal who desires to bath in her light.”
Lost in his melancholy thoughts, he started as a folded piece of paper was waved under his nose.
“I fear that I am restricted as to how much I can help you, Heero. I will do what little I can. However, I suggest you go see the contact I have given you… he should be of assistance in your plight. This is your mission, Commander. I sincerely hope you won’t fail. Good luck.”
He grinned as Heero stood up, glancing quickly at the paper and blanching at its contents. He clenched his jaw, his thoughts already on the subject at hand. He nodded briskly at Quatre, before saluting formally.
“Mission Accepted.”
******
The speakers reverberated with the hard pulse of rock music, the song high energy and aggressive. Heero slouched against the doorframe of the gym, not wishing to yet make his presence known to the solitary figure working out towards the back of the room.
Dressed in loose pants, shirt long since removed and hands wrapped tightly, the tall man attacked the defenceless punching bag with a series of jabs. The thick sheen of sweat that dripped from his body and darkened his hair indicated that the workout had been going on for a while.
Heero scowled. This man was his competition, the one most likely to have seen her at her most exposed. What the hell was he doing here? And asking for his help at that. He needed his head read. What the hell had possessed him to seek the advice of Trowa Barton?
Sighing, he realized, there was no other tangible course of action. He had considered his options constantly for the past two days, figuring out how he could see her, and he knew there was no way he could do it without Trowa’s assistance. He had to see her.
The music suddenly stopped mid pound, leaving the room in silence. Trowa dropped his hands to his side, rolling his shoulders as he began to unwind the bandages on his hands. He turned towards the door, head down and apparently oblivious to his observer.
“What do you want Yuy?”
Starting slightly, Heero grit his teeth, still unprepared for the conversation that had to take place. He watched as Trowa slouched onto a bench and took a long swig of water, his narrowed green eyes glinting suspiciously. Stepping away from the doorframe, Heero moved further into the room.
“I’ve come to ask for your help.”
******
“The Ambassador’s party is scheduled to arrive within the hour Your Highness. There are no major changes to their proposed trade agreement, however, you may want to take a moment to review the mission statement.”
Relena nodded absently, the chatter of her Lady in Waiting washing over her yet failing to sink in. She sighed loudly, frustrated that she remained distracted despite the recent heart to heart with her adviser and close friend. What was she going to do? If only she could press rewind, go back and make it so this farce had never even happened. No, that wasn’t right. She didn’t regret being in his arms. She just wished she had kept her mouth shut.
“Your Highness?” Relena paused mid-stride at the touch of Hilde’s hand on her arm. “My Lady, are you alright? You seem… somewhere else?”
Hilde’s normally bright, light-hearted tone lowered and held a note of concern. Relena smiled softly in return, her fingers closing over the offered paperwork, holding it to her chest as they came to a stop before the ornate elevator doors.
“I’m fine, Hilde. Thank you.”
Flipping open the thick wedge of pages, she waited patiently as the doors opened and her two guards checked that the small area was secure. Stepping out, Trowa gave a small smile as he allowed her entry. Without looking up, she stepped in, not waiting to see if she had been followed. She frowned, noticing a flaw in the opening Mission Statement. As the elevator doors rolled shut, she turned to Hilde to point out the discrepancy.
“Hilde… Oh My God.”
******
He watched as she visibly paled, her eyes widened in horror and the carefully arranged papers slipped from her fingers and crashed to the floor. She glanced desperately around her, discovering with dismay that they were alone. She gave a soft squeak of protest, as he leaned across to the control panel and punched the Emergency stop.
“What are you doing? Are you insane?”
He stared at her, unaffected by her tirade, instead mesmerised by the movement of her lips. Noticing his line of vision, her voice faded off, and she looked at him nervously. Obviously looking for some form of distraction, she crouched down and began frantically gathering the scattered file. He could not hide a small smirk, as he realized that she was still muttering mutinously under her breath.
Kneeling down, as if to assist her, he reaching across and grasped her chin, forcing her to look at him. God, she was beautiful. She cast her eyes downwards, avoiding his gaze, and the action merely drew his attention to the shadows her long lashes cast on her porcelain skin. He felt his mouth go dry, as his carefully planned speech fled his thoughts.
He swallowed hard, his pulse quickening as the tip of her tongue flicked nervously across her bottom lip. She could not possibly comprehend the effect such a simple action was having on him. This wasn’t progressing the way he wanted. Dammit, he swore to himself… Dammit.
He growled, low and fierce before his resolve gave way, and he crushed his lips against hers. She squirmed against him, her hands lifting to press against his chest, but he refused to relent. His hand moved to the nape of her neck, brushing at the loose tendrils of hair that had evaded her intricate braid. As sophisticated as the style was, it merely served to frustrate him, as he yearned to touch the soft, golden tresses.
Her lips parted slightly, as he sought to deepen the embrace, his other hand lifting to her waist. She flinched, moving away from him more forcefully, as the touch to her side seemed to break the spell the kiss had cast. In her haste to stand, the heel of her shoe caught in her long skirt and she stumbled, eliminating any vestige of elegance as she tumbled back. She straightened until her back was pressed against the mirrored elevator wall, her glare defensive and not a little flustered as she clutched the battered file to her chest as if to create some futile barrier against him.
Using her moment of awkwardness to his advantage, Heero moved against her, his arms preventing her escape as he gazed down at her. She frowned at him, her lips pouting with displeasure, the action merely succeeding in arousing him more, rather than discouraging him.
“Did you really think you could get rid of me that easily?”
His statement was low, seductive, as he leaned close to her ear, warming it with the soft sigh of his breath. Relena gave a small yelp of protest, twisting in his embrace in a futile attempt of evasion. She gasped, as he tugged the folder from her arms and tossed it over his shoulder, sending the papers fluttering back to the floor.
“You know, someone worked very hard on that document. It’s not very considerate to just…” her indignant words were brought to an abrupt halt, as his mouth covered hers, his tongue sweeping between her lips, tasting her. He pulled her to him, desperate to lose himself in the embrace, silently enjoying the way her body seemed to fit perfectly against his.
He felt her hands press against his chest, her fingers clutching at the front of his shirt, anchoring her. Breaking the kiss, his breathing ragged, he smirked with satisfaction to see that she was just as affected as he. She swallowed, the struggle to regain her poise obvious, and her tentative question rose softly in the otherwise still elevator.
“What… what are you doing here? Why are you doing this to me?”
Heero smiled softly, the tips of his fingers gently tracing the curve of her cheek. His lips brushed her throat, and he nipped quickly at her shoulder with his teeth. She sagged against him, her eyes drifting shut and she sighed her surrender. He continued his tender caress, feeling her shiver at his touch, before he chose to grant her with a whispered answer.
“Because I love you.”
Relena gave a sob, and Heero looked up to see her gazing back at him, the blue depths of her eyes shimmering with emotion. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him to her, and they kissed with renewed, unbridled passion. His heart leapt in his chest, and his hands roamed over her body, as his need for her grew.
Her delicate hands tugged his shirt free from his pants, her determined fingers sliding beneath the fabric to touch his fevered skin. He let out a long groan, his hand lifting to brush against her breast, while his other pressed against her back, seeking out the irritatingly small clasps that prevented his access to her luscious skin. He looked down, watching as she began to work diligently at the buttons of his own shirt. He smirked, enjoying her obvious anticipation.
“You know, it’s not always merciful to release a caged animal to the wild. Sometimes, they prefer captivity. Did you think of that, Your Highness? Maybe this animal desires his gilded cage.”
Relena froze, her eyes widening in shock, before they began to flash with an indignant intensity. Heero watched her, confused by the sudden ferocity in his loves’ expression. Her voice shook, with hurt and perhaps humiliation, as she pushed him away from her.
“Is that what you think love is? A cage? A prison? Why did you say you love me, Commander? Because you meant it? Or because you feel you had to? Is this just another mission to be completed? Tell me, Heero is it love? Or is it lust? Or even worse… is it just obligation?”
Heero frowned, at a loss as to exactly how he had just lost control of the situation. He watched as she backed away from him, until she had moved to the other side of the small area, her trembling hands smoothing her skirts and straightening her blouse. Her fingers lifted to brush her bruised lips, her expression betraying her distress.
“It’s not obligation, or a mission, and you insult me to even suggest it.”
Relena arched an eyebrow at him, demonstrating her cynicism.
“Then why do you love me, Heero? You don’t even know me.”
He gazed at her, knowing that any chance of success relied on what he said in the next moment, was struck dumb. She stared back at him; hope rapidly deserting her.
“What do you think I am, Heero? Some romantic girl, waiting anxiously for her perfect match, her soul mate, to come along and sweep her off her feet?”
She waited, obviously feeling the question warranted an answer. Heero thought frantically, uncertain how to reply.
“No, of course not.”
Relena sighed, turning to the control panel and disengaging the Emergency Stop. As the elevator shuddered back to life, she turned her eyes back on her bemused companion.
“Well then, Commander, you don’t know me at all.”
******
I was freaking out at first because I thought I couldn't make a post, but then I registered and now I can tell you how much I loooooooove this fic! You really have no idea how much I've enjoyed reading it so far. Really. I adore your work.
