Kismet or Chaos, Ch 4 (PG... but your mom thinks it's PG13!)
Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:01 am
Chapter IV
Just Communication
True to his word, Blair showed up at Relena?s door half an hour later. She emerged wearing a demure yellow dress and a pair of white ballet flats. Her right ankle was wrapped in a gauze bandage, and she still balanced herself on her crutches, but save for those things Blair thought she looked like a goddess.
He grinned and held out his arm. ?Shall we??
Reluctantly, Relena looped her arm through his. This couldn?t hurt, could it? She still planned on setting Blair straight about her feelings, but there was no harm in having a little fun first? was there?
Blair took Relena to a restaurant specializing in French cuisine, hoping it would be a hit with the European politician and former queen. Relena thought this was very considerate, since she was in Japan and knew very little, if any, Japanese. With a French menu in front of her, she almost felt at home. To her relief, Blair spoke a little French as well, and the two found themselves conversing in it. They fell naturally into a rapid dialogue together, and Relena couldn?t remember the last time she?d talked so much with someone outside of a diplomatic situation. At times, she even found herself shaking with laughter. Will things ever be like this with Heero? She wondered. Blair laughed at something she said in French and flashed a wide, little-boy grin. Relena sighed inwardly. Of course not. He?ll never look at me like that.
But did that mean she should throw everything she had with Heero away ? for Blair? Relena knew she didn?t feel that strongly about her blond friend. She thought he was a fun, outgoing guy, but she felt the same way about her best friend?s husband-to-be, Duo Maxwell. No, she realized, she didn?t have any romantic feelings for Blair. She decided then and there that she would continue to just be friends with him? and see about getting Heero some anti-depressants.
The evening continued to go smoothly, but Relena found herself relieved when dessert was served. She was having a nice time with Blair, but couldn?t wait to get back to Heero and reassure him that nothing had happened on her ?date.? She could see that she ruffled Heero when she said that she was ?stepping up.? She knew he would be too stubborn to admit his feelings, so she hoped that telling him about her night with Blair would ease his panicked mind? not that the Perfect Soldier would ever call himself panicked. Perhaps, once he realized that he hadn?t lost her yet, he would do his best to keep her; at least, that?s what Relena hoped.
A waiter brought Relena and Blair cr?me brulee to split, since she had told Blair that she was too full to eat an entire dessert herself. As the two leaned closer together to share the sweet treat, Blair seized the opportunity to try and kiss Relena. She turned her face just in time, and his lips grazed her cheek. He blinked, surprised.
?Is something the matter, Relena?? He scratched the back of his head in confusion. ?I?thought this was going really well.?
Relena reached out and grasped his arm. ?It is, Blair, but there?s just one problem? I?m not interested in you romantically.?
Blair?s face fell. ?You?re not?? Relena gently shook her head and gave Blair a sympathetic smile.
?I?m sorry,? she said. ?I know you tried really hard to make this evening special, and I really appreciate that, but??
?There?s someone else?? He finished for her.
Relena nodded. ?I?m afraid so.?
Blair lowered his head and sighed. ?Well, may I ask who the lucky guy is??
?Sorry, but no. I like to keep my private life just that.?
?Yeah, private.? Blair shook his head. ?I guess it makes sense. I mean, you live all by yourself in that giant castle? must get pretty lonely at times. I should?ve known you would already have a boyfriend.?
Boyfriend? The word took Relena by surprise, and Blair noticed.
?Oh, let me guess?you and this guy don?t go by titles, do you??
Relena felt her face getting hot. ?Titles??
?You know, boyfriend, girlfriend?? Blair raised an eyebrow. ?No? Nothing??
Relena lowered her eyes, fixating them on her lap. ?Not?exactly, no.?
A mischievous look glinted in Blair?s eyes. ?Well, then, looks like I?ve got a chance after all.?
Relena?s eyes shot up at him. ?What do you mean??
Blair grinned. ?Well, if this guy won?t acknowledge someone as wonderful as you as his girlfriend, then what have I got to lose? I?d treat you better, any day.?
Relena shook her head desperately. ?No, Blair, it?s not like that??
Blair held up his hand, interrupting her. ?Hey, Princess, I?m not gonna worry about it. I know you?ll come around to me eventually. And when you do? I?ll be waiting with open arms.?
Relena tried to smile, but inside she was panicking. How had she gotten herself into this position? She suddenly felt like she was outside of her body, observing the scene between her and Blair as if she was watching someone else play her part in a movie. She felt powerless to stop what happened next.
?In the meantime,? Blair was saying, ?I have a little something to tide you over.?
She saw Blair pulling a small black velvet box, tied with a pink satin ribbon, from his breast pocket. Her eyebrows shot up in alarm.
?B-Blair!? She stammered. ?What?s going on??
He laughed. ?Stop panicking, Relena. It?s just a present.? Gingerly, he handed her the box. Her hands trembling, Relena opened it to see a princess cut three-carat canary yellow diamond balanced delicately on a white gold band, surrounded by a circlet of tiny white diamonds. She gasped.
?Blair! I don?t understand? I told you I?m not interested??
To her horror, he slipped the ring on her left finger.
?Relax, Relena. It?s only a friendship ring. See?? He pointed to the large diamond. ?Yellow. The jeweler told me it?s the color that symbolizes friendship. And you?re such a good friend to me, and I care about you so much, that I wanted to give you something to express that.? He looked at her with puppy-dog eyes. ?Please accept my gift, Relena. After all you?ve done for my family with your pacifism, it?s the least I could give to you.? Relena didn?t know what to say, but Blair?s eyes continued to plead with her.
Finally, she shook her head. ?Blair, I?m sorry, but you know I can?t accept this.? She paused to look at her left hand. ?And you put it on this finger? You know I can?t wear it? What would people think??
Blair only blinked at her innocently. ?Since when does the Vice Foreign Minister care so much about what people think??
Relena?s face flushed. ?I know it sounds trivial, but I just can?t wear this, Blair. You know what I feel for you?that is, what I don?t feel for you.?
The once-confident suitor lowered his eyes. ?I know, Relena.? Suddenly, he looked up her, his green-gray eyes swimming in emotion, something she rarely saw in Heero?s eyes. ?But you also know how I feel about you. All I?m asking is that you don?t forget that when you go back to your non-boyfriend.?
Relena?s head was reeling. Her non-boyfriend? Heero? Blair was right, but she wouldn?t let that get the best of her. She couldn?t. Trying to ignore Blair?s comment, Relena went to pull the ring off her finger; it felt like a weight, pulling her down and dragging her spirit along with it. But the ring wouldn?t budge?it had to be two sizes too small.
?Blair!? She gasped. ?What size is this??
He shrugged, looking nonchalant. ?I wasn?t sure about your size, so I had to guess. I know you?re really tiny, and I told the jeweler that, so he gave me a size four.?
Relena groaned. ?That?s my dress size, not my ring size!?
Blair merely shrugged again. ?How was I supposed to know? I?m a guy; I don?t know the difference.?
Relena sighed. ?Well, I guess I?ll have to stop by a drugstore on the way back and see if I can get some petroleum jelly to get this off.? Relena glared at him. ?I?ll get it seared off, if I have to.?
Blair pouted. ?I?m sorry this upset you so much, Relena. I had no intention??
This time Relena held up her hand to interrupt. ?Then you should have thought about giving such an expensive ring to a girl you claim to be just friends with. This is the type of thing you only give to someone you love.?
?But Relena, I care for you a great deal??
She shook her head. ?You don?t love me, Blair. I know that. The only reason you spend time with me at these conferences is because I?m the only girl here your age.?
Blair stuck out his chin defensively. ?That?s not completely true. Believe me, a guy like me is never at a loss for company.? Relena rolled her eyes at that, but Blair continued, unabashed. ?But there?s something different about you, Relena. You?re so much smarter and more mature than most people our age, and I find that very attractive. When I?m around you, I feel stronger, like there?s nothing I can?t do.? He took her chin in his hand. ?You make me want to be a better person.?
Now Relena?s head was swimming. Wasn?t this the very thing she?d been waiting to hear from Heero?
?I?m sorry, Blair,? she said weakly. ?I still want to be friends with you. But I can?t do this.? She closed her eyes and sighed. ?Please take me back to the hotel now. I?ll get this ring off tonight and find a time to give it back to you tomorrow.?
Blair shook his head. ?No, please keep it.?
?That?s very generous of you, but I just can?t. It would??
?Make the man you love jealous?? Blair cocked a tiny smile. ?Maybe that?s not such a bad thing, Princess; maybe he?ll finally get around to calling you his girlfriend.?
Relena laughed aloud. ?Maybe so. But I?m willing to wait to hear that from him. For now, I can only be true to my own feelings.? She grasped Blair?s hands in her own. ?Please understand.?
Blair swallowed hard and nodded. ?I think I can do that.?
?Wonderful.? Relena gave him a sincere smile. ?Now, we need to get going. I have to take off this ring before a tabloid photographer snaps us together and posts pictures all over the internet.? She looked at Blair with a teasing grin.
Blair laughed, looking a little nervous. ?Uh, let?s hope not.? Taking Relena by the elbow, he guided her out of the restaurant.
Heero sat sulking outside of the hotel?s large conference room. Myles had gone in for a private meeting while Cecilia swam in the hotel?s indoor pool. From this vantage point, Heero could keep an eye on both places at once. Cecilia splashed happily in the water, swimming with two other girls who were also daughters of diplomats. While listening to their girlish squeals, Heero could also hear muffled voices from within the conference room.
So far, his job was going ideally. Cecilia, though a bit annoying at times, proved to be easy to look out for. She attempted to follow Heero everywhere, but other than that she stayed out of trouble. Her making new friends today had allowed Heero a little more time for himself, and he found himself pondering his situation with Relena more than he could usually do while on the job.
As he sat there, Relena was out with Blair on their ?date.? Heero could only hope that The Enemy wouldn?t try to kiss her again and that, if he did, Relena would slap him in the face. The thought of that almost made Heero smile. His daydream of Relena putting snotty Blair in his place was interrupted by a voice from his pocket computer.
?You have a new message. Urgent,? the automated woman?s voice chimed.
Heero pulled the computer out of his jacket pocket and flipped open the top. The video message was from Sally.
?Heero, we?ve received some reports about possible danger at the ESUN conference. I know you?re there now with Donovan. I?m sorry I failed to mention that you would be accompanying him to Japan, but the message came in last minute. By then you were already on a plane to Sanc, so I figured I might as well let you find out from Donovan himself. Nevertheless, this latest report was given to us by a member of Donovan?s organization, Jamais Paix. The group has come under a lot of criticism lately for its commitment to total pacifism, and they?ve received threats from an insurgent group from the colonies that wants the rights to bear arms again. So far they?ve only made empty threats, but the diplomat we spoke to thinks that this group was the one that tried to assassinate Donovan. It could be that they?re coming after him again, but I would keep an extra close eye on Relena, as well.?
For a brief moment, Sally broke her serious tone and smiled over the vid message. ?I?m sure that won?t be a problem for you. But please be extra cautious. I?m not worried at all about your capabilities, but don?t hesitate to call the Preventers for backup if the worst should happen. If you get back to me tonight, I?d be happy to send Trowa to help. He?s here on Earth, for a change, and I?m sure you two wouldn?t mind bonding while defeating terrorist rebels, something you both excel at.?
Heero considered this. If the worst did happen, he didn?t think he would need Trowa?s help? but with the former Heavyarms pilot?s excellent gift for stealth and strategy, he certainly didn?t think having him around would hurt. Heero messaged Sally back.
?Sally, go ahead and get Trowa on standby. I?m not worried about the terrorists either, but I would be better able to watch Relena if Trowa could help me with Donovan?s kids.? He rolled his eyes. ?His teenage daughter isn?t too much of a handful, but I think Trowa would have more patience with her than I do. Tell him that I would be honored to share this mission with him.?
Heero groaned inwardly; that had come out more corny than he had intended, but he didn?t try to take it back. The truth was, he was looking forward to seeing Trowa again, and if he passed Cecilia and Blair off to him, he could finally spend more time with Relena. Besides, even though Relena had brought her own bodyguard, there were few people Heero felt he could trust with her safety.
As Heero closed out of his email, a headline on the site?s news page caught his eye: ?RELENA PEACECRAFT TYING THE KNOT! Diplomat?s son proposes.? To his horror, there was a picture of Relena, looking gorgeous in a sunny yellow dress, holding hands with Blair and looking deeply into his eyes. Accompanying that photo was a zoomed-in one of her left hand, showing the largest diamond ring Heero had ever seen. The picture had to be fabricated, he told himself. There?s no way Relena was really wearing that? and holding hands with Blair? was there? Beads of sweat appeared on Heero?s forehead. What was going on? His Relena? engaged to someone else?
Heero had to know the truth. He whipped out his cell phone and called one of Donovan?s other bodyguards. Instead of a ring on the other end, he endured a painful ninety seconds of lively Spanish music before the man finally answered his phone.
?Hola, Heero!? Fernando answered. ?Are you enjoying this lovely evening, mi amigo??
?No,? Heero growled. ?I need a favor.?
Fernando cleared his throat in an attempt to sound more serious. ?Anything, muchacho, just say the word.?
?I need you to come to the pool and look after Cecilia while I take care of something. I shouldn?t be gone long.?
?No problemo! I?ll be there in two beats of a donkey pi?ata.? With that, Fernando hung up the phone. Less than a minute later, Heero caught sight of the large, tanned bodyguard bounding down the hall.
?That was quick,? Heero nodded at him. ?Impressive.?
?I was just down at the hotel bar with some of the guys,? Fernando replied. ?The guys? he referred to were a few more of Donovan?s bodyguards; the man had hired more bodyguards than any other diplomat at the conference. Even Relena had only brought one with her, and she was usually the most sought-after politician. ?You should come with us next time, Heero. It would be good to see you relax for once.? He placed a friendly hand on Heero?s shoulder. ?You always look so tense, man.?
Heero flinched. ?Don?t touch me.? Fernando dropped his hand.
?Lo siento,? he said, chuckling. I really don?t have time for this, Heero thought.
?Cecilia?s in the pool with some friends and Myles is in the conference room. If you stay here you can look out for both. I?ll be back within the hour.? With that, Heero made his exit, heading for the elevator. Fernando stood laughing and shaking his head.
?That guy,? he said to himself. ?Always so serious. I wonder why he can?t just chill out for once.?
Heero was doing anything but that as he rode the elevator to the twelfth floor. He checked his watch. It was half-past nine. He didn?t know when Relena would be back from dinner, but he didn?t want to call her to find out. He intended to wait right outside her door and finally give her a piece of his mind. He had to get to the bottom of her relationship with Blair, or he knew he would go crazy.
Even now, he couldn?t seem to control the emotions burning within him. Heero had always believed that he should act on his emotions, and dealing with Relena was no exception. When it came to their relationship, Heero had always come and gone as he pleased. There were times when he was so wrapped up in his job as a Preventer that he barely thought about her; then, when he was alone, he was sometimes so consumed by the thought of her that he had to board the nearest plane or space shuttle to see her. When he was like that, no distance could keep him from finding her. Once her saw her again, her mere presence filled the emptiness inside him; once he?d had enough, he would leave and wait to visit her again when the need arose.
Heero recalled what was possibly his most passionate moment with Relena. The two of them were on a colony that was about to explode, and Relena was about to board a shuttle to safety. She said goodbye to Heero from a distance and began to walk past him on her way to the shuttle. Before she could pass him by, he seized her arm, pulled her closer to him than she?d ever been and kissed her hard on the lips. Then he released the exasperated Relena and walked away.
Heero shook his head, chasing the memory away. He?d never dared to be so bold with her since. Perhaps it would have paid off, and she wouldn?t be out with Blair now. Instead, Heero and Relena would be somewhere together, and he could have her all to himself. Heero couldn?t believe he was thinking this way. He knew he cared for Relena, but he?d never allowed himself to explore the depth of his feelings. Do I? love her?
A soldier like Heero couldn?t possibly understand love; at least, that?s what Heero had always thought. He grew up unloved until he became closer to Relena. He knew she loved him by the way she looked at him and cared for him whenever he was around. When he?d come to her, she always had a room waiting for him and would attempt to make his favorite foods for dinner, even though her cooking skills left something to be desired. She put so much effort into showing Heero that someone cared for him that he found her affection almost motherly. That bothered him. He didn?t like thinking of someone he was so attracted to as maternal, although he knew that Relena would one day make the perfect mother. But he couldn?t bring himself to imagine Relena as the mother of his children; after all he?d done as an assassin, destroying the lives of families by killing their soldier fathers, how could he dare to hope for a family of his own?
Heero reached Relena?s room and knocked on the door. To his surprise, she opened it. ?Back already?? was the first thing out of Heero?s mouth. Ugh. Smooth, he thought to himself.
In truth, the sight of her was enough to knock the wind out of him. She was no longer wearing the yellow dress she?d worn on her date, but had changed into a fitted pink tank top with thin straps and light gray cotton lounge pants. Her long blonde hair was swept up into a high ponytail, and her blue eyes regarded him curiously through her long black lashes. She looked adorable. Heero resisted the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her right then and there. No questions. No arguments. Just kissing. To his surprise, he was longing for her until he felt lightheaded. What?s? happening to me?
He found himself moving closer to her. Relena didn?t back away, but looked up at Heero sadly. He suddenly noticed the look on her face of pure misery. Heero?s thoughts angrily turned to Blair?what had he done to upset someone as sweet and innocent as Relena?
Relena answered Heero?s question without stepping aside to let him enter her suite. ?Dinner didn?t, well, go as planned.?
Heero?s eyebrows shot up in alarm. Then his eyes narrowed angrily. He moved even closer to Relena so that their faces were almost touching. ?What happened? Did he hurt you??
Relena bit her lip and shook her head. ?No, Heero, I?m fine. It?s just? Well, you were right about him, I think.?
Heero glowered. ?What?s that supposed to mean? I never said anything about him to you.?
?You didn?t have to?I could tell what you were thinking when I told you he was taking me to dinner.? Heero tried to conceal his surprise. Could Relena read his thoughts? Did she know what he was thinking right now? Was it safe for him to grab her and kiss her so they could finally forget about Blair?
Relena continued, ?You don?t have to say anything, Heero. I can tell when you?re jealous.? She smiled shyly.
All Heero could wonder was why they were still having this conversation in the doorway. He should be in her suite now, and they should be finished talking. He should be sitting on the couch with Relena in his arms.
It took him a second to register what Relena had said. ?You think I?m jealous??
?No,? Relena said, smiling. ?I know you are.?
?Really.? Heero didn?t know what to say. How could she read his emotions so plainly when he worked so hard to disguise them? ?Hn.?
Relena couldn?t help but laugh. ?Heero, really, you can talk to me about this. We don?t need to keep secrets from each other, do we? Surely we?re more mature than that.?
Heero moved closer. They were touching now. He forced himself to slip his arms around her waist, for once not caring if someone saw them.
?I hate to break it to you,? he whispered in her ear, ?but I?m not as mature as you think.? This made Relena laugh again. Heero was enjoying this. Could he really make her happy? This was a hope he'd rarely dared to entertain.
?Well,? he whispered huskily. ?Are you going to let me in or what? I?m not into putting on shows in the hallway.?
Relena?s eyes danced. ?I don?t know, Heero. You seem dangerous tonight. What kind of mission are you on, exactly? Divide and conquer?? Her teasing took Heero by surprise, but he played along.
?No, strictly bodyguard duties. I think you need someone watching you much more closely.? Relena saw a glint of something in his eyes that she had never seen before. What was that? His eyes were burning through her, but she sensed no anger behind them. His Prussian blues were smoldering with passion. Heero? passionate about her? It was too good to be true.
Heero lowered his mouth to hers, but Relena stopped him by placing a finger on his lips. ?Speaking of bodyguards, Wes is already here.?
Heero?s skin prickled at her touch, but he kept his cool. ?Are you keeping all these guys around to make me jealous on purpose, or what??
?So far it?s working beautifully.?
?We?ll see about that,? Heero said gruffly. Then it hit him?the reason he?d come here. To interrogate Relena about the internet pictures. Her womanly wiles had gotten him all hot and bothered and made him forget all about his purpose. He let go of her and pushed the door open.
?I came here to discuss something with you.? Relena was shocked by his sudden change in demeanor. He quickly shifted into business mode as he stalked his way into her suite. Relena knew that it must be about Blair, but she was hoping that subject wouldn?t come up after Heero had come here, seemingly intent on finally romancing her. I should?ve known it was too good to be true, she thought. Self-consciously, she held her hands behind her back. She hadn?t yet been able to get the ring off. Even Wesley had tried to help her and had to give up, jokingly suggesting that she have a surgeon remove her finger and sew it back on once the ring was removed. Relena, momentarily trading her pacifism, had almost slugged him.
As usual, Heero saw right through her. He moved close to her again and gently took her hands from behind her back. Even though he was clearly angry, Relena knew he would never hurt her. He gazed down at the ring on her left hand and seemed lost in thought for several seconds. Finally, he brought his eyes up to hers, shocking Relena with his hurt expression. Then, almost instantly, it vanished.
?Relena?? He dropped her hands and turned his back to her. ?So it?s true.?
?Heero?? She reached for him, and he spun around to face her.
?He gave that to you, right?? Relena swallowed hard and nodded. ?I should?ve known,? Heero said softly. He clenched a fist at his side.
?Heero, wait a minute. It?s not what you think??
?I saw pictures of you with him on the internet, Relena. That?s what I came here to ask you about. I forgot all about them when I saw you. For a moment I? I just wanted?? He closed his eyes. He wouldn?t let himself continue.
?Heero.? Relena moved close to him. ?Please let me explain.?
?What?s there to explain? If you love him??
?I don?t love him, Heero!? Her voice rang desperately. ?If I loved him then why would I let you be so close to me??
?Close to you? You didn?t let me kiss you.? Heero?s eyes darkened. It was a shift imperceptible to most, but Relena could detect his change in mood just by looking into his eyes. She had known him long enough.
?Then kiss me now, Heero.? That was the wrong thing to say?Heero was no longer in the mood. He felt that he had finally opened up to her, only to get slapped in the face. Here she was, still wearing Blair?s ring. If she didn?t love him, then why didn?t she refuse it?
?I can?t do that, Relena. Not if you belong to someone else.?
?But I don?t! Why won?t you let me explain??
?I think you?ve explained enough. I have to go.?
Before she could reach him, he bolted out the door. She did her best to follow him out, but it was hard without her crutches, which lay abandoned on the floor.
?Heero, wait!? He ignored her and continued to the elevator. Relena?s head was spinning. How could those precious few moments have gone so completely wrong? Heero had come to her of his own volition, had attempted to barge his way both into her room and her heart, had held her in his arms and everything; he?d even tried to kiss her. What was wrong with her? How could she have messed this up? She looked down angrily at Blair?s ring, and it glinted up at her menacingly. Why couldn?t she get rid of this stupid thing? She feared that she had done irreparable damage to her relationship with Heero. What if he never let her explain herself?
?Whoa,? came a voice from behind her. ?What happened out here?? Relena turned her head to see Wesley emerging from his room.
Relena sighed. ?Heero and I had an argument??
?About Blair?? Wesley laughed while Relena glared at him.
?It?s not funny, Wes,? she snapped, sounding harsher than she meant to.
His manner changed instantly. ?I?m sorry, Relena, it?s just that the whole thing is so ridiculous.? He settled himself down on the sofa and pulled Relena toward him to sit. Since she didn?t feel like grabbing her crutches, Relena accepted his help.
?I know it is,? she sighed. ?But I meant to have this ring long gone before Heero saw it. Unfortunately, he had already seen Blair and I on the internet.?
?It?s his fault for not letting you explain yourself,? Wesley pointed out. ?So if he walks away from you over something this childish, it?s his loss.?
?Childish, huh? I suppose this seems childish to someone as old as yourself.? She smiled playfully at her bodyguard, and Wesley laughed heartily.
?Listen, Kiddo, take it from someone who has already loved and lost: you have to know how to pick your battles. If Heero lets his jealousy ruin your relationship, it?s his own fault. You can?t go on blaming yourself?you?ve done the best you can.?
Relena released another sigh. ?You?re such a big brother to me, Wes; what would I do without you??
?Wallow in misery,? he replied with a grin. But Relena wasn?t smiling. She seemed lost in a world of hurt, and even a trained bodyguard couldn?t protect her from that. ?Hey,? he said gently, ?are you crying??
Relena brushed her tears away with the back of her hand. ?No,? she lied.
Wesley frowned. ?Do you want me to talk to Heero? Tell him what an idiot he?s being??
?Oh, please, no. Don?t do that. Maybe he?ll come around?eventually.? Relena looked up at Wesley. ?I have to keep on hoping. But I?m done trying to fix everything between us by myself.?
?And you should be. I think you?ve put more much more time and effort into this relationship than he has. It?s about time you made him do something.?
Relena shook her head in disagreement. ?That?s not entirely true, Wes. Sure, I?m better at communicating my feelings than he is, but that?s a problem as old as time for men and women.? Wesley nodded in agreement. ?Besides,? Relena continued, ?he shows me that he cares in different ways?even just by coming to see me whenever he can and always trying to protect me when it isn?t his job to do so. And he came here and all but told me that he loves me, so I know his feelings go deeper than he?ll say.?
?I know that, too. That?s why he?s behaving like such a jerk. He?s just as afraid of losing you as you are of losing him. I just wish he?d get more ballsy instead of running away from you.? Wesley shook his head sagely. ?He?ll learn, one day. I guess he?s still too young yet.?
Relena sighed. ?That?s true. He?s only twenty. Most guys his age don?t have love figured out yet, do they??
?Nope. People my age barely do.?
Relena cocked an eyebrow. ?Oh? And what exactly is your age, Mr. Ferris??
He winked at her. ?Too old for you, darling.? Relena laughed.
?Well,? Wesley straightened up from his sitting position. ?Should we have another go at getting that ugly ring off??
Relena held her hand out to inspect it more closely. ?You think it?s ugly??
?Definitely. Very ostentatious. I?m sure Heero could find something that suits you much better.?
Relena blushed. ?Maybe someday??
?Well, the sooner you get rid of Blair?s ring, the better, right? Now I have an idea for emergency ring removal??
?Oh dear,? Relena said anxiously. ?This better not involve bullets.?
?Have no fear, Princess! Don?t you trust your own bodyguard?? Wesley grinned wickedly. ?We?ll have that museum piece off in a jiffy.? Wesley disappeared into his room, and she feared for the worst. Still, she would do anything to get the ring off if it meant Heero would come back to her. Wesley emerged holding a small pair of pliers.
?Ready??
?Wes,? Relena whined, ?Surely there must be another way??
?What other way? We tried ice, we tried soaking your hands, we tried dish liquid and petroleum jelly, and every other method we could find on the internet,? he pointed out. ?Now, I?m just going to crack that sucker open. Forgive me if I pinch your skin.?
Relena gulped. ?I guess there?s no other way.? She held out her hand to Wesley. ?Do what you must.?
Heero, she thought. Blair. I?ll get you both back for this!
Just Communication
True to his word, Blair showed up at Relena?s door half an hour later. She emerged wearing a demure yellow dress and a pair of white ballet flats. Her right ankle was wrapped in a gauze bandage, and she still balanced herself on her crutches, but save for those things Blair thought she looked like a goddess.
He grinned and held out his arm. ?Shall we??
Reluctantly, Relena looped her arm through his. This couldn?t hurt, could it? She still planned on setting Blair straight about her feelings, but there was no harm in having a little fun first? was there?
Blair took Relena to a restaurant specializing in French cuisine, hoping it would be a hit with the European politician and former queen. Relena thought this was very considerate, since she was in Japan and knew very little, if any, Japanese. With a French menu in front of her, she almost felt at home. To her relief, Blair spoke a little French as well, and the two found themselves conversing in it. They fell naturally into a rapid dialogue together, and Relena couldn?t remember the last time she?d talked so much with someone outside of a diplomatic situation. At times, she even found herself shaking with laughter. Will things ever be like this with Heero? She wondered. Blair laughed at something she said in French and flashed a wide, little-boy grin. Relena sighed inwardly. Of course not. He?ll never look at me like that.
But did that mean she should throw everything she had with Heero away ? for Blair? Relena knew she didn?t feel that strongly about her blond friend. She thought he was a fun, outgoing guy, but she felt the same way about her best friend?s husband-to-be, Duo Maxwell. No, she realized, she didn?t have any romantic feelings for Blair. She decided then and there that she would continue to just be friends with him? and see about getting Heero some anti-depressants.
The evening continued to go smoothly, but Relena found herself relieved when dessert was served. She was having a nice time with Blair, but couldn?t wait to get back to Heero and reassure him that nothing had happened on her ?date.? She could see that she ruffled Heero when she said that she was ?stepping up.? She knew he would be too stubborn to admit his feelings, so she hoped that telling him about her night with Blair would ease his panicked mind? not that the Perfect Soldier would ever call himself panicked. Perhaps, once he realized that he hadn?t lost her yet, he would do his best to keep her; at least, that?s what Relena hoped.
A waiter brought Relena and Blair cr?me brulee to split, since she had told Blair that she was too full to eat an entire dessert herself. As the two leaned closer together to share the sweet treat, Blair seized the opportunity to try and kiss Relena. She turned her face just in time, and his lips grazed her cheek. He blinked, surprised.
?Is something the matter, Relena?? He scratched the back of his head in confusion. ?I?thought this was going really well.?
Relena reached out and grasped his arm. ?It is, Blair, but there?s just one problem? I?m not interested in you romantically.?
Blair?s face fell. ?You?re not?? Relena gently shook her head and gave Blair a sympathetic smile.
?I?m sorry,? she said. ?I know you tried really hard to make this evening special, and I really appreciate that, but??
?There?s someone else?? He finished for her.
Relena nodded. ?I?m afraid so.?
Blair lowered his head and sighed. ?Well, may I ask who the lucky guy is??
?Sorry, but no. I like to keep my private life just that.?
?Yeah, private.? Blair shook his head. ?I guess it makes sense. I mean, you live all by yourself in that giant castle? must get pretty lonely at times. I should?ve known you would already have a boyfriend.?
Boyfriend? The word took Relena by surprise, and Blair noticed.
?Oh, let me guess?you and this guy don?t go by titles, do you??
Relena felt her face getting hot. ?Titles??
?You know, boyfriend, girlfriend?? Blair raised an eyebrow. ?No? Nothing??
Relena lowered her eyes, fixating them on her lap. ?Not?exactly, no.?
A mischievous look glinted in Blair?s eyes. ?Well, then, looks like I?ve got a chance after all.?
Relena?s eyes shot up at him. ?What do you mean??
Blair grinned. ?Well, if this guy won?t acknowledge someone as wonderful as you as his girlfriend, then what have I got to lose? I?d treat you better, any day.?
Relena shook her head desperately. ?No, Blair, it?s not like that??
Blair held up his hand, interrupting her. ?Hey, Princess, I?m not gonna worry about it. I know you?ll come around to me eventually. And when you do? I?ll be waiting with open arms.?
Relena tried to smile, but inside she was panicking. How had she gotten herself into this position? She suddenly felt like she was outside of her body, observing the scene between her and Blair as if she was watching someone else play her part in a movie. She felt powerless to stop what happened next.
?In the meantime,? Blair was saying, ?I have a little something to tide you over.?
She saw Blair pulling a small black velvet box, tied with a pink satin ribbon, from his breast pocket. Her eyebrows shot up in alarm.
?B-Blair!? She stammered. ?What?s going on??
He laughed. ?Stop panicking, Relena. It?s just a present.? Gingerly, he handed her the box. Her hands trembling, Relena opened it to see a princess cut three-carat canary yellow diamond balanced delicately on a white gold band, surrounded by a circlet of tiny white diamonds. She gasped.
?Blair! I don?t understand? I told you I?m not interested??
To her horror, he slipped the ring on her left finger.
?Relax, Relena. It?s only a friendship ring. See?? He pointed to the large diamond. ?Yellow. The jeweler told me it?s the color that symbolizes friendship. And you?re such a good friend to me, and I care about you so much, that I wanted to give you something to express that.? He looked at her with puppy-dog eyes. ?Please accept my gift, Relena. After all you?ve done for my family with your pacifism, it?s the least I could give to you.? Relena didn?t know what to say, but Blair?s eyes continued to plead with her.
Finally, she shook her head. ?Blair, I?m sorry, but you know I can?t accept this.? She paused to look at her left hand. ?And you put it on this finger? You know I can?t wear it? What would people think??
Blair only blinked at her innocently. ?Since when does the Vice Foreign Minister care so much about what people think??
Relena?s face flushed. ?I know it sounds trivial, but I just can?t wear this, Blair. You know what I feel for you?that is, what I don?t feel for you.?
The once-confident suitor lowered his eyes. ?I know, Relena.? Suddenly, he looked up her, his green-gray eyes swimming in emotion, something she rarely saw in Heero?s eyes. ?But you also know how I feel about you. All I?m asking is that you don?t forget that when you go back to your non-boyfriend.?
Relena?s head was reeling. Her non-boyfriend? Heero? Blair was right, but she wouldn?t let that get the best of her. She couldn?t. Trying to ignore Blair?s comment, Relena went to pull the ring off her finger; it felt like a weight, pulling her down and dragging her spirit along with it. But the ring wouldn?t budge?it had to be two sizes too small.
?Blair!? She gasped. ?What size is this??
He shrugged, looking nonchalant. ?I wasn?t sure about your size, so I had to guess. I know you?re really tiny, and I told the jeweler that, so he gave me a size four.?
Relena groaned. ?That?s my dress size, not my ring size!?
Blair merely shrugged again. ?How was I supposed to know? I?m a guy; I don?t know the difference.?
Relena sighed. ?Well, I guess I?ll have to stop by a drugstore on the way back and see if I can get some petroleum jelly to get this off.? Relena glared at him. ?I?ll get it seared off, if I have to.?
Blair pouted. ?I?m sorry this upset you so much, Relena. I had no intention??
This time Relena held up her hand to interrupt. ?Then you should have thought about giving such an expensive ring to a girl you claim to be just friends with. This is the type of thing you only give to someone you love.?
?But Relena, I care for you a great deal??
She shook her head. ?You don?t love me, Blair. I know that. The only reason you spend time with me at these conferences is because I?m the only girl here your age.?
Blair stuck out his chin defensively. ?That?s not completely true. Believe me, a guy like me is never at a loss for company.? Relena rolled her eyes at that, but Blair continued, unabashed. ?But there?s something different about you, Relena. You?re so much smarter and more mature than most people our age, and I find that very attractive. When I?m around you, I feel stronger, like there?s nothing I can?t do.? He took her chin in his hand. ?You make me want to be a better person.?
Now Relena?s head was swimming. Wasn?t this the very thing she?d been waiting to hear from Heero?
?I?m sorry, Blair,? she said weakly. ?I still want to be friends with you. But I can?t do this.? She closed her eyes and sighed. ?Please take me back to the hotel now. I?ll get this ring off tonight and find a time to give it back to you tomorrow.?
Blair shook his head. ?No, please keep it.?
?That?s very generous of you, but I just can?t. It would??
?Make the man you love jealous?? Blair cocked a tiny smile. ?Maybe that?s not such a bad thing, Princess; maybe he?ll finally get around to calling you his girlfriend.?
Relena laughed aloud. ?Maybe so. But I?m willing to wait to hear that from him. For now, I can only be true to my own feelings.? She grasped Blair?s hands in her own. ?Please understand.?
Blair swallowed hard and nodded. ?I think I can do that.?
?Wonderful.? Relena gave him a sincere smile. ?Now, we need to get going. I have to take off this ring before a tabloid photographer snaps us together and posts pictures all over the internet.? She looked at Blair with a teasing grin.
Blair laughed, looking a little nervous. ?Uh, let?s hope not.? Taking Relena by the elbow, he guided her out of the restaurant.
Heero sat sulking outside of the hotel?s large conference room. Myles had gone in for a private meeting while Cecilia swam in the hotel?s indoor pool. From this vantage point, Heero could keep an eye on both places at once. Cecilia splashed happily in the water, swimming with two other girls who were also daughters of diplomats. While listening to their girlish squeals, Heero could also hear muffled voices from within the conference room.
So far, his job was going ideally. Cecilia, though a bit annoying at times, proved to be easy to look out for. She attempted to follow Heero everywhere, but other than that she stayed out of trouble. Her making new friends today had allowed Heero a little more time for himself, and he found himself pondering his situation with Relena more than he could usually do while on the job.
As he sat there, Relena was out with Blair on their ?date.? Heero could only hope that The Enemy wouldn?t try to kiss her again and that, if he did, Relena would slap him in the face. The thought of that almost made Heero smile. His daydream of Relena putting snotty Blair in his place was interrupted by a voice from his pocket computer.
?You have a new message. Urgent,? the automated woman?s voice chimed.
Heero pulled the computer out of his jacket pocket and flipped open the top. The video message was from Sally.
?Heero, we?ve received some reports about possible danger at the ESUN conference. I know you?re there now with Donovan. I?m sorry I failed to mention that you would be accompanying him to Japan, but the message came in last minute. By then you were already on a plane to Sanc, so I figured I might as well let you find out from Donovan himself. Nevertheless, this latest report was given to us by a member of Donovan?s organization, Jamais Paix. The group has come under a lot of criticism lately for its commitment to total pacifism, and they?ve received threats from an insurgent group from the colonies that wants the rights to bear arms again. So far they?ve only made empty threats, but the diplomat we spoke to thinks that this group was the one that tried to assassinate Donovan. It could be that they?re coming after him again, but I would keep an extra close eye on Relena, as well.?
For a brief moment, Sally broke her serious tone and smiled over the vid message. ?I?m sure that won?t be a problem for you. But please be extra cautious. I?m not worried at all about your capabilities, but don?t hesitate to call the Preventers for backup if the worst should happen. If you get back to me tonight, I?d be happy to send Trowa to help. He?s here on Earth, for a change, and I?m sure you two wouldn?t mind bonding while defeating terrorist rebels, something you both excel at.?
Heero considered this. If the worst did happen, he didn?t think he would need Trowa?s help? but with the former Heavyarms pilot?s excellent gift for stealth and strategy, he certainly didn?t think having him around would hurt. Heero messaged Sally back.
?Sally, go ahead and get Trowa on standby. I?m not worried about the terrorists either, but I would be better able to watch Relena if Trowa could help me with Donovan?s kids.? He rolled his eyes. ?His teenage daughter isn?t too much of a handful, but I think Trowa would have more patience with her than I do. Tell him that I would be honored to share this mission with him.?
Heero groaned inwardly; that had come out more corny than he had intended, but he didn?t try to take it back. The truth was, he was looking forward to seeing Trowa again, and if he passed Cecilia and Blair off to him, he could finally spend more time with Relena. Besides, even though Relena had brought her own bodyguard, there were few people Heero felt he could trust with her safety.
As Heero closed out of his email, a headline on the site?s news page caught his eye: ?RELENA PEACECRAFT TYING THE KNOT! Diplomat?s son proposes.? To his horror, there was a picture of Relena, looking gorgeous in a sunny yellow dress, holding hands with Blair and looking deeply into his eyes. Accompanying that photo was a zoomed-in one of her left hand, showing the largest diamond ring Heero had ever seen. The picture had to be fabricated, he told himself. There?s no way Relena was really wearing that? and holding hands with Blair? was there? Beads of sweat appeared on Heero?s forehead. What was going on? His Relena? engaged to someone else?
Heero had to know the truth. He whipped out his cell phone and called one of Donovan?s other bodyguards. Instead of a ring on the other end, he endured a painful ninety seconds of lively Spanish music before the man finally answered his phone.
?Hola, Heero!? Fernando answered. ?Are you enjoying this lovely evening, mi amigo??
?No,? Heero growled. ?I need a favor.?
Fernando cleared his throat in an attempt to sound more serious. ?Anything, muchacho, just say the word.?
?I need you to come to the pool and look after Cecilia while I take care of something. I shouldn?t be gone long.?
?No problemo! I?ll be there in two beats of a donkey pi?ata.? With that, Fernando hung up the phone. Less than a minute later, Heero caught sight of the large, tanned bodyguard bounding down the hall.
?That was quick,? Heero nodded at him. ?Impressive.?
?I was just down at the hotel bar with some of the guys,? Fernando replied. ?The guys? he referred to were a few more of Donovan?s bodyguards; the man had hired more bodyguards than any other diplomat at the conference. Even Relena had only brought one with her, and she was usually the most sought-after politician. ?You should come with us next time, Heero. It would be good to see you relax for once.? He placed a friendly hand on Heero?s shoulder. ?You always look so tense, man.?
Heero flinched. ?Don?t touch me.? Fernando dropped his hand.
?Lo siento,? he said, chuckling. I really don?t have time for this, Heero thought.
?Cecilia?s in the pool with some friends and Myles is in the conference room. If you stay here you can look out for both. I?ll be back within the hour.? With that, Heero made his exit, heading for the elevator. Fernando stood laughing and shaking his head.
?That guy,? he said to himself. ?Always so serious. I wonder why he can?t just chill out for once.?
Heero was doing anything but that as he rode the elevator to the twelfth floor. He checked his watch. It was half-past nine. He didn?t know when Relena would be back from dinner, but he didn?t want to call her to find out. He intended to wait right outside her door and finally give her a piece of his mind. He had to get to the bottom of her relationship with Blair, or he knew he would go crazy.
Even now, he couldn?t seem to control the emotions burning within him. Heero had always believed that he should act on his emotions, and dealing with Relena was no exception. When it came to their relationship, Heero had always come and gone as he pleased. There were times when he was so wrapped up in his job as a Preventer that he barely thought about her; then, when he was alone, he was sometimes so consumed by the thought of her that he had to board the nearest plane or space shuttle to see her. When he was like that, no distance could keep him from finding her. Once her saw her again, her mere presence filled the emptiness inside him; once he?d had enough, he would leave and wait to visit her again when the need arose.
Heero recalled what was possibly his most passionate moment with Relena. The two of them were on a colony that was about to explode, and Relena was about to board a shuttle to safety. She said goodbye to Heero from a distance and began to walk past him on her way to the shuttle. Before she could pass him by, he seized her arm, pulled her closer to him than she?d ever been and kissed her hard on the lips. Then he released the exasperated Relena and walked away.
Heero shook his head, chasing the memory away. He?d never dared to be so bold with her since. Perhaps it would have paid off, and she wouldn?t be out with Blair now. Instead, Heero and Relena would be somewhere together, and he could have her all to himself. Heero couldn?t believe he was thinking this way. He knew he cared for Relena, but he?d never allowed himself to explore the depth of his feelings. Do I? love her?
A soldier like Heero couldn?t possibly understand love; at least, that?s what Heero had always thought. He grew up unloved until he became closer to Relena. He knew she loved him by the way she looked at him and cared for him whenever he was around. When he?d come to her, she always had a room waiting for him and would attempt to make his favorite foods for dinner, even though her cooking skills left something to be desired. She put so much effort into showing Heero that someone cared for him that he found her affection almost motherly. That bothered him. He didn?t like thinking of someone he was so attracted to as maternal, although he knew that Relena would one day make the perfect mother. But he couldn?t bring himself to imagine Relena as the mother of his children; after all he?d done as an assassin, destroying the lives of families by killing their soldier fathers, how could he dare to hope for a family of his own?
Heero reached Relena?s room and knocked on the door. To his surprise, she opened it. ?Back already?? was the first thing out of Heero?s mouth. Ugh. Smooth, he thought to himself.
In truth, the sight of her was enough to knock the wind out of him. She was no longer wearing the yellow dress she?d worn on her date, but had changed into a fitted pink tank top with thin straps and light gray cotton lounge pants. Her long blonde hair was swept up into a high ponytail, and her blue eyes regarded him curiously through her long black lashes. She looked adorable. Heero resisted the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her right then and there. No questions. No arguments. Just kissing. To his surprise, he was longing for her until he felt lightheaded. What?s? happening to me?
He found himself moving closer to her. Relena didn?t back away, but looked up at Heero sadly. He suddenly noticed the look on her face of pure misery. Heero?s thoughts angrily turned to Blair?what had he done to upset someone as sweet and innocent as Relena?
Relena answered Heero?s question without stepping aside to let him enter her suite. ?Dinner didn?t, well, go as planned.?
Heero?s eyebrows shot up in alarm. Then his eyes narrowed angrily. He moved even closer to Relena so that their faces were almost touching. ?What happened? Did he hurt you??
Relena bit her lip and shook her head. ?No, Heero, I?m fine. It?s just? Well, you were right about him, I think.?
Heero glowered. ?What?s that supposed to mean? I never said anything about him to you.?
?You didn?t have to?I could tell what you were thinking when I told you he was taking me to dinner.? Heero tried to conceal his surprise. Could Relena read his thoughts? Did she know what he was thinking right now? Was it safe for him to grab her and kiss her so they could finally forget about Blair?
Relena continued, ?You don?t have to say anything, Heero. I can tell when you?re jealous.? She smiled shyly.
All Heero could wonder was why they were still having this conversation in the doorway. He should be in her suite now, and they should be finished talking. He should be sitting on the couch with Relena in his arms.
It took him a second to register what Relena had said. ?You think I?m jealous??
?No,? Relena said, smiling. ?I know you are.?
?Really.? Heero didn?t know what to say. How could she read his emotions so plainly when he worked so hard to disguise them? ?Hn.?
Relena couldn?t help but laugh. ?Heero, really, you can talk to me about this. We don?t need to keep secrets from each other, do we? Surely we?re more mature than that.?
Heero moved closer. They were touching now. He forced himself to slip his arms around her waist, for once not caring if someone saw them.
?I hate to break it to you,? he whispered in her ear, ?but I?m not as mature as you think.? This made Relena laugh again. Heero was enjoying this. Could he really make her happy? This was a hope he'd rarely dared to entertain.
?Well,? he whispered huskily. ?Are you going to let me in or what? I?m not into putting on shows in the hallway.?
Relena?s eyes danced. ?I don?t know, Heero. You seem dangerous tonight. What kind of mission are you on, exactly? Divide and conquer?? Her teasing took Heero by surprise, but he played along.
?No, strictly bodyguard duties. I think you need someone watching you much more closely.? Relena saw a glint of something in his eyes that she had never seen before. What was that? His eyes were burning through her, but she sensed no anger behind them. His Prussian blues were smoldering with passion. Heero? passionate about her? It was too good to be true.
Heero lowered his mouth to hers, but Relena stopped him by placing a finger on his lips. ?Speaking of bodyguards, Wes is already here.?
Heero?s skin prickled at her touch, but he kept his cool. ?Are you keeping all these guys around to make me jealous on purpose, or what??
?So far it?s working beautifully.?
?We?ll see about that,? Heero said gruffly. Then it hit him?the reason he?d come here. To interrogate Relena about the internet pictures. Her womanly wiles had gotten him all hot and bothered and made him forget all about his purpose. He let go of her and pushed the door open.
?I came here to discuss something with you.? Relena was shocked by his sudden change in demeanor. He quickly shifted into business mode as he stalked his way into her suite. Relena knew that it must be about Blair, but she was hoping that subject wouldn?t come up after Heero had come here, seemingly intent on finally romancing her. I should?ve known it was too good to be true, she thought. Self-consciously, she held her hands behind her back. She hadn?t yet been able to get the ring off. Even Wesley had tried to help her and had to give up, jokingly suggesting that she have a surgeon remove her finger and sew it back on once the ring was removed. Relena, momentarily trading her pacifism, had almost slugged him.
As usual, Heero saw right through her. He moved close to her again and gently took her hands from behind her back. Even though he was clearly angry, Relena knew he would never hurt her. He gazed down at the ring on her left hand and seemed lost in thought for several seconds. Finally, he brought his eyes up to hers, shocking Relena with his hurt expression. Then, almost instantly, it vanished.
?Relena?? He dropped her hands and turned his back to her. ?So it?s true.?
?Heero?? She reached for him, and he spun around to face her.
?He gave that to you, right?? Relena swallowed hard and nodded. ?I should?ve known,? Heero said softly. He clenched a fist at his side.
?Heero, wait a minute. It?s not what you think??
?I saw pictures of you with him on the internet, Relena. That?s what I came here to ask you about. I forgot all about them when I saw you. For a moment I? I just wanted?? He closed his eyes. He wouldn?t let himself continue.
?Heero.? Relena moved close to him. ?Please let me explain.?
?What?s there to explain? If you love him??
?I don?t love him, Heero!? Her voice rang desperately. ?If I loved him then why would I let you be so close to me??
?Close to you? You didn?t let me kiss you.? Heero?s eyes darkened. It was a shift imperceptible to most, but Relena could detect his change in mood just by looking into his eyes. She had known him long enough.
?Then kiss me now, Heero.? That was the wrong thing to say?Heero was no longer in the mood. He felt that he had finally opened up to her, only to get slapped in the face. Here she was, still wearing Blair?s ring. If she didn?t love him, then why didn?t she refuse it?
?I can?t do that, Relena. Not if you belong to someone else.?
?But I don?t! Why won?t you let me explain??
?I think you?ve explained enough. I have to go.?
Before she could reach him, he bolted out the door. She did her best to follow him out, but it was hard without her crutches, which lay abandoned on the floor.
?Heero, wait!? He ignored her and continued to the elevator. Relena?s head was spinning. How could those precious few moments have gone so completely wrong? Heero had come to her of his own volition, had attempted to barge his way both into her room and her heart, had held her in his arms and everything; he?d even tried to kiss her. What was wrong with her? How could she have messed this up? She looked down angrily at Blair?s ring, and it glinted up at her menacingly. Why couldn?t she get rid of this stupid thing? She feared that she had done irreparable damage to her relationship with Heero. What if he never let her explain herself?
?Whoa,? came a voice from behind her. ?What happened out here?? Relena turned her head to see Wesley emerging from his room.
Relena sighed. ?Heero and I had an argument??
?About Blair?? Wesley laughed while Relena glared at him.
?It?s not funny, Wes,? she snapped, sounding harsher than she meant to.
His manner changed instantly. ?I?m sorry, Relena, it?s just that the whole thing is so ridiculous.? He settled himself down on the sofa and pulled Relena toward him to sit. Since she didn?t feel like grabbing her crutches, Relena accepted his help.
?I know it is,? she sighed. ?But I meant to have this ring long gone before Heero saw it. Unfortunately, he had already seen Blair and I on the internet.?
?It?s his fault for not letting you explain yourself,? Wesley pointed out. ?So if he walks away from you over something this childish, it?s his loss.?
?Childish, huh? I suppose this seems childish to someone as old as yourself.? She smiled playfully at her bodyguard, and Wesley laughed heartily.
?Listen, Kiddo, take it from someone who has already loved and lost: you have to know how to pick your battles. If Heero lets his jealousy ruin your relationship, it?s his own fault. You can?t go on blaming yourself?you?ve done the best you can.?
Relena released another sigh. ?You?re such a big brother to me, Wes; what would I do without you??
?Wallow in misery,? he replied with a grin. But Relena wasn?t smiling. She seemed lost in a world of hurt, and even a trained bodyguard couldn?t protect her from that. ?Hey,? he said gently, ?are you crying??
Relena brushed her tears away with the back of her hand. ?No,? she lied.
Wesley frowned. ?Do you want me to talk to Heero? Tell him what an idiot he?s being??
?Oh, please, no. Don?t do that. Maybe he?ll come around?eventually.? Relena looked up at Wesley. ?I have to keep on hoping. But I?m done trying to fix everything between us by myself.?
?And you should be. I think you?ve put more much more time and effort into this relationship than he has. It?s about time you made him do something.?
Relena shook her head in disagreement. ?That?s not entirely true, Wes. Sure, I?m better at communicating my feelings than he is, but that?s a problem as old as time for men and women.? Wesley nodded in agreement. ?Besides,? Relena continued, ?he shows me that he cares in different ways?even just by coming to see me whenever he can and always trying to protect me when it isn?t his job to do so. And he came here and all but told me that he loves me, so I know his feelings go deeper than he?ll say.?
?I know that, too. That?s why he?s behaving like such a jerk. He?s just as afraid of losing you as you are of losing him. I just wish he?d get more ballsy instead of running away from you.? Wesley shook his head sagely. ?He?ll learn, one day. I guess he?s still too young yet.?
Relena sighed. ?That?s true. He?s only twenty. Most guys his age don?t have love figured out yet, do they??
?Nope. People my age barely do.?
Relena cocked an eyebrow. ?Oh? And what exactly is your age, Mr. Ferris??
He winked at her. ?Too old for you, darling.? Relena laughed.
?Well,? Wesley straightened up from his sitting position. ?Should we have another go at getting that ugly ring off??
Relena held her hand out to inspect it more closely. ?You think it?s ugly??
?Definitely. Very ostentatious. I?m sure Heero could find something that suits you much better.?
Relena blushed. ?Maybe someday??
?Well, the sooner you get rid of Blair?s ring, the better, right? Now I have an idea for emergency ring removal??
?Oh dear,? Relena said anxiously. ?This better not involve bullets.?
?Have no fear, Princess! Don?t you trust your own bodyguard?? Wesley grinned wickedly. ?We?ll have that museum piece off in a jiffy.? Wesley disappeared into his room, and she feared for the worst. Still, she would do anything to get the ring off if it meant Heero would come back to her. Wesley emerged holding a small pair of pliers.
?Ready??
?Wes,? Relena whined, ?Surely there must be another way??
?What other way? We tried ice, we tried soaking your hands, we tried dish liquid and petroleum jelly, and every other method we could find on the internet,? he pointed out. ?Now, I?m just going to crack that sucker open. Forgive me if I pinch your skin.?
Relena gulped. ?I guess there?s no other way.? She held out her hand to Wesley. ?Do what you must.?
Heero, she thought. Blair. I?ll get you both back for this!
