Pure Intentions: Chapter Two (5xR, 1xR)

[Aeris_Eithne]

A/N: I really, really want to post this in the 1xR forum since Relena has romantic moments with both Wufei and Heero in this story... It's good to be her! For now, enjoy the 5xR fluff in this chapter. I promise plenty of 1xR cuteness in the future... ^_^ Who, oh who, will she choose?

Pure Intentions
Chapter Two:
The Princess & The Dragon

Wufei could hardly believe the effect Relena?s impending visit was having on him. Since getting the news from Sally, he had showered and changed twice. He now stood nervously in front of his bathroom mirror, debating whether to wear his hair pulled back or down. He hadn?t worn his hair down in years; for the life of him, he couldn?t figure out what made him want to do so now. Perhaps he wanted to show Relena a softer, gentler side of him. He found himself smiling, then immediately scowled at his reflection. You cocky idiot, he chided himself. You?re nothing to her.

Still, he had to admit that his hair looked better down. He glanced over his ensemble one last time?a dark blue button-up shirt with tan slacks and black leather shoes. He looked casual, but not sloppy; sophisticated, but not overdressed. He had seen Relena on TV often enough to know that she preferred this kind of clothing to that of the stuffy aristocratic variety. Besides, there was no need for him to appear in uniform before her now when, according to Sally, the work day was over. Even so, for good measure, Wufei decided to don his Preventer jacket over his shirt. He looked at his reflection approvingly, nodding resolutely at the determined face he met in the mirror. It was time.

He headed for the bridge of the Aventinus, where he caught Sally just beginning to give Relena a tour of the ship. He couldn?t help it?his breath caught when he saw her. There she stood, blonde hair flowing around her shoulders, in an elegant lilac-colored power suit and high black heels. She looked every bit the perfect politician, or even like a movie star trying to appear astute and dignified, but his mind?s eye saw her differently. To him, she could be the pretty, popular cheerleader from just about any high school on earth or in the colonies, the kind of girl an entire school would rally around. And indeed, the whole world had rallied around her. Wufei checked himself mentally. And men everywhere were undoubtedly clamoring to be with her. What am I thinking, approaching her like this? Yet like a moth drawn to a flame, he couldn?t help himself. Feigning a confident stride, he walked over to where she stood.

?Miss Darlian,? he said, amusement twinkling behind his seemingly haughty tone. ?I hear you?ve traded your high-class living to be on board with us for a couple of days.?

His teasing took Relena by surprise, and it showed. She quickly recovered from her initial shock to grace him with a smile. A rather beautiful smile, he thought.

?Chang Wufei,? was all she said. She extended her right hand, which he took in his own immediately. ?I?m happy to see you again. It?s been ages, I think.?

He stood there dumbfounded, still clutching her hand, marveling at how small and soft it was. A memory of his late wife, Meiran, flickered across his mind; her hands had been just as petite, though somewhat rough in comparison. Relena?s skin felt like silk, and Wufei swore he felt the oxygen draining from his brain.

Relena was looking up at him expectantly, and he wasn?t sure why. He was enjoying the fact that, even in heels, she was a few inches shorter than him, when he realized he was still grasping her hand. Tightly. He let it drop and redness colored his face.

?I? it?s good to see you, too.? He jammed both of his hands into his jacket pocket. To his chagrin, Relena actually laughed. She had noticed his embarrassment and found it endearing. Wufei was practically floored when Relena laced her arm through his.

?You?re so different than when I saw you last,? she said cheerily. ?Perhaps you?ll join us as Sally shows me around? I?m sure you could add a thing or two about the Aventinus, since it?s practically your home.?

?I, uh? I?d be happy to,? he finished lamely. Happy to? Ugh. I?m such a fool! Mentally he was screaming at himself, but he kept his cool as he led Relena around, much to Sally?s amusement. Wufei swore that he could see Sally?s eyes glinting mischievously. He could only pray that she wouldn?t start laughing at him again.

After Relena had seen most of the ship, Sally suggested that she get something to eat. She directed Relena to the mess hall.

?The grill?s closed for the night, but the kitchen's open twenty-four hours. Certain night owls prefer it that way?? She coughed as she said, ?Wufei.? He tightened his eyes at her, but said nothing. He refused to start one of his many bickers with Sally while Relena was right there.

Sally continued, ?Why don?t you help Relena find something, Wufei?? She looked at him pointedly. Relena noticed a silent communication pass between the pair, but couldn?t discern what either might be thinking. Amazingly, words seemed to pass between their eyes, as if they could read each other?s thoughts. She was wondering if the two of them were a secret item when she heard Wufei sigh.

?All right,? he relented. ?Let?s go.? He spun his heel and led Relena down the hallway. She shot Sally a quizzical look, but the Preventer only smiled back teasingly.

?Have fun, you two!? Sally called. Wufei waited until they had passed her before rolling his eyes. Relena caught his annoyed his expression and laughed.

?You two are really good friends, aren?t you? I can tell.?

?Huh?? Wufei cocked his head to look at her. ?Are you serious? Sally? We work long hours together and nearly drive one another insane. I hardly think that qualifies as a friendship.?

?Of course it does! It?s the best kind.? Her eyes danced up at him.

Wufei shook his head. ?I guess there?s a lot about you I don?t understand. You think arguing with someone makes them a good friend??

?Yes. You probably wouldn?t be so gruff with a perfect stranger, would you? People usually act the most themselves when they?re with family or close friends. Sally?s someone you can let your hair down around.? She grinned at him, taking in his loose black locks. ?Literally.?

Wufei had almost forgotten that he?d changed his hairstyle at the last second. ?Oh, that. It?s nothing. I usually wear my hair b?? Why am I talking about this? His thoughts cut through his babbling. ?Ah, forget it.?

Relena giggled. ?I?m sorry; I don?t mean to poke fun. I?m just used to you always being so business-like. But I like seeing you like this; you?re more real to me now.?

Heat crept up his neck. ?More? real?? What on earth could she mean by that? He fumbled mentally to change the subject. Thankfully, they had just reached the kitchen. ?Can I offer you something to eat??

?Well, I?m not very hungry. Something small would be fine.? She settled herself down at the kitchen table and folded her hands in her lap, waiting. Wufei gaped at her. Did she really expect him to serve her, just like that? She had been the queen of the world, he knew, but he still had a lot of pride as a former Gundam pilot and the strongest of the Chang clan. He smirked at her.

?I suppose you expect me to fix you something, your highness??

Her smile faded. ?Well, you just offered??

Hah! He had her. Or did he? Wufei realized he?d just foiled himself. All he could do in response was grin at her like an idiot. ?I did, didn?t I? I just find this predicament amusing.?

Relena?s smile reappeared. ?I think,? she said, leveling him with a cool gaze, ?that you find everything amusing.?

He folded his arms across his chest. ?I don?t think you catch my meaning.?

She raised an eyebrow, a challenge in her eyes. ?Try me.?

He sighed. ?Here we are, a retired soldier and former queen of? well, everything. Your politics rocked my world, and now you?re in my kitchen, waiting to be fed. It?s all so strange? surreal.?

He didn?t expect his words to shock Relena; he thought perhaps she?d be amused as well. Then again, he realized too late that she wasn?t a cynic like him. She ran a hand through her long, straight hair, staring pensively at the floor. She bit her lip and seemed to be concentrating on what to say. At length, she raised her blue eyes to Wufei. He was stunned to see sadness behind them.

?Is that how it?s really going to be?? she said wistfully. ?Finally, the earth and colonies exist in peace, side by side? but you?re still letting the former era dictate your daily life??

Wufei opened his mouth to say something, then abruptly clamped it shut. Before he could change his mind, he knelt before her and took both of her hands in his.

?Hey,? he said softly. ?I didn?t mean to upset you. The truth is, I?ve been following your political career for sometime, so it?s had quite an effect on me. I?m not trying to stay bitter over the events of the war, but it?s been difficult for me to live as anything but a soldier. But that doesn?t mean?? His eyes wandered from her face, down to their entwined hands, and back up to her eyes. ?Please, don?t take my words so seriously. You?ll just have to excuse the way I voice my thoughts at times. I?m still? trying to find myself in this new age.?

Relena drew in a breath, and Wufei waited for her to speak. He didn?t know that his words had reminded her of Heero. She was wondering how that particular soldier was handling the new age he?d helped her bring about. Was he as cynical about it as Wufei? Did he blame Relena for his lack of purpose, even jokingly? She realized Wufei was still waiting for her to speak, so she forced a smile.

?I?m sorry,? she whispered. ?I?m so used to making speeches that, every time someone states their opinion, I seem to treat it as an opportunity for a political debate.? She shrugged one of her delicate shoulders. ?Will you forgive me?? She glanced down at him through long, dark lashes and waited.

He found himself smiling back. ?There?s nothing to forgive. I?m afraid I was the devil?s advocate, in this case. I?ll try to watch what I say from now on.? He released her hands, somewhat reluctant to let go of their softness, and stood.

?So? I assume you?re still hungry. In all seriousness? can I get you something??

Anhour later, they were still sitting at the kitchen table. Their serious conversation from earlier had given way to teasing and laughter. Wufei had experienced plenty of banter with Sally, but he had never felt so at ease with anyone as he did with Relena. He sensed that she was skilled at making people feel comfortable; of course, as a world leader, she would have to be.

?How do you do it?? He mused out loud. He hadn?t meant to, but it had slipped out. He colored, but Relena didn?t seem to notice; or, if she had, she pretended not to.

?Do what, exactly??

Wufei struggled to think of an articulate response. ?How is it that someone so young can shoulder so much responsibility??

Relena stifled a laugh. ?What made you think of that? Weren?t we just in the middle of making fun of Duo??

Wufei found himself laughing with her. ?I know, it?s random. I guess I was just thinking about how you?re so good at making people feel at ease. I chalk it up to your political skills, and wonder how you learned that so quickly.?

Relena folded her hands thoughtfully. ?I was raised in the political arena, you know? practically thrust into the spotlight my whole life. Should it surprise you that I know the protocol??

He shrugged. ?I was raised to be a warrior, but spent most of my life trying to be otherwise.?

Surprise crossed her features. ?Really? But you?re so??

He cocked his head at her, frowning. ?What??

She leaned forward and poked his arm. ?Aggressive. Vindictive. Righteously angry.?

Wufei seemed to grow distant for a moment. Then he leaned forward, too, scooting his chair closer to hers. ?The war? changed my priorities.?

Relena?s chair inched toward his. ?How so??

?You? want to know the whole story?? He asked. She nodded eagerly. Wufei finally allowed himself to delve into the story he had only previously shared with Sally. He told Relena of his upbringing on L5, of his resistance to fighting in favor of his private schooling, of his love for books and knowledge over martial arts. Hesitantly, he filled her in on his brief, arranged marriage, and how the loss of Meiran had turned him into an embittered warrior. He rushed through the story, leaving Relena wide-eyed and breathless.

?Well, then,? he murmured. ?Perhaps now you see why I have trouble fitting in these days. I still don?t know what my place is.?

?Oh, Wufei?? Relena rested a hand atop his. ?If only I had known this sooner; I would have been more understanding.?

He shrugged off her sympathy. ?It?s not your fault. I don?t go around sharing this stuff, you know.? He offered her a small smile. ?You should feel honored that I breathed a word of it to you.?

Her eyes were swimming with emotion. ?You?ve been through so much. Why is it you don?t hate me for uprooting you from your life as a Gundam pilot when that was all you had left??

Wufei squeezed her hand. ?Do you regret the decisions you?ve made, Relena??

She drew in a sharp breath. ?No?? She shook her head solemnly. ?Even though I know some of those have hurt other people, I? I can?t take anything back. Overall, I did my best to help the greater good. And even though it may not always seem like it, you and all the other Gundam pilots and ex-soldiers are better off living out your lives in peace now.? Her blue eyes looked at him profoundly, a look that pierced his soul. ?Do you regret supporting my decisions??

This time, he was the one to shake his head. ?Not at all,? he answered.

She blinked. ?Why is that? What gave you a change of heart?? She was astounded when Wufei moved his face close to hers, tipping her chin up with his fingers.

?After losing my wife, my family, my friends, my? home,? he began, ?I know what it is to live an empty life, bereft of feeling. And I don?t wanna live that way anymore. Lena?? The nickname stunned Relena, and she let out a small gasp as Wufei?s hands cupped her face. ?You?ve had more of an impact on me than you even know,? he went on. ?I need to be close to you, to absorb whatever it is that gives you such goodness. Then, perhaps, I can better understand these times.?

?Wufei?? Relena found herself closing her eyes.

Wufei closed the remaining distance between them, pressing his lips firmly against hers. Relena?s head was spinning; she didn?t know whether she should kiss him back or not. He had opened up to her so much, and he was surprisingly sweet. And his kiss was so strong and sure? Before Relena could stop herself, her arms were wrapped around his neck, and the kiss deepened. Then, suddenly, a loud crash reverberated off the kitchen walls.

Wufei and Relena abruptly tore themselves away from one another. Shards of broken glass littered the tile floor, swimming in a puddle of water with a scattered bouquet of white roses.

Relena looked around frantically and saw a dark shock of hair disappear around the corner. Her heart slammed into her stomach.

?Damn it!? Wufei was surveying the mess. ?Where did all this come from??

?Oh my God,? Relena moaned, burying her face in her hands. ?Heero!?

[RedVixen]

You just enjoy the power to deliver cliff hangers , huh?

I love this story, i was hooked when i read the first chapter. Even though HYxRP is one of my main favorites i'm a die-hard WufeixRelena fan, one of my guilty pleasures. So maybe they'll be the main couple in the end...? *nudge nudge* (lol)

I practically squealed when it said they kissed! Wufei needs a lot of loving and i volunteer Relena for the job! (hahaha)
Keep up the great work i'm so antsy for the next chapter!!

[Aeris_Eithne]

Yes, I love cliff hangers; expect plenty more of them. ^_^ I'm glad you like 5xR stories. This is my first foray into the pairing. I actually plan to pair Relena with all of the Gundam pilots at some point. The only one I have yet to write about, actually, is Duo. I always thought Wufei would be the most challenging, but he's easier to write than I thought. But... once you get inside his head, it's hard to get out. If you'll excuse me, I'm feeling rather weak after this post... I think I need to get a lot stronger before I post the next chapter....

[0mikr0n]

Relena stifled a laugh. ?What made you think of that? Weren?t we just in the middle of making fun of Duo??

Is it me, or is Duo always getting made fun of? Pure pricelessness; he's the exact kind of guy who would do idiotic things that are fun to laugh at.

I find it interesting how people tend to develop the nickname of "Lena" for Relena; it's the shortened, original form, the derivitive of Helena (which is yet another extension of "Helen", which comes from Greek mythology... sorry, I tend to go into too much detail when I don't have to ). It's realistically something that a relative would do, to shorten it down to a nickname... it's generally impolite to call someone by a nickname unless it's between friends or family. It shows the connection they're making, and it was a good idea to include it in there.

You gotta feel bad for 1, though... poor guy, walks in on the love of his life (with gifts, even!) only to see that she's with someone else.


And now for a short review:


Yet another superbly written chapter! It's dramatic, suspenseful, and the general feeling of the characters is just... there. It's almost as if they're pushing out at us and giving us a little bit of their emotion. You captured it pretty well Aeris; I've enjoyed pretty much every bit of writing you've composed.

Good luck with chapter three... I can't wait! (but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take your time to make it awesome )

[so_so_sad]

OH MY GOD!!! What is heero going to do? will Wufei and Heero fight? How will Relena explain this to Heero? I have to go...