Mistaken Words chapter 73

[Morganeth]

Mistaken Words

AN: I know it?s been a long time, and I want to thank everyone for being patient with me. Life hasn?t been easy, and unfortunately I can?t honestly say when that?s going to change. So I?m going to do my best to post when I can, I have every intention of finishing this story. Since I?ve been working on it for 7 years I think it would really suck to suddenly quit. Again thank you all!!

Thanks to morgansgirl for the editing!

Disclaimer: I don?t own Gundam Wing

I Don?t Believe You

Wufei lead the way back onto the shuttle almost an hour after he had left, both Anderson and Ryan following a step behind him. The two had been partners almost from the moment they had entered the agency. And considering the role both of them had played in the events leading up to this moment, Wufei thought it best to have them both present when he broke the news. Hiding a smirk from view Wufei wondered how best to tell them, certainly not until they were in space. He had wanted to say something earlier when Anderson had made his comments towards Zero, but that hadn?t been the place for it.

?So when do we find out who?s on board?? Ryan asked rubbing his hands together eagerly, his eyes glanced about the main room as though hoping to tell just from that.

?Took you long enough,? Kahlan?s voice spoke from down the hall, ?Heero woke up again?? he trailed off coming around the corner massaging a welt on his jaw, only to see the two men standing with Wufei.

The former pilot reached for the lock on the shuttle door securing it firmly behind them, he didn?t really think Anderson and Ryan would bolt but he wanted to be sure. The truth about Heero would be coming out sooner or later, but out of respect for his friend he wanted to keep it to as few people as possible. Wufei was met with shocked expressions from both men, along with Kahlan, who looked concerned on top of that.

Wufei waved him off, ?Had to happen sometime,? personally he would have preferred for it to have happened once they were out in space. But it really didn?t make that much of a difference.

?I couldn?t have heard you right?? Ryan said shaking his head adamantly.

?And if you did?? Wufei returned immediately with a raised eyebrow, gesturing with his left hand towards Kahlan to let him know it was alright.

?That bastard can?t be alive!? Anderson shook his head expression hard.

Wufei folded his arms carefully unconsciously being careful of his right wrist, ?I?d bring you in and show you but I?d rather not have to shoot you for attacking him.

Anderson?s fists clenched his face turning red, ?No fucking way!?

Suppressing the urge to sigh, and smack the both of them upside the head, Wufei drew in a breath, ?Can you even consider for a moment that Heero was never a traitor?? if they couldn?t do that, there?d be a problem. No doubt Anderson would still be able to pilot them back to earth, but if just these two men couldn?t accept?forgetting for the moment that they had more personal dealings with Heero?it didn?t exactly bode well for announcing to the rest of the world.

Ryan dropped down nearly boneless into one of the empty chairs, ?After what he did to Ms Peacecraft?? he shook his head, ?It?s not possible.?

?Agent Yuy had been in deep cover for four years,? he stressed the fact, his tone leaving no room for arguments, and continued before they could get a word out. ?Gathering intel on the Inner Circle. We have him to thank for their discovery, and whether you like it or not, chances are he?s saved your life at least once today while he piloted Zero.? Even for Wufei it was difficult to say these words as though they were the truth, that they had known what Heero was doing from day one. That they had managed to act, as he knew they couldn?t. He wished it was really true?

For several moments neither said a word, just looked at each other before going back to Wufei, as though trying to see through him to be sure he was telling the truth. They even looked to Kahlan who simply nodded his head in confirmation. There really wasn?t much more to do but wait for them to accept the truth. ?Just when the hell were you planning to tell us?? Anderson growled raking a hand through his hair.

?Once the mission was complete and there was no risk to blow Heero?s cover.?

?Shit,? Ryan swore head dropping as he clearly continued to struggle with it all.

?I can?t believe it!? Anderson spat adamantly.

?No what you can?t do is let go of a grudge,? the former pilot pointed out, he could understand how much their pride had been hurt when Heero took them and Relena, in the one place they were sure she should be safe. An idea occurred to him then, it wasn?t something he actually expected would help the situation but he supposed it couldn?t hurt either. ?I suppose I owe you an apology since we put you into that cabin with Relena last year.?

?You knowingly put Relena in direct danger?? he was incredulous and for good reason too, Wufei knew Anderson was no fool.

His mind raced for a way to answer, and he cursed himself for having brought it up, although he didn?t doubt that one of them would have asked sooner or later. ?Heero wasn?t supposed to be a part of that mission, if he hadn?t been there you two would have been more than enough.? He wasn?t entirely sure of that but it was the best he could do.

?So why was he there?? Ryan shot back immediately.

?There wasn?t any way out of it, not without looking suspicious,? Wufei didn?t feel the need to add that Heero?s knowing the location of the cottage had been the key stone in it all. That would have just lead to further problems.

There was a momentary silence, ?I want to see him!? it wasn?t a request as Ryan got to his feet.

?Absolutely not,? it was Kahlan who spoke up this time, taking a protective stance at the hall that lead to Heero?s room. ?He?s resting at the moment, and I want it to stay that way.?

?How many other people know?? his voice was a little more controlled now, though his eyes flickered to the hall that Kahlan guarded.

?Only a select few, you?re now among them,? he doubted that knowledge would help them. ?Now will you still be able to pilot? Or am I going to have to find someone else. For the time being you won?t be able to leave of course, we?re still trying to keep this thing contained.?

The debate of his emotions played out on his face, and for a moment Wufei was nearly positive his answer would be no. But finally he drew himself up, ?Fine?but I want to see him at some point.?

?That can be arranged,? Wufei agreed, he?d most certainly be present in the room at that time. ?We?ve been cleared to leave immediately,? it was a not so subtle direction for the two of them to make their way to the cockpit. With some reluctance they did so, and Wufei turned towards Kahlan breathing a sigh of relief as he did.

?Sorry about that?? the medic apologised, ?I guess I really wasn?t thinking.?

?No damage done,? he assured, ?Although with those two I would have looked for a better way to do it??

?They seemed a little bit more bitter than most,? Kahlan agreed although it was an understatement.

Wufei nodded his head in agreement looking the medic?s face over, ?What happened to you? Heero punch you?? that wouldn?t have surprised the former pilot much.

?No,? Kahlan winced again shifting his jaw carefully, ?Trowa, tell you what you wake him next time, he?s in a fine mood.?

?Just the concussion talking,? Wufei could understand how his friend was feeling, having been in the same boat more than once.

?I?ll be ready to launch in about fifteen minutes,? Anderson announced over the radio.

?I suppose we should take out seats,? Kahlan stepped towards the nearest one and hesitated for a moment, ?Oh, before I forget, here,? he tossed something small over to Wufei. He reached out to catch it swiftly in his left hand curious to see what it was, ?I thought you said you?re right handed??

Wufei?s head came up expression blank, ?I am, doesn?t mean I don?t know how to use my left.?

?I just find it odd that you wouldn?t use your primary hand when caught off guard,? the medic?s eyes were far too intent for Wufei?s liking.

Wufei lowered himself into a seat, Kahlan quickly sitting across from him, ?What makes you think I was caught off guard??

?Enough with the playing games, I know you?ve done something to your right arm, so take off your coat and glove. Let me take a look at it,? Sally had indeed trained him very well if he was catching such small things, ?She wasn?t kidding when she told me you?d try to hide everything, tell me what?s the point??

Leaning back in his chair Wufei made no effort to do what he had been asked, ?The point is I don?t need to be fussed over, and not everything that happens needs medical attention. Sally would damn near have us coming to her for ever scrape.?

?Only because you?d ignore a broken bone to save yourselves a trip to the infirmary,? Kahlan leaned forward appearing content to play this little game, until his eyes narrowed, ?Now off with it.?

?It?s only a sprain,? Wufei knew the more he denied the worse it could be for him when he got back.

?I don?t care,? he waited clearly not backing down.

Refusing to sigh in defeat, it wasn?t really a defeat, he could have held the medic at bay for the entire trip back. What this was, was a strategic withdrawal to avoid further injury when dealing with Sally when they got back. He removed his right glove slowly before reaching for the zipper of his coat. Getting the left one off was a little more difficult than the other but he managed without assistance and slipped off his coat.

Kahlan reached for his bound arm the second it was free, and began unwrapping the tensor bandage, ?When did this happen??

Wufei thought back, ?Happened on the first day, the 30th.?

?How?d it happen?? his eyes were down as he continued, Wufei?s wrist throbbed and you could clearly see the outlines of where the bandage had been.

?Fell on it wrong,? he didn?t see much point in going into the details none of that changed what happened.

The medic began probing the swollen limb eyes flickering up to Wufei?s face looking for an expression of pain. It wasn?t exactly comfortable, but neither was unbearable, in comparisons to being shot twice it wasn?t even worth mentioning. Kahlan clearly seemed to think otherwise, ?Wufei I can tell just by looking at this that you?ve injured it, but unless you start acknowledging when it hurts and how much I?m going to be forced to strap it to your chest in order to keep you from damaging it more.?

That raised an eyebrow, had Sally really taught him this well, he couldn?t begin to imagine when or where she had found the time to train this one so thoroughly. He wondered briefly if Kahlan would follow through on his threat, but for his future sake?when dealing with Sally?he thought better of it. ?It started to swell almost immediately, I can still fire a gun but find it too awkward to use for other tasks.? He chose his words carefully noting the way Kahlan?s eyes rolled when he mentioned the gun.

?How much can you move it without feeling pain?? the medic asked then, not releasing Wufei?s arm but taking hold of it further up for the former pilot could demonstrate his range of motion. The shuttle shuddered into motion as Anderson began departing from Freedom?s Point and Wufei made a mental note to contact both Une and Dante when Kahlan was finished with him.

Shifting his wrist as much as he could, the pain wasn?t much but Wufei wasn?t fool enough to force the limb when he knew it had been injured. ?I?ve iced it a couple of times, when I had a chance,? and when no one would notice, but he chose not to add that little fact.

Kahlan made a sound of disapproval in the back of his throat, as he took a gentle hold of Wufei?s wrist again. ?You shouldn?t have been using it after that happened, wait here I?m going to get you an ice pack and a stiff brace.?

Wufei watched the medic leave the main room and disappear down the hall before he got to his feet and walked over to the communication station. Using both hands, albeit his right very stiffly, Wufei opened a duel line of communication with both Une?s office and Dante?s, easier to just speak to both of them at once. They had both been kept abreast of the situation by the commanders of the mission, but up until now Wufei hadn?t had the opportunity to speak with either of them. Like the other pilots he had been pulling more hours than most.

He wondered if while he was at it he might as well speak with Sally as well, had Heero not suffered a heart attack he wouldn?t have even considered it. However he was seriously concerned with what the stress of re-entry might do to him, so he knew at some point during their twelve hour trip back he?d be speaking with her. As it turned out the decision was made for him as Sally was present in Une?s office when the link went up.

?Wufei,? Une greeted with a nod of her head, ?I take it this means you?re on your way back??

?We?ve just departed from the colony,? he confirmed.

?I take it then Ash is still with you?? Dante questioned, from his office on Freedom?s Point.

?He?s resting,? Wufei nodded, wondering now if Ash had even told Dante he?d be leaving with them.

?He?d been planning on going back with you for a while now,? Dante informed as though reading the question from Wufei?s face.

Sally leaned forward in her seat, ?How is everyone?? it must had just killed her that she wasn?t present for this, but she had given Heero her word.

?Breathing,? the expression he received for his one word appraisal was exactly what he had been expecting. Under three sets of very watchful eyes, Wufei launched into a listing of the injuries sustained, keeping Heero?s till the end knowing it would involve further discussion which Kahlan should be present for.

?And Heero?? Sally asked not looking the least bit pleased by the time Kahlan had finally re-entered the room.

?He appears to have suffered a heart attack,? the medic responded crossing over to where Wufei was sitting. He was carrying the icepack in one hand and the brace in the other, Kahlan leveled an unimpressed look Wufei?s way, ?Thought I told you to stay put.?

The former pilot chose not to respond to that, and looked back to the monitors knowing the conversation wasn?t going to be about him for a while. ?Heart attack?? Sally looked shocked, ?How did that happen??

?Stress from piloting Zero,? Wufei answered, he had every confidence that Heero would be fine with some rest.

?He?s stable and at the moment sleeping,? Kahlan informed lowering the icepack onto Wufei?s right wrist, eyes on what he was doing. ?He?s woken up several times since, always completely lucid, although rather stubborn.? Kahlan lowered himself onto the seat next to Wufei?s putting himself in front of the monitors as well, ?I?d like to discuss that with you, I?m concerned about re-entry??

?What happened to you?? Une asked leaning just a littler closer to the screen eyes obviously studying his jaw.

?Ah?? the medic massaged his bruised jaw, ?Wufei told you Trowa has a concussion?? they nodded, ?Well its put him in a wonderful mood.?

Wufei glanced his way, ?When do you need me to wake him??

?He?s alright for the moment, just stay put and keep that ice on your wrist,? Kahlan turned his attention back to the monitors. ?He?s at least sprained it I?d like to take a few x-rays just to be sure though.?

?That?s it?? Sally sounded surprised, her eyes looking over him, what she could see at least.

?All that he?s admitted to, and even that took a fight,? Kahlan sighed crossing his arms over his chest.

He suppressed a sigh without much success, ?That?s all there is,? he didn?t give either doctor a chance to interject their opinions as he looked more intently to Une and Dante. ?I?ve left Tony in charge of destroying Zero, and clearing out all the information on it. We should be back on earth by noon tomorrow, unless there are reasons concerning Heero to hold off on the landing.?

?Well that?s something Kahlan and I should be able to figure out,? Sally assured, and Wufei decided to leave them at it. Rising from his seat he heard an outraged sound from Kahlan but didn?t pay him any mind, just held the icepack to his arm and walked from the room.

?I?ll be with Trowa,? he tossed back over his shoulder walking down the hall. Entering into the infirmary Wufei took note of both Duo and Trowa sleeping on the beds. Duo lay on his back a warm blanket covering his body, and a thick blanket wrapped around his right arm. An IV dripped fluids into his wrist, and he looked genuinely comfortable, no doubt he would have preferred to be awake, but rest was no harm either.

Walking across the small room Wufei came to a stop at Trowa?s side, the former pilot continued to sleep as though Kahlan had never woke him. Wufei trusted in the medic that he had, and that Trowa was for the time being stable. Although he wanted to wake him just to be sure, instead he seated himself beside the bed and reached for his cell, knowing Quatre would probably appreciate a personal call. And if Trowa become unruly perhaps hearing another friendly voice might calm him. Wufei wasn?t holding his breath on that one.

Not knowing where Quatre would be at this time of day, Wufei hand no idea how long he would have to let the phone ring before he could receive and answer. As it turned out he wasn?t made to wait long. ?Hello?? Quatre asked politely into the phone.

?Thought you might like to know the mission?s complete,? he said leaning back in the chair so his arm could rest on his abdomen with the icepack still securely held over it.

?Wufei!? Quatre?s voice held a clear note of relief in it, ?I was just about to contact Une and see if there was any news, how is everyone??

?We?re all still breathing,? he said at first lightening his tone so as not to worry the president. He then launched into a brief explanation of the injuries and how they had happened, his tone was very matter of fact, he didn?t know if Quatre would find that at all reassuring but as things stood he had already said all this once before.

When he had finished Quatre breathed a sigh of relief, ?I?m glad everyone?s okay, I?ll be making a trip to Earth shortly after you arrive. I want to be there when the announcements are made.?

It was a legitimate reason to come down to Earth for a time, he wondered if Heero would appreciate them being around him for that. He didn?t get the impression that Heero wanted the world to know that he was alive, why that was exactly Wufei hadn?t thought to ask. But he got the distinct impression that what was to happen after this mission was something Heero was trying not to think too much about. ?Do you regret not being able to come?? Wufei asked suddenly looking over to Duo for a moment before he eyes returned to Trowa, neither man stirred.

?After I heard what happened to all of you?? He could hear the smile in Quatre?s voice, ?Kind of glad I?m so well tied down.?

?Figures.?

?Have you spoken to all of them since the incidents?? Quatre asked that note of concern layering his voice thickly.

?Yeah, at least once,? he confirmed, ?Duo most recently, I want to wake Trowa but I doubt he?s going to be in the mood for talking. He punched Kahlan.?

He caught a surprised snort which the president tried to cover with a cough, ?So now he?s passed the job to you??

?Lucky me, I get to be Trowa?s favourite from now on,? he returned dryly and got to his feet, ?Give me a moment will you?? he kept the phone to his ear, as he looked down at Trowa?s face. He hoped his familiar presence would be enough to relax Trowa but just in case he wasn?t about to reach out an touch his friend. ?Trowa?? he called his friends name as loudly as he dared hoping that would be enough. The former pilot didn?t so much a flicker a muscle, ?Trowa,? this time he spoke the name more forcefully, ?You need to wake up.?

??uck Off?? came a slightly slurred reply sounding more than a little irate.

?Sorry my friend,? Wufei leaned over Trowa looking to see if his eyes were opened, ?It?s going to happen a lot.?

?Go?away?? he didn?t seem in the least bit prepared to ?get used to it?, he was irritated and not up to putting up with any of it.

?In a minute,? he promised, wanting to be sure Trowa was coherent, ?What color do blue and red make??

His answer was a few minutes, ?Light?or pigment??

Wufei chuckled ?I?ve got Quatre one the phone, do you want to hear from him?? A tiny nod was all Wufei received as an answer, but it was clear Trowa was understanding him and was indeed awake even if his eyes remained closed. ?Alright Quatre,? he said just before placing the phone to Trowa?s ear.

What Quatre said Wufei couldn?t catch, no doubt he was speaking softly in deference to the serious headache Trowa no doubt had. What Trowa said in returned was altogether clear, if not still a little slurred. ?I?m?being good?? he tone sounded like he was protesting something, ?Won?t quit?poking?me.? Wufei chuckled quietly at that, Trowa?s voice was beginning to sound a little more distant, like he was slipping back into the sleep he had been pulled from, ?Right?? was the last thing he said.

Wufei put the phone back to his ear and sat back down, ?I?ll be down as soon as I can,? Quatre?s voice was grave.

?He?s in good hands,? he assured knowing it wasn?t really necessary, ?But he?ll be happy to see you,? They all would.

?Keep me updated will you??

?Of course,? Wufei returned firmly, ?I?ll let you know if anything changes, we?ve got a twelve hour trip ahead of us unless Sally and Kahlan find reason to hold up with Heero?s condition.?

?Let?s hope not, best for all of you I think to be back on Earth,? Quatre?s gentle voice was all too serious.

The door to the infirmary caught Wufei?s attention and he looked over, ?I?ll talk to you later,? he bade Quatre goodbye while Kahlan walked into the room. ?Results?? he asked slipping the cell away.

?Looks like he?ll be alright, I?ve lowered the gravity in his room, his heart won?t have to work as hard to pump blood. I?ll examine him again closer to Earth and send Sally the results, I think he?ll be safe to make the landing.? That was good news at least, Zechs had suffered a heart attack years back, not caused by the exact same thing, but like Heero he was otherwise healthy. And he had recovered quickly, he hoped Heero would do the same. ?How?s Trowa?? Kahlan asked then walking over to stand near to the bed, Wufei noted he kept out of arms reach, the bruise on his jaw becoming more prominent.

?I was able to wake him, he answered my questions, he?s still in a fine mood but I wasn?t expecting that to change.? He leaned back in his chair after giving his report and placed aside the ice pack he had been resting on his wrist, it was no longer cold enough to do him any good.

Kahlan?s gaze turned to him, ?You forgot this,? he said bringing the brace into view, ?Give me your arm.? Wufei didn?t bother arguing this time just lifted his arm so Kahlan could fit the brace securely around his wrist. It hurt at first the limb throbbing against the constraints, but it kept the joint from moving at all, and as frustrating as that might end up being Wufei knew it would help.

Thanks for Reading!

Facing the Undeniable Truth:

Ash was seated on the far side of his bed, resting his back against the wall, while his good arm cradled his left. His eyes travelled from the IV needle back to Heero, ?I doubt that?ll win you many favours with Kahlan.?

?Do you ever quit??

?You?ve known me for four years, and you still have to ask?? Ash?s tone was incredulous a broad smile on his face.

Heero pulled a hand through his hair absently, ?One can always hope for improvements?? he returned dryly.

?Ha!? Ash exclaimed pointing a finger, ?You?re one to talk!? he shifted forward, excitement clear on his face. ?I?m still waiting for the day where I can ask how you?re feeling and actually get a useful response back. I doubt that day is today?? he looked at Heero with a raised eyebrow as though expecting the answer to the question he hadn?t really asked.

His first response to that was just a grunt as he looked away shaking his head, ?It?s not my problem if you refuse to accept the answer you?ve been given.?

Ash burst out laughing at that, ?I?d hardly call saying ?I?m fine? when you?re half dead a truthful answer,? he retorted, and Heero saw a chance to perhaps stump his friend, not an easy thing to do.

?Ahh,? he breathed, ?You never said you wanted the truth.?

?Like hell,? Ash was quick to counter, but Heero only fixed him with a firm look, waiting for as to really think back on all the times he had asked. His expression remained thoughtful for several seconds, and then his hazel eyes latched onto Heero his face showing his shock. ?Are you telling me that if I had said ?I want the truth? you would have said something other than ?I?m fine???

?Will never know will we?? Heero returned rubbing a hand across the back of his neck.

Morganeth Taren?drel

[Adaon]

You really are an awesome writer and I thank you for keeping up with this story.

I don't know what else to say other then I hope things will get better for you.

[Morganeth]

Thanks so much!!

I've hit a couple of dry spells lately but the ideas are still there, I just have to convince them its okay to come out and play!

thanks again!

[lildragonfly]

yay for updates!

i really like this story, it is always worth the wait.

nice chapter!

[Morganeth]

Thank you! Its a huge relief to know it's still worth the wait even after so long!

[matisleonhart]

I can't say anything, it already been said. This story is so awsome.

[Morganeth]

Thank you!

I'm really glad you're still enjoying it, despite long delays!

[darky]

You keep us all in suspense for a long time, but it was worth it. You are a great writer and I like how the story is developing. Post again soon.



Darky


Dare you to love me, dare you to hate me

[Morganeth]

thanks, I'd really rather not keep you in suspense as long as I did. I'm glad it was still worth it, *fingers crossed* I'll be able to get another chapter out soon. Thanks again!