Hangover (Complete. Rated: PG-15)

[amateur_storyteller]

Title: Hangover
Author: Amatuer_Storyteller
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplylov ... is_Charge/
Pairings: Heero and Relena.
Rating: PG-something I would guess.
Genre: Humor/Romance.

Summary: Relena and Trowa shared a night together. Now, she must deal with the consequences of her actions; which includes a jealous, overprotective bodyguard, bent on using Trowa as target practice.

Warnings: None.

Note: This is a HEERO/RELENA fic.


PROLOGUE:

Once a year, the former Gundam pilots meet; during these day-long meetings they
discuss any potentially dangerous situations they suspect will threaten the peace, and
discuss their post-war lives. It is a tradition started five years prior, when Duo came out
of his self-imposed isolation and decided to track-down his comrades. The meeting dates
vary, but it always takes place in July, on Earth, in one of their isolated properties.
Often, Relena, or and another close ally, came as well.

Yesterday, they met on a private estate in Mexico, that an old family acquaintance of the Winners had lent to Quatre. On the occasion, the former Gundam pilots were surprised to be joined by Heero's charge, Relena Darlian, as well as Hilde, Duo's girl friend/roommate. Much to the voiced delight of Quatre and Relena, and the silent contentment of the rest, Duo made an exuberate entrance, by announcing his engagement to an embarrassed, but delighted, Hilde. She blushed, when her playful "Dummy" announced his intention of making an honest woman out of her; and, it was unanimously decided, they would celebrate the couple's great news. They did...with expensive wine, cheap beer, and vodka.


And so, our story begins

...with a hangover.


Part One.

Final Version. Revised: 01//3/03.


CHAPTER 1:


Relena groaned as she sat upright in bed. Her head throbbed, and she wished she
would lose consciousness. She let her head drop back onto the pillow, it was then that she
noticed two things and acknowledged one: she was completely naked, there was a heavy
arm tossed around her mid-section; and, her whole body felt sore. Troubled, Relena took
a deep, shaky breath, before looking to her left.

Trowa. Woah.

A bare-chested Trowa, blinked sleepily at her, before smiling drowsily, and then, losing consciousness once more. She stared, stunned-dumb, at him. A few seconds later, Trowa jolted up, eye-wide and panicked, he looked at her, then at his own nude body, then back at her nudity again (glaze lingering on her chest, until he she pulled up the blanket), then to the ceiling with a heavy groan. He placed a pillow on top of his face; Relena heard him muffled muttering.

"Trowa?" She questioned tentatively, feeling very awkward and concerned (and oddly
offended), as he appeared to be trying to smother himself with the fluffy pillow. She
moved her face closer to his, and could comprehend a few of his words ("His girl...He...
kill...ocean...flee...cement.") She scrunched up her nose, his ramblings were incomprehensible.

"Trowa," she said, grabbing the pillow from on top of his head and holding it protectively infront of her chest, "you wouldn't happen to know what happened last night, would you?"

He banged his head against the bed, still muttering ("I'm dead. Completely dead.
Murdered. Deceased.") and laughing in panic.

She tossed back his pillow, and proceeded to get off the bed, shaking her head in annoyance. She rummaged through the closet, pulling out a man's white shirt, and slipped it on. Think logically. She advised herself, as she looked for her underwear, let's list the facts before we rush to conclusions.

1) A lot of alcohol + Me = A drunk and (to my embarrassment) giggly woman.

2) There's a musk scent of sweat in the air. (But really, that could mean a lot of things -- like exercise! She added hopefully.)

3) Trowa seems a bit eccentric; possibly he is still intoxicated, or mad as a hatter.

She paused, then hesitantly touched her inner-thighs, and brought her fingers up in front
of her grimacing face. She gulped.

4) Red substance: blood. (So not good. She thought.)

Looking at Trowa, she groaned, "Damn it, Trowa, hush up! Do you remember anything?"

She scowled, then turned her back to him when she realized his gaze had returned to her
chest.

At this point, Trowa had decided that a dying man ought to at least enjoy his final
hour, so he let his eyes linger on the curve of her bottom.

"Trowa, if you don't answer me right now, I'm positive I'll scream!"

When he blinked at her, hesitantly tearing his gaze from her body, to look at her scowling face, and looked, by all accounts, deaf to her words, she lost her patience, and screamed. Of course, had she been thinking clearly, she would have taken their state of dress into account before screaming; she reflected on this, when a wild-eyed Heero burst into the room with his gun drawn. Unfortunately, she had been focusing on her aching privates and sore breasts, the terrible throbbing of her head, and the annoying fact that man she (may have) lost her virginity to was acting deranged. So, if you can sympathize with the terribly sickening feeling she felt, of not remembering something that was supposed to have been one of the most memorable experiences of her life, then her attitude would be understandable.

Heero's eyes darted from a semi-dressed Relena, to Trowa, whom had thankfully jumped off the bed and wrapped the bed-sheet around his waist at Relena's piercing scream. Heero's left eye twitched, and his lips pulled back into a snarl as he aimed his gun at Trowa.

Trowa, whom was beginning to sober up, began to back away.

______


"Relena, stay behind me." Heero ordered, extending his left hand and pulling her behind
him. He ignored her attempt to explain the situation. ("Heero, Trowa and I had sex, that's
all. At least, I think we had sex, I really don't remember. Do you remember, Trowa?" She
looked at Trowa for her answer, and so, missed when Heero's finger twitch on the trigger.
Trowa just shook his head slowly, keeping his eyes on the gun, and said, "Vaguely";
privately, he began wondering if it was Relena's evil intention to get him shot.)

The rest of the group filed in at this moment; most of them armed with guns, or in
Hilde's case, a stun-gun. Several jaws dropped and eyes widened, at the scene their
bloodshot eyes took in.


______


"What the hell?" Duo's shout broke out, as he looked at the trio. He and Wufei shared a
look, as if deciding who would approach the gun-happy Heero. He pointed to his
engagement ring and pulled Hilde in front of him. Wufei grumbled, wishing he had let
the pregnant onna come with him, before taking a step forward. Looking behind him, he
spotted Quatre's concerned face, and he smiled, rejoining the group, and "urging"
Quatre to use his calming influence . . . by giving him small shoves into Heero's direction. Quatre stilled mid-stride, and stared at the barrel of the gun being pointed directly at him.


Relena straightened her shirt, keeping her eyes to the ground in embarrassment; she
tugged on Heero's arm.

"Heero, please, there has been a misunderstanding." Relena said softly, as she managed
to lower the weapon, "I know you are only acting under the assumption that Trowa
committed a horrible offense against me, since I raised my voice -- well, screamed
bloody-murder-- but in all honesty, he did not forced himself on me."

Heero looked down at her flushed face, then at the small (attentive) group crowded in the
doorway, before narrowing his eyes, and ordering everyone, minus the unfortunate
Relena, out of the room. As Trowa left, Heero shot him a cold look that promised they
would exchange words without fail, at a later time.

Heero leaned towards her, and for a brief, flash-of-a-second, she thought he was going to
press a reassuring kiss onto her heated face. Instead, he tilted her head from side to side,
sniffing deeply.

She backed away in surprise.

"You had more than a glass of wine." He started, his tone accusing. He moved away from
her, and began looking around the room, gathering, then tossing to her, her various items
of clothing, and her high heeled shoes.

"You reek of vodka. I told you, you weren't allowed more than a single glass of wine."

Relena let the clothes he tossed her fall to the ground, then crossed her arms.

"I know what my brother ordered, Heero." she snapped back, annoyed by his tone, "And, if you would quit speaking to me as if I were a bad child in need of scolding, instead of a
twenty-three year old woman, I could get dressed . . . And then put this whole embarrassing incident behind me."

"Damn it, Relena, you were being monitored -- who slipped you vodka?" Heero said
angrily, turning his back to her, as she, with a defiant and determined frown on her face,
began to unbutton her shirt.

Relena kept silent as she undressed, knowing Heero would not dare to look back at her until she was done dressing; a minute or two later, she was fully clothed, back into the white, tailored business suit she arrived in, and wearing her white heels.

"You are not behaving rationally." Relena told him, lifting her chin defiantly as she
walked past by him, then past the group gathered conveniently close to the bedroom door.

She didn't notice how Heero's eyes widened, then narrowed, at the haughty and sexy sight she made.

"Your behaving like a spoiled child!" He shot back, uncharacteristically bothered, yet
choosing not to ponder the reason behind it.

He followed her out of the room.


______



Gentle-hearted Quatre, looked at the feuding duo in sympathy, trying to figure out how to calm them; meanwhile, the rest of the group were survivalists, and backed away.

Irritated, Relena stuck out her tongue at Heero, behaving like the child he accused her of
being, then told him to mind his own business.

Heero scanned the living room and found her small suitcase, and his duffel bag. He made
a note of their location.

Looking at Relena's turned back, he spoke coldly. "Keeping you out of trouble is my
business. It's my job! Furthermore, you know as well as I do, that more than a few glasses
of wine makes you completely... loose."

Relena spun back to face him, her eyes wide in outrage.

" Loose? Heero Yuy, are you implying what I think you are implying?" She had a
dangerous, woman-being-offended glint in her eyes.

"I said it, didn't I? And it happened, didn't it?" He glared, lifting his head high, in daring.

(This time, Hilde cut in, shouting from the kitchen, "Asshole! Take that back! I won't
have you talking to my friend like that!"

"Shush, Babe." Duo advised, patting her back soothingly; he got pinched for his effort.)

Relena made a disbelieving sound in the back of her throat, then marched towards Heero,
looked at him for a second, then using her designer-heel covered foot, kicked him in the shin with as she much force as she could muster.

"Ugh! You horrible...man! I'm not a tease, but I have not taken a vow of chastity! And I am certainly not loose! I might get a little friendlier when I drink, but that's only because when I'm drunk, is the only time I don't feel pressured into suppressing the sexuality people seem to think 'The Dove of Peace' isn't allowed to have!"

She tried to kick him again, but this time he blocked it with his knee. She kept trying to
kick or punch him, while he simply blocked, smirking mockingly at her attempts.

After a minute exactly, of watching this exchange, Wufei, the one being shoved into
danger this time around, entered the room. He paused, then bellowed over their voices;
shocking Relena into jumping away from Heero.

"Enough! You both are dishonoring us all with your pity bickering!"

He marched over towards Relena, carrying himself proudly, and said, "Darlian, you have
precious few hours left until you have to get back to your hectic, schedule-filled career. To use them like this, is foolish and unworthy of a woman of your esteem." Then looking at Heero, he added, "And you, Yuy, it is not your concern whom she decides to sleep with."

"That's right!" Relena cried defiantly. She beamed at Wufei in thanks, and impulsively
hugged him. Then stepping closer to Heero, until only a foot of space was left in-between
her and her angry bodyguard, she glared triumphantly up at him.

"I could choose to throw myself at the first man that winks at me, and there is nothing you, or my brother, can do to stop me! HA!" She ended her speech by poking him in the chest.

"Like Hell, you can!" Heero roared, practically spitting, as he closed in on her. He lifted
her struggling form, ignoring her protests, and draped her cross his back.


______


The rest of the group, having come out of hiding at Heero's outburst, watched speechlessly as Heero carried Relena back into the room and slammed the door shut. They blinked at one another in shock.

Quatre finally shook his head, then looking at his comrades in concern, said, "Is Heero
going to murder Miss Relena?"

Trowa stared at the door in thought, then answered him. "She's only in danger of being
ranted at. And, if Heero's jealousy has finally been pushed to it's limits, I think she'll
like the results." He nodded to Quatre in reassurance, then headed towards the kitchen.
Quatre smiled in thanks, feeling relieved.

Duo lifted both eyebrows towards the door, then laughed joyfully; catching Hilde's worried look, he pulled her towards him , "Come on, luv, she'll be fine. My pal might be anti-social, and uptight when it comes to r-o-m-a-n-c-e, but he's a man deeply in love with Lady. He wouldn't ever lift a hand against her."

Wufei shook his head, smirking at the ground, then he left to find a phone.

He suddenly missed his wife terribly.


______


"Put. Me. Down." Relena shrieked, trying to move her legs. Heero nodded and tossed her onto the bed. After bouncing, she lifted herself from the undignified position she landed in, then smoothed her clothes down, and sat leaning against the headboard.

"We are going to get a few things straightened out, Relena." Heero glared at her.

She huffed and faced away from him, knowing that for the time being, she would remain confined to that room. Having more than once ditched her bodyguards in order to spend some time alone, she was experienced with the ranting tirades her most dedicated protector often got caught up in; it was a habit he claimed she was solely to blame for. She knew once he began, one would be foolhardy to interfere. His lectures/rants annoyed her, but she wasn't worried. She actually thrived on seeing his sapphire eyes spark with intensity, and adored watching as his body trembled with barely contained emotion. Maybe she had a devilishly wicked side to her, but pushing his buttons was something she often took great joy in. (Though she would be hard-pressed to admit it to anyone male.)

What worried her, about this Ranting-Heero, was that his face was flushed, and from experience (having seen him truly this angry only once before, when Duo had switched his beloved handgun with an imitation, after an incident of misplacing it.) she decided that the best thing she could do right now, was stay quiet and bid her time, before she could either use her I'm-so-innocent-you-can't-stay-angry-at-me disarming smile that reduced her brother and several influential men into wanting to kick themselves for distressing her; or dart past him as fast as she could and cling to Hilde, claiming women troubles and claiming that they had to stick together in the name of sisterhood.

"One: You will never again drink anything but water without it being first checked by me." Heero began pacing in front of her, occasionally turning to look and glare sternly at her upturned face. She bit her lip, knowing it was ill-advised to interrupt Heero during his rant.

"Two: From now on, you are not allowed to go anywhere unaccompanied by Hilde or myself. I thought I could trust my friends to watch you for a few hours, while I confirmed the safety of these perimeters, then checked-in with Headquarters, but it seems I overestimated their integrity."

As he continued muttering to himself ("Damn Brutuses the lot of them! Stupid clown couldn't keep his damn hands to himself. I should stab a knife through them and just use him for target practice -- "), Relena stifled a yawn on the back of her hand. Adapting her near meditative, I-look-like-I'm-listening-but-I'm-not pose, she began to plan on how to persuade Heero to abandon his over-the-top bodyguard tirade. She felt almost giddy as an idea sudden entered her mind: Seduction. She entertained the fantasy for a few seconds before she remembered she did not have experience seducing men, and thus, would have probably made a complete fool of herself. And she wanted to avoid further embarrassment in his presence -- Thank you very much!

But what to do?

She couldn't go right out and ask him why he was so upset -- As it wasn't as if he was hired to protect her virginity -- but she hadn't spent eight years in politics without learning what not to say. It was really a question of letting sleeping dragons lie, or something like that. She reflected, trying to remember a quote Wufei had once read to her, but finding herself blinking several times instead.

Well, what do you know. Relena thought bemused, pulling the covers over her body, and settling under them quiet comfortably. I have actually begun to find Heero's rants as comforting as this downy blanket. She shut her eyes, her lips curved into a fond smile.

She was a sleep in less than a minute.

"And furthermore," Heero paused mid-agitated-pace, once more turning to level her with an intimidating glare.

His scowl immediately melted into a tiny, soft smile.

"Damn." He whispered with a sigh. "Do you have any idea what you are reducing me into, Relena?" With a shake of his head, he briefly let his shoulders slump, as if conceding to defeat. Then, leaning over her, he closed his eyes, letting his lips briefly brush against hers.

"Sleep well."

He walked out of the room, pulling the door shut, and ordering everyone to quiet down.


______


"Rel?"

Relena heard a feminine voice, softly calling, pulling her away from her nice dream of a pool-side Heero.

Nu-hun. She thought to herself. Go away! He was about to give me a well deserved body rub!

But as she attempted to submerse herself deeper into her dream, the voice became persistent.

"Rel, honey, get up."

Relena buried her head under her pillow, unintelligently mumbling in displeasure.

"Sweetie, this is Noin, you need to get up."

Relena sighed, knowing she had lost her battle to remain in her rare, but yummy, dream.

"Damn. So much for PoolBoy Heero." She muttered to herself, before sighing and lifting herself up until she leaned, supported by her arms, against the pillows. She raised an eyebrow inquiringly at Noin.

"Its so good to see you again! Good morning. Actually, it's good evening, Relena!" Noin said smiling, leaning down she hugged her sister-in-law fondly. She and Relena had spent a great deal of time bonding over ways of dealing with a protective Millardo Peacecraft, whom they both loved, but often found themselves annoyed at; usually for his refusal to except his sister as a grown woman.

"Evening?" Relena said. She pulled away from the other woman, and blinked at the digital alarm clock set on the table beside the bed.

"7 P.M.? I've been sleeping for eight hours!" She exclaimed. "But -- Wait, what are you doing here? When did you get here?"

"Well, yes, apparently you have been -- sleeping for eight hours that is. As for my arrival, you shouldn't worry. But there is something you should worry about: your brother is waiting for us in the living room, and well he is quite . . . upset at the moment. I suggest you go in there and straighten things out before he and Heero kill each other! And unfortunately, I'm not exaggerating!"

Relena sighed, letting herself fall dramatically back onto the bed, knowing she would have to face two of her most formable foes in a minute.

And to think, Dream-Heero was dripping so sinfully wet!


Ugh. Why do these things always happen to me!


______



As Relena entered the room, she smiled, albeit forced and dangerous, as she spotted her brother facing off against Heero.

"Heero Yuy! Millardo Frances Peacecraft! Don't you dare start this here! I swear, Millardo, that if you throw that punch, I'll take that one-billion-credits photo-shoot I was offered last week, as fast as you can say 'Centerfold'." She smiled weakly at Noin and Hilde, whom came to stand on either side of her. She was very grateful for their support, and the strength their presence brought her. She ignored the two pilots whom she accidentally made choke on their own tongues (a stunned Heero, plus a sputtering Quatre) and one she made choke on his popcorn (Duo), as well as her brother's loud cry of protest.

Zechs relented, in wide-eyed, big-brother-mortal-fear, to his sister's threat, and moved away from the other man, focusing his attention, instead, onto his sister.

"Relena!" His eyes were concerned as he approached her. He looked her over, checking for signs of man-handling.

"Are you alright?" He asked, grabbing her arm and leading her to the couch, "Sit down. You look at little flushed. Is that a hickey on your neck? I knew I shouldn't have let you come alone -- I should have listened to my gut instinct and accompanied you on this trip. You were practically unsupervised in a house full of men! I shouldn't have entrusted Yuy with your protection -- the incompetent asshole." Millardo finished speaking, his tone disapproving and angry.


Relena flushed several shades redder by the end of his speech. She was painfully aware of the humor, Duo and Trowa and Wufei found in her predicament, and the sympathetic sounds the two other women and Quatre were making. As for Heero, she didn't even dare look in his direction to see his reaction, as she feared she would pass out. Yet, she held her tongue. She couldn't bring herself to hurt her dear brother's feelings, not when she knew his overprotective mothering, if you will, was caused by the guilt he felt for all that she suffered despite his attempts to shield her from the harsh realities of the world. The annoying, yet normally silent and elegant, older man, still felt for her, the protectiveness a proud little prince, felt for the new, too-fragile-to-touch, newborn sister, his father had once told him (as he took him aside, and spoke in a serious tone) that he was being entrusted to protect, as is the sacred duty of an older brother. Besides, as flustered as she was feeling at being scowled with her friends in the room, Heero's attendance was so mortifying that she feared that if she opened her mouth, she would stutter and feel a new level of humiliation.

"Zechs, enough!"

Relena's head snapped up at the sound of Heero's sharp voice. She felt hope swell up in her heart. He was going to speak up, to defend her.

"Relena is aware of the consequences of her ill-chosen actions. I've addressed the issues with her. And now, all that is left for us to do, is to wait out the remaining hours until it is time for us to head for the Earth bound shuttle. I see no reason for your further presence. Relena is my responsibility, and your continued presence here is only going to further aggravate my charge, thus making her less cooperative."

Relena's heart sank, while her anger rose to a never before reached height.

"Enough." Relena muttered, gaining her voice. "Enough, damn you! Damn you both to Hell!" She shouted, as she sobbed, blindly pushing the person in front of her (that happened to be a concerned Wufei, whom was hovering in front of her, trying to help her in the only way he could -- by blocking her tear-streaked face from view) out of her way, as she ran out of the front door.

As both Heero and Zechs made a move to follow her, they stopped suddenly, hearing the clicks of safety catches being disengaged, and seeing the weapons quickly being trained on them. They both put their hands above their heads, straightening.

"For now, let her be." Noin commanded, stepping in front of the open door. She kept her revolver aimed at the two men. Wufei and Trowa, the other two whom had pulled out their weapons, were both frowning as they joined her in blocking the door.

Heero remained silent, before nodding at her, then heading into the kitchen. As he moved (being well aware his moment was being tracked by the guns) he stopped, and turned to face Trowa. In a coldly monotone voice he addressed him.

"If anything happens to her, I will kill you."

______


Note: This sidestory wasn't originally planned, but I wrote it when -- in reading a review -- I ran across someone whom wanted to find out what happened to the runaway princess. Thus, I decided to make a sidestory, posting it before Part 2.

Sidestory 1/2 -- Relena Darlian Busts a Groove?
Sidestory 2/2 -- A Heero/Relena lemon. Hopefully. If I manage to be able to write one.

Sidestory 1/2.

HEADLINE: Relena Darlian Busts a Groove?

That's enough time, Heero decided, glancing at his watch with worry. He grabbed his jacket and his gun, then ran off into the night.

Trowa and Wufei and Duo looked at each other, nodding, then grabbed their jackets. An almost unnatural understanding passed between them, as if a conversation had happened, and a plan had been made, in mere seconds.

"I'll call you, if she arrives." Quatre called from the kitchen, stirring his tea. He was completely oblivious to the way Hilde was eyeing him with a strange expression on her face, or how she had slid her chair further away from him.


______


Heero looked around the night-club, and then spotting a long-haired woman, whom was dancing rather scandalously inside a circle of six or seven men, he narrowed his eyes, walking over to her.

"Hi, Heero!" The woman, called Relena, shouted, waving enthusiastically at him. She then turned her back to him, removing her dance partner's hand from her posterior, and gave the man a warning tap on the wrist. ("Naughty, naughty.")

Heero's teeth gritted together, making a mental note to break the guy's fingers if he attempted to touch her again.

"Lets go." He said instead, glaring at the few men whom had stopped dancing and were looking at him with menacing frowns.

"Pooh to you, Heero! I'm having fun dancing with these nice gentlemen!" She huffed, resting her hand on a random man's shoulder. Removing her hand, she swayed for a few seconds before she straightened again. Relena glanced sheepishly at Heero.

"Oops, I don't know what's wrong with me, I only had a single shot of vodka. Honest."

Heero shoved the two buff-looking men, whom were standing directly in front of him, and in-between him and Relena, out of his way.

"Oh, Heero, don't hurt them," Relena said softly, stepping closer to Heero, her nose was scrunched in a way Heero found (if he were forced to describe it . . . under penalty of death) cute. "they were very nice to me. They taught me the newest way to dance." Bending closer to Heero, she whispered, "I'm afraid I didn't know how to 'bump n' grind' before today. I certainly had no idea men and women could dance like that!"

Straightening, she was obvious to the sound of Heero's knuckles cracking. She smiled, "But I'm alright now, these nice men taught me!" She tried to look serious, but couldn't stop grinning, "So don't hurt my buddies! They've been so nice: buying me those yummy cubes of strawberry flavored Jello -- Oh Heero, don't let me forget to ask the bartender how to make them, they're delicious! ---" (During her speech, Heero was busy 'taking care' of a few nuisances. "That will teach that s.o.b. not to take advantage of a woman." Heero mumbled to himself as he pocketed the man's wallet, then kicked the fallen man on the stomach once more for good measure. He nodded to his three friends, whom had stealthily reappeared, after having first arrived on the scene during Relena's dialogue and crept up behind the other men, dragging them into the shadows to depose of them.)

Relena smiled at Heero, swaying again. This time, Heero put his hands on her shoulders to support her, and was surprised to feel her head rest against his shoulder.

"Heero." He heard her whimper against his neck, and he shivered at the sensation, "I'm dizzy, can we go sit down?"

Heero responded by lifting her into his arms, and after scanning the room again, heading to the dark corner were there was a couch. He was watching Relena rather fondly, and so he didn't see that the section of the room the couch was located in, was lowered, thus, he lost his balance, and they ended up falling onto the sofa. Relena laughed, wiggling her body closer to Heero, until her head rested on his lap. She innocently rubbed her cheek against his leg, meaning only find a comfortable position. Heero, on the other hand, felt his back stiffen, and had to bit hard on his lower lip to hold back a groan.

"Viva vodka!" Relena shouted suddenly, falling off of the couch in the process, then giggling insanely. Heero steadied her as she wobbled onto her feet, and frowned sternly at her.

"You're drunk. Again." He stated, grabbing her arm and looking around. ("Am not! Okay, maybe just a little!")

She giggled again, and threw her arms around him. Her face flushed, she tweaked his nose, giggling again as she tried to dance away from him. He picked her up and carried her draped cross his back. She protested unsuccessfully for a few seconds, before finally giving up and making the most of the view.

Spotting a few of the local media's vans parked outside the door, Heero knew their position had been compromised. He first he paused to rearrange her skirt, so that it was covering everything it was intended to cover, then began heading further back into the club, in hopes of making a quick get-away.

"I love you." Relena said suddenly, in a very drowsy voice. "But I won't tell you, because then you would think I was a bigger idiot than you already do." He swallowed deeply as her declaration washed over him, but continued to walk.

Her next comment made him falter.

"Your butt is so adorable too, have I told you that? It makes me just want to squeeze -- " He swallowed heavily as she did just that. He paused and pulled her into his arms, staring at her in a wary way that suggested he was trying to read her next move. She smiled sleepily and snuggled closer to him. She then turned her head up at him, her eyes were closed, as she confided in a sad whisper, "In my dreams we are happy. I'm not a politician, and you are not my bodyguard. Nope. We're just plain Heero and Relena, traveling the world...on a yacht. Other times, we're just laying around. Where? It doesn't matter, just that. . . in love and in peace."

He stayed still for a moment, staring at her, waiting for her to continue. When she didn't say anything more, he carried the unconscious woman outside, and into the cab where his three friends were waiting.


______


Part Two.
After the Hangover.

A week had past, since Relena had fled from the Mexican estate in tears. Now a subdued, emotionally drained Relena, found herself collapsing onto her own bed, with an exaggerated sigh. She felt unable to face her friends, and foolish for her emotional display in front of them. She couldn't even bring herself to call her most kindhearted friend, Quatre, even though he must have left over two-dozen messages on her private phone, begging her to pick up the receiver, or call him back.

She pulled a worn piece of paper out of her pocket, thoughtfully tracing the outline of the letter, while re-reading it's contents.

Relena,

We never discussed what happened between us that night, but as
I know you have hardly any memory of what happened, I wished
to share mine with you.

By the time we ended up in bed, we were discussing, quite playfully,
trading innuendoes about the limberness of circus performers. Please
know, that even in my drunken state, I never intended to let us pass
the point of harmless flirting. But, seeing you sprawled in the bed,
cheeks flushed pink, and hair disarray in the most inviting way,
was too much for me. And so, I kissed you. And you kissed me back.
For you, I wish I could say we stopped after that, or that I was
rational enough to decide to roll onto my side, ending the night there,
but I can't. We didn't. We made love. Only, it was love made between two
friends, a man and woman whom care for each other greatly,
but are not lovers.

I know that by now the hangover you felt upon waking up, has
cleared, and so, you will better remember what transpired. But as I
can call you a friend, I know of your tendency to blame yourself for
things not of your control. I ask you not to. We had fun, and I will
always remember the night I met the incredible woman behind
the beautiful, yet untouchable persona. May the lucky bastard that
holds your heart, realize just how lucky he is.

P.S. In the future, avoid vodka, you do not have tolerance for it.

With great admiration and affection,
Trowa Barton.


Relena smiled to herself. For someone whom rarely spoke, Trowa had an amazing ability to express himself through written words.

She sighed to herself, making a note to respond to his letter -- and be certain to tease him about his unhelpful, morning-after leering.

As she mentally made a list of her daily schedule, Relena thought over her possible responses, not only to Trowa -- who's letter, she knew, must be responded to, with as much heart as he had shown -- but to all the people she had alienated since. Quatre was a forgiving person, and she knew he would sooner place his hand on an open-fire than turn his back on a friend, so she decided to begin seeking forgiveness with him. Then hopefully, the guilt she felt since the badly handled confrontation, would lessen. Fortunately, Quatre was scheduled to attend tomorrow night's Children's Fund-raiser, as she was, so she knew she would have an opportunity to seek him out then. Perhaps, he could even provide her aching heart with a little guidance.

She did not know what to do about her brother's behavior, or Heero's. All that she knew, was that she had ,had enough of being treated like a child, and that she would have to tread cautiously when (if) she spoke to them, as not to hurt her fragile relationships with either men.

"When you look at me, do you see your Charge, or a woman, Heero?" She spoke out-loud, wonderingly, into the silence of her room.

I want you to look at me as a woman! She thought, jumping up, then walking over to the full length mirror on the wall. "I want you to see me as a woman foremost, and as a politician almost as an after-thought. Not the other way around. And if you can not . . ."

Then I'm through crying over this deferred dream.


______


At eight o'clock at night, six people conspiring to alter the fate of Relena Darlian, were gathered in front of the gates of Darlian Manor (the home of Relena and her of-traveling mother).

"Now, Heero," Hilde lectured, standing beside four silent figures, "here are some last minute instructions. First: Avoid using your I-Know-Best tone. Frankly, it's annoying. Second: You are going to apologize to her for your stupid, chauvinistic, obsessive, hurtful, arrogant, and pigheaded treatment. Third: You are not going to quiet down and go Mr. Monotone, letting her take charge of the conversation, because she'll do that, and avoid exposing the hurt she feels, just to make you feel better." She stopped, satisfied she had spoken her share.

Duo placed an arm around her shoulders, then he added in his two cents, "And if that doesn't work, grab her and kiss her until she can't remember why she is mad at you --- Ow, Hilde!"

"Duo Maxwell, this is serious! The odds are already against hopeless here, as it is. Do not give him an escape route. He must talk to her before any physical expression of love can take place, or he'll risk complicating matters." Turning to Heero, she added, with a bit of impatience only the best friend of a woman whom spent years in constant heartbreak over the man infront of you, can show to her bestfriend's object of affection, "You know, communicate: open your mouth, speak sincerely -- and in full sentences!"

"Hmm. You know, this is partially your fault. If you hadn't called Noin, Zechs wouldn't have overheard, and Relena wouldn't be avoiding me at the moment." Heero spoke, leveling her with an annoyed glare.

Hilde lifted her nose in the air, showing her distaste for his words.

"Well, if you hadn't acted so brutishly -- picking her up like some caveman -- I wouldn't have been worried enough to call Noin for advice! Really childish! Acting like such a stupid He-man!" ("Babe, ex-nay on the o-ped-e-man-ey." Duo whispered, poking her arm, but looking at Heero's twitching left eye. "Fine." She responded, turning her face away from Heero.)

Heero shrugged.

"Well," Trowa spoke up, from were he stood towering in-between Quatre and Wufei, "are you aware of what this operation entitles?"

"Yes."

"Have all the perimeters been secured?"

"Yes. Pagan has been taken care of. The security cameras: temporarily suspended, for five."

"Ready to begin the supplies check?"

"Affirmative."

"Alright. Roses?"

"Check."

"Breath test?"

Heero brought his hand up to his mouth, huffing two, short breaths.

"Minty fresh. Check."

"Clearance codes?"

"Memorized. Check."

"Handcuffs -- to be used at your discretion, if negotiations fail?"

"Hmm. Check."

"Keys to the aforementioned handcuffs?"

"Shirt pocket. Check."

Leaning towards Heero, as to not be overheard by their female companion, he continued. (Hilde of course, glared at the smiling face of her fianc?e, when he pulled her into a tight, squeezing, hug, that prevented her from leaning closer and hearing what was being said.)

"Latex condoms, for if things move beyond words?"

"Check."

A small smile jerked onto Trowa's face as he continued.

"With ridges for her pleasure?"

Heero swallowed audibly. "Correct."

Trowa nodded, then leaned back, and once more, spoke in a normal tone.

"Good. May I be the first to wish you good luck."

"Go get your girl, buddy!" Duo said, earning him a glare from Hilde.

"If you don't quit referring to my friend as a possession, I think you and the couch will be seeing a lot of each other!" She huffed, still miffed about being outnumbered, and surrounded by testerone.

"Er . . . I mean, good luck on courting the intelligent woman, with a great personality, for whom you feel great affection towards, my friend." Duo said solemnly. Meanwhile, Duo was picturing the long, hormone-crazy months ahead of him. He sighed, knowing he wouldn't trade his fianc?e for anything. Hormones and all, he loved her. He turned to face Hilde, placing a small kiss on her cheek, "Better?" She smiled, returning the affectionate gesture with a gentle peck on his lips.

"May the Gods guide you, and help you find the right words, to share with her your feeling." Wufei added, with a small salute.

Heero nodded his thanks.

"May Allah be with you, Heero, guiding you from the Heavens as you make this transition in your life; and know, we will always support you, my friend." Quatre embraced his friend, kissing him on both cheeks in brotherly affection.

"Thank you." Heero half smiled at the group, nodding at Duo's thumbs up. Looking back at Trowa, Heero hesitated, then walked back to stand in front of the taller man. He looked Trowa in the eye, then let his right fist collide powerfully onto his friend's left cheek.

"There. Now that , that is settled, if I ever even suspect you are thinking impure, Relena related thoughts, I'll use you for target practice."

Heero turned away from his friends, and prepared himself mentally for the most important challenge he has ever faced: Securing Relena's love, in-exchange for his own.

"Here I come, Relena, and this time I'm not letting you run."


______


Through the balcony, Heero made his way into the room. Once inside, he waited for the little red light on his watch to alert him that the grounds have been resecured, then he slid the glass door shut with more force than he needed, as a way of getting Relena's attention.

Relena's head snapped quickly to his direction, her face shocked. She leapt out of her king-sized bed, quickly covering her small, silk negligee with a thick, polyester robe, and tying it tightly closed.

"Heero...

don't you ever knock!" Relena said flustered, blushing.

"No. Not usually." Heero responded, casually walking over to the chair infront of her vanity, and straddling the seat.

For an odd second, Relena was overcome with envy for the chair. She quickly reminded herself, however, not to think those thoughts, as she had to get to sleep in order to make it to the two a.m. meeting she had scheduled. And naughty thoughts about Heero, would get her all hot and bothered, and well, desperately frustrated.

Heero smirked in a way Relena found very seductive.

Damn the man. Her knees were practically buckling.

Relena's body temperature rose. His smile should come with a caution. She privately reflected. There is no way a woman could be expected to stay strong against such a knee-weakening sight. Damn him. How is it that just a smile from him can reduce me into a light-headed, embarrassingly pink, mess? I must keep level-headed -- For all women everywhere, especially those whom have their own Heero Yuyes to contend with!

"Do you often wear such a tiny piece of cloth to bed?" Heero asked, finally breaking the silence. She looked up, making eye-contact again, then following his gaze. She saw that in between his fingers, he was toying with the nearly transparent material of her one nightgowns.

"Hey! Give me that! I'll have you know that, that nightgown was a very expensive gift, and though it is rather thin, it feels deliciously soft."

She marched over to him, snatching the nightgown from his hand, only to freeze as he trailed one hand slowly under her sleeve, and slowly up her arm. She looked at the sight wonderingly. Relena stayed perfectly still, watching him until he turned his head up and met her with eyes darkened, like the deep waters of a ocean during a storm. She jumped in surprise, then hastily retreated to the bed, where she sat down, nervously straightening her robe. She suddenly felt like a little sailboat, drifting in dangerous waters, and facing a fifteen-foot wave, with nothing but hope keeping her from shattering.

I hope there's a lifesaver somewhere. She thought, gulping.

"It doesn't come close." Heero whispered thoughtfully, almost to himself.

"Um. Doesn't what, Heero?" She looked up shyly, watching him through her eyelashes. Much to her annoyance, she was unable to will her face to turn up towards him.

"Feel softer than your skin."

"Oh."

Silence descended upon the pair for a few seconds, before Relena continued.

"Well, then, " She fidgeted under his heated stare. She then threw her hands in the air, visibly shaking. Though she didn't know why, she was experiencing a feeling that was pleasant and frightening at the same time, which made her palms sweat, and her stomach buzz. "what are you doing here at this time at night?"

His pleased expression, caused by the obvious affect he had on her, became serious. "We have to talk," he said, "It couldn't wait any longer."

Her flustered expression was immediately wiped from her face.

"What is it, Heero? What is so urgent, so important, that it couldn't wait until tomorrow?" She frowned in concern, rising to her feet, as she waited for his response. Her mind was immediately ready to completely focus on whatever terrible, urgent news he had to deliver. War. Assassination. Corruption.

"Us."

"What! --- eek!" She said, losing her balance and falling onto the bed, her arms flailing rather comically. Damn knees. She thought, blushing and she scrambled to sit up. She ran her fingers through her long tresses, as she tried to regain her dignity.

"You and I, Relena. Us."

"Heero, I don't understand. What are you trying to say?" She said, looking at his questionably.

"I realized, when I found out you slept with the. . . clown, that I didn't want that to ever happen again. He is one of my only friends, Relena, but I wanted to pummel him into a bloody mess for having touched you!"

"Heero! Poor Trowa! You didn't hurt him, did you?"

Heero got a jealous glint in his eyes because of her concern over Trowa.

"Hmm. We had a brief conversation." Was the answer he gave her.


______


Trowa sat up, being greatly assisted by Wufei and Quatre.

"It had to be done." Were the only words of consolation Wufei offered, as he watched Quatre inspect the damage.

Hilde, meanwhile, ran to the car to get the first-aid kit.

"Aw man, that's going to be one hell of a tender bruise come morning!" Duo added, wincing in sympathy as Trowa spit out blood.

"I don't mind." Trowa said.

Trowa got a devious (and frighteningly superior) spark in his eyes. "Besides, regardless of Heero's irritation, I can close my eyes and picture Relena deliciously naked. How many men can say that?"

His friends nodded sagely, understanding.

"There's something I've always wanted to know," Quatre said thoughtfully, "how is she in bed?"

His friends stared at him in shock.

"What! Oh! I was just a brief thought," Quatre defended hastily, "One day, while I was waiting for Miss. Relena to finish working on a speech, and join me for our scheduled lunch date; Mrs. Darlian decided to take me on a tour of the manor, as a way to pass the time; the tour included Relena's old room, that was preserved, from before her father's assassination. In the room, there were a bunch of horseback riding trophies, gymnastic medals, and a few pictures of her dressed in a gorgeous, pink ballerina ensemble--" He saw eyebrows raise all around him, "I might like the color pink, but I still have a man's mind! And you know what they say about proper women. Leave me alone. Don't judge me!"

His rushed departure was met with stony silence.


______



"You were right," Relena started, "You were right. I don't have any tolerance for alcohol. I should have listened to you and stopped after one."

"Why didn't you? Why do you insist on constantly challenging me?" Heero asked, standing up and walking to the foot of the bed. His earlier frustration at her behavior was clear in his frown.

She looked up at him, anger taking over her for a brief moment, before giving way to weariness.

"Because I am not a child! Do you know how frustrating it is, being a twenty-three year old, whom constantly is told what, or what not to do? I put up with it, but not in front of the few loyal friends I have. You do not have the right to speak to me as if I were an imbecile, especially around my friends! You humiliate me!"

"I was trying to protect you, Relena, not only from repeating behavior that can get you assassinated, but from your brother's unarticulated lecture as well." said Heero. "I didn't mean to embarrass you."

She looked away from him, her eyesight landing on the wall mirror.

"Who am I to you, Heero?" She said suddenly, still looking at her reflection.

"Relena Darlian. Age: 23. Vice President. Born Princess Relena Peacecraft, from the Passivist Sanc Kingdom. Five feet seven. One-hundred and eighteen pounds --Notably underweight for your height. Voice of Peace against war. "

"To you, I am ideals, aren't I?" She spoke detachedly, carefully keeping the disappointment out of her voice.

"Fellow lover of chocolate --All kinds: rich or milk. German or Swiss." Heero continued. "Secret Shower Diva of classics. The only woman I know, who's smile can warm up a room full of stuffy, jaded business men. Sexy. Playful. So kind and so beautiful, and so refreshingly optimistic, that people can't help being drawn to you. Unbelievably sexy in any clothes -- whether it is looking like a temptress, in that nightgown you have on, or cute and sexy, in the robe you are wearing, that, by the way, is at least five sizes too big for you. Frustrating. Wonderful. Maddening. A princess in this modern age, far fairer than any in old novels or storybooks. A lousy drinker. A great friend to all those in need. I could go on, Relena, but we have something important I am anxious to discuss."

Relena was dizzy with the emotions crashing into her. She stayed silent and absorbed his words.

After a minute of absolute silence, she knew Heero was waiting for her reaction.


______



Heero waited for her to met his eyes, then said slowly and clearly, "Relena, you're in love with me."

"How did you --" She sputtered. She placing her hands on her hips, then continued, "So!"

"I love you too."

She exhaled, having forgotten to breath. She was trembling as he approached her.

"Heero-Imposter, that's it, you're some kind of imposter, or a cyborg -- like in the film I saw a few weeks ago -- or, you are the results of those stale cookies I was munching on at the office."

She held up her hand stopping 'the imposter'.

"What about my face?" Heero asked, stretching the skin of his cheeks. He was amused, as he watched the woman he loved, act endearingly bizarre, in her attempts to rationalize his confession.

"A mask." She declared.

He stepped closer to her, grabbing the arm she held out to stop him, and pulling her onto her feet. Trembling deliciously now, he guided her hands onto his face, letting her cool hands map his features.

"So" He gasped, his eyes fluttering closed, as her hands ran down his throat, then to the back of his neck, "do you still think it's a mask?"

"Hmm. Makeup artists are pretty clever these days, I'll need more proof." She trailed her hand down to his stomach, slowly pulling up his tucked shirt.

He let his head rest against her shoulder, breathing harshly.

"You're killing me."

He saw the impish smile that graced her lips, as she acknowledged that he caught her act.

"Tease." He said, stopping her hands. His eyes darkened a midnight blue as he watched her wet her lips. He narrowed his eyes at sight before him, staring wantonly at her mouth.

He sobered, looking directly into her eyes, as he remembered what he had to do first.

"I am a soldier who doesn't know if he can be anything else. I do not know what I can offer you, that someone could not offer better than I. I wake up most nights from violent nightmares, that's content would cause a normal man to wet himself. My views are mostly pessimistic. I was trained to fear nothing, not even my own death."

He paused, wiping the trail of tears sliding freely down her sorrowful face. He understood that she was grieving for him, and in his place, as he could not.

He let her wrap her arms tightly, protectively around him, and returned the gesture. He lowered his head onto her shoulder, placing a soft kiss on her neck. Relena, lovingly ran her hands through his hair.

He continued speaking in a whisper.


"I was trained to fear nothing, not even my own death. But despite that, I am terrified of losing you, Relena."

"Be it to another man, or death, I can't bear the thought of never being able to hold your hand, or have you smile at me as if I was the only person in the room, or," he chuckled shakily, "annoy my friends at five in the morning, because you are worried about me."

"Never before have I encountered someone that has cared as much, as you do, Relena. And I'm afraid, that because I won't be able to shower you with affection, or allow myself to be soft in public, I'll smother you in my darkness."

Relena's hands stilled, tightening on his hair, as she felt something akin to pain wash over her. After a moment, she loosened her grip, speaking confidently and clearly, her voice full of emotion.

"Heero, I can't reassure you about what the future holds for us. I can only love you, and trust that it will be strong enough to get us through whatever obstacles that are placed in our way."

"Relena--"

"I'm disorganized at home." She began, before he could continue listing his faults.

"Most people don't know it, but I have a fierce temper. I'm stubborn, to a fault. I was spoiled by my parent's for many years, and once and awhile, revert to the princess I was crowned as, by my loving family. I have nightmares that I have only just begun to understand are memories. I can't guarantee you that I'll be alive tomorrow, there are too many people trying to kill me. I'm frightened I'm not good enough. I'm constantly frightened some wacko will destroy everything I've sweat blood for. I'm not a 'pure dove'. My position takes up a lot of time, is something I'm religiously dedicated to, and most unfortunately, defines who I am to the world. And lastly, I'm a lousy cook."

Heero carefully read the expression on her face, noting that she was biting her bottom lip, and that her eyes reflected, in them, his own insecurities.

"I'm a good cook." Heero said, smirking as he captured her lips with his own. When they parted, Heero lead her to the bed, sitting down, then holding out his hand.

He folded her into his embrace, cherishing the warmth of having her lay against his chest.
He didn't plan on moving from the position they were in, for the remainder of the night.

Of course, he should have known not to expect things to stay calm for too long, not with the lives they live.

Relena turned her head, meeting his eyes, and smiled teasingly.

"Heero, this might sound odd, but can you start ranting? I have a meeting in the morning, and I could -- eek!"

It is safe to say, that Relena and Heero spent the rest of the night making up for lost time.


The End...Well, I wrote a lemon, but I'll post it seperately.

[amateur_storyteller]

Hi, this is A.M. (the author). I was wondering what people thought of this story. Was it easy to read? Was it confusing? Did it flow well? Was it enjoyable? Or am I making dumb mistakes in my writing that are very irriating?

I would really appriecate output regarding my writing. Criticism especially, as long as you avoid using the words "You Idiot!"

Thanks!

[VioletFairychild]

**dies laughing**
(At the fic, not at you, silly! ^^)
Funny. very, very funny...funny enough that I'm up at 2:30 in the morning because I can't resist a hangover fic! I have to re-read when I'm more coherent...but this was great, really! I think the only criticism I would have is the way the side-stories were set up...it interrupted the flow of the story, just a bit. But all in all, I liked it!

Vi