Untitled

Author's note: Please be nice, minna. This is my very first Gundam Wing Fan Fiction.I apologize for the inaccuracy of the personalities too.

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing Characters and Co. do not belong to me.

Prologue

A new meeting

"Would you look at that hunk passing by?"

"He is so gorgeous!"

Whispers flew around the college campus as a brown haired dangerous yet super gorgeous looking guy pulled in with a hot looking car. His brown hair was slightly ruffled in the wind and yet it created an almost sexy appearance. His books and registration tucked firmly under his arm he strode briskly to the main building Several girl started drooling at once.

High up in the dormitories Ririka squealed excitedly as she spotted the hunk through her telescope and motioned quickly for her roommate Elen to come.

"What is it?" Elen asked then added," This better be good. I have a term paper to submit in the next half hour."

"Oh boy, this is good. Damn it is too good,"answered Ririka who was still peering through her telescope.

When Elen came up to her Ririka shoved the telescope in front of her eye then pointed to the guy walking to the main building.

"Ririka! You made me come all the way here just to see some guy you picked out?"

"Of course! Besides this isn't just any guy. He is hot!"

"That's the same thing you said to Justin Bryce and he had a zit farm on his face."

"But this one has perfect smooth skin."

"You said that with Edwin Baltyre and he turned out to be bald."

"He has rick dark brown hair!"

"So does Erik Stockton and he looked like an upside down brown mop!"

"This one has a gorgeous body."

"You said that with Jared Ace and he was a muscle bound moron."

"This one looks smart."

"You said that with Darwin Jetters and he was a geeky brainiac."

"This one is gorgeous!"

"Which brings us back to Justin Bryce."

"Look, just look! He is so fine! He looks athletic, he looks gorgeous, he looks smart, he looks decent, he looks perfect!"

"Whatever, I'm going back to my term paper."

Elen returned to her unfinished paper on the computer and Ririka returned to watching the cute guy.

Way down the brown haired guy sensed that he was being watched from afar. He looked up to see a red hair girl looking at him through a telescope. He looked puzzled a bit and disappointed.

"Not her. I'll just have to find her the hard way," thought the brown haired man.

Author's note: Here's Chapter One. I hope the prologue piqued your interest a bit. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing characters and Co. do not belong to me.

Chapter 1

Heero Yuy?!

"Class, I'd like you to start writing a 20 page essay about the wars of the colonies against the Earth Sphere Alliance. I want you to start writing it now. It will be due at the end of this week."

The class shuffled out some moans and groans before collecting turning on their computers and started cramming whatever they knew into the essay. An orange haired girl glanced at the new college

transfer student. She sighed in a dreamy state before grinning like a Cheshire cat and sending an instant messenger to him. She was right behind him so she knew that he had received her IM. But he just simply looked at it and shut it off completely ignoring her. She grew red in the face before realizing that he might be afraid of stalkers and unknown men so she tried again and this time she typed in who she was and where she was at. Again he received but again he shut it off. The girl swore some more before writing furiously at a little pad she had and throwing it at his desk. The guy just crumpled it up and threw it to the shredder. The girl grew a nasty more violent shade of red.

"How dare he?! I was just trying to be more friendly, intimate! Who the hell does he think he is?!,"she thought.

From next to her a black haired man snickered uncontrollably. He had seen Vera's approach on the hot new transfer student and he had also seen his firm, cold and complete refusal of her. Vera glared at him. He snickered even more. The teacher noticed the commotion and demanded to know what was going on. Both students sat up even straighter and shook their heads innocently. The class had seen JB's laughing face and instantly bombarded him with IM=s after the teacher was doing something. JB answered them all and recounted what had happened. Soon the entire class was a snickering body. Except for two students. One was a very angry and embarrassed Vera and the other was the new student who just sat silent and straight and was typing furiously at his computer.

After class Ririka joined the growing throng walking out towards the campus. She and her roommate

Elen Lia had a two hour break time. Elen had agreed to meet Ririka outside of her class. It was the perfect chance for Elen to glimpse the new student. However, as Fate would have it Elen had been pushed back even farther and by the time she had reached Ririka the student had already passed.

"Darn, you missed him."

"Missed who?"

"The new student!"

"Oh, him again."

Elen rolled her eyes and tucked her light colored hair behind her.

"Yes, him! I tell you he is gorgeous! And you wouldn't believe what happened! Vera tried to pick him up and he refused."

"That's news."

"It is! Elen, why are you some calm? Vera has never been turned down, do you understand? Never!"

"There's always a first."

"You're being childish! I tell you we should meet this guy."

"What's his name anyway?"

"Jonathan Brandon."

"Oh. Well come on we need to go out for lunch."

The two girls proceeded to go outside the college gardens. The college gardens was a huge expanse of landscaped areas shaped in a puzzle like sort of way. It had beautiful shrubberies and was a nice place to relax in.

"You wait here while I go buy our lunch."

Elen acquiesced silently as she handed over her lunch money and watched Ririka run off. Then she watched the sun dancing prettily over the flowers. These days were the days she loved best. No trouble, no worries, no nothing to aggravate her. Her term papers were done all neatly and was stacked in front of her. Suddenly Elen felt a wash of cold over her. She shivered uncontrollably and looked around. The sun was high up in the sky and there wasn't any wind going on. How in the world did she get cold?

"While I was shivering I felt something. Something bad. Could this be a premonition of the future?,"Elen thought,"I hope not. Not after everything I've gone through. After getting my Father killed and then discovering that I was Princess Peacecraft then going back to Dorlian again. My life has never been the same. I just had to run away. Run away from everything. Start a new life. All my own. Free of worries, of cares. Free from corrupt government, rulers and . . . and even Gundam Pilots."

A sudden gust of wind blew away her papers and scattered them all over an old path. Elen jumped and ran after them.

"Oh no! Come back!"

It was a wild chase of tag. The papers were going every which way. She had collected everyone one of them except for one. The last paper landed gently on the shiny soles of black shoes of a young man. Elen looked up and nearly screamed. Instead she let out gently in a soft whisper.

"Heero . . . "

Heero picked up the paper and looked it over.

"Essay Paper Title: A lost love."

He looked searchingly at her. Elen looked away, flushing. That paper was the paper she was supposed to turn in. It was about how she felt when she and Heero had gone their separate ways.

"I need that back, if you don't mind."

"Hello, Relena-sama."

"My name is not Relena. I'm Elen Lia."

"And I am Jonathan Brand."

Relena looked up at him, startled.

"What are you doing here?"

"School."

"You haven't come to bring me back . . . have you?"

"A lot of people are worried about you but they respect your decision."

"Good. Can . . . I have my paper now?"

"If you want."

"I do."

They stared at each other. Drawn magnetically their eyes roved over each other. Heero was thinking about how much she changed. Her body had gotten shapelier. All the right curves in the right places. It was accented by her longer hair that fell down to the top of her butt. It's straight locks swayed gently in the breeze. Heero had changed. His body was more defined now, more mature. He stood tall. The freshness of his face made him looked handsome. Their faces had both matured. Breathing deeply Heero muttered in a low voice.

"Come and get it . . . "

Relena stepped forward her eyes locked with his. It was like she was hypnotized. A hand gently drew forward to grasp the paper. She tugged it forward with great reluctance from Heero. As a result she found herself getting inexorably pulled right next to him.

Dimly through the haze in her mind she thought,"He's grown so tall."

She was also aware that she was touching his hand in pulling the paper and it was so warm. She looked up at him to see him staring at her so intensely she felt like she was burning.

"What . . . what?"

"Elen, where are you?!"

Relena jumped back from Heero. Ririka stared at the two of them, a confused expression on her face.

"Do you two know each other?"

"No, we only met each other just now."

"Right."

Ririka stared in a confused way back and forth between them before saying testily.

"C'mon. Our lunch is ready and we leave in ten minutes."

"Oh gosh. We better go. Goodbye, He-Jonathan."

Elen hurried forward and dragged her friend away from the silent Jonathan who only nodded. Ririka whispered furiously at her ear even though they were out of earshot.

"What just happened there, Elen?"

"Nothing, Ririka. We were just saying hello."

"Nothing? Nothing?! I swear, Elen, you two looked like you were about to make out."

"We were not."

Elen blushed a furious shade of red.

"You're blushing! There must be truth to my words! Tell me what was going on back there?"

"Nothing! I told you!"

By this time they were stuffing the last bites of their lunch in their mouths and hurrying to their class. Ririka persisted.

"Come on! Tell me!"

"Nothing was going on, Ririka!"

"How did you end up there then?"

"The wind blew my essay papers and I chased them. One landed on his foot. Oh no!"

"What? What?"

"My essay paper. The first page, I forget to get it back."

"And it was on his hand?"

"Of course it was! What am I going to do, Ririka?! Ms. Revierra has always been so strict about this assignment."

"Er, I dunno!"

"I gotta get it back from him!"

"Class, seat yourselves immediately!"

All the terrified and pale students who most were shaking with uncontrollable fear from the fierce grumpy old teachers scuttled back to their seats and began to thumb apprehensively at their essay papers. Ririka was perhaps the only calm looking one but Elen looked terrified and fearful. She Imed Ririka.

"What am I going to do?"

"I don't know."

Ms. Revierra began collecting the papers. She was only two seats away from Relena when suddenly the e-mail button started flashing. Not wishing to be more harassed she clicked it open. There was mail from Wing Zero. Relena paled some more before opening it. Inside was her essay paper!

"Yes!"

She quickly printed it out and placed it along with the rest of her essay. Ms. Revierra snatched it from her without even glancing at the computer and moved on to Ririka who was watching Elen's computer with sharp interest. Relena considered the e-mail before clicking on the reply and moved her fingers slowly over the keyboard considering each letter.

"What should I say? Thank you? That's all? Come on, Relena, be courteous. The guy saved your skin more than once, you know! But . . . he always ignored me. He hated me,"thought Relena, who despite herself was beginning to tear up.

She wiped them away before writing an invitation for lunch the next day. This info was practically absorbed by a glowing Ririka who was now firmly believing that her friend Elen and the mystery transfer man had met before. When the bell rang Elen shot out of her seat and headed straight for her dormitory. Ririka called out for her.

"Elen, wait!"

"Meet you at the dormitory, Ririka!"

All the students stared as Elen, always the refined perfect model student, ran up the campus in the most unfashionable way and skipping steps as she climbed the stairs, Ririka tore after her calling out. Whispers and rumors flew all around the campus about the reason why Elen and Ririka, one of the tops students of Azabu High College were running as if the devil was after them.

As Fate would have it Jonathan was walking past a bunch of gossiping girls who were talking about Elen and Ririka=s escapade. His sharp ears picked up Elen's name and he paused listening in.

"And would you believe it?"

"No, I mean it's impossible."

"Elen and Ririka have always been so sophisticated and mature. What in the world could have made them go off like bullet from Ms. Revierra's classroom and up to their dormitories in record time?"

"I don't know but I know one thing is for sure. Ms. Elen Lia is a champion runner. Her run up to her dormitory was in record time."

"Yeah, I heard that Ferris is going to go up to her to offer her a place in the track team."

"Not a chance! Ms. Elen belongs to the skating team."

"Have you heard? There's a job opening for the Skating Team and there's a rumor that whoever gets it will partner up with Ms. Elen!"

"The guy has to be really good, I suppose."

"What are you talking about, Reika? The guys can't be good. He has to be he best!"

"Yeah, the coach says that every male partner that Ms. Elen has, has been hampering her progress."

Heero tuned out the rest of the conversation as he considered the information he had just learned. He didn't think that his saving Relena would fluster her so much. But then again their relationship had always been unclear.

"Relena . . . "

"Excuse me, were you talking to me?"

A geeky looking guy asked him. Heero eyed him coldly and said in an icy voice.

"No."

Then he continued his walk up to his solitary dormitory.

Author's note: Wrote pretty fast, huh? Here's Chapter Two and I hope you enjoy it. Send feedback, please

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and Co, do not belong to me.

Chapter Two

A lunch date

The next day Relena was as nervous as hell. She was a jumbling mass of nerves at breakfast by the time nearing lunch she was practically shaking herself all over the place. She hadn't told Ririka but it seemed that Ririka knew and was constantly giving her advice about her date with the mysterious Jonathan Brand. Finally she got exasperated.

"Ririka, it is not a date!"

"I know, I know it's what you call a luncheon but for heaven's sakes, girl, that was a secret codename for date!"

"It is not a date!"

"It is so!"

"How did you know about my luncheon meeting with him anyway?"

"I saw his e-mail to you and your reply."

Elen gritted her teeth and grounded her fingers on the palm of her hands.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to read my private e-mails?"

"About thousands of times but hey! I'm me and you like me the way I am!"

Elen snorted.

"You wish!"

"Hey! C'mon be nice and friendly. I'm only helping you out he-Oh . . . my . . . Jesus . . . Christ . . . "

"What? What is it this time? Cat got your tongue."

"You are one lucky hag."

"What?"

Elen looked forward and saw Heero coming out of his dormitory wearing a black ensemble. His brown hair and pale face made him look like some sort of death angel.

"Which he is,"thought Elen wryly.

Several students were turning their heads to him. Girls were making cat calls. He ignored them but he felt the gaze of Elen and Ririka, both girls had halted in shock and amazement. How could one guy look so hot?! He locked the door and turned slowly at Relena's direction and . . . smiled. One of pure admiration. His eyes looked her over and Elen could feel herself doing the same. The more she looked the more perfect she found him to be. She knew her face must be brick red but . . . Heero walked over to them and said cooly.

"Ready?"

Relena managed to choke out a yes and signaled furiously for Ririka to scat. Ririka did with much winking to Relena that Relena wanted to strangle her. The couple walked at an even pace out of the dormitory building.

"You look great, Heero."

Heero kept a straight face and nodded before saying with a smile that curved perfectly.

"And so are you."

This time Relena could not hide her embarrassment. Her face colored and she looked down. Heero didn't say anything but when she snatched a glimpse of his deep eyes she could sense amusement and appreciation. Heero steered her firmly to his car and she looked up in askance.

"What are you doing?"

"We're going to a place of my own choosing."

Relena shrugged but inside she was brimming with excitement . . . and question. What was going on? Heero had never acted this way . . . at all. She recalled Dr. J's words. He was once a kind hearted boy but . . . the training to be a Pilot had completely eradicated his real personality. Even when they had started over. She glanced at his face as he concentrated on driving.

"He sure is different."

:What?"

Relena blushed some more and put a hand on her mouth.

"Nothing, nothing."

"You think I'm different?"

"I . . . well yes, I do."

"You too. You're different."

"Times have changed us, I suppose."

Heero nodded.

"How do you like school?"

Heero didn't answer but Relena was used to that. Only she didn't expect it to be so awkward if he didn't answer her. He was getting uncomfortable too. Desperately to get things moving he turned on the radio. Relena watched him curiously before shrugging. The radio station was just starting on Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden. While the song was just starting to play the DJ announced.

"Well, well, well. We have an anonymous mystery man requesting Truly, Madly, Deeply for the women he loves. His message is,"I may have went away, I may have ran away. But that was before and now is the future and I realize I want to spend the rest of it with you. So listen to this song and let my feelings be known. I love you."

I'll be your dream

I'll be your wish

I'll be your fantasy

I'll be your hope

I'll be your love

Be everything that you need

I'll love you more with every breath

Truly, madly, deeply do

I will be strong I will be faithful'cause I'm counting on

A new beginning

A reason for living

A deeper meaning

I want to stand with you on a mountain

I want to bathe with you in the sea

I want to lay like this forever

Until the sky falls down on me

And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,

I'll make a wish to send it to heaven

Then make you want to cry

The tears of joy for all the pleasure in the certainty

That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of

The highest powers

In lonely hours

The tears devour you

I want to stand with you on a mountain

I want to bathe with you in the sea

I want to lay like this forever

Until the sky falls down on me

Oh can you see it baby?

You don't have to close your eyes

'Cause its standing right here before you

all that you need will surely come

I'll be your dream

I'll be your wish

I'll be your fantasy

I'll be you hope

I'll be your love

Be everything that you need

I'll love you more with every breath

Truly, madly deeply do

I want to stand with you on a mountain

I want to bathe with you in the sea

I want to lay like this forever

Until the sky falls down on me

Relena sighed wistfully.

"I wonder who the couple are. The guy sounds like he really loves her."

Heero glanced over at her.

"You think so?"

"Of course!"

"What do you think the woman should do?"

"I think that the woman should accept him back. It sounds like they really love each other. You don't get that kind of love and adoration every time in your life. It comes only once and its gone."

Staring at her in with the strangest expression Relena blushed again realizing that she was talking nonsense. After all Heero never experience that kind of love before. Well maybe except from her and he rejected her.

"So . . ."

"We're here."

He cut her off abruptly as he rolled in smoothly at the parking lot of a peaceful well known park called Serenity Park. It was a huge expanse of fresh green grass, tall cool shady trees, beautiful shrubberies, and a nice large lake in the center where you could rent row boats and feed the mute swans passing by.

"This is a beautiful place, Heero."

Nodding cooly, he stepped out. Relena was about to follow when she noticed Heero striding casually to her side and opening the door for her. Blushing slightly, she accepted the offered hand of assistance out.

"So where's the food?"

"Right here."

Heero snatched a duffel bag from the backseat of his sports car.

"You cook?"

"If I want to, if I have to, and if I can."

"Oh."

"C'mon."

He led her a cool shady spot right under a willow tree who's branches dipped closely to the lake right next to it. It's large branches offered as a table and chairs.

"Wow, this spot is nice."

"I picked it out."

Relena smiled dazzlingly up at him and turned away to explore their space. Unbeknownst to her Heero's face went bright red and his eyes followed her. Relena grinned as she swung up the tree branches and climbed in a monkey like fashion.

"Come down here! We still have to eat lunch, then you can play!"

"I am not a child, Heero!"

"You sure surprised me."

"Well, excuse me for not being the perfect lady!"

Relena mockingly sniffed and climbed down. Heero had set the table. It consisted of sparkling cider, roast beef sandwiches, and for desert some fruit cocktail. Relena eyed them in amazement.

"You made all that?"

"Well, except for the cider. I packed that of course."

"Wow."

"Try it, it's good."

"I will if you do it at the same time."

"All right."

They both took their sandwiches at the same time and bit it slowly, each eyeing the other for their reactions. At first, Relena could do nothing but stare at Heero's face bright excitement and happiness. She was hypnotized by his movements, his features, his everything. It was a good excuse any way to look at him. Then her attention was pulled back to the food she ate. It was wonderful! Rich wonderful beef thick with sauce. It was delicious! Her eyes lit up with pleasure and she munched more on the sandwich.

"This is really good! Really, really good! You never told me you could cook this good, Heero!"

Relena smiled happily and settled back to lean on the tree trunk with a contented look on her face. Heero just watched her, a peaceful look on his face.

"You know, the name of the park really fits it. It bring us serenity when we're in it."

"Yeah, peace."

That word brought out memories from the past, both were uncomfortable talking about them but Relena's concern was killing her.

"So . . . so how is everything? How is my brother and his wife? And the pilots? Duo?"

Heero flinched as if she had slapped him hard across the face. He looked at the ground, his reflexive biting and chewing had come to an end. Relena's face became nervous. She desperately searched for a safe new topic.

"Heero, are you good in sports?"

"I . . . what do you mean?"

"Well, of course you're good in sports but what I really meant was what sport you favored?"

"I like basketball."

"Of course, I should have known. All guys like basketball."

"What about girls?"

"Girls like any game."

"I don't see them playing football."

"That's because they're not allowed to."

"What about hockey?"

"Because . . . because . . . we favor figure skating more!"

"Do you, Relena?"

"Do I what?"

"Do you like figure skating."

"Yup, I'm on the team."

"Are you good?"

"Average, you?"

"I can be good if I want to."

"What do you mean by if I want to?"

"If I want to I can be good."

He gave her a dangerous smile, one that made Relena's heart skip two beats. Biting quickly, she swallowed the last of her sandwich and considered the rest of the meal. Heero's smile remained and Relena flushed. He finished his sandwich quickly and poured some cider on some plastic cups. He gave one to Relena and kept one for himself.

"A toast."

"What'll we toast about?"

"The future."

Relena smiled.

"You're right. For the future."

"For the new future."

They both clinked their cups and drank it down. Then Heero set down the two plastic bowls with the cocktail in it. He mixed in some condensed milk.

"This is really delicious, you know, Heero. Healthy and delicious."

"What else could I make? Certainly not junk food."

"No wonder, you look so good."

Again a compliment slipped out of her mouth with her noticing and she looked down in embarrassment. In a slightly nervous voice she said.

"Please, forgive me for being so forward, I didn't mean-"

Heero laughed. He actually laughed. Relena looked up in shock. He composed himself and said in a charming low voice.

"And you look really cute when you blush. Is that forward enough for you?"

Relena didn't quite what she could make of it. A mixture of disbelief, embarrassment, and pleasure showed clearly on her face and Heero laughed some more.

"Come on, Relena-chan. Let's go climb the tree if you want."

Conceding silently, face still showing in shock she followed Heero's lead as he climbed skillfully up the tree.

"Wanna play tag on the tree?"

"But Heero."

Relena protested as Heero disappeared in the thick foliage of the willow tree.

"You have an advantage! You're strong, I'm not! You know hot to climb and I don't and you're way quicker than me! And what if I fall down or something? Heero, answer me!"

Silence pervaded the tree as Relena tapped her foot impatiently before deciding to move forward. Suddenly a body erupted from the leaves and branches above her and Relena wavered and lost her balance. A scream tore at her throat as she pitched forward but two warm arms circled around her waist and held her firmly. Relena looked up and saw Heero's gentle face. He whispered.

"I would never let harm come to you."

Relena grew silent as she stared at Heero's gently face.

"He's so warm. He makes me feel so peaceful and safe. But at the same time I also feel so giddy and happy . . . what is this feeling? Could it be . . . ? No, it couldn't be . . . school girl crush . . . doesn't feel the same way . . . isnt there . . . any . . . more . .

Subj: Chapter Two Part 2

Date: 5/27/00 12:03:42 PM Pacific Daylight Time

From: PiNaYAnImEADiKt

To: MeLUV2beCUTE

. ",Relena thought dimly.

A quick movement from one of the top branches made Heero look up quickly and tear his intense gaze with Relena. Relena blushed meanwhile. Heero didn't see anything but just to be on the safe side. He lifted Relena to the branch he was on and looked around.

"Stay here, Relena."

"Why?"

He didn't answer but he moved away from her and started climbing the branches where he had heard the noise. While he was gone Relena contemplated what was going on.

"This is just weird. What is happening to me. Heero is so different. He's so nice and free. And what are these weird feelings? They can't be love. It just can't be. My affections for Heero were school girl crushes . . . weren't they? Then . . . how come. I feel so calm and safe just being with him. No, I can't do this! I can't fall in love with him again! The past . . . I left to escape the past, to build a new future. No, that wasn't the real reason. The real reason was because I felt so heartbroken. I have never felt these feelings before. Why? Why now? And with him?"thought Relena.

"You okay, Relena?"

Startled out of her train of thoughts she swung her arms wildly around for support. Her arms unfortunately landed on the speaker and the speaker turned out to be Heero. Heero held her as she grabbed him tight, afraid to lose her balance. After a few seconds, Relena looked around noticing that whatever she was holding was Heero.

"Heero!"

Immediately she backed away from him, confusion and embarrassment, once again reigning on her face.

"Relena?"

"Sorry, I didn't know it was you. You startled me."

Heero nodded silently, his face a mirror to his emotions, turbulent, fierce, and intense. Relena, mistaking this expression for anger starting blubbering out excuses and apologies again until Heero composed himself. He smiled at Relena.

"Relena, I'm not angry at all. Are you still playing tag with me?"

"But you-"

"I'll give you a handicap. I'll move real slow and if you ever lose your balance, I'll catch you."

"Okay, then. Who's first?"

"Me."

"Got it. Turn around and count from 1-10."

Heero did as instructed and her could hear Relena moving away from him. His face gave way to a small smile.

"Ready or not, here I come!"

"Wait, Heero! That was not 10 seconds yet! Cheater! Ooh!"

Grinning more widely he started making his way among the branches listening to Relena fumbling among the foliage. She shouted again.

"You cheater! You said you'd give me handicap! You're almost right next to me!"

"Thanks for the clue!"

"Argh!"

The noise level increased.

"You know you could be more quiet! I can't tell where you are if you keep quiet!"

"Fat chance! I bet you can hear every little squeak going on in this entire tree."

"You underestimate me, Relena. Right now, I bet you‘re on the second to the highest branch, the one with that small knoll."

There was a stifled shriek of panic and more noise. Heero grinned some more. Now he could hear her moving to one of the branches running over the water. He followed carefully, making sure he would make some noise.

"Wow, what's this?"

"What's what?"

"Heero, come and look."

"Are you sure you want me to do that? The game is still on, you know."

"What? Then I call more a time out."

"There is no time out."

"Hmph! Fine! See if you can find me here!"

There was some rustling noise, then everything stopped. Heero's grin disappeared replaced by a look of concentration. He listened for any noise at all but found none. Moving silently among the foliage, he looked everywhere for Relena on the lower branches over the water. His eyes suddenly picked up a strand of beige hair moving silently in the wind. He grinned dangerously and kept extra silent as he crept forward. He could discern Relena hiding inside a dense bush of willow leaves so closely packed it formed almost a comfortable hole. His hand suddenly darted forward and parted the bushes. Relena shrieked as she tried to escape but Heero quickly but gently tagged her.

"Well, looks like I got you after all."

"Hmph, I call it luck!"

"I call it skill. What are you sitting on?"

Relena excitedly moved away from whatever she was sitting on and eagerly showed it to Heero.

"See? It's a swing. Look at those long ropes. If we untie them we can swing all across the small lagoon. The branch is right in the middle of it."

"And who is going to move it?"

"We don't have to. See the ropes are attached to this branch that swings naturally around. It's sturdy and strong and all we have to do is lean our weight on the direction we want to go. Come on, let's try it!"

Without waiting for an answer Relena started untying the ropes. Heero followed somewhat, hesitantly. Before long, a swing with long ropes was swaying gently in the wind. It used to be a pretty wooden swing, the couple could tell. Relena leapt on to it and patted the side for Heero to follow. Heero acquiesced and they faced opposite directions.

"Wanna start on your side or mine?"

"Whichever!"

"My side then!"

Relena leaned her weight forward and the swing glided forward. Then Heero leaned his weight forward and he leaned backward. Relena laughed delightedly. Pretty soon they were swinging over the small inlet of the lake. Suddenly there was a violent gust of wind and the swing sung forward unexpectedly. Relena, who was expecting a backward motion, was thrown forward and she cried out! Heero tried to catch her but his hands met air. Without realizing it he had jumped off after her. Their arms encircled around one another as they plummeted down the fresh inlet with a splash! Underwater, they clawed their way without letting go of one another's hand. Relena choked up some water but Heero was fine. They paddled their way back to the shore.

"You okay, Relena?"

"Yeah, just some water, I swallowed(cough)"

"Come on, we better dry off. It's kinda windy."

Heero assisted her forward and escorted her to the great oak's base. He rummaged through his duffel bag until he came upon a small towel and he threw it to Relena.

"Thanks but what about you?"

"I'm fine. I'll just let the sun and wind dry me off."

"But you're gonna catch a cold."

"I'm tougher than that. Besides we gotta get the swing back. Don't want anyone knowing about little secret."

Winking at her, Heero climbed back up the tree. He called back.

"You need some privacy, anyways!"

For the hundredth time that day Relena blushed and stared after Heero. Slowly she started to wipe herself with the towel without taking off her shirt. Heero returned soon. He eyed the shirt disapprovingly.

"Relena, I may be able to resist the cold but you can't."

"I have a pretty good immune system. Besides, what am I going to wear?"

"Well, I have some of my old shirts back in the car . . . "

"Great, you can use them too."

"They're too small but I think they might be able to fit you. Stay right there."

"Okay."

Soon, Heero returned with one green tank top. The one he had worn when they had first met. It smelled slightly of gun power, some chemicals even though it had been laundered several times. Heero seemed to wince slightly as he brought it.

"This is the only one I could find."

"Are you sure? I could always . . . "

"No, you're gonna catch a cold in there."

"Okay, if you want . . . Turn around."

Heero obeyed and Relena switched shirts quickly. The problem she found with the shirt was not the smell, it was the fit. It hung tightly around her, hugging her body. She had decided to at least wear her bra for decency's sake. Now it was her turn to frown at Heero.

"Heero, whatever you may say you're still a human and you're still going to catch a cold."

"I can take it."

"Heero, you're gonna get cold! Take off your shirt and wipe yourself off."

"What?"

"You heard me and I won't look, I promise."

He stared, at her surprised.

"You know that you can't-"

"But nothing, Heero! You're still gonna catch a cold in that and I'm going to tackle and wrestle that shirt off of you if you don't get it off."

She faced him, determination burning in her eyes, fearless and courageous. Heero had never seen her like that before, well those time he had seen her he hadn't noticed really well but . . . Slowly he took of his white shirt and started wiping his himself while Relena turned around. At his back he reached some problems. He cursed silently under his breath as he tried, tried being the keyword there, wiping his back. His curses resulted in Relena giggling uncontrollably. He snapped.

"And just what is so funny?"

"Nothing, nothing (giggle) it's just that (teehee) you guys aren't just (chuckle) flexible."

"Flexible? What are you talking about?"

"Nothing, nothing."

"Either you put up or shut up!"

"I'm not going with either way."

"Can=t you shut up?!"

"No (giggle)"

"Well, if you can't then put up with it!"

"What do you expect me to do? Wipe your back? (Giggle)"

There was a silent moment as Relena suddenly halted her giggling and Heero stopped his failing attempts. Heero drew back and said.

"Ah, forget it. I just can't reach it. I'm going to put on my shirt."

"Heero, no! It's not dry yet. Wait for it."

"And what am I going to wear?"

"You could, you could . . . "

"Get my point?"

"Geeze, you are one stubborn man."

"You too."

"Shut up and hand me that towel! I'm going to wipe your back for you!"

Heero suddenly sat straighter and stiffer. Relena, realizing the full impact of her words, approached him from the back cautiously. She reached for the towel and considered how to wipe his back.

"Uh . . . uh . . . Me and my big mouth! It is forever getting me in trouble!"Relena thought.

Soon she started to wipe his back gently. He even out her strokes and brushed the towel more than once around his back. Heero relaxed under her touch and enjoyed the massage. Without realizing it Relena was done and she quickly retracted, scared and nervous. Heero let out a sigh of disappointment and turned around to face her. She blushed.

"Thanks, Relena."

"Heero, you're . . . "

"Well, we have at least half an hour together and don't tell me you're going to avoid me all the time."

"Of course not! I was just . . . "

"See? Might as well get used to it now."

"You're right."

"Let's relax. I brought my portable radio."

He set it out and tuned it to a station. Relena leaned back against the oak and Heero laid down on the smooth soft grass, After a few minutes, Relena realized that Heero had most likely fallen asleep. She took the

opportunity to study his sleeping face. His sleeping face frowned and his eyebrows were tense as if he was concentrating on something. Even though he was silent Relena could tell he wasn't dreaming good. Unconsciously, she reached out a hand and stroked his smooth cheek. The face relaxed almost at once. His face turned to her hand as if seeking the warmth. Relena's eyes widened slightly but she relaxed and shifted Heero so that his head was pillowed by her legs and one arm was around him. The portable radio then started playing Truly, Madly, Deeply. Smiling slightly, Relena recalled the message along with Truly, Madly, Deeply. The announcer was just coming up

"Guys and girls, we've got another anonymous person today and this time it's a lady! Ooh, let's hope it's the one the other guy was talking about. Anyway she requested this song, Every time by Janet Jackson and this is her message," My heart is confused,

and it seems that I muse,

Do I still love you like I used to?

Back then in bitter heart break,

my heart had a never ending ache,

I had to choose between the future and you,

My mind was in coils reminding me of the laces of a shoe

Between your dangerous aloofness

And the safety the future, I've had finesse

I chose the future

To keep my heart safe and in looking mature

But never did my mind foretell

You the one I ran away from would make my heart run pell mell

It seems that Fate has us together

And it seems you make my heart feel as light as a feather

But I am afraid

The price I have paid

What more can be said but I fear

Saying,'I love you dear.'

Would my heart be safe?

Would your heart be mine?

Only the future can reveal

What my heart and yours has put a seal

Let us see

Together are we

Are our hearts one?

You have won each battle for my heart but is the war won?

Are you to be

The keeper to key

Of whose gates have been closed

"Well, peeps what do you think of that? What do you say? Let's hear our response from our viewers but let's listen to the song now."

Every time

I'm afraid I'm starting to feel

What I said I would not do

The last time really hurt me

I'm scared to fall in love

Afraid to love so fast

'Cause every time I fall in love

It seems to never last

But every time your love is near

And every time I'm filled with fear

'Cause every time I see your face

My heart does begin to race every time

One half want me to go

Other half wants me to stay

I just get so all confused

I'm scared to fall in love

Afraid to love so fast

'Cause every time I fall in love

It seems to never last

Chorus

I'm scared to fall in love

Afraid to love so fast

'Cause every time I fall in love

It seems to never last

Chorus

Every time your love is near

And every time I'm filled with fear

'Cause every time I see your face

Could it be that this will be the one that lasts

The fear does start to erase every time

Oh could it be that this will be the one that lasts

For all my times...For all my times.

As Relena closed her eyes falling asleep as she heard the last line she failed to see Heero's gently eyes looking into her as they had opened at the beginning of the announcement.

"I had fun this lunch, Heero. Thanks so much! We should do it again!"

Heero nodded with a smile and Relena laughed.

"And I'm the one who's supposed to give you a good time."

"I'm gonna be late if I don't rush so I gotta go. See you later, Heero!"

Relena hopped off and walked elegantly to her dormitories. Heero smiled after her. After she disappeared from sight his smile was replaced by a frown as he placed a hand on his forehead. His eyes were stormy, like a typhoon on the sea. The emotions ran rampant and fierce.

"What is it about you that makes me feel this way?"

Then he searched for a parking space hurrying for his own classes.

Subj: Chapter Three

Date: 5/27/00 12:06:04 PM Pacific Daylight Time

From: PiNaYAnImEADiKt

To: MeLUV2beCUTE

Author's Note: Chapter Three is here! Send feedback. And I would like to say Thank you, Butterfly. You really deserve the thanks. At first some really mean people discouraged me so much on my fic up to the point where I really gave up on it but she reminded me what the fic was about and why I made. Thanks so much, Oneechan!

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and Co. do not belong to me.

Chapter Three

A cold dance on the ice

"Hey, Ishihara, are you trying out for the ice skating part too?"

"Sure am, Kuwano! Besides with a partner like Elen who wouldn't want to miss this job?"

"Yeah all the guys are trying."

"Have you heard? There are rumors going on about the transfer student and Elen going out on a date yesterday."

"Yeah, I heard. You think it's true?"

"I don't know. But this transfer student guy better not come any closer. Elen's mine!"

"Says you and who's army? Face it, Ishihara, everyone guy wants her. The school committee is even using her as a popularity boost. But you are right, if this transfer student gets any closer . . . "

"Oh yeah, I heard. Remember what JB said? Hahahah! He turned Vera down! She was mad as a hornet!"

"Yeah now that was a first!"

"(yatayatayatayatayatayatablahblahblahblahblah)"

"(soandsoandsoandsoandsoandsoandsoandsoandso)!"

Ririka chuckled as she heard the latest campus gossip. Her friend, Elen, however was distracted and it was annoying her, badly.

"Would you stop jiggling around?"

"I can't! The try outs are today and about a hundred guys are gonna try and partner with me."

"I know! Isn't it exciting?"

"Ririka, unlike you I do not like men always hitting on me."

"I don't too! But that's beside the point. What I meant was that it would help you and your skills."

"I know, I know."

"So you think Jonathan is going to show up?"

"Jonathan?"

"Don't tell you had a lunch in heaven with the guy and you actually forgot his name the next day?"

"Oh, you mean him. No, he said . . . that he liked basketball."

Ririka rolled her eyes.

"So? That doesn't mean he can't skate either."

"Well, I don't know."

"What do you think of him?"

"Think of who?"

"Jonathan of course! Good God, Elen, would try to at least keep up with ongoing conversation?"

"Oh him . . . "

"Don't just go,'Oh, him.' Use his name, that's what it's there for! Have some respect for the guy's name."

"I will, I will! Okay, Jonathan."

"Good, now continue."

"Continue what?"

"Elen! I asked you what you thought of him?"

Elen took a moment to consider this before answering her friend truthfully.

"Seriously, Ririka, I don't know."

"Elen, what's happening to you? You look so different now. Ever since you saw him. I have a feeling that this is going way over my head. Oh, Elen, I just hope you'll be alright,"Ririka thought sadly.

In a ditch effort to cheer her up Ririka played a few funny jokes, all of which were given by some weak smiles and chuckles by Elen. It seemed an eternity to Elen but in actuality it was only a few minutes later when Ririka tapped her lightly on the shoulder and give her a reassuring smile for support. Elen knew right away it was time for the try outs. Already some men were leaving their lunch benches just to have a good feel on the ice. Unknowingly, her eyes sought out for the familiar face. The dangerous icy Prussian blue eyes, the mahogany brown hair that seemed green under a certain light, the smooth pale skin, the slender body, and the dangerous smile.

"Come on, Elen. We don't have time."

"Yeah . . . "

"You want to see him, don't you?"

"Huh?"

"Jonathan . . . you want to see him."

"How would you know that?!"

"I don't know. I just feel it. That you needed each other. Anyway, I'm talking crazy! Come on, we need to get you on the ice!"

Giggling excitedly Ririka pulled a silent Elen to the ice rink.

"Whoa, would you look at how many people are trying out for the skating position?"

"Yeah . . . The entire ice court is filled up."

"And most of them are skaters."

"We gotta see this. I wonder who's going to win."

A geeky guy walked past them, the same one who asked Heero if he was talking to him. He happened to overhear the girl's chitchat and decided to put his two cents in it.

"Actually, some of them have a very high chance of winning. Jared Ace was supposed to be an ice skating hockey champion once."

"Darwin! Don't scare us like that!"

"Sorry."

"No worries. Anyway is it really true that Jared Ace was a skating champion?"

"Yeah. I wanna see how this goes out. The majority of these guys like Elen and they'll do anything to get her."

"Yeah but what about that new guy?"

"He isn't even here yet. I doubt he'll show up."

"He sure is cute. Him and Ms. Elen would make a good couple."

"Yeah. Ooh, it's starting."

The ice-skating couch went up to the middle and took up a megaphone. His voice blared through it.

"Aright, tryouts! I want to see good skating and I am going to see good skating! If you're just a rookie you better get out of this gym because I am going to humiliate you! This try outs are for the pros! The ones who have the will to survive and the determination to keep up! And if you're a big beefcake of a guy and don't have a clue about skating, scamper out! We want ones who already have experience! All right, after weeding out the wimps here's how the try out goes! I will have you and our champion skater Ms. Lia to go on a duo on a song and try this combo!"

The coach indicated at a series of jumps, twirls, spins, whirls, and everything.

"Then we'll see if you're good enough to make it to the skating team! Let the try outs begin!"

Skaters streamed down to the coach and formed a line. The coach was a strict man, that much was to be seen. Sometimes he eliminated at once just by looking and sometimes he just felt the guys arms and he would send them away. At the last there was only a handful of men that were to be respected as participants. The coach commanded them to do a series of spins, whirls, twists, figures of eight, and such. Then it was only five or so people. The crowds were getting excited. Elen skated out gracefully with much applause from the crowd and she considered the contestants with the coach listening to his words and nodding every so often. She seemed disappointed for some reason. Her eyes were downcast and demure but looked at the participants if need be.They all rated well according to the coach but one stood above the rest. Jared Ace was a very nice skater. Elen winced inwardly. Would she have to be stuck partnered with this body obsessed fanatic? Jared smiled at her showing off his body and he held out his arm. Elen offered a polite smile and started skating with him determined that Jared would not be her partner.

"Looking good, Elen."

"Hmm."

Elen started skating in time with the music. It seemed that even though Jared was good he wasn't able to keep up with Elen's move. Her movements were graceful, fluid, and perfect. Jared's were quick, impulsive, and jerky compared to hers. She cursed silently as he fumbled to a stop and he snaked his arm around her waist to stop her. She had to dig her skates hard on the ice to keep from pitching forward. Jared had enough and he started doing the last part of the combo. The spin. The watchers stared as he spun faster and faster. It was the coach who first noticed that he was getting out of control. He barked out at him.

"Ace, get yourself under control! You're spinning out of spot!"

Ace either didn't hear or didn't want to answer but either way he didn't stop. Elen skated in circles around him, shouting.

"Ace, if you keep on doing that you're going to crash into something! Get a grip!"

This time Elen was trying to dodge between the sharp skates to grab his arm or leg to stop him. The coach shouted again.

"Elen, get back! You'll hurt yourself!"

"I have to stop him! He's going to hurt himself!"

Elen made another wild grab. She almost grabbed his arm but it whisked past a second after Elen had made a grab for her. Elen was too wrapped up to notice the feet skating its way to her. Before she knew it, she was lying on the ice, blood starting to seep out from the deep cut she had on her stomach. Several people were screaming and the coach was barking orders. In the distance she heard Ririka calling out.

"Elen! Elen!"

Jason had been knocked from his spin and he was sitting on the ice in a daze unaware of his surroundings. The coach was yelling furiously in his earpiece to the office for an ambulance and the other students were spilling onto the ice field. For some reason Relena could feel her breathing getting shallower and shallower and her vision was starting to get blurry. There was a flurry of snow as a skater braked hard to stop near her. She sensed a hand pressing gently on her cut with some sort of towel. Opening her mouth to scream she found that she had no voice. Her head was starting to swim as her head turned from side to side trying to speak. She managed to mumble one single phrase.

"Please, no. It hurts."

"Ssh, Relena. I know it hurts but it'll all be gone soon, I promise. Just . . . just don't leave . . . me."

Focusing her eyes with all her might Relena found a pair of Prussian blue eyes staring at her, worry and concern clouding its beautiful clearness.

"He- . . . "

Her eyes rolled back as she fell unconscious. The last thing she remembered was the tightening of the arms around her, the yelling increasing, and the warmth surrounding her.

"Doctor, is she going to be okay????"

"She's going to be fine. Her muscles are going to be sore and she'll feel some spasms of pain when she eats sometimes but she'll be fine, Ms. Papillon. Now, are you absolutely sure that Ms. Lia doesn't have any relatives at all? No credit account?"

"I'm her best friend not her keeper, Doctor! I don't monitor what she does. As far as I know she doesn't have a relative and where she gets her money she gets it from working on the Interstellar Space Observatory."

"Yes, yes, I'm sorry, Miss. Anyway we want to run a DNA test on her to see if she does have any relatives."

"Very well."

Relena moaned silently as she tried to move her stiff body. Her hand had a needle sticking from it. Her eyelids felt heavy and clumsy as she fought to regain consciousness.

"What's going on?"

"Elen! You're okay!"

Ririka dashed towards Elen's bedside, her eyes glimmering with worry.

"Ririka . . . where's He . . . ero?"

"Who? Elen, you need to save your strength. Rest now. And before you know it you'll be out of here."

"Ri . . .ri . . . ka . . . Heero . . . ?"

"Hero? What are you mumbling about?"

"Ririka . . . Jonathan . . . ?"

"Oh, you mean the hero who rescued you?? You're right it was Jonathan. Are you okay, Elen? Are you sure you're fine? Jason Ace hit you pretty bad there. At least the jerk is getting detention for a month."

"Ririka . . . Jonathan?"

"Rest, Elen!"

"Jonathan! Please . . . "

"Elen, I don't know where he is. He just got you to the hospital then he left."

"Jonathan . . . "

Elen looked away, tears starting to trickle down her cheeks.

"Elen, what's wrong? I know it was kinda mean of him but maybe he had other more important stuff to do, right? He could still come and visit you."

Burying her head on the pillow, Elen clenched her fist and dug her nails on the bed with one thought running through her head.

"Nobody understand, nobody understands."

"What happened? Did I say something?"

"Ririka . . . you're the only . . . true friend I've ever had but . . . I'm sorry, I just need some time alone."

Ririka's eyes softened as she saw her usually strong best friend laying completely helpless on the bed with tears leaking off her eyes. What was the matter with her?! Jonathan shouldn't have such a big impact on her! What was going on?

"I understand, Elen. Its okay, my friend. Rest easy. I'll bring your stuff over."

If Elen had replied Ririka didn't hear it but she seriously doubted if Elen had even heard. She was now burying her face on her pillow. The pillow was getting soaked with her tears. Her hands were bunched up on the bed clutching the fabric. Ririka closed the door silently and headed for the dorms.

There was another loud poof as Heero punched another pillow making the stuffings explode from the inside. He mumbled some obscenities and he closed his eyes painfully recalling the gorgeous Nile blue eyes looking blankly up at him, expressionless. The pain and hurt inside those eyes were enough to make him flinch every time he closed his eyes. The beauty she made, with her light hair fanned out around her forming a halo reflecting the lights, her white outfit with the transparent outer cloth, the deadly paleness of her body, and the deep dark red blood forming around her brought horror to many people but yet the majesty and regalness could inspire an artist. But then the eyes boring into him . . . . It was more than he could bear. He just couldn't stand seeing, watching her laying on that blank white bed, silent and unmoving.

"My fault . . . my fault . . . It's all my fault! It's all my fault! If I had tried out for the stupid tournament! If only I had participated! I could have at least stopped her from skating with that Ace guy! Stupid, stupid, my fault, my fault . . . "

Heero laid down on his bed, breathing hard. His eyes closed pitifully, moaning slightly. His thoughts were running around like crazy inside his head batting the debate like a tennis ball between two players.

"Why do I even care? Why did I do that anyway? I just don't get it! What was I doing? Should I transfer to another school? Should I leave again?"

He seriously contemplated on that thought considering the pros and cons. Deciding finally he stood up and looked at his stuff. There was only a few stuff to pack. Moving silently and swiftly he rummaged through his cabinet and shook the contents out. Randomly he began throwing items inside. That is until he came up to a picture of the Gundam Pilots with Relena, Duo, and Quatre making funny faces while the rest looked away. It had been a nice summer day. A vacation day from the usual battles and Relena had no appointments or meetings or speeches to make that day. The three of them, Trowa, Wufei, and him, had been convinced to go to the beach where Relena had met up with them. He remembered when he and the other Gundam Pilots had been dumped with sand because they had been staring too long and too painfully obvious at Relena. It was a good thing Relena didn't tell Zechs. Instead of sand they would have been showered with bullets. Unbidden, an image of Relena smiling and playing in the water splashing it on Duo, one building a sand castle with Quatre, another sitting and chatting on a boulder with Wufei and suddenly both of them started running away because a really strong wave was roaring towards them, one with Trowa doing underwater acrobatics, one with him just sitting with him enjoying his presence and playing with a few strands of his hair, and finally one where she was lying fragile and helpless on the hospital bed. He groaned and sat on his bed, guilt overwhelming him.

"I don't know why but for some reason I feel like I have to protect her. Even for just a little while I'll stay and protect her."

Heero then laughed. It wasn't a happy laugh. It was the laugh that Heero, the one from the past, laughed. A bitter laugh of irony, of resignation.

"Looks like Fate binds us together and because of me Relena starts getting killed."

Relena sighed listlessly. Her slash at the stomach had gone quite deep but it was healing well and nothing was severely damaged. All she needed was time and rest to heal. The doctors had promised that by the end of three weeks they would have healed her wound and there wouldn't even be a scar thanks to the wonders of technology. She sighed again and turned over. Big mistake. The scent of way too many sweet scenting flowers hit her like a brick wall. Relena groaned and glared at the huge stack of chocolate boxes, pounds of fruit, and the vases of flowers strewn all over the floor. Her bedside table was littered with get well cards from much too many people. Ririka had brought them all from students from their university and even from her co-workers. That reminded her that she would miss three weeks of her school and her job. But that thought reminded her of the one thing she wanted to forget with all her heart. Heero Yuy. Or more publicly known as Jonathan Brandon. Since their last meeting, he had seldom come. In fact Relena could only remember one meeting from him. One visit. Just one visit from him was enough to shatter her mending heart and make it bleed again. The old Heero Yuy had come back. Instead of the mysterious and rarely charming and sweet Jonathan Brandon Heero Yuy had come back. The one with the icy cold small smirk, the one who cared nothing but for his mission, his job. The one whose life revolved around it. The one who hated her. A sob tore at Relena=s throat demanding release. Determined not to fall, not to cry Relena swallowed hard to force back the heart wrenching sob.

"I will not cry, I will not cry. No more tears. Just no more. You will not let them ruin your life again, Relena. You will not cry."

Burying her face in her pillow once more, she shut her eyes from the world letting darkness succumb to her.

Outside of the room Heero Yuy stood gazing at the barrier between him and Relena. It was confusing what he was going to do. His first visit was disastrous enough. He second would probably shred the last pieces of Relena's emotions so why? Why did he come here? Something was different inside of him. Something strange. There was this yearning feeling in his heart. It was like an ache, a longing. This feeling somehow made him feel misery. Grief. But that couldn't be. He was the perfect soldier. Feeling nothing at all. So why? Why now? Why here and why for her? He had come to find Relena, he knew that. But for what? After the Gundam Pilots had been officially declared no longer needed, when all their missions were over, they had their whole lives in front of them. All for them to do with. No, they didn't live for the colonies. No, they didn't fight to survive, fight and kill the enemies. They were to live for themselves. All theirs. To Heero, starting a new life meant starting a really new life. One where no one knew him. He hadn't planned on leaving his fellow Gundam Pilots completely. He would just stay in touch. Moreover to really leave his old life behind Heero had decided to say farewell to all the people he had known as Heero Yuy. And that included Relena Dorlian/Peacecraft. He had come to say goodbye. But . . . when he saw her again. All alive and well, full of life and brilliance but somehow emanating a sad and lonely aura, he was drawn. It was the first time he had really appreciated her beauty and her vibrance for life. Her manners and actions were graceful and cute, ladylike but somehow he found himself laughing, as if that Relena wasn't really the Relena he knew. But that was partly true. The Relena he knew was very different. The Relena he knew was very courageous, brave, and held independent ideals and stuck with them, unafraid to stand up. This Relena was more subdued, more tired. His past actions . . . they were beyond his reasoning. He didn't understand why he did those things. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, one that had been lurking in the shadows, ready if the opportunity presented itself.

"Maybe I didn't come to say goodbye to Relena. Maybe I didn't come just to say farewell. Maybe I had actually come because instead of saying goodbye to the past, I was going to greet the future. Maybe the real reason I came was because I thought I could build my future, with Relena. But now that I know . . . what should I do??? I couldn't stay with her. She doesn't want me. I should leave. But this ache. It feels like its telling me to stay. Yes, it is a need. A need to protect her. What's this all about?! What are these feelings?!"

"Excuse me, are you coming in? Oh it's you, Jonathan!"

Heero looked up, surprised though he didn't show it. He didn't notice her come at all. How could that happen? Being attentive, on the guard 24/7, he knew what would come. Whatever these feelings were, he had to get rid of them, and fast. They were dangerous! He couldn't concentrate with those feelings fluttering around.

"Oh."

Stepping back to allow the girl passage he turned to walk away.

"Wait!"

Halting slightly he paused.

"I know this sounds crazy but . . . I just can't stand to see Elen hurt anymore. Please, come inside even for just a little bit. The Elen I know is always sad, however she may act, she's always sad. The only time I've ever seen her completely happy . . . was with you. Please . . . go talk to her. Elen's my best friend and I . . . want to see her happy. Again, like the happy you brought her when after your date."

"What makes you think I made her happy?"

His cold calculating and harsh voice made the girl step back. However, the memory of the occupant inside the room they were standing before made her steel herself, for a little while at least.

"I don't know how but I know that something you did, did make her very happy. There are times . . . when her eyes, they turn so dark and pained that I want to look away. Something inside her is still hurting. The wound is still there in her heart but you made her forget. I don't care how you did it, just do something!"

"Don't talk to me about heart. Don't even talk to me about Elen. I have no idea who she is besides what's she's told me, no idea what I did to make her happy, and no intention of relieving her pain. If she has any besides her physical pain that is, it's her fault for having that pain. She ran away from her mistakes and she's a coward for doing that. I'd say she deserved it."

With that he coldly walked away with the girl with fiery red hair staring, slack jawed and eyes wide in disbelief and rage.

"You don't deserve her!!!!! You're the coward!!!!! You're the coward for not going with your heart!!!!!! You're a coward for not helping her out just so you can maintain cool image around you!!!!! Whoever deserves pain here is you!!!!!! I hope your heart gets twisted out, beaten up, and burned so bad there'll be nothing left of it!!!!!@

"I hope so too."

It's amazing how one sentence, one phrase has so much power. One phrase, said with emotion, can move a mountain and inspire great artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci. In fact words spoken with such magnitude, with such intensity are often given such high regard. At times it is even treated as a miracle, with the power in it, could persuade thousands, and make the indifferent think twice. But this phrase that Ririka heard, was not said with emotion, not said with anything at all. There wasn't any hint in it. No indication of sorrow, of regret, or of even joy. It was flat monotonous. Yet it had the same power as emotion filled words did. Its simple meaning baffled Ririka even more so that anything. It kept her silent as she watched the mysterious aloof Jonathan Brandon walk away.

Jonathan, calmly pulled on his jacket and stepped out on the cold day. The clouds outside hung gray and overcast. Nimbustratus, he noted. It was expected to rain. Just as he was prepared to step out from the shelter of the building he felt wetness on his cheeks. His hand came up and quickly brushed it aside.

"What? Its not raining yet."

He took one more look at the desolate sky and confirmed that it wasn't raining yet. So how in the world did his cheeks get wet. Puzzled and curious, Jonathan wiped more from his other cheek before straightening up. His back was stiff and ramrod straight. Touching his cheeks again, Heero finally realized what they were.

"Tears . . ."

Author's note: Hey, minna-san. Hope you like the story so far. School and SAT 9 tests are coming up and we have to study extra hard, not that we ever do anyway. Sorry for making it take so long. I've got some fics I really need to work on. Chapter 4 might come up soon.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing and Co. They belong to some people who I forgot the names of. Sorry.

Subj: Chapter Four Part 1

Date: 5/27/00 12:09:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time

From: PiNaYAnImEADiKt

To: MeLUV2beCUTE

Author's notes: This is probably my fastest fic ‘cuz its all about romance and I'm getting plenty of inspiration and support from you guys. Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I'd also like to thank Yokiko for helping me out at times. Thanks a whole bunch, Yokiko.

Disclaimer: Nope, Gundam Wing and CO. do not belong to me. Nothing belongs to me. Nothing. Except for the storyline and Ririka and the rest of the school cast and even some of them are based on the talented Ms. Takeuchi's Sailor Moon universe like Azabu High School, Kuwano, Ishihara, and Ririka.

Chapter 4

Stalkers, ghosts, and aliens

What more could you ask for????

For the next couple of weeks, Relena busied herself making up for her missed school work and all the work from her job at the Interstellar Heavens Observatory. One day at her work a co-worker commented on the serenity of the outer space.

"Outer space is so peaceful now. The wars are over and everything is back to the way it should be again. Isn't it wonderful, Elen?"

"Huh? No, not really."

"What? Don't you like the peace?"

"Of course I do. But its not as you think. Wars take their toll. Some lives have been scarred forever from that war."

"Yes, I suppose so, Elen. But now that the war is over the wounds can begin to heal now. The war is over, ended. People can start new lives now."

"It's not as simple as that."

"Elen, just because we have been wounded does not mean that we can't start over again. I have. Everyone has. But you. You still carry the wounds. And I think you're just running away from them. Elen, be strong."

Elen, at this point, turned away bent on poring over a map of the star clusters on the Sagittarius Constellation. Her co-worker, Ruruna, sighed sadly before picking up the record sheets she had been taking and turning away. Just as she left, she called over her shoulder.

"Don't forget, Elen. The Observatory needs more money so we're offering classes to some kids from some schools. You are going to be there, to help the guides, right?"

"Sure, Ruruna, sure."

"Thanks, Elen. See ya, later."

Ruruna left, her footsteps echoing on the now, silent room. Relena was busy peering through a telescope, examining any activities from the supposedly center of the galaxy. The Zero Star from the constellation Sagittarius only twinkled in response to her examinations and she shook her head, frowning as she looked at the monitors. More activity did seem to be coming from that star.

‘So . . . those lines mean that that must be helium and as I start looking outwards it seemed to shift more to the red . . . ."

Relena scribbled down more on her record sheet, never noticing a dark figure opening the door. The figure closed the door silently, his footsteps quiet. He tiptoed across the room, training his eyes on the back of the pretty petite lady near the telescopes and monitor. Just as he was near her, Relena sensed something amiss and whirled around.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The man seemed to be just as surprised as she was as he toppled backwards from her loud shout. Relena immediately knelt down near him and hit him on the chest.

"Erik!!!!!!! You dolt, what the heck are you doing?!"

Relena's yell caused a commotion outside and there were bangs heard as doors slammed open and loud pounding footsteps as they raced to the Viewing Room.

"What's going on?! Elen, are you all right?! Erik!!!!!! What are you doing here?"

Erik gave an innocent terrified look and replied in a fake naive voice,

"I was just here to visit Elen, is all. I was just coming to surprise her and then when I sneaked up on her she shouted. I didn't mean for it to happen."

Everyone sighed and rolled their eyes. Ruruna, thoroughly exasperated of Erik's escapades and pranks on the Observatory, glared at him forcefully.

"What?"

"Erik,"

She grounded her teeth, a sure sign she was going to blow.

"The Observatory doesn't allow visitors at this and even at other times this is a restricted area."

"I didn't see the sign."

"That was just lame, Erik. Way lame. You think we'd believe that? Come on, I'm kicking you out, personally."

Ruruna hauled Erik, by the ear, leading him out of the Observatory while he made a variety of ows, ouches, and I'm going to call my lawyer comments. Some of the workers giggled slightly at the funny scene. Their mature and gracious head manager leading a 18-year-old out the large building. Another worker turned to Relena before he left with the others,

"You sure, you're okay, Elen?"

"Yea, fine. He does that to me all the time. Honestly I'm more surprised I screamed."

"The guy does have an obsession of you."

"Whatever, Asanuma."

"Oh yeah, I nearly forgot to tell you. You're friend Ririka called. She said that she was going to pick you up."

Relena rolled her eyes. Ririka was a good friend but sometimes she could go overboard.

"Thanks, Asa."

"Laterz, El."

Asanuma disappeared from the room along with the other workers, gossiping about the daily news. Now that her concentration was ruined she might as well start writing the overview for today then start packing up. No sense in making Ririka wait for her.

"Hey, Ruruna left the list of the class that I'm supposed to help teach. Hmm . . . "

Class Roll

Kevin Flightson School

Teacher: Mrs. Veka

Observatory Teacher: Jennifer

Helper: Elen Lia

Andy McMillan

Joshua Samuel

Daniel Mviara

Jeff Dobes

Karina Miliko

Syrene Mfkok . . .

"So many . . . and high schoolers too. This'll be a tough crowd to handle. Oh well, I'm not the teacher."

With that last thought Elen put the list back to its place and packed up.

"No way! He didn't!"

"Yes! He did!"

"I can't believe this! This is . . . unheard of!"

"Me too. This is just . . . way out of Azabu College High's norm."

"I cannot believe that Coach Slater is actually replacing Elen's partner with the new student!!!!!!"

"I know! Jeffrey Histarn is the only darn guy who has skills even close to Ms. Lia. He's been skating for years and now the coach is just throwing him out?"

"No, Reika. He isn't going to be thrown out. The first place spot for males won't be his anymore, that's all."

"That's all?! I don't call that news that's all! Jeffrey has worked hard and long for this position, I don't think he's going to be happy about it."

"What do you expect he did, Mara?"

"He blew up?"

"More than that! He actually had the nerve to scream on the coach's face and spit on the ground in front of him! I heard that the new student actually had to physically hold him back from beating up the coach."

"Wow, I never thought gentle Jeffrey would actually be capable of that."

"Yup, goes to show you how much we know about them."

Ririka shook her head, slightly, assessing the situation. Jonathan Brandon was just too queer. First, he's all Mr. King of Ice to everyone, especially Elen, then all of a sudden he has this crazy urge to overtake the male skating champion of Azabu in one day. In one darn day.

‘He didn't even try out for the competition to be Elen's partner. This guy is really odd. And even more mysterious is how much Elen seems to care for him. I just hope Elen won't start crying again because of him. I'll personally rip his black heart out if he dares hurt her. That is if he even has a thing called heart.'

"Hey, Ririka! You look preoccupied."

"Hey, Elen! Looking good."

"Don't flatter me, it doesn't work."

"Hey, really you do."

"Sure, yeah, right."

"If you can't accept a compliment then accept an insult. You look like a hag."

"Hmph! Anyway, are you going to see the skating practice? You don't have to."

"Elen, you know I always cheer you on. I've been doing it for three darn years and I'm not stopping anytime soon."

"If you want to."

"You know you want me to, so stop acting indifferent and appreciate me for a minute here."

"Whatever, Ririka."

"Some friend you are."

She mockingly sniffed but headed down for the ice rink with Elen. Even though they were only bantering a few minutes ago Ririka watched Elen out of the corner of her eye. It was the first time she was going out for practice on the ice after recuperating. She just hoped the wound didn't do any permanent damage to Elen. Elen may be a brilliant student but if she needed some extra money professional figure skating would bring it. Scientific Researching didn't bring a lot of money now, since most of the scientific world was focused on the building of mobile suits and spacecrafts and weapons. And most of all Elen loved skating. If she couldn't skate anymore, it would be like losing a part of herself too.

Heero's breath came in frosts and puffs of it surged in front of him. The ice rink was especially cold that day because the ice machine had just finished recoating it and it was early. The coach had wanted both him and Relena to do a warm up exercise, which looked more like an advanced dance than any exercise Heero had ever seen, to get used to each other. Their coach had gone to the sides to look over some dance that he was making up while Heero waited patiently for Elen to appear. This whole activity was simple and he had already thought it through. He was just doing this so Elen wouldn't have to skate with some incompetent who would probably lead her to another injury. He just there to make sure she wouldn't hurt herself anymore. A frown forms on his handsome face as he sees Relena's friend Ririka step onto the stands, her fiery red hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"Jonathan, over here!!!"

The coach waved over to Jonathan and Jonathan skated over to them.

"I want you to tutor someone for me. Her name is Vera. She's a beginner and so far I think she has some talent we only need to hone it."

"Vera?"

"Yes, Vera. Here she comes now. Go over."

Heero frowned some more as he realized that the girl he had to tutor was the one who had tried to pick him up. Her skimpy skating outfit caused some glances to be thrown her way, both approving and disapproving. She smiled a fake smile at Heero and tugged at his hand and said in a high-pitched squeal.

"Let's go."

He winced inwardly as he set himself in Perfect Soldier Undercover mode. Stoic, aloof, and cold he showed Vera the basic skating moves, setting her to do some exercises. Exercises that were simple, easy to follow, and one where she wouldn't mess up in. However, Vera had other things in mind. She was going to let this choice opportunity to pass. She attacked when her dangerously cute instructor turned to look for something.

Relena smiled and nodded at her coach as he informed her of the new developments of their School Festivals. He had said that she would do a duo performance with the partner of her choosing. The festival was such a big event that some important leader might even attend. But, Relena's attention was turned somewhere else. At the corner of her eye she watched Heero and Vera working. Her eyes were trained on them like a hawk and a frown twitched at her face as Heero had to have body contact with Vera to steady her on the ice. Now, she saw that he turned to gaze at her when Vera suddenly crashed into him and they both went down in a flurry of ice and skates. Now, her full attention was caught. Ignoring the coach she turned to face them as did many other spectators. Heero struggled to get up without slipping but Vera kept on clinging to him that he kept on falling down.

"Vera, get your hands off me and push yourself up."

Growling viciously, he barked orders for his student to get up but the squealing wide-eyed female kept on clinging to him like a leech instead. She swooned.

"Oh, Jonathan, my hero. You saved me from falling down the dangerous cold and wet ice. Thank you soooo much!"

Jonathan, confused, could only stare in shocked silence at the screaming woman who was choking him with her viselike grip of his shirt. Vera, taking advantage of this silent moment, leaned closer to his face with only one purpose and intent on her mind.

Surprise, shock, rage and anger were the emotions coursing through Relena now as she saw Vera plastering herself all over Heero. Meanwhile Heero, the little ignorant for women's feminine wiles and signals, was doing nothing just looking completely blank and confused.

‘How dare he?! The little ignoramus! Can't he see what Vera's trying to do?! And what the hell is she doing with Heero?! Augh!!! No!!!"

Ririka was staring at the ice court now filled with confusion and chaos. The last sane event was when Jonathan was teaching Vera how to skate and then Vera had crashed into him. For a full ten minutes the big dark haired bimbo was swooning all over Jonathan while he could stare in apparent confusion. Just what the heck was going on? Didn't he know what Vera was trying to do? How odd. And now Vera was going to kiss him and he didn't even know it????

‘Wow, I didn't know anyone could turn so red. She must be angry and jealous. But . . . why would Elen be jealous? Because of what Vera is doing?? Uh oh . . . here she comes.'

Panic swelled in Ririka as she watched Elen tear her program for the School Festival in half. That was quite an accomplishment since the program was at least thirty pages thick. Now, Jonathan was still in shock staring at Vera who was leaning and pressing even forward practically shoving her face to his. Ririka did the only thing she could think of. We can't blame her. It was reflex. If your best friend's crush was being taken advantage of by the school bimbo ditz you have to act by instinct. Surely you wouldn't let your best friend come into the scene and murder the ditz no matter how much the bimbo deserved it, would you? Most people

Subj: Chapter Four Part Two

Date: 5/27/00 12:10:43 PM Pacific Daylight Time

From: PiNaYAnImEADiKt

To: MeLUV2beCUTE

wouldn't and Ririka was part of the majority. She reacted accordingly. Grabbing the heaviest object near her, which was a plastic plate of warm nacho and liquid cheese along with her history book she threw it desperately in Vera's direction. Thank God she had been working at her aim and her strength. Or maybe it was just Lady Luck or Fate. The nacho and cheese along with the book flew straight and true and landed with a splat right on Vera's face. There was complete silence. Heero stood up and backed away, a little unsure and nervously. Everyone was staring at Vera then at Ririka. Relena blinked a couple of times and looked at Ririka who only gave her a helpless look. Aloud she called out.

"Oops . . . it slipped . . . "

And then coach started laughing, then Ririka, then Relena. Pretty soon everyone present was laughing except for one angry Vera and one silent and stoic Heero Yuy. Vera stood up screaming in rage.

"THAT WASN'T FUNNY!!!!!!!!"

Which caused people to laugh even more. Vera skated away in anger and vehemence swearing furiously. Finally, the coach, wiping tears of mirth away from his cheeks, shouted out.

"Come on, people. Get to work. This is a skating class, not a comedy class. Wish I brought my cam corder with me, though."

He laughed some more and some students made out some cat calls.

"We have the surveillance camera! Use that!"

"Send it to the Galaxy's Funniest Home Videos!"

"All right, all right settle down, kids. Jonathan, Elen get to work. Start cracking!"

Still laughing, Relena acquiesced and skated to Jonathan who had already skated towards her. Suddenly both their eyes met and all the laughter went out of Elen's eyes. She was staring straight into his Prussian blue eyes and his hard eyes bore into her liquid Nile blue eyes. Their skating, which used to be quick and gay, was now slow, light, and graceful taking their time. Captivated, their eyes locked into one another while skating. Once near Relena's eyes half closed, peering through her lashes at Heero who was gazing softly at hers, the harshness it in before vanished without a trace. They skated in circles around each other before really coming close. Their hands met one another in mid-air before their bodies touched and Relena found herself snuggling to his chest, seeking the warmth emanating from there. Involuntarily a sigh escaped Heero's lips, a sigh of pure contentment and bliss. Relena's small white hands rested against his firm chest while one arm wrapped around her waist, the other hand pressing her face to his body. Their eyes closed in serenity.

‘This feels so nice. He feels so warm and loving. What is this feeling?'

‘I feel as if this . . . feelings from long ago. In warm and safe arms . . . ‘

People once again ceased their chatter as they stared at the couple, hugging each other. Ririka was gaping at them, obviously shocked by the public display of affection while others just gave an appreciative smile. The coach, however, was staring at them in scrutiny. He looked at his sketchbook and found that, that part wasn't even part of the dance he had set for them. It was a heck of a good idea, though. He smiled, cat like, before scribbling something in his sketchbook but not before calling out to the embracing couple.

Ever heard of bad timing??? Ever had a day full of bad timing? Multiply your frustrations by a 100 and you probably know how the audience felt when the bell suddenly rang and the skating class burst to the ice court in full force. Relena and Heero jerked away from each other, sliding a couple of feet away. I'm pretty sure you guys saw Relena blush before. She has blushed loads of times. Heero, though???? I don't think so. His face went rosy red and a hand came up to touch his cheek to inspect this sudden warmth that arose from within him.

"Uh . . . "

"Yeah . . . um . . . we . . . better get to the exercise part."

However, after that little show of affection Heero and Relena found that they couldn't even stare at each other anymore. Not that they needed to, everyone could see. Even with eyes focused on something else they knew each other. Their hands met simultaneously and their movements were in perfect timing. The coach even bet that if he commanded Relena to do a jump Heero could catch her without looking for her. Inwardly, Relena thanked the heavens when the bell rang to signal the end of the skating class. Her eyes rose upward involuntarily. Heero's eyes met and suddenly both blushed again. Hands still intertwined, they both stammered out excuses and let go of their hands. Reluctantly, Ririka noted as she examined the stuttering couple. She waved as Relena approached her and gave a huge thumbs up.

"Good going, Relena! Nice skating! You haven't lost it!"

"Ririka . . . "

"Okay, okay! I admit it! It felt good when I threw the nacho and cheese along with the book at Vera, okay?! I admit it!"

Relena giggled heartily.

"That's not what I was going to ask you about but thanks for the confession anyway."

Relena sat down and began unlacing her white skates. Ririka grabbed her shoulders violently, her eyes shining in panic.

"You won't tell anyone, right?! Right?!"

"Actually,"

Grinning wryly, Relena indicated to the people 3 feet near them.

"I don't need to. You just screamed it out."

It was then, Ririka's turn to blush and she yelled at the people.

"What are you staring at?????"

They hurried away, knowing it was not a good idea to mess with a distressed woman, especially a woman who had a very wealthy daddy who happened to be an expert gun toting protective parent.

"I'm not sure which does more damage. Your yell or your throw to Vera??"

"You should be grateful, Elen. I saved your man from being sexually harassed."

"He is not my man!"

"Whatever, Elen. You should have seen yourself while you were hugging him. It looked like you were in heaven or something."

"Excuse me?"

"Admit it, you enjoyed it and do not, I repeat, do not tell me that was part of the dance."

From what Ririka took from Relena's flush, her point rang right at home, and she was satisfied with this for now. Elen, donned with her sandals, was walking in the college corridors, headed for her writing classes with a silent Ririka who seemed to be thinking of something. Jonathan's presence in her class distracted her thoughts for now but not for long. When seated at their classroom, Elen couldn't stand Ririka's silence anymore although her eyes flickered to where Jonathan was seated.

"Okay, what is wrong with you????"

"Hmm?? Nothing."

"You've been quiet for five minutes, Ririka. You've never been quiet. At all. So who is it this time??? Which guy have you deemed worthy for either me or you to date?"

Smirking, slightly Ririka grinned from ear to ear before her expression turned serious.

"I should be careful if I were you, Elen. There's something wrong with him."

"Who??????"

Elen didn't need the answer; she had a gut feeling exactly who it was.

"Jonathan. There is something wrong with him, something that I can't put my finger on."

Calming down her racing heart, Elen forced a smile.

"And what makes you say that, Ms. Perceptive??"

Evoked, a grin appeared on her face once more.

"Shut up, Elen. It's just that . . . Jonathan Brandon is a very mysterious person."

"Care to explain more? I don't think I quite get your drift."

"Well, look at him! He's so quiet. He doesn't have any friends at all and . . . I think the only person who he speaks to, is you! He doesn't talk to the teachers, to the office, not to anyone. He just came out of nowhere. Not even Darwin can get any dibs on him."

"What are you getting at?"

Eyes wide, Ririka whispered in a very hushed voice.

"I think I know who he is . . . "

Horror and fear flashed through Relena's eyes as she leaned closer to Ririka.

"Who do you think he is?"

" . . . I read about it in a chain letter I just received last night. It tells about a guy who just suddenly appears and doesn't make any friends with anyone at all. I think . . . he's the Stalking Malice!"

Relena had to bite her lips, hard, to keep from bursting into laughter. Heero, the Stalking Malice???? What an idea! A good one at that! Heero, the Gundam Wing Pilot, Pilot 001, actually a girl stalking sex obsessed murderer. If Duo were here he would have laughed himself to the colonies with that one. Relena closed her eyes, in effort to contain her laughter. Ririka, concerned, placed a hand on her wrist.

"Elen, are you, okay? I know it's a big shocker but you have to pull yourself together."

Somehow, despite the huge amounts of effort Relena exerted to stop it, a tiny giggle escaped her lips. Ririka blinked.

"Hee, Ririka, you actually think that Jonathan Brandon is the Stalking Malice?"

"Well, yeah! He fits the patterns the killer does exactly!"

"Oh, please. I don't think so."

"And why not?"

"Ririka, Jonathan and I have already been out to lunch for three hours, all alone, in a huge park where no one can hear me if I ever screamed. That would have been the perfect chance for him to kill me."

"Maybe he was toying with you or something . . . wait it out, I don't know! Don't ask me to fathom the mind of a serial killer!"

"Ririka, first of, I'm pretty sure he's not the killer so don't even go to the second step where you're trying to figure out his actions. Keep your fanatic notions to yourself."

"I'd still be careful if I were you. Even if he wasn't he still doesn't deserve you,"

"Quiet, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Most students bolted up right, as Mrs. Cuttleworth rapped her long wooden stick on a desk.

"Quiet, students! Order!"

Relena didn't have a chance to thank Ririka for her concern. This was one teacher no one would want to mess with.

"Good, good. Full attendance today, consider that a miracle."

Wham!

Her heavy stick beared down on the desk of a pale faced student, who jumped, shocked. The teacher snickered before turning her attention to the whole class.

"Students, it's been well into the middle of the school year and every time it's the middle of the school year it's been a custom of mine to do a huge project that none of you would dare mess up in."

Silence dominated the classroom as all students, sat silent, face turned to the teacher, rapt in attention.

"The project is very simple yet it requires a great deal of effort. And I expect it to turn out nice so don't just sit back and relax!!!!!!!!!"

There was a knock on the door and the teacher let out an exasperated sigh. She barked.

"Get in!"

It swung forward silently to reveal a man about the students' age dressed in the standard uniform the private elite college required. The young man had ebony hair and ruby eyes that flashed at the sound of the teacher's voice but afterwards, was calm. The majority of the girls shifted in their seats, interested in the handsome man. The teacher snarled.

"Females, keep your hormones down!"

All female present turned an outraged red and all of the males snickered. Well, except for the new students and of course Jonathan who was seated at a far corner of the classroom. Intense red eyes locked with the teacher's and held it in place for a few moments before he took out a slip of paper and gave it to her. She examined it with a scowl on her face before she snapped, first to the class, then at him.

"Class, you have a new schoolmate. This is Ikiru Matsumotso and he'll be joining you. Take a seat!"

The new young student slipped in a desk at the far back of the class near where Jonathan was seated. Jonathan's eyes flickered to his and for a moment their eyes met and locked, flashing. Relena watched, interested . . . and worried.

‘I've never seen Heero act this way towards someone he's never met . . . or has he met him?'

"Misses Elen and Vera, Misters Jonathan and Ikiru, pay attention!"

Her eyes snapped forward, just in time to see the teacher's stick sailing down towards her. There was a sudden blur of colors as something flashed in front of her and blocked the hit. There were collective gasps as the students realized what was going on. Relena blinked and gasped softly too. From what she gathered Heero had blocked the hit with his arm. Right now, he was bending over her desk, his right arm outstretched protectively over her. Mrs. Cuttleworth gasped too. Not just out of surprise. But out of rage too.

"You audacious-!!! How dare you?!"

Elen and Jonathan, however, was more absorbed in other things. Elen cried out softly when she saw the angry red welt forming on Heero's arm where the teacher had hit him.

"Jonathan, your arm!!"

Relena supposed it was foolish of her to worry. After all what did a hit from a wooden stick matter to a man who could endure over two hundred broken bones and bruises and stand the pain of five bullet shots without grunting and resetting broken and dislocated bones without even flinching? But still, no matter how much Heero could stand the pain, even at the smallest cut Relena worried tremendously. Without a second thought Relena immediately took his arm to her hand and examined it, thoroughly, an alarmed expression marring her pretty features. Heero's Prussian blue eyes gazed at her, a soft emotion blossoming from the deep. His lips moved slowly as he uttered in a low voice.

"I'm all right, Elen. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes . . . "

"Excuse me! How rude! The insolence of you four! I abhor it and I will not tolerate it!"

Vera spoke up from behind, her voice filled with protest.

"But I wasn't part of any of this!"

"You weren't paying attention!"

There was dead silence as all of the students, once again, were paying attention to the teacher. Jonathan didn't move from his place, still standing somewhat protectively over Elen. This rightly annoyed the professor even more.

"You four, I will not stand for this. I will not allow this kind of action within my classroom! You four will pay!"

It was the way she had growled it and the paleness of her face, was what made fear rise from all of the students' very hearts, except for Elen, Jonathan, and Ikiru. Mrs. Cuttleworth paced her eyes darting from one student to another and throwing them dark glares as she searched her mind for a suitable punishment. When it seemed that she had reached a decision, she whirled at Jonathan and Elen, her eyes wild with glee.

"You four will be doing your project together and I will choose the subject and instructions. I want you all to do an extensive writing piece on aliens and ghosts along with video records and proofs and data. I want all of it done by the week after the next!!! You four are dismissed for now and I want all of you to reflect upon your behavior!"

The teacher practically shoved and dragged all four as she threw them outside and slammed the door shut. Again, silence prevailed among the students. The girls, still shocked over the recent events and load of work they had been commanded to do and the boys, well for Jonathan at least he was thinking if the teacher was part of any military group he had encountered because, man, did her hit sting. Not that he minded but it was surprisingly strong for someone her age. He could've sworn she had underwent military training. Ikiru, well who knows what he was thinking. The new student approached Elen and touched her elbow gently.

"Are you all right, miss?"

Subj: Chapter Four Part Three

Date: 5/27/00 12:11:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time

From: PiNaYAnImEADiKt

To: MeLUV2beCUTE

Shaking out of her reverie Elen smiled briefly at him and nodded before turning her attention to a bawling Vera and to a silent Heero.

"Jonathan, your arm should be checked."

"Elen, I'm fine."

His icy voice halted what would have been Elen's protests and it stopped and made the other two stare at him in obvious bewilderment and wonder. Relena didn't seem to mind his icy tone, although inside she shuddered violently at it. Outwards, she kept her face calm and impassive at his words and she faced the other two.

"I'm very sorry for dragging you both into this. I had no idea what was going on, it all happened way too fast. I apologize very sincerely."

Her tone was very sincere and her eyes pleaded at them. No one had been able to resist Relena's words for long and these two were no exception. Ikiru promptly assured her that it wasn't her fault at all and that she shouldn't be guilty whereas Vera half heartedly agreed, still whining about the workload they had to do despite the resolved conflict between them.

"I don't know about you, three, but this is my last class. I'm free for the whole day now."

"Actually,"

All eyes drew to Ikiru.

"I have a computer class coming up and I think I might know a way to help us in our project. I've got net access so I can see what I can find the in the Internet."

"All right. What about Vera, Jonathan?"

"Drill practice, it'll end at four."

Relena frowned subconsciously at Vera. Vera should have squirmed out of this by now. Technically it really wasn't her fault she got into this mess so why wasn't she complaining? One longing and admiring glance Heero's way convinced Elen that the ditzy dark-haired girl was still after him. She coughed to get Heero's attention.

"And you, Heero?"

Unconsciously, Relena drew closer to Heero, closing the small gap between them.

"Uh . . . "

Heero glanced from Vera to Relena, both of whom were currently standing very close to him. As the former princess stared into his eyes she could see a twinge of nervousness before the iciness dominated his eyes once more. In a firm voice, he responded dryly. Then he moved away from both girls, hastily putting a distance between himself and Vera, who was giving him an evil eye.

"I'm free."

"So, I guess that leaves me and him doing the rest of the brunt work."

Raising her eyebrow, Vera asked in a deadly voice.

"And nothing else, right? We wouldn't want you both to take the whole work load, now would we? Nah, can't let you have all the fun. You've gotta leave some for us."

The comment was generally directed to the pair in general but to Relena mostly. Vera's eyes stayed on her the whole time, her lips twitching, eyes glittering warningly.

"Right, right! Of course!"

Relena blushed bright red and nodded vigorously, not catching the darker underlying message in the words. Heero, who was casually leaning against the wall, caught the whole message loud and clear. His eyes flickered in mild concern and curiosity.

‘Why is she being so hostile towards Relena? I wasn't aware of any disputes between Relena and her. And what does she mean by that message?'

Despite his words and thoughts, Heero fully understood, only chose not to acknowledge it. No way could that girl mean what he thought she meant. Could it?

"Yeah, sure."

Ikiru's eyes skipped from one person to another, assessing the situation with a humorous curve on his lips. He pronounced in a soft but at the same time clear voice.

"So, what's the game plan?"

"Erm . . . "

"Uh . . . ask Elen, she's usually the brains of any operation or outfit."

"Not true, Vera!"

Elen eyed Vera crossly before crossing her arms.

"We don't have enough time to discuss what exactly the game plan is. We need time for that. I say we meet at approximately 4:30 at some place. Relena and I will be scrounging up the information we need in a computer, anyhow and we'll see if we can come up with the game plan. From then of I suppose we can confer it when you guys are there. Agreed?"

"I love a guy who takes charge!"

Vera swooned and batted her eyelashes at Heero who ignored her and focused on the remaining half of the circle. Relena frowned at Vera but nodded.

"Affirmative."

The more military used word tinged with sarcasm that came from Ikiru's mouth evoked Relena and Heero's attention. Giving Ikiru a confused look, Relena started moving away, noticing the time on her watch.

"Come on, guys. We only have ten minutes before the bell rings. Ikiru, what time are you getting off?"

"Approximately the same time as Vera."

More confused than ever, Relena stared between the two men. Heero was cooly ignoring him while Ikiru directed cynical remarks towards him. Then Relena saw the similarities. Eyes wide, Relena finally realized why Ikiru had struck her attention in the first place. He was so much like Heero. Same build, same set. Their poses were the same, their actions frighteningly resembled the other. Ikiru was a lot more neater. He was clean from head to toe, his clothes immaculate, it looked like he just stepped out of a parlor. Heero was a lot more unruly. There was that dark crop of hair that grew back from the cut he had taken weeks ago, his clothes seemingly more ruffled. Yet that was it. Their physical appearances were, yes, different but their physique was roughly the same. They both had ruthless efficiency in their actions, not even grimacing or sparing a cringe at the duty they had to perform. The only major difference in their set was that Ikiru seemed more cultured, open whereas Heero was always anti social. It was like Ikiru had Heero's skill but Treize's charisma, manipulative cunning and grace. Deadly was the word that first came to Relena's mind when she began to list off the things to describe Ikiru. After a pregnant silence, Heero repeated Relena's prompting.

"Where are we to assemble?"

Again, a cynic tinged comment. The use of more official synonyms of words was a clue, yes, that was the clue he was giving but clue to what?

"Elen? Elen?"

Relena snapped back to the present giving the others an embarrassed smile.

"I asked you, what best place would it be for us to meet?"

"I said the library."

Immediately contradicting Vera, simultaneously gracing her Vera's annoying displeasure. She harrumphed and looked elsewhere. Elen sighed and explain to Vera.

"The library is going to be packed. Mrs. Revierra, Mrs. Cuttleworth, and a whole bunch of others have been giving out extra assignments and hard projects. It'd be impossible for us to get anywhere there. Our best chance would be in our dormitories. Any volunteers?"

"I'm just moving in mine, don't have the computer system set up yet."

When Relena focused her gaze on Vera, she blushed but glared at the past Romefeller Chief Representative.

"I-I'm sharing my dormitory with my other friends."

"And?"

Blushing even more, Vera glared even more harshly.

"Our rooms are messed up, okay?! Besides, they're always using the computer."

"Um . . . Ririka needs the computer. She owns it and, well, her job is online so . . . "

"That leaves you, Jonathan."

All eyes then landed on the silent youth who didn't squirm at all the attention he was receiving.

"My dormitory is free . . . I only need to fix some things . . . "

Vera blinked before bursting out squealing and hugging Heero.

"You're my hero, Jonathan! You're just the best! You're the only one nice enough to let us borrow your computer!"

At the corner of his eyes, Heero glanced at the female in distaste. Not letting her distract him from further developing whatever current plan they were establishing, Heero continued, ignoring the bouncing girl clutching his arm tightly.

"Let's get this straight. We're to split up for our classes, you, Ikiru, researching at your computer class, you, Vera-"

"Yes, dear?"

" . . . at your drill class, and Elen and I will go find some info on our own and see what we can do. At 4:30 we're to meet at my dormitory. Got it?"

"Yessiree!"

"Yup."

"Confirmed."

With that last satirical remark, Ikiru sauntered off. Vera who seemed to realize how late she was then immediately freed Jonathan's poor arm, restoring the circulation. She squealed once more before jogging off but not without one last smile and wink at oblivious Jonathan. Elen suddenly clenched her teeth, gazing darkly at Vera. Glaring for the comment she had made and her moves towards her Jonathan.

‘How dare she make move on my Heero. Hah! As if the bimbo could actually get his attention! Wait . . . a minute. Since when was he mine? Since when did I care? Since when . . . did I get jealous of females who like Heero? It's none of my business . . . Then why do I care so much? In any case, that Vera has nothing to be jealous about. We aren't going to do anything intimate at all! Just because we've been out on a date and just because we're spending the afternoon together doesn't mean . . . spend . . . together . . . me . . . and Heero . . . in his dormitory . . . for the whole afternoon . . . all alone . . . OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

Relena's face immediately whitened and Heero touched her elbow gently.

"You okay?"

"I'm Fine! I'm fine!"

Blinking at her sudden outburst, Heero nodded calmly and headed for his dormitory, leaving Relena sprinting after him.

"Wait up!"

Silence was the opted option between the two of them. Neither spoke to one another as Heero lead them staircase after staircase and corridor after corridor towards his dormitory. When they finally reached his dormitory, Relena asked hesitantly.

"Do you live alone? I mean do you have a roommate or something?"

"No."

"Okay . . . "

Heero ignored her as he slid his key card in. The door unlocked quietly to reveal a moderately spaced room. It was bare to say the least. All it held was a huge bed with messy white sheets, a desk and a chair where a laptop stood, a cabinet where some of his clothes were stored and a wardrobe room where some outfits were hung. A small refrigerator stood quietly in a corner, the contents unknown to Relena, as she was reluctant to ask Heero.

"I'll go get some more chairs. Stay here."

Heero bade her inside and shut the door behind him as he left. Relena placed a hand on her racing heart. Being alone in close quarters with Heero for four hours was probably more than she could bear. How could she stand it? His iciness, his presence . . . her resolutions suddenly came back to her, rushing forward, as if a dam had been holding them back but it was now gone.

‘You will never let him hurt you again. You will not let him ruin your life. You're strong, you're in control. You won't let him hurt you, Relena.'

Calming herself, Relena concentrated on the task they bad been commanded to do. She might as well get started now. Cooly, she sauntered over to the desk and booted up the laptop. The screen blinked once before the program started up. It was fast. Relena smiled grimly.

"Of course it's fast. It is Heero's after all."

To her surprise, a file popped up at once. It was a convo, a private conversation recorded, between JWMstr and WZFTR.

"What? What is this?"

She tried to close it or at least minimize it but it wouldn't budge. It was as if it was frozen there. Suddenly an instant messenger popped up.

Instant Messenger

ChmpnSldr: What's the matter, Jonathan?

ChmpnSldr: Why don't you read that recording?

ChmpnSldr: Are you afraid to know what's really going on?

Puzzled and confused, Relena answered.

WZFTR: Sorry, WZFTR isn't here.

ChmpnSldr: Doesn't matter. You should know what's going on too. Why don't you read the recording?

WZFTR: I've no right to WZFTR's private life.

ChmpnSldr: Aren't you part of it?

WZFTR: No.

ChmpnSldr: Tell me, Jonathan's really awesome, isn't he? Perfect and all that. And you gave him everything that he didn't have yet he denied it.

Her pulse raced and Relena's face paled.

WZFTR: What do you mean?

ChmpnSldr: Don't deny the fact that he's treated you like trash. Making and breaking your feelings like a worthless piece of glass.

WZFTR: I have no idea what you're talking about.

ChmpnSldr: Sure, just keep saying that to yourself and you'll be fine. You want to move on, don't you?

WZFTR: Huh?

ChmpnSldr: You want to forget him, move on. Have nothing to do with him.

WZFTR: I'm afraid that we're carrying a conversation that I have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. I'll tell WZFTR that you Imed him, though. Good day.

Relena shut the IM, hoping against hope that he wouldn't IM her again.

ChmpnSldr: Don't worry. I'll be watching you.

Eyes wide, Relena clicked the Im shut and closed the computer.

Author's note: Hello, again, minna-san. So, how'd you like it? I'd really appreciate it if you gave me some feedback. And before you make any assumptions on who Chmnsldr is, lemme give you a clue. Things aren't what they seem.

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and CO. do not belong to me. People, we've been saying this for the whole darned time and it's a waste of memory and space so can we just please bear in mind that Gundam Wing cannot possibly belong to me?