Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ A Rose Among the Thorns ❯ First Impressions ( Chapter 3 )

August 6, 2002

AN: Howdy again. Thanks to the people who reviewed! You guys rock. And thanks to the people who helped me with Relena's age and all. I also got a review about the Colonies having princes when there shouldn't be any separate countries and such. I'll explain that all in this chapter so it all hopefully makes sense. So on with the show…

A Rose Among the Thorns

Chapter Three

First Impressions

Relena's heart was beating a thundering cadence that rang through her head. Tonight was the night. The night when she would meet the prince, her prince. That sounded…wrong.

One weeks ago, she had called Governor Rilley to tell him that she had decided to go ahead with the trail relationship with Prince Alexander, after a much heated discussion with her brother. Since then, the governor had finalized the meeting arrangements and informed her that they would make their first meeting a public one, announcing to the world that they were an "item." The governor had chosen the annual Christmas Eve Ball in Glenmor kingdom as the reception that nearly all of the influential people in the Earth Sphere Unified Nation would attend. It was the most important social event held every year since its inauguration the year after the Earth and Space Wars. It not only celebrated the Christmas holiday, it commemorated the establishment of peace and unification. Anyone who was anyone would be there.

Of course, this was Relena's first time at the event. She had been invited to the previous balls but she always found an excuse to decline the offer. It wasn't that she hated balls, she actually enjoyed them. They offered her a chance to forget her governmental obligations and be a normal young lady having fun dancing and socializing with her peers. But, it was this particular ball that made her uneasy. It was the one and only ball that all the former gundam pilots were invited to in honor of their heroic crusades that saved the Earth. Although she knew that all five would be invited, only four showed up each year. She would think that Heero not being there would make accepting the invitation easier, but she realized that she would only worry herself more by wondering if he would show because she did. But, tonight she was forced to attend.

She had deigned her best formal dress for the occasion. Made of snow white silk, her dress fell to nearly to the ground in waves, the neckline just low enough to reveal enough but not too much, which was being held up by two thin straps, leaving her shoulders bare. The back was by standards quite low, which would undoubtedly raise some eyebrows, but she wanted to cause a stir. The more people notices her, the more people would see her and the prince together. She did have to convince everyone that they were together. The bottom half of her honey blond hair was left to hang in lustrous stands, while the rest was swept back and arranged in a neat mess of curls. She debated whether to wear gloves and to bring a shawl, deciding to bring neither. Men liked to see as much skin as they could, and Relena did want Prince Alexander to like her.

She had been overly anxious about the whole occasion since she first found out. It was difficult to do anything, especially anything to do with work. After the first couple of days, she feigned a migraine to escape the conferences until the night of the ball. Although she took time off, she could hardly relax at home. It helped a little, but for the most part she was still on edge. It carried over to tonight. She didn't understand why she was so nervous, she had no reason to be. It was just like another business project, she could handle that. She only wished the knot in her stomach would listen to her.

It was a little after eleven o'clock when the ball was at it's height. Mainly all the guests had arrived, many dancing to the sound of the orchestra, others standing on the side gossiping about who had made the biggest impression tonight. No doubt, many of those conversations were carrying on about Relena, but she knew that there would be much more to talk about once Prince Alexander arrived. It was already late in the evening and he still hadn't showed up. She was beginning to think that he had changed his mind about the whole affair. She didn't know what was making her more upset- him showing up, or him not showing up.

She was presently on the side of the dance floor with the gundam pilots and their dates. Zechs, Noin, Lady Une, and Wufei's date, Sally, were off in their own little group. They were all dressed in their best outfits, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves tremendously. She felt a tinge of regret in missing this time with them before.

"So is your sister still throwing knives at you, Trowa," Duo asked as he took a glass of champagne from the waiter. He took a sip and listened Trowa's reply.

"Yes, but she also throws other objects at me," Trowa responded in his usual monotone.

"That is only when you get me angry," Catherine explained. She playfully shoved him. "How is your parts business doing?"

"It's doing good. Hilde here," he said, taking her hand, "takes care of all the paperwork while I do much of the hauling and shipping. It's not exactly the most profitable job, but it pays the bills. Besides, I get to see my buddy, Wufei, when the Preventors order some things." He flashed his smile at Wufei, who murmured how utterly useless Duo was.

Wufei went to lean against the wall while crossing his arms and closing his eyes, all the while listening to the rest of them talk. He actually did like spending time with the mismatched group, he just wouldn't admit it aloud.

"That reminds me, I must apologize for not keeping in touch with you all," Quatre commented. "I've been so busy representing my colony in the Earth Sphere that I haven't had much free time to spend."

Quatre's date spoke up. "I know exactly what you mean. Peace was hard to achieve, but maintaining it is even harder. Isn't that right, Miss Relena," Dorothy chimed in.

Relena, who hadn't been paying attention the whole time, was suddenly aware of her mistake. "I'm sorry. I wasn't paying much attention."

Quatre's blues eyes softened as they often did when sympathizing with others. "It's totally understandable. You're probably wondering if he'll show up."

"Heero never shows up to this kind of thing. He's so antisocial. I've tried everything to get that guy to lighten up," Duo added.

Relena was amazed at what they had just said. She never realized her feeling were that easy to read. She knew her family knew, but she never knew her friends (well, the closest things to friends she had) were aware of her emotions for Heero. She was just about to ask them how much they knew, when she was interrupted by a stranger.

"Excuse me, Miss Darlian?"

Relena turned around to find herself staring into a pair of the most alluring green eyes she had ever gazed into. They seemed to enchant her, putting her in a trace. She blinked to regain her composure. He was more attractive than she first gave him credit for. She had to concentrate if this was going would work.

The second she turned around, Alex felt his heart skip a beat. He had seen her on TV. a countless number of times, but it didn't do her justice at all. He admit he had seen her once, although it was from fifty yards away, but even then he knew she was beautiful. It wasn't until now did he realize how wrong he was. She wasn't beautiful, she was gorgeous! She was beyond that- she was perfect. She was like an ethereal angel sent from heaven to grace the world with her splendor. He lost his breath for a moment, and didn't realize he was just staring at her. It wasn't until Duo coughed did he comprehend his lack of self-control.

He shook his head slightly to clear his thoughts and said taking her hand, "I am Prince Alexander Morale of the Altera Kingdom of Colony L1 A-2502. I'm honored to finally get to meet you." He then bent down and placed a light kiss on her hand.

Relena flushed, what else could she do? "The pleasure is all mine," she managed to say.

They continued to stare at each other in silence until Duo coughed again. He didn't mind Relena and the prince to stare at each other that way, but when Hilde and the rest of the girls had the same look on their faces, he thought it was about time to step in.

"I'm sorry," Relena apologized. "Let me introduce you to my friends. This is Duo Maxwell and Hilde Schbeiker; Trowa Barton and his sister, Catherine Bloom; Chang Wufei; and Quatre Raberba Winner and Dorothy Catalonia."

"I've met the prince before," Dorothy announced in her sleek way.

"You have?" asked Quatre with a tinge of jealousy. He didn't want to feel envious but he did.

"I assure you it was nothing personal," the prince explained. "We just attended the same boarding school for a year." He smiled to assure him.

Hilde was still looking at the prince with wide eyes making Duo want to punch the guy. Hilde wasn't exactly his girlfriend, not yet anyway, but if she kept staring at the prince that way, he would probably never get the chance to find out. "You say you're a prince? I didn't know they had princes in the colonies, and didn't they do away with all the country borders," Duo asked as if accusing Prince Alexander of telling a lie. Hilde nudged Duo's shoulder as a warning, but he just gave her a suspicious look.

"Yes, I am a prince from a colony, and yes, the Earth Sphere did eradicate all boundaries between nations and colonies. You see, the colony I am from, Colony L1 A-2502, was the original colony formed hundreds of years ago. The first form of government established on the colony was a monarchy, which stared thousands of years ago. The first of my bloodline was the ruler of the earth kingdom of Tranilly in northern Europe. Unfortunately, it was overrun by other ambitious nations. The people escaped and built the colony, making my great-great-grandfather the first ruler of Altera." He paused to make sure that everyone understood.

Relena had to give him credit for being quite confident as he gave his speech. She supposed he had much practice being a representative for his colony. Still, she admired him for his poise.

"That still does not explain why you are still a prince when there is no country," Wufei stated, still in the same position he was in earlier.

"It's true that the Earth Sphere destroyed to lined that divide different countries from each other, but that does not mean they do not need ruling. They have allowed the different nations and colonies to continue governing the people the way they are used to so long as they comply with the regulations of the Earth Sphere. In other words, the monarchy still runs things in Altera, but we are vassals to the Earth Sphere democracy; they rule the people through us. This is why I am still deemed a prince. But enough about me," Alex said with a smile that lit up his whole face. "Your names sound familiar, is there a reason I've heard them before?"

"We were gundam pilots," Trowa answered. That's all he said and all he needed to say.

Alex's eyes widened in shock. These were the famous gundam pilots that saved the world for devastation. They did much more than that in Alex's opinion; they saved humanity from itself. These young men had his respect ever since he first found out of their intentions. He idolized them in some way. He had to admit they didn't look like how he envisioned them to be, big and intimidating. They looked like normal everyday men, well, everyday men who could sweep any girl off their feet with just their looks.

"Gundam pilots? Well, this is a surprise. I never thought I would get the chance to actually meet one of the renowned gundam pilots, let alone four. On behalf of my colony, I'd like to extend my sincerest gratitude for all you've done." He finished the last sentence with a slight bow of his head.

Duo was beginning to like this guy. He knew what he was talking about, and he obviously knew how legendary Duo was. Anyway, he kept glancing at Relena like he had developed a crush on her. He figured Hilde was safe. "Well, it wasn't anything special," Duo commented, placing his arms behind his head. "We did what we had to do at the time."

"It was a long time ago as well," Quatre added with a smile of approval. Prince Alexander wasn't too bad after all.

"There's no need for anyone to thank us. It was the people who saved themselves, we only guided them to do the right thing," Trowa said, but it did feel nice to be thanked every once in a while. Wufei just nodded in approval.

Alex nodded his head in understanding. He took a chance and snuck a glimpse of Relena. She really was stunning. She suddenly turned towards him and gave him a shy, unsure smile. He almost fell over. If he didn't instantly fall in love with her before, he certainly did right now. He had to get her away, someplace where he could get her alone. He figured the dance floor was the best place to start. It would at least give him a reason to look at her.

"Miss Darlian, could I have the pleasure of this dance," Alex asked with so much charm she could hardly refuse.

"I'd be honored," Relena replied.

Alex held out his arm on which Relena placed her hand upon, and he guided her to the dance floor amidst the other couples. Relena felt awfully uncomfortable walking onto the dance floor with this gorgeous man, and the curious looks she got from the onlookers weren't helping at all. She felt his arm go around her waist while his other grabbed her hand. Instinctively, she placed her remaining hand on his shoulder. She had the oddest sensation to run out of the hall at that moment, but she stood her ground. This would be her first dance with her possible future husband, she might as well get used to the idea of being held in his arms.

Her hand felt soft like rose petals and warm like a summer's day. He suddenly wished that he could fell the skin under his hand that was on her waist. He wanted to touch her, all of her. He thought he was going crazy. It was wrong to want to possess her like that, but he still wanted to. Never had he felt such attraction to a woman so quickly before. He was infinitely happy that Altera's Council of Lords had approved of Relena.

They began to move with the rhythm of the music, matching it step by step. They glided across the dance floor as if they were walking on clouds. Neither one was conscious of what they were doing, they just automatically moved to the beat. To the spectator observing the pair, they looked perfect together. Nowhere in the whole Earth Sphere was a couple more flawlessly matched than these two. Rumors and stories were beginning to circulate the ballroom about the romantic couple. Some were saying that they had met a few months ago and that they were a very serious item, others were citing how they knew each other since childhood and only developed a crush on each other now, but most were convinced that they had only met tonight and had miraculously fallen for each other. Either way, they had the entire court convinced that they were together. Even the gundam pilots were beginning to wonder.

As the gossip flew across the air, the couple in question danced in ignorant bliss. She smelled of Jasmine mixed rain. He had taken to just staring into her mysterious eyes that seemed to hold the world. If he didn't do something soon, he figured to would have stopped in the middle of the floor and kissed her right there. Alex thought it time he broke the silence.

"Miss Darlian…"

"Please, call me Relena. We needn't such formality when we are supposed to be… well…" she trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

"I understand. And, please, call me Alex." Relena nodded.

"Relena, you've hardly said a word since I arrived. If I'm not mistaken, you're avoiding any social relations with me. Do you find me unpleasant?" He only meant to tease her into speaking, but Relena thought he was being serious.

"Oh, no. You're everything a girl could want," she nearly shouted. "I have no reservations, that is, if you want to go ahead with this. I know I'm not exactly right for the job of queen, but I'm willing to give it a try. I know that I…"

He cut her off before she could finish. "Relena, I was only joking. I was only trying to get you to speak, although I'm glad you approve of me. It's just that you seemed so tense, and I could only guess that it had something to do with me. I'm just trying to lighten the mood," he said with a smile.

Relena couldn't help but smile back. He was everything a girl could want- he had looks, power, money, personality, and intelligence. What more could you wish for? Heero, that's what she wanted. But, she didn't let herself think about him. The prince, Relena, the prince.

"Do you enjoy such occasions as this one," Relena inquired. It wasn't the most interesting nor the most original topic of discussion, but it was a start.

"If you mean balls, then yes. When given the choice between attending a ball or attending a delegation, I would much rather spend my time dancing with beautiful young ladies than arguing with pompous aristocrats," he answered with a twinkle in his eye.

Relena giggled in reply. "I identify with you completely. It seems like a decade ago since I've had enough time to do anything but work. If I'm not needed here, I'm need there; if I'm not signing this, I'm signing that. Sometimes the brainless chatter that goes around the ballroom makes more sense than some of the representatives speeches."

It was Alex's turn to laugh. It had been so long since he had last found someone who could make him forget his princely tasks and just let him be himself. He often had to worry about someone being fake, either because they secretly hated him but put on a smile around him to get things, or they liked him but only because he was a prince. They never liked him for himself. But, Relena was different. She had everything he did. If she understood what he was going through, it was her. Again he thanked his lucky stars that she was picked to be his.

"But enough talk about work. Personally, I like to avoid it as much as I can," he said, before Relena nodded in support. "What do you like to do in your spare time?"

"When I do have free time, which is rarely, I sleep," Relena said with enthusiasm.

"Sleep?" Alex wasn't exactly used to hearing that answer. It was usually going to the plays or reading a book.

"Yes, you of all people should know that a political job cuts very deep into your sleep cycle. I like to catch up on it as much as I can." He smiled at her answer. "But, if you want a more lively activity, then I would say horseback riding. I've heard that you like sports. Which ones do you do," Relena asked.

"Well other than horseback riding, I'd say your typical gentlemen sports like fencing and golf; your everyday sports like soccer, boxing, and basketball; and the more extreme sports like surfing, rock climbing, and snowboarding. But it's not that I don't enjoy the gentlemanly sports, but I'm more of an active kind of guy. I also do some martial arts."

"That's quite a lot of sports," Relena pointed out.

"How about you? Do you enjoy any sports in particular?"

"I'm more of a spectator in that arena, but I do take pleasure in fencing and horseback riding. You said you enjoy extreme sports. How could you do them on the colony? I'm pretty sure they don't have any bodies of water, mountains, or snow."

"Well, my schooling wasn't exactly what you would call proper. Each year I was sent to a different school to learn. A few of those years, I was transferred to schools on Earth, where I took up those sports. The Earth is far more beautiful than the Colonies, and if I didn't have an obligation to my people, I'd probably be living my days out on some secluded island in the Pacific."

"Yes, Earth is beautiful. It has so much to offer people if they only let it. The Colonies and Earth can share what we have together so that we both come out winning. It's a shame that not everyone sees it this way. It's frustrating knowing that there are those who would see the Earth destroyed. It's a good thing we had the gundam pilots on our side," Relena had gotten a faraway look on her face but nonetheless determined.

Alex had to admire her for that. She had spirit, and she was right. The gundam pilots were an asset to both sides. He was glad he had the chance to thank them personally. But, something bothered him. "Tell me," Alex said, "Weren't there five gundam pilots?"

Relena felt her heart sink. She couldn't believe he found the one topic that she was trying to avoid. It figured. Life seemed to throw her a boat-full of challenges. She might as well face them head on.

"Yes, there were five," she answered. She prayed he would leave it at that, but of course, he wouldn't.

Alex couldn't think of a better topic to talk about as they moved across the dance floor. He decided to flow with it. Besides, he did idolize them in some way, right?

"What was his name again?"

"Heero Yuy," she said as she turned her head to the side. She couldn't look at him when she talked about Heero.

Alex was getting suspicious of her one sentence answers. "I heard that you used to keep in touch with a few of the pilots. Was Heero one of them?"

"Yes."

His brow furrowed and he didn't understand why she was suddenly so cold again. "Is there something wrong, Relena?"

She dropped his hand and stood back from him before the song was completed. "I think I just need some fresh air."

"Of course," Alex replied, although he still didn't comprehend the change in her.

He lead her out onto the balcony into the fresh, cool air of night. The iridescent moon hung dreamily in the dark sky, shadowed by a few passing clouds of mist. He released her, and she reached the balustrade in a few steps. Placing her hands on the cold, stone railing, Relena closed her eyes and let her mind drift. The night had gone by well until the mention of Heero. Why, oh, why did the prince have to bring him up? She was enjoying herself tremendously. She had even forgotten about Heero for a few brief moments, but now he was back on her mind. She opened her eyes and found that he was standing right next to her, staring at her intently as if waiting for her answer but also with an air of concern, which caught her off guard. How could he care about her after only knowing each other for such a brief amount of time? She didn't want to talk about him, not yet, but she felt she owed him something. He was after all putting his personal life on the line and investing everything he had in her. She figured she'd tell him enough to put his mind at ease.

Alex was perplexed. Why would she change from being sweet to being distant so quickly? He hadn't offended her in any way, had he? They were talking about sports and then that gundam pilot, that's when she started getting hardhearted. Maybe he was the reason she was so cold, but he didn't want to jump to any conclusions. He decided to let her tell him in her own time.

Relena turned to him. "Would you like to take a seat," she said, pointing to the marble bench along the side of the building. He took settled down and Relena followed suit. She sighed to gain her confidence. "I suppose you're wondering why I'm suddenly so callous all of a sudden. It's very hard for me to explain, I just don't how to put this simply."

Alex took her hand in his and gave it a little squeeze of assurance. "It's all right. I can tell this isn't easy for you to do. You don't have to tell me on my account."

Relena saw the sympathy in his eyes. "See this," she said as she grabbed the necklace around her neck and showed it to him. His eyes turned to the gold ring that hung at the end of the chain. "It's a ring that Heero Yuy gave to me. It was a gift he sent me for my eighteenth birthday. The thing is he didn't personally give it to me. He gave it to a middle man who then gave it to me. I haven't seen him in four years. He was a very dear friend of mine, but he just left." It was a lie. She actually loved Heero more than just a dear friend. She also neglected to mention that the words "Believe in me" were inscribed on the inside of the ring. She felt so guilty but there was no reason to make him worry.

"I understand," Alex said. "The only person I've ever lost is my father, but it was such a long time ago that I hardly remember anything about him. I can only imagine how you feel right now."

"Thank you."

Alex barely heard her last words. He was too busy staring at her luscious lips. Even in the dim light of the moon, he could see their cherry-red tint. All he wanted to do was kiss them and lose himself in the feeling. He began to lean towards her.

Relena was aware of Alex's advance. He was trying to kiss her, and she somewhat wanted him to. He was only six inches away when she closed her eyes right before he did. But, what she saw made her snap her eyes open again. Heero. That's what she saw. He couldn't even let her have a moment's happiness. Alex's eyes were still closed and he was still moving closer, so Relena verbally said, "I think we should go back in."

Alex's eyes flew open. What had gone wrong? One second she was about to let him kiss her, and the next she was trying to get away from him. She was very fickle, but he supposed it was part of the challenge. He'd just have to win her over completely. He offered his hand and they both walked in together to the scandalous whispers of those who had seen the balcony ordeal.

***

One of those who had witnessed the balcony scene wasn't very happy. In fact, he was seething. Donavon been watching Relena since she first made her way into the ballroom. She looked absolutely perfect in his mind, but she always did. If she could only see how perfect they'd be together, but some people were more blind than others. She had been with the gundam pilots, most likely chatting away about nothing important. That was when he decided to make his move. He was going to ask her to dance, and of course, she couldn't refuse.

But as Donavon was ten feet away from her, he had to show up and ruin everything. The Prince of Altera. He had greeted Relena, and from that moment on, she looked positively infatuated. The talk of how perfect they looked together didn't make him feel any better. But, he kept his anger in check. He could wait until they finished dancing for his turn. Except he never got it.

Before the song was over, the prince had whisked her off to the balcony. He followed them, finding a nice spot where inside where he could watch them through the glass doors without being seen. That is when he had seen the prince nearly kiss his girl. He had no right.

He ducked out of sight when they returned to the room. As he watched Relena and Prince Alexander rejoin the gundam pilots, Donavon's fury grew into an uncontrollable inferno of fire. All he saw was red.

His subordinate, a Captain Walters, spotted him and strode towards him in greetings. But, Donovan was too fuming to speak to anyone. He pushed the captain out of his way and stormed out of the ballroom without another word. He wouldn't let the prince get away with his girl, he wouldn't let anyone get away with her.

AN: Ok, so how was that for romance? Did ya like the prince? Well, did ya? Please, please review. Pretty please, with a cherry on top, and whipped cream and sprinkles. Ok, enough begging. Next chapter will be partly about Heero. So put on your seatbelts, cuz your in for a bumpy ride…