Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Counting the Seconds ❯ Chapter Nine ( Chapter 9 )

From the Desk of Scilja

Pardon the slight delay for this chappie, but here it is finally! For all you people looking for more fluff and sap, here ya go! Yeah, I know, :S. I'm not always one to be all mushy, heck I can't even sit still in front of a screen with people smooching. Heheh, this isn't a romance for nothing! Enjoy!

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DISCLAIMER: I think everyone's already tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. I sure am…

Counting the Seconds

By Scilja

Chapter 9

"Hilde," whispered a feminine voice. The sleeping form on the couch responded with a moan, but did not awaken. "Hil-de," a hand stretched out to shake the shoulder of the snoozing lady, only to be swatted away in a slapdash fashion. 'That's it.' Fed up, the other hand clamped over Hilde's mouth and nose, ceasing her source of breathing.

In a second, a loud half-grunt and half-snort came forth as the once dozing femme shot straight up in the seat, her arms flailed in sudden shock.

"'Da hell!" Disoriented, Hilde seethed with angry through her teeth, ready to give an earful to the person responsible for rudely waking her. She scowled at the laughing face of Relena, and promptly hurled a cushion that nearly missed her. She blamed her loss of aim at her state of weariness.

"For future reference, there are other safer ways to wake a person, Rel," Hilde fumed, "that does not result in bodily harm to the other person!" She flopped back down on the couch, placing a hand over tired eyes.

"Morning to you too," Relena grinned, obviously pleased at successfully bothering her friend. "You looked so peaceful sleeping that I just had to do something about that."

"Glad to know I have a friend like you," Hilde mumbled.

The figure on the couch shifted languidly, sighing as she run a hand through short, dark locks. Hilde squinted from the bright rays that peeked out from the gap the drawn curtains let through. She was still fatigued from the gathering last night and tried to regain what little sleep she could. Duo had been acting a bit skittish, but he was as high-spirited as he always was. She mused quietly on their relationship which brought forth a smile on her lips. She felt incredibly safe and secure around him, and he assured her that he would be there for her at all times.

She let out a small sigh. If anything, Relena deserved to be just as happy as she was. Looking back at the years, Hilde believed she owed her big; without her, she didn't think she would have gotten this far. Before they met, it took a lot of struggle for Hilde to be on level with others. Relena was the first who approached her and made an effort to be her friend when the rest of the world shut out on her. From then on, she vowed that she would give back something extraordinary.

Speaking of Relena, Hilde briefly wondered where she had gone off. Her short moment was interrupted by the scurrying of feet.

"What's the rush? Hiding from another infatuated suitor?" Hilde said dazedly, covering a yawn with the back of her hand.

"Mmmphng Eiro," came the muffled response.

"Say what?" She questioned from the divan, opening a violet eye.

Relena took the hairpins her lips held and push them through blonde strands, "I have a lunch meeting with Mr. Yuy." She surveyed her ponytail in the hall mirror. "It might take a while, so don't wait up for me, okay?" She turned to face the living room, "Enjoy some of the activities offered here, I'm sure you'll like it."

"How about I enjoy some sleep. That sounds like a wonderful activity to me," her voice quivered from low energy. She sat up from her lying position and glanced over at Relena. "Hey, no stiff business suit! You're improving faster than I thought." She commented on the pastel colored dress adorned with a feminine white belt, then grinned wickedly, "So, is this a date or is this a date?"

The small statement caused Relena to falter, "Just an appointment, Hil!" She reached for a white shoe, "I think I have reason to be afraid to wonder what goes on in that mind of yours."

"Trust me; I think it'll be safer to stay out of it."

"Bye, Hil!" The VP called out from the front door. "Avenge me if I'm not back!"

She saw a hand shoot out from the couch and wave weakly, "Will do," she said groggily.

Shutting the door, Relena then stepped out into the elevator to meet Heero for their afternoon date. 'Date? It's a meeting,' she corrected herself. Her mind fought back, 'Sure hun, sure.'

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The elevator doors opened and she stepped out into the carpeted hallway. There wasn't much of a crowd as last night, only couples and children occupied the floor. Making her way to the front desk, she stopped to see Heero leaning against the counter talking to Mac. Her stomach fluttered as she drank in the sight of him in a loose grey, button down shirt. It hung partly open to reveal a white shirt underneath that clung to the well-sculpted stomach she had the pleasure of caressing long before. His dark pants fit his lean legs well; it gave him the famed aura of mystery the magazines identified him. Even without the formal attire, he looked dressed to kill.

He looked up from his conversation when he spotted Relena a few feet away. A sparkling smile graced her features, and he thought nothing could have looked better than her. Mac eyed her supervisor and grinned inwardly; the young man couldn't stop staring at Ms. Darlian. Heero cast a sideway glance at Mac, who in turn winked at him, then sauntered over to Relena. She saw Relena's eyes soften over Heero's shoulder, and she smiled back at Dreask's representative when Relena looked her way and beamed. The young lady was exactly what Heero needed. She would do him good.

"Good morning," he said leaning forward close to her, near enough not to raise any suspicions for gossiping eyes. He looked intently at her, and already she felt her insides melt.

"Morning," she replied, suppressing a blush when his eyes roved over her with an appreciative glance.

"Sleep well?"

Such a harmless question would've been put aside, but his gaze remained on her lips when he asked that she knew it was directed elsewhere. So she safely answered, "With the way we were splendidly treated, it would be hard not to."

He moved swiftly and stood beside her, placing his hand on the small of her back as he did last night. She jumped slightly from the sudden movement and he gave her a devious smirk. He bent low next to her ear; to anyone it seemed he was telling her a secret. "There's something I want you to see."

She raised her brow, but signaled for him to lead the way. She didn't question his change in plans and figured it should be something that would come to importance.

Once they were further distant from the lobby, he pulled her out to the courtyard. She kept up with his fast pace and became dimly aware that the hotel was slowly fading from behind. Looking at her surroundings, she realized they were no longer familiar to her anymore, but that certainly did not stop the man in front of her. She took a glimpse back at the lodge, and sure enough, they were running opposite the direction of the building.

Seeing her wrist encircled by his hand, she said, "Mr. Yuy, might I remind you whisking me away to places unknown would sorely ruin your reputation, especially at the hands of a helpless dame."

He did not let go of her when he answered, "The idea sounds tempting, Ms. Darlian, but my intentions are not that disrespectful," she heard him smirk, "and you are far from helpless."

They left it at that, and she was silently glad she had worn her low-heeled shoes for he was now speeding up. Trees and bushes whizzed by her as they darted through the maze of forestry. He then came to a full stop, causing Relena to nearly bump into him.

Before she could question why he stopped, her question died in her throat when she looked in amazement front of her. Without thinking, she nudged at his hand excitedly, "Look, Heero."

They stood before what made out to be a secluded area since most of the wildlife was left untouched. A twinkling spring flowed from a small, rushing waterfall. Flowers of various species and vines framed the cascading water like a blooming frame. The trees overhead did not entirely block out the sun from shining down on the water, making it shimmer like diamonds.

"It's beautiful," she said breathlessly.

"Glad you came?" Heero turned to her.

There was no need to hide the honesty and pleasure her face shown, "Very."

His eyes darted left to right before he crooked his arms underneath her and bent down to pick her up.

Relena gasped and quickly wrapped her arms around his strong neck to maintain her balance, "Heero! I am in perfect condition to put one foot after the other and walk!"

He ignored her protests and continued walking, "That's just it, there's no need to ruin your perfect condition now, is there?"

Her throat growled in frustration but reluctantly submitted to his wishes. Secretly, she was enjoying this treatment. It wasn't everyday that the world's most sought out man would literally sweep you off your feet. She was hesitant at first, but then laid her head on his shoulder, breathing in his spicy scent.

His arms shifted under her weight, and she knew he was putting her down. Her eyes glanced incredulously at him for whatever purpose he had in mind. He answered her by moving ahead and sat down at a makeshift swing that hung from a grand cherry tree. He propped his elbow on one knee and grabbed hold one of the ropes that supported the swing with his other hand. He gave a stance of casualness, and she simply stood in her spot.

She didn't think he could surprise her anymore when he patted his thigh and said, "Here, Relena, you can sit."

The golden-haired femme blinked disbelievingly at him, "I don't think the swing can hold any more to the point of sending us crashing down on our rear ends."

"You know what?" He raised himself up to reach her arm and quickly drew her towards him, "You talk too much."

She had no chance to voice out any objections when everything happened so fast. She was spun around so her back faced him. Then in a blink of an eye, she was seated right where he wanted her to be.

Grasping the rope to steady herself, she couldn't stop the red that sprung forth on her cheeks. His hard form made her fully aware of the man under her, her back pressed up against his chest made her heart ring in her ears. She blatantly told herself not to think about the masculine form beneath.

Heero sensed her tense state and husked against her ear, "Relax, Relena," he lowered his voice to a point she thought sounded extremely desirable, "trust me. I would never hurt you."

She instantly whisked around to face him at those words. That was all it took to revive the event that occurred between them two years ago. He had said them on the night she thought would be the last time they were together. From the way his eyes gazed back at hers, she knew he remembered as well. Never did they think that they would be given something that anyone would crave for: a second chance. Their shared moment was slowly broken off when she turned her head away.

A hush came over them, but oddly enough, it wasn't an awkward one. Instead, Heero brought his arm around her waist and pressed her closer to him. With a kick of his feet, he sent the swing off into a slow, easy motion.

The hand that wrapped around the rope inched its way down to hers and enveloped it. Her body was calming down from the soothing sway of the swing and Heero's warmth. She shut her eyes and leaned her head back on his shoulder, a soft smile gracing her lips. He dropped his head near her neck, breathing in her sweet aroma from the golden strands that slackened out of her ponytail. A breeze took its chance pass by, making a shower of white petals fall freely around them.

"Relena," his lips moved against her neck.

Opening her eyes, she turned to face him with a lazy smile, "Hmm?"

His mouth came down on hers, and like a burst of flame, it seared her soul. He played on her lips until she moaned in anticipation. His tongue slicked her bottom lip, flicking against the corner of her mouth. She didn't need a clue to turn her body more towards him to get in a better position. When her lips finally parted to his silent request, he wasted no time to benefit from it. She rested against his arm, which still held both her hand and the rope, and he delved deliciously into her mouth holding nothing back. In turn, she gave back the same fervor and savored the taste of him. Her fist curled around the fabric of his shirt as they satisfied hidden desires and passion.

And they enjoyed each other's company with the gentle rocking of the swing.

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"Dammit."

Duo slammed the phone down angrily but did not take his hand off the device. After having had a heated debate with one of the employees back at the office, he didn't feel like getting up anymore. Back at ZW Enterprises, an employee had screwed up with the plans for the upgrades of the ZW jets. He loathed being the nagging type, but it came as part of his job. Like mindless robots, those people practically needed to be told what to do. He sighed wearily; things were not going well.

The bed suddenly dipped under a new weight, and Duo welcomed the pair of arms that looped around his neck. "Hey."

He turned his head to the side to exchange a kiss, "Hey."

Hilde played with the bangs that fell across his cobalt eyes, "Tough start, huh?"

He let out a light chuckle, "Cycle of being me."

"How did it go?"

"Mix up for new airlines, and the deadline is so close that it crawls nearer every minute." Heero wasn't going to be the least bit happy about it. Time was running short for them.

"Ouch."

"Painful, but I can take it."

"You hate pestering, don't you?" Her hands had splayed across his collarbone and chest, and it was getting distracting.

He shrugged his shoulder, "Understood that risk with a job like this. Kushrenada will buck up if he knows what's good for him."

Her chest quivered against his back when she laughed. He turned around and grabbed a hold of the petite lady, settling her to his side where he gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

Smiling at the affectionate gesture, Hilde leaned forward and rested her forehead against his, "Heero's gone?"

"For a date, though he won't admit it."

She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, "Do you think he has any feelings for Relena?" Her question had a hint of hope in it, and it was obvious she was concerned for Relena's solo being.

Duo cast his gaze to the ceiling and leaned back on his palms, "Hard to say with a guy like him. No, scratch that, especially with a guy like him. For as long as I've known Yuy, he was always one to be sorta closed off with displaying emotions. Sure I can get him to come out of his shell once in a while, but most of the time, Heero's like an unsolved puzzle."

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Relena shook her hair free from its confined state and tied the ribbon around her wrist. She smiled to herself, reminiscing how Heero had held the same part and taken her to a small version of paradise. After a long, pleasant time in the private woods, Heero grudgingly broke it off short. She thought he was growling while he said he had to meet Terry Collington soon. Though neither wanted to leave so early, they reveled in the time they took to walk back to the hotel. Before they parted, he gave her a chaste kiss on her forehead and went to look for Terry.

She propped both her elbows on the glass table, and sipped her cold ice tea under a striped patio umbrella. She appreciated the smell of the potted flowers that lined the metal fence next to her. Though the meeting had changed entirely from the business-like manner, she certainly wasn't complaining.

Approaching footsteps came up from behind her, and she nearly jumped when she heard the figure speak. "Am I disturbing you?"

Blinking away the glare the sun gave when she looked up, the blurred image of Cheryl came into view. "Oh, hi, Cheryl is it?" Relena said, hiding the fact that she already knew her name.

"Cheryl La Veur," she extended her hand and gave her a perfect, white smile. Whenever you shake a person's hand, you could somehow distinguish the kind of personality they had. Hers was cold and drab. "We came across each other at the gala last night."

Oh, she remembered all right. She also didn't forget the speculative look she had given her. Relena released her hand, "Yes, I recognize you, nice to meet you." She felt the words being forced out her mouth, or more likely, spat out. "I almost didn't know it was you (because you weren't wearing that scanty piece of scrap that passes for clothing) because of the sun."

"That's why I'm fully topped off," she replied, smiling behind fashionably large sunglasses and a wide-brimmed turquoise hat. "May I sit down?"

"Of course," Relena exclaimed, having forgotten her manners. She sat up from her leaning position and watched Cheryl gracefully lower herself into the chair. She called over a waiter for soda and ice. After the attendant set her drink down, Relena took a glance at their surroundings. Hardly anyone was present. "Did you come to look for me?"

Cheryl drank her beverage with poise and shook her head, "Actually, I was just strolling through the grounds. When I saw you, I thought it would be a good time to get to know each other better. I admire the position you hold. People wouldn't stop talking about you at the ball that I just had to meet you for the sake of it."

"Thank you, but I'm sure it's exciting with what you do as well," Relena stirred her drink with the straw, listening to the ice clink against the side of the glass.

"I organize fashion shows."

"It must be fabulous to travel around the world and get paid for it."

The redhead shrugged her shoulders as if it wasn't much of a big deal, "It has its moments. I hear you came with Heero."

Relena's head shot up at the abrupt change in subject. She didn't really know how to respond to that due to the history behind Cheryl and Heero. Even the story between them was vague. She cleared her throat to state clearly, "Not really, I'm overseeing an advertisement on Z-Scape. Mr. Yuy and Mr. Maxwell suggested we arrive to Hawaii to gather up concepts for research." The stare Cheryl was giving her was discomforting. To steer clear of a touchy subject, she paused to lick her lips and added, "Heero and I were past acquaintances."

Cheryl took another sip of her drink, "So I've heard." She responded in a tone that implied she was aware there was much more to their relationship than the Z-Scape arrangement.

Whatever Cheryl was going to say was broken off when Relena asked, "When were you engaged to him?"

Her features were a clear display of anger, "How did you know that?"

Like any woman, Relena understood her state of alarm. She didn't want any of her past failures creeping up behind her. "Gael Collington mentioned it to me last night. It was my first time hearing about it."

When Gael was brought up, Cheryl fumed even more. Yet, she schooled her rising fury like a debonair lady and laughed bleakly, "Few people did. Heero and I were very much in love," her eyes narrowed dangerously and she seethed through clenched teeth, "and we still are."

'Wh―What?' Her stomach did a double take as Relena stared wide-eyed at Cheryl. When she thought about Cheryl and Heero, it brought a crushing sensation to her chest. She couldn't bring herself to picture her kissing him, touching him, or exchanging words of love. She suddenly felt queasy, and her breathing hitched in her throat. "You are?" Her mouth became dry as she tried to form the words. "Gael said you ―"

Rose-colored sunglasses dropped from the bridge of her nose to reveal angry slits of green eyes, "Gael Collington does not know a thing! She's just a tittle-tattle old woman with a mouth that can't be put to good use."

It was her turn to become furious. Relena didn't think Gael was that kind of person. She was as sweet as she was devoted to her husband. Before she could defend Gael, she was brusquely cut off.

A pale hand was brought up to Relena's face, and a well-manicured finger pointed at the ring that adorned a finger, "See this Ms. Darlian?" Her name dripped like venom from Cheryl's mouth, "Heero and I are still happily engaged at this point. I don't know what that old woman said, but there's still a wedding going on." Her hand met the table with a hard slap, she inclined her body forward and scowled, "Don't you dare get near him and ruin what we have. You are a potential threat to this marriage and I will not standby helplessly to watch you crumble it. So stay the hell away."

She then pushed her sunglasses higher on her nose and rose roughly from her seat, her heels stomping away against the brick pavement. All Relena could do was gaze forlornly at the now empty seat across from her with one thought running through her mind.

Why didn't Heero tell her?

TBC…