Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Eyes Cold As Death ❯ Epilogue ( Chapter 26 )

Eyes Cold As Death

Epilogue

It had been a year since the final conflict with the Eagle Squadron. A hard yet fruitful year. Most of the damage from the battle had been repaired, although alternate sources of oil had to be found for quite a while. Peace had once again settled its gauzy wings over the Earthsphere. But further to the south, the long ragged scars still stood in high contrast with the rusting hulks of wreaked dolls keeping a silent vigil over the scarred land.

They had rebuilt Preventer HQ in a gleaming pillar of metal and glass. It resembled the original building that had been destroyed years ago. Construction was just wrapping up, and everyone would be able to move in shortly. Quatre was the head of the organization, appointed by Relena. He definitely wasn't a replacement for Lady Une, but he felt as though he did a good job running the Preventers.

Quatre gazed up at the building in the falling night. He and Duo visited the construction site every day to watch the progress. From the outside, it looked complete. From the inside, there was still much to do. Most of the employees wouldn't be allowed in the building for another couple of months while the inside was finished. But the remaining Gundam pilots were moving in next week, so they could secure their floor immediately. All of them were looking forward to installing carpet, drywall and electricity. Heero had purchased a large set of any tool that was known to the carpentry business. Duo had simply rolled his eyes and muttered something about boys and their toys. Quatre thought that Heero looked positively sadistic as he organized his tools waiting for the chance to use them in the new building. It reminded him of when Heero would organize their firearms the night before a mission.

"Sure is pretty." Duo mentioned, his hands stuffed in his pockets to keep them warm from the gathering chilly night. Quatre nodded in agreement. He turned away from the building and laced his arm into Duo's.

"Let's go see Liam." Duo's grin was brighter than the sun. Quatre lost himself in thought as they walked the short distance to Nallen's.

Sally and Wufei had gotten married about six months ago. It was the first real source of joy for anyone since the war. It was as if their wedding had been the catalyst for everyone's healing. After that, things seemed to get lighter, easier.

Quatre had not forgotten Trowa.

They had held a mass funeral for everyone lost in the war; Trowa, Zechs and Une were laid quietly to rest in a beautiful cemetery that had remained untouched close to the hangers. They overlooked the carnage to the south, silent sentinels surveying the peace they had died to protect. There was a small lake just off to the east and rolling green fields spread across the land quietly joining the city to the north. The funeral had been a simple affair. Quatre had left a lily on Trowa's casket.

At first, he had felt as though there was nothing left for him. He had struggled so hard to wake up to this--nothing. What he couldn't see through his grief at the time, was that he still had everything. He just had to open his eyes.

Relena had appointed him the head of the Preventers, and soon he was neck deep in pulling the organization out of the trenches. With Relena's help, he was able to secure emergency override decision making--something that had prevented Une from being able to protect the Earthsphere as she ought to have been able to. Relena had stood strong behind his proposal, almost flat out refusing to hear anyone in protest to his idea. She advocated the proposal and it passed with almost no trouble at all.

His hands would no longer be tied with the same red tape that had tied Lady Une's.

He and Duo pushed through the doors at Nallen's, Liam welcoming them exuberantly. They sat in their reserved seats at the bar and launched into conversation, enjoying the fading August day.

Later, after they were pleasantly drunk and hanging off of one another for support, they staggered toward home.

Home, a word that he hadn't truly felt since before he and Duo had left on that fateful mission five years ago. A lot of things had changed since then--some for the better, some for the worse. But that was life for you, always throwing fastballs and curveballs until you had no idea what was coming next.

What didn't kill you made you stronger.

They paused in front of their door so Duo could fit the key into the lock. Quatre was impressed with his ability. It only took five tries to get the front door unlocked. Quatre pushed it open and they stumbled in, giggling like mad. Heero was sitting on the couch reading a book. He looked up, a small smile forming on his lips as he took in the two drunks. He put the book facedown on the coffetable and stood, moving to help them as they swayed in the doorway.

"At least you guys only do this one night a week, now." Heero said softly. Duo shrugged, the motion placing Quatre off balance for a moment. Heero reached out and caught Quatre before he could fall over.

"Its fun." Duo slurred. Quatre nodded sloppily. Heero heaved a sigh.

"Let's get you both to bed." Heero shut the door behind them and guided them to bed, the smile still on his face.