Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Mistaken Words ❯ A Change for the Better ( Chapter 47 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Mistaken Words

AN: Wow did I ever let myself get behind! I'm sorry but now that you're all caught up with everything I have posted on the other sites I promise to keep you up to date as well! Unfortunately I'm not sure when I'll be posting again, I'm hoping it won't be too long, but I can promise you now that when it does happen it'll be a double chapter! So I hope you'll all enjoy what I have so far!

To my editors Pious Knight and morgansgirl, I really couldn't have done this without you!

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing

A Change for the Better

John dropped his head down onto his upturned palm as he continued to read over Leon's report on Heero's condition and the little progress he had made sense she had started working with him. John only wished some progress had been made with Heero's attitude as it had only deteriorated as the days went on. Heero worked with Leon grudgingly if only because he wanted to be back on his feet above anything. But John could clearly see how much this was stressing the boy out. He wasn't relaxing after Leon left, unless Relena was in the room with him. He had been really pleased to see the two of them together, far closer than they had been when she had first entered the scene. They looked like a couple, albeit an unusual one.

It had been three days since John had stumbled on Wufei and Duo interrogating Trowa, it had been enough time for the former pilot to catch up on his missed sleep, and for John to be totally sure he was making the right choice. All that was left was to explain the change to Leon and make sure things sat well with her. In that respect John was already preparing himself for a fight, considering how she had taken the news that someone had been working with Heero before she had been brought in, she definitely wouldn't be pleased.

As if on cue Leon walked through the door “Good morning,” he greeted placing the folder aside and glancing towards the clock. It was nearing on nine o'clock in the morning, Leon always liked to start early with her patients, she was able to get a lot done in the day that way.

“Morning,” she returned eyes catching sight of the folder he had been looking through, “He's stubborn as hell, but at least he's making improvements.”

John chuckled softly, “I warned you didn't I?” he asked with a fatherly smile, he felt very much like Heero was his troubled son.

Leon placed her hand palm down on the table bringing herself a little closer to eye level, “You did, and you've never been one to exaggerate but you can't blame me for finding it all hard to believe.”

“No, I guess not…” he agreed with a shake of his head, Leon jumped a little as the door opened again this time Trowa walked through it. The young man looked a lot better than he had a few days back, the dark bags under his eyes were all but gone, and he no longer seemed on the verge of yawning.

“Good morning,” John smiled finally coming to his feet, having a feeling of what was about to happen would require a firmer stand. “Leon I'm sure you know Trowa Barton,” he introduced stepping around the table he had been sitting behind, “He's worked with Heero before during the war.”

“It's a pleasure,” Leon extended her hand, Trowa quietly accepted the gesture eyes looking to John, clearly wondering what was to happen next.

John cleared his throat trying to gather his thoughts, “Leon, I think it's about time a few adjustments were made in regards to Heero's treatment.”

“I thought you were done laying down ground rules,” Leon came back instantly sounding defensive.

“The problem is, he's not trusting you, he can't relax so long as you're in the room, in the end that's going to cause problems,” he sighed no matter how he put this it wouldn't go over well, “Problems that could be avoided.”

“Avoided how?” she asked though her eyes glanced to Trowa it wouldn't take much for her to realize he had something to do with the change.

“As I said Trowa's worked with Heero before, the boy trusts him enough to make all this a lot easier. I'd like for you to instruct Trowa on how to proceed, and remain to evaluate Heero's progress as time goes on.”

Leon was shaking her head, “And just what sort of experience does he have?” she demanded.

“He got Heero back on his feet after a month of being comatose, with severe injuries,” John still felt amazed that Trowa had managed that feat considering the circumstances that he was working under.

“Let me guess, that was when Heero's shoulder was injured,” she made it a statement of fact.

“That's right,” Trowa responded for John, his tone almost always seeming to ask `what of it?'

“He's lost movement in the joint, it's something he'll never get back,” she spun on John, “Don't tell me you'll risk having that happen again!”

“Leon, I asked you to supervise, but I still think this will be best for Heero.”

“You called me in because you don't know the first thing about physical therapy, and now, you want to let a bodyguard take over? Can you tell me where the sense in that is?” she demanded rather loudly.

John sighed quietly, “Leon, I know you know sometime you have to improvise, you may not like the thought of someone else being able to do your job, but Trowa got Heero where he was when you came in. That has to count for something…” he pulled a hand through his hair finding this to be going exactly how he expected it would. “But no matter what I'm committed to doing what is best for Heero,” John said firmly.

“What if what you're doing ends up being worse for him?” Leon returned immediately, “What if he ends up crippled?”

“He won't,” Trowa told her quickly.

“There's no way you can be sure of that!”

“I can,” he responded again just as calmly, “Heero's injuries are healed, that's more than half the battle. Had there been proper medical treatment back during the war Heero wouldn't have lost the movement in his shoulder.”

“How can you be so sure?” she asked right back.

The old doctor decided to intervene then, “Leon I've made my decision, I knew you wouldn't be happy with it, but I feel it's what has to be done in order to help Heero. I still want you here, for now to supervise and instruct, later I'd like you to perform evaluations of Heero progress.”

“Won't that bother your precious patient?” she said in dry tones.

“He'll deal, I never said I wanted you out Leon, just a little bit more into the background.” He took a pointed step towards the door, “We're not getting anywhere standing here arguing, lets at least try this out.”

That didn't lighten the tension filling the room at all, “And what if I want to pull out?” she asked remaining where she stood.

“You and I both know you're too stubborn for that,” John said, having to fight a smile wanting to touch his lips.

Leon's eyes flickered darkly to Trowa whose expression had remained impassive all this time, “You're just lucky I am.”

“Well then, shall we?” he asked reaching out to open the door.

WMWMWMW

Trowa's eyes opened as his mind made the transition from sleep to wakefulness almost instantaneously, his emerald eyes looking towards the digital clock on his nightstand. It was seven a.m. on July 15. Today would make it one week sense he had started working with Heero, Leon was a little more receptive to the idea. There was no denying the fact Heero was more comfortable working with him, she had been in every day Trowa had worked with Heero so far, today would be the first time Trowa worked alone. Well not technically alone, John was always there, but that didn't seem to bother Heero at all.

Pushing himself up off the mattress Trowa walked slowly towards his bathroom, the muscles in his arms and legs feeling a little sore from the show the night before. He rolled his shoulders enjoying the pull and feel of every muscle, he liked his performances with Cathrine, but also performing alone. He had been doing such shows for less time than his new show with Cathrine, he couldn't remember who had suggested such a thing, but it had sounded like an interesting challenge to Trowa. It had started out simply enough, mostly a floor show with a little work on the trapeze, but had quickly become more complicated as more people volunteered to be a part of it all. Trowa had somehow remained at the center of it all, the only one truly willing to throw himself into the show without needing safety nets beneath him.

Stepping up to the sink Trowa splashed cold water on his lean face studying his reflection in the mirror without much interest. It was still too early to start working with Heero, he wondered even if his friend would be awake yet. He had been sleeping at more natural times of late, but he was still really exhausted from the work he was going through. Trowa had something a little different planned for today that he hoped would go over well, whether it did or didn't really wouldn't matter as Trowa knew it would do the most good for Heero. He wanted to work with Heero in a small pool that the pilots all had access to in their personal gym. It was all a part of their private wing of the agency so there was no fear on the wrong people catching sight of Heero.

Back in his bedroom Trowa heard the muffled beeping of his cell phone, and he strode out to retrieve it from his pants pocket, he flipped it open and spoke into it, while his free hand pulled down his face brushing the last few drops of water from his features.

“Good morning Trowa,” Cathrine's voice greeted his ears, it sounded disturbingly cheerful, and caused the hairs on the back of his neck to rise in warning.

“Morning,” he responded back in his usual quiet smooth voice.

“You left early last night…” she commented her voice remaining creepily upbeat.

Trowa moved to his dresser searching for a pair of jeans to wear, “You think so?” he pulled the jeans on holding the phone to his ear with his shoulder. “I've been leaving around that time for the last few nights,” Trowa said running his fingers through his slightly damp hair, he knew that wasn't going to be good enough with Cathrine.

“You didn't come say goodbye to me,” she retorted.

“As I recall you were occupied with someone at the end of the show,” he replied calmly, dropping down onto the edge of his bed.

“Hmph, awfully convenient that I was,” her voice had lost the cheerful edge now, “Did you send him over?”

“No…” Trowa responded, “I thought he might be a new boyfriend…can't say I really liked the look of him…”

“Quit trying to change the subject!” she almost snarled, “Why'd you do it?”

It was such an opened ended question Trowa would not have known what his sister was talking about had he not expected this call since he ducked out of the circus the night before. “There really wasn't any risk,” he defended knowing it would get him nowhere.

“No risk?” she scoffed, “You dropped ten feet to land on the back of a green horse, a spooked horse I might add, I can think of a lot of risks in that,” if Trowa didn't know any better he would have bet money Cathrine was wagging her finger in front of her.

The new horse had been spooked off stage by a loud noise and bolted into the ring, causing it to become more frightened and disoriented. Trowa had feared it might try and bolt into the crowed if it could mean a way of escape, so he had done the first thing that came to mind. It had appeared to be a new aspect of the show, or so he had been told afterwards, “Animals like me,” he said quietly, having a feeling such performances would be repeated.

“That's not reason enough to jump into every lion's pit that come up to you.”

“Would you have rather I let the animal run wild? Maybe injure some spectators?” he asked calmly.

“Of course not!” she sounded as though the wind had been taken out of her sales. “I just wish you weren't so eager to throw yourself into harms way, it's really unnerving…”

“Old habits…” such things never looked like a risk to him.

“Could you at least try to not have so many?” she asked and he could hear the humour in her voice, more natural now than it had been at the beginning. “So will you be able to come here for dinner tonight?” Cathrine totally switched gears.

Trowa rubbed at his eyes, “I should be able to, there's a rehearsal tonight, what are you making?”

“I was thinking of lasagne, unless there was something you wanted more?” Cathrine had gone out of her way to try and find foods he particularly liked, and had quickly become frustrated when he would eat anything. During the war there wasn't time to be picky; you ate what was available to get you through the next day, or however long it would be until…

“Been a while since I had liver…” he said softly, Cathrine made a very nice lasagne, but he sometimes found it hard to perform after eating something that spicy.

“Liver and onions it is,” she confirmed sounding as though she were rubbing her hands together. “So what are your plans for today?” she asked then keeping the conversation light.

“I have some errands I have to run, nothing real important,” Cathrine knew a little about what was actually going on, he hadn't bothered with the specifics and frankly his sister hadn't asked. She knew enough that it wasn't a conversation to have over the phone.

“Alright, I'll leave you to that. Can you be here for six?”

“I'll call you if I'm going to be late,” he confirmed before he said goodbye.

Trowa slipped the cell phone into his pocket as he got to his feet in search of a shirt he could just shrug into. Finding such a shirt, Trowa walked out of his bed room. He by passed his kitchen, not really wanting to eat anything until he was done with Heero. He didn't expect they'd be at it for a long time, this was going to be the most exercise his entire body will have received in a long time, Trowa doubted Heero would be able to swim for too long. Slipping on a pair of shoes before leaving his apartment, Trowa walked slowly down the hall towards Heero's room. He felt sure that by now Heero would have woken up.

At the end of the hall the elevator opened and John stepped out, looking refreshed and ready for another day. His eyes found Trowa and a smile broke out on his face, “You're up awfully early for someone up so late…” he said as he closed the distance between them, they stopped to face each other just outside of Heero's room.

Trowa rubbed at the back of his neck finding a knot in the muscle there, “Not really…” he thought about it for a moment, he had got close to four hours of sleep, it was enough he'd be able to function. “Never really needed a lot of sleep,” he explained wondering what was actually on John's mind.

“Fair enough,” John nodded his lips still twitching with a smile, “But do you think tomorrow you could try and not get yourself killed?”

An eyebrow shot up on Trowa's face, “What?” he asked in confusion.

John eyed him for a moment as though considering before he opened his mouth to speak again, “Think about it, if you got hurt who would work with Heero?” The old doctor folded his arms across his chest, “Although I suppose Wufei could if it came down to that…”

Trowa was certain the expression on his face was pure confusion, what had brought this on? Something occurred to him then, one that he thought unlikely but at the same time seemed to be the only explanation. “Were you at the circus last night?” Trowa questioned.

“No,” John smiled his expression somewhat mischievous, “I take it you haven't had the news on yet this morning…”

Failing to repress a sigh, Trowa shook his head, “You're kidding…” he already knew John wasn't, how else would he have known what happened.

“Someone in the audience recorded it all,” John chuckled softly, “That was quite the performance.”

Trowa just continued to shake his head, he had never made it a secret that he performed at the circus in his off time. It had raised more than one eyebrow in the beginning, but was now an accepted fact. This incident was going to draw unnecessary attention towards it, knowing this wouldn't have stopped Trowa from leaping onto that horse, in time it would all blow over.

“I think I should come and see the show sometime, I'm sure my grandchildren would love it,” John smiled breaking the silence.

“We'll arrange a day. I can show them around,” Trowa offered. He really enjoyed watching the spellbound faces of the children as they saw everything behind the scenes. He didn't know why he felt comfortable around children, but it was somehow relaxing for him as he entertained them, every laugh and gasp of surprise drew him further away from the life he had once led.

John's eyes flickered over to Heero's door, “Are you wanting to bring him down right now?”

“If you think he'd be awake and ready,” Trowa shrugged, they had all day to do this, he doubted once they got started that Heero would have the energy to swim for very long.

“Why don't you go in and see, and I'll get a wheelchair for him,” the old doctor turned away then as Trowa made his way over to Heero's door.

Knocking on the hard metal Trowa punched in the code and walked in. It was a pleasant surprise to see Heero sitting up in bed, his right arm propped behind him, holding himself in place, judging by the slight tremble in the limb Trowa guessed his friend had been like that for some time. Ever since they had secured the rubber bound metal bar above his bed Heero had been hoisting himself up, slowly rebuilding the muscles in his arms. Heero's cobalt eyes flashed over Trowa's face, and the former pilot thought it might have seen excitement in those depthless eyes.

“Leon won't be coming in today,” Trowa informed right off, knowing that would improve Heero's mood even more so. In the end this was what John thought would be best, Trowa had spent some time talking with the therapist getting a feel for how she did her job and what Heero needed. He knew she'd be coming in a couple of days to check on Heero's progress and lend further instruction to Trowa's work. As expected some of the tension between Heero's shoulders lifted at that as he relaxed, and eased himself back down onto the mattress. Trowa walked over to the bed taking a seat on its edge, “You up for something different?” he asked calmly already knowing the answer.

That excitement returned to Heero's eyes, Trowa realised it wasn't truly excitement at all it was a little of the life that he remember seeing in those eyes when Heero was active, doing what he loved. It was a little of the man they had known three years before, He's getting there… Trowa assured himself.

“What did you have in mind?” the Japanese man asked, just as John knocked upon the door. Trowa turned to follow Heero's gaze as the old doctor walked into the room pushing the wheelchair before him. The former pilot's attention quickly swung back to Heero as he felt his friend stiffen up, “My legs work,” he said, tone unimpressed as his knees drew off the bed as if in proof of his words.

“But they aren't ready to hold you up yet,” Trowa countered quickly.

“It's just for transportation,” John assured, though Heero still looked less than thrilled.

“If you'd like I could always carry you…” Trowa offered, knowing the answer he'd receive, Heero glared darkly at him, signifying what he thought of such a suggestion. “Leon agrees that hydrotherapy could bring the best results in the shortest time,” `shortest time' wasn't saying very much, it would still be a while before Heero was back on his feet. Trowa tossed the blankest back away from Heero's body and reached down to lift his friend up. Despite preparing himself mentally Trowa was still surprised by how light Heero actually was, he didn't dwell upon it however but moved quickly to situate Heero in the waiting wheelchair.

“I never thought to ask before now, but will it be a problem getting to the pool?” John inquired as he pushed the chair out into the hall, “Don't we need to secure the halls?”

“It's not an issue,” Trowa assured walking along side Heero, his emerald eyes watching his friend closely without appearing too. “There isn't just this floor of the agency that's strictly for our use, but the entire wing. A few floors down there's a gym and small pool, put in for our use.” Une had thought it the least she could do, it made things simpler for them, Wufei had his own training room where he displayed an abundance of swords and other weaponry, something he wouldn't be able to do in a more public area. The pool itself wasn't very large, wide enough across that two people could swim side by side without running into each other. But while it was short, the pool ran a current so you could swim against it, making it work as well as, if not a little better than a full sized pool.

They all walked into the elevator and Trowa selected the desired floor, his eyes still studying Heero, who hadn't said a word since they left his room. He sat in the wheelchair hardly moving, but Trowa could see a slight movement to his head as he looked around himself, there wasn't much for him to see right now, but this was the first time he had been out of his room. It only took them a moment to make it down to the floor, and Trowa led the way down the hall, wanting to get there quickly knowing Heero would relax once he was in the water. Trowa held the door to the gym open for Heero and John, the room was large and open housing most pieces of equipment you'd find in a normal gym. The pool was sectioned off from the main room by a glass wall, where their lockers were also housed.

Briefly Trowa debated whether he should help Heero get changed or leave that to John and change himself. He quickly settled on the latter, not wanting to leave Heero sitting and waiting any longer than he had to. Walking over to the lockers, he opened the first one he came to and pulled out a pair of swim trunks. They were Heero's from three years back; they'd be large on him but the draw strings would keep them on. Handing them to John without a word, Trowa looked at Heero's face, seeing determination in his eyes, at the same time there was a relaxed expression on his face even now. This was new for him but at the same time a familiar step in the right direction, something definitely worth putting up with.

Trowa walked a little further down the row of lockers to the one that held his stuff, and quickly began stripping off his clothes to get changed. He was done before Heero, but took a couple of moments to adjust the pools settings turning off the current, he didn't want to have Heero fighting against that right off. When he turned around he found Heero ready to go, Trowa's eyes swept over Heero's thin body, noting the new scars that marred his flesh. They all had them, but Trowa thought it was safe to say Heero carried the most. It was amazing to see them all and know that Heero was still alive, there was hardly a patch of skin that was untouched. Shaking his head Trowa came to a stop right in front of his friend, “You ready?” he asked.

Heero nodded his head mutely, and without anther word Trowa lifted the smaller man into his arms. Together they walked into the pool Trowa taking his time so as not to slip. The water came up to his mid chest once he had his feet firmly planted on the floor, and he slowly lowered Heero into the water allowing him to stand on his own two feet for the first time in months. Trowa kept a hand around Heero's chest just to steady him, but pulled back a little so Heero could feel as though he were doing this by himself. Heero shifted a little in the water hesitating to take a step, but a smile touched his face as he continued to stand.

WMWMWMW

John smiled at the expression he saw on Heero's face once Trowa had them both in the pool, it had to have been the first time he saw the boy look truly happy. It was different from the times he had spent with Relena, John was watching as Heero got a little of his freedom back. He was sure Heero knew it wasn't going to last, as soon as he got out of the water, he'd be reliant on others again, but for the moment maybe he could allow himself to forget that and think of something else. John eased himself down onto a bench and watched as Trowa quietly spoke to Heero adjusting his hold on the boy and getting the exercise underway.

Heero's movements were a little jerky to begin with but soon he was swimming on the spot with Trowa holding him in place. John could see that Heero's skin was pebbled with Goosebumps from the cool water, and his lips were beginning to turn a faint hint of blue, but he knew the boy wasn't about to complain about being cold. His eyes were drawn to the brand on Heero's back, it was like black on white against his skin, impossible to overlook, and there was no hope it would ever fade. The Inner Circle had spent too much time perfecting it. John felt sick just looking at it, knowing what had been done to make it look so crisp and sharp, despite that—perhaps even because of that—he still felt it was the best thing not to bring it to Heero's attention.

Blinking John returned his attention to what was happening in front of him Heero was once more standing in the water but leaning a little more heavily on Trowa's arm. Trowa asked the boy something quietly and Heero shook his head in response, John suspected Trowa was wanting to stop now, this was enough for one day. It was no surprise for John that Heero wasn't ready to leave the pool just yet. Trowa's eyes sought John out, a questioning expression on his face, the old doctor just nodded his head, he didn't see any harm in Heero working a little longer.

Trowa allowed Heero to begin swimming once more, but it didn't last long, Heero's endurance had been brought to its limit and his breathing became suddenly ragged as he tried to keep going. Without a word Trowa scooped Heero out of the water and walked back towards the steps the Japanese boy looked less than pleased at this, but was too busy trying to control his gasping breaths to complain. “That was good for you first time,” John commented coming over to the stares with a towel in hand.

“We'll do this again,” Trowa assured clearly having been pleased with the results this first time around. He gently sat Heero down in the wheelchair and took the towel from John's hands, the old doctor took a step back allowing Trowa to help Heero.

The boy's limbs trembled from the exertion his body had been put through, but he still tried to dry himself. John watched on amazed at how Trowa handled Heero, he was there in front of the boy hands moving the towel to dry Heero's skin, but somehow he managed to do it in a way that only assisted Heero's movements didn't take over for them. John gathered up Heero's cloths which had been left on the bench in front of the lockers and handed the pants to Trowa once he was ready to help Heero slip them on.

John grew a little concerned as Heero began to look more out of it, his movements were becoming less responsive to Trowa's and his head was drooping eyes falling almost completely closed. He was fairly sure it was merely that he was tired, but he needed to be sure, crouching down beside the wheelchair John called to the boy softly. “Heero, are you alright? How are you feeling?” he hoped the boy would choose to give him a response even if it was just to raise his head and look at him.

Heero gave him one better than that, “Yeah…” he breathed blinking several times as he raised his head, he looked totally drained. It must have frustrated him to be left so weak after so little exercise but it would all be worth it, and John was sure Heero was reminding himself of that.

“Why don't you bring him back to his room, I'm going to take a shower down here, then I'll be up,” Trowa offered stepping back from Heero.

“Alright,” John nodded walking behind the wheelchair to take hold of the guide handles. He turned Heero around without a word and slowly made his way back out into the hallway where he could still smell the scent of chlorine off Heero's skin and slightly damp hair. John strode down the hall towards the elevator watching as Heero's head began to lull, the old doctor smiled to himself and walked a little faster he wanted to get Heero back into his bed so he could sleep.

John reached Heero's room quickly enough, once inside he brought the wheelchair up beside the bed and leaned down close to Heero, “Hey, you still with me?” he asked softly wanting to have Heero's attention before he just picked him up.

The boy brought his head up with some effort, “Yeah…” he said again.

Reaching behind Heero's back and beneath his knees John lifted the boy into his arms and placed him on the bed. He noticed that Heero was shivering subtly, and probably had been since he left the pool. He made a mental note to bring a blanket to cover the boy with next time. Covering Heero, John moved around the bed and took a seat in the chair; he wanted to keep a closer eye on him after this first experience.

Thanks for Reading!

Quiet Conversations:

“Have you spoken to Heero recently?” Dante asked suddenly.

Ash shook his head, “He's been busy with the therapy, though I'm supposed to be speaking with him tonight.” He was looking forward to that, he liked to know how things were going with Heero, though he knew not to expect open information about what had been happening. It was a difficult process for Ash, he had to question prod and hold his breath waiting for Heero to snap a little and pass on some information, then with that he could dig a little deeper. In the end however Heero only let him go so far, but it was enough, Ash had to guess at a few things but at least he managed to get the gist of what was happening.

Dante leaned back in his chair, relaxing his posture, “That's good to hear, how's he coming along?”

“Better now that Trowa's working with him, but he's still frustrated by it all, more so on days when Leon has to come in,” Ash wished he could be there to help his friend, but he didn't know the first this about physical therapy, and would only be in the way.

“Hmmm…” Dante nodded his head, “Do you know what happens two weeks from now?” he asked with an inquisitive light in his eyes.

“August 19th?” Ash asked back, thinking about it but nothing was coming to mind for him.

“It's the Sank Kingdom's birthday,” Dante informed a smile widening on his face, “I thought it would be appropriate to attend the festivities, considering President Winner is planning on being there.”

Ash smiled at that, though his face sobered for a moment as a sigh escaped him, “It's hard being a diplomat,” he joked suddenly very excited, he would be able to see Heero sooner than he had thought possible. He wondered briefly if he would tell Heero tonight about his coming, or leave it for a surprise. But Ash quickly decided to see what Heero's mood was like tonight, if it was dark enough, perhaps news of Ash's coming could help in lifting it.

“I thought it was about time we returned to earth,” Dante commented turning his chair slightly, his eyes turning up towards the ceiling.

“All that was missing before was the excuse?” Ash already knew the answer to that question, they didn't want to raise any eyebrows. “Does Une know yet?” he asked then, a sly smile on his face.

Dante's eyes returned to him, “Not yet, but I doubt I'd be able to keep it from her if I wanted too, what with the news media hounding whatever I do.”

Morganeth Taren'drel