Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Of Laptops & Love Letters ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

~ Yay, chapter four is finally here! I'm trying to get a chapter out at least every week. I hope I can manage. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this latest installment!

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. At least the plot is mine...

Of Laptops & Love Letters

Chapter Four

By: Penybright

With a grim face and steely resolve, Heero stepped out of the limo, offering his hand to Relena. Relena smiled gratefully, and stepped daintily out of the vehicle. Heero wanted to scowl darkly at the young woman standing beside him. She had worn that dress on purpose. As if he didn't have enough to worry about.

A sudden thought struck Heero. Why had Relena worn the dress he had picked? He knew she wanted to tease him, but could there be an ulterior motive? It was to much to hope for; that Relena could actually be showing interest in him. She had a perfectly nice boyfriend at the moment. Terry was a true gentleman, and could offer Relena things Heero could only dream about.

Again, Heero glanced at Relena from the corner of his eye. He wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell Relena the truth, and get the issue off his mind. He didn't want to ruin their friendship, though. After Heero had made it clear during the wars that he had no interest in Relena, she had accepted it. She instead sought comfort from another, realizing that Heero could never be more than a friend. Neither of them had been truly happy since.

The young couple walked through the doors of the ballroom, and were instantly besieged by flashing lights. Heero blinked in surprise, while Relena turned on the charm. Once they made their way through the mob of paparazzi, the two were surrounded by various diplomats. Inwardly, Heero groaned. He hated social functions, especially when he was in the limelight. Relena seemed to be enjoying herself very much though. Heero wasn't sure, but he thought she was actually taking enjoyment in his discomfort.

Of course he would never get her to admit anything. No, she was too good a politician for that. She could lie through her teeth with a perfectly innocent smile plastered on her face. Heero couldn't decide which was worse, facing Relena or Zechs. When thoughts of Zechs were brought up, Heero began to wonder how the older man would take the news of Heero being Relena's bodyguard... per her request. Heero was jerked from his thoughts when Relena commanded his attention.

"Heero, aren't you going to offer to dance with me?"

Heero looked at Relena and immediately noted her crafty smile.

"I think---"

"A proper escort would not desert his charge," Relena interrupted, a slight edge to her voice. Heero silently offered Relena his arm and led her out to the dance floor.

"Thank you," she said softly as they took up positions for a slow waltz. Heero kept his expression impassive as he nodded. Tonight was going to be a long night.

*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*

Several hours later, Heero found himself wishing that he could have a drink. Alcohol was out of the question, though, when he was on the job. Heero wouldn't allow anything to hinder his protection of Relena. A few drinks to dull his mind wouldn't have been amiss that night though. Heero found the constant gossip and babble grating on his nerves. He was reaching his limit, and was going to lash out at someone soon if he didn't remove himself to a remote corner.

Relena's eyes scanned the room, looking for Heero. She spotted him to her left, slinking into the shadows.

"Oh no you don't," she whispered under her breath. He was going to endure every excruciating minute of this social function, even if it killed him. She wasn't going to let him escape, not this time.

Heero sighed gratefully when he reached the darkened alcove. There was no one there to bother him. He could have a few moments peace until someone came looking for him. It wouldn't be long until...

"Heero."

He inwardly groaned. Why was it always her? She seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to him.

"Relena," Heero replied blandly.

"You still owe me a few more dances. The ball is almost over."

"Relena, I'm not going back out there."

Relena narrowed her eyes and grabbed Heero's wrist.

"You are coming with me, now," she said, pulling on his arm. Heero silently resisted, placing his feet firmly in place.

"No."

Relena sighed in exasperation. He was so impossible! She slackened her hold, throwing Heero off guard for when she yanked with all her strength. Heero's eyes widened as he stumbled forward, right into Relena. Relena discovered her error to late, as Heero tumbled into her. The two fell to the floor with a loud thump, Heero falling completely on top of Relena. They drew the attention of several guests. There was the flash of a camera and secretive murmuring.

Heero leaped to his feet as if he had been shot. Relena looked up at him, dazed. If she didn't know any better, Heero looked like he was blushing. Heero stuck his hand out to help Relena to her feet, turning his glare on the bystanders. They all quickly backed off, giving the two some space.

"Can I have those dances now?" Relena asked sweetly. Heero scowled at her, but led her to the dance floor. Frequently, Heero would have to avert his eyes from Relena to regain control of his emotions. When Relena moved closer and placed her head on Heero's shoulder, he swallowed thickly. He quickly averted his eyes from her gaze, a faint blush tingeing his cheeks. For the rest of the evening, Heero became Relena's "willing" dance partner.

*_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_*

The next morning, Heero woke up feeling less than wonderful. He still felt exhausted from the night before. Who knew that dancing could be so tiring? Dragging himself out of bed he proceeded to the bathroom. After a quick shower, Heero dressed and began his descent down the large staircase. Upon reaching the bottom step, he was greeted by Pagan, who handed him a newspaper. Heero looked at the butler warily. He had a decidedly unreadable expression on his face.

Heero's face paled and he felt physically sick when he opened the paper to the front page. In full color, sprawled across the page, was a picture of Relena and Heero in a rather... interesting position. Heero felt his face heat up from both embarrassment and anger. Those dirty reporters had turned an accident into something rather risqué. In big, bold print the headline read: Vice Foreign Minister and Beau Found Together in Dark Alcove at Last Evening's Charity Ball.

Heero whirled around when he heard someone gasp. Relena was standing behind him, absolutely mortified.

"I- I can't believe they..."

Heero's head sunk to the cool wood table.

'This was not good, this was not good, this was not good...'

"Yuy!"

Heero's head snapped up, and he had the instinct to instantly bolt.

"What is the meaning of this?" an enraged Zechs asked, holding up a newspaper. Heero remained silent, not sure how to answer. Zechs glared coldly, taking a menacing step forward.

"What did you do to my sister?"

~ Oh my... What insanity ensues next time? Will Zechs beat Heero to a bloody pulp, or will Relena be able to diplomatically mend things?