Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Touch ❯ Chapter 4

Chapter 4

 

Heero stood looking into her face for a moment, thinking it impossible that such a beautiful young woman could be blind. He looked into her clear blue eyes and thought again how lovely they were. He didn't realize he was stood staring at her until she giggled a bit and tugged on his hand.

 

"Oh, Relena. I'm sorry.” He fumbled, dropping her hand. He felt like a fool as he searched for something, anything to say to her. He needn't have worried, apparently she was used to the reaction he had given her; still he was a bit embarrassed and ashamed of himself.

 

"Heero, really, it's quite alright. I knew you had no idea that I was blind. Trust me, I know the games Grandma and Papa play.” She laughed and turned toward Mr. Darlian, reached for him and tapped him on the nose.

 

"It's not a game, princess, and you know that. It's just we forget at times. It just doesn't seem to factor into the conversation.” Mr. Darlian said as he put an arm around Relena's shoulders.

 

"Papa, it's ok. I know what you mean.” She said and leaned to kiss his cheek. She then turned to Heero once more.

 

"Forgive me, Heero. It's just that I've missed them so much. My brother and his wife travel quite extensively and this time, I just didn't want to go. It's been nearly a year since I got to see Grandma and Papa, so I decided I'd spend the time here and let them spoil me silly!", she laughed.

 

"Your grandparents are treasures, Relena. I can see why you've missed them.", he said. She nodded and smiled wider then leaned toward him, her hand touching his arm and pulled him forward. Her other hand reached up to cup his ear and he felt her fingers touch the sides of his hair, just barely but enough to tell she was trying to “see” what he looked like in a subtle manner. She whispered...

 

"I think my Grandma has a crush on you, Heero.", and laughed softly. He chuckled warmly as she pulled back, her hand still on his arm. "You need to tell me all about your music. I'm so interested in it. Grandma says it's wonderful how you can play the piano. She says you've single-handedly upped attendance in church with your lovely musical ability. I would love to hear you play sometime.”, she said and squeezed his arm.

 

"I'd love to play for you. But I think your grandmother is giving me far more credit than I deserve. I'm quite positive that Father Cleary would disagree with why the church attendance has grown!", he laughed.

 

Relena threw her head back as laughter bubbled from her. He couldn't take his eyes from her. She was the loveliest creature he'd ever seen in his life.

 

"Dinner is served everyone. Relena, you've met Heero then!” Mrs. Darlian proclaimed as she walked through the doors to place a huge ham in the center of the table. "How lovely! Isn't he just so sweet and NICE!?", she gushed.

 

"Yes, he is. I think everything you said about him is true.", she smiled and turned her face toward him. "Shall we eat then Heero? Are you hungry? I hope so. Grandma had me preparing dishes as soon as I set my bags down. She's a slave driver, I tell you!” Relena laughed.

 

"I'm hungry, sure I am. It's been two weeks since I've been back to Sligo and I miss my mom's cooking something fierce. I can cook, mind you, but only the simple stuff. This is a special treat.", he proclaimed.

 

"Then I'm happy we could take care of you!", Mrs. Darlian laughed. "Come, let's eat then."

Relena slid her hand down to the crook of his elbow and started to walk toward the table. Taking her cue, he led her and pulled out a chair for her to sit in once they were there. Mrs. Darlian beamed at them. What a lovely pair the two of them made! Going back into the kitchen, she picked up the rest of the dishes and brought them to the table as well.

 

"Have mercy, Tessa! Just how MUCH did you prepare? There's enough here to feed a small army!", Mr. Darlian exclaimed. "Heero, you'll have leftovers to take you through the end of the week, I'm sure of it!", he chuckled as he sliced the ham.

 

"Well, that's not all bad now is it, Heero?” Mrs. Darlian smiled and poured a glass of wine for Heero, giving it to him.

 

"Thanks, Mrs. Darlian. Everything looks lovely. I'll be sure to tell my mom all about this!", he said.

 

Relena was seated next to Heero and he felt her gaze on him as he spoke. He turned to her with a smile, seeing the frown of concentration on her pretty face. She sensed at once that he'd turned to her and she smiled.

 

"What is it, Heero?”, she asked.

 

"I was wondering what dishes did you prepare. I'd like to taste of those first.” He said shyly and she smiled and turned to her grandmother.

 

"Do you think it's safe for him to eat my cooking, Grandma? I don't know, is Heero a strapping lad?” She laughed and turned back to him, reaching for his face with both her hands. He sucked in a breath as her fingers slid over his cheeks, down his neck then moved to his arms and finally his hands. 

 

“Sure he is. He's a strapping lad at that! Feed him!", she giggled. She leaned to him and he moved his head down near hers, his heart beating hard in his chest. "Forgive me, Heero. I should warn you and I hope it's ok. I like to be able to “see” who I'm talking with and my hands are my only communication that way. I have to touch you to see you. Is that OK? If it isn't, please tell me. I know some people aren't open to touching and I'll understand. We can find another way to communicate. Is it ok with you?", she asked him.

 

"It's fine, Relena. I don't mind one whit. Don't worry yourself at all.”, he said and her face broke into a huge smile.

 

She leaned back to her place and waited for her grandmother to fill her plate.

 

Heero picked up his wine and sipped at it, looking over the rim to see a smile from Mrs. Darlian aimed his way. He smiled back and she winked at him then reached for his plate to fill.

 

"Relena made a lovely corn pudding, Heero. Also the fresh rolls and an apple cobbler for dessert. She's a wonderful cook, almost as good as her Grandma!” Mrs. Darlian laughed.

 

"She's a cheeky lass, isn't she, Heero?” Relena grinned and Heero laughed.

 

"That she is. Now let's have a blessing of this food and continue on with dinner!” Mr. Darlian said.

 

Heero enjoyed the dinner and the conversation. He found that most of the time during the meal, he forgot about Relena's handicap. She was so cheerful and intriguing. He found it easy to lose himself in conversation with her. She was intelligent as well as beautiful. It had been too long since he'd enjoyed the company of a beautiful young woman.

 

As soon as dinner was finished, Mrs. Darlian took Relena's hand and smiled at her. "Relena, thank you for helping with dinner. I'm sure Heero enjoyed every bit. Now I'm going to tidy up this mess and pack Heero a box for home. Would you be a dear and entertain our guest out on the porch, maybe even take a evening stroll around the neighborhood to settle your dinner?", she smiled and patted Relena's hand.

 

"Would that be OK with you, Heero?", Relena turned to him, her eyes serious.

 

"I'd love nothing more. Shall we?" He smiled and got up from the table, pulled out her chair and allowed her to take his arm.

 

TBC