Part Five

//We are young, heartache to heartache we stand
No promises, no demands
Love is a battlefield
We are strong, no one can tell us we're wrong
Searchin' our hearts for so long
All of us knowing, love is a battlefield//
[Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar]
***

"Fuck Heero Yuy!" Duo flung Relena's bedroom door open violently and stormed into the room, his violet eyes flashing murderously.

Relena sat up and eyed him nervously. "Things didn't go well?" She inquired.

Duo took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. "I never expected it to go _well_." He confessed. "But I would've appreciated something more than the fucking silent treatment from the fucking Perfect Soldier!"

"What did Heero do?" Relena asked. "Did he say something?"

"No. He didn't say a thing, he just looked at me as if I was going to reach through the screen and pull Hilde away from him!" Duo began to pace up and down, kicking the odd piece of furniture as he ranted. "I called to congratulate them! Would it have really hurt for him to have said SOMEthing? What kind of man does he take me for? Of course I don't LIKE him with Hilde! But that doesn't mean I'm going to crash into their lives and try to ABDUCT her!" He paused and turned, looking at Relena with pain-filled eyes. "Did I really mess things up that badly between us, 'Lena?"

She opened her mouth to say something, but Duo held up a hand. "Ya know, on second thoughts... I really don't want to talk about it yet." He ran a hand through his bangs. "I might just... go for a walk and cool down... I really don't feel safe right now..." With an apologetic smile Duo exited, leaving Relena blinking in his wake.

"Argh!" Relena made an explosive exclamation and flopped back down on her bed. Part of her wanted to run after Duo and check that he wouldn't do anything stupid, but she sharply reminded herself that she would do him no favours by smothering him with concern. So instead Relena focused her mind on Heero's behaviour and a possible explanation for his apparent coldness towards Duo.

Had Duo ruined their friendship beyond repair during the early days after he returned? Surely Heero could understand that Duo's emotional pain had made him lose control! Relena frowned, there was one possible explanation, but it seemed so... silly. Was it remotely possible that Heero _was_ afraid that Hilde still loved Duo?

Despite the changes in his life, Heero still remained quite stiff and serious. Certainly his association with Hilde had made him more 'human' and nowadays it was common to see him smile. He was also very handsome, fulfilling the promise of his teenage years, but was still quiet and morose at times. Compared to Duo's energetic charm and sexy smile, well... even Relena admitted that Heero could have cause to feel nervous. After all, Hilde _had_ fallen for Duo's charm once. It wasn't insane to believe that Heero was concerned about Duo's gorgeous violet eyes, well-turned out form, engaging smile and bright personality. Relena's minds-eye lingered on Duo and she smiled. He was very sexy and...

"Oh!" Relena sat back up and swallowed. "What am I _thinking_?"

She nibbled nervously on a fingernail. This was no time to start thinking of Duo as attractive, she told herself sternly,  not when we're were both still recovering from the scars of lost love. Besides, Relena bit her lower lip, he would be very unlikely to fall for _me_ anyway. I'm completely different in looks and personality from Hilde for a start! And really, getting involved would only make things complicated.

Relena got up and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Duo Maxwell is your friend." She told her reflection firmly. "You like his company and are happy to be a _friend_ whom he can talk to. Mistaking physical attraction for anything else would be a bad idea and is exactly what you and Duo _don't_ need right now!" She sighed. "And furthermore, talking to myself is really not a good sign..."

"Relena?" Dorothy popped her head around the door. "Are you alright?"

Relena twitched. "Dorothy! Can't you learn to knock?" She demanded.

Dorothy raised one eyebrow. "I did knock," she defended herself. "Twice. _Are_ you alright, Relena?"

"Yes, yes. I'm fine, I was just thinking about... things." Relena blushed faintly and cursed inwardly as Dorothy smirked slightly.

"Well, if you can take a break from these 'things', can you have a look a couple of reports?" She asked.

Relena nodded. "Sure, I'll be right there."

Still smirking Dorothy left and Relena resisted the urge to throw something after her. She drew in a deep breath and faced herself in the mirror again. "Friends," she reminded herself. "Just friends. Nothing more."

With that definite statement, Relena turned away, but there was a whisper of doubt, as if her reflection was speaking quite clearly into her unwilling mind.

"Liar."

***

Thankfully for her peace of mind, over the next few months Relena was kept much too busy to dwell on her unwanted attraction to Duo. New trade agreements between Earth and the colonies were being hashed out while several smaller colonies grew beyond expectations and emergency conferences were called to deal with what was perceived as a cronic shortage of basic human rights. Relena was a frequent traveller, barely spending more than five days in one place and with relatively little time to relax. In fact, it was likely that she would have had no time for anything but work if not for Duo's efforts.

Duo remained in Relena's staff as her bodyguard. He quickly made friends with all other guards, various secretaries and other miscellaneous, but necessary, people. The only person he clashed with, in any form, was Dorothy Catalonia. His pranks became legendary and were soon regarded as a vital way to liven up a boring flight, he was also a sympathetic listener for anyone feeling stressed, and he even managed to convince Pagan to try inline skating at one point. However, his primary target to relax and entertain was Relena. Frequently he would saunter into her office, yank her papers out of her hands and drag her off to enjoy herself. Relena saw more movies, played more games, ate at more burger bars and did more _fun_ things than she had ever done in her life. Yet, at the same time, Duo didn't let her over-exert herself either at work or play. Sometimes all he would do was bar the door while she slept, not even letting the most important minister disturb her.

One warm evening in May 204 Relena and Duo walked back to the hotel where they were staying at a slow pace. In Relena's case it was also a slightly unsteady wobble. The circus had been touring the area for a few days and the last evening had nicely coincided with the resolution of a conference Relena was attending. Duo, despite her protests, had convinced Relena to join him, Trowa, Quatre and Catherine for a little celebration of a satisfactory conclusion to business for every one. The wine had flowed freely and Relena was now feeling the effects and clung to Duo's arm as her feet refused to obey her.

"It's not fair," she complained. "You and Trowa were drinking like fishes and you're _fine_!" Me... I'm all woozy... and it's not like I don't drink champagne often enough!"

Duo grinned. "Yeah, but at the functions you drink the champagne you always limit yourself to a glass and a half, tonight you had five glasses of cheap plonk. It makes a difference, princess." He grinned at her.

Relena made a face at him and then looked up at the stars. "It's hard to believe," she murmured as her wine-hazed mind moved to another tangent. "That nine years have passed since the beginning of Operation Meteor."

Duo blinked. "Really? Was it about now?" He scratched his head. "Wow..."

"Yes, April 7th AC195, my birthday too..." Relena tilted her head to smile at him. "Amazing isn't it... how things change from what you believed then to what is happening now."

"Yeah," Duo rolled his shoulders. "I didn't think I'd live this long, that's for certain." He snickered. "And I sure didn't expect to see Quatre with Catherine Bloom or Wufei a daddy!"

"Mayling is so cute." Relena cooed as she was distracted onto another tangent. "I was so pleased that you managed to contact Wufei and Sally to attend my birthday party last month." She sighed. "One day... I hope I have a child..."

Duo awkwardly put an arm around her shoulders as they entered the hotel. "You'd be a great mother, 'Lena." he assured her and she smiled ruefully.

"Except at the moment I'm much to busy to even allow myself the luxuary of _thinking_ about it!" She pointed out. "It's all very well for Heero and Hilde..." Relena caught herself abruptly and glanced quickly at Duo. He laughed at the stricken expression on her face.

"Hey, it's not taboo to say their names around me!" He said, guiding her down the corridor to their rooms. "I'm not gonna start running around like a lunatic and bashing my head against a wall!"

"I should hope not," Relena mumbled as he opened her door. "That would be really painful... and probably very messy."

Duo chuckled at her statement and helped her to the couch. A blinking light on the coffee table caught his eyes. "You've got a message." He said. "Do you want to hear it now?"

Relena managed to sit up straighter and nodded wearily. "I should, just in case it's something urgent..." she grimaced. "Although I have severe doubts as to my mental capacity at the moment."

Stifling another laugh, Duo pressed play on the vid-phone and the screen lit up. Mariemaya beamed at them, her blue eyes dancing. "Miss Relena," she said. "I thought you would be at conference, but I figured that you would want to know the news as soon as  possible..." She let out an excited giggle before continuing in a rushed, breathless tone. "I just heard from Sally Chang and she told me that Hilde Yuy just had her baby!"

There was a short, stunned silence, then Duo whistled. "Whoo... talk about not breaking something gently." He muttered. Relena just stared mutely at the screen as the information trickled through the alcohol induced haze.

Mariemaya continued. "Anyway, it's a boy and they've called him Shinobu. Anyway, Hilde's going to stay in hospital for a couple of days, but we're all going to meet them at home and congratulate them..." She chewed her lower lip. "I don't know if you want to come... but... ummm... I just thought you'd like to know. I'll talk to you later, Miss Relena!" She waved and the message clicked off.

Relena looked at Duo. "I will probably go." She said hesitantly and he nodded.

"I thought you might." He looked at his hands and to Relena's surprise a smile tugged at the edges of his mouth.

"I think I will to." Duo said softly. "Perhaps this is the perfect time to finally mend things, once and for all."

"That would be wonderful." Relena smiled and relaxed. The alcohol finally overcame her and she closed her eyes, slipping into sleep. Duo looked at her and shook his head.

"You can't pass out on the couch, 'Lena." He picked her up. "Let's tuck you in all nice and comfortable. It's going to be a long flight tomorrow."

***

There was a heavy scent of plum blossoms in the air as Duo and Relena walked up the driveway towards Heero and Hilde's house. Relena found herself remembering the first time she had brought Duo here and the outpouring of emotional pain that followed, she fervently hoped that this time would be a lot different.

The front door was open, spilling light and the sound of voices into the night air. Duo raised an eyebrow. "Sound like there's a lot of people inside." He remarked. "Funny, I wouldn't have figured Heero to be the party type."

"Maybe they're Hilde's friends." Relena suggested as they went inside. Duo shrugged.

"Maybe."

The living room was crowded with people, mostly unfamiliar to Duo although Relena recognised a few members of the Preventers. Une, Mariemaya, Wufei and Sally were all mingling with the crowd and Relena went to greet them, Duo waved but looked around for one person in particular whom he wanted to talk to before anyone else.

"Duo!"

He looked around at the shout and his eyes widened when he saw the speaker. "H-Heero?"

Heero was seated on the couch, a champagne glass in one hand and a huge, rather goofy grin on his face. He got unsteadily to his feet as Duo approached and opened his arms wide. "I'm a father!" He announced grandly.

"Yeah... and you're _drunk_." Duo said still staring at the other man in astonishment.

Heero blinked. "Hai..." he looked at the champagne glass. "People keep shoving these things in my hand." He grinned back at Duo. "Did I tell you I'm a father now? Beautiful boy... ten fingers and toes... everything there... and..." He leaned forward, clamping his free hand on Duo's shoulder to steady himself. "Y'know what the amazing thing is?"

Amusement sparked in Duo's eyes. "I have no idea," he confessed. "But I bet you're going to tell me right?"

Heero nodded. "He's so... so _small_!" He whispered loudly in Duo's ear.

"Okay, so he's beautiful, intact and small." Duo grinned. "Congratulations, pal!" He clapped Heero on the back and found, to his astonishment, that he genuinely meant it.

Heero pulled back and stared owlishly at Duo. "You wanna see him?"

"If that's... okay..." Duo said slowly and Heero nodded.

"Upstairs... with Hilde." He said and pointed a wobbly finger towards the stairs. "An... and I think she'll wanta see you..." Heero nodded again and then stumbled backwards, falling onto the couch and laughing.

"Man, you are going to need a fireman's lift up the stairs tonight!" Duo chuckled, shaking his head. "Are all new Dads this crazy?" he wondered as he walked out of the living room. As he ascended the staircase he began to feel apprehensive again, unsure of how he would feel when he saw Hilde.

She was in the bedroom, showing off Shinobu to a cooing Sophy Winner who cradled the baby in her arms. Duo paused in the doorway and regarded the scene, a slight smile on his face. Hilde's face was flushed with happiness and there was a loving light in her eyes as she took her baby back. The glow didn't fade when she looked up to see Duo, but her eyes did widen in surprise. Sophy glanced back and grinned.

"I'd better go, Hilde." She said. "Remember what I said about babysitters!" She nodded to Duo as she passed by and hurried down the stairs.

"Is Sophy offering to babysit?' Duo asked casually.

Hilde laughed and shook her head. "No, just volunteering her nieces and nephews without their knowledge." She explained.

"Typical..." Duo cleared his throat. "Er... Heero said that you were here." He said lamely. "You know he's plastered?"

Hilde nodded. "Uh-huh, but that's okay... the delivery was pretty long, and he was very tense by the end." She rocked Shinobu gently, the baby burbling quietly in her arms. "Um... do you want to hold him?"

"M-me?" Duo asked, panicked by her suggestion. "Uh... uh... is it hard?"

"No, silly!" Hilde giggled. "Now, hold out your arms..."

"I don't know, Hilde." Duo said doubtful as he did as she told him. "I really don't..." he gulped as she deposited the tiny, warm bundle into his arms. She then adjusted his grip so that he was supporting the baby right and stepped back.

"You look like a natural, Duo." She teased lightly. "Very cute."

Duo looked down into a pair of sleepy blue eyes. "He looks like Heero." He said.

"Really? You think so?" Hilde beamed and Duo's statement turned positively mischievous.

"Yeah, all grumpy and deadly serious."

"Very funny." Hilde picked a camera up from the bed. "Now, smile Uncle Duo!"

"Wha...? Hey!" Duo yelped as she took the picture. "No fair!" He objected as she giggled. Shinobu let out a little squawk at his sudden movement and Duo looked at him in alarm. "Uh..."

Hilde took her son back. "Don't worry, Duo. He makes all kinds of funny noises, just be grateful that he's not screaming." She made a face. "That's the worst."

"But you're happy, right Hilde?" Duo asked softly and she nodded.

"Yes, Duo. I am happy." She met his eyes. "And you? Are you happy now, with Relena?"

"Yes, I..." he frowned. "What do you mean by 'with Relena'?" he asked defensively.

"Happy working with her, that's what I meant." Hilde said, not letting him see the slight smile that flickered over her lips as she placed Shinobu in his cradle.

"Oh... yeah... yeah, I am." Duo said, feeling unaccountably flustered.

"Good." Hilde met his eyes squarely with her own. "I'm glad. I want you to be happy, Duo."

Duo realised something then. There was no longer any anger or bitterness within him when he looked at her. Love still stirred his heart, but it wasn't so tempestuous, and the painful ache of loss was not so harsh. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead. "Hilde, I can one hundred percent guarantee you that I am _very_ happy with my life now."

Part Six

***

//Here in the night
I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one
It's out of our hands
We can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise
Looking through your eyes//
[Looking Through Your Eyes by LeAnn Rimes]
***

Heero opened his eyes a fraction and then shut them quickly as the morning light stabbed into his skull. He felt terrible; as if Wing Zero was jumping up and down on his head. His mouth felt fuzzy and as he moved to sit up his stomach did a triple flip. Groaning softly, Heero sank back onto the pillows and prayed for a self destruct switch.

"Ooh..." Hilde's voice hit his tortured ears and he felt the soft, cool touch of her hand stroking his forehead. "I knew you were going to feel like this."

Heero frowned slightly. The last thing he vaguely remembered was falling onto the couch and then Duo... His eyes opened fully and he struggled upright despite the pain and nausea. "I'm in bed..." he said.

Hilde smiled. "Yes. Duo helped me to carry you up the stairs last night. You were _very_ drunk."

"Duo?"

"Uh-huh, he and Relena stayed overnight." Hilde swung out of bed, answering Shinobu who was starting to whimper in his cot.

"Is he alright?" Heero asked anxiously.

"Duo's fine... oh, you meant Shinobu!" Hilde picked up the baby and rocked him. "He's just hungry, aren't you sweetpea?" Shinobu gurgled in response and Hilde kissed him. "Now why don't we let Papa die quietly and get you fed, hmmm?" She shot Heero a mischievous glance. He grimaced and closed his eyes.

"Ha ha." He muttered and sighed. Lying back on the pillow, Heero listened to the soft sounds of his son enjoying breakfast. The peace eased his aching head and the nausea subsided.

"GOOD MORNING!" Duo yelled cheerfully from the doorway where he stood, smirking at Heero. "How's the head, pal?"

Heero glared at him. "Omae o korosu." he snarled.

"Now, now... is that anyway to talk to the man who has the cure to your pain in his hands?" Duo's eyes continued to mock Heero. He held up a full glass and moved over to set it on the table. "But for now, I'll ignore your rudeness Heero, and just give you the patented Maxwell hangover cure."

Heero eyed the substance in the glass suspiciously. "It looks like green goop." He said flatly and Duo affected a hurt expression.

Hilde glanced over and laughed. "Not _that_ stuff!" she cried. "Duo, it tastes awful!"

"It's not that bad." Duo protested. "And I've improved the recipe... added a couple of things to make it taste _alot_ better."

Hilde was disbelieving. "Heero, I warn you, that `goop' does work but after tasting it you may wish you hadn't tried it." She gently burped Shinobu. "Is Relena awake?"

Duo nodded. "She's in the kitchen, having breakfast... or she was. For some reason her appetite went while I was making the cure."

Heero's eyebrows twitched slightly at this information, but he said nothing.

Hilde shook her head. "Poor Relena, why am I not surprised?" She smiled at the two men. "I'm going to see if I can't tempt her to eat more and cook up something for the two of you as well. Please try to keep the blood out of the carpet, Heero... it's so hard to get the stains out!"

Blowing her husband a kiss, Hilde left. Duo perched on the edge of the bed and grinned at Heero. "Ignore her, I swear that this works!" He assured Heero who was still silently regarding him.

"Hn." Heero sat up, wincing at little as his throbbing head protested. "I believe you, but I also believe Hilde when she says your concoction is disgusting." He picked up the glass and sniffed the contents.

Duo leaned forward. "Well, I can one hundred percent guarantee that it's not poisoned." He met Heero's eyes. "I'm well passed those thoughts."

"I know." Heero said, and he meant it. Things would never be quite the same between them, but the air of bitterness was gone from Duo and Heero no longer had a feeling of angry wariness towards the other man.

With a slight smile, Heero raised his glass and drank the contents down in one gulp. The next thing he knew, he was on his back and gasping as a bitter, burning taste tore down his throat.

Oops, looks like I made that a bit too strong." Duo muttered. "Sorry about that."

Heero wheezed. "S-sorry?!" He swallowed and then lunged for the other man. "I _am_ going to kill you!" he cried with conviction, his fingers flexing in anticipation.

Duo scrambled out of the way, protesting loudly. "Hey! Hey! It wasn't intentional, Heero! And besides... aren't you feeling better now anyway?'

"I am not..." Heero paused and assessed his position. He was standing upright, the floor wasn't moving, his head wasn't aching and, apart from the awful taste in his mouth, he actually did feel fine. "Huh. It _did_ work." He blinked in astonishment.

Duo looked smug. "See? I told ya!"

"Don't push your luck Maxwell." Heero grabbed a towelling robe. "I concede that your cure worked, apart from initially making me feel as if I'd been blown up again!"

Duo raised an eyebrow. "Is Heero Yuy making a joke?" He queried and was glared at as Heero walked into the ensuite, firmly shutting the door behind him.

With a shrug and a chuckle, Duo left the bedroom and wandered back downstairs. How long had it been since he last teased Heero like that? Long enough to almost forget how enjoyable it was to dice with death.

The sound of feminine laughter filtered out from the kitchen and Duo peeked around the door to see Relena and Hilde talking. Hilde darted around, fixing breakfast for four, while Relena sat at the table holding Shinobu in her arms. Duo smiled at the picture she made. The sunlight hit Relena's hair in such a way that it glowed and complimented the tender expression on her face as she looked down at the baby.

Duo's breath caught in his throat and he frowned, disturbed by the emotions he was feeling. He decided not to interrupt the two women and silently slipped away from the door and into the living room.

There was little trace of last night's party, Duo and Relena had helped Hilde to clear up after the guests had gone, and Duo's steps were unimpeded as he mooched around, glancing at things. He made his way to the mantelpiece that was liberally decorated with cards from well wishers and photographs that Hilde had put there.

Heero and Hilde's wedding portrait held pride of place, although Duo suspected that photos of Shinobu would soon replace it. On either side of the wedding portrait were separate photographs of Heero and Hilde. Heero was astonishingly relaxed in his, a smile graced his lips and there was a glow in his eyes. Looking at the date, Duo calculated that the photo had been taken not long after Heero and Hilde fell in love. He grimaced slightly, he remembered that euphoric feeling when you were in the first throes of a love that was equally returned by the other person. Abruptly, Duo turned away from the photos. He didn't want to spoil the renewal of his friendship with Heero and Hilde by dwelling on his own disappointment.

"Are you still angry?" Heero stood in the doorway, his hair slightly damp from his shower. Despite his surprise, Duo couldn't help smiling, it was so typical of Heero to be so quick to get ready even when it wasn't necessary.

"Are you still angry?" Heero repeated himself. His tone was flat but there was an edge of concern in his eyes. Duo shook his head.

"No, not angry..." He searched for a word to express the emotions he felt. "I suppose... I just.. I'm, well, _resentful_ more than anything else."

"Resentful?" Heero mulled this over.

"Of the life you and Hilde have." Duo explained. "I didn't realise how much... family... meant to me. You have what I want most, and it's not simply Hilde that I'm talking about." He looked away from Heero's face, embarrassed at how bare he was leaving his soul, yet at the same time there was an overwhelming feeling of relief. "Does that sound so crazy, Heero?"

"No." Heero's expression relaxed and he smiled slightly. "For a long time I didn't realise what having a proper family meant to me. I am lucky, I know that."

Duo glanced back at him. "I'm glad that you know that," he said softly. "Because you won't make the same mistakes I did..."

Heero frowned. "If we had not believed that you were dead then perhaps things would have been different." He corrected the other man. "I never meant to love Hilde, just as you never expected to end up with Relena."

Duo laughed. "Saying `what if' never really helps, Heero! Look... I can't pretend to be thrilled, but I've accepted things now and I _do_ feel happier when I know that you care so much for Hilde. Besides I..." He stopped abruptly and stared wildly at his friend as Heero's last few words registered. "What do you mean by `end up with Relena'?"

Heero was completely expressionless as he replied. "I meant that you've ended up as her bodyguard and good friend." He said blandly. "What did you think I was saying?"

Duo flushed slightly. "N-nothing." He said, but his eyes were still a little wild. "Um... y'think Hilde's finished breakfast?" He asked and hurried out of the living room.

Heero raised his eyebrows. Interesting reaction, perhaps Hilde wasn't imagining things after all.

***

"Of _course_ I'm not imagining it!" Hilde argued later that evening when Duo and Relena had departed. "I know Duo, I know Relena and I know the signs. They're really attracted to each other but they're refusing to consider it." She huffed. "It's very frustrating!"

"Are you proposing to play matchmaker?" Heero asked suspiciously.

Hilde leaned on the table, cupping her chin in her hands. "It's a tempting prospect." She said. Heero frowned and Hilde laughed. "But I won't." she assured him. "I'm not any good at it... as proven when I was trying to put you and Relena together."

Heero laughed suddenly. "That was more due to me than you." He said, moving over to her and putting his arms around her shoulders. Hilde made a happy little sound and leaned against him. She liked it very much when Heero was unexpectedly demonstrative.

"It's just that I want Duo and Relena to be happy." She murmured.

"For their sake or to assuage your own feelings of guilt?"

Hilde sighed. "A bit of both." She confessed. "I do still feel bad that I hurt Duo so much, even though I _know_ it isn't really something I can do much about and..." She twisted and put her arms around Heero's neck. Looking up at him, she smiled. "I really don't want to change the outcome in any way!"

"Good." Heero said, his smile matching her own. He kissed her and for a brief moment, Duo and Relena were forgotten. When they parted, Hilde looked thoughtful.

"Of course, the way Duo and Relena are messing about, it's going to take a big shock for both of them to admit their feelings." She shook her head. "And I hope it doesn't come to that."

***

Duo leaned back in his seat and stretched out his legs. One of the best things about working for the Vice-Foreign Minister was, in his private opinion, the degree of comfort that she and her staff travelled in. No more was he crammed into narrow and uncomfortable seats, squashed in with a bunch of other equally uncomfortable people. He turned to remark about this to Relena, perhaps even make something humorous out of it, but the words died unspoken when he looked at her.

Relena was reading through a long speech, her lips vibrated slightly and he knew that she was softly running though the speech. Duo regarded her, admiring the strength and resolution that he saw, but also concerned that Relena was once again burying herself in work. She blinked and looked up, glancing over at him. Their eyes met and held. Relena smiled and Duo was immediately aware that her smile was making his heart leap oddly.

"I'm glad that we went to see Heero and Hilde." Relena said suddenly. "It was something that we both needed to do, don't you think?"

Duo squashed the emotions surging within him and nodded. "Yeah." He ran a hand through his bangs. "It certainly helped me close a few doors... and reopen something I thought was lost forever." He grinned. "I take it that you and Hilde had a good heart to heart?"

"Yes," Relena flushed slightly. "Although Hilde seemed to think that you and I..." She looked away. "Well, anyway... it's good that everything is settled."

Duo leaned forward slightly. "What did Hilde think about us?" He asked, trying to sound casual, but also vaguely aware that the answer was very important to him.

Relena's cheeks were very pink and she fumbled slightly with her speech. "Oh... well, it was silly really... but she seemed to think that there is something... romantic between us." She laughed nervously. "I said it was silly, after all... we're just friends!"

Duo slumped slightly in his chair. "Yeah... just friends." He mumbled. He had said as much to Heero, but somehow that didn't make him feel any better. He rubbed his eyes; damnit... he couldn't be falling in love with Relena Darlian!

Part 7

***

//Here in the night
I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one
It's out of our hands
We can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise
Looking through your eyes//
[Looking Through Your Eyes by LeAnn Rimes]

***

Relena smoothed her hair and checked that her suit was sitting neatly on her frame and was without creases. Satisfied, she smiled at her reflection and turned away, picking up her speech once more. Today, she and Quatre, along with many other prominent people, would start putting in place the new Trade Sanctions for the Colonies. Relena was extremely conscious that her opening speech not only had to inspire the supporters of the proposal, but also encourage the people who were nervous about it. A slight frown puckered Relena's brow; there was also a small but vocal group who were completely opposed to. Quatre and the others had proposed that Relena open the talks because they hoped the respect and admiration Relena evoked would at least make the opposition listen.

"I do hope that I can live up to the expectations they all have of me." Relena sighed and wondered if she should run over her speech again. Before she could do so, there was a sharp knock at the door.

"Enter!"

Duo walked inside. He looked unusually agitated and, after glancing at Relena once, he flicked his eyes around the room, looking at everything but her.

Relena's brow puckered again. "Duo? Is there a problem?"

"Well..." Duo rubbed the back of his neck. Nerves loosened his tongue, but not in a way to fully explain himself. "Sort of... but it's nothing to do with your presentation... and I know that this is rotten timing... but it couldn't wait. I have to..." He licked dry lips. "I have to leave, Relena."

She stared at him, suddenly feeling hollow. "But... why?"

Duo felt helpless and completely incapable of justifying his decision. How could he tell her that he was worried, no... afraid that he was falling in love with her? That he couldn't bear the thought of the rejection that he would undoubtedly receive upon declaring himself? And yet at the same time he was frightened of his new feelings, Duo ached at the thought of leaving her. He sought for something he could tell her, something that wouldn't be a lie.

"You... well, you have good people working for you now." Duo said lamely, not meeting her confused gaze. "You don't really _need_ me." He winced inwardly, painfully aware of how lame his excuse was.

Relena's frown deepened and her eyes narrowed. She was an astute woman and nearly ten years of politics had sharpened her perception to enable her to sense when someone was trying to conceal something. Duo was clearly unwilling to tell her his real reason for wanting to leave and also, she was positive that he didn't really want to go. Her eyes widened slightly as she regarded the uncomfortable man before her. Duo had made a clear effort to avoid her over the past few days and there was a definite change in his attitude towards her, a change that caused a wild hope to well up within her. Could it be?

"Duo." Relena's voice was soft, but she spoke with all the poise and command she could muster despite the wild hammering of her heart. "Duo, please look at me."

He hesitated. He didn't want to look at her, to see what he would not see again, but he didn't feel that he could really deny Relena this one last request. So Duo lifted his head and met her eyes, his feelings evident in his eyes despite his pains to suppress them.

Relena clenched her hands, digging her nails into her palms to prevent a wild whoop of joy that threatened to escape her. Duo did care for her, much more than just a friend! Her blue eyes shining, Relena smiled at him. "Duo, you are correct... this is bad timing." She held up one hand to prevent him from speaking, but it was the urgent plea in her face that silenced him. "_But_, I think we must talk after the presentation. In private. About us, our relationship and where we are going together."

Duo's eyes widened and his breath quickened. "Relena..." Was it really possible that she returned his feelings? The desperation in his face faded and he grinned. "Alright Princess, we'll talk later. And if any of that lot waiting for you try to corner you..." he winked. "I'll knock them away."

Relena giggled. "I won't try to stop you, Duo." She told him, her eyes dancing with amusement and something warmer.

Eyes locking with Relena's, Duo approached her and took her hands in one of his. The other hand reached up to gently stroke down the side of her face and cup her chin. Relena's heart nearly stopped as he moved closer and gently brushed her lips with his own. She clenched at his hand and wished the Trade talks to hell. She didn't want to go and give a speech; she wanted to stay here with Duo forever.

"Relena?" Dorothy rapped on the door. "It's time for the presentation!"

Duo pulled back with a muttered curse and glared at the door. "One of these days..." he growled and Relena laid a hand on his arm.

"I'm coming, Dorothy!" She called. Looking back at Duo, Relena smiled. "It's alright, Duo. It won't take long and then we can continue this later."

Duo's eyes sparkled wickedly. "Continue what we were just doing or continue talking?"

Relena blushed faintly, still nervous about her feelings. "Don't you have a job to do?" She asked tartly, taking refuge in a change of subject.

Duo mock saluted her. "Why I suppose I do, Ma'am." He pulled her back close to him and murmured in her ear. "Tonight we're going to talk for a very, very long time and with no interruptions!"

Relena shivered as his warm breath caressed her ear. "That's a promise." She assured him.

***

Duo glanced over to the far right of the podium and nodded to David, one of the security officers policing the presentation. David smiled and nodded, indicating to Duo that everything and everyone had been thoroughly checked. Duo nodded back and activated his com link, telling the other officers that it was safe to bring out the VIPs.

Relena walked out first to a thunderous applause. She smiled and bowed, but Duo noticed how her lips tightened and knew that Relena was anxious despite her confident appearance. She had once confided in him that she was always afraid that one day she would mess up and shatter everyone's expectations. Duo sighed; he was going to have to work on Relena with that one. She was only human after all, it was natural for her to make mistakes, and if people couldn't accept that then that was their own stupid fault, not hers. A slight smile curved Duo's lips; it was almost intoxicating to think that he and Relena would now be able to talk about everything and anything, and to share their thoughts and concerns without reservation. He still found it a little hard to believe that Relena returned his feelings, perhaps his luck was finally changing for the better.

"My fellow ministers, Colony leaders, ladies and gentlemen." Relena began her speech. Her voice rang out across the silent hall, clear and confident. "Today marks a very important beginning for..."

Duo began to turn away from looking at Relena and to scan the crowd, but then he felt an odd tingle on the back of his neck. He tensed slightly, his well-trained senses were screaming at him that something was very wrong. Making his movements as unobtrusive as possible, Duo glanced over at David and noticed that the other man was no longer at his post. Instantly Duo dropped all caution and scanned the room, searching for the danger he knew was out there. Nothing suspicious caught his eye at first, but then he instinctively glanced up to the balcony and saw it, the telltale gleam of a gun barrel pointing straight at the unsuspecting Relena.

Duo ran towards her, only half-aware that Quatre was also moving. "Get DOWN!" Quatre cried.

Relena's head jerked around as Quatre cried out and Duo reached for her. There was the sound of several shots being fired as Duo bore Relena to the ground, the top of the wooden podium shattered behind them and some pieces hit Duo hard in the back making him grunt in surprise. One splinter even shot past Duo's face at a high speed, slicing open his cheek.

"Fuck it!" Duo shoved Relena behind him and drew out his gun. Shouts and screams filled the hall as the people panicked and the security officers tried to keep order and find the assassin at the same time.

"There!" Quatre pointed and Duo saw a figure dashing away on the balcony, darting behind pillars. Snarling, Duo targeted the figure and fired. There was a cry of pain and the figure stumbled, but continued to move.

"Shit! Only winged him..." Duo moved forward but was stopped by a grip on his right leg, he looked down into Relena's white face.

"Duo! Stop!" Relena cried. Her eyes were wide with fear and tears were starting to spill down her cheeks. Duo opened his mouth to tell her that she would be all right when he realised that the fear in her eyes wasn't for herself. She was gazing at his chest in horror, her hands reaching up and trembling. With a puzzled frown, Duo looked down.

The bloody, sharp point of a large splinter of wood was sticking out of his chest, just below his heart. Duo touched the point in numb astonishment and realised, in an almost detached way, that this was the shrapnel he had felt hitting his back. "That was some gun..." he mumbled. "And now my suit is ruined."

"Duo..." Relena was sobbing now. Her hands pressing on his chest were wet with his blood. "Oh God... no... Duo..."

Pain lanced through Duo and he stumbled backwards, his violet eyes wide with shock. He touched Relena's face, his fingers clumsily stroking her skin. "D... Don' cry..." He slurred. "'M gonna be okay..." His legs buckled and he fell to his knees. His vision was blurring and he could hear Quatre calling for an ambulance and people yelling around him, but his main focus was Relena's ashen face. Over the pain, Duo was aware of a sense of bitter failure and he bowed his head. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry Relena..." He whispered. "I'm sorry that I'm not as indestructible as Heero..."

The last thing Duo heard before he passed out was Relena screaming his name.

Part 8

***

//The sky isn't always blue
The sun doesn't always shine
It's alright to fall apart sometimes,
I am not always you
And you are not always mine
It's alright to fall apart sometimes

After all is said and done
One and one still is one
When we cry, when we laugh
I am half, you are half //
[ONE AND ONE - Robert Miles feat. Maria Nayler]

***

Hospitals were always felt so cold, Heero thought as he walked quickly down the corridors. Cold, white and full of astringent smells with the faintest whiff of death in the air. He frowned slightly and quickened his steps, rounding a corner to see a woman huddled on some seats outside an operating room.

Relena raised her head and stared at him. She was very pale, her skin looking almost waxy under the lights, and her eyes red-rimmed and shadowed.

"Heero..." She whispered in a voice filled with pain. Then she lifted her chin and assumed a stiff, formal expression. "It's fortunate that you could get here so quickly from L2. I hope that Hilde's grandparents weren't too upset that you left so abruptly."

Heero's eyes narrowed. He didn't say a word; he simply sat down beside her and pulled her into his arms. Relena tried to pull away and maintain her dignity, but he wouldn't let her go. Finally she collapsed against him with a cry as her emotions overtook her once again. Her fingers dug deep into his arms, but Heero remained stoically silent. Soon her sobbing lessen and she swallowed convulsively before pushing back from him.

"Thank you, Heero." Relena wiped at her eyes.

He handed her a tissue. "What happened?" He asked. "All Trowa would say was that Duo had been hurt preventing an assassination attempt."

Relena bit her lower lip. "He was... protecting me." She said softly. "He was hurt _because_ of me..." Tears began to track drown her cheeks again and she sniffed. "I should have let him go... even if I didn't want him to leave... he would have been alright then."

Heero touched her damp cheek with one gentle finger. "Self-pity doesn't become you, Relena. Besides... how would Duo have felt if you had been killed today?"

She pushed his hand aside. "You can be such a bastard sometimes, Heero." She used the crumpled tissue to wipe the tears away. "I don't know..." Relena murmured, almost to herself. "Perhaps we were tempting fate, maybe we're just not meant to be happy." Her eyes lifted and she stared at the opposite wall, focusing on the clock that hung there. "We were supposed to be talking about us right now..."

"You love him." Heero stated and Relena hesitantly nodded.

"Yes." She breathed. "And I think... I think I've been in love with him for a long time." She looked over at the closed doors of the emergency room. "I wish I could have told him that."

Heero's brows drew together. "What is his situation?" He asked bluntly.

"I don't know!" Relena's mouth twisted. "I've been here for three hours and no one's told me anything!" She wrapped her arms around her torso and rocked. "If you could have seen him... so white... so much blood... How much blood can someone lose and live?"

Heero placed a hand on her shoulder. "Duo's stronger than you might think." He said. "Don't assume the worst yet."

"I know, I know." Relena gave him a wan smile. "After all, he's already come back from the dead, right?"

***

It was late and visiting hours were officially over. However, in a rare display of financial power, Quatre had obtained passes for all of Duo's close friends to allow them to come and wait for news... and to support Relena who had flatly refused to leave. So it was that Trowa and Hilde walked quietly down the dimmed corridors. Hilde was completely silent, her eyes on the floor as she buried herself in a myriad of thoughts.

Trowa was not surprised by her silence and was actually quite relieved that Hilde was not asking him questions about Duo, for he had no answers to give her. By the time he had heard of the incident Duo was already in hospital, the assassin caught and Quatre was calling in his sister Iria to attend Duo's surgery. He glanced at Hilde again and saw her dash away a tear from her cheek and her lips forming Duo's name. Was she recalling the nightmare days after Duo's 'death' five years ago?

Heero and Relena were still outside the operating room. Relena was wrapped in a blanket, the ends of which she twisted between her fingers, while Heero remained extremely still, his eyes closed. When Hilde and Trowa came towards them, Heero opened his eyes and met his wife's.

"Shinobu alright?" He asked neutrally.

Hilde nodded. "Yes, he was sleeping when I left, Sophy will call if she needs me to come." Her gaze flicked over to Relena. "Any word?"

Relena's haunted eyes met Hilde's. "Iria came out an hour ago and said that things were looking better." She sighed. "But... but..."

Hilde darted forward and wrapped her arms around Relena. "Relena... You have to trust Duo! He's not going to leave you... He couldn't!"

"You think so?" Relena laid her head on Hilde's small shoulder. "But I'm afraid that he will..."

Hilde smiled. "If he's cheated death once, I think he can do it again."

The doors to the operating room opened and Iria strode out, pulling a cap off her head and shaking her short blond hair free. Relena leapt to her feet, dropping the blanket on the floor as she moved towards the older women. The others also straightened and looked expectantly at Quatre's sister.

Iria regarded them all seriously, but before they could conclude that Duo was dead, a smile spread across her face. "The operation was a success." Iria Winner announced.

Hilde let out a whoop of joy. "I knew it!" She crowed and hugged Relena before hugging Heero who clasped her to him, a broad smile on his face. Trowa relaxed his stance and sighed, a smile tugging the corners of his mouth.

Relena was absolutely still, unable to move and yet feeling like she wanted to fly. Duo was going to be alright!

"_However_," Iria's voice cut through their jubilation and they all looked at her. "He still hasn't regain consciousness, so I would say that he's fully out of danger _yet_."

"Why?' Relena cried. "If the operation succeeded..."

Iria laid a hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "I did all I could do to heal his body." She said. "It wasn't just one splinter that struck him, there were several I had to remove... some which nicked the edges of some vital organs. I suppose one way to look at it is that Duo's mind shut him down... and now it's up to him to pull himself back."

"Can I do anything?" Relena asked urgently. "Please Iria... don't tell me to go home! I couldn't sleep easy... if I can do anything..."

Iria hesitated. "Well... sometimes it helps for loved ones to talk to the unconscious person... I suppose it can't hurt for you to sit with him." The doors swung open again as Iria spoke and the nurses rolled out Duo, moving him into a room. Relena gasped and stretched out a hand.

"Duo... Iria... Please... please, let me try to reach him..."

Moments later, Relena walked into the room that had been set up for Duo. She stood in the doorway and looked at him, biting her lip and feeling the tears prick her eyelids once again. Duo shouldn't be looking so vulnerable, she thought, so still and quiet. It wasn't natural, he was supposed to leap up and flash that charming, mischievous grin of his at her.

She approached the bed and sat down beside it, placing her hand over his. He breathed softly, his chest rising and falling, his mouth slack in repose. Only the IV drip, other tubes and the soft beep of the monitors destroyed the illusion that he was simply sleeping. Relena reached up and brushed his bangs aside, stroking his cool skin and lightly touching the neat stitches holding together the cut on his cheek.

"Duo, I hope you can hear me." Relena sighed. "I hope I can reach you, wherever you've gone in your mind. You need to hear what I have to say... I was going to tell you after the presentation... I think you know, but I just wanted to say the words... because words are important..." She shook her head. "Listen to me, I'm babbling..."

Relena picked up Duo's hand and kissed it. Rubbing her cheek against his palm she whispered to him. "I love you, Duo... please come back to me."

*** Duo giggled and scooted through the heavy wooden door, shutting it behind him as quietly as he could. Stealthily, he moved up the aisle, his breathing loud in the silence, until he saw his goal. With a crow of delight he skipped forward, his braid thumping his back as he moved.

The colony sun was bright today and beams streamed through the windows, brightening the church. However, The golden light was changed as it hit the stained glass windows so that the beams actually playing over the floor were multicoloured. The magnificent windows and the wonderful colours made this Duo's favourite place when the sun shone and he took every opportunity he could to come here, despite Father Maxwell's disapproval.

Sticking out his hands, Duo moved around beneath the windows and laughed with delight as his skin changed to blue then green and red. He skipped around, almost dancing in the light, even turning a few cartwheels as he played his game with the light.

"Duo!" The urgent hiss halted him and he turned to see Sister Helen walking rapidly up the aisle towards him. "Duo, what are you doing here?" She asked, kneeling before him.

Duo hung his head. "I'm sorry, Sister." he mumbled. "But can't I stay?"

Sister Helen laughed lightly and hugged the little boy. "Oh Duo! I wish you could, but you can't... not yet."

Duo frowned slightly. "I don't understand."

She turned his chin gently, making him look down towards the entrance. "Look." She said.

Duo was puzzled at first, he couldn't see anything, but then he realised that someone was standing there. "Father Maxwell?" He cried, but realised as soon as the words were out of his mouth that it wasn't the priest. As the figure moved forward into the light Duo saw that it was a slender woman with black hair... He blinked as the woman's form blurred and changed. Now she was a blond with blue eyes that were fixed on his face.

"I know her." Duo whispered.

Sister Helen sighed into his hair. "It's not time yet, dear Duo. Right now, she needs you more than I do."

"Sister...?" Duo was cut off as she broke her embrace and stood. "Sister!" He cried, reaching for her. With a soft cry, she pushed him forward to the blond woman and then vanished. He stumbled towards the woman... towards...

"Relena!" Duo stretched out his hands.

She smiled and held out her arms. "I love you, Duo... please come back to me."

***

Duo gasped and opened his eyes. Blinking in the light, he stared at the ceiling and wondered where he was. He turned his head to the side and frowned at the IV drip attached to his arm and the monitors by his bed. He was in a hospital? Frowning, Duo turned his head back and moved one arm stiffly trying to feel his torso as he recalled the huge splinter sticking out of him. However, instead of his chest, Duo's fingers brushed over something soft and silky.

"Uh?" With a great effort, Duo raised his head and looked down.

Relena was seated close beside his bed, so close that she had leaned over to rest her head on the side of his bed using her folded arms as a pillow. He blinked and moved his hand to once more touch her long hair that flowed over his abdomen. She was alright... he had saved her...

"Relena..." Duo's voice was a hoarse croak and his eyes widened. How long had he been lying here if his voice sounded so rusty? Licking dry lips, he tried again. "Relena."

Her lashes fluttered and with a soft sigh, Relena opened her eyes. Seeing Duo smiling down at her, Relena gasped and jerked upright. She stared at him, her mouth working but no words passing her lips. Duo touched her hand.

"Hey, Princess. How're you doing?" He quipped gently, weakly squeezing her fingers.

"Duo!" Relena burst out and wrapped her arms around him, burying her head in the hollow of his shoulder. Mumbled words spilled out of her mouth, most of them too muffled to understand. Duo stroked her head.

"Yeah, I'm glad to be back too, Lena."

"Although you took your sweet time about returning." Sally Po Chang smirked at Duo from the door. Relena pulled away from Duo and sat primly back on her seat, her cheeks flaming.

Sally chuckled and entered, but said nothing about the scene she had just interrupted. She looked closely at Duo and then at the monitors. "Well, you don't look too bad for someone who's been unconscious for three days." She said lightly. "But I expect that you feel as weak as a kitten, hm?"

Duo started to protest, but his attempt to sit up only resulted in him falling back on the pillows. "Yeah..." He gasped, then his eyes widened. "Three DAYS?" he looked at Relena for confirmation and she nodded. He noticed the dark shadows under her eyes and the paleness of her face. "Relena... have you been here all this time?" He whispered.

Relena nodded again. She felt so choked up that it was hard to say anything. Duo had returned to her and mere words seemed inadequate to describe the happiness that was bubbling up within her. Luckily, Sally spoke for her.

"She refused to leave you." Sally told Duo, handing him a drink. "She hardly slept or ate, just talked to you." She fixed Duo with a stern glare. "I hope you appreciate this Duo!"

He squeezed Relena's fingers again. "Yeah, I do." He murmured, looking into Relena's blue eyes. "And I heard her too."

Relena's face lit up even more. "I hoped that you would." She said. "But I wasn't the only one who came and sat with you, Duo. Quatre, Trowa... even Wufei... they all came, and... so did Heero and Hilde."

"For me?" Duo was amazed. "Wufei too?"

Sally grinned and helped Duo to sit up; padding the pillows behind him. "Oh yes, but I don't know if you want to remember what he said!" She rolled her eyes. "Sometimes my husband has no tact."

"Ain't that the truth... hey," Duo frowned at Sally. "Is it my imagination, Sally or are you putting on weight?"

Sally glared at him. "And just what are you implying Duo Maxwell?"

"Uh..." Duo panicked briefly. "Well I..." His voice trailed off when he noticed the twinkle in Sally's eyes and heard Relena giggle beside him.

"I am putting on weight." Sally said with a shrug. "But it's only temporary. I'm just pregnant again."

Duo's jaw dropped. "Again? Jeez... are you sure Wufei's not part rabbit?"

There was a howl of laughter at the door and Duo looked around to see the other Gundam pilots and Hilde standing there. Wufei looked furious, but the others were all laughing, even Trowa and Heero.

"You know that Duo's going to be alright when he puts his foot in his mouth!" Hilde grinned. She strolled over to Duo's side and kissed him on the cheek. "It's nice to see you back with us, Duo." She murmured in his ear.

"Likewise." Duo met her eyes and smiled as the last yearning for Hilde fluttered away, leaving him with a warm feeling akin to brotherly love towards her. "Now, can you do me a favour Hildey and chase everyone out of her for a minute? I really need to talk to Relena."

She winked. "Ninmu ryokai."

Two minutes later, Relena and Duo were alone. Relena smiled hesitantly. "Hilde's very forceful when she sets her mind to something, isn't she?"

"Yeah." Duo fiddled with the end of his braid. "It's surprising what she can do, even though she's so tiny."

"She's completely different from me..." Relena bit her lip gently. "Much more lively and fun, cute and..."

"I am not in love with her anymore, you know." Duo interrupted abruptly, his expression serious. "In case you didn't notice Relena, I'm in love with _you_." She said nothing and he turned his head away. "Of course... I guess I understand if you don't feel the same way... I mean, I screwed up at that presentation... Heero wouldn't have let himself get hurt by some crummy assassin..."

"Oh Duo..." Relena's fingers gently touched his face and tugged at his chin so that he looked at her again. "You idiot." Her eyes gleamed with tears, but there was a loving smile on her face. "I don't care if you're not the perfect solder... I don't _want_ Heero, perhaps I never did love him, not truly, but I _do_ know I want you and I love you!"

Duo reached up and stroked her cheek. "As long as you realise what you're getting into, Princess." He said, teasing her with his smile. "You won't be able to work all day and night anymore with me around."

"Well, I'm sure I can make the sacrifice." Relena murmured, leaning down closer to his face.

"And I'm not going to stop squabbling with Dorothy bossy-britches Catalonia..."

"She can live with it."

"Your brother will probably have a fit."

"Noin will calm him."

"And I'll upset all your political friends."

Relena kissed him swiftly, instantly silencing him. "I don't care about them, Duo Maxwell!" She looked reprovingly at him. "And stop trying to debase yourself. I love you, I've loved you for much longer than I knew and I want you to be part of my future."

Duo pulled her close, laying her head on his shoulder and wrapping his arms around her.  "I dreamed of you." He whispered. "I came back for you, only you. I will never leave you, Relena, I swear I will always be with you as long as you want me."

"Then you will never leave," she murmured against his chest. "Because I cannot imagine my life without you now."

*** fini

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