Author: Merula
Pairings: 1x2
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Sap, OOC
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing is not mine. "She's So High" is by Kurt Nilsen.
Where I Belong Part 1
I turned on the radio in the rental car as I drove away from the shuttle port. I could've called Duo to come and meet me, but I wanted to surprise him.
I had been waiting for this for a long time. I was finally free. I rolled down the windows and let the breeze cool down the hot interior of the car. I could only hope that Duo would be happy to see me.
He'd bounced around after the war ended, finally ending up in a tiny town way up in the mountains. Quatre said that he was a virtual hermit up there.
I was glad. It meant that he was alone. That he hadn't found anyone else. That I had a chance to claim him again.
The radio played softly in the background as I thought about what had finally let me go back to Duo.
Relena had been my main concern after the war ended. She was in a precarious position with so many people trying to snatch power. This fragile young girl, with such a powerful personality held the fate of the world in her hands. I needed to help her the best I could.
I belonged by her side, protecting her from those who wanted to see her fall. And there had been quite a few. There had been so many close calls that first year. And then things seemed to calm down. Less attacks, less threats, less danger. Relena had gained a firm control over the government with the support of Lady Une and the Preventers.
Last night we had been at one of Relena's charity functions. I was leaning against the wall, watching as Relena danced with one dignitary after another. She had grown and matured, turned into a lovely woman. I could see why the men flocked around her.
I was glad my bodyguard duties kept me off the dance floor and away from the daunting array of silverware. I knew how to dance, knew what fork went with what, but I hated all of it. This wasn't a place that I felt comfortable. All of this seemed pointless to me. I looked over and met Wufei's eyes where he stood on the opposite wall. The Preventers always supplemented Relena's security staff, and several of her assistants and clerks also doubled as bodyguards, though those skills were called into play less and less lately.
I let my gaze sweep around the room and caught sight of Dorothy Catalonia. She was Relena's personal assistant, and the last assassin- had it really been that long ago?- had ended up on the end of her knife.
I realized suddenly that I wasn't needed anymore. It was a dizzying feeling.
"Heero?" Relena had managed to get away from her dance partners. "You're smiling. Having a good time for a change?"
"I was thinking it was time for me to move on," I told her. "You have plenty of protectors. You don't need me now."
I was surprised to see tears rise in her eyes. "But Heero," she reached out and put a hand on my sleeve. "I always need you." I blinked at her. What was she saying? "I love you."
Oh no. I cursed at myself for being an idiot. I should've seen this. Why hadn't I? Because I hadn't expected it. I had never considered myself on Relena's level. She was a princess. I was a soldier. She was a prominent figure, she'd need someone in that world that could truly share her burdens. I hated this world, she reveled in it.
"You don't love me," I could see her pull herself together, not wanting to make a scene here, another difference between us. What did I care what others thought?
"Not like that." I told her. "I'm sorry, Relena."
"Why not?" She asked and then closed her mouth tightly. My heart ached for her. She hadn't wanted to ask.
"I never even thought to love you that way. You're- too high for me to reach."
"You could reach me if you wanted to," her voice wasn't accusing, simply matter of fact.
"No," I shook my head. "I'm sorry. I'll go pack my things and go."
"Where will you go?"
"Duo." I answered without thinking. That's where I wanted to go. Would he want to see me?
Relena closed her eyes and nodded. Then she leaned forward and brushed her lips over my cheek. "Tell Duo I said to take good care of you." And she was gone, back on the dance floor, her politician's smile in place.
Duo's home was way out in the middle of nowhere just as Quatre said.
I turned off the engine and went to knock on the front door. Would he be pleased to see me?
The door opened and Duo grinned at me in surprise.
"Heero! What are you doing here?"
"I thought I needed a vacation. Do you mind if I stay with you?"
I saw the happiness rise up in his eyes and couldn't help myself. I reached out and pulled him towards me, claming his mouth with mine. He responded eagerly, as he always had, and I felt my smile increase when I pulled away.
This was where I belonged. I was home.
TBC...
Back to Merula's Fanfictions Page