The Meaning of Life Part 30
Seated together in one of the closed off waiting rooms, Duo, Heero and their loved ones all waited anxiously for word that the Justices' deliberation had ended. Being that it was early evening by then, dinner had been ordered and delivered, though the expectant couple had very little appetite.
Really, the only thing that persuaded the neko to eat was knowing that he was still carrying three growing babies that needed the nourishment.
Danielle and Trent had praised Duo over how well he had conducted himself 'like a professional'. His fellow nekos offered the same compliments along with the rest of his friends and family. As wonderful as all of that was, he could not help fretting over what was being discussed behind the Justices' chamber doors.
"Stop thinking so much," Heero soothed beside his lover, breaking him from his thoughts. Lightly brushing their shoulders together, the artist said quietly, "You've done everything you could up to now. Whatever happens from here on out is out of our control, but nothing we can't handle."
Pushing at the last few bits of salad on his plate with his fork, the cat-eared boy lowered his head and frowned, "I know. But it's hard not to worry anyway." His lover chuckled and kissed his temple in understanding and an offering of some kind of support.
Nervously pacing at the other end of the room, Relena chewed on her bottom lip. "I really couldn't tell by watching the Justices which way they're going to side on this. There were some really strong points made on both sides for them to take into consideration."
Quatre watched his fiancée continue to move back and forth before his chair and smirked, "So, you're trying to wear a hole in the floor that we can use to dig into the their chambers?" Across the table, Trowa and Wufei snickered under their breath.
Sighing, the politician's daughter returned to her own seat. "I would just hate to see them hurt again," she whispered. "They both have every right to be together and happy the same as any of us. Especially after everything they've been through." Every head around nodded in agreement.
Trowa looked up from tickling little Leslie in his lap to look to his wife next to him. "As a law director, do you have any predictions to what may happen?" he questioned.
Dorothy shook her head, "Unfortunately, no, I do not. As Relena said, it was next to impossible to really have an idea of which side the Justices were siding more with. There is a lot for them to consider with both possible verdicts. And, with this being an appeal, the decision must me unanimous so that another appeal cannot be filed. So today's verdict will be final on this matter."
Not sure how much he liked those odds, Wufei muttered, "Considering how long they took to come to the first verdict before going with the majority at the time, we're going to be here for a while."
* * * * * *
Almost three hours later, it was nearing eight o'clock in the evening when a knock nearly made everyone in the room jump. Cracking the door open, the bailiff announced, "The Justices have reached a verdict. Court will be resuming in ten minutes."
Noin blinked in surprise as she looked to her watch. "Over five hours," she mused. "Somehow, I thought we would be here even longer than that if they needed to reach total agreement."
Having thought much the same, Zechs nodded his head and fought his crackling nerves. Both Danielle and Trent shared a look with an uncertainty in their eyes over what verdict they could expect from a deliberation of that length.
For his part, Duo was about to come undone after that brief eternity. His arms and tail draped around his swollen abdomen, he bit the inside of his cheek nervously. Taking a deep breath, Heero rose to his feet and held out a hand to his 'husband' to help him stand.
Embraces and well wishes were whispered to the neko from his friends and family before they left to return to the courtroom until only Heero remained. Sighing, the artist took his best friend up in as tight a hug as he could manage. Quickly giving a chaste kiss, he whispered, "Love you. And I couldn't be prouder of you and what you did here today, regardless of what those judges decide."
Smiling with shimmering violet eyes, Duo's tail wrapped around his lover's waist as he breathed, "Thank you, 'Ro." He kept his arms linked around the other boy's neck as he asked, "Would you walk me into the courtroom this time? I really don't want to have to go in there alone again."
Cobalt eyes widening, Heero blinked in surprise and grinned widely, "Of course." Pulling back, he offered an arm that the neko gladly threaded his own through along with his tail. They fell into step together and headed out into the hallway.
There, they ran into a crowd filing back through the double doors to return to their seats. Several members of the lot looked up to see the couple approaching. Freezing in his steps, Duo gasped in suddenly recognizing a good many of those faces.
A female classmate of the neko's shouted, "There he is!" to call everyone's attention. Professor G and his students all turned to face the couple. Beaming, they all began applauding the braided teenager, a loud clamor added with cheers and whistles.
Mixed in along with the students, Cecelia and her associates of the law firm where Duo had interned were spotted. Smiling kindly, they joined in on the warm welcome by clapping for their prodigy.
To his pupil's confusion, G called over the noise, "You're all over the news, my boy! We all had to be here to give our support when we found out what was happening!"
Heero and Duo turned to each other with wide eyes. Breaking out into wide grins, they continued towards the courtroom doors as their newest arrivals stepped aside to clear a way for them.
Inside the room, most of those people that were already back at their benches were joining in on the accolade with whistles and applause in a standing ovation to the couple. This time when they looked on the neko, they had a warmth and an appreciation in their eyes instead of judgment or ridicule.
Up in the balcony, Susan and the reporters were on their own feet and clapping vigorously. Shaking her head, blonde young woman smirked in wonder of the moment.
Moved by it all, fresh tears sprung in Duo's eyes as he continued to walk down the long stretch to the front of the room. When they reached the swinging door, the braided teenager glanced over his support team- all applauding and cheering along with the crowd with shimmering eyes.
Pausing at the last bench, Heero leaned over to kiss his partner's cheek and winked at him with a loving smile. "Soak it in, love," he whispered by a tall ear. "You've earned it."
Head high, the neko's tail swished behind him as he grinned back and turned to scan the sight around him. Raising a hand, he waved to the crowd and mouthed a 'thank you,' only to be given a louder round of acclaim.
Already back at his own station, Septum leaned back in his seat with a less-than-pleased expression as he crossed his arms. Rolling his eyes, he paid no mind to the audience. What they thought of his opponent meant nothing. All that he was concerned with was the Justices' verdict- not who was more popular with the crowd.
While Heero returned to his place beside his parents, Duo walked through the swinging door and headed for his table. Only then did the crowd finally begin to settle and take their seats. The room filled to capacity fell silent all but for a few whispered comments made here and there.
Finally, the bailiff stepped out beside the podiums to announce loudly, "All rise. The Supreme Justices presiding." In a perfect line, the black-robed men and women entered and moved to their respective seats.
Last to sit at his own podium, Harris nodded firmly to the audience, "With the exception of Mister Maxwell and Mister Septum, you all may be seated."
Reminding himself to breathe, Duo closed his eyes while the people behind him that were able to get a seat, returned to them. Septum folded his arms behind his back and raised his head in full preparation for the verdict.
The moderating judge folded his hands atop his desk and leaned towards the defendant. "Mister Maxwell," he began, "I do believe that it goes without saying what a remarkably strong person you are for what you have done today. From deciding to make your pregnancy public, to defending yourself before us as well as you have for this appeal, you have shown that there is no limit to your courage." A few of the Justices nodded their heads.
Lightly biting his lip, the neko fought his swelling emotions before he was overwhelmed yet again. His eyes narrowing a bit, Septum silently wished for the old man to simply get on to what they all wanted to hear.
Clearing his throat, Harris frowned, "That said, you of all people understand that it takes a great deal more to win an appeal such as this. When there are so many political statements that come from this decision, everything must be weighed and studied closely to reach a decision that we are all confident to stand behind." Duo nodded firmly.
Not at all certain he liked that particular wording from the Justice, Heero took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing heart. The prosecutor, on the other hand, smiled as his shoulders eased a bit.
Slowly, the white-haired man took his gavel and stated, "We have reached a unanimous decision for this appeal that will not be argued." Everyone gathered held their breaths and leaned forward in anticipation.
Raising his gavel, Harris declared, "We, the Supreme Justices of the Earth and Colonies, hereby approve the appeal and allow that a neko has the perfect right to marry whomever they so choose- be it another neko or a human."
The dull echo from the fall of the gavel was dampened when the crowd broke out into an explosive roar of cheers and excited cries as it jumped to its feet. Stunned, Duo felt the air locked in his lungs rush out while his jaw fell and eyes widened. Just beside him, Septum was equally shocked, his disbelieving eyes staring at the Justices.
Locked in a tight embrace with his mother, Heero laughed as a few tears ran down his face. Pulling away, he called over the ruckus to the stiff back of his lover, "Duo! You did it, baby!" A small sob escaping him, the neko looked back to see the commotion behind him, but his shimmering violet eyes only focused on the artist.
Feeling his body finally respond, Duo walked over to the bar to wrap his tail and arms tightly around his partner as kisses were rained on his braided head and strong arms held him close. Brokenly, the couple muttered their affections.
Back in the balcony, Susan glared heatedly at a reporter beside her that tried to sneak a picture of the tended moment with tiny camera they had snuck in. "Let's give them a little privacy for this, shall we?" she suggested under her breath. The tall man blinked at her in surprise and swallowed hard as he lowered his camera.
Several hits from the gavel rose up over the reacting crowd as Harris yelled, "Order! Order in the court!"
Reluctantly pulling away from his 'husband,' Duo kissed him on the lips and turned back to face the Justices once again. Behind him, the audience simmered down whilst remaining on their feet. Arms crossed, Septum's face reddened further over having to stand there when he wanted nothing more than to leave the room.
Keeping his eyes on the neko, the white-haired judge explained, "As I had mentioned, there were many angles of this appeal that we took into consideration at great measure. Whichever way this verdict went, a very loud political statement was going to be made. Many lives are going to be affected one way or the other."
He sat up and continued, "As the judicial representatives of the Earth and Colonies, we are to be free of any bias and all discrimination. That does not always happen, unfortunately. We all have our own personal biases and ways we believe politics should be handled." Several members of the panel lowered their heads as though ashamed.
Straightening himself further in his seat, Harris smiled sadly, "It is time that came to an end. And that is the very message we are sending with this decision. No one has the right to dictate how a person can or will live and love. Those are things beyond anyone's control. Instead, it is about time that differences are truly appreciated and celebrated." At that, a wide smile spread on Heero's face as he squeezed his mother's hand.
"What is more," the Justice went on, "this decision may not have come had it not been for you, Mister Maxwell." His violet eyes widening anew, Duo blinked with his ears and tail perking up in interest.
Quietly chuckling, the man explained, "We on this panel have had the privilege of watching you grow after our allowing you to lead the life of your choosing. How you presented yourself before us today has made us all extremely proud in knowing that you have not taken a moment of that opportunity for granted. It is more than we could have hoped and wanted for you."
Biting his bottom lip as his eyes filled up with tears once again, the neko smiled and mouthed a 'thank you' to the Justices. He was answered with many grins and small nods.
Harris smirked, "You will have the honor of telling your children and your children's children how you fought for them and all of your kind. They will be able to live, love and flourish in a world that you helped make a little easier for them." Looking over to the other, tearful nekos in the stands, he added, "For all of you." Solo, Cassie, Andrew, Jena and Carson all nodded vigorously.
Chills running up and down his back, Duo remained still as he allowed those words to sink in. Unashamed of the tears rolling down his face, his smile grew.
He had always wanted to be special... unique. Aside from having the opportunity of becoming a parent, this was by far the greatest honor that he could have in giving his entire kind hope for a real future.
"Now, I believe that we have taken up enough of your time," Harris smiled. "We will handle everything on our end, here, to make sure that your babies are set up with the same legal rights as any one of us when they come into the world. All the best to you, Mister Yuy and your family, Duo."
Another round of applause and cheers rose from the crowd as the neko allowed a small sob to bubble from his chest. With another bow of his head, he mouthed one final 'thank you' and turned to head through the swinging gate.
On the other side, Heero waited to take his lover into a tight embrace and a fierce kiss to the roar of their audience. The moment they came up for air, the expectant parents were engulfed by their family and friends in a wave of celebratory hugs and kisses.
* * * * * *
An hour later, the courtroom of the Supreme Justices was emptied for all but one person.
Seated at his table, Septum sagged heavily in his chair with his suit coat removed and tie undone. Hair in disarray from the many times he had run his hand through it, the prosecutor stared blankly at the podiums before him.
How had everything gone so wrong? For the umpteenth time that evening, he ran every scenario through his head and came to the same conclusion... there was absolutely nothing that he could have done differently to win the appeal.
Unlike his first loss in the High Court, this was far more personal. Now, he was about to be made the ultimate villain for attacking not only a pregnant neko that the world had fallen in love with, but an entire race.
But this could not be the end of it. If Septum was anything, he was tenacious. He could always find another loophole when it came to that braided freak of nature.
The sound of footsteps approaching made the man turn to find a lovely young woman approaching with a briefcase strapped at her shoulder. Smiling, stepped through the swinging door and greeted, "Mister Septum. It appears we know each other quite well, but we have never been formally introduced."
Frowning in confusion, the prosecutor rose to his feet and replied, "I'm sorry, but I am afraid that I do not recognize you."
His apparent acquaintance's smile grew as she extended a hand. "Well, you only knew me by name before," she stated. "Susan Weathers." Freezing, Septum's eyes widened at the name. Unable to find his voice, he sputtered incoherently for some kind of response.
Opening her briefcase, Susan removed a recording device and shrugged, "Perhaps this will jog your memory." She pressed the 'play' button to begin the audio sample of a certain telephone call.
"Susan Weathers."
"Yes, Miss Weathers. I was transferred to your cell phone from your station with some interesting information that you may want to look into for your tabloid," Septum's voice answered. Paling, the prosecutor swallowed roughly.
"Not that it makes a difference, but would this be a story based on fact or fiction? The truth can always be warped if so needed."
The deep voice on the other line chuckled, "Oh I believe that there is quite a bit of truth behind what I have for you."
"And what story would you have that they would feel the need to transfer you to one of my private lines during my afternoon off?"
"It involves that original neko," the man informed. "Duo Maxwell."
Her eyes cold on the man before her, Susan stopped the recording and asked, "Shall I play more to help you remember me?" Septum shook his head as sweat beaded his brow. "Good," the reporter smirked.
Replacing the recorder in her briefcase, the reporter stated, "I have this recording in the hands of some very trusted people that are just waiting for something to either happen to me or for my word to make your life very miserable by going public with this conversation. To keep that from happening, you leave Maxwell and Yuy alone. Understood?"
The prosecutor swallowed roughly again and nodded. "Very nice meeting you personally, Septum," Susan grinned sweetly. Turning on her heels, she headed back through the swinging door and out of the courtroom.
Slowly releasing the breath that he had been holding, Septum all but collapsed back into his chair. Had that story gotten out, that was one bullet that he would never have been able to defend himself from.
All of a sudden, early retirement sounded like a wonderful idea.
TBC...
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