Woke Up One Morning... Part 41
The vote regarding whether or not the Assembly would meet as they had originally scheduled came in not long after Phoenix's birth. And the overwhelming majority favored keeping their original date which just happened to fall on the day before Peacemillion would officially become the new Preventer's headquarters.
Since I had given both Quat and 'Lena my word that I would be present to watch over them, I woke on this, the morning of the gathering, and got right to preparing myself. Getting up early, I received a kiss on the nose from my husband before I had to regretfully leave our bed so I could shower.
By the time I was finished cleaning up and changing into a pair of camouflage pants and brown hiking boots, I could smell eggs and bacon cooking in the kitchen. Rebraiding my hair, I disregarded my bullet-proof vest and black top so in favor of stepping out of the bathroom to follow the pleasant smells.
Heero looks over at me from the stove and smiles, "Have a seat. Breakfast will be ready in a minute here." Blinking at how the table is already set and a tall glass of orange juice is waiting for me at my spot, I grin widely.
Despite the fact that he is still getting around a little slower than usual, as well as his not needing to be anywhere today, Heero really went out of his way to take care of me.
I take a few gulps from my orange juice just as my partner makes up two plates complete with toast and all the other fixings. "Thanks, 'Ro," I tell him quietly and lean over for a quick kiss when he lowers the plates and takes his seat beside me. Rubbing my hands together anxiously, I smile, "This is nice."
"Well, it's the least I can do to help today," he shrug with a small frown on his face. Chewing and swallowing the mouthful of eggs that I had been enjoying, I feel myself frowning.
Still not touching his own food, Heero shakes his head, "I don't like not being able to go to this meeting with you today. I should be there if you're going... we should be watching each other's backs the way we always do."
I sigh quietly to myself.
Honestly, I'm not any more thrilled that he can't be there with me. The last time we stood in at one of these Assembly meetings... well, it didn't quite go as well as he had expected and this whole nightmare started.
That part, of course, remains unmentioned between us.
But there really isn't anything that we can do about the circumstances that are working against us working together right now. And at any rate, I'm banking on the day being the usual non-eventful yawn-fest that these meetings always end up being.
Reaching over to cover his hand with my own, our gazes meet. "You know that I want you to be there, too," I reply. "But you're not ready to stand around for hours straight without wearing yourself out, or being in a lot of pain."
At the flash of regret in 'Ro's cobalt eyes, I'm quick to squeeze his hand and reassure, "By no means are you an invalid, but I don't want you pushing yourself and setting yourself back in your recovery. We both know that you would let that happen before you gave yourself a rest. I would hate myself if that happened. Besides, it's just going to be a boring stand-in that I'll be fighting staying awake for."
Unable to argue with that bit of logic, my husband lowers his head a bit and sighs, "Alright, I know."
As my hand releases his, he finally reaches for his fork and actually starts to have some of the delicious meal he made. Mumbling under his breath, he does complain, "I still don't have to like it, though."
Chuckling, I shake my head and allow him that much. We finish the rest of our meals in a comfortable silence while a thick patch of clouds comes rolling in outside.
When I catch sight of them through the window out of the corner of my eye, I silently hope that it isn't a bad omen.
* * * * * *
His hand running over the shoulder straps to my bullet-proof vest, Heero asks behind me, "How does that feel?" It was unintentional, but that deep voice, in addition to those hands on me, sends a shiver right up my spine that makes my brain shut down for a second.
"Good," I manage, when I get my head around forming an answer as I peer over my shoulder to grin back at my partner. "Thanks." Nodding, he makes one last check over his handiwork and is satisfied that I'll be thoroughly protected.
Suddenly, I'm spun around as I let out a startled gasp just before 'Ro crushes his lips against mine. That gasp gives way to easy access for his tongue to probe every inch inside of my mouth and I moan deeply as I respond with as much passion-driven need.
Finally coming up for air, we work to catch our breaths and my husband smirks smugly and pulls me close. "You know," he pants huskily, "probably the most frustrating part about my injuries is the fact that I can't ravish you the way I want to."
Oohh, man that is so not helping my own sexual frustration right now. I can feel myself beginning to harden and groan deeply.
Returning the smirk, I suggest, "Well, maybe there is something we could do to relieve some... pressure before I have to leave." 'Ro raises an eyebrow in interest.
Before any suggestions can be made, the doorbell rings proving once again that God clearly does have a sense of humor.
Even though I'm disappointed, I can't help but laugh along with my lover. "So much for that idea," I sigh and roll my eyes. Grabbing my short-sleeved black shirt, I pull it on and lead the way out of our bedroom.
Keeping close behind, Heero gets in a good crack to my ass that makes me yelp out in pain and freeze in my tracks to glare at his smug grin. "I'm sure that was hard enough to leave a mark," I huff as I rub my tender right cheek, though I am sure he can see right through my phony anger. Truth is, I actually kinda liked it.
"That's the point," he chuckles. Walking past me to head for the front door, he winks back at me, "It'll be something to remind you of me while you're away." My eyes widen with a surprised gasp as he disappears around the corner, snickering all the way.
Why that little... I really have been corrupting him. Damn, I'm good.
Smirking, I run after my partner and catch up in time to watch him open the door to Trowa and Wufei. Raising his hand, Chang smirks, "Hello and I really don't want to know what that yelp was all about."
My facial cheeks flush as bright red as I'm sure my ass cheek is right now while my friends laugh and Heero's smile only grows all the more smug.
I give them all a mild glare and walk for the door frame and ask our guests, "Ready to go?" Nodding, they turn and leave the front porch to give Heero and me a little privacy before I have to go with them.
With a sigh, I reach for my belt fitted with a couple of holstered pistols and sheathed blades. Hooking it around my waist, I meet my husband's eyes and tell him, "Everything will be fine. Don't worry."
The corner of his mouth tugs up in a way that tells me he'll be fretting. "I'll call when I can," I promise and that grin becomes one of relief.
Leaning in, Heero kisses me gently and says softly, "Be careful. And I want to know everything about the meeting when you get back."
"Yes, sir," I salute and wink before stepping outside. Peering over my shoulder, I wave back at my partner and get into the back seat of Chang's car.
During the drive to the hall where the Assembly will be meeting, I do my best to forget that bit of sadness in 'Ro's smile as he waved me off.
It's going to be a damned long day.
* * * * * *
It's strange standing in the entrance way of the same building where the Assembly was first attacked just months ago.
Now, acting along with the many guards standing flanking either side of the first room, I watch as those enter and stand around to greet each other. It's just the slightest bit creepy how similar the sights are compared to that crazy day.
The building's cafeteria has since been reconstructed while the remainder of the facility remains exactly the same as it was before. And I agree with the logic of the Assembly for resuming their meeting here. Lightning does not strike the same place twice... and I certainly hope that bodes true today.
Just beyond the front glass doors, the media is lined up along the tall stairs trying like hell to get an interview from the politicians entering. With cameras rolling on them, the men and women of power walk past with only the occasional stop for a comment. After all, they want the message to get across that they are not allowing the person behind the most recent hits to believe that they are winning.
As more members enter, I can pretty much guess the ones that had pointed their fingers at me for the attack against them from those who did not in the form of wary expressions in my direction or even outright glares.
I remain unfazed, eyes looking straight ahead and hands folded together behind my back same as the other guards. Fortunately, the less-than thrilled to see me are greatly outnumbered by those who smile and nod in acknowledgment of me.
One of those uncomfortable representatives, a Senator that I recognize as being the one suggesting that Relena and Quatre have their own agenda to look after L2 because of their friendship with me, keeps her head low as she speaks quietly with her cohorts. Every now and then, she and her bunch will turn their heads to watch me. Then, that very Senator moves towards me.
Her black hair pulled up and back in a bun, the petite woman strides over in red heels that match the shade of her business suit. I'd put the lady in her early forties and the huge diamond wedding ring on her finger tells a lot about her taste for the finer things in life.
Brown eyes bore down on me as she nears with the expression of a crossed teacher prepared to discipline one of her students that she caught throwing a paper plane around the classroom.
While I am not about to let any of these people intimidate me, I am still on my guard when the Senator stops before me and folds her arms. "So," she begins in a snippy tone. "Who in all of Earth and Space allowed you to be here, Mister Maxwell?"
My mouth opens to reply when a familiar voice speaks up behind from behind the woman, "I did, Renee." Spinning on her heels with wide eyes, the Senator and I both look to find Relena approaching. Dressed in a pale blue suit and tan heels, my friend keeps her friendly gaze on me and opens her arms with a smiled, "I am so happy you came, Duo."
I struggle to contain my laughter as we share a tight hug, making quite the intentional scene for everyone around to notice. Those aggravated accomplices of Renee's watch on with wide eyes before they focus back on each other to whisper. Kissing my cheek as we pull back to add insult to injury to our nemesis, 'Lena smirks and winks at me.
Renee's face begins to redden the shade of her clothes as she hisses, "Vice-Foreign Minister, don't you believe that it was an odd coincidence that Mister Maxwell happened to be one of the few Preventers not at their headquarters when it was attacked?" Suddenly, all conversations that had been going on in the room come to a screeching halt as every eye turns to watch for reactions to the comment.
Ouch! Truth be told, I was expecting there to be murmurs of that amongst the Assembly members that questioned me the first time. But to have it brought up in my presence like this is even more of a slap in the face.
Still, I keep an air of being completely unaffected. However, standing on the either side of the silent room, Wufei and Trowa watch with stunned expressions that begin to smolder into a glowering rage directed at the Senator. Quatre has joined them, his own gaze focused on the scene with a bit more of a worried look on his face.
'Lena, usually the picture of the calm in the middle of any storm, stalks slowly towards Renee as her blue eyes narrow fiercely in a glare that she could teach Heero a thing or two on. Even the proud Senator falters a bit as her eyes widen and her neck moves in a rough swallow.
Pausing just before the older woman, Relena leans forward and growls lowly, "Back off, Renee, if you know what is good for you. You are out of line and out of your league. Duo is a dear friend of mine and I feel safer knowing that he is here. I will not have you disrespect him like this. If you want a fight, we can take this up with the Speaker."
"No need," a deep voice breaks in and everyone in the room turns as the Speaker approaches the women. Renee's face suddenly pales a few shades as she watches the white-haired man near.
Tall and strong even in his advanced years, the bearded man keeps his frustrated expression on the lady in red and halts just before them. "You have crossed a serious line with what you are hinting in regards to Mister Maxwell, Senator Tishim," he warns. "I would hate to have you, or any of your friends, ordered to go home. We certainly can commence our meeting and voting without you." Several gasps fill the air at the suggestion. The corner of 'Lena's lips curls up in satisfaction, keeping her eyes fixed on her challenger.
Mortified, Renee shakes her head and stammers, "O-oh, Speaker, I am terribly sorry. Really, I did not mean any offense. It's just-" Her stream of words comes to an abrupt stop as her jaw snaps closed when the Speaker raised his hand.
"You do not owe the apology to me, Senator," the white-haired man quips. It takes all of my control to keep from laughing as the woman, my would-be attacker, begins to burn from embarrassment. When she hesitates, the Speaker orders, "Well, get on with it and make sure that we can all hear you."
Damn, this is too funny! I catch Wufei and Trowa struggling every bit as much as I am to keep from bursting as they nudge each other. Quatre's the smart one of all of us, covering his mouth with a hand. For her part, Relena never lets on to her own enjoyment, but I see it plain as day behind her blue eyes.
All around, there is a mixture of expressions amongst the Assembly members varying from shock, amusement, and gratification. Clearly, this woman has managed to offend quite a few of her associates over the course of their working together.
Head lowered in humility, Renee slowly turns to face me and takes a deep breath before meeting my eyes. "I am sorry if I offended you in any way, Mister Maxwell," she states in a tone that is not completely sincere but I'll take it. Bowing her head again as its red shade deepens, she adds for good measure, "I assure you that it will not happen again."
Grinning widely, I nod and reply smoothly, "Apology accepted. Thank you, Senator Tishim." The moment she straightens, the hurries back to her clique of friends like an animal with its tail between its legs as murmuring begins amongst the Assembly members gathered around. Hell, even most of the guards aren't keeping silent as they stand together.
"Well, then," the Speaker calls in a loud voice to bring silence back into the room while all attention centers on him. "Let us move on from this and begin the long day that we have ahead of us, shall we?" That said, those closest to the doors of the meeting room file inside to take their seats as their fellow Assembly men and women follow suit.
As he turns towards me, the white-haired man tells me quietly, "I do appreciate your presence here, Mister Maxwell, especially after what lies were said of you after the last time you were here to protect us. And I am sorry that you had to endure that again today."
Shaking my head, I shrug, "It's not your fault, sir. Thank you for helping settle things here the way you did. And it's still an honor for me to be here watching out for all of you, even Senator Tishim and her allies."
His smile returning, he looks over to 'Lena and tells her, "You have some remarkable friends. Be sure to hold onto that. I will see you inside soon, Vice-Foreign Minister Peacecraft."
"I do and I will be in shortly," she grins widely. "Thank you, Speaker." Nodding to us, the head of the Assembly turns and follows the stream of people flowing into the meeting hall flanked by the guards stepping in along side them.
As soon as he and the crowd is out of earshot, my head snaps to meet Relena's gaze as I whisper, "That was fucking awesome!" Throwing my arms around her, I kiss her cheek as she giggles and returns the embrace. "Thank you," I whisper in her ear before pulling back.
Beaming, she curtseys and replies, "What are friends for?" As she peers over to the meeting hall, she snickers, "I have to admit that that was fun, seeing that look on her face after all of the trouble she's caused."
I laugh along with her and can't help but wonder over all of this... how the former Queen of the World defended me. If anyone even less than a year ago ever told me that such a thing would ever happen, given our awkwardness around each other in the beginning, I would have laughed my ass off. We've both done quite a bit of growing up since those days.
With a sigh, I think out loud, "I just wish like hell that Heero was here to have seen that."
"Oh, he will be," Wufei smirks as he approaches. Removing a microcamera that he had been holding without my even realizing it. "There was no way I was going to let Yuy miss that shit," he snickers as Trowa and Quatre just break out into full laughs behind him.
Chuckling, I shake my head and recall how I initially thought today was going to be painfully boring.
I'm so glad I got out of bed this morning!
TBC...
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