Finally chapter 7 is finished! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much I enjoyed writing it! Enjoy!

Chapter 7

Relena sat on the sofa, her ankle lying on a pillow, bandaged and iced. She was covered up with a blanket as she was reading and signing a pile of documents. After finishing another paper the young woman let out a sign and looked up from her papers. At the table which was close to the sofa, a bottle of water and some painkillers sat there. Besides those things, another object which was sitting nearby, caught Relena's gaze. Looking again at her bandaged ankle and the crutch, Relena knew that those things were a proof of her accident two days ago.

Heero had called Sally Po, who came immediately at her house to examine her. After she had been informed of the situation and a thorough examination, she stated the result: as it was predicted the cause of the pain was a sprained ankle. According to the young doctor, it was nothing serious but a mild sprain and with one week rest she could be able to go back to her office. Although she didn't like the idea of staying all day at home, Relena knew that there was no other way but working from home. She wanted nothing more to go to work but she knew if she neglected Sally's advice, the first one who would come against her would be her bodyguard. Relena always thought that it was really nice having him around her all this time but when it came to her safety, Heero would do anything to accomplish that even if that meant going against her wishes. She recalled many times when Duo was saying that Heero was a stubborn jerk especially when it came to matters of his beliefs.

Thinking about it, due to the dedication and their stubbornness, they had some disagreements in the past but nothing serious that could affect their relationship. Not wanting to change that now, Relena decided to avoid any arguments with him so she decided to follow as much as she could Sally's instructions. With the help of the crutch that Heero had brought her, she was able to walk around in her house without putting a lot of effort in her injured leg.

She still couldn't believe how clumsy and careless she was. Some years ago, she put herself in front of gundams, in the middle of the battle in Antarctica between her brother and Heero. Months later she went on space, on the battleship Libra, Zech's new base of operations, in an attempt to stop her brother Miliardo Peacecraft of starting a new bloodshed. She couldn't believe that after all those events, she would be stuck because of a twisted ankle. Furthermore, her frustration with her carelessness increased when she thought about her secretary Chris who would be alone at the office. Thinking the other woman, Relena felt really bad for her. Being not able to go to work meant that her secretary had to arrange some matters on her own and knowing the amount of workload that had to be done, Relena knew that wasn't an easy task. She didn't feel any better even when she recalled calling Chris to inform her that she had to stay out of office the whole week due to her current condition. The only response she received from the other woman was to feel better and forget work for a while. Her health was first priority and if she had any questions she wouldn't hesitate to call her. That reminded Relena, why she hired Chris and how she loved working with her.

Apart from her secretary, the thoughts of the young politician flew to the other reason she felt guilty. Due to the last event, she had to cancel the arranged dinner she had planned to have with the President of ESUN at his house. The reaction of the old man was more or less the same with her secretary's. He wished her to get well soon and not worry about the dinner as there would be another chance to arrange it. Thinking those reactions she shouldn't feel guilty but she couldn't help it.

It was times like these that made her remember how trapped and utterly alone she was. Although she was about to turn 24 the next month, most of her relationships were of the political scene and her personal life wasn't much of any interest, too. Every day she was going from work back to her house and all the same was taking place almost every day of the week. Every month of the year. For almost 7 years now. When she was returning back home, she didn't have someone to turn to or someone to ask her how her day at work was. Well there was a man in her life that she felt close to and wanted something more to have but that man didn't seem to feel for her as she felt about him.

The sounds of the clock on the wall reminded her surroundings and pulled her out of her daydream. Shifting in her seat she took another paper and marked it with another signature. This continued for at least one more hour but at the end Relena decided to stop as the words didn't seem to make any sense to her anymore and a small headache was starting to make its appearance. She signed as she felt frustrated looking at the remained un-signed papers. She knew those documents were really important and should be sent immediately to the board finally at the President himself.

She was ready to give in due to tiredness when somebody knocked the door.

"Hey there princess. May I come in?" The door has opened and Duo Maxwell appeared with his famous smirk on his face. Relena couldn't hide her smile when she saw the hair braided man. She put immediately the papers aside and invited him in.

She was really happy when she found out that Duo had decided to joined the Preventers and be in her security team like Heero and Wufei who worked on daily basis with Preventers. In fact Relena liked having Duo around since the young man was the most funnier and talkative from the other gundam pilots. Besides Quatre. In contrast with Heero and Wufei, Duo was more relaxed and didn't stick so much to protocols and rules. She liked that about him, his sense of humour and most of all the fact that she could have someone close by to talk to.

"Someone told me you had an accident," said Duo pointing at her bandaged ankle. Relena shifted a bit and made space for Duo to sit also in the same sofa with her.

"That someone happens to be your friend who is so obsessed about my safety and thinks that my life is in danger because of a small twist of my ankle?" replied Relena and turned back to her paperwork. "Where is he anyway? Every half hour he's coming checking at me and then he disappears."

"Well, he is something else, isn't he?" The braided man winked and grinned at once, sitting back in the sofa and throwing his arms behind his head. "He had work to do and went back to HQ. I had some free time so I decided to come by and see you. How are you feeling?"

"Restless. And trapped in my own house. I can't walk too much around. Sally and Heero's orders," replied Relena emphasizing the man's name.

"Don't worry Lena. They don't want you to hurt your ankle more. Actually, if I were you I would exploit this free time."

"Free time?" Relena couldn't resist and laughed at Duo's last comment. "Duo it's not that I am going on vacations. There is a lot of work I have to do."

"Yeah, I can see that!", said Duo pointing at the amount of papers laying on Relena's lap and on the table. "Paperwork really sucks! I prefer to be in the field having some lunatics shooting at me than feeling all these crap!"

"You are not helping Duo. And here I thought you were better company than your friend." Relena couldn't hide her smile as she teased the braided man who didn't seem to notice that she was joking.

"Ouch! That hurt! Of course I am better than him! I am talkative and have great sense of humour! Your secretary likes me a lot! Aren't you?"

"Oh, I am sure that Chris likes you as I do. You two have many common things. First of all, you talk a lot!"

"I would be offended but I know that you love my company! And now that you mention about her... she really talks a lot," emphasizing the word really trying to catch Relena's attention who seemed really focused in her paperwork. Seeing that it didn't had the result he wanted to he decided to carry on. "You know it wasn't Heero who mentioned your accident but it was Chris. What is more she mentioned something else. Very interesting if you ask me!" The last seemed to catch Relena's attention. She pushed her paper aside and looked back at Duo who had a big smirk at his face.

"What did she say and got you so thrilled?"

"You had a very interested visitor in your office."

"The President? Of course he is..."

"Nope. Don't play dummy with me princess. I am not referring to the president and you know that."

"Alex?"

"Oh, it is Alex now, huh...? Interesting!"

"Duo stop it!" Said Relena and tried to hit him playfully with the papers she had in her lap. "He came to see his uncle who happens to be the President of ESUN and he introduced us. That's what happened! Nothing more."

"Well, Chris didn't mention that. Actually the exactly words of hers were 'an attractive young man, in the age of 25-26 who seemed to have a thing for Ms Relena'. Yeap. Those were exactly her words."

"A thing for me? Duo that was the first time I met him. I don't know how Chris came to that conclusion. I didn't even know that he is President's nephew."

"Really? And how do you justify that after he was gone, he called at your office to call you for dinner?! That sounds a date to me! Sure he doesn't seem to have an interest on you."

"It seems Chris didn't get into all details, did she? Firstly, he called me to invite me for dinner at the President's house. That means that not only he but the President and also his wife would be there. That doesn't seem like a date to me. I would say that it was too kind to give me the invitation. Secondly, as you can see I cancelled that dinner because of my accident. That means we will never know, won't we?" with that Relena focused again at the papers. Duo stared at her for a moment. He thought that Heero was really an idiot to not make a move on her. And from the last news it seemed to him that his friend had to do something because a rival has appeared. Thinking of it, rival wasn't exactly the right word to say. Rival would be if Heero also showed his interest and would fight for her. But his friend was so stubborn to admit his feelings and seemed that soon or later he was gonna lose her for Alex or someone else. Without thinking it twice, the next words escaped from his mouth. "What you are going to do?"

"Huh...?"

"What are you going to do if this guy showed his interest on you? If he asked you on a date? Would you accept?" He was really curious for her answer.

"I... I haven't thought about it to say the truth."

"Do you like him?" taking her by surprise.

"Duo I met him only once. I can't answer that."

"Yeah sure. That didn't stop you when you met Heero." Those last words really caught her attention and Duo wasn't sure but for a moment he thought that he saw a sad expression in her face. But that didn't last long as Relena wore her beautiful smile and changed her expression showing that she wasn't hurt by his last question.

'Well she is a politician for a reason.' thought Duo. Why those two were so blind to see that all this time they had feelings for each other?

"It seems we will never know now, won't we?" Duo wasn't sure if her answer was referring to Alex or Heero. He didn't want to push his luck on that so he decided not to ask her.

"You know. I am one of the people that I really want to see you with Heero. But most of all I want to see you happy princess. I hope you know that."

"I know Duo. I really do. Although you are away from Hilde I can't deny that I like having you around. Don't tell her that I said that!"

Duo didn't have to answer that, when a knock on the door disturbed their conversation. When the door opened, Pagan appeared in sight. Duo wasn't surprised to see the old man as he knew that he was working for many years for the Darlians plus the old man seemed to have a great affection for the young woman. Like she was his granddaughter. The same could be told from Relena's side. But what was Pagan holding caught the braided man's attention and it seemed also the woman's who was sitting next to him.

"Pagan what are those?"

"I am sorry for interrupting Ms Relena but this bouquet of flowers arrived for you." Pagan came closer to the pair and the young woman took the flowers from him looking and touching the soft petals. Peonies. One of her favourite. And she knew now that they were blooming since it was their season. But the question was: who could have send her this beautiful bouquet of flowers. She was lost in her thoughts when the phone started ringing.

"Well, well princess. What do we have here? A secret admirer?" Relena ignored Duo's comment and she came with a small card. It seemed that her secret admirer had a name after all. Curiously she leaned forward and read the script handwriting: 'Hope these flowers make you a reason to smile and feel better. My best wishes for your quick recovery.' Alex Matthews

It was something that she didn't expect at all but she liked the gesture. 'How did he..?' A smile cracked at her lips. She hold the note and she read it several times.

"Come on. Who is it from?"

"It's from Alex Mathews."

"The guy who we were just talking about? Look at that! Chris would be very excited to learn that her theories were correct!"

"Duo!"

"What? Does it seems normal to you that a guy who just met you, have sent you flowers? It seems that your secretary is right after all. He sent you flowers and a card..."

"...wishing me to get well! Not to ask me for a date! What's wrong with that? It is a kind gesture."

"Well you've got a point here. But he just met you and now he's sending you flowers... His intentions are... not so friendly as you think. Trust me! I am a man. I know these stuff!"

"Either way, I have to call him and thank him for his gesture. The only problem is that I don't know how to reach him."

Pagan approached them once again bringing the phone with him. "Excuse Ms Relena. A young gentleman is asking you on the phone."

"Who is it?"

"He said that his name is Alex Matthews."

Αt the sound of the name, Duo and Relena stared at each other. Duo couldn't hide his usual smirk from his face. "Well well he is fast enough if you ask me. Still you believe that his intentions are just 'friendly'?"

Relena shushed him as the old butler passed her the phone. "Relena Darlian."

"Ms Darlian."

"Mr Matthews. Nice to hear from you."

"Please, call me Alex. As I have told you the previous time we met we are the same age. There is no need for formalities." Relena couldn't help and hide the smile that formed at her lips.

"And I remember very clear that I told you to call me Relena. I hate formalities." She heard a chuckle from the other line.

"You are right. I will try to remember it next time. I am sorry for my intrusion. I learnt about your accident from my uncle and I wanted to see if you are feeling better."

Duo, who was still sitting next to the young woman, was enjoying the whole scene. Pagan had excused himself and had left the room leaving him once again alone with Relena. He leaned back on the sofa and put his feet on the small table in front of them knowing that Relena wouldn't mind that. Putting his arms behind his head, he closed his eyes and stayed like that waiting for the young woman to finish her call. He couldn't hear what the interlocutor was saying to her but from her replies and the chuckles, she seemed to enjoy her telephone conversation.

"Yes, in a few days I will go back to work," Relena replied while Duo was staring at the ceiling. He didn't know how many minutes they were talking on the phone but he started to get bored. "I would love that." Relena's next word got his attention. This time he felt so bad that he couldn't hear their conversation. He waited patiently Relena to finish and ask Relena for more details. Luckily, he didn't have to wait any longer as Relena greeted and hanged up the phone. For a few minutes he waited for Relena to speak and tell him about as it seemed her new friend but seemed that wasn't about to happen as he could hear that the young woman was back to her papers. Since curiosity was killing him and he wasn't able to resist any more, he gave up and decided to find out. When he opened his eyes Relena had returned back to her papers. He kept staring at her trying to see if he would be able to capture her attention.

Relena seemed to feel Duo's persistent gaze and looked up from the papers. "What?" was her simple reply.

"Don't play dumb with me. What was that about?"

"He just called to see if I was okay. He just expressed... his worry. What's wrong in that?"

"No. There is nothing wrong in that. I am just saying..." Relena rolled her eyes and returned back to the papers. "As a guy I am just saying that his intentions are not so friendly! He may ask you out."

"What if he does that? Is it wrong?"

After one week which seemed like an eternity to her, Relena finally returned to work. Heero had not agreed with her insistence to go back to her office but with Sally's confirmation there was nothing he could do about it. The days she was at home, she knew that she was monitored by Heero who insisted on not walking so she wouldn't hurt her leg. Now that she was sitting in her office and after having two meetings, she realized that she would give anything to go back to her house. All those days of her recovery, Relena not only managed to reach the deadline for the papers she needed to send at the board but she was able to deal with other matters, too. However, she could not imagine how much work was left behind and needed to be done. By the time of lunch time, she wasn't even half of her work and the pain in her leg seemed to bother her. It seemed that her ankle wasn't fully healed. Nevertheless, she tried not to show the discomfort in her face so she would not worry Chris. She knew that if this happened, Chris would report to Heero and the next moment the young agent would be at her office dragging her out. She wasn't in the mood to deal with him although she wished she could.

A ringing tore her from her thoughts. Actually it was only lunch but it was the sixth time her phone was ringing. It seemed that she had a long day ahead. She turned and pushed the intercom button.

"Yes Chris?"

"I am sorry Ms Relena. The President is on line 2. He wants to speak with you. Should I pass him through?"

"Yes Chris, thank you!" Relena waited a bit on the phone when she heard the old man's voice.

"Vice Foreign Minister?"

"Mr President! I have to say I didn't expect a phone call from you. It's everything all right?"

"Don't worry my dear. I didn't call you for matters of work. How is your ankle?"

"It's getting better thank you." she glanced down at her leg and for a moment she felt once again shame over her injury.

"Pretty relieved to hear that."

"I am sorry Mr President. I have to apologize for cancelling the dinner..."

"Nonsense my dear. You should not be worried about that. You had an accident. These things happened. I know that you are focused to your work but health comes first. And since you are telling me that you feel better we can re-schedule that dinner. What do you say?"

"That would be lovely Mr President."

"Perfect. So today it's Monday. What do you say about Saturday evening? Do you have any plans?"

"Saturday is fine."

"It's scheduled then. We will be waiting for you at 8."

The sound of fingers flying across the keys was the only sound which gave away the presence of someone in the office. Heero pecked at the keys of his laptop in front of him as he rewrote the last two paragraphs for his report which he wanted to finish and send it to Une before leaving the building. All these reports were routine to him but since the start of the training of the new recruits, paperwork was doubled and for the first time Heero had to agree with Duo who complained most of the time about it. The annoyance of the reports was one thing but the fact that he was bored to do it was another. From one side he blamed himself because he had neglected them the last few days but he knew he couldn't stop now as Une made it clear that she wanted to have all the reports from all of them by the end of the week.

The clock peeped as it turned 6 o'clock. It was Friday afternoon and usually at this hour most of the workers had left the building. Heero scanned again the file as he was ready to send it to Une.

"Still here? Geez, don't you have a life?" Heero turned towards the door where Duo was leaning against the door frame. "What are you doing still here anyway?"

"Don't you have a paperwork to finish?" and turned his gaze back to the screen of his laptop.

"What paperwork? About the training of the recruits? Actually, I have finished it and sent it to Une yesterday." Heero looked again at the braided man and from his expression, Duo could tell that he didn't believe him. "What you don't believe me? Ask Une. She had probably read it by now."

"Hn."

"So you didn't ask my question. What are you still doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be at home or with the princess?"

"Anderson is with Relena. I had to finish the reports for Une plus I had to set the plan for Relena's route tomorrow."

"Relena's route?"

"She is invited in the President's house. For dinner."

"By the president himself or his nephew who seems he got his eye on the princess?" Duo knew that the invitation was from the President since Relena had told him that a dinner was planned before her accident but he let the last words escape in purpose to see his friend's reaction. He eyed him carefully as Heero's typing slowed down. Duo could see that his jaw was set and his eyes were narrowed, fixed on the screen but besides that he couldn't spot any other sign that would give away the other man's feelings. If it was any other he would tell that it wasn't Heero's concern this kind of information but Duo would bet that it wasn't true. Everything that had to do with the young politician was Heero's concern.

"What are you talking about?" Finally the braided man got the reaction he wanted to. He knew that he shouldn't expect more from his friend based on his character but at least that reaction was something. Heero would use as an excuse that as head of her security team he must know anything but Relena Duo knew it was more than that.

"I thought you knew so far. There are some rumours." Duo grinned as he sat backwards in the chair.

"I don't believe in rumours", was Heero's sharp reply and Duo knew that he had risen his temper.

"Well of course you don't. Neither am I but I saw it myself. I was there."

"Where? " Heero's patience was in the edge as he tried to interpret Duo's words. It wasn't the first time that the braided man was messing with him. He should have known that so far.

"Alex Matthews. The president's nephew. He seemed that he has taken an interest on Relena."

"Alex Matthews met Relena the previous week as the President introduced them to each other." Duo made a grin at Heero's reply which didn't go unnoticed by the other pilot. "Chris. She talks too much and run into conclusions too quickly. Which by the way reminds me of you."

Duo couldn't help but smile at Heero's comment. Well he had succeeded getting his attention after all. "Well I would take this as a compliment but we are not talking about me or Chris right now. I know what happened but still Chris wasn't there when Mr Matthews sent the princess a bouquet of flowers. A very kind gesture, don't you think? Why would a man send flowers to a woman if he doesn't have a purpose."

"When did this happen?"

"The previous week. When I went to see how she was doing. You know after her accident which by the way you didn't-"

"Hn."

"Oh, come on you don't care if there is something big going on? I don't believe that he just sent her flowers just for a get well message. He may ask her out." Heero shut the laptop maybe too harshly to Duo's opinion and stood up. He had sent the reports to Une so he could finally go home. "I didn't want to touch a nerve," he apologized as he picked his head up.

"Are you going to stay here?"

"What? Are you leaving?"

"I have sent the reports. I am going home," he replied and went to retrieve his preventer jacket.

"It's really convenient to you, isn't it?" Heero ignored him as he was wearing his jacket. "Avoiding the conversation about you and Relena. Just how long are you planning to keep doing that?"

"As long as you keep believing in this dream. There is no me and Relena." And with that Heero walked out of the door, leaving a speechless Duo behind.

Relena looked at herself in the mirror of her bedroom to make sure everything was okay. She had spent a lot of time in her room trying to decide which outfit was the most appropriate for this occasion. She wanted something formal and elegant but for a dinner not for a gala of the ESUN. At the end, she decided that it was ridiculous to be anxious over such a matter like it was the first time she was invited at the President's house. Deep inside her, she knew that it wasn't the outfit she was most worried about but the subject of the conversation she was going to have with the President. She wasn't stupid. She knew what was the main reason of her invitation. That was the reason of their meeting the day of her accident. She really hadn't expected it to come and still she hadn't made her mind over it.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Relena thought she should finish with the preparations so she would be on time. She never liked making others wait.

A soft knock sounded on the door. "Come in, please."

"Are you ready Ms Relena? Should I call the driver?" asked the old butler as he came in sight.

Looking herself for another time it the mirror seeing if there was anything she had missed, she finally approved of her outfit and followed the old butler outside of her bedroom.

Relena sat though dinner enjoying the conversation with the President and his wife, Mary Matthews a middle aged woman with auburn hair and kind brown eyes. To her surprise Alex was also there and she could tell that she really had a good time so far. The President hadn't mentioned anything so far about their matter and Alex seemed to be a nice and funny guy. It would be a lie if she was admitting that she wasn't having a good time. The conversation first went through politics but when Alex came the conversation led to other matters and Relena felt so grateful for the man's presence. It was obvious that he hadn't inherited the love for politics as his uncle but at the present time Relena didn't mind it at all. The less they were going to talk about politics, the better for her.

The night went on smoothly and without realizing it Relena was outside in the balcony talking with Alex. She didn't want to be rude to the others but the President had excused himself because he had received an important call and his wife Mary had also excused herself saying that she had to assist some matters in the kitchen. If she didn't know any better, Relena could say that those two had left them alone on purpose but she decided to let it go.

"It's a gorgeous night." For a March-night, the air was clean and a bit warm but what Relena noticed this night was the sky. Open and glittered with thousands of stars.

"We can walk in the garden if you want. There is a fountain this way," suggested Alex and Relena followed him with no objections. They followed a small path, surrounded by different kind of flowers which Relena would love to stare if only it was day.

"Since when are you back in Brussels? You uncle has mentioned once to me that you were studying in England. Political sciences I think."

"That's correct. I went to study political sciences but later on I decided that I am not born for these stuff. You may found it silly. Coming from a big wealthy family which has a history on politics but not having an interest at all."

"Believe me I don't. Politics is not for everybody. I am of the opinion that if someone has a purpose in his life, a dream, he should go after it and make this dream come true."

"Wise words. Did you do it?"

"Huh? Do what?"

"Follow your own advice. Have you done it? Is politic the dream of your life?"

"Actually when I was little, it had never crossed my mind. Everything became more obvious when I grow up and lost my father during the war."

"I am sorry I didn't want to bring this up. I didn't mean to get you upset or-"

"Not at all. You did nothing wrong. It has been 7 years since his death but I still feel-"

"Like he's still around. That he's not gone." Relena returned and looked at him surprised but she really liked the way he was thinking.

"You spoke like you have experience on this matter. Did you lose someone, too?"

"Both my parents died during the war. Just like your father. Since then I was raised by my uncle and aunt. If they weren't those two, I don't know where I would be now or what I would have done. Loss hurts. I know it does. But you can't keep on holding forever. You have to move on and keep living your life. It's not good to hold back. I am sure neither my parents would want that nor your father. What happened in the past, remains in the past. Past, present, future. All those three all well connected and are influenced by each other. Learn from the past. Live in the present. Believe in the future. That's how it should go. If everybody can live his or her life based on that, then everything would be different. History would be different. But people never learn and history is repeated. Over and over again. Men seek more power, money and that's how wars happen. Because man is too arrogant and too selfish and he doesn't learn from his mistakes."

"I couldn't agree more," said Relena sincerely.

Alex chuckled. "You think? I always thought that it may sound kind of silly. That if I tell that to someone he might say that I am a dreamer."

"I don't believe it. Do you know why I got myself into politics? In the beginning it was for my deceased father. He believed that Earth and the Colonies could leave in peace. As I grew up and I was following him around in his tours, I could see that he was right. Wars are meaningless. Guns, mobile suits shouldn't be built."

"I didn't expect anything less from you. That's why people adore you. You dedicated your life to the pacifism. Pacifism is not a dream. I believe it can be achieved."

"Well not all of the people share the same opinion but I am glad that you believe that. You know as I mentioned before one reason that I got into politics was my father."

"Minister Darlian was a close friend to your real father right?"

"Yes," she said a touchy sad. "A dear close friend who shared the same ideals but I always considered him as my real father. That hasn't changed so far. You know you may be one of the little people that I confess this. If you had met me earlier, I was really spoiled."

Alex laughed out loud. "You? Spoiled? Hard to believe that."

"No, I really was. The day of my father's death I found out about my past. My heritage. As he was laying dying, he told me everything. In the beginning I wanted revenge too. I wanted the murders to be punished. I won't deny that. But it was after my father's day that I decided to continue the ideal of pacifism."

"And now? Is there another reason you still fight for this goal?"

At his words, the first thing which came into her mind was a pair of dark Prussian eyes who belong to the man called himself Heero Yuy. The boy who she found washed up and injured one day in the beach. The boy who swore to kill her but he was never able to carry out his promise. When she met him, Heero seemed to be only a soldier, an assassin without emotions but that was far from the truth. While their personalities conflicted - he was a soldier living only to fight and she was pacifist- she felt that Heero was a big part of her life that could never and she didn't want to let go. Besides their disagreements, he was her reason for continuing the ideal for pacifism. The reason to achieve and maintain pacifism so he could finally leave the life he wanted and enjoy all those things he had lost due to war.

She realized that she was lost in her thoughts when she saw the worried gaze of Alex Matthews. "Relena? Do you feel okay?"

"I am so sorry. I got lost in my thoughts for a while."

"It's okay. You work hard to maintain the peace we have now. You probably have a lot in your mind. Listen if I offended you with my last question I sincerely apologize. It wasn't my intention to bring you in a difficult place."

"Offended? Not at all. I like our conversation and trust me the fact that you are not a politician should not bother you."

"Well I am relieved now that I am hearing this from you. I didn't want to-", there was a small pause and Relena could swear that the other man meant to say more, something complimentary and suggestive, "-you are a remarkable woman. I have heard a lot and now I can see why my uncle admires you. I was kind of anxious you know. I didn't want to humiliate myself in front of you."

"I am not this type of woman. I don't think you should be afraid of that. I have really enjoyed our talking and walking here in the garden."

"We should go back to the house. They may be worried, too." Relena just nodded and followed him back to the house.

They had almost reached the house when Alex spoke again. "I don't know if it's too soon but- I would like to have dinner with you, if that is not too forward and you have no prior... engagement."

"A business meeting? How can I help you in that?"

Alex laughed and Relena couldn't understand what he found so funny about. "Actually Relena I am asking you on a date."

Relena was sure that she had blushed to the hairline. Some minutes ago he told her that he didn't want to humiliate himself in front of her but she was the one who felt embarrassed. Dinner with Alex Matthews? She immediately recalled Duo's words. 'His intentions are not so friendly! He may ask you out'. And then her own who seconded it. 'Is any wrong in that?' It was time to get out and date a little. Dorothy's voice in her head demanded she accept. 'You should not wait for Heero Yuy. If someone else appears and you like him go for it.' And she would do. Watching Alex more carefully, Relena could say that he was quite handsome. Intelligent warm eyes, a fit and attractive build. She also had a good time talking to him. So, what she had to lose?

Alex, who was waiting her reply, interpreted her hesitation as refusal, trying to refuse him with a way that she wouldn't offend him so he decided to save her from the difficult position. "I apologize. I knew I was too forward to ask you on a date. I shouldn't have-"

"Actually, I would love to." Her answer really caught Alex by surprise.

"You do?" Relena nodded and smiled at his expression. It seemed that he didn't believe that she was going to accept. They reached the house where indeed President Eric and his wife were sitting in the living room waiting for them. Relena noticed how fast time has passed and decided to call in for the night. She thanked so much Mr and Mrs Matthews for the invitation and she exchanged a handshake with Alex.

When Relena left Eric Matthews turned to his nephew. "You seem happy. I assume the night turned out well?"

"Yes, you can. It couldn't be better."

When she finally arrived back to her house, Pagan and the other staff seemed to have turned in for the night. She greeted the guards who were in charge for the night shift and headed upstairs to her bedroom. She changed in a silk nightgown and a robe.

She checked the clock at the nightstand. It read 23:30. Not feeling at all tired, she had to find something to do. She could head to the library and take a book to read. The other option was to read and sign some last papers that were laid on her office. Having second thoughts about the last option, she rejected it and thought about something else.

Thinking about the dinner at the president's house she felt happy. Not only the president didn't talk to her about the matter they had discussed but it turned out she had a great time with Alex. She imagined the reaction of Chris, when she would tell her that she was going to have a date with the president's nephew. The young woman would go crazy and then she would point out at her that the next time she shouldn't take her words for granted. Relena thought also of Duo's words, who same like Chris, had point out Alex Matthews' interest on her. Was it possible that she was so focused at her job that she hadn't realized any signs in the first place? Of course, there was some sympathy from the first time she met him but could this date lead to more dates or something more? A voice of her insisted to give in.

Heero was making a last round of the house before he decided to go upstairs and check on Relena. After he had left from Preventers HQ, he returned back home trying to do work on other things. Finding it difficult to get some sleep, he drove to Relena's mansion. The guards, who manned the front door, didn't seem surprised when they saw him on the black SUV and they didn't even ask for ID as they let him pass through.

He walked and knocked at her door, waiting for her answer. No response. She couldn't have gone downstairs, he would have seen her. He knocked again. Still no answer. Starting to get worried, he opened the door and walked in slowly, having his hand close to his holster which had on his belt. When he walked in he saw that the only light which was on was the lamp of the nightstand. The wind blow.

'Wait.. wind?' wondered Heero. He turned and saw the reason of Relena's non-response. The doors of her room leading to the balcony where opened and Heero found the young woman leaning on the railing. It was obvious she hadn't heard the knock or Heero coming in as her back was to him. She seemed that she was lost in her thoughts or just simply enjoying the silence of the night. It was really a beautiful night so he couldn't blame her.

He still hadn't made his presence known to her. He noticed that the robe she was wearing mirrored the beauty of the moon and she had let her blond hair down. He liked when she had her hair down, golden curls around her shoulders. Especially after she had got them longer... Ηe caught himself staring at her and quickly snapped out of it. He remembered the reason he came here and walked slowly towards her, hoping he wouldn't scare her.

"Do you want some company?"

Relena snapped and came back to reality. She could recognize this deep voice everywhere. She turned from the railing and looked at her visitor in surprise like she has been caught doing something bad. "Heero... I wasn't expecting you." He came and stood beside her. "Do you have the night shift?"

"No." Was the short reply from Heero as he scanned with his gaze the garden below them.

"Is something the matter?"

"No. You have to be more careful. You shouldn't be out here by yourself."

"Then if it makes you feel better, I don't mind you staying. It's really a shame not to enjoy nights like these," she said and looked up at the stars. They stood side by side in silence. "Since I was little girl I always enjoyed looking at the stars. I think I will never stop appreciating how beautiful they seem. Especially at nights like these when the sky is so clear. They seem so bright..."

Beside her Heero imitated her and tilted his face back to have a better view of them. He couldn't but agree with her. "From space they seem even brighter but I can't disagree with you. It's like they hold a mystery and the view is breathtaking. Even from Earth."

At his words Relena turned her gaze from the sky and looked at him with a big bright smile on her face. They were moments like these, when they were just the two of them and Heero was revealing more of his true self. To everybody else he was only a serious, dedicated agent but Relena knew better. She knew that behind this facade there was a kind, pure heart. His innocence was sacrificed in the name of his training during which Heero was spent on learning the ins and outs of war and battle.

They both had meet war and they were affected by it. In contrast with her, Heero was unfamiliar with peace. But they had survived and they were left to pick up the pieces when it was over. At the thought of this, she smiled wider. Without him she wouldn't be able to do all these by herself. He was her strength. She knew that he didn't understand and perhaps he never would but to her it was quite clear.

"It's peaceful." Added Relena, turning her gaze again at the sky. "That's why I enjoy it."

"You should. You created this."

"We both did." This time it was Heero's turn to turn his gaze of the sky and direct it towards the young woman. "You have sacrificed many things in order to have this today. You are a part of this, too."

"Hn."

From his tone Relena knew that it was difficult for him to believe her. On Libra he had told her that she was nothing compared to him but she had objected at his statement.

"I assume everything went well today." It took a moment to understand that he was referring at the dinner and the President house.

"It did."

"You seemed pretty nervous when you had to cancel it the previous time." Relena realized he was referring at the day of her accident. And now that she thought about it, she felt really stupid. Many thoughts had crossed her mind: that the president wanted to persuade her or maybe he wanted to see if she had made her mind. But thinking again of the night's events, nothing of this happened. Plus, there was the surprising fact that Alex Matthews, who had just met few weeks ago, had asked her on a date.

The date. She had really forgotten it. Until now. Would she tell Heero now so he would know or should she hide it from him and let him discover it from somewhere else? A part of her wanted to tell him now. But not because he was the chief of her security detail so he could arrange her schedule and her security detail but because she wanted to see how he would react. She wanted to see his expression. If the man was going reveal any feelings at all. She knew that he was difficult to read and the only times she had managed that, it was because Heero had let her.

Thinking over it, she decided not to mention anything to him about this part. They stayed more in silence.

"Relena..." She looked at him and her gaze turned at his hand which was upon the railing, next to her own. "What's wrong?"

"I want your opinion about something." He didn't say anything and she took that as a sign to carry on. "I had a meeting with the President of ESUN and the Foreign Minister. Foreign Minister won't run the next elections. The President has officially asked me to run in his place instead."

So that was it. It was officially then. Une was right.

Relena raised her head and looked up at him. "I haven't given him my answer yet." They had both turned, stood face to face.

It would be a lie if Heero would say that he wasn't taken back by her answer. "What are you worried about?"

"I am not sure if this is really what I want. I think it's too soon. I love my position as the Vice Foreign Minister. I help and I can do things from this position, too."

"Tell him then."

"I have. I have told them at the meeting."

"And?"

"They wasn't expecting this kind of reaction. Then they told me that I could do more as Foreign Minister. I know the whole procedure and what it's qualified for this job. I am the perfect person as they said. "

"I don't disagree with them."

"Heero..."

"Relena, you are an excellent politician. You witnessed what war can do to mankind and you know that people need something to believe in. They have found it. You are a symbol to them and you have taken this burden without any objections. You fight every day for your ideals. I admire this passion, this determination of yours. I told you once. I am nothing compared to you. People believe in you." A light breeze blew and caught them and tugged Relena's hair. His hand came and brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes. "I believe in you." His gaze softened. Relena stared up at him, feeling her heart swell in his words. And that gaze... She had seen it another time before...

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Don't you want to do something else in your life?"

"Are you asking me to walk away?"

"No! It's just-", there was a small pause as she was trying to find the right words to express her thoughts. So she could make him understand. "Being Foreign Minister... it would be tough. The schedule, the responsibilities but..but not only for me."

Heero was trying to understand the meaning of her words. He was rarely showing his reactions to anybody. Only her. And at this moment he was sure that the grin there was on his face was giving away his puzzlement. "What are you so worried about?"

"Not for my safety. I assure you."

As he stared back at those cerulean eyes he could see it. Her eyes were the gateway to her soul and he could see so clearly. The determination, the willingness to care about others' lives and not hers. He closed a bit the distance between them.

"Foreign Minister or not... I am not going anywhere. I told you that I'll stay. And am I staying."

"I can't lose you..." and in her eyes he saw the concern for him. A concern that he would probably never understand. Nobody had cared about him before.

"You won't. Stop protecting me."

She let out a heavy sign and closed her eyes. "You should have known by now that I can't do that. Don't tell me to stop worrying over you." She made a step to walk away from him but a strong hand wrapped around her wrist and forced her to turn staring back in those Prussian eyes that she would always lose herself into them.

"You are strong." His hand came and cupped her face. "You have to stop worrying. In the end do what you really want. Do you want to stay as you are? Fine by me. Do you want to run as Foreign Minister? Acceptable. It doesn't matter to me. I will be here by your side. Whatever you decide." His thumb was caressing her cheek and Heero couldn't help but notice how soft her skin felt under his touch.

Relena thought she had stopped breathing as he stood so close to her. She closed her eyes for a moment, just feeling his touch on her skin. She opened her eyes to meet his again and she knew. She had her answer. His words and the small touch was enough. She smiled at him and to her surprise she saw his lips twitching up into a smirk. Without having second thoughts Relena did the only thing that she thought was right at this moment. She brought her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. She closed her eyes with a smile. "Thank you." Her words were just a murmur but enough for him to hear.

Her actions caught him by surprise but he returned her hug. Relena's smile became wider at this but she didn't mind knowing that he couldn't see her face. She knew that he would probably never understand how much his words meant to her but she tried to push these thoughts away for a while. She stayed there in his arms enjoying the moment.

She wanted to remember this moment forever.