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"Quan Xin"Written By: Honor Disclaimers: My toys! I won’t share! Warnings: a little violence, language, twisted
humor, messed up timeline (I’m acting as if the war actually
lasted two years instead of one, and it’s a EWWT—‘Endless
Waltz, what’s that?’) switching point of views (sorry, it’s
necessary) Pairings: 1x5x1, 3x4, 2xH Rating: PG-13 Archived: Gundam Wing Diaries; honordemandoren.livejournal.com
Betas: Velvet and Caitilin Author’s Notes: This was done because…wait,
I will think of a good reason…hm… *emphasized* //vidphone, telephone// "Quan Xin" Chapter Seven: Rules of Engagement "Every normal man must be tempted at times to
spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats."
Relena is a tattler. It’s the only way to explain it. I walked into Une’s office like a man condemned, never mind that it was my partner that had shot a gun off in Relena’s office. Was Heero called in? Oh no, of course not. Why? Because Une could officially chew me out—with Heero’s contract, she didn’t have as much lee-way. Damn it. The door shut very firmly behind me, leaving me completely alone with a woman known for rather violent ‘mood-swings’. Oh joy. “Une,” I greeted neutrally. “Chang,” she responded with a sardonic light in her eyes. “Do you mind telling me just what set Heero off?” Ah…maybe I’m not in trouble. She doesn’t look angry, just resigned. I can live with that. “The bill on same-sex marriages.” Une winced. “I was afraid you were going to say that. Have a seat and tell me the story from the beginning.” Nope, I’m not in trouble. Phew. I sank into the indicated chair and as precisely as possible outlined the sequence of events. By the time I was done, she had her head in both hands and was shaking it helplessly back and forth. “Can she be any more stupid?” she muttered rhetorically. “Alright, I can now understand Heero’s actions. All things considered, I can’t blame him. At least he didn’t shoot her. Now what set Relena off?” I licked dry lips and carefully responded, “Yuy and I are…involved.” Une froze, eyes going wide behind her glasses. “When did this happen?” When had this started? It was hard to choose a starting point, but if I had to pick a moment, it would probably be that late-night conversation on the couch. Things had definitely progressed from there. “Two weeks ago.” “How does she know?” Une queried suspiciously. “Keep in mind, this is the woman that has no respect for locked doors.” My boss went slightly green around the gills. “Please tell me she didn’t walk in on you two.” “Er…not like you’re envisioning. Fortunately, we’ve always been fully dressed. Just…occupied.” “That’s something, at any rate. Chang, I am fully aware of the battle you three have been fighting against each other—or I should say, you six since I know that the other three pilots have joined in on several occasions. As long as it didn’t cross over into her professional life I didn’t care what you did. But that line has been crossed and we frankly can’t afford it.” “I understand that. Quite frankly, Lady, it’s getting to the point where things are rapidly spinning out of control. You’re going to have to find someone else to guard her. After what’s happened, I’m not sure if Yuy and I can do it anymore.” Une took off her glasses and laid them to the side, staring straight at me. “This is where it gets interesting. I assumed the same thing you did, and talked to Relena this morning. She is insistent that Heero remain as her guard and you get pulled from the duty. The entire incident is being blamed on you.” …I know that Relentless is delusional, but I couldn’t believe my ears. “Heero puts a bullet in her pink wallpaper and it’s my fault?” “Didn’t make much sense to me either,” Une agreed sourly. “I had her repeat it just to make sure my hearing was still working.” “Knowing her, an ultimatum was made. What was it?” “She will remove all backing with the Preventers unless Heero stays her guard. And if you aren’t reassigned elsewhere.” “Heero doesn’t have to obey any orders,” I pointed out. “I know. I didn’t have time to explain that part to her. She basically gave me the ultimatum and hung up. I wanted to talk to you before laying the facts before her. I can’t reassign you two, not yet. I might be able to in two weeks, however. I have several men and women going through the necessary training to act as bodyguards. Can you put up with her for another two weeks?” Two weeks…why did it sound so far away? “Yes,” I confirmed, internally squashing the need to whimper piteously. “Good. Dismissed, and tell Heero ‘thank you’.” Thank you? “For what?” “For not hitting anything vital.” Oh yeah. He did have permission to shoot Relena if she got out of hand, didn’t he? Maybe I should remind him of that fact… + Heero was waiting for me outside when I came out of the building. “So?” he asked with a bit of trepidation in his voice. “Une says ‘thank you’ for not hitting anything vital.” He blinked at me owlishly, then snorted in amusement. “Hn. And what else was it about?” I didn’t feel like discussing it right there. “Let’s go get lunch at that corner café. We can talk about it there.” “Right.” The little café had outdoor tables, which we were happy to sit at. The weather today was gorgeous, a perfect California day as Duo would call it. We both ordered sandwiches and green tea. It had taken two months of coaxing during the war, but I had finally managed to talk Heero into trying tea and he’s been hooked on it ever since. As we waited for our food to arrive, I filled him in on the conversation with Une. Heero’s face became pinched as he listened. “Me stay and you transferred—why aren’t I surprised.” “Because Relena is predictable,” I growled sourly. “Can you hold out for another two weeks?” “If you’re with me,” he responded simply. There was this funny, tight sensation in my chest. His eyes were open in that moment, unguarded, and showing me precisely what was in his heart. I could literally see how much he cared for me—and something deep within my own heart stirred to life in response. I cleared my throat huskily. “Just try and get rid of me.” His face softened into a gentle, almost hesitant smile. I saw his hand move toward mine, then falter—I wasn’t sure why he was shying away from touching in public, but I didn’t give a damn if someone saw us and drew conclusions. I reached out and grasped his hand tightly, rubbing one thumb gently along his knuckles. He jerked a little at the contact…and slowly his fingers closed over mine. “You don’t mind?” he murmured. Oh. He was afraid of my reaction. I nipped this idea in the bud with a firm shake of the head. “No. I can’t be ashamed of you, and I won’t act as if I am.” Whatever reservations he had vaporized and his grip became firm. We might have stayed like that, just touching and looking at each other, for hours or centuries before the food arrived—I lost all track of time. The waitress was giving us an appraising look, but didn’t say a word as she slid our food in front of us. The way she was watching us gave me an idea. “Heero…I have an idea…” He quirked a brow at me. “Does it involve explosives?” “No,” I refuted with rolled eyes. I swear he’s been hanging around Duo too long. “Pissing off Relena?” My lips twitched. “Yes.” “Oh good. I’m all ears.” “Well, it’s our turn to pay her back, right?” Heero nodded solemnly. “Yes, I rather think so.” “I’m so glad you agree with me.” I beamed at him, just barely biting back the impulse to rub my hands together and chortle in Machiavellian glee. Now this was going to be fun. + We were in our room that night for all of five minutes when Heero abruptly came out of the bathroom—in just a towel, yum!—scowling darkly. “Wufei, did you move any of my things?” “Why on earth would I tamper with your stuff?” Then his question penetrated and I took a closer look around the room. Actually, nothing of his was visible… “You don’t suppose—” Heero wasn’t waiting on me to connect the dots, he was tearing through the closet and the chest of drawers, all of which were slammed shut a moment later. “Dammit!” I sank back into the couch and buried my head in my hands. “No wait, let me guess. Relena has moved all of your things, no doubt into her bedroom.” His growl was answer enough. “Right. Grab something of mine. It shouldn’t take but a minute for me to go behead the witch while you get dressed.” Heero nodded curtly, grabbing some clothes and throwing them on. I went and fetched my katana from the wall. It had been a present from Trowa last Christmas—I’m sure he would approve of the purpose I was about to put it to. I’d just oiled and sharpened my clan’s broadsword, after all. I didn’t want to get bloodstains on it. *knock, knock* Since I was closer to the door, I answered it. Relena. Oh good, this way I didn’t have to hunt her down. She frowned at me, lips pursed. “What are you doing here?” “Contrary to your belief, Relena, the world does not revolve around you. I would expound upon this subject, but since you’re going to die in a few seconds anyway, it would be a waste of breath.” Her eyes flashed to the sheathed blade in my hands and went wide. “Y-you can’t kill me!” …she was in full view of the security cameras. Drats. “I can scar you up a little,” I gritted out behind a wolfish smile. Heero chose that moment to come up behind me and wrap a restraining hand around my sword. Spoilsport. “Relena, where did you put everything?” She took in a shaky breath and ignored me. “I moved you into the bedroom right off my room. It makes more sense for you to be there, since you’ll be guarding me.” “Relena, I am only a consultant to the Preventers.” Heero sounded like he was reading off a report. “You don’t have the power to tell me what to do.” For a second, it looked like she would hit the floor in a dead faint. “W-what?” “I don’t have to obey any of your ultimatums. I can walk off whenever I feel like it. The only reason why I am still here is because of Wufei.” “And my patience is to the breaking point,” I snarled. “If you continue acting like a spoiled brat, I’ll walk off too and damn the consequences!” She just deflated, now that her trump card turned out to be a joker. There was no protest from her when Heero pushed past and went to collect his things from where she had moved him. I stayed put, unwilling to have her suddenly snap back into reality and try to take revenge on my things. Heero was back in five minutes, arms full. He didn’t even glance at her as he went back into our room. I closed and locked the door behind us, making a mental note to change the lock (again) tomorrow. “Two weeks.” My partner nodded wearily. “Two weeks. Think we can make it?” “Can we tie her up and lock her away in a dungeon somewhere?” “…we’ll keep the option open.” He sounded so exhausted, and a little fed up. I put away my sword and helped him put everything back where it was supposed to be. When he dropped into bed, I rolled in next to him, gently stroking along his back and arms, trying to ease the tension. In slow degrees he sank into me until he was limp and boneless. I felt a kiss pressed against my neck, then his breathing evened out and went deep with sleep. I shifted him until he was like a living blanket over my torso. If Une ever were forced to separate us, I’d never get any sleep. I was too used to this—having him solid and warm in my arms, hearing his breathing next to my ear, feeling his heartbeat against my skin. I couldn’t imagine my life without him now. Very, very softly I whispered, “Wo ai ni.” Hm. That was easy to say—no pangs of guilt, or unease. On impulse I said it again, arms tightening for a moment around the man in my arms. “Wo ai ni, Heero.” My eyes were drifting shut of their own violation. Hm. I should probably tell him…damn, it was hard to stay awake…probably tell him how I feel about him.
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