A Hero's Journey -- Part 29 -

The hallway reeked of the antiseptics Relena always associated with hospitals. A few of the people glanced at her and Heero as they made their way to Hilde’s room. However, the indifference of the onlookers to their presence convinced Relena that no one recognized her.

Indeed, she almost didn’t recognize herself. Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail. A faded, baggy sweatshirt with jeans and tennis shoes made her look her true age instead of the poised politician people were used to seeing on television.

They quickly arrived at the correct room. Without even so much as a knock, Heero entered the room, earning a glare from Relena. However, like he had for the majority of the morning, he ignored her.

Hilde and Duo had been conversing in low voices when the other pair arrived. Duo rose from his chair and greeted them, Relena with a hug and Heero with a handshake. Relena made her way to Hilde, making innocent inquiries about her condition, while the two men lingered by the door.

“Zechs is late,” Heero grumbled, watching Relena talk with Hilde.

Duo shrugged. “Since he and Noin will be acting as Preventers, they have to report in to Une. Besides Quatre found out that Sally is being examined by their doctors to check out the extent of her injuries. It would be nice to have the major around if she gets the green light. She could help out in a jam.”

Heero gave a snort but made no remark. “What have you learned from Barton?”

“Not much lately and nothing too specific. They have been around for a long time, their careful low profile keeping off our radar. According to Trowa, they only begun to significantly increase their number in the past two years or so. It’s strictly on a referral basis. There has been nothing resembling an open call from these guys.”

“When was the last time he sent a report?”

“He’s been contacting Quatre,” Duo replied. “It’s been over a week. Quatre has been worried for days, and frankly I’m beginning to be.”

Heero nodded. Whatever he was about to say died on his lips when he noticed that Relena was studying him. Scowling, he averted his eyes.

Duo caught the exchange and tried not to smile. ‘Even now, Heero, you’re still protecting her. Why can’t you see what’s in front of your eyes?’

“What have you done with Quatre?” Relena asked, breaking the temporary silence. “I thought that he was going to be here.”

“He went to get some coffee,” Duo said, resuming his seat by Hilde.

His wife giggled. “I swear he’s worse than Duo about it.”

“Hey!”

However, Relena just laughed. “I can’t say anything. With my hours, it’s nice to have something that can be a jumpstart in the morning.”

A knock on the door signaled Quatre’s arrival. The Arabian earned a laugh by bringing coffee for everyone. He and Relena chatted for several moments, the conversation eventually drifting to the latest political news.

He had never seen Relena so frank and open, Heero realized as he watched the pair. ‘Quatre belongs in her world more than I ever will.’ Surprised, he hastily brushed the thought aside and concentrated on their current situation.


Part XXIX The hallway reeked of the antiseptics Relena always associated with hospitals. A few of the people glanced at her and Heero as they made their way to Hilde’s room. However, the indifference of the onlookers to their presence convinced Relena that no one recognized her. Indeed, she almost didn’t recognize herself. Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail. A faded, baggy sweatshirt with jeans and tennis shoes made her look her true age instead of the poised politician people were used to seeing on television. They quickly arrived at the correct room. Without even so much as a knock, Heero entered the room, earning a glare from Relena. However, like he had for the majority of the morning, he ignored her. Hilde and Duo had been conversing in low voices when the other pair arrived. Duo rose from his chair and greeted them, Relena with a hug and Heero with a handshake. Relena made her way to Hilde, making innocent inquiries about her condition, while the two men lingered by the door. “Zechs is late,” Heero grumbled, watching Relena talk with Hilde. Duo shrugged. “Since he and Noin will be acting as Preventers, they have to report in to Une. Besides Quatre found out that Sally is being examined by their doctors to check out the extent of her injuries. It would be nice to have the major around if she gets the green light. She could help out in a jam.” Heero gave a snort but made no remark. “What have you learned from Barton?” “Not much lately and nothing too specific. They have been around for a long time, their careful low profile keeping off our radar. According to Trowa, they only begun to significantly increase their number in the past two years or so. It’s strictly on a referral basis. There has been nothing resembling an open call from these guys.” “When was the last time he sent a report?” “He’s been contacting Quatre,” Duo replied. “It’s been over a week. Quatre has been worried for days, and frankly I’m beginning to be.” Heero nodded. Whatever he was about to say died on his lips when he noticed that Relena was studying him. Scowling, he averted his eyes. Duo caught the exchange and tried not to smile. ‘Even now, Heero, you’re still protecting her. Why can’t you see what’s in front of your eyes?’ “What have you done with Quatre?” Relena asked, breaking the temporary silence. “I thought that he was going to be here.” “He went to get some coffee,” Duo said, resuming his seat by Hilde. His wife giggled. “I swear he’s worse than Duo about it.” “Hey!” However, Relena just laughed. “I can’t say anything. With my hours, it’s nice to have something that can be a jumpstart in the morning.” A knock on the door signaled Quatre’s arrival. The Arabian earned a laugh by bringing coffee for everyone. He and Relena chatted for several moments, the conversation eventually drifting to the latest political news. He had never seen Relena so frank and open, Heero realized as he watched the pair. ‘Quatre belongs in her world more than I ever will.’ Surprised, he hastily brushed the thought aside and concentrated on their current situation.


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