Chapter Two
A lunch date

The next day Relena was as nervous as hell. She was a jumbling mass of nerves at breakfast by the time nearing lunch she was practically shaking herself all over the place. She hadn't told Ririka but it seemed that Ririka knew and was constantly giving her advice about her date with the mysterious Jonathan Brand. Finally she got exasperated.

"Ririka, it is not a date!"

"I know, I know it's what you call a luncheon but for heaven's sakes, girl, that was a secret codename for date!"

"It is not a date!"

"It is so!"

"How did you know about my luncheon meeting with him anyway?"

"I saw his e-mail to you and your reply."

Elen gritted her teeth and grounded her fingers on the palm of her hands.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to read my private e-mails?"

"About thousands of times but hey! I'm me and you like me the way I am!"

Elen snorted.

"You wish!"

"Hey! C'mon be nice and friendly. I'm only helping you out he-Oh . . . my . . .. Jesus . . . Christ . . . "

"What? What is it this time? Cat got your tongue."

"You are one lucky hag."

"What?"

Elen looked forward and saw Heero coming out of his dormitory wearing a black ensemble. His brown hair and pale face made him look like some sort of death angel.

"Which he is," thought Elen wryly.

Several students were turning their heads to him. Girls were making cat calls. He ignored them but he felt the gaze of Elen and Ririka, both girls had halted in shock and amazement. How could one guy look so hot?! He locked the door and turned slowly at Relena's direction and . . . smiled. One of pure admiration. His eyes looked her over and Elen could feel herself doing the same. The more she looked the more perfect she found him to be. She knew her face must be brick red but . . .  Heero walked over to them and said cooly.

"Ready?"

Relena managed to choke out a yes and signaled furiously for Ririka to scat. Ririka did with much winking to Relena that Relena wanted to strangle her. The couple walked at an even pace out of the dormitory building.

"You look great, Heero."

Heero kept a straight face and nodded before saying with a smile that curved perfectly.

"And so are you."

This time Relena could not hide her embarrassment. Her face colored and she looked down. Heero didn't say anything but when she snatched a glimpse of his deep eyes she could sense amusement and appreciation. Heero steered her firmly to his car and she looked up in askance.

"What are you doing?"

"We're going to a place of my own choosing."

Relena shrugged but inside she was brimming with excitement . . . and question. What was going on? Heero had never acted this way . . . at all. She recalled Dr. J's words. He was once a kind hearted boy but . . . The training to be a Pilot had completely eradicated his real personality. Even when they had started over. She glanced at his face as he concentrated on
driving.

"He sure is different."

"What?"

Relena blushed some more and put a hand on her mouth.

"Nothing, nothing."

"You think I'm different?"

"I . . . well yes, I do."

"You too. You're different."

"Times have changed us, I suppose."

Heero nodded.

"How do you like school?"

Heero didn't answer but Relena was used to that. Only she didn't expect it to be so awkward if he didn't answer her. He was getting uncomfortable too. Desperately to get things moving he turned on the radio. Relena watched him curiously before shrugging. The radio station was just starting on Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden. While the song was just starting to
play the DJ announced.

"Well, well, well. We have an anonymous mystery man requesting Truly, Madly, Deeply for the women he loves. His message is,"I may have went away, I may have ran away. But that was before and now is the future and I realize I want to spend the rest of it with you. So listen to this song and let my feelings be known. I love you."

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do
I will be strong I will be faithful'cause I'm counting on
A new beginning
A reason for living
A deeper meaning
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me

And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish to send it to heaven
Then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the pleasure in the certainty
That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of
The highest powers
In lonely hours
The tears devour you
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cause its standing right here before you
all that you need will surely come

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be you hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly deeply do
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
 

Relena sighed wistfully.

"I wonder who the couple are. The guy sounds like he really loves her."

Heero glanced over at her.

"You think so?"

"Of course!"

"That do you think the woman should do?"

"I think that the woman should accept him back. It sounds like they really love each other. You don't get that kind of love and adoration every time in your life. It comes only once and its gone."

Staring at her in with the strangest expression Relena blushed again realizing that she was talking nonsense. After all Heero never experience that kind of love before. Well, maybe except from her and he rejected her.

"So . . ."

"We're here."

He cut her off abruptly as he rolled in smoothly at the parking lot of a peaceful well known park called Serenity Park. It was a huge expanse of fresh green grass, tall cool shady trees, beautiful shrubberies, and a nice large lake in the center where you could rent row boats and feed the mute swans passing by.

"This is a beautiful place, Heero."

Nodding cooly, he stepped out. Relena was about to follow when she noticed Heero striding casually to her side and opening the door for her. Blushing slightly, she accepted the offered hand of assistance out.

"So where's the food?"

"Right here."

Heero snatched a duffel bag from the back-seat of his sports car.

"You cook?"

"If I want to, if I have to, and if I can."

"Oh."

"C'mon."

He led her a cool shady spot right under a willow tree who's branches dipped closely to the lake right next to it. It's large branches offered as a table and chairs.

"Wow, this spot is nice."

"I picked it out."

Relena smiled dazzlingly up at him and turned away to explore their space. Unbeknownst to her Heero's face went bright red and his eyes followed her. Relena grinned as she swung up the tree branches and climbed in a monkey like fashion.

"Come down here! We still have to eat lunch, then you can play!"

"I am not a child, Heero!"

"You sure surprised me."

"Well, excuse me for not being the perfect lady!"

Relena mockingly sniffed and climbed down. Heero had set the table. It consisted of sparkling cider, roast beef sandwiches, and for desert some fruit cocktail. Relena eyed them in amazement.

"You made all that?"

"Well, except for the cider. I packed that of course."

"Wow."

"Try it, it's good."

"I will if you do it at the same time."

"All right."

They both took their sandwiches at the same time and bit it slowly, each eyeing the other for their reactions. At first, Relena could do nothing but stare at Heero's face bright excitement and happiness. She was hypnotized by his movements, his features, his everything. It was a good excuse any way to look at him. Then her attention was pulled back to the food she ate. It was
wonderful! Rich wonderful beef thick with sauce. It was delicious! Her eyes lit up with pleasure and she munched more on the sandwich.

"This is really good! Really, really good! You never told me you could cook this good, Heero!"

Relena smiled happily and settled back to lean on the tree trunk with a contented look on her face. Heero just watched her, a peaceful look on his face.

"You know, the name of the park really fits it. It bring us serenity when we're in it."

"Yeah, peace."

That word brought out memories from the past, both were uncomfortable talking about them but Relena's concern was killing her.

"So . . . so how is everything? How is my brother and his wife? And the pilots? Duo?"

Heero flinched as if she had slapped him hard across the face. He looked at the ground, his reflexive biting and chewing had come to an end. Relena's face became nervous. She desperately searched for a safe new topic.

"Heero, are you good in sports?"

"I . . . what do you mean?"

"Well, of course you're good in sports but what I really meant was what sport you favored?"

"I like basketball."

"Of course, I should have known. All guys like basketball."

"What about girls?"

"Girls like any game."

"I don't see them playing football."

"That's because they're not allowed to."

"What about hockey?"

"Because . . . because . . . we favor figure skating more!"

"Do you, Relena?"

"Do I what?"

"Do you like figure skating."

"Yup, I'm on the team."

"Are you good?"

"Average, you?"

"I can be good if I want to."

"What do you mean by if I want to?"

"If I want to I can be good."

He gave her a dangerous smile, one that made Relena's heart skip two beats. Biting quickly, she swallowed the last of her sandwich and considered the rest of the meal. Heero's smile remained and Relena flushed. He finished his sandwich quickly and poured some cider on some plastic cups. He gave one to Relena and kept one for himself.

"A toast."

"What'll we toast about?"

"The future."

Relena smiled.

"You're right. For the future."

"For the new future."

They both clinked their cups and drank it down. Then Heero set down the two plastic bowls with the cocktail in it. He mixed in some condensed milk.

"This is really delicious, you know, Heero. Healthy and delicious."

"What else could I make? Certainly not junk food."

"No wonder, you look so good."

Again a compliment slipped out of her mouth with her noticing and she looked down in embarrassment. In a slightly nervous voice she said.

"Please, forgive me for being so forward, I didn't mean-"

Heero laughed. He actually laughed. Relena looked up in shock. He composed himself and said in a charming low voice.

"And you look really cute when you blush. Is that forward enough for you?"

Relena didn't quite what she could make of it. A mixture of disbelief, embarrassment, and pleasure showed clearly on her face and Heero laughed some more.

"Come on, Relena-chan. Let's go climb the tree if you want."

Conceding silently, face still showing in shock she followed Heero's lead as he climbed skillfully up the tree.

"Wanna play tag on the tree?"

"But Heero."

Relena protested as Heero disappeared in the thick foliage of the willow tree.

"You have an advantage! You're strong, I'm not! You know hot to climb and I don't and you're way quicker than me! And what if I fall down or something? Heero, answer me!"

Silence pervaded the tree as Relena tapped her foot impatiently before deciding to move forward. Suddenly a body erupted from the leaves and branches above her and Relena wavered and lost her balance. A scream tore at her throat as she pitched forward but two warm arms circled around her waist and held her firmly. Relena looked up and saw Heero's gentle face. He
whispered.

"I would never let harm come to you."

Relena grew silent as she stared at Heero's gently face.

"He's so warm. He makes me feel so peaceful and safe. But at the same time I also feel so giddy and happy . . . what is this feeling? Could it be . . . ? o, it couldn't be . . . school girl crush . . . doesn't feel the same way . .. . isn't there . . .  any . . . more . . . "Relena thought dimly.

A quick movement from one of the top branches made Heero look up quickly and tear his intense gaze with Relena. Relena blushed meanwhile. Heero didn't see anything but just to be on the safe side. He lifted Relena to the branch he was on and looked around.

"Stay here, Relena."

"Why?"

He didn't answer but he moved away from her and started climbing the branches where he had heard the noise. While he was gone Relena contemplated what was going on.

"This is just weird. What is happening to me. Heero is so different. He's so nice and free. And what are these weird feelings? They can't be love. It just can't be. My affections for Heero were school girl crushes . . . weren't they? Then . . . how come. I feel so calm and safe just being with him. No, I can't do this! I can't fall in love with him again! The past . . . I left to escape the past, to build a new future. No, that wasn't the real reason. The real reason was because I felt so heartbroken. I have never felt these feelings before. Why? Why now? And with him?" thought Relena.

"You okay, Relena?"

Startled out of her train of thoughts she swung her arms wildly around for support. Her arms unfortunately landed on the speaker and the speaker turned out to be Heero. Heero held her as she grabbed him tight, afraid to lose her
balance. After a few seconds, Relena looked around noticing that whatever she was holding was Heero.

"Heero!"

Immediately she backed away from him, confusion and embarrassment, once again reigning on her face.

"Relena?"

"Sorry, I didn't know it was you. You startled me."

Heero nodded silently, his face a mirror to his emotions, turbulent, fierce, and intense. Relena, mistaking this expression for anger starting blubbering out excuses and apologies again until Heero composed himself. He smiled at Relena.

"Relena, I'm not angry at all. Are you still playing tag with me?"

"But you-"

"I'll give you a handicap. I'll move real slow and if you ever lose your balance, I'll catch you."

"Okay, then. Who's first?"

"Me."

"Got it. Turn around and count from 1-10."

Heero did as instructed and her could hear Relena moving away from him. His face gave way to a small smile.

"Ready or not, here I come!"

"Wait, Heero! That was not 10 seconds yet! Cheater! Ooh!"

Grinning more widely he started making his way among the branches listening to Relena fumbling among the foliage. She shouted again.

"You cheater! You said you'd give me handicap! You're almost right next to me!"

"Thanks for the clue!"

"Argh!"

The noise level increased.

"You know you could be more quiet! I can't tell where you are if you keep quiet!"

"Fat chance! I bet you can hear every little squeak going on in this entire tree."

"You underestimate me, Relena. Right now, I bet you're on the second to the highest branch, the one with that small knoll."

There was a stifled shriek of panic and more noise. Heero grinned some more. Now he could hear her moving to one of the branches running over the water. He followed carefully, making sure he would make some noise.

"Wow, what's this?"

"What's what?"

"Heero, come and look."

"Are you sure you want me to do that? The game is still on, you know."

"What? Then I call more a time out."

"There is no time out."

"Hmph! Fine! See if you can find me here!"

There was some rustling noise, then everything stopped. Heero's grin disappeared replaced by a look of concentration. He listened for any noise at all but found none. Moving silently among the foliage he looked everywhere for Relena on the lower branches over the water. His eyes suddenly picked up a strand of beige hair moving silently in the wind. He grinned
dangerously and kept extra silent as  he crept forward. He could discern Relena hiding inside a dense bush of willow leaves so closely packed it formed almost a comfortable hole. His hand suddenly darted forward and parted the bushes.
Relena shrieked as she tried to escape but Heero quickly but gently tagged her.

"Well, looks like I got you after all."

"Hmph, I call it luck!"

"I call it skill. What are you sitting on?"

Relena excitedly moved away from whatever she was sitting on and eagerly showed it to Heero.

"See? It's a swing. Look at those long ropes. If we untie them we can swing all across the small lagoon. The branch is right in the middle of it."

"And who is going to move it?"

"We don't have to. See the ropes are attached to this branch that's set in way that's easy to swing around. It's sturdy and strong and all we have to do is lean our weight on the direction we want to go. Come on, let's try it!"

Without waiting for an answer Relena started untying the ropes. Heero followed somewhat, hesitantly. Before long a swing with long ropes was swaying gently in the wind. It used to be a pretty wooden swing, the couple could tell. Relena leapt on to it and patted the side for Heero to follow. Heero acquiesced and they faced opposite directions.

"Wanna start on your side or mine?"

"Whichever!"

"My side then!"

Relena leaned her weight forward and the swing glided forward. Then Heero leaned his weight forward and he leaned backward. Relena laughed delightedly. Pretty soon they were swinging over the small inlet of the lake. Suddenly there was a violent gust of wind and the swing sung forward unexpectedly. Relena, who was expecting a backward motion, was thrown forward and she cried out! Heero tried to catch her but his hands met air. Without realizing it he had jumped off after her. Their arms encircled around one another as they plummeted down the fresh inlet with a splash! Underwater they clawed their way without letting go of one another's hand. Relena choked up some water but Heero was fine. They paddled their way back to the shore.

"You okay, Relena?"

"Yeah, just some water, I swallowed(cough)"

"Come on, we better dry off. It's kinda windy."

Heero assisted her forward and escorted her to the great oak's base. He rummaged through his duffel bag until he came upon a small towel and he threw it to Relena.

"Thanks but what about you?"

"I'm fine. I'll just let the sun and wind dry me off."

"But you're gonna catch a cold."

"I'm tougher than that. Besides we gotta get the swing back. Don't want anyone knowing about little secret."

Winking at her, Heero climbed back up the tree. He called back.

"You need some privacy, anyways!"

For the hundredth time that day Relena blushed and stared after Heero. Slowly she started to wipe herself with the towel without taking off her shirt. Heero returned soon. He eyed the shirt disapprovingly.

"Relena, I may be able to resist the cold but you can't."

"I have a pretty good immune system. Besides, what am I going to wear?"

"Well, I have some of my old shirts back in the car . . . "

"Great, you can use them too."

"They're too small but I think they might be able to fit you. Stay right there."

"Okay."

Soon, Heero returned with one green tank top. The one he had worn when they had first met. It smelled slightly of gun power, some chemicals even though it had been laundered several times. Heero seemed to wince slightly as he brought it.

"This is the only one I could find."

"Are you sure? I could always . . . "

"No, you're gonna catch a cold in there."

"Okay, if you want . . .  Turn around."

Heero obeyed and Relena switched shirts quickly. The problem she found with the shirt was not the smell, it was the fit. It hung tightly around her, hugging her body. She had decided to at least wear her bra for decency's sake. Now it was her turn to frown at Heero.
 

"Heero, whatever you may say you're still a human and you're still going to catch a cold."

"I can take it."

"Heero, you're gonna get cold! Take off your shirt and wipe yourself off."

"What?"

"You heard me and I won't look, I promise."

He stared, at her surprised.

"You know that you can't-"

"But nothing, Heero! You're still gonna catch a cold in that and I'm going to tackle and wrestle that shirt off of you if you don't get it off."

She faced him, determination burning in her eyes, fearless and courageous. Heero had never seen her like that before, well those time he had seen her he hadn't noticed really well but . . . Slowly he took of his white shirt and started wiping his himself while Relena turned around.  At his back he reached some problems. He cursed silently under his breath as he tried, tried
being the keyword there, wiping his back. His curses resulted in Relena giggling uncontrollably. He snapped.

"And just what is so funny?"

"Nothing, nothing (giggle) it's just that (teehee) you guys aren't just
(chuckle) flexible."

"Flexible? What are you talking about?"

"Nothing, nothing."

"Either you put up or shut up!"

"I'm not going with either way."

"Can't you shut up?!"

"No (giggle)"

"Well, if you can't then put up with it!"

"What do you expect me to do? Wipe your back? (Giggle)"

There was a silent moment as Relena suddenly halted her giggling and Heero stopped his failing attempts. Heero drew back and said.

"Ah, forget it. I just can't reach it. I'm going to put on my shirt."

"Heero, no! It's not dry yet. Wait for it."

"And what am I going to wear?"

"You could, you could . . . "

"Get my point?"

"Geeze, you are one stubborn man."

"You too."

"Shut up and hand me that towel! I'm going to wipe your back for you!"

Heero suddenly sat straighter and stiffer. Relena, realizing the full impact of her words, approached him from the back cautiously. She reached for the towel and considered how to wipe his back.

"Uh . . . uh . . .  Me and my big mouth! It is forever getting me in trouble!" Relena thought.

Soon she started to wipe his back gently. She even out her strokes and brushed the towel more than once around his back. Heero relaxed under her touch and enjoyed the massage. Without realizing it Relena was done and she quickly retracted, scared and nervous. Heero let out a sigh of disappointment and turned around to face her. She blushed.

"Thanks, Relena."

"Heero, you're . . . "

"Well, we have at least half an hour together and don't tell me you're going to avoid me all the time."

"Of course not! I was just . . . "

"See? Might as well get used to it now."

"You're right."

"Let's relax. I brought my portable radio."

He set it out and tuned it to a station. Relena leaned back against the oak and Heero laid down on the smooth soft grass, After a few minutes Relena realized that Heero had most likely fallen asleep. She took the opportunity to study his sleeping face. His sleeping face frowned and his eyebrows were tense as if we was concentrating on something. Even though he was silent
Relena could tell he wasn't dreaming good. Unconsciously she reached out a hand and stroked his smooth cheek. The face relaxed almost at once. His face turned to her hand as if seeking the warmth. Relena's eyes widened slightly but she relaxed and shifted Heero so that his head was pillowed by her legs and one arm was around him. The portable radio then started playing
Truly, Madly, Deeply. Smiling slightly, Relena recalled the message along with Truly, Madly, Deeply. The announcer was just coming up

"Guys and girls, we've got another anonymous person today and this time it's a lady! Ooh, let's hope it's the one the other guy was talking about. Anyway she requested this song, Every time by Janet Jackson and this is her
message,"

My heart is confused,
and it seems that I muse,
Do I still love you like I used to?
Back then in bitter heart break,
my heart had a never ending ache,
I had to choose between the future and you,
My mind was in coils reminding me of the laces of a shoe
Between your dangerous aloofness
And the safety the future, I've had finesse
I chose the future
To keep my heart safe and in looking mature
But never did my mind foretell
You the one I ran away from  would make my heart run pell mell
It seems that Fate has us together
And it seems you make my heart feel as light as a feather
But I am afraid
The price I have paid
What more can be said but I fear
Saying,"I love you dear."
Would my heart be safe?
Would your heart be mine?
Only the future can reveal
What my heart and yours has put a seal
Let us see
Together are we
Are our hearts one?
You have won each battle for my heart   but is the war won?
Are you to be
The keeper to key
Of whose gates have been closed

"Well, peeps what do you think of that? What do you say? Let's hear our
response from our viewers but let's listen to the song now."

Every time

I'm afraid I'm starting to feel
What I said I would not do
The last time really hurt me
I'm scared to fall in love
Afraid to love so fast
'Cause every time I fall in love
It seems to never last
But every time your love is near
And every time I'm filled with fear
'Cause every time I see your face
My heart does begin to race every time
One half want me to go
Other half wants me to stay
I just get so all confused
I'm scared to fall in love
Afraid to love so fast
'Cause every time I fall in love
It seems to never last

Chorus
I'm scared to fall in love
Afraid to love so fast
'Cause every time I fall in love
It seems to never last

Chorus
Every time your love is near
And every time I'm filled with fear
'Cause every time I see your face
Could it be that this will be the one that lasts
The fear does start to erase every time
Oh could it be that this will be the one that lasts
For all my times...For all my times.

As Relena closed her eyes falling asleep as she heard the last line she failed to see Heero's gently eyes looking into her as they had opened at the beginning of the announcement.

"I had fun this lunch, Heero. Thanks so much! We should do it again!"

Heero nodded with a smile and Relena laughed.

"And I'm the one who's supposed to give you a good time."

"I'm gonna be late if I don't rush so I gotta go. See you later, Heero!"

Relena hopped off and walked elegantly to her dormitories. Heero smiled after her. After she disappeared from sight his smile was replaced by a frown as he placed a hand on his forehead. His eyes were stormy, like a typhoon on the sea. The emotions ran rampant and fierce.

"What is it about you that makes me feel this way?"

Then he searched for a parking space hurrying for his own classes.