Note: This essay was taken from the guestbook with permission. It has been edited slightly for grammatical purposes and HTML-ized.

Anyway, I would like to put my two cents into the yaoi/non-yaoi debate. Personally I don't see the perception in the yaoi side. Firstly, it has to be noted that almost all the male characters can be classified as soldiers/warriors. The only ones who are not active fighters are Relena’s adoptive father and her bulter. And even Pegan can tout a gun. In the case of the Gundam pilots, they're actually terrorists. But they're still soldiers.

As someone who has served in the military, I can personally tell you that brothers in arms are the closest brothers of all. I believe that many fans have misinterpreted this as romantic affection. Many fans point to the scene when Duo is on the barge looking up the moon and thinking of Heero. Although I can see how yaoi fans can see it "their" way, I believe this is Duo showing concern for his newfound friend and comrade.

As for Quatre and Trowa, I have to say that Quatre is REALLY friendly, but he isn’t gay. Quatre is many ways the Gundam pilot's version of Relena, very kind and idealistic. Like Relena he has lived a pampered life, but unlike her (at least not initially) he has decided to give it up in the realization that ideals can only get you so far. In other words he is the heart of the Gundam team, which is why he befriends Trowa.

As for Zechs and Trieze, they’re very close comrades. I think its obvious Zechs has soft spot for Noin. And Trieze has one for Lady Une.

However the heart of the argument is Heero and Relena. Does Relena love Heero? Of course she does; it borders on obsession. So that really isn’t an argument. But one has to ask why. Why does Relena constantly (as constant as the sun sets and rises) seek Heero’s affections? Then you have to ask why does Heero always turn her away?

The first thing I have to say is that neither of them is walking around with a full set of marbles in their heads. Initially it can be argued that it was case of dangerous flirtation. After what else can it be when she lays her hand out to someone who just tried to kill himself, kicked three people out of his way, and then kicked the windshield down and then sped away? (And should I add that she says, "My name's Relena . . . what’s yours" to this guy.)

I think the killer was when Heero tore up the her invitation, wiped away her tear and told her, "I’ll kill you." She probably has never been turned down before. In Heero's cold act lies the real reason she is drawn to him. In those words she knew that Heero was a very strong if darkly introverted person, someone who means what he says and says what he does. Too bad he never manages carry out his words to her, or good depending on your point of view.

I suppose that is the crux of the problem. Relena has a dearth of strong people in her life. Everyone pampers her and listens to what she says, and in return she is kind to everyone. Of course they always return that kindness back to her, everyone except Heero. Later on, after her father is killed, she finds that she needs Heero because the only strong figure in her life is gone. Indeed she has no one else to turn to, except Heero.

As for Heero, I do believe the death of the little girl in Endless Waltz is a reason in sparing her life. But I don’t think it is the only factor. After all, Heero is boy in his young teens. So he must think of girls somewhat (unless he’s gay already). Heero is probably shock by Relena’s kindness, even after he turns her away. As an assassin most people would think twice about staring at those cold hard eyes, but Relena never hesitates to stare into them. In the end it is Heero who hesitates to stare back. Heero is uncertain about what to do about her affections, even though she jeopardizes his mission.

Does Heero love Relena? ABSOLUTLELY!!! But a cold-hearted assassin such as Heero doesn’t thaw easily.

Here are ten reasons why he absolutely worshipped that cute little girl from the Sanc Kingdom.

1. He pulls the chute after Relena yells "HEEEROOO!!" After which he curse himself to not finishing his suicide and wonders why he responded to her.
2. He won’t kill her after she barges (yes, barges into his room) during her party and invites him to dance. This happens right after she returns to Earth after her father’s death. Yes, killing would raise suspicions that he did it. Then again Heero can disappear anywhere. I doubt that he really considered that good reason. But he did admire her courage in front of her.
3. He saves her from the crumbling tower when the OZ troops attack.
4. Afterwards he can’t bring himself to kill even though she is almost begging him too.
5. He sees a vision of her when he wakes after his third (or forth by some count) attempted suicide. Even though it's not Relena but rather Cathrine.
6. He thinks of her and utters her name when under stress.
7. He rescues her over and over, and over.
8. He spares Zechs life because in his words, "It would make Relena sad."
9. He bids farewell to Relena (note not Duo), as he is about to self-destruct again and save the Earth in the process.
10. In Blind Target, he promises to Relena that he will always protect, regardless of who the enemy is.

If reason number ten doesn’t prove it, nothing will. Heero never says to her that "Loves Her". Then if did (and in the process giving up too easily) he wouldn’t the Heero Yuy we all love.

In the end it has to be said that Heero and Relena are diametrically opposite people who are infinitely drawn to each other.

For Relena, she draws strength from the fact the Heero never gives up, so she must not either. That in the end Heero fights for all of humanity and not just the colonies. For one has to remember that Relena has followed her foster father’s footstep and becomes a foreign minister. It’s a tough job and she draws strength from her dark knight.

Heero for his part had accepted his role (begrudgingly or otherwise) as her champion and fights to protect her and probably also to guide her from total foolhardiness. That is probably why he stays distant from her. Firstly, it is the best way protect her, and two to make sure she stays level headed most of the time, as well as himself. For when Heero and Relena gets together, Relena becomes rather ditzy and wants to talk a lot. As for Heero he loses some of his judgment and actually puts up with her.

For he too draws strength from her. As someone who stands firm to her ideals (correct or otherwise) in the face of incredible odds, Relena is an incredible inspiration to him. For Heero probably does not have any ideals of his own. For most of his life he has only known of his mission and carries them out. It is through her that he finds that the true enemy is not on Earth or in space. But rather those that have carry out wars senselessly such as Zechs and Trieze. In the end he thinks of her when death is near (and being quite suicidal) and in turn that makes him want to survive.

Yet in one way Heero and Relena are very pure in heart. Relena is openly kind, and almost sees the world in a black and white way. Heero shows kindness in different way, by protecting the things he loves, on top of the list is Relena. Heero may be cold and very efficient at killing, but I think he bears no malice to any of the people that he killed (not much consolation). Although Heero fights, he has no desire for power and truly hates those that do. Above all I believe and Relena are drawn to each other's purity and that is what makes them inseparable.