Chapter 5
Christian stepped foot on to the Yuy manor,
taking a good look at the large house in the distance. He had a while to walk,
the house being covered in a lush garden. He imagined that he would be lost in
a maze of bushes. He figured his luck wasn't that good. He was about halfway
through the gardens, taking his time, admiring the variety of flowers, arranged
and wild. He was impressed. The Yuy's had a great garden. "Hello
Christian." He jumped as the voice behind him spoke. He stared at the
intruder. "Ms. Yuy." He acknowledged coldly, yet politely. She
frowned. "You can call me Rebecca." He straightened, positioning
himself into his work stance. "I'm here to be your guardian, not your
friend." He winced as he heard how cold that sounded. He had to question
himself on why he was acting this way. Rebecca could not hide her hurt. "I
see." was all she could say. She turned away and headed to the right.
"The house is straight ahead. I guess I’ll see you there later." She
tossed over her shoulder. He wanted to add that she wasn't supposed to be
alone, but he was giddy with relief that she was leaving. Those feelings she
had stirred in him at the beach were still there and he was sick with grief.
How could things turn out so disastrously?! He headed in the direction he was
told, guilt and disgust tormenting his mind. "I will not have you
disrespect her again." Came a cold voice. Christian looked up to see Heero
Yuy, arms crossed, standing by a large white marble fountain. Anger rose up in
Christian. It was far more intense than the time he first laid eyes on Heero,
more intense than when Heero chased him down in the car. "Eat me
Yuy!" He snapped. Rank was immediately forgotten as Christian was faced with
more hurt than he knew how to deal with. Heero was taken aback. There was more
than anger in those eyes. There was much confusion and pain.... What had
happened to him since yesterday?? Heero scowled back. "Don't forget who
your talking to boy. I'm still your ranking officer." Christian began to
pace back and forth like a caged animal. Heero watched, intrigued as the
raven-haired version of his younger self paced, agitated. He had a feeling he
was about to find out why. "How could not tell me I had a sister?!"
He hissed. Heero's eyes widened. "I can't prove it, but I know you set
this up! Why can't you leave me alone! I can't stand you. I don't want to be
around you and I sure as hell don't want to baby-sit my spoiled sister while
you try to patch things up!" Heero ran a hand through his unruly brown
hair. He was harboring a secret. A secret he didn't want anyone to know that
already wasn't aware. Still, he had to ease this boy's mind. In truth he didn't
exactly want Une to take this route, but he figured he'd take whatever she
gave. He didn't think about how this would interfere with his family.
"Calm down." Heero said softly, wanting to explain. Christian was too
wound up to listen. "No! No I won't calm down! I can't believe you kept
this a secret! Did you not think that was important?! That I’d never find out
living in the same town!?" "She's not your sister!" Heero
hollered to cut him off. Christian stopped pacing and faced him confused.
"What?" He asked, not sure he heard correctly. Heero sighed and sat
down on the edge of the fountain. "She's not your sister." Heero
answered softly. Christian stood there, confused as all hell. "I don't
understand." Heero looked up. "Well, you would if you'd CALM down and
let me talk instead of running your mouth." Christian blushed slightly and
conceded, taking a couple steps closer to Heero, standing in front of him.
Heero figured it was better than nothing. "Rebecca is not really
mine." Heero sighed. This was hard to explain. "When Relena got
pregnant she assumed it was mine and I never questioned it. Your mother had
disappeared and Duo left the scene soon after. Everything was fine. Rebecca was
born months later and we were happy." Chris snorted "Good for
you." Heero scowled but continued. It wasn't till after 3 years that
her eyes started to change from bright blue to violet. I knew then that she
couldn't have been mine. A trip to the doctor later confirmed it." Chris'
eyes widened. "She's not your REAL daughter then?" Heero didn't sense
the relief radiating from Christian. She wasn't his sister. He wasn't a freak
for being attracted to her. But she was still Heero's daughter, which meant he
wouldn't get close to her. He nodded. A rustling in the bushes next to them
startled both men. Heero's heart sank as he saw Rebecca standing there, holding
a hand to her mouth. "Becca." He stood but she backed away.
"You- you never told me? How could you not tell me?" Her voice
quivered from hurt and shock. She looked at Christian and back at her father,
tears falling down her cheeks. Heero took a step towards her, feeling his heart
crumple as he looked at her face, etched with hurt that he had caused with the
truth. "Becca come here." he said gently. She backed away. "No.
No. Leave me alone!" She wailed and turned to run quickly back the way she
came. Heero turned on Christian guilt making him blame the first person he
could. "This is your fault. You couldn't just calm down could you? Now I have to go and explain all this to my
daughter." Before Christian could think he blurted out. "But she's
not your daughter." Heero had him by the shirt in an instant, his face
dangerously close to Christian's. "She will always be my daughter no
matter what." He shoved Christian to the floor and stalked off, thinking
of a way to explain and beg for forgiveness. Christian sat on the ground,
ashamed of his actions. He knew it really wasn't his fault, but he felt bad
nonetheless. No one could mistake the hurt and shock on the young girls face.
Still he couldn't help the bitterness towards her. SHE was the one who caused
his mother to leave. It didn't matter to him that she couldn't have helped the
fact and he was determined to hate her just as much as Heero Yuy.
Chapter 6
Rebecca Yuy ran all the
way to the house and up the stairs to find sanctuary in her room. She locked
the door and windows, not wanting anyone to have a chance to come in. Her hands
trembled as she sank to the floor. Her whole existence was a lie. The father
she had always known was not her real father.... How could her parents keep this
from her? And they knew! They knew and they never told her. She felt a wave of
nausea creep up and crawled to the bathroom. She laid herself down on the cold
tile floor, wishing at this moment she had never been born. Why was her dad
talking to Christian about it? How did he fit into this? She jumped when she
heard a knock at her door. "Rebecca?" It was her dad. Tears welled up
in her eyes as the feelings of hurt were renewed. She sighed and pushed herself
off the cold tile and into her room. "I can't talk right now." She
said shakily through the door. "Becca....." Her father's pleading
voice came through again, hanging in the air with guilt and despair. Rebecca
wanted to get out for a while. She eyed the window. "I'm alright dad, i just
need to be alone for a while." She heard him sigh and after a few
agonizing minutes, she heard his footsteps walk down the hall. She wanted
answers. Right now she just wanted some time alone. She eyed her window. It was
a good two stories up, but she could climb down. Determined to get out on her
own for a while, she opened the window and carefully scanned the yard. No one.
She threw one leg over the side and then the other, using the ledge and then
the vines growing on the side of her house to climb her way down. Almost all the
way down, she grabbed another vine and before she saw it, the vine broke off,
too flimsy to support her. With a small squeal, she fell victim to gravity.
Landing with a thud she winced at the pain on her backside. Standing as quick
as she could manage, she hobbled away to the cover of the garden before she was
spotted. Unbeknownst to her, she already was. Chris watched curiously as she
climbed out her window and jumped with alarm as she fell to the ground. He
watched her hobble away. He wasn't sure what to do now. He was still her
guardian. He had to fulfill his duty. Yet it seemed that he and Heero were
finally in agreement that neither wanted him around the premises any longer. He
fought an inner battle. He could swipe Chad's extra board and practice surfing,
forget about his problems and maybe even get sent back home for
insubordination. He smiled at the thought. Then again, he wasn't the type to
ignore his duties, whether he wanted to do them or not. He silently cursed
himself and followed Rebecca.
She wandered through the gardens and out into the
open fields. Finally settling for a spot, she slumped into the tall grass and
lay back, staring at the clouds. She loved to lose herself with the free
movements of the clouds, pulling themselves apart into new shapes. They had the
ability to reinvent themselves. How she envied them. She was so lost in
thought, she didn't hear the footsteps approaching. Chris almost stepped on her
in his haste to catch up. He stared down into her violet eyes, full of surprise.
"You shouldn't be out here." He stated. She sighed and pushed herself
up to sit. "I know." She answered back. Seeing him reminded her of
the events of the day and she fought to keep her tears at bay. He noticed.
Chris fidgeted, unnerved by her sadness. "I'm.... I’m sorry for what
happened today." He offered. She nodded. "I know, Christian. Your not
to blame for how you feel." He sat down next to her, not sure of what to
do or say. He just stared ahead at the rolling hills of green. He'd never seen
anything like it. "Do you hate my father, Christian?" He stared
ahead, ignoring her question. A few seconds later he spoke. "Yes."
She scooted closer to him. "I don't know what to think anymore." A
tear slid down her cheek, followed by another. "I've been lied to my
entire life. Everything I’ve ever known is a lie." Christian felt a tinge
of guilt. He acted poorly. But at least his mother never lied to him about what
had happened. It may have been a hard upbringing, but it was true. He felt
sorry for the girl so lost beside him. "Is there anywhere else you'd like
to go, Miss Yuy?" He offered. She sniffled. "No. I think I better get
back home." He stood. "Then I'll escort you." He offered his
hand to help her up. She took it. "It's not far. Plus, I doubt you or my dad
want to run into each other." He started to argue the point that it was
his duty to escort her, but it sounded harsh, even to his own ears. "I'll
manage to deal with it." He assured. She smiled and walked beside him to
her manor. She stopped at the edge of the garden, looking up at the large house
in front of her. "This is fine Christian. Come by tomorrow and then you
can escort me out." He nodded. "You'll be ok?" He looked up at
the house. She sighed. "I'll be fine. Will I see you tomorrow?" He
thought about it, and then slowly nodded. "Tomorrow then Miss Yuy."
He turned to leave. "Can't you call me Rebecca?" She called out after
him. He turned to look over his shoulder. "That wouldn't be
appropriate." She watched him go. She shook her head, disappointed, but
amused. "Appropriate indeed." She smiled and took a deep breath and
walked in. She wanted to talk to her dad, but that could wait. The one she
really needed answers from was her mother. Entering the house she scanned the
area for signs of her mother. She could hear her talking on the phone in the
next room. She thought maybe it was important. She debated whether to
interrupt. She put on a determined face. This was her life being toyed with. A
business call could wait. She needed answers. She marched into the room. Relena
looked up from her vid screen. "We need to talk." Rebecca stated,
standing patiently by the door. Relena mouthed 'later' and went back to her
call. Rebecca almost turned to leave. She didn't. She stalked up to the desk
and planted her hands on it leaning close to her mother. "No. We need to
talk - NOW."
Chapter 7
Relena stared up at her
daughter's audacity. Rebecca had never interrupted her when she had a call.
"Lt. I'll have to get back to you." After clicking the end button,
she stared at her daughter incredulously. "What has gotten into - "
"I know about dad." Rebecca cut off her reprimand. Relena stared with
her mouth open. "How?" Rebecca felt tears well up in her eyes. So
much for denial. "I heard him discussing it with my new escort."
Relena stood and led Rebecca to the couch. "I never meant for you to know.
" Relena admitted. "Why? I'd figure something like this would be of
some importance to me." She replied sarcastically. Relena rubbed her eyes,
tired and frustrated. "Rebecca, you don't understand..." Relena
started. "Then EXPLAIN!" Rebecca emphasized. She was sure her mother
would make an excuse and leave. After agonizing seconds of silence, Rebecca
turned to leave. "I should have told you from the beginning." Relena
said softly. Rebecca sat back down. "Mom, what happened?" Relena
looked at her daughter’s intense gaze. She was a fool for thinking she could
hide the truth from her own daughter. "Your father and I were together for
a while before we actually got married. We were young and stupid back then and
wanted to explore the possibilities of other people." Thinking back on it,
Relena felt horrible at what she had to say. "I ended up cheating on your
dad with my best friend's boyfriend. The thrill became intense and I got lost in
it. A while later I found out I was pregnant. I thought it was your father's
and I told him. We married soon after and 7 months later you were born."
Rebecca pushed down the sadness that she was an 'accident' and ventured further
into the truth. "So when did you find out I wasn't dad's?" She asked.
"When you were 3. Your eyes changed from baby blue to the color they are
now. I knew then, and so did Heero." Rebecca bit back the tears. "And
then?" Relena knew this was harder on her daughter than on herself. She
had to continue. She deserved that much. "I told him everything, the
affair, the pregnancy. I really believed you were his. He confessed that he had
an affair with my best friend when I became distant. We forgave each other over
time and put it behind us. Your father accepted you as his own, he always had.
He loves you, Becca." Rebecca's lip quivered. "Then who's my real
father?" She waited for an answer. And waited. And waited. Her mother's
face was set in stubborn mode. "Your not going to tell me, are you?"
Relena shook her head. "It's in the past, dear. You've never seen him, I
don't know if he even knows about you." Rebecca felt rage building inside
her. This was unfair. But she knew better than to push the issue. When her
mother had that look on her face, no amount of torture could get information
out of her, no matter how important it was to her. "How does Christian fit
into this?" Rebecca asked instead. Relena turned thoughtful. "He was
the one arguing with your father, wasn't he?" She nodded. "Maybe you
should ask your father about it. It's not really my place." Rebecca was
tired of being shrugged off. "You know what? Forget I asked. It's not like
this pertains to my life in the least! You just enjoy your little secrets ok
mom? I'll find my answers elsewhere." "Rebecca wait!" Relena
called after her daughter as she stormed upstairs. Relena winced as the sound
of the door slamming echoed through the house. "What a mess." Relena
murmured to herself. She couldn't blame her daughter for this. She turned her
thoughts to Christian. Since his arrival he had been trouble. None of this
would of happened if Hilde had kept him hidden wherever they had been for the
past 18 years. He had become quite the thorn in her side. "The sooner he's
gone the better." She told herself as she went to resume the call she had
prior.
Christian stomped back to the base. *Hate,
Christian. Your not supposed to like the girl. She's with the enemy....* He
shook his head. He knew he couldn't hate her, no matter how much he wanted to.
Still, he didn't want to get any closer to her. He had to keep on guard. He
wandered into his bunker and looked for Chad. He must be having a hard time
with the Dragon's daughter. He shuddered. At least he got a pacifist for a
client. He grabbed Chad's extra surfing gear and headed out towards the beach
to catch the last rays of the day for quick practice. He spotted a couple
walking out of the water. A closer examination and he realized it was Chad.
"Hey buddy!" Chad called out waving. Chris joined him on the shore.
"This is Sarah Chang. I'm her escort." Chris had to do a double take.
He expected the spitting image of her father, stern, angry. "Christian Schbeiker." he
answered. This vision before him actually smiled and shook his hand. "She
goes to college in Hawaii and she's down for a visit. She can surf too."
Chad answered happily. It was obvious to Chris that Chad was very taken with
this girl. He had to remember that she was his client. "Is it cool if I
use your board to surf a while?" Chad waved it off. "Anytime man,
I'll catch you later I must escort Ms. Chang home." "Aloha Mr.
Schb-Sch-" She stuttered over his last name. "Chris. Just call me
Chris." She smiled her thanks and walked off with Chad. Chris shook his head
as he headed into the frigid water. "Guess he didn't get it so bad after
all." He told himself and braced his body for another cold battle with the
waves.
Chapter 8
Chris walked back to the
bunker, shivering from his repetitious falling. Next time he would go earlier
in the day or not at all. As he walked past the girl's bunkers, he heard a
familiar voice raised in anger. He'd pay it no mind, except it was Regan. He
edged into the cover of trees and scored a look out point. There was a blonde
man outside Regan's bunker, Regan standing at the doorway shouting.
"Please, just talk to me Regan." Regan
glared at the man, sending shards of ice into his heart. "I think you have
enough children to talk to Mr. Winner." Quatre sighed. "You're my
daughter too. I just want to be in your life." Regan put her hands on her
hips. "And I’ve said no! No, countless times. Your family wants you
around. Go bother them. I've never considered you a father. You'll never be a
part of me. Just leave me alone." Quatre didn't want to give up. Truth was,
this was the most they had spoken in a while and even though she was angry, she
was still talking. He pressed further. "If you'd just give me a
chance...." Regan turned around and slammed the door in his face, leaving
him under the darkening sky. Quatre stood outside her door for a few minutes
before heading back to his car. Chris waited a while before coming out of
hiding. He was freezing and wet, but he wanted to make sure Regan was ok before
heading back home. He knocked on the door and was surprised when she flung it
open. "Damn it I said -" She stopped when she realized it was Chris
standing there with a very shocked expression. She put her hand to her mouth.
"Oh I’m sorry Chris." He nodded and asked. "I saw what happened.
You ok?" She nodded and motioned for him to come in. He did, thankful that
she had the heater on. She tossed him a blanket. "You shouldn't surf so
late in the day." She scolded. "I know that now." he joked. He
stayed longer than he meant to. Regan was fun to be around and easy to talk to.
She remarked at how they were kindred spirits and he had to agree. No one could
understand his situation better than her. Christian stretched his lean frame.
"I better get going. I have an early day of work." Regan smirked. "Oh yeah, with the
princess. Good luck." Chris smiled uncomfortably and left. Regan sure
didn't seem to think highly of Rebecca. He shook it from his mind. Regan was his friend and Rebecca was his
job. The two wouldn't have to mix anyways. He headed back to his bunker.
Putting Chad's gear back in its place he stripped off his shirt and pants and
threw on his plaid pajama pants before crawling into bed. "You
asleep?" he asked softly. Chad sighed. "Nah. Just thinking."
"About Ms. Chang?" Chris asked. "Yup." Chris leaned his
head off the bed to look down at Chad. "She's your client you know. And by
that look on your face I can see your not thinking of her in a 'client'
way." Chad laughed. "And how can you see my face in the dark?"
Chris scowled. "You’re glowing." He retorted before laying back down
on his bed, trying to drown out Chad's laughter. Chad pulled the blankets off
of Chris early next morning. "Hey dude, what are you doing today?"
Chris turned over and put his pillow over his head. "Working." He
mumbled. Chad frowned. "Ahhh that's a shame. So am I." Chris turned
back over and peeked at him from under the pillow. "Chad." He warned.
Chad sighed. "I can't help it. I know I can't get involved with her cause
she's my client. But...A guy can dream." Chris rolled his eyes and got out
of bed. He had a feeling, client or not, Chad would do as he pleased. He
quickly got ready and went to share breakfast with Chad and Regan before
heading to the Yuy manor. This time, Heero was waiting for him at the gate.
"I need to talk to you." Heero stated. Chris stomped down the urge to
make a sarcastic retort. He stood straight and answered. "Sir." with
as much respect as he could muster. Heero hid his frown. This kid could be
great. He'd be a great soldier if he applied himself. But what concerned him
was his involvement with his daughter. That came first, not to mention the fact
he still had hopes of working something out. "About my daughter.."
Chris nodded. "I understand sir. She will be safe with me, you have my
word." Heero shook his head. "I'm sure of that. What concerns me is
how you feel about me. No doubt she is hurt and confused by the incidents of
late. I want to be sure you won't push your attitude towards me onto her. She
seems to adore you. I don't want you to take advantage of that." Chris felt
a warm butterfly sensation in his chest. *She adores me eh?* he thought
happily. He quickly pushed it aside. Now was not the time. "I won't
influence her in any way on purpose sir. I am simply doing my job and that is
all." *Is it? * Heero wondered. He didn't mistake that sparkle in his eye
when he mentioned Rebecca adored him. He'd have to keep an eye on those two. He
was also aware of the fact that Christian wasn't disrespectful once to him in
this entire conversation. A new plan formulated in his mind. Maybe rushing in
with the whole father thing was too much too soon. He'd start slow. Right now
he was technically his boss. They could work up from there. "That is all,
Schbeiker. Proceed." Christian saluted him and walked past him to the
house. He was utterly shocked that Heero didn't try to play the long lost daddy
this time. He was more surprised at himself for not snapping at him or making
any snide comments during the conversation. He was suspicious, but time would
tell Heero's motives. He knocked and waited for the butler to open the door. He
was led inside to wait in the living room. He walked around the room, looking
at the pictures adorning the wall. There were pictures of Heero and Relena in
their youth, around his age. Pictures after the war, pictures of the Changs,
the pilots. His eyes lit on a certain pilot. *You must be Duo Maxwell* He
commented to himself. His mother had talked about him so much over the years
and he always wanted to meet the man who held his mother's heart after so long.
He didn't work on base. In his search it seemed like Duo had done the same as
his mother- vanished. He continued to browse the pictures. Baby pictures of
Rebecca. He frowned as he saw pictures of Heero and Rebecca. Bitterness started
to rise in him again as he remembered having no father figure in his life.
Rebecca had the world at her fingertips. Loving family, Wealth, power. He
remembered having to struggle along with his mother growing up. No father, no
aunts or uncles. And certainly not the wealth surrounding him. He didn't belong
here....What was he doing here? "Ready to go?" Came a cheerful voice
behind him making him jump. He turned to see Rebecca standing in the doorway,
wearing a long lavender skirt and white tank top. She looked like a flower, delicate
and beautiful. He nodded his answer, losing the nerve to speak. He followed her
out. "Where would you like to go?" He asked. She smiled and dragged
him along. "I want to go for a long walk, away from the city. Can you
manage that?" He nodded. She smiled. "Great! Would you like to go out
for some food too, or do you want me to bring something?" He looked
confused. This didn't sound like much of a job. "Whatever you would like,
Ms. Yuy." She stopped suddenly. "And first off, stop calling me that.
I have a first name and I'd like you to use it." He frowned. "It's
not appropriate." She sighed. "You don't have to be appropriate
around me. At least call me Rebecca when we're alone ok?" She smiled, her
eyes pleading with him to agree. He gave in, not being able to withstand the
wide-eyed look any longer. "Ok ok. Rebecca then." She giggled and
pulled him along again. "Great! That wasn't so hard was it?" He gave
a small smile. "No. Your name is pretty." He mentally smacked
himself. *Your name is pretty? You sound like a dork.* She smiled brightly.
"Thank you Christian." They proceeded to the car the base let him
take and headed away from the town. She decided to grab some food at a local
store and packed it in a bag. Rebecca knew a great spot to get away and she led
him there, chatting casually about everyday things. Christian tried to remain
unattached, but he felt himself being drawn in. The girl was beautiful, smart
and charming. He'd have to keep his guard up at full force so she wouldn't get
to him. Although he feared even that wasn't working. He laid out a small
blanket she brought along with the food. He remembered going on picnics with
his mom when he was young, but hadn't since then. It was nice to do something
like this. Rebecca sipped on the wine she had snuck from the cabinets.
Christian wouldn't of thought she'd be so daring. Maybe there was more to her
than at first glance. He was feeling the drunken effects of the wine. If he
wasn't careful his guard would come down.... and who knows what would
happen...He smiled wickedly at the thought and quickly shook it off. He set his
wine down. No more for him. Rebecca looked up at him. "So, how did you end
up at this base?" He was eager for conversation...any distraction so he
wouldn't keep focusing on her mouth, her soft supple lips, her - "I err.
I" He cleared his throat and took a moment to compose himself. "I
wanted more training. I hear this is the best base to get into." She
nodded. "It is. But I guess my question was more...Why did you want to be
trained at all?" He sighed and flopped onto the long lush grass, looking
at the sky above him. "I never wanted to be a soldier." He admitted.
Rebecca looked surprised. She watched his face as he watched the sky, the
breeze stirring his wild black hair, across his face in small strands. She
sighed wistfully. He really was a beautiful man. But so cold. She was
determined to change that. He continued without her asking. "My mom and I
were struggling for money. She had taken such good care of me my whole life. If
she knew I was going into the military just to help her she would have stopped
me. So I told her this is what I really wanted. I send her the money to get her
by. The higher the ranks, the more pay you get." Rebecca felt her heart
sink for him. Such a hard life and he was doing it all to help his mother. She
couldn't fathom having to make that choice. "If you could change your
choice, would you?" She pressed. He stretched his arms over his head,
making her stomach jump in knots at the sight. She couldn't help but peek at
the flat stomach revealed when his shirt came up. "I don't know. Maybe I
would have chosen a different job. Or a different base....” Rebecca frowned.
"But then I wouldn't have met you." She stated. He answered quickly.
"Then I wouldn't have run into your father." She watched his face
become dark and menacing, turbulent storms brewing in those eyes. "You
really hate him, don't you?" She asked softly. "Yeah...I guess I
do." He answered slow, not sure if that was the answer he wanted to give.
This was the girl's father he was bashing. She sighed. "And ... you hate
me, don't you?" She asked softly, almost an inaudible whisper. He frowned.
Did he hate her? Everything in him wanted to.... except his heart. He couldn't
fathom hating such an innocent creature, even though she was the cause of much
of his misery. "I don’t hate you...It's just...Regardless of whether you
had a choice, you've been the reason things have been so hard in my
life.." He regretted it the moment he said it as he watched her violet eyes
fill with tears and her face crumpled. "Oh." She choked out. He
quickly grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry." He said quickly, not sure what
to say after such a damaging statement. As soon as it was out he knew he didn't
mean it. "What I said...It's not true. How could you know of my life? You
were innocent...I'm sorry I hurt your feelings." He waited for a response. Her reaction was to scoot closer to him
and lay her head on his shoulder. He sat there, frozen. She didn't say a word.
Did she accept his apology? His mind pondered the question while his arms took
action, encircling her small frame and pulling her closer. He knew in his head
that this wasn't right, but in his heart he couldn't help it. He was falling
for her.
Chapter 9
Christian walked around
the small area outside his bunker. He recalled the events of the day. He could
still feel her in his arms, just sighing against his shoulder. What was he
going to do? She was his father's daughter, but not really. It all seemed so
twisted. Tomorrow evening he was to be present for a dinner. A
"family" dinner. He declined to go, but Rebecca distinctly informed
him that she needed him to escort her home early. The next day was the
Preventer's ball and since Rebecca had no date, he was to escort her there too.
Somehow he felt trapped. Trapped in a world he didn't belong, almost like he
was in an alternate universe. His life at home wasn't the greatest. He and
Hilde didn't live in the nicest place and from what he read in the paper, it
was becoming a place of political turmoil. He feared for his mother's safety,
now more than ever. She was still active in the underground political
movements. She was bold...Too bold. But she was smart. She was so far away, but
she could take care of herself. He hoped that once they had enough money stored
away, they could move someplace nice. Like California.... his thoughts turned
to Chad.... *Maybe he's home now.* He wondered as he walked up the steps and
opened the door. The rustling he saw under the sheets made him nervous. His
mouth fell to the floor when he saw Sarah Chang's head peer over the blanket.
"Close the door." She said. Chris didn't know whether she meant to
come in to the room or leave. He chose the latter, closing the door quickly and
walking away from the area. *What is he thinking?* Chris thought of all the
possible disasters Chad was creating for himself. Suddenly he stopped. Where
was he going? His bunker was occupied and it was getting late. He headed for
the mess hall. It was open...And hell, it beat waiting outside his bunker... It
was nearly empty inside. He wasn't hungry, but he had to get something...He
settled for a cup of coffee. He grimaced as he was reminded of his mom, how she
would always take her coffee black. She always commented on how he was a wimp,
dumping all that sugar and milk in there. She said Duo used to do the same. He
sighed as he blew the hot steam away from the light blue ceramic mug. He missed
his mom. They were so close and he hadn't talked to her in a while. He was
going to have to call her soon. His thoughts drifted back to the picture he saw
at the Yuy's. Duo Maxwell.... Where was he? If there was one mission he had
while he was here, it was to find him. Just to get to know him, or at least
just see what he looked like in person. How he and his mother screwed
everything up was beyond him. If they loved each other as much as they had
claimed too......"Wool gathering?" A voice chimed in his thoughts. He
looked up. Regan was standing there with a tray and what looked to be her
dinner on it. "Yeah I guess I was." He admitted and motioned for her
to sit. She did, starting to eat what looked to be vegetable beef soup. Or a
sad rendition of it. Christian wisely made no mention of what he saw in his
bunker with Chad. Better not say a word to anyone. It could cost him his job
and as much as he hated admitting it to himself, he would really miss him. They
chatted for a while about work, and surfing. After Regan finished her dinner
Christian stood up. "I think I better head back, I gotta get some rest."
Regan walked with him outside. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she stood
next to his tall frame. She was a tall girl herself, only an inch shorter than
him. "Chris.... I have something to ask." Chris turned curious blue
eyes on her and waited for her to continue. She shuffled her feet. "Well,
I was wondering if you'd go to the Preventer's ball with me." Chris smiled
sadly. "Gee Regan, I’d like to, but I’m escorting Rebecca." Regan
smirked to hide her disappointment. "Oh now it's Rebecca instead of
Ms.Yuy?" She joked. Chris shrugged and grinned. "She
insisted." Regan shook her head.
"Well that's ok. Goodnight Chris." "Night Regan, I'll see ya
later." He walked back towards the bunker. She watched him go; only
showing her disappointment when he was in the distant. He didn't think anything
of her offer, taking it as a friendly jester. Which was fine, except it was
more than that. She walked back to her own bunker, thinking of how to get his
attention for herself instead of the pampered princess.
When
Chris came back, Chad and Sarah were gone, much to his relief. He sat on the
floor by the nightstand and picked up the vidphone. It was late, but he really
wanted to talk to his mom. The phone rang a couple times before a groggy voice
answered. "Hello?" Chris smiled at the familiar sound. "Hey mom,
turn on the vidscreen." It immediately came on, Hilde's hair tousled, a
concerned look on her face. "Christian? What's wrong, what happened?"
He chuckled, happy to see her. "Nothin mom, I just wanted to say hi."
She smiled, relieved that it was nothing. "Ahh it warms a mother's heart
to hear that. So how's the base?" "It's fine, just hectic." He
stared at the question in her eyes, knowing what she was going to ask...Or at
least, knowing what she was waiting for him to tell her. He sighed. He had
forgotten that this is why it took so long to call her. "I've seen him
mom, I know that's what you want to know." "And?" She pressed,
not phased at all that her son could read her so well. "I...." What could
he say? He lied to Heero, told him
Hilde was dead to save her the trouble of his presence...Sometimes he wished he
could have played dead too. She gave him an exasperated look. "Christian
what have you been up to?" She said, the 'warning mom' tone in her voice.
He let out his breath. "Well, what did you expect? Did you want me to run
to him with open arms?" Hilde frowned. "I wanted you to get a chance
to know your father Christian." He rolled his eyes. They went through this
already, before he left to come here. "You don't seem to understand...Mom
I don't WANT to know him, I never did." Hilde's frown deepened. "I'm
sorry.... I just thought it'd be a good idea. But if you don't want to that
badly, then forget it." He smiled as he shook his head. "I'm trying
to, but Heero has other ideas. He wants a chance." He wanted to say so
much more, tell her about Rebecca, ask about Duo.... He decided to wait until
next time. It was late, and VERY late where his mom was. He called to say hi.
He'd leave it at that. "I'll call you again later this week." He
stated. She smiled and blew kisses at the screen. "Ok, I love you baby,
you behave yourself." He laughed. "Always!" He exclaimed. She
raised a doubting eyebrow and with one more goodbye, he ended the call. As he
crawled into bed one thought stayed with him. He couldn't wait to go home.