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Being Human	By : greengal48 Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Het - Male/Female Views: 1025 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don’t own Gundam Wing. Nor am I making money from publishing this! It’s purely for fun. I do, however, own Lea Zikamo and all the other original characters. Enough said.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chapter 7: Confessions Part 2

Heero glanced around the crowded tent. There had to be at least a hundred men, all standing around waiting to be signed up for the archery contest. Trowa and Janis were to met him there after they had helped set up Lea’s booth. He understood the contest was popular but not this popular. “The Zikamo Knights had never lost. Ever.” Heero’s stomach twitched slightly. The fear was slowly creeping up on him. ‘Damn it. Why now? Why this? I know I can ace this. What am I afraid of?’ Determined to not let the fear or the anger that was quickly gaining in strength get him, Heero read the schedule for the Kings of Mead Archery Contest pinned on the tent wall for the seventh time.

The contest consisted of three parts or fields. The first was aptly named Horse and Rider. The rider would have to shoot at random targets from their horse while navigating through a planned course. Two elimination rounds and one final round would be allotted to this particular field. It was the hardest and took the longest to complete. So, the day after the first day of the fair was set aside for it. Next would be the Castle Wall. The archer would stand on a castle wall built for this occasion and shoot at a target a good mile away. This would also be given three rounds. The Castle Wall was scheduled to happen on the morning of the third day. Last, but certainly not least, was the Traditional Contest also known as Robin Hood. Three rounds of straight distance shooting were all that were required of this field. This field was scheduled to start right after the Castle Wall. As much time as possible was given to it because the Robin Hood portion had been known to last a whole hell of a lot longer than three rounds. The last two contestants would go into a shooting contest to see who could shoot the farthest with the best accuracy.

Trowa was to participate in the Castle Wall field. Heero was to go to the Traditional Contest. ‘Is it not knowing who’s doing the Horse and Rider event bugging me?’ Heero sighed when his stomach gripped a little tighter. ‘That wasn’t it.’ He frowned. ‘Then what?’

“You look a little lost, Mr. Yuy.”

Heero slowly turned around, emotions running so cold that his face was completely blank. His stomach, however, clinched tightly. “I’m not, Mr. McCart.” Heero had been happy to remember the last time he had seen Damian McCart was when he was running away from Henry and Hadrian Halstrom at Lea’s house. Since then, there had been no fences to mend. Heero’s jogs every morning had cleared that. Lea had even mentioned the lack of lawyer visits. Heero’s stomach twisted fiercely as Damian gave him a friendly smile. ‘Him. He’s bugging me.’ “Are you entering the contest?” he managed to ask in a conversational tone.

Damian beamed, “Why, yes I am. You’re looking at the five time Horse and Rider winner.” He sighed, “Wasn’t much competition after the Zikamo Knights left.” The smile returned with greater brilliance and an evil glint to his left eye, “But there’s a little rumor going around saying the Zikamo Knights are returning.”

“It’s just a rumor, Damian,” Robert Carter said as he stepped up to Heero and Damian with Alistair right behind him. He looked smug, adding, “There’s no way Lea’s gonna risk loosing her father’s perfect record to us.”

Heero’s stomach lurched again. In his mind, he could see himself snapping Robert’s neck and wiping the glare off Alistair’s face with a fatal elbow to the nose. Clinching his hand to keep the thought from becoming physical, Heero quickly glanced around for any sign of Trowa or Janis. He didn’t see them at all.

“Pity,” Alistair said calmly. “I wouldn’t mind seeing that ribbon pinned to the Loser’s Board.” A sinister smile graced Alistair’s thin lips making the scar stand out.

‘I can’t let them trash my house ribbon!’ Heero opened his mouth to retaliate just as his name was called out. Entering from another door at the far side of the tent was Trowa, Janis and someone he had never expected to see at this event or planet: Quatre. Heero’s stomach settled as if nothing had happened. ‘Why the hell didn’t Trowa tell me? Now we can crush these assholes!’ He raised his hand to guide them to him. As the group made their way to him, Heero said to Alistair with the utmost confidence, “Lea’s ribbon will never make the Loser’s Board.”

“I told you,” Robert said sounding like a little kid. “The rumors were a lie!” Damian looked disappointed. Alistair merely stared back at Heero with the sinister smile growing.

“I never said that, did I?” Heero left them standing with gaping mouths. He, on the other hand, was pissed and didn’t hide it when he met up with Trowa, Janis and Quatre. All of them frowned at his icy demeanor. “It’s good to see you, Quatre,” Heero said with a curt nod.

“Same to you,” Quatre said brightly. “Shocked to see me?”

“More like relieved. You could have told me.” Heero shot a glare at Trowa, who merely shrugged. Sighing and shaking his head, Heero asked Janis, “You’ve got Lea’s ribbons?”

Janis was a little un-nerved by Heero’s abrupt greeting. He silently held up a simply decorated oak box with a silver plaque that had “Zikamo House” engraved in gothic letters. “What’s wrong?” he managed after a few seconds. “What’s made you so… Oh.” He had glanced behind Heero and winced. “Never mind.”

“This is magnificent!” Damian boomed behind Heero. He pushed by Heero to wrap an arm around Janis’ shoulders. “You’re signing up the Zikamo Knights. Who are the three lucky vict- I mean- contestants?” Robert and Alistair snickered.

Janis smiled sweetly, “These gentlemen are your competition.” He motioned to Heero, Trowa and Quatre. Alistair’s mouth dropped open like a kid in a candy shop. Robert looked like he was going to burst with excitement. Damian looked like the only one not phased by the announcement. “Lea felt it was time for the Zikamo Knights to return. The M.C.C. Archers have had enough time in the lime light, don’t you agree?”

Damian’s smile faded completely. “Do you honestly believe this band of misfits can beat us?”

“Band of misfits?” Quatre echoed, a wounded look gracing his beautiful features. “I’ve been called a lot of things but not a misfit!”

“You’re young,” Robert said cheerfully. Then he added with a dismissive wave of his hand, “It doesn’t matter if the Zikamo Knights are coming back. No one can beat us.”

“Gentlemen!” a voice called out over a loud speaker. “Welcome to the twentieth Annual Kings of Mead Archery Contest!” The crowd of men clapped and cheered. “Please form lines in front of…”

“That’s our cue,” Damian sang. His smile disappeared as he tried to look sympathetic, “Don’t worry about the Loser’s Board. All good things must come to an end!” The M.C.C. Archers pushed their way through the crowd to the front laughing.

A few seconds went by before anyone spoke. Quatre broke the silence with his voice filled with uncharacteristic rage, “They will rue the day they pissed me off!”

“We don’t hold anything back?” Heero asked as he eyed both Quatre and Trowa. His voice was beyond emotionless, which was a vast contrast to the murderous look in his eyes.

“But of course not,” Trowa answered flatly. “The Zikamo Knights never loose.”

Janis felt a chill run down his spine as three of the young men turned their wrath filled gaze towards him. “I guess I should sign ya’ll up now, huh?”

~::*::~

It had been several hours since Heero and Janis had left to sign up for the archery contest. Lea knew it would take a long time just to get through the lines to register the team name. Something negative was nagging her. She had chalked it up to the conversation she had with Heero on the way to the fair. He had been sincere but very sad. He too was holding back the truth of his past. ‘Could he also have gone through something traumatic like I did?’ The thought brought a twang of anger. She would never wish anything that awful to happen to anyone… Ok. Damian McCart and the whole M.C.C. would be an exception.

But Heero… ‘Was it your past that has made you so cold?’ Lea smiled shyly as she remembered the kiss they had shared a few days ago. ‘Alright. So, you’re not cold. Just a little distant.’

“Earth to Lea,” Mitch sang as she waved a hand in front of Lea’s face. Lea blinked. She was standing at one of the display tables folding blankets. Mitch stood beside her with a huge frown, “You haven’t heard a single word I’ve said, have you?” She rolled her eyes when Lea flashed her an apologetic smile. “What’s the kabana boy done now,” Mitch asked, her posh English accent heavy with annoyance.

Lea glared playfully at Mitch, “He has a name, ya know. And Heero’s done nothing wrong.”

“I didn’t ask what he’s done wrong, now did I?” Mitch grinned mischievously as Lea’s cheeks gained a red hue. “C’mon! You’ve been smiling like a little school girl with her first crush. Tell me, pleeeeeaaaaasssseeee?

Someone cleared their throat behind them, “Did I come at a bad time?” Mayor Rodecker, looking very charming in his three piece suite, smiled at them. Just outside the booth stood the mayor’s bodyguard. What little customers Lea had quickly left.

Mitch rolled her eyes and mumbled, “With you, it’s always a bad time.”

“Mitch,” Lea said in a warning tone. “Can you please watch the shop for a moment?” Mitch gave the mayor a stern look before walking away. Lea guided the mayor to the back of the booth. “I don’t mean to be rude but can we make this quick?”

Rodecker sighed, “I’m really sorry about this but I’ve got to work you tonight.”

Lea felt like she was going to erupt. “What!” She dropped the volume of her voice in an attempt to keep the conversation private. “You can’t! I’m going to be in the ceremonies tonight. I have a booth to run and plenty of merchandise to deliver.” Lea threw her hands up into the air, “I’d like to watch the ceremonies. What happened to the local gens?”

“They’re running low.” Rodecker winced at Lea’s glare. “We weren’t expecting such a huge turn out! All the campers and trailer’s spots are packed and pulling more juice than ever. A four hour boost should take care of us for a few days. That will give you plenty of time to rest and you won’t miss any of the contest.” He flashed her a charismatic smile, which quickly faded at Lea’s frown.

“Couldn’t you have gotten one of the other Fireflies to do it?” she pleaded.

“Nope. They are all in gens already. Besides, you are the best.” Rodecker was getting impatient, “Don’t make hold you to your contract, Lea.”

Lea’s heart skipped a beat and she took a step back. It was as if his words had sucked the air right out of her lungs. She glanced at the bodyguard standing outside. “Damn you,” she hissed. “You had promised. We agreed…”

Rodecker stepped dangerously close to her. “Lea,” he warned.

“I’ll be there,” she snapped, “after the Presenting of the Ribbons.” Lea set her jaw trying her best not to cry. “Not a second sooner.”

“Agreed,” Rodecker said. He turned to leave but added quickly, “I’ll have a car waiting for you. You will be compensated. Thank you for understanding, Lea.”

Lea suppressed the urge to toss one of the nearby balls of yarn at Mayor Rodecker’s head. Instead, she went out of the back of her booth into the worker’s alley and dropped to her knees. If there was anything she hated more than Damian McCart, it was working for Mayor Rodecker. He always wanted her to work any time he asked. With the way the contract was written, she had no choice. Her body shook despite how hard she tried to keep the sobs in.

“Are you alright?” a kind feminine voice asked. Lea looked up to see the most beautiful pair of violet eyes staring back at her. They held such genuine compassion that Lea wondered if she had lost her mind. Again, the young woman with the beautiful eyes spoke, “That man didn’t do anything to you, did he?” She knelt down beside Lea, smoothing her dress as she did so.

“I’ll be alright,” Lea admitted between sobs. “It’s nothing I haven’t handled before.”

The young woman placed a sympathetic hand on Lea’s shoulder, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay with you. Jealous lovers can…”

Lea busted into an odd mix of laughter and sobbing. “He’s not my lover! He’s my boss!”

“Oh, that could be worse,” the young woman said with great concern.

“Yeah, tell me about it!” Lea took a deep breath to settle her nerves. “My name’s Lea Zikamo,” she said with a weak smile. “And you are?”

The young woman blushed, “Forgive me. I’m Relena Darlian Peacecraft Winner. I was looking for my husband and his friends. They said they would meet me here.” She added with a sheepish grin, “I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s alright. It’s not everyday you met someone as kind as you.” Lea stood up wiping the tears from her face. Relena also stood up, following Lea back into the booth. “What’s your husband’s name? Or even your friend’s? I’ll tell Mitch to keep an eye out for you.”

“My husband’s name is Quatre.” Lea’s eyes widened but Relena didn’t seem to notice. The colors of a blanket had caught her attention. “His friends are Trowa Barton and Heero Yuy. They’re supposed to be signing up for an archery contest. This blanket is absolutely beautiful!”

“Oh… um, thank you,” was all Lea could say.

~::*::~

“There seems to be a lot of tradition with this contest, Janis.” Quatre mused as they headed towards Lea’s booth. “And everyone’s shocked to hear the Zikamo Knights are returning.”

Janis shrugged, “The contest has been going on for as long as the colony has been here. So, generations have been able to enter. But the Knights…” He caught himself and chuckled. “Let’s just say I’m shocked, too. I thought Lea would have a new ribbon made for you, ya know. Given ya’ll a new name.”

“But she didn’t,” Trowa pointed out.

“Yeah, she didn’t,” Janis echoed softly. A bewildered smile graced his lips, “I haven’t seen her smile like she does now since before her mother’s death. After that it faded but didn’t go away. Patrick’s death seemed to kill all the joy she had left. If you had asked Lea to do this a year ago, she would have told you to go suck air.”

“What changed her mind,” Heero asked, unable to remain silent.

“You,” Janis answered.

Heero’s footsteps slowed, “Me?” Logic was stunned. The little voice was handing out flyers to the next party. “I haven’t done anything.”

“Really?” Janis countered in a skeptical tone. Trowa and Quatre were unsuccessful at hiding their smiles. Janis didn’t wait for Heero’s answer. “Mitch! Pramjeet!” He waved to the two women who were standing outside of Lea’s booth. With them was standing a beautiful woman with short light brown hair and stunning violet eyes.

“Relena…?” Heero whispered. He shot a questionable glance to Quatre, who merely returned it with a smile.

“It’s done, ladies,” Janis announced joyously. “Where’s my niece? I’ve got to tell her what happened.”

All three women frowned and exchanged worried glances. Pramjeet took a deep breath and stepped forward, “Lea’s gone to the camper… to… um… get ready to work tonight.”

“Isn’t she working here?” Quatre asked in a hushed voice to Trowa. Trowa just shook his head slowly warning him not to say another word.

Janis looked mad enough to spit nails. “God damn that son of a bitch!” Relena took a step back looking horrified. “How could the local gens be down? Doesn’t he know how to manage the colony’s energy supply?”

“Can it, Janis!” Mitch snapped. “You’re scaring away the customers. Take it out back!”

“I’ll do more than that,” he mumbled and stormed off.

“Oh, dear,” Relena whispered as she latched onto Quatre’s arm. “Lea was pretty upset, too.” Her husband shivered like one does when that odd, cold sensation zips up one’s spine. One look at Quatre’s face and Relena knew something was massively wrong. She looked over at Heero. Her grip on Quatre’s arm tightened.

The trademark Death Glare was on full strength and no one was being spared. “Would someone mind telling me what’s going on?” he asked in a bone chillingly calm voice.

Mitch motioned for them to follow her. They all went to the worker’s alley in the back of the booth. Once there, Mitch said, “Lea’s got Firefly duty tonight. Rodecker called her in.”

“Meaning?” Heero asked.

“You don’t know?” Mitch asked shocked.

“She didn’t tell you?” Trowa asked.

Heero didn’t know what angered him more: Lea not telling him about this firefly business or everyone else knowing what it was. His eyes narrowed into a glare again, “No.”

Sighing, Mitch said, “She’s like a human battery slash computer. The Weather Center, along with everything else in this over turned bucket of bolts, runs off of human energy. With the help of this really high tech suite, Lea’s able to charge up the gens in just a couple of hours. She’s the best of the best. I mean, her dad did design the damn thing.”

Bells and whistles rang loudly in Heero’s head. Rodecker was bad. He knew that when he first met the man. Making Lea miss the ceremonies wasn’t helping Rodecker’s standings with Heero. ‘Does he have something on Lea? Or is it something else?’ Heero felt his blood chill at the thought. ‘Lea doesn’t take any shit from him but she doesn’t fight him either. There’s more to this… If Lea doesn’t talk then maybe…’ Heero glanced around at the worried faces of his friends. None of them was the one he wanted. “Janis,” Heero growled and took off after him leaving his friends dazed and confused in his wake. He found Janis on his way to the truck in the parking lot. “Wait,” he called out.

“Go back, Heero,” Janis waved him away. “You’ve still got the ceremonies tonight.”

“Bitching to Rodecker won’t help,” Heero said coolly.

Janis froze and slowly turned around. A cautious glare was cast Heero’s way, “What the hell are you talking about?”

Heero paused trying to figure out the best way to convince Janis to stay. “He’s not the kind of guy who will take no for an answer. Rodecker will make Lea’s life worse if you interfere. Why else hasn’t she asked for your help?” The last part was a guess. Judging from Janis’ thoughtful frown, it was a good guess. ‘Good work, soldier. You’ve got his attention. Keep it!’ “Let’s call a truce.”

“A truce,” Janis echoed in disbelief. “Why?”

Heero sighed and shrugged. “This deal with Rodecker and McCart is bigger than the both of us. I know you want Lea happy as much as I do. Rocking the boat isn’t going to help. There are ways to deal with the both of them.”

Janis eyed him for a second. “You’ve got a plan or something?”

“No,” Heero answered honestly. “I just know that your way isn’t going to work. Right now it won’t, anyway.”

Janis pinned Heero with a challenging glare, “You think you can do better?”

A demented smile slowly spread across Heero’s lips, “I know I can.”

Laughing and shaking his head, Janis said, “You’ve got balls, kid, I’ll give you that much. Fine. A truce it is.” He clapped Hero on the back, “Let’s get a beer. I know I need one.”

“I don’t drink,” Heero admitted.

“That’s alright,” Janis said with a wave of his hand. “You can learn.”

~::*::~

A knock at the camper brought Lea out of her sorrow filled stupor. The knock wasn’t banging, so Lea guessed it wasn’t Janis. He would have been ready to chew her head off for accepting the assignment. Lea peaked out of the side window closest to the door. Heero was waiting on the other side. He looked worried. She let him in without a word. She plopped onto the couch. He closed the door behind him and eased himself onto the couch beside her.

“They told you?” she asked in a whisper.

“Not everything. Just that you’re a Firefly, what that means, what the gens are and that you have to work tonight.” He leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees. “Janis was going to tell Rodecker off…” Lea sat up with the look of horror on her face. Heero placed a hand on Lea’s shoulder, “I stopped him. Something told me it wasn’t a good idea to have him talk to Rodecker.”

“Oh, thank you for stopping him,” Lea said with a relieved sigh. “Where’s he now?”

“Back at the food court. He said something about needing a beer.” Heero frowned at Lea’s sad smile. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

“It’s the contract,” Lea admitted sadly after a few minutes of agonizing silence.

“The one you told me to never ask about?” Heero eyed her. She had closed her eyes and laid her head back. Tears were slowly trickling down the sides of her face. His hands moved without thought. He wiped away the tears. The sudden contact made Lea sit up. He continued to stroke her cheek. “Please,” he said softly, “let me help.”

A sad laugh bubbled up from Lea. “You can’t break this contract, Heero. No one can! It’s not like I’m dealing with fucking Damian McCart or his dumb ass layers.” She turned her head away from his hand. “Rodecker’s got me good. I’ll be stuck in it for the rest of my life. I mean, he’s made it so I need it.” She stood up only to lean against the counter. “The money I get from Rodecker is enough to pay for the land. He also helps keep Damian’s lawyers at bay. And…”

“And?” Heero prodded. He could tell she was reluctant to say anything but he didn’t want to be left out anymore.

“And,” she started softly, “he promises to keep me safe from dad’s murders. I’m the only one who can keep the Weather Center running smoothly. He needs it to keep Mead running. If I don’t cooperate, then I loose the protection, the money, mom and dad’s land will become his.” Lea’s eyes became distant and lifeless, “He’ll ruin my family for good.”

That last statement made Heero’s blood run cold. “He’s using you.”

“Yeah,” Lea sniffed. Another sad laugh bubbled up. “Without me, he can’t play god.”

“Your parents,” Heero said softly. “They tried to stop him, too?”

She shook her head, “Not mom. Dad tried. He knew Rodecker was turning Mead into his own personal playground. Dad didn’t want his dream ruined. He almost did it. He almost stopped him but Rodecker ruined dad and put a stop to his last project ... And then those guys showed up and…” She bit her lip trying to keep the new batch of tears at bay.

Heero stood, gently taking her shoulders into his hands, “Does anyone else know about this?”

Lea slowly shook her head. “Anyone who does know dies. It’s like some damn curse. Mom and dad found out something bad about Rodecker and look what happened to them. Oh, no. I tell no one. Not even Uncle Janis knows everything.” Her eyes widened in horror, “Oh God, Heero! I’ve just…”

“It’s alright, Lea.” Heero pulled her close to him, “It’s alright.” He tenderly stroked her back feeling the tension fade from her. She slowly molded her body to his. He lightly rested his chin on the top of her head. He felt like killing Rodecker for her. That would cure a lot of Lea’s problems… and create even more. Janis was right about one thing. A plan had to be made. Heero lifted her chin to make eye contact, “You go tonight. Don’t worry about Rodecker or the contest.”

“Heero?” Lea whispered cautiously. “What are you…”

Heero placed a finger on her full lips, “I want to help.”

She yanked his hand away. “Why?” she gasped. “You should be packing and …”

His finger returned to her lips, “I want to help. Lea, I…” Heero’s voice faltered. ‘Don’t stop now!’ the little voice demanded. ‘Tell her!’ He cupped her face in his hands and took a deep breath. “I love you, Lea, and I can’t stand watching you being ripped apart like this. I know I can help you.”

“Heero,” Lea whispered, “I love you, too.” A bright smile slowly spread across her face. Her brown eyes seemed to twinkle with delight and confusion as a light pink hue was gathering strength in her caramel cheeks. All that was short lived. The smile disappeared and she looked away. She said sadly, “But Rodecker will use you like he did mom with dad. I’ve lost so many people already, Heero. It’s my problem…”

“Our problem,” he corrected forcefully, “remember?”

Lea frowned, confused for a second. Then she gasped, “Family.”

Heero nodded, “Yes, family.” He added softly, “Or lovers. Either way, it’s our problem.”

Lea grabbed Heero by his shirt and pulled his lips close to her own. “Lovers,” she whispered against them.

Heero groaned and crushed her to him, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss. He tilted her head and parted her lips with his tongue. Lea opened her mouth with a whimper. Just as Heero began his exploration of Lea’s mouth, an annoying alarm buzzed loudly. He scanned the camper intent on destroying the alarm when he found it. Lea pushed out of his arms and went to the bed at the back of the camper. The alarm was sitting on the built in nightstand. She turned it off.

“Sorry,” she whispered shyly. “I turned it on earlier so I wouldn’t miss the ceremonies tonight and still had time to cry.” Sexual tension was thick as Heero eyed Lea sitting on the bed. Both of them wanted to pounce on each other and not let go until they were satisfied. They stared lustfully at one another for a few seconds before Lea looked away.

“Will you be back tonight?” Heero didn’t hide his hopeful tone.

“Yes,” Lea giggled, “but I’ll be too tired to do anything. Those gens will zap most of my energy.”

“Oh,” he said, clearly disappointed.

Lea sighed, “Yeah. Just can’t get a break, can we?”

A knock at the door made both of them jump. Lea fell back onto the bed laughing. It was a genuine happy laugh. It made Heero smile.

“What’s going on in there?” Janis demanded from outside. The handle jiggled. “Why’s the door locked? Lea!”

~::*::~

Yes… Wicked of me. I know. But me muse told me to end the chapter here. You’ll understand once chapter 8 is up. Thanks for waiting for this to be posted. I really appreciate it. Oh, and as always, please review.
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Being Human