Illumination in Darkness: Chapter 2

The sun set was perfect. The breathtaking blend of colors so delicately folds from the horizon. It was so beautiful, and a spectacle like this couldn't have come at a better time.1

"This sky is so...indescribable."2

"I don't think so."3

The girl leaning on the balcony simply flipped her head to look back at her visitor. He was about the same age as she with short brown hair that, for once, got a quick brush from a comb and deep Prussian blue eyes that were even more mysterious than his dark past. However, they are surprisingly soft tonight. They usually are hard and suspecting, keeping anyone from seeing his true character, but not now. What's more, he's actually smiling. She's never seen him smile before, not like this. His smile was so gentle and sincere; she could feel her heart melting away. He carried two elegant wine glasses with but a simple splash of a subtle peach colored drink in each.4

"What makes you say that? Look at it. It's so..."5

"I know one thing that I can describe it as," the boy specified, setting the glasses delicately on the ledge of the stone balcony.6

"Oh, really? And what would that be?"7

The boy just chuckled.8

Confused, the girl proceeded to question his thought of humor.9

"And what pray tell is so funny?"10

"It's not...It's just obvious to me I guess."11

"What is?"12

"Just that..."13

He looked up at her, staring straight into her eyes. The girl froze, losing herself in his gaze, feeling her soul slowing slipping.14

"Just that..." he said again, as if that is all there is to say.15

The girls still questions him, waiting for a complete answer. He chuckles again.16

"Just that I always thought...you were the indescribable one."17

The girl smiled. Of course he'd say that.18

"Oh! It's time," she utters after looking out to see the sunset starting to get low. The two raise their glasses and prepare for the toast. She's waited for this moment all her life. It's exactly how she pictured it. On the evening of her 18^th birthday, just as the sunset reaches it's height of glory over the ocean horizon, she would toast her favorite wine with the one she loves.19

"A toast, to the future."20

"To the future."21

"Mmm. That's the one thing I love about this wine. It's tart and sweet at the same time, and the way the flavor streams down your throat. My father let me have a sip of this when I was 12. Just one sip and I fell in love with it, but of course I've never had it again since, until now."22

"Hmm. It is good," he said licking his lips. She chuckled.23

"Well, I'd better head back. Carolyn should be having her psychological break down by now."24

She turned to leave but was tugged back.25

"Just wait a minute."26

"Heero, I can't. I really should-"27

"Just five seconds."28

"For what?"29

She turned to look at him and knew instantly. He closed in smoothly and kissed her. Her mind went blank. She experienced something that she never had before.30

As soon as his lips touched down, her heart stopped. Her soul felt as if it was in a dream. After a few moments, it collapsed, but onto a spring field of the most delicate daisies. It was like the purest heaven. The light ocean breeze seemed to circle around them like it wanted to lift them up into the air to fly. Her heart already was. She wanted nothing more than for this moment to never end, but her wish was broken as he broke away.31

She couldn't open her eyes. She could feel him still holding her there. She hoped she would sink into him, so she could stay like this forever.32

"You were saying?"33

"Hmm?" she questioned, not moving an inch. He laughed. She loved to hear him laugh. It would have seemed completely out of character for him two years ago, unless he was losing his mind. Now, it seems so fitting. He's like a long lost child who just found a loving family to care for him. Yes, that's just he is. He's part of our family now.34

The sun was low now. The party will be starting momentarily. She planned it to start at exactly the time of twilight. If she hurried, she might be able to make it in time. She hated having to ruin this moment, but she figured it won't be the last.35

"Alright," she sighed, "I really do have to go."36

"Yeah, I know."37

This was another thing she loved about him; he's so truthful and understanding, or at least most of the time.38

They let go from their embrace and glanced at each other one more time. The girl grinned again, looking down.39

"Okay."40

"Milady."41

Heero held out his arm so she could accept his offer to walk her down. She smirked at him and took him up on the offer. They walked away from the balcony and downstairs to the party, Relena resting her head on Heero's shoulder the whole way.42