Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Time, Fault and Out ❯ Chapter 36 ( Chapter 36 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: I don't own the G'boys, I just borrow them from time to time to play with and return them a whole lot happier, ne? Written for pleasure not profit.
 
Rating: NC 17
 
Pairings: 2x1x2, 3x4
 
Warnings: AU, OOC, Lemon, Yaoi, Angst, Fluff, Sap, Vet themes.
 
Summary: Set 2 years after Equinity. Heero is now riding for the Kushrenada stable as well as attempting to qualify Zero for the Nations Cup team and ultimately his dream of riding at the Olympic games. But life is never an easy ride.
 
Notes: All the information on showjumping, horses, etc is taken from my own knowledge of the sport having been a competitor and now judge for many years and is written from an Australian perspective. The rules and regulations are courtesy of the E.F.A Handbook. (Equestrian Federation of Australia) Should you have any questions just e-mail me.
 
Fic 2 in the "Equine Intervention" Arc.
 
Dedication: To Klingonpoodle who gave me the plot bunny for the first fic and has since supplied my muse with its own plot bunny farm, and to 'Teddy Bear' my own courageous little showjumper whom Zero is based upon.
 
 
"Time, Fault and Out"
 
November. 2005 ShenLong
 
Chapter 36
 
Treize turned the vehicle into the driveway that would lead them to the stable area of the Maxwell Veterinary Practice, he took a glance at Relena in the rear view mirror and narrowed his eyes. He could see the shift in the woman's blue gaze and knew the storm was about to hit. Mentally he prepared himself as he brought the car to a stop in the car parking area and cut the engine. Quickly he undid his seat belt and exited the car.
 
Relena spotted the sign that read 'Maxwell Veterinary Practice' and her blood ran cold. Her anger began to seethe as her mind tried to wrap itself around the fact that her horse had been brought here of all places. Someone had better have a damn good explanation for this, as far as she was concerned she would certainly be having words with someone and heads would roll.
 
Dorothy took a deep breath and prepared herself for the fury she knew was about to be unleashed. The car came to a stop and Treize got out. Dorothy was quick to follow, seeing Relena's face clouding and her mistress' own rapid exit from the vehicle.
 
Up at the house, Heero had been keeping an ear open for the sound of an approaching car, Walker having informed him that Treize had located Relena and was bringing her back to the practice. Walker looked up as Heero got up and went to the kitchen window. Heero peered out and could see the distinct outline of Treize's car traveling along the driveway to the stables.
 
"Treize has arrived."
 
"We'd better get down there then," replied Walker.
 
Heero's lips set into a grim line as he put on his shoes and prepared to meet his boss and the woman that had caused them so much grief. The thought of the restraining order crossed his mind, but Heero pushed it to the back for the moment. Depending on how Relena reacted, Heero could always use the restraining order as a means to diffuse the situation. Besides, Treize hadn't known about the order so it really wasn't the woman's fault she was here.
 
Walker waited outside the door for Heero. He could tell there was something on the man's mind, but he didn't feel it was his place to ask what that was. Besides, he had other issues to worry about. Heero soon joined him and the pair headed for the stable block. As they neared so the sounds of angry voices reached their ears. Walker frowned in confusion; Heero broke into a jog.
 
Furious didn't even begin to describe what Relena was feeling; knowing that her prized stallion was somewhere on this faggot's property only caused her anger to rise. Knowing the queer vet had probably had his pansy hands on her horse enraged her even more. "Why the hell did you bring him here?! That no good, two bit, fairy assed excuse for a vet has probably killed him. I'll have his hide for this!" Relena hissed at Treize.
 
"Hold on a minute, Relena," Treize began. "I don't know the full story myself. I was just told your horse was here, seriously ill and being operated on by Doctor Merquise. No one could get a hold of you so I came looking for you."
 
"There's no way in hell I would have let Peacemillion come here if I'd known. I want a professional to deal with my horses, not some country hick, queer, so called dog and cat vet."
 
Duo and Zechs stepped out of the stable block, both still in their green scrubs, blood spattered and tired. Duo had caught the last few words that Relena had spoken and his face darkened with rage. Three heads turned in their direction.
 
"You bastard!" Relena hissed. "How dare you touch my horse! I'll see your license is suspended for this, you poor excuse for a human being."
 
Duo saw red. "You bitch! You have no right to come onto my property and start accusing me of anything. I'll have you know, you pink piece of crap, that if Zechs hadn't contacted me your horse would be dead now. Believe me when I say, I only did this for the horse; if it had been you, I'd have left you to die in the fucking agony you deserve."
 
Zechs pulled up short, Treize automatically took a step back. The pure venom that was in Duo's voice shocked them both. They knew of the hatred between the two but had no idea it had escalated this far.
 
"How dare you! How dare you speak to me like that, you faggot. People like you give the human race a bad name."
 
"Why don't you open those fucking eyes of yours, cow, and see life and love for what it is? Just because a person can appreciate the same sex doesn't mean they're any different to anyone else. You're just so jealous you can't have my boyfriend as one of the prize studs in your stable that you're willing to go to any lengths to discredit me. I have news for you, bitch, it isn't going to work!"
 
"Perverted doesn't even begin to describe you, you pansy. You're the one that needs to wake up to yourself. Corrupting a decent human being like Heero with your faggoty ways! He's a proper man, a man with morals: a fine, upstanding human being, something you could never be," Relena sneered. "Heero doesn't need you and your sneaky, underhanded means of getting into his pants. I know you're doing something to him, something to make him act that way when he's nothing like you. He's not gay; he's a proper man, just like Treize and Doctor Merquise are. Maybe it's you that should open your eyes, queer, and leave innocent men alone."
 
Duo shook with rage, his fists balled up by his side. It was taking all his self control not to knock this stupid pink parasite on her ass. Fortunately for Duo, Heero arrived and had heard the last of the poisonous words spoken by Relena.
 
Treize and Zechs both looked a little stunned and turned their gazes to each other. Treize swallowed, Zechs fidgeted.
 
"Relena! That's enough!" stated Heero as he walked over to his boyfriend and stood at his side. "Calm down, Duo," he said soothingly before turning back to the woman before them. "Relena, I think there's a few things you need to know."
 
"I already know what you're going to say, Heero. But it's okay, I know you can't help yourself being under the influence of this, this, thing! You can't say how you really feel because if you do, he will find some way of getting back at you. Don't worry, Heero, I'm not about to let you suffer any more at the hands of this pervert."
 
It was Heero who now shook with suppressed rage. Slowly he turned his blue eyes towards the woman that had become the bane of his life. Those eyes were filled with an iciness that froze Relena to the spot. Gently, Heero placed an arm around Duo's waist and then began to speak, his voice cold and harsh. "Duo is the most loving, gentlest person I've ever met. He's giving, loyal and kind hearted. He's never done anything to hurt me and never would. He loves me and I love him just as much. He's my partner, boyfriend, lover, owner of my heart and soul and I have no intentions of ever leaving him. I don't know where you got the idea from that I was interested in you, but I can tell you in all honesty that I've never been interested in you, or any other female for that matter. Relena, I'm gay; I've always been gay, a faggot, pansy, queer or any other name you insist on using. Duo's not corrupted me, I was the one that chased him, I was the one that convinced him I was the person for him. He's never had to drug me or force me into anything I didn't want to do. He doesn't have to, I'm more than a willing participant in this relationship and perhaps I need to reiterate this, I have no intention of leaving him." Heero turned back to Duo and cupped the vet's face with his hands. Gazing lovingly into Duo's eyes, Heero kissed his partner, long and deep, pouring his entire heart into the kiss. When they broke, Heero rounded on Relena again.
 
"Duo is mine, just as I am his; forever. The sooner you can accept that and move on, the better it's going to be for you, Relena." Heero turned back to his lover and kissed him again.
 
Relena stood in shocked silence, brain desperately trying to scramble and process the words she'd just heard as well as comprehend what her eyes were seeing. Heero, her Heero, was kissing that, that, creature! She turned her confused gaze to where Treize and Doctor Merquise were standing.
 
Seeing the look coming his way, Treize began to feel a little uncomfortable and automatically moved closer to the blonde vet. Zechs could also sense that Relena wasn't quite finished yet and shifted subtly closer to Treize.
 
"I still can't believe that you would bring my horse here and endanger its life further by having that gay excuse for a creature operate. I've a good mind to sue you too!" Relena spat. The shock of seeing Heero kissing that long haired vet had seriously rattled her.
 
"Relena, I think there's a few more things you should know," began Zechs. Before Relena could open her mouth and start again, Zechs continued. "Walker called me to attend your horse that had gone down with a serious case of colic. I tried all the usual, standard treatments, but they didn't work. It was obvious to me that the horse had sustained a twisted bowel and in order to save his life I needed to operate as soon as possible. I called my surgery to have the theater set up and the other vet and nurses prepped to give me a hand when our receptionist informed me that Doctor Alves was already using the theater for another patient and wouldn't be finished for at least another two hours. Peacemillion didn't have that sort of time. I knew Doctor Maxwell had a fully functional theater and it was close so I called him and he kindly agreed to let me use his facilities and offered to assist me as well."
 
"It still doesn't change the fact that that pansy has had his hands on my horse." Relena shuddered.
 
"What is it that has you so against gay people, Relena?" Zechs asked. "If Doctor Maxwell hadn't allowed me to use his theater or assist me, then your horse would most certainly be dead now. I couldn't have done the operation by myself."
 
"It's disgusting," snapped Relena. "Two men together."
 
Walker had watched the exchanges of words between the group in silence. While he wasn't opposed to gay people, he really hadn't had all that much to do with them either. He'd been pretty sure he'd have been able to pick a homosexual out though. It would seem he was wrong. He'd never pegged Heero for being gay. Personally though he couldn't give a damn if the Pope was to suddenly announce he was a practicing homosexual, all Walker cared about was that Peacemillion was going to be okay.
 
"Why is it disgusting?" asked Treize.
 
"It's not natural. Males shouldn't be with another male, they should be with a female. Only weak, feminine males chase after other men."
 
"You don't have to be weak or feminine to be gay, Relena," Treize said softly.
 
"No strong man would allow another guy to take advantage of him."
 
"I think you would be seriously surprised to know just how many of these so called 'strong' men as you put it are actually gay," said Treize.
 
"Besides," began Zechs, "I don't see that being gay affects a person's ability to function in their selected field of employment. Doctor Maxwell is a complete professional and his assistance with the operation was most welcomed."
 
Relena snorted. "Who knows what sort of contamination he's given Peacemillion with having his faggot hands on him."
 
"If you're so opposed to having a vet that's gay treat your horse, then why the hell have you called me in to treat your stock in the past?" Zechs was rapidly running out of patience. He wasn't about to stand here and see a good friend of his run down in such a manner, especially by Relena who obviously had no clear understanding of love in any shape or form.
 
"Pardon?" Relena's gaze turned back to the blonde vet.
 
Walker also stared, his mouth open. // Well shit! // he thought to himself. Looked like his 'gay-dar' needed a serious overhaul.
 
"I said, if you are so opposed to having someone that's gay treating your horses, why have you called me in?"
 
"But, you're not... Are you?" Relena paled.
 
"Yes, Relena. I'm gay too, have been for many years."
 
"But... You can't be. You're not the type." Relena was completely taken off guard with Zechs' admission.
 
"Like I said before, Relena. There isn't any set 'stereotype' that you can categorize gay people in. Those you least expect can be, and possibly are, homosexual," said Treize as he gently wrapped an arm around Zechs' waist and pulled the blonde to him.
 
Relena was gaping like a stranded fish by now. Finding her voice, she managed to form a few words. "Treize? Has the world gone completely mad? Not you too? Surely you can't be serious?"
 
"Ah, but I am, Relena. In fact, I'm what is commonly termed as bisexual. I enjoy both sexes," Treize replied.
 
"This can't be happening. No, this is all just a bad dream, that's it, I'm having a nightmare and when I wake up it will all be over and I'll be sitting at home waiting for Heero to call over and pick me up for our dinner date."
 
Zechs shook his head. "You're so like your mother, Relena. Completely in denial. When something comes along that you don't like or want to know about, you stick your head in the sand and hope it will all go away, just like the ostrich."
 
Relena's eyes narrowed. "What the hell do you know about my mother?" she demanded.
 
"Actually, I know quite a lot. She was, after all, my sister."
 
"Shit!" yelled Dorothy and sprang forward to catch her mistress as the woman fainted.
 
* * *
 
Dorothy, assisted by Walker who had also run forward when he saw Relena crumpling, managed to catch the falling woman and prevent her from seriously hurting herself, although her head did manage to connect with the ground a little hard. "We need to lie her down somewhere and elevate her feet," said Dorothy as she looked around, having checked her mistress' head and found nothing serious other than a bump beginning to form. The other four men remained where they stood, none of them offering to help.
 
With a sigh, Duo broke away from Heero. "Bring her up to the house," he said quietly. "You can put her on the couch, but don't expect me to be civil towards her. In fact, once she comes around I'd prefer it if you would remove her from my property."
 
"Thank you, Doctor Maxwell," replied Dorothy.
 
Walker bent to pick up Relena's limp form. Before he carried her to the house though, he paused and faced the two vets. "Look, I don't know what's going on here and frankly I don't give a damn, but I have a question for you."
 
Zechs nodded. "Ask away."
 
"How is the horse?"
 
Duo gave a soft chuckle and shook his head. With all that had been going on, no one had thought to report on Peacemillion's status.
 
"The operation was a success. The bowel was twisted and we managed to untwist it. We had to remove a small section and reattach the intestine, but all went well. Now it's up to Peacemillion. He's been given a shot of painkiller and antibiotics, and as long as he doesn't go galloping around the place he should make a good recovery. He will need to stay here for about a week before he can travel. Depending on how his recuperation goes at the end of the week we will either transfer him to Oakford or back to the Peacecraft stud," said Zechs.
 
Walker felt as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders with the good news. Now if only he could get rid of the weight in his arms. He shifted Relena to a more comfortable position. "Thank you, thank you both for all you've done," he said quietly and then turned to take Relena to the house, Dorothy beside him and Heero leading the way.
 
As the three began to leave, Duo and Treize both rounded on Zechs.
 
"You're Relena's uncle?" Duo asked, the disbelief clearly in his voice.
 
"I think you have some explaining to do, Zechs," Treize said as he stared at his lover.
 
Zechs scuffed the dirt with the toe of his boot. "Can I get cleaned up and changed first?"
 
Both Duo and Treize couldn't help but laugh, Zechs sounded like a naughty school boy caught doing something he shouldn't.
 
"Of course. I think the pair of you should change. I'll go on up to the house and meet you there, if that's okay, Duo?" Treize looked at the long haired vet for confirmation.
 
"You know you're always welcome, Treize. Go on, tell Heero we will be there as soon as we've cleaned up," Duo smiled.
 
"Will do." Treize departed and the two vets went back inside the stable block to clean up.
 
***
 
Duo couldn't help but sneak glances at Zechs as they washed themselves down. He knew there had to be a connection between the blonde vet and Relena, but never dreamt they were so closely related. Judging by Relena's reaction, she hadn't known either. He itched to ask questions but held his tongue. Zechs would explain in his own time, until then Duo had to be patient and wait.
 
Finally they were as clean as they were ever going to be without taking a shower and Zechs had changed back into his 'normal' clothes. Duo still wore his scrubs, his clothes were back at the house where he'd changed earlier.
 
"Time to face the music," said Zechs softly as he exited the small dispensary where he'd changed.
 
"I'm just going to check on Peacemillion first," replied Duo as he made his way over to the box where the stallion was recovering. Zechs followed behind and both vets hung over the stable door, eyes raking over their patient.
 
Peacemillion was standing in the corner of the box, resting a hind leg and dozing. The neat row of stitches could be seen along his side and all appeared to be well with the horse.
 
"He looks a lot more comfortable than you do," quipped Duo as he smiled at the other vet.
 
"Don't suppose there's any chance I could sneak off?"
 
"Not on your life, Zechsy. There's a shit load of questions waiting for you to answer," Duo snickered.
 
"Then I suppose I'd better get this over with." Zechs sighed and turned to walk to the house, Duo right beside him.
 
* * *
 
Walker placed Relena on the couch, Dorothy quickly placed a couple of cushions under the woman's ankles to raise her legs.
 
"I don't suppose you have any smelling salts at all?" she asked Heero.
 
"I'll check the medical kit." Heero disappeared to do just that, leaving Walker, Dorothy and Treize alone in the lounge room with the still unconscious Relena.
 
"I have to admit, this has all been a bit of a shock," said Dorothy.
 
"Personally I don't give a shit who's related to who or if the tooth fairy was the one to operate. All I care about is that Peacemillion is going to be okay," said Walker in his quiet tone.
 
"Tooth fairy?" Treize quirked an eyebrow.
 
Walker blushed and fidgeted. "Yeah, well..."
 
Heero returned with empty hands. "Sorry, we don't have anything remotely like smelling salts."
 
"Never mind. I'm sure she will come around soon. Once she does I'll take her back to the manor," Dorothy said. "Damn!"
 
"What?" asked Treize and Heero together.
 
"I don't have my car. It's still in Salsbury. We came back with you, Treize."
 
"That's okay," interjected Walker. "I have my car here with the float on, I can take you both back to the stud." Walker looked at the clock on the wall. "I'll need to get going soon though, it's getting closer to feed time and I'd prefer to be there to supervise."
 
Duo and Zechs entered the house just as Walker finished speaking. Four faces turned in their direction.
 
"She still out?" Duo asked.
 
"Yes, and I'm afraid we will have to leave very shortly as Walker needs to get back to supervise the feeding of the horses," replied Dorothy. "I hope that bump to her head isn't too bad."
 
"Look. Why don't you take Relena back home, I need to go back to Oakford and fill out the file on Peacemillion and let my boss know what's happened. Once I've done that I can call around to the stud. Relena should be conscious again by then and I can sit down and explain everything to her," said Zechs.
 
"I think that might be best," replied Dorothy. "I can call the doctor and have her head looked at and It would probably be better too if she is in familiar surroundings when you do talk to her, no offense, Doctor Maxwell."
 
"None taken. Personally I'd prefer it if she wasn't here either. I really don't have anything to say to the bitc... woman."
 
"I'll go bring the car and float around then,” said Walker and disappeared out the back door to do just that.
 
"I think I'd better get going too," said Treize. "I'll call over as soon as I've finished helping Otto feed up, Dorothy."
 
"Thanks, Treize," replied Dorothy.
 
Zechs gave his lover a smile. He knew Treize wasn't just calling in as Relena's friend, he was also going to be there to support Zechs.
 
The sound of the car pulling up outside the back door signaled Walker's arrival and Treize carefully lifted the limp form of Relena from the couch. He carried her outside and placed her on the back seat, Dorothy climbing in after her.
 
"I'll get our shopping from your car when you stop by, Treize," said Dorothy.
 
Treize nodded. "I'll be round in about an hour."
 
"Thanks."
 
Walker stepped forward and shook both Duo's and Zechs' hands. "Thank you, both of you, for all you have done." Walker turned to Duo. "I'm sure we would have lost Peacemillion if you hadn't been so kind as to allow Doctor Merquise to use your facilities, and thank you for assisting him. Despite what my boss may say or do, I think you're one heck of a vet, Doctor Maxwell; and an exceptional human being."
 
Duo blushed at the compliments and waved them aside. "I'm happy I was able to help, Walker. I don't like to see an animal suffering."
 
Walker nodded and went back to the driver's seat. Heero wrapped his arm around Duo's waist from behind and pulled the vet close to him. Heero smiled at Walker who returned it with one of his own and then started the car up. Once the vehicle had disappeared, Duo slumped in his lover's arm.
 
"I guess I should be going too and report back in to Oakford," said Zechs and turned to leave.
 
"Not so fast," Duo said. "You have a little explaining to do, Doctor Merquise."
 
Zechs lowered his eyes for a moment and sighed softly. "Would you mind if I came back later and explained? I really should get back to the clinic and write up this report. Then I need to go and explain to Relena. Once I've done that I'll call back around to check on the patient and fill you in."
 
"That's fine, Zechs," Heero answered on Duo's behalf. "We need to bring the horses in and get them settled for the night, I also need to go up to the surgery and log in all today's clients to the computer. Later would be better for us both."
 
"Thanks," replied Zechs.
 
"I'll get going too," Treize said. "I'll meet you over at Relena's in about an hour's time, Zechs."
 
The pair left together, hand in hand. Duo and Heero watched them leave. Once they were alone, Duo turned and gave his lover a warm kiss. "Thanks for being there for me, Heero."
 
"You didn't think I was going to sit back and let her insult you like that, did you?"
 
"I didn't know you were there or heard what she was saying."
 
"I didn't hear all of it, but what I did hear made my blood boil. She has no right to say those sorts of things."
 
"No, she doesn't." Duo snickered.
 
"What?"
 
"My knight in shining armor came to rescue me, and boy, did you give her an ear bashing. I kinda feel a little sorry for her though, all her dreams dashed like that, not to mention finding out that Zechs is also gay and her uncle to boot!"
 
"Shit happens," sniggered Heero. "She'll get over it."
 
"Did you really mean it?"
 
"Mean what?"

"What you said about me being the owner of your heart and soul, and that you want to be with me forever?"
 
"Cheesy, I know," replied Heero. "But yeah, I meant it, every word."
 
"God, I love you."
 
"Want to show me how much?"
 
"I'd love to, but later. Right now there's three nags out there that are demanding their dinner." Duo's stomach chose that moment to grumble - loudly. He gave a sheepish smirk. "And one vet that's also a bit peckish. Can I take a rain check?"
 
"By all means. I expect you to cash it in though later tonight."
 
"You can count on it."
 
* * *
 
Zechs drove back to Oakford and duly filled out the client files, noting the drugs and procedures he'd used on the horse. He also noted the length of time it had taken for the operation, the use of Doctor Maxwell's facilities as well as recognizing the other vet's assistance. Once all the formalities were dealt with, he spoke to Doctor Alves, bringing him up to speed on the case. His boss congratulated him on a successful treatment and promised to contact the Maxwell Veterinary Practice and personally thank them for their assistance, as well as get an invoice from them for what they owed the practice.
 
Having signed off, Zechs steeled himself for the next task ahead. His visit to Relena's and the explanation he needed to give. He wasn't looking forward to it at all. A lot of water had passed under the proverbial bridge over the years and he didn't particularly want to drag up old memories or open up barely healed wounds. But he had to; Relena had a right to know.
 
Taking a deep breath and promising himself a cold beer later, he climbed back into his car and headed for the Peacecraft stud.
 
Treize had headed home and assisted Otto to feed the horses in the stables. While doing so he filled Otto in on the current state of affairs, from Peacemillion's colic to having to find Relena and bring her back and the ensuing showdown between Duo and Relena. He also mentioned the revelations of Heero and Duo being a couple along with his and Zechs' admission to being together.
 
Otto remained silent throughout, it wasn't his place really to comment. He wasn't shocked though by the revelation of either his boss' sexuality or that of Heero. He'd suspected for some time that the pair of them were either gay or bisexual, but as he was only an employee, it wasn't his place to judge. Personally Otto couldn't care less what his boss did, his private life was his own. Otto had a good job, a decent boss and a fair wage, he wasn't about to jeopardize any of that simply because his boss liked the same sex. Treize had never made any advances to any of the staff; in fact he treated everyone fairly, so as far as Otto was concerned he had no reason to say anything.
 
Once the horses were settled for the evening, Treize went back inside to find Jenny had left his dinner warming in the oven for him. He quickly ate it and washed his plate through before taking a shower and heading over to the Peacecraft manor. Just over an hour had passed since leaving Duo's so Zechs shouldn't be too long in getting to Relena's and Treize wanted to be there to support his lover.
 
* * *
 
Walker drove slowly and carefully back to the stud, aware of Relena's still unconscious form on the back seat. He didn't say anything, preferring to concentrate on the road ahead.
 
Dorothy made sure Relena was as comfortable as she could be and then gazed out the window. Her mind was tumbling with all the information it had received. She wasn't shocked to discover the relationship between Doctor Merquise and Treize, she'd had her suspicions for a while. It didn't matter to Dorothy one bit if Treize was heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual. What he got up to in his private life was his affair, she did though hold a feeling of apprehension. Relena could do a lot of damage to Treize and Doctor Merquise.
 
That led her to the next thought. Doctor Merquise was Relena's uncle? Now that put a whole new light on things and raised a completely new set of questions. Knowing the vet was her uncle, would Relena still try to discredit the vet, and Treize? What damage would she do to Treize's career? Would she still supply him with horses to jump, or would she sever all ties? Would blood run thicker than water? Would Walker please hurry up and get them home, as she was starting to get a headache?
 
As if sensing the unease settling in Dorothy, Walker spoke. "Should be home in about five minutes."
 
"Thanks, Walker."
 
As Walker turned the car and float into the driveway that would lead them to the manor and stables beyond, Relena began to stir. Walker brought the car and float to a stop by the front doors and got out to help Dorothy take Relena inside.
 
"What happened? Where are we?" Relena asked as she came to.
 
"Hush, Miss Relena. You're home now and we're going inside. I'll explain everything to you once we get indoors," replied Dorothy as she assisted her boss into the manor. "Thank you, Walker," she said to the groom as they entered the large foyer. "I'll be able to manage from here."
 
"Are you sure?" Walker didn't really want to stay around, he had work to do, but it was polite to offer his assistance.
 
"I'll be fine. Thank you."
 
"As you wish." Walker left and took the car and float down to the stable area and went about his duties.
 
Dorothy managed to coax Relena into the sitting room where she made her mistress lie down on the couch. "I'll go make us a nice cup of tea. You stay right there, Miss Relena."
 
"Dorothy?"
 
"Yes?"
 
"I had this really weird dream. Peacemillion was sick and that pansy vet, Maxwell treated him. Treize was there as well, also Heero and the vet from Oakford, Doctor Merquise. My Heero was kissing that faggot and then Treize said he was gay as well. Then that other vet said he was also gay and began to hug Treize. He also said he was my uncle." Relena turned her confused eyes to her housekeeper.
 
Dorothy looked away.
 
"Dorothy?"
 
Dorothy returned her gaze to her mistress.
 
"Tell me it was a dream... It was a nightmare, wasn't it?"
 
Dorothy shook her head. "I'm sorry, Miss Relena. It wasn't a dream."
 
Relena could tell from her housekeeper's eyes that Dorothy was telling the truth. "Oh my god. Is the whole world going insane?" She turned her head away.
 
"Relax, Miss Relena. I'll go make that tea. Doctor Merquise and Treize will be here shortly to explain everything."
 
Dorothy left to go make the tea, Relena turned and gazed out the window, dusk was coming, shrouding the landscape with its shadowy presence. Relena felt the shadows creep into her own heart.
 
In the kitchen, Dorothy wondered if it mightn't be a good idea to find a bottle of brandy to take out with the tea. She had a feeling they would all be needing something a little stronger than tea when all was said and done.
 
~ * ~
 
tbc....