I do not own, never have I ever owned, the Gundam Wing storyline or its characters.

Thank you for your patience on this last chapter, and for all the great reviews you've given me. This is the last chapter for Claws of the Raven. I left it open-ended for a sequel, but since I am pregnant and tired and busy and did I mention pregnant? I will probably not be writing that anytime soon.

As for The Champions, I have lost interest in it, but hope to at least update by Christmas.

Without further ado...

Chapter 13: Getting Away

"Are you sure this is what you want, Heero? We can really use you," Zechs said, blue eyes narrowed as he stared at the Japanese agent.

Heero nodded. "I want to be with Relena, Zechs. You'll still have the rest of Team 6. Trowa's going to take lead for it." Heero paused, tilting his head to the side a little. "If you have a tough case I'll act as consultant, but I don't want to do any field work." After so many years of battles, missions, and fighting, he just wanted to stay by the side of the woman he loved.

Zechs sighed in frustration. When he had agreed to take the reins of Preventer, he'd figured that Yuy would be around to help him do the restructuring. "Okay, Heero. So, I hear you and Relena are taking a vacation."

Heero gave a short nod. "We are." He knew Zechs wanted to know where they were going, but he wasn't about to tell. He didn't want any interruptions. This was about him and Relena.

The object of his thoughts entered the office, limping slightly, her knee still sore. Heero smiled and took Relena's hand, bringing her close to him. She leaned against him, content to let him shoulder her slender weight. Zechs frowned. "So, you aren't going to tell me where you're going?" he asked, eying his sister.

"No, we aren't. I'm sorry, Zechs, but I just want to be alone with Heero," she told him, gentian eyes serious and cool. She deserved this. She needed this. Just her and her knight.

Her brother stood from behind his desk, eyes narrowed. "Just make sure you still treat her with respect, Yuy." His meaning was not lost on the younger man and Heero felt his temper skyrocket. Relena stepped away from him and glared at Zechs.

"What we do is none of your business, Milliardo." Bright spots of heat colored her cheeks. "I can't believe you said that!" She stormed from the office, leaving the two men to stare at each other, eyes burning.

Heero approached, muscles tense, back straight. He stopped two feet from Zechs, and when he spoke, his voice was low and cold. "Relena and I will be married before we do that, Zechs. Not that you have the right to know that, but I don't want you to think badly of Relena. For some reason or other, she seems to value your opinion." The Japanese agent turned and left the room, shoulders square and broad. That would give the idiot something to think about.

6

A week later their friends came to see them off, and though Relena appreciated the sentiment, she just wanted to be alone with Heero. The past week had been full of appointments and meetings, and she hadn't seen much of Heero except in a formal capacity. She glanced at him, wishing they were already on their way.

"So, Heero, ya sure you won't tell us where you're goin'?" Duo asked, a big grin on his face. Hilde sighed and rolled her eyes.

"No." Heero just shook his head. He saw Relena look at him, noting the slightly irritated look in her pretty eyes. It was time to go. "We'll see you guys in two weeks."

"Take care of yourselves," Trowa told him, giving Middie's hand a squeeze. She was feeling better, but not enough to be on her feet for long periods of time.

"We will." The Japanese man held out his hand to his girlfriend.

"Have fun," Quatre said, smiling. He was glad they were taking time off just for themselves. He had talked with Relena and knew the pressures of her office were getting to her.

"How could we not?" Relena asked, giving him a soft smile in return. She had asked the blonde to look after her staff, and knew he would take care of anything that came up.

"We'd better go." Heero didn't want to hand around much longer; they had managed to slip the press so far, but the reporters would soon be on their trail. Relena nodded.

"Stay safe," Wufei said, obsidian eyes serious. He knew the couple deserved time away, but he worried that someone might go after them.

"Don't worry," Heero told him. He helped Relena into the car and turned, eying his friends. "Two weeks." They nodded, waving as he climbed in and drove off.

"I hope they have fun," Hilde said, leaning her head on Duo's shoulder.

"They will." Sally gave Wufei's hand a quick squeeze. The Chinese man wasn't overly comfortable with open displays of affection, but hand-holding he could tolerate.

"Come on." Trowa led the group to their cars, everyone saying goodbye as they headed off in different directions. Life would resume as normal for them.

Relena leaned her head back and closed her eyes, sighing. Heero glanced at her, frowning. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I'm just so relieved to finally be on our way. I kept waiting for Zechs to come and try to stop us."

"That wouldn't have happened." Heero checked the rearview, more out of habit than worry. The place he was taking Relena to was far away and quiet, a place where no one should be able to find them.

"So..." Relena gave Heero a coy look. "Will you tell me now where we're going?"

A ghost of a smile touched his mouth. "You really want to know, huh?"

"Yes!"

He chuckled. "Okay. It's an island. A really secluded island." She stared at him, frowning. "What? That doesn't sound fun?" His voice held concern.

"It sounds heavenly, handsome, but...how did you manage it?"

"Sorry, koishii. I don't reveal my secrets," he told her, smiling.

"Okay. I can't wait to get there." Relena scooted closer to him, kissing his cheek. She couldn't believe it was really just him and her, for two whole weeks, on a deserted island...

It promised to be a vacation to remember.

6

A/N: And there you have it, folks. Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Like I said, I have plans for a sequel, and I'll try to post another Champions chapter by Christmas. Thanks again – RL2