Disclaimer: I don't own anything. All rights go respective owners.


The first time Takashi looked into her eyes he thought he was staring directly into the sun. Blinding, golden, breathtaking, and absolutely dangerous. Takashi had heard a voice in the back of his mind warning him to look away; not to stare for so long. But Katie Holt's eyes were captivating, shining brightly with both an intelligence and mischief that left Takashi too awestruck to look away. He would think back on her eyes later that night and many nights after going over all the changes in colors her eyes seemed to have. Yes, from the very first moment he met Katie Holt he knew two things. He should stay away from her, and that he was already completely and hopelessly in love with her.

The first revelation was, as Takashi soon learned, an almost impossible task. Takashi would become very close to the Holt family over the years. Being one of the Garrison's most prided pilots, as well as teammate and best friend to Matt Holt, ment he spent a great deal of time with the family. Often being invited over to dinner. Never one to turn down an actual good meal Takashi always complied to the request ne demands that he stay or come over, stating it was Mrs. Holts cooking that brought him back so many night and not the looks Katie would send his way leaving him stunned and at times breathless. Gradually these regular dinners morphed into staying over on weekends and eventually staying with the family during holiday breaks. Takashi at first was hesitant almost afraid of being that close to Katie for that long a period of time, in fear of accidentally blurting out the truth to the girl. Ruining not only the bond he had formed with her, but also the entire family and his friendship with Matt. But Takashi, ever the people pleasing young cadet, would agree. In later retrospect Takashi would thank his younger self for not being able to say no. Since it was during these visits and times spent at the Holts he was able to truly see just who Katie Holt was and she was even more awe inspiring than he first thought possible. Her mind was its own galaxy. Far and away the most complexing he'd ever study and he craved whatever insight (no matter how small or insignificant she might believe it was) Katie would bestow upon him.

In fact if given the chance without fear of repercussion Takashi could go on for hours about just how amazing Katie was. Whether it be her obvious intelligence, humour, bravery, compassion, loyalty, dreams, anything really Takashi would. But the fear of rejection and subsequent hatred towards him was just to great. At least that was what he had always thought. If Takashi had used his skill sets he had mastered at the Garrison, he might have been able to make the obvious observation that almost everybody but perhaps Katie herself knew just how helplessly in love he was with the girl. He would have seen the way Mrs. Holts eyes (not unlike her daughters) would catch that same mischievous gleam Katie's often held as she conveniently and purely on the happenstance would seat Takashi next to Katie. Or the knowing smile and accepting pat on the back from Commander Holt. Even the obvious but accepting eyerolls bestowed upon him by Matt. In Fact it was only as the two best friends were making their way up onto to launch pad, to join the rest of the holt family before heading off into space, that Matt finally freed poor Takashi of his inner turmoil.

"Bro just ask her out already it's getting pretty pathetic" Matt commented offhandedly as he fiddled with his space suit. The casualness of the statement causes Takashi to almost trip before gaining composure

"Wait what?"

"Katie. You know my sister? The girl you've been in love with since our first year in the Garrison. Just ask her out already, Lord only knows how long both of you have been pinning over each other." Matt says with a roll of his eyes and a smirk.

"I- I don't- I mean- she's not-I" Takashi stammered out in both shock and disbelief. He felt his ears redden as he was sure he had never fumbled over his words this much in his entire life.

"Look" Matt offered, mercifully cut him off "I'm not going to force you to say anything if you don't want to. Just know I'll support and root for the two of you, if you both want it. And bro no offense but it's pretty obvious that you do. And knowing Katie I know she will too." Matt paused for a moment before continuing "Just don't tell her I said that, she would be so pissed at me for spilling her secret not so secret crush." Matt laughed casually while throwing and arm around his best friend.

Takashi was still in shock over his friends revelation. He didn't know if this was real, a dream, some alternate reality, or just some kind of cruel and punishing joke. He desperately hoped it was real and after subtly shaking his head and finding he was very much awake and in the moment. Takashi could help the stupid grin stretching across his face, as a warm feeling grew in the pit of his stomach. Feeling emboldened by this he asked his most burning question.

"Katie actually likes me?

"You know It actually worries me how oblivious you are. Man! If the world could see just how lame you actually are when it comes to love and mushy stuff. I would totally be the one the girls all fawn over. It's really not fair." Matt jokes as they finally step out in front of the huge crowd awaiting their highly publicized send off. Takashi watches as Commander Holt gives his wife a sweeping and crowd pleasing kiss as the crowd cheers on. Katie's being the loudest voice in the crowd clapping and hooting along, not embarrassed in the least bit of her parent antics. Takashi can't help but smile and wish he could do the same to Katie. Matt follows his gaze shaking his head.

"Man, you really do got it bad. Just be glad I know how good of a guy you really are and how much I trust and like you. Because if not, I would have found a way to get rid of you ages ago. Matt says honestly as he waves towards the people, however his eyes stay glued on his best friend and Shiro knows it's the truth. They both walk towards the rest of the family and Matt takes this time to jokingly tell Shiro not to hurt his baby sister or "else" before moving past his best friend to give said sister a hug goodbye and ruffle her hair before joining his dad proudly off to the side.

Takashi says his final goodbye to Mrs. Holt and then turns towards Katie expecting an easy smile and energetic wave off. Instead he was caught off guard by her eyes, once again rendering him useless. Never before had he seen so many emotions threatening to spill out all at once. Tears staining her cheeks and she rushes him bringing her tiny arms around his waist as she gives him a final goodbye hug. Takashi in that instant was ready to drop everything he'd worked for just to hold onto her a bit longer. But knowing how hard not only he, but his team had worked to get to this moment knew he couldn't. Instead, Takashi gave Katie on last tight squeeze before slowly and reluctantly pulling back. However, when he looked into her eyes he knew that he would gladly go to the ends of the universe and back just to see that look of pride in her eyes for him again. And as he walked away, he knew Matt would never have to worry about him hurting Katie.(He would die before ever letting that happened)

As Takashi sat down at the controls of the ship he looked down, out into the world one last time. And like a moth drawn to the flame he automatically found Katie's eyes. Eyes that were somehow still bright and clear to him even at this height. It was then that he made a promise not only for himself but to Katie that when he got back from the mission he would sit her down and tell her just how captivating her eyes actually were.