I received complaint that the first chapter has too much dialog and too little background info, so I will try to make future ones lighter if possible.

As usual, background info for this story along with author notes can be found on the first chapter. Tessa rescue scene is taken from FMP novel titled A Dancing Very Merry Christmas. Now move on to the first stage, part two.

(Merida Island, after Tuatha de Danaan hijacking)

Captain Teletha Testarossa was sitting on a rock cliff at Merida Island wearing her uniform complete with her jacket. She hugged her knee, her eyes looking at the calm sea in front her, her ears soothed by the rhythm of waves crashing to rocks below her, gentle breeze caress her body. This has become a habit for her the past few days. She would come here after lunch, trying to calm her troubled mind. She has a lot on her mind especially since the hijacking incident a week ago. Tuatha de Danaan was temporary anchored on dry dock, awaiting repair for at least two weeks according to engineering department. It could be worse. They are lucky that the damages were concentrated on the flight deck area. Commander Kalinin was supervising the repair work, while Commander Mardukas use the time to conduct training for the crew. Having nothing to do she has a lot of time for brooding.

She rested her head on the rock wall behind her and straightened her legs. She took a few deep breaths to calm her down before twirling her braid. She has been contemplating on what she should do in response to the past event.

Mithril have always relied on their advanced technology as deterrent force such as their invisible submarine and AS made them invincible. That is why countries feared them, thus they opted a more peaceful solution than open confrontation.

However recent event have proven otherwise. Using a single enhanced AS, Gauron has almost managed to capture Tuatha de Dana an. They were lucky that Sousuke and Chidori have somehow managed to defeat him. It became painstakingly clear that they were facing an enemy with very advanced arsenal, so advanced that only Arbalest can face them head to head.

It wouldn't be fair to rest the fate of the entire organization upon a young boy. Such a heavy burden will surely kill him in time. Since Tessa had vowed to protect him, she can't allow that to happen. Maybe if she can figure out how Bunny Morita built Lambda Driver she can build a better AS than Arbalest, thus lightening the burden that Sousuke have to carry.

She had made a grave mistake in assuming that she can figure out their enemy. A mistake that almost cost Mithril dearly. She had to consider her decision very carefully to avoid another disaster. But even if she can design a better system than Lambda Driver it would take years for it to reach production. She wasn't sure that time works in their favor.

"Captain" a male voice interrupted her musing. A voice she knew extremely well. She threw a cursory glance behind her just to make sure that Sousuke Sagara was indeed standing behind her.

"Yes, Sagara-kun. Did Commander Kalinin or Commander Mardukas requested my presence ?" Tessa asked.

"Actually no. Commander Kalinin asked me to find you, accompany you and ensure your safety. He said that they will give you all the time you need to think. He also said that I should act casual since this isn't a formal mission" Sousuke stated.

"Oh" Tessa momentarily put a puzzled expression on her face. "Aren't you supposed to accompany Chidori-kun" she asked.

"Sergeant Mao and Kurtz are showing her around the base. So I am free at the moment" Sousuke explained.

When she heard that, Tessa smiled widely. "Please sit here then Sagara-kun. I hope you don't mind wasting your time here with me" she said patting the ground beside her.

"Of course not" Sousuke said before he sat down beside Tessa who resume her quiet pose. Unknown to her Sousuke has been standing behind her for quite some time, observing her expression.

(The Captain looked so sad. Is that why Commander Kalinin ask me to cheer her up) he thought "It sure brought back memories" he said. When he noticed Tessa raising her eyebrows in question he explained "I meant the heated battle between you and Sergeant Mao" (That should cheer her up)

(Is he trying to cheer me up. How considerate of him) "Yes, despite the ferocious battle, they were nice memories" she answered, her mind recalling the event in question. Especially a particular photo she kept as memento in her room safe. A small smile adorned her lips. (A ferocious battle indeed, just like the one we just had) her smile immediately vanished and sadness clouded her face again.

(It isn't working like it should. Her burden must be really bad) he thought "Permission to speak freely, Captain" said Sousuke. When Tessa nodded he continued "May I know what Captain have been thinking about. Captain is smiling but your eyes seemed very sad"

(Maybe I should tell him. He might know what I should do) "I am trying to figure out when is the best time for me to submit my resignation letter" Tessa said softly. Seeing the shocked look on Sousuke's face she explained "I felt responsible for the latest incident. It clearly indicated that I am incapable of guarding Mithril secret weapon properly, am I not ?" she chewed her bottom lip nervously. (I have failed my promise to protect you Sousuke-kun) she almost added.

"In the contrary, Captain I felt that you should be rewarded for saving the entire crew with your decision. Most of the crew I spoken to felt the same" assured Sousuke.

"Thank you for your compliment Sagara-kun. But I am sure that some people on the Mithril high council will think otherwise. They thought that my knowledge would be better spent on Research Department. Maybe they are right, only you and Arbalest can defeat our enemies. It is not fair to burden you with the safety of the entire division" Tessa concluded, stealing a look in Sousuke's direction. (Not if I can do something about it) she thought.

"It is not a burden. It is my duty. I will do what is required to the best of my ability" Sousuke stated, his face hardened.

"Do you know that Commander Mardukas was nicknamed The Duke ? They say that he was a very calm and collected person when it comes to battle. Surely he would become a better captain than me" asked Tessa after seeing Sousuke's expression.

'She is serious about her resignation' "I think they both would prefer that you stay in command. After all you have done a great job" argued Sousuke.

"I have been lucky. Being in Tuatha de Danaan made me forget just how lonely my life has been" 'Especially after you join us Sousuke-kun' she wanted to add. "But now it seems that I will be alone once more. Even my power cannot protect Tuatha de Danaan and the crews. I will just be a liability" Tessa admitted. 'I don't want you to risk your life again to save me'

"Then why do you think that a mere mortal can take that responsibility ?" countered Sousuke. "Commander Kalinin said that you are the best captain for Tuatha de Danaan since you were its creator. You are never going to be alone. The Commanders and the crews are going to support you" he added.

"I am sure they will Sagara-kun" she politely smiled. "But having subordinate are different with having friends. Every people need friends that can lent their ears to listen, their mouth to give advice and their shoulder to cry on. Preferably someone around their age that can better understood their problem" Tessa said. "I don't have that luxury. I am an orphan. Ever since my childhood people treated me differently because I am a genius. My schoolmates all avoided me since I am half their age. Here even if everyone seemed nice to me, they still consider me as their boss, not as their friend". (Especially you, to you I am only your commanding officer) she almost added. She can feel tears started to gather on her eyes so she closed her eyes tightly to prevent it.

(Oh no she is going to cry. I have to do something) "I have no idea that having a friend is that important to you". Sousuke said. After a few minutes of silence he asked "Would you like to have one". Tessa looked at him confused. "A friend I mean. Would you like to have a friend ? Someone here and around your age" he explained. (I hope this works)

She eagerly nodded. When she fully realized what Sousuke were saying she frowned. "But there is no one here around my age. Unless you mean Chidori-kun or ... yourself ?" Tessa asked. (Calm down Tessa, there is no way he will consider you as her friend)

"I am sure Chidori-kun will love to be your friend, but I meant myself. With the Captain permission I would like to be your friend" Sousuke stated.

"You are being so formal Sagara-kun. I almost thought that you are proposing me" Tessa joked to hide her blushing. (Calm down, relax. Don't let him see your real feeling) She turned away from Sousuke both to calm her racing heartbeat and to conceal her blush.

"I am" Sousuke blurted. "Proposing a friendship that is" he hastily corrected himself. "I'll be the best friend you can ever have. My ears will listen to your problems and my shoulder will be yours to cry on" he said. "On one condition" he added as an afterthought.

Hearing his last word Tessa visibly slumped (I knew it. This is too good to be true) "What conditions do you required" she dreadfully asked.

"That you would cancel your resignation and continue to lead Tuatha de Danaan" Sousuke stated.

When she heard his condition, Tessa back stiffened. She loved Sousuke very much even if it is a one sided love from afar. She was content on leaving it that way. Sousuke's offer of friendship however was very tempting. Even though she has to restrain herself to just be Sousuke's friend, she figure that it will be worthed. But resuming command of Tuatha de Danaan meant that she would have no time to develop weapon to be use against their enemies. "Our enemies are strong. There will be other incidents like this in the future. I am not sure that I can survive them, Sagara-kun" she whispered.

"You can and you will because you will not be alone any more. So what do you say, Captain ?" Sousuke extend his hand to Tessa.

(I wanted this so much. Please allow me to be selfish just this once) Tessa thought furiously "I accept your offer Sousuke-kun" she took his hand and firmly shake it. (He has a big and strong hand. I can feel my heartbeat getting faster) "It's a deal" she smiled.

(Hmm, the captain must be very excited since her heartbeat was incredibly fast) Sousuke smiled back "Since your confusion was resolved why don't we head back to the base, Captain ?" he offered. When Tessa nodded he stood up and pulled Tessa's hand with the intention of helping her get to her feet. The result however was unexpected

Due to the long hours she spent sitting her leg become cramped. Added to her natural clumsiness this guaranteed that when Tessa stood up her legs gave away, causing her to tumble forward into Sousuke's arm. This also brought their faces in close proximity, so close that all Sousuke saw when looking down were a pair of blue gray orbs and vise versa.

(I never notice Captain's eyes before. The gray color seemed to emit sadness. Even her eyes proclaimed her sadness) Sousuke observed. Then Tessa sweet scent invaded her nostril. (I can smell a strong scent of jasmine, probably from her shampoo. And a faint scent of lemon, probably from her soap) he unconsciously closed his eyes and lowered his head, trying to breathe more of the intoxicating scent.

Tessa's eyes meanwhile were fixed on a pair of black orbs above him. (Sousuke-kun, your eyes were so intense just like yourself) When Sousuke lowered his head, her eyes also took a downward course settling on his lips (I wondered what it's like to kiss Sousuke-kun's lips) She began to inch her face closer, but found that she cannot closed the gap. Her rational side screamed for her to stop but she was too absorbed to listen. (Damn it, a few centimeters more, I have to hoist my body upward) She pushed her arm downward trying to get her body to rise higher. She managed to get closer but still unable to close the distance. Frustrated she let out a small whisper "Sousuke-kun'

Feeling a strain in his arm, Sousuke opened his eyes. Immediately he noticed Tessa's lips getting closer on the bottom peripheral of his vision. His eyes were drawn to it like a moth drawn to fire. Being close to her, he can feel her body heat and felt his own temperature rise in anticipation of a small but voluptuous lips dangling in front of his eyes, coming closer. Then he notices that it has stopped. He was going to plunge downward and claimed it when he heard his name whispered. Immediately guilt and remorse came crashing in causing him to take a step back and jerked his head upward, a heavy blush visible on his face.

The sudden movement caused Tessa's face to tumble on Sousuke's chest. Knowing that she had lost the moment, she said quietly. "Gomen ne Sagara-kun. Please wait a while until I can feel my legs again. You don't mind that do you" When he didn't answered she rested her blushed cheek on his shoulder content on hearing his heartbeat dwindling down.

(You idiot, you must have scared him) Tessa's mind screamed (Now he is going to think that you wanted to take advantage of him and therefore avoided you. So much for having a friend, now you are back to being alone). A lone tear dropped down Tessa's cheek, her eyes tightly shut to prevent others to follow.

A similar mocking also occurred on Sousuke's head (You wanted to be her friend yet you have perverted thought about her. She needed a friend, not a lust driven man) Sousuke's hand involuntary clenched to a tight fist.

And so they hold their pose while their rational side gloating in victory. After Tessa's leg has regained its strength they walked back to the base, keeping a safe distance between them. Never again would they be that close to each other again, they promised themselves.

(Tuatha de Danaan, Pacific Christmas incident)

Things were hectic in Tuatha de Danaan. Two VTOL planes were preparing for take off while a group of maintenance crew was flocking around ARX-7, trying to attach some sort of wing to its back. Everyone was working at top speed to prevent Captain Harris from getting away with Tessa.

Sousuke Sagara leaned back as best he could on the cockpit of ARX-7, ignoring his surrounding. He closed his eyes trying to reconsider his decision, past images, faces and words flashed through his mind.

"A soldier must be able to protect those they love, it is the utmost principle that you must uphold" Clouzot face.

"Under no circumstances will you be allowed to fraternize with your commanding officer" Commander Kalinin face.

"You attracted disaster like honey attracted bees. Everywhere you went they would follow. Nobody is safe around you. You are a danger to society" Hayashimizu face

"All my life I had always been alone … This is probably good-bye ... I'm ashamed at my own helplessness. I wish I were as strong as you. Please be strong for everyone. ... And concerning Sagara-kun I'm sorry ..." Tessa face.

"Thank you for accompanying me Sousuke-kun, I have a great time tonight." Kaname face.

"Would you like me to be your friend, Captain ? On one condition" his face.

Ever since that incident on Merida Island he had painstakingly distanced himself from Tessa when others were present. He did not trust his ability to control himself when being in close proximity with Tessa. When combined with her natural clumsiness they are bound to end up in an embarrassing position. Tessa has enough on his plate and rumor of fraternization would add unnecessary burden.

Because of his assignment it was natural that he spent a lot of time with Kaname. So he would made excuses to be near her, thus avoiding Tessa. But this caused another problem. He became attracted to Kaname.

Sousuke was well aware that danger seemed to drawn towards him like bees drawn towards honey. Therefore if he would have a relationship he must be able to protect them. He might be able to protect one girl, but protecting two girls at the same time was impossible, as recent event had proven. Even with his best effort, he can only save Kaname. It is very likely that his current effort to save Tessa will fail. Thus he decided to draw the line. He had to choose between the two girls he felt attracted to, with whom he wished to pursue a relationship.

Sousuke cannot deny that he is attracted to Tessa and from the way she behaved around him whenever she came to visit it is quite likely that she felt the same. But having a romantic relationship with your commanding officer is a carnal sin in any military institution, Mithril included. So pursuing a relationship with Tessa would bring harsh punishment upon them. Since he wished Tessa no harm, he would have to choose another.

With Kaname it is possible that his attraction was not reciprocal. Considering her angry behavior towards him he doubted that Kaname felt the same attraction towards him. But considering she is the only option he had left, he had to somehow made it work.

So his fate is sealed. He would have to throw away his love for Tessa to gain Chidori love. Even after considering it twice he still came to the same conclusion. His hand dug into his pockets, his finger tightened around a small box. Inside it was a sapphire ring that he wanted to give to the girl of his choice. He had dreamt about giving it to Tessa as Christmas present but it now it would be his birthday present for Kaname along with the explanation he promised her once he return from this mission.

(This will be the last time I can be around to save you Captain. This will be my Christmas present as well as my birthday present for you. After this you would have to protect yourself. Please take a good care of yourself Captain. I have to break my promise to be your friend) "Please forgive me, ... Captain" he whispered.

"Sergeant, the crew reported that preparation was completed. Shall we move to the launch catapult ?" ARX-7 AI interrupted.

"Yes, please made the necessary adjustment" Sousuke answered, shaking his head to clear his mind and concentrated on the task at hand.

(Unknown, Tessa's rescue)

A crushed body. Broken wings. And in the middle of the debris, Tessa fell. Even though she could see pieces and parts burning here and there, it was extremely cold. She could see the horizon dimly lit by the moon's light floating in the night sky. How much time did she have left before she hit the water's surface? Tessa felt faint as she gave herself over to gravity. A shadow drew closer to her. He skillfully manipulated the wind using his arms and legs, and managed to glide straight through the sky. He was using free fall technique.

Sousuke Sagara's body collided with Tessa's a little roughly. Embracing each other, the two of them spun around several times in the air. Even though they would fall and die like this, he stubbornly wasn't giving up. Pressing his mouth up close to her ear, Sousuke yelled out something. His lips touched her earlobe. The sensation was quite sweet, causing her heartbeat to increase. But his words weren't quite as sweet.

"Hold onto me! Don't let go!" Sousuke yelled, grabbing her waist

"Eh...?" Tessa said, too confused to notice what he said. Her mind still focused on Sousuke's body next to her skin and his arm around her waist.

"Brace for impact!" Sousuke yelled.

Just then, the figure of an approaching white AS filled her vision on the right. Having detached its wings and now free falling, the Arbalest came closer and closer. Just as she clung to Sousuke's chest, the two of them hit its enormous hands. The AS had chased them down and rescued them in a sideways position. The breath was knocked from her lungs. She felt dizzy, and couldn't tell which way was up or down. The only thing she aware was Sousuke's pulse radiating through her cheek.

Then Sousuke yelled out, "Open parachute!".

There was a final impact. While it held Tessa and Sousuke, the parachute sack on the Arbalest's back burst open. The parachute, a tool used many times by humans, spread out towards the heavens. The Arbalest on which they were riding descended slowly. The parachute flapped in the wind, making an irregular fluttering sound.

"Captain, are you hurt?" Sousuke asked the vacant-looking Tessa, his hand on her shoulder while his eyes searching for signs of injury.

"... Huh ? Oh ... uh, I might have some bruises, but ... I'll probably be okay" she replied. She tried desperately to calm down her heart.

"Good. If even the smallest thing had happened to you, the people in our unit would have killed me." Sousuke said, letting go of her shoulder.

"I wonder about that," Tessa said a little bit sulkily, disappointed at the lost of contact. "They may just look worried on the surface. But do you think that they really care what happens to a useless idiot like me?"

"Captain..." Sousuke inquired. (Why is she bubbling ? Is it nervousness or fear ? I hope she wasn't mad at me for grabbing her without permission. I hope I can control myself better this time. I can't afford another screw up)

"Yeah, yeah. I know. It's not like I really meant that. But ..." Tessa swallowed her words. She felt miserable. Why was Sousuke the one who had come to rescue her like that? If it had been anyone else Clouzot, Mao, or someone else, she wouldn't have felt like this. Is it really a good thing that he did something so dangerous for her sake?

(Does that mean I mean something to you for you to have come this far? That's not it, is it? Because you can't make her sad. Was it comradery? A sense of duty? The confidence that you would return alive?) It was probably all of them. But that made her despair. The motive for his being there was not the kind that she really wished for. It certainly wasn't his sincere love.

When Harris had taken her hostage, Sousuke had shot him without hesitation in the end. If it had been Kaname, he probably wouldn't have shot. Even though it meant she would have died. There was a difference here. A definite difference.

"There's nothing I can do" she remembered Captain Sailor's words. It was exactly as he said. In the end, her illicit love hadn't been enough. Of course, she wasn't the one who had intimately captured his heart and wouldn't let go. It was her. It was the world she belonged to. She knew that. Even from Tessa's viewpoint, the world he had encountered was so dazzling and charming... Was this really love? How to prove that this wasn't just an ordinary escape? How to prove that the man before her eyes really loved her? With the way Sousuke blushed whenever she got too close she knew he liked her, but does he loved her ? She could not keep guessing in the dark. She has to get confirmation.

She decided to risk it, so she raised her head and asked "Sagara-kun?"

"Yes?" Sagara replied, startled by her sudden question.

"Do you like Kaname?" she asked, watching Sousuke's expression carefully. She intentionally worded her question so Sousuke can answer with yes or no. She figured it would make him easier to express his feelings.

(Should II answered honestly ? Would she be mad if knowing that I like another woman ?) "...probably, ... yes" Sousuke said staring back.

(My first suspicion is correct, he liked her) "More than me?" Tessa pressed on. She fervently hoped that he would say no. It would be the only birthday present she wanted. (Maybe there would be miracle on Christmas. I would never wish for another present for the rest of my life)

Sousuke's cheeks tensed up. (She knew I like her. Is she trying to make me choose between her and Chidori ? Did she wanted me to choose her ? Should I choose her ?). But at the end of his hesitation, he answered clearly, his mind set on his previous decision.

"Yes." he calmly stated, observing Tessa for any sign of disappointment or relief.

She had known it, but she felt like she had been hit in the back of the head. But that was only natural. Sousuke Sagara was not the type of man who would be wishy-washy and at loss for words when something was presented clearly to him. That was his appeal. That was the harsh reality.

Tessa turned her back toward Sousuke to hid her eyes, and mumbled, "You say that very bluntly, don't you..." (Even Christmas denied me its miracle. Fate had really cursed me to suffer)

"I'm sorry." Sousuke answered, keeping his face calm. From her expression he knew that his answer has hurt her. He wanted to hug her to ease the pain but he has to keep his distance. It would be best for her.

Tessa had had a dumb, secret fantasy up until a few days ago. Everyone on base would throw a birthday party, and after the banquet had gotten underway, by chance, the two of them would end up alone. He would say, "Happy birthday, Tessa," and ...

She tried not to cry, but couldn't help it. Big teardrops rolled down. She wanted to run away from him, but she couldn't do that either in the hands of a descending AS.

"I'm sorry. I... I'm fine. I guess I'm just... just a little disappointed." She tried to force out a smile. Sousuke's happy appearance gripped her heart. "Ah, because a mission that was supposed to be pretty light ended up so messed up, you see. Because I'm always so useless. This has been a pretty terrible birthday."

Sousuke didn't say anything. He desperately refrained from giving excuses, or saying words of encouragement. Because he was sincere. He was really sincere.

(But I love him. I want to be with him. Couldn't God grant that one thing as my present, that meager wish on Christmas?) Fate. Harris's last words resurfaced in her mind. Didn't it all start when you couldn't forgive fate for letting the gears of something that was yours go out of control? For the first time, she felt like she understood the feelings of those people who had conveniently labeled themselves "terrorists" and were destroyed. The anger they have towards fate because it has messed up with their live.

The Arbalest neared the water's surface. In the distance, she could see the faint light of the friendly helicopter coming to rescue them. But none of these mattered to her anymore. She had been denied her wish of a lifetime.

(Tuatha de Danaan, Tessa's room)

Captain Teletha Testarossa sighed deeply before tidying up a pile of papers on her desk. It has been a week since the Pacific Christmas incident and the paper works concerning those were enormous. After Action Report, Supply Requisition Form and Technical Paper for the items found onboard Pacific Christmas flowed like river to her and the commanders. Luckily most of them were process electronically, but still some required paper trail hence the pile upon her desk.

She decided she has enough for the day so she piled the papers together to put to the safe before turning in. As she about to close the safe, her eyes were drawn to a piece of framed photograph. It was a picture of her and Sousuke in front of an old M6. The picture was taken after she managed to tie the battle with Melissa Mao. Closing the safe, she took it out and sat on the bed. After hearing Sousuke's confession her heart has become numb, unabe to register any emotion. Even on her surprise birthday party she kept a fake smile, hiding her disappointment for the one present she failed to get. As her hand idly traced pattern on its surface, two drops of tears splashed the frame.

Immediately all the feelings she had suppressed since Christmas broke free, prompting a torrent of tears against the frame. All her anger, bitterness, disappointment and jealousy mixed together in those tears. She collapsed on the bed, her hand unconsciously let go of the frame causing it to hit the floor in a muffled crack.

(I must have cried myself to sleep) Tessa thought when she woke up in the same curled position still wearing her uniform. Rising from her bed she saw the photograph lying face down on the floor. When she picked it up, several pieces of the glass fell on the floor leaving a large crack on its surface. She sighed, the broken glass aptly described her shattered dream.

She had known that the chance of Sousuke returning her love was mediocre but she kept that hope. That tiny spark of hope gave her strength to face the impossible. But now that hope was lost how will she withered the storm ahead. How long until the tide swallowed her lithe body whole, never to see the surface again.

Fate had cursed her to live in suffering. (Damn fate, damn Kaname ... Now that I had the perfect reason to hate fate maybe I could join Almalgam and help them to abduct Kaname) she thought bitterly. She took the picture out of the frame, turning it over so she would not saw Sousuke's face and starting to tear it.

As a small tear formed on the top of the picture, she saw the note scribbled on the back. 'I vow to protect him with my life and ensure his happiness'. She immediately stopped, remorse flooded in her heart. A fresh batch of tears rained upon the back of photograph.

(He may have rejected my love but I promised him my life) 'There are four kind of sacrifice. Material/money, time, part of your future and love/live' Mao's word echoed in her head. (I will have to make the highest sacrifice. I have given him my love and now I will give him my life. I will do anything to ensure his happiness even if it meant giving him to Kaname) Tessa decided.

She put the picture back to her safe, placing it under some heavy book to press out the wrinkle. Then she returned to bed determined to catch whatever sleep she had left to prepare her to make some important decisions.

(End of chapter 2)

Pheww, nine pages long, never thought I could type this much. Like it, hate it ? Please review.

Now that we have sealed Sousuke – Tessa relationship we can move to Sousuke - Kaname next, ne ?

The next chapter is in progress and scheduled to be released in a week or two. Hopefully it can be better and longer.