Thanks to everyone that reviewed(oombala, DragonGirli, IkariPanda, Lita of Jupiter, Fatal Mars, nadeshiko-yuna and PriestessHelene)! Hope you like this chapter =)

Relena hadn't a word to speak other than thank you and excuse me. The well-mannered Peacecraft always made sure to watch her actions in the presence of the intimidating lightening woman so as to keep from repeating last night's meeting her. The morning was uncomfortable as Makoto was up cooking for her and the two look-alikes next door. The food was undeniably delicious but her nerves kept her from complimenting the chef for a misconceived notion that the brunette would interpret her words as methods of "sucking up" to her. So, she would eat in silence across her newest protector.

Makoto sighed. As much as she would like to say that she was glad Relena took caution around her, she couldn't help but feel guilty. Sure Relena was too close to Heero than she liked and was bold in telling her that she was going to stay at Heero's place when Setsuna had purposely asked if she could stay with her, but she didn't deserve Makoto's harsh lashings. Makoto rubbed her head. Relena was a good person. She was an advocate of peace and was well known for her dedication and determination for ending unnecessary wars. So really, this woman did not intentionally try to irk the brunette charged with her protection. Makoto imagined she had been cruel to the blonde because she was fatigued from the day's events and hadn't any patience left in her to expend. Her emeralds glanced apathetically in the direction of Relena who sat up straight without a single emotion displayed. Makoto didn't like this awkward aura looming over them so she took it upon herself to try and fix things.

"Did you sleep well?"

Relena's navy blue hues flickered curiously towards the brunette. "Yes, I did, thank you."

"That's good," Makoto replied uncomfortably. This would be harder than she thought.

"The meal is quite tasty as well."

Makoto gave a half-hearted smile and nodded. "I'm glad you think so."

The drowning pool of acerbic distress settled again, neither woman able to surface from its grotesque waves. What words could be strewn to ease tension so thick?

A resounding chirp of Makoto's watch pulled her thankfully away from the torment of attempted reconciliation. With a polite excuse me she went into the hall to take the call.

"Mako-chan!" The bright blue eyes of her long unseen blonde princess nearly brought her to tears. It had been so long since she had last spoken with Usagi and it never occurred to her the great space of time that had passed of no contact until now.

"Usa," she smiled broadly. "It's great to see you."

"It's great to see you too Mako-chan! Haruka was saying that you were having difficulties adjusting but I see that you're getting to your usual self."

Makoto smiled with a slight tinge of embarrassment. "Yeah," she sighed. "I've been pretty off beat but I'm slowly coming together."

"That's our Mako-chan!" Usagi cheered. Makoto laughed, her heart feeling as though it would float right out of her chest. It was amazing to witness how contagious Usagi's bright demeanor had been. It never ceased to amaze her how the young girl could turn even the most sour of attitudes into one of cheer, that is of course if you weren't Rei…

"Well Mako-chan," Usagi spoke up. Her blue hues were tainted with hesitation and Makoto was immediately concerned.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

Usagi shrugged before responding. "Time is short and since the key leader of the other dimension is here, Pluto suggested I go with Rei and the others to help the mergence. I just wanted to talk to you before I left. Especially since everyone said you had been beside yourself lately." She paused.

"I'm fine," Makoto reassured. "Really, there's no need for anyone to worry about me."

Not completely convinced, Usagi nodded. "Mako-chan," she stated. "You're always fine even when you know it's not true."

Makoto's heart felt warmth. She had known Usagi to be kind and caring but she had never realized how observant she could be.

"Heh, its just habit," she answered. Usagi's eyes pierced right through her with intent while she smiled.

"We love you Mako-chan," she said. "I just wanted to remind you of that fact." She grinned. "And as soon as this mergence is over, I'm coming to your house for dessert!"

Makoto about fell to the floor at the remote change in her expression. From serious and near tears to happy go lucky, Usagi was talented at swiping the moment.

"I'll be sure to have something ready then," Makoto managed to let out between laughs.

"Sounds exciting!" Usagi squealed and then returned to her cool, humble state. "Good luck, Mako-chan. I'll see you after the merger."

"Okay," Makoto replied. "I'll see you then."

The small screen on her watch turned to static and she closed it with a sigh. For once she felt relieved and for the first time since she had been back, she felt like herself.


"Good morning Heero." The petite blue-haired genius stood resolutely at his door.

"Ami," he recognized monotonously.

She cleared her throat as she stood there and commenced speaking. "You're coming with me," she stated. "Haruka for some reason or another wanted to be the one in charge of briefing you on our past enemies but I thought it would be wiser if she wasn't," she laughed as she visualized how Haruka would spend her time informing him. More than likely, the sandy blonde woman had wanted to seek some type of revenge on him after seeing how deeply he had affected Makoto just the other night. Ami too felt a bit unnerved by his actions or lack thereof when Relena showed up but for the sake of their mission, she pushed all her thoughts aside.

A small frown turned his lips before he nodded in compliance. "What about Kiori?"

"He'll be with Mr. Maxwell and Haruka who should be here shortly to pick him up."

"And Makoto?"

"She will be meeting with Mr. Barton and of course keeping an eye on Relena."

"Is it wise for you all to be separated?"

Ami was taken aback a bit, one because he had so many questions as to how they decided to take things (which wasn't unexpected since Duo and Trowa had expressed the same concern), and second because he managed to maintain the same stoic, cold expression with every escaped syllable. She shook her head. It was nothing short of puzzling the mystery of how he could have ended up with Mako-chan who was known to voice her dissatisfaction with people that were standoffish and cold no matter their gender. Perhaps Makoto had seen something in him that Ami herself had trouble spotting.

"There are many things to do, Mr. Yuy and having to stay together would make it difficult to complete tasks in a timely manner. Now if you would please just come," she exhausted. It was hardly eight in the morning and already her head was hurting from all the debate she had with Trowa and Duo so she hadn't the mind to continue with Heero. A small itch on her arm reminded her of another tiring event that was not so pleasant for her mild-mannered personality.

The American.

For some unfathomable reason, he set his sights on her and would not put his constant flirting to a rest. The walk home last night was more flirting than she could handle and now, he was just taking it too far. It was like he was always watching her, waiting for any single chance he could find to fit in his abrupt pick-up lines. A rash had started to form on her arm simply from the fact that he had been vicariously throwing himself at her, which was terrifying since she had believed her allergies only included love letters. Apparently, she was wrong. Her only hope now, was that he would not get an epiphany and write her a blasted love letter and send her into a cataclysmic coma. It was a good thing Haruka agreed to take him with her…or was it?

Ami cursed. She could remember distinctly the look of pure amusement on Haruka's features whenever Duo started his relentless preying on Ami and being as Haruka herself was known to be quite a prankster, Ami was now worried that she would nudge Duo to in deed write that fateful letter. Ami gulped. Haruka wouldn't do that right? She wouldn't jeopardize their current mission to get a few laughs, would she? The blue-haired genius' face paled as she pondered that question. Despite the urgency involved in any situation, the chance for humor was never ignored. Blasted Haruka! Ami chanted to herself. She would most definitely refrain from opening anything that looked even remotely close to that of a letter. She shook her head. Of course she would have to face this kind of danger. What a nuisance!

For a moment, Heero stood at the door taking glances back as if it would further solidify his decision. With a chanced glance in Ami's direction, he was curious, as the color in her cheeks drained to leave her with a look of pure terror. Surely, he didn't do anything to cause this…He grabbed his coat and grunted to grab Ami's attention.

"A-are you ready then?" She asked hastily, her mind fleeting from its previous concourse. Heero nodded. "Alright, follow me."


For the millionth time, Minako Aino rhythmically tapped the point of her foot on the ground. The situation had been so awkward as they awaited the arrival of their final comrade, the one that overall led the lot of them. Pluto had been leaving small sprits of information here and there and her colleague simply brought them to this place and told them to fill each other in about their own separate worlds, which would have to come together. Of course, being as she was the second in command after Usagi, she took the initiative to explain with Michiru, Hotaru and Rei chiming in their own additions. The men who they now knew as Quatre, Wufei and Milliardo were quiet. So quiet even that she nearly had forgotten they were there.

She figured this information was a bit overwhelming and questioned whether they believed them but with the clear display of supernatural force from Pluto's friend, surely they would have been more susceptible to the possibilities. Minako sighed. Time apart from her duties strangely made her appreciate their work. So long she had been meandering through the world in search for her big break as a star that she realized she really didn't want that. So, with no other goals to fall back on, she was at a loss and no better timing could this new mission have come because she was on the brink of an identity crisis.

Coming back, was easy, it was second nature. She almost felt as though she never left in the first place.

"Minako-chan," Michiru hummed quietly giving the blonde a light touch on her shoulder.

"Huh?" She raised an eyebrow and flushed when she realized she had been daydreaming when a question was asked.

Milliardo repeated. "Is my sister safe?"

Minako's blue hues blinked rapidly before she nodded vigorously. "Of course," she stated. "She's in good hands. Mako-chan herself was charged with her protection."

Wufei hissed from his position. "A woman was put in place as her body guard? Injustice. You hardly seem genuine in wanting to keep her safe."

At this, Minako could see Rei's temple twitch with irritation, the priestess' fists clenched. "For your information," she said trying desperately not to lose her cool. "Makoto happens to be one of the most qualified for the job."

"And Haruka and Ami are in close quarters just in case," Minako chimed in, trying to take away the rising tension between the two.

Wufei scoffed. "Relena's as good as dead then, you should have left Yuy in charge of her safety."

Rei had had enough, her body springing up from the couch. "If Relena managed to stay alive under your guys' care then she'll be more than safe with Makoto. She doesn't take lightly the call of duty, you have no right to berate her!"

Wufei took a step closer as if to challenge her and scoffed again, the other occupants in the room now stiff with uncertainty. "Face it woman, you weaklings are hopeless that's why you need our help with this mergence and I can say what I want about Makoto. She's a woman, so I know for a fact that she's too weak to be a body guard."

"You damn chauvinist!" Rei raged, her goal to stay calm and collected now abandoned. "Mako-chan could kick your $$ if she wanted. Hell, I'll kick your $$ myself you damned ingrate! And its you that needs our help!" Her fists were shaking uncontrollably, Minako's eyes wide with astonishment. The situation took her by surprise and for some unknown reason; she had placed her hands securely over Hotaru's innocent ears as if to shield her from Rei's strewn obscenities. She shrugged innocently at Hotaru's confused violet eyes. The girl was now a teenager and Minako was certain she had witnessed much worse in high school.

Sorry, she mouthed silently towards the girl and removed her hands. She had never seen Rei get into this type of heated argument with anyone but Usagi. However, everyone knew Usagi and Rei were good friends, which could not be said about Rei and Wufei.

"Wufei," Quatre said stepping towards his Chinese friend cautiously. "That's enough." Wufei's eyes darted to Quatre and then back to Rei before he finally stepped down. The situation they were in called for more order and he could not allow for this cursed woman to get him worked up even more.

Rei, who had still been fuming found it difficult not to say something nasty as she noticed him pull back. Using all her restraint, the fire in her eyes reluctantly swindled and she took her seat next to Minako.

"Sorry," she mumbled half-heartedly. "I should have handled that better."

Minako gave her a reassuring pat on the back and smiled. "Don't worry, Rei, you were defending our friend. Its nothing to be ashamed about."

Rei exhaled a deep breath before shaking her head. "Still, I shouldn't have let him get to me."

Minako's mouth was agape as she prepared to say something more but froze when she felt a breeze pick up in the center of the room.

"Looks like we've got company," she muttered. Minako, Rei, Hotaru and Michiru stood expectantly as the sight of the cloaked woman became more prominent through the tinted wind. As it settled, the familiar blonde with sharp blue eyes stood beside her tall dark-haired prince.

"Usagi-hime," Hotaru said with a smile.

The said woman gave a toothy grin as she looked over the four of them. She hadn't seen Hotaru, Michiru and Minako in so long. Even when she saw Rei she felt as though they had been apart for centuries.

"Hey," She said, tears pooling at the bottom of her eyes. It was so good to have them together! And though it was not all the scouts, she knew it made no difference as the rest were back home enjoying the same type of reunion.

She took a step forward and then another when her foot caught on some unseen object. Her breath stalled as she felt her feet slip from beneath her and with useless attempts at regaining balance, she flailed her arms. To no avail, her face planted harshly to the ground, her legs twitching with embarrassment.

"Ehhhh," she groaned out loud. "That hurt."

The men were speechless, Quatre stunned and automatically rushing to aid the fallen girl. Hotaru stood baffled, her eyes shifting to look at the other scouts. Michiru stood with a hand on young Saturn's shoulder trying not to acknowledge what had just happened and Minako slapped a hand to her forehead, her eyes watching as the three men who were supposed to trust that they could bring this mergence on in the safest way possible now started to doubt their validity.

Rei closed her eyes and shook her head; a hand rubbing her temples, as she knew the Chinese man would forever use this against them.

"Oh boy," she whispered to herself. "This is gonna be a long ride."


Makoto sat quietly beneath the tree, her eyes trained on Relena who had wanted to take a look at the nearby displays from merchants and artists. She had spent the morning explaining to both her and Trowa Barton the history of the scouts and when it came lunchtime she wasn't in the mood to cook so she brought them to a nearby park where food carts were plenty. The place was popular, people swarming around chattering with free-lance artists and self-employed sales people marketing their talents and goods. The stale air between the two females was receding slowly and for that, Makoto was grateful. After all, they were supposed to be working together and things never went well when there were awkward assumptions involved.

"This is a nice place."

Makoto blinked in surprise, her attention pulled by none other than the green-eyed pilot.

"Yeah," she said. "It is, isn't it?"

Throughout the whole morning, he had said very little, Relena being the one to ask all of the questions. So Makoto had assumed he was a man of little words and cautioned herself not to expect any conversation from him, which wasn't all that bad.

Trowa nodded, his eyes skimming the scenery and following Relena as well. From what he could see, Makoto was a bit anxious around Relena, which he couldn't blame her for especially after last night when she had rushed to Heero and hugged him. His mind raced with inquiry, as he wondered why Heero had not pushed Relena away or at least introduced her to Makoto who was clearly his wife or mother of his child at least. The only reason he could come up with to explain the situation was that Heero and Makoto themselves were still unsure of their relationship and not quite conscious of each other's backgrounds. After all, Trowa had expected Heero to have most the answers since he was from the future and was connected to these women but he knew nothing, which was surprising. So he had to ask while Relena was away.

"It appears to me, that Heero doesn't really know too much about you."

Makoto remained silent; her eyes cast to the floor as she listened to Trowa speak. She didn't really know much about him aside from the fact that he piloted Heavy Arms and that he appeared to be highly perceptive, so she could find no way of predicting how exactly his thought process worked or even if he actually cared about the topic he had brought up. His deep forest green irises were so heavy with indistinctive vitality that it made it difficult for her to detect the possible emotion splaying in his mind.

"No," she finally admitted. "We don't really spend much time together."

"Hmm." His gaze was averted to the trees around them, Makoto glancing curiously at him with anticipation. He sat with one outstretched leg and a knee perched up in support of his left arm. Makoto found herself ogling unconsciously at the calm exuberance he maintained with ease.

"Heero once destroyed a whole ship of innocent pacifists."

Makoto gulped, the unsuspected revelation raising a heightened sensory in her ears.

"I never knew…" she drifted. Trowa was looking at her now, observing her features before he continued to speak. Certainly, she would think this a strange turn of subjects but he felt the need to enlighten her about the kind of person Heero was.

"The ship was an Oz vessel of which he had believed held mobile suits so he destroyed it. When he had found out that he had killed the pacifists, he was torn. So much so, that he went to the doorstep of each victim's family and offered his life to them as recompense for his transgression."

Makoto's heart ached. The unsettling churning of her stomach resonated through her spine, her whole body suddenly sore as her muscles tensed. She felt guilty. Many times before she had discounted him because he appeared so heartless but now, the single light of his past shared by his old comrade changed something. The uninhibited pools of empathy coursed through her as she thought about what had been said. He must have felt horrible, it was apparent in his reaction.

"They let him live, forgave him even. They understood that their husband or father had assumed all risks with his occupation and were prepared to face the worse if it came." Trowa said. "In response to his actions, they told him to value his life and stop throwing it around so carelessly. He was a young boy then, he had much left to do, but he was always ready to die because he believed his life was cheap."

"I…" There was nothing she could say. Her tear ducts twitched with intention but she forced herself to refrain. It was shameful to admit, but she never really considered the kind of things Heero had to face in his own past. At one point in their relationship she could recall herself attempting to try and understand him but never did she believe she would have to search his past to find him.

"Kino-san." She looked up at Trowa who still held to formality though she had insisted he just call her Makoto. She nodded. "Heero is a caring guy. I know it's hard to see but after years of training, he had suppressed his emotions because that was the only way he could carry out the jobs that he had. He made himself void for his missions and now, he has trouble forgetting not to close himself off."

"I see," Makoto said, her head lowering a bit in shame. She jumped slightly at the foreign touch on her shoulder. With surprise she looked into the verdant eyes of Trowa Barton.

"He cares about you," he said. "Don't let him make you believe otherwise."

How he knew this, Makoto wasn't sure, but it was nice that he would say it. "Thanks," she mumbled and turned to look again for Relena.


Kiori panted sorely, his sweat-drenched body wilting against the rough brick wall. He had never been so physically drained before in his life!

"You alright kid?" Haruka tossed a water bottle towards him, which he caught graciously.

"Yeah," he managed to say between gulps. "I'm okay."

His father's close friend walked closer and crouched down in front of him, his indigo eyes glistening. "You're old man didn't train you to be the junior perfect soldier?"

Kiori shook his head. "Unfortunately, no," he replied with a sheepish grin. Duo laughed and slapped a hand on his shoulder.

"Did it have something to do with your mom?"

Haruka scoffed at the question and spoke up. "Please," she remarked. "Mako-chan would never allow herself to be the reason her son didn't learn to fight. She's studied numerous styles; so many that I can't even remember them all. It was a passion for her, why would she keep it from him?"

Duo shrugged, a grin still plastered on his face. "Heh, well then. You got two fighters for parents and neither of them trained you to be as good as them, go figure."

Kiori laughed a little at the irony and thought. Why didn't he learn to fight? Before he could delve further for answers, Haruka's hand appeared in front of his eyes.

"Com'on," she said. "Let's try this again."

With a pout, he grudgingly grabbed Haruka's hand and felt himself get pulled to his feet. Duo and Haruka stood undaunted, their bodies not at all hinting at fatigue and he frowned. They were going to push him to his grave!

Haruka tossed a small stick towards him and he stared at it with apprehension.

"What's this for?"

Haruka grinned. "It's the first henshin pen your mom ever had. Since you are her son, I thought maybe it would work for you too. Of course, her powers didn't completely manifest until she was put in a tight situation."

"A tight situation?" Kiori questioned. Haruka nodded.

"A monster was attacking and she rushed to fight him," Haruka chuckled to herself as she pictured the scene. She hadn't been there to witness it but hearing it was pretty amusing. To think that Makoto had without thought jumped in to fight youma using her own brute strength was entertaining. Kiori and Heero had no idea just how tough she was.

"So," Kiori said. "What does that mean?"

"We're going to fight you," Haruka stated simply. "We won't go easy on you or else you might not believe you're in danger."

"Wait, what?" Kiori protested. "You can't be serious!"

"Sorry kid," Haruka shrugged. "But we need as much help as we can get. These enemies aren't a cake walk and we can't always be there to protect you."

In the background, Kiori could see Duo's head bobbing up and down in agreement. The braided-haired man hadn't known exactly what the blonde was trying to get out of Kiori but he equated it had something to do with his mom's impressive abilities. So, as far as he was concerned, he just went along with whatever Haruka had planned.

"How am I supposed to use this then?" He asked referring to the pen.

"You'll figure it out," Haruka smirked. "Maybe not today, but I'll sure as hell try to force it out of you anyways."

Kiori gulped, his feet unconsciously inching backwards.

"Ready?" Duo asked.

Slowly, Kiori nodded.

"Then let the party begin."


"So Usagi was not born a princess?"

"No," Ami answered. "She was sent to Earth to be reborn by her mother, Queen Selenity, as were the rest of us, but we were born to normal people."

"But you are princesses?"

"Yes," Ami nodded.

"Hmm."

The story behind them was intriguing, to say the least, but for the life of him, he couldn't bring himself to want to find out more. It all seemed irrelevant to the fact that they were in the mist of the mergence and though he knew there were new enemies out there, he still did not feel the urgency to inquire of their origins. He did, however, want to prod about a certain brunette but refrained being as he did not want Ami to know about his desire to know her. He never really was one to broadcast his personal business…

"Can I ask you a question?" Ami said, her eyes swimming with determination.

Heero nodded.

"Do you love Mako-chan?"

Heero raised an eyebrow. "Quite a personal question," he stated in his stoic monotone.

"I apologize," Ami muttered. "But…" she sighed in frustration. "Mako-chan is very dear to me and I would hate to see her get hurt."

Heero's Prussian blue orbs cut through Ami's soul as he sat stirring the ice in his glass of water. "You think I would hurt her?"

Ami felt sickened. The cold stare resonating from his emotionless façade elicited a disturbing pang in her chest. How could he ask that question? Didn't he see the way Makoto looked when he did nothing to keep Relena from hugging him? Surely he was not that dense.

"She has a big heart," Ami voiced. "Though others often shun her because her reputation is intimidating, she is one of the kindest people I've ever known. I always find it funny how she can be so strong and has hobbies like cooking and cleaning." Ami laughed, her heart now beating excitedly as she spoke, tears even brimming her eyes as she contemplated her next words. "She's been alone for a long time, Heero. Her parents died when she was just a little girl in a plane crash and she was passed around from house to house. It was a miracle that she even came to us. We were lucky to have her."

She looked up to Heero who still watched her carefully and she let her tears fall. He needed to know just how special she was and he needed to understand that Makoto had held him high in her own thoughts.

"She shared with me her dreams once. She only had three, one of which she coveted more than anything. Do you know what it is?"

At Heero's silence, Ami assumed he hadn't. She looked to him and sighed, wiping her eyes in the process. She didn't know if her words penetrated the thick walls he had set up but she continued anyways with Makoto in mind.

"It was you."

Heero's exterior remained faceless but his heart shuddered with interest.

"Surprising, isn't it?" Ami gave a half smile. "She wanted a family of her own, a husband to care for, children but above all, she wanted someone to love her." Ami exhaled. "She loves you, Heero. I don't know too much about you or how you feel about her but I can see it in her eyes that you mean so much to her. I just hope you don't take that for granted."

Her eyes turned to ice, the silent threat permeating the room parading in Heero's skull. He couldn't help but smirk. Who would have thought that this petite doctor could harbor such a menacing gaze. He curtly nodded, not knowing really how to respond.

"Now tell me," Ami said clearing her throat. "What is the relationship between you and Relena anyways?"

Heero absorbed the question and calibrated his response and his explanation began.


Makoto heaved a labored sigh as she pushed through the door of her apartment with Relena in tow. Trowa had parted to return to Haruka's place and Makoto supposed that eventually, Haruka would page her when she was done with training Kiori.

"You need anything, Relena?" Makoto asked before settling herself into her couch.

"No," Relena said. "Thank you for asking. I think I'll turn in for the night."

"Without dinner?" Makoto questioned. The outburst seemed to entertain Relena as she laughed in response.

"I'm still full from lunch," she stated. "I assure you I'm fine."

"If you say so," Makoto smiled. Both their moods had been lightened somehow throughout the day, Relena finally realizing that Makoto was just a normal girl like any other one she had met before. With a good night she went to her room to leave Makoto alone in the front.

Makoto grimaced. The condition of her home was still terrible as the cracked pictures and pots hung limply around her humble abode. She would have to be sure and lecture Pluto about her poor treatment of the place and maybe even guilt her into paying for some repairs…

Makoto's head snapped up at the sound of the door. She took a look at her watch and pushed herself from the sofa.

"Coming," she said as she picked up small loose trash along the way. She opened the door and froze. "Heero."

She lectured herself immediately for her shameful reaction and stepped to the side.

"Come in," she said and he did.

The room was blanketed with silence, neither sure of what to do so Makoto jumped to the first thought that came to mind.

"Relena went to bed," she said. "But she might still be awake if you wanted to see her…" she drifted walking into the kitchen to throw away the trash in her hands. She dusted her palms and tried to busy herself with cleaning which was futile since she had already scrubbed the kitchen spotless three times this morning.

"I didn't come to talk with Relena," she heard Heero say.

"Oh," was her simple response. "Then what's up?"

It was pitiful, the turmoil she felt inside as she tried to guess what it is he wanted. So, in attempts to lessen the anxiety she felt, she tried to keep conversation as casual as possible.

"I was hoping I could talk to you."

"Cool," Makoto hummed, now getting frustrated that her kitchen counter had no dust to clear. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Us." Makoto's body seemed to shut down, the topic clearly not one she had wanted to discuss yet. There was just so much to sort through and at a time like this, she didn't feel like unleashing her emotions for fear it would interfere with their current mission.

"What about us?" Makoto asked. She peered over her shoulder, nervous about what he might say and she sighed taking the initiative to present her own views and assumptions for fear that if he spoke first he would hurt her. At least if she started it, she could steer the conversation in a direction less painful than he probably intended.

"You know, you have the opportunity to change the future. You can choose to continue in this insufferable marriage or you could find someone else to court." Makoto stated.

"And the choices are the same for you," Heero replied.

"This is true," she admitted but it was not the point she was trying to get across. She wanted him to make a decision to choose now what future he would pursue. She didn't want to suffer once more the pain of a failed marriage. "Relena is here and I know the two of you have history so why not take your chances?"

Heero was quiet for a while. What was she trying to do? The topic of this discussion confused him as he tried to distinguish from where she was coming from. Had she wanted to follow after other candidates or did she really think that he himself desired someone else?

"I do not love Relena." He finally stated.

Makoto shook her head in disbelief. How could he say that when he obviously invested so much time in her? "I have trouble believing that," Makoto glared. "All the efforts you put in being with her, its obvious that she's more to you than just a friend."

"You're right," he said. Makoto gulped, the stab of regret mixed with pain reverberating in her chest. "She is more than a mere friend."

Makoto's emeralds started to blur, the unwanted tears threatening to fall. She turned away.

"Then go to her."

Again, the room fell silent; Makoto's body awkwardly turned away from him and Heero was standing motionless staring at her. He could see now that her insecurities had once again returned, the perceivable future still troubling her mind. She had not brought up this subject because she had eyes for another man and for this Heero was somewhat grateful.

"I believe in Relena," he stated. The statement had not yet compensated for his agreement to her noticed fact but he continued in hopes that she would understand. "Her judgment is just and her character is something that I trust. She is to me what Queen Serenity is to you. I protect her because I know it is for the greater good of the future."

Makoto's heart pounded, her figure again turning to peer at him. Queen Serenity was someone very dear to her and she would do anything to protect her just because she had befriended her so many years ago. The idea that Heero viewed Relena in the same way as she did Usa somehow managed to make sense of all his actions. Why, if Usagi was a man instead of a woman, she was certain her loyalty could have been misconceived of that of a lover the same as she had misconstrued Relena and Heero's relationship.

"Then wh—"

She stopped. She did not know what to say now so she reverted back to her first premise.

"You can still find someone else."

Heero walked in closer, Makoto's feet unconsciously moving her back into the wall. Her heart raced as his nose neared her own, the space between them dwindling slowly.

"Makoto," he said in a low tone just barely above a whisper. He continued to close in on her despite the already close position he had managed to achieve. His hand lifted her chin slightly, the Prussian blue hues delving deep into her emerald orbs. "I don't want anyone but you."

Makoto's breath caught in her throat, his nose lowering steadily towards hers. His lips pressed softly on her own, her body still holding back with uncertainty. A hand snaked around her waist and tugged her closer to him as he captured her lips with more conviction. She responded. The searing kiss made her heart flitter, her hands brushing through his chocolate hair in the process. He released her a soft moan of protest escaping her depraved lips.

He looked at her carefully, his mind declaring without waver that she was the one for him.

"I love you."

Thanks for reading! I'm so excited that I finally got a new chapter up for this story! Was it corny? I understand if you think it is lol I'm not too good at writing the lovey dovey type things XD. Anyways, hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to review!

JPandS