Haruka's Wings

by EpyonZero23

Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy is strewn across time and space, only drawn to the image of a woman the ZERO System conjured during a desperate trial run. Will time prove to be a space that would keep them apart? Or will he defy the odds that separate them?

10. Chapter 10 Party Night

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, Amagami SS or any of its characters. I wrote this fanfic for my own pleasure and purely entertainment.

'If it takes a lifetime to make you realize we are meant for each other, then so be it. Just give me a chance and I'll never stop from proving it to you. I'll do it because I'm so much in love with you.' - Haruka Morishima

'I am getting tired... being called sempai. You, calling me Morishima sempai. In fact, there are times I am beginning to hate it. I'm no longer satisfied on simply being a sempai to you. I want to be just Haruka for you!' - Haruka Morishima

Chapter 10 - (Christmas) Party Night

Ultracompact Fusion Reactor charge level: 89%

Running Diagnostics check…

Initializing…

Unit Model: XXXG-001W

Unit Name/Variant: Wing Gundam-FG

Gundanium Hull Integrity - 82%

Primary Targeting System - Active

High Mobility Vernier Thrusters - 100%

Search Eye – Active

Linear Suspension - 100%

ZERO System Program - Active

Fold Generator Overdrive - 100%

Composite Internal Alloys - 90%

Self-Destruct System - Disabled

High Response Sensors - Active

Secondary/Sub Weapon Systems - Active

'All systems are normal…'

Satisfied with the results of the latest maintenance checks, Heero turned his attention to the record logs of Wing Gundam's first and only Fold Generator field test. The brown haired boy could not help but feel uneasy after he minimized the window which showed the most recent data of his mobile suit's working condition. Almost 3 months ago, he was considering all possible options available while thinking of a way to return back to his own time. Right now the Perfect Soldier was half hearted, torn between leaving his present life and resuming the one he had accidentally left behind. Heero remembered the night he arrived in 2011 A.D. along with the decision to 'blend with the civilian population' as part of his cover to avoid getting unwanted attention and arousing suspicion. Instead, he got himself integrated with the normal society and began to live comfortably while balancing his duties on school and work.

'No doubt, it was all because of her.'

A myriad of pictures and scenes were thrown at him by the ZERO system during the Fold Generator test, all images contained one thing in common. Every scene flashed was always focused and centered on a young woman wearing black headband with curly tipped raven hair. The Gundam Pilot did not understand the point on seeing such images of someone he doesn't know. Even with his vaunted mastery and experience working with it, he was unable to comprehend the ZERO system's reason or motives for showing all those portraits involving the young woman. However, Heero started questioning his current existence and situation soon after meeting the young lady in person.

'Was it fate or destiny which led me to meet her?'

Both were equally cruel, destiny playing a heavy role, making the impossible possible by finding a way for them to cross each other's paths. While fate made him feel all the more unwanted, despised even, knowing that no matter what they do, everything is bound to be against them. He is threading a very thin line right now, one that could have very serious implications to the future where he belongs. Yet despite all that, Heero was unable to stop himself or more accurately, realize that all this time, he was beginning to get closer with that young lady in ways more than being acquaintances.

'I...her...'

The brown haired boy deliberately muted the word in between, knowing he did not have any right to even utter or let alone think of it. That word had been very foreign to him before his arrival in the past. Back on his own time, Heero even questions the possibility if ever he would get the chance to experience it. He only knew that everything he was feeling right now, all of his emotions were driven by that one. It was also scaring the daylights out of him. Yes, for all the training and exposure that had rendered his instincts peerless and dauntless, he was still at a loss. Because through that emotion, the mobile suit pilot finally learned the meaning of fear.

'Haruka...'

He could not handle the thought of losing her, with her safety at risk that night, the overall picture of their relationship dramatically changed. Heero was all the more ashamed for having her witness the one side of him that he never wanted the young woman to see. When it came down the wire that her safety was compromised, he resorted to unleashing that persona. The supreme embodiment of an ultimate weapon, cold, ruthless and unforgiving - the Perfect Soldier. He almost got his already bloodied hands spilling that of another yet again, but no matter how deserving the intended victim was, it does not change the fact that such an action could potentially alter the events of the future despite how insignificant it would seem. The mobile suit pilot had been pondering his mind endlessly since that night. He thought that she would stay away or avoid him after witnessing such changes in his personality.

Yet he was proven wrong. She stayed with him and became even closer.

The following events with Kaoru Tanamachi finally made him recognize and justify the true depth of his emotions for the raven haired young woman. He was somewhat certain, guaranteed even, that she also feels something along the same lines or more for him. He might be a poor judge when it comes to understanding a woman's thoughts or feelings, but his emotions tell him there is something more. She shares many traits similar with Kaoru, the way she looks at him, the way she regards him, the way she smiles at him.

'It would only be a matter of time before she...'

The Gundam Pilot stopped himself from saying that word. Admittedly he both dreaded and wanted to hear what she would say when that day comes. He sometimes dreamed of being selfish, caring for no one else and taking her somewhere where they could both be happy. He has become addicted to it. Happiness was a price he had to pay in order to be where he stands right now. To succeed in his past he gave it all up. He distanced himself on the first woman who had the chance to share it with him. And now, having experienced it, Heero knew he would have to kill a part of him, if he intends to set things straight from hereon. For the past week since he had turned down Kaoru, the cobalt blue eyed young man had taken a two-pronged approach in his relationship with Haruka. He made sure to always wait for her and together they leave school on the way home. During all those occasions, he had made certain to follow every whim the pretty campus idol asked of him, whether it would be a small snack or coffee before they separate from each other by the gates to her village.

It was two-pronged in a sense that Heero indulges himself from the fleeting moments he was soon bound to lose. He was filling his mind with all the memories he could possibly share with Haruka. Taking into account all the times they are spending together, he was also patiently waiting for the other side to strike back at him in full swing. The Gundam Pilot had intended to give the raven haired beauty all the chances and opportunity to confess her feelings for him. If indeed that was the case, which he based from his previous experience with Kaoru, but if not, he will accept the fact that his deduction was off and Haruka might only be looking at him as an older sister would to a younger brother.

All of it was conceived through cold, hard and calculated logic, an aspect on his personality honed through intensive training and personal account. Heero however, never considered that logic and emotions are two opposing sides that could never be used to measure each other.

With all cards laid out before him, and if Haruka would not do anything till his stay ends, the mobile suit pilot was prepared to again move on and leave everything behind. He grunted deeply as his eyes landed on a portrait he had clipped on the edge of the Wing Gundam's front screen display. It was the picture of him and Haruka that they had created through a photo booth in the arcade center during the same night of the back alley brawl. The biggest image which headlined the upper right corner was that of Haruka kissing him accidentally on his lips. Heero did not even notice the small smirk taking shape from his lips upon recalling the flustered look on the pretty campus idol's face while they were waiting for their copies to be developed.

'Please forgive me Haruka. I would cling to this memory till such time I could learn to let go.'

"ZERO, show me the coordinates and record logs from the Fold Generator's trial run." He ordered through voice prompt as he continued typing the next string of commands in machine language for the operating system to process.

"ZERO, also include the time intervals on every shift in acceleration alongside displacement on traversed distance."

A model diagram appeared on the main screen display, with all relevant navigational points in the Fold Generator field test mapped out with details of every coordinates. He retraced the lines till his known exit point which led him to end up at 2011 A.D., the Perfect Soldier had planned to re-enact in reverse navigation the journey that brought him to his current time. By re-plotting the course and considering the time, speed and distance similar to the Fold Generator's initial trial run, the cobalt eyed boy deeply hoped that he could recreate the same jump that would land him back in A.C. 197.

From there, everything would just be based from assumption as the hole inside the Spatial Time Transit would be his sole ticket in bending the unknown laws that controlled time travel while threading blindly through the fabric of time and space. He looked grimly at the map displayed in front of him before switching his stare at the picture which he had placed by the corner of the screen.

'The memories we shared with each other were priceless, but it just wasn't meant to be.' The Prussian blue eyed boy sadly concluded while hearing the echoes of his own heartbeat.

---

Less than two weeks to go before Kibitou Senior High celebrates its annual Founder's Festival, students from various clubs could be seen busy in preparation for the said event. The school's traditional festival was held every year in December on the weekend prior to Christmas day. During such an event, all of the athletic and non-athletic school clubs are involved in different activities on top of the expected participation by each homeroom class. A good example of this would be the Swim Team's Oden Stall, the Tea Club's authorized serving of sweet sake along with the Student Council's Best Pair Competition and the Ms. Santa Claus Beauty Pageant.

The cool December wind has been blowing gently but is finely complimenting the warm rays of the sun, a sign that the winter season is arriving soon. It is still a very good day, and under such conditions a pair of young ladies could be seen seated in front of each other at one of the tables just outside the Cafeteria's shaded garden terrace. Haruka and Hibiki have taken some time off from the activities and are excitedly discussing between themselves their previous experience on the past two festivals they had already participated.

"I still can't believe you've won the last two Ms. Santa Claus Beauty Pageants, Haruka." Hibiki thoughtfully recalled as she smiled at her.

"I just thought it would be fun when I first tried it. The second one was quite different though, I think I just joined it due to everyone's request."

"But on both cases, you came out as the overwhelming winner. Do you have plans on joining this year?"

"Me?" Haruka pointed to herself while seemingly giving it some thought. "No... I have other plans..."

"Did Yuy-san not allow you to join the pageant?"

"Eh? NO! It's not like that... We've not even reached that point yet." The raven haired beauty meekly replied at her best friend.

"You've always been together with him for the past two weeks since..."

"Yes... Yuy-kun's been taking care of me all that time. He's been very kind and I'm not sure but... It seems like he's waiting for me while at the same instant wanting to say something very important as well."

"You have been really patient with him, Haruka."

"Of course... You know the reason why, Hibiki." She softly answered, feeling her cheeks burn lightly before adding. "I want to be with him this holiday season."

"I hope you'll be happy, Haruka. Good luck." The swim team captain said to her sincerely.

"I already am, Hibiki."

"Which reminds me, weren't we going to visit him?" Hibiki suddenly remembered while looking at Haruka questioningly.

"Oh! Look at the time! I even bought this sandwich for him." The pretty campus idol also realized as she took a longing glance at the head part of the gigantic replica standing visible from the other side of the main building.

"Well... I know that Yuy-san is athletic, but I never thought he'd be very skilled and with such a creative mind." Hibiki acknowledged as she joined Haruka on examining the massive figure displayed in front of the campus.

"He's really special Hibiki... I heard that since he accepted the Technical Advisor post for the Mechatronics club, membership for that group increased tenfold within a few days."

"From what I've gathered though, the number of female members increased for that club. Which is highly unusual, considering it's a non-athletic and technical club. Their reason for joining is pretty obvious." Haruka's best friend thoughtfully pointed out before looking worriedly at her. "Are you holding well despite that?"

"Yes, I'm coping just fine. I have to, Hibiki, for my sake as well." The raven haired young woman said with her eyes never leaving the huge model.

"That's good to hear, but isn't it difficult on Yuy-san's end? He also has a part-time job to deal with."

"Yuy-kun told me he's OK. Their class rep who also happens to be this year's chairperson for the Founder's Festival approached him and asked his support. If I remember it correctly, he's the one who personally chose to lead the Mechatronics club upon learning it was lagging behind schedule."

"I see, but the arrangement is temporary right?" Hibiki clarified, obviously seeking her confirmation.

"Yes, only till the end of the Festival and after the replica is dismantled."

"You'll be having him all to yourself once that happens."

Haruka only smiled impishly before nodding at her best friend, gesturing for them to go and see the young man she cares deeply.

---

'Oh! There he is!' The raven haired beauty exclaimed as she made her way towards Heero.

Haruka and Hibiki were able to locate the Gundam Pilot with little difficulty, after crossing from the main building's opposite side they found him busy painting the leg part of the gigantic replica with three other boys. On every Founder's Festival, as part of tradition, the school features a gigantic centerpiece constructed in front of the campus building overlooking the main entrance. The massive imitation is usually that of a famous Mecha or robot from a well known anime show. This coincided nicely to the brown haired boy's vast knowledge and actual working experience with real mobile suits in his true timeline. Though the replica was comprised primarily from aluminum and fiber glass, Heero's familiarity and exposure played a vital role in making this year's concept a reality. The pretty campus idol saw him focused in applying the final coating for the mecha's left leg. Deciding to surprise him, Haruka quietly approached Heero from behind and covered both of his eyes with her hands after closing the distance between them.

"Guess who?" She playfully asked while attempting to mask her voice.

"I already noticed you even before you tried to sneak from behind, Morishima sempai."

"Ehh! You're no fun sometimes, Yuy-kun!" Haruka noted as she removed her hands that were covering his eyes.

Hibiki could not help but stifle a laugh at the exchange she had just heard between the two. The swim team captain however saw the unusual glow in Haruka's face which only appears whenever she's in the company of the Prussian eyed boy.

"Tsukahara sempai." Heero greeted cordially while nodding slightly at Hibiki to which she returned with her own small smile.

"Nice! You really managed to turn things around for the Mechatronics club, Yuy-kun! I'm impressed!"

"It... It was nothing Morishima sempai, they already have the whole concept and idea all prepared, I just helped them organize to speed up its completion." The mobile suit pilot humbly replied while looking at the gigantic replica with somewhat sullen eyes.

"Yuy-san, how tall is this thing? What's it called?" Hibiki curiously asked as she also stared in awe at the massive replica.

"About 18 meters, Tsukahara sempai. They call it Ekshia based from a popular anime."

True enough, the massive replica was colored mostly blue and flat white, its dorsal fins, pectoral and chest vents were painted gold. A few parts like the torso and feet edges were shaded crimson red. Heero decided not to push through with the proposed inclusion of its shield and blade gun, as this move allowed them to focus all resources and manpower on the mecha itself. Through his direction, the Mechatronics club was even able to incorporate hydraulic valves on the robot's arms, giving it the simple ability to twist its elbows and rotate its shoulders.

"I see. It looks really good, Yuy-san."

"Thank you, sempai."

"Hey, Yuy-kun, how long would it take for you and the others to finish it?" Haruka queried as she took another long and steady glance at the gigantic display.

"The painting and final touches considered... Probably till end of this week."

"Wow! You're really something Yuy-kun! You even have this project slated for completion a week earlier before the festivities begin!"

The Gundam Pilot only gave Haruka a melancholic smile as he focused his eyes at the raven haired beauty.

'Yuy-kun... You seem sad despite such an achievement.' The cornflower blue eyed young woman mused to herself, she was still contemplating whether to ask him about it later when they were alerted on the presence of another person.

"Chief Yuy! P-Please take a look at t-the checklist. We are also finished with the right leg." A soft yet elegant voice spoke which was also trying to conceal the slight stutter caused probably by the owner's inherent shyness.

Haruka and Hibiki both turned to look at the newcomer and were equally surprised upon recognizing who it was.

"Nakata-chan! How have you been?" The pretty campus idol opened at the younger woman who immediately bowed her head to greet them.

"Morishima sempai, Tsukahara sempai... m-my apologies, I just barged in even while you're still talking with Red One."

"C-chief?" Haruka repeated in disbelief with her eyes switching back and forth between Heero and Sae.

"R-red One?" Hibiki also could not help but utter as she threw a confused look at the Perfect Soldier.

"Sae... approached me one time asking for help on how to remove her shyness. The only thing I could think of is expose her to different people and various activities, so I asked her to join me here in the Mechatronics club until the end of the Founder's Festival."

"She's taken it upon herself to call me 'Chief'... While the 'Red One' is a call sign I gave the club since they tend to have a thing for codenames." Heero explained while shaking his head subtly sideways in apparent resignation.

"Oh... I see..." Haruka silently answered before stealing a discreet glance at Sae's coat. 'Yuy-kun... I really doubt you having that sort of thing in mind. But even though you and Sae look like siblings... If you do something to her...'

The raven haired beauty was still busy with her thoughts when she heard Sae's timid voice again.

"Uhhmm... Tsukahara sempai, Ai-chan was looking for you a while ago. I think it's regarding the Swim Team's Oden stall. She told me just in case I ever happen upon you."

"Oh... I almost forgot! Haruka, Yuy-san, please excuse me. There are matters with the swim team that needs my attention." Hibiki apologized at them before looking into Haruka's eyes conveying an unspoken message to her.

'Good luck, Haruka.'

'Thanks, Hibiki.' The raven haired beauty mentally replied as she gave her a knowing smile.

The brown haired boy slightly nodded at her friend before Hibiki went to the indoor swimming pool's direction.

"Sae, inform Team A to prepare the right arm's hydraulic mechanism for my inspection later. While Team B will continue on the left leg's coating."

"Roger that Chief!" Sae promptly said before turning to Haruka and bowing respectfully as she proceeded to notify the other club members of Heero's latest set of orders.

'You can do this Haruka! Just calm your breathing and it will all come out naturally.'

"Yuy-kun, here... I brought you something, please take a break for a while and eat this." The sky blue eyed said as she offered the sandwich to Heero.

"Thank you, Morishima sempai. Let's sit over there. It's my break already." Heero replied, while leading her to a bench shaded by trees which was some distance away from the replica.

As Haruka sat beside him, she once again caught the sad and somber look that he tries to conceal in his eyes while secretly gazing at her. The raven haired beauty could not help but worry at the melancholic behavior of the young man that is seemingly hiding from her.

'As time goes by, could it be that he's only pushing himself... to stay with me? But we've been having a lot of fun together... I'm so unsure of a lot of things between us. Sometimes I don't know where to place myself.'

Unable to stand the questions clouding her heart and mind, Haruka instead decided to ask the Gundam Pilot subtly about his unusual behavior.

"Yuy-kun... I'm getting worried at you. Is there anything bothering you? You seem to be down these past few days."

"Huh? I... It's nothing to worry about, Morishima sempai. I might not have noticed it but maybe balancing my part-time work and the Founder's Festival project has finally taken its toll on me. I'm just tired. I think I... need to ease up a bit."

"Oh... I see. Please be sure to get lots of sleep and take good care of yourself." The pretty campus nodded in understanding before gathering all her courage to finally open the topic she had already been planning for the past few days. "Say... Yuy-kun?"

"Yes?" Heero replied with his full attention focused on her.

'Act on your emotions... Live your life...'

"Do you have any plans this coming Christmas?"

She noticed the surprised and startled look on the young man's face. However, as expected he quickly regained his composure and answered her earnestly.

"No... I'm just staying at my apartment. How about you, Morishima sempai?"

Haruka felt a soft smile appearing on her lips upon hearing his response, "My grandpa and grandma from England always visit us each year to spend Christmas with my family, and we have a party at our home."

The Gundam Pilot subtly smiled and nodded at her, after seeing his reaction the pretty campus idol did not think twice of speaking out what she had already been preparing for the past week.

"Hey... you'll come to the party if I invite you, right, Yuy-kun? If you're fine with that, let's spend Christmas Eve together. I told my parents I'll be bringing along a friend... and I don't want you to be all alone this coming holiday season. What do you think?"

"Morishima sempai..."

The sky blue eyed young woman put on her sweetest smile as she saw the hesitation and conflict on Heero's face. However, it was gone in an instant as she heard his reply.

"Thanks, Morishima sempai, I'll be there."

"Nice! Let's meet at the Town Square on the 24th! Say 5pm?"

A slight curl at the edge of his lips and the usual subtle nod of his head was all Haruka needed to see as the brown haired boy's way of confirmation that he'll be coming.

'You won't regret this Yuy-kun. This will be one Christmas you will never forget!' The sky blue eyed woman thought while smiling back as she saw Heero taking a bite on the sandwich she had given him.

---

Being a Saturday, Kibitou's Commercial Area was bustling with activity, it was already the 17th of December and holiday shoppers are on the rush to buy presents for their family or that one special someone this coming Christmas. Curiously among the sea of people plowing through the busy streets was Heero Yuy, the Gundam Pilot had already finished his classes for the day and decided to buy an exchange gift for GDT Builders Annual Christmas Party as well as look for a keepsake that he'll be giving to Haruka before his impending departure.

'2 days from now, the Fusion Reactor would be fully charged... Yet I still could not bring myself to just leave Haruka without giving her a good closure.'

The Perfect Soldier knew that something serious is bound to happen when they meet on the 24th of December during Christmas Eve. Masayoshi and Junichi previously asked him to join them if he doesn't have any plans for that day, to which the brown haired boy declined, only saying that he would be staying inside his room and sleep it off like any other evening. Still valuing his and Haruka's privacy at the foremost, he decided not to divulge any information about their meeting set for that day.

'If it all comes down to that day, I'll be having fond memories of her instead of being reminded that the various wars I fought in got concluded coincidentally during such a time of the year.'

Heero still intends to push through with his plan, he will ensure that Haruka would be given the chance to settle all matters between them and let go of any lingering feelings she might have for him before he goes back to his rightful time. Similar to what happened with Kaoru, they had remained good friends even after he had rejected her that night in the amusement park amidst a shower of fireworks. He was basing everything primarily from his experience with the obsidian eyed girl. However, he was totally unsure if the aftermath would be taken well by the raven haired beauty. The mobile suit pilot was also completely uncertain though on how he would react or feel when the pretty campus idol makes her move.

'Tensions between us have been high for the past two weeks, would it really be the same for her after I leave? Could I still move on after this?' He wondered as he continued walking before stopping in front of one gift shop and seeing a particular item displayed by its window which had caught his attention.

"Haruka..."

-oxo-

It was a sunny afternoon. They had decided to visit the View Deck Park before going home after classes that day. At the well trimmed grass on the park's picnic grounds, Haruka was playing happily with a few stray puppies while he looked at her from the side. The pretty campus idol was truly enjoying as the little dogs seemingly follow every order she gave them. He could only watch her in silence, as much as he would like to imprint this image of her within his mind forever, the brown haired young man was again reminded of the disparity that separates them. Haruka, being a normal and typical young woman behaving as expected with her age was also innocent and sheltered from the harsh realities he had been cruelly exposed to since the early part of his young life.

"Tell me Wufei, why must I kill that young girl and her dog? ZERO won't tell me." His memories briefly reminded him as he allowed a small part of those forbidden memories spill out.

'Dog... Young girl... They're all dead...' Various images stormed out from his mind, drowning every other thought while making him remember of a grave mistake he committed in the past that would forever haunt him. His eyes stared into nothingness, both irises lost and glazed. Heero was in such a state when he was noticed by the beautiful young woman beside him.

"Yuy-kun? Are you ok?" Haruka curiously asked, looking worriedly at his cobalt blue orbs with her own sky blue ones.

"Huh? Yes... I just remembered something. By the way, where are the puppies?" He safely answered also changing the topic at the same time.

"They went home so it seems. You already know that I really like cute things, but even if I get a dog again, my mom won't allow it to stay inside the house."

"I see."

"Ohhh... but I'd still like to have even one puppy inside my room." The cornflower blue eyed girl stated before smiling and nodding her head at him.

-oxo-

'Maybe, she'll like that.' He decided, taking one last glance at the window display and moving towards the gift shop's door.

'Huh? What's this?' The mobile suit pilot furrowed his brows as he read the posting from a bill placed on the establishment's doorway.

FOR RENT - STUDIO TYPE ROOM with own BED and BATH. INQUIRE INSIDE.

Lately, with the incoming change of season, the temperature has dropped considerably, making his temporary residence at Sakura-Yamato Private Airstrip's third hangar barely habitable. Despite the number of blankets he is using to cover himself at night and the personal compact heater he had bought to slightly increase the temperature, it was still not enough to deter the cold climate and contain the heat within such a huge space consumed by the hangar. The Perfect Soldier did not consider sleeping inside the Wing Gundam's cockpit on a nightly basis as it was uncomfortable especially during times he would return tired and exhausted after his part-time job from the construction site.

'Rent it for a few more days till Haruka... resolves everything she feels. Only then will she be able to shove me out of her system.' Heero grimly noted as he pushed the door open to purchase the item he saw by the glass panel and inquire details for the room rental.

---

"I'll meet you at the fountain later, Morishima sempai." She remembered hearing him say earlier during lunch time.

'Well, in about half an hour he'll be finished with what he's doing.' Haruka smiled at the thought of being together with the young man who owns her heart.

The sky blue eyed woman had just arrived at the school fountain to bide her time while waiting for Heero. It had become their meeting place since they started going home together for the past three weeks. The mobile suit pilot told her that he just needs to attend and report at the Festival Committee Assembly that the Mechatronics club had finished the project a good five days ahead of schedule. Haruka could not help but smile upon recalling that in a few days from now, during the actual opening of the Founder's Festival, she will be spending Christmas Eve with Heero and her family. The thought alone even brought a blush to both of her cheeks.

'I hope that my wish would come true.'

She had planned and prepared extensively for THAT event, the raven haired beauty fervently hoped it would only be a matter of time before everything is made clear for both of them. She was still patiently waiting for him to make his move and take their relationship to the next stage. She was expecting to formalize their standing and hear him say his feelings for her. Set all things official between them. Know where she really stands inside his heart, mind and soul. She was confident in her place with him but the thought that her assumptions might be wrong also brings fear and uneasiness to the pretty campus idol.

"Morishima sempai?" A soft voice called out from behind, turning her head to see its owner, she was fully surprised upon recognizing who it was.

"Tanamachi... Kaoru..."

The dark wavy haired woman smiled slightly before bowing respectfully at her. A cool breeze swept past the two young ladies, as if foreboding a brewing storm by the horizon. But neither of them seemed to notice it. Both only had their eyes fixed into one another, locked into a showdown of stares. Here, standing in front of Haruka was her fiercest and most serious competition to the heart of the young man they both fell in love with. They never said it in words, never discussed it formally, and never took it personally against each other, but both acknowledged that they were rivals when it comes to the feelings of the transfer student named Heero Yuy. Haruka briefly wondered if Kaoru had sought her personally or this meeting was just an accident, made into a reality due to the phenomena aptly called coincidence. She took a careful and discreet glance to examine the other woman's face and noticed that despite the lonely smile painted on her lips and the lack of glow radiating her own beauty, Kaoru Tanamachi seems to be holding just fine despite the recent events that transpired between her and the boy they both like.

"You look well, Tanamachi-san."

The tomboyish young lady nodded in response to Haruka before replying, "And you as well, Morishima-sempai."

"Thank you."

"Morishima-sempai, I came here looking for you... because I wanted to tell you that... with all the things that happened, I never blamed you or harbored any ill feelings towards you."

"Tanamachi-san..."

"I knew since the beginning... when I started to like him... and eventually fell for him... there was only one person that he sets apart from the rest. One woman who could make him smile like no other. One girl he looks differently from everyone else... It was always you." Kaoru softly continued. A sad smile admitting defeat could be seen painted on her lips.

"Don't worry about me, Morishima sempai... I'm alright. There's just one thing I'd like to ask or even beg of you... on bended knees if I had to." The obsidian eyed young woman uttered as her voice began to crack.

"I know you also feel something for him. So please... Take good care of him. If you're not serious with Heero... I will take him and do my best to care for him instead." Kaoru seriously warned as tears started falling from her dark orbs before bowing deeply at Haruka.

'She loves him all that much... In spite of everything...' Haruka concluded as she felt her own chest getting heavier after hearing what Kaoru had just said.

"Rest assured that... I am equally serious if not more than you are when it comes to him, Tanamachi-san." The pretty campus idol replied bowing her head also to Kaoru.

"Thank you... Morishima sempai. I'll take your word for that." Kaoru answered, while still holding that sad and lonely smile from her lips.

'Tanamachi-san, you have my sincerest gratitude. Though I maybe hurt a lot if Heero had accepted your feelings... knowing how selfless your love for him is... makes me think you deserve him probably even more than I am. But... right now, I do not know where I exactly stand. The only thing I am sure of is that... I love him so much and I will continue trying my best to be the woman who deserves him most.'

Haruka deeply pondered as her eyes followed Kaoru's retreating form, offering a silent prayer to the heavens above that soon the obsidian eyed woman will be healed from all the pain and sorrow caused by a broken heart. She sighed softly before smiling and acknowledging the newfound respect that Kaoru had earned from her.

'She truly is... a worthy rival.'

---

Christmas Eve in Kibitou is considered as the most awaited and anticipated holiday every year among its local population. Men and women, young and old, from all walks of life, irregardless of religion and belief, spend the season in the company of that one special someone. Families are expected to celebrate the occasion inside their homes while in front of a Christmas tree with children opening the gifts mom and dad had given them. Singles and couples eagerly look forward to the event for different reasons but as always the root cause is basically the same. Couples desire to share every moment of the holiday with their better half. Single men and women dream of hearing that confession from the person they like most or saying that proclamation to the person they cherish alone. Coinciding with the coolest season of the year, some say that such a time is ideal in bringing together two lonely hearts to comfort each other. Some say the atmosphere encourages everyone to share and give rather than take and receive. While others believe it is but only a temporary euphoria caused by the intoxicating mood brought about by tradition which is essentially passed down from generation to generation. Most however, would agree that it is the inherent happiness brought about by the holiday which acts as the main reason that drives each individual to search, try and achieve such profound feelings like hope, trust, joy and love.

It is on this very day, right in the middle of the Town Square we could find one young woman, waiting patiently while hoping deeply that the one answer to what her heart desires most would soon arrive. Wearing a white coat to protect her from the shivering cold weather, she coupled it perfectly with a pair of black leggings and brown boots in case the first drop of snow arrives from the long overdue winter season. She had neatly placed her signature black headband atop her raven hair which was wavy and curly at ends of each lock. The young lady was often mistaken as a TV idol, a professional model and sometimes even that of a movie actress. She stands at a height taller than the average for women and possesses physical beauty uncommon in the country due to her mixed lineage. Right now, unknown to her, she has been the recipient of different stares, discreet glances and curious looks coming from a lot of people in both genders while at the same time subject to various comments and criticisms.

'Is she a model?'

'Whoa... Even at such a cold season, that woman is certainly hot!'

'Whoever she's waiting for is certainly one lucky guy!'

'Why can't my boyfriend keep his eyes looking at me instead of stealing glances at her!'

'With that kind of beauty, she must be a player...'

'I wish I had a girlfriend as pretty as her!'

'Damn... I want to try hitting on her... if only my girlfriend is not here...'

'A beauty such as her is sure to be owned by one hell of a man.'

Taking a quick glance at her watch, she noted that the time was a quarter past five in the afternoon. He had agreed to meet her at exactly five, but sadly there was still no sign of him even after she had surveyed the area to check if he was already there. She could feel her heart pounding nervously at the possibility that he was a no show, but immediately shrugged off the idea as THAT young man never broke a promise with her. Exhaling deeply as she rubbed both palms near her thin pink lips, the young woman knew that no matter how hard she tried, there was nothing that could avert her mind from getting worried.

Because she, Haruka Morishima, is deeply in love with the person she is waiting for.

And that person has never been late in every occasion they agreed to meet each other.

'What's keeping him? Was it an accident? Could it be that he forgot the time? Or did he even remember we were supposed to meet today? I'm worried... He's never been like this... I hope nothing bad happened... Oohhh... No matter what, I'll wait for him even if Christmas comes and I'm still here!'

The pretty campus idol resumed her scan on the area surrounding the Town Square, hoping to find that familiar head with thick messy chocolate brown hair. As her sky blue eyes wandered, she could not help but smile softly upon seeing two little kids laughing wholeheartedly while playing with their parents. She then shifted her attention to the assembled crowd within the Town Square and mulled thoughtfully if their circumstances were also similar to her - waiting for the arrival of their significant other. The term brought a warm feeling to her cheeks, because he was that special someone for her and the beautiful raven haired lady sincerely hoped she would eventually be to him as well. Soon enough, her assumptions were confirmed, as one by one, the group of people waiting alongside her began to diminish with each of them taken away by a newly arrived individual, obviously their own special someone.

'There must be a good reason since you're never late. Please be here soon...' She pleaded as her eyes continued searching for him.

'Waiting for you is really something... I'm both excited and nervous... excited at the thought of being together with you while at the same time nervous that you might not come. I wish you're here now, beside me. Make this Christmas meaningful and memorable for the both of us.'

No sooner had Haruka finished whispering her feelings when she became aware of the familiar strong presence coming from behind. It was intense, fearless and overpowering, but also warm, gentle and soothing. She felt her heart pounding furiously as her mind struggled to think clearly. There was only one person capable of making her feel in such a very special way. Never before had she been awakened to these profound emotions despite the number of men who had tried and attempted to win her affections. Everything that was her: mind, body, heart and soul, answers to no one else except him. She was definitely sure, even if she had not seen him yet. Turning instinctively to look from behind, a small yet tender smile of relief was drawn out from her lips as she slowly faced and recognized the overwhelming presence. Haruka was greeted by the only sight that could calm her heart, ease her mind and remove her worries.

Only him.

Only Heero Yuy.

The brown haired boy was gazing at her with his piercing cobalt blue eyes, Haruka's own sky blue irises immediately moved to meet and dearly hold those deep orbs in one longing embrace. No words were needed to be spoken. With silence as their witness, it was enough to settle the anxiety that had earlier gripped her heart.

For all the things that transpired between them.

For all the hardships they had endured.

And for all the times they had spent together.

Haruka had learned that she could lose herself in happiness just by seeing her reflection within his Prussian eyes. She was captivated and drawn to them like a moth to a flame. And at that moment, there was a myriad of emotions flowing through his eyes, gladness, confusion, sorrow, comfort, relief, longing, worry, contentment and most prominently... joy.

'Heero... It's amazing... I could feel you... I could sense your presence... I don't know how... I don't know why... I'm not sure exactly... but... Why does it seem that you're both happy and sad to see me? Why do I feel that you want to be with me yet at the same time want to keep some distance between us? Why does it feel that you are torn being around me? Even though I'm not sure yet if I have a place inside your heart or not... I know you care for me! I could feel it in my heart... That we're meant for each other... I truly love you.'

The raven haired young lady again smiled tenderly at the mobile suit pilot as he finally came into full view while moving towards her. Heero was wearing a black trench coat, beneath the unbuttoned part she could trace the outlines of a black suit, white collared shirt, black necktie and a matching pair of black pants. His shoes are well suited for the meeting as she noticed it could easily pass the standards of a formal event. He had really dressed up for the occasion.

'Oh my... he's so handsome...'

At last the raven haired beauty managed to regain her composure after being surprised from finally seeing him arrive. She decided to ask the brown haired boy the questions that had been worrying her earlier.

"Hey, Yuy-kun, you're a bad boy for making a girl wait on a day like this. It's almost half an hour past five." Haruka pouted at Heero with both arms crossed above her chest while waiting for his explanation.

"My apologies, Morishima sempai, the access points towards the Town Square were clogged with traffic. My motorcycle overheated because of this, I had to bring and leave it instead at the GDT Towers before going back this direction."

"Oh... I see."

"I'm sorry if I got you worried, sempai. I left earlier than usual in anticipation of the traffic. I got stuck in it around a quarter before four halfway through the Business District."

"It's... alright. But isn't the Business District a half hour drive from here? With all that has happened and time considered... you could have been here... say a good half hour before five at the latest." The cornflower blue eyed lady replied before taking a long and observing look at the Perfect Soldier.

"That's right, Morishima sempai. I'm... sorry."

"I understand, but now that I've seen you up close... Yuy-kun, you look tired." The pretty campus idol noticed as she dug her hand inside her shoulder bag and took out a handkerchief. Without waiting for his response, Haruka began gently wiping off the sweat from Heero's face.

'Today... I'll do everything to make you realize how much you mean to me.'

"Even if you're late... I'm still happy you came despite all that had happened. But I can't introduce a sweaty boyfriend to my family right?" Haruka thoughtfully said with a mischievous grin hanging from her lips.

"Boyfriend?"

"Err... what I mean to say is... a very close and special friend, right Yuy-kun?" Haruka corrected herself while giving the cobalt eyed young man a knowing smile.

The Perfect Soldier softly nodded and smiled subtly back at her.

"So, let's wash off your sweat before we meet them! Come on, let's go!" Haruka exclaimed as she latched her arm excitedly around Heero's own before eagerly pulling him out of the Town Square.

'I'll give it my best shot and be the woman that deserves you most. I won't be holding back. Also I will try to remove whatever uncertainties and any reservations you might have between us. Now that everything has come down to this. All the pieces are falling into place. Let the games begin, Heero.' Haruka determinedly mused with a naughty smirk reflected on her lips.

---

Heero never thought that THIS was what Haruka had in mind when she said 'So, let's wash off your sweat before we meet them!' when they were still at the Town Square just half an hour ago. The pretty sky blue eyed young lady had led or more appropriately, dragged him inside one of tallest buildings in Kibitou which happens to be a classy four-star hotel. There the kind and bubbly sempai ordered him to get his sweat off by taking a dip in the largest indoor swimming pool at Kibitou City also located within the hotel. The Gundam Pilot did as he was told, it was also fortunate for him that the facility allows rentals on swimming trunks since he never expected that he'll be swimming with Haruka.

Indeed, the brown haired boy was unknowingly bestowed with the opportunity to go swimming with the prettiest girl in Kibitou High. He was already at the indoor pool complex and waiting for Haruka to join him after excusing herself to change and wear her own swimsuit. That's right - it only served to increase the confusion of the already bewildered mobile suit pilot when the beautiful raven haired woman told him she had brought something appropriate for the occasion.

'It seems that she already had this planned.'

Donning only a pair of navy blue swimming trunks, Heero Yuy's bare chest, well toned abs, smooth fine cuts defining his biceps and triceps were visible in full view for appreciation and to an extent the delight of every female within the indoor pool. As he began pondering his thoughts, he was oblivious to the attention he has been receiving from the female population of the hotel's swimming complex. Not to mention, the envious glares from some of the guys within the pool area.

'Wow... He's certainly a hunk!'

'I wished I had a boyfriend like that, he'd be tied down to me even at such an early age.'

'He looks so mysterious and devilishly handsome... I'd have to make him notice me, once I make a pass on him again.'

'I want to be crushed with him embracing me...'

'A young man with that kind of looks is guaranteed to be player!'

'Why is my woman still looking at him even when I'm already here!'

'I'd approach him and slug him if I can, but man, he looks like he could kill if provoked.'

He decided to ignore the various looks being thrown at him after he began noticing the attention being drawn from his direction. Heero's mind continued to ponder whether he's been doing the right thing in his approach on the situation with Haruka. True, the motorcycle had broken down while he was on his way earlier to meet her. But there were countless times earlier and even the days before that the Gundam Pilot had been asking himself if truly he was following the correct path. All he knows is that as much as he was acting on his emotions, he was living his life in the best possible way. However, his feelings have been driving him even closer and deeper to the blue cornflower eyed young woman. He had decided to grant her request to spend the holiday and allow her the chance to resolve all matters, issues and feelings she might have for him.

Yet he could not understand why he is getting hurt, why he is feeling such pain and why he is remorseful of his impending departure. The mobile suit pilot codenamed Heero Yuy has accepted the fact and truth that whatever it was that he feels for Haruka was impossible. He will push through with his plan and leave her. Avoid committing the gravest paradox in his situation - do something serious in the past that could affect the future. And giving up on probably the only person that has broken through his defenses was the only way to prevent that scenario. His mind is wracked up with guilt and sorrow for what he was about to do soon. As the thought of losing her was already so painful he would choose to be tortured instead and have himself shredded over and over again if it is the only to way to end his misery.

Such was his feelings for Haruka Morishima.

Sadly he knew it would never come into fruition or full realization.

The Wing Gundam had already reached the full 100% reactor charge since five days ago. The mobile suit was all prepped up and ready to launch at any given time. He had already mapped out and planned deliberately the acceleration per displacement alongside the coordinates of every speed surge. He will be replaying the Fold Generator field test run he did almost three months ago and return back to his rightful time. The brown haired boy knows for certain there was no guarantee that he will end up correctly in his true timeline once the reenactment has been completed perfectly. But if all else fails, and whatever the case may be he is sure of one thing.

He will never be returning.

Heero intends to pilot the Wing Gundam on a course directly towards the sun with whatever energy left from the Fusion Reactor if ever the Fold Generator fails. Such technology present probably at least 1 to 2 millennia before its conception would potentially alter all the events of the future. He can't allow that to happen. If not for the sake of his few comrades in the future but at least for the hard fought peace they had achieved after removing everyone else's will to fight.

'For the future. For everyone else. But never for your own.' The Gundam Pilot honestly and sadly mused at his ironic situation.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." A soft yet cheerful voice broke him out of from his thoughts. The cobalt blue eyed young man could not be faulted if he would allow his jaw to drop upon seeing its owner.

'My God... She's truly a vision. Such beauty... makes it seem heaven is a place on earth.'

Right in front of him was a sight that could leave anyone speechless but only marvel at the full realization of beauty at its finest perfection. Haruka stood with her hands on her waist while slightly bended towards him. The raven haired young lady was only clad in a two-piece baby blue swimsuit adorned with a few floral prints. Her silky smooth skin was all bared out for him to see, her long creamy and shapely legs, firm and plump chest alongside a very sexy and nicely proportional figure. She has a small flat waist bordering the chiseled curves between her ribs and hips. She was a goddess in old folklore, an angel whose feet had touched the ground and an empress of unmatched beauty.

"It's a new swimsuit. How is it?"

"It fits you well... You look... perfect." Heero trailed as he finally became aware of the looks being thrown at both of them by the other patrons of the indoor pool.

"Really, thanks!" Haruka replied ecstatically while smiling impishly at him.

The Perfect Soldier grunted before subtly nodding in agreement to her.

"Then you should have said so immediately... Yuy-kun." The pretty campus idol said to him, blushing delicately from his response.

"I... was unable to find the words when I saw you, Morishima sempai..."

"Oh... I see... So you were mesmerized." Haruka teased at the mobile suit pilot seeing an opening to play around with him.

'Huh... what's this heat coming through my cheeks...' He wondered as he grasped for words to answer the raven haired beauty.

"Ehh... I didn't know I had that much effect on you, Yuy-kun!" The sky blue eyed young lady continued pressing him even further.

"Because you are beautiful indeed, sempai." Heero shortly answered, turning the tables immediately on Haruka.

The pretty campus idol had nothing to say after hearing such a direct and honest reply from him. Haruka blushed furiously the moment he was finished with what he had to say.

"I-Isn't going for a swim at the pool on Christmas surprisingly nice?" He heard her say unsteadily, changing the topic of their conversation.

"Anywhere is fine as long as we're..." Heero honestly replied at her before stopping himself in mid-sentence. 'Together.'

"Eh? As long as we're what, Yuy-kun?" The raven haired beauty inquired sensing another opportunity.

"The water looks really refreshing. Let's go, sempai." The mobile suit pilot answered, taking Haruka completely by surprise as he gently held her hand leading her towards the pool. He had narrowly slipped from speaking out the honest emotions he holds dearly for the cornflower blue eyed young woman.

---

Haruka's laughter was like music to his ears as the pretty campus idol had been giggling and laughing while they splashed water at each other. They were similar to two kids playing by the beach with the Perfect Soldier allowing himself in enjoying another fleeting moment of happiness alongside the woman he cares much for. Heero smirked back at Haruka seeing that the young lady he has fallen with was immensely enjoying their time at the pool. Her sky blue eyes were both glittering and sparkling, clearly reflecting the joy she was experiencing with his company. She was always looking at him with those two brightly lit and meaningful cornflower blue orbs. Sometimes she would either squeal or shriek after getting bashed with a large amount of water. But still she would not back down on splashing water against him. They were thoroughly immersed in happiness while playing with each other when the scene struck Heero dead center into his thoughts.

'Huh? What the...'

Somewhere at the deepest parts of his mind, an image flashed before him.

'I've seen this before...'

There was no mistake, the image of Haruka splashing water with someone was the scene he saw while inside the Wing Gundam during its maiden run with the Fold Generator. And now he knows who that someone is - it was none other than him.

'It's bound to happen... This was meant to occur.'

He was still trying to regain his bearings and recollect his thoughts when Haruka approached him. Her sky blue eyes were reflecting both worry and curiosity at the sudden change in mood displayed by Heero.

"Are you alright, Yuy-kun?"

"I'm fine, Morishima sempai. There's no need to worry about me."

"Hmmm?" Obviously not convinced, Haruka leaned forward and took a long, serious look into his Prussian irises.

"Rest assured, I'm OK... Some water got into my eye."

"If you say so, Yuy-kun. By the way... could you teach me how to swim?" Haruka hopefully requested, which Heero knew he had no reason to decline.

---

"Yuy-kun, thanks for being my teacher." The raven haired beauty said as she blinked her eyes softly in the cutest yet most subtle way.

'Haruka... you're really making it difficult for me.'

"Just hold on to my hands and flap your legs alternately." Heero replied, shifting his head slightly to avoid facing her.

"Like this?"

"Yes… You're doing fine, just continue." He answered at the pretty campus idol, his eyes averting themselves from looking at scene in front of him.

'As much as I want to take in everything about you inside my mind... This is too much, Morishima sempai.'

The mobile suit pilot was referring to Haruka's current situation, or more accurately - position. As he continued teaching the sky blue eyed young lady the basics of swimming, the brown haired boy was given a full view of her bare back. Save for the most vital parts of her body which was covered by the two-piece swimsuit, Heero could practically see every aspect of Haruka's beauty.

"Yuy-kun?"

"Yes?"

"Why aren't you looking at me, how could you see if I'm doing it right?" Haruka queried, the tone of her voice tinged with mischief.

"A... wave might hit us, I have to be alert and shield you if necessary."

"Yuy-kun... We're already at the pool's shallow part aside from being close to its artificial shore." The pretty campus idol pointed out while smiling slyly at him.

"Sempai..." Heero wearily uttered while thinking of a better excuse to throw off the beautiful raven haired woman that was rapidly closing in to corner him.

"You know... I really enjoy teasing you, Yuy-kun. Cause you look so cute whenever you're at a conflict on what to do with me." Haruka continued, who was now grinning impishly, obviously enjoying where their conversation is heading to.

'Haruka, you have a way of getting inside my head without annoying me at the very least. This might have been one of the reasons I...' He silently pondered while observing the sky blue eyed young lady wading before him. 'Hnn... Now that I think about it... I could possibly give it a try so that I can confirm if my suspicions are right... Here goes.'

"Morishima sempai..."

"Yes, Yuy-kun?"

'Ok, my thoughts exactly.'

"I've already let go of your hand." Heero simply said to her.

"Oh ok." The raven haired beauty readily answered before the thought started growing inside her mind, "I-I mean y-you did?"

"And it seems you're still floating and swimming just OK."

"Heh? I-I am..." Haruka suddenly realized with an alarmed look on her sky blue irises.

"Yes you are." The brown haired boy replied now smirking at her.

"W-wow! I-I now know how to swim! Thanks to you Yuy-kun!" She perkily spoke attempting to cover her tracks.

"Of course you do sempai, because you already were a fine swimmer even before today."

"Opppss... Busted..." Haruka meekly grumbled before submerging the lower half of her face into the water to hide her embarrassment.

---

Without much effort on her part and hesitancy on his end, Haruka was able to prod Heero on lining up for the indoor pool's main attraction which was a lengthy, twenty feet high, water pool slide. As they followed the queue, the Prussian eyed boy briefly wondered why the pretty campus idol was again grinning mischievously beside him. His answer came soon enough once it was already their turn. Heero was barely able to react and all the more astounded when Haruka clung tightly at his back as they moved into position before plunging down the slide. The Gundam Pilot felt all the hairs from the back of his neck raising the instant Haruka's warm chest touched him from behind. Despite the even temperature from the pool's waters and controlled weather within the indoor pool, Heero was still tense as he felt the heat climbing up his body.

"Are you ok, Yuy-kun?" Haruka naughtily inquired, looking at him curiously while proudly flashing an impish smile from her lips.

He only grunted before asking her, "Ready to go, Morishima sempai?"

'You really enjoy doing this to me, Haruka.'

"Of course! Go! Go! Go! Yuy-kun!"

The rush downward from the pool slide was exhilarating, though it was nothing when compared to the acceleration Heero is accustomed to while piloting mobile suits at blinding speeds. Still, the cobalt blue eyed young man considered it as among his most treasured and unforgettable memories of the beautiful campus idol behind him. Haruka's long shrilling cry as they surged downward the slide was deafening and at the same time amusing to his ears. The soft feel of her body only served to increase Heero's inner struggle on maintaining his own calm and composure with the relentless teasing Haruka had already been doing on him. As they plummeted swiftly into the water with a huge splash, the Gundam Pilot worried for a moment but remembered the pretty raven haired woman's true competency on swimming. Floating upwards the water's surface, Heero turned around to look for Haruka, searching for the head with curly tipped raven hair.

'Huh? Haruka? Where is she?' He immediately wondered, the mobile suit pilot reminded himself that the cornflower blue eyed young lady was a capable swimmer but could not avoid getting worried as he was still unable to see her.

'Better check just in case...' Heero decided before dipping himself into the water to search for Haruka.

The mobile suit pilot scanned the underwater extensively but was unable to find the kind and pretty sempai he had began to care for. As he reached the surface to release his breathe and refill his lungs with air, Heero became aware of someone who was steadily observing him near the pool ledge.

"With those cute brows of your scrunched together like that, it's obvious you're worried at me." A teasing and lively voice commented as his eyes darted to its owner.

"Got you, Yuy-kun!" Haruka added with her lips curled upwards into a sly grin.

The Perfect Soldier smirked in return after breathing a sigh of relief known only to him. For a brief instant, he had deeply contemplated on what to do if Haruka had drowned in the pool. The young man knew that he would not forgive himself if something happens to her while under his watch. But on this case and with his plan being set into motion, Heero finally understood that he was contradicting himself.

---

'It is careless of me to say that I'll protect her. How stupid of me to say I'll take care of her. And how conceited of me to even worry for her. When I leave, whatever happens to her is something I have no way of preventing.'

He felt his chest tighten at such thoughts while seriously thinking of his situation with the raven haired beauty. A flurry of emotions began storming his heart. A part of him could not bear the idea that the happiness and joy he was experiencing with Haruka is soon to be enjoyed by someone else after setting off for his true time. He hated the possibility of someone else being with the woman he was already caring so much. He despised the fact that once gone, he was set to lose that much amount of emotions which could only happen whenever she is beside him.

The Gundam Pilot was only consoled by reminding himself that even if he had met Haruka or someone like her back in his own time, he was still truly unworthy of having such a person. Heero would always strengthen his resolve by recalling all the lives he had taken and mistakes committed in the past. Instill the past memories and crosses that he still continues to bear up to this day that makes him undeserving of Haruka's affections.

'Haruka... I really... you...' Even his own thoughts wouldn't allow him to utter that word within the confines of his mind. Heero was so concentrated with his musings when he heard the pretty campus idol suddenly spoke from out of the blue.

"Yuy-kun." She said in a formal tone that immediately got his full attention.

"Morishima sempai?"

"You have me already, so don't look at other girls." Haruka seriously said to him with her lips pouted and eye brows furrowed closely together.

"Huh?" Heero wondered before turning his head to look straightly in front of him.

There, ninety degrees directly on his field of vision were two gorgeous ladies. One was a brunette wearing a red two-piece swimsuit, while the other was a redhead with pony tail who had on a white two-piece swimsuit. Both of them had their gazes fixed and were smiling seductively at Heero, with the redhead even waving her hand to entice him. The hero and veteran of many battles in After Colony looked back at Haruka who had a menacing stare locked on him.

Switching his focus between Haruka and the two girls, the Perfect Soldier mistakenly surmised that raven haired beauty might be thinking he was having perverted thoughts on the other women. Sensing that the normally fun loving and kind sempai had a dark cloud of aura hovering around her, he wasted no time in explaining what he was doing earlier.

"My apologies, sempai, it did seem I was looking at them, but I was in deep thought about something."

"I thought you were flirting with them." Haruka coldly and honestly replied while glaring at him dangerously.

'Wait a sec... Is she... What's the term for that again...? I should have listened to one of Duo's incessant rants about Hilde.' Heero reminisced as he immediately searched for a good alibi to pacify the agitated young lady beside him.

"I was thinking how to present myself to your family once I meet them, Morishima sempai. I'm truly sorry if I offended you... but rest assured that I did not even notice them till you called out my attention."

"Really?"

He only grunted in acknowledgement, but not without gazing at her cornflower blue eyes deeply through his own Prussian irises. Seeing his reflection embedded in them, he intensified his gaze, holding Haruka's eyes in a soothing and comforting embrace.

'Believe me sempai, I am not lying about those two women.'

Haruka's eyes twitched and softened almost immediately, he could see the stirring from both orbs and the gleam of sparkle like a flame being reignited in them. The Perfect Soldier knew then that she had accepted his apology.

"R-really? Okay, then." The beautiful raven haired girl stated after turning her look away from his eyes. Both of her cheeks were flushed red as she spoke again.

"About that, I think it's time we go."

---

The hotel's in-house bar and restaurant was located on the ground floor adjacent to the main lounge. Aptly called, "Eurasia", was a fine dining restaurant that serves a variety of dishes distinct only between the two continents its name originated from. Its menu boasts a wide array of European and Asian cuisine alongside an extensive range of wines and liquor. Despite the expense on dining at such a well known place, most of the tables were already filled due to the holiday. Heero Yuy was seated on one of the high-stools found at Eurasia's primary bar, Haruka had told him to meet her there after changing into his own clothes. The brown haired boy took another sip from the glass of orange juice he had ordered for himself which was accompanied by a separate glass of mineral water. He already took the initiative on getting and readying an ice cold glass of mango juice for Haruka to replenish the fluids they had expanded while swimming earlier. As the Gundam Pilot sat in silence, his eyes absent mindedly landed on the small open space found at the center of the dining hall. Couples could be seen dancing softly to the mellow tunes being played by a foreign live band he was not familiar with. The music was soft and endearing, very appropriate to the mood and atmosphere inside the establishment. While observing the pairs that have been dancing, Heero was briefly reminded of that dance he shared with Relena Peacecraft two years ago on her birthday party celebrated in St. Gabriel Institute. The dance they had was elegant, high class and regal, fit for a person of Relena's standing. However, the memory was cut short when the current Vice Foreign Minister's face is replaced by another.

By that of Haruka Morishima.

The raven haired black headband wearing young woman who has managed to lodge herself deeply inside his heart. As the night continued, the Perfect Soldier knew they were approaching that long awaited moment similar to his situation with Kaoru almost a month ago. He could feel the tension between them getting stronger from within despite the easy and relaxed disposition they displayed on the outside.

'It's drawing near... And with that our inevitable separation... Why do I feel such sadness just by thinking about it?'

He briefly toyed at the idea of not pushing through with his plan, allow himself to be selfish and for once be happy. But almost immediately, brushed off the concept after being reminded of all the skeletons he kept inside his closet, all the ghosts in the past that he had created and all the crosses he had been bearing to atone for the sins he had committed.

'I really can't be with her... I am so damned and tainted by all the blood I've spilled.'

"I'm sorry I took so long to change." A soft and sweet voice called out to him from his right side.

Haruka smiled tenderly at Heero as the mobile suit pilot nodded slightly at her while pushing out his musings for the time being. She was back to wearing the white coat, black leggings and brown boots she had on earlier. The pretty campus idol took the seat next to him after giving a subtle gesture for her to drink the mango juice he had ordered. They remained silent for a while as Haruka took long sips on her juice, it was clear that the sky blue eyed young lady was dehydrated from all the fun and activity they did on the swimming pool. They contented themselves on watching the couples who were dancing slowly at the center of the restaurant while drinking their refreshments.

He didn't know if it was the mood or atmosphere inside the dining area but Heero soon found himself wanting to create one special memory with the pretty campus idol who had already worked her way inside his thoughts and emotions. Gazing at her with his deep blue Prussian orbs, the Gundam Pilot almost withdrew from his plan when Haruka looked at him tenderly in return. The raven haired beauty smiled softly as they exchanged glances with her cheeks turning red while her sky blue eyes began twitching due to Heero's steady gaze. Mustering enough courage to speak out his request, the mobile suit pilot cleared all worries in his chest with a long outward breathe as he asked Haruka of what may be a final request before his imminent departure.

"May I have one dance with you, Morishima sempai?"

Haruka instantly blush crimson red after hearing what he had said, but almost immediately nodded her head in response to him. Heero stood up and took her left hand before leading her gently towards the middle of the ballroom. The band had taken a short pause and was making some adjustments to their musical instruments before performing one last song for the current set. As Heero and Haruka stood among the other couples waiting for the resumption of the band's performance, their front man and keyboardist who happens to be an Englishman tried to entertain the small audience of dancing couples by providing some tidbits about the song they were going to play. He mentioned it was not an original composition but only a cover and had been previously used as a soundtrack for a movie before finally giving its title. The name of the song elicited a warm round of applause from most of the pairs at the ballroom and patrons who were seated at the tables.

'Must be a pretty famous song. But... the title itself is somehow peculiar to my situation.'

He was shaken off such musings when the drummer started clapping his drumsticks together, the vocalist and pianist took this as a queue and began playing the melody of a hauntingly beautiful tune which melded the intense classic piano keys to the deep modern beats of a drum set. It was followed with a rounded and low tone set by the bass guitar then finally joined by the barely noticeable soft picking of the lead guitar. As the band performed the intro, Heero gently held and raised Haruka's left hand sideways before pulling the raven haired beauty closer to him with his right hand mildly placed above the smooth curve of her waist. In return, the pretty campus idol positioned her left hand above his right shoulder and stared softly at him with her sky blue eyes.

'Indeed... This never happened to me before.' Heero solemnly thought, repeating the song's lyrics in the process.

As the band continued playing the song, Haruka smiled tenderly at him before locking his Prussian blue orbs with her own eyes in an intense and passionate embrace both of them had been all too familiar with.

'Since I met you, those two eyes of yours, have such pure innocence whenever I look at them, thank you for all the kindness and happiness in the world that you have never thought twice on giving me.'

They danced slowly, smoothly swaying along with the song's soft and classic melody. Their eyes never parted the company of one another in every line that was finished, every tune that was completed and every note that was played.

'Haruka... Every part of me thinks and feels that... This is the way it's supposed to be...'

His heart and mind deeply wished that their circumstances or more particularly his was different. That he had met her under normal conditions. That he was given the chance to know her without his past looming behind him. That he was able to share everything about him without any pretense.

'I am still grateful to have been given the opportunity. To meet such a wonderful person, a woman who made my stay here unforgettable.'

The brown haired boy felt an influx of emotions drive through him, its gateway being Haruka's cornflower blue irises. He could see his image reflected within her pupils, as she was similarly mirrored in his own piercing ones. It was a place he could call his own, because Haruka allowed only him to enter such hallowed premises before locking themselves within and shutting down everyone else outside.

'I really want to be that someone for you. That someone you could depend on. That someone you could trust. And someone you could be with... for all of time.'

He felt Haruka gently rest her head on top of his chest near the collarbone with her left arm tightly clutching the backside of his shoulder. Heero softly turned his face, landing his cheek over the pretty campus idol's long flowing raven hair. The Perfect Soldier was able to inhale the fragrance of Haruka's curly tipped hair, breathing in the sweet smell while imprinting it among the annals of his memory.

'Yet I'll be leaving you behind. I'll understand if you will never forgive me.'

The Gundam Pilot smiled sadly at the unavoidable separation which would result from his actions. He took a discreet glance at the other pairs dancing around them and noticed that all were moving slowly in rhythm with the song while swaying closely together. Returning his focus to Haruka, he felt the raven haired beauty bury her face further on his chest. She then freed her left hand from his and entwined it in similar fashion to her right hand which was on the backside of his other shoulder. As whatever space between them eventually vanished, Heero could feel his chest along with Haruka's own beating steadily with each other as she embraced him tenderly while they moved softly together.

'We could never be what we want to be.'

Their bodies continued its gentle sway along with the song's soft beat and smooth rhythm. Unmindful of everyone else, they only cared about that particular moment, no matter how fleeting it is, both of them relished each passing second, as if fearing what tomorrow might bring.

Feeling the song near its finale with the build up in crescendo, Heero held Haruka even tighter with the cornflower blue eyed young lady digging her face deeper onto his chest. If he had his way, the brown haired boy would never let go of the beautiful school idol that he was holding in his arms. Never give up on the hands which clung tightly on his back. Never abandon the promise of a future even if it is full of uncertainties with the woman in front of him.

'This never happened before... because, it is too impossible, too much for either of us to handle.'

The song finally ended, and with it was a roaring round of applause from the ballroom crowd and dining area patrons in appreciation for the band's efforts. Heero and Haruka remained in a tight embrace amidst the thundering applause, neither would admit they wanted to let go of each other before reluctantly parting from one another.

"You dance well, Yuy-kun."

"The same goes to you, Morishima sempai." Heero replied, smiling slightly in return to Haruka's own.

Realizing that they had lingered longer than necessary, Heero decided ask Haruka about their planned meeting with her family, "Morishima sempai, what time are we suppose to meet your family again?"

"Oh! I forgot!" Haruka cheerfully said while lightly knocking her head with her hand.

The cornflower blue eyed woman had a mischievous smile on her lips as she made a quick and curious glance at him before continuing, "We planned on meeting an hour ago."

'Huh? An hour ago?' His thoughts wondered but instead decided to focus on the current matter at hand.

"We should get going then, Morishima sempai. By the way we're supposed to proceed to your house right?"

"No." Haruka swiftly answered shaking her head sideways while grinning impishly at him.

'Hnn... Whenever you have that grin hanging on your lips, Haruka you always have something crazy in store for me.'

"Let's see..." The raven haired beauty trailed while placing her index finger on top of her lips in a gesture of deep thinking.

'I don't think I'm going to like where this is heading to.'

"Here! The place we're supposed to meet is just upstairs." The young lady excitedly responded, a twinkle of happiness appearing from her sky blue orbs.

Confusion was written all over the normally calm and composed Gundam Pilot's face as Haruka had once again succeeded on surprising him with one of her antics.

"But, don't you celebrate Christmas at home with your family?"

"Yes, along with my grandparents. That's why there's a room reserved upstairs for them."

"So that's where we meet them."

"Exactly, Yuy-kun!" Haruka giddily replied before nodding in agreement to him.

---

"Whoa! We're going higher and higher!" Haruka exclaimed while peering downwards at the various lights coming from the lamp posts and Christmas decors along with the moving vehicles across the streets which were rapidly getting smaller as the elevator continued its ascent upward.

'She really is a bundle of energy. She also doesn't seem to have any fear of heights.'

"Oh yeah. Actually, because of flight delays, my grandparents weren't able to come today."

'Hnn... Well considering this time of the year, it still happens in the future even on A.C.'

"It's quite normal for that to occur, Morishima sempai."

"We'll be alone together. That's right." Haruka continued, seemingly talking to herself.

'Huh?'

"I thought we will also be meeting your parents. It was supposed to be a reunion right?" Heero asked, unable to understand the increase in pace of his own heartbeat.

"They said there's no point in going if my grandparents couldn't make it. They're at home." The cornflower blue eyed woman answered while smiling mischievously at him.

'What the...'

"I didn't want to waste the room we already reserved, so I came to spend the night." Haruka explained after noticing the alarmed look in his Prussian blue irises.

"When did you learn about it, Morishima sempai?"

"Just a while ago, I called our home using the hotel's phone."

'Heero... that's not the question you should be asking.' The Gundam Pilot silently berated himself as he studied the swiftly changing situation between them.

They were distracted by an electronic chime, notifying them that the elevator has reached the floor of their destination.

"Pity. I wanted to look at the night scenery a little longer. Let's go." Haruka simply commented before looking and nodding at him.

Heero could only follow her out of the elevator in disbelief.

---

"We can see the night scenery!" The raven haired beauty broodingly said as she placed both palms on the glass windows while gazing at the evening skies.

The room was situated at the uppermost levels of the hotel, probably a floor or two just below the penthouse. It was slightly larger than the average hotel room, having a decent drawing area complete with its own sofa set. The bedroom which lies directly next to it lacks any wall or divider to isolate both areas. There were two single sized beds separated by a small end table that has night lamp, telephone along with the room's wall mounted controls. A lampshade above another corner table was placed beside the right bed. While at the leftmost corner of the room near the left bed was another door which Heero assumed to be the bathroom. Adjacent to the left side of the room was a wide glass panel window overlooking the city down below. The opposite wall where the entry lay had a finely crafted wooden drawer that was adorned with another lampshade beside a small deco plant, a medium sized painting served as the back draft which was hung on the wall directly on top of the drawer.

"I wonder what the bathroom is like." Haruka wondered out loud as she proceeded towards the door near the bed side.

"Hey, the bathroom's really great too!" The kind and bubbly young woman remarked upon seeing the room's interior.

"Ooh, the bathtub's also really big!" Heero heard her say in awe while still inside the bathroom as he took another moment to assess his situation.

'I'm really at a loss as to what is happening right now.'

"Amazing!" Haruka exclaimed in apparent approval before sticking her head outside the bathroom door while looking at him with enticing sky blue eyes.

"Since I'm already here, I think I'll take a bath." The cornflower blue eyed young lady decided while nodding softly.

'Huh?'

"Morishima sem..." Heero tried to ask but was stopped by Haruka while in mid-sentence.

"You rarely see a bath this big, so it'd be a waste not to." She explained to him, obviously pleased with her decision before turning to close the door.

'Oh well... guess there's no stopping her.'

"No peeking." Haruka seriously said, sticking her head out of the bathroom door once more, both brows slightly scrunched together.

"I never will Morishima sempai." Heero assured her without batting his Prussian blue eyes.

"Wow, good answer. Well, I'll be taking my bath." The raven haired woman finally replied, satisfied with his answer before closing the door.

The Perfect Soldier could faintly hear the distinct sound of Haruka humming while inside the bathroom. A slew of thoughts began ravaging his mind at the numerous possibilities that led to his current situation. Each passing second seemed to take longer than the next as the mobile suit pilot could feel the steadily increasing pounding within his chest. A part of him was beginning to dread the succeeding events that he believes would soon be initiated by Haruka. He was all too unknowing and completely unprepared with the sudden change in plans. Heero could only liken his situation to that in the battlefield, he was inside unknown territory and though he was expecting the enemy, the Gundam Pilot had no idea what the enemy was planning.

The Prussian eyed young man however knew that something was bound to happen, similar to his previous experience with Kaoru's confession. He had already anticipated it. He had already felt it. And much as he would like to hide it, a side of him wanted it. Because somewhere deep inside of him, he longed for it. Of course, the young man already promised himself to accord the same opportunity for the one woman he deeply cares.

The one.

The one woman.

The one woman he...

-oxo-

"Here, please take this. Apparently, you've lost consciousness due to hunger and fatigue according to the nurse."

Heero moved and rested his back on the bed's headboard, after reaching out for the plastic bag he nodded softly to her.

"Thanks. My name is Heero Yuy, class 2-A, I am grateful to you, miss..."

"Ohh, I'm Haruka Morishima, class 3-B, it's ok, don't worry." Haruka answered while smiling gently at him.

"I'm sorry though, I could only buy you some apples and instant food at a convenience store. The cafeteria is already closed and I have to come back here."

Realizing the trouble he caused her, the Gundam pilot felt a soft tinge subtly pinching inside his chest.

'She's kind and barely even knows me to go through all that. It would be rude to give this back.'

"Please don't apologize, the one who should be doing that is me, since I've caused all of this. Morishima sempai, I truly am in your debt."

"No! No! No! We should always help those in need. Besides you're a good person." Haruka reasoned, her eyes finally meeting his.

-oxo-

As he landed on the court, the mobile suit pilot clenched his fist tightly before pumping it very subtly upon seeing his shot had gone in.

The whole batch of Second Years erupted into an ecstatic uproar, after he made his dazzling shot causing Class 2-A to win the ball game. Victory shouts and joyous cheering echoed around the gymnasium, there were even a few students jumping in delight as the Second Year's team rejoiced across the court. Masayoshi, Junichi and their teammates had rushed to where the brown haired boy was standing, tapping him at the shoulders for such a splendid performance.

The Gundam Pilot was about to take a step back to their bench when he heard a familiar voice screaming his name from the bleachers.

"Yuy-kun! You did it! Congratulations!" Haruka shouted, with both hands encircled around her mouth to increase her voice's modulation.

Heero turned and saw the raven haired beauty punching her right fist in the air repeatedly while shouting his name again.

"Go! Go! Go! Yuy-kun!"

The Perfect Soldier felt his lips curl upwards, a simple smile reflected on his face while he gazed at Haruka. Heero nodded to her to which she responded with a "thumbs up" sign.

-oxo-

While inside the library, Heero was still pondering if he'll greet the campus idol when she lost balance after pulling out the book from its place. As Haruka struggled to maintain her footing on the wobbly ladder, the brown haired boy didn't waste any moment as he rushed towards the young woman's direction.

He was also just in time to catch the raven haired beauty as she fell backwards from the ladder.

The sound of Haruka's shriek was cut short as two lean yet strong arms caught her body, instead of hitting the hard floor. Haruka had instinctively closed her eyes the instant she fell, as they fluttered open to look at her savior, the young woman was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was none other than Heero who had saved her.

"Yuy-kun..." The campus idol mumbled as her eyes stirred while looking at the Gundam Pilot.

"Are you alright Morishima sempai?"

"Thanks... I'm fine." Haruka replied, smiling warmly at him as her cheeks blush into a soft shade of pink.

'Morishima sempai...' His thoughts raced, unable to will anything, content to look at the raven haired beauty that he currently cradled.

A moment of silence was shared as both of them gazed into each others eyes. Heero's deep blue Prussian orbs seemed to pierce through Haruka's cornflower blue eyes. The library was already quiet and it did not help them realize their current situation any time sooner. Heero however was the first to return to his senses when he noticed Haruka's lips quivered slightly.

-oxo-

"OK! One last shot, what would it be Yuy-kun?" Haruka curiously asked at him.

"It's your call Morishima sempai."

The raven haired beauty seemed to be giving it some serious thinking before a sly, mischievous grin suddenly appeared from her lips.

"Let's just do a candid shot."

"A candid shot?" Heero repeated, a questioning look could be seen from his normally composed cobalt blue eyes.

"Yes, a candid shot... you just... stand still and do what you normally do." Haruka answered as she pressed the shutter button to start the 10 second timer.

Not knowing exactly what she meant, he followed her instructions and prepared himself for the final shot.

3...

2..

The moments seemed to have slowed down considerably. Each passing second seemed to crawl unbearably longer than the previous. Every instance seemed to linger more than the usual. Heero felt her breathe as the pretty campus idol closed the small distance between them.

'Haruka...'

1!

"Morishi-" The mobile suit pilot attempted to say but it was already too late, Haruka's movement had been very swift and absolute.

He felt her smooth, thin, red pinkish lips landing on top of his.

SNAP!

He was astounded on what to do as their lips barely moved while in contact with each another. Despite the predicament, Heero was immensely mesmerized as he tasted an unknown sweetness emanating from Haruka's lips. The Perfect Soldier could not prevent himself from both the tense emotions resulting for his own lips to quiver. The warm breath that managed to escape from the mobile suit pilot seemed to have tickled the pretty campus idol. He could see her cheeks were burning bright red while her chest was heaving long deep breathes. For him, everything else have faded, even sound was consumed by the void, leaving the two of them alone in an endless space covered with nothing but luminescence and painted entirely in brilliant white. The moment seemed to have tempted them into lasting for an eternity, before everything went back to normal, as sound announced its return and time resumed its constant pace. They stayed that way till he felt her reluctantly parting lips from him.

It was his first kiss.

-oxo-

Cherishes.

Adores.

Cares.

Loves.

All of those belong only to Haruka Morishima.

The one woman who owns his heart.

Heero stood up from the sofa and walked towards the glass panel wall, he slid both hands inside the pockets of his pants before gazing at the serene atmosphere now occurring outside the hotel. Small specks of white began to fall down from the skies. The specks began to gradually fill his visage as it continued descending from the heavens. Though he was inside the hotel room with its controlled temperature, the brown haired boy felt a cool yet gentle breeze seemingly swirling inside his chest.

'White Christmas...'

Snow had decided to finally fall at such a romantic time, during Christmas Eve. However, instead of being reminded of all the events that occurred at this point in time from his past, Heero was granted reprieve by recalling one particular memoir which he recently began holding dearly inside one of the deepest crevices within his mind.

-oxo-

It was still early in the afternoon and they had both decided to pass by the View Deck Park before going home. With the Perfect Soldier's leadership and guidance, the Mechatronics Club had just finished and successfully completed the massive replica earlier that day. Haruka kept on insisting that they should loosen up and relax after all the hard work that accompanied the preparation for Kibitou Senior High Founder's Festival. After parking the red motorcycle lent to him by Mr. Takeda, Heero went towards one of the trees inside the park that had became their favorite spot. As he went there, the Gundam Pilot briefly wondered why the sky blue eyed young woman was sitting and leaning on the tree instead of normally playing with the stray puppies at the park grounds.

"You don't seem to be playing with the... little dogs, Morishima sempai?"

"Nope. I have better plans today. Come here beside me, Yuy-kun."

He did as he was told and sat beside Haruka. The raven haired lady smiled and shook her head sideways making him wonder if he did something wrong.

"No, that's not good enough. You lie here." Haruka softly informed him, motioning for Heero to cushion his head on top of her stretched legs.

"But..."

"No buts, Yuy-kun! I'm not going to do anything on you. Unless of course, you want me to?" The pretty campus idol teased at him, her cornflower blue orbs steadily gazing on his, challenging the mobile suit pilot.

Knowing it was fruitless to go against Haruka's wishes, Heero acquiesced and soon had his head lain across the kind sempai's limbs.

"Yuy-kun, do you like it here in Kibitou?"

"Yes." He answered before grunting softly while in deep thought.

"I liked living here too. My family and friends like Hibiki are all here."

"Morishima sempai, why do you say it in the past tense? Shouldn't you say, you always like living here."

"No... That's just about right because..." The raven haired young woman tentatively trailed as she averted her eyes while her cheeks began turning beet red. "I like living here more now. Since... you arrived."

They were silent for a while as Haruka avoided looking at him while he secretly stole a glance at her still reddened face.

"Thanks, Morishima sempai. I would never have adjusted living here without your help." He admitted, though the Gundam Pilot wondered for a second if the young woman believed him or not.

"Oh... well... uh... that's nice to hear, Yuy-kun." Haruka softly replied, with her face now all red with embarrassment.

Both of them refrained from talking as they savored the refreshing gale that blew gently around them. The December wind was considerably colder as it was also a precursor to the changing seasons. It was a good day for the two of them, with the sun brightly shining down and the cool shade provided by the tree's wide bark. Heero was relishing every moment with the young lady before him when she again asked him to do something for her.

"Yuy-kun, close your eyes and cover them with your hand."

"Morishima sempai..."

"No... Don't worry. I won't attack you or am I planning something similar to the last time I asked you to close your eyes."

"Of course, sempai." Doing exactly as he was told, Heero shut his eyes tightly and covered them with the back of his palm.

"What do you see?" The pretty campus idol inquired her voice barely a whisper amidst the harmony of nature.

"Nothing."

"When you see nothing... You don't know where you are right?"

"Yes."

"Open your eyes and remove your hand."

Again, Heero followed her instructions as his eyes fluttered open. The first sight he saw was the lovely and angelic face of Haruka.

"What do you see now? With respect to your earlier response."

"Everything."

"Exactly, it is right to conclude that seeing everything, means knowing where you stand, correct?"

"Definitely, Morishima sempai."

"You... might be wondering why I'm speaking like this... A girl I know is under a predicament combined from both situations."

"I don't quite get it, Morishima sempai."

"She... happens to like a particular boy… that much she is clear about. And this boy means everything to her. However, she doesn't know where she stands with him. Right now she sees herself nothing to him." Haruka spoke calmly yet mysteriously while looking into the horizon before switching her gaze to him.

"What do you think, Yuy-kun? Does he have a place for that girl?"

"Hnn..." He grunted while in deep thought, pondering his mind for a decent response to Haruka's question. As his brain tried to process and analyze the situation the sky blue eyed lady had just told him, he noticed the sad and forlorn gaze that she once again threw at the endless expanse of the horizon.

"Morishima sempai?"

"Yes?" She whispered at him, looking down gently at his face like a goddess from the heavens.

"Is he aware that she likes him?"

"I think so."

"Then she must make it clear to him."

"Huh?"

"Morishima sempai, I am really not good on giving advice when it comes to such things. But one thing I'm sure of, the girl has to act on her emotions. It's one of the principles I've lived my life on. Lest she do nothing, she risks losing the guy that means everything to her."

"Even on the face of a losing battle, it is best to have tried and lost rather than to have lost but never tried at all."

"He... Yuy-kun... I guess you're right." Haruka softly replied, smiling warmly at him while nodding her head in understanding.

-oxo-

'Wait a minute... That girl... it was you, Haruka.' Heero finally realized as his memoirs slowly brought him back to the present.

'And the boy... is... is it me?'

No sooner had he finished contemplating that episode with the one woman he would give up everything in his life, when Heero failed to hear the soft clicking of a switch followed by the lights inside their hotel room being shut off.

---

Complete darkness overcame the entirety of the hotel room.

Followed instantly by a deafening silence within the wholeness of the area.

"A power outage?" He briefly assumed. 'No it can't be… the lights down the streets were unaffected, must be confined within the hotel.'

"Nope." Haruka seriously and coldly answered.

"It's embarrassing, so I turned the lights off." She plainly added in the same formal tone she had used earlier.

Heero's cobalt blue eyes instinctively darted towards the direction of the bathroom.

He could barely make out the young woman's form as his pupils strained to adjust from the room's darkness.

Till she finally came in contact with the ray of light reflected from the glass window panel.

His eyes widened in disbelief upon seeing her... draped only with a bath towel.

Haruka was there for him to behold, a piece of absorbent cloth only big enough to deter him from seeing the sky blue eyed young woman in all her shining glory.

'What's going on...? Haruka...?'

He could hear the loud banging and feel the heavy pounding somewhere inside his chest. His mind was wracked up with confusion as his thoughts were disarrayed and overwhelmed from the scene that lay ahead of him.

Heero then became conscious of her muffled footsteps as she closed the distance between.

'She's… moving towards me…'

The brown haired boy barely budged as she gradually came to a stop while facing him.

Haruka Morishima now stood a mere four feet before him, covered only with a towel.

'What... I don't... understand...'

His brain attempted to digest the vision ahead of him as his logic scrambled to get even just one feasible reason as to why the raven haired beauty appeared that way.

In front of him.

In such a manner.

"Dummy." He heard Haruka softly mumbled, pausing for a few seconds before continuing, "I don't know if you're acting stupid or simply insensitive."

He could not utter anything. The Gundam Pilot was awestruck… flabbergasted from the spectacle before him.

"Why didn't you come to peek at me?" The blue cornflower eyed woman asked with her head slightly tilted downwards, the strands from her raven hair slightly obstructing her face.

"Huh? Morishima..."

"Why didn't you come to peek?" Haruka repeated, now in a more agitated voice, her cold blue eyes searing through his soul.

Heero was unable to respond, or more accurately, the Perfect Soldier had no idea on how he could answer the pretty campus idol's question.

"You don't... like me." Haruka dejectedly replied, lowering her head in apparent frustration.

To be continued...

---

Author's Notes:

Sorry... I ran out of ink... err... of paper... Ok, I'll stop the lame excuses. Indeed it was a cliffhanger.

Wait a sec... Where are my manners...? Ladies (hope there are girls reading) and Gents... Welcome to the Haruka/Romance Arc! From here onwards please expect the story to follow true to its rating. Note with emphasis: Romance/Drama. My apologies for cutting 10 like this but the sheer amount of detail involved in completing the last scenes were staggering. This may as well be the first and worst cliffhanger conceived for the story.

10 - I really enjoyed making this since it kicks off the current arc of Haruka's Wings. I also get to focus more on the development of our main pairing's relationship. The gigantic mecha replica which Heero got involved in its creation for the Founder's festival is canon for Amagami SS, I just parodied the robot type they decided to built. For this chapter I decided to place most of the scenes POV on Heero's side, as it provides a look on how he has been handling the recent growing tensions between him and Haruka.

Amagami SS+ - I might place or include details learned from Haruka's 2-part arc. The story was very nice, really have to give Junichi a loud "hell yeah!" with the way he proposed to Haruka. Will Heero do the same way? No. Though I have "progressed" and "developed" his maturity and inclinations that would still be way OOC for him. We all know how the Perfect Soldier values his privacy. He's not the type who would shout out to everyone his feelings for the woman he loves. Is this a spoiler? Nope, just stating the truth and setting expectations.

The Dance - Hints to the music title and lyrics were subtly placed so if you think you've discovered it try to play and listen to the song. It was from a movie me and my wife watched probably... six years ago. Yeah, I really find it romantic and the lyrics are suitable towards Heero and Haruka's situation.

Haruka - I've limited her POVs at the latter part to keep everyone guessing on what is running inside her mind. Now that there are no more rivals or other female obstacles along the way, how will the prettiest (and hottest) yet most insecure girl in Kibitou Senior High get her feelings across the Gundam Pilot known as Heero Yuy?

Heero - Finally, for our main guy, I've place a few tidbits of information in homage to the original Wing Series. So Wing fans, I know you'd be able to easily point them out. Again disclaimer: this story is non-profit, just pure entertainment, a wish to collide two totally unrelated universes into one. I've prioritized getting his POVs on 10 to give everyone a clear idea on his plans, thoughts and feelings. Now faced with probably the biggest, most difficult and totally unexpected challenge brought to him by Haruka, would he still hold on or fold up and finally crumble from the pressure?

All of those would be answered in 11!

As always, please review and tell me your insights about the story. I really appreciate hearing and reading every comment and opinion on every update. I am fully aware that the story has a limited following due to its very unbalanced pair and outrageous concept but do know that I am very thankful and honestly grateful for everyone's support. I'll try to finish this one so all of you hang in there with me!

For chapter progress updates - you can check my profile. And if you have any questions that would not be classified as spoiler giveaways, I'll try to answer through PM. Again, please don't hesitate to review. Thanks! =)

Alright, see you in 11!