My eyes fluttered open with the first rays of sunlight shining over the trees making me groan before I casually shifted position to enjoy some much needed sleep. Mmmm... thing warm and soft feels good to the touch. Wait...? Warm soft thing?

*Squeeze*

"Aahh."

Hmm... the warm soft thing moans when me squeezes it? Odd? How come I am only waking up now, normally I sleeps less.

"No you don't, it just became a VERY late night." G snickered and my brain finally flicked as the memories from yesterday came rushing in. Did I really...

Fuck her senseless? Oh hell yeah Haru-chan you did. I think that everyone still heard you two last night even with the double isolation you got going on in here. I always pegged her as a moaner, but definitely not screamer. I mean damn man! It sounded like you came at her with a nine foot pole. Mental high five!

Great, Psycho is there as well now. Finally woken up from your nap?

Dude, it was impossible to sleep through all that noise! And I still can't believe you lasted not once, not twice, not even four, but FUCKING SEVEN TIMES! Where the fuck did you get all of that stamina from?

Don't know, don't care, I think I'm gonna stay in bed a while longer and live in the moment. As if responding to my thoughts Cecilia turned around and snuggled into my chest for warmth. I instinctively snaked my arms around her enjoying the feeling of having her so close, so vulnerable, but most of all she's all mine. I could really get used to this. But Kami damn it as always, someone up there decided to cut this moment short.

"Haruka, it's almost time for…" Ichika froze when he saw me and Cecilia's position. The evident shock on his face made him look like a fish out of water with its mouth gaping open. I really had to do my best to not burst out laughing while wearing a smug look on my face.

"Ichika, why did you…"Aaand cue the dumbstruck Houki too tough tided to continue speaking after seeing our position. But, as always, her anger won and she pulled her shinai out of freaking nowhere. Seriously, do women have access to a pocket dimension or something among those lines? (A Mandalore Requiem Intervention: Haruka that is the stick up the ass, most stiff-necked individuals like Ms. Shinonono over there tend to carry. Caution is warranted.)

"Haruka, give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right now." Houki threatened. Well I can already think of several ones, but let's start with—

"Because I'll shoot you from point blank if you don't leave and let us go back to sleep," Cecilia muttered darkly with her eyes still closed. Great she's awake now, so much for letting her sleep in. Thanks a lot Houki you probably doomed us all.

"Good morning sleepyhead." I joked hoping to lighten the mood. Cecilia just groaned as she opened eyes sleepily before looking into mine.

"Good morning." She said with a loving voice before kissing me. I eagerly reciprocated in more ways than one as I started kissing her.

"Ahem. We're still here," Ichika sounded a bit flustered. Damn, that's true. Well, not if I can help it.

"Houki, please go and inform Chi-chan that we'll be late today. If she asks why, you may tell her but make sure that the class doesn't hear of it. Call it overexertion if you have to explain it out loud. Ichika, could you please go get some coffee, I'm pretty sure that Cecilia could use it with her lack of sleep. Just put in front of the room, knock twice and then go to class so that you don't piss off our loving instructor. Am I clear?" I ordered them around. They nodded with confused surprise evident on their faces for a few seconds before they left. Cecilia giggled soon after.

"You really sounded like an NCO right then." She said with a small smile. I smiled back before getting up to search for my pants.

"How about I make breakfast while we wait until our butler comes back with the coffee?" I teased.

"And what about a shower?" asked me confused.

"We can take one together afterwards." I told her with a wink. Judging by that sensual smile, she knew what was more than likely going to happen next. Ichika knocked twice after a few minutes but didn't enter. I took the plate with coffee and we started eating in comfortable silence. (A Mandalore Requiem Intervention: Although silence is golden. Caution must be warranted with the opposite sex in such times DANGEROUS questions tend to emerge from their lovely lips in the end)

"Haruka, what is your relation with that German girl?" Cecilia asked me curiously. Damn, she's still thinking about that? And why is she wearing my shirt? Still it's quite sexy to see her in a shirt that's a few sizes to la...FOCUS HARUKA! (A Mandalore Requiem Intervention: Told you. Oi! Haru try to focus on her eyes, vod (brother/mate). Even in times like this a Lady like to be treated like a Lady. Don't ask me why they change the manual every other day)

"Like I said before, we operate in the same military unit, that's all." I assured her. She looked a bit relieved, but still had a trace of worry in her eyes. (A M. Intervention: Quite normal actually this is a good sign. It means she cherishes you ner vod (my brother/mate) enough to get jealous. Just in the name of God don't take advantage of that... Women are scary when they're angry.)

"So nothing's going on?" she persisted in her interrogation. I nodded since my mouth was filled with food. Cecilia looked relieved, but I have the feeling that this wasn't over.

"Then why were you in the infirmary after you returned?" she continued. I knew it would come this eventually. Best tell her the truth and hope for the best.

"I was shellshocked after an operation. That's why I stayed in the infirmary for a while." I told her with my face cast down unable to look her in the eyes. What if she leaves because of this? What am I going to do then? Not even a second passes before I feel a sudden increase in weight on my lap with some very nice legs in my downcast line of sight. Lifting my head, I fell into Cecilia's rueful gaze staring back into mine own before she pulled me in closer and started stroking my hair. I just gave in and rested my head on her shoulder.

"Why?" I asked her simply. It was the only word I could say without choking.

"I'm the representative candidate from England. I was prepared for cases like this long before I joined the academy," she explained gently.

"But still. I killed people, IS pilots included." I confessed.

"Haruka, eventually I will have to do the same as well. It would be unfair of me to condemn you for doing your duty. In the end we're both still soldiers meant to serve our nations in times of crisis." She gently reminded.

We stayed like that for a while, in each other's embrace. I had made peace with myself because of Psycho, but the unquestionable kindness and forgiveness from Cecilia will always be the most efficacious in time like this. Strange I've only known her for about a month, but she's already the most important person in my life. Quite funny actually. I laughed softly at the thought.

"What's so funny?" asked Cecilia a bit surprised. I looked in her curious eyes.

"I honestly can't imagine my life without you anymore... I don't want one without anyone but you." I told her earnestly. Her eyes widened and she had a massive blush on her face. I wonder why, I didn't say anything embarrassing… I think. (A.M. Intervention: Kandosii, gar jii be ori'mirsh solus (Well done, your now more of an idiot))

Think harder retard.

So I told her that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her so wha—

…

…

Did I just PROPOSE to her in an indirect way?

Yes and you sir, are way more whipped than we thought.

Shut up, this is serious.

I know, it's a serious case of WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU GIVING YOURSELF THE DEATH PENALTY?

I blocked Psycho out while inspecting Cecilia's facial expression. Her face was flushed from embarrassment, her hand was covering of her mouth containing what ever screams of pure joy her eyes were now advertising. She probably thinks that this is a dream or something among those lines.

"A-are you serious?" she asked me carefully.

"Once I found a ring and a place to propose properly, then yes I will be serious." I told her with a small smile. (A.M. Intervention: Nah no need for a ring do it Mando style ner vod (my brother). You can spoil her rotten later on the honeymoon and throughout your marriage.) She leaned closer and gave me a chaste kiss.

"When that time comes I'll gladly say yes." she said with tears in her eyes and one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen. I gently wiped her tears away with my thumb and let my hand rest on her cheek. Wait, what time is it? I looked at the alarm clock. Already 8:50 AM? Damn, this is going to be awkward when we walk into the class. Cecilia followed my gaze and had a sensual smile on her face when she looked back to me before standing up and walking to the bathroom. When Cecilia reached the door she looked back with a playful look.

"What's the matter Haruka? Didn't you just say that we could take a shower together?" she said with a seductive voice and a playful wink before disappearing into the bathroom. After processing those words for a few seconds, I ran after her into the bathroom. It'll be a miracle if we get to class before 10 o'clock. Not that you'll hear me complaining.

By the time we got out of the shower, dressed, and to the class it was already 10:25 and still counting. Yes, we still have to get into the classroom but I'm thinking of a plan to counter Chi-chan. There really are a lot of variables to hold in account. That and I'm giving Cecilia some time to get her nervousness down. She has been walking a bit funny though, I wonder why. (A.M. Intervention: I'm not explaining this there may be little ones reading this when they SHOULDN'T BE.)

Told ya that you should've uploaded the basics of biology as well in his brain, you idiot woman! yelled Psycho annoyed.

"Shut up you piss for brains battle crazed maniac! I can't help it if he lacks in common sense!" G yelled back. I can still hear you two bastards. After blocking them out for the second time today, I turned my attention back to Cecilia and squeezed her hand to assure her before letting go. I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this. Cecilia probably did as well and took a step to the right. Now how am I going to enter? Who am I kidding, I've always wanted to do it SuzumiyaHaruhi style! For those not familiar with it, it's just slamming the door open and greeting people with a loud and enthusiastic voice. This is very effective to scare and/or annoy the crap out of people.

*BAM*

"GOOD MORNI-" I didn't get to finish my sentence as a certain person's favorite book of torture was thrown into my face and I was sent back flying into the wall.

Shit, that's gotta hurt. Oi woman, give me a status report!

"First of all I have a name, and secondly who the hell put you in charge? I'm the oldest around here!"

Technically it's Doggie over there, but whatever. I am in charge because I am the strongest of us three.

"Says who?"

You wanna go for it woman?

If you would be so kind Superstes.

*THUD* *THUD* *SLAM*

Thank you. Now how bad is my condition?

"Nothing major. The shields have absorbed most of the impact, but you may feel dizzy and have problems focusing due to a minor concussion. The Nano machines should have taken care of it in an hour or so." Superstes , now let's try to get up so that I don't look like an idiot. Now standing again, I looked dismayed at Chic-chan.

"What the devil was that good for? I could've gotten seriously hurt just now!" I bellowed with indignant irritation. My attitude started to flare up only just die again thanks to Orimura Sensei's killing aura. Nearly the whole class suffered from asphyxiation as the demon's miasma filled the room bringing them down to their knees. The only ones still standing were me and Ichika, but even we felt the strain.

"Garisaka, I will say this only once. Piss off to the lobby and afterwards don't even bother to show your face in class today. I do expect you here at 1700, understood?" she asked me in a threatening voice. I responded with a nod. (A.M. Intervention: Oh crap a Tsundere. Must resist urge to TAME this vamp. Must resist. Must resist. I'm resisting. Mus-Haru you got this girl's digits? Cuz this fallen angle is in need of a redeeming. What? Don't look at me like that. I do not have a problem, I'm the solution ner vod (my brother).)

"Then why are you still here if you understand?"

And that's my cue. I walked away calmly, but when I was sure that no one could see me I ran like the devil was hot on my tail. That was probably the understatement of the year, and G please stop playing Run To The Hills in my head it's getting rather annoying.

When I arrived at the lobby (no, I didn't run all the way… okay, maybe three quarters but honestly, who cares?) I was reminded of my visitors yesterday.

"Ah Sergeant, I hope the disturbance like the one that hindered our conversation won't happen again." Clarissa asked me in a friendly tone. But that smile gave a whole different meaning.

She knows that you're whipped. (A.M. Intervention: All great men are whipped outside the bedroom, if you lose there then you should question your masculinity.)

"Are you alright Sergeant Garisaka? From the sounds coming from your room, it sounded like a lot was going on." Laura asked me with innocent curiosity. Oh hell no, please don't let it be true.

"Y-you came by my room last night?" I asked nervously. This might get ugly. (A.M. Intervention: You didn't salute and you forgot to address your superior properly. You know you can be trialed and court-martial if you keep this up, right?)

"Yes, but the door was locked and we heard a lot of moans coming out of it, then some names were screamed. I was going to breach the door since I thought that you two were fighting and needed some reinforcements. But the Lieutenant held me back for some reason, I still don't understand why." Laura said with a confused frown.

"Judging from the sounds it must've been pretty intense." Clarissa said with a sly grin. You're not really helping clear this up. But then again, how could she not have realized? Seriously, don't they give Sex Ed in the army?

"So, why did you guys come here?" I asked them, trying to change the subject.

"Ah yes, that problem we wanted to talk about yesterday. You see Sergeant, we're getting a lot of grief with the UN because of your assignment to Swarzcher Hase." Clarissa told me. Shit that can't be good.

Wait, you caused an uproar on an international scale? That's my man! (A.M. Intervention: Troublesome)

For the love of whatever you believe in Psycho, please shut up for the remainder of this conversation. And why the hell is Laura looking like that at me?

Oh fuck me, I'll talk to you later dude, we've got some serious shit to talk about. Psycho said before finally becoming quiet. And confusing the crap out of me.

"Garisaka, are you alright?" Clarissa asked me, snapping me back to reality.

"Yeah, I was just trying to imagine what kind of trouble I could've caused on an international scale." I lied pretty smoothly. I've gotten quite good at it for some reason. Probably because of Psycho. (A.M. Intervention: Comes with being engaged Lover-Boy)

"Well, according to the Alaska treaty, each country receives a certain amount of IS Cores and has to share their technology with each other. And since our squad is one that works on an international level but still is part of the German army and your Core is an unregistered one and you develop and steal your own tech—"

"I already breach a part of the treaty and disrupted the current power balance and because they can't reprimand me or dispatch me without losing face and popularity, they decided to target you guys." I finished her sentence. She just nodded and took some papers out of her briefcase. She looked at them briefly before handing them to me.

"There are a few solutions they came up with. Normally they would've decided without you, but we were able to influence enough people to let you decide for yourself what path to take. I do recommend the fifth one since that's the one you'd most likely take." Clarissa told me with a smile. I took the documents and started reading through them. Now let's see, number 1: "In defense of keeping the peace, Ichinose Haruka will be placed under 24/7 surveillance by—." I don't need a babysitter, so that's a no. Number two says that I will be contained and used as an valuable research object. Let's see, how about a HELL NO! If I find out which idiot proposed that, I'll reenact some of the 'research' I endured on HIM. Let's see number three demands that my IS will be taken away. No thanks, I still like to live so what's next? Number four is the same as number three, only will they give me a job as IS Engineer and a big fat payroll. Tempting, I'll put this one aside. And number five is way thicker than the other four. Lets see what it has to say? This has to be a joke or something.

"Are you guys serious?" I asked a little surprised.

"We are Sergeant. Laura has seen you in action and I've seen your matches. You have that certain spark that some of the finest soldiers have. That's why we proposed this to the UN, your talent is too great to just be squander because of a few rule abiding paper-pushers. So what do you say?" Clarissa said confidently as her eye drilled into me with a look that almost resembled begging me to stay in the fight. Not as an mercenary, but as the CO of the first international squad of IS Pilots? This was too good to be true.

"Why me? What's the catch?" I asked them. Clarissa smirked before she answered.

"I will not lie Haruka, at the moment we're in the middle of a worldwide Cold War. We're not fighting each other directly, but governments and shady organization are still battling it out over the best technology and pilots. The countries' who have Brunhilde as pilots have much more political sway in the UN than others. Thanks to that, countries act more open to each other, but in reality our leaders grow more and more suspicious of each other with each passing year. 'What if that country is holding something back?' or 'What if that country actually has more Cores than was given to them?'. Nobody dared to say these accusations out in the open, but thank to your appearance America gained the balls to reveal their suspicions against Deutschland out loud. Now different countries are constantly accusing each other of not following the Alaska Treaty by committing inhumane experiments and holding technology in reserve," Clarissa explained.

"So, thanks to my appearance everyone in the UN are grabbing at each other's' throat?" I asked with a slight hint of disturbed awe in my voice. I don't know whether to feel guilty or like an evil mastermind whose plan succeeded.

"Sadly enough yes, but you also created a new window of opportunity we shouldn't pass up." Clarissa continued. Okaay, now she lost me.

"Judging by your face, you don't understand, do you?" Laura deadpanned me. I just nodded. After a sigh, Clarissa continued.

"Since you and your squad will be neutral and won't have any political affiliations. You'll be able to operate in situations where others would be hampered by bureaucratic red tape, and allow for quicker resolutions. You would also be acting as an mediator between the forces of rival nations." Clarissa told me. I already see where this is going.

"You want me to become a scapegoat so that they'll stop pointing fingers at each other and actually work together," I told them in a quite pissed off manner.

"No, we want you to become the first step to true world peace, instead of one balancing on a knife's edge."

I thought about it. It does makes sense, some IS designs are built in secret because they break the laws of the Alaska Treaty. I'm sure that each country has a frame like that stashed away somewhere in case there come another war so they will have a trump card of some sort. Hell I spent years locked up in a research facility, common sense would dictate that other places just as well funded exist as well. War could break out any minute of the day and the worst part is, the world was oblivious to it. One slip of the tongue and two countries will drag the world into a bloody war with Infinite Stratoses at the heart of ever army. While some countries will want to preserve the peace, other countries will take that chance to increase their own stand in the world. The only thing that may be possible to keep them in check… is oddly enough me. Someone who has seen the true face of IS core researcher, not the one spoon fed into the public's gullible mouths. Damn, they really don't leave me any choice when they put it like that.

"You win, I'll take the job." I said with a smirk. Clarissa smiled and took a small box out of her pocket. She opened it and showed the contents. In it was an insignia and new dog tags. The insignia was a silver star that sprouted steel IS wings and had a laurel around it. She put the insignia on my jacket, right above where my heart should be.

"Then allow me to be the first to congratulate you with your promotion, Lieutenant Kurasabe." Clarissa said with a hint of pride in her voice as she and Laura saluted me. Meh, mum brought me into this world so I might as well show some gratitude for once. I returned the salute before we started laughing.

"Clarissa, please don't act that formal around me, we're still friends. Laura, I expect the same from you." I said to them with a light smile.

"That will be quite difficult since she'll be your executive officer, right Second Lieutenant?" Clarissa dropped another bombshell on me. Great any more surprises?

"Anything else you want to tell me, since we're already busy with revealing revelations?" I asked them. Hm, this is one of my weirder sentences.

"Not as far as I'm concerned. We will have to find corporations willing to supply us the necessary weapons, gear, and materials needed for the maintenance of our equipment and ISes. When that task is finished, and I'll move into my room at Academy," Laura bluntly stated.

"Oh, if that's all…..! Wait! Your room in the Academy?" I asked when the last sentence was finally registering with my brain. Damn, thanks to this concussion I'm slow today.

"Yes, I will start going to school here tomorrow so that I will be stay close to you and watch your six for you whenever you need me." Laura said with a small trace of happiness in her voice. Yay, just what I needed. The girl my girlfriend is jealous about will come to this Academy because the higher ups decided it. Just swell.

"Haruka, are you alright?" Laura asked me worry was evident on her face as she observed own growing concerns. Wait, doesn't she normally address me as Garisaka? Great, I feel a headache coming along again. Aren't the nanomachines finished yet with repairing the damage from Chi-chan's Book of Doom?

"Yeah I'm fine, let's just get this paperwork over with so that I can get something for this headache." I tried to assure her. Luckily for me, Laura let it go and looked a bit relieved for some reason.

"Wilco Lieutenant."

Chapter 20 is finished! I had some troubles writing this thing since some major parts of my plot were changed because of one crazy idea i had. i would also like to thank Mandalore Requiem for betaing this chapter and (hopefully) the next ones. But enough of that, let's get on with answering the reviews!

Zerothahedgedog: I'm trying to wait for the right time to use this joke in the story.

Death5367: WOOT WOOT!

Haruka: WTF dude?

What? it's kinda fitting to respond like this in my eyes.

Haruka: you're insane.

And I enjoy every minute of it.

AnimeLover00: Thank you AnimeLover for the news. Let's go to the weather forecasting to see forecoming events. For the next chapters there has been spotted mountains of paperwork. they might obstruct the rest of the day if you're not careful. Furthermore there seems to be some drama and secrets following those mountains together with some chances of comedy. When we passed all that, the weather should be back to its usual state. This was xtenchix with the forecasting.

Dunno if it turned out well but i wanted to try that news style as well

LeafeonLover: Oh he'll recognize Charlotte, be sure of that =).

Mandalore Requiem: I'll do my best with these tales and I'm sure that you'll be able to help me with it. Thanks again for helping me with this story.

PS. If I have a chance to speak Shyriiwook again on an oral exam, I'll gladly find a way to tape it for you.

Alex Bodewig: If one of the admins destroyed my story, I'd hunt him down and kil him with toothpicks. For those who wonder how the fuck I'll do that let me give you a piece of advice; the eyes are a very weak spot.

As for this being the most enjoyable fanfic ever, I'm flattered that you think that i wrote it but i've seen some much better works as mine on this site. Still, thnaks for the compliment, it means a lot to me.

that was all, thanks for reading and until next time!