Chapter four- 'Jadeite'
When the warm hand clamp down on her shoulder, Usagi shrieked, and jerked away from the caress.
Spinning around, she held up her hands to protect herself. Her eyes shut so tightly; she felt the pulsing with a forming headache. Her fists were held up to her face, just in case he tried for a cheap instant kill, shot to her nose.
She heard someone chuckling, and it sounded so foreign, that it startled her more than his hand did. Cautiously, she opened one eye, and looked behind her fists.
Tall as usual, more like another head higher than she, while Quatre was about her height. His arms crossed over his broad chest, covered now by a green turtle neck that hugged his well-developed chest, and lean stomach. His faded blue jeans hugged his thighs nicely. His hair, even into the golden light of the sun looked like honey.
Usagi dropped her hands, "You scared me!" She opened her other eyes, not feeling threatened anymore. He was smirking, while his eyes stared at her, with an intensity she couldn't describe.
She raised an eyebrow, "What? Do I have something on my face?" He chuckled again, and Usagi felt her body shiver at the richness of it. Despite how handsome he looked, he looked sad. And Usagi realized her never usually laughed.
She linked her arm with his, "Come lets go walk in the gardens. I heard they're lovely at this time of the year."
Trowa nodded, and touched her hand, that rested in the crook of his arm. As they left the room, and made they're way to the garden behind the academy, Trowa couldn't help but watch her.
Outside, Usagi let go of his arm, "Oh wow, it's so beautiful!" She looked left, then right glancing at each vast amount of flowers. "Trowa, come on!" Usagi raced to the bridge that led to the stables.
Trowa shook his head, as he watched her silently. She was like a little child on Christmas. Everything was special to her that he could see. But he knew for better, to know that she had another side to her, one he had yet to learn about. But he had time, and she would be here.
Usagi turned around, looking at him from the bridge. "Trowa san!" He frowned, and shook his head once more. Usagi scowled, and stalked towards him. Her feet hit the ground with duel thuds, as she stomped her way through the garden, and back to him.
She stopped in front of him, and went of her tiptoes. Still she was a good four inches shorter, but she didn't let that unnerve her. Instead she threw up her chin to lessen the space between them even more. She also hit him in the chest with an accusing finger.
Trowa inwardly smirked, as he stared into her eyes. Usagi stated hotly, "Why are you being so stubborn?"
She waited, and didn't receive a reply. She pocked him again, "And rude. You wont even answer me. We went out here to see the sites, and here you are looking at me. What kind of fun is that?"
"Fun?" He raised an eyebrow, while she saw it in question; he only raised it in amusement. "You don't know what fun is? You don't get out much do you?"
The small corner of his mouth lifted, "Maybe." Usagi frowned, "Can't you give me a straighter answer than that?" "Fine." Usagi rolled her eyes, and jabbed him again, "Droll, very droll. Who are you?"
"Trowa Barton."
Usagi shouted, poking him again, "I know that!"
Trowa couldn't help himself, he burst into a deep rich laughter that seemed to bubble up from his gut. He hand to hold his stomach, for fearing he would burst if he didn't.
Usagi's eyes widen in shock, and she nearly fell of from the shock of his laughter. But what kept from going down was the hand that had latched around her waist, and her pulled her up against him.
Her breath caught in her throat, and eyes stared into his, his eyes, now filled with laughter, amusement, and passion. Usagi frowned, 'Passion, where did that come from?'
Suddenly, Trowa touched her chin, tilted it up from him. Usagi gasped, as his lips claimed over hers, before she could even stop him.
Usagi was shocked, that his lips were now on hers, and was even more shocked, to find her self-enjoying it. Her arms were limb at her sides, and she couldn't find the energy to pull them up. She felt helpless against him, and in his protective arms. They held her up, when her knees went weak. His lips seemed to scorch her own, and send heat through her body, and she melted against him. He turned her head to the side, for better access to her lips, and Usagi trembled.
Too soon he pulled away, and Usagi found herself leaned against a tree. She opened her eyes, ready to asked him why, but found herself completely and utterly alone.
?????
"You know for sure, that the enemy is stationed at the Peacecraft academy?"
"Hai sir. We have figured, that three have stationed there, and gone under cover as students. But the other two, are yet to be found. But we believe that they will show up soon."
"For your sake you better pray they do." He turned around, to face the soldier, "Cause if not, it will be your head soldier. Report to Miss Catalonia, of the news."
The soldier saluted, and briskly walked to the front.
The older man sighed, feeling the long hours really hit him now. It was late afternoon, and the heat was so unbearable, he had to discard his coat, and unbutton the top three buttons of his shirt.
A trickle of sweat rolled down his small forehead, and he slid off his hat. He ran his hand over his sopping wet hair, and felt the muggy sweat that had soaked it from the heat of the sun, and the small room he had been confided to.
After the breakthrough, he had been stationed right away to the front, to take back his command post. And so here he was, the general of an elite army, that was ready to start a war, because of a past grudge. Sometimes he could really hate his job.
Several seconds passed, before there was a knock on his door, and the door was slid open.
He looked up, to see a familiar face. "Awe, how are you my boy?" the young man softly smiled, it was so faint it barely showed on his face. "I'm fine, thank you sir."
The older man laughed, "No hardships my boy. But please give me good news."
The blonde haired young man's frowned deepened, until it was so obvious, that something was terribly wrong.
"What is it?" He sat up in his seat, his dark blue azure eyes formed narrow slits, his dark brows folding together. "I was looking over the files of the students at the academy. I found Barton Trowa, Winner R. Quatre, and Maxwell Duo."
The older man nodded, and casually ran a hand through his moppy brown hair, that stuck up, from the several times he had run his hand through it.
"We also found...Sir, we sent you daughter to the academy."
He didn't move, not even blinked at the realization hit him with a left hook. He hadn't expected this. How could he have not known, that Catalonia would send his musume to the most safest place on earth, into the enemies arms.
Gundam Pilots, may hate their asses, but would know his musume was an innocent bystander, stuck in a war between both sides of her family.
Yes he had loved the Dorlin family. More so Richard, and his sister Irene. They all had been friends, going to the same school, but their families had been at war. So they had to lie to their parents their friends last name so he or she could come over. But it soon became too much of a hassle. They grew up, and went their separate ways. But then he met Irene in college, and they married. The war with the families had seized, because their parents had both grown too old to fight. Richard, married as well, and had a child; around the same time they had theirs.
It wasn't until Irene grew sick, when things began to change. And when she died, the wars began again. Blaming the other for her death, the wars had rages once more. He had heard of Richard's death, and felt no joy, no victory he had one. He had lost his wife, and was loosing his child before his eyes. for ten years, he had worked, finding a cure. And then that boy came, and saved his musume's life. that boy had been the enemy, but still saved her life.
He had then realize, had pathetic the war had become. It was no longer, a family feud, but a nation wide, and even the colonies had joined in taking sides.
Shaking his head, and he shut his eyes briefly. "Mr. Tsukino?" He nodded his head, and opened his eyes. He stared at the younger man in front of him. "I want you to gather a group of at least three, and go to the academy. Make sure no harm comes to my musume."
The young Lieutenant saluted, "Yes sir." Before the young man could leave, her barked out, "If one hair on her head is touched, I'll hunt you down, and kill you myself. Do I make myself clear Jadeite?"
The young man smirked, "Clear as crystal." He then turned, and stalked out of the office.
Kenji Tsukino sighed, and sunk back in his seat. Why couldn't things ever be easy?
?????
That was how he found her. She was sitting on the bench, in the garden. Her gaze was settled somewhere out in front of her, her head tilted to the side. Her hands were folded in her lap, and she sat still.
He walked towards her; carefully her stepped through the grass. The wind hit them both, and her golden hair flapped in the wind, licking the air, with sharp snaps.
Her head jerked up, and she slowly tilted her head, as if to hear silent words in the wind as it caressed her face.
He was closer now, and could see her face. Her eyes were shut, as if trying to hold onto a fading memory. Her peach colored lips pursed together, almost into a pout.
As if the words had faded in the wind, she tilted her head back, and her eyes slowly opened as she did so. "Hello." Her voice was soft, caressing him with its lightness. "Hello."
He ran an uneasy hand through his hair; the light locks falling back into his eyes. His eyes watched her closely. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
She shook her head, and he knew her lips had formed a smile. When she smiled, she glowed with innocence. "Have you been alone long?"
She paused before speaking, like she was trying to test herself if she could speak forbidden words.
"No, the gardener came by. We talked...little, he doesn't say much." He nodded, and rounded the bench, sitting down next to her.
"Are you cold?" She shook her head, and turned around from where she sat to face him. "Anything to do around here?"
He frowned slightly, and glanced at his watch. His heart nearly fell to his feet. He felt heavy with and aching burden. "No. I have to go to class in ten minutes. Would you like to come?"
She laughed, and shook her head, "I'd love to. But how about I just walk you to you class, and then I'll go find something to do."
He knew his face had turned red with embarrassment, and he damned himself for his weakness. Every time she said something, he felt nervous, but excited, as if it were an adventure.
"You're all red." She laughed, and touched his cheek gently. Her eyes lit up, and looked at him, as if he was the only person in the world that mattered.
"Alright."
He stood abruptly, and bit the insides of his cheeks, and tried counting to ten. He felt calmer, and held out his hand. She took it, and he couldn't help but stare at her hand.
Her skin was pale, but beautiful, and soft in his slight darker toned hand. Her fingers, long and slender, not a single flaw. Her nails, were manicured, and painted light pink, almost peach.
He pulled her up, and she tripped over her feet, and fell against him. Her flushed with embarrassment, and cursed himself for his stupidity. She pulled back, and giggled, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you did that on purpose."
His flush darkened, and she slipped her arm into the crook of his arm. "Are you ready?" He nodded, and turned his gaze away from her face. He led her back into the academy. Their shoes clicked on the floor, as they walked down the hall that would take him to his class.
He dreaded the fact that they were almost there. He didn't want to go inside, and wait till lunch to see her again.
They neared the door to his classroom, and he was reluctant to let go of her. She stepped away, and waved at him. She turned, and was about to walk away, heading back towards the garden.
"Will you have lunch with me?" The words were out of his mouth, before he could stop them. And once out, his face flushed darkly.
She turned back around, and titled her head to the side. She smiled softly at him, her eyes staring only at him. "Hai I'd love to."
He nodded, "I have lunch at 12." She must have known he was having trouble trying to ask, she replied, "I'll meet you in the garden. We'll have a picnic."
He nodded again, and watched her turn, and jog down the halls. At the end of the hall, before you turned, she turned and waved goodbye again. He waved back, even though she had already slipped around the corner.
Quatre turned around, and opened the door to his classroom. He didn't even get the chance to step inside, before his teacher hissed at him, "Mr. Winner, you're late! Take a seat!"
He nodded, and entered the classroom. The door shut behind him with a thud.
When the warm hand clamp down on her shoulder, Usagi shrieked, and jerked away from the caress.
Spinning around, she held up her hands to protect herself. Her eyes shut so tightly; she felt the pulsing with a forming headache. Her fists were held up to her face, just in case he tried for a cheap instant kill, shot to her nose.
She heard someone chuckling, and it sounded so foreign, that it startled her more than his hand did. Cautiously, she opened one eye, and looked behind her fists.
Tall as usual, more like another head higher than she, while Quatre was about her height. His arms crossed over his broad chest, covered now by a green turtle neck that hugged his well-developed chest, and lean stomach. His faded blue jeans hugged his thighs nicely. His hair, even into the golden light of the sun looked like honey.
Usagi dropped her hands, "You scared me!" She opened her other eyes, not feeling threatened anymore. He was smirking, while his eyes stared at her, with an intensity she couldn't describe.
She raised an eyebrow, "What? Do I have something on my face?" He chuckled again, and Usagi felt her body shiver at the richness of it. Despite how handsome he looked, he looked sad. And Usagi realized her never usually laughed.
She linked her arm with his, "Come lets go walk in the gardens. I heard they're lovely at this time of the year."
Trowa nodded, and touched her hand, that rested in the crook of his arm. As they left the room, and made they're way to the garden behind the academy, Trowa couldn't help but watch her.
Outside, Usagi let go of his arm, "Oh wow, it's so beautiful!" She looked left, then right glancing at each vast amount of flowers. "Trowa, come on!" Usagi raced to the bridge that led to the stables.
Trowa shook his head, as he watched her silently. She was like a little child on Christmas. Everything was special to her that he could see. But he knew for better, to know that she had another side to her, one he had yet to learn about. But he had time, and she would be here.
Usagi turned around, looking at him from the bridge. "Trowa san!" He frowned, and shook his head once more. Usagi scowled, and stalked towards him. Her feet hit the ground with duel thuds, as she stomped her way through the garden, and back to him.
She stopped in front of him, and went of her tiptoes. Still she was a good four inches shorter, but she didn't let that unnerve her. Instead she threw up her chin to lessen the space between them even more. She also hit him in the chest with an accusing finger.
Trowa inwardly smirked, as he stared into her eyes. Usagi stated hotly, "Why are you being so stubborn?"
She waited, and didn't receive a reply. She pocked him again, "And rude. You wont even answer me. We went out here to see the sites, and here you are looking at me. What kind of fun is that?"
"Fun?" He raised an eyebrow, while she saw it in question; he only raised it in amusement. "You don't know what fun is? You don't get out much do you?"
The small corner of his mouth lifted, "Maybe." Usagi frowned, "Can't you give me a straighter answer than that?" "Fine." Usagi rolled her eyes, and jabbed him again, "Droll, very droll. Who are you?"
"Trowa Barton."
Usagi shouted, poking him again, "I know that!"
Trowa couldn't help himself, he burst into a deep rich laughter that seemed to bubble up from his gut. He hand to hold his stomach, for fearing he would burst if he didn't.
Usagi's eyes widen in shock, and she nearly fell of from the shock of his laughter. But what kept from going down was the hand that had latched around her waist, and her pulled her up against him.
Her breath caught in her throat, and eyes stared into his, his eyes, now filled with laughter, amusement, and passion. Usagi frowned, 'Passion, where did that come from?'
Suddenly, Trowa touched her chin, tilted it up from him. Usagi gasped, as his lips claimed over hers, before she could even stop him.
Usagi was shocked, that his lips were now on hers, and was even more shocked, to find her self-enjoying it. Her arms were limb at her sides, and she couldn't find the energy to pull them up. She felt helpless against him, and in his protective arms. They held her up, when her knees went weak. His lips seemed to scorch her own, and send heat through her body, and she melted against him. He turned her head to the side, for better access to her lips, and Usagi trembled.
Too soon he pulled away, and Usagi found herself leaned against a tree. She opened her eyes, ready to asked him why, but found herself completely and utterly alone.
?????
"You know for sure, that the enemy is stationed at the Peacecraft academy?"
"Hai sir. We have figured, that three have stationed there, and gone under cover as students. But the other two, are yet to be found. But we believe that they will show up soon."
"For your sake you better pray they do." He turned around, to face the soldier, "Cause if not, it will be your head soldier. Report to Miss Catalonia, of the news."
The soldier saluted, and briskly walked to the front.
The older man sighed, feeling the long hours really hit him now. It was late afternoon, and the heat was so unbearable, he had to discard his coat, and unbutton the top three buttons of his shirt.
A trickle of sweat rolled down his small forehead, and he slid off his hat. He ran his hand over his sopping wet hair, and felt the muggy sweat that had soaked it from the heat of the sun, and the small room he had been confided to.
After the breakthrough, he had been stationed right away to the front, to take back his command post. And so here he was, the general of an elite army, that was ready to start a war, because of a past grudge. Sometimes he could really hate his job.
Several seconds passed, before there was a knock on his door, and the door was slid open.
He looked up, to see a familiar face. "Awe, how are you my boy?" the young man softly smiled, it was so faint it barely showed on his face. "I'm fine, thank you sir."
The older man laughed, "No hardships my boy. But please give me good news."
The blonde haired young man's frowned deepened, until it was so obvious, that something was terribly wrong.
"What is it?" He sat up in his seat, his dark blue azure eyes formed narrow slits, his dark brows folding together. "I was looking over the files of the students at the academy. I found Barton Trowa, Winner R. Quatre, and Maxwell Duo."
The older man nodded, and casually ran a hand through his moppy brown hair, that stuck up, from the several times he had run his hand through it.
"We also found...Sir, we sent you daughter to the academy."
He didn't move, not even blinked at the realization hit him with a left hook. He hadn't expected this. How could he have not known, that Catalonia would send his musume to the most safest place on earth, into the enemies arms.
Gundam Pilots, may hate their asses, but would know his musume was an innocent bystander, stuck in a war between both sides of her family.
Yes he had loved the Dorlin family. More so Richard, and his sister Irene. They all had been friends, going to the same school, but their families had been at war. So they had to lie to their parents their friends last name so he or she could come over. But it soon became too much of a hassle. They grew up, and went their separate ways. But then he met Irene in college, and they married. The war with the families had seized, because their parents had both grown too old to fight. Richard, married as well, and had a child; around the same time they had theirs.
It wasn't until Irene grew sick, when things began to change. And when she died, the wars began again. Blaming the other for her death, the wars had rages once more. He had heard of Richard's death, and felt no joy, no victory he had one. He had lost his wife, and was loosing his child before his eyes. for ten years, he had worked, finding a cure. And then that boy came, and saved his musume's life. that boy had been the enemy, but still saved her life.
He had then realize, had pathetic the war had become. It was no longer, a family feud, but a nation wide, and even the colonies had joined in taking sides.
Shaking his head, and he shut his eyes briefly. "Mr. Tsukino?" He nodded his head, and opened his eyes. He stared at the younger man in front of him. "I want you to gather a group of at least three, and go to the academy. Make sure no harm comes to my musume."
The young Lieutenant saluted, "Yes sir." Before the young man could leave, her barked out, "If one hair on her head is touched, I'll hunt you down, and kill you myself. Do I make myself clear Jadeite?"
The young man smirked, "Clear as crystal." He then turned, and stalked out of the office.
Kenji Tsukino sighed, and sunk back in his seat. Why couldn't things ever be easy?
?????
That was how he found her. She was sitting on the bench, in the garden. Her gaze was settled somewhere out in front of her, her head tilted to the side. Her hands were folded in her lap, and she sat still.
He walked towards her; carefully her stepped through the grass. The wind hit them both, and her golden hair flapped in the wind, licking the air, with sharp snaps.
Her head jerked up, and she slowly tilted her head, as if to hear silent words in the wind as it caressed her face.
He was closer now, and could see her face. Her eyes were shut, as if trying to hold onto a fading memory. Her peach colored lips pursed together, almost into a pout.
As if the words had faded in the wind, she tilted her head back, and her eyes slowly opened as she did so. "Hello." Her voice was soft, caressing him with its lightness. "Hello."
He ran an uneasy hand through his hair; the light locks falling back into his eyes. His eyes watched her closely. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
She shook her head, and he knew her lips had formed a smile. When she smiled, she glowed with innocence. "Have you been alone long?"
She paused before speaking, like she was trying to test herself if she could speak forbidden words.
"No, the gardener came by. We talked...little, he doesn't say much." He nodded, and rounded the bench, sitting down next to her.
"Are you cold?" She shook her head, and turned around from where she sat to face him. "Anything to do around here?"
He frowned slightly, and glanced at his watch. His heart nearly fell to his feet. He felt heavy with and aching burden. "No. I have to go to class in ten minutes. Would you like to come?"
She laughed, and shook her head, "I'd love to. But how about I just walk you to you class, and then I'll go find something to do."
He knew his face had turned red with embarrassment, and he damned himself for his weakness. Every time she said something, he felt nervous, but excited, as if it were an adventure.
"You're all red." She laughed, and touched his cheek gently. Her eyes lit up, and looked at him, as if he was the only person in the world that mattered.
"Alright."
He stood abruptly, and bit the insides of his cheeks, and tried counting to ten. He felt calmer, and held out his hand. She took it, and he couldn't help but stare at her hand.
Her skin was pale, but beautiful, and soft in his slight darker toned hand. Her fingers, long and slender, not a single flaw. Her nails, were manicured, and painted light pink, almost peach.
He pulled her up, and she tripped over her feet, and fell against him. Her flushed with embarrassment, and cursed himself for his stupidity. She pulled back, and giggled, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you did that on purpose."
His flush darkened, and she slipped her arm into the crook of his arm. "Are you ready?" He nodded, and turned his gaze away from her face. He led her back into the academy. Their shoes clicked on the floor, as they walked down the hall that would take him to his class.
He dreaded the fact that they were almost there. He didn't want to go inside, and wait till lunch to see her again.
They neared the door to his classroom, and he was reluctant to let go of her. She stepped away, and waved at him. She turned, and was about to walk away, heading back towards the garden.
"Will you have lunch with me?" The words were out of his mouth, before he could stop them. And once out, his face flushed darkly.
She turned back around, and titled her head to the side. She smiled softly at him, her eyes staring only at him. "Hai I'd love to."
He nodded, "I have lunch at 12." She must have known he was having trouble trying to ask, she replied, "I'll meet you in the garden. We'll have a picnic."
He nodded again, and watched her turn, and jog down the halls. At the end of the hall, before you turned, she turned and waved goodbye again. He waved back, even though she had already slipped around the corner.
Quatre turned around, and opened the door to his classroom. He didn't even get the chance to step inside, before his teacher hissed at him, "Mr. Winner, you're late! Take a seat!"
He nodded, and entered the classroom. The door shut behind him with a thud.