~*~*~ Eye of the Midnight Storm ~*~*~

By: Rogue Angel Barton

Sorry haven't updated my fics in a while. I um... bit off more than I can chew! No surprise there. Besides I've been working on my poetry. Well, on with the fic. I haven't kept you waiting too long now have I? I don't own neither of the animes.

"Trowa?"

"Ami?"

Hotaru and Heero realized they had spoken aloud together. To their surprise, two figures walked out from behind the shelves. Trowa's eye was wide with shock, as a blushing Ami snuggled against his chest. Hotaru and Heero blinked, looked at each other, and looked back to the embarrassed couple.

"Um... hey Hotaru."

"Hey Heero."

Heero and Hotaru blinked, trying to accept the sight before them. They turned to each other. Heero pointed to Ami while Hotaru pointed to Trowa.

"You know him/her?"

Realizing they spoke together again, they both nodded. They turned to their friends again, speechless. Trowa blinked and blushed as Ami buried her face in his shirt. Heero shook his head, a smile touching his lips.

"I'd never thought I'd see the day when Trowa Barton would blush."

"And I'd never thought I'd see the day that HEERO YUY would be at the library on a Saturday with a girl."

"Same goes for you."

"And likewise."

Hotaru and Ami looked at each other as Heero and Trowa had this little exchange. Ami had slipped from Trowa's arms and shyly walked to Hotaru. Hotaru smirked.

"I'd never thought I'd see you Ami in the library making out with a guy. And not a bad looking guy either. You have fine taste."

Hotaru smirked as both Trowa and Ami blushed a deep crimson. Heero smirked with Hotaru and placed a hand on her forearm. Hotaru turned to him and smiled slightly. Trowa cleared his throat. An amused smile was on his lips.

"Look whose talking Heero. Fine choice you got there too."

Ami giggled as Trowa laughed. Heero glared at his friend. Hotaru did the same.

"Barton, we're working on a project together. You know school, that place I'm going to?"

Trowa rolled his eyes. Ami nodded, so he was the guy that dropped Hotaru off yesterday.

"Right Heero. I 'believe' you."

Heero walked over to Trowa and tightly gripped his arm. The smile on Trowa's face faded slightly as he saw the menacing gleam in Heero's eyes.

"A word with you Barton, ALONE."

Trowa nodded and allowed Heero to grab him and drag him somewhere else.

Ami turned to Hotaru and found her collapsed in a chair. Ami smiled kindly and walked to Hotaru. Noting her tired expression, Ami began to sooth her friend.

"What's wrong Hotaru?"

"So weird, you with a guy. No offense Ames."

"None taken. So, what's with the mystery guy as your partner? I never got a good look at his face yesterday."

Hotaru blushed. She knew that all the guys had seen Heero yesterday, just not his face very well. Ami smiled.

"He seems hot. Okay, totally hot. Rei was right."

Hotaru glared at her best friend. Ami giggled it off. Hotaru sighed.

"What about your guy Ami? I got that his name's... Triton or something?"

"Trowa, Trowa Barton."

"Ooooh... mysterious!"

Hotaru had perked up and was listening to Ami's every word. Ami blushed, she never had a real boyfriend like Trowa before, so of course Hotaru was excited... so was she.

"Well, he's nice, sweet, kinda quiet, but really smart."

Hotaru grinned.

"Just the type of guy I thought was perfect for you. And the hot part was just an added bonus!"

Ami blushed again. Okay, so Trowa was the perfect guy. Smart, understanding, wise... and like Hotaru said, really hot. Ami suddenly pouted. She was supposed to be the one interrogating here!

"So, what's the guy's name that was tall, dark, and handsome you were walking with?"

"You already know."

"Refresh my memory."

"Heero Yuy."

"Ooooohh, just as mysterious as Trowa. He is a really nice catch Hotaru."

"I told you! School work only!"

"Yeah well, like Minako said, we don't want you to be alone forever."

Hotaru growled. How come everyone was looking out for her in the love department? She didn't have time with... her line of work.

"Ami you know as well as I do that I don't have time for guys. Especially not now."

Ami nodded, understanding what Hotaru was saying. But she really did have a chance at something with this Heero Yuy. Please let her be smart enough to see it.

"Sorry to keep you two waiting."

Hotaru and Ami looked up to see Trowa and Heero walking back. Trowa stopped at Hotaru,

"I don't believe we were properly introduced. Trowa Barton."

"Hotaru, Hotaru Tomoe. Nice to meet you."

Trowa nodded as he watched Heero walk to Ami.

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced either. The name is Heero, Heero Yuy. It's a pleasure."

Ami smiled as he shook his head.

"Ami Mizuno. Likewise."

An awkward silence drifted over the four. Ami smiled slightly as she looked at Heero and Hotaru. Hotaru was still in the chair she collapsed in, while Heero was standing behind the chair, his arms hanging over the tall back of the armchair. Another few centimeters and his hands would have been touching Hotaru's head.

Ami looked at Trowa and gave him a look. Trowa, looking at the two quiet members of the group, smiled and nodded to Ami. Ami cleared her throat and grabbed Trowa's hand.

"Well you two, we don't wanna get in your way now. We'll just be going elsewhere."

Trowa nodded and smiled inwardly as he saw Heero's eyes widen. Ami noticed Hotaru gulp slightly and quickly stand up.

"It's okay! You don't have to leave! You guys can help us."

Trowa smiled, he knew Hotaru was nervous being alone with Heero.

"No, we'll simply distract you Miss Hotaru. Besides, we never planned on staying long any how."

Ami nodded and agreed with Trowa.

"So I'll see you at home Hotaru."

"Yeah Ami."

"See ya later Heero."

"Later Trowa."

Trowa and Ami walked out the library, leaving two very nervous people in the section. Heero and Hotaru looked at each other, smiled nervously, and then turned away muttering curses at their friends.

Heero ran a hand through his dark brown mane. He looked at the ten books in front of him; none of these books were of any use. He knew the story of Dracula, the real story kind of, but he needed a mere mortal's point of view on one of the most powerful vampires that existed over 2000 years ago. He said existed, since well, he was the one to stick the stake through Dracula's heart. A smile and sinister smile graced his lips, yes, that was one of the sweetest moments in his undead life.

"Heero, did you find anything?"

Heero turned to Hotaru, who was busy searching through one of the ten volumes before her. She looked so cute like that, in deep concentration. Her forehead scrunched up as her nose wrinkled from the dust in the books. Her violet eyes scanned over the pages with amazing speed. Her dark hair hung over her face like drapes of black silk.

"Heero?"

Heero shook his head, clearing his mind.

"No, I didn't, besides the one version of Bram Stroker's Dracula that we picked up half an hour ago, none of these books really talk about Dracula. And there is almost nothing about the man behind the myth."

Hotaru nodded, knowing this would happen. Although this was one of her favorite libraries, it was totally unprepared for a full out research like this. And then again... she had some books at home that would be better suited for this since she was a vampire slayer, and Dracula was still one of the most famous vampires in history. Perhaps...

She turned to Heero, who was busy searching through the shelves. Sighing, she tried to decide. He wasn't that bad of guy to be honest, and well, she wanted a good grade on this assignment. Hotaru cleared her throat, catching Heero's attention.

"Heero, we're not getting anywhere here. Even the computers here are too slow to be of much help. We can... go back to my house... my guardians have made... quite a collection of books in the library... including books on the supernatural. And my computer... is also better."

Heero gulped, Hotaru smiled blushed. Heero ran a hand through his hair again, not knowing what to do.

'Why are you nervous baka? Like you said, it's just a school assignment. Yeah but, Hotaru's house. She's just so cute and beauti- whoa! Out thoughts out! I can't be thinking about that when she invites me to her house! Just play it cool, you know, like Duo taught you. Kami, that isn't going to work. Okay, mask mask mask! Where are you Mr. impassive Mask! I need you before I start blushing like a complete fool!'

Heero felt the heat rising in his cheeks.

'Damn! Too late. Okay, just breath... er... I don't do that anymore. Okay, just look cool and say yes. Come on Yuy, don't make a fool of yourself!'

Heero shrugged.

"Sure, why not."

Hotaru nodded, cursing herself for the momentary weakness of blushing. She began putting the books back, with Heero's help. Five minutes later, they were ready to go. The two stepped out into the light, shielding their eyes from the brightness. Heero mentioned for the other direction from Hotaru's house.

"I got my ride."

Hotaru nodded and followed him obediently, not wanting to repeat what happened last time. She followed him down another block, and scratched her head, as she didn't see his bike. She watched as Heero walked to a midnight blue Eclipse.

"How many rides do you have Yuy?"

"A few. Come on."

Hotaru smiled and ran to the passenger's side. Heero, being a gentleman, opened the door for her. She mock curtsied.

"Thank you kind sir."

"My pleasure mademoiselle."

Hotaru got into the car, giggling slightly, but shocked at how well spoken he was. When he had said that, it was almost as if he was a gentleman from the 1800's. Shaking her head she banished the thought, he must simply come from a well off family, as was she.

Heero drove towards Hotaru's house; he had a great memory. Minutes later, he arrived at the huge white mansion. Parking the ca in front, he stepped out and opened Hotaru's door for her. She smiled her thanks, as Heero felt a strange desire rise in him. Ignoring that feeling, he followed Hotaru up the steps, across the huge lawn, and stopping before the huge oak door. Heero couldn't help but gulp. Not because of the size of the mansion, but perhaps Hotaru's parents.

^^^

Hotaru prayed that none of them were home. If they were, damn. Heero and she would have no peace. After all, it was the first time that Hotaru brought home someone, let alone a guy. Let alone, a totally hot guy.

Hotaru opened the door, and Heero saw the huge lobby of the house. IT was richly decorated with beautiful paintings, an exquisite chandelier, fine marble floor, and flowers.

"Whoa Hotaru."

Hotaru blushed and led Heero in more. She heard the sound of talking from the living room and so dragged Heero against the wall.

"Oh my god their all home."

Sneaking a peek into the huge living room, Hotaru saw her friends, except Ami, sitting around the couches talking. She gulped; Haruka didn't seem to be in a really good mood. Looking at the huge white marble spiral staircase leading upstairs, she had to sneak Heero up there. But it involved going past the way to the living room.

"Okay Heero, when I tell you, run to the staircase and run up stairs as fast as you can."

Heero looked confused but nodded none the less.

"Go."

Heero and Hotaru began running to the staircase. When they were a few feet away, they suddenly stopped and almost had a heart attack.

"HOTARU TSUKINO YOU ARE NOT SNEAKING A BOY INTO YOUR ROOM NOW GET OVER HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Heero and Hotaru both winced at the loud and angry voice. Hotaru groaned as Heero straightened himself, and prepared for Hotaru's overprotective father. Hotaru sighed and led him into the living room. Heero looked around, there were at least seven people sitting around, all girls, except one. The guy seemed to have steam pouring from his ears and his face was red. Heero blinked, wait a minute... THAT WAS A WOMAN!

Cursing himself inwardly, he realized his stupidity. HE watched as the woman, with short blond hair and blue eyes, stormed towards him. She wasn't short, although compared to his 6' 4" she certainly was. She glared at him while he looked at her impassive.

"WHO. ARE. YOU?!?!"

"The name is Heero Yuy ma'am."

He said this with his usual impassive voice, surprising the woman slightly.

"The one working with Hotaru on the project."

She said this more like a statement than a question but Heero nodded nonetheless. Damn she was still kind of scary. However her glare did not lessen.

"Then aren't you supposed to be at the library and not in my house?!"

Hotaru stepped toward, having enough of her guardian's ranting.

"The library had insufficient information, so I invited Heero back to our house to use the library. And we were sneaking because I knew you'd be ranting."

Heero was shocked that Hotaru was talking in a monotone. Apparently, her guardian was too. Another woman, shorter, with shoulder-length wavy teal hair and light sea green eyes placed her hand on the other woman's shoulder.

"Calm down Haruka, since Hotaru invited him, and he is Hotaru's classmate, there's no harm in letting them work in our house."

Heero found that the blond woman, Haruka, backed off slightly. Especially at the other woman's emphasis on our house. Heero put two and two together and realized that they were lovers. Not unusual. The teal headed woman smiled kindly and him and offered a hand.

"I'm sorry for Haruka's actions. I'm Michiru Kaoih, one of Hotaru's guardians. The other grumbling woman is Haruka Tenoh, one of Hotaru's other guardians."

Heero smiled slightly at her and shook her hand. Then, one by one, the other five women came up to him. The first was the raven-haired woman that was outside the classroom window that he saw a few days ago.

"Hello, my name is Rei Hino, a friend of Hotaru's."

"Ah, you would be the beautiful lady that I saw climbing the sakura tree the other day."

Rei blushed while everyone else had a good laugh. Heero smiled slightly. The next one was a bubbly blond with long blond hair and joyous blue eyes.

"Hi, I'm Minako Aino."

Heero smiled at her and kissed her hand.

"Heero Yuy, and it is quite a pleasure to meet you."

Minako giggled and blushed a deep red. Heero noted that she was kind of like Quatre, sweet and innocent. The next one was a dark green haired woman with an air of elegance and sophistication.

"My name is Setsuna Meioh, the last one of Hotaru's guardians."

Heero straightened his back, knowing he was in the presence of a true lady. He took her hand and kissed it, but not in the joking and flirtatious manner as before, but that of a true gentleman.

"It is an honor to meet you madam."

Setsuna smiled and nodded her approval towards Hotaru. The last woman came up to him. She had happy and mischievous with her big green eyes and cute little ponytail of light brown hair.

"Hiya! My name is Makoto Kino, one of Hotaru's best friends!"

Heero shook her hand, a strong gripe. Her voice was happy and cheerful. Kind of like Maxwell. Heero smiled. These people reminded him of his own friends.

"Hey what's all the noise?"

Suddenly Ami walked out, dragging a sheepish Trowa. When Heero and Trowa met gazes they both groaned.

"NOT YOU AGAIN!"

Heero and Trowa both groaned again. This was not their day. Heero crossed his arms.

"What are you doing here?"

Trowa crossed his arms as well.

"Ami invited me. What are YOU doing here?"

"Hotaru invited me."

They glared at each other before sighing. Ami and Hotaru looked at each other before sighing.

"You invited him back too?"

Hotaru nodded. Haruka glared at the two men.

"Okay, you know each other?"

Heero and Trowa turned to the angry guardian before nodding sheepishly. Haruka groaned.

"Why couldn't the two of you being back people that don't know each other?"

Hotaru and Ami smiled nervously. Heero snorted.

"I gotta do work Trowa. So catch'ya later."

"Laterz man."

With that Heero walked past Trowa, the two smirked at each other before Heero walked on. He walked to Hotaru.

"Come on Hotaru, let's go do research."

Hotaru nodded, bid goodbye to everyone, and showed Heero to the library.

^^^^^^^

Heero was impressed by Hotaru's library. It was huge, at least 50 feet tall with shelves reaching the ceiling. After about ten minutes, he found ten books all about Dracula. Strange that one family should have so much on the supernatural. He encountered many books on several other topics.

Hotaru was busy on the Internet, finding at least 40 pages of information.

"Let's get to work. We have enough info."

Heero nodded and the two set to work.

Four hours later...

They had about two-thirds the paper done, and it was already about 5 in the afternoon. Heero looked at his watch.

"I think we should stop now. It's been a while. The paper is due on her desk by Thursday, so we have five more days on it. Christmas is next Tuesday after all."

Hotaru nodded, knowing that the two of them had been working their butts of. Stretching, she looked at the paper. Already 20 pages long, by the end, it'll be around maybe 30 pages or so. She walked to the huge window of the library and looked at the beautiful sunset.

"It's a beautiful sunset."

Hotaru turned to Heero and nodded. He walked over to her, enjoying the sight as well.

"No matter how many times I see it, this is one thing that never fails to amaze me each time."

Heero nodded. Hotaru was right, it was beautiful. But it also reminded him of his own immortality. Another day has ended, and yet he'll keep on living... so to speak. Heero sighed and walked away from the window, unable to look at the constant reminder of what he is, and who he is.

"What's wrong?"

Heero turned to Hotaru's concerned voice. He couldn't tell her, no, not to ruin her innocence. HE shrugged.

"Just tired I guess."

Hotaru nodded, understanding what Heero meant, she was tired herself. Maybe the others could handle patrolling alone tonight.

"When should we finish the paper?"

"I don't have time tomorrow. Perhaps Wednesday? I have practically a carbon copy of your schedule, and I know that we only have two classes that day."

"That sounds good."

Heero nodded. He began packing up his things. He saved a copy of the paper on a disk and turned to Hotaru.

"I should get going."

"Yeah, you should."

Hotaru showed Heero the way out. Bidding goodbye to all Hotaru's friends, Heero walked to the door. He turned to Hotaru.

"Um... so I guess see you Monday."

"Yeah, sure thing."

"Bye Hotaru."

"Bye Heero."

With that Heero walked out the mansion and to his car. Hotaru watched from the door, as he got into his car, but not before turning and waving goodbye. Waving back she closed the door. She smiled gently. Maybe Heero Yuy wasn't so bad.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

OKAY!!! WHAT DID YOU THINK?! That was a bit of a long chapter, because I feel guilty not updating a lot lately. Stress? And I'm kind of behind schedule. Before Christmas, expect another chapter, which means I'm going to be a busy bee tomorrow since today is Sunday! And then if any of you guys are on on Christmas day, expect the Christmas chapter. I don't believe you want to miss it. And oh yeah, just so you know, the fic hasn't even reached the "fun" part yet. It's still only the beginning. So expect the fic to be around... 30 chapters long or something. REVIEW PLEASE!!!