DC: I don't own GW (or anything affiliated with them, though I wish I did) All other characters are mine and created from the mind of insanity, mainly me. All resemblances to any characters of other fics are purely coincidental. Otherwise, don't sue me, all I have is my laptop.

The Day After-Peacecraft Estate-(7:45 a.m.)(one more day until Relena's birthday)

Heero Yuy knew that if he made eye contact with the braided wonder, he'd have a lot of explaining to do. Ever since last night's dinner party, Duo had noticed that every few minutes Heero would turn his head to look at that silver-haired girl. He watched them both until Heero had left the table and joined her for a very intimate conversation. He got no answers from Heero "The Perfect Soldier" Yuy last night, so now, since it was morning, it would be a perfect time to pounce.

Heero wanted to smack Duo upside the head. The braided wonder was tapping his fork against an empty plate, either trying to get Heero's attention- not to mention an angry glare from Wufei, or waiting impatiently for his breakfast to be served. He was now whistling, ignoring Wufei's glare and a mumble about annoying braided pilots, Duo intently watched Heero's reaction.

Heero, having years of learned tolerance, blocked out Duo's annoyances. He thought about the little talk with Kirin. He felt that whenever he spoke or thought the name, angels would suddenly appear and lift him onto heaven...

Heero jerked himself up and shook his head violently. What was this? He was a soldier, damn it! He had no time to be daydreaming about a young girl who was probably drunk out of her mind when she told him those things!

Though...he smelled no alcohol nor any illegal drugs on her. All he could smell was the lovely perfume that suited her so well. He almost slammed his head on the table. Why were all those pent up emotions emerging now? He still had one final mission to accomplish, though at one point he wished he didn't have to do it. He needed to find that damned assassin of Relena's first.

Heero crossed his arms, wondering why his male ego had suddenly ballooned to the size of Wufei's and why he was thinking of a girl who was probably too much of a woman for him anyway? He sighed, ignoring Wufei's questioning look and Duo's insistent rapping of his fork-on-plate. Dr. J had spent years of trying to suppress his feelings of humanity and love. It had worked for awhile, some emerging from Relena's obsessive compulsive behavior then fading as the feelings that were returned were just a phase. He went back into his old self and stayed there until last night. Last night a door that was so securely shut was broken down by a certain silver- haired gold-eyed beauty who not only opened other doors into his morose world but also gave him a new sense of the mission. She lived what he lived through and she survived. She was right, of course. There is more to life than the mission.

Quatre Winner entered the room with Trowa Barton, he looked worried as Trowa gave everyone silent, but tense looks.

"We received three messages last night. All within seven hours. This time, they're hand written."

Heero reached for the folder Quatre was carrying. Inside was a printout of the first three messages. He skimmed through the next pages and come across furious scribbled writing.

I'd hate to be the one to find Relena dead. Her head blown off, my assassin already miles out of town. My assassin is much more of a shadow than a person. It follows you around, watches your every move, but never sleeps when you do. If you're not careful, maybe I'll send him after one of you. Will you be able to catch him?

Heero looked at everyone. They're eyes were glued on him. "A shadow. He said he's been watching us. He knows our every move. That would mean there's a spy. Right now we're certain that there is."

"But all these people have been checked out day in and day out. Even the most complex computers have a weakness, don't they?" Quatre asked.

"It seems he likes to play games." said Wufei. "Maybe we're doing this to ourselves? There is a satellite up in Space that can transmit any image he wants. He could be watching us at this very moment."

"Wufei is right." said Heero. "Technology today is very advanced. I'm afraid for the moment that everything is set against us. We have to find a way to trace back to him or at least try to find someplace where we can plan this entire assassination interception. It's not going to work if he's one step ahead of us."

"What do we do?" Trowa asked.

Heero remembered the papers in his hands. "Let me read the last two messages. See if there any more clues."

It seems everyone likes parties. Are you all that arrogant enough to think that I wouldn't try anything at the moment? I could see all of you, sitting in your prim and proper suits, eating and drinking, thinking you can get the best of me? I'm becoming impatient. But I ask of you...what happens when the shadow comes out to play?

"What does he want?" Duo demanded. "Money? Power? Why can't he just come out and say it?"

Heero flipped the page. He stared at it. "He's insane. He doesn't know what he wants."

"Read the last message, Heero." said Wufei.

The shadow can tell you what you want to hear, but reveals nothing. The shadow comes in many shape and forms and has no soul. The shadow is the person you least expect. The shadow...the shadow is a dream that has turned into a reality.

"What the hell did he mean by that?" Duo exclaimed. "Shadow this and shadow that. What the hell is up with that crap?"

Heero re-read the messages. It seemed as if two different people were writing these messages. At one point it was sane and logical, the next, it was total nonsense. There were no clues that he knew of that could answer any of his questions. He almost wanted to go to an outside source. Maybe...Kirin...?

A butler entered the private breakfast hall and stood at the doorway. "A Miss Kirin Shido is here with company."

Heero arched an eyebrow and nodded. "Let them in."

"What?" Quatre looked at Heero. "Are you sure?"

"We'll only show them this message. We won't tell them what we're planning. Just the facts."

"At least you won't." said Wufei. "Unlike some braided idiot..."

"Huh?" Duo looked around as if he wasn't the one with the braid. "Who?"

Wufei sighed and sat down. A few other servants entered the room and set down steaming trays of food. Duo began to dig in just as Kirin Shido, Shin Kin'Youbi, and Yume Okinawa entered the room.

Quatre, resuming his southern hospitality, offered them seats. "Would you like to join us for breakfast?"

Kirin, who was wearing a white sundress, smiled thoughtfully. "You don't mind? We were just passing by, seeing if you guys wanted to go on a boat trip with us."

"We can go a little later." replied Quatre. "I hear the docks are crowded this early."

"Oh. Well, we can do that, too!" Kirin replied. She looked at Heero who still held the papers in his hands. "Working already?"

Heero looked at the papers. He stood and made his way towards Kirin. "I need to talk to you. Privately." He glanced at Quatre.

"Oh, um, ok." Kirin smiled unsurely, eyeing Shin and Yume who were already eating, and followed Heero to a hallway.

"I need you to look at something." Heero said, making sure they were out of hearing range from everyone else.

"Do you mean those?" Kirin was referring to the papers in his hands.

Heero nodded and handed it to her. "Could you please try to keep this between us? It's very important."

"Ok." Kirin read the messages. Due to her skin color imbalance, Heero couldn't tell if she paled or she blushed. She read the messages as if she hadn't seen them before. She made it a point to flip through the pages and go back to read the first message. Finally, she looked up at Heero who was staring at her. She sighed then read the last message once again. "I'm confused."

"You're not the only one." Heero mumbled. "But can you make out anything with those?"

Kirin went to a table in the hallway. She spread the papers out and examined them again. "Well, from reading this, I know tomorrow there will be an assassination attempt of Miss Peacecraft. This guy, I suppose, wants you guys to guess what he wants. He has an obsession with shadows...and...I'm...at a block."

Heero sighed. "I was hoping for some clues from outside help."

"I'm sorry. If I'd known you were depending on me to help you-"

"It's not like that. I've been doing this for a few days now. I was hoping you would be a voice of reason."

Kirin smiled. "Well...if you put it that way. This assassin guy is probably and impressive and a feared man of his trade. I mean, if a guy would want to knock off Miss Peacecraft, he might have a lot of money to burn. So...maybe...one of the officials would want her dead?"

"That's a possibility." said Heero. "Anymore thoughts?"

"I have one last thought." Kirin said thoughtfully. "Well, it's a long shot, but...maybe if Miss Peacecraft was out of the way, it would make room for another Vice Foreign Minister. From what I know, being a VF Minister is a pretty big job. Traveling to far reaches of Space to every known continent on Earth. Plus there's lots of publicity...power and money. Things like that."

Heero nodded his head slowly. He looked at Kirin and took a long look at her. She looked ready to dazzle the world. Her hair and her eyes didn't bother him at all anymore. He would stare at her all day and...

He snapped his eyes away from Kirin and thought he heard the click of the door. He turned back to Kirin who looked puzzled. He shook his head and took her by the elbow. "Let's go back with the others..."

"Ok." Kirin agreed. She took a wild leap and moved her arm from his grasp and, instead, linked arms with him. "Don't be so formal. I don't like formalities."

Heero looked where their arms were linked. This was just a casual gesture. This felt...right. He shrugged off the other emotions he was feeling, happiness, a sense of belonging, and entered the breakfast hall. He wasn't prepared for the looks that were given to him. Instantly his once happy mood turned dark. His eyes narrowed which seemed to challenge anyone who would dare ask why he was being so happy. He looked at Kirin, she just continued smiling, like a certain braided person, but wasn't aware of his change of attitude.

"Are we still going or does everyone have something important to do?" Kirin asked.

Heero had some important things to do. But...he wanted to spend time with his new...friend. "Do you have any other plans?"

Kirin thought for a moment. "Well, I was thinking of spending the whole day out in the ocean. But then again, I have to find something to wear for the party."

"Relena's party?" Quatre asked.

Kirin, Shin, and Yume nodded. "It's an open party, isn't it?"

"We can put you on the list, just in case." said Quatre. He beamed at Kirin then at Heero. "That would be all right, wouldn't it?"

"Whatever." Heero was intent on getting out of the pink estate. He needed to fly to freedom...and Kirin was his wings.

"Are any of you coming, too?" Kirin asked. This was all in her little plan. Shin and Yume would stay with the others in hopes of them not suspecting her to be the assassin. While she was with Heero, he wouldn't have the slightest idea that she was the mastermind behind the assassination. But the messages...who were sending them? Was there another assassin on the way?

Shin shook her head. "I wanted to get a grand tour of the house. Quatre and Duo agreed to show me."

"Trowa, Wufei, and myself are going to meet up with them at the circus." said Yume, feigning enthusiasm. "Trowa's a clown."

Kirin almost laughed at the pretended amusement in her two associates faces. She shook her head then shrugged. "Maybe we'll join you guys later at the circus, ok?" She smiled at her companion. "I guess its just you and me, Heero."

Maine Sea Port- 9:43 a.m.

Heero Yuy looked at the rented boat. For just a newcomer to Sank, Kirin had a lot of money. The 'boat' was, in actuality, a yacht. It was big enough for all five Gundam pilots, the three young ladies, and the rest of Relena's servants. He couldn't wait to hear why Kirin wanted a boat like that for the whole day.

"Well..." said Kirin, as Heero helped her onto the yacht. "I'm very picky at names and...Shin, Yume, and I have been friends for years. We kind of called ourselves the Triad. So...when I asked if there was a boat with a unique name, the guy gave me a big list and I heard The Triad, so...I got this one. But it's cool, isn't it?"

Heero was usually never impressed with boats. What he thought was impressive was explosions that could kill everyone but him. Impressive, was a Gundam that could go up against insurmountable enemies and live. Impressive, was what described Kirin.

Kirin went up to the top mast and overlooked the sea's horizon. "Oh, Heero, it's so beautiful up here!"

Heero didn't bother looking up. If he did, he's be directly under Kirin and he'd see up her dress. He was a twenty-one year old man! Not some horny teenager! He was- no IS the Perfect Soldier. A soldier keeps his mind focused and doesn't let emotions get in the way. But no one else was around. Who would dare see this side of him?

Kirin was at his side just as he was about to pull anchor. She watched him for a moment and suddenly laughed. "I didn't know you could sail a ship- I mean...a 'yacht.'"

Heero simply nodded. "There's a lot of things I can do. Sailing just happened to be one of them."

"Have you ever sailed before?" Kirin asked, the wind tossing her silver hair wildly around her face.

"A few times, but not like this. I was under fire at the time and I was steering a naval ship. Everyone in my company died."

"Oh, I'm sorry." said Kirin. She turned her head and breathed in deeply. "I love the ocean. Reminds me of Space. So vast and so filled with wonder and mystery. If you're not careful you could get sucked in."

"The heart is like the ocean...like Space. So deep that even the most harshest of things can be forgotten." Heero said.

Kirin's eyes filled with tears. "...Yeah. You're absolutely right. It's within us all, isn't it? But it can be forgiven can't it?"

"Only if you let it."

Kirin sucked in a sharp breathe and laughed to heighten her spirits. "Don't make me sad, Heero! Today is suppose to be a fun day! We have to forget what is bothering us most. We have to find our true call in life."

Heero could only nod his head in agreement. He started the engine on the yacht which made the large boat jerk forward a little. Kirin laughed, the ocean water spraying her face. She turned back to him and applauded. "My dear Captain Heero, if I may make a suggestion?"

"What?"

"Don't try to throw your passenger overboard. I don't have an extra change of clothes!"

Heero smirked and nodded again. Everything was going perfectly well for a change. He could be...normal. As soon as they were out far enough, Heero cut the engine and set anchor. He joined Kirin who was looking overboard at the visible fish who swam around under the surface of the water.

"Beautiful." Kirin murmured.

Heero sat close to her and looked overboard as well. Silvery fish swam rapidly, dashing in and out of each other's way, the waves creating a lulling rocking motion that resulted a yawn from Kirin who was, minutes ago, ready to fly out into the sea.

"Does it suit you?" Heero asked out of the blue.

"Huh?" Kirin looked up, her gold eyes looking confused. "What do you mean?"

"This life. Just letting go and doing what you want. Being free of anything and everything. Does it suit you?"

Kirin put her hands in her lap. "Heero, did anyone ever ask you if being a soldier suited you?"

"No." Heero said blandly. "I wasn't asked. It was expected of me."

"Was that your answer or did you sat what they wanted you to say? Did you give them any hard time?"

"I always did what I was told. That's what a soldier does."

Kirin reached over and took Heero's hands in hers. "Stop thinking like a soldier. Act on whatever emotions you have. The emotions that you've kept inside for so long. Think from your heart."

Heero thought it was a lost cause. He had closed up those emotions and had buried them along with any memory of what his real name was and his family. He was now Heero Yuy. And he had been so for almost sixteen years! If he had any heart, it was the size of a peanut and only room for one. Himself. "I..."

"No." Kirin said sternly. "Don't say you don't have a heart because I know you do. I know what you're thinking. I was the same way, remember? In that chest of yours a heart beats. In that heart is Space. In Space, there is always a path you must follow in order for you to go to your real self. You haven't found yourself yet. If you reach that point where you know who you are, the next step is to live. Not just for yourself...but for that one person who will stand by you. Always."

"Who stands by you?" Heero asked quietly. He hoped no one. He hoped Kirin would be the one to stand beside him. As a friend? Or as someone more than that? Again with those unspeakable emotions. He was getting in way over his head.

"I stand alone." Kirin replied, her smile rueful. "My last mission in life is to find my Uncle. I want to kill him. I live only for revenge. As soon as my mission is complete, I will fade out like a dying star. But you're different, Heero. You have what it takes to become just another part of Space. You can make a name for yourself. Your existence is needed for a new world."

"What good is it if you're not in it?" He asked. He was being truthful. Her insight on life was like a reawakening in itself. Her words impacted him more than the things he had seen in the wars and battles he's fought. Was she simply going to let herself die as soon as that man named Lee Ikuza died? He could understand her hatred for him, but didn't she say there was more to life than the mission? But that was her life's mission. She placed everything on the death of that man. And she was serious.

"Why would the world need a thing like me? Humans who kill each other are enough aren't they? Now they need something like me?" She asked, hooking her hair over her ear. She looked beautiful like that, too.

"You're a human being." Heero said defiantly. "We all are. Live with it."

Kirin tried to hide her smile. She began laughing for no apparent reason. Heero felt a little annoyed. This was a serious moment, a serious conversation. And she was laughing? What had he said that was so funny?

"I'm sorry, Heero." Kirin said, wiping at her eyes. "You looked so cute when you said that."

"And you think I look funny-"

"No! No, no, no!" Kirin said. She put a hand up to his cheek. "No. I laughed because I thought you couldn't get any cuter. You were so handsome looking so serious, then you said that and you just became so irresistible to me. I laughed only because if I kissed you at that moment...I don't think I'd want it to end."

Circus Grounds-(2:30 p.m.)

Yume Okinawa thought it was pure luck to find a vender with purple cotton candy. She had searched long and far for that special vendor and had gotten her special treat. She hated pink, and she'd do her color purple an injustice by eating blue, so, she asked Trowa if there was such a thing as purple cotton candy and he cautiously told her yes.

Now she was headed back to the large circus tent where Trowa was to perform. As an added bonus, a few of the circus performers were going to be at Relena's party. And Trowa, being one of Relena's bodyguards, had made sure that they were all checked out and okay to perform at the event.

Yume found Wufei's white form and wandered next to him. "So, what's going on now?"

Wufei opened his dark eyes and glanced at Yume who ate the purple cotton candy. "Barton and Kathryn are up next. He's going to play with a lion and be a pin cushion to Kathryn."

"You sound so enthusiastic about it."

"I've seen it over a dozen times. I'm used to his 'death-defying' tricks. Except for Maxwell. He's been here more times than I have. He's got the shortest memory span in the universe. He's easily amused."

Yume laughed. "I can tell." She searched the crowd. "Oh, there they are, right on time."

"If Winner wasn't there with him, they'd probably need a search party." Wufei added as he followed Yume towards the other three members of their little troupe.

"Hi, Shin!"

"Hey, Yume." Shin was all smiles. Duo looked too...relaxed. It was the look in his eyes that made Yume and Wufei a little wary. "Duo was just telling me about Trowa's death-defying tricks!"

"Oh brother..." Wufei mumbled.

Yume shook her head and continued eating her cotton candy. She nudged Quatre. "Did Kirin and Heero say they were going to come by after their trek on the water?"

"Kirin said maybe. Heero said-"

"I know, I know!" Duo said, waving his hand frantically. He got serious then crossed his arms. In a somewhat perfect manner he copied Heero's, "Hn."

"Hn."

Duo turned frigid and ever-so-slowly turned and was face to face with a barrel of a gun. "Ahh!" Duo turned again and cowered behind Shin. "Don't kill me, please!"

Heero's hand pulled back and he gave Kirin back her pen. "I told you."

Kirin laughed and shook her head. "All right, all right, you win."

"Huh?" Duo peered from behind Shin's arm. "Win what?"

Heero eyed Kirin who was looking into her purse. She took out two small bullets and placed it into Heero's open palm. "That's three of five."

He nodded and put it into his pocket. "Kirin didn't think you'd get scared of a pen."

Duo looked at Shin who looked back at him. They both shrugged. "Hey! It's starting!"

Quatre came on Kirin's other side as Wufei made it clear he was not sitting near Duo. Yume, Shin, and Duo sat in front of the four as the lights dimmed and the spotlight went on to the ring master.

"Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, seniors and invalids! Welcome to the highlight of our show! Kathryn Bloom and her brother Triton!"

A young woman with short wavy hair appeared in a confusion of white smoke. She wore a red/pink frilled outfit and a large star earring. She bowed respectfully before another spotlight appeared beside her. They could tell it was Trowa because of his wayward bang. He was already bowed ad he looked up just to see Duo and Shin applauding wildly. If they had more enthusiastic audience members, his job would seem a little more death- defying. He stood erect and nodded as a lion came from behind the opening and ran towards Trowa. He looked disinterested as the lion roared and ran towards its potential meal. Trowa simply jumped backwards, did a three- sixty degree spin and landed on the lion's back with one hand.

A large amount of the crowd cheered. Trowa switched hands as the lion began to take orders from Kathryn who was holding out a long pointer to direct the lions' movement. Finally, after a few rounds around the ring, Trowa jumped off and landed safely to his feet.

"And now...Kathryn, the beautiful knife-wielding star of the circus!" said the ring master.

Two clowns brought in an almost neon-green painted target board. They set stones against the back and positioned Trowa on it.

His back was flat against the board and his face was turned, the part of his mask covering his face that showed to the audience. He spread his arms and stood incredibly still. The entire audience became quiet.

Kathryn showed the sharp knives to everyone and demonstrated the sharpness of her throwing projectiles. The crowd murmured and fell silent again.

There was an inaudible drum roll. Kathryn held the knife to her face and aimed for Trowa's head. In a quick jerk of her hand, the knife flew into the air and missed Trowa's neck by mere centimeters.

The crowd cheered and fell into silent anticipation.

The second knife was an inch away from Trowa's wrist. Eight more knives to go.

The third knife flew and ended near Trowa's slanted bangs. Another uproar of relief from the audience.

The fourth knife positioned itself close under Trowa's still arm. It was a wonder he wasn't faltering yet.

Heero just smiled. Trowa was a true soldier underneath that paint and make- up. No matter what anyone said, Trowa had his deepest respects.

The fifth knife was set free and landed near the other side of Trowa's neck.

Another knife flew just a little too close to home on Trowa's body. His jade eye widened a centimeter, but then resumed the blank expression.

Two knives let loose from Kathryn's hands. Two landed on either side of Trowa's head.

Two more knives would end the show. She beckoned to someone else and a small girl-clown came out and blindfolded Kathryn.

"For Kathryn's final trick...she will throw two final knives...blindfolded!"

Loud gasps emerged, mostly from Duo, as the tenseness in the air thickened.

The crowd held their breath. It was such an exciting moment that everyone began to lean forward. Except Heero, Kirin, Quatre, Wufei, and Yume. Shin and Duo were clasping each other's hands in a silent prayer.

Kathryn exhaled and threw the knives.

After a long minute of silence, the crowd erupted in a big cheer. The last two knives had landed near Trowa's hands. He removed himself from the target board and took off his mask, waved, put back his mask, then bowed. Beside him, Kathryn threw kisses at the crowd. The clasped hands, bowed, and left the ring.

The lights turned on, the audience stood and began to leave.

"That was so awesome!" said Shin. "Can we go backstage and talk to him?"

Duo shook his head. "He'll come out soon. But I thought he'd surely get eaten by that lion..."

Wufei shook his head. "You're pitiful, Maxwell."

Kirin placed another bullet on Heero's outstretched hand. "That's four."

"What are you two doing?" Yume asked, leaning over Kirin's shoulder. "What's with the bullets and crap?"

"Heero and I made a little bet." said Kirin. "While we were on the way here, he said he could 'predict' everything that would happen today. I was his opposition. Every time he was right, I'd have to give him one of my specialized bullets. If he lost, he'd have to give me one of his bullets. "

"What was the first two bets?" Shin asked, seeing Trowa walk towards them.

Heero crossed his arms, even as Kirin's arms was still linked with his. He seemed to try and hide his smirk.

"Well, first he said he predicted that Trowa would be performing today, even though it was his supposed day off."

"Manager told me to come in." said Trowa, hearing the last part. "Kathryn argued that it was my day off, but since there was a large crowd, I obliged."

"So Heero was right." said Kirin.

"As usual..." Duo sighed.

Heero death glared Duo. He found Duo to be especially annoying at the moment. Why? He always thought it was something in the braided wonder's voice that triggered that negative reaction, but then he just realized...it was Duo himself. He was just so annoying that even one single whimper of him would trigger the Perfect Soldier's trademark death glare.

"And the second?" Yume asked. She looked between Heero and Duo. He looked like he wanted to kill the funny braided one.

"Second was...Duo was going to make a fool of himself."

"Hey! I resent that!"

Kirin nodded her head vigorously. "But you did. Which then resulted in the third bet which Heero stated that if he'd stick a gun or a pen into your face, you'd freak out."

Duo crossed her arms. "I'm glad you two are enjoying your time picking on me."

"We're not picking on you, Duo." said Kirin, ignoring the defiant snort from Wufei. "We're just playing."

"Right. Playing me."

"What's the last prediction?" Quatre asked, obviously intrigued.

Heero shifted uncomfortable as Kirin eyed him carefully. "Relena's going to show up and yell at-"

"HEERO!"

Kirin placed her hands over her mouth in hopes of stopping her laughter. Heero shook his head. He was having a good day so far until that moment. A silver bullet was at eye level. He took it and eyed Kirin who just couldn't stop smiling at him.

"This is the only bet I wish I got wrong." Heero replied.

"Oh?" said Duo. "The Perfect Soldier losing a bet? I guess you wouldn't be so perfect any-"

This time Heero's actual gun was poised at Duo's forehead. His trigger finger twitched, causing Duo to flinch and hide behind Shin again, his only source of protection. "...More?"

Kirin courageously put her hand over Heero's and shook her head. "Put it away, Heero."

Amazingly, Heero obliged and clasped hands with Kirin who didn't seem the least bit phased. Except for the others who were rubbing their eyes furiously at what they had just witnessed.

Relena Peacecraft just happened to enter at that moment and stood there, shocked. She had at first thought there was some chance of her holding Heero's hand like that, but someone, this mysterious young girl whom she had met during dinner the night before, had her Heero in her wicked grasp. She felt like fainting, but realized if she did, she'd lose track of the group and she'd have to search long hours for them again.

She walked forward to look like she had some dignity left after the heartbreaking discovery. After all, why would Heero want to be with a successful, smart, and beautiful woman like herself? She could find other men who would be willing to be called hers. But Heero...he was so...perfect. She knew the little nickname Duo had given Heero and had silently backed it. Heero was perfect and he was a soldier. A soldier that captured her heart.

She neared as almost as close to rip Heero and Kirin's hands apart, but she realized that their hands were clenched tightly together. Heero's face remained neutral but Kirin was smiling. What were they doing?

"I wonder where Miss Relena is?" asked Quatre. "I heard her but I don't see her."

Kirin eyed Shin and Yume. They were giving her a signal for them to leave. They still had to find something to wear for the party. Finally she leaned next to Heero. "We have to get going now. I promised Shin and Yume a shopping spree."

"You could wear that to the party and you'd still be the most beautiful one there." Heero replied.

Kirin laughed and put a hand on Heero's cheek. "You're so sweet, Heero." She kissed his cheek and joined Shin and Yume. "I'll see you at four, ok? I'm not going to make it to the hall, so I'll be at the estate."

Heero nodded. "I'll be waiting for you."

Kirin laughed once more and putting her arms around her two associates, they left the big circus tent.

Duo sighed. "Well, Heero, seems you've got a date for the party, huh?"

Heero stared blankly at Duo. "I bet you were stupid enough not to ask Shin to the party."

"Oh, he asked all right..." said Wufei. "After he choked on a hotdog and managed to spill his drink all over her, too."

Heero could just picture a red-faced Duo, choking and waving his arms wildly in the air. Then Quatre, coming to his rescue and hitting him on the back a few times, offering him a drink, then Duo accidentally tossing up the drink that landed on Shin's head. He could see Shin yelling at Duo before he made a 'cute' remark which made Shin forgive him and he, being so well trained in sudden and abrupt things, asked her to the party. He sighed and turned away. "Baka-"

Relena was smiling even as Heero's expression looked like he was going to strangle her for listening in on the conversation. He stared at her until she felt she was either going to die by death glare or die of embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help but overhear-"

Heero walked past her. "I know. We haven't done our part yet to secure the hall or the estate. We'll do that now."

Relena looked at Quatre who was the only 'nice' one in the group. Well, Trowa and Duo were exceptions only...they followed after Heero. Quatre simply nodded his head. "We didn't forget, Miss Relena. Nothing is going to happen tomorrow. Nothing."

Sank Mall-(5:48 p.m.)

Yume Okinawa gazed at herself at the three-sided mirror. She liked the color, lavender, but it was too light. The dress was strapless and flowed down to the ground. It was plain and simple. She turned once more in the mirror and looked at Shin who had a hand up to her chin in an exaggerated manner. "It's too...light..."

"Exactly." Before Shin could say anything else, Yume disappeared into the dressing room. "NEXT!"

Kirin came just in time with three dresses. One violet, one blue, and one silver, of course. "Well, Shin, I got this blue one for you. Long, but not too long. Blue, obviously. And...with removable straps. It's optional."

"Kirin!" Yume called. "Did you get me another dress?"

"Yeah." Kirin pulled out the violet one and stuck it into the stall with Yume. "You like the color? I found a whole mess of them in a corner."

"Color...? I like the color. Hmmm...wait a sec, ok?"

Kirin held up the silver skirt. It was overly accented with sparkled studs. "I don't want to blind Heero, do I?"

"No, but I think your hair has done enough of that." Shin replied.

"Quiet you!" Kirin snapped. She held the skirt up to her body. "Hmm. Too...elaborate on the sparkles."

Yume did a fit of swear words and emerged from the room. She stood at the three-sided mirror and turned slowly. "Well?"

The violet skirt was long and it glittered in the right light. It was long and pooled at the bottom with a middle slit that went up the calf. The back was crossed and the front showed just enough cleavage. Shin and Kirin looked at each other. For a girl who carries a yo-yo and plays video games...she looked ready to party.

"You hate it." Yume said quickly.

"No, no! We like it! It's perfect! It suit you perfectly!" said Kirin. "Buy it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!" came the two voices. "Now all you need is shoes and you're done."

Yume beamed. "You're serious? Everyone is going to drop dead after seeing me?"

"Us." Kirin corrected. "Make sure you put the dress on the hanger and keep it from getting stepped on. Shin, you're next."

"Do I have to?" She complained, going into an empty dressing stall.

"Yes!"

Kirin smiled at Yume's dress. It was a rare occasion that they were going to a party of such elegance and high society ranking. All three had been looked down upon and were never the ones to go to a high social party such as this. And now...they each had dates. Even Yume who still kept her mysterious boyfriend a secret!

Kirin eyed the several dresses she had chosen for herself. She had showed up in a black skirt the night before, knocking Heero out of all his perfect little senses. Now she needed to find a skirt that would literally kill Relena. A dress that no one would suspect a young girl of wearing nor suspect that she was a killer.

Shin emerged and eyed Yume who was still in her dress, whirling next to Kirin who was in her own world. "Hello...?"

Kirin snapped her head up and looked over Shin's dress. It was light blue with a flowing skirt. The top however...it just didn't fit with the rest of the ensemble. "I love the skirt, just the top..."

"I figured as much." said Shin. "I like the skirt, too."

Kirin stood and began pulling back past dresses she had gotten for Yume. She knew there was a blue one in there, somewhere. She accidentally got one because Yume began yelling that she wanted violet, not blue.

Kirin came across satin material and pulled out a satin gown. The top was satin with an intricate flower sign that cut across the top leaving the shoulders bare. It was also like the one Shin was wearing, but there was a light blue veil that layered over the satin gown. It still held the 'flowing skirt' look. "Here it is. I think this'll suit you better, Shin."

Shin's green/violet eyes sparkled. "Wow! That's beautiful!" She took the dress and was already out of the current gown just as she entered the stall.

Kirin smiled. The day was going fairly well. Then tomorrow night...Relena would get the birthday present from ONI.

Shin threw out the blue gown from before and presented herself before Yume and Kirin. The two girls applauded as Shin spun quickly, making the skirt fly up a little. "I can't wait to dance with Duo in this."

"I'm sure it would be a very interesting dance to see." said Kirin.

"Are you saying that I can't dance?"

"I didn't mean it that way. I know you can dance. But can Duo?"

Shin looked at Yume then at Kirin. "I don't know."

Yume pulled Kirin to her feet. "You're turn, you're turn! I want to see what you're going to wear!"

Kirin dragged her feet to an empty dressing stall. Though she loved helping out Shin and Yume with their clothes, her style was a little...different. As if being physically different wasn't enough? She was holding a skirt that had just attracted her eye. It was silver/gold. The color changed in different angles of light. She thought it looked gorgeous. She put on the top which was just a long piece of rectangular satin material with zigzag straps over the front and back and a gown. Kirin managed to get the top on with much hassling and created an x over her chest and a larger x over her back. She reached for the gown and examined it first. There were two long slits that ended just a few inches from the hip. She shrugged and put on the gown and realized that she was going to show a lot of leg at the party. If she wore it, she'd have to find the right shoes.

"Did you get lost, Kirin?" Yume called. "What are you putting on?"

Kirin examined herself before going to show her friends. Her pale stomach was shown; well toned and slender. She turned and looked at the curves of her body. She was simple enough. She adjusted her top and found that if she wore a strapless bra, it would increase her cleavage. She shrugged again and stepped out onto the world.

The once bustling mall came to a halt. Clerks and passerby's all stopped and stared. Kirin was exposed in all her unique and dangerous beauty. This was exactly the reaction she wanted...or was it? Was it shock or disgust?

"Kirin..." Yume said quietly. "You're not planning on having sex with Heero are you?"

"What?" Kirin demanded.

"I mean...that dress you're wearing...if Heero saw you in that...he'd...rip it off you and screw your brains out."

Kirin managed a laugh before turning. "Is it too much? For me? Is it my style?"

"Hell yeah!" Shin quipped. Then she said quietly, "You're an assassin. Dress to kill, right?"

Kirin could only nod her head. Now that they got what they came for, they had the rest of the night to prepare. One more night until it sealed Relena Peacecraft's fate. One more night before Kirin confessed everything to him...and hoped for forgiveness.

Peacecraft Estate-(7:31 p.m.)

Heero Yuy slammed the file of papers onto his desk and roughly pulled the chair out to sit. He buried his hands into his hair and hoped his insides wouldn't burst. He had gotten a lecture about keeping priorities straight and not straying from the mission at hand from Lady Un. Relena had been left alone and she had gone to Lady Un to ask where the pilots gone. The two had searched everywhere in the city and finally came upon the circus.

As Lady Un drove them all back to the estate, she thought she should make it a point that Heero was the one who would make sure Relena always had someone at all times. So, in assuming he enjoyed his leader role, she put the blame on him if Relena had been killed that day, even though she was perfectly fine on her own!

Heero eyed the paperwork. As punishment, he had to finish the paperwork Lady Un had been doing before Relena came to her. He had to finish it, make a report, help the other pilots figure what the mystery man wanted, stop an assassination the next night, and hopefully keep a date with Kirin Shido. He found his only solace was within her. He could relax and do what he wanted without a care in the world. His only care was confiding in Kirin because she understood him. She understood how his life was and she could make anything, so he thought, seem so much more...kinder.

He reached into his pocket and came out with a small piece of paper with digits written on it. On the back was Kirin's current residency. Would he dare? He was under house arrest and he was going to stray away from the norm to call Kirin. He found it ironic. He was doing something Duo would do in his position. That came to another point Kirin made. Little by little his 'friends' were showing him something. He didn't know what...but he knew he was learning.

Heero picked up the phone then listened to the dial tone. It took him three tries to finally dial Kirin's number. He was ready to hang up after the second ring when he heard someone pick up. "Hello?"

"Kirin."

"Heero, hi. What's up? You're not breaking our date are you? I already bought a dress! You'll flip when you see it!"

Heero could almost see Kirin's lovely gold eyes and the way she smiled, jumping from one subject to another. He needed to be assured of something. "I have to ask you a question."

"Huh? Ok. No! Put that in the closet! It'll get wrinkled if you put it down!" Kirin laughed. "I'm sorry. What was the question?"

Heero tapped his finger on his desk. His laptop was waiting to be turned on. "Will you stand by me?"

There was silence on Kirin's end of the phone. Besides Yume and Shin in the background, Kirin was eerily quiet. "Why... would you want me...?"

"When it all comes down to it, Kirin...you and I only have each other..."

"T-that's...not true." Kirin whispered. "You have..."

"I have no one. I stand alone like you. Will you stand by me?" He asked again.

Kirin felt her throat close. He was going to put everything in her. He was going to go to her for comfort, for an explanation, a shoulder to lean on- to cry on. She was going to be his confidant, his friend. Would this mean she couldn't keep secrets from him? If she accepted, then that would mean she would need him, too. They would need each other. "Us soldiers always stand by each other, don't we?"

Kirin heard him chuckle on the other end. "Yes. We do."

She closed her eyes, wishing Heero would feel what her heart felt. "Yeah. I'll stand by you."

Heero felt a layer of tension lift from his heart. "Thank you, Kirin."

She replied in kind and they hung up. Heero stared at himself in the blank computer screen. He didn't know how he was going to do it, but he knew that when the time came, the choice he was going to make was going to effect them both.