And You I Love

To Sailor Nova LoL!
To OtherGirl I'm trying! Not much more to go, I don't think.

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Location: Common room
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The common room was an indoor, air-conditioned room much like a cafeteria. That was where Mr. Mobiki gave all of his lectures and where the students ate.

Usagi looked up as Heero entered the room.

Mr. Yuy! Mr. Mobiki called, So kind of you to join us. Take a seat! Next time, I'll have to write you up, but I'll let it slide today.

Thank you, sir, Heero apologized. Usagi wondered why he had taken a seat at an empty table. He usually sat with the guys. Usagi tried to catch his eye, but Heero stared stubbornly ahead at Mr. Mobiki

Something's wrong, Rei whispered in Usagi's ear. Usagi nodded, and mouthed, I can tell.'

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Location: the girls' cabin
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Usagi noticed that Minako was down, and she had an inkling it had something to do with Heero. All the girls noticed Minako's sadness, but no one said anything. Makoto, Ami and Rei were seated at the table completing a worksheet Mr. Mobiki had passed out to them. It was about the different kinds of rocks at Lochlathien.

Taking a seat by Minako, Usagi asked, What's wrong?

Minako shrugged. Nothing. I'm just having an off day, you know?

Rei rolled her eyes, and she argued, Minako, something happened before I came to tell you and Heero that Mr. Mobiki was holding a class. What was it?

Minako shook her head. She insisted, Nothing happened.

Come on, Minako. We can tell when you're lying, Makoto pointed out, and you're lying right now.

Minako stood up. Her hands flew defensively to her hips, and Minako shouted, Nothing happened, nothing is wrong!

With that, she left the cabin, leaving the other girls in stunned silence.

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Location: the boys' cabin
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All too well, Duo noticed Heero's downright grumpiness. He sat down at the table and began the worksheet titled Lochlathien: The Rocks'. Duo watched as Heero broke his pencil lead four times and angrily resharpened it over and over again. Something was ticking him off, and Duo was determined to find out.

Wufei was sprawled out on his top bunk. Abruptly, he broke the silence between the five guys. What's the matter, Heero?

Duo asked, what's bugging?

Heero gave a grunt, making it too clear he wasn't going to answer that question. He gave Wufei an unreadable look before returning to his worksheet. He began to write the date on the top of his paper when- snap! The lead broke again. He grabbed the plastic sharpener and furiously twisted the pencil. He was unaware of Duo's and Quatre's amused stares.

Quatre looked up from the book he was reading(it was Ami's- he still hadn't returned it). He said, Heero, what happened? You're more serious than usual.

Rolling his eyes, Heero stood up from the chair and walked silently out of the cabin. When he left, Duo said, We better go ask the girls. I have a feeling it's got something to do with one of them.

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Location: the girls' cabin
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I don't know, Rei was answering many of the girls' questions. I ran in to tell them that Mr. Mobiki was holding another class. They were just staring at each other. I knew something happened so I started to apologize, but Mina-san said, No, you didn't interrupt anything.' So we walked back to the Common Room. She seemed fine then. Heero stayed behind. I tried to ask again, but Minako actually thanked me. I asked her what for, but she changed the subject.

There was a knock on the door, and all the girls turned.

Since Ami was closest, she opened it herself. Duo smiled, and Ami beckoned for them to enter. They came in, and leaned against the wall since there wasn't much room to sit.

What'd Heero do to Mina-
Do you know why Heero is so- Duo and Usagi spoke simultaneously. Usagi giggled.

They stopped, and Rei said, Ok, now we know it's a relationship problem...

What makes you say that? Quatre questioned doubtfully, Heero's not the type to get angry over a girl.

Rei protested, but what are the odds that both of them would be having a problem at the same time, after I just caught them in the forest?

Duo asked suspiciously, You caught them? Doing what?

Rei shrugged. Nothing really. I was looking all over for them! When I finally found them, they were staring at each other. You know, that kind of staring. Minako told me I didn't interrupt anything, but I think she was lying.

Duo laughed, I knew one day Heero would crack!

Another knock sounded on the door. Duo opened it, and Minako stood in the doorway.

"Another lecture," she said simply. Everyone shared looks with each other, and they left for the common room. The guys met up with Heero, but he didn't say a word.

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Location: the girls cabin
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Usagi was awake now, staring up at the ceiling. Finally, the boredom got to her, and she hopped off of her bunk, careful not to wake Makoto, who was above her.

She stepped outside and realized how chilly it was. Hugging herself because of the still coldness, Usagi walked aimlessly. She found herself at the river again. There were still five of those reclining chairs there, the ones she, Minako, Trowa, Heero and Wufei had sat in on the first day they came here. Usagi sat herself down in one. She closed her eyes and leaned back.

A twig snapped behind her, and a vaguely familiar shape sat in a chair next to her. Usagi squinted, and found a pair of marvelous violet eyes staring back at her. She sighed, "Oh, hi Duo."

"Hey, Usagi."

They sat in silence for a very long time. A nice breeze blew every now and then, and Usagi felt whisps of her hair swirling around her ever time it did. The moon reflected onto the water. It made a nice effect on the river. Every now and then they heard laughter from the camp. Finally, the silence got too thick for Usagi, so she decided to start some conversation.

"Where are you from? You know, before you came to Tokyo?" Usagi asked, "You're obviously quite American."

Duo laughed. " 'Quite American', huh? Yeah, I guess that's me."

"Where are you from?" Usagi repeated.

There was a moment of slightly hesitant silence before Duo answered mystically, "The stars." It was partially true, anyway.

Usagi puzzled over his answer for a moment. She gave up trying, and instead she asked another question.

"What are you doing up so late?"

Duo leaned forward and scratched the back of his head. He pulled his braid in front of him and began playing with the tail. Usagi watched this, and she almost didn't hear him answer, "I could ask the same of you."

"Well, if you want to know, I couldn't sleep," Usagi replied, "So what about you?"

He shrugged in his seat.

"Just wanted to see the Moon."

-- ** --

...the next morning...

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Location: common room
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Usagi was digging into her mushroom omelet when Heero came to the table.

Heero said to the guys, "We need to discuss something."

Duo's eyebrows furrowed, and after a moment's hesitation he stood up. He and the others followed Heero out of the common room. The girls were left sitting at the table in silence.

Makoto said, the quietness at the table finally annoying her. Usagi laughed.

Usagi laughed, Silence is so...deafening!

Mina added as she bit her toast, It's loud!

All:

Something must be wrong, Usagi said, Duo didn't look too comfortable when he left. She took another bite of her omelet.

Rei shrugged. I wonder what it could be?

All:

That's it, Ami phrased, I'm going to ask what everyone wants to: Minako what the heck happened? She had said it with so much forcefulness that the other girls stared at her. Well? Everyone wants to know, and there's no point in beating around the bush.

Minako shrugged. She took a sudden interest in her egg, and she poked at it with her fork.

Rei started, We're your friends. Please- what's wrong?

Looking up, Minako said, There's nothing really wrong. If I tell you, you have to promise you won't try to play matchmaker. Because there is nothing between us. The girls all agreed to stay out of Minako's business, so she recounted what happened at the Spot'.

YOU KISSED HIM?! Rei exclaimed, eyes wide.

Minako answered, We almost kissed, and maybe that's just my version of the story. Heero might have been looking at something on my nose and I took it the wrong way...

Usagi said, We totally have to get you two-

Minako shouted, NO! You promised. Besides, I really don't think Heero thinks of me that way...And I don't want to..... Her voice got very quiet, and her expression moved to her sad feelings.

To think there's something there just in case there isn't? Ami finished what her friend couldn't. Minako nodded with a forlorn sigh.

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Location: the Spot
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Got it? Heero said.

Wufei and Trowa nodded. Quatre did too, with just a little hesitation.

Is it really necessary this soon, Heero? Duo asked.

Heero replied, We are here on a mission. That mission needs to be completed as soon as possible. We'll do it, with or without you. He took a menacing step toward Duo.

We have no idea if the target is even alive. Remember? The time machine fucked up- we're not in the year we're supposed to be in. The guy could've died by now.

The targets were young, Maxwell, Wufei pointed out, They shouldn't be that much older now.

Duo looked at Quatre, for help perhaps, but Quatre only shrugged and sighed, Duo, he's got a point. It has to be done.

Looking down, Duo submitted, Fine then. When we get back home, we'll begin the operation.

Meanwhile, stay away from the girls, Heero ordered.

Quatre stepped forward,

Because they're learning things, Heero answered.

Like what? Quatre asked.

They already suspect we're more than plane pilots.

How is that dangerous? Duo protested.

Because it is, Duo. Heero argued, Whether any of us likes to admit it or not, we're becoming...distracted. That can't happen. If one of us slips-

You said something to Minako, didn't you? Duo accused, I can't believe you. You let something slip to Mina, so now we're all restricted from speaking the girls? And they call you the Perfect Soldier!

You see? You're getting too close to them. Something could-

JUST ADMIT IT, HEERO! Duo yelled, We're not the only ones getting close to the girls- you are getting close to the girls. Something happened that day in the forest, when Rei ran in on you and Minako. And now-

Heero leaped at Duo, and Duo fought back. They managed to throw several punches before Wufei and Trowa managed to pull them apart.

Stop it, Quatre shouted, You guys...are trained soldiers, and you are acting like kids.

"Nothing would compromise a mission more than you two fighting with each other," Trowa said forcefully, "Stop acting like ten year olds."

This is just great... Wufei mumbled furiously.

Duo remained in a defensive stance, ready to pounce at any moment. Heero, man...

Duo dropped his hands, and left the Spot, fuming.

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Location: the girls' cabin
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Rei, you've always seen too much...

Rei woke up, drenched in sweat. She was breathing hard. That dream she had that day at the shrine came back to her. Mamoru's voice. The boy. In a small frenzy, Rei ran to Usagi's bunk, just to make sure she was still there. Her hand found Usagi's waist, and she breathed in a deep sigh of relief. She attempted to calm herself down.

The cabin suddenly seemed too small, and Rei needed to get out. She left the cabin quietly and inhaled the fresh air deeply. It was a humid night. At first, Rei sat against the cabin wall, but she got up and walked down to the river.

She remembered Usagi telling her that they need to go get the chairs there, which they hadn't. When she arrived, she decided to take a spot in one.

Rei was midly surprised to find Wufei sitting in a chair, staring into the water. She took a seat next to him, but he remained unmoving. She looked into the water, hoping to find what Wufei seemed to be looking at.

What are you doing up so late? Wufei questioned.

Rei sort of jumped when he spoke. Oh...Do you remember that day at the shrine?

Wufei nodded, but Rei saw him grow uncomfortable at the thought. He regrets being there with me...

The reason why I was so...terrified when you got there was because I saw something. It really scared me. I don't exactly know why, but it made me panic. I had that dream tonight. I had to get out of the cabin...I guess I came down with a small case of claustrophobia.

Rei looked to Wufei, wondering what he would say next.

Why do you tell me so much? Wufei asked, looking at her now.

She looked to her fingers and studied them hard. Rei shrugged. I don't know...I guess being open with you is easy for me...Because...well I don't know why.

You don't seem to know much, do you, weakling? Wufei snorted.

Rei stood up off her chair defiantly, hands on her hips. You shouldn't call me weak when you have no idea how strong I am.

Are you telling me you are more than just a little girl?

Are you kidding me? Of course I am.

Ha! I doubt you've ever gotten in a fight your whole life. I still say you're weak.

Rei lifted a fist in front of her. If you only knew...Well, find out, she dared.

Wufei shook his head, a small grin gracing his lips. I don't fight with those who are weaker than I am. Much less a girl.

Rei thought about it. I consider that a sexist statement. She threw a punch at Wufei, but he caught her fist in his hand. Rei grinned a devilish smile.

Come on, I just attacked you.

He smiled as he lifted himself off the chair. He challenged, Hit me. Just try it.

Rei threw several punches, but Wufei managed to block them all.

Rei said, I see you're a fighter. Fine then, I'm not taking it easy on you anymore!

She swung her arm in the air with much force. It made contact with Wufei's jaw. He took a small step back, and looked at Rei through narrowed eyes.

You're serious! Wufei exclaimed, You really want to fight me!

Instead of replying, Rei threw a drop kick that landed Wufei on the ground.

That's it, onna, he muttered, jumping off the ground. They engaged in a very beautiful fighting scene. Instead of hitting her, Wufei merely tapped her where he would have hit her. Rei smacked him full force, however.

Rei threw a punch, but Wufei ducked and drop kicked her. Rei found herself, back on the floor. Wufei sat on top of her, placing to fingers on her throat. And here, I could kill you. I guess that makes me winner?

She smiled, and flipped him off of her in a swift motion. I don't think so, Rei declared as she stood up.

They resumed fighting. Rei hit Wufei several times in the gut, and Wufei got her more on the face. Wufei pulled her into an odd position, where two of his fingers were pressed firmly against her throat. She stood perfectly still.

Any more force, he said, and you would probably die.

Again, Rei got that oh-so-devilish grin on her face. Oh, really? She grabbed his extended arm and twisted him. She was now behind him; his arm was held in back of him. As if I didn't know that, Rei whispered in Wufei's ear.

Wufei laughed. He moved his foot backward and tripped Rei. She was on her back again. He sat on her like he did before.

Haven't we been in the position before? Wufei asked with a triumphant smile.

Rei retorted, Yeah, but remember what happens next? She tried to kick him off of her again, but this time, Wufei stayed anchored down on top of her.

Of course. He smiled.

She rolled her eyes. So we agree that I'm not weak?

Wufei thought about it. Rei took her opportunity and finally kicked him off of her. She got up quickly and lunged at him. Now she was on top of him.

We agree that I'm not weak?

Evil onna... Wufei muttered.

What was that?! Rei demanded.

Alright! You aren't...

Yes, Fei-chan?

Wufei ignored her use of his nickname. You aren't...weak! Now get off me!

Rei shook her head. Not until you say Rei is the strongest woman I know, and she just kicked my ass.' Come on, say it.

That's an injustice!" Wufei exclaimed.

Of course it is. Didn't anyone ever tell you that life isn't fair?"

Rei is the most annoying woman I know, and..." He paused. "...she's about to get her ass kissed, Wufei blurted.

Rei laughed. She rolled off of him onto her back, cracking up. Wufei's gonna kiss my ass! she chanted.

Wufei cursed himself for letting the word kissed' slip. Kicked! Kicked! You're gonna get your ass kicked!

Rei stopped laughing after a while, and they stared up at the stars. Wufei propped himself up on his elbows. You're strange.

What do you mean by that?

Women are supposed to be weak. They are supposed to obey their husbands.

Where do you come from?! Rei exclaimed, propping herself up. You'll have a tough time finding a wife like that in Tokyo.

I used to have a wife. She was docile and weak, Wufei replied.

Used to?

Wufei sat all the way up, and he looked down. She passed away.

I'm sorry...What was her name?

Wufei started, and then stopped. Then he spilled, She died in a bombing. That's why I chose...

Chose what? Rei asked. She saw Wufei open and then shut his mouth again.

That's why I chose to join the military, he answered finally.

Rei crawled and moved in front of him. You were married young.

It's the custom.

Oh...Were you guys happy?

Wufei shrugged. I guess you could say that. I don't think we were in love, though. I think we just...respected...each other.

All this time, Wufei had been looking down. Now, he looked up at Rei. There, she saw a different side of him. She saw softer side of Wufei, and it made her feel warm and tingly inside.

Rei leaned forward. She had intended to kiss him on the mouth, but she saw Wufei's eyebrows furrow. Instead, she planted a soft kiss between his brows. The spot there softened up. Good night, Fei-chan, Rei whispered, as she stood up. She left the river. Wufei watched Rei go, and he stared into the water. A ripple was going. A snapping twig caught his attention. He turned back toward the camp, and he saw a dark, longhaired shadow walking back to camp. She's definitely strange...

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Location: the girls cabin
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Usagi woke to the noise of the cabin door slamming shut. She looked around, surprised no one else had woken to it. She saw that it was Rei who must have gone. Usagi tossed and turned, desperately trying to fall asleep.

It didn't work out. Usagi decided to go for another walk, hoping she would run into anyone- Duo- to talk to like she had the other night. She rubbed her eyes as she slid off of her bed. She was careful to be quiet about shutting the door. The sudden urge to pee led Usagi to the bathroom.

On the way back, she saw a dark figure walking off the trail. She decided to follow it.

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Location: the Spot
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Usagi walked slowly to the dark shape crouched on the ground. In a flash, the figure had stood up and was facing her. She looked into Duo's violet eyes. He relaxed.

You scared the hell out of me, Duo said, Why aren't you asleep again?

Usagi shrugged. Rei left, and she woke me up in the process. You?

It was Duo's turn to shrug. Aches and pains keeping me up.

Aches and pains? Usagi looked closer, and she saw that Duo's right eye was swelling.

Duo laughed, You should see the other guy...

Who was the other guy? Usagi asked.

Heero. Don't ask.

I won't. She sat down on the ground. Duo took a spot next to her.

Are...you...Do you have something going on with Trowa? Duo asked, a hint of acute nervousness in his tone.

Usagi looked at him. No...not really. Why?

Just wondering. The way you two interact sometimes...It looks like it.

Oh, well, there's nothing...You know, Trowa reminds me a lot of my little brother Shingo, only older and more mature. He's...how to say this...warm."

"Warm, huh?"

"Yeah, warm. But then again, all you guys are. Even Heero, every now and then. At the water, when we were throwing mudballs, I caught him smiling. I don't think he saw me, and I don't think he wanted me to see that smile, but I know he's got a big heart locked up somewhere down there. Umm...I know I said I wouldn't ask, but why did you two get into a fight?"

Duo looked down. Uh, nothing important. He suddenly understood what Heero meant when he said They are learning things.'

Usagi abruptly changed the subject. The stars look pretty tonight.

So does the moon, Duo commented, The view from here is better than anywhere else.

What other views are there? Usagi asked, puzzled.

Duo cursed himself silently. Damn it... Uh, you know...America, Europe.

Usagi said, "Here we are again, together on another one of these sleepless nights."

"You know, I think all of you girls are pretty warm yourselves," Duo said suddenly.

"Really?"

"Oh, definitely. You all haven't known us for very long, but...maybe it's just me, but I feel like I've known you for a long time. Like we've met before."

Usagi giggled, "I get that feeling, too! It's like talking to an old friend."

"Just an old friend?"

"Yeah, why?" Usagi asked.

Duo turned to face her, and he shrugged. For a moment, he didn't want to look her in the eyes, but he did and was he ever glad for it. She had the most piercing blue eyes he could ever recall seeing. The reflection of the stars shone in them, and it created a wonderful effect. She was beautiful.

"Maybe there's...." Duo whispered. He leaned forward, and his words were lost in a kiss with Usagi. At first Usagi was surprised, and she wasn't sure if it was what she wanted, either. But when Duo's hand came to her cheek lovingly, she began to respond to his passionate kiss. It must've lasted for a minute, but it wasn't long enough for either of them. Their lips left each others, and they inhaled deeply. Duo continued quietly, "Maybe there's something more there?"

A twig snapped.

Loudly.

It ruined the moment.

Usagi laughed aloud. Duo looked somewhat embarassed as he rose to his feet. He offered his hand and helped Usagi stand. She smiled at him, and said, "Yeah, Duo. I think maybe there is more there."

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END
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