A.N: As promised…a long chapter. Well, from what I've been writing
it's long. Thanks sooo much for the reviews, they're absolutely awesome!
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Once everyone had been shown their rooms, they decided to get changed and meet in the hall. Their dorms were in the same part of the school, and in most cases, right beside or across from each other. Trowa and Duo roomed together and were across from Wufei and Quatre who were beside Heero, who wanted to room alone. Usagi and Haruka were one door down from Heero and Rei roomed two doors down from them across the hall, who had also asked to dorm alone. Usagi was the last to step out her door, grinning sheepishly at the waiting group.
Only the four who had fought had changed, along with Rei who couldn't wait to get out of her school uniform. Duo wore a white long sleeve shirt and beige cargo pants with black sneakers, and Wufei wore a light blue t- shirt and black pants with brown shoes. Haruka had on almost the same thing as Wufei except she wore a tight black t-shirt with a red button-up over it that was left undone, and Rei now had on a purple tank top and navy blue Capri's with light blue sandals. Usagi had changed into a black tank top with a see-through white long sleeved shirt overtop, a white skirt that just went over half way to her knees, and white sandals. Her long silvery- blonde hair was done up into two odango's with streamers of hair trailing from each to her ankles and she had on a black choker with a silver heart in the centre. The others wore the same thing as the day before.
Releena had had too much work to do, so she had to stay behind while the others walked to a nearby ice cream parlour. When they had found a booth and ordered their dessert, Rei once again started with the questions she had asked before.
"Alright, so spill. Where have you been for the last two years? And until yesterday, I had never seen you without your trademark hairstyle Meatball Head. What's up with you?"
Usagi looked at Haruka nervously, but not finding the help she needed, began her story. "Well, as you know, I disappeared after you introduced me to your cousin. That was because…he…" She faltered, not knowing how to word what she had to tell her friend.
Rei leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table and her chin in her hands. "Did Mamoru have something to do with this Usa? Is that why you're having trouble telling me?"
Duo stared at Rei in shock. "You mean Mamoru is your cousin?" He asked in complete astonishment. Rei looked at him, confused at his reaction. She noticed everyone else at the table also looked surprised, except for Heero and Wufei, who looked suspicious.
"Meatball Head? What did he do?" She was worried now, and didn't know what to think. Usagi decided the best way to tell the story was to start at the beginning.
"After I met Mamoru, he asked me out and not even a week later we began to date. A month later, he asked me to go to colony L2 with him. To stay with him. I wasn't sure at first, but I thought I was in love with him, so I said yes." She paused, taking a sip of her coke. "We moved there and it wasn't long before I was cut off from everyone I had known, besides Haruka. At first it didn't matter, because my parents were already dead from an OZ attack, so I didn't have a need for family. But, I was only 14, and I needed friendship and someone to talk to…besides him. I was naïve back then, and I always talked to him since their was no one else, not realizing it was because of him I was alone. He was always there for me. My shoulder to cry on…my shining knight in armour…and I grew to love him more and more each day. By the time I was 15, we were inseparable."
Usagi paused again, thinking back on something. "Well, except when he had meetings. For the longest time I didn't know what he did. But one day he sat me down and told me he was the leader of an organization called Crystal Earth. He told me his organization's goal was to restore the damage that had been done to earth. He said people had taken advantage of it. He always told me that through the proper leadership, Earth could once again be as beautiful and efficient as it had once been. According to him, people had grown too contemptuous in their freedom.
"When I turned sixteen, I met a girl that worked in his faction. Her name was Molly and she was one of his leading officers. She was in charge of getting information on enemy bases and whatnot. Anyway, we met when I was shopping with Mamo-cha…Mamoru." Haruka frowned when Usagi just about slipped and called her captor the old pet name, but Usagi ignored the look directed at her and continued. "She had come to find him to report important news on an upcoming mission. After the two had talked out of ear- shot, Mamoru left to make a call and ordered Molly to take me wherever I wanted. We bonded that day, and would often sneak around to meet each other and talk. A bit over a month after my birthday, Mamoru asked me to… take our relationship to the next level. I said I wasn't ready, but he forced me to anyway."
Rei's eyes grew huge and she reached across the table and clasped Usagi's hands in her own. "Oh Usa! I didn't know he was like that honest, or I never would have…" Usagi cut her off by placing a finger over her lips and offering a weak smile.
"I don't blame you for anything that happened Rei. I mean, at first I did, but then I talked to Molly and she put some things in perspective that I hadn't considered before. Only a week later, Mamoru found out that I always talked to Molly, and he forced me to watch her burn to death." Usagi's voice cracked. " I hated him after that. He made up some excuse about betrayal, but I knew it was because he wanted to show me he owned me and that I could only ever turn to him. When she died, I tried to cut my hair because it made me angry I always looked so cheerful, but I couldn't. So I put it into a different style. Kinda like my own way to show I grieved for her still, since Mamoru would have gotten angry if he knew I was so upset over her. A while after, Haruka came up to me with a plan to get us both away from him, and so, we ran away. That's when Dr.J and Noin found us. They knew who we were, but wouldn't tell us how." She took another sip of her drink, yawning after it was finished. "And so here I am." She finished.
"Oh god Usa. I'm so sorry! It's all my fault for introducing you." Tears ran down Rei's face as she looked at her friend, ashamed of her cousin. "I always felt an odd vibe around him, but I ignored it because he was family. I put you in the hands of the person who stole your life, and your innocence." She wept. Usagi shook her head and comforted her friend.
"Like I said before, I don't blame you. Chances are, we would've met anyway." When Rei had calmed down, the topic changed to happier times and the boys were included in the conversation.
Heero hadn't really participated in the conversation, instead thinking over any holes left in the story Usagi had relayed. When Haruka said something that made the others laugh, it suddenly hit him that all though she had been mentioned, neither girl had explained how they knew each other. "How do you both know Haruka?" He asked Usagi.
She blinked in surprise at the question. "When Rei and I were 14 some boys decided to get fresh with us. They had Rei pinned to the wall and I tried to fight them, but they knocked me out. Haruka was passing by when she saw what was happening, and when I went down, she stepped in and saved us. After that she was always around and we became closer. When Mamoru showed up and took me away, she found me and got a job as a trainer for his troops to stay close to me. But I could never find a way to talk to her until a month before she planned our escape." He nodded, now understanding why all three seemed so close, although he was a bit suspicious of Haruka still.
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Usagi held up the uniform Haruka had given her in distaste. "Do I have to wear this?" She whined. Haruka laughed and sat on the chair in front of Usagi's desk.
"Yes, I'm afraid you do."
"Why do you get to wear the boys uniform? It looks so much better then this one."
"Because I can pass for a boy." Haruka grinned. Usagi made a face at her and once again studied the pink uniform.
"If it wasn't so…pink…I wouldn't mind it." She sighed in defeat and walked into the bathroom, quickly changing and fashioning her hair into a high ponytail with two pieces on each side of her face left down (like Makoto's). Stepping out of the bathroom, she glared at the laughing Haruka and stormed into the hall, picking up her new laptop to take notes with on the way.
Everyone else was already waiting in the hall, and Releena had just reached Heero's side. Usagi once again noticed she was gazing at him with some silly expression on her face, but she shrugged it off and turned to Rei, lifting her skirt and curtsying. Rei looked at her oddly and she burst into giggles. "I'm sorry Rei, but you have to admit it almost seems like your supposed to do that when you're wearing something like this."
Rei smiled in agreement. Usagi turned to the boys, glaring at them because their uniforms looked much nicer then hers. "Come on Rei, walk with us to first period." She said, pulling her to the front of the group.
Quatra turned to Trowa as they followed her. "What was that look for?" Trowa just shrugged, a small smile forming on his lips.
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Everyone sat together at lunch on a secluded part of the Academy grounds. Trowa, Duo and Quatre sat together underneath the shade of a tree and not far from them was Releena who was listening to Haruka and Wufei fight, laughing every now and then. Usagi sat with Rei talking about old times and Heero was alone leaning against the base of the tree and almost looking like he was asleep.
Usagi giggled at something Rei said, sighing in content as she scanned the faces of the group around her. She noticed Heero sat alone, so she decided she would join him. Telling Rei to join Haruka, she walked over to Heero and quietly sat beside him. He opened one eye, but seeing who it was, closed it again and ignored her.
"Don't you have a lunch?" Usagi asked, not fazed at all by his rude behaviour. He opened both eyes and glared at her, but she still didn't budge. "I don't see how you could skip it. Personally, I would probably die of starvation if I didn't eat lunch." She giggled. He still didn't reply. She chewed a fry thoughtfully as she waited for him to say something. Suddenly, her eyes shone as she got an idea. "You know, I'm already kinda full, so I'd be willing to share." He still said nothing, but she had been expecting this. She held a couple fries under his nose and waved them around, trying to tease him with the smell. "Eat." She demanded. He shook his head, so she went to plan B. Usagi plugged his nose with one hand and when he opened his mouth to breath, she shoved the fries in, laughing at his expression. "Now either you eat some on your own, or I'll force feed you till the bell rings." He reached out a hand grudgingly and grabbed a fry, making her smile in triumph. "I knew you'd see things my way." She began to chat happily about nothing, not realizing the two had an audience.
Duo elbowed Quatre's side as the watched Usagi. They had been watching since she first went over to him. "Did you see that?" He whispered, chuckling. "Looks like the perfect soldiers' been had." Quatre nodded, a huge grin on his face.
"Maybe Usagi is just what Heero needs." He said thoughtfully. "Although, I'm sure Releena won't be too happy."
Duo shrugged. "Well, I'm sure Releena would eventually realize she wouldn't want to be with someone who didn't return her feelings sooner or later." The others nodded and lunch continued with many happy conversations, laughter and yelling. Although the later was mostly done by Wufei and Haruka.
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Usagi walked down the dark paths of the Academy grounds, looking up at the midnight sky. She hadn't been able to get to sleep, so she had snuck out of her room to take a walk. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, and most of them were of Mamoru. It still hurt when she thought of his betrayal and she knew it was because she still loved him. After everything that had happened, she still couldn't help but think of him as her soul mate. He had always been there for her and had given her everything she needed. She had been happy with him. And even though he had stolen her innocence, he had been gentle and he had apologized. She still remembered when he had asked for her forgiveness. When she looked into his eyes she had thought she saw real shame and sorrow, so she had forgiven him.
Usagi stopped under a tree and sat, leaning against the base. It hurt. It hurt because if she hadn't seen what he did to Molly, she would still be happy and she would still be with him. After she had found out what he was like, she couldn't look at him the same. Despite how much she loved him, she couldn't stay with a monster and play ignorant.
It had been two weeks since the escape, and after thinking things through, she realized her love for him wasn't as strong. Maybe in time, she would forget about him and the hurt of his betrayal would go away. A twig snapped behind her and she jumped to her feet, falling into a battle stance. "Who's there?"
A figure stepped out of the shadows, but it was too dark to see his face. He moved closer and stepped into the light of a nearby street lamp, revealing that it was actually Heero. Usagi stood straight and suddenly blushed as she realized she only wore her snug-fitting pyjamas, which were a silk light blue tank top and very short matching shorts. She sat down and Heero moved to sit beside her. Usagi glanced at him and couldn't help but stare. He wore baggy pyjama pants and a tight fitting dark green undershirt, which showed off the muscles of his arms and chest and his slimness. A blush once again spread across her cheeks.
Heero studied Usagi as he moved closer. Her hair was loose and fell around her like a waterfall, the moonlight making it seem more silver then usual. She was in perfect shape for a girl and her choice for pyjamas certainly didn't leave much to the imagination. He raised an eyebrow when she blushed, but chose to ignore it and instead looked up at the sky.
"What are you doing out here?" She murmured quietly.
"I heard you leave your room so I followed you."
"You followed me?" Her voice rose, anger evident in her tone. "What gives you the right to follow me? Did you ever think I snuck out for a reason? Did it ever occur to that thick skull of yours that I wanted to be alone?"
"This may be a pacifist country, but there are still creeps around." He answered, his voice never changing.
Usagi's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze softening as she realized what he was saying. "You were worried something might happen to me?" She asked. He didn't answer but she didn't need him too. "Thank you." She smiled.
(In the academy)
The four other Gundam boys snuck out of the school, looking for their fifth member. Wufei had heard two doors opening and closing, and one had been from Heero's room, so he had woken the others and they had began the search.
Duo snuck down the hall, motioning to the others that the coast was clear. When they came up behind him he turned to Wufei with large eyes. "What do you think Heero's doing out here at this time of night?" He whispered.
"Who knows." Wufei shrugged, pushing Duo forward towards the school doors. Duo scowled at him but opened the doors and motioned them through.
"Who do you think is the other person that snuck out?" Quatre asked Trowa as they crept down the path. Trowa shrugged and turned to Wufei.
"I think he followed whoever it was, since his door was the second to open. That's what it sounded like anyway." He informed them. The group nodded and stopped when they heard a voice ahead. Edging up into the clearing, they saw that it was Serena who they had heard. Duo gave a low whistle when he saw her and Quatre blushed, trying to keep his eyes off the angel sitting not too far away. When they were in hearing range, they hid in the shadows.
"What gives you the right to follow me? Did you ever think I snuck out for a reason? Did it ever occur to that thick skull of yours that I wanted to be alone?"
"This may be a pacifist country, but there are still creeps around."
"You were worried something might happen to me?" There was a pause. "Thank you."
Duo smiled and turned to Wufei. "Looks like Heero's becoming quite the ladies man." He whispered. Wufei grunted.
"Injustice. Weak onna's shouldn't be walking around alone at night. Especially not wearing that." Quatre blushed again.
"We should probably give them some privacy." Trowa said as he began to walk away, followed by the shorter blonde.
"No way man, I wanna see what happens." Duo whispered. Wufei grabbed his braid and dragged him back to the school, ignoring his whimpers of pain.
"Maxwell get your head out of the gutter." He hissed.
(Back to Usa and Heero)
Heero studied Usagi's profile as she looked up at the stars. He had to admit, she was breathtaking, but he would never tell anyone he thought so. Since she had shown up, he had been having a hard time keeping his feelings in check. When Duo and her had been in the gym, he had wanted to murder his fellow pilot for having so much of her attention. And when she had been telling them about Mamoru, he had again felt jealous and had been angry at what he had done to her. All these feelings were confusing him after not caring for so long.
She had seemed so deep in thought before she had known he was there. "What were you thinking about earlier?" He asked curiously. She looked at him with her head tilted to the side, thinking of what to say.
"I was thinking about Mamoru." She finally answered.
"What about him?" He pressed.
She again stopped to think of an answer. Lowering her head as she spoke. "I was wondering when I would stop hurting. When I wouldn't love him anymore."
Heero's voice became softer. "You still love him?"
"Yes. No…I don't know." She sighed in frustration. "I think." He nodded.
The silence passed between them for a long time, each lost in their own thoughts. After a while, Usagi stood and stretched, yawning as she arched her back. "We have classes tomorrow. It would probably be a good idea to get at least some sleep." Heero nodded and stood, walking beside her as they followed the path back to the academy.
Usagi wasn't paying any attention to where she was going, and so she didn't see the smashed bottle under her foot. She slipped on the paper that had been wrapped around the bottle and fell to her hands and knees, her left knee landing on one of the broken shards. Wincing in pain, she quickly stood, biting her lip as she surveyed the damage.
There was a small gash across her knee, but as far as she could tell, there was no glass inside. Blood dripped down her leg, leaving a trail of glistening red that led almost all the way to her foot. Heero frowned at her and wordlessly picked her up, one arm under her knees and the other her back.
"What are you doing?" She yelped, surprised at the sudden move.
"You'll make it worse if you walk." She didn't reply, but instead let him carry her to his dorm in silence. He set her down on a chair and went into the bathroom, getting a cloth and soaking it in some kind of yellow disinfectant before moving back to where she sat and kneeling in front of her, lifting her leg with one hand to clean the wound.
"Owe owe owe owe owe owe!" Usagi chanted, as if it would make it better.
"Stop whining." Heero said as he pressed the soaked cloth to her knee. She let out a screech when it came in contact with the cut, trying to push herself into the cushions.
"That really stings!" She whined. He took the cloth off and gently blew on the wound. She stared at him in shock, a blush once again spreading across her cheeks. His face showed no emotion, but his touch was gentle and the sensation as he continued to blow on the cut was indescribable. The sting was immediately gone and her thoughts scattered when he spoke again.
"Better?" All she could do was nod. It felt like millions of butterflies were trying to escape her stomach. All of a sudden, she was aware of how close he was, and it made her feel nervous. Heero placed a band aid over the cut and stood, lifting her out of the chair with him. "You should get some sleep." Usagi swallowed and nodded, moving towards the door. When she was just about to shut it behind her, she walked back to him and gave him a small hug.
"Thanks Heero." She whispered, before leaving to go to bed. Heero watched her go and shook his head, a small smile making its way to his face. Maybe this mission wouldn't be so bad after all.
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A.N: There! A new chapter. Well, what do you think? Please read and review! If you have any question's about this chapter, don't hesitate to ask.
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Once everyone had been shown their rooms, they decided to get changed and meet in the hall. Their dorms were in the same part of the school, and in most cases, right beside or across from each other. Trowa and Duo roomed together and were across from Wufei and Quatre who were beside Heero, who wanted to room alone. Usagi and Haruka were one door down from Heero and Rei roomed two doors down from them across the hall, who had also asked to dorm alone. Usagi was the last to step out her door, grinning sheepishly at the waiting group.
Only the four who had fought had changed, along with Rei who couldn't wait to get out of her school uniform. Duo wore a white long sleeve shirt and beige cargo pants with black sneakers, and Wufei wore a light blue t- shirt and black pants with brown shoes. Haruka had on almost the same thing as Wufei except she wore a tight black t-shirt with a red button-up over it that was left undone, and Rei now had on a purple tank top and navy blue Capri's with light blue sandals. Usagi had changed into a black tank top with a see-through white long sleeved shirt overtop, a white skirt that just went over half way to her knees, and white sandals. Her long silvery- blonde hair was done up into two odango's with streamers of hair trailing from each to her ankles and she had on a black choker with a silver heart in the centre. The others wore the same thing as the day before.
Releena had had too much work to do, so she had to stay behind while the others walked to a nearby ice cream parlour. When they had found a booth and ordered their dessert, Rei once again started with the questions she had asked before.
"Alright, so spill. Where have you been for the last two years? And until yesterday, I had never seen you without your trademark hairstyle Meatball Head. What's up with you?"
Usagi looked at Haruka nervously, but not finding the help she needed, began her story. "Well, as you know, I disappeared after you introduced me to your cousin. That was because…he…" She faltered, not knowing how to word what she had to tell her friend.
Rei leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table and her chin in her hands. "Did Mamoru have something to do with this Usa? Is that why you're having trouble telling me?"
Duo stared at Rei in shock. "You mean Mamoru is your cousin?" He asked in complete astonishment. Rei looked at him, confused at his reaction. She noticed everyone else at the table also looked surprised, except for Heero and Wufei, who looked suspicious.
"Meatball Head? What did he do?" She was worried now, and didn't know what to think. Usagi decided the best way to tell the story was to start at the beginning.
"After I met Mamoru, he asked me out and not even a week later we began to date. A month later, he asked me to go to colony L2 with him. To stay with him. I wasn't sure at first, but I thought I was in love with him, so I said yes." She paused, taking a sip of her coke. "We moved there and it wasn't long before I was cut off from everyone I had known, besides Haruka. At first it didn't matter, because my parents were already dead from an OZ attack, so I didn't have a need for family. But, I was only 14, and I needed friendship and someone to talk to…besides him. I was naïve back then, and I always talked to him since their was no one else, not realizing it was because of him I was alone. He was always there for me. My shoulder to cry on…my shining knight in armour…and I grew to love him more and more each day. By the time I was 15, we were inseparable."
Usagi paused again, thinking back on something. "Well, except when he had meetings. For the longest time I didn't know what he did. But one day he sat me down and told me he was the leader of an organization called Crystal Earth. He told me his organization's goal was to restore the damage that had been done to earth. He said people had taken advantage of it. He always told me that through the proper leadership, Earth could once again be as beautiful and efficient as it had once been. According to him, people had grown too contemptuous in their freedom.
"When I turned sixteen, I met a girl that worked in his faction. Her name was Molly and she was one of his leading officers. She was in charge of getting information on enemy bases and whatnot. Anyway, we met when I was shopping with Mamo-cha…Mamoru." Haruka frowned when Usagi just about slipped and called her captor the old pet name, but Usagi ignored the look directed at her and continued. "She had come to find him to report important news on an upcoming mission. After the two had talked out of ear- shot, Mamoru left to make a call and ordered Molly to take me wherever I wanted. We bonded that day, and would often sneak around to meet each other and talk. A bit over a month after my birthday, Mamoru asked me to… take our relationship to the next level. I said I wasn't ready, but he forced me to anyway."
Rei's eyes grew huge and she reached across the table and clasped Usagi's hands in her own. "Oh Usa! I didn't know he was like that honest, or I never would have…" Usagi cut her off by placing a finger over her lips and offering a weak smile.
"I don't blame you for anything that happened Rei. I mean, at first I did, but then I talked to Molly and she put some things in perspective that I hadn't considered before. Only a week later, Mamoru found out that I always talked to Molly, and he forced me to watch her burn to death." Usagi's voice cracked. " I hated him after that. He made up some excuse about betrayal, but I knew it was because he wanted to show me he owned me and that I could only ever turn to him. When she died, I tried to cut my hair because it made me angry I always looked so cheerful, but I couldn't. So I put it into a different style. Kinda like my own way to show I grieved for her still, since Mamoru would have gotten angry if he knew I was so upset over her. A while after, Haruka came up to me with a plan to get us both away from him, and so, we ran away. That's when Dr.J and Noin found us. They knew who we were, but wouldn't tell us how." She took another sip of her drink, yawning after it was finished. "And so here I am." She finished.
"Oh god Usa. I'm so sorry! It's all my fault for introducing you." Tears ran down Rei's face as she looked at her friend, ashamed of her cousin. "I always felt an odd vibe around him, but I ignored it because he was family. I put you in the hands of the person who stole your life, and your innocence." She wept. Usagi shook her head and comforted her friend.
"Like I said before, I don't blame you. Chances are, we would've met anyway." When Rei had calmed down, the topic changed to happier times and the boys were included in the conversation.
Heero hadn't really participated in the conversation, instead thinking over any holes left in the story Usagi had relayed. When Haruka said something that made the others laugh, it suddenly hit him that all though she had been mentioned, neither girl had explained how they knew each other. "How do you both know Haruka?" He asked Usagi.
She blinked in surprise at the question. "When Rei and I were 14 some boys decided to get fresh with us. They had Rei pinned to the wall and I tried to fight them, but they knocked me out. Haruka was passing by when she saw what was happening, and when I went down, she stepped in and saved us. After that she was always around and we became closer. When Mamoru showed up and took me away, she found me and got a job as a trainer for his troops to stay close to me. But I could never find a way to talk to her until a month before she planned our escape." He nodded, now understanding why all three seemed so close, although he was a bit suspicious of Haruka still.
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Usagi held up the uniform Haruka had given her in distaste. "Do I have to wear this?" She whined. Haruka laughed and sat on the chair in front of Usagi's desk.
"Yes, I'm afraid you do."
"Why do you get to wear the boys uniform? It looks so much better then this one."
"Because I can pass for a boy." Haruka grinned. Usagi made a face at her and once again studied the pink uniform.
"If it wasn't so…pink…I wouldn't mind it." She sighed in defeat and walked into the bathroom, quickly changing and fashioning her hair into a high ponytail with two pieces on each side of her face left down (like Makoto's). Stepping out of the bathroom, she glared at the laughing Haruka and stormed into the hall, picking up her new laptop to take notes with on the way.
Everyone else was already waiting in the hall, and Releena had just reached Heero's side. Usagi once again noticed she was gazing at him with some silly expression on her face, but she shrugged it off and turned to Rei, lifting her skirt and curtsying. Rei looked at her oddly and she burst into giggles. "I'm sorry Rei, but you have to admit it almost seems like your supposed to do that when you're wearing something like this."
Rei smiled in agreement. Usagi turned to the boys, glaring at them because their uniforms looked much nicer then hers. "Come on Rei, walk with us to first period." She said, pulling her to the front of the group.
Quatra turned to Trowa as they followed her. "What was that look for?" Trowa just shrugged, a small smile forming on his lips.
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Everyone sat together at lunch on a secluded part of the Academy grounds. Trowa, Duo and Quatre sat together underneath the shade of a tree and not far from them was Releena who was listening to Haruka and Wufei fight, laughing every now and then. Usagi sat with Rei talking about old times and Heero was alone leaning against the base of the tree and almost looking like he was asleep.
Usagi giggled at something Rei said, sighing in content as she scanned the faces of the group around her. She noticed Heero sat alone, so she decided she would join him. Telling Rei to join Haruka, she walked over to Heero and quietly sat beside him. He opened one eye, but seeing who it was, closed it again and ignored her.
"Don't you have a lunch?" Usagi asked, not fazed at all by his rude behaviour. He opened both eyes and glared at her, but she still didn't budge. "I don't see how you could skip it. Personally, I would probably die of starvation if I didn't eat lunch." She giggled. He still didn't reply. She chewed a fry thoughtfully as she waited for him to say something. Suddenly, her eyes shone as she got an idea. "You know, I'm already kinda full, so I'd be willing to share." He still said nothing, but she had been expecting this. She held a couple fries under his nose and waved them around, trying to tease him with the smell. "Eat." She demanded. He shook his head, so she went to plan B. Usagi plugged his nose with one hand and when he opened his mouth to breath, she shoved the fries in, laughing at his expression. "Now either you eat some on your own, or I'll force feed you till the bell rings." He reached out a hand grudgingly and grabbed a fry, making her smile in triumph. "I knew you'd see things my way." She began to chat happily about nothing, not realizing the two had an audience.
Duo elbowed Quatre's side as the watched Usagi. They had been watching since she first went over to him. "Did you see that?" He whispered, chuckling. "Looks like the perfect soldiers' been had." Quatre nodded, a huge grin on his face.
"Maybe Usagi is just what Heero needs." He said thoughtfully. "Although, I'm sure Releena won't be too happy."
Duo shrugged. "Well, I'm sure Releena would eventually realize she wouldn't want to be with someone who didn't return her feelings sooner or later." The others nodded and lunch continued with many happy conversations, laughter and yelling. Although the later was mostly done by Wufei and Haruka.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Usagi walked down the dark paths of the Academy grounds, looking up at the midnight sky. She hadn't been able to get to sleep, so she had snuck out of her room to take a walk. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, and most of them were of Mamoru. It still hurt when she thought of his betrayal and she knew it was because she still loved him. After everything that had happened, she still couldn't help but think of him as her soul mate. He had always been there for her and had given her everything she needed. She had been happy with him. And even though he had stolen her innocence, he had been gentle and he had apologized. She still remembered when he had asked for her forgiveness. When she looked into his eyes she had thought she saw real shame and sorrow, so she had forgiven him.
Usagi stopped under a tree and sat, leaning against the base. It hurt. It hurt because if she hadn't seen what he did to Molly, she would still be happy and she would still be with him. After she had found out what he was like, she couldn't look at him the same. Despite how much she loved him, she couldn't stay with a monster and play ignorant.
It had been two weeks since the escape, and after thinking things through, she realized her love for him wasn't as strong. Maybe in time, she would forget about him and the hurt of his betrayal would go away. A twig snapped behind her and she jumped to her feet, falling into a battle stance. "Who's there?"
A figure stepped out of the shadows, but it was too dark to see his face. He moved closer and stepped into the light of a nearby street lamp, revealing that it was actually Heero. Usagi stood straight and suddenly blushed as she realized she only wore her snug-fitting pyjamas, which were a silk light blue tank top and very short matching shorts. She sat down and Heero moved to sit beside her. Usagi glanced at him and couldn't help but stare. He wore baggy pyjama pants and a tight fitting dark green undershirt, which showed off the muscles of his arms and chest and his slimness. A blush once again spread across her cheeks.
Heero studied Usagi as he moved closer. Her hair was loose and fell around her like a waterfall, the moonlight making it seem more silver then usual. She was in perfect shape for a girl and her choice for pyjamas certainly didn't leave much to the imagination. He raised an eyebrow when she blushed, but chose to ignore it and instead looked up at the sky.
"What are you doing out here?" She murmured quietly.
"I heard you leave your room so I followed you."
"You followed me?" Her voice rose, anger evident in her tone. "What gives you the right to follow me? Did you ever think I snuck out for a reason? Did it ever occur to that thick skull of yours that I wanted to be alone?"
"This may be a pacifist country, but there are still creeps around." He answered, his voice never changing.
Usagi's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze softening as she realized what he was saying. "You were worried something might happen to me?" She asked. He didn't answer but she didn't need him too. "Thank you." She smiled.
(In the academy)
The four other Gundam boys snuck out of the school, looking for their fifth member. Wufei had heard two doors opening and closing, and one had been from Heero's room, so he had woken the others and they had began the search.
Duo snuck down the hall, motioning to the others that the coast was clear. When they came up behind him he turned to Wufei with large eyes. "What do you think Heero's doing out here at this time of night?" He whispered.
"Who knows." Wufei shrugged, pushing Duo forward towards the school doors. Duo scowled at him but opened the doors and motioned them through.
"Who do you think is the other person that snuck out?" Quatre asked Trowa as they crept down the path. Trowa shrugged and turned to Wufei.
"I think he followed whoever it was, since his door was the second to open. That's what it sounded like anyway." He informed them. The group nodded and stopped when they heard a voice ahead. Edging up into the clearing, they saw that it was Serena who they had heard. Duo gave a low whistle when he saw her and Quatre blushed, trying to keep his eyes off the angel sitting not too far away. When they were in hearing range, they hid in the shadows.
"What gives you the right to follow me? Did you ever think I snuck out for a reason? Did it ever occur to that thick skull of yours that I wanted to be alone?"
"This may be a pacifist country, but there are still creeps around."
"You were worried something might happen to me?" There was a pause. "Thank you."
Duo smiled and turned to Wufei. "Looks like Heero's becoming quite the ladies man." He whispered. Wufei grunted.
"Injustice. Weak onna's shouldn't be walking around alone at night. Especially not wearing that." Quatre blushed again.
"We should probably give them some privacy." Trowa said as he began to walk away, followed by the shorter blonde.
"No way man, I wanna see what happens." Duo whispered. Wufei grabbed his braid and dragged him back to the school, ignoring his whimpers of pain.
"Maxwell get your head out of the gutter." He hissed.
(Back to Usa and Heero)
Heero studied Usagi's profile as she looked up at the stars. He had to admit, she was breathtaking, but he would never tell anyone he thought so. Since she had shown up, he had been having a hard time keeping his feelings in check. When Duo and her had been in the gym, he had wanted to murder his fellow pilot for having so much of her attention. And when she had been telling them about Mamoru, he had again felt jealous and had been angry at what he had done to her. All these feelings were confusing him after not caring for so long.
She had seemed so deep in thought before she had known he was there. "What were you thinking about earlier?" He asked curiously. She looked at him with her head tilted to the side, thinking of what to say.
"I was thinking about Mamoru." She finally answered.
"What about him?" He pressed.
She again stopped to think of an answer. Lowering her head as she spoke. "I was wondering when I would stop hurting. When I wouldn't love him anymore."
Heero's voice became softer. "You still love him?"
"Yes. No…I don't know." She sighed in frustration. "I think." He nodded.
The silence passed between them for a long time, each lost in their own thoughts. After a while, Usagi stood and stretched, yawning as she arched her back. "We have classes tomorrow. It would probably be a good idea to get at least some sleep." Heero nodded and stood, walking beside her as they followed the path back to the academy.
Usagi wasn't paying any attention to where she was going, and so she didn't see the smashed bottle under her foot. She slipped on the paper that had been wrapped around the bottle and fell to her hands and knees, her left knee landing on one of the broken shards. Wincing in pain, she quickly stood, biting her lip as she surveyed the damage.
There was a small gash across her knee, but as far as she could tell, there was no glass inside. Blood dripped down her leg, leaving a trail of glistening red that led almost all the way to her foot. Heero frowned at her and wordlessly picked her up, one arm under her knees and the other her back.
"What are you doing?" She yelped, surprised at the sudden move.
"You'll make it worse if you walk." She didn't reply, but instead let him carry her to his dorm in silence. He set her down on a chair and went into the bathroom, getting a cloth and soaking it in some kind of yellow disinfectant before moving back to where she sat and kneeling in front of her, lifting her leg with one hand to clean the wound.
"Owe owe owe owe owe owe!" Usagi chanted, as if it would make it better.
"Stop whining." Heero said as he pressed the soaked cloth to her knee. She let out a screech when it came in contact with the cut, trying to push herself into the cushions.
"That really stings!" She whined. He took the cloth off and gently blew on the wound. She stared at him in shock, a blush once again spreading across her cheeks. His face showed no emotion, but his touch was gentle and the sensation as he continued to blow on the cut was indescribable. The sting was immediately gone and her thoughts scattered when he spoke again.
"Better?" All she could do was nod. It felt like millions of butterflies were trying to escape her stomach. All of a sudden, she was aware of how close he was, and it made her feel nervous. Heero placed a band aid over the cut and stood, lifting her out of the chair with him. "You should get some sleep." Usagi swallowed and nodded, moving towards the door. When she was just about to shut it behind her, she walked back to him and gave him a small hug.
"Thanks Heero." She whispered, before leaving to go to bed. Heero watched her go and shook his head, a small smile making its way to his face. Maybe this mission wouldn't be so bad after all.
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A.N: There! A new chapter. Well, what do you think? Please read and review! If you have any question's about this chapter, don't hesitate to ask.