~^~^~ Everything for You ~^~^~

Rogue Angel Barton

The large group stopped before a huge, white mansion. The girls blinked a few times at the sheer size of the house. The lawn seemed to stretch on for miles and miles. A ten-foot tall iron fence surrounded the entire house and property. Slowly they approached the guards' station and the main gate. Two men in blue uniform appeared.

"How can I help you all?" One asked politely, seeing only the girls.

"It's okay Jeff, it's just some friends." Quatre replied smiling as he broke away from his conversation with Ami.

"Mr. Winner, how are you today sir? I'm sorry we didn't see you." The guard said bowing.

"It's quite alright. Have a nice day guys." Quatre said smiling as he led the way through the opened iron gates.

The girls quietly took in the fact that the guards bowed to each of the boys and wished them a good day. Duo smiled slightly, while Trowa nodded, Wufei simply grunted, and Heero said nothing. Raven, being as mischievous as they were, kicked one the guards lightly and went speeding up the road.

"Raven YUY! GET BACK HERE!" Heero screamed at his daughter with scowl on his face.

The girl only giggled and continued running. Heero threw a quick apology at the guard before running off to chase his daughter while planning her punishment. Everyone watched as the dark eyed man quickly caught up with his daughter. Grabbing the little troublemaker around the waist, he hoisted her onto his shoulder. The girl giggled but then stopped when she saw the serious expression on her father's face.

Slowly the rest of the group made their way to the pair, who were standing and waiting patiently. Once they were all together again, Heero stayed in the back where he chatted with Trowa and Wufei about something or other. Raven, who was now sitting on his shoulder, looked extremely annoyed. Ami, Quatre, Haruka and Michiru were discussing the newest classical concert in town. Minako was silently walking next to Duo, her hand in his. Hotaru was watching the two with a wistful look on her face. Makoto, Rei and Usagi were talking about how the mansion looked familiar, with Mamoru lagging behind.

"Now I know where I've seen this mansion before! It was in the newspaper a few weeks back! Quatre R. Winner, heir of the Winner Corp. was moving here with several of his friends! Quatre R. Winner's the wealthiest bachelor in the world!" Usagi suddenly screamed as her blue eyes lit up with recognition.

All the girls stared at Quatre with wide eyes. The blond, who was now sweating, smiled sheepishly at everyone. The boys only smirked and kept walking, they were leaving Quatre to handle this one alone.

"Guys! Wait for me!" Quatre screamed as he ran to catch up with the other guys, leaving the girls behind him.

The girls all looked at each other. So that's why Quatre looked so familiar, he's been in the newspaper at least 7 times in the past month. So that meant all the other guys were probably rich too. The girls continued walking, not exactly knowing how to act around the boys anymore. Did they have to bow? Curtsy? Be extra polite and watch what they say?

"Don't act like Quatre's special around him. Act like yourselves." Trowa told them with a small smile as he fell in step with the group.

"Who told you we were going to act differently?" Rei countered seemingly annoyed.

"The looks on you faces." Trowa replied obviously amused by Rei's defensiveness.

Everyone fell silent after that. After several more minutes of walking, they finally came to the tall, white, double doors of the mansion. A butler was already waiting in the front for Quatre.

"Master Quatre, there is a call for you from Miss Catalonia." The old butler stated in a British accent.

"Thank you very much Thomas." Quatre replied smiling at the old man before entering the house.

The first thing the girls saw was a huge lobby. It was richly decorated in dark oak with marble walls. Since they were used to fancy living, they were not as effected as other guests, which pleased the old butler. Quatre politely excused himself as Wufei showed the girls to the living room.

"Make yourselves comfortable." The stubborn man growled as he seated himself in a large armchair.

"Master Trowa, tea or coffee?" Thomas asked as Trowa leaned against the wall in the corner.

"Ladies?" He asked in his quiet and silky voice.

"We'll all have tea, thank you." Ami replied politely as the old butler nodded and disappeared.

Silence settled over the occupants of the room. Raven had been sent to her room for poor behavior. The girls were seated on the white couches. Trowa, Heero were standing up while Duo was sitting next to Minako.

"I'm sorry, but that was a business call I had to take." Quatre apologized as he reentered the room.

"I hope we're not disturbing anything..." Ami offered as the blond sat down next to her.

"No no, it's perfectly fine. Today's supposed to be my day off." Quatre quickly answered, earning a snort from Heero and Wufei.

"Q-man, for you, there is no day off." Duo sneered quickly as Trowa nodded his head in agreement.

Then silence settled over the room again. Rei and Wufei continued their little glaring contest. Ami and Quatre were sneaking glances at each other. Duo and Minako were simply holding hands. Trowa and Makoto were counting down the minutes before they could kiss again. Heero was just sitting there impassively along with Hotaru. Haruka was glaring at he boys while Michiru glared at her playfully.

Thomas came in a second later, bring the tea and a few cups of coffee with two other maids. He offered tea to all the girls, Quatre and Wufei, and then prepared coffee for Heero, Trowa and Duo.

"Perhaps we should take a dip in the pool." Quatre suggested breaking the silence.

He watched as Usagi and Minako brightened immediately. Michiru and Ami nodded calmly seemingly pleased with the idea. Rei and Makoto didn't really appear to care. Haruka was glaring at Quatre for suggesting the idea, because she felt he just wanted to see the girls in swimsuits. Trowa and Duo consented while standing to get their swim trunks. Wufei grumbled for a few minutes but none the less agreed, Heero and Hotaru simply shrugged and watched everyone else.

"But we don't have swimsuits!" Usagi whined as she looked at Quatre.

"Not to worry, I have 29 sisters, and all of them have several swimsuits at this mansion. I'm sure you all can find something that fits." Quatre said

Minako grinned and nodded her head excitedly. Quatre led the girls to see the swimsuits while Wufei and Heero went to get theirs. A few minutes later, the five boys were all waiting patiently by the pool. It appeared as if Heero didn't change, he was simply sitting under a tree and watching as his friends waited in the pool. Mamoru had borrowed one of Heero's swimming trunks and was sitting on the edge, waiting for Usagi.

"What's taking those onnas so long?" Wufei growled as he finished a lap around the large and beautiful pool.

"Hope they didn't get lost." Quatre said out-loud worried.

Suddenly they appeared, all 9 of them, even Haruka, in swimsuits. Mamoru's jaw dropped at the sight of Usagi, in a nice little yellow two piece. Haruka however, scowled at having to wear a swimsuit and quickly got into the water wearing a dark blue one piece.

Quatre has having trouble now fainting right then and three when he saw Ami. The shy and quiet girl was wearing something that he would never expect from her. A light blue bikini, with triangular shaped piece of cloth to prevent Quatre from going crazy, a string that tied at the back as well as one that tied around the neck. The bottom was a bit better, but not my much. It was a little more covering than a thong, but only very barely. Ami blushed when she saw the look on Quatre's face and only blushed deeper when the boy's baby blue eyes rolled into the back of his head and he collapsed in the pool.

Trowa caught the boy and only laugh at him. That is until he saw Makoto in her forest green on piece. The back was... well, it was rather backless, letting Trowa see the tanned skin that seemed so silky smooth. He could see the endless honey legs and felt his temperature rising. The swimsuit showed off Makoto's sporty but very firm stomach as well as all the right curves. Trowa licked his lips slightly and smiled at her Makoto. Seeing the look on the green-eyed man's face, Makoto smiled and walked towards him, swaying her hips suggestively.

Wufei growled at the weakness of the other boys. That's what they were at the moment, boys. HE turned to the door smugly, wanting to see what that weak raven haired onna was wearing. An eye began to twitch ever so slightly at the sight of the dark haired priestess. Wearing a 'no way in god's name legal' bikini, all Wufei saw was skin, skin, skin, skin and cleavage. Not that he was complaining. No man in their right mind would not focus right away on the tiny pieces of round cloth that showed cleavage at its best. A trickle of blood came form his nose as he looked at the creamy and ivory skin on that annoying but admittedly beautiful onna. Her long raven hair was done up in a bun, with two chopsticks holding it in place. Her violet eyes were twinkling with amusement when she saw his nosebleed, but he paid no attention.

Duo heard silence settle upon the pool. He also heard a door closing, meaning that the girls came out. He figured they look breath taking. Sadly though, he couldn't see what Minako looked like. Suddenly he felt someone sliding into the pool next to him. A small hand slowly landed on his chest as the other touched his shoulder. He could feel the heat coming off of Minako, and damn, he was having a hard tome controlling himself.

"Hey." He managed to croak out.

"Hey yourself." Came the quiet and almost shy reply.

"You look beautiful." Duo said suddenly, surprising Minako.

"I..."

"I know because no matter what, inside and out.... you're beautiful...." Duo whispered huskily.

"Duo..."

Minako's eyes stung with unfallen tears. She slowly leaned into Duo's chest as one trembling hand slowly touched the white bandage that still wrapped around his eyes. Duo gave her a weak smile and covered her small hand with his as she slowly cupped his cheek. His other hand was placed on her waist.

Slowly he began to lean down, his heart pounding, as it never had before kissing a woman before. But he knew Minako was different, he could feel it. She was nice to him, perhaps in the beginning because he was blind. But now he had a feeling that wasn't the case anymore, that she didn't pity him.

Minako watched through half closed blue eyes as Duo's handsome face was coming closer. God, he was so beautiful and sweet. How could anything bad ever happy to this man? She closed her eyes as he was only a mere centimeter away.

Their lips at first brushed against each other simply. Waves of emotions neither had ever felt before surfaced. Duo had never felt such a spark between him and another woman. It was... maddening and it made him feel... alive. More so than he ever thought possible. He quickly leaned down again to capture those soft and sweet lips in another kiss. Suddenly he had no need for sight; he could see her perfectly, in his mind.

Her hair was exactly the color of spun gold, thin and honey strands that flowed like water between his fingers. Her eyes were beautiful crystals of light blue, so expressive and innocent. Her skin was like silk and slightly tanned, giving her a healthy glow. No wonder those idiots were calling for her. But for now she was his... and his alone.

Minako groaned slightly as his lips covered hers again. His lips were so soft, and she was right, he was so very delicious. IT kind of shocked her that they were just kissing for the first time right now. She expected that they would have already been face sucking much like Trowa and Makoto a long time ago. But it was special. And damn, was this freaking kiss special.

It was like nothing she had ever experienced before. It was gentle and yet passionate at the same time. Her body exploded with pleasure, as she became painfully aware of each muscle on his hard body. Damn it, it was such a good feeling. It made her feel warm and calm, but at the same time all excited.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Heero watched the couple kissing with growing amusement. They had been kissing in the pool for about 5 minutes no, with no signs of stopping of slowing. Haruka was just about steaming right now and ready to pounce on Duo at any minute. Michiru however just dragged her lover to the other side of the pool.

Wufei had just recovered from his deadly and long nosebleed 5 minutes after it had started. He was now attempting not to hit Rei as she teased him about it. Can't forget the looks he throws at her.

Quatre had regained consciousness a few second later, because Trowa, being preoccupied with Makoto, had dropped him into the pool. He was now swimming happily along side Ami while discussing books.

Trowa and Makoto were face sucking, not a surprise anymore to anyone. They were sitting underneath the stone waterfall that Quatre had built out of enjoyment. They had wasted no time when Trowa saw Makoto. He dropped poor Quatre, pulled Makoto into the pool quickly but gently, then proceeded to kiss the life out of the girl. And the way thinks were looking; Makoto was showing Trowa a few tricks of her own.

Sitting on the chair, he realized he was on the sidelines, as usual. He never minded though, he preferred to watch his friends have their fun instead of ever really joining them. He had come to accept that. He was one of them, and yet he never could be.

Slowly a petite figure sat in the lawn chair next to him. He watched her from the corner of his eyes. He must admit, she did look very nice in that swimsuit. She wore a black bikini top, that showed how ivory and creamy her skin looked, but also she was a woman with all the right equipment. Covering her bikini bottom was a piece of black silk tied around her waist. She did look very drop dead gorgeous.

"Why aren't you joining them?" He found himself asking in curiosity.

Her violet eyes focused on him before turning away to see her friends. They seemed like they're having fun, with the man of their dreams. Haruka and Michiru were enjoying this time to be together. She gave him a meaningful look, and then turned to her friends.

Heero nodded simply and then leaned back in the chair. Hotaru watched him, knowing that he must have been thinking the same thing. Neither of them really fit into the general feeling of puppy love in the air.

"So why isn't Raven down here?" Hotaru asked suddenly, remembering the little girl wasn't there.

"It's her punishment."

"But it wasn't that bad..." Hotaru defended the girl.

"She's always doing something like that or playing a prank on the guards. I've been very lenient before, but not this time." Heero said firmly.

"But it's the day that all the girls decide to come over..." Hotaru pleaded.

"But a punishment is a punishment."

"Come on, it's a nice day, and we're all here. Punish her tomorrow." Hotaru begged while turning her teary violet eyes on Heero.

Heero groaned once the killer puppy eyes attacked him. He never thought someone like Hotaru would do such a thing, but that showed how much he knew her. Growling slightly in annoyance at himself, Heero stood and walked to tell his daughter that she was free for the day. Hotaru sent him an innocent smile.

Heero walked up the stairs as he approached his daughter's room. He didn't know how exactly Tomoe did it, but she did. He walked up those stairs, through this hallway, and was now standing in front of Raven's white door. Knocking on the door, he awaited his daughter's permission. He might be a man that was strict, but he respected her space.

"Come in!" Came the bored voice.

Turning the knob and pushing the door open, he entered her room. The room was colored in a dark blue, almost purple, like the night sky. Upon the velvety color were hundred of tiny stars that lit up the night sky. A mobile hung in the middle, with the craftsmanship on Saturn being the best. The window that sunk in was opened, and the sun shined on the box placed in front that were covered with comfortable blankets and sheets.

The girl in question however was lying on the bed to the right of the door. Dark blue bedding covered the poster bed. The girl turned and looked at her father once she heard his entrance. Her expression was bored and annoyed as she watched Heero.

"Yea dad?"

Heero cleared his throat and walked over to her. Discovering she was reading a comic, he frowned slightly. He didn't want her reading comics... but what the heck. She was a normal little girl. Sitting down on the bed, he patted her on the head.

"Come on munchkin."

"What?" Raven asked in confusion.

"Come on. Everyone's waiting for you downstairs." Heero said gesturing towards the door as he stood.

"But...but... but... I'm in trouble." Raven stuttered both shock and pleased.

"Yea you are. Come on, swimming time." Heero said smiling as Raven quickly stood.

"That means I'm not gonna be punished?!" Raven asked excitedly.

"Oh no young lady. You're still being punished, only not today." Heero answered smiling as he headed for the door.

"Oh thank you! Thank you thank you thank you!" The blond girl screamed as she hugged her dad around the legs.

"Okay okay. Go change into your swimsuit and come down stairs." He replied patting her on the head again and going back to join the group.

^^^^^^^^

Hotaru watched as Heero reemerged a few minutes later, looking happier. He must feel better letting Raven come out. But he couldn't because he wanted to be the firm parent. So she had to give him a little push.

Walking over to her, he plopped down in the lawn chair next to her again. He threw her a look of annoyance, but Hotaru could see the thankful look in his eyes. A few minutes later, a blond blur erupted from the doors and did a cannon ball into the pool.

The couples all broke away and watched as a soaking Raven peeked her head above the water smiling. Quatre and Ami laughed while Wufei and Rei just watched the girl in amusement. She was so full of energy.

"Why you little...!"

Before Raven could react, Quatre had ducked her into the pool. The young girl kicked furiously, splashing water everywhere. Ami, seeking to defend the poor girl, quickly began sneaking up behind Quatre and pushed him into the water.

"Hey!" Quatre growled as he resurfaced, his blue eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Now... Quatre... now... AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Quatre had pounced and ducked Ami into the water. He watched in satisfaction as the blue hair girl glared at him from behind dripping bangs. She watched as his boyish smile added on to his appeal. His skin was a deep bronze color, and his hard six pack and chest to die for. Dressed in a pair of white swimming trunks, his hair seemed like platinum in the sun, and it went well with a white coral necklace.

"Quatre! Watch out!" Came the warning.

As Quatre turned around to listen to Trowa's warning, he suddenly found himself submerged in the pool. As he broke through, he noticed a triumphant and dripping wet Makoto smiling. Quatre wrinkled his nose.

"Two against one ain't fair!"

"We'll make it fair!"

Before Ami and Makoto could react, they found themselves being bombarded by jets of water. Turning around, they discovered Trowa, armed with two SuperSoakers. The brunette jumped into the water and began chasing the two girls with a happy smirk.

"Trowa!" Makoto screeched as a picture of Trowa flashed in her mind.

Today he was dressed in a pair of forest green swim trunks that reached his knees. They showed off his long and graceful legs. He had a solid eight pack and the most gorgeous arms anyone could ever dream of. Around his left wrist was a simply silver chain.

Trowa squirted them relentlessly. Until a water balloon landed on his back. Quickly he turned around to see Rei and Raven armed with a bucket of water balloon, smiling at him. He gulped and quickly went under, hoping to escape.

As he resurfaced, his green eyes widened with dear. Makoto, Rei and Raven each had a water balloon in each hand.

"FIRE!" Makoto screamed as they unleashed a barrage of flying water balloons.

Trowa gasped as he was hit time after time. He began to swim, hoping to escape only to be hit again and again. As he looked at them again, he suddenly smirked. Wufei ran up quickly behind Raven and Rei, pushing them into the pool. Rei, having seen Wufei in the corner of her eye, realized what he was doing. But she was too late to stop him. Instead, she grabbed his wrist and took him into the pool with her.

Trowa ducked as the water splashed everywhere. Meanwhile, Ami was busy chasing Quatre with a vengeance, and a very full SuperSoaker. The tanned blond ran for his life along the sides of the pool. Suddenly he disappeared behind some bushes.

Ami looked around the area cautiously, her water gun ready to attack and wet at any minute. As she approached a large bush, Quatre popped out suddenly in front of her. Ami brought up her water gun with speed that amazed Quatre with a triumphant grin on her features.

But before she could even press the trigger, Quatre took something out behind his back. Ami screamed and ran as Quatre began spraying her with the water hose.


"QUATRE WINNER! THAT'S NOT FAR!" The blue hair woman screamed as she ran past Haruka and Michiru.

"All's fair in love and war!" Quatre screamed as he squirted her relentlessly.

Quatre's face was lit up in satisfaction. That is, before a suddenly blond blur tackled him into the large pool. Quatre came up for air only to see Minako climbing out of the pool and high fiving Ami.

Suddenly water balloons came out of nowhere. Everyone turned to see a certain braided human vacuum throwing water balloons in random direction. The girls all shrieked and clambered into the water to seek protection. One hit Wufei square on the head.

"MAXWELL!!! THOSE ARE HITTING EVERYONE!" The Chinese youth scolded as he dived into water.

Duo, however, just laughed and kept throwing until his arsenal was depleted. He then grinning sheepishly as Minako and Wufei, each grabbing a hand, tugged him into the water along with the rest of the wet rats.

On the side, Heero and Hotaru were watching the scene and cracking up. They watched the antics of their friends with growing amusement. Before they knew it, everyone was looking at them, even Haruka and Michiru, who were in the hot tub.

"Hey you two! Come on! The water's great!" Duo screamed as he ducked Minako.

"It's fine over here too." Hotaru replied quickly as she slipped on a pair of violet shades.

"Come on Hotaru! Even Ami's joining in!" Rei said mocking the blue hair girl, which earned her a splash.

"It's okay." Hotaru replied again as she watched her friends cautiously. They've been known to pull a prank or ten.

"Hey Heero! Is it just me... or does Hotaru look a little dry!" Quatre yelled as he came to the edge of the pool.

Hotaru watched Heero from the corner of her eyes. He wouldn't try anything... would he? He was the cold and unfeeling one! Of course not! Relaxing, she closed her eyes.

"Actually Quatre... I think you're right."

Hotaru's eyes snapped open as she heard that. His voice was deep, amused, and very mischievous. Then slowly, Heero began to move towards her. Even through her shades, she could see a gleam in his eyes, a gleam she didn't like. His lips were pulled into a devilish smirk as he inched closer.

"H-Heero... now... you wouldn't..." Hotaru stuttered as she backed away.

"Oooooooh, I wouldn't say that..." the man answered, clearly enjoying the quiver in her voice.

"Com-come now Heero. We're both very... mature..."

"So's Ami and Quatre." He countered quickly.

"Heero... He-HEEEEEEERRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Hotaru shrieked as Heero quickly pounce. His strong arms grabbed her around the waist and then swung her over his shoulder as if she were a sack of potatoes. Hotaru screamed and kicked at his muscular chest. Ignoring her pleads and threats, Heero quickly began running towards the pool. Jumping on the diving board, he went as high as he could before jumping in. The splash hit everyone in the pool, even Haruka and Michiru in the hot tub.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Hotaru shrieked before she was submerged in water.

Everyone howled and cheered as the master himself resurfaced. Holding his hands up and bowing, Heero was basking in the attention. Hotaru appeared behind him, her face covered in a curtain of wet, black hair. Her violet eyes were shining angrily as she screamed and pounced on Heero.

Dunking the taller man into the pool, she smirked with enjoyment. Heero however was never one to admit defeat. While under water, he grabbed Hotaru around the waist, and tugged her under as well.

As the two came up, they started an immediate war of splashing. Either one refusing to give up, they found their friends quickly joining in to defend their friend. The boys on one side of the pool, and the girls on was water, both sides were soaking wet beyond description and neither showed any signs of accepting defeat.

As the minutes rolled by, the fight continued, the tension in the air climbing. Although still busy trying to defeat their counter part, everyone noticed Heero and Hotaru. Both of them had expressions of deep concentration etched upon their usually impassive faces. Their lips were curved up in content and very happy smiles. No one had ever seen their eyes twinkle with delight the way they were just then.

"Heero! Watch it!" The girl giggled as Heero tossed a water balloon at her, missing by a few centimeters.

"This is war!" Heero responded as he tackled her into the water.

As they broke through the surface of the water, Hotaru grabbed a near by water balloon and slammed it against the head. As she looked upon his face, she began to giggle uncontrollably. Heero's bangs were now dripping completely as they plastered as his forehead. A small pout was upon his lips and his eyes were unable to be seen.

"Not funny!" He roared as he dove under water.

Hotaru stopped laughing and looked around. Where was he? It's a clear pool! Now where did he go?

Before she could react, Heero knocked her feet from under her. A small shriek escaped her lips as she went under for the 99th time in that afternoon. A second later, she felt a pair of strong-arms pushing her to the surface. Looking at Heero, she giggled once again. He looked like a little boy with extremely long and cute bangs.

Heero watched through a barrier of bangs as she laughed. A musical sound came forth from her ruby lips, something so soft and yet crisp. The chatter and screaming of everyone else disappeared, and all he heard was her laughter. He never noticed the way her nose wrinkled as she covered her mouth with a small hand. Her eyes lit up and shone with the light that he thought was impossible from the cold looking girl.

He noticed also that she had developed nicely. She was still young so there might be room for improvement, but with what he saw, there wasn't any needed. She had the perfect hourglass figure. Despite her height, her creamy legs were long and well shaped. Hero stomach was flat. Although she seemed a bit on the skinny side, she was still very beautiful.

Hotaru paused; noticing that Heero was staring at her. A light blush painted her cheeks as she felt his dark eyes sweeping over her figure. Sure men had looked at her before, but none of their eyes were as intense as those stormy blue orbs of Heero's were. And none of the other men quite looked like Heero either. Her opinion of her when she first saw him still stood; he was still a very beautiful man like no other.

Suddenly a huge wave from Raven's cannon ball snapped the two out of their reverie. Heero quickly looked away, realizing he was staring, and blushed ever so slightly. Hotaru blushed even deeper and swam so that she might play with the rambunctious Raven.

Heero climbed out of the pool and sat on the edge. He watched as Hotaru and Raven played a game of tag together. Raven was laughing all the way, drowning out Hotaru's soft giggles. He had never seen Raven so happy and accepting of a woman that she has ever known, except maybe Lu and Viv.

A soft smile appeared upon his lips. They seemed so happy and they enjoyed each other's company so much. At that moment, Hotaru was chasing Raven through the water, his daughter as screaming with delight as he tried to get away.

"They're cute."

Heero looked to his left to see Trowa swimming towards him. The circus performer lifted himself out of the pool and sat next to Heero. The impassive man only nodded and turned his gaze back on the two girls that held his attention.

"She's pretty." Trowa pressed lightly as he kicked his feet in the water.

"Both of them I mean."

"Yeah... they are." Heero replied with another soft smile.

His smile grew as Hotaru caught Raven. Grabbing the small girl around the waist, Hotaru lifted her out of the water before dropping her. Then the playful dark haired youth began swimming away at top speed. Raven resurface, her long bangs dripping.

"HERE I COME!" She shouted as the pursuit began.

"I saw you staring at her." Trowa teased, knowing this his friend could figure out which girl he meant.

"So?" Heero shrugged.

"She's pretty." Trowa said again as he looked meaningfully at Heero with understanding green eyes.

"I think you better get back to Makoto." Heero warned, closing the conversation before Trowa could get another word in.

The green-eyed man frowns slightly, but shrugged nonetheless. Standing up, he made his way to his new girlfriend, leaving Heero with his thoughts.

Heero wondered if any of the others guy saw. Trowa was the perspective one of the group. He watched as after Trowa whispered a few words in his ear, Quatre turned around and looked at him with his brows furrowed. 'Well,' he thought dryly. 'Now they do.'

Trowa was right though, Hotaru was pretty. He could hear the underlining meaning in those quiet words. He thought Heero could...

But in truth he couldn't. He couldn't like any woman after what happened. Raven was turning 5 in a few days. That would be five whole years since...

"Come on Dad! Join us!" His daughter shouted at him, snapping him away from his thoughts.

"Yea Heero! We're all playing tag!" Hotaru agreed as a few people climbed out of the pool.

"You guys are." Wufei growled as he seated himself on the grass. Rei took a seat a few feet away from him.

"Yea, I'm pooped." Duo replied as Minako guided him to a seat. As he sat, he pulled Minako into his lap, where she now stayed.

Haruka and Michiru retreated once again to the hot tub. They shook their heads as Raven threw them a questioning look.

"You guys game?" Raven asked as Quatre, Ami, Trowa and Makoto remained in the large pool.

"Yea."

"Come on Heero! The water's great!" Quatre pressed.

"Yea Heero!"

"Don't be a spoil sport!"

After everyone in the pool, and outside, pressed him, he sighed. Slipping off his sneakers and cargoes, he revealed a pair of black swimming trunks. As he entered the water, he pulled his shirt over his head, revealing tight six pack as well as firm muscles.

Hotaru blushed at the sight of his well-toned body. It was firm undoubtedly, but wasn't too muscular to the point where it became almost a bother and slightly disgusting.

Everyone except Heero and Raven noticed the blush. Minako giggled as she leaned down and whispered into Duo's ear. A grin slowly unfolded upon the braided one's face. He nodded and leaned back in the seat with Minako on top of him.

"Whose it?!" Duo shouted from the side.

"Not me!" Raven screamed and scrambled away.

"Me neither!" Quatre followed.

"Don't even think about it!" Makoto yelled next.

"I'm not it." Hotaru said calmly as she swam away.

"Not me." Ami followed quickly.

"Too bad Heero!" Trowa called.

Heero blinked as he stood in the middle of the large pool. Everyone else was already miles away, since Quatre's pool was miles long and wide. Sighing deeply, Heero cursed his luck for being it. Now for the targets...

Ami was a fast swimmer, he could tell. Going after Trowa and Quatre were useless. Makoto... Trowa would kill him. So that left Hotaru and Raven.

To his luck and pleasure, the two fled in the same direction. He quickly took a deep breath and dove in after them. Like a speeding missile, he raced across the twenty feet as if taking a casual swim. Within five feet was Raven. If he planned it just right...

Suddenly his daughter veered off the left, heading towards Trowa and Makoto. Going too fast to change direction, he decided on Hotaru instead. But the stubborn girl wasn't going to give up so easily. She veered off as well, but to the right, heading to Quatre and Ami. Slowly down slightly, Heero flipped around under water and began his pursuit. He was six feet away and gaining quickly.

Seeing Heero coming closer, Hotaru put forth another surge of speed. He shot through the water, convinced not to let Heero catch her. Heero cursed inwardly as he noticed Hotaru's burst of speed.

Ami and Quatre gulped once they saw the two speeding missiles coming their way. Diving into the water, they decided that if Heero were coming after them, they'd try and get lost with Trowa, Makoto and Raven. So as they crossed the width of the pool, Hotaru suddenly decided to follow them. If she were to go into a crowd of people, Heero might go after them instead.

Getting their plan, Heero slowed down. This was just basically a chase now. He suddenly went off the right, hoping to surprise everyone at their destination. Trowa, Makoto and Raven sensed no real danger since they didn't see Heero going off track. They figured he would catch Hotaru eventually.

As Hotaru, Ami and Quatre reached them, everyone suddenly realized they didn't have a single clue where Heero was. Looking around frantically, they decided to start moving again. So they headed towards the other side of the pool, that side that no one had gone to before.

But before they could really start, Heero struck. He grabbed Hotaru's legs, receiving a loud scream. But instead of pulling her down, he placed one arm behind her knees. And then getting a footing on the slippery ground, he raised himself out of the water. But at the same time, he swept Hotaru's legs upward, so that the girl fell back. Before she could actually hit the water, his other arm shot out and caught her waist. So as he finally stood, in his arms, he carried Hotaru princess style.

Hotaru blushed deeply, having been carried in Heero's strong arms. She was so close to him, her arms brushing against his solid chest and abs. Covering her face with her hands, she tried to fight down the warm that appeared all over her body.

Meanwhile Heero looked down at the small girl through his wet bangs. He saw the blush that warmed her cheeks before she covered them with his hand. He had to admit, it felt good making her blush... very good.

"You're it." He whispered huskily.

Hotaru nodded numbly as the blush disappeared. However, Heero made no move to put her down. The two stayed like that for a few seconds, Hotaru in Heero's arms, and Heero peering down at her through his bangs. Everyone watched them, their knowing smiles spread from ear to ear. Duo somehow knew that something between the two happened, for everyone went silent. Minako slowly leaned down again and promised to tell him later. He simply nodded and grinned as she pecked him on the nose.

Haruka however was steaming. She fought the urge to jump out of the jacuzzi and beat the crap out of Heero. However Michiru kept her busy by planting one of the hottest kisses she ever experienced on her lips. The tall woman frowned as Michiru pulled away but said nothing.

"Dinner is ready."

Everyone snapped their heads towards the new voice. Thomas was stand in the doorway, looking neat and unaffected by the scene between Heero and Hotaru. Quatre nodded and waved him away, inwardly annoyed at the butler for disturbing the cute moment between the two in the pool.

By now, they were the only two people left in the water. Everyone began to go in, going to get ready for dinner. After they left, Heero cleared his throat.

"Game's over." He whispered as he hesitantly put the small girl down.

"Yea..." Hotaru whispered back as she removed her arms from his neck.

"Better get ready for dinner..." He reminded softly.

"Yea, I will..." Hotaru said softly.

With that, the dark haired girl moved towards the edge of the pool. Slowly she climbed out and grabbed a nearby towel. Before she started walking, she sent a glance at Heero, who was still standing in the water.

Heero watched as she disappeared, shocked by everything that's happened. One minute they were playing tag, the next, she was in his arms. And to his surprise, he liked it. He liked having her weight in his arms, though she was very light. And he felt strangely content with having Hotaru near, like no way that he ever felt with... her...

Slowly he climbed out of the pool and went inside to prepare for dinner.

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Okay, I'm done with this chapter. YES! OH YAY! This chapter came out longer than I originally planned. It was supposed to be with the dinner, but I guess I had a little too much fun at the pool. Sorry!

Well, now with the change of plans, I can inform you that the next chapter will be out VERY soon. And also, I must say that this fic will be over very soon. I plan to have another 8-chapters of this fic. Yes I know, that's not exactly short in most people's opinion, but to me, that is short.

I hope that this fic will be done by maybe the first week of July? I'm in a very happy and writing mood lately, so let me hope!

I hope you all liked the chap! I hope it wasn't too crappy! Review please! Oh please! Please please please! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!