Hammer to the Heart 9
2-10-03 ~ 6-13-03
By: Anime Redneck
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~oOo@oOo~
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Hilde was enjoying herself with the others. After sneaking up as much as they could yelling his name like a bunch of banshee's, having a great laugh at Duo's expense. The tallest of girls recovered from laughing enough to help the shocked braided boy up from his fallen spot on the ground, ears still ringing from the yell.
He tried to glare at the girl he honestly did, but seeing the look she and the other woman were giving him, the 'innocent look' he couldn't keep it trained on them anymore cracking his face with a mile long grin. He had asked how they were, where Relena was and introduced the girls with him as his lackeys.
That was until the Fiery Priestess reared back and whacked him good on the back of his head. "I like her" Hilde had commented getting a grin from the raven-haired young woman. They'd come fast friends.
The dreaded task ahead was meeting up with Relena... sad they just couldn't leave her on the bench and walk among the crowds. But... the Sanq Hime hadn't ever done any wrong to them - blowing their cover granted - and 'cause of this fact, they could not in good conscious leave her on her own.
"Hiya Lena-san!"
The cheery voice, the only one that did not regard her as 'Relena-sama' brought the sandy haired Hime from her thoughts. Looking up she fixed him with a smile bright as the sun, her eyes though, glared at him. "Hello Duo, how are you today?" She'd be damned if she let it show though.
"I'm great thanks!"
Darn, he wasn't fazed. He never was. Eyes loosing the glare she just smiled. It wasn't that she didn't like the boy. Oh no, Duo Maxwell was a hard person not to like; he just had that karma around him that drew people towards him, making them like him. Unless of course you were on the wrong side of the law and then it would pull wool over your eyes making him seem innocent to you... then the next you knew, your life was slipping away from the fatal mistake.
No she, Relena Peacecraft did not not, like the boy. She disliked him ever so much for spending time with her Heero. He was always there, watching, laughing, and teasing. Most of all... getting *reactions* from him! Sometimes more then just the Japanese boy's life threats.
While she, got nothing.
Yes it irked her quite a bit. But... she was a young woman of stature, pose, dignitary and royalty. Patience and calm were her middle names; she'd get what she wanted in due time. Shaking her head from idle thoughts she noticed the braided one was not alone, having four other companions with him that were not the fated four whom saved their small corner of the universe.
"Duo, whom are your friends?" a brow arched ever so slightly.
"Yea dork! Introduce us!"
Duo frowned, "No need for name callin'!" But laughed anyways. "Relena Peacecraft, allow me the honor to introduce four fine, gorgeous ladies to ya." Throwing a wink their way he pointed to each going through their names and throwing in small bits about them. Like for instance, Minako's being the 'love goddess in training' or Makoto's being the 'Greatest Chief in the West' and so forth.
Relena bowed to them all, "It's a pleasure to meet you all." An un-Relena like grin spread across her planes, "I'm sorry you had to meet Duo here... he's quite the idiosyncratic character at times, is he not?"
"Hey! Hey!" he protested, "NO using words I don't know!!"
Snickering the girls only smiled knowingly at the sad boy. "It's alright Duo... you'll learn what it means... one day."
Crossing arms over his muscled chest the American frowned, "That is so, not cool."
Turning her gaze form the teasing girls Relena once again smiled, "Noin! What a pleasant surprise to see you here!" tilting her head to the side in wonder she asked, "Noin... what *are* you doing here?"
"Erm well..." the good Lieutenant had the grace to blush, light pink hue only adding to her natural beauty. "I actually... lost someone in here and was... looking for them M'am."
Raised brows from three people, "Who?"
"Well..." Why were they doing this to her? That was it, he was going to die next time she saw him. Just had to ditch her when he saw Hilde coming for her... ohhh that little... "Your brother M'am... Zechs."
"Ahh..."
"Ohhh so *THAT'S* why you weren't with m-mammph!"
Slapping his hand over the smaller girls mouth Duo smiled. "Sorry Lena-san, she's got this obsessive talking disorder that lets her say the stupidest of things at times, y'know? So don't mind her really." Pointedly looking into the gabbering girl's eyes sending his message. At her obedient nod he released her.
"I see."
"Sorry Relena-sama" Hilde glared at her 'brother'. She'd get him for that, just you wait and see...
"Duo" attention suddenly focused on him once more, "Where's Heero?"
Ohhh boy... he knew that was coming sometime. Now what to say... what to say... "Out." Oh yea, *smart* Maxwell!
"Out? Out where?"
Umm, that was a good question. The girls were watching him now; eyes sparkling in amusement while the braided genius tried getting himself out of this one. Their targets were getting away. "He's out at the... at the park! He said something about playing ball there earlier!" Okay, not the best, definitely not the brightest, but it *was* plausible!
"Oh." Relena didn't know if that was true or not, but the braided fool didn't lie, it wasn't in his nature. So maybe Heero was out at a park, and maybe he was playing ball... But her sources told her he was *here* in *this* park! "I see."
Makoto watched him curiously. Something nagged at her, didn't seem to combine with what she already knew, so doing the best she could without being noticed the tall lass caught the boys attention mouthing 'Playing ball?' arching a brow.
Smirking he shrugged, 'Why not? It could happen!'
Tilting her head towards one of the rides she finally conceded to his answer after some thought. So he wasn't truly lying... A. They were at a park and B. you could 'play ball' at this park. So in those ways Duo's butt was saved if Relena ever ran into Group A. She chuckled grinning towards the others. That was something she'd love to see happen.
"What are you grinning at Mako-chan?"
Facing the inquisitive eyes of one Ami Mizuno, Makoto smiled waving it off, "Nothin' chica, I'll tell ya laters" wink "Promise."
"Alright then." The quiet girl turned to face the others who were milidy chatting with one another. "Excuse me Minna-san... But are we going to ride some rides?"
"Or are we gonna sit on our ASSist all day and TALK!?" Minako laughed already taking off forming one long chain of girls leaving the other four behind.
"HEY! NO FAIR!" twin cries came from Duo and Hilde, each grabbing another persons arm before giving chase.
"LLLLOOO~SERS!!!!"
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~ * @ * ~
'
"Trowa, your lover boy seems to be shaking... I think he needs you to hold him." Usagi giggled watching the poor pale youth being helped from the ride. It wasn't her fault he didn't like the rides. 'The Joker' was one wicked ride! A great adrenalin rush, got your blood pumping, you screamed even if you tried not too. Some of the drops and loops they had went through... she shook her head, were wicked cool! And if the girls had been with her, she knew they'd keep going on it, but not wanting to scare the Arabian more then she already has... choose to move on to something else.
"Usagi... not funny..."
Opening her mouth to reply to that comment she was cut off by a humored, "Yes it was" from her right. Head snapping in that direction she stared past a smirking Heero to the Chinese boy who seemed on the verge of grinning and laughed to herself.
Goddess above if people this war hardened were turned to kids for a day at an amusement park they should make it free! There was such a drastic change in the boys she met almost two weeks ago. Had known were in her school for a while now... it was... well, amazing.
"Chang..."
Wufei smirked, "Winner."
"Children..." fringing disappointment Usagi glanced between the four of them wagging a finger, "I can't believe your behaving like this. We're gonna have to sit all of your disregarding rear ends in the time out corner if you can't handle the fun."
One previously decided sexy brow rose on her Asian friend, said friend's eyes were twinkling with something hidden in their depths as he considered her. Turning behind him as Trowa and Quatre backed off the ride he smirked to the Chinese, who nodded back, before turning back around and hefting the lightweight onto his shoulder in smooth motion.
Surprised shock shone in wide sapphire orbs before she finally gave a loud, "EEECKKKK!!" banged half heartedly on his muscled back, "LEMME GO! LEMME GO!"
"No can do."
"HEERO! Put me DOWN!" her voice demanded the action now, but her laughter betrayed her.
Quatre grinned, the expression looking as incompatible on him as it did on their Bunny, "Justice!" he cheered hanging onto his now exposed love's arm. He thought they hid it so well too... He mused it must have been Trowa's glaring.
"Where to now?" questioned the Dragon as he slowly crept up to the Japanese's right side, eyes watching the potato sacked Bunny with mirth.
"How about-"
Once again she was cut off by "FOOD!" from Quatre.
Sighing she mumbled, "Not what I was going to suggest..." but she was starting to get hungry. How long have they been there now? Definitely time for lunch.
"What was that oh captured one?"
Wufei's voice sounded off, somehow... trying to look around her body found she couldn't see him. He was walking too much in front of Heero... "Oh nothing... ya know... just yackin' to myself and all!" throwing a hand bouncingly into the air swirling it around for emphases. In like with what the Braided Baka was known to do when being annoying goofy.
Nodding the Chinese slowly looked to Heero, then the two in front of them and back to the Asian teen. At his companion's arched brow Wufei merely shrugged innocently - a notion that didn't pass well - and turned his attention to the feet dangling to his left. A decidedly wicked gleam entered those darker then night eyes as one arm lifted, fingers stretching out to gaze along one peach tanned foot.
Heero shot a glare to the youth as Usagi twitched going still.
Wufei smirked back, reaching out again.
"AAAAHHHHAAAA!!! NNNOOO!!" snorted laughter cut trough the air like a hot knife through butter, so sudden was it.
Finally realizing that his comrade was up to Heero smirked as well, small chuckle rumbling in his chest.
"Hey s-stop!" giggling insanely the poor blonde bucked kicking her foot hitting something before bursting into another fit of laughter. "Damn it STOP TICKLING ME!" A wild kick had something snapping, her head jerked frantically enough to see who the menace was. "WUFFERS! STOP IT!" another kick, eyes squinting trying not to see the people staring at her. A light blush tinted her already reddening face, "Just WAIT 'til I get down MINSTER!"
Chuckling Wufei wisely moved away from the widely kicking feet speeding up his walk to be with the other two as they neared the food courts.
Shaking his unruly mane Heero let a rare feature cross his face while slowly letting the blonde odango'd girl down from his shoulder. "Usa..."
"What!?" Glaring at the taller boy Usagi frowned cutely at him. He had the nerve to carry her as if she was nothing else then a bag of flour and THEN Wufei goes off and TICKLES her! Granted she was wearing open toed sandals but still! And THEN-! She blinked. Was Heero's voice...?
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oOo@oOo
Boom Boom Boom,
Like a hammer to the heart,
Just one look at you and baby I was blown apart,
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
Feeling something around her waist she jumped a little, small "EEP!" escaping her lips before her head snapped up to stare at the boy beside her. He was watching her, his eyes shimmered with something she couldn't quite place... yet they were, softer looking... and, as she let her gaze drop lower... he was smiling! Lower still found it was his arm around her waist. Whether he was trying to keep her from going after Wufei or truly wanted to hold her was not known, but... sighing contentedly, a little nervous still, Usagi leaned into the strong hold.
"Heero no baka."
"Hn." Refusing the urge to lean down and taste the tantalizing lips once more Heero led the Japanese girl into the food courts quietly ordering her to "Pick something" while the others waited. Ladies first after all.
Giggling happily from his generous prod Usagi hopped up as her namesake, pecked her Soldier Boy on the cheek while letting her arm slide out capturing his hand and dragging them through the massed food area looking for the perfect thing for lunch.
Trowa, Quatre and Wufei watched in amusement at the dusty rose coloring to their usual emotionless friend's cheek, while being led astray through all the different vendors.
Smiling as they followed the small Arabian leaned into his love's side squeezing his waist with a whispered, "I see something they don't see..." teasing the others ears, though knowing that each one of them, all three, could see it. Only truly one person was blind to the fact, or, he wondered... Was anyone blind on it? The look, the action his Japanese friend just showed to them, spoke volumes where his voice never would. Not unless they stepped in to help, he grinned.
"Winner, down boy." Eyeing the bouncing Bunny in front of him, his companion for who was nearly smiling, almost failing to keep his lip muscles turned down in usual scowl... He could tell that something was blossoming between the two Japanese teens; had been since they first saw the two of them together. And if all was to develop as was headed, then it should be left alone. Admittedly, he wasn't against a few prods in such direction himself, but no sneaky planning.
Pouting cutely as they caught up to the two kids eyeing a collection of fried foods Quatre said, "You're no fun Wufei! Can't you see it?"
"Yes Little One, we can, but do not interfere..."
"Listen to your lover Winner" his voice was humored while he ordered his food. Suddenly his ears twitched causing his head to perk up looking around. He could have sworn he just heard...
Trowa seeing his friend's body tense up stopped his movements, "Wufei?"
"What's the matter?" looking between the two boy Quatre frowned, "What's going on?"
"I just-" he stopped hearing it once again. "I heard Maxwell..." and he wasn't alone, was the silent thought. He'd know that annoying onna's voice anywhere. Eyes widening he looked back to where Heero and Usagi were sitting to eat, side by side. "K'so."
"Chang?" Winner's voice was lowered, serious and worried. Wufei only ever cursed when stressed beyond belief, pissed off or overly worried. At the moment he didn't seem to be either, though the cress in his brows contested to his anxious state.
"Maxwell is here."
"Where?" Trowa raised a brow looking around.
Ignoring the question shaking his head Wufei sighed eyeing them both and shrugged. "We're not to worry about them. We need to keep an eye on Heero and Usagi..."
"Why Wufei, what's wrong?" So what, Duo was there, fine and dandy he could kill him now!
"Relena" this from the tall European lad holding his tray. He heard it now, she was here, somewhere within their eyes sight, yet not being found. The young woman who had an unhealthy affection for their silent Wing pilot; this could prove most disastrous.
Blinking rapidity, his little lover shouted, "WHAT!?" Slowly it started to make sense. The order to keep an eye on the other two, Duo's not being there... well maybe not Duo's not being with them, that was still a mystery to him, but he knew the other boy didn't like the Sanq Hime being around his Japanese friend, so would keep her away as best he could but still... why...?
"Come on, let's eat and worry about it when it comes. I'm having fun and refuse to let some crazy onna ruin it."
That was the best-damned thing he'd heard all day! Smiling widely Quatre nodded leading the way to their table and sitting on the other side, leaving Wufei to take the end seat. But the Chinese didn't take the end seat. Instead he placed his plate down offering his hand to the golden haired girl, "Usagi-chan, may I have a word with you please?" Heero arched a brow in question along with Usagi but Wufei simply smiled shaking his head slightly nodded towards the other two.
Wondering what was so important to tear her away from her beloved food among other things... a wide grin turned rose lips as she flashed Heero a smile before taking the offered arm and leaving a few feet away, out of ear shot to speak with the other. It wasn't what she thought it was about, which was truly nothing, for she didn't think anything would come up that needed to be said besides that they were all having fun, but she nodded in understanding, thanked him and sat back down smiling wider then normal if that was at all possible.
Shooting her secret love another brilliant smile she dug in with a vengeance. Today was turning out to be an interesting and hilarious day!
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~ * @ * ~
'
"I know who likes Makoto... I know who likes Makoto..." the singsong voice cut through the air happily causing the others around the singing one to giggle, some glared. The hyper girl had been going on about this since they left after finding Relena and had yet to stop.
"Minako-chan... Cousin or not, Usagi can dislike me all she likes, but I'm going to kill you if you don't *stop* saying that!" To her it was pretty damned obvious who liked her and who she liked she didn't need the other broadcasting it to the other nations! Personally, she wouldn't mind who knew, honestly, but hearing it over and over again for the past hour was seriously getting on her ever-loving last nerve.
"Cousin?"
Smiling Minako bounced around nodding quickly, "Ya betcha! Can't ya tell!?" tipping her head to the side and smiled her most endearing 'natural' smile, not her hyper active one. "See?"
It took a minute, but then a pair of darker blues settled over the other girl's sky blue, a pair of lighter colored hair in odango's was semi-imposed upon her head. "Usagi" he breathed wondering why he never saw it before, "Your Usa-chan's cousin?" No wonder he'd been wondering who she reminded him of!
"YUP!" proudly bowing with a giggle Minako straighten smirking, "Cousins by birth, sisters by heart!"
"Then again, we're all sister really, just they seem to look the most alike." Ami's quiet voice piped up from the other side of the conversing kids.
"Sisters?" he was starting to get confused now...
"Mm-hmm..." nodding as she stepped a bit closer, "We're all like sisters. Usagi-chan's the one that found each of us, befriended us, taught us what true friends were all about."
Rei smiled shooting a look to the three new people beside her, "Usagi-chan met us all in middle school, we've been the besst of friends since then. We're more like sisters the way we fight and carry on. No one can break us apart though and we watch out for the other's back. If anything were to happen to us... *anything*... you would have the other four to deal with. It' a promise that's never had to of been said, but has been carried out many times. No one hurts one of us and gets away with it."
This time Makoto nodded seriously, "Yea, especially Usagi. She's like our younger sister, though we're all the same age really. You don't mess with her, or you mess with us. We protect her the most, care and love her the most. But for all our friends we're protective." Looking around making sure she had everyone's attention she nodded and went on, "Usagi's been through a lot in her life and we take it to heart to make sure nothing else happens to her. So if you've got something in mind, you better just forget it." She held no doubt the people around her would do anything, but her last comment was directed at a dirty haired blonde headed girl whose eyes held a calculating look to them. They'd have to keep an eye on her.
"Hey" holding his hands up in self defense Duo smiled, eyes just as serious, "Me n' the guys would *never* hurt Usagi-chan... or any of y'all, we ain't like that!"
"We know" Rei gave him a grateful smile trying to calm him before he got started, "I can sense you all have nothing less then honorable intentions towards our H-Usa-chan... and would do anything to protect her as well."
"Damn straight!" the girls laughed at him tugging their human chain off in another direction. They were heading for the Twisting Shooter. Whose whole point was to sit in rows of four, wait 'til the ride shot off in a countless number of swirling motions then stopping. It was probably the shortest ride right next to Grease Lightening, but unlike with Grease Lightening... most people got whiplash at the quickness this ride stopped at.
It was as they entered the area for the ride that things started to get interesting.
Walking through the Camelot Square in the medieval portion or the park Rei let her fiery violet eyes take in everything. Like her Hime, she had known - they all had - that this park was here for years, but had never stopped by. Now she regretted that fact. Yet even so, she knew now they would be coming here more often, every chance school and Senshi business let them.
Passing the merry-go-round and on towards the ride she let her eyes glance to a tall group of people milling around one of the smaller rides for kids and smiled. It was adorable, the faces of children having fun. So watching the children as she was, was not prepared for the hand that shoved her from the way into the people standing next to her, causing them to crash into one another, or the shout of "MILLIE YOUR DEAD!" that came with the shove.
She did know however that she was upset. There was no cause for pushing her from the way; the person could have easily walked around her. Instead she was pushed into Makoto and Duo, causing them to come within nose to nose of each other... Rei found delight over her ire at the blush staining the two teens faces before turning her searching orbs once more to find the culprit of the rude shove.
What she found was amusing to say the least.
Noin, the lady in which Duo introduced to them an hour back; a person she found quite right of mind and grown up in her twenty-three years... was currently leaning up snagging one pale milky tanned ear and dragging a man head taller then she, over towards them... bickering at him quite nicely. Yes, Rei approved of the woman's scolding technique. And to use it on an elegant looking man no less reducing him to look like an overly sorry, sulking child who knew his hand was found in the cookie jar. Chuckling Rei wondered what type of cookie jar his hand was found in.
"Zechs if you ever leave like th-"
"I do apologize Noin, it was not right of me to abandon you as such."
"Damn right mister!" Rei smirked at them both, silently edging closer to hear what was said, "If you didn't want to see your sister that much then you shouldn't have followed her here or agreed to help me with Hilde and her! You *knew* she'd see you!"
"Noin..." the tall flaxen white haired man sighed smiling softly, "I did apologize for that. I'm here now, am I not?"
Though she smiled, Rei heard Noin mutter, "After I dragged you of course!" then another smile, "But I suppose your right Millie... Now come on there are a lot for you to meet!" voice chipper, Rei backed off into her group once more waiting for them to join up.
"Hilde, Duo, Relena" Zechs nodded towards each as he walked over, noticing curiously the other four girls he did not know. Arching his brow at the possessive look in violet eyes for the forest-eyed girl Zechs nodded in Duo's direction once more inquiring politely, "And who are these lovely young ladies?"
"Zechs Merquise, I'd like to introduce you to Kino Makoto" nodding to the girl at his side, "Hino Rei" to the black haired, violet eyed girl by his ladies side, "Aino Minako, cousin to Usagi" he waved towards the blonde, "Final but never last, the ever brilliant Mizuno Ami!"
Bowing Zechs smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Tell me" he tilted his chin to the side thinkingly, "where did you happen to meet this lone scragglier?"
Snorting disbelief, wide violets shone, "ZECHS!" That was so not cool! Not a way to be talked about, very rude indeed! Yet he smiled through it all. It was nice to see the older man smiling even if he was the butt of his joke. Zechs hadn't had much to smile about since the wars, Duo reflected staring at the man with a calculating gaze. After Treize died it was as if a part of him went with the auburn haired guy. He knew, everyone did, that Zechs and Treize were more then mere comrades in a war. They always would be. Yet now, it was warming to know that his friend was no longer hurting as he had been before... Now he had Noin to keep him company, in more ways then one he noted grinning at the slight blush on said ladies face.
"In the park!" Minako's cherry voice brought him back from his thoughts, "I was reading and he came over to ask if we could hel-mmphh mmph!"
Slapping a hand over the flapping mouth Ami shot a glare in Relena's direction, "Mina-chan... Do be a dear and not let you HAAD get the best of you, ne? I'm sure Usagi would love you releasing something best kept" whispering the last part in the girls ear she stood back and smiled to her friends, "Shall we? The line has moved" not waiting for an answer she grabbed the two nearest hands, Minako and Makoto's, and started off.
"Oookay... that was strange."
"Not really, I think she just has the same problem as you do Hilde." Noin answered in the most serious voice she could at the moment.
"HEY! I'll have you know tha-" she never finished the sentence another's cut her off... again...
"DAMNIT!! GET BACK HERE!!!" Hilde's head, with everyone else's snapped left then right as a black and blue blur passed them up, deep, rough laughter rolling from the figure as they went. "DAMNIT HEE-CHAN!! GET BACK HERE! YOU THINK YOU CAN PINCH MY ASS AND GET AWAY WITH IT!?? YOUR DEAD MISTER!!!" every head snapped back and fourth a second time as a golden haired-bannered girl in red and white flew after the first blurred image.
.
oOo@oOo
Boom Boom Boom,
Yeah I knew right from the start,
This was something new, oh baby!
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
"Usagi?" Rei asked stunned.
"Heero?" Makoto mimicked.
"Pinched her ass?" Duo's astonished voice rang out as more laughter caused them to snap back around watching as three burling teens of various colors and voiced laughter ran by them after the other two who were heading... Hades only knew where with their antics! Smirking for all he was worth noticing it was Trowa, Quatre and Wufei... and that they were all, indeed laughing, he grabbed Makoto's wrist lightly and pulled, "COME ON!"
And the chase was on! They ran around the Twisting Shooter, past the Western Swings, through the racetrack and back towards the carts that ran from one area of the park to the other before stopping. They had lost they're pray. "Damnit!" Minako shouted snickering. Who'd of known they could run that fast?! Now where the hell'd they go to? She looked, but couldn't tell. It wasn't until she glanced a look up wards and cursed that she knew when they had went.
One of the carts were swinging a bit more the normal, crazed laughter sounding the type that her Hime let loose when being tickled floated down to her from it. Ah ha! "Come on! They're heading for the other side of the park!" grabbing a hand she led everyone into the carts house waiting for enough to come by and pick them all up (it took three carts) before giving a lazy air chase for their princess and her chosen attacker. Minako snorted grinning.
She very much approved of this 'Heero' from what she had seen of him from afar. He hadn't done anything misgiving towards her cousin no hime. He'd been gentlemanly in a quiet standoffish sort of way, and truly seemed to care for her, even with trying to hide it. Minako could tell. After all you couldn't hide love from Aphrodite's daughter.
Glancing behind her to the cart there she watched as Relena talked with Noin, Zechs and Ami. Silently she hopped that the girl wouldn't be a problem, she obviously felt *something* for her Hime's intended... well, now intended anyways... She smiled to herself nodding at something Duo and Makoto were saying. They were cute together! Her Hime, her Usagi, was honestly in love, the best you could get, with this silent wild Japanese boy. The way she teased him was too funny for words! She had to admit though... she never knew her Hime had a mischievous streak like she did, forcing that poor Quatre boy to go on the rides like that. Minako would swear he nearly had a heart attack on The Joker.
Slowly their ride was coming to an end. Her cart was currently at the top in the cable ride, giving a wonderful view of the whole park, before it started slowly on it's way down to the other cart house where she could barely make out people exiting. It was no use though, she knew, that her Hime and intended couldn't escape this time! A. Quatre, Trowa and Wufei were in the cart ahead of hers. And B. they were behind them. Too close a set down time that they'd have chance to get away. Besides, they were her Senshi; they always knew where she was.
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~ * @ * ~
'
"ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! I GIVE!!" she couldn't take it anymore! Just make him stop! Squealing trying to scoot from the strong arms wrapped about her waist tickling her yet again, Usagi couldn't help her laughter. She couldn't help it anyways, she was overly ticklish and his acting like a kid and not a stick in the mud that he had weeks before, was something to relish in. There was a normal boy hiding under that mask, as she knew there had been, and taking a day to the park was all it took for him to come out of hiding.
And what a boy he was!
Could someone ever imaging the "Perfect Soldier" - yes she knew of his bloody past... as being this open and playful? It had been her that smacked him countless times up side the head for goofy and annoy things (mainly his "Hn" comments) then it was he at the food place not so many minutes behind them that as she pasted to place her trash in the bin, he had reached out after someone's muttered something or another and pinched her ass! And he grinned about it... Goddess save her, but the grin was so wolfishly handsome she paused staring at him starry eyed before what he had done finally sank in.
Then, as they say, 'The chase was on!'
And ended in a cable cart box.
"What's the magic word?"
Magic word? You had to be kidding her! He wanted a *magic* word? Good Gods what had she done?! Chuckling, trying to still enough that she could talk she cried out, "Mother! Uncle! Give!" neither had her desired effect.
"Wrong answer" Heero's smile-smirk never faded as he upped his 'attack' on the helpless Bunny.
"Damnit! I'm gonna get you Yuy!" Just as soon as I figure out what the hell your weakness is you just wait and see! Grinning she tried thinking of something that would work... "Uncle! Sam! Sesame! Prince!" Why the hell did that one come to mind? "Space! Damnit Hero!"
He stopped.
That was it? Eyeing him warily. 'Hero' was his secret word? Or was it the combination of the two? 'Space Hero'? Would make sense, still a strange one though. Nevertheless she was happy he had finally stopped tickling her and let her breath. She noted with some sense of relief and happiness that his hold around her waist didn't relinquish.
"Arigatou."
The whisper so faint, she almost didn't catch it. "For what Hee-chan?" she requested from her spot on his lap, watching him carefully. His voice was lower then usual, softer and... and warm... That shouldn't surprise her she knew, his voice since The Joker had been warmer then all the other times that that they were together.
Closing his stormy sea eyes for a moment Heero took a deep breath meeting her sapphire gaze, and said, "For everything" trying to convey all he felt in the single two words, hoping that she would understand. Emotions were still new to him, he wasn't sure on everything that he felt right now. But he knew, he was feeling a complex jumble of emotions that confused him more then he'd like to admit, yet, he knew what the warmest one was, it was love... or so from countless entailing of a blonde haired Arabian, he had come to place that word, 'love', to the warm feeling in his chest. He felt protective as well, he'd do anything to see this girl, young woman beside him safe.
And, above all he supposed, he was thanking her for freeing him.
He had been locked inside an unseen cage for many years, since he was a wee boy of five he could remember nothing but a life of killing and no emotions but for maybe the once in a while annoyance, the triumph of completing his missions and being tired. Those were all he could remember feeling for near thirteen years.
Duo had come along though during the wars and introduced him to new emotions, but they were still a mystery to him. He was still locked in his cage. The thought, once in a while, had crossed his mind that he would forever be locked in the darkened box behind all the other memories, the nightmares that would haunt him. He wondered why being around his friends hadn't let him come out at all. They knew so much more then he did, could teach him about his emotions... But yet he'd been around them for near four years now and he was still locked in his cage.
It wasn't until he met the overly lively Bunny that his world started to be painted in color. Whatever she possessed was slowly unlocking his cage, letting color filter in where there had only been black, white and gray. Maybe it was her innocence, her way of noticing even the smallest of things to point out to him, which was able to unlock his cage... his heart... Whatever it was about the small blonde, he loved it... loved her... And it scared him. The ex-Perfect Soldier who had never been scared a day in his life he could remember... scared of one small whip of a girl...
But that small whip of a girl had unknowingly given him his heart back, before she took it away again and gave him hers. He was scared what she would do with his heart. He'd never had it before, knew it to be a fragile thing with times of none usage... it could crumble easily, he knew. Yet... yet he wasn't afraid of holding her heart. He was... uneased, by it having been given so easily, but he was not afraid of doing any wrong to it, because he knew he could not, would not ever, hurt this girl before him. Like she would not him. It was a silent promise neither had to mention. They just... knew.
.
oOo@oOo
Hammer to the heart...
Boom Boom
Hammer to the heart...
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
Blinking cutely, split second wondering why he was thanking her, Usagi smiled her best for him. She knew. She could only be the stupidest person in the Universe if she did not know.
How could one person go through so much change in under a few mere weeks and have another not know why?
It was her that much was true. She had started a change within the stoic, which was greatly over due to happen. There had been someone under that mask, that lone wolf façade of his that called out to be let free. Someone much great lied beneath waiting to be let out, but lacked a will and way to do so.
Tsukino Usagi was that way... Yuy Heero had the will.
She had watched, since bumping into the boy in the park, since talking with Motoki in the arcade. She had watched, learned the way he acted, the way he moved... there was just something about him that called to her, called to help him. She answered that call and could not have been more pleased with the out come of it. Even if... if loving him, was not in her plan of helping him. She was her mothers daughter and one never questioned why one fell in love, or with whom they fell with... they simply accepted and loved it with all they were.
Love was a gift no matter what form it was in. It was something to he cherished, nurtured, helped to grow.
Heero had never known love. Usagi knew that now. The way his eyes would go misty with thought as couples passed, the way his muscles bunched at the most innocent of touches... He had never had someone to be close to besides his friends from the wars. But that was brotherly love; all good and well, but not what he needed most. Heero needed someone to show him what living was worth, why he should, what was out there and best yet... What could happen if he did live a little.
Well, her Heero was living now! She had seen a side of him no one had ever even guessed lied beneath his cold mask of indifference. He was a child under that mask, enjoying life for the first time without fear of dying the next day. Without fear of worrying if he did something wrong it could cost the lives of thousands. His only fear now, she knew, was how to act, what was proper around her and others? He still had some things to learn about being a 'kid' again. He had been forced to fight a grown mans war... been forced to grow up long before his time... Now, now he was being asked to reverse that process and be a kid again.
Live, learn, love, play! Enjoy life with all he was... and she, Usagi was going to be there for him through it all and then afterwards. They all would be now. Quatre, Trowa, Wufei, Duo, Makoto, Ami, Minako and Rei... they were all his friends, they wouldn't let anything happen to the special boy beside her. He was new to all this, they'd protect him 'til he got a handle on it all himself. Emotions could be as strong as storms. He'd need someone to talk to at times, someone to explain what was happening to him, what he felt... and the others... He just needed to kid around with and be a stupid goofy kid again!
They were all his friends. They all loved him and as he did to them, they would protect him.
"Heero..." whispering quiet to him his name, Usagi never noticed the distance growing less between them, she wouldn't have minded at all. Sitting on his lap, his strong arms around her slim waist, is all she ever cared about at the moment. She never wanted to give it up. To give him up. She would fight tooth and nail to keep him if that's what it took but now... now they were together, that's all that really mattered...
Watching her closely as she moved, Heero tightened his hold on the smaller girl; brining their bodies a bit closer, "Usa..." he knew what was to come. Welcomed and anticipated it... there was a warm tightening in his gut, a feeling he had been told was like that of 'butterflies'... something that happened when you were excited and a bit scared at the same. He didn't believe them at first, of course, the Perfect Soldier was never scared... but that was then and this is now... Something so new to him, he didn't wish to 'screw it up' as Duo loved to quote.
Minute later there was no space between them left as soft giving lips met tender firm ones in a soft timid kiss. They had, at one time, kissed before but it was unintentional, awkward and unease. This time, each heart cried for the action, needed, yarned, for the contact. They took it slow, exploring together what they both had wanted for some time yet neither having the courage or guts to attempt it.
They'd probably laugh at one another if ever the thought crossed love's haze in their minds... two soldiers of different backgrounds without the courage or guts to lean in and give a simple kiss. Yet it wasn't that simple a kiss... it was tender, exploring, innocent at first, like each getting to know the other... then like the passing of time that they had grown steadily closer, the kiss turned more demanding, passionate, forgetting all that were around them until...
Clank ting! The metal snapping of cart support hitting against the houses cable supports, "WOO HOO! GO HEERO! DIDN'T KNOW YA HAD IT IN YA USA!!" and suddenly embarrassingly loud yelling from a certain Chinese and Arabian pilots, jarred them from their sweet bliss. Quatre would later claim they blushed four shades of red. Hurriedly they left the cart and found a shady tree to sit under, hoping against hope the blush would dim and friends would not give them a hard time, but... glancing up Usagi noticed not only had their group arrived... But a new and surprisingly larger group had followed them. When had the girls gotten there?
.
oOo@oOo
Boom Boom
Hammer to the heart...
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
Got 'em! There was no way that Minako (and she noted Quatre and Wufei) were going to let either person in that kiss live it down! She didn't think her Hime had it in her to make a move like that! Granted, she conceded, Heero also moved, but it was mainly Usagi's head moving in for the kill!
"Usagi! Usagi! Usagi!" Minako and Makoto chanted together anxiously wanting to get out of the bloody cart and run hugging their princess. Turning sharply they stabbed Duo with a Double Happy Glare, "Can't this go any faster!?" then turned back to the front eying the boys climbing out of their own cart and heading over to their friends.
"Come on already! This thing should have a speed switch in it!"
Duo laughed, "Why so you could run over those in front of ya?"
"Well, dang it! They could speed up to!" much to her amusement, Duo only smirked chuckling at her, but his smile was the best! Giving him her own, she went back to chattering quickly with Minako over what they'd all do once they hit ground besides crushing their blonde bunny in a hug.
It wasn't decided, after everyone, three carts worth, hit rock solid ground, all the girls extracted headed like one body towards a standing startled bunny looking for ways to escape. Her eyes widened looking to Heero, who only smiled shrugging a bit, before back to the charging bodies.
"Usagi!"
"Usa-chan!"
"Bunny!" as they ran, no one knew who did it. No one wanted to know and could only hope no one else thought anything of it as they collided with the poor small golden haired girl, burying her under the four bodies with a loud, "HIME!" followed with lots of quick chatter, laughter and smiles. Needless to say, Usagi was begging for air, smiling wider then she had in a little while at them all. It was wonderful to be together again!
"Duo! Where've you been young man? Don't make me send Heero over there to find out!" smirking walked over to the lean muscle bound Japanese and gave a tiny push as threat.
Snickering Quatre hid behind his koibito for protection from the golden Bunny, "Yeah... don't wanna know about her 'violent tendencies'." He laughed grinning of all the confused faces before him.
"'Violent tendencies'? Bunny, you don't have violent tendencies. Not towards us."
"Maybe not, but better watch it Maxwell. She used them on Quatre earlier" the smirking Chinese commented.
"YUP!" He was happy to admit it! Because, he still planned to use his threat against them both.
Somewhere in the back a snide, mocking voice came, "You don't look like you'd hurt a fly."
At the voice, near everyone tensed. Could they not be nice for a moment when threatened? Why was there need to prove something none cared about? There was no ownership, nothing tying them together and yet they still decided on the backwards approach to something...
"Usagi-chan..." his voice tight, controlled to keep what he truly felt out of it, his mission for keeping the others away failed, "Meet" no need to say 'like you to meet' for he didn't, "Re-"
"Relena Peacecraft. Formally Relena Dorlin and lastly known as "Queen of the World"... I'd say it's a pleasure, Peacecraft-san, but I would be lying if I did. Fortunately, however you look at it, like Duo-kun here, I don't lie."
Flabbergasted of being mocked, not even getting a proper introduction, Relena stepped forward, straining to keep her face as polite as she could. She was going to be nice, the line just slipped out (or so she told herself). "How do you kno-"
"Know you? Who wouldn't know you?" Usagi questioned back while leaning into Heero's hold, who had moved behind her wrapping his arms protectively around her waist, her four guards moving to flank them as had the ex-pilots in a second line. "Your face has been on the news for nearly a year Peacecraft-san, everyone knows you. While I command you on handling the wars, I have to say that I do not condone your manners as Princess of this kingdom."
To shocked to speak, Relena could only blink.
Smiling kindly Usagi reached out her free hand, the other resting on Heero's arms, to the others gathered, "Lucrezia Noin, Hilde Schbeiker" shaking each woman's hand as they stepped forward, "It's a pleasure meet both of you. You did exceptionally well aiding my boys to bring peace to us all."
Nodding numbly, slightly confused, neither Noin nor Hilde had time to question how this small girl knew what they did during the war. Both assumed for the time being, that the ex-pilots had mentioned their time there, what they had done and helped with. It didn't matter however, each liked the small blonde woman. Anyone that could tell off the Princess of the place in which she lived (as they knew), and do it with the dignity as she had, was a person of much respect in their book.
Zechs watched with a narrowed eye. He didn't know what it was about the small blonde woman being hugging possessively by the ex-Wing pilot, but she knew more... much more... then she was letting on about what they have all been through, what they all do, then she was telling. Still, he could not bring himself to be anything less then his normal polite self to her. He smiled a little; she did, after all, put his sister in her place.
He watched as she stretched her hand out once more, a warmer smile on her face then perhaps the ones she had given to Noin and Hilde. "Hello Milliardo-sama" nodding her head a little. Zechs' eyes widened just the slightest as he walked forward taking her hand, "Or would you prefer me call you Zechs Merquise? Neither however, hide your royal birth, friend." She indeed, knew much more then she was letting on.
Bowing with a smile, "Zechs please, Usagi-san."
"In that case" Usagi smiled wider bouncing a bit in Heero's embrace, "Call me Usagi-chan like everyone else! It's a pleasure to meet you of most Zechs. You've been a great help to you country and my friends here." Nodding towards the five young men behind her, currently casting her confused stares. "You've taught them much even if they're stubborn enough not to admit it. I only wish" a distasteful look towards his sister, "You could have taught Peac-" she stopped herself realizing something of the name-deserved respect, to one that deserved it. Until Relena could act normal, like a princess was supposed to do, she would not call her that. If it had not been for her brother's denouncing the throne, she would all him in such a manner.
"Relena-san better manners. Admittedly, it is not upon you to do so." Her smile never wavered as she bowed her head to the tall flaxen haired man respectfully, lightened by his small humored smile. She turned towards Relena. "You my dear, need to act according the title you were born into." Having had this churning in her mind since speaking with Wufei she was glad to finally let it out. From what the other had enlightened her to, what she had witnessed during the wars, the speech was much over due.
"The manners you possessed before the wars starting was very much the appropriate ones to display in your life as a Dorlin. I am sory of your adoptive fathers passing and the passing of you from Dorlin to Peacecraft" bowing her head a small notch to show her sorrow over it. "Your attitude should not have changed as it had when you picked up the honored Peacecraft name, Relena-san."
Wufei's ears perked on the last line, smirking he nodded his head in approval.
"What right do yo-"
"Trust me dear girl" to the others around her, Usagi's voice became one of endless age, of soft commanding, so much knowledge shone behind her eyes. "I have right, and know better then anyone." Maybe she shouldn't have said that? "Anyone rightfully can tell you advice if it would help to better yourself. It is within you to take that advice and put it to use. Your attitude of chasing Heero Yuy" making sure to say his name, not a prefix used to say he is owned or belonged to anyone but himself, "and his companions around the field of battle was most unbecoming of a lady and leader."
Tapping the arms around her waist, giving a smile, Usagi moved forward where Relena stood, head bowed, shoulders slumped. Usagi knew what was going through the others mind. Most likely the same thing that went through hers a little time after she had become Sailor Moon and learned of her place as Queen over all in the many years to come. She didn't mean to cause the other pain, like she had, but Relena needed to know how she was acting as not right.
Stepping up to her, she flashed the others a bright smile motioning them to stay where they were while she led the other off out of earshot. They returned a few minutes later, each smiling and giggling a little. They noticed the others confused looks and smiled more. Winking to the large group and one in particular, Usagi walked Relena up to them prodding her in the back towards the one boy she respected, "Go on" whispered another wink.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves the look Heero was giving her stirred, she walked slowly towards him, hesitated a bit before lunging towards him quick enough he couldn't escape her. She hung there lightly, arms tightening just a bit before she whispered, "I'm sorry Heero." It was a moment, maybe two, before she felt his arms raise awkwardly to embrace her back. Relena smiled, imagining his looking over towards Usagi questioningly, her giving him a smile and nod. She was grateful though and drew back away, locking eyes with his, "I really am..."
Heero watched her minutely, then nodded, a small smile of his own in return as Usagi came to them locking an arm around both their waists, "I believe you" his voice just as quiet.
"Arigatou."
"SO!" Laughing as she startled the two and all around her, leaning up to peck Heero on the cheek Usagi looked at all around her, her friends old and new, then to the girl by her side, for whom they'd all learn to know a new, "What're we gonna do now?! We've got half the day with us!"
One small question so many voices! Relena joined the golden Bunny in laugh as the three linked, made their way off in some direction that they barely knew as there being a ride down there someone had yelled out a wanting to ride. Obviously, there was no voting in rides now; it was whichever Heero, Usagi and Relena decided to try out.
The others did not mind at all. Something new was happening to their rather large group and all were for naught on stopping it.
And none wanted to.
.
oOo@oOo
Boom boom
Hammer to the heart...
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
.
~ * ^ - ^ * ~ * ^ - ^ * ~ * ^ - ^ * ~
'
Holy hell I'm DONE!? Wow, talk about a merical and it IS the end of the week! I beat myself on the outdate for this one! Granted I said I was shooting for the end of the week, but hell, better early then never! Gods.. ::bounces off the walls:: I can't believe I've finally finished this sucker!! ::beams::
And Gods help me... I've already got slight plans for the sequel, but don't even let me say anything for when the first chapter will be out 'cause with my other GW/SM and SM/DBZ ones needing to be worked on... Let ALONE, the Gundam Wing ones that are attacking me... I have no honestly to God clue when it'll actually be started, but I do have small ideas for it.
If *you've* got any ideas, something you'd like to see in the sequel, then *please* let me know. I will give credit for the ideas if they're used. But since it'll most likely be a while before it's out. Dish out some ideas you'd like to see happen. I've got a while to think on it so. ya know. heh Arigatou gozamasu for everyone that stuck with me on this story!! I know it's been a pain in the aurse waiting on my updated, and again, I'm extreamly sorry for that. But I'm also extreamly gretful to those that stuck with me through it. And to those that just found and reviewed it. Your reviews really mean a lot to me, and I'm not just saying that.
Welps, Arigatou again minna-chan! I greatly thank ya for reading and reviewing and hope that when the sequel comes out, y'aller like it as well. Until then, I hope maybe some of my other stories can be of service to your reading craze and until we meet up again! Have a great time out there!! ^_^ Take it easy gang!
'
Arigatou & Ja matte!
~ Anime Redneck ^_^
2-10-03 ~ 6-13-03
By: Anime Redneck
.
~oOo@oOo~
.
Hilde was enjoying herself with the others. After sneaking up as much as they could yelling his name like a bunch of banshee's, having a great laugh at Duo's expense. The tallest of girls recovered from laughing enough to help the shocked braided boy up from his fallen spot on the ground, ears still ringing from the yell.
He tried to glare at the girl he honestly did, but seeing the look she and the other woman were giving him, the 'innocent look' he couldn't keep it trained on them anymore cracking his face with a mile long grin. He had asked how they were, where Relena was and introduced the girls with him as his lackeys.
That was until the Fiery Priestess reared back and whacked him good on the back of his head. "I like her" Hilde had commented getting a grin from the raven-haired young woman. They'd come fast friends.
The dreaded task ahead was meeting up with Relena... sad they just couldn't leave her on the bench and walk among the crowds. But... the Sanq Hime hadn't ever done any wrong to them - blowing their cover granted - and 'cause of this fact, they could not in good conscious leave her on her own.
"Hiya Lena-san!"
The cheery voice, the only one that did not regard her as 'Relena-sama' brought the sandy haired Hime from her thoughts. Looking up she fixed him with a smile bright as the sun, her eyes though, glared at him. "Hello Duo, how are you today?" She'd be damned if she let it show though.
"I'm great thanks!"
Darn, he wasn't fazed. He never was. Eyes loosing the glare she just smiled. It wasn't that she didn't like the boy. Oh no, Duo Maxwell was a hard person not to like; he just had that karma around him that drew people towards him, making them like him. Unless of course you were on the wrong side of the law and then it would pull wool over your eyes making him seem innocent to you... then the next you knew, your life was slipping away from the fatal mistake.
No she, Relena Peacecraft did not not, like the boy. She disliked him ever so much for spending time with her Heero. He was always there, watching, laughing, and teasing. Most of all... getting *reactions* from him! Sometimes more then just the Japanese boy's life threats.
While she, got nothing.
Yes it irked her quite a bit. But... she was a young woman of stature, pose, dignitary and royalty. Patience and calm were her middle names; she'd get what she wanted in due time. Shaking her head from idle thoughts she noticed the braided one was not alone, having four other companions with him that were not the fated four whom saved their small corner of the universe.
"Duo, whom are your friends?" a brow arched ever so slightly.
"Yea dork! Introduce us!"
Duo frowned, "No need for name callin'!" But laughed anyways. "Relena Peacecraft, allow me the honor to introduce four fine, gorgeous ladies to ya." Throwing a wink their way he pointed to each going through their names and throwing in small bits about them. Like for instance, Minako's being the 'love goddess in training' or Makoto's being the 'Greatest Chief in the West' and so forth.
Relena bowed to them all, "It's a pleasure to meet you all." An un-Relena like grin spread across her planes, "I'm sorry you had to meet Duo here... he's quite the idiosyncratic character at times, is he not?"
"Hey! Hey!" he protested, "NO using words I don't know!!"
Snickering the girls only smiled knowingly at the sad boy. "It's alright Duo... you'll learn what it means... one day."
Crossing arms over his muscled chest the American frowned, "That is so, not cool."
Turning her gaze form the teasing girls Relena once again smiled, "Noin! What a pleasant surprise to see you here!" tilting her head to the side in wonder she asked, "Noin... what *are* you doing here?"
"Erm well..." the good Lieutenant had the grace to blush, light pink hue only adding to her natural beauty. "I actually... lost someone in here and was... looking for them M'am."
Raised brows from three people, "Who?"
"Well..." Why were they doing this to her? That was it, he was going to die next time she saw him. Just had to ditch her when he saw Hilde coming for her... ohhh that little... "Your brother M'am... Zechs."
"Ahh..."
"Ohhh so *THAT'S* why you weren't with m-mammph!"
Slapping his hand over the smaller girls mouth Duo smiled. "Sorry Lena-san, she's got this obsessive talking disorder that lets her say the stupidest of things at times, y'know? So don't mind her really." Pointedly looking into the gabbering girl's eyes sending his message. At her obedient nod he released her.
"I see."
"Sorry Relena-sama" Hilde glared at her 'brother'. She'd get him for that, just you wait and see...
"Duo" attention suddenly focused on him once more, "Where's Heero?"
Ohhh boy... he knew that was coming sometime. Now what to say... what to say... "Out." Oh yea, *smart* Maxwell!
"Out? Out where?"
Umm, that was a good question. The girls were watching him now; eyes sparkling in amusement while the braided genius tried getting himself out of this one. Their targets were getting away. "He's out at the... at the park! He said something about playing ball there earlier!" Okay, not the best, definitely not the brightest, but it *was* plausible!
"Oh." Relena didn't know if that was true or not, but the braided fool didn't lie, it wasn't in his nature. So maybe Heero was out at a park, and maybe he was playing ball... But her sources told her he was *here* in *this* park! "I see."
Makoto watched him curiously. Something nagged at her, didn't seem to combine with what she already knew, so doing the best she could without being noticed the tall lass caught the boys attention mouthing 'Playing ball?' arching a brow.
Smirking he shrugged, 'Why not? It could happen!'
Tilting her head towards one of the rides she finally conceded to his answer after some thought. So he wasn't truly lying... A. They were at a park and B. you could 'play ball' at this park. So in those ways Duo's butt was saved if Relena ever ran into Group A. She chuckled grinning towards the others. That was something she'd love to see happen.
"What are you grinning at Mako-chan?"
Facing the inquisitive eyes of one Ami Mizuno, Makoto smiled waving it off, "Nothin' chica, I'll tell ya laters" wink "Promise."
"Alright then." The quiet girl turned to face the others who were milidy chatting with one another. "Excuse me Minna-san... But are we going to ride some rides?"
"Or are we gonna sit on our ASSist all day and TALK!?" Minako laughed already taking off forming one long chain of girls leaving the other four behind.
"HEY! NO FAIR!" twin cries came from Duo and Hilde, each grabbing another persons arm before giving chase.
"LLLLOOO~SERS!!!!"
.
~ * @ * ~
'
"Trowa, your lover boy seems to be shaking... I think he needs you to hold him." Usagi giggled watching the poor pale youth being helped from the ride. It wasn't her fault he didn't like the rides. 'The Joker' was one wicked ride! A great adrenalin rush, got your blood pumping, you screamed even if you tried not too. Some of the drops and loops they had went through... she shook her head, were wicked cool! And if the girls had been with her, she knew they'd keep going on it, but not wanting to scare the Arabian more then she already has... choose to move on to something else.
"Usagi... not funny..."
Opening her mouth to reply to that comment she was cut off by a humored, "Yes it was" from her right. Head snapping in that direction she stared past a smirking Heero to the Chinese boy who seemed on the verge of grinning and laughed to herself.
Goddess above if people this war hardened were turned to kids for a day at an amusement park they should make it free! There was such a drastic change in the boys she met almost two weeks ago. Had known were in her school for a while now... it was... well, amazing.
"Chang..."
Wufei smirked, "Winner."
"Children..." fringing disappointment Usagi glanced between the four of them wagging a finger, "I can't believe your behaving like this. We're gonna have to sit all of your disregarding rear ends in the time out corner if you can't handle the fun."
One previously decided sexy brow rose on her Asian friend, said friend's eyes were twinkling with something hidden in their depths as he considered her. Turning behind him as Trowa and Quatre backed off the ride he smirked to the Chinese, who nodded back, before turning back around and hefting the lightweight onto his shoulder in smooth motion.
Surprised shock shone in wide sapphire orbs before she finally gave a loud, "EEECKKKK!!" banged half heartedly on his muscled back, "LEMME GO! LEMME GO!"
"No can do."
"HEERO! Put me DOWN!" her voice demanded the action now, but her laughter betrayed her.
Quatre grinned, the expression looking as incompatible on him as it did on their Bunny, "Justice!" he cheered hanging onto his now exposed love's arm. He thought they hid it so well too... He mused it must have been Trowa's glaring.
"Where to now?" questioned the Dragon as he slowly crept up to the Japanese's right side, eyes watching the potato sacked Bunny with mirth.
"How about-"
Once again she was cut off by "FOOD!" from Quatre.
Sighing she mumbled, "Not what I was going to suggest..." but she was starting to get hungry. How long have they been there now? Definitely time for lunch.
"What was that oh captured one?"
Wufei's voice sounded off, somehow... trying to look around her body found she couldn't see him. He was walking too much in front of Heero... "Oh nothing... ya know... just yackin' to myself and all!" throwing a hand bouncingly into the air swirling it around for emphases. In like with what the Braided Baka was known to do when being annoying goofy.
Nodding the Chinese slowly looked to Heero, then the two in front of them and back to the Asian teen. At his companion's arched brow Wufei merely shrugged innocently - a notion that didn't pass well - and turned his attention to the feet dangling to his left. A decidedly wicked gleam entered those darker then night eyes as one arm lifted, fingers stretching out to gaze along one peach tanned foot.
Heero shot a glare to the youth as Usagi twitched going still.
Wufei smirked back, reaching out again.
"AAAAHHHHAAAA!!! NNNOOO!!" snorted laughter cut trough the air like a hot knife through butter, so sudden was it.
Finally realizing that his comrade was up to Heero smirked as well, small chuckle rumbling in his chest.
"Hey s-stop!" giggling insanely the poor blonde bucked kicking her foot hitting something before bursting into another fit of laughter. "Damn it STOP TICKLING ME!" A wild kick had something snapping, her head jerked frantically enough to see who the menace was. "WUFFERS! STOP IT!" another kick, eyes squinting trying not to see the people staring at her. A light blush tinted her already reddening face, "Just WAIT 'til I get down MINSTER!"
Chuckling Wufei wisely moved away from the widely kicking feet speeding up his walk to be with the other two as they neared the food courts.
Shaking his unruly mane Heero let a rare feature cross his face while slowly letting the blonde odango'd girl down from his shoulder. "Usa..."
"What!?" Glaring at the taller boy Usagi frowned cutely at him. He had the nerve to carry her as if she was nothing else then a bag of flour and THEN Wufei goes off and TICKLES her! Granted she was wearing open toed sandals but still! And THEN-! She blinked. Was Heero's voice...?
.
oOo@oOo
Boom Boom Boom,
Like a hammer to the heart,
Just one look at you and baby I was blown apart,
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
Feeling something around her waist she jumped a little, small "EEP!" escaping her lips before her head snapped up to stare at the boy beside her. He was watching her, his eyes shimmered with something she couldn't quite place... yet they were, softer looking... and, as she let her gaze drop lower... he was smiling! Lower still found it was his arm around her waist. Whether he was trying to keep her from going after Wufei or truly wanted to hold her was not known, but... sighing contentedly, a little nervous still, Usagi leaned into the strong hold.
"Heero no baka."
"Hn." Refusing the urge to lean down and taste the tantalizing lips once more Heero led the Japanese girl into the food courts quietly ordering her to "Pick something" while the others waited. Ladies first after all.
Giggling happily from his generous prod Usagi hopped up as her namesake, pecked her Soldier Boy on the cheek while letting her arm slide out capturing his hand and dragging them through the massed food area looking for the perfect thing for lunch.
Trowa, Quatre and Wufei watched in amusement at the dusty rose coloring to their usual emotionless friend's cheek, while being led astray through all the different vendors.
Smiling as they followed the small Arabian leaned into his love's side squeezing his waist with a whispered, "I see something they don't see..." teasing the others ears, though knowing that each one of them, all three, could see it. Only truly one person was blind to the fact, or, he wondered... Was anyone blind on it? The look, the action his Japanese friend just showed to them, spoke volumes where his voice never would. Not unless they stepped in to help, he grinned.
"Winner, down boy." Eyeing the bouncing Bunny in front of him, his companion for who was nearly smiling, almost failing to keep his lip muscles turned down in usual scowl... He could tell that something was blossoming between the two Japanese teens; had been since they first saw the two of them together. And if all was to develop as was headed, then it should be left alone. Admittedly, he wasn't against a few prods in such direction himself, but no sneaky planning.
Pouting cutely as they caught up to the two kids eyeing a collection of fried foods Quatre said, "You're no fun Wufei! Can't you see it?"
"Yes Little One, we can, but do not interfere..."
"Listen to your lover Winner" his voice was humored while he ordered his food. Suddenly his ears twitched causing his head to perk up looking around. He could have sworn he just heard...
Trowa seeing his friend's body tense up stopped his movements, "Wufei?"
"What's the matter?" looking between the two boy Quatre frowned, "What's going on?"
"I just-" he stopped hearing it once again. "I heard Maxwell..." and he wasn't alone, was the silent thought. He'd know that annoying onna's voice anywhere. Eyes widening he looked back to where Heero and Usagi were sitting to eat, side by side. "K'so."
"Chang?" Winner's voice was lowered, serious and worried. Wufei only ever cursed when stressed beyond belief, pissed off or overly worried. At the moment he didn't seem to be either, though the cress in his brows contested to his anxious state.
"Maxwell is here."
"Where?" Trowa raised a brow looking around.
Ignoring the question shaking his head Wufei sighed eyeing them both and shrugged. "We're not to worry about them. We need to keep an eye on Heero and Usagi..."
"Why Wufei, what's wrong?" So what, Duo was there, fine and dandy he could kill him now!
"Relena" this from the tall European lad holding his tray. He heard it now, she was here, somewhere within their eyes sight, yet not being found. The young woman who had an unhealthy affection for their silent Wing pilot; this could prove most disastrous.
Blinking rapidity, his little lover shouted, "WHAT!?" Slowly it started to make sense. The order to keep an eye on the other two, Duo's not being there... well maybe not Duo's not being with them, that was still a mystery to him, but he knew the other boy didn't like the Sanq Hime being around his Japanese friend, so would keep her away as best he could but still... why...?
"Come on, let's eat and worry about it when it comes. I'm having fun and refuse to let some crazy onna ruin it."
That was the best-damned thing he'd heard all day! Smiling widely Quatre nodded leading the way to their table and sitting on the other side, leaving Wufei to take the end seat. But the Chinese didn't take the end seat. Instead he placed his plate down offering his hand to the golden haired girl, "Usagi-chan, may I have a word with you please?" Heero arched a brow in question along with Usagi but Wufei simply smiled shaking his head slightly nodded towards the other two.
Wondering what was so important to tear her away from her beloved food among other things... a wide grin turned rose lips as she flashed Heero a smile before taking the offered arm and leaving a few feet away, out of ear shot to speak with the other. It wasn't what she thought it was about, which was truly nothing, for she didn't think anything would come up that needed to be said besides that they were all having fun, but she nodded in understanding, thanked him and sat back down smiling wider then normal if that was at all possible.
Shooting her secret love another brilliant smile she dug in with a vengeance. Today was turning out to be an interesting and hilarious day!
.
~ * @ * ~
'
"I know who likes Makoto... I know who likes Makoto..." the singsong voice cut through the air happily causing the others around the singing one to giggle, some glared. The hyper girl had been going on about this since they left after finding Relena and had yet to stop.
"Minako-chan... Cousin or not, Usagi can dislike me all she likes, but I'm going to kill you if you don't *stop* saying that!" To her it was pretty damned obvious who liked her and who she liked she didn't need the other broadcasting it to the other nations! Personally, she wouldn't mind who knew, honestly, but hearing it over and over again for the past hour was seriously getting on her ever-loving last nerve.
"Cousin?"
Smiling Minako bounced around nodding quickly, "Ya betcha! Can't ya tell!?" tipping her head to the side and smiled her most endearing 'natural' smile, not her hyper active one. "See?"
It took a minute, but then a pair of darker blues settled over the other girl's sky blue, a pair of lighter colored hair in odango's was semi-imposed upon her head. "Usagi" he breathed wondering why he never saw it before, "Your Usa-chan's cousin?" No wonder he'd been wondering who she reminded him of!
"YUP!" proudly bowing with a giggle Minako straighten smirking, "Cousins by birth, sisters by heart!"
"Then again, we're all sister really, just they seem to look the most alike." Ami's quiet voice piped up from the other side of the conversing kids.
"Sisters?" he was starting to get confused now...
"Mm-hmm..." nodding as she stepped a bit closer, "We're all like sisters. Usagi-chan's the one that found each of us, befriended us, taught us what true friends were all about."
Rei smiled shooting a look to the three new people beside her, "Usagi-chan met us all in middle school, we've been the besst of friends since then. We're more like sisters the way we fight and carry on. No one can break us apart though and we watch out for the other's back. If anything were to happen to us... *anything*... you would have the other four to deal with. It' a promise that's never had to of been said, but has been carried out many times. No one hurts one of us and gets away with it."
This time Makoto nodded seriously, "Yea, especially Usagi. She's like our younger sister, though we're all the same age really. You don't mess with her, or you mess with us. We protect her the most, care and love her the most. But for all our friends we're protective." Looking around making sure she had everyone's attention she nodded and went on, "Usagi's been through a lot in her life and we take it to heart to make sure nothing else happens to her. So if you've got something in mind, you better just forget it." She held no doubt the people around her would do anything, but her last comment was directed at a dirty haired blonde headed girl whose eyes held a calculating look to them. They'd have to keep an eye on her.
"Hey" holding his hands up in self defense Duo smiled, eyes just as serious, "Me n' the guys would *never* hurt Usagi-chan... or any of y'all, we ain't like that!"
"We know" Rei gave him a grateful smile trying to calm him before he got started, "I can sense you all have nothing less then honorable intentions towards our H-Usa-chan... and would do anything to protect her as well."
"Damn straight!" the girls laughed at him tugging their human chain off in another direction. They were heading for the Twisting Shooter. Whose whole point was to sit in rows of four, wait 'til the ride shot off in a countless number of swirling motions then stopping. It was probably the shortest ride right next to Grease Lightening, but unlike with Grease Lightening... most people got whiplash at the quickness this ride stopped at.
It was as they entered the area for the ride that things started to get interesting.
Walking through the Camelot Square in the medieval portion or the park Rei let her fiery violet eyes take in everything. Like her Hime, she had known - they all had - that this park was here for years, but had never stopped by. Now she regretted that fact. Yet even so, she knew now they would be coming here more often, every chance school and Senshi business let them.
Passing the merry-go-round and on towards the ride she let her eyes glance to a tall group of people milling around one of the smaller rides for kids and smiled. It was adorable, the faces of children having fun. So watching the children as she was, was not prepared for the hand that shoved her from the way into the people standing next to her, causing them to crash into one another, or the shout of "MILLIE YOUR DEAD!" that came with the shove.
She did know however that she was upset. There was no cause for pushing her from the way; the person could have easily walked around her. Instead she was pushed into Makoto and Duo, causing them to come within nose to nose of each other... Rei found delight over her ire at the blush staining the two teens faces before turning her searching orbs once more to find the culprit of the rude shove.
What she found was amusing to say the least.
Noin, the lady in which Duo introduced to them an hour back; a person she found quite right of mind and grown up in her twenty-three years... was currently leaning up snagging one pale milky tanned ear and dragging a man head taller then she, over towards them... bickering at him quite nicely. Yes, Rei approved of the woman's scolding technique. And to use it on an elegant looking man no less reducing him to look like an overly sorry, sulking child who knew his hand was found in the cookie jar. Chuckling Rei wondered what type of cookie jar his hand was found in.
"Zechs if you ever leave like th-"
"I do apologize Noin, it was not right of me to abandon you as such."
"Damn right mister!" Rei smirked at them both, silently edging closer to hear what was said, "If you didn't want to see your sister that much then you shouldn't have followed her here or agreed to help me with Hilde and her! You *knew* she'd see you!"
"Noin..." the tall flaxen white haired man sighed smiling softly, "I did apologize for that. I'm here now, am I not?"
Though she smiled, Rei heard Noin mutter, "After I dragged you of course!" then another smile, "But I suppose your right Millie... Now come on there are a lot for you to meet!" voice chipper, Rei backed off into her group once more waiting for them to join up.
"Hilde, Duo, Relena" Zechs nodded towards each as he walked over, noticing curiously the other four girls he did not know. Arching his brow at the possessive look in violet eyes for the forest-eyed girl Zechs nodded in Duo's direction once more inquiring politely, "And who are these lovely young ladies?"
"Zechs Merquise, I'd like to introduce you to Kino Makoto" nodding to the girl at his side, "Hino Rei" to the black haired, violet eyed girl by his ladies side, "Aino Minako, cousin to Usagi" he waved towards the blonde, "Final but never last, the ever brilliant Mizuno Ami!"
Bowing Zechs smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Tell me" he tilted his chin to the side thinkingly, "where did you happen to meet this lone scragglier?"
Snorting disbelief, wide violets shone, "ZECHS!" That was so not cool! Not a way to be talked about, very rude indeed! Yet he smiled through it all. It was nice to see the older man smiling even if he was the butt of his joke. Zechs hadn't had much to smile about since the wars, Duo reflected staring at the man with a calculating gaze. After Treize died it was as if a part of him went with the auburn haired guy. He knew, everyone did, that Zechs and Treize were more then mere comrades in a war. They always would be. Yet now, it was warming to know that his friend was no longer hurting as he had been before... Now he had Noin to keep him company, in more ways then one he noted grinning at the slight blush on said ladies face.
"In the park!" Minako's cherry voice brought him back from his thoughts, "I was reading and he came over to ask if we could hel-mmphh mmph!"
Slapping a hand over the flapping mouth Ami shot a glare in Relena's direction, "Mina-chan... Do be a dear and not let you HAAD get the best of you, ne? I'm sure Usagi would love you releasing something best kept" whispering the last part in the girls ear she stood back and smiled to her friends, "Shall we? The line has moved" not waiting for an answer she grabbed the two nearest hands, Minako and Makoto's, and started off.
"Oookay... that was strange."
"Not really, I think she just has the same problem as you do Hilde." Noin answered in the most serious voice she could at the moment.
"HEY! I'll have you know tha-" she never finished the sentence another's cut her off... again...
"DAMNIT!! GET BACK HERE!!!" Hilde's head, with everyone else's snapped left then right as a black and blue blur passed them up, deep, rough laughter rolling from the figure as they went. "DAMNIT HEE-CHAN!! GET BACK HERE! YOU THINK YOU CAN PINCH MY ASS AND GET AWAY WITH IT!?? YOUR DEAD MISTER!!!" every head snapped back and fourth a second time as a golden haired-bannered girl in red and white flew after the first blurred image.
.
oOo@oOo
Boom Boom Boom,
Yeah I knew right from the start,
This was something new, oh baby!
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
"Usagi?" Rei asked stunned.
"Heero?" Makoto mimicked.
"Pinched her ass?" Duo's astonished voice rang out as more laughter caused them to snap back around watching as three burling teens of various colors and voiced laughter ran by them after the other two who were heading... Hades only knew where with their antics! Smirking for all he was worth noticing it was Trowa, Quatre and Wufei... and that they were all, indeed laughing, he grabbed Makoto's wrist lightly and pulled, "COME ON!"
And the chase was on! They ran around the Twisting Shooter, past the Western Swings, through the racetrack and back towards the carts that ran from one area of the park to the other before stopping. They had lost they're pray. "Damnit!" Minako shouted snickering. Who'd of known they could run that fast?! Now where the hell'd they go to? She looked, but couldn't tell. It wasn't until she glanced a look up wards and cursed that she knew when they had went.
One of the carts were swinging a bit more the normal, crazed laughter sounding the type that her Hime let loose when being tickled floated down to her from it. Ah ha! "Come on! They're heading for the other side of the park!" grabbing a hand she led everyone into the carts house waiting for enough to come by and pick them all up (it took three carts) before giving a lazy air chase for their princess and her chosen attacker. Minako snorted grinning.
She very much approved of this 'Heero' from what she had seen of him from afar. He hadn't done anything misgiving towards her cousin no hime. He'd been gentlemanly in a quiet standoffish sort of way, and truly seemed to care for her, even with trying to hide it. Minako could tell. After all you couldn't hide love from Aphrodite's daughter.
Glancing behind her to the cart there she watched as Relena talked with Noin, Zechs and Ami. Silently she hopped that the girl wouldn't be a problem, she obviously felt *something* for her Hime's intended... well, now intended anyways... She smiled to herself nodding at something Duo and Makoto were saying. They were cute together! Her Hime, her Usagi, was honestly in love, the best you could get, with this silent wild Japanese boy. The way she teased him was too funny for words! She had to admit though... she never knew her Hime had a mischievous streak like she did, forcing that poor Quatre boy to go on the rides like that. Minako would swear he nearly had a heart attack on The Joker.
Slowly their ride was coming to an end. Her cart was currently at the top in the cable ride, giving a wonderful view of the whole park, before it started slowly on it's way down to the other cart house where she could barely make out people exiting. It was no use though, she knew, that her Hime and intended couldn't escape this time! A. Quatre, Trowa and Wufei were in the cart ahead of hers. And B. they were behind them. Too close a set down time that they'd have chance to get away. Besides, they were her Senshi; they always knew where she was.
.
~ * @ * ~
'
"ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! I GIVE!!" she couldn't take it anymore! Just make him stop! Squealing trying to scoot from the strong arms wrapped about her waist tickling her yet again, Usagi couldn't help her laughter. She couldn't help it anyways, she was overly ticklish and his acting like a kid and not a stick in the mud that he had weeks before, was something to relish in. There was a normal boy hiding under that mask, as she knew there had been, and taking a day to the park was all it took for him to come out of hiding.
And what a boy he was!
Could someone ever imaging the "Perfect Soldier" - yes she knew of his bloody past... as being this open and playful? It had been her that smacked him countless times up side the head for goofy and annoy things (mainly his "Hn" comments) then it was he at the food place not so many minutes behind them that as she pasted to place her trash in the bin, he had reached out after someone's muttered something or another and pinched her ass! And he grinned about it... Goddess save her, but the grin was so wolfishly handsome she paused staring at him starry eyed before what he had done finally sank in.
Then, as they say, 'The chase was on!'
And ended in a cable cart box.
"What's the magic word?"
Magic word? You had to be kidding her! He wanted a *magic* word? Good Gods what had she done?! Chuckling, trying to still enough that she could talk she cried out, "Mother! Uncle! Give!" neither had her desired effect.
"Wrong answer" Heero's smile-smirk never faded as he upped his 'attack' on the helpless Bunny.
"Damnit! I'm gonna get you Yuy!" Just as soon as I figure out what the hell your weakness is you just wait and see! Grinning she tried thinking of something that would work... "Uncle! Sam! Sesame! Prince!" Why the hell did that one come to mind? "Space! Damnit Hero!"
He stopped.
That was it? Eyeing him warily. 'Hero' was his secret word? Or was it the combination of the two? 'Space Hero'? Would make sense, still a strange one though. Nevertheless she was happy he had finally stopped tickling her and let her breath. She noted with some sense of relief and happiness that his hold around her waist didn't relinquish.
"Arigatou."
The whisper so faint, she almost didn't catch it. "For what Hee-chan?" she requested from her spot on his lap, watching him carefully. His voice was lower then usual, softer and... and warm... That shouldn't surprise her she knew, his voice since The Joker had been warmer then all the other times that that they were together.
Closing his stormy sea eyes for a moment Heero took a deep breath meeting her sapphire gaze, and said, "For everything" trying to convey all he felt in the single two words, hoping that she would understand. Emotions were still new to him, he wasn't sure on everything that he felt right now. But he knew, he was feeling a complex jumble of emotions that confused him more then he'd like to admit, yet, he knew what the warmest one was, it was love... or so from countless entailing of a blonde haired Arabian, he had come to place that word, 'love', to the warm feeling in his chest. He felt protective as well, he'd do anything to see this girl, young woman beside him safe.
And, above all he supposed, he was thanking her for freeing him.
He had been locked inside an unseen cage for many years, since he was a wee boy of five he could remember nothing but a life of killing and no emotions but for maybe the once in a while annoyance, the triumph of completing his missions and being tired. Those were all he could remember feeling for near thirteen years.
Duo had come along though during the wars and introduced him to new emotions, but they were still a mystery to him. He was still locked in his cage. The thought, once in a while, had crossed his mind that he would forever be locked in the darkened box behind all the other memories, the nightmares that would haunt him. He wondered why being around his friends hadn't let him come out at all. They knew so much more then he did, could teach him about his emotions... But yet he'd been around them for near four years now and he was still locked in his cage.
It wasn't until he met the overly lively Bunny that his world started to be painted in color. Whatever she possessed was slowly unlocking his cage, letting color filter in where there had only been black, white and gray. Maybe it was her innocence, her way of noticing even the smallest of things to point out to him, which was able to unlock his cage... his heart... Whatever it was about the small blonde, he loved it... loved her... And it scared him. The ex-Perfect Soldier who had never been scared a day in his life he could remember... scared of one small whip of a girl...
But that small whip of a girl had unknowingly given him his heart back, before she took it away again and gave him hers. He was scared what she would do with his heart. He'd never had it before, knew it to be a fragile thing with times of none usage... it could crumble easily, he knew. Yet... yet he wasn't afraid of holding her heart. He was... uneased, by it having been given so easily, but he was not afraid of doing any wrong to it, because he knew he could not, would not ever, hurt this girl before him. Like she would not him. It was a silent promise neither had to mention. They just... knew.
.
oOo@oOo
Hammer to the heart...
Boom Boom
Hammer to the heart...
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
Blinking cutely, split second wondering why he was thanking her, Usagi smiled her best for him. She knew. She could only be the stupidest person in the Universe if she did not know.
How could one person go through so much change in under a few mere weeks and have another not know why?
It was her that much was true. She had started a change within the stoic, which was greatly over due to happen. There had been someone under that mask, that lone wolf façade of his that called out to be let free. Someone much great lied beneath waiting to be let out, but lacked a will and way to do so.
Tsukino Usagi was that way... Yuy Heero had the will.
She had watched, since bumping into the boy in the park, since talking with Motoki in the arcade. She had watched, learned the way he acted, the way he moved... there was just something about him that called to her, called to help him. She answered that call and could not have been more pleased with the out come of it. Even if... if loving him, was not in her plan of helping him. She was her mothers daughter and one never questioned why one fell in love, or with whom they fell with... they simply accepted and loved it with all they were.
Love was a gift no matter what form it was in. It was something to he cherished, nurtured, helped to grow.
Heero had never known love. Usagi knew that now. The way his eyes would go misty with thought as couples passed, the way his muscles bunched at the most innocent of touches... He had never had someone to be close to besides his friends from the wars. But that was brotherly love; all good and well, but not what he needed most. Heero needed someone to show him what living was worth, why he should, what was out there and best yet... What could happen if he did live a little.
Well, her Heero was living now! She had seen a side of him no one had ever even guessed lied beneath his cold mask of indifference. He was a child under that mask, enjoying life for the first time without fear of dying the next day. Without fear of worrying if he did something wrong it could cost the lives of thousands. His only fear now, she knew, was how to act, what was proper around her and others? He still had some things to learn about being a 'kid' again. He had been forced to fight a grown mans war... been forced to grow up long before his time... Now, now he was being asked to reverse that process and be a kid again.
Live, learn, love, play! Enjoy life with all he was... and she, Usagi was going to be there for him through it all and then afterwards. They all would be now. Quatre, Trowa, Wufei, Duo, Makoto, Ami, Minako and Rei... they were all his friends, they wouldn't let anything happen to the special boy beside her. He was new to all this, they'd protect him 'til he got a handle on it all himself. Emotions could be as strong as storms. He'd need someone to talk to at times, someone to explain what was happening to him, what he felt... and the others... He just needed to kid around with and be a stupid goofy kid again!
They were all his friends. They all loved him and as he did to them, they would protect him.
"Heero..." whispering quiet to him his name, Usagi never noticed the distance growing less between them, she wouldn't have minded at all. Sitting on his lap, his strong arms around her slim waist, is all she ever cared about at the moment. She never wanted to give it up. To give him up. She would fight tooth and nail to keep him if that's what it took but now... now they were together, that's all that really mattered...
Watching her closely as she moved, Heero tightened his hold on the smaller girl; brining their bodies a bit closer, "Usa..." he knew what was to come. Welcomed and anticipated it... there was a warm tightening in his gut, a feeling he had been told was like that of 'butterflies'... something that happened when you were excited and a bit scared at the same. He didn't believe them at first, of course, the Perfect Soldier was never scared... but that was then and this is now... Something so new to him, he didn't wish to 'screw it up' as Duo loved to quote.
Minute later there was no space between them left as soft giving lips met tender firm ones in a soft timid kiss. They had, at one time, kissed before but it was unintentional, awkward and unease. This time, each heart cried for the action, needed, yarned, for the contact. They took it slow, exploring together what they both had wanted for some time yet neither having the courage or guts to attempt it.
They'd probably laugh at one another if ever the thought crossed love's haze in their minds... two soldiers of different backgrounds without the courage or guts to lean in and give a simple kiss. Yet it wasn't that simple a kiss... it was tender, exploring, innocent at first, like each getting to know the other... then like the passing of time that they had grown steadily closer, the kiss turned more demanding, passionate, forgetting all that were around them until...
Clank ting! The metal snapping of cart support hitting against the houses cable supports, "WOO HOO! GO HEERO! DIDN'T KNOW YA HAD IT IN YA USA!!" and suddenly embarrassingly loud yelling from a certain Chinese and Arabian pilots, jarred them from their sweet bliss. Quatre would later claim they blushed four shades of red. Hurriedly they left the cart and found a shady tree to sit under, hoping against hope the blush would dim and friends would not give them a hard time, but... glancing up Usagi noticed not only had their group arrived... But a new and surprisingly larger group had followed them. When had the girls gotten there?
.
oOo@oOo
Boom Boom
Hammer to the heart...
oOo@oOo@oOo
'
Got 'em! There was no way that Minako (and she noted Quatre and Wufei) were going to let either person in that kiss live it down! She didn't think her Hime had it in her to make a move like that! Granted, she conceded, Heero also moved, but it was mainly Usagi's head moving in for the kill!
"Usagi! Usagi! Usagi!" Minako and Makoto chanted together anxiously wanting to get out of the bloody cart and run hugging their princess. Turning sharply they stabbed Duo with a Double Happy Glare, "Can't this go any faster!?" then turned back to the front eying the boys climbing out of their own cart and heading over to their friends.
"Come on already! This thing should have a speed switch in it!"
Duo laughed, "Why so you could run over those in front of ya?"
"Well, dang it! They could speed up to!" much to her amusement, Duo only smirked chuckling at her, but his smile was the best! Giving him her own, she went back to chattering quickly with Minako over what they'd all do once they hit ground besides crushing their blonde bunny in a hug.
It wasn't decided, after everyone, three carts worth, hit rock solid ground, all the girls extracted headed like one body towards a standing startled bunny looking for ways to escape. Her eyes widened looking to Heero, who only smiled shrugging a bit, before back to the charging bodies.
"Usagi!"
"Usa-chan!"
"Bunny!" as they ran, no one knew who did it. No one wanted to know and could only hope no one else thought anything of it as they collided with the poor small golden haired girl, burying her under the four bodies with a loud, "HIME!" followed with lots of quick chatter, laughter and smiles. Needless to say, Usagi was begging for air, smiling wider then she had in a little while at them all. It was wonderful to be together again!
"Duo! Where've you been young man? Don't make me send Heero over there to find out!" smirking walked over to the lean muscle bound Japanese and gave a tiny push as threat.
Snickering Quatre hid behind his koibito for protection from the golden Bunny, "Yeah... don't wanna know about her 'violent tendencies'." He laughed grinning of all the confused faces before him.
"'Violent tendencies'? Bunny, you don't have violent tendencies. Not towards us."
"Maybe not, but better watch it Maxwell. She used them on Quatre earlier" the smirking Chinese commented.
"YUP!" He was happy to admit it! Because, he still planned to use his threat against them both.
Somewhere in the back a snide, mocking voice came, "You don't look like you'd hurt a fly."
At the voice, near everyone tensed. Could they not be nice for a moment when threatened? Why was there need to prove something none cared about? There was no ownership, nothing tying them together and yet they still decided on the backwards approach to something...
"Usagi-chan..." his voice tight, controlled to keep what he truly felt out of it, his mission for keeping the others away failed, "Meet" no need to say 'like you to meet' for he didn't, "Re-"
"Relena Peacecraft. Formally Relena Dorlin and lastly known as "Queen of the World"... I'd say it's a pleasure, Peacecraft-san, but I would be lying if I did. Fortunately, however you look at it, like Duo-kun here, I don't lie."
Flabbergasted of being mocked, not even getting a proper introduction, Relena stepped forward, straining to keep her face as polite as she could. She was going to be nice, the line just slipped out (or so she told herself). "How do you kno-"
"Know you? Who wouldn't know you?" Usagi questioned back while leaning into Heero's hold, who had moved behind her wrapping his arms protectively around her waist, her four guards moving to flank them as had the ex-pilots in a second line. "Your face has been on the news for nearly a year Peacecraft-san, everyone knows you. While I command you on handling the wars, I have to say that I do not condone your manners as Princess of this kingdom."
To shocked to speak, Relena could only blink.
Smiling kindly Usagi reached out her free hand, the other resting on Heero's arms, to the others gathered, "Lucrezia Noin, Hilde Schbeiker" shaking each woman's hand as they stepped forward, "It's a pleasure meet both of you. You did exceptionally well aiding my boys to bring peace to us all."
Nodding numbly, slightly confused, neither Noin nor Hilde had time to question how this small girl knew what they did during the war. Both assumed for the time being, that the ex-pilots had mentioned their time there, what they had done and helped with. It didn't matter however, each liked the small blonde woman. Anyone that could tell off the Princess of the place in which she lived (as they knew), and do it with the dignity as she had, was a person of much respect in their book.
Zechs watched with a narrowed eye. He didn't know what it was about the small blonde woman being hugging possessively by the ex-Wing pilot, but she knew more... much more... then she was letting on about what they have all been through, what they all do, then she was telling. Still, he could not bring himself to be anything less then his normal polite self to her. He smiled a little; she did, after all, put his sister in her place.
He watched as she stretched her hand out once more, a warmer smile on her face then perhaps the ones she had given to Noin and Hilde. "Hello Milliardo-sama" nodding her head a little. Zechs' eyes widened just the slightest as he walked forward taking her hand, "Or would you prefer me call you Zechs Merquise? Neither however, hide your royal birth, friend." She indeed, knew much more then she was letting on.
Bowing with a smile, "Zechs please, Usagi-san."
"In that case" Usagi smiled wider bouncing a bit in Heero's embrace, "Call me Usagi-chan like everyone else! It's a pleasure to meet you of most Zechs. You've been a great help to you country and my friends here." Nodding towards the five young men behind her, currently casting her confused stares. "You've taught them much even if they're stubborn enough not to admit it. I only wish" a distasteful look towards his sister, "You could have taught Peac-" she stopped herself realizing something of the name-deserved respect, to one that deserved it. Until Relena could act normal, like a princess was supposed to do, she would not call her that. If it had not been for her brother's denouncing the throne, she would all him in such a manner.
"Relena-san better manners. Admittedly, it is not upon you to do so." Her smile never wavered as she bowed her head to the tall flaxen haired man respectfully, lightened by his small humored smile. She turned towards Relena. "You my dear, need to act according the title you were born into." Having had this churning in her mind since speaking with Wufei she was glad to finally let it out. From what the other had enlightened her to, what she had witnessed during the wars, the speech was much over due.
"The manners you possessed before the wars starting was very much the appropriate ones to display in your life as a Dorlin. I am sory of your adoptive fathers passing and the passing of you from Dorlin to Peacecraft" bowing her head a small notch to show her sorrow over it. "Your attitude should not have changed as it had when you picked up the honored Peacecraft name, Relena-san."
Wufei's ears perked on the last line, smirking he nodded his head in approval.
"What right do yo-"
"Trust me dear girl" to the others around her, Usagi's voice became one of endless age, of soft commanding, so much knowledge shone behind her eyes. "I have right, and know better then anyone." Maybe she shouldn't have said that? "Anyone rightfully can tell you advice if it would help to better yourself. It is within you to take that advice and put it to use. Your attitude of chasing Heero Yuy" making sure to say his name, not a prefix used to say he is owned or belonged to anyone but himself, "and his companions around the field of battle was most unbecoming of a lady and leader."
Tapping the arms around her waist, giving a smile, Usagi moved forward where Relena stood, head bowed, shoulders slumped. Usagi knew what was going through the others mind. Most likely the same thing that went through hers a little time after she had become Sailor Moon and learned of her place as Queen over all in the many years to come. She didn't mean to cause the other pain, like she had, but Relena needed to know how she was acting as not right.
Stepping up to her, she flashed the others a bright smile motioning them to stay where they were while she led the other off out of earshot. They returned a few minutes later, each smiling and giggling a little. They noticed the others confused looks and smiled more. Winking to the large group and one in particular, Usagi walked Relena up to them prodding her in the back towards the one boy she respected, "Go on" whispered another wink.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves the look Heero was giving her stirred, she walked slowly towards him, hesitated a bit before lunging towards him quick enough he couldn't escape her. She hung there lightly, arms tightening just a bit before she whispered, "I'm sorry Heero." It was a moment, maybe two, before she felt his arms raise awkwardly to embrace her back. Relena smiled, imagining his looking over towards Usagi questioningly, her giving him a smile and nod. She was grateful though and drew back away, locking eyes with his, "I really am..."
Heero watched her minutely, then nodded, a small smile of his own in return as Usagi came to them locking an arm around both their waists, "I believe you" his voice just as quiet.
"Arigatou."
"SO!" Laughing as she startled the two and all around her, leaning up to peck Heero on the cheek Usagi looked at all around her, her friends old and new, then to the girl by her side, for whom they'd all learn to know a new, "What're we gonna do now?! We've got half the day with us!"
One small question so many voices! Relena joined the golden Bunny in laugh as the three linked, made their way off in some direction that they barely knew as there being a ride down there someone had yelled out a wanting to ride. Obviously, there was no voting in rides now; it was whichever Heero, Usagi and Relena decided to try out.
The others did not mind at all. Something new was happening to their rather large group and all were for naught on stopping it.
And none wanted to.
.
oOo@oOo
Boom boom
Hammer to the heart...
oOo@oOo@oOo
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Holy hell I'm DONE!? Wow, talk about a merical and it IS the end of the week! I beat myself on the outdate for this one! Granted I said I was shooting for the end of the week, but hell, better early then never! Gods.. ::bounces off the walls:: I can't believe I've finally finished this sucker!! ::beams::
And Gods help me... I've already got slight plans for the sequel, but don't even let me say anything for when the first chapter will be out 'cause with my other GW/SM and SM/DBZ ones needing to be worked on... Let ALONE, the Gundam Wing ones that are attacking me... I have no honestly to God clue when it'll actually be started, but I do have small ideas for it.
If *you've* got any ideas, something you'd like to see in the sequel, then *please* let me know. I will give credit for the ideas if they're used. But since it'll most likely be a while before it's out. Dish out some ideas you'd like to see happen. I've got a while to think on it so. ya know. heh Arigatou gozamasu for everyone that stuck with me on this story!! I know it's been a pain in the aurse waiting on my updated, and again, I'm extreamly sorry for that. But I'm also extreamly gretful to those that stuck with me through it. And to those that just found and reviewed it. Your reviews really mean a lot to me, and I'm not just saying that.
Welps, Arigatou again minna-chan! I greatly thank ya for reading and reviewing and hope that when the sequel comes out, y'aller like it as well. Until then, I hope maybe some of my other stories can be of service to your reading craze and until we meet up again! Have a great time out there!! ^_^ Take it easy gang!
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Arigatou & Ja matte!
~ Anime Redneck ^_^
