~*~*~ Gundam 07: Cosmic Darkness ~*~*~

By: Rogue Angel Barton

Hey! The next chapter has arrived. Thanks to those who are still reading. I will not disappoint you. From the way this fic is going so far, expect many more chapters. See, I've just begun to weave the story into what I expect it to be, and I believe, you will not be disappointed.

Ow on a sadder note for me... I DoN'T OWN THE ANIMES!!! WAHHHHHHH!!!!

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Hotaru smiled softly as she stretched. Another beautiful morning, the birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and Heero was in bed next to her...

WHAT WAS THAT?!?!

Hotaru looked down to see her bed empty. She groaned as she walked into the bathrooms. Her um... imaginations were getting stronger and stronger. They were usually... very steamy.

Hotaru screamed as the cold water hit her skin. She clenched her fists and bared it. One, she needed a cold shower to wake her up from her hot and sticky dreams. Oops... Hotaru banged her head against the wall repeatedly. No... must not think of Heero... must not think of his bod... must not think about bed... must not think about her body melting into his strong, washboard abs as he gently kisses her face and then...

Hotaru thanked the Moon as another blast of freezing water stung her pale skin. For once, Hotaru thanked the lord for Duo's usual morning showers that left everyone else with only cold water. Hotaru's teeth began to clutter together... to cold... day before Christmas... cold!

Wrapping herself in a warm blanket, Hotaru smiled. It's been a one and a half months since she came to know the boys. She was happy; it's been a while since she could truly say that. Heero and the guys made her feel welcome, they made her feel like she was one of them... they made her feel needed... they made her feel loved.

Especially Heero... a small smile touched her lips as she dressed. They were in love, although neither had said it, but they felt it. They kissed and hugged a lot more freely now, touching each other almost every minute. But there times for both of them... where they wondered if it truly was love... or just an obsession for now.

Hotaru slowly smiled and said morning as Trowa walked by. She stopped on the stairs. What if it was a simply obsession for now? What if it fades? What if this, like everything else, doesn't last...?

No... can't think about that...

"I will make it work... I hope."

Hotaru realized that someone had wrapped their strong arms around her waist. Currently, they were kissing her neck.

"Good morning to you too Heero."

Heero simply groaned and continued to make his way up her neck with kisses. Hotaru giggled as he started to nibble on her ear lobe.

"Alright Heero! Eat your breakfast and not me!"

"You taste so much better."

Hotaru blushed, hearing his husky voice. She stepped away from him slightly and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Let's go downstairs."

Heero stood motionless and Hotaru walked down the stairs. What just happened? Why did she step away from him? Did he do something wrong?

Heero sighed and ran his hand through his stubborn mane. Damn it, the whole thing with Hotaru was so confusing. Sometimes he was so happy; to be next to her... to gently kiss her... to be with her was bliss for him. But there were times... where... it was just so confusing.

Sometimes she would be so cold, even to him. Other times she would be distant and refused to open up to him. Then there were times... like just now... where she would shy away from him. Damn it, why was it like that?

Heero walked down stairs. Everyone was sitting around the table. Duo was grinning like a maniac. Heero looked around... wow... when Hotaru and Setsuna decorate for Christmas, they really do. The whole house was killed with red and green, with lights and mistletoe everywhere. Really nice.

Heero, still confused with Hotaru, sat down between Duo and Trowa instead of his usual place next to Hotaru. Everyone was clearly confused and Heero watched as Hotaru's eyes flashed with some pain but it soon faded. Heero watched as her posture returned to that of the Perfect Soldier. Heero saw the worried and confused expressions around the table.

Duo put his hand on Heero's shoulder.

"Is something wrong?"

"No."

Duo removed his hand at the cold voice that Heero used. He hadn't used that since he met Hotaru. Okay, melt down mode right about now. Setsuna looked at Hotaru.

"Um... Hotaru, you okay?"

"Hn."

That and a simple nod were her answer. Everyone, except Heero and Hotaru, began to sweat. Not good, definitely not good.

"Did everyone get do their Christmas shopping?"

Everyone grinned, knowing that they finished theirs, even Duo. However, Heero and Hotaru's eyes revealed a bit of worry and nervousness. The two looked at each other and knew at once what the looks in both their eyes meant... they forgot...

~~~

Hotaru and Heero volunteered to clean up after breakfast, surprising everyone. They NEVER did that. They smiled, thinking that the two would get back together.

"Have fun... 'Cleaning up' Heero!"

With that Duo ran out of the room. Heero and Hotaru looked at each other. Hotaru groaned and slumped into the chair. She pouted.

"I knew I forgot something..."

Heero chuckled slightly, then he remembered he was in the same position and stopped. He started to clean off the mess the guys made.

"Well, it's the day before Christmas."

"I've never missed Christmas before. How can this happen?!"

Heero noticed the strange look in Hotaru's eyes. She was thinking about her past... again. He frowned.

"Things are not as bad as you think."

"I'm not going to be able to finish all my shopping today."

Heero stuffed the dishes in the dishwasher.

"Sure you can."

"How's that?"

"Cuz I'm going to help you."

Heero winced as the words flew from his mouth. Oh why, why did he have to say that? He knew women and malls avoid them at all costs!

"Thanks Heero."

Heero felt happier because of the smile that lit Hotaru's face. He wiped off the table and washed his hands. He watched as Hotaru stretched.

"Weren't you supposed to help?"

Hotaru smiled innocently. Heero merely growled at Hotaru.

"Come on now... don't be like that..."

Hotaru hugged Heero from behind. Heero stiffened.

"Sorry."

Hotaru pulled away and Heero hung his head. HE missed her warmth... the simple act of her arms around her waist had him feel so safe... damn it. He was falling.

"Let's go Heero."

Heero turned around to see Hotaru waiting for him anxiously. For the first time he noticed how good she looked today. Dark brown skintight leather pants, a simple small black T-shirt with a black jean jacket. Heero moaned and grabbed his jacket.

"Which one?"

"Motorcycle."

Heero nodded. Hotaru walked out to the garage. Heero sighed... long day.

~~~

Hotaru sighed as she leaned against a car. Shaking her head she tried to calm her nerves. Although she wanted her shopping done, she wasn't so sure that a whole day with Heero was a good idea.

"Come on Hotaru."

Hotaru turned around and saw Heero. Damn, he looked hot. He was dressed simply and yet it made him look like a god. A pair of light blue jeans showing off his long and graceful legs, a green camouflage shirt, and a black leather jacket to top his outfit.

"Coming."

Heero handed Hotaru a dark purple helmet, which she put on. He himself wore a dark blue helmet. The bike was a dark metallic gray with blood red lettering on the side.

Hotaru tightly gripped Heero's stomach as he sped off. She liked speed... but this was ridiculous.

The surroundings were speeding by, everything a blur. Hotaru smiled as Heero sped towards the mall.

The two climbed off the bike as they saw the crowed mall. Heero groaned.

"I hate women and malls mixed together."

Heero growled and Hotaru hit him playfully on the arm.

"Now hush Yuy!"

Heero chuckled slightly and allowed Hotaru to drag him into the crowded building.

~~~

Hotaru looked around with her eyes wide with excitement. Shopping! What a girl loved!

Heero groaned. Okay, he loved that twinkle in Hotaru's eyes... but he'd been on enough shopping trips with girls... and Quatre, to know that when that twinkle is there, deep down is a true shopaholic.

"Don't worry Heero, I won't stay THAT long."

Hotaru giggled as Heero paled. She grabbed his hand and started to drag him around. First store was Macy's, okay, not too bad. After about half an hour, Hotaru found the perfect scarf for Milliardo. She didn't know the guy too well.

Heero bought Trowa a bottle of his favorite cologne, Beast King. Hotaru looked at Heero.

"How do you know he likes that stuff?"

"He tries to hid it in his closet, but his sister told me."

Hotaru giggled at the thought of Trowa Barton, the deadly silent one putting on Beast King cologne. When she came out, she spotted a swords shop. She poked Heero and pointed to the swords shop. Heero nodded and followed her.

Once inside Hotaru looked around the shop. It wasn't very big, but beautifully decorated in Chinese art. She went deeper into the shop, and saw in a display case, the perfect present for Wufei. She might not like him too much, but it was just perfect for him. The handle was painted black, with a dark blue dragon spiraling to the top. At the end of the handle where it meets the blade, the blue dragon's mouth opens up and the blade starts form its mouth. The blade was made of gundanium and about 6 inches long.

Paying for the dagger, Hotaru looked at her wallet. Still $1000 left, damn the Preventers paid well. At least for her. She looked at the stores. Let's see, four people left... damn. Okay, Setsuna, Trowa, Quatre, and Heero... that's a hard one.

She looked around, and found the perfect store for Setsuna. She grabbed onto Heero and dragged him towards the store.

Heero felt Hotaru grab his wrist and start dragging him. Looking up in confusion, he paled.

"Oh no Hotaru, I'm not doing it!"

"Come on Heero, its no big deal!"

"HOTARU!!! I CAN'T GO IN THERE!!!"

"HEERO!"

Heero grabbed onto a nearby lamppost. Hotaru glared at him. She sighed and began pulling on his black leather jacket.

"COME ON HEERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"NO WAY!!!"

"I DON'T WANT TO!"

Everyone in the mall watched as the two continued to bicker. Meanwhile, other poor men weren't holding on like Heero. Their women in the unthinkable place were slowly pulling them for a guy. Where? This will not be revealed as of yet, but you probably already know.

"Heero please..."

"No Hotaru, I would do a lot of things for you, but not that."

"Oh fine! Just, wait out here with the stuff then!"

With that Hotaru dumped everything on Heero and walked into... (Trumpets blowing) Victoria's Secret!

Heero sighed with relief. Okay, she had finally let go. Picking up the bags, he thanked the lord Hotaru wasn't a shopoholic. He looked around, now, for Hotaru's present. Heero looked around, suddenly, he noticed an ancient looking store tucked in the corner. His eyes narrowed as he walked towards the place.

It was painted black, unlike the other colorful stores. He looked at the name, 'Palace of the Silver Moon'. Strange, it almost sounded familiar instead of weird. Heero shook his head and entered. A silver bell rang softly as he pushed open the black door. He looked around, dark and dusty. He didn't know why this place attracted his attention.

The selves were packed with antiques, and yet he continued to walk inward.

"Well there young man, what can I do for you?"

Heero turned around quickly to face an old woman with silver hair and kind gray eyes. He smiled slightly at her.

"I'm just looking around for a present."

"Well now, not many people come in my old shop here with all the others around here."

"I was... captivated by your store ma'am."

"Hm... nice answer. What kind of present do you want...?"

Heero scratched his head and shrugged.

"For a lady perhaps?"

Heero nodded and his cheeks went warm. The old woman smiled knowingly.

"Well then, look around in the back. There might be something of interest to you."

Heero was puzzled by this but followed the old woman's instructions. He reached the very end of the shop and looked around the shelves. A doll, a watch, a book...

Suddenly Heero got a strange feeling. His whole body seemed to be attracted to one part of another shelf. He carefully walked over and saw a strange silver glow. He moved the other objects aside, as the feeling grew stronger. The glow brightened, almost blinding him. Then as he removed the last object hiding it, a bright silver flash blinded him.

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I'm ending it there! You can't make me go on!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Actually, 3 reviews, I know this story ain't that popular, but 3 will do. Ja!