Partners Outside of the Gundam Chapter 9: Close to You, a g-gundam fanfic

Chapter 9: Close to You

The water continued to smack up against Han's boat as the Neo-Japan team sat cuddled together for quite awhile under the star filled sky. Domon sat with his right arm securely around Rain while her head rested comfortably on his shoulder. Their once hidden, but now revealed, strong love for each other had caused them to be quite irresistible to one another. However, they chose to slow down their growing passion just a bit. For these new, tender moments between them were precious.

Wanting to hold Domon, Rain shifted her body more towards his so she could wrap her right arm around his waist.

More than willing to feel more of her against him, Domon's arm tightened around her, and he wrapped his other arm around her as well; pressing her to him.

Feeling so very content, Rain let her eyes close. After experiencing the stress of being in the Dark Gundam, the loss of her father, and letting her feelings for Domon run wild, she felt almost exhausted. Now feeling so safe in his arms, her fatigue began to take over, and she fell fast asleep within seconds.

Soon hearing and feeling Rain's slow and easy breathing, the King of Hearts knew he was holding a sleeping beauty, and he wished he could stay holding her like he was through out the rest of the night. Remembering the trusting look in her eyes earlier it seemed almost a mystery to him of why someone who seemed as flawless as she would want a fighter like him. But he knew down deep that they were the perfect match just like they had been when they were children. In fact, for the first time in his adult life, he at last didn't feel stuck with his life, but now grateful for it. After all of the sorrow and pain he had experienced, he finally realized that he wasn't meant to be miserable. Rain truly made him happy and made him feel loved, and he intended to make her feel the same way.

Feeling the night air around them getting a little cooler, Domon looked to the door of the boat knowing that he should get woman in his arms inside. A smile played upon his lips as he remembered the first time that he had taken her to the boat to meet Han, Hoy and Ming.

Flashback to meeting Han, Ming and Hoy:

It was a beautiful, sunny day as Domon Kasshu walked a few feet in front of his partner down a busy street. He had just told her for the second time that he was not going to stay in the hotel that she had chosen in Neo-Hong Kong for the 13th Gundam Tournament.

Rain couldn't figure out what his problem was and becoming very aggravated with him, a part of her was tempted to grab him and start pounding her fist on him. Luckily her rational side had stopped her from doing so even though she was convinced that there was nothing wrong with the hotel she had chosen. Remaining quiet she just continued to follow behind the stubborn fighter since she had agreed to see where he wanted to stay.

Even though the King of Hearts pretended like what she would think wouldn't make a difference, he secretly hoped that she would like the boat and his new friends.

Once to Han's boat, Rain recognized it to be the one that Domon had shown up on to get to his first match of the tournament, which was against Zeus Gundam. Her thoughts were soon broken by two small voices screaming Domon's name over and over.

With a smile, Domon easily jumped from the dock and onto the boat, and immediately two small children ran over to him. Still on the dock, Rain truly enjoyed watching him as he looked down at the little boy and girl with a loving smile on his face. She wished the other Shuffles could see the King of Hearts as he placed his hands on their heads and told them a very friendly hello.

In a very welcoming voice, Han held out his hand to Rain and said, "You're welcome to come aboard too young lady."

Rain was surprised that she had even been noticed since Domon had so much attention. "Uh...thank you," she said with a shy smile. She then took Han's hand and let him help her aboard.

Domon still had his hands on the children when he looked up to see Rain being assisted onto the boat. He was secretly glad that she didn't seem to mind Han's invitation and noticed that she in fact seemed delighted. Domon then wondered what the children were going to think of her.

Han decided to introduce himself and Domon's two small friends to Rain. In a pleasant voice the older man said, "I'm Han and the two little ones are Hoy and Ming. As you can see they are very fond of your friend, Domon."

"Yes," Rain said smiling as she placed her hands together thinking that the kids were so cute and quite smitten with the King of Hearts. It was obvious that he felt the same way about them as well. "It's so very nice to meet you all," Rain said loving the scene.

"Domon," Hoy said looking up at the fighter. "Who's she?"

Glancing at the young boy then back up at Rain, Domon said with a cocky smile, "Her name's Rain. She's my...partner." He wasn't about to admit that since their recent time in the Guyana Highlands that he thought of Rain as more than just his partner.

Partner hadn't been a good enough answer for the young, suspicious Ming. With a smile, she asked, "Domon. Is she yours?"

The King of Hearts had been totally caught off guard by the question and as if scared, he hesitantly asked, "Mine?"

Rain immediately started to blush; surprised that the child seemed to be a hopeless romantic even at her young age.

Ming proceeded in trying to get an answer on just who Rain was to Domon. "Domon, she's so pretty," the young girl said seeing the very attractive rare color, blue eyes possessed by Domon's female companion. And just when hethought he couldn't get any more embarrassed, the little girl then asked, "Domon. Don't you think Rain's pretty?"

Domon's face turned red as his eyes widened. The only thing that came out of his mouth was, "Uh..."

Han couldn't help but notice Rain's blushing face as well, and instantly he knew there was something between the Neo-Japan team whether they were going to admit it or not. Being wise from age, he also knew that sometimes special relationships just took time getting off the ground. "Ming, Hoy. Come say hello to Ms. Rain."

The kids both released Domon and ran over to their new guest. Looking down at the two children, Rain said in a friendly voice, "You can just call me, Rain."

As Domon watched the kids greet her, Han moved over to him and said, "Looks aren't everything. Tell me something about the young lady."

Domon didn't quite know what to say. He hadn't spoken about Rain to anyone before and was still having a rough time admitting just what he thought about her to himself. As Domon's eyes moved from Han to Rain, he said, "Rain's a...decent person."

"Decent?" Han asked with a smile; surprised at the adjective Domon had chosen to use. "Well...if she's as sweet as she is beautiful, you've got something special."

Domon didn't say anything as he watched Hoy and Ming start to drag Rain into the boat.

Later that night, Rain stayed for dinner and Domon watched as the kids talked her ear off. They had definitely taken a liking to his mechanic. They asked her all sorts of questions such as what was her age, what was it like being a doctor, and what was it like being partners with Domon.

Rain had thought a few seconds before answering the last question, then finally she said that it was nice being Domon's partner.

Domon then actually felt badly for the times that he had been rude to her, because he knew that she hadn't thought of working with him nice at those times.

After dinner, Han insisted that Rain stay on the boat since Domon would be staying with them while in Neo-Hong Kong. Not saying a word, she looked at Domon as if trying to read his expression; as if tyring to see if hereallywanted her to stay or not. But his face was blank while he said nothing at all, and she soon guessed that he wanted her to go back to the hotel.

Ming decided to help the confused looking doctor by saying, "Rain, Domon must have brought you here because he wants you to stay with him."

Again Domon felt caught off guard, but he managed to keep a straight face and remained silent.

Rain actually felt badly for him because she knew he didn't like being embarrassed.

However, to her surprise, he said in a very low voice, "Stay." He wasn't sure why he wanted her to stay, but he knew without a doubt that he did.

Turning to look at the kids, Rain smiled as if they would be her reason to stay. "I'd like to stay here," she said leaving Domon to wonder if he had anything to do with her wanting to.

The children became very excited while Han smiled; happy for the company.

"Then it's settled," Domon said not about to let Rain change her mind. "We'll both stay here."

"Yes," Rain said looking back at him with a smile on her face. "It does feel right here."

Domon couldn't help but let himself smile back at Rain. As children they had enjoyed hanging around a dock not far from where they had lived. Some of the boats had been fascinating, and Han's boat was bringing back some good memories.

End of Flashback

Domon glanced down at Rain who was still asleep in his arms, and then he kissed the top of her head softly; not wanting to wake her. She needed her rest, and he was pleased that she felt so comfortable with him to fall asleep within his embrace. Noticing that the night air felt even chillier than before, Domon began to tighten his grip on her and soon stood up with her in his strong arms. "We have to get in," he whispered though he knew she didn't hear him.

The King of Hearts carried his queen across the boat and over to the small door that led down to the bottom of the boat where they had been staying. With his foot he managed to kick the small door open, then carefully walked down the very narrow steps that led down below. Though where he entered looked quite like a basement since there were boxes stacked, and the room was filled with things that probably hadn't been used in a long time, the Neo-Japan team had felt very at home in there.

There was a small lamp giving the room just enough light so that Domon could see as he carried the precious woman in his arms to her bed; or rather to a pile of blankets and a pillow she had been using. They had both slept in this room since their stay in Neo-Hong Kong, but his blankets and pillow were clear on the other side of the room away from hers.

Domon gently laid Rain down on her blankets and pillow causing her arms to slip from around him and down by her sides. Not really wanting to, he gently slid his arms from beneath her and stood up. He then just stood over her watching her as he remembered the times when he had watched her before from across this room. There had been more than a few times that he had wished she was his, and other times when he tried figure out just what was going on between them. Interrupting his thoughts, Rain started to speak. With her eyes remaining closed and with much fear in her voice, she exclaimed, "Domon, Domon...Please don't let the Dark Gundam take me!"

The King of Hearts was ready to protect Rain even from her dreams as he knelt down by her and put both of his hands on her face and said, "Rain, wake up. You're having a nightmare." In a determined voice to let her know that she was safe and sound, he said, "You're free of the Dark Gundam, Rain."

"Domon!" she called out again sounding almost frantic. Suddenly her eyes flew open, and he forced her to look into his to see that he was there, and that it had only been a dream. Staring into his caring eyes, Rain began to breathe easier as she realized where she was and that her fighter was there watching over her. Relieved, she threw her arms around him and pulled him down on to her.

Domon had to marvel at where she had got such a strong strength since she had literally pulled him off his feet. Wanting to make sure that she was okay, he lifted his face from where it had landed in her pillow to look into her eyes as he said, "Rain, I'll always protect you."

Feeling blessed, she shook her head in acceptance of what he said and then whispered, "Can you just hold me till I fall asleep?"

Her shaky voice gave away how scared she still was, so he whispered, "Yes. I will lay by you till you fall asleep. Remember, you're not alone, Rain."

Rain then lifted her hand and let her trembling fingers outline his face as she again felt so thankful for him. She knew that she was so lucky to be the one to receive the King of Heart's love; a love that many had thought wasn't possible.

Though Domon considered Rain to be a strong woman, he knew being sucked into the Dark Gundam for its life force would surely terrify anyone. Because of this, he moved to lie on his side beside her, and then put his head on her pillow with hers. Wanting to see him, she ever so slowly rolled from her back and on to her side to face him. He then lifted his hand and began to brush her hair out of her face as he softly whispered, "Go to sleep, Rain. You need rest after all that you have been through."

The beautiful female didn't say anything as she looked into Domon's eyes seeing the loving concern there. She remembered the times she had been the one telling him that he needed to rest and now here he was giving her her own advice. Unlike how he had been, she took the advice as her eyes started to blink as if her lids were getting too heavy to keep open. She also knew that he would more than likely fall asleep and get the rest his body needed if she did. She had often wondered how he didn't collapse after a Gundam fight.

Domon stayed by her side watching her; planning to go sleep across the room from her as soon as he knew that she was in a deep enough sleep. Staring at her, he also knew without a doubt, that he could never love a woman more than he loved her. She had taken care of him, trusted him, and truly loved him. Eventually his eyelids began to feel heavy and each time they closed he forced them back open; each time planning to get up. The last time his eyes shut, he dreamt that he had actually gotten up and gone to his blankets and pillow. He hadn't a clue that he was really still next to Rain; his hand in her hair, and her hands having quite a hold on the front of his shirt.

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The next morning, Han was up making breakfast when Hoy and Ming insisted on going below to wake up the Neo-Japan team like they had done so many times before.

"No. Let them sleep," Han said grabbing them by the back of their shirts. "They have been through a lot, and it wouldn't surprise me it they slept till noon."

Both Hoy and Ming looked sad that they couldn't wake Domon and Rain. Rain was quite pleasant to wake up and it was just plain fun to wake Domon. Sometimes he'd pretend like he was still sleeping though he was awake and the children would laugh as they pulled his lifeless body from the blankets. Rain would watch; loving the playful side of Domon that came out around the two children.

"Alright," Ming said sadly. "We'll let them sleep."

"Very good," Han said glad that Ming and Hoy did listen quite well most of the time.

Han's prediction had been correct when it came to when the Neo-Japan team would rise. It was almost noon when Domon was coming out of a pleasant dream of holding Rain very close to him through out the night. Suddenly, he became confused because he still felt the female's soft body against his as he completely woke up. Opening his eyes, he didn't understand why he was still lying with her because he vividly remembered leaving her side when he knew she was in a deep sleep. It then dawned on him that he had dreamt that he had left her and that holding her through out the night hadn't been a dream. It wasn't that he minded holding her at all, but he hated to think what Han would think if Ming and Hoy found them this way. They must have appeared quite cozy together since Rain's face was nestled in Domon's neck and their arms were holding each other quite possessively. Even their legs were tangled together. To make himself feel better about Ming and Hoy possibly seeing them, Domon told himself that at least he and Rain were fully dressed and that the kids minds were too innocent to think anything else had happened between them besides sleep. With a smile on his face, he knew it was the best sleep he had had in a long time.

Before he could continue to enjoy the warmth coming from Rain's body since it was so very close to his, he heard the door open and Chibodee's voice saying, "Relax, Han. Neo-Japan won't mind if I wake him up."

There hadn't been enough time for Domon to move when Chibodee walked in and spotted them. With much pleasure in his voice, the boxer said, "Well, well, well. What do we have here?"

The King of Hearts lifted his head to see the owner of possibly the dirtiest mind grinning at him. Luckily the kids and Han weren't with him.

"You know, Japan. You should try taking your clothes off next time," Chibodee said with an even bigger grin on his face. "You really do need some serious advice when it comes to women."

"Shut up," Domon said not wanting any advice from Chiobdee. Domon knew that if he hadn't been tangled up with Rain at the moment, he would have gotten up and literally thrown Chibodee out of the room.

Hearing Domon's voice, Rain awakened. Opening her eyes and lifting her head from him, she whispered, "Shut up?"

Domon looked down at his awakened beauty and put his hand on her face and gave her a smile. Feeling badly for telling her to shut up in the past, he was quick to say, "Rain, I wasn't telling you to shut up."

Rain blinked her eyes in confusion as she wondered whom Domon had been speaking to.

"Unfortunately we have company," he said turning his head to look at Chibodee who still had the nerve to smile at them.

Rain finally saw the boxer and then noticed that her dress had moved up an inch or two during the night. She quickly pushed it down and then thought she heard someone else coming down into the room. As if hiding, she laid her head back down on Domon.

A very proper and respectful voice was heard saying, "Oh...Chibodee is down here? Thank you, Han." George soon entered the basement like room. However, unlike Chibodee, George blushed and turned away when he saw Domon and Rain lying down together. "Oh my. I am ever so sorry."

"Get a grip, George," Chibodee said like it was completely normal to walk in on two people who really wanted their privacy. "Nothing's going on. I think they're over dressed if you ask me."

George once again wondered why he associated with Chibodee just before he said, "Chidodee. At least turn around and let them get up."

"Thank you, George," Domon said glad that the knight was the complete opposite of the Neo-American fighter.

"Domon," Rain said sounding as if she was struggling.

"What's wrong?" he asked looking back down at her, but she didn't lift her head to look back at him.

"My ear ring is stuck to your jacket. Just don't move so I can try to get loose," she said removing her arm from around him so she could try to free her ear from him. Unfortunately she was having a problem freeing herself when even more footsteps were heard coming down the stairs.

Who's coming down now? Talk about invading people's privacy. Should Domon take any advice on women from Chibodee? Will George stop blushing?

Thanks for reading, Jen