Partners Outside of the Gundam Chapter 11: Friends, a g-gundam fanfic

Author's note: Thanks for the reviews. Also - I might as well warn you all now that I haven't put Master Asia or Kyoji's advice in this chapter. I'm sorry. It will be in the next chapter. Something else popped up into my head that had to be done first. Forgive me, and I truly hope you enjoy the following chapter.

CHAPTER 11: Friends

Nastasha, Chibodee's Crew and Miss Marie Louise all stood around Rain who had her eyes on someone whose back could barely be seen as he continued to walk further and further away with the other Shuffles. His red cloak was all but disappearing from her sight as she unconsciously whispered, "I love him so much."

Upon hearing the sweet words, Chibodee's crew giggled as Miss Marie Louise smiled and said in a dreamy voice, "Rain, I'm so glad that this is finally happening for you and Domon."

Embarrassed, Rain then realized that she had spoken her thoughts out loud as she caught Nastasha rolling her eyes at the other girls.

With Janet nodding her head in agreement, Cath happily said, "You and Domon do look so good together."

The princess more than agreed as she said with stars in her eyes, "The Neo-Japan team especially looked good together when Rain's ear ring was stuck to Domon's jacket."

Rain began to blush even more as the girls; all except for Nastasha, began to giggle once again.

"So..." Miss Marie Louise asked wanting details, "Does Domon kiss as well as he fights?"

For a second Rain wondered if the young, blonde princess should be hanging out with Chibodee rather than with George. Chibodee would surely love where she wanted this conversation to go, but after seeing the princess kissing George, it was clear that the she was head over heels for only the Knight.

Seeing Rain's face blushing profusely, Nastasha said, "The way Domon Kasshu kisses should be of no concern to us. Though Domon wants us with Rain today, I do not think he meant so we could question his...moves on her."

Folding her arms, the princess said, "Well...I can tell you that my George has swept me off of my feet."

The girls looked at each other and then burst out laughing as they recalled how Miss Marie Louise had plastered her lips on to the knight's - taking him by surprise. She had actually swept him off of his feet. And now she, herself, had to laugh as she covered her mouth while she finally became a little embarrassed.

Shaking her head at how silly the other girls were acting, Nastasha pulled Rain by her arm to the side and asked, "Can you handle these girls today? If not, I'll tell them to get lost."

"I'm fine, Nastasha. Let them stay," Rain said glad to see that the Neo-Russian woman did care about her. Rain then decided to change the subject by saying, "I'm glad that you and Argo both know how important you are to each other."

Nastasha gave another one of her rare smiles as she said, "I imagine what you feel for Domon Kasshu is what I am feeling for Argo."

Rain answered Nastasha with an understanding smile. The Neo-Japan mechanic knew that she, herself, was in deep with her feelings for the King of Hearts. There was no turning back now. The night before with Domon had been so perfect, and she soon found herself letting her mind drift back to it. She remembered feeling such a strong electricity between them each time their eyes locked together. The power in their kisses had been magical and it only proved further that they were indeed meant for each other. But it was the things that they had admitted to each other that seemed even better than the chills that they had each sent up each other's spines. Feelings of their love for each other had finally come out in words making them very comfortable in showing their affection for one another.

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Things ran very smoothly at the bank for the Shuffle Alliance since no problems had occurred for Domon. The commissioner had barely said anything in fear that the King of Hearts would refuse to be Neo-Japan's gundam fighter for the next tournament. After receiving very clear instructions from Dr. Kasshu to be very patient with his son, Karato had only shown the champion of the Gundam Fight an account with a large sum of money exclusively for the King of Hearts. Domon hadn't even flinched when he saw the amount, which then worried Karato. The Neo-Japan government official knew that anyone else would have been extremely excited to see an account with such a large figure. However, Domon had said nothing and Karato felt as if he would go out of his mind since he didn't know if Domon would be Neo-Japan's future gundam fighter. He sadly remembered how unaffected Domon seemed in the parade that followed after he had won the 13th tournament.

After some words with his father, Domon had decided to keep what he considered his and Rain's money in more than one place. He withdrew some of the money rather than all like he had originally planned, obtained a cashier's check for some, and left the rest in the account.

Once the Shuffle Alliance left the bank, Chibodee said, "I can't believe how easy that was."

Argo smiled not surprised as George himself grinned and said, "Domon knew that the Neo-Japan government was not going to give him any problems."

"Bro, they really want to hold on to you!" Sai Saici said with excitement in his voice.

"I don't care about any of that right now," Domon said having his mind set on something else or rather someone else, Rain. Just the thought of her love for him made his heart race, and he was ready to express himself without his fist some more to the precious female. He literally couldn't wait to get back to her. Rain - the one he had hidden his feelings from, he now knew he wouldn't be able to stop acting out his feelings for.

Suddenly the door to the bank opened, and Dr. Kasshu called out, "Domon." Immediately Domon and the other Shuffles turned to the doctor as he stepped over to them. "I forgot to tell you that tomorrow night you all should meet at Han's boat. A car will pick you up for the dinner celebration just when it starts to get dark."

"Cool," the youngest fighter said jumping on to Domon's back from being so excited, "Bro, your father's cool."

Domon turned his head looking at the youngest fighter wishing he'd get off of his back.

Dr. Kasshu laughed, quite liking Domon's friends and said, "Remember. It's complements of the Neo-Japan government."

"Thanks, Dad," Domon said calmly and still looking as if he was in another world as Sai Saici released him.

Chibodee noticed Domon's dazed look and said, "Japan, I think you still have a certain female on your mind."

Domon didn't deny it and then told his father good-bye so he could head to the nearest jewelry store.

Deeper into the big city not much later, Domon and the other Shuffles quickly became aware that just about everyone knew who they were because of the stares they were receiving. The citizens of Neo-Hong Kong knew who saved the earth as did everyone else around the world. At one point, a couple of very determined girls made their way to Domon, and though they were very pretty, he paid them no attention and walked right past them.

"What's with him?" one of the girls asked batting her eyes at Chibodee.

"Oh he's taken," Chibodee said since Domon had completely ignored the incredibly, beautiful women. The Neo-American fighter on the other hand seemed to be practically ready to make them part of his crew.

Laughing at Chibodee's weak spot for gorgeous women, Sai Saici said, "Chibodee, all you have to tell anyone who's interested in Bro is what Ming would say, which is, 'Domon's Rain's.'"

Chibodee grinned, and then said to the girls, "Let me tell you all about Ming and Hoy. I just love kids."

Argo and George looked at each other and without any words said they nodded their heads and then walked over to the Neo-American Fighter to pull him away from the women he was conversing with. As the two men dragged the American fighter away, Sai Saici smiled shyly at the pretty women and said, "Sorry, girls."

After walking for about another ten minutes, George stopped and said to Domon, "This is where you want to make your purchase."

Domon looked into the brightly lighted, jewelry store to see all of the very expensive jewelry kept out of reach behind a clear glass from wall to wall. As soon as he stepped in the very costly store, a dark haired man in his fifties, who was the owner of the store walked over to him. "Neo-Japan's gundam fighter, Domon Kasshu. Words cannot express how happy I am to have you in my beautiful store."

Quite stunned by the man's reaction, Domon didn't know what to say.

"Domon," George said putting his hand on the King of Heart's shoulder, "It's not everyday that this gentleman meets someone who has saved the earth."

Remembering the stares that they had gotten on the street, Domon realized that George was right. Before saving the earth and even before winning the Gundam fight, Ming and Hoy had pointed out that just being a gundam fighter was almost like being a celebrity.

"Mr. Kasshu," the owner said, "Are you looking for something special?"

At first Domon didn't answer as if the storeowner should have known. Earlier his friends sure knew that he needed a ring, and he hadn't told them. Finally answering, Domon nodded his head yes as he said, "There is something...special that I need."

Ready to point out the different shapes and sizes of stones, George said, "Please show us the engagement rings."

Sai Saici was right behind them saying, "I want to help too."

Though Argo wouldn't be making a purchase this day, he found himself looking around at the beautiful display of jewelry with one certain woman on his mind as well.

Suddenly it then dawned on Chibodee the significance of what Domon was doing; that he really was going through with buying an engagement ring. The King of Hearts actually knew without a doubt, who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Rain would no longer be just his Neo-Japan partner or just a friend. Chibodee now felt badly for the advice that he had given Domon. Most of it had been bad because he had been joking and trying to mess with Domon's head. To make up for what he had done, the Neo- American fighter decided to hang around the front door of the store to keep most people out. He knew that Domon would not like being swamped by a crowd while doing something so very important.

Walking up to the display of engagement rings and clearly not having a clue of what he was looking for, Domon said seriously, "I want Rain to have the biggest diamond here."

Before the owner of the store could say anything, George nodded and smiled at the man as if to say that Domon was joking. "Domon," George said in a voice that meant he wanted to help, "You do not have to buy the biggest stone to prove to Rain how much you love her. She knows how you feel. I think in Rain's case that something like a...2-caret diamond would be too big. Do remember that she uses her hands all the time, and that a big stone could get in the way of her career as a doctor and a gundam mechanic."

Domon thought about what George said and realized that he didn't want Rain to have to take her ring off at times because it might possibly get in the way. He wanted her to have a ring on always that said to other men, 'Back off. I belong to the King of Hearts.' Domon then smiled in satisfaction that she was his and his alone.

Seeing Domon's smile, Sai Saici asked, "Bro, do you see a ring that you like?"

Brought back to his search through rings, Domon said, "Uh...no. I'm not sure what she would like."

George smiled and said, "I assure you that Mademoiselle Rain will like anything that you pick out for her."

Domon knew the knight was right. Rain was not a materialistic person and with a heart like hers, she would be thrilled with any ring he was to give her. At that thought, the King of Hearts wanted to find one that could keep up with the beauty that she possessed.

"Bro," Sai Saici said pointing to some diamonds on simple bands of gold. "You might want to look at these. The diamonds really stand out more on a plain band."

Smiling, George was quite impressed with Sai Saici's recommendation.

Looking where Sai Saici was pointing, Domon scanned the rings and his eyes stopped on a bright, sparkling diamond that looked to be the shape of the ball used in the American game, Football. Staring and pointing at that specific ring, Domon asked the storeowner, "Can I see that one?"

"Well, of course. May I say you have very good taste," the owner said happily as he gently lifted the ring out of its hold. Handing it to Domon the older man said, "This is a one carat, clear cut, Marquis."

George smiled quite impressed again that Domon was looking at such a beautiful ring and was evidently thinking carefully before buying on impulse. He truly wanted to please Rain.

Rain began to appear in Domon's mind clearly as he drifted off into another world, unaware that his dark eyes took on a glossy look as he began to enjoy the image of the lovely female. His mind's eyes first took in her beautiful face and then moved down to her shoulder, down her slender arm, and then lowered to her hand. On that hand he could easily see the Marquis on her ring finger. That soft, gentle hand that she had touched and caressed him with would wear the ring that would tie her to him forever. Getting in even deeper into his thoughts he imagined that same hand of hers getting lost in his hair and pulling his face down closer to hers so their lips could meet. He knew once he felt her lips that he would wrap her in his arms and whisper between passionate kisses how much he loved her.

"Excuse me, Bro. Why are you sweating?" Sai Saici asked since it wasn't hot or stuffy at all in the jewelry store. "Are you that nervous about buying a ring for Sis?"

Feeling himself shake just a bit after being awaken from his day dream, Domon then quickly answered, "No." He couldn't admit his disappointment in that his fantasy had been interrupted. "I...I was just...thinking about her," he said almost in a whisper. He then realized that Rain had power over him even when she wasn't around.

Seeing a red tint spreading over Domon's face, George wondered just what the King of Hearts had been thinking about. Luckily, Chibodee was too far away to comment.

Sai Saici smiled as if knowing and said to the storeowner, "If you think Domon here has good taste in rings, you should see the woman he has chosen."

Wanting to be the mature one, George said, "There is much more to Mademoiselle Rain than her looks, and plus I am sure this gentleman knows who she is."

"Yes," the storeowner said as if so pleased to be in the Shuffle's presence. "Right now I think everyone knows who you all are."

The youngest gundam fighter then caught Domon staring at him. "Don't worry, bro. I'm not going to try to steal Rain from you because I think she's beautiful."

At first stunned by Sai's confident remark, Domon then laughed lightly and said, "Last night I seem to remember you saying that she already sunk her claws into me." Domon then turned his eyes back to the ring in his hand to examine it some more and after some additional thinking he announced that it was the one for his Rain. Before leaving the store, Domon also picked out something else that had caught his eye.

Once back to the boat, he couldn't wait another second to see Rain. "Rain," he called as he jumped aboard, but he didn't get an answer. "Rain," he called again peeking into the inside of the boat, but still there was no answer.

"Domon," Argo said looking at what appeared to be a note taped onto the railing of the boat.

Seeing what Argo saw, Domon walked over to it and pulled it off.

The short note read:

Domon,

I am being forced to go shopping with the girls. Please don't worry about me. They said they will have me back before dark.

I love you,
Rain

"Well..." Chibodee said impatiently, "where are they?"

Sticking the note into his back pocket of his pants, Domon said, "They're out shopping."

"Shopping?" Argo asked surprised. "This couldn't have been my Nastasha's idea."

George took a seat assuming that the girls would be awhile. "I know that Miss Marie Louise had a lot to do with this."

Domon let out a frustrated breath hoping that Rain wouldn't be much longer. He had been looking forward to seeing her during his walk back to Han's boat.

Shopping was turning out to be quite an experience for the girls. Chibodee's crew and the princess had picked out tons of clothes for Rain to try on. As if she was a dress up doll, Rain entertained them by trying on the outfits. Nastasha complained the whole time that they should get back to the boat and forget about shopping.

"Oh Rain," Bunny said when Rain walked out of the dressing room wearing a black, short, cocktail dress, "You really do have a great figure."

Blushing, Rain said, "You're just being sweet, Bunny."

"If you don't believe her," a female voice said. "Then ask Domon."

Rain turned around to see Allenby smiling at her.

"Allenby," Rain said totally surprised to see her.

"Hi, Rain," the female fighter said with a smile. "Getting some shopping done?"

Smiling, Cath said proudly, "She was forced to come here by us. But I think she's having fun."

Rain smiled back at Cath, then looking back at Allenby, asked, "Can I talk to you a minute?"

"No problem," Allenby said in a friendly voice.

"Okay," Rain said back in a friendly voice as well. "Just let me change." When Rain came out of the dressing room, Allenby and she stepped away from the other girls so they could talk in private. The other girls were too busy begging Nastasha to try on a dress that left not much to the imagination. Nastasha was eyeing up a fountain that she wanted to throw all of the girls into.

"How are you feeling?" Rain asked glad that Allenby was rid of the DG cells.

"I'm fine...thanks to you," the young girl admitted as they sat on a bench in front of the fountain.

Wanting Allenby to know how she felt, Rain said, "I feel I should thank you for telling Domon to tell me how he...honestly feels for me."

"He would have said it sooner or later," Allenby said sounding very sure.

"How did you know how he feels for me?"

"I had been knowing that he was crazy about you even though I tried to deny it to myself at times," the blue haired girl admitted. "I remember times that the three of us hung out together either training or whatever. The times that you left us, the disappointment on Domon's face was so obvious."

Rain knew it was true since Domon had recently told her that he had really wanted to be with his Neo-Japan partner during those times.

Truly feeling that Rain was a friend now, Allenby said, "You know how when you like someone and when you're alone with that person how happy you are, but then someone shows up and you get aggravated wishing they wouldn't have...intruded?"

"As a matter of fact, I do," Rain said recalling all of the intruders barging in on Domon and she that morning on Han's boat.

"Each time I was alone with Domon I was so happy to be and hoped that he only wanted to be with me too. But, whenever you showed up, he didn't mind at all. In fact I could tell that he became very happy when you were around."

"Oh, Allenby...you're really too sweet to tell me this."

"Well there's more," she said looking like she didn't mind sharing these things with Rain. "Remember that night that you and Schwarz were being chased by Master Asia?"

"Yes," Rain said really wanting to forget.

"When Schwarz landed with you in his arms right in front of Domon and me...that night turned out so horrible."

"Horrible? What do you mean?" Rain asked not having a clue.

"After you and Schwarz disappeared, Master Asia attacked us but then gave up. The horrible part of the night was after, listening to Domon saying over and over, 'Why was Rain and Schwarz together like that. How dare Schwartz hold Rain that way.'"

"Really?" Rain asked not finding it hard to imagine Domon mad since he was so good at being upset. She also realized that it was no wonder why Domon had thought that any feelings that she might have had for him at the time had disappeared since he thought she was hanging around Schwarz.

"He was such a...big baby," Allenby said before giggling and then imitating him. "I'm gonna kick Schwarz's..."

"Allenby," Rain said before the female fighter could finish her sentence.

The two girls then giggled some more. Putting her hand on Allenby's, Rain said, "I do know that Domon does think highly of you."

As if she had learned something from having a crush on the Neo-Japan fighter, Allenby said, "Everyone knows that you are the one he's been in love with." With that, the two girls hugged. "Besides," Allenby said backing out of the hug, "While I was helping to protect the earth, you wouldn't believe how many cute, single gundam fighters were out there; not to mention some of the cute guys in their crews as well."

"Allenby," Rain said with a laugh.

"Again, I realized that my feelings for Domon weren't what yours are. You can't even see yourself with someone else. Can you?"

Smiling, Rain shook her head no.

"Well I can see myself with one of those other cute Gundam fighters," the blue haired girl said with a great, big smile.

"Whoever finally catches you will be very lucky," Rain said meaning it.

"Thanks, Rain," the female fighter said with a sincere smile. "I have to go, but let me leave you with this."

"What?" Rain asked wondering what else.

"Do you want to know how I know that Domon likes your figure?"

Not saying anything, Rain only blushed.

"I'll tell you anyway," Allenby said standing up. "One of those nights when you weren't with us, Domon had a bit much to drink, and he said quite a bit about you. In fact, you were all he talked about. One of the things that he said was that your body looked amazing in the MTS suit. You really should have seen him. He was quite funny."

Soon watching Allenby as she dashed off, Rain was happy that the young girl was really fine for the most part on how things turned out.

Suddenly walking up, Natasha said in a very serious voice, "I was wondering when you two would stop talking. We need to get out of here. That princess has bought half of the store, and Chibodee's crew is not doing too bad at shopping themselves. And most of all, I dislike...no I mean I hate shopping."

"I'm ready to go," Rain said standing up from the bench. After hearing the things Allenby had said, Rain couldn't help but want to plant a million kisses on Domon's face.

Author's Note: I hope you liked it. I felt the need to throw Allenby in here somewhere. So when's Domon going to pop this question?

Thanks you for taking the time to read this.

Jen