Promenade

By: Lady Camigwen

-Chapter 4-

Duo stood stunned as the sobbing woman whom he thought was affected by nothing, threw herself into his arms. Awkwardly, he moved them both over to the couch near the door. He had no idea how to handle this unexpected situation. Gingerly, he wrapped his arms around her and made what he hoped were soothing sounds.

After many heart-wrenching minutes, Haruka seemed to have cried herself out. Trembling, she pulled away from Duo and looked up at him. Her eyes were red and swollen, and she looked miserable.

For a moment Duo was overcome with compassion and a desire to ease her pain. It didn't matter that he was supposed to hate her, no one deserved to feel that bad. He stared down at her; her eyes shinning with unshed tears. He'd never noticed the vibrant emerald shade of her eyes until now.

Suddenly, he was aware of just how close she was to him. Her warm body was pressed against his. Wanting do something more to ease her pain and succumbing to desire, he hesitantly leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. He thought she was going to pull away, smack him, or hell, kill him. Instead, she surprised him by hungrily returning the kiss. Her hands wrapped around the back of his necking, pinning him tightly against her. Duo let his hands wander as Haruka plundered his mouth. He ran his hands down to knead the small of her back as he began to lead a trail of kisses along her cheek and neck. His hands clutched the material of her jacket and began to tug it off her shoulders.

Heavy footsteps passed her office and his eyes shot open, wide. He took a deep breath and glanced down at Haruka's sleeping form. Inwardly, he groaned and smacked himself repeatedly. He had been dreaming...

A sigh escaped his throat, but luckily, she didn't wake or stir. He wished he could get away from her, as far as possible, without disturbing her slumber. But, he was stuck and hoped to the Gods that she would wake soon on her own and relieve them of this awkward position, for he didn't know how long he could contain himself.

Duo closed his eyes and slowly drifted back to sleep, 'This is going to be a long night...'

+§¤§+

Haruka awoke a short time after dawn. The new morning light made her swollen eyes sting. How long had she been crying? She tried to sit up, but a strong pair of arms held her in place. She squinted up at Duo's sleeping features and realized she must've cried herself to sleep in his arms.

He looked so peaceful and less annoying in this state. When he shifted, she took the opportunity to slip out of his embrace. She whispered her thanks for his comfort and silently slipped out of the office.

She made her way down the long corridor towards the hangar bay. When she was mad, only three things could quell her temper: work, racing, and blowing things up. Work she could do, racing...maybe later, blowing things up, well... it would look a bit conspicuous if she ran around blasting things with a 'World Shaking' or two.

She quickly walked past the break room where Michiru stood having a conversation with Quatre. It amazed her how Quatre seemed to get along with everyone. She pretended she didn't notice Michiru, but Michiru noticed her.

Trying to ignore me, Uranus?

Her features hardened more than usual as she glared at the voice in her mind. It had been more than thirty years since someone had called her by her senshi name. Go away Neptune, I'm not in the mood.

You never seem to be in the mood, Michiru said, then added coldly: If you father were still around, he would've gotten a kick out of this. His proud, mighty daughter afraid of her old girlfriend.

Haruka's temper flared. How dare you speak of that beast of a man who never even claimed me as his daughter! I didn't ask you to come here!

Yes, that was my decision. Uranus, I came here to talk to you. I want things to be like before...before we got together. I miss your friendship and the outer planets don't seem right without the leader of the Outer Senshi.

All right, now you're confusing me. Did you come here to apologize for hurting me and become friends again or to get me to return to Uranus?

Silence.

She gave a short laugh. That's what I thought. With a wave of her hand she shoved Michiru's voice from her mind. She didn't need this. Her life was just beginning to be the normal life she'd always wanted. And she had Duo to quarrel with in the place of Usagi. Every thing seemed to be right, and she was happy...until this.

The doors of the bay opened with a swooshing sound and she stepped through the threshold into the bay. She saw the blue prints lying on the floor, most likely left out by Duo. She bent to pick them up when she felt a sharp prick on her shoulder.

Her hand reached for her shoulder and she found a small dart. She pulled it free and gave a wince of pain before bringing the dart into her view so she could get a better look at it. She barely made out the men coming towards her as darkness engulfed her and she fell limply to the floor.

**TBC**

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon. How can you be sure? One explanation: I live in Floresville. That should speak for itself. ^^;; *smiles innocently at her fellow peanut pickers and Floresvillians*

AN: Short, I know, but I've got to get studying for my History test tomorrow. *sweatdrop* Special thanks to Maara Kailet for the help and to those of you who keep reviewing and encouraging me to write. It's your reviews that in part inspire me to continue writing. Thanks! ^-^