Author's Note: I decided to just use the Shining Gundam for now since I've already twisted poor G Gundam around enough.

CHAPTER 8: A Relationship Blossoms

Domon, Rain and the Shining Gundam were as one as they fought the Gundam Rose of Neo-France. George de Sand, the pilot of Gundam Rose, had seen Domon fight many times before, but today the Neo-Japan fighter seemed to be more powerful than ever as he fought with such a greater strength than usual. In the inside of Gundam Rose, George could see Domon's smile on a screen and it was quite nerve racking. The Knight had only known the Neo-Japan fighter to be very serious when he fought, yet at the present time Domon seemed to be extremely happy. It wasn't that he was enjoying the fight but rather that he seemed to be so pleased that it might end soon; like he wanted to be somewhere else. The Shining Gundam continued to easily block every move Gundam Rose threw at it making Domon smirk like it was nothing.

Watching her partner, Rain had a gleam in her eyes once again as she acknowledged his gift at fighting. However, her gleam wasn't only because of the talent he held, but also over their decision the night before to break the rule. No doubt about it, she was crazy about him and she knew he was more than pleased about their decision to explore their relationship past friendship.

"Domon Kasshu!" George de Sand screamed out just after another hit from the Shining Gundam. "You seem to fight even better when you are in high spirits. Why is that?"

Letting out a laugh, Domon said, "Sorry, George de Sand, but I can't let you in on that secret." As the Neo-Japan fighter continued to let Rose Gundam have it over and over, Domon felt like a teenager looking very forward to an afternoon with his girlfriend.

"But you seem to be enjoying this a little too much while I'm taking a beating," George said wanting to unleash his power onto the Shining Gundam to put it out of this fight once and for all. He was tired of Domon's uncharacteristic happy grins. It was embarrassing for George because Domon made it look too easy to beat Rose Gundam." Suddenly, George yelled, "Rose Hurricane!"

"So...partner," Domon said knowing Rain was watching and listening closely. "What do you suggest I do?"

Rain smiled and with a sweet voice said, "Well of course use your Shining Finger."

Before George could fully unload his Rose Hurricane, Domon yelled, "This hand of mine is burning red! Its loud cry tells me to defeat you! Shining Finger!" Within seconds George knew that he had been defeated by the Neo-Japan team and the famous Shining Finger. Knowing that Rain had the Shining Gundam in tiptop shape for this fight, Domon said, "Rain, you and I make a good...team."

Karato had been listening closely to the Neo-Japan team and he had to wonder if Domon was blatantly trying to reveal that he and Rain might be more than friends by the way he said good…team. I must be imagining it, Karato thought since he and Ulube had been questioning the Neo-Japan team's relationship lately. Luckily Ulube wasn't close enough to Rain and her controls on her platform to hear Domon's words to her. Ulube was about twenty feet away too busy smiling very happily about the victory that the Neo-Japan team had in yet another Gundam Fight. He watched as Domon jumped out of the Shining Gundam and then shook hands with George de Sand.

Releasing Domon's hand, George said, "I don't know what you are so happy about Domon Kasshu, but you sure did put up a fight."

Domon couldn't tell George that thoughts of being with a certain female that afternoon had his adrenaline pumped. "You didn't make it easy, George," Domon said even though it had been quite that.

As George left, Rain walked over to Domon - trying not to smile as big as she really wanted to, and Domon smiled back the same way. "I wish I could congratulate you with a kiss," she whispered making no move closer to her partner.

"It's taking everything in me not to let you, and...the rule's maker is coming," Domon said seeing Ulube approaching.

Within seconds, Ulube was standing before the winning team. "Neo-Japan team," he said with authority in his voice, "You have done well." Turning to Rain, he said, "Rain, I don't know what you did to the Shining Finger, but I noticed that it seemed more powerful than ever."

"Yes, I noticed that too," Domon said and then reached to pat his partner on her back as if she was his buddy.

Rain only nodded at him thinking that he was over reacting when it came to pretending they were just friends, but luckily Ulube seemed to buy the fighter's act. Trying to sound very professional, Rain said, "I worked on the Shining Gundam this morning as well as yesterday to see what adjustments could be made to it."

"Well, what ever adjustments you made were the right ones," Ulube said. Losing his smile, he added, "Just keep the winning streak going."

"Yes sir," the Neo-Japan team said at the same time as Ulube turned and walked away.

Before Domon and Rain could say anything to each other, Karato walked up. "Domon...I expect you to train today."

Getting slightly aggravated since he had just won and didn't need to be told when to train, Domon said, "I am disciplined enough to know when to train."

"Yes," Karato said as he folded his arms. "You are very disciplined and I expect you and Rain both to stay that way."

"What is that suppose to mean?" Domon asked wondering if they were being accused of something.

Hoping his suspicions were wrong, Karato said, "Just do as Ulube demands and continue your winning streak."

As Karato walked away, Domon looked at Rain completing blowing off everything that the commissioner had just said and asked, "Are you ready to go, Rain?"

"More than you know," she said ready for their afternoon together.


Back at the cabin, Domon and Rain were ready for an afternoon of no work and all play. "Put on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt," Domon said just before he and Rain were about to enter their rooms in their cabin.

"Why? What are we going to do?" she asked knowing they had to be careful not to be seen.

"Well we can't go anywhere where other people are, so we'll enjoy nature instead. Go change." Domon said just before going into his room.

Shaking her head, Rain wondered what Domon had planned but just knowing that whatever was on his mind included her made her go into her room and search for the attire he requested.

Smiling as he looked through his very few clothes, Domon was all too happy to forget about training and to finally loosen up, and there was no one he'd rather do that with than Rain. He put on a pair of jean shorts and a black T-shirt but before he could leave his room, he had to have a talk with himself. "Okay Domon," he whispered seriously, "Think before you say or do anything today. You don't want to screw this up." For months now he had felt his heart pick up speed whenever he and Rain stood close to one another and then he found himself staring at her a bit too much as well. That's when the daydreams started and he realized that he was falling for her; something he never thought could happen to someone as tough and as serious as him. When they kissed the other night, that's when he knew for sure that there was something much more than friendship between them.

After finding a pair of jean shorts and a blue T-shirt, Rain's excitement made her change into them quickly. Finally she didn't have to deny to herself how attractive she had been finding Domon in his cape and that bandanna of his. She giggled out loud as she thought of him in the MTS suit. "Rain," she said in a scolding voice, "Control yourself. You know there's much more to Domon than his looks." Another smile broke out on her face as she remembered the feelings she felt during their kisses that night in their kitchen. Those definitely weren't feelings felt towards someone who was only a friend. All of their nice talks as best friends and the way they watched out and took care of each other seemed to have turned into something very special between them. She smiled even bigger recalling how Domon barely gave anyone the time of day but with her he was always there protecting her.

When Rain came out of her room, Domon was looking out of the window as if making sure that the sun was still out. He soon turned around and caught her smiling at him. "What?" he asked smiling back at her.

"I'm still not used to seeing you in shorts," she said still smiling. She had rarely seen him after he changed out of his pants and into his shorts to go to sleep at night.

"I could say that I'm not used to seeing you in shorts either," Domon said folding his arms.

"But, you're used to seeing my legs," Rain said wishing she would have kept that to herself when she saw him raise his eyebrows up at her as a grin spread across his face.

"Yes, I think I have your legs memorized," he admitted out loud not meaning to, which caused him to blush.

"I think we should go," Rain said changing the subject as she began to walk to the door.

"Good idea," Domon said meeting her there.

After stepping outside, Rain said, "Domon, what if Karato or Ulube show up here?"

"They never have yet," Domon said not sounding worried at all.

Again Rain fixed her eyes on their shorts, T-shirts, socks and boots and then smiled. "We look like we're going hiking."

"In a way we are," her partner said thinking that anything goes this day.

"Really?" Rain said excited, "Are we going on one of the trails?"

Domon smiled since that was the first thing that he wanted to do with her. He had figured because they couldn't go public with their relationship that they should stay close to the cabin. He hoped that she might enjoy getting practically lost in the woods with him. Thinking of them doing things such as this together made his heart began to beat hard at the thought of them really getting involved in a romantic relationship with each other. He then wondered if he should take her hand but decided to wait till they were under the trees just incase a Japanese Official might be flying up above.

Walking over to an opening in the woods, Rain asked, "Do you want to walk on this trail?"

Domon answered by walking into it first. Facing Rain he held his hand out to her and said, "Yes. This is one of the better ones."

Rain's heart beat fast as well as she lifted her hand and took his. They then started to walk along the narrow trail. Leaves could be heard crunching under their boots as they joked that they should be training and taking care of the gundam rather than doing what they were doing. Here and there the sun shown through gaps between the trees as they continued down the trail holding each other's hand. Each time they heard a noise they tried to guess what wild, dangerous animal could be making it while they didn't act scared at all. Rain wasn't scared that is until a snake slithered by right in front of their feet. As she screamed Domon laughed and tried to tell her that it wasn't poisonous. Soon another one appeared and Rain announced loudly that she was afraid that it might move up one of her legs.

Trying not to laugh too loud, Domon insisted that she get on his back so he could give her a piggyback ride away. Thinking that was a wonderful idea, Rain instantly jumped onto his back, which took him by surprise since he hadn't even bent down for her to get on to him yet. Grabbing hold of her underneath her knees, he smiled when he felt her arms wrap around him. He knew he could positively get used to her being latched onto him like this. Rain could feel the muscles on his back through his thin, black T-shirt and she realized she wouldn't mind staying like she was for a long while. As Domon walked them over and away from the snakes, they began to laugh over Rain being so scared of the slimy creatures. Deep down both Domon and Rain knew that the snakes had been a good reason to get close. After some more talking, they became quiet and the silence didn't bother either one of them. Just being with each other felt so comfortable. At the end of this trail was the river that neither had really paid close attention to since their stay in the cabin in the woods.

"Good. I thought I remembered seeing that here," Domon said lowering himself so Rain could easily get down from off his back.

"What?" Rain asked hating to move from her comfortable, warm position against the fighter.

"There's a canoe that I spotted here awhile back and I've always wanted to take a ride in it."

"But you were too busy training, right?" Rain said cutting in because she knew that he was normally more all work and no play.

Smiling because she knew him better than he even knew himself at times, he said sounding guilty as charged, "That's right. Want to take the canoe on the river?"

"What if we're spotted by some officials?" Rain asked seeing that they would be in the wide open on the river.

"If we hear a plane above, we'll hurry back to land," Domon said as if he knew that he could handle a canoe so easily.

Thinking about it for a few seconds, Rain realized that it sounded like fun, so she said, "Okay."

Domon nodded his head yes and then pushed the yellow canoe into the water just before holding it for Rain to get in.

Rain took off her boots and socks and then carefully stepped into the canoe. "I wonder why someone left it here?" she asked as she slowly sat down.

"Let's just be glad that they did," Domon said kicking off his boots just before getting in and sitting down. He then took the paddles, which to his luck were actually still in the little boat, and then began to paddle them to the middle of the river. Once there underneath the beautiful sun, they smiled at how peaceful and beautiful everything really was. Suddenly feeling some water by his bare feet, Domon said, "I'm glad we took our boots off before we got into this canoe."

Rain shook her head agreeing but then said, "Domon, I know why this boat was left here. The person who owned it didn't want it anymore."

"What? Why would you say that?" Domon asked looking puzzled.

"Because it's sinking!" she exclaimed.

"No way," Domon said standing up; accidentally making the boat wobble as he began his search for a hole.

Rain started to laugh at their crazy situation while glad that they could both swim.

However, Domon was quite disappointed that his attempted romantic day seemed to be getting messed up. Feeling the boat moving around more, he saw that Rain was trying to stand up. "Be careful, Rain. If you stand up too fast, the boat may flip."

Still laughing, Rain said with great delight, "Uhh...I really don't think that matters since it's about to sink."

"Well," Domon said giving up on his search for the hole as he watched Rain's laughing eyes, "I guess there's only one thing for us to do."

"I guess so," Rain said smiling back at him.

Both turning to the water - they then both dove straight in, and the water felt great to them as they swam their way through it.

Domon came up from underneath the water first. Keeping himself afloat, he began looking for Rain but didn't see her anywhere.

As Rain swam to the top of the water and came up, she heard Domon calling her name with nervousness in his voice and again she was touched like she had been the many times that he had shown concern for her.

"I'm right here," she said and he turned in the direction of her voice to see her.

There was relief on his face, but it didn't stop him from demanding, "What took you so long?"

"I guess I'm just not as fast as you," she said sticking her tongue out at him.

Now beginning to grin, Domon realized that she never ceased to amaze him. She was so intelligent, yet she still could act silly like this. Staring at her he also remembered how passionate she was during their kiss and she was definitely easy on his eyes.

"Domon," Rain said tilting her head to the side as she wondered what he was so deep in thought about.

"Uhh...Let's swim in a bit to the shallow area before we wear ourselves out."

"I'll race you there," Rain said and took off.

Domon hadn't moved yet and yelled, "No fair! You didn't say when to go!"

Once they were both to the shallow area, Rain looked down at herself glad that she had on a blue T-shirt rather than the white one she almost put on.

Seeing how soaked they were, Domon said, "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"Sure," Rain said sarcastically as she splashed him.

"I didn't," he said playfully defending himself.

Within seconds they were in a splashing war. Many minutes later after a tremendous amount of splashing, Rain said, "All right, all right."

"Give up?" Domon asked swimming over to her.

"Yes," she said tired as she moved her wet hair out of her face trying to control her breathing. Watching him watching her, she said shyly, "I must look like a drenched rat."

Smiling softly, he said, "Far from it."

Grinning back at him, Rain took note of his normally wild hair, which was now flat down around his face, and if on clue, they slowly started to move closer to each other. The water fell into calmness as if wanting to watch the two humans and wanting to give them some peace.

Domon stared into Rain's stunning eyes as she gazed back so seriously at him. She was truly special to him and had an affect on him like no other female he had ever been around before. "Rain, I've been wanting to tell you for a long time that I think your eyes…well, I think they're beautiful."

Knowing it took so much for Domon to say such a thing, she could feel herself getting lost in his captivating eyes. They were like magnets pulling her closer to him.

Taking her face into his hands, he leaned close to her and let his lips gently press onto hers. After feeling a tingling sensation from their kiss, Domon pulled his face away to whisper to her. "No matter what Karato, Ulube or any other government official might say, I don't want to stop this from happening between us, Rain. I…I can't."

Staring back at him and loving how he was opening up to her, she knew that it was too late for them to turn back now. Her feelings were so real and only growing stronger so she whispered as she moved her hands through the water to place them on his shoulders, "I can't resist what I'm feeling for you, Domon. I have for too long all ready."

Again thrilled that she had been having feelings for him as well, Domon's hands moved into her hair. As his face slowly inched closer to hers, he whispered ever so softly, "Let's not fight it anymore."

"Yes," Rain breathed as her eyes got heavy, "We can do more than just dream about each other."

After getting lost in her words, he said, "That's right. We're all that matters." A second later their heads tilted and their lips became engaged in a deep, heated kiss that ignited a strong fire in each of them. Their kiss was just as passionate as the first time they had kissed, but even better because they each knew that they felt the same way for sure.


About a month later the Neo-Japan team knew that their new relationship was meant to be. The rule was the furthest thing from their minds as they went about their lives together. Like before the blossoming of their loving relationship, Domon trained as much as he should and Rain continued her thorough work on the Shining Gundam. For now the rule was being proved wrong being that the Neo-Japan team was still winning their gundam fights even with their hiddenlove for each other. In between all of their winnings and their work as a team, Domon and Rain spent many afternoons together. If their relationship could have been made public knowledge, anyone would easily see that the man with the red bandanna and the woman with the big, blue eyes were in love.

Because Domon would never dream of pushing Rain, they still slept in their own bedrooms, but over all their living arrangement had become very sweet and enjoyable. Every morning before Domon would leave to train, he'd go into Rain's room first and give her a soft kiss good-morning. Every evening when he returned they greeted each other with a sweet kiss and a smile before they'd discuss anything. Their nights had been wonderful while each stayed near each other till it was time to go to sleep. Plenty of snuggling and kissing happened on the sofa in the den and one night they fell asleep together on it. Opening his dark eyes slowly that night, Domon hadn't a clue of what time it was and seeing that it was still dark out he really didn't care. All he cared about was the woman lying on him comfortably in his arms as if she was made to fit there. The fighter was amazed that he could feel so close to someone like he did to her. He knew in his heart that he, the tough fighter, would be devastated if their relationship ever ended. He didn't need to lose Rain to know what she meant to him and he wanted to love her for the rest of his life.

Rain too loved how he was never late getting back to the cabin like he had been numerous times before they fell into this relationship. Now sometimes he'd sneak up and hug her from behind if she was cooking and tease her about not having any idea of what she was cooking. She especially enjoyed the times that he insisted on training her some martial art moves. He wanted her to know as much self-defense as possible so he would feel better about leaving her when he trained during the day. A couple of times her strength surprised him and he insisted that he rubbed off on her. She teased back by saying 'yes master' as he had been known to say to Master Asia. He then in turn ended up tickling her. Most heartwarming of all however, was that even more he was always there watching over her as if he really was her guardian angel.

Unfortunately, though Rain and Domon were being very careful not to let their feelings show for each other in front of anyone, Karato had become convinced that something was going on between the Neo-Japan team. Though Domon and Rain always stood apart in public, it was the looks that they gave each other that were different now. The Commissioner wasn't sure what to do but he knew that he couldn't let Ulube know what he suspected. Karato didn't want to see the Neo-Japan tortured; especially since they were still winning their fights. Finally he decided that it was only right to warn Domon and Rain that the rule had to be obeyed.


Thanks for the reviews since my last update:

GoldAngel2-Thank you so very much for your lovely review. I loved writing the dialogue and even though writing is just for fun for me, it touches me that you think I have grown as a writer. I guess I'm learning from such great examples of writings such as yours, KSF. Take care of yourself.

Shuffle Queen-Thanks for the review. You're so sweet. I hope that this chapter will help your craving.

Squeekers-I don't think that Domon and Rain realize just how serious it is to break the rule. In fact, I still have to figure that out. Ha! Ha! Thanks for the review.

Cat-Ulube is going to get very upset when he finds out that the rule has been broken. I'm sure Domon will do all he can to protect his Rain. Thanks for your review and for liking my stories!

Black Joker Lady-Yes, it's definitely not just physical between Domon and Rain. They have very strong feelings for each other, which goes past any need. I love to write that they love each other for who they are and not because of their looks. (Their looks are just a bonus. Ha! Ha!) I myself feel that no matter how beautiful someone might be on the outside, if they're a horrible person, they lose that beauty. You can't just love someone for the way they look. (I know...you want me to shut up!) As usual, the rest of your review was very entertaining. Thanks so much!

Daisy31-I'm so glad you like this. I'm curious to see what will happen next too! (Don't worry. I'll think of something and I have some ideas.) As for the relationship, more will be revealed in this chapter. Thanks for the review!

Shadow Tigress-Thanks for your kind words. I'm thinking Ulube's going to have to find out about the sneaking around.-Sorry! I hope you are able to find time to continue reading.

Turtle Lover-Thanks for the Wow! Ulube has been very, very upset...so I guess he felt he had to make the rule. Uh-oh...I actually made that stupid rule...Yikes! LOL!

Ryan-Thanks so much for taking the time to give me all of that information in your review. I think I may have messed everything up a bit much. I'm sorry. I'm going to try to wrap this story up soon so I can do an accurate one. You were positively RIGHT when you wrote about Domon and Rain's relationship: "Cause in the series that relationship made for more positive things for the Neo-Japan team than bad." I couldn't have said it better myself. Their love is what made me enjoy writing my first G Gundam story so much! Thanks.

RedLion2-Just by reading the wonderful way that you write about Domon and Rain, it's no surprise that you are glad that they will be breaking the rule. You're right, Domon no doubt is going to want to kill Ulube if he hurts Rain. Please keep up the great work on all of your stories. Thanks!

Anime Vampire-Thank you so very much. You really made me feel good! Let me know what you think of this chapter.

Hawk Sage-Thanks for the review. I too love to see Domon and Rain together and I'd love to see a G Gundam story from you.

Thanks for reading, Jen