Disclaimer: I do not own the Gundam Pilots or anything affiliated with
them. *wish I did* I do own the plot, Nikki Marie Hernandez, her brother,
and anything else that doesn't look familiar. Here are some words that
will appear later in the story. Any new words will be added as the story
progresses. Sorry this took so long to upload, school life, and millions
of other stories going at the same time have kinda hurt me in a sense of
having time. I haven't had much. Well, here's the new chapter and hope
you like it, I'll try and get the next one up right away.
Spanish words and their meaning: mio: Son hermano: Brother chico: male
~*~ Chapter 7 ~*~ Interesting Moments
Jumping from the car and pulling the strap of her book bag over her shoulder, Nikki watched as Trowa hopped out of Derrick's car behind her. They'd gotten a ride to school, something rare but the older sibling had quickly found the time in his very short sleeping pattern and free time. Trowa was surprisingly, for all he'd suffered, almost done healing. His arm was put in a home made sling, his abdomen and upper torso healing of their bruises yet the sickly yellows and greens remained as the skin itself healed, the wound in his upper leg hardly noticeable any longer. He was well enough to be out and travel about on his own. Surprisingly, the only illness he dealt with was a bad cold, nothing more. Giggling softly and stepping back on the salt-covered sidewalk, the young woman watched him struggle with his books as she waved to her elder brother, the older man leaving them. Her own wrists were still sore, but the bruises were gone, that she was grateful of. Trying to grab his books and keep his jacket on fairly decently, Trowa only caught Nikki's laughter before losing the books in his arms to the icy ground. Kneeling, he only took in a deep breath and tried not to grow too frustrated as the youth tried to somehow get the four books back into his arms. The other four boys had to stop by the apartment so they were to meet them at the school. Intrigued and looking for any excuse not to return to the war, Trowa had enrolled at Eagle Crest. Bending, Nikki took the books and piled them on her own. "Here, let me help you." Giggling again, she stood, books in hand and staring upon the disgruntled and slightly irritated youth before her. Sighing, the young man stood. "I can take them, I'm not completely helpless. Nikki, come on...." Reaching for them, he watched her rebel with a smile and only gave up. Taking a stubborn step back, she laughed and cut him short. "I've got them Trowa, get pampered while you can." A coy grin crossing her lips, she laughed in triumph at his defeated sigh and didn't bother with the looks she was getting from spectators. "Fine.." he called back softly, shivering slightly and pulling the jacket tighter over his shoulders. Peering through his steamy breath as it rose before his eyes, he turned again to the student parking lot and caught sight of the car his friends were "borrowing" for the time. With a smirk, he spoke. "Took them long enough.." Trembling in the cold, Nikki shifted her weight from foot to foot. Her teeth were chattering and all she wanted to do was go back inside the school, her Mexican background allowed her to tolerate heat easily but the cold was another thing. Knowing how things also worked against her, the youth realized that the other four boys would probably take their time in walking to the high school building, taking a leisurely pace. They'd better not or she'd shoot them herself, she was freezing! "Uh, do they always take this long mio?" "Only if it's not life or death..." Sighing and crouching, Trowa sat on his heels. He had to watch what he said around her, with this girl it was easier to just let things slip. She'd already expressed her extreme disgust for soldiers. *Flashback* "Rgh... does this war just not end?" Shutting off the television in disgust, Nikki turned her eyes and forgot about the battle she was watching, looking over her shoulder to the half awake youth laying covered and tiredly on the couch behind her. She'd been sitting on the floor and conversing with him while he rested yet kept entertained enough. "It'll end soon, time rewards all... though I pity the soldiers." His words were tired as he was half asleep, yet the youth watched what he'd said. The others weren't there to warn him, yet he spoke as if he had no hand in the war. The other four had gone off to fulfill a mission while he rested, the war waited for now man. "I don't..." she spat back with venom. "Why?" "Why should I pity them? If they had brains, they'd all stop fighting and not give the crappy answer, "Well, I was ordered to." Why? Because you're ordered to do something doesn't mean that you have to do it.. you've got a will of your own... rgh, I curse them all." Hatred burned within her soul, in its deepest depths as she kept her voice low and with a sharp edge. "It's not as easy as it looks.. if you think about it." He added hastily. "There are those that want to fight and those that have to fight to keep the ones they care about safe from the horrors of war. Don't you even pity them?" Now he was taking the slight offensive, he knew first hand what they were up against, the pain and suffering and terror of the war. Shaking her head, she glared back at him in contempt. "No, for if they were suffering so, there would still be so many more that could easily stop this war without the fighting, but they might kill the only brain cells they have left if they actually thought of that option. Even the ones that call themselves Gundam Pilots are pathetic sell-outs who try and glorify war and switch loyalties so often that they can't even be trusted with words, let alone actions.." Getting up, the youth walked towards the front door and let it open partially, the house was getting stuffy. Sighing, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Watching her, Trowa suppressed his defensive side and watched her, something wasn't right about how she'd answered. Everything she'd said about them was her point of view but he sure as hell knew it was wrong. Yet, he didn't retaliate or retort for he couldn't truthfully without giving himself away. She didn't understand, they *had* to fight, it was their only way of stopping all the others that prolonged the ghastly war. Trying to sit up and releasing a soft hiss as pain shot through his torso, he laid back down where he was before really realizing that she'd turned back to him with a sympathetic look and a kindly smile. Something in her eyes told him there was a great justification for the way she thought, for pain resided in her hazel depths too, masked but still there. Closing the door and laughing softly, the youth returned to his side and gently replaced the covers. "I know, major mood swing... let me have them." Winking, she saw the perplexity in his features and couldn't help but giggle. With a sigh, she still saw a slight defensiveness in him and began to explain. "This war didn't really bother me or hit me until I saw what it did. It was a big get together, only about a year ago or so, the entire of the family had gathered at our home for a big celebration, any and all relatives and it was a big family, no doubt.." Laughing softly, that dropped, sitting by his side on the couch and laying her head on the empty space on the cushion, she continued. "It wasn't that long ago... A battle started in our home town.. on the outskirts but the stray fire caught the homes aflame. My home was one of the first destroyed, we ran to a far distance. The Alliance seemed to have found the Gundam Pilots or something and they fought and then OZ came along and there was a large battle. The battle of Bethel Town was the first one I really saw, when I really knew the war.... we went back and barely found anything left of ours... maybe a torn and burnt picture here or there... they were all gone.." Voice trailing off, she closed her eyes and stood, leaving to the bathroom as she slowly began to once more compose herself, not caring but feeling the boy's eyes pity and follow her down the hall. Trowa watched her leave, he'd watched the mask shatter as the pain shown brightly through her eyes. Her reasons were justified, the what she'd seen of the war at that age had given her that outlook on life. And he was sorry, he remembered that battle well, he and his friends had gone back to help the civilians and find the missing or help the injured. They couldn't for long and soon had to leave but they'd tried. None of that was meant to happen and he was truly sorry for it all. *End* Shaking the thoughts from his head mentally, the youth returned his gaze back to the four approaching. She wasn't the only one who was orphaned by the war, he and his friends were and he knew that there were others who shared similar stories. Yet, he felt bad for their slip-up, because he felt different about and for her. Duo and Quatre were trying to convince him still that he'd fallen in love or at least puppy-love, yet he only disagreed. Who knew, maybe he was getting his first taste of love. "If you four don't get over here now... Hurry up chicos!" Yelling at the walking forms, she only groaned when they looked up to her and if at all possible, slowed their pace. Laughing softly, Trowa looked up at her. Surprising yes, but he was more open with his emotions and himself about them now. "You don't have to wait, you can go inside you know. I'm pretty sure we'll be fine." Teasing, he watched her pout childishly and only smirked. "I know, but I just can't leave you out here." "Why not," came the curious toned question. That's what Nikki wanted to know. Why couldn't she? Why couldn't she do a lot of things when they were around like her normal self? Or at least when Trowa was around. "I just can't," was her stubborn retort. She knew something was going on with her, she felt different about and around the boy. It wasn't just a crush, she'd had those before, it was something more. "Okay.." Eyeing her skeptically with the word drawn out, the young man stood to greet his friends. "Long time no see." "Oh I know. We've got to get together more often," Quatre joked, smiling softly with a gentle laughter. "Great weather we've got out here, watcha think guys?" Duo spoke as if it were a nice spring day, laughing at Nikki's scowl. "If you don't hurry up, I'll hurt all of you..." Nikki glared at Duo's remark. "Are you loco Señor!?" Staring at Heero who wore a thin, long- sleeve, button-up, soft teal shirt and black jeans, she wanted to smack him! The others had their coats on and were shivering just as badly as she was if not worse. "What?" In question and with a slight curiosity, he watched her. His voice had the same, cold edge yet the girl seemed to pick up keenly on the hints of other emotions hidden within his voice. "Rgh... I'd really smack you upside the head if my hands weren't full right now.." With laughter, she watched his eyes retain hints of confusion along and only laughed harder and shook her head when Duo offered to take the books off of her hands for a few minutes. "I told you I'd take those.." Trowa reminded with a grin. "No. I've got them." Being stubborn, she took another step back, sticking out her tongue in play. "*I've* got them." Turning on her heal, she headed into the school, walking to the Algebra II where she would start off the day. ~£~ First period came and passed, the youth heading to second with her friends yet to a class she didn't mind but didn't like, gym. Stepping back and watching as the ball was set on the other side of the court, Nikki bent her knees and cupped her hands as the ball sailed over the net and towards the back-center. "Mine!" Bumping the volleyball, a girl ahead of her set it before Fohn jumped up and spiked it downwards, hard. The smack of the ball against the wooden floor was all too welcome, though the sound of a girl in the front line falling face first into the court didn't sound like fun. Giggling softly, the youth looked over to the opposite side of the gym. The boys were taking the basketball unit, a game of three on three in process. Heero and Duo were out on the court at the time, though it was rather interesting that they were on opposite sides. Both boys were competitive, to say the least! Wufei and Quatre had already taken their turns, both away from the others and watching the game before them. Trowa was kept out because of his arm, the youth sitting on the pull out bleachers and looking nearly bored to death. Sighing, the young woman was all too gladdened for the called, ten minute break. Trotting over, the young woman hopped upon the bleachers and returned their looks with an innocent smile. Or as innocent as most thought her, for most didn't see the hellion that lay inside. "Having fun mios?" In surprising sarcasm, even for him, the healing boy replied smoothly and with little to no enthusiasm. "Tons."
Laughing softly, Quatre only spoke in return. "You shouldn't go being so "clumsy" then." "Thanks for the support Quatre..." This too dripped of sarcasm, Duo was doing his job in corrupting well. Turning to the girl beside him at her soft laughter, the young man couldn't help but smile. No matter how he forced it from his lips, the reaction never left and he enjoyed hearing her giggles. "You should watch us attempt sports then mio..." Snickering, she caught their curious gazes. The boys had taken to her and her to them quickly, as if they'd been friends for an eternity. Trowa still stayed at her home until he was fully healed, the others finally leaving, with a lot of persuasion to Heero, and did come back each day to visit, for the entire day most times. "You didn't see Leslie take a dive into the floor? You didn't HEAR it?! Oy mi..." Snickering, she watched as Heero and Duo joined them. Waving, Duo returned it with a spunky smile, Heero only glaring yet it softened somewhat as he neared. "Heya, you finally get off?" Calming his breathing and wiping away the sweat with the bottom of his gym shirt, the American boy only laughed softly as Nikki rolled her eyes in teasing. "No mio, I'm just disguised and snuck over here to the guy's side." Her voice held a soft joking. "That's why you fit in so well... don't make half a bad guy.." Duo added without missing a beat. Smacking his arm hard, she continued. "Of course we got a break... you look like you're having fun over here..." Giggling softly as he rubbed his arm, she knew the other kids kept watching the six in curiosity and skepticism. "Dude, this is great!" With a mood swing from his previous pout, Duo clamped his hand down on Heero's shoulder without much thought. Soon though, the youth remembered his mistake when he found himself slammed into the cinderblock wall just off to the side of him, his shirt neck held tightly in Heero's fist. Feeling a pain shoot through his head as it snapped back against the wall, though not as hard as usual, he spoke. "Whoa.. sorry. I kinda forgot man... gimme a lil' credit here.." With a deep glare, Heero had reacted quickly and as was his second nature. A deadly and cold hiss, yet a compassionate warning, or as much as he knew how to express, flowed in the air. "Then you sure as hell better remember next time." For a moment longer he held the submissive boy, then let go and leaned against the corner of the wall, a little further down and away. Watching the boys as it appeared to be nothing, the Mexican youth was rather surprised that the gentle yet protective Heero she saw within her private room and home compared to now was a drastic change. The others weren't even stunned! Ponder whether or not to speak on the subject, she decided against it for safety and remained silent, now wary of Heero's every move. He seemed a completely different person. Quatre knew the scene well enough, Heero had a second nature of defense instilled in him, and it was easy for one to cross that line. Heero didn't mean to hurt a majority of people, but he couldn't really help it. His natural instincts of fight or flight had been tampered with, there was not other option *but* fight. That was all understandable. Yet, sensing the young woman's distress and confusion, along with tension, he decided to change the subject and save face. "Nikki, what class do you have next?" Smile returning as it had dropped, Nikki watched the silent boys. "I've got music chicos." At this, Duo made a face. "Please tell me singing and you're not one of those band geeks..." Snickering, the youth smirked and reached to oh so casually smack his arm again, watching him pull back with a pout and rub the same area again. "We are a band *cult*, we get insulted when you say *band*." "What instrumentation?" Finally, Trowa spoke again, with interest. "I can play a lot of instruments, they're easy to pick up, but mainly woodwinds. I'm a clarinet veteran." With pride, she saw one of the brass players she always teased and shot him a look of arrogance and snootiness. He only flicked her off quickly in teasing and she returned it easily, giggling when the others gave her questioning looks as the boy went about his game. "What, no drums?" Duo joked, turning back to the subject. "A girl who can even keep Heero in check is playing a wimpy instrument?" Smacking him softly upside the head in a casual manner, the young woman only smirked and listened to the others laugh softly. Wufei even gave a quiet snicker or two and catching Heero out of the corner of her eye, she caught small yet visible smile of actual enjoyment. Looking up, the youth gave a soft sigh and quick bye as she had to head back for the last portion of gym class. ~£~ Sitting on top of the desk and looking of the rest of the class, Nikki didn't really feel like being there but of course she had to and she was nearly through the day. Looking down, she yelped and blushed as the others laughed, Duo just seemed out to make her life a pain today as he kept picking on her. "'Ey now!" Trowa only rolled his eyes, Duo was having too much fun being a pain now, yet he was enjoying this himself. "You're really one to talk Duo..." "Hey now, this wasn't about me and don't make me start raggin' on you lover boy." Snickering as he joked, he knew that he and Quatre were getting to Trowa and that it was obvious he had feelings for the Mexican youth. "Duo." The elder sent the boy a warning look and stood, looking about for class to start and the teacher to get here. Standing with a soft sigh, he began down the row of chairs before turning back at a soft call. "Trowa, what are you doing?" Quatre called up after him in question. "Stop worrying so much, I'm just going to get a drink.." Laughing softly, he made his way out to the water fountain, drinking from it as the water was cold and pure before making his way back into the room, yet he was stopped by a call of another young woman and felt the arm of his shirt being tugged at. Turning, he found a skinny red-head with far too tight and seven sizes too small even for her frame, grinning at him and pulling him back with her group of girls. These had to be the preppy talkers who wanted nothing more than twenty boyfriends and a chance to gossip. Humoring them, he spoke. "Can I help you?" Marcy watched over the boy, her eyes wanting as she knew that if she could get with this one, she could get with the group that ignored everyone. She wore gothic clothing, black and morbid and flashed herself like she owned the place, in her mind she did and more, yet she was the typical prep who'd staked out her claim and was willing to fight for him. "Why don't you come sit with us? I'm Marcy." Giggling softly and looking up at him with a wanting smile, she pulled him back further. "Well Marcy, I've got to go, maybe later.." "Oh, they can take care of themselves..." she butted in. Shooting his gaze to the others, he was surprised to see Nikki coming down. He didn't really want to deal with these girls but he didn't feel like making enemies yet. Nikki hopped over the few rows of desks, Marcy may have liked and held an acquaintance with her, yet Nikki by no means felt anything less than an utter loathing towards this girl. Trotting to Trowa's side and leaning against his good shoulder, the youth sent a sphinx-like smirk towards the group of girls. "Hey Trowa, you're awfully slow. I see you've met Marcy and the girls, they're not bad." Of course, the ditzy girls didn't catch one hint of the heavy sarcasm and Marcy only pouted childishly and held onto his arm. Deciding to lay it on, Nikki clung to the same arm in a cuddly manner and leaned her head against his shoulder, smiling as Marcy immediately dropped his arm and sent a small glare her way. "Maybe we can get together later and I can show you around." Again Marcy tried her luck. Smirking and deciding to go for it and act along, Trowa took her hand and leaned down, speaking softly as if he could care less. "Maybe later, though I know my way around pretty well... I'm kinda busy." Looking down to the Mexican youth, his gaze was "lovey dovey" as they say, yet it spoke his gratefulness. Deciding to crush Marcy's attempts before she started again, the youth caught Trowa's gaze and decided to make it once and for all believable. Standing slightly on her tip-toes, she without thought closed her eyes and captured his lips, hearing surprise, laughter, and cheers going up all around the room. What was amazing was that he rebelled for a second or so before hungrily kissing back, holding her there. Nikki sure as hell didn't rebel to this, the sweet taste of his warm and tender lips upon hers all too welcome as he seemed to want the same thing, wrapping his left arm around her lower back and pulling her closer to him still. At this, the girl didn't stop her natural reaction and draped her arms around his neck, feeling him pull only slight from her. Trowa didn't know what was happening, he knew this was an act, at least for the first few moments as he'd planned. Everything just took off from there, and now he held her close to his own body as still he rebelled against it within his mind, loving the taste and feel of her lips against his, her body next to his. No, this wasn't right! He wasn't meant to do this, he was supposed to be the emotionless, empty person that he had been so long ago, only *ever* letting his friends close to him and Cathy if ANYONE! So why couldn't he pull away now? Why did he want to be here now and never end this? Forcing himself to pull from her, he looked down with a regretful smile and felt her leave him, his hand almost going out to take hers in turn and pull her back. NO! This wasn't him! He had to stop this or he'd hurt them as well! Marcy watched in shock, lips parted as she now hated this girl, once she had her eyes on something, she got it. Always. Pursing her lips and tossing her fiery red hair back over her shoulder in annoyance, the young woman looked the other way as the two made their way towards the opposite back corner. She'd have that boy, regardless. Duo couldn't help himself, the youth cracking up so badly that tears were streaming from his eyes and no matter how he wiped each away, three new ones replaced it. "Oh, that's *not* PDA in the least!" Quatre only laughed softly at Duo's helplessness to control himself, catching Trowa's deep blush and only snickering. "No, there's nothing between the two of you," he teased. Heero sat and watched, indifference seemingly in his eyes yet hints of amusement as he turned back to his notepad. He let the others have fun while they had the time, it was always well deserved and they might as well take a breather from the war while they could. It might be the last one they got. Of course, it'd hurt the boy in the end, but this seemed his first experience and he was enjoying it, why not let him? Wufei eyed Trowa in slight shock, surprised at what he'd just done. That had to be a record for ever happening, let alone for two minutes long. 'No, he really *doesn't* like her...' the youth thought to himself, the truth having just surfaced. Taking his seat and feeling his cheeks warm, the youth tried to suppress his emotions and hide his own blushing. Oh, he'd rebel against and deny his own feelings, but in truth he didn't mind that one bit. Not in the slightest. "Hey, she doesn't think I'm single anymore and that works enough. I don't have to put up with that girl." "I'm sure neither of you enjoyed that whatsoever." All eyes turned to Heero as the teacher entered, the bell ringing. Surprise on his features, Duo wanted to start cracking up again after he'd settled. Yet the youth had to remain silent, covering his mouth with both hands and turning red from trying to hold it in, that wasn't something you'd expect from Heero. Deciding to have her fun but help out Trowa, she called softly and leaned down in her seat, using the book rack under Duo's desk as a footstool. "I would have if he hadn't stopped trying to pull away. I don't have cooties and boys grow out of them at the age of twelve mios... at least most do." Smirking, she listened to the others laugh and hid her own, she'd remember that for later.
~£~ Shivering as she drew her jacket tighter around her form, the Mexican youth looked about the masses and throngs of students exiting the tormenting prison they called high school. She was waiting on the others, or at least Trowa, also looking hopefully for her brother's car. It would suck to actually have to walk all the way home in the snow again, who knew what kind of trouble she'd get into this time. "Trowa! You guys!" Shouting and waving, she waited off to the side as they made their way towards her, the youth standing on the concrete picnic table. Repositioning his bag on his left shoulder, though the books resting there were a tad heavy, Trowa was glad to have actually gone to school for the first time in a long time. The two books and notebook that wouldn't fit in his book bag, one of the other's he'd borrowed, Heero picked up without thought or room for rebuttal and carried them. Now that Trowa thought about it, the others were being rather overprotective and worrisome as he recuperated. Why? He wasn't any different than before, or was he in more ways than he realized? And, maybe it wasn't him that changed, it was them. Watching the others depart as Heero left his other books on the table silently, the young man grabbed for them with his good arm. Or tried to at least. Scooping up the books and smirking, Nikki watched Trowa's stunned features. "Looks like Derrick isn't coming and the others already left, we'll have to walk." Starting, Nikki listened to Trowa scramble behind to catch up to her. "I can take these, I'm not helpless.." Offering again, the young man gave a frustrated sigh. He wasn't used to this; being treated like he was helpless wasn't something he enjoyed. "I know." She smirked and turned off the main road of the town as Trowa kept by her side and kept her pace. "You're still healing though..." A yelp of surprise shot from her lips as she slipped on a patch of ice, a quick moment was all she needed to regain her composure and footing, yet felt herself blush deeply in embarrassment. "Ugh... you've got to be joking." Trowa now disgusted with being treated like this, shot back. Yet at her "graceful" movements, he couldn't help but laugh softly as he tried to hide it, calling back in a light-hearted tone. "It's not going to kill me." "Ha! Why is that so ironic?" "What?!" Giggling, the young woman lagged behind slightly and graced her open hand along the snow. Scooping some up and trotting up to his other side, she spoke. "I'm not sure what happened or what you did to get or end up like you were when I found you. Yet I'm not ready to trust you on that now..." Smirking, she raised her hand and dumped the small snow ball down his jacket neck and fell into laughter. "What the?!" Jumping and arching his back away from the cold object, he threw his jacket off and to the ground in a frenzy. Shocked at the sudden stabbing of cold, only to find a clump of snow lay in his jacket and Nikki laughing hysterically. "What was that for?!" Giggling and wiping the tears from her eyes, the youth grinned. "Because I can... besides, it stopped your complaining." Feeling the strict discipline on his soul fall and shatter to the ground, the youth let himself have fun, he could be who he wanted to right now and didn't have to care. Putting his book bag down and scooping up some snow in his left hand, the youth let the mischief he felt show in his smirk as he balled it, making his way to the girl's side. "Now it's "war", I'm going to get you back for that." Stepping back and grinning, the youth shook her head. "Oh really? I doubt that mio." "You do, do you? What? Afraid? Come here.." The snow wasn't that well packed for a reason, the youth tossing it at her and watching her try to dodge, again her yelp amusing and causing him to laugh softly as the snowball hit the tree branch behind her and shattered, raining down snowflakes about her. Thinking she was going to be hit with the snow clump, she jumped hastily but only laughed when the snow fell around her, looking up. "Good aim... or bad aim, whichever. It looks like a snow globe." Snickering and turning to him as he picked his jacket up and put it back on, she eyed. "It didn't hit me." "Yes it did... not directly... each piece of snow that hits you is that many more points for me." Grinning and shrugging, he picked his book bag up again. "I don't want to walk back soaked or something right now, we'll continue this later." "Oh I see how it is." Trotting up to his left side, she pretended to pout. "So, you did like it, didn't you?" "What?!" Caught off guard again, he turned to her in curiosity, his left hand growing slightly cold and stinging. He said he'd get her back and he didn't just dump the snowball from his jacket as she may have thought. "Liked what?" "You kissed back." "Are you out of your mind!?" Playing a role of utter bewilderment, Trowa knew that it was too hard to really hide right now. Of course, he'd seem weird for a normal, teenage guy to deny it, but as himself, he *had* to deny it! "If you mean in acting, then yes." "That wasn't acting," she replied softly, almost stunned and hoping he'd have said that he did. "You've never seen me act." With a normal, cold tone, he hid what he truly felt, he had to to protect her. Protect her? Why just her? Why protecting? Groaning inwardly, he caught the hurt gaze from the girl out of the corner of his eye, yet he didn't move to show that he really noticed. Sighing and keeping her distance, Nikki kept her gaze to the ground, looking up and back, she gave a faint smile at the black car making their way down the road, towards them. "Well, looks like we only had to walk half way..." Looking behind them as well, he realized that his friends were making their way to Nikki's home and they could always get a lift. Stepping to the side of the road as the snow cloud grew behind the car, the car visible, he waited for the car to finally pull over, that of which they did and was surprised Duo was actually driving. "Heya, what are you people doing walking in this weather? We'll pick up the cutie there but you've gotta walk dude.." Teasing the two, Duo smirked and motioned for them to hop in. "I thought you said your brother was coming to pick ya up Nikki." "I did mio, but he probably couldn't get out of work." Jumping in the front and middle, Trowa sat next to the window as he closed the door. Well, with six it was a little crowded, but they'd get a ride home. Thinking, Trowa was silent as the others talked, he'd had to get rid of the snow and he couldn't really get the girl back yet. But something else was there, like the emptiness in his soul gave way to a warmth. And it was true, he had wanted that kiss when Nikki had done so, but it was just *supposed* to be acting. What was so wrong with that? So what if he'd wanted all of that? Maybe they were right, Quatre and Duo, maybe he was having his first taste of love. He'd of course have to deny everything to protect the others, but who said he didn't enjoy and hunger for more of that bitter sweet taste?
A/N: FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEW CHAPTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, sorry, it took a really really long time to get one up because I've had hundreds of other stories to keep up with and school and everything this one kinda got left behind. Sorry. Here ya go! Hope you enjoy! Again, I'm sorry and I hope that the next one will be up/out soon!
~Silver Seraph
Spanish words and their meaning: mio: Son hermano: Brother chico: male
~*~ Chapter 7 ~*~ Interesting Moments
Jumping from the car and pulling the strap of her book bag over her shoulder, Nikki watched as Trowa hopped out of Derrick's car behind her. They'd gotten a ride to school, something rare but the older sibling had quickly found the time in his very short sleeping pattern and free time. Trowa was surprisingly, for all he'd suffered, almost done healing. His arm was put in a home made sling, his abdomen and upper torso healing of their bruises yet the sickly yellows and greens remained as the skin itself healed, the wound in his upper leg hardly noticeable any longer. He was well enough to be out and travel about on his own. Surprisingly, the only illness he dealt with was a bad cold, nothing more. Giggling softly and stepping back on the salt-covered sidewalk, the young woman watched him struggle with his books as she waved to her elder brother, the older man leaving them. Her own wrists were still sore, but the bruises were gone, that she was grateful of. Trying to grab his books and keep his jacket on fairly decently, Trowa only caught Nikki's laughter before losing the books in his arms to the icy ground. Kneeling, he only took in a deep breath and tried not to grow too frustrated as the youth tried to somehow get the four books back into his arms. The other four boys had to stop by the apartment so they were to meet them at the school. Intrigued and looking for any excuse not to return to the war, Trowa had enrolled at Eagle Crest. Bending, Nikki took the books and piled them on her own. "Here, let me help you." Giggling again, she stood, books in hand and staring upon the disgruntled and slightly irritated youth before her. Sighing, the young man stood. "I can take them, I'm not completely helpless. Nikki, come on...." Reaching for them, he watched her rebel with a smile and only gave up. Taking a stubborn step back, she laughed and cut him short. "I've got them Trowa, get pampered while you can." A coy grin crossing her lips, she laughed in triumph at his defeated sigh and didn't bother with the looks she was getting from spectators. "Fine.." he called back softly, shivering slightly and pulling the jacket tighter over his shoulders. Peering through his steamy breath as it rose before his eyes, he turned again to the student parking lot and caught sight of the car his friends were "borrowing" for the time. With a smirk, he spoke. "Took them long enough.." Trembling in the cold, Nikki shifted her weight from foot to foot. Her teeth were chattering and all she wanted to do was go back inside the school, her Mexican background allowed her to tolerate heat easily but the cold was another thing. Knowing how things also worked against her, the youth realized that the other four boys would probably take their time in walking to the high school building, taking a leisurely pace. They'd better not or she'd shoot them herself, she was freezing! "Uh, do they always take this long mio?" "Only if it's not life or death..." Sighing and crouching, Trowa sat on his heels. He had to watch what he said around her, with this girl it was easier to just let things slip. She'd already expressed her extreme disgust for soldiers. *Flashback* "Rgh... does this war just not end?" Shutting off the television in disgust, Nikki turned her eyes and forgot about the battle she was watching, looking over her shoulder to the half awake youth laying covered and tiredly on the couch behind her. She'd been sitting on the floor and conversing with him while he rested yet kept entertained enough. "It'll end soon, time rewards all... though I pity the soldiers." His words were tired as he was half asleep, yet the youth watched what he'd said. The others weren't there to warn him, yet he spoke as if he had no hand in the war. The other four had gone off to fulfill a mission while he rested, the war waited for now man. "I don't..." she spat back with venom. "Why?" "Why should I pity them? If they had brains, they'd all stop fighting and not give the crappy answer, "Well, I was ordered to." Why? Because you're ordered to do something doesn't mean that you have to do it.. you've got a will of your own... rgh, I curse them all." Hatred burned within her soul, in its deepest depths as she kept her voice low and with a sharp edge. "It's not as easy as it looks.. if you think about it." He added hastily. "There are those that want to fight and those that have to fight to keep the ones they care about safe from the horrors of war. Don't you even pity them?" Now he was taking the slight offensive, he knew first hand what they were up against, the pain and suffering and terror of the war. Shaking her head, she glared back at him in contempt. "No, for if they were suffering so, there would still be so many more that could easily stop this war without the fighting, but they might kill the only brain cells they have left if they actually thought of that option. Even the ones that call themselves Gundam Pilots are pathetic sell-outs who try and glorify war and switch loyalties so often that they can't even be trusted with words, let alone actions.." Getting up, the youth walked towards the front door and let it open partially, the house was getting stuffy. Sighing, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Watching her, Trowa suppressed his defensive side and watched her, something wasn't right about how she'd answered. Everything she'd said about them was her point of view but he sure as hell knew it was wrong. Yet, he didn't retaliate or retort for he couldn't truthfully without giving himself away. She didn't understand, they *had* to fight, it was their only way of stopping all the others that prolonged the ghastly war. Trying to sit up and releasing a soft hiss as pain shot through his torso, he laid back down where he was before really realizing that she'd turned back to him with a sympathetic look and a kindly smile. Something in her eyes told him there was a great justification for the way she thought, for pain resided in her hazel depths too, masked but still there. Closing the door and laughing softly, the youth returned to his side and gently replaced the covers. "I know, major mood swing... let me have them." Winking, she saw the perplexity in his features and couldn't help but giggle. With a sigh, she still saw a slight defensiveness in him and began to explain. "This war didn't really bother me or hit me until I saw what it did. It was a big get together, only about a year ago or so, the entire of the family had gathered at our home for a big celebration, any and all relatives and it was a big family, no doubt.." Laughing softly, that dropped, sitting by his side on the couch and laying her head on the empty space on the cushion, she continued. "It wasn't that long ago... A battle started in our home town.. on the outskirts but the stray fire caught the homes aflame. My home was one of the first destroyed, we ran to a far distance. The Alliance seemed to have found the Gundam Pilots or something and they fought and then OZ came along and there was a large battle. The battle of Bethel Town was the first one I really saw, when I really knew the war.... we went back and barely found anything left of ours... maybe a torn and burnt picture here or there... they were all gone.." Voice trailing off, she closed her eyes and stood, leaving to the bathroom as she slowly began to once more compose herself, not caring but feeling the boy's eyes pity and follow her down the hall. Trowa watched her leave, he'd watched the mask shatter as the pain shown brightly through her eyes. Her reasons were justified, the what she'd seen of the war at that age had given her that outlook on life. And he was sorry, he remembered that battle well, he and his friends had gone back to help the civilians and find the missing or help the injured. They couldn't for long and soon had to leave but they'd tried. None of that was meant to happen and he was truly sorry for it all. *End* Shaking the thoughts from his head mentally, the youth returned his gaze back to the four approaching. She wasn't the only one who was orphaned by the war, he and his friends were and he knew that there were others who shared similar stories. Yet, he felt bad for their slip-up, because he felt different about and for her. Duo and Quatre were trying to convince him still that he'd fallen in love or at least puppy-love, yet he only disagreed. Who knew, maybe he was getting his first taste of love. "If you four don't get over here now... Hurry up chicos!" Yelling at the walking forms, she only groaned when they looked up to her and if at all possible, slowed their pace. Laughing softly, Trowa looked up at her. Surprising yes, but he was more open with his emotions and himself about them now. "You don't have to wait, you can go inside you know. I'm pretty sure we'll be fine." Teasing, he watched her pout childishly and only smirked. "I know, but I just can't leave you out here." "Why not," came the curious toned question. That's what Nikki wanted to know. Why couldn't she? Why couldn't she do a lot of things when they were around like her normal self? Or at least when Trowa was around. "I just can't," was her stubborn retort. She knew something was going on with her, she felt different about and around the boy. It wasn't just a crush, she'd had those before, it was something more. "Okay.." Eyeing her skeptically with the word drawn out, the young man stood to greet his friends. "Long time no see." "Oh I know. We've got to get together more often," Quatre joked, smiling softly with a gentle laughter. "Great weather we've got out here, watcha think guys?" Duo spoke as if it were a nice spring day, laughing at Nikki's scowl. "If you don't hurry up, I'll hurt all of you..." Nikki glared at Duo's remark. "Are you loco Señor!?" Staring at Heero who wore a thin, long- sleeve, button-up, soft teal shirt and black jeans, she wanted to smack him! The others had their coats on and were shivering just as badly as she was if not worse. "What?" In question and with a slight curiosity, he watched her. His voice had the same, cold edge yet the girl seemed to pick up keenly on the hints of other emotions hidden within his voice. "Rgh... I'd really smack you upside the head if my hands weren't full right now.." With laughter, she watched his eyes retain hints of confusion along and only laughed harder and shook her head when Duo offered to take the books off of her hands for a few minutes. "I told you I'd take those.." Trowa reminded with a grin. "No. I've got them." Being stubborn, she took another step back, sticking out her tongue in play. "*I've* got them." Turning on her heal, she headed into the school, walking to the Algebra II where she would start off the day. ~£~ First period came and passed, the youth heading to second with her friends yet to a class she didn't mind but didn't like, gym. Stepping back and watching as the ball was set on the other side of the court, Nikki bent her knees and cupped her hands as the ball sailed over the net and towards the back-center. "Mine!" Bumping the volleyball, a girl ahead of her set it before Fohn jumped up and spiked it downwards, hard. The smack of the ball against the wooden floor was all too welcome, though the sound of a girl in the front line falling face first into the court didn't sound like fun. Giggling softly, the youth looked over to the opposite side of the gym. The boys were taking the basketball unit, a game of three on three in process. Heero and Duo were out on the court at the time, though it was rather interesting that they were on opposite sides. Both boys were competitive, to say the least! Wufei and Quatre had already taken their turns, both away from the others and watching the game before them. Trowa was kept out because of his arm, the youth sitting on the pull out bleachers and looking nearly bored to death. Sighing, the young woman was all too gladdened for the called, ten minute break. Trotting over, the young woman hopped upon the bleachers and returned their looks with an innocent smile. Or as innocent as most thought her, for most didn't see the hellion that lay inside. "Having fun mios?" In surprising sarcasm, even for him, the healing boy replied smoothly and with little to no enthusiasm. "Tons."
Laughing softly, Quatre only spoke in return. "You shouldn't go being so "clumsy" then." "Thanks for the support Quatre..." This too dripped of sarcasm, Duo was doing his job in corrupting well. Turning to the girl beside him at her soft laughter, the young man couldn't help but smile. No matter how he forced it from his lips, the reaction never left and he enjoyed hearing her giggles. "You should watch us attempt sports then mio..." Snickering, she caught their curious gazes. The boys had taken to her and her to them quickly, as if they'd been friends for an eternity. Trowa still stayed at her home until he was fully healed, the others finally leaving, with a lot of persuasion to Heero, and did come back each day to visit, for the entire day most times. "You didn't see Leslie take a dive into the floor? You didn't HEAR it?! Oy mi..." Snickering, she watched as Heero and Duo joined them. Waving, Duo returned it with a spunky smile, Heero only glaring yet it softened somewhat as he neared. "Heya, you finally get off?" Calming his breathing and wiping away the sweat with the bottom of his gym shirt, the American boy only laughed softly as Nikki rolled her eyes in teasing. "No mio, I'm just disguised and snuck over here to the guy's side." Her voice held a soft joking. "That's why you fit in so well... don't make half a bad guy.." Duo added without missing a beat. Smacking his arm hard, she continued. "Of course we got a break... you look like you're having fun over here..." Giggling softly as he rubbed his arm, she knew the other kids kept watching the six in curiosity and skepticism. "Dude, this is great!" With a mood swing from his previous pout, Duo clamped his hand down on Heero's shoulder without much thought. Soon though, the youth remembered his mistake when he found himself slammed into the cinderblock wall just off to the side of him, his shirt neck held tightly in Heero's fist. Feeling a pain shoot through his head as it snapped back against the wall, though not as hard as usual, he spoke. "Whoa.. sorry. I kinda forgot man... gimme a lil' credit here.." With a deep glare, Heero had reacted quickly and as was his second nature. A deadly and cold hiss, yet a compassionate warning, or as much as he knew how to express, flowed in the air. "Then you sure as hell better remember next time." For a moment longer he held the submissive boy, then let go and leaned against the corner of the wall, a little further down and away. Watching the boys as it appeared to be nothing, the Mexican youth was rather surprised that the gentle yet protective Heero she saw within her private room and home compared to now was a drastic change. The others weren't even stunned! Ponder whether or not to speak on the subject, she decided against it for safety and remained silent, now wary of Heero's every move. He seemed a completely different person. Quatre knew the scene well enough, Heero had a second nature of defense instilled in him, and it was easy for one to cross that line. Heero didn't mean to hurt a majority of people, but he couldn't really help it. His natural instincts of fight or flight had been tampered with, there was not other option *but* fight. That was all understandable. Yet, sensing the young woman's distress and confusion, along with tension, he decided to change the subject and save face. "Nikki, what class do you have next?" Smile returning as it had dropped, Nikki watched the silent boys. "I've got music chicos." At this, Duo made a face. "Please tell me singing and you're not one of those band geeks..." Snickering, the youth smirked and reached to oh so casually smack his arm again, watching him pull back with a pout and rub the same area again. "We are a band *cult*, we get insulted when you say *band*." "What instrumentation?" Finally, Trowa spoke again, with interest. "I can play a lot of instruments, they're easy to pick up, but mainly woodwinds. I'm a clarinet veteran." With pride, she saw one of the brass players she always teased and shot him a look of arrogance and snootiness. He only flicked her off quickly in teasing and she returned it easily, giggling when the others gave her questioning looks as the boy went about his game. "What, no drums?" Duo joked, turning back to the subject. "A girl who can even keep Heero in check is playing a wimpy instrument?" Smacking him softly upside the head in a casual manner, the young woman only smirked and listened to the others laugh softly. Wufei even gave a quiet snicker or two and catching Heero out of the corner of her eye, she caught small yet visible smile of actual enjoyment. Looking up, the youth gave a soft sigh and quick bye as she had to head back for the last portion of gym class. ~£~ Sitting on top of the desk and looking of the rest of the class, Nikki didn't really feel like being there but of course she had to and she was nearly through the day. Looking down, she yelped and blushed as the others laughed, Duo just seemed out to make her life a pain today as he kept picking on her. "'Ey now!" Trowa only rolled his eyes, Duo was having too much fun being a pain now, yet he was enjoying this himself. "You're really one to talk Duo..." "Hey now, this wasn't about me and don't make me start raggin' on you lover boy." Snickering as he joked, he knew that he and Quatre were getting to Trowa and that it was obvious he had feelings for the Mexican youth. "Duo." The elder sent the boy a warning look and stood, looking about for class to start and the teacher to get here. Standing with a soft sigh, he began down the row of chairs before turning back at a soft call. "Trowa, what are you doing?" Quatre called up after him in question. "Stop worrying so much, I'm just going to get a drink.." Laughing softly, he made his way out to the water fountain, drinking from it as the water was cold and pure before making his way back into the room, yet he was stopped by a call of another young woman and felt the arm of his shirt being tugged at. Turning, he found a skinny red-head with far too tight and seven sizes too small even for her frame, grinning at him and pulling him back with her group of girls. These had to be the preppy talkers who wanted nothing more than twenty boyfriends and a chance to gossip. Humoring them, he spoke. "Can I help you?" Marcy watched over the boy, her eyes wanting as she knew that if she could get with this one, she could get with the group that ignored everyone. She wore gothic clothing, black and morbid and flashed herself like she owned the place, in her mind she did and more, yet she was the typical prep who'd staked out her claim and was willing to fight for him. "Why don't you come sit with us? I'm Marcy." Giggling softly and looking up at him with a wanting smile, she pulled him back further. "Well Marcy, I've got to go, maybe later.." "Oh, they can take care of themselves..." she butted in. Shooting his gaze to the others, he was surprised to see Nikki coming down. He didn't really want to deal with these girls but he didn't feel like making enemies yet. Nikki hopped over the few rows of desks, Marcy may have liked and held an acquaintance with her, yet Nikki by no means felt anything less than an utter loathing towards this girl. Trotting to Trowa's side and leaning against his good shoulder, the youth sent a sphinx-like smirk towards the group of girls. "Hey Trowa, you're awfully slow. I see you've met Marcy and the girls, they're not bad." Of course, the ditzy girls didn't catch one hint of the heavy sarcasm and Marcy only pouted childishly and held onto his arm. Deciding to lay it on, Nikki clung to the same arm in a cuddly manner and leaned her head against his shoulder, smiling as Marcy immediately dropped his arm and sent a small glare her way. "Maybe we can get together later and I can show you around." Again Marcy tried her luck. Smirking and deciding to go for it and act along, Trowa took her hand and leaned down, speaking softly as if he could care less. "Maybe later, though I know my way around pretty well... I'm kinda busy." Looking down to the Mexican youth, his gaze was "lovey dovey" as they say, yet it spoke his gratefulness. Deciding to crush Marcy's attempts before she started again, the youth caught Trowa's gaze and decided to make it once and for all believable. Standing slightly on her tip-toes, she without thought closed her eyes and captured his lips, hearing surprise, laughter, and cheers going up all around the room. What was amazing was that he rebelled for a second or so before hungrily kissing back, holding her there. Nikki sure as hell didn't rebel to this, the sweet taste of his warm and tender lips upon hers all too welcome as he seemed to want the same thing, wrapping his left arm around her lower back and pulling her closer to him still. At this, the girl didn't stop her natural reaction and draped her arms around his neck, feeling him pull only slight from her. Trowa didn't know what was happening, he knew this was an act, at least for the first few moments as he'd planned. Everything just took off from there, and now he held her close to his own body as still he rebelled against it within his mind, loving the taste and feel of her lips against his, her body next to his. No, this wasn't right! He wasn't meant to do this, he was supposed to be the emotionless, empty person that he had been so long ago, only *ever* letting his friends close to him and Cathy if ANYONE! So why couldn't he pull away now? Why did he want to be here now and never end this? Forcing himself to pull from her, he looked down with a regretful smile and felt her leave him, his hand almost going out to take hers in turn and pull her back. NO! This wasn't him! He had to stop this or he'd hurt them as well! Marcy watched in shock, lips parted as she now hated this girl, once she had her eyes on something, she got it. Always. Pursing her lips and tossing her fiery red hair back over her shoulder in annoyance, the young woman looked the other way as the two made their way towards the opposite back corner. She'd have that boy, regardless. Duo couldn't help himself, the youth cracking up so badly that tears were streaming from his eyes and no matter how he wiped each away, three new ones replaced it. "Oh, that's *not* PDA in the least!" Quatre only laughed softly at Duo's helplessness to control himself, catching Trowa's deep blush and only snickering. "No, there's nothing between the two of you," he teased. Heero sat and watched, indifference seemingly in his eyes yet hints of amusement as he turned back to his notepad. He let the others have fun while they had the time, it was always well deserved and they might as well take a breather from the war while they could. It might be the last one they got. Of course, it'd hurt the boy in the end, but this seemed his first experience and he was enjoying it, why not let him? Wufei eyed Trowa in slight shock, surprised at what he'd just done. That had to be a record for ever happening, let alone for two minutes long. 'No, he really *doesn't* like her...' the youth thought to himself, the truth having just surfaced. Taking his seat and feeling his cheeks warm, the youth tried to suppress his emotions and hide his own blushing. Oh, he'd rebel against and deny his own feelings, but in truth he didn't mind that one bit. Not in the slightest. "Hey, she doesn't think I'm single anymore and that works enough. I don't have to put up with that girl." "I'm sure neither of you enjoyed that whatsoever." All eyes turned to Heero as the teacher entered, the bell ringing. Surprise on his features, Duo wanted to start cracking up again after he'd settled. Yet the youth had to remain silent, covering his mouth with both hands and turning red from trying to hold it in, that wasn't something you'd expect from Heero. Deciding to have her fun but help out Trowa, she called softly and leaned down in her seat, using the book rack under Duo's desk as a footstool. "I would have if he hadn't stopped trying to pull away. I don't have cooties and boys grow out of them at the age of twelve mios... at least most do." Smirking, she listened to the others laugh and hid her own, she'd remember that for later.
~£~ Shivering as she drew her jacket tighter around her form, the Mexican youth looked about the masses and throngs of students exiting the tormenting prison they called high school. She was waiting on the others, or at least Trowa, also looking hopefully for her brother's car. It would suck to actually have to walk all the way home in the snow again, who knew what kind of trouble she'd get into this time. "Trowa! You guys!" Shouting and waving, she waited off to the side as they made their way towards her, the youth standing on the concrete picnic table. Repositioning his bag on his left shoulder, though the books resting there were a tad heavy, Trowa was glad to have actually gone to school for the first time in a long time. The two books and notebook that wouldn't fit in his book bag, one of the other's he'd borrowed, Heero picked up without thought or room for rebuttal and carried them. Now that Trowa thought about it, the others were being rather overprotective and worrisome as he recuperated. Why? He wasn't any different than before, or was he in more ways than he realized? And, maybe it wasn't him that changed, it was them. Watching the others depart as Heero left his other books on the table silently, the young man grabbed for them with his good arm. Or tried to at least. Scooping up the books and smirking, Nikki watched Trowa's stunned features. "Looks like Derrick isn't coming and the others already left, we'll have to walk." Starting, Nikki listened to Trowa scramble behind to catch up to her. "I can take these, I'm not helpless.." Offering again, the young man gave a frustrated sigh. He wasn't used to this; being treated like he was helpless wasn't something he enjoyed. "I know." She smirked and turned off the main road of the town as Trowa kept by her side and kept her pace. "You're still healing though..." A yelp of surprise shot from her lips as she slipped on a patch of ice, a quick moment was all she needed to regain her composure and footing, yet felt herself blush deeply in embarrassment. "Ugh... you've got to be joking." Trowa now disgusted with being treated like this, shot back. Yet at her "graceful" movements, he couldn't help but laugh softly as he tried to hide it, calling back in a light-hearted tone. "It's not going to kill me." "Ha! Why is that so ironic?" "What?!" Giggling, the young woman lagged behind slightly and graced her open hand along the snow. Scooping some up and trotting up to his other side, she spoke. "I'm not sure what happened or what you did to get or end up like you were when I found you. Yet I'm not ready to trust you on that now..." Smirking, she raised her hand and dumped the small snow ball down his jacket neck and fell into laughter. "What the?!" Jumping and arching his back away from the cold object, he threw his jacket off and to the ground in a frenzy. Shocked at the sudden stabbing of cold, only to find a clump of snow lay in his jacket and Nikki laughing hysterically. "What was that for?!" Giggling and wiping the tears from her eyes, the youth grinned. "Because I can... besides, it stopped your complaining." Feeling the strict discipline on his soul fall and shatter to the ground, the youth let himself have fun, he could be who he wanted to right now and didn't have to care. Putting his book bag down and scooping up some snow in his left hand, the youth let the mischief he felt show in his smirk as he balled it, making his way to the girl's side. "Now it's "war", I'm going to get you back for that." Stepping back and grinning, the youth shook her head. "Oh really? I doubt that mio." "You do, do you? What? Afraid? Come here.." The snow wasn't that well packed for a reason, the youth tossing it at her and watching her try to dodge, again her yelp amusing and causing him to laugh softly as the snowball hit the tree branch behind her and shattered, raining down snowflakes about her. Thinking she was going to be hit with the snow clump, she jumped hastily but only laughed when the snow fell around her, looking up. "Good aim... or bad aim, whichever. It looks like a snow globe." Snickering and turning to him as he picked his jacket up and put it back on, she eyed. "It didn't hit me." "Yes it did... not directly... each piece of snow that hits you is that many more points for me." Grinning and shrugging, he picked his book bag up again. "I don't want to walk back soaked or something right now, we'll continue this later." "Oh I see how it is." Trotting up to his left side, she pretended to pout. "So, you did like it, didn't you?" "What?!" Caught off guard again, he turned to her in curiosity, his left hand growing slightly cold and stinging. He said he'd get her back and he didn't just dump the snowball from his jacket as she may have thought. "Liked what?" "You kissed back." "Are you out of your mind!?" Playing a role of utter bewilderment, Trowa knew that it was too hard to really hide right now. Of course, he'd seem weird for a normal, teenage guy to deny it, but as himself, he *had* to deny it! "If you mean in acting, then yes." "That wasn't acting," she replied softly, almost stunned and hoping he'd have said that he did. "You've never seen me act." With a normal, cold tone, he hid what he truly felt, he had to to protect her. Protect her? Why just her? Why protecting? Groaning inwardly, he caught the hurt gaze from the girl out of the corner of his eye, yet he didn't move to show that he really noticed. Sighing and keeping her distance, Nikki kept her gaze to the ground, looking up and back, she gave a faint smile at the black car making their way down the road, towards them. "Well, looks like we only had to walk half way..." Looking behind them as well, he realized that his friends were making their way to Nikki's home and they could always get a lift. Stepping to the side of the road as the snow cloud grew behind the car, the car visible, he waited for the car to finally pull over, that of which they did and was surprised Duo was actually driving. "Heya, what are you people doing walking in this weather? We'll pick up the cutie there but you've gotta walk dude.." Teasing the two, Duo smirked and motioned for them to hop in. "I thought you said your brother was coming to pick ya up Nikki." "I did mio, but he probably couldn't get out of work." Jumping in the front and middle, Trowa sat next to the window as he closed the door. Well, with six it was a little crowded, but they'd get a ride home. Thinking, Trowa was silent as the others talked, he'd had to get rid of the snow and he couldn't really get the girl back yet. But something else was there, like the emptiness in his soul gave way to a warmth. And it was true, he had wanted that kiss when Nikki had done so, but it was just *supposed* to be acting. What was so wrong with that? So what if he'd wanted all of that? Maybe they were right, Quatre and Duo, maybe he was having his first taste of love. He'd of course have to deny everything to protect the others, but who said he didn't enjoy and hunger for more of that bitter sweet taste?
A/N: FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEW CHAPTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, sorry, it took a really really long time to get one up because I've had hundreds of other stories to keep up with and school and everything this one kinda got left behind. Sorry. Here ya go! Hope you enjoy! Again, I'm sorry and I hope that the next one will be up/out soon!
~Silver Seraph