An Enemy's Serenade
Happy Birthday Heero
"Man, these battles just keep getting harder and harder and we don't seem to be gaining any major victories," Duo says as he walks out of the bay stretching his arms over his head.
"This isn't looking good for us," Wufei comments with the rest following out.
"If we only knew their weakness or if we could even catch Relena herself, then maybe we could end this war."
"We just have to keep on trying Trowa. But we have other things to think about right now," Quatre says looking at Duo.
"And another victory for us. We're going to win this war. I can feel it," Relena says as she jumps out of her mobile suit and landing gracefully on the ground.
"Another great job Relena. Those Preventer scum didn't know what happened," Milliardo says embracing his sister in a big hug.
"Can you tell the guys to fix up my Gundam for me? I have to work on my next song and I think I may have something," Relena says, looking him in the eyes.
"Alright. I'll be in contact though." He rubs her head and that pats her away.
"Of course. Thanks."
"Stupid officials in the Preventers," Heero complains as he exits his room. The phone starts to ring and Heero picks up. "Hello."
"Hey there Heero. IT's Ami. Is Sakura there?"
"She's here, but I don't think she's going to be coming out anytime soon," he says looking at Sakura's door.
"What do you mean?"
"After I came home from work, I saw her carrying a huge bowl full of spaghetti to her room. Then she locked it and put five different kinds of music on at the same time and hasn't been out since. And that was yesterday. I'm starting to worry."
"Has she started cursing yet?"
"No, but there are some weird squeaks coming from her room."
"That's great. Hey guys. She has the spaghetti and music and squeaking and no cursing," Ami screams as more screaming and instruments are heard in the background
"Why is that so great?" Heero asks.
"What she's doing is Sakura's routine for coming up for a new song. It's a good sign if there is squeaking, but not good if there is cursing. This is going to be a great song."
"I've done it! It's perfect!" Sakura screams as she comes bursting out of her room.
"Heero, put Sakura on."
"Sure. Sakura, it's for you. It's Ami," Heero says, giving Sakura the phone.
"Ami!" she screams over the phone
"Is it really that great?"
"IT's perfect. Just make sure the others are no where near the studio while I record it, k?"
"Alright. Good luck." Sakura hangs up the phone and heads towards her room. Heero follows standing in the doorway.
"What's happening here?"
"Thanks to that trip to the circus, I have myself an award winning song. I'll see you later on." She grabs a bag by her bed and heads out the door.
"Finished. It sounded good when I sang it. I just hope it really is on tape." Sakura puts down her guitar and takes a seat on the floor. Suddenly her phone rings and she picks up. "Sakura here."
"Hey Sakura. It's Duo. I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor."
"Sure. What is it?"
"Well, tomorrow is Heero's birthday and we really wanted to do something special."
"Oh man. I didn't know it was his birthday. I didn't get him anything."
"Well that's where you can help. The guys and I were wondering if you could find someplace where we can hold a little get together for him and then maybe you can perform a number or something."
"Don't worry about a thing Duo. This kinda plan I can work with," Sakura says as she gets up, ready to head out.
"Great. How about we meet somewhere tonight and talk about it as well?"
"Sure. Where's good?"
"Oh man. I'm gonna be late. I only have ten minutes before everything is supposed to start. If only Milliardo didn't keep me so long for that meeting. Then again, this war comes first and singing comes second," Sakura says as she runs into an alley. She stops as she approaches a door to her right, opens it and runs in to see the rest of her band.
"Sakura. What took you so long? We're on in a few minutes. Where were you?" Greg asks.
"I had other things to do. Now where's that costume and my mic?" Sakura asks, stuffing her stuff into Greg's arms and running off towards the costume rack.
"So, aren't you excited Heero? You turn another year old," Quatre says as he and the usual group of guys, girls, and Lady Une sit around the table in the middle of the bar.
"What's the big deal about a birthday anyways?" Heero says as he takes another drink.
"Man, you really aren't any fun. Just enjoy it Heero. It's not everyday we all have to be extra nice to you," Hilde comments.
"So where's Duo and Sakura? They should've been here by now," Quatre says looking at his watch.
"They're in the back finishing the big event," Trowa answers.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Heero comments as he looks at the stage.
"Duo, do I have to wear this?" Sakura says as she pulls down at the skirt of her costume. She's dressed in a pink and black provocative French maid type of dress with black heels, black car ears and a long black tail with a pink bow on her head.
"Yeah. Heero loves cats, or at least I think so. He did save one though so I just kinda thought he liked cats," Duo thinks tapping his chin.
"I love this idea of dressing Sakura up in costumes. You don't mind if we use this idea for the concerts, do you?"
"Of course not. As long as I can get front row tickets for me and some others for every concert."
"Deal." The two shake as Sakura stares.
"What about my opinion?" she asks again, starting to fume.
"Don't worry. Heero is going to love you in that costume. In fact, he'll probably love you in anything," Duo says, patting Sakura on the shoulder.
"What?" she asks, even more confused than before.
"Sakura. We gotta start now! Get out on that stage!" the manager says he grabs Sakura by the shoulders and starts to push her out onto the stage.
"But…" He gives her the final push and she stumbles out onto the stage. She quickly regains her ground and looks out at the audience, with her mic in hand.
"Good night ladies and gentlemen. MY name is Sakura and these fine people behind me are the Starlights," she says, signaling the people in the back.
"What is she wearing?" Wufei asks as the others stare on stage in disbelief.
"She looks like a cat or something," Trowa says.
"This has to be Duo's handiwork," Hilde says sighing.
"I knew something was going to happen," Heero says as he puts a hand to his head.
"But it's nice isn't it Heero?" a voice says from behind the man.
"Duo."
"Before we start though, I would like to announce that tonight is a certain someone's birthday. Now this guy is really special to me since he gave me a place to live while I've started my singing career. If someone could put the light on the guy at Table 18. " She points her figure towards the table and waits until the light is on. "There we go. Heero Yuy everyone. Heero, I would just like to thank you for everything that you've done for me. You've been so great to me and thank you once again. You're friends also have a note that they would like me to read. Dear Heero, you have been a great part of our team. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today. You have part a certain something to all of us, even though we don't exactly know what it is. Even though we don't know when your real birthday is, today was the first day that we met you and to us it is your birthday since it's the life day you came into our lives. From, Duo, Quatre, Trowa, Wufei, Hilde, Sally, Lady Une and the rest of the Preventer force." She finishes off as she drops her microphone and stares off into space. "He's a Preventer. I can't believe he's a Preventer. And it seems that he's a high ranking one at that."
"Sakura, are you alright?" Ami asks as she gives Sakura a quick nudge with the mic.
"Huh? Yeah. I'm fine Ami. I just got a weird feeling that's all." She takes the microphone from Ami and looks back at the crowd. "Sorry for the interruption ladies and gentlemen. And now for the part you've been waiting for. This first song has been picked by all of us Heero. Happy birthday." She starts to walk off the stage and begins singing.
I just feel rhythm emotion
The beat of my heart
Continues towards you...so faraway...
Again, even if it wounds me, without looking away
Hotly, intensely...I want to live
You give me unyielding strength-
That's why I want to hold you...
I just feel rhythm emotion
Even if I err, even if it hurts,
IT guides me to the brilliant light if an instant...
I just feel rhythm emotion
The beat of my heart
Continues towards you...so faraway...
Yes, quickly catching the moment in my bare skin-
I want to find more gentleness!
Everything gleams
As I return to the wonder of childhood...
I just feel rhythm emotion
It's painful for both of us
To share these feelings, to believe in this warmth
I just feel rhythm emotion
With this kiss, I want to
Send you certain passions...so faraway...
(At this point, Sakura walks towards Heero and kneels by his feet, putting one hand on his leg and singing to him while looking straight at him.)
I just feel rhythm emotion
Even if I err, even if it hurts,
It guides me to the brilliant light of an instant...
I just feel rhythm emotion
The beat of my heart
Continues towards you...so faraway...
She picks herself up and blows a kiss to Heero. "Happy Birthday Heero." She turns around and starts her way back to the stage.
"Happy birthday again Heero," Sakura says, wrapping her arms around Heero from behind. He turns her head around and smirks.
"Thank you Sakura." She lets go and takes the empty seat next to Heero.
"That was a wonderful concert," Lady Une says.
"But where are your real clothes?" Quatre asks.
"I don't know. I went back to change and they said that they weren't able to find my clothes. So it looks like I'm stuck in this getup until I get home," she comments, looking at Duo the whole time.
"I think you look good Sakura."
"You would Duo," Hilde says, smacking him on the head.
"Heero, if you don't mind me asking, about that note I read. IT said that no one knew when your real birthday was. What's that all about?" she asks as the waiter brings her a drink.
"I don't know who I really am. You see, I don't have any memory of my past. All I remember is waking up one day in a metal room. From there, I joined the Preventers and I'm here now."
"Wow. I know how you feel somewhat."
"How do you know?"
"I never knew who my parents were. I never knew who my family was. I was so alone. But then I found my brother, or he found me. All I have is him, but still it doesn't always feel right. Not knowing who you really are."
"Alright. Now enough of all this sappy stuff. Let's really start to celebrate. Another round of drinks for everyone," Duo says getting up from his seat and waving a waiter over.
"Zechs, where is she?" The old woman asks as she approaches her son in his room.
"She's out for the night mother. I let her have the night off. She needs to have some fun every now and then if she's to stay happy," he says as he goes over his paperwork.
"You let her have fun just the other night. She needs to work."
"I can do all the work. All she has to do is be the pretty little icon. Trust me mother. I know what I'm doing."
"Thank you again guys," Heero says as the others head out for their cars.
"It's no problem. Are you sure you don't want a ride home? There's supposed to be snow tonight."
"I think we'll be alright Quatre. We still have a while."
"Alight. See you tomorrow." Heero waits outside as he watches the others leave.
"Hey Heero. I'm ready to go," Sakura says as she exits the building still in her costume, but wearing a giant white down coat.
"Where's your coat?"
"It seems that whoever took my clothes took my coat as well. This is Amuro's coat. HE said I could use it since he would be driving home. But now I feel like a marshmallow," she comments as she tried moving her arms up and down.
"Then let's get back so you can get out of that."
"Sounds good." They start their walk back home in silence until Sakura talks. "So, did you like your birthday party?"
"IT was very nice."
"Just nice. Nothing else?
Well, I guess that's fine with me. But you know, you really have to cheer up
and start smiling and stuff," she says smiling and putting a skip in her step.
"IT's hard to smile when you don't know who you are."
"Yeah, I know. But you gotta keep your hopes up. Maybe there was a reason why you were meant to forget your past. Maybe something bad happened that someone doesn't want you to remember and wanted you to begin a new life filled with great memories. Or at least that's what I think. It's time to make a new life and just dwelling on the past makes it seem like I'm ruining the new life I've been blessed with."
"IT's hard to believe that sometimes."
"Hey look. Maybe you should try to make a pact of some kind. And I'll make one with you," she says, getting in front of Heero and turning towards him.
"Like what?" He stops to look at him.
"How about we both promise to make what we can of this life we've been given and help each other when we can? It's not everyone who gets a second chance." She stares at Heero for a while as she watches him think.
"Alright."
"Great." They start to walk again, Heero walking behind Sakura. She looks up into the sky and sees as the snow starts to fall. "Hey look. It's snowing. This is a sign Heero. IT means that even the heavens are wishing us luck on our new journeys. Come on. Now is as good as any time to start to enjoy life." Sakura starts to run ahead, only to slip on a patch of black ice. Her leg bends oddly as she starts sliding into a nearby light pole, followed by her landing on her back, starring at the sky.
"Sakura, are you alright?" Heero asks as he helps her into a sitting position.
"Yeah, I think so. Except for the fact that the whole world seems to be spinning." She attempts the stand only to fall back, grabbing her ankle.
"Let me see your ankle." She removes her hand and Heero takes off her shoe. He touches it slightly and Sakura winces, trying to move the ankle away. "It hasn't started swelling, so it doesn't look like it's sprained or anything. But you shouldn't be walking, I'll carry you."
"You don't have to carry me. I can walk by myself."
"No you can't. Come on." He squats in front of her, motioning her to get on his back.
"Hello. You've reached Sakura. Sorry I can't speak to you, but I'm off becoming a star. Leave a message."
"Hey. It's your brother. Call me back when you get this. We have some business to take care of." HE hangs up the phone and stares out into space. "Is mother right about Relena?"
"Hey Heero. Can I try to walk on my own? My ankle doesn't hurt any more.," Sakura asks once they arrive in front of the apartment door.
"Alright. Just be careful." Heero lets her down and she attempts to take a step away, only to start another descent. She braces for the floor but never feels it as she sees Heero holding her up.
"He has such amazing eyes."
"She has the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen." Before the two know it, they lean into each other, locking into a long and passionate kiss.
"Heero."
"Sakura." Silence over takes the room as the two lay in bed, covering themselves in the sheets.
"I can't believe that just happened."
"I know, but for some reason…" Heero starts off, before Sakura finishes.
"I don't regret it at all." She moves so that her arms and chin rest on his chest.
"Sakura, will you marry me?" Heero asks as he readjusts himself to look at her.
"What?" she says, sitting up in the bed.
"I know it's sudden, but I've never felt happier in my whole life when I'm with you. Please Sakura?" he asks, sitting as well and taking her hands in his.
"Oh Heero. Of course I'll marry you," she gives Heero a little kiss which starts to result in something more, only to be interrupted by the phone. Sakura reaches over for the phone and answers.
"Hello?"
"Sakura, is that you? It's Big Joe."
"Big Joe. How are you?"
"Not that well I'm afraid. I just got a call that my uncle died and I have to leave for Earth right away. I was wondering if there was any way you could cover here for me. You said I could call you if I ever needed you."
"I'm sorry, but is there anyway you can close down the bar?" she asks, looking over at Heero.
"I can't. The universities biggest game is happening in two days and I make almost a month's worth of profit that weekend. Please Sakura, I'm begging you."
"Alright Joe. I'll catch the first shuttle out."
"Thank you so much. This means so much to me. I'll see you soon then."
"Alright Joe. I'll see you soon." She hangs up the phone and then moves over to Heero. "IT looks like I have to go Heero."
"I know. But at least this gives me time so I can plan a real treat for you," he says, kissing her on the nose.
"I'll be looking forward to it. But now, it looks like I gotta be packing and I also have to call my brother."
"I'll help then."
"Milliardo, it's me."
"Relena, where have you been?" he asks looking over more plans.
"I've been busy with things. Listen though. I got something that will be of interest to you, but I'm gonna have to tell you about it later, when I have more time. I'm on my way to Big Joe's to cover for him, but I'll tell you everything when I'm there. What I have to tell you will make up for the time I'm missing. Okay?"
"Okay. Just be careful and call every day."
"Gotcha. Bye."
"Bye." He hangs up again and looks at his computer again.
Another thing chapter has appeared! Yay! I hope more will come soon.
-Chibi Reli