G Gundam – Unexpected Love

Chapter Twelve – AJ's Big Shock

AJ waited behind his tent with his clothes in his hand. He was still a little shaken up, his face beet red and a look of chagrin on his face. While he was getting into his trunks, Rain just happened to pass by. She later confessed that she was going to see some sightseeing, more than she had bargained for. Miraculously and to AJ's fortune, Rain did not bring the incident up again, although she had a few laughs afterwards. It was a good thing Domon was not around or else AJ would be eating dust about now.

He shuddered, trying to shake off the feeling of uneasiness. It was a foreign emotion that he is not used to. Ok, breathe, AJ, breathe. . . he thought to himself. His heart was thumping like mad as if he had just run a marathon. The effects of the shock were starting to take its toll on AJ. His whole body was damp from the cold sweat, his legs shaking more than normal, and his eyes were wide opened.

Allenby emerged from the tent, making AJ jump in alarm. She noticed the change in AJ and raised her eyebrows.

"You okay?"

AJ stared at her suspicious. "Yeah, of course. Why wouldn't I be? Or did you have a talk with Rain? Hmm?? Discussing about me, perhaps?"

"Nope. I haven't talked to her since the fight." She stopped and returned the glare he was giving her. "Why?"

That threw AJ off. He looked around as if she was talking to someone else, then directed his attention to the ground. Geez. . . now she'll ask Rain and know for sure. AJ sighed sadly, trying to look as clueless as possible.

"No reason. Let's go now, okay?"

"Sure. Okay."

They walked off towards the hot springs. Allenby was still giving AJ a look of questioning, but AJ's eyes were dead set on the ground rather than at her.

Hmm. . . I wonder what happened? Why did he become so nervous all of a sudden? And bringing up the topic on Rain? Should I ask her? No. It might be best if I find out myself. I mean, the worst case scenario is that she got him to . . .

Allenby shook her head, thinking that the heat was getting to her head. She examined AJ's body and her jaw dropped.

S-S-S-Soakin' wet!!!! OH MY GOD!!! My assumptions were right!! That little. . .

AJ was trying his best not to look at Allenby, but he saw from the corner of his eyes that she was pissed off about something. Oh no, he thought. Maybe she's mad at me? But what did I do? Damn, if I screw this up now, Domon'll win for sure. . .

Trying his best to look casual, AJ flashed a smile to Allenby. "We're here," he said, jerking his head in the direction of the hot springs. Allenby glared daggers at AJ, feeling a vein throbbing on her temple.

He has the NERVE to smile like that after two-timin' me?!! I'll show that little playboy. . .

She gave him a smile as fake as a three dollar bill. "Wow. It's real nice. Here, let me help you get in. . ." She advanced toward the unsuspecting AJ and pushed him in. After a few seconds, AJ jumped up and dug his nails into the soft ground.

"GEEZ!! That's hot, Allenby!"

"Yeah, well, its about to get even hotter."

She attempted to push him back in, but this time, AJ was ready and he grabbed Allenby's leg and dragged her in. Allenby gasped in surprise as she was submerged in the hot pool of water.

"Screw you, you brainless jock!"

"Wait! Allenby, what did I do?"

"Drop dead!"

"Huh? You didn't answer my question."

"Oh, you think you're so cool, thinking you can get every girl you want. I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I –" Allenby stopped mid-sentence, her pupils dilated. She had her hands clasped around her throat.

"Allenby! Geez, breathe!" AJ grabbed Allenby around the torso and climbed out of the lava-hot water. After a few seconds, Allenby regained her health and, instead of thanking AJ, completely refused to even talk to him.

"Allenby?"

". . ."

"Uh. . hello??"

". . ."

"Geez, not the silent treatment. I thought you're too mature for this."

". . ."

"What did I do?"

". . ."

AJ sighed hopelessly. What the hell does she have to be mad at me about? It's not like I did anythin' to piss her off. Geez, maybe its her time of the month? He thought more in depth, postulating the possible reasons why the short girl was pissed off at him. He shrugged. It probably is. Must be tough, but why the hell is she takin' it out on me? I didn't do crap.

In a smooth maneuver, AJ placed his thumb and index finger on Allenby's chin and tilted her head up. He was surprised to see that tears welled up in her eyes, and even in the dark evening, AJ felt his whole body go numb as he gazed into her amazing eyes. Slowly, he opened his mouth to speak but could not utter the words he was so stunned. He stood there, his hand gently caressing her soft skin. It was not something he usually does to romance a girl. Rather, most of the girls he's been with were so easily pleased that AJ never had to really try to get them to like him. But the girl that stood before him. . . . . she was truly exceptional.

Swallowing his pride, AJ got down to his knees and looked up at Allenby, who had a confused look on her face.

"Look," he started. "If I had done anything to displease you, I am sorry." He stared at the ground as he realized the truth. He chuckled at his former pathetic self. He continued. "To tell you the truth, you are the first person that I am really infatuated with. No, forget Stacy," he said as Allenby opened her mouth to speak. "She doesn't mean squat to me. I don't care about her looks, not anymore. The one thing that I'm missing in my life is someone whom I can relate with, act human even. Thank you for everything. And whatever you're mad at me for, I hope you can forgive me and that we can work things out."

Allenby nodded dumbly, not sure if she was hearing correctly. AJ apologizing to me?! But. . . how? Why? Is it his way to show that he's sorry for his deeds? She stared AJ straight in the eyes, pondering if he was truly sorry. She sighed softly.

"Promise me one thing. You cant use that speech anymore, okay?"

AJ smiled, a little embarrassed that he was figured out. "Sure."

Feeling the tension leaving her, Allenby leaned against AJ, both her arms hooked around AJ's. "I forgive you for sleeping with Rain."

Almost at once, AJ stopped in his tracks.

"WHAT?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?"