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Gundam Wing Episode 27

Memories

11:30a.m.

The bell rings indicating break. The workers all head off for lunch. Abdul stops a moment seeing Quatre still going over a few things.

"Are you coming for lunch Master?" he asks; Quatre looks up and smiles.

"It's ok, Abdul; I'm just going to finish up before I go."

"Are you sure; I can bring you back something if you want."

"No thank you; I'm fine." He goes back to what he was doing, but his mind begins to wander.

Flash

Duo, Heero, Trowa, Wufei, and Shimi were eating breakfast in the kitchen. She glanced at Trowa across from her watching him eat a moment. She shoved the table a bit into Trowa. Duo and Heero, who are on either side of Trowa, look up with their friend. Wufei seemed unfazed by the commotion. He sat closest to the door. Sophia came walking in wearing an aqua dress at knee length with one inch slits on each side. Over the dress she has a large black jacket. Her shoes match the hair bow she has in her hair the keeps her hair up.

"And where are you going?" Shimi asked smugly, "with your hair up... and wearing a dress." She knew something was up because she hardly ever wore dresses except on special accessions.

"Out," Her voice is calm with a hint of annoyance in it without even looking at her friend heading straight for the door. "I'm not going to be gone long." Just then Quatre walked in from the back door with Professor G.

"Is that me jacket?" Wufei asked looking at his sister, his voice full of annoyance. Why does she always take my clothes?

"I'm not going to be gone that long, Wufei. I'll bring it back in one piece."

"You're not going out already are you?" She ignored Quatre's worried face, but respects him by answering not as harshly.

"Yes, I'm going out."

"But, you just got well yesterday. I don't think it's very wise to go out so soon."

"Quatre, I'm fine. You worry too much."

"Maybe you should listen to Quatre, Sophia." Prof. G walked over to the table and grabbed an apple out of the fruit bowel.

"You know I didn't ask for your opinion, professor. No wonder Duo annoys me! He was trained by you!!"

"We can't afford you to have a relapse." Quatre tried again this time his eyes pleading.

"Quatre! I'm only going to buy some chocolate, not a years worth of explosives...! Now please, back away from the door." Sophia crossed her arms waiting, but he doesn't move. "Quatre move, this is the last time I'm saying it nice."

"At least stay two more days, so you won't have a relapse."

"Quatre! Move!"

"Sophia, listen to me."

"Last Warning!" Sophia growled as she balled up her fist. Quatre was about to say something else until he saw her fist coming fast at him. He closed his eyes and braces himself for impact. Sophia stopped her fist a few millimeters from Quatre's face as everyone from the table stood up. "You've got guts, Quatre," he opened his eyes as Sophia crossed her arms and smirked, "Sorry Quatre, but I'm going."

"I bet you couldn't go a week without leaving the house or acting like a drill sergeant," Professor G said after finishing off half of the apple. Sophia glared at him.

"Are you implying that I have no self control?"

"It depends how you look at it," Professor G laughed and began to leave.

"I'll take that bet." G stopped and looked at Quatre a moment before looking at Sophia to see her reaction which was no more than a raised eyebrow. Quatre's up to something. Trowa watched interested like the others at the table who were listening quietly.

"I'm sorry, Sophia, but I agree with the Professor."

"What! Fine, I'll show all of you. Yeah, even you guys at the table! I can read all your faces plain as day especially you Wufei."

"So, you're getting better at it," Wufei said standing up to put his plate to wash.

"You bet I am and I don't like what I see," Sophia looked at Quatre, "Don't worry, Quatre; I'll prove you wrong."

"So, you agree to the bet, Sophia," Quatre said.

"Of course I do," Sophia said then glared at Professor G, "Anything else I should know."

"Yes, you have to be on your best behavior or act like a highly respected Chinese woman, and no fighting," G glares back at her.

"I can go a week without fighting. Come on make it more challenging."

"And to make sure you follow these rules of the bet..." G paused and looked around. No way he's sticking me with Duo. It's most likely Trowa or Wufei. "Quatre will watch you and make sure you abide by the rules."

"Quatre?"

"Hush, why me?"

"Why tenderfoot?" Shimi got a surprised look from Quatre, "Sorry Quatre I call everyone who's kind that... I mean why torture Quatre."

"Torture Quatre! What about me? I can't talk about certain things when he's around and plus we don't have enough room," Sophia said sticking her hands in the pockets of Wufei's jacket.

"Where exactly is your bed, Quatre?" Shimi asked suddenly.

"It's between Wufei and Trowa," Quatre said noticing Shimi's sudden interest.

"What side is Wufei on if you're sleeping on your back?" Shimi stood up and walked up to him.

"Wufei's on the right," She instructed him; Shimi's eyes light up with Quatre's answer. She shook his hand.

"Mr. Winner, you just got yourself a room switch."

"What, you're going to sell me out to share a room with four guys and you being the only girl!" Sophia yelled annoyed. Shimi walked over to Sophia and picked her up to her face by the caller of Wufei's jacket pulling.

"This is a once and a lifetime opportunity to see how cute my lion looks when he's asleep an even get to see him with his shirt off. Are you going to take that away from me?" Shimi growled sounding like a tiger under his breath.

"No... excuse me for being so selfish... Tiger," Sophia chocked out uneasy. Shimi dropped Sophia causing her to stager back a little then Shimi hugged Sophia unexpectedly.

"That's ok, Sophia. Someone has to keep an eye on the Fox. Why not the camel," Shimi walked out the kitchen with a smile on her face as everybody watched her leave.

"If you guys want to know, she sleeps on her left side," Sophia said heading for the door after brushing past Quatre. He grabbed her wrist which sent a shock running through her body. She turned to face Quatre, but hiding any sighs of emotion as she looked into his eyes.

"Sophia, I still think you should stay home," Quatre's eyes were filled with worry. Sophia closed her eyes. Ok, don't be mean. She sighed and opened her eyes, "Quatre, I thank you for taking care of me, but understand my immune system is different from yours." Sophia pulled her wrist free.

"The only way she'll listen to you is if you chain her to yourself," Professor G said watching Sophia closely, "or better yet carry her to her room yourself since you're going to be watching her."

"What's your deal? I'm fine! 16 going on 17 in two months! Leave me be! Dang!!" Sometimes I just want to punch him, eah!! Suddenly, Quatre picked Sophia up around the waste. "What are you doing?!" Sophia said in surprise, "Put me down!"

"Sorry Sophia."

"Are you crazy?! Quatre! Put me down, now!" G put him up to this. "Quatre, come on. Put me down!"

"Sorry Sophia, but I don't think eating chocolate, so soon is good for you either."

"Quatre, I swear if you don't put me down I'll-"

"No fighting, Sophia," Professor G said cutting her off. He's right and if I hurt Quatre in any way the others jump on me. That's why he picked Quatre! That sneaky no good. "Quatre! You put me down, now Mr.! ...Quatre, if you put me down I'll let you come with me... Quatre! Stop!" Shimi walked back into the kitchen bewildered.

"Hey! He swept you off your feet, Sophia." Quatre stopped for a moment.

"Shut up, Shimi! This isn't funny! You know I hate to be picked up!"

"Well, the room's all set, Quatre, just move in your things," Shimi said with a cheery smile.

"I can't believe you, Shimi."

"What are you talking about; the sooner the better."

"What the hell is wrong with you girl! Can't you wait!"

"No!"

"The bet starts tomorrow!"

"It starts right now, Sophia," Professor G said flatly, "since you agreed to it today!"

"Uhuh! I'm going for chocolate today. Put me down, Quatre!"

"Sorry Sophia, I can't-"

"Quatre! You better put me down boy! I'm not playing with chu! Fine!" I hate this... deep breath ok. "Guys with you buy it for me then?"

""Sorry, we used all our money getting up here," Duo explained his face still a little surprised.

"Shimi?"

"Sure, but it won't make it home."

"Wufei, come on you're my brother," she looked at him.

"Hum... your chocolate's too rich for my blood." Wufei said hardly looking her straight in the face. He's laughing at me. I know it. Quatre began to walk towards Sophia's room.

"Quatre wait! This isn't funny! Put me down! Wufei, come on," Sophia said looking worried.

"Try not acting like a spoiled brat and then maybe we'll see," Wufei answered harshly, "I'll bring you your breakfast later."

"Wasn't that a little harsh," Trowa said after he hears the door two Sophia's room close.

"Yeah, but maybe Wufei's right, Trowa, she does tend to pick fights... namely me," Duo leaned back in his chair.

"Maybe Quatre can talk some sense into her," Wufei said after going to the cupboard and takes out a box of Apple Jacks, "She keeps her guard up too much."

I can't believe he called me a spoiled brat... maybe, I am, but I can't have people too close to me. My job's too dangerous, but hearing that come from Wufei really hurt. Sophia put down her brush on her dresser and looked at herself in the mirror then at Quatre's reflection seeing he just finished unpacking his clothes in Shimi's dresser.

"You're only staying for a week you know not five months."

"You're still mad at me aren't you?" he said a little sad.

"Just don't talk to me," she got up and lies on her bed, "are you done yet, Mr. Clean?" He looked up obviously not to thrilled with the comment she just made. It's clear I'm not wanted her, but I deserve this for agreeing to this in the first place. Hopefully, she'll cool down by lunch. There's a knock on the door and Wufei comes in.

"Hungry Quatre?" Wufei asked walking in with a tray for him that contained a bowl of cereal and a glass of milk and orange juice.

"It's ok Wufei I can get my own breakfast. Sophia should have it," Quatre is surprised by Sophia's sudden motion toward the door.

"I'm not helpless, Quatre," she said as she exits the room, "I can get it myself."

"Don't mind her, Quatre. She'll cool down. She's just not used to you yet," Wufei said handing him the tray, "but if she gives you any trouble tell me."

"Thanks Wufei," he said grateful.

"Don't let the mean things she says get to you. Sophia doesn't really mean them. She's just afraid to get to close to people."

"I don't understand."

"Since her father's death she's refused to get close to anyone else, but it doesn't work out too well because she's actually as kind as you, Quatre," he looked up a bit surprised though he knew in his heart he shouldn't have. "She prefers to hide all emotion because she was taken advantage of. She thinks that was the result caused by her father's death, but it's not her fault." He sighed, "You can't be in two places at once. She thinks by cutting herself off it'll prevent this from happening again. She's even become distant from me."

"I see," Quatre looked down at his bowl. I was still grieving over the loss of my father... I guess I went a little crazy. I had just picked out the perfect suit which turned out to be Wing Zero. I was getting ready to order the parts and begin building it myself when Sophia arrived.

Flash

A look of concern crossed the young girl's face. She removed her cowgirl hat and laid it on the table beside Quatre. "Are you sure you want this suit, Mr. Winner, how about this one?" She switched to a different gundam model on her laptop.

"Does it have the same power?"

"No, but-"

"Then I want the gundam I picked." Quatre was completely unreadable. He seemed to be half listening.

"I know your father's death was a shock. Right now, you're in no condition to pilot anything especially Wing Zero. That gundam's way too powerful. You won't be-"

"That's what I want, Sophia." His no feeling eyes turn glassy. He balls up his fists. "Can you please... just, just do this for me, please?" Tears stream down his face. Sophia sits in his lap so that they were face to face her knees rest on the seat of the chair. She wipes the tears from his face and hugs him. He hugs back.

"Mr. Winner... I'll make both and you can take Desert Storm and I'll take Wing Zero. You won't be able to handle the Zero System, so trust me ok."

"Maybe, maybe you're right."

Flash

I could tell she understood me though she tried to stop me. That explains why she helped me build Wing Zero and then gave me the warning, but of course I didn't listen to her and she nearly paid with it with her life.

Flash

Sophia ran across the platform and skidded to a stop in front of Desert Storm. Her heart jumped when Wing Zero came to life. "Mr. Winner that too dan-" the engines of Zero drown her out as it zooms forward. "Quatre, you won't be able to control it! COME BACK!!... QUATRE!! Darn it ..." She gets angry as she watches him leave. "DAMN YOU QUATRE!!!! COME BACK!"

As though he heard her, he does a U- turn. Thank God, he's come back to his senses. To her dismay he stops halfway to the entrance from the hanger.

"Sorry Sophia, but I have to do this on my own." Her eyes grow wide when he raised the buster gun at her and fired. She felt the immense heat of the blast when it passed a ways overhead.

She falls to her knees completely shaken. She turned to see a giant hole in her in the center of her gundam. She turned back to him furious but rational. "Quatre listen to me! The Zero System causes-" A small explosion makes her flinch. She turned back at to her gundam and soon realized the danger she was in. Desert Storm self-destructed.

Flash

"I guess she can't bare the thought of being taken advantage of anymore when I finally betrayed her... I guess she snapped. I think you're the only person who can knock her out of this." Quatre looked up at Wufei astounded that he put so much faith in him.

"Don't worry, Wufei; I'll do my best." Suddenly Sophia comes in with an apple in her mouth with a pack of pop tarts a glass of orange juice in the other hand.

"It's going to be a long day Quatre, good luck." Sophia took her orange juice to her dresser.

"Hey! What's that suppose to mean?" She took a bite out of her apple. What does he think I'm going to do? Kill the boy geeze.

Flash

"I swear I'm not going to forgive him for that either," Sophia whispers to herself remembering that very moment. I hate to admit it, but I... I miss Quatre...Maybe Quatre's right about blaming myself.

Flash

What is she up to this time? Quatre somehow managed to follow her without being seen. If the others find out she's gone out again, they might do something worse then just restarting the bet like last time. Sophia dashed through the streets wearing kaki jeans and a red dress shirt with a matching jean jacket that hid her gender well. She wore a red hat with her hair tucked inside to fool people she had short hair.

Sophia stopped in front of the zoo entrance gate and quickly climbs the fence. Now if I can only remember where the tiger cage is... She moved deeper inside and looked at the signs. "Hum... I hope they didn't change it too much since I've been gone."

"Who's there?!" A light flashed on her. "Ok, kid you know it's a little last to be here in the zoo." The guard walks up to her.

"I just want to see the tiger's cage. My name's Fox and I believe one of the tigers is about to have cubs."

"Fox huh, do your parents know where you are, kid?" he said not amused.

"Don't waste my time, Sam." He looked at her for some time before figuring out who she is.

"Sophia? So, you're still calling yourself Fox."

"Let's just say, the war's not over quite yet." She said looking to her left when she heard a familiar roar. "So, you kept it the same after all."

"Just don't tell anyone I let you in for free," Sam said with a smile as he walks in the other direction.

"You mean like you always do!" Sophia watched him leave before going to the tiger pit. She slid in the pit careful not to seem as a threat and carefully walked to one in the corner. She knelt down next to her. "Hey, Jessica!" The tiger growled at her. "It's ok Jessie, it's me Sophia." She held out her hand, so Jessica could smell her sent. Jessica calms down and let Sophia pet her. "Just relax Jessie and nothing bad will happen."

Well, well, well, it seems the Fox has come out of his fox hole. Unfortunately, the fox is being hunted... when I'm through with you Fox you won't know what hit you. Fox is seen as he climbed over the fence. The figure watched him walk calmly away from the zoo gate and stop at a near by store. Looks like the fox made his own trap.

I have a strange feeling someone's following me. Sophia picked up a pack of Airheads and goes to the counter to pay for them and hears the bell indicating another customer came in making her slightly nervous. After paying for the candy, she bumped into Quatre. "Quatre! What the hell are you doing here?! You're suppose to be waiting for me to get out of the shower."

"I was and I went on the roof to look at the stars like you said when I heard something in the bushes. That's when I saw you dashing away from the house, so I followed you," he sighed a little disappointed. "What was so important that-?" he stopped seeing the blood stains on her clothes and hands. "What happened? Are you-?"

"It's none of your business and I'm fine. And no, I didn't kill anyone," Fox said fed up. He's taking this too far.

"But what-?"

"Did you hear what I said because I'm not saying a thing until I'm home and asleep, Mr. Winner." Fox took out her wallet to pay for her candy. "You know you're safer at home, so you might as well go." She looked away because she could tell from his face she had hurt his feelings for being so harsh. He's too soft nothing but a big baby... "And call me Fox!"

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Fox; I promised I'd keep an eye on you and that's what I intent to do," Quatre said standing his ground.

"I can take care of myself! I don't need you guys keeping tabs on me!" Fox growled at Quatre, "I only put up with you because you're friends with my brother." As soon as the words escaped her lips she regretted it. She grabs the candy and turned away from him. Sorry Quatre, but you guys are closer to me then you think and I can't have that... no one else is going to die because they protected me.

Quatre watched her as she walks away. I'm not giving up that easily. She's just trying to seem heartless and she's doing a good job of it right now. Quatre took in a deep breath before following her again. I know I'm going to regret this. Fox turned around obviously not happy.

"That's it I can't take it anymore! I'm giving you one more chance to quit following!"

"Only when you quit action hardheaded and heartless," Fox scowled at Quatre.

"For one, you don't know what I've been through and another thing-"

"But that doesn't mean you have to treat people like dirt, Fox."

"From what I've seen, your friend is right, Foxy," said the store clerk.

"And who asked you," Fox said upset to be interrupted.

"Well, what would your father say if he saw the way you were treating this young man," the clerk said stopping Fox at the center of the store.

How does he know about my father? She turned suddenly when she hears the cock of a gun. She pushed Quatre out of the way as the clerk's bullet blast off her hat just missing her head. Her unbraided hair falls to her back and sides as she hides behind a shelf. She slowly looked up.

"You've gotten faster. You probably don't remember me since you were only one," he said moving closer to the shelf where Fox was hiding when he remembered Quatre. "Come on out Fox or you won't have another agreement with your little friend her!" She moved in plain sight and stood up a few feet away from the shelf.

"Sophia, don't do this, just go," Quatre says now back on his feet. With his gun still pointed a Quatre the clerk walks up to Fox.

"Just... let Quatre go... and I'll go quietly." A gun shot rang in the air surprising everyone. The bullet entered and exited her arm and then entered the store clerk's stomach. She clutched her arm in pain as the clerk drops his gun a few feet from Sophia. Quatre ran to Fox's side when she tried to reach for the gun seeing the man at the store entrance with the gun aimed for her.

"I got you where I want you," he pointed the gun at her when she got the gun and fired. She turned too late to move or fire the gun, but Quatre moved in front of her taking the bullet for her. He fell on top of her, and because she didn't have her left arm she went down with him. She felt Quatre's warm blood spread on her clothes which enrages her. If I can only get my right arm in position...

"Sorry, Ox, but I'm getting credit for the elimination of Fox. The rat made it first as all ways," he walked to Sophia and Quatre.

"More like sewer rat!" Sophia said as she shoots him after managing to move her right hand from under Quatre. He fell down dead after being shot twice. Somehow, she managed to slide halfway from under Quatre. Oh no, Quatre... this is... all... my fault. Her eyes began to water. This is what my vision meant. I knew I should have stayed home today, but if I didn't...

"Ah!" Quatre moans breathing fast. She took off her jacket and Quatre's shirt ignoring the pain of her left arm.

"Oh my God, Quatre! What happened? Never mind, get him on the table," Niko said as Sophia moves to the table then gently lies him on the table. He let out a holler of pain. "That bullet hole looks really close to a lung."

"I hear you've been working on an invention. Have you tested it yet?"

"...you mean use it of Quatre. It might be risky. Last time it melted the mouse I used."

"Haven't you tested it since the last time I mortified it..."

"How long is the process?" Niko looks at her for a moment, "A few seconds."

"Test it on me first," she said showing Niko her left arm.

"Fine, but it's for your while body not just for a limb or two."

"Even better," Sophia said as Niko takes out her invention which looked like a giant waffle iron. Niko notices she showed a glimpse of uneasiness.

"If you're scared we can always do Quatre first."

"I'm not scared." She said quickly jumping in. Now I know how meat feels in a sandwich.

"Ready?"

"My head is the only thing I can move because it's the only thing left outside this thing. "What do you think?" Suddenly she felt extreme heat for what seemed like an hour before Niko finally reopened her contraption. Sophia stepped out. The cold air froze her, but she ignore it. She moved her left arm around.

"You look good," she said looking at some paper, "From what the chart says, Sophia. You had a few semi cracked ribs bedsides the bullet holes."

"Oh, that must have been when I fell from the trapeze." Niko looked at Sophia a little weird.

"I'm... not even going to ask. Let's just hope there aren't any side effects." She looked up suddenly from checking out her arm worried as Niko walks over to the table where Quatre lies. "Side effects; what side effects?" Sophia asked.

"Remember Quatre, Sophia," Niko said snapping Sophia back to her serious self, he's lost a lot of blood, so we need to hurry." They carry him over to the machine and put him inside. "Quatre, this is going to feel really hot."

And why couldn't she have told me that. When Niko starts it Quatre lets out a horrible scream that made Sophia's blood run cold. This is... all... my fault. She closed her eyes she turns away to stop herself from crying.

Where am I? Quatre opened his eyes and squint because of the bright light. He shielded his eyes and then he noticed his different clothing. "Huh," he sat up and jumped to his feet when a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him causing him to stumble, but when he tried to catch himself on the table his hand slips. Two hands catch him before he hit the floor. Her familiar glowing bright deep blue eyes, "Sophia, what happened?"

It seems Niko's little invention worked...

"Your arm, Sophia; are you ok?"

How can he still be thinking about me after all of that? She lowered her head a little ashamed losing eye contact with him. "How do you think I was able to catch you silly? It was just a dream. Now go to sleep." She helped him up and they start climbing the stairs. He noticed something's wrong by how her shaky voice, but instead of asking he places his hand on her back. Though she said it was a dream I know she's lying to me. She blames herself what happened to me... I have to make her see it's not her fault. They reach another door at the top of the stares. "Whose idea was it to put Sandrock's face on these pajamas?" he asked curious as well as getting her to talk.

"Mine... I made it," Sophia said as they enter the kitchen, "Um, if you're hungry. You can get something since... you know."

"No thank you, Sophia," they exit the kitchen and enter Sophia's master bedroom. She walked him to the king sized bed and she goes to her dresser, "Where are you going to sleep?" he sees that her shoulders are tense as she looks at herself in the mirror.

Flash

Sophia took Quatre's bloody clothes with hers and stuck them in the washing machine with bleach. I hope those blood stains come out or I'm going to have to do some explaining. Niko walked up to Sophia. "How is he?"

"He's out, but ok," she looked at Sophia straight in the eye, "Ok Sophia, what did you do this time!"

Flash

What's wrong with me anyway?

Flash

"Try not action like a spoiled brat and then we'll see," Wufei answered harshly.

Flash

Why does... he have to be so nice?

Flash

"Only when you quit action hardheaded and heartless!" Quatre's face looked at her sternly.

Flash

"Heartless! ...You're heartless, Sophia!" She tried to block out the voices in her head. "Heartless! All you care about is yourself! You're better off dead!" Tears stream down her face, so she closed her eyes and out of frustration knocks down everything off her dresser with one swoop on the hand. She fell to her knees. A hand on her only makes her shake.

"I told you to go to bed," she said shrugging him off.

"I'm not leaving you."

"I don't wan you to see me like this. I look pitiful!" She headed for the bathroom, but before she could close the door he pushes the door open and gets inside.

"Sophia," she tries to reopen the door, but Quatre pushes it close, "Sophia, listen to me. How long are you going to keep running from the truth? Understand, not everything is your fault. You can't blame yourself for the actions of others." He then wiped the tears from her face, "I hate to see you like this."

"I don't need or deserve your kindness, Quatre. I know you're only being nice to me because of Wufei, She said aggressively, but her voice was shaky as she said it. "What did he tell you anyway? That I'm wallowing in self pity! That I blame myself for everything bad that has happened to everyone I care about because I came too late since I was saving someone else." Tears stream down her face.

"Sophia, understand you can't blame yourself." She again shrugged off his arm as he tried to comfort her. This time he didn't stop her as she exited the bathroom. "What about Wufei? He didn't tell me anything."

"Why do you put up with me, Quatre? I've been nothing, but horrible to you since you came here," she said changing the subject.

"Well you have to when you love someone... am I right." She looked at him. She then moves her eyes to the floor.

"I guess that explains why I haven't socked you one yet." She sat down on the bed next to him.

Flash

Quatre puts down his clip board and heads off. He enters a nearby elevator and sighs. It's just so quiet her without her making such a commotion. I'm so use to her breaking something or her getting in trouble with Rashid. I ...didn't think I'd miss her this much.

Flash

Quatre slid into the hot spring to relax. I don't understand why she had to get so angry. I was just trying to help... she started to have bad dreams, but she refuses to talk to someone. He sighed. He looked up at the crescent moon for a moment before he looked at the water and noticed bubbles coming up from the hot spring. That's strange. Suddenly a figure with glowing bright blue eyes emerged from the water.

"Quatre!" he gasped and quickly jerked back in surprise and fright. Before he could move again the figure lunged at him pinning him to the smooth rocks at the edge of the hot spring. He's dead if he tries anything. Quatre breaths heavily with fright as the figure covered his mouth before he could utter another sound. "What are you doing here?"

Wait, that voice sounds familiar. "I'm going to take my hand away, but if you say anything to attract anyone's attention I'll kill you myself hindering the Osprey's chance to do it themselves."

"Sophia?" he said with surprise and relief as she removed her hand, "Your eye are-"

"I'm nocturnal, that's why I can't get up easily in the mornings.... and why are you here anyway?"

"I'm sorry; I'll just go," he started to get out when she pulled him back deeper in the hot spring. "Sophia-"

"Don't you Sophia me, Quatre!" he looked at her confused. "You know for a fact if you leave now they'll suspect something and you'll blab everything. I'll get caught and have to start this bet all over again." She stopped and looked annoyed at him, "And I'd have to look at your stupid puppy dog eyes for another week."

Puppy dog eyes? He looked at her confused.

"Yes, puppy dog eyes; I don't like dogs," she said as though reading his mind. "Big cats are my thing anyway. You're staying only 30 minutes; you hear me."

"I can wait," he looked into her eyes in wonder, "They look almost navy blue."

"Huh?"

"Your eyes."

"If you don't like then you can always turn away, Quatre," she said her eyes pretty much the only thing you can see on her face.

"No, I don't think they're bad at all. I..." his voice became kind and warm, "think they look very beautiful and mysterious. I've never seen eyes like that before on a person before."

"Really?" She looked down her voice soft and shy, "Thank you Quatre... no one's ever... said that to me before besides my father." She looked into Quatre's blue green eyes. He looks better when he's not sad. Maybe I should be more nice... She moved a littler closer to him and gave him one of her famous smirks, "I really scared you, huh."

"Yes, I'd have to say you really did," he said now able to make out the details of her face.

"I guess I owe you an apology for being, so rude to you... since you came here. I was just mad that you tricked me a second time, that's all."

"No I owe you an apology for taking Wing Zero. You were right I wasn't ready to pilot a suit that powerful. I should have listened to you."

"Well, you weren't thinking straight because the murder of your father," she said sadly, "... I can relate to your pain." They look into each other's eyes the two only a foot away. Quatre takes his hand and moves a piece of wet curly hair from her face. His hand grazes her face sending a shock through her system again, but this time she felt the warmth of hi hand like the welcoming heat of a campfire. They look at each other as tough hypnotized by each other's gaze and move closer. He places his warm hand on the side of her face which was greeted by her own. She closes her eyes as though enjoying a fragrance. She slowly opens her eyes in time to see his face draw closer. His hand is so warm like his eyes. Her heart begins to race. He's going to kiss me...

zoom

Quatre running trying to get closer, but the more he runs to her the farther he is. BANG! He falls to the ground after being shot in the chest.

zoom

Quatre! – stop! What am I doing? Her eyes grew larger before pulling away her heart raced faster, but this time with fear. She breathed heavily.

"Sophia, what's wrong? You look... so pale," he said with concern. Maybe I scared her. Wufei said she afraid to get too close...

She just shook her head in reply looking down and hugs herself. What was I thinking! I can't fall in love especially not with Quatre.

I should go. He moved toward the edge of the hot spring after passing by Sophia a bit disappointed he didn't get to kiss her. "Goon night, Sophia," she looked up as he says good night. As if on impulse she goes after Quatre and touches his shoulder stopping him.

"Quatre wait." He turned to face her.

"Yes, Sophia," he noticed her shaky hand. Why is she... Sophia tried to say something, but the sound seemed to be stuck in her throat making her upset. "Sophia, what's wrong?" Suddenly she started to shake violently. He moved closer and holds her close to him.

What's the matter with me? I shouldn't even be in his arms. She tried to pull free for the few seconds, but when she realized he wasn't going to force her to stay in his arms she went back welcoming his warm embrace. But I feel so safe here.

She seems so unsure about people. Sophia's shaking stopped as quickly as it began.

"I don't want to be alone," she said which surprised him because her voice sounded so small and not the serious, slightly shy voice she usually had since he had arrived there. "Too many people protect me and pay with their lives. Wufei, Shimi, and the scientists are the only family I have left. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to them. I feel so... useless, Quatre; I'm always the one being rescued."

Now I understand... wait! "Please forgive me, Sophia. I never thanked you for saving my life so many times before." She looked into his eyes. "It was you who saved me at the inn, from Hiyami and cared for not just me, but everyone who nearly died from Cobra's deadly virus. Was it not you who knew what to do, Sophia?" Her face relaxed as she looked at him then she rests her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him listening to his heart beat. I know how she feels, but what have I done besides correct my own mistakes? They both look up at the crescent moon lit night.

Flash

Sophia sighs before noticing the guys eating lunch. They notice her as she walks up to them. Abdul instantly stands seeing her his face not approving of her being there.

"And what do you want?" he asks annoyed, "Haven't you done enough harm to Master Quatre?" Afmahd and Auda both stand in agreement with him.

"..." she takes a step back bumping into Rashid behind her.

"Good Morning, Sophia; are you staying for lunch?"

"...No thank you... I'm not hungry," she says softly. He watches her as she hurries to the street corner. I guess I deserve that for being so crewel to Quatre... I better make sure not a single trace of me is left.