A/N: Sadly, I do not own G-Gundam nor any of the characters mentioned. Though I would LOVE to have a Domon plushie to cuddle at night…and will continue posting this same disclaimer until I get one:D

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Once Was Not Enough

Chapter 2: The Reason
By: ABeautifulDisgrace a.k.a. Jamie

Domon eyed his comrades in the Gundam battles with eyes full of amusement. None of them had truly changed. Even the clothes they wore were of the same styles and he had to admit that the same went for him. And what was different with him was that he had finally told Rain his true feelings. The others had been brave enough to deal with their emotions at the ready, but not Domon Kasshuu. He had to take the difficult route, due to his wicked pride, but he knew deep down that he was grateful that he had finally listened.

All the girls had stayed home and the five of them found themselves sitting in awkward silences now and then. But Chibodee, being the spontaneous character that he was, always found subject matter in which to talk about. This time, he smacked Domon on the back, causing the raven-haired pilot to sputter and nearly choke on the beer he was trying to intake and Chibodee automatically flinched when Domon turned his way. Instead of his usual reaction (hitting Chibodee back), Domon forced himself to breathe slowly and his mahogany eyes looked upon his peers with a gentleness they had never seen there before.

I'm not a perfect person

There's many things I wish I didn't do

But I continue learning

I never meant to do those things to you

And so, I have to say before I go

That I just wanted you to know

I've found a reason for me

To change who I used to be

A reason to start over new

And the reason is you

"You're sure quiet, Neo-Japan," Chibodee drawled, his trademark grin lighting up his face.

"I'm just thinking," Domon replied coolly, taking another gulp of the amber liquid that was in the frosted mug his hand clung to. His mind was on a certain cinnamon-haired girl that had the most alluring blue eyes he had ever seen. He and Rain were what people labeled as "together" and despite that both of them knew this, their relationship hadn't visibly changed much. They both had let their feelings loose and knew they were growing within them, but Domon was too shy and too scared to actually take advantage of the situation. Despite that he loved her more than anyone or anything in his entire life, he found himself holding back. Holding himself back led to him holding their entire relationship back. He could see the disappointment in the depths of her eyes and it pained him that he was yet again disappointing her. But she stayed with him despite it all and that brought a lazy, dreamy smile to Domon's lips as he settled his chin in the cup of his palm.

I'm sorry that I hurt you

It's something I must live with everyday

And all the pain I put you through

I wish that I could take it all away

And be the one who catches all your tears

That's why I need you to hear

I've found a reason for me

To change who I used to be

A reason to start over new

And the reason is you

Abrupt laughter erupted around him, stirring him from the dreamland that he was spiraling into and he blushed crimson.

"You're such a character, bro," Sai Saichi teased, shifting in his seat.

"It seems to me that he's been enjoying his time with Miss Mikamura," Argo stated matter-of-factly, crossing thick arms over his broad chest.

Domon stared agape at the large man, the blush on his chiseled cheeks deepening. How can I argue? It's not like they're wrong, but damn them for calling me on it!

"Uh, I wouldn't call it free time. She's been working like a mad woman on completing the repairs on Burning Gundam. I don't know why, she's not exactly at one-hundred percent herself and it's not like I'll be fighting anytime soon." Domon's voice had lowered, taking on a note of sadness.

George frowned and shook his head in disapproval, "Mademoiselle Rain needs her rest, Domon, you shouldn't push her so hard. Remember last time, when she nearly dove backward off Shining Gundam's hatch-"

"I very well remember last time!" Domon roared, slamming fingerless gloved fists upon the table. His heart ached at the memory. She had been ill and he had been aware of it, yet he pushed her to her breaking point and she had nearly broken physically. But not spiritually, his mind corrected, I don't think anything or anyone could ever break her spirit…He had abused her then and he realized that he was still harming her with his hesitation on fulfilling his promise to really love her. "This time, she insisted."

The men nodded, for they all knew Rain well, but they still remained uneasy. For an emotionless Domon was far easier to deal with than a Domon riddled with dizzying emotions.

There was a sliver of bright light that shown into the five pilot's eyes and then a shapely figure stood in the way of it, casting an outline upon their table. Domon was the first to look up and he again choked on his drink, which largely entertained the newly arrived.

"Geez, Domon, still easy to surprise, eh?"

"Hey there, Allenby," he replied dryly, looking her over. She appeared to be as good as ever. Healthy. Happy. Free. George offered her his seat and disappeared for a moment to only reappear with a new one for himself.

They all smiled at her in welcome. She smiled back, blue hair tousled in its normal layered style, falling into her eyes.

"I see you are having a guy's night out," she stated brightly, batting her lashes innocently at Domon, lips parted ever-so-slightly.

"Yeah, just catching up on some things," Chibodee replied, clapping Domon on the back for emphasis.

A darkness clouded Allenby's eyes for a moment before clearing as she cheerfully asked, "How's Rain doing?"

"More beautiful than ever," Sai Saichi chimed in with purpose.

Domon nodded vigorously, a toothy grin uncharacteristically dominating his face. "Yeah, we've been living and traveling together for three months now."

"Oh," the blue-haired woman pouted, shifting in her seat some.

So she really wasn't over him…and still isn't, George thought inwardly, crossing graceful arms over his knee, his orange bangs falling over one of his eyes.

This should be interesting, Argo, Chibodee, Sai Saichi, and George thought simultaneously.

---

Allenby's heart sagged in her chest. Three whole months and he was still bedazzled by the notorious Rain Mikamura. She frowned, causing the others to stare at her dubiously. She didn't care if they all knew that she hadn't gotten over him yet. Retracting her fingernails from her palms, she let her shoulders relax and she nodded her head. Inside, she felt like her heart was in a cauldron of boiling water. She was heartbroken all over again, but knew that this time, she would not give up so easily. She had only given up last time because it wasn't in her to let Rain die. She just didn't want her to have Domon.

Stubborn and determined as always, Allenby slid Domon a seductive gaze and moved into his lap, instantly trailing her fingertips into his hairline.

---

Domon flinched as Allenby looked at him as if she were to eat him for dinner and couldn't hide his look of alarm and disgust as she slid into his lap. He shuddered as he felt her cool fingertips tickle the sides of his face and he instantly put his hands on her shoulders, holding her back.

"Allenby-"

"Domon," she replied sweetly, eyes large and pleading.

He knew what she wanted and he would never give it to her, for it had belonged to Rain since before he knew what a Gundam was. Domon had given Rain his heart when they were mere children.

"I thought you had come to the conclusion that Domon is in love with Rain and will never be in love with yo-"

An elbow in Sai Saichi's side sent him coughing, leaving the unfinished taunt hanging in the air between the six of them.

Allenby sniffed, nose turned heavenward, "A girl can always hope that things changed in her absence!"

"Things have changed, but I wouldn't count on that ever changing," George pronounced defiantly, nodding his head to Domon.

Despite that she was in his lap, Allenby noticed that he had slipped into some dream world. Such a world plastered a stupid grin on his face and her blood literally boiled, for she knew who he was thinking about. In time, that will change…

A mischievous look on the female pilot's face put the guys on edge, for it was the second time in the few minutes that she had arrived that she had shown it to them. Allenby always smiled, but when she took on that catlike expression, they knew something was brewing within her clever mind. Domon adverted his gaze, pushing more forcibly against her shoulders, trying with determination to get her off his lap. In a few more minutes, he wouldn't care if he had to hurt her to pry her off. But for right now, he was trying to be nice.

His beer and the time he wanted to spend with his friends forgotten, Domon finally sunk his fingertips somewhat painfully into Allenby's skin and he pushed her off onto her chair, quickly standing before she could redeposit herself upon his knees.

"Uhm, guys, I think I'm going to have to part with you prematurely. I really need to head back to the room and check on Rain," Domon said, so much finality in his voice that even Allenby didn't audibly retort. He had used the tone of voice he usually used with his opponents. That stern, flat tone that warned everyone not to argue.

But even as Domon disappeared into the darkness outside, a plan was forming. Allenby, without a word, hopped up, leaving the remaining four pilots dumbfounded and rather irritated.

I'm not a perfect person

I never meant to do those things to you

And so I have to say before I go

That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me

To change who I used to be

A reason to start over new

And the reason is you

"Let the losing battle for that stubborn girl begin," Argo whispered dangerously, fingers curling into threatening fists.

He stood up and started for the door, Chibodee, Sai Saichi and George following suit. They would watch her with hawk's eyes. Domon was their comrade, but Rain was a friend. She was innocent, brilliant, and dear to each and every one of them. It was up to Domon to get the point across, but the four other members of the Shuffle Alliance would not allow Allenby nor Domon to hurt Rain Mikamura.

---

Domon didn't care if he had hurt Allenby's feelings. In Rain, he had found a reason not only to live, but to strive for peace and to better himself. Home was within those arms of hers and he knew that life just wasn't worth fighting for without his Rain. Shoving a hand in his pocket, his fingertips met something cool, something metal. A ring. A ring that will soon be permanently dwelling on Rain's left hand. Domon smiled genuinely, warmly, and felt lighthearted for the first time since the days of their childhood. For a long time, he had felt something heavy burdening his heart, now he realized it was his hesitation on living with Rain in his life. Now, he found himself eager.

I've found a reason to show

A side of me you didn't know

A reason for all that I do

And the reason is you

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Lyrics from "The Reason" by Hoobastank

A/N: Taa-daa! Sorry it's so late, have had MANY tests, but voila! I think this is going to be a shortie too. I have a new fetish for short, almost one-shot (more so one-situation) fics! Thanks to all who have R&R, I appreciate it more than this blasted site will NOT let me tell you! lol Just know that I don't take you guys for granted and you rock my socks! I hope you guys like it, please R&R:)