Never Impossible
Chapter 8: Unexpected past
The Next Day, Sunday Afternoon
Umi didn't reply. She looked upset. Isabelle looked at Umi and sighed. " I am very shocked about Chase. I loved him and to think that it was all a set-up." Isabelle told Umi. Umi didn't answer. She looked depressed. " Is it about my brother?" Isabelle asked. Umi shook her head and smiled. " Nothing, I just hope that you figure it out soon. And stop thinking about Chase. He's not worth it." Umi told her and smiled. She stood up and left. The door closed after her. Isabelle felt that the smile was a very forced one.
Umi opened the door to Heero's ward. He hadn't woken up yet. Umi closed the door and sat down on the chair. It had already been one day… He's still no awake yet. Umi really didn't know what to do. There was a knock on the door. Umi turned to see the door open. The Preventers came in. And a young girl that was holding onto Quatre's hand. They all became silent when they saw Umi. Lady Une closed the door.
" Has he woken up yet?" Lady Une asked. Umi shook her head. " Poor kid, he always helped people. This is his worse injury so far." Duo told them. " Well, at least he's still living. If I go in there, I will be dead!" Zechs told them. They all looked at Heero silently. " How's Isabelle?" Trowa asked. " She's fine. But is still shocked." Umi told them. " Poor girl, she loved Chase so much and he betrayed her." Noin told them.
Sally, Lady Une, Noin and Zechs left first. The rest stayed. " Who's this?" Umi asked Quatre. The girl hid behind Quatre. " Quatre, introduce your friend there to us." Wufei told him. Quatre smiled and pulled the girl infront of him. She had the same eyes as him. " She's your daughter?" Umi asked suddenly, Quatre's jaw dropped. " No, she's my younger sister. Stephanie Destinee Winner. She's ten this year." Quatre told them. The girl smiled shyly.
" I am Duo Maxwell, This is Chang Wufei, that is Trowa Barton." Duo told Stephanie and pointed to Wufei and Trowa. They said hi. " Who's this?" Stephanie asked Quatre. Umi smiled. " I am Umi Ryuuzaki." She told her. Stephanie's eyes widened. " You are Umi? Wow, I heard a lot about you. You are the best doctor ever and you are so caring and kind. I love the clothes you model. You look so gorgeous in anything." Stephanie exclaimed.
" I didn't know I had fans. Thanks you. Bu I am sure this guy is more amazing than me." Umi told Stephanie. Everyone became silent. " He's Heero Yuy." Umi told her softly. Stephanie went over to where Umi was. " He looks badly injured." Stephanie said it out loud. She covered her mouth, after realizing it. " It's okay, we all know that." Umi told Stephanie.
1 week and 1 day later, Sunday Afternoon,
Umi changed the flowers in Heero's ward. He hadn't woken up yet. Umi had always stayed at his ward from morning till midnight before going home. Umi hadn't eaten much for 1 week now. Isabelle had been discharged. The trip was pulled back again. Quatre found out that His father wanted Him to look after Stephanie for 2 more months. Stephanie was happy staying with Quatre. She often goes to his office with him. Umi hadn't gone back to the office since the accident. Umi looked at the vase of flowers. There was a knock on the door. Umi looked at the door.
Isabelle came in and smiled. She closed the door lightly. " Umi, do you want to go out and eat. You haven't really ate much these days." Isabelle told Umi, Umi shook her head. " I know you want Heero to wake up, we all do. And please, look after yourself as well." Isabelle coaxed Umi. Umi shook her head, she didn't feel like eating. Star was lying on the floor, napping. Isabelle went to play with Star. Umi only watched. " How are you getting along?" Umi asked Isabelle.
" Fine, my parents… they made the Chandler family bankrupt, for what Chase did. Nicole was lucky her husband had money. I tried to stop my parents, but they won't forgive Chase, even if he was dead." Isabelle told Umi. Star stood up and went over to Umi. She barked, Umi pet her lightly on her head. Isabelle smiled.
" Will you ever love again, Isabelle?" Umi asked her. Isabelle sighed. " I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. I hadn't thought about it much." Isabelle told Umi. Umi stared at her, she doesn't seem to believe her. " Okay, I admit, this had been a lesson for me. A painful one. I know that relationships do have the good and the bad. But I am afraid of being hurt again." Isabelle told Umi, she ran her hand down Star's coat.
" You are lucky, at least you have been though the good. I always had the bad." Umi told her softly. Isabelle looked at Umi, who was looking at Heero. " Why will you say that?" Isabelle asks her. Umi sighed. " I don't know. I love him but he doesn't love me back. It's painful." She told Isabelle softly. " Then why do you still continue to stay by his side?" She asked Umi in return.
" To hope that one day he will love you back?" Isabelle asked Umi, Umi smiled. " And also, see how happy he is. And if he is, I will be happy too. Even if he only treats me as a friend." Umi told Isabelle. Isabelle looked at Heero. " What if it's an empty wait? Will you give up?" Isabelle asked. " Even if it's an empty wait, I will still wait." Umi told Isabelle softly. Isabelle knew that Umi had suffered a worse relationship, and was still suffering until now.
Isabelle left. Umi sat on the chair, beside Heero's bed, on his right side. Umi looked at Star who was snoozing comfortably on the floor. Umi turned her attention back to Heero. She reached to touch his right and good hand but she pulled back. She remembered that 2 night before, she had been crying. Her tears had dropped onto his hand. Umi sighed and looked at Heero. When will he ever wake up? She hadn't been sleeping well too. She felt tired, her eyelid felt heavy and they wanted to come down. Her eyes slowly closed, Umi rested her head on the bed.
Heero's right hand moved once, Umi's hand was near his hand. He held it and squeezed it once. Umi felt something moving. She opened her eyes to see her hand joined with Heero's. She looked at Heero, his eyes were slowly opening. He stared up at the ceiling. She jumped up suddenly, knocking the chair backwards, waking Star, who barked. " Heero, you finally woke up." Umi told him, she was crying. Heero felt pain shocking all his nerves. His arm, he couldn't move it. " I will get the doctor." Umi told him softly, she then looked down at their joined hand. Heero let go of her that instant. She felt warm when he held her hand. He wondered why he had even grabbed it.
The doctor gave him a check. He hadn't lost any memory, but suffered from an arm injury and head injury and some cuts on his back. Umi was phoning everyone. " Lady Une, Heero woke up. No I am not lying. He woke up!" She exclaimed excitedly. Heero shook his head, Star watched him. Umi hung up and went over to his side.
" How long have I been asleep?" He asked. She sighed and signed 9 with her fingers. " The rest are coming. The trip was pulled back for a few more weeks, because of you." She informed him. " How Isabelle?" He asked, Umi smiled slowly. " She's fine, your parents aren't very happy with Chase. They made the Chandler bankrupt. Isabelle felt that she shouldn't love again in order not to get hurt." Umi told him.
" How many people died in the explosion?" He asked, Umi looked a bit upset. " 159 people died. Many people lost their houses." Umi whispered. Damn it if only he could had shot the remote out of Chase's hand first. Heero looked depressed. " Well, don't blame yourself. It's not your fault." She told him softly. " Thank you Umi." He told her softly. Umi looked a bit surprised. " For helping me." He told her, Umi forced a very weak smile. There was a knock, the Preventers came in, with Stephanie.
They talked to Heero. Umi left with Stephanie. " Dude, you slept for so long! Your office is piling up." Duo told Heero. " You okay?" Trowa asked. Heero nodded. " My arm hurts like before." Heero told them. " Well, thanks to you, the trip is delayed!" Duo exclaimed. " Rest well, the trip will only be here after you have fully recovered." Wufei told Heero. Heero nodded. Quatre stepped into view. " Did you thank Umi?" he asked. Heero blinked. " For what?" Heero asked. All of his friends exchanged looks. " Well, she was the one who stood by your side all the time when you are unconscious. She didn't sleep nor eat much, she's getting weaker everyday. We tried to coax her into eating, but it didn't work. She was always waiting for you to wake up." Quatre told Heero.
What Quatre said made Heero start thinking. Quatre introduce Stephanie to him. They all joked that Stephanie may be Quatre's daughter. Quatre blushed and told them to broke the topic. Looks like everything is as normal. They told him that he was reported in the newspaper for 5 days. About the accident and how many time Lady Une told them no when they asked her for interview. They left after that. Umi came back in with Star. She was holding a laptop. She set it up and turned it on.
" I checked with Lady Une. They told me about your work piling up." Umi told him and typed something. " She wanted me to ask you if you want me to take them or give them to someone else." She told him. Heero shrugged. " Give them to someone else. I believe you are not ready to take on your own missions yet." Heero told Umi. Umi typed an e-mail to Lady Une. " Oh, your parents called." She told him, Heero sighed. " Connect them through." He told her, a screen appeared, it switched on, and it showed Isabelle, Rachel and Carlton. " Er, Umi, can you leave us alone for a while?" Rachel asked. Umi excused herself and left the room.
They talked about Chase. Isabelle talked privately with Heero. " Er, Heero when you are discharged, treat Umi better." Isabelle told Heero. Heero raised an eyebrow at her. " Well, she has been looking after you and waiting for you to wake up. She didn't even ate anything, she didn't even sleep. She's getting weaker. And she kept forcing herself to turn up. No one asked her to wait here everyday, from morning to midnight." Isabelle told Heero. Heero thought for a while. " Anyway, get well soon." Isabelle told Heero and the screen kept itself. Umi came in later.
" Umi, why don't you go home?" Heero asked her, Umi looked at him. " Why?" She asked, " I am fine. I heard from the rest about how you didn't eat anything and didn't sleep." Heero told Umi. Umi looked at Heero and closed her laptop. " Thanks, Umi. For being there." He told her. Umi smiled slowly. " I will be back tomorrow." She told him and left. Weird, how come she listened to him and doesn't listen to anyone else.
1 week later, Sunday Morning,
Heero was discharged, he used the same silver arm protection for his left arm. The wound on his head had already healed. His arm was slowly healing. He still went on missions. Umi felt helpless, as she wasn't allowed to go on any mission with Heero.
Heero removed his protection and tried to move his left arm. It hurts. Umi opened the door and closed it behind her. Heero's bandage started to become red, it was bleeding. Heero's face didn't show any expression. Umi took the first-aid kit and pulled a chair. She sat down next to him.
" Let me change it for you." She told him, Heero sighed and let her. She locked the door. " You have to remove your shirt." She whispered, he stared at her. " Excuse me?" He asked. " Well, it's a full injured arm." She whispered. Heero sighed and turned his chair. So his back was facing Umi. He stood up and unbuttoned his shirt. Umi tried not to get distracted.
He took off his shirt and placed in on his chair, he sat down on it and turned to face Umi. Umi tried not to notice his muscular body. Umi opened the kit and took out equipment. She unbandaged his bandages and threw them away. " Hold this." She told him. He pressed the cotton wool to his wound, to soak up the blood. Umi got clean cotton wools, she tape them to his arm and bandaged his arm. " Should the protection go under the shirt?" She asked. Heero shook his head. Umi stood up and took his shirt. He watched as she helped him get into it without injuring his left arm. She helped him to button it. She closed the first-aid-kit. Heero watched her clean up and place the kit back on the shelf. Heero already knew that he was attracted by her looks. Umi helped him put on his arm protection.
" Why did you come in?" Heero asked her. Umi shrugged. " To check on you." She told him and stood up and walks to the door. " Don't force it, Heero. That arm was injured before." She whispered and left the room. Heero wondered what she was thinking.
2 days later, Monday Midnight,
Heero's arm had fully recovered, after he used his own invented medicine. So, all of them left for the trip. Now, they were on a plane, flying to some unknown area. Lady Une refused to tell them. Lady Une brought Mariemaia along, Quatre brought along Stephanie. Umi brought Star. The five guys were talking. Stephanie had fallen asleep. Umi was trying to read a book. The rest had fallen asleep. They will reach there by tomorrow afternoon.
Heero stood up and walked down to plane, with Quatre. Quatre went to tuck Stephanie in. Umi was sleeping, Star was sleeping under her seat. It was a high-class plane, so, everyone has a seat and a bed. Umi was sleeping upright. Heero stopped and watch her. He smiled to himself, she looked sweet. He moved over and carried her. Star woke up and watches Heero. Heero carried Umi over to her bed. He places her down gently. He covered her with the blanket. Star came over and lied down next to Umi's bed. Heero watch Umi and then pet Star before going back.
The guys didn't notice anything. Quatre came back, looking a bit tired. So they all turned in.
Tuesday Morning, 7.00 pm
Umi woke up, surprised to discover that she wasn't in her seat. Star was still sleeping. Umi stretched and look around the dark plane. No one seems to be awake. Umi stood up and took her facial wash and toothbrush and toothpaste. She walked over to the toliet softly. The toliet was huge. There were 3 toilets in the plane. There was even a bathtub. Umi washed her face and brushed her teeth. She used the toliet before coming out. She wondered if she needed to change out of her clothes. She kept she stuff and went to the kitchen. There was a kitchen in the plane. She switched on the light to see Heero there.
" You are early." She whispered and checked the fridge. " I didn't sleep at all." Heero told her. Umi can't find anything in the fridge to use as breakfast. " What did you eat?" She asked him, he shrugged. " There's nothing except drinks." Heero told her. " What are you doing here then?" She asked, Heero pointed to the television, which was on the news channel.
Umi made herself a drink and sat next to Heero. " Did I invite you?" He asked. " No, I invited myself." She replied and drank her drink. Heero rolled her eyes. Umi seriously felt hungry. " Don't they have cooks here?" Umi asked. " They do, but breakfast will only be served at 9.00 am." He told her. Umi looked at the clock. Damn, it was 2 hours away. And she was starving. Trowa came into the kitchen, his hair looked messy.
" Oh, hi Heero. You got something for Duo?" Trowa asked, and yawned. Heero handled a glass of plain water to Trowa. " Where's breakfast?" Trowa asked. " Lady Une is not awake yet." Heero told Trowa. " Oh, by the way, Someone called you last night." Trowa told Heero and yawned again. " I am going back to bed." He announced and went back.
It was a call from his parents. Asking about his injuries. Umi was falling asleep again. No, she can't sleep. She went back to her bed. Star was still sleeping. Umi smiled and lied down. She looked at the ceiling of the plane. She had never gone on a trip before, with her class or anything.
Everyone woke up and got ready. Breakfast was served. They get to order what they want to eat. Umi ordered a sandwich that has ham, cheese and egg. Umi drank hot Milo with it. They all sat at the table and ate their breakfast quietly. The air stewards took their plates. Umi went to wake Star up. Umi pet Star on her head. " Wake up Star." She whispered. Star woke up and yawned. Umi smiled. She took out Star's toothbrush and toothpaste. She asked Star to follow her to the toliet. She walked past the kitchen, everyone looked at her. Since they wanted to stay there and chat.
Umi was brushing Star's teeth when Stephanie came in. " Do you have to do that everyday?" She asked, Umi nodded. She washed Star's mouth. " Is Quatre treating you good?" She asked, Stephanie nodded. " Somehow, he doesn't feel like my brother at all. He feels like my father." Stephanie whispered. Umi smiled and washed the toothbrush. Star sneezed, Umi smiled. " I have to feed her." Umi told Stephanie and left the toliet. She whistled once, Star came running behind her.
Umi took out Star's two bowls and filled one with water and one with dog food. She placed it down. Star ate the food happily. She licked the water to drink it. Umi watch her eat. " Won't it be troublesome to bring her along?" Someone asked, Umi turned to see Mariemaia. Umi smiled, " She's my dog, it's my responsibility no matter what. It depends on how you view it." Umi told her. Mariemaia went over. " Can I?" She asked, Umi nodded. Star looked at Mariemaia. She pets Star's head, Star licked Mariemaia's hand. " She's very gentle." Mariemaia commented, Umi smiled.
They all got back to their seats and put on their seat belts, the plane was landing. " Up." Umi ordered, Star jumped onto the seat. Umi put on the seat belts for Star. The plane landed. They all went out of the plane and waited for their luggage. After they all got their luggage, Lady Une told them to wait for a taxi.
10 taxis arrive. They got in, it drove towards the highway. They all pulled into this resort. Like what Lady Une said, there were 15 buildings, each with five levels. It was near to a beach and there were restaurants around. They weren't alone at the resort. They all go out and waited for instructions.
" Now, I have booked two of those buildings. And we will share the whole building. We will split into two teams and live there. For the time being before we go somewhere else next week. If I call your name, please walk forward." Lady Une told them. She opened a piece of paper with their names on it.
" Heero, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei and Duo." She told them, they stepped out. " Stephanie will go with Quatre, and Umi. Star will be with Umi." Lady Une told them. Umi, Star and Stephanie joined the boys.
" Mariemaia, Sally, Noin, Zechs and me will take the other building. Our bungalow is near to yours. And you all can contact us through phone. Every one of you will have the key to the front door. There are many rooms in the bungalow, starting from 3rd floor onwards. Decide which rooms you will take and pack in. I will give instructions later." Lady Une told them. She gave them their keys. And they all set off. Following a map, they reached their bungalow. " 8H" Duo told them, " The others got 9I" He informed them. Heero opened the door with his key. He went in first, for safety reasons, to check the place out first.
He came back out, he gave an okay sign. They all went in. It had a very spacious living room, a kitchen, and a very big pool outside with a hot tub. The second floor had a gym, a poolroom and a sort of party room. And also a computer room with Internet accesses. Each room had a balcony and a big bathroom. Each room was spacious and had a king-size bed. So they decided. They draw lots, Umi and Heero take the fifth floor. Duo and Wufei the 3rd floor. Quatre, Trowa and Stephanie the fourth floor. The fifth floor also had a star glazing room.
They all went to unpack their bags. Umi set up Star's equipments. Star lied down in her bed and closed her eyes. Umi smiled, she then unpacks her own things and went out. She went down the stairs, to see Stephanie talking to Quatre. " My room is beside yours, so tell me if there's anything wrong." Quatre told Stephanie and pet her on her head. Stephanie smiled. Heero came down the stairs.
" I checked then fridge, there's nothing there. I am going shopping, do you want to come along?" Heero asked Umi. " They gave you their shopping list?" Umi asked, Heero nodded. Umi pondered for a while. " Sure, I need to lock the door first. In case Star come out." Umi told him and walked past him to go up the stairs.
They walked down the park, Umi looked at the beach. The sea was so blue. It was so windy. Her hair kept flying. Heero was walking beside her. Umi wondered why he asked her to come along. " Do you have something to tell me?" Umi asked him, he looked at her. " No, I don't, Why ask?" He asked her in return. Umi looked down. " Well, you asked me to come along, I thought you wanted to talk or something." She whispered. Heero became silent. They crossed the road. Umi tried to catch a taxi. But, they all sped by. " How are we going to catch a cab if you keep standing there?" Umi asked him. Heero sighed. " Who said we are catching one?" He asked her, Umi blinked. " Aren't we?" She asked, He pressed a button on a remote, his car came into view. And it stopped right infront of Heero. He opened the door. " You coming?" He asked, Umi sighed and went over.
Heero parked into the empty slot and they got out. He locked his car. It was a very huge supermarket. It sells clothes, stationary and food to daily needed stuff. Heero pushed a trolley. They went around. Umi took the things from the shelves that are in the list. Heero didn't say anything. He barely picked anything to dump inside. Umi finished the list. " There, done. I need to get some things. Do you mind following around?" Umi asked, Heero shrugged.
Umi dumped some facial wash and some shampoo inside the trolley. Heero was looking at a poster. Umi frowned and went over. It was a girl with brown hair. She styled her hair and she was lying on a sofa, reading a book. Umi frowned. " What's so interesting about it?" She asked him. He shrugged and Umi pulled him away.
They made their payment, it kind of totaled up to a huge sum of money. Umi opened her wallet, to see that she didn't have enough to pay for it. She turned to Heero. Heero handled a credit card. They carried the bags over to the car and place them in the boot. Heero then drove back. He parked his car. And they took the many bags and walk all the way back. Umi place the things needed to be in the fridge in there. They then distributed the things out. She went to her room to pack her bought things. Star was sleeping soundly. Umi smiled and tried to be silent, so that she will not wake Star up.
The guys were in their computer room, checking on some data. " I have the information on where we are and a map of places." Quatre told them. Heero looked at the data collected. Umi sighed and shook her head. Boys… Well, she can't swim when they are around. She overheard what Trowa said. " Hey, guys, want to party tonight? There's a very famous pub here. Let's go out at night then. We will dine there." He suggested, they all agreed.
It was already evening, Umi was looking at the ingredients in the fridge that can allow her to cook when Quatre came to find her. " Can you help me look after Stephanie?" Quatre asked, Umi nodded. She then decided to check on her. Stephanie was doing homework. She was a very hardworking fellow. Umi went over.
" Hey, what are you up to?" Umi asked her, Stephanie smiled at her. " Homework. I had tons of holiday homework. Might as well finish them." Stephanie told her. Umi checked through her work. " You did it wrongly. 9 x 9 is not 78, it's 81. You have to redo the whole sum." Umi told her lightly. Stephanie sighed and used correction tape to cover it. She redoes the sum. There was a knock on the door, Heero came in.
" Hi Heero." Stephanie called out, Umi didn't notice that Heero was in the room until Stephanie called him. " You finished it yet?" He asked, Stephanie shook her head. " No, Umi's helping me." Stephanie told Heero. Heero went over, Umi looked at him. " We are going out, you look after Stephanie. We will be back late. You can bring her out to dinner." He told her. Umi nodded. He smiled to Stephanie before leaving. Umi heard the guys leaving.
She went to the window. To see Heero's car pull out of the carpark slot. Umi sighed, " You hungry?" she asked Stephanie. Stephanie nodded. " What do you want to eat then?" She asked. Stephanie pondered for a while. " I want to have western food." She told Umi. Umi smiled and nodded. She didn't have a car. How to drive to town? Of course.
Umi phone Eric. " Eric, can you send my car over?" She asked. Eric told her that it would take days. Then he told her about the new system her car had. It was the auto drive and could find its own owner. Something that's like Heero's system. Umi and Stephanie waited at the roadside. Umi pressed a button on her new remote, Eric sent it yesterday. Her car came driving into view. It was her brand new car. A cheetah shining light blue sports car. Umi smiled. Stephanie gaped. " Cool car." She commented when it stopped right next to them. They got in. Umi made sure that Stephanie put on her seat belt.
They talked on the way, Umi switched on the radio to the English channel. It was a song Stephanie knew. Stephanie started singing. Umi just listened. " You sing well." She told Stephanie after it ended. Stephanie smiled. " Thanks, I never sang before someone." Stephanie told her. " You should open up and try to sing it in the open." Umi suggested to her, she turned to her right, to go into the carpark.
They waited for a while before a car pulled out of its slot. Umi parked her car. They got out and locked the door. Umi looked at the map and they strolled down the street. It was by the river side, at night, the river and the path were brightly lit. The river reflected the buildings at the other end on it's own surface. Umi stopped walking and then she touched the railing. Wind blew past her. Umi closed her eyes. There were many couples, holding hands and strolling along the riverside. " It's so romantic." Umi told Stephanie. She nodded.
They checked out a few of the restaurants before finally setting for a restaurant that sells western food and Italian food. Umi ordered a salad, Stephanie ordered steak. Umi drank fruit juice, Stephanie drank peach tea. They chat over their dinner. Stephanie told Umi about the more special events in her life. Umi smiled and picked up her glass.
" I felt that the most special moment was when I was no a mission with Heero, to find out more information on Isabelle Yuy." Umi told Stephanie, she stared into her glass of juice. Thinking back to that wedding, and how she and Heero danced to the slow music. Stephanie sighed. " You love him don't you?" Stephanie asked, breaking Umi from her trail of thoughts. " I mean Heero. I can tell even though I am young." Stephanie told Umi. Umi smiled, and nodded. " I can't lie and say that actually I don't love him. But, waiting for him to return the love, will take forever…" Umi told Stephanie sadly. She ordered for a piece of cake.
Umi drove Stephanie back and tugged her in, she sighed and watched Stephanie sleep peacefully. She left, wondered what the guys are up to.
Heero sighed and drank the wine in the glass in one gulp. He turned it upside down to prove that he finished it. The other guys cheered and clapped. Heero placed it down. Duo excused himself to go to the dance floor. Trowa was hugging a girl. Quatre and Wufei went to play pool. Heero sighed and unbuttoned his shirt's two top buttons. He played with his shirt's sleeve. A bunch of girls entered the pub, they walked past his table and eyed him. They blew kisses at him. Heero ignored them and ordered 3 more glasses of wine.
Umi came into the pub and nodded to the doorman. She looked around, hoping to see the guys here. She saw Duo on the dancefloor, dancing very closely with many girls. So, they are here. She saw Heero on a table, by himself, he was drinking. She walked over.
He saw a pair of white high heels, with diamonds and straps that stopped infront of him. " May I join you?" That girl asked, Heero looked up. To see Umi, in a sleeveless light blue shirt, that had two spaghetti straps and had a v-cut. She matched it with a white skirt, it had some patterns at the side. She looked beautiful, wearing long earrings. They had diamonds on them. She pushed her hair behind her right ear, she was holding a white handbag. Heero nodded, Umi sat down and ordered her drink. She looked around.
" How's Stephanie?" Heero asked, Umi looked at him. " She's fine, she's asleep. She really liked the city. She told me a lot about her father, I can tell that she's happy being with the Winners." Umi told Heero, Umi was looking at Quatre. " She just wants love from her family, like everyone needs." She told him, Heero was holding the glass of wine in his hand. He looked at her and drank it down in one gulp.
" Why are you doing here then?" Umi asked him and watched him empty another glass. " Don't know, I just felt like drinking." Heero told her and raised his hand to get the attention of the waiter. Umi's order came. " You?" Heero asked, Umi looked at him. She played with her glass of wine. " I came to check on you guys, in case something goes wrong." Umi explained, Heero watched her. She knew that he didn't believe her. " Like what?" Heero asked, Umi looked at Heero, her hair fell down. " Like leaving with a female." Umi whispered, Heero reached over and using a finger, he pushed her hair that fell back behind her right ear. Umi blushed a little, silence filled them. Heero pulled back.
Quatre and Wufei came back. Quatre asked about Stephanie. " She's asleep." Umi told him, Heero drank another glass. Wufei and Quatre left to dance, they seem to have planned to leave Umi and Heero alone. Heero reached for another glass, Umi stopped him. " I believe you have drank enough." Umi explained and pulled it out of his range. " Umi, I am here to drink." He told her. " Even so, too much liquor is bad for health. You will get drunk and have hangover." Umi told him, He sighed. " Fine, have it your way then." Heero told Umi and stood up. He walked towards the gambling table. They were playing black jack. Umi went over. Heero took an empty seat. " You sure you want to play?" Umi asked, Heero didn't answer. There were 3 more people there. The person distributed two cards, one was flipped open. Heero got a king black-spade. He looked at his other card. He opened his on his table.
" Black Jack." Heero told them, he won. The money on the bet was all pushed to him. Heero played 10 more times, he kept reaching 21 Points. He won, he asked for the winnings to be changed into cash. It was a huge sum. He left the table after pocketing it. Umi smiled and followed him.
" It's amazing, the way you keep playing and winning." Umi told Heero, Heero looked at Umi. " It takes a skill to win." He told her. A waiter with a tray was trying to pass them, Umi squeezed herself against Heero to make way for that waiter to pass. Heero walked away after the Waiter passed them. Umi followed him. Heero went over to the guys, they were all back at their table. Heero exchanged hi-fives with Trowa. " Heard that you won ten times in the row, 6 times black jack." Trowa told Heero, Heero shrugged. " Must be lucky today." He told them and looked back at Umi, Umi blinked. " Er, I will leave first. There are buses and cabs to bring you back to the lodge." Heero told them, the guys nodded. Heero walked towards the exit, Umi followed after Heero after excusing herself. Heero opened the door and waited for Umi to catch up with him. He let her pass first. Umi thanked him and they walked along the sidewalk.
" Can I ask you how come you knew that I was coming?" Umi asked, Heero looked at her and inserted his hand into his pants' pockets at the side of his pants. " I knew that you would follow me." He told Umi. Umi smiled and they walked down the sidewalk, Umi stopped and looked at the river. Heero stopped to enjoy the cool night. Wind blew past, making their hair fly, Umi had to press her hair back behind her ear. " You know, it seems to be a very good spot for lovers." Umi whispered, Heero looked at her suddenly. " What are you hinting?" Heero asked, Umi shook her head and closed her eyes, feeling the cool wind hitting her.
They continued to walk back to the carpark. They kept silent as they passed many shops and restaurants with many couples holding hands. Umi sneezed suddenly, she excused herself. Heero watched her and took down his coat. He placed it on her shoulders. She looked surprised. " I am fine." She told him, trying to return him his coat, he took it and placed it back on her. " Thanks." Umi whispered, realizing that she couldn't reject it. " Did you drive here?" Heero asked, Umi shook her head. " I took a cab. I won't want to wake Stephanie up." Umi told him. " I will give you a life back." Heero told her, Umi smiled and followed him.
Heero's sports car pulled into the resort and Heero parked his car. They have to walk some distance back to their bungalow. As they strolled side by side, Umi saw smoke far away. " Looks like someone are having a midnight barbecue." Umi told Heero. Heero shrugged and they walked into the park, the lights were lit and the decorations were clear. It looked very romantic, especially at the fountain. Umi looked at the fountain. Umi then went to catch up with Heero. She took down Heero's jacket and folded it, she held onto it while walking. They reached their bungalow. Heero took out his key and inserted it inside the keyhole. The gates opened quietly. It closed after them. Heero opened the door and waited for Umi to enter before closing it. Umi turned back to look at Heero.
He flipped on the lights. " Thanks." Umi told him and handled him back his coat. Heero took it. It felt weird for a few seconds. Umi didn't know how to say what she had in mind. " Thank you for tonight." She told him, Heero looked at her. Umi looked at the ground. She looked up to see Heero staring at her. She smiled. " Tonight was great, I felt happy tonight." She whispered, Heero sighed. " No problem." He told her. Heero was about to walk away. Umi moved in, she wrapped her arms around his neck, Heero looked surprised. She pressed herself close to him. Umi kissed Heero on his lips. Her lips touched his. A fantastic feeling melted and filled her heart. It felt great, just like before. Umi broke the kiss and she pulled back. She walked to the stairs and turned to look at Heero. Heero looked shocked.
" Good night, Heero." Umi told Heero and went up the stairs. Heero recovered from his shockness and watch Umi disappear from his sight. It didn't feel as hot as before, but, it felt simply too great to put it to words. She looked so gorgeous tonight, Heero looked at his coat, and he smiled and went up the stairs.
Heero came down the stairs, to see Umi entering Stephanie's room. Heero went over and knocked on the door gently. He went in. Umi was checking on Stephanie. She was still sleeping. Umi smiled, Heero touched her hand accidentally. She looked at Heero and blushed a little, but in the dark, Heero didn't notice. " She's not really well." She told him, he raised an eyebrow at her. " She's running a fever." Umi told Heero sadly. Heero went to call Quatre outside. When he returned, Umi was sitting beside Stephanie, on the side of her bed. She was wetting a cloth with cold water. She folded it and placed it ontop of Stephanie's head.
" I phoned them, they are coming back. How come you knew?" Heero asked, Umi looked sad. " I sensed it when I touched her door. She was having a nightmare just now. I can tell that she was running a fever. Umi touched Stephanie's cheek, they were hot. " Is there a hospital around here?" Umi asked, Heero shook his head. " We guys ran a check, it's next town." Heero told her. " I have some fever medicines, I will go and take them. Help me take her temperature." Umi told him and handed her a thermometer. She left the room. Heero switched on the table lights. He switched the thermometer and placed it in her mouth, under her tongue. He waited and watched as the reading kept jumping. It beeped, Heero took it out. The reading was 38.9 It was high. He didn't even notice. Umi came back, she looked very upset when she saw the reading. Heero helped to pull Stephanie to sit up.
Umi forced 2 tablets into her mouth and made her drink the water. Heero then placed Stephanie back down and Umi tugged her back in. She took out an icepad and placed it on her forehead. " If only I had paid more attention to her and not leave." Umi told Heero softly. Heero looked at her. " It's not your fault." Heero whispered. Umi didn't respond. " I will look after he till morning. You turn in soon. Don't let the guys disturb." Umi told him. Heero nodded.
The guys came back, they all became worried after Heero told them Stephanie's temperature. They all waited around the living room. For Umi to come down. She came down occasionally to change the cold water and change icepads. Quatre kept asking Umi to let him see her. Umi agreed finally. Heero could tell that everyone was worried and tired.
Umi stayed up the whole night, attending to Stephanie. The rest of the guys turned in. Heero checked on her every 2 hours. He saw Umi fallen asleep by Stephanie's side. He closed the door lightly. He touched Stephanie's forehead. It was cool. Umi woke up. " Oh, her temperature still didn't drop yet." Umi whispered. Heero pat her. " You are tired." He told her, Umi shook her head. " Stephanie have to get better." Umi told him and stood up. Umi was still blaming herself.
The next day, Wednesday Morning,
Heero came to check on Stephanie. Stephanie's temperature had already went down. Umi was sleeping, she looked very tired. The guys were still sleeping. After everyone woke up, including Stephanie. They had breakfast and suggested going out to play. Umi was still sleeping, Heero chose not to go with them, making an excuse that he had reports to do. They all left, Heero told Quatre to make sure that Stephanie was feeling well. Umi had given extra medicine incase Stephanie fell ill again. Heero went to check on Umi. She was still sleeping in bed, Star was lying down and waiting for Umi to wake up. She looked bored. Heero smiled and close the door after him.
At late evening,
Umi was at the kitchen, trying to figure out what to cook for their dinner. Everyone was playing at the computer room. Stephanie was with Umi. Heero came down the stairs. He was holding onto a black, long sleeve, collared coat. He had a loose tie handing around his neck. He was walking towards the door. " You going out?" Umi asked suddenly from the kitchen. Star barked. Heero popped into the kitchen. " Yar, I won't be back for dinner." He told her, he let Stephanie pass by him. She went up the stairs. Umi was holding a cookbook. " Where are you going?" Umi asked. " My parents had a formal party. I am going alone." He told her. Umi dropped the book on the table and walked over. She helped Heero to do up his tie. " Thanks." Heero told her. " Don't be late and remember to come back. The others are joining us for dinner tonight." Umi told him. He nodded and left. Umi wondered if she should order delivery services.
Everyone came. Umi set up the table with Stephanie. They sat down. " Where's Heero?" Lady Une asked. They started eating. Everyone praised Umi for her great cooking. The food was delicious. " He's attending his parents' party." Umi told them and ate her salad. " Well, after a few more days, we will pack your bags and take a plane." Lady Une told them. " Now, cheers." Lady Une told them. They all raised their glasses and toasted. They drank their drinks. Stephanie didn't join in. After some of them left to party at pubs, Umi stayed back to clean up with Stephanie. Stephanie asked Umi about last night.
" Quatre told me that you stayed up all night to look after me." Stephanie told Umi. Umi nodded, " Thanks Umi." Stephanie told Umi and smiled. Umi smiled and pat Stephanie on her head. " Why don't you run along?" Umi asked, Stephanie left.
At around midnight,
Heero pulled his sports car into the driveway and got out. He walked towards the bungalow. No lights were still on. So they are already asleep. Heero opened the gates and the door quietly. He flipped on the lights to see Umi sitting on the dinning table using a laptop. She looked up at him. Heero frowned and took off his coat. He loosens his tie and unbuttoned the two top buttons of his shirt. He went over. " Why are you staying up?" Heero asked her. " Something seems wrong." She told him. Heero raised an eyebrow at her. " I can't get this player to the next stage." Umi told him. He looked at the game she was playing. " You stayed up late to play this?" Heero asked. " Yup, it's better when all the guys are out and Stephanie is asleep. She's fine. I checked her." Umi told him.
Heero sighed and he took the controls, he helped her get to the next stage. He even defeated the king. " That seems easy." Umi told Heero, Heero shrugged. " By the way, Lady Une left a letter for you." Umi told Heero. Heero took the letter and opened it.
Dear Heero,
I am afraid that I have some bad news for you. I ran a check on Stephanie once. And found something very interesting. I didn't dare to tell you anything, as you may not believe me. She has a background. Run a check on her and you will know. Beware, she might invite some unexpected visitors.
Lady Une.
Heero ran a check on Stephanie. His eyes widened with shock with what he saw.
The next day, Thursday night.
The guys had left to party at night. Leaving Umi with Stephanie. Umi was teaching Stephanie how to do her science homework. Then, Umi heard something. She looked up suddenly. " Is something wrong?" Stephanie asked. Umi frowned. She heard something.
Outside, the guys were enjoying themselves at the pub. Except Heero, he found out about Stephanie's background. He wondered if they might be in danger.
The gates opened. Umi heard the gates opening. " Stephanie, let's stop here now." Umi told her and moved to the kitchen. She looked out of the window. There was no one approaching the house. She frowned. The guys couldn't be back so soon. Star came down the stairs and was playing with Stephanie. Umi gave them a quiet sign. She didn't hear anything. Thinking that it was safe, she turned on the tab and washed the glass cup, when she looked up, she saw someone standing right before the window. Wearing black uniform with bulletproof vest, he was holding a gun and aiming it at Umi. " I will stay calm and raise my hands up." The guy told her. Umi looked back to see Stephanie looking frightened. Star looked like she was going to charge. Umi smiled and slammed the window shut. She ran to Stephanie and dragged her along with her. Star followed them. Umi ducked behind the sofa, Stephanie and Star followed.
The windows smashed and the door had holes in them. Bullets came in and smashed everything. Umi pressed Stephanie and Star down. They heard the sound of bullets firing and hitting objects. They heard glass shattering. Umi took out her gun. " Stay down, call Heero." She ordered Stephanie and threw her her handphone. She stood up and fired a clean shot at the window. She hit the guy at the window in his sunglasses.
Heero picked up his phone. " Hello?" He asked a bit bored of being at the pub. He heard gunshots. " Heero, come back quickly, we are under attack." Stephanie cried. Heero hung up and left immediately, he pulled the guys all with him. " They are under attack." Heero told them. They gaped at him.
Umi's gun couldn't compare to rifle guns. There were many people outside with rifle. Umi dragged Stephanie. They had to run. " You are completely surrounded, drop the gun and come out with the child. We will fire anytime." Someone told them. Umi knew that going up was useless. She saw traces of light at the stairs, people had come in from the Stargazing room. Was this a test? Her car. Of course. " Stephanie, trust me." Umi told her. She pressed the button on her remote. Her car drove towards their bungalow. Umi knew that they were surrounded. Heero won't be back so soon. Why were they under attack. " Why are you attacking us?" Umi asked. " We want that child next to you. Hand her over." They shouted. Umi looked at Stephanie.
Then, Umi saw a flicker of light on the mirror, it was her car. Then, the wall and door was ripped open. Her car drove in and stopped right infront of her. Umi got in, Stephanie and Star got in too. Umi drove. The men all rushed after her car, they fired at her wheels. " Full bullet proof protection" Umi ordered, the car transformed and the bullets were reflected. Umi drove and avoided the crowd at the beach and pavement. She drove into the highway. She saw cars chasing after them. Heero… come quickly.
Heero stared at the ruin house. The first floor had many holes in it. The fridge, glass and funitures had all been broken, it was a rifle gun. They could tell. The door and some part of the wall was ripped off. Heero saw car tracks. " They are not anywhere above." Trowa reported. Heero phoned Umi.
" Heero, I am on the highway, I can't shake 5 cars off." Umi told him. " I am coming." He told her. Umi turned to her left and drove into an alley. She looked at the rear view mirror. They were still being chases. Umi drove onto the pavement, many people avoided them. Umi drove back on the highway. She lowered the window and she fired at the car behind her. It hit the body of the car, but didn't cause any damage. Umi looked ahead and drove. She then turned back and fired at its wheels. It blew off one of the wheels the car skidded and knocked into the railing, blocking the cars behind. Umi drove faster.
Heero drove super fast, he saw the 4 black cars, blocked by another one. He jumped over them and then phones Umi. " Are you behind chased?" He asked. " Yes, by two white trucks." She told him. Heero drove and cut through the lanes to avoid crashing into slow cars. He saw two trucks ahead. It was a SWAT team. They were firing at Umi's car. Heero took out his gun. He fired at the men onboard the truck.
A man jumped onto her car. Umi gritted her teeth and tried to get ride of the guy. He was banging on her roof. Umi drove faster. And kept turning to avoid the bombs thrown on the road. They exploded after she past them. She saw Heero's car.
Heero fired, his bullet hit the wheel of the truck. It fell off. The truck over turned and skidded around the road. Heero fired at the engine when he was close enough before speeding up to catch up on the other truck. The truck behind him exploded.
Umi can't do anything, after all Star and Stephanie was with her. The bomb's explosion hit her car. It threw them back. More bombs exploded around them. It over turned her car. The glass window smashed and cut Umi's arm. The car was at a corner of the tunnel. They were firing at it. Umi got shot since her window was broken. She was bleeding. " Umi." Stephanie told her. Umi tried to move, but both of her arms were hit. She couldn't fire her gun.
Heero saw the over turned car. He fired at the wheel of the truck. This time, he fired at all the men too. The truck over turned. Heero fired at the petrol storage place, it exploded, the whole truck exploded. It was so huge that it threw Umi'scar a bit further. Heero then drove over and stopped. He went over to check them out. Umi was bleeding, blood flowed down her head. " Save Stephanie first." She told him weakly. He shot down the door and got Stephanie out. Star came out too. He then cut the safety belt to get Umi out. " Heero, there's someone coming for us." Stephanie told him. He looked to see another truck. He felt that he didn't have time to play tricks. He carried Umi and brought her to her car. He modified his car into a normal one. Stephanie and Star went to the backseat. Heero killed the driver of the truck with one clean shot at the glass. The truck turned and crashed into other cars.
He put on the seat belt for Umi. He got into the car and drove off towards the nearest hospital.
Umi woke up to see Heero. " What happened?" Umi asked. " We managed to shake them off, you fainted in the car. Stephanie's with the guys. They are outside. Bringing Star along can bring some trouble." Heero told her. Umi sat up, but was overcome with pain. " And we got one Preventer down." He told her. Umi knew that it was her. " Why did they want Stephanie?" Umi asked him suddenly. Heero helped her to sit up. " You should ask her yourself. She's not a normal kid." He told her. Umi looked surprised. " What?" She asked.
Stephanie came in with Trowa, he looked stern. Quatre looked a bit shocked. Duo was sighing, Wufei was checking the hospital ward. Heero took out his gun and aimed it at Stephanie. Umi tried to stop Heero, but she couldn't move.
" Explain yourself." Heero told her. Stephanie looked at Umi and sighed. " I work in the team knows as Money Clawer. It consists of 10 people who rob casinos. After my mother died, I was being taken in by them. I helped them, to distract the people while they steal the money. We did it many times. Sometimes I got injured, sometimes I was fine." Stephanie told them.
" Then?" Heero asked. " Once, like last week, one of the swat team got one of my team mates. I took a gun and shot that guy from the swat team dead. My teammate was saved. But I couldn't get over it. I killed someone. I wanted to stop, but they won't let me. They told me that they will kill people close to me." Stephanie told them. Umi couldn't believe it. Stephanie killed someone…. At the age of 10….
" The whole world found out about our identities and then started hunting for us. I was safe in the Colonies. But my identity was real. My mother did die in the war. She told me about the Winner family…" Heero cut off Stephanie. " Cut the crap, Now you are hunted?" Heero asked. Stephanie nodded. " We should hand her over. She will only bring trouble to us. Quatre told me that there were times you looked frightened and were injured. That explains it doesn't it?" Heero asked. Stephanie nodded.
" We will take her along. We will help her get out of this mess." Umi told them. They all stared at her. Umi stood up. She fell, Heero helped her up. " She's just a 10 year old. Everyone makes mistakes and has a past. Like all of you. You all kill thousands at the age of even 10." Umi told them. The guys all looked a bit depressed. " But now, you all helped to make up for your mistakes by being a Preventer. You helped many people now. You all were given a second chance, why can't we give Stephanie one?" Umi asked. They all turned to look at Stephanie. Heero sighed and kept his gun. " Fine, we will help her. We must get to the Colonies without informing Lady Une. She already ran a check on Stephanie. She knows." Heero told them.
Heero took off his coat and helped Umi to put it on. " We have to leave soon. They might find us." Heero told them. Umi suffered a head injury and both of her arms were shot. Not a very good thing. " I will back Umi up. She can't fire." Heero told them. They all nodded. Duo looked at them suddenly. " The SWAT Team's truck pulled up , they are entering the hospital." Duo informed. They all took out their guns. Umi couldn't, she felt dizzy. " Trowa, Quatre, cover Stephanie. We are taking my car." Heero told them. They left the room quietly. They took the lift to the basement. Heero's car drove to them. He changed it into a limo. They all got in and he drove off as fast as possible. Towards the airport.
Heero saw two trucks behind them. " Guys, try hitting them at their wheels. They didn't bullet proof them." Heero told them and activated the protection over his car. The guys fired one truck down. Heero saw bombs and tire nails on the road. " They keep using the same trick." Heero exclaimed. He looked around and turned right instead, back towards the highway. Umi looked at the mirror. " We aren't going to the airport." She told him. He didn't reply. Heero kept changing lanes to overtake those slow cars. Stephanie looked around them. Heero drove into a hotel. " Why are we stopping here?" Trowa asked. " I like taking all of them out, not being chased." Heero explained.
They took one room. They all waited and set up devices to make sure that no one can detect or even come in. Trowa was guarding Stephanie. Heero went to find Umi. Umi was in the bedroom. " You okay?" Heero asked. Umi nodded, Heero sat down on the bed next to her. " Umi, I have been thinking, after this… Do you want to move in with me?" Heero asked. Umi looked shocked. " What? Why?" Umi asked. " I don't mean anything, just to take care of you." Heero whispered. " You are not my guardian and I can take care of myself." Umi told him. " It's just to protect you. Your father told me that you felt lonely staying by yourself." Heero told her. " Oh, so everything's is my father who was behind it." Umi exclaimed.
" Think what you want to." Heero told her. Umi felt dizzy, she gripped Heero's arm as a support. He looked at her. " Why don't you just sleep for a while. I will guard here." He whispered. Umi nodded. She lied down on the bed and closed her eyes. Heero left the room.
Heero took out his gun and fired at the window, it broke a string. There was a whole in the window. The guys all got ready. Someone kicked his way inside the room. The window crashed under him. They all got in. Heero fired at them. There was many gunshot sound. They guns weren't even dodging, the bullets all missed them. They shot all of them dead with one bullet. More came in from the window. When they were too close, they used their hands. Heero backflipped, kicking a few man in their chins. They fell back and fell down the building, through the broken window.
Umi heard the gunshots, she woke up and dodged a bullet that came for her. She looked around. This was bad, really bad. Then, the door opened, Heero came in, and he helped Umi to get up. They left the bedroom. There were many dead bodies on the ground. " Let's go first." Heero told them. They got into Heero's limo. He drove towards the gates. When many trucks came and formed a circle around them. Heero braked. They were surrounded. " Come out with your hands in the air!" One policeman shouted into a over head speaker. They went out. They held their guns. " Drop the weapon immediately!" he shouted, Heero aimed his gun at the truck. " Drop it or we will shoot." They shouted.
" Shall we?" Heero asked, the guys all smirked. Umi couldn't fight, so she stayed to look after Stephanie. But she was missing. " Where's Stephanie?" Umi asked. They all saw Stephanie walking towards the policemen.
" I am who you all wanted to capture. Capture me, leave them alone." She shouted. They all aimed their guns at her. " She's stupid." Duo exclaimed. Heero looked at Umi. Umi ran over.
" You have to die anyway, they told us to kill all of the members of the Money Clawer. And you are the only one left." The men shouted. " Fire!" He ordered. Umi ran there in time, she pushed Stephanie away. " No!" Stephanie shouted. They all held their fire. " Get out of the way, Misss Ryuuzaki." They all told her. " No, I won't. She deserves a chance like any of you does. We all have a bad past. But we are what we are today because of it that has change us." Umi exclaimed. Stephanie was crying. " Why did you save me?" Stephanie asks. " Because you deserve to live like anyone else." Umi told her. Tears fell to the ground.
They were all silent. Stephanie stood up. Then, Umi saw a guy, aiming the rifle at Stephanie and he fired. " No!" Umi shouted, Stephanie was hot, right through her heart. The guys fired, killing everyone from the SWAT Team. Umi held onto Stephanie. Her blood had formed a pool of blood. She looked at Umi.
" Guess I wasn't as lucky. I don't have a second chance at life." Stephanie told Umi. Umi was crying. " No, you will be okay." She whispered. " I want to join my mother… Thanks you all for being with me. Showing me what's good in life. I will never forget you all…. (pants)… I am really sorry for bringing this onto you." Stephanie told Umi. " Promise me… you will help me explain to my father." She told Umi. Stephanie looked up at the sky. It had started to rain. " Make your life better." She told Umi. " What do you mean?" Umi asked her. " Heero, tell him…" She whispered. Then, she closed her eyes. " No…" Umi cried. Heero came over to join her. It started to rain heavily. " It's over, Umi." He whispered, Umi cried harder.
Two days later, Saturday Morning.
Many people turned up for Stephanie's funeral. They all looked sad. Quatre was crying, so was his father. The trip was cancelled, due to Stephanie's death. They took turns to place flowers before her grave. Then, everyone left. Umi stayed, wondering what was the best for her to do. Heero closed his eyes. " Do we often encounter life and death?" Umi ask him. " Depends, but we have all to accept what we are given. So, get over it and continue living." Heero told her. " Do you cry?" Umi asked, Heero sighed. " No, Umi. I don't remember how to." Heero told her and turned to leave.
Umi had a flashback of Stephanie. " Heero, tell him…" She told her. Should she make her own life better? Umi asked herself. " Heero." She called out, before turning to run after him. He stopped and turned to look at her. He was at the bottom of the stairs. " About the offer, is it still available?" Umi asked. Heero looked at her then looked forward.
" Yar, it's still there." Heero told her finally. Wind blew past, Umi watched as Heero left the graveyard. Umi turned to look back at Stephanie's grave. Something tells her that Stephanie was happy. Umi smiled and went down the stairs. Wind blew past, making the petals of the white rose follow the direction of the wind. A droplet of water flowed out of the white rose, onto the grave….
To be continued…