After a depressingly short training race with Takeshi, Liz was beat. The hatch of her simulator had only just opened when she saw Takeshi's grinning face pop up. She sagged back into her cockpit, and sighed. A fast adrenaline rush hadn't helped her speeding heart, but at least it was now because of the simulation, and not the closeness of Takeshi. Now, that was quickly changing.

Takeshi swung his legs around and sat on the front of Liz's white metal dashboard, revealing an agility Liz hadn't known he had. After watching her HUD for so long, his face jumped into sharp detail, being at the same distance. He was still sweating, his hair matted down on his forehead. His cheeks, normally pale, were flushed and lined with the contour of his helmet.

"So, I guess we can call that a draw. Congrats, Liz, you just did what no one short of Cunningham has ever done."

This made Liz sit up straighter. "What do you mean a draw? I knocked you out of the race!"

"Yeah, but you crashed yourself before finishing. It's not a win if you don't cross the finish line." He chuckled, and looked her up and down. "All though, I can't fault you for trying. You certainly seem to have worn yourself out."

Liz's clothes, now soaked with sweat, were sticking snugly to her athletic body. She was embarrassed at first. Takeshi was taking a long time looking, though.

"You know, Liz, I never realized how much you work out. You must do a lot in your room, 'cause I don't see you that much in the gym." His eyes searched up her long legs. "I'll bet you could run a marathon in that shape."

"Yeah, I bet I could. You don't look to bad yourself, you know. All that judo must really work your arms." She held out her hand. "Here, let me take a look."

He gave her his arm, which she instantly scrutinized. She needed to take her eyes off of his face. That smile was making her blush.

Her fingers ran up his forearm, and she marveled at the firmness, the toned muscle just beneath his skin. His baggy jacket normally hid it, but Takeshi was built. Liz kept going up his arm, passing by his biceps, shoulder, and reaching up his neck to the back of his head. A dangerous thought fluttered into her mind. At first she resisted, but it returned, stronger than before. She gave in, and brought her head up to face Takeshi's, only inches away. She leaned forward.

She kissed him.

Almost as soon as their lips touched, Liz pulled back. She flushed deep red. "Takeshi, I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking." she stammered.

Takeshi put a finger to her lips. "Neither was I." He gripped her waist. "And I'm still not." He pulled her back, and this time she did not retreat.