Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, Amagami SS or any of its characters. I wrote this fanfic for my own pleasure and purely entertainment.

Chapter 9 - Heroine of the Battlefield

Using his handkerchief to clean the dagger from all traces of his fingerprints, Heero then placed it in the palm of an unconscious gang member. He had also discreetly wrapped and stashed the bloodied brash knuckle using the same handkerchief inside his bag. The brown haired boy planned to dispose of it on a different location after properly removing all evidence that might prove his usage of the said weapon. Turning to Haruka, he noticed that she had already finished dusting herself off after being splayed on her knees earlier. Her eyes were still red and swollen from all the tears she had shed which eventually brought him back to his senses.

'In my desire to protect you, I... lost control of myself. Yet it was you who brought me back.'

"Are you ok now, Morishima sempai?"

Haruka smiled timidly before nodding at him with both her cheeks glow a warm shade of light pink. Heero was about to resume his observation on the state of his badly beaten opponents when he was alerted to the sound of sirens coming from police patrol cars. Soon enough, a trio of mobile police units arrived at the scene, along with them was Ai Nanasaki, the girl they rescued earlier.

"Morishima sempai!" Ai called out upon exiting the police car and making her way towards them.

The young swimmer embraced Haruka in relief after seeing that the raven haired beauty alongside her savior was unharmed. Heero noted that Ai was looking at him and Haruka with a knowing smile before she proceeded to introduce herself.

"Sempai, I'm Ai Nanasaki, Class 1-A, thank you so much for rescuing me earlier." The freshman stated before bowing respectfully to the mobile suit pilot.

"Think of it as nothing, Ai."

"And thank you for taking care of Morishima sempai."

Heero softly grunted before nodding slightly at Ai while Haruka gently patted the younger girl's bob cut hair.

The police needed at least four ambulances to transport the gang members due to the severity of their physical condition which included various broken bones from different parts of the body. One of the investigators even commented that the viciousness and savagery of the assault was akin to the work of a highly trained Special Forces commando. Heero and Haruka were then checked by a paramedic for any injury or possible trauma before being sent to the police station along with Ai to provide a detailed account and statement of the events that occurred. It was fortunate for them that senior police inspector was a friend of Ai's family, thus they were able to leave the station immediately even without the need for a parent or guardian to come for them. Ai was driven home by the friendly officer back to her house, while Heero and Haruka opted to be dropped off a good distance away from the pretty campus idol's village.

As they walk side by side in silence, the Gundam Pilot felt Haruka softly latch her arm around his own.

"You're the most important person in my life..." Her words echoed to him, reverberating at the depths of his soul. Heero clearly remembered everything she uttered in that moment of desperation. They were said not only because the situation calls for or circumstances they faced at that moment, but with full admission and sincerity of the feelings Haruka nurtures for him.

'She... cares for me. Yet I am so unworthy.'

He was still pondering the outcome and consequences of his actions when Haruka opened a conversation.

"Yuy-kun... Thank you for saving me. I'm also sorry for leaving the hiding place even when you told me not to. Please don't get angry at me."

Heero shook his head sideways before slowly taking a glance at Haruka. The pretty campus idol had stopped walking while her head was bowed down in apparent shame. He also noticed that her sky blue irises were avoiding his gaze.

"Morishima sempai, you can't do anything that will make me mad at you." The Gundam Pilot started before turning Haruka to face him and holding her gently on both shoulders. His cobalt blue eyes were staring deeply at her cornflower orbs, as he slowly spoke to the raven haired beauty.

"I will never let any harm come to you. I will... protect you, Morishima sempai."

Haruka's sky blue eyes seemed to shine and sparkle after hearing him say those words. She smiled at him tenderly as her eyes dreamily gazed at his face somewhat searching for the truth behind what he had mentioned.

"I'll hold you to that, Yuy-kun. You have to take responsibility for making me cry."

He nodded and smiled back at her in understanding, before continuing on their way to Haruka's village.

It was Friday evening, two days had already passed since that night Heero had fought and beaten down the members of a street gang. Haruka had just finished taking a bath when Hibiki called on the phone. The raven haired beauty could not help but smile a little as she heard her friend speak through the mouthpiece, there was a hint of curiosity and excitement laced on the normally composed voice of the swim team captain. As she sat down on the sofa while drying her slightly damp hair, the pretty campus idol decided it was time to be honest with her best friend.

"Hibiki... I know you want to ask something. You usually don't call this late on weekdays."

Haruka heard her friend sigh on the other end before asking what has to be one of the topics she was already expecting.

"Haruka, I've heard it all from Ai. Is it true? Yuy-san rescued you both the night before?"

The cornflower blue eyed young woman smiled tenderly as the memory of that night was refreshed through her mind. She was reminded of the time spent with Heero at the arcade center and the young man's grim determination to save her from the gang members after he had rescued Ai. She also relished the moment Heero declared that he will protect and keep her safe from harm while on their way home that evening. Haruka confirmed both of Hibiki's questions before providing a brief account of the events that occurred, starting at the instant she asked the Gundam Pilot to intervene till the moment Ai had arrived with the police. However, she was careful enough not to include some sensitive details like the instance she was held hostage by Basho and the noticeable change in Heero's persona. The raven haired beauty decided those are personal matters that should only be kept between her and the brown haired boy. Haruka sighed contentedly as she finished recounting the events which transpired in that fateful evening just two nights ago.

"Considering all that had happened, you still sound happy and relaxed. What's your ideal man, again?"

"Hibiki... I've already told you before... but if I have to remind you, I like charismatic guys, those who can draw the attention of the entire crowd and are good natural leaders."

"Ok and what else?"

"Well, I also admire tough guys that could seem to protect you no matter what."

"Right, just like how I remember, and thank you for perfectly describing Yuy-san." Hibiki quipped after hearing Haruka's description.

"Heh! You got me there... but what makes you come to that conclusion?" The raven haired beauty admitted while asking her friend curiously.

"Haruka... I've seen the charismatic part with my own eyes during that basketball game you went all out cheering for him. And you've just provided the details on how Yuy-san rescued Ai and kept you safe while he fought the street gang."

The pretty campus idol knew then that she fell for Hibiki's carefully orchestrated inquiry and had practically admitted her feelings on Heero. She smiled before vaguely confirming her friend's assumptions.

"Hibiki, am I really that transparent when it comes to him?"

There was a slight pause on the other line before she heard the swim team captain respond to her question.

"You were never like this before he came into your life."

"But isn't it weird Hibiki? I'm a year older than him, yet I'm the one who's more dependent on him. Won't he hate me for it?"

"Haruka, you told me before that one of the things you like about Yuy-san is his maturity. He understands you. And if we consider all the time you've spent with each other, I think he already knows you in ways even I'm not familiar with. Guys... also like it when we become dependent on them at times."

"Thanks... I... I really appreciate hearing that."

The sky blue eyed young woman felt something similar to a lump within her chest being plucked out after hearing her friend's reply. However, the raven haired beauty also recalled another matter that she needs to face. And it is confronting the threat seriously posed by another woman, who happens to be a close friend and classmate of his - Kaoru Tanamachi.

"Is there something wrong Haruka? You don't sound confident or at the very least convinced from what I've just said."

"It's not about that Hibiki. There's... There's this other person who also likes him a lot. And I... I tend to lose grip of my emotions whenever I think she's with him."

"Oh... you're pertaining to his classmate then?"

"Yes..."

"Haruka, remember that time you had an accident during P.E. class?"

"Yes."

"It was Yuy-san who was the first to come rushing by your side. Though it's really hard to see or read his emotions just by judging the look on his face, but there's one thing I'm certain. That boy cares for you Haruka. Don't you recall how he seemed quite hostile when Hiko-sensei approached him before asking where he was taking you?"

"Hibiki..."

"I honestly believe you know him better than anyone else in campus from all the moments you've been together. Have faith Haruka. Be strong. There's something with the way he looks at you that I can't really explain. But it's there. Try to feel him, Haruka. Let go of your insecurities."

The words she heard seemed to have broken Haruka from a trance. Her memories began to replay all those times she and Heero were simply content at looking into each other's eyes. Those moments when silence is the sole witness to the warm, passionate and longing embrace shared between their eyes. And those instances they gaze deeply on one another, hoping and expecting to see their images reflected within the pupils of the other's eyes. It brought a pleasant and tender feeling that swept her worries aside for the time being, enough to wash out the burden and jealousy always plaguing her heart and mind.

-oxo-

When it was raining that time and they were forced inside the waiting shed...

"It's already dark, Morishima sempai." Heero told her before pausing to look deeply at her eyes. Her reflection was painted clearly in them.

"If you don't mind, I'll accompany you on your way home."

"You will? What I mean to say is... Is it really ok? I- I don't want to impose, Yuy-kun."

"It's alright Morishima sempai. I don't have work today and... I... want to be sure you get home safe."

"Oh... So you're worried about me." Haruka voiced out, looking at Heero with a mischievous smile.

The Gundam Pilot only grunted in acknowledgment as she eagerly entwined her arms around his before going on their way to her village.

-oxo-

During that instant she had an accident during P.E. class...

It hurts... a lot.

Was it the physical pain coming from her foot? Or the emotional pain coming through her heart?

Haruka did not have much time to think as she felt herself being lifted from the cushions and cradled by two lean yet strong arms the raven haired beauty was familiar with. Her teary, sky blue and doe-like eyes widened in surprise as she became sure it was none other than him.

"Are you ok, Morishima sempai?" Heero quickly asked as she opened her eyes.

She had been unable to respond as she was overwhelmed by her feelings for him.

"I got... worried when I saw your foot trip at the bar."

Haruka's heart leapt that moment she heard him say he was worried about her.

She could see a hint of concern within his intense Prussian blue irises as she was cradled safely in his arms.

"Don't worry, I won't let any harm come to you."

"Just please... say something, Morishima sempai." Heero added, with his eyes gazing softly at the pretty campus idol.

Haruka's lips quivered, while her sky blue eyes stared solemnly at his cobalt ones. A small smile became visible as the raven haired beauty used the back of her palm to wipe a few tears from the corners of her eyes.

"What took you so long?" She sniffled while her blue cornflower orbs held Heero's own deep cobalt ones in a longing embrace.

-oxo-

"He cares for me."

"Haruka? Are you alright?" The swim team captain worriedly asked after she heard Haruka say it out of the blue.

"He cares for me, Hibiki. You were right."

"Haruka... You really like him don't you?"

"It's... It's more than that... But thanks a lot, Hibiki. I've been blinded at times to see and realize the things which matters most."

"Oh don't think about it. Besides... I know a few people who also believe in the two of you."

"Heh? Two of us? Me and Yuy-kun?"

"You already know one of them. Don't worry you'll get to meet them soon. Especially when things go..."

"No no no... Hibiki. I could handle it by myself."

"I know that Haruka, but don't you feel it? Anytime from now, your rival will be making her final move. You have to be prepared."

"I have complete trust in him, Hibiki."

"But you guys aren't even officially an item yet."

The raven haired beauty was unable to reply after hearing what her friend had just honestly stated. It was true. She did not have any formal commitment or relationship of that degree with the young man who means everything to her. She pursed her lips in silence as the idea of him being with Kaoru began to taunt and threaten her delicate emotions.

"Don't worry, we will not intervene. They just want to give you their support. And probably share some of their thoughts on your current standing with Yuy-san."

"Ok Hibiki."

"That's good to hear. I think that's about it. See you tomorrow."

"Good night and thanks."

"You're welcome and good night as well."

"Heero! Have you heard about the news?" Masayoshi excitedly asked while he was placing his textbooks inside the school bag.

Classes were already dismissed and being a Saturday, they only had to be in school for half day. Heero had finished packing his stuff and was now preparing to leave before he responded to Masayoshi's question.

"What news, Masayoshi?"

"Three days ago members of the toughest gang in Kibitou's commercial district were almost beaten to death! According to the news report, the police are not disclosing any information about the person or group responsible for apprehending the street gang."

"What's the name of this gang?" The Gundam Pilot nonchalantly asked in return.

"They're called the Mad Hyenas! I've heard they are involved in criminal activities like extortion, smuggling and small time drug dealing."

Masayoshi then proceeded to narrate the information he had read from the local newspaper. The leader, named as Basho along with another gang member, called Psycho were placed at Kibitou Memorial Hospital's intensive care unit due to the severity of their physical condition. While the others referred to as Lee, Daigo and Migel were admitted on the same medical institution's orthopedic ward due to various broken bones sustained from the assault. The mobile suit pilot began listening with complete interest at Masayoshi as the short spiky haired boy provided him the aftermath of his incident with the said gang.

"Heero! No! Stop it!" Her words echoed inside him as his memories brought the Gundam Pilot back to the night of that incident.

His arm that held the dagger stopped just a few inches away from the terrified gang member's chest, he also felt his fury began to subside as Haruka clung tightly from his back. The feel of her warm body was enough to bring him back to his senses. Her voice was able to breakthrough his consciousness and return him from the persona of the Perfect Soldier.

"Don't kill him, please!" He heard Haruka cry in anguish, as her tears continued wetting the backside of his uniform while she held him tightly.

'Haruka...'

"Heero?"

"Huh?"

"Heero? Are you ok? You seemed out of it, man." He heard Masayoshi commented while looking at him curiously.

"I'm fine."

Masayoshi nodded in understanding when both of them noticed that Junichi was heading towards their direction. The mobile suit pilot noted the serious and worried look on his classmate's usually calm face as he made his way to them.

"Masayoshi... Heero... Takahashi sensei just told me that Tanamachi's mom had called to inform them that Kaoru's not at home for the past two days she's been out from school."

"Eh? You mean to say that Kaoru's either cutting classes or is actually missing?"

"Well, according to Takahashi sensei, her mom started crying after learning that Kaoru is not even reporting at school. Apparently, she hasn't gone home for the last two days."

"Knowing Kaoru... there must have been a misunderstanding between her and her mom. We better look for her." Masayoshi suggested as he glanced at Junichi and Heero.

"What do you think Heero? You've been pretty close to Kaoru since you arrived." Junichi asked him, waiting for his response.

"We should look for Kaoru to check if she's ok. Junichi, did you already asked Keiko? I think she is Kaoru's closest friend aside from you and Masayoshi." The brown haired boy replied as he tried to narrow down the situation.

"Already did. But it seems that Keiko is also unaware of Kaoru's current whereabouts."

"Did anyone tried to contact her part-time job? That's the only place Kaoru goes to aside from school since she's not in any of the clubs." Heero inquired as he took a serious look at both Junichi and Masayoshi.

"I just know she has a part-time job. Kaoru never told me or Masayoshi where she works though. She seems quite embarrassed to talk about it." Junichi noted in addressing his question.

"If that's the case we should split up. I'll go to her part-time job. You and Masayoshi search the places you know she frequently goes to. I'll try calling Junichi tomorrow to check things on your end." The Gundam Pilot decided to which Junichi and Masayoshi nodded in agreement.

Heero already saw Kaoru after disembarking from his motorcycle on the parking lot beside Cafe Totosu. However, instead of going inside the family restaurant to talk with the fiery young woman, the Gundam Pilot instead opted to wait till she finished her work shift. He bided his time waiting for her by staying and drinking coffee at a rival cafe found just the opposite side of the road. The years of training he spent on monitoring and surveillance had honed his patience, almost three hours had passed before he noticed that Kaoru went inside the room he remembered being designated as an employee only quarters. By then, the brown haired boy deduced that it would only be a matter of time and the obsidian eyed young woman will be leaving her part-time job. He paid his bill and went to the back exit commonly used by the cafe staff which was located at the establishment's left side facing a small alley. Not long after, the service door opened and with it he saw Kaoru's weary form leaving the cafe. The dark wavy haired lady was obviously surprised upon seeing him waiting for her at the employee exit.

"Heero..."

"I've been looking for you Kaoru."

The tomboyish girl avoided his gaze after she closed the door, Heero moved in front of her and carefully studied Kaoru's face. He noticed that her normally wild yet sparkling eyes seemed to have lost its luster. The naughty yet adorable grin always painted on her lips was also missing. Instead, there was only weariness and confusion written all over the obsidian eyed girl's face.

"You've been out of school for the past few days. Your friends and classmates are worried. Even Ms. Takahashi already asked our help to look for you. But most of all, we were told that your mom has been crying when she called the campus asking for you."

"It doesn't concern you Heero. I'll appreciate it if you could please stay out of my personal problems." Kaoru coldly replied while averting her face away from him.

"I'm well aware of that, Kaoru. I know it's not any of my business but I won't be leaving here till you provide me a good reason. Knowing that the others would not have been able to find you since you've never disclosed your part-time job to anyone else aside from me."

"Heero... Please... I..." The tomboyish young woman softly answered as she began to sniff in between her words.

"Kaoru, I may not be a long time friend similar to Junichi, Masayoshi or Keiko. But do know that no matter how short the moments we had compared to them, I am grateful for all the times we've spent together. I value you as a true friend and from what you've taught me, friends support each other."

The Gundam Pilot used both hands and held Kaoru softly before turning her to face him. The obsidian eyed young lady was already in tears when she finally met his gaze. He gently used his thumb to wipe away a tear trickling down her cheek.

"You're a strong lady, that much I am sure of, Kaoru. Now tell me."

Kaoru sniffled as Heero's piercing eyes stared deeply inside her teary obsidian orbs. His words were able to get the message through the wavy dark haired young woman.

"I'm having some problems with my mom. You see, three nights ago while I was on my way to work, I saw her meeting up with another man."

Heero only nodded in understanding as he prodded Kaoru to continue with her story.

"I confronted her about it later that night. Mom told me she'd been meeting that man for some time already. She then said she was thinking of remarrying."

He only grunted in response as the mobile suit pilot anticipated their discussion will be getting heavier from that point onward.

"I don't understand! Why can't it be the two of us? Weren't we doing just fine on our own? I was really trying to make it work. I thought the two of us could get by if we worked together!" The dark wavy haired young woman exclaimed before pausing for a while to catch her breath.

"She... she was smiling in a way she never does at home. That's why I kill myself working! So I won't be a burden to her. I really just want to give up. I've done all that I can. Gave it my all. Whether it was cleaning up or doing the laundry... I even prepare dinner every once in a while. I wanted to prove that we'd get by with just the two of us. I always give it everything I have. So why, Heero? I don't want a new dad at all!"

The brown haired boy listened in silence as Kaoru released the frustration and vented out the anger that had built up inside her. Knowing it was time for him to reply he carefully weighed and chose each word before sharing his own thoughts.

"I would never pretend that I understand your situation Kaoru. The one thing I do know is conflicts are usually resolved through communication and mediation."

Hearing no comment or reaction from Kaoru, he decided to continue.

"You have your reasons for feeling this way. Your mother has her own as well. Communication is give and take. State your viewpoint and insight about the scenario but also listen your to mother's side of the story. From there both of you could try to understand the... feelings of one another."

"Heero..."

"Kaoru, what do your emotions tell you? Honestly."

"Somewhere inside... I know, my mom has not forgotten about my dad. All of it just felt too sudden. I don't know what to do."

"Of course you do. Your emotions could never fail you. Being honest with them will enable you to act on it without any difficulties."

He once again used his thumb to gently wipe another tear forming at the corner of her eye. The tomboyish young lady finally smiled as her obsidian irises began gleaming with hope and understanding as she breath a sigh of relief after hearing him.

"Thanks Heero. I'll talk to my mom more calmly about it once more. I'm glad you were here... though, this is a part of me that I did not want for you to see."

"Its... Ok." The Perfect Soldier replied, nodding subtly at Kaoru.

"During times like this... I want you at my side." The wavy dark haired young woman admitted as her obsidian orbs met his Prussian blue eyes.

"Kaoru..." Heero could only utter as he felt something tinge deep within him.

The air and mood inside the Tea Clubroom was thick and serious, four persons were seated in front of a square Japanese table planning intensively for a very important occasion. After sipping some tea, the meeting's main organizer gently laid down her cup on top of the table. Ruriko Yuzuki steadied her eyeglasses before summarizing the details of their plan this coming weekend centered on one of the meeting's members and the object of the said person's affections. The Tea club President took a brief glance at Manaka Hiba, the club's Vice President then at Rihoko Sakurai, Tea Club member before finally settling her eyes on Kaoru Tanamachi.

"Ok, this coming weekend, Sunday, the 27th of November, we will commence with Operation Love Storm!"

"Brilliant." Manaka smiled slyly while also looking at Kaoru.

"Rukko-san, Mana-san, both of you are really getting into this, eh." Rihoko chimed in after taking a bite from her cream puff.

"Rihocci... You are being like that because you don't have man problems with Tachibana-kun." Ruriko dutifully noted eliciting an obvious blush from Rihoko.

"Now back to the topic at hand. Kaoru, this is the final push towards Yuy-san's emotions. You won't be getting another chance or opportunity like this. So make sure you go all out and do your best. Ok?"

Kaoru smiled sadly at them before nodding her head in understanding. She knew everything was at stake and the odds are stacked badly against her. Word has spread inside their classroom that Heero and Haruka were noticed to have matching key chains latched on their bags. Though the brown haired young man simply brushed off Masayoshi's assumptions that he and the campus idol are already in some sort of mutual understanding, Kaoru could not help but feel unsettled. Ever since that night Heero went to see her at Cafe Totosu after skipping classes, the obsidian eyed young lady knew that she had already gone past the point of liking him.

She was also in love with him.

The wavy dark haired young woman acknowledged that the term 'also' is befitting her, as she has accepted the truth of Haruka being the first one to fall for him. She had tried to control her feelings for him, but it only grew deeper and stronger as time passed. The moments she had spent with him had always been fulfilling and inspiring for her. He was there to tutor her on subjects she had difficulty, resulting to passing marks which helped Kaoru avoid retaking the exams. He was also there to provide her a shoulder to lean on during the time she had family problems. She had listened and took his words into heart and it worked wonders as she was able to resolve the issue with her mother. By then Kaoru had realized it wasn't a simple infatuation or admiration that she holds dearly for Heero. Their times during lunch period at the rooftop only served to heighten her emotions for him. The tomboyish young lady was certain that she loves the transfer student even with the limited time they've come to know each other. And with that knowledge she would do everything, use all her capabilities and resources to win the affections of that handsome and silent boy that she had come to care in only a short span of time.

"Thank you, Heero." Kaoru timidly opened, as his deep and cool blue irises met her gaze.

She had approached him the following day after their talk the previous evening. The wavy dark haired young woman was in a very good mood, she had managed to talk things out with her mother. Following his advice, Kaoru calmly shared her thoughts and fears regarding her mom's relationship with the man she had just seen. She then listened to her mother's side of the story, from there it was all history as they sorted the issue and reconciled with each other.

"You were right. She never intended to replace my dad. I... never considered her feelings."

The cobalt blue eyed young man simply nodded at her as she continued.

"But, we were able to talk things and mend out the problem. I'm really glad it's all cleared now between me and my mom."

"Someone told me that the world would be a more peaceful place if conflicts could be resolve through dialogue or mediation." Heero suddenly said out of nowhere as he gazed at the horizon.

"Heero... I..." Kaoru trailed as she stared at the Gundam Pilot and studied his serious facial expression.

'Your depth and maturity is really something that could draw any girl without the need for you to use any kind of charm.'

"Kaoru?" She heard him ask, gazing at her with his intense cobalt blue eyes.

'I'm losing my nerve! Ohh... I might miss this opportunity!'

"Er... Ah... What I wanted to say was..." The tomboyish lady stuttered as she grasped for courage while searching for words to say.

"What is it, Kaoru?"

'It's now or never. If I don't move now, I risk losing him to Morishima sempai.'

"Uh... P-please go out with me this coming, Sunday! My mom gave me tickets to the amusement park."

"Hnn." He gently grunted, seemingly giving it some consideration while Kaoru blushed furiously.

"It's a way of thanks for helping me clear things out with my mom. I also wanted to go there... But I don't have anyone to accompany me." Kaoru shyly admitted as she felt her cheeks turn beet red.

"Alright, Kaoru." Heero answered while a barely noticeable smile appeared on his lips.

'I'll do everything it takes to make you notice me. Please be mine.'

"Kaoru? Are you ok?" Rihoko worriedly asked, looking at her curiously, as she was shaken out of her memories.

"I-I'm fine. I'm sorry... My mind wandered off somewhere."

"Kaoru... time is against you. You also can't afford being like that when you're with Heero-san." Ruriko seriously reminded her to which Manaka nodded in agreement.

"Opportunity."

"Mana-san is right. You have to make the best of this coming Sunday with Yuy-san!" Rihoko chimed thoughtfully as Kaoru prepared her response.

"I understand Ruriko sempai. I will do my best."

"OK! Now make sure to wear something that shows off your best assets. Right, Manaka?"

The laconic Tea Club Vice President smiled slowly before looking intently at Kaoru and saying her answer.

"Battle underwear."

"Manaka!" Ruriko shouted in exasperation, smacking her forehead in frustration.

Kaoru felt the heat rising to her face after hearing the long black haired sempai's reply. She did however, made a mental note to wear something that would make her look attractive for Heero.

"Set a good tone or rhythm - meaning you initiate the action and maintain a good atmosphere. Make sure both of you enjoy the day, do all the activities together with him."

"Yes Ruriko sempai."

"You will have various opportunities present themselves, when you feel that the mood and timing is right. Go for the kill!" Ruriko excitedly finished with a smug smile hanging on her lips.

"Huh? Go for the kill?" Rihoko wondered out loud.

"Confession." Manaka bluntly replied to which Ruriko agreed.

"C-confession..." Kaoru nervously repeated as she felt her heart skipped a beat.

"Kaoru, it's the end game now. All of this is intended for you to have your chance at him. State your case and await his judgment."

"I... I know... But... I just can't help getting nervous and worried."

"We all do Kaoru, especially in front of the person we like. What you are feeling is normal. But unless you do it, you'll be giving him up without a fight."

"I'll do it. I'm serious about him." The dark wavy haired eyed young woman uttered, a steeled resolve could be seen on her eyes.

"Good luck, Kaoru!" Rihoko happily stated, earning a warm smile from the rest of the group.

At one of the tables inside Magnificent Cakes & Pastries, a known sweets shop in Kibitou Commercial Area, Haruka could be seen sharing a cheerful discussion with Hibiki. Both of them had already taken a bite at the slices of cake they had ordered and were waiting for the arrival of a few friends which Hibiki fondly refers to Haruka as her 'allies'. The raven haired beauty was scowling a little, somewhat embarrassed at the point her best friend had been trying to convey. They were seated in front of each other, with Hibiki overlooking the cake shop's entrance where Haruka's back was facing. The pretty campus idol had taken another sip from her tea when she heard the door chimes whistling gently alongside the soft creaking of a door being opened. She then noticed Hibiki smiling at someone and gesturing her hand for the person to approach them. Turning her head to the shop's entrance, Haruka felt her lips forming into a smile upon seeing Ai Nanasaki along with another familiar young lady stepping inside the pastry shop.

"Ai-chan!" Haruka greeted while waving her hand excitedly as Ai and her friend approached their table.

"Tsukahara sempai! Morishima sempai!" Ai warmly responded before she and her companion bowed respectfully at them.

The pretty campus idol nodded at the freshman swimmer before switching her attention to Ai's friend who she thinks she has already met somewhere before. The girl seemed to be another freshman and was probably Ai's classmate as well. She had chestnut brown hair tied into two ponytails at each side of her head, kind golden brown eyes that had the gleam of both elegance and innocence reflected in them. She was definitely pretty and cute, Haruka surmised before her eyes wandered at the younger girl's chest area.

'My goodness, she's well endowed on that aspect considering she's younger than me.' The raven haired beauty noted with awe as her eyes discreetly took another glance at the young girl's coat.

Haruka knew she was also as gifted in that area, but accepted the fact that the young woman in front had more potential. Considering she had already reached that level in fewer years. The cornflower blue eyed lady was still musing at such thoughts when Ai introduced her companion.

"Sempais, this is my friend and classmate, Sae Nakata also from 1-A."

"M-my n-name is Sae Nakata, I'm p-pleased to meet you both, Tsukahara sempai and Morishima sempai." The cute brown haired girl nervously opened before bowing slightly to both Haruka and Hibiki.

'Wait a minute... She looks familiar... I think I've seen her before.'

"Hello there, Nakata-chan! You're so cute!" Haruka happily answered brushing aside her thoughts for the mean time.

"It's nice to meet you as well, Nakata-san." Hibiki cordially replied while smiling at the brown haired girl before returning her attention to Haruka. "Haruka, they are the ones I've been calling your allies. Nanasaki approached me yesterday after swim team practice. It seems she has something urgent to tell you."

"Eh? Ai-chan?" The pretty campus idol curiously asked. The tone of her voice obviously surprised after hearing what Hibiki has just said.

"Morishima sempai... It is only second hand information. Sae-chan is the one who actually heard something about Yuy-sempai."

"Huh? You know, Yuy-kun?"

"Y-yes... I f-first knew him when... H-he helped me order l-lunch in the cafeteria." The cute brown eyed girl stuttered as she responded to Haruka's question.

'Oh! Now I remember! She was the one Heero helped when I first noticed him... I even thought they were siblings.' The raven haired beauty reminisced before suddenly pausing to take a quick look at Sae's chest area. 'Hmmm... Now that I think about it, she could be another contender as well...'

"Come on Sae-chan, tell Morishima sempai what you heard." Ai beckoned, looking seriously at her friend.

"Yes..." Sae trailed before continuing, "Yesterday while I was walking with Miya-san, a friend and classmate of ours, we ran into Sakurai sempai who happens to be the girlfriend of his brother Junichi."

"Junichi Tachibana is from class 2-A." Ai explained before nodding once again at Sae to continue.

"Miya-san teased Sakurai sempai for being too cheerful thinking it was something related to her brother. Sakurai sempai instead told Miya-san that it was nothing about her, but involves another friend of theirs." Sae narrated, getting the full attention of Haruka and Hibiki.

"Sakurai sempai proceeded to tell Miya that their friend plans to confess her feelings to the person she likes this coming Sunday."

"Nakata-san, where does this involve Haruka?" Hibiki suddenly queried at Sae.

"Tsukahara sempai... The person being confessed to... is Yuy sempai." Ai interjected before shifting her stare at Haruka, a worried look could be seen on her purple irises.

The sky blue eyed young lady felt a lump forming in her throat upon hearing his name.

'No... That's already tomorrow...'

"And the one who will be confessing is... Tanamachi..." Sae hesitated, as she gave careful consideration on the last words of her statement.

"Tanamachi... Kaoru." Haruka grimly and coldly finished for Sae with her eyes boring deeply at the table.

"Forgive us Morishima sempai... When Sae told me about it, I felt that you have the right to know... From what I saw that night, you had serious feelings for Yuy-sempai." Ai bowed her head in apology along with Sae before hearing Haruka's decision.

"I... I need to find him."

"Haruka..." The swim team captain softly said before shaking her head sideways at the pretty campus idol.

"I have to stop him, Hibiki!"

"Haruka... That is not in your place or standing to do so." Her best friend disagreed as she looked seriously at the raven haired beauty then adding, "You're forgetting an important fact, Yuy-san is not yet committed to you or anyone else."

"But I just can't stand aside and do nothing..."

"We've talked about this possibility. You have to respect his privacy on such matters. Besides, you also told me that..." Hibiki tried to explain before being cut while in mid-sentence by Haruka.

"Yes, it is true, I completely trust him! I know and feel he cares for me... But still... It's doesn't make it any easier for me when he's with her!"

"Haruka, you're the one being difficult to yourself."

Deciding to ignore her friend's last comment, the pretty campus idol turned to face Sae prior to asking that fated question, "Nakata-san, where does their date tomorrow take place?"

"Morishima sempai..." The chestnut brown haired cutie tentatively replied while looking at both Ai and Hibiki for support.

Though it was the last Sunday of November, the sun shone brightly and the temperature was warm, the climate was similar to a normal day in summer. Heero had already removed his helmet and dismounted from the motorcycle at the parking lot when he noticed the young woman standing near the entrance of the amusement park. She was wearing a red checkered boyfriend shirt tied into a knot at its end above a white camisole which allowed a nice peek on her toned abs. The young lady matched it with faded denim shorts showing off her long shapely legs and a pair of topsider sneakers. As he made his way towards the amusement park's entrance, the Gundam Pilot saw the girl smiled and removed her sunglasses. It was Kaoru.

Her cheeks wore a soft shade of pink while her eyes were beaming and sparkling. The brown haired boy smiled subtly upon recognizing the tomboyish young woman he had promised to meet this day. He took a quick glance on his wrist watch and noted that he had arrived 15 minutes earlier than their supposed meeting time. The Perfect Soldier concluded that Kaoru had probably waited for at least half an hour as he could see some discomfort with the wavy dark haired lady with the way she held her brown shoulder bag.

"I thought I was late, Kaoru. Even now it's still early for our meeting time. Did you wait that long?"

"It's ok! I... I only got here a couple of minutes ago. Don't worry, it's alright." The obsidian eyed girl assured him while looking in his eyes.

"Kaoru, you look really good today." Heero complimented sincerely while staring back at Kaoru with his cobalt blue orbs.

"Uh... Ah... I... Uhm... T-thank you, Heero. I'm glad you like it." Kaoru responded as her face blush beet red after hearing his words.

"Let me carry that for you, Kaoru." He decided before smoothly and quickly getting Kaoru's bag off her shoulder.

"Wait... Heero. I-I can manage, it's not that heavy." Kaoru shyly said as she attempted to get her bag from him.

The mobile suit pilot gently held her hand and smirked ever so slightly at Kaoru before replying, "It's fine Kaoru. Let's go?"

"O-oh... a-alright... Let's go in..." The tomboyish young woman could only answer as she followed Heero to the park's entrance.

Kaoru Tanamachi could not withhold the smile that is very insistent in making its appearance on her face. Everything was getting better than she had expected, they had already finished riding the bump cars and roller coaster. She was spending every moment with Heero and enjoying every second of it. The wavy dark haired young woman was also certain that the boy she likes dearly feels the same as he always held that subtle barely noticeable smile on his lips. His Prussian blue eyes never wandered but were always fixed at her. He had ensured she was always by his side as they were never separated from each other despite the large crowd inside the amusement park being a Sunday. The Gundam Pilot had been a gentleman in his treatment of the obsidian eyed young lady, right now he was currently buying ice cream at the scoops station while Kaoru waited for him in one of the tables found within the park.

'Heero... You've really made this one unforgettable day for me. I'll make sure to express myself properly when the moment arrives. I... love you. I hope you will give me the chance to... be the woman for you.'

She was shaken off her musings when she saw him making his way towards their table. He was holding two ice cream cones, the first is mocha flavored which she was sure would be Heero's due to his fondness for coffee. The second cone made Kaoru smile while feeling the heat coming from her cheeks. It was a limited edition polar arctic vanilla flavored ice cream, a seasonal offering made especially for the incoming winter. She had wanted to taste it when Heero asked for her order, but instead opted to let him decide being a bit shy at the young man who was making her chest pound stronger each passing moment she was spending with him.

'He's so... thoughtful and considerate. Well... he must have seen me looking hungrily at that earlier... Bad Kaoru... I might have even forced him to buy that for me unknowingly.'

"Here you go, Kaoru." Heero said in his deep baritone voice while handing her the cone with white colored ice cream.

"Thanks a lot, Heero... I really wanted to try this flavor... How did you know this was what I wanted?"

"Kaoru, I knew you had a liking for seasonal or limited edition items. So it was only natural I get this for you. Besides... you've been staring at this flavor's container when I told you to choose earlier."

'Arrgghhh... I knew it... I was right... He caught me! But... he's been really discreet while observing me. This is truly embarrassing...' The dark wavy haired young lady mused while feeling the heat rise up to her ears.

The queue for the gigantic Ferris wheel seemed hopeless at first glance. However, despite the daunting task of standing in line under the withering heat of the sun for almost an hour, Heero and Kaoru decided pushed through just to experience the ride. While waiting for their turn, Kaoru noticed that the crowd lined up was composed mostly of couples. She felt a slight pang of envy and longing while looking at the various pairs around them.

'Ok Kaoru... patience is a virtue... have courage, be honest and give it to him. If things go well... You'll be enjoying exactly the same way these girls are.'

"It's really hot today even if we're approaching winter in a few weeks time!" She heard the girl beside her complain while using her hand to fan herself.

"I'm sorry. I must have moved the umbrella that's why you're feeling the sun's direct heat." The girl's boyfriend apologized before adjusting the umbrella he held to better cover his girlfriend.

"Here, drink this, it should be enough to cool you down." Another man said while offering a bottle of water to his partner.

"Thanks! You're so thoughtful!" The young lady answered as she opened the bottle cap and began taking a few gulps of water.

'This is torture! When will we get our turn?'

"Kaoru?" Heero softly called out at her from behind, the obsidian eyed woman turned to face him and was utterly surprised at the next thing he did.

"You've been perspiring." The Gundam Pilot noted before he pulled out his handkerchief then started gently dabbing the drops of sweat falling at the sides of her face and forehead.

'My goodness Heero... I don't know what I did to deserve this... But today surely is my lucky day...'

The brown haired boy then asked for her handkerchief, Kaoru didn't think twice of handing it to him and was again astounded at his succeeding actions. He unfurled her handkerchief before folding it triangularly then tying gently into a bonnet covering her hair up to her forehead.

'Heero...'

"Let's go Kaoru, the line's beginning to move again. We might be able to get our turn after the next set."

True enough, after 20 more minutes, they were past the railings and Heero was already assisting her take a seat inside one of the cars. Once she was seated, the Perfect soldier then followed suit and took his place at the opposite side. Soon the Ferris wheel began to rotate, moving its cars while doing so. The sun was already coming down, splashing its last golden rays across the horizon painting a palette of amazing colors amidst the back draft of white clouds. Kaoru took a glance at Heero and saw him looking silently at the skies. She studied his facial features as they were bath by the ever changing hues and shadows of the dying sunset in its final moments.

'He's really so handsome... I could understand why almost all the girls at school fawn over him. Not even counting the love of the prettiest girl in the whole campus.' She sadly mused while thinking of her fiercest rival for the attention of the young man in front of her.

Kaoru continued looking at the cobalt blue eyed boy, there was this intense yet solemn look in him as he gazed steadily at the heavens. She wondered for a while if he was thinking of being in another place with another person. Shrugging her negative thoughts aside, Kaoru instead willed herself to focus at the more serious matters at hand. She was reminded on the true purpose of today's meet up. It was for her to go out and admit her feelings for him. They were approaching the apex of the Ferris wheel's loop, the ride has been pretty smooth and she thought this would be the best opportunity to let everything out.

She stared longingly at him with her obsidian orbs as the Gundam Pilot must have noticed her since his eyes also returned her gaze. He had this cool and clear look with his Prussian blue irises. It felt that he was there and at the same time somewhere far away. Yet despite that, he could still draw anyone with those piercing eyes. Kaoru felt the boundaries between them suddenly disappear along with the space separating them. It was the opportunity she had been anticipating patiently to come.

"Heero... I..." Kaoru softly and slowly started before the Ferris wheel abruptly came to a stop, with their car at the topmost of the loop.

"There must be some mechanical problems with the motor." Heero duly noted before returning his attention to her. "What is it Kaoru?"

"Oh... It's just that... I... uhhmm..." She trailed hesitantly feeling her cheeks burning red with embarrassment when they were jolted by the sudden resumption of movement from the Ferris wheel.

The Perfect soldier moved fluidly to catch her as Kaoru fell forward, the Ferris wheel however did not proceed with its initial motion. The car they were in rocked back and forth causing Kaoru to cling tightly onto Heero's arms till the booth ceased from its swinging. She felt the brown haired boy held her protectively in his arms as she dug her face deeper into his chest while being seated next to him.

"It's alright now Kaoru. They must have attempted to run the motors again too soon."

"You're right... I'm sorry for panicking. It seems we'll be up here for some time though." The wavy dark haired young lady replied as soon as she felt they had stopped moving.

"Yes. By the way you were trying to say something earlier?"

"Oh... that... never mind... it was nothing." She answered feeling that the mood was already gone.

Heero only grunted in response, but instead of looking outside he turned to face Kaoru and stared deeply into her eyes. The tomboyish young woman felt her chest pounding heavily as their eyes met. She also felt the temperature rising from her face as she blushed furiously from his stunning gaze. The notoriously fiery girl knew that this was THE moment she had been waiting for.

"Heero..." She began but the Gundam Pilot beat her to it.

"Kaoru, I really appreciate it, you bringing me here. It felt good to relax at times."

"Oh... think nothing about it. I'm glad you accompanied me as well."

The cobalt eyed boy slightly smiled upon hearing her response, his eyes continued to wander around her face before returning to stare at her own eyes. By then, the sun had completely set, darkness was beginning to cover the horizon as the moon and stars began taking their places in the skies. The bright lamps and bulbs in the amusement park were being lighted as night started taking its reign over the day. Amidst the ongoing transition, there they were, suspended at the highest point of the Ferris wheel.

"Thanks for letting me experience your expertise in cooking. Somehow it felt like I was taking advantage of you, during those times at the rooftop."

"Of course not! Don't be silly! I wanted to do that because you're my friend and it's also a way of helping you." Kaoru explained feeling more embarrassed as the young man she loves never broke his gaze on her. 'And also because I'm in love with you.'

"Besides... you're far away from home, no one's taking care of you. Don't you miss home, Heero?" She honestly added prior to asking her question out of curiosity. 'Let me be the one to take care of you, Heero'

"Home... I, sometimes think about it." The mobile suit pilot said, pausing to look at the stars in the sky before adding, "Soon, I'll be back there though."

"But you'll be here for the next term and finish high school right?"

Heero only smiled subtly at her in response, his deep blue eyes held a soft twinkle as he returned her gaze. Kaoru felt her heart beat pause for a while upon seeing such a spectacle. However, she saw a hint of sadness and loneliness laced within his cool blue irises. For a few more minutes they remained silent, before she felt the urge to finally admit her feelings for him.

"Uhhmm... Heero... I..."

They were surprised at the sudden movement of the Ferris wheel. However both of them were spared from being jolted as it resumed its rotation smoothly. She was gently held by Heero to steady her balance even while they were seated. Kaoru silently debated if she will push through with her plan when Heero looked at her in the eye, obviously waiting for her to finish her sentence.

"It... it was nothing... I really enjoyed this ride even with all the delays."

She saw him nod in understanding as they noticed that current passengers are now being replaced by new ones, signifying the end of their unforgettable Ferris wheel ride. Kaoru sighed, a bit disappointed, feeling she had passed up on her opportunity. The obsidian eyed girl was reminded of another event that would allow her to express herself on the boy she has feelings for.

'I'll definitely say it later. I promise.'

It was getting late in the evening when Kaoru led Heero into a small yet secluded spot at the amusement park gardens. She had memorized its location from the piece of paper given to her by Ruriko after their meeting at the Tea Clubroom. They had just finished eating a light snack before going there since both them were still full from the various treats she had consumed courtesy of the brown haired boy. The secret area was heavily obstructed on first glance, the thick shrubs and bushes surrounding it provided a substantial cover which is enough to make anyone wonder about the existence of such a place. The hidden clearing itself was almost as big as a private garage that could possibly fit two vehicles. The grass was finely trimmed, growing evenly with its growth somewhat well maintained. The spot itself not only gives Kaoru the needed privacy for her planned confession but also provides an elevated and spectacular view of the fireworks display that they had agreed to see before going home.

Kaoru thought that her nerves would fail her as they finally settled inside the secluded area. Heero had been mysteriously silent since they made their way there, causing the fiery young woman to worry even more. She could hear and feel the loud pounding within her chest. If she was given the choice of simply disappearing and forgetting they had went there, Kaoru knew she would have taken it without second thoughts. However, the obsidian eyed young lady knew that getting cold feet at this moment was out from her options. It was already end game for Kaoru, it was winning time. Her words and actions would decide the outcome of her relationship with Heero.

She nervously took a glance at the mobile suit pilot who was also seated beside her at the grass with his knees folded and kept together by his arms as he steadily gazed at the stars on evening skies.

"H-Heero... I hope this place is fine with you while we wait for the fireworks."

The Prussian blue eyed boy subtly nodded at her as he continued looking up at the heavens and stars.

'Come on Kaoru! You can do it! Be honest and pour out everything to him!'

She could feel her heartbeat getting louder and louder each passing second. The buzzing of crickets and cicadas, the noise coming from the amusement park, seemed so far away as sound slowly disappeared from Kaoru's senses. Her obsidian irises were glazed and focused only at the person next to her.

"The best way to live a good life is to act on your emotions"

It was time. She took one last deep breathe and turned to face Heero.

"Heero... There's something I want to tell you."

The Gundam Pilot shifted his focus from the skies to Kaoru before gently grunting. "Go on."

"Heero... I... well... since the time we became friends and got closer, I've began to grow feelings for you."

"Feelings?" Heero asked with his cobalt blue orbs looking intensely at Kaoru.

"Yes..." Kaoru trailed as she willed herself to keep her composure and be honest with the young man in at her side.

"What I'm trying to say is, Heero, I've fallen in love with you all this time. You've given me strength to face the challenges in life I know I could not have handled myself. You've given me hope during times I felt down and alone. You've given me happiness at the simplest moments I've shared with you... I treasure you more than a friend... I want to take care of you."

The dark wavy haired girl paused as she felt her hands getting cold and numb while baring herself at the boy she loves. Steeling her resolve for one final question, Kaoru stared at him straight in the eye as she laid out everything on the table "Heero... Please go out with me!"

He could feel it.

Though he was not yet experienced in the matters of the heart as he is in the arts of war, the Gundam Pilot known as Heero Yuy could sense something was definitely in the air. The moment he and Kaoru went inside the hidden spot covered by the bushes, the brown haired boy was definitely sure there was something bound to happen. His suspicions were further confirmed when he saw the uneasy and nervous look on Kaoru's face. It was all the more compounded when he noticed that the tomboyish young woman was flushed red while her eyes had been showing a different kind of glow.

'I'm not sure why Kaoru wanted to watch the fireworks from here. But it sure feels there is something she needs to tell me.'

He lifted his head and stared into the darkness of the evening skies. The stars spread across its vastness were like a blanket covering the world underneath it. The cool evening wind gently breezed past them while the muffled sound of the theme park's various rides lightly serenaded the night. Various thoughts filled the Perfect Soldier, he briefly thought of his current situation, an accidental time traveler, lost in the past. He was also reminded of that topic Kaoru had lightly touched a while ago, his prospective outlook on returning 'home'. Or more precisely going back to his own time. Right now he was unsure of what he wanted to do. He knew he was straying from his objectives as he strived to lived normally and fit within the past which ironically is his present. Finally his emotions, it had gotten the best of his instincts and had even driven past his own rationale. All because of one young woman the Zero System showed him on that fateful trial run for the Fold Generator.

He was taken off his musings as he heard Kaoru softly and hesitantly spoke to him.

"Heero... There's something I want to tell you."

He turned his head at her before saying, "Go on."

The Gundam Pilot saw the slight apprehension on Kaoru's face as she struggled to speak her thoughts to him.

"Heero... I... well... since the time we became friends and got closer, I've began to grow feelings for you."

"Feelings?" He curiously asked. His piercing deep blue eyes fixed solely on Kaoru.

"Yes... What I'm trying to say is, Heero, I've fallen in love with you all this time. You've given me strength to face the challenges in life I know I could not have handled myself. You've given me hope during times I felt down and alone. You've given me happiness at the simplest moments I've shared with you... I treasure you more than a friend... I want to take care of you."

The brown haired boy had barely managed to process all the things Kaoru admitted when she finished her confession with one question he was bound to answer.

"Heero... Please go out with me!"

'Kaoru...' He uttered as his mind tried to comprehend everything that had just taken place.

'I... had my doubts, yet I could not assume on such things due to the lack of experience and understanding when it comes to dealing with the opposite gender.' He quietly admitted to himself as Kaoru waited for his response.

'But, hearing from Kaoru that she has feelings for me... deep emotions... such as love... then... I...'

His vision was filled with memoirs... precious memoirs of that young woman... the times they spent together... the moments they shared with each other...

-oxo-

"Say... Yuy-kun, do you like autumn?"

"I guess so... It seems so serene, especially when the leaves fall down from the trees."

Heero took Haruka's trash bin on one hand and started pouring it's contents inside the furnace, he then added a few more dried twigs and branches to maintain the fire. Satisfied with the flames, the brown haired boy moved to place another batch of leaves when Haruka called him.

"Yuy-kun!"

The Perfect Soldier shifted his attention to Haruka just as the raven haired beauty threw both hands in the air. His deep blue eyes widened slightly as a rain of dried leaves showered both of them before touching the ground. Haruka looked at him mischievously as the leaves drifted downwards very slowly. The campus idol went back to the mound, gathered another bundle with both hands and scattered them in the air. Haruka smiled contentedly, her arms were outstretched at each side when a sudden gust of wind brought down more leaves hanging from the trees near the furnace. The raven haired beauty reveled in delight as the leaves seemed to dance all around them. Heero could not help but marvel at the sight before him, Haruka's sky blue eyes were sparkling and her laughter seemed like sweet music to his ears. She moved gracefully along with the leaves as the wind blew gently. She was nothing but breathtaking.

-oxo-

'She's... like an angel.' Heero mused, while looking at Haruka with a small smile on his lips.

"You have a nice smile Yuy-kun." Haruka stated, interrupting him from his musings.

"What... Morishima sempai?" Heero asked, as he strained himself to recover.

"Show it to me again! Please Yuy-kun, you look cute!" Haruka teased after seeing the Gundam Pilot tensed up to her statement.

"You must be mistaken Morishima sempai. Your eyes were only playing tricks on you." He coolly replied with his brows furrowed slightly.

"Ofcourse not. Now smile like that again, please." The campus idol beckoned, eagerness clearly tinged in her voice.

"I have no idea about what you're saying." The Gundam pilot evaded, now looking at her with his usual stoic demeanor.

"Ehh! You want to play that way, huh?" Haruka challenged, a smile of mischief now reflected on her lips.

"What do you..."

"Here take this!" Haruka remarked, as she suddenly shot up from the chair and leaned swiftly towards the boy in front of her.

Heero was caught off guard as he felt the soft touch of her hand at the back of his head, Haruka closed her eyes and planted her moist lips gently above the area where his brows met.

'Haruka...'

-oxo-

They were still at the view decks when the pretty campus idol saw the intense look in his face. His eyes were seriously fixed on the ground. Haruka became worried at him as she noted the faint hint of pain and sadness Heero tried to conceal in his eyes. She moved closer to him and held his head using both of her hands, tilting his face to meet hers.

Staring deeply into Heero's cobalt blue orbs, Haruka attempted to discern the emotions he had closely guard within. She was certain that something might have caused the Gundam Pilot to slightly open those windows of his soul. In an action that came naturally to them both, the raven haired beauty gently placed Heero's head to rest at the crook of her shoulder before stroking his hair softly with her hand.

"Yuy-kun... I am very thankful you brought me here. Actually, this is the one place I like most in Kibitou."

Haruka heard his usual grunt of acknowledgment as she continued, "I don't know what's in your thoughts or what you feel right now. I just want you to know that I'm here for you. Whatever your endeavors are, Yuy-kun."

They remained like that for a while, neither of them talked as Haruka gently stroked Heero's brown hair. Both of them content and at ease with the serene atmosphere. Haruka soon closed her sky blue eyes as she leaned her head against Heero's own which was nestled above her shoulder.

-oxo-

"Don't kill him, please!"

He felt his rage and fury drop considerably upon hearing her voice. Heero's eyes slowly reverted back to its natural color, while the dark thoughts that earlier clouded his mind began to clear off as his expression began to gradually soften.

"Heero... I'm scared... please..."

The Gundam Pilot felt Haruka bury her face further in his coat as tears continued to stream down from her cornflower blue eyes. By now he was fully supporting her body which was leaning on his back, but somehow it had a calming effect causing him to finally relax.

"I don't want to lose you... You're the most important person in my life." She whispered softly, but audible enough for the brown haired boy to hear.

"Morishima... sempai..."

-oxo-

It all became clear to him.

As his memories faded and his senses brought him back to the present, he finally understood everything.

Heero finally realized the emotions stirred up inside him whenever he was with her. He finally admitted to himself that...

He, code named Heero Yuy, Gundam Pilot 01, Hero of the Eve Wars, 17 year old soldier... and time displaced traveler is...

In love with Haruka Morishima, a normal, 18 year old civilian and 3rd year student in Kibitou Senior High.

But sadly he knew... they were not meant to be. True, it was destined for them to meet. But he felt that they were not fated to be with each other. Aside from the obvious fact that everything was also against them, most notably: time, space and reality.

He was thinking all of that at such a time when Kaoru Tanamachi had confessed her own feelings of affection for him.

'Kaoru!'

Heero's mind immediately scrambled for reasons as he was pulled back to the current events. He could kill without any hesitation back in his own era, yet right now he was sensitive to the fragile emotions of two young women that had endeared themselves to him on different aspects. He was certain of one thing though: lost in time as he was, he could not forge any relationships to that degree with either of them. And to do that...

He would have to hurt them.

Make them hate him.

Enough for both of them to forget him.

And move on without him.

Just like what he did with his own past. He distanced himself to the only person that managed to make a mark and almost reach the point of forming a relationship with him. It was exactly the same thing he had done with Relena Peacecraft. Accept that it wasn't meant to be, set a distance and move on.

He will live with the consequences.

As he pondered the weight of his decision, the night sky was illuminated by various lights coming from the theme park's fireworks display. Different hues and shades of sparkling fireworks shone brightly above them. However, Kaoru did not remove her stare on his eyes. It was the moment of truth between them. Heero was about to speak out the brutal plan he had conceived when the dazzling fireworks display reflected the beauty and innocence of Kaoru's face.

'It was never their fault to... feel something for me in that manner.' The Gundam Pilot surmised as he gently and carefully studied the woman in front of him.

'They don't deserve to be hurt and treated cruelly for... having such emotions.'

Kaoru Tanamachi radiated that of a woman deeply in love. He could see the yearning, anticipation, fear and hope in her eyes. It was also then that the mobile suit pilot knew that he could not bring himself to hurt her and the other young lady who had a greater bearing in him.

'How ironic... To see this cold blooded killer has grown a conscience.' Heero sarcastically chastised at himself as he prepared his response.

"Kaoru." The brown haired boy started, pausing slightly upon noticing the normally feisty and fiery girl in front of him fidget after hearing his voice.

"I like you so much as well. I truly and honestly do. But I value and care for you as a friend... I'm sorry."

"I... I see..." Kaoru meekly replied as tears began falling down from her eyes.

The Perfect Soldier immediately moved in to close the gap between them and softly embraced Kaoru who was now sobbing silently while resting her face on his shoulder. The dark wavy haired young woman embraced Heero in return as she found solace and comfort on the crook between his neck and shoulder. They stayed that way amidst the ongoing fireworks till quite some time before Kaoru slowly lifted her face and stared intently into his cobalt blue eyes.

No words were exchanged between them as both acted on impulse, driven by the burden each side was carrying.

Kaoru leaned forward and kissed him deeply which the Gundam Pilot returned in a sincere yet restrained manner. He felt all her feelings at that moment, her happiness, her hopes, her dreams and everything else she had kept within. The kiss then became passionate, with their lips locking into each other while feeling and tasting each other through soft wet caresses. Their tongues searched for one another fervently, craving for the company each other.

The image of a raven haired young woman wearing a black headband with two cornflower blue eyes pulled Heero back to his calm center.

He slowly stopped then softly and gently broke the kiss with Kaoru. Heero gazed tenderly at the dark wavy haired girl, noting the sad and lonely smile appearing from her tear-stricken face.

"I... knew that the odds were against me. But I love you so much... I have to try and give it my best."

"Kaoru..."

"It was also my first kiss... Heero... I'll be keeping it with all my memories of you. I... have no more regrets." Kaoru softly whispered as tears continued to stream down her cheeks.

"I always knew and felt... it was her. Right? The way you look at her... The way you smile at her... The way you feel for her is different from everyone else." The tomboyish young woman thoughtfully noted, referring to one person both of them were keenly aware of.

"Don't worry Heero... I understand. It was a long shot, but it was all worth it..." Kaoru managed to utter while Heero gently wiped the tears trailing down the corners of her eyes.

"Kaoru... Thank you." The brown haired boy said as she softly smiled before resting her head on top of his shoulder.

Three days have passed since that momentous Sunday, through all those days a young lady has remained restless and unsettled. While seated on her chair for the day's final session, she spared a quick glance at her wrist watch and sighed upon seeing the time. It was still a quarter before four in the afternoon, fifteen more minutes till the end of classes. She drew another deep breath upon hearing the noise of other students coming out from their classrooms being dismissed earlier than them. Deciding to listen at her teacher while bidding the time, she was however distracted by the shrieks and buzzing of fellow seniors caused by an unknown commotion outside the hallways. Resolving to ignore everything else, her mind drifted off as she paid no attention at the ongoing class.

"Haruka, you're the one being difficult to yourself."

Deciding to ignore her friend's last comment, she turned to face Sae Nakata before asking that question, "Nakata-san, where does their date tomorrow take place?"

"Morishima sempai..." The chestnut brown haired cutie tentatively replied while looking at both Ai and Hibiki for support.

"Haruka..." Hibiki softly pleaded, "Don't do this. You'll only end up being the villain in Yuy-san's eyes."

"I thought everyone here was supposed to be on my side." She bitterly said as a pained look appeared from her sky blue eyes. "Why do I even have to learn of such a thing when the most important information is only going to be withheld from me in the end?"

"We're sorry Morishima sempai... we intend to tell you all. It's just that... we never thought you'll consider confronting them." Ai answered meekly with her head bowed down in an apologetic manner.

"When I saw you two again that night... Till the moment we dropped you and Yuy sempai near your village, I felt there was already a connection between you and him."

"Ai-chan... He is... very special to me... Even I... I don't understand myself for being like this when it comes to him." She honestly and sadly admitted while looking at Hibiki, Ai and Sae.

"I'm sorry everyone... I'm really... sorry." The raven haired beauty uttered, prior to closing her eyes in an attempt to control the raging emotions inside.

"I'm also sorry, Haruka. I never considered how difficult it must be at your position right now." Hibiki said as she turned to look at her.

"Please don't apologize, Morishima sempai... It's ok. I-I think me and Ai-chan just got nervous from your earlier reaction." Sae smiled considerately after responding to her with Ai nodding in agreement.

"Thanks, Hibiki... Nakata-san... Ai-chan."

"Morishima sempai, their date tomorrow is at..." Ai started but was surprised as Haruka held her hand. "Sempai?"

"I think... I should not know, Ai-chan. If I claim to trust him... If I indeed want to be the woman that deserves him the most... I should be more understanding and reasonable."

"Morishima sempai..." The freshman swimmer softly uttered as her eyes lighted up after hearing what Haruka had just decided.

"Haruka... It seems you're finally starting to mature. That is very admirable." Hibiki quizzically noted to which Sae nodded in support.

"I have to, Hibiki. He's the only one... Only one for me."

The sound of the school bells brought Haruka back from her reverie. As she began placing her notebooks inside her bag, the raven haired beauty noticed the dangling key chain attached to the zipper. She remembered giving and placing a matching pair to Heero during their coincidental meeting inside the arcade center exactly two weeks ago. The fun and joy Haruka experienced during that time was among the many memories of the brown haired boy she had kept within her heart and soul. She also knew the events that evening leading to the brawl at the back alley had forever altered the standing of their relationship with each other.

'Despite that sudden change in him... I felt it... The grim determination to save me. To protect me. Indeed... That part of him is definitely scary. But I do love him. I have to accept every part of him to justify my claim. The funny thing is... in the end, I fell for him even more. He's so precious to me...'

The pretty campus idol however was increasingly getting worried since the week started. True she had respected and decided not to intervene with Kaoru's confession that Sunday. She decided to stay calm and wait for the Gundam Pilot. By Monday, however, they were not able to see each other even when the day ended. Come Tuesday, it became known to her that Kaoru is absent for 2 days already while Heero rushed home early. And now, it was already Wednesday yet there was still no word from the Prussian eyed boy. Haruka was reaching the point where she considered running to the second year's building and confronting the young man who's always in her thoughts. But she decided to stay true to her word and hope that everything will be fine.

'I have complete trust in you Heero... Even if I don't hold anything yet... I'll still wait for you.'

She waved goodbye at Hibiki who was preparing to go to the swim team's practice session before leaving the classroom. Whatever the commotion in the hallway was is still ongoing as she noticed a crowd of girls talking excitedly among themselves while looking at someone leaning by the building column. Haruka curiously peered to check the person's identity as she passed by but despite her tall stature the group of young women was quite substantial, preventing her from getting a clear view. The raven haired beauty decided to ignore the matter and simply leave, when she heard a deep baritone voice called out to her.

"Morishima sempai."

'Heero...'

She turned to look at him and could not help but smile upon seeing it was truly the boy she had come to cherish.

"I had been waiting for you."

The campus idol was unable to speak as she heard him utter those words. However, she could see and hear the gushing from the group of girls who were looking at Heero earlier. Still she was completely taken by surprise as the Gundam Pilot took her hand and quickly but gently led her to the nearest stairway.

"Where are we going, Yuy-kun?" Haruka finally managed to ask.

"Anywhere you want to go, Morishima sempai." The Perfect Soldier replied while gazing at her with his cool cobalt blue eyes.

"I'm hungry Yuy-kun. You have to treat me for waiting for you these past 3 days."

The mobile suit pilot slightly smirked upon hearing her statement before nodding and leading her on the way to the western fences.

"Is it ok with you to piggy-back ride with me?"

Haruka's eyes widened upon realizing what he meant, she grinned slyly and nodded to Heero in understanding as different thoughts and ideas presented themselves.

"Morishima sempai... we could get into an accident with what you're thinking right now."

"Eh? It's not my intent... I mean, I'm not thinking about anything!"

Heero only smiled subtly at Haruka as he continued holding her hand while they made their way towards the tool shed's direction. The raven haired beauty secretly smirked upon knowing that he already got a hint of what she was planning.

She might probably ask him all the questions inside her mind later. But right now she was sure of many things.

She was happy.

Author's Notes:

First of all, my apologies for the long wait caused by the long delay. Got busy with many things - both personal and professional. But hopefully, with this massive update, I've managed to quell and fulfill everyone's curiosity about the promised conclusion of the current arc. Here are a few things I'd like to call out:

Kaoru/Triangle Arc - Well its curtain roll for Haruka's fiercest rival, and drawing out a very satisfying last stand for her was very difficult. A good friend pointed out the unenviable position I got stuck in for almost a month while thinking of the best possible way to conclude the love triangle. I must say, I'm glad with the way I finished this arc (It was really sad for Kaoru, I felt bad myself, but I wanted her to get a somewhat glorious ending).

Chapter Title - This is open to everyone's opinion and interpretation. It is applicable to both the main (Haruka) and supporting (Kaoru) female characters. I'll leave it to everyone's judgment as to who really is the "Heroine of the Battlefield".

Chick Flick Update - Yep, good airtime was dedicated to Team Haruka and Team Kaoru, since this will be the first and only time we'll be seeing both teams in action.

Amagami SS Plus - Well I've finished watching all of the sequel episodes except the last two where our favorite heroine is lead (the first one will get aired this week). I might use some material in those two episodes to get a better grasp on her personality and character development. What's more interesting is that her first episode was even entitled "Sexy". My oh my... perverted Junichi definitely doesn't deserve her. But I still like that pairing - they look cute together.

Acknowledgments - To the overwhelming support and reaction I've received since 8 got released. To the reviewers, my deepest gratitude and warmest thanks! And of course to all readers - keep those visits and hits coming! I've been rebuilding some of the chapters for plot improvement aside from typos and grammar corrections. Lastly - for updates and progress of the next working chapter, you could check my profile for info.

Again, thanks everyone and don't forget to review or send your reaction! See you in 10, the beginning of what everyone is waiting for!

It was like a repeat of an earlier scene, the Gundam Pilot was left wondering as Haruka dragged him by holding his uniform's sleeves. Earlier, they were still in the process of choosing their order inside a cafe that Haruka had chosen when the raven haired beauty suddenly stood and began pulling the bewildered Perfect Soldier out of the establishment.

'Something seems to be bothering her... again.'

"Morishima sempai?" He coolly asked as the pretty campus idol stomped off ahead of him.

"Hmm?" Haruka turned to look at him with her lips tightly pouted and eyebrows scrunched closely together.

"Why are you dragging me by the sleeve again, Morishima sempai?" The brown haired boy softly inquired, his eyes allowing a hint of worry to appear while gazing at the raven haired beauty.

"Eh?"

"Is... there anything bothering you?"

"Oohhh... Those waitresses have been staring at you like some sort of..." Haruka began as she glared back at the Cafe where they came from before stopping herself.

"Waitresses?"

"Errr... I... I think I want to eat some burger and fries instead of coffee and cake..." The cornflower blue eyed young woman reasoned as she felt her cheeks burning brightly from embarrassment.

"Hnn... Understood, Morishima sempai." Heero answered as they neared the parking lot, still oblivious to Haruka's reaction.

As the mobile suit pilot mounted the big red motorcycle, Haruka also took her place behind him, hugging Heero tightly.

'You can't blame me for being like this... I missed you. But, promise, I'll improve myself to be the woman that deserves you most.'

Some things never change... easily.

That is a bonus and continuation of the last scene, definitely not an omake. It's also my way of saying "thanks a lot for waiting and again, sorry for the delay." =)

I'll see you in 10!