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. If I had the skills, I would've drawn a doujinshi manga while if I had the money, I would've created an anime for this. A couple of lines were taken from the lyrics of "This Guy's In Love with You/This Girl's In Love with You" by Herb Alpert/Dionne Warwick and "Everything" by Lifehouse. All copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property belong to the artists, individuals, companies and laws protecting them. Only the concept and story itself is mine.

Ok, without any further ado, let's move on to the last chapter of Haruka's Wings and the fan service I've promised!

Epilogue – The Final Victor

2:15pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Zayeed Winner Memorial Hospital. L4 Cluster

"Don't go. Those two words… 'Don't go'… forever changed their lives that day. Of course, it was not all roses after that, there were still a lot of challenges and trials they had to overcome yet what's most important is both of them are… living and facing it together." Haruka thoughtfully concluded to her two enthusiastic listeners.

"I really loved it! Please tell us another story about the Campus Idol and the Time Traveler!"

"Same here, I always like hearing the tale of the boy and girl that defied fate and destiny."

The lovely raven haired woman smiled and gently pinched the cheeks of her small audience.

"Hikari, when you grow up, I do hope that you'll meet one boy who'll stand by your side no matter what." She kindly said to the little girl with sparkling sky blue eyes before turning to the boy next to her.

"While you Hikaru, don't ever leave the girl you like always crying because of uncertainties." Haruka lightly advised at the little boy with a mesh of unruly brown hair.

Hikari smiled impishly while Hikaru subtly nodded in acknowledgment to her.

'Both of you are a bundle of joy and blessing.'

She contentedly smiled and laughed lightly while listening at the two kids exchange their thoughts about her love story. The beautiful sky blue eyed woman had every right to. After all, both of them were a part of her and Heero. Hikari and Hikaru were energetic and precocious fraternal twins she conceived five years ago. Hikari was the older one, by virtue of getting out first. The little girl was a spitting image of her when she was at that age, bright cornflower blue eyes, long curly tipped raven hair and an ever mischievous smile always laced her lips. Hikaru meanwhile was like a carbon copy of Heero, brooding and silent yet kind and insightful. The little boy had the same mesh of chocolate brown hair and deep cobalt blue eyes he has taken after his father.

"Mrs. Yuy?" A voice called out, clearing Haruka from her musings.

"Yes?" She replied turning to face the person.

She was greeted by a respectful smile from a woman with short blond hair, about 3 to 4 years younger than her and wearing the all-white uniform of the hospital's nurse staff while holding a clipboard.

"Doctor Winner will be with you shortly, she's just finishing her appointment with another client." The nurse kindly informed her before bowing slightly and leaving them alone once again in the lounge.

'Well, we arrived here earlier than expected.'

"Hikaru, did you hear that? We're going to see little Quattro soon!" Hikari exclaimed after overhearing her conversation with the nurse.

"I like to see Quattro too… but you've been making him cry by teasing and pinching him a lot, nee-san."

"I can't help it! He's so cute and would always smile at me like I'm the whole world to him!"

"I don't think so. He runs away the moment he sees you." Hikaru disagreed.

"How mean! He's just a little shy around me. I like him a lot because he's a good little boy."

"I doubt he likes you when he cowers behind Aunt Hibiki and Uncle Quatre whenever you try to approach him."

"Humph… you're no different when big sis Mayu chases after you! Hikaru only gets flustered and runs behind Mommy and Daddy!" Hikari teased in return while grinning mischievously at her younger twin.

"That's unfair… I-I can't overpower Mayu nee-san, she's quite tall and naughty like Uncle Duo!"

"Hah! She's so pretty and looks a lot like Aunt Maya, a lot of boys her age are fawning after big sis Mayu but she's contented to play as your babysitter each time you're together!" Her daughter continued to tease at Hikaru.

"She's not my babysitter!"

"Oopps sorry, she's more of your nanny to everyone else who sees the two of you holding hands while walking."

"My nanny? It's funny and ironic to hear that from you, nee-san."

"Yes and why not, you're all helpless and can't do anything else without big sis Mayu at your side."

"Nee-san… this is the very reason why Quattro runs away whenever she sees you." Hikaru thoughtfully replied.

"Eh…? Wha…? Why?"

"Because you already gave him that exact impression, he's kind, shy and gentle to be around loud nosey girls like you."

"You take that back Hikaru, I am your older sister!"

"Yeah a few minutes that is."

"Hikari… Hikaru." Haruka interceded while laughing lightly at the twins.

Quattro the initial topic of the twin's discussion is the 3-year old, first born son of Hibiki Tsukahara-Winner and Quatre Raberba Winner. The toddler got his father's emerald green eyes and platinum blond hair while inheriting both of his parents' kind-hearted nature. Meanwhile, Mayu is the 9-year old, daughter of Maya Takahashi-Maxwell and Duo Maxwell. Haruka could not help but giggle at the comparison between Mayu and Hikari, as both young girls were similar to her during that age. Mayu was a very pretty girl with long braided chestnut brown hair and always had that knowing glint inherent to her father, Duo. She may have a playful streak yet was also responsible and acts as the leader of the kids whenever their families get together.

Haruka had already noticed since two years ago that Mayu was especially close to Hikaru. The two girls would always poke fun and tease Hikaru and Quattro whenever all four were playing with each other. Somehow, as much as she would like to deny it, the lovely raven haired woman sees herself and Heero every time Mayu pulls her son Hikaru who in return would only smile subtly and tag along. On the other side, Hikari's fondness over cute things which she surmised was another trait her daughter got from her was the cause of little Quattro's own chagrin. The heir to the Winner Industries would most likely end up in tears whenever Hikari stresses the fact that he's too cute to be left alone.

"Hikari, I know you think little Quattro is cute but you have to show restraint too when playing with him so he doesn't end up crying and avoiding you. While you, Hikaru… always be kind and respectful to Mayu since she's taken it upon herself to look after you when I'm busy with your sister."

"Yes… Mommy." Hikari answered.

"Yes, Mama." Hikaru replied.

"Ok… I'll tell you another tale about the Campus Idol and the Time Traveler while waiting for our turn with Aunt Hibiki."

5:27pm, 08th of April, 2015 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

Kibitou Prefecture, Japan

It was supposed to be a funny joke but gone bad instead.

'She told me to meet her here. Oh well… I think… this is probably as good place as any.' Heero pondered with both of his hands digging deep inside his pockets.

'University semester break is ongoing. Her third year in College seems to be going well.' The Gundam Pilot mused while viewing the entire horizon from Kibitou's View Deck Park.

Three years had swiftly gone by. He had intermittently visited and stayed at Haruka's time while his girlfriend studied at the local university. Occasionally, he would sign up and complete a contract with GDT Builders while biding his time. Both of them had decided that Haruka would finish her studies first before she permanently takes up residence with him in the future. The raven haired beauty initially had reservations on their decision... mainly attributed to her having problems or difficulty in sleeping without Heero at her side.

However, they agreed that she needed to finish college first before eventually migrating into his time. On his end, Heero ensured that his visits were frequent and Haruka gets to spend a lot of quality time with him. True, he made good with his promise to spoil her a lot after all the hardships they endured yet even he was quick to admit that the setup had been difficult on his part. The discreetness and sensitivity of each time fold considered, he misses her dearly each time she was far from him. Yet the two of them were also certain that Haruka needs to have ample knowledge and a degree in hand to help him in building a future for them.

This day… he wanted to surprise her. He had worked really hard and saved enough from his earnings. The brown haired young man determined that it was time for him to seal the deal. He was dead serious with his plan. He'll see that it is accomplished, whatever happens… whatever the cost was.

Once again, Heero surveyed the surroundings... he was all alone in the park, reveling at the rustling of trees and basking the warmth of the afternoon sun.

"Sorry… I'm late, Heero." A soft voice said, purging him out from his reverie.

"Haruka." He gently hailed, recognizing his girlfriend who had just arrived and was now walking towards him.

"You can take two different approaches, either you do it suddenly and surprising her on the spot OR you do it deliberate and slowly prepare her." Duo's advice reminded him.

Haruka was wearing a simple but nice outfit. A mint green spring dress paired with matching light green flat shoes. She had a small shoulder bag at her side and a white headband to keep her locks of raven hair in place.

"Do you like it?" She asked, referring to her attire.

"You look beautiful." He shortly said while smiling slightly at Haruka.

'I'm not really one who is great at expressing his emotions… better do this differently though, to leave an everlasting impact on her.'

The moment Haruka was but an arm's length from him, Heero swiftly but gently pulled her towards him. He heard her yelp in surprise with his sudden move.

"H-Heero…" Haruka nervously uttered yet her face was blushing deep red.

"I love you, Haruka." He tenderly whispered before taking her lips with his into one deep and passionate kiss.

He felt her freeze a bit in surprise but eventually she returned his embrace and kissed him back with equal fervor.

The sound off church bells ringing seemed to rapture the air around them. The mood and setting was so perfect. They had the backdrop of the setting sun… the entire View Deck Park was all theirs… no one could take away this moment from them. This was how he wanted it to be, only him and Haruka, no one else. It was like running across a meadow full of fragrant flowers with him chasing after Haruka in unbounded rejoice.

The Perfect Soldier reluctantly broke the kiss and lightly gazed at Haruka as he slowly fished out the small box he had kept inside the pocket of his black leather jacket.

'The kiss might have been too good for her… she even tipped one foot off the ground while we were at it…' He mused after tactfully noticing her girlfriend plant her foot back on the park's concrete surface.

"Haruka." Heero softly started.

"Y-yes…?"

"All that we have today is the result of that one special day… three years ago… when you decided to come after me and save our relationship. From that day on… and all this time… I've wanted only one thing." He truthfully stated while gazing at her lovely face.

"T-that… is…?"

"Haruka, will you be mine? Please, marry me." Heero tenderly asked while holding out a small black box with a sparkling engagement ring inside.

He saw her swallow slightly and as she was about to answer…

"STOP IT YOU TWO!" An angry voice abruptly cut what was supposed to be his most glorious moment with Haruka.

He was both surprised and irritated for getting interrupted at such a momentous event but still the brown haired boy turned his head to face the person.

Whoever it was… he'll make sure that the individual will soon pay… He'll unleash his own unforgiving fury.

However, his face turned white the instant he saw the newly arrived person.

"Haruka?" He muttered in disbelief.

There were not one but two Harukas with him inside the View Deck Park. This Haruka… the second one was wearing a powder blue spring dress and black open toe flats.

'What's this… is this a distortion on the spatial continuum? An alternate-reality Haruka? A Haruka… from another dimension? Is… it possible to have a clone… or doppelganger Haruka?'

"That's not me, you dummy!" The second Haruka agitatedly shouted.

Heero shifted his look back at the Haruka in his arms and swiftly studied her features.

Everything was basically the same. Was this a clone? He was about to open his mouth and speak before finally noticing the only feature that somehow eluded him due to the… intimateness of their moment earlier.

The Haruka beside him had cool green irises.

His eyes slowly travelled to her headband a though it was just a small detail he realized another thing.

It was white.

Haruka never wore a white headband.

"That's my cousin Jessica for goodness sake!" The second Haruka… well actually, the true Haruka infuriatingly said.

"It seems… our joke went the other way around… cousin. Sorry!" The first Haruka or more accurately, Jessica embarrassingly reasoned.

Jessica "Sexy" Morishima… is Haruka's cousin from England and a year older than her. The two were often mistaken as identical twins with the color of their eyes and hair the only features distinguishing them from each other. Both were equally playful and would often trick the people around them by pretending to be each other. On this case, Heero reckoned that Jessica dyed her natural golden blond hair into black to 'switch places' with Haruka.

"Sorry, Haruka!" Jessica appealed once again as Haruka stomped towards them.

"Get away from each other!" Haruka fumed.

The real Haruka proceeded to get in between them before angrily confronting Jessica.

"Why did you kiss him?!"

"Err… it was Heero who kissed me first…"

"Then why did you kiss him back?!" Haruka heatedly inquired while glaring at her cousin.

"W-well… I n-never knew your boyfriend was one hell of a kisser!" Jessica nervously blurted and admitted.

'Damn… are you supposed to say that at such a time?' He thought in frustration.

"And you?! Why did you propose to her?!" His girlfriend asked with daggers seemingly spewing out from her sky blue orbs.

"I thought she was you, Haruka." Heero reasoned.

"But she's not me!"

"How was I supposed to know when the two of you were playing a prank on me?" The Gundam Pilot asked in return.

"Ohhh…" Haruka lowly growled with both brows knitted closely together as she glared at Heero.

"I hate you both! You for stealing my moment! And you for proposing to another girl!" His girlfriend intensely stated, referring to Jessica first then to him before brushing past them.

"Haruka…"

"Don't talk to me, Heero Yuy!" Haruka roared at him as she went towards the park's exit.

"To think… it was her idea that resulted to all of this." Jessica quipped with both arms folded next to each other.

"I'm really sorry for messing things up, Yuy-kun. To think that… you worked hard for this event. We didn't know you were going to propose…" She added but he only smiled tepidly and shook his head sideways.

"That is why there's the notion of surprising your love one when you want to make her feel special."

They remained silent for a few moments before Jessica spoke up.

"Heero, give her some time off to cool down for the moment. I know Haruka… as much as she hates to admit it, but she knows deep inside that she also has a hand to everything that happened here."

"Yes… I was just thinking the same."

"Now… the proposal got screwed up because of me. I'd like to make serious amends due to my own involvement in it." Jessica offered.

"Which is?"

"You know Haruka will be taking her annual two-week vacation in England while on break right?"

"Yes."

"Ok, we'll be leaving a week from now for England, since we really didn't cheat on her, she'll probably speak to me around five days from today."

"I don't see how this plays to my advantage."

"Follow her there and surprise her! Do your move there!" Jessica excitedly urged.

"What? But I can't… just travel there." Heero tentatively uttered before resuming, "I actually can't just travel outside Japan."

'The risks are too high to even consider using the Epyon in Europe for crying out loud.'

"Then you should. You must. Because there's this church in England that Haruka always dreamt on getting such a proposal. According to local tales, a couple who gets engaged in front of that church will always be together."

'Hnn… this sounds like a way better idea than mine.'

"Putting folklore aside, I think that's the best moment for you to stage your proposal. Of course, it wouldn't hurt if you make revisions and other arrangements to your plan. But if you decide to accept my suggestion, I'll bring Haruka near the church on a set date you're comfortable with and you do your thing."

'I'll have to make use of those two, then.'

"I'll take you up on that offer, Jessica." He decided after making a quick rundown on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal.

"Nice! Now let me give you my personal line in England…"

4:18pm, 21st of April, 2015 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

Somewhere in England

'He still hasn't contacted me since that misunderstanding more than a week ago! He knew I was going to take a vacation here in England yet he did not put even a little ounce of effort to fix our situation before I left! Heero Yuy… even though I love you so much, your insensitivity is frustrating!'

Haruka sighed deeply as she threw a disinterested look at the surroundings while their car traversed the countryside. Her chin rested comfortably at the base of her palm, the lovely raven haired young lady continued to nonchalantly watch the scenery before hearing Jessica giggle lightly behind the wheel as she drove the car.

"You had that long face and pouted lips for more than a week now. Still haven't gotten over that, Haruka?" Jessica opened.

"I'm still a bit angry at you both, Jessica."

"Oh, come on, Haruka! You can't place the blame entirely on me and include Heero too. You were the mastermind of that prank!" Her cousin defended.

"Fine. But you DID kiss him back and you almost accepted what should have been MY proposal!" She answered in irritation.

"Well… err… it was spurred by the moment! Come on… who would have thought he's going to pop the question at that time! Besides… what's a girl supposed to do when a really hot and dashing guy sweeps her off her feet then kisses her deeply like there's no tomorrow!" Jessica replied while gushing at the same time.

"Stop blushing! And here's what you do: remind yourself that 'he's my cousin's boyfriend'!"

"I'm really sorry Haruka… I've apologized to you a lot of times already. But you can't just pass the blame on me and Heero. He didn't intend to kiss me if he knew I wasn't you."

"I… know that. I'm just really upset that he hasn't even bothered to visit me to patch things up before I left for vacation. I… was expecting we'd get to talk at the very least…"

"Maybe… Heero thought you already broke up with him." Jessica candidly and deliberately stated.

"Ehhh?! No! He wouldn't! He's not like that!"

"Hmm… he might have thought that… 'Jessica is sexier than Haruka so I'll marry her instead!'" Her blond haired cousin teased.

"No! We won't breakup over something as petty as that! Besides, I'm the only girl he'll ever want." Haruka confidently said.

"Well… we look a lot like each other. Honestly, I wouldn't mind trading places with you. If ever he proposes to me instead would you give us your blessing?"

"No! No! And No! He would never think you're sexier than me! He would never propose to you! And I would never EVER give my blessing if you run away with him!" The raven haired beauty fumed.

"Ok… ok… hold your horses, cool your jets and settle down, Haruka. Geez! I'm only kidding! As if I'm going to take your beloved Heero away! Though… I am open to the possibility…"

"You're exasperating, Jessica!" Haruka stressed before deciding to place her attention back at scenery displayed outside the car window.

"We're here!" Jessica announced a couple of minutes later.

She scanned the area and was pleasantly amazed upon recognizing the place. It was the old church their grandparents got married, located a few miles outside the city overlooking the entire countryside. It was already past 4 in the afternoon and today being a weekday the place as expected was devoid of any activity. The church had a well-trimmed garden at the front with a magnificent fountain at the middle acting as its centerpiece. The cool and gentle breeze flowed steadily around them while the afternoon sun's beams lightly touched her skin soon as they alighted from Jessica's car.

"I like this place. This is where grandpa and grandma got married." Haruka uttered as her eyes scanned the entireness of the church's area.

"Yes. That's right." Her blond haired cousin replied as she walked beside her.

"Hmm… are you going to brag once again that your boyfriend proposed to you here?"

"Indeed, he proposed to me here before. But… he found another woman a year later and we broke up soon afterwards."

"Jessica… I… didn't know…"

"It's ok, Haruka… when we were kids we always thought that this place was so magical that it could bring two people together and eventually… end up with each other." Jessica recounted while looking at the fountain with misty eyes.

"I remember that." Haruka fondly replied as she joined her cousin beside the fountain.

"Haruka… true magic only happens if both sides are willing to work and fight for their relationship."

"Believe me, Jessica… I understand that. There was a time… I almost lost Heero because of my fears and insecurities." She recalled, remembering that night she chased after him at the Sakura-Yamato airstrip.

They remained silent for a few moments before she spoke once again.

"I just… no… I really… really wished Heero was here right now."

"Haruka?"

"I… I want him to see this. I want to apologize to him too… I miss him so much, Jessica." The lovely cornflower eyed young woman admitted.

"It's my entire fault for coming up with that stupid joke."

No sooner than she finished her sentence, Haruka heard the sound of piano and string bass wafting through the air. After a few notes it was followed by a cool and deep voice crisply singing an old tune she was all too familiar with.

"You see, this guy, this guy's in love with you."

'What?' She mused before turning to face the source of the music and the owner of the voice.

"Yes I'm in love. Who looks at you the way I do."

There at the rightmost side of the garden, slightly concealed behind a few shrubs and trees was Duo Maxwell and Quatre Winner strumming the string bass and playing the piano respectively. While at the midst of them was the sight she welcomed most.

The most important person in her life… was serenading her.

"When you smile I can tell we know each other… very well."

"H-Heero…"

"How can… I show you? I'm glad I got to know you coz…"

His piercing cobalt blue eyes were fixed into hers as he sang one line after another. Here in front of her at the countryside in one part of England was the one person she'd give everything for. The soldier from the future and time traveler she fell in love with.

He was right there, serenading her with his fellow Gundam pilots, performing a classical romantic love song.

She felt her heart thump repeatedly inside her chest. It was so unlikely for him to do something as crazy and reckless as this. Their travel restrictions and true identities considered… Heero risked everything to be with her.

'You never fail to surprise me.'

The raven haired young lady was still mesmerized and in such musings when Heero tenderly pulled her and enclosed her in his arms. He then held her lightly at the waist before clasping her palms with his and extending their arms in an arc to the side.

"Tell me now… is it so? Don't let me be the last to know…"

He led her and she followed. They swayed gently to the harmonious tune being performed by Duo and Quatre while he continued to sing at the background. It was simple… not as intense as that dance back in Eurasia four years ago. She was reminded a bit of that time… how she had already fallen for him and was preparing for her confession to him later that evening. Her heart was drumming wildly inside her rib cage… she wanted to play it cool… but her feelings for him was already way past her thresholds.

It was no different to what she was feeling right now.

Those profound emotions… were resonating with such intensity at the very core of her soul.

They had been through so much. They became lovers after that… then he left her because of his inner demons. He returned and saved her before revealing the entire truth about him. She then broke up with him after getting terrified of knowing his past. However, she was able to reconcile her own fears and insecurities. She was barely in time to reach him, but her desperate call made him return.

Now… here they are, still very much in love with each other, still facing a lot of struggles and hardships. But that is life… what's most important was they have each other.

Eternally… together.

She'll belong only to this young man. He'll belong solely to her.

"I've heard some talk… they say you think I'm fine." Haruka softly and unexpectedly sang, joining Heero in duet when Duo and Quatre moved to start the next stanza.

She saw him twist his lips subtly upwards. It was that smile… the one that belonged and reserved only for her. His eyes seemed to be burning through her as he tenderly pulled her even closer to him.

"This girl's in love and what I'd do to make you mine…"

The melody drifted past her senses, touching her heart and mildly pinching its folds as she sang to the man she cherishes dearly. It was surreal… the two of them dancing near the fountain with only Jessica watching, while Duo and Quatre performed at the background.

"Tell me now… is it so? Don't let me be the last to know…"

She looked at him tenderly, carefully observing his features: his intense Prussian blue eyes, those thin lips, his mass of chocolate brown hair with long bangs and overall, his handsome face. However, she noticed that everything seemed glossy, like the view someone would see through frosted glass.

It was only then that Haruka finally realized that she was all teary as her eyes securely locked with his. She felt his hand let go of her waist before he affectionately thumbed away the warm tears rolling from her cheeks.

"Say you're in love… and you'll be my guy. If not… I'll just die."

Haruka let go of Heero's hand and instead placed both of her palms behind his neck, enclosing him in a tender embrace. The Gundam Pilot in turn entwined his arms on her back, squeezing her lightly towards him. She was overwhelmed as that familiar tingling sensation took hold of her… prickling through her wholeness while transporting them into another plane. At a clear, pure white, endless, wide open space where only the two of them existed.

'Heero…'

She continued to sing for him… with every word that came out from her lips a matching rhythm to the flowing tune orchestrated by their pair of hearts. It was no longer a song for Haruka and Heero… it was both a reminiscence and an emotion.

It was love in one of its most heartfelt forms.

He smiled fondly at her before placing his lips on her forehead and eventually resting his temple next to hers. She thought her heart leapt out from its dwelling… as a plethora of emotions splashed at her whole being. Was it joy? Or was it gladness? Probably, it was relief and contentment? She was not sure… all Haruka knew was that her soul found once more the true sense of belongingness it had always cherished.

The raven haired beauty nestled her head above the crook on Heero's shoulder before she felt her boyfriend smoothly laid his head on top of hers.

"I'm sorry. It's really my fault why things ended that way." She whispered.

Haruka heard him grunt… that gentle groan of affirmation she's at ease with.

"I told you before… and I'll never hesitate to say it again. You can never do anything that will make me feel otherwise."

"Heero… I promise… I will never play such a trick on you ever again."

"If the situation was reversed… did you ever consider how I might have felt?" He shortly replied.

"I'm so sorry… I really have a long way to go."

"No, Haruka. You've grown a lot and I wouldn't love you any less for what you are right now." The brown haired young man responded.

"I messed up your moment… big time." She apologetically uttered.

"There's always an opportunity, similar to the one we're having right now."

"H-Heero?" She stated in complete surprise as the Perfect Soldier broke their embrace soon as Quatre and Duo stopped their performance.

The love of her life then produced a simple ring with a decent size stone embedded on it from his pocket before offering it to her.

"Haruka, will you spend the rest of forever with me?"

'Oh… my… goodness… this… is… it… the moment I've long waited for… ever since I eloped with him 3 years ago.'

She felt her heart drumming wildly inside her chest.

She knew her mind was ecstatically rejoicing.

She sensed her soul was profoundly fulfilled right at this very moment.

Everything about her… truly belonged to him.

His timing… the scenery… the church and backdrop… him serenading her with his friends… it was all that she ever wanted for the perfect proposal.

"Yes. Of course… you dummy… even if you didn't ask, I'll propose to you myself…" Haruka replied before pressing her lips next to his.

'I love you so much Heero… you just made me the happiest woman in the whole universe right now.'

8:14pm, 11th of May, 2015 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

Kibitou Prefecture, Japan

"This is going to be difficult. Haruka's Daddy hasn't forgiven you for all the stupid things you did to his daughter three years ago." Duo honestly stated while he drove the vehicle towards their destination.

"I have to agree with Duo, Heero. Her Father even approached me for first-hand information after learning you worked part-time for GDT Builders while studying that time." Minoru Takeda added while seated beside Quatre at the backseat of their car.

"Mr. Minoru is right. You even eloped with his daughter a few weeks later upon your return after abandoning her the first time around for Pete's sake! We won't be expecting a warm welcome from the home crowd." Duo chimed before shaking his head and clicking his tongue repeatedly.

"Come on guys… give Heero a break. He's proven himself to the Morishima clan time and again all these three years. He returned Haruka-san to them just in time for her final exams and graduation." Quatre responded, taking his side.

"No wonder we'll hear that from you Quatre. You've been like that since getting… cornered by Hibiki during their graduation." The braided haired Gundam Pilot countered, smiling impishly at Quatre.

"Well… what was I supposed to do… she was… taller and… bigger than me… there's no way… I could've stopped her." The heir to Winner Industries admitted while flushing beet red from embarrassment.

"But you certainly liked it, eh, Quatre? I never knew you had that... side in you." Duo further teased causing their friend to squirm uneasily from his seat.

"Duo… you and Haruka prodded Tsukahara-sempai to do that to Quatre. She would never have had the courage or even the idea to do such an action if you two didn't poison her innocence." Heero finally spoke, reminding the lavender eyed pilot of the antics he and his girlfriend did to Hibiki and Quatre.

"Ahh… quite aggressive… the young people nowadays, Quatre-san, the Tsukahara clan can trace their ancestry from a long impressive line of doctors and specialists from the field of Medicine. You must consider yourself fortunate too for having their lone daughter at your side." Minoru Takeda noted to which Duo nodded in agreement.

"Yes… you're right, Mr. Takeda." The blond haired former pilot of Sandrock conformed.

"Duo, instead of pestering Quatre, shouldn't you be at Maya's side taking care of Mayu?"

"It's funny hearing that from the same guy who requested reinforcements to accompany him on getting his girlfriend's hand in marriage." Duo snickered, earning a glare from Heero.

"Besides, after this I'll return to them ASAP. I wouldn't miss this occasion for anything, old buddy! We'll see it through!"

"We're here. Duo, behave yourself. Mr. Takeda, Quatre, I'm really grateful for you two coming along."

"Anytime, Heero." The blond haired young man smiled.

"It was my pleasure, my young friend." The CEO of GDT Builders responded before nodding at him.

"You have quite the audacity to show your face and come here to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage, Heero Yuy. I might have had no say with the fact that you and Haruka have been with each other for more than 3yrs already. But I have never forgotten what happened to her the first time you left and even eloped with her the moment you returned." Haruka's father sternly stated with his blue-grey eyes drilling deeply into her boyfriend's own.

The impressive Morishima Manor was full of activity and tension since he and his entourage arrived. They were currently at the main receiving area with Haruka seated beside her father while her brother Toshio stayed next to their mother. They made sure that all of them wore the prescribed suit and tie provided by Mr. Takeda as his girlfriend's family wore similar attire appropriate for the occasion. Haruka and her mother meanwhile decided to wear formal chiffon dresses in response.

Haruka felt her jaw drop involuntarily as Heero, Minoru Takeda, Duo and Quatre all kneeled then bowed face down to her father.

"Mr. Morishima, I truly understand your position and own reservation. If I was at your place, I would also have the same stance. But the reason I am still pleading my case despite my previous shortcomings is because I have changed. All these years, I've labored relentlessly to be the person deserving of your daughter's affections." Heero explained while still kneeling to her father.

"I am vouching for him, Morishima-san. Ever since his arrival in Kibitou and joining my company, Heero Yuy has been among the most reliable employees in GDT Builders. His performance has been consistently exemplary. This young man is responsible and driven. Our confidence in him has only grown through the years." Mr. Takeda voiced his support as he also knelt beside the brown haired young man.

"Father… you must not forget, Heero brought little Toshio back home when he got lost. He's been our son's tutor for two years already, his school marks have steadily improved because of Yuy-kun's guidance." Her mother interjected, backing her boyfriend's cause.

Haruka was all the more aghast as her mother continued.

"Our daughter has already eloped with Heero, three years ago. You have to remember it was also him who convinced Haruka to return and graduate from Senior High school. If it were not for his own sense of integrity we might have lost our daughter a long time ago." Mrs. Morishima carefully pointed out.

The raven haired beauty was about to join the conversation but another person beat her to it.

"Father… I'm with Heero nii-san's side. Please let him marry Haruka nee-chan… he's the only one who could tame a wild and noisy scatterbrain like her." Toshio, her younger brother pleaded before going to Heero's backside and kneeling in front of her father as well.

'Me? Scatterbrain? Well… I'm loud and noisy at times… but thank you… Toshio.'

Her father was about to reply but she decided to stand up and face him directly.

"Father… I've done a lot of crazy… and irresponsible things. I admit that. You're aware of my feelings for Heero and how far I could go to prove it. It was only because of his concern for you and mother that I returned here to graduate from Senior High and finish a degree in the University. Please, give us your blessing as there is nothing that could separate us. Besides…" Haruka trailed taking a moment to get closer and whisper her next words.

"I'm well aware of what you and mom did when you were young." She finished, smiling mischievously at her father.

The raven haired beauty noticed her father's right brow twitch repeatedly before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

"Please take care of our daughter and welcome to the family, Yuy-san." The head of Morishima estate gently spoke as he bowed respectfully in return to Heero and his entourage.

2:48pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Zayeed Winner Memorial Hospital. L4 Cluster

"Kids, please be careful while playing. Hikaru… take care of little Quattro when your sister gets unruly." Haruka reminded the trio.

"Yes mama, I'll take care of Quattro when Hikari nee-chan starts getting too excited." His son replied before bowing subtly at them.

Quattro only smiled while waving his little hand at Hibiki.

"Mommy… you and Hikaru are embarrassing me in front of Aunt Hibiki and Quattro!" Hikari pouted, both of her hands crossed above her chest.

"There now, Hikari, just be gentle with little Quattro, ok? He's only three." Hibiki responded while patting Hikari's head.

Her daughter smiled widely and nodded.

Haruka stifled a giggle as the three finally left and Hibiki closed the door. Her friend went back to the swivel chair behind her desk and produced the results of her most recent tests.

The raven haired beauty smiled tenderly as she leafed through the printouts.

"Heero would love this!" Haruka contentedly stated while her eyes landed contentedly on a particular detail.

"It's another boy, Hibiki!"

"Congratulations to you both, Haruka." Her friend and gynecologist acknowledged.

"My boys would certainly be delighted to know there's another one joining the family."

"I wonder about your daughter though." Hibiki thoughtfully inquired, smiling kindly at her.

"Oh… she'll make a little fuss about it… but for sure she'll ask we try to get her a sister soon though." Haruka answered, chuckling lightly upon being reminded of Hikari.

"Well, though I'm not privy of the exact details but Heero's savings from his previous job as well as his current earnings should be more than enough to support five children." Her best friend noted while tapping her pen above her desk.

"Five kids? We're only planning four at most in case you forgot, Hibiki."

"Oh, I certainly remember. You're included on the five children I've mentioned. Heero Yuy's forever and biggest baby would always be you, Haruka." The former swim captain of Kibitou Senior High teased.

"How mean!"

Both of them laughed wholeheartedly before the sky blue eyed woman smirked at her best friend's direction.

"Though… I think it is funny and ironic hearing that from someone who takes care of her husband like a baby. Hibiki… shota-chan…"

"I am not a shota!"

"Ho ho ho… that reminds me of the time you…" Haruka began while smiling evilly at Hibiki.

6:07pm, 07th of April, 2012 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

Kibitou Prefecture, Japan

Within one of the empty clubrooms in their school, three people could be seen intently discussing a very grave topic with its significance reflected from the severity reflected on each participant's face.

"You have to be REALLY aggressive if you plan on going after him, Tsukahara-sempai." Duo's advice repeatedly rang in her ears.

"Maxwell-kun is right, Hibiki. You have to make a serious claim on him! You won't ever expect him to go after you. First you get him alone with you! Then, you place him on the spot! Finally, you take charge!" Haruka grittily enumerated which earned an approving nod from the braided haired young man.

"Haruka-sempai is correct! Pounce on him when the opportunity presents itself! Just like a lion hunting for an impala! You have to press him into a corner and knock the daylights out of him just like what a boxer does to his opponent!" Duo enthusiastically suggested with his brows scrunched closed to each other.

"You must take the reins, Hibiki! You have to show him you're in charge! Show him you're the boss! He'll only consider you as a friend if you let things between the two of you linger from where it currently is! He looks like the type of guy that could be taken any time when someone forceful enough comes along! Do you want that to happen to you, Hibiki?" Haruka seriously warned causing the lavender eyed boy to click his tongue repeatedly.

"O-of-course… not…"

"Then make it clear with him! You might be someone who likes lithe bodied, blonde haired, gentle faced, kind young boys similar to him but how many chances do you think you'll have to land a finishing blow unless you heat things up?"

"I know where you're getting at, Haruka. But I am not a shota!" Hibiki said in agitation.

"I didn't say anything about you being a shota!" Her best friend defended.

"You're heavily implying about that matter once again, Haruka!"

"So what if you're shota? Does that matter right now?"

"He's the same age like me… and does look like a shota." Duo thoughtfully blurted.

"I am not a shota, Haruka!" Hibiki cried out in frustration.

"Shota or not, would you just quietly standby at the sidelines till someone comes along and lays her hands on your shota?"

"H-he c-certainly looks young but just like M-Maxwell-kun said he's technically not a shota!"

"Physically or not would you rather have someone else get your shota?! Seriously, would it be fine with you when another girl lays her hands on your shota?!" Haruka challenged, a sagely glitter faintly appearing from her cornflower blue orbs.

"Soon enough… your shota… I mean, he'll be going back to his country. Remember… he's just visiting here, sempai. It's really hard to be left with regrets and unresolved emotions." Duo counseled.

'I… can't lose him…' Hibiki pondered, balling her knuckles unconsciously.

Her best friend and Maxwell-san were both shaken when she suddenly pounded the table with her right fist and stood up from her chair.

"Ok fine! Shota or not, I'll do it! He's mine! Tell me the plan!" She frantically stated with fire burning from her deep charcoal irises.

"That's the spirit, Hibiki! Show them just what kind of shotacon you're made of!" Haruka readily encouraged.

"Yes you're right!" The foxy eyed young lady gamely confirmed.

"You're a shota, Hibiki!" Her best friend swiftly followed.

"Yes! I'm a shota!" She freely answered before realizing the content of her response.

'Eh?! What the…'

"Wait a minute! I'm not a shotacon!"

"Shota or not, does it matter at this point? What's more important is you accepted who you are and now have your resolve!" The curly tipped raven haired beauty reasoned.

"Haruka!" She could only exclaim in exasperation.

4:07pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Winner Industries Tower, L4 Cluster

"That's it for today's assembly, gentlemen, we'll reconvene next week for the corporate quarterly report. Good job everyone." Quatre announced from the chairman's seat, it was followed by a series of respectful applause from heads of various departments, marking the end of their meeting.

Soon after that the participants of the forum filed out of the conference room leaving only him, Duo and Quatre. Heero neatly placed his report and laptop inside his leather backpack while the two other former Gundam Pilots approached him.

'Having a desk job is certainly different from field work. At the site… you only get physically tired but inside the office… your mind is always mentally challenged.' He mused before feeling Quatre tap his shoulder.

"Thank you for preparing the business summary report, Heero. It was well done and the details clearly show the areas we need to focus on." The blond haired ex- pilot of Sandrock said.

"Man… who would have ever thought that behind that angelic aura and charismatic personality is a ruthless business magnate! You just fired two department heads while announcing the expansion of another venture!" Duo stated.

"Now that's not fair, Duo. They were caught stealing from the company with all evidence implicating them properly collated thanks to Heero."

"You should have had them imprisoned, Quatre." He shortly replied.

"They're already blacklisted, Heero. The most they could apply for is a part-time job at a family restaurant." Quatre explained.

"Well, since we're all finished for today… how about a couple of cold ones at our favorite place?" Duo suggested, looking expectantly at both of them.

"I've got to be home by seven but as long as we don't exceed two hours I'm up for it." Heero accented before they both turned to Quatre.

"Uhm… I'm going to pick up Hibiki and little Quattro at the hospital…"

"There you go again, Quatre… only shows how Hibiki have you all tamed and tied up on a short leash! She won't be finished with work till 6:30pm!" Duo jested while grinning impishly at the emerald eyed CEO of Winner Industries.

"Duo… it's not like that. But…"

"Come on Quatre, we'll be up and running in no time after two hours. Think of it as a celebration after a hard day's work!" The braided haired man quickly answered before pulling their friend along with them.

'It's… quite hard to imagine I'd be living a simple but happy life like this… all because of you, Haruka.'

"Err… Heero, you won't mind giving me a lift back home, right? My car is still getting repairs and it's only due for pickup by tomorrow… at the very least." Duo hopefully inquired.

"Of course, Duo. We practically live next to each other and if something happens to you, I'll have to do a lot of explaining with Maya and Mayu." Heero uttered while shaking his head subtly at Quatre.

"Hey, I've always been your wing man! I've been at your side not only during the worst but especially on the best ones too!" Duo defended.

"He's right, Heero. Duo's our handy man at all the occasions we've been practically clueless about." Quatre agreed as they entered the elevator.

8:10am, 23rd of June, 2015 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

Kibitou Prefecture, Japan

'This is it… the start of us spending our lives forever, Haruka… me and you, together.'

The dreamy and moving notes from the piano along with the crisp, suave strumming of the rhythm guitar roused his senses back to the present. Soon the duo was joined by the deep round plucking from a bass guitar. His Prussian blue eyes keenly surveyed the area, the 4-man band were stationed at the rightmost side of the pulpit while the few people present inside the wide span were all beaming at him.

'Never in my wildest imagination… did I ever dream for something like this… happening to me.'

Heero turned to his left only to be greeted by a Cheshire smile from Duo, beside him Quatre was all flushed with his blonde hair a bit disheveled. He returned his attention to the audience in front. The entire Morishima clan was present with all of them occupying the rows of pews located at the right. The attendees on the left side were their close friends at work and during Senior High. Seated on the front row were their godfather Mr. Minoru Takeda and his daughter, the very alluring Chizuru Hotaru. Junichi Tachibana was seated between his longtime girlfriend, Rihoko Sakurai and his younger sibling Miya. Beside them was Masayoshi Umehara along with Ruriko Yuzuki and Manaka Hiba, former officers of the Tea Ceremony Club. At the next row, he spotted Maya Takahashi-Maxwell cradling her daughter with Duo, little Mayu. Seated next to her were Tsukasa Ayatsuji, Ai Nanasaki and of course, the cute and lovely Sae Nakata.

The brown haired young man continued to scan their guests, his cobalt blue orbs widened slightly upon seeing the lone figure seated on the aisle at the row behind Sae's.

'Oh… there you are.'

The young woman was wearing a simple dress with her deep charcoal eyes looking into his.

It was Kaoru Tanamachi.

He smiled slightly after recognizing her to which the fiery and tomboyish woman returned kindly.

The band continued to play its soft and romantic tune when he saw Duo nudge Quatre from the side. At that moment, his attention shifted to the woman wearing a modest gown while holding a small bouquet of flowers. Her face was blushing beet red with her foxy sable eyes staring intently at the former pilot of Sandrock.

"Damn Quatre… you two can't get your hands off each other." Duo whispered to their emerald eyed friend whose cheeks only reddened even more.

"I… I can't help it… Duo. Tsukahara-san is quite adorable while wearing that gown." Quatre timidly replied.

Soon as Hibiki finished her march and took her place at the left side next to Jessica Morishima, the entire audience stood up as both doors of the church opened.

The main character of this day's glorious event was revealed.

Haruka Morishima stood blissfully at the entrance with her father on the left and her mother at the opposite side. His soon-to-be wife was wearing an elegant pure white wedding gown with long flowing train clipped to the rear of her waist. Though her face was partially covered by a veil made of thin fine fabric, he knew that a warm beaming smile was on her lips. Haruka's long curly raven hair was arranged in to a bun through the use of a few clips which assisted her headpiece in keeping the light shroud perfectly in place. She had a pair of lace gloves that covered her palms up to her forearms. His Prussian blue irises landed on the bouquet of white and light blue roses that Haruka held before her. She looked so immaculate and serene, like an angel or better yet a goddess who has descended from the heavens.

"Find me here… and speak to me…"

As if on cue, the moment Haruka took her first step towards the aisle, the band's vocalist began singing. The entire audience along with everyone else inside the church concentrated their attention as the woman he deeply loves made her slow march to the dais.

"You are the hope… that keeps me trusting…"

The song… was something that became very special to both of them since that day he first took Haruka to his time. He found the lyrics appropriate and coincidental to their situation and feelings for each other. They both agreed that when the time comes, it would be the song playing on the background when Haruka walks down the aisle.

"You are my purpose… you're everything."

More than three years have passed since that fateful evening… since the night he decided to return to his rightful time before Haruka chased after him and he heard her meaningful plea at such a crucial moment. Up until now, he never understood how her cry of love and despair made it to the Epyon. The brown haired man could only attribute it to a miracle. He thought that the Divine interceded after seeing both of them were truthfully and hopelessly in love with each other. There was no logic reasoning or valid scientific excuse which could offer any sort of clarification for the events Haruka triggered that evening. Fate or destiny… had been arbitrary for them, there were times it stood by them but there were moments it was against them. He only knew that what they had was forbidden… as in the process of loving one another… they were defying the natural balance between time and space.

"How can I stand here with you? And not be moved by you."

It wasn't happily ever after for them on the days that followed from their elopement. But he could never forget that each passing moment with Haruka brought even more joy and fulfillment to his life. It was bliss… a short honeymoon period they experienced before he decided to convince Haruka to return and finish her studies. In the process, the Perfect Soldier was able to repair all bridges that connected Haruka to her father. Her mother had been very supportive of their relationship while her brother Toshio treated Heero as his own big brother. After he became the younger Morishima's tutor, Toshio had always looked up to him for guidance.

"Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?"

Their return was just in time. Haruka amazingly finished Senior High despite the number of days she had been absent from her studies. Eventually, they proceeded with their plan for her to finish a degree in University before fully migrating to his time. However, the wonders and magic inspired by their relationship spilled over to his comrades. Duo courted Ms. Maya Takahashi relentlessly, despite the ten-year gap staring at them. Of course, his former homeroom teacher was apprehensive and Duo's own antics did not help his own cause. A Fold jump accident due to the braided haired young man's emotional drunken state validated Maya's true feelings for him. Quatre on the other hand… was a completely different case, after they tested the "Wing Pair" Fold Run, the Winner heir ended with them on Haruka's time while running co-pilot for Duo. The rest had been startlingly stirring when considering the fact that the shy and serious Hibiki would make an aggressive pursuit on him.

His relationship with Haruka had its moments of highs and lows. The lovely raven haired woman had kept her jealousy and insecurity bouts carefully in check. Heero meanwhile noticed that there were still a lot of guys who attempted to court Haruka whenever he was not around. Despite his girlfriend's unyielding loyalty and unquestionable devotion to him, there were still incidences that he required the use of his vaunted 'negotiating skills' or more accurately his threatening interrogation capabilities which not only dissuaded rivals and persistent nuisances but left them psychologically terrified of him.

But why did he propose to Haruka at such an age? She was only 22 while he was just 21. A year into college, Haruka admitted to him that she was suffering from sleep disorder. The illness strangely surfaced whenever he was back in his timeline… each time he was not by her bedside at night. Her physicians could only treat her with sleeping pills and nothing else. Finally, after counseling from a highly respected medical specialist, the truth behind Haruka's sleeping problems was revealed. The physical evaluation on the woman he loves had been very positive and greatly encouraging as her tests prove that she was healthy and normal. However, according to her attending psychologist, tragic incidents triggered by her subconscious due to extreme psychological stress from the past had caused Haruka to fear sleeping when Heero was not at her side.

The cobalt eyed young man blamed himself entirely for what happened. Haruka's emotional wellbeing had been shattered when he first abandoned her. Her mental conditioning was still fragile… despite the psychological defensive barrier she installed when he returned. Lastly, the revelation of his past and the visions she saw inside the Epyon left her emotionally scarred. The trauma was subtle as it would only manifest itself out of Haruka's fear when he was not at her side. She was terrified at the prospect of sleeping and waking up without him beside her.

Driven by love and guilt, he resolved to be with her as much as he could. He worked in various construction sites operated by GDT Builders while following a strict route that revolved only around his job, his hangar at Sakura Yamato airstrip and Haruka's bedroom. Of course, with his training and skills in stealth, going in and out of the Morishima mansion had been pretty much a walk in the park for the Gundam Pilot. The sleeping pills remained an option but he wanted her to sleep as comfortable and as normally as she could. The only occasions Haruka ever used her sleeping pills were on the weeks she spent on vacation in England or while in transition of his return from the future.

Still… they weaved through every hardship together. Hand in hand, side by side, he was always at her side on the next challenge or trial that life throws at them. He was marrying this lovely statuesque woman walking down the aisle not because he owes her a lot, not because of what his actions did to her, but because he was deeply in love with her. Whatever problems or struggles either of them has… both of them promised that they will stand by each other. No matter what the odds maybe. He will always be at her side not only during the best of times but most especially during her hour of need… not because he needed to, but because he wanted to.

"In sickness and in health, I will cherish you. For better or for worst I will walk beside you. Whatever we may face, be it the most difficult storm or the most despairing situation know that I am with you, for I am your friend, your partner, your man, the love of your life and your soul mate. I promise to honor and treasure you, treat you with utmost respect and care, I will only love one woman in my life… and that is you, Haruka. You gave me a reason to dream, a purpose to live…and a hope that burns like no other. So wear this ring… as the symbol of our love and our eternity together." Heero recited his vows before he slid Haruka's wedding ring on her finger at the left palm.

"For richer or poorer, I will stand with you. In your sunniest and darkest days, I will be with you. Whatever trials, adversities and struggles we may expect, know that I am forever with you, for I am your friend, your partner, your woman, the love of your life and your soul mate. I promise to support and treasure you, treat you with utmost respect and care, I will only love one man in my life… and that is you, Heero. You gave me the wings to soar high above the skies, to believe that fairy tales can come true and a hope that I would carry till my last breath. So wear this ring… as the token of our love and our forever with each other." Haruka tearfully delivered before she placed the wedding ring on his finger at the left hand.

"By the powers vested in me, in the presence of the Almighty, I now pronounce you… husband and wife." The minister announced, before referring to him, "Heero, you may now legally kiss, Haruka."

Heero smiled lightly at the minister before turning to his side and carefully removing the veil covering his bride's face. He was stunned to see Haruka's teary sky blue eyes gazing into his as he moved closer to her.

"It's natural for me to be like this… I've dreamed of this moment for a long time… with you." The very lovely young woman tenderly stated before surprising him completely as she took grip of the hems of his collars with both of her palms.

"This is my moment, Heero." She lovingly told him.

Haruka pulled him towards her and planted a deep and passionate kiss into his lips much to the delight and roaring cheers of their audience.

'I love you so much, Haruka.'

4:45pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Zayeed Winner Memorial Hospital. L4 Cluster

"Really Haruka… you surprised everyone with that kiss on your wedding with Heero." Hibiki stated while smiling kindly at her.

"It was… the most magical kiss we ever shared. It was the first we had as a married couple, I wanted it to be very special and memorable for both of us." She replied, still mesmerized at the events that happened during their wedding seven years ago.

"What time will the guys get off from work today? Quatre will be picking us up here at around 6:45pm. We could give you and the twins a ride home." Her best friend suggested.

"Heero sent me a mail just a few minutes ago. He said that they'll be dropping by their usual spot to take a breather before going home." Haruka answered.

"Eh?! My Quatre hasn't sent a message yet…" Hibiki complained after checking her mobile phone and seeing the empty mailbox.

"Oh don't worry, Hibiki. He'll be sure to inform you. Besides, the guys won't linger longer than they should. Heero always eats dinner at home… he can't get enough of my home cooking." She exclaimed, gushing with happiness.

"You've really improved a lot, Haruka. Who would have thought that your culinary skills will be very impressive? I remember that occasion you almost poisoned Heero the first time you attempted cooking."

"Aww… that's embarrassing! I'd rather forget that! I nearly killed him with that lethal concoction. I was really scared! I don't want to be remembered as the girl who killed her boyfriend because of her cooking!" The lovely woman cried while chuckling.

"I'm… a bit worried of my Quatre, Haruka. I know he's with Heero and Duo, but there are times I wished he's…"

"You need to trust your shota, I mean, Quatre always. True he's filthy rich and you live an affluent life you barely dreamed of, but your husband has been very loyal to you, even with all those high society women who are attempting to steal him from you." She assured her friend, gently placing her palm above hers.

"I don't know… Haruka… from anyone's standpoint… I took advantage of his inherent gentleness. He might be better suited to someone like Dorothy Catalonia." Hibiki confided.

"Don't you ever… ever go to that point of thinking so little of yourself, Hibiki. If Quatre didn't love you sincerely, he would just take advantage of you back in our time and never bring you here. If he was just after… you know what, then he would never have married you. Little Quattro was born just three years ago! Surely it's clear by now that he didn't take you here out of pity or guilt or responsibility." Haruka seriously explained.

"Thanks Haruka… I really appreciate your counsel. You've really gone a long way… look at you now… from an insecure and jealous girl you've become a confident and fulfilled woman. Our roles have certainly been reversed." The former swim team captain noted to which she shook her head in disagreement.

"Hibiki, don't be like that. You're still you. I'm still me. The difference is both you and Quatre are too shy and still too considerate of each other. You have to talk these things with him thoroughly." She answered before continuing.

"Me and Heero… we always talk. Communication is just the key, without it a relationship is prone to misunderstandings. It is always two-way, speak out when it's your turn and listen when your other half says his piece."

"Thank you Haruka… I must admit that… sometimes I envy your ability to speak out everything inside your mind with Heero."

"It's what's most important, Hibiki. Me and Heero… we could have lost each other that time… if our hearts didn't communicate and our souls didn't connect."

"Are you referring to…?" Her best friend worriedly inquired, subtly denoting a highly sensitive issue that occurred a few years ago.

"Yes… that time I was in a position far worse than how you are feeling right now." The pretty mother of twins darkly confirmed.

-oxo-

"You've been holding him back… consciously and unconsciously, Haruka." The woman in front said a tasteful manner.

"You have no right to tell me such things. You have no idea on how our relationship works!" She angrily shot back.

"I don't think so… you've just been controlling him for your own benefit. You're pulling him away from the life he's truly comfortable with."

"You are only saying such baseless accusations because he never pursued you even after the wars. You are bitter and filled with jealousy to see the man you have long loved choose a simple civilian like me." Haruka said with pity before seeing the other person painfully cringe from her words.

"Nonetheless… you pushed him into a life he has trouble coping up with. Why did he enlist with the Preventers then? He is man with a sense of duty and responsibility not only to the Colonies but to every human being in Earth Sphere. Your insistence for him to give up the life he has always known is no different from placing a fish out of the water. He will eventually tire of you and resume his obligation as my protector."

"My insistence? You truly don't know anything!"

"Mark my words. He will return to me. His true calling will prompt him to do so. He's bound to realize where he should rightfully be! You can't hamper his essence… his nature. Know your place, Haruka."

"I know my place. You should know the boundaries of yours as well… being just an acquaintance and a charge my husband has to take care of!"

"How dare you?!" The woman spat back in offense.

-oxo-

The reminiscence slowly cleared out, like clouds of nimbus that temporarily obscured her mind's eye. She was back inside her best friend's clinic inside the hospital.

"After Colony… 203." Haruka ominously uttered, with her cornflower irises mistily gazing at the colony's view from Hibiki's wide glass panel windows.

6:12pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Leo's Watering Hole, L4 Cluster

"Can't you see? That woman is manipulating you for her personal gain! She's been causing a lot of confusion between us! Heero, I want you to do something you really like, but please, request a transfer… I don't know if I could bear with this any longer!" Haruka fumed while pleading her case to him.

"Haruka, I understand your concern but we're currently in the middle of her tour. I just can't drop everything else right now because you're having a severe bout of anxiety. I promise you, once we finish the last leg, I'll request for a reassignment." He assuredly told his wife.

"A severe bout of anxiety?! That's how you only see it?! If it would help you see things clearer, fine! Yes I admit it! I am really jealous of her! But haven't you noticed? She's been sowing a lot of confusion between us! The rumors spreading across the entire Earth Sphere between you two are highly disconcerting! Please Heero, listen to me!"

"You know those rumors are not true. The media is just exaggerating matters. We're only acquaintances, nothing more. I always kept my distance from her."

"If you really did keep your distance from her then such photos would never circulate! Why can't you listen to me about this? Why can't you let go of this one for me? Do you have any lingering feelings for her? Every day while waiting for you to come home, I'm all alone inside this apartment hearing nothing but news about you two from every channel! How am I supposed to feel? Tell me, Heero, are you getting tired of me? Is it true that you're having an affair with her?!" Haruka agitatedly remarked, asking one question after another.

"I told you time and again, I have nothing to do with her. If it would ease your mind, I would request an immediate transfer once tonight's conference gets concluded. So please, Haruka… calm down. It's bad for you…" Heero worriedly said, realizing the difficulty of Haruka's situation.

"Tell me, are you just forcing yourself to be with me out of responsibility? Am I nothing but a burden to you since we settled here in your time? Am I… am I really holding you back, Heero?" His wife continued to ask before tears started streaming down from her eyes.

"Haruka…"

"I want the truth… I've kept this to myself… all this time… did something really happen between you two that night?" The lovely raven haired lady gravely queried while choking her sobs.

"I... I don't… really know myself…" He truthfully admitted, unable to face her.

"I love you so much and this is how you repay me!" Haruka painfully said as she began to pound his chest with a close fist.

The Perfect Soldier was about to console her when he felt her hammering slowly lose its pressure before Haruka limped unconsciously in his arms.

"H-Haruka… Haruka!" He cried out upon seeing a trail of blood from his wife's leg travel down to the quickly forming pool on the ground.

-oxo-

"Yo, Heero? Are you alright, old buddy? You look haunted, just a couple of seconds ago." Duo concernedly probed after noticing his silence.

"I don't know… but I just… suddenly remembered things… events that already came to pass." Heero trailed as the remembrance of that afternoon faded from his thoughts.

"Don't tell me… aside from A.C. 198… the only other possibility is…" The braided haired man astonishingly inquired before swigging the contents of his mug.

"A.C. 203…" Heero lowly uttered, his deep cobalt blue orbs staring seriously at the tip of his beer bottle.

The soon-to-be father of three chugged down his beer straight, emptying its contents as if he wanted to drown his miseries along with it.

"Heero, I know you can hold your liquor well, but accidents happen." Quatre opined.

"I'd never hear the end of it from Haruka if something happens to you on our way back." Duo muttered before sighing and shaking his head sideways.

"Whatever happened that time has already been properly cleared between you and Haruka. It's a close book. Frankly speaking, I really envy the strength of your communication with your wife. Both of you are able to clear things up before it escalates into something really serious." Their boss and close friend pointed out.

"It's not always like that… we also have our moments. But you're right, we've been doing all what we can before a small flame eventually becomes a wild fire that could burn our entire house down. Quatre, there's really no perfect relationship. There would always be misunderstandings, challenges and trials along the road, but as long as both of you are committed to resolve it together at the end of the day, then you can certainly say that what you have is perfect in its own way." Heero thoroughly explained as both men lent their focus on him.

"You didn't do anything wrong that night, old buddy. I'd swear to that even with my life at stake. Your love for Haruka has always kept you alive and always on the right path… all this time." Duo sincerely spoke, his lavender eyes fixed seriously into his.

"I truly appreciate it… Duo." He replied smiling subtly at the braided haired man before returning his attention to the Winner heir.

"Quatre, the truth would always set you free. That night we almost got separated for a lifetime… and that evening it almost cost me her life… only the truth saved me. The truth that no matter where we are, there was only one person we belong to. I'd only be hers and she'd only be mine. That's how our feelings… speak of the love we have for each other."

"Well said, old buddy. Now Quatre, if you feel that Hibiki has something she wants to tell you, take the courage and initiative to open it up with her. Hell… I'd feel insecure too if I was your wife and you're working with a powerful and seductively alluring woman like Dorothy Catalonia." Duo ascertained before pouring the remaining contents of the beer into his mug.

"Thanks a lot guys. I'm really grateful for the advice." The owner of Winner Industries softly said while smiling kindly at them.

"Now, let's make a toast… for times spent amongst friends and to our loving spouses!" The former pilot of Deathscythe offered before raising his glass.

"Agreed." Heero replied as he clinked his bottle with Duo and Quatre.

6:51pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Mid-class Suburbia, L4 Cluster

"I'll see you tomorrow, Heero. Thanks again for the lift!" The braided haired former Gundam Pilot acknowledged.

"Papa! Mama's been waiting for you!" Mayu greeted to Duo the moment her father disembarked from his car.

The 9-year old girl automatically went towards the lavender eyed man and kissed him on the cheek before placing her attention to the vehicle's driver.

"Uncle Heero! Please don't leave yet! I just need to get something!" Duo's daughter excitedly called out.

Mayu Maxwell is a perfect blend of Duo and Maya's best physical attributes. The girl's long sable hair was also tied into a braid similar to her father. She inherited Duo's mischievous lavender-tipped irises while the outlines of her face made her a younger version of her mother, Maya. She had been the pride and joy of her parents as well as the first child among their group of friends since getting delivered by her mother a year after meeting her father. Maya and Duo have recently consulted Hibiki in hopes of conceiving another child, and so far, the tests yielded encouraging results.

"Heero? Won't you come inside for coffee?" Maya offered, also coming out from their house to meet her husband.

"I already invited him while on our way here, Dear… but you know Haruka, she'd get worried if he comes home late after knowing we had a few drinks." Duo explained as Maya clung tenderly to his side.

"Where did you boys wander off to?"

"Well… we watched a few ladies dancing by a pole…" The playful former Gundam Pilot started but stopped as soon as Maya pinched him gently on the side.

"You're with Heero and Quatre. I'm only inclined to believe you if you went to a place like that by yourself. Besides, you'd really get some serious beating if you did that." The former homeroom teacher in Kibitou Senior High threatened while still smiling at her husband.

"You know, I could never do that to you. I just like to tease you a lot." Duo softly said, before kissing Maya on her temple.

"I know but you always drive me crazy in the process. I'm nearing forty and you're just twenty-eight, how am I supposed to feel when you're playing around with younger women."

"Oh… isn't it enough that I travelled blindly back in time just to find you after Heero went again to win back Haruka? You rejected me a lot of times but I still pursued you. I married you not because we already have Mayu that time, it's because I want you in my life. I never even knew how to draw till you were shown to me by Zero." The lavender eyed man sincerely spoke while gazing at his wife.

"The number of times I rejected you is nothing compared to the number of times you've made me cry with jealousy and apprehension. I've already fallen for you that day… you did that to me. Imagine how hard it was for me to stop myself from loving a boy… ten years younger than me. Mayu… she's the fruit of… our love… no matter how forbidden it was that time." Maya shared before smiling lovingly at Duo.

"Mama, Papa! Are you forgetting something? Uncle Heero is just over there! Your show of affection is embarrassing! Hug each other all you want after Papa eats his dinner!" Mayu suddenly interjected causing her parents to realize and laugh at their current position.

"She's taken that from you." Duo kidded, earning a playful slap on his shoulder from Maya.

"While she gets all her silly antics from you!" Maya retorted while giggling.

Mayu then ran past them and went directly to his car, Heero could not help but smile as the young Maxwell handed him three see-thru bags filled with home-baked cookies. The cobalt eyed man shook his head knowingly especially after seeing the name 'Hikaru' on one of bags which was noticeably bigger than the other two.

"Mama helped me baked those. Please give the… bigger bag to Hikaru… he's a growing boy… he'll definitely like those chocolate chip cookies. The other two bags are for you, Aunt Haruka and Hikari… I'm sure she'll understand. Don't forget to say hi to Aunt Haruka for me! Thanks much, Uncle Heero!" Mayu spoke while her face radiated a faint shade of pink.

"Thank you as well for helping your Aunt Haruka take care of the twins. We'll need all the help we can get since she's pregnant right now." Heero said in gratitude while patting Mayu lightly on her head.

"I hope… Mama and Papa get me a sister or brother really soon. It gets lonely when I'm not with Hikaru and Hikari."

"Don't worry, Aunt Hibiki is taking care of your mother. Hopefully, you'll get a sibling soon." Heero encouraged.

"Thanks Uncle Heero! Take care on your way home!" Mayu closed before running back to Maya and Duo then waving her hand at him.

The Perfect Soldier grunted and nodded to the Maxwell family all of whom smiled as they waved goodbye at him. He carefully stashed the cookies at the passenger seat before starting up his car and leaving their parkway.

4:41pm, 19th of March, 2012 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

Kibitou Prefecture, Japan

'We've been going at it… like newly-weds… now I don't know what to do…' Maya sighed while in deep thoughts as she walked leisurely towards her destination.

'Time and again… he never fails to tell me that he loves me… but how could we ever come out in the open?' The charcoal eyed young teacher mused while unintentionally ignoring a pair of students who bowed to greet her.

'What am I saying… no matter how much I wanted to ignore it, the truth is... I have feelings for him too. I just can't… ignore the fact that he's ten years my junior! For the love of Almighty… why do I have to feel this way for him?' She pondered, never noticing that a fellow teacher had waved a hand to get her attention.

'I keep telling myself… it was just a coincidence, his arrival and that shooting star. But events… led to one thing after another. Before I knew it… we've been… oh what the heck. He wants to know where he stands… but I'm scared too. I could get dismissed and my teaching license revoked… or worst go to jail.'

Maya had just passed the interlocking pathway from the secondary building to the main campus. The homeroom teacher of class 2-A then turned to the left for the stairway. As much as she wanted to set aside her thoughts… her heart and mind were already strained beyond their limits. The past two weeks have been… full of unexpected events. Duo Maxwell, the most recent transferee student had swiftly closed the distance she had been trying too hard to erect between them. He was like a hurricane, strewing aside everything on his path with a dead set determination to win her affections before the school term ends.

Duo was bold and reckless however he was discreet enough to keep whatever was going on between them a secret from prying eyes. But what was going on between them exactly? Beginning his first day and everyday afterwards he had periodically sent her a single white rose which she would always find waiting on her desk each morning she arrives for work. The braided haired young man had been very aggressive in making his feelings for her known. Initially, she dismissed it as nothing but a simple attraction since he was still young. But soon she found herself going out with him on different places, whether it be a family restaurant or a small coffee shop under the guise that she was tutoring him.

She had turned him down, once already. But it only spurred the mischievous boy to pursue her even more seriously. It eventually came to a high point one evening he brought a couple of female Third Years inside his apartment. Maya was begrudgingly agitated from his action… especially with the fact that she was just living next door to him. A few noises and an hour later she had unwittingly thrown her alarm clock that subsequently broke his glass window. The commotion was more than enough for his visitors to leave but her cover was blown. A heated confrontation with him a few minutes after ended with both of them spending the rest of the evening on her bed. The truth has been revealed… much to her own chagrin. However, she was still adamant that it was nothing but only a one-time thing.

'A one-time… thing… eh… seriously, Maya… what have you been doing?'

It happened again three days after that, then once more just two days ago. He had told her repeatedly that he loves her. Initially, she resigned herself that it would be something forbidden which they'll just keep between them. Duo was a natural ladies man, sooner or later he'd eventually tire of her. However, each time they were together she only found herself falling more and more for him. There had been instances she wanted to admit that she loves him too but her own fears were far greater to handle. Yes, it was true, she had dated a few men already. But it never came to that point or situation where she was now intimately entangled with Duo. Maya didn't know if it was fate but somehow she would learn that her previous boyfriends only had the one goal of claiming her as some sort of a trophy. Of course… she was fast to avoid ending up in such a scenario, the sable-eyed pretty teacher would immediately cut the relationship from advancing any further.

However, it left her scarred and wary of men. She still kept hope that someone special, 'the one' they refer to would ultimately come her way. Five years after her last relationship… there was still none. Or rather, no one had taken her attention in such a way that only Duo Maxwell ever did. He was funny, interesting and there had never been any dull moment with him. Plus the fact that… she was only able to experience those things with him first made the young man without any doubt… very special and unforgettable to her.

'I need to take my mind off from Duo… I'll just have a talk with Kanae.'

Kanae is the school nurse of Kibitou Senior High. Though the young woman was three years her junior, Maya considered her as the closest friend she has inside the campus. It was already past 4 in the afternoon, classes had been dismissed and most of the students left the campus to study at their homes in preparation of the final exams. During these times, Maya would spend an hour or two inside the infirmary to discuss things with Kanae. Of course, she was careful enough to use the "you know my friend is currently seeing a man younger than her" pretext to avoid getting herself in the spotlight. Maya wasn't sure if Kanae already knew that it was actually her and just playing along with her excuse… but there was no one else she could talk to.

Especially now that Duo had already claimed… everything that she has.

Maya was already standing in front of the clinic and was about to knock when she heard muffled voices and some rustling noises coming from inside the room.

"There… right there…" A woman's voice seeped out.

"You… like it… here, Kanae?" Another person spoke… this one she ascertained belonged to a guy.

'What… are… you… doing… inside… Kanae?'

"Harder… do it… harder…" The female spoke once again, which she was now sure to be Kanae.

"Alright."

"Ahh… that feels really… good…" Kanae said while moaning.

"You… need to flex… these legs more." The male voice replied.

"You're definitely right… but… ahh… I can't… be… helped… ahh… I sit here all day…" Kanae slowly uttered while groaning repeatedly.

'Good grace… you're doing such things inside the school of all places!' Maya thought as she rested her ear on the door's surface before feeling her sweat pour down her temple.

"But they're nice… though they are not long… they're smooth and shapely…" The man inside the room gently praised.

"Ohh… you devil… I bet you say that to all… your girls…" Kanae trailed as Maya pondered if she will just leave and comeback the next day.

'I'll probably… just go back tomorrow.' She decided, however, as soon as the lovely teacher turned on her heels the guy Kanae was with spoke once again.

"Nope… I mean what I say… pretty." The person assured to her friend.

'I mean what I say…P-pretty?' Her mind repeated just before Kanae whimpered continuously.

"Harder… there… that's the spot… I'm almost… there… Duo…"

'Duo?!' Maya's thoughts raced after hearing his name.

"I'm with you… Kanae."

'Damn you! Damn you Kanae! And damn you Duo! To think I was seriously considering on giving up everything for you! Damn both of you!' The charcoal eyed teacher furiously thought as she turned the doorknob open.

'It's not even locked! To hell with you both!'

The door sprang wide open, she stomped inside the room and could not help but close her eyes to avoid seeing such disgraceful acts the two were committing.

"You're such a pig, Maxwell! I hate you, Kanae! Doing such things here! You're both shameless! Both of you just go to hell!" Maya shouted with fury while both hands were balled into fists.

"Uhm… Maya-sensei? You m-must have mistaken…" Kanae worriedly uttered.

'Mistaken?'

"How could I be mistaken?! You and Duo are doing disgusting acts inside this room!" Maya screamed in anger as she glared at Kanae and the braided haired young man.

Her sable irises widened considerably after it landed on the pair.

Kanae was seated on her swivel chair with her leg extended on Duo's lap who was seated on a low stool in front of her. Meanwhile, the lavender eyed boy had both of his thumbs running on Kanae's heel.

Lastly, and most importantly was… both of them were fully clothed.

Duo was just massaging Kanae's foot.

They were not doing anything else.

'Oh… my... goodness…' Her thoughts whispered.

The dark haired woman turned pale as she felt all the blood in her body seemed to have evaporated due to her mistaken assumption. Right there, from where she stood… precisely at that very moment, all Maya wanted… was to disappear from the face of the Earth.

She bit her lip unconsciously as her kind charcoal orbs met his lavender irises.

Duo smiled impishly at her.

She was busted… definitely.

"You're jealous… again." The braided haired young man softly spoke.

Heat rushed back like a torrent from an open fire hydrant to her face.

'I want… to die…'

"Maya sensei… don't tell me… the friend you're referring to is no one but yourself." Kanae said in aghast.

The cat was out of the bag.

"Definitely not! I don't care even the least bit what you're doing with Maxwell-kun."

"You called him Duo a while ago." The school nurse teased, smiling wickedly at her.

"I… I was surprised! I thought both of you were doing something!" She excused.

"Well, just to remind you Maya-sempai, a woman doesn't call a guy 'PIG' unless he's cheating on her." Kanae teasingly stated.

"Of course… for that to happen… either both of them are in a relationship or… she has feelings for him." Duo mischievously added, the gleam in his eyes showing how much satisfaction he was getting from her revelation.

"I… I…"

'You've gotten yourself cornered, Maya.'

But she steeled her resolve… just to save what little dignity was left from her.

"I… don't give a damn what you do with each other. I am… not in the slightest bit affected. As an educator in this institution it is one of my duties to ensure that the integrity…"

Both Duo and Kanae only smiled even wider at her.

'Hkkkttt!'

"I… I am leaving… since there's nothing wrong here you could just go about doing your business." Maya curtly said before leaving the two and storming out of the room.

She badly needed to get away from there.

She briskly walked down the hallway towards the faculty area.

It was already late in the afternoon… for sure there were no more teaching personnel at this time.

The lovely teacher felt something hot and stinging trickle out from the corner of her vision.

'I hate you Duo for making me feel this way… for getting me like this! But I hate myself even more… for falling… so damn hard for you!' Maya contemplated as she wiped the tears trailing down her charcoal eyes.

10:42pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Mid-class Suburbia, L4 Cluster

"Must you remind me of that each time we reminisce our love story?" She said in frustration at her widely grinning husband.

"Well, it was one of the most defining moments during our courtship period." Duo bantered before hugging her affectionately.

The warmth of their unclothed bodies… the touch of his hands on her skin… she could feel his warm breath as she laid her head on top of his chest.

Maya was still basking at the afterglow when Duo gently pulled her to face him.

"Mayu wants a sibling. I'm fine whether it be a boy or girl. I don't want her getting lonely."

"C-could… we have a… bit more rest?" Maya whispered while controlling her breathing.

"Don't worry, I'll do all the work this time."

"I'm already thirty-eight… I get exhausted easily… but I definitely love how you… take care of me. Each time… we express our love for one another… I am always assured how much you love me. However, each time you take me into your arms… I can't help but love you more. But it makes me scared, Duo… wouldn't you get tired of this body soon? There are a lot of younger women out there." She fearfully admitted, her eyes looking worriedly into his.

"Hush now... Maya. Me, Heero and Quatre found the women of our destinies a millennia from our time. I'd be damned to waste all the effort I exhausted and sacrifices you made for us to be together. It was never our fault to only meet when you were my age now… ten years ago." Her husband gently assured her.

"I've been bad and irresponsible before I met you. Since you came into my life… and then Mayu… all I've been thinking of is your and our family's happiness. You mean so much to me. That's how much I love you, Maya."

"Oh… Duo… I can only love you and no one else… if you were to leave me… I could never pick myself up."

"That again? Maya, we've been together for the past decade… I've loved you more all these years and that will continue for the rest of our lives. It's not just about what could be seen outside. What matters most is what you have inside. No one could ever compare to you on that aspect, Maya."

"I love you Duo… I'm sorry too I get anxious at times." She tenderly spoke before kissing him on the lips.

"I take it that you're all rested now. Time for us to get Mayu that baby brother or sister." Duo proposed, his lavender eyes sparkling with that ever consuming yearning she's all too susceptible with.

"Duo… you bad…" She uttered but could not finish as his lips invaded hers.

'I love you so much… I'm really thankful I have you as my husband… and you took me as your wife.'

7:07pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Mid-class Suburbia, L4 Cluster

The moment he opened their main door, Heero heard his eldest screaming in excitement as she dashed towards him. Hikari which he sometimes fondly calls as "little Haruka" due to her striking resemblance with her mother was squealing in joy soon as she saw him.

"Daddy!" Hikari gleefully cried before jumping at him.

"Hikari… did you help your mother with some of the household chores?" Heero acknowledged as he carried the little girl on his arm.

"Of course! Hikari made herself useful since Mommy is already expecting a baby sister for her!" His daughter proudly remarked, referring to herself in third person.

'You really take after your Mother.' Heero kindly thought before kissing the curly tipped raven hair of his eldest child.

"Papa." Hikaru pleasantly greeted, gently laying down his pair of slippers before him.

Soon as he slid his feet inside them, his son, the younger of the twins smiled before hugging him by his leg. The Perfect Soldier smoothly ruffled Hikaru's own mass of brown hair to which the little boy smiled subtly in response.

'Am I really like this? Very… discreet with emotions.' He mused while contentedly viewing his little boy… his very own carbon copy.

"You three… the food is getting colder every second you stand there!" Haruka, his wife warmly hailed, grinning widely at him and the twins.

"Daddy, Mommy's been tirelessly working at the kitchen preparing our dinner. You ought to be ashamed for making us wait…" Hikari said while pouting jokingly at him.

He turned and smiled at the little girl in his left arm before holding Hikaru's small palm with his remaining free hand as all three of them moved towards Haruka.

"I'm… home, Haruka." Heero contentedly uttered, before swooping in to kiss his wife on her lips.

"Welcome home, Heero." Haruka tenderly replied after receiving his kiss.

"I'll definitely be like Papa when I grow up. Once I get home after work, I'll have someone like Mama as my wife." Hikaru confidently said while smiling subtly at them.

"No girl would like a gloomy and serious boy like you!" Hikari responded with an impish smile reflected on her lips.

"I'll marry Mayu nee-chan when we grow up." His son assuredly answered to which both him and Haruka laughed.

"I almost forgot, Mayu has a bag of cookies for you. I left them inside the car." He recalled before fishing out his keys.

"Only, Hikaru?" Hikari inquired, her cornflower blue orbs in wide anticipation.

"There's also a bag for you and Mommy." Heero replied as he settled his daughter on the ground.

"Mayu's a very thoughtful girl." Haruka remarked, earning an approving nod from Hikaru.

"Can we get them, Papa? Please?" His son lightly urged.

The brown haired man turned to his loving wife who immediately consented with a knowing smirk.

"Of course, but Papa needs to come with you both." Heero assented as he held each child's palm.

"Do it quickly you three, our dinner's going to get cold." Haruka reminded before the three of them went out to their garage.

Heero turned and smiled slightly at his lovely wife.

'I am back with you and our family… the only place I'll ever belong.'

6:29pm, 09th of April, 2012 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

Kibitou Prefecture, Japan

Everything happened so fast.

Those few yet intense moments between them seemed to have lasted for an eternity.

The consequences however were staggering.

Its outcome has forever shaped that simple, inconsequential acquaintance they initially shared into something severely deeper and unquestionably significant.

Hibiki lay sprawled on her back, covered only with her graduation toga while Quatre silently buttoned his shirt. The blond haired boy could hear her sniffling in between suppressed chokes as he debated the consequences of their actions. The now former swim team captain of Kibitou Senior High had just attended her graduation ceremony with Haruka a few hours ago. He was invited along with Heero and Duo to witness the event before the Perfect Soldier and his girlfriend excused themselves with Haruka's family at the conclusion of the ceremonies. Duo has only informed him that Hibiki was waiting for him inside the swim team clubroom prior to leaving in haste with Ms. Maya Takahashi chasing after the braided haired Gundam Pilot.

Initially he was full of questions as to why the shy and equally silent senior would ask to have a private word with him inside the confines of the swim team club area. It was already afternoon and the swimming facility has been empty since the school term's conclusion. Without anything else to do and instead of going back to their base of operations within the premises of Sakura Yamato airstrip, Quatre decided to acquiesce to Hibiki's request.

The foxy-eyed young woman was all alone and expectantly waiting for him inside the swim team's club room. The moment he entered, she approached him wordlessly and placed her lips on top of his. Then one thing led to another… and before he knew it something very special happened to them. She was unusually fiery and aggressive… he found himself initially hesitant but soon… he was just a willing participant to the acts that both of them committed without any concern with the repercussions.

Yes, it was true that he found Hibiki attractive due to her reserved and mature personality. He admired her even more after learning she plans to be a doctor once she finishes college. There had been a few instances that Duo and Haruka teased Hibiki that left the seemingly stern young woman flushing deep red from embarrassment. On his side, and for unknown reasons, he found himself unexplainably interested into… peeking at her historical data when he makes another trip to The Vault. Hibiki Tsukahara was a compelling young lady for him, he didn't know if it was because she always emanated that matured big sister aura around her that drew him more to knowing her or because he was looking for another older sister figure… having 28 sisters back in his rightful timeline.

But he was shy. Hibiki possessed the same personality as he does. The few instances they had with each other were awkward and full of dead air. Both of them… had been unable to carry a normal conversation with one another. Now after everything that happened, it would utterly be in poor taste to ask her if she likes him.

'She… has feelings for me… but how can it be… Heero was destined with Haruka while Duo's fate had been tied to Miss Maya after piloting the Epyon. I haven't seen any such vision when I went with them back to this time.' He mused before hearing some rustling noise coming from Hibiki's direction.

He took a discreet glance at the young woman and immediately peeled his eyes off from her after recognizing that she was putting on her clothes.

After a few minutes he heard her finally open a conversation with him.

"Winner-san… please, don't you ever say sorry. It was me who pushed… who forced myself to you. You don't have to be responsible for anything. This has been my choice. I led you here and took advantage of you." Hibiki croaked, attempting but badly failing to mask her emotions.

"M-miss Tsukahara…" Quatre alertly replied, instinctively facing the young woman.

The tall and statuesque high school senior was shedding tears the moment his eyes met hers.

"I… have feelings for you. I like you a lot, Winner-san. I'm no better than Haruka in handling my emotions. But rest assured… after everything that happened between us and seeing your conflicted outlook… I won't bother you anymore." She painfully told him.

'What do I do… when confronted with such a situation?'

He was still pondering what to say when Hibiki continued.

"The only thing I would ask of you is please… don't you ever say sorry. I am already pitiful because of my actions and to hear you say that… makes me feel even less about myself. I am not sorry for what happened between you and me because you're in here." The young lady stated placing her closed fist above her chest.

"… but please… don't make me feel sorry about myself. Don't make me feel … like a beggar asking for something that can't be given." She finished before turning towards the door.

'No!' His mind screamed.

'I have to do something!' He decided while moving impulsively to block her from leaving the room.

"Even if you say that, you can't stop me from saying it." Quatre calmly yet seriously remarked.

He saw her red, puffy, foxy eyes open widely in surprise.

"I'll say it to you clearly. I am sorry, Tsukahara… no… I am sorry, Hibiki."

The blond haired boy saw her wince painfully before he resumed.

"I am sorry for being unable to recognize your feelings. I am sorry for being blind. I am sorry for being naïve since this is also a first for me." He earnestly enumerated as his emerald eyes fixed themselves on her face.

"I am sorry for being dense… those little things that you did for me… I only regarded them as something an elder sister would do to her younger sibling. I am so sorry I have not realized this any sooner!" Quatre continued before moving closer to Hibiki and holding her gently in each arm.

"But I am definitely not sorry for everything that just happened between us! Not because you said it, not because I want to save your reputation, not because I just feel responsible! But because I want you… to consider… being mine!" He determinedly declared while craning his head upwards to meet her face.

"I… I'm just a little guy while you're a tall lady that could be mistaken as a model. Though I know I'm still growing… I may not be tall enough for you to lift your head when we're together. But still, if you'll have me…" The heir to the Winner Industries trailed before his lips were covered with Hibiki's.

It was a simple but loving kiss, yet it carried every emotion inside the normally composed young woman dedicated for the blonde haired boy before her.

"I've always wanted to be yours… ever since the first time I saw you." Hibiki tearfully whispered as she gazed down at Quatre. "Please be mine too."

He only smiled and nodded before tipping his toes up while Hibiki bent down to resume their kiss.

9:05pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Winner Palace, L4 Cluster

"Q-Quatre… t-there's something I want to ask… you." His wife opened after they closed the door leading to their son's bedroom.

A few minutes ago, Quatre had assisted Hibiki in placing their sleeping little boy on his bed. They were on the adjoining hallway making their way towards the master bedroom. The current head of the Winner Industries curiously tipped his head on his better half upon hearing her open up.

"I… I want… I want to know if… there's something going on between you and the Chairwoman of Catalonia Estate." Hibiki hesitantly inquired, her eyes fearfully looking into his.

"P-please… be honest with me, Quatre."

'Duo and Heero are right… we have the same thoughts and worries.' He mused before smiling kindly at his spouse.

"Actually… I was about to clarify matters… about that."

Hibiki's face contorted with even more worry after hearing his response. Quatre held both of her hands and gave the dark-haired woman a reassuring gaze.

"There's absolutely nothing going on between us. I've been worried a lot too after you knew we have been working closely with each other for some time now. Please, trust me on this, HIbiki."

His wife breathed a sigh of relief and gently nodded.

"I trust you wholly, my husband… my Quatre. It will utterly break my heart to know that you're having an affair with a woman whom I know… I have no hope on competing with…" Hibiki said before he kissed her at the cheek.

"Why do you always put yourself down? There's no one who can compare with you. You've been taking care of me and our little boy even though you're working as a Doctor. You've been my pillar of support and the woman behind my success… because you are my inspiration, my… cute Hibiki." He shyly admitted while blushing at the same time.

His wife smiled timidly before bending down slightly and kissing him on the lips.

"Y-you're the cute one… my… little Quatre… my stone and my strength." She confessed, flushing deep red with embarrassment.

Hibiki let out a surprised yelp as he suddenly swept her off the ground and began carrying to their bedroom.

"You might still be taller than me, but I assure you that I will always be your strength." He confidently and gently spoke while gazing at his spouse.

"Oh… Quatre…" Hibiki gushed as he sealed her lips while closing the door behind them.

9:38pm, 23rd of April, A.C. 208

Mid-class Suburbia, L4 Cluster

"Are the twins asleep?" Haruka softly asked soon as he entered their room.

"Yeah, they wouldn't let me go till I told them a story about the Campus Idol and the Time Traveler." He answered while going under the bed sheets and joining his wife in their mattress.

"Those two… really…" His wife mumbled, smiling sweetly at him.

He kissed Haruka lightly at the side of the temple before hugging her as she nestled her head over his chest.

"What did you tell them?"

"Hmmm… one of their favorites, the night I danced with you inside the Eurasia ballroom." He replied, feeling Haruka's hand run over his torso.

"That's one of my favorites too." She concurred, easing herself more on his body.

"A lot has happened since then."

"Yes." Haruka contentedly uttered.

"How was the checkup?"

His wife locked her cornflower blue orbs with his in a deep gaze before saying, "I have a surprise for you. I wanted to tell you first before the twins."

"Haruka?" He inquired, his cobalt irises looking into hers questioningly.

"Heero… We're going to have another boy." She tenderly told him.

"Really?" He asked once again.

"Yes."

"Haruka." He gently uttered before kissing her lovingly on the lips.

They traded soft kisses as he wrapped her fondly in his arms. The brown haired man was careful enough to shift her posture, in consideration of Haruka's current condition.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to go with you this time."

"It's ok… you had an important meeting with Quatre." The lovely raven haired woman assured him.

"Still… instead of going to the hospital then taking you home… I even went for a few drinks with Quatre and Duo." He regretfully said but his wife only smiled and shook her head sideways.

"I… I'm scared Haruka. Whenever I remember last time… the thought of almost losing you… I know I will never EVER forgive myself if anything happened to you. This time…" Heero admitted but Haruka stopped him by placing her index finger on top of his lips.

"This time… you will still be at my side… come what may. Nothing will ever keep you away from me… because I know… you will never leave me. I will also be at your side… just like last time… I'll die too if you EVER leave me." She truthfully confessed and gently comforted him with her sky blue irises staring intently into his.

"I could give up everything… but not you, Haruka." He conceded without any remorse, gazing intensely at his loving wife.

"I could never live another day without you, Heero." She professed, with every truth bearing serious weight on each word.

Once again he took her in his arms, placing his lips lightly on her hair.

"Do you ever regret… marrying a sickly… and troublesome wife like me… who is unable to sleep peacefully at night without you by my side?" Haruka inquired, her cornflower orbs expectantly waiting for his answer.

Instead of replying he smiled and asked a question in return.

"Do you ever regret… marrying a former soldier who carried a lot of baggage and had problems moving forward? Who can only live a normal life with you at his side?"

"No fair, answer me first." His wife quickly said, pouting at him to emphasize her position.

He smirked at her before cuddling the pregnant woman closer to him.

"Never. Because… In sickness and in health I will cherish you…" Heero replied before reciting his wedding vows without missing a word as his heart spoke out its most nurtured emotions. "…You gave me a reason to dream, a purpose to live…and a hope that burns like no other."

He saw her teary-eyed and smiling upon hearing his response.

"Not once. Because, for richer or poorer, I will stand with you. In your sunniest and darkest days, I will be with you…" Haruka undoubtedly stated while delivering her own wedding vows as she unraveled the most treasured contents of her soul. "…You gave me the wings to soar high above the skies, to believe that fairy tales can come true and a hope that I would carry till my last breath."

He returned her smile and fondly kissed Haruka on the lips.

"You will always be the Perfect Soldier. But you are far from being the perfect man. Yet in spite of your imperfections… you have managed to be the best husband and father our family could ever hope to have. You're perfect for a very imperfect woman like me." The raven haired beauty said soon as their lips parted from each other.

"Despite having such a jaded and shameful past you still took me in. You still… went after me that night. Everything we have today… we owe it all to that evening I heard you call out to me." He uttered, caressing her cheeks affectionately.

"Because you're the only one for me and half the time… I'm the party at fault when we encounter difficulties. But you still loved me no matter what. A capricious, jealous and insecure woman like me… you still cherish me despite all my limitations." She honestly stated while relishing the feel of his touch.

"That one time… I thought everything was falling apart… the situation seemed… hopeless… yet you persevered and look where it has gotten us? We have two beautiful kids and one more coming our way. You've been a responsible and wonderful husband… I'm so fortunate I have you." Haruka finished, her sky blue irises sparkling in the dimness of their room.

"I was never unfaithful to you… nor did the notion ever entered inside my mind." He truthfully told her.

"I know… and I'm sorry… I'm so… very sorry… those were the days our love for each other were tested to the fullest." Haruka apologetically uttered.

"Yes… but even though we've been through all of that… it doesn't mean there will be no more trials or challenges along the way."

"Of course… that's life so they say. But as long as we have each other… our faith in one another is doubtless… our love is only bound to get stronger… more durable than before." She confidently replied tracing her fingers along the outlines of his face.

"I love you so much, Haruka… more and more each passing day." He sincerely told her while using his thumb to wipe away a stray tear trailing down her cheek.

"I love you so much too Heero… more than you or anyone else could ever hope to imagine." Haruka devotedly said before swooping in and kissing him deeply in the lips.

'I'm very happy, Heero… thank you for coming into my life… that shooting star one fateful evening… ten years ago.'

Haruka's Wings – Final End

Author's Notes:

It's been almost three years since I first started Haruka's Wings. Back in August of 2011, my initial goal was to attempt pairing Heero Yuy and Haruka Morishima after watching Amagami SS. I was driven to answer the question "What could possibly happen if Heero was placed in Kibitou Senior High?" from then on a lot of things happened. The story started with a meager audience and a single review after the first chapter was released. Soon enough, despite the polarity between the two series I was able to gain a dedicated following. The initial chapters were very short when compared to the later updates as I found myself getting more inspired from the encouragement sent by the readers thru reviews and PMs. As time went on, the succeeding chapters became even more verbose as one friend pointed out, reflecting my own dedication in providing a lasting and fulfilling experience to the readers of the story. From a light and simple high school romance it became a hard and serious drama. It was intended in every way, I wanted the readers to see how the characters developed thru the story's progression.

For sure, the seeming shift in genre and the increase in content after every release delighted most of the readers but in a way put off or disappointed some. Every event was planned though, as the story board was long complete before I even started writing the fanfic. The severe increase on chapter length was unforeseen however, I really got fired up as the reviews, feedback and calls for support became overwhelming. Though I only targeted a limited audience – the people who appreciated the story were dedicated and it inspired me to give no less than my best.

All good things must come to an end, as they say. Heero and Haruka's journey in this tale have reached its conclusion but I will never forget the support you readers and especially the reviewers had given me while writing this unforgettable story. It's a first one for me and similarly its theme was the magic revolving that of having your first love being your one and only true love. I've taken inspiration from movies like Macross, Back to the Future and Déjà vu for the time travel elements.

To my wife, this is for you, I hope you liked it.

Acknowledgments (to the HW reviewers I'll never forget):

Drake202 – the first reviewer and one who I consider the pioneer reader of this story. Through all these years you've stood by me, my friend. Words can't express how grateful I am. Thank you so much!

Jackofalltrades32456 – among the earliest reviewers back in 2011, I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks a lot for the continued support!

Alternate Rouge – well, I was surprised to receive a barrage of reviews after I opened my mailbox one day, but it's a really welcome sight. I must say, the way you speak out your thoughts is really inspiring. Good to see you're still onboard and thank you!

RyuujinHaou and azayaka93 – though you guys are no longer reading, I still acknowledge you as among the first set of reviewers. Thank you. ;)

P17oyDONju9n – the story's "Gundam Mayhem" action scenes owe it all to your prodding. Though you're no longer reading the story, your witty comments have truly inspired me on improving each chapter. Thank you.

Celestia's Paladin – my gratitude for your discerning comments, honestly, I wanted to kick Heero too when he first left Haruka. Thanks! ;)

Matchstick800 – ahh, one of the direct reviewers the story has garnered back in 2012. I always look forward to hearing your comments, I'll never forget that time you threatened me. Hahaha! Thanks a lot!

ThePizziaMan – I am really grateful for the audience, you've managed to read and catch up while the story is on its last legs. Thank you for the kind feedback!

Bucio – for all the in-depth and perceptive reviews, you even made two fan works for Haruka's Wings. I am really indebted and grateful for your continuous support. It was really fun and exciting to hear your feedback, there's been a good number of occasions you've managed to reveal my plans. Thanks much my friend!

Arthedain23 – If I may say, the staunchest and most constructively critical among the reviewers. There were times I wanted to give up, but each time I read your insightful reviews, it enables me to pick up the pen or strike the keyboard once more and continue with the journey. I am sincerely grateful for the support, and again, with all my respect, thank you so much!

Operation meteor – I'm saving the best for last, ok buddy, I placed you in last because there's no hiding the fact that you've done a lot for me. You plugged Haruka's Wings thrice on your very successful story allowing me to gain a lot of readers. Your reviews are always in-depth, astute (as you fondly refer to the word) and constructive, your support unwavering – I could never ask for more. Our brainstorms enabled me to push myself to greater heights resulting for a lot of climactic scenes. I appreciate all that, thanks a lot, my friend!

To the rest of the reviewers – all the readers along with me owe you a lot! Whether it be a short comment or a long feedback, I appreciate it, since it provides an overview on how I am doing with the story. Thanks!

From here, it is guaranteed I'll continue with the ongoing light series, "Look at Me". As to what I'll do next… honestly, I am still in serious debate. Is it the HeeroxMizuho crossover or that undeclared HeeroxLadyUne pairing? There's also that HeeroxLacus AU coupling I have at the back of my head. Seriously, I want to try including action or adventure, possibly psychological and thriller on my next venture. I'd like to try my hand as well at one-shots along the way.

The Final Victor is obviously our main heroine, Haruka. It is open however to everyone's interpretation, Heero is the next candidate and it also applies to the support pairings as well. The chapter covers a lot of events that spanned over the course of a decade after the conclusion of the events we saw in HW19.

A.C. 203 – Well now, that's another story. ;)

To all the readers of Haruka's Wings – Please know that I am deeply grateful for the patronage and continuous support of the story. I deliberately planned and wanted a… deliriously happy ending for our couple. However, I still wanted to induce realistic elements to ensure that their '…lived happily ever after' is something they achieved through dedication, trust, and love which results to a commitment bound to face the various challenges in life.

This will be the last time for Haruka's Wings I'll be requesting for your review regarding your thoughts, feedback and insight on the story. So please don't forget to review! If possible, I'd also like to ask the scene you loved most for the entire story.

Till next time! – EZ23

2:15am, 6th of March, A.C.198

Inter-spatial Continuum

The mighty Epyon surged through the time-space continuum with undaunted zeal. Streaks of black and blue lightning lanced through the powerful mobile suit as it traversed the very fabric that separated time and space. Despite the crimson behemoth's formidable frame, the energies that relentlessly plowed through it were of a different magnitude. These were various forces that seemed hell-bent on throwing the ferociously streaking titan away from its intended course.

Inside the cockpit, Heero unyieldingly maneuvered the mobile suit in spite of the seemingly endless number of deterrents being thrown at them inside the spatial time hole. The pilot console shuddered ceaselessly as he strained his hold on both throttle sticks. Plus, he also had to contend with the weight of the passenger seated on his lap while navigating on the snake-like vector provided by the Epyon's navigational panel.

"H-Heero! T-This… I-is… a-ama-zing… r-really…" Haruka trailed as the cockpit was rocked by a series of jolts.

The raven haired young lady was fastened tightly to his safety belt thru an extension harness Duo provided upon his arrival while he and Haruka were still in each other's arms in the aftermath of their tearful reunion. Currently, Haruka was sitting across his lap… and facing him as the connector was locked on both of their front cross-straps.

He was somehow both pleased and distracted for his girlfriend to be situated in such a way. The pilot console was cramped and could only seat a single person, now with Haruka positioned on top of his lap, it allowed Heero at least, to view the main screen and starboard panel while the sky blue eyed young woman obstructed the port monitor as she hugged him. He would tell her to nestle her head on his opposite shoulder should there be a need to view the port display. However… the feel of her body pressing closely with his while occasionally being jolted by external forces proved to be an additional challenge for him to handle while steering the ever fearsome mobile suit.

'I never imagined I'll be placed on an extremely difficult position when you decided to come with me… as much as I want to relish it… I also have to contend with celestial energies and unknown forces while straining to balance the Epyon.' Heero contemplated in frustration as the mobile suit viciously cut through its flight plan.

"H-Heero…"

"Y-yes?"

The ride was very bumpy and they were repeatedly shaken from their seat.

"I… I… a-am… r-really… e-enjoying… t-this… b-but… something… is… p-poking… m-me… t-there…"

'Damn… why now of all times…'

He decided to ignore Haruka and instead focus his mind on the task at hand.

But… the raven haired beauty… despite their situation… was immensely enjoying his disconcerting moment.

"Y-you… m-missed… m-me… a… a… l-lot… d-don't… you…?" Haruka teased, smiling impishly from her headgear.

'Haruka…' His thoughts uttered in exasperation.

["There seems to be a considerable increase in your body temperature matching that of passenger designate, Haruka Morishima."]

"N-not… y-you… a-as… w-well… Epyon…"

"S-see… t-that… e-even… M-mister… E-Epyon… agrees… as well…" Haruka stated, grinning widely at him upon hearing his statement.

"J-just… h-hold… t-tight… we're… n-near the… e-exit…" He answered after checking their current bearing.

They were shook persistently from a succession of powerful shocks as the mobile suit neared the portal's end. He felt Haruka cling even tighter to him as he closed his eyes before the entire cockpit was bathed in a blinding white flash.

'What's this?'

Flashes of various scenes flooded his mind.

The first was a picture of him and Haruka going on a trip inside a colony in L1.

It was followed by another showing him and the cornflower eyed young woman settling on a spacious apartment.

Then it was succeeded by a scene displaying him and his girlfriend playing with four kids… two girls and two boys.

It was followed soon by a different one… then another and another.

He lost consciousness a few moments later.

Haruka was still slumped on his lap the moment he regained his awareness.

["Fold Jump successful. We are drifting on designated coordinates."]

"Thanks, Epyon."

Heero turned his attention back to the lovely young woman before him and was still content to studying her angelic features when her sky blue eyes fluttered opened.

"We're… here now, Haruka." He greeted, smiling kindly at her.

The pretty campus idol turned her head and shifted her body sideways to see his main display.

They were still in the vastness of outer space.

The nearest colony was still but a speck from their location.

"Heero… I definitely, enjoyed that ride! Can we do it again?!" She excitedly asked.

He only grunted and smiled slightly.

"I saw… a lot of flashes… many scenes showing us… on different situations… was that the vision you saw before you found me?" Haruka curiously inquired.

"Yes."

"So… that's… our future… together…" His girlfriend stated while gazing fondly at him.

"Yes."

"But… before I forget… you were… how should I say this… already looking forward to some alone time with me, eh?" Haruka teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

["It is just the same for you, if we are to base the higher body temperature you were exuding during the Fold Jump, passenger designate, Haruka Morishima."]

"I concur, Epyon. Thanks." Heero replied causing Haruka to remove her focus on him and read the text appearing from his display screen.

Her cornflower blue orbs widened in disbelief while her face flushed beet red upon summing the contents of the EPYON System's response.

"I thought we were allies, Mr. Epyon!"

["Designate Heero Yuy is still my pilot, therefore, he's my master."]

"Hmph… you men… are always ganging up on us women!" Haruka mockingly retorted.

He was still chuckling from her remark when the lovely young woman suddenly pulled off his helmet.

"H-Haruka?" He wondered.

She then proceeded to remove her own headgear, freeing her long locks of curly tipped hair.

"We need to commemorate this, being my first voyage not only in outer space but also to the future as well." Haruka seductively whispered.

"What do you have in mind?"

His girlfriend didn't say anything more, but instead she placed both hands on his cheeks and pulled him into one long and passionate kiss.

As her tongue invaded his mouth, he felt her hot breath mixing with his. Instinctively, he held her tightly in return, savoring the moment as their lips passionately clashed with each other.

They were in such a state that he failed to see the beeping of a red light from his control panel.

[Incoming Transmission – High Priority]

"Congratulations on your safe trip back, Heero…. Eh?" Quatre greeted as the main display transmitted his image.

'Why now… of all times…' He mused as Haruka reluctantly broke their kiss.

"We shouldn't be bothering them. Heero, we'll contact you again in fifteen." Trowa replied, the seriousness in his face beguiles the fact that his lone visible eye was throwing him a knowing look.

He was still at a loss for words when Haruka responded instead.

"Trowa… and Quatre…? Hi… could you bother Heero again after thirty instead?" The pretty campus idol proposed while smiling kindly at the two.

"Roger that, Haruka. Welcome to After Colony." The auburn haired former part-time circus performer confirmed before cutting off his transmission.

"Uh… yes, of course! T-till then… you two…. Be back… in thirty." Quatre answered while stuttering and blushing as he ceased his communication.

"Where… did you… learn all that?" He inquired with amusement visible from the tone of his voice.

"I got training, Heero. You have to thank, Mr. Epyon for that." She proudly told him.

["User designate Haruka Morishima, is correct."]

He shook his head in surrender.

"Going back… we were interrupted, right?"

"Yeah." He confirmed while expressively gazing into her sky blue eyes.

"However, before we proceed any further, I'd like to make one thing clear."

"That is?"

"I don't mind you calling the shots, you're the man in the relationship after all… but if you ever cheat on me… or even as much as look into another girl after all I've given up just to be with you… you'll be in a world of pain… I guarantee you." The lovely raven haired young woman flippantly threatened while smiling evilly at him.

"Copy that, Commander." He assented while smirking subtly in return.

"I like the sound of that… Mr. Perfect Soldier." Haruka tenderly whispered before her eyes darted to the main screen.

[29:57:43]

"Time is running Heero… let's make the most of it." She cooed while pulling him again for another deep and passionate kiss.

'The next thirty minutes is not enough… and is definitely short when compared to the future waiting for us. I love you, Haruka.'

You didn't think I'd forget the bonus scene, right? ;)

Once again, as the final curtain falls for Haruka and Heero, thank you so much for the support throughout these years to all you readers of Haruka's Wings!

Don't forget to leave a review! Many thanks! – EZ23