Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing/AC.

Chapter One

"Aren't you going to spoil your dinner with that parfait?" He looked questioningly at her with one of his eyebrows arched up in disbelief.

"I don't really care, and besides you sound like my mother right about now." the little girl smiled at the delicious treat in front of her. She took a scoopful of the fluffy whipped cream and gulped it down in seconds. "Do you want to have some?"

"No thank you," he raised his hand in protest.

"I can leave some in that empty cup," she pointed innocently at him, hoping to change his mind.

"I'm on a diet," trying to make up a white lie.

She looked at him with a small smile, "But you haven't changed over these past three years!"

"I change over time," he let out a small smile. "You better hurry before they spot you with this."

"Daddy doesn't mind. He sometimes sneaks in a couple of treats without Mommy noticing anyway."

"Hn." He looked at the little girl as she devoured the sweet treat. "You better brush your teeth, young lady. I don't want to have the dentist get any more business than they already do."

"I do, don't worry," she smiled back at him. "Will you always be with me?"

He straightened in his seat, wondering how he was going to answer that tough question. "For now, yes."

"Good," she continued to wolf down her parfait.

In truth, it was the second white lie he had given her today. Sooner or later, he needed to leave her, but how would be break it to her. He had always been there on her good and bad days. They had a routine going on. He would wait for her after she came back from school and even helped her with some of her homework when a math question stumped her. She told him her greatest secrets and what she wanted to be when she grew up.

He continued to watch her as her eyes sparkled with delight. He felt a twinge in his chest, a feeling he didn't like and it was a sign that told him that he was running out of time with her.

"Relena Peacecraft, how on earth did you get that dessert?" Her mom walked over to her table and looked in disapproval. "You are going to spoil your dinner."

"No I'm not," she responded back, and with the lick of her spoon, she defied her mother. Savoring the last of her ice cream, and at that moment, she picked up the cherry that sat at the bottom of the cup.

"Well, I still hope you can finish your dinner later," she placed her hands down on her hips and saw the open seat opposite of her daughter.

She looked up in shock, "Don't sit there, you're going to squish him," she hollered.

Mrs. Peacecraft stood back up in surprise, "I'm sorry I forgot that he's here. " She looked over at the vacant seat, "Did I squish him?"

"No you didn't, he quickly got up." Relena let out a soft smile and looked over to Heero. "He gives you the all clear to sit back down if you want.

She rubbed the side of her head, hoping her young daughter would grow out of this phase soon. "I'm sorry, Heero, and thank you." She agreed to play into her daughter's antics for the time being. "Are you finished?"

"Uh-huh," she smiled again.

"Well then, let's get you ready for your big day then. Daddy should be back from his trip from Australia." She took her daughter's small hand into her own and led her out of the restaurant.

"Do you think he'll bring back a baby kangaroo?"

"You mean a Joey."

"Huh?" she looked at her with a funny look.

She squeezed her hand, "that's what they call baby kangaroos."

"Oh." She looked back at her mother and then looked over her shoulder. She saw Heero walking a few steps behind her. He nodded and she waved back.

…

Heero watched the crowd from the white staircase. Dignitaries with formal suits and dresses filtered to and from the main living room. Their voices filled with random words, and a couple of times well wishes floated up to where he stood.

"Daddy!" an all too familiar voice floated up the staircase.

"There's my little princess."

She jumped up to him with arms outstretched, and she was met with a giant bear hug. "How was your trip?" Her eyes twinkled with delight.

"It was good," he smiled back.

"Your mustache is tickling my face," she let out a small smile. The smell of cinnamon drifted up to her tiny nose.

He hugged her tightly, "Happy Birthday, my little princess." With a free hand, he procured a violet bag with white tissue paper.

She quickly went to the bottom of the bag, and out came a joey. "Thanks Daddy! "

"You're welcome, my princess."

After the last guest left, Relena made her way up to her room. Her lilac dress barely touched the ground and she quickly plopped on her bed. It was an exhausting day to say the least, but a productive one. Her butler had already brought up her latest additions to her stuffed animal collection. Her new stuffed kangaroo sat next her, as she stared up at the ceiling. Somehow, she managed to persuade both of her parents to stick glow in the dark stars all over the blank ceiling.

"There you are, Heero," she recognized the sound of his footsteps as he entered her room.

He looked over her expanding collection of toys, "You had a good night after all."

"You can say that again," her voice chimed in. "Where were you? I was looking for you everywhere."

"I was around," he shrugged. "More by the staircase," his voice was soft. "I don't do too well with old people."

"You're funny," she gave him a poke in his arm.

He looked at the small form, "Well Happy Birthday, Relena." He leaned over her and gave a kiss on top of her golden locks. "I have something for you."

Her blue eyes lighted up as she saw the almond teddy bear come into view. "You didn't have to, Heero."

He shrugged as she watched her snuggle her new teddy bear right by her kangaroo.

"Thank you, Heero." She threw her tiny arms around his big form.

"Hn."

Soon enough, he felt her tiny arms slide off his body and she had fallen asleep. He laid her down on her bed and watched over her for awhile. He didn't have the courage to tell her that this was his last night seeing her. Nevertheless, it was his last day entirely.

He hoped his gift would ease her pain and grief as soon as she would find out tomorrow morning that he was gone from her life. It was never easy leaving his kids that he watched for so long, but they never remembered according to his friends that were like him as they talked about their children. And so, he was hoping she wouldn't remember him either. It was the best for the two worlds.

He saw the rise and fall of her tiny chest, and hoped she was having a good dream at this time. His Prussian eyes looked over towards her chubby cheeked face and saw a smile form at the corner of her lips. And with that, he quickly left her room and disappeared into the early darkness with his hands in his pockets. His heart began to ache. A feeling that he never felt before, "Take care, kid."