there are very few To Heart fans out there... hope someone reads this!!! This is my first To Heart fanfiction and... well... I haven’t actually seen anything out there for To Heart. Come on, writers!!! That ending was VERY unsatisfactory... Hiro remains as clueless as ever!!! ANYWAYZ, this is a one shot. No continuations. But, I am hoping for comments!!! Inboxes full of comments!!! EMAIL ME!!! Pleez? 0_0 This story is sappy... well, not too sappy I hope. Oh, and I’ve been told that I used a bit of West Coast slang... whatever that is... it’s just me the author writing the way people around her speak... @_@ Not that I’m dissin’ my friends or anything o.0 Enjoy the story and please comment!!!

Disclaimer: To Heart belongs to KISS, AQUAPLUS, LEAF, and any other copyright owners.

"HIRO! Hurry up before the line gets too long! Geez... what a slowpoke!" Fujita Hiroyuki narrowed his eyes at the girl beside him.

"Shiho, I see no reason to put an effort into moving myself in this heat. Tokyo Tower is NOT going anywhere anytime soon."

"Yadda yadda, whatever. Just come on! The class is going to leave us behind!"

Hiroyuki rolled his eyes at red-headed Akari, who smiled at him with a shrug toward Shiho. The two girls were two of his best friends, but he and Shiho always seemed to bicker over everything. With Akari, though, things were different; she was quiet, undemanding, soft-spoken, nice, and polite, unlike...

"Hey, BAKA! Move it!"

Hiroyuki sighed and trailed after the girls with his other best friend, Masashi. All the second year classes were on the inevitable field trip to Tokyo Tower and—unfortunately, he thought—Shiho had decided against staying with her class and joined theirs instead. It wasn’t that he disliked her—their bickering was a friendly sort of jibing—but sometimes she just—

"HIRO! Masashi! Hurry up!"

"Yeah yeah yeah..."

******

Hiroyuki squinted up at the tower. "Geez, we’re going to be here forever. Why do all schools seem to go to Tokyo Tower on the same day? Geez..."

"Quit complaining! I don’t see how you can tolerate him, Akari..."

"Look who’s talking."

"What did you say, HIRO!? Who DOESN’T want to be around this kawii little Shiho-chan?" She batted her eyes at him.

"Oh, just most people..."

"!!!"

Of course, a brief glaring contest ensued until Akari tapped Hiroyuki on the shoulder, nodding toward the line. "Let’s go," she smiled. Still glaring at each other, Hiroyuki and Shiho followed Akari and Masashi in the packed elevator. When they reached the top, the students were allowed to explore the famous tower a bit.

"Hey, isn’t this tower the one in Sakura’s dreams?"

"Sakura’s dreams? What are those, Hiroyuki-chan?"

"Oh, you remember, Akari. Card Captor Sakura’s dreams?"

"Oh yeah..."

"Ah, HIRO. How cute. You WOULD still be fascinated by children’s cartoons."

"!" Hiroyuki glared at Shiho.

"Hmm, at least Hiroyuki-chan remembered something from the past without difficulty."

"Hey, Akari, that was mean!" She just smiled chidingly at him, moving to stand beside Masashi, who was enjoying the view the tower offered. Hiroyuki found his gaze following her, observing her expression as she brightened and clasped her hands at the sight. He smiled for a moment, just watching her.

"Hey you!"

His eyes slid irritatedly in Shiho’s direction and grumbled, "I have a name." When Shiho didn’t respond, he turned to look directly at her. She was cocking her head at Akari and Masashi, watching them with interest.

"They look good together, don’t they?"

Hiroyuki started at the thought. Then he shook his head.

"Nah, not Masashi. He’s got Kotone."

"Well, he’s never actually said he likes the girl. And, they NEVER hang out. Except at my Christmas party. She just goes to all his games..."

"Come ON, Shiho. Get real," he said irritatedly. For some reason, the idea of Masashi and Akari together as a couple just bothered him.

Shiho glanced up, noting Hiroyuki’s expression. Her eyes took on a mischievious gleam and she grinned knowingly. "She won’t wait forever, you know."

"What are you babbling about now?"

"Akari and Masashi DO have a lot in common."

"Like?"

"Well, Masashi is nice, like Akari. Unlike someone."

"Shiho..." Hiroyuki glared at her again.

"And he’s ACTIVE after school..."

". . ."

"And he doesn’t have to be awaken everyday for school..."

". . ."

"And he’s always willing to engage in sports..."

". . ."

"And, most importantly, he’s totally not weird and is cute."

"!"

Shiho’s face grew serious. "Akari is a really pretty, sweet girl. Don’t keep her hanging." Hiroyuki raised an eyebrow at Shiho but she turned away and headed toward Akari and Masashi, who had moved farther away. Now why did she say all that? Sighing and shaking his head, he too followed after them.

******

As the class was set free to explore Tokyo for the remainder of their stay, the four friends immediately headed toward the shopping district of the big city.

"Oh, oh, oh! I wanna go into this store!"

Hiroyuki rolled his eyes. "How many stores will you drag us into, Shiho?"

Ignoring him, the other three hurried into the small shop. It was full of trinkets and gifts. Hiroyuki peered about the shelves. There were the usual tourists’ souvenirs: key chains, postcards, figurines, and more. As he admired the imported stained glass window fixtures, something in the corner of the shelf caught his eye. It was a photo album, decorated with engraved teddy bears along its ivory cover. Grinning, he picked it up, turning to see if Akari had seen it yet. Maybe he’d surprise her with it. She was always collecting photos, after all. Heck, she even had photos from grade school. Digging into his pockets, he checked for his money...darn. He didn’t have quite enough with him. Sighing, he placed the album back in its place. Turning around, he saw Masashi handing Akari a gift bag.

"What is it, Masashi-chan?"

"Hn. I saw it and thought of you, so I bought it. Open it and see."

"Okay…" Her face lit up and she threw her arms around his shoulders. "Thanks, Masashi-chan!" Hiroyuki frowned and left the little store quickly; Shiho eyed him worriedly and followed him outside. Soon after, Masashi noticed that the other two had left and nudged Akari toward the door.

"Let’s hurry before they leave us behind."

"Sure. Thanks again for the gift." Clasped in her hands was a glass blown photo frame with a small teddy set in relief at the left corner, surrounded by flowers. Masashi smiled.

"It’s a thank-you gift, really."

"For what?" Akari asked.

Masashi smiled again. "One word. Kotone." Akari grinned and, linking her arm in his, followed him out the door.

As they emerged from the store, Hiroyuki cast an annoyed glance in their direction, noting their linked arms and the small gift bag that still swung from Akari’s hand. Akari skipped up to him, a smile on her face. "Where are we headed next, Hiroyuki-chan? Are you hungry?"

"Hn." Gruffly, he turned and continued walking briskly. Akari’s eyes widened in concern. "Hiroyuki-chan?" She called uncertainly. Meanwhile, Shiho glanced worriedly at her two friends. This is NOT what should be happening, she thought. Christmas was so perfect for them, but Hiro is so slow and dimwitted sometimes. Sighing and shaking her head, she grabbed a confused Masashi’s arm and followed her friends.

******

Akari pulled out her new photo frame from her book bag. Carefully, she removed the old image of herself and Hiroyuki as sleeping toddlers from her album and placed it in the new frame. Hiroyuki-chan doesn’t look very cute here, she thought, smiling. Setting it beside her bedside, near her other favorite photo of Hiroyuki and herself, Akari nestled into her blankets and slept.

******

"What the %@$*%?!!" Hiroyuki stumbled out of bed, landing in a heap of tangled blankets on the floor. An hour after the first bell? How… Scrambling down the stairs, Hiroyuki wondered briefly where Akari was. Sighing, he ran all the way to school, preparing for a lecture from sensei. Just my luck... at least I missed art class with Shiho… I can’t draw at all anyway…

******

"Geez, Hiro, can’t you wake yourself?"

"Quiet, Shiho."

"She’s right, you know, Hiro. Akari shouldn’t have to wake you everyday. It’s just like that time you didn’t hear her calling you or when she was sick last quarter. Sensei is not happy."

Hiroyuki sighed. "I know, Masashi. I know—Oi! Hi Akari. Why didn’t you wake me today?" Akari had just joined them with her lunch tray.

"But Hiroyuki-chan, I told you last week. Masashi-chan and I were here early for student council meetings. Hoshina-san was here for the class representative meeting, too. I walked to school early with Masashi-chan."

"Oh. You walked to school with Masashi?" Abruptly, Hiroyuki stood. "Hn. I’ve got… um… I need to see if sempai has any new spells to show me. See ya." Hiroyuki left hurriedly, leaving his tray. Akari watched him leave, her brow wrinkled with worry while Shiho watched him knowingly, shaking her head as she munched on his untouched chips.

******

"Akari, are you ready to go?" Hiroyuki waited expectantly for her as the class left. "You’re so slow, Akari." He smiled to soften his words. Akari, however, shook her head.

"Masashi-chan has a game today. Aren’t you coming? I’ll be there." She looked expectantly at him, but he was frowning.

"Hiroyuki-chan?"

"Um, I don’t think I’ll go today."

"But we should all go cheer him on with all our hearts."

"One time wouldn’t hurt."

"But..."

"Fine. I’ll go," he replied curtly. Grabbing his book bag, he headed toward the field, leaving a confused Akari trailing after him.

******

"Hi Kotone!" Akari waved the first year over. "Sit with us!" As the game began, Hiroyuki relaxed a bit. He didn’t know what was wrong with him. He ALWAYS went to Masashi’s games. Heck, I even go to his practice and pre-season games. He grinned, feeling excited. The game started as the teams ran out onto the soccer field. As Hiroyuki sat up to grin and cheer for Masashi, Akari cupped her hands to her mouth, leaned forward, and shouted loudly, "You’re the best, Masashi-CHAN!"

Hiroyuki stopped smiling.

******

Hiroyuki and Akari walked toward their homes briskly after the game. Masashi had just parted with them toward his house. As they drew near Hiroyuki’s home, Akari beamed and continued to chatter about the game. Akari chattering—now that’s not an everyday event, Hiroyuki thought bitterly. He tuned her out, trying to get rid of all the negative feelings boiling up inside of him, but he did catch her last words as he turned into the gate of his house.

"Masashi-chan is just the perfect boyfriend, isn’t he?"

Hiroyuki froze for a moment. Then, abruptly, he walked to his house, entered, and closed the door, leaving Akari standing there silently for a moment. A confused and hurt expression crossed her face.

"Hiroyuki-chan?"

******

"Uh-huh, Shiho. Then Hiroyuki-chan just went inside. He didn’t even say goodbye to me. Does he really dislike Kotone that much?" Akari shifted on her bed, fingering her little teddy bear as she pinned the phone between her shoulder and cheek.

"Uh… um... according to my Information Network, no. It’s something else."

"But, when I said Masashi-chan was just the perfect boyfriend for Kotone, he got kinda mad, I think."

". . ."

"Shiho, you’re not being very helpful."

"I’ll have to get back to you on this one…"

"Hurry, okay? ’Nite Shiho!"

" ’Nite!"

Shiho hung up, turning to gaze at the photos on her wall. Hiro, you had better pull yourself together. It’ll ruin my reputation as the all-knowing school gossip if I have to keep quiet for Akari on this one. Sighing, Shiho turned off her light. I was only teasing you, Hiro…

******

The day started well and quickly went downhill for Hiroyuki. Akari had awakened him, but, somehow, they’d still ended up late for class. Then, art class had been worse than usual. If he heard, "Can you draw a circle, Fujita-san?" one more time he was going to… going to… going to… well, going to do SOMETHING. Then, all the bread had been sold by the time he’d gotten to the lunchline. AND he hadn’t been able to find Masashi, Akari, or even Shiho to eat with.

Thank goodness the next day was a Saturday. He really felt a deep urge to just roll over and sleep right then and there.

As the bell rang, Akari approached him somewhat warily. "Are you ready to go?" She asked.

"Huh? Uh, yeah. Let’s go," he replied distractedly, ready to go to sleep on his desk.

"Yoo-hoo! Shiho-chan is here!"

"Shiho!" Akari greeted her friend.

"Look! I’ve got tickets to the new movie—Endless Waltz. Well, okay, so it’s not a movie, it’s a special presentation. You guys had better come since I got these tickets for you!"

"Aw, you, I just want to sleep!"

"Baka, Hiro, don’t waste my precious effort! Here are the tickets, one for each of you!" She handed each a ticket. "The show is at seven, so leave at six-thirty. Don’t wait for Masashi or me. Just go right in since there’s assigned seating according to the tickets. The seats I got are right next to each other." She picked up her bright yellow backpack. "Ja! Oh, and Hiro, be a gentleman for once and pick Akari up before you head to the station!" With that, Shiho breezed out of the room. Akari and Hiroyuki glanced at each other, picked up their own schoolbags, and headed home, too. There was a tired air of resignation around Hiroyuki as he trudged along. Shiho strikes again, he thought. How DOES she always manage to deny me my nice long naps?

******

Ding-dong! Hiroyuki rang the bell at Akari’s house. He heard her hurry toward the door.

"Hiroyuki-chan! You’re early! Come on in!"

Stepping inside, he glanced around.

"Mom and Dad will be home late again… okay, I’m ready now, let’s go."

Hiroyuki followed Akari back to the front door. Just as they were about to leave, she stopped and exclaimed, "I forgot my keys and I need to lock the door!"

Hiroyuki smiled. "You always take too long to get out of the house," he replied, remembering a day last quarter when Shiho had been sick and he and Akari had ended up studying alone together. He followed her back into the house as she called, "Hiroyuki-chan, help me find my keys!" There was a worried note in her voice. "Could you check my room?"

"Sure." Hiroyuki walked into her room, which he hadn’t seen very often. He rummaged among her bears and books, but didn’t find any keys. Just as he was about to leave, something caught his eye. It was the frame Masashi had given Akari. He caught himself before he scowled. There’s no reason for me to be so angry, he thought. No reason at all. Then he noticed the image. He crinkled his nose at the unflattering image of himself beside little Akari, but a smile spread across his face. No reason to be angry, he thought again, more assuredly. I wasn’t very cute there. He smiled to himself.

"I found them!" Akari called.

******

"Where are Shiho and Masashi-chan?" Akari whispered, leaning closer to Hiroyuki, trying not to disturb the other customers. Also drawing closer to her, he whispered back, "Don’t know. But Shiho probably started gossiping and her motor mouth just can’t stop once its started—"

"Heero!" Hiroyuki jumped, glancing about as if he expected to see Shiho standing next to him. Akari nudged him. "It was the screen," she said, giggling. "The girl said ‘Heero,’ not ‘HIRO,’" Akari whispered, mimicking Shiho’s pronunciation of his name. They smiled at each other through the darkness. Then Akari’s smile widened. "Hey, look Hiroyuki-chan, there are Masashi and Kotone. Don’t they make a cute couple?"

Hiroyuki blinked. "Couple?"

Akari laughed at his blank expression. "I’ve only been telling you about them for the past few weeks! As I’ve said before, Masashi is just the perfect boyfriend for her." Akari leaned back in her seat, paying attention to the screen again. One of the characters had gotten shot and another had collapsed, it seemed. Through the darkness, Hiroyuki watched Akari, reflecting on the past few weeks of—well, silliness on his part. His hand crept slowly toward Akari’s. The past few weeks had also made him realize—well, something. I’ve been jealous a lot recently, he thought. Twining his fingers around hers, he felt her turn and lean her head against his shoulder. She said she’d be okay as long as she has me at her side. He smiled, remembering Christmas Eve. I guess that means she’ll always be okay, he promised silently.

While he was gazing at the end credits, two gleaming, familiar eyes caught his attention in the corner of the theatre. A victory sign flashed at him.

"Yoo-hoo HIRO! I see you two!"

Akari jerked away, blushing.

As they left the theatre, Shiho excused herself to go chase down a boy she’d known from middle school who had walked out ahead of her. Walking toward the station, Hiroyuki’s hand found Akari’s again. As the moon rose in the night sky and the stars winked approvingly down on them, the two continued walking hand in hand, side by side. She’ll always be okay...