Heero stared at the beautiful longhaired pilot of Shinagami. It was rare for Heero to feel shocked or surprised, but he never expected the pilot of a gundam to be a woman. And this wasn't just any woman; she was a stunningly beautiful woman. Beautiful wasn't the even the word. Words couldn't do her justice. Her long sandy brown hair hung in a messy braid down her back and her bangs fell into her eyes. Her eyes… they were the most amazing blue violet eyes. Eyes alive with feeling and emotion. Eyes that were smiling, smiling at him. The girl's warm friendly smile lit up her face and stirred emotions deep in Heero's heart.

" I'm Duo. Duo Maxwell, it's very nice to meet you!"

Her voice was soft and melodious. It engraved its self in Heero's memory. He nodded, acknowledging her introduction and turned to walk away. He couldn't let himself get involved. He had to act normal, well, normal for him. Duo ran to catch up with the quickly retreating Heero and fell instep next to him.

" Aren't you going to introduce yourself? We will be working together you know," Duo said sounding slightly annoyed. Heero stopped and looked at Duo. Why should he care if this girl was annoyed with him? Yet, here he is feeling like shit cause Duo was mad.

" Heero. Heero Yuy. Does that make you happy?"

Why did he make that comment? He should have just stopped at his name.

"Yes it does," Duo said laughingly as she started running up the next hill.

" He's so sexy!" thought Duo. " I'm glad we'll be working together!"

Heero ran and easily caught up with Duo.

" I'll be enrolling you in my school. Your records will be taken care of," Heero said in his usual cold serious voice.

" Great! Were will I be staying?"

" You'll share my apartment."

" Won't people think that's… strange?"

" No. If they ask, tell them…"

" I'll come up with my own story!" interrupted Duo. " Just go along with whatever I say. Stories are my specialty!"

Heero looked at Duo slightly worried, but quickly covered his fear and began walking toward home.

" Um, Heero?" Duo tried to get the other pilots attention. Heero was going to be difficult to live with, but Duo decided that this would be fun. Heero would be a cool challenge.

Heero looked up from working at his laptop computer to find himself face to face with Duo. Duo didn't back off and Heero wasn't about to either.

" What?" the response was whispered and Heero's lips brushed softly against Duo's as he said the word. It sent little shivers down his spine. Had he ever felt this way? Duo moved back enough to speak normally.

" Um, Heero. There is only one bedroom and only one bed. Where am I supposed to sleep?" she asked softly.

" I hadn't expected the other pilot to be a girl. You'll have to share with me," he stated flatly.

Duo smiled softly. This was going to make things even easier! Duo knew that she was good at seduction, and sharing a room and a bed, their intimate space, would make it even easier.

" Well, if I have to, then it can't be helped. I don't mind if you don't…" Duo said in her softest and sexiest voice. It didn't seem to have any effect on Heero.

" It's fine," he said flatly.

Heero wasn't near as composed as he seemed. Inside his feelings were raging a war. He had never looked at women, let alone wanted one. How could he feel this way? This is a weakness he can't afford. Why was the pilot a girl? Why did it have to be a beautiful girl?

That night Heero made sure Duo was in bed first. He crawled into bed making sure to leave plenty of space between them. He listened to Duo's soft steady breathing as he drifted off to sleep.

Something warm and soft was lying against Heero. His arms felt like they were wrapped around a bundle of warmth. Heero felt safe, and for the first time in his life, content and happy. Duo awoke in Heero's arms.

" How on Earth did I get here?" she thought. " Oh well. He doesn't seem to mind, and it feels so right!"

Heero slowly awoke from a very pleasant dream. He was holding Duo in his arms and kissing her. Heero's eyes suddenly opened wide. Duo really was lying in his arms! Duo felt Heero tense and looked up at him smiling.

" Good morning, Heero…" Duo purred.

Heero didn't respond. He pushed himself into a sitting position.

" We're going to be late for school."

" Okay… if we have to go. I'm sure you have already taken care of my enrolment."

" Yes, you'll be in my class. Now get ready."

" Class, we have a new student. This is Duo Maxwell. Let's all make her feel welcome. Duo, sit between Relena and Heero," said the teacher.

Duo sat between the girl and Heero. The girl, Relena, seemed upset to be separated from Heero. Duo ignored her for the moment and turned to Heero.

" Heero?" Duo queried softly.

" Yes, Duo?" Heero responded kindly.

Duo thought about how strange it was to hear Heero being kind.

" I don't have any paper. May I borrow some?"

" Of course. I'm sorry. I forgot that you would need supplies," Heero said as he handed Duo paper and a pen.

" It's fine. I'm surprised that you actually forgot something!"

Relena look and listened jealously to Heero and Duo's conversation. Heero rarely spoke, and when he did, it was in fractured sentences that were usually mean. And here is this new girl and Heero is not only speaking to her, but apologizing! Relena decided that she had to know more about this girl.

" Duo? Hi. My name is Relena. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know," Relena said sweetly.

" Really? Thanks! I was afraid it would be hard to make friends, and Heero isn't the best of company at times. He really doesn't talk, and I really enjoy having another girl to talk to!" Duo rambled on.

" Speaking of Heero… What do you think of him?"

" Oh! He's beautiful! I know he seems ruff on the edges, but Heero is a very special young man…" said Duo.

" Yes, he is. So, where are you staying? Maybe we can get together to study and talk tonight," Relena offered. This girl seemed really nice; it would be a pleasant change to have a friend that wasn't concerned with her money.

" You know where Heero lives?"

" Yes. You live near him?"

" No, I live with him. I'm sure he won't mind me having a friend over though. He usually ignores everything around him if he's working."

" You live with him?! But, Heero's apartment only has one bedroom! Where are you sleeping? That jerk isn't making a guest sleep on the floor is he?" Relena said slightly distressed at her new friend's situation.

" Oh no! We share the room and the bed. It's big enough for both of us," explained Duo.

Heero, who had been ignoring the two girls talk, now paid close attention. How would Relena react to this? How would Duo explain their sleeping together?

" You share the bed? But, that's so improper! You can't share a bed!"

" Why not? We are engaged. It's perfectly normal for a couple to share a bed."

Heero nearly died when he heard Duo's words. What was she thinking? Why would she tell Relena that they were engaged?

" You are going to marry Heero?" Relena asked slightly despaired.

" Yep! The doctor arranged it before I left. He told me that Heero would seem ruff around the edges, but that I would grow to love him. He was right. I've loved him since I first laid eyes on him. He's so perfect for me. So, are you still coming over?"

" Umm… of course! We can just ignore Heero, right?"

" Of course!"

" Ignore me? She thinks after saying something like that she can ignore me?" thought Heero. " No way!"

Heero didn't know where these feelings for Duo were coming from, but he was going to act on them.

" So, did you enjoy your first day of school?" Heero asked Duo as they walk inside the apartment.

" Oh yes! I made a great friend in Relena. I know we'll get along great! By the way, she's coming over soon to study with me. You don't mind do you?"

" Of course not."

Heero walked over to Duo and pulled her close looking questioningly into her eyes.

" Why did you tell Relena that we are engaged?"

" Um… you said I could make up a story… It seemed most appropriate for the situation."

" Oh? And you think you can tell her that you are engaged to me and then say that you can ignore me?"

" Well…" Duo wasn't sure where this was headed.

" Well, you can't! No one will make a fool of me. If we are to be married, then you will not ignore me. You will do as I say. You will play the part you have created for yourself. If you tell someone that we are engaged, then we have to act it. Understand?" Heero said icily.

Duo's response was to kiss Heero. Softly at first and then she demanded entry into his mouth. Her tongue playfully caressed his. She entwined her arms around Heero, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Heero began to respond. His hands undid Duo's braid and he ran his fingers through her hair. His hands began to move down her body, caressing every inch of her through her school dress. He began to peel the uniform from her body. He had lost all his reasoning. All he could think of was the driving need in him, and Duo. They were so engrossed in each other that they didn't hear the doorbell. They were so busy trying to undress each other that they didn't notice Relena walk into the apartment. Not until too late did Duo turn and see Relena run from the apartment crying. There was nothing she could do. Why was Relena so upset? Was there something Heero had neglected to tell Duo?

" Why is she so upset?" demanded Duo.

" She… I think she likes me."

" You think? I would say that little display cleared up any doubt! Why didn't you tell me?!"

" I didn't think it was important."

" You! You insensitive jerk! I can't think of anything mean enough to call you!" Duo cried as she ran to their room and threw herself on the bed. Heero might have just caused her the only female friend she had! Heero cringed at Duo's harsh words. It tore him apart that he had hurt her. He barely knew her, and he was in love. How could this happen to him? What was Dr. J thinking when he sent this girl to him? Maybe he had wanted this to happen? Heero could hear Duo crying in their room. He felt awful. He sat down on the bed and pulled Duo into his arms. He rocked her and held her close, trying to calm her. Her sobs died down into small hiccups and eventually disappeared completely. Heero kissed Duo's tear stained face.

" Please don't cry anymore. I'm sorry…"

" Heero?"

" I… I…"

" Yes?"

" It's nothing…"

Duo decided to drop it and let Heero be. He was being unusually caring. Could it be he loved her? Heero kissed softly at the places the tears had marred Duo's face. Duo smiled and softly kissed Heero's lips. They could be so good together if Heero would allow it! Heero laid Duo down on the bed sat on all fours looking down at her. He got an evil smile on his face.

" Let's pick up where we left off earlier…"

Heero quickly ridded himself of his and Duo's clothes and began to explore his "fiancé's" body…

Part 2

Duo slowly awoke from a deep peaceful sleep. What had happened? Where was she?

In bed… naked… Heero… Duo's memories of earlier that evening came rushing back. All she could think is, " I can't believe we made love. I can't believe he's so good at it…"

A sound from her stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten yet. She tried to see over Heero's body to the clock. Heero's body… He was still naked as well, and the blanket was pulled so that it covered just below his waist. The thought of what those covers hid began to make Duo wet once again… Duo carefully pulled out of Heero's arms so as not to wake him. She climbed out of bed and pulled on one of Heero's shirts, she still needed to unpack all of her clothes, and headed for the kitchen.

" Now let's see… what should I make for dinner? Heero is Japanese, but maybe he'd rather have American food? Um… I know! I'll make a salad and chicken and rice! He'll love it!" Duo got to work on dinner.

Heero woke feeling rather…naked. He sat strait up in bed.

" Duo… where's Duo?" he thought.

He smelled something coming from the kitchen and realized that he was hungry.

" I'm never hungry. Guess sex gives you an appitite… I've never been intrested in women, and here I've gone and slept with one. And what's worse, I'm in love with her. How am I going to hide this from her? How can I hide this from everyone else? Ah! What am I going to do!?" all of these thoughts ran through Heero's head as he pulled on some boxers and headed for the kitchen. Duo stood setting the table with her back to Heero. Her back side was barely covered by the short thin shirt, and Heero couldn't help but stare. He walked silently over and put his arms around Duo from behind and kissed at her ear.

" Did you sleep well?" he asked.

Duo purred as she felt Heero's hardening sex against her ass.

" Wonderfully. You?"

" It was nice," Heero said with a hit of sarcasm.

" NICE?" Duo asked incredulously, " It was nice?"

" It was amazing… better?" Heero asked playfully.

" Yes, now, are you ready for dinner? I hope you're hungry cause I made a salad and chicken and rice…"

Heero kissed Duo softly and then sat down.

" I'm famished. Bring me tea as well?" Heero asked in a tone which made it sound more like and order.

" Yes oh masterful one! Can't you ask nicely?" exclaimed Duo slightly miffed.

" It is a wife's duty to serve her husband. I told you, you chose the role for yourself. Now act your part."

" Act my part? Then how about you getting me a ring? IF I have to act my part, you have to act yours!" yelled Duo as she stomped of to their room.

" Stupid Heero. Think he can make me act like a slave to him… stupid… stupid to think he could be nice…" Duo mumbled as she grabbed a pillow and blanket from the room and threw them on the couch.

" What are you doing?" asked Heero as he munched on his salad.

" Want me to act like a wife? Fine! We just had our first fight! You're sleeping on the couch tonight you insensitive jerk!" and with that Duo slammed the bedroom door and locked it.

Like locking it could keep Heero out if he wanted in. Heero wasn't in the mood for anymore fighting though. He finished his dinner and then went to sleep on the couch.

Duo was having a hard time sleeping. She felt guilty about how she had treated Heero, but he couldn't treat her like a slave! What a mess she was in. It took over an hour for Duo to reach sleep, and even then, she tossed and turned all night calling out softly in her sleep for Heero.

Duo awoke feeling incredibly lonely. She hated having that big bed all to herself. She got up slowly and took a shower. The hot water did little to help wake her up. She had hardly slept last night. She walked out of the room hoping to be able to apologize to Heero, but she couldn't find him. He was already gone. Duo quickly drank a cup of coffee, grabbed her lunch, and left for school. When she got there, the first person she saw was Relena. She ran over to the other girl and hugged her.

" I'm so sorry about yesterday! I didn't know you liked him like that! Don't worry, I think he hates me now anyway!" Duo sobbed into Relena's shoulder.

" Duo, I'm not mad. I was a bit shocked is all. I don't really like him that much anyway… what do you mean he hates you? He's in love with you. He wants to marry you!"

" No he doesn't! He never asked me himself! It's all arranged, this is all a lie! He doesn't really love me, and then I made him sleep on the couch last night and he was gone this morning, and he hates me!" Duo was hiccuping as she poured her sorrows out to Relena.

Relena was slightly shocked to hear that Heero had not actually proposed to Duo. And then to get mad at her for not letting him sleep with her! He should be ashamed of himself! Relena decided to help Duo as much as she could.

" Duo, it's okay… you don't need him anyway…"

" But I love him!"

" I love you too…" came a soft voice from behind Duo.

Duo turned to around to find herself staring at Heero.

" Whhaat?" Duo stammered.

" I love you. I should have told you sooner. You were right last night… I… I should have asked you first…"

Relena made a discreet exit and left the two alone. Well, kinda. She found a bush that she could easily see and hear everything from without being noticed.

Heero pulled a small velvet box from his uniform jacket.

" I'm sorry I left early this morning, but I went to get this…" he said as he opened the box.

Duo nearly died when she saw the tiny gold band with a saphire and two little diamond clusters on either side.

" It's… it's beautiful…"

" It reminds me of your eyes. So bright… Duo, will you marry me?"

" We've only known each other for three days!"

" I love you, isn't that enough?"

Heero always thought of things so simply. It was easy for him. They loved each other, so obviously, they should get married. Didn't he realize this wasn't as clear cut as that? This isn't like blowing up an OZ base. It's not a one time mission. It's the rest of your life! It doesn't just end when you finish blowing something up! You have to think about another person in everything you do. Duo didn't even know if Heero wanted children!

" Heero, there's a lot more to marriage then love!"

" I don't care. I've never felt this way. I decided last night that I was going to marry you. It's my new mission. I will not fail."

" Oh Heero…"

" Please marry me. Please be my wife…"

" Yes… I will… when the war is over…"

Heero put the ring on Duo's delicate finger. He pulled her into his arms, and kissed her with all the love and passion he felt deep in his soul.

Six months later…

Four boys and a girl climbed out of their gundams in a generally disshelved state. The girl ran over to the pilot of Wing Zero and pulled him into her arms.

" Heero! I was so worried about you! You could have been killed! I was so afraid that I would loose you!" the girl cried into Heero's chest.

" I'm not easy to kill. Besides, I still have a mission to complete before I can die…"

The three other pilots walked over to Duo and Heero.

" Heero? The war is over. What mission could you have left?" asked Quatre.

" One I took on before the end of the war. One I took before I met you or Trowa or Wufei…"

" And you still haven't completed it? How dishonorable!" shouted Wufei.

" It's a personal mission, ass wipe," said Heero slightly annoyed.

Trowa and Quatre were shocked not just at the unusual talkativeness that Heero was displaying, but also his comments. Why would he be so offended by Wufei's statement?

" So, Heero, you want to share your mission with us?" asked Trowa.

" Duo… the war is over now… you said when the war was over…"

Duo gave Heero a long soft kiss. The other boys looked on in amazement. Heero and Duo had never shown any feelings for each other until now. They were stunned by Duo's reaction to Heero's mysterious statement.

" I've never taken the ring off…" Duo whispered.

" You were so different after the other boys showed up. You were always flirting with Quatre and Trowa and Wufei, and you ignored me… I was afraid you had changed your mind. You were right… it does take more than love, and we had only known each other a short time when I asked you… I've never stopped loving you," Heero said opening his heart and emotions for all to see.

" What are you talking about? What's going on? What was Duo right about? When did you two fall in love? What did you ask her?" Quatre fired off questions at the speed of light.

" Oh Heero… my answer is still yes. I love you, and it will be enough for anything we will face…" said Duo.

" I'm so lost…" said Quatre.

Heero raised Duo's hand to show everyone the ring. It still shone the way it did the day he gave it to her.

" Duo, you already have the ring, but I'll ask you again anyway, this time with more than Relena as a witness…"

Duo and the three boys held their breath in anticipation of the question…

" Duo Maxwell, will you marry me? Will you stay with me for all time?"

Tears streamed down Duo's face.

" Yes! Yes!" she cried.

Heero slowly kissed away her tears.

" Why is it that every time I'm with you, you end up crying?"

" Because you make me so happy…"

They kissed for a long time. Wufei looked on in disgust. Trowa was holding a sobbing Quatre.

" That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard!" Quatre cried into Trowa's chest.

Heero and Duo were back in their apartment. Heero sat at the table eating dinner while Duo went to take her shower. Duo went lie in bed after she was done. She was totally exhausted after their long ordeal. How could Heero still be eating and watching tv? She pulled back the covers and curled into bed. Heero knew that Duo was sleeping. He knew she was exhausted, but he just couldn't help himself. He rid himself of all his clothes and crawled into bed next to Duo. He climbed on top of her and kissed her lips softly. Duo's eyes opened slowly.

" Heero?" asked a sleepy and stunned Duo.

Heero's response was to kiss her again as he began to play with her nipples.

" Ahhh… Heero…" Duo moaned.

" Good evening love," said Heero.

" Heero, I love you, but can't this wait till tomorrow? I'm really tired…"

Heero bent his head down to suckle one of her nipples as his hands traveled down in between her thighs.

" Heero…" Duo moaned again.

" I can't wait anymore… I've wanted you for the past six months. Think of this as consumation of the marriage."

" But we aren't ready yet…" Duo said breathlessly.

" Minor technicality,"

Duo wasn't comprehending Heero's words. His hands were bringing her too much pleasure. That was only the beginning of an amazing night.

" Heero…" Duo whispered as she lay in his arms, their bodies still connected in that most intament way.

" Yes love?"

" Stay with me forever?"

" Of course… I love you"

With the words of comfort, Duo drifted off into a peaceful sleep in Heero's arms.