Disclaimer: Sucks, doesn't it?

Notes: Hooray! NO MORE SCHOOL! This means more time to write, ah.

Enjoy.

Posted 5/24/06

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If You'll Be My Bodyguard

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Summary: Usagi Tsukino is the President's daughter. When she is nearly kidnapped, her father immediately hires a personal bodyguard to protect her-the best in the business. His name? Seiya Kou.

Last chapter:

When Usagi exited the stall, however, and saw the man on the floor, she became scared again. That large, scary man had been following them? He had been after her? She felt a new appreciation for what Seiya had done, and forgot about how frightened of him she had been just moments before, when she felt shock take hold of her at the sight of the man.

What would have really happened if she hadn't been with Seiya? Would the man have kidnapped her? Hurt her? Killed her? Raped her? Would she have ever seen her family again? And was this man connected to the ones that had attacked her and Minako two days ago? What did theywant with her? She was very shaken up, but two questions stayed strong in her mind.

Would this happen again? And if it did...

Would she stay safe?

Seeing her new distress, Seiya felt bad again. He approached his principle and walked around her body to face her, blocking the man from her vision. His expression was sympathetic as he gently put his arms around the trembling woman and pulled her into comforting embrace. Seiya felt like he had both succeeded in his mission and failed it at the same time. He'd protected her from physical harm, but what about emotional harm?

And to think that he had thought the assignment was frivolous. That he only took the job because the President requested him. That he thought she wasn't really worth the trouble, that it would be easy and he wouldn't have to try. But the young man realized something.

Someone was out to get Usagi Tsukino.

And his job was going to be much harder than he had thought.

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Chapter Six: Pillows and Tigers

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Seiya made sure to keep Usagi from seeing the unconscious man again, and waited for the police to show up. He really wished that they would hurry, because he didn't like being in this situation.

As if on cue, the man began to stir. Seiya let go of Usagi, and turned her to face away from the man.

"Stay here, don't turn around."

Before she could reply, he had gone to the waking man. With another touch on the neck, he was out cold again. Seiya went back to Usagi, and turned her back to face him, his back to the unconscious man on the floor. He still wanted to keep her from seeing the guy; she was still very upset. Like she was demonstrating that she was still scared just to verify his assumption, she immediately took hold of him again. It was rather unexpected, and it took Seiya a moment to adjust and return the embrace.

She clung to him, desperate for real comfort. Usagi almost shuddered when she thought of the recent events again, and how frightening the man who was after her looked.

Seiya felt a little awkward, not used to doing this sort of thing. But he couldn't ignore her, not when she was so distressed.

He really wanted the police to get there so they could leave. Comforting young women was not his forte. He was good at doing his job, but his job didn't really cover this... though he'd be fine for now. Yet he still wished that the police were there. He really wished it.

And finally, they arrived. Seiya rolled his eyes at their slowness, and glared at them when they entered. The current police force wasn't very good at what they did, he noticed, and he was angry with them for it. But he forgot about his dislike for them so that he could focus on Usagi, who was so shaken that she hadn't even noticed the new men walking in.

"Ms. Tsukino, it's time to go." She nodded meekly. When he let go of her, he motioned for her to follow him. Seiya walked towards the double doors, past the circle of men putting the unconscious on into custody.

Before he could reach them, he felt something suddenly latch onto his left arm.

It was Usagi, and she was looking at the ground, with both of her arms wrapped around his one. Inwardly sighing, he gently pried her off of him, and put his arm around her shoulders instead. Usagi didn't take her gaze from the floor, but allowed him to guide her out of the bathroom and out of the restaurant. Seiya realized that she was in no shape to walk back to her house, where he was surely going to take her back to now. Her friends could be informed that she wouldn't join them soon enough. But first, he had to make a call for transportation.

Only minutes later, a black car pulled up to the curb in front of them. Seiya slowly helped her into the vehicle after checking to make sure it was legitimate, then followed her inside. The driver said nothing, knowing their destination.

As soon as he was in the car, buckled in, and the door closed, Usagi scooted over to Seiya and latched onto him again. He looked at her, but she was still keeping her eyes fixed on the floor, and the floor of the car, in this case. Again, he draped his arm around her. But Seiya took hold of her hand, as well, when she sniffled and shook a little. She was acting like a little child, and it actually irked him a little.

He really hoped she would go back to her normal self soon. He really wasn't good at this.

But... it wasn't that bad, he realized.

The entire car ride was silent, save for the occasional sniffle from the young woman in the backseat.

- - -

When the car arrived back at the White House, Usagi was still out of it. Seiya actually felt sorry for her; she'd been through so much in only a few days. But he had a feeling that she wouldn't want to be pitied, so he was only sympathetic.

Poor kid... Damn it. Now I feel bad. He sighed as the car came to a stop. I'm surprised that something like this happened so soon... I really wasn't expecting it. I'll have to be on my guard...it's a good thing I sensed that man when I did. We came awfully close to being caught. Seiya was actually a little disappointed in his abilities. I wasn't alert enough... I was unprepared... I should have sensed him sooner. I must be slipping. He frowned. It won't happen again.

He unbuckled his seat belt, and had to tell her to undo hers as well, as she wasn't paying attention. Seiya got out first, making sure to take a good look around before letting her exit the car.

He was really surprised when she spoke, and what she spoke. Her voice was quiet, and rather like a child's.

"Seiya... I'm sorry."

What? What is she apologizing for? "...Why are you sorry?"

"I... I don't know." And she really didn't. She just felt bad, and didn't really know what else to say.

"There's nothing to be sorry for, you haven't done anything wrong. Now come on, let's go inside." She nodded, but did not hold onto him when he started to walk to the entrance of her home. He knew that she was still upset, and that she was trying to act like she wasn't. But Seiya was a perceptive man, and she didn't fool him.

- - -

It wasn't totally that day's events that made Usagi so upset, but it was the built up stress and bad feelings from the past few days that made her break down. She missed her friends, hadn't been able to go out, had her privacy taken away, and had been the victim of an attempted abduction twice. And in such a short period of time. Therefore, it wasn't unnatural.

When they had gotten back, the two had immediately went to see Kenji. While Usagi sat in a chair quietly, Seiya told Kenji everything that had happened. The bodyguard explained the situation as quietly as he could without whispering, and across the room from Usagi, trying to not let her hear the conversation. It would only make her remember the bad day. He wished that he could talk to her father in private, but he could let her out of his sight. Especially after today.

Seiya told Kenji, after he was done with the story, that it would be wise to call Usagi's friends, who were most likely still waiting for her. The President agreed, and Seiya took Usagi from the room. He asked her where she wanted to go, but she only shrugged. He decided to take her to her room, where she would probably feel most comfortable, being somewhere familiar.

He suggested that she try to get some rest, that it would help ease her mind. But Usagi knew she wouldn't be able to sleep right now. So she got in bed and into a comfortable position, and simply sat there, absorbed in her thoughts. Seiya did the same, but was writing instead of only thinking. She didn't know what he was writing in the large notebook, and didn't really care. She was too disoriented, and on the verge of having an emotional break down. All she needed was something to trigger it.

But she was pulled from her thoughts when Seiya stood up abruptly, letting his pen and paper fall to the floor. Usagi had no idea where he had it stored on his person, but there was a gun in his hands in a second, and it was pointing to the door. Obviously someone was there, or approaching, who he found to be enough of a threat to get out a weapon.

As soon as he had heard the footsteps, Seiya had determined that they were heavy enough to be an adult's. And they were quick-the person was running. He was going to be prepared. There would be no more careless moments.

"Ms Tsukino, get off the bed and get behind the side out of the line of sight from your door."

After the recent events, Usagi knew that she should listen to him. He'd proven himself to be worthy of her obedience, and she hastily scrambled across her bed and hid behind the side facing away from the door. Seconds later, it opened.

"Don't move!" he said loudly, gun aimed and ready to fire. Usagi heard the person scream in surprise and terror, and immediately popped up.

"Wait, Seiya! Don't shoot!" The bodyguard neither lowered his gun nor removed his gaze from the intruder. "Seiya! That's my friend, Minako! Put the gun away!" He slowly complied, sitting back down on his bed and resuming his activities like nothing had happened. Minako stared at him, both shocked and angry.

"HEY! Pointing a gun at me like that... what the hell do you think you're doing!"

"My job."

"WHAT?"

"You asked what I was doing, and I said 'my job.'"

Minako turned, angry and flustered, to face her best friend.

"Usagi, who the hell is he? I don't like him!" She was a rather blunt girl... and Usagi was a little embarrassed.

"Um, Mina... this is Seiya," she said slowly, trying to make the situation lighter with a more formal introduction. " my new bodyguard. Seiya, this is Minako, my best friend." At Usagi's statement, Minako became even more loud and excited.

"Whoa, whoa, wait... HIM? Usagi, you can't be serious..." Minako said, pointing to Seiya, who responded by mocking her.

"Ms. Tsukino, her? You must be joking, this just can't be your best friend."

"Oh, stop it, you two!" Usagi said, not wanting them to hate each other. After all, they were the two people she would be around the most. They had to get along, or else Usagi's life would get even worse. "Mina, he's just doing what he's supposed to do, don't be mad! And Seiya, don't be so rude! Honestly, you two, I don't want a bad start between the people I'm around the most. Please try to get along?"

After a moment, Seiya only nodded, then turned his attention back to his writing. Minako sighed, and mumbled something in agreement. She was encouraged to do as her best friend said because of how the other girl looked. Usagi was... a wreck. She was a complete mess. Minako directed her energy towards helping Usagi instead of arguing with the man across the room.

"Usa... are you okay?" Usagi shrugged again, and went to sit on the edge of her bed. "Your dad called... he told me what happened." Minako joined Usagi on the bed, sitting close enough to her that their bodies were touching. She held her unresponsive friend's hand. "Usagi?" The other girl raised her head and looked at Minako.

"Usa..." she sighed. "Hey, girl, everything's gonna be alright... so cheer up! At least enough to give me a smile. Can you do that?" Tears welled up in Usagi's eyes, and she smiled as best she could. It was a little wobbly, but it was a smile. Minako grinned in return. "Now that's my girl! You're a strong person Usagi, you'll pull through. I know that the past few days have been hell for you, but we'll make it, together..." Minako squeezed Usagi's hand.

"...I promise you that, Usa." Minako let go of her friend's hand, and pulled her into a supportive hug. Usagi leaned into the embrace, then flung her arms around Minako's torso and clung to her tightly. And she cried. She cried hard, letting out all of the bad feelings pent up inside. She hadn't let herself cry over anything that had happened yet, and now the emotions had overflowed. Minako stroked her friends back, soothingly and slowly, trying to take the pain away. Usagi was embarrassed, crying like this right in front of Seiya, and Minako felt her uneasiness.

"It's okay to cry, Usagi. Let it out... it helps. Don't let it build up again." Usagi nodded, and let herself weep. "I'm here for you, Usa, always. Whenever you need me, and wherever you need me, I'll be there." Usagi almost cried more... she was so lucky to have such a wonderful friend. She really didn't know what she would do without her childhood companion.

"...Thank you, Mina," she said, almost mumbling.

"Don't thank me. There's no need to." Usagi pulled away and gave her friend a grateful smile, and nodded. "Now, I won't let you stay in your room and be down all day! You're coming out with me, at least out of this room. Will Grouchy over there let us watch a movie upstairs if we invite him, too?" Usagi nodded, and looked to Seiya. He stood, ready to accompany them wherever they went in the house.

"Good. And let's say hi to Makoto, she's sad that you couldn't hang out with us. We all were... and we all ended up going back home. It just wouldn't be the same without you!" Minako grinned and grabbed Usagi's hand and pulled her out of the room, striking up a cheerful conversation.

Seiya had to admit, that girl had cheered Usagi up really fast. Maybe she wasn't so bad if she had gotten Usagi out of her sad state. He hadn't been able to... though he didn't really try. They soon reached the movie room, where Usagi had watched the three scary movies just yesterday with her five guy friends. He knew that they wouldn't watch another one of those again.

He followed them up the stairs and into the room, taking a seat relatively close to the girls, but not right next to them. Seiya hoped they didn't watch a chick flick. He hated those.

...They did.

And after that, they watched two more. Needless to say, Seiya was not a happy man. However, he put up with it, because he really didn't like how Usagi was before Minako had arrived. But he wasn't about to admit it.

- - -

Minako ended up staying for dinner, and was also invited to spend the night. Kenji was sure that the girl's presence would be good for Usagi, even if she did get his daughter in trouble frequently. But Usagi needed a friend, and Minako was her best one. So, Kenji asked the girl if she would like to sleep over, and she had agreed without hesitation.

Seiya wasn't sure how much he liked that... but he was leaning towards not liking it.

Three in the morning found Usagi, Minako, and an irritated Seiya on the floor in Usagi's room, playing poker. No, Seiya did not like it. Not at all. He wanted to just go to bed and sleep.

But since he wasn't too tired, he had agreed to play the card game when the girls had asked him... though it had taken some serious convincing.

He was irritated because the girls were so slow, and so chatty, but he didn't show it. He would be more irritated, however, if he wasn't winning, and by so much.

The bodyguard got excited when he saw Usagi yawn, and hoped that the girls would go to bed soon. The game was getting quite boring, and he really didn't want to play anymore.

Sure enough, the girls had decided to go to sleep about ten minutes later. After changing and the nightly bathroom routine, the girls had a small argument over who got which pillow. This resulted in an intense pillow fight. The girls were flinging all of the pillows Usagi had (a lot) at each other, and whacking the other whenever possible.

Seiya didn't pay attention to their fun, and picked up his book instead. The girls thought that because he wasn't looking at them, he wasn't aware of their scheming. Therefore, they were quite surprised when he foiled their plans.

After an odd moment of silence, four gigantic pillows were hurled at Seiya's head.

Having insanely fast reflexes and being extremely athletic, he had no problem flipping himself backwards over the headboard on his bed, and even managed to catch one of the pillows in the air. The fluffy object was immediately thrown back at the girls, catching them off guard and knocking Minako into Usagi and both backwards on the bed.

They looked at him like he had done something wrong, like he had... cheated, or something. Seiya simply smirked and went back to his reading.

The girls, weary and defeated, retired for the night.

- - -

"Taiki! I've found him!" Yaten said very enthusiastically, and Taiki turned around fast in his wheeled chair to look at his coworker.

"Are you serious?" He stood and walked briskly across the room to Yaten's computer, abandoning his own without hesitation.

"Damn right I am! Now take a look at this!" Yaten moved to the side a little in his own wheeled chair, and Taiki bent over his shoulder to look at the screen.

"Oh my God... that's him!"

"You bet it is! Alright, so this guy's committed a few small crimes in the past, but nothing much. Shoplifting, minor assault... that kind of stuff." Taiki nodded. "As you can see, he's pretty tall and well-built. Unfortunately I don't have too much on him. 190 pounds, serious redhead, freaky amber eyes... but you can see that. The only thing that gets me is his name."

"What do you mean?"

"He doesn't have one! Or at least it's not listed... apparently when he was arrested they couldn't get any personal info out of him. No ID, nothing. And he escaped from jail, too. Pretty strange guy. All they could get from him was some kind of street name; 'Tiger's Eye.'" Yaten rolled his eyes. "Pretty much a freak if you ask me. I'm callin' him 'T.E.' because it's so stupid... anyway, after his escape, he disappeared. Completely vanished."

"How did he get away? Surely our police force is not so incompetent..."

"He was there during the day and wasn't there in the morning. I don't know the specifics, you'll have to ask one of them. Haruka might know... I hate to admit it, but she's the only decent one in that field. But there's no way I'm going to ask her." Taiki sighed.

"I'll do it, because she doesn't hate me."

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you implying that I'm some sort of-"

"Yes, and we're off topic." Yaten grumbled at his friend's bluntness. "Now tell me more about this 'Tiger's Eye.'"

"T.E."

"Whatever, Yaten! Just keep going!"

"Okay, Okay... the last time he was arrested was almost three years ago. The cops think he's involved with some larger group, but they don't know what kind. Whether it's an organization, a faction, a cult, a gang... they're clueless. Pretty useless police force..."

"Yes, I know. You say it all the time. Is that all?"

"Pretty much... I'm going to get all I have together and file it into a report for the president, you know how badly he wants info on these guys. Especially because our interrogators fail at life."

"Yaten..."

"I know! Nobody's good enough in my eyes, blah blah blah..."

"If you know, then why do you insist on-"

"Well, I have to get this together! Keep on working, Taiki!" Taiki sent Yaten a sharp glare and went back to his own computer. They still hadn't identified the first two men that had attacked Usagi and Minako. Yaten did as he said he would, and gathered all the information he had just found into a file, organized it, and began to type up a report summarizing everything.

Only about one page into the report, he yawned loudly, and realized just how exhausted he was. Yaten frowned, not happy feeling drowsy when he had just gotten such a lead. But it was now early morning, midnight having passed a couple of hours ago. A tired Yaten pulled his eyes away from the screen.

"Hey, Taiki... I think I'm done. It's still dark, so I lost track of the..." he yawned again, mid-sentence, "...time. I'm going to sleep now... bye." He groggily got out the words as he stood up, suddenly feeling much more sleepy. Taiki turned to him.

"You know, I think I'll retire as well. I also lost track of the hour." Taiki saved his work and marked his progress, then shut down his computer. Yaten did the same, but struggled a little.

"Actually... I think I'm gonna sleep right heeere..." Yaten then collapsed into his chair, head hitting the keyboard and no doubt making imprints in his skin. Taiki laughed at his friend, who he knew he now would have to take home. Yaten didn't live far from Taiki, anyway.

And so, the taller man nudged Yaten until he woke up, then half-dragged and half-walked the smaller man to his car.

"You'd better thank me later, Yaten... I could just leave you here to sleep on your keyboard. It would be quite amusing when you awoke, your forehead all marked up..." Yaten only grumbled, and got into the passenger side of Taiki's car. The latter shook his head and shrugged, before entering the vehicle himself.

Yay. A very interesting next chapter. And no cliffhanger! Yes!

Sorry I've been slow, I've had lots going on, especially with prom being over the weekend. Also ran into some serious writer's block, which hardly ever happens to me. So, yeah! And about DLS... it's also taken a while cause that chapter was a biatch to write. But seeing as I am out of school now (Today was my last day... YES!), I have a LOT of free time. That is why this is finished, as is the next chapter of DLS! Expect that soon!

Laters!