Simple Sweetness

by TropicalRemix

The first half of a journey of finding, losing, and finding again the most important thing of all. Love.-AU Image by: angielaura on deviantart.

21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Usagi was sitting on the floor wedged between the leather couch and Darien's beat up wooden coffee table. Dressed in a long white nighty with lace trim along the round collar and puffy short sleeves. The nighty had a cute frilly style, yet hung off her curvy frame in a very alluring manner. Not wanting to be totally bare in only her underwear out in the apartment with the boys. She had on a pair of hot pink spandex shorts underneath. Settled in for the night and relaxing. She had her hair down and falling down her shoulder's, to pool upon the hard wood. Her history text and binder on display before her. As she watched the stars twinkling in the darkening sky just outside the large bay window. The days were beginning to shorten, providing less light, which meant less warmth. The dull grey haze of dusk that came far to quickly for her liking. Dragged upon her mood in the evening hours. With a lingering sigh of brooding, she returned her gaze into the warmth of the apartment.

The apartment was peaceful, with the only noise coming from the kitchen just beyond her homework refuge. The sharp clinking of pots and boiling water whispering through the small archway that linked the dining room area to the living room.

"I can help?" She called absently in the relative direction of the kitchen, but there was little resolve behind it. To wrapped up in her homework, never truly intending to offer any real help. Just trying to be polite.

"That's ok, Sweetness." Darien called back crisply, assuring her that he could handle things. Standing before the stove in his dark sleep pants and white t-shirt, stirring a pot of boiling water. With Shingo chuckling beside him at the dark blue half counter between the fridge and stove. Dressed in his white and blue striped sleep pants and a white t-shirt with a huge sponge bob face on it. Unwrapping hotdogs, and tossing them into Darien's pot.

"Yeah, let the men handle supper tonight, sis. You can feed us your burnt offerings tomorrow..Yeeech." Shingo added smartly with a distasteful sound at the end.

"SHUT IT!" She hollered back, knowing her brother was bad mouthing her cooking even more to Darien behind her back.

She her outburst accent by badly restrained laughter from the kitchen. With a disheartened groan, she braced her chin in a palm suddenly feeling very inadequate in the homemaking department. Most things came harder to her, she had to really make a commitment to improve at anything. If she didn't enjoy it she rarely put in the effort. Dancing had been a struggle, but she loved it, so was able to put in the work easily. That sort of single minded determination needed for her to excel, had been lacking in every other area in her life. She had neither the time or the inclination to be good at everything. So she had let many other things slide in the effort department over the years. Her homemaking skills being one of them.

"I can learn to cook, Shingo-chan..." She called back in a sing-song. Using the female-child honorific to get his ire up.

"You'll always be an annoying little brat!" She finished sardonicly.

"And you'll always be a Baka! Who can't do anything right, a worthless elder born who is a shameful failure to her parents!" He roared, the devil now burning his eyes.

"Miserable, ungrateful, child!" She screamed back. "I demand you close your mean little mouth."

"Who is to lazy to learn to cook, to stupid to get good grades, or do anything useful for that matter!" Shingo called back, his voice strained with anger. He had been trying very hard lately to be more grown up and start leaving his childhood issues behind. "Selfish, irresponsible, ditz!" He spat, the mean names shooting like gunfire from his mouth.

Usagi was blinking back tears now, those last few remarks had really stung. She was debating getting up from the coffee table and forcing him to seal his lips. But this whole fight was making her look like a child, she needed to just ignore him. Be the adult and let him cool down, so she bite down hard on her lower lip. Drawing blood by the strength it took to hold back her vengeful retorts.

"All to happy to stuff her face with candy all day, wasting her time listening to music when she should be studying! You are never going to amount to anything!" he taunted onward his words becoming more cruel as his anger rose to further heights. Slamming all his rage and helpless frustrations at her with his hateful words.

Usagi scrambled to her feet, the kid gloves were off now! Knowing he wasn't calming down and were this tirade of his was going. When Shingo felt threatened, or verbally humiliated all bets were off. He would win at all costs, it didn't matter how dirty or vicious his counter barbs were.

"Hold your tongue...Shingo!" She roared, moving towards the kitchen before he started really tossing all her most humiliating faults to the wind before Darien.

"A weak little crybaby who's only goal in life is to become somebodies perfect wife. So all she has to do is sit around like a lazy bump and get fat, while her man does all the real work! I feel sorry for the poor sap who falls in love with your worthless ass and decides to marry you. You'll be nothing but an disappointing burden!" Shingo started in on her, backing up slowly from a now shocked Darien.

He had never had a sibling, but this fight was getting very hurtful and cruel. He didn't know if he should intervene...a very large part of him wanted to defend his girl. While another held him back, not wanting to cause a rift between them by taking sides. The warring feelings were leaving him standing prone in the kitchen while they raged onward down the hall.

"Why you, little loud mouth saitei!" She screeched, tearing around the corner and through the kitchen. Her blue eyes burning with fury. Arms raised to snag the now laughing little boy around the throat.

"That's what you told me!" He bellowed back in mockingly, his slippered feet slapping the floor as he tore off down the hall towards the front door.

"I was twelve!" She shouted back, cornering him at the door. "I have dreams now! Ambitions!"

"Yeah, and you haven't even managed to complete your first goal yet? Huh, haven't got good at the housewife stuff, yet anyway? Your just a flighty ditz moving from one dream to the next and accomplishing nothing!" he taunted, pulling down on one of his lower eye lids. As she closed in, her eyes burning with wrath. Her chest heaving for breath she was so enraged.

"You don't even have any ambitions yet! You want to be a rough, tough, Gangster boy...but you end up sleeping with your crybaby sister. Cause your to scared of your own shadow. How pathetic of a person it that!" She hissed, closing him in. Trapping him in the entryway against the front door, arms outstretched, finger's twitching to wrap themselves around his scrawny neck.

"You still can't cook, or clean!" He retaliated, spiting at her in his fury. "Hell, your not even worthy eye candy yet!" Shingo began to laugh, nervously. "Flat chested, lame personality, and as ugly and fat as a pig!"

"Darien likes me just as I am..." She commented in a meek whimper, nagging doubts eating at her. Slowly lowering her arms as she found her brother now cowering in fear in the corner of the front door. Her heated rage putting real terror into him, his wide eyed nervous stare enough to cool her wrath.

"Darien loves me..." she whispered softly, her voice low and uncertain. "Thats all that I need to know. To know that I am a worth while person." She turned away from him and headed back to her books. Looking miserable and utterly defeated. Shingo had aired every failure, every doubt about her worthiness as a daughter and as a woman. There was nothing left to say or do, but quietly retreat. He had shredded her right in front of Darien, there was nothing left but to picked up the torn pieces of her dignity and try and save face.

"I may not know what I want to do with my life right now, but I intend to enjoy it. Not be afraid of it!" She countered, sitting back at the coffee table seeking to ignore her now humbled brother peeking in from the foyer.

"Gomen na sai..." He whispered in shame, ducking his head around the archway from the foyer to the living room. Taking in his sister's defeated pose, leaning heavily over her books avidly ignoring him. The betrayal and hurt on her face when she had slunk off was like a bucket of ice cold water. He was instantly humbled. His chest aching painfully at what he had done.

"Fuzakeru na." Usagi responded coldly.

While Darien was now avidly flipping through his new handy dandy dictionary trying to figure out what they were saying. Now living with the two he knew they fluidly moved from english to japanese with out thought or notice when they spoke to one another.

"ok..gomen, I know...Saitei...well that's a nasty word. Ok...Fuza..ok that means stop being stupid. Got it." He shoved the small, slightly mangled aid to understanding his new family, back into the linen drawer beside the stove. Thinking that it might be prudent to go buy a few more dictionaries till he was more fluent with the language. And scatter them about the apartment in little secure places to reference when needed.

Shingo meandered back into the kitchen receiving a stern, disapproving look from Darien. As they could now hear Usagi sniffing softly in the living room.

"What did that accomplish...really." The dark haired man stated, brushing a hand through his fringe angrily.

"She started it..." Shingo countered, miserably.

"No, you started it with your burnt offerings remark." Darien explained, making the boy bow his head in further remorse. Wondering why he had to be so mean to her sometimes? He had been so happy after school, now his mood was just souring. Even Shingo was confused by his sudden shift in emotions. He had been so happy, relived and excited about finally going home. Seeing his father again. Now he was brimming with anger and discontent and he didn't like it one bit. Brushing a hand nervously through is dusty blonde hair he resumed helping Darien make supper. Trying to calm himself down, both mentally and physically.

Twenty minutes later the two boys emerged from the kitchen bearing bowls of cheese noodles and cut up hot dogs, with a good dollop of ketchup on top.

As they settled down at the coffee table, Usagi gathered up her books and stacked them under the table. Passing Darien a look of disbelief mixed with amusement, as he set a bowl of noodles down before her.

"It was taking so long. I honestly thought you guys were preparing some three course meal in there..." She shook her head. Then glanced inquiringly at both."Forks...perhaps." She grinned. Shingo jumped to his feet and dashed back into the kitchen.

Usagi smiled down at the simple repast with amusement. "Do I dare ask how many times a week you eat this." She inquired with a small, knowing laugh.

"More times than I care to count, but it never gets old..." Darien responded, taking an offered fork from Shingo. "And ketchup makes anything taste like fine cuisine." He added with a smirk before digging in. Both Usagi and Shingo laughed in agreement at that.

"Tomorrow, I'll make my specialty. Curry Chicken and rice." Usagi stated proudly.

"It's the only thing you can cook." Shingo commented with a smirk.

Catching Usagi's threatening look, he bowed his head and chuckled softly.

"It's also very tasty...but it looks like shit." He amended good naturedly around a mouthful of noodles.

"Shingo!" She ranted, her cheeks flushing with humiliation. He could not let her have even a small moment of praise.

"Well, I am looking forward to it." Darien stated honestly, giving Usagi a meaningful look. He was being sincere, he really wanted to taste her cooking. She smiled happily and nodded, excitement and worry now simmering inside her. She hoped it turned out ok tomorrow,she didn't know how well she could handle it if her supper turned into a chard disaster.

"He is right though...it looks awful..." She affirmed, feeling she needed to temper his expectations. "But I'll try harder for you Mamo-chan." Usagi gave him a warm smile, as he nodded and chuckled. Finding supper time so much more enjoyable, eating with the two of them. They fought as siblings should, sometimes more harshly then he had envisioned, it seemed. But in the end they still loved and forgave each other silently. He could see that in the softness of their eyes towards one another during the meal, and the more light hearted jabs they sent back and forth.

Supper was just ending when Darien's phone buzzed, alerting him to a new text. He quickly excused himself, snatching up his phone from the coffee table and heading off to answer it in the privacy of his bedroom. Leaving the still squabbling siblings to handle the dishes.

-Red Alert-

-Meet me at Fruits in twenty minutes-

Darien read the text from Amy, his heart exploding into his throat in sudden fear. Knowing it was something to do with either their blackmail of Daniel or their research over Usagi's past. Either way something major had just hit the fan.

-On my way- He responded, pulling off his sleep pants and grabbing a pair of jeans from the floor. Then dashed out of his room and down the hall.

"Going out, be back late, don't wait up!" He shouted, grabbing his black hoody off the wall hooks in the foyer and rushing out the door before anyone could respond.

Usagi ducked her head curiously into the hall from the kitchen, drying her hands on a dish towel. Staring after him with sudden concern. Wondering what was up?

Darien breezed into the upper story cafe, his eyes searching the red leather booths for the dark haired girl. Scanning through out the nearly empty restaurant, the lighting now dimmed for a more somber evening type atmosphere. Finding Amy hovering over her laptop at a small back booth set before the massive front windows. The sharp light from the street lamps just out on the sidewalk outside, was falling upon the bleak expression she wore upon her face. Creating an insidious ache in his gut, that ate at his inside like acid. She was so intensely focused upon her computer screen, it was like she was frozen. The screen was illuminating faintly only one side of her face. Her concentration so acute, she stared almost unblinkingly at the computer screen. Looking stricken and shell shocked by what she was seeing. Dressed in the same outfit she wore to school. A black long sleeve shirt with a v-neck collar, and white sweater vest, her sleeves bunched up over her elbows. Her hand hovering over the key board having just finished another search.

Darien approached quietly and slid into the booth before her, yet she never lifted her gaze from the screen to acknowledge him.

"I thought we could move forward with this together, that I had the time to teach you all that I know. " She started grimly, her words slow and precise. "I want you to tell me how you got that folder, and why Usagi let you in on her secrets?" Her voice was stern and to the point.

"What's going on, Amy." Darien's heart had sped up again, the stress in her tone and fear in her eyes creating a panic within him.

"I don't have time for this, Shield's!" She slammed her palms on the table, the vibration echoing through the nearly empty cafe. Calling attention to them from the remaining patron's enjoying a final coffee at the end of their meals.

"Amy..." Darien breathed out in disbelief. Never having seen the calm and collected scholar so upset. His stress level was now rocketing, small explosions of adrenaline now rippling through his body.

"I want that folder tomorrow!" She commanded sharply, "Everything I need to figure this all out is in there I can just feel it." She hissed to herself.

"Fine...I'll bring it but what is going on?" Darien relented easily, needing her help and her sudden fear jump starting his own.

"Just answer my questions, then I shall answer yours...ok." She released a tired breath, closing her eyes and seeking some calm. She was so freaked out right now, she was near hysterics.

"Well, I found out she had been living in a camper in some run down trailer court on the out skirts of town." He began. "Some assassin is after her, goes by the name Black Widow. Her father has taken off hoping to lure the killer away." He kept on bluntly.

Amy, nodded. "I've been trying to figure out where she moved to since the beginning of the summer."

"It figures, her family would go to ground. If their cover got blown. She never told us much beyond being hunted by the Yakuza." She offered, stroking her chin. "With a name I can now search more in depth."

Darien just sat quietly letting her process all the information.

"Has she been on her own the whole time after her father left?" she rushed forward into another question.

"No, a couple agents from 'The Agency' she tells me, have been looking after her and Shingo." He responded, as Amy's eyes grew cold.

"Names." She stated bluntly.

"Uhm, the woman is Bella." Darien shrugged, Usagi hadn't gone into detail that night about them much. All he had was a name made up or not, from when he met the female agent at the football field. All he had was a good look at the guy. He would have to ask Usagi for more details, but she wasn't very forthright, to used to keeping secrets. The easiest way to keep a secret is to not talk about it. It was a habit she would have to start breaking.

"That's useless..." Amy groused, her once poised finger's on her keyboard falling in disappointment to her lap. "Do you know what they look like then." She breathed, seeking to find some calm. Her whole body was vibrating with pent up emotions of dread.

"Yes." Darien nodded.

"I'll want you to go through a series of security shots then, tomorrow morning." Her jaw was clenching and releasing, as if she was chewing on her tongue to hold back some nasty remarks. No doubt about his inept help so far in this investigation.

"Fine." Darien agreed, the prospect of mug shots sending a sharp spear of anxiety through his brain. Where these agents not legit at all? Was this agency a cover up for something far more sinister?

"Now tell me what's going on." He tried, but Amy cut him off.

"Where is she now?" She stared at him sternly, wanting the answer fast.

"With me, she has been since saturday. They're safe." Darien answered.

"Good, this information goes no further then us. For now. " She added, nodding approvingly that Usagi and Shingo were away from those agents.

She made a few key strokes on her computer then swivelled it around so Darien could look on the screen.

He was greeted with what looked like an online world news page. A broadcast was loading on a small window in the center of the page. When the window stopped clocking, he was greeted with an image of a modern courtroom. With a large light wood dais, with a gigantic raised desk with three old japanese men sitting behind. Each wearing dark robes, and a stern expression. He figured that must be the judicial bench, a panel of three judges to adjudicate over the courtroom. Just before the grande bench was a wooden stand, gated with graceful spindles. An exhausted middle aged man stood within, gripping the railings that surrounded the witness stand. His dark hair was combed flat to his head. Tamed with only water, it shined in the sharp light of the courtroom. Wearing a wrinkled and worn black suite and tie. His large rounded glasses perching a bit ascue on his face. His eyes were rimmed by dark circles, face drawn and wrinkled beyond his age. He looked agitated and very nervous, his feet tapping on the wood making a steady beat in the hallowed courtroom.

Just in front of him was two more large desks, for the council. One holding a young blonde man, in a grey suite and tie who was an attorney. He sat rigidly at his desk leafing through paper's in the brief case. A long dark haired woman sat to the left at another adjudication desk, dressed in a black pants suit. Tapping a pencil upon the desk impatiently, her legs crossed staring intently at the witness standing ahead of them. Darien then noticed the matching polished wood jury box along the side of the gallery was vacant. But a small desk was set up on the side of the jury which held the court clerk and several reporter's. Who were already busy typing away on laptops.

"Amy?" He questioned with alarm, raising his eyes off of the screen as the faint sound kicked in.

Amy moved in beside him, pointing to the screen.

"That is Kenji Tsukino, in the witness stand." She brushed her finger over the half dead looking man now addressing the court in japanese. "This is being held in one of Japan's High Courts. The accused will be escorted into the room shortly. That's when the new's feed gets interesting. " Amy commented, sending him a serious look.

Kenji finished his long and drawn out story, throwing out Ido's name out a-lot but he kept repeating Jeneshisupurojekuto.

So full of panic and fear, as if proclaiming the end of the world was coming.

The attorney's kept trying to rally his testimony on track, shaking their heads no, and calling the clerk to delete any mention of Ido.

"What is he repeating?" Darien asked with concern.

"Genesis Project, he has just told the court about human trafficking happening in Ginza for this government project that does not exist." Amy sighed, "They found no evidence to support the story Kenji keeps stating. Just an illegal gambling ring below one of the casino's. For horse races, and other sports around Tokyo."

Then several police officer's in crisp navy uniforms, their full utility belts very apparent. With stun guns and real pistols at their hips. Escorting the two young men in orange jumpsuits ahead of themselves into the courtroom, through the back double doors.

"Hiro and Rien." Darien nodded, as Kenji sought to leave the witness stand. His whole body now shaking with fatigue and nerves, as he closed the gate behind him. Moving away to stand between the witness stand and attorney desks. The bailiff who had been standing out of view beside the Judges panel moved forward to guide Kenji away. Dressed in a black uniform with a baton on his belt.

As the two young men were led forth. The police had just escorted them up to the wooden gate that would lead them into the gallery. When the double doors of the courtroom slammed open, with such force it sounded like a gun shot.

(Shin'nyu-sha! Shin'nyu-sha!) The central judge on the bench jumped up in righteous fury, from his seat and pointed accusingly to the front doors.

Both young men in shackles turned in terror to greet whom ever it was that entered the courtroom.

(Itei, Watashi wa nani mo shiranai!) The shorter rounder faced young man screamed in terror.

Darien looked to Amy knowing she had already looked up everything the news feed had said.

"Intruder, Intruder. Pain...I know nothing." She stated, staring at the screen, beginning to translate.

(Jihi, o motte ite kudasai!) The leaner convict shouted back, raising his hands in surrender. As his shorter counterpart began to cringe and cower.

"Amy?" Darien inquired tightly, needing a play by play.

"Please, Have mercy." Amy answered calmly.

(Anata wa koko de kyoka sa rete imasen!) One of the guards bellowed reaching for his gun.

"You are not allowed in here." Amy answered before Darien could ask.

(Kuruto watashi no handan!) A high pitched shout of fury responded out of view, that had sounded almost childlike.

"My judgement will come." Amy translated.

(Shikashi, anata wa ima de.) The little girls voice rang out.

"But your's is now." Amy sighed with remorse, knowing what was coming next.

Then a screaming whine echoed over the courtroom, everyone clutched at their ears and began to crumble to the floor. Kenji stood frozen in fear, staring wide eyed towards the camera. Clutching his ears as the Bailiff fell unconscious beside him.

Just as the young men began to bow under the sonic pressure now popping their ear drums, two precise shots of dark energy exploded off screen and sliced through their chests. Blood and bone spurted out of the backs of their orange jumpsuits, as they both collapsed dead to the floor before the gallery.

Darien stared in shock and alarm, as a small frail, wraith of a girl darted onto camera. Dressed in a maroon school uniform with a plaid green skirt and black socks and mary janes. With short cropped black hair and the strangest deep lavender eyes. She looked to be a couple years older then Shingo, but her face was twisted with such hatred and vengeance she looked older a more malicious then she should.

(Itei!...Watashi wa mujitsudesu.) Kenji fell to his knees before the young girl, who loomed like the angel of death before him.

"Pain...I am innocent." Amy responded, as Darien could barely blink as he watch the final moments of the news feed.

(Oya, Japan mujitsudesu) The girl responded, regarding Kenji with a disdainful air.

"No parent in japan is innocent." Amy bowed her head no longer wanting to look at the screen.

Darien watched in horror as the girl aimed her index finger point blank at Kenji's head. Pointing right between his stricken, remorse filled eyes. A thin shot of dark energy exploded like a bullet from the tip of her finger, slamming with extreme force into Kenji's forehead right between his eyes. His head snapped back with a sickening crack. His glasses went flying away into the air. As the back of his skull exploded by the concussive force of her strike. Blood, bone and brain splattered the floor behind him, as his body spun towards the floor. He lay in a twisted heap upon his own gore, his eyes staring blindly up at the murderous girl. The judges had hid behind their bench, while the lawyer's were now cowering under their respective tables. The reporter's and clerks had dashed out of the courtroom, when the fearsome girls attention had been on Kenji.

Then the girl turned to face the camera at the back of the courtroom, her expression was blank, her eyes now red rimed, with tears of blood now dripping from the corner's of her eyes. Beads of sweat shimmering on her deathly pale face, her cheeks flushed faintly from great exertion. The deep lavender of her iris's were glowing, as if an unimaginable energy source was alive within her tiny body.

(Ido...Watashi no chichi o kaesu.) The little girl began to confront the camera, the intense glow slowly fading from her eyes. (To satsugai ga teishi shimasu!)

"Ido, return my father, and the killing will stop." Amy let out a long sad sigh, cancelling the feed. Before turning to confront Darien's wide eyed stare of horror.

"This news feed was only aired once in Tokyo before being banned. I managed to find this on a little known world conspiracy site. " Amy closed her laptop.

"That girls powers...I have never seen...she isn't human?" Darien breathed, brushing his hair back feeling quite overwhelmed. What had Usagi's father gotten his family into? Oh, god how was he supposed to protect her from someone like that?

"Her name is Hotaru Tomoe, her father was a leading geneticist in Japan. He went missing several years ago." Amy tapped her finger in contemplation upon the plastic surface of her laptop.

"I have a lot to do now, and I feel I have very little time to figure it all out. I will give you status reports when I can. Your job is to keep Usagi and Shingo close, protect them as best you can. Lita and Raye will be on board to help." Amy gathered her computer and left the booth.

"How do I protect her from someone like that!" Darien shouted in panic at her retreating back, his voice high pitched and strained.

"You don't, you run, and make sure she's running ahead of you." Amy stated calmly, with such a stern resolve in her voice it bolstered Darien's once flagging courage.

Darien understood. The girl would protect her friend with her very life and she expected the same from him and everyone else.

Usagi helped her little brother finish his homework, then stared back into her own at the coffee table. Absently working on a carmel lollipop, from her bouquet. Sucking and rolling it about her mouth, savouring it's sweet taste. Using it as mild distraction to keep herself focused. Sitting between the couch and coffee table, she was completely absorbed in her math equations. As Shingo fell asleep on the couch listening to her i-pod, sprawled out on his stomach. Face pressed into the leather, drooling as he snored softly. Usagi paid him a fond smile, her eyes tender and full of an enduring affection that only family could possess. Turning on her knees to reclaim her headphones and I-pod. Tossing them on the coffee table. Before rising up and picking up his blanket that was folded on the floor beside the couch. Once he was nicely tucked in she kissed her fingertips and pressed them to his forehead as was her ritual. Then settled back down upon floor with her books. The apartment was still and quiet. The overhead light from the dinning room casting just enough light upon the coffee table to work by. The comforting silence was soon replaced by that same eerie feeling of being watched that she had felt back in the locker rooms that afternoon.

Soon the carmel flavoured lollipop she had been working on, was reduced to only the white straw, hanging limply from her full lower lip. It was then she raised her head curiously from her homework as a nervous shiver went through her body. She really did not like this feeling that overcame her, when she sensed those invisible eyes upon her.

"Hell...oooo?" She called meekly into the darkness of the empty dining room, feeling the eyes were lurking in there somewhere. She was starting to have strange, disturbing thoughts that perhaps a spirit or demon entity, like in that horrible movie she saw was now stalking her. She shook her head, quickly disregarding the notion as absurd. Ignoring the acid now roiling in her gut. But she couldn't stay out in the living room either. So she gathered up her books and retreated to the security of Darien's bedroom. As if the room possessed some kind of supernatural power to protect her. Like a shield or barrier that could withstand anything or anyone that might be hunting her. A personification of it owner, that could comfort her in his absence.

Setting herself up once more at his old teacher's desk in the corner, popping in a fresh grape flavoured lollipop from her candy stash. Moaning in delight as she tasted the sugary goodness, she could easily become addicted to these things. Tucking a stray strand of long golden blonde hair behind an ear she set back to work on her math. Soon making disgruntled noises around her large candy tucked into a cheek, as the equations soon became a confusing assortment of numbers.

Thankfully the strange feeling of those eyes faded as soon as she entered his bedroom, so she worked in peace for as long she could. Exhaustion soon overtaking her in an hour or so, her head slumping forward as she valiantly tried to stay awake. Trying to finish her math and wait up for Darien, who seemed to have forsaken her lately. She was already missing him again, and it was worse because she now lived with him. And yet he still managed to avoid her and was starting to spend a limited amount of time around her. She knew he was just busy but it still hurt to feel cast aside again. She quickly scattered those troubled thoughts, as she fell asleep upon the desk. She was not going to become all needy and clingy as she had before. Darien was allowed to have a life beyond her, and so would she...have a life beyond him. This time she wanted a mature, healthy relationship. Her resolve was murky as her face pressed down upon her notes, exhaustion finally claiming her. As her lollipop slipped sticky and wet from her parting lips. Rolling away to stain her math sheet, as she began to breath deeply falling into a deep dreamless sleep.

That was how Darien found her, close to midnight. He had left Fruits needing once again to find some solace, and clarity at the gym. Sarge had other places to be that night, so had left him the keys to lock up after he worked everything out. They had spoke briefly over his new relationship with the mystery girl who drove him nuts. The girl he could not longer live without. Sarge merely smiled knowingly and gave him a confident pat on the back. Approving that he had gone out and fixed things with her and that he had found happiness with her. Stating he wanted to meet this amazing girl, who could so easily unhinge his normally stoic and insanely focused fighter. Darien had laughed and promised to bring her by after football season was over. Planning on spending a-lot of time at the gym catching up on his training, which would mean bringing Usagi and Shingo with him. He was going to keep closer tabs on both of them from now on. He could train them both to defend themselves here as well.

He chuckled as he found her face down at his desk, a puddle of purple coloured drool pooling around her lips. Her sucker laying a few inches away, having stained her math homework and ruining it. He glanced over the wrinkled paper, then to the open text laying just in front of her. Finding sadly only half of her equations were done, and done poorly. Math was most definitely not her best subject. She was going to need some help to keep her grades up.

"Usagi...Sweetness?" He nudged her with a small kiss to her temple, hovering over her with a small smile. His breath warming her ear.

She groaned then slowly roused from the desk, her math homework now adhered to the side of her cute little face.

Dazed and half coherent it took her a moment to comprehend how silly she looked.

"Urgh..." she groaned in disgust, pulling the sticky paper off her cheek. Long strings of saliva trailing away along with it.

As she groggily confronted a smirking Darien, who was having a hard time not laughing at her messy predicament.

"You, my sweetness are definitely something special." He commented dryly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You might want to wash your face a bit before bed." He commented, as he helped her up with a hand. She wobbled for a second, clenching his hand tighter as she found her footing. Then she slammed the disgustingly soaked piece of paper on the desk, then mutely nodded. Humiliation washing over her, flushing her cheeks a bright crimson. Moving out of the room stiffly and to the bathroom to confront the purple smear now anointing her left cheek.

Looking bitterly at herself in the mirror set before the sink, looking like some dirty little kid who had smeared candy over her face. Her face crumpled in mortification, as tears threatened. Burning against her eyelids as she valiantly held her composure before the mess in the mirror. She wanted Darien to keep seeing her as a woman...not this way. It was stupid of her to fall asleep with candy in her mouth...what was she thinking?

Now she looked like a child and her homework was ruined...what an irresponsible disaster she was.

With a sad sniff, she found a wash cloth in the lower cabinet in the sink, and began to wash her face. Cleansing herself of her recent embarrassment, taking the time to settle her emotions before returning to Darien's room.

She found him at his desk, looking over her stained and sticky math sheet. She observed him for a moment from the doorway, as his face grew somber then smiled with bemusement and then shook his head in disbelief at her clumsy answers.

"Math is not my best subject." she sighed.

"No, it is not." he agreed, glancing at his wrist watch. The time was well past midnight. "Well, we can wake up early tomorrow and get this done." he discarded the paper on the desk, quickly unzipping his black hoody. Tossing it to the floor, then pulling off his white t-shirt. Before moving onto his jeans, lazily pulling down the zipper and wiggling out of them. The whole while, Usagi leaned against the doorframe observing him avidly. Staring in wonder at his beautiful well muscled chest once more. Admiring his strong thighs, and toned legs. Their relationship had moved forward so quickly in the last week. Going from a secret romance to lovers. It was a bit over whelming at times and she was having a hard time understanding some of the more intense lust she now felt for him.

Oh...Kami he was good looking. Just staring at him disrobing in front of her, sent the most delightful tingles through out her body. When he rose up from pulling down his jeans, leaving himself in only his soft blue boxers. To find her blatantly admiring him with that hungry glint in her eyes.

"Like what you see, then?" He commented smugly. Receiving a raging flush upon her cheeks, as she cast her head down and giggled shyly.

"Yes...I've always loved your body." She answered softly. Remembering all the times at the beach, she would just watch him play with the other guys in the water. Completely absorbed in memorizing every inch of him. So she could fantasize about him later. Engaging all manner of romantic, or erotic escapades with him in the privacy of her own imagination.

Darien swaggered over in front of her, clasping her hips with his strong hands. Enjoying the soft white cotton of her frilly nighty against his rough palms. Ducking his head to meet her shy gaze. "And I have always loved your body..." He smiled charmingly guiding her eyes back up with his own. Until she was craning her head upward to look at him, her hands pressed against his chest.

"Liar!" She laughed, smacking his chest with her palms.

He gave her a playful look of hurt at her accusation.

"I am not." he responded, turning her into his room and closing the door with his free hand.

"I was nothing special to look at back when I was thirteen...and I know it." She stated, as he moved them backwards toward the bed. The edge of the mattress collided with the soft underside of his knees, making him suddenly sit down upon the bed.

"I have always admired you, from the first moment I met you outside the school gates." he pressed on, staring up at her lovingly. Making her giggle softly, as she knelt one knee on the mattress between his spread legs.

"Your cute, sweet face..." He cupped a cheek, with an reverent smile.

"That is full of sticky candy?" She commented ruefully, with a grimace.

"That's always full of candy and junk food." He kept on with a laughing smile, getting a smack in the shoulder from his now disgruntled girlfriend.

"It only makes you all the more sweeter." He amended.

But her smile had returned. "Sere...Usagi...I'm in love with all of you. Your beautiful golden hair, that shines in the moonlight. " He ran his fingers through her hair before rubbing her arms up and down soothingly.

"Your dreamy little head, so full of sweet thoughts there is no room for mean ones." He kissed her forehead, as he pulled her down upon his chest by cupping her cheeks.

"Your gorgeous crystal blue eyes, that shine with such love for me, for life and every other wonderful thing you enjoy." He held her gaze for a moment, his eyes soft and so sincere. She sighed happily, closing her eyes as he drew his lips upward. Kissing both of her eye lids, making her moan languidly.

He pulled off her nighty then, as she raised her arms over her head to allow the cotton shift to be pulled away cleanly. He cast it to the floor with the rest of his clothes. Her modest swells bounced before him invitingly, her dainty pink nipples already puckered by the caress of his eyes alone. Usagi swallowed, her breath catching as his seductions began to become more apparent. He held her close, one arm circling her waist as she knelt before him. The other hand braced upon the mattress holding himself up, as he pressed her groin against his stomach.

"Your huge heart that holds so much compassion for other's. It amazes me how you can contain it." He leaned down towards her breasts, pressing a soft kiss upon her chest where her heart lay. Turning his head just so, listening to her heart beating a fast rhythm as he excited her. His praise meant so much to her. Warming her from head to toe. Soothed her anxiety's and chase away all the inner demons that always sought to beat down her self worth.

"I love every little bit about you, Usagi Tsukino. From the moment we first met till now. I was a fool not to tell you from the start. To push you away, I waisted far to much time. I will waist no more of it. You are everything I need, everything I want and everything I will ever love in a woman." He finished, blinking away a few tears. He was so scared over what he saw tonight. He could lose her in a breath, and their would be nothing he could do about it. He just wanted her to be safe, to hold her in his arms forever. But the powers seeking to kill her were so far beyond what he could handle.

She stared down at him adoringly as she cupped his cheeks, tears of gratitude flowing down her face. Just when she had begun to belittle herself again over her many faults, Darien was once more there to raise her spirits and fortify her self worth. She cherished him so very much...she was so lucky to have found him. He had finally said the words she had most wanted to hear. Not the exact words, mind. But enough to let her know how he felt. That he loved her...would cherish her forever. Her heart felt full, so overflowing with emotion she thought it might burst from it.

"Ashiteru, My Mamoru...Ashiteru." She breathed, claiming his lips with her own. He wrapped both of his arms around her waist, one hand moved up her back, pressing down upon her shoulder blades. Pulling her in close, deepening the kiss with his tongue.

Tangling and darting within the wet warmth of her mouth, as he fell backward against the mattress taking her down on top of him. With a soft grunt, he crossed his other arm over her shoulder blades pressing her down tight against him. Before rolling her beneath him, kissing down from her mouth to her chin.

"I love your lips, always so full and tasting so sugary sweet." He breathed, then began to kiss lower down under her chin leaving a wet trail down to her blushing breasts. Mouthing and nipping the satin flesh, making her tremble beneath him.

"I love your breasts...the most perfect breasts I have ever seen. " He murmured, staring in reverence down at them.

"How many breasts have you seen?" She arched an eyebrow, inclining her head off the bed giving him an agitated look. A strange sense of being judged, welling up within her. Wondering how many other breasts he might have seen. Followed inanely by jealousy and feelings of inadequacy, that were now festering in her mind like a swarm of angry hornets. The white noise of her doubts distracting her from truly enjoying his approval.

He smirked and merely pressed a finger to her lips hushing her. His dark blue eyes found hers and ensnared her worried gaze. The immeasurable depth of emotion he held for her was breathtaking. His eyes so tender, so full of love, she was suddenly overwhelmed by it. Gasping and blinking rapidly to clear the tears from her eyes, she quickly retracted her bitter comment. All discontent cleansed, realizing that she was all that he saw, all that he wanted.

He eased over her again, lowering himself partially on top of her. Securing her gently with his weight, as he kissed her lazily. His tongue licked sensually over her bottom lip, intreating her to open for him. When she did, his tongue swept into her mouth. His tongue teased hers with slow, gentle strokes. His mouth was both tender and firm, hungry and demanding. Wanting to devour her whole. When he had tamed the last of her doubts and felt her melt again him in submission. He returned to his previous endeavour. Trailing his tongue seductively down her chin, over her collar bone in a direct path towards her aching breasts.

"As I was saying." He whispered. "They are absolutely exquisite and I love them." He rubbed his cheek along the upper swell of her breast, before nuzzling down towards her waiting nipple. He tugged it between his teeth, gently nipping then sucking at it hard. His tongue laving softly over the turgid point, seeking to soothe the sharp pain he had caused in his eagerness.

Her breath hitched as he claimed a nipple once more in his mouth, her mind going numb as she closed her eyes basking in the pleasures he was sending through her. He suckled upon the nub, pulling at it with his lips, until it was pebbled and hard as stone. Before playing his tongue around her satin pink areola. Making her pant and moan softly at his attentions, as he thumbed her other nipple arousing it more. Leaving it aching and throbbing before claiming it with his lips. He sucked upon it, urgent and hungry. As she cried out, her hands twisting in the sheets. He felt her body tremble upon his light caress down her side, gliding his fingers downward with a purpose in mind. Unlatching from her breast, leaving the nipple wet and glistening. Swollen and straining upward, begging for him to latch back on.

"I love how you shiver every time I stroke your sides." He breathed. Enjoying every small sensation of her bare flesh against his. He loved how she smelled, a soft floral scent that calmed him. How silky her skin felt against the rough pads of his fingers. She intoxicated him fully, with every swell, every curve and valley of her delicate body. She was the perfect package and all his. He was at a loss to describe how deeply she affected him, he just understood that he could not see a future with out her in it. She completed him in a way no one else ever could, she was the better half of him. He refused to dwell within those tortured thoughts that he might lose her, casting them forcefully out of his mind. Like purging himself of a poison that could very well destroy him.

Hooking a thumb into her tight pink spandex shorts, he pulled the waist band aside just enough to slip his hand beneath the stretchy fabric. Closing his eyes in silent appreciation for what he had, what she offered him so easily. She was warm and lush between her legs, so small and demure his large palm overwhelmed her petite mound.

"Ohhhh..." she breathed, once more feeling his fingers creep downward to her sex. She arched her back, pushing her breasts up against his chest. Her eyes locking with his, holding him with such trust, such love. Looking at him like he was the only man she saw, there was no one else she wanted or needed in this world but him. He swallowed hard, shaken to the very core yet again by the immensity of her devotion to him. She affected him so powerfully, by the raw emotion she displayed so innocently in her eyes. She needed him, she needed his protection. To care about her, fight for her and free her from her past. When he had gathered his wits again, he slowly drew his eyes downward.

"And I love every inch of you..." He slowly probed his finger against her core, as it began to moisten and allow him entry. Then he was thrusting his fingers deep inside of her, his thumb rubbing and rolling that sensitive bundle of nerves above her entrance. Making her shudder and buck against him. She made the most beautiful erotic sounds. Every little gasp of air, every whimper and moan had him so hard it was difficult to breath. He was hovering over her body, so every time she arched herself into his hand, mindlessly seeking more from him, her breasts would rub against his chest alluringly. As the quickening of her orgasm began to build deep inside of her channel, she began to writhe and cry out softly. She could also feel the stiffness in his boxer's against her fluttering belly every time she brushed up against him. Driving her wanton displays to increase, needing to quell the desires he was churning inside of her.

He would never force his needs upon her, but wait for an invitation from her. He loved and respected her to much. So he held himself back, just wanting to be as intimate with her as he could. She was still nervous about having sex again, after her big scare. He accepted it, enjoying just watching her body sensual movements and the blissful expressions crossing her face. As she experienced the waves of pleasures he was creating within her. This was enough for now, he was content.

Usagi suddenly slipped her arms down her pants, clutching his wrist with both of her small hands, stopping his erotic movements instantly. Gently extracting his hands from her shorts.

"No...more..." She huffed, tears rolling from her closed eyes. "I am not coming without you this time." She vowed, opening her lust glazed eyes, that cleared quickly, shimmering with frustrated tears. Her heaving chest settling into a soft rhythm as her heart rate slowed.

"But...Usagi?" Darien was confused she had been so close to climax, he had felt her inner walls starting to tremble upon the cusp of release. He stared down upon her with questioning concern. As she looked up at him, her eyes fierce and commanding. The golden strands of hair having fallen over her face, thanks to her wild abandon a few moments prior. Creating a sexual allure of a woman, fighting to control her own desires and demand equality in their love making. Her lower lip was trembling and she had a very determined expression on her face.

With a certainty in her movements, she slipped from beneath him. Hovering her slight frame over his, pressing her hands in the center of his chest. Pushing him backward, forcing him to submit and lay down before her. Her lips quirked up into a pleased smile at his acquiescence. The tiny smile was sly and full of sexual confidence. Sending a shiver of anticipation up his spine. Her eyes began roving over his body, in hungry appreciation. As she was planning something very enjoyable for him. Then she crawled over him, slinking like a feline on the prowl. Swinging her leg over his hips and straddling him in all her naked glory. Powerful and in control, she began her own seductions.

"I've decided that it's my turn to do the touching and the kissing. I'm going to love you, this time, Mamo-chan." She dictated, leaning forward and pressing a lingering kiss to the hollow of his chest. Her tongue sweeping out and tracing a meandering path up to his neck. She mouthed the tender flesh, near his collar bone. Nipped and nuzzled the corded muscles the bunched along the seam of his neck to his shoulder. Her teeth grazing his pulse point, that was now throbbing a racing beat. Then she whispered her breath up towards his ear, making him shiver. Then moan in astonished pleasure as she sucked gently at his earlobe. Finding his sweet spot and continuing to torture him with it, driving him crazy. Sucking it into her mouth harder, then licking the shell of his ear. As gooseflesh spread out over his body like wild fire.

He was already leaking, the tip of his erection beading with pre-cum. He could feel the sticky dampness against the cotton of his boxer shorts. It was insane, how much she turned him on. All she had to do was look up at him, with those doleful blue eyes so full of love and he was a goner. Now she was seducing him with her delicious little mouth. The wild abandon in her words, the sweet promise of insurmountable pleasure clear in her hungry gaze. He had no defence against her and truly he didn't even want to fight. The waves of pleasure she was creating, was making his body hum with unimaginable joy. He had never in his life felt so loved, so needed. It was a heavy, blissful feeling that he was now basking in. So he let her do with him as she pleased, his hands fisting into the sheets. Aching to caress and fondle every part of her body now draped so wantonly over his.

Her mouth lazily found his, as she kissed her way down from his ear. Across his cheek and finally falling, swollen and eager upon his lips. Her kisses were gentle yet demanding. Fusing her lips to his, then pulling away, changing her angle and kissing him passionately again. Hot and breathless she put all the love she felt for him in every single kiss.

It didn't take him long to lose control and wrap his arms possessively around her. Sliding his hands up and down her body, massaging the plump globes of her ass. While his other hand crept up her spine, making her shiver, his fingers delving deep into the silk curtain of her long golden hair. Holding her fast to him and never wanting to let go again.

She coaxed his mouth open with darting, seductive lashes of her tongue. Slipping into the heat of his mouth as he gasped for breath. Her tongue tangled with his, twisting and tasting every part of his mouth. Leaving nothing untouched by her desire. Leaving him breathless and dizzy, as she departed again. Sliding down his body, tantalizing his skin with her tongue. Slowly licking her way down his bare chest, to the overly sensitive flesh of his stomach and then she crept lower. Making every muscle in his abdomen twitch and contract in excitement. She rubbed her hands up and down his thighs, bypassing the barrier of cotton concealing his now painful erection. Ignoring his plaintive sounds, as she refused to give him the attention he so desperately craved.

Darien grit his teeth, clamping down on his desperation. Willing himself to endure her delicious torture of his body. Even though he was seconds away from tearing off his own boxers just to give her a hint as were he wanted her mouth most. But he held on, his breathing laboured and shallow as he forced himself to lay still. Then the smug little minx, who knew exactly what she was doing to him. Sank her teeth into the inside of his thigh. He cried out harshly, arching his back and nearly cumming in his pants. He was panting so hard now he was seeing spots. His balls had clenched up so tight they felt like two hard stones. While his cock was twitching and screaming for mercy. She was drawing out this foreplay to agonizing levels.

God! She loved to tease him!

Then finally, to his sigh of relief. She began to pull at his boxer's, lowering them down his thighs. He sprang forth hard and hot into her waiting hand.

"Turn around." He commanded in a husky growl. She slowly raised her eyes, meeting the dark, lust filled gaze of her lover. He was near his breaking point, she had driven to the very edge of his endurance. The intensity of his desire, glowing in the depths of those midnight blue eyes both alarmed and excited her. With a nervous swallow she obeyed. Twisting around to straddle his chest. He deftly pulled off her spandex shorts, casting them aside. Leaving her complete nude, presenting her now wet, and glistening sex to him.

Slowly and steadily she began to stroke him, nibbling on her lower lip wondering if she doing it right. Darien groaned in blissful agony, arching himself unconsciously further into her light grasp. She continued to pull upon him, focused on bringing him as much pleasure has he had her.

She hissed as he glided a finger lightly over the sensitive curtain of flesh concealing her sex. Need burned between her legs, as she felt him staring. Appreciating her body as if it was a piece of fine art. Blushing at the thought, she bowed her head in embarrassment. Panting for breath, as her inner core tightened. Fidgeting and wiggling restlessly, as he continued to tease her opening with the pad of his finger. He nudged the now throbbing bundle of nerves at the apex of her entrance. Rolling his thumb over it's peek, making her cry out as it sent sharp currents of pure ecstasy to ripple up her spine. Gently grasping her slender legs, he guided them further apart. Kissing a path upward from the inside of her thigh. Licking and nibbling the now quivering flesh. Teasing her as mercilessly as she had him. Listening to the pleading sounds she made, as she tried to focus on her own seductions.

Her hand going still upon his shaft, her breath catching with a whimper. As he sank his teeth into the tender skin along the juncture of her thighs. Then she inhaled sharply as he moved his mouth upon her sex. He smiled as he hovered his lips over pussy, feeling her tense and hold herself in anticipation. She was trembling, shaking with the force of her desire. Needing him to complete the act before the edgy need now boiling through out every pore of her body consumed her.

She felt the heat of his breath just seconds before his tongue laved the seam, tasting her and moaning low with appreciation. When he reached her clit, he sucked at it greedily. Drawing it between his teeth and nipping gently. Listening intently to the sounds she made, hot, erotic. They excited him, making every muscle in his stomach clench with need. He desperately wanted to be inside of her. But he held firm, not wanting to push her, or force her to do anything she wasn't ready for. Content to enjoy himself, with the pleasures at hand. Spearing his tongue into her heat again and again, until she was shivering and crying his name. Her ravaged senses overwhelmed about ready to explode from his agonizing torture. He drew away, needing to calm her down. Not wanting her come before him. He reached up with his hand, brushing gentle fingers up and down her folds. Touching her, light and coaxing.

Usagi took a deep breath, needing to calm herself down. Her orgasm had been so close, it was painful ease herself away from it. But she didn't want to come with out him. She unlatched her lips from the tip of his erection and glanced over her shoulder. Her golden hair cascading over her side, tickling his rib cage. As she sent him a long, sultry stare. Slowly, she ran her tongue over her bottom lip. Savour his taste there.

He nearly had her, this pleasuring back and forth was almost like a battle of wills. One she wasn't will to lose. She brought the tip of him back to her lips, opening gently and allowing him inside. She took him all, sliding her lips down then drawing upward. She swallowed him whole taking him as far back as she could, until he came to rest at the back of her throat. Pausing as he shuddered beneath her.

"God, I love it when you do that..." He gasped out. Wrestling control from her when he began to push his finger inside of her opening. Slowly, agonizingly slow. He probed her entrance. Drawing out her need to feel him penetrate her fully. Stretching her and driving her absolutely insane. She pulled off, arching and shifting herself back, trying to ease the ache he was creating. But he held her off, with one hand gripping hard upon her rump. Holding her steady as he started to pump a finger deep inside of her. She resumed her pleasuring of him. Swirling her tongue around the head before taking him deep into her mouth. Her hand lightly stroking up and down his length. He was soon matching her hands movements with his own. Usagi moaned plaintively, closing her eyes as he did the same. It was almost like they were making love, pleasuring each other in this small way. It was enough...

And then she got more bold, leaning over his groin. She inclined his shaft down towards his belly. Then pressed the tip of her tongue to the base of his cock. Just above his sack, where that thick vein began, that travelled up the underside of the column. Not realizing how tender and receptive that spot would be on a man. He twitched and trembled, a guttural sound rumbling from low in his throat. Encouraging her sexual explorations. She slowly slide her tongue upward, teasing and nibbling lightly upon the rigid length. Her hand once more surrounding him at the base and pumping lightly. By the time she had reach the tip, he was a shuttering, quaking mess.

She licked the tip almost tentatively, lapping up the moisture. All the while wiggling her bottom in pleasure, as he continued to thrust in and out of her. Alternating his fingers with his tongue. Applying a steady pressure upon her clit. Wanting to offer her as much pleasure as she was giving him.

Then she closed her lips over the head and slowly lowered, taking him fully into her mouth again.

"Oh, crap...shit. Usa...sweetness, stop. Ugh...You are going to make me come." His whole body arched abruptly, his ass clenched in the air for a moment. Fighting his release with everything he had.

She smiled around his erection and continued her sensual assault. The battle had turned in her favour and she would give no quarter. Pumping him lightly with her hand, all the while swallowing his length in rapid succession. Sucking upward hard and then sliding her lips down, taking as much of him as she could handle.

He was desperate, as his orgasm roared from the very core of his body. Raising his hips off the bed, needing to be deeper inside her mouth. He slid himself over her tongue, butting the tip of his cock against the back of the throat. She took him with out complaint, never pulling away or emitting any sounds of protest. She wanted him as desperately as he wanted her. His fingers had turned into a frenzy of movement as he pumped them inside of her. The movement of his finger's now matching the sharp lunges of his cock inside her mouth. Faster, Harder, more desperate. Her gripping hand flew from his erection, now clutching his hips. Bracing herself, taking him in and absorbing his now rapid invasion of her body. As her inner muscles began to pulse and contract, she ground herself against his hand. Needing him to touch the very depths of her, to push herself over into that beautiful state of orgasmic oblivion. She couldn't hold on any more, it was all just to much. Giving in to the inevitable, she submitted to him and the overwhelming need for release.

She cried out, releasing his cock from her mouth and arching away from him. As her climax was rolling through her in waves of blinding euphoria, making her light headed. Then the most powerful explosion of pleasure rocked through her core. It was sharp, brilliant and almost painful in its intensity. Her mind went completely blank and she felt drunk. Collapsing against his groin, surrounded by his scent, his sounds of contentment that he had pleased her so thoroughly.

"Oh...Usagi..." He moaned happily, petting his hand down her head. Allowing the strands of her hair to flutter through his fingers. Calming her body with long, tender strokes of his fingertips up and down her spine. He had been so close, but she had come to quickly leaving him unsatisfied.

He grunted in pain for a moment, his needs were not yet met. He needed tending to and he knew his girl would be more then willing to finish what she started. Rolling from beneath her, lying on his side, beside her. As she slowly opened her eyes, turning her head to meet his pleading gaze briefly.

Without a word spoken, she hovered over him. Nuzzling his neck, anointing the salty flesh with her lips. Nipping and mouthing him, as her breasts swayed against his chest. Her nipples tickling his own in a subtle dance. Making him shudder beneath her, his arms now gripping the sheets trying not be to loud. As she enticed more desire from him, clasping his manhood once more with her now quite deftly moving hand. Capturing his lips with her own in a deep and passionate kiss. He moaned into her mouth, her bold seductions of him sending his mind spinning in a dizzy haze of unquenched lust.

"Please...Usagi...Usa...I need more..." He gasped as she released his lips, smiling smugly that she could do this to him. Completely unravel that stoic resolve and arrogance. That he had such unwavering trust in her, he would allow her to dominate him so fully. Leaving him pleading with want beneath her, needing her so intensely that he could barely breath. For the first time she felt powerful, a pride surging within her that she was no longer meek. With Darien, here in this most intimate way she was finding her inner power and a new found confidence as a woman.

She obliged his request, sliding her tongue down around one nipple then the next. Wanting to taste every part of him again. Gliding her now darting tongue down his firm abs, slowly towards his straining member. Repeating her seduction from before, in a quicker fashion.

"Oh...God..." he groaned, as she began to lap at his engorged tip. Before taking him into her mouth eagerly. She pumped herself up and down his length, drawing even more plaintive sounds from him.

She couldn't help but smile, her eyes filling with joy at pleasuring him so well. This time she didn't tease him, she listened to his small loving sounds. Giving him all that he desired from her, taking him deep and long. Using her hand to stroke up and down his length as she applied just enough suction to drive his body crazy.

As his body began to tremble beneath her, reaching that plateau of euphoria, needing just a little more to push him over the edge. She increased her speed upon him, her hand grasping just a bit more tightly to the shaft. He began to quake and buck beneath her, twisting his hands into the sheets seeking not to shout out. As his orgasm mounted within him, like the rolling thunder. It released from him in a powerful explosion, his weaker body no longer able to contain it.

He gasped when a stream of semen hit the back of her throat. His first instinct was to pull out, worried he had taken this to far again. Then he felt the warm squeeze of her lips holding him firmly inside her mouth. Refusing to allow him to pull away, accepting him in the most intimate of ways. He felt her swallow, drinking from him as she continued to suck him deeply. She welcomed him as she had before, swallowing him with out complaint. As his moan of release turned into a lust filled growl.

His heart was totally lost to her, he was hers. Absolutely, with out a doubt. He belonged to her. He would want for nothing for the rest of his life as long as she was by his side.

"You are the most wonderful creature...God...I can not live with out you anymore." He heaved, opening his eyes and locking his appeased stare with hers. She had laid her head against his thigh, a blissful smile gracing her wet and swollen lips. Her hair was spread out over his lap, wild and untamed. Her eyes were heavy, sleepy and completely sated. Watching him quietly as he calmed down from his own high. Stroking him tenderly with her hand, helping him ease into the blissful after effects of sex.

She was an angel, perfectly created just to for him. He felt such gratitude, such an incredible sense of completion. As if loving her and being loved by her, had made his soul whole once more. He sat up abruptly, reaching down and grabbing her upper arms. Swinging her beneath him once more. She yelped then began to giggle, as he nuzzled her neck just below her ear. Humming against her yielding skin, tickling her in the most intimate way with his voice. She could feel her very insides shivering at the rumble of his satisfied voice.

Then he pulled away with the hugest, most joyful grin she had ever seen on his usually somber face. Then he gathered up his underwear from where they had rested near his ankles. As she scuttled to the headboard, pulling her knees up to her bare chest. He quickly hoped out of bed on slightly uncertain feet. His awkward stumble towards the light switch set beside the doorframe had her giggling triumphantly. He threw her a lopsided smile before turning off the light. Casting the room in gentle shadow. Before returning to the bed and pulling down the sheets and comforter. Then moved in beside the wall, as she snuggled in beside him. He wrapped her up in his arms, holding her tight. Resting his head against the side of hers, kissing her temple sweetly. Taking in one satisfied breath after another. Revelling in the feel of her, the warmth of her and ultimately the soft sweet scent of her.

She settled into the comfort of his arms, slowly closing her eyes and allowing sleep to claim her. Nothing pleased her more then to be resting in his arms, she never wanted this feeling of complete security to ever end.

Darien held her tight as she fell asleep in his arms. The horror's of what he witnessed tonight replaying once more in his mind as the sensual euphoria faded. He began kissing her temple repeatedly, assuring her that everything was going to be alright. Tenderly whispering how sorry he was as tears of remorse and deep understanding shimmered in his eyes.

She was alone now, an orphan just like him. She would have to go into the future alone, as he had with out the guidance of a parent. But he would be there for her in any way she needed. Her years would not be filled with loneliness and uncertainty as his had been. He was her family now and forever.

In the far corner of the bedroom, near the closet. A tall, slender mist shifted. The near transparent nude form of a woman slowly shimmered into view. With long black hair, tinted a dark emerald and deep fathomless brown eyes that seemed almost black. Glowing with an inner power of eternity. She had a long hour glass shape with well sized breasts and long toned legs. An elegance to her features that gave her a timeless quality of both strength and gentleness. She watched the lover's settle into sleep, giving the golden blonde girl an approving nod, then a fond smile before fading away.

Out on the street just down the block from the Rose Apartments, a simple white van sat silently. Huddled in obscurity with the rest of the vehicles sitting on the street. The headlights glowing softly in the dark of night. The street lamps casting an orange glow over the flimsy layer of frost now dusting the sidewalk. The wind whispered faintly through the barren trees, as a naked spirit with long dark hair strode down the middle of the street. Unaffected by the cold, she moved through the veil between time and space. A haunting spectre, heading with a purpose in her stride towards the unassuming van. Her senses keen to her surroundings, focusing upon the twisted misguided soul hiding within the van. Her purpose here was only to observe and relay a message of warning from her master.

Bella had been hunched over the monitor's checking on the bugs she had planted through out the apartment earlier that day while its occupants were at school. They were only vocal receiver's so she never got a clear picture as to what was going on inside, besides knowing her would be wards comings and goings. When she began to listen in on Usagi's lovemaking, she quickly killed the feed not wanting to hear that at all. The sounds of two teens in rutting like animals turning her stomach. Now she lounged back on her metal stool, her head set cast aside on the metal table bolted into the inside of the van. Her monitor's alive with various new feeds, the central, larger monitor flickering on a little known conspiracy site. In which the video of Kenji's death was just finishing up, having been recorded and replayed on a constant loop all night.

"I can't believe she finally did it." Bella stated incredulously, flipping her long strawberry blonde tail over her shoulder. She had her hair up in a loose ponytail, now dressed in jeans and a simple tight black t-shirt. Shaking her head and sneering in disbelief. Hotaru had been threatening to take her revenge on Ido for years. Believing he was the reason for her fathers disappearance years ago, but she never seemed to committed to the endeavour before. She wondered who or what had finally tipped the scales, to have her start a war with Ido. The girl had never been very mentally stable, it seemed now she had completely lost her mind. Her murder victims in the courtroom would be just an appetizer to the full course of chaos and bloodshed that she wished to inflict upon Japan. The thought of watching Hotaru take the arrogant bastard down a notch or too held merit. She might consider going home, just for a few months to enjoy the mayhem.

Bella cast a mocking smirk off to the side of the monitor station. To the limp corpse of Emmett, curled up at the back doors of the van. His dark brown hair dull and limp upon his forehead. His face frozen in terror, skin taunt and wrinkled as if every ounce of living energy had been sucked from him. Leaving a dried up, twisted husk behind. His once bold blue eyes now dull and grey from riga mortise.

"So this is what happened to you?" A deep husky voice echoed within the van."You snuck away under the guise of a tech agent, working for 'The Agency', clever."

Bella turned to confront the misty ghost like form of the woman now easing into the shadowed confines of the van. A mild, knowing smirk of pride graced her elegance features.

"I can't believe you would arrogantly disobey Ido. By running away to find her, after all the effort 'The Agency' had put into hiding her from us." The dark haired spirit finished sliding through the outer wall of the van by the couch. To stand directly behind Bella, arms crossed and scowling disdainfully down at her.

"Ido's a fool!" Bella spat.

"I, didn't even know she was still alive until two years ago." The spirit informed her with a shrug. "Ido kept her a secret from us, up until Hotaru's impromptu killing spree. Now all bets are off. I would have never been able to find her. Being so far away from the island, my powers are quite limited. But thanks to you tracking her down against Ido's orders. I can give our master some good news." She smiled weakly, the lack of trust between them very apparent.

"I couldn't just stand by and do as Ido's pleases. He is moving to slowly, to cautiously. He hasn't even tried to find her since the incident. I don't know why? It's like he wants to forget her? But I had to find her again, I had to see her for myself. That she was now, only human. " Bella answered, her eyes falling distant reviewing the difficult past with startlingly clarity as always. Her perfect memory has always been a bane to her as it was a gift.

"It is not your place to question him. He is your master as much as he is mine. He will never reveal his true intentions to us. Our powers are a gift given to us, to serve the greater good. We are his weapons to wield or sheath. And for now you my dear have been sheathed. " She glowered down at her.

"She can't be allowed to just waltz around with normal human's, she is dangerous!" Bella responded, not turning to face the vengeful spirit.

"She was perfectly fine growing up around them." The ghost woman responded, sounding a bit bored by the conversation.

"What if she manifests...Setsuna?" Bella clenched her jaw tight.

"I have my orders. I will be watching her from now on. If she ever does, I shall make myself known and take her back into Ido's care. But she is still human...she could spend her whole life with out ascending into her Genesis state." The ghost responded with a certainty in her tone.

"She scares me..." Bella remarked in a hushed whisper, casting her fearful gaze to the apartment.

"She should, if she manifests fully she could destroy us all." Setsuna agreed.

A heavy silence hung between them.

"If you don't return to Ido, I shall have to send Haruka and Michiru to retrieve you." She threatened militantly.

Bella shivered at the dreadful thought of how those two would punish her for running away from the mansion. For abandoning her post and going AWOL on some personal mission of retribution.

"I don't want that..." She breathed, a shiver of fear trembling through her body.

"Clean up your toys, as well. You will have to be held accountable for killing that agent." Setsuna sighed. "We are already treading a thin line with them. This is not going to improve our reputation any." She groused.

"He found out about me, I couldn't let him live to reveal our secrets." Bella confessed.

"That's fine...keeping ourself secret is the most important thing. But you should have been more careful. Ido will still want a full report, so be prepared." She began to fade, her voice a whisper within the dark confines of the van.

"Nice disguise, Beryl. But next time you need to mask your energies as well. I might not have ever found you other wise." Setsuna advised smugly.

When the ghost had faded fully, Bella's body began to shift and reform as if made of clay. Slowly morphing into a slender brunette with long wavy hair, several feet taller then her old body. Her jeans rose up to just above her ankles and her tight shirt became a mid drift do to her larger proportions. Her once small breasts increasing in size to be quite full. Her soft brown eyes reforming with the japanese tilt. With a sharp green iris that looked almost cat like. She cast the stone facade of the apartment one last worried look, before moving into the driver's seat and pulling away down the block. She had no choice, Ido's, Genesis soldier had tracked her down. Her cover was blown. Her days of freedom were over once more, but her true mission remained. It would just be postponed for now. She had no choice, it was either return or be hunted down and killed. Beryl was not that courageous or stupid, she would return willingly. She had just wanted to see the vessel of Sanctity for herself. She was not impressed in the least, if anything she was more fearful now then before. The girl was weak in mind and body, she would not be able to control the powers hidden deep within her. If they ever manifested they would run rampant and unchecked over the planet again. If it was up to her, she would have killed her back in Coen. The Queen was playing a dangerous game...

Usagi slowly came awake to the warmth of faint sunlight streaming in through the large window that over looked the bed. The chill of the air against her bare back bringing her alert in seconds. She had tossed and turned most of the night, balling the blankets up near her feet. With a groan she flopped onto her stomach, blinking her eyes to try and focus them.

"Mamo-chan..." She called lamely, patting the mattress in vane, finding the bed empty.

"Over here, Sweetness. " he called from the desk, sitting in just his boxers in the large wooden desk chair. Jotting down notes in a flurry of pencil strokes.

"What are you doing?" She inquired with a yawn, stretching her arms over her head. Moving across the morning lit room completely naked and totally at peace with it. Her breasts swaying slightly as she padded over behind him. Gripping his bare shoulder's with her dainty hands, glancing down at what he was working on. Finding to her amazement that he was completing her math homework.

"Oh, Thank you Darien!" She squealed, kissing his temple with glee.

"Your not getting off that easy, Usagi. You need to rewrite this page, in your own handwriting. Before I give you breakfast." He ordered with a smirk, passing her the pencil over his shoulder since he was done.

She nodded and gave him a mock salute. Taking a seat at the wooden swivel chair, as he vacated it.

"Then tonight, after your done all your other homework. We will go over those equations and make sure you understand them." he advised, as he tracked down his dark blue sleep pants from yesterday.

Usagi's happiness faded instantly, as she slumped in the chair giving him a pout.

"Dariiiiiieeen. That is going to take forever..." She moaned, tossing the pencil like a spoiled child onto the desk. She hated math with a passion, by the time her homework was done it would be late. This accursed mountain of math would nearly kill her tonight. Her brain already hurt just thinking of the long hours of studying ahead. Swivelling her chair to face the desk starting to sulk childishly. Her arms crossed over her chest.

"Don't be a lazy girl. " He chastised. "Nothing worth doing is easy." He sighed, gripping her knees and turning her to face him. Confronting her sour glare with a knowing smile.

"I hate math...I don't get it." she confessed, tears forming in her eyes.

"I can make you understand it." He looked up her with a warm, reassuring smile. Hope burning bright and clear in his eyes.

"It's boring, confusing and frustrating." She whined on, desperately wanting him to give her an easy way out of the extra work.

"I can make it fun...whatever it takes." He offered, giving her knees a shake trying to sound enthusiastic.

"It would be an effort in futility. I am just to stupid to learn it. " She grumped down at him, still holding herself and slumping sadly in the chair.

"You are not stupid!" Darien was appalled she would call herself that. Standing up and shaking his head.

"I'll show you my report card...next week. " She chuckled bitterly. "Shingo calls be baka on good authority."

Darien was way to upset with her right now to stay in her presence. He stormed out of the bedroom, shaking his head. Closing the door behind him, giving her privacy to finish her homework. How could she put herself down so easily, he couldn't understand it. He realized his own faults but he tried to fix them. She just seemed to shrug them off as unfixable. As if she was damaged goods not worth putting effort into. Where did all this self loathing and complete lack of self respect come from? She had no right to feel this way about herself. It was like she had just given up on school and was now just striving to get by. She had no ambition for the future? He had a nagging feeling that perhaps she believed she didn't have one?

Usagi watched him leave, storming off in a bad mood. Then turned back to re-write all his work. Becoming more irritated with him and herself. How could school be so easy for him, yet so very hard for her. When she first came to America it had been near impossible thanks to the language barrier. Her grades were close to failing, and no matter how hard she tried she just couldn't seem to pull them up. She had always been an average student in Japan, here she was barely that. She had given up on school about a year ago, only doing the bare minimum to get by. Accepting that she would never be considered intelligent. But taking pride in other things she did well like dancing.

Darien was mad at her thinking she gave up on herself. But it was just an aspect of herself she had given up on. Perhaps she could make him understand over breakfast, she didn't like how distraught he looked when she admitted how useless it would be to tutor her.

She quickly set to work copying down his answers, taking no pride in having to hand in his work as her own. She would know doubt get a good mark, but it wouldn't be through her own effort and it got her thinking.

Casting meaningful looks at the slightly bedroom door, listening to Darien putter in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Perhaps it might be time to try again and maybe with his help she wouldn't feel like such a failure when it came to scholastics. He had already gave her confidence in her beauty and was encouraging her to be more forthright. Perhaps he could change her outlook about school too.

She quickly put on her long frilly white night shirt, with the puffy sleeves and dashed out of the bedroom. Finding him stirring a pot of oatmeal on the stove. The dull sounds of the t.v blaring in the living room followed by Shingo's laughter echoing throughout the apartments main area. She padded remorsefully up behind him, snaking her arms under his and pressing herself into his bare back.

"I will try for you Mamo-chan." She whispered into his strong back.

"That's all I want..." He responded softly, letting go of the wooden spoon and entwining his finger's with hers upon his chest.

Darien was just dropping her off at her locker, admiring her outfit for the day. She was dressed in her black jean overalls with the silver heart shaped buckles and a white halter top style shirt. That hung off her shoulder, and hugged her body just above her navel. With the long sleeves bunched up on her elbows. She made quite a sweet, sexy sight and he drank her in. Darien was dressed in jeans and a tight black turtle neck that showed off the contours of his powerful physic. He had to admit she looked cute and sassy in her outfit, but he was also damn sexy in this shirt.

When his phone buzzed yet again. He gave her an apologetic look, as she thinned her lips and ducked her head into her locker to retrieve her books. Giving him his privacy to answer the text, bitter feelings of placing second once more in his priorities, beginning to strengthen within her heart.

-Study Rm 4-He read, then with a nod he texted back.

-OMW- pocketing his phone into his side pocket of his jeans.

"I've got to go again, Sweetness. But I will meet you at lunch today. Ok." He gave her quick peck on the tip of her nose as she emerged from her locker then dashed away down the main hall.

She watched with a sigh, as he mounted the steps up to the Library wing two at a time, in such a hurry to get were he was going. He nearly stumbled on the landing high above.

She let her disappointment slide again, she had her own things to attend to this morning anyway. But he was up to something, she would have to get to the bottom of it soon. She closed her locker and locked it heading in the opposite direction toward the large front foyer and up the stairs to the upper balcony heading down the hall at the end towards the wing of the school that held the gym.

Darien once again found Amy sitting at the small table in their meeting room, leafing through several print outs.

"Have a seat." She offered the chair on the other side of the table,her tone all business. Dressed in a pair of jeans and untucked plain white blouse. Her glasses once more perched on her small nose.

Darien knew this was serious business, they were protecting their most treasured person. So he sat humbly and with out any smart ass comments ready to go to work. She handed him several paper's full of small photos' of various adults.

"These are the current american agents working for the CIA, affiliated with Japan right now." She drummed her fingernails on the table. Creating an irritating and rushed atmosphere as he scanned the photo's. Several minutes later he spoke up sadly. She merely offered him another stack of photo's to go through. When he had scanned through all the photos with out a single match he snarled out a crude expletive. Slamming the last stack of papers on the table in disgust.

"Neither one of them are in here. I doubt they work for the CIA or the FBI or any Military branch here in the united states. They are from some affiliate department or private group called 'The Agency'. I don't know if they're working for Japan or The United States or even some other country." Darien growled, not seeing either adult in endless line up Amy offered him. He angrily shoved the whole mass of photo's onto the floor in frustration.

"Do you know how many government server's I had to hack into last night!" She shouted at him, glaring hotly at the mess on the floor. "You could have told me that last night and saved me a lot of waisted hours!" She slammed her palms against the table, shooting him her piercing stare of righteous fury. The burning wrath now targeting him. Made Darien push his chair away in fear she might strike him. Her face was red and her eyes were blazing. As quickly as the rage filled the mild mannered girl it merely eased away as fluidly as it came on.

"I'm sorry...I'm just really stressed out right now. That broadcast has me really work up." She sighed, sitting back down. Knowing she was out of control and needed to calm down. She pulled off her glasses and set them down on the table. Slowly closing her eyes needing to purge her anger in a calm, peaceful environment. Pinching the bridge of her nose as she felt a dull pounding start behind her eyes. That spoke of the very beginnings of a stress headache.

"If you can remember anymore useful information at all please tell me." She spoke softly, as Darien merely nodded pulling out Usagi's father's investigation folder and handing it to her. Amy nodded happily to receive the puzzles that had started this whole mess.

"Are you going to class today?" Darien asked.

"No..I've got to much to do." She responded, diving into the material in the folder once more completely disregarding he was even there.

Darien placed a comforting hand on the tense girls shoulder. "Usagi has a very good friend in you."

Amy sniffed..."If it wasn't for Usagi, I'd have no friends at all."

Darien understood the desolation hidden in her voice. If it wasn't for Usagi he would still be in that bitter cycle of loneliness himself. He merely nodded, slinging his dark backpack over his shoulder and leaving her to her frantic research.

The gym was bright that morning, the florescence flickering and humming overhead. Empty except for a young blonde girl with buns and tails. Excitedly bouncing on the balls of her feet in the dead centre of the shiny, overly polished gym floor. With a little AV cart sitting before her, and a very diligent young man fussing away behind the cart. Setting up a small transceiver and hard drive and hooking them all up to a tiny loading dock for digital devices. He was dressed in overly baggy cargo jeans, with zippers and chains adorning the various pockets. With a white t-shirt untucked, and a frayed red plaid vest and his typical red fedora sitting at the back of his head. His soft brown hair gelled perfectly with his smart looking peek in his bangs. Heavy black rimmed glassed falling down the bridge of nose, always needing to push them back up as he focused.

"Thanks Mel!" Serena exclaimed, her voice echoing in the empty gym. Scanning over her new little mobile system for plugging her i-pod into the gym's speakers. Mel was crouched down behind a black metal rolling dolly, that held a small digital transceiver and mp-3 player loading dock.

"No problems, Sere." He muttered plugging in the last of the cords, so she could use her own I-pod with the gyms speaker system. It was the same set up as he had done weeks ago for Amelia for tryouts. But this time Serena had requested it to able to move about.

With a small grunt his popped up from behind the dolly like a ground hog from it's hole. "Good to go." he stated with a proud smile.

"Great!" She added, leaning over the cart and giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek for thanks. He blushed instantly, as did she. Wondering if that was crossing the line since she was taken right now? Then nervously thrusted her hands into the side pockets of her overall's. Brooding sadly down at her marker and pen doodled white sneaker's. Trying to build up some courage to go talk to Coach down the hall. She needed to borrow a few things from the equipment storage as well for her cheer practice tonight. He was a gruff man, she found kinda off putting to deal with. Always seeming to speak to loudly, his tone sounding pissed off. She could feel the scared tears forming in her eye just thinking about him. She always felt on edge and sick to her stomach when in his pressence for to long.

She slowly headed across the floor, her sneaker's slapping smartly on the hard surface. Firming her resolve and gathering her courage to confront the aggressively abrasive old man. Mel quickly scampered after her falling into step with her at the central red line on the Basketball court.

"Sere?" He began uncertainly.

"hmmm." She responded, only half paying attention to him. Trying to stay focused on her mission before chickening out.

"I want you to be honest with me." He kept on, staring seriously at her.

That commanding statement drew her full attention, she turned to stare at him fully.

"I know your dating Darien now...but if I would have gotten the balls to ask you out before...would you have said yes?" He asked, his soft brown eyes pleading for answer's he didn't know if his heart could take.

"Mel..." She moaned not wanting to break his heart. Her own sweet blue eyes starting to fill with pain and remorse. He was a great guy, she just never had any feelings for him.

"Maybe I don't want you to answer that question then..." He mumbled sadly, seeing the rejection and lack of affection clear in her eyes. Noticing only the sadness and pity that was staring back at him. He had put her on the spot and that wasn't fair.

"See ya around Tsukino!" He called, his voice tight as he attempting to hold his hurt in check. Quickly darting away and through the double doors. He knew she had never meant to rip out his heart, but she did anyway. His whole body ached with crushed dreams, all he wanted to do now was leave her side with as much dignity as he could.

Serena watched him dash away, her heart aching for him as well. She felt horrible for what she had done, even unintentional. Wondering if they could be friends? Or if he would try to avoid her from now on, unable to get past the fact she had chosen another. If that was case, she would miss him but she wouldn't force him to be her friend. Swallowing the lump in her throat at perhaps losing a friend, she pushed through the double doors. Needing to go speak with the coach before the home room bell tolled.

The school day passed sluggishly, it was October so the windows offered a very morbid view. Serena couldn't help but be drawn to the grey sky beyond the windows of her class room. Viewing the naked tree's in the front lawn swaying in the chill wind, their barren branches scratching at the gloomy sky. Dreading the coming cold, and shivering in her desk at the very thought of snow. As the final bell tolled, Serena swiftly made her way to the girls locker to prepare for practice. Today she was more prepared, she would take nothing for granted again. She understood that she needed to put in a bit more effort, with the girls on her team. She was the leader and it was her job to keep them motivated and excited about what they were doing.

The cheer squad was pleasantly curious to find a note taped to the door to the locker rooms. It stated in fine graceful pen print that they were to change into their home uniforms, minus the dark blue leotard and come to the gym. They quickly dressed and headed down the hall to the gym. Emerging through the double doors and into the sharp illumination inside, to find their Head Cheer leader standing primely, dead centre. In her mostly white uniform and no leotard, showing off her toned, flat stomach. The dark blue fringe of her kick pants showing just below the short hem of her pleated skirt. Her silver pom' poms braced on her hips and a huge beaming smile on her face. With a gleaming silver whistle now adorning her breast.

"OK, Ladies!" She shouted, "Its a whole new game plan now!"

The group of girls giggled in excited confusion as they jogged up to her. Finding different coloured x's marking the floor in duck tape. They were all perfectly marked in a staggered pattern, back and forth.

"All right everyone pick a spot, and that will be you position from now on for this routine." She pointed to the marks with her pom pom.

Serena darted over to the AV cart nearby and pressed play on her i-pod. The various songs she chose for their regional routine began to thrum through the speakers hanging high over the gym's metal rafters. She had spent a great deal of time last week splicing various dance beats from little known artists, and local D.J's. To create something totally new and upbeat for their routine. It had a techno trance style full of long series of electronic rhythm's with very little vocals.

She ran them through the dance portions of the routine, her movements fluid and slightly erotic as she swayed her hips into a street style shuffle. Moving into several lock and pop movements with her pom poms. Finishing the small portion of the routine with simple breakdancing floor work of an arm privet, swinging her legs around one bracing arm.

Her girls soon began to mimic her dance, giggling and laughing and generally enjoying working and spending time with each other. As they began taunting and joking with each other as they perfected the series of movements until they were in sync. When they got distracted or out of hand, since her own voice was to soft to catch their attention. Serena would blow on her whistle, the shrill scream breaking their distractions. Then she would rally them back into their starting positions and get them working through the steps again. By the end of practice she was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful it had worked out. They had even starting working on the stunting portion of the routine.

She had found her own style of leadership and it wasn't mean or bitchy. The girls responded to her as eagerly as before. Wanting to work for her, to do things right and enjoying the creative dance movements mixed with cheer stands,poses and pyramid stunts. By the end of hour, the gym was musky with sweat, as the exhausted girls exited the vast room. Feeling invigorated and proud of what they accomplished today.

"See ya tomorrow. Bunny Rabbit!" The tanned skinned Senior with the long black hair called, as she left the gym with her fellow cheer mates.

"Arigato guys!" Serena called back, waving to them briefly before retreating to the black cart and retrieve her I-pod. Tucking it into the waist line of her skirt, before pushing the cart to the sidelines of the court. There was a basketball game tonight she had to make sure the floor was cleaned up and her equipment was out of the way.

Amelia had waited at the football field for sometime, finding the squad a no show. Wondering if Tsukino had called it quits after the last less then stellar performance. Curious to know if the Cheer team had been disbanded she headed back into the school. It would have given her some pride to find out that the Cheerleader's could not go on with out her. Yet, reality was never that fair to her. She had wandered back into the school's front doors, hearing the blaring dance music as soon as she was in the grande foyer.

With a sour grimace she had hobbled to the elevator in the court yard and went up the second floor. By the time she had slowly crossed through the open second floor courtyard balcony of class rooms and through the Cafeteria, then down the back hall towards the Gym. Practice was just ending, the girls paying her small nods as they left. Leaving her slack jawed and in shock at how sweaty and jovial they were. They had never been that happy to get that worked over on practicing a routine with her.

They had given Tsukino a hundred and ten percent today. Without a single whine or argument about doing it. They had been eager to practice...excited by their routine...in little less then a day that girl had turned it all around. The girl she thought had finally failed at something had managed to find a way to surpass her yet again.

"Damn you..." She hissed under her breath, as she limped towards the flushed and sweaty blonde in the center of the gym.

Serena heard her staggered footfalls and turned just in time to receive a crude poke in the belly with her finger.

"Why..." Amelia choked as if admitting she had been beaten was killing her. "Why must you take everything from me? You stupid, freshman slut!"

Serena never spoke a word, merely frowned at her in confusion. Taking a measured step back out of her physical range.

"Amelia..." Finally Serena spoke, but quickly shut her mouth as the older girl screamed in her face. Making her cringe and pull away further. The broken girl was just a coiling ball of fury and pain. She just wanted to hurt and rave, feeling no remorse or sympathy for anyone else.

Serena took it in stride, Amelia had been through a lot and she needed some understanding. She had seen how everyone now shunned her. Like she was some kind of plague walking the halls. She did not help matters much either, she was just nasty to anyone who gained the courage to speak to her. Calling them cruel names, glaring and scowling at them till they bowed their heads and moved on.

"No good, conniving piece of trash. I can't understand how such a plain, naive little thing. That has absolutely no sex appeal could steal him away from me. " She snarled, shaking her head.

Serena sighed and rolled her eyes. Those words might have hurt a few weeks ago, before Darien had shown her how beautiful he found her. How he loved every little part of who she was.

"He'll get tired of you soon, they all do. He'll want to find something different to try. Men are not loyal creatures, they are conquer's always looking for new territory. Their nothing but dogs always on the hunt. You'll see, someone better will catch his eyes and then he will be gone." She tossed the barbs with a cold fury in her eyes. Needing to hurt her, pull her down at any cost. When Serena didn't respond she attacked again.

"So will all those girls. Your so annoyingly sugary sweet. How can anyone stand you!" She taunted, her voice full of venom. Sharp, jaded laughter followed.

But Serena could hear the hurt and fear in the under tones of her desperate braying. Yet she did not say a word, Amelia wasn't worth getting into a verbal sparing match with. It would aggravate things and fuel the hatred that spurned her to constantly try and cause her pain.

"I have nothing now thanks to you." She breathed, "No, friends, No boyfriend, and no status. I hope your happy. You've killed every part of me that mattered. " She stumbled away a bowed woman, valiantly trying to hold back her tears.

Serena knew her words were meant to hurt, to make her feel guilty, feel shame towards herself. To think that perhaps all her suffering was her fault. But she finally knew better and would not allow those thoughts the light of day.

"I didn't take anything from you. Whatever you feel is gone from your life, you have only yourself to blame." Serena called back gently. No longer would she be cowed by her.

"Your friends were a horrible accident, Darien was never yours to have and you destroyed your so called status all on your own. With the terrible way you treated people in the past and how horrible you act now." She finished, striding past her down the gym floor, head held high and with out an ounce of fear. Unconsciously taunting her with how painless and fluidly she moved, with her back held straight and a confidence in her stride.

"I'm done being your verbal punching bag." Serena advised, "I want to be your friend Amelia. A real honest to god friend, I want a relationship with you that isn't something fake, I don't want to be someone that you use for your our gain. But I refuse to be your victim any longer." She pushed through the doors. "When your ready to start over, come find me and we can talk." Her sweet voice floated out to the bitter, jaded girl as a torch she could either claim, towards a new lease on life or ignore. Amelia stood there contemplating her words and her proposal with genuine interest. She was very lonely, had been for years. All she had wanted was snuff out that light she saw in this girl. Because its pressence, so dazzling and untainted taunted her with what she had lost. She needed to hurt her, make her feel as lonely and abandoned as she felt. So very jealous of all she had in life and how brightly she glowed. But pulling her down to the depths of despair that she resided in, turned out to be an impossible feat. For she was just to loved by all.