Hehe, yeah, I know, imma stinka!!! Please forgive me!!! I's send you chocolates on this feb 14th, but I boycott valentine's day (like most of use who are single.*sigh*)

* Disclaimer: sailor moon is copyrighted to Naoko Takeuchi, Bandai entertainment, and DIC (unfortunately). Do you see my name here anywhere? No? So, do you think I own it?

Break down the walls

Woman was created from the ribs of man

Not from his head to top him

Nor from his feet to be walked upon

She was made from his side to be his equal

From beneath his arms to be protected

From very near his heart to be loved."

--Anonymous--

He stared at the soup. The liquid's color changed slowly; first, a deep red. Then, as it bubbled, a light auburn.

"Soups on," said he, to no one in particular. He tossed another worried glance up the stairs.

It had to have been an hour since she went in, and the shower had stopped at least a half hour ago. During that time, he had succeeded in making a small, full coursed meal; including sandwiches, salads, freshly made cookies and a large pot of soup.

He let his mind roam, coming to a rest on his newly enemy-turned crush- turned friend/crush. Interesting the way things turn out.

Interesting how in less then a few hours, he could do what he'd only dreamed of at night.

Interesting how a kind, lighthearted girl likes of Usagi could be related to a cold-hearted man such as Dan.

Strange how he could develop such deep feelings for a man he'd only just met. But he admitted to himself readily that there was something not right with that man. Perhaps, it was the cruel way he stood or maybe the evil lilts in his voice.

Sighing inwardly, he decided to head up and check on Usa. Turning off the stove, he moved the pot to the table.

"Ah! Looks delicious. Mamoru is it?"

He spun around, surprise scrawled upon his features. Recovering quickly, he cast the older man a suspicious glare.

"Yes," he began, carefully. "Took you a while, Dan-kun." The more matured male cast him a leer, while walking casually around the table.

"Do I look Japanese boy? Call me Dan." His eyes flashed as Mamoru edged away, wearily. "And watch you tone. With that attitude, one might assume they haven't your approval.

Squaring his shoulders, he met Dan's gaze. "Few people have my approval, Dan."

Casting a quick glance around the bathroom, Usagi nodded in approval. The towels had been returned to their place on the rack. The tiles had been cleaned and wiped and the shower shone innocently beneath fluorescent lights. She checked now her reflection, and sighed.

Her mouth was drawn thin and pale, her face void of color and her eyes, haunted. Opening the drawer, she tried best she could to liven her ashen hair. It seemed her mask was beginning to fail her.

As she drew her hair up into the customary twin buns, she could feel sullen fatigue threatening to overwhelm her. The thought of going downstairs became less and less appealing. To have to look into Mamoru's face, knowing how unclean she was.no amount of washing or scrubbing could ever remove that feeling.

Walking over to the door, she jiggled the knob, to find it locked still. This minor obstacle caused pent up frustration to swell.

Breathing deeply, she reached for a hairpin. Carefully inserting it into the slot, she slid it up and down, till she heard a soft "click". Tensing her hand, she pulled on the door, hard. It snapped open, almost reeling her backwards. She stood still for a moment, collecting herself. Searching for the switch, the bathroom was plunged into darkness. As she approached the stairs, she thought to herself, They seem longer then usual. Hand on the banister, she began her descend

They stared at each other for what seemed like ages. Inwardly, Dan was surprised by the boy's forwardness. This also was unforeseen in his plans. No matter, the boy could be disposed of easily enough. Soon, ever so soon, his devices would be put to play. This caused him to grin.

Mamoru frowned at the older man. He recognized that look, though he did not yet know what it meant. He felt a cool chill float up his body and for that fleeting moment, he had the urge to get Usagi and run far, far from him.

But Mamoru was never one to be intimidated, and he stood his ground.

"Hey guys!" Usagi called, hoping none would notice her false cheeriness. Mamoru was the first to look away, Dan noted.

A smile immediately replaced his previous antagonism. Waving her over, he bent down in a mock bow.

"Ah! Milady has decided to grace us with her presence." She blushed as he winked jokingly to her. Dan's eyes narrowed slightly at this. Noticing this, Usagi's shy grin vanished, and she brushed past the two, heading towards the pantry.

"Why don't you both take a seat? I'll get us some bowls." she paused, spotting or the first time the well dressed table. Looking incredulously towards the two, she inquired who had made the meal. Mamoru beamed proudly; he thought she might like it. Her features softened, and a soft thank you floated from her lips. They sat down and ladled out their servings. Mamoru noticed how little Usagi had taken. When asked, she waved her hand dismissively. "I'm not that hungry today, I guess." He nodded, though not at all convinced. From there, the subject turned to lighter issues; movies music. The more they conversed, the closer they seemed to be getting.

Dan ate in silence, watching the forbidden romance bloom. Occasionally, he glanced at the knife rack, which hung innocently from the wall. His hands itched to feel their coolness; feel the extra strength that he knew would flow through his veins. It took most of his control to keep his sanity with the final phase so close to completion. He must wait. Act to early, and he would fail like his predecessors. Timing and action ran hand in hand. He would be in control of both. As she spooned her last bite, Usagi gathered the plates, depostiting them into the sink. She began to run the water, when a voice interrupted her; "That's alright dear. Why don't you go entertain your new friend?" Turning slowly, she cast him an anxious glance. "Well, don't stand there pigeon eyed," she winced, his voice sounding harder than intended. "Go on," he prodded. She nodded. "Um, sure. Mamo-chan, what would you like to do? Shingo has some arcade games in his room upstairs." "Yeah, sure. Sounds great." Casting another nervous glance to her uncle, she led Mamoru up the stairs.

".there's MECHA-MEN ATTACK #3, the new Sailor V game, oh! That ones a good one." Mamoru nodded. "I'll take your opinion on it." "Ok, oh, I forgot, it's a one player game.why don't you play it first?" she suggested. Grinning, he bobbed his head. As she set up the game, Mamoru turned his gaze to the room. Immediately, he saw the differences between brother and sister. In place of girl manga's were war and martial artists titles. Pictures of sports player and American action hero's decorated his shelves and most differential was the cleanliness of the room. That, however, was most likely due to the fact that he was away. As she handed him the controller, she sat behind him on the twin-sized futon. He began to play. Usagi watched him with keen interest. His long fingers glided like spiders across the sleek panel and amazement filled her as he watched his score steadily increase.

She found it strange how comfortable she felt beside him. Safe. It almost made her forget the time bomb downstairs. The screen flickered and blinked hypnotically, and before she knew it, sleep had stolen her away. Mamoru's eyed were glued to the screen. Huh, he noted. I can see why Usako loves this game so much. Just mentioning her name to himself caused pleasant shivers. Unfortunately, it also cost him his game. "Kuso!" he swore silently. It was then he noticed the sleeping angel behind him.

Her eyes flitted invisibly beneath dark lashes and her hair floated gently around her as she breathed. Her breath was soft, and sweet: he was awed by her beauty. Careful not to rouse her, he lifted her gently from the bed. He was surprised how light she was. Most girls who ate the amount she did would have weighed tons. Another one of her great features. Gee, the way his mind was working today, he could very well write a list when the day was over. Striding to the door, he flicked of the switch with his shoulder and headed toward her room. Opening the entranceway, he guided himself cautiously to the bed. This was not a simple feat to achieve. Athletically dodging the unknowns that covered her floor, she was placed gently beneath her soft duvet. Immediately, she clutched them tight over her face. He couldn't help but laugh for it was high on the list of adorabilities he'd witnessed since their meeting. Adorabilities-was that even a word? Shaking his head, he attempted to trace the same path through her floor. Unfortunately, something hard and sharp caught his toe, causing him to fall with a muffled 'oomph!' Casting a quick glance, he sighed in relief to see she still slept. Sitting up, he pulled the hard book, (yes a book.) from beneath three skirts, strategically intertwined. Outside, the hard rain continued, and the lunchtime sun could not break through the dark clouds. Crawling over to the purple blow up chair, he reached and turned on a lamp, casting a soft glow over the room. Opening the cover, he gasped at the words scrawled upon the lined sheets;

Usagi's TOP SECRET JOURNAL!!

(Shingo, I swear, if you read this, I'm telling mum about your pet rat!!)

Curiosity piqued, he silently debated whether or not to continue. But, as Pandora had learned in the olden days or yore, curiosity can sometimes over come common sense. He turned the page, and began to read.

June 30th (my b-day!!!) '02:

This is my first time actually writing in a journal.

Yeah, well, I hope you guys enjoyed this chap! For, that is why I live, to please you. So, forgive me for talking soo long... again, I apologize for this taking so long.I know, believe me I know what it feels like to read a story and the author doesn't continue. But don't worry! I will finish this! And you will all love me! MWAHAHAHA!!!! cough cough -stupid cold. Chest colds are the worst!!! I was stuck home all day (which, was actually kinda nice) x-cept I felt gross and twichie.anyways, please remember to review on your way out!