Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Takeuchi. 
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is the brainchild of Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino. 
The rights of these two manga/anime are reserved by the creators and many many other companies and people. 
I only pray that in the world where anime characters are real Duo and Minako find true love… 
and hope that no one will sue me for writing one such version of my wish. 
 
a destiny equal to the gods
 
 
"By the calm sea of the evening, we had lots of fun together
You, who are so warm to me, I saw your dream

Like this was our first love, our spirits were made to dance
Every time we passed by, we became so sweet with each other"
 
               -- Aino Minako
                               "Anata no Yume wo Mita wa;
                               I saw your dream"
Where the Heart Leads

Just before dawn in the colonies. "Heero, have you seen Duo?"

"Hmm," Heero said waking to Relena's question.

"Duo? Pagan said he didn't return last night."

"He's just blowing off steam. Relena, he's an adult now you don't have to mother him."

"Oh so is that what you think I'm doing," Relena said tickling him.

"Mmhmm…" was the last thing Heero said before he pinned her arms down trying to go back to sleep.

            Morning came, the sun shown brightly in Duo's room. After an hour of tossing Duo opened his eyes and groaned, "Mmmm…I hate mornings." But that's about as far as Duo's laziness went; he crawled out of bed and wandered into the kitchen. Minako was still sound asleep, but Artemis was up with a start when he heard Duo's door open. He crept out of Minako's room and followed Duo into the kitchen.

            Duo searched the fridge then began to open cupboard after cupboard. Artemis jumped up on the counter and stared at Duo. "Oh Hey. Mina didn't tell me she had a cat," Duo leaned down so he was eye level with Artemis, "So what's your name little kitty?" Artemis raised an eyebrow otherwise his expression did not change. Duo gave it 10 seconds then stood back up, "Good name. So Kitty do you know if Mina has any pancake mix?"

            Meanwhile Minako stirred, rolled over, and looked at the clock. 7:00 A.M. then she rolled back over; her head hit the pillow again.  Believing last night's events were all a dream, she sighed and said, "Ah what a wonderful dream, Artemis." She looked down at her feet and then under the bed, but he was not there. Minako grabbed a robe and as she opened the door the scent of fresh pancakes hit her. "Artemis?" She turned the corner to see a huge stack of pancakes on the table, 2 place settings, syrup, butter, and Artemis. Minako sleepily, yet a little alarmed walked out to the table, "Artemis?"

"Oh, so that's his name," Duo said as he brought a pitcher of orange juice to the table.

"AHHHHHHHHH," Minako jumped putting her hand to her chest, "Oh Duo, you startled me. For a second I thought I dreamed you up."

"Sorry Mina, no such luck."

They sat down to the table; "I don't believe you made pancakes."

"Ah it was nothing, rummage through enough cupboards and you find what you need. Your cat was no help though."

Minako looked at Artemis, "He never is." Artemis gave her a look, but she ignored him. Minako and Duo talked about pancakes, cats, and the game last night. As Minako was about to talk about her volleyball, Artemis has gotten tired of being ignored so he went under the table and bit her ankle. "Ow." Minako said as she closed her eyes and absorbed the pain. She looked under the table, sighed, "Duo will you excuse us?" Minako grabbed Artemis and pulled him into the bedroom.

"What?" She sat down on the bed, "Oh if I'm even bleeding…"

"I'm sorry Mina but we needed to talk."

"Okay fine, What?"

"Who is he?"

"Duo Maxwell."

"Where does he come from?"

"America."

"And how did he get here? How do you know him? Why is he here in our house?"

"Artemis, you ask too many questions. Look, I'm only going to say this once, I pulled him through the wall at the gym and until I get him home he's my responsibility."

"Huh, through the wall?"

"Yeah, I'm not quite sure how that happened, but I guess it really doesn't matter."

"What do you mean it doesn't matter, Mina he could be an alien, a youma, and you invited him home. How could you be so naïve?"

"Take my word on this Artemis, my pulling him through the wall was fate, not a monster attack."

"How can you be sure?"

"Just trust me, will ya?" she said as she left the room.

Artemis sat on the bed staring out the door as he watched Minako sit back down to breakfast, he shook his head and said softly to himself, "I trust you whole-heartedly, Mina. I just don't trust him."

            After another helping of 'cakes, Minako got up and started the dishes, as she did so she could see Artemis staring at Duo from the hallway, she put the plate down in the sink, turned off the water and said, "You wanna get out of here?"

"Sure, what d'ya have in mind?"

"You'll see… just give me 2 minutes to get dressed." Surprisingly, two minutes later Minako was ready, hair bowed and all, and they were out the door without a second thought to the dishes or Artemis.

            This first day Minako took Duo everywhere. First they walked through the park, and then she took him to the museum. They spent almost an hour in the ancient Japanese weaponry display alone. After a small lunch at the museum Minako took Duo to an amusement park. Ride after ride, until the 30th time on the loopy-upside-down-faster-than-lightening-ride when Minako felt she might—just might—loose her lunch, she decided it was time for a break. Duo who just wanted more and more couldn't quite comprehend why Minako wanted to sit the next one out, decided that if she didn't want to go again neither did he. "So what's next?"

"Well, normally I'd say frivolous shopping, but..."

"Okay."

"OK?"

"Sure why not?"

"Okay!" Minako took Duo by the hand and led him to the mall. First they went clothes shopping, Minako's favorite thing to do, and Duo had a blast playing with the sunglasses and hats and watching Minako try on one crazy outfit after another.  When he picked out a pair of orange leather pants Minako decided it was time for the next store. After the third Mina-clothes store, she could tell he was getting bored so she reversed the roles and lead him to a Duo-clothes store. When she returned the favor of leather pants, Duo surprised her and actually tried them on. Minako blinked and sighed as he headed back in to the changing room to try them on.

The sales clerk leaned over to her, "I'd hang on to this one I've worked here 20 years and never have I seen a guy willing to model leather pants for a girl." Minako smiled and waited for Duo's return.

Duo exited the curtain sporting just the black leather pants—the clerk's mouth hit the floor. Minako's smile didn't fade instead it grew. She was too busy staring at Duo to even notice when Usagi and Rei walked by shopping for their men. "So what do you think, are they me?"

'Oh in so many ways,' Minako thought but all she could say was "….[nod]…."

Duo laughed to himself as he walked over to her, "Mina. I'm going to go take them off now. Are you okay with that?"

Minako came out of her trance, laughed/sighed and gave Duo a push, "You're such a…"

"…tease," the clerk said.

 "…jerk. I was going to say jerk, but she's right tease fits you too."

"Funny."

"You'd better go change before she attacks you." Duo nodded and returned to the dressing room, a few minutes later he returned dressed as Duo again. And they headed off to video/music store.

Usagi had picked out a new shirt for Mamoru and as she went to check out, the sales clerk was still staring off into space. "Ahem, are you all right?"

"Huh…oh sure..."

"What's all the excitement?" Rei asked as she came up behind Usagi.

"Oh don't tell me you missed him."

"Who?"

"The fine American in the leather pants."

"Leather's just not my style," Usagi said as she paid for the shirt.

Rei turned with her, "You're still drooling," she said to the clerk as they left.

"How weird was that?" Rei said as they passed the music store.

"Yeah. All that fuss over leather pants. Can you just imagine?" And they did, each took a moment to imagine their men in leather pants, both shook their heads and walked on.

            When they were done in the music store, Minako stopped in the bookstore briefly and they left the mall. As they headed back through the park, Minako saw the perfect tree. "Come on, I know the best place to veg out for awhile." They passed a vendor and bought some food. They sat under the 'perfect' tree, ate, talked, and relaxed. After awhile, Minako pulled out her new book and Duo stretched out under the tree. Minako was reading out loud when Duo fell asleep leaning against the tree, and shortly after Minako dozed off leaning on Duo's knees and this is how they stayed as the sun set in the west.  Duo woke first, grabbed Minako's book and put it in her bag, then scooped her up in his arms, and carried her home.

            When he returned to her apartment, he found Artemis waiting up for them. He whispered, "Wh- if your cat could talk, I'd be getting an earful right now." To this Minako smiled in her sleep. Duo carried her to her bed, laid her down, removed her shoes, the bow from her hair, and his braid from her hand. Covered her up and as he turned out the light, Minako rolled on her side and sleepily said, "Duo…"

Duo smiled then said, "Sheesh, you've only known me one day, and all ready you're calling out my name in your sleep." 

To this came a soft reply, "Or maybe I just wanted to tell you something before you left."

Duo walked back over to the bed, "Oh yeah, like what?"

"I don't remember anymore."

"Good night Mina"

"G'night Duo."

Duo left her room and headed down the hall; he looked at Artemis and said, "Down, Cujo. I returned her safe and sound." He then walked into the room, shut the door, kicked off his shoes, pulled his shirts off over his head, turned out the light, and was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. 

            Meanwhile Heero was checking the gym, at the edge of the court he found Duo's coat. Heero picked it up and looked around the court. There was no sign of a struggle so he was fairly certain Duo hadn't been attacked, but why would he forget his coat? Heero proceeded to check EVERY room in the building; he even went as far as to ask a few regulars if they'd seen Duo. But everyone had said, "Sorry, I wasn't here last night." Normally Heero wouldn't give a second thought to Duo's absence, but this time something seemed off.

            The following morning when the first rays of light shown in Duo's window, he stirred slightly, his eyes fluttered open, then he remembered where he was and sat straight up, "Hmmm… I wonder what's up for today!" Duo grabbed his shoes as he flung out the door. To his surprise there was breakfast, a letter, and a pile of clothes at the table for him. Duo read the letter, it said, "Duo, I'm sure the food's still hot/cold, eat, then get dresses. When you're ready knock on my door and we'll go. J Mina." Minako had made scrambled eggs, French toast, topped with a bowl of cereal, a half of grapefruit, OJ and milk. Duo ate everything in about 5 minutes, took the clothes and headed to the bathroom where he freshened up and changed. Minako had gotten him a pair of khakis, a blue oxford to match his eyes, and a pair of simple black steel toed shoes. Duo didn't ask any questions, he just got ready and headed down the hall, knocked on Minako's door. "So Mina, what are we doing today?"

"You'll see."

"Can we go to the amusement park again?"

Minako opened the door; she stood in the doorway one arm stretched up leaning against the frame she said, "I had something better in mind." Minako was wearing a short orange dress, a red shrug, and yellow knee-high boots. Duo didn't question her decision to avoid the rides; instead he smiled, held out a hand and said, "Shall we?"

            First, Minako led Duo to the Art Museum and on a general tour of downtown Tokyo, basically just to pass the time. "No offense Mina, but paintings versus rides, rides would win here."

"I know but that's not what we're doing today."

"Oh come on a little clue?"

"Nope."

 Around lunchtime Minako led Duo to a traditional Japanese restaurant, they had to remove their shoes, sit on the floor, the whole shebang. Minako introduced Duo to sake and a million of different Japanese customs. She said it was 'practice incase they ran into anyone important tonight.'

            "You sure have a lot of rules for one little meal."

"I know; it's tradition."

            Afterwards, Minako took Duo to a baseball game. 'I know we didn't get dressed up for this,' Duo thought.

'He's so lost,' Minako thought as she saw the confusion on Duo's face, and just squeezed his arm, "Do you know much about baseball?"

"Oh yeah sure, it's a classic right. There was the Candy Bar guy, and the Barefoot Dude, oh and the Home Run hitters, and then…" Duo stopped realizing he didn't remember when all of those people actually lived so he'd better not mention someone or something that hadn't happened yet.

"I'm sure you meant Babe Ruth, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and guys like Sosa and McGuire…Duo are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine, I've actually never seen a baseball game before."

"Really?"

"No they aren't to common where I live."

"Well good then you're in for a treat."

"Mina?"

"Yeah?"

"Is it too late to tell you I know nothing about baseball?"

Minako smiled, "I kinda figured as much."

            During warm ups, Duo was worse than a kid in a candy store, it didn't help that they were sitting in the first row of the lowest balcony. He kept leaning over the edge; Minako thought he was going to fall. When the game started, Minako let Duo buy food from some guy shouting out, "Hot Dog!"   "Coca-Cola," came the next, everyone else he didn't understand so he didn't buy from him or her. Minako sat back and smiled—she'd never seen someone get so much joy out of a baseball game.  'You truly are American,' she thought. Duo stopped to look back at Minako, half a hot dog in hand, mustard on his lower lip, Minako simply smiled, "Are you having fun yet?"

Duo sat down next to her, "Who would have thought this could be so much fun?"

"Millions of Americans who made it their national pastime," Minako said trying not to laugh.

"What?"

"It's just…" she said taking her thumb to Duo's lip.

 "…mustard," Duo completed as he took her thumb keeping his eyes locked on hers, and gently stuck her thumb in his mouth to remove the mustard.

Minako shyly took her hand back, and to end the silence she pointed out to the field, "Look, Nelson's up to bat, he'll…"

            The first three innings were slow as far as baseball goes, but Duo was enjoying every minute of it. In the fourth inning, the game picked up a little with an awesome double play. The short stop covered second as the second base man slid down the line to grab the bouncing ball, chucked it in one smooth motion to the first base man who the proceeded to throw it to 2nd where the short stop was waiting to get the other runner out. In the bottom of the fourth, the other team shot right back with an amazing sliding catch in centerfield. The fifth inning was just as promising; the third batter hit a ball into the stands just below Minako and Duo. The next one he hit was higher but not quite high enough Duo found out as he reached out to catch the ball, fell over the rail, flipped around as his free hand snagged the rail, and with a little help from Minako pulled himself back up to the seat. "I can't believe you did that!" Minako said hitting Duo, "You nearly scared me to death!"

Duo just sat back, "Hey I caught it didn't I?" Minako couldn't help but smile, laugh, and return to the game.

Afterwards, Minako and Duo were casually walking to the next place on the trip. Duo was tossing his souvenir with one hand while Minako hung on his other arm. "I still can't believe you caught that."

"I can't believe this amazed you."

"What do you mean?"

"You pulled me through the wall of a basketball court and five minutes later we're playing a game and I've been invited home. Most people would just freak."

"Oh that's nothing, you should have seen me the first time I heard Artemis talk, I was just like not now…"

"Wait your cat talks?!"

"Uh-oooo…" Minako shut her eyes not believing she just let that slip, "Did I forget to mention that?"

"Just slightly, so what else haven't you told me?"

"Me? What about you, where exactly do you come from?"

"I told you."

"Yeah America, what part of America doesn't have baseball?"

"Uh…" Duo swallowed hard, "Alaska."

"Sure but where do you live? Come on Duo you know one of my secrets, fill me in on just one of yours." 

Duo sighed, "I live on a space colony near the moon."

"Really the moon?" Minako said with just a bit too much enthusiasm.

Duo kinda gave her a weird look and continued, "The year is After Colony 200, so it's about 300 plus years in the future. Mina I'm from the future."

"Wow. Well that sorta explains why you've never seen a ballgame, I guess, but mostly why you've been so secretive."

"Well baseball, it's not an unpopular game, it's just I've spent most of my life in war, and baseball just wasn't the game we had time for."

"Let me guess basketball."

"Yeah and whatever that was they tried to teach us in school."

Minako laughed.

"So what's your favorite sport?"

"Volleyball. I had to give it up to become a superheroine though," Minako smiled.

"Oh is that so."

"Now I coach a team of youngsters."

"Sounds like fun."

"It is."

"But?"

"I don't know, I want more from life than to be a junior high volleyball coach." 

Duo knew exactly how she felt, "Don't worry Mina it'll happen." Minako smiled put her head on his shoulder and they walked the rest of the way like this. Mostly in silence, with only a few words here and there to point things out."

When they arrived in front of a theatre, Minako stopped. "We're here." She led Duo inside.

"So what are we watching?"

"Okay, I'll tell you, tonight we're going to see a traditional Japanese play. It's called Miss Saigon."

            Duo gave her an odd look. "Wasn't Saigon in Vietnam?"

            Minako smiled, "Okay so it's a western play that's been painstakingly adapted to Japanese."

            Duo smiled. He wasn't really sure if he was going to like the play. He really hadn't been to one before and this one had to do with a war to boot. Here he was trying to move on and find a bigger purpose and she takes him to a play about war. As soon as the lights came up and the story began, even though he didn't understand a spoken word of it, he was glued to the stage.

            Afterwards Minako took him backstage and introduced him to the actors. She pointed out the "mayor" and other huge figures of Tokyo. After the crowds left, Minako and Duo decided that they shouldn't detain the actors any longer, so they too parted with the theatre. Duo was so buzzed after that, he had a song going through his head. He didn't know the words, but that didn't stop him from singing it and dancing out in to the street. Minako laughed, "Do you have any idea what that song was about?"

"She was sad because he was leaving."

"How'd you know that?"

"Can't you just feel the sadness and pain she was singing?"

"Yes, I can," under her breath she continued, "I know exactly how she feels."

Duo felt this too, but he wasn't letting on. Minako smiled weakly at Duo as he danced on, Duo realized she'd stopped watching him, and knew for some reason Minako was sad. So he went up behind her, put his arms around her waist, continued to hum, swaying them back and forth. Minako put her hands in his and swayed right along with him. Duo slowly stopped humming as he spun her around and they began to slow dance together. No sooner than they had begun the heaven's let and water trickled out onto the city. Minako and Duo barely noticed the rain as they continued dancing to the silent music. As they danced closer, Duo's hands were playing with Minako's hair. She laid her head on his shoulder, and as the rain ran down their faces, Duo slowly pulled the bow from her hair and ran his fingers throughout. By this time it really had begun to rain, as the actors and orchestra were leaving the theatre some of them took notice of Minako and Duo. One violinist who was standing under the awning began to play softly the very song they were dancing to. Soon another joined him, and as they stood there waiting for the rain to let up they all joined in, and a few actresses began to sing the song. At one point all the people were either singing or playing. For many minutes neither Minako nor Duo realized the music was not in their heads. When the main actress who had sung the song came out, she had to stop the singers, as she began a new rendition of the tune. The difference was in this song instead of the two lovers being torn apart by war and circumstances, two star-crossed lovers met by chance, by fate, one night. And from the very first time she looked into his eyes, she knew he was the man she could spend an entire eternity with. He felt this too, grabbed the girl in passing one night and kissed her passionately; for in this kiss he knew that this was the girl he'd waited his entire life to find.

            It wasn't until Minako opened her eyes to look up at Duo that either of them realized they were not alone. Minako smiled, looked up at Duo, who had now opened his eyes to see Minako staring behind him. Duo pulled Minako in and spun her around; he leaned down to kiss her, but stopped when he saw the crowd of people that had gathered to watch them. Duo laughed and looked at Minako who was smiling too; they both stopped dancing and walked side-by-side back to the theatre. 

            They had been invited to join the cast for dinner, but before either Minako or Duo could decide if that was really where they wanted to be tonight, the leading lady spoke up and said in English, "No they'd be much happier in their own company tonight. We've already interrupted a…dance. Let's not keep them apart a moment longer." Minako and Duo looked at each other and blushing they agreed. As they were leaving the actress softly said something in Japanese to Minako. Minako smiled and nodded, looked up at Duo who had no idea what was said, but happy that Minako was happy Duo did not ask instead he simply smiled and continued walking with Minako under his arm.

              Nearly halfway back to Minako's they passed a cozy restaurant that served all kinds of food but mostly Japanese cuisine. 

…Duo stares at his plate, "What is this stuff?"

"Food."

"Does it come with instructions?"

"Open mouth. Put in."

Duo nods as Minako turns back to her plate. "So what exactly am I eating?"

"Calamari."

"Yeah I know that, but what is it?"

"You ordered without knowing what it is?"

"So."

Minako laughs, "It's squid."

"Squid, okay is there any part of this fishy I shouldn't eat?"

Minako looks at Duo's plate, "No they removed all that stuff for you."

Duo nods and takes his utensil in hand and pokes it.

"Would you like me to try it first?"

Duo looks at her and raises an eyebrow and without looking gets a stickful of food which falls before he gets it to his mouth. This goes on for another 30 seconds before Minako says, "Do you need a…fork?" 

"Do you own forks in Japan?"

"No, not us common folk, only the "Emperor" can afford forks."

Duo smiles, puts down the chopsticks and takes his fingers to his plate and eats his first squid. "This ain't bad."

Minako just stares, "I was kidding about the fork stuff you know." 

"Believe it or not, I can read sarcasm."

"Just checking," Minako said looking back down at her plate.

"Hey Mina."

"Hmm" she said looking up… SPLAT… she got an eyeful of Calamari.

"Ever try squid before?"

"Yes many times."

"Oh well as an experienced squid-eater I would have thought you would have known it's supposed to go in your mouth."

She smiled and laughed as she wiped the food out of her eye, looking around at all the people staring at them. She shakes her head, "You're lucky this time Maxwell."

"I'll keep that in mind Aino," Duo said with a smile as he finished off his plate with one more handful of food.

            Later Minako and Duo were walking down the street eating ice cream by the cone. "So where have you lived that you've never had squid?"

"Uh, I was born on L2, now I live on L1 with some friends."

Minako made a trying to remember face, "L1 and 2 are by the moon? And your friends are Heero and Relena?"

"Yeah, you remembered, well despite the vast number of Oceans and Seas on the moon, none of them have any fish in them. So no squid."

"Are you telling me you've never been off of those two colonies?"

"Well no, I've been all over, I've been to numerous colonies, the moon, and Earth. But in space I never got the whole fancy food stuff, and in space squid is a pretty fancy food. When I was on Earth I just ate what I could, seeing as I really didn't have any money. And I guess squid was just never on the menu." 

"I'd say that's really sad, but then again I know tons of people who've never tried Calamari, and I'm sensing something much sadder in there."

"Ahh.. what are you talking about, I had a happy fishless childhood. No painful past for me. See." Duo said smiling as normally as he could.

"Duo, sweetie, you already told me you spent most of your life in war. But, um, tell me when do we start naming the years AC instead of AD?"

"In about 100 years the population of Earth will be over 11 billion, so we turn to space, and start designing and building space colonies. They're set in five structural orbits around the Earth, L1 and 2 flank the moon, L4 is less than a fourth around the earth away from the moon, and L5 is just the opposite, then on it's own directly opposite the moon is L3. We'll that's pretty much how it goes. When these colony clusters become inhabitable, the majority of the population moves to space. It is at this time that we started a whole new calendar. Not long after that the world was in a war-free time."

"War-free…" Minako said kinda starry-eyed.

"Yeah but it doesn't last, war breaks out and goes on for like ever, longer than I've been alive. Well we're finally coming to a peaceful conclusion, but honestly without war I have no idea what I'm going to do."           

"I know that feeling."

"How's that? I mean this is a time of peace isn't it?" 

"Yeah, a few religious wars in the Middle East, but no big world wide war."

"So how is it you can begin to imagine how I feel, let alone know the feeling?" 

"Well…I shouldn't…"

"Come on Mina, I told you everything you asked."

Taking a deep breath, "Okay my friends and I fight a completely different kind of war, and we haven't seen any real action in over a year. I mean it's a good thing, no youmas, no aliens, no mad scientists trying to take over the world. But now I'm kinda…bored."

"I follow you on the it's a good thing, but what exactly do you mean by youmas, and aliens?"

"I shouldn't tell you, but I don't care. Have you ever heard of the Sailor Senshi?"

"A bunch of school girls who fight evil creatures in really short sailor uniforms. I hate to burst your bubble Minako, but they didn't really exist."

"No?"

"No, superheroines like Wonder Women and the Sailor Senshi are myths."

"Oh really," Minako said when she turned and ran into a dark alley, Duo followed, mostly thinking she was nuts and going to get herself hurt. Minako came to the end and stopped looked down at her melting cone and smiled a wicked grin. She turned and said, "Hey Duo hold this for me," and flung the cone in his face. Duo caught the cone but not the ice cream. It was all over his nose and brow. Without missing a beat as soon as Minako let go of the cone she grabbed her Transformation Pen, held it aloft and said, "Venus Crystal Power, Make UP!" Before Duo could say anything she began to transform basked in an orange glowing light. Duo stared, dropped the cones, as soon as Sailor Venus was standing in front of him smiling, he blinked, and speechless let the ice cream run down his face. "Oh young man, I didn't mean to startle you, but next time I suggest eating with your mouth and not your nose," she said as she took a finger to Duo's nose, "Mmmm Superman. My favorite flavor."

Duo blinked again, with the most serious face he could muster said, "Excuse me Ma'am, but through all the ice cream and orange light I seem to have lost my girlfriend, have you seen her?" walking past her. "Mina! Mina?" looking behind the dumpster, "Where ever could she be?" Duo turned around to see Minako standing before him arms crossed and not amused. "Oh Mina you should have seen it, Sailor—uh Orange—uh Venus was just here!!!" She didn't move or respond she just stared at him. Duo stopped and finally looked her straight in the face.

"Ma'am?"  Duo froze in terror realizing he had put his foot in his mouth, steel-toed boot and all. Minako just laughed, which made Duo laugh uneasily. "Relax, I'd never hurt my BOY-friend," she said turning.

"Hey I was just thrilled I wasn't laughing, I can't be responsible for what I say. But seriously I missed that, could you do it again." Eyeing him suspiciously. Duo put his hands together and said, "PLLLEEEAASSSSSSEE." 

Minako held up her pen again and said, "Venus Crystal Power, Make UP!" 

When she finished she looked at Duo who had a big grin on his face, "That was cool but could you do it again?"

She stared at him, "Why?"

"Uh because I was blinded."

"Sure if the light were really THAT bright someone would have been here by now."

"Oh it wasn't the light that blinded me."

"Oh?"

"Uh turn back into Mina and I'll tell you."

She tapped her foot, "Why should I?"

"Because I don't want to be shocked or something when I point out you were like naked for like 30 seconds there."

Minako laughed, "Men."

"Oh wait speaking of shock, what can you do?"

"Duo you are getting way too into this."

"Come on you're my first superheroine."

"Okay one demonstration." She looked at Duo, "Venus Love Me Chain!" She wrapped him up in her heart chain and pulled him in. But as they were standing eye to eye she couldn't help but laugh, "You still have ice cream all over your face."

"Most of it's yours, you want it back?" without waiting for her response Duo kissed her, and while doing so she morphed back into Minako. When the chains released Duo put his arms around Minako and continued kissing her gently. After about a minute of this, Duo pulled away took a step to the side and without missing a beat he said, "That's okay Mina, I could have thrown you across the table and kissed the squid." Minako blinked just now realizing it was over. Duo headed back to the street, just before he got there he stopped looked over his shoulder and said, "You coming?"

"Huh? Oh yeah," Minako said hurrying to catch up.

"Good because I don't have a clue where I'm go…" Duo stopped as he reached the street, "…ing."

"Did you forget my place is just-" Minako stopped as she saw what Duo saw. In the street blocking the exit to the alley were 12 built men each carrying either a lead pipe, chain, or knife.

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Author's Notes:

            The first day's events were meant to be rather basic and simple. The orange, leather pants come from life experience. The black, leather pants…. Oooh… well they come from uh… the fact that this is Duo… and… oooh… sorry, what was I talking about? Oh yeah… leather pants…on Duo… mmm…

            Hmm… naturally… I had to take Duo to a baseball game. It's only one of my favorite sports. Most of the plays on the field were one's that I saw last summer while watching various baseball games. I know the double-play came from a college ball game, though it's been too long to remember which schools. I remember just staring at the field going… oooh that was cool… that… that has to be in one of my stories.

Let's see… I think I was watching the movie Sayonara just before coming up with the second day. In the movie, assuming I remember which one I was watching, the main characters are an American military man who was stationed in Japan and fell in love with one of the women there. They attended a puppet-play about a couple who could not be together and so she sang of her sadness and killed herself… and he then left to go home. Kind of a Romeo-Juliet play really, and that play led to the end of the movie… when after everything else that they had tried to live through… instead of him returning to the States they took their lives together to live on in love forever.

           Okay… there will be no taking of lives for love's sake in this story.

***Amendment to my Notes: This chapter has taken so long to put up because I was reading about the types of theatre and realized that I'd made a fatal error in my story by including female actors. So I changed it a little to be a play format that if he were from America in our time he would recognize. Don't ask why I picked Miss Saigon… I just got a song stuck in my head and said… eh… that works. I also don't own this play. It was written by Alain Boublil. I will have Minako take Duo out to see a Kabuki play eventually…but she just couldn't get tickets for it this fast. ****

            Thanks goes out to… uh… my lack of customers at the restaurant I worked at two summers ago that went out of business… because that gave me lots of time to sit in a booth writing these scenes.

            Please review and tell me what you think. Reviews help fuel the creative juices. Okay… so this story has been written for a while… but it'll help the creative juices flow for the sequel that is still in the process of being revised. ;-)

            Seriously though, I'd like feedback… any kind of honest feed back.

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Coming up next time:

Usagi opened the door to Duo's room, she saw Minako's yellow boots, and two pair of Duo's shoes neatly placed by the bedside. On the bed, Minako and Duo we sound asleep curled up together under a blanket.