Saint Seiya: The Love Stories
Disclaimer: I don't own Saint Seiya or its characters or profit from this fanfiction.
Chapter Twelve: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
Cancer Death Mask's Point of View
By: Lady Mochizuki

4:45 AM~The House of Cancer~ Phoenix's Room

Sighs.

I knew my student Phoenix was awake no matter how quiet Phoenix thought she was. I have noticed whenever Aphrodite, my lover, and best friend, would come over to sleep over. Phoenix would ask Pope Shion if she could stay in the guest room at Athena's Citadel for a few days. I just thought Phoenix could hear us fucking, but I'm not the only one who has noticed how uncomfortable Phoenix is around my lover and me. And Phoenix has been getting up extra early to work independently. I have a strong suspicious Phoenix hanging out with one of the others or working out with one of the others or the Silvers like herself.

Aphrodite thinks Phoenix has a crush on me or us. I highly doubt it because Phoenix swore off being with anyone because of that bastard. I still remember finding her bleeding and beaten half to death by her boyfriend. I would have kicked the bastard's ass, but I had to get Phoenix to the hospital. I almost lost Phoenix. I grew pretty protective and fond of Phoenix. Aphrodite and Shura were there when I caught up with the son of a bitch, and they had to stop me from killing him, so I told the fucking bastard to leave Greece and never return. Phoenix was in a coma for almost a year, and I never once left her side. And whenever I did, Shura or Aphrodite was with her.

Sighs.

I heard the door close. I lay there for a few more seconds, finally deciding to follow my little Principessa, and I want to see what she has been up to. I know I shouldn't invade her privacy, but Phoenix has been tight-lipped about whatever she is hiding lately. I'm worried about her.

Sighs.

I padded through the other houses as I possibly could. I reached the Aquarius exit and saw my lover waiting for me. I knew Aphrodite was just as worried about Phoenix as I was. I knew the flowers would direct us to wherever Phoenix was.

We found Phoenix at a grave. I knew it was her twin brother's grave, who had died at birth. I noticed her shoulders shaking with her crying, and it tore at my heart like it always does. After a few minutes, we watched as she headed towards her "hiding spot" to train. I was a bit surprised to see Shaka and Mū there. I watched as the three did meditation, yoga, and some martial arts, Kenpō.

Sighs.

At dawn, I watched as I could see my downstairs neighbor Saga and his twin brother Kanon as they came into view. It surprised me more than anything so far. I knew the day would come when Phoenix would seek out her true Master. Technically and by the rite of Master and student, Phoenix is Saga's student.

It saddens me more, but the more I watched them, the more I could see Phoenix was just talking to Saga and Kanon. It still saddens me I might be losing her. I didn't notice Aphrodite move away from me until I looked up and saw the three Gemini staring at me owlishly.

I'm getting an eerie feeling.

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, and the look she gave me was her, "You have some explaining to do, Master?" I looked away from her, shame-faced. I felt someone cup my chin, and I looked up into Phoenix's softened gold eyes. I heard Saga say,

"Phoenix, let me know once you have talked things out with Death Mask and Aphrodite, ok?"

Phoenix just nodded as Kanon dragged Aphrodite back with a soft,

"Stay put; this concerns you as well."

Phoenix released my chin with an amused look on her face as she looked at us both and then began to giggle softly.

"I don't find this funny, young lady." Aphrodite huffs angrily

Phoenix only looks at us and continues to giggle and points at us with two accusing fingers,

" Oh goodness, two grown men spying on a young woman; what are you, my stalkers?"

I glared at her while Aphrodite took a defensive stance in case I charged Phoenix. Phoenix only blinks at me, and she reaches over, cups my chin, and looks at me lovingly,

"Saga was right. You don't like to be teased by anyone, and Aphrodite doesn't like being laughed at by anyone. Pity, I was hoping to draw this out a little longer. Oh, very well." Phoenix cooed softly.

Phoenix then releases my chin and sighs.

"What are you babbling about?" I snapped angrily.

Phoenix looks at me and then at Aphrodite, who looks at me.

"Phoenix is in love with us, so she keeps leaving whenever I come over, and she knew we had followed her this morning. She was counting on it, knowing how worried we were about her. Phoenix was worried we wouldn't accept her, so she told the twins about us to learn more about us instead of just talking to us." Aphrodite summarized.

I looked at Phoenix, who was blushing. I looked at Aphrodite and sighed.

"Cunning little package, isn't she?" I said, smiling at Aphrodite, who returned my smile.

Phoenix stood there watching us momentarily and stepped close to Aphrodite, who kissed her softly, and they both looked at me expectantly. I kiss Aphrodite and then our Phoenix.

A year has passed since then, Phoenix has become Saga's student, and she's in a relationship with Aphrodite and me.

The End of this chapter.