Note to readers: This fiction is rated PG-13 for adult situations and nudity.

I sat on the park bench, oblivious to the rain that had begun to fall again now that night had fallen. Elbows on knees, fist under chin, I sat staring over the water seeing nothing but her. I replayed the scene on the roof in my mind, over and over. Was I not good enough? I couldn't understand it. How she could hold a love for someone who treated her so carelessly. Someone who made those blue eyes cry did not deserve her. An angel should never look like that.

She should never look like that.

If only I could have just one night to show her how I felt, I know I could win her heart. If I could have just one night, I'd kiss away those tears. I'd make her smile. If only I could have just one night.

I didn't know I had said the words aloud until I heard them echoed back at me, but with an angel's voice. "Just one night."

Turning slowly, I saw her standing there next to the bench, her hair wet and her clothes sticking to her like a second skin. I was stunned. I couldn't help but notice the way she stood, her head slightly bowed, body trembling. And then she lifted her head and looked at me with those eyes. She looked at me the way I'd always dreamed she would. I sat there, frozen, as she moved to sit beside me. I must be dreaming, I thought. This must be an illusion. A mirage.

Slowly she reached out for me, touching my face; eyes filled with a longing I never thought I would see aimed at me. The hand that caressed my cheek was warm and soft. The scent was of her, unmistakable. My Odango.

"Just one night," she murmured, looking deep into my eyes. "Show me."

I can't put into words how I felt. Confused. Enraptured. My heart full, about to burst, and yet I was so terribly afraid. A wish, a dream come true. I felt like a drowning man who suddenly finds his way to shore; lost, bewildered, but ecstatic. I reached up and captured her hand in my own, looking at her angelic face and I found her trembling as I was trembling. I had to ask. I had to know. "Are you sure? Is this what you want?"

The look she gave me then almost made my heart break. It was as if all I was feeling was being reflected back at me: the love, the longing, the feeling of hopelessness. "Yes," she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. "More than anything I think I've ever wanted before."

For a moment, I sat frozen, losing myself in the depths of those amazing blue eyes. They always reflected so much love for everyone, for everything. And now it was for me and me alone. We sat in the rain, she and I, just staring at one another. Reaching out, I pulled her to me, wrapping an arm around her slim shoulders, and taking her hand and pressing it over my heart. She lay her head on my chest and I leaned down to rest my cheek on that satiny golden hair, breathing in the scent of her. I felt her arm slide around my waist as she settled herself firmly in the crook of my arm. I felt her melt into me as we sat there in the soft night rain, all of the tension slowly being washed away by the rain and the beating of our hearts. Wordlessly, I began to sing.

There is a power in my voice. It's my gift. Such is my power that slowly the rain stopped and the sky cleared. I sang, without words, of all I felt for her. My hopes. My dreams. My desires. As the stars began to appear in the sky overhead, I felt her stir in my arms. I brought her hand to my cheek, nuzzling it, as I continued to use the power of my voice to convey all that I felt.

She pulled her hand away and it fell upon my leg just above my knee, squeezing it softly. Such an innocent touch, but so very distracting. My song faltered and I looked down. Her angelic face was tipped up at me now; eyes slightly closed as she looked at me in a way that I didn't think she knew how to. She gazed at me in a strange, half-innocent, half-passionate way that left my heart hammering madly in my chest. Leaning down, I kissed her gently. The feel of her warm lips on mine was electric. Every nerve in my body seemed to be on fire, responding in ways that were unfamiliar to me, but thrilling none the less. I enfolded her in my arms as we kissed, and she pressed closer. How could I help but notice her firm body pressed against mine? One hand cupping the back of her head gently, I let the other trace lightly up and down her back, feeling the smoothness of her through her wet clothing. I felt her murmur against my lips and was suprised when she deepened the kiss, leaning into me harder, the grip around my waist growing stronger in desire. And what desire it was. It was maddening feeling her so close; her firm breasts mashed against my chest as we continued the kiss, the way her thumb gently stroked just above my knee, the taste of her sweet lips on mine.

I felt a strange heat rise in me and I knew I was blushing furiously. This body, this unfamiliar thing, was reacting in a way I knew was going to happen but I was trying desperately to keep under control. And failing miserably, I might add. As if to drive me further over the brink, her hand inched up slowly, curiously, innocently, making me groan softy despite myself. At this, she broke the kiss, panting softly; looking into my eyes with such desire it took my breath away. "Seiya..."

Gods. To hear my name come from her in such a way sent chills down my spine. Her hand on my back toyed with the ends of my ponytail as she said my name again. Tears gathered in my eyes. I couldn't help it. I loved her so much.

Our lips met again, this time almost furiously, my arms clasping her to me as if I would never let her go. And how I wish it could be so. I kissed her hungrily, and she responded in kind. I was too lost in desire to be amazed at this point. How long we stayed this way, I couldn't tell you. Time ceased to matter. I was lost in the kiss. All that mattered was her, my Odango.

Eventually the kisses slowed, and we slowly drew apart. Her blue eyes gazed at me with longing as she toyed with the hair at the back of my neck. "Is there somewhere we can go?"

"Go?" I echoed, floored.

She blushed and ducked her eyes, nodding. "Hai," she whispered, slowly looking up at me through lowered lashes. "Where we can be alone."

And the only thing I could think was, 'If this is a dream, I am going to be thoroughly pissed when I wake up.' Instead, I found myself nodding. After a moment to compose myself, for lack of a better term, I stood and pulled her up with me, taking my jacket from the bench and wrapping it about her shoulders. It was still wet, but it was better than nothing. I took her hand and we walked out of the park. I had borrowed one of the studio's cars, and I was glad I had. The van was far too conspicuous. Kind of like the red jacket slung over Odango's soft shoulders, but that couldn't be helped. I opened the door for her, then got in on the other side. Where to go? If I brought her to the apartment, Taiki and Yaten would murder me. And I could not bring myself to take her to one of those 'love-love' hotels. I would not cheapen this. Instead, I found myself turning down familiar streets, and I realized exactly where we would go. It was probably one of the few places on this planet that meant anything at all to me.

Odango look confused as I pulled into the parking space. "Your studio?" she asked, looking at the high-rise. I nodded and got out of the car, going to the other side to help her out.

"It's private," I replied, taking her hand and leading her inside. "No one will bother us here." It was empty, as I had left it earlier.

The studio had been modified to our specifications, with a rest area and kitchen besides. There were times we practically lived in the studio, and if you think Yaten was going to do with out his amenities, you were sadly mistaken. I have to say; I didn't mind them, either. A practice room abutted with the rest area, and I led her to the kitchenette. "Would you like some tea?" I asked, now feeling a bit nervous.

She nodded, suddenly shy herself. While I went to make tea, she wrapped herself tighter in my jacket and looked around. "It must be exciting to be an idol," she murmured, looking at all the equipment in awe.

I shrugged and pulled out some ceramic mugs. "It can be," I agreed. "But you've seen how hard we work." I poured tea from the matching teapot into the mugs and then handed her one. "You seem to be around alot," I added with a grin.

She took the mug and warmed her hands with it, looking at me with new eyes. "Yes," she murmured, "I guess I am." She took a sip, then sighed in contentment. "Now all we need are some cookies..."

I laughed at that. Now *this* was the Odango I fell in love with. She blushed and I patted her on the head. "I'm sure we have something." Turning, I opened up the cabinets to rummage around. I was surprised as I saw Odango's hand move to the side, set down her drink, and then press against me from behind, wrapping her arms around my waist. I swallowed the lump in my throat and turned to look at her over my shoulder. "You're warm," she said simply, pressing up against me.

'Damn right, I'm warm," I thought to myself as I felt the blush returning. I noticed she had started to stare past me into the cabinet, up on tiptoe to see over my shoulder. I could have laughed again. Between the choice of romance and food, apparently food won. That's my Odango. I fished out some snacks, turning to offer her a choice. In typical Odango style, she took them all and, after picking up her tea, headed off to the futon in the corner. I put my head in my hand and laughed silently before making my way over to her and joining her.

I sprawled in my normal lazy way, feet outstretched, one arm thrown across the back of the futon. Needing no further invitation, Odango settled herself in the crook of my arm and commenced to pig out. Bowing my face into her hair, I laughed again softly, plucking at the jacket she still wore. "That thing is soaked. Would you like something dry to wear?" I asked.

She turned and looked at me, snuggling the jacket. "But..." I raised an eyebrow and she blushed and looked away. "But this feels like you. Warm.... and it has your scent."

This was so intimate. I was once again floored. Of course, I knew she'd been around me enough to notice, I suppose. We'd been close. But to hear such things made my head spin. "You can keep it," I heard myself saying, "if you'd like." Our eyes locked, and slowly she nodded, smiling softly.

"But for now..." Her voice trailed off as she slid out of the jacket, setting it almost reverently aside on the coffee table. Turning, she looked at me a moment as if deciding something. Having come to a decision, she nodded to herself and climbed up into my lap, curling up like a small kitten, resting her head on my shoulder and her hand on my chest. I stared at her for a moment, blushing -yet again-, then setting aside my drink as she fiddled with my tie. Just before I went to enfold her in my arms again, she sat up and frowned at my tie. Her angelic face scrunched up as she attempted to untie the silly thing. I would have laughed except I was simply stunned. Finally, she got it untied and tossed it on to the coffee table. Seeing my expression, she blushed. "It was wet," she said, by way of explanation, then curled up against me once more. Blinking, I wrapped my arms around her and I heard her sigh in what seemed like contentment.

Now I was sure I was dreaming. I had to be losing my mind. This could not possibly be real. The stress was finally getting to me and--

"Seiya?"

My thoughts interrupted, I looked down at Odango. "Hai?"

The blush was back on her cheeks and she was toying with the buttons of my shirt. "I was wondering..." Her voice trailed off, uncertain. She swallowed, and tried again. "Could I... see you... as you really are?" She looked up at me as she finished that particularly flooring statement.

I think my jaw dropped open, but I'm not sure.

Looking at me through lowered lashes, she continued. "I know you," she said, tapping my chest over my heart. "I have come to know who you are. But I've never seen you, the real you. Your hidden self."

My jaw worked soundlessly for a moment, then I swallowed. Hard. "Odango," I murmured, my voice barely a whisper, "You know that... I'm...a..."

"Woman?" she supplied helpfully.

I didn't think I could blush anymore than I already was, but apparently I was wrong. "Hai." I dare say we both matched my jacket about then.

"I know," she said solemnly, her eyes locked with mine again. "Show me, please? I want to see you as you really are."

I studied her face for a moment, unsure. Not that I'm ashamed of my birth form. Far from it. Being a man is interesting, but it's just a disguise. That Odango wanted to see me, the real me, took this to a whole new level of intimacy. Seiya the entertainer was a persona. Not very far from the truth, mind you, but it was enough of a mask to hide behind. And she wanted me to remove it.

And so I did.

After I’d reverted back to my birth form, she leaned forward and looked at me for a long time. Hesitantly, she reached up and touched my face. I looked at her as she looked at me, stroking my hair and then, at last, smiling. "You’re really not that much different," she said, snuggling up to me again. She paused for a moment, after noticing something I had noticed from the beginning. Looking down at my shirt, she blushed. "That feels funny though." Giggling, she lay her head on my breasts.

After a moment, I asked quietly, "Do you…want me to change back?"

"No," she murmured, her fingertips toying with the buttons of my shirt again.

This whole evening was getting stranger and stranger by the minute. ‘Maybe I’m dead?’ I thought. ‘Maybe this is my reward for all the bulls—‘

"Seiya?"

"Hmm?"

"What is your world like? Can you tell me about it?"

‘I’m losing my gods-damned mind,’ I thought. What I said was, "Even better, I’ll show you." Gently, I disengaged myself from her, lifting her from my lap and putting her on her feet. It was a little difficult, since I just lost a good deal of my upper body strength. Being a boy does have its advantages, after all. Standing, I led her into the practice room. She looked at me quizzically as I sat down on the piano bench and motioned for her to sit next to me. "Close your eyes," I said as I lifted the key cover. Obediently, she did so, and I began to play.

Music, in any form, has the power to paint a picture. My friends and I have an ability that lets us take that power and expand on it. We can form images, express thoughts and emotions. I used this ability now to channel what I remembered of home, before the destruction. I showed her the lakes, the forests, the cities, Dankei palace. All my favorite places, all the things I’d seen, I unfolded to her with my music. The piano thrummed like something alive as my fingers darted over the keys, struggling to show her the beauty of Kinmoku. At last, spent, I stopped. Panting, I turned to her.

Tears had rolled down her cheeks as she watched the scenes unfold in her mind. Slowly, those eyes opened in wonder. She looked at me, full of love. "I wish I could see it, some day," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

"So do I, Odango," I murmured back, my heart aching. "So do I."

She reached out for me and wiped away a tear I didn’t know I’d shed. With incredible tenderness, she leaned forward and kissed me. Still reeling from expending so much energy on the music, I kissed back in a daze. I felt her move against me, and with great reluctance, I ended the kiss. She looked at me, her blue eyes questioning. I simply stood and extended my hand. She took it and I led her back to the futon.

I sat, and without hesitation, she climbed back into my lap, sliding her arms around my neck. At this point, I must say, confusion reigned. I was getting what I wanted, but for the life of me, I didn't know why. I put a finger on her lips, forestalling what would probably have been a very long, passionate episode. I looked into her beautiful face, and I asked the question that had been haunting me all evening. "Why?"

She looked at me and her face changed. It ran through a myriad of emotions: sadness, longing, grief, love, and most of all, helplessness. My heart practically bled for her; those wings she carried were so heavy that they were killing her. Slowly, her head dropped down and she started studying my buttons again. "Do you know what it feels like to be trapped?"

"Trapped?" I echoed, uncertain.

"Hai. Trapped. By destiny." Her voice was so small, such a broken thing. Unconsciously, I stroked her back as she continued. "I know what my future is. I know what my destiny is. And it's ok. I don't mind. But sometimes..." Her voice trailed off and she wiped away a tear with the back of her hand almost angrily. "I love Mamo-chan. I really do. But.. when I met you..." She started to tremble. "I have my destiny. I know what I have to do. But... just this once, I want something for me." She looked at me, her heart in her eyes and it was broken. "I wish I had a choice. If things were different..."

Tears were in my eyes as well. "But we have our duty. I can't stay, and you can't come with me."

She nodded. "But for just this night, I want to live outside that duty. I want you, Seiya..."

There. She'd said it. If things were different, we could be together. But they weren't, and this was all we could have together. Just this one night. The tragedy of it was just beyond comprehension. There are no words inside to describe the pain.

She buried her face in my collar as I buried my face in her hair. We held each other like that for what seemed like an eternity, simply trying to take comfort in each others' presence. I felt her tears soaking my shirt. I ached so much I simply could not cry. I'd lost so damn much, so damn fast. I simply couldn't feel the pain anymore. Instead, I lost myself in her. I closed my eyes, breathing in her scent, feeling her warm in my arms. Feeling her...

...unbuttoning my shirt. My eyes flew open, then I froze, watching her. Without my even realizing it, she'd managed to unbutton my shirt all the way down to my pants. Now, timidly, she reached up to trace my collarbone, her fingers lightly drifting down to my sternum. There, she paused, fingers trembling, then slowly slid her hand inside my shirt. My breath caught as I felt her gentle caress across the top of my breast, along one side, then underneath, outlining it with her fingertips. Her small hand then closed over it and gave it a tentative squeeze. Liquid fire burned through me. She looked up at me and our eyes met, and she gave my breast another squeeze.

"Do you want me to change back?" I asked in a voice I didn't recognize.

"No," she replied simply, running her thumb over my nipple which responded instantly to her caress. I couldn't bite back a small gasp, which made her blush and smile shyly.

***

We let ourselves become lost in one another, adrift in our love. I can't begin to describe how it felt, to be with someone who means so very much to me. The scent of her, the taste of her, thrilled me to my very being. That she was willing to break the taboo, to let me love her as myself and not as the illusion, made our loving that much more intimate. She was everything to me, and for that one night, I was everything to her.

Nothing can ever take that away from us. Not time, not duty. Though we may be light years apart, she will always be a part of me, and I of her. It's not much, but it's all we can have - and I will carry it with me forever.

Epilogue:

The day was sunny and warm and the Tsukino household was in an uproar. In two more days, their only daughter was getting married. Thousands of preparations were left and Usagi's mother ran around the house frantically. All of her friends were here, helping her get ready for the big day.

Up in the bride-to-be's room, Usagi and Rei were packing. While Mamoru and Usagi went on their honeymoon, her things would be brought over to his place where they would make their new home. Usagi hummed contentedly as she folded clothing. A box stood in the corner with her stuffed animals; it had taken Rei about two hours and much screaming to get the Queen-to-be to donate them to charity.

The black-haired priestess found a small box under Usagi's bed and pulled it out. More junk, probably, Rei snorted inwardly and opened the box. Her violet eyes widened in surprise at what she found.

It was a man's red jacket, impeccably made and highly expensive. Pulling it out, she could only stare in amazement. "Usagi... where did you get this? Is it Seiya-kun's?"

The humming stopped and slowly Usagi turned. Rei's breath caught as she saw the look that passed over her best friend's face. Never in her life had she seen such a look of pure anguish. Just as quickly, the look vanished and Usagi's face cleared. It almost looked like a mask. She took the jacket and touched it. "Hai," she murmured, "it's Seiya's." Then, she quietly folded it up and put it back in the box. Rei stared in amazement as Usagi sealed it up and marked the word "Personal" on the box and added her name.

"We all have our dreams, Rei-chan, and our secrets. Let this be one of yours." With that, she added the box to the pile on the floor and went back to packing.