*-----[ Supernova ]-----*

Chapter IV

The lecture she was listening to was more boring than usual. Even more boring than Haruna-sensei. Was that even possible ?

Usagi's hand was connected to her cheek while her elbow was propped on the arm of her chair. She mindlessly twirled a pen in between her fingers at the sound of the professor's voice. Her mind wasn't on school today and it was very hard to concentrate.

She couldn't help being overwhelmed as she sat there. It was like a crawling feeling at the back of her mind that never allowed her to forget. All Usagi kept thinking about was what she was told.

Last night she had cried. Usagi cried for Taiki and Yaten. Even trying, she couldn't imagine what it was like to be running through halls of crumbling stone and hearing the ones that you love get taken away from you. Usagi still thought about them.

But now the horrible weight that plagued Seiya's shoulders wasn't supported by him alone. Usagi now shared it and she felt it. She made a promise.

Usagi also wondered if she could really do this. She tried not to doubt herself but she had to face the fact that she hadn't even seen what Seiya was talking about. He described them so vividly, her imagination had constructed something so horrible.

Telling the rest of the Senshi was another thing. The warning that Seiya shot at her was desperate. He said, "they knew". They knew everything. But Usagi struggled to remain confident. The Inner Senshi would help and with Rei's assistance, they would be able to found out about the enemy. All of this had to be done, she just didn't know when.

Usagi looked at her watch when dismissal time was at hand. She was greatly relieved that school was over for the day because she couldn't stand to sit there any longer.

" Oh, and one more thing students." The heads of the exiting students looked back from the door.

The professor smiled a toothy grin and held up a single piece of paper." Before you leave, I would like you to take a copy of this assignment." Moans and groans could be heard all over the room.

" It's due in two days and I'll be accepting no lates at all." One by one students dragged themselves up to the front to receive the paper. Usagi among those people and grudgingly received hers. She rolled her eyes and stuffed it into her binder. She decided to look at it at home.

Later, Usagi was walking along the front towards the parking lot when she was met by a bounding Makoto." Hiya girl !" Makoto exclaimed as she gave her friend a hug.

Usagi smiled at her friend's bright greeting. That's what she needed to take her temporarily away from bothersome thoughts." Why are you so chipper today ?" she asked.

Makoto gave her a playful punch on the shoulder." Hey, so you mean I’m NOT allowed to be 'chipper', as you say ?"

" No, you know I don't mean that." The blonde replied with another smile." So, how was it today ?"

Usagi's friend made a face." Take a wild guess."

" Very interesting I assume ?"

Makoto noted Usagi's humored sarcasm." Not exactly. I still hate studying. We have a surprise test tomorrow."

" Surprise test ?"

She nodded her head with an annoyed look.

" If it's a surprise test, wouldn't the professor pull it out on you the moment you got in class tomorrow ?" Usagi queried.

" Look, I don't know what my professor for English lit. is doing but just the same, I don't like it."

A laugh came from her friend as they both started walking." So what's up with you ?" Makoto asked.

Usagi looked down. Their small conversation about Makoto's surprise test had taken her thoughts away only for a while. She sighed. [ ……not yet…….I'll tell her soon…….. ] " Nothing much really. Just the same old thing."

" Still enjoying the life at home ?" Makoto winked.

" Yeah." Usagi smiled." Of course. No bratty little brother."

They neared the parking lot as Makoto's face took a serious turn." What about Mamoru-san ?"

That name was brought up again. Another one of Usagi's problems." Well," She started, after a long pause." I guess he's doing all right. After all, this is his second trip over there."

" Are you sure ? Are you sure that this time instead of Galaxia, his plane got hijacked ?"

" Hey, don't even joke about that."

Makoto held up her arms defensively." Joke nothing. Planes get hijacked all the time."

Usagi shook her head." If his plane was taken over, it would've been on the news." She received a shrug in response.

" But are you okay ?"

"……..I'm fine."

" No, really. Are you okay ?" Makoto pressed her." I just don't like seeing you sad Usagi-chan. The way you mope around, it's contagious."

Her friend's comment made her smile again. Usagi gave Makoto a swat on the arm." I don't know about this destiny gig. We all know it's going to happen, we just don't know when. I guess until then, basically all of us live normal lives."

" You're forgetting something."

" What now ?"

" We're the Senshi. The Senshi don’t live 'normal' lives." Makoto reminded her." You should have figured that out long time ago."

Usagi replied," Oh, I did………..The battles never end." She said the last part in a mumble so Makoto couldn't hear.

" What was that ?"

" Nothing. It was just something about how much I miss Mamoru."

" I know you miss him." The brunette said." It's just that you haven't been talking much about him lately. Something wrong ?"

[ …..a bit…… ] " He hasn't called in a while. But I know for sure, he's there. He called last time and I got a few letters. Just now, not as often. University must be really difficult."

Makoto nodded. They stopped walking when they got to the cars. Makoto was parked a few more down." Well, if you need to talk about anything. I'm here okay ?"

" Okay." Usagi smiled warmly." Thanks Mako-chan."

" No problem." She replied, giving her friend a confident wave." Take care of yourself. I'll see you later."

" Bye." Usagi watched Makoto walk down towards her car. She sighed in got into hers. This was all going to be truly overwhelming. She didn't know how she managed to swallow everything Seiya said. How were the others going to take it ?

In a bit, Usagi was out of the school and heading down the street. The little bear key chain dangled in clear view at the ignition, always keeping her mind on Seiya. [ ….Seiya….. ]

Usagi woke up early this morning to go to school. No sound was coming through the door of the guest bedroom. She remembered standing in front of the door, staring at it and wondering whether she should go in or not.

Seiya needed rest more than anything and she didn't want to disturb him. So instead of barging in, she left a note on the kitchen counter and hoped he would find it. Usagi didn't want him to starve the whole day so she left a few things out.

Automatically, his clothes came into mind. An idea struck her and made her take a turn away from the way to her place. She decided to make a small visit to home.

It didn't take long until the doorbell rang at the Tsukino household.

" All right, all right, I'm coming !" Shingo yelled as he got up from the table. He was doing his homework." Sheesh, hold up." He grumbled as he reached for the doorknob. His eyes widened at the sight.

" Hey Ugly, haven't seen you in a while." The young teen grinned. The door was pushed open forcefully, almost catching his arm.

Usagi gave him a sarcastic smile." Nice to see you too."

" Shingo-kun ? Who is that ?" A voice came from the kitchen. A pair of warm blue eyes emerged and a happy spark lit them." Usagi ! What a surprise !"

Ikuko gave her daughter a welcoming hug. She hadn't seen her daughter in quite some time. Pulling back, Ikuko stared at the face of a matured Usagi." So, how is everything ? Are you alright ? Are you getting enough to eat ?" Then a worried expression crossed her features." Nothing bad is happening is there ?"

The response Ms. Tsukino received was a laugh." No, Mom. Nothing's happening." But then a little voice at the back of her head whispered, [ …….nothing that she would believe or hear about.] Usagi just kept trying to smile." Everything's fine."

Mother and daughter both turned their heads at Shingo's scoff," Oh please." He said with a roll of his eyes." Leave Usagi in a place of her own for one hour and it'll already be a dump."

" I've got everything unpacked and my main furniture there." Usagi said, ignoring the irritating voice of her brother." But I was thinking of redoing the study. Somebody who lived there must've had an different taste in color." She emphasized the word "different" in a polite way to say it was ugly.

Her mother gave a chuckle." Really ? Well, I’m sure you'll be able to do it. If you need anything else, we're here."

" Thanks. Hey anyway, where's Dad ?"

" He's out for jog." Replied Ikuko with a slight look of disappointment." He's been wanting to see you for some time."

Usagi grinned at the thought of her father," Worried ?"

" Hai. He's even more worried now that you're out of the house." Her mother gave her an amused smile." I recall the day you left, he said something about 'he'll kill any man that lives with you'."

" Wha ?" The blonde asked. She knew that her mother was probably "half-joking" about her father. Mamoru and herself never really lived together. Both of them had separate apartments now. Maybe once or twice when they spent their time together on late nights, Usagi would stay over at his place. That didn't mean they had a physical relationship going on…….

Now Mamoru was out of the country and Usagi was propelled with an unexpected visit of an old friend. Possibly a friend too good to be true, Seiya. You wouldn't call that "living with a guy" would you ? Usagi thought for a moment. Of course, any situation involving a guy at her apartment would fall under the category of "absolutely not's", as her father would say.

" I'm glad you stopped by, taking a little break from all that college life." Ikuko said." Would you like anything to eat ?" She turned around and started to head for the kitchen.

Usagi replied." Alright but I just need to get something." And with that, she made her way to the stairs. Going up, she passed the hallway of the upper floor and stopped briefly at her room. The room was bare of most of her treasured items because she had them all with her at her new place. Her bedroom was pretty much a guestroom now, not that Usagi minded.

The hall closet was just right beside her parents' room. It was where all the towels and bed sheets were kept. Tsukino Kenji liked keeping his jogging clothes on the second shelf from the top, saying that it would be easier for him to walk to this closet rather than "raid" his main closet in the room.

Opening the door, Usagi looked around and spotted some navy blue sweats. Big or small, Seiya would have to wear them and not that torn pair of pants he came in with. She grabbed an additional white sleeveless undershirt and went back downstairs. Hopefully Kenji wouldn't mind if she lent some articles of clothing to Seiya.

Usagi stuffed the clothes into her bag and met her mother at the door." Here you go. It's been a long time since you had them." Ikuko said with a smile. She handed Usagi a napkin with two riceballs.

" Domo arigatou Okaasan." She kissed her mother." Take care."

" Bye Ugly !" Shingo waved from the door." I hope you tell that guy you're living with to watch out for Otousan ! He might get his head chopped off !"

Usagi shook her head." Good-bye Pest ! And I won't tell Otousan about your secret escapades with that girl you met last month !"

" Shingo !!!" She heard Ikuko yell.

* * * * *

Seiya was quietly sitting on his bed. He had been resting the whole day and he admitted that he felt a lot stronger. His wounds had yet to heal though, especially the terrible gash on his leg. It hurt to walk still.

Today he woke up to the silence of the house, not knowing the time or day. Seiya immediately thought of Usagi. The guilt that gnawed at the back of his mind kept bothering him that he shouldn't let her do everything for him. It was his fault that he brought all this danger and now Usagi wanted to get involved…….for him.

Abruptly, he got out of bed and strode to the living room. Usagi didn't appear to be around and he found a note sitting on the table. Apparently he forgot that she still had school to attend and so the spirited girl left him.

The guilt continued to surge through him and so Seiya had nothing to eat. He didn't feel hungry anyway, the uneasiness was always racking his nerves. He tried his best to stay one step ahead of his hunters and they've ALWAYS jumped after him to close the gap.

The sound of a key opening a lock jolted Seiya out of his void of darkness. His head looked up and toward the guestroom door.

Usagi pushed the front door open. The whole place was quiet, not a single sound. She dropped her keys on the nearby ledge and looked around. A little worry hit her just then…..what if he really left this time ? All the other times Usagi was able to catch him and plead with him to stay. She was at school for most of the day and it wasn't entirely impossible.

With more than a hurried pace, Usagi scrambled to lock the door and still carrying her bag she began her stride to the hallway.

Seiya appeared suddenly at the corner with a little more than a slight limp. He gave her a smile. Just seeing her made everything go away. It made him forget his position." Hey, welcome home." He greeted and headed towards her.

Usagi put a hand to her chest and exhaled." Why do you keep scaring me ? Is it some sort of hobby you've taken up ?"

She received a look of confusion and amusement." Uh, the words 'welcome home' is supposed to scare you ?"

" Nothing." Usagi replied looking down. Then a tone quieter," I…..I just thought you left……"

The smile faded slightly from Seiya's face as he closed the space between them. He put both hands on her shoulders." Odango, your promise is honored. I would never let you make it in vain." A faint flicker of faith entered his melancholic blue pools. [ ……and I can't leave you…..not now…….. ]

Usagi's expression turned back into its usual ray of sunshine as she opened her bag and began rummaging through it. Not long after Seiya stepped out, she observed quite clearly his shirtless upper half…..and those torn pair of pants.

" Um, I brought you something." She said a bit sheepishly. Usagi pulled out the garments of clothing with a small pride in her eyes." I figured, until we could find some way to get you clothes, maybe these could do."

Seiya was drifting between awe and the opposite at her kind gesture." Thank-you, Odango." Seiya said, the light of his smile shone in his eyes. A burst of warmth erupted in Usagi's stomach. To see him smile was truly something else." How did you come up with them ?"

She smiled slyly," Well, I'm sure my Dad wouldn't mind sharing." Usagi then laughed." I hope they're not too big."

" It doesn't matter," Seiya chuckled. He literally had to hold himself back from kissing her on the cheek from her help." I do believe in angels." The look Seiya gave her was happy, grateful and yet so sad at the same time. It was a look he only gave her sometimes the last time he was here. Now, he seemed to look at her like that all the time. No matter when, Usagi always felt the painful tug at her heart.

Seiya turned around to make his way to the bathroom, leaving Usagi somewhat bothered. She watched him retreat to close the bathroom door and put a hand to her forehead.

[ ….Oh God…… ]

Pushing it out of her mind, Usagi decided that maybe that assignment from school would help her for awhile. After all in was due in two days. She was doing pretty well and didn't want to falter from an assignment. Usagi owed it all to Ami.

Usagi took her bag over to the table and took out her notes. Reaching for her pencil, she winced slightly at the unfamiliar tinge at the back of her neck and shoulders. Ignoring it, Usagi sat down and opened her books to work.

The sleeveless white undershirt was a good size but the navy blue sweats were a bit big. Nonetheless they were comfortable and better than worn out and torn clothing.

Before heading out to the living room, Seiya dropped his pants off on the same chair his torn shirt was on. He turned the corner again to find Usagi in concentration and smiled. With her back to him, Usagi was doing her homework.

The blonde had a look of irritation written on her face. Her concentration was starting to slip because of the slight strain in her neck. She didn't understand why she had it, maybe it was stress. Usagi put a single hand around the back of her neck and tried to rub the strain.

Seiya made his way towards her and saw her twitching. Odango seemed stressed and in return he wanted to do something for her……if she allowed it." Need a massage ?"

The blonde looked up from her work, concealing her surprised look." Massage ?" she echoed. No one had ever really done that for her. Not even Mamoru. Usagi had seen a massage in action. It looked inviting and pleasurable, especially for strained muscles. But that meant being close, real close." Well….sure, why not ?"

She tried her best to dismiss that thought and decided to take Seiya up on his generous offer. Usagi left her work for a moment and stood up to follow him to the couch. He watched her sit down and sensed her apprehensiveness. Seiya was feeling it too…..maybe keeping his mouth shut was a good idea.

Usagi felt him shift closer to her, making her heart start to pound. [ …..This is silly ! What do I have to be so twitchy about ?….. ] The pounding got a little harder when Seiya's hands came around to put both ponytails in front of her shoulders, his fingertips lightly brushing her neck.

She could feel the warmth from his body even if they weren't in full contact. It seemed to radiate from him, making Usagi picture how she saw him when he came up to her a few seconds ago.

The sleeveless undershirt she gave him encased his upper body quite nicely. The harsh survival of one year was definite in the clean cut of his arm muscles and a sculpted chest that led down to the hard lines of his stomach.

Usagi noticed her sweaty palms when Seiya's warm hands connected to her. Both his thumbs rubbed her neck slowly and applied just the right amount of pressure. For awhile, Seiya rubbed her neck to the best of his ability but the cloth of her shirt was in the way.

He wasn't sure if he could ask her such a question but he wanted her to feel better. Usagi was feeling only a little of the remedy and squirmed slightly to get more of it.

Seiya stopped for a moment and leaned closer." Odango ?" He said almost meekly. It sent a raging shiver down Usagi's spine. The warmth of his breath was tantalizing and the closeness of his lips almost brushed her earlobe." It…….um…….it works better if your shirt……" Seiya trailed off quietly, not wanting to sound like a pervert.

Usagi gulped silently and nervously but knew he was only trying to make her feel better. She quietly nodded her head and began to unbutton her blouse.

Seiya watched as the fabric of her blouse ruffled at every move she made. [ ……calm down…. ], He told himself strictly.

The air touched her skin as Usagi removed her blouse to reveal a fashionable light pink top with straps. She set her blouse down in front of her and waited for him to continue. Seiya placed his hands on her neck again and went on with his magic.

All of a sudden, it just felt so good. A smile of contentment crept over Usagi's face as her eyes fell shut. Seiya's hands worked skillfully at her strained muscles and loosened them out. After he spent some time at one spot, he moved lower to another.

The tension in Usagi's shoulders eased down and Seiya abandoned his harder strokes to slow and gentle ones. Her body relaxed gradually and he was even surprised to hear a small moan escape from her lips. Usagi couldn't help it, Seiya's fingers were like pure bliss.

He moved further away from her neck and slid down her shoulders. Every touch was like a caress which was loving and tender. Seiya tried his best to keep himself under control as well as his trembling hands. Usagi was so vulnerable and fragile, he never thought to take advantage of her. Seiya could never do that. But she was so compelling.

Unconsciously, Seiya's hands brushed her shoulders and the straps of her shirt fell down. Usagi opened her eyes slowly, aware of the exposure. Although she made no move to correct it because of the wonderful sensation of Seiya's remedy.

It suddenly struck Usagi. There was a lot of intimacy in this situation. Perhaps even more than she actually noticed. Seiya was so close and she couldn't stop the butterflies in her stomach. Each touch felt more like a caress than a rub. And Usagi was enjoying it……very, very much.

Seiya found himself leaning forward just a bit. All he wanted to do was let his hands drift lower to circle around her waist and hold her……. His breath upon her bare shoulders, was enough to send a pleasurable shiver like a tidal wave through Usagi.

But abruptly, the intimate moment was shattered to a million pieces as the loud ring of the phone erupted through the air. Seiya immediately stopped all contact between the both of them. Usagi turned around to look at him with incoherent words stuck in her throat. She looked at him with a trace of disappointment. Another loud ring of the phone prevented her from saying something more.

Helpless in the moment, Usagi stood up to answer the phone.

Seiya's eyes followed her while he remained on the couch. While her back was turned, the sadness had filled his eyes again as he watched her walk away from him. Looking longingly at Usagi's direction, Seiya winced.

The after effects of the situation were overwhelming and for awhile, Usagi couldn't bring herself to speak. But like a punch to the stomach, Usagi's words were forced out at the voice over the phone.

" Mamo-chan ?" she said, shock in her tone.

That name, that one name. Seiya's heart almost stopped beating in his chest. Then a wave of pain followed. He looked down and bit his lip tightly. He watched as he kept his hands from shaking by balling them into fists.

[……stupid fool……. ], He muttered mentally at himself. Seiya knew this would happen and yet he still wanted to believe that he and Usagi were the only ones alone. Mamoru had every right to call Usagi and make sure that everything was okay. What right did Seiya have ? Nothing.

" I-I'm fine. How are you doing ?" Usagi held the phone to her ear. Mamoru sounded happy to hear her voice. He proceeded with the usual questions: how she was, how were the others and whatnot. Normally, she would be excited to hear from her boyfriend and tell him all sorts of things while he was away. Now she wasn't smiling and instead had the shadow of a troubled look on her face.

Usagi was reluctant to talk. For some reason, she wanted to hang up the phone and not talk to Mamoru at all. And she swore at herself for that because she knew it was wrong. Her replies consisted of one-word answers and short sentences.

With every word that she spoke, it was like he was sick. An awful disease that plagued Seiya's heart would never leave him alone. Seiya felt himself stagger as he got up and felt the burn in his eyes. Watching Usagi in reunion on the phone with Mamoru made him anxious to disappear. Besides, didn't Usagi want to be alone now ?

He didn't even notice the pain that came with his hurt leg as he made his way back to the hallway.

Seiya passed the table that held a few trinkets for decoration near the hallway. He stopped for a moment, his gaze looking beyond the decorative items. A picture of a joyful Usagi in the arms of a happy Mamoru sat there. They looked like the perfect couple, the destined couple.

He gazed at the picture with a sorrow-weighed frown and reached out. Seiya's hand grasped the top of the frame tightly and turned it face down. It hurt to see her smile so radiantly while in Mamoru's arms. Seiya turned away and headed to his room.

While Mamoru explained to her the visual magnificence of the University campus, Usagi had turned around. She saw Seiya limping towards the hallway and was struck with a definite amount of guilt. Soon Mamoru's voice was nothing but background noise at the sight of Seiya's pained expression.

Usagi watched Seiya's form disappear around the corner. Abruptly, she spoke up." Mamo-chan, I……you kind of caught me at a bad time……I'm sorry, I….can't talk long."

On the receiving end, Usagi's words hit Mamoru with a surprise that felt like a brick. The dark-haired man's eyes widened in a drawback. This had never happened before.

" Oh. I….I'm so sorry Usako." He then somehow managed out a laugh." So, I guess I can't keep you from that thing your doing. I mean, college life is a lot of work ne ?"

" Yeah. That's right." Usagi tried to be upbeat in her response. It was enough to convince him….for the moment." I'll talk to you again soon okay ? I miss you."

The words "I miss you" calmed down the strange surging feeling of shock in Mamoru's stomach. He smiled a smile that reflected relief." I miss you too Usako. Oh yeah by the way, I'm coming home soon because we have a break coming up." There was newfound excitement in his voice.

" You are ?" Her words with the surprised tone came unexpectedly." I mean, you're really coming home ? That's great ! I can't wait to see you !"

A trace of hurt crossed Mamoru's face. Wasn't she excited about his break as he was ? He expected her to whoop, shout and rejoice around the room. Mamoru was looking forward to this holiday for a long time and all he received from Usagi was a "you are" ?

Nonetheless, he decided to dismiss Usagi's strange reply." I can't wait to see you too…….Usako…..I…..I really miss you. I want to come home……to see you."

" Mamo-chan….I miss you too." She said, a sadness creeping into her voice. The little voice at the back of her head was starting to rise. It said, You miss him……just not as much……..not as much as you missed……….Seiya………

[ Shut up. ], Usagi told it.

" Well, good luck in your studies." Mamoru said." Remember, I love you."

Usagi's mouth turned dry as she struggled to figure out what to say. [ ….What the hell's the matter with you ?! Say it !!! ] For awhile she couldn't say anything. Mamoru was on the other line waiting for her to say that she loved him back.

" I……love you too Mamo-chan. Ja ne."

"….Ja….ne."

She stood there with the phone to her ear until she heard the click on the other end. Usagi sighed. Her head was in turmoil.

Meanwhile on the other end, Mamoru felt a painful feeling yank his heart when he hung up. What was wrong ? Usagi never hesitated when telling him that she loved him. He frowned deeply as his head found its way to the pillow. [ ……nothing's wrong……nothing's wrong……don't jump to conclusions……..she's in college and she's busy…….that's all….. ]

Mamoru kept repeating and reassuring himself of every little detail about his girlfriend's behavior on the phone. Maybe it was his imagination. He wasn't getting enough sleep these days. It was nothing……nothing was happening……

Usagi put a hand to her forehead, wondering what in the world was going on. A flood of mixed emotions was a lot to bear. She was so confused.

Putting the phone down, Usagi paused for a moment then looked towards the hall. Automatically she felt her legs walking towards it with one word appearing in her head, Seiya.

On the way there, something peculiar caught her eye. Usagi looked over at her decorative table. The picture of her and Mamoru……was turned over, face-down. Weird, she didn't touch it……..

Usagi dismissed it and made her way to Seiya's room. She saw the awful way he was limping and maybe he needed help. Worrying, Usagi knocked on the door quietly.

" Seiya ?" Her voice called softly from the outside.

Seiya's head slowly lifted up to look at the door. He then turned away as his hands clutched the sheets.

" Seiya ? Are you okay ?" Usagi stood by and waited for a reaction. Nothing. Her hand grasped the knob and pushed the door open. The room was very dim. The lamp on the bedside table was turned down to its lowest, almost bathing the room in darkness.

Usagi walked slowly towards him." Seiya ? Are you alright ?" She didn't know why he didn't want to answer her.

The raven-haired man that sat at the edge of his bed wanted to answer her. But he failed, due to his constricting throat. Seiya swallowed tightly and forced himself to look at her." I….I'm fine."

She kept coming closer until she stopped to stand in front of him.

Seiya looked down, embarrassed and angry with himself. He didn't want her to get a good look at his face, he was so afraid that he would break.

Why was it like this ? Usagi stared at him, confusion and sadness marking her features.

" I'm fine…." Seiya repeated in a low voice." It's just that maybe…..these bandages…." He lied. Usagi saw him brush the ones on his arms and head." My wounds….they…."

All of a sudden, out of his control, two crystalline tears created a mournful path by spilling down his cheeks. Seiya immediately looked down, trying to hide his look of humiliation. He knew perfectly well that this wasn't for his wounds…….

" Seiya…. it's alright." Usagi said soothingly. His wounds were still very bad. Seiya's condition may have improved a little in a day but he needed more time." We just need to change the bandages. It's okay, I'll-I'll help you." The reason for his grief may have been his wounds, but Usagi just couldn't help but wonder if there was something he was hiding from her.

Usagi lifted Seiya's chin. The held-back grief that was so obvious on his face rendered her soul. Too many questions and not enough answers to why and what Seiya was going through. He didn't desire to share any of it with her. All Usagi wanted to do, in situations like this, was cry.

She held her breath from the lump in her throat as she spied another tear threatening to spill. It did fall, until Usagi leaned over and caught it with her lips. The taste was salty and burdened by sadness.

Seiya's eyes fell shut at the tingling contact of her warm lips to his skin. The burn increased in his chest as his hands shook. A few more tears escaped, only to be kissed away by Usagi.

" It's alright." She whispered softly to him. In one motion, she reached for the bandages.

Opening his eyes, Seiya watched her silently as she checked him. So caring and so sweet, Seiya would give anything to be with her. But anything wasn't enough. Usagi was bound by destiny and the worst feeling was that she didn't mind it……or so he thought.

Usagi felt Seiya's eyes burn into her as he watched every movement she made. She struggled to not let her hands shake in front of him and in no time, she was finished.

" There. Everything should be fine. You should get more rest though." Usagi said quietly as she tried to smile. All she received was a silent ghost of a smile from Seiya--so sad and hollow.

Without hesitation, Usagi leaned over and gently kissed Seiya's cheek." Please Seiya……." She found herself whispering. Then the blonde walked towards the door and looked back before disappearing through it.

Seiya was left sitting there in the dim light of the room. Alone. It was like he was slowly going crazy with this heartache. Closing his eyes, Seiya put his head in his hands.

Usagi stood with her back against the wall, right beside Seiya's door. She didn't know why but she was starting to sob quietly. It became evident that she was crying when she felt the moisture of tears falling down.

A single hand came up to cover the side of her face as Usagi struggled not to sob. That hand trembled slightly when she slid down against the wall to sit on the floor. [ ……..God……please… ], Usagi pleaded.