Dunican and Minako walked hand in hand. They were still on there date but now they were heading home. Dunican was walking Minako home. "I had a great time tonight Minako. We always have a great time on our dates," he said with a smile.

Minako grinned, nodding. " Of course! I wouldn't have it any other way," she said, laughing. They reached her door, but not before Minako made sure all the lights were out. "Ok, I think my dad's asleep..." she said, sounding relieved.

Dunican nodded. He remembered the last time when he was sick and nearly got caught when Minako's parents came home. "I will call you tomorrow then," he said and wrapped his arms around Minako's waist and started to give her a goodnight kiss.

Almost the instant Dunican's lips touched Minako's the door flew open. Standing there was Minako's father, not to happy. "Get your hands off my girl!" he yelled, ripping the two apart. Placing a protesting Minako behind him, Mr. Aino whirled on Dunican, restraining himself from striking the boy. "I don't want to see you near my daughter ever again!" he growled.

"Dad!" Minako yelled, trying to push past him. He just turned and forced her inside, glaring at Dunican. " I mean it boy, I swear I'll kill you myself if I ever catch you within 20 feet of her," he spat, slamming to door in Dunican's face.

Dunican had no clue what had just happened. It happened so fast that he was now standing alone. He looked at the door. Minako was on the other side. Slowly he turned around and started to walk down the street. Hands in his pockets. Dunican turned around and looked back at Minako's house. He then noticed a tree by her window. An idea came to mind as he took off towards the tree.

Minako glared furiously at her father. " You had absolutely no right to do that!" she yelled.

"Your not supposed to be seeing any boys! This was the rule we set down when you were little..." he retaliated, straightening his glasses.

"What rule? That I can't date until I'm in college!? That's absurd Dad!" Minako hissed.

"Your not to see that boy again," Mr. Aino said calmly, almost ignoring her last statement.

"How do you think you can stop me?" she shot back.

"Easy, you’re grounded for the month. You come straight home from school, no friend's houses, no nothing," he replied, quite smugly.

Minako's stared stunned at her father, hating him at that very second. With out a word she flew up to her room, slamming the door shut. Mr. Aino shook his head, returning to the kitchen. Minako leaned against her door, sliding down into a sitting position. She cursed her father silently, rubbing her temples.

Dunican was half way up the tree. He looked over to Minako's window and could see her light was on. Climbing higher up he finally made it to the window. He gently tapped on it.

Minako looked curiously at the window then realized it was Dunican. She quickly got up and opened it, but only after she made sure she locked to door. "My dad will kill you if he finds you here..." she whispered, frowning.

"I'm not worried about your dad," he said. "I'm more worried about you," he said and looked her over. "Are you ok?" he asked.

Minako nodded, running her hands through her hair. " I'm ok..." she said quietly, " But my dad says that I can't see you anymore, and he grounded me for a month to ensure it," she added, her voice cold and harsh at the end.

Dunican hugged Minako tightly. "I don't care what he says. I am going to be as close to you as I can," he said and kissed her cheek. "Not being around you for a month is going to drive me nuts," he said.

Minako smiled, laying her head on Dunican's shoulder and closing her eyes. "I wasn't planning on listening to him..." she said, "It just means we'll have to be a little more careful."

Dunican nodded as he held onto Minako. "I know we have to be careful," he said and then remembered something that he had to give Minako. "Here I have something for you," he said and took out a small watch. "I made one for myself and they are communicators. So whenever you need me just call," he said and handed her the watch.

Minako smiled, quickly putting on the watch. " Oooooo...pretty..." she said in a little girl's voice. Then suddenly her smile disappeared, and she turned to the door. "Shit...quickly...under the bed!" Minako told Dunican in a whisper, quickly turning off the lights and throwing her shoes off.

Dunican quickly closed the window and then dove under the bed. Hiding in the corner of the bed. The bed was against the corner of the wall so he cramped himself in there so he couldn't be seen.

Minako held her breath, quickly jumping into her bed. But to her great relief, it was only her mother. Mrs. Aino smiled at the sight of her supposedly sleeping daughter, then quietly closed the door. "Minako's asleep dear. No one else is up there..." her mother said, starting back down the stairs.

Minako sighed, leaning over her bed and looking underneath. "You can come out now," she said, smiling.

Dunican started to crawl out from under the bed. Several times he hit his head against the wood frame. Coming out from under the bed Dunican rubbed the places where he hit his head. "That was close," he whispered and turned around and looked at Minako. "I better be going before we get into anymore trouble," He said and took out his own communicator watch and put it on.

Minako nodded, jumping out of the bed. " Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow. It’s Monday, so we'll be able to talk in school," she said, knowing it was impossible for her father to enforce his law in school.

Dunican nodded and got to his feet. "Ok then. Meet you in class," he said and gave her one last kiss. He then opened the window and jumped into the tree. Climbing down the tree. When he got to the bottom Dunican opened his communicator and then spoke into it. "Goodnight Princess," he said with a smile.

Minako smiled at the message. " Goodnight.... Knight...." she said, giggling, realizing how idiotic that sounded. Quickly she jumped back into bed, just in time for her father to pass her doorway, unsuspecting of what had happened.

The Next Day

Dunican walked into class with his bag over one his right shoulder. He walked over to his sit at the back of the room that was by the window. Dunican sat down and looked out the window that was facing the main gate. He pulled at the collar of his uniform. *I hate these things. I wonder where Minako is?* he thought.

Minako zipped into the room, leaving a small trail of clouds behind her. "Ha! I made it with 26 seconds to spare!" she said to herself, taking her seat in front of Dunican and laying her head on the desk, tired from her full out sprint from her house to school.

Dunican chuckled and got up from his desk. He went over to Minako and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Good morning sunshine. Sleep well?" he asked and kissed her cheek.

Minako lifted her head, smiling at Dunican. " I slept too well, I was almost late...again," she said, laughing lightly, "How about you? Were you ok last night?"

Dunican sat down on the desktop next to him. "Well I was up most of the night thinking about what happened with you, me and your father," he said and looked at her.

Minako nodded. Then the chime rang indicating it was the start of class. "Well we can talk during our lunch about it," she said.

Later, at lunchtime, Minako dragged herself outside the school, whining to herself. She'd forgotten her lunch in her race to get in on time, and was particularly hungry since she missed breakfast.

Dunican walked next to Minako and wrapped an arm around her. "There, there my princess. I have packed enough food for the both of us," he said with a smile.

Minako smiled, kissing Dunican on the cheek. "I'm scared to think what I would do with out you," she said, looking around for a place to sit, "How about under that tree over there? We can talk about how we're going to approach my dad."

Dunican nodded and the two walked over to the tree and sat under it. Taking out a large bento box Dunican set it in front of himself and Minako. He also took out two bottles of juice. Dunican took the lid off the box. "Dig in," he said with smile to Minako.

Minako didn't need any urging. She quickly inhaled a sandwich, and downed half of her juice. " We should think of some sort of plan when we go to talk to my dad... it would help our chances," Minako said in between bites.

Dunican nodded as he ate one of the sandwiches and ate some chips. "Well I am worried if I go near your dad that he will stick to his word and kill me," he said as he drank some of his juice.

"I'll get my mom to come too. She's the none violent one of the pair..." Minako replied, grinning, "Besides, I wouldn't let him kill you, let alone kick you out of the house."

Dunican chuckled. "Well I hope your father doesn't do anything to drastic," he said and ate some more chips. "It's strange that your father doesn't get to know me more killing me," he said with a chuckle.

"Well, he's like that. Has to protect his little girl," Minako said, rolling her eyes, "I guess the only way to approached him is with honesty, I don't see much else we could do."

"Yeah I know," said Dunican as he looked at his watch. "Half hour until lunch is over," he said laid back against the tree. "Time for a nap," he said with a smile.

Minako looked a bit surprised, poking him forcefully. "How can you sleep at a time like this?!?" she asked, grinning.

Dunican jumped up into a sitting position. "What? You want to take a nap with me?" he said with a laugh and pulled Minako down with him as he laid back down.

"No! I'm just amazed at how you can fall asleep at the drop of a hat!" Minako protested. But she made no move to get up, sighing quietly when she realized how emotionally tired she really was.

Dunican sighed as well. "I just hope we can talk to your father without WW3 starting," he said with a yawn.

Minako nodded. " I hope so too," she said softly. Apprehension started to build up inside her. Swallowing her dread, Minako relaxed, deciding not to worry about it until later that day.

Dunican nodded and then the chime indicated the lunch was over. "I guess its time to go back," he said and got up and help Minako to her feet. They both walked back in.

After school.

Dunican and Minako stood by the gates. Most of the students walking out hurried by. Some boys walked past them and glared at Dunican. "How did he ever get the hottest girl in school?" said one of the to his friends.

Dunican looked back at them and they shuttered. Dunican was taller then them and they all knew he was an expert in the martial arts. He then turned to Minako. "Ready to go?" he asked.

Minako snickered, nodding. "As I ever will be," she said, "Do you want to go to my house now or later?"

Dunican thought for a moment. "What time will your parents be home?" he asked.

"Later, I think," Minako said, looking at her watch, " Like 7:30 or something like that..."

"Ok. Well lets go to my place so we can go at the same time to your house," he said and took her hand. "Plus I could cook you dinner or something," he said with a smile.

Minako smiled, nodding. " Sure! And I'm sure anything you make is better then anything I can cook," she said, laughing as they started off towards his apartment.

20 minutes later

Dunican stood in the kitchen standing in front of the stove. A pan of meet veggies simmered while he walked over and started to fill a pot with water. He looked over to Minako. "I hope you like noodles with meat and veggies," he said.

Minako sniffed the air, smacking her lips. " Of course! It smells delicious from here," she said, smiling.

"I'm glad," said Dunican as he poured their noodles into two bowls and then added the contents of the pan to them. Carrying both bowls to the table he placed one in front of Minako and one where he was going to sit. "Dinner is served," he said with a smile.

Minako licked her lips, diving into the dinner. Within a minute or two the bowl was licked clean. " Mmmmmmmm..." she said, wiping her mouth of with a napkin, " Magnificent."

Dunican looked up at Minako from his own bowl. Noodles hanging out of his mouth. "I'm glad you like it," he said through bits. After a few moments he was done. "That was good," he said.

Minako nodded, drumming her fingers nervously. The anticipation for tonight was building up inside of her. Doubt crossed her mind, and many questions arose. What if her father didn't except it? They could run away, but to where? These thoughts and more ran through her mind.

Dunican took his bowl and Minako to the sink and watched them. Walking over to her he started to give her a shoulder message. "Your to tense love," he said in a calm voice. "You need to relax," he said softly.

Minako sighed, leaning back. "I guess your right...." she said. She tilted her head back until she was looking up at Dunican. "But aren't you nervous?" Minako asked.

Dunican looked down at Minako. Right into her blue eyes. "Yeah, I am nervous," he said and looked up at the clock. "Should we get going soon?"

Minako looked at the clock also, nodding. They started out towards her house soon after. She held onto Dunican's arm, pondering silently about what the night held for them.

Dunican looked at Minako as they walked. He could tell she was thinking of what was going to happen when they got to her house. He took her hand into his and squeezed lightly.

Dunican sat down next to Minako and took her hand. "So I guess we have some time before they get home. Should we talk about anything until then?" he asked.

Before Minako could answer, the door swung open, and her parents walked into the house. "What the hell is he doing back here?!?!" Mr. Aino yelled, lunging for Dunican. Minako quickly jumped up between them, pushing her father back.

"Dad, we came to talk to you about our relationship..." she said rather calmly.

"That's the problem," her father replied, trying to get around Minako, but she was a step faster then him. Heading him off at every possible opening. Mr. Aino sighed, hesitantly retiring to the recliner across from the couch Dunican sat on. Mrs. Aino had seen what was going on, and took a standing position at the side of the room.

Minako sat back down next to Dunican, watching her father carefully for any hostilities.

"So... Dunican, what is it you would like to say?" Mr. Aino spat out.

Dunican looked at Mr. Aino. He looked over to Minako then back to her father. "I love your daughter with all my heart and soul. I would never do anything to hurt her and I am willing to protect her with my own life if I have to," he said. *It's my destiny to protect her, because I love her.* thought Dunican.

Mr. Aino examined Dunican for several moments before taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes. "That's all very well, Dunican, but I need to know a little more about you. I'm not about to let my daughter see who ever is going to proclaim his undying devotion to her. I need to know you can provide for her what she needs..." he said, calmly, placing his glasses back on. Minako rolled her eyes, but decided to stay quiet.

Dunican looked from Minako to her father. "Well I work for a dojo in the center of town. My guardian gave me a job. I am a teacher for self defense classes for the neighbor. I am a third degree black belt. I am in the same class as Minako and a good student," he said. "I plan to open my own dojo one day and maybe become a cello player," he said.

Mr. Aino sighed, rubbing his eyes again under his glasses. Dunican seemed like a perfectly good boy for Minako to be with, but for some reason he just couldn't let go. Silently, he rose from his chair and yanked Dunican up by the collar. Despite Minako's protest, Mr. Aino dragged him to the door, quickly throwing him out. He slammed the door shut, locking it quickly.

"Have you lost your mind?!" Minako yelled, glaring at her father. He just stood there, looking a little surprised, "God, I hate you!" With that she whirled around, running through the back door. Her father stared after her, totally blown away by what she said. He made no move after her, just leaned back against the door, sighing loudly. Minako looked around blindly, tears staining her cheeks. Sniffing, she stumbled around to the front, tripping over the neighbor's skateboard. Cursing silently to herself, Minako pounded her fists against the ground weakly, damning the whole world at the moment.

Dunican slowly picked up his head from the ground. He wasn’t expecting that to happen. That was one thing he over looked. Being a third degree black belt helped at times but not this time. He could feel something wet running down his face. He placed a hand to the right side of his head and winced as pain shot through his head. "Damn. That hurts,' he said to himself and then he heard soft cursing from around the corner. Getting up he found Minako on the ground hitting her hands against the ground.

"Minako. I'm right here Minako," he said to her as he bent down next to her.

Minako sniffed, looking up at Dunican. " Oh...god..." whispered, noticing the large gash on his head. She sat up quickly, gently touching the wound. Instantly she pulled away as he winced, frowning. "I hate him so much... Let's go to your place, he doesn’t know where you live, we can clean you up there..." Minako said, her voice very strained. Tears still filled her eyes, and she wiped them away, sniffing again. Dunican nodded and he helped Minako get up to her feet and the two were on their way to his place. Dunican kept a look out but no one followed him.

They entered his apartment and he locked the door. He took a deep breath and exhaled. Blood still run down his face.

Minako quickly got some water and a rag, sitting Dunican down on the couch. She carefully began to clean the wound, remaining silent for a minute or two. She hated seeing Dunican always hurt because of her, it was almost too much for her to bear. " I always drag you into bad situations...maybe it'd be better if... if we spent some time apart..." Minako forced herself to say, choking a little at the end. She fought back more tears, averting her eyes from Dunican's.

Dunican took Minako by her arms and made her look at him. "I'm not going to give up on you Minako. Even if I get hurt for you Minako I can't leave your side. No matter what! I love you too much and being away from you would drive me mad. We can get through this, together." he said.

Minako nodded silently, not fighting back the tears anymore. She knew he was right of course, she wouldn't have been able to live without him either. Slumping in her chair, Minako held her head in her hands and cried.

Dunican reached over and took Minako into his arms. "Everything will be alright Minako. We just have to stick together," he said softly and comforting her.

Minako buried her face in Dunican's chest, clinging to him tightly. She felt a little better, but her heart still ached from what she said to her father. She cried for an hour or two, eventually falling asleep in his arms.

Dunican stayed awake until Minako fell asleep in his arms. Picking her up gently he took her over to his bed and placed her softly onto it. Taking a blanket he covered her up. He sat there for about half an hour watching her sleep. After a few minutes he got to his feet. Bending down he kissed Minako on the forehead. "I'll take care of this," he said softly. Turning he took his jacket and went out the door and headed back to Minako's house. It was time that Dunican and Minako's father had a talk.

Mr. Aino sat alone in the family room, in deep thought. His wife had gone to bed early, seeing that he needed some time alone. He sighed, holding his head in his hands. He was so tired, he felt years beyond his actual age. A couple picture albums were in the opposite chair, piled up. Obviously he'd shifted through the books, reminiscing on the days when Minako was still a little girl.

Dunican walked up to the door and waited for a few minutes. Then he knocked and waited for someone to open the door.

Mr. Aino answered the door quickly, glaring at Dunican. "Where is she? What did you do with Minako?" he said in a cold tone, but stepped aside for him to come in anyway.

Dunican walked into the house. "She is back at my apartment sleeping. After crying for a few hours at what happened today," he said and turned to Mr. Aino. "She's upset at what happened today. I can read her like a book and I know she is upset for what she said to you," he said.

Mr. Aino looked Dunican up and down, sighing. "Well, she hasn't ever said anything like that to me..." he said, shrugging, " I just can't bring myself to let her go..."

Dunican nodded. "You can't keep her locked up forever," he said. "If you keep a rose out of the light it will die in time," he said softly. "There is a time when a mother bird has to let go and have her young go out on their own. That is something like you and Minako," he said. "There is a time when you have to let go."

Mr. Aino nodded hesitantly, realizing that Dunican was right. "I just want what is best for her..." he whispered to himself, "But your right...It is time I let go...." He sniffed, rubbing his eyes again.

Dunican went over to Mr. Aino and extended his hand. Mr. Aino looked at Dunican's hand for a few moments and took his hand and the two shook hands. Nodding Dunican walked over to the door. "I will bring Minako home in the morning, goodnight" he said and closed the door behind him.

*Morning*

Minako stirred a bit, rolling over several times. Eventually her eyes fluttered open, squinting in the bright sunlight. Slowly she sat up, rubbing her eyes. Glancing around, she remembered last night’s events, and a sudden panic came over her. Where was Dunican? " Dunican?" Minako said quietly, looking around the apartment.

Dunican popped up suddenly from the couch. He blinked tiredly at Minako and then got up and slowly walked over to her. Sitting on the bed he looked at her. "I'm here princess," he said.

Minako nodded, smiling slightly. " I'm sorry about the way I acted last night... I had absolutely no control over myself," she said quietly, her smile fading away. She felt ashamed over what she put Dunican through.

"It's ok Minako. It’s alright," he said and looked at her. "I went and talked to your father while you were asleep," he explained. "He has something to tell you," he said.

Minako looked very surprised, instantly looking over Dunican for any cuts or bruises. Seeing that he wasn't harmed, she felt a bit relived, but still uncertain. "And what would that be?" she asked.

"We talked," he said and a small smile appeared on his face. "But I suggest you talk to your father face to face," he said.

Minako nodded, sighing. Obviously it must be good news, because Dunican seemed rather pleased with himself. But she still felt terrible from last night, and she wasn't sure she could take much drama. Yet she smiled anyway, happy that this would soon all be over.

Dunican made breakfast and soon they where off back to Minako's house.

Minako stared at the door for a couple moments, obviously trying to think of what to do. She decided that she'd rather go in alone then with Dunican. Looking to him, she smiled, rubbing the back of her head. " I think I'd like to do this... alone..." she muttered.

Dunican nodded to Minako and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good luck," he said and sat down on the step.

Minako smiled, cautiously opening the door to her house and stepping in. It was several minutes of silence outside with Dunican, before the door eventually opened again. Minako stood there with a wide smile on her face, her father back in the hallway, also smiling. " Dunican, my father would like to know if you'd join us for dinner," she said, almost laughing.

Dunican got to his feet and smiled and gave her a hugged Minako tightly and looked to Minako's father and then to Minako. "I would love to join you and your family for dinner," he said with a smile.

The End