Mamoru hunched his shoulders and pulled his coat tighter, trying to block out the cold. He hurried down the street, wanting to get home before the rain got worse.
He was just passing the park when instinct alone prompted him to raise his ducked head and look.
Rain dripped down his face and people walked around him as he stood there, immobile, feet rooted to the pavement, eyes fixed on the sight before him.
Usagi Tsukino, spinning in the rain. Her golden hair, darker than usual and glistening from the water, had been pulled over her shoulder, emphasizing the graceful curve of her neck. Her rain coat hung lopsidedly, clinging to her back. Her skirt was long and thick, swaying slightly as she moved. Her familiar Mary Janes were shining with moisture, and her white socks were soaked through. She looked the most beautiful that Mamoru had ever seen her.
He crossed the street and entered the park, making his way to Usagi. He stopped when he was close enough to touch her. Normally, he wouldn't trust himself to get this close and not want to kiss her, but the rain made him brave.
Sensing his presence, Usagi stopped spinning and her eyes blinked open.
Their brilliant, cerulean blue stunned Mamoru. So clear and pure and unsurprised. As if destiny had told her to expect him.
Her unwavering blue gaze nearly overwhelmed him, and as a result, all his reasoning flew out the window. They stood frozen like that until a raindrop fell down Usagi's cheekbone, and Mamoru, unable to help himself, caught it on his fingertip. That one act shattered the spell cast upon them, and before Mamoru could even comprehend what was happening, Usagi had thrown her arms around his neck and brought his lips to hers.
He was shocked still for a moment, then his body caught up, and he held her to him, feeling as though he was trying to hold onto water that was trickling through his cupped hand. But when her lips stayed on his, warm and soft, he relaxed, and felt the very last drop stay in his hand, beautiful and forever.