Jarethcat Productions

A Kaity Stair and Scribblez33 colab

Working Title: A New Year to Remember

AN: forgive if this switches back and forth from japanese to english names, it is sometimes difficult growing up with the english version but loving the japanese version more. Usagi ooc in this fic.

Chapter One

Usagi sighed softly as she lowered herself into the warmth of the water. She had drawn herself a up a bubble bath to end the day. New year's was approaching quickly and she wanted this party to go smoothly. Before stepping in, she had lit a few lavender and lilac candles, turned the cd player on and set it to repeat their song. She had poured herself a glass of wine to sip while relaxing in the tub. As she took a sip and closed her eyes she sighed again at the wonderful night alone. It was essentially perfect.

Luna curled up and made herself at home on the couch. After watching Usagi pour her heart into marinating the chicken for tomorrow's dinner party, she was exhausted. Usagi had grown and Luna was proud to call her princess. She was working very hard at what she did these days. Gone was the whining, and the cry baby the group became accustomed to. Luna was pleased with these changes, but was saddened by the circumstances they came about.

Mamaru arrived at the airport late that night. He had not told anyone he would be returning, and did not expect that anyone would be greeting him at this late hours anyways. He picked up his luggage from the conveyor belt and found his way to a seat. The seat was nowhere near as comfortable as his bed was going to feel once he got home and was able to relax, but it was a start. Taking a cab at this hour was the only reasonable solution Mamaru could see. Not wanting to risk the girls knowing that he was back yet, he would not ask them for help. He pulled his cellphone out of the pocket of his pink pleated pants and dialed a number. He knew he could rely on Andrew to get him a cab at this late hour.

While Mamaru waited the ten minutes it took the cab to get to the airport. A smile stretched across his face as he ran a hand through his black hair. The last time he was at this airport, Usagi came to see him off. He loved the way she tried to be brave and not cry. He wondered if his dumpling head still wore the ring he gave her. She would be the type to lose it, or forget about it in a jewelry box somewhere.

As Mamaru came out of his memories, he stood and walked to the entrance of the airport to look for the cab. Luck being on his side, the air was cool, but not enough that he needed a large jacket. In fact, his long sleeved purple button up shirt was enough to shield him from said coolness. The cab pulled up just then and Mamaru let the cab driver put his stuff in the trunk as he climbed into the backseat. He made certain that the apartment would be looked after while he was gone, by Andrew, his closest guy friend. He even had Andrew call the utility company to turn all the utilities back on. Mamaru gave the driver directions to his apartment complex, knowing that there would be electricity, and running water there, and would be in a familiar setting. Still tired from his flight, he paid the driver, grabbed his things and began the climb to his apartment.

Usagi who was settled in the bath, slid herself down further into the tub, to get the full warmth of the water surrounding her. She had long since finished her glass of wine and it was sitting on the floor in the corner next to the tub. She began humming along with the words of their song and looked longingly at her hand. The ring suited her. She missed her Mamaru so very much, but knew he was making a life for them by going to get his master's degree. Careful to always wear it and watch what she did with it on. Usagi smiled that the bittersweet memory of receiving the ring she so treasured.

Mamaru came to the apartment door, his luggage at his side. He placed the key in its lock and turned to open the door. Leaning down, he grabbed the suitcase and brought it inside. He heaved it onto the couch and headed for his bedroom. He unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it onto the floor. Swinging the door open to the bathroom and flipping on the light, he stopped.

"Usako?" Mamaru quietly stared at the woman in the bathtub infront of him. His question came out as just a small surprised whisper.

Usagi was comforted by the sound of the name she had heard murmured lovingly in ears so many years ago yet startled by the light's sudden appearance during her peaceful bath. She looked up and screamed. She scrambled to cover herself with the shower curtain hoping that Mamaru had not seen her body.

Mamaru, not believing his eyes, turned and left the bathroom for the kitchen. Hoping that somewhere there would be an explanation.