Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon.



Forced Choices



By: Junshin Aino



Chapter 3



The soft scent of Casablanca, wafting over me, enveloping me… hands, gentle by strong, touching me gently, all over. Such a loving feeling, such contentment.



A wonderful feeling that fades as sunlight touches my face, and a chorus of birds sing their morning song, relentlessly pulling me forth from sleep. I moan slightly and roll away from the light, flinching as my hand touches the cool floor. Why couldn't I remain asleep, in dreams where only Rei and I exist? Where I know Rei loves only me…



" …I love him, I love him not. I love him, I love him not… damn flower!"

"I love her, I love her not. I love her, I love her not, I love her… KUSO!"



My eyes widen as I hear Rei yell, and I can't help but wonder why she's using the old pull-the-petal-off-the-flower trick to see whom she is in love with. But doesn't she know? She seemed pretty into Tsukasa-san when he was here last week. I push myself into a sitting position, and pull the robe that lay before me closer. After a moment I put it on and stand up, going to Rei.



She's there on the steps of the shrine, a pile of de-petaled flowers lying around her.



"What's wrong Rei-chan? I heard you yell."



She looks up at me guiltily, and I think I perceive her blushing slightly. But the redness is gone quickly, and I can't be sure.



"N… nothing is wrong, Usagi-chan. Just feeling a bit frustrated at the low amounts of time I get to spend with Tsukasa-kun."



I nod, understanding, and sit down beside her. Casually I put an arm around her shoulders. She glances at me curiously, but says nothing for a moment. Then she smiles, and my insides melt all over again.



Why couldn't I have felt like this with Mamoru?



"Usagi-chan, why don't you go shower and get some fresh clothes on, and we'll go over to Makoto's for breakfast? Everyone should be there this morning, and their all dieing to see you again."



I hide my dismay behind a smile, not allowing her to know that I wish to remain here, alone with her. Not that I don't want to see my other friends… because I do. It's just that I know they'll ask a million questions.



"And don't worry Usagi-chan, I've already told them what you told me, and everyone promised not to ask anything else until you're ready to talk. We protect you, and look out for you Princess."



My smile this time is one of gratitude, and quite genuine. I should have known that my best friend would already have discerned my worries. Yet, I can already feel a new one rising…



Minako.



She would surely guess the love I harbor for Rei, and call me on it, even if only in private. And I don't want anyone to know… but perhaps I'm wrong. I'm not nearly as upset as I was when I first came here, nine days ago. I am almost as cheerful as I was before Mamoru kicked me out. And all due to getting to be near Rei again. They would have to suspect that I didn't love Mamoru as much as I was supposed to, as much as fate dictated that I should.



Rei tapped my shoulder and grinned at me, and then, as if she had read my mind, said, "to hell with Fate, Usagi-chan. He doesn't love, you shouldn't be forced to love him either."



I nod slowly, "but I do love him Rei-chan… I do. Just… not that way, anymore. And maybe I never loved him the way I was supposed to."



She looks startled, and then smiles gently. "No one can love as fully as they can, when they are forced into a choice that is not truly their own, or in their own agreement. Now go on, go shower and get ready."



I nod once more and head on to the bathing room, losing myself in my thoughts.

= = = = = = = = = = = =



Breakfast is a joyful occasion, everyone happy to see me again. No one asks me about Mamoru, or offers verbal sympathy. Their joy fills me as nothing in America did, feeding into me and my crystal, joining all our hearts together once more. Rei stays close to me, a silent reminder to Luna and Haruka that no one shall speak of Mamoru around me. Setsuna looks oddly pleased, as does Minako.



The Senshi of Love has been stealing glances at Rei and me all morning, and most of the afternoon that we've spent shopping. I know that she knows, but she hasn't tried to say anything, so I force myself to relax and enjoy my time. Life doesn't seem so bad now, nor does being sent away from Mamoru. My friends, and my unrequited love, are enough.



I remember, Mama once told me that even unrequited love is nourishment for the soul, and I believe her. Certainly it feeds my soul while I'm here with Rei, giving me nice dreams and warm feelings.



The afternoon passes buy quickly, and before long we are all at the temple again, my friends wishing me a good night and sweet dreams. Minako stays behind after the others leave, looking at me intently.



"Usagi-chan, may I talk to you alone?" Rei looks at her in surprise, as do I, but I nod.



"Certainly Minako-chan. Rei-chan, could you please make some popcorn while we talk? I wanna watch a movie tonight."



Her surprise slips away and she smiles, "sure Usagi-chan, whatever you want."



We watch her walk away in silence, and for several minutes we do not speak. Finally she breaches the subject at hand, as I had known she would eventually do.



"You're in love with her. Stronger than you were ever in love with Mamoru- san."



A statement, not a question. I sigh and stare at the ground, nodding slightly, "Yes, but she already has someone."



I jump as Minako places her hand lightly on my shoulder. "Tsukasa is a political figure, much like Rei's father. He cares about Rei for the good she does his image, and nothing more."



I nod again, meeting her gaze. "Somehow, I suspected as much. But Rei…"



She interrupts me, "Rei loves someone else as well. She has for a very long time, and has only transferred the attention and affection that she would give this person to Tsukasa, because her real love hasn't been here."



I stare at Minako intently, searching her face as hope wells up within me. "Then, who does she love?"



Minako pulls back and turns away from me, leaving down the same path the others had taken. "You already know," she calls back over her shoulder, leaving me without complete information. I want to run after her, for her to tell me, but I know she wouldn't tell. So instead I walk back to the Shrine, finding Rei in her room, a pile over movies sprawled out before her and a large bowl of popcorn to the side.



She waves for me to sit beside her, motioning to the movies, and with a smile I move to obey. I will ponder Rei's real love as we watch a movie.

= = = = = = = = = = = =



To Be Continued:

Usagi can sometimes be dense. This is one such time. And I know yuri is usually sexual, so I will append the summary and add 'slight yuri' instead of 'yuri'. Thanks for your reviews and shared knowledge!