A Moment in Time - 683 Words
Usagi sat silently on the stone bench facing the pond, staring blankly at the ripples that moved with the autumn breeze. The carnelian sun bled into the evening sky, leaving shadows of colour in its wake. She released a heavy sigh as she rubbed the back of her neck, trying in vain to release the tension that had worked its way into her muscles.
Her mind wandered back to their most recent battles, and a deep frown creased her delicate face. They had been searching for the Princess for what seemed like an eternity, constantly battling the Dark Kingdom's forces to ensure that they found her first. With the enemy growing stronger, the Sailor Senshi's training regime had become more challenging, and Usagi could feel herself falling behind. How could she protect the world when she couldn't even save herself?
Completely lost in her self-deprecating thoughts, the petite blonde failed to notice the tall man who had stopped before her. He stood there silently, waiting for her to acknowledge his presence and abruptly tell him to go away, yet the girl's gaze did not waver. He sat beside her in an attempt to catch her attention, and his brow furrowed when she remained speechless.
"Odango?" he whispered, afraid she would disappear if he spoke too loudly.
"Hi Mamoru," she replied flatly, still staring straight ahead. Mamoru studied the girl's solemn expression, his heart aching at her lack of enthusiasm; this was not the Usagi he knew.
As dusk faded into night, the lamps along the park path flickered on. Usagi trembled slightly as the evening air hung heavy on her shoulders. Mamoru itched to reach out touch her, to have physical proof that she really was there.
"Is everything okay?" he ventured, determined to elicit a reaction from her – good or bad. Usagi finally turned to face him, her eyes dull and skin pale. She looked at him curiously, head slightly cocked as a feeling of familiarity rushed over her.
"I'm okay," she said, forcing a weak smile. Mamoru knew it was a lie, but nodded anyways. He was seeing a new side of Usagi, and while pained by her sadness, became more enthralled with the sprite of a girl, finally able to see through her bubbly façade and glimpse at the suffering she was hiding. He noticed the goosebumps pricking at her arms, as a shiver ran through her body.
"Here, you'll freeze," Mamoru insisted, taking off his jacket and draping it over her small frame. She opened her mouth to protest, but the words died in her throat. Instead she smiled, a real, genuine smile that brightened the darkness of her face. Usagi sank into the fabric, relishing in its warmth. She pulled it tightly around her, his amber cologne evading her senses and lifting her mood, her troubles beginning to dissolve.
The two companions remained quiet, enjoying the mere presence of one another. They shared stolen glances, and shy smiles, growing closer in the tender moments of silence than they had in months of bickering. Usagi let her head fall against the back of the bench, as she stared up into the starry sky. Mamoru watched with mute interest as she took a deep breath, and allowed the night's cool air to fill her lungs – a reminder to herself of how good it was to be alive. He reveled in the tranquility that stole her expressions, hoping that he had been part of it.
Shrill cries reverberated in Usagi's ears, the sounds lost to the world around her. She stood to her feet, and shed Mamoru's jacket, timidly handing it to him – she needed to go.
"Thank you," she said, attention focused on cracks in the path as her cheeks flushed.
"You're welcome." He smiled, watching intently as she picked up the bag that had fallen forgotten under the bench, her gaze meeting his as she rose.
The young heroine sprinted from the scene, pausing momentarily to turn and wave. For the first time in weeks Usagi felt rejuvenated, ready to defeat whatever the Dark Kingdom had thrown her way.
