Chapter 6

I held my breath as I prepared to put the letter to Mamoru in the mailbox. This was it—this letter would determine whether I continued to faithfully wait for Mamoru, or… Or what, I still didn't know. And as for faithfully…Tears filled my eyes as I recalled the kiss I shared with Seiya. Even though I had no idea where I stood with Mamoru, a feeling of betrayal weighed heavily on me.

I let out a deep sigh. Pulling back the door to the mailbox, I carefully slid the letter inside. The door closed with a click, and my heart began to race.

I decided to go for a walk, anxiety and adrenaline coursing through me. I needed the time to think as well. What if Mamoru didn't write back? I let out a shaky breath at the thought. The heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach was telling me that there was a good chance that he would not. Where would I go from here?

Seiya…

Every time his name crossed my mind, I shivered. I touched my lips, remembering our kiss once again. The fact that we had kissed was becoming ever more real. It was a kiss that I had returned, a kiss that I had enjoyed. If things were really over between Mamoru and I, should I explore this new relationship with Seiya?

I blew my bangs out of my face dramatically, tired of contemplating my over-complicated love-life. My brain felt like mush, and my heart felt even worse. I had time to figure things out…I had a week…

As the days began to pass, I began to feel increasingly lost. Seiya and I continued a friendly relationship- hanging out at school, neither of us bringing up the incident at the lodge. I felt comfortable with him, and I enjoyed his company.

My days at school were generally happy, but my walks home were something different altogether. I approached my house with sweaty palms and shallow breath, not sure what I would find—not sure what I wanted to find.

I shuffled through the mail with shaky hands, searching for his response. Nothing turned up on Monday or Tuesday, and Wednesday was a bust. Thursday and Friday provided me with nothing but junk mail. One more day…if I didn't receive a letter from Mamoru tomorrow, then…

"Usagi?" my mother's voice interrupted my stupor, and I jumped slightly where I stood in the foyer. "Are you alright, dear?"

I looked at the envelopes spread across the hall table, then back at my mother. I smiled a small smile, "Yeah, Mom. What's for dinner tonight?" I asked, changing the subject.

My mother looked at me hard, then slowly responded, "Lamb chops."

"Sounds great!" I grinned. "Call me when it's ready," I yelled as I ran up the stairs.

I leaned against my bedroom door, my heart in my throat. "One more day…"

Today was the day—a D-Day of sorts. I had woken at 10:00am, and the post wouldn't arrive until 2:00pm. I needed to find something to distract myself with until then.

I started off by taking an excessively long shower, then got I myself dressed. I sauntered downstairs and stunned my mother by asking her if I could go grocery shopping for her. She put together a list, and I headed to the local market to pick up the items she needed. I returned home close to 12:00, and my mom treated me to a homemade lunch. After lunch, I made my way back up to my room, and I decided it needed a thorough cleaning. I straightened, I dusted, I polished, and vacuumed.

An hour later I fell back on my bed, exhausted but satisfied with the job I had done. I rolled over and peered at the clock: 1:36pm. All I could do was wait. I let out a groan, and closed my eyes. Minutes later I heard the front gate open, and I darted to the window. Walking down the front path was the mailman.

"He's early today," I whispered to myself, my heart speeding up.

I slowly slid to floor. This was it. I felt unable to move, suddenly terrified of how my life might change in the next few moments. This was what I had waited all week for—it was time.

I pushed myself up from the floor and walked toward the hallway. Inching down the steps, I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my nerves. I reached the foyer and froze, staring at the hall table and the fresh pile of envelopes that rested on it.

"Oh, Usagi! There you are," my mom spoke, leaning out from the kitchen door. "I think you received a letter, dear."

My eyes widened. Had he finally written? Did he answer my plea? I practically leapt to the table and began to frantically shuffle through the mail. I found the envelope with my name on it, and I sighed disappointedly. It wasn't Mamoru's handwriting. I ripped open the envelope and read its contents, tears filling my eyes.

"Who was it from, Usagi?" my mother called out.

I swallowed hard, trying to quickly compose myself before answering. "It's an invitation to Naru's birthday party," I informed her.

"Oh how nice!" my mom smiled as she entered the foyer. "You and Naru don't get to spend much time together these days."

"Yeah," I agreed softly. "It should be fun. Hey mom, do you mind if I head to the arcade for a bit?"

"Of course not! Especially not after all you've done around the house today," she smiled.

"Great, I'll be back later," I said as I dashed out the front door.

I had barely gotten the door closed when I let out a loud sob. Anger and sadness filled me, and I began to walk in no particular direction at all. I began to feel panicked. Everything I knew to be, both in the present and the future, no longer were? What about my destiny? What about OUR destiny?

"Endymion…" I whispered sadly.

Knowing one's fate could easily cause one to feel trapped, but it had always brought me a sense of comfort. I could use a little comfort at the moment.

"Odango?"

I spun around to find Seiya standing behind me. "Huh?" I responded.

He gave me a hard look. "Are you okay, Usagi? You look…well, disoriented, to be honest."

I shook my head forcefully, trying to shake some sense into myself. "Uh, yeah. I'm…I'm…well, I don't know," I finished meeting his gaze.

Seiya walked to me, concern in his eyes. He put a hand on my shoulder. "I there anything I can do to help?"

A sudden sense of calm washed over me. I met Seiya's eyes again. "Actually, yes," I began, feeling suddenly bold. "Would you have dinner with me Friday night?"

A slight blush formed on his cheeks, and he fought back the smile forming on his lips. "Yes. I'd love to."

"Great," I smiled, feeling triumphant. "Well, I have to get home. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay," he smiled. "Talk to you later."

We parted ways, and a warm feeling filled me.

I felt like I was on a roller coaster. My mood alternated between joy and despair. I was laughing one moment, and crying the next. It had been nearly a week since Mamoru's deadline had come and gone, and I had no idea how I felt about the outcome. I loved Mamoru, and I was heart broken, but my emerging feelings for Seiya were new and exciting. Tonight we would have our first official date, and this would be my first official step in getting over Mamoru.

There was a knock at the front door, and I rushed to open it before my mother had the chance. I greeted Seiya with a smile, and he grinned widely in response.

"Hey," I smirked.

"Hey," he laughed. "Are you ready?"

I nodded and joined him outside, closing the door behind me. We made our way to the restaurant in silence, a sudden awkwardness between us. I could feel his nervousness, as I'm sure he could feel mine. When we reached the small café that was our destination, a hostess seated us and I began to study the menu.

"Odango?"

I looked up from behind my menu, eyebrows raised.

"Is it just me, or is this date a pretty big deal?" he asked.

I giggled at his question. "Yeah, I guess it is."

He smirked, and leaned back in his chair. "Well, I guess it's not everyday you get to have dinner with a pop star," he teased.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh please! Weren't you the one who said that I was more famous than you?"

"Odango, please!" he said, feigning hurt. "You know how fragile my ego is."

I laughed loudly in response. The tension finally broken, we laughed and talked over dinner, sharing stories about childhood and our families. We split a sinfully chocolate dessert, and then headed out of the restaurant.

"What should we do now?" Seiya asked as we walked down the street.

"Hmmm," I thought. "I don't know. Any ideas?"

Seiya thought for a moment. "Well, our studio isn't far from here. We could there and watch a movie or something."

"Okay," I smiled. I was excited to see a real music studio for the first time.

After a few blocks of walking, we reached the studio. Seiya unlocked the door and led me inside. I proceeded to gush over the space, letting out dramatic "ohhh's" and "ahhh's." Seiya only laughed, and led me to a lounge area, where I plopped down onto a leather sofa.

"Here you go," Seiya said, handing me a soda.

"Thanks!" I responded, sipping it happily.

"So," Seiya began, taking a seat next to me, "I know it may be awkward, but I have to ask—are things over between you and Mamoru?"

I flushed at hearing Mamoru's name, and I tried to refocus on the question. "Maybe…but it's complicated with Mamoru. I can't imagine that things are really OVER between us," I told in truthfully.

"I get it," Seiya laughed, rolling his eyes. "Your Sailor Moon. He's Tuxedo Mask. It's like a storybook romance or something."

I eyed Seiya nervously, "There's more to our relationship than just that."

"What do you mean?" he asked furrowing his brow.

"Well," I sighed, "I'm not just a superhero. I'm a reincarnated princess from the Moon sent here to fulfill my destiny."

"Huh?" was Seiya's only response, and I bit back a giggle.

"A thousand years ago, there was a vast and powerful kingdom on the Moon. I was its princess- Serenity," I informed him, matter-of-factly. I continued, "I fell in love with the prince from Earth, named Endymion. But both kingdoms fell under attack and Endymion and I gave our lives for one another. Through magic, that I won't even try to explain, we were reincarnated to this place and time to have a second chance at happiness," I finished with a huff. I winced at how moronic I sounded, having never explained my past to an outsider.

Seiya stared at me blankly for several seconds before speaking. "So let me get this straight," he began, "you're a princess."

"Yup."

"From the Moon."

"Uh-huh."

"And you've been reincarnated here, a thousand years later, along with some prince."

"Yes."

"Okay…." Seiya sighed.

I gave Seiya a lop-sided smile, "It all sounds pretty far fetched, huh?"

"Yes, but then again, so is the existence of Sailor Moon. Until a few years ago, no one actually thought super heroes were real…" he concluded.

"It's how I came to be here. How I got my power," I told him and he nodded in response. "And if you haven't already figured it out, Mamoru is Endymion, the reincarnated Prince from Earth," I revealed, looking at my hands.

Seiya's eyebrows rose for a moment in surprise. "So, you guys have been reborn to fight crime together in modern day Tokyo?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

I rolled my eyes, "It's more than that. We were reborn to find each other, find peace, fall in love, be happy…"

"Are you?" he asked abruptly. "Happy?"

"Yes," I nodded slowly. "At least we were before Mamoru left. Now things just feel…different."

"Hmm," Seiya said, more to himself than to me.

"What?" I prodded.

"I dunno," he said thoughtfully. "It just seems like, if you really were reincarnated here after going through war and heart ache, shouldn't you do what truly makes you happy? Even if that means a life apart from Mamoru?"

I stared at Seiya wide-eyed, feeling uneasy and defensive. "What? Are you serious? And just throw away everything we fought so hard to regain?" I suddenly felt hurt, realizing Mamoru had thrown it all away so easily, but could I?

"Is it really worth fighting for something that doesn't make you blissfully happy?" he pushed.

I moved back as if his words had impacted me physically. "Of course it's worth it! We've had many moments of happiness… At least when we weren't consumed with fighting some evil threat or trying to prevent an apocalypse," I finished dryly. "And besides, it's our destiny. We are destined to be together."

Seiya let out a frustrated sigh. "Who's to say that destiny even exists! You decide your future, Usagi. YOU," he finished staring at me intensely.

"Th-that's true," I stuttered a bit. I wanted to believe his statement, but I wasn't sure if I really did. I let out a shaky breath and continued, "But what about—"

"But nothing, Odango," Seiya cut me off. "And say destiny, or fate, or whatever you want to call it does exist? Then couldn't it be fate that has brought me here to you?" he finished, almost pleading.

"Seiya…" I could only whisper in response.

"Odango" he responded quietly, "I know it's no secret, but I need to tell you. I'm in love with you, Usagi." I simply stared at him as he continued, unsure of what to say. "I love you more than anyone or anything I have loved in my entire life. It's terrifying," he chuckled.

My breath caught in my throat, and I had no voice. Yet, I found myself wanting to respond. Wanting to say…

Before my thoughts went any further, Seiya moved toward me and kissed me softly on the lips. He drew away slowly and looked in my eyes. I stared back, swimming in his gaze, his blue eyes deep and shimmering. His eyes then widened as I suddenly pressed my mouth against his, kissing him passionately. Our lips pushed and pulled at one another, the kiss deepening almost instantly. I wound my fingers into his hair, as his hands roamed from my back to my waist and then back again. I let out a small moan and Seiya pushed hard against me in response. We were all arms, hands, and mouths, tangled up in one another for several minutes.

We pulled away from one another, dizzy and out of breath. "Seiya, I—" I began to whisper. "I—"

My confession was cut off abruptly by a banging at the door.

"What the…" Seiya muttered as he stood up to get the door.

Seiya opened the door to find a flustered-looking Yaten. "What is it?" Seiya asked.

"Some fans broke into the studio upstairs and totally ransacked our stuff!" he yelled angrily. "We need to go take inventory—see what's missing. We'll probably have to file a police report!" he finished with a pout.

Seiya turned to me with an already apologetic look on his face.

I smiled in understanding. "Go, I can get myself home. We'll talk later."

"Thank you," he sighed. "I'll make it up to you! I'll call you later."

I nodded before he exited the room, and I was left alone in my thoughts.

"Hmmm," I sighed to myself. "Choose my own destiny…"

It was two weeks before Christmas and the air outside was frigid as ever. I pulled my coat tighter around myself as walked. I quickened my pace, wanting to get out of this cold as soon as possible. As I approached his apartment building, I held my breath. For some reason I was almost frightened to go in. I pushed my feelings aside, though, and entered the lobby. After finding the elevators, I entered the first available one and pressed the button for the fifteenth floor. My heart began to pound as I approached his floor. I clasped my hands together and, in an effort to calm myself, tried to concentrate on the soft elevator music that was playing. Suddenly there was a light ding, and the doors slowly slid open.

I slowly walked to the end of the hallway, my breath echoing in my ears, and turned to stand in front of the door to my right. It was labeled "Penthouse C." I knocked softly and waited. Seconds later, the door opened.

"Usagi? You came."

"Hi, Seiya," I replied with a small smile.

"Come in," he said while gesturing, and I walked shyly into the apartment.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me...

There was a knock at the front door of my house. Inside, my mother yelled an automatic, "Just a moment!" as she walked to the door. She opened it and a genuine look of surprise appeared on her face.

"Mamoru-san! Well this certainly is a surprise! Come in," she said warmly.

"Thank you," Mamoru replied.

"What are you doing here?" my mother asked excitedly.

"Well, I have a few weeks off for winter vacation, so I thought I'd surprise Usagi."

"Oh, Mamoru! She'll be so excited when she sees you," Mom told him.

Mamoru laughed and replied, "Yeah, well, that's what I'm hoping. Is she home?" he asked.

"Oh, actually, Mamoru, you just missed her by a half an hour," she said sadly. "She's over at Seiya's."

"Seiya?" Mamoru asked confusedly.

"Yes. He's a friend of Usagi's from school."

"Oh..." Mamo-chan replied. "Well, um, do you have his phone number or anything? I really wanted to surprise Usako."

My mother thought for a moment. "No, I don't have his phone number, but I do have his address. I'm supposed to pick Usagi up later."

"Oh," Mamoru said, having an idea. "Well, I can pick her up."

"That would be wonderful," my mother said smiling. "Let me get the address for you."

As Mom went to find the address, Mamoru mumbled to himself, "Who is this Seiya guy?"

I stepped curiously into the apartment, scanning my surroundings. The living room was large and beautifully decorated. The room was furnished with rich cherry wood furniture and colored in warm earth tones. It was much more sophisticated than I had expected. I pulled my jacket off and I walked about the room holding it securely at my chest.

"Here, let me take that for you," Seiya said as he reached out for my coat.

I mumbled a 'thank you' and sat down on the couch. I looked down at my hands, which were folded in my lap, nervously. As I waited for Seiya to return, I began to glance around the apartment once again.

"Would you like a tour?"

I jumped slightly, then looked over my shoulder to see Seiya. "Sure," I said, standing up.

"I'm really glad that you came, Odango," he told me as he ran a hand through my hair.

"So am I," I replied blushing and smiling.

"Well, how about we start with my bedroom, then the game room, and finish with the kitchen?" Seiya suggested.

"Sounds great! I can wait until we get to the kitchen!" I beamed.

Seiya laughed at my insatiable appetite and motioned for me to follow him. We walked down a long hallway decorated with pictures of the Lights until we reached a door with a large football poster on it. Seiya turned the doorknob and threw me back a smile.

"Well, this is my room."

I looked around in awe. His room was enormous! "Wow," was the only word I could mutter.

"Seiya, your room is amazing!"

He smiled sheepishly. "Thanks. Oh, I almost forgot!" he suddenly exclaimed.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Here," he said as he pulled out a small, rectangular box with a bow on it.

"What is it?" I asked with wide eyes.

"Just open it!" he laughed.

As I began to open it, a strange ring began to sound through the house. "What is that?" I asked, covering my ears.

"It's the doorbell. I'll be right back," he called over his shoulder as he exited the room.

I turned my attention back to the gift as I carefully pulled off the lid. I gasped once I could see the box's contents. It was a thin gold necklace with a teardrop diamond solitaire hanging from it.

Meanwhile...

Seiya turned the front doorknob and opened the door. When he was met with a strange face, he awkwardly asked, "Can I help you with something?"

Mamoru looked Seiya over and replied, "Um, I think so...Is Usagi here?"

Seiya looked at Mamoru coldly, then suspiciously. "Who are you?" he asked.

"I'm a friend of Usagi's. Can I see her please?" Mamoru asked irritably.

"Sure. Come on in," Seiya said, standing back from the door. "Hold on," he continued, "I'll get her. She's in the bedroom," he finished.

"Bedroom?" Mamoru blanched.

"Yes," Seiya said coolly.

Mamoru stood in confusion. "Just what is going on here?"

"That's none of your business," Seiya replied defensively.

"Like hell it isn't," Mamoru said, raising his voice. "Usako!"

I held the necklace to my throat as I looked in Seiya's bedroom mirror. It really was beautiful! I can't believe Seiya bought me something so expensive...

"It's just like the one…" I mumbled to myself, thinking back to that shopping trip at the jewelry store that now seemed so long ago.

"Usako!"

The necklace fell from my fingers. That voice. That name. I quickly grabbed the necklace from where it had fallen, and ran toward the living room.

My feet flew down the marble hallway, barely touching the ground as I ran. 'Could it be?' I thought, confused, and strangely nervous.

I reached the entrance to the living room, and there he was. Mamoru, this person who now seemed like a ghost of a man, stood before me in the flesh. Hearing my footsteps, Mamoru whipped around to spot me, meeting my gaze.

"Mamo-chan?" I nearly whispered, tears stinging my eyes. I walked to where Mamoru and Seiya were standing, closing the gap between us.

"Usako?" Mamoru questioned, and I saw Seiya flinched at Mamoru's use of the endearment. "Who is this guy?" he asked accusingly.

I blinked out of my stupor and replied, "Mamo-chan, this is my friend, Seiya."

"Friend? Is that all?" Mamoru asked suspiciously. "Why were you in his bedroom, Usako? Is there going on between the two of you?" Just then his gaze shifted to my hands, still holding the gift box and diamond necklace. "What is that? Did he give that to you?" Mamoru asked, his voice becoming angry.

My gaze shot toward the necklace, "Yes, Mamoru, but, I-I," I fumbled my words, becoming nervous. The events of the past few months raced through my mind and I was over come with a sense of guilt. I looked up from my hands, and met Mamoru's eyes. My breath caught.

His eyes were like fire, full of rage and madness. I had never seen him like this. I was frightened, and I prayed Mamoru wouldn't do anything foolish.

"Mamo-chan, I-" he put his hand up to silence me, and I obeyed. I had no right to say anything right now.

I glanced back at Seiya, who had an equally hard look on his face, but some fear lurked in his eyes. Mamoru pointed an accusing finger at Seiya and held his pose a moment before speaking.

"You have no idea what you have gotten yourself into," he said angrily and eerily quiet. "Not only did you insist on pursuing a relationship with a girl who you knew was not interested, but you pursued a relationship with a girl who was engaged-to me! I would VERY much like to kill you right now, but I know Usako doesn't care for violence."

I saw Seiya falter again at Mamoru's use of my pet name. His features then suddenly became livid.

"She may be YOUR fiancée, but you have NO right to be the recipient of her love," he said angrily and Mamoru flinched.

"How do you mean?" Mamoru asked curiously, and yet, strangely fearful.

"Where have you been?" Seiya asked, and Mamoru gave him blank look. "You have no idea what she's been going through these past few months. You don't know the hurt, the confusion she's been feeling. You haven't been here to hold her when she breaks down from the pain. I love her! She's knows I love her," he said glancing at me. "And do you know how she knows? Because I HAVE been by her side, and I have held her while she's cried. And, you know, I think that she truly did almost love me, but something was always holding her back. You. You, her one true love, her 'Prince'," he said contemptuously. "Some prince. She should have let go of you a long time ago."

"Seiya!" I screamed at him angrily. He looked at me, surprised. "Do not talk to him like that. Please." I looked at Mamoru and he smiled at me gratefully. I sighed. "Mamo-chan, I'm not going to lie to you. There is…something, between me and Seiya," I winced at the hurt look that crossed his face. "It's like he said, I was going through a rough time and I was alone. With you gone, I felt like I had no one. But then Seiya showed up. Don't get me wrong, I knew I would always have your love to give me strength and comfort, but you weren't writing and I hadn't talked to you in so long. Why didn't you write?" I finally asked on the verge of tears.

He looked at me sadly, guiltily. "I don't know," he whispered, "I guess, it was just too hard..." He looked at me intently. "Do you love him, Usa?" he asked me timidly.

I looked at Seiya and nodded. I heard Mamoru's sharp intake of air, trying to stifle the sob in his throat. At that moment, I took a deep breath, preparing myself to move forward. I looked at Mamoru tenderly, "I did."

He looked at me hopefully. "Did?"

"Seiya, I care for you very much-" I started.

"Odango, don't," he cut me off.

"No!" I said angrily. "Let me finish. I care for you, deeply. I did love you, maybe I still do. But, I'm IN love with Mamoru. He's my heart," I said, tears streaking my face.

"I don't believe you, Usagi. I can't." He walked toward me and gently grabbed hold of my arms. "Usa, I know you felt something deep with me, as I did with you. And I know you felt it when we kissed."

I winced as soon as that last word came out of his mouth.

"KISSED!" Mamoru yelled angrily.

"That's right," Seiya began arrogantly, "I kissed Usagi. And I do believe she enjoyed it."

I slapped a hand to my forehead, not believing what I had just heard.

I dared to steal a look at Mamoru, whose chest was heaving heavily. His fists were clenched tightly and his forearms were red, veins bulging.

"Usako," he said gritting his teeth, and I stiffened, "would you leave us alone for a moment?"

"Mamo-chan, no," I said sternly.

"Please. Usako. I just want to…talk, to Seiya. Alone."

I looked at him warily, but eventually nodded in consensus. "Fine," I said slowly, "but PLEASE behave yourselves," I finished, more to Mamo-chan than Seiya.

I gradually exited the room, closing the door to what appeared to be a game room carefully behind me. I could hear their muffled voices. One would speak, then the other. Then it seemed the speaking was getting louder and louder, until they were no longer talking, but shouting. I put my hand to the doorknob, but restrained myself from reentering the room. It was not until I heard the sound of clashing bodies that I burst into the room.

I screamed in horror and anger as I saw Mamoru and Seiya swinging violently at one another.