Author's Note: Okay… confession time. I listen to a very eclectic mix of music when I write. I have so many songs in my playlist sometimes I go months without hearing one. Well, this morning I was listening to an old favorite by Queen, called Who Wants To Live Forever. Well, I found a new version of the song by Breaking Benjamin, and it was good, though I think I love the original more… Anyways, I was inspired by part of this chapter to use that for my title here. I think it fits.
Acknowledgements: I want to thank Astraearose-silvermoon for her help on this chapter. I was having a difficult time deciding how I wanted one of the scenes to go and she was amazing, as always. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful friend and beta!
On Her Own
Chapter 8
Who Wants to Live Forever
Saturday
Usagi sat between Haruki and Mamoru. Her boyfriend was in the midst of a debate over traffic laws with her father, but under the table his hand was clasped tightly around her own. Haruki was rather quiet, his face still drawn and tired. Across from them Shingo and Kunzite sat on either side of Minako.
She grinned at her friend. Once Usagi's mother had learned that Minako's parents weren't in Japan and that she was planning on buying fast food for supper, Ikuko had put her foot down and ordered the blonde to appear for dinner. They'd snickered over it, talking about how Usagi's mother treated her like a long lost sister. They'd both been put to work in the kitchen where Ikuko insisted they each learn a little about cooking.
Usagi was rather observant when she wanted to be, and at the moment, her attention was laser focused on Minako and Kunzite, who were also holding hands. Minako had confessed that Kunzite asked to date her, and she'd agreed. She winked at her friend, and wiggled her eyebrows. Mina tried to hide her giggle with a fake cough.
Her mother looked over and smiled at both of them. She sent a wink to them and then looked at where Kenji and Mamoru were still discussing the laws.
Usagi giggled. She felt Mamoru squeeze her hand and returned the gesture. She looked around the table again. Kunzite was focused almost completely on Minako. Shingo and Haruki seemed to be having a silent discussion, and her mother was quietly observing everything, as she was herself.
As the meal ended, the guys stood to clear the dishes since the girls had cooked. She smiled at her mother. "I'm always so happy around him," she confessed.
"That's the way it should be. Though at times he will confuse you, make you mad, or drive you nearly insane," she added.
Minako and Usagi both giggled.
"So how did your talk with the other girls go?" Ikuko asked.
"Not well," Usagi admitted. "I mean, Makoto and Ami seemed okay about seeing me, but Rei was really mad. I don't understand why she's so angry. She was mad even before Mamoru asked me out and I don't get it."
Her mother frowned. "I'm sure there is a lot going on in her head, Usagi-chan, but the thing that stands out most to me is that she's jealous."
"Jealous?" Usagi asked, confused. "Why would she be jealous of me? She's gorgeous, smart, wise, and interesting."
"Look around the room Usagi."
She did as she was told. She could see into the kitchen where her father and the guys were cleaning up the dinner mess. Her mother and Minako were still sitting at the table. The room was nicely decorated and there were still cups on the table.
What she noticed most however, was the loving look her mother was giving her. It dawned on her what Rei might be jealous of. Ami's mother was always at work. Makoto was an orphan. And Rei's mother had died in childbirth when she was young. Her father hadn't taken it well and had dropped Rei off at the Jinja with her grandfather before disappearing for nearly a year before resuming his former life without his daughter.
"Oh."
"Exactly. You have a lot to be thankful for Usagi."
"I didn't realize she would be jealous. I should have."
"Don't do that to yourself Usagi-chan," her mother demanded. "You didn't know because she didn't explain. And being jealous over something you have no control about gives her no right to treat you so horribly that Shingo came to me and begged me to ban you from seeing her."
"He did?" Usagi asked, shocked. She had a lot to think about.
"Almost three months ago," Ikuko confirmed. "He was upset because you were crying all the time."
"He said he thinks I should have stood up to them," Usagi said. "But I was afraid to say something that would break us apart."
"I think the break needed to happen. Sometimes it is just what needs to happen to make people take notice. I will say this though Usagi. Rei will never respect you until you stand up to her. I don't mean you have to be rude. I mean you need to tell her exactly what you are thinking and why you feel a certain way."
Minako was nodding. "I had a problem like that right after my folks moved us to England. A girl at school thought I was making fun of her. It was really that Japanese was my first language, but she didn't bother to ask. Before I finally talked to her about it all the girls at school were ignoring me."
"Exactly my point," Usagi's mother leaned closer. "If the words aren't spoken, then the problem can't be solved. You have to tell her how you feel and listen to how she really feels. I think she could have been your best friend even though you're so different if either of you had just said what you meant from the beginning."
Usagi nodded. She wasn't sure how she was going to do it, or how long she would have to wait to let her own temper and Rei's cool, but she was determined to get the words out, even if they hurt.
She had just gotten out of the shower when she heard raised voices.
"Explain it!" Ikuko shouted.
"You wouldn't understand!" Kenji returned.
Usagi snuck down the stairs, unsure what was going on. Her parents never fought. She didn't understand why they would now. It made her nervous. When she reached the bottom step she spied Haruki and Shingo hiding on either side of the kitchen door. She made her way to them.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Mom is upset because of something dad has to do for work, I think," Shingo said, sounding worried.
"You had better explain it now Tsukino Kenji or I will tie you to the bed and you won't go anywhere!"
'It isn't that dangerous," Kenji argued. "It's just a small undercover assignment."
"Where?"
Heavy silence filled the air like a suffocating cloud.
"Where?" her mother repeated, sounding both angry and afraid.
"A factory," her father answered, but even Usagi could tell he was hedging.
"What factory?" her mother growled.
The answer was so quiet none of them could hear what he said.
"No!"
"Ikuko-chan," her father cajoled. "It won't be that dangerous."
"They are criminals. Everyone knows it. I won't let you do it. If you think for one second you're going to try I'll knock you so hard upside the head you won't remember your own name," her mother growled. There was a sound of pots and pans rattling and then her father was rushing out into the living room.
Her mother came storming out after him, a frying pan held menacingly in her lifted hand. She noticed the kids, but instead of being angered by their presence, pointed to them. "You look at these kids Kenji. You look at them and you tell them what you think you're about to do! I won't lose you too!"
Then she broke down sobbing and Usagi knew her mother had won the argument. Not because of her words, but because the fear and pain were easily read on her face. Her father wrapped his arms around her mother and held her tight. The pa clattered to the floor, making Usagi and the others jump.
"You promised me forever," she said, and they could all see how desperate she was.
"I'm sorry. I won't do it," he promised.
"They're s-so dangerous," her mother sobbed, and Usagi wondered who the dangerous people were. There were gangs of course, though not in their immediate area, but she didn't think her father would be able to fit in with any of them. He looked too much like the nerd he was. His cover would be blown before it was made.
"Daddy?" she asked.
"Everything is fine kids. Go on upstairs."
Usagi nodded, but first moved to kiss both of her parents on their cheeks. She hurried up the stairs and into her bedroom, leaving the door open behind her. She knew Shingo would want to talk, and possibly Haruki as well.
"What do you think he was planning to do?" Shingo asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"I don't know," Haruki said. "Maybe he was going undercover with the Yakuza or something."
"He isn't police. It would be stupid for him to try anything like that," Shingo said. "I'd help mom tie him down if he tried."
"Me too," Haruki said.
"Me three," Usagi added, frowning. "I wouldn't go near them with a hundred Senshi," she said fervently. Her fuku wasn't bullet-proof after all. She could be killed by a bullet just as easily as anyone else.
"Have you seen the Senshi?" Haruki asked, curious.
Usagi blushed. "Yes," she whispered.
"Have you Shingo?"
Her brother nodded, not meeting Haruki's gaze.
Haruki stood and went to the bedroom door, closing it firmly before turning toward them again, leaning back against it. "What are you hiding from me?" he asked.
Shock filled Usagi. He'd only been with them a day and he'd already guessed more than even her parents had. She looked at Shingo. He shrugged. It wasn't his secret to tell. Biting her lip she contemplated her cousin for several minutes. If she didn't tell him, chances were he would just start following her around, and that could get him hurt.
"I'm one of them," she said after a long silence.
"I knew it!" Haruki said triumphantly. "I've only ever seen Sailor Pluto up close, but I watch the news. How many people have that hairstyle? Too obvious."
"It's fooled the Negaverse all this ti-" Usagi paused. "What do you mean you've seen Sailor Pluto?"
"She saved me a few months ago from a Youma attack in Kofu."
"In KOFU?!" Usagi exclaimed, shocked. "Why was there a Youma in Kofu?"
"I'm pretty sure it was there to kill me, or kidnap me," Haruki said, frowning. "It was this blue woman with snakes coming out all over her. She ignored everyone else and came straight for me, and then this beautiful Senshi with long green hair and reddish eyes was there and she destroyed it. She helped me up. I asked her what her name was and she said she was Sailor Pluto. I've watched for her ever since, but I haven't seen her on the news at all."
"I didn't even know there was a Sailor Pluto," Usagi said, feeling shocked. "Luna always said there were four Senshi."
"There are nine planets," Shingo said, frowning. "It stands to reason there must be a Senshi for each of them."
Usagi nodded. It did make sense, but she felt hopelessly lost. She needed to talk to the others, and soon.
Sunday
Haruki wanted to go to the arcade. Usagi and Shingo latched onto the excuse to get out of the house, hurrying through their chores to avoid the tense silence. When they made it out to the sidewalk, all three of them gave audible sighs of relief. It had been torture to hear her mother sniffling occasionally.
Her father had been repentant, but obviously frustrated. He'd had a heated discussion with his boss, who threatened to fire him because he wouldn't take the assignment. Usagi had wanted to snatch the phone and scream at the man. This was her father he had been planning to send into danger. A danger so strong that her mother had broken down into tears.
Tsukino Ikuko… who had faced a Youma and hadn't cried.
Usagi tugged at her pigtails. "That was awful," she said, her voice halting and cracked from disuse. None of them had spoken much that morning.
"It was," Shingo agreed. "I've never seen mom cry like that. Not since…" he trailed off, and Usagi knew he was thinking of Akiko, their aunt. Haruki's mother had been her twin sister.
Usagi knew of another time her mother had cried uncontrollably. Only one other. Shingo was probably too young to remember what had happened when they lost their sister, but Usagi could remember it. She could remember the tears, and then the silence. The trips to the temples and the shrines, searching for any sort of comfort.
She shuddered. Losing a child had to be the most horrible thing in the world, though losing one's spouse was perhaps just as bad in it's own way. At least with children, you knew before they were born that one day they would leave you, grow up, marry, and have a life of their own. A spouse was supposed to be with you forever.
She bit her lip, thinking of Mamoru. If she lost him… Usagi shook her head. She refused to think like that. She wouldn't lose him. She couldn't. And yet… they had a dangerous occupation, and it didn't look like it would end any time soon.
Haruki's hand came down on her shoulder. "Mamoru will be fine Usagi," he said.
She looked up at him, startled. "Am I that obvious?"
"You're about to tear your lip in half," he said. "It was easy to think what might have caused that."
"Oh."
They walked in companionable silence. It was a beautiful day, but Usagi couldn't stop thinking about the dangerous task her father had intended to take on, and the work she and Mamoru and the others were doing. Again, she wondered if she should tell her parents, but she couldn't ignore the way her mother had reacted when she thought her father would be in danger.
Motoki's bright, cheerful face greeted them as they entered the Crown. "Usagi-chan!" he called, waving his arms emphatically.
She giggled as she tugged Haruki and Shingo towards the counter. "Hey Motoki-onii-san, this is my cousin, Kazuo Haruki. Haruki, this is Furuhata Motoki."
They both bowed. "Wow, you look a lot like Usagi and Shingo," Motoki commented.
"Our mothers were twins," Shingo explained. He leaned his arms on the counter and rested his chin against his closed fists.
"That explains it then," Motoki said. "Mamoru and Kunzite should be here soon, I think," he added. "I guess Kunzite tried to cook this morning. It did not go well. He called and asked me to have something ready for them."
Usagi laughed. Maybe her mother should drag him into the kitchen for a lesson. Thoughts of her mother stifled her laughter. She was worried. Her mother was a strong woman, but the idea of her father being sent into danger was enough to make an incredibly tough woman break down.
"Why the long faces?" Motoki sounded worried.
Shingo explained what they had overheard and how Ikuko had reacted.
"He want made for undercover work," Usagi said. "Tailing someone maybe. But not getting involved with criminals."
"Who is getting involved with criminals?" a voice spoke in her ear and she felt Mamoru slip his hands around her waist.
"My dad's boss wanted him to go undercover," Usagi explained. "Thankfully he isn't going to do it, but it really upset my mother."
Mamoru pulled Usagi off the stool. She squeaked in surprise, turning to look at him. His mouth came down on hers and he grinned at her.
"Hi," he said.
Her heart felt like it had turned to mush. Her legs felt wobbly and a silly grin spread across her face.
"Hi." She blushed.
Mamoru kissed her again, then buried his face in her neck, making Usagi feel special and wanted. Every time he was near her she felt complete. She could sense his presence somewhere in her mind even as he held her close.
"All right you two. This is a family establishment," Motoki said, grinning when they both spun to look at him. Usagi felt her face heat and hid it in Mamoru's chest with a squeak.
The Moon computer beeped a warning. Usagi glanced at her brother and cousin. "I have to go," she said quietly. They'd been at the Crown for several hours, all of them playing games and talking as they munched on snacks
"Be safe," Shingo said. Usagi nodded and hurried to the back of the arcade. Motoki let her and the others slip out the back entrance so they could henshin in private when they needed to move quickly.
A second beep from the Moon Computer startled her. She opened it and gasped. "There's a second attack."
"Call the others," Mamoru said, and then henshined.
She pulled open her communicator and pressed the symbol for Jupiter. When her friend answered, Usagi talked quickly. "Mako, we have two attacks happening at once. We can't handle both. Can you and the others take one?"
"Hie," Makoto answered, looking excited. "Where is it?"
"There is one near Rei's school and the other is on the other side of the shopping district. We're closer to the second one and can get there quickly if you take the other."
"We're on our way," she said, and the connection went dead.
Usagi sighed in relief. Within a minute she was transformed and running across the rooftops, Tuxedo Kamen and North Knight on her flanks.
The attack was happening in a soccer field. The people in the stands were screaming in panic. There were two Youma. They looked like twins. One wore blue and was throwing shards of ice, with more of the blue shards dripping from his hair, the other was wearing orange and throwing flames, with streaking flames for her hair.
Sailor Moon hurried to jump from the edge of a building nearby, using her momentum to launch herself from the top of the bleachers, getting between the two creatures. Two solid thumps in the grass behind her told her the other warriors were ready.
She tore her tiara from her head, charging it and preparing to throw. The Fire Youma blasted a wall of flame at her. The Ice Youma kept the others at bay with a wall of ice. Moon wasn't too afraid however. She had faced Youma alone before and this would be no different.
She launched the tiara while the Youma laughed, and took it by surprise, cutting a deep gash into the orange-red skin of her arm. An outraged scream came from the creature, who fell back, holding the wound and crying for the other.
The Ice Youma turned away from Kamen and North to attack Sailor Moon from behind, but the others captured it before it could harm her. North Knight shot a blast of pure energy at the flame Youma, hitting her squarely in the chest.
Sailor Moon launched her tiara for a second time, this time aiming specifically to behead the monster. It screamed as the glowing weapon approached and from behind her Moon could hear the accompanying scream of the Ice Youma as both creatures were torn from existence. A cloud of dust shimmered in the air before falling to the muddy grass.
"Well that was no fun," came a voice from behind her. She whirled around to see Dark General Jadeite standing behind tuxedo Kamen. Without thought she pulled the Moon Wand but before she could attempt healing he was moving away.
Jadeite laughed. "Have another for your troubles," he said, waving his hand. A new Youma appeared, sending out electrical shocks from it's body and waving around what looked like electrical cords. Sailor Moon had to dodge quickly to avoid being hit squarely in the chest.
The Dark General stepped backwards and disappeared into a portal, still laughing.
Sailor Moon turned her full attention on the Youma, but was distracted a moment later by movement. Dark General Nephrite was right behind North Knight, but he didn't make a move to harm him. Sailor Moon lifted her Wand and shouted, "Moon Healing Escalation!"
Nephrite's hand went to his chest, and he gasped. A moment later he disappeared into a portal. She turned back to the Youma only to find that Tuxedo Kamen had it wrapped in vines. North Knight shot a bolt of light energy at it and it disintegrated.
She looked around the crowded bleachers. Several people lay at the bottom, unconscious. She still held the Wand in her hand. Lifting it, she spoke her healing phrae again and watched as the silvery light flowed towards them.
"We need the medical people in here, just in case," Kamen said, and North pressed a button on his communicator to send the all clear signal. Once the ambulances arrived, and the creatures were gone, the pandemonium began to die down.
"Alright," Moon said, looking at the others. "I have to get back to Haruki and Shingo. They're still at the Crown waiting for us."
"I'll go with you," Kamen said, hurrying to her side.
"I told Minako I'd go see her today," Kunzite told them. "I'll see you soon though," he added.
They made their way out of the field and leapt to the top of the stands before making their way to the rooftops. Once they could hide in an alley, they all released their transformations. She and Mamoru moved swiftly, running back towards the arcade together.
She didn't get far before something pulled at her. Something was wrong.
A strange feeling overwhelmed her. She ran for another second, but the feeling wouldn't go away.
Usagi stopped, unsure what it was that made her pause, but turned around and began running the other way. Mamoru called out to her, but she couldn't stop. She felt a need. Something strong, calling to her, as though something, or someone important would disappear if she didn't move quickly.
Her feet carried her faster than they ever had untransformed, and she panted, not with effort, but in fear. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and Makoto's face swam in her vision. Without pausing she let her henshin overtake her, and instantaneous change, and her speed increased until she felt as though she was flying.
She found herself near Makoto's apartment, on a short, hidden path in the park. Her friend lay on the ground, blood coming from a gash on her back.
"Mako!" she cried, falling to her knees beside her friend.
Tuxedo Kamen landed on her other side, as she put pressure on the wound, soaking her white gloves in bright crimson blood. Sobs tore out of her throat. Makoto was far too pale, and there was so much blood on the ground.
There was a rustle behind her, but she didn't turn. She didn't care about anything but saving her friend. A Youma could jump out and attack her, and she wouldn't let go even to fight. Makoto was badly hurt. How had she gotten so far on her own?
"What do we do?" Sailor Moon asked, looking up at Tuxedo Kamen for help.
His hand was on her neck, checking for the pulse. "I don't know," he whispered. "I wish I could heal her," he added. Instantly bright golden light erupted from his palms. "Move!" he commanded. She obeyed without question, somehow understanding he would help, and that it was Makoto's only hope.
"Please," she whispered. "Please let this work."
Sparkles of gold sunk into Makoto's back and disappeared, only to be replaced by more. Tuxedo Kamen seemed to glow and his eyes had changed, his irises gold now, as he sunk his will into the act. Makoto gave a tiny cough, then moaned and stirred as though trying to get up.
"Don't try to move yet," she urged.
A small sound came from behind her and she turned, meeting a pair of bronze eyes. Her jaw dropped as she stared at Nephrite, worried he would attack Makoto. But his gaze was on the girl and his face was soft, as though he felt something for her. She hovered protectively, determined to let no harm come to Makoto.
His voice was soft when he spoke. Gentle and almost timid. "I… I won't hurt her, just please heal her... and then, if you have enough energy, please save me" he begged.
Sailor Moon knew Makoto was already healing. She pulled the Moon Wand from her subspace pocket, then noticed the blood soaking her gloved hands. She wiped them on the skirt of her fuku, but the blood still covered them, and the Moon Wand. She shuddered as she felt the slick metal slip in her fingers. She had to heal him, and protect him from turning again.
"Moon Healing Escalation," she whispered, her voice shaking. The silvery glow enveloped Nephrite and he clutched at his chest, dropping to his knees. His eyes closed for a long moment, and he gasped, a shuddering breath escaping his lungs. Before he could move or speak, she grabbed his leg, still clutching the wand, and made her wish. 'Please protect Nephrite from being turned again. Help him to heal emotionally from what has been done to him, and keep him safe."
Sailor moon could feel the horror he was enduring and felt guilt wash over her. She hadn't seen that when she healed Kunzite and would likely see it two more times as Jadeite and Zoicite were closer in age to her than Mamoru and Kunzite.
She opened her eyes, but he wasn't looking at her. He was staring down at Makoto. "Is she okay?" he asked.
"She's alright," Tuxedo Kamen said, his voice calm. "Kunzite, help me turn her over."
Moon turned, shocked. She hadn't noticed the other young man's approach.
"Let me?" Nephrite asked. He moved closer to her. Makoto moaned as she was turned, but the large man lifted her easily into his arms, staring down at her face as though she was the most precious thing he had ever seen.
Releasing her henshin, Usagi stared up at him. She still knelt on the ground, her legs too shaky to hold her if she tried to stand. She sighed as she watched the silent exchange between the pair. He didn't seem to be hurting anymore. She wondered why it hurt them to be healed.
Her gaze turned to Kunzite, who was standing beside Nephrite, a consoling hand on the bigger man's shoulder. "I don't understand," she whispered.
"The pain?" Kunzite asked.
She nodded, unable to articulate what she wanted to express.
"You aren't causing it when you heal us," he said, and ducked in front of her so he could look into her eyes. She stared at him hopefully.
"I'm not?" she asked.
"It's the last desperate attempt of the Dark Queen to hold on to us, I think. It feels like she's clinging to our souls by her fingernails."
"Okay," Usagi whispered. She tried to rise, but couldn't. Exhaustion took her. The world faded to black.
"Usako," Mamoru's voice was gentle, his arms tight around her. "Wake up Usako," he urged. She blinked her eyes open, staring up at his golden ones, and yawned.
"Sorry. I guess it was a bit too much," she said. She felt a tingle from him. "You can stop sending me energy now," she added.
Mamoru seemed confused. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"You're sending me energy. I can feel it everywhere we are touching," she explained.
He nodded. "Well, it's getting late, and I'm sure Haruki and Shingo are worried. We need to get Makoto somewhere safe and get you back to them."
"Mako? How is she? Has anyone let the others know she was hurt?" Usagi asked. She turned her head to see Nephrite holding Makoto. She looked tiny in his arms. Mamoru moved closer to the other teen so she could see her friend for herself.
"Lets all go to the arcade," Kunzite suggested. "I can just call Minako and have her meet us there. We can talk in the break room."
"Mako-chan needs rest," Usagi argued, but the others seemed to have made the decision and within moments she was being carried in spite of her complaints that she was fully capable of walking. Makoto was also protesting, but none of the guys were listening to them.
Ten minutes later they were sitting on the couch in the break room. Haruki and Shingo, both in a near panic, had rushed to join them as soon as they entered the arcade. Now they were hovering almost as much as Mamoru and Nephrite. Usagi was exasperated. She didn't feel weak or tired anymore, but Haruki went out and got a milkshake from Motoki.
"I've asked him to make you both something to eat," he said, coming back in.
"How much blood did she lose?" Shingo asked. "She needs protein, iron, and a lot of fluids."
Usagi realized Makoto was still bloody, and even though she was back in her normal clothing, her own legs were covered in blood as well. She shuddered. Makoto was still far too pale.
"Too much."
"Neither of you looks very good," Motoki added, coming into the break room. "I've let people think you were caught up in a Youma attack and saved by Sailor Moon by the way.
"Thanks Toki," Mamoru said, running his fingers through Usagi's hair. He was sitting on the arm of the couch, one arm draped behind her protectively.
Usagi turned to look at Nephrite, who was standing against the wall, staring at Makoto. "Are you alright? It's a bit of a shock."
He only nodded, not taking his eyes from the other girl, who looked at him and blushed prettily.
"What happened?" Usagi asked her friend.
"We got your call that there were two attacks. It was Zoicite who released the one we had. It didn't seem that difficult at first, but then, when we thought it was done, another one appeared, this one stronger. It was going to get Mercury, so I pushed her out of the way. I didn't even realize I was hurt. Adrenaline I guess. We destroyed the Youma, but by then Mercury had been burned. Mars took her home, and I left. And then I started feeling dizzy and everything sort of went dark. I thought… for a minute I thought I was dead."
Usagi pulled Makoto closer, wrapping her arms around the taller girl in silent support. She'd been there herself and it was a huge shock when it had happened. "You're okay now, thank Kami," she whispered.
"I missed the fighting," Makoto admitted. "But I shouldn't have left without the others looking me over."
Usagi nodded. "I've made that mistake too," she told her. "I'm just thankful we heal so quickly. But you're going to need to have a lot to drink and probably eat over the next few days. You scared me," she added, her voice breaking as the thought of losing Makoto ran through her. She shivered and Mako clutched at her.
"I've missed you too," Makoto said.
"And I've missed you," Usagi told her. "We need to get together at some point and practice I think." She pulled Makoto even closer and whispered in her ear, "what do you think of your new shadow?" she asked conspiratorially.
Makoto blushed. "He's cute," she whispered back. "I need time though," she added.
"I'm sure he might give you an hour," Usagi said with a giggle.
Makoto snorted in a very unladylike manner and hugged Usagi harder.
