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After ignoring all of the rumors that Usagi had tried to kill Mamoru so he didn't take the placement exam the next two months went by quickly. Usagi was always busy with something or other whether it be killing youma, sitting in the control room, patrolling, hanging with her friends, entertaining Hina and of course trying to work her way in to Mamoru's life any way she could.
It was finally graduation day. Usagi prayed that Nephrite didn't attack today. Nephrite was already on his wits end with the things they were doing to bring him to reality. He didn't want to accept this reality.
Usagi would not dwell on that today. Today was a big day for her and her Senshi. Usagi's father promised that after high school she would no longer have to go in disguise as she would be an adult but she was nervous. She had hidden behind her glasses for so long remembering what it was like to constantly be gawked at on the moon. The first idea of disguise came at a young age. She never had to hide herself. She moved to Tokyo at the end of her freshman year of high school but she didn't start school. She was set on finding her senshi. After Luna left it had only been Mina, Ami and herself. They found themselves knee deep in the first of invaders to the planet. A brother and sister and their very demented tree.
They were lucky to find Rei and Makoto during the way and Luna sent Haruka and Micharu. After their success the Black Moon invaded. Needless to say, by the time all of the girls entered in to their Sophomore year they were disguised to the nines.
But that was no longer. Usagi was dressed in a rose pink dress that highlighted her curves unlike the normal baggy clothing she put on. It had a modest square shaped cut and capped sleeves. The dress was designer, the first to a new collection of clothing. She put on light make up but she didn't change her hair. It was the royal hairstyle for females of the White Moon and graduation was the perfect day to keep it as it was. To pull off her whole outfit she was wearing a pair of nude pumps and a gold necklace with a moon stone on it. A graduation gift from her father. She looked at herself in the mirror. Even when Usagi didn't wear her disguise she never showed off. This was showing off.
She was going to have to get used to this look. She would be queen one day and there would be no hiding then. No hiding for any of them.
Giving herself one more look over she exited her room and headed downstairs with all the grace of her Lunar mother.
Stepping in to the living room where everyone was waiting her eyes met her fathers. This was also a huge moment for him.
She could tell that he was trying not to cry looking at her. Even though her hair was not silver… yet, she knew he was remembering.
"I am ready to recant my promise, Serenity." He told her simply taking her hands.
"You can't oto-san. It is bound to happen one day and you promised today would be it." She scolded him as only a princess could.
"You look just like your mother." He remarked, his eyes shimmering.
"Thank the stars. Way better than looking like you." She teased and then gave him a wink.
"Usagi-chan?" Shingo said looking confused getting her full attention. "Woah! You are actually very pretty!"
"Shingo!" Hina scolded. "She was always beautiful." But even Hina was impressed. More than impressed.
"Mamoru. Come see how pretty Usagi is?" Hina hit her son who was on the sofa reading a book.
"I already know how pretty she is." He told her not looking up and flipping a page.
Usagi's stomach fluttered.
"Usagi?" Artemis growled at her quietly.
"It was an accident. I swear it." She said crossing her chest with her finger as if she was making an oath.
"Come take a picture with Usagi, Mamoru." Hina told him grabbing him by the arm and pulling him up.
Mamoru grumbled something but Usagi beamed. Mamoru came to stand next to her and Usagi was hoping Hina san would give her a copy.
"Mamoru, she is not going to bite you. Move closer to her." Hina went on. He did so relunently and Usagi could hit him. He had been in her personal space before so why was he being so coy about it now.
"Okay you two. Smile for the photo."
At the last second Mamoru draped his arm over Usagi's shoulders and she looked up at him with the brightest smile. A faint smile spread over his lips as well at her delight and Hina snapped the picture.
"Does this mean I can have your button too?" She asked him.
He narrowed his midnight blue eyes at her. "No." He said sternly.
She pouted.
Mamoru dropped his arm and moved away from her.
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Right after graduation almost every guy in her class surrounded her and her friends, Jadeite trying not to murder anyone who went near Rei. And that was a lot of some bodies.
None of the Senshi gave in to the attention though. It was training from a past life. Acting aloof and chatting with one another as if no one else was around.
Usagi noticed that many girls, the Chiba Mamoru fan club in particular, had surrounded him no doubt asking for his button.
She wiggled her nose in distaste wishing the boy she liked was not as attractive as he was. Wishing and envisioning him walking up to her and handing her the button with a smile.
"Where are we going for dinner?" Usagi asked her friends.
"Well, Class F dinner is at the same place as my class." Ami stated.
"Honto!" Usagi said excited. That meant she would get to be near Mamoru.
"Ugh, but class A… they are so rude." Minako whined flipping her long blond hair over her shoulder. "No offense Ami."
Ami shot her a death glare.
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"Kampaii!" Class F cheered their glasses clinking as they sat at the low tables. They were in the outdoor seating area of a local restaurant. It was a warm night and lights had been strung above the tables. It was perfect.
Until, Usagi really started to get fed up with class A's teacher and how he talked nonstop about how wonderful his students were and what a great teacher he was.
"See. I told you they were annoying." Minako hissed at her. Usagi nodded in agreement.
"I just wish one of the class F students didn't directly get involved with not just ONE but TWO of my students from getting in to a prestigious University." He said loudly and Usagi bit the inside of her lip. Everyone from both classes turning to look at her. She guessed they didn't hear about Ami.
Kuso.
"Hey!" Rei stood up not liking the cheap shot that the teacher was throwing at Usagi.
"IT WAS NOT USAGI CHANS FAULT! GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!" She yelled Jadeite beaming at his fiery girl. He always loved this kind of entertainment.
"Rumors always have some form of the truth." The teacher said looking directly at Usagi. "And it just so happens that my two best students did not get in."
"Sensei, it's not like that. Usagi Chan did not influence my decision." Ami retorted almost offended.
"Mine, either. It was my choice not to take the exam, sensei." Mamoru followed up.
"Mizuno, Chiba…" He started.
"Sensei if you are insinuating that I gave up on going to Tokyo University for that kind of a person I am offended. It's almost if you are saying that I am changing my whole life for a person like that… its humiliating." Mamoru stated crossing his arms over his chest annoyed.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'THAT KIND OF PERSON?" Usagi stood up yelling at him. "Are you saying that I am less of a person because I am not as smart as Ami chan and yourself. If you consistently judge people by how smart they are then it just shows how big of a BAKA you really are!" She huffed ready to Moon Dust Mamoru. How could be say those things about her in front of everyone.
"Which would make sense if someone was making that statement from Class A… or maybe even B but since it is from class F… well it's a very poor argument." Mamoru told her. The whole of class A started to laugh with the exception of Ami who was embarrassed, shaking her head in anger.
"You are a miserable person Mamoru. You are cold hearted and have the emotional range of a teaspoon." She snarled at him but all he did was smile.
"Yes, but you love this miserable, emotionless, cold hearted person."
She staggered back abashed how he could yet again, throw her love for him in her face.
"Didn't you write him a love letter, Tsukino san?" Asanuma asked her amused by the display.
"Yeah and she got rejected right away." Said another girl Usagi's face now red from embarrassment. "I saw it."
"Just because you live with him and got him to tutor you makes you even liking him not very sensible. Did he ever tell you he loved you? Did he ever even read your letter?" Asanuma finished making everyone laugh.
"Seems really nice from someone who just asked me out after graduation." She spat at him. "But go on keep ridiculing me. Honestly, I don't care." And she didn't anymore because this would always be part of her life.
"BUT! I am the only person who knows about Mamoru's past." And quickly reaching in to her subspace pocket she produced a photo of Mamoru as a toddler wearing a yellow sundress with a sunflower pattern. A large bonnet on his head.
"OH! How pretty!" A girl exclaimed taking the photo!
"Yes!" Said another.
"Usagi, who is it!" Minako asked getting a good look.
"That my classmates….is Mamoru San as a child." She then whispered in Minako's ear, "make him pay."
Minako nodded a huge smile on her face as Usagi handed her a few photos.
"EVERYONE COME SEE MAMORU DRESSED AS A GIRL!" She yelled waving the pictures in her hand.
Usagi turned from the table walking away from the chaos head held high.
"Baka." She muttered as she exited the patio area where they had all been seated. She didn't know if she could continue with this one-sided love thing. Mamoru had her on a string like a yo-yo.
She felt someone grab her wrist and she was about to bash in their face in when she sensed it was Mamoru.
He pulled her down the street and in to an alley.
Once he stopped dragging her she pulled her hand away.
"You really know how to get revenge, Usagi." He shot at her not at all amused. His eyes full of menace looking like he was about to snap.
"I didn't know someone like THAT could be smart enough to pull such a stunt." She said sarcastically crossing her arms over her chest.
"Me either!" He snapped at her. He was fuming.
She huffed. "You know what Mamoru…." She shook her head. "I have other things to focus on and I will not have you bring me down acting like I am an idiot." Her eyes bored in to his, fire behind them. " I am done liking you. It's pointless and as Asunuma so eloquently pointed out, Not very sensible."
"Is that so." He asked her anger lacing his tone. His blue eyes flashing menacingly. His jaw clenched. Somewhere in the distance thunder boomed.
"You know me. When I am set on something I do it and I am set on being done with you. University starts in a few months and it should be easy to find someone better than you. No… ten times better than you." She added on her blue eyes starting to sparkle at the thought.
He glared at her.
She smirked. "No… I will start tomorrow. I already had a few date offers today. It should help ease me in to ridding myself from you."
Mamoru's teeth were clenched together. "Fine." He growled. His jaw ticked. "Go and find that guy." He yelled at her.
She smiled. "GLADLY!"
But she couldn't leave because Mamoru grabbed her by the waist and kissed her. He pushed her up against the brick wall his hand caressing her face as he deepened the kiss just as he had done in her room. He was intoxicating and she could feel herself come alive at the touch. It was like they had done this a million times. The bond she had felt stronger.
He pulled away from her and she bit her lip looking at him.
"Try and forget me now, Odango." He smiled and then winked at her. Then he walked away.
She kicked a trashcan.
"Being in love is STUPID!" She yelled. Usagi propelled herself from wall to wall until she reached the roof.
"Damn, how does Mars do it in heels." She said out loud pulling out a pair of flats from her subspace pocket. She was going to kick his ass for doing that to her but then her cell phone rang.
"Usagi… he's snapped." Was all she heard. Okay maybe another day and she transformed ready to bring justice to true love… again.
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Three weeks… it had been three weeks since anyone in the Chiba household had seen Artemis and Usagi Tsukino. Artemis said that he was taking Usagi on a surprise trip for finishing again in the top 100 students but for some reason Mamoru didn't believe that. It could be that uncanny feeling he knew her location but even more so later the same night he kissed her last he had felt fear. Pure fear had coursed through him as he laid in bed that night thinking if his Usako. Then there was pain… not real pain but the feeling of pain… like a memory flooded his body and he couldn't breathe.
He knew she was somewhere in Tokyo but he couldn't prove it. He looked for her friends for almost a week when one day they just strolled it to the Crown Arcade. He was there cornering Motoki again.
They had just told her what he had heard… that she was on vacation. He could see the lies behind their eyes and the subtle hints of nervousness. In addition, it seemed as if Makoto had found a boyfriend. More like man friend as he appeared to be older… maybe twenty. The feeling as if Mamoru knew him was just as overwhelming as it had been when he met Jadeite for the first time.
Mamoru tried not to worry and pushed it off especially when his mother was constantly in his business. Then she brought him a framed photo of Usagi and him that she took the day of graduation. She, of course, had tears in her eyes when she presented it.
Mamoru could not disagree that they looked perfect together. She was looking like an angel, smiling up at him with a loving look. He had his arm around her and he was smiling back at her… a look in his eye of… happiness. He realized looking at the photo that he missed her.
But here he was standing in front of the Crown arcade. Motoki had called him last night to let him know that they were throwing Usagi a welcome home party.
He immediately questioned it. Why would they throw her a party after being on vacation but Motoki just laughed saying he wouldn't understand because he was mostly antisocial. Which was true.
He felt betrayed when Motoki called his mother as well and now the whole Chiba family was going to the Crown.
"Onii, why are we here again? It's been so nice with Usagi baka gone." Shingo muttered but it was a lie. Life was boring without Usagi.
"Shingo, here is some money, go play some games." His mother told him handing him some yen. He smiled and took off.
"Yo! Mamoru." Motoki said walking toward him a huge grin on his face.
The Crown was full of Usagi's closest friends in addition to Tenou and Kaiou san. There was also a black haired man and women he had never seen before. They were defiantly older, maybe in their mid-twenties. Pretty but uniquely dressed in runway fashion.
"Honey, Usagi-chan has some really beautiful friends… even the men." He heard his father tell his mother.
Hina gulped looking around. "Yes… she really does. So many friends too." She nudged Mamoru.
Motoki laughed and agreed.
Everyone was gathered by the booths near the game consoles and he was actually engaged in a conversation with Makoto's boyfriend whose name was Nephrite. Jadeite was standing with him and Motoki. Mamoru had an urge to slap Jadeite up the side of the head with his comments and he was also very amused. He never found himself smiling with anyone aside from Usagi and here he was… acting like a normal person.
The Crown doors chimed as the doors whooshed open. Usagi was looking as cheerful as ever standing next to her father. She was wearing a light blue skirt that fell at her knees and white eyelet top. Her long pigtails dancing behind her. Artemis was holding on to her arm almost as if he was escorting her in to the room. She was not wearing her glasses and she looked perfect.
She was looking around for her friends still not seeing them.
"MOTOKI ONII SAN!" She yelled as she walked in further standing at the counter and looking over it. Her father was laughing at her and then she turned around shock on her face.
"WELCOME BACK USAGI!" Every one yelled.
"Minna…" she said softly, tears now welling in her eyes.
"Come on Usagi. Stop standing there looking so sad. We have food." Minako told her with a wink and she laughed. Usagi started walking toward everyone when she stopped as she noticed Mamoru. She bit her lip but before Mamoru could say anything Nephrite stepped around him and walked over to her.
He bowed to her all the way from the waist, a show of respect. Then his arm went over his chest.
She smiled but he could see the tears about to fall.
"No need to say anything, Nephrite. I am so happy you are back. My heart is full beyond words." She told him grabbing his hand.
"You are always too kind, Serenity." He told her. "My allegiance is yours."
She nodded and then she hugged him taking him by surprise. All of her friends sniffled a bit.
Nephrite held on to her arm and walked her over to the group where she was being passed around and hugged. She went from person to person for a while. His mother occupied her time for far too long and Usagi was so enthusiastic talking about her vacation to England. Finally, Mamoru had enough and he went to grab her by the arm.
"My turn." He told his mother leaving her shocked.
Pulling her from everyone who was now chatting animatedly he took her out the side door in to the alley.
"Mamoru? Is this your new thing, alleyways with girls?" She asked him amused. Her blue eyes twinkled.
"Where have you been?" He asked her ignoring her comments.
"Are you trying to tell me you missed me?" She asked her blue eyes dancing. She was flirting with him and she didn't care.
"Damn it Usa, tell me where you were." He growled at her but he reached out and grabbed one of her ponytails letting the silky strands thread between his fingers.
"Vacation, back to England." She said having a hard time breathing with him being so close.
"I do not believe you at all." He told her.
She rolled her eyes. "It's pretty easy to considering that it is true."
He eyed her. "I miss your glasses." He frowned.
She laughed. "I don't."
"Did you miss me?" He asked her not knowing why he cared or why he would even ask.
She shook her head. "You know I did."
"How is it so easy for you to admit it?" He asked
She shrugged.
He needed to know if she was over him. He needed to know why people kept pledging their allegiance to her.
The back door snapped open hitting the brick wall causing Mamoru and Usagi to look in its direction. The black haired man that Mamoru didn't recognize earlier was pulling a silver haired man out the door.
"GET YOURSELF TOGTHER DIAMOND!" The black haired man told the silver haired one, throwing him up against the wall.
"Three weeks, Sapphire! THREE FUCKING WEEKS!" the silver man roared.
"You can't just go around punching people in the face!" Sapphire argued back.
"HE DESERVED IT! HE DESERVED WORSE!" Diamond roared back.
"Mamoru, go inside please." Usagi told him, the authority thick in her tone. A command.
He was not going anywhere while these two hashed it out. Not with Usagi there.
"Diamond, what are you doing?" She said walking toward them Mamoru following.
The silver haired man's neck snapped up looking at her and Mamoru knew that look. The look of longing. This was the man that had broken his Usako's ribs. He was good looking, hair so blond it was silver, a strong jaw line and violet eyes that were only for Usagi. He was lean and muscular. His clothes spoke of wealth and his body language eased as he looked at Usagi.
"Sere…" Diamond breathed but then his eyes narrowed noticing that Mamoru was behind her.
"I have him under control, Usa." Sapphire told her and apologetic look in his eye.
"It's okay, Saph. You can go back to the party. I will be right in." She said with a smile.
Sapphire nodded and opened the door slipping back in to the crown.
"Well, this is not exactly how I wanted to see you again after so long." Diamond told her, his eyes looking her over. Mamoru's hand clenched.
"Mamoru… I need to talk to Diamond." Usagi said nicely trying to tell him to leave.
"Not going to introduce us? It would be nice to meet the man you claim to be in love with." Diamond said challenging her. Mamoru felt a swell of relief that this man knew how Usagi felt about him. But how did he know about him? Mamoru had never seen this man with Usagi ever in his life and he had only overheard his name once.
Her eyes narrowed at him. "Don't be rude."
"Diamond Black this is Chiba Mamoru." She said pointing to each one of them.
"Does everyone know that you are in love with me?" Mamoru asked only trying to goad this man.
She smiled sheepish. "I have some very loud mouthed friends."
He nodded.
Diamond looked on at Mamoru with loathing.
"Mamoru, Diamond works for my father and if you wouldn't mind going to get him, please?" Usagi asked him.
If it had been any other request, Mamoru would not have left her.
"You sent him for your father?" Diamond asked incredulously.
"Diamond…." She growled. She would not explain herself to him.
"I missed you, Serenity." Diamond said.
"You are not allowed to miss me and just who in the hell are you hitting?" She asked him.
"Nephrite. He deserved it. It's been three weeks. He didn't deserve what you did for him. None of your friends are going to take a stand because of love." Diamond snapped.
"Oh, that is hypocritical! I did the same exact thing for you and I do not see anyone coming around her punching you in the face! And if I recall… it was worse than three weeks. What you did…" She trailed off. She has so much PTSD because of him.
Diamond winced. Usagi sighed. "My father is going to rip you a new one."
"It was worth it." He smirked.
"I have two more to free and if you even think about pulling a stunt like this again you will regret it. What I decide to do and how I decide to do it has nothing to do with you." She said her authority pushing down on him.
"Understood." He said curtly.
"Thank you." She snapped.
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College had started and Usagi was becoming disheartened at how distant Mamoru had become since their last encounter. She didn't understand why. They had started University but after the first day it really seemed as if Mamoru was avoiding her. Usagi walked in to the cafeteria after her first two classes. She had no classes with Mamoru and due to her training schedule she didn't even get to walk to Uni with him. Not that he would have waited for her.
Baka.
She recognized his presence the moment she walked fully in the café. It was all she had. A spark of their bond that kept her strong. Scanning the room she saw him in line chatting with a brunette girl who was very pretty. Her arm was wrapped around his arm and she could feel the girl's happiness radiating toward her.
Usagi felt like she had been punched in the stomach; her chest in an unexplainable pain. Her heart sped up and she felt like she would pass out of worse, throw up. The girl giggled at something Mamoru said to her.
She was no longer hungry and she left the cafeteria texting her friends that she had to do something for class.
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She needed to meet at the temple with the girls and the two shittenou she had saved but her preoccupied mind had her running late.
She looked at her watch and she ran around a corner and 'boom' she ran right in to someone sending her sprawling, her training had her on one knee very quickly.
"I am so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going." Usagi started to apologize much quicker at righting herself.
"Clearly." The girl snapped in irritation.
Usagi bent down to grab her books but when she looked up she saw Mamoru helping the girl up.
"Saori san are you okay?" He asked her concerned. Usagi couldn't help but to look him over. The feeling of throwing up was returning. He looked amazing but he was not looking at her. He was looking at this girl she ran over.
"Oh yes, Mamoru kun. Thank you so much for helping me up." The girl blushed.
Usagi stood the pain consuming her chest as she could barely breathe.
"Mamoru? " Usagi said breathlessly.
Mamoru turned to look at her and he was stunned.
Saori looked at the glances that each were giving one another. "Is she your girlfriend or something Mamoru?"
"Of course not." He replied coolly looking away from her and Usagi masked the hurt in her eyes with anger.
Saori smirked. "I thought not."
Usagi knew that this girl thought of herself very highly.
"I truly am sorry." Usagi bowed turning away from them and running down the hallway.
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Usagi was irritated because neither Zoisite or Kunzite had shown themselves. She could see the hope on Ami and Minako's faces every time Nephrite and Jadeite were around. Usagi wanted to get their loves back to them but if they wouldn't show themselves how could she do it.
And she needed a fight. Needed to release the pain of seeing Mamoru entertaining a beautiful girl. He allowed her to wrap her hands around his arm.
Usagi was not even allowed to speak to him in public and when they did it always ended with insults.
She banged her head on her desk. She was going to go find Hina. She always made her feel better. And some dessert. That would be priority.
Walking out of her room she bumped in to Mamoru.
"Is running in to people your new thing, Odango Atama?" He asked her with a smirk.
"No." She said dejected unable to meet his eye. "I am sorry for running in to your friend…."
"Matsuyama Saori." He said with a fond smile. She felt sick.
"Yes and how do you two know each other." She questioned smacking herself the moment slipped from her lips.
"Why? Are you jealous odango." He was taunting her and even though she told herself not to rise to the occasion she just couldn't help it.
"My name is Usagi! And no I am not jealous!" But the quiver in her voice gave her away.
"Saori san is very pretty and really smart, too. I should like her as I have no reason not to." He went on and Usagi had to grab at her chest. He noticed the gesture and it was like he could feel her hurt. Had he gone too far to get a reaction out of her?
"It's nice to see that you can pay compliments to some people." She snapped at him.
"I am sure you have more than enough boys paying you compliments that you do not need any more." He snapped back at her.
She scrunched up her face in confusion. "What boys?" she thought out loud.
He didn't want to tell her about how all the guys talked about her at school. It was downright irritating that people could think that odango was beautiful… but odango was beautiful. His jaw twitched just thinking about Usagi dating any of those idiots.
"Are you kissing all of them too?" He asked getting close to her.
"This harassment is rich from someone who has their own fan club and no of course not. I do not even know what you are talking about."
"Good. Let's keep it that way." He told her before walking away toward his room.
UGH! He was frustrating!
Authors Notes:
I do not put it in the story but it took Usagi awhile to recover. She spent a full week... well comatose. When she woke up her father took her on an actual vacation to finish recovering. The girls realizing the stress they were putting on Usagi and the brutality of the crystal they stayed behind. Not that they all do not deserve a vacation. Part two tells you where she went (It's not England) but I will not give that away:)
I will admit the upcoming chapters hurt my heart. Mamoru and Usagi are no longer in high school and life gets pretty real for everyone. I think I may have to change my rating to M pretty soon and I will let you all know when I do.
Mamoru is NOT dealing well with Usagi being free from her disguise. As usual he has a piss poor way of showing it. Most guys would finally make a move if they liked a girl but NOOOOO not Mamoru (and this is because Naoki didn't. He was a major baka.) Turning Mamoru in to part Naoki sucks and at the same time it has been fun writing about it.
Let me know if I have any errors. My kids distract me a lot when I write and as you can see I stay up pretty late (Its almost 1am here) to get this story off my computer and in to yours.
I love your reviews.
Shout out to TropicalRemix- Love your questions because they make me ensure that everything is answered in future chapters! Thanks!
