Fighting For Your Love

Chapter 14. Longing For You

* Present time. About two weeks after the meeting in the park *

The numerous raindrops pattered on the windows of Usagi's bedroom, creating a wistful melody that made the girl's soul yearn and long for someone. Long for her.

The golden-haired princess was alone in the room. Her solitude and the measured pitter-patter of the rain, echoing in her chest, evoked the familiar nagging pain in the girl's heart. Usagi got up from her bed, walked closer to the window and pressed her forehead against the cool glass.

'I miss you.'

Another quiet sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes, recalling, remembering, reminiscing…

"I wanna see you smiling so happily more often…" The girl recalled the earnest and fond look of her teal eyes when they were at the beach. She remembered the warmth of Haruka's body pressed tightly against hers. So sweet, so pleasant… A perfect moment of them being together that passed by so soon. It was just a memory now.

"You are so beautiful, Koneko, when you smile like this…" The tenderness in Haruka's voice. Her sweet warm breath on the princess's lips. Usagi brought up her palm and grazed her own cheek, trying to relive that soft touch of Haruka's hand to her cheek. Her own hand was gentle and warm… but it felt nothing like the tomboy's. Something hot formed behind the girl's eyelids, burning them.

"Odango Atama!!!... You're dead!" A weak smile formed on Usagi's lips as the memory of that 'ice-creamy' Saturday flung through her mind. Haruka was always adorable, even when she was enraged. The trembling fingers of the young princess touched the coldness of the glass wall before her. 'I'll be fine… I can do that.' She thought to herself.

"Feeling lonely?" So much caring in Haruka's swift motion, as she brushed the strands away from the girl's cheeks. Usagi thought with tenderness about how great she always felt just being around Haruka. The wind senshi didn't even need to fully embrace her to make her feel warm and secure; sometimes it took the taller blonde just an assuring or a teasing glance, or an unexpected quick gesture – like, flicking on Usagi's nose or running her fingers through the smaller girl's hair or simply sitting down beside her silently – those little things Haruka did that made Usagi feel appreciated. Significant.

'Yes, I am. I feel so lonely… without you.' The first tear made its way out of the princess's eye. The first of many that were to come.

"…they won't have you… No one will when I'm around." The golden blonde's heart missed a beat at this memory. Haruka sounded so serious back then. Did she really mean that? Usagi sighed again. 'Silly, I don't need anyone else when you're around. Can't you see that?'

The princess recalled a lot of things that Haruka said, but among all of them there weren't those words she yearned to hear from the wind senshi.

'I. Love. You.'

So short.

So simple.

So… impossible.

Of course, Haruka and Michiru used to tell her that they loved her but… it wasn't exactly that kind of love that she meant. It was how she loved Michiru. But with Haruka it was different.

In the past, Usagi could never understand what other people meant by saying something like 'I do love you, I'm just not in love with you'; she used to think it was stupid, but now… now she felt that difference. Yes, she obviously loved both Haruka and Michiru ('Oh and Mamo-chan too, of course…' Usagi blushed as the thought of her boyfriend came last in her mind) but… more than that, she was falling in love with a beautiful racer; deeply, irreversibly falling. Something that she once was able to restrain from. Something that she couldn't help but doing now.

It was strange. Day by day she seemed to hold on so well. Usagi busied her mind with her studies, with ways to improve her relationship with Mamoru, she even went as far as reading serious books, and she thought she was doing very well, that she was getting over it. But… when the young princess was alone and unoccupied, like now, her mind instantly found its way back to thinking about an enchanting wind senshi, making her miss the elder girl even worse.

'It's Friday again. Another week passed by… without you. I wish I could be stronger.'

Her desire to see Haruka was getting almost unbearable. Usagi turned away from the window and eyed her cell-phone. Several minutes passed by as she hesitantly stared at the piece of plastic, not daring to touch it and dial the number she knew by heart. Their last talk over the phone had been bittersweet, and the girl couldn't help feeling that somehow she hurt Haruka that time. But what exactly it was that hurt her elder friend, the princess couldn't tell and it had been eating her all this time.

Neither Haruka nor Michiru called her after that, making Usagi feel even more frustrated and ashamed of her behavior during her last visit to their beach house. Even though they told her it was okay, she couldn't forgive herself that easily. She really had to find a way to apologize to her lovers.

"We could talk it out, at least, find solution. We're still friends, for God's sake, Odango Atama!" Yes, Haruka was right, of course, they are still friends, no matter what. So coming to them… just visiting them… it would have been so natural to do. But… Usagi knew that if she came and saw them, saw Haruka especially… there was no power in the world that could hold her back from breaking her resoluteness to not cheat on Mamoru ever again, and restraining her from throwing herself into the loving arms of her devoted senshi and kiss them both with all she was worth.

The thought of being particularly in Haruka's arms made Usagi's heart miss a beat, a bittersweet emotion shooting through her body.

Another long minute passed by, the girl shook her head and gave up the idea of calling the tomboy now. Hearing the beautiful wind senshi wouldn't be enough to ease this longing; it would only do worse, bringing more pain and making the princess start over again. All those weeks of holding back would be vain if Usagi called her now. Maybe she needed just a little bit more time to get strong enough to go and face her lovers without breaking down in front of them and confessing her love to a certain enchanting blonde.

Instead, the golden-haired princess took a photo album from a shelf and, after flopping down on her bed, flipped though its pages, frantically searching for pictures of a handsome tall girl with sandy blonde hair and mischievous teal eyes.

Her heart missed a beat again when she finally found the series of pictures where almost all of them were. She remembered that day perfectly; a couple of years ago Mamoru and all of the Inners went to watch the sakura blooming and were surprised to meet Haruka and Michiru there, in the park.

Usagi watched picture after picture, regretting there were so few of them that contained Haruka and Michiru. But still, the colorful pieces of glossy paper were slowly changing her mood for the better.

It was hard to suppress a smile watching the picture where she and Rei stuck tongues out at each other. "Oh boy, I can't believe that we still act like this!" the princess giggled softly.

Then there were the other pictures: Minako and Makoto drooling over the cute guys not far from them; Minako and Usagi under the blooming sakura tree, posing like some cool top models; Mamoru playing chess with Ami and Michiru (it was unexpected that the girls even had to team up to beat the guy in that game); Makoto blushing as Haruka helped her fix the bow on her neck (there were only hands seen in the picture but Usagi immediately recognized those beautiful long fingers of the tomboyish pianist she happened to know very intimately), and more, more, more. But no matter how hard Usagi tried to find a picture with Haruka, there were only glimpses of the elder girl – her half-turned profile; or a hand shading her beautiful eyes from the sun; or the sight of her back as she turned to watch the girls playing… it was like she was always somewhere in the background, always in the shadow. Usagi silently cursed the stupid person who took the pictures so carelessly. Why couldn't he or she pay more attention to the charming wind senshi and take more pictures of her? And only after giving it another thought, the princess remembered that it was mostly her who took the pictures that day.

Groaning in utter frustration, the princess flipped another page down, and her blue eyes widened at the wonderful picture of all of them. It was Mamoru who took the final picture back then, and it was… stunning.

'Haruka…' Usagi's mouth opened a little but not a single sound escaped her lips. Haruka looked just breathtaking, standing so casually, looking straight into the camera, a slight smirk playing on her lips, softening her face and lighting up her eyes with a shine. They were all present in the picture but Usagi could only see the tomboy's handsome face. A tint of mischief was clear in the elder girl's eyes, and all of a sudden the princess realized the reason for it.

It was there, the touch that no one could see. The princess didn't give it too much thought before, but that day Haruka touched her back and held her hand there while the taking of the picture lasted.

Usagi remembered her surprise back then, when something warm and gentle was firmly pressed against her back. It was the wind senshi who stood next to her, so the girl looked up at her questioningly but Haruka spared her only an oblique glance and her lips curved in a slight smirk as she didn't even stir to move her hand away.

So, it was there even then… Haruka's warmth, Haruka's touch, Haruka's silent presence. Why couldn't Usagi care more when she had the chance? The princess let out a quiet groan.

But, come to think of it, even if she did… it was her falling in love with the enchanting wind senshi against the friendly teasing and caring of Haruka towards her. No matter how hard Usagi wished there was more… there wasn't.

The golden-haired girl touched the picture and lovingly outlined the tomboy's lovely face, trying to imagine she was tracing the taller girl's visage in reality. Usagi slowly stroked the image of the sandy blonde's hair, trailed down along the smooth line of her ear, her cheekbone, her chin, and all of a sudden her fingertip stumbled and hovered in the air… They were there. The aqua-colored curls. Michiru was leaning into Haruka's shoulder, her head softly touching the taller blonde's cheek. The tomboy tilted her head to her side a little, obviously appreciating the subtle gesture of her lover's closeness and affection, and her arm was there, wrapped around Michiru's waist.

So close together they were, so much in love with each other. It was clear to see even if one was blind and clueless.

'They loved each other so much in the past. They love each other very much even now. Who am I to step in and ask for more than they already gave me? I could never… never compare with Michiru-chan, she is too perfect. It's just… useless!'

Fresh tears streamed down the princess's cheeks again and she pressed her hand against her chest for her heart was hurting badly now.

'But I miss you. I want to see you… to touch you… to kiss you… I want to feel your arms again…' Usagi squeezed her eyelids tightly, trying to stop the tears. 'I'm dying to see your eyes right now… Why does it have to be so complicated?'

…

Usagi took her time, remembering those wonderful moments that she enjoyed spending with Haruka and Michiru. Mostly it was the wind senshi on her mind, but who would blame her for that?

The girl's tears dried away soon but her saddened eyes didn't leave the picture where her sandy-haired lover was presented so gloriously.

The princess sighed and closed her eyes.

'I want to be with you right now. What are you doing at this very moment, I wonder?'

The sound of the rain reached her ears and her heart wrenched in painful melancholy. Lost too deep in her thoughts, Usagi didn't notice the door to the bedroom open and close noiselessly.

She startled when warm strong arms enwrapped her in a loving caring embrace, the bed's shifting under some additional weight.

"There you are, honey." A low deep voice touched her ear, evoking a slight shudder inside her.

"Mamo-chan?" Usagi half-turned her head and felt a gentle kiss on the top of her head. "I didn't know you were to come home this early today."

She felt him shake his head and chuckle quietly.

"Unfortunately, my dear princess, I came home only to take the papers I was working on last night. That sweet 'encounter' we had in the morning blew my mind away completely, and I even forgot to take that documentation with me. Can you believe that?"

Usagi managed a small smile.

"You, Mamo-chan? Hardly. Why, you're always so responsible." She teased him half-heartedly.

"Well, you made me lose my mind this time. But I'm glad I forgot them, Odango", Mamoru slightly squeezed her body and gently cradled her in his arms. "For some strange reason, I've missed you today, so I welcomed the opportunity to go home and see if you were back from your studies already. And here you are."

'I wish I could have had some privacy a little longer. I want to think of her just a little longer. To think of her... at least… if I can't be with her…'

But outwardly Usagi nodded and made her lips form a smile. No need to make Mamoru ask what was wrong with her. Maybe if she acted as usual, he would leave for his work sooner, giving her that desired solitude.

'What if I break up with Mamo-chan and… just go to her?' the princess thought all of a sudden, her heart aching and quivering at the impossibility of doing so in reality. To break up with Mamoru… it'd take a valid reason, in the first place. She didn't have one now.

'Nah, it won't do… there's always Michiru-chan for her, don't you know? Her only one. Her perfect lover and a soul mate. If only she could love me back… just a tiny bit…'

'Stupid, stupid Usagi! To fall in love with Haruka-chan and ruin those lovely relations you three had! What were you thinking?! Baka!'

'And then there's Mamo-chan… he's been such a prince charming lately. Yes, partly it's because of his guilt, perhaps, but when I'm with him… I feel so safe, so close to him. I've known him for years… Our souls, our bodies were entwined and destined to be together. We grew rooted in one another. I had all of me dedicated to him… but now a part of my heart and soul belongs to that beautiful wind. The irony is… she doesn't want it. So Mamo-chan gets it all again.'

"… ako? Hey, Odango?" the sound of Mamoru's voice dragged the girl out of her reverie, and she turned her head a bit more to meet the warm gaze of his worried dark-blue eyes. "Are you alright, honey? What is it? You look so sad all of a sudden."

Usagi shook her head slightly and, hiding her eyes from his attentive questioning look, pecked the guy on the cheek.

"It's just the rain, Mamo-chan. I'm sorry, I'm not the best company right now. It's all about the moon phases and rain, you know. They always make me thoughtful and absent-minded. But there's nothing serious. Just rain…"

'Another lie. How many of them will you feed to him before you break down and tell him the truth?'

"Usako…" his whisper was so compassionate, so gentle, that it warmed her heart again. Mamoru kissed her hair slightly and outlined the contours of her face tenderly. 'You're so mysterious, Odango. I wish I knew what's going on with you lately. Help me, darling, tell me. Talk to me finally.'

Usagi leaned into her boyfriend's body and pressed her forehead against his cheek, showing her affection and gratitude for his silent support.

"Do you think they miss me like I miss them?" The girl's eyes flittered back to the glossy picture lying in front of her. Her voice cracked a little, making Mamoru's heart flinch with pain.

Recently he experienced this feeling too often to his liking… the feeling of the distance between him and his beloved girl. Mamoru didn't know her thoughts; even though Usagi still was pretty much of her bubbly and funny self most of the time, the guy had a strong feeling that she didn't tell him something very important… essential for her, and that helplessness was killing him.

He did his best to amuse and entertain his lovely girlfriend, to take her out and undertake the numerous short trips to the places she used to love. And everything seemed to go just fine; Usagi laughed and glowed, she was happy, truly happy – Mamoru could sense her spirits very well, and he knew that she wasn't pretending for him. But sometimes… when Usagi thought that he wasn't watching, she was unusually quiet and thoughtful. Something was obviously eating her from inside, but the girl didn't hurry to share it with him. After several attempts to get his girlfriend talking about what it was that bugged her, after all those careful and unobtrusive questions and guesses, Mamoru wisely decided to give her time and to not press for details anymore.

The only thing the guy made sure of was to be beside her and comfort her whenever his sweet little girl needed him, and it was the right way to go, judging from the reaction Usagi was giving him time and time again. It was just amazing how close the dark-haired prince actually felt to his princess lately. It was like they could sense and understand each other even without words. And only that single part of Usagi's soul was still secret and shut for him, but the guy was willing to wait however long it took to have his Odango open up and trust him again.

"You miss them that bad…?" Mamoru asked quietly, gesturing at the picture in the album.

Usagi nodded, her lips forming a weak smile, and her eyes lingering for an instant on the handsome face of the wind senshi and her smiling aqua-haired lover. "Like hell." She whispered almost inaudibly. He had no idea how much the princess have given away just now.

Mamoru sighed aloud and buried his face into the golden-haired girl's neck, squeezing her soft slender body tighter.

"I'm sorry, Usako, it's my fault that you didn't want to go out much. I know that most of times I ruined your mood for fun. But maybe you could call them now?" She heard him say warmly.

"Eh?" Usagi raised her head and, with a timidly appearing happy smile, turned a little to meet his deep dark-blue eyes again. She was almost scared to believe his words, her heart beating like crazy, and her anticipation growing. "Call them, dear?"

"Yeah, the girls, Odango", Mamoru gently kissed her mild lips. "Maybe you would like to call a meeting and have some fun with the girls?"

"You mean Rei, Minako-chan and Mako-chan?" Usagi's voice trailed off as she realized that he was speaking about the Inners. The disappointment squeezed her heart. 'Hold the smile, hold the smile. Please, just hold the smile.' The corners of her lips trembled but the girl stubbornly held the smile, not caring even a bit about how false it must have been looking now.

But of course, Mamoru had no idea about whom she's been missing that bad. He couldn't have. He never should have had. Right? Right. It was the way it was supposed to be. But even if it was right… did it really have to hurt so badly?

"Of course", he was slightly surprised by her sudden question. It sounded like she was talking about someone else. "Why?"

The small blonde shrugged and shook her head, the same slight smile playing on her lips.

'Because for a second I thought that you really knew me… knew my thoughts… I thought you knew I missed them.'

"Just specifying. Because, you know… I miss Ami-chan a lot", she sighed for good measure. "Ah, I wish she was with us already. Heh, I hope she'll graduate soon and will come back to Japan, and we all finally get to see her."

They sat quietly for a while, listening to the music of the raindrops, when Usagi spoke out of the blue.

"You're probably right, Mamo-chan. Calling the girls is a very good idea." The blonde playfully nuzzled his neck, trying to ignore the cold twisting feeling inside her stomach. "I'll call them later and will arrange a meeting. Do you wanna join us?"

'Maybe my girls will help me… forget about her, or, at least, cease that painful longing… Maybe I really just need a distraction. It could help, I suppose'

Mamoru let out a small laughter and ruffled Usagi's hair lovingly.

"Thanks, sweetie, but I want you guys to have fun unabashedly, doing all that girlish stuff that you usually love to do. Seriously, I want you to relax and enjoy their company, alright?"

Usagi nodded, her thoughts rambling far away already. The princess involuntarily wondered again what Haruka was doing at the very moment when she was thinking about her.

The measured sound of the pouring rain and the warmth of her lover's embrace relaxed Usagi. Closing her eyes, the girl shifted in Mamoru's arms, making herself more comfortable before staying still and enjoying the feeling of his strong body pressed to hers.

'You mean so much to me, Odango… Don't leave me.' Just for a second, his arms held her body a bit tighter, like he was trying to keep his beloved with him, to not let her slip away.

…

In the past, Usagi thought that Mamo-chan's love was the only thing that she needed to be happy. She struggled to win him back, she was ready to go really far for that, and finally she won. She got his affection and tenderness and passion back with a vengeance. So why wasn't she as happy as she thought she'd be? He always was the one. Always. In the past.

But not now. Not anymore.

Because now she needed a little bit more to be happy.

'A little bit, huh?' her inner voice mocked at her, making the princess smile bitterly.

True, now she needed not only Mamo-chan's love but also Haruka's as well. And she was honest enough to admit that she didn't want to lose Michiru's affection either.

Now her love triangle seemed to stretch to a square. It was just crazy. An absolutely impossible way to go. The golden-haired girl held back a bitter laugh that was ready to escape her lips. 'Stupid, stupid Usagi.'

But it was the truth as it was. Usagi couldn't picture her future life without Mamoru in it. That wasn't any surprising. What changed since then, was that she couldn't imagine how she could ever feel herself complete without Haruka and Michiru's love.

What a miserable fate… to get back the one you craved for and realize that he wasn't enough anymore!

…

A melodic sound broke their cozy silence, and Usagi let out a teasing smile, easily recognizing the melody of Mamo-chan's cell-phone.

"Your new mistress, honey?"

Mamoru playfully rolled his eyes and tried his best to suppress his smirk.

"Yeah, sure. Would you remind me please what day it is today? Because, you know, they are all scheduled and I can't mess up with dating a wrong girl."

Usagi shook her head and, playfully pouting, nudged the man slightly.

"Ehhhh, Mamo-chan?!"

"Oh come on, Odango! You didn't mean that!" the prince made a motion like he wanted to strangle the blonde with his elbow but ended up kissing her neck and tickling the sensitive skin of his girlfriend with his breath. "Alright, alright, it looks like you will gibe at me with that joke till the end of time. I admit, I deserve that but… why do I get to deal with such a cute kid, after all?" He lovingly ran his fingers through the long golden tresses, enjoying their silky feeling, and kissed Usagi's forehead tenderly, making the girl smile with appreciation.

It was easier to tease him without having her heart breaking and twisting with anguish. Somehow, thinking about Haruka made that older pain gradually fade… that's why Usagi was so easygoing about Mamo-chan's former infidelity. Yeah… thinking of the handsome tomboy lately was much more painful somehow.

The phone rang again.

"Aren't you gonna answer it?" Usagi asked, finally noticing that her boyfriend didn't even bother to take the cell-phone out of his pocket. She was sure that it was his work demanding his attention again. As usual. So predictable.

But this time a part of her felt relieved that Mamoru had to go, because the princess wanted to be alone for a while, to curl into a ball and just… cry. Cry out everything that her heart held inside. All her longing, all her missing. Crying always helped her, always. It should help now just as well. Usagi hoped it would.

Mamoru groaned, fishing for his phone in his pocket, and took a quick look on its screen.

"My driver. Darn, I completely forgot about it!" the guy chuckled in amusement. "Here, you did it again, Odango, you made me forget about everything else again. Yeah, I know I have to go back but…" the guy paused and looked seriously at his girlfriend. "Usako, I don't want to leave you like this. You were so sad when I came in."

'Please go. Leave me alone… just for a while. I need a little more time alone. Please…'

Outwardly Usagi shook her head and grinned teasingly.

Acting, acting, acting. Lying, lying, lying. She hated it. Yet, she was growing used to it.

"I was sad, that's true, but you made me feel better now, Mamo-chan. Or… are you really going to skip your work and let your people down just because your silly girlfriend is moody today? Is that the future ruler of the kingdom I'm in love with?"

"Silly girlfriend, huh?" Mamoru raised his eyebrow accusingly. "You're my princess, Usako. That's what matters. If I can't take a good care of the one I love… how can I take care of the rest of the people?"

"Hey, I was just kidding. Don't take me so seriously, Mamo-chan!" Usagi let out her trademark giggle, touching his face with her hand for a second.

'But I do take you seriously. Don't try to mislead me by this joking around; I clearly see that sadness in your eyes. Let me in. Let me get you back again. Forgive me, Usako. Will you ever truly forgive me?'

The phone rang for the third time, making Mamoru cringe his face and reply to whoever it was.

"Yes, thank you. I'm coming already." He ended the call and looked at Usagi, who smiled at him understandingly. The prince's heart missed a beat at the sight of that beautiful tender smile of his Odango.

He took her hands in his and softly caressed their gentle skin with his thumbs, his eyes riveted on their hand's interlacing.

"Do you want to come with me, Usako?" his voice was quiet and serious, his midnight-blue eyes pierced her soul and filled it with warmth, making Usagi gasp in surprise.

"Me? Coming to your work, Mamo-chan? That sacred place that not a single stranger may trespass?" she joked but instantly cut if off, sensing that it wasn't the best moment for mocking. Instead, she squeezed his fingers and smiled warmly. "You have never invited me to come with you to your work before."

Mamoru nodded silently. They didn't need words to explain and understand why he never did.

"Thank you, honey, I appreciate your offer but I don't think it would be appropriate for me to go there now. I can understand your concern", she ruffled his hair a little, "but it's ok. I'll be fine on my own, I promise."

Mamoru got up from the bed and hesitantly looked at Usagi. She gave him a reassuring bright smile.

"Go already, silly. I will… take a nap while you're working. Or take a small walk in the park. The rain is almost over. Don't worry, honey, everything is really fine. Really."

She gracefully got up from their bed and kissed him on the lips. Her kiss was kind of absent-minded but, luckily, Mamoru was running out of time to have that observation fixed in mind. Grabbing the needed papers from the bedside table, the guy smiled at Usagi once more and hastily walked to the door.

The last thing he caught to see before walking out of the bedroom was the image of his dear girl gently smiling at the picture in the photo album. The picture where all of them were, everyone… but him.

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A/N: Hello everyone!

It feels great to post a new chapter again :) I love this feeling! And I hope you will like (or, rather, liked… counting that this AN is below the main text) this chapter *wide smile*

You know, after finishing this chapter and re-reading it the next morning I realized that there's no Haruka or Michiru in it. Yeah, surprisingly. I mean, there are some glimpses of them, mere references… but no interaction or their appearance. However, my intention for this chapter was to show exactly Usagi's feelings. At least, the way I see them *toothy grin* I hope it was sad enough… *evil Nury*

Another surprising thing was that Mamoru's part grew larger than it was meant in the beginning. Looks like that guy gets some flesh and even thinking now ;)) However, this story is still not about him. Not at all. He's more like a supportive character in this play :)

And also there was another funny thing that happened right after I finished working on this chapter. I re-watched the last episodes of the Season 5 of SM, and in the end, where the credits go, I saw a picture of Usagi and Outers (if someone has original Japanese episodes, you may check it out *grin*). Haruka holds Michiru there and also stands really close to Usagi. So, I guess, my version really could take place ;)) Anyway, it was nice to find some kind of 'reflection' of my thoughts in anime.

Okay, enough rambling on, on with the review replies! *performs a happy dance* Thank you, guys, for each and every one of them! You make my days so happy!

Reader458 – *hugs* Aww, no need to cry, my dear. I promised it'll be better, didn't I? ;) Well, maybe not in this chapter again… but only because it grew longer, you know that :) Otherwise, you would see that the whole thing changed and became a bit better already… for a while. Somehow :)) But I'm really touched that you took that chapter in so emotionally. Thank you, my friend! Oh, Haruka's ride and her call were probably my favest parts in that chapter, and I'm so happy that you enjoyed them. I'm very grateful to you for your kind appreciation! Hugs.

KinoAG – *grins, nods eagerly* Getting reviews is the best part! Thank you so much for leaving one of them! Do you love angst? I mean, part of your review sounds like you were glad to find it ;) Btw, U/M stands for Usagi/Mamoru or Usagi/Michiru? It's a bit confusing :) Besides, you know, the story may go different ways ;)) Thank you for reading and staying with my story and – once more – thanks for your review! It's so nice of you! Take care :)

alifetimeago – *giggles* Who said Usagi doesn't want to go back to Haruka and Michiru? *winks* Perhaps, she's a bit in denial so far but people can't read thoughts after all ;) She just took her time to sit and think about what to do next. But you probably know that after reading this chapter :) The times that three of them were together… well, I may assure you that there will be some more of that (but probably, mostly in flashbacks… we'll see); I hope it'll make you feel better somehow *wide smile*. As to how Usagi feels that Mamoru's cheating is her fault… well, you know, girls usually take on their shoulders more than they really can carry. At least, I hear such things from women all the time, like 'If I was better (thinner, smarter, younger, prettier etc.) he wouldn't have cheated on me' and so on, but I don't think it'd really help. Besides, Usagi has an amazingly pure heart (in canon, at least), and it's easy to admit that she could think that way, i.e. that everything is her fault (like she does it all the time in anime :)). Don't worry, there will be plenty of Haruka/Usagi in this story *grins* And as for Michiru… and Mamoru… well, I believe each of them will find their own happiness in the end, just as well. But before that, all of them should go through a little of heartbreak. Hmm, I guess so :) I just… love emotional stuff, you know, and I aim for bringing some of it into my own writing *grins* I'm very grateful to you for such a wonderful review! You really warmed my heart by sharing your opinion and also finding so many kind words for me and my writing, I appreciate it immensely! *bows* And yes, you are right, I think a lot about what and how to write, and where to take that story and our dear girls *smile* Thank you for mentioning it! I'm happy to learn that you didn't leave this fic after reading first chapters, and it means a lot to me to get such a friendly and heart-warming feedback from you! Thank you very much!

TruePrime – *ROFL* Wow, you're dangerous :)) Just kidding. Well, yeah, slapping Usagi for that would be probably a good idea. Especially now that she seems to be sooo blind and unaware of Haruka's feelings. Although, it's probably not what you expected to see in this chapter *grins* Soon, soon, we'll see what happens ;) Thank you for such a nice review :) To be honest, I was surprised when I saw you left it :) But it felt great, really :) I'm happy that you like this story. And I hope you'll update your story (about Yumi and Sei) soon too, I'm so eager to read it! Take care :)

petiyaka – *nods eagerly* yes, yes, exactly :)) Probably you could say Haruka felt that it wouldn't do any good to start the whole thing. Just kidding :)) But you're right, she still has Michiru… Hmmm, maybe we should try and see what happens if Haruka doesn't have her? *ponders* Hehe, I can be so evil sometimes. Poor, poor Haruka :) And Michiru, yes. Oh, and Usagi – too. And thank you very much for keeping in mind the details of the story :) It's… really flattering that you do, you know. You make me feel special *bows* Thank you! P.S. To tell you truth, I love Haruka most of all, so… but if I was to choose, yes, I would be satisfied with her alone, without having anyone else *grins* Do you like Michiru more? :)

batcat4eternity – Wow, I'm so happy you liked it that much! :)) Thank you, thank you! :) Well, now that you got to see the next chapter, you may see another bit of that 'twist' as you put it *wink* I hope you liked it. Although, there's still a lot to be solved between the senshi ;)) Thank you for your kind review! Take care :)

Baka Gaijin30 – Wow, what a review! *grins* Thank you so much, it was such a pleasure to read it! I hope your wedding went well? :)) Congratulations to a newly created family! :) I was so pleasantly surprised to see your review, to be honest. I mean, I thought that you would be too busy to even read, let alone comment, for a while :) So, before all, thank you! And your compliments about my prose… you made me blush with pleasure. It was very flattering to hear that because, to speak honestly, I spend a lot of time not only thinking about the plot and the characters for the story but also picking the words to describe what I want to present eventually. That's why your praise means very much to me *bows* I'm very grateful to you! But to be frank, I love your writing the way it is now, and also you capture personalities of the characters wonderfully :) Maybe women tend to use descriptions way more, due to their psychology, so probably that's why you may find more elegance there ;)) But what I love about your stories most of all… they are so real! I mean, everything sounds and looks like real life. It's so easy for me to imagine the situations and the talks happening, being exactly like how you wrote them to. I wish I could learn from you how to bring more realism into a story :) Because my imagination often carries me to a dreamland, but I do want my stories to look plausible, believable. That's my dream :) And that's what You do perfectly! As for your review… I'm still amazed at how accurately you grasp the situations, emotions and characters! You are right, Usagi really tries to do the right thing (as you may see in this chapter), but Haruka isn't someone who can be forgotten so easily. They both went far enough already, and there's no easy way back… so maybe they should go ahead then? *grins* Thank you once more for your wonderful words! I can't tell how much I appreciate your opinion :) And I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Take care :)

Lord James Ares – *ROFL* Oh, sorry, I couldn't help it, your last line was so hilarious! I imagined it so clearly: Haruka's moping and crying, and Usagi's sitting and enjoying some tasty ice-cream carelessly :)) Good joke! However, now you may see that Usagi was also affected by their parting (even if it was her to distance herself from the Outers… it doesn't help to ease her pain). So, they both are in the same boat now :) We'll see who makes the first move there :)) Thank you very much for your review. It amused me so much, I'm still smiling :) Take care!

Kuramo – *giggles* So nice to see you being so emotional ;)) Hi! Thank you very much for another awesome review which I loved and appreciated greatly! Okay, okay, I didn't mean to catch you in your words, just thought it was funny. But yes, I got that you still don't like Mamoru and probably never will. I hope that this guy didn't irritate you too much in this chapter, though *unsure* You know, it's amazing that I felt the same way (as you) about him while watching anime! (In manga I like him much more, especially counting that he's drawn so cute there, IMHO ;)) That's why I could never really understand why Usagi kept choosing him over other great guys (well, Seiya, for example… till the last episode I was hoping that Mamo won't be back, and Usagi will find comfort and love in Seiya's arms; besides, Fighter cares about her oh so much!) Oops, sorry, got sidetracked. No, of course I didn't think that you took that 'slap' scene as funny. But I liked that you explained your reaction so thoroughly. Thank you very much! It's so nice to talk to you! And I have to say that slaps are really helpful when one goes into hysterics (and that's why I put that moment into the story) :)) Believe me, it works, I know *wide grin* But it really hurts like hell, both physically and morally, especially when you don't expect someone dear to slap you :)) Oh, and you made me so curious!!! So, you really know where this story's going already? That's wonderful!!! Could you… ummm… PM me or something to share your idea? I just want to compare ideas :) But… it'll be really amazing if you guess right :)) Even though, there's nothing too mind-wrecking or unexpected, but still… I'm very, very interested *LOL* Well, I thought that if Haruka was to say that she's downstairs, it'd sound like she's pleading, being so desperate. It's like 'Please, please, just let me see you, only for a moment! I'm so needy and weak' So NOT Haruka. *ROFL* Okay, at least, that's how it looks to me. But I never saw Haruka like that. I mean, I take her as a very strong person, and, even if she is dying to see or talk to Usagi, she won't plead. Well… actually… okay, let's just say, not this time :)) (Besides, that'd be too easy and too soon for them to meet in this chapter, if I want some emotionality first, don't you think? *grins*) Probably, it sounds silly but I really see Haruka this way. However, I admit that if there is a person in the whole world that Haruka would ever plead (that is, giving away so much of her vulnerability that she's sure to hide and fight all the time)… that would be Michiru. *shrugs* Just my opinion :) Maybe, Haruka won't plead even for Michiru :) Moreover, there was another rule, like no showing their affection in public, so even if Usagi came downstairs, they would just look at each other, dying to touch, to hold, to kiss one another (hmm, actually, that'd be a good idea, a little bit more angst, ne? *chuckles* I wish you could tell me about it sooner ;)) but never daring. Well, don't mind me, that rule is about to be broken just like every rule they made in the beginning. You're so right about it :) As for the girls' sessions, oh I miss them too, you know *silly grin* But they will pop up here and there as mini- or not so mini-flashbacks, not only once :) Hopefully, you'll enjoy them :) Aww *blushes with pleasure* thank you for your sweet words! You make me feel so warm and touched inside! Well, to tell you truth, I think this story's gonna last a bit more (okay, not a 'bit', judging from the fashion my chapters grow as I write them and then split them because of their length), so… I believe you would get a lot of chances to write to me anything you want (I highly appreciate your opinion and your keen wit and acumen). I only hope that you won't get tired of doing that, in the first place *shy* But yes, probably I'll come up with more stories when I finish this one. Hmm, we'll see :) Yikes, I really should've PM'd you with all this, shouldn't I? Sorry, so long reply *shuffles feet* Wanted to tell you so much *grins* I hope you don't mind. Okay, I'll wrap it up here. Once more, HUGE thank you for your wonderful review(s) and take care!!! :) Hugs.

lostinhersong – Aww, you are so sweet, Jenn! Your review touched me so deeply. Honestly. No need to be sad, my dear friend, everything will be fine. They will all meet… in heaven. Someday, when they are 100 years old *innocent smile* Okay, sorry, couldn't help it. I just wanted to make you smile :) Well, of course Haruka is affected by Usagi's absence. But she's not the only one, as you may learn from this chapter. And the question is who will make the next step, and what step it will be. To tell you truth, I still feel sorry for Haruka *wry smile* I didn't give her too much pain by now, but even that amount of what she has to keep inside… makes me wanna give her a bit of happiness, to cheer her up. I thank you very much for your lovely review, I loved it, and I hope that you enjoyed this chapter as well. I tries to post it sooner than the former one *grins* Hope to hear from you again. Hugs :)

Rhinoa Lunar – Hi, Rhinoa, it's okay *hugs* Although, to tell you truth, I'm so touched that you care not only about leaving a review for this story but also about the timing for it :) I can't help it, I find it so sweet and heartwarming! Thank you, my dear friend! I'm grateful for your kind words, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Another 'storm' but on Usagi's part this time :)) Although, to be honest, Haruka's emotions affect me deeper somehow, probably because I admire her *grins* Thank you once more! It was great to hear from you :) Hugs!

Here we are. Another bit of story has revealed itself *wide smile* Thank you for staying with me and thank you for all the great feedback I get from you, guys. It makes the process of writing and sharing so fascinating!

Best wishes to you all,

Nury