Fighting For Your Love

A/N: Hello everyone! Finally I'm back! Hopefully there are still people who wait for this story to continue… *shuffles feet* I deeply apologize for such a long absence. I'm really-really sorry!

But here's a new chapter, at least. Quite short, I admit, but as my good friend said it felt like a nice place to stop and cut the chapter. Although, as you may see from the title of the chapter it's only the first half. I hope I'll post the second half of the chapter faster than I updated last time :)

Well, I hope you'll like it and you'll see the situation more clearly.

Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon and never have.

Chapter 21. Betraying – Part 1

…

"Usako, I'm home!" A dark-haired man rushed into the apartment, wearing an unusually wide smile on his lips. "Usako! Odango, where are you?"

Checking the rooms one by one Mamoru was very surprised to not find his girlfriend anywhere.

But he got even more surprised when he found a note she had left for him.

The beautiful bouquet the man brought for his love slipped out of his hand little by little as he was reading the message.

…

"Welcome back home, Mamo-chan! =^_^=

I went to the Outers'. Michiru-san called me and invited to come over and study while she had some spare time between her rehearsals. I thought it was a good chance since you're supposed to come back very late tonight, so… I'm sorry to leave you alone today, but it's even for the better 'cause I will not pester you and demand for your attention when you're so tired, right, hehe? ^_^ Ah and I made a dinner for you. It came out lovely 'cause I did my best cooking for my honey.33 Rest well and I'll see you tomorrow.

Love,

Your Usako

P.S. I tried to reach you through phone but couldn't make it through. Is your phone alright?"

…

The dark-haired prince closely observed his phone in confusion. He used to be very accurate with his communication devices, so it'd be quite surprising if it got broken. He checked today's call lists. His love's name wasn't in any of them. Did she really call?

Mamoru sighed and tiredly wiped his face with his palms. He had no reason to doubt Usagi. It wasn't fair to her. She had always been the most naïve and innocent creature in the whole world and her heart was the purest. Right?

Yet, being gifted with an extremely sharp intuition, Mamoru couldn't get rid of the slightest tingle inside, telling him that something just wasn't in place.

For a second the man contemplated on how meaningless it was in the end that he hurried to get his job done for today just to come home earlier and spend the evening with the girl he loved. Lately he tried hard to be the man Usagi could rely on and love wholeheartedly, he tried really hard but sometimes she just wasn't there to see it.

He disheveled his black hair in frustration and groaned aloud.

"Usako…"

…

A bit later he got a hold of himself, put the flowers in water and brought the bouquet to the bedroom he shared with Usagi. She would see them there when she came back. Thinking of his love's bright smile and her shining eyes, Mamoru smiled unwittingly. His princess was enchanting, that's for sure.

His mood changed for the better, and the prince called his girlfriend to ask if she'd like him to pick her up in the morning.

He was charming and gallant. He was understanding.

But all he got from the moonlight princess were only evasive answers. He felt she didn't really want him to come to the Outers' but she couldn't tell him that straight.

Taking a deep breath and reminding himself to be patient, Mamoru asked Usagi to call him if one well-known racer couldn't give her a ride in the morning and, getting quite a happy response to that offer, ended the conversation.

…

He tried to occupy himself with reading. He tried to lose himself in watching TV. He tried to take a hot bath and stay there as long as he could. But time had no mercy on him; it was passing way too slowly. And a lonely night didn't look any appealing to him.

Mamoru used to spend his nights with his beloved Usako lately, and he truly enjoyed those moments he could hold her, could hear her breathing and watch her face or feel the warmth of her body next to him. Now that she was away again the prince realized how much he treasured and missed all that.

The dusk surrounded a tall figure on the bed, but the man didn't even stir to turn on the lights. His gaze stayed fixed on the flowers he brought for his love, as he remained still and silent, deep in his thoughts, for god knows how long.

*** Earlier that day ***

'What should I do? How should I act?' The beautiful princess stood at the main gates of the beach house, hesitating. 'How should I look in her eyes? She'd see everything there, she'd see through me… And Michiru-chan… how should I act with her? What if she finds out? Oh god, what should I do?'

The absence of Haruka didn't help her a bit. Usagi wished she could let the wind senshi decide for the both of them and take all the responsibility but the words Haruka said to her earlier kept going round and round in circles in her mind, not easing her anxiety a slightest bit.

…

"I will not say anything about what happened if you don't want me to. But if Michiru asks me straight… I won't lie to her, Koneko. I love you, and I don't want to play down my feelings. Besides, I am sure Michiru would understand."

…

"Argh, honestly…! She's not helping, that stubborn woman!" Usagi grumbled in a low voice but the corners of her lips went up, revealing a secret smile at the mere thought of Haruka.

Passing through the gates, the princess hovered a little before raising her hand and pulling the door open. For now, she decided to let it flow naturally. She'd handle the troubles when she faced them.

"I'm here! Hello, Michiru-chan, Haruka-c-chan!"

…

Michiru was the first to come out and greet the princess. Haruka didn't show up behind her and Usagi's heart clenched, as the girl thought they were back at where they started. Did the tomboy change her decision? Did something happen?

Even though the princess told herself that she should have trusted the wind senshi's love and sincerity more, it was easier said than done. What if what happened back there, in the bedroom, and in her apartment was just an impulse? It's Haruka for God's sake, she's such an unpredictable person! What if once Haruka came back to Michiru she realized that that girl was the one she needed for real?

'Jeez… after all this time… you're still unsure', her inner voice remarked sarcastically. 'Even I trust Haruka-chan more than you… me, who never really approved this crazy relationship. What's the meaning of your love if you're ready to give up so easily? And why? Just because that woman didn't dash headlong to meet you!'

Usagi had to admit it was right again. But her doubts and uncertainties from earlier came back with a vengeance, only getting tenfold stronger, and she was going through all the contradictory thoughts and feelings at once.

…

She was dying to see Haruka, and at the same time she was scared to death to face her right now.

She hated the thought of betraying and hurting the people she loved, had she chosen the road with Haruka; and her heart was about to shatter in pieces had she thought the racer would change her mind and they wouldn't follow that path.

Usagi was scared to open up completely and belong to Haruka but even more she feared the wind senshi wouldn't need that much from her.

She was afraid that the tomboy's affection and love would shine in her emerald eyes too brightly to remain unnoticed by the others but more than that the girl was dreading those feelings to not appear there at all.

…

Michiru embraced Usagi and led her to the living room, talking to her warmly and friendly as ever. The princess was thankful to the ocean senshi for her exclusive delicacy and affability. Deep gratitude flooded her from inside, and she heartily embraced the aqua-haired lady, taking the latter by surprise. Michiru leaned back a little and gently stroked the golden blonde's cheek with a smile.

Someone coughed politely, drawing their attention. The princess lifted her head and felt stunned. The woman standing at the staircase and watching them intently was breathtakingly gorgeous. Usagi blinked as if trying to break the spell. But it didn't help. Of course.

"Haruka-chan…" The golden blonde thought she screamed the name aloud but her voice resounded barely above a whisper. Her heart raced like crazy.

The bright teal eyes narrowed mockingly as if asking the girl about the scene that had taken place just now.

"Ruka, finally!" Michiru smiled and gestured the handsome tomboy to come down faster. "Come here and greet the princess."

"Your Majesty…" Coming down, Haruka bowed her head slowly, her eyes not leaving the sparkling sky-blue ponds that grew even bigger at such a formal address. "Nice to see you here."

"A-ah, yes… nice to see you… too, Haruka…chan." It felt as if Usagi willed herself to speak.

The ocean senshi furrowed her brows reproachfully. She noticed both Haruka's slight tension and Usagi's awkwardness and realized that she just couldn't deal with it any longer.

"Alright, ladies, I want you to listen to me carefully now. I have been watching you two during past few weeks and I know that the present situation is hard for each of you, each of us even. I cannot stand aside and watch you two ruining the relationship that was meant to become relaxation for all the parties involved. So I suggest you to talk to each other, here and now", the marine-blue eyes shone softly as Michiru looked at her beloved racer. "No more running away, Haruka. It's about time you and Usagi-chan talk openly. If there is still a way for us to go on with the relationship we once started, let us do that. But if there is not… if one of you feels she cannot continue with this… well, let us stop it then. This was the agreement, after all. This or that, but I cannot stand a thought you would drift apart like this, without a chance to speak and explain yourselves. Now, talk to each other."

With this Michiru left the room, thinking about if she did the right thing, letting the stubborn blondes decide the outcome of the relations she, to be honest, grew to enjoy very much. Somehow it just felt right to have the young princess around, to spend the time with her, to help her… let alone having other, even more pleasant activities they used to share with or without Haruka around.

The sea goddess shook her head, trying to get rid of these ideas. Right now it definitely wasn't a proper time for them.

'I only wish they could make a right choice…'

…

The silence could have gotten awkward if not for the radiance of the most beautiful emerald eyes Usagi had ever seen. Her heart was yearning to reach Haruka's and stay beside it forever. The 'I love you so much' was dancing on the tip of her tongue. Yet the princess remained silent. Watching the woman she loved carefully. Waiting for her to do the first step.

And Haruka did it. Simply, as it was the most natural thing in the world, she stepped closer and, cupping the smaller girl's face with her hands, gently kissed Usagi on the tip of her nose. And then she smiled.

"I have been waiting for you, Koneko. All this time."

For a moment Usagi wondered how silly she was if such simple words and that simple lovely smile of Haruka made her want to cry.

…

It was just a simple embrace, just a tight link of two bodies but none of them cared. They both felt back home. Again. Finally. They've met to not part anymore.

Time would show where this road takes them to but right now Haruka and Usagi were in the arms of each other and there was nothing else they needed. Neither loud words, nor flowery confessions or heated kisses… the warmth and softness of the bodies pressed together were just fine.

None of them heard when another graceful woman entered the room. None of them stirred when two gentle arms embraced them too, as if completing the magic circle. This was how it was supposed to be. This was the bond nothing could break.

Or… was it?

…

"I think it is time to have some tea." Michiru was about to get up and go to the kitchen to start preparing tea when the young princess sprang to her feet and smiled brightly.

"Ah, let me take care of that, Michiru-chan! You must be tired after making this delicious dinner."

The sea goddess was slightly taken aback by Usagi's eagerness but only smiled and thanked her warmly.

…

'Ok, this was smart again… Would you stop acting like a fool already?' Walking to the kitchen, the golden blonde reproached herself inwardly. But the situation was getting really ridiculous, and she could barely do anything about it.

After that silent and touching moment of the reunion of the three no matter what Michiru did or said, there was Usagi to help her, to support her, to appear beside her… 'Argh, to hell with it, I have no idea what I'm trying to prove…' Usagi shook her head tiredly. Why was she acting like that? As if the ocean senshi couldn't do without her unnecessary help and readiness. 'As if I am a puppy begging for her love…' The princess thought in irritation.

She probably looked weird. Not staying too close to Haruka since the moment the three of them smiled at each other and decided to go make a dinner to celebrate. Why, damn it, Usagi couldn't even bring herself to look the wind senshi straight in the eyes! Yes, this was getting ridiculous, indeed. The princess groaned in exasperation. She must somehow let Haruka know that it was her Usagi loved for real. The question was just how to do that.

…

"I'll help our princess with the dishes", the sandy blonde pecked Michiru on the cheek and, getting up, quickly headed to the counter. "Don't want to get any of your favorite tea sets shattered in pieces." She joked.

Michiru only smiled in approval. The girls seemed to get along well again.

Haruka passed by the busy princess and grabbed the cups and saucers from a shelf above her. As if by accident, she traced Usagi's spine with her finger and noticed the bright blush on the girl's cheeks. The tomboy inwardly chuckled and teasingly remarked, not even looking at the golden blonde as if it wasn't her she spoke to, "You're trying too hard, Ko-ne-ko-chan. I see right through you."

Pulling the utensils out of the drawer, Haruka walked to the door, secretly enjoying a half-embarrassed, half-huffing appearance of the princess. Pausing before walking out of the room, she playfully added, "Of course, unless it is Michiru you love the most now. Then your attitude is only natural." And with a shamelessly huge grin she left the kitchen, successfully escaping the dagger looks Usagi would have given her for sure had she stayed any longer.

"Ah, life is beautiful." Haruka chuckled to herself. Teasing the princess now amused her even more than before because she knew – appeasing the fuming golden-haired beauty would be something she'd have to do in the end of the day as well as something she would love to do. She was looking forward to it. Definitely.

…

The cake was finished, the talks slowed down, and after another furtive yawn of the young princess her older friends finally announced it was time to go to bed. One by one the lights of the beach house went out and the silence fell upon the peaceful place.

Lying beside Michiru, Haruka couldn't help but think of another girl who, she was sure of it, wasn't asleep now. Another pair of beautiful blue eyes was on her mind.

The sandy blonde inwardly scolded and reproached herself for such shameful thoughts but it didn't help, and as soon as Michiru was overcome by sleep, the tomboy was gone, leaving her lover with only a crumpled pillow.

…

The murmur of the opening door made the young princess turn in her bed and look at the comer, her eyes sparkling brightly at the recognition.

The tall blonde leaned at the doorframe, her lips curving in a familiar sexy grin.

"Thought you wouldn't be able to sleep without a goodnight kiss." Her low voice was pleasantly husky.

Usagi smiled, her arms opening wide. "And I thought you wouldn't come."

Haruka grinned wider and, crossing the room, hugged the princess. "Silly… How could I stay away?"

…

A/N: Hmm… not much to say :) In the second part of the chapter you'll get to see more of Michiru's emotions, and more of Haruka/Usagi time, of course, too :) And I REALLY apologize for such a long wait. Real life, you know…

Aaand the review replies! I'm so grateful to you all!

petiyaka – *smiles happily* Thank you! It's great to be back! (Well, I can't say when I'll post another chapter but I hope it will be sooner than last time J) You know, when I first read your review, I was like 'Huh? Have you got my file with sketches?' *laughs* I couldn't help it, it felt like you, in some unexplainable and unbelievable way, really knew what the story was going to be about and what the feelings of each character would be like :) I… am really impressed and somewhat astonished. You are incredible! :) And you were right about one more thing. Yes, I guess it's really me who postpones the confrontation between the characters *sighs* I just… love writing the romantic scenes lately, so it's my desire to make the girls happy :)) I only need to figure a way to do that for all of them… if there is such a way at all *grins* And thank you for saying the kind words about Mamoru as well. I don't know why but I felt warm when you wrote he was a good guy, after all. P.S. And I have to say you are so quick to read and review it's amazing! And very heartwarming, you know. Thank you really much for your attention!

Reader458 – True, true! I'm still waiting for your new chapter but I guess you won't post it until everything is ready for the winter, huh? And then there's your new job… Ah dear, please, don't drop your story, please? *wide smile* I love your story and I love writing with you! Thank you for always staying with me (another half of an year, huh? We have a longer story together now, I guess :-p) *bows* Thank you for your kind words. Have to confess I haven't experienced a hangover myself but I heard a lot about it from my friends, so I'm glad you found this part of the story believable ;)) Ah and of course, always the wind… I really adore Haruka's essence, and I'm so flattered that you found this little hint too :) What can I say, you really know me well ;)) And for that I'm very grateful to you as well! Take care and good luck to you! P.S. Well… almost 6 months… now I really hope our muses are back. Seriously, it's about time they did! *lol*

batcat4eternity – Awww, I can see you like Haruka probably just as much as I do, is that right? ;)) I just like her very much, and it's so great that you feel her attractiveness too :) I really like how you said it, she IS delicious ;))) Sheesh, it's amazing how you feel Usagi's and Haruka's closeness when they interact! So strongly, huh? It's amazing! And I looove how you saw the meaning behind even little gestures, phrases… it's true, I'm trying to convey Haruka's love through her actions but as it's known Haruka isn't a damsel, she's unpredictable and uncontrollable, and I personally like to write how such a strong person becomes softer, gentler that she usually is, I even like the idea that she may be needy when she's in love… and that's why I try to show how much every Haruka's action means. So thank you for finding it, seeing it and feeling it! It is very important for me! You made me so happy with your words! As for the fights… hehe, you'll see… *huge grin* Oh, maybe they will solve the problem as grown up people, you know? *smirks* We'll see. Thank you very-very much for staying with the story and thank you for your lovely reviews! Take care ;))

Unlove You – Heh, time flies :)) Now it's autumn here which means you've got spring and you're on the way to summer. I'm very glad the chapter looked playful, at least in the beginning *wide grin* As I mentioned, I just couldn't let it pass by, such a moment *lol* And you're absolutely right (again, may I say?;)) – Haruka and Usagi don't have a way back anymore. And they won't be able to hide their feelings for too long, perhaps. So… we'll see how 'two certain people' will react to that, right? :) Always great to hear from you! Have a great day :)

t. – Hi! It's been a while since I heard from you :) It's a pleasure to see you again. And yes, of course, I remember your nice reviews (and for 'Mysterious Greys' too), and your deep attraction to Haruka/Michiru pairing shining brightly through them ;) And… I know I've said that before but your words tend to make me feel all so warm and flattered. That is, knowing you actually can't stand the idea of Haruka being with someone else… yet saying you like this fic and giving it such a high opinion… THAT speaks a lot to me! If I could I'd ask you to give the story a chance before quitting reading it because there are still not only Haruka/Usagi moments but also Haruka/Michiru ones (and I plan to make even more of them in the future, at least, for a while) but of course it's up to you :) Anyhow, thank you very much for making my day with your lovely (and amusing) review! Take care :)

KinoAG – *wide smile* I'm s glad you found it sweet and silly ;)) I wanted to give the girls a small break and let them have their moment of peace. After all, they went through a lot to deserve it. But still, it's only the beginning, so… Thank you for your kind review! Best wishes :)

debora diskey – Hahaha, I bet she would be! I wouldn't mind to see her in that state (only without that dark and cruel side of hers ;)) I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the chapter. Thank you very much for leaving me a review! It's always very nice :)) Take care.

Lilly Akame – Aww, thank you very much for such a lovely review! Honestly, you shouldn't be sorry ;)) It's just a real pleasure to get reviews, so I thank you for leaving me your kind comments! To be honest, I'm also happy to write about Haruka and Usagi together, somehow it makes me feel almost what they feel :)) Ah so you found the start quite sad? Well, it was meant to be that way (to excuse the birth of the love triangle, so to speak *sly grin* Just kidding… maybe ;)), and I'm really happy you liked it anyway! Here, I'm updating :) And I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the story just as well. Best wishes to you :)

Sovereign Aurora - *huge grin* Ahh, I liked your review so much :) You made me smile as I read it. So you liked this story that much, huh? ;))) I'm happy to say it isn't over yet then, and it is quite far from being over still. And of course I thank you for your lovely comments! And as to your guesses… well, I have to admit you were more or less close to the original idea of the story ;) You really surprised me. And Mamoru… well, in this chapter you already may see how he feels. Let's just say that loving doesn't always bring only pleasure and delight. Someone might get hurt, you're right at that. I'm very grateful for your great review and I wish you all the best ;)

alifetimeago – Hello, my most devoted reader! *wide grin* Sorry, just couldn't help it, I just loved how you wrote it in your wonderful review :) I'm so grateful to you for sending me so much affection and support and approval all the time I just can't thank you enough ;) Thank you for your attention and for your cheering, your words always inspire me and make me want to write better! *warm smile* Yeeees, they finally confessed to each other, and now they have no way back ;) I'm happy to hear you found this chapter that sweet and loving ;) I really wanted to write something light and full of gentle emotions, to let the girls take a break and simply enjoy each other. For now, my plan is to give them some happiness, but I'm afraid it won't be that easy for Mamoru and Michiru. You already may see Mamoru's feelings, and in the next chapter (the second half of this one) you'll get to see more of Michiru's emotions. And I really-really love your reviews, thank you sooooo much for them! Hopefully you'll keep liking the story, and I'll do my best to post it more often ;))) Take care and have a great day!

Lord James Ares – Hello! :) So great to hear from you! You know what amazes me every time I read your reviews? It's how succinct and true to the story they are. You manage to grab the meaning and the air of the scene in just a couple of words and show it clearly :) I like it so much! I wish I could do that too :) Honestly, my story would only benefit from that (let alone it would probably become threefold shorter ;))) You are right… there is a storm coming, but you really amaze me with your astuteness, because there's a long way to go there and yet you already could feel it… wow! (Or my story is that predictable *lol* I don't mind that either). *grins* well, at least, you're not telling me what the result of the storm would be… ;)) I hope you'll stay with this story and I'm very thankful to you for your wonderful reviews! The best wishes to you :))

jtwsnw20 – *happy smile* Aww, I'm so glad you like this story so much! Thank you for your kind words :) Well, technically, it is still a threesome, although it's becoming a bit more than that as time goes, but we'll see how it all turns out :) Oh and I'm really happy you liked… umm, sex interactions ;) I still can't write smut but I try my best to convey the sensuality and sexuality of the girls the way I see it. So it's very flattering for me that you found them to your liking! ;))) Once more thank you and I hope you'll like this chapter as well :) Take care

MichelleKaioh – *bows gratefully* Thank you so very much for such a high appreciation! This is really flattering :)) Thank you! I hope you will like the rest of the story as well ;) Have a great day

Zan Li Tendo – *giggles* It happened to me too, I meant to be working but couldn't tear myself away from this or that fanfiction ;)) Never thought that someone would be so into reading my own fic. Thank you very-very much for your compliments! I'm happy you loved this story, and no worries, I'm not dropping it until it's finished properly ;)) But I also hope that it'll take less time to update from now on :) The update is at your service ;)) I hope you like it too. Best wishes :)

I guess this is all for now. Thank you all for your attention. Love you, people!

Take care,

Nury