This is the end to the Holiday series, at least for right now. I'll make the rest all seem to fit in with the idea, but hope you've enjoyed it so far.

65: Last Dance

Words: 450

Usagi scrubbed her face, looking the mirror to see the image from earlier gone. She looked at the white wash cloth in her hands, the remains of her previous look now left to blacks and pinks. She looked at herself in the mirror, seeing only the 14 year old that she was. The one that had been so painfully reminded just what she was.

She was about to strip out of the dress when her mother yelled, "Usagi, Mamoru-san is at the door."

She stopped, debating on whether or not to give him the time of day. But the plan had been to pretend that nothing had happened. So instead she walked down to the front door, not even bothering to put on her shoes.

She looked at Mamoru; the nervousness in his stance was obvious. She didn't know what would have made him anxious, but there he was, looking ready to faint. She thanked her mother, leaning against the door, "Hai Mamoru-san, are you okay?" She forced out, refusing to let herself be the fool.

He nodded, running a hand through his hair, "There was an attack, and I didn't see you get out of there. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

She nodded, "I got out of there just as it leapt through the window, I think."

He nodded back, his hands unable to find a place to rest. He finally took her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. "I'm sorry I didn't find you to wish you a Happy New Year." He said, pulling her out to the front yard. "Do you think we can still ring it in?" He asked, offering his other hand to her.

She looked a little puzzled, but when he put his hand on her waist, she knew his intent. "I had planned on sharing the last dance of the night with you, Usagi-chan. All good intentions…" He said, chuckling nervously.

She laughed, letting herself settle into his embrace as she rested her head on his chest. Although there was no music, the sounds of winter seemed to be all the tune they needed. She could forgive him, at least for now, for his innocent offer had been just the relief that she needed.

They might not be lovers, but at least they were friends. And Usagi liked that better then having him as an enemy.

With bare feet and an unpolished face, Usagi looked up to him and smiled, forgiving him for the moment, "Happy New Year, Mamoru-chan."

He chuckled, thinking she'd never looked lovelier then in that moment with her naked feet and beautiful face, and replied, "Happy New Year, Usagi-chan."