Author note: Hey guys! Just wanted to thank everyone who has read or reviewed (or both!) You're all amazing! I started writing this story about 5 years ago and it was only in August I decided to publish. Knowing you all read and review gives me a little nudge to continue writing as I have great joy knowing I want to finish this. (I even have ideas for an eventual ending!) This is my first fanfiction, but I've been writing for years. Your support has been invaluable and I really appreciate reviews. I respond to everyone who has been reviewing and I'm excited to see more. Do leave any comments about things that excite you, what you don't like and just general comments about the storyline or even the characters! Please stay tuned for more! xo

Chapter 33

Oh no. No no no no no no no. This can't be happening. It really can't. Is he crazy?

Mamoru was driving along the road at a steady pace, humming to the radio. He had finally given in half way through the journey what he was planning to do for their date. Honestly, he wasn't sure why he'd chosen this place but he knew that by the end of the evening, Usagi would have enjoyed herself immensely. Or at least he hoped.

Usagi was fidgeting in her seat, staring out of the window, occasionally shooting him annoyed glares. By this time, Mamoru was shuffling in his chair in time to the beat of the music blasting out of his stereo. He glanced her way and grinned. It was clear she hadn't expected anything like this. Her long golden tresses were out of her customary odangos and were streaming down her back. As she was currently sitting, her hair was pooled around her on her chair. He was glad he'd considered this possibility.

Sometime later, they arrived at their destination and got out of the car. Or at least, Mamoru did. He walked around the front of his car and opened Usagi's door. He leaned over her current form that had arms tightly folded across her chest, unmoving, and unclipped her seatbelt. He then took her hands and coaxed her out of the car. She was resistant but he shot her pleading smiles. She eventually gave in and followed him inside.

He had arranged for someone to help Usagi while he disappeared to get ready. She reluctantly followed her aide and was talked through everything she needed to know. Then, she was helped with getting ready herself before being guided out to meet Mamoru. He came towards her with ease and turned her around. This confused her until she realised what he was doing. He took up her long locks and skilfully twisted it round on the top of her head so that her hair fell like a waterfall over a beautiful clip covered in intricate red roses. He turned her round to face him and nodded.

"Beautiful," he smiled and stroked his index finger from her temple down to her chin. He took up her hand in his own and persuaded her to follow him.

Usagi sighed and put up some resistance with more force now than since she found out that this is where they were going. "Mamoru-chan, I don't know. This is a really bad idea!" Usagi looked horrified as she looked what lay in wait behind Mamoru.

He rolled his eyes and scooped her up bridal style and walked to the edge of what she was afraid of. By this point, she was clinging on to his shirt, oozing out her unwillingness to do this. He placed her down on a chair that over looked the area and crouched down in front of her.

"Usagi-chan, do you trust me?" He gazed into her cerulean blues intensely but patiently.

She considered him for a few moments. "Fine," she said. He got up and held out his hand. She took it and stood. They came forward and he stepped onto what she was hoping she'd never have to experience. The ice rink. He turned slightly and flashed her an encouraging smile and squeezed her hand. She took a deep breath and placed her skate onto the ice. Instantly stiffening her legs, she slipped and fell into Mamoru's arms. She felt him chuckle through his coat. He helped right her and shook his head. "Please, don't let me fall."

He cocked his head to the side slightly and put his arm around her shoulders. "Never."

Makoto was in her kitchen making strawberry cheesecake. She was whisking away the ingredients with expert ease when she felt a pair of arms encircle her waist and a pair of lips make a strong contact with her cheek. She jumped, not expecting this and turned to find Nephrite staring into her baking bowl. He looked a little perplexed and raised his eyebrows at her.

"Baking again?" he questioned.

"Well spotted, Captain Obvious." Makoto rolled her eyes and gave him a peck on the cheek in return. "I wasn't expecting you. What are you doing here?"

"Did I forget to make an appointment?"

"Ha-ha, very funny!"

He squeezed her waist gently, making her yelp and the icing sugar she was holding was thrown into the air and landed over them both. He reflexively stepped back, shocked by this unexpected turn of events and her hands were thrown over her mouth. She tried so hard not to laugh but they were covered.

"You look like Kunzite," she snorted.

He looked up at her after dusting sugar off his jeans and his mouth dropped open. "Kunzite?!" He looked appalled.

She started to laugh at his expression and grabbed a towel to stem the tears from making icing on her face. "Gomen, it's just what with the hair and the white icing… you look so alike!"

He made a growl in his throat and leaped forward to grab a nearby towel, which was conveniently larger than he expected. He twisted it round and threw it around Makoto's waist and pulled her towards him. He whispered into her ear and she giggled, blushing. Then, he claimed her lips as his own.

Mamoru grimaced. Usagi was holding onto the side of the ice rink, taking slow, deep breaths. This hasn't gone as smoothly as he had hoped. He skated smoothly over to her and leaned against the wall that separated the ice from the floor. He shot her a half-smile and rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.

"It's okay, Usagi-chan. Everyone falls!" He tried in vain to help her feel better.

"You said you wouldn't let me fall," she pointed out sadly.

"You were going too fast!" Mamoru defended. "Honestly, you were doing really well," he added as an afterthought.

Usagi turned to him, surprised. "Really? It felt a little out of control to me…"

"Gomen, Usagi-chan. Please, let me help you. We just need to work on your technique."

"I'm not going back out there!" Usagi looked horrified.

"I promise, I will not let you go," Mamoru said sincerely. "We can work on your control, go slow." He smiled gently.

Usagi half-smiled. She liked the idea of slow. She was convinced a bruise was swelling up her leg, right now. She took up his hand and nodded. He adjusted her scarf wrapped around her neck and tucked a stray few strands of hair behind her ear. Even though she felt apprehensive about being out on the ice again, and falling, he gave her confidence.

"I'll hold tight," Mamoru promised. He pulled on her hand firmly and pulled her out onto the ice. She wobbled but he held on tighter. He looked down at her feet and shook his head. "No. When you want to slow down to gain some control, point your feet in… like this," he demonstrated for her.

She bit her lip and did as he told her. She started to skate, still with a wobble, but she felt Mamoru's grip on her. They continued to practice for a while until Usagi stopped wobbling in fear. Her confidence grew and she hadn't noticed that Mamoru's grip had loosened and she was skating by herself without his assistance. He stayed close and he was prepared in case she needed him, but she didn't anymore. She felt like she was skating on air now.

She spun around as she felt Mamoru's presence disappear. She scanned the rink, only to find him flying across the ice at an agile speed. Her mouth dropped open and then grinned. She made a mental note to remember everything Mamoru taught her so that she wouldn't lose control. She took a deep breath and put some force behind her skates and sped up. In no time, she had caught up to him and poked him on the shoulder furthest from her as she passed him. He looked behind him, only to realise a moment later that he had looked the wrong way and noticed Usagi sailing past him laughing. He grinned and took off after her.

She suddenly had the urge to pirouette in the air as she took a leap in the air to move away faster. She was successful but she still needed to land without landing painfully. As she descended towards the ice, she found herself suddenly swept up into the air again, only to find Mamoru had skated past and took her with him. After the initial shock, she blushed and smiled.

"You caught me," she stated.

"Told you I would," his eyes glistened.

He spun around and placed her carefully on the ice. He placed his hands on either side of her waist from behind and nudged her forward. She started to skate and he went at her pace. She was aware of nothing else but his hands resting on her body. Even through her coat, she could feel the heat from them. She was so completely aware.

Seiya was driving through the Juban streets, which were desolate now in the evening. Subconsciously, he was tapping against his dashboard in time to the music. He was still unsure what he wanted to do for his solo. He heaved a sigh. He needed air. He pulled over, grabbed his guitar from the back seat and walked towards the Juban park, which he had conveniently stopped near to. He walked in and found that the fog had started to roll in. Perfect. This was the atmosphere he needed.

He walked deeper into the park and stopped at a bench which was situated away from the lake, but further back, in front of a well-trimmed hedge. Little did he know a bench was just the other side of this hedge. He sat down and started to strum on his guitar, just getting a feel for his instrument. He needed to create a mood. As he stared out over the park, deep in thought, the sound of laughter broke him out of his reverie.

He looked in the direction of the interruption and saw an unmistakable mane of golden hair. He would know it anywhere. It was Usagi, but she wasn't alone. She was walking with an ice cream cone clasped in one hand, as the other was currently linked with her taller company. He felt disheartened to recognise that it was Mamoru. He got up and pathetically, walked round to the other side of the hedge, out of sight.

"Arigatou, Mamoru-chan," Usagi chirped. "It was amazing to get over my fear of ice!"

Mamoru laughed. "And yet, you still wanted ice cream," he teased.

"You know me too well!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Usagi-chan." Seiya could hear the sincerity in his voice. It made him feel ill. They were just passing the hedge that Seiya was huddled behind.

Usagi blushed. "I enjoyed your company." She shot him a shy smile.

Mamoru unlinked their arms and put his around her shoulders and squeezed her into him. "I told you, Usa-chan. You're not going to get hurt."

Usa-chan. That was his name for her! Seiya watched on as they walked deeper into the park together, smiling and laughing.

He had inspiration for his song, after all.