Author's Note:
I can't begin to describe how much I'm thankful that you, my old readers, have remained faithful to the story since I've submitted it.
It's been years. And I've had so many excuses in the past. And I still do now.
However, it doesn't remove the fact that the story is unfinished.
And as it is said, for every beginning, there is an ending.
It's been so much fun!
I'm sorry I don't reply to each of your comments, but be safely assured that I read and remember the thoughts of each one of them, and every time I feel like giving up on my fanfiction-writing, I remember you, my dear readers, and the promise I made, especially for these characters we've grown so very fond of. It's not mine, first and foremost. It's Naoko Takeuchi's. But I'm grateful for this website for giving us the opportunity to play with our imagination, practice our writing skills, have this wonderful set-up where people can exchange thoughts and help each other improve their crafts.
I know this message kind of sounds like a farewell. Because it is!—In a 'pre-bye bye' kind of way. ; D
But this is good, too, you know! Because it let's us know that this iS a story, with a start and a finish, and I am holding up to my task and to my excitement to give justice to Racing With Love's ending.
Most of all, I want every reader to feel fulfilled with this simple story. I guess this is my way of saying to the world that I once wrote, even if the plot and characters were borrowed. At least I was able to capture an idea and see how they live in it, breathe in it, and help us understand how they try to live up with their stories, even for a short period of time. It's been really a-mazing for me! And I hope, also for you!
: ) So, thank you.
RWL will reach its end, and hopefully bring a good story to everyone.
A story's not a story until it's complete. At least for me : )
So, dear readers, thank you for journeying with me, with these characters, this plotline, and, I hope you will enjoy incoming chapters, and do find satisfaction from them : ) I hope! : )
TO LOVE! And FRIENDSHIP! I know Sailormoon is big on this! And wants the very same! For all of us! : ) Cheers to Romance! To Writers! To Readers! And All that inspires us. : )
Arigato. Enjoy!
**Reminder, last 'chapter' was not a chapter at all. It was but a Preview of this one. The short content found in 'Preview of Chapter 50' is to be found somewhere in this new installment.
Chapter 50 : Kindle
Maybe walking in the rain wasn't such a good idea.
Of course, realizing that after walking out on an impromptu-date (which also happened to be—supposed to be—Usagi's ride home) wasn't so useful anymore.
And as she predicted, a short outfit with high heels didn't make the situation easier.
Holding over ther shawl across her arms, Usagi fretted about getting home. With her small bag that contained an unsure amount of cash that could pay for her cab ride, Usagi doubted if she'll get through this evening without getting exhausted.
Then again by now, coming out of that conversation with the almighty Haruka since the moment she saw her again, spent all of her energy.
Usagi was tired. She was fighting back the tears, and rubbing warmth on her shoulders. She wished Mamoru hadn't had the meeting. She could easily call him right now, tell him to send her a cab, or pick her up himself.
But she knew she didn't want that. She knew that finding Mamoru was just a quick escape from facing Haruka. Seeing his face, simply to affirm that her decision of being with him was the right choice.
And part of the choice was letting him be. Business is business, and to think he'd been so clingy for quite a while, it would be great to let him have a decent old man's conversation. Besides, it's for the future of the company. It will be her family, too. Might as well get used to the idea.
But right now, the oversimplified future wasn't very helpful to her literal coldness. The cold breeze of the night rain touched her skin, and shivers ran down her body.
"Any moment now…" Usagi closed her eyes, referring to her almost-swelling eyes. She swallowed what was supposed to be a sob, and as she took in another breath.
A shout of laughter from behind echoed.
She turned around, and a group of men were idly standing behind her, waiting for the valet.
Those faces were familiar. They seemed to have come out from the same restaurant. Clad in ties and blazers, they were a group of massive, tall men who represented Japan in football.
One of them happened to be a former acquaintance.
"Usagi?" Or, still is.
Usagi's eyes popped wide-open and her jaw dropped. Her brows came up and she tried to look away.
She couldn't move farther since the extended roof of the establishment couldn't cover her from the rain any longer.
"Usagi Tsukino," one of them repeated.
He bid his goodbye to his friends and left them as they were. He came close to Usagi, removed his dinner jacket and placed it on top of her shoulders.
"Something tells me you're not having a good night…"
Usagi fought back the tears, and the embarrassment that came along with it.
She accepted the jacket, held it close to her shoulders and continued to keep quiet.
They were a good distance from everyone who stayed outside of the restaurant. Some were quietly smoking in the rain, others enjoying the company of a circle of friends.
And for this sudden twosome, an isolated conversation near the rain was to be their position.
She swallowed again, this time determined to clear the heavy air around her.
"What are you doing back in Japan?"
"It's home. Why not?"
Looking at him, Seiya Lights can break any woman's heart. Standing more than six feet tall, bearing the same massive chest like his teammates, not to mention those long lean arms, Usagi's heart skipped a beat as her instinct sought for body-warmth.
What was wrong with her? It's the vodka to blame! She was a little tipsy—and a little upset. She wanted comfort right now, which was why Mamoru was the best suggestion.
But if she was going to be stubborn about her commitment to respect his space, then that suggestion could throw itself in the trash.
Then on with an interesting one,
"I guess…" Usagi looked at him from head to toe, somehow discriminating how much he's changed.
How can anyone grow bigger and leaner, and stay as equally handsome?
He finally cut his hair short. That should help him see better in his games. His eyes were darker than before. Like something about him intensified that Usagi couldn't point out. His face was more chiseled, probably because of his training. He looked rougher, edgier, and kind of…
Mature?
"What are you looking at?" he smiled.
"You changed."
His smile broadened. "That bad?"
"On the contrary." Usagi rolled her eyes, disbelieved she was paying him a complement.
The rain kept on, and the chatter-boxes from behind was still unperturbed. Usagi could smell the tobacco and the surprising, relaxing effect of second-hand smoke.
Cigarette, a bit of alcohol and rain made Usagi melodramatic.
And to have a thick, warm jacket over her shoulders, and a great big man looming beside her made her feel unexpectedly, safe.
"So you're marrying your boy-toy." He suddenly chided.
"He's not a toy. And how did you know?" Usagi smirked, suddenly sharing in the light banter.
"Well Chiba Motors entering the F1 industry isn't exactly a secret. And the pending nuptials of the only heir to the company isn't exactly low-profile either." He added.
"Ah."
"—Ah." He agreed. "But I'm thinking, a fiancée as gorgeous and exquisite as you, must be very disappointed to be standing in the rain at this unfavorable hour."
"You're thinking is very good."
"So they say." He quipped, "And if I may add, I'm thinking I should drop this lovely lady home so she could rest and have a good night's sleep, even if dinner didn't turn out so good."
The heavens have mercy. Not on Usagi, but on the once childish man she knew. No longer was Seiya Lights interested in the lightness of all moments— he actually genuinely cared.
"Very good indeed…" Usagi whispered, blinking in disbelief.
(to be continued…)
