Since we're stuck in a nationwide quarantine and I've been re-watching Sailor Moon on Hulu, I came up with this one-shot. It may not sound like junior high Usagi, but it's what I think Usagi would sound like as she approaches her young adult/college years.

Enjoy.

Living in the Eye of the Storm

AC Hart

It's always comforting to have one night where you feel like everything is as it should be… even if it's not.

The Sailor Guardians and I have been training around the clock but as much as I love being with my girls daily, there's nothing more comforting than being with family. The first few days of Spring have been gorgeous; the sun has been shining, the birds have been singing, and the flowers have been in full bloom.

It's magical.

Mamo and I spent the entire day with Chibi Usa, spending most of the afternoon at the park, getting ice cream in the Juban District, and ending the day with dinner and a movie back at Mamo's apartment. Chibi Usa fell asleep halfway through, so Mamo paused the movie to go lay her down inside. It fills my heart to see how much he absolutely adores her… and as annoying as she can be, my life wouldn't be the same without her.

Unfortunately, being in the wake of a new enemy makes everything so complicated; life has turned upside down and backward. Sending Chibi Usa back to future Crystal Tokyo wouldn't be the smartest thing to do right now, as it could cause the enemy to seep into the vortex of space and time and wreak havoc on the future crystal palace. Before all this, there had been a time of peace, where the Sailor Guardians could finally retire our uniforms and live among others as regular, everyday girls, studying for college entrance exams and preparing for the future ahead.

Yes, you heard me right; I, Usagi Tsukino, have been studying for my college entrance exams… and it hasn't been the easiest thing to do. I mean, I still love manga's and video games, but if I plan to run 30th Century Tokyo someday, I guess I better prepare… no time like the present, right?

As I peek into Mamo's room, I see him gently tucking Chibi Usa under the covers, and a smile lightly creeps up on my lips.

My Mamo.

I move over toward the coffee table and pick up the empty cartons of pork fried rice and steamed dumplings, throwing them into the garbage as I cross over to the kitchenette to set up some tea. Thousands of thoughts cycle through my mind as I pull a set of cups from the cupboard – What if we can't stop this enemy? What if we do, but our loved ones get hurt or die in the process? What if tonight is the last night of peace any of us will ever see? What if –

"Usako," The melody of his voice stops my thoughts in their tracks. I feel his arms wrap tightly around me; his chin nestled on my shoulder. "I know you're scared, but I promise that I'll do whatever it takes to protect you and Chibi Usa." There's a comfort in his tone, but promises aren't something that we can guarantee right now.

"Mamo," I whisper. "It's been so long since our last battle…" I feel the welling of tears in my eyes and my voice begins to shake. "What if we're not strong enough?" I ask as I turn to meet his gaze; his eyes filled with uncertainty.

"You're talking crazy, Usako," he brushes off my fear. "We can and we will." I feel his lips press lightly against my forehead just as the tea kettle begins to whistle. He's so determined and sure… I wish I could be too.

I turn my attention back to the stove, shutting the burner off and pouring a cup for each of us, dropping tea bags in each cup. Mamo grabs the table tray, placing our tea and some Matcha cookies on it, proceeding back to the couch.

We settle in, cuddling closely. I can feel the beat of his heart when I lay my head against his chest, it's soothing to the anxieties I feel within mine. "I understand your fears, Usako," Mamoru says softly. "But the Guardians have been training well, as have you," he reminds me. "You need not worry."

I sigh as he hands me my cup of tea and we settle back into our movie; his arm wrapped around me and a blanket draped across us. Mamo resumes the movie as we fall back into our false sense of peace. We may only have this moment, we may only have tonight, so I'll cherish it for all that it's worth.

I pray that it won't be our last.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to drop a review; stay well! - AC