Chapter 26

On Monday and Tuesday, Mamoru had to miss afternoons at the Fruit Parlor with the girls. Monday for a lab assignment, and Tuesday for his internship. He was looking forward to the time he was about to spend with his Usako. He needed to take her on a date soon though. It had been a week and a half since the last one.

Here it was Wednesday afternoon, as he walked into the Fruit Parlor. He smiled as he saw his beautiful Usako in an animated conversation with Rei. Ami was reading a book, but appeared to interject comments to Rei and Usagi's conversation. Minako and Makoto head their heads bent together, looking at something. ChibiUsa seemed to be completely lost in whatever she had in front of her. She's didn't even look up when he walked up to the table, and greeted everyone. He ended up having to lean over her to give Usako a quick kiss.

He ended up pulling a chair up to the table because ChibiUsa didn't even move when he placed his hand in her shoulder. As he sat, he looked at what she was working on. He saw a couple sheets of Usagi's stationary, and envelope. All of them were pink, with white bunny heads on the corner. He leaned closer to ChibiUsa.

"What are you working on, ChibiUsa" Mamoru asked.

"Huh? Oh. A letter to my mama. I'm almost done. Can you read it for me, and make sure I spelled everything right please?" ChibiUsa answered.

"Of course." He said. Moments later, she handed to him.

Dear mama,

It's Small Lady. I miss you so much. I have so much to tell you. I didn't write before because I didn't know I could. Puu told me I could though. I miss papa too.

Mama, I've been bad. Very bad. Usagi told me I didn't have to tell you, but you and papa always said to tell the truth. The truth is I have been bad. I even made Puu upset. I know you and papa will be too. I don't blame you. I've been bad by being mean to Usagi, in a lot of ways. I called her names, took milkshakes from her, yelled at her, lied to get her in trouble, and even tried to make her and Mamo fight. It's just that I was so mad at you for sending me that I took out on her. I didn't want to come. I wanted to stay home with you and papa. I heard you and papa talking about having a baby and I got so excited. When you told me that I had to come here I got so mad. I thought you were replacing me. I didn't want to be replaced. I was so mad when I got here that I decided to be mean to Usagi. It was wrong and I know that. I was so bad Mamo got mad at me and punished me for it. He even said he would send me home early if I didn't get better. Uranus almost spanked me because, because, mama, I hit Usagi. I know I am not supposed to hit but I was mad and hurt. I wanted someone to be mad and hurt with me. I am getting better now.

You know what Usagi did? She loved me. She did nice things for me. She got me a pretty dress and a fairy tale coloring book. She took me to an art class. She was nice to me no matter how mean I was. She didn't have to do any if those things for me but she did. She said she did them because she loves me and wants to make me happy. She is so much like you. It made me miss you more. Usagi seemed like she knew what was wrong and waited for me to talk about it. Mama I feel so bad for hurting her for so long. I want to make it up to her but I don't know how. She told me that all she wanted was for me to try to do better.

I know why you sent me here now and I am glad you did. I know I have a lot to learn and I am but mama and papa I miss you. Part of me wants to come home but part of me wants to stay. I want to learn more about being just a regular girl and about being a senshi. I want to spend more time with Usagi too. I like getting to know you as a teenager.

I'm sorry I was mean mama, and I'm sorry I was bad. I said sorry to Usagi and to Mamo. I even said sorry to Haruka and Michiru. They wouldn't talk to me because of how bad I was being. I thought Haruka was protective in the future but she kind of scares me here. I love her still though because she looks out for Usagi. I've learned my lesson mama. I'm going to try to do better like Usagi told me to.

Can I ask if you still get sick from not eating enough? I didn't know when I took Usagi's milkshakes. I didn't know she could have gone to the hospital because of that. Mama I felt so bad when Mamo told me. I'll do better mama. I swear.

I think Usagi told me I didn't have to tell you that I was angry and that I was bad so you would not be mad at me punish me or make me come home. She said telling you how I feel would help me feel better and maybe you can help make me feel better. I am sorry I was mad. I just didn't understand. I love you and papa. I miss you too.

Love Small Lady. ChibiUsa

Mamoru reread the letter twice before handing it back to her.

"Are you sure you want to tell her all of that?" Mamoru asked.

"Yes. I had to tell the truth. Mama and papa say to always tell the truth. I know they will probably be disappointed in me, but they should know." ChibiUsa responded.

"Ok. Well it's good then." Mamoru said.

"Thank you. Ami helped me with the big words." ChibiUsa smiled.

"As long as you're sure. It's ready to be sent."

"Thank you Mamo." ChibiUsa hugged him. "Do you want to sit here so you're next to Usagi?"

"It's ok. She's busy with Rei any way."

"Yeah." ChibiUsa giggled.

Mamoru and ChibiUsa talked about her week so far, until it was time for everyone to head home for the evening. Mamoru walked Usagi, and ChibiUsa home, like he always did when he met them at the Fruit Parlor. He loved every second of it, just like always. When they got to Usagi's door, he got his usual hug from ChibiUsa before she skipped into the house. He pulled Usagi too him as soon as the door shut, and rested his forehead on hers.

"Do you want to go do something together Friday?" Mamoru asked as he looked into Usagi's beautiful blue eyes.

"I would love to." She answered, smiling at him.

"Great. Pick you up at 6:00?"

"Yes please. Do you want to go to art class with us on Saturday?"

"I can't. I have my internship."

"Oh. Ok. Well you're going to the race on Sunday, right?"

"Yes. Should I invite Motoki?"

"Sure."

"I love you Usako."

"I love you Mamo."

Mamoru pressed his lips to hers, loving the feel of her soft lips against his. He was just about to deepen the kiss when he heard someone clear their throat. He pulled back, saw Kenji standing there. He immediately let go of Usagi, and jumped back. Kenji shook his head at them, said Usagi needed to come inside, and walked in the house, but left the door open. Usagi giggled, waved at him, and walked in the house.

Mamoru chuckled, and walked home. He was home for about ten minutes when he heard a light knock at his balcony door. He looked over to see Luna sitting there. He quickly let her in.

"Hi Luna. What can I do for you?" Mamoru asked the small black cat, as she walked to his couch.

"Is it ok if I stay tonight?" Luna asked, looking down.

"You can, but only if you tell me what's wrong." Mamoru stated.

"Why don't you eat your dinner then we'll talk?" she offered.

"Ok. Are you hungry?"

"A little."

"Come on. I have tuna for you." Mamoru plated the tuna for her, then made himself dinner. He studied while he ate.