Rescue Me
By: ShadowQueenGalactica
Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliated with Sailor Moon. I do not own the rights to any of the songs related/affiliated to Sailor Moon.
::::PLEASE READ::::
Author's Notes: Hello, all! Thanks so much for reading Rescue Me. This story is going to contain MATURE CONTENT, so I highly advise if the following makes you uncomfortable, please do not read Rescue Me. I have been sitting on this one for a couple of years and hesitated on writing it due to the nature of the topic. That is why I am advising readers of the Mature Content, if you are uncomfortable in any way reading this, DON'T read this story.
*- Chapter 8 Note/Warnings: Nothing major that needs any kind of disclosures/warnings.-*
-There is going to be rape/mention of rape throughout this story (some graphic scenes, abuse, and torture) I will try to make these scenes as short and brief as possible. These topics are not suitable for younger readers. You've been warned. I will try to warn the readers ahead of time if there will be graphic scenes.
If you're alright with this, then happy reading, if not, no worries, I will see you in the next story! This chapter isn't very long, my apologies in advance.
Review Replies: THANKS AGAIN! :)
THANK YOU so much for reviewing Oracle Sybil, Ilonanoda, Jsanyaz, tommygirl226, SaphireShimmer. I appreciate you all so much for taking the time to leave a review! :)
-Oracle Sybil- xD I'm so sorry! I couldn't resist the cliffhangers, lol. I agree with you, I absolutely love the chemistry that was between Seiya and Usagi. They made such a cute couple! Thanks for pointing out the mistakes, doesn't matter how many times I proofread, I always manage to miss something lol. XD
-Ilonanoda- Don't worry, this is strictly a Usa/Mamo story. No plans at the moment of converting her to a lesbian, lol. XD I do have a couple Usa/Mamo stories you might enjoy. Switching Places was my first attempt at humor, I got a decent amount of reviews from this one. So I must have done something right lol. Then there is Full Moon Rises, I'm not happy with the ending, so eventually, it will be revised. Merry (late) Christmas! :)
-Jsanyaz- Thank you so much! Yes, I wasn't originally planning on adding them but I needed a love interest for Usagi, who would flirt with her and I didn't want to create another OC, so I decided to have Seiya fill this role and I couldn't have her/him without Yaten and Taiki.
-tommygirl226- Thank you so much for your kind review, don't worry, you will find out the gender in this chapter! :)
-SaphireShimmer- Thanks! Yes, I was definitely trying to keep Seiya's flirtatious side in this portrayal of her. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
Rescue Me
:: Chapter 8: Confessions of the Heart::
"Mamoru-chan, I need to tell you something." Motoki nervously stated, briefly tightening his hold on the paper as Mamoru snapped from his thoughts and looked at him with a questioning gaze.
"What is it, Motoki-chan?" Mamoru asked, watching his friend silently slide a folded piece of paper onto the counter. "What is this?" He questioned, looking down at the paper, then back at his best friend with confusion.
"Just read it, Mamoru-chan." Motoki responded, watching with worry and anticipation as his friend looked at the paper with curiosity before silently nodding and reaching for the folded slip of paper. 'Please don't let this backfire.' He desperately thought, not knowing how his friend was going to react.
Lifting the piece of paper, Mamoru carefully unfolded the note, his stomach tightly knotting and heart beginning to hammer wildly in his chest when recognizing Usagi's handwriting. Immediately looking up at his best friend, he watched Motoki shake his head and motion him to place his attention back towards the note. Turning his gaze back onto the note, Mamoru nervously looked down at the neatly written note with worry and anticipation.
Mamo-chan, I know you probably hate me right now, and I don't blame you. I hate myself for how I spoke to you and worst of all, for hitting you. I don't know why I did it, but I am so sorry. There's so much I want to tell you, Mamo-chan, but I'm afraid to. I don't know how you will react or if it's only going to push you away further. I wish you the very best in your studies, perhaps one day we can be friends again. -Usako
"Why?" Mamoru angrily asked, his voice wavering slightly as he spoke. "Why did you not show me this? How long have you had this?" He demanded his best friend, anger and hurt shining in his eyes.
"Since the day she left." Motoki softly stated, watching his friend flinch back at his words, shock evident on his face.
"You've kept this from me, for two damn months?!" Mamoru angrily shouted, abruptly standing and slamming both hands against the counter. "Dammit, Motoki-chan!" He angrily cursed. "I've wasted all this time! I- I could have been trying to repair what-"
"You've both needed this time apart." Motoki calmly interrupted, watching his best friend only anger more.
"You don't know what 'we' need!" Mamoru angrily lashed.
"I think she's pregnant." Motoki softly stated, watching his friend reel back at his words.
"What?" Mamoru stated, caught off guard by his friends' comment.
"Think about it, Mamoru-chan. We both have known Usagi since she was fourteen, has she ever turned down food, especially chocolate?" Motoki calmly asked, watching his friend calm slightly as he returned to his seat and silently sat, the look of frustration still etched in his features before his face softened slightly as he spoke.
"No, she hasn't." Mamoru stated with a soft amused smile. "She's not the type that refuses chocolate." He agreed, remembering the many polite declines Usagi had made when he and Motoki had offered to get her shakes to try to cheer her up.
"What about the note?" Motoki gently stated as he recited the words to the best of his memory. "She said she wanted to tell you something, something obviously important, but she was afraid of your reaction and-"
"You read my note?" Mamoru immediately demanded, irritation laced in his voice.
"I wanted to make sure it would be safe to hold onto. You both were hurting, and I knew if you went after her, there's a chance she would have pushed you away further." Motoki explained, softly sighing out in frustration and regret. "I'm sorry alright, I know you're angry with me. You have every right to be angry, but I need you to know that I did this because I had your best interest at heart. You're my best friend, Mamoru-chan. I've never seen you miserable over a girl, that's why I waited. I wanted to see how far you would push yourself before you gave up on her, and after two months of sulking, you're still not willing to let her go."
"I love her." Mamoru snapped, glaring up at his best friend, still hurt and angry that his best friend had kept something so precious from him.
"What if she's pregnant?" Motoki challenged. "What-"
"You think I haven't thought of that possibility?" Mamoru snapped, watching Motoki look at him in surprise. "Look at what she's been through." He calmly stated, his heart breaking at the thought of the hell his former classmates had made Usagi endure. "If she's pregnant, that doesn't mean I won't love her or her child any less."
"Shingo-chan will help you." Motoki calmly stated, watching his friend look at him in puzzlement.
"What do you mean?" Mamoru asked in confusion.
"Shingo-chan can tell you where Usagi works. He may be young, but he is a lot wiser than most kids his age. He's spoken with me about you two, how he thinks you're both being baka's." Motoki explained, watching his friend chuckle slightly as he silently nodded in agreement to the comment. "You're going to be getting there late, you may not even see her."
"I'll get a hotel if I need to." Mamoru responded, quickly standing and slipping the note into his pocket as removed his keys from his other pocket. "I need to see her, Motoki-chan. I need to know how she feels about me before I possibly make the biggest mistake in my life and leave her behind for the states." He explained, watching Motoki smile more at his comment. "I'm still furious with you though, but we can discuss this after I'm back." He stated, quickly running from the arcade.
"Good luck!" Motoki called out, watching his friend quickly dash from the arcade and hurry towards his car before quickly driving away.
(Meanwhile in Kyoto)
"Alright, now let's see if the baby is going to cooperate." Setsuna said, sliding and guiding the transducer once more. "Alright confirming one final time, you do want to know the gender?"
"Yes." Usagi replied, her stomach nervously fluttering with anticipation as she watched the small screen. Growing more nervous with each passing moment, she felt Azumi gently take her hand and give her hand a gentle squeeze of encouragement.
"Hmmm...baby is being difficult." Setsuna murmured, gliding the wand across the teen's belly and clicking a few keys on her keyboard. "Got it!" She happily announced after a few moments.
"What is it?" Azumi excitedly asked. "I can't take much more of this anticipation."
Smiling at the woman's excited question, Setsuna zoomed in on the baby's profile clicking a couple more keys on her keyboard prompting the printer to connect. Hearing the buzz and whirs of her portable printer, she glanced down, smiling more as the pictures began to print. "You are going to be a proud mama of a baby boy."
"A boy." Azumi gushed, her heart swelling at the thought of the tiny bundle her niece would be bringing into the world in five short months.
"I'm having a boy?" Usagi tearfully asked, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "I- I don't know how to raise a boy." She nervously stated, her mind nervously whirring at the thought of the new and unknown terrain she would soon be venturing into by raising a son.
"Don't worry, your mama has done a wonderful job with Shingo-san. You'll do the same with this little guy." Azumi encouraged, resting her hand over her niece's hand, giving Usagi's hand an encouraging squeeze.
"These are for you." Setsuna stated, sliding the small stack of ultrasound photos into an envelope for the young mom-to-be. "Congratulations on your little boy." She congratulated, before quietly excusing herself as she left the room.
"Azumi-oba." Usagi whimpered, tears streaking her cheeks.
"Sweetheart, what is it?" Azumi worriedly asked, alarmed by her niece's sudden distress.
"Wh- what if the baby is like him?" Usagi stammered, tucking her knees against her chest as she heartbrokenly began to cry. "What if he grows up and becomes like- like those monsters." She whimpered through her tears.
"Oh sweetie, that isn't possible." Azumi gently soothed her niece, tears shining in her own eyes. "Those monsters are in jail awaiting their punishment, they will be going away for a very long time for what they've done to you. You do not have to worry about them ever intruding on you or this child's life, I swear it." She said, gently rubbing her nieces back.
Tearfully nodding her head, Usagi shakily exhaled as she brushed the stray tears from her cheeks. "I- I'm scared, I'm scared that I'm going to mess up. I don't know how to be a parent, I don't know how to-"
"You've been reading so many parenting books, you're going to make a wonderful mother." Azumi abruptly interrupted. "Everything will come naturally, you'll see." She encouragingly responded. "Besides, you have me and all your wonderful new friends who are eagerly awaiting to help you with this precious baby boy." She said, smiling as her niece's embrace tightened slightly. "I love you, sweetie, it's alright to be nervous. You're going to do beautifully, I promise." She said kissing her niece's forehead. "Come on, we should be getting back home. Everyone at the cafe is anxiously awaiting the news." She said with an excited smile.
(Meanwhile in Tokyo)
"Shingo-san, have you done your chores?" Ikuko called from the kitchen.
"Yes, mama!" Shingo responded back from the living room where he had been sitting for the past half-hour playing his video game on his handheld device. Furiously clicking the small buttons, he could feel his tension and anxiety rising as he was nearing the final challenge where he would fight the 'boss' monster and finally complete the level.
"Come on." Shingo muttered, watching his character slash, kick, and punch the monstrous creature on the small screen. "Almost there." He eagerly stated, seeing the boss's lifeline was quickly fading.
::DING DONG::
"Shingo-san will you get the door?" Ikuko called from the kitchen. "I can't leave the food, I don't want it to burn."
"In the minute mama, I'm almost done with this-" Shingo responded before he was abruptly interrupted by his mother.
"Shingo Kenji Tsukino, go answer that door right now!" Ikuko interrupted, giving her son the tone that sent fear through any child.
Sighing out in aggravation, Shingo immediately discarded his game device on the couch as he muttered in frustration of his game being interrupted. Jerking the door open in a huff, he stood in shock seeing Mamoru nervously standing at the door. "What are you doing here?" He asked in shock.
Nervously pacing the sidewalk, Mamoru ran a hand through his hair in frustration as he released a nervous sigh. "It's not like you're proposing, you're just asking how you can contact Usako." He chastised himself, hoping and praying Mr. Tsukino did not answer the door.
Running his hand through his hair once again, he drew in a deep breath before exhaling in hopes of calming his frazzled nerves. "You're wasting time, do you want to see her or not?" He snapped, drawing in one final nervous breath before exhaling and walking forwards.
Passing the Tsukino's car, Mamoru felt his stomach nervously twist, his heart hammer, and his palms grow sweaty the closer he approached the door. 'Relax! You're going to give yourself a panic attack!' He mentally chastised himself as he stepped onto the porch. Knocking on the door, he frowned at how feeble he had knocked on the door. 'Seriously, Chiba. Get a damn grip on yourself!'
Waiting a few moments longer, Mamoru gently cleared his throat before pressing the doorbell. Hearing the muffled sounds of someone approaching, he quickly straightened then immediately relaxed watching Shingo look at him with surprise. "Shing-"
"What are you doing here?" Shingo asked, noticing Mamoru went from nervous to relaxed upon seeing him "Well?" He demanded, raising his brow in irritation.
Gently clearing his throat to hide the nervousness in his voice, Mamoru squared his shoulders exerting as much confidence as he could muster before finally finding his voice and speaking. "Shingo-san, I know I have no right asking, but-"
"What took you so long, Mamoru-baka?" Shingo snapped, glancing back inside the house before stepping outside and quietly easing the door shut. Looking back at the older teen, he smirked seeing the surprised look on Mamoru's face. "I'm not stupid, I know you're part of the reason why onee-chan left so sudden." He explained, then hesitated a moment. "Did she tell you?"
"Tell me what?" Mamoru asked, slightly confused.
"That's a no." Shingo muttered, frowning a moment, then contemplated for a moment before speaking. "You didn't answer my question, why are you here?" He demanded once more. "You interrupted my game, so this better be good." He snapped.
"I need to see your sister, I've been so stupid these past couple of months wallowing in my self-pity. I love her Shingo-san, I need her to know that. I need her to know that I'm willing to go to school here or Kyoto, wherever she wants me too as long as she-"
"Alright, I get it, jeez. I don't need to know all the details." Shingo muttered in repulsion at all the lovesick words Mamoru was currently spouting at him. Sighing out in irritation, he silently stood a moment trying to size up the older teen wondering if he should help Mamoru. "She's confused right now, Mamoru-san. She's going through a lot of changes right now, I don't know if she can handle rejection."
"I have no intention of hurting your sister, Shingo-san. All I want to know is if she will have me? I love your sister and I want a future with her." Mamoru insisted, watching the younger teen softly sigh before reaching into his pocket.
"She's going to throttle me the next time she sees me." Shingo muttered, removing his phone from his pocket. Typing a message to his aunt, he glanced up at Mamoru seeing the genuine care in the older teen's gaze as he patiently waited for him to type out his message. "I'm texting Azumi-oba." He explained, lowering his phone as he softly sighed. "Wait right here." He stated, quickly slipping back into the house to finish typing out the message.
Unsure what the younger teen was doing or was up to, Mamoru felt his stomach twist with apprehension the longer he stood and waited for Shingo to return. Starting to think the teen ditched him, he jumped as the door opened once more, Shingo quietly stepping outside once more.
"Here." Shingo stated, holding out an embossed business card. "Hometown Cafe." He stated, watching Mamoru take the business card. "That's the name of the cafe my sister is working at, my aunt will expect you to speak with her first before she lets you approach onee-chan." He explained, motioning towards the card. "Call the number on the card and ask to speak with Azumi-san."
"Thank you, Shingo-san." Mamoru graciously stated, taking the business card with a nervous grip as he tucked the business card in his pocket next to the note Usagi had left for him. "I cannot express how grateful I am to you for this."
"Just don't mess this up, Mamoru-baka." Shingo sternly stated, watching Mamoru give him a nervous smile before turning to leave. Standing on the porch, Shingo silently watched Mamoru quickly hurrying down the driveway. "Mamoru-san." He called out, watching the dark-haired teen immediately stop and look back at him. "Don't be so nervous, my sister might be a baka, but she loves you. I just hope she's willing to give you a chance."
"Thank you, Shingo-san." Mamoru responded with a genuine smile, the teen silently nodding before slipping back into the house. Hurrying back to his car, Mamoru happily smiled knowing in five hours he would hopefully be reunited with the one he truly and deeply cared for. 'I'm coming, Usako. Please forgive me for being such a damn fool.' He thought with newfound determination and hope.
(Meanwhile in Kyoto)
Leaning against the counter, Minako boredly glanced up at the clock before exhaling out in dismay. "How much longer?" She whined, turning her focus towards the large open window of the cafe, watching for Azumi's SUV.
"Ugh, this wait is torture." Seiya huffed, resting a handful of menus on the counter. "Have you heard from Odango or Azumi-san?" She curiously asked.
"No." Minako pouted, lifting the stack of menus and placing them back into their bin that rested on the many shelves under the counter. "I can't wait to see the ultrasound photos." She gushed. "I just love seeing the tiny hands and feet."
"I can't wait to hold the baby." Seiya responded. "I'm going to be the best Aunt this baby will ever know."
"No, I'm going to be the best Aunt. I'm going to buy the baby so many dresses. She's going to look like a little Princess by the time I get done buying her wardrobe." She said with an excited giggle.
"There's still a chance it's a boy." Seiya stated, taking notice one of her diners was motioning her forwards. "I need to get back to my tables. Usagi-chan promised she would let us all know at closing, so don't try to pry it out of her any earlier." She playfully warned, watching Minako immediately stick her tongue out at her.
"I would never." Minako cheekily responded, then immediately perked when noticing an SUV pull up. Watching a small family soon emerge, she pouted as she gathered some menus and awaited to greet the family and show them to their table.
"Are you feeling better?" Azumi worriedly asked, watching Usagi silently nod as she kept her gaze towards the passenger window.
"I'm alright, I'm still a little nervous." Usagi quietly responded.
"Do you have any names in mind?" Azumi curiously asked, hoping to ease her niece's sudden worries and anxieties.
"Yes." Usagi said, smiling as she looked over at her Aunt. "I-" She started, then abruptly grew silent, resting her hand against her rounded belly as she corrected herself. "We wouldn't be here today." She tearfully stated, tears shining in her eyes as she spoke. "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Katashi-san pulling me out of that fire and bringing me back from death's hands." She said as tears streaked her cheeks. "Then I have Hiro-san to thank for saving me when I was abducted the second time, if- if he hadn't shown up when he did, I would have been raped again and-"
"It's alright, sweetheart." Azumi gently stated, reaching over and taking Usagi's hand. "It's all over, you're never going to go through that again." She gently soothed. "I love how you're going to honor those two by naming your son after them."
"Do you think they'll be alright with me doing that?" Usagi nervously asked, watching her aunt smile in response.
"They'll be honored by the thought, I hope you'll take your son to meet the ones responsible for keeping you both safe once he's born." Azumi suggested, watching Usagi's smile broaden as she happily nodded her head. "Of course, I want Hiro-san to meet the baby." She said knowing she owed the man a lifetime of gratitude for all that he did to catch the ones responsible for hurting her.
::BUZZ::
"Do you want me to get your phone, Azumi-oba?" Usagi asked, hearing her Aunt's phone vibrate from within her purse.
"No, it's probably Minako-san being impatient." Azumi responded with an amused laugh. "She's been gushing about this frilly pink dress she saw at the mall. I can't wait to see her reaction when you tell everyone it's a boy." She said with an amused laugh.
"Mako-chan and Yaten-chan are the only ones who guessed I was having a boy." Usagi responded with a soft laugh. "Yaten-chan is going to be rubbing this in everyone's face." She said giggling at the thought of her highly opinionated friend.
Glad to see Usagi smiling and giggling once more, Azumi noticed they were nearing the cafe. "As soon as we get back, I want you to go upstairs and call home. Your brother is going to be so excited to hear he's going to have a nephew to spoil."
"Alright, I'll call as soon as we're home." Usagi agreed, resting her hand on her rounded belly. 'Hiro Katashi Tsukino.' She thought, smiling at how smooth the name flowed. 'You'll be named after two people who will always have my sincerest gratitude and respect.' She humbly thought, gently brushing her thumb against her belly when feeling a small thump against her hand.
"They're back, Minako-chan!" Seiya excitedly squealed, startling a couple of the surrounding tables of diners when she noticed Azumi's SUV park in her usual spot across the street of the cafe.
"Oh, darling! Don't do that again, I don't think my ticker can handle another surprise like that." Nao chastised, his hand resting over his pounding heart. Watching the teen immediately blush with embarrassment from her outburst, his wrinkled face soon brightened with a smile and playful wink to assure her all was forgiven.
"I think she's trying to put us into an early grave, Nao-chan." Tomio said with a humored chuckle, watching his friend silently nod his head in agreement before chuckling with amusement.
"My sincerest apologies, gentlemen." Seiya quickly apologized, her face flushing with embarrassment from her sudden and unexpected outburst. Smiling over at the two elderly men who always requested to sit in her designated serving area, she quickly bowed before speaking. "I'll give you each a slice of Mako's famous chocolate cake as an apology." She suggested, watching the two elderly men look at each other and smile.
"Add some coffee, and it's a deal, darling." Nao responded watching the raven-haired teen brightly smile and nod as she quickly hurried towards the kitchen to get their cake and coffee.
Passing the counter, Seiya and Minako both exchanged excited glances as she hurried towards the kitchen to grab the two men their cake and coffee. "I'll tell the other's she's back, Minako-chan." She stated, watching her friend excitedly nod.
"I can't wait until later tonight." Minako excitedly responded, watching and waiting with anticipation for her friend to enter the cafe. Squealing out in delight as her friend walked into the cafe, Minako quickly rushed forwards happily embracing her. "It's a girl isn't it?" She gleefully asked, watching Usagi smile more at her comment. "I knew it!" She happily squealed.
"Minako-san." Azumi stated, gently laughing at the teen's excited squeals. "Sweetie, she needs to go and call her family and give them the exciting news. I promise you will all find out when she's ready to share the news."
"Oh, of course!" Minako abruptly stated, cheeks flushing slightly as she nervously laughed. "How silly of me." She stated, nervously rubbing the back of her head. Pulling her friend into one more quick hug, she gently rested her hand against her friend's rounded belly. "I can't wait to spoil this little girl." She cooed at her friend's belly before turning and returning to the counter.
"I'll be back down shortly, Minako-chan." Usagi stated, trying to suppress her laughter as she walked the direction of the kitchen.
"Take your time!" Minako called out, waving her friend forwards. Watching Azumi smile at her as she passed the counter, Minako happily hummed looking forward to helping her friend purchase as many frilly dresses as they could find. "I wonder what she's going to name her?" She murmured, tapping her chin as she found herself lost in her thoughts.
Entering the kitchen, Usagi smiled and waved at her friends as she passed them walking towards the door that led to the stairway door that led up to her Aunt's home conveniently located on the second floor above the busy cafe.
"Well?" Taiki excitedly asked, pausing her sauteing to glance over at her friend.
"Were we right, Odango?" Seiya asked, watching her friend smile at the comment.
"I'm calling my family to tell them, then I'll be back down." Usagi responded, watching her friends smile and nod in understanding. "I'll tell you all later, I promise." She promised while pulling the door open. Smiling at them one final time, she pulled the door shut with a soft click behind her as she made her way up the stairs. Sitting at the top of the staircase, she decided it would be silly to walk all the way into her Aunt's home to make the phone call when she had the privacy of the stairwell to herself. Lifting her phone out, she looked down at her contacts wondering if she should just tell her brother. 'Mama isn't going to care, will papa want to know?' She thought, frowning slightly at the sudden difficult decision.
Reaching into her purse she removed the latest picture of her ultrasound, tears shining in her eyes as she looked at the tiny silhouette of her son suckling his tiny hand. 'I'll text papa, he'll relay the message to mama.' She thought as she switched modes on her phone, choosing the camera. Placing the ultrasound on her knees, she clicked a quick picture of the small photo on her lap. Closing the camera mode, she then opened her text messages, choosing her father's contact. Typing out a quick message, she read over the message and attached the photo before sending the text message.
Usagi: Papa I hope you are all doing well. I had my appointment today for the gender, I'm going to have a boy. I'm working right now, so I can't talk. I just wanted to let you know, I love you papa. -Usagi
Placing the photo back into her purse, Usagi jumped in surprise when feeling her phone immediately vibrate and sound with a notification. Looking at the message, she tearfully smiled, looking at the message her father sent.
Papa: It's so good to hear from you sweetheart. I wish you would call and text more. We miss you, pumpkin. Thank you for sharing the news, I look forward to meeting my grandson. Your brother and mama send their love, we love and miss you. -Papa
Brushing a few stray tears from her cheeks, Usagi smiled down at the message once more before placing her phone back into her purse. 'I miss you too, papa.' She thought, as she silently stood and made her way down the stairs once more.
Noticing Azumi furrowing her brows as she looked down at her phone, Makoto curiously exchanged a look with Taiki, watching the other brunette silently shrug. "Is everything alright, Azumi-san?" She curiously asked, snapping Azumi from her thoughts.
"I received an interesting message from my nephew." Azumi responded, frowning slightly with worry. "There's a young man coming to visit Usagi." She said, scrolling through the message to read it aloud to the two teens.
"Azumi-oba, I'm hoping I'm doing the right thing. Onee-chan is probably going to be angry with me, but I feel like I'm doing the right thing." Azumi read as she paused to glance up at her niece's two friends to see they had stopped their chopping and had given her their full attention. Looking back down at the message, she continued to read her nephew's message aloud. "Before onee-chan left for Kyoto, she started showing interest in this guy. He's part of the reason she left for Kyoto so soon, I just know it. They were starting to get close, she even brought him home for lunch." She said, pausing as she tearfully smiled and looked back up at the teens. "I never knew about him, has she spoken of this boy with any of you?" She curiously asked, watching both Taiki and Makoto shake their heads.
"No, she's never mentioned a boy. Seiya-san and Minako-chan can't keep secrets, so we would have found out if she confided with either of them." Taiki explained, watching Azumi silently nod before turning back towards the message before reading aloud once more.
"Something happened between them, I'm not sure what, but I've watched Mamoru-san for the last two months, Azumi-oba. He's miserable without onee-chan, you can see it by the way he sits slumped in his chair like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He came over and asked me how he could find onee-chan. I gave him your business card and told him he had to call you and ask you to see onee-chan. I haven't talked to her in a month, I don't know if she's ready to see him or not. I thought it would be best for you to make this decision for her. He seems like he's a nice guy, he really cares for onee-chan, I just hope she will allow him to speak with her and not push him away again. He was starting to bring her out of her depression before she pushed him away. Please tell onee-chan to give him a chance and to hear him out, he really cares about her." She said, lowering the phone. "That's it." She said remaining silent a few moments longer. "I don't know what I should do." She nervously stated.
"Do you think she would be alright seeing him?" Makoto worriedly asked.
"It seems that he really cares about her." Taiki responded, watching Azumi silently nod.
"What are you going to do?" Makoto curiously asked, watching Azumi softly exhale and shake her head before speaking.
"I'm going to ask him what his intentions are for my niece, then tell him about her pregnancy." Azumi honestly stated, watching the two teens exchange looks. "If he really cares about her, this news will not interfere in his pursuit for her."
"Are you going to tell, Usagi-chan?" Taiki worriedly asked.
"No, I will see how this young man responds, then I will have him return tomorrow so they can privately speak." Azumi responded, then quickly turned as the stairway door opened. "Usagi-san." She gently stated, watching her niece walk to one of the lockers and place her purse inside. "How did your parents take the news?"
"As I was expecting." Usagi softly stated, with a shrug. "Papa seems excited about the news."
"Your mama?" Azumi prompted, frowning when her niece didn't respond.
"I don't know, papa didn't really say." Usagi stated, not wanting to admit that she had texted her family instead of calling like she was supposed to do. "I'm going to go to work now, it's busy and I'm sure Minako-chan and Seiya-chan need help." She stated, quickly excusing herself as she exited the kitchen.
(Later That Evening)
Flipping the welcome sign over to closed, Usagi tiredly sighed while resting her hand on her belly. Clicking the lock on the door, she turned and blushed when seeing how closely Seiya was standing behind her. "Seiya-baka." She snapped, glaring up at the dark-haired teen. "You scared me."
"Sorry, Odango." Seiya apologized, mischievously smiling as she slipped her hand into her friend's hand. "Come on, everyone has been waiting to find out all afternoon." She said, leading her friend in the direction of the kitchen.
"I'm sorry, Seiya-chan. I was wanting to wait until the cafe closed, then I was planning to tell you all at the same time." Usagi responded, blushing slightly when Seiya gently brushed her thumb against the back of her hand.
"It's alright, Odango." Seiya responded with a smile. "I don't see how Minako-chan lasted the entire afternoon without you throttling her."
"She's behaved herself quite well. She only asked me one time, then dropped it once I told her everyone would find out at closing." Usagi explained, hearing Seiya gently laugh at her response.
"I'm shocked, normally Minako-chan lacks any kind of patience." Seiya responded as she released her friend's hand to open the door for her. "After you." She stated, watching her friend smile at her as she passed her.
"Thank you, Sei-chan." Usagi responded, watching Seiya give her a lopsided grin.
Walking alongside her friend, Seiya smiled seeing Minako was sitting in a chair, her feet propped up as Makoto and Taiki helped the closing cook clean up the kitchen. "Thanks for helping me and Usa-chan clean up the lobby." She wryly stated, watching Minako look up from her phone.
"You should have said something, I wouldn't have minded helping you two." Minako responded with a frown. "I've just been sitting here for the last hour waiting for the cafe to close."
"Yes, and talking to us nonstop." Taiki added, rolling her eyes as Minako immediately scowled at her.
"I didn't talk 'that' much." Minako pouted, prompting laughter from her friends.
"If you two will take out the remaining trash, I think we're done." The closing cook stated, watching Makoto and Taiki nod their heads, waving their goodbyes as the middle-aged man nodded his farewells and quietly exited the back door of the kitchen where the staff left at closing.
Walking to one of the lockers, Usagi lifted the combination lock, twirling the small knob and unlocking her locker. Removing her purse, she carried it to the counter and smiled as she rummaged her purse removing the small envelope of ultrasound photos. "As promised." She announced, lying all the pictures down for the exception of the final photo onto the counter. "Taiki-chan and Makoto-chan guessed right." She said with a giggle resting the final photo down on the counter. "Here's a current photo of my son." She said, smiling when Minako and Seiya abruptly cried out in surprise.
"Son!" Minako asked in shock, then slightly pouted. "I was wanting to buy all those dresses."
"Really, a boy?!" Seiya excitedly asked. "How exciting! I can teach him how to play baseball and all the other sports I play."
"He may not like sports like you, Seiya-baka." Taiki retorted, with a roll of her eyes. "He may prefer to read, I'll get him some board books. It's always good to start reading to babies as soon as possible." She added, glaring at Minako as she rolled her eyes and scoffed.
"Please, we're not going to allow you to doom that poor baby to become a bookworm like you." Minako chided, then excitedly beamed. "I saw these cute outfits at the boutique Yaten-chan works at. I want to go shopping tomorrow for the baby. Are you off tomorrow too?"
"No, I work until two tomorrow." Usagi responded, watching Minako immediately pout.
"I'm so excited I guessed right." Makoto excitedly stated with a chuckle. "Congrats, Usagi-chan." She said, hugging her friend.
"Thanks, Mako-chan." Usagi responded with a shy smile. Watching her friends lifting the pictures of the ultrasounds, Usagi rested her hand against her belly smiling as her friends would coo and awe over the different pictures. 'I'm so lucky to have them as my friends.' She happily thought, knowing she was no longer nervous about starting at a new school. 'I'm so glad I made the decision to live here, I don't want to leave them or Kyoto.' She happily thought.
(Later That Night in Tokyo)
"She's having a boy." Ikuko softly stated, looking down at the picture their daughter had sent to Kenji earlier that afternoon. Feeling tears well in her eyes, she silently lowered the phone onto her lap, shakily exhaling as she tried to control the myriad of emotions she was struggling with. "I- I was hoping she would have a girl." She softly stated, brushing away a few stray tears that managed to streak her cheeks.
"She'll do fine raising a boy." Kenji chuckled, glancing up from the article he was writing. Frowning when he noticed tears streaking his wife's cheeks, he lowered his laptop watching in concern as she rested his phone onto the bed beside her.
"What if the baby looks like 'him' Kenji?" Ikuko spat, cutting her gaze towards her husband. "Do you think she will be able to-"
"Don't." Kenji sternly stated, softly exhaling as he lowered his glasses to rub his face. "Ikuko, darling I love you." He stated, placing his glasses back on. "I know you're still upset about Usagi's choice to keep the baby, but you're going to have to accept this. Our baby is being forced to become a mother much sooner than we could have ever anticipated." He calmly stated. "This isn't her fault, she was at the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Why her?" Ikuko angrily asked, tears welling in her eyes. "Why did it have to be 'my' baby?" She heartbrokenly asked, tears streaking her cheeks. "I- I don't know if I- I can ever accept this child, Kenji." She tearfully admitted. "I don't know if I-"
"You will." Kenji abruptly interrupted, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "As soon as you hold him for the first time and see him as the innocent infant he is, you will love him." He responded, trying to reassure his wife of her worries. "This pregnancy has put such a strain on our family." He stated, softly exhaling. "Things will be back to normal as soon as Usagi is back home, it's not the same without her here. I miss her."
"I miss her too." Ikuko tearfully stated. "I just want my baby home."
"Perhaps we should start setting up her room, get the baby a crib and-" Kenji stated before he was abruptly interrupted.
"No, I'm not changing anything in her room. It's bad enough she practically donated everything when she returned from the hospital the first time. I can't lose what little of her still remains in there." Ikuko tearfully explained, looking up when her husband laced his fingers through hers.
Knowing it would only lead to another argument, Kenji silently nodded his head, knowing better to not push the topic any further. "Alright, honey." He stated, turning his focus back onto his laptop. Glancing at his wife once more, he noticed her lift the phone looking down at the photo of the ultrasound once more. 'The sooner you accept our grandson, the sooner you'll be able to get through this.' He sadly thought.
(Meanwhile in Kyoto)
Parking across the street from the cafe, Mamoru nervously exhaled noticing the lights were off in the cafe. Glancing up at the top floor of the cafe, he noticed a dim light escaping from the curtains. Seeing it was almost ten-thirty, he frowned wondering if he should find a hotel. 'No, she's expecting me to call as soon as I arrive.' He sternly thought before forcing himself to dial the number listed on the small business card.
Pressing the phone against his ear, Mamoru nervously exhaled, turning his gaze towards the windows above the cafe once more. "Don't be nervous, this is your one final chance." He chastised himself, then tensed hearing a woman's voice answer.
"Hello?" Azmui greeted.
Feeling his stomach nervously flutter, Mamoru nervously fumbled on his words as he responded to the woman's greeting. "Um, hello, this is Chiba Mamoru. I apologize for calling so late, Shingo-san said I would need to speak with you about seeing Usagi-chan."
"Of course, Mamoru-san. Will you meet me downstairs at the cafe's entrance?" Azumi happily responded. "Usagi is asleep already, but we can still chat though."
"Yes, of course." Mamoru quickly responded, his stomach nervously twisting as the call ended. Placing his phone into his pocket as he emerged from the car, he nervously ran a hand through his hair as he silently approached the dark cafe.
Nearing the door, Mamoru jumped slightly watching the lights illuminate the cafe as a woman who favored Mrs. Tsukino walked towards the door wearing a pastel yellow robe. Feeling his nerves begin to ease from the warm, gentle smile she greeted him with, Mamoru politely smiled back, stepping into the quiet cafe as the door opened.
"Mamoru-san, it's nice to meet you." Azumi happily greeted, watching the older teen step into the cafe and nervously look around as she locked the door. "We'll talk upstairs." She stated, with a wave of her hand motioning the tall teen to follow. "Would you like some tea?"
"Yes, please." Mamoru responded, with a nod of appreciation. Following the woman through the cafe, Mamoru noticed a door that looked to lead to the kitchen. Looking in awe at the large kitchen, he noticed a small area to the side designated as a break area, set up with a small table, four chairs, and a set of lockers against the wall.
"This way, Mamoru-san." Azumi stated, motioning towards a door between the table and lockers. "My home is upstairs, we'll chat up there since it will be more comfortable." She explained, watching the teen grow more nervous as they quietly ascended the stairs.
Watching Azumi rest a small cup of tea in front of him, Mamoru silently watched Azumi rest her own cup in front of her as she silently sat across from him. "Thank you, for the tea." He nervously stated, lifting the cup and taking a small sip of the hot liquid.
"Why are you here, Chiba-san?" Azumi bluntly asked, tilting her head to the side trying to hide her amusement when the teen abruptly choked on his tea. Watching him cough and clear his throat, she raised her brow at him, urging him to speak once his coughing had ceased.
"I've possibly made a foolish mistake." Mamoru softly stated, running a hand through his hair. "I've accepted a scholarship with Harvard and I'm expected to leave for the states in a week." He nervously stated.
"What an accomplishment." Azumi stated with awe, watching the older teen politely smile before speaking once more.
"I can't leave." Mamoru timidly stated, reaching into his pocket and resting the note onto the table. "She wrote me this letter two months ago and my best friend-" He said, pausing as he sighed out in frustration. "My best friend is a baka, he stubbornly held onto this letter until today." He explained, watching Azumi lift the letter and read the words Usagi had written for him.
Mamo-chan, I know you probably hate me right now, and I don't blame you. I hate myself for how I spoke to you and worst of all, for hitting you. I don't know why I did it, but I am so sorry. There's so much I want to tell you, Mamo-chan, but I'm afraid to. I don't know how you will react or if it's only going to push you away further. I wish you the very best in your studies, perhaps one day we can be friends again. -Usako
'There's so much I want to tell you.' Azumi silently read the line on the letter once more. Resting the letter onto the table, she gently cleared her throat as she stood and walked towards the fridge that was positioned behind Mamoru. Removing the ultrasound, she smiled brushing her fingers against the picture of her great-nephew.
Walking back to the small dining table, Azumi silently rested the ultrasound atop of the letter. "This is what she was most likely afraid to tell you." She calmly stated, silently anticipating the teen to panic and quickly bailout. "She's twenty-one weeks along, she found out today she's having a son." She calmly explained, watching Mamoru lift the ultrasound and look at the picture with a sad smile.
"She- she's due in December?" Mamoru quietly asked, watching Azumi silently nod.
"Does this bother you, Chiba-san?" Azumi asked, watching Mamoru rest the ultrasound on the table and shake his head.
"No." Mamoru softly stated, looking into Azumi's surprised gaze. "The possibility of her being pregnant has crossed my mind, considering everything she's endured." He honestly admitted, his voice soft and nervous. Clenching his fists in anger at the thought of his two former classmates, he blinked back his angry tears as he spoke. "She was hurt because I was too much of a coward to confront her that night." Mamoru guiltily stated. "I didn't want to admit my feelings in fear of rejection, so I just silently remained a bystander. If I had just confronted her and Naru-san at the party, none of this would have happened to her. I should have trusted my instincts that night, I should have told them to go home, there's a chance she-" He urged, before growing silent when Azumi gently rested her hand atop of his.
"There was no way of knowing the horrors that awaited my niece." Azumi tearfully stated, her heart breaking at the pain and regret that was laced in his words. "This baby, I know he will help her heal in time. But he's only a piece to the many she will need to be complete again." She said with a gentle smile. "Can you be one of the pieces she's missing?"
"Yes." Mamoru softly stated, tears shining in his eyes. "That's why I'm here, Azumi-san. I want her to know how much I love her, that I want to spend the rest of my life with her if she will have me. I'm-"
"You're going away to college though." Azumi gently interjected, watching the older teen quickly grow flustered. "Will the distance not cause more problems?" She prompted before the teen could speak. Watching him silently sit for a moment, she watched him nervously wring his hands together before he responded.
"I'm planning on staying in Japan if she will allow me in her life." Mamoru responded, nervously exhaling as he raked his hand through his hair once more. "She's pushed me away once, I- I'm afraid she'll do it again." He quietly admitted, his stomach nervously twisting at the thought of the one he loved rejecting him a second time. "If she still doesn't want a relationship, I'll leave for the states. I don't want to push anything on her."
"She was scared and confused before." Azumi gently responded, watching Mamoru abruptly look up at her. "Being in Kyoto these past two months has helped her lower the wall she had built around her." She explained, sadly smiling before she continued to speak. "She's not completely back to herself, but I see a little more light escaping the darkness with each day that passes."
"I've missed her light." Mamoru softly stated, tears shining in his eyes. "She's all I've thought about these past months."
"What do you plan to do about your studies, if you decide to stay in Japan? Isn't it too late to sign up for the new semester?" She curiously asked.
"No, I should be able to transfer." Mamoru stated, hoping and praying he would not be forced to go to Harvard until he could transfer to another university in Japan.
"She's not returning to Tokyo." Asumi calmly stated, watching Mamoru look at her in shock.
"What?" Mamoru quietly asked, his voice full of surprise. "Why would she not return to-"
"She has friends here, she doesn't want to leave them. You'll meet them tomorrow." Azumi responded with a gentle smile. "Does this bother you, Chiba-san?"
"No, of course not. I- I just assumed being here was temporary." Mamoru stated, then blushed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come across rude." He immediately apologized with a quick bow.
"It's alright, Mamoru-san." Azumi responded with a gentle laugh. Glancing at the clock she noticed they'd been talking for over an hour. "You must be tired from the long trip here, I'll set up the couch for you."
"No, I'll stay at a hotel, I don't want to be an inconvenience. I'll-" Mamoru politely interjected before he was abruptly interrupted.
"Don't be silly." Azumi gently laughed, with a quick wave of her hand. "It will not be an inconvenience at all. Do you have an overnight bag?" She asked, watching the young man silently nod his head. "Go gather your things, I'll have the couch converted to a bed by the time you return." She said with a motherly smile.
"Thank you, Azumi-san." Mamoru sincerely stated, watching Azumi's smile broaden more.
"There's no need to thank me." Azumi responded, ushering the young man forwards. Watching him exit the door that led down to the cafe, Azumi smiled as she stood and walked towards the living room to prepare the bed for her guest. 'I wonder if Usa will notice him in the morning?' She thought with an amused smile.
(The Following Morning)
"Morning Nao-san, Tomio-san." Azumi greeted carrying a pot of coffee. "Would you gentlemen like a refill?"
"Yes, darling. That would be much appreciated." Nao responded with a gracious smile.
"Where's your niece? We didn't get our morning scowl." Tomio teased, watching the young woman's smile falter slightly before quickly apologizing.
"My apologies, I'll speak with her about this impolite behavior." Azumi apologized, making a mental note to speak with her niece about greeting all their customers with a smile.
"No, Azumi-san. It's really not an issue, we find it quite amusing." Nao urged with a light-hearted chuckle.
"Please don't reprimand her, she's not a fault. We're the ones who give her such a hard time." Tomio explained. "It's nice seeing we can still get the young ladies flustered after all these years." He guffawed, as he and his friend shared a laugh.
"Should I be concerned?" Azumi teased the two men, placing her hand on her hip and playfully giving the two elderly men a stern look.
"Oh no! Just playful banter, I assure you, Azumi-san. We're not being disrespectful, we just enjoy giving the young lady a hard time." Nao responded, placing his hand over his heart. "Just the innocent wink and exchange of banter, I promise." He assured Azumi, watching her smile and lift his empty plate from the table.
"Alright, but please tell me if she ever causes any offense." Azumi requested watching the two men smile and politely nod. Refilling the two men's cups, she turned as the door opened and watched as Minako quietly entered with a smile and waved towards their direction. Nodding her head in return, she quickly excused herself as she went to return the coffee to its place on the maker and the empty plate to the kitchen. "Minako-san, dear. Will you start preparing silverware for the lunch crowd?" She asked as soon as she passed the counter.
"Of course, Azumi-san. What time does Usagi-chan work today?" Minako curiously asked.
"In two more hours." Azumi said with an amused smile. "I'm sure she'll be down sooner."
"What do you mean?" Minako prompted, seeing the cheeky smile Azumi was trying to contain.
"You'll see." Azumi casually stated, curious to what her niece's choice would be with the young man who she had left sleeping on the couch earlier that morning.
::BEEP::BEEP::BEEP::BEEP::
Extending her hand out from the mass of blankets, Usagi groggily felt around lifting her phone and silencing her alarm. Feeling a thump against her stomach, she tiredly smiled resting her hand against her swollen belly. "I'm getting up." She muttered, feeling son's soft thump against her hand once more.
"Ugh...it's so early." Usagi whined, seeing it was almost eight-thirty. Pushing the remaining blankets off her, she tiredly yawned as she rested her hand against her rounded belly making her way to the bathroom. "Must you press on my bladder so much?" She grumpily muttered, then smiled in amusement as a thump was felt in response. "Fine, fine, I'm sorry. I know you don't have much room in there." She apologized, as she entered the bathroom to take her morning shower.
Shutting the bathroom door with a soft click, she was unaware of Mamoru's presence in the living room where he was getting dressed from his shower earlier that morning.
Buttoning the last button on his crisp white shirt, Mamoru abruptly looked up at the sound of a soft click. Feeling his stomach nervously twist when hearing the sound of a door clicking shut, he took a few curious steps forwards towards the hallway. Smiling when seeing the bathroom light was on, he knew Usagi was finally awake. Hearing the sound of the shower turning on moments later, he turned his attention back towards the pull-out bed.
Folding the bed back down into the couch, Mamoru knelt down silently lifting the cushions and placing them back onto the couch. Resting his overnight bag onto the floor beside the couch, he proceeded to fold the blankets, carefully placing them onto the couch before lifting the pillow and resting it atop the folded assortment of sheets and blankets.
Running a hand through his damp hair, Mamoru glanced in the direction of the bathroom wondering if he should wait until she was done to speak with her or approach her in the cafe. 'She won't be able to run if you speak with her in the cafe.' He thought, knowing he was choosing the cowardly path. Gently clearing his throat, he nervously exhaled before walking forwards to go downstairs and get a cup of coffee while he waited for Usagi to come downstairs for her shift.
Feeling his heart hammering in his chest, Mamoru nervously exhaled, wishing he could shake his sudden uneasiness. "It's going to be alright." He tried to reassure himself as he opened the stairway door, descending the steps and quietly stepping out the door into the illuminated kitchen.
"Who the hell are you?" A feminine voice immediately demanded.
Turning his attention towards the voice, Mamoru noticed two brunettes standing at the large kitchen island looking at him with curious gazes as well as a dark-haired girl glaring at him suspiciously. "I- I'm a friend of Usagi's." He stammered slightly, finally finding his voice. "Chiba Mamoru."
"You're Mamoru-san?" Makoto excitedly asked, immediately exchanging looks with Taiki.
"Am I missing something?" Seiya immediately snapped, glaring at the older teen who was still standing at the door. "How do you know Odango?" She demanded, watching Mamoru immediately smile at the question. "What are you smiling about?" She snapped.
"I'm sorry, it's just-" Mamoru stated, pausing to chuckle. "I've also addressed Usagi-chan as Odango."
"Don't mind Seiya-baka." Taiki immediately stated, smirking as she glanced towards her jealous cousin. "She's just feeling threatened since she's been pining over Usagi-chan for the past two months."
"Shut your mouth, Taiki-baka." Seiya immediately hissed, her cheeks turning a bright red.
Trying to hide his shock, Mamoru abruptly cleared his throat, suddenly finding himself feeling nervous and threatened by the dark-haired rival. "You have feelings for Usako?" He asked, watching the girl immediately scowl at the endearment.
"If you must know, yes, I have feelings for Odango." Seiya smugly responded with a smirk. "I've been here for her the past two months, where have you been? Why is this the first time hearing of your existence?" She taunted, smirking more as she received a glare from the older teen.
"Seiya-chan." Makoto snapped, shocked by their friend's behavior.
"No, let her speak." Mamoru calmly stated, seeing the teen was beginning to struggle with keeping her composure, unshed tears shining in her eyes.
"You're not worth my time." Seiya angrily spat, quickly turning to hide the stray tear that streaked her cheek. Pushing the door open in a huff, she quickly made her way towards the restrooms to go and regain her composure. 'Damn him.' She angrily thought, then clenched her fists at her side. 'He better not hurt her, or I will make him regret it.'
Watching the door swing open and shut for a moment as Seiya angrily left the kitchen, Taiki softly sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she silently shook her head with exasperation. "Mamoru-san, please excuse my cousin's rude behavior." She quickly apologized. "She has a crush on Usagi-chan and in Seiya's defense this is the first time we've heard about you." She carefully tried to explain.
Hurt by her words, Mamoru nervously swallowed, his heart wildly pounding and stomach dropping at the thought of being an afterthought to Usagi. 'Did I waste my time coming here?' He suddenly thought, his jaw painfully clenching at the thought of another rejection. "Excuse me." He snapped, quickly exiting the kitchen in a similar huff to Seiya's departure.
"Well, I sensed some major tension." Makoto stated, with a nervous chuckle.
"He needs to know Usagi-chan may not be interested in him. Why else would she not bring him up?" Taiki logically stated, with a nonchalant shrug.
"This is going to be an interesting day." Makoto stated with a smile, glancing towards the stairway door. "What time is Usagi's shift today?" She asked, looking over at the schedule board.
"In an hour." Taiki stated with an amused smile. "I personally can't wait to see what happens, I just hope Minako-chan can refrain from sticking her nose into their business." She quipped, earning an amused laugh from Makoto.
"She means well, Taiki-chan." Makoto responded before quietly turning and walking towards the sink of dirty dishes. "I'm going to get these loaded into the dishwasher." She stated, glancing over at her friend to watch Taiki nod as she continued to prep for their next meals for the afternoon lunch crowd.
(One Hour Later)
"So that's Usagi's boyfriend?" Minako curiously asked, glancing over at Seiya who was leaning against the counter glaring daggers at the older teen who was sitting at a table with Azumi, his back facing them.
"The bastard." Seiya angrily stated. "Thinks he can just march in here and take Odango from me." She snapped, not seeing Minako give her a look, before silently and hopelessly shaking her head at her.
"Seiya-chan, you know Usagi-chan doesn't feel the same for you. Yes, she loves you, but she loves you in the same sisterly way that she loves me and the others." She gently stated, her heart breaking when seeing the genuine hurt in her friend's sudden averted gaze. "It's going to be alright, she's going to be alright with him, I have a good feeling about him."
Scoffing at her words, Seiya blinked her tears back once more, not wanting the dark-haired jerk to see her as an emotional mess. "If he hurts her in any way, I'll-"
"No, Seiya-chan." Minako quickly interrupted. "If he hurts her, 'we' will make sure he pays." She corrected her friend, watching Seiya tearfully smile over at her. "It's going to be alright, like I said, I have a good feeling about him." She reassured her friend, watching Seiya silently nod before cutting her gaze towards Mamoru once more. 'I've never seen her act so jealous or this overprotective over any of her crushes.' She thought, wishing she could ease Seiya's sudden apprehension.
Walking into the kitchen, Usagi smiled as she waved towards her two friends. "Morning, Taiki-chan, Mako-chan." She greeted, walking to the time clock and keying in her employee number to clock in for her shift. "Anything exciting going on today?" She curiously asked, watching the two look at her with surprise.
"You tell us." Makoto responded with a sly smile. "You're the one who had a hottie sleeping upstairs."
"What?" Usagi abruptly asked, looking at her two friends with confusion. "What hottie?" She demanded, noticing her two friends immediately exchange glances. "Mako-chan?!" She whined, stomping her foot with impatience of her friend's lingering silence.
"Calm down, Usagi-chan." Taiki responded with an amused chuckle. "You're just as impatient as Seiya-chan." She teased as she walked towards the kitchen door. "Let's see if he's still here." She pondered aloud, taking a quick peek out the small window of the door. "He's sitting with your Aunt Azumi-san." She said, stepping aside as Usagi immediately stood next to her.
"Let me see." Usagi muttered, standing on her tiptoes as she peeked out the small window. Seeing the familiar mess of dark locks, Usagi felt her jaw immediately drop realizing Mamoru was sitting with her aunt. Immediately turning, she pressed her back against the door, her cheeks flushed, heart pounding wildly in her chest. "What is he doing here?" She hissed, tears welling in her eyes.
"I think he's here to see you, Usagi-chan." Makoto replied with a knowing smile.
"Why?" Usagi demanded, looking up at her friends as a few stray tears streaked her cheeks.
"Usagi-chan?" Makoto worriedly asked, her humor quickly being replaced with worry. "What is it?"
Wrapping her arms around her rounded stomach, Usagi nervously exhaled quickly taking another peek out the door. 'Don't worry, he'll leave as soon as he sees you're pregnant.' She thought, trying to reassure herself. 'No one is going to want you now.' She thought, reaching up and brushing the tears from her cheeks. Taking a deep breath, she jumped when feeling a hand on her shoulder. Turning her head, she watched Makoto smile down at her, concern shining in her eyes.
"Do you want me to get your Aunt?" Makoto worriedly asked.
"No, I'll be fine." Usagi quietly murmured, forcing a small smile.
"We'll be in here if you need us." Taiki worriedly stated, watching her friend smile her thanks.
"Thanks, Taiki-chan." Usagi responded with a nervous smile. Softly exhaling once more, she pushed the door open and stepped out into the cafe. Keeping her gaze forward, she walked towards the counter where Minako was quietly rolling silverware into napkins. "Morning Minako-chan." She greeted, watching her friend immediately smile over at her.
"Morning, Usagi-chan." Minako happily chirped. "There's someone here to see you, he's with your Aunt Azumi-san."
"Yes, Mako-chan and Taiki-chan already informed me." Usagi responded with a nervous exhale.
"Do you not want to see him?" Minako asked in surprise.
"He doesn't know I'm pregnant, well at least he didn't know when I left Tokyo." Usagi admitted reaching into the bin and removing a handful of silverware as she helped her friend roll the silverware into napkins. Glancing over her shoulder, she blushed quickly turning her gaze forward when seeing Mamoru had also glanced back at the same time, their gazes briefly meeting.
Trying to hide her smile when seeing how flustered her friend was becoming, Minako glanced back and smiled seeing Azumi was quietly walking towards them.
"Usagi-san, I want you to take a break. You have a visitor, he's had a long drive from Tokyo to speak with you." Azumi requested, frowning slightly when noticing her niece was carefully rolling silverware into a napkin, her body slightly tense.
"I don't want to." Usagi nervously responded. "Tell him to leave, Azumi-oba."
"What?" Azumi asked with surprise.
"Please, he deserves so much better." Usagi tearfully pleaded, a stray tear streaking her cheek.
"Usagi-chan." Minako gasped, shocked by her friend's words.
"Sweetheart, he came all this way to see you." Azumi calmly spoke, seeing her niece was on the verge of tears. "He really wants to see you." She urged with a small smile. Gently placing her hand atop of Usagi's hand before she could reach for another napkin, she smiled, knowing her niece was nervous and on edge about the young man being in the cafe. "Just go over and say hi." She gently ushered, watching her niece silently nod before nervously exhaling. "Take your time." She urged, watching Usagi nervously wring her hands before turning and walking towards the corner table she would normally occupy with Seiya for her breaks.
"Do you think this is a good idea?" Minako worriedly asked as soon as Usagi was out of hearing distance.
"Yes." Azumi softly stated, watching with anticipation as Usagi walked towards the table. "She's ready for this, I just know it." She said, hopeful that her niece would open her heart to the young man who was willing to give up so much for her niece. "There's something about him." She said, unsure how to describe the vibes the young man gave.
"I feel it too." Minako said with a small smile. "It's like they're connected, intertwined to be together."
"Yes, that's so beautifully stated." Azumi said, watching the blonde blush slightly. "Such a romantic you are." She teased, watching Minako flash her a big smile.
"Who knows, perhaps I was the goddess of love in my past life." Minako teased, with a nonchalant shrug prompting a gentle laugh from Azumi.
"Perhaps." Azumi responded, with a gentle smile. "I'll help you finish these since I sent your helper away." She stated, turning her focus onto the task at hand.
Nervously exhaling, Mamoru stared down at his cup of coffee watching the steam rise from the small cup. 'It's going to be alright.' He thought, trying to ease his worries and apprehension. Sensing movement from behind, he tensed slightly as the chair Azumi had occupied slowly slid back. Bringing his gaze up, he immediately took notice of Usagi's rounded belly. Immediately raising his gaze, he could see the uncertainty shining in her eyes as their gazes met once more. "Usako." He softly stated, his voice almost a whisper.
"Wh-what are you doing here?" Usagi quietly asked, her heart fluttering at the intensity of his gaze.
"I wanted to see you." Mamoru responded, reaching into his pocket and removing a folded slip of paper. Hearing her soft hitch of breath at the sight of the paper, he smiled looking into her nervous gaze. "I would have been here sooner, but Motoki-baka finally gave me this yesterday."
"Yesterday?" Usagi asked in surprise, her expression going from nervous to irritated. "That baka promised me he would give it to you the day I left." She muttered, sitting in her seat in a huff.
"My sentiment as well, I was quite frustrated with him." Mamoru responded with a chuckle, then felt his smile slightly falter seeing how quiet and reserved she was acting towards him. "The baby." He nervously stated, gently clearing his throat before he continued. "That's why you left, why you ran from me?" He asked, watching Usagi nervously shift in her seat, averting her gaze for a moment. "Usako, why did you think I would-"
"I was scared." Usagi abruptly interrupted, tears shining in her eyes. "I didn't know how you would react, so I just left."
"Your aunt said you're having a boy." Mamoru said with a smile.
"Yes." Usagi softly stated, wrapping an arm protectively around her stomach. "I found out yesterday."
Reaching across the table, he felt her tense under the gentle touch. "I've missed you so much." He gently stated, watching her abruptly look up at him, her cheeks flushed pink. "I've been so miserable these past two months, I couldn't stop thinking about you, Usako."
Feeling her heart flutter at his words, Usagi could feel tears well in her eyes as she felt him gently lace his fingers with hers, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You're leaving for Harvard though, this would never work, Mamo-chan." She said, watching him smile at the nickname for him.
"That's why I'm here." Mamoru said, gently brushing his thumb against the back of her hand. "I don't want to leave without knowing."
"Knowing what?" Usagi nervously asked, her stomach fluttering.
"I need to know if you still want this, us?" Mamoru nervously asked, gently squeezing her hand, nervously anticipating her answer. "I won't leave Japan. I'll transfer to another University, I'll transfer my studies to another university near Kyoto so we can be together."
"Mamo-chan." Usagi gasped, tears shining in her eyes. "I- I can't let you do that. You can't turn down this opportunity with Harvard."
"It's just a university, Usako." Mamoru responded with a chuckle. "I can still get my medical training with Keio Medical University once I complete my first four years of study."
"Why, Mamo-chan?" Usagi tearfully asked, her voice wavering slightly. "Why do you want to be with me? I- I'm broken."
"No my love." Mamoru immediately responded, his heart dropping at her words. "What happened to you isn't your fault, it doesn't make you broken or undesirable." He said watching her tearfully look into his gaze. "Your child will not make me love you or him any less." He urged, watching her tearfully smile at his words. "Please, Usako. Please believe me when I tell you that I love you and that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Gasping at his words, Usagi silently sat and watched as Mamoru gently lifted her hand and pressed his lips ever so gently against her knuckles sending shivers throughout her. Feeling a warmth spread throughout her from the gentle gesture, she blushed more as his gaze held hers, trapping her into his deep blue gaze. "Mamo-chan, I-"
"I love you, Usako. I have loved you since the moment you hit me in the head with your crumpled test." Mamoru interrupted, watching her blush and gently laugh at the memory. "Please give me a chance, let me in, and allow me to prove my love for you." He gently urged, watching her nervously bite her lip as she lowered her gaze tears welling in her eyes.
"Mamo-chan, I'm scared." Usagi tearfully admitted, stray tears streaking her cheeks.
"I am too." Mamoru admitted, with a tearful smile. "I know we can make this work, Usako. With you, I know we can get through anything together."
"I love you too, Mamo-chan." Usagi tearfully stated, watching Mamoru happily smile at her declaration. Silently watching as Mamoru stood, she felt her stomach flutter and heart race as he silently walked to where she sat, his hand still laced with hers. Watching him kneel in front of her, she felt him gently brush her tears away with his thumb before caressing her cheek with his other hand.
Seeing him nervously look at her lips, Usagi felt her breath hitch slightly as he leaned forwards, closing the small gap between them before gently pressing his lips against hers. Feeling tears streak her cheeks, Usagi tightly closed her eyes, pushing down her fears and insecurities as she gently returned the kiss. 'This is all I've ever wanted.' She happily thought, not noticing Minako giddily grabbing onto Azumi or Seiya retreating into the kitchen as the two were caught up in the moment of finally being reunited.
To Be Continued...
I am SO SORRY about the delay. I was sick for the most part of last week and my brain was just useless for the week. I was able to get caught up the last few days and finally finished proofreading today.
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, hope I didn't disappoint anyone making the baby a boy. I had decided at the very beginning I wanted Usagi to have a boy so she could name him after the two men who initially saved her life (from the fire/from Kazan).
I felt so bad for Seiya in this chapter, I'm a huge fan of the Sei/Usa pairing, so this story has been hard for me, not trying to pair them, lol.
If you liked the chapter, leave me a review! I always enjoy and look forward to reading your feedback and responses. :)
-ShadowQueenGalactica
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Hoping 2021 will be a MUCH better year! :)