A/N: First off I want to thank everyone whose been following this twenty year old story. When I started this I was in middle school, when I only knew of A Sailor Moon Romance. Anyway, I'm still doing writing exercises and this story has been my priority since I returned. It's taking a long time to get through the writers block despite having an outline and knowing what's happening, writing it is much harder. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for being patient. And most of all, thank you for your kind reviews and encouraging messages. It truly warms my heart.

I do not own the characters or the show. The only thing that is my own is the original story line within the copy written characters and show.

Key for Symbols:

= = ". * ." = = : POV change

/Italics/ - Past event

Italics - emphasis or character thought.

Bold - indicates a heavy action.

As One

Chapter 11

Introducing

",~~,"

= = ". * ." = =

"~ , , ,~'"

When Usagi was five, Ikuko surprised her with glow in the dark stars. Two hundred guaranteed to last! Jumping with glee, the little bunny held the box close to her chest. "It even includes a bonus of one hundred stars! Two hundred plus one hundred equals three hundred," her parents had told her. "Three hundred stars to shine, just for you."

And so, with Shingo tied to her mother's back, and the ladder in her father's hands, the four decorated her ceiling with stars. But Kenji had said that Usagi's job was the most important of all. For she was the creator of the universe; she was to point to every spot her father would place a sticker.

However, Usagi was only five. She had no knowledge of the constellations, so she directed him to the areas she thought looked prettiest. And so of course, being only grade one, it ended up in large clusters here and there. But it didn't matter to Usagi because the best part was that in the dark, every star turned a fluorescent green.

At night when she was scared or overwhelmed, she looked up at her ceiling; and it soothed her, no matter the situation. That had always been the case, until tonight.

She couldn't sleep.

Thinking about it... "couldn't" wasn't necessarily accurate.

It wasn't that she couldn't, it was more like she wouldn't.

Every time she closed her eyes she saw his; deep, magnetic -pulling her in like gravity. She tossed and turned, hoping for once she could blink and be somewhere else. Fear would be so much better than thinking about Mamoru and his eyes.

With the pads of her fingers, the teen pressed her lips; just a few hours ago they were warm. Mamoru had kissed her, he kissed her. And it felt as if her world-

STOP! She scolded herself.

Inwardly groaning, Usagi closed her eyes. But the moment her lids came down, his eyes were staring at her. Damn it! Huffing, she turned onto her side. She shouldn't have looked at him; that look- it was haunting her.

But it wasn't just Mamoru that was keeping her up, there was Rei too. The guilt was weighing heavily. Her best friend had left crying, rejecting any company once they'd taken her home. Naru tried to insist that she stay (which was surprising, considering their contentious relationship), but Rei refused.

"I need some time to myself," she'd said, hugging herself. And then, as they began to disperse, Rei asked Usagi to wait. "Thank you," she whispered. "You always...you always support me. I-" -she paused- "I love you Usagi-chan." Rei, wrapping her arms around Usagi's neck, it made the weight of shame even heavier.

Turning in her bed again she faced to the window. For a moment, she thought she saw something in one of the pagoda trees across the street. Luna maybe? Sitting up, she leaned against her window sill; opened the latch and peered out the window. But her guardian was nowhere to be seen.

The slight breeze from the south carried the scent of roses. It filled her with a sense of safety and comfort, that feeling she always had when Tuxedo Kamen whisked her away from danger.

Deciding to leave the window open, Usagi laid back down; hoping she'd dream of the mysterious capped hero who'd given her her first kiss, instead of deep blue eyes.

= = ". Mamoru ." = =

With her back against his bedroom wall, their tongues danced together. Excitement coursed through Mamoru's body as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Usagi brushed her fingers through his hair, and his knees shook in response. Pulling her away from the wall to cradle her head, his hand brushed against her shoulder. She shrieked.

He pulled away immediately. Had he hurt her somehow, pushed her past her limit? Mamoru was suddenly ashamed, he'd been unable to control his emotions and assaulted her.

"Usako, I'm so-"

But she wasn't staring at him. Her beautiful blue eyes were focused on her shoulder where her skin was scorched. His first response was one of panic, the girl he loved was in pain, but the emotional reaction was fleeting. Mamoru's medical knowledge unfurled, assessing the wound and scanning his memory for the right treatment.

Second degree burns need to run under cool water then cleaned and bandaged. And although the process of memory retrieval is complex, it only took a second for Mamoru's brain to do so.

"We need to treat you quickly. Take off your shirt, we need to run cool water over the burn."

Usagi nodded in understanding and he went to the bathroom to start running the water.

The moment he stepped through the threshold, Tuxedo Kamen found himself on the surface of the moon. And like it had been for the past several months, the air was uncomfortably warm.

With her back facing him, he watched as his princess turned her head towards him and whispered those words she'd been telling him since the change in the moon's temperature.

"Help us. She's burning."

Instead of waking up with the princess' words echoing in his head, screaming pierced the galactic atmosphere. It was horrifying; it caused the hairs on his body to stand, his feet and palms to sweat. He had never heard such a tortured sound.

The smell of burning flesh was putrid and nearly overwhelmed his senses. He didn't think it was possible but, the scream grew even louder, a high pitched cry that pulsed between sobbing and screaming. Tuxedo Kamen recognized that wail. Usagi.

With all the power he possessed he jumped.

The acrid air sought to keep him on the ground, but he was stronger, his will impenetrable. He landed with a loud thump- at the same spot he'd just been.

He tried running, he tried crawling, he tried spinning- Usagi was screaming in pain, crying out. But no matter where the superhero ran, he couldn't get off the moon, he couldn't get close to the princess, he couldn't save Usagi. He screamed out in desperation, a sob catching in his throat.

"Help us," the princess' voice echoed, "she's burning."

Mamoru woke up in a cold sweat, his heart hitting his rib cage painfully. There was too much adrenaline running, he couldn't sleep now.

Just half an hour later Tuxedo Kamen found himself in the tree across from Usagi's home. He needed to see her, to know she was okay. He wouldn't be able to sleep if he couldn't confirm she was alright. When he saw her lean out her window he let out a sigh of relief. She was safe.

= = ". Usagi ." = =

Mamoru was unusually late to the arcade, not that Usagi noticed or anything. She wasn't looking out for him and she wasn't at all nervous about seeing him. She looked over to Rei leaning on her fist and staring off into space. The priestess hadn't said a word since they entered.

"He might not even show up," Makoto consoled. "Usagi slapped him pretty good."

The remark caused Usagi to puff up in pride. "Sure did! But it felt like hitting a brick wall." She cradled her hand in remembrance.

"What'd he say to you anyway?" Makoto asked. Rei's focus shifted to the blonde.

"Oh…" Usagi squirmed uncomfortably. "Um…just that uh…Rei was…like one of his best friends," she lied. Rei's shoulders slumped. "But also that you're beautiful inside and out!" Usagi shouted. She couldn't stand the pain on Rei's face, so she began spouting off without thinking. "...that you're so great and wonderful but he's like…he doesn't like…like he doesn't... like girls!"

The four pairs of eyes widened substantially.

"He…he's gay?"

"Y-y-yea," Usagi stuttered. "He told me not to tell anyone though."

Rei looked back at Usagi suspiciously. "And why would he share that with you?"

"Because," Usagi scrambled to think of an excuse, "I don't know! He's a baka! How am I supposed to know why he does things!" She folded her arms across her chest. She decided to take the defensive tactic. "Fine, you don't want to believe me, then don't believe me! I'm just a stupid klutzy nobody!"

"Usagi-Chan," -Ami reached out to touch her arm- "no one said that at all."

Usagi put on the saddest face she could muster.

"We love you," Naru replied.

"You are somebody," Rei stated powerfully. She took Usagi's hand and gripped it forcefully. "You are our somebody!"

Oops…Usagi hadn't meant for her tantrum to get everyone so emotional. But her guilt was short felt as someone had called loudly, "Aurora!"

The voice came from the front of the table. The girls found, at the end of their gaze, an extremely attractive man.

"Oh! Hi, Ishikawa-san!"

"Satoru," he insisted, smiling charmingly. Turning his head to the raven haired teen beside her, he greeted, "Rei-san, how are you?"

The miko straightened, rolling her shoulders back as she suddenly remembered who the man was. "I'm okay, thanks."

Makoto, who sat across from Usagi, kicked her blonde friend lightly on the shin.

"Owwweeee! Mako-chan that hurt!" Usagi whined. The brunette blushed in response; Satoru chuckled.

"Sorry, I should introduce myself. I'm Ishikawa Satoru."

"His brother is Usagi-chan's doctor," Rei added.

"Satoru-san, these are my best friends." Usagi introduced, "Naru-Chan, Makoto-Chan, and Ami-chan."

"Nice to meet you."

His eyes made a quick sweep of her company, stilling for a minute on the ponytailed brunette. Makoto flushed under his extended attention. His dimple deepened at her reaction, and then he returned to Usagi. "How about you all come eat lunch with me and my friends tomorrow?"

"Will Ishikawa-sensei be there?" Usagi asked excitedly. "I want to introduce him to Ami-chan. She's a genius too!" She began rubbing her hands greedily; thinking of a future in which her genius friends took care of her. Satoru laughed.

"Then I'll make sure he's there. You guys like pizza? There's this place near the hospital. It's called Pitza's Pizza."

"I've never heard of it," Naru commented.

"It's great! How about meeting up there tomorrow at…11:30ish?"

"I don't know," trailed Rei. Usagi was still having black outs. What if she had one while they were with strangers? "Are you sure Ishikawa-sensei will be there?"

"If I guarantee it?"

"Then we'll come."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow."

Satoru didn't stay long. He explained he was on his way to the hospital to visit his friend. But he lingered for a few minutes, wanting to ensure the girls were definitely meeting up for lunch the next day.

= = ". Mamoru and Usagi ." = =

It was difficult to function the next day. He had remained in the tree for quite some time, unable to leave for fear something would happen to Usagi. Eventually though, his exhaustion won out, and he leapt from treetops to rooftops, rooftops to buildings, and buildings to high rises, all the way to his bed.

Yet despite his fatigue, no one could tell. His appearance looked no different than usual. It was another invaluable lesson ingrained from Hisoka. "Never let them see you weak. You are a Chiba! You are the predator, the one at the top. We are waiting for you to falter, show one inch and they will rise up and take your name."

Mamoru's name was all he had left. He would die before allowing others to erase it.

By the time the conglomerate heir reached the arcade, he was near two hours behind. Despite his current fatigue, he hadn't considered forgoing the arcade. The arcade was one of the few places he was able to interact with Usako now.

He found her the moment he stepped through the sliding doors. Their eyes locked and the raven haired man took great delight when Usagi licked her lips in response. When she bit down on it, his thoughts went straight to that night in his room. The way he nipped at her lips; how she opened in response. He let out a small groan.

But then she put her head down, her eyes darting to Rei.

Rei.

He would need to address her confession and his subsequent response. He hadn't considered the repercussions; that he might not be able to easily interact with, and be around Odango if Rei no longer invited him.

Mamoru only reacted in the way he had because Hisoka trained him to be blunt against unwelcome offers. Chiba you must be clear with your rejection and remove any ideas of future possibilities; therefore he was. At the time he hadn't given thought to maintaining his friendship with Rei. But, in the day the effect was clear.

Placing his hands in his pockets, Mamoru made his way to the booth of girls. It was disquieting how very broken the priestess looked. Her violet eyes were fixed to the table and her shoulders were caved in, trying to disappear. Although Mamoru was not a very emotional person, seeing his friend look so fragile pulled at his heart. He had done this; to the girl he viewed as a sister. And although he wasn't in love with the dark haired teen, in his own way, he very much cared for her.

He stopped directly in front of her. Gently, he placed his knuckle below her pointed chin and tilted her head up.

Usagi peered through her fallen bangs as her nemesis made his way, her heart jumped, and she did her best to strap it down. Unusually though, Baka wasn't looking at her with his sly smile or throwing cheeky taunts. Instead his attention was, exclusively, on the beauty next to her. He hadn't even glanced in her direction once his gaze shifted to Rei. Usagi huffed.

As his hand lifted her friend's head up, a burning sensation began in the tiny blonde's stomach.

"You are important to me, you know that right, Rei-chan?"

A soft pink graced her cheeks as she nodded.

Anger boiled up from the surface of Usagi's chest. She wasn't sure why, but hearing the intimate words, seeing Mamoru touch Rei, made her want to rip someone's throat out. Her nose twitched, and she struggled to keep her head together.

"Friends?" He gave Rei a lopsided smile and the priestess blushed. Usagi bit her lip anxiously, her eyes darting between the two.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Good."

He removed his hand from her chin and patted the crown of her head before turning to the rest of the group.

When Mamoru addressed Ami first, Usagi could not hold her temper. How dare he ignore her!

"Well, Rei may be okay with it, but I'm not!" she announced jumping up. Mamoru's eyes traveled to Usagi slowly, and it burned the blonde with a fire that heated her cheeks.

"Odango," Mamoru arched his dark eyebrow, "I didn't realize you were here."

His remark had her shaking her fist at him, "Why you-you-"

"Don't strain that tiny brain of yours," he purred. Her stomach fluttered, his tone exciting her in a way she didn't like, no, she didn't like it at all.

"LISTEN MAMORU-BAKA," she screamed. Her adrenaline had her body so hot she didn't recognize the sharp headache that started. "I DON'T-"

Usagi suddenly stopped speaking. Her posture straightened and she released her clenched fists.

"I am sorry," her volume lowered, her tone accusatory, "but I cannot. Furthermore, I will not. I do not care how handsome you are, prince."

Mamoru's jaw slackened. Usagi blinked rapidly. He smirked, "you think I'm a handsome prince?"

"What!? No!"

Smirking, he purred back, "Why Odango, I didn't know you felt that way."

"I-I-I don't! I never said that- I didn't say that!"

"Oh yes you did. You think I'm a handsome prince." Mamoru attempted to suppress his smile as Usagi burned a bright red. She took one quick glance at him, screamed "MAMORU BAKA" and ran out of the arcade. The girls lingered for a few seconds before following their friend. They quickly caught up to her.

"You think Mamoru's handsome?" Rei laughed.

"No! No I don't. He's yours. I don't!" Usagi mumbled. Ami looked questionably at the flustered Usagi.

"He's not mine," the priestess voiced, once more somber.

"Yea, he's gay, remember!" Makoto interjected, causing Rei to laugh once more.

"Do you remember calling him a handsome prince?" Naru asked.

"No. I remember yelling then the next thing I know he's smirking saying I called him a handsome prince. More like a handsome TURD is what he is!" She said bitterly.

"So you still admit that he's handsome!" teased Makoto.

"That's not what I meant!" Usagi whined.

= = ". Minako ." = =

Nothing had gone right since she had landed in Japan. She had left France to escape the media, to find some semblance of comfort and peace. She had thought she would find that in Japan, a place her nanny once told her was Mina's home country, despite never having been there. But since her arrival, she was welcomed with nothing but hostile indignation. Even the man that was her grandfather held an unknown and unreasonable grudge against her. Yet, she still went to sit with him. She sat in the visiting chair beside his bed and choked in the tense atmosphere.

Yesterday she'd called her father. Both her parents answered the phone with smiles on their faces. Her mother looked healthy, her skin glowing, her eyes shining.

"Mon rayon de soleil," Marion cooed. Mina smiled, no matter how many years her mother called her 'my ray of sunshine' it always filled her heart with happiness.

"Bonjour maman et papa." It took a while for Mina to steer the conversation in the way she'd wanted. Her mother was so enthusiastic about a beautiful poem that she'd read and was absolutely certain that Mina had somehow inspired the poet, even though Mina had never met the man. Marion then went on to describe her adventures in Egypt. The teenager had always loved listening to her mother speak, so it had taken an hour before the young blonde could announce, "Je suis au Japon."

Immediately her father turned and kissed Marion on the forehead. He smiled softly at her and then turned back to the screen.

"Answer back in Japanese," his abrupt switch of tongue startled Mina. It was rare for Tomiichi to speak in Japanese when Marion was around.

Her mother's perfectly shaped brows furrowed. "Why do you speak in Japanese?" The French woman pouted.

"Darling," Tomiichi replied back in French. "I need to speak with Mina regarding Japan."

Mina observed her mother stare silently at her father. Tense moments between her parents were uncommon. Whenever the two would visit, Marion was alive with energy. She would bounce happily beside her daughter, doting on her, cooing how much she missed her. Then she would flit over to her husband, lay her head on his chest, and ask him to take them out. Surprenez-nous! (surprise us) She'd tell him.

Rather abruptly, Tomiichi raised his finger and tapped her mother's forehead.

"Now shoo!" he smiled. The soft, and in Mina's opinion, rude flick caused Marion to giggle like a child. She leant forward and chastely kissed his lips before leaving.

Tomiichi took a moment before returning to their previous conversation.

"Why are you in Japan Minako-chan?"

Mina explained the situation, from the invitation to the daily tense visits with her grandfather. She waited for her father to respond, to tell her what had happened between them. But for the first time, he gave no explanation.

"Papa?"

Her father's mahogany eyes darted in the direction her mother had left.

"Papa?" the teen called again. "I think he wants to see you." She paused. "Will you and mama come see him?"

"No."

The click of her heels echoed in the hall; a quick staccato. It was clear to anyone who looked at the young blonde that she was not in a pleasant mood. But of course, it was a hospital, who would be smiling in a terminal illness wing? However, the grim and tight line her lips also indicated she was not in mourning nor somber.

"You disowned him." Mina's voice cut through thick laughter. Satoru and Botan reacted immediately, both heads whipping toward the sudden unannounced guest.

Botan's first thought was how strikingly beautiful Mina was. She was a picture of her mother, but, Botan thought, Mina was much handsomer with her Japanese features. The girl had his nose, her father's wing tipped eyes, and the Aino's regal posture. Yet the thought was fleeting, and quickly replaced with guilt.

Satoru, who'd come to know Botan well, spotted the emotional change in his friend. It had been rapid, the only indication of feeling was the slight movement of the Botan's crow feet. The rest of Aino-san's face displayed a haughty indifference.

"Is this true?" Satoru found himself asking.

The minute the words left his mouth he regretted them. It was not his business, there were strict social norms within their society that dictated family matters remained within the family. And though the sage-eyed man was close to Botan, he was not family. In fact, he'd already overstepped by asking Minako to visit.

"I apologize. I will see myself out." Satoru bowed to both Ainos before exiting the room. Neither Mina nor Botan acknowledged the man's departure, their eyes locked on one another.

"Is that why you hate me?" If possible she stood even straighter. "Because my mother?"

Silence was the only sound that greeted her. An inflating ball began in her throat, it was heavy and painful. It threatened to escape her throat. Her father had told her that her 'grandfather' had banished him after he told his family that he was in love with Marion.

"I've come here everyday," her hands, both strong and soft, clutched at her pants. "Everyday I sit here in silence because you won't talk to me. And at first I thought it was something normal, Chizue-san wasn't an extremely affectionate nanny, so perhaps most people in Japan are like that. But that's not true. You don't talk to me because you- you-" and then the ball she'd been desperately trying to suppress escaped. It popped in her mouth and the sob echoed in its cavern.

"Come here." The old man lifted his hand. Minako was slow to respond as she struggled to stymie the tears that had fallen. When she reached his bedside he spoke softly, "I am bad at this. Your grandmother was much better at comforting." He sighed. "I miss her" -his weathered hands took hers- "You remind me of how I failed as a father. I could not, nor can I condone what my son did. He dishonored us…he gave me no choice but to disown him."

"Because he loves my mother?"

"It is not so simple," Botan began.

The story was long and as Minako followed her grandfather's rhythmic tone, her emotions revolving around her father ebbed and flowed. Tomiichi had been betrothed to marry one of the Aino's close business friends. It had been arranged before Tomiichi was born.

"They were together since they were children. And when Tomiichi expressed his desire to go into film, she encouraged him to go, and told him she'd stay and wait." But in the end, he met Marion and fell in love, and refused to marry the one he was contracted to.

"He gave me no choice. By choosing Marion, deciding to love and live a life with her, he dishonored our family."

= = ". Mamoru ." = =

Another night of sleep had evaded Mamoru Chiba. The nightmare had come again, the smell of burning flesh, the sounds of her screams, and the inability to get to her. Once more he found himself settling in the tree opposite her house, watching her sleep. The superhero should have felt some guilt about peering into her open window, but the anxiety of not knowing if she was safe overrode his sensibility.

He leaned against the concrete wall and peered down at his watch. Seeing the time, he pushed himself off the partition and straightened his jacket.

Since her accident, Usagi's chronic tardiness was no longer an issue. Her over protective family and friends forced the teen to be on time. At first it had made things difficult, how could he schedule his collisions with Odango? But he soon realized that her timeliness meant a strict daily routine. And now that she'd convinced everyone she was capable of going out alone, he could bump into her; it didn't matter that she was no longer running, she was still his klutzy, distracted, and ever unbalanced Odango.

Usagi had her head in her phone, probably watching some social media app, completely unaware of her surroundings. Of course Mamoru could have called to her, catch her attention so she wouldn't walk into him, but what was the pleasure in that?

Thus the raven haired man watched her amusedly, giggling at her phone. Ordinarily the teen was running, so she'd bounce off him like a ball. But this time, she was walking at a leisurely pace. She walked into him forehead first, the tips of their shoes ricocheted against his, causing her to take a step back, which was accompanied by her windmilling arms as she tried to keep her balance; her phone hit the ground and she made a squeal of horror.

Mamoru chuckled, Usagi had squeezed her eyes shut, her teeth clenched in anticipation of the fall. He'd caught her of course; one arm wrapped about her waist, the other holding her upper back.

"Haven't you learned anything Odango?" He taunted. She didn't respond. It was unlike her to not reply. It was then he realized the unnatural speed of her heart beat, the heat radiating from her body.

"O-odango, hey, are you okay?" he shook her slightly.

Slowly she opened her eyes. Mamoru looked back into her eyes, why did they look so silvery?

She smiled softly, her hand brushed his cheek. The gesture made his heart skip a beat. Then her hand went to the back of his neck, her fingers twirling his hair. His body responded without much thought, he bent down and kissed her. Her lips parted ever so slightly to take in his bottom lip. She pulled back,

"You are insatiable," she whispered huskily. He wanted to say something back, to voice his feelings, but he couldn't think properly with her body so close. His hand on her waist slid down her back side to lift her slightly higher.

"We really shouldn't," she continued, her breathing picked up its pace. He feel her body responding, her nipples hardening in arousal, pressing against him. He kissed her again, his mouth opened quickly, his tongue licking at the seam of her lips. She accepted him willingly. She pulled back, "Endymion." she moaned.

He immediately pulled back,

"What did you just call me?" his heart constricted. She looked back at him confusedly. "Endymion what's-" A sudden beeping emitted from her small watch. There was an immediate change in Usagi. The soft sheen in her eyes had brightened into a dark blue, she seemed confused. She looked up at him and her face reddened.

"Lemme go you-you hentai!" She pushed him and fell on her butt. "Get lost baka!"

He watched her in stunned confusion as she got up and ran away. He looked down on the sidewalk, she'd forgotten her phone.

= = ". * ." = =

Rei was having reservations about lunch. Although she agreed to it, she felt an uneasiness regarding Usagi's health. There was also a feeling of irritation toward the unemployed Ishikawa. The man's lack of employment and freeloading reminded the priestess of Fujita. Her father never had a real job and all the money he would make only went to perpetuate his and Tane's drug and alcohol use. The Murasakime sneered, her nose twitching.

"You okay, Rei-chan?"

The blue haired teen's question pulled the miko from her memories.

"Not really." Both Ami and Rei trailed behind Usagi, Naru, and Makoto. "I'm worried about Usagi. She's still having those…episodes. Do we really think it's okay to go out with people we don't even know? I mean- what if something happens?"

"We're here!" Usagi called excitedly. She clapped her hands and turned to the group. "I'm so hungry! Oh!" Suddenly remembering her objective, the blonde grabbed Ami's hand, yanking the genius to stand beside her. "I can't wait to introduce you to Ishikawa-sensei!"

In the restaurant Satoru was pushing his brother down into the seat forcefully. Isao plopped into the seat with a thump.

"Just sit," his older brother commanded. The doctor grumbled. He told Satoru he hadn't wanted to go out to lunch and yet, here he was.

"I need to get back to the hospital."

"Ahh come on Sao-kun!" The other man at the table sussed. "Just relax will ya? It's just lunch. Even doctors gotta eat."

The younger Ishikawa opened his mouth when a familiar voice dislodged his retort.

"Satoru-san! Satoru-san!" Usagi was running to them dragging behind a blue haired girl.

"Aurora," his older brother greeted.

"Ishikawa-sensei!"

"Hello Usagi-san, it's nice to see you."

It was then that he noticed Rei walk up. His eyes grew twice their size and he suddenly jumped to his feet. The abrupt action caused everyone to turn toward him. Even her eyes were staring at him curiously. He flushed.

"Hel-Hello Rei-san, you look very nice," Isao said. "I like- I like your hair." I like your hair? I'm such a dunce.

"Uh…thank you?"

"I mean it's really," he tried to think, but his brain wasn't being very helpful. "Really…sh-shiny."

As if suddenly realizing that there were more than one female the doctor continued "And you too Usagi-san, great shiny hair. That's a really great sign of hair health. I mean healthy hair."

Rei smiled, "shiny's nice."

"You all have nice hair!" he shouted and then swiftly sat down.

"Right." Satoru gave his brother a perplexed look. He turned back to the girls.

Makoto leaned in toward her dark haired friend, "that guy's weird."

"He's Usagi's doctor."

"What?" Makoto's eyes widened, the limbal rings of her eyes visible. "No! You're here doctor? But you're too-" Before Makoto could finish Usagi was waving her hands at Isao in her 'look-at-me-I'm-over-here' overly excited way,

"Ishikawa Sensei"

"Please, call me Isao." They were at a restaurant after all. The man was also worried that if Usagi continued to refer to him as her doctor, Rei would start seeing him as just-

"Yes, Isao-san!" Usagi's voice cut through the young man's thought. "This is my friend Mizuno Ami!" -she gestured to the blue haired girl beside her- "Remember how I said I have a genius friend?" Ami reddened and attempted to interrupt her babbling friend.

"Now Usagi-chan, I'm no-" But Usagi plowed through.

"See! See! This is her!" The odango haired teen put both her hands on Ami's upper arm and tugged as if her arm were a bell pull. "The school says she has enough credit to graduate already but she still goes because she loves books and reading and she's probably going to be a doctor too you should spend time with her and then take care of me!"

Both Ami and the doctor looked back at Usagi incredulously.

"Take…care of you?" the teen genius questioned. Usagi nodded her head enthusiastically. "Uh Huh! Like Sato-"

"Meatball Head, cut it out! You're scaring Ami and Isao-san."

The blond crossed her arms and let out a loud humph. Turning her cheek to Rei she lifted her nose in the air.

"You're just jealous!"

"I'm jealous?"

"Um…is this" -The light brown haired man at the table leaned over to Ami and gestured his finger between Rei and Usagi- "normal?"

"Yes!" Usagi snapped at the miko; both girls unaware of the conversation starting between their other friend and the other person at the table who they hadn't yet been introduced to.

"Yes," Ami whispered to him.

"What do I" - the raven haired teen put her hand to her chest- "have to jealous about?"

"Sounds fun," Jouji smiled, causing Ami, who had finally taken a seat next to him, turn red once more. "I'm Saito Jouji, by the way." The blue haired teen returned his introduction with her own soft "Mizuno Ami."

"I saw you making goo goo eyes at Ishikawa-sensei!"

"Ohh this is getting good!" Makoto exclaimed; watching as Usagi placed her hands together and flutter her eyelids in mockery.

Rei fumed, "WHY YOU-"

"You're just mad that he's going to marry Ami!"

"Oh" -Jouji's navy eyes turned to Ami- "I didn't know you were dating Isao."

"Oh, no no no no no." The girl waved her arms.

"A love triangle!" Satoru interrupted slyly.

"Ami" -Makoto dragged the chair out beside Ami, plunking herself down- "I thought you were with Greg?"

"I am!"

"Correction!" The emerald-eyed teen looked at Satoru. "A love rectangle."

"My baby brother" - Satoru placed a proud hand on the young man's shoulder- "how popular you've become with the ladies."

"I…" Isao stuttered, his ears resembling hanging red peppers. "I..I.."

"Now look what you've done!" Usagi exaggeratingly gestured to her doctor.

"Me!?" Rei shouted even louder. "You're the one who's being ridiculous!"

"Nu uh!" The short blonde stuck out her tongue, "You're ruining their first date!" she accused.

"Are you kidding? This is not a date. This is a lunch Satoru invited us to. And Isao wouldn't have come if I didn't insist to Satoru he be here!"

"See! I knew you were gunning for him."

"I'm really confused." Jouji turned to Makoto, "so she" - he pointed to Rei- "likes Sao too? And you," he turned to point at Ami "like him too? But you've got a boyfriend, and Sao-chan-"

The sound of coughing and wheezing interrupted the scene. All eyes turned to its origin.

"Oh my god! He's choking!"

The man's older brother swiftly pounded the doctor's back, dislodging whatever it was that had blocked his airway.

"Are you okay?" Usagi asked, panicked.

"He's fine." Satoru responded, ruffling his brother's hair. "He's just choking on all the attention he's getting here."

""Are you sure?" Rei echoed. Her violet gaze observed him worriedly. The young, mortified, Isihikawa nodded. Fortunately it was at that moment Usagi's stomach gurgled for attention.

The arrival of food was a heaven sent for Rei and Ami. The carbohydrates soaked Usagi's embarrassing comments, the gooey cheese hindering her intelligibility.

"Thish ish goo," Usagi began. "Nah ash goo ash yoursh Mako."

"You make pizza?" Jouji asked before taking a bite of his slice.

"She can make anything."

"Where do you buy your pizza dough?"

"I don't buy it." Makoto swatted at the offensive comment, as if it might hit her and make it true. "I make it from scratch."

"She can cook anything," Ami added proudly.

"No onesh uhbedder cook."

"Meatball head, don't talk with your mouth full."

"Any dish you can think of she can make."

"I love food," Jouji smiled. "Have your ever heard of a dessert called haupia?"

"Yea," she nodded "I made it a couple of times."

"Stop!" Satoru's interrupted. "Did I hear you say you can make haupia? Like…the dessert they make in Hawaii?"

"Uh," the teen blushed. "Yes, I…"

"I think Satoru's heart has been stolen," Jouji laughed. "It's his favorite."

"You've got to make me some."

"Satoru!" Isao, who'd been silent since his humiliating choking episode, scolded. "Do not invite yourself."

"No, it's okay," Makoto responded. "I love cooking. I cook for the girls all the time."

"So" -Ami turned to the man beside her- "Do you go to school?" Jouji laughed. His odd reaction confused her.

"No," he smiled. "No. I am not a student. I hate school. I dropped out." The words he said so casually, shocked Ami. "I see the look you're giving me." Jouji responded. Her aqua eyes darted to the side, ashamed.

"What do you do then?"

"Sometimes I work at a motorcycle shop. But" -he stretched his arms above his head- "the past several months I've been working as a bell boy slash security guard…Isao insisted I start working and saving for the future." Ami nodded, agreeing whole heartedly.

"That's very important."

"Your friend,"- Jouji leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table- "said you're a genius."

"No," Ami blushed, "Usagi-chan exaggerates. I study a lot, I want to be a scientist or maybe a doctor? I don't know yet."

"Cool." He leaned his cheek against his fist. "You're really cute, you know that?"

"Hey!" interrupted Satoru, smiling. "She's got eyes for my baby brother, beat it." Both Isao and Ami quickly matched the marinara on their pizzas as the rest of the table laughed.

At the end of lunch, Makoto had promised to cook a meal for everyone.

"Don't forget!" Satoru reminded Makoto. Then turning to the tiny blonde he pat her head. "Call me, yea?" She nodded enthusiastically. "Bye Aurora. By girls." The men took their leave with the younger Ishikawa bowing awkwardly to both Rei and Ami. Jouji laughing pushed him forward before waving goodbye.

The roads of Tokyo need repaving. They were worn down from constant use; abuse from the elements, the natural and man made, and of course, the negaverse made. Even from the top of Tokyo tower the smell of asphalt and cement was present.

As soon as Moon's red boots touched the metal lattice of Tokyo Tower, the three other senshi formed a barricade in front of her. The reason for their meeting had not yet been divulged to their leader. Mercury, Mars and Jupitar knew how trusting she was; it was her beauty, as well as a handicap. She always saw the best in others, trusting in the good.

Until recently the three warriors had thought her naivete had been stupidity. What "good" was a sensitive leader on the battlefield? What "good" was a leader who couldn't make in-the-moment decisions? They needed someone strong, someone who could assess a situation quickly, someone who could take control. Not a: bubble headed, clumsy, continuously late, always distracted, forever fearful, one they had. That was what they thought. But they were wrong.

They realized that all they needed was her. She was their unifying force; without her they fell apart. She was the entity that held them together, that filled them with strength. She didn't need to have all the other things, Moon had them. That was what they were for, to be those things, for her; for their team.

"Guys," Moon harrumphed, pushing her way between Mars and Jupiter. They were getting too protective again, and though the sailor soldier knew they were concerned for her well being, it irritated her. She was still Sailor Moon, the senshi leader and the Princess's first in command. It was her duty to protect the Princess as much, if not more, than the others.

Successfully wiggling herself through, Moon was finally able to look at Venus. The first night they met was hazy and she couldn't remember much. Now that she could actually see her clearly, the golden haired senshi sighed in awe of the Princess' beauty.

Why, her hair was the same color of Makoto's lemon buttercream; her eyes the tint of the borage blue flower that she placed atop of the confection; Her fuku the orange cupcake lining that encased it. The princess was as perfect as Mako's dessert.

"Princess Serenity," Sailor Moon whispered, extending her white gloved hand. It was quickly whacked away by Mars.

"Mars!"

"Don't touch her." The red senshi hadn't even glanced at her leader. Instead her violet eyes kept concentrated on the orange warrior across them. "She's not the Moon Princess."

"She" -Jupiter's pointer finger jabbed the air- "is an imposter."

"Last time you touched, she almost killed you."

"We won't give her the opportunity again."

"I did not try to kill you!" It was the first time Sailor Moon heard Venus speak (that she could remember). Her voice was strangely familiar, it filled her with a sense of nostalgia and excitement.

"Of course not!" Moon readily agreed, she took a step forward. "We don't believ-"

"We do." Jupiter brought her arm up, blocking Moon from moving forward any further.

"Sailor Moon, you are the only one strong enough to defeat the Negaverse. They know this."

"I've been fighting the negaverse," with her hand across her heart she pounded her chest passionately. Me, Venus thought, alone. "I am not working with them!"

Sailor Moon was not deaf to the pain that embroiled her tone. She wanted nothing more than to comfort her.

"Of course not!" Moon attempted to go to Venus. Don't they hear the hurt in her voice?

"That is what we are here to discuss." Mercury cut through their dialogue like ice. Sailor Moon turned her head sharply, her azure eyes trying to catch Mercury's. She'd never heard the water senshi speak so coldly.

"Good." Hearing Luna's voice, Sailor Moon swerved back toward Venus. Her guardian and a white cat with the same moon symbol, were padding from behind the orange senshi. "You're all here."

"You have five minutes," Sailor Mercury instructed.

"You see," The white cat began, "I discovered Sailor Venus almo-"

"I'm not sure you understand," Sailor Mars interrupted. "This is not the part where you give us some tragic backstory. This is the part where you explain what she did to Sailor Moon. This is when we decide if you remain our enemy. You are wasting time talking about things we could care less about."

"Mars..." The senshi leader's voice was barely a whisper carried with the wind. The way her team was behaving was…scary. What happened that made them all so…ruthless?

The violet eyes, that had been boring into the white cat, drifted to Moon. "We will never lose you again," she said with conviction. "Not ever."

Sailor Moon took time to look at the other senshi. Each of them shared the same look. They were determined to keep their leader safe. Moon shook her head. No. This isn't how it's supposed to go.

"Our job is to protect the princess, not me."

"That is right," Mercury affirmed. "But we haven't found the princess yet, and you are the only one with the power to defeat the negaverse. You're the one who is most valuable."

"The princess is right there!" Sailor Moon gestured to Venus. "You heard Luna the other night."

"She's not, she was posing as the princess to get close to you," Jupiter supplied. "She was trying to take you out."

"No! I didn't!"

"You are just some cheap imposter sent by Beryl-"

"She is not an imposter." Luna inserted. "She is a decoy."

"A decoy?"

"Yes-"

"What's that, deecuhyah?"

"It's decoy. They are used to lure others into a trap, usually by posing as something," Artemis explained.

"Venus was the Moon Princess's decoy. Her job was to fool the negaverse and keep them away from the real princess."

"That doesn't explain what happened."

"Three minutes," Mercury announced.

"When Venus touched Sailor Moon it revealed her role as the decoy and identified the real Moon Princess."

"Who, Who's the princess then?" asked the senshi leader.

"You are Sailor Moon."

"I am what?"

"The princess," Luna responded.

Her guardian's words sucked her into a vacuum. Speech turned into buzzing and the buzzing grew louder and louder; she fell to her knees. No.

"That-That isn't, that's not possible."

Jupiter kneeled down and placed her hand on Moon's arm. She was telling her something. Moon tried to concentrate, tried to focus on what was being said around her, but nothing was filtering through. No.

Unable to hear nor understand, Moon looked to Luna. Her guardian would clear everything up. Tell me this is all a misunderstanding. This has to be a misunderstanding.

"Moon Princess-"

No.

How can this be? All she wanted to be was a normal teenager. She should be at home, gossiping on the phone with friends, flirting with boys, and getting ready for dates. She never wanted to be Sailor Moon. This wasn't fair. I don't want it!

"No, I-" she shook her head- "I am not!" -with amazing speed she leapt away- "I refuse!"

Before she hit the ground her henshin had faded. Her feet landed on the pavement, hard. The pain radiated in her ankles and hurt her knees. But despite that, she continued to run, sprint; not bothering to shout "excuse me" or apologize.

Abruptly, an excruciating pain erupted from her torso, searing her sides, throwing off her equilibrium. She was falling. The blonde closed her eyes and waited for the unpleasant greeting of the sidewalk. She was surprised to hear the cement groan. Wait. Oh, God!

Usagi quickly scrambled off the person she'd fallen on. Lifting herself up she began her onslaught of apologies. When she finally lifted her eyes, she realized she knew the man that was still fallen on the side walk.

I hope you all enjoyed it. I know there wasn't much Mamoru and Usagi action. But I promise it'll be happening soon! Please R&R. Love you all!