Hi everyone and happy long weekend.

I hope you all had an amazing weekend so far.

Here's the second chapter. In this installment, I've tried to dig deeper into Mamoru's relationship with the scouts. Especially Usagi. I think it's important to have a clear vision of who they are in this story.

Thank you, as always, to all of you lovelies who left me a review. I really appreciate them.

Someone actually gave a great idea. They asked if I would give Hiro (the protagonist from my very first story "Her Eyes") a role in this one.

And I am glad to say, I WILL. I actually hadn't thought about giving him a voice in this story. But you know what? I really like him and I think he could be a good character in this story. So, stay tuned. This just got interesting.

Tryntee13: I'm so glad you're reading this. Stick with me. It'll get much for interesting:)

Serenitysweety: Hiii:) I'm so glad I can still "wow" you with my stories. It's an honor. I hope you stick with me to the end. Enjoy.

SailorGuardian314: Hellllo:) Your review really warmed my heart; thank you so much. I hope you enjoy the chapters to come. Have a great day my friend.

TropicalRemix: Well, we just have to wait and see, eh? (wink) Have a great day.

Cheeriosgirl1992: Thank you:) I hope you enjoy the rest.

moonwrite: I know. I can't think of him ever loving anyone else too. But you know what? I'm intrigued to see where this is going myself:)) Enjoy.

Guest (Aug 27): Don't worry. I can't think of Usagi, or any other scout, to be weak and pathetic; they are anything but. I think if you continue reading this story, you'd be amazed at how interesting the characters will be:) Stay with me and don't forget to let me know your thoughts. Have a great day.

Guest (Aug 27): So I will enter Hiro in this story. Thank you so much for your amazing idea. Cheers.

Enjoy.

Golak


"How was it?"

Mamoru turned towards his classmate and lifted his hand to his neck.

"It was alright. How did you do?"

Kobayashi had always been a little melodramatic. He would always look panicked and stressed out before an exam, during and most of the time, when it was finished.

"Dude, I think I screwed up…big time," he said. His lips drooped as he sighed, "I'm gonna fail this one for sure—"

"You say that about all of your exams," Mamoru interrupted him with a smirk. When the other man sighed once more, he patted his shoulder.

"What are you doing today?" Kobayashi asked as they exited the building together.

Mamoru took a deep breath. Keio looked exceptionally beautiful in spring and the light wind breezing through the trees made him feel alive.

"I'll study a bit at the library and then head home," he replied and tried to avoid rolling his eyes at the other man's snort.

"It's Friday night Mamoru-san, come on," Kobayashi said while nodding at a passerby.

Mamoru only shrugged; he'd learned a long time ago that getting into arguments with Kobayashi about his habits was only a futile move. He would never understand Mamoru's way of life; and why would he? He hadn't been the one dressed in a ridiculous crisp tuxedo, jumping around this roof to that, fighting with indescribable creatures who were not only getting stronger, but angrier as well.

So, he said his goodbyes to Kobayashi and headed towards the library. Ayane had a shift that night, and Friday nights meant business; she would be too busy to even smile at him. He could use this time to study and get organized and have the weekend with her.

He had one foot at the library entrance when a slow ringing began in his head and he heard his name. He turned around and faced Ami Mizuno. The little light of happiness that had formed in his gut, thinking about the weekend and his girlfriend, went out. He tried to focus on his breathing. Thank God only one of them is here, or else I would've gone deaf.

The bluenette approached him with her usual uncomfortable smile. Out of all five of them, well nine, if he counted those other older women and the adorable Hotaru, Ami Mizuno had always maintained a polite, albeit distant, relationship with him. She never got into arguments with him, like Rei Hino; never gave him side long disdained stares, like Minako Aino; or worse, she never treated him like a total intruder like Haruka Tenou. The only person who never actually interacted with him, much, would've been Setsuna Meioh, though her stares had always made him uncomfortable. The woman looked regal and guarded, and yet, whenever she looked at Mamoru is as if she knew things beyond his reach. After all, she was the guardian of time; and Mamoru found himself reluctant to know what she knew.

"Good afternoon Mamoru-san, how are you?" Ami asked as she stood a few steps lower on the stairs.

He tried to plaster a smile on his face; the ringing had gotten a little louder and Mamoru feared that another one of them had been nearby.

"I'm well. How are you?" he asked and then, "are you here alone?"

Ami nodded, "Makoto-chan came along. I'm doing campus visits this week."

A node formed in Mamoru's neck and he felt it kick. Fuck. I can't do this right now.

He raised his hand to his neck and massaged it. Ami's attentive eyes followed his movement, "are you feeling alright?" she asked. Mamoru wanted to hiss no, he wanted to say goodbye and take his leave. But the ringing gained volume and sure enough, Makoto Kino walked up to them.

Out of all five of them, Mamoru never had any real conversation or interaction with the brunette. He'd always found her a little moody, probably even angry. But he had also seen how she behaved around Motoki; how she giggled and batted her eyelashes at him. He'd also seen her relationship with Usagi, when they were dressed in their normal clothing, but more so, when they were clad in those little sailor outfits. He'd seen how Sailor Jupiter looked at their small leader; how her green orbs sought after the blonde whenever she vanished into thin air and reappeared somewhere in the distance and managed to send those bastards they fought to hell.

Damn it. Don't think about her. Do not think about her.

"Hi Mamoru-san," Makoto said as she folded her arms against her chest. Mamoru tried to fight off a burst of laughter. She always seemed to be fight-ready whenever he was around.

"Kino-san," he bowed, "well, it was nice seeing you ladies," he added, trying desperately to move away from them, "I have a few things to get to—"

"Actually, Mamoru-san, do you mind?" Ami went up two more steps, "I actually wanted to know if you could show me the lab department," when she met Mamoru's confused look she smiled, "I was supposed to meet with a student who would give us a tour, but he never showed up," she flipped open a small notebook she'd been holding, " a Hiro Kousei," Mamoru moved a little, "do you know him?"

He nodded, "I have a few classes with him, yes," he looked around, "but I haven't seen him all day," he tried to think of an excuse to get out of accompanying them, "I actually have a lot on my plate—"

"None sense," Makoto interrupted him, "I'm sure you have a few minutes to spare for your favorite girl scout," she winked at him; it threw him off guard and for a moment, he stared at her with raised brows.

"It would be a great help to me Mamoru-san," Ami added, and Mamoru thought of all the times the bluenett had rescued him from the other girls' animosity.

He sighed and looked at his watch, "of course Ami-san," I just need to tune out the ringing, it's weird, but it's not as severe anymore.

They had only visited two labs when Makoto's green wrist watch started beeping; she quickly turned off the beep and looked around. Mamoru had seen all of them wearing one, a sign of unity probably; he never even admitted to himself how much he wanted one as well.

"It's Usa-chan," the brunette whispered to her friend and looked around, "I can't speak to her here, it's too crowded; I'll be right back," she tried to find a safe place.

"There's the ladies' room," Mamoru told her and looked away when she gave him a grateful smile.

"I didn't know you use the watches to communicate daily," he said and regretted his statement. Had it been his business in any way? Nope.

Ami's eyes strayed from the door marked with a female symbol and looked up at him, "oh yes, it's a life saver really. I mean, it's a life saver, when it wants it to be. Other times, not so much…" she smiled at her own joke and Mamoru couldn't help the tiny lift of his lips.

Makoto reappeared in front of them, "so, Usa-chan will meet us at the arcade in an hour."

"Where is she now?"

Makoto took a quick glance at Mamoru and sighed, "detention."

Mamoru fought hard not to snort; laughing at Usagi's misdoings and short comings had never been a wise idea in front of the brunette.

"Okay, but did she say anything about—"

"She said she'll let us know."

For a moment, Mamoru felt a weird connection between the girls, as if they'd been communicating mentally. The ringing in his head did a kink, similar to when someone scratches a chalkboard with their nails; he felt a sharp pinch in his temple.

"Are you okay Mamoru-san?" Ami asked when the man's face twisted in pain.

"Mmm, I'm okay," Mamoru muttered from between his locked jaw, "I need to be somewhere," he added. He couldn't, no scratch that, he didn't want to deal with them anymore. They'd never been friends and Mamoru didn't owe them anything.

"Yes…of course," Ami said quickly and then bowed, "thank you for all your help Mamoru-san, I really appreciate it."

Mamoru practically ran out of the building. If he hadn't been so adamant to get away from them that fast, he would've probably noticed the strange look on Ami's face.


He'd dreamed about the "princess" for a long time. He never understood the meaning of the dreams; him standing in a distance, watching over a beautiful scenery that changed every now and then, while a faceless woman dressed in a white gown glided towards him. She never reached him though, she never even came close enough for him to see who she is.

He would wake up with an anguished jolt most nights. Sometimes it took him a while to remember where he was; sometimes, he couldn't even remember his own name, and the physical pain would soon turn into a fury of hysterical sobs.

The physical pain had lessened ever since he'd met Ayane. Whenever he woke up with an ache in his heart, he would either call her or pay her a visit.

But the shouting, the stress and the sharp emptiness he would always feel after a dream never really went away.

The whispers and the tormented pleads started the night he'd met Usagi Tsukino.

Overnight, the faceless woman had turned from a silent figure into a hysterical mess.

"Endymion…" she whispered, "where are you?" she'd weep.

The first time he'd confronted Usagi about the dreams had made everything worse.

She'd ran into him, literally, on her mad dash to school, knocking the air and patience out of him.

"Can't you run like a normal person," he'd yell at her, not even in his usual teasing tone. It had been a week since they had found out about their alter egos and Mamoru had avoided all of them like the plague.

But now, as he stared at Usagi's angry blue eyes, he couldn't hide his rolling emotions.

"It wasn't my fault," she'd yelled back, "you had your head in that book—"

"Better a book than a gutter…" Mamoru interrupted her.

"You're a jerk…" Usagi went up to her tiptoes.

Mamoru stood up taller and loomed over her, "and you're an idiot. There, I think we're even…"

Usagi's eyes filled up with tears. Mamoru ignored the hurt look on her face, "who's this woman in my dreams?"

A flash of confusion passed through the blonde's eyes, "what woman?"

"She asks me nonsense and keeps telling me to find the crystal. I'm assuming she's one of yours?" he folded his arms against his chest, "what am I asking, of course, she's one of yours. Who else would ever look for that damn crystal."

Usagi's eyes widened, "that damn crystal has the power to destroy the whole world if it's in the wrong hands—"

"Oh, and you bunch think you're suited as the 'good hands'?" he mocked.

"You know what?" Usagi tightened her hold on her school bag, "I don't need to stand here and listen to your bullshit. I'm late for school." She took a side step around him.

"As if going to school would make any difference for you—"

He didn't know which surprised him more; her slap, or the feeling of shame that had washed over him when he saw her tears.

"Go to hell," she whispered and ran away.

Mamoru had a different kind of dream that night. He'd been in the same place, and probably the same era, staring at a white crystal castle that shined against the moon.

The faceless woman stood still on top of the stairs, Mamoru could only see how she'd held herself; hands clasped in front of her, shoulders tense and lifted.

The silence had been unbearable, and Mamoru cursed himself for all the nights he had covered his ears to block out her whispers; the quietude sliced through him.

And fuck, he couldn't talk to Ayane about any of this. He had to lie to her day and night, whenever that sharp jab to his soul cut their dates short, whenever she looked at him as if he'd gone crazy; he'd been kissing her once, for fuck's sake, when he felt that euphoric feeling of transformation.

He had to tell her. He will tell her tonight.

Mamoru walked into the Family Mart a few blocks away from his apartment. Ayane had promised to visit that night and Mamoru wanted to cook for her.

He had just picked out the sauces he needed when he heard a familiar giggle. He flinched and for a moment decided to exit the store. But then the ringing never came, and he knew that she was alone. He could face a solo Usagi.

She'd been standing in front of the magazine shelf with a manga in hand. She turned her head as soon as Mamoru glimpsed at her and her smile vanished.

Mamoru hadn't seen her since that day at the arcade when she'd lost a bet to Mianko. Was it just him or did she look more tired than ever? Her eyes didn't have their usual shape and her skin looked pale. She looks so thin. Where do all that junk food she eats go, then?

Usagi declined her head, barely, in acknowledgment and turned away. For a moment, an image of the Usagi look alike in his dreams popped into his head.

Mamoru's first reaction had been laughter when that talking cat had told him who he really was, once, centuries ago. The laughter had lessened to a frustrated chuckle as Luna rehearsed a history so dreadful, that even at some point made Rei Hino cry. He'd stood shocked, his hands tightened in a fist when the cat revealed Usagi's identity. Aside from Minako and Setsuna, the rest of those girls seemed just as surprised. Luna had finally put an end to their efforts to find the princess; she'd also put an end to Mamoru's nightmares. The faceless woman was no longer faceless, and Mamoru couldn't decide which was worse.

Usagi closed the magazine and put it back on the shelf. She had a pink kaftan dress on with a white schoolboy hat. Mamoru ever rarely saw her in anything but her school uniform or her sailor suit. If he could look pass their issues, he would admit that pink suited her well.

"Do you ever have dreams?" Mamoru asked her when she wanted to pass him at the aisle.

She faltered in her step, "what?"

"I dream about Serenity; Do you ever dream about Endymion?"

A light pink painted her cheeks, "um, no. I mean, I've had dreams about my life on the moon and everyone had been there. All the scouts, Luna, Artemis…and Endymion."

"But you've never had a dream solely about him?" Mamoru couldn't understand the boiling anger in the pit of his stomach. So, what if she's never dreamed about his past self?

Usagi shook her head, "no—"

"So, could you maybe do me a favor?" he grabbed a pack of noodles, "stop interrupting my sleep?" he met Usagi's surprised eyes.

"Are you serious?" Usagi's eyes widened and she turned her body towards him.

"You found the princess and I'm in no way interested in finding that damn crystal. Why should I still have these dreams?"

"I don't know. It's not like I send her, I mean, myself…I mean…shit, whatever, it's not like I send you those dreams—"

"I thought your highness has the power to change the world," Mamoru mocked and involuntarily, his lips twitched in a smirk when Usagi's face turned crimson and her lips turned into a thin line.

"You are the stupidest, most baka person I've ever met," she hissed, "how you are becoming a doctor is beyond me."

"Is there a problem here?"

They turned towards the middle-aged shopkeeper, who'd been staring at them behind her thick trimmed glasses.

Mamoru realized they'd probably raised their voices and fear gripped at him; how much of their conversation had the woman heard?

"Um, no Akagi-sempai. Everything's alright," Usagi beamed; with her usual cheerful smile in place, one could only guess that the two of them had been arguing over a pack of noodles.

"Do you know this young man Usagi-chan?" the woman asked, as she pushed up her glasses and did a once over on Mamoru. He gulped and flashed her an uncomfortable smile.

Usagi looked at Mamoru with a raised brow and then she smiled evilly. She leaned towards Mamoru and whispered to him, "say you're sorry for all the names you've ever called me."

Mamoru looked at her as if she'd gone insane, "what?" he whispered back, "why the hell would I do that? They're true."

Usagi's smile got bigger and for some reason, Mamoru felt uneasy, "say you're sorry. Or I'll make you sorry."

Mamoru took a side glance to Akagi-san; the petit woman stood a few feet away from them and her eyes looked twice their actual size behind those glasses. The modest sky-blue dress she'd been wearing looked old, but clean. Her graying hair was put up in a simple up do. She had a look of a loving grandmother, but there was something about her that made Mamoru gulp every time he looked at her.

He met Usagi's eyes again and his heart dropped. One minute he'd been standing in that small Family Mart and staring into his nemesis's eyes, and the next, he'd been standing in a rose garden, staring at Usagi from a distance. But then, she couldn't possibly be Usagi; her hair looked different, her face a little thinner and her eyes shone with a different kind of sparkle; his heartbeat escalated. This is not Usagi, I can't be feeling like this for Usagi. I don't feel like this for Usagi.

"So, you won't apologize?" Usagi, real Usagi, gave him a cool look.

It took him a moment to wrap his head around what she'd asked; two can play this stupid game, he realized. "Nope…" he replied with narrowed eyes.

He should've seen it coming. That girl was anything but normal; she always had something down her sleeve.

"Actually, Akagi-sempai…" she called out to the woman, "this guy is stalking me. He tried to steal a kiss just now…"

The ringing that began in Mamoru's head had nothing to do with him being in the presence of a scout. The first ring came when out of nowhere, Akagi-san smacked him on the head with a broom. The second ring came when she started to call out her husband for help while calling him a "hentai".

As Mamoru tried to shield himself from the woman's strangely strong blows and tried to explain to her husband that there'd been a mistake, he saw the huge grin on Usagi's face, before she bounced her way out of the shop.

There'd been no mistake.

Mamoru had seen the exact same look on Usagi before. But he knew, deep down, that the last time he'd seen her grinning like that, they had ended up pressed together against a white pillar, with the smell of roses in the air.


Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or its amazing character in any way. All the delightful rights for this manga/anime and its characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi. I only own what I write. I own the story I tell.