The chapter starts with the song "You Say" by

Lauren Daigle. I think it fits Usagi perfectly especially in this journey where she's trying to find who she really is. You can go into YouTube and search 'contemporary dance- you say' it's the kind of dancing I imagine Usagi doing.

Anyway, please feel free to listen to while reading this. Enjoy!

...

"I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough

Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up

Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low

Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know

Ooh oh"

Heartbeat thumping against her chest, slick sweat gliding down the back of her neck, the sweet melody enveloping her very being, Usagi moved her feet to the rhythm of her heart gliding swiftly through the dance floor.

Usagi felt alive.

"You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing

You say I am strong when I think I am weak

And you say I am held when I am falling short

And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours

And I believe (I)

Oh I believe (I)

What You say of me (I)

I believe"

Letting the music guide her movements; bringing her arms up over her head then lunging forward, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, leaping and doing a split mid air.

"The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me

In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity"

Leaping mid air once more, she let her body fall to the floor gracefully. Rolling her body around she picked herself off the floor once more.

What she couldn't put into words she conveyed with her body. Movements strong yet gentle, her mind focused and heart soaring.

Usagi couldn't remember the last time she felt free.

"You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing

You say—"

Music cut off, their dance instructor calling her students' attention.

"That'll be all for today! Great job everyone, keep up the good work. We'll be ready to perform real soon.I expect to see you all on time tomorrow." She said while looking pointedly at Usagi.

Snickering was heard in the dance studio.

Usagi looked at their instructor, a sheepish smile on her face.

Stern look on her face she said nothing more and nodded her head once and swiftly turned around to leave.

Looking at the retreating back of her instructor, Usagi felt an elbow nudge her on the side of her arm.

"I wonder who she was talking about?" Sarcasm lacing his baritone voice.

Letting out a loud huff and narrowing her eyes at him, she gave his bicep a punch. "Quiet you!"

"Ouch!" Asanuma rubbed the sore spot, he mirrored her narrowing eyes. "You know, for a girl your size, you pack a mean punch."

Giving him a smirk, "Just goes to show that size doesn't matter."

Throwing his arm over her shoulder he let out a loud snicker. "I don't think that context was made for a situation like this blondie."

"Stop calling me that!" Forcefully shoving his arm off her, she made her way to get her belongings.

"You are blonde you know."

Grabbing her bag she rolled her eyes and started walking towards the exit.

"You really shouldn't be coming late to class… especially Saito-san's, not when our first performance is coming up."

Saito Mihai, one of Japan's elite dance instructors. She was everything a dance instructor should be; poised, demanding, challenging and more. For her age she was a strikingly beautiful woman, mid forties and she had a slender toned body measuring a good 5'7 ft, pale white skin, chestnut brown hair always pulled up in a tight bun, a thin face, chiseled cheek jawline, almond shaped eyes colored emerald green, thick dark perfectly arched eyebrows, and full lips. A native from Romania, she was a famous dancer traveling through countries until she came to Japan where she met her husband Saito Atsuki, a well known doctor in the Azabu district hospital.

"It wasn't my fault you know, I had Matsumoto-san before dance and he kept going on and on about how the brain processes observed movement. Besides, you would have been late too if you would have gone to class."

"True."

Asanuma and Usagi had become fast friends on the first day of school. Both working on getting their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Usagi fidgeted with the strap of her duffle bag. Looking around the room Usagi was getting nervous. What was she doing here, all these people looked so graceful and elegant dressed in dark colors and here she stood looking like a sore thumb in pastel pink leggings and a white off the shoulder crop top. She was anything but graceful. Heck in her high school yearbook her class voted her most likely to die young due to a klutz attack.

She was planning her escape plan when a voice interrupted her train of thoughts.

"Hey sweet cheeks, what's a pretty little thing like you doing here all by herself?"

"Excuse me?" Holding a tighter grip on the strap of her duffle bag, she turned to look at who the voice belonged to.

The young man standing before her had a tall build with lean muscle, unruly thick black eyebrows, honey brown eyes, dark brown hair, chiseled face, and an arrogant smirk plastered on his face.

"I said—"

"Hey Blondie! Here you are, I was looking for you. I thought you said you were going to wait for me at the door after class." He gave her a look that said 'play along'.

"I uh… forgot. Sorry, first day jitters."

Before anyone else could say anything further the instructor walked in. Standing in front of the mirror wall she began to introduce herself.

"Good afternoon class for those of you who don't know me, I am Saito Mihai your dance instructor. I'd like to welcome you to this year's official dance team."

Whooping and cheering was heard all around the room. Once the noise calmed down she began where she left off.

"Here you will learn how to ground your movements, speak in the language of dance, discipline your body in the art of dancing. For those of you new to the team my rules are simple. Be your best and give your best. I expect nothing less. If you can't do that, you may leave my dance studio. I want each and every one of you both new and returning members to give your all, show your passion, let your movements do the talking. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourselves."

After everyone introduced themselves Saito-san instructed them leave their bags in their assigned locker. After returning from the locker room, their instructor gave them further instructions.

"Alright class, partner up. Female and male partners only. Don't give me those looks...relax you're not getting married."

Everyone was shuffling all over the room trying to find a partner. Usagi accidentally made eye contact with Akihiro, the pompous jerk with the arrogant smirk. He was making his way towards her. Looking around frantically for another partner when she saw Goldilocks, her savior who's name she forgot. He wasn't as tall as

Akihiro or the other male dancers, but still he was still a good foot and a half taller than Usagi. He had a strong athletic body, broad shoulders, sculpted jaw, short golden blonde hair curled on top of his head, sunny blue eyes beneath two blonde eyebrows, narrow lips and a pointed nose.

Both making their way toward each other, both of them said at the same time. "Want to be partners!?"

As soon as everyone was situated with their partners, Saito-San made another announcement.

"Great! Now say hello to your permanent dance partners for the rest of the year."

Some cheered, some groaned.

"No changes will be allowed. You must work with your partner and gain each other's trust and work together diligently. Yes there will be times where you will work solo but there will also be times where we will work in groups and pairs. I want you all to work together as a team. We will be learning different dancing techniques from contemporary dance, ballet, modern jazz, some hip hop, swing, Bollywood, salsa, a variation of dances from different cultures. During the school year we will be holding dance concerts and participate in city events. Make sure to work hard, only those working hard will be allowed to perform. Okay now that we have that settled, we're doing to begin with stretches…"

Finding a spot next to her partner. Stretching forward she looked to her side, a grateful smile on her lips.

"Thanks for helping me earlier."

"No problem blondie, you looked like a scared rabbit about to be devoured by the big bad wolf."

Scowl on her face, "Don't call me that! My name is Usagi!"

Chuckling softly he introduced himself. "Asanuma, knight and shining armor extraordinaire." Humor lacing his voice.

That was a month ago, since then they'd become inseparable. Within that short amount they got to know each other, Usagi learned he had just moved back to Japan with his family after living in America for fifteen years. His father a well respected neurologist, his mother a legal advisor for many political figures. They learned that they had many things in common besides dance; such as their undying love for food, both have a good sense of humor, love the thrill of big roller coasters, and any thrilling adventures, enjoy singing karaoke, they both considered video games as a hobby.

Arriving together at the Crown Arcade, "Hi Motoki onii-chan!!!" Usagi hollered cheerfully at her favorite arcade worker.

Both making their way to sit at the stools near the front counter.

"Hey Motoki." Asanuma waved.

"Hey guys, what can I get for you?'

"Actually, nothing for me thank you, I just came to drop Usagi-chan off. I have an event my parents are forcing me to go to tonight." Sagging his shoulders.

Patting his back gently, Usagi tried to console him. "It can't be that bad Numa."

Glancing at his phone he sighed in resignation. "You don't know my parents….I'll see you tomorrow Usagi-chan. Bye Motoki."

Having her dose of surgery sweetness for the day, milkshakes were her life. Having to give up her favorite baked goods to keep in top shape, Usagi drew the line on milkshakes. She needed her ice cream, it would always be her guilty pleasure.

"Any idea what you're going to do for your 18th birthday Usa-chan? It's only a few days away."

Putting her hand on her cheek and tilting her head to the side, Usagi shrugged her shoulders.

"Not sure Toki onii-chan, my parents want to take me out to breakfast so I can have the rest of the day to be with the girls and Mamo-chan, but I don't know I haven't been able to see any of the girls in almost three weeks. We've all just been so busy with school."

"Welcome to the college life kiddo." Ruffling Usagi's hair in a playful manner. Usagi lightly smacked Motoki's hand out of the way. After her silly crush on the handsome arcade worker Usagi and Motoki became close, Motoki treating her like a little sister and he the overprotective brother.

"I'm not too worried though I'm sure the girls and Mamo-chan haveup their sleeve." soft smile on her lips.

Looking at her phone, Usagi bid goodbye to Motoki. "Speaking of Mamo-chan, I have to go make my rounds and make sure that boyfriend of mine is at least eating."

"Tell him his best friend says hi." No real malice lacing his voice.

"Will do!" Laughing and shaking her head softly. That boyfriend of hers was a hermit when it came to studying. The guy could study for hours on end. Now that he was finishing up his academic and internship requirements he was getting ready to start his rotations at Tokyo Hospital soon, he practically buried his head in his books and studying. Usagi was very proud of her Mamo-chan. She made sure to stop by two to three times out of the week to see how he was doing.

Picking up some food for him on her way to the apartment, greeting Ogawa-san, the front door man, Usagi made her way up the elevator.

Putting the bag containing his food on top of his coffee table, Usagi silently made her way toward Mamoru. He was so engrossed in his book he didn't even notice her come in, or so she thought. Placing her soft warm hands over his eyes, whispering lips next to his ear. "Guess who?" Nipping his earlobe lightly, she felt him shudder under her ministrations.

"Hi Usako." He breathed out.

Removing her hands from his eyes, pretending to pout. "Boo you're no fun."

Spinning around in his chair he grabbed Usagi by her waist and sat her across his lap. Peppering sweet kisses all over her face making his girlfriend giggle. "I knew it was you the moment you walked into this building."

"Ah, darn link."

Mamoru nodded still continuing his kisses until he captured her lips.

Usagi grabbed the back of his head with both hands, angling his head to get better access. His lips attached to her bottom lip nibbling on it the say way she did with his earlobe. She shuddered against his body. She felt him smiling against their kiss.

Smiling against her lips, Mamoru felt her shudder against his body he heard her sigh happily as he slowly stopped kissing those delicious plumped lips. He would get never tired of those.

Settling on the floor in front of his coffee table they ate in comfortable silence until Usagi spoke up.

Clearing her throat. "Oh! Motoki onii-chan says hi."

Mamoru flushed spreading across his handsome face, he realized he hadn't seen his best friend, only friend, in three weeks. Mamoru made a mental note to go visit his best friend soon.

"Relax Mamo-chan he knows how much you've been studying." Usagi said comfortingly. He nodded.

Mamoru made a mental note to go visit his best friend soon.

Changing the subject, "How were your classes today, Usako?"

"Meh… could have been better, I calculus. You know how I am at math." Shrugging one shoulder while popping a piece of salmon in her mouth.

"Study here, I'll help you."

"Mamo-chan I appreciate the help and as much as I WANT to take the offer, we both know that's a BAD idea." Cheeks flushed.

During her last year of high school Mamoru had suggested they have study dates. Finals were near and he wanted to spend more time with her after the whole Galaxia/Chaos fiasco. He also wanted to make sure she was ready to take her finals so he offered to tutor her in addition to her study group with the girls. They did some studying alright, studying each other's body. Together they learned to bring the other to great pleasure in other ways with their virtue still intact. Mamoru couldn't keep his hands off his girlfriend. This lasted two weeks before they both reluctantly realized it wasn't wasn't working. It happened one night when they almost broke their promise of waiting until marriage.

Mamoru felt his face burning all the way to the tips of his ears. He had forgotten that tiny little detail.

Clearing his throat more than once trying to rid his thoughts from taking his girlfriend. "You're right… you should consider getting a tutor then."

A shy smile on her face she nodded. She loved how Mamoru was always looking out for her whether it'd be in battle or regarding her studies. Out of everyone from her papa to her inner senshi, and Luna, he and her Mama were the most supportive of her accepting her full ride scholarship at Tokyo University of the Arts.

At that last thought she bit her lip, they supported her but she had a sneaking suspicion that is was because they believed she couldn't do better academically.

"When are you going to show me another one of your art pieces?" He asked her not seeing the look on her face.

Crap. That's right, everyone thought she had received a full ride scholarship for her art work.

She had managed to convince her family and friends that she entered an art competition in January. This wasn't so hard, Usagi was a great artist, from what she remembered she knew she had inherited her talent from the Silver Millennium. Lunarians were well known throughout the galaxy for their artistry and creativity, which is why as Princess Serenity she was schooled in the arts of painting, drawing, figure skating, literature, music, and her personal favorite; dance. As royalty she was taught a vast variety of dance; ballet, the waltz, ballroom dancing, and the tango.

"..when… it's finished?" She answered lamely.

Waiting for the elevator doors to close, Usagi thought back to Mamoru's question she let her head fall back and thump against the wall behind her, letting out a frustrated groan. She hated lying to everyone, it was bad enough she had to keep her alter ego a secret from many. She felt uneasy having to keep this from everyone including Mamoru. It was for the best.

She remembered the reactions she got from her family and friends when she told them she had been accepted to the art school.They were outraged, each for their own reasons.

Her Papa had stood up abruptly knocking his chair back, slamming both hands on the table. He started yelling in a booming voice that he wasn't going to waste thousands of yen just so his daughter could 'draw pretty pictures.' Her Mama had to pull him out of the dining room, leaving her and Shingo. Shingo had looked at her as if he was looking for an answer, before he could ask anything their parents returned. Mama had calmed him down enough to let her explain everything was paid for. At the end he wasn't happy but he learned to accept it, muttering on his way out "at least it's better than majoring in dancing."

Gathering her friends at Hikawa shrine she told them her big news. She was met with silence, fourteen pair of eyes staring right back at her, expressions unreadable. She wasn't sure which reaction was worse, her Papa's thunderous yelling or the unresponsive response from her dear friends. Biting her lower lip Usagi had started to shift nervously one foot to the other. It was a good while before she heard Reí go off.

"What do you mean your going to art school Odango!? How is painting pretty pictures going to help you in being future QUEEN!?" Her screeching scaring the birds outside the shrine.

Before Rei could say anymore, Luna intervened.

"I have to agree with Rei-chan on this, how will this benefit your role as future Queen?"

Mamoru in his Prince Endymion voice told the senshi and cats to give Usagi a chance to talk. Being given the chance to talk, she explained how she wouldn't be spending her time painting, or drawing silly pictures her degree required academic courses as well. After she told them she'd be taking a business course as well they all calmed down saying how that can benefit her role in future negotiations.

She had expected for everyone to react this way but it still hurt.

Sitting cross legged on her bed she grabbed her sketchbook letting her imagination take over her movements she began to work on a drawing to keep up this charade.

A/N

Hope you all enjoyed this story's first chapter.

Hopefully it's not confusing.

I kinda wanted to give Mamoru a little more douchier attitude, but let's be honest… Mamo-chan adores his Usako. And after the whole Galaxia bit I see them both growing stronger together as a couple.

As for Usagi keeping her secret from him, she has her reasons. As the story continues you'll understand her reasons.

Now as far as Asanuma goes, I adore him. From other fics I have read he's the male version of Usagi and I love that. He's actually a big part of this story and will be helping Usagi fond herself. In the meantime she will help Asanuma to be more confident.

this is still a Usa/Mamo pairing so don't worry*

Soooo...

Let's see how long Usagi can keep up this charade or will her friends and family find out before time?

'Til next time!