Choices

By: ShadowQueenGalactica


Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliated with Sailor Moon. I do not own the rights to any of the songs related to Sailor Moon.

Author's Notes: This is one of my older stories, going through and trying to fix all the cringy typos. I'm also going to be adding some scenes that I thought the original was seriously lacking. Hope you guys enjoy the revised version of Choices.

Revised: 4/4/2021

**Added some new scenes in this chapter. Hope everyone enjoys it, thanks for reading! Happy Easter everyone! :)


:: Chapter 3: Return of a Shooting Star::

Following alongside Usagi as they walked towards her apartment, Yaten glanced around trying to memorize the direction to her apartment in the event he had to leave. 'I'll need to contact the others and let them know I found the Princess.' He thought, smiling when he noticed Kikyo watching him from where she was resting her head against Usagi's shoulder.

"This is it." Usagi said, stopping outside her apartment as she placed the key into the lock. "I don't have a roommate so you can have the spare bedroom." She said, glancing over her shoulder to see Yaten look at her with surprise.

"I can't, the Princess should have the spare room, it's only right that-" Yaten objected before his friend smiled and interrupted him.

"She sleeps with me, she doesn't like to sleep alone." Usagi assured her friend, smiling as Kikyo snuggled her head deeper into the crook of her neck. "You need to get some rest Yaten-chan, when did you last get some sleep?" She worriedly asked.

"It's been a while." Yaten admitted, with a tired smile. Following his friend into the apartment as she pushed the door open, he looked around the tidy apartment almost expecting it to be a disaster. Turning his head when he heard the door shut, the lock clicking into place, he chuckled as Kikyo happily ran past him, down a small hall and disappearing around a corner. "She's lucky, you know." He softly stated, tears shining in his eyes. "She's too young to remember everything that has happened to her parents or her planet."

"What happened Yaten-chan?" Usagi softly asked, resting her hand against his arm with concern as she stood beside him. Watching him turn his tearful gaze towards her, she felt her heart break seeing the anguish in his eyes as their gazes met.

"It's gone Usagi-chan, our kingdom has fallen." Yaten calmly stated, a stray tear streaking his cheeks, his jaw clenching in anger at the thought of their failure to protect their home once again.

"How did it happen?" Usagi asked, seeing the pain in her friend's face as he spoke.

"They invaded Kinmoku without warning, it was a coordinated attack on both the city and the palace. There was no way to stop the death and destruction they brought upon our kingdom." Yaten grimly explained, pausing as he shakily exhaled. 'She doesn't deserve this, our Princess should be home, safe with her family.' He thought with remorse, fighting his tears back at the painful memories.

"I honestly thought we were going to be executed along with the Royal Family." Yaten painfully admitted, pausing as he tightly clenched his fists as his tears threatening to spill. "Queen Kakyuu-sama, she was able to use the last of her power to seal Kikyo-sama away in an incense burner and cast her from the planet." He said, tightly closing his eyes at the thought of his slain Queen. "They killed her for what she had done, our King was killed shortly after trying to protect her." He stated, pausing to swallow back the lump in his throat. "We had no choice, Usagi-chan. We used that moment to our advantage, we knew it was our only opportunity and we fled. We only had one thought in mind and it was to find our Princess before the enemy did. We went our separate ways, I never would have thought to check here until Sailor Star Fighter suggested it on her last communication." He said, looking over to see tears streaking his friend's cheeks.

"I'm so sorry Yaten-chan." Usagi said, her voice choking on her tears as she embraced the silver-haired young man as she continued to speak. "I'm sorry for everything you've all been through." Feeling Yaten tightly embrace her back, she could hear his soft sniffles as he finally allowed his tears to fall as he mourned the loss of his King and Queen and his home. "If I had known, I would have helped. I would not have hesitated to come to Kinmoku's aid."

"I know you would have." Yaten tearfully answered, knowing his friend and ally was one of the most caring and selfless people he had ever met. Taking a deep shaky breath to try to calm his emotions, he took a silent step back from her calming embrace, wiping the stray tears from his cheeks before he spoke. "I- I have to let the others know the Princess is safe, that she found safety here on Earth." He stated, removing his communicator and placing the headset on.

"You can use the spare room, so you can speak privately." Usagi suggested, pointing her friend in the direction of her spare bedroom. "It's the bedroom on the left side of the hall. I'm going to get Kikyo-chan ready for bed." She said, watching Yaten smile and nod before walking towards the spare bedroom. Worriedly watching her friend walk towards the spare room, Usagi glanced down when feeling Kikyo embrace her leg, happily looking up at her with innocent violet eyes. "You've been through so much." She gently stated, stray tears streaking her cheeks as she lifted the child into her embrace. "I won't let anything else happen to you, I promise Kikyo-chan." She swore, kissing the child's forehead.


Tiredly sitting on the bed, Yaten shakily exhaled as he pressed the small button on the side of the headset that connected to the others. After a few brief moments of silence, he smiled in relief as Sailor Star Maker's voice responded first followed by Sailor Star Fighter.

"Healer, did you find her?" Sailor Star Maker asked, urgency in her voice as she spoke.

"Was she on Earth?" Sailor Star Fighter desperately prompted.

"Healer, are you there?" Sailor Star Maker worriedly asked, not receiving any kind of response, the sudden silence making her uneasy.

"She- she's here." Yaten responded, his voice cracking as he spoke. "I'll give you one guess who our Princess managed to find refuge with." He said with a tearful chuckle.

"Odango?" Sailor Star Fighter asked, tears evident as she spoke.

"I can't believe it, what are the odds." Sailor Star Maker tearfully laughed. "Is the Princess safe?"

"Of course, she's safe. Do you honestly think Odango would let anything happen to her?" Sailor Star Fighter snapped, annoyance evident in her voice.

"She's fine." Yaten tearfully chuckled. "I'm staying with Usagi-chan tonight at her apartment. She's offered her spare bedroom."

"The others?" Sailor Star Maker asked, wondering if the Inner Guardian's were aware of Sailor Star Healer's arrival.

"It was just Usagi-chan, I don't think the others know I'm here yet." Yaten explained, then smiled as he heard Sailor Star Fighter scoff.

"Stay low, try to avoid those two." Sailor Star Fighter advised, thinking of Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus.

"I will, I would prefer to avoid those two." Yaten muttered, thinking of the two hostile Outer Guardians.

"Has there been any sign of the enemy on Earth?" Sailor Star Maker worriedly asked.

"I don't know." Yaten responded, tiredly rubbing his face. "I haven't had a chance to ask Usagi-chan."

"Find out." Sailor Star Fighter urged.

"I will." Yaten promised, hoping they could have a small reprieve before facing the monsters responsible for the attack on their planet.

"Get some rest." Sailor Star Maker pressed, hearing the exhaustion in Yaten's voice. "I'll be there soon, I'm the second closest to the Inner Realm."

"I'm the farthest, so I'll be the last to arrive." Sailor Star Fighter responded, wishing she had been the closest to the Inner Realm. 'I can't wait to see you again.' She thought with a smile, thinking of the blonde-haired girl who had stolen and broken her heart during her time on Earth. "Keep watch over the Princess, keep us informed if you come across the enemy." She ordered, before ending her transmission. "Fighter out."

"I'll keep her safe." Yaten promised, before hearing a brief static as Sailor Star Fighter's transmission ended.

"I'll be there as soon as I can, please stay safe." Sailor Star Maker urged as she pushed herself faster through the quadrant she'd been searching. "Maker out."

"I'll do my best." Yaten tearfully stated, then sadly lowered his head as the transmission ended leaving him in silence once more. "We can do this, I know we can." He softly stated, hoping the three of them would have the strength to stop the threat against their Princess. Removing the headset, he laid back against the soft bed with a tired sigh. Meaning to lie there for only a moment, he quickly succumbed to his exhaustion falling into a deep sleep.


(The Following Afternoon)

Walking towards the spare bedroom door, Usagi glanced back to confirm Kikyo was sitting at the table eating her lunch. Quietly opening the closed door, she peeked into the room and smiled seeing Yaten was still soundlessly sleeping. Not wanting to disturb her sleeping friend, she quietly pulled the door shut once more before walking back towards the kitchen table. Sitting next to Kikyo, she smiled with amusement when seeing the child was getting more food in her lap than her mouth.

"Drink." Kikyo stated, pointing towards the sippy cup lying on the floor. "Uh-oh!" She called out.

"Did you drop your drink?" Usagi asked with a laugh, lifting the pink sippy cup from the floor before sitting it back beside Kikyo's plate. "There you go, let's be more careful." She stated, watching the toddler eagerly respond to the cup being returned to the table.

"Yay!" Kikyo excitedly squealed, clapping her hands at the sight of her cup once again.

Watching the toddler grab a handful of food, Usagi smiled with amusement watching the Kinmoku Princess shove the handful of food into her mouth. Shaking her head, she sighed out as most of the food ended up on Kikyo's lap and the floor. "You're such a messy eater." She teased.

"She normally is." Yaten chuckled, watching Usagi turn at the sound of his voice. "She was such a handful for her nanny. I hope she hasn't been any trouble for you, Usagi-chan."

"Ten-chan." Kikyo happily greeted, offering her guardian a handful of her lunch when he sat in the chair beside her.

"No thank you Kikyo-sama, that's all yours." Yaten said, smiling when the toddler greedily shoved the handful of food into her mouth.

"She hasn't been any trouble for me, she's such a sweetheart." Usagi said, watching Yaten smile at her words.

"This smells good." Yaten said, feeling his stomach growl at the sight of the food on Kikyo's plate.

"It's nothing special, it's just curry." Usagi said, standing and preparing her friend a plate of food. Walking back to the table, she set the plate in front of her friend watching him hungrily begin to eat. "I hope I didn't wake you." She said, noticing how tired he still looked.

"No, you didn't wake me." Yaten said, taking a bite of the food from his plate, his eyes lighting up as he looked over at his friend. "This is really good, Usagi-chan." He complimented, watching the blonde light up at his compliment.

"Thank you, Yaten-chan." Usagi responded, beaming at the compliment as she took a bite of her curry. "Were you able to reach the others?" She asked, watching Yaten nod his head as he took another large bite of his meal.

"Yes, they're on their way to this realm." Yaten stated moments later, after swallowing the mouthful of food. "Star Maker should arrive first, then Star Fighter should be here soon after."

"What are your plans now, since-" Usagi asked, pausing her words, suddenly not sure how to finish her question.

"I don't know, Usagi-chan." Yaten said, softly exhaling. "We don't have a home now, since the palace fell to the enemy. With her family gone, we're all that she has left of Kinmoku." He softly stated, looking over at his oblivious Princess who was busy playing in her food. "I honestly don't know what we're going to do. We'll do whatever is best to keep the Princess safe."

"Kikyo-chan isn't the only one to suffer such a devastating loss." Usagi softly stated, thinking of her past life. "My Kingdom went through something similar." She explained, sadly smiling at the few painful memories she still possessed. "The Moon Kingdom where I was originally from, it was destroyed during the Silver Millenium. My mother Queen Serenity-sama, sacrificed herself, so my past self, Princess Serenity-sama, and Prince Endymion-sama could be reincarnated and have a second chance to complete their destiny." She explained, looking up to see Yaten looking at her in shock. "I don't have much longer as Tsukino Usagi." She said with a sad smile. "I'll soon lose that part of myself and become who I'm supposed to be, what everyone expects me to become."

"I figured you and Mamoru-san would be married by now." Yaten stated, giving his friend his full attention as he set his fork down.

"I haven't seen Mamo-chan in almost a year." Usagi quietly replied, tears shining in her eyes at the thought of the strain the distance was putting on their relationship.

"What?" Yaten asked in surprise, shocked by her open admission. "Why has it been so long?"

"He's in his third year of medical school, he's started his internship at the hospital so he has his responsibilities there." Usagi explained, wiping a few stray tears from her cheeks.

"Why didn't you go to America to be with him? Did he not ask you to go with him?" Yaten curiously asked, watching his friend silently shake her head before she spoke.

"No, he asked me, I declined." Usagi admitted, keeping her tearful gaze down. "I didn't want to be a distraction." She explained, forcing a smile as she looked up at Yaten. "We can get to know one another again when he finally returns home." She said as she quietly stood. Clearing her space, she carried her plate and glass to the sink. "You're welcomed to stay here with me as long as you need to." She said, wanting to change the subject. "After they arrive, you three can continue to stay as long as you want or until you figure out what you're going to do next."

"Thank you, Usagi-chan. You don't know how much this means to me." Yaten graciously responded, feeling humbled and grateful to the invitation for him and the others to seek refuge with her. Glancing towards his Princess as she left the table he shook his head with amusement at the small path of destruction she'd left behind to be cleaned. Lifting both of their plates from the table, he walked to where his friend was still quietly standing at the sink. Setting the plates into the sink, he gently touched her arm watching her tearfully look over at him. "It's good seeing you again, I'm sorry for not saying this sooner, Usagi-chan."

"It's good to see you again too, Yaten-chan." Usagi tearfully answered, smiling at her friend's kind words.

"Do you want me to help with anything?" Yaten offered, motioning towards the multitude of dirty dishes on the stove and counters.

"If you could keep Kikyo entertained, that would help me out. She normally wants to help, and that results in a bigger mess." Usagi laughed, watching Yaten smile then chuckle at her request.

"I will gladly watch the Princess." Yaten responded, watching his friend smile her thanks as he turned and quietly left the room. "Come along, Kikyo-sama." He stated as he walked into the living room. Scooping the child into his arms, he felt tears shine in his eyes once more drawing the child closer in his protective embrace. Sitting on the couch, he watched his Princess turn her head in the direction of the kitchen with curious eyes as she could hear Usagi running the water in the sink as she cleaned the mess in the kitchen.

"My Usa-chan." Kikyo stated as she began to lower herself from her Guardians lap. Letting out an exasperated grunt as Yaten lifted her into his arms once more, she huffed as Yaten sat her next to him on the couch.

"Let's give Usagi-chan some time to clean up." Yaten compromised as he pointed towards her toy resting near her. "I see you have a friend." He stated, smiling as the child took notice of the bunny happily snatching it up into her arms and hugging it tightly against her.

"Did Usagi-chan get that for you?" Yaten asked, watching his Princess point in the direction of the kitchen with a bright smile.

"My Usa-chan." Kikyo responded, nodding her head while hugging the bunny closer.

Shifting uncomfortably from his armor, Yaten chuckled as he watched Kikyo scoot closer towards him before snuggling against him. "I've missed you too, we've been so worried about you." He said, a small frown replacing his smile as he thought of how much his Princess had truly lost. 'I'm not going to let anything happen to you, Princess Kikyo-sama.' He thought with sheer determination, tears shining in his eyes as he thought of their failure. 'Your mother's sacrifice will not be in vain.'

Snapping from his thoughts when he heard Usagi humming to herself in the kitchen, Yaten chuckled as he turned his head back to see his friend was cleaning the horrendous mess Kikyo had made both atop and under the table. "Are you sure you don't need help?" He chuckled.

"Not my first mess of hers." Usagi chirped with an amused smile. "I've lost count of all the little paths of destruction she's made for me."

"Yes, she seems to be good at making those." Yaten responded, smiling over at his Princess who was fully focused on the television. "I think Fighter spent more time trying to convince the nanny's to stay than she did guarding Kikyo-sama." He chuckled.

"Was she assigned to Kikyo-chan?" Usagi curiously asked, glancing over her shoulder before turning her focus back onto the mess.

"Yes, she was assigned to the Princess, Star Maker, and I were assigned to the King and Queen." Yaten explained with a sad smile. "A lot of good we did." He muttered, lowering his head in shame.

Resting the cloth onto the table as she could hear the pain in her friend's voice, Usagi drew in a breath, softly exhaling before she spoke. "I'm sorry Yaten-chan, I am so truly sorry for what you and the others have been through. I wish there was something I could do to make this pain you're feeling stop."

Smiling at her comment, Yaten quietly nodded his head accepting her heartfelt comment. Looking over at his friend after a moment of silence, he gently smiled as he met her worried, tearful gaze. "That means a lot, Usagi-chan, thank you."

Nodding her head, Usagi quietly turned as she continued to clean up the explosion of rice on the table. "Kikyo-chan and I picked up some things for you and the others, earlier while you were still resting. I figured you'd want to shower and change out of your armor." She said, keeping her back turned from her friend. "I hope I picked out the right sizes." She said nervously biting her lip.

"Y- You didn't have to-" Yaten sputtered in shock, unable to finish his words before his friend interrupted him.

"It's not a big deal, Yaten-chan." Usagi laughed, glancing back at her friend. "As soon as I'm finished I'll watch Kikyo-chan so you can shower." She stated, turning her focus to inspect the table. Deciding the table didn't need any more attention, she walked to wear the broom, and dustpan sat propped against the counter waiting for her, lifting them she returned to the small minefield of rice under the table.


Wiping the steam from the mirror caused by the hot shower, Yaten softly exhaled, smiling at how refreshed and rejuvenated he felt. Putting on one of the outfits Usagi had purchased for him, he smiled as he began to button up his shirt. 'She really didn't have to do this.' He thought, smiling at how kind and thoughtful his friend truly was. 'She went out of her way to not only buy me clothes but for the others as well.'

Running his hand along the soft material of the shirt, Yaten silently stood and at his reflection in the mirror, seeing how truly worn and defeated he looked. Lifting the brush from the sink's counter, he began to brush his long wet silver locks. After brushing all the tangles loose, he grabbed his hair tie, pulling his long locks back into a ponytail once again. Deciding to leave the toiletries and other items Usagi had purchased for him in the bathroom, he noticed a hamper resting against the wall. Tossing his towel into the hamper, he lifted the jacket that went with his outfit emerging from the steamy room. 'We truly owe her a great debt, she's done so much for us already by protecting Kikyo-sama.' He thought, with a grateful smile.

Walking down the small hall towards the living room, Yaten stopped and smiled at the sight of the two Princess' in the room. Kikyo was sitting on the couch, connected to the hip with Usagi as she coordinated between watching the movie on the television and playing with her bunny. Usagi sitting with her legs tucked under her while her gaze was focused on reading something in a large textbook. Watching the blonde glance up from the book, he smiled as he continued forwards into the room.

Reading over her literature book, Usagi glanced up when she felt Yaten's gaze on her. Raising her brows in surprise at his appearance, she watched Yaten smile as he quietly entered the living room walking towards the couch. 'He looks like the Yaten I remember, now.' She thought, smiling at how handsome he looked in the outfit she and Kikyo had selected for him. He wore a pair of casual black pants, an emerald green button-up collared shirt, the black jacket draped over his arm as he silently sat next to her. Watching him run his hand down the material of the jacket, she watched him smile up at her in approval.

"Thank you Usagi-chan." Yaten tearfully stated, looking up at the blonde with gratitude. "You don't know how much this means to me. I-"

"You're welcome." Usagi interrupted, resting her hand atop of her friend's arm. "I couldn't let you walk around the city in your armor or as a Guardian." She teased, watching a genuine smile spread across his lips as he chuckled at her comment.

"No, I don't think I would have blended in very well." Yaten joked in return, chuckling as his friend laughed at the comment. "What are you studying?" He curiously asked, motioning to the thick textbook resting on his friend's lap.

"Oh this, it's for my literary class." Usagi said with a face. "We're going to be having an exam over this after the break." She explained, marking her spot before she closed the book.

"We?" Yaten asked, smiling at the thought of the other blonde who had driven him to the brink of madness during their last stay on Earth. "How are the others? Where's Luna, is she still living with your family? I was hoping to see her when I woke." He said with a smile, thinking of the small feline.

"It's just Rei-chan and me now." Usagi responded with a sad smile. "Haruka-chan and the other Outer's are still in Tokyo. They check in on me from time to time." She explained, not seeing Yaten's surprised look. "Minako-chan, Mako-chan, and Artemis are both in Europe studying, while Ami-chan and Luna are abroad in Germany. I didn't want Ami-chan to be alone, so I asked Luna if she would accompany her to keep her company." She said, looking up into her friend's surprised gaze.

"Why are the others not here protecting you and protecting the city? You're their Prin-" Yaten began before his friend interrupted him.

"I am also a Sailor Guardian, Yaten-chan." Usagi interrupted, laughing in amusement at his reaction to finding out the others were not in Tokyo. "I know I can be a ditz and klutz at times." She said with a grimace. "But I'm capable of protecting myself when I need to." She stubbornly stated with a look of determination.

"I know, I saw that first hand with the battle against Galaxia." Yaten responded with a solemn smile as he thought back to the final battle against Sailor Galaxia and Chaos. "You were truly remarkable that day." He said, watching her blush and smile at his comment.

"I just did what I had to do." Usagi responded with a shrug. "I- I had never felt so nervous in a fight like I did that one." She admitted tears shining in her eyes. "If you three had not been there with me in the end, I don't think I would have had the will to fight. You three gave me the strength to keep going."

Shocked by her admission, Yaten smiled as he rested his hand atop of hers. "You're a lot stronger than you think." He said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Hearing his friend's phone vibrate, he felt her slide her hand from his arm as she lifted her phone looking down at the message she'd received. Watching her smile at the message, he watched with curiosity wondering if it were Rei or one of the others as she responded to the text before resting the phone beside her once more. 'Has she told them I'm here?' He wondered, suspecting Haruka and Michiru would have already been demanding him to leave if they knew he was on Earth.

"I'm meeting with a friend later today, would you like to go?" Usagi asked, watching Yaten snap from his thoughts before looking over at Kikyo with a small smile.

"No, thank you, Usagi-chan. I've been all over the galaxy, I just want to stay in one place for a while and relax." Yaten responded, with a soft chuckle, watching the blonde smile and nod in understanding before she spoke.

"Alright, he said he's almost here, so I'm going to go get ready." Usagi stated, not noticing Yaten abruptly look over at her.

'Him?!' Yaten thought with surprise, suspecting it would be Rei or one of the other Guardians to accompany Usagi.

"What?" Usagi asked with confusion, noticing the look of surprise on Yaten's face.

"N-nothing." Yaten chuckled, as he stood. "I'm going to step onto the balcony for some fresh air." He said as he made his way towards the balcony.

"Ten-chan." Kikyo happily stated, pointing towards her Guardian.

"Go ahead." Usagi responded with an amused smile as Kikyo slid off the couch and immediately followed behind Yaten like a baby duck to its mother. "Looks like you're going to have company." She teased watching her friend stop and patiently awaited Kikyo to catch up with him.

Watching the two step out onto the balcony, Usagi smiled as she continued to her bedroom. 'I'm so glad they found each other.' She thought with a smile, knowing her friends deserved a reprieve after the terrible ordeal they had suffered.


"Bird! Ten-chan, bird!" Kikyo excitedly squealed as she pointed towards the sky.

Chuckling at her excitement, Yaten smiled as he watched the small group of birds flutter across the sky, soon landing on an electric line. Looking down at the busy streets below, he turned his head when hearing the patio door slide open.

"My, Usa!" Kikyo squealed, happily clutching the woman's leg before reaching her arms up wanting to be held.

"Come here." Usagi smiled, lifting the child into her arms. Feeling Kikyo happily embrace her, she hugged the child back kissing the top of her head.

"My, Usa-chan." Kikyo stated, snuggling her head against the woman's shoulder.

"Has there been any sign of a threat towards the Princess?" Yaten asked, noticing his friend's hold on the Princess briefly tighten.

"Yes." Usagi responded, tears shining in her eyes. "There was a man, he arrived shortly after Kikyo's arrival." She responded, her voice dropping at the thought back to the close call in the park. "The Outers, they were able to defeat him while I was able to get Kikyo to safety."

Easing at the news of his defeat, Yaten felt himself tense more as Usagi continued to speak. 'No.' He worriedly thought, seeing the guilt on his friend's face as she spoke.

"Yesterday, there was another attack, it was a woman this time." Usagi softly stated, nervously glancing up to see Yaten immediately tense, his hands clenching at his sides. "She knows I have Kikyo-chan." She admitted, frowning as Yaten angered more, growing more nervous as she continued to speak. "I don't know how either of them knew, but they know I have her."

"And you still took her out there?!" Yaten snapped, glaring at his friend. "How could you be so irresponsible?" He angrily demanded, not meaning to lose his temper with his friend. "How do they know? How-"

"I didn't know about the second one, I-" Usagi defended herself, growing silent for a moment to release a soft exhale before she continued. "Kikyo-chan wasn't pursued this time, she was with Rei-chan at the time of the attack, the woman's focus was on me yesterday. I was able to get away long enough to transform into Sailor Moon. The Outer Guardians and I fought her, she took off when my attack took the upper hand in the fight." She finished, her stomach nervously twisting at how silent Yaten had become.

'He's angry with me.' She guiltily thought, tears shining in her eyes as she took a step forward and spoke. "Yaten-chan, I swear to you, I'm not going to let anything happen to Kikyo-chan. I will protect her from this threat, I promise." She swore, watching her friend look up at her with surprise. "I may not have gotten to know Kakyuu-sama as well as I got to know you three, but I have always considered her my friend as well. I will protect my friend's child, just as you three will protect her."

::Knock Knock::

Turning her head at the knock, Usagi nervously glanced towards Yaten hoping it wasn't any of the Outer Guardians. "Who could that be." She nervously mumbled, lowering Kikyo from her arms as she quickly went to answer the door.

Opening the door Usagi happily smiled when seeing Yumiko standing on the other side. "You're early." She teased with an amused laugh as her friend flashed her one of his charming smiles. "I thought we were meeting later today?"

"We are, I just wanted to check on you and make sure you were actually feeling better." Yumiko responded, watching his friend nod her head before she motioned him to enter her apartment.

"Yes, I'm feeling much better today, thank you." Usagi responded, holding the door open as Yumiko walked into the apartment.

"Where's the munchkin?" Yumiko asked, glancing around then chuckled when hearing the child happily call out to him from the kitchen.

"Yumi-chan!" Kikyo stated, running from the kitchen at full force before happily embracing the young man's leg.

"Kikyo-chan." Yumiko responded with equal enthusiasm as he lifted the child into his arms. "Do you want to go to the park with me and your Usa-chan?" He asked, watching the little girl squeal with delight.

"Park!" Kikyo excitedly shouted then turned to look at her guardian. "Ten-chan!" She excitedly stated, pointing towards the kitchen as Yaten stepped from the kitchen.

"Who's this, Usagi-chan?" Yumiko curiously asked, surprised to see a young man step forward and look at him with suspicion. Growing uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gaze, he nervously cleared his throat watching the man tear his gaze from him, turning to Usagi as he spoke.

"Is this the friend you were talking about, Usagi-chan?" Yaten asked, leaning against the wall while looking at the blonde-haired young man suspiciously once more. 'There's something about him.' He thought, snapping from his thoughts as Usagi spoke.

"Yes, this is Yumiko-chan. He's helped me out a lot with Kikyo-chan." Usagi explained smiling over at her friend. "Yumiko-chan, this is Yaten-chan, he's one of my friends from high school." She introduced, watching Yumiko shift Kikyo on his hip as he extended his hand out.

"Nice to meet you." Yumiko stated, growing uncomfortable when Yaten only stared at his extended hand.

"How do you know him, Usagi-chan?" Yaten asked, keeping his hands at his sides as he turned his focus on his friend instead.

Feeling bad for Yumiko as he lowered his hand looking uncomfortable, Usagi glared at Yaten as he questioned her about her friendship with Yumiko. 'He sounds like Haruka-chan.' She thought, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. 'Why is he acting like this?' She thought, then wanted to smack herself. 'What am I thinking, he's always been like this.' She thought, remembering the time she had walked in on him throwing away letters written by fans and admirers.

Noticing his friend didn't hear the question, Yumiko smugly smiled before he spoke. "I'm in some of the same classes as Usagi-chan, we're also in the same sports team. I'm Team Captain of the baseball team." He boasted, looking over to see Usagi smile and nod at his words.

"You play baseball?" Yaten asked in shock looking at his friend with disbelief. "Are you any good now?" He blurted, then blushed at his bluntness. "I'm sorry, that came out wrong." He quickly apologized, nervously chuckling.

"It's alright, I wasn't very good at all the last time you watched me play." Usagi stated, laughing at Yaten's comment. "To answer your question, yes, my skills have improved." She said, blushing as she averted her gaze.

"Don't be so modest, Usagi-chan." Yumiko chuckled, wishing his friend would give herself more credit. "You're one of the strongest players on the team, well, other than me." He teased, watching his friend smile and roll her eyes at his comment. "After all, I am the team captain."

"Yes, and you love rubbing that in." Usagi wryly responded, looking over at her friend as he smugly smiled. "Since you say I'm so good, perhaps I should try out for Captain this next season." She teased, walking past him as she went to the living room.

"You should, that way I can have some real competition to go against." Yumiko responded with an excited smile, chuckling as his friend blushed at the comment. "Are your brother's here too?" He curiously asked, turning his attention towards Yaten who was following behind them still giving him the stink eye.

"No, not yet." Yaten responded, then smirked. "They'll be here soon." He said, watching Yumiko nod his head. 'There's something about him.' He warily thought, not fully trusting the blonde-haired man.

"I can come back later if you need me to." Yumiko stated, growing uncomfortable from Yaten's cold looks. Watching Usagi quickly shake her head, he smiled as she rested her hand against his arm as she spoke.

"No, don't leave. It's fine, we can go ahead and leave if you want to, Yumiko-chan." Usagi responded, smiling up at her friend, hoping Yaten's sudden cold demeanor wasn't the reason for Yumiko's unease. Noticing Kikyo reaching for Yaten, she smiled as Yaten walked forwards and took the toddler into his arms once more.

"Ten-chan." Kikyo yawned while tiredly rubbing her eyes as she yawned.

Smiling as Kikyo wrapped her small arms around Yaten's neck as she rested her head on his shoulder, Usagi knew the child was getting sleepy since she would do the same thing to her. "Just put her in my bed when she falls asleep." She quietly stated, watching Yaten smile and nod his head in acknowledgment.

"We'll be fine." Yaten said, smiling at how motherly Usagi was being towards Kikyo. "Go have some fun, you deserve a break Usagi-chan." He said, watching her smile and nod. "Stay safe."

"We will." Usagi stated, understanding the meaning behind Yaten's words.

"Shall we go then?" Yumiko asked, flashing his friend one of his charming smiles.

"Let me grab my purse, then we'll go." Usagi responded as she turned to go to her bedroom leaving Yumiko and Yaten in awkward silence.

"Where are you taking her?" Yaten demanded, cutting his gaze towards the blonde.

"To the movies, then we'll probably grab something to eat before we come back here." Yumiko responded, smugly smiling at the silver-haired man.

'I can't wait to see Seiya knock that smug smile off your face.' Yaten thought, trying to contain his smile at his thoughts. 'My brother still has feelings for Usagi-chan, this isn't going to go well when he meets this smug bastard.'


"Where do you want to sit?" Yumiko asked as they walked into the dimly lit theatre. Noticing most of the seats were full as they entered the dimly lit room, he pointed towards the top row where there were three empty seats. "Are the seats up there alright?" He asked, watching his friend nod her head as he led the way up the stairs to their seats. Sitting in his seat, he smiled over as Usagi sat next to him rearranging the tray of nachos and drink she'd been holding as she made herself comfortable.

Sitting down in the leather seat, Usagi smiled as she placed her drink into the cupholder. Placing her tray of nachos on her lap, she reached over quickly taking a handful of her friend's popcorn. "Thank you, Yumiko-chan." She said, giggling at the scowl he gave her.

Scowling when Usagi took a handful of his popcorn, Yumiko watched her giggle at his reaction. "Hey, that's mine, you said you didn't want any." He said, watching her remove a cheese-smothered chip from her nacho tray.

"Open up." Usagi ordered, watching Yumiko raise his brow before opening his mouth. Placing the chip in his mouth, she laughed as he playfully nipped at her finger. "Don't bite me, I need my fingers to pitch." She said, playfully swatting his arm.

Chuckling at her reaction, Yumiko smiled as he ate the offered nacho. Lifting his drink, he took a sip before placing the cup back onto the cupholder. "I was wondering if-"

"Hey, you two!" Yukio excitedly stated, seeing two of her teammates were seated behind her. "I didn't know you're dating." She gushed, watching the couple quickly blush at her words.

"We're not." Usagi quickly stated, glad the dimly lit room hid her embarrassment.

"No, we're just here as friends." Yumiko chuckled, blushing more when Yukio skeptically raised her brow at him.

"If you say so." Yukio teased, then grew excited once more. "Are you guys going to the party?"

"What party?" Usagi asked, watching Yumiko quickly look at her.

"The Halloween Party, you're going right?" Yumiko asked, noticing his friend hesitate. "Come on Usagi-chan, you always do this. Come to the party with me, it will be fun."

"Yes, it's going to be so much fun. There's going to be music, food, and everyone is going to be wearing costumes." Yukio said, excitedly smiling. "You have to go Usagi-chan, you never go to any of the parties on or off-campus. Quit being such a killjoy and have some fun for once in your life. You know how to have fun, right?" She teased.

'No, I'm expected to act a certain way from my Guardians.' Usagi sadly thought to herself, before forcing a nervous laugh as she looked at her teammate. "Of course I do, Yukio-san. I just prefer to stay home and stay focused on my studies." She lamely muttered, watching Yukio smugly look at her before she spoke.

"Then prove to us you know how to have fun." Yukio teased as she and Yumiko exchanged a look, Yumiko giving her a nod of encouragement. "Go to the party, let loose and let us see you possess a wild side. Unless you have other important things to do like stick your nose behind another book."

"When is it?" Usagi curiously asked, wanting badly to say yes so she could prove to them and herself that she could have fun.

"In three days." Yumiko nonchalantly responded, looking at his friend with hope. "Are you actually considering going?" He excitedly asked.

Taking a deep breath, Usagi nervously exhaled before silently nodding her head before looking up at her friend. "Yes, I'll go to the party." She said, then gently laughed. "What am I going to wear? I haven't worn a costume since I was a kid."

"We're going shopping after the movie." Yumiko excitedly stated, then frowned, noticing the room becoming dark as the lights automatically dimmed, prompting their conversation to be over for the time being. Watching Yukio wink at them, he smiled as she quickly turned her attention towards the large screen as the previews began to play.

Leaning over closer to Usagi, he smiled as he quietly whispered into her ear. "We'll go together, so you don't back out on me." He teased, blushing slightly as their noses brushed when she turned to look at him. Feeling their gazes lock for a moment, he felt her soft breaths against his lips drawing him in closer to her, then abruptly snapped from his stupor when she spoke.

"I'm not going to back out, I promise." Usagi softly stated, silently turning her gaze towards the large screen, her face bright red from their faces being so close. 'I almost kissed him.' She thought, knowing if Yumiko had moved in anymore she was going to close the gap between them. 'Why am I so drawn to him?' She thought with frustration, knowing how badly she wanted to kiss him and act out on her impulses when she was around him.


(Later That Day)

"Come on Usagi-chan, you've been looking at this wall for what seems like an eternity." Yumiko groaned out with boredom, chuckling when his friend glared at him in response. "Just pick one already, please." He said, sighing out with mock frustration.

"These costumes are so inappropriate, Yumiko-chan. I don't wear revealing clothes like these." Usagi half whined half groaned, while nervously biting her lip as she looked at the small selection that remained in her size. Her only choices were a sexy nurse, a black cat, and a vampire."

"Do you want me to pick for you?" Yumiko eagerly asked, wiggling his brows while smiling with amusement. "If I pick, you're wearing the sexy nurse outfit." He said, laughing when she turned a bright shade of red.

"What are you going to be?" Usagi asked, watching him hold up his costume revealing a vampire costume. Looking back at her choices once more, she closed her eyes allowing fate to choose for her as she blindly grabbed the first package her hand touched. Opening her eyes, she looked down at the costume in her hand and inwardly cringed. "It's so revealing." She nervously stated.

"It's Halloween, Usagi-chan, no one is going to care if you're dressed like this." Yumiko said, trying to convince his friend the costume choice would be fine for the event they were attending. "I'm just excited you're going." He said watching her look over at him. "This is the first party you'll be attending since I've known you, this is a monumental moment." He teased, grunting when she elbowed him.

"Don't make fun of me." Usagi whined, then looked down at the costume once more with a nervous exhale. "I just hope I don't regret this." She sighed, nervously looking down at the clear packaging her costume was in. "Maybe I should find something else, I-" She nervously said, then gasped as her friend quickly took the package from her hold.

"You're going to look gorgeous in this, Usagi-chan." Yumiko reassured his friend, quickly taking the costume from her before she could talk herself out of it. "Quit being so nervous, take some chances, and have some fun for once." He said, watching her silently nod. "This party is going to be a lot of fun, I promise. It's going to be a night you'll never forget."

Smiling at his words, Usagi smiled as she nodded her head. "I've always been afraid of-" She said, then gasped feeling Yumiko gently take her hand into his. Abruptly looking at him, she felt herself blush under the gentle touch as they walked down the aisle towards the registers.

"No more of that negativity, Usagi-chan." Yumiko sternly stated. "You're turning a new leaf starting today. I want you to start being more impulsive, stop acting like a scared kid who's about to get caught with their hand in the cookie jar." He teased hearing her gently laugh at his comment.

"I'm not that bad." Usagi muttered, then gasped when her friend abruptly stopped and looked at her with his brow arched.

"Yes you are, now come on." Yumiko urged, smiling as he led her in the direction of the checkout lanes. "Let's get you home, I'm sure Kikyo-chan is wondering where you're at." He said, smiling more at the thought of them spending the entire day together. After the movie, they went out for lunch, then started their search for their costumes, having gone to two different stores to find his vampire costume. Handing her costume back to her, he ushered her ahead of him as he gently chuckled at her pout. "You're not backing out on me this time, Usagi-chan. We're going to have fun, I promise." He said, watching her nervously smile before placing the costume on the counter to pay for it.


(Three Days Later)

"Come on Usagi-chan." Yumiko pleaded, knocking on her bedroom door. "It cannot be that bad, at least let me look." He prompted while adjusting the cape of his costume. Seeing the door crack open, he watched her peek her head out and smiled seeing the black cat ears headband on her head.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this costume." Usagi hissed, refusing to open the door.

"No, you picked this out, remember." Yumiko reminded his friend with a chuckle. "I was going to pick out the sexy nurse one." He said chuckling as she turned a bright red before speaking.

"I'm not going out in this, Yumiko-chan." Usagi nervously muttered, then squealed out in surprise, laughing as Yumiko tried to push the door open. "Stop!" She screeched, laughing more at his attempts to open the door.

"You said you would go to the Halloween Party with me." Yumiko argued between his laughs, soon giving up on pushing the door open. "Fine, come out when you're ready." He pouted, chuckling as he leaned against the wall outside her bedroom.

"What are you two doing?" Yaten asked, raising his brow as he curiously stepped around the corner to see Yumiko standing outside Usagi's bedroom door.

"Trying to talk Usagi-chan into coming out of her room, so we can leave for the party." Yumiko said, chuckling at a comment Usagi made on the other side of the door. "Come on we're going to be late." He groaned in exasperation, smiling with victory when watching the door finally open. Feeling his breath escape him for a brief moment, he blushed at the lewd thoughts filling his mind as Usagi slowly stepped out of the room with embarrassment. "You look amazing, Usagi-chan." He said, seeing her blush more at his compliment.

"Wow." Yaten said, looking in awe at how stunning the blonde looked in her costume. Usagi wore a black sequined long sleeve bodysuit with a black tail pinned to the back of the bodysuit, black fishnet stockings covered her long slender legs, and black heels adorned her feet. Her hair was pulled up into a bun, with a black cat ears headband atop her head. Completing her outfit she wore black eyeshadow, her lips were a soft pink, and black whiskers were painted on her cheeks. 'I'm glad Seiya-chan isn't here yet.' He thought with a smirk, knowing his brother still struggled with the strong feelings he felt for the blonde. 'He wouldn't have been able to keep away from her.'

"I cannot believe you talked me into this." Usagi whined once again, blushing when Yumiko took her hand and gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. "I can't wear this, I should go change into something else." She said, turning to retreat to her room once more.

"Oh, no you don't." Yumiko quickly stated as he abruptly lifted her into his strong arms.

Gasping as Yumiko boldly grabbed her around the waist, Usagi squealed out in surprise when he suddenly lifted her into his arms bridal style, carrying her towards the door. "Put me down, Yumiko-chan!" She demanded through her laughter.

Watching the display between the two, Yaten could see the way Yumiko was looking down at Usagi in his hold as he carried her towards the door. 'He likes her.' He thought, wondering if Usagi returned the same feelings for the young man seeing the way his friend was looking at the young man. Watching Yumiko lower from his arms as they reached the door, he smiled as Usagi waved a quick goodbye before she and Yumiko left the apartment, their playful banter still being heard as the door shut.


(Later That Night)

Watching couples dancing to the high-beat music, Usagi smiled feeling more at ease in her cat costume as she looked around at all the different types of costumes everyone else around her wore. Seeing some were more revealing than hers, she felt more confident about her appearance in the black cat costume. Feeling Yumiko take her hand, she laughed as she felt him spin her, as they danced to the high beat of the music playing. Feeling him snake his arm around her waist, she blushed as he pulled her closer to him as they continued to dance.

Smiling as Usagi swayed her body to the beat of the music, Yumiko gently took her hand and gently spun her as he pulled her closer to him. Feeling her gently pull from his embrace, he smiled pulling her closer against him once more. Smiling when she didn't make an attempt to pull away, he watched her eyes light up as they danced. 'I haven't seen this light before.' He thought, smiling to himself. Stepping from one another as the song ended, he watched her fan herself with her hand to help cool herself off from dancing.

Glancing around the large frat house, Yumiko felt a smile spread across his lips as heard the sounds of drunken laughter and cheering from the kitchen. "Let's go get a drink." He suggested, watching her nod her head. Lacing his fingers with hers as he took her hand, leading the way through the thick crowd as they weaved their way towards the kitchen. "I'll be right back." He said, releasing her hand as he left her standing near the doorway as he continued through the large crowd of drunken students, soon disappearing into the overcrowded kitchen.

Nervously standing by herself waiting for Yumiko to return, Usagi glanced around quickly taking a step back as a drunken Princess ran past her squealing as a Gladiator was in close pursuit of her. Trying to stifle her laughter from the sight, she jumped when hearing a familiar shrill voice suddenly shout out her name.

"Usagi-chan!" Yukio drunkenly screeched, as she attempted to run to her friend, stumbling a few times before reaching the blonde. She was dressed in a white naughty nurse costume, wearing a stethoscope around her neck, and white stiletto heels complimenting the look. "You actually came to the party!" She said tightly hugging the blonde, the liquor strong on her breath. "I- loooove your costume, it's sooooo cute, o-on you!" She said, tightly clinging to the blonde as she felt the room begin to spin for a moment.

"Thanks, Yukio-san, I like your costume too." Usagi responded with a polite smile, her nose wrinkling at how strong her friend's breath smelled of liquor. "Do you need to sit down?" She worriedly offered, feeling the petite brunette suddenly cling to her for dear life as she swayed.

"No, I'm fine!" Yukio loudly responded, not realizing how loud she was talking while drunkenly laughed. "Come with me." She slurred, tightly grabbing Usagi's hand as she pulled her in the direction of the game room.

"Yukio-san, wait, Yumiko-chan is-" Usagi prompted, trying to stop her friend as she was being led towards the back of the house by her very drunk friend.

"C- Come on, they're wa- waiting on m-me." Yukio slurred, glancing back and smiling at how nervous the blonde looked. "You-you've never drunk before have- have you?" She snickered.

"Only once." Usagi admitted, blushing at the memory. "I had some wine and I may have gotten a little tipsy." She said, laughing with embarrassment.

"Ohhhh...sweetie, you're fix- fixing to have the ti-time of your life." Yukio drunkenly drawled, smiling more as she continued to pull her friend forwards once more.


Frowning as she missed her third target, Usagi watched as her third shot glass was filled with the same strong clear liquid. Lifting the glass to her lips, she closed her eyes bringing the liquid back in one quick motion. Coughing at how strong the alcohol tasted and the overwhelming burn as it went down, she could feel her mind was already in a fog. Setting the glass roughly on the table, she watched as one of the guys standing behind the table offered her the three coins once more.

"Come on sweet- sweetheart, try again, you- you can do this." A dark-haired mummy drunkenly encouraged, holding three more coins out, while smiling with amusement at the blonde-haired cat.

"You're on the baseball team, right? I've seen you play, you're really good." A second guy with auburn hair curiously asked, soberer than his friend as he eyeed the petite blonde dressed as a cat.

"Hey! I- I'm good too!" Yukio remarked, scowling at the pirate, hurt that the two were no longer giving her attention.

"We- we know, Yukio-chan." The mummy stated, laughing at Yukio's sudden jealous behavior. "We ju- just haven't se...seen her around here before, that's all." He slurred.

"That's because she- she doesn't know how to ha- have fun." Yukio blurted, shielding her mouth as if Usagi would not be able to hear the loud drunken responses by doing so.

"I can too." Usagi snapped. "I'm playing this game aren't I, Yukio-san?" She said, with a bout of determination as she held her hand out to accept the coins once more from the drunken mummy. Taking a deep breath in an attempt to clear her clouded mind, she nervously bit her as she flicked her wrist to bounce the coin.

"Dammit!" Usagi cursed, pouting as the coin bounced onto the table missing the empty shot glass once more.

"Potty mouth." Yukio teased, giggling at her friend's unexpected reaction.

Pouting as the pirate poured her another clear drink, Usagi groaned before lifting the shot glass to her lips and taking the shot in one quick gulp. Tightly closing her eyes as the fiery burn as the liquid went down, she heard the pirate and mummy snicker at her reaction. "This tastes t-terrible." Roughly setting the empty shot glass onto the table, she squared her shoulder preparing to bounce the second coin with a little more force. Watching the coin bounce on the table, sailing through the air, she lit up with excitement as the small silver coin landed into a shot glass. "I did it!" She squealed out happily laughing as she embraced Yukio in her excitement. Feeling a boost of confidence, she bounced the third coin, cursing under her breath when she missed her target yet again.

"One out of three, you're getting better." The pirate chuckled, smiling with amusement while filling a second shot glass. Watching the blonde-haired cat quickly down the shot, he chuckled, taking notice of the slight waver in her step as she set the second glass down. 'I see the vodka is catching up to her.' He thought with amusement.

"What other games are there?" Usagi asked, looking around at the different groups in the room. "I- I'm terrible at this." She admitted, finding it harder to gather her thoughts in her jumbled mind, unaware of the slight slur in her voice.

"O-Over there, it's- it's called di-dirty pint, you'll like that one." The mummy stated, watching Yukio and Usagi both look at him with curious gazes. "It's really easy, you flip a coin, choose heads or tales. If you choose co-correctly y-you win, if you lose, you dr-drink the dirty pint."

"Why- is- is it called a di-dirty pint?" Yukio slurred.

"It's just a mixture of different alcohols, that's all." The pirate stated, nonchalantly shrugging.

"Let's go!" Yukio giggled, taking the blonde's hand as she dragged her towards the group who was playing.


"Where is she?" Yumiko worriedly muttered as he looked around the crowds for his friend. "Damn, I hope she didn't leave." He muttered, frowning at the thought of her ditching him. 'No, she wouldn't do that to me, she's not that type of person.'

"CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!"

Turning at the sound of the continuous chant, Yumiko pushed his way through the crowd sighing in relief when seeing Usagi standing next to a very drunk Yukio who was putting most of her weight against Usagi.

"There you are, I was looking for you." Yumiko said, prompting Yukio and Usagi to stop and turn.

"Yumiko-chan." Usagi happily stated throwing her arms around him as she happily embraced him.

"Umph!" Yukio grunted as she roughly dropped to the floor, her support suddenly gone.

"You've been drinking." Yumiko chuckled, looking at his friend with surprise when smelling the strong aroma of alcohol on her breath as Usagi happily embraced him.

"I talked her into playing coins." Yukio proudly boasted, picking herself up from the floor, a big grin spreading across her face.

"How many rounds did you play?" Yumiko curiously asked, watching the blonde smile up at him.

"Three rounds, I had seven of those nasty drinks...I think." Usagi giggled, then abruptly gasped, grabbing Yumiko by the arm as she excitedly spoke. "I want to play again, come play with me, Yumi-chan." She excitedly stated, not noticing she'd called him by Kikyo's nickname.

Smiling at her slip, Yumiko felt his smile broaden at the humor in the situation, seeing his serious friend so relaxed and carefree in the moment. 'I think those drinks are catching up to her.' He thought, glancing down at the two drinks he was holding. "Yukio-chan, do you want to-" He stated, growing silent as Yukio released Usagi's hand and staggered towards one of the other games. "Nevermind." He chuckled, turning his attention back to the blonde who was watching their teammate stagger away. "Let's go find somewhere to sit for a little bit, let the-"

"I want to dance, let's go dance Yumiko-chan." Usagi excitedly interrupted, her smile broadening as she took notice of the two drinks in his hand. "Did you bring me a drink?" She asked, then slyly smiled before giggling. "Are you trying to get me drunk?" She asked, watching him burst out into laughter at her response before he spoke with amusement.

"Trust me, you've already managed that on your own, Usagi-chan." Yumiko chuckled, shaking his head in amusement at how adorable she was drunk. Offering her the cup, he smiled as she warily looked down at the murky orange drink, her nose scrunching at the sight of the drink.

"It's really good, I promise, I had a sip to make sure you would like it." Yumiko assured the leery blonde before taking the cup back and taking another sip of the overly sweet drink to reassure her. Smiling as she took the cup, he chuckled as she inspected it once more before taking a small sip, her eyes lighting up as her gaze met his.

Expecting the same overwhelming burn she experienced with the clear drinks, Usagi abruptly looked up at Yumiko smiling in relief at how sweet the drink was. "This is so good, Yumiko-chan, thank you!" She happily gushed, hugging him once more.

Amused at how affectionate Usagi was when she was drunk, Yumiko smiled as he embraced her back. "You're welcome, if you want another one, let me know." He said, wrapping his arm around her waist as he led her out of the game room away from the stronger alcohol. "Let's go dance some more." He suggested, taking a sip of his own drink.


Drunkenly laughing as she dropped the car keys, Usagi sighed in frustration as she struggled to stay upright as she kneeled with wobbly legs to pick up the keys once more.

"Maybe I- I should drive." Yumiko drunkenly stated, seeing his friend dropping his keys for the second time as she attempted to unlock his car.

"You're- you're not driving, you ha-had more than me." Usagi slurred, closing her eyes as she felt him gently trail his hands down her arms. Feeling a soft sigh escape her lips from the soft, sensual touch, she leaned back into him, turning her head. Looking into his bloodshot gaze, she smiled as he leaned in closer, their noses brushing before she turned and crushed her lips against his. "Yumiko-chan." She moaned through the kiss, feeling him press her against the door of his car as he trailed kisses down her neck.

"L- Let's go to m- my place tonight." Yumiko suggested between the gentle nips and kissed along her neck. Feeling Usagi wrap her arms around his neck, ushering him closer against her, he felt her breath against his ear as she spoke.

"I- I can't." Usagi responded, giggling as his hot breaths tickled her neck.

"Why not?" Yumiko groaned out in frustration, briefly pausing his kisses. "I- I like you Usagi-chan, and I know you li- like me." He slurred, smiling more when her blush confirmed his comment. "You t-told me you're not hap- happy with your fiance, let me- let me make y-you happy. Even if it's for one- one n-night, let's just be together." He urged, leaning in and trailing soft kisses down her neck once more.

"We would regret this in the morn- morning, Yumiko-chan." Usagi insisted, trying to ignore her drunken urges to be with the young man. Feeling his hands trail down her body, she blushed when feeling a moan escaping her lips in response to his soft touches against her thigh.

"I want you." Yumiko said, crushing his lips against hers, as another soft moan escaped her lips. Feeling her fingers run through his hair as they passionately began to kiss, he felt her abruptly pull from him and stumble to the back of the car before she threw up.

Standing back and waiting for his friend to finish, he decided then that they were too drunk to be driving. "Let's walk." He suggested as soon as she made her way back towards him. "We- we can go to my d-dorm to sleep this off or...or your place."

"Which is closer?" Usagi groaned, raising and wiping her mouth with the sleeve of her costume.

"My dorm." Yumiko chuckled, watching his friend nod her head as she returned to his embrace to steady her wobbly legs.

"Let's go." Usagi said, leaning into his embrace as he wrapped his arm around her waist to help steady her.


Looking up at the night sky as they walked in comfortable silence, Usagi frowned when taking notice of her throbbing feet once again. Grunting out with irritation, she grumpily grumbled under her breath in her frustration. "My feet hurt from these stupid heels!" She finally hissed out in her frustration, abruptly stopping and glaring down at the heels that were the cause of her discomfort. Without warning, she abruptly dropped to the ground, landing on her bottom with an unladylike grunt as she brought her foot up to remove the offending shoe. Struggling with the strap around her ankle, she heard Yumiko chuckle as he turned and looked down at her with a crooked smile, amusement shining in his eyes.

"What are you...doing? Keep your sh- shoes on, Usagi-chan. You're as bad as Kikyo-chan wanting to ta- take her shoes off." Yumiko teased as he wobbly knelt down to rescue the heel that had been carelessly tossed aside. Slipping the heel back onto her foot, he cursed as he fumbled with the strap on her heel, cursing his delayed reflexes as he struggled with the small buckle on the shoe. "Damn shoe." He muttered, trying to stay focused on the delicate task at hand.

Giggling at his struggle, Usagi watched as he finally managed to buckle the strap around her ankle once more. "Thank you." She said watching him nod as he offered her his hand after he stood.

"Did you- did you have fun tonight?" Yumiko asked, offering his hand. Feeling her place her hand into his, he helped her steady herself as she stood once more.

"Yes, I had lots of fun...thank you." Usagi said, smiling when Yumiko wrapped his arm around her waist. Leaning into his safe embrace, she smiled resting her head against his shoulder as they continued to walk down the dark path once more.

"We're almost there." Yumiko said, feeling Usagi shiver from the cold breeze. "Here." He said, removing the cape off his costume. Wrapping the full-length satin cape around his friend, he watched her smile her thanks as she pulled it closer around her.

"Thank you." Usagi said, her heart panging with sadness looking at Yumiko's appearance. His costume consisted of a garnet red vest with attached white long sleeves and scarf collar, black slacks, and black dress shoes. A medallion on a red ribbon was around his neck. Looking at the medallion, she sadly smiled, her heart panging with longing when realizing it resembled the one Tuxedo Kamen wore. "How much further?" She asked, her feet aching from all the walking in her heels.

"Not much further." Yumiko assured his friend, slipping his gloved hand into hers. Feeling Usagi rest her head against his shoulder as they continued down the path once more, he smiled at how affectionate she was being towards him, compliments to the alcohol. Gently chuckling, he watched her look up at him with her curious gaze, prompting him to respond. "We're going to be feeling this in the morning." He explained, knowing they were both going to wake with a major hangover after all the alcohol they had consumed throughout the night, his friend consuming more than him.

Smiling at his words, Usagi quietly nodded her head then gasped as she felt her foot catch on an uneven part of the sidewalk. Feeling herself falling forwards, she blushed as Yumiko quickly caught her. Laughing at the near disaster, she snaked her arms around his neck before pressing her lips against his once more. "My hero." She teased as their lips parted. "I-" She said then felt him firmly press his lips against hers once more. Feeling soft shivers run throughout her from his soft sensual touches, she felt a soft groan escaping her lips before she crushed her lips back against his each trying to outmatch the other. "Yumiko-chan, I-" She murmured, then cried out in surprise as they both lost their balance crashing onto the ground.

"Sorry." Yumiko said his face bright red with embarrassment when realizing he'd landed atop of her. "I- I think we got a little too aggressive with that kiss." He joked, shivers running through him as Usagi wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his lips back against hers. Carefully repositioning himself atop her to where his full weight wasn't atop her, he had his knees on both sides of her hips as one hand was on the cold ground supporting himself up as he and Usagi vehemently kissed once again. Responding more to her soft muffled moans, he groaned as she felt her hand slowly slide down his chest resting briefly against his abs. "You don't know how badly I- I want this." He said as their lips slowly parted. "Please, it's just one night, let me make you happy."

"I can't." Usagi softly stated as tears shone in her eyes. "I have my-" She said, a gasp escaping her lips as she closed her eyes from the sensation his kisses arose in her. "One night?" She innocently asked as their lips parted, yielding to her drunken urges. "Nothing more...promise me." She desperately asked, clinging to his arm as she looked into his eyes with desperation.

"Just tonight, I swear." Yumiko promised, leaning in to close the gap between their lips once more. Feeling their lips brush against one another, he cried out in shock as he was abruptly jerked from atop of the blonde in one violent jerk.

Grunting out in pain as he roughly crashed against the ground, Yumiko felt his stomach knot seeing the mortified look on Usagi's face as she looked at the one standing over him. Bringing his gaze up to see a sandy-haired blonde standing over him, he nervously shifted under the murderous look, gasping in surprise when feeling the blonde suddenly haul him up by his shirt once again, as she brought her fist back to strike him. "No, wait, please!" He cried out, flinching and awaiting the oncoming pain, his reflexes badly delayed from the effects of the alcohol.

"Haruka-chan stop!" Usagi shouted, clumsily scrambling to her feet before running to her friend, grabbing her by the arm in an attempt to stop her. Feeling her guardian angrily shove her back, she cried out in shock as she roughly landed on the hard sidewalk with a yelp. "Leave him alone!" She screamed, tears streaking her cheeks.

"What were you thinking?" Haruka angrily sneered, glaring over at her distraught Princess before turning her attention to the one who was trying to take advantage of her naive friend. Jerking him closer, she cringed at the overwhelming aroma of alcohol on his breath. 'He's drunk, does that mean Neko-chan is too?' She thought, suspecting her Princess was probably in the same drunken state. Deciding it would be no use to beat the drunken man to a pulp, she roughly shoved him back onto the ground glaring at him. "Get out of here, I better not see you go near Usagi-chan again." She sneered. "If I see you anywhere near her, I will finish what I started." She snarled, watching the blonde nod his head before clumsily staggering to catch himself before rushing away from her.

Turning her attention back towards Usagi, she felt a moment of panic when she did not see her friend anywhere. 'Where is she?' She thought with worry, quickly scanning the surrounding area. Feeling relief rush through her when spotting her Princess, she couldn't hold back the amused smile seeing the reasonable amount of distance Usagi had managed to put between them as she was quickly walking down one of the darker paths towards the University. "You should know better by now, Neko-chan." She chuckled, swiftly going in pursuit of her friend.


Cursing at her lack of coordination as she walked down the dark path, Usagi nervously glanced back as gasp escaping her lips when noticing Haruka had quickly taken notice of her escape. "Dammit." She cursed, quickly running down the dark path. 'I'm going to be in so much trouble!' She thought with panic, running in full force as if her life depended on it. 'Don't trip, don't trip, don't trip.' She chanted in her mind, already knowing she was no match against the Guardian of Wind.

"Neko-chan, stop!" Haruka shouted, watching her friend only push herself to run faster. 'Why is she running?!' She thought with frustration, growing more impatient with the blonde.

Feeling her body grow tense when she soon heard footsteps quickly approaching from behind, Usagi mentally cursed herself for wearing heels. "These damn heels!" She hissed in her frustration, knowing if she was barefoot she could possibly run faster. Forcing herself to run faster from her Guardian, she squealed out in shock and surprise when feeling Haruka suddenly tackle her to the ground.

"Enough Neko-chan." Haruka sternly stated, tackling her friend onto the grassy turf. Raising off the blonde, she watched her friend turn onto her back, immediately cringing under the overwhelming aroma of alcohol that radiated off her Princess. "How much did you drink, Neko-chan?" She demanded, shocked that Usagi was just as drunk as her drunken companion. "You smell like a bar!" She snapped, disappointed in their friend. "What were you thinking? This isn't like you, you're-" She demanded once more.

"I- I was just having so-some fun!" Usagi angrily retorted, glaring at her friend who was still straddling her, keeping her pinned to the ground.

"Fun?!" Haruka scoffed, angering more at her friend's slurred responses. "Is cheating on your fiance considered fun?!" She angrily shouted.

"I did..didn't do anything!" Usagi shouted in her defense, tears streaking her cheeks.

"Only because I stepped in!" Haruka angrily retorted. "You've always been reckless, Usagi-chan, but I didn't think you were this stupid!"

"How dare you!" Usagi shouted, taking advantage of the liquid courage as she raised her hand to angrily strike her Guardian in hopes to use the moment of attack to wriggle free and run once more. Gasping in surprise as Haruka easily intercepted the attack, she winced at the tight hold the sandy-haired blonde had on her wrist. Accepting the immediate interference as defeat, Usagi could feel her courage deflate as defeat easily gave way to the small burst of courage she'd put too much hope into. "I didn't do anything, we-we were just k-kissing." She whimpered out, guilty tears silently streaking her cheeks. "It was- it was just a kiss."

"What has gotten into you Usagi-chan?" Haruka angrily demanded, looking at her friend and Princess with genuine concern. "You're not acting like yourself, I've never seen you act like this, not even when you were in high school."

"I can act however I want." Usagi angrily retorted back, refusing to look at her friend as she kept her gaze downcast. "I can finally be myself since I'm on my own, I- I just want to try to be me. Just, normal college st- student, Usagi." She admitted, still afraid to look up into her friend's judgemental gaze. "It seems that I can't-" She paused, tightly closing her eyes as more tears streaked her cheeks. "I can't be me, because y-you all keep interfering!" She shouted, her angry, accusing gaze meeting Haruka's hard gaze.

"You're drunk, Usagi-chan." Haruka scoffed, sighing out in frustration, brushing her friend's words aside. "You may not care at the moment." She said motioning towards her friend's drunk state. "You will be Queen one day, you're not going to do anything else foolish to jeopardize that." She scolded. "You've always acted selfishly, enough is enough. It's time for you to grow up and act like a Princess, someone who is worthy to be called a future Queen."

Sniffling as she fought back her tears, Usagi kept her gaze directed up at the night sky refusing to look at her friend, knowing her friend was disappointed in her. "I can't do anything right, can I?" She bitterly asked, shakily exhaling as she allowed her tears to fall. "I- I've always been a disa- disappointment to everyone, I- I can't seem to do any-anything right."

"How much have you had to drink, Usagi-chan?" Haruka asked in a more gentle tone, surprised at how openly honest her friend was being thanks to the alcohol.

"I- I don't re-remember." Usagi responded, her voice wavering as she spoke. "I- I was just trying to have some fu-fun with my friends."

"Do you even realize what you were about to do with him?" Haruka snapped, shaking her head with disappointment as she tried to contain her frustration with the blonde. "What would Mamoru-chan think if he found out you were acting like this?" She demanded.

"Are you going to tell him?" Usagi angrily jeered, glaring up at the blonde. "I...I'm sure you and Mich-Michiru-chan keep him informed about everything I-I do."

"We don't tell him everything, Usagi-chan." Haruka sighed out in her frustration. "Why are you treating us like the enemy? We're only trying to keep you safe until Mamoru-chan can return home."

"It doesn't feel like it." Usagi muttered, averting her gaze from Haruka.

"What were you thinking anyway? Why were you allowing him to take advantage of you like that?" Haruka angrily demanded.

"Yumi-chan gives me attention." Usagi tearfully stated, unaware of the small smile spreading across her lips. Looking down in shame, she missed the look of shock on Haruka's face, her concern turned to shock from the blunt admission.

"What?" Haruka demanded, looking at her Princess in shock. "You cannot be serious." She groaned, shaking her head in exasperation. "I can't believe you, you would-"

"I have- haven't seen him in a ye-year!" Usagi abruptly shouted, fresh tears streaking her cheeks. "I'm so lonely." She whimpered before she heartbrokenly began to sob. "I- I hate being alone…" She trailed off, covering her face with her hands, her body shaking with her heart-wrenching sobs.

"Neko-chan." Haruka softly stated, her anger and frustration giving way as she unpinned her friend from the ground. Kneeling on the ground beside the tortured blonde, she ushered her friend to sit up before embracing the distressed blonde in an attempt to comfort her heartbroken friend. "Why didn't you talk to any of us about this?" She demanded, feeling Usagi cling tighter to her as wept harder in response to the question.

"I- I don't want to be any- any more of a bother." Usagi managed between soft sobs.

"Listen to me Neko-chan." Haruka sternly stated, patiently waiting for her Princess to tearfully look up at her. "You're not a bother, you just-" She said, softly exhaling, a smile tugging at her lips before she spoke. "You're such a handful at times, you've always been so trusting with everyone. We don't want anything to happen to you, that's why we're so hard on you." She explained, brushing some tears from her friend's cheeks. "You know we would do anything to keep you safe."

"I know." Usagi tearfully stated, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "I- I'm sorry, Haruka-chan." She apologized, looking down with shame. "I-"

"You made a bad decision, Neko-chan." Haruka interrupted as she stood. "Come on, let's get you home. You need to sleep this off, though I'm not sure if you'll be able to function very well hungover in the morning." She chuckled, smiling with mirth. "Is Kikyo-san at your apartment or at the temple with Rei-chan?" She asked, not noticing her friend abruptly tense at the innocent question. Smiling as Usagi accepted her offered hand, she chuckled as the blonde unsteadily stood. "Easy, Neko-chan." She advised, quickly catching her friend as she wavered slightly to the side from her unsteadiness.

"Haruka-chan, I -I have to tell you something." Usagi nervously stated, chewing on her lip as she raised her worried gaze to look up at her fiercest Guardian. "Promise me, you won't be mad." She meekly stated, fresh tears welling in her eyes.

"What did you do?" Haruka asked, growing uneasy as her friend nervously laughed.

"Yaten-chan is here, he- he's been staying with me." Usagi muttered, nervously laughing as Haruka's jaw clenched in an attempt to keep her temper in check. Sensing a familiar, warm energy, she abruptly turned, her eyes widening in surprise, a smile spreading across her lips when seeing a familiar light streak across the night sky. "Taiki-chan." She softly stated, instantly recognizing the Sailor Starlight's energy. 'That means Seiya-chan will be here soon.' She happily thought as tears filled her eyes at the thought of the raven-haired Starlight. 'I've missed him so much, I can't wait to see him again.'

"Come on." Haruka grumbled. "Let's go get him." Sighing out in frustration as she led her unbalanced Princess towards her car, she tried to keep her patience at how unsteady her friend was on her feet forcing them to move at a slower pace. Soon growing impatient at the slow pace they were having to walk as Usagi stumbled now and then, she finally released an exasperated sigh before she spoke. "I can't take much more of this snail's pace." She huffed, stopping and scooping her friend into her arms.

"Don't drop me!" Usagi squealed out in fright, as she was abruptly lifted from her feet without warning.

"I'm not." Haruka chuckled, feeling her friend tightly cling to her in fear of dropping. "Promise me, no more drinking Neko-chan." She sternly requested, watching her friend look up at her with glassy, bloodshot eyes.

"I promise." Usagi softly stated, resting her head against her friend's shoulder. "Don't move too fast, I don't want to puke on you." She groaned, tightly closing her eyes as her stomach churned.

"Don't you dare puke on me, Neko-chan." Haruka warned, eyes widening in fear and nervous anticipation at the blonde's comment.


"Why am I feeling so uneasy tonight?" Yaten muttered as he paced the living room, glancing over at Kikyo who was sleeping on the couch. Walking into the kitchen, he smiled when noticing a picture of Usagi with the girl's hanging on the fridge. Looking at Minako, he felt his stomach nervously flutter as he looked at the blonde's smiling face. 'She was such a pain in the ass.' He thought, unable to stop the corner of his lips tugging into a smile.

"I wonder why they chose to leave their Princess unguarded?" He muttered, turning his attention to Usagi who was sitting between Rei and Ami. Noticing Usagi's smile seemed more forced, he frowned at the realization that Usagi was not the same vibrant person they'd left behind all those years ago.

'Perhaps Seiya-chan will be able to cheer her up.' He thought, turning and walking towards the balcony. Drawing the shades back, he looked up at the late night sky where a full moon illuminated the night sky.

Turning at the sound of their neighbor's door opening and shutting once more, Yaten frowned as he looked at the digital clock on the stove frowning more when seeing it was past midnight. "Where are you?" He worriedly muttered, wondering if Usagi was still at the party with her friend. 'I don't trust him.' He thought, before turning and walking back into the living room.

Unable to sit and relax from the uneasy feeling, Yaten decided to try to occupy his mind and look at the different photos displayed on Usagi's bookshelves. Noticing a CD lying atop of the small stereo he lifted the CD and felt a chuckle escape his lips seeing it was a CD of the Three Lights. 'I can't believe she still listens to this.' He thought with an amused smile, knowing he would have to tease his friend when she came home.

Setting the CD down where he found it, Yaten turned his head when hearing a small whimper escape Kikyo's lips as she began to toss and turn in her sleep.

"Mama." Kikyo whimpered in her sleep, a few stray tears streaking her cheeks.

Feeling his heart break at the child's whimper, Yaten softly exhaled as he walked to the couch lifting the small child into his arms. Smiling as she snuggled against him in her sleep, he blinked his tears back as he placed a gentle kiss atop of her head. "It's alright, Kikyo-sama, it's just a dream." He murmured deciding to take the child to bed.

Walking in the direction of Usagi's bedroom, he soon quietly opened the door and smiled at the small disaster that greeted him. Seeing clothing was thrown about the room, he shook his head with amusement at how the room's untidiness mirrored that of his brothers. 'No wonder Seiya was attracted to her, they're habits are so much alike.' He thought with a chuckle.

Resting his Princess onto the bed, Yaten smiled as he watched his Princess turn onto her side and snuggle into the pillow, her bunny still tightly clutched against her chest. 'I'm so grateful for everything Usagi-chan has done for you.' He thought, knowing their Princess had been well protected and loved under the protection of the Moon Princess. 'I still need to apologize to Usagi-chan, I shouldn't have lost my temper with her.' He thought with guilt. Quietly walking out of the room, he carefully pulled the door shut, leaving it cracked to let in some light for his slumbering Princess. 'Goodnight, Kikyo-sama.' He thought, before quietly turning and walking towards the living room to continue his wait for his friend to arrive home.


(Meanwhile at the Park)

Looking around the dark, empty park, Taiki softly exhaled glancing around the park wondering where he should start searching for his brother and the Princess. 'I know he said they were with Usagi-chan, but does she still live where she did before?' He thought, a brief smile spreading across his lips at the thought of all the situations they had found themselves in being around the Moon Princess and her Guardians. "There was never a dull moment with those five." He muttered as he chuckled. 'I wonder how Mizuno-san has been, it will be nice having an intellectual conversation.' He thought, looking forward to seeing the bluenette once again.

Lost in his thoughts as he allowed his feet to lead him, Taiki soon stopped in the realization that he was nearing the park's exit. Seeing the shadow of a figure running towards him, he felt himself immediately tense, wishing he'd stayed transformed. 'Stupid, you didn't account for the enemy being here.' He chastised himself as he prepared to summon his brooch.

"Taiki-chan!" An excited squeal soon echoed across the park.

Immediately relaxing at the familiar voice, Taiki raised his brow unable to hide his bafflement when catching a glimpse of the blonde as she was briefly seen under the light cast by one of the park's lampposts. "What is she wearing?" He muttered, chuckling at the sight of his friend's unexpected outfit choice. Grunting as she slammed into him full force, he wrapped his arms around her in an attempt to steady them both. "Usagi-chan." He stated in surprise, not expecting the happy embrace.

"It's s-so good to see you, Taiki-chan!" Usagi cried out, sniffling as she tightened her embrace around him.

"It's good to see you too." Taiki smiled, hugging his friend back. "What are you wearing?" He chuckled, motioning to her appearance as he took a step back.

"It's Halloween, I'm a cat." Usagi laughed, before doing a clumsy spin. Feeling Taiki steady her before she face-planted, she blushed as she looked up at her friend. "Sorry, I guess I'm still a little tipsy." She apologized, not seeing her friend's shocked reaction.

"You've been drinking?" Taiki asked in his shock, then jumped as a new voice answered his question.

"Yes, she's been drinking." Haruka stated, annoyance clearly laced in her voice. "The Princess was insistent that we come find you." She explained, watching Taiki look over at Usagi who was preoccupied with a loose string on her costume. "She's apparently had quite a bit to drink at the party she attended." She chuckled, watching her friend immediately scowl up at her.

"It wasn't that much." Usagi pouted, immediately walking forwards and snatching Taiki's hand into hers. "Let's go Taiki-chan, we need to leave. Yaten-chan and Kikyo-chan are staying with me." She informed her friend while pulling him in the direction of Haruka's car.

"Alright, slow down." Taiki chuckled, amused at how bold the blonde was under the influence of alcohol. Watching her abruptly stop, he forced himself to stop in time before he could run into her. "What is it?" He worriedly asked, watching her cover her mouth as she suddenly became distressed over something. "What's wrong, Usagi-chan?" He worriedly prompted, suspecting danger ahead.

"Neko-chan what is it?" Haruka urged, wondering what had suddenly upset her Princess. Watching her friend look up at her with a dire look in her eyes, she watched as tears streaked her friend's cheeks.

"I lost it, Haruka-chan." Usagi tearfully stated, watching Haruka quickly grow concerned.

"Lost what? What did you lose, your brooch?" Haruka quickly demanded with panic.

"His cape!" Usagi wailed as she burst into tears. "He trusted me!"

"Cape?" Taiki asked, looking over at Haruka with confusion. Hearing Haruka sighing out in frustration, he watched her smack her hand over her face in her exasperation. "Neko-chan." She muttered in both frustration and disbelief.

Looking at Usagi, then to Haruka, Taiki couldn't control himself any longer at the comical sight of the wailing blonde and her over-exasperated Guardian. Bursting out into laughter, he gave Haruka an apologetic look as she glared at him. "I- I'm sorry." He managed between his laughter.

"It's n-not funny!" Usagi huffed, turning her back towards Taiki as she crossed her arms across her chest and pouted.

"Usagi-chan it's alright." Haruka assured her friend, resting her hand onto her shoulder as she tried to calm her distressed friend. "You were wearing it in the car, it's probably still in there." She said, frowning as her friend only cried harder.

"He trusted m-me with his cape, H-Haruka-chan!" Usagi wailed as she bitterly wept. "I lost it, he- he's going to hate me for this!"

"It's just a cape, he's not going to hate you." Haruka chuckled, smiling in amusement at how torn her friend was over the lost cape.

"He's my friend." Usagi whimpered through her tears as she looked down the path they had taken. "I don't want to-" She stated, shrieking out in excitement when spotting the cape lying further down the path. "I found it!" She happily squealed, lifting herself off the ground with a new burst of energy as she ran down the path to retrieve the missing cape.

"Neko-chan, wait up!" Haruka shouted, rushing forwards to go in pursuit of her fleeing Princess.

"Wait for me!" Taiki called out, rushing forwards to follow after the two retreating blondes as Usagi excitedly went to retrieve the fallen cape. Watching the blonde soon stop and pick up the cape, he smiled as she protectively held it against her. 'I wonder if she's going to remember any of this in the morning?' He thought with amusement.


'Is she alright? Should I go look for her?' Yaten worriedly thought, glancing once again at the clock to see it almost one in the morning. Feeling a rush of relief at the sound of the door unlocking, he quickly turned and walked towards the entryway as the door opened. "I was worried about you, Usagi-chan. Do you know how late it is?" He scolded, growing more irritated as the blonde dismissed his words as she clumsily kicked off the heels she was wearing. "Usagi-chan?" He asked with irritation, watching her look up at him and smile a bright smile up at him. "What did you do?" He suspiciously asked, watching her giggle in response before she spoke.

"I know Yaten-chan, but look who we found." Usagi happily stated, pushing the door open wider revealing Taiki. "Ta-da!" She called out giggling at Yaten's shocked look.

"Taiki-chan." Yaten stated with a sigh of relief, tears shining in his eyes as he quickly went to embrace his brother.

"The Princess?" Taiki worriedly asked, watching Yaten smile up at him.

"She's safe Taiki-chan, she's sleeping right now." Yaten reassured his brother, turning his attention towards the disheveled blonde. "Usagi-chan, thank you for-" He stated, growing silent as the blonde suddenly clamped her hand over her mouth before rushing towards the bathroom. Hearing the bathroom door slam shut moments later, he turned his attention towards the door when hearing a frustrated sigh sound. Surprised to see Haruka had accompanied Usagi and Taiki, he watched the blonde quietly push the door shut before walking in the direction of the bathroom.

"I'm staying here tonight, I need to tend to Neko-chan." Haruka stated, noticing Yaten look at her questioningly. "She's had too much to drink at the party she attended."

"She was drinking?" Yaten asked with shock. "She doesn't seem like the type that would."

"Well, she's just full of surprises anymore." Haruka wryly muttered, shaking her head with annoyance.

"We can keep an eye on her." Taiki offered, watching Haruka abruptly stop and warily look at him. "It won't be a problem, Haruka-san. It's the least we could do, Usagi-chan has done so much for us already."

"Taiki-chan is right." Yaten assured the blonde. "She'll be fine with us, she's probably going to be sleeping this off anyway. If we need you, we can-"

"I'll be back in the morning to check on her." Haruka interrupted, turning and giving the two a cold stare. "Don't make me regret this decision." She warned the two.

"You won't regret this." Taiki assured the blonde, noticing Haruka worriedly glance towards the bathroom before reluctantly nodding and walking towards the door.

"We'll see you in the morning Haruka-san." Taiki stated, frowning when the blonde ignored him. "Damn, she's still cold." He muttered as soon as the door shut.

"Ignore her." Yaten chuckled, resting his hand on Taiki's shoulder. "I'm glad you're alright Taiki-chan, it's good to see you."

"It's good to see you too." Taiki responded, turning his head at the sound of a door opening. Watching Usagi slowly emerge from the bathroom clutching her stomach, he worriedly frowned seeing how pale his friend looked. "Usagi-chan, you should lie down." He ushered, watching her slowly nod her head.

"I think I will, I-" Usagi responded, cutting off at a sudden retch before she abruptly turned, rushing back into the bathroom once more.

"Take the guest room, Taiki-chan. You must be exhausted, I'll stay up with Usagi-chan." Yaten instructed, seeing the exhaustion clearly on his brother's face. "Follow me, it's this way." He ushered, leading his brother towards the spare bedroom.

"Are you sure? I don't mind sleeping on the couch." Taiki stated, worriedly glancing towards the bathroom door at the muffled sounds of Usagi vomiting. Hearing the toilet flush moments later, he looked at the door with sympathy when hearing their friend's groan sound from the bathroom. "Is this normal for her?" He worriedly asked, motioning towards the door.

"No, this is the first time I've seen her like this." Yaten quietly responded, with a worried frown. "Where's Yumiko-san?"

"Who?" Taiki asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.

"He's the one who took her to the party." Yaten responded, then clenched his jaw. 'He probably ditched her, that would explain why she came back with Haruka-san.' He thought, snapping from his thoughts when hearing the door open.

"Taiki-chan, you should rest, you look exhausted." Usagi insisted, wrapping her arm around her stomach as she rested her head against the doorway waiting to see if the nauseating feeling was indeed gone.

"He's going to, I'm showing him where the room is." Yaten responded, noticing his friend had her arm around her stomach as she leaned against the doorway. "Are you alright?" He worriedly asked, noticing how pale she was.

"No." Usagi miserably groaned, closing her eyes as she shakily exhaled. Furrowing her brows when feeling a sudden wave of dizziness, she tightly closed her eyes hoping the feeling would stop soon. "Why is the room spinning so fast?" She muttered, before collapsing forwards.

"Usagi-chan." Yaten gasped, quickly catching her in his arms in time. Lifting the limp blonde into his arms, he sighed in relief when hearing her soft snores. "I wish Seiya-chan could have been here to see her like this, he would have had fun messing with her." He chuckled, remembering how easily their brother could get Usagi worked up during their first visit on Earth.

"Yes, I have to admit, she's quite comical when she's had too much to drink." Taiki chuckled, smiling at the thought of Usagi's emotional breakdown at the park over the misplaced cape. "She ended up breaking down and crying over the cape she's wearing, I thought Haruka-san was going to rip her hair a few times in her frustration." He stated with amusement, chuckling at the thought of the meltdown in the park.

"Really?" Yaten asked with a chuckle, looking down at his slumbering friend with an amused smile as they reached his friend's bedroom.

Entering the dark bedroom with his brother, Taiki stood in the doorway watching Yaten carefully rest Usagi onto the bed next to their sleeping Princess. Feeling tears shine in his eyes at the sight of the toddler, he smiled with relief seeing their Princess was safe and unharmed. 'I'm so glad you're alright Kikyo-sama.' He thought with newfound relief, his fears and worries eased at the sight of the slumbering Princess. Glancing over as his brother motioned for him to follow once more, the two quietly exited the bedroom, allowing the two Princesses to sleep.

"What happened with the cape?" Yaten curiously asked, as he quietly pulled the bedroom door shut. Leading his brother to the guest bedroom, he watched his brother immediately sit on the bed an exhausted sigh escaping his lips.

"I'll tell you in the morning." Taiki responded with a chuckle. "I've already contacted Seiya-chan, he knows I'm here."

"How long before he's back?" Yaten pressed, watching his brother look up at him.

"He's still outside this planet's solar system, it's still going to be a while." Taiki explained, watching his brother nod in acknowledgment.

"Get some rest, Taiki-chan." Yaten instructed, resting his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I'll be on the couch if you need me."

"Goodnight Yaten-chan, I'll see you in the morning. If you need me, just wake me." Taiki responded, watching his brother smile before he spoke.

"Goodnight Taiki-chan." Yaten said, turning and exiting the bedroom, pulling the door shut as he exited the bedroom. Walking towards the couch, he tiredly exhaled before roughly sitting back onto the couch. Looking in the direction of his friend's bedroom, he chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief, a smile spreading across his lips. 'I still can't believe Usagi-chan was actually drinking.' He thought with amusement.

To Be Continued…

Revised: 4/4/2021


Thank you so much to everyone who has been reviewing/favoriting/following Choices. This chapter is much longer than the original version, I really felt that it was lacking, so that is why there was such a delay in getting the revision out. Keep an eye out for the next updated/revised chapter.

-ShadowQueenGalactica