A/N: This fic was originally written on FFN in 2020. In fact it is the very first Sailor Moon story I ever released (and second that I wrote).
It references episode 108 of the original 1992 anime 'Usagi Dancing to the Waltz'.
She exited the ballroom and proceeded a good distance from the mansion.
The already dim music grew fainter still, and instead she was consumed with the softer sounds of the evening. The rustling leaves, the gentle wind, even the chirping crickets. She caught a fondly familiar scent upon the wind and, almost instinctively, found herself following it to an archway that seemed almost constructed of roses. Even in the dim light, she could still make out the colour of the flowers, which ranged from deep violet, subtle pink and vivid…red…
The summer evening suddenly felt slightly colder.
She passed beneath the archway and entered onto a terrace balcony populated by yet more roses and other flowers. The plants were everywhere, growing from bushes, pots, even around the edge of the terrace itself.
She remembered, some years ago, admiring the beauty of the plants and city view from here. Of course, that night hadn't been without its turbulent moments, but there were no monsters wandering about tonight. Nobody was speaking any languages she didn't understand. And she was decidedly sober.
She had experienced a moment of embarrassment when the owner of the mansion, Edwards, had immediately recognized her, even before he recalled the others who'd made much better first impressions. However, the English gentleman was a kind soul and had been courteous enough not to mention her prior beverage bafflement.
After that the evening had gone smoothly. Verbal jousting with Rei. Eyeing up the cute college guys with Minako. Congratulating Ami for coming out of her shell. Laughing as Makoto tore up the dance floor. And, of course, the real reason they'd gotten an invite at all, Haruka and Michiru's musical performance.
By any measure it had been a perfect evening.
Almost.
She wasn't really sad, just a little out of sorts. That was why she'd decided to step outside for a little air. The others hadn't noticed her leave and no one else was in the garden with her. She didn't mind, right now she felt like some peace and quiet was just what she needed.
She stared out across the horizon, enchanted by the dancing lights of the city. It was utterly dazzling.
She had to admit that more often than not she took Tokyo for granted because she'd lived there all her life. But at this moment, with the perspective afforded by the mansion, she was filled with a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude to have grown up in this beautiful city. Gratitude for her beloved mother, father, and even little brother. And gratitude for friends who she knew would rather die than let her down.
Nevertheless, that slightly out of sorts feeling remained within her. She found herself reflexively diverting her gaze upwards. The gratitude she'd felt began to ebb as she beheld the wonder of the night sky, its own illuminations incomparably more beautiful than Tokyo's. Particularly the massive silver orb shining amidst the black veil and twinkling stars.
"There you are!"
"Hmm? Oh!" The scent of the roses. The caress of the wind. Even her own heart. Everything in the universe suddenly seemed so much more miraculous. "You managed to make it!"
"Yeah, things got shifted around. Just wish I could've gotten here sooner. What're you doing out here all alone?"
She shrugged. "Just getting some fresh air. Admiring the view."
As her gaze returned to the sky, he moved forward to stand beside her, taking up her unspoken invitation.
"Beautiful Moon," he said quietly.
"Mmm it is, isn't it," she replied.
"That's not what I was talking about."
Confusion momentarily overpowered her and she averted her gaze, staring instead at his face.
He wasn't looking at the sky.
Now the evening was perfect.
A/N: This fic is very special to me as not only because it was the first Sailor Moon story I ever released, but because I wrote and released it the night before the funeral of a loved one. So writing this story in a very real way helped me to cope with everything that was going on with me that night.
A big thank you to DinkyCharlie, Silver and A_Reptile_Dysfunction for organising UsaMamo Week 2022!
Also, just to let you know I am involved in a discord called 'Moonlight Legends' which is dedicated to sharing all sorts of Sailor Moon fanworks, including other fanfics. If you would like to join so you can share your own work, get help with your current projects or just connect to other fan creators shoot me a PM and I'll send you an invite. All are welcome!