[:::Chapter III:::]

Two days after Mamoru had left..

As usual Usagi was running late. a small cyclone could be seen tearing through the Tsukino house, and it continued down the street towards the high school. In time the cyclone had become twice as big with the addition of Minako to the mess. Then it suddenly stopped. Both girls found themselves face down on the pavement in a humbled mess. "I thought you saw me Odango" a voice stated as its owner looked down at the two.

Usagi immediately recognized the voice and snapped her body to attention. Without even brushing her self off or so much as a hello, he arms were wrapped around Seiya. Minako looked at the two beaming. "I'm sooo happy you're here, when did you get back?" Usagi said almost too fast to understand.

"About an hour ago, I was just on my way to your house to see you" he smiled at the mere thought of seeing her, "you were the first person I wanted to see". -The only person that I wanted to see- aand with that thought an even bigger smile appeared on his face.

"Did Yaten and Taiki come with you?" Minako eagerly questioned.

"Yes, they did. They are at school now, as we should be. I knew that Odango would be running late so I walked this way instead."

The trio marched happily to school, they were already too late to care about rushing. It was a chance to catch up. "So what brought you back?" Minako asked. Seiya looked sheepishly at Usagi and began "Well I." "Who cares why they're back, they're just here and we should be happy!" Usagi broke in.

School had ended and the group of seven were walking happily towards Rei's temple. Taiki had brought Ami a mini computer from his planet, he was almost trying to boast about their technology, but the gift had a soft loving undertone to it. Minako was still way too wired to talk to, this was of course because of Yaten. Yaten knew this and figured he'd have some fun with her before resuming the easygoing friendship they had developed before he left. Makoto was thrilled that the three were back, not only to be able to hang out with them again but for Usagi's sake. She had worried about Mamoru leaving and the effects that it would have on Usagi, she knew that that would leave her with a hole in her heart. Now that Seiya was here he could fill that hole for her again like the others couldn't.

Setsuna was behind a tree watching the group pass by. A faint smile crossed her lips and she looked down.

As they walked up to the temple they noticed Rei sitting with Yuuchiro she was laughing and blushing as he pulled her hair back to braid it. The two had rarely shown their soft side to anyway and wouldn't have been doing it now either if they had known that they were being watched. When Rei realized that they were spotted she immediately jumped up and threw Yuuchiro's broom back at him, and he took this as his signal to leave. Her face lit up when she realized who the girls had brought with them and ran and hugged each one. "Do you all have a place to stay?" she asked immediately.

The three shook their heads as Seiya offered up, "We didn't even think about that, we should go and do that."

Rei smiled and waved her hand in the air, "Nonsense, you'll stay with me tonight and tomorrow you can look for a place of your own." The three were much obliged and agreed.

Everyone left them to get settled in, Usagi and Ami went home while Minako and Makoto went to Makoto's apartment. Shortly after they had left Setsuna and Hotaru came to Rei's door. Rei welcomed them in with open arms and invited them to stay for tea. They did.

Through the tea Hotaru eagerly asked questions while Setsuna remained quiet. When they were done and as Hotaru excused them Setsuna spoke for the first time. "I'm very happy to see you've come back Seiya". and with that she turned and left, Hotaru in hand.

Seiya smiled at the comment but didn't think anything of it, but the thought lingered in Hotaru's mind. -Why was she happy that he was back and why did she only mention his name? -

That night Seiya sat in his open window as he gazed once more upon the heavenly stars above him and thought to himself -I'm home.. here with you-