Chapter 7 "Midday"

11:32 A.M.

Tokyo, Japan: Juuban District

Usagi Tsukino awoke in a cold sweat on the crisp linen sheets of the hospital bed. The nurse had clucked and fussed over her for a while, but in the end made her eat something and allowed her to go back to class. This close to the end of the year, she couldn't miss.

"Usagi!" Naru called, as her blonde friend walked into class. Startled, Usagi looked up and met her friend's gaze, nodded once, and sat down silently. She tried to search out Makoto's eyes, but the tall brunette only met her gaze long enough to convey an intense scorn, then turned back to the blackboard. She tried again with Minako and Ami, but with the same result. Depressed, she slumped against the desk and fought against the tears that threatened to come.

* * * *

"I love you, Usako," Mamoru breathed into her neck as she lay there, content on his shoulder. Her blonde hair spilled around her like a golden halo, making her seem all the more angelic. She nuzzled in a bit closer, then used her arms to push herself up a little and claim his mouth with her own. He deepened the kiss, and pulled her a little closer, to where all he could see was her and all he could smell was her sweet scent.

"Are you sure?" he asked, meeting her eyes.

"More sure than I have ever been," she said, brushing an ebony strand of hair from his eyes. "I love you," she said, "You're the only man I can ever picture myself with."

And then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, they claimed each other and made love.

* * * *