KEEPING YOU IN SIGHT
Chapter 3b
By Reminjia
E-mail: reminjia@hotmail.com
Rating: PG-13

Author's Note: All right, here it is. Since I did so poorly on
writing that list little tidbit, I figured I should begin writing my
second part immediately, so as not to fail at putting at least this
up for this week. Ouch my leg hurts as have taken a fall down wet
stairs at work. Okay that was random. Anyway, this part should be
pretty good, I hope. Enjoy! (Note, my thank you's and such will be
at the end this time.


Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Sailor Moon, nor
the song "I Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon.


* Chapter 3b *


**********
The wind knocked out of her, Sailor Moon closed her eyes and hoped to
be greeted by a sweet bliss soon. At that moment, a rose cut through
the goey tentacle sending her into a free fall. She opened her eyes,
expecting to see the gates to heaven or some such, only to be met by
a pair of dark blue eyes.
**********

For the first time in months, Tuxedo Mask had the feel of the woman
he cared most for in his life. He had almost forgotten how little
she weighed, and how petite her figure really was. She was just as
beautiful as the last time he'd seen her, maybe even more, but it
didn't matter. She showed strength, beauty, and everything he could
ever hope for in a girl. He noticed she was taking many small
shallow breaths, and he couldn't help but worry for her.

His eyes were so captivating, and though she tried to look away from
them, she couldn't. The dark blue oceans she saw in his eyes had
seemed to grow darker and stormier since the last time she saw him,
and she was overwhelmed by attraction for this person she didn't know
but who continued to save her regardless. For the first time in
ages, she felt safe, secure in the strong arms that held her close.
She was unaware of the quickening of her breaths, but felt the strong
clutch on her heart.

Desire. Even after the length of their absence from one another,
that is what he felt for her. It was very unsettling to Tuxedo Mask,
who always felt he'd had self control, but he couldn't resist holding
her tighter than usual. Realizing he'd probably held her longer than
necessary, Tuxedo Mask set her down a distance from the fight, he
removed the tender look his eyes had taken, and turned to talk to
Sailor Moon.

"Are you all right? You aren't hurt are you?" His voice wavered with
concern for her.

Bewildered by her 'near death' experience, Sailor Moon couldn't help
but look at Tuxedo Mask with admiration. He had after all saved her
life. He was still just as handsome as ever.

Shaking that thought from her mind, Sailor Moon responded, "No, I'm
quite all right thank you. I guess I'm not use to the strangling
sensation I've felt numerous times before, but hey, that's what
months off do to you."

Both sat and smiled at each other, but were brought back to reality
when Mars cried, "As much as I hate to break up this beautiful loving
moment, we still have a monster to annihilate!"

"Oh yes, right," Sailor Moon said in the first ditzy sign she had
shown in months. "Let's finish this!"

Rolling her eyes before joining her leader, Sailor Mars couldn't
help but see her best friend smile on of the most genuine smiles
she'd had for a long time. In only a matter of minutes, Sailor
Moon was able, with the help of Sailor Mars, to dust the monster into
a pile of rubble.

Exhaustion set in, and Sailor Moon collapsed to the ground. Even
though she felt tired beyond belief, there was also the feeling of
satisfaction upon completing a task. She felt like she was essential
to the wellbeing of the whole world, like it might stop turning if
she and her friends weren't there to help. This was also the time
where she would look around and wonder what happened to Tuxedo Mask
and then find him missing.

Assuming this time would be no different then any other, Sailor Moon
looked from side to side. She felt a presence behind her and turned
to see what it was, hoping it wasn't another monster, she'd had
enough for one night. Slowly turning around, Sailor Moon saw what
she least expected to see.

Tuxedo Mask.

"Are you all right, Sailor Moon," he asked, with the faintest hint of
concern.

Shocked to have him addressing her, and after a battle none the less,
she could only nod in response.

They sat there in silence, staring at one another for a short period
of time. Tuxedo Mask believed he'd never seen someone look as
beautiful as Sailor Moon did after a battle, being completely
disheveled and exhausted. He was finding it difficult to leave.
Likewise, Sailor Moon was thinking much of the same thing. In
addition, she was wondering why he had stayed. Could this mean he
did care for her a great deal afterwards.

"Well I'd better go, see you next time Sailor Moon."

Or maybe not. He was gone in the blink of an eye.

Shaking her head, Sailor Moon returned to join her friends, and see
if there was anything they needed help with. Realizing all men were
pigs, Sailor Moon walked over to the tree where her friends had
gathered.

*************************************************

End Note: That's it! I hope you all enjoyed it! What is to come
will go by much more quickly, and get more interesting.

I'd like to thank the following people who have either written a
critique or sent me feedback (both are equally as pleasing to me!)
since the last update:

In addition, thanks to RedPotato, who continues to correspond with me
on a ridiculous topic, and keeps me laughing. Thanks for that!
Thanks also to Ali-Chan, who also corresponds with me, and will help
me venture into a fan fiction plane I have not yet tried, co-writing.
Thanks to you for this and for continuing to support my ideas and my
stories that I write on my own.


Thanks to all of you. Thanks again to the people who have sent it in
the past. What motivates me most is your comments. Thanks again to
Beef. I love you!