Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon.
An: for reasons I currently choose not to divulge, Seiya will remain a woman in this story.
I've also skipped ahead 9 months to start where the prolog left off.
Even Angels Can Fall
By: Lirial Raito
Dedicated to: Purple Rose
Chapter 4: Mamoru Returns! Usagi's Realization
Last time: She awoke deep in the night, a small poem running through her mind. Silently she slipped out of her bed and picked up her diary once more. She took up her red pen and scribbled the words that had awoken her from her dreams.
*** 9 months later ***
{I raise that faraway shining star to the two of us}
{and think of why I met you}
Usagi prepared for her day much the same way she had for the past nine months. She awoke every morning at seven a.m., showered, dressed, brushed her teeth, put her hair into odangos, ate breakfast, and then brushed her teeth again before seeing what Seiya had planned for that day. Her life had become a comfortable routine since Seiya had come back to Earth, and everyone who cared about her agreed that she was much better off now than she had been before.
She ate three meals a day, without argument, or attempts to discard the food uneaten. She slept at most eight hours a day, and always woke up on time. She was no longer late, ever. With Seiya by her side she exercised aerobically for an hour each day, and lifted weights three times a week. And at Seiya's insistence, Usagi studied all the subjects she was supposed to have learned in school, but hadn't, and was tested on those subjects by Ami.
Automatically she watched her image in the mirror as she styled her hair into the odangos she was so used to wearing, her fingers deftly setting the style into place. Once done she rested her hands on her vanity, leaning forward close to the mirror and staring into her eyes. She thought she could see the shine in them, a little brighter than yesterday. Slowly she opened the dark blue box that lay before her, and picked up the necklace that was nestled in the black velvet.
The rings of the short gold chain where shaped as hearts, each on possessing a very tiny gemstone in the center, each one a different shade of blue. A pale sapphire star pendant hung from the chain, the exact color of her eyes had been the last time she had been truly happy. The gold was twenty-four carat, and each gemstone was certainly precious, and expensive. A present from Seiya, for their one-year 'reunion anniversary.'
'Anything to make you smile Odango', she'd said when she presented the box to Usagi, and Usagi still wasn't sure if she should wear the necklace, or find a store that carried something similar and return the expensive gift. But, that would hurt Seiya's feelings more than an outright refusal to accept would have…
She started at her reflection, as light glinted off the necklace. She had put it on without realizing. 'Guess I keep it, and wear it as thanks…'
Shaking her head, she headed downstairs to the scent of pancakes and lemon pie.
= = =
{I touch your hand, pretending it's not a big deal}
{but all you do is smile kindly}
Seiya watched the stairs, counting down to when she would see Usagi at the top.
'Three… two… one…"
Right on time Usagi appeared on the first step and proceeded down without any knowledge that Seiya was now able to time when she would be coming down for breakfast. Of course, there where times when Usagi was slow to get ready, but she seemed to have determined that anything she did, she would at least do to a time schedule.
'Another loss of her free spirit…' Seiya thought to herself, frowning slightly as this difference in Usagi finally registered, and she realized that Usagi was almost never late like she used to be.
'In fact, she is now doing those things that the others always complained that she wasn't. She's punctual, polite, eats slowly, exercises and studies with me, she's learned how to cook and sew, clean, and properly take care of someone who is ill… she never reads Rei's manga without first asking, and returns them in perfect condition. And, she hasn't klutzed out once in nine months. She smiles when people expect her too, and laughs when appropriate... for all outward appearances, Usagi has become the princess she is supposed to be.'
Her face lit up with a smile once she noticed that Usagi was wearing the necklace she had given her, and Seiya nodded to herself. 'At least she's wearing my present.'
"Good morning Usagi-chan," she called out, and was rewarded with a small, but genuine, smile.
"Good morning Seiya. Has Shingo left for the morning?" she called back, her hand lightly trailing down the rail as she walked to Seiya, and her food.
Seiya headed back into the kitchen and set out food for her and Usagi, then waited for Usagi to come into the room. "Yes, he left a few minutes ago after bolting down his food. I think he may have a date."
Usagi slipped in quietly, and Seiya pulled out a chair for her with a smile. "Though he's still sensitive about keeping his love life private, so I didn't ask."
Usagi let herself be helped into the chair, her smile growing slightly bigger. 'She's such a considerate friend.'
Both fell silent as they ate their breakfast, lost in their internal dialogs. Seiya kept her eyes on Usagi, who never took any notice of her attentions. If she ever did notice, the odongo probably assumed that Seiya was keeping an eye on her to ensure that she ate, and not because she liked to watch Usagi.
Seiya finished eating before Usagi did, and waited for the blond to finish before collecting the dishes and washing them quickly and efficiently. Once finished she walked into the living room, Usagi trailing along silently. She leaned against the door and watched Usagi quizzically. "So, what would you like to do today?"
Usagi jumped slightly at the unexpected question. Usually Seiya would choose their activity of the day…
"Umm…" she pondered her options for few moments before deciding. "I want to visit the airport, and the park, and the arcade."
Seiya opened the door and held out her hand to Usagi, who took it without question or thought.
{When my feelings grow stronger}
{my doubts increase in number}
= = = = = = = =
Reddened eyes stared back from him in the mirror of the airport bathroom, and he glared at himself angrily. He hated riding in planes after the attack by Galaxia, and hadn't been able to rest at all on the trip from America to Japan. It wouldn't do at all for her to see him this way.
'Damn it all Mamoru, what are you doing here? There's no way that she has changed from a crybaby into the person she needs to be as Neo Queen Serenity. You shouldn't be here.'
His eyes blurred as he stared at himself, and the images that came into his mind reminded him of why he had come back. He would start a new relationship with Usagi, put destiny back on track, and live for his daughter. No matter how little he cared for Usagi, his conscious had bothered him about killing his daughter's existence. After a steady stream of meaningless relationships during his stay in America, he had finally decided that he wanted his daughter back, even though he'd have to endure Usagi. But perhaps Crystal Tokyo was near, and Usagi was the refined lady she needed to be…
He took out his traveling kit and spread the contents onto the counter. Shaving cream, razor, eye drops… quickly he shaved the stubble form his face and applied the eyes drops, then applied some aftershave. The scent of the stuff rejuvenated him a bit, and he straighter his shoulders. After a moments though he ran a comb quickly through his hair before reexamining his reflection with a cocky grin. He closed his eyes and siphoned off some of the planetary energy around him, his grin growing bigger. A bouquet of roses, a pretty gift, an apology, and he would have Usagi eating out his hands before lunch.
He laughed to himself as he left the bathroom, ignoring the strange looks he received from passersbys who wondered if they had ever heard such an evil laugh before.
= = =
Usagi looked around the airport waiting area, wondering what internal instinct had brought her here again, to this oh so painful location. Mamoru had left her here, twice… and each time she had been heartbroken. How could he have done that to her? Even if he hated her, didn't he have any sort of heart at all?
She shook her head, trying to dislodge the painful memories. They were so far in the past now that most people wouldn't even think about them, and she was determined to forget her past destiny. Her fate had failed, miserably, and thinking about it only sunk her back into the depression that Seiya had worked so hard to drag her out of. She still missed her parents, but over the past year she had learned to keep their memory in her heart, after Seiya had asked her why she dishonored them failing to live, and remember them with the love she felt for them, and they for her.
'They're still with you Usagi; if you choose to remember them with the love they gave you, and that which you gave them. Remember their dreams, and all you did you to protect their dreams, and remember, that you are their dream.'
Seiya had been right, of course, and now their loss didn't burn like acid in her anymore. She and Shingo were the dreams of her parents, and she had promised herself to honor their memory by living, and achieving her goals. She had told Shingo this before telling anyone else, and the image of his relieved face hung in forefront of her mind. She had been such a useless bother to him now for so many years, when she should have been the strong one.
She would make things up to him, though she didn't yet know how.
What were her dreams now?
What did she want to do with her life?
{So, don't let go of the heart you embrace}
{no matter what happens!}
She was certain that no matter what she chose, Seiya would be there to support her decision, and help out in any way that she could. She acknowledged ruefully just how much she depended on Seiya. If she decided to return to her home planet, Usagi wasn't sure she'd be able to go on again. Seiya was, after all, what had begun to pull her from depression, though once Usagi was capable of seeing how her sorrow pained the other people she loved and cared for, she had begun to follow a pattern of behavior that would minimize their worry for her.
But without Seiya….
She shook her head again, wondering why her mind kept returning to that circling path. Without Seiya, Usagi wouldn't be eating. Without Seiya, Usagi wouldn't be sleeping. Without Seiya, Usagi wouldn't be exercising, and she wouldn't be outside on a daily basis. Without Seiya, Usagi wouldn't know a fraction of the things she did now, and she had to admit that she would be a better queen now than she would have before Mamoru broke up with her. She couldn't quite understand how Seiya had become so important to her, so quickly, but Usagi was grateful that she had.
The more she thought of all Seiya had done for her, the more Usagi's heart began to flutter. She shoved *those* thoughts away too, not yet ready to deal with the feelings they invoked. Someday, maybe… but not now, when she had no goal or dreams in mind. Her hand reached unconsciously for the necklace she wore to clasp the sapphire star, which reflected brightly even in the poor light of where she stood.
One day, she would shine again, just like the necklace. One day, she would reclaim some of her dreams, though she felt he dreams she had with Mamoru were out of reach forever.
It was time to discover new dreams.
{If the one and only you in this}
{vast universe is by my side}
Her eyes continued to roam over the airport, though she didn't know what she was looking for. Perhaps being here was enough for now, since the pain that was gripping her chest was fading away as she though of what her new future would be. She spotted Seiya hiding in a darker corner by a fake plant, much the way she herself was. She had her eyes closed, seemingly casual, but Usagi could tell she was waiting for something.
Did Seiya had the same feel that Usagi did about the airport?
Perhaps this visit wouldn't be so peaceful…
Usagi scanned the crowds again, this time looking for something or someone out of place. A few minutes and she found what she was looking for.
There in the middle of the airport stood a dark haired man, his back turned to Usagi, but even if there hadn't been any light at all to see by she would know this person.
'Mamoru…'
As if sensing her thoughts Mamoru turned to face where Usagi stood, though she didn't stay in place for him to see. She ducked behind one of the cheap looking plastic plants, hoping he hadn't seen her.
'But he can still sense you' reminded the little voice in the back of mind, as she peered around to see if he was moving towards her. Luck was with her this morning, as the shifting flow of people in the airport cut off Mamoru's path to Usagi, and she breathed a small sigh of relief.
She jumped as a light hand touched her elbow, then relaxed when she realized it was only Seiya. She nodded, and Seiya led her through the maze of people, expertly dodging those who would bump into Usagi, and soon they stood once more outside of the airport. Seiya ushered her into the car and drove Usagi home.
= = =
Mamoru 'felt' Usagi's presence and scanned the crowd to locate her, frowning when he didn't spot her. Something… another presence cut off his link to Usagi, almost protectively, and he growled in frustration before shoving his way through the crowd. This was not the way things were supposed to go today, and he wondered what had brought Usagi to the airport. Had she sensed that he was coming back, and wanted to greet him? He admitted that was unlikely, though perhaps Ami would have known that he was coming back, or Rei or Michiru, but not Usagi.
No, Usagi wasn't that intuitive.
Then who was the person blocking his connection to Usagi? It didn't feel as if she had done it herself, though he supposed she could have learned to do so, but the feeling had been protective, and definitely someone else. But who… the force had been a single person, someone who was probably in love with Usagi, but who? Who would the odango atama fall for, if she even loved this person back?
He finally made his way through the crowd and scanned the parking lot, just in time to see Usagi being ushered into a car by a black haired woman. 'So, she must have been the protective force. She seems familiar… wonder who she is?' He grinned and relaxed, then headed back inside to claim his luggage. If that woman was in love with Usagi, then she would be no match for Mamoru. 'And I'm not giving up all that power to someone else, or my daughter's care.'
= = =
{the hands of the broken clock will}
{slowly begin to move towards the future}
Usagi leaned her head against Seiya's shoulder as Seiya drove them home. Her mind felt numb as she tried to process what had just occurred. Mamoru was back in Tokyo… and she had panicked away from greeting him, or allowing him to see her. She certainly didn't want to be hurt anymore, and he probably didn't want to have anything to do with her. 'He's hurt me too many times… He won't hurt me again. Oh… Chibi Usa… I'm so sorry…'
She opened her eyes as she felt the vehicle stop, and Seiya waited patiently for her to sit up straight. "Want a milkshake Usagi? Might help you think."
She nodded and forced a smile, then folded her hands in her lap as Seiya slid out of the car and walked into the fruit parlor. Her mind circled around the issue again and again in a downward spiral. Mamoru was probably here for a vacation, or a new job, or he had decided to be sadistic and come back to rub his wonderful life in Usagi's face.
Seiya emerged from the fruit parlor with their milkshakes, and placed one in Usagi's hands. "Come on Usagi, stop thinking about him. You know he cant hurt you, no one would allow it. If I wasn't around to protect you, Haruka and Makoto *would* protect you, and probably try to kill him in the process." She ruffled Usagi's bangs gently before starting the car up again. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."
Usagi lifted her eyes again and gave Seiya a small, though genuine smile. "Thank you."
Seiya nodded, but fell quiet, focusing on going home. Usagi's smile grew a bit. 'I'm so lucky to have such a good friend as Seiya is to me.'
Her mind drifted to all the times she spent with Seiya when she had been a male, and an idol. They'd had a lot of fun together, and Seiya had become her best friend. Everything settled into place from those times, each hint and clue she hadn't gotten then. 'Am I not good enough for you?' Seiya had asked then. And Seiya *was* good enough, more than enough, if there hadn't been Mamoru…
She realized now, that Seiya had been in love with her back then. And she was forced to acknowledge that she had had feelings for Seiya then as well. But, this past year…
Her eyes widened as she looked at Seiya's profile while she drove, realizing something even more important. Seiya loved Usagi now, as well.
{Please stay the way you are}
= = = =
To Be Continued:
There, that was longer… people should be happy ^_^
An: for reasons I currently choose not to divulge, Seiya will remain a woman in this story.
I've also skipped ahead 9 months to start where the prolog left off.
Even Angels Can Fall
By: Lirial Raito
Dedicated to: Purple Rose
Chapter 4: Mamoru Returns! Usagi's Realization
Last time: She awoke deep in the night, a small poem running through her mind. Silently she slipped out of her bed and picked up her diary once more. She took up her red pen and scribbled the words that had awoken her from her dreams.
*** 9 months later ***
{I raise that faraway shining star to the two of us}
{and think of why I met you}
Usagi prepared for her day much the same way she had for the past nine months. She awoke every morning at seven a.m., showered, dressed, brushed her teeth, put her hair into odangos, ate breakfast, and then brushed her teeth again before seeing what Seiya had planned for that day. Her life had become a comfortable routine since Seiya had come back to Earth, and everyone who cared about her agreed that she was much better off now than she had been before.
She ate three meals a day, without argument, or attempts to discard the food uneaten. She slept at most eight hours a day, and always woke up on time. She was no longer late, ever. With Seiya by her side she exercised aerobically for an hour each day, and lifted weights three times a week. And at Seiya's insistence, Usagi studied all the subjects she was supposed to have learned in school, but hadn't, and was tested on those subjects by Ami.
Automatically she watched her image in the mirror as she styled her hair into the odangos she was so used to wearing, her fingers deftly setting the style into place. Once done she rested her hands on her vanity, leaning forward close to the mirror and staring into her eyes. She thought she could see the shine in them, a little brighter than yesterday. Slowly she opened the dark blue box that lay before her, and picked up the necklace that was nestled in the black velvet.
The rings of the short gold chain where shaped as hearts, each on possessing a very tiny gemstone in the center, each one a different shade of blue. A pale sapphire star pendant hung from the chain, the exact color of her eyes had been the last time she had been truly happy. The gold was twenty-four carat, and each gemstone was certainly precious, and expensive. A present from Seiya, for their one-year 'reunion anniversary.'
'Anything to make you smile Odango', she'd said when she presented the box to Usagi, and Usagi still wasn't sure if she should wear the necklace, or find a store that carried something similar and return the expensive gift. But, that would hurt Seiya's feelings more than an outright refusal to accept would have…
She started at her reflection, as light glinted off the necklace. She had put it on without realizing. 'Guess I keep it, and wear it as thanks…'
Shaking her head, she headed downstairs to the scent of pancakes and lemon pie.
= = =
{I touch your hand, pretending it's not a big deal}
{but all you do is smile kindly}
Seiya watched the stairs, counting down to when she would see Usagi at the top.
'Three… two… one…"
Right on time Usagi appeared on the first step and proceeded down without any knowledge that Seiya was now able to time when she would be coming down for breakfast. Of course, there where times when Usagi was slow to get ready, but she seemed to have determined that anything she did, she would at least do to a time schedule.
'Another loss of her free spirit…' Seiya thought to herself, frowning slightly as this difference in Usagi finally registered, and she realized that Usagi was almost never late like she used to be.
'In fact, she is now doing those things that the others always complained that she wasn't. She's punctual, polite, eats slowly, exercises and studies with me, she's learned how to cook and sew, clean, and properly take care of someone who is ill… she never reads Rei's manga without first asking, and returns them in perfect condition. And, she hasn't klutzed out once in nine months. She smiles when people expect her too, and laughs when appropriate... for all outward appearances, Usagi has become the princess she is supposed to be.'
Her face lit up with a smile once she noticed that Usagi was wearing the necklace she had given her, and Seiya nodded to herself. 'At least she's wearing my present.'
"Good morning Usagi-chan," she called out, and was rewarded with a small, but genuine, smile.
"Good morning Seiya. Has Shingo left for the morning?" she called back, her hand lightly trailing down the rail as she walked to Seiya, and her food.
Seiya headed back into the kitchen and set out food for her and Usagi, then waited for Usagi to come into the room. "Yes, he left a few minutes ago after bolting down his food. I think he may have a date."
Usagi slipped in quietly, and Seiya pulled out a chair for her with a smile. "Though he's still sensitive about keeping his love life private, so I didn't ask."
Usagi let herself be helped into the chair, her smile growing slightly bigger. 'She's such a considerate friend.'
Both fell silent as they ate their breakfast, lost in their internal dialogs. Seiya kept her eyes on Usagi, who never took any notice of her attentions. If she ever did notice, the odongo probably assumed that Seiya was keeping an eye on her to ensure that she ate, and not because she liked to watch Usagi.
Seiya finished eating before Usagi did, and waited for the blond to finish before collecting the dishes and washing them quickly and efficiently. Once finished she walked into the living room, Usagi trailing along silently. She leaned against the door and watched Usagi quizzically. "So, what would you like to do today?"
Usagi jumped slightly at the unexpected question. Usually Seiya would choose their activity of the day…
"Umm…" she pondered her options for few moments before deciding. "I want to visit the airport, and the park, and the arcade."
Seiya opened the door and held out her hand to Usagi, who took it without question or thought.
{When my feelings grow stronger}
{my doubts increase in number}
= = = = = = = =
Reddened eyes stared back from him in the mirror of the airport bathroom, and he glared at himself angrily. He hated riding in planes after the attack by Galaxia, and hadn't been able to rest at all on the trip from America to Japan. It wouldn't do at all for her to see him this way.
'Damn it all Mamoru, what are you doing here? There's no way that she has changed from a crybaby into the person she needs to be as Neo Queen Serenity. You shouldn't be here.'
His eyes blurred as he stared at himself, and the images that came into his mind reminded him of why he had come back. He would start a new relationship with Usagi, put destiny back on track, and live for his daughter. No matter how little he cared for Usagi, his conscious had bothered him about killing his daughter's existence. After a steady stream of meaningless relationships during his stay in America, he had finally decided that he wanted his daughter back, even though he'd have to endure Usagi. But perhaps Crystal Tokyo was near, and Usagi was the refined lady she needed to be…
He took out his traveling kit and spread the contents onto the counter. Shaving cream, razor, eye drops… quickly he shaved the stubble form his face and applied the eyes drops, then applied some aftershave. The scent of the stuff rejuvenated him a bit, and he straighter his shoulders. After a moments though he ran a comb quickly through his hair before reexamining his reflection with a cocky grin. He closed his eyes and siphoned off some of the planetary energy around him, his grin growing bigger. A bouquet of roses, a pretty gift, an apology, and he would have Usagi eating out his hands before lunch.
He laughed to himself as he left the bathroom, ignoring the strange looks he received from passersbys who wondered if they had ever heard such an evil laugh before.
= = =
Usagi looked around the airport waiting area, wondering what internal instinct had brought her here again, to this oh so painful location. Mamoru had left her here, twice… and each time she had been heartbroken. How could he have done that to her? Even if he hated her, didn't he have any sort of heart at all?
She shook her head, trying to dislodge the painful memories. They were so far in the past now that most people wouldn't even think about them, and she was determined to forget her past destiny. Her fate had failed, miserably, and thinking about it only sunk her back into the depression that Seiya had worked so hard to drag her out of. She still missed her parents, but over the past year she had learned to keep their memory in her heart, after Seiya had asked her why she dishonored them failing to live, and remember them with the love she felt for them, and they for her.
'They're still with you Usagi; if you choose to remember them with the love they gave you, and that which you gave them. Remember their dreams, and all you did you to protect their dreams, and remember, that you are their dream.'
Seiya had been right, of course, and now their loss didn't burn like acid in her anymore. She and Shingo were the dreams of her parents, and she had promised herself to honor their memory by living, and achieving her goals. She had told Shingo this before telling anyone else, and the image of his relieved face hung in forefront of her mind. She had been such a useless bother to him now for so many years, when she should have been the strong one.
She would make things up to him, though she didn't yet know how.
What were her dreams now?
What did she want to do with her life?
{So, don't let go of the heart you embrace}
{no matter what happens!}
She was certain that no matter what she chose, Seiya would be there to support her decision, and help out in any way that she could. She acknowledged ruefully just how much she depended on Seiya. If she decided to return to her home planet, Usagi wasn't sure she'd be able to go on again. Seiya was, after all, what had begun to pull her from depression, though once Usagi was capable of seeing how her sorrow pained the other people she loved and cared for, she had begun to follow a pattern of behavior that would minimize their worry for her.
But without Seiya….
She shook her head again, wondering why her mind kept returning to that circling path. Without Seiya, Usagi wouldn't be eating. Without Seiya, Usagi wouldn't be sleeping. Without Seiya, Usagi wouldn't be exercising, and she wouldn't be outside on a daily basis. Without Seiya, Usagi wouldn't know a fraction of the things she did now, and she had to admit that she would be a better queen now than she would have before Mamoru broke up with her. She couldn't quite understand how Seiya had become so important to her, so quickly, but Usagi was grateful that she had.
The more she thought of all Seiya had done for her, the more Usagi's heart began to flutter. She shoved *those* thoughts away too, not yet ready to deal with the feelings they invoked. Someday, maybe… but not now, when she had no goal or dreams in mind. Her hand reached unconsciously for the necklace she wore to clasp the sapphire star, which reflected brightly even in the poor light of where she stood.
One day, she would shine again, just like the necklace. One day, she would reclaim some of her dreams, though she felt he dreams she had with Mamoru were out of reach forever.
It was time to discover new dreams.
{If the one and only you in this}
{vast universe is by my side}
Her eyes continued to roam over the airport, though she didn't know what she was looking for. Perhaps being here was enough for now, since the pain that was gripping her chest was fading away as she though of what her new future would be. She spotted Seiya hiding in a darker corner by a fake plant, much the way she herself was. She had her eyes closed, seemingly casual, but Usagi could tell she was waiting for something.
Did Seiya had the same feel that Usagi did about the airport?
Perhaps this visit wouldn't be so peaceful…
Usagi scanned the crowds again, this time looking for something or someone out of place. A few minutes and she found what she was looking for.
There in the middle of the airport stood a dark haired man, his back turned to Usagi, but even if there hadn't been any light at all to see by she would know this person.
'Mamoru…'
As if sensing her thoughts Mamoru turned to face where Usagi stood, though she didn't stay in place for him to see. She ducked behind one of the cheap looking plastic plants, hoping he hadn't seen her.
'But he can still sense you' reminded the little voice in the back of mind, as she peered around to see if he was moving towards her. Luck was with her this morning, as the shifting flow of people in the airport cut off Mamoru's path to Usagi, and she breathed a small sigh of relief.
She jumped as a light hand touched her elbow, then relaxed when she realized it was only Seiya. She nodded, and Seiya led her through the maze of people, expertly dodging those who would bump into Usagi, and soon they stood once more outside of the airport. Seiya ushered her into the car and drove Usagi home.
= = =
Mamoru 'felt' Usagi's presence and scanned the crowd to locate her, frowning when he didn't spot her. Something… another presence cut off his link to Usagi, almost protectively, and he growled in frustration before shoving his way through the crowd. This was not the way things were supposed to go today, and he wondered what had brought Usagi to the airport. Had she sensed that he was coming back, and wanted to greet him? He admitted that was unlikely, though perhaps Ami would have known that he was coming back, or Rei or Michiru, but not Usagi.
No, Usagi wasn't that intuitive.
Then who was the person blocking his connection to Usagi? It didn't feel as if she had done it herself, though he supposed she could have learned to do so, but the feeling had been protective, and definitely someone else. But who… the force had been a single person, someone who was probably in love with Usagi, but who? Who would the odango atama fall for, if she even loved this person back?
He finally made his way through the crowd and scanned the parking lot, just in time to see Usagi being ushered into a car by a black haired woman. 'So, she must have been the protective force. She seems familiar… wonder who she is?' He grinned and relaxed, then headed back inside to claim his luggage. If that woman was in love with Usagi, then she would be no match for Mamoru. 'And I'm not giving up all that power to someone else, or my daughter's care.'
= = =
{the hands of the broken clock will}
{slowly begin to move towards the future}
Usagi leaned her head against Seiya's shoulder as Seiya drove them home. Her mind felt numb as she tried to process what had just occurred. Mamoru was back in Tokyo… and she had panicked away from greeting him, or allowing him to see her. She certainly didn't want to be hurt anymore, and he probably didn't want to have anything to do with her. 'He's hurt me too many times… He won't hurt me again. Oh… Chibi Usa… I'm so sorry…'
She opened her eyes as she felt the vehicle stop, and Seiya waited patiently for her to sit up straight. "Want a milkshake Usagi? Might help you think."
She nodded and forced a smile, then folded her hands in her lap as Seiya slid out of the car and walked into the fruit parlor. Her mind circled around the issue again and again in a downward spiral. Mamoru was probably here for a vacation, or a new job, or he had decided to be sadistic and come back to rub his wonderful life in Usagi's face.
Seiya emerged from the fruit parlor with their milkshakes, and placed one in Usagi's hands. "Come on Usagi, stop thinking about him. You know he cant hurt you, no one would allow it. If I wasn't around to protect you, Haruka and Makoto *would* protect you, and probably try to kill him in the process." She ruffled Usagi's bangs gently before starting the car up again. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."
Usagi lifted her eyes again and gave Seiya a small, though genuine smile. "Thank you."
Seiya nodded, but fell quiet, focusing on going home. Usagi's smile grew a bit. 'I'm so lucky to have such a good friend as Seiya is to me.'
Her mind drifted to all the times she spent with Seiya when she had been a male, and an idol. They'd had a lot of fun together, and Seiya had become her best friend. Everything settled into place from those times, each hint and clue she hadn't gotten then. 'Am I not good enough for you?' Seiya had asked then. And Seiya *was* good enough, more than enough, if there hadn't been Mamoru…
She realized now, that Seiya had been in love with her back then. And she was forced to acknowledge that she had had feelings for Seiya then as well. But, this past year…
Her eyes widened as she looked at Seiya's profile while she drove, realizing something even more important. Seiya loved Usagi now, as well.
{Please stay the way you are}
= = = =
To Be Continued:
There, that was longer… people should be happy ^_^