Good Enough

Chapter One : Back in town

By Tenshi no Nozomi (tenshi_no_nozomi@hotmail.com)

(Sequel to Tears of Peals)

AN: Okay. the story for this song is by Sarah McLachlan- and it's called 'Good Enough.' I had a few different ideas, and after a while of thought, I decided to change it from one-shot to a chapter fic. ^^ I hope you all enjoy this!

I've even added in a contender into this fic besides Mamoru and Yohji. and it'll be up to you guys who gets her.^^ Cept for Mamoru. That's a no-no. tnn will not do that. Why? Because I hate him. He's only in this cuz I need him to be.

Also. I've never seen WK, so I don't know where everything is set. I'm guessing it was set in Tokyo. If not, oh well, my bad. REPLIES TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED TEARS OF PEARLS ARE AT THE VERY BOTTOM. To let you guys know, I'm looking for a pre-reader/beta-reader. Either tell me in your review, or drop me a line at tenshi_no_nozomi@hotmail.com.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Sailor Moon or Gundam Wing, and I'm not making any profit from writing this. I do not own 'Good Enough' by Sarah McLachlan, either, for the record.

THANKS/DEDICATION: To all of the wonderful, wonderful people who reviewed Tears of Pearls, and to those of you review this one. You guys are the best!

PAIRINGS: Mamoru/Usagi, Yohji/Usagi, ????/Usagi

WARNINGS: love triangle, mostly Usagi centered, some violence/ mild gore, much future angst, explicit language, references to adult situations. that should be about it, unless I think of something else.

:: blah, blah, blah :: - that will mark the song lyrics

---------*

The little boy looked up at his mother, staring at her intently. For such a young child, he was oddly serious looking. His breath taking emerald eyes were somber and intent, his mouth set in a straight line rather than a smile or a silly grin. His hair hung straight and into his eyes, not quite shaggy but messily.

Usagi looked down at him, her blue eyes wide and curious for a moment, before setting her sights back on the road. "What's wrong, Ryu-chan," she asked, sparing her son a few glances as she drove.

He just shook his head slightly in response. "Nothing, okaasan." He looked at her again, his mind stirring to action in him. "Nothing at all."

She looked at him again, her blue eyes filling with sadness. She didn't like seeing her son like this; he was meant to be happy. Somewhere along they way, though, she must have screwed up in raising him.

"Okaasan, watch out!" He cried, and Usagi snapped back to the road. She swerved fast, though not fast enough to avoid knocking over a trashcan. Usagi sighed in relief as her heart beat fast in the aftermath of the adrenaline rush, and her hands clenched the steering wheel tightly.

She laughed nervously, feeling that she'd made a fool of herself in front of her own son. Her silly giggles died in the air, and once more the pain from seven years ago threatened to demolish everything she'd fought to become.

She pulled up in front of the shop, feeling the old torturous anxiety begin to rally against her. She wasn't so much afraid but. well, there really wasn't a word to place the exact way she felt. But she felt exactly the same as she had when she had come here six years ago for the last time and allowed Kudou Yohji to look at his son before she took him with her to Kyoto.

"Are you sure that you want to do this?" She was asking him, but it was meant more for herself. A part of her that was still a child was panicking, pleading and begging that they turn around and leave while they still could.

"Hai."

Usagi closed her eyes, and took a deep, shaky breathe. She was still wounded from their last encounter, the scars numerous and uncountable. What part of me will you destroy this time, Yohji, she asked mentally in misery.

"All right," she said, trying to keep her unhappiness out of her voice. Usagi unbluckled her seat belt, and slowly opened her door. Begrudgingly she hefted her purse over her shoulder, and walked to the sidewalk where her son was already waiting for her.

Usagi couldn't even fake a smile, the memories were so strong. So much pain. I left this place to try and forget, but my wounds have just been waiting for me here, biding their time. I absolutely despise destiny.

Usagi spotted the boy sweeping the entry way and recognized him. The last time she'd seen him he had been shorter, younger, and smaller. She wondered just how much things had changed in her absence.

"Tsukiyono Omi?" She questioned, standing straight as possible. He looked up from his task and Usagi saw that it only took him a few seconds to recognize her.

"Tsukino Usagi! I thought you moved. Are you back in town?"

Usagi smiled; he was just as sweet now as he had been back then. "Just for a little while. Does Kudou-san still work here?"

His eyes widened, and he nodded slowly. "Are you two speaking now? Because I thought."

"Not exactly. But this is important. Would you please go get him for me, if it's not too much trouble?"

"Well, all right, but Ran-san is going to pitch a fit."

"Then he can argue with me about it. Thank you, Omi. You always were such a good boy- I hope Kudou-san doesn't ever rub off on you," she said, punctuating her statement with a pat on his head. Omi blushed in response and ran inside to get Yohji.

"Okaasan, what did you mean by that? That you hope daddy doesn't rub off on him?" Usagi looked down at Ryu, noting the mildly curious look in his eyes.

"It's nothing, Ryu-chan."

"Demo, okasaan."

Usagi ruffled his hair, kneeling in front of him. "You don't need to know, okay? You're too young, still."

"Usagi," came that familiar voice. She turned her head quickly, and saw the person she had anticipated and dreaded seeing. The one and only Kudou Yohji.

---------*

When Omi had come inside like that, he should have known. He should have guessed it was more than some girl from a one-night stand back to plead for another or damn him to hell.

Of course, he hadn't seen her in six years, and it was one of those few moments that he wasn't thinking about her.

He had figured he'd let the lady blow her steam off at him, take a quick cigarette break while he was at it, and then go back to work. If he'd only known, he might have not gone out there. Chances were, though, he would have tackled her if he'd known.

As it was, he got the surprise of his life. There she was, the source of six years of anguish and loneliness, a vision of loveliness in front of his eyes. She was dressed in an incredibly blue blouse that matched the color of her eyes. Her long, lovely legs were accentuated by jeans and her feet were adorned by cute black boots.

Her long hair fell in two plaited braids, but even without her telltale hairstyle, he still recognized her. She didn't wear any makeup on her face, and only the slightest bit of perfume wafted his way. She was elegant in her simplicity, although she would have looked gorgeous to him even if she were wearing a trash bag- with the garbage in it.

The desire to reach out and touch her was horrible. His fingers itched and trembled to touch her lily soft skin again, to delve through her hair and tickle her scalp. He shoved his hands in his pockets, but the need refused to be relieved.

"You don't need to know, okay? You're too young, still," she said gently, ruffling the hair of the little boy in front of her. Oh, how sad, that he was so jealous of a child. But he wanted so desperately to have her look at him that way again, adoring and gentle and oh so loving.. What he would have given.

Perhaps in a desperate plead for attention, he said her name. Surely she wouldn't have come if she didn't want to talk to him.? Besides, he wanted-

His thoughts stopped all together as soon as their eyes met. They were still large and expressive, although some of her childlike innocence had been lost over the years. She had battled with the world, and compromised with reality, destroying some of the dreams she had held close to her heart.

He could see the hurt still left in them from past incidents, the scars left behind from shattered hopes and dreams. He had a good feeling that he was probably one of those scars, and he wished more than anything that he could undo the harm he'd done her.

She stood up, the initial shock from seeing him having worn off. She dusted off her jeans, and straightened herself to her full height. "Hello, Kudou- san," she greeted him, her voice giving away no emotion.

He winced inwardly at her formality. The old Usagi would have at least called him Kudou-kun even if she was pissed at him. It seemed that he might get that now if he was lucky. "It's good to see you again," he attempted again.

She avoided his gaze though, and hung her head low. She was studying the pavement closely, tracing her eyes over the cracks and crevices closely.

It was the little boy who broke the uncomfortable silence. "Okaasan, is he my daddy?"

Yohji looked at them both, taking in the similarities between the two; the straight, golden hair, the small almost girlish build. Yes, this was definitely her child.

"Hai. Kudou Yohji, please say hello to your son, Tsukino Ryu. Ryu. this is your otousan."

Yohji stood there for a long few moments, staring down at his off spring. His eyes were the exact same as his own. In a way it was creepy, but in another.

"Okaasan said you were tall. but you're even taller than I imagined. I want to be as tall as you some day!" Declared the small boy, his boldness shocking his mother, and making his father laugh.

"Well, maybe you will be some day," he said, smiling down at the boy. And in that moment, the small boy shed that look of distance, and smiled back, just as genuinely to him.

-------*

Usagi felt more than a little hurt. It had been years since Ryu had smiled at her that way. Everyone said that he was just at that stage where they don't like lovey mushy stuff, but. Maybe, there was more to it.

Stop being so selfish, instructed that scolding inner voice of hers. You've had him for what, now, six years all to yourself. You never once volunteered to let him meet his father.

It was for the best though, she protested. I don't want him to end up like Yohji, who can't commit to anybody even if he does really love them.

You tried, admitted that voice. But trying isn't always good enough. He probably needs a father in his life anyway, now. He is growing up.

It was true, and it was also something that made Usagi want to cry. He had been her little baby for so long, she didn't want to give up on that. He had been her anchor for the past six years in Kyoto when things had gotten tough. Without him, she probably would have given up- because she had to take care of him, she kept going.

Watching the two of them talking. it made her a little sad. No, more than a little. And afraid, too. Because she had already had to lose Yohji, and now. she might lose her son.

Instead, though, she forced herself to fake her happiness. "Well, you two seem to have hit it off really well! You don't mind if I go and visit some of my old friends, do you? And that way you guys can bond without having a silly girl around," she added with a smile.

Ryu nodded enthusiastically, eyes sparkling with happiness. This was turning out just the way he had always wanted it to, apparently. Yohji, however, seemed hesitant. In fact, his eyes seemed to almost beg her to stay.

Usagi was unable to decide for what reason, though. Either he had thoughts of trying to get on her good side again, or else he was afraid to be with his own son. Well, sad I might be, but I want what's best for my son. And gods damn it all, if having his father around is best, then so it shall be!

Usagi smiled her old oblivious smile, the one she used when she was hurting inside or lying, and said, "Well, I'm off! You guys have a good time, and you behave yourself for him, Ryu! I'll be back in a little while." She waved, and then jumped into the car.

Going down the road, Usagi gave them a guick wave, and then sped off. As soon as she felt safe enough, she let her smile drop.

I hope this is for the best.

----------------*

Yohji watched her speed off, to only God knew where. He knew she would be back, but he had hoped against hope that she wouldn't leave. Oh, he'd missed her so much.

There was something tugging almost violently on his hand, and he looked down at Ryu. "'Tousan, let's go do something, please?"

Yohji smiled. The boy was sweet, even if he was normally quiet. "All right, then, what do you want to do?"

"I wanna go to the park!"

Oh, boy.. This could be a long day.

--------*

Driving down these familiar roads, Usagi was hit with waves of nostalgia. This is home. ran through her head multiple times.

She meandered along the streets, taking her time and taking in all of the things that had changed in her absence. The Crown Arcade had been replaced by some coffee place, and the apartment complex that Naru had undergone serious remodeling, and if it weren't for memory she wouldn't have been able to guess that that was it.

How sad, that these parts of my childhood have disappeared while I was gone. I wonder just how many of us still live here.

She knew that Makoto had gone- she lived in France, now, and was the owner and prime chef at the best Japanese restaurant on the continent. Ami was in germany, doing all kinds of surgery on children, as had been her life-long dream. Minako was a world-renown model, and Mamoru had left long before the rest of them had.

Usagi had been among the last of the friends to depart, taking her year old son with her. However, there was one person of them all that had for certain stayed here in Azuba. That would be Hino Rei, Usagi's best friend.

Even know, Usagi still managed to keep in touch with her friend. Her grandfather had passed away two years ago, and now Rei was the priestess of the temple, and looking for a disciple herself.

Usagi parked at the curb, and walked up to the stairs. Usagi felt a strong sense of déjà vu, and recalled all of those years when she would walk up the very same steps to receive counsel from Luna and Artemis. For a moment, Usagi wished that she could go back and relive those years.

But as much as they were filled with happy times, they were probably the most painful ones in her entire life, both emotionally and physically. Between Mamoru, being a senshi, and Yohji, it had been a roller coaster of emotions for her.

The sound of a broom sweeping up leaves hit her ears, and for a moment Usagi stopped, hit by memories that she could almost taste.

She finished walking up there, and saw Rei. She was still just as pretty as she had been when she was younger, raven hair reflecting colors of the rainbow like a plump crow's feathers. And though her face wasn't towards her, Usagi knew that she'd see blazing amethyst eyes when she turned around, accompanied by a serious, if not sharp, faced Rei.

"We're closed for the night, try again tomorrow," she said, not bothering to look away from her task. Usagi felt like giggling, but held it in.

"You won't even say hello to an old friend," she asked, letting her smile bloom.

The raven haired priestess stiffened and dropped the broom. Usagi winced inwardly at the clatter it made as the crows around the shrine shrieked and flapped about at the sudden noise. Rei whipped around, and her light purple eyes were wide with surprise.

"Usagi!? What. but. your hair."

Usagi giggled. "Is it really that bad? I thought it was kinda cute. Plus, it keeps my hair from getting in the way, and I don't have to chop it all off."

The raven haired girl surrounded her in a huge hug. "Oh, it's so good to see you again," she gushed. "I haven't seen any of you in such a long time. gods, it's been quiet around here." She released her friend, although she was still smiling and her eyes were sparkling wildly.

"Your hair looks cute, although now I'm gonna have to think of a new nickname for you. hmm. Well, later, perhaps. Come inside for a while, and have some tea with me!"

Before Usagi might protest that coffee was better, she was ushered inside. Usagi followed her friend to the kitchen, and watched her put the kettle on the stove.

"To tell you the truth, I'm really glad you decided to drop in, though you should have told me."

"Huh? Why," Usagi asked, truly curious as she leaned against the counter.

"Well." Rei seemed hesitant to say anything, and looked out the window for a while before continuing. "You see, I've been getting some really strange things from the Great Fire."

Usagi stiffened. If Rei was getting visions like that from the Great Fire, then. then, that meant. "Rei-chan. you don't think."

Rei nodded. "I do. I've been thinking about it for a while, too. And. well, I think I'm going to have to call everyone back to Tokyo. Because if my predictions are right. we could be in a lot of trouble."

Rei looked at Usagi, and she could see the worry in her friend's eyes. "Don't worry," Usagi said. We'll deal with it. We always did."

Rei smiled back, a sad, wavering smile. "I hope so, Usa. I just. don't know."

*------------------------------*

Hope that was an okay place to leave off at.It was a fairly long chapter, too. The next chapter will reveal the mystery suitor! Bwahahahaha! ^^ It may have a battle in it, too. All just depends how I feel. ^,^ DO NOT FORGET TO REVIEW- IF I DON'T GET AT LEAST 10 REVIEWS, THEN I WILL NOT UPDATE.

Anyhow, I promised to reply to everyone who reviewed Tears of Pearls. and here they are.

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!!!!!!!

Kasai-chan(CeCe : ^^ I'm glad that you enjoyed!

Aidenn Legacy : lol, that would be a catastrophe if she did. hm. You never know, something like that might happen. ^^ btw, weird is good. Ay, ay, ma'am! ::salute::

SweetKawaiiAngel : Well. I'm a bit insecure. and I don't have a lot of confidence in myself or my skill. ^^;;; That's why. I'm working on that update for TV Troubles, btw. I'm almost finished with it. ^^ Yippee!

Purr : Yeah, Yohji's out of character. to hell with it, being ooc is fun! Hope you're happy that this I am continuing it. even though it might not be exactly the way you imagined it/wanted it to be.

MoonRyoko : Well. happily ever after doesn't always happen, but I'll try to make them happy. That sounds good to you? As for Mamoru, there will be an explanation for what happened between them in here.

Alexz : ^^ Thank you so much!

Anjel : I'm glad you think so. I hope this is satisfactory for you guys.

Yuki : Well, I know this isn't exactly soon, but. it is the future, isn't it? ^^;;

Zackire : Yeah. it was kinda short. but when my one-shots get long, they can get difficult for people to sit there and bother to read. And though the chapters in this aren't probably going to be exactly huge, there should be plenty of them.

Squirrel : ^^ I'm really glad you like it so much, and I hope that this turns out to your satisfaction.

Erin Finnlaith : O.o;; Uhm. I updated, so you can't hunt me down! Kay?

Nikki Smith2000 : Well, their relationship problems were sorted out for a short while, but- Ah, can't give that away just yet! Sorry. ^^;; But anyhow, she probably will find out about him, and vise versa, and have lots and lots more problems. It's almost guaranteed.

Themoonmaiden : Damn Microsoft Word, not letting me keep that uncapped. oh well. ^^ Wai, I'm so happy you thought so highly of it! That means a lot to me. Well, I may show his reaction later on- probably passed out. As for being a one-woman man. well, we'll see.

Deia Lee : ^^ Thank you so much! I know I didn't update quickly, demo. I'm lazy. We're lucky I got it out at all.

Dee-Chan : ^^ You're one of my more lenient readers. Well, they all begged it, so you get more!

Gakkuri Naishinnou : Gah, you have no idea how hard that was to type. I nearly had to copy and paste. Anyhow. :: blushes:: Aww, you're too sweet! I'm glad you like it so much, but surely it's not the best out there, even though I sure as hell love the flattery. :: grins :: But anyhow, I've continued it, though I should have done so sooner. Oh well, it got done. You don't sound like you're on something. I've begged some people to continue their fics, and it makes me swell with pride that you feel this way. see, I'm all bloated now. :: is puffed up like a balloon::

Tenshi Cat : Here it is! Please tell me if you like it or not.

Hanazakari : ^^ Just take the chance, I guarantee it's worth it. To be honest, I had little clue just what the hell I was doing.

Psy : I hope this goes well by you.

Adb : Once again, damn Microsoft Word and its desire to instantly correct incapitalized letters. O.o Stalking her? Good lord, I should hope not. That would freak me out. I'd have to run him over with a bus. It is a bit of an oxymoron. but yes, if you count this finishing it. ^^

Sailor Purgatory : ^^ :: grins :: I just love some of Savage Garden's songs. ::laughs :: Well, I took the hint! I'm glad you liked the plot and my style of writing, and I hope that you'll like this, too.

Sapphireskies : Agh. Microsoft word, how I despise thee. ^^;; Ehh. so more Usa/Yohji, then? Well, I hope you don't mind my bringing in another guy.

SailorCeres : ^^ Yes, he does. even though it doesn't always show/work out the way it should. Well. uhm, he knows now? ^^;;;;;;

Dreama Tsuki : ^^ Glad you liked it!