Still The One
By. Raq
Authors Note: Hope this doesn't confuse you as much as the first one did.
Chapter 2
~ 3 years later.
Serena, the name she had grown to like in America, entered her apartment tired and weary. Though determined to make it without relying too much on her family she relied upon her cousin Mina to come up with half of the rent. Both working students, Serena juggled school and work daily.
Dragging herself to the couch she planted herself at the end. Kicking off her shoes she sighed. Her feet ached and she felt an oncoming headache forming. From the corner of her eyes, Serena saw the glint of flashing red. A glance towards the table, her answering machine flashed a number 3. Quickly, she leaned over pressing the button. The rewinding mechanism went about before it played.
'Hi Serena.. It's me Jake.. just wanted to remind you about dinner tonight' Serena smiled even as her eyes remained closed, it was her boyfriend of two months, 'he was a nice guy but' she hesitated trying to find the right words. There was another beep and the next message played.
"Usako." Serena's eyes opened at the gruff sexy voice than can only belong to her 'husband, er.. her ex-husband' she thought again. Her heart thumped whenever she always heard her Mamo-chan, oblivious to the obvious meaning. She straightened a bit staring at the answering machine. "Ill be leaving for Kyoto for some medical training, I don't know if I will be able to get to a phone so. Here it goes. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday my dear Usako. Happy Birthday tooo YOU!!!!!" Serena laughed, he never forgets. "Now I hope you're listening to this by yourself" there was a slight deep throaty chuckle from him, Serena giggled and shook her head. Through the years when they had been together he had always sang to her, he was extremely mellow toned but she loved him for trying. "I sent your birthday present several weeks ago, it should have gotten there already. I hope you like it. Take Care Usako" there was a click, Serena began to scan the room for some package. The next message played,
"Serena. It's Mina. Ill be staying at Andy's tonight so don't wait up" rolling her eyes she leaned back "Oh and Mamoru sent you a package, I put it in your room." Serena jumped to her feet and began making her way to her room. "I was on my way out when Mamoru called. I think he's so sweet signing to you like that. Tell him I expect him to sing for my birthday too. Bye!" Serena laughed even louder.
Serena stared at the crystal figure in awe, it was gorgeous, and when you wound up the key, it played a beautiful melody. The couple slowly danced in circles. The musical figure played, while Serena opened the card.
Usako,
Thought I forgot? Never! Happy Birthday Usako. I hope you like the present.. I saw it and thought about you, then again I always think about you.
Just me,
Mamo-chan
P.S. reminds me of you and I.
Serena read the short but sweet note. Turning her head slightly, the figurine was still dancing to its romantic tune. The woman in the figure was small, dress intricately cut, the man was tall, holding his maiden lovingly in his arms. 'Reminds me of you and I.' indeed it did. on several occasions, Serena leaned back and closed her eyes.
~ The Meeting
"Usagi-chan" a feminine voice she recognize as one of her best friends, Rei her quick-tempered friend. "Yes Rei-chan"
"Don't look now but you know that popular guy at Azuba High?"
"Uh huh"
"Well, he's been looking at you all evening"
"Yeah Right! Why would a senior be looking at a freshman?" Usagi turned slightly and indeed found him, surrounded by a group of his friends, smiling at her. Usagi returned his smile then quickly turned, instantly taking a sip from her punch covering the blush creeping.
"Is that a blush I see" Rei teased.
"Rei-chan" Usagi scolded, "Stop teasing!" Usagi had turned her back towards Mamoru, and from the looks of it and from Rei's point of view, he was coming their way.
"Don't look now, but he's coming this way" Usagi's eyes grew large. "Don't look so nervous" rolling her eyes at her friend, she took the cup "Give me that, you might spill it on your dress and ruin your chance"
"Chance for what????"
"OH GEE. I don't know"
"What. What.. do I say?"
"Let me see. Hi for starters then.. maybe.. do you have a girlfriend?"
"I couldn't!" Usagi asked, as she watched Rei open her mouth to respond. A masculine voice interceded.
"Tsukino Usagi?" Usagi turned and was greeted by a white button shirt and tie. "Tsukino Usagi?" he asked again noticing her bewildered expression as she stared at his cleanly pressed dress shirt. Finally after swallowing the embarrassment she looked up. It was that smile! His gorgeous smile that had her heart stop for a second then had it beating rapidly.
"Hi" she bit her lip to suppress the hidden embarrassment.
"Your Tsukino Usagi right?" the girl nodded and it was his cue to introduce himself "My name is Chiba Mamoru" he stuck his hand out for a friendly shake.
"Nice to meet you"
"Would you like to dance" Usagi trailed off, staring at him oblivious to what he just said. Currently, Usagi was defining his chiseled features. The deep curve of his chin and the high cheekbone. Her eyes steadied on his lips, smooth, not chapped, it was then she wondered if she would mind being kissed by him. "Usagi?" he asked as she felt the nudge of someone behind her.
"I'm sorry Mamoru-san. what did you say?" Rei from behind Usagi rolled her eyes and grumbled.
"Oh yeah just drool in front of him why don't you" Usagi's mouth dropped and Mamoru chuckled. "I'm sorry about that Mamoru-san but what did you say?"
"I asked you if you would like to dance?" Mamoru smiled again, this was something Usagi could get used too.
"I would Love too" He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
Slowly, they dance to a soothing rhythm, One hand in his and the other on his firm shoulder. On her waist was a gentle but large hand, in a spread he could take half of her waist. Measuring the feel of his hand, Usagi suddenly felt the motion, from her waist, he glided over to the midst of her back. Usagi looked up, catching Mamoru, as his eyes were now the ones to define her features, a faint blush crept onto his face. Giggling,
"Is that a blush I see" It was his turn.
"Guess I can't lie now." He chuckled.
With only a few words spoken every now and then, they danced in silence. Even the sounds of people chatting or the soft music that played, couldn't disturb their world, at that moment, it was only them. It remained that way for the rest of the night, never separating, continuing their silent courtship. By the end of the evening, they had managed to dance onto the balcony. Alone, under the moonlight.
The music stopped, the cue to the end of the night. Slowly and reluctantly Usagi pried herself away. "I have to go," she whispered aching for the warmth. Speechless, Usagi pulled away and started to turn, still having the feel of Mamoru's hand on hers. With one step, she was pulled back, recoiling in his arms. "Usagi-chan?" he slowly asked, leaning on the rail. "Theirs this movie I've been wanting to see" Usagi looked at him, a smile creeping on her face.
"If this is your way of asking if I would like to go" Mamoru chuckled at Usagi's way of keeping this light hearted.
"Okay.. okay. Would you like to go to the movies tomorrow?"
"I would love too"
"Pick you up at noon?" Mamoru bit his bottom lip trying to contain the excitement brewing within. Mamoru and Usagi flirted, forgetting that it was late and the two had to leave. Mamoru pulled her close, leaning back he wedging her between his legs, little did Usagi care.
"Then you'll buy me lunch?" she arched her brow with a large smile to compliment her every feature of happiness. Both starry eyed, Usagi and Mamoru inwardly wanted to be kissed. Each passing second, Mamoru was finding her more irresistible and with one glance at the full moon, it was at the moment where he found courage. Mamoru didn't want to miss the opportunity, his lips began to slowly make its way.
"Anything." he whispered before making contact.
"You shouldn't have said that, Usagi eats a lot" The kiss was cut short as they turned to find a grinning Rei by the door. Usagi turned red at her friends inquisitive eyes, sinking deeper onto Mamoru's arms. "Come on Princess.. Your carriage will turn back into a pumpkin at midnight and you'll walk home. So you two say your good bye's"
"Ill be there in a bit" When she heard no answer, Usagi turned and still found Rei standing with a grin.
"REI" Usagi yelled
"All right. I'll wait by the lobby" Usagi returned to Mamoru
"Is she gone?" Mamoru leaned to the side, not a sign of Rei
"All Gone"
"GOOD" Usagi sighed, she didn't want the night to end but then again she had tomorrow "I had a wonderful time" lifting her eyes, the feeling was mutual.
"So did I" once more, Mamoru leaned down to capture her lips. It was everything that she could ever imagine. Expertly, Mamoru trailed soft kisses on every part of her lips. Though she had been kissed before, this soft, slightly innocent kiss was to die for. Mamoru began to kiss the corners of her lips than trailing to her temple. Usagi was in heaven. Hearing the half hour mark of the clock, Usagi became aware how late it was.
"I have to go"
"I know," he whispered in her ear. "Ill see you tomorrow then?"
"Definitely!" she smiled brightly. "Bye" Mamoru crossed his arms, watching her walk away. A few steps away and in mid stride he watched her turn. Then in seconds, she found herself in his arms once more. "Thank you. and I'm sorry this had to end" Usagi leaned up to her toes and surprisingly kissed him "One for the road" she took off running.
Mamoru found himself looking out, towards the gardens and with a few steps to the left, he could see the parking lot. Many couples were leaving, even a few of his friends that he recognized that came dateless were leaving with someone. He had come alone. but for good reason. In a glint of an eye, his eyes captured on a petite form, wearing a beautiful silver full- length strapless gown, she had looked stunning. Her eyes, were blue, he knew of that the first time saw her but this evening, they were gray a silver lustrous gray. Mamoru watch her enter the car and within seconds, drove away. His eyes never leaving the car that held the girl that had plagued his mind "No Usako.Its not the end." he smiled to the moon "Its only the beginning".
Serena woke up with a buzzing start, quickly in a sitting position she looked around forgetting where she was. For a brief moment she had thought she was back in Japan with her husband. Then the buzzer became more and more annoying, 'husband?' she wondered then one look at the clock, she jumped to her feet. "Oh My God its seven.... Jake!" she ran to open the door.
Till Next Time
Raq
Authors Note: Hope this doesn't confuse you as much as the first one did.
Chapter 2
~ 3 years later.
Serena, the name she had grown to like in America, entered her apartment tired and weary. Though determined to make it without relying too much on her family she relied upon her cousin Mina to come up with half of the rent. Both working students, Serena juggled school and work daily.
Dragging herself to the couch she planted herself at the end. Kicking off her shoes she sighed. Her feet ached and she felt an oncoming headache forming. From the corner of her eyes, Serena saw the glint of flashing red. A glance towards the table, her answering machine flashed a number 3. Quickly, she leaned over pressing the button. The rewinding mechanism went about before it played.
'Hi Serena.. It's me Jake.. just wanted to remind you about dinner tonight' Serena smiled even as her eyes remained closed, it was her boyfriend of two months, 'he was a nice guy but' she hesitated trying to find the right words. There was another beep and the next message played.
"Usako." Serena's eyes opened at the gruff sexy voice than can only belong to her 'husband, er.. her ex-husband' she thought again. Her heart thumped whenever she always heard her Mamo-chan, oblivious to the obvious meaning. She straightened a bit staring at the answering machine. "Ill be leaving for Kyoto for some medical training, I don't know if I will be able to get to a phone so. Here it goes. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday my dear Usako. Happy Birthday tooo YOU!!!!!" Serena laughed, he never forgets. "Now I hope you're listening to this by yourself" there was a slight deep throaty chuckle from him, Serena giggled and shook her head. Through the years when they had been together he had always sang to her, he was extremely mellow toned but she loved him for trying. "I sent your birthday present several weeks ago, it should have gotten there already. I hope you like it. Take Care Usako" there was a click, Serena began to scan the room for some package. The next message played,
"Serena. It's Mina. Ill be staying at Andy's tonight so don't wait up" rolling her eyes she leaned back "Oh and Mamoru sent you a package, I put it in your room." Serena jumped to her feet and began making her way to her room. "I was on my way out when Mamoru called. I think he's so sweet signing to you like that. Tell him I expect him to sing for my birthday too. Bye!" Serena laughed even louder.
Serena stared at the crystal figure in awe, it was gorgeous, and when you wound up the key, it played a beautiful melody. The couple slowly danced in circles. The musical figure played, while Serena opened the card.
Usako,
Thought I forgot? Never! Happy Birthday Usako. I hope you like the present.. I saw it and thought about you, then again I always think about you.
Just me,
Mamo-chan
P.S. reminds me of you and I.
Serena read the short but sweet note. Turning her head slightly, the figurine was still dancing to its romantic tune. The woman in the figure was small, dress intricately cut, the man was tall, holding his maiden lovingly in his arms. 'Reminds me of you and I.' indeed it did. on several occasions, Serena leaned back and closed her eyes.
~ The Meeting
"Usagi-chan" a feminine voice she recognize as one of her best friends, Rei her quick-tempered friend. "Yes Rei-chan"
"Don't look now but you know that popular guy at Azuba High?"
"Uh huh"
"Well, he's been looking at you all evening"
"Yeah Right! Why would a senior be looking at a freshman?" Usagi turned slightly and indeed found him, surrounded by a group of his friends, smiling at her. Usagi returned his smile then quickly turned, instantly taking a sip from her punch covering the blush creeping.
"Is that a blush I see" Rei teased.
"Rei-chan" Usagi scolded, "Stop teasing!" Usagi had turned her back towards Mamoru, and from the looks of it and from Rei's point of view, he was coming their way.
"Don't look now, but he's coming this way" Usagi's eyes grew large. "Don't look so nervous" rolling her eyes at her friend, she took the cup "Give me that, you might spill it on your dress and ruin your chance"
"Chance for what????"
"OH GEE. I don't know"
"What. What.. do I say?"
"Let me see. Hi for starters then.. maybe.. do you have a girlfriend?"
"I couldn't!" Usagi asked, as she watched Rei open her mouth to respond. A masculine voice interceded.
"Tsukino Usagi?" Usagi turned and was greeted by a white button shirt and tie. "Tsukino Usagi?" he asked again noticing her bewildered expression as she stared at his cleanly pressed dress shirt. Finally after swallowing the embarrassment she looked up. It was that smile! His gorgeous smile that had her heart stop for a second then had it beating rapidly.
"Hi" she bit her lip to suppress the hidden embarrassment.
"Your Tsukino Usagi right?" the girl nodded and it was his cue to introduce himself "My name is Chiba Mamoru" he stuck his hand out for a friendly shake.
"Nice to meet you"
"Would you like to dance" Usagi trailed off, staring at him oblivious to what he just said. Currently, Usagi was defining his chiseled features. The deep curve of his chin and the high cheekbone. Her eyes steadied on his lips, smooth, not chapped, it was then she wondered if she would mind being kissed by him. "Usagi?" he asked as she felt the nudge of someone behind her.
"I'm sorry Mamoru-san. what did you say?" Rei from behind Usagi rolled her eyes and grumbled.
"Oh yeah just drool in front of him why don't you" Usagi's mouth dropped and Mamoru chuckled. "I'm sorry about that Mamoru-san but what did you say?"
"I asked you if you would like to dance?" Mamoru smiled again, this was something Usagi could get used too.
"I would Love too" He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
Slowly, they dance to a soothing rhythm, One hand in his and the other on his firm shoulder. On her waist was a gentle but large hand, in a spread he could take half of her waist. Measuring the feel of his hand, Usagi suddenly felt the motion, from her waist, he glided over to the midst of her back. Usagi looked up, catching Mamoru, as his eyes were now the ones to define her features, a faint blush crept onto his face. Giggling,
"Is that a blush I see" It was his turn.
"Guess I can't lie now." He chuckled.
With only a few words spoken every now and then, they danced in silence. Even the sounds of people chatting or the soft music that played, couldn't disturb their world, at that moment, it was only them. It remained that way for the rest of the night, never separating, continuing their silent courtship. By the end of the evening, they had managed to dance onto the balcony. Alone, under the moonlight.
The music stopped, the cue to the end of the night. Slowly and reluctantly Usagi pried herself away. "I have to go," she whispered aching for the warmth. Speechless, Usagi pulled away and started to turn, still having the feel of Mamoru's hand on hers. With one step, she was pulled back, recoiling in his arms. "Usagi-chan?" he slowly asked, leaning on the rail. "Theirs this movie I've been wanting to see" Usagi looked at him, a smile creeping on her face.
"If this is your way of asking if I would like to go" Mamoru chuckled at Usagi's way of keeping this light hearted.
"Okay.. okay. Would you like to go to the movies tomorrow?"
"I would love too"
"Pick you up at noon?" Mamoru bit his bottom lip trying to contain the excitement brewing within. Mamoru and Usagi flirted, forgetting that it was late and the two had to leave. Mamoru pulled her close, leaning back he wedging her between his legs, little did Usagi care.
"Then you'll buy me lunch?" she arched her brow with a large smile to compliment her every feature of happiness. Both starry eyed, Usagi and Mamoru inwardly wanted to be kissed. Each passing second, Mamoru was finding her more irresistible and with one glance at the full moon, it was at the moment where he found courage. Mamoru didn't want to miss the opportunity, his lips began to slowly make its way.
"Anything." he whispered before making contact.
"You shouldn't have said that, Usagi eats a lot" The kiss was cut short as they turned to find a grinning Rei by the door. Usagi turned red at her friends inquisitive eyes, sinking deeper onto Mamoru's arms. "Come on Princess.. Your carriage will turn back into a pumpkin at midnight and you'll walk home. So you two say your good bye's"
"Ill be there in a bit" When she heard no answer, Usagi turned and still found Rei standing with a grin.
"REI" Usagi yelled
"All right. I'll wait by the lobby" Usagi returned to Mamoru
"Is she gone?" Mamoru leaned to the side, not a sign of Rei
"All Gone"
"GOOD" Usagi sighed, she didn't want the night to end but then again she had tomorrow "I had a wonderful time" lifting her eyes, the feeling was mutual.
"So did I" once more, Mamoru leaned down to capture her lips. It was everything that she could ever imagine. Expertly, Mamoru trailed soft kisses on every part of her lips. Though she had been kissed before, this soft, slightly innocent kiss was to die for. Mamoru began to kiss the corners of her lips than trailing to her temple. Usagi was in heaven. Hearing the half hour mark of the clock, Usagi became aware how late it was.
"I have to go"
"I know," he whispered in her ear. "Ill see you tomorrow then?"
"Definitely!" she smiled brightly. "Bye" Mamoru crossed his arms, watching her walk away. A few steps away and in mid stride he watched her turn. Then in seconds, she found herself in his arms once more. "Thank you. and I'm sorry this had to end" Usagi leaned up to her toes and surprisingly kissed him "One for the road" she took off running.
Mamoru found himself looking out, towards the gardens and with a few steps to the left, he could see the parking lot. Many couples were leaving, even a few of his friends that he recognized that came dateless were leaving with someone. He had come alone. but for good reason. In a glint of an eye, his eyes captured on a petite form, wearing a beautiful silver full- length strapless gown, she had looked stunning. Her eyes, were blue, he knew of that the first time saw her but this evening, they were gray a silver lustrous gray. Mamoru watch her enter the car and within seconds, drove away. His eyes never leaving the car that held the girl that had plagued his mind "No Usako.Its not the end." he smiled to the moon "Its only the beginning".
Serena woke up with a buzzing start, quickly in a sitting position she looked around forgetting where she was. For a brief moment she had thought she was back in Japan with her husband. Then the buzzer became more and more annoying, 'husband?' she wondered then one look at the clock, she jumped to her feet. "Oh My God its seven.... Jake!" she ran to open the door.
Till Next Time
Raq