Normality
PG
Ryo Angel
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+ Chapter Three +
+ Part One : 'twas on the Moon +
"Usagi! Usagi!" I turned around and saw Naru running to catch up me. Rounding the corner, I stopped and let out a deep breath before walking over the corner and waited for Naru to catch up. It's been almost a month now, on and off, I've helped the Senshi battled the youmas, and like the time I was Sailor Moon, it's slowly taking its toll on me. But I miss the pace. Heavens! How I miss the pace!
"Hey Naru!" I called out to her, a huge smile on my face, "Exercising?"
Huffing and puffing, she leaned one hand against the wall and caught her breath before answering me, "Wh... where have you been all this time, Usagi?" She asked between gulps for air, "I've been looking all over for you!"
My lips curved into a wistful smile, "I've been busy is all." We started walking again, only ten more minutes until the start of school.
"Busy?" She questioned, "Doing what?"
I shrugged, "Something."
Her eyes got this light in them and she squealed, "Oh Kami! You got yourself a boyfriend!"
I frowned I wish I did. But... "No."
She was confused now, "Then why haven't I seen you around lately? Even at the arcade!"
"Oh, I've been at the arcade...." I said dismissively, at the basement where the weights and the mats are kept. Motoki and I used to practice down there almost every day when we were younger. Father didn't approve of me taking up martial arts, so Motoki taught me everyday after school when I was waiting for Akira to come pick me up.
"Where?"
"Oh, around." I told her.
It was her turn to frown, but she didn't press me. This was one to the good things that I liked about Naru - she didn't pry into my personal business, "I just wanted to invite you to the ball one of Mother's client is hosting. She said that I had to come and if I was afraid of getting bored to invite a friend."
This could prove to be interesting. I know for a fact that the Senshi would be there... along with Tuxedo Kamen. "Sure." I told her cheerfully. "When is it?"
She hesitated, "Let's go shopping after school." She made this into a half-question. I've been neglecting her lately...
"You bet!" As the rest of the day progressed, my mind turned back to the ball. I could get Mamoru to notice me then... but I would need the perfect dress. It's not that it's hard for me to FIND a dress... just don't have enough money to buy much of anything except for cloth... maybe I should just make it all. I AM a rather talented seamstress. Yes... that's exactly what I'll do! Mwhahahahahahahaha!! Must stop laughing... peers looking at me funny...
After school, Naru and I went by the arcade and I told Motoki that I wouldn't be showing up for our nightly ritual. To my amusement, Mamoru was watching us the entire time, confusion and slight anger blazing softly in his eyes. I do believe he's jealous! How quaint! "It's been a while since I went shopping with Naru." I told Motoki as I slurped up the last drop of the chocolate sundae. Chocolate... mmmm.....
His eyes narrowed a bit, but he consented. "It's good that you're not stressing out about all the other things in life." He told me in his big brother voice. I knew what he meant. He knew that I wasn't getting enough rest and it's showing in my exercises with him.
I gave a half-smile, "You worry too much." I told him as I linked arms with Naru and left the store. "Mall! Here we come!" Laughing, we caught the first bus there and wandered around for about an hour, just window whopping and comparing prices. After a snack, I noticed a store tucked away in a little corner and dragged Naru over. "Ai no Tsuki..." I grinned.
*****
I adjusted my mask as we stepped into the ballroom. I had found the exact copy of my Princess dress at the store with matching earrings and tiara. It was almost unbelievable that the prices were so affordable. I had curled my hair slightly, but left it up in my usual style. "Lots of cute guys here." I whispered to Naru.
She looked around and smiled warily, "I guess."
"What's wrong? Aren't you having fun?" I looked her in the eyes.
"I just feel strange around here... I don't know..." She sighed, "I'm going to go out for some air."
"But we just got here!" I sputtered.
"I know... I'm sorry, Usagi." She told me as she walked away. Hmm. She told me to come and now she's going away? People these days. I slowly made my way to the Princess' chambers and conveniently lost my way. "Now where do I go...?" I said when I saw Tuxedo Kamen in the corner of my eye. "Ah yes." I walked back downstairs to the dance floor, fully aware that he was following me. I slowly walked along the wall and stopped at the punch table.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
"Would you do me the honor of this dance?"
I turned around and smiled, "Of course." I accepted the blonde man's hand and watched from the corner of my eyes as Tuxedo Kamen watched us.
"You are a divine dancer." the man summered.
"Not so bad yourself." I flirted. "My name is... Serenity." Hey, I was the princess of the moon, why shouldn't I use my real name?
"Jacques. I just came fro..."
"May I cut in?" I hid my grin when Tuxedo Kamen interrupted. Jacques looked between us and nodded his consent, releasing my hand and backed away. "Milady."
"Milord." I summered as I put my left hand on his broad shoulders. Thank goodness I was wearing high heels!
"Have we met before?" He asked me as he dipped me down.
"Once perhaps. In a dream." I whispered when he held me flush against his back. When he twirled me away, I saw the Senshi positioned strategically around.
"Under the moonlight." He said, pulling me back and held me tight.
"'Twas on the moon." I told him just as the last note was struck. Releasing him, I started to walk away when he grabbed hold of my hand.
"The moon?" He asked shakily. I didn't even have to answer him because just that second, chaos broke loose. Huh. The princess had made an appearance first... interesting... I took advantage of the confusion and ran from him. Damn. I forgot that I had to fight as Moonlight today! I concealed myself behind a column and pulled out the boomerang that was attached to my thigh. Taking a tablet from my necklace, I coated the tips of the boomerang with a type of poison and waited for an opening before I flung it outwards. That was all I can do the Senshi. They had to find Sailor Moon soon.
After they dusted the youma, they left the ballroom and surrounded me before I could make my escape. "Just who the hell are you?" Mercury demanded.
The mask securely on my face, I answered with indifference, "I am who I am. Nothing more. Nothing less."
"But who ARE you?" Tuxedo Kamen asked almost desperately. Mamoru...
"Only the woman in your dreams can tell you." I said softly, "Now, if you'll excuse me..." I made to escape, but Jupiter held onto me.
"Oh no you don't!"
"Let go of me Mokato!" There! That should shock them! And indeed it did. They were stunned and once again, I took advantage of the situation and ran from them. Spotting Naru, I pulled her along and started running also. Slamming the limo shut, I directed the driver to go.
"What's going on, Usagi?" Naru asked concern etched in her face.
I shook my head breathlessly. "Don't worry about it." I closed my eyes and leaned back. Almost got caught there... wait a minute... what was Naru doing in the garden? Who was that shadow? Could it be...?
+ Part Two : Endymion... +
The next few days, I saw less and less of the Senshi and Mamoru and spent more and more time with Motoki training. "It's just... ugh.. that I can't... ergh... tell them who I am!" I slammed my fist into the boxing bag and let loose a sigh of rage. I was covered with sweat and was still feeling frustrated.
"There's something I've been meaning to ask you, Usa." Motoki started. Here it comes... "How did you know who the Senshi are anyways? They're not exactly the most public of heroines."
"I just do." I muttered, taking a swig of chocolate milk. I really should switch to water...
"I don't buy that. There has to be someth..."
"Look, Motoki, just leave it, okay?" I hissed, "It isn't up for discussion and if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a shower!" With a huff, I walked away into the showers. In all the years that I've known Motoki, I had never gotten such a temper before. Damn it! I pounded my fist against the wall of the stall and muttered a string of curses that would have made the devil proud. I scrubbed myself vigorously and rinsed myself off, feeling slightly better. When I got out of the shower and into a clean change of clothes, Motoki was already waiting with a peace offering of chocolate bananas and ice cream. I gave him a little smile.
"All's forgiven?" He asked.
I nodded, digging in, "All's forgotten." Wisely, he didn't bring the subject up again and I finished the snack just as the clock struck eight-thirty. "Crap! Mom's calling me in half a hour!" I grabbed my things and ran to the door, stopping just long enough to say good-bye. Running down the street, I could hear screaming and yelling. Running faster, I got there just in time to see the monster dusted.
"We don't need that Moonlight!" Mars boasted.
Venus and Mercury didn't look convinced as they were both breathing heavily, wounds covering their forearms... 'tis the fate of being the protector of the Moon Dynasty. Jupiter leaned against the side of a building and didn't say anything, but I could tell that she also, was out of breath and they all needed a well-deserved rest.
"Let's meet up tomorrow at the temple. For now, time to rest." Ami commanded as they transformed back.
Mokato nodded, "Yeah. You should check up on Mamoru, Ami... he had a nasty slash on the waist."
I looked up, Mamoru? I mouthed. I couldn't see him anywhere.
"I'm pretty sure he'll be fine. He hasn't been getting enough sleep lately... ever since..."
"Ever since that Moonlight showed up and confused the hell out of him!"
"Rei!" Minako scolded. "It wasn't her fault."
Rei moved to say more, but Ami held up her hand, "We're all tired. Let's just go home and rest, okay?"
They all nodded and parted their separate ways. I crept out from where I was hiding and let out a deep breath. Just then, I happened to glance at the clock, "Cripe! Mom's going to kill me!" Dashing off, I ran half-way home when I saw a man lying down on the ground... strange... that pea-colored jacket looked almost like... "Mamoru!"
***
Laying him down on the bed, I ran to the bathroom and got the first-aid kit out. Thankfully, I had stocked it full of bandages. Peeling the jacket and the shirt off of him, I poured some hydrogen peroxide onto a swap of cotton and cleaned the wound the best I could, winching as he flinched in pain, but he made no other indication that he was conscious. The trashcan next to me was half-full of bloody cotton by the time I cleaned the wound up. Applying some anti-bacterial cream, I bandaged him up and pulled a large black t-shirt over him as I unbuckled his leg. It was as if the air was knocked out of me when I saw the small cuts littering at his muscular legs. There was dried crusty blood on almost every cut. "Mamo-chan..." I whispered sadly. Pushing aside fatigue, I picked up the hydrogen peroxide again when the phone rang. Must be mom. "Mushi mushi."
"Hey Usagi."
"Hey Mom." I cradled the phone on my shoulder as I started cleaning Mamoru's wounds.
"What are you doing?" She asked concerned when Mamoru let out a deep groan.
"Painting my nails and watching some movie." I said, not missing a beat.
"All right..." She said, not so convinced. "Your father and I are staying away later than anticipated. Shingo's still over at his friend's house and I've already called over there to see if he could stay later, so you think you'll be all right by yourself for the next two weeks?"
"Mom." I groaned, "I'm not a kid anymore." I'm actually an adult... well, mentally anyways.
She laughed, "I know, sweetheart, but like they say, you're my child when you're six, and you're still my child when you're sixty."
"Mom. I'll be fine." I assured her as I started applying the cream. Once in a while, I snuck a peek at Mamoru's face to see if he was awake, but still he didn't stir.
"All right. There's extra money in the cupboard. Love you."
"Love you too." I replaced the phone on the hook and looked at Mamoru. This wasn't the first time I've seen him sans clothing, but there's something different about him this time... something unfamiliar. I pulled the blanket up around him and bushed aside a stray hair. With a small playful smile, I kissed his forehead, "Sweet dreams, my love." As I moved from him, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.
"Tell me who you are!"
Thinking that I was discovered, "It's just Usagi..." I stammered
"Please. Every night! You come and you leave! Don't leave me. Not tonight. Please!" He begged. My heartbeat slowed, so he was having his old nightmare.
I gently shook his hand from my wrist and crawled into bed with him. "Shhh... I'm here. I won't leave you." I told him soothingly. "Not now. Not ever."
He continued to mumble, "You're the moon princess... know... promised... eternity..." He drew me flushed against his body and wrapped his arms around my tiny body, "Promised you eternity..."
I nodded and moved my hand along his arm to placid him, "Yes, my Prince."
"NO!" He yelled out almost violently. "Call me by my name! You never call me by my name!"
"Endymion..." I crooned out, "My Prince. My love, Endymion." I continued to run my hand along his forearm as both of us drifted off into a restful sleep.
****
The sunlight streamed through my blinds and I scrunched up my eyes and snuggled in towards the warm body next to me... wait a minute... warm body? The events that had happened the night before came flooding back and I forced myself to remain relaxed. Mamoru was awake. I could tell by the way his arm is tight. A small smile touched my face, I'm sleeping on his arm... he can't move... I wonder what he'll do if I move my hand here...
He let out a deep moan. I pulled my fingers back and wriggled my bottom against his hip, adding friction, letting go a small mew. Something long and hard poked at the small of my back and I hid my smile as I knew his face would be flooded with color. Slowly, I made as if I had just awoke.
Faking a yawn, I tensed my body for a second, before letting out a deep scream and jumping out of bed to see Mamoru frantically looking for a hole to hide under. "Mamoru?" I breathed out deeply, consciously, rubbing my back.
He smiled, embarrassed at his little display. "Morning... er... I'm not sure how I..."
"I found you by the road passed out. There was a nasty cut along your waist too..." I said, as if just remembering what had happened. He took in what I was wearing - a long t-shirt and what HE was wearing. I hastily reassured him, "Nothing happened." I think... Some of the best nights of my life were when we were both ASLEEP... "Um... why don't you give Ami a call, I think she'll be worried..." I gestured to the phone by my table. "I'll be outside if you need anything..." I closed the door, but didn't shut it all the way, catching snatches of their conversation from his side.
"Hey Ami... I was hurt pretty badly... no, I'm not... Usagi... will you quit interrupting and just listen?... Thank-you. As I was saying, Usagi found me and I'm at her house right now.... Yes... no, you don't have to... hello? Ami?" He let out a sigh as he replaced the phone. I could hear him getting out of bed and walking over to the door and I hastily walked down a few steps to the bathroom and turned around as if I just exited.
"Hey." I greeted him, "Did Ami say anything?
"Yeah, she's coming with the girls." He said sheepishly.
"I see... well, I'm going to make breakfast." I told him. "Bathrooms at the end of the hallway. There's an extra toothbrush and washcloth in the cabinet above the sink."
"Thanks." He grinned
I walked downstairs and started with the breakfast. Better make enough for seven people. I was just putting the tiramisu into the fridge when the doorbell rang. "Coming!" I called out. When I opened the door, there were four girls standing there. Two of them trying had to look nonchalant. One was anxious. One looked slightly pissed off. I'll let you decide who was what. "Morning Ami. Rei, Minako, Mokato." I greeted each of them.
"Morning." They all greeted in one voice. This was going to be a long morning...
+ Part Three: Discovery +
The day started off badly. Now it's just getting worse. Clutching my shoulder to my side, I applied pressure to try and stop the bleeding. Dammit! Why did I have to jump in front of Mercury when that sword came sliding through?? I slowly made my way to the arcade and banged on the door until Motoki came. He took one look at me and picked me up, depositing me on a table and told me to sit still and shut up. He'll deal with me later. "How can you be so STUPID??" He yelled as he washed the blood away with some hot water.
I hissed in pain, but didn't try and explain. With that way that he was then, explaining would have only gotten him angrier. "Use some hydrogen peroxide. It'll kill the bacteria."
"Bacteria! Do you know how many germs can get into your system? What would happen if you get an infection?? You might have to amputate your arm! THEN where would you be HUH?? DID YOU STOP AND THINK ABOUT THAT??"
I winced as his voice climbed, "Motoki..." I began, but he ignored me and continued to speak.
"Usagi, you idiot! Your mom entrusted you in my care! How would this look when she comes back and see your arm like this?? You're lucky you don't need stitches!"
I shrank away from his accusing eyes, "I'm sorry..."
"Sorry she says." He sighed out, rolling his eyes upwards.
"You're lucky that it was just me, Usagi. If it was those Senshi, you would have been..."
"USAGI??"
"Busted." We both sighed out, cringing when we saw the five of them standing there slack-jawed.
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Sorry for the long wait, I was trying to finish up 'Of Heaven and Hell' which, btw, is back! I'll update it every Thursday until I have up to speed. ^^ That way, I might be able to get back my reviews which I am desperately needing *sigh*
Anways, this chapter is long! So long that I shortened the last part ^^ There's only going to be about five chapters plus prologue and epilogue, so three more to go! Whoo-hoo!
Check out my profile for further info. Thankes!
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PG
Ryo Angel
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+ Chapter Three +
+ Part One : 'twas on the Moon +
"Usagi! Usagi!" I turned around and saw Naru running to catch up me. Rounding the corner, I stopped and let out a deep breath before walking over the corner and waited for Naru to catch up. It's been almost a month now, on and off, I've helped the Senshi battled the youmas, and like the time I was Sailor Moon, it's slowly taking its toll on me. But I miss the pace. Heavens! How I miss the pace!
"Hey Naru!" I called out to her, a huge smile on my face, "Exercising?"
Huffing and puffing, she leaned one hand against the wall and caught her breath before answering me, "Wh... where have you been all this time, Usagi?" She asked between gulps for air, "I've been looking all over for you!"
My lips curved into a wistful smile, "I've been busy is all." We started walking again, only ten more minutes until the start of school.
"Busy?" She questioned, "Doing what?"
I shrugged, "Something."
Her eyes got this light in them and she squealed, "Oh Kami! You got yourself a boyfriend!"
I frowned I wish I did. But... "No."
She was confused now, "Then why haven't I seen you around lately? Even at the arcade!"
"Oh, I've been at the arcade...." I said dismissively, at the basement where the weights and the mats are kept. Motoki and I used to practice down there almost every day when we were younger. Father didn't approve of me taking up martial arts, so Motoki taught me everyday after school when I was waiting for Akira to come pick me up.
"Where?"
"Oh, around." I told her.
It was her turn to frown, but she didn't press me. This was one to the good things that I liked about Naru - she didn't pry into my personal business, "I just wanted to invite you to the ball one of Mother's client is hosting. She said that I had to come and if I was afraid of getting bored to invite a friend."
This could prove to be interesting. I know for a fact that the Senshi would be there... along with Tuxedo Kamen. "Sure." I told her cheerfully. "When is it?"
She hesitated, "Let's go shopping after school." She made this into a half-question. I've been neglecting her lately...
"You bet!" As the rest of the day progressed, my mind turned back to the ball. I could get Mamoru to notice me then... but I would need the perfect dress. It's not that it's hard for me to FIND a dress... just don't have enough money to buy much of anything except for cloth... maybe I should just make it all. I AM a rather talented seamstress. Yes... that's exactly what I'll do! Mwhahahahahahahaha!! Must stop laughing... peers looking at me funny...
After school, Naru and I went by the arcade and I told Motoki that I wouldn't be showing up for our nightly ritual. To my amusement, Mamoru was watching us the entire time, confusion and slight anger blazing softly in his eyes. I do believe he's jealous! How quaint! "It's been a while since I went shopping with Naru." I told Motoki as I slurped up the last drop of the chocolate sundae. Chocolate... mmmm.....
His eyes narrowed a bit, but he consented. "It's good that you're not stressing out about all the other things in life." He told me in his big brother voice. I knew what he meant. He knew that I wasn't getting enough rest and it's showing in my exercises with him.
I gave a half-smile, "You worry too much." I told him as I linked arms with Naru and left the store. "Mall! Here we come!" Laughing, we caught the first bus there and wandered around for about an hour, just window whopping and comparing prices. After a snack, I noticed a store tucked away in a little corner and dragged Naru over. "Ai no Tsuki..." I grinned.
*****
I adjusted my mask as we stepped into the ballroom. I had found the exact copy of my Princess dress at the store with matching earrings and tiara. It was almost unbelievable that the prices were so affordable. I had curled my hair slightly, but left it up in my usual style. "Lots of cute guys here." I whispered to Naru.
She looked around and smiled warily, "I guess."
"What's wrong? Aren't you having fun?" I looked her in the eyes.
"I just feel strange around here... I don't know..." She sighed, "I'm going to go out for some air."
"But we just got here!" I sputtered.
"I know... I'm sorry, Usagi." She told me as she walked away. Hmm. She told me to come and now she's going away? People these days. I slowly made my way to the Princess' chambers and conveniently lost my way. "Now where do I go...?" I said when I saw Tuxedo Kamen in the corner of my eye. "Ah yes." I walked back downstairs to the dance floor, fully aware that he was following me. I slowly walked along the wall and stopped at the punch table.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
"Would you do me the honor of this dance?"
I turned around and smiled, "Of course." I accepted the blonde man's hand and watched from the corner of my eyes as Tuxedo Kamen watched us.
"You are a divine dancer." the man summered.
"Not so bad yourself." I flirted. "My name is... Serenity." Hey, I was the princess of the moon, why shouldn't I use my real name?
"Jacques. I just came fro..."
"May I cut in?" I hid my grin when Tuxedo Kamen interrupted. Jacques looked between us and nodded his consent, releasing my hand and backed away. "Milady."
"Milord." I summered as I put my left hand on his broad shoulders. Thank goodness I was wearing high heels!
"Have we met before?" He asked me as he dipped me down.
"Once perhaps. In a dream." I whispered when he held me flush against his back. When he twirled me away, I saw the Senshi positioned strategically around.
"Under the moonlight." He said, pulling me back and held me tight.
"'Twas on the moon." I told him just as the last note was struck. Releasing him, I started to walk away when he grabbed hold of my hand.
"The moon?" He asked shakily. I didn't even have to answer him because just that second, chaos broke loose. Huh. The princess had made an appearance first... interesting... I took advantage of the confusion and ran from him. Damn. I forgot that I had to fight as Moonlight today! I concealed myself behind a column and pulled out the boomerang that was attached to my thigh. Taking a tablet from my necklace, I coated the tips of the boomerang with a type of poison and waited for an opening before I flung it outwards. That was all I can do the Senshi. They had to find Sailor Moon soon.
After they dusted the youma, they left the ballroom and surrounded me before I could make my escape. "Just who the hell are you?" Mercury demanded.
The mask securely on my face, I answered with indifference, "I am who I am. Nothing more. Nothing less."
"But who ARE you?" Tuxedo Kamen asked almost desperately. Mamoru...
"Only the woman in your dreams can tell you." I said softly, "Now, if you'll excuse me..." I made to escape, but Jupiter held onto me.
"Oh no you don't!"
"Let go of me Mokato!" There! That should shock them! And indeed it did. They were stunned and once again, I took advantage of the situation and ran from them. Spotting Naru, I pulled her along and started running also. Slamming the limo shut, I directed the driver to go.
"What's going on, Usagi?" Naru asked concern etched in her face.
I shook my head breathlessly. "Don't worry about it." I closed my eyes and leaned back. Almost got caught there... wait a minute... what was Naru doing in the garden? Who was that shadow? Could it be...?
+ Part Two : Endymion... +
The next few days, I saw less and less of the Senshi and Mamoru and spent more and more time with Motoki training. "It's just... ugh.. that I can't... ergh... tell them who I am!" I slammed my fist into the boxing bag and let loose a sigh of rage. I was covered with sweat and was still feeling frustrated.
"There's something I've been meaning to ask you, Usa." Motoki started. Here it comes... "How did you know who the Senshi are anyways? They're not exactly the most public of heroines."
"I just do." I muttered, taking a swig of chocolate milk. I really should switch to water...
"I don't buy that. There has to be someth..."
"Look, Motoki, just leave it, okay?" I hissed, "It isn't up for discussion and if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a shower!" With a huff, I walked away into the showers. In all the years that I've known Motoki, I had never gotten such a temper before. Damn it! I pounded my fist against the wall of the stall and muttered a string of curses that would have made the devil proud. I scrubbed myself vigorously and rinsed myself off, feeling slightly better. When I got out of the shower and into a clean change of clothes, Motoki was already waiting with a peace offering of chocolate bananas and ice cream. I gave him a little smile.
"All's forgiven?" He asked.
I nodded, digging in, "All's forgotten." Wisely, he didn't bring the subject up again and I finished the snack just as the clock struck eight-thirty. "Crap! Mom's calling me in half a hour!" I grabbed my things and ran to the door, stopping just long enough to say good-bye. Running down the street, I could hear screaming and yelling. Running faster, I got there just in time to see the monster dusted.
"We don't need that Moonlight!" Mars boasted.
Venus and Mercury didn't look convinced as they were both breathing heavily, wounds covering their forearms... 'tis the fate of being the protector of the Moon Dynasty. Jupiter leaned against the side of a building and didn't say anything, but I could tell that she also, was out of breath and they all needed a well-deserved rest.
"Let's meet up tomorrow at the temple. For now, time to rest." Ami commanded as they transformed back.
Mokato nodded, "Yeah. You should check up on Mamoru, Ami... he had a nasty slash on the waist."
I looked up, Mamoru? I mouthed. I couldn't see him anywhere.
"I'm pretty sure he'll be fine. He hasn't been getting enough sleep lately... ever since..."
"Ever since that Moonlight showed up and confused the hell out of him!"
"Rei!" Minako scolded. "It wasn't her fault."
Rei moved to say more, but Ami held up her hand, "We're all tired. Let's just go home and rest, okay?"
They all nodded and parted their separate ways. I crept out from where I was hiding and let out a deep breath. Just then, I happened to glance at the clock, "Cripe! Mom's going to kill me!" Dashing off, I ran half-way home when I saw a man lying down on the ground... strange... that pea-colored jacket looked almost like... "Mamoru!"
***
Laying him down on the bed, I ran to the bathroom and got the first-aid kit out. Thankfully, I had stocked it full of bandages. Peeling the jacket and the shirt off of him, I poured some hydrogen peroxide onto a swap of cotton and cleaned the wound the best I could, winching as he flinched in pain, but he made no other indication that he was conscious. The trashcan next to me was half-full of bloody cotton by the time I cleaned the wound up. Applying some anti-bacterial cream, I bandaged him up and pulled a large black t-shirt over him as I unbuckled his leg. It was as if the air was knocked out of me when I saw the small cuts littering at his muscular legs. There was dried crusty blood on almost every cut. "Mamo-chan..." I whispered sadly. Pushing aside fatigue, I picked up the hydrogen peroxide again when the phone rang. Must be mom. "Mushi mushi."
"Hey Usagi."
"Hey Mom." I cradled the phone on my shoulder as I started cleaning Mamoru's wounds.
"What are you doing?" She asked concerned when Mamoru let out a deep groan.
"Painting my nails and watching some movie." I said, not missing a beat.
"All right..." She said, not so convinced. "Your father and I are staying away later than anticipated. Shingo's still over at his friend's house and I've already called over there to see if he could stay later, so you think you'll be all right by yourself for the next two weeks?"
"Mom." I groaned, "I'm not a kid anymore." I'm actually an adult... well, mentally anyways.
She laughed, "I know, sweetheart, but like they say, you're my child when you're six, and you're still my child when you're sixty."
"Mom. I'll be fine." I assured her as I started applying the cream. Once in a while, I snuck a peek at Mamoru's face to see if he was awake, but still he didn't stir.
"All right. There's extra money in the cupboard. Love you."
"Love you too." I replaced the phone on the hook and looked at Mamoru. This wasn't the first time I've seen him sans clothing, but there's something different about him this time... something unfamiliar. I pulled the blanket up around him and bushed aside a stray hair. With a small playful smile, I kissed his forehead, "Sweet dreams, my love." As I moved from him, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.
"Tell me who you are!"
Thinking that I was discovered, "It's just Usagi..." I stammered
"Please. Every night! You come and you leave! Don't leave me. Not tonight. Please!" He begged. My heartbeat slowed, so he was having his old nightmare.
I gently shook his hand from my wrist and crawled into bed with him. "Shhh... I'm here. I won't leave you." I told him soothingly. "Not now. Not ever."
He continued to mumble, "You're the moon princess... know... promised... eternity..." He drew me flushed against his body and wrapped his arms around my tiny body, "Promised you eternity..."
I nodded and moved my hand along his arm to placid him, "Yes, my Prince."
"NO!" He yelled out almost violently. "Call me by my name! You never call me by my name!"
"Endymion..." I crooned out, "My Prince. My love, Endymion." I continued to run my hand along his forearm as both of us drifted off into a restful sleep.
****
The sunlight streamed through my blinds and I scrunched up my eyes and snuggled in towards the warm body next to me... wait a minute... warm body? The events that had happened the night before came flooding back and I forced myself to remain relaxed. Mamoru was awake. I could tell by the way his arm is tight. A small smile touched my face, I'm sleeping on his arm... he can't move... I wonder what he'll do if I move my hand here...
He let out a deep moan. I pulled my fingers back and wriggled my bottom against his hip, adding friction, letting go a small mew. Something long and hard poked at the small of my back and I hid my smile as I knew his face would be flooded with color. Slowly, I made as if I had just awoke.
Faking a yawn, I tensed my body for a second, before letting out a deep scream and jumping out of bed to see Mamoru frantically looking for a hole to hide under. "Mamoru?" I breathed out deeply, consciously, rubbing my back.
He smiled, embarrassed at his little display. "Morning... er... I'm not sure how I..."
"I found you by the road passed out. There was a nasty cut along your waist too..." I said, as if just remembering what had happened. He took in what I was wearing - a long t-shirt and what HE was wearing. I hastily reassured him, "Nothing happened." I think... Some of the best nights of my life were when we were both ASLEEP... "Um... why don't you give Ami a call, I think she'll be worried..." I gestured to the phone by my table. "I'll be outside if you need anything..." I closed the door, but didn't shut it all the way, catching snatches of their conversation from his side.
"Hey Ami... I was hurt pretty badly... no, I'm not... Usagi... will you quit interrupting and just listen?... Thank-you. As I was saying, Usagi found me and I'm at her house right now.... Yes... no, you don't have to... hello? Ami?" He let out a sigh as he replaced the phone. I could hear him getting out of bed and walking over to the door and I hastily walked down a few steps to the bathroom and turned around as if I just exited.
"Hey." I greeted him, "Did Ami say anything?
"Yeah, she's coming with the girls." He said sheepishly.
"I see... well, I'm going to make breakfast." I told him. "Bathrooms at the end of the hallway. There's an extra toothbrush and washcloth in the cabinet above the sink."
"Thanks." He grinned
I walked downstairs and started with the breakfast. Better make enough for seven people. I was just putting the tiramisu into the fridge when the doorbell rang. "Coming!" I called out. When I opened the door, there were four girls standing there. Two of them trying had to look nonchalant. One was anxious. One looked slightly pissed off. I'll let you decide who was what. "Morning Ami. Rei, Minako, Mokato." I greeted each of them.
"Morning." They all greeted in one voice. This was going to be a long morning...
+ Part Three: Discovery +
The day started off badly. Now it's just getting worse. Clutching my shoulder to my side, I applied pressure to try and stop the bleeding. Dammit! Why did I have to jump in front of Mercury when that sword came sliding through?? I slowly made my way to the arcade and banged on the door until Motoki came. He took one look at me and picked me up, depositing me on a table and told me to sit still and shut up. He'll deal with me later. "How can you be so STUPID??" He yelled as he washed the blood away with some hot water.
I hissed in pain, but didn't try and explain. With that way that he was then, explaining would have only gotten him angrier. "Use some hydrogen peroxide. It'll kill the bacteria."
"Bacteria! Do you know how many germs can get into your system? What would happen if you get an infection?? You might have to amputate your arm! THEN where would you be HUH?? DID YOU STOP AND THINK ABOUT THAT??"
I winced as his voice climbed, "Motoki..." I began, but he ignored me and continued to speak.
"Usagi, you idiot! Your mom entrusted you in my care! How would this look when she comes back and see your arm like this?? You're lucky you don't need stitches!"
I shrank away from his accusing eyes, "I'm sorry..."
"Sorry she says." He sighed out, rolling his eyes upwards.
"You're lucky that it was just me, Usagi. If it was those Senshi, you would have been..."
"USAGI??"
"Busted." We both sighed out, cringing when we saw the five of them standing there slack-jawed.
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Sorry for the long wait, I was trying to finish up 'Of Heaven and Hell' which, btw, is back! I'll update it every Thursday until I have up to speed. ^^ That way, I might be able to get back my reviews which I am desperately needing *sigh*
Anways, this chapter is long! So long that I shortened the last part ^^ There's only going to be about five chapters plus prologue and epilogue, so three more to go! Whoo-hoo!
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