AN: *Pokes head out of hole she crawled into*
Hello! Is anyone still reading this fic! Well the sixth chapter of
Dangerous is finally here! Yeah I know I took forever and a year to write
this damn chapter but as appeasement it's was supposed to be realllllllly
long but to get it out I decided to cut it in half so. whatever.
To all those that actually reviewed thank you! ^_^
To everyone else -_- You get the picture! Enjoy! AN: I want to give a little warning this chapter is a bunch of scenes that go *forwardish*. There can either be a large space of time between a scene or a little and I just don't feel like writing it. You make the call. With that said, please enjoy and for the love of cheese review even if you are lactose intolerant! Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or the song, Okay? Okay!
Memories.
Usagi's body was tangled in her black silk sheets as she relived her past in her dreams. Her arms were thrown over her stomach and in her fetal position she slumbered. Snoring softly, as breath entered and left her body Usagi dreamed and remembered.
*Flash*
A calm and smiling Usagi swung open the paper door that was the entrance to Rei's room and gladly took off her shoes. The girls known as the inner senshi looked up surprised at the presence of their friend and princess. Judging by the look she had in her eyes she really didn't want to talk about it.
Walking over to the table they were seated around she calmly grabbed a cookie off the plate in the center and a pencil and paper, and proceeded to draw. She ignored the exchanging of concerned and cautious glances with that the girls also known as the inner senshi traded. They silently debated over who would ask their princess what was troubling her. All the gazes turned to Minako. Usagi watched as Mina sent what looked like a mental curse to all of them.
It was obvious she didn't want to do it either.
Carefully Minako placed the fashion magazine she was reading down on the table and approached Usagi like she was a wild animal about to attack. Now for those that didn't know Usagi she would appear perfectly normal chomping on the chocolate chip cookies but the slight tick in her left eye and the strained way she smiled at them as her hand moved over the paper revealed just how close Usagi was to exploding.
"Usagi-chan?"
The odangoed blonde looked at her near twin expectantly and waited for her to continue.
"Weren't you supposed to be on a date with Mamoru-san now?"
The pencil in Usagi's hand abruptly broke. She glanced down at it but the smile on her face never wavered. Tossing the pencil's remains over her shoulder Usagi just shrugged her shoulders dismissively and said as nonchalantly as she could, "He had to study."
They traded another conversing glance with each other and settled for giving Usagi sympathetic looks. Sensing their considerate gazes Usagi rolled her eyes. She crossed her long legs Indian style as she tried to pull down her shorts. "It's not a big deal!" she exclaimed trying to stop them from giving her those pitying looks, "You know Mamo-chan takes his studies very seriously!"
'Too damn seriously!' she thought silently, angry at having another date canceled.
"Unlike some people I know." Usagi choose to ignore Rei's muttered comment and just smiled her winning smile. She waved her hand persuasively at her friends. Still smiling she watched as they shot her another look before going back to their respective reading material. Which she noticed varied from the latest teen magazine to the advanced physics book she got Ami for her last birthday.
Unfortunately that physics book reminded Usagi of another book and more specifically the one she had been so readily set aside over. 'And yet another attempt at talking to him ruined by those damn textbooks.Ok, Usa. Change of topic!'
"So.anyway you guys know about the talent competition?"
"You guys are having a talent competition?" Rei asked bewildered.
"Oh yeah!" Mina said suddenly remembering, " I heard about it. I was going to try out but volleyball practice ran late!" She looked at Usagi with perplexed eyes and asked in a confused voice, "Why?"
In her excitement Usagi put on her first genuine smile since she'd been there, and her enthusiasm was contagious because the other girls couldn't help but grin at her earnestly happy face. She leaned forward in a conspiratory way and the girls did the same, " I invited the outers and I'm in it!"
They stared at her in silence before Rei with a stunned look on her face, asked incredulously "You?"
A wounded expression made it's way on Usagi 's face. Hurt gave way to anger as she inquired heatedly, "What is that supposed to mean?!"
Makoto tried to pacify the situation but before she could Rei had opened her big mouth again. "What can you do?" she grinned teasingly at Usagi, "Are you gonna trip and land on your face as your talent?"
The other girls laughed good-naturedly at Rei's comment.
"Just for that Hino Rei I'm not going to tell you what my talent is!" she turned to the other girls, "I just wanted to tell you, I bought you guys tickets so you wouldn't have to pay." Reaching into her purse Usagi pulled out four tickets and left them on the table.
Usagi then stiffly stood up and without a word walked out; She wouldn't let them know how that had hurt her.
Silently she walked down the many steps of the temple and she wiped away the few tears that trailed down her eyes.
*Flash*
**Flash**
Usagi watched as the red headed girl bowed to audience and exited stage left. 'She's good,' she thought, as she watched the girl brush past her without so much as a smile. That was fine with Usagi she wasn't worried anyway; sure, tap dancing while balancing spinning plates was impressive, but she was a girl on a mission!
Tentatively she peeked through the closed curtains and saw her parents sitting in the second row, her mom with one hand holding a video camera and the other arm holding her father down as he glared at anything even remotely male, while Shingo had snuck a video game in the auditorium and was ignoring everything around him. Typical.
Rolling her eyes, Usagi continued her scan of the spectators looking for a familiar head of ebony hair and one of her eyes caught Minako's. Minako being Minako waved at her and Usagi watched as a chain reaction occurred around that one action. In her enthusiasm Minako swung her arm around in typical Minako fashion accidentally hit Rei and Rei being Rei immediately began yelling at Mina, loudly, which then caused the people around them to yell at them and the other senshi to calm down Rei before she decided to throw fire at anyone.
Haruka and Michiru, whom had come back from a concert in Europe to see her, turned their heads and pretended like they didn't know them.
Usagi quietly laughed and shook her head at the all too familiar scene.
She repeated her visual search for the love of her life and was once again disappointed. Pissed beyond belief Usagi still managed to walk serenely onto the stage as the announcer called her name. For her performance Usagi had requested that the stage be completely dark except for one spotlight that was placed in the center of the podium.
She always did like being the center of attention; after all, drama was a must.
'Always make an entrance!' she thought as she walked into the light and she could hear the gasp of surprise from her friends. She silently patted herself on the back for picking the outfit she had. The black halter dress was floor length but had very high slits that were meant to show her legs and did. But because they showed so much of her legs she'd put a pair of spandex on underneath them. On her tiny feet were a pair of matching ankle strapped sandals with a three inch heel. The biggest shock to their system would probably be her hair which had been liberated from their buns for the night and curled. If it had been out straight it would have dragged on the floor and ruined her appearance. Ignoring their justified shock at her appearance she did another brief glance over of the crowd and came to the undeniable conclusion that he wasn't there.
He had forgotten again.
Tears were starting to fill her eyes but she refused to let them fall.
She had done enough crying over that man already.
Tonight was her night.
Strolling silently to the microphone she took it off the stand and took a deep breath. "This song is dedicated to a very special person. He's not here right now but." she swallowed her tears and hope almost clogged her throat as she continued, "maybe he'll hear it anyway." Closing her eyes Usagi slowly began to sing her song.
When I'm lost in the rain In your eyes I know I'll find the light To light my way
The senshi stared at Usagi in shock as the beautiful sultry soprano voice flooded the auditorium and held everyone captivated. The two dignified outers weren't sure what to expect when Usagi called them but this wasn't it. In the song Usagi put her whole heart and soul in it, fervently believing that even if he wasn't there. Somehow her Mamoru would hear it.
When I'm scared. losing ground When my world is going crazy. You can turn it all
And when I'm down your there Pushing me to the top You're always there Giving me all you've got
For a shield From the storm For a friend. For a love to keep me safe and warm I turn to you
For the strength. To be strong For the will to carry. On.
For everything you do For everything that's true I turn to you
Usagi opened her eyes slightly and took in the stunned faces of her senshi. Pride filled her as she saw Rei gaping with her mouth open. She continued to sing with her soul and showed them what a beautiful sounds like.
When I lose The will to win. I just reach for you And I can reach. The sky again
I can do... anything Cause your love amazing Cause your love inspires me
And when I need a friend You're always by my side Giving me faith taking me through the night
For a shield from the storm For a friend For a love to keep safe and warm I turn to you.
For the strength To be strong For the will to carry on.
Usagi cradled the microphone in her hand as she tilted her head back to sing the correct key. Her voice dove and raised to produce a stunning effect that had everyone riveted.
For everything you do For everything that's true I turn to you
For the arms to be my shelter Through all the rain For truth that will never change For someone to lean on! For a heart I can rely on through anything For the one who. I can run to!
For a shield from the storm For a friend For a love to keep me safe and warm I turn to you
For the strength to be strong For the will to carry on For everything you do For everything that's true
For everything you do For everything that's true I turn to you.
Usagi sung the last note softly and almost quietly. As soon as she was done she bowed low and exited stage left. The crowd sat in silence before Rei stood up and began clapping, snapping out the stupor Usagi had put them in. Mina jumped and started wildly clapping. Soon the entire auditorium was standing up. Closing her eyes Usagi listened to the applause and she felt joy and sorrow as mixed tears fell down her face.
Everything happened in rush after that. At one point she pushed back onto the stage and had some award shoved at her. She just smiled and later was surrounded by her friends.
"You were fabulous, Usagi-chan!" Mina squealed enthused as she hugged Usagi tightly.
"And you looked good enough to eat!" Haruka said to Usagi giving her a flirty smile. A flaming blush erupted on Usagi's face and Michiru slapped Haruka in the back of her head on reflex before smiled serenely at Usagi.
"She's right though. You looked absolutely beautiful." Usagi blushed prettily and had what looked like a permanent smile on her face until she saw her father. She quickly jumped behind Haruka's tall form and tried desperately to hide. Deadly monsters she could handle, her father on the other hand.
After a few minutes passed Usagi peeked over Haruka's shoulder, "Is he gone?"
"No." Usagi squeaked and turned around to see the stern face of Kenji Tsukino. However before he could start Usagi was swept into another hug, this time the comforting arms of her mother were around her as she cried how her baby was growing up. Usagi patted her mother's shoulder and sent desperate looks at her senshi.
All of them looked away.
'Lot of protection they are!' she thought angrily as Usagi glared at all of their backs as her father glared at her mother for stopping his tirade. As soon as Ikuko let go Kenji glared at his daughter and Usagi did the first thing that came to mind.
Her eyes went watery and her lip quivered slightly as she said in a tiny voice, "I love you, Daddy."
Kenji's heart melted just like it always did when Usagi did that. As he went to hug her Usagi could hear the snickering of her senshi. She blew a silent raspberry at them over her father's shoulder.
"Daddy?" she asked still in cute mode.
"Yes, Princess?" Again she heard the snickers of her senshi and even the sophisticated outers were grinning behind their hands. Again she glowered at them.
"Daddy, is alright if I have Haruka-san and Michiru-san drive me home later? I want to celebrate my trophy with my friends", hopeful blue eyes stared at him and Kenji was helpless but to nod his head. She squealed and threw her arms around his neck before grabbing a surprised Haruka in one hand and an amused Michiru in the other.
Jumping into the backseat of Haruka's yellow convertible. Usagi wrapped her arms around her trophy and adorably hugged it. Michiru turned around in her seat and smiled at the picture Usagi made, "Where to Hime-chan or do we really need to ask?" she said playfully. Usagi blushed again.
"Usagi," she said on reflex, "Am I that transparent?" Usagi asked dejectedly.
"Your as clear as that crystal of yours." Haruka said as she looked at Usagi through the rearview mirror. "Don't worry we'll get you to Mamoru- san's safely."
Putting her safety in their hands Usagi closed her eyes and sighed happily. This had been a pretty good night so far and hopefully it would end better were her thoughts as she felt the wind caressing her unbound hair and her golden strands danced wildly in the breeze. The car stopped and Usagi jumped out of the backseat and turned around. "Thanks for the ride." She said walking towards the apartment building.
"Do you want us to wait?" Haruka asked worried for her princess's safety, Usagi just shook her head.
"No. I'll get Mamo-chan to drive me home." She said surely, "I'll call you guys tomorrow. Maybe we could do a picnic or something?" she asked optimistically.
Michiru smiled at Usagi's enthusiasm, "Sure, Usagi-chan. Ja ne!"
"See ya, Koneko-chan!" Haruka saluted as she and Michiru drove away.
Running towards Mamoru's apartment building, she nodded towards the guard and ran towards the elevator. Slipping between the closing doors Usagi pressed Mamoru's floor and waited. Taking out her key she slipped it into the lock and slowly opened the door. Chances were he had fallen asleep studying and that was why he had missed her song.
'He'd better have.' she thought threateningly.
Usagi unbuckled her white sandals and slipped on her house slippers. As she passed by the mirror she saw that her hair was wild but she looked decent so she choose to ignore it. She walked into the living room expecting to see Mamoru asleep on his couch.
She was very disappointed.
Mamoru was on his couch but not asleep.
And he wasn't alone.
A woman who looked to be about eighteen was pressed up against him, batting her eyes seductively and trying very hard to kiss him.
Usagi saw red.
Walking over to the couple she pulled the girl off of Mamoru and slapped him across the face.
"YOU!" she said to the girl, "Leave. Now." She commanded as her tone left no room for any type of argument and she watched every movement the girl made as she picked up her books, her things and left.
Taking a deep breath Usagi tried to calm herself down. It didn't work and out of frustration she screamed. Needless to say Mamoru was getting just a little frightened of his bunny.
Now calmed she turned to look Mamoru directly in the eye.
"I'm tired." Suddenly feeling drained Usagi sank down into the couch, holding her head trying to keep the tears from falling. "Mamo-chan, I am tired of this." She pointed to both of them.
"Usako, what do you mean?" he asked suddenly more afraid of the calm Usagi than the yelling one.
"You know what I mean!" she yelled shooting up from her seated position, "I'm tired of constantly being your second priority!"
Seeing his puzzled expression, she looked at him in disbelief, "You cannot be so dense as to tell me that you don't put me second to everything. Here I can name a few!" she said bringing up her hand to count off, "One, your stupid dreams. Two, ChibiUsa. Never mind the fact that without me the brat won't be born."
Mamoru looked like he was about to defend their future offspring when a snarl escaped Usagi's throat and he thought better of it.
A slightly insane giggle escaped Usagi's mouth as she held up her third finger, "And for the grand finale, I'm runner-up to a bunch of textbooks. Inanimate objects! They don't hug you. They don't kiss you. Yet for some reason they're still better than me!!" she finished her rant screaming.
"I love you but I'm not sure if I can do this anymore." Watery pools looked up at him with a mixture of devotion and sorrow, " I don't want to be in a relationship or live my life feeling like I'm always gonna be second best."
"Usako, we didn't do anything! I tried--"
"Mamo-chan, this isn't about her," she said interrupting him before he could finish his next sentence, "This is about me."
With a thoughtful expression on her delicate face, she verbalized a thought, "Maybe what you need--", she corrected herself mid-sentence, "What we need is some time apart to figure things out."
Silence filled the apartment as Mamoru stood stock still in shock. Walking over to him she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm always gonna love you", Usagi declared passionately before hurriedly gathered her things and left. Walking to the elevator her face was composed and she walked with a cool air around her.
Calmly she walked to a phone booth, distantly she realized that it was the same booth she had cried her heart out in almost 3 years prior. There wasn't going to be a repeat performance of the day. She had more dignity now.
With that thought in mind Usagi picked up the phone and dialed a very familiar number. She listened to the phone ringing twice before a very masculine voice answered, "Moshi Moshi"
"Daddy?" Even though she wasn't crying her voice still sounded like it was filled with tears.
"Usagi?"
"Yes. Daddy, can you come pick me up?" at the last word her voice cracked and she could start to feel the tears filling threatening to fall but through determination she refused to let them. Instantly in protective mode, her father had demanded the address and replied he'd be there in 5 minutes. Stepping out of the phone booth Usagi walked back and forth in front of the booth, mainly because there was a street light there. Knowing her father would be there soon all she had to do was keep cool until he got there.
Less than 4 minutes later, Kenji pulled over and parked their family car right in front of Usagi before jumping out and pulling her into a hug. In the loving embrace of her father, Usagi finally allowed herself to cry. Tears soaked his shirt and jacket and yet he didn't say anything. He just held her rubbing her back softly and trying to calm her down. Slowly the tears stopped and a series of sniffles followed.
"Are you okay, now?" he asked concernedly as he pulled away slightly from the strangle hold Usagi had on him. A sniffle and a nod later he took a handkerchief out of his pocket and gently wiped the tear stains from her face. Her cheeks were flushed from her crying but she held a peaceful aura around herself. "You ready to go home?"
"No. Can't we just take a little walk instead?" she asked shyly glancing at him from behind her lashes.
It was a slow walk and neither father nor daughter breathed a word to each other.
They were about three blocks away from the car when two hands shot out of an alley and dragged a screaming Usagi into it. Squinting in the dimness of the alley Usagi could only make out two figures and only two things were visible. Both looked like males. And both of their eye's were glowing. Eyes wide in fear Usagi could only shut her eyes as she felt the cold breath of the beings on her exposed neck. But at the sound of a fight her eyes instantly opened and she watched in astonishment as her father grappled with one of the beings. The one holding her to the wall watched in amusement as her father fought and horror filled her as she watched the one laugh as her father was flung into the concrete and a snap was heard.
"NO!!!!!!!!" Her piercing screams stopped the vampires laughter as a brilliant gold light surrounded her body. The one holding her dropped his hands as his fingers and palms began to melt from contact with the light. Starring at her floating form and shaking they tried to stagger to the entrance of the alley but Usagi wouldn't allow it.
With an ease that she had never before achieved, Usagi guided her powers, her light, and made it circle the vampires. Disregarding them for the moment she walked over to her father's prone body, she bent down.
Blood seeped out of a wound she couldn't see and stained the alley floor. Gingerly Usagi moved her father's head that was bent at an odd angle, into her lap. And began rocking him gently.
**Flash**
The sharp crack of her father's head hitting the floor, repeated itself over and over in Usagi's head. Tossing her head side to side, delicate hands clenched her sheets and sweat began to form on her body as Usagi tried to mentally banish the sounds and sights of that night.
AN: Okay, now that I have a chapter out, do you guys still love me? And if you say no I'll cry and it'll be all your fault!!! Review! Flame! Praise! Whatever, just do something!
To everyone else -_- You get the picture! Enjoy! AN: I want to give a little warning this chapter is a bunch of scenes that go *forwardish*. There can either be a large space of time between a scene or a little and I just don't feel like writing it. You make the call. With that said, please enjoy and for the love of cheese review even if you are lactose intolerant! Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or the song, Okay? Okay!
Memories.
Usagi's body was tangled in her black silk sheets as she relived her past in her dreams. Her arms were thrown over her stomach and in her fetal position she slumbered. Snoring softly, as breath entered and left her body Usagi dreamed and remembered.
*Flash*
A calm and smiling Usagi swung open the paper door that was the entrance to Rei's room and gladly took off her shoes. The girls known as the inner senshi looked up surprised at the presence of their friend and princess. Judging by the look she had in her eyes she really didn't want to talk about it.
Walking over to the table they were seated around she calmly grabbed a cookie off the plate in the center and a pencil and paper, and proceeded to draw. She ignored the exchanging of concerned and cautious glances with that the girls also known as the inner senshi traded. They silently debated over who would ask their princess what was troubling her. All the gazes turned to Minako. Usagi watched as Mina sent what looked like a mental curse to all of them.
It was obvious she didn't want to do it either.
Carefully Minako placed the fashion magazine she was reading down on the table and approached Usagi like she was a wild animal about to attack. Now for those that didn't know Usagi she would appear perfectly normal chomping on the chocolate chip cookies but the slight tick in her left eye and the strained way she smiled at them as her hand moved over the paper revealed just how close Usagi was to exploding.
"Usagi-chan?"
The odangoed blonde looked at her near twin expectantly and waited for her to continue.
"Weren't you supposed to be on a date with Mamoru-san now?"
The pencil in Usagi's hand abruptly broke. She glanced down at it but the smile on her face never wavered. Tossing the pencil's remains over her shoulder Usagi just shrugged her shoulders dismissively and said as nonchalantly as she could, "He had to study."
They traded another conversing glance with each other and settled for giving Usagi sympathetic looks. Sensing their considerate gazes Usagi rolled her eyes. She crossed her long legs Indian style as she tried to pull down her shorts. "It's not a big deal!" she exclaimed trying to stop them from giving her those pitying looks, "You know Mamo-chan takes his studies very seriously!"
'Too damn seriously!' she thought silently, angry at having another date canceled.
"Unlike some people I know." Usagi choose to ignore Rei's muttered comment and just smiled her winning smile. She waved her hand persuasively at her friends. Still smiling she watched as they shot her another look before going back to their respective reading material. Which she noticed varied from the latest teen magazine to the advanced physics book she got Ami for her last birthday.
Unfortunately that physics book reminded Usagi of another book and more specifically the one she had been so readily set aside over. 'And yet another attempt at talking to him ruined by those damn textbooks.Ok, Usa. Change of topic!'
"So.anyway you guys know about the talent competition?"
"You guys are having a talent competition?" Rei asked bewildered.
"Oh yeah!" Mina said suddenly remembering, " I heard about it. I was going to try out but volleyball practice ran late!" She looked at Usagi with perplexed eyes and asked in a confused voice, "Why?"
In her excitement Usagi put on her first genuine smile since she'd been there, and her enthusiasm was contagious because the other girls couldn't help but grin at her earnestly happy face. She leaned forward in a conspiratory way and the girls did the same, " I invited the outers and I'm in it!"
They stared at her in silence before Rei with a stunned look on her face, asked incredulously "You?"
A wounded expression made it's way on Usagi 's face. Hurt gave way to anger as she inquired heatedly, "What is that supposed to mean?!"
Makoto tried to pacify the situation but before she could Rei had opened her big mouth again. "What can you do?" she grinned teasingly at Usagi, "Are you gonna trip and land on your face as your talent?"
The other girls laughed good-naturedly at Rei's comment.
"Just for that Hino Rei I'm not going to tell you what my talent is!" she turned to the other girls, "I just wanted to tell you, I bought you guys tickets so you wouldn't have to pay." Reaching into her purse Usagi pulled out four tickets and left them on the table.
Usagi then stiffly stood up and without a word walked out; She wouldn't let them know how that had hurt her.
Silently she walked down the many steps of the temple and she wiped away the few tears that trailed down her eyes.
*Flash*
**Flash**
Usagi watched as the red headed girl bowed to audience and exited stage left. 'She's good,' she thought, as she watched the girl brush past her without so much as a smile. That was fine with Usagi she wasn't worried anyway; sure, tap dancing while balancing spinning plates was impressive, but she was a girl on a mission!
Tentatively she peeked through the closed curtains and saw her parents sitting in the second row, her mom with one hand holding a video camera and the other arm holding her father down as he glared at anything even remotely male, while Shingo had snuck a video game in the auditorium and was ignoring everything around him. Typical.
Rolling her eyes, Usagi continued her scan of the spectators looking for a familiar head of ebony hair and one of her eyes caught Minako's. Minako being Minako waved at her and Usagi watched as a chain reaction occurred around that one action. In her enthusiasm Minako swung her arm around in typical Minako fashion accidentally hit Rei and Rei being Rei immediately began yelling at Mina, loudly, which then caused the people around them to yell at them and the other senshi to calm down Rei before she decided to throw fire at anyone.
Haruka and Michiru, whom had come back from a concert in Europe to see her, turned their heads and pretended like they didn't know them.
Usagi quietly laughed and shook her head at the all too familiar scene.
She repeated her visual search for the love of her life and was once again disappointed. Pissed beyond belief Usagi still managed to walk serenely onto the stage as the announcer called her name. For her performance Usagi had requested that the stage be completely dark except for one spotlight that was placed in the center of the podium.
She always did like being the center of attention; after all, drama was a must.
'Always make an entrance!' she thought as she walked into the light and she could hear the gasp of surprise from her friends. She silently patted herself on the back for picking the outfit she had. The black halter dress was floor length but had very high slits that were meant to show her legs and did. But because they showed so much of her legs she'd put a pair of spandex on underneath them. On her tiny feet were a pair of matching ankle strapped sandals with a three inch heel. The biggest shock to their system would probably be her hair which had been liberated from their buns for the night and curled. If it had been out straight it would have dragged on the floor and ruined her appearance. Ignoring their justified shock at her appearance she did another brief glance over of the crowd and came to the undeniable conclusion that he wasn't there.
He had forgotten again.
Tears were starting to fill her eyes but she refused to let them fall.
She had done enough crying over that man already.
Tonight was her night.
Strolling silently to the microphone she took it off the stand and took a deep breath. "This song is dedicated to a very special person. He's not here right now but." she swallowed her tears and hope almost clogged her throat as she continued, "maybe he'll hear it anyway." Closing her eyes Usagi slowly began to sing her song.
When I'm lost in the rain In your eyes I know I'll find the light To light my way
The senshi stared at Usagi in shock as the beautiful sultry soprano voice flooded the auditorium and held everyone captivated. The two dignified outers weren't sure what to expect when Usagi called them but this wasn't it. In the song Usagi put her whole heart and soul in it, fervently believing that even if he wasn't there. Somehow her Mamoru would hear it.
When I'm scared. losing ground When my world is going crazy. You can turn it all
And when I'm down your there Pushing me to the top You're always there Giving me all you've got
For a shield From the storm For a friend. For a love to keep me safe and warm I turn to you
For the strength. To be strong For the will to carry. On.
For everything you do For everything that's true I turn to you
Usagi opened her eyes slightly and took in the stunned faces of her senshi. Pride filled her as she saw Rei gaping with her mouth open. She continued to sing with her soul and showed them what a beautiful sounds like.
When I lose The will to win. I just reach for you And I can reach. The sky again
I can do... anything Cause your love amazing Cause your love inspires me
And when I need a friend You're always by my side Giving me faith taking me through the night
For a shield from the storm For a friend For a love to keep safe and warm I turn to you.
For the strength To be strong For the will to carry on.
Usagi cradled the microphone in her hand as she tilted her head back to sing the correct key. Her voice dove and raised to produce a stunning effect that had everyone riveted.
For everything you do For everything that's true I turn to you
For the arms to be my shelter Through all the rain For truth that will never change For someone to lean on! For a heart I can rely on through anything For the one who. I can run to!
For a shield from the storm For a friend For a love to keep me safe and warm I turn to you
For the strength to be strong For the will to carry on For everything you do For everything that's true
For everything you do For everything that's true I turn to you.
Usagi sung the last note softly and almost quietly. As soon as she was done she bowed low and exited stage left. The crowd sat in silence before Rei stood up and began clapping, snapping out the stupor Usagi had put them in. Mina jumped and started wildly clapping. Soon the entire auditorium was standing up. Closing her eyes Usagi listened to the applause and she felt joy and sorrow as mixed tears fell down her face.
Everything happened in rush after that. At one point she pushed back onto the stage and had some award shoved at her. She just smiled and later was surrounded by her friends.
"You were fabulous, Usagi-chan!" Mina squealed enthused as she hugged Usagi tightly.
"And you looked good enough to eat!" Haruka said to Usagi giving her a flirty smile. A flaming blush erupted on Usagi's face and Michiru slapped Haruka in the back of her head on reflex before smiled serenely at Usagi.
"She's right though. You looked absolutely beautiful." Usagi blushed prettily and had what looked like a permanent smile on her face until she saw her father. She quickly jumped behind Haruka's tall form and tried desperately to hide. Deadly monsters she could handle, her father on the other hand.
After a few minutes passed Usagi peeked over Haruka's shoulder, "Is he gone?"
"No." Usagi squeaked and turned around to see the stern face of Kenji Tsukino. However before he could start Usagi was swept into another hug, this time the comforting arms of her mother were around her as she cried how her baby was growing up. Usagi patted her mother's shoulder and sent desperate looks at her senshi.
All of them looked away.
'Lot of protection they are!' she thought angrily as Usagi glared at all of their backs as her father glared at her mother for stopping his tirade. As soon as Ikuko let go Kenji glared at his daughter and Usagi did the first thing that came to mind.
Her eyes went watery and her lip quivered slightly as she said in a tiny voice, "I love you, Daddy."
Kenji's heart melted just like it always did when Usagi did that. As he went to hug her Usagi could hear the snickering of her senshi. She blew a silent raspberry at them over her father's shoulder.
"Daddy?" she asked still in cute mode.
"Yes, Princess?" Again she heard the snickers of her senshi and even the sophisticated outers were grinning behind their hands. Again she glowered at them.
"Daddy, is alright if I have Haruka-san and Michiru-san drive me home later? I want to celebrate my trophy with my friends", hopeful blue eyes stared at him and Kenji was helpless but to nod his head. She squealed and threw her arms around his neck before grabbing a surprised Haruka in one hand and an amused Michiru in the other.
Jumping into the backseat of Haruka's yellow convertible. Usagi wrapped her arms around her trophy and adorably hugged it. Michiru turned around in her seat and smiled at the picture Usagi made, "Where to Hime-chan or do we really need to ask?" she said playfully. Usagi blushed again.
"Usagi," she said on reflex, "Am I that transparent?" Usagi asked dejectedly.
"Your as clear as that crystal of yours." Haruka said as she looked at Usagi through the rearview mirror. "Don't worry we'll get you to Mamoru- san's safely."
Putting her safety in their hands Usagi closed her eyes and sighed happily. This had been a pretty good night so far and hopefully it would end better were her thoughts as she felt the wind caressing her unbound hair and her golden strands danced wildly in the breeze. The car stopped and Usagi jumped out of the backseat and turned around. "Thanks for the ride." She said walking towards the apartment building.
"Do you want us to wait?" Haruka asked worried for her princess's safety, Usagi just shook her head.
"No. I'll get Mamo-chan to drive me home." She said surely, "I'll call you guys tomorrow. Maybe we could do a picnic or something?" she asked optimistically.
Michiru smiled at Usagi's enthusiasm, "Sure, Usagi-chan. Ja ne!"
"See ya, Koneko-chan!" Haruka saluted as she and Michiru drove away.
Running towards Mamoru's apartment building, she nodded towards the guard and ran towards the elevator. Slipping between the closing doors Usagi pressed Mamoru's floor and waited. Taking out her key she slipped it into the lock and slowly opened the door. Chances were he had fallen asleep studying and that was why he had missed her song.
'He'd better have.' she thought threateningly.
Usagi unbuckled her white sandals and slipped on her house slippers. As she passed by the mirror she saw that her hair was wild but she looked decent so she choose to ignore it. She walked into the living room expecting to see Mamoru asleep on his couch.
She was very disappointed.
Mamoru was on his couch but not asleep.
And he wasn't alone.
A woman who looked to be about eighteen was pressed up against him, batting her eyes seductively and trying very hard to kiss him.
Usagi saw red.
Walking over to the couple she pulled the girl off of Mamoru and slapped him across the face.
"YOU!" she said to the girl, "Leave. Now." She commanded as her tone left no room for any type of argument and she watched every movement the girl made as she picked up her books, her things and left.
Taking a deep breath Usagi tried to calm herself down. It didn't work and out of frustration she screamed. Needless to say Mamoru was getting just a little frightened of his bunny.
Now calmed she turned to look Mamoru directly in the eye.
"I'm tired." Suddenly feeling drained Usagi sank down into the couch, holding her head trying to keep the tears from falling. "Mamo-chan, I am tired of this." She pointed to both of them.
"Usako, what do you mean?" he asked suddenly more afraid of the calm Usagi than the yelling one.
"You know what I mean!" she yelled shooting up from her seated position, "I'm tired of constantly being your second priority!"
Seeing his puzzled expression, she looked at him in disbelief, "You cannot be so dense as to tell me that you don't put me second to everything. Here I can name a few!" she said bringing up her hand to count off, "One, your stupid dreams. Two, ChibiUsa. Never mind the fact that without me the brat won't be born."
Mamoru looked like he was about to defend their future offspring when a snarl escaped Usagi's throat and he thought better of it.
A slightly insane giggle escaped Usagi's mouth as she held up her third finger, "And for the grand finale, I'm runner-up to a bunch of textbooks. Inanimate objects! They don't hug you. They don't kiss you. Yet for some reason they're still better than me!!" she finished her rant screaming.
"I love you but I'm not sure if I can do this anymore." Watery pools looked up at him with a mixture of devotion and sorrow, " I don't want to be in a relationship or live my life feeling like I'm always gonna be second best."
"Usako, we didn't do anything! I tried--"
"Mamo-chan, this isn't about her," she said interrupting him before he could finish his next sentence, "This is about me."
With a thoughtful expression on her delicate face, she verbalized a thought, "Maybe what you need--", she corrected herself mid-sentence, "What we need is some time apart to figure things out."
Silence filled the apartment as Mamoru stood stock still in shock. Walking over to him she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm always gonna love you", Usagi declared passionately before hurriedly gathered her things and left. Walking to the elevator her face was composed and she walked with a cool air around her.
Calmly she walked to a phone booth, distantly she realized that it was the same booth she had cried her heart out in almost 3 years prior. There wasn't going to be a repeat performance of the day. She had more dignity now.
With that thought in mind Usagi picked up the phone and dialed a very familiar number. She listened to the phone ringing twice before a very masculine voice answered, "Moshi Moshi"
"Daddy?" Even though she wasn't crying her voice still sounded like it was filled with tears.
"Usagi?"
"Yes. Daddy, can you come pick me up?" at the last word her voice cracked and she could start to feel the tears filling threatening to fall but through determination she refused to let them. Instantly in protective mode, her father had demanded the address and replied he'd be there in 5 minutes. Stepping out of the phone booth Usagi walked back and forth in front of the booth, mainly because there was a street light there. Knowing her father would be there soon all she had to do was keep cool until he got there.
Less than 4 minutes later, Kenji pulled over and parked their family car right in front of Usagi before jumping out and pulling her into a hug. In the loving embrace of her father, Usagi finally allowed herself to cry. Tears soaked his shirt and jacket and yet he didn't say anything. He just held her rubbing her back softly and trying to calm her down. Slowly the tears stopped and a series of sniffles followed.
"Are you okay, now?" he asked concernedly as he pulled away slightly from the strangle hold Usagi had on him. A sniffle and a nod later he took a handkerchief out of his pocket and gently wiped the tear stains from her face. Her cheeks were flushed from her crying but she held a peaceful aura around herself. "You ready to go home?"
"No. Can't we just take a little walk instead?" she asked shyly glancing at him from behind her lashes.
It was a slow walk and neither father nor daughter breathed a word to each other.
They were about three blocks away from the car when two hands shot out of an alley and dragged a screaming Usagi into it. Squinting in the dimness of the alley Usagi could only make out two figures and only two things were visible. Both looked like males. And both of their eye's were glowing. Eyes wide in fear Usagi could only shut her eyes as she felt the cold breath of the beings on her exposed neck. But at the sound of a fight her eyes instantly opened and she watched in astonishment as her father grappled with one of the beings. The one holding her to the wall watched in amusement as her father fought and horror filled her as she watched the one laugh as her father was flung into the concrete and a snap was heard.
"NO!!!!!!!!" Her piercing screams stopped the vampires laughter as a brilliant gold light surrounded her body. The one holding her dropped his hands as his fingers and palms began to melt from contact with the light. Starring at her floating form and shaking they tried to stagger to the entrance of the alley but Usagi wouldn't allow it.
With an ease that she had never before achieved, Usagi guided her powers, her light, and made it circle the vampires. Disregarding them for the moment she walked over to her father's prone body, she bent down.
Blood seeped out of a wound she couldn't see and stained the alley floor. Gingerly Usagi moved her father's head that was bent at an odd angle, into her lap. And began rocking him gently.
**Flash**
The sharp crack of her father's head hitting the floor, repeated itself over and over in Usagi's head. Tossing her head side to side, delicate hands clenched her sheets and sweat began to form on her body as Usagi tried to mentally banish the sounds and sights of that night.
AN: Okay, now that I have a chapter out, do you guys still love me? And if you say no I'll cry and it'll be all your fault!!! Review! Flame! Praise! Whatever, just do something!
