Well, here is an update...it's a lot shorter than what I meant it to be,
but I am not sure I want to add anymore to what's going on here. I think
if I do, I might ruin it ^^; We'll see how I feel after I post it. If I
replace it later on though, don't be surprised, LOL. I'm fussy about stuff
like this. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this update! College is starting up
again for me next week, so I don't know how often I can actually update
this, but I promise to make a good effort once a month, as I've been doing
since I posted the first chapter. Please R/R and be as honest/open as you
like!
Regret
Mamoru looked around his small apartment. His bags were stacked neatly in the corner near the door. Walking around inside for one last time, he nodded with satisfaction. The owners should have no reason to complain - the apartment looked spotless, as though he had never lived there. Checking his watch, he wondered what to do next. He still had an hour and a half before the cab arrived to take him to the hotel for the next few days or so. Walking into the bedroom, he regarded the photograph on nightstand, the one possession that hadn't been packed away. Picking it up, Mamoru studied it silently.
"Usako..."
She looks so happy in this picture with me, he thought. Her eyes, her smile, everything about her is brimming with happiness. Mamoru gently set the picture back down on the nightstand. He knew the deep down he would always care for her, his Moon Princess. It was nearly impossible for his heart and mind to forget their past life together, as Serenity and Endymion. He'd even been granted a glimpse into his own future with the arrival of Chibiusa, his future daughter. Yet, these two years in America had him feeling some strong doubts. Was this what he truly wanted? Did he really want to be the king of 30th Century Crystal Tokyo? His sapphire eyes narrowed as he remembered the appearance of Three Lights. Nothing has been the same since they came into our lives...nothing. Mamoru was surprised at how bitter he felt, but he did not brush away the emotion. Usako and I were perfectly happy together until they came...while I am glad Seiya was there for her, supporting her while I was gone, I am also angry that he pursued her so relentlessly. He had no honor in doing so! Mamoru's eyes were dangerous as his hands clenched into two tight fists.
In an effort to calm down, Mamoru walked into the small bathroom that was off the bedroom. Splashing a bit of cold water on his face, he felt almost instantaneously better. Drying off, he studied his face in the mirror. He knew, had always known, that his face was the object of many women's desires. It was a chiseled face with a finely sculpted nose and mouth. Looking deeply into his own eyes, he could see the plethora of emotions that were reflected from within. Amidst the anger and the sadness was a love that loomed larger than life. Mamoru didn't delude himself into thinking it wasn't for Usagi.
Mamoru sighed and walked again into the sparsely furnished living area. Sitting down on a rather uncomfortable chaise lounger, he stared out the window into nothingness. His sapphire eyes were blank as he thought about his various lives. Prince Endymion, Mamoru Chiba, King Endymion of 30th Century Crystal Tokyo...what was it all for? He remembered how much he had disliked Usagi when they first met. She had been nothing but another air- headed annoyance to him. But when our memories were revived...I experienced a love that I had never even dreamt could exist. Staring at his hands, Mamoru wondered if such a love was truly meant to be, or if he was merely feeling residue of his past life and the burden of duty from his future existence. Do I really love her? Or is this just...obligation. What an ugly word, obligation... Mamoru's head dropped so low that his chin nearly touched his broad chest. Was it all for the sake of duty, this love? Was it because he had been told several times that he and Usagi were meant to be together, that he had to love her because it was their destiny?
A single red rose materialized in his right hand. Mamoru studied it, wondering why he had been given this power. The rose was perfect. Its petals were flawlessly shaped; its leaves were a deep green. The scent it gave off was heady and intoxicating, almost overwhelming him. This rose is so beautiful...and yet it has the power to inflict pain, a power that comes from my own hands... Crushing the rose in his hand, Mamoru again bowed his head low, his breathing raspy. His heart ached so badly and was beating so fast that he thought it might leap out of his chest. Obligation...
"GODDAMN IT ALL!" Mamoru's voice rang throughout the small apartment. "Goddamn it all to hell! Obligation...duty...I don't want any of it...I never ASKED for any of this!" Sobbing he collapsed on the floor. His hands were clenched so tightly that his arms trembled. He felt sick. Sweat dripped off his forehead and the tip of his nose, darkening his already black shirt with droplets here and there. His vision swam as the tears flowed freely. "Usako...Usako why does it have to be this way? Why? I just don't understand anymore...why did he have to come and ruin everything between us? Why?" Mamoru's voice was hoarse as he called out to her. "Usako...is this love or obligation? Do you have the same doubts as I? Please tell me, Usako..." Mamoru lay his head down on the floor, crying quietly. "If only I had known...I would never have left your side...I only wanted to make myself better for you, Usako, for us...I just wanted to be able to provide a good future for you and me!"
Through the haze of tears an image of Usagi stood before Mamoru, its arms behind its back and its mouth fixed in that sweet smile she always wore. The pain in his chest was unbearable as he reached out towards the hallucination. His fingers seemed to almost brush against the blue fabric of its skirt before it vanished, leaving him feeling even more bereft than before.
Curling up into the fetal position, Mamoru tried to block out his thoughts and emotions as best he could. It was all beginning to bear down upon him too heavily. He moaned in grief as he remembered his trip back to Japan for Usagi's family's funeral. He had tried to be strong for her, tried to protect her all these years, and in the end she ended up being alone anyhow. He rationalized his choice to come back to the United States by saying it was for the both of them, for their future together. Deep in his heart however, he knew that he made the choice to come back because of a picture he'd found tucked away in a comic book on Usagi's shelf in her room. Despite the many tear drops that marred the figure dressed in red, Mamoru had known instantly who it was, and his heart had plunged into an icy cold abyss, leaving him with the feeling that he was drowning without hope of rescue.
It was the blackest day of his life.
The sun peered through the Venetian blinds, shining brightly upon black hair. All that could be heard was the sound of Mamoru's soft sobs as they reverberated off the walls of the small apartment.
***
"So...how are things between you and Mamoru-san?" Seiya carefully asked the question he had been dreading, trying to appear stoic as he sipped his tea. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Usagi for her reaction, hoping she didn't notice the slight tremor in his voice. A knot began to form in his stomach when she spoke.
"Oh, well, things have been going very well between Mamo-chan and me." Seiya nodded curtly, the knot in his stomach tightening even more. "I write to him daily about my life here, and I receive at least three letters and two phone calls from him every week. Sometimes I call him, but it's mostly only to say good night. It's just easier for him to call me when he has free time instead of me guessing if he's available or not." Seiya nodded again, afraid that if he spoke his voice would crack. His chest felt as though it would burst open and the knot in his stomach was painfully tight. Making sure to keep his hand steady, he placed his tea cup down upon its saucer carefully before straightening himself up again.
"Ah, so he is nearing the completion of his studies in America then, is he?"
"Hai. He has completed his research and is now going to come back home to finish his education. I am really excited - it's been about three months since I last saw him." Usagi's voice didn't sound like her own as she spoke. It was nearly mechanical, like something a parrot might say. Snap out of it, Usagi! You may have strong feelings for Seiya, but you love Mamo-chan! The little voice in the back of her mind (which oddly sounded like a combination between Rei and Luna) chastised her, reminding her that she already had someone. I know, Usagi thought dully. Leave me alone already. There was an uncomfortable silence in which Usagi and Seiya merely stared at everything in the room but each other.
Riiiiiiiiing riiiiiiiing!
Both of them visibly jumped as the phone announced its presence with a shrill voice. Usagi smiled at Seiya nervously (Why am I so nervous all of a sudden?) and walked over to the desk where the phone was located.
"Mashi mashi?"
"Usagi-chan?" Minako's voice crackled and sounded rather muffled on the other end.
"Minako-chan! Are you done shopping for Mamo-chan yet?" Usagi glanced over at Seiya who was looking down at his hands.
"Iie. We have something even better though. Here!" There was a lot of rustling on the other end as the phone was passed off.
"Tsukino-san?" Usagi took in a sharp breath and she whipped around to look at Seiya.
"Taiki-san? Taiki-san, is that really you?" Usagi's eyes were wide as she gave Seiya a questioning look. He laughed silently at her, giving her that lazy, charming grin that always sent shivers down her spine.
"Hai, Tsukino-san. Both Yaten and I are here with Ami, Minako, Makoto, and Rei. We met with them at Crown's Fruit Parlor." In the background Usagi could here the other girls' giggling as Yaten said something in an impatient tone that she couldn't make out.
"Taiki-san, let's get one thing straight, okay? After all we've been through together you don't have to be so formal. Call me Usagi or Usagi- chan if you like, all right?" Usagi smiled at Taiki's stiff formality. Heh; he hasn't changed at all.
"Okay, Usagi. Yaten was just pointing that same thing out to me, heh. Hold on a moment please, Rei would like to speak with you." The phone emitted a lot of static as it was passed around yet again. Usagi giggled with excitement. What a day it was turning out to be!
"Usagi? Listen, we were all thinking...would it be okay to come over to your place for dinner tonight? Would that be okay with you? Because if it isn't, we could always go over to Mako-" Usagi cut her off hurriedly.
"No, that would be fine, Rei-chan! You know you're all always welcome here. Please bring everyone over as soon as you can. Oh yeah, um..." Usagi blushed a bit and lowered her voice. Seiya raised an eyebrow, wondering what it was she didn't want him to hear. He tried to appear nonchalant while listening hard. "We...go grocery shopping...hai...I know I know Rei! Uh-huh...well, okay...no, I think...okay, see you in a bit. Bye bye!" Usagi hung up the phone, positively beaming. "Seiya! You never mentioned that Taiki and Yaten were with you!" Her eyes sparkled at the prospect of having everyone over for dinner as she walked over to him and punched him playfully in the arm. Seiya put up his hands in the same playful manner, grinning wickedly.
"Chotto! I didn't have a chance to mention it!" Seiya laughed at the fiery little blonde, charmed by her playful attitude. "I knew your friends would call at some point, so I figured I would let them tell you." Seiya winked, causing Usagi to blush slightly. Looking away, she pretended to be busy looking for something non-existent when she remembered Luna.
"Luna! Luna, where are you? Why don't you come out and say hello to Seiya?" Usagi called to the cat loudly, wandering through various rooms in search of her.
Luna, who had been sleeping comfortably on a pillow at the foot of Usagi's bed, opened one eye and groaned when she heard her calling. Stretching herself from whiskers to tail, she gave an enormous yawn before padding out in the direction of Usagi's yells. "Nani o?" Luna's voice was impatient when she spoke to Usagi, irritated at having been so rudely awakened from her pleasant nap. Stifling another yawn, she gathered strength up in her haunches and leapt into the air, landing neatly on Usagi's left shoulder. "Usagi-chan! You should not be so obnoxious this late in the day! If the neighbors heard you-"A flash of movement in the corner of her eye stopped Luna in mid-sentence. She whipped her head around to regard the stranger sitting on the sofa. A handsome young man with piercing blue eyes winked back at her, grinning lazily. "Seiya-kun!"
"Hi there, Luna! It's nice to see you've remembered me after all this time!" Seiya's smile was so appealing that Luna had leapt off of Usagi's shoulder and onto Seiya's chest before she even realized what she had done. Ack! What am I doing, leaping into a man's arms like this? Luna chastised herself, but meowed happily when Seiya scratched her under her chin just the same. She smiled back at him thinking I am just as weak against his smile as I was against Yaten's. She continued to mew happily, as giddy as a young woman in love. Seiya laughed and continued to pet her while turning to regard Usagi.
"So, did the others say when they would get here?"
"Hai. They should be here any min-"Usagi's response was cut off by the door bell. Walking over to the door, she opened it eagerly, not wanting to wait a second longer. "Mina! You're finally here!" Six young men and women stood before her, grinning happily. "Taiki-san! Yaten-kun! It's so good to see you again!" Usagi gave each one a hug as she spoke, her heart brimming with happiness. "Please, come in and make yourselves at home!" Standing to one side, she gestured towards the living room where Seiya and Luna were reclining on the sofa comfortably.
"Seiya-kun!" Four voices exclaimed in unison as the girls set eyes on the handsome young man. Smiling broadly, he merely stood up and held his arms open to them. After much hugging and crying, everyone was finally seated around the small room, talking rapidly as they tried to close the two year gap between them. Seiya was trying to answer Rei and Mina at the same time while Yaten played with Luna who mewed happily rather loudly. Taiki and Ami were laughing over the pictures of the girls on the table while Makoto and Usagi sat next to each other, not speaking, merely taking it all in.
"Usagi-chan?"
"Yeah?"
"It's nice for us all to be together again, isn't it? I've missed the three of them quite a bit since they left us. How about you?"
"Yeah, I've missed them a lot. I don't think there was a day that went by where I didn't wonder how they were doing or how their planet was coming along. It looks like things turned out well for them, doesn't it?" Usagi's eyes glowed and her voice sounded bright and cheery as she watched the happy reunion before her.
Makoto nodded. "I think things turned out okay for us here too, Usagi- chan. Not only for Earth, but for we as individuals as well. I think we've all grown and matured a great deal from two years ago." Usagi nodded in agreement. "Usagi-chan, if you don't mind my saying so, I think you've grown up a lot these past two years. You've matured so much, it's really amazing to see how you've changed." Makoto smiled kindly at her dear friend.
"You really think so, Mako-chan? I sometimes wondered if it was just because I was bitter over my family dying that I suddenly seemed serious and mature to those around me, even thoughtful. Do you think that's what it is?" Usagi turned toward her old friend, looking her straight in the eye. There was no hint of challenge in her voice, just curiosity.
"Iie, Usagi-chan. It's not because of the tragic things you have had to endure. You were growing up long before that occurred. Your parents were so proud of you, just like we are." Usagi didn't say anything. Instead she smiled widely and gave her friend a big hug.
Regret
Mamoru looked around his small apartment. His bags were stacked neatly in the corner near the door. Walking around inside for one last time, he nodded with satisfaction. The owners should have no reason to complain - the apartment looked spotless, as though he had never lived there. Checking his watch, he wondered what to do next. He still had an hour and a half before the cab arrived to take him to the hotel for the next few days or so. Walking into the bedroom, he regarded the photograph on nightstand, the one possession that hadn't been packed away. Picking it up, Mamoru studied it silently.
"Usako..."
She looks so happy in this picture with me, he thought. Her eyes, her smile, everything about her is brimming with happiness. Mamoru gently set the picture back down on the nightstand. He knew the deep down he would always care for her, his Moon Princess. It was nearly impossible for his heart and mind to forget their past life together, as Serenity and Endymion. He'd even been granted a glimpse into his own future with the arrival of Chibiusa, his future daughter. Yet, these two years in America had him feeling some strong doubts. Was this what he truly wanted? Did he really want to be the king of 30th Century Crystal Tokyo? His sapphire eyes narrowed as he remembered the appearance of Three Lights. Nothing has been the same since they came into our lives...nothing. Mamoru was surprised at how bitter he felt, but he did not brush away the emotion. Usako and I were perfectly happy together until they came...while I am glad Seiya was there for her, supporting her while I was gone, I am also angry that he pursued her so relentlessly. He had no honor in doing so! Mamoru's eyes were dangerous as his hands clenched into two tight fists.
In an effort to calm down, Mamoru walked into the small bathroom that was off the bedroom. Splashing a bit of cold water on his face, he felt almost instantaneously better. Drying off, he studied his face in the mirror. He knew, had always known, that his face was the object of many women's desires. It was a chiseled face with a finely sculpted nose and mouth. Looking deeply into his own eyes, he could see the plethora of emotions that were reflected from within. Amidst the anger and the sadness was a love that loomed larger than life. Mamoru didn't delude himself into thinking it wasn't for Usagi.
Mamoru sighed and walked again into the sparsely furnished living area. Sitting down on a rather uncomfortable chaise lounger, he stared out the window into nothingness. His sapphire eyes were blank as he thought about his various lives. Prince Endymion, Mamoru Chiba, King Endymion of 30th Century Crystal Tokyo...what was it all for? He remembered how much he had disliked Usagi when they first met. She had been nothing but another air- headed annoyance to him. But when our memories were revived...I experienced a love that I had never even dreamt could exist. Staring at his hands, Mamoru wondered if such a love was truly meant to be, or if he was merely feeling residue of his past life and the burden of duty from his future existence. Do I really love her? Or is this just...obligation. What an ugly word, obligation... Mamoru's head dropped so low that his chin nearly touched his broad chest. Was it all for the sake of duty, this love? Was it because he had been told several times that he and Usagi were meant to be together, that he had to love her because it was their destiny?
A single red rose materialized in his right hand. Mamoru studied it, wondering why he had been given this power. The rose was perfect. Its petals were flawlessly shaped; its leaves were a deep green. The scent it gave off was heady and intoxicating, almost overwhelming him. This rose is so beautiful...and yet it has the power to inflict pain, a power that comes from my own hands... Crushing the rose in his hand, Mamoru again bowed his head low, his breathing raspy. His heart ached so badly and was beating so fast that he thought it might leap out of his chest. Obligation...
"GODDAMN IT ALL!" Mamoru's voice rang throughout the small apartment. "Goddamn it all to hell! Obligation...duty...I don't want any of it...I never ASKED for any of this!" Sobbing he collapsed on the floor. His hands were clenched so tightly that his arms trembled. He felt sick. Sweat dripped off his forehead and the tip of his nose, darkening his already black shirt with droplets here and there. His vision swam as the tears flowed freely. "Usako...Usako why does it have to be this way? Why? I just don't understand anymore...why did he have to come and ruin everything between us? Why?" Mamoru's voice was hoarse as he called out to her. "Usako...is this love or obligation? Do you have the same doubts as I? Please tell me, Usako..." Mamoru lay his head down on the floor, crying quietly. "If only I had known...I would never have left your side...I only wanted to make myself better for you, Usako, for us...I just wanted to be able to provide a good future for you and me!"
Through the haze of tears an image of Usagi stood before Mamoru, its arms behind its back and its mouth fixed in that sweet smile she always wore. The pain in his chest was unbearable as he reached out towards the hallucination. His fingers seemed to almost brush against the blue fabric of its skirt before it vanished, leaving him feeling even more bereft than before.
Curling up into the fetal position, Mamoru tried to block out his thoughts and emotions as best he could. It was all beginning to bear down upon him too heavily. He moaned in grief as he remembered his trip back to Japan for Usagi's family's funeral. He had tried to be strong for her, tried to protect her all these years, and in the end she ended up being alone anyhow. He rationalized his choice to come back to the United States by saying it was for the both of them, for their future together. Deep in his heart however, he knew that he made the choice to come back because of a picture he'd found tucked away in a comic book on Usagi's shelf in her room. Despite the many tear drops that marred the figure dressed in red, Mamoru had known instantly who it was, and his heart had plunged into an icy cold abyss, leaving him with the feeling that he was drowning without hope of rescue.
It was the blackest day of his life.
The sun peered through the Venetian blinds, shining brightly upon black hair. All that could be heard was the sound of Mamoru's soft sobs as they reverberated off the walls of the small apartment.
***
"So...how are things between you and Mamoru-san?" Seiya carefully asked the question he had been dreading, trying to appear stoic as he sipped his tea. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Usagi for her reaction, hoping she didn't notice the slight tremor in his voice. A knot began to form in his stomach when she spoke.
"Oh, well, things have been going very well between Mamo-chan and me." Seiya nodded curtly, the knot in his stomach tightening even more. "I write to him daily about my life here, and I receive at least three letters and two phone calls from him every week. Sometimes I call him, but it's mostly only to say good night. It's just easier for him to call me when he has free time instead of me guessing if he's available or not." Seiya nodded again, afraid that if he spoke his voice would crack. His chest felt as though it would burst open and the knot in his stomach was painfully tight. Making sure to keep his hand steady, he placed his tea cup down upon its saucer carefully before straightening himself up again.
"Ah, so he is nearing the completion of his studies in America then, is he?"
"Hai. He has completed his research and is now going to come back home to finish his education. I am really excited - it's been about three months since I last saw him." Usagi's voice didn't sound like her own as she spoke. It was nearly mechanical, like something a parrot might say. Snap out of it, Usagi! You may have strong feelings for Seiya, but you love Mamo-chan! The little voice in the back of her mind (which oddly sounded like a combination between Rei and Luna) chastised her, reminding her that she already had someone. I know, Usagi thought dully. Leave me alone already. There was an uncomfortable silence in which Usagi and Seiya merely stared at everything in the room but each other.
Riiiiiiiiing riiiiiiiing!
Both of them visibly jumped as the phone announced its presence with a shrill voice. Usagi smiled at Seiya nervously (Why am I so nervous all of a sudden?) and walked over to the desk where the phone was located.
"Mashi mashi?"
"Usagi-chan?" Minako's voice crackled and sounded rather muffled on the other end.
"Minako-chan! Are you done shopping for Mamo-chan yet?" Usagi glanced over at Seiya who was looking down at his hands.
"Iie. We have something even better though. Here!" There was a lot of rustling on the other end as the phone was passed off.
"Tsukino-san?" Usagi took in a sharp breath and she whipped around to look at Seiya.
"Taiki-san? Taiki-san, is that really you?" Usagi's eyes were wide as she gave Seiya a questioning look. He laughed silently at her, giving her that lazy, charming grin that always sent shivers down her spine.
"Hai, Tsukino-san. Both Yaten and I are here with Ami, Minako, Makoto, and Rei. We met with them at Crown's Fruit Parlor." In the background Usagi could here the other girls' giggling as Yaten said something in an impatient tone that she couldn't make out.
"Taiki-san, let's get one thing straight, okay? After all we've been through together you don't have to be so formal. Call me Usagi or Usagi- chan if you like, all right?" Usagi smiled at Taiki's stiff formality. Heh; he hasn't changed at all.
"Okay, Usagi. Yaten was just pointing that same thing out to me, heh. Hold on a moment please, Rei would like to speak with you." The phone emitted a lot of static as it was passed around yet again. Usagi giggled with excitement. What a day it was turning out to be!
"Usagi? Listen, we were all thinking...would it be okay to come over to your place for dinner tonight? Would that be okay with you? Because if it isn't, we could always go over to Mako-" Usagi cut her off hurriedly.
"No, that would be fine, Rei-chan! You know you're all always welcome here. Please bring everyone over as soon as you can. Oh yeah, um..." Usagi blushed a bit and lowered her voice. Seiya raised an eyebrow, wondering what it was she didn't want him to hear. He tried to appear nonchalant while listening hard. "We...go grocery shopping...hai...I know I know Rei! Uh-huh...well, okay...no, I think...okay, see you in a bit. Bye bye!" Usagi hung up the phone, positively beaming. "Seiya! You never mentioned that Taiki and Yaten were with you!" Her eyes sparkled at the prospect of having everyone over for dinner as she walked over to him and punched him playfully in the arm. Seiya put up his hands in the same playful manner, grinning wickedly.
"Chotto! I didn't have a chance to mention it!" Seiya laughed at the fiery little blonde, charmed by her playful attitude. "I knew your friends would call at some point, so I figured I would let them tell you." Seiya winked, causing Usagi to blush slightly. Looking away, she pretended to be busy looking for something non-existent when she remembered Luna.
"Luna! Luna, where are you? Why don't you come out and say hello to Seiya?" Usagi called to the cat loudly, wandering through various rooms in search of her.
Luna, who had been sleeping comfortably on a pillow at the foot of Usagi's bed, opened one eye and groaned when she heard her calling. Stretching herself from whiskers to tail, she gave an enormous yawn before padding out in the direction of Usagi's yells. "Nani o?" Luna's voice was impatient when she spoke to Usagi, irritated at having been so rudely awakened from her pleasant nap. Stifling another yawn, she gathered strength up in her haunches and leapt into the air, landing neatly on Usagi's left shoulder. "Usagi-chan! You should not be so obnoxious this late in the day! If the neighbors heard you-"A flash of movement in the corner of her eye stopped Luna in mid-sentence. She whipped her head around to regard the stranger sitting on the sofa. A handsome young man with piercing blue eyes winked back at her, grinning lazily. "Seiya-kun!"
"Hi there, Luna! It's nice to see you've remembered me after all this time!" Seiya's smile was so appealing that Luna had leapt off of Usagi's shoulder and onto Seiya's chest before she even realized what she had done. Ack! What am I doing, leaping into a man's arms like this? Luna chastised herself, but meowed happily when Seiya scratched her under her chin just the same. She smiled back at him thinking I am just as weak against his smile as I was against Yaten's. She continued to mew happily, as giddy as a young woman in love. Seiya laughed and continued to pet her while turning to regard Usagi.
"So, did the others say when they would get here?"
"Hai. They should be here any min-"Usagi's response was cut off by the door bell. Walking over to the door, she opened it eagerly, not wanting to wait a second longer. "Mina! You're finally here!" Six young men and women stood before her, grinning happily. "Taiki-san! Yaten-kun! It's so good to see you again!" Usagi gave each one a hug as she spoke, her heart brimming with happiness. "Please, come in and make yourselves at home!" Standing to one side, she gestured towards the living room where Seiya and Luna were reclining on the sofa comfortably.
"Seiya-kun!" Four voices exclaimed in unison as the girls set eyes on the handsome young man. Smiling broadly, he merely stood up and held his arms open to them. After much hugging and crying, everyone was finally seated around the small room, talking rapidly as they tried to close the two year gap between them. Seiya was trying to answer Rei and Mina at the same time while Yaten played with Luna who mewed happily rather loudly. Taiki and Ami were laughing over the pictures of the girls on the table while Makoto and Usagi sat next to each other, not speaking, merely taking it all in.
"Usagi-chan?"
"Yeah?"
"It's nice for us all to be together again, isn't it? I've missed the three of them quite a bit since they left us. How about you?"
"Yeah, I've missed them a lot. I don't think there was a day that went by where I didn't wonder how they were doing or how their planet was coming along. It looks like things turned out well for them, doesn't it?" Usagi's eyes glowed and her voice sounded bright and cheery as she watched the happy reunion before her.
Makoto nodded. "I think things turned out okay for us here too, Usagi- chan. Not only for Earth, but for we as individuals as well. I think we've all grown and matured a great deal from two years ago." Usagi nodded in agreement. "Usagi-chan, if you don't mind my saying so, I think you've grown up a lot these past two years. You've matured so much, it's really amazing to see how you've changed." Makoto smiled kindly at her dear friend.
"You really think so, Mako-chan? I sometimes wondered if it was just because I was bitter over my family dying that I suddenly seemed serious and mature to those around me, even thoughtful. Do you think that's what it is?" Usagi turned toward her old friend, looking her straight in the eye. There was no hint of challenge in her voice, just curiosity.
"Iie, Usagi-chan. It's not because of the tragic things you have had to endure. You were growing up long before that occurred. Your parents were so proud of you, just like we are." Usagi didn't say anything. Instead she smiled widely and gave her friend a big hug.