~**Breaths a sigh of relief**~ Yay! Chapter 2 is finally written. I want to thank: Christina Sheffield, lalala, Stefanie, Red Fox, Geminia for all their words of encouragment and methods of improvement (tho, I may have rushed this chapter once again - sorry guys its not that im not listening I just have time issues to deal with)

**As usual, I do NOT own SailorMoon or its character, if I did why would I write a 'FAN'-fiction?**

Chapter 2 -- The Discovery

Usagi glanced out the window of the little shop she had taken shelter in. The sky was still grim but the rain had let up, not knowing how long this break would last she decided to take advantage of it and head home. She gathered up the few purchases she had made on her short shopping excurtion and stepped out into the cool evening.

As Usagi walked back to her apartment she couldn't help her mind from thinking about events of the past year. 'Everything was going so well' she thought to herself 'Mamoru had just gotten his memories back, their was no immediate negaverse concerns, everyone was happy. I was happy. Then that pink haired spore fell from the sky and ruined everything! She brain- washed my family into accepting her *cousin* story, then started causing trouble that I was always blamed for. Of couse the worst was when she told them that I wasn't in my room at three in the morning, imagine trying to explain to your parents that evil youmas bent on taking over the world tended to attack well past my bed time. Not exactally something I could explain, and if I could its not like they would even believe me. So I was given an ultamatum, either tell them my where abouts, or find a new place to live, I chose the ladder. It wasn't all that big of a deal, I had the money that my great aunt had left me in her will, Mamoru told me of a vacant apartment available in his building so I moved in, and things started to look up again. How foolish I was to think that Mamo-chan and I living in the same building would bring us closer together, boy was I wrong, only a few weeks later he dumped me. No reason, no explaination, nothing. It drove me crazy for awhile thinking that I had done something wrong, but I had no idea what it could have been.'

Usagi sighed then continued with her thoughts

'For months it plagued me, until one day I realized *why bother*, obviously Mamoru doesn't care, so why should I. From that moment on I decided to move on with my life, working harder at school I got my grades up, I even recieved a 'most improved student' award at my high school graduation. Now things have settled down, Mamoru and I are at least civil to each other, even though there are still some hurt feelings.'

Usagi forgot her moment of quiet reflection when she notice a man staggering into a nearby ally. 'He looked like he was in alot of pain' she silently noted.

Deciding that he might need her help, she jogged to the mouth of the ally, about to enter when a familar voice stopped her.

"You know Usagi, going into a dark ally late at night isn't exactally the smartest thing to do!" the voice said

Usagi turned towards the person who had spoken. "Hello Mamoru" she said "for your information, I think someone in the ally is hurt, I was just going to check. If you are so concerned for my safety, perhaps you would like to help me."

Shocked at the coolness in her tone, he nodded and followed the blond. Only a short distance in, they spotted a dark haired man lying unconcious in the middle of the ally. Usagi ran over and knelt down beside him, assessing his injeries.

"Mamoru, help me get him inside, he needs to warm up" she said with pleading eyes.

"Where are we going to take him?" he asked as he helped the petite girl stuggling with the stranger.

"Our building is right around the corner, we can bring him to my apartment." she replied

"WHAT? Are you insane? You don't know anything about this guy! We can take him to my apartment!" he answered angrily

The two balaced the man's weight between them, and slowly started to make their way towards the building.

"No Mamoru" Said Usagi, between ragged breaths "he will need someone to look after him, and you have both work and college taking up all your time."

"But Usa.." he started but got cut off.

"No buts, he's comming with me and thats final!" she stated

Together they walked in silence bringing the stranger with them into the building, then the elevator, getting off at the second floor, and entering Usagi's apartment. Finally they set him down on the guest room bed.

Walking back to the front door, Mamoru still shocked at how forceful Usagi had been with him. Wondering sadly, not for the first time, if things could ever be the same between them again.

"Good night Mamoru" Usagi said bringing him back from his thoughts.

He watched her hold open the door expectanly. He made his way over to her, but hesitated in the door way, not wanting to leave her alone with someone who could turn out to be an axe murderer.

"Usagi" he said taking a deep breath "If you need anything, or if he wakes up and tries to hurt you, please call me, I will help you anyway I can." Mamoru said partially easing some of his worry. At her nod, he bid her good night.

Closing the door, Usagi couldn't help but wonder to herself what exactly she had gotten herself into.