Title: Angel in the Snow
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 2
Rating: G
Website: illusions.scarlet-destiny.net
Author's Notes:
Hello minna! Lisa's back, and with me is chapter two of "AITS!" ^_^ I hope you're enjoying the story so far, and a big thank you those who have reviewed; this story is for you! Enjoy! Be sure to visit my co-owned website!
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
******************
A couple of days passed and Usagi had called Mamoru to tell him the good news, who immediately responded by booking the airplane tickets right after. The holiday spirit in the citizens of Tokyo grew stronger as the days of celebration neared. Usagi sighed, and brushed a strand of hair from her sparkling eyes that held barely contained excitement in their blue orbs. A hot cup of tea rested in her hands, with thin streams of steam rising from the mug and evaporating into the air. She took another sip before carefully tucking a jacket into her suitcase. "Just think, a few more hours, and I'll be on the plane to America." The very thought of it made Usagi excited to no end. Luna laughed gleefully and rubbed her furry body against her master's legs, happy for her friend.
"It's exciting to think about, isn't it? Now, hurry and get packed, Usagi-chan."
"I know, I know!"
Luna shook her head and jumped up by the window, watching the cold wind blow harshly outside. "What a cold winter we're having...why, it's one of the coldest yet! I wonder if we'll get snow..."
Usagi stopped packing and joined Luna by the window. She put her hands on the cold glass and looked outside. "Maybe...but I'm sure it'll snow in America...Mamo-chan said it would." The blonde's eyes lit up with happiness. "I haven't seen snow in ages!"
"Usagi-chan, for a sixteen-year-old, you sure don't act like one sometimes." The comment got Luna a pillow into her face as Usagi packed the last of her belongings into the tiny suitcase. With a quiet groan, Usagi picked up the surprisingly heavy luggage and preceded to walk out the door. She looked back at her room, glancing at the familiar surroundings for a brief second before leaving. Luna soon followed suit.
"I'll only be staying a few days...so I guess I won't need that much. But then why in the world is this suitcase so heavy?" The comment made Luna laugh out loud as they slowly walked downstairs, each step of the stairs creaking under their weight.
"Well, if might help if you didn't pack all those comic books in..."
Usagi stopped suddenly and put her free hand on her hips, looking down at the feline. "Then, what would I have to keep me occupied?"
"Well...oh, I don't know...Mamoru-san, perhaps?" Her dark eyes twinkled merrily when seeing the instant blush stain her charge's petite cheeks.
"Luna!"
"Did you bring your camera?" Shingo took the suitcase from his older sister's hands to put into the car and waited for her answer. "I want some pictures to show my friends, you know."
"Hai, it's in there," Usagi answered cheerfully, "you asked already, remember?"
"Yes, but I wanted to make sure."
The blonde shook her head and rolled her eyes. Ikuko came down from the stairs, and embraced her daughter tightly. "I'll miss you," she whispered into her daughter's ear. "I'm sorry I can't see you off..."
"It's okay, Mom, I'll be fine," Usagi assured her, giving Ikuko one of her famous bright smiles. "See you in a few days!"
As soon as she stepped outside onto the front porch, Usagi was greeted with the cold wind. Bringing the sides of her jacket closer around her small frame, Usagi got into the car hurriedly. Kenji was already seated in the driver's seat and gave a tight smile when the girl took her seat next to him with a soft and contented sigh. Though he had agreed to the whole trip, Kenji was still wary of her daughter's well being. After all, she had never left home by herself before...and the United States was halfway around the world... The car started and Kenji gripped the steering wheel with both hands, trying not to make a remark that could spoil Usagi's good mood. The middle-aged man clenched his teeth and remained quiet throughout the drive to the airport, taking quiet glances at the blonde-haired girl every once in a while.
Usagi watched as they passed by houses and streets; the only thing running though her mind was that she was going to see Mamoru again...soon. The thought left her smiling. 'But could Dad drive any faster?' Usagi glanced at the speedometer..and found Kenji to be driving ten miles less than the speed limit. She coughed discreetly. What was he trying to do? Make her miss the plane?
"Um...Dad?" She looked over at her father, who had an unreadable expression plastered on his somewhat wrinkled features.
"Hai, Usagi?"
"Could you go a bit faster? I don't want to miss my plane."
Kenji eyed Usagi from the corner of his eyes. "You never used to complain about my driving," he stated quietly, the words barely audible. But Usagi heard all right.
"But Dad, you never used to drive ten miles less than the speed limit!" No response was given, and the two stayed quiet throughout the rest of the way to the airport. Usagi slumped in her seat and continued to stare out the side window.
She watched with widened eyes as the loud rumbling of a plane that was currently taking off roared overhead. The airplane went higher and higher until it disappeared into the clouds. Usagi let out a soft whistle; she had not been on a plane for over a decade! Why, the last time she went was when she was six, when her aunt had invited her family to stay a couple weeks over the summer. The blonde took a seat by the glass wall, eyes seemingly glued to the gigantic planes lined up before her. Her hands unconsciously clutched onto her ticket until the low voice of her father broke into her thoughts.
"Usagi, it's time to go." Sure enough, they were calling her flight over the speakers; it was going to take off in ten minutes. Instantly grabbing her bags and kissing her father on the cheek, Usagi hurried away.
"Don't do anything that you'll regret!" She faintly heard Kenji call out after her over the noisy airport. 'Don't worry Dad,' she thought mentally, 'I won't do anything bad...'
The plane lifted and Usagi clung onto her seat, feeling a wave of nausea awash her. She gulped and closed her eyes, remembering what Ikuko had instructed her to do. She took a deep breath just like her mother told her but it didn't go any good. The airport seemed so distant as it gained altitude. The sky was so beautiful and the clouds were so close that the girl wished she could touch its cotton-like material with her own hands.
"Was this your first time on a plane, Miss?" She turned around to face the man seated next to her. He had brown hair and, from what she could tell, a kind smile. Usagi took a deep breath. He was speaking English. 'What better time to practice my English?' she thought bitterly, and concluded that this could serve as an excellent opportunity. Again, the blonde regretted having not paid any attention whatsoever to her high school English teacher.
"Ii--no...it isn't," she stumbled on the words. "This is second time."
"Oh." His face registered slight surprise. "From what I could tell, it looked as if you were about to be sick a few minutes ago."
She blushed. "No, I'm fine."
"Well, that's nice to hear, Miss. What is your name?"
"My name?" Usagi stopped and tried to recall how the Americans said their names. In Japan, it was a custom to say the last name first, then accompanied by the first name. She remembered her teacher saying it was the other way around, or did she? Confused, Usagi decided to stick with her normal introduction.
"My name is...Tsukino Usagi."
"That's an interesting name. Tsukino?" He chuckled, instantly reminding Usagi of Mamoru's laugh. She looked down at her clothes.
"No, no. My name is Usagi, my last name Tsukino."
He smiled. "That was silly of me to think that it was the other way around, wasn't it? Ah, I remember now. They say the last name first in your country, am I right?"
"Yes..."
She remained quiet. The man looked older than she though she did not precisely know how much.
"Where are you going, Usagi?"
"To...Boston?"
"Boston, Massachusetts? May I ask why?"
The girl hesitated. She hardly knew this man. Was it wise to tell him everything? Still, he seemed like a normal person with no intentions to hurt anyone or anything of that sort.
"To see my boyfriend," she whispered quietly. Brushing her ring finger lightly with the other hand, she could still feel the ring sitting beautifully in its place. A light smile formed on her face when she recalled his promise before he left to college. That was a year ago. A year of heartfelt letters and long phone calls compensated little for actually seeing him in person, feeling his arms around her, and the soft kisses they would share. "I miss him."
"I see." He prodded no further and silence fell upon them.
Usagi broke the silence after a while. "Why were you in Japan?"
"On business. I live in Boston with my wife and my four-year-old daughter." He gave a warm smile. "I can't wait to see them again."
A light smile played on her pink lips. "Yes..."
***
She stepped out of the plane and bade goodbye to her new friend. Taking a glance as the man was happily reunited with his family, she smiled to herself. Pulling her jacket tighter around her body due to the coldness of the place, Usagi stifled a yawn and rubbed her sore muscles. Those long hours on the plane was anything but comfortable, even though the attendants tried everything to made the tiresome trip better. Giving her wristwatch a brief glance (which didn't do any good because of the time difference), Usagi plopped herself down on an available seat. Her eyes desperately scanned the noisy airport, waiting to see his familiar face. A quiet sigh escaped her lips after a few minutes of searching through the crowds. He wasn't there. Her plane had arrived earlier than expected. Though Usagi could not complain, she wanted to be able to jump into Mamoru's arms the second she stepped off the plane... Another barely audible sigh sounded in the stuffy air.
Making use of her time, Usagi pulled out a small English dictionary and tried unsuccessfully to learn some new words that might prove themselves useful in the future. Her mind wandered to Mamoru every few moments. Putting the book away, she scanned the area again with no luck.
"Usako..."
Shivers immediately ran down her spine at just hearing the deep voice. Her eyes squeezed shut for a mere instant, lips trembling in anticipation. Oh, how long had she wanted to hear his voice. When her eyes opened, a single, perfect crimson rose laid inches from her face. She let out a shaky breath and touched the smooth petals with her fingers. "Mamo-chan..."
She turned to face him with tear-filled eyes. Light blue met with stormy blue, each caressing the other's gaze for minutes on end that seemed to last a lifetime. "Mamo-chan..." Usagi found herself whispering her name for Mamoru before finding herself crushed in his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his back and savored his warmth, the way his arms felt wrapped tightly and securely around her, his special scent... Mamoru, in turn, planted a kiss on her forehead and breathed in the fragrant scent of Usagi's hair. His hand ran through her tendrils, wiping her stray tears away with his thumb. "Oh Usako..."
Before long, their lips met in a tender kiss. She clutched onto his jacket tightly, never wanting to let go. Amongst the mass amount of people and the loudspeakers that echoed in the airport, the two were seemingly lost in a world of their own. He took her hand and kissed it quickly.
"I missed you so much..."
She stepped into his cozy apartment while Mamoru put away her jacket. Upon looking at her surroundings and the small furnishings, she turned to him with a smile.
"So...do you have a roommate?" He nodded briefly.
"Hai, afraid so," he chuckled. "Couldn't afford this place by myself."
"Is he here?"
"No...we have the place to ourselves."
Seconds passed before the couple found themselves sharing a passionate kiss.
"I'm so glad your parents let you come here, Usako," Mamoru whispered. "It's so hard not being able to see you every day, to feel your touch..." He lifted her chin up gently so their eyes could meet. "We have to much to talk about...so much I want you to see here..." Their lips met again in a light kiss.
"How about showing me around first? Then we have the whole night to talk."
Mamoru nodded slightly before taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Sure."
Outside, a single snowflake made its way down in the still air.
**********************
*smiles* Well, that was certainly a sweet chapter for me. ^_^ Now, let me make something clear about this story: it doesn't have that distinct a plot. Rather, "AITS" is meant to be a short, sweet fic to read during the holidays. So mush lovers, be sure to check for future installments, for there will be plenty of mush ahead! I'm sorry for their chapter's shortness..the chapters will grow longer, I promise. Also, since Christmas is just around the corner, expect this story to be finished sometime around then. Please *review* or *e-mail* me at LisaZUMstories@aol.com or Lisafics@sailormoon.com.Thanks for reading minna!
This story written and posted November 2002.
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 2
Rating: G
Website: illusions.scarlet-destiny.net
Author's Notes:
Hello minna! Lisa's back, and with me is chapter two of "AITS!" ^_^ I hope you're enjoying the story so far, and a big thank you those who have reviewed; this story is for you! Enjoy! Be sure to visit my co-owned website!
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
******************
A couple of days passed and Usagi had called Mamoru to tell him the good news, who immediately responded by booking the airplane tickets right after. The holiday spirit in the citizens of Tokyo grew stronger as the days of celebration neared. Usagi sighed, and brushed a strand of hair from her sparkling eyes that held barely contained excitement in their blue orbs. A hot cup of tea rested in her hands, with thin streams of steam rising from the mug and evaporating into the air. She took another sip before carefully tucking a jacket into her suitcase. "Just think, a few more hours, and I'll be on the plane to America." The very thought of it made Usagi excited to no end. Luna laughed gleefully and rubbed her furry body against her master's legs, happy for her friend.
"It's exciting to think about, isn't it? Now, hurry and get packed, Usagi-chan."
"I know, I know!"
Luna shook her head and jumped up by the window, watching the cold wind blow harshly outside. "What a cold winter we're having...why, it's one of the coldest yet! I wonder if we'll get snow..."
Usagi stopped packing and joined Luna by the window. She put her hands on the cold glass and looked outside. "Maybe...but I'm sure it'll snow in America...Mamo-chan said it would." The blonde's eyes lit up with happiness. "I haven't seen snow in ages!"
"Usagi-chan, for a sixteen-year-old, you sure don't act like one sometimes." The comment got Luna a pillow into her face as Usagi packed the last of her belongings into the tiny suitcase. With a quiet groan, Usagi picked up the surprisingly heavy luggage and preceded to walk out the door. She looked back at her room, glancing at the familiar surroundings for a brief second before leaving. Luna soon followed suit.
"I'll only be staying a few days...so I guess I won't need that much. But then why in the world is this suitcase so heavy?" The comment made Luna laugh out loud as they slowly walked downstairs, each step of the stairs creaking under their weight.
"Well, if might help if you didn't pack all those comic books in..."
Usagi stopped suddenly and put her free hand on her hips, looking down at the feline. "Then, what would I have to keep me occupied?"
"Well...oh, I don't know...Mamoru-san, perhaps?" Her dark eyes twinkled merrily when seeing the instant blush stain her charge's petite cheeks.
"Luna!"
"Did you bring your camera?" Shingo took the suitcase from his older sister's hands to put into the car and waited for her answer. "I want some pictures to show my friends, you know."
"Hai, it's in there," Usagi answered cheerfully, "you asked already, remember?"
"Yes, but I wanted to make sure."
The blonde shook her head and rolled her eyes. Ikuko came down from the stairs, and embraced her daughter tightly. "I'll miss you," she whispered into her daughter's ear. "I'm sorry I can't see you off..."
"It's okay, Mom, I'll be fine," Usagi assured her, giving Ikuko one of her famous bright smiles. "See you in a few days!"
As soon as she stepped outside onto the front porch, Usagi was greeted with the cold wind. Bringing the sides of her jacket closer around her small frame, Usagi got into the car hurriedly. Kenji was already seated in the driver's seat and gave a tight smile when the girl took her seat next to him with a soft and contented sigh. Though he had agreed to the whole trip, Kenji was still wary of her daughter's well being. After all, she had never left home by herself before...and the United States was halfway around the world... The car started and Kenji gripped the steering wheel with both hands, trying not to make a remark that could spoil Usagi's good mood. The middle-aged man clenched his teeth and remained quiet throughout the drive to the airport, taking quiet glances at the blonde-haired girl every once in a while.
Usagi watched as they passed by houses and streets; the only thing running though her mind was that she was going to see Mamoru again...soon. The thought left her smiling. 'But could Dad drive any faster?' Usagi glanced at the speedometer..and found Kenji to be driving ten miles less than the speed limit. She coughed discreetly. What was he trying to do? Make her miss the plane?
"Um...Dad?" She looked over at her father, who had an unreadable expression plastered on his somewhat wrinkled features.
"Hai, Usagi?"
"Could you go a bit faster? I don't want to miss my plane."
Kenji eyed Usagi from the corner of his eyes. "You never used to complain about my driving," he stated quietly, the words barely audible. But Usagi heard all right.
"But Dad, you never used to drive ten miles less than the speed limit!" No response was given, and the two stayed quiet throughout the rest of the way to the airport. Usagi slumped in her seat and continued to stare out the side window.
She watched with widened eyes as the loud rumbling of a plane that was currently taking off roared overhead. The airplane went higher and higher until it disappeared into the clouds. Usagi let out a soft whistle; she had not been on a plane for over a decade! Why, the last time she went was when she was six, when her aunt had invited her family to stay a couple weeks over the summer. The blonde took a seat by the glass wall, eyes seemingly glued to the gigantic planes lined up before her. Her hands unconsciously clutched onto her ticket until the low voice of her father broke into her thoughts.
"Usagi, it's time to go." Sure enough, they were calling her flight over the speakers; it was going to take off in ten minutes. Instantly grabbing her bags and kissing her father on the cheek, Usagi hurried away.
"Don't do anything that you'll regret!" She faintly heard Kenji call out after her over the noisy airport. 'Don't worry Dad,' she thought mentally, 'I won't do anything bad...'
The plane lifted and Usagi clung onto her seat, feeling a wave of nausea awash her. She gulped and closed her eyes, remembering what Ikuko had instructed her to do. She took a deep breath just like her mother told her but it didn't go any good. The airport seemed so distant as it gained altitude. The sky was so beautiful and the clouds were so close that the girl wished she could touch its cotton-like material with her own hands.
"Was this your first time on a plane, Miss?" She turned around to face the man seated next to her. He had brown hair and, from what she could tell, a kind smile. Usagi took a deep breath. He was speaking English. 'What better time to practice my English?' she thought bitterly, and concluded that this could serve as an excellent opportunity. Again, the blonde regretted having not paid any attention whatsoever to her high school English teacher.
"Ii--no...it isn't," she stumbled on the words. "This is second time."
"Oh." His face registered slight surprise. "From what I could tell, it looked as if you were about to be sick a few minutes ago."
She blushed. "No, I'm fine."
"Well, that's nice to hear, Miss. What is your name?"
"My name?" Usagi stopped and tried to recall how the Americans said their names. In Japan, it was a custom to say the last name first, then accompanied by the first name. She remembered her teacher saying it was the other way around, or did she? Confused, Usagi decided to stick with her normal introduction.
"My name is...Tsukino Usagi."
"That's an interesting name. Tsukino?" He chuckled, instantly reminding Usagi of Mamoru's laugh. She looked down at her clothes.
"No, no. My name is Usagi, my last name Tsukino."
He smiled. "That was silly of me to think that it was the other way around, wasn't it? Ah, I remember now. They say the last name first in your country, am I right?"
"Yes..."
She remained quiet. The man looked older than she though she did not precisely know how much.
"Where are you going, Usagi?"
"To...Boston?"
"Boston, Massachusetts? May I ask why?"
The girl hesitated. She hardly knew this man. Was it wise to tell him everything? Still, he seemed like a normal person with no intentions to hurt anyone or anything of that sort.
"To see my boyfriend," she whispered quietly. Brushing her ring finger lightly with the other hand, she could still feel the ring sitting beautifully in its place. A light smile formed on her face when she recalled his promise before he left to college. That was a year ago. A year of heartfelt letters and long phone calls compensated little for actually seeing him in person, feeling his arms around her, and the soft kisses they would share. "I miss him."
"I see." He prodded no further and silence fell upon them.
Usagi broke the silence after a while. "Why were you in Japan?"
"On business. I live in Boston with my wife and my four-year-old daughter." He gave a warm smile. "I can't wait to see them again."
A light smile played on her pink lips. "Yes..."
***
She stepped out of the plane and bade goodbye to her new friend. Taking a glance as the man was happily reunited with his family, she smiled to herself. Pulling her jacket tighter around her body due to the coldness of the place, Usagi stifled a yawn and rubbed her sore muscles. Those long hours on the plane was anything but comfortable, even though the attendants tried everything to made the tiresome trip better. Giving her wristwatch a brief glance (which didn't do any good because of the time difference), Usagi plopped herself down on an available seat. Her eyes desperately scanned the noisy airport, waiting to see his familiar face. A quiet sigh escaped her lips after a few minutes of searching through the crowds. He wasn't there. Her plane had arrived earlier than expected. Though Usagi could not complain, she wanted to be able to jump into Mamoru's arms the second she stepped off the plane... Another barely audible sigh sounded in the stuffy air.
Making use of her time, Usagi pulled out a small English dictionary and tried unsuccessfully to learn some new words that might prove themselves useful in the future. Her mind wandered to Mamoru every few moments. Putting the book away, she scanned the area again with no luck.
"Usako..."
Shivers immediately ran down her spine at just hearing the deep voice. Her eyes squeezed shut for a mere instant, lips trembling in anticipation. Oh, how long had she wanted to hear his voice. When her eyes opened, a single, perfect crimson rose laid inches from her face. She let out a shaky breath and touched the smooth petals with her fingers. "Mamo-chan..."
She turned to face him with tear-filled eyes. Light blue met with stormy blue, each caressing the other's gaze for minutes on end that seemed to last a lifetime. "Mamo-chan..." Usagi found herself whispering her name for Mamoru before finding herself crushed in his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his back and savored his warmth, the way his arms felt wrapped tightly and securely around her, his special scent... Mamoru, in turn, planted a kiss on her forehead and breathed in the fragrant scent of Usagi's hair. His hand ran through her tendrils, wiping her stray tears away with his thumb. "Oh Usako..."
Before long, their lips met in a tender kiss. She clutched onto his jacket tightly, never wanting to let go. Amongst the mass amount of people and the loudspeakers that echoed in the airport, the two were seemingly lost in a world of their own. He took her hand and kissed it quickly.
"I missed you so much..."
She stepped into his cozy apartment while Mamoru put away her jacket. Upon looking at her surroundings and the small furnishings, she turned to him with a smile.
"So...do you have a roommate?" He nodded briefly.
"Hai, afraid so," he chuckled. "Couldn't afford this place by myself."
"Is he here?"
"No...we have the place to ourselves."
Seconds passed before the couple found themselves sharing a passionate kiss.
"I'm so glad your parents let you come here, Usako," Mamoru whispered. "It's so hard not being able to see you every day, to feel your touch..." He lifted her chin up gently so their eyes could meet. "We have to much to talk about...so much I want you to see here..." Their lips met again in a light kiss.
"How about showing me around first? Then we have the whole night to talk."
Mamoru nodded slightly before taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Sure."
Outside, a single snowflake made its way down in the still air.
**********************
*smiles* Well, that was certainly a sweet chapter for me. ^_^ Now, let me make something clear about this story: it doesn't have that distinct a plot. Rather, "AITS" is meant to be a short, sweet fic to read during the holidays. So mush lovers, be sure to check for future installments, for there will be plenty of mush ahead! I'm sorry for their chapter's shortness..the chapters will grow longer, I promise. Also, since Christmas is just around the corner, expect this story to be finished sometime around then. Please *review* or *e-mail* me at LisaZUMstories@aol.com or Lisafics@sailormoon.com.Thanks for reading minna!
This story written and posted November 2002.