Title: Angel in the Snow
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 4
Rating: G
Website: http://hometown.aol.com/lisazumstories
Author's Notes:
Well, I can't believe it, but here's a new chapter to "AITS!" I realize Christmas isn't for another six months, but I want to finish this fic. *grin* I usually don't do too well with plain mush fics (like this one), but this story is turning out okay. It'll probably end after a few more chapters (6-7 at most); I don't want it to be too long. Romance was never my strong part, I do better angst, which is why "AITS" will not be, say, ten chapters long. But, enough of my babbling! Enjoy minna, and please review/e-mail at the end! Mush ahead (as always)! ^_^
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
********************
Mamoru parked the car in an empty lot in front of the gray building and eyed the still sleeping girl. She was remarkably beautiful, her hair loose and softly hanging about her face, her cheeks flushed, her lips curved in the most delicate smile he had ever seen. She took his breath away every time he saw her. Mamoru was thankful, to say the least, to have been able to spend this time with her. His hands itched to touch her silky hair, her creamy skin, and he knew better than to resist. He would undoubtably lose anyway. He gingerly brushed loose strands from her eyes and neatly tucked them beneath her ear. Another hand went up to cup her warm cheek. Usagi's smile grew bigger, as if in the middle of an amazing dream, and unconsciously leaned into the palm of his hand, craving more of his touch.
A rush of love effused Mamoru's being at her simple graze. But nothing about Usagi was simple. She was a strong, determined, and loyal person, yet not plain ordinary. She never would be, and Mamoru loved her for that. He loved her so much, Tsukino Usagi, his life, that it hurt. The realization of the fact his heart had knew all along brought a huge smile from the young man. Training his eyes once again in the angel before him, he never wanted that peaceful moment to end. Suddenly aware of Usagi's discomfort of having to sleep in the car, Mamoru got out from his side with as little noise as possible. He opened the passenger's door and pulled the petite girl into his arms until her head rested over his heart. In one smooth gesture, he swept her from the car seat and preceded to carry her home.
Yet for him, he was already home. Home was where Usagi was, which was the sole reason as to why he missed Tokyo so much. The lonely years of his childhood were spent there, yearning for someone to come and relieve him of his pain, to love him as he wanted to love them. He didn't need to be reminded of that bleak past, of the never-ending darkness that loomed over his head like a dark cloud. It was not that he missed Japan itself, rather the young woman, the keeper of his heart, who resided there. If she were to come and live with him here, then the United States would be his home, and he would never look back at Tokyo. Wherever she may go, that was where he wanted to be. Home.
Usagi gradually became aware of a steady movement and an encircling warmth from the strong arms that held her. An all too familiar warmth. Only one person could offer that to her. It was not just physical comfort, but a warmth that could touch her soul and calm her inside. She smiled, opening her sleep-filled eyes to rest on her Mamoru.
"Mamo-chan?" Her voice was small, no different from that of a child's, as he looked down at her. Their eyes met and gazed lovingly at each other. He leaned down and planted a swift kiss upon her receptive mouth before answering her call.
"I didn't want to wake you...you looked so peaceful sleeping..."
She smiled, comfortably settling into his embrace, and listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart. When her mind cleared, she was suddenly aware of her current position. Mamoru was carrying her to the apartment...like... The realization brought a deep blush from Usagi, and she hid it by burying her red face into his chest. She compelled herself to finish the thought. Like the nightly dreams, or more appropriately, fantasies, she had with her finally joining with Mamoru in holy matrimony. The dreams would come to her almost every night, and she looked forward to having them. In the dream, they would say their vows, ones they had written themselves, expressions of their true feelings, to each other while the whole world's eyes were on them. They would seal their promises of forever with an affirming, earth-shattering kiss before walking down the aisle with all their family and friends watching on proudly. And on their wedding night, Mamoru would pick her up in a fancy flourish and sweep her toward their room. It would be the best night of both their lives, one they could never forget... And then she would wake up to the songs of robins by her window, a smile on her face. Yes, she remembered those dreams vividly. They were sometimes the only thing that kept her going when she desperately missed Mamoru. 'Someday...' Usagi contemplated, 'someday, we'll be able to make all our dreams come true.' And she couldn't wait for that day to come. Although she had yet to finish high school, Usagi had no doubts as to who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She gaze lingered upon the shimmering promise ring Mamoru had given her more than a year ago. One day, it would be replaced with a real engagement ring. Usagi smiled faintly while twirling the ring around her finger.
Despite all that had gone through her head, aloud, she simply asked, "How long was I asleep?"
"About twenty minutes," he answered.
"Oh."
She lost herself to his sweet embrace. Mamoru was always so gentle and tender when it came to Usagi, whether it came to holding her or touching her hand. It was as if she were a fragile doll, so easily broken. Usagi didn't mind the extra care. In fact, she loved it. As they reached the end top of the flight of stairs, the girl felt her eyelids growing heavy again. Usagi had to admit that she was exhausted after a whole day of shopping.
"Mamo-chan..."
He simply grinned in return. "Sleep. We can talk later," he assured. Satisfied, Usagi let sleep claim her once more...perhaps the dream would come to her again. That would be nice indeed.
Mamoru opened the door to the apartment and shifted Usagi's weight to his other shoulder. With the massive amounts of food she consumed on an hourly basis, he was surprised that she didn't weigh more. He eyed Ron sitting around the kitchen table, a half-eaten sandwich placed in front of him, and gave a slight nod of acknowledgment before heading into his bedroom. Once inside, Mamoru tenderly placed the slumbering Usagi onto the soft mattress, and left her to sleep with a quick brush of his lips on hers.
"Hey," Ron called from behind his cup of orange juice, "I was wondering where you were." His eyes twinkled mischievously, a second meaning buried under his otherwise casual words. Ron took every chance he could to tease Mamoru, but he couldn't be more happy for his friend. He deserved contentment, and anyone could see that Mamoru was at his happiest whenever he was around Usagi.
The dark-haired man smiled and rolled his eyes playfully. "Don't start. Yes, I was out with Usagi, buying her a dress for the party."
"Ah, I see. The big formal. Usagi's your date, I presume." He only nodded in reply, giving Ron a look that said 'who else?'
A second later, Mamoru shot up with a start, hitting his forehead with a hand. "Her dress! I forgot all about it!" He had been so engrossed into watching Usagi sleep that the dress by her side had been completely forgotten about. Rushing outside, he returned with it shortly after and placed it in his room.
Mamoru's roommate was apparently amused as he sat there, devouring the last bite of his sandwich and watching the scene unfold. Once his friend had sat down again with a sigh, he offered to make him a sandwish, but Mamoru bluntly refused with a quick shake of his head.
"I'm afraid I had too much to eat while shopping with Usagi."
The American frowned, his eyes displaying confusion.
"How much can that tiny person eat? Not that much, right?"
Mamoru couldn't help but laugh. It brought back memories of years ago, when they first met. Usagi would constantly be stuffing her face at the arcade where his best friend Motoki worked. He remembered asking that very question the first time he amazingly watched Usagi order a heap of food that disappeared within seconds time. Though despite her large appetite, she still managed to keep a slim figure, her body fitting perfectly in Mamoru's arms.
"More than you think...that's my Usako all right..."
Ron shook his head, disbelieving. It was almost impossible to imagine anyone as small as Usagi to eat as much as Mamoru had implied. "Listen, I'm going to go out for a while. I'll be back in a couple hours."
"Sure."
The young man grabbed his jacket on his way out, and with one more wink, he strode outside. Mamoru could hear his footsteps descending the flights of stairs. Ron was a great friend, he realized. He was the person whom Mamoru could trust without any doubt whatsoever, the guy who had to put up with hours of Mamoru's rambling of his everlasting love for Usagi. The thought brought a grin to his face. Mamoru had met Ron in his elective class, and they instantly became friends. He had shown Mamoru the way around the enormous school, and offered to share apartments with him. It was hard to believe that all happened a year ago. It seemed like only yesterday to Mamoru, when the pain of having to leave Usagi was partially subdued by the excitement of studying abroad. He greatly enjoyed going to school in America, but he was aware of the strain it put on his and Usagi's relationship. The coversation they had shared earlier was still fresh in his mind. Usagi was having doubts of his love for her, which saddened Mamoru greatly. He understood her worries. They were so far apart, no longer part of each other's lives every waking moment. 'Still,' his mind rationalized, 'we'll be all right. I won't be here forever. But can I bear another whole year without her?' Refusing to answer that question, he instead went to check on Usagi.
She took notice to the sudden warmth that surrounded her, to the familiar scent that filled her nostrils. Usagi was pulled out of unconsciousness by a soft, lingering kiss. She sighed happily, kissing Mamoru back. When he pulled away, her eyes opened slowly, love shining brightly in their depths.
"I could get used to that wake up call," she grinned, snuggling into her boyfriend's arms. They stayed like that, so close that each could hear the heartbeat of the other, letting the comfortable silence surround them like a blanket. Usagi's face was thoughtful until she finally spoke.
"Wow...I just realized...today's Christmas Eve."
Mamoru chuckled. "Hai, Usako, you're right."
"And here I am...with you."
Mamoru looked away. A part of him, a huge part, was thrilled at having Usagi here. She was his family. Yet, he couldn't help but feel selfish for taking her away from her own family. He wanted her all to himself, to love her and never let go. Unsure of what was going through Usagi's mind, he asked tentatively, "Do you want to be anywhere else?"
She shook her head fervently at the question, wondering how Mamoru could ask such a thing. Turning her head to that she could look straight into her eyes, she answered honestly, "There's nowhere else in the world I would rather be than in your arms."
The doubts having vanished, he smiled warmly before capturing her pink lips with his own in a deep kiss to show, indeed, just how much he loved her.
"Me too."
The sun was quickly fading in the cloudless sky. Usagi had insisted to watch the sunset, and Mamoru couldn't refuse her, even if it was below freezing out. He never had the heart to refuse her. Anything she wanted, he would do everything in his power to give it to her. They stood side-by-side on the balcony, arms slightly touching, and silently watched the sun disappear below the horizon.
"When I was a little girl," Usagi said, "I always used to watch the sunsets with my dad. Always."
He kissed the top of her head. "What changed?"
"I don't know. I guess...I grew up. I'm not the little girl I was anymore."
Mamoru nodded, knowing how true that was. From their first encounter, Usagi had since then blossomed from a girl who had been predestined to save the world at a painfully young age to a marvelous young woman whose beauty was unmatchable. It was amazing what three years could do to a person. However, Usagi was not an average person. She was extraordinary, with a kind and caring heart. He was thankful that he had been able to witness her ascend into maturity. Instead of telling her all that, he simply replied, "No, you're not."
The man knew that she would understand all that he meant by those three words. Usagi did, and gave him an appreciative smile. If anyone could understand her, it was her Mamo-chan.
The last traces of sunlight were gone, replaced by the brilliant, shimmering moon. The couple was still there, not moving, their breathing creating small puffs of cold air.
"Sometimes, though, my dad and I still watch them together."
"Of course. You and your dad will always share that."
She leaned into his embrace, shivering at the coldness of the nighttime air.
"I'm ready to go inside, Mamo-chan."
Mamoru set the two steaming mugs of hot chocolate on the coffee table and plopped down beside Usagi, who was busy stuffing her face with pastries. She instantly scooted closer to him, laying her head upon his shoulder. "Would you like one?" She offered him a pastry, her glowing face covered with cream.
"I'm fine." Mamoru wiped a bit of filling from Usagi's cheek, and licked it from his finger, amused at Usagi's love for desserts, or anything sweet for that matter. "You're a mess." She beamed, a wide grin plastered on her features.
"I know. But you know what, these cakes are too good for me to stop eating." Usagi devoured the last bite of it before taking a sip from her mug. "Yum! I love hot chocolate." Grabbing another cake from the plate, she settled back into his awaiting arms, looking deeply into Mamoru's ocean-blue eyes. There was so much love there...for her. All for her. How lucky she was to be able to be loved by such a remarkable man. The girl oftentimes wondered what Mamoru saw in her. She did not have much to offer, yet he was willing to give her everything she had dreamed of as a child. It was just like a fairytale. Mamoru was her prince in shining armor, and she would never let him go. Warmth rushed through her body, and Usagi suddenly felt utterly full. She set the pastry down alongside her half full mug, giving her love her undivided attention. Usagi licked her lips, staring at the handsome man underneath her long eyelashes.
"So...what do you want to do now, Mamo-chan?"
Mamoru knew Usagi wanted him to kiss her, and he wanted to kiss her as well. Their lips met gently, a tender, loving kiss, before growing more passionate. When they broke for air, Usagi smiled happily, resting her head against his chest to hear his racing heart. The sound lulled her to a peaceful sleep.
He looked at his sleeping angel, listening to her soft breathing. He was content to just watch her sleep, protecting her from anything that might cause her harm.
Ron came back at around ten o'clock with a miniature Christmas tree in his arms. Due to Mamoru's anxiousness to see Usagi again, he had forgotten to go and buy a tree. Ron had bought one last year, and this year it was his turn. The dark-haired man didn't have the heart to wake Usagi, so he talked to Ron with her nested under his embrace.
"I'm sorry I forgot to go out and buy a tree," he hastily apologized, but Ron held up a hand.
"Hey, it's okay. You were happy to see Usagi. It's understandable."
Mamoru eyed the small pine. It was hardly two feet in height.
"Why so small?"
His roommate showed some embarrassment. "Well...the big trees were all sold out, so I had to make do with this one."
"Oh."
"I hope you don't mind."
He shook his head. "No, not at all. Any tree is better than none at all."
The two men set out to decorate the tree. It didn't take too long, of that they were glad of. At the stroke of midnight, they had completed the entire tree. A glowing angel sat atop the tree, as Mamoru had insisted upon it. It held a special meaning his heart, a representation of his Usagi. Mamoru went into his room, and grabbed his present for her, and one for Ron as well. He had secretly bought it during their trip to the mall for her dress. It was at the front of the store's glass display. When he first laid eyes on it, he knew it was the perfect gift for Usagi. The packages were wrapped with care.
He stepped back, gazing at the tree from the other side of the room.
"It's beautiful," Mamoru said.
"Yeah...Mamoru, I've decided to spend Christmas with my family tomorrow. They live nearby." Ron looked at him as he spoke. The Christmas before, Ron had kindly decided to stay with Mamoru for the holiday because he had no family to spend it with. He remembered how sad Mamoru was, and how he spent most of the day gazing longingly at a framed photo beside his bed. A photo of Usagi. It was painful to see anyone spend such a wonderful holiday alone. This year, however, it was different. She was here, in person, and Ron was sure Mamoru would have the best Christmas ever.
Mamoru smiled, nodding. "Christmas is about family. It's only right that you spend it with yours."
"I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning, and I won't be back until the day after next."
"That's fine. Then I better give this to you, in case I miss you leaving tomorrow." He handed him a small gift.
"I have one for you too."
They exchanged presents.
"You two will have the place all to yourselves tomorrow." He grinned.
"That'll be nice."
Ron patted him on the back, a friendly gesture they often shared, and headed to bed.
"Ron?"
"Yeah, Mamoru?"
Mamoru glanced at the clock. Midnight had already come and gone.
"Merry Christmas. And thank you...for being there for me last year..."
He felt extremely blessed for having such a wonderful friend.
"That's what friends are for." They shared a laugh, and Ron disappeared into his bedroom.
It wasn't hard in the least bit for him to switch his attention from Ron to the girl sleeping on the sofa next to him. It was already five past midnight. Seeing her there, her hair a shimmering stream of golden blonde, a look of innocence and peace evident on her face, brought happiness that once Mamoru thought he could never have. Only Usagi could give him that. Placing a kiss upon her cheek, Mamoru whispered, "Merry Christmas, Usa."
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Okay...^_^...how's that for plotless mush? I'm sorry if it really sucked, and for its shortness. I haven't been able to write much over the summer, but I *am* currently trying to update my fics. For all you romantic/mush lovers out there, I hope this chapter was to your liking. ^^ A new chapter to "AITS," which will be about Usa and Mamo's Christmas, will probably be out in a few weeks. Also, look for a new chapter to "Shipwrecked," and possibly the edited "Roses." Please take the time to review, or feel free to send e-mail to me at LisaZUMstories@aol.com or Lisafics@sailormoon.com. Thanks!
This story written and posted June 2003.
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 4
Rating: G
Website: http://hometown.aol.com/lisazumstories
Author's Notes:
Well, I can't believe it, but here's a new chapter to "AITS!" I realize Christmas isn't for another six months, but I want to finish this fic. *grin* I usually don't do too well with plain mush fics (like this one), but this story is turning out okay. It'll probably end after a few more chapters (6-7 at most); I don't want it to be too long. Romance was never my strong part, I do better angst, which is why "AITS" will not be, say, ten chapters long. But, enough of my babbling! Enjoy minna, and please review/e-mail at the end! Mush ahead (as always)! ^_^
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
********************
Mamoru parked the car in an empty lot in front of the gray building and eyed the still sleeping girl. She was remarkably beautiful, her hair loose and softly hanging about her face, her cheeks flushed, her lips curved in the most delicate smile he had ever seen. She took his breath away every time he saw her. Mamoru was thankful, to say the least, to have been able to spend this time with her. His hands itched to touch her silky hair, her creamy skin, and he knew better than to resist. He would undoubtably lose anyway. He gingerly brushed loose strands from her eyes and neatly tucked them beneath her ear. Another hand went up to cup her warm cheek. Usagi's smile grew bigger, as if in the middle of an amazing dream, and unconsciously leaned into the palm of his hand, craving more of his touch.
A rush of love effused Mamoru's being at her simple graze. But nothing about Usagi was simple. She was a strong, determined, and loyal person, yet not plain ordinary. She never would be, and Mamoru loved her for that. He loved her so much, Tsukino Usagi, his life, that it hurt. The realization of the fact his heart had knew all along brought a huge smile from the young man. Training his eyes once again in the angel before him, he never wanted that peaceful moment to end. Suddenly aware of Usagi's discomfort of having to sleep in the car, Mamoru got out from his side with as little noise as possible. He opened the passenger's door and pulled the petite girl into his arms until her head rested over his heart. In one smooth gesture, he swept her from the car seat and preceded to carry her home.
Yet for him, he was already home. Home was where Usagi was, which was the sole reason as to why he missed Tokyo so much. The lonely years of his childhood were spent there, yearning for someone to come and relieve him of his pain, to love him as he wanted to love them. He didn't need to be reminded of that bleak past, of the never-ending darkness that loomed over his head like a dark cloud. It was not that he missed Japan itself, rather the young woman, the keeper of his heart, who resided there. If she were to come and live with him here, then the United States would be his home, and he would never look back at Tokyo. Wherever she may go, that was where he wanted to be. Home.
Usagi gradually became aware of a steady movement and an encircling warmth from the strong arms that held her. An all too familiar warmth. Only one person could offer that to her. It was not just physical comfort, but a warmth that could touch her soul and calm her inside. She smiled, opening her sleep-filled eyes to rest on her Mamoru.
"Mamo-chan?" Her voice was small, no different from that of a child's, as he looked down at her. Their eyes met and gazed lovingly at each other. He leaned down and planted a swift kiss upon her receptive mouth before answering her call.
"I didn't want to wake you...you looked so peaceful sleeping..."
She smiled, comfortably settling into his embrace, and listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart. When her mind cleared, she was suddenly aware of her current position. Mamoru was carrying her to the apartment...like... The realization brought a deep blush from Usagi, and she hid it by burying her red face into his chest. She compelled herself to finish the thought. Like the nightly dreams, or more appropriately, fantasies, she had with her finally joining with Mamoru in holy matrimony. The dreams would come to her almost every night, and she looked forward to having them. In the dream, they would say their vows, ones they had written themselves, expressions of their true feelings, to each other while the whole world's eyes were on them. They would seal their promises of forever with an affirming, earth-shattering kiss before walking down the aisle with all their family and friends watching on proudly. And on their wedding night, Mamoru would pick her up in a fancy flourish and sweep her toward their room. It would be the best night of both their lives, one they could never forget... And then she would wake up to the songs of robins by her window, a smile on her face. Yes, she remembered those dreams vividly. They were sometimes the only thing that kept her going when she desperately missed Mamoru. 'Someday...' Usagi contemplated, 'someday, we'll be able to make all our dreams come true.' And she couldn't wait for that day to come. Although she had yet to finish high school, Usagi had no doubts as to who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She gaze lingered upon the shimmering promise ring Mamoru had given her more than a year ago. One day, it would be replaced with a real engagement ring. Usagi smiled faintly while twirling the ring around her finger.
Despite all that had gone through her head, aloud, she simply asked, "How long was I asleep?"
"About twenty minutes," he answered.
"Oh."
She lost herself to his sweet embrace. Mamoru was always so gentle and tender when it came to Usagi, whether it came to holding her or touching her hand. It was as if she were a fragile doll, so easily broken. Usagi didn't mind the extra care. In fact, she loved it. As they reached the end top of the flight of stairs, the girl felt her eyelids growing heavy again. Usagi had to admit that she was exhausted after a whole day of shopping.
"Mamo-chan..."
He simply grinned in return. "Sleep. We can talk later," he assured. Satisfied, Usagi let sleep claim her once more...perhaps the dream would come to her again. That would be nice indeed.
Mamoru opened the door to the apartment and shifted Usagi's weight to his other shoulder. With the massive amounts of food she consumed on an hourly basis, he was surprised that she didn't weigh more. He eyed Ron sitting around the kitchen table, a half-eaten sandwich placed in front of him, and gave a slight nod of acknowledgment before heading into his bedroom. Once inside, Mamoru tenderly placed the slumbering Usagi onto the soft mattress, and left her to sleep with a quick brush of his lips on hers.
"Hey," Ron called from behind his cup of orange juice, "I was wondering where you were." His eyes twinkled mischievously, a second meaning buried under his otherwise casual words. Ron took every chance he could to tease Mamoru, but he couldn't be more happy for his friend. He deserved contentment, and anyone could see that Mamoru was at his happiest whenever he was around Usagi.
The dark-haired man smiled and rolled his eyes playfully. "Don't start. Yes, I was out with Usagi, buying her a dress for the party."
"Ah, I see. The big formal. Usagi's your date, I presume." He only nodded in reply, giving Ron a look that said 'who else?'
A second later, Mamoru shot up with a start, hitting his forehead with a hand. "Her dress! I forgot all about it!" He had been so engrossed into watching Usagi sleep that the dress by her side had been completely forgotten about. Rushing outside, he returned with it shortly after and placed it in his room.
Mamoru's roommate was apparently amused as he sat there, devouring the last bite of his sandwich and watching the scene unfold. Once his friend had sat down again with a sigh, he offered to make him a sandwish, but Mamoru bluntly refused with a quick shake of his head.
"I'm afraid I had too much to eat while shopping with Usagi."
The American frowned, his eyes displaying confusion.
"How much can that tiny person eat? Not that much, right?"
Mamoru couldn't help but laugh. It brought back memories of years ago, when they first met. Usagi would constantly be stuffing her face at the arcade where his best friend Motoki worked. He remembered asking that very question the first time he amazingly watched Usagi order a heap of food that disappeared within seconds time. Though despite her large appetite, she still managed to keep a slim figure, her body fitting perfectly in Mamoru's arms.
"More than you think...that's my Usako all right..."
Ron shook his head, disbelieving. It was almost impossible to imagine anyone as small as Usagi to eat as much as Mamoru had implied. "Listen, I'm going to go out for a while. I'll be back in a couple hours."
"Sure."
The young man grabbed his jacket on his way out, and with one more wink, he strode outside. Mamoru could hear his footsteps descending the flights of stairs. Ron was a great friend, he realized. He was the person whom Mamoru could trust without any doubt whatsoever, the guy who had to put up with hours of Mamoru's rambling of his everlasting love for Usagi. The thought brought a grin to his face. Mamoru had met Ron in his elective class, and they instantly became friends. He had shown Mamoru the way around the enormous school, and offered to share apartments with him. It was hard to believe that all happened a year ago. It seemed like only yesterday to Mamoru, when the pain of having to leave Usagi was partially subdued by the excitement of studying abroad. He greatly enjoyed going to school in America, but he was aware of the strain it put on his and Usagi's relationship. The coversation they had shared earlier was still fresh in his mind. Usagi was having doubts of his love for her, which saddened Mamoru greatly. He understood her worries. They were so far apart, no longer part of each other's lives every waking moment. 'Still,' his mind rationalized, 'we'll be all right. I won't be here forever. But can I bear another whole year without her?' Refusing to answer that question, he instead went to check on Usagi.
She took notice to the sudden warmth that surrounded her, to the familiar scent that filled her nostrils. Usagi was pulled out of unconsciousness by a soft, lingering kiss. She sighed happily, kissing Mamoru back. When he pulled away, her eyes opened slowly, love shining brightly in their depths.
"I could get used to that wake up call," she grinned, snuggling into her boyfriend's arms. They stayed like that, so close that each could hear the heartbeat of the other, letting the comfortable silence surround them like a blanket. Usagi's face was thoughtful until she finally spoke.
"Wow...I just realized...today's Christmas Eve."
Mamoru chuckled. "Hai, Usako, you're right."
"And here I am...with you."
Mamoru looked away. A part of him, a huge part, was thrilled at having Usagi here. She was his family. Yet, he couldn't help but feel selfish for taking her away from her own family. He wanted her all to himself, to love her and never let go. Unsure of what was going through Usagi's mind, he asked tentatively, "Do you want to be anywhere else?"
She shook her head fervently at the question, wondering how Mamoru could ask such a thing. Turning her head to that she could look straight into her eyes, she answered honestly, "There's nowhere else in the world I would rather be than in your arms."
The doubts having vanished, he smiled warmly before capturing her pink lips with his own in a deep kiss to show, indeed, just how much he loved her.
"Me too."
The sun was quickly fading in the cloudless sky. Usagi had insisted to watch the sunset, and Mamoru couldn't refuse her, even if it was below freezing out. He never had the heart to refuse her. Anything she wanted, he would do everything in his power to give it to her. They stood side-by-side on the balcony, arms slightly touching, and silently watched the sun disappear below the horizon.
"When I was a little girl," Usagi said, "I always used to watch the sunsets with my dad. Always."
He kissed the top of her head. "What changed?"
"I don't know. I guess...I grew up. I'm not the little girl I was anymore."
Mamoru nodded, knowing how true that was. From their first encounter, Usagi had since then blossomed from a girl who had been predestined to save the world at a painfully young age to a marvelous young woman whose beauty was unmatchable. It was amazing what three years could do to a person. However, Usagi was not an average person. She was extraordinary, with a kind and caring heart. He was thankful that he had been able to witness her ascend into maturity. Instead of telling her all that, he simply replied, "No, you're not."
The man knew that she would understand all that he meant by those three words. Usagi did, and gave him an appreciative smile. If anyone could understand her, it was her Mamo-chan.
The last traces of sunlight were gone, replaced by the brilliant, shimmering moon. The couple was still there, not moving, their breathing creating small puffs of cold air.
"Sometimes, though, my dad and I still watch them together."
"Of course. You and your dad will always share that."
She leaned into his embrace, shivering at the coldness of the nighttime air.
"I'm ready to go inside, Mamo-chan."
Mamoru set the two steaming mugs of hot chocolate on the coffee table and plopped down beside Usagi, who was busy stuffing her face with pastries. She instantly scooted closer to him, laying her head upon his shoulder. "Would you like one?" She offered him a pastry, her glowing face covered with cream.
"I'm fine." Mamoru wiped a bit of filling from Usagi's cheek, and licked it from his finger, amused at Usagi's love for desserts, or anything sweet for that matter. "You're a mess." She beamed, a wide grin plastered on her features.
"I know. But you know what, these cakes are too good for me to stop eating." Usagi devoured the last bite of it before taking a sip from her mug. "Yum! I love hot chocolate." Grabbing another cake from the plate, she settled back into his awaiting arms, looking deeply into Mamoru's ocean-blue eyes. There was so much love there...for her. All for her. How lucky she was to be able to be loved by such a remarkable man. The girl oftentimes wondered what Mamoru saw in her. She did not have much to offer, yet he was willing to give her everything she had dreamed of as a child. It was just like a fairytale. Mamoru was her prince in shining armor, and she would never let him go. Warmth rushed through her body, and Usagi suddenly felt utterly full. She set the pastry down alongside her half full mug, giving her love her undivided attention. Usagi licked her lips, staring at the handsome man underneath her long eyelashes.
"So...what do you want to do now, Mamo-chan?"
Mamoru knew Usagi wanted him to kiss her, and he wanted to kiss her as well. Their lips met gently, a tender, loving kiss, before growing more passionate. When they broke for air, Usagi smiled happily, resting her head against his chest to hear his racing heart. The sound lulled her to a peaceful sleep.
He looked at his sleeping angel, listening to her soft breathing. He was content to just watch her sleep, protecting her from anything that might cause her harm.
Ron came back at around ten o'clock with a miniature Christmas tree in his arms. Due to Mamoru's anxiousness to see Usagi again, he had forgotten to go and buy a tree. Ron had bought one last year, and this year it was his turn. The dark-haired man didn't have the heart to wake Usagi, so he talked to Ron with her nested under his embrace.
"I'm sorry I forgot to go out and buy a tree," he hastily apologized, but Ron held up a hand.
"Hey, it's okay. You were happy to see Usagi. It's understandable."
Mamoru eyed the small pine. It was hardly two feet in height.
"Why so small?"
His roommate showed some embarrassment. "Well...the big trees were all sold out, so I had to make do with this one."
"Oh."
"I hope you don't mind."
He shook his head. "No, not at all. Any tree is better than none at all."
The two men set out to decorate the tree. It didn't take too long, of that they were glad of. At the stroke of midnight, they had completed the entire tree. A glowing angel sat atop the tree, as Mamoru had insisted upon it. It held a special meaning his heart, a representation of his Usagi. Mamoru went into his room, and grabbed his present for her, and one for Ron as well. He had secretly bought it during their trip to the mall for her dress. It was at the front of the store's glass display. When he first laid eyes on it, he knew it was the perfect gift for Usagi. The packages were wrapped with care.
He stepped back, gazing at the tree from the other side of the room.
"It's beautiful," Mamoru said.
"Yeah...Mamoru, I've decided to spend Christmas with my family tomorrow. They live nearby." Ron looked at him as he spoke. The Christmas before, Ron had kindly decided to stay with Mamoru for the holiday because he had no family to spend it with. He remembered how sad Mamoru was, and how he spent most of the day gazing longingly at a framed photo beside his bed. A photo of Usagi. It was painful to see anyone spend such a wonderful holiday alone. This year, however, it was different. She was here, in person, and Ron was sure Mamoru would have the best Christmas ever.
Mamoru smiled, nodding. "Christmas is about family. It's only right that you spend it with yours."
"I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning, and I won't be back until the day after next."
"That's fine. Then I better give this to you, in case I miss you leaving tomorrow." He handed him a small gift.
"I have one for you too."
They exchanged presents.
"You two will have the place all to yourselves tomorrow." He grinned.
"That'll be nice."
Ron patted him on the back, a friendly gesture they often shared, and headed to bed.
"Ron?"
"Yeah, Mamoru?"
Mamoru glanced at the clock. Midnight had already come and gone.
"Merry Christmas. And thank you...for being there for me last year..."
He felt extremely blessed for having such a wonderful friend.
"That's what friends are for." They shared a laugh, and Ron disappeared into his bedroom.
It wasn't hard in the least bit for him to switch his attention from Ron to the girl sleeping on the sofa next to him. It was already five past midnight. Seeing her there, her hair a shimmering stream of golden blonde, a look of innocence and peace evident on her face, brought happiness that once Mamoru thought he could never have. Only Usagi could give him that. Placing a kiss upon her cheek, Mamoru whispered, "Merry Christmas, Usa."
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Okay...^_^...how's that for plotless mush? I'm sorry if it really sucked, and for its shortness. I haven't been able to write much over the summer, but I *am* currently trying to update my fics. For all you romantic/mush lovers out there, I hope this chapter was to your liking. ^^ A new chapter to "AITS," which will be about Usa and Mamo's Christmas, will probably be out in a few weeks. Also, look for a new chapter to "Shipwrecked," and possibly the edited "Roses." Please take the time to review, or feel free to send e-mail to me at LisaZUMstories@aol.com or Lisafics@sailormoon.com. Thanks!
This story written and posted June 2003.