Title: Angel in the Snow
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 7
Rating: G
Website: hometown.aol.com/lisazumstories
Author's Notes:
Greetings minna! Another new, mush-filled chapter is ready for your enjoyment! ^_^ There will be an epilogue after this, and I have set the completion date to be around New Years. A huge thanks to everyone who has sent me feedback to "AITS." It helps me to write faster. So, enjoy, and please remember to review/e-mail at the end!
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
******************
The smiling rays of sunlight that poured in from half-drawn shades awakened Usagi from her blissful sleep. Slightly disoriented, her hands stumbled upon the alarm clock beside the bed that read exactly ten in the morning. They had slept in...again. She grinned widely, Mamoru's steady heartbeat reverberating throughout her body. Not that she minded. She returned her attention to her boyfriend and gazed lovingly at him before disentangling herself from his arms. She dressed quickly and wound her way to the small kitchen. Usagi stared resolutely at the coffee machine. Mamoru had made breakfast the entire time she had stayed here. It was about time she did something for him.
Mamoru stumbled in just as the coffee finished brewing. "Morning, Mamo-chan!" she called happily while pouring the dark, steaming liquid into two mugs. "How would you like your coffee?"
He managed a sleepy half smile, one that made Usagi's knees wobble.
"You know how," he replied simply.
She made a face of mock disgust. "Hai. Black. With barely a trace of sugar. Honestly Mamo-chan, how can you drink it like that?" She shook her head in amazement and filled her cup with two mounds of sugar and cream.
"There, now that's better."
"Usako, I don't think your drink can be called coffee anymore."
She simply pouted, her sky-blue eyes narrowing slightly. He chuckled and placed a brief kiss to her left shoulder before heading to the bathroom.
Usagi set the two mugs onto the table and took her seat. Tonight was the Christmas party Mamoru had informed her about. She was looking forward to attending. It was an opportunity to be with him, to wear the stunning dress he had purchased especially for the occasion...to involve herself with the life he had built here. And it was something to keep her mind off the fact that tomorrow, she would be on a plane...heading back toward Japan, where her friends and family were waiting...
She took a small sip of her coffee and allowed the sweet, albeit somewhat pungent liquid to warm her. Mamoru sat down, more awake than was his condition five minutes ago.
"Arigato for making the coffee," he smiled, taking a large swallow. "Not half bad either..." The playful grin slid off his face when Usagi gave him only a trace of a smile.
"Usako?"
"Gomen..." She focused her eyes on her cup rather than her love's attentive orbs. "I've just been...feeling a bit guilty, I guess," she admitted quietly. "I was thinking earlier about how I would be heading home tomorrow...seeing everyone again." She faltered. Her hand received a reassuring squeeze from Mamoru that urged her...gave her the courage to continue. "And I realized that I hadn't thought about them once the entire time I've stayed here." Her last sentence lingered midair.
"Usako..."
"I know they probably think about me every day...missing me, waiting for me to come home. Rei-chan and the others are going to throw me a big welcome home party. I'm sure Mako-chan's going to bake a huge chocolate cake...Yet for me, it's the opposite. I'm absolutely dreading tomorrow."
He nodded, sharing her sentiments completely. The next day would be hard, to say the least, on both of them.
"You shouldn't feel bad," he said at length, then sought to explain himself. "It's all a matter of time. Let's say you were to stay here for a month, six months, would you not miss them then?"
"Hai," she nodded without hesitation. "But if I live one day without seeing you...less than that even, I'd miss you so much..."
He kissed her hand gently, his heart soaring for what seemed like the millionth time that week. "What are you telling me, Usako?"
What was she trying to say? The blonde furrowed her brow, searching her heart, seeking the answer she knew rested there. Her heart held so much love for so many, conflicting emotions that submerged her in a sea of confusion.
"I don't know..."
Mamoru stood up, hugging her reassuringly. "When you do know, tell me."
"I will. You'll be the first one."
She then leaned up and pressed her lips to his firmly, drinking in his love and savoring the sweetness of his mouth. The kiss ended and Usagi blushed. "Gomen, I'm a little needy today." She cringed, mentally chiding herself for how badly that had come out. "Suddenly I'm understanding a part of myself, and–"
A spark of passion, mixed with mischief, ignited in his eyes. "I liked it..."
"Mamo-chan!" She slapped his arm teasingly. He wasn't helping; her face grew to a beet red from his comment. "Stop it!"
"All right," he conceded, though the fire still burned in his deep eyes. He averted his gaze quickly. "What do you want to do today, Usako?"
She shrugged nonchalantly. "Anywhere with you..."
"I like the sound of that..."
The distance between their lips diminished. Usagi suddenly pulled away. "As long as it's somewhere outside...I promised Shingo I'd take some pictures for him." The young woman cringed. "He wanted to show them to his friends when I got back."
"Well, we can't disappoint him, can we?"
Usagi giggled, taking his hands. "Actually, we can..." She pressed a kiss to each palm. "Yet seeing how close the two of you are...I think you'd object to that plan."
Mamoru returned her smile and leaned close to her ear. "You know me too well," he murmured.
"Give me a few minutes to freshen up," she said quickly, then scrambled into the bathroom.
She recalled the first time her brother had met Mamoru. Shingo had been at the park with a few friends, undoubtably looking to cause some trouble. By pure chance (or was it), she and Mamoru had decided to take a stroll through the park. The first thing the annoying youma of a brother had said was that he was going to tell on Usagi for having a boyfriend. He then proceeded to chide Mamoru for being so blind. "If I were you," Shingo had remarked snidely, "Usagi would've been my last choice as a girlfriend." His friends shared a good laugh before the four boys scurried off pursued closely by a screaming, seething blonde close on their trail. Their relationship picked up from there. Shingo often admired Mamoru for his intelligence, and, whether or not he liked to admit it, looked up to him like an older brother.
Noon had already arrived by the time the couple had exited the apartment, dressed in layers of heavy clothing. They trudged through a blanket of half-melted snow, leaving a long trail of footsteps behind. Usagi listened to the soft crunching beneath her feet, and drew her coat closer to her body. They continued to walk in silence. She linked her arms around his by instinct, nestling her pink face into the warmth fabric of his jacket. It didn't take her much time to make the realization. All she wanted was to be with him until she died. Usagi was tired of being separated from him. She had almost lost Mamoru twice, more even...and wasn't willing to risk losing him again. She wouldn't be able to stand it. The blonde wanted to say that to him, albeit didn't know how to start. Usagi took a deep breath and pretended to be normal.
"It hasn't snowed today," she grumped.
"It snowed just yesterday," he reminded her with a small laugh.
She fingered the side of the camera absently. "I want to see your campus."
Mamoru looked at her curiously. "Do you?" Receiving a nod as his answer, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders. "Does Shingo mind you taking pictures of an old school building?"
"We've taken enough...America isn't too different from Japan. I could see myself living here..."
Usagi tried to sound offhand, though the quiver in her voice gave away her away. He understood the implication immediately and stiffened. The young man spotted a vacated bench nearby and motioned for them sit down.
"Usa–"
The blonde interrupted before he could even begin. "Mamo-chan, I understand now. This morning...when I told you I didn't understand...now I do. Please...just, listen." Unshed tears glimmered in her eyes. "Ever since I met Ami-chan, Rei-chan...all of them...I relied on their strength so much because I thought mine alone wasn't enough. They were the world to me."
"They still are," he said.
"Yes," she agreed, "but...it's different now. I've matured...I've come to trust in myself and my abilities more. I know myself better now. I used to think that if I were to ever be apart from one of them...I wouldn't be able to go on. I love them with all my heart...but I love you too. My love for you is different..." She gazed into his eyes. "It hurts so much more. When I'm in my bed at night, you're all I can think about. I know I'm still young, and according to some adults, I don't know what true love really is..." She frowned, "however they don't recognize that age doesn't matter when it comes to love. I feel like I've lost you so many times, and each time it just hurts even more. I can't leave tomorrow and not be able to see you again for another year or longer. What I mean is...if you decide to spend your life here in America, I would gladly move here to be with you...and I wouldn't look back. I could call my friends and family every week, and I wouldn't have any regrets..."
He felt tears threaten to overflow at the extent of her dedication to him. His voice was hoarse and thick with emotion as he spoke. "You shouldn't have to decide between...It's not fair to you."
She shook her head decidedly, cupping his face with her small gloved hands.
"I know you didn't mean to make me pick...but isn't this what it all comes down to? Mamo-chan, realize that I will always choose you, no matter what."
He embraced her tightly; words failed to convey everything he felt. As Mamoru buried his face into the crook of her neck, he remembered the night before...when he had lay awake and listened to her light snoring. He loved every part of Usagi, her strengths, her faults...her passions, her dislikes. He had then reached a conclusion. Now her declaration had only strengthened the knowledge that he had indeed made the right resolution.
"Mamoru, hi!"
The pair unwillingly detached themselves from one another, and he groaned audibly as a tall brunette strolled up to them, her arms waving frantically at him. "Not her again... "
The blonde turned curious eyes to her boyfriend. "Should I be threatened?"
"Not in the least bit," he answered while proceeding to plaster a fake smile upon his handsome features. Usagi secured her grip on his arm nonetheless. The college student reached the bench and sat down beside a visibly grimacing Mamoru.
"Hello Teresa," he returned evenly. "I'm surprised to see you here."
She laughed and leaned pleasantly toward him. "Good surprise, I take it."
Usagi saw red, the other woman's open flirtation grating on her last nerves. This...Teresa...was blatantly ignoring her presence, instead focusing her concentrations on helpless Mamoru. The blonde examined her with a critical eye: long legs, full, rose-colored lips, a sharp nose, all the right curves...and wore enough makeup to last Usagi the rest of her life. She scowled at the ground. 'Mamo-chan and I were having a wonderfully heart-wenching conversation until she comes along like...' She didn't dare to finish her thought.
Her love could only chuckle nervously and scoot the opposite direction as subtly as possible.
"Actually, I was hoping to bump into you, Mamoru. You're going to the dance tonight, I hope." He nodded tentatively, eliciting a high-pitched shriek that could be interpreted as joy from the dark-haired student. "Good! So am I...perhaps we can go together?"
"I have a date." There were no allowances for question. "Teresa, meet Usagi Tsukino...my girlfriend and date," he introduced hastily. Teresa appeared unruffled by the fact that Mamoru was taken. Her emerald eyes narrowed, and she spoke with an air of arrogance, her tone condescending.
"So you're the girlfriend..."
Usagi's smile was mocking. "So Mamo-chan's told you about me?"
"He's mentioned you," she emphasized, proceeding to inspect her perfectly manicured nails. A brief silence encompassed the group. Usagi wanted to scream.
"It was nice to meet you, Usagi. See you tonight."
She sauntered away as swiftly as she had come, leaving a fuming blonde in her wake.
"You see? That's another reason why I need to live here: to protect you from girls like that." A slender finger was directed toward said brunette. "Could she have been any more indiscreet? And we still haven't finished our talk yet... What time is it, Mamo-chan?"
He spared a glance to his wristwatch. "Five minutes to five. Usako, we can–"
She pushed herself off the comfortable perch on his lap.
"And the party's at seven?" She cut in, eyes wide.
"Hai. We have plenty of time." He reached for her shoulders, drawing her closer. Her mind grew fuzzy at their proximity and she shook her head to clear it.
"Maybe for you. I'm a girl, Mamo-chan." With that pointed remark, she commenced to march back to the apartment, pulling an all-too-willing young man behind her. "We'll have our talk later. Let's go."
"Mamo-chan, are you positive that I look presentable?" Usagi fidgeted restlessly in her dress, clutching the layers of silk with sweaty palms before releasing them again, only to smooth the wrinkles she produced there. The endless cycle was quickly growing tiresome.
He smiled warmly. "You look just like her."
"Who, Mamo-chan?"
The blonde gave her hair a final brush before twisting it into the traditional odango hairstyle.
"My Moon Princess," he breathed into her hair.
"Really?"
"Would I lie to you, my love?"
"Point taken," she relented finally. He placed a light coat upon her shoulders, receiving a grateful glance from Usagi as they stepped into the brisk night air.
As Mamoru took her arm and escorted her into the elegantly organized party, she felt as if she had traveled back in time, when lavish balls and slow waltzes were common occurrences. In her previous life on the moon, she had been the most sought after princess. Every man, noble or otherwise, desired the honor of dancing with her, even for a mere heartbeat's time.
Currently Usagi stood isolate and abandoned in a corner of the extensive ballroom. The blonde felt quite small without her boyfriend's soothing presence, who had momentarily left to greet some of his professors. She did nothing to stop the rush of jealousy when Teresa just happened to decide to talk to her teachers at the same time...who, coincidentally, were the same ones Mamoru had. The woman was clad in a blood red evening gown, dressed impressively enough to catch the eye of every man attending. Usagi turned away from the sight before her possessiveness of the better of her.
She edged her way to the cloth-covered refreshment table as a distraction, and carefully selected a glass of punch with no alcoholic content; she had learned from experience. She also chose a dainty sandwich from a silver platter and chewed it thoughtfully whilst watching numerous couples sway to the music. All the female guests bore looks of demure elegance as they twirled about the vast expanse of marble floor, literally glowing underneath the yellow flourescent lighting. The scene could very well have been taken straight from a fairytale, and Usagi couldn't help feeling extremely inadequate in comparison to the lovely ladies. She sighed and massaged her temple with her left hand, silently pleading Mamoru to return soon.
"You seem down," a voice remarked abruptly, taking Usagi by surprise. She looked up and found herself staring into a pair of amicable chocolate eyes. The man offered his hand. "Would you care to dance with me?"
Her first instinct was to say no; she wanted to dance with Mamoru...and him alone. Still...her beloved was currently engrossed in an interesting discourse with his instructors...and Teresa. She groaned. Besides, it wouldn't do her any harm have one dance with a nice young man. She offered him a small smile and placed her hand in his as a sign of acceptance. It didn't fit the same as Mamoru's. He led her toward the dance floor and gently curved a hand around her waist, the other clasping her hand. Soon their bodies were moving with the tune.
"Are you new here?" He craned his neck to better view her flushed face.
"No," she replied awkwardly, "I'm here visiting my boyfriend."
"Ah," his eyes twinkled cheerfully. "May I ask who?"
"Mamoru Chiba," she said, "do you know him?"
"He's in my English class. So that would make you Usagi, am I right?"
She began to feel more at ease chatting with him, and found her English to be better than she had considered it to be. 'Luna would be proud,' she smirked.
"That's me."
He chuckled. "Mamoru said you were a beauty...but I'm afraid his words don't do you justice."
She must've blushed redder than a ripe tomato. "Thank you."
The music ended and Usagi was slightly disappointed. She wanted to probe further, to find out just how much Mamoru talked about her. She thanked the college student again; this time, for the pleasure of his company.
"I hope you like America," he winked.
"Oh, very much."
They parted, and she made her way toward the refreshment table for the second time. Mamoru was waiting for her there, a cup of punch in his hand. She took the offered drink gratefully and downed it in one large gulp.
"Dance with me, Usako," he whispered.
She pressed herself to him tightly, her head resting against his broad chest, savoring the sensation of his hot breath against her neck...and tried to make the moment last forever.
"Arigato Mamo-chan...for bringing me here."
"No," he smiled, "thank you for coming."
"Can I stay?"
They both recognized than she wasn't referring to the party. Her eyes were fatigued and pleading.
Mamoru yearned to banish all the pain from her heart. He kissed her tenderly, remembering his previous decision. He withdrew from her arms and at the same time secured his grip on her hand.
"Usako...I have something...to tell you." His eyes scanned the mass of guests.
"Nani?"
It wasn't the right time.
"Let's go home," was all he said.
She frowned at the mess of clothing scattered all over his once perfect bedroom and picked up a suitcase with a small grunt. Her place was leaving early the next morning, which meant she needed to finish her packing now. She absently unzipped her case and carelessly stuffed a shirt into it. Mamoru joined her in the room and wordlessly began folding her clothing, stacking them in a neat pile next to her luggage.
"I don't know why I packed all that manga," she said, her voice threatening to crack any given instant. "It's not like I read any of them. Luna was chiding me about carrying them half way across the world. She told me not to bring them, yet I insisted and–"
Her nervous babbling ceased when Mamoru kissed her deeply. She was drowning in his love, and didn't want...didn't need...to resurface.
"You were saying?"
She tugged at his shirt, pulling his face down to hers.
"Was I speaking?"
******************
Hmm...*blinks*...not my best, but it's something, right? ^^;;;; No flames, please! *pleads* One more *short* epilogue to go! Are you guys excited? *hears crickets chirping* Anyway, I am hoping to reach 65 reviews, so please help me out by reviewing (there are 9 people reading this, right????)! Please? Or feel free to send any and all feedback to LisaZUMstories@aol.com or Lisafics@sailormoon.com. Big thank you to all my readers. I wish you all a happy and very merry Christmas! ^_^
This story written and posted December 2003.
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 7
Rating: G
Website: hometown.aol.com/lisazumstories
Author's Notes:
Greetings minna! Another new, mush-filled chapter is ready for your enjoyment! ^_^ There will be an epilogue after this, and I have set the completion date to be around New Years. A huge thanks to everyone who has sent me feedback to "AITS." It helps me to write faster. So, enjoy, and please remember to review/e-mail at the end!
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
******************
The smiling rays of sunlight that poured in from half-drawn shades awakened Usagi from her blissful sleep. Slightly disoriented, her hands stumbled upon the alarm clock beside the bed that read exactly ten in the morning. They had slept in...again. She grinned widely, Mamoru's steady heartbeat reverberating throughout her body. Not that she minded. She returned her attention to her boyfriend and gazed lovingly at him before disentangling herself from his arms. She dressed quickly and wound her way to the small kitchen. Usagi stared resolutely at the coffee machine. Mamoru had made breakfast the entire time she had stayed here. It was about time she did something for him.
Mamoru stumbled in just as the coffee finished brewing. "Morning, Mamo-chan!" she called happily while pouring the dark, steaming liquid into two mugs. "How would you like your coffee?"
He managed a sleepy half smile, one that made Usagi's knees wobble.
"You know how," he replied simply.
She made a face of mock disgust. "Hai. Black. With barely a trace of sugar. Honestly Mamo-chan, how can you drink it like that?" She shook her head in amazement and filled her cup with two mounds of sugar and cream.
"There, now that's better."
"Usako, I don't think your drink can be called coffee anymore."
She simply pouted, her sky-blue eyes narrowing slightly. He chuckled and placed a brief kiss to her left shoulder before heading to the bathroom.
Usagi set the two mugs onto the table and took her seat. Tonight was the Christmas party Mamoru had informed her about. She was looking forward to attending. It was an opportunity to be with him, to wear the stunning dress he had purchased especially for the occasion...to involve herself with the life he had built here. And it was something to keep her mind off the fact that tomorrow, she would be on a plane...heading back toward Japan, where her friends and family were waiting...
She took a small sip of her coffee and allowed the sweet, albeit somewhat pungent liquid to warm her. Mamoru sat down, more awake than was his condition five minutes ago.
"Arigato for making the coffee," he smiled, taking a large swallow. "Not half bad either..." The playful grin slid off his face when Usagi gave him only a trace of a smile.
"Usako?"
"Gomen..." She focused her eyes on her cup rather than her love's attentive orbs. "I've just been...feeling a bit guilty, I guess," she admitted quietly. "I was thinking earlier about how I would be heading home tomorrow...seeing everyone again." She faltered. Her hand received a reassuring squeeze from Mamoru that urged her...gave her the courage to continue. "And I realized that I hadn't thought about them once the entire time I've stayed here." Her last sentence lingered midair.
"Usako..."
"I know they probably think about me every day...missing me, waiting for me to come home. Rei-chan and the others are going to throw me a big welcome home party. I'm sure Mako-chan's going to bake a huge chocolate cake...Yet for me, it's the opposite. I'm absolutely dreading tomorrow."
He nodded, sharing her sentiments completely. The next day would be hard, to say the least, on both of them.
"You shouldn't feel bad," he said at length, then sought to explain himself. "It's all a matter of time. Let's say you were to stay here for a month, six months, would you not miss them then?"
"Hai," she nodded without hesitation. "But if I live one day without seeing you...less than that even, I'd miss you so much..."
He kissed her hand gently, his heart soaring for what seemed like the millionth time that week. "What are you telling me, Usako?"
What was she trying to say? The blonde furrowed her brow, searching her heart, seeking the answer she knew rested there. Her heart held so much love for so many, conflicting emotions that submerged her in a sea of confusion.
"I don't know..."
Mamoru stood up, hugging her reassuringly. "When you do know, tell me."
"I will. You'll be the first one."
She then leaned up and pressed her lips to his firmly, drinking in his love and savoring the sweetness of his mouth. The kiss ended and Usagi blushed. "Gomen, I'm a little needy today." She cringed, mentally chiding herself for how badly that had come out. "Suddenly I'm understanding a part of myself, and–"
A spark of passion, mixed with mischief, ignited in his eyes. "I liked it..."
"Mamo-chan!" She slapped his arm teasingly. He wasn't helping; her face grew to a beet red from his comment. "Stop it!"
"All right," he conceded, though the fire still burned in his deep eyes. He averted his gaze quickly. "What do you want to do today, Usako?"
She shrugged nonchalantly. "Anywhere with you..."
"I like the sound of that..."
The distance between their lips diminished. Usagi suddenly pulled away. "As long as it's somewhere outside...I promised Shingo I'd take some pictures for him." The young woman cringed. "He wanted to show them to his friends when I got back."
"Well, we can't disappoint him, can we?"
Usagi giggled, taking his hands. "Actually, we can..." She pressed a kiss to each palm. "Yet seeing how close the two of you are...I think you'd object to that plan."
Mamoru returned her smile and leaned close to her ear. "You know me too well," he murmured.
"Give me a few minutes to freshen up," she said quickly, then scrambled into the bathroom.
She recalled the first time her brother had met Mamoru. Shingo had been at the park with a few friends, undoubtably looking to cause some trouble. By pure chance (or was it), she and Mamoru had decided to take a stroll through the park. The first thing the annoying youma of a brother had said was that he was going to tell on Usagi for having a boyfriend. He then proceeded to chide Mamoru for being so blind. "If I were you," Shingo had remarked snidely, "Usagi would've been my last choice as a girlfriend." His friends shared a good laugh before the four boys scurried off pursued closely by a screaming, seething blonde close on their trail. Their relationship picked up from there. Shingo often admired Mamoru for his intelligence, and, whether or not he liked to admit it, looked up to him like an older brother.
Noon had already arrived by the time the couple had exited the apartment, dressed in layers of heavy clothing. They trudged through a blanket of half-melted snow, leaving a long trail of footsteps behind. Usagi listened to the soft crunching beneath her feet, and drew her coat closer to her body. They continued to walk in silence. She linked her arms around his by instinct, nestling her pink face into the warmth fabric of his jacket. It didn't take her much time to make the realization. All she wanted was to be with him until she died. Usagi was tired of being separated from him. She had almost lost Mamoru twice, more even...and wasn't willing to risk losing him again. She wouldn't be able to stand it. The blonde wanted to say that to him, albeit didn't know how to start. Usagi took a deep breath and pretended to be normal.
"It hasn't snowed today," she grumped.
"It snowed just yesterday," he reminded her with a small laugh.
She fingered the side of the camera absently. "I want to see your campus."
Mamoru looked at her curiously. "Do you?" Receiving a nod as his answer, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders. "Does Shingo mind you taking pictures of an old school building?"
"We've taken enough...America isn't too different from Japan. I could see myself living here..."
Usagi tried to sound offhand, though the quiver in her voice gave away her away. He understood the implication immediately and stiffened. The young man spotted a vacated bench nearby and motioned for them sit down.
"Usa–"
The blonde interrupted before he could even begin. "Mamo-chan, I understand now. This morning...when I told you I didn't understand...now I do. Please...just, listen." Unshed tears glimmered in her eyes. "Ever since I met Ami-chan, Rei-chan...all of them...I relied on their strength so much because I thought mine alone wasn't enough. They were the world to me."
"They still are," he said.
"Yes," she agreed, "but...it's different now. I've matured...I've come to trust in myself and my abilities more. I know myself better now. I used to think that if I were to ever be apart from one of them...I wouldn't be able to go on. I love them with all my heart...but I love you too. My love for you is different..." She gazed into his eyes. "It hurts so much more. When I'm in my bed at night, you're all I can think about. I know I'm still young, and according to some adults, I don't know what true love really is..." She frowned, "however they don't recognize that age doesn't matter when it comes to love. I feel like I've lost you so many times, and each time it just hurts even more. I can't leave tomorrow and not be able to see you again for another year or longer. What I mean is...if you decide to spend your life here in America, I would gladly move here to be with you...and I wouldn't look back. I could call my friends and family every week, and I wouldn't have any regrets..."
He felt tears threaten to overflow at the extent of her dedication to him. His voice was hoarse and thick with emotion as he spoke. "You shouldn't have to decide between...It's not fair to you."
She shook her head decidedly, cupping his face with her small gloved hands.
"I know you didn't mean to make me pick...but isn't this what it all comes down to? Mamo-chan, realize that I will always choose you, no matter what."
He embraced her tightly; words failed to convey everything he felt. As Mamoru buried his face into the crook of her neck, he remembered the night before...when he had lay awake and listened to her light snoring. He loved every part of Usagi, her strengths, her faults...her passions, her dislikes. He had then reached a conclusion. Now her declaration had only strengthened the knowledge that he had indeed made the right resolution.
"Mamoru, hi!"
The pair unwillingly detached themselves from one another, and he groaned audibly as a tall brunette strolled up to them, her arms waving frantically at him. "Not her again... "
The blonde turned curious eyes to her boyfriend. "Should I be threatened?"
"Not in the least bit," he answered while proceeding to plaster a fake smile upon his handsome features. Usagi secured her grip on his arm nonetheless. The college student reached the bench and sat down beside a visibly grimacing Mamoru.
"Hello Teresa," he returned evenly. "I'm surprised to see you here."
She laughed and leaned pleasantly toward him. "Good surprise, I take it."
Usagi saw red, the other woman's open flirtation grating on her last nerves. This...Teresa...was blatantly ignoring her presence, instead focusing her concentrations on helpless Mamoru. The blonde examined her with a critical eye: long legs, full, rose-colored lips, a sharp nose, all the right curves...and wore enough makeup to last Usagi the rest of her life. She scowled at the ground. 'Mamo-chan and I were having a wonderfully heart-wenching conversation until she comes along like...' She didn't dare to finish her thought.
Her love could only chuckle nervously and scoot the opposite direction as subtly as possible.
"Actually, I was hoping to bump into you, Mamoru. You're going to the dance tonight, I hope." He nodded tentatively, eliciting a high-pitched shriek that could be interpreted as joy from the dark-haired student. "Good! So am I...perhaps we can go together?"
"I have a date." There were no allowances for question. "Teresa, meet Usagi Tsukino...my girlfriend and date," he introduced hastily. Teresa appeared unruffled by the fact that Mamoru was taken. Her emerald eyes narrowed, and she spoke with an air of arrogance, her tone condescending.
"So you're the girlfriend..."
Usagi's smile was mocking. "So Mamo-chan's told you about me?"
"He's mentioned you," she emphasized, proceeding to inspect her perfectly manicured nails. A brief silence encompassed the group. Usagi wanted to scream.
"It was nice to meet you, Usagi. See you tonight."
She sauntered away as swiftly as she had come, leaving a fuming blonde in her wake.
"You see? That's another reason why I need to live here: to protect you from girls like that." A slender finger was directed toward said brunette. "Could she have been any more indiscreet? And we still haven't finished our talk yet... What time is it, Mamo-chan?"
He spared a glance to his wristwatch. "Five minutes to five. Usako, we can–"
She pushed herself off the comfortable perch on his lap.
"And the party's at seven?" She cut in, eyes wide.
"Hai. We have plenty of time." He reached for her shoulders, drawing her closer. Her mind grew fuzzy at their proximity and she shook her head to clear it.
"Maybe for you. I'm a girl, Mamo-chan." With that pointed remark, she commenced to march back to the apartment, pulling an all-too-willing young man behind her. "We'll have our talk later. Let's go."
"Mamo-chan, are you positive that I look presentable?" Usagi fidgeted restlessly in her dress, clutching the layers of silk with sweaty palms before releasing them again, only to smooth the wrinkles she produced there. The endless cycle was quickly growing tiresome.
He smiled warmly. "You look just like her."
"Who, Mamo-chan?"
The blonde gave her hair a final brush before twisting it into the traditional odango hairstyle.
"My Moon Princess," he breathed into her hair.
"Really?"
"Would I lie to you, my love?"
"Point taken," she relented finally. He placed a light coat upon her shoulders, receiving a grateful glance from Usagi as they stepped into the brisk night air.
As Mamoru took her arm and escorted her into the elegantly organized party, she felt as if she had traveled back in time, when lavish balls and slow waltzes were common occurrences. In her previous life on the moon, she had been the most sought after princess. Every man, noble or otherwise, desired the honor of dancing with her, even for a mere heartbeat's time.
Currently Usagi stood isolate and abandoned in a corner of the extensive ballroom. The blonde felt quite small without her boyfriend's soothing presence, who had momentarily left to greet some of his professors. She did nothing to stop the rush of jealousy when Teresa just happened to decide to talk to her teachers at the same time...who, coincidentally, were the same ones Mamoru had. The woman was clad in a blood red evening gown, dressed impressively enough to catch the eye of every man attending. Usagi turned away from the sight before her possessiveness of the better of her.
She edged her way to the cloth-covered refreshment table as a distraction, and carefully selected a glass of punch with no alcoholic content; she had learned from experience. She also chose a dainty sandwich from a silver platter and chewed it thoughtfully whilst watching numerous couples sway to the music. All the female guests bore looks of demure elegance as they twirled about the vast expanse of marble floor, literally glowing underneath the yellow flourescent lighting. The scene could very well have been taken straight from a fairytale, and Usagi couldn't help feeling extremely inadequate in comparison to the lovely ladies. She sighed and massaged her temple with her left hand, silently pleading Mamoru to return soon.
"You seem down," a voice remarked abruptly, taking Usagi by surprise. She looked up and found herself staring into a pair of amicable chocolate eyes. The man offered his hand. "Would you care to dance with me?"
Her first instinct was to say no; she wanted to dance with Mamoru...and him alone. Still...her beloved was currently engrossed in an interesting discourse with his instructors...and Teresa. She groaned. Besides, it wouldn't do her any harm have one dance with a nice young man. She offered him a small smile and placed her hand in his as a sign of acceptance. It didn't fit the same as Mamoru's. He led her toward the dance floor and gently curved a hand around her waist, the other clasping her hand. Soon their bodies were moving with the tune.
"Are you new here?" He craned his neck to better view her flushed face.
"No," she replied awkwardly, "I'm here visiting my boyfriend."
"Ah," his eyes twinkled cheerfully. "May I ask who?"
"Mamoru Chiba," she said, "do you know him?"
"He's in my English class. So that would make you Usagi, am I right?"
She began to feel more at ease chatting with him, and found her English to be better than she had considered it to be. 'Luna would be proud,' she smirked.
"That's me."
He chuckled. "Mamoru said you were a beauty...but I'm afraid his words don't do you justice."
She must've blushed redder than a ripe tomato. "Thank you."
The music ended and Usagi was slightly disappointed. She wanted to probe further, to find out just how much Mamoru talked about her. She thanked the college student again; this time, for the pleasure of his company.
"I hope you like America," he winked.
"Oh, very much."
They parted, and she made her way toward the refreshment table for the second time. Mamoru was waiting for her there, a cup of punch in his hand. She took the offered drink gratefully and downed it in one large gulp.
"Dance with me, Usako," he whispered.
She pressed herself to him tightly, her head resting against his broad chest, savoring the sensation of his hot breath against her neck...and tried to make the moment last forever.
"Arigato Mamo-chan...for bringing me here."
"No," he smiled, "thank you for coming."
"Can I stay?"
They both recognized than she wasn't referring to the party. Her eyes were fatigued and pleading.
Mamoru yearned to banish all the pain from her heart. He kissed her tenderly, remembering his previous decision. He withdrew from her arms and at the same time secured his grip on her hand.
"Usako...I have something...to tell you." His eyes scanned the mass of guests.
"Nani?"
It wasn't the right time.
"Let's go home," was all he said.
She frowned at the mess of clothing scattered all over his once perfect bedroom and picked up a suitcase with a small grunt. Her place was leaving early the next morning, which meant she needed to finish her packing now. She absently unzipped her case and carelessly stuffed a shirt into it. Mamoru joined her in the room and wordlessly began folding her clothing, stacking them in a neat pile next to her luggage.
"I don't know why I packed all that manga," she said, her voice threatening to crack any given instant. "It's not like I read any of them. Luna was chiding me about carrying them half way across the world. She told me not to bring them, yet I insisted and–"
Her nervous babbling ceased when Mamoru kissed her deeply. She was drowning in his love, and didn't want...didn't need...to resurface.
"You were saying?"
She tugged at his shirt, pulling his face down to hers.
"Was I speaking?"
******************
Hmm...*blinks*...not my best, but it's something, right? ^^;;;; No flames, please! *pleads* One more *short* epilogue to go! Are you guys excited? *hears crickets chirping* Anyway, I am hoping to reach 65 reviews, so please help me out by reviewing (there are 9 people reading this, right????)! Please? Or feel free to send any and all feedback to LisaZUMstories@aol.com or Lisafics@sailormoon.com. Big thank you to all my readers. I wish you all a happy and very merry Christmas! ^_^
This story written and posted December 2003.