Fearing Love
Disclaimer: Not mine.
By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
Chapter One: Painful Reunions
Rating: PG13
"Usagi-chan!" Mina called out, getting her friend's attention. She ran over to her. "Want to go shopping?"
Usagi looked at her friend and smiled. "I'd love to go shopping, Mina-chan. It's been so long since we had a shopping spree. Want to call the others?"
"Yeah! I'll call the girls and have them meet us outside the mall. It'll be just like high school, Usagi-chan!" Mina exclaimed excitedly.
Usagi smiled sadly. "Just like I never left."
Mina's smile faded. "Usagi," she began, "it isn't your fault. You had to do what was right back then. You had to grow into your own person without us. We all understand, Usagi. You didn't need to be protected and coddled. You needed to know your own strengths and weaknesses. You needed to find who you were. We never blamed you and Mamoru for leaving. I knew if an enemy were to arise, you'd be back. And so did the others, Usagi. Don't feel guilty."
She looked into her friend's blue eyes, so much like her own. Usagi sighed. "I'm sorry I left, Mina. I truly am. I know I needed to do it, I just regret the necessity of it."
Mina smiled and hugged her friend. "We still love you, Usagi. No one blames you. Now, let's call the girls!"
~~~
Laughter filled the large apartment. Nine young women sat around the living room. Rei sat on one of the large recliner chairs, a huge mocking smile on her face. Haruka and Michiru sat together in the other recliner, hands intertwined, and grinning like fools. The love seat was stolen by Ami and Minako. The couch held Makoto, Hotaru, and Setsuna. Usagi sat upon the floor besides Rei's recliner.
"That was fun, guys," Usagi said, smiling.
"Of course, Odango Atama!" Rei said.
Usagi stuck her tongue out at her and glared. "Be nice!"
Rei shook her head and laughed. "Nice to you? Never!"
Minako smiled and decided now was as good a time as any to ask what everyone present was dying to know, even if it wasn't a pleasant topic. "Usagi-chan, what happened between you and Mamoru?" she asked softly.
Usagi's eyes dimmed and her smile faded at the question. "Mina, I don't want-"
"We need to know, Usagi-chan," she cut in. "It affects our future as well. You and he were destined to rule. What happened?"
Usagi sighed and pulled her legs to her chest, holding them with her arms. "We left Tokyo and moved to America. At first, everything was fine. Mamo-chan and I were both attending Harvard," she said, ignoring the gasps of her friends. "I was intelligent and got in, attending political science and law courses. I thought I might as well prepare for my future as queen. He and I graduated the top of our class. He recently got a job at a local law firm and I had yet to choose my own place of employment. We moved in together-"
"What!?" Rei exclaimed in shock, cutting off Usagi's explanation. "Usagi! You should have waited until-"
"We had separate rooms, Rei-chan. He wanted to wait until we were married and I did as well. We haven't done anything more than heavy petting." She glared at her friend and continued. "Anyway, about eight months ago, he started getting distant. He stopped talking to me about his day and his life. He came home late every night, long after I was asleep. He kept breaking dates. He stopped telling me he loved me," she whispered sadly. "And he stopped giving me more than a kiss. I think I could have handled him stopping one of those things, but all at once, I was in agony. I asked him about it. He said he just didn't want to get too close too fast. I put up with it for a while; until I found out he was dating other people.
"I asked him one day and he admitted it. He said he still cared for me and I asked him if he still loved me. He didn't deny it, but he didn't tell me. I looked in his eyes and I could see he still loved me. It was there. He needed me, he loved me so much, and yet even that wasn't enough, apparently. I ended it and flew back here."
"I'm sorry, Usagi-chan," Rei said softly, hugging her friend's shoulders.
~~~
Mamoru picked up the large black leather suitcase and turned to his blond companion. "Ready, Motoki?"
The blond man nodded and led his dark-haired counterpart out of the crowded airport. "How do you like being home?"
Mamoru smiled. "I missed Tokyo," he said softly. "America is too different for my tastes."
Motoki laughed. "Yeah, I bet. How's Usagi?"
His smiled faded as the young woman was mentioned, a pained look on his face. "Usagi and I aren't together any longer, Motoki," he whispered.
The blond snapped his head up, looking at Mamoru in surprise. "What happened?"
Shrugging, Mamoru stopped as they reached Motoki's blue dodge pickup. He set his suitcase and pack in the bed of the truck and walked around to the passenger side, getting in after Motoki unlocked it. Waiting until Motoki had gotten in the truck himself, Mamoru studied the dashboard intently. "She and I just didn't work out."
"That's it?" Motoki asked confused. "You two were inseparable! You loved her so much, Mamoru. Why would you let her go?"
The dark-haired man glared at his friend. "I didn't let her go, she left me."
Motoki cocked an eyebrow at him. "What?"
"She gave up on me," he stated dully.
Motoki decided to leave it at that for now. He didn't think his friend was willing to talk about it now. He concentrated on driving to his apartment, only making polite chitchat on the way, his mind still on the breakup of his two dearest friends.
He pulled up at the apartment building for the first time in years. Mamoru had kept up the apartment, knowing he would return to Tokyo and couldn't give it up. They got out of the vehicle and Mamoru grabbed his bags. They headed to the elevator, both silent. It opened and they got in, pushing the right floor and waited for the elevator to reach the correct floor.
It opened with a soft ping and they got off and walked the few doors down to his apartment. Mamoru pushed his key in the door, opening it swiftly and turning on the lights. He dropped his bags on the floor with a thud and looked around the apartment that had been his home so long ago. He smiled. "Home."
Motoki grinned. "Yes. Home. Now let's go see your other home."
Mamoru looked back at his friend curiously. "And that would be?"
"The Arcade, of course," he said, his grin growing.
Mamoru smirked and turned towards him. "Let's go." He pushed Motoki out the door, locking it behind him. They returned to the truck and drove the few blocks to the arcade. Mamoru's grin widened as they pulled in front of it. His gaze traveled over the sign of the Crown Arcade as he got out of Motoki's vehicle. They entered the familiar hangout, the bells jingling at their entrance, and Mamoru looked around curiously. It was like coming home.
Motoki clapped his hand on his friend's back and chuckled. "Don't look so dazed, Mamoru. How about we get a drink?"
Mamoru nodded and they both wandered over to the counter and ordered two sodas from Motoki's sister. "Working for your brother?" Mamoru inquired.
The redhead nodded. "Yup, Mamoru-san. Good to see you."
Motoki grinned. "Get back to work, little sister," he ordered playfully. He turned to Mamoru after his sister scampered off and grinned. "What's America like?"
"Busy-" he began before the door jingling interrupted. He turned to look and paled visibly. 'Usako.' His eyes caught hers and she stopped short. Her face mirrored his inner turmoil.
Motoki turned to look at what captured his friend's attention and gasped. Usagi walked in and her own face looked pale as she beheld her former love and Motoki had a sudden urge to hug her. She looked so horrified and scared. She was hurting and it was obvious, even to Motoki, who hadn't seen her in years. He rose and put on his best 'I'm happy to see you' look, rushing over to her and grabbing her in a big hug. "Usagi-chan!"
She felt tense against him, but she slowly relaxed and hugged him back just as fiercely. "Motoki-kun! How have you been?"
"Good!" He squeezed her once and let her go, holding her away from him. "You look gorgeous, Usagi-chan."
She blushed prettily and smiled. "You don't look half bad yourself, Motoki-kun."
He hugged her again. "I'm sorry about Mamoru and you, Usagi-chan. I don't know what happened, he wouldn't talk about it. I'm here if you need someone," he whispered.
Her eyes clouded and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak. "Thank you, Motoki."
He released her again and smiled. "Would it be too painful to join us?"
She shook her head. "No, I have to deal with it sometime, eh?"
He grinned at her bravery. "Yes, especially being Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon, hmmm?"
She smiled back at him and walked to Mamoru, Motoki's arm draped companionably around her shoulders. Motoki noticed Mamoru's glare at him, either from the close way he held his former girlfriend or bringing her over to him, he didn't know. "Hey, Mamoru! Look who's here."
"Hello, Mamoru," she greeted softly. She smiled at him and sat on the stool beside Motoki's, away from Mamoru's.
"Usagi," he returned just as softly. "How are you?"
"Fine. You?" she inquired awkwardly.
"Good."
Silence followed until Motoki couldn't stand it any longer. "Usagi, what have you been doing with yourself lately?"
She smiled at the blond man. "Nothing much. The girls and I had a shopping spree yesterday. Just catching up with old friends."
"Really? How are the girls? I haven't seen them in quite awhile."
"They're good. Rei-chan runs the Temple now that her grandfather died a year ago. Ami-chan is an intern at Tokyo General Hospital. Makoto-chan is the head chef at the Outback until she can save up to by her own restaurant. Minako is acting in a few movies. Haruka is a professional racer. Michiru plays violin professionally. Hotaru is finishing Medical School. And Setsuna is a famous designer. They are all pretty happy."
Motoki smiled. "That's wonderful! What about you?"
She frowned. "It's a surprise."
He frowned, confused. "Surprise?"
She turned away. "You remember our talk before I left?" she asked softly. Mamoru was straining to hear and Motoki frowned at the strange tone in her voice.
"Yeah."
She looked at him, glancing at her former boyfriend for a moment. "Do you remember how I told you I was going to be Queen one day?"
Both men started and stared at the petite woman sharply. "What are you talking about, Usagi?" Mamoru demanded harshly.
She stared at Mamoru. "That is why I came here, Motoki-kun. To warn you," she began without looking away from the dark blue eyes. "I didn't know Mamoru had returned, but I suppose this is for the best. Evil is approaching. It will devastate the world before I can overcome it and ascend. As Queen."
~~~
AN: Yes, Motoki knows about the Sailor Senshi. I just made it easier this way :P. Hope this is good!
Lovies!
Disclaimer: Not mine.
By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
Chapter One: Painful Reunions
Rating: PG13
"Usagi-chan!" Mina called out, getting her friend's attention. She ran over to her. "Want to go shopping?"
Usagi looked at her friend and smiled. "I'd love to go shopping, Mina-chan. It's been so long since we had a shopping spree. Want to call the others?"
"Yeah! I'll call the girls and have them meet us outside the mall. It'll be just like high school, Usagi-chan!" Mina exclaimed excitedly.
Usagi smiled sadly. "Just like I never left."
Mina's smile faded. "Usagi," she began, "it isn't your fault. You had to do what was right back then. You had to grow into your own person without us. We all understand, Usagi. You didn't need to be protected and coddled. You needed to know your own strengths and weaknesses. You needed to find who you were. We never blamed you and Mamoru for leaving. I knew if an enemy were to arise, you'd be back. And so did the others, Usagi. Don't feel guilty."
She looked into her friend's blue eyes, so much like her own. Usagi sighed. "I'm sorry I left, Mina. I truly am. I know I needed to do it, I just regret the necessity of it."
Mina smiled and hugged her friend. "We still love you, Usagi. No one blames you. Now, let's call the girls!"
~~~
Laughter filled the large apartment. Nine young women sat around the living room. Rei sat on one of the large recliner chairs, a huge mocking smile on her face. Haruka and Michiru sat together in the other recliner, hands intertwined, and grinning like fools. The love seat was stolen by Ami and Minako. The couch held Makoto, Hotaru, and Setsuna. Usagi sat upon the floor besides Rei's recliner.
"That was fun, guys," Usagi said, smiling.
"Of course, Odango Atama!" Rei said.
Usagi stuck her tongue out at her and glared. "Be nice!"
Rei shook her head and laughed. "Nice to you? Never!"
Minako smiled and decided now was as good a time as any to ask what everyone present was dying to know, even if it wasn't a pleasant topic. "Usagi-chan, what happened between you and Mamoru?" she asked softly.
Usagi's eyes dimmed and her smile faded at the question. "Mina, I don't want-"
"We need to know, Usagi-chan," she cut in. "It affects our future as well. You and he were destined to rule. What happened?"
Usagi sighed and pulled her legs to her chest, holding them with her arms. "We left Tokyo and moved to America. At first, everything was fine. Mamo-chan and I were both attending Harvard," she said, ignoring the gasps of her friends. "I was intelligent and got in, attending political science and law courses. I thought I might as well prepare for my future as queen. He and I graduated the top of our class. He recently got a job at a local law firm and I had yet to choose my own place of employment. We moved in together-"
"What!?" Rei exclaimed in shock, cutting off Usagi's explanation. "Usagi! You should have waited until-"
"We had separate rooms, Rei-chan. He wanted to wait until we were married and I did as well. We haven't done anything more than heavy petting." She glared at her friend and continued. "Anyway, about eight months ago, he started getting distant. He stopped talking to me about his day and his life. He came home late every night, long after I was asleep. He kept breaking dates. He stopped telling me he loved me," she whispered sadly. "And he stopped giving me more than a kiss. I think I could have handled him stopping one of those things, but all at once, I was in agony. I asked him about it. He said he just didn't want to get too close too fast. I put up with it for a while; until I found out he was dating other people.
"I asked him one day and he admitted it. He said he still cared for me and I asked him if he still loved me. He didn't deny it, but he didn't tell me. I looked in his eyes and I could see he still loved me. It was there. He needed me, he loved me so much, and yet even that wasn't enough, apparently. I ended it and flew back here."
"I'm sorry, Usagi-chan," Rei said softly, hugging her friend's shoulders.
~~~
Mamoru picked up the large black leather suitcase and turned to his blond companion. "Ready, Motoki?"
The blond man nodded and led his dark-haired counterpart out of the crowded airport. "How do you like being home?"
Mamoru smiled. "I missed Tokyo," he said softly. "America is too different for my tastes."
Motoki laughed. "Yeah, I bet. How's Usagi?"
His smiled faded as the young woman was mentioned, a pained look on his face. "Usagi and I aren't together any longer, Motoki," he whispered.
The blond snapped his head up, looking at Mamoru in surprise. "What happened?"
Shrugging, Mamoru stopped as they reached Motoki's blue dodge pickup. He set his suitcase and pack in the bed of the truck and walked around to the passenger side, getting in after Motoki unlocked it. Waiting until Motoki had gotten in the truck himself, Mamoru studied the dashboard intently. "She and I just didn't work out."
"That's it?" Motoki asked confused. "You two were inseparable! You loved her so much, Mamoru. Why would you let her go?"
The dark-haired man glared at his friend. "I didn't let her go, she left me."
Motoki cocked an eyebrow at him. "What?"
"She gave up on me," he stated dully.
Motoki decided to leave it at that for now. He didn't think his friend was willing to talk about it now. He concentrated on driving to his apartment, only making polite chitchat on the way, his mind still on the breakup of his two dearest friends.
He pulled up at the apartment building for the first time in years. Mamoru had kept up the apartment, knowing he would return to Tokyo and couldn't give it up. They got out of the vehicle and Mamoru grabbed his bags. They headed to the elevator, both silent. It opened and they got in, pushing the right floor and waited for the elevator to reach the correct floor.
It opened with a soft ping and they got off and walked the few doors down to his apartment. Mamoru pushed his key in the door, opening it swiftly and turning on the lights. He dropped his bags on the floor with a thud and looked around the apartment that had been his home so long ago. He smiled. "Home."
Motoki grinned. "Yes. Home. Now let's go see your other home."
Mamoru looked back at his friend curiously. "And that would be?"
"The Arcade, of course," he said, his grin growing.
Mamoru smirked and turned towards him. "Let's go." He pushed Motoki out the door, locking it behind him. They returned to the truck and drove the few blocks to the arcade. Mamoru's grin widened as they pulled in front of it. His gaze traveled over the sign of the Crown Arcade as he got out of Motoki's vehicle. They entered the familiar hangout, the bells jingling at their entrance, and Mamoru looked around curiously. It was like coming home.
Motoki clapped his hand on his friend's back and chuckled. "Don't look so dazed, Mamoru. How about we get a drink?"
Mamoru nodded and they both wandered over to the counter and ordered two sodas from Motoki's sister. "Working for your brother?" Mamoru inquired.
The redhead nodded. "Yup, Mamoru-san. Good to see you."
Motoki grinned. "Get back to work, little sister," he ordered playfully. He turned to Mamoru after his sister scampered off and grinned. "What's America like?"
"Busy-" he began before the door jingling interrupted. He turned to look and paled visibly. 'Usako.' His eyes caught hers and she stopped short. Her face mirrored his inner turmoil.
Motoki turned to look at what captured his friend's attention and gasped. Usagi walked in and her own face looked pale as she beheld her former love and Motoki had a sudden urge to hug her. She looked so horrified and scared. She was hurting and it was obvious, even to Motoki, who hadn't seen her in years. He rose and put on his best 'I'm happy to see you' look, rushing over to her and grabbing her in a big hug. "Usagi-chan!"
She felt tense against him, but she slowly relaxed and hugged him back just as fiercely. "Motoki-kun! How have you been?"
"Good!" He squeezed her once and let her go, holding her away from him. "You look gorgeous, Usagi-chan."
She blushed prettily and smiled. "You don't look half bad yourself, Motoki-kun."
He hugged her again. "I'm sorry about Mamoru and you, Usagi-chan. I don't know what happened, he wouldn't talk about it. I'm here if you need someone," he whispered.
Her eyes clouded and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak. "Thank you, Motoki."
He released her again and smiled. "Would it be too painful to join us?"
She shook her head. "No, I have to deal with it sometime, eh?"
He grinned at her bravery. "Yes, especially being Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon, hmmm?"
She smiled back at him and walked to Mamoru, Motoki's arm draped companionably around her shoulders. Motoki noticed Mamoru's glare at him, either from the close way he held his former girlfriend or bringing her over to him, he didn't know. "Hey, Mamoru! Look who's here."
"Hello, Mamoru," she greeted softly. She smiled at him and sat on the stool beside Motoki's, away from Mamoru's.
"Usagi," he returned just as softly. "How are you?"
"Fine. You?" she inquired awkwardly.
"Good."
Silence followed until Motoki couldn't stand it any longer. "Usagi, what have you been doing with yourself lately?"
She smiled at the blond man. "Nothing much. The girls and I had a shopping spree yesterday. Just catching up with old friends."
"Really? How are the girls? I haven't seen them in quite awhile."
"They're good. Rei-chan runs the Temple now that her grandfather died a year ago. Ami-chan is an intern at Tokyo General Hospital. Makoto-chan is the head chef at the Outback until she can save up to by her own restaurant. Minako is acting in a few movies. Haruka is a professional racer. Michiru plays violin professionally. Hotaru is finishing Medical School. And Setsuna is a famous designer. They are all pretty happy."
Motoki smiled. "That's wonderful! What about you?"
She frowned. "It's a surprise."
He frowned, confused. "Surprise?"
She turned away. "You remember our talk before I left?" she asked softly. Mamoru was straining to hear and Motoki frowned at the strange tone in her voice.
"Yeah."
She looked at him, glancing at her former boyfriend for a moment. "Do you remember how I told you I was going to be Queen one day?"
Both men started and stared at the petite woman sharply. "What are you talking about, Usagi?" Mamoru demanded harshly.
She stared at Mamoru. "That is why I came here, Motoki-kun. To warn you," she began without looking away from the dark blue eyes. "I didn't know Mamoru had returned, but I suppose this is for the best. Evil is approaching. It will devastate the world before I can overcome it and ascend. As Queen."
~~~
AN: Yes, Motoki knows about the Sailor Senshi. I just made it easier this way :P. Hope this is good!
Lovies!