Oh my. People actually reviewed my story and everyone had such nice things to say. Very encouraging. It's so nice to know that someone is actually enjoying what I'm writing. Thank you so much for reading and especially for reviewing. You are all the best. Please keep tuned for more exciting chapters. ^_^
Chapter Four: Falling Star
The sun was sinking through the sky as Usagi walked home, beaming down on the back of her head. Shadows were beginning to stretch out from the bases of lamp posts and fire hydrants, Usagi's own shadow moved in slow unison with her dragging feet. Tears were still rolling down her face in a steady procession but she wiped them away quickly, feeling stupid when someone asked if she was alright. With a sharp nod, and her face flushing with embarrassment, Usagi coughed and rubbed her eyes as she passed the arcade.
Michiru and Haruka were sitting inside with the cool air conditioning, talking about the future when Haruka noticed Usagi walking past. Her sharp green eyes took in the slight slump of her small princess's shoulders and the redness of Usagi's nose and stood up abruptly, cutting off Michiru in the middle of a sentence, anger beginning to surface in her face.
"Haruka?" Michiru questioned softly, her melodious voice flowing to calm Haruka's quick temper. She followed Haruka's angry gaze and saw the sight of the usually up-beat Usagi rubbing at her eyes, and her own aqua eyes lit up. "Ruka, go talk to her?"
But Haruka was already out the door, and hurrying behind the golden haired girl whom she had come to care about deeply.
"Usagi!"
Usagi froze and spun around, her eyes widening when she saw the rage snapping in the tall woman's eyes. Haruka had always intimidated her, maybe it had something to do with a slight, forbidden attraction but Usagi also knew that Haruka was fiercely protective, especially of her, for some reason. The two had always had a bond, what the bond was exactly, neither of them knew but they both felt a strong affiliation for each other.
"Usagi, what's the matter?" Haruka stood before Usagi, arms crossed against her broad chest, her sandy hair falling into one eye.
Usagi shook her head. "Nothing." The thought of telling Haruka what she had done was terrifying, she knew that she had done something selfish but it felt right, how could she explain that to someone who just wouldn't understand.
Haruka raised an eyebrow. "You were crying, and you look as if you've had someone crush you and free you at the same time. What happened?"
Usagi took a step back, forcing a smile. "I fell and hurt my hand—oh, it's all right now," she said when Haruka took a step to look at the injury. "I'm fine. You know me," Usagi forced a light laugh. "Clumsy, clumsy, clumsy. But you know, I've really got to be going home now, and making dinner. I'll see you later, Ruka!" The last sentence she called over her shoulder then sprinted toward her apartment building.
Haruka glared at Usagi's retreating back. Liar, she thought. There was something else going on and Haruka knew that Usagi had outgrown her initial clumsiness. Usagi had been acting strange lately, distant and more than once Haruka had caught her staring blankly into space with a painful longing burning in her eyes. The stark need in Usagi's face had startled Haruka and also caused her heart to ache. She had known then that something was wrong with Usagi and that whatever it was, was slowly eating away at the younger girl.
Haruka shook her head, determined to find out just what was going on in Usagi's mind. If there was someone who was hurting her, that person would pay.
She turned and went to rejoin Michiru and discuss Usagi's behavior of late.
Usagi pushed open the door to her apartment, sighing in relief when the door was safely shut behind her.
Her white, fuzzy slippers were in their usual place by the coat rack, and Usagi padded over to the soft, leather sofa and plopped down, resting her head on the back of the sofa. What a day, she thought and wondered what Mamoru was doing. The pain she had seen in his face before he had masked it with indifference had stabbed at her already hurting heart and she wished more than anything she could go back and take his pain away. But she knew that she could never give him the thing that would really cure him of his pain and even if she did, she knew it wouldn't be fair or right for either of them.
Usagi sighed and pushed herself up and walked onto the balcony. The sun was sinking below the trees on the horizon, and the sky was streaked with vibrant reds and oranges as if a child had been finger painting, and using the sky as his canvas. Far above, the sky faded into blue and velvet black and stars were already appearing and winking their love at her. She smiled and leaned against the railing, her pain easing away as she gazed the heavens for the planet of her love. It was not to be found, the sun was nearly gone but its light remained and most of the stars and planets were invisible.
Oh, Seiya, her heart and soul cried out. Some day I'll find my way to your side and to your heart.
She sighed and pushed herself away from the railing, and went inside.
It was in that second, when she turned away that she missed seeing the bright streak of light that flashed across the evening sky and landed somewhere in the park.
Okay, onto chapter five!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!
