Chapter ten:

A Breakable Promise

She was startled to see him leaning over her, a hidden question in his eyes. He was crouched next to her, his eyes searching hers with a question he couldn't ask.

"Draco?" Usagi frowned with concern. He had been quiet for some time now, that she was starting to worry. And even now he refused to speak to her. Struggling, she tried to sit up so that she could see him from a different angle. It wasn't until she found it difficult to even barely lift her back from the floor, did she remember the position she was in.

She had completely forgotten she had been entertaining herself earlier by swinging her boot covered legs in intricate patterns in the air.

"Usagi."

She blinked, dragging herself from her flustered thoughts to the boy leaning over her. She managed to lift herself up onto her elbows. Tilting her head slightly, Usagi studied his face.

Was that fear she saw?

Or was it some game he was playing?

She couldn't trust herself to speak. If this was some sick game he was playing, then all of it had to be a game. And if that was the truth, she feared that it might destroy her.

He made the first move. Usagi caught her breath, when his hand touched her cheek, the warmth of his palm comforting her. She barely knew him, and yet, she felt like she should know him. It was times like these that she felt left out. That her past life, and him were on terms she couldn't comprehend. He acted like he knew her, but she hardly knew anything about him.

She gave in, letting herself seek the warmth of his hand. This was wrong. She should hate him. She had Mamoru, she had the senshi, she had Chibi Usa.

But even as she reminded herself of these things, her heart thumped wildly in her chest, when she met his eyes.

He was struggling to tell her something. The plea in his eyes, even though he couldn't get his mouth to voice the words. She smiled at him, encouraging him to speak. Her body shivered, her blood roaring through her veins.

Usagi's eyes fell to his mouth, when he finally started to speak. She was startled by the words, but more so by the begging plea laced within them.

"Please don't leave… me."

She felt the tears sting her eyes, and something burned deep within her chest. She drew in a shuddering breath, as her heart contracted. That one sentence, that one plea, broke her heart.

Shaking her head, she struggled to compose herself. "I'm not going anywhere." How could he think she would leave? They were locked in a closet after all…

Draco sighed, directing her attention back to him. "You said you were going home." At the moment going home was the last thing on her mind. She was quite happy with where she was at the moment.

As if she was right where she belonged.

"Usagi?"

She shivered. This had to be wrong. Right? She lived in another world, had her life already set. She had a fiancé, a future child to look forward to.

So why didn't any of that feel like it mattered here? Every minute she spent longer here, at this school, the more distance she felt was placed between her and her old life. Slowly she was becoming this other Usagi. It was only a matter of time, before the Usagi in Tokyo was gone, and the one in London was reborn.

Already she could feel the last of the ties forming.

Eventually, she would have to return. She would have to go back home. Before it was too late.

Tears formed at this realization. When the time came, would she be able to say goodbye?

"Usa-"

She didn't let him finish. Her arms moved out from beneath her, and wrapped around his neck. She brought him down with her, bringing his face close to hers. "I'm not going anywhere."

Before he could reply, Usagi closed the distance between them, crushing his lips against hers.

~~~~

Shock would have been an understatement for what he was feeling. He had never expected this, well so soon that is. But that didn't mean he didn't use it to his own advantage.

When she started to pull away, he groaned in protest. With his right hand, he pushed her legs over, and dragged her body up with him. Their lips parted for only a breath of a second, before they locked into another heated kiss.

Possessively, his hands slid down her sides, sliding around her back. Her body was pressed against his, while his mouth devoured her lips with kiss after kiss.

"Draco."

He opened his eyes to stare at her. Her cheeks were flushed, the heat of the kiss still tingling her skin. Draco leaned forward, touching her lips with a chaste kiss. "Shh…" He felt her arms tighten around him, her fingers moving through his hair.

He couldn't seem to get enough of her. It was like a part of him feared she would just disappear. Shifting, he moved her with him, so that he laid on the hard floor with her in his arms.

She was curled up against him, her eyes weighing down with sleep, as she nodded off. Unconsciously, his fingers tangled themselves in her long hair. He rubbed a few strands between his fingers, loving the feel of the silky locks. He knew when she had finally fallen asleep, and by then he felt himself reluctantly succumbing to the darkness of his own mind.

As his eyes fell shut, his arms tightened, drawing the warm body next to him even closer.

~~~~

Usagi opened her eyes grudgingly. She was still being held in a dark room, so she was unable to tell whether it was morning or still night. Lifting her left arm from where it had been resting, she squinted at the tiny screen of her watch. It was nearly noon.

Yawning, she wrapped her loose arm around the thing it had been holding onto when she had woken up. Snuggling closer to the only source of warmth in the room, she sighed blessedly. It was then she felt the warm breath brushing across her cheek.

Opening her eyes again, she found herself staring at Draco's face. At first, she stiffened, her body slowly taking in the feel of him. He was close, almost too close. If she lifted her chin, she could kiss him fully on the lips. Again. Turning her face away, she glanced down at their bodies. Their limbs were tangled together, and much to her relief, they were fully clothed.

His arms were holding her around the waist, keeping their bodies pressed together. To her embarrassment, it was her legs and arms draped across his body in a very unlady like manner. Usagi felt the blush spread across her cheeks. She pulled her gaze away from their tangled limbs, and lifted them to the boy's face. An inaudible squeak of surprise escaped her lips.

"Morning."

Her face warmed, while her eyes widened in surprise to find her companion wide awake. She knew from the look in his blue eyes, that he was very well aware of their closeness.

"Morning." she was breathless, her heart was starting to beat hard in her chest, wanting release. Even though she would never admit to herself, let alone out loud, just how disappointed she really felt when he pulled away. He propped himself up on his elbows, so that he could look down at her. "Hmm, is it morning?"

Usagi licked her lips, her eyes holding his. "Actually its twelve." As the time slipped passed her lips, her stomach gurgled in reply. She was absolutely starving! Having missed one too many meals…

Draco chuckled, his lips quirking into that half smile she found aggravating, and yet endearing. She breathed in deeply, taking in his scent, as a flush graced her cheeks. "Gomen. I guess I'm hungry."

He nodded, his eyes glowing with a knowing look. "I can hear that." He looked up at the door, with a soft frown. "We should hopefully be getting out soon." Usagi sighed, her eyes following his. "I hope so. I don't think I can last much longer without something to eat." she pouted, her lips pressed together. Heat burned through her when she felt his hand against the span of her stomach. She gasped, her eyes looking at him in shock.

His hand was stretched across her flat belly, his warmth burning through her robes, so that she could feel his touch on her skin.

"I'm starting to believe you."

She blinked, what he had just said not registering in her mind. She could barely concentrate with him touching her. It was like when he kissed her, all common sense seemed to just disappear. "Wha-what?"

The corner of his mouth lifted, but he didn't quite smile. "About your friends. And about Dumbledore. What you said yesterday, about them putting us in here." Usagi nodded, her mind slowly catching onto his words. "Oh." she rested her head back against the floor, letting herself think. After a bit of silence, he finally asked, "How do you suppose we should pay them back?"

A frown formed on her face, and she lifted her head so that she could look at him. "What do you mean?" He shrugged, showing indifference. "Well we've been locked in here for nearly twenty-four hours. I think its only fair we pay them back somehow."

The blonde nodded, "Oh I see. But we still don't know why we were put in here."

Draco shook his head, and he lifted his hand from her middle, to trace his fingers along her cheek. "I think I do."

"You do?"

He nodded, his eyes studying her face closely. "We weren't getting along very well after the game. And you even threatened to leave Hogwarts…" His blue eyes darkened at that last part, and she reached up covering his hand with hers.

"They probably believed putting us together for a while, we might be able to work out our differences."

Usagi took his words into consideration. "I don't know Draco-kun. I mean, this is Haruka and Hotaru we are talking about."

He shrugged again, just a slight lift of his shoulders. "Maybe you don't know them as well as you thought." Usagi shot him a look. "They're my guardians, my senshi, and my friends. I think I know them just fine. Maybe they had nothing to do with this."

Draco stared down at her, his eyes showing his doubt. "They may be your friends, but that doesn't mean you know them. As for them having no part of this, wouldn't they have come looking for you?"

She sighed. He was right. The Haruka she knew would have come looking for her. And within twenty-four hours, would have found her. "You're right. I was walking with Haruka when I got put in here." her eyebrows drew together, as she thought about all this. "What were they trying to do by putting us in here?"

Draco pulled back a bit, his eyes moving around the closet. "Maybe she thought she was helping."

"Helping?"

He chuckled, "From what I gather, you're friends, are very protective of you. And they probably believe they were helping you, by trying to get us back together."

A small snort escaped her. "There are a lot of probablies and maybes in that speech of yours." she tilted her face slightly to the right. "And we weren't together to begin with."

He lifted her chin, so that he could look her in the eye, as he asked, "Really? I thought we were." he watched a flush heat her cheeks, giving them a hint of color.

Leaning in, he kissed her briefly, before letting her chin go. "Now that we have come to an agreement as to why they locked us in here, we should start thinking about our payback."

Usagi scowled at him, "I have not-" he silenced her with another kiss. Slanting his mouth above hers, he ran his tongue across her bottom lip. A small whimper escaped her, before she opened her mouth to his, her arms pulling him down on her.

He chuckled against her lips, his tongue tasting her in his mouth.

He pulled back, when his lungs started to burn. His eyes traced over her face taking in her beautiful features. Tugging her close to him, he laid down on the floor again, and held her in his arms.

A few minutes passed, leaving them in the silence of the darkness that had surrounded them. It was Usagi who shattered it, with her voice. A small smile spread across her face. "I think I have an idea."

~~~~

Haruka stared anxiously at the door. It was highly unlikely Usagi would forgive them for this. Locking her in a room for twenty-four hours had been the worst idea she had ever came up with. In fact, she never felt so stupid.

At first, it had sounded like a great idea. Almost too good to be true, when Albus had proposed the idea to her when she had met him in the Great Hall, Saturday. They had been talking about it on there way to Usagi's room. Albus had said nothing about anyone else, being involved.

Feebly, the blonde senshi touched her forehead in hopes to ease her splitting headache. It was one that had came out of no where. No actually, she knew where it came from.

Unlike now, when earlier she had agreed with Albus to go along with his plan, she hadn't been thinking about later. Or more so the future. The three of them, Jun, Hotaru, and Haruka that is, had been talking. Unable to sleep, the three had talked about Jun's plan.

And thinking about it now, made Haruka sick to her stomach. Jun, and her three sisters, who had yet to arrive, had been at Hogwarts for nearly a year and a half. The Sailor Quartet, as they liked to call themselves, came from the far future. They replaced the inner senshi, and became the guardians of Sailor Chibi Moon.

Haruka looked up from where she sat. Her butt was numb from sitting to long on the marble floor, but that was the least of her problems. Usagi was going to kill her, that is if Michiru or Setsuna didn't get a hold of her first. Michiru had always said she was hard headed, and jumped head first without questioning anything.

Which was the case for her dilemma now. Intentionally, this had all started out as an attempt to boost Usagi's sprit, by trying to strengthen the bond between her and that one boy, Malfoy. She wasn't sure why, or how she had come to the decision, but Haruka had believed, that Draco was a better person for Usagi. Much more than Mamoru ever had been.

Uranus was a protector of the Universe, she defended the outer solar system from evil. But Haruka was a friend of Usagi's. And she only wanted Usagi to have what made the smaller girl happy.

But just under a few hours ago, when Jun had finally finished her story on the secret plan, Haruka had felt completely sick with herself, and with the girl who claimed she was going to be a protector of their princess in the future.

The Sailor Quartet, were here out of boredom, waiting for the chance when they finally became the senshi that protected the princess. They had somehow managed to find out Setsuna's screw up, and had decided to make things worst.

Haruka dropped her head into her awaiting hands. She had been thinking about the happiness of her friend. But she had neglected to think about the future mayhem that might conspire after her meddling.

Unintentionally, Haruka had been playing a sick game with her friend's heart. She had completely forgotten, that sooner or later, Usagi would have to go back. Usagi would have to leave her happiness, if she found any here, and go back as Neo Queen Serenity.

Tears stung her eyes. She hoped Usagi would find it in her heart to forgive her.

The sound of a click startled them out of the silence. Haruka lifted her head to the door. The spell was broken. The twenty-four hour spell, Albus had placed on the door, had worn off, and the door had unlocked itself.

Weakly, the blonde woman climbed to her feet. Hotaru came to her side, standing firmly next to her. The poor girl looked pale, if that was even possible from her usual color. Her anger, and firmness had completely drained from her, leaving her with nothing but her weak heart to hold her up.

Hotaru was taking this as bad, if not worst, than Haruka was. The smaller girl also understood the enormity of their mistake.

A few minutes passed, leaving the three senshi in wait, before the doorknob finally turned. The three held their breath, as they waited for the attack that the two, who had been kept in the dark for a day, would surly give them.

But instead, were shocked, by the greeting that they were given, when the door swung open.

"Draco Jr.?" Usagi walked out into hallway staring at the dark doorway incredulously. "What kind of name is that?!?!" the small girl's appearance, was shocking to say the least. Her robes, the ones she had worn to the Quidditch game, were disheveled, while her usually silky blond locks gave the impression, bed hair. She might as well have just woken up from a good nights rest, in a nice warm bed.

"What's wrong with that name? I like it." Draco followed the blonde out in the hall. He didn't look any better than his partner. His usually slicked back hair, fell into his face, was stringy and damp looking. His robes where in tangles, and Haruka feared to think, they were on backwards?!?!?!

Usagi crossed her arms over her chest. "Draco, Draco Jr. is no name for a child, he'd get laughed at. And what if it's a girl! Do you plan on naming her Draca?"

The silver haired boy snorted with hidden laughter. "Draca? What the bloody hell kind of name is that? And who says its going to be a girl?" The blonde shot him a withering look. "And who says its going to be a boy? Hmm?"

Haruka opened her mouth to say something, anything, but nothing would come out. Horrified by the conversation she was overhearing, she looked over at the two other senshi. Hotaru looked aghast, her mouth opening and closing in protest, while Jun's jaw just hung open in shock.

Finally Usagi looked at her, her face calm, not a hint of a smile on her lovely face. "You agree, right Haruka. Draco Jr. is not a name for a boy right?" the taller woman shrugged, not trusting herself to speak.

Draco frowned, "Usagi, I think we should continue this without an audience. This is our business, not theirs." Usagi shrugged, "Whatever you say Draco-chan. But I'm telling you here and now, Draco Jr. will not be our son's name."

Haruka's knees shook, with such a force, they buckled. She collapsed on the floor at the couple's feet. Son? Did she actually say SON?!?!?!

"B-but, Usagi-mama?" Hotaru was shaking her head in denial, unable to believe her ears.

The two ignored them, and started down the hallway. "You know I kind of fancy the name Harry…"

~~~~

It was a cool Sunday afternoon. And unlike his friends, Harry found himself inside. He was standing in a familiar hallway, staring at a familiar spot.

He raised his hand touching the cold surface of the barrier, and frowned. Dumbledore, had shaken his head, when Harry had asked him about it. The old man acted as if he had no idea about the barrier, but had refused to go with Harry to find it.

In fact, none of the teachers had been worried by the fact that several people had been missing at Dinner last night. Nor the fact that those same people had missed breakfast and lunch today.

Haruka, and Hotaru were gone. They hadn't been seen or heard from in two days. The announcer at the game yesterday, a second year student, was also missing. And then Malfoy, and Professor Tsukino were gone as well.

He wasn't sure what was going on, but he was sure it had something to do about this barrier. Lifting his other hand, he placed it against the invisible wall, and frowned. How could he get passed it?

He was startled, when cold air washed over him. He stumbled back, bringing his hands to inspect his fingers. They were bright red, and cold to the touch. What the hell was that?

"You know I kind of fancy the name Harry…"

The black haired boy jerked his head up, at the sound of his Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher's voice. He stared in shock at the hall before him. Unlike now, it had appeared empty before. But now, down the hall, he could make out three girls dressed in those weird uniforms. Hotaru stood next to a fallen Haruka, and another girl he didn't recognize was with them.

Harry dragged his eyes to the couple approaching him. His professor, was walking with Malfoy, and they looked comfortable in each other's presence.

Suddenly Malfoy stopped. "I refuse to have our son named after Harry!"

The green eyed boy's feet gave out from under him, and he hit the floor once again in the same spot he had yesterday. He gawked at the couple, as they argued over names.

Son? Did he actually say SON?!?!?!

~~~~

Usagi sighed as she stopped in front of Professor Snape's door. How the news had spread so fast was beyond her. And how everyone believed it, was just too horrifying to think about.

It had taken a good few hours to straighten out the teachers, and she didn't even bother explaining to the students.

Reaching up, she rubbed her forehead. It had been fun while it lasted. The prank had been her best yet she believed. Must have since she and Draco had the whole school thinking they were going to have a son, and name it Harry.

Albus, much to her chagrin was amused, and not stunned like she had hoped.

With another sigh, she lifted her hand and knocked twice on the door. "It's open."

Usagi entered the small office, the Potion master occupied for most of the time. He glanced up from some papers he had been going over, to look at her. "I thought you'd come. Well, let's get this over with." He took the papers, and set them out of the way. He then leaned back in his seat, and opened a drawer.

Taking a seat across from him, she asked, "So you're going to be able to answer my questions, now?" she watched him closely, as he pulled out a strange bowl, and set it down in front of them. "No, I'm going to show you. Tsukino, this is a pensive. It's a bowl, that can hold my thoughts, when I have no need to keep them up here." he tapped his temple with his wand.

Horrified, Usagi jerked back in her seat, when he pulled out a silvery substance, and place it into the bowl.

"I stored some of my thoughts and memories of that year in here. So if there is anything I do remember, we will find it in this."

Usagi nodded, and leaned forward to look down into the liquid. "What am I supposed to see Professor Snape?"

He smirked, rolling his dark eyes at her.

Usagi leaned even closer, and without the older man's consent, reached out with her hand to touch it. Her fingers brushed the cool substance. It felt neither like a solid, nor like a liquid. She gasped, as the room around her lurched, and she felt herself being sucked into the bowl. She let out a startled yell, as she felt herself fall. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for a harsh landing. But all she felt was a sudden jolt.

Opening her eyes, Usagi blinked. To her surprise, she was not sitting at the bottom of a bowl. Instead she was sitting in an empty chair, behind a teacher's desk.

It didn't take her long to figure out whose chair she was sitting in. The cold dank stone walls were a dead give away. Usagi lifted her head to look at the classroom. Each seat was filled, the room held Gryffindor and Slytherin students within its walls. Usagi flushed, waving to the class. "Gomen, I'm not sure how-" she was cut off when the door to the room opened.

She gasped when she looked at the doorway. It had to be a lie, some kind of trick. Usagi stood slowly from the chair she had landed in. Shoving it back, she rounded the desk, just as the door shut.

The student walking towards her was still young, only fourteen years old. She was dressed in the school's uniform, and she looked like all the other students. But her long blonde hair was pulled into similar buns that Usagi wore, even now.

Usagi walked towards her, slowly making her way to her look alike. The girl paused, her eyes searching the room. Then she started walking again, and she passed Usagi, taking a seat in the front.

To Usagi's amazement, the girl, with blonde hair and blue eyes had sat down next Draco Malfoy. He looked younger, maybe fifteen years old. This was two years ago. When the girl Usagi Tsukino had disappeared. Usagi frowned, when the classroom door slammed shut for a second time since she had arrived. She spun around, her eyes flying to the entrance. Professor Snape stormed into the room his black robes billowing about his form.

She watched as he stalked towards her. She wanted to move, but there was nowhere she could go. Usagi jerked back, as he walked through her, and continued towards his desk. "Wha-"

"Glad to see you on time Tsukino." Usagi frowned, as she turned. Was he talking to her?

The blonde haired girl in the front ducked her head in embarrassment.

"This is me. I went to this school two years ago." she shivered at the thought. She had known all along, but yet, a part of her hadn't really believed… "Tsukino I do hope you plan on paying attention in class."

Usagi frowned, her eyes staring at the man standing in front of the classroom. He was looking at the blonde with a sneer on his face. She frowned, why was he glaring at her past self?

The girl hadn't done anything wrong, yet. She hadn't even been late, for once! No wonder she never bothered being on time for Miss Haruna's class. There was no point if you were going to be yelled at anyway.

Something gripped her shoulder. She was so startled by the touch, she whipped around on her feet, tripping over them at the same time. Her scream was cut off, when she hit the ground.

Usagi stared up at Professor Snape in shock. "H-how?" she turned, looking over her shoulder to see the same man. There was little difference between the two.

"Professor Snape?"

The man gave her a brisk nod, and without bothering to help her up, he pulled away. "Seen enough?"

Using the table next to her, she pulled herself up to her feet. "Iie. What else can you show me?" Even as she said it the image was fading, being replaced with a new one. She frowned when she was able to make out the hazy shapes. Figures sharpened, and Usagi found herself sitting in the stands at the Quidditch pitch. "Profe-" she was cut off by another voice, "Come on, come on." it actually wasn't another voice. Usagi looked over to find her double leaning forward in her seat, staring anxiously out at the game.

It was sort of creepy, seeing herself. It wasn't everyday you sat beside yourself…literally.

Next to the blonde haired girl, was Professor Snape. Was he always around, or was she just incredibility unlucky… "Miss Tsukino if I didn't know any better, I would almost say you were cheering for Potter out there."

Usagi looked at the dark haired man, with a frown. She felt someone standing behind her, just slightly away, as if to give her room for her to think. Beneath her breath she questioned, "Did you always hate me?" She had never thought someone could hate her. Well, minus the Dark Kingdom, and well Queen Nehelenia, and a few other youmas. But people, she hadn't ever made an enemy. Had someone actually hated her that much?

The person behind her, heard her just fine, even though she had spoken in a whisper. "Yes." The single word hurt, more than she would have liked to admit.

Slowly she turned to look at the older version of Professor Snape. "Why?" There had to be a reason. Someone didn't just hate another for no reason at all. Right?

He sighed slowly, turning away from her. The screams around them made them look out to the pitch. Usagi watched, feeling a sense of déjà vu as her double jumped from the stands. Why didn't she transform? Why hadn't she used the crystal?

Usagi watched, till she saw the blinding light, but she had already known it was too late. Her double may have had been able to save Harry from a fall, but she had been unable to prevent her own fall. Had she died then? Unable to transform, she wouldn't be surprised if she had been fatally injured.

The surroundings were fading, molding to another image. "Why, why did you…" she trailed off, finding herself back in the classroom. The pensive was still on his desk, where it had been before. Snape was sitting in his chair, studying her carefully. She took a seat, her legs suddenly too weak to hold her. The trip into a bowl, had been an experience she could have gone without. It made her feel insignificant, smaller than her already 4'11 height. She shuddered. It made her feel tingly, and made her limbs feel like jell-o.

Finally Snape moved, his eyes turning from her to study the dingy walls. "Miss Tsukino when you first arrived at this school, you were placed in my house. You were not meant to be a Slytherin, and I refused to treat you like one." That was understandable, but it wasn't right to single her out like he did. From what she saw. And as she reflected on what he had shown her, she was sure he had been much worst.

"I was the only Slytherin you ever marked points off of." she said it slowly, the memory of her saying, thinking that before coming to her. It had been true. She had been singled out, and that hurt.

"Yes, that's true. I didn't trust you, Tsukino. You appeared at this school, with only one person on your side, saying you needed protection. Unlike Albus, I am unable to take things face value." He was staring at her coolly, his eyes dark and blank like she remembered.

Usagi shook her head. "But there's more, to it. More than what you're saying isn't there?" the man across from her sighed, "Do not assume anything Tsukino. You were a misplaced student, I treated you like I did any other student who wasn't in my house."

"What I don't understand is, is it either your avoiding Mr. Potter, and Mr. Malfoy, or avoiding everyone all together?"

Usagi frowned her mind wondering to that voice once more. She had heard it before, when she had sat at the Slytherin table with this man. When he had offered his help. Like he had done two years ago.

With a heavy sigh, Usagi pushed herself out of the chair. She was relieved to find she had her strength back. "Domo artigato Professor Snape, for helping me." Turning she started for the door.

"She was right." The voice was soft, coming from behind her, when she had reached the door. Slowly she turned. Snape was looking down at his desk, his brows drawn together. She was sure he hadn't meant for her to hear. In fact she was sure he hadn't meant to say anything at all.

"Who was right?"

She swallowed hard, feeling the strain in her chest. He didn't look up, his eyes only stared thoughtfully at the pensive. As if it held the answers.

"I didn't believe her, not even a part of me thought it could happen." the corner of his mouth lifted, causing her to frown in confusion. What was he talking about? "That infernal woman had said-" he looked up then, his eyes staring at her so intently, that she backed up. Instinctively she reached for the doorknob. Why was he staring at her like that for?

"I tried so hard to hate you. I tried hard, to find anything about you that would make me hate you more. But that infernal women had been right." he shook his head, looking away. "She said, I would respect you, that sooner or later it wouldn't matter how much I tried."

He scoffed, his eyes narrowing on the wall. "Bloody woman…" he shook his head, mumbling something she couldn't hear.

Usagi slipped from the room quietly, and shut the door. Leaning against it, she thought about what she had just learned.

Frowning, she stated to no one in particular, "I think its time I got some information out of Draco." With that said, she pushed herself from the door. Moving silently, she made her way to the Slytherin common room, which right down the hall.

~~~~

She hadn't been living in Tokyo for very long. But you would think, that after two years, she would have at least made one descent friend.

But in fact, she hadn't. No one, not in the school she went to, nor the places she hung out at, wanted to go near her. Except the guy behind the counter that is. But she couldn't exactly call him a friend, now could she?

Pushing the door open she listened for that familiar jingle as she stepped inside. The place was brimming with life with kids. A lot of them being students at her School. A school she would be leaving in a few months. And off she would go, back to England. Something she was looking forward to, but was dreading also.

She couldn't wait to start acting again, and maybe, if she was lucky, start her modeling career early. But a part of her didn't want to leave. Which was why she had stayed here for a little over two years now. A part of her, was waiting, waiting for someone…

"Welcome back Minako."

The young girl, who entered the small arcade looked at the counter. The blond haired man stood behind the counter like he did every day of the week. His green eyes watched her, as she walked towards him. He was dressed casual, and comfortably for the winter air.

Her eyes, like everyday since the first day two years ago, gazed at the people, who had found comfort within this building, from the chilly outside air. She recognized a few faces, all of them, pretty much wore the same school uniforms she was dressed in at the moment.

One girl was seated in the far corner, like she was everyday. On the large table, were several books, and stacks of paper. The girl, Minako knew from school, was also in a few of her classes. She was always studying, but it was just this year she had migrated from the old library to the arcade.

Taking a seat in her designated stool, she slipped on an easy smile for the man who stood before her. "Let me guess, you want to the usual." With a nod, she answered, "Naturally."

She watched as he smirked, and with that left her so that he could go make her usual. One of these years, he was going to get smart on her, and it was going to be here waiting for her, instead of him waiting for her. She smiled at the thought.

Turning, she studied the thinning crowd. Mobs were herding out the door, having already their fair share of time at the arcade. It was starting to get late.

Minako studied the dark haired girl in the corner. She was really shy, and liked to keep to herself. Or so, Minako thought. The girl hardly ever talked to anyone. But then, Minako wasn't any better.

No one seemed to want to talk to either of them.

"Don't you know staring is kind of rude." Startled, the blonde looked up. She recognized the girl. How could she not? The girl had a rap sheet a mile long, and a nasty glare that was always directed to anyone who got too close. Minako realized then, that the other girl was way too close.

"I wasn't…"

The young brunette, raised a quizzical brow at her. "Oh, you weren't? Then what were you doing?"

No one had really warned her, about this girl. But from the rumors in the school, this girl had been kicked out of five schools, and nearly killed one of her old teachers. Not someone you wanted to upset, Minako had quickly deduced.

Laughing nervously, Minako scratched the back of her head. What kind of excuse could she come up with, to save her skin this time?

"Makoto try not to pick a fight, please. At least wait until you leave my arcade." the green eyed girl swiveled in her stool, directing her attention to the blond haired man behind the counter. He set down Minako's usual, and regarded the brunette with a frown. The girl smirked, the glare slipping from her face. "Sure no problem, Motoko-kun. Just as long as she stops staring at Ami-san."

Minako raised an eyebrow at this. Was it possible that the school's Amazon, was friends with the school's Genius? Well there was a surprise if she ever did see one…

Makoto shoved herself from her stool, and waved to Motoki before she headed towards the blue haired girl sitting in the far corner. The blonde watched, unable to heed the taller girl's warning. She felt like she should know them… Like she had, at one time or another. But there was nothing, not even a trace of a meeting, that is until now. Sure she knew their names, how could she not? They were known all over the school. No one approached them, but everyone knew them. Kind of like how she was treated. Ami Mizuno was a genius, in every class, always ahead of everyone. Makoto Kino was a brute, with some good moves in all different kind of styles of fighting.

Minako didn't look away from the two. Makoto had taken a seat across from the blue haired girl. Neither of them talked. Ami wrote, and studied her books, while Makoto stared out the window.

Inside, Minako felt a painful tug in her chest. Like she should be sitting there with them. Sipping her cherry coke, and eating her usual, as they argued over boys.

Grimacing, she turned to her food. She didn't have friends, because no one wanted to be her friend. And she was going to be leaving in a few months. What was the point of making friends now?

Taking her drink, she sipped at it, listening to the chatting around her. As she sat there, she felt like she was waiting. Everyday she found herself waiting. For whom, she wasn't sure.

But she did realize, that every time the bell jingled, and that single door opened, her and the two girls in the corner, lifted their heads to look. They were all waiting for someone. Waiting for that door to open, and see a familiar person skip into the arcade.

Now if only that person would just show up… then everything would be okay again.

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Tell me what you think. This story is slowly coming to a close… the end is near I tell. Maybe three more chapters. We'll see… anyway review and tell me how I'm doing…

Thanks for all the previous reviews, I really appreciate it. You guys, who like my story, and give me comments, are great. I love reading them, because they make my day better. And they make me write more. Look forward to hear what you have to say.

Take care, and have a wonderful Valentines. I'll be spending mine in front of the tube with a lot of rented movies and pop corn…. Hehe sounds like a plan to me…

This is LP