A/N: I'm back again, min'na! I know it's been almost two months, so before anything else, I want to say GOMEN NA SAI!!!!!!!! *bowing very low* Third year is a killer; I'm really enjoying it though. Ranma ½, my all-time favorite anime is being shown again, meaning another distraction for me. Hehe. I had my exams last week so I had some free time this week so I decided to update lest you guys are already hunting me down. So here it is the next chapter, min'na. enjoy!
anonymous: hi there. tnx 4 reviewing!
moon_bunii: I got all of your attention? Wow. I'm so *blush* flattered! Thank you! Anyways, since you know about F4, then you must be Asian. Am I right? Oh I like Vanness a lot too, though I try my best not to like him that much because he looks like my younger brother! Hehe. :p
Lady Imp: thank you for reviewing yet again. Don't worry, it'll be soon. . . real soon. . . okay, u know what? since u never get tired of reviewing my humble fic, I'll give u a teaser, next chapter, usagi will wake up remembering something very important. . . :p
anonymous: hi! Thanks 4 reviewing. Sorry about that, hehe, I'm new at this fanfiction writing thing. Anyways, I'll try my best with this chap. I don't know though, for I'm trying to write this fic in 3rd pov but if you know me, you'll know I'm more at ease with 1st pov. But promise, I'll try!
sweety: hey thanks 4 reviewing again. As for your question. . . well. . . who do you want her to be with?
kirei*snow*tenshi: arigatou 4 reviewing again. You think Seiya knows what's going on? Well, wait for a few more chaps and that'll be revealed soon.
Xylus Star: hey! thanks for reviewing. I'm sooo sorry that it was such a long delay. Tama ka, nakaka-addict meteor garden! Kaya ako naman, walang ganang magsulat, gusto ko magresearch na lang ng buong araw about MG and F4! Hehe. So you like jerry? I like him too, gosh! That dimple is tooo much for a girl to comprehend! Anyways, nice guess, I'm flattering myself by thinking I intrigued you enough to make you wonder about the mysteries of this fic. Well, you just have to wait a little while longer about the thing with the silver crystal, right now, I'll be focusing on the. . . um romance of our three main characters. :)
Jing: hello there! thanks 4 reviewing. Sorry about that, I promise to try harder.:)
just a teen: thanks 4 reviewing again! great guess!!! Read on to find out for yourself. :p
Sakura: hi and thanks gain. Well, u were wondering of what Seiya might do to be able to keep Mamoru away? I did not tell what exactly, but Seiya himself will be hinting about it. um. . . I'll give u a clue, ok? Read Seiya's words carefully, read between the lines. . . if you do, then you might just discover the biggest mystery of all in our story! Later, tell me what u think, deal?
sakura: oh thanks for ur review. I'm not offended, I love your review, it's the longest that I've ever got! so thanks a million!!! Anyways, u were thinking about what seiya will do about mamo-chan, well it would look like he didn't do a thing, but I'm telling you that he did. As I've told the other "Sakura" to find out what it was read Seiya's words carefully. Read all the innuendos in it then you might solve the main twist of this fic! After reading, pls tell me what you've deducted, ok?
silver-bubbls: hi! Arigatou for commenting. Actually, I don't have one, you see, one reason I'm doing this fanfiction thing is because I want to improve my writing. I'll try harder with the upcoming chapters, I promise! ^_^
LuNaRaNgEl288: hey thanks for reviewing. Read on to find out for yourself!
leeta-starr: oh u reviewed again!!! Arigatou gozaimashita!!! Anyways, mamo-chan's gift will be shown here but about usa's dad's gift, well as told in the last chap, he had second thoughts about giving it to her. but he'll most definitely give it to her one day SOON. Well, no one read the poem but that's okay, at least I already had a reaction for it. I want to thank u again for that. Well, enjoy the chapter and tell me what u think after.
Eternity: hi! Arigatou for reviewing. Here is the next chapter, review after, onegai?
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon. If I did I'll be sooo rich that I won't have to go to school to study anymore! Oh yeah Ranma 1/2 isn't mine either!
"In this world, there are two types of people who are mentally suffering from regrets. One is those who are not able to get the person that they love. The other is those who see their loved ones not being able to get any happiness." -Hua Ze Lei(Meteor Garden)
Chapter Eleven: A Birthday Wish
"I'm assuming that's your gift to Odango."
Chiba Mamoru turned away from the box he was holding towards the direction of the voice. Mamoru recognized Seiya at once.
"Kou-san," Mamoru acknowledged. He tried to smile, Seiya wanted to tell him that he failed miserably though.
Seiya smiled, showing Mamoru how to do it properly. "Kon'wa, Chiba-san."
"Kon'wa," Mamoru returned. Seiya didn't fail not to notice the hostility in his voice.
Seiya shrugged and smiled again. "So am I right? Is that your present to Odango?"
"Yes," Mamoru finally said after a while. "I had it custom-made here."
Seiya nodded in understanding. "So da. Well, this shop's quite nice. I'm here to look for some gift wrapping paper." Seiya laughed lightly, "Actually, lots of gift wrappers. My gift's rather big. It'll surely surprise Odango."
Mamoru nodded. "Sounds a very special gift," he said gathering his things.
Seiya watched as Mamoru put the box on a paper bag. "It is." He pointed towards the paper bag on Mamoru's hands. "Your gift seems to be quite special too."
"Of course. Nothing but the best for Usak. . . Usagi."
Seiya smiled as Mamoru faltered. "You made quite an effort for your present, I guess that means you'll surely be on Odango's party tomorrow."
Mamoru cocked an eyebrow. "You were there when Usagi invited me, Kou-san. You heard her say that she likes that I be there. So why do you seem to be asking me if I'll be on her party or not?"
Seiya shrugged indifferently. "I was just wondering that wouldn't it be a bit uncomfortable for you?"
"Uncomfortable for me?" Mamoru echoed, looking like a confused little lost boy.
Seiya nodded. "Yes. After all, things have changed."
Mamoru's eyes turned dangerously small. Seiya could almost hear Mamoru's mind ticking as his words confirmed an earlier suspicion. "What are you implying exactly?"
"Chiba-san, I know that you know what I'm trying to say."
Mamoru's eyes studied Seiya closely. "Yes. I guess I do know what you're trying to say."
The two dark haired men continued to stare down at each other for a while more before Mamoru finally turned away.
"Mako-san, ikaneba narimasen."
A man in the far end of the counter turned and nodded towards Mamoru's way.
Must be the owner, Seiya decided. I'll ask him later for some wrappers.
And without another word to Seiya, Mamoru turned to leave.
"I wish you wouldn't go."
Mamoru stopped abruptly.
"But you're obviously very intent on going, so now I think what I should wish for is for something, anything to happen that would make you not go."
Without looking back, Mamoru replied. "Well, Kou-san, I'm afraid your wish can not be granted. I told Usagi once, I'm telling you again now, there's nothing in the world that could keep me away. I intend to keep that promise at all cost."
Mamoru resumed his walk towards the exit.
"Well if that's the case, you better walk fast, Chiba-san," Seiya called. "That light drizzle just might turn into a full force storm, you can't get caught now, or else you might get sick and not be able to attend Odango's party."
Seiya wasn't sure if Mamoru heard that last part, he exited the shop without another word.
Seiya shrugged to himself a few seconds later.
He sure is stubborn, he thought. He turned towards the window, watching the world outside fogged-up in the heavy rain.
Slowly, Usagi regained consciousness, her lips still tingling from the kiss he gave her.
Yes. It was true. The dark-haired blue-eyed man of Usagi's dreams visited her again.
But this time, she wasn't just a spectator, this time there was no blond girl, this time she was the girl he was with.
She was the one the man whispered intimately to. She was the one the man held possessively. She was the one the man kissed passionately.
It felt so real, Usagi thought, touching her lips.
The kiss had happened right after the man whispered "Happy birthday, Usako."
And just like in her dream, Usagi blushed as she thinks about the intimate name the guy called her.
Usagi couldn't help it as her lips curved upwards. Well, you're right though, Usagi thought referring to the guy in her dream. It is my birthday today.
Usagi closed her eyes and earnestly tried to picture the man from her dreams. It was hard task for always the man's face was a bit hazy. Thank you for being the first one to greet me in this special day.
After a while, Usagi finally sat up, her mind filled with happy thoughts. Today was going to be a great day, a special day that she will be celebrating with her family and friends.
I'm sooo excited to finally see Obâsan and ojîsan again. After all it has been two years! Usagi smiled at the thought.
Then her smile grew wider. The girls promised to be here for sure! Rei-chan, Ami-chan and Mako-chan even promised to bring along their friends. Usagi pouted a little. Minako-chan and Minoru-oniisan are going here too together.
Then suddenly Usagi remembered something. She fell back on her bed, a small secret smile plastered on her face.
Mamoru-san promised to be here too. . .
Usako.
With dread heaving his chest, Mamoru pulled the little stick from his mouth.
One hundred and ten, Mamoru groaned.
Today was Usagi's birthday. And today was supposed to be the day Mamoru would make his first move. Today was the day Mamoru was supposed to give Usagi his very special gift and that would be the start of his offensive. But today, he woke up sick!
How incredibly ironic this is. Chiba Mamoru has never been sick since he was eleven. And now, of all days, he was sick with fever.
Mamoru thought about going to attend the party anyway. But the soreness he felt was preventing him from even sitting up, so how could he possibly go over to Usagi's?
But I promised Usako that I'll be there, he thought miserably.
The girls are expecting him to be there too. They had been thrilled to learn how Usagi had invited him in front of Seiya no less.
Seiya. Even Kou Seiya was expecting Mamoru to be in the party. Just so he can show off Usagi in front of Mamoru probably.
Mamoru frowned and lines appeared on his forehead.
". . . I think what I should wish for is for something, anything to happen that would make you not go."
". . . you can't get caught now, or else you might get sick and not be able to attend Odango's party."
Seiya was expecting Mamoru to be there in the party.
He's expecting me. Or isn't he?
Seiya's watch indicated that it was a quarter before nine o'clock. Chiba Mamoru sure was running late.
Everyone had just finished their dinner and are now following Usagi back to the living room where she can open up her gifts.
By the time, everyone was seated comfortably around the room with Usagi in the middle, her pile of presents beside her, there was no doubt in Seiya's mind that Mamoru wouldn't be showing up.
Too bad, he thought as he watched Usagi picked out a box wrapped in gold.
Usagi turned to Minako and beamed. "There's no doubt in my mind that this is from you, Minako-chan."
Seiya watched as Minako smiled back. "Hai, Usagi-chan," she replied. "Well, actually it's mine and Minoru-san's."
Usagi was beginning to unwrapped the present but she stole a glance towards where Minako was seated. Seiya noted that she was sitting very near Furuhata Minoru.
"So ka?" Usagi asked in an amused voice.
Both Minako and Minoru blushed at Usagi's tone. "It's not what you think," Minako protested. "We just happened to run into each other when we were shopping for your gift!"
Usagi shrugged, her eyes turned wide-eyed as she pulled out pale lavender gown from its box. "Minako-chan! Minoru-oniisan!"
"Do you like it?" Minoru asked, looking delighted with Usagi's expression.
Usagi nodded. "Hai!" She smiled gratefully towards Minako and Minoru, "Arigatou gozaimashita."
Seiya smiled inwardly. Odango will look wonderful in that.
Next, Usagi picked out a flat rectangular box. "To, Usagi-chan," she read. "Happy Birthday. From Ami and Ran."
Usagi smiled. "Must be a book," Usagi commented.
Everyone laughed, including Ami and Ran themselves.
"Actually, it's a manga," Ami corrected.
"Hontou?" Usagi asked excitedly. From the box, she produced two-colored manga.
"Sore wa Ranma nibun no ichi, Usagi-san," Ran informed. "It's a classic from the nineties. Ami-chan and I hope you like it."
Usagi nodded. "I will. Arigatou, Ran-san." Usagi turned towards Ami, "Arigatou, Ami-chan."
"It was nothing, Usagi-chan. Actually I was thinking of getting you a book, maybe a latest edition on genetic engineering or something." Everyone in the room groaned, except Taiki and Ran. Ami giggled. "But I decided against it, so Ran-kun and I searched around for some manga and found those first two volumes of Ranma nibon no ichi. I heard it's really good so it's hard to find nowadays, if after reading it and deciding you like it, I'll help you find the succeeding volumes, if you want."
Usagi nodded as she picked another gift. "There isn't any card," she commented.
"It's mine."
Seiya looked up, surprised. Usagi was too.
"Baka, you don't have to look so surprised," Shinta muttered.
Usagi just shrugged as she opened up her gift. It was a pink bunny made out of clay.
"I. . . I made it myself," Shinta said, softly.
Tears sprang to Usagi's eyes. She stood up and approached her otôto.
"Kore wa kawaii desu. Arigatou, Shinta," she whispered before giving her brother a kiss on the cheek.
Shinta blushed. "It's nothing. Happy birthday, oneechan," he said in a low voice.
Usagi nodded and whispered "arigatou" again before returning to her seat. She brushed her tears away first before she picked out another present. It was a book.
"Don't worry, it's not a textbook," Makoto assured. "It's a novel entitled Pegasus in the Moonlight."
"Pegasus in the Moonlight," Usagi repeated. She opened the hardbound book to its first page. "What's this?"
"To Usagi, happy birthday. I hope you like my work, Takase Tomoko." Usagi turned bewildered eyes to Makoto.
Makoto grinned. "Takase Tomoko-san is the mother of a friend back in my old town," she explained sheepishly.
"Wow!" Usagi breathed.
The boy sitting next to Makoto smiled. "I suggested to Makoto that we buy one of Takase-san's work. They're all beautiful after all. Then she said that why not buy her first book? See, Pegasus in the Moonlight was Takase-san first book, published when she was only fifteen. After that we asked Miyu, our old classmate if we could visit her mom and ask for an autograph."
Makoto nodded. "Takase-san was very hospitable. She welcomed both Shun-kun and I very warmly and gladly granted our request."
Usagi smiled. "I know the story, I think I've read it somewhere before. . . demo, arigatou, Mako-chan, Shun-san." Usagi sighed, "Takase Tomoko's autograph."
Everyone laughed at Usagi's star-struck expression. After all, she was the famous Three Light's closest friend. Usagi was supposed to be used being around stars but looking at her now, she looked like a giddy fan.
Finally, Usagi had set aside the precious book and picked yet another beautifully wrapped gift.
Seiya saw Tsukino Kenji and Ikuko smile expectantly.
I guess that means it's their gift, Seiya thought.
Everyone was watching Usagi's expression carefully as she held in her hand a gold bracelet. Turning the bracelet, she read aloud, "To our dear Usagi. Love ojîsan and obâsan."
Usagi was quickly on her feet, she threw her arms around Tsukino Ikuko. "Arigatou, obâsan!" she murmured in her grandmother's long blue hair streaked with silver.
The elderly woman hugged Usagi back. "It was nothing, Usagi-chan."
Usagi nodded and pulled away. She hugged her grandfather next.
"Did you like it?"
Usagi nodded. "Hai! I love it, ojîsan! Arigatou!"
Tsukino Kenji nodded happily. "I'm very glad to hear that."
Usagi stayed in her grandfather's embrace for a while longer before returning to her seat and picking out another gift.
Seiya caught his breath after seeing what it was. It was a doll. A doll wearing a long flowing white gown. A beautiful blond odango-haired doll. A doll with big blue eyes and pure white wings.
"You haven't lost your touch at all, Mika," Ikuko commented, seemingly very impressed.
Tsukino Mika smiled. "So what do you think, darling?" she asked Usagi.
"It's beautiful, okaasan," Usagi said staring intently on the doll. "This must have taken a lot of your time."
Mrs. Tsukino turned to Seiya, "What do you think Seiya? Have I done a good job on making a doll that looks like Usagi-chan?"
Seiya only nodded, he was just lost for words.
Even Mika-san is set to take Odango away from me, Seiya thought sadly.
"Okaasan, I think the doll does look like me. Demo, why does she have wings?"
"Ahou on'na no ko," Seiya heard Rei mutter under her breath.
Tsukino Mika went to stand
beside her daughter. "Darling, I put
wings on her because she's you," Mika explained.
Seiya held his breath. So did everyone else.
"This doll," Mika said, touching her creation, "has wings because she's an angel. Like you are." She hugged her daughter, "You're our angel, Usagi-chan," she finished.
Seiya suddenly found himself smiling. Not everyone found the ability to though. Hino Rei, Aino Minako, Kino Makoto and Mizuno Ami slumped back on their seats looking defeated and disappointed.
Usagi blushed. "Arigatou, okaasan," she said as she returned her mother's embrace.
Finally Mrs. Tsukino broke away and settled back to seat next to her husband. Usagi picked out the largest box from the remaining pile.
"Did you like it?" Yaten and Taiki asked simultaneously.
Usagi nodded without speaking. In her hands was a silk kimono. A kimono designed with an intricate pattern. Seiya too was impressed with the other two Light's choice of gift.
"It's beautiful," Usagi finally said. "Arigatou, Taiki. Arigatou, Yaten."
The two smiled happily.
"Admire it later, Usagi," Rei said impatiently. "Pick our gift next," she added, pointing towards the bigger box.
Everyone laughed, knowing Rei's temper would come out sooner or later. Actually, Seiya marveled she was able to keep it at bay all evening.
"CDs?" Usagi asked.
Rei smiled triumphantly. "Well, I'm worried for you. It's not healthy that all you ever listen to is the Three Light's music." She glanced at Yaten and smiled sweetly, "No offense."
"None taken, Hino-san," Taiki replied.
Yaten had been frowning before but he finally shrugged it off. "It's okay," he started. "What type of music are they anyway?"
Rei smiled. "Well there's one CD of some old songs. Some new ones too." Rei's smile grew wider as she glanced over at Seiya. "There's one CD with a compilation of classic music too. Instrumental," she added.
"Violin?" Seiya asked.
Rei's smile turned impossibly bigger. "Hai."
Everyone could feel the tension between Rei and Seiya.
"Um, hope you liked our gift, Tsukino-san," Rei's friend, Yumada Yuu finally said, putting an end to the unhealthy silence that had befallen on the room.
Usagi smiled gratefully. "Hai. Arigatou, Yuu-san." Usagi turned to Rei. "Rei-chan," she called.
Rei was forced to look back at Usagi.
Usagi smiled as Rei turned to face her, "Arigatou, Rei-chan."
Rei nodded relenting. Usagi picked up her last gift. It was a small box from Usagi's father.
Everyone gasped as Usagi opened the box. Inside was a glittering ring, a gold band with a simple cut diamond.
"Otousan?" Usagi asked bewildered.
Tsukino Shringo just smiled. "You're now fifteen, Usagi-chan. One day, maybe soon, I don't know, a young nice man will come to your life and take you away," he began.
"For the meantime, you're just daddy's little girl," Tsukino Shringo ended.
And that was it. No indication at all as to who he wished the young man will be. Seiya's breathing suddenly became irregular.
Usagi didn't notice her boyfriend's discomfort, her eyes started to water. "Otousan, arigatou."
Seiya decided it was the time. All gifts have been opened. All gifts except one. His gift that was waiting outside.
He stood up and took Usagi's hand, "Odango let's go outside for a while."
Usagi knew that Seiya was going to pull her aside sooner or later. It was like tradition that they have some privacy alone so as he can give his gift.
That was why she was visibly surprised when Seiya stopped and sat himself down on the bench of their front porch.
Usagi shrugged and sat beside Seiya. She sat silently, waiting for him to begin.
"Odango, where's your locket?"
Usagi looked up at him, surprised at his question. The locket he gave her exactly a year ago was up in her room. She herself has not noticed it but she had long ago stop wearing it regularly.
"Gomen ne, but it's in my room."
Seiya's face was an impassive mask. He sat there, not speaking for a while.
"Seiya?"
Finally he smiled. He pulled Usagi to him. "It's okay, Odango. Don't worry about it."
But Usagi felt terribly guilty. "Seiya," she tried again.
Seiya silenced her with a soft kiss.
"Did you have fun tonight?" Seiya asked her after the kiss.
Usagi smiled.
"Everyone made an effort to come. . ."
The smile in Usagi's face faded. Not everyone made an effort to come. . .
"I saw Chiba-san yesterday. . . "
"Nani?"
Seiya stared long and deeply into Usagi's eyes. "I said I saw Chiba-san yesterday. He said he'll surely be here."
Usagi lowered her head. "Something must have come up," she reasoned.
"Maybe," Seiya agreed. He tilted Usagi's face to face him again. "You still had some fun, right?"
Usagi didn't know what to say. She nodded, mutely.
Seiya smiled. "Good." He released her and reached behind him.
"Happy birthday, Odango," he said, thrusting a big flat box over to Usagi.
Always Seiya's gifts could stopped Usagi's voice mechanism.
"It's a Yamamoto Yumemi work," Seiya informed. "You told me once that you like her works right?"
Usagi nodded. "It's. . . it's beautiful."
It was beautiful.
Beautiful and tragic, Usagi's mind corrected.
Seiya probably saw the worried expression on her face so he went on. "Don't look like that, Odango."
"Demo, it's a. . ."
"A death scene?" Seiya supplied. "Actually, I was kinda worried too." He touched the painting gingerly. "But something in it caught my eye and awakened a memory in me."
Usagi bit her lip and wondered what memory could this painting of a lifeless girl in the arms of a guy with spirit-like figure standing beside them awakened in Seiya.
Seiya laughed and pointed on the mourning guy's hand. "See that, Odango?"
"It's a crystal, Seiya," Usagi replied.
"Exactly, a crystal."
Usagi stared at her boyfriend, confusion written all over her face.
"A month ago, you told me about a crystal possessing some powers, remember?"
Usagi nodded slowly. "Yes?"
"There's your crystal, Odango!"
"Seiya, I don't understand. . ."
"Wish upon it," Seiya interjected.
"Excuse me?"
"Wish upon it," Seiya repeated. He smiled, "I heard that when Yamamoto-san first started gaining a name for herself, there was a rumor that whoever has one of her paintings will have her dream come true."
"What are trying to say, Seiya?"
"Odango, it's your birthday! You are entitled to wish for anything for today. I don't really believe in such things, but there's nothing wrong in trying. Wish for something, Odango. This painting and the crystal in the guy's hand will help you get it."
Usagi could only laugh. She followed Seiya's command. She closed her eyes and wished.
It was a silly wish but Usagi found herself wishing hard for it.
When she opened her eyes, Seiya was staring intently into her face.
"What did you wish for?"
"It's a secret," Usagi said.
Seiya frowned.
To distract him, Usagi glanced and pointed towards the guy holding the crystal in the painting. "You know, Seiya? He looks like you."
"Then maybe I'll be the one with the powers to grant your wish."
Usagi didn't say a thing. Gomen, Seiya. But you can't be the man who can grant my wish.
Usagi stared at the ghost-like figure in the painting.
But maybe you can.
Usagi smiled as she finished reading her journal entry.
She closed her diary as she nodded to herself.
Yes, it's true. I'll never forget this night. Just a year ago I've celebrated my birthday with no one but my family and the Three Lights, but now. . . I have my friends. . . friends that I loved. . . I'm so happy. . .
Usagi saw her reflection in the mirror at her nightstand. It wasn't the glowing face of happiness, it was the lonely expression of vulnerability.
Usagi was suddenly trembling. "If only. . . if only. . . my wish. . . "
Usagi felt the light from the moon on her face, she opened her eyes and turned her head towards her window. She immediately began to relax.
She stood up and went to the door of her balcony.
I've never seen the moon that big. It looks so close, she thought.
She opened the door and stepped outside.
The moment she did, she felt that prickly "someone-is-watching-you" feeling. She turned and saw the shadowy figure a few yards away from their gate.
Just as she was about to step back, the figure moved forward. The shadow then turned into-
"Mamoru!" she called, forgetting to use any honorifics.
The silver light from the moon illuminated him in a surreal way. Usagi couldn't help thinking that he was just an illusion.
But the smile Mamoru gave her was real, Usagi decided.
"I'll be down in a moment," Usagi told Mamoru before she rushed inside her room and picked her robe.
She quickly run out of her room, then down the stairs. She was breathing heavily even before she reached their front door.
Finally, Usagi stepped outside their gate. She was all bundled up in her robe and she could feel her heart pounding hard. She wasn't sure however if it was because of her long ran or because of something else.
"Hi," Mamoru whispered as Usagi stopped in front of him.
"Hi," Usagi breathed, not daring to look up.
A few minutes went by before Usagi gasped as she felt long slender fingers touching her hair and occasionally brushing ear.
She looked up and stared shyly at Mamoru's eyes. "No Odangos this time," she joked, trembling a little.
"No," Mamoru breathed. He stroked Usagi's hair even more, his fingers sliding gracefully on the strands. "Your hair's beautiful."
Usagi heard the sincerity in his voice and her heart leapt at the thought of it.
"Arigatou."
He must have felt her trembling that's why he pulled her close to him. "You're trembling, Usa."
It is a cold night, Usagi thought weakly.
"Daijobou," Usagi whispered instead. She buried her head into his chest, feeling comfortably at peace. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply.
My wish came true.
"Mamoru, why are you here?"
Mamoru couldn't help but smile at her question.
Why am I here? I'm here because I promised you that I'll be here. And nothing can keep me away from that promise. . .
He pulled back and stared into her crystalline blue eyes. Beautiful blue eyes glowing even more brightly under the full moon.
"I promised you that nothing in the world could keep me away," he said slowly.
Usagi stared back at him confused.
Mamoru smiled again. "I've been sick the whole day, Usa. I really wanted to go to your party, but I couldn't even get out of bed."
"Oh!" Usagi exclaimed. "Are you feeling fine now?" Usagi asked worriedly.
"A little," Mamoru confessed. He felt so pleased to note how worried she seemed. "I couldn't keep my promise, gomen ne."
"Baka!" Usagi cried. "You should know that I'll forgive you anyway!" Tears sprung from her eyes, "Why are you here? You should be at home resting!"
With great tenderness, Mamoru wiped her tears away. "I know but I couldn't let this day pass without me seeing you."
Usagi's tears suddenly stopped coming.
Mamoru knew Usagi blushes easily and he thought about how adorable she looks when she does.
She stared up at him questioningly.
"Mamoru?"
"Happy birthday, Usa." Mamoru said, handing her a paper bag.
Usagi's eyes grew wide. "What's this?" She pulled out a gift-wrapped box from the bag. Usagi turned back to Mamoru, shaking her head. "You shouldn't have, Mamoru."
Mamoru shrugged. "It's okay, Usa. I really wanted to give you something special. . . " Mamoru finished in a low voice.
Usagi blushed and then she finally smiled. "Domo arigatou gozaimashita," she whispered, leaning close to touch her lips to his cheek.
Mamoru held Usagi for a while. "No, thank you, Usa. I feel so much better now." He brushed a few stray strands of her hair, his fingers reveling at the feel of it. He realized how he missed touching it, how he missed touching her. Oh how he wished this moment will last forever.
But always reality sinks in too quickly, cutting off his fantasy. It was really late. Usagi needed her rest just as he did. He sighed deeply before leaning over to kiss her forehead.
"Usa, ikaneba narimasen. I hope you like my gift."
June 30, 2020
11:47 PM
Dear Diary,
I know I've already written about what happened today for my birthday, but I wasn't expecting someone else to greet me this late at night.
If it was my dream man who was the first to greet me today, it was Mamoru who greeted me last.
Yes. Mamoru came by a few minutes ago just to greet me. He said he's been sick the whole day that's why he couldn't be at my party. I told him that it's okay. I'll admit to you now, Diary, how disappointed I was when he wasn't at my party, and now I can't deny that I'm very happy that he still made an effort to come, but I'm worried about him too.
Anyways, he also gave me his gift. I must say it must have cost him a lot. I, I just don't know how to describe it. . . it's a. . .
Usagi stopped writing and turned to the black box beside her.
She touched the lid and smiled at the long stemmed red rose design. Gingerly, she fingered her engraved name written in romanji.
It was a beautiful gift. Too beautiful, actually. A gift so beautiful that Usagi didn't know how to describe it.
Usagi took a deep breath and lifted the lid.
There they were. Two small figures dancing away. One figure is a blond girl in a white gown, hair up in odangos. The other figure is of a man with black hair dressed in formal black tuxedo. The two were holding unto each other, whirling gracefully in time with the music.
The familiar music invaded Usagi's reverie. It was the music she hears only in her dreams. The soft haunting melody that had been so much part of herself.
Usagi bit her lip as she remembered her words to Seiya so many months ago.
"Yes... every time I hear that song... I feel ... I feel melancholy... because it reminds me of a dream that though I couldn't remember, I can feel it is of great importance to me. I feel like I've forgotten a special part of myself... forgotten who I truly am... "
A song from my dreams. . .
Furrows appeared in Usagi's face. If it's my dreams. Then how come you seemed to know so much about it, Mamoru?
A/N: so how was it, min'na? love it? disappointed? Tell me what you think please! *puppy dog look* PLEASE??????????
ikaneba narimasen - I must go now
obâsan - grandmother
ojîsan - grandfather
Sore wa. . . - That is. . .
Otôto - younger brother
Kore wa kawaii desu - This is really cute
Ahou on'na no ko - Silly girl
*written in romanji* (written in English alphabet)
So till next time, min'na-san. I wont make any promise but I'll try to update as soon as I can. Maybe in two weeks or three. I'm really not sure, but be assured it won't be longer than three weeks. Anyways, next part, Usagi will meet two more senshis and they're unlike the four before! Why do I say so? Well it just so happens that they remember about their past more vividly than the rest! And they are determined to make their princess remember hers as well!!! So till next time, okay? Watch out for chapter 12, Pure Hearts. (chap's title is a dead giveaway about who the two senshis are!) That's all, min'na. Love you all! Ja!