AN: hello min'na-san! miss me? I tried to update as soon as I can bcoz my inspiration might soon die down. Even if both yu yu hakusho and ranma ½ is being aired here, still I miss Meteor Garden soooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!
missaw: hi! Wow. New reader. Know what? We have much in common! Next to usa/mamo pairing, I love yusuke/keiko next! (I love yusuke urameshi! He's sooo kawaii!) I like Tomoe/Kenshin pairing too, not that I don't like Kaoru but I like Tomoe better. Anyways, thanks for the review, hope you continue to enjoy this story.
Ocianne: no!!! don't hurt me for this long delay! hehe, anyways, about Haruka and Michiru, does that mean, you think I did a fair job on telling about them? Well, if that's what you mean, thank you very much. truth is, I had such a hard time writing about those two.
joyce: hello!!! Long time to hear! Hehe. I'm glad you're back and that you still like how the story's going along.
Lady Mischief: Arigatou for that kind review. *pouts* you hate seiya? Why? I kinda like him, but of course, not even a tenth of what I feel for mamo-chan! *winks* hope you continue to like my fic
Lady Nyte: so ka? You want usa to be with seiya? *wonders thoughtfully* well, I don't know. . . let's see about that. . . oh thanks a lot for the review!
Jabba1: thank you. I'm very happy you *love* my fic. I'm really sorry that I made you guys wait for a long time before, hope I didn't make you wait for long this time. Anyways, continue enjoying and reviewing my fic!
Shahrezad1: hello! I'm very happy! A new reader! Anyways, thanks for the review. hehe, I'm sorry if I mislead you a little about usa, hehe, couldn't resist teasing you guys a little. :p But I'm happy you like how it actually turns out. Well thanks again!
Frozen Fire: gosh, I got so many new reviewers for this chap. I'm very happy. Anyways, arigatou for the review, hope I didn't make you wait long. Enjoy this next part and please review after.
Sakura Tenshi: hi there! thanks for the email! Email me again anytime if there's something else you'd like to know. Here's the next part, enjoy!
Eternity3: You already love this next chap? But you haven't read it yet! Oh well, not that I'm complaining. Don't hate me at the end of this chap, ok? Go on, continue with the story, thanks for the review!
kirei*snow*tenshi: don't worry, I didn't say that, but I didn't say otherwise either. It'll be just a few more chaps and it'll be the end, then we'll all find out soon. Enjoy this next part(don't mind the ending of this chap, more will happen. . .)
moonangel1: well, I'm relieved to hear that. Err, don't hate me after this chap, I'm reassuring you a lot will still happen. . .
Jing2: Here it is. Err, sorry about that, I'll really try harder, but thank you for telling me, I appreciate it coz I think that'll help me improve. :p
Xylus Star: yes, I am back! Sorry for the delay, you know how it is. . . ranma takes a lot of my time. . . oh yeah there's also school :p oh did you watch the concert? I wasn't able to, and I am soooo regretting letting it pass!!!
Lady Imp: *smiles back* hi! You know what? Your review was my 100th How I've waited for it, so to show my gratitude, I'm dedicating this chap to you.:pSakura: that's ok, no need to say sorry. Thank you for reviewing.
Karla: aigatou gozaimashita. :p
This chapter is dedicated to Lady Imp.
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, if I did, you think I'll actually share Mamo-chan?
". . . dream and love isn't the same after all. Dreams are beautiful, love is the real thing." – Dong Shan Cai(Meteor Garden II, episode 28)
Chapter 13: Fateful Confession
Kou Seiya was watching his girl friend closely. She has been quiet all morning, staring into space absentmindedly.
"Odango," he called her again.
There was still no response from her.
Seiya smiled sadly. During the last few months, his and Usagi's relationship has changed immensely. Before, they could do everything and nothing together and yet have all the fun in the world. Now, when they're together, he couldn't help thinking Usagi was with him physically but he knew her heart was somewhere else.
He wasn't blind. He can see that Usagi has changed. Ever since her birthday six months ago, she hadn't been the same. He has his own suspicions of what might be going on inside her head, but to even consider it pained him so much.
He watched her downcast face and found himself marveling how very beautiful she looks even with that sad face.
It was warm and cheerful girl he first fell in love with, and through the years as he got closer to her, he found himself falling even deeper. She was so much part of himself, how could he let himself lose her. . . no he couldn't lose her now. . . not now. . . not ever. . .
Without another thought, he reached for her. The surprised look in her eyes flashed before him momentarily.
I love you. With all the passion in him, Seiya willed Usagi to respond.
Slender arms reached for his chest. . . and pushed him away. . .?
"Odango. . ."
Usagi blushed and turned away. "Gomen."
Usagi didn't say anything more than simple phrase. No excuse. Nothing. A long silence. . .
Finally, Seiya took a deep breath. Slowly, tenderly, lovingly, he touched her cheek. "I think I'm losing you."
For the briefest of second, Usagi's eyes flashed with an expression no one would ever thought she could possess. Suspicion.
But his Odango had a heart bigger than the moon, so Seiya knew he must have imagined that.
Yes, he must have imagined it. Usagi's eyes weren't saying suspicion, they were shouting out confusion.
"Nan desu ka?"
He cupped her head in his hands and stared deep into her eyes. Without flinching, he continued, "I think I'm losing you to destiny."
Without waiting for a reply, Seiya pulls her to him and kissed her softly. "But do you remember what I told you before? I promised you that I'd fight destiny for you. Remember?"
He kissed her again, longer and harder this time. "You promised the same thing. Do you remember?"
Usagi always had the most expressive eyes. Seiya never thought it could ever be as void as it was now. But it doesn't matter, what did matter was her words.
"Yes. . . yes, I remember."
No other words right now could make him happier.
Seiya smiled happily and kissed her again. He'll never get tired of kissing her. . .
Such a long and passionate kiss until Usagi pulled away.
"Seiya, I. . ."
"I wish you'll stay with me forever."
Usagi didn't say anything. Instead, they continue to stare at each other's eyes for a long long time.
What am I doing here?
In front of Usagi, the building loomed tall and mysterious. A mist seemed to surround it giving it an almost surreal quality.
Usagi bit on her lower lip. She knew she was tempting destiny by being here, but she couldn't help herself.
For inside this building is where everything began. On a room up in the tenth floor where a short innocent kiss that wasn't supposed to mean anything brought back so many forgotten memories. . . and stirred even more sleeping feelings. . .
Usagi closed her eyes. She knew she wasn't supposed to be here, thinking about that kiss.
Seiya! Think about Seiya!
Behind her closed lids, Seiya's sad face flashed. Her heart heavied with pain.
Opening her eyes, Usagi took a step backwards.
But just as she did, a familiar tall figure came out of the front entrance. From those immaculate shoes, Usagi's eyes slowly traveled upwards.
And then it happened. After six long months, from across twenty yards, two pairs of blue eyes met and held once again.
Usagi was rooted on her place while he started walking towards her direction. His eyes, so hopeful and happy, never left hers.
For Usagi it seemed like the longest twenty-yard walk. And by the time he was in front of her, her heart was pounding so hard, her body trembling so much, she felt almost faint.
"Usagi," he whispered, his breath softly caressing her face and neck.
She tried to smile, and willed herself to say something casual, or better yet, give some excuse that she had to get going.
And she did. It was already dark, the Three Lights' concert would be starting in another hour.
Yes, the Three Lights. They were waiting for her. Waiting worriedly by this time.
Yaten, he was probably calling every friend and classmate, asking for her. Taiki was probably pacing the floor restlessly. And Seiya. . . Seiya was probably ready to cancel the concert.
She opened her mouth but no excuse came out. Only one word escaped her lips. One name.
"Mamoru."
"Seiya don't be ridiculous."
Always, Taiki was the voice of reason. It was fifteen minutes before eight and the start of their New Year welcome concert and Usagi still hasn't shown up. Seiya was so worried that he wanted to cancel the concert. Of course, he too was worried of Usagi's whereabouts but they can't just cancel their concert at the last minute.
"This is our biggest concert for the year, we can't just cancel it."
"Why not?"
Taiki sighed inwardly. Some may think Yaten was stubborn, but there are times Taiki thought Seiya could teach Yaten a thing or two about being stubborn.
"Seiya, twenty thousand fans are out there, waiting for us to perform tonight."
"They've seen us performed so many times before, it's not like tonight's going to be different!"
Taiki was shocked with Seiya's outburst. The guy has always had a good temper.
"Seiya," Taiki began.
"Gomen," Seiya interjected. "I didn't mean to shout, but please understand that I'm so worried that I might not be able to perform well, Taiki." He stood up and walked towards the door. "I'll go and tell them now."
"Seiya, matte-"
At that very moment, the door opened.
"Odango!"
"Do I look like I'm Usagi?" Yaten asked, irritated.
Seiya just stared at Yaten, disappointed.
Too bad. I wished it was Usagi too, Taiki thought as he noticed Yaten's annoyed appearance. "Where have you been?" he asked Yaten.
Yaten turned to Taiki. He held out his phone. "I've been calling Usagi's friends."
"What did they say? Is she with them?"
Yaten turned to Seiya. "Sorry, Seiya but they all said they've not seen Usagi since yesterday."
Seiya closes his eyes and breathes deeply. "Taiki, Yaten, I'm sorry." He opens his eyes, "but I really can't perform, we have to cancel the concert."
"Seiya, we can't just do that," Yaten reasons out.
But Seiya can be deaf to things he didn't want to hear.
"Seiya," Taiki warned.
Seiya, stubborn as he is, continued to walk towards the door.
"Seiya! You can't cancel our concert! You said before when something was bothering me that we can't cancel just because of my whim! Who do you think we're doing this for? Isn't this all for her? Our princess?"
Seiya stopped dead on his tracks. He turned around slowly. "What are you talking about Taiki?"
Taiki blinked his eyes a few times, wondering if he just said the words he thought he said. Had really let his suppressed thoughts out? He stared at Seiya's eyes, looking for some reaction, some clue. . . They were blank. . .
Just then that Taiki realized that Seiya can be blind to things he didn't want to see too.
"You know what I'm talking about," Taiki whispers softly.
Without flinching, Seiya says calmly, "No, I don't."
So stubborn.
"And I don't want to," Seiya added before turning around and walking away.
Yaten calls Seiya back but Taiki didn't bother. He almost feels sympathetic for Seiya, he was just being true to himself, true to his love for Usagi.
You really do love her Seiya, but you can't fool yourself by ignoring the truth. You're just betraying yourself. . . all this time you knew. . .Suddenly, that thought saddened Taiki. All this time, Seiya knew about the truth, and all this time, he knew and he ignored it too.
I guess I've been betraying myself too. . .
Yaten was standing by the side door from the stage, hiding from view of fans exiting the stadium.
After Seiya stalked off their dressing room, both Taiki and Yaten were obliged to follow. Their manager was surprised to see them looking so gloomy a few minutes before the concert, so Seiya went straight to the point and asked that they cancel the event. Their shock manager didn't even bothered asking Seiya for an excuse, he and even the producers are used to his sudden mood swings.
So their manager resigned to their wishes, dejectedly. He called up the producers to tell them the situation and a few minutes later, after calming maddened producers, he ended the call and told the Three Lights everything is almost official. After announcing it to the thousands of fans waiting, it'll be official.
Mr. Saigo, their manager didn't even bothered asking Seiya, he turned to Taiki and Yaten to help explain the situation to the expectant audience. But Taiki was upset; he had surprised both their manager and Yaten when he turned around without saying a thing.
After Taiki walked out, Seiya soon followed. Their manager turned to Yaten, hoping he can help him tell the fans for it'll be very hard to disappoint them. Yaten did want to help but his mind was too preoccupied too.
So it had been up to their manager to explain the situation to the fans. Of course, they were disappointed and didn't even want to leave until they at least see the trio.
But now an half hour later, Yaten can see the fans eagerly hurrying out of the concert venue. Not a trace of disappointment in their faces now but excited glee. Of course it was almost only nine thirty and if they hurry they can still welcome the New Year with their family and friends.
Yes. That's what the holidays are all about, celebrating with loved ones.
Suddenly, Yaten notices a guard walks up to the fifth row where a girl was still sitting. He couldn't see the girl's face but he caught sight of her hair. Long and dark red hair.
Yaten's heart began pounding. Intuition was telling him who it was but he was scared to do anything. He watched helplessly as the guard assists the girl away.
Celebrating with loved ones, Yaten thought.
It was the problem why he couldn't move to stop the guard from taking her away. Because in this world, the world he now loves, his family and his friend mean only one girl. . . Tsukino Usagi.
With one last look at the redhead's back, Yaten turned away. Little did he know, the moment he did, the redhead turned to face his direction.
You've made your choices. . . I understand. . .
Outside the stadium, the redhead began to softly cry. She leaned on a wall for support.
This night was her last straw. She has decided that she'll give up if nothing happens after this night. She promised she'll forget her past after tonight if the Three Lights chooses their present's.
But for her last fight, she had went all out. She bought the ticket to this concert and it was close enough, surely they would have noticed her.
But as fate would have it, the concert was cancelled. But she didn't give up easily until the midnight clock strikes, she'll continue this fight.
So she stubbornly stayed on her seat until a guard requested her to leave. She pleaded for the guard to let her stay and that was when she felt his eyes on her.
Her heartbeats came faster. She honestly believed, Yaten would come to her rescue. Surely, he will.
But he didn't. She felt betrayed again, so she had helplessly let the guard usher her away.
Near the exit, she finally gathered her wits, she remembered her vow to fight, she glanced towards the stage to look at Yaten. He wasn't even looking anymore. . . he was walking away.
She began to sob louder by this time. The pain in her heart was as heavy as lead and her knees felt weak. She slowly slid down to a sitting position. She brought her knees closer and buried her head to muffle her sobs.
Her movement caused some strands to escaped her styled hair down on her shoulders. It was the first time, she had put her up like this. For this special night, she did this.
And seems like this would be the last night she'll ever be styling her hair this way too. As promised, she'll give up, give up entirely. . .
She reached out to take the accessories adorning her hair which caused her long red hair to freely framed her already disheveled appearance.
Sayonnara, Healer, now I understand there is only Yaten now. . . Sayonnara Maker for from now on there's just Taiki. . . Sayonnara Fighter. . . Seiya. . . Sayonnara Kimnoku no hime Kak-
"Kakyuu-hime-sama."
A stunned Tendo Keiko, known before as Kimnoku no hime Kakyuu, turned to her left. She looked up to see a woman with long hair standing a few feet away.
Her face was hidden in the shadows, but Keiko saw her smile warmly.
"I've been searching for you."
Everything was just like before that Mamoru's heart felt like bursting.
After they met outside, Mamoru had invited Usagi for dinner which she readily accepted. So they went back to his apartment and after carefully cooking all of her favorite dishes, the two sat down to eat. And just like before Mamoru enjoyed watching Usagi eat the food he s lovingly prepared, how her face will glow with much appreciation.
Mamoru smiled wistfully. Something was missing during their dinner, though.
The stolen kisses in between courses.
Now, the two are sitting on the couch side by side, indulging themselves with their favorite. Oh how Mamoru wished he could just kiss her and taste the chocolate in her lips just like before. It was such a sweet torture for him. . .
Mamoru watches Usagi as she took another bite on the heavenly treat. He couldn't help but marvel on how beautiful she was. Her pink cheeks. . . the curve of her lips. . . the sparkle in her eyes. . . she was no doubt God's most perfect creation.
She began to speak again. Her voice soft and gentle as she continued to tell him about herself.
They've been like this since after dinner more than two hours ago. Talking little details about themselves. That's all the two of them dared to talk about. Both hesitant to discuss the past and uncertain how to venture the topic of the future.
But Mamoru knew he had to say something soon. Sitting beside him was the girl he's been dreaming of for a lifetime. This was his chance to make his lifelong fantasy come true. . .
"Usagi."
The strange sound of his voice made Usagi looked up at him with eyes like that. She looked both scared and expectant.
"Usagi," Mamoru repeated, caressing the feel of her name on his lips. With gentle fingers he stroked her soft cheek, his thumb stopped just before the corner of her mouth.
"You were right," he whispered, leaning closer.
"About what?"
"About my birthday. That afternoon you called it was my birthday. . . at least the birthday that I know of. . . You see when I was young, I-"
Usagi silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Sshhh, you don't have to explain, I understand."
Mamoru smiled even as she took her finger
away. "I know you do, Usagi." It was some time before Mamoru spoke
again. "You were asking about the
melody of the music box. . ."
"Hai," Usagi breathed.
Mamoru nodded and took his hand away. Without saying anything he stood up and walked towards his room.
He came out a few moments later. Still not saying a thing, he stood in front of Usagi and held out his hand.
Slowly, so ver slowly, Usagi raised her eyes to the thing Mamoru held in his hand. She gasped as she saw the star-shaped locket. Tears began to form in her eyes as she took it from Mamoru.
After she took it from him, Mamoru sat next to her again. He studies her every expression as she gingerly touched the locket in her hands. After she opened the lid, the melody started to play. She began to cry.
"The story of this locket dates back for more than a millennium," Mamoru started softly, reaching out to tenderly wiped her tears away. "It once belong to the Moon princess before she gave it to the prince of the Earth as a memento. Not longer after, her kingdom was attacked and both princess and prince died. Heartbroken with the death of her only daughter, the Queen used all her powers to seal off the enemy and with the last of her energy she wished that her daughter, together with her guardians and her prince be resurrected on earth."
Slowly Mamoru leaned closer to Usagi until their faces were mere millimeters apart. Still their gaze was locked into each other, studying each other's souls.
"The prince he was resurrected as Chiba Mamoru. . . Tsukino Usagi, she was the princess. . . "
"Serenity," Mamoru whispered. "That's her name. . . Princess Serenity."
And with that Mamoru claimed his princess's lips.
Everyone remembers their first kiss. But Usagi was sure that this was the kiss she was meant never to forget.
How many times has Mamoru's lips touched hers anyway? Once. . . no twice. Twice already in this lifetime and yet to Usagi, it felt like it was the first for this was the real Mamoru. A Mamoru without a mask guarding his emotions. . . a Mamoru that wasn't hiding behind a safety net. . .
His lips is touching hers in the softest, most gentlest caress. Behind Usagi's closed lids, she remembered that impulsive kiss last Valentines. Without another thought, Usagi dropped the locket in her lap and wraps her arms around him, meeting his lips kiss by kiss.
He pulled her closer, his hands stroking the small of her back, Usagi moaned both because his touch and the feel of his body pressed so close to hers. They continued to kiss like that until Mamoru's tongue traced her lower lip, begging for entrance. Usagi lets him in and they kissed deeply, tongues meeting passionately.
And all this kissing brought back memories of that one shared after a masked man carried a drunk little girl out to the balcony. It was their very first kiss for that lifetime.
Gently Mamoru eased her down on the couch as he rained kisses all over her face. Kisses on her cheeks, her forehead, her neck and shoulders. . .
She couldn't take it anymore, she miss the warmth of his lips on her own. She cupped his beautiful face and brought his face down on hers again. They kissed madly as if making up for all the lost years they could have been together.
Yes. . . this is how a kiss should feel like. This kiss she now shares with Mamoru. . . a kiss so special it was like she was born for it. . . She was born for it. . . just like how it was always-
". . . meant to be," Mamoru whispered between their kiss.
Suddenly Usagi stiffened, she quickly pushes Mamoru away.
As she sat up, she can feel Mamoru's eyes on her but her mind was racing.
Seiya. . . how could she just forget about Seiya. . . just today his words. . . how could she forget it just like that?
. . . I think I'm losing you. . . I'm losing you to destiny. . . but I promised you I'd fight destiny for you. . . you promised the same thing. . .
I did promise him I'd fight destiny. . . is this really all just because of destiny?
Usagi felt Mamoru's warm hand on her cheek, brushing away the tears she didn't even were there.
"Are we really destined to be together? Is this really meant to be?"
"Usa-"
Usagi turned to him and said softly, "I really thought I felt something special." Mamoru took his hand away. "I really thought you felt something special," Usagi's voice trembled. "Now I know. It's because of destiny."
"I've told Rei before, how can I be so stupid to fall for it. I'm such a fool, how can I betray the guy I lo- who loves me for destiny?!" Usagi jumped to her feet, "This is all a big mistake." She turned around but Mamoru's hand was on her wrist stopping her from walking away.
"Usako," he whispered brokenly.
Usagi turned to him. His eyes were pleading, his face so full of pain Usagi almost gave in again. But she didn't.
"Just a while ago, you were calling me Serenity and it felt right. Destiny makes it right."
"Usa-"
"Don't call me Usako, that's a name for a lover to use. And there's nothing like love between us. . . only destiny, Endymion."
With that Usagi flings Mamoru's hand away. She ran out of his apartment and got in the elevator. She needed to get away, far away from Mamoru. . .
Down the hallway, Usagi saw Mamoru running towards the elevators.
"Matte! Usako!!!" he shouted just before the elevator closed.
Once again, tears began to fall from Usagi's eyes. It did hurt to see Mamoru's eyes fill with pain. Pain she herself caused.
Gomen nasai. . . gomen nasai. . .
The elevators opened on the first floor and Usagi quickly ran out. Passing the lobby, she heard the first strike of midnight.
New Year had come once more. . . only this time, Usagi will be welcoming her brand new life as well.
A life away from the memories of the Silver Millenium. . . a life that doesn't include the endless battles. . . a life without Mamoru. . .
Sayonnara. . . sayonara. . . sayonara. . . Mamo-chan. . .
AN: soooooooooooo how was it min'na? *avoids tomatoes* does that mean you guys don't like it? *avoids another round of tomatoes* I know some of you are getting worried, but don't fear because the real conflict of our story's just beginning and it'll get really interesting(even though I say so myself) from here on!
Nan desu ka - What do you mean?
I'll have you guessing again, min'na. As you've noticed(or maybe you didn't) my chaps' title pertains more than to one meaning. (e.g. chap3, Sweet and Gentle Memories-means usa's memories of both mamochan and ami) Well our next chap is called A princess and A Keeper. 'A Princess' pertains to 2 girls whom I think are pretty obvious. Now, I want you min'na to think who the 2 'keepers' are. *smiles* What? Don't look at me like that min'na. I'm just giving you something to wonder about so you won't forget my fic! Of course, as always, I'll dedicate the next chap to those who'll get it right. Anyways, see you next time, min'na. Love you all! Ja!