A/N: I have been warned about potential stalking SOOOOOO I'm getting this out now and not delaying any longer -- lucky me.

Disclaimer: If we owned anything we'd be paying other people to write this for us.

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Usagi was the first to step across the threshold of her home with Haruka close behind. After a significant gap came Yaten and Rei trailed behind at the tail end of the procession.

As she climbed the stairs, Usagi untied the jacket, graciously donated by Haruka, which had been wrapped protectively about her waist by said owner. She took a step into the area of her room and paused a moment to return the borrowed clothing before starting over to her bureau.

Not wanting to leave the tense atmosphere any longer than necessary she dressed quickly and without vanity. Jeans were pulled on, the shirt left, and her long hair pulled up into a low ponytail. Feeling as comfortable as she could despite the situation she turned to face her friends.

Drawing strength from Haruka's supportive stance at her side she took a deep breath and stepped up to Yaten. She grabbed the starlight's hand and held it tentatively; unsure whether or not the action would be allowed. Surprisingly, Yaten did not withdraw.

"Oh, Yaten..." Usagi breathed softly. One hand came up to lovingly brush the silvery bangs from Yaten's eyes.

"You must know -- I never intended for you to find out like you did. It seems to have had the most painful affect and something that would cause you such hurt was not my intent. I never intended to make you feel...like any less of a person. I never intended to make you feel...like there was something wrong with you."

Usagi's serious tone was only broken by the soft smile of compassion that lined her coral lips.

"Even if Haruka had never come along, I could never truly give you everything I had." The blonde turned her eyes to Rei and they were filled with wisdom beyond her years and the love that filled her years.

"Because in doing so...I would be depriving my best friend of true happiness. I would be keeping both of you from pure love that you both deserve to have."

Tears of love and gratitude slipped down Rei's cheeks and she let them run unchecked down her cheeks. She mouthed thank you before nodding respectively to her friend and future queen.

Usagi's hand was given a gentle squeeze and she turned back to Yaten in surprise. Those striking emerald eyes were still soft and wide, but the hurt had disappeared from them.

"Thank you..." Yaten whispered.

Usagi shook her head, smiling. She returned the pressure and felt Yaten's fingers tighten around her hand. "No. It is I who should be thanking you. For you have given my truest friend back the sparkle I had thought long dead, and for that I am in your debt."

"Thank you for leading the way, Usagi."

Usagi beamed and caught Yaten up in a warm hug.

Haruka watched on with pride, as her koneko became more and more like the Queen she was destined to become. She caught Rei's eye as the younger girl wiped the tearstains from her face. They held eye contact for a moment and then nodded to each other -- reaching a mutual understanding.

Usagi and Yaten had finished conversing and now faced the other two a bit nervously. Yaten was the first the react and she walked across the room the Haruka and held out her hand. "It was a good fight. Fairly won."

"Thanks, Kou." Haruka gave a gruff nod and shook the other's hand.

Rei spoke for the first time since they had arrived at Usagi's house.

"What do we do now?"

The question hung dead in the air, and the quartet shifted uncomfortably.

"Those were some pretty big words you used Usagi." Rei teased, "Did you even know what they meant, Odango-Atama?"

Usagi's jaw dropped in surprise. She quickly recovered, however, and wasted no time in blowing a raspberry at the fiery Senshi of Mars. Yaten and Haruka both rolled their eyes.

Usagi suddenly did a double take and let out a very un-queen-like cry of distress that brought everyone back to the real Usagi.

"Is that the time?!"

Haruka looked nonchalantly over her shoulder, "Yeah, it's one o'clock."

Usagi groaned and her eyes looked about ready to pop out of their sockets. "Oh! My teacher's gonna kill me!"

Going at a hyper speed developed from years of having to sprint to school Usagi grabbed shoes and her purse in record time. Hopping around while trying to pull on her flip-flops she scolded the motionless Yaten and Rei.

"What are you guys gawking at? Don't just stand there! Let's GO!" She reprimanded.

She stood on her tiptoes and gave Haruka a deep kiss, "Bye, love. I'll see you after classes."

Haruka gave a devilish smile and pulled her in for another kiss. "Can't you just skip class this once?" She pleaded.

Usagi let herself get pulled into another quick kiss. She smiled against her girlfriend's lips, "Nice try, hun." She giggled. "Don't you think you've had enough attention for one day?"

Haruka gave an insolent shake of her head. Her lips even turned into a pout as Usagi stepped back.

"Bye." Usagi beamed. She then started down the stairs dragging Yaten and Rei helplessly behind her.

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Minako turned to the window in time to see Usagi sprinting across the quad. Despite the pain in her heart she gave a small laugh. Same ol' Usagi.

Ami saw their friend as well and smiled softly. In a way, the scene reminded her of the past -- when they had all been brought together for the first time. Maybe now that the tension had dissipated things would get back to normal...

As she turned back to copying the teacher's notes she gave a small giggle of her own. Knowing Usagi, that sure wasn't gonna last long.

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TA FRELLING DA!

I have to go pass out in my bed now...