Till things get settled, I cannot guarantee anything future wise, but here is the next chapter.
Chance encounter
An alternate reality Sailor Moon romance
by Time Guardian
Chapter 6 - Love and Courage
Later that evening, Mamoru returned home from his afternoon classes totally spent. Even though he was a quick study where anatomy was concerned, learning all of the medical terminology was proving to be quite a headache, and with the exam the professor announced for a few days from now, he was going to be spending a few sleepless nights.
Entering his apartment, he threw his textbooks down on a nearby chair, and then headed towards the kitchen. He had told Usagi to go ahead and eat without him, but he was hoping to score a few leftovers in the refrigerator.
Opening the fridge door, he was greeted with a variety of sights, including a plate filled high with marinated vegetables and fried rice. He picked up the plate to put in the microwave when he spotted a small folded piece of pink paper that had been underneath. moving the plate to the microwave and turning it on, Mamoru grabbed the note and read it.
Mamoru-san-
I cooked a little too much tonight, but I figured you could use a little brain food to study with. Enjoy!
Usagi
Smiling, he put the note into his pocket, and retrieved his meal from the microwave.
Usagi sat up in the bed, allowing Chibi-Usa to breast-feed. It had only been a couple of days, but she seemed to finally have the hang of the whole process. After her daughter finished, Usagi gently laid her down into the crib beside the bed, then moved to grab a book out of her bag that she had been reading.
Usagi had picked up the romance novel months ago during one of her runs to the pharmacy. It was a traditional romance set in the feudal era. Often enough she found herself fantasizing what it would have been like to live back in that time. That time period seemed so simplistic, compared to what she was going through now.
She sighed. It felt good to be of use again. Of course Usagi had to keep her movements simple because she was still feeling some soreness from where she had given birth, but it was coming easier for her to cook and take care of her daughter. Soon she would have some big choices to make.
Supporting her daughter would be first and foremost.
During her time on the run, Usagi tried a variety of jobs before she ended up staying at Mrs. Chen's. Though she loved taking care of Keiko, in her heart of hearts she missed singing. Usagi hadn't even thought of it since Toya died. The pain she had felt made her want to hide, but now things were different. She had other considerations, and for once, she dared to hope that her life could get back to a semblance of normalcy.
It was thanks to Mamoru, for the most part. Usagi smiled as she visualized his caring smile and deep blue eyes...she trusted him, felt like she could tell him anything.
Turning her attention back to her book, Usagi barely got through a page before her daughter started moaning. She knew it was only a matter of moments before Chibi-Usa would be crying.
Putting her book away, she sat up and grabbed for her daughter.
"Having trouble sleeping? I know the feeling Chibi-Usa, trust me."
Holding her daughter close, Usagi rocked her gently, but instead of calming her, Chibi-usa began to wail.
"Oh no...how am I going to calm you down, little one?"
She sat down, cradling her child close. "I have an idea. How about I sing you a lullaby my mother used to sing to me? It always made me feel good."
Remembering the words, Usagi began to sing:
Go to sleep baby mine,
and your dreams will come true.
May the moonlight protect you,
and always know that I love you.
Mamoru had finished his meal and was reading one of his medical textbooks when he heard the most beautiful singing. Curiousity got the best of him, so he quickly followed the sound to his bedroom. He found the door closed. when he opened it, he spotted Usagi, cradling her daughter and singing in the most beautiful voice he had ever heard.
He continued to watch as Usagi quietly laid Chibi-Usa into the crib, and made a move towards the door when she spotted him.
"Mamoru-san-"
His cover blown, Mamoru opened the door wide, allowing Usagi to exit the room. "I am sorry for intrusion. I just- your singing- it's beautiful. I said that I wanted to hear you sing, and I didn't know that I would be granted that wish so quickly."
She blushed. "Thank you. It felt good to sing again. Did you get the food I left you?"
Mamoru grinned, patting his stomach. "I sure did, and it was quite delicious, thank you."
Usagi smiled, and headed towards the kitchen. "I'm glad. Let me clean up those dishes for you and-"
"No need," he replied quickly, "I took care of things. After all, it was the least I could do for you preparing such a wonderful meal."
Mamoru noticed her smile falter slightly. Taking a seat on the sofa, he beckoned to Usagi to take a seat beside him. When she sat down, he reached for her hand.
"Usagi-chan, are you still worried about tomorrow?"
Usagi looked at him, and stuttered "Yes- no- I don't know. I don't know if I am ready, and yet, I want to sing again. It is...overwhelming and scary to me."
"Oh I don't know, personally I think it takes a strong person to stand up on stage and bear their soul through their voice and music. I would be scared stiff," Mamoru honestly replied.
Her laughter sounded like the lightest crystal. "You, scared? I can't believe that."
"Believe it. Bearing my soul is not the easiest thing to do. In fact, except for Karuka-san,
no one else knows about my family situation, and yet I told it to you tonight as if I have known you forever."
Usagi blushed. "Well, I think it takes courage to do what you did for me. You could have very well went on your way and left me alone, and I could have had the baby on the street."
On an impulse, she leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. Pulling away, she smiled. "You are my hero, Mamoru-san, don't forget that."
She stood. "I want to get a decent nights sleep before we go see Bobby-san tomorrow. Good night."
Mamoru stared after her as she went back into the bedroom, unsure of how to take in what just happened.
"Good night, Usagi-chan. Sleep well"
The next morning Usagi dressed promptly in a pink blouse and green skirt, and tied her hair back into a loose ponytail. She hadn't cut her golden blond hair in about six months, so it was already growing well down her back.
Going out into the living room, she noticed Mamoru already dressed and folding the sofa bed back into place. After he finished, he stood, and took an appreciative look at her.
"You look beautiful today, Usagi-chan."
Noticing her blush at the comment, he laughed. "I never knew it was that easy to make a lady blush."
The doorbell rang, Usagi turned to go to the front door. "Heh, saved by the bell. That's probably Mrs. Chen with Keiko. I'll get it."
Usagi opened the door, but found no one there. Looking down, she noticed a small basket with a bundle of flowers. When she looked closer though, her blood turned cold, and she backed away shrieking.
Mamoru appeared behind her. "What is it Usagi-chan, what's wrong?"
Taking a look over her shoulder, he saw the object of her fear.
In the small basket, a bunch of withered roses were gathered and tied together with a black ribbon.
On the front of the bundle sat a photo of her holding Chibi-Usa and walking out of the hospital closely with Mamoru.
There was a large red x through the photo, along with some hastily scrawled words in red ink:
I HAVE FOUND YOU AGAIN.
I had planned on Usagi meeting up with her manager in this chapter, but real life and the best laid plans go awry. Hopefully things will smooth out soon.
Until then, I remain faithfully-
Time Guardian