Ami arrives at the hospital with a small bouquet of roses for Minako, hoping to hear some good news on her condition. By the looks of the waiting room it's a very busy day, almost every green chair is filled with a person waiting for news or an appointment. There's even a line up at the desk. She quickly takes a spot in line and she notices three familiar people that are on their way out. With happiness and relief she calls out to them. "Hey Usagi, Haruka and Hailey. I am so glad your all ok."

"Hey Ami!" I give her a big hug. "They are letting Hailey go home and a nurse stepped on Haruka! Oh and there's no news on Minako yet, other then they said no visitors, they said they would call Haruka." I sniff the roses. "They are so pretty!"

"Oh my, sounds like a lot has happened. I brought these for Minako. I was just going to wait in line but now that I know she can't have visitors I will save these for later. I hope she is alright, she looked so awful as they put her in that ambulance yesterday. I was worried about her and the other people too." With a meaningful glance at Haruka who has her arm around Hailey. Haruka offers her a ride home but Ami politely turns her down. "Thank you for asking me I really appreciate the offer but I am fine. I plan on meeting my mother here for lunch."

"Bye Ami!" I follow Haruka and Hailey to her sports car , my phone goes off and its Darien! I quietly slip into the backseat and begin to read the text message, I am so focused I almost forget to put on my seat belt. With a click I continue reading. Then I read It again, thinking it's a mistake, but no. Tears begin to blur my eyes I can't believe it. "take a break" Why? There is more but I just can't read it.

I just cry into the teddy bear as quietly as I can. The buildings outside are just a watery blur. My heart is breaking into pieces and there are no words to describe the pain I feel inside. Darien and I are supposed to have a future, what will happen now to Chibi-Usa and me? A million questions are flashing in my head, and it's giving me a headache.

I notice something is wrong with Odango when I glimpse in my rear view mirror, she looks really shaken up. Her normally bright and cheerful face looks heartbroken, on the brink of tears even. As I park in my spot I tell Hailey to go on ahead to my place and give her my keys. She too sees the sad reflection of Odango in the mirror and nods silently as she gets out and closes the door gently, Odango seems too shaken up to notice. I get out, close the drivers side door and quietly slip in to the back seat next to her.

I slide over to Usagi and after a moment carefully lean over to hug her. It takes a few moments then she burst into tears. "He wants a break." She must be talking about her boyfriend, Darien. "I failed at being his girlfriend, just like school and everything else."

"Hey Kitten, don't you dare EVER say that" I turn her head to look at me, her big blue eyes are raining out tears. "Your one of the best damn people I know, with a beautiful heart. Your not perfect but so what? No one is, everyone has something about themselves they don't like or are working on. That's just being human, him leaving you is his mistake." I gently wipe the tears from her cheeks .

"Thank you Haruka" She leans into my arms while still teary eyed. "Your right, this is not my fault." I hold her close, I am not normally this expressive but she needs support so I try anyway. "Never forget you have a beautiful heart too." I am stunned when she leans in and our lips touch in a sweet kiss.

I keep holding her, while she keeps crying. Yet in the back of my mind that kiss has me asking what in the hell happened? I wasn't trying to do that, did she want me to kiss her? We just flirted a little once, was she actually serious? Her sobs are loud in my ears and I cant ask her about this now, I rub her back gently.

"Those awful words in Darien's texts, how worried I am for Minako, everything has my heart hurting so bad it's like a Youma ripped it apart." Saying that Usagi crys even harder on Haruka soaking her shoulder in tears. Eventually, she stops crying takes some klenex and blows her nose with a loud HONK!

"Here Odango, drink some water. Someone who does that is not worth your tears and you could find someone better. Your not alone, you have your friends." I watch as shes guzzling down the water with tears still falling from her eyes...

As Usagi drinks the fresh cold water she seems to realize something, her eyes go wide, a look of panic on her face before she drops the bottle on the seat, opens the car door and runs off so fast she ends up bumping her head on the roof of the car. She must have realized that she just kissed me.

"Odango wait!" My back seat has water all over it and there is a drop of blood where her head hit on the edge of the roof when she jumped out. "Damn it!" I get out, slamming the door. Shit, I can't believe this. I rush after her running with the cold wind blowing in my face, when I hear my cell ring. With a quick glance I see its my dad.

I pull my phone out. "Hey Dad, just out on a jog. You know how much I like to keep in shape. Yes I made all the arrangements easily." While trying to spot Usagi I run right through a deep snow bank, there is a nasty chill as I feel snow with sharp pieces of ice fill my boots and up my pants. "Fuck." It's hard to talk and focus on where your going at the same time. "I am fine dad, someone cut me off is all. You sound tired, don't work too hard, I will see you all soon bye."

I put my cell away and jog a bit further up the street, first checking inside the Arcade, then the dollar store and the Ice cream shop but there is no sign of her anywhere and my legs are frozen. She's not answering her cell, I have no idea whats going on or why she kissed me and ran. I would look longer but with how cold I am it could be dangerous, if I am not careful I could end up like Minako did but without someone seeing me collapse. I start the short walk to my apartment...

I finish cleaning up the rest of the apartment and turn the kettle on to boil water for tea. I take a seat and click the shopping app on my phone, because of the awful monster we never did get a chance to go grocery shopping. I click and add all the things I know she needs and likes. I finish the purchase, typing the information in and address too when I hear the door open.

I see Haruka walk in, she's a total mess, dirty snow all over her pants and she's half soaked, even her hair has some ice in it. She slams the door and takes off her jacket, when she pulls off her boots clumps of dirty snow fall out. Her pants are dripping water and half melted snow as she takes them off at the door walks in, sits on the couch her legs red with cold. "Haruka holy shit, what happened to you?" I rush over with a heavy blanket.

"I was talking to her, trying to help her get over what that asshole did to her, then I went to give her a peck like always. But it didn't go that way, she kissed me and kept crying. Next I know shes jumping out of the car in a panic, hits her head on the door frame and takes off. I saw blood on the edge of the door frame and was worried she was hurt, so I go after her. But the while I was trying to find her my dad called me, I was so distracted I ended up stepping in to this deep dirty pile of snow then losing her. I looked a bit more but no luck and now she won't answer her cell."

"Wow that is sure something."I tell Haruka as I pull her into my arms. "You are still pretty cold, it must be below twenty out there." I can feel her wet hair and her shivering from the cold. "I hope Usagi is alright too." She grabs a blanket. "Here, you need to warm up and I will get you some tea to drink. The last thing we need is you getting sick with a cold."

I smile warmly at Hailey. "I am fine, it's Odango I worry for. I know she's hurt from hitting the edge of the door. I am sure its not bad but I'd feel better knowing she's ok, head injuries can sneak up on you." I sip my tea and try one last time to reach her on my cell but no luck, I leave another message.

"Here Haruka, put on these fresh pyjamas." I get a mop and start to clean up the water by the door. I will put these wet clothes in the laundry and put your boots on the vent to dry off, they sure are drenched, good thing you got an extra pair here. I will get you more tea."

I take the pyjamas and change in to the soft navy blue pants and shirt ,then take a seat on the couch and sip the fresh hot cup of tea. I am sure Usagi is purposely ignoring me, is she embarrassed?

I sit beside Haruka and pull her back in to my arms "I am sorry things got so rough, maybe give her time to calm down? She must be pretty upset over losing her boyfriend and worried for her friend in the hospital, with all that happening you can't really blame her. I remember back when we broke up it took me four months and a week before I even thought of dating anyone." I begin to rub her head and shoulders. "Love is never easy, I admit when you asked me to be your girlfriend again my heart jumped." When I look down she's fast asleep, I don't blame her though, a hospital floor is no place to sleep. I turn off the lamp and let her rest in my arms...

I set down my violin no matter what I have tried that Theo is fully in love with me, or perhaps just the idea of me and won't leave me alone. Good thing I convinced my mother I need to be left alone to practice.But all that comes out of my heart is pain and longing for my Ruka, with anger and frustrated tears rolling down my face I push over a sheet music stand and throw my old sketch book across the room. They sheets scatter on the floor in a mess, old sketches are all over the floor.

One of my old sketches draws my eye, I drew it when I first caught sight of the beautiful sandy blonde way back in middle school before we ever came here. The way the wind plays with her hair, her expressive eyes and natural charm just pulls you to her . After a few minutes staring I take a deep breath and focus on gathering up the sheets, fixing the book and neatly place it back on my desk. I walk to my window and open it to let the wind hit me then I whisper gently to the strong breeze. "Haruka, I love you."...

"Listen Theodore, you do as I say and in not much time my daughter will marry you. The plan I have is simple, having her away from those other dreadful girls, focused on a new life and career will have her ready to be the lady she was born to be. You will see that, this cruise is the beginning for you and Michiru." With a satisfied smile she puts the envelope with the tickets and arrangements in a drawer and locks it tight.

I can't help but smile at the thought of that beauty in my bedroom and the money too,this looks like it will be a very profitable relationship. I lift up my tea cup and toast Michiru's and I future. "Yes Miss Kaioh, I will indeed do as you say, your plan sounds perfect to me. I love your daughter, she is beautiful in every way and tomorrow night I have made plans for us to go out to dinner at the Mystic Ballroom, the best place in town."

"Thank you for letting me know, I will ensure that she is ready on time but remember her career is important for this all to work out right. So if I tell you to not to disturb her then you must understand. Now if you excuse me I do have some rather important business to attend to." Without another word needed she leaves him to arrange step two of her plan for her daughter's future...

I know if I even try to leave my music room that either Theo won't leave me alone or my mother will be at me to get back in here and to keep trying to make that new piece. It's just no use, all the notes come out with the pain I feel inside. I finish picking up my music sheets off the floor and organize them. There has to be away for me to get out of here on my own and get to my Ruka, I just cant give up...

RING RING RING!

"Hmm?" I open my eyes, it's early in the evening. I am glad that my cell did not wake up Haruka. Half asleep I feel for where it is and pick it up quickly. "Hello? Nurse Jane? Oh wait your looking for Haruka, this is her phone, just a minute." I hate to wake her but this is important, I nudge her gently.

"Mmm?" I open my eyes to see Hailey holding my phone to me, I stretch out as I take my cell and I sit up. "Hey, yes this is Haruka. Thank you for calling me." Taking out a piece of paper I write down where Minako's room is in the hospital with concern and hang up. "Well she's out of Intensive Care but her condition isn't good, she has pneumonia bad and will be in hospital for more then a week, visiting is allowed but only so many at a time right now."

"I am so sorry she's sick Haruka, how about we go visit her tomorrow? We can bring her some get well gifts. I am sure she would love to see a friend, she knows after all that you saved her life, she wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you calling 911 before the attack even happened."

"It wasn't a big deal Hailey, it's my duty to protect people, I try not to talk about it much and I know I can trust you with my secret but thanks anyway." I put my arms around her and pull her in for a passionate kiss. "I didn't mean to fall asleep but your arms I admit were much more comfortable then that floor last night, are you alright?" I go to kiss her again when Hailey cell rings.

"Hello, hey Pearl, how are you? All night? Yikes that's terrible! And you would like Haruka and I go to do... What!? And go where? Say that again please." I can't help but feel surprised and excited, even if I feel bad for our friends situation. "I will ask her about that, hold on." I put my cell on mute. "Haruka how would you like to go to the Mystic Ballroom tomorrow? Pearl's girlfriend is sick with that terrible flu going around and would like us to replace them at that Grand Gala, they won tickets to it, they would hate them to be wasted."

"Well if you feel up to it then that sounds like a date. I heard about that place too, it's one of the best and most expensive places in town. Thank them for me and tell her the next outing will be on us. We will pick up the tickets tomorrow, their place is on the way to Minako so it works well."

With excitement I take them off mute. "Hey, both Haruka and I thank you very much for thinking of us and next time we get together were totally spoiling you, we hope that Ashley feels better soon and we will pick up the tickets tomorrow afternoon. Thanks again." I hang up. "It's not very often that we go to such a formal event, I think the last time we did that was when we went to your Aunt's wedding."

"Yes and I hated the dress that they had me wear as her brides maid, pink is not my thing. You were lucky that you wore those black dress pants and that sexy low white top of yours, when we danced my eyes never left you, the way you teased me I should of killed you."

I laugh as I kiss her lips. "That's right, I still have that one picture your dad took of us too." Soon as I say that her face turns to a playful anger, one of her threatening me that if I ever show that to anyone I am in deep shit, she uses her weight to then put me on my back with her on top. We both burst out laughing, we begin to passionately kiss...

Running upstairs after dinner didn't help me feel, better tears begin to come down my cheeks as soon as I close my door. I grab my bunny off my bed and hug it tight to my chest. Luna isn't here to talk to me, she deserves time away. I look at myself in the mirror, my head has a big bump on it with a small cut. When mom saw me she panicked and rushed me to the kitchen to put an ice pack on it, shes bringing me a band aid in a minute.

"Usagi, I brought you a bowl of Ice cream just in case you wanted more and I have the first aid kit right here too. You need to be more careful, this may sting a little, hold still now." There is a quiet moment as my mom put the bandage on. "There all clean... You look like you have been crying, please Usagi, tell me whats wrong."

"Darien broke up with me mom." Tears begin to fall again. "It's because he's in a new study program and will be in Japan a long while, he says he barely has any time on his hands, I got the text today." With teary eyes I look at my mom, then an idea comes to me. "Would it be ok if I went school shopping early for some new clothes to wear Id like to try something new?"

"Oh Usagi." I hug her tight. "I know you hurt now but the pain will go away. There's other boys out there that I bet would love to meet you, as for shopping, well you are getting older. I guess a few new outfits won't hurt, they can be an early gift from your father and I. We can go together to the mall tomorrow."

"That's nice mom but can I please go by myself? I promise to show you all of them when I get home, it's just I feel ready to do more by myself. I was planning to meet Ami for studying tomorrow too."

"Well alright but don't forget to call me. Remember don't talk to strangers and always cross the road at the light and"...

"I love you mom and I promise to call, I will be ok." I hug her tight to me, she might baby me sometimes but I know she loves me very much. I wipe whats left of my tears and yawn. "I am sleepy, I think that I will read a comic mom and then go to bed."

"Alright Usagi" Her mom hands her a clean pair of pyjamas from her dresser. "Eat your ice cream before you go to bed. I will give you the shopping money in the morning. Good night." She kisses my cheek before stepping out.

When my mom leaves I put on my pyjamas and pick up the bowl of ice cream and start to eat it. I don't know how I will ever face Haruka. I take out my favourite comic book from my shelf, lay on my bed and start to read it... After a few pages in it's mostly a blur as I wipe away more tears, I still don't feel better, maybe Ami can help me. I take out my cell, it shows five missed calls and a text from Haruka but I cant bare to look at them. I press Ami's number in instead and try not to think about it.

"Good evening Usagi, I am just studying my mathematics text book. Did you need help with your studies? Really Darien broke up? By text? That's awful." While listening to Usagi I begin to clean up my desk, these talks are never short. "I am glad Haruka helped you feel better, she really is kind, then what happened? You kissed her?" SPLASH! "Oh no, I am fine, I just spilled a glass of water. Yes I'm still listening."...

"I didn't mean to, it just happened, she was so sweet and I was so upset just thinking about everything. Ami she must HATE me by now, I just know it." Tears start falling out of my eyes again as I tell Ami how awful I feel about everything. She tells me to calm down. That everything will work out, I take a breath. "Well on the bright side, my mom is giving me money to go shopping tomorrow, so I can try on some new clothes and get a new gift for Minako. Are you sure your alright? You sound out of breath?

"I am fine Usagi, just cleaning up water." I set my text book up in front of the fan to dry, good thing it didn't get drenched, this news of Usagi and the accidental kiss with Haruka is surprising to say the least. It gets even more dramatic when I think about how Haruka has a girlfriend, it does not make the situation easier. "Maybe give it sometime, I don't want anyone to get hurt. All this love and drama talk is making my allergy act up as well,. I will meet you tomorrow and help if you want me too plus I'd like to get some fresh flowers."

"Thanks Ami, your such a great friend to me." I just remembered, Haruka is the only one who will know whats going on with Minako, if I want to know I have no choice but to talk to her. Just the thought of it filled me with fear and more pain in my heart which made more tears begin to fall as I sob to Ami.

"Don't worry Usagi, try to get some sleep for tonight and tomorrow we can look up the number for the hospital and ask how Minako is doing if seeing Haruka bothers you that much." I rub cream on the slight rash that appeared on my arm, these love talks always do this to me. "I hope your head heals fast too and I will see you tomorrow afternoon."

"Thanks, your the best Ami, goodnight." I hang up with her and a yawn escapes me, I feel so sleepy from crying and my head does hurt a little. I sit the empty ice cream bowl on my dresser and get under my cozy bunny blanket then turn off my light to slip in to a deep sleep.

I open my eyes, morning came that fast? Where did these wide white bars come from? I stand up on my little legs and when I try to talk all that comes out are baby noises and coos? My brother comes in, making funny faces and silly sounds, what the? Whats going on? Why am I so little? I am the big sister!

He lifts me from a crib? And starts talking to me in a silly voice. "Wittle Usagi weady for her pway date?" Soon I am laying down on a baby change table all I see are my baby legs kicking, gasp! "Hey Haruka, before you babysit wittle Usagi she needs a diaper change!"

To my horror Haruka comes walking into the bathroom, my brother hands her a diaper and says he's leaving to go watch a big baseball game, then he walks off leaving me alone with her! She tickles my tummy then says. "Don't worry little kitten, after a change we can head to the park for some sweet fresh air."

NOOOO! NO! I AM NOT A BABY! I AM THE BIG SISTER, I AM GROWING UP, I AM NOT A LITTLE KID! NOOOOOO! I wake up in my dark room, it's four in the morning. I push away my old bunny blanket and open the trunk at the end of my bed where my special things are, inside is a newer blanket that looks like a patch work quilt filled with colours.

I remember when my friends got it for me together last year, I thought it was too special to use but it does look pretty and better then my old worn bunny comforter.. I pull out the new comforter and lift my old comforter in to the chest and then add my stuff animals. I close it and take a deep breath as I look at the pink walls that hold some of the pictures of my friends and my old bunny posters. I am gonna change all of this...

I open my eyes, things are a bit blurry, for some reason I smell band aids? I can hear beeps and bells, a sudden bright light hurts my eyes. I feel tubes up my nose! My body hurts all over. "owwww wh- where am I? As my vision clears I can see a nurse walk in, I must be in a hospital,she lifts up a chart that has the name Minako on it and begins writing while talking with another nurse next to her.Now I know I am in the hospital but I can't afford to be sick.

I slowly move my right hand, I can feel an IV in it. I look up and around at all the bags hanging on the IV pole, what are all those? I can't do this, I can't afford this! No noise comes from my mouth, only a dry squeak , thankfully the nurses take notice and rush off

Wait no, don't go again! The only noise I can make is a squeak, my head feels heavy and pounds, when I try to move I start to feel dizzy but I refuse to lay back down. I am slowly reach for the red call button when I see a doctor quickly jog in, he lays me back down and gives me a solemn look as he introduces himself...