HI guys! So this is it! The final and very last chapter of Of Friends and Foe's. I really hope you loved it so far, and I just hope that the ending lives up to your expectations. It always freaks me out, the endings. It's just so danm important to the story, and it very well can determine if the story is good or bad…well now that I've scared myself even more, we'll continue.
A SUPER BIG THANK YOU, to readers and reviewers. Especially to my loyal fans, who have read all my other work. SO thank you so so SOOO SOOOOO much. I really appreciate it.
It's in readers like you that make me want to keep writing. After all what good is a story without an audience, and what could is an audience without a story?
I should also add that this will be my very last Sailormoon fanfic – I'm not retiring just taking a short break for a while to do some of my other projects. It's tough to keep two stories going at once. LOL So if you're a Samurai Champloo fan, I'm getting up the next 'reader demands' story up. So keep your eyes peeled.
Because there's a lemon, I'm rating this chapter a R. You've been warned. LOL
Again, I can't tell you guys how much I love you! I don't know you, and we may never meet or talk; but I want you to know you're awesome for reading. In the days of TV and Radio, it's tough to find readers; so THANK YOU so much! Words are so important, and it's important that we keep it that way.
Enjoy!
Love Lizzybee (Bizzybee)
Chapter Twenty: Just the Earth and Moon
"WOW, this feels so good!" Usagi exclaimed. It had been two days since she arrived to the hospital and finally she was out. Her family couldn't be sure if it was because she recovered very well, or if the hospital staff couldn't keep up with her eating habits. But no one was happier to get out then Usagi. She missed the sun in her face, the slight chill of fall, and everything outside. She never was the type to do well caged up.
"Usagi, your friends are here to see you." Ikuko smiled as Kenji waved to the girls and Mamoru, who he was still keeping a very close eye on.
"HI GUYS!" Usagi exclaimed jumping into a big group hug. It felt like nothing had happened, like they had never separated. Things finally felt wonderful.
"Hey odango, you're on my foot!" Rei shouted pealing Usagi off her body. She was excited to see Usagi, happy and healthy; but at the same time it was a lot quieter around without her.
Mamoru stood by giggling at the hilarity that was Usagi as she started to fight with Rei. It was times like this that he missed and wished a year hadn't been taken away. Luna rubbed against his leg, he looked down and smiled at her.
"Mamoru-san, are these flowers for Usagi?" Ikuko smiled as she walked over to admire the beautiful bouquet of red roses. She had never seen them such a deep and beautiful red before. Kenji shuddered.
"Roses? For Usagi?" He shouted grabbing his hair as if he was going to pull them out. Usagi and the girls tensed up a bit as her father had a heart attack. Mamoru blushed as did Usagi, and he even tried to hide it behind his back.
"OH Kenji stop over reacting!" Ikuko shouted grabbing her husband by the ear and dragging him to the car as he kicked and screamed. Shouta followed them casually, he was used to this sort of craziness.
"You sure you want to date my sister, she comes with a lot of baggage." He snorted in a bratty laugh and hopped away as Usagi cringed with madness.
"Why you little-"
"Usako, how are you feeling?" Mamoru asked giving her the flowers. She blushed, as her friends sneaked up behind her in a comical way.
"So you guys and item or what?" Rei shouted, the other girls nodded. Mamoru and Usagi turned red as the roses and tried their best to avert the question. They stood outside for a long while as the questions came left right and center; demanding they know what had happened between the two. Luna even went as far as asking what happened on that ship. Ultimately, it led to Usagi whining and wailing out loud in front of the hospital.
But it was Mizu who broke the noise outside. He stepped out, his shoulder in a shoulder strap and his stomach still bandaged, but doing much better. He stopped to see what the commotion was when he saw Usagi and Mamoru. He saw the bruises on her face and the roses in her hand, and Mamoru staring at him. His gaze was threatening, and stern; as if he wanted Mizu dead. And Mizu felt that hostility, and yet for the first time in his life wasn't sure what to do. He started to walk again, looking away from them.
"Hey, Mizu?" Mamoru called out. He stopped and turned around to see Mamoru still staring at him madly. Usagi gulped, feeling very strange about all this and wondered if Mamoru was going to fight with him; even though Mizu had saved her. Minako wondered the same thing.
"Arigato." Mamoru said, his expression changing dramatically to something like a happy smile. Mizu blinked a few times, thinking that maybe he had already died. Usagi was relieved and smiled happily at Mizu.
"For saving Usagi. Arigato." Mamoru added smiling a bit friendlier to him. He never pictured that a day like this would come. Where he would actually admit that Mizu was a good guy, and that he liked him. All those times they were doing the project, he was the most arrogant and selfish person he had ever met, and even thought about punching him out a few times. But the man he saw before him, was not the Mizu he knew. It was a different man. Mizu looked over to Usagi, wondering if this was really a dream.
"But how did you all know-"
"I told them." Minako stepped out from behind Usagi and smiled brightly to Mizu.
"You're that girl." He said pointing at her, he remembered her from that day she came to visit him and asked about what had happened. He didn't know that she and Mamoru and Usagi knew each other.
"We're all going to get some burgers, why don't you come with us?" Makoto asked gesturing for him to come over. Mamoru and Usagi agreed walking over to him, so that he could walk better. Mizu was suddenly overwhelmed with a different feeling, he had never felt before. Friendship. People acted to be his friend, to be around him to gain popularity and wealth, but these people were really trying to be his friend; just for him.
"Usagi…" He said looking down at her as she came closer.
"Arigato Mizu-san." She smiled.
"Please come with us to get some lunch. I promise the food is really good!" She smiled and jumped. She was really excited about her burgers, it had been two days since she had it and it was making her insane. Mamoru and Mizu saw the crazy look on her face, and realized she was fantasizing about her burgers.
"She gets that way." Mamoru smiled uncomfortably as a clop of drool hung down Usagi's day dreaming face. Mizu laughed. It was a genuine laugh and it felt so good to release it.
"You guys go ahead, I'll help him." Minako volunteered sho-ing Mamoru and Usagi away. Mizu didn't even get a chance to say that he was alright, Minako just pulled his right arm over her and grabbed around his waist and started to walk.
"There we go, this should make it easy." She smiled up at him. Mizu liked her face, she was sweet and sincere; and was very nice to him. He smiled back at her.
"Arigato." He said, not realizing he was saying thank you to someone, and it felt really good. Minako held on to him loosely, enough support to dull the pain in his stomach. He didn't care how far the burger place was, he wanted it to be even further then that. He just wanted Minako with him. She made him feel better about himself, and good inside whenever she smiled.
…
He never had what he would've called peasant food before. The burger taste was the best thing he had ever had. He was wobbling outside, able to move a lot better now that he felt alive. He sighed rubbing his belly. It didn't hurt, it just felt really good.
"You okay there?" Minako asked following him outside as the rest of the gang slowly moved along, especially Usagi; who's had doubled in size.
"I'm great." He sighed inhaling a helping of fresh air. That one moment had changed him so much, and suddenly he was alive.
"I feel great." He smiled down at Minako. She blushed a little, his gaze softened, his heart beat getting faster. What was his chest telling, what did that feeling mean.
"Um, tomorrow after study group, I was going to go to the arcade…do you want to come with me?" Minako asked shyly, feeling very hot and really stupid for springing this on him so suddenly. But he didn't wait to think of the offer.
"I would love to." He blurted out quickly, taking a small step towards her. His cheeks felt hot and something nervous was happening in his stomach. She smiled, and for a few minutes lost herself.
…
Mizu didn't want to be dropped home. But even Usagi was sent home to rest for awhile. He knew he should too. But he was having a wonderful time with his new friends and Minkao. But Mamoru insisted he drive him home. Mizu was silent most of the ride, not sure what to say or how to say it. Mamoru was the same. They both felt this awkward discomfort. They had spent so much time hating each other. The buildings blurred by, as Mamoru turned the corner to their apartment. Mizu had forgotten what his home looked like. He wondered why Ai hadn't come looking for him, he had been gone for two days. Did she figure out that it was him who stopped her hired men from getting Usagi.
"Alright, here we are." Mamoru smiled as the elevator doors opened. He had thought about racing over to Mizu's apartment breaking the door down and strangling Ai. But he knew that Mizu had to be the one to do this. He walked Mizu over to his door.
"You take it easy. I'm just next door if you need anything." Mamoru said, his voice serious. A smile came on Mizu's face. He felt awful knowing that his sister was that low, and that somehow he shared the same evil blood. He hated himself for being the man he was before. He nodded but said nothing as Mamoru walked over and disappeared into his apartment. Mizu stood before the door for a bit, thinking about what he would say to his sister, even secretly hoped that she was somehow gone. What sort of sister ignored her own brother. She must've known that he was in the hospital, that he was injured badly. But it was obvious she didn't care.
…
Mamoru had come over for dinner that night. Usagi a nervous wreck as was he. Her father's watchful eyes glued itself on Mamoru anxious smile, waiting for him to make a move so that he could freak out on him. It was Ikuko who kept his comments at bay, her nasty twitching eyes warning him each time he opened his mouth to say something. Usagi thought the night would be a disaster, and even thought about why she agreed to do this in the first place. This was no time to have Mamoru come over.
"Here Mamoru-san." Shouta said passing the rice. He couldn't remember the last time he had dinner with a family, or a home cooked meal that smelled this wonderful. He was nervous about seeing Usagi's parents, especially her deranged father and that horrid sign of his; but he just couldn't help feeling wonderful. He took the pot and passed it on to Usagi, their hands touching a little.
"GGGAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH" Kenji screamed as he stood up from his chair and grabbed on to the sides of his head. It was enough to set him off, a simple touch of fingers. Usagi quickly took the pot as Mamoru put his hands in front of him trying to some how prove his innocence.
"Kenji! Sit down!" Ikuko demanded sternly pulling on the sleeve of her husbands shirt. He nodded defiantly and burned a glare to Mamoru.
"Hands! No touching!" He shouted pointing an accusing finger towards the culprit. Usagi blushed madly, she was so embarrassed.
"Dad, relax." She tried to insist getting redder by the second. Could it have been more humiliating.
"NO that's it. Sweet heart, don't you worry, daddy's here." Kenji whined crying as he started to carve out a 'do not feed the usagi' sign; a mental glow on his face. Mamoru's left eye twitched nervously, as Usagi's face fell altogether.
"Excuse me. My husband's an idiot. You guys go ahead and continue eating." Ikuko said calmly as she plucked her husbands from his chair by the ear and dragged his crying and beating carcass to the kitchen. She exploded there, the force of ten, no; twenty nuclear bombs. Usagi, Mamoru and Shouta tried to ignored the blast; but it was hard to ignore Ikuko's Darth Vader impression.
…
The girls came over, for dessert looking refreshed and utterly happy. It had been the first time in a year since they came over to see Usagi. The home smelled the same way it always did, full of love and Usagi's mothers excellent cooking. Rei and Minako dug in, the pie from their plates, disappearing in seconds. Mamoru smiled nervously as black eyed Kenji kept steady eyes on him.
But it was time for Kenji and Ikuko and Shouta (well to be dragged) upstairs to sleep. So that Usagi's friends and Mamoru could watch a movie and relax. It was awkward being there to do such a thing in Usagi's home; and her friends. It all felt normal to them, except Mamoru. He had never been included in their movie times at her place; probably for the obvious reasons. Ikuko waved good bye as she took both Kenji and Shouta with her up the stairs. Minako suddenly jumped up and hurried to the stairs.
"Gomen, but I was wondering, would it be alright if Usagi-chan came with us to sleep over at my place." Minako asked politely with her big blue eyes and that innocent appeal. Usagi blinked, she had no idea that there was going to be a sleep over at Minako's place. She was about to say something when Rei jabbed her elbow into her rib cage.
"Absolutely not!" Kenji shouted.
"Of course she can." Ikuko smiled at Minako, giving Kenji a warning stare. Mianko jumped happily.
"Arigato!" Minako smiled waving a goodbye to Usgai's parents. Usagi relaxed.
"Gomen Mamo-chan, they can be so weird sometimes." Usagi pleaded feeling incredibly embarrassed. She wasn't sure when she was this humiliated. Mamoru smiled, a little laughter in him.
"No it's alright. It was nice." Mamoru pet Usagi on the shoulder.
"Okay you two! Lets get this party started!" Minako interrupted with sneaky eyes and a wide smile as she pushed both Usagi and Mamoru on the couch. Rei put the dvd in, while Makoto got the tissues. Ami dimmed the lights for that perfect tear jerker atmosphere. Mamoru became nervous.
"Wait, is this a chic movie?" He asked silently when suddenly the music from the movie came on, and he sighed. His face turned comical and un-interested. It was definitely a chic flick.
…
The movie was almost over, and the girls had been crying since it started. The living room was filled with sighs and sniffles, Usagi was blowing hard into her tissue. Mamoru couldn't focus on the movie, it just didn't seem to make sense to him. But the lights were dim, and Usagi was sitting close by him, pretty much leaning against him. She was warm. He would glance over at her, not wanting to look at anything else. In the lazy light, she looked wonderful and that glow on her face was still there. Her eyes were glassy from crying and it only made her look more romantic. She looked just like she did that night, on the ship when they made love. A smile came on to his face. He looked back to the movie, it had come to the end. The lovers were about to say goodbye, but his love was crying. She wanted him to stay with her, but he couldn't. He needed to be else where. And yet he wanted to be with her too. Their lips met and the man went on the train. And as he looked at her, the train moved. But their eyes remained on his each other.
"Until we meet again…" He whispered as she blew him a kiss. That last scene made a big impact on Mamoru and he found himself tracing the words again in his mind; when suddenly he heard gasps of cries. They were all in tears, sniffling and blowing, and it made him very nervous and uncomfortable.
'Why do they have to cry.' He whined in his mind.
…
Usagi had locked the door and started to walk with her friends and Mamoru. It was a wonderful night and a perfect time to be alive. The air was just the right heat, the special freshness everyone enjoyed. They walked and talked, mostly about the movie. Wondering if there would be a sequel some time soon, so that they could get some closure.
"I hate it when it ends that way." Rei nagged upset about the tragedy of the story. It somehow made her feel that maybe in someway, Mamoru might not have wanted to leave her; but had to. His heart was already taken by a centuries old love and he was Usagi's sworn protector. But it was senseless thoughts she was having. Mamoru and Rei could never exist, as long as Usagi was on his breath. And she couldn't compete. She knew her love was on his way.
"I really hope a sequel comes out soon!" Minako whined. She was satisfied by the ending, but feeling like she needed to know if the couple made it back together. It reminded her of the loss she felt in her life, but mostly; Mizu was on her mind. She wondered if he was alright, and if he ever did what she thought he would do; call the police on his sister.
"Ahh, this feels good though! It's feels like nothing changed even though a year went by." Makoto stretched out her arms and stared up to the nights' sky. It was a very peaceful moment, and she wished she could've shared it with someone wonderful. She thought about her secret crush a lot, wondering where he was; what he was doing. Perhaps it was time she gave him a call.
"On nights like this, I don't even feel like doing math homework." Ami giggled as they girls looked at her with tragic large circular eyes. Mamoru smiled a lot as they walked. Mostly because he couldn't help but stare at Usagi. The way she smiled, they way she talked. All the things that bothered him so much. How could he have ever ignored such a wonderful person. He looked up to the sky and wished, that he could have the night with her; just another freckle in time where he could hold her in his arms and confess his love.
"Alright, well here's where we part." Minako said dramatically with a hand on her forehead, faintly sighing. The girls giggled. Usagi stepped forward and was about to say goodbye to Mamoru when Rei shoved her back.
"Oh no you don't. I'm not gonna let you sleep over with us, when you snore that badly!" She hollered. Usagi's eyes narrowed, she moved forward eying Rei devilishly.
"What did you say?" She cringed.
"Usagi-chan, we'll see you tomorrow okay?" Minako quickly jumped in front of the blonde and gave her a tight hug. Usagi was confused but stood still as she watched her friends wave goodbye and hurried off without her. Usagi whined a little muttering why she wasn't allowed to go with them when Mamoru's hand touched her shoulder. She turned around to see his soft smile, and his sparkling midnight eyes.
"Usako…" He said gently.
…
She was nervous. A blushful mess as the elevator came to a stop. Mamoru was silent, probably more then he should have been, but the excitement he felt was both eager and nervous. He wondered if he should be doing this, again. She was his love, his life; so what was so wrong. On the other hand, she was still young (in this time at least). And yet, he was nervous about it, as if it were their first time. What if she didn't want, or worse, what if he made a move and she rejected it. He would feel so disgusted with himself, if she felt pressured. Suddenly his thoughts raced by dropping her to Minako's place or even home.
"Mamo-chan?" Usagi asked when the elevator doors opened and he still hadn't moved.
"Mamo-chan?" She said again waving a hand in front of his vacant face. He snapped out with a strange smile, feeling slightly embarrassed. She laughed and pulled on his arm. They rounded the corner to his apartment, forgetting that this was where Mizu and Ai lived too. They paused slightly at Mamoru's door, looking over to the other corner. Usagi wondered what was happening right now in that apartment, if Mizu and Ai had a falling out.
"Lets get inside." Mamoru suggested pulling gently on her arm to let her in. She came in, it was dark until he flicked the lights on. The place looked exactly how she remembered it. The kitchen was spotless clean, even the dark burned part of the wall. She remembered that day, what a day it was. She did a lot of first times on that day. The first time she baked alone, the first time she was in a boy's house alone; and the first time she kissed a boy. She blushed remembering those things and how quickly her life changed, for the better.
"You want something to drink?" Mamoru asked taking her back bag from Usagi as she made her way to the living area. The view from the balcony was fantastic. All the lights from the city and the lights from the sky. It was the perfect dark setting.
"Sure." She smiled looking out to the world. She wondered if anyone else could feel the way she felt right then. And she hoped that it wouldn't end any time soon. She knew what was going to happen. That's why she was here, that's why Minako, being the clever devil she was; did this. So she and Mamoru could have time together. She touched her face, it was rather bruised, but healing quickly. She wondered if he would not approach her since her cheeks were purple and blue. Was she still beautiful enough to be that intimate. She sighed, she hated it when she over thought things, this was exactly why she hated studying.
"Here. Some hot chocolate." Mamoru gave her a nice hot cup. It warmed her cold hands. It wasn't exactly cold outside, but it was nice to have that extra warmth. He stared out to the world just as she was. Lazily they watched the stars and the city lights, just thinking of each other.
"It's nice up here." Usagi said finally breaking some of the silence. She took a long sip of her chocolate hoping that Mamoru would carry the conversation.
"Yeah. Whenever I needed to think, I just had to come out here." He sighed looking out to the stars. He wanted to say more to her, but what else could he say. He wanted to know what she was thinking about, if she was anxious being alone with him.
"Hey, you want to watch a movie?" He asked feeling a bit better about their situation. Usagi smiled also feeling less nervous. She followed him inside, the freshness of the outside was still there. Usagi wished that his home was more inviting. His furniture was bland, all except the red roses on his kitchen counter. She sat down on is couch, feeling it with her fingers. This was where they sat that day, when he was only in his towel. She blushed. She wondered if he would make a move, or would she have to go through the embarrassment of hinting him.
"I guess Motoki borrowed a lot of my movies." Mamoru smiled, he wondered if this was all some how planned. But Motoki would never do that.
'Reika…' He thought grinding his teeth.
"Which ones do you have?" Usagi asked kneeling down beside him. He looked down at her tearful eyes.
"They all seem to be scary movies." He smiled a little watching her shudder. It was obvious that she hated scary movies, well all things scary. He remembered the funny expressions she made in the haunted house. She felt so wonderful in his arms that night, it was magical they way she was.
"How about this one, it doesn't look so scary." Usagi picked one, with the least amount of blood on the cover. Mamoru grinned. She obvious picked it because it seemed the least scary, but little did she know; it was probably the most gruesome picture.
…
Her eyes were large balls, with tears hanging down as she watched the third person in the movie be swallowed alive by the scary green monster from mars. Deep inside she couldn't help feel that the monster was real, just living in Rei. The idea made her smirk a tad, but it quickly vanished when she heard the next set of blood curling screams.
Mamoru watched her for a while as she shuddered and fidgeted. It was going all fine, until she yelped and jumped into Mamoru's chest. She buried her head and wailed as the screams continued. Mamoru blushed feeling her sob hilariously in his chest. She bit down on his shirt and attempted to watch the movie with one bulging eye. He smiled.
"Usako…" He said softly looking down to her face as the movie ended. Usagi looked up still red with fear. Her eyes watery. She looked beautiful. He took her hand and she sat up properly. They stared into each others eyes, as if saying what they both wanted.
"Mamo-chan…" She sighed lovingly, as he leaned in to kiss her. The room darkened, the moon and stars stared down. Mamoru broke the kiss gently to stare down at her. Usagi was blushing, her eyes glassy from the passion she felt. She could tell he was hesitating.
"Usako, if you don't wan-"
"Mamo-chan." She whispered moving to kiss him. She wrapped her arms over his shoulder and deepened the kiss. He was shocked at first, but didn't wait too long to accept.
…
It was far more passionate then any other time. There was a familiar sense in what he was doing. It was like the world around them disappeared. The room changed, and replaced with an ancient room; with large windows facing out to the blue earth. Nothing could be heard but the pants of their breath. Mamoru had kissed her madly, searching her body with his hands; holding her closer to him. She responded moaning and clawing for him to proceed. And Mamoru did. It was like he was running out of time, the distant earth; telling him to embrace their precious time. And he did. Usagi panted his name, unable to contain her sanity. Mamoru found her lips many times, mostly to mumble her moans of pleasure. Her body felt energized with some energy she had never felt. A lust ran through her mind, that only Mamoru felt.
"Usako…" He gasped pushing and pulling into her. It was the most magical thing in the world to be with her like this. Usagi held on to his shoulders, muscular bare skin she grasped as her back lifted from the bed. Mamoru supported her lifting her body up to sit on him. The heat rushed through her head, she was unable to think, all she wanted was to be closer to him. He thrusted, as did she; bouncing on top of him as the overwhelming sensation surged through her body. Mamoru felt his peak reaching, but he didn't want to reach it. Because it would mean that this would end, this wonderful moment would end. And when he woke up, he would have to share her with the world.
"Mamo…chan…" Usagi gasped as she was reaching her limit. Mamoru looked up to her, she was staring down at him. The pleasure rushing through them both. She was beautiful, her cheeks a pink bliss, gasping his name. He was losing control of his mind; his grip on her lower back tightening. All things faint, but them.
"Usako…" He gasped as a sudden passion raced through him. A complex feeling that overwhelmed his body as he pushed his body up, and held her tightly. Usagi's hug tightened around his shoulders, the same passion rushing through her. An energy of lust blasting her senses.
"I love you. I love you!" Mamoru confessed faintly over and over as the feeling dulled. Her body relaxed over top of him, breathing heavily as the sensation sluggishly left their bodies.
"I love you too…." Usagi smiled quietly.
…
It was early morning. And still not a single sound from the apartment well known for ruckus. But Usagi and Mamoru couldn't be bothered by anything that related to the world outside, they were too busy nuzzled to each other. A normal city life began, yet another busy weekend. Usagi sighed.
It was time to leave the apartment though, and time to get dressed, eat breakfast and see the rest of the gang at the arcade. It was slow, but they eventually made it outside. Usagi was groaning and whining, she hated leaving the warmth of the bed, and the feeling of Mamoru hugging her. But all those sneaky thoughts and short pornographic bubbles over her head poofed, when they saw Mizu.
He was standing alone and just staring at nothing. Usagi and Mamoru looked at each other for a second before proceeding over to Mizu. He seemed happy and distant, staring out to nothing. Usagi was worried for him, wondering if he had lost his mind. The streets were bustling, but not busy bee, busy.
"Mizu-san?" Usagi called out, grabbing his attention. He turned around slowly to see Mamoru and Usagi creeping up to him with anxious smiles. They seemed concerned for him, and he wondered why they would be. Regardless, he put on a smile and said his hello.
"Are you waiting for someone?" Mamoru asked looking around to see if he could spot Ai. He wondered what happened to her, if Mizu would really call in his own sister. Or would he coward, and let her get away. He wanted Ai punished, and if the law didn't, he would. Mizu half smiled, looking away and towards the road.
"Ai was taken to jail yesterday." He blurted out without any warning. Usagi and Mamoru exchanged stares.
"Mizu-san-"
"It's alright. She needed to be. What she did was wrong, she'd gone too far." Mizu added. A sudden gush of wind brushed by them, as a strange silence fell over them. He was not smiling anymore. Perhaps the realization of what his sister was finally sunk in.
"Do you know what the first thing she said to me when I walked in?" Mizu asked not moving his eyes off the road. Usagi swallowed, feeling really sad for him suddenly. He was alone now. He was not the man she thought he was, he was much better then that. It must've been hard to call in his own sister, and yet he did.
"You're still alive?" He quoted with not a hint of aggravation in his voice. It was like he was speaking for the sake of speaking, and nothing more. He felt empty and bitter, constantly wondering how had she become so cold. Usagi looked down to the ground, unable to hold back her tears. She felt truly sad for him, and wished that there was something she could say to heal him.
"She knew I heard her speaking to those thugs, and knew I would go…she planned for me to die." He gave a gruff laugh, trying to hide the pain in his chest, not from the injury but from the lack of compassion. Mamoru stepped closer to Mizu. He was a bit taller then him, but he didn't come closer to threaten him.
"You're not like her." Mamoru suddenly said, catching both Mizu and Usagi's interest.
"You're nothing like her. And what you did took courage beyond anything I have ever seen." Mamoru added placing a friendly hand on his shoulder, to show that people were there for him, he wasn't alone. It was like Mizu was standing before a king, and his mighty words relieved him of pain. Mamoru knew what loneliness was, how grey and cold it was. He didn't want Mizu to fall into that place.
"Honorable." Mamoru added with a smile. Usagi smiled on too, with tears welling in her eyes. Mizu smiled, feeling a lot better about his situation. And he wasn't alone, he had friends now.
…
It was late in the afternoon, the sun was out, the brisk cold air. Minako was patiently waiting at the table in the arcade, while everyone else huddled around the gaming cube; awed by Ami's awesome score. It was driving the girls nuts, and the constant yelps meant that she was definitely winning. Motoki and Mamoru were talking, probably about when Reika was coming back from Africa next. She sighed twirling the straw in her drink. She wondered if Mizu remembered, maybe he felt too sick; or maybe he stood her up. She didn't want to think that he would, but it could be a possibility.
"Hi." Mizu's voice suddenly came from nowhere as he walked to the table she seated at. She wasn't able contain how relieved and happy she was to see him.
"Mizu-san!" She exclaimed. Luckily for her Mamoru and the rest of the gang spared her the sneaky smiles and let her continue her chat.
"Gomen, I sort of got lost." Mizu smiled. He seemed better. Minako returned the smile.
"It's alright. How are you feeling?" Minako asked cupping her face and leaning on to the table. She was very happy that he showed up, and even happier that he looked healthy. He nodded and pet his stomach.
"It's getting better. Shoulder gets sore sometimes, but other then that, I'm good." He couldn't help feel blushful from the way Minako was staring at him. He wondered if that strange fluttering in his stomach was from the wound or something else.
"Hey guys! Make room!" Usagi shouted as her, her friends and Mamoru squished into the table. It was a tight fit, but nobody could stop laughing. Luna and Artemis even joined in, but comfortably on the table. Mizu had never done something this ridiculous, and pointless, and yet he couldn't stop laughing.
Mamoru wrapped an arm over Usagi's shoulder and pulled her closer, almost sitting on his legs. She looked up into his eyes, and he did the same. They looked around them to their friends squished together and laughing; Motoki making shakes and laughing at them; and Mizu, a new addition to their circle of friends. It was perfect. All of them were there, together like no time had passed.
Usagi couldn't help but wonder how long this peace would last. Was it something that could be preserved for eternity from this point on, or would it fade in seconds like it had in the past. Could she forget Mamoru again.
Mamoru wondered the same without words. Would this be forever. Or like many times before, their love be tested through separation and trials. He looked over to Usagi, staring back at him, in the midst of all the laughter, all the cheer from their friends; only they existed. In this happy place they never wanted to leave, never wanted to forget. Could such a feeling be erased?
He leaned his head to the side of her head, as if telling her what his heart beated. This could not end. This time, their world; their friendship; love.
Who could guess what the future brought, but right then; right at that moment; they vowed: that no matter what, he would not forget her. And she would not forget him. Of friends or foes, through it all; she would be with him. And he with her.
It would be as it is. Just the Earth and Moon.
The End.
That's it my friends! The ending to my tale. I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I fevered to write it. It was my last great tale for Sailor Moon. Hopefully it will not be my very last, I do plan for the future. But like I said in my tale: who could guess what the future brought, but right now; Goodbye
Sincerely,
Lizzy
(Bizzybee, Lizzybee)