Chapter One

On my Own Two Feet

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Nelson Mandela

It was like any other day. I woke up in my bed, stretched my arms high over my head and popped my back, then grabbed my chair to haul myself into it. Breakfast then physical therapy because it wouldn't do for Tuxedo Kamen to trip up on weak ass legs, costing someone their life. Then, I read the paper. I had to 'steal' it from my neighbor but only for a minute, getting a look at the headlines and, most importantly, the date.

A year and some change, it was smack dab in the middle of the final summer session. No way in hell Harvard held my spot for me. Not that I was planning on going now, last time didn't work out well for me. I wasn't one to believe in fate, but that seemed like a pretty big sign to me, and I had been on the fence from the start. It never felt right, leaving Sailor Moon and the other Senshi behind. I trusted them, believed in their strength and abilities. It just didn't seem fair to go off and have a life while they stayed behind.

Not that I knew what kind of lives they had, we fought together, and that was all. Five years now, and I didn't know any of their names in the mundane world. And they didn't know mine. I had never searched for them, and I had to assume they never searched for me. If they did, they would never suspect me.

I hadn't had the use of my legs for as long as I could remember. Literally, since the crash that took my legs also took my memory along with my parents. I woke up in a bed, my head aching and my legs numb. I tried for an hour to wiggle my toes and then nearly cut them off -trying to feel something- before a nurse stopped me.

If you thought growing up as an orphan was bad, try being a paraplegic orphan.

My entire life, I had no use of my legs. Then five years, something weird happened. It started as headaches. Bad ones that made me blackout. Then pain in my legs, a soreness like when you worked a muscle too hard or long. I was close to calling my doctor when I saw footage of Tuxedo Kamen on the news. Then I was close to calling a psych ward because it was me, running around in a tuxedo! Most importantly, I was running!

Bad guy after bad guy, I helped the Senshi with their fight. Finally, when Sailor Moon obtained the silver crystal, she didn't need me anymore. However, it wasn't up to me, changing into Tux whether I wanted to or not whenever she was in trouble or called for me.

Being Tux was a double-edged sword, though. I had use of my legs when I was him, free of my wheeled chair and pitting eyes. But it came with a price. Nearly losing my life, actually losing my life a few times, as well as pain in my legs now and then that's so intense I almost pass out. But, I would never give up either one; I am Mamoru Chiba, and I am Tuxedo Kamen. Both have had their ups and downs, but I know I'm a better man for being both of them.

The headline under the date announced the return of several missing persons. At least my disappearance wouldn't be weird; Sailor Moon and the Senshi made sure that the world knew about us getting… 'taken' and that we weren't the only ones. Anyone that had been missing the last year or so was given a reprieve thanks to them. Five years and five nasty groups of dark-hearted people and the world was pretty much used to it, not surprised by anything anymore. Which meant I had a free pass to start over. I had some things to get in order.

It was going to be a long day.

First were the calls. I had suspended my electricity and water as well as trash services here. And there was the issue of my stuff somewhere between here and Boston. Then, a long-ass call with a freaked-out Motoki, who was understanding as usual but unrelenting. At least my dinner plans were set, forced to join him to 'catch up'. I was dead; what did he expect me to talk about?

With water and electricity now working, I took a long, hot shower. The sensation of the water running down my skin was epic, even if I still didn't feel it on my thighs or toes. But that was normal; feeling it beat on the top of my head and shoulders was a pleasant reminder of life.

At some point, I had gotten out of practice. So I struggled a little getting from the bench in my shower to my wheelchair. Or it was due to it being my backup chair.

All my nice clothes were gone, leaving me with shorts and a polo. I had underwear, though, a few pairs of boxers—no going for college interviews today. I'd have to settle for sightseeing and tours of the campus, as well as to get new copies of my transcripts. I had to thank the heavens above that I had my IDs, bank cards, and passport in my pocket. Those would be a bitch to replace.

One thing I would never be okay with was the way I was treated in shops. To anyone outside a wheelchair, it looked like I was getting the star treatment. But the truth was, it was pity, and it was slobbering all over me everywhere I went. It had been years since I needed to buy clothes and with the airport 'searching' for mine, I had no choice. This also meant answering the kind salesperson every two minutes if I was alright while getting naked in the dressing room.

The market was a place I frequented (up to a year ago), so they treated me how I liked it, ignoring me. And rolling around a few campuses, got a few looks, but nothing out of the ordinary.

The year off -being dead and all- showed now as I felt exhausted from it all. This was nothing compared to my usual routine, but I struggled the first day back at it. And still far from home.

Taking a break, I wheeled myself into a little cafe near Tokyo Uni, my last stop that day and, honestly, my top choice in med schools. No one was behind the counter at the front, and the place was primarily empty given the time of day. Just after lunch and not before schools or work let out, the only people there had laptops before them, typing away.

With no indication of the type of service here, I went to the back and moved a chair out of my way. In the corner and shade of the lights, I disappeared into the atmosphere. It was nice.

That was until a blonde bounced around behind the counter.

My breath caught in my throat at the sight of her, golden tresses tied and knotted to the sides of her head, so there was no telling how long it was, rosy cheeks on top of alabaster skin, and long thin limbs that attached to a curved body. So pretty didn't cover it; I could honestly say that no woman had ever taken my breath away like the cashier of this place did.

She had what looked like a muffin in her hands, tearing little pieces off to pop in her mouth. It must have been good because every time the bread hit her perfectly pink tongue, she did a little dance, her hips wiggling. I watched, hypnotized as she parted her cherry-colored lips over and over until she had eaten the whole thing.

Then she still danced; her rhythm didn't match the music above, so it had to be a song in her head. I found myself wanting to hear it, hear whatever song made this beautiful girl so happy that she tapped her toes.

I watched until she was no longer alone. Two girls stood before her on the other side of the counter. They had come from the back but didn't wear the same uniform as the dancing blonde. They spoke, and the distance made it impossible to hear without my powers, which were neatly tucked away, but soon the dancing queen jumped up and down, squealing with glee.

They all hugged, and the blonde and brunette (tall one that brunette) left. So I was once again left to stare at the little ball of light. Something that became more and more creepy to me as I sat without food before me in a restaurant. All I wanted was some water, and there were glasses and a pitcher on the table for that. And although adorable, dancing queen wasn't very good at her job as she was yet to notice me.

Rolling up slowly, I couldn't take my eyes off her. She stared at a book she had splayed out on the counter, resting her elbows next to it and thus pushing her plump ass up in the air. Not very ladylike, but I liked it.

That is until I was blocked again.

Long black hair and a thin shape, I thought it was a woman. High pitched voice, and I still did, eavesdropping while I waited for an opening.

"I've decided to stay."

The dark-haired woman waited for the girl of light to respond. And she was taking her time. "Seiya… I'm happy to hear that, but what about your career?"

"It can wait. For a little while."

Seiya? So the person before me was a guy? And why did that name sound familiar?

"I hope you're not doing this for me? I don't want you giving up your dreams…."

The guy laughed, leaning heavily on the counter before the girl. "I'm not giving up anything, Usagi. Especially not my dreams."

A smile grew on the girl, Usagi, lips and I decided just to exit at that point.

The guy she'd been waiting for had returned—and planned to stay awhile.

oOo

"I don't know, Usagi-chan," Hoshi-san was hesitating while Mako, Minako, and I stood before him, under his scrutiny, "I hired you off of your father's recommendation, and I'm just not sure I value yours yet."

That was fair. With Galaxia running around, stealing hearts, and beating everyone that came up against her, I hadn't been much of a model employee. "Hoshi-san, I promise I will be better. And I promise these guys are hard-working individuals. Way better than me…."

"Usa, give yourself some credit," Mako interjected.

I ignored Mako, focusing on my friends. They needed jobs. Rei and Ami were going to Tokyo Uni while the three of us got careers. For Minako and me, this was just for some cash. But for Mako, it would look great on her resume.

Hoshi-san took them to the back, leaving me out front. I tried to focus; I really did. But I was far too preoccupied with how my friends were doing. I got a little nervous whenever they weren't near. They had been dead for a while.

I was desperately trying not to let it bother me. After all, everything was back to normal. I woke up in my bed, my mother made breakfast, and my father talked about the news, which included all the missing people returning to their lives. Sailor Moon had sent a tip that the disappearances were due to an evil, unknown force. Something the public was all too familiar with.

My friends were alive. My warriors, my sisters, were all fine. Ami and Rei were signing up for classes while Mako and Mina were with me. Haruka and Michiru were sticking around for a little while. Setsuna took Hotaru home. Chibi Usa was gone again, but I felt a little less gray about it with reassurances from her and Setsuna that she would return. Soon.

Chibi had said she would see us soon, whatever that meant. Because she only ever showed up when there was an enemy. She had to know something we didn't; the little pink-haired monster always talked as if there was so much more she wasn't sharing.

With everyone accounted for that only left… Tuxedo Kamen. I knew he was alive, and I was trying to let that be enough. But without knowing who or where he was, I was left with a sense of loss. It was the same after every battle, but it was far worse this time; I felt worry at the base of my spine since he left last night.

If we knew for sure we wouldn't be needed again, I would reveal my identity to him. But the others. No one fought about it anymore, who to trust and no not to. However, I didn't expect anyone to invite Tux over a reveal party any time soon.

"Usagi-chan! Come here, please!"

I didn't know if Hoshi-san calling me back was good or bad, but I didn't have a choice. Minako was nowhere in sight, but Mako was serving muffins. "Here! For all your hard work!"

This wasn't the first time I'd had Mako's cooking, and I knew to take it fast cause it didn't last. So I backed away slowly as the two discussed a few things with my fingers crossed. Out of sight, I enjoyed Mako's skills to the fullest. This would be the only risk working here, getting fat from all the sweets!

There were eyes on me, I know, but I had never cared or let them stop me from being myself. I knew I looked ridiculous, but Mako's muffins were so good. And life was good. The fight was over, and if there was one thing I have learned over the years, it was to enjoy moments like these.

Because the peace never lasted.

Flavor exploded over my tongue, dancing on my toes with my glee. The muffin was moist and sweet, more like a small chocolate cake. The music overheard was always something relaxing, so I sang something else in my head. 'Playing' the lyrics in my brain.

Take my hand in the middle of a crisis

Pull me close, show me, baby, where the light is

I was scared of a heart I couldn't silence...

Yeah, I get over-overwhelmed

When all these problems burn like hell

Maybe I just need a friend

Who never calls me crazy, crazy

You pull me off the front line before I run

Keep me cool, but not get overdone….

But you make me, you make me feel good, I like it

The song always made me think of Tux, swooping in to save me and helping in the fight whenever he could. I was in a strange place, wanting more than anything for things to stay peaceful and not to face another bad guy while knowing I would never see Tuxedo Kamen again. It was a strange mixture of guilt, sadness, and glee.

But all of that caught in my chest when Mako and Mina stood before me. They had blank looks on their faces. But Minako broke first. "We start tomorrow!"

I squealed and jumped. Mina and Mako knew it was coming, catching me with ease. And I didn't care who else saw; I was going to be working alongside two of my best friends. Ami and Rei at Tokyo Uni would be by every day after class and in between. The place was really close to campus, part of the appeal to work here.

Everything was changing but not the things that mattered the most.

I still had a shift to finish, Minako and Mako leaving me to it. Now… I was bored. There was so little to do with this job. Lack of stress was something I loved about it—except for moments like this when there was nothing to do to pass the time.

With no one watching or caring, I dug into my purse under the counter and snuck out the manga I had hidden in there. A Shogun, I was deep in it quickly. Of course, anyone could have walked up, and I wouldn't have noticed. Which wasn't being very good at my job, but, in my defense, this was research. I wanted to draw my own manga someday.

So what looked like irresponsibility was actually the opposite! I was doing my school work while there was a lull, not during rush or anything!

With everything quiet and my attention lowered, I felt an odd sensation on my spine. I was being watched. But it was different from before; this felt… familiar. Typically, eyes on me made me a little uncomfortable. Instead, these eyes felt safe—wanted. Which was why I knew right away it wasn't coming from the guy before me now.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" It was a pleasant surprise since he was supposed to leave today with his brothers.

"I've decided to stay," Seiya stated plainly.

Pleasant disappeared as my heart dropped into my belly. I had to take a moment, sort through my feelings, and come up with a response for him as he waited. "Seiya… I'm happy to hear that, but what about your career?"

"It can wait. For a little while."

I didn't like the feelings in me from this. I valued Seiya, he was a good friend, but I didn't see him as more than that. "I hope you're not doing this for me? I don't want you giving up your dreams…."

"I'm not giving up anything, Usagi. Especially not my dreams."

The smile on my face wasn't forced; Seiya was a great guy. And who knew, maybe I would feel different after spending time together outside of the battlefield? He was good-looking and talented. And he was fun and sweet.

"Good. I don't want you to feel like you need to stay and protect me or anything?" I wasn't really satisfied with his reasons before, and I didn't need another person fighting for me if things got bad again.

He shook his head as a response, and I relaxed as much as possible. I heard the bell to the door, but when I looked, no one was there. Odd, I also didn't feel the familiar eyes on me anymore. That had my heart swimming in my belly. With everything I'd been through, feeling the loss of someone you didn't even know wasn't the strangest thing to happen to me.

But I would be lying if I didn't think about it all day, wondering over a person I'd never met.

oOo

It was a good thing Sailor Moon had covered for all of us and that I had been accepted to Tokyo University last year along with Harvard. It meant that they gave me a sort of 'pass' and considered my acceptance deferred for the year.

Unfortunately, I still had to go through formalities.

"So…what do you plan to study here at Tokyo University?" One uptight dean asked, eyeing my chair.

"Psychology."

"Oh," the dean of student affairs spat, flipping through my transcripts, "that's surprising given your background?"

"Is it?" They knew why I wanted that major; it was in my damn application essay and why Harvard wanted me.

"I would think you'd want to be Pre-Med and focus on spinal surgery?"

I swallowed my groan and fixed the best smile I could on my face. "I suppose I should. Except, I don't want to walk again. This is the only life I've known, and it's a good one. What I would like is to understand my brain injury and help others from losing their memory as I have."

"Then neurology…"

"No," I said, taking a breath to calm myself, "my brain healed long ago. There's no reason why I can't remember that any neurologist can tell me. No, it's psychological, and I'm going to figure it out."

They all smirked and nodded in silence. As I said, this was a formality.

After a round of back-patting and 'atta-boys', I got the hell out of there. I only had a few hours before Motoki expected me, and I wanted to spend them finding out more about the girl behind the counter. Worst case, she wasn't there today. But luck was on my side, her standing just on the other side of the spot she was last time.

I took in her entire appearance. Legs for days, she had the hair to match. Spun gold that nearly dragged the ground. But that wasn't the best part. Her most fantastic feature (so far) was her eyes. They landed on mine, bright shining sapphires; they looked like a light shone behind them.

And for the first time, they were locked on me. The blonde beauty noticed me this time.

Her stunning blue orbs went wide as if she recognized me. But that didn't make sense; I was sure I went utterly unnoticed yesterday. Her gaping mouth curled to a smile, wide and matching the brightness of her eyes. I intently watched as she drew a deep breath.

"Hello."

Hardly poetry, and yet I was stunned. It wasn't what the girl said; it was how she said it. As if she knew me better than anyone. "Hi."

That was all I had in return, but I continued to stare. Soon, the golden girl giggled, and my heart melted. "Would you like me to…show you to a seat?"

"Sure," I answered weakly, even though I wanted nothing else in the world. Actually, there was one other thing I wanted. "What's your name?"

God, I was awkward. I was bumbling and making her uncomfortable…wasn't I? She turned back, flicking a lengthy pigtail to her back as she did with yet another incredibly bright smile. "Tsukino Usagi. You can call me Usagi. What's your name?"

"Chiba Mamoru."

I didn't hesitate, just as Usagi hadn't. But, the knowing smile and casual air she had around me wasn't enough; I wanted her to know me truly. And have it not be my imagination.

"You were here yesterday?" She asked.

So she did see me? That made my heart deflate; all of this was about bad feelings? "Yeah…I'm going to Tokyo Uni this fall..."

"Really? That's great! Then you can come in all the time!" Usagi spat excitedly but then didn't look embarrassed at all. "My best friends Ami and Rei will be there too. Are you a freshman?!"

She wanted to know me? Usagi must have because she sat across from me and flopped her elbows to the table, pressing her chin into her fists. "Uh…yeah, sort of. I'll be a freshman, but I…missed a year…."

I shouldn't have mentioned it because now Usagi looked sad. Her smile drooped, and the light in her eyes dimmed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset. I just wanted to tell you…everything…."

"It's my fault, not yours," I wanted to argue because it most certainly was my fault for trying to leave my responsibilities behind. But Usagi kept on, "you don't mind my questions?"

I shook my head slowly to tell her 'no', and her blinding smile returned. I was in trouble because I was going to get lost in that smile. I would come here and not do any studying or homework so that I could watch Usagi.

And now, I had another thing to be grateful for since returning to life. If I'd made it to Harvard or stayed dead, I'd never have met Usagi. And I could tell already, that would have been the greater tragedy.

oOo

As he sat across from me, everything else fell away. There was something softly screaming at the back of my mind, but I was too wrapped up in Mamoru to care. I couldn't explain it, but it felt like something had been missing for so long…I didn't know. And Mamoru filled it. A missing piece to a puzzle I didn't realize I was working on.

His gorgeous blue eyes went perfectly with his olive skin. And his hair, black and glossy, falling over his brow. When he smiled, my heart raced. His eyes met mine, and my heart danced. It was pleasant and terrifying at the same time.

Even with a strange feeling of knowing him, Mamoru somehow familiar to me, I wanted to learn more. "Yeah…I'm going to Tokyo Uni this fall..."

He was a student at Tokyo University, and that made my breath thin. There was hope to see him again. "Really? That's great! Then you can come in all the time!" I probably should have felt embarrassed, but I didn't, and Mamoru did nothing to make me feel like that was a mistake. "My best friends Ami and Rei will be there too. Are you a freshman?!"

His smile faltered, and my heart slowed. "Uh…yeah, sort of. I'll be a freshman but I…missed a year…" and there it was, my failure to protect extended to people I int even know, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset. I just wanted to tell you…everything…."

"It's my fault, not yours," Mamoru clearly read me and wanted to argue, but I wanted to change the subject, "you don't mind my questions?"

He shook his head 'no,' and my heart swelled again. I watched his mouth in particular as he spoke, mesmerized by it. "You work here? Every day?"

That's right…I was at work. I slowly got to my feet and glanced behind me. A small group of people was looking for guidance. "I'm here most days. Unfortunately, I have to go, but I'll be back."

Mamoru waited for me either from my promise or because he knew I would have to return for his order. The group consisted of boys all from the college. They came in a lot, and yet they still waited to be seated.

"Hello, welcome back!" they nodded and got quiet, "you boys don't have to wait for me; your usual booth is open."

The shortest one with sandy blonde hair smiled kindly back, "we like to wait for you, Usagi-chan."

I smiled back and quickly led them to their table. "You guys want your usual? We have an amazing new cook. You should try her new stuff…."

"Can you tell us what she's got?"

I was trying to do my job well, but I also wanted to get back to Mamoru quickly. His eyes and presence left such an impression; it was as though his eyes followed me around. It had my mind preoccupied, mindlessly spouting the specials only for these guys to order the same thing they always did.

Putting the requests in, I shuffled back to Mamoru, who watched my return. "I'm sorry."

He shook it off, but his eyes kept flicking I the table behind me, the one the group sat at. "You have quite the fan base."

Confused, I tilted my head at him in wonder. "What do you mean?"

"Those guys…" Mamoru stopped but looked at the table again.

I didn't take my eyes off of Mamoru, "they come almost every day. That's how I know them."

"What about the guy from yesterday? Is he a regular too?" My answer was to slowly sit across from Mamoru again, "Seiya."

Now I understood. But not how Mamoru knew about Seiya. "He's a friend."

"He said he was staying?" How had he… "I was here. Yesterday. I sat at this table. You…didn't see me?"

My smile was probably strange. But I was just happy to know that I wasn't crazy and that I was right. The reason I felt so weird yesterday was because of Mamoru.

He had an odd look on his face when I shook my head at him. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you. If I had…it would be just like this…."

"Usagi-chan?"

Mamoru's open mouth swung to the side, spying who had come up behind me. I knew already, recognizing the voice. It was why I cringed and slowly turned. Haruka and Michiru had their feelings firmly showing on their faces. Haruka grimaced at Mamoru while Michiru frowned at me. "Hey, guys…"

"What are you doing, sitting on the job?" Michiru also wore her concern in her tone.

Gesturing with a flat palm, I introduced Mamoru, "This is Chiba Mamoru. He'll be coming in regularly from now on."

It was extremely presumptuous but the smile Mamoru flashed me made my heart race even with me putting him on the spot. The sound of a chair loudly scraping brought me out of my Mamoru-induced stupor. Haruka pulled a chair and sat right next to Mamoru with the chair's back between her legs. "He will, huh? What does he do that allows him to be so free with his time?"

"He's a…."

"Thank you, Usa, I asked Chiba."

I rolled my eyes and looked to Michiru for assistance. But for some reason, Michiru was on Haruka's side. It wouldn't be the first time Haruka went guard dog on some guy, but this was the first time I liked the guy she attacked. If no one pulled her off, Mamoru would be rolling out of here as fast as his arms could push his wheels.

"I'm a student at Tokyo Uni. I just started."

I looked to Haruka and prayed that was the end…but knew better. "You look a little old to be a freshman?"

My fear spiked; this wasn't going to end anytime soon. Staring back at Mamoru, I hoped to catch his attention and beg his forgiveness with my eyes. But he was intent on Haruka, smirking and not breaking eye contact. "I'm not a freshman. I'm starting my masters."

"Masters?" Haruka tried not to sound impressed, but I still caught it, looking back at the feral dog. "How old are you then, Chiba?"

She refused to use the honorific, and I cringed every time Haruka skipped over it. Glancing back, I saw Michiru was starting to soften, which meant she might step in soon and help Mamoru and me. "Not that it's your business, but I'm twenty-two."

"Twenty-two? Did Usa tell you her age?"

"I didn't ask…."

"Haruka…" I tried to warn her, but Haruka wouldn't be stopped.

She smirked as she revealed me, "She's eighteen."

Mamoru looked at me, and I waited for him to shy away. There was nothing about him that screamed he was into younger women. Especially younger ones that worked at a café and had no obvious ambitions in life. But instead of looking freaked or disgusted, he smiled warmly at me. "Is that with or without the year you missed?"

I studdered which was a mistake, but I couldn't get my mind to wrap around anything with Mamoru looking at me the way he was. "Usagi didn't miss a year."

Mamoru's smile faltered as he looked to Michiru but was back in full when he gave his attention to me again. "Lucky girl."

"Luck has nothing to do with it; Usa is a strong woman!" Haruka blurted, getting offended.

I glared at her and Michiru finally stepped up to her fiance. "That's enough, dear."

Michiru and I looked nervously at one another, worried what else Haruka would spill. It was hardly a smoking gun, but we had all agreed that our identities needed to stay hidden. There could be another threat any day now. Mamoru was a smart man; he was accepted into Tokyo Uni's master's program after missing a year. It burned bitterly at my throat and belly, knowing that his missing time was my fault but also at the sheer potential the man before me had. There was no way a girl like me stood a chance with him.

Haruka stood, but she placed a hand heavily on my shoulder after returning her chair to its original place. "We'll wait outside. Don't be long, Kitten."

"It was lovely to meet you, Chiba-san," Michiru added kindly with a small smile before the pair left.

As promised, I could see them outside; Haruka leaned against the building while Michuri softly chastized her lover. For a moment, I allowed myself to fantasize as I often did, daydreaming about having a relationship like theirs someday.

"Are you alright?"

Mamoru was watching me, his eyes flicking to the pair outside. I put a smile on my face (unforced), but it wasn't as strong as it had at the beginning. "I should be asking you that question?"

He smirked and waved a hand at me, sitting back with his arms crossed over his chest. Mamoru seemed more relaxed than before. It must be due to him realizing how much better than me he was. "That was nothing. Don't let it bother you. Besides, I got to learn more about you. So you're eighteen?"

"Um…yeah…and I work at a café instead of going to college."

Mamoru's grin slid to the side, pulling up his lips in a sexy manner. "We all have to start somewhere, Usagi."

I huffed, a little too loud and a little too bitterly, "except this isn't my start. It's my middle. I have nowhere to go after this, Mamoru. This is as good as it gets."

"Even if that were true, there is worse. You shouldn't look down on yourself, Usagi. It doesn't fit you." Mamoru was smiling softly at me, making my heart race yet again. "I'm at my middle as well. But far from done, so don't give up."

My self-loathing moment over, I perked back up and found my natural smile. "What are you studying?"

"Cognitive Psychology," I gasped in awe, "impressed?"

Mamoru had a brow raised, taunting me. I had to swallow something thick down my throat before I could speak. Something about him being so confident both frilled me and scared me at the same time. "Yes," I answered honestly.

He leaned in, putting a hand on top of mine as it rested on the table. He stroked the back of my palm with feathery fingertips, and I shivered. "Good. I have a feeling, with you, I'm going to need an advantage."

For the first time in a long time, I looked away from Mamoru. Staring at his hand on mine didn't make him flinch. And Haruka's questioning didn't scare him off; Mamoru had held his own. Even now, as Haruka glared at him through the café's window, he was unphased. It made what I had to say next even harder.

"I have to go…my shift is over, and…they're waiting for me."

"I'll walk you out," Mamoru said with a chuckle.

He gestured to his unmoving legs with a wide grin, and I giggled. Mamoru had a strong sense of humor. I walked the order I put onto its table, hoped the boys wouldn't notice it had gotten a bit cold, and clocked out. Mamoru waited patiently, rolling away to allow me to walk at his side. I opened the door, which bothered Mamoru for a moment, frowning but letting it go quickly. Then, it was the two of us, standing just outside the café doors, needing to go different directions.

"It was….nice to meet you," I said, sounding lame. But it was true.

"It was nice meeting you too, Usagi."

I liked the way Mamoru said my name. He said it slowly and a little bit deeper than his other words. Like he was savoring it on his tongue. I was enjoying it from his lips, watching them as he spoke and smiled. I passed my stare to his eyes, watching how they glittered with his grin. They were otherwise dark and murky like storm clouds. I didn't like lightning, because the thunder always scared me. But the lightning that flashed in Mamoru's eyes was comforting and…riveting.

"I'll see you again soon?"

I felt like a little girl asking her crush to call her. But that's what I was doing, needing to see Mamoru again. It was a strange sensation that I couldn't ignore or deny. And it didn't scare me in the least. If Mamoru felt the same, it didn't scare him either, but there was an undeniable pull towards him that I wanted more than anything to understand.

His eyes washed over my face with my question, a smile growing deep on his lips, and I watched them pull away to separate corners—waiting for his response. "Tomorrow?"

I was working. "Yes."

"It's a date then."

I spun away before my flush reached my neck. It was already creeping my hairline. I was going to skip, but a glance back showed me that Mamoru was still watching me. I gave a lame wave, and he gave me a nod, turning on his wheels to roll away. So I skipped the rest of the way to Haruka and Michiru. They didn't look pleased, but I was floating on air, in another atmosphere from them and their judgment.

"Usagi, what are you doing?" Haruka barked softly.

Michiru planted a hand on her lover, stopping what she could of the rant. "Now's not the time. We are expected at the temple."

It reminded me of the bigger picture, keeping the world safe. "I'm going to suggest patrols. And I'll start tonight..by myself!" Haruka started to roar, but it was my turn to reign her in. "I think I've proven I can handle things by myself. You no longer have to worry about the goblet; I'm using it better than anyone else."

Haruka huffed and wore a slight grin of pride. "We stopped worrying about that a long time ago, Kitten."

"Yes, this is about being safe and smart," Michiru added.

"And isn't it smarter to take turns? That way, we don't get burned out?"

I would have to have the same fight once we reached the temple. I was sure the most I would get was teams patroling. But, if I could get Haruka and Michiru on my side before facing the others, it would be an easy win. I was being strategic, something my years as the leader of the Senshi had taught me….even if it felt a bit more like manipulation.

"She has a good point, Haruka."

I knew Michiru would be on my side. Now, if I could get Haruka, I'd win. "Come one, Ruka, you know it's a good idea!"

She was cracking, wrapping an arm around Michiru to start our way to the temple. She frowned, but I knew what that meant. "Fine. But you can't go alone. We'll set up a schedule…."

"Yeeessss…"

The older couple looked at me like the child I was, but I didn't care, skipping ahead of them just to turn around and walk backward. This way, I could watch them and what I could still see of Mamoru. He was hard to spot in the crowded streets of Tokyo, but once I found him, I couldn't lose sight. That is until he turned the corner. My heart slipped a little with his disappearance, but I reminded myself that I would see him again soon.

I also wasn't being that sneaky, Haruka glancing over her shoulder at what I was staring at before it disappeared. Haruka then sneered back at me. "Seiya's been asking about you."

I rolled my eyes and my body to walk forward, "he's always asking about me."

"He asked if we could go on a double date.."

"I spun on my heel, returning to my backward walk, "tell me you said no?!"

Haruka shrugged, "I could, but it would be a lie."

Growling, I clenched my fist and showed my irritation. "Haruka!"

"It's just a friendly outing," Michiru added, trying to break the awkward moment into lesser issues, "we're all friends, aren't we?"

"Since when is Haruka friends with a male?"

Michiru snorted, and Haruka glared at her. But Michiru shrugged, "it's true."

"I'm friends with Seiya. He was there for Usa when no one else was!" I knew where Haruka was coming from, left all alone with only the Starlights to assist. But they weren't there to no fault of their own, and that made my heart ache—something the two caught onto quickly. "I didn't mean…oh Kitten."

"I understand," I tried to pick myself back up, but it was hard, "a friendly night out, right?"

They looked at one another, silently arguing over what to say next. I knew it all too well, the things they would say to reassure me. With the battle still fresh, none of us had discussed it, but I was sure none of them would blame me as they should. It was why I spun from the couple again—focused on changing the subject and getting to the temple as soon as possible.

Seiya and I were friends, so how bad could it be?

oOo

I sprang up from my bed in a cold sweat. It had been so long since the 'call' woke me up like this. It had me frantic, flinging my covers off my legs and swinging them over the edge of my bed. The pull was so strong; I was close to transforming without my henshin, getting it out as fast as my trembling fingers would allow it.

In my tux, I stood from my bed in a manner that only Tuxedo Kamen could. At least, in a way that Mamoru Chiba couldn't.

It had been a few days since I'd stood on my feet, but the feeling of it would never change, pure adrenaline pumping through me as I leaped over rooftops. I'd relish the sensations in my legs after I helped Sailor Moon with whatever monster had shown up now.

I nearly fell to my face when I found her, trying to stop so quickly. She was on a rooftop, alone, staring off at the moon. Looking around, I saw no threat other than the late evening chill giving her a cold in her fuku. Then, just as I was about to get pissed, still half asleep and now extra exhausted, Sailor Moon spun into me and wrapped her arms around my middle.

"You're okay?"

Sailor Moon was shaking, and it had nothing to do with the cool air around us. I wrapped my arms around her in return, holding her tightly. "Yeah, I'm fine. You?"

She nodded her head against my chest, and I chuckled a little in relief. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you."

"Why did you? I don't see anything to worry about out here?"

We were on the edge of the city, the water twinkling in the distance and Tokyo Tower flashing behind us. "I didn't…know how else to reach you?" I sighed in understanding, "I was wondered when you didn't show up after I transformed."

"I was sleeping. You know, something we humans need to survive?"

I was laughing, but Sailor Moon tensed, "Oh," she pulled away, and I let her go, giving me her back. I took in her profile and marveled at how it reminded me of…someone…who was it? "I'm sorry." She repeated but this time in a sob, "I keep screwing things up for you, don't I?"

"You have screwed up nothing for me…."

"You and everyone else, I let them down for a whole year!"

I felt sluggish with my responses, part from sleepiness and part from a weird déjà vu hitting me. "You didn't let us down, Sailor Moon. You never let anyone down; you're amazing!"

Suddenly, Sailor Moon spun and faced me. It was dark, putting her face in the shadows, but the Tower behind me lit up her tears. "Please don't soothe me like the others. Please."

"Then…what do you want?"

"I just…want someone to listen?"

I was silent, giving her my answer while my brain spun. This all felt so familiar. But it couldn't be; Sailor Moon and I had never met and talked like this, not once in the years we'd been fighting together. Then, finally, she dropped her face, which helped, but started twisting her fingers together at her belly. "I…met someone today. He's intelligent and kind, but he had a year taken from him too. He could have been halfway done with school or fallen in love if I hadn't failed him and so many others."

"You mean if you hadn't stopped the crazy alien stealing hearts faster than most of us could comprehend?" She huffed a laugh through her tears, and I couldn't take it anymore. "Moon, come on! You did the best you could. Which was far greater than the rest of us could do. You didn't fail us; we failed you!"

"No, that's not…."

"Think about it. We were the ones that got our hearts taken. You didn't make us lose them; we weren't strong enough to stop it. But you were! You had to face all of that by yourself. If anything, you should be mad at us for being such slack asses!"

She snorted from the snot caused by her tears, and I could hear a smile on her face as she spoke. "You mean you were slack for losing your heart to an alien who was too fast for anyone to stop?"

"Everyone but you, remember that." I was winning, so I didn't stop. "And that guy? He could have flunked out and committed murder in the year he missed too. You never know. Maybe you saved his life in more than one way?"

She laughed at that, and it made my heart race…just as it had earlier that day when someone else laughed. "Thanks, Tuxie. I feel a bit better."

Sailor Moon stepped up to hug me, and I accepted. Her arms squeezed my neck hard, and I did the same to her middle. It felt…friendly, which fueled me with absolute joy because I wanted to be friends with someone like Sailor Moon. Someone pure and sweet and amazing…like…Usagi…

I don't know if it was that thought, the late hour, or my heart and my brain making me see things, but when Sailor Moon stepped back into the light of Tokyo Tower behind us, I found myself holding Usagi Tsukino.