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Chapter 3: Dance Beneath the Moon

~A Year and a Half Later~

It's been two years since the battle against of Galaxia, and a year and a half since the birth of little Mizuki. Ami, Rei and Makoto were nearing their final year of High School, and Minako and Usagi were nearing the end of their Second year, having had to repeat their First years for grades and for Usagi, it was also because of Mizuki. Seiya waited outside of the local High School were the majority of the girls went to school, Mizuki in a stroller beside him. He looked down at the ring he had bought a few hours earlier. It was a simple diamond surrounded by four little gems: a ruby, an emerald, a sapphire, and a yellow topaz gemstone. Usagi had described something similar to Seiya few months before, and since he still had yet to get her a proper ring and propose he thought now would be a good time. His plan was to take her out to a nice place, and have her mother watch Mizuki for a few hours.

He thought back to the night he asked her to marry him the first time. It was a crystal clear night, the sun had long since set and they were sitting on a park bench. Seiya had finally managed to stop the bleeding from his broken nose and Usagi was still sniffling from crying. When he asked she inquired on why. And he could only think of the obvious reasons, the baby and because he loved her. She halfheartedly agreed and they went to city hall to get written confirmation, but Usagi was still too young to we. Now she was nearly 18, and Mizuki a year and a half. He couldn't believe how time was just flying by. With a sigh he checked his watch, Usagi should be coming out anytime now. Seiya would have gone to school with her but he really didn't need to. Instead he got a part-time job as a Music/Singing Teacher. Although the couple really didn't need the money just yet, Seiya still had quite a bit of savings left from his Idol days. It didn't hurt to try and fit in though.

Of in the distance Seiya heard the final school bell ring. He pushed off of the wall entrance to the School and pushed Mizuki, sleeping quietly in her stroller, towards the front door. Young boys and girls hurried off to do after school activities, hang out, or go home. Like usual Minako and Usagi were the last to exit the building. Today, they had a big test. Seiya wondered how his blonde bun-head had done, he knew she tended to not do very good at times. Unlike Usagi, Minako had done extra classes on the side to make up for her first year, so she would be graduating and starting a career in singing and acting. Makoto was going to start her own bakery here in Tokyo before going to France and touring European cuisines. Ami was going to go to College and become a doctor, just like her mother, and Rei would take over her Grandfather's shrine and go to college to become a teacher. Everyone of Usagi's friends were going to start their futures, going to do something with their lives. But Usagi wouldn't get that chance, she would have to take care of a kid neither of them expected to come. Sometimes Seiya regretted ever meeting Usagi, regretted ever letting himself fall in love with her. He felt responsible for Usagi's now undetermined future, and he just couldn't shake that guilt.

Seiya let out a defeated sigh as he watched the crowds go by. Not very many of the students came near him, despite his previous history as a famous Idol. It seemed like after the battle with Galaxia, the Idols had faded into history. Maybe even disappeared entirely. He wondered what would happen if he started to sing one of their most famous songs, would the crowds notice? Or pass it off as just a random guy with a kid and an amazing voice? He looked down at the still sleep Mizuki, it was amazing how much that kid could sleep through. It wasn't particularly quiet at that moment.

"Seiya!" A familiar voice called out. He looked up and saw Makoto, Minako, Ami and of course Usagi. Usagi smiled at him and knelt down to kiss their child's forehead. Some of the students that passed by started to murmur things, but they didn't pay much attention to the high school girl with a baby. Makoto rubbed Usagi's back and tried to cheer her up.

"What's got you so down, Dumpling? Did your test go badly?" He asked softly, concerned.

"No, she actually passed her test." Ami murmured and glared at a gossiping group as they passed by.

"It's just the rumours are getting worse and worse as the days go by. Everyone knows you two aren't married, and they are starting to call her a whore," Minako murmured and rubbed the back of her neck.

"We've tried everything to convince them otherwise, but teenagers just don't listen."

"I'll be fine guys," Usagi spoke softly, tears highlighting in her voice. "Don't worry about the rumours, at least we know they aren't true," She sniffed and stroked her child's cheek. "I'm glad Mizuki is here, I was blessed with something beautiful, I as blessed with a new life. And I wont let those stupid comments ruin my love for not only Mizuki, but..." She trailed off and stood, looking at Seiya with a somber smile. "for Seiya too."

Seiya couldn't help but smile back. He had always been affected by Usagi, not matter what she said. "Dumpling..." He spoke softly and caressed his bun-head's cheek. "C'mon Dumpling, let's go celebrate your good grades with a nice dinner, just you and me. The girl's already volunteered to take Mizuki to your mom's too," He whispered softly to her, smirking as she blushed.

"A-Alright, I-I'll go..." She muttered in a slight daze. Minako and the others hijacked the stroller and waved goodbye to Usagi and Seiya. The couple lingered a moment longer in the School's courtyard before, hand-in-hand, making their way back to their home to freshen up a bit.

Usagi had no idea what she would wear as they arrived home. She excused herself to shower. Once behind the door of the bathroom she started up the shower and waited for a the room to fill up with steam. She discarded her clothes and grabbed a towel, placing it near the shower for easier access. She sighed and emerged from the bathroom 15 minutes later, a towel in her hair and a towel around her naked body. Seiya was waiting on the couch, reading a Manga book. He looked up at Usagi and smiled. "Hurry and get dressed, our reservations are at 6 o'clock."

"Alright!" She nodded and headed for their room. She dried herself off and dressed in some under garments, a nude coloured strapless bra, and a pair of white panties. Moving towards her closet she stared at it for a good ten minutes before deciding on a simple red evening gown. The dress was a halter neck style, the neckline hugging her neck as she slipped it on. The back however sloped down in a perfect arc, brushing at the small of her back before climbing up the other side again. The skirt fell to her feet, and there was also a long slit rising up the left side. It ended just short of her hip. She put on stockings and a pair of black pumps before turning to deal with her hair.

She pulled the towel away and brushed the tangled blonde strands. Once satisfied that her hair was tangled free, she redid her buns, Looking in the mirror she applied a bracelet and some simple earrings before nodding in approval. Finally, a half an hour later she emerged from their shared bedroom. Seiya was standing, a rose in his breast pocket of his new red tuxedo he had bought a few days ago. Seiya eyed his love and pulled her into an embrace, running his hands up her exposed back. "You look beautiful, Dumpling." He whispered into her ear before kissing her forehead.

"T-thank you, so um," she rubbed the back of her neck and adverted her cerulean gaze. "Where are we going for dinner?"

"A fancy little restaurant in the heart of Tokyo," he smiled and lead her out into the yard and towards their own personal car. The car, like most of Seiya's belongings, was a red colour. He opened the car and shut it after Uasgi had slid in. In a few moments, they were racing down the less-than crowded streets of Tokyo towards their desired destination. Seiya knew that it would a be a royal pain to park the car this time of night, so he had called ahead and also reserved a parking spot for himself. They didn't really talk much as they drove, and Seiya couldn't complain really, he was still trying to figure exactly how he was going to propose properly to Usagi.

Usagi on the other hand was trying to figure out Seiya's ulterior motive with this whole fancy restaurant date night. So far, she hadn't come up with anything. Seiya would have figured as much, Usagi wasn't one to be able to figure much out right away. It took Usagi nearly 5 days to figure out that Seiya was an Idol, let alone the 6 months it took for her to figure out he loved her. And even then, he had to tell her. She was just one of those people that, well he wouldn't call her selfish for not seeing others feelings, but she was to innocent to understand them. Even if she strove to understand others, still missed the little things. But that was okay, her reactions were always rather entertaining to watch when she was the last to figure something in particular out. It was, cute.

After a half an hour of driving, and some minor traffic issues, they made it to the restaurant. A valet was awaiting to park Seiya's car. Seiya got out and went around to open Usagi's door. She was shocked at the extravagant venue. It was close to the ocean, and even lead out onto the beach. It was beautiful. Perfect even. She looked up at Seiya and smiled weakly, she felt so out of place now. Seiya patted her head in reassurance and offered her his arm. She gladly took it, thankful for the steady arm for support, and the couple entered the building. Just in time for their reservation, the Waiter lead them to a private room with a bay-view windows that gave sight to the softly lapping ocean. The sun was just starting to set, and its rays bathed the building in warmth, and altered the colour of the sky around it. Oranges, purples, pinks, all highlighted the once blue sky and reflected off of the sun-stained buildings to he West. This was the first hint of Spring, the rose bushes were starting to bud, lilies and tulips were coming to life in brilliant arrays of colour and design. Birds were starting to return, chattering happily about the approaching warm weather. And to the West, the softly lapping ocean, and the darkening sky, were the first few stars were starting to peek through.

The Waiter took the couples orders and hurried away to bring them refreshments and dinner rolls. He returned minutes later with the basket of warm buns and brought Seiya a tall, dark looking liquid, and Usagi a glass of lemon water. Usagi eyed Seiya's choice of beverage. "What exactly is that?"

"It's wine," he murmured softly and took a drink of the bitter red liquid.

"What! You're not old enough to drink!" She scolded and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm kidding! Geeze Dumpling calm down. He chuckled and took another sip. "It's not wine, it's cranberry juice." She rolled her eyes and pouted. The legal drinking age was 20 in Japan, even she knew that. What nerve he had to say it was Alcohol when they were only 17, and she was even a month older than him! That came to her as a surprise when she found out. She always thought she was the youngest, but nope. That would be too much to ask for. She rubbed her neck and sighed, what a drag it was to deal with Seiya sometimes.

"Hey Dumpling," Seiya called out to her with a soft whisper.

"What?" She muttered and averted her blue gaze to a portrait across the dim, candle-lit room.

"Do you miss it?"

"Miss what?"

"Your old life? Back before Galaxia and before... me?" He murmured and looked down into his lap. It had been a question that had bugged him these last few months.

"Of course I miss how things were before Galaxia came. Everything was perfect back then. We were finally in High School, I was old enough to marry Mamoru, but he was going to the Americas." Seiya didn't look up to meet her gaze as she continued. "But if Galaxia hadn't come... and your Princess hadn't come... and you and the other Lights hadn't come... I don't think I would have been as happy as I was. I don't think I could have survived the loneliness, but you saved me from that. And now you are the only one I want to make more memories with. I know it wasn't Mamoru's fault that he never contacted me, and it was our fault for letting our emotions get the better of us on that night. But, I don't want it any other way now." Seiya finally looked up and smiled faintly. Usagi was staring out the window, a solemn expression filling her once smiling face.

Did she even believe her own words? Seiya still wasn't sure if she did or not, or if she was still in the process of officially handing over her fate to Seiya, and not to Mamoru. It would be hard, Seiya imagined, to be with one guy for so long, and suddenly break up. The hurt she must still feel from when Mamoru left that last night. She must still be hurting, and he was so selfish to not see it sooner. Seiya looked down into his lap and squeezed his thighs until his knuckles went white. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to marry Usagi. Maybe that little accident called Mizuki will be the downfall to the future of the Senshi. But Seiya couldn't just let that happen, his daughter was not some curse, his daughter was the next Moon Princess. His daughter would be as beautiful and strong willed and understanding as Usagi, and as stubborn and a hard fighter like he was. Mizuki would be this worlds saving grace one day. She would be the next Sailor Moon. Seiya bit his lower lip and he sighed.

He was about to say something but the Waiter brought their food before he could. They ate in silence, munching on the buns and savouring the delicacies of this foreign food restaurant. A few minutes later they were both finished and their hunger sated.

"Would you two be interested in desert tonight?" Seiya nearly jumped when the waiter asked the question out of no where. He looked to Usagi, but she shook her head no.

"No thank you," he murmured. The waiter nodded and exited the room. Seiya stood and left the bill and a sum of money on the table before extending his hand to Usagi. "Let's go walk on the beach," he murmured with a soft smile. Usagi smiled up at him and stood. The two exited the extravagant building and headed to the beach front. The Moon had risen in the Eastern sky, over the brilliant ocean. Walking hand in hand they approached the sandy beach, and the ocean beyond. Usagi's eyes were locked on the Moon, it was a crescent Moon today, filling itself until it would be full in a few days. She felt warmed by the Moon light shedding down upon them, a warmth that not even the Sun could rival. The Moon was her true home, but that home had been long since destroyed. And a pity too, that Kingdom was so very beautiful and peaceful.

Seiya looked down at his little Moon-girl and smiled. The way the Moon basked off her face accentuated the beauty she already possessed. The light seemed to swirl around her, attracted to the fact that she belonged to the Moon. She was it's Princess. And now, she would be his hopefully. He looked up to the Moon and wished for some luck, and this was a bit silly, but he also wished for the Moon's blessing. Somehow he knew he would have to do everything in his power to protect Usagi and Mizuki in the future to come.

He stopped suddenly, and the motion caused Usagi to be jerked back. She stepped in front of him and looked up at him, slightly annoyed. But the look on his face, so full of love, so full of mystery, melted that annoyance away and replaced with with a warmth that rivaled the Moons. And the source was Seiya, the warmth he emitted in that moment paled that of the Moon's. Her lips slightly parted in awe. What was this look for? She couldn't read what was hidden behind his gorgeous blue eyes. He, was a complete mystery to her. She could feel it, her heart was racing and there were butterflies fluttering in her stomach. A blush had even rose into her cheeks, just from the sheer intensity of his stare. It felt like he was staring right into her soul, trying to peel back everything she ever was, everything she is and everything she ever will be. And a part of her wanted him to know everything, to see everything she had to offer. What ever his was planning, hidden behind his soft smile and glinted gaze, she wanted to be apart of it.

And suddenly, like a wind storm, all of the air that was in her lungs rushed from her small frame the instant his knelt in the sand. Her heart felt like it was going to burst, this was something she always imagined happening in a moonlight area, with the man she loved. And she did love this man, as she gazed down at him. Seiya took a deep breath before he spoke.

"I think this is how people on Earth do this, but Dumpling, I have told you so many times before, but I love you and I want to be your one and only and to be the one there for you in all the good and bad times you will experience in the future. I have given up my dream to return home, because I found a bigger, brighter star to call my own. Looking past who I used to be as Sailor Star Fighter, and accepting who I am now as Seiya Kou, I found my dreams are coming true. My dream to be with you, so with that said Usagi," he pulled out a box from his jacket and flipped it open, the Moon glinted off of the gems, making them glitter. "Will you marry me?"

Usagi held her hands close to her chest after he had let them go to pull out a beautifully constructed ring. She was speechless and shocked, unsure if she could even speak at that moment. Her thoughts were racing with a million different things. She should have been expecting that he would formally propose to her. After they had gotten that paper signed saying they were a couple and could live together legally, it would have only been a matter of time before the real question was popped. So why was Usagi so surprised? A tear had even fallen down her cheek, but was it a mournful tear or was it a tear of joy? She was so happy, yet a part of her cried out. It felt so right, and felt so wrong.

"I will marry you, Seiya Kou. Because I love you too," she sniffled as he slid the ring on her finger, a smile spreading across his succulent lips. She chuckled and wiped away a tear. Seiya stood and pulled her into a tight embrace, rubbing her back softly. He pulled away just a bit and looked down into her eyes, she smiled back up at them and the two shared a kiss. Both of them felt something change inside of them, but only fate could decide if that was a good thing, a bad thing, or something in between.

~The Following Summer~

"Ah! I'm so excited!" Minako chimed as she looked herself over in the mirror. The dresses she had helped Usagi pick out for the wedding were absolutely stunning. Each one was a different colour. The only one who didn't wear a dress was Haruka, and even Machiru couldn't force one onto the tomboy. To compensate, Haruka, and after much more arguing and distaste, is to present the rings when the ceremony called for it. Haruka was conflicted with which job would be worse. Wearing a dress, or giving the rings to a couple she would never truly approve of? She looked into the mirror and fluffed her short cropped blonde hair. She wore a black tuxedo, with a red rose in the breast pocket. She rolled her blue eyes and looked towards Machiru and Setsuna. The two were dressed in long, form-fitting gowns that each had a slit up the right hand side. Machiru's dress was a aqua colour and Setsuna's was a magenta colour. They both looked stunning. Haruka rubbed the back of her neck and sighed.

Rei's dress was floor length as well, and had two colours, a deep crimson and a lighter pinkish colour on the front side. It had thin straps and a slit up the left side. Minako's dress was yellow and thigh length, the skirt was puffed out with whit ruffles underneath it and with the sweetheart neck-line, it was also strapless. Makoto's dress was green, floor length and had a bow on the right hip that was a light green colour. Ami's dress was obviously blue, and was probably the most simplistic of all the dresses. It had a small, knee length slit up the right side, and spaghetti straps. Hotaru had a poofy purple dress with elbow length sleeves and a white sash. She looked adorable.

"Is Usagi about ready yet? It's almost time!" Minako barked and looked towards a secondary room to the dressing room they were already in. The room was closed and locked, and Usagi had been in there for nearly 2 hours now.

"Haruka, go see if she is ready, we are gonna go see if things are ready to get rolling," Machiru asked of the tall blonde and headed out with the rest of the girls. Haruka sighed and approached the door, gently knocking on it.

"Usagi, it's about time, are you ready?"

For a response Haruka heard the door being unlocked and opened. On the otherside was a starry-eyed, slightly nervous blonde haired teen wearing a gorgeous floor length white dress. The dress' bodice was form-fitted with a corset under the soft-satin fabric. The back had an intricatly designed lace pattern and string to hold it together. At the base of her back was a long white bow, tied neatly and the ribbons brushed the long train of the dress' skirt. The skirt was quite simple, with a soft satin look and supported underneath by several layers of ruffles and underskirts. There was no sleeves or strap on this gown, nor a sexy sweetheart dip. It was a simple strapless top. Although Usagi had put on a white lace overcoat to cover up just a little, she was always so modest. Haruka smiled at the cerulean eyed girl and reached out to adjust her tiara and veil.

"You look beautiful, Usagi. Just like a Princess," Haruka whispered and smiled. Usagi smiled back, her lips lightly glossed and her eyes lightly powdered with pink shadow. Her cheeks however were not covered with blush, although they were rosy from Haruka's comment now. Haruka chuckled and held a hand out to the slightly shaking teen. "C'mon, my Princess. It's time for you to walk to your destiny."

"Haruka..." She whispered as she grabbed the tall blondes hand.

"Yes Usagi?"

"Will you ever be able to trust him?"

Haruka's smile faded a bit, but she forced it to stay on her face. She averted her gaze and sighed. "I'm not sure, Usagi. Only the future knows if I can ever fully trust him... but I trust you. And if you have trust in him, then I will trust your judgment. But just remember, I will always be here to protect you." Usagi nodded and the two walked out into the bright sunny afternoon. Usagi wanted the wedding to be outside, and the isle to be chock full of flowers of all kinds. It was her dream wedding, and the scouts wanted to make sure that it happened the way she wanted it. It was the least they could do since she wouldn't be marrying her original love, but a different one entirely.

Haruka linked her arm with Usagi, as Usagi had requested that Haruka walk her down the isle since her own father would not be present for the wedding. In the distance, and at the end of the red carpet walkway, stood the sailor scouts, four on the left and three on the right -leaving room for Haruka among them-. And in the centre of the group, was Rei's grandpa who had offered to wed the couple, and Seiya, dressed in a black tuxedo and a red sash around his waist. Seiya looked down the petal covered walkway with a smile plastered to his stunning face as Usagi and Haruka rounded the pillars and started their descent down the isle. Usagi saw friends from her school, old, new, ones she's never spoken to and ones she cared deeply for. She also saw her family, her mother and brother, who of which held the bright eyed 2 year old Mizuki. Mizuki's hair was now down to her shoulders and was braided with a few bows her and there.

It seemed like the walk took ages, and finally the two reached Seiya and the old priest at the end. Haruka stood before Usagi and lifted the veil over her face before placing a soft kiss upon the bright-eyed young girl's forehead. She turned towards Seiya, and her face hardened. "Be sure to take care of her, forever and always, Seiya." Seiya simply nodded and took Usagi's hands in his once Haruka passed them off and returned to her place besides the three outer senshi.

From that moment on, Seiya and Usagi locked their eyes, and barely heard the priest as he went through the customary speech. They only time Usagi and Seiya really heard the priest was at the "I do" parts, and each said them with a soft, promising whisper.

"I now pronounce you, Mr. and Mrs. Kou. You may now kiss the bride," the Priest chimed and nodded to Seiya. Seiya nodded and leaned down to capture his wife. He finally felt like Usagi was his, and his alone. To have and to hold, to love and to protect until this cruel world took him from it. Usagi reached up and wrapped her arms around his necks, deepening the kiss. She felt like her heart was about to burst through her chest as the crowd stood and cheered for the couple. The world seemed nonexistent as the kiss continued, it was no just Seiya and Usagi connected and bound together, and floating free in each other's love. But they were also tethered down to Earth by a toddling, cooing, black haired, cerulean eyed, baby girl named Mizuki. Their child, and a symbol of their love and future together, was the bright and shining star that kept the couple from disappearing in their love. This small child, would become their only need and want in this entire world, and both Usagi and Seiya would do anything to make sure she was protected.

And in front of the couples eyes, she was growing up so fast. It seemed like only yesterday the two were bringing the small bundle home from the hospital. Now she was 2 years old, and eager to explore the world. She even had started saying words like 'momma' and 'dadda'. And even others like 'Machi', 'Sesna', 'Hotar', 'Haru', 'Mina', 'Mino', 'Amie', and she called Rei, 'ReiRei'. Setsuna had mentiond that her growth rate was similar, mentally at least, to Hotaru when her own powers were awakened. Usagi had mixed feelings about it, but at least Mizuki was showing greater growth and smarts than her mother. Hopefully she wouldn't have as much trouble with studies as Usagi did.

Seiya and Usagi parted from their kiss and the reception afterwards began and went on into the setting sun. Seiya chatted idly with Usagi's mom, and Usagi munched on food, eager to get out of the uncomfortable dress she was still in. Usagi's mom offered to keep Mizuki for the night, since the couple really weren't going anywhere for their honeymoon. Seiya was glad for the offer, but Usagi was a bit confused as to why. But the 'why' soon became apparent after the two arrived home and Seiya swept her off her feet and into their bedroom. Gently laying his new bride on the bed he began untying her dress and helped her slip out of it. He then undressed and crawled over the small girl below him, the two no only dressed in their undergarments. Usagi had a blush on her cheeks as Seiya leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, claiming her body once more as his one.

The two that night made love several times, resting only for a few moments to cuddle and relax before going at it again with a simple kiss. Little did they know, that on that night, Usagi's birth control would fail, and one of Seiya's seeds would take. Unknowingly, the two were about to get another surprise. And this time, it would be a double surprise.

What did you think? ^^' Sorry about the length! Don't forget to leave a review! I can't make any changes to what I have done or will do if I don't know what I'm doin' wrong or what I'm doin' right! ^^ Thank you!