Note: Regarding Raye, she won't be likable in this story for a while because of her extreme jealousy at the knowledge that Usagi is the princess. In the anime this wasn't explored much as all hell broke loose when Mamoru was revealed as the prince and he was kidnapped. That caused all of them to focus and remain loyal to Usagi. However, I've often wondered whether Raye would remain that loyal towards Usagi earlier than that, before their friendship deepened, if she had found out about Usagi's heritage earlier. At this point, Raye doesn't know Usagi that much, she started having the dreams newly into their friendship, so her jealousy has overtaken her. However, there will be a resolve and she will become a loyal senshi towards Usagi. Mars will become a loyal senshi before Venus's appearance, but until then prepare for a long ride of drama amongst the senshis because of Mars. When Venus appears, then it will start a new floodgate of events, which would divert A LOT from the manga and anime. Yes I am planning on rewriting the whole season. But I won't be doing a sequel with R season rewrite. However, if you want to see my version of R season, check out my story 'What if the Storm Ends' which basically features a better Chibiusa (not a brat) who doesn't insult Usagi and recognises her as her mother, hell-bent on getting Mamoru and Usagi back together because she knows they are her parents. It will also feature more people from the future so check it out if you want a redo of R season, with a more likable Chibiusa (in my opinion for I did not like her at all).

So keep an eye out! I will be publishing 'A Love Triangle Built for Two' and next chapters of 'Yet To Come' and "What if the Storm Ends?"

Enjoy the shippy-ness of this chapter, as this is after all a Usagi x Mamoru fic!


Chapter 6

Usagi sat slumped on her usual chair with her shoulders hunched over and her eyes down cast. She had her arms folded on the counter, as she bore down on it, misery rolling off her in waves. After having dropped off Luna at her place, she couldn't stand being alone so she had marched off to the only place she considered practically her second home. The Crown Arcade. She thought that perhaps being there would make her feel better, as that always seemed to make her happy no matter how down she was. Even her worst grades were turned to be better every time she was in the arcade. But that effect didn't seem to be working on her now. She let out another sigh once again, as her mind once again went lost in the thoughts of the events of this morning and last night.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice the shocked looks she was getting from the occupants in the arcade. Motoki's face was full of worry. To say he was worried would be an understatement. He wasn't used to seeing Usagi look so morose. In fact in all the time he had known her, he had been sure nothing could bring the girl down, from marks to even Mamoru's remarks, he was 100% nothing could bring her down. The untouchable sunshine he had deemed her. But the girl in front of him was a shadow of her usual self. She looked seriously down and had even ignored the milkshake he had placed in front of her, on the house. He bit his lips now, eyes wide as he observed her. He would have gone to her and ask but he was too busy today. Saturday was one of the busiest day and he couldn't get a single minute to look after her or even talk to her. He was however reaching his wits end, tempted to ignore his customers and just go to the girl who he had taken under as an honorary sister. However, to his relief, he noticed that Mamoru walked in through the doors.

Knowing his friend had the possibility of bringing Usagi out of this funk, he relaxed slightly. Though they argued, they had this ways of bringing each other out of any bad mood. He had seen Usagi do wonders on Mamoru whenever he was on a bad day and he had seen the same effect on Usagi a few times. Though she had never been in such a foul mood before. He took his eyes off her, hoping that Mamoru would notice and bring Usagi out of the mood she was currently in.

Mamoru himself, in a fairly good mood than usually strode in. Actually looking forward to talk to Motoki. His eyes went over to his good friend and noticed that he was swamped by the crowds. Knowing that it would be harder for him to talk to him he walked in and got his usual seat. However he noticed that Motoki seemed to be signalling him something. He turned to his left, to see what he was pointing at and then noticed Usagi sitting there beside him. He froze when he noticed the usually bubbly girl. She was hunched over and the smile was missing from his face. He frowned suddenly, surprised at the state of her. He ignored the sharp pain he felt at seeing the state she was in. Without any other nudging from Motoki, he leaned over to her place and spoke gently.

"What's wrong Odango?" he uttered the nickname he had of hers, hoping her nickname would be enough to rouse her. Even if she blew up at his face, it would be better than the sad look on her face. He didn't even bother analysing why he wanted to turn that frown upside down. He had learnt from the start that where Usagi and Sailor Moon was concerned, his senses went haywire.

But to his disappointment Usagi did not even turn to look at him. She then spoke in the most morose tone he had ever heard her speak in.

"Not today Mamoru, I just can't. Leave me alone," she spoke softly, as she played with the chocolate milkshake in front of her.

His jaw fell immediately at that, shocked beyond belief that she didn't even blink at all. His good mood plummeted and he stared at her. Wanting her to look at him. He knew without a doubt that he wouldn't rest until he did something about her. Otherwise the good mood he had at his discovery wouldn't come back again. Wanting her attention, he caught her chin and turned her face towards him. He watched as her teary eyes went wide in surprise. Obviously shocked at their proximity. He watched as blush adorned her cheeks. He smirked, at least she had something other than sadness in her face. Though to his displeasure his surprise effect vanished quickly and her previous expression started to come back. He didn't like it.

"What's wrong Usagi?" he asked now, staring at her. Hoping that the gaze would be enough to get the answer out of her. Her eyes widened slightly, staring at him with surprise.

"That's the first time you've said my name," she said it with a small smile.

"Do I need to beat up a guy?" he asked, his tone completely serious. He wasn't joking. He would if he had too. For some reason Usagi liking a guy did not make him happy. Another said guy making her cry, made him livid. Was he…jealous?

'You're in love with Sailor Moon, your princess you idiot! You can't possibly be in love with Usagi too' his rational side hissed. But he couldn't do it. Some part of him was attached to her.

At his words Usagi laughed.

"No baka, no guy is the cause of this. A guy would have been easier…" she said it, "Not that I can attract any," she spoke it, her voice low and her eyes down. Mamoru's eyes became dark, not liking that Usagi was putting herself down. What was this? Usagi had low self-esteem? How had he not noticed this?

"What do you mean?" he asked softly, hoping to get an answer out of her. He would fix this, and then work on how to communicate with her without teasing her on her abilities. With her low self-esteem, he didn't want to contribute to it or cause her tears. The thought of his words having this effect on her horrified him to the core.

Usagi opened her mouth, to say something but his attention was broken out of her with a loud voice.

"Mamoru! What a surprise to see you, do you want to hang ou-" the voice abruptly stopped. Stiffening, Mamoru turned to see who called his name and his eyes fell on Raye. She had walked in, and saw that her eyes became cold for some reason, while she stared at him with anger.

"What are you doing wasting time with the klutz there?" she shouted angrily staring at Usagi.

Mamoru's jaw immediately fell as he stared at the dark haired priestess. By the sounds of it, she truly meant those words, directed towards Usagi. Where the hell had that come from? He thought they were close friends? Shocked, he turned towards the blonde girl and saw that Usagi eyes became even more teary and he saw hurt there. Any progress he had done flying away.

"What did you just say?" Mamoru slowly asked, staring at the priestess with forced politeness. It grated on his nerves that she talked to Usagi like that. Yes he teased Usagi, but he never meant it, it was always in a teasing tone. He never talked to her like that with this much venom!

"Why are you spending time with her, she is absolutely useless. You could be spending more productive time with me, we could go out again today. I am free," she said it, in completely seriousness, causing Mamoru's eyebrows to rise even further at her callous words. When he heard a growl, he turned to see Usagi pull her face away from his hands and then grab her bag quickly. Without a single word, she shot out of the doors in lightning speed. Raye, yet still incredulously enough did not bat an eyelash at the state of her friend. Instead she relaxed and her smile widened.

"What the hell was that? Usagi is your friend yet you treated her like crap?" he asked her, with as much composure he could manage, though his temper was thinning as his instincts screamed to find her. Though he stayed rooted, needing to hear the answers from Raye herself.

"Well she deserved it. I won't apologise for telling the truth. It's good riddance she left, now about that date," she got hold of his hand but he pulled it away with a growl this time. His eyes fiery now. Raye appeared shocked by his expression.

"First of all we've only gone on one date and that was three weeks ago. If I wanted to carry on seeing you or even consider making you my girlfriend I would have asked you out again weeks ago. The fact that I haven't should give you the signal that I am not interested. Second of all, after seeing the way you treated Usagi, what makes you think I would even give a damn about you or your feelings right now?" he spoke in a cold tone, any civility he had left flying out the window by her cold words.

Raye appeared rightly shocked, blinking widely as her eyes went wide.

"But-since when do you care about her, you loath her as much as me, you pick on her. Why do you care how I treat her?"

"I don't hate her, in fact I've known her longer than you and the only reason I even said yes in the first place was to be nice to you because you are Usagi's friend, but I don't even see any evidence of it now. So don't try to bother me again," with those words, Mamoru marched out of the doors, not feeling any ounce of regret at his harsh words. His mind only on one mission, as anger brimmed in him.

He didn't notice the shocked looks which were on Motoki and Raye.