"So that's how we ended up all the way out here. We've vacationed at I don't know how many of Haruka's estates so far… let's see. There was the beach house. Oh, and that penthouse in New York. That one was my favorite so far, cause you know I got to see Mamo-chan on his nights off from school. It was amazing. I just wish we could've stayed longer and had more privacy if you know what I mean," said Usagi trailing on as Tohru smiled, nodding and listening intently. "I'm doing it aren't I … I'm rambling, and not even letting you get a word in edge wise. What about you, Tohru? Tell me about your love life."
Tohru blushed. "Um love life… well I've never really had a boyfriend before but as you heard and the whole house did actually which I'm kind of embarrassed about is that I'm kinda in love - with Kyo," she said her eyes filling with tears. "I still can't believe I blurted it out, and he didn't respond either so… I have no assurances that he feels the same way, in fact, maybe he's just trying to figure out a way to let me down lightly. He's so sweet."
Usagi shook her head. "Oh he loves you alright, he's just got some stuff to work out, and my girl Michiru will help with with that. Trust me. I'm not wrong on this one. Now no more tears — or I'll start crying too. I don't think my friends told you, but I'm a bit of a crybaby."
"Oh no, Usagi, don't cry," said Tohru, a concerned look in her eyes. She sucked in a breath and wiped away hers. "Look, I'm fine, see? I'm perfectly fine. Will you tell me more about your friends? About Mamoru?"
"You want to hear more?," asked Usagi. "Are you sure?"
"Of course, silly… I hope we can be great friends! Do you like somen? I love having somen parties and making it for my friends. Uo-chan, and Hana-chan, I bet they'd love to meet you. Oh and Hana-chan is a little bit on the magical side herself… it's been so hard trying to keep the Sohma's secret from her. She's almost found it out a few times. Oh and do you like Manga? Kisa and I and Hiro, her boyfriend have been watching Mogeta with me. If it's something you might be interested in, I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you joined us."
Usagi stared back at Tohru wide eyed and suddenly burst out into a waterfall of body wracking sobs. "Usagi, what did I say, oh - I'm so sorry - were you just humoring me earlier? Do you not like somen? Does it upset your stomach? Oh I'm so sorry. I can make other things, rice omelettes, rice balls, takiyaki? Oh Usagi, what is it - let me fix this," asked Tohru worriedly.
"No, no," said Usagi, "These are… these are happy tears. Let me just take a minute to gather my breath and I'll explain."
They sat together on a nearby stump, Tohru rubbing Usagi's back with gentle warm circles and when she would let her, she pulled Usagi into a hug. "It's ok," said Tohru, "Cry for as long as you need to. I'll stay with you."
Usagi took another few minutes to compose herself and stood up. She squeezed Tohru's shoulder. "Thank you so much for that, I'm ok now… let's keep walking, ok? We must get to Akito's soon. I'll explain as we walk."
"Ok," replied Tohru.
"You see," Usagi started. "I only have two years left, at most… and with the rate we have started to see climate changes, it's possible it may be sooner. I am destined to become the future Queen of Crystal Tokyo. I'll be living in a palace for goodness sake. And with that title comes great responsibility, diplomacy and sacrifice. My consciousness is already starting to merge with Serenity's and all my friends and Mamoru have started to treat me differently. They call me princess more, and Usagi less. It's just… I fear that one day it'll be like I, Usagi Tsukino, never existed. I don't want to be forgotten… and I don't want to forget any of these precious memories myself. But what if, what if that happens?"
Usagi was shaking now at the thought. Tohru grabbed her hand.
"Even I did that to you earlier when you transformed into Serenity. I'm so sorry. But I think I understand, and I will make you a promise now," said Tohru. "Let's make a pact, through thick and then we will stay girlfriends! I'll even bring even bring somen, and manga, and friends to your palace so we can just - hang out. How does that sound?," asked Tohru with a smile beaming ear to ear.
"That sounds wonderful, Tohru," replied Usagi. "I really do feel like I've found a kindred spirit in you. Thank you. Now - is that the compound over there?"
"Yes it is," replied Tohru.
"Ok - well take me to that secret entrance you mentioned. All this sneaking around… it kinda feels like we are having a sleepover and playing a prank on a neighbor or something," said Usagi.
Tohru giggled, "Well I don't know about that, but this sure does feel like some kind of adventure that's for sure!"