Mamoru Chiba examined himself in the full-length mirror. He was wearing a black shirt with a red tie draped around his turned up collar.
Leaving the top button undone he began working on his tie, but was slightly distracted by the reflection of his home.
He had a pretty decent apartment all things considered. Aside from the entry hall and bathroom it was essentially one room divided into a kitchen and sitting area. For the most part the latter contained a table, a sofa, a chair, a few shelves, a TV and a bed that stood beneath a large window, the blinds currently shuttered.
However, what was specifically distracting him was the actual placement of all his things. Since he had guests coming he'd spent a couple of hours moving his furniture and other belongings around to generate more space for everybody. As such his apartment didn't look the way it normally did and the effect was a little disconcerting.
He tried to fix that by manoeuvring himself and the mirror to the left. Now only his bed and the shelving unit next to it were being reflected. As they were the only bits of furniture he'd left alone he figured they wouldn't compromise his concentration.
Returning to his tie he pondered how silly it was for such a thing to get to him. But he'd lived in this apartment a long time and the place held many happy memories for him. Illogical as it was, tampering with the apartment's contents felt almost like he was tampering with those memories. And for Mamoru, memories were no small matter.
His mind drifted to the countless times the gang had hung out here for meetings, study sessions or just to enjoy his air conditioning As crowded as those times had been he'd never needed to rearrange the place. His living area could comfortably accommodate two cats and six pe-
'Seven.'
Mamoru's hands paused mid-knot.
The number continued to resound within his mind.
His eye fell on the reflection of his top shelf.
Maybe he should've thrown the party somewhere else. He recalled how he and Usagi had discussed a restaurant or somewhere fancier. However, it had been Mamoru who'd preferred a gathering at his home.
In recent years he'd begun to let people in more, at least a little bit. He suspected that was because of-
His thoughts stopped dead. For a moment, as he'd been looking at the mirror, he thought he'd caught a horrible golden light glinting in his eye.
He blinked to banish the thought and forced his mind back on track.
The point was that this would technically be his second celebration. And this time he wanted things be more personal.
In spite of how he felt about changing his apartment, he still expected tonight would be fun; certainly more than his first celebration had been. The prior week he, Motoki and their friends from the university had mingled at the mansion home of their acquaintance, the English gentleman Edwards. Unfortunately Usagi had been unwell and unable to attend. She had however made the effort to be at the ceremony earlier that day.
Mamoru remembered how he'd scanned the audience for a pair of blonde hair buns before Motoki had pointed her out. She'd been sitting with Motoki's little sister Unazuki and given him wave once she'd seen him looking her way. Mamoru had discreetly waved back then equally discreetly shifted his eyes to Unazuki. Mamoru recalled how he'd been happy she'd been there for Motoki given how his fiancée had been stuck on the other side of the world.
However, he also recalled how, in that moment, he'd felt a passing sense of resentment. It had been totally irrational of course. But he couldn't deny that right then he had really wished someone else had been sitting next to Usagi instead of Unazuki.
Obviously, he'd never envisioned her attending that ceremony. But when it had been happening he realized how badly he'd wanted her there.
Maybe he should have invited Usagi's parents instead. But he knew it just wouldn't have felt right. He wanted to make an effort with the Tsukinos, he really did; especially with Usagi's father. But the truth was, as things currently stood, they simply weren't that close to him.
And after all, wasn't graduating college something to be shared with family?
Mamoru's gaze shifted to the left of the shelf, falling upon the reflection of a vase. It was filled with beautiful bunch of roses, although one of them was starting to lose its petals. His eyes moved from them to the reflection of his bed. A distant look came over his face as his mind drifted back in time. A gentle warmth pulsed within his chest.
Usagi was his family.
He respected and cared for the other Senshi. He'd probably give his life if it meant protecting them. But they weren't family, nor were the Tsukinos.
'Not yet anyway,' he thought.
He and Usagi had no immediate plans for their relationship, although that hadn't always been the case. However, a couple of years ago they'd decided to shelve things, at least until they'd finished their respective studies. It hadn't been hard, especially since neither of them had announced anything to their respective social circles. As such, for the past two years they'd carried on much as they had before, content to just enjoy their time together and let things be. Whatever would happen would do so in its own course, so for all he knew he might join the Tsukino clan in year or a century.
He considered how absolutely literal that idea was in his life then chuckled slightly. As his laugh died down his face formed into a frown.
A century.
It really might be that long before he'd see her again.
He let the gravity of that sink in.
Then he closed his eyes and let out a controlled breath. Opening his eyes again he calmly discarded the tie onto his bed. He glanced at the top shelf again, this time the real thing not its reflection.
His mind conjured up a large patch of grass with over a dozen children running around on it. Accompanying it was the echo of a kindly but quizzical voice. Had she asked him directly he might've told her the truth. He'd done that occasionally as a way of deflating the bizarreness of his 'unique situation'. Although, he had to admit, saying it out loud had also given him a sense of…what?
Mamoru wracked his brain for the right word.
Pride? Yes, of course…but something else too.
Then it hit him.
He'd felt complete.
He didn't need to be a psychologist to deduce why. He'd spoken about it with Usagi when they'd finally gotten together properly. He'd felt complete back then too, like he'd reunited with an arm he'd lost. But when it'd been the three of them, it'd been as though he'd discovered he'd been missing the other arm without even realizing it.
Unfortunately he realized it now.
One of his arms felt numb.
A century.
Could he really wait that long to feel truly complete again?
He wasn't sure.
It wasn't the only thing he'd been uncertain about recently. Edwards' face flashed in his mind, swiftly followed by Usagi's.
He felt a twinge in his other arm.
That was when heard a click from the door. Within a few seconds Usagi and her friends had piled into his home.
"I know we're a little late," Usagi began. "But you should just be grateful we're here in one piece." She crossed the floor, stood on her toes to give him a quick peck on the cheek. "Minako's driving was so bad I was praying for a rose to appear," she whispered.
It was a testament to how experienced Mamoru was with the gang that he kept a straight face. That became a lot easier when he got a better look at Usagi.
"You look beautiful Usa-ko," he said quietly.
"Thank you Mamo-chan." She smiled at him and then inclined her head towards the bed, "Were you getting dressed?"
Mamoru turned and saw the tie there. "No," he replied before indicating towards his shirt "I thought this would be fine."
Usagi eyed him up. "I agree." This time it was she who'd spoken quietly.
She reached into her purse and pulled out a gift-wrapped item. "You didn-" he began.
"Of course I did. I would've given it to you the day of the ceremony but I wanted to wait 'til I felt better."
Mamoru unwrapped the gift and chuckled at the contents. "'Prince' cologne?"
"I know!" she chirped. "But I didn't just get it for you because of the name. It was highly recommended to me and besides, I think it'd suit you."
Mamoru removed the bottle from the box and motioned to spray it on his wrist. "Oh, hold on," Usagi grasped his hand, "The people at the store said it's best apply it here."
With her other hand she undid his second button, Mamoru consequently spraying the cologne on his chest. He spotted Rei shoot them a wry look from across the apartment.
Two years ago the situation might've made Mamoru embarrassed. Now though he didn't even flinch. It wasn't that they were in the presence of their closest friends. It wasn't even that they were in the privacy of his home. He and Usagi had been through so much that he just didn't care as much about social taboos. He hadn't since they'd kissed that day in the airport.
"Mamoru do you need us to move anything?" Ami inquired nonchalantly. Usagi gently moved back to the others to help them unpack the food.
"No, that's alright. I did it all earlier."
Makoto looked apologetic. "Oh Mamoru, I could've helped you with that"
"You're helping out more than enough by handling the food Mako." Mamoru's eyes did a quick scan of the apartment. "Hey Mina, where's Artemis?"
"He's got the flu," she replied.
"Oh no, him too?"
Minako nodded at him then shrugged her shoulders. "Trust me and Usagi to own the only cats in the world who can catch the flu from humans."
"It makes sense when you think about it," Rei chimed in "I mean why would talking be the only thing they'd have in common with humans?"
Minako put her hands on her hips and huffed. "Well, Artemis can certainly be a hypocrite like a human. I remember how he lectured me about going to bed early the night before my driving test. But earlier this week he didn't get home until after three in the morning."
Rei's back was turned to Mamoru. All the same he was sure she'd just rolled her eyes before responding. "Mina, you had an important test. Artemis prowling 'til late is hardly the same thing."
"Yeah but he'd been up fighting."
Ami looked sceptical. "That doesn't sound like Artemis."
"Yeah Mina, how'd you know he was fighting?" inquired Usagi.
"Because the next morning his coat was all messy. It had all these bits of dark fur in it. He obviously got into a tussle with a dog or something. And he probably lost too, he didn't even want to talk to me about it afterwards."
"I suppose being a white kitty he would stand out at night," Makoto offered.
"Anyway, forget about him, we're here to have fun right? Mamoru, where can we put our coats and bags?"
"You can just throw them on the bed Minako."
"Oh, you should get something to cover the bed first Mamoru."
Rei shook her head in mild disbelief. "Ami that's a little neurotic don't you think?"
As Rei and Ami began their 'discussion', Usagi went over to the closet and brought a large blanket over to the bed. She unfolded it and laid it over the mattress and pillows.
"Mamo-chan!" Mamoru turned to Usagi puzzled. She looked and sounded very annoyed. "It's such a beautiful night for your party and you've got the blinds closed?"
A moment passed before he realized she was teasing him. "Sorry Usa-ko," he gave a smile and a shrug "It just slipped my mind. Although, in my defence, the weather report did say it'd be cloudy tonight."
Usagi waved her hand dismissively before pulling up the blinds to unveil the glistening Tokyo cityscape.
"Awww," she moaned. Mamoru glanced out the window. The sky was indeed cloudy and obscuring what should have been a full moon.
As she turned from the window, Mamoru saw her pause for a moment by his shelf. He didn't have a good angle on her, but he thought he caught an oddly determined look on her face. Before he could think to question this, she'd crossed the room again. She joined Makoto in the blue-tiled kitchen and started helping her prepare the food.
"So, when is Ho…When are the others supposed to arrive?" Usagi had asked the question whilst her back turned to Mamoru. However, he was sure she had stiffened ever so slightly.
"In about an hour," he replied carefully.
"Ah, great!" she chirped a little louder than before. Her stiffness seemed to have eased somewhat.
He considered subtly probing a little to see what was going on. However, this was derailed when Makoto spoke up.
"Apart from our gang, who else have you invited Mamoru? Motoki obviously, I presume"
'Of course Mako would bring up Motoki.'
"Mostly just other people from college, although Motoki is bringing Unazuki along with Reika."
"Ah, that's nice. It'll be good to see them all again, it's been so long." Makoto nonchalantly turned her attention to Usagi. "You remember what I said right?" Makoto's tone was borderline threatening. Usagi raised her hands in deference and spoke in a nervous tone.
"Yes sensei. I shall follow your lead to the letter." Although her back was still to him, Mamoru could clearly tell Usagi had stolen a glance at the clock. And, had he not been paying attention, he might've missed her back straighten up and her chest puff out. "Of course if we were making curry I could maybe show you a thing or two," She adopted an exaggeratedly smug smile.
"What're you talking about? I taught you how to make curry in the first place!"
"Then I guess the student surpassed the teacher. I've made Mamo-chan more curries than I can count." She turned to him and threw him a wink, "Right Mamo-chan?"
As casually as he could manage, he inclined his head towards her. "You are the curry queen Usa-ko."
Usagi's banter had seemed jovial enough and remained so as they continued the prep work. Despite what he'd seen, Mamoru decided to leave Usagi well enough alone.
For now anyway.
Rei Hino didn't need to be psychic to tell that something was up with Usagi and Mamoru.
For one thing, she'd fought beside them for years. For another, there'd been a brief time when she and Mamoru had been an item, albeit a not very serious one. Finally, although no one dared admit it, Usagi was probably Rei's very best friend.
Oh, more often than not she'd come down hard on their beloved bun-head. Maybe she'd even gone too far on more than one occasion. But for Rei it was only because she held herself and everyone around her to such high expectations.
As she'd grown to understand Usagi more she'd learned those expectations were perhaps too inflexible. In the four years since they'd met Usagi had proven herself over and over. Over time she'd even managed to meet some of Rei's 'inflexible expectations'.
The fourteen-year-old cry-baby Rei had met in middle school would never have been as together as the woman currently pottering around Mamoru's kitchen.
Then again, they had all changed in one way or another since then.
Rei had learned she could hold her friends to high expectations but be less critical about things. Makoto no longer fell for every vaguely attractive guy she came across. Ami was far less shy and a tad more assertive. And (outside of driving) Minako had learned more self-control, although she was still prone to the odd social slip up, like earlier at Usagi's house.
Usagi's house.
Yes, she'd first noticed it there in their genkan. She was sure the others wouldn't have picked up on it. She probably would have missed it herself if she hadn't been so close to Usagi's face. Usagi was a cheerful soul at heart and a lover of gag mangas, Rei having witnessed her crack up countless times. That was why, when they'd all been laughing at the Tsukino's house, Rei had detected something off with Usagi.
Recalling the moment now, Rei realized her friend had been laughing a bit harder than usual. It wasn't that she'd been pretending. No, it'd been as though she were letting something out. Like she'd really needed to relieve some tension.
Thinking about it more, Rei concluded that Usagi had been a bit off for a little while now. Preparing for life after high school had kept them all so busy she just hadn't put the pieces together until tonight. And yet, she'd seemed her normal self during the ride over to the apartment. Now however, Rei was starting to pick up some of those small signs again. Curiously, they seemed to subside every time Usagi checked the clock.
As for Mamoru, every so often she spotted him stealing brief glances at Usagi. Rei knew he didn't have the best social skills in the world, but surely he'd noticed the signs too. Then again, if he'd been having problems of his own could he have missed something?
Mamoru was generally pretty reserved so it was harder for Rei to get a read on him. Even if she could, she felt it wasn't her place to get involved. She knew first-hand how Mamoru kept a lot of himself to himself. Usagi was one of the very rare exceptions to this rule.
Something ugly momentarily flared within Rei. Despite the warmth of the apartment Rei briefly shivered, as though caught in an icy breeze. For a split second the hint of a scowl crossed her face. She forced the thoughts out of her head and back on track.
If there was something eating at Mamoru it was Usagi who should deal with it. As for the bun-head herself, Rei resolved to talk to her soon. Since Usagi would be staying at the shrine maybe she'd get the chance tonight or tomorrow morning. Hopefully she could get her friend to open up.
Just then there was a knock at the door. Rei spotted Usagi pause what she was doing and look towards the entry hall.
"I got it," Minako said. "A moment later they heard her voice coming from the hallway "Ah, right on time! I'd expect nothing less of you guys."
Soon two stunning ladies strolled out of the hallway.
One of the women had short blonde hair and was dressed in a navy blue top with white pants and matching blazer. "Yo guys," said Haruka
The other woman was sporting a gown the same shade of green as her wavy hair and lipstick. "Nice to see you all," followed up Michiru.
It took barely a second before everyone was exchanging greetings with the pair. The only exception, Rei observed, was Usagi. She'd held back to drink some water before coming over to greet new arrivals.
"Where's Hotaru?" asked Ami.
"One of her school friends is having a sleepover for their birthday," replied Haruka.
Michiru gave a somehow elegant shrug. "She said she wanted to come but I could tell her heart wasn't really in it. She's at that age where being the only eleven year old at a party like this would be boring. So I told her not to worry and have fun with her friends."
Usagi smiled. "I'm so happy she's made good friends after all she's been through."
Rei didn't know why, but for an instant Usagi reminded her of Mrs Tsukino. She also spotted Mamoru's eyes briefly glance at the smiling blonde before turning back to Haruka and Michiru.
Haruka produced a bottle of champagne and held it out to Mamoru. "This is for you, just a little graduation gift from us."
"Ah, thank you very much but you shouldn't have." Mamoru took the bottle and nodded in gratitude. "I don't even own any wine glasses. I was going to get some for tonight but got a little busy."
Haruka shook her head. "This isn't one of Michiru's recitals. I'm sure no one will mind."
"Although you could save it for another special occasion. Like when Usagi turns twenty." added Michiru.
A little stiffly Usagi took the bottle from Mamoru and walked over to the other drinks "Oh, that's alright. We've got some of Mamoru's older friends coming so we can use it tonight. We've got plenty of juices and other drinks for me and anyone else underage."
Usagi excused her self and headed for the bathroom, Haruka and Michiru took a quick look around the apartment.
"You guys have done a good job. This place looks great."
"All your missing is the music. Or did you want me to bring my violin along?"
Mamoru smacked his forehead exaggeratedly. "I knew I was forgetting something." He walked over to the sound system and soon the apartment was filled with music.
They raised their voices as they continued to chat. Suddenly Minako's face lit up, "I just had a great idea! We should use the champagne to prepare mimosas for everyone!"
"What are mimosas?" inquired Makoto.
"It's a cocktail containing champagne and traditionally orange juice, although any kind of fruit juice can be used," replied Ami. Everyone turned to her in surprise. She shrugged. "I-"
"Read about it in a book!" they all chorused, causing Ami to blush.
"Edwards served mimosas at his mansion after the graduation ceremony. Everyone seemed to like them."
"In that case let's do it then! It'll give the party a more 'sophisticated' feel!"
"Minako, except Mamoru, none of us are old enough to drink. Neither would Unazuki," chided Makoto.
"I know but whenever we go somewhere fancy they always have pre-prepared drinks available for people to take at their leisure. It doesn't mean everyone has to drink one, we'll just stick with 'non-alcoholic' mimosas."
Half the room giggled before Rei spoke up. "Come on Mamoru. It's a special night. Everyone can use them to toast you when the time comes."
Mamoru seemed slightly hesitant. "Oh…alright then."
Several minutes later two of the four large juice jugs were half empty. Two-dozen glasses of orange and cranberry mimosas stood in the corner of the kitchen, Minako coaxing Ami into a high five for their efforts.
"Uasgi!" called Rei from the kitchen "What's taking so long in there? There's still plenty to do you know!"
There was no reply.
"She probably can't hear you because of the music," Mamoru offered "It's fine, I'll pitch in until she's back."
Rei frowned as Mamoru entered the kitchen area, her gaze still trained towards the bathroom. A minute elapsed before Usagi bounced out of the bathroom, apparently in high spirits.
"Oh, I love this song!" she exclaimed before taking another gulp of water.
"You would," Rei said sarcastically. "If this was my party I'd never allow 'Purple Ra-" The music switched to a Michael Jackson song. "Ah, now it's a party!" she exclaimed.
Haruka and Michiru snorted slightly.
"What's so funny?" inquired Usagi.
"Oh," Haruka began. "It's just that Hotaru has gotten into MJ a lot recently. She won't shut up about him whenever we visit her."
"Rei have you been 'influencing' Hotaru?"
Michiru's joke sparked a round of laughter.
Rei's laughter however was the first to die down.
This time, she'd observed, Usagi really had been pretending.
Mamoru had planned to keep an eye on Usagi during the party. However, as more and more people arrived it soon became impractical. They were both too busy mingling and playing hosts.
By ten o'clock the party was in full swing and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Mamoru decided he should make another circuit through his guests and began with Motoki's little sister who was chatting to Rei.
"How's it going?" he asked them
"Great now that 'Thriller' is playing again."
Unazuki laughed, "I was just telling Rei the music is a lot better than it was the night after the ceremony."
Mamoru shrugged. "Edwards is a very nice man, but his taste in music tends to be pretty classical."
"Hey don't knock it. I would've liked to share a classy waltz when I went to his mansion years ago. Instead me and the girls mostly bickered about who got to dance with Haruka."
"What!" Unazuki let out an exaggerated gasp and pretended to clutch her chest in shock. "To hear such a thing from a fellow T.A. alumni! What would the nuns have said?"
Rei made a dismissive swiping motion. "Those nuns would've thrown a fit if they'd seen us with boys."
"Speaking of which," interjected Mamoru "How is Yuichiro these days Rei?" Mamoru's mind conjured the image of a young, relatively tall and modestly muscled man with long shaggy hair.
Rei looked annoyed. She rested one hand on her hip and used the other to wag her finger in the air. "Hey now, me and Yuichiro aren't-"
"Oh, Rei come on!" Unazuki rolled her eyes. Mamoru wondered if the T.A. Academy made a point of teaching its students how to do that. "How many times have I seen you two at the parlour together?"
Mamoru shook his head. "I can never keep up with you two," he sighed.
"Look," began Rei "Yuichiro and me have an 'understanding'. We can see each other as well as anyone else we want. After all," she winked "A girl like me should keep her options open. Especially now she's left high school."
Unazuki nodded as she sipped her drink. "Until I graduated last year I didn't fully appreciate how many 'options' there were out there. Still, I'd keep an eye on Yuichiro if I were you Rei. Not many guys are as devoted as he is to you."
"Yuichiro isn't devo-" Rei stopped at the sight of the 'are you serious?' expressions on Mamoru and Unazuki's faces. "...Well…he's a lot less devoted than he used to be!"
"Oh?" Mamoru chuckled, "Does he refuse to go shopping with you now"
Rei blushed. "He…insists I carry half the stuff…sometimes…"
Briefly Unazuki put her face in her palm and Mamoru was sorely tempted to do the same. Instead he just sighed and fetched himself some water and leaned against the counter. Mamoru wasn't typically one for drama or nosing in other people's love lives.
Even so, he couldn't help up observe a corner of the kitchen where Makoto and Motoki were chatting nearby the drinks. He equally couldn't help shuffling closer when Reika joined in the conversation.
"…so beautiful!" Makoto was peering down at Reika's left hand where diamond ring gleamed. "Have you two set a date yet?"
Motoki's head shook. "No. We thought it best to wait until I've actually settled down in England."
"And learned the language better" joked Reika. "With all of Mamoru's British and American friends here I told him he should practice tonight."
"Hey, it's supposed to be a party remember. I got enough practice after the graduation ceremony."
Mamoru chimed in at this point "Edwards never misses the chance to let youngsters network."
Motoki nodded and inclined his glass towards Mamoru. "Your not wrong. But thanks to him I've got a job in London waiting for me now."
Mamoru tightened the grip on his glass.
"That's amazing Motoki!" exclaimed Makoto. "I don't know if I could do that. Move some place new where I hardly know anyone."
"That's the hardest part if I'm honest. I know some people from England, but no one from London so I expect it's going to be kinda lonely to begin with. But you know, some things are worth a little loneliness," he clasped Reika's hand.
He wasn't being subtle, both Mamoru and Makoto had seen the gesture. Motoki however seemed utterly nonplussed. And yet, Mamoru detected the faintest hint of apprehension behind his friend's eyes. He averted his gaze, trying to suppress a pang of sympathy.
"Meeting people at Edwards' gatherings is also how I got where I am now," added Reika. "Makoto when you go to college you should try to go to more of his parties. If you're interested in studying or working abroad that is. Isn't that right Mamoru?" she nodded towards him.
Mamoru returned his gaze to the three of them. "Y-yeah" He prayed that had sounded merely distracted.
Reika took a glass from the assortment of red and orange drinks on the counter and sipped. "Mmm, this is incredible. This is a mimosa isn't it?"
"That's right. They were Minako's idea."
"I've tried them over in England. I find it's really the juice that brings out the taste. Where'd Minako buy them from?"
"Well, actually…" Ami had been standing by Haruka and Michiru just outside the kitchen. Now she crossed over and stood besides Makoto. "Mako-chan made the juice herself."
Makoto blushed. "Ami helped. She spent a lot of time researching the best way to grow the fruits and mix them."
Just then Usagi's blonde streamers caught Mamoru's eye as she walked by offering a tray of food to Haruka and Michiru. Had she not drawn his attention he might've missed the knowing look the pair shot each other before their eyes rested on Makoto and Ami.
Mamoru thought back to before anyone else had arrived and internally reprimanded himself for being so judgmental.
He left the kitchen and tried to spot Usagi. He found her but couldn't get a great look at her given the number of guests and how busy she was keeping herself. He wondered if he'd even seen her eat or drink anything. Usually it would be a silly question to ask of Usagi, but tonight…
He gave up and instead joined Haruka and Michiru who were conversing with Minako.
"We should've had a party to celebrate you getting your license."
"I was going to…but then I failed the first time…and the second…"
"Well, they say the third time is the charm right," offered Michiru.
"That's exactly what I told the others!...After my third try..."
Michiru let out a small laugh. "I'm sure soon enough you'll be joining Haruka on the racing track." She took a sip of her drink, "My goodness. The other guests weren't kidding. This is the best mimosa I've ever had."
"No offence Mamoru," Haruka inclined her head towards him "but the champagne we got wasn't the best thing out there." She raised her glass slightly and inclined it towards the kitchen. "My compliments to Ami and Mako." A small smirk crossed her face before she brought the glass up to her lips.
As Haruka began to drink Minako's eyes widened and she took a small step back "Hey wait a minute!" she exclaimed, "Didn't you drive here Haruka? You shouldn't-"
"Hey, hey it's alright. It's just regular cranberry juice." She raised her free hand in a gesture of surrender.
Michiru leaned towards Minako, put her hand to the side of her mouth pretended to whisper. "Haruka would never drink Minako. Alcohol makes her snore terribly."
Haruka smirked again and shook her head, "Don't listen to her."
A mischievous look came across Michiru's face. "Sometimes she sounds like her race car."
Minako sighed in relief and clutched her chest exaggeratedly. As she sipped her own drink Mamoru could almost see the gears turning in her head. "…Michiru just now you said that was the best mimosa you ever had. But…aren't you still nin-" Minako cut herself off at the lovingly patronizing looks Haruka and Michiru shot her. She turned to Mamoru who raised his eyebrow. "Oh, right…" she muttered quietly, her cheeks crimson.
Mamoru took pity on her. "You know, in many European countries it's legal to drink at eighteen or even sixteen."
Minako seemed to recover some of her composure. "I know. I saw enough rowdy drunks when I lived in London."
Once again, Mamoru tightened his grip on his glass. He'd forgotten Minako used to live in England. Minako launched into stories of her days abroad, singing the praises of English culture. Mamoru did his best to seem interested whilst tuning her out. After a few minutes he felt he'd been polite enough and inconspicuously turned in the other direction.
Seconds later he was face to face with Usagi who was carrying an empty food tray. "We're all out of finger foods," she said raising the tray up slightly.
"That's alright. I think everyone's had more than enough."
"They can't stop raving about the homemade juices Mako and Ami made. I haven't had any time to try them myself."
"Well if you do just remember some of the glasses ha-"
"Mamoru! And…Usagi right?"
Two foreign men approached the couple.
"George?" Mamoru was taken aback as he shook hands with the dark haired foreigner. "When did you get here?"
"A few minutes ago, you two were too busy mingling to notice us."
With equal surprise Usagi was shaking hands with the other foreigner who had light blonde hair.
"Uh…hello? Have we met before?" she asked.
"You don't remember me? I'm Ned from Mamoru's college. We met three years ago at one of Edwards' parties."
"It was a waltz. Ms. Kaio and Ms. Tenou were part of the entertainment that night." George inclined his head towards Haruka and Michiru. Mamoru's eyes bulged and he saw horrible realization beginning to dawn on Usagi's face.
"Back then we'd always wondered about Mamoru's 'mystery lady'. But we never thought you'd be such an individualist!"
"I'll say. We didn't expect Mamoru to be with someone so, so…" Ned looked to George for the word.
"Spirited?"
"Yes, exactly! You made a hilarious and brilliant comparison between the theory of relativity and baking a pudding."
Had Mamoru not spent so much time with Usagi her laugh might've fooled him. As it was, her embarrassment was positively palpable. Evidently he wasn't alone because he spotted Rei's head snap towards their direction. He dismissed her and focused upon Usagi's predicament.
"OhdidI?Ireallydon'trememberdoingthat?Inspirationmust'vejuststruckmeatthatmoment!Hahahahaha!"
Mamoru saw Usagi's face start to flush. It was almost as red as it had been the night she'd first met Ned and George. But for decidedly different reasons.
"Um…Er…Hey guys! How was it back home?"
"London? Same as always."
Mamoru cursed himself internally. With Minako he could understand, but how could he have forgotten Ned and George were English? At least the change in subject seemed to have relieved Usagi. Her face was returning to normal, although her body language seemed to have stiffened.
"You really should visit some time Mamoru. I'm sure you'd love it too Usagi."
At this Usagi seemed to relax, although Mamoru thought she was moving a little too deliberately. He soon found her hands and arms wrapped around his left forearm and bicep.
"Minako has always made London sound lovely."
"Not just London Usagi. The countryside is beautiful too, especially the Lake District."
Mamoru perked up a little at this. "Well, after the last few weeks I have been thinking about a small break from the city."
"But not a lake," Usagi cut in, "I've had a few too many unpleasant experiences at them."
Mamoru's face fell ever so slightly.
Neither Ned nor George seemed to have noticed, the latter casually pressing on. "Lakes aside there are plenty of other things to see in or out of London."
"And not to boast" began Ned "but we do have some pretty great universities. Much better than that New York one you got into."
It was Mamoru's turn to stiffen.
"Mamoru, you never did tell us why you decided to drop out of that place?" asked George.
A horrible golden flash seared Mamoru's memory. After a second that felt like hours he answered. "Air travel didn't agree with me."
As they laughed, Mamoru felt a small metal band press into his arm.
Well over an hour later, Usagi bid goodbye to the last of the guests alongside Mamoru.
Of course she, Rei and the others were also guests. But Usagi felt the word didn't quite fit. How many guest arrived early to help prepare a party, let alone stick around to clean up as they were now.
As expected Makoto was taking point on this and Mamoru had to persuade her to let him vacuum tomorrow as the noise would likely disturb his neighbours. Similarly he'd wanted to turn his sound system off but Usagi and Minako had convinced him to just crank it down so they could work to some music.
Usagi mostly stayed in the kitchen and was currently washing up in the sink. She considered how she'd maybe spent more time in or around Mamoru's kitchen tonight than she ever had before. Well, that made sense. It was where she'd prepared most of the food and drinks.
'Didn't Mako and the others do most of that?'
She scrubbed one of the serving trays a little harder, barely noticing Rei enter the kitchen.
As Rei began packing up the left over food Minako yawned. Ami made a little noise as though she was about to say something but nothing came of it. Usagi had her back to her but she had a pretty good idea of what the blunette's face looked like. Evidently Makoto picked up on Ami's thinking. "Umm…Mina…maybe you should take it easy…Since you are supposed to be driving us home tonight."
"What? I'm absolutely-" Minako yawned again, "Well, maybe just a little power nap. Where'd I put my coat?"
'On the bed nearby the shelf.'
"Maybe it's time to call it a night guys?" Usagi said cheerily. She made a point of keeping her eye on the dishes but still noticed Rei look in her direction.
Ami spoke up, having found her voice. "But Usagi, there is still so much to do. Just look at the kitchen."
"I think she's right guys," said Mamoru. "You've cleaned up half the apartment already. And since it's the half I sleep in I'm happy to finish up myself tomorrow morning"
Rei decided to chime in, "Honestly that half was pretty clean."
'Almost like the serving trays avoi-'
Usagi stopped cleaning, closed her eyes and quickly breathed out through her nostrils. She hoped the sound of the running tap had masked the noise.
"…Usagi…?" Rei's voice was soft and quiet. Usagi opened her eyes and saw the beginnings of a concerned look on Rei's face.
In her peripheral vision Usagi noted Makoto's juice in the corner of the kitchen. There had been random moments throughout the night when Usagi's mouth had suddenly begun to feel a little dry as it did now.
'Only they aren't really rand-'
Abruptly she turned in the other direction and adopted a cheery tone. "Mamoru's right. You guys have done more than enough. I say head home before Mina starts falling asleep at the wheel."
Minako attempted to suppress another yawn.
Ami utterly failed to suppress her terror.
Makoto only just suppressed her relief.
"I suppose I could swing by tomorrow and help you finish Mamoru."
Usagi gave a small laugh and waved her hand dismissively "Mako, don't be silly. Mamoru can handle things tomorrow." Usagi felt Rei's eyes burning into her. Suddenly she thought Makoto looked crushing guilty about cleaning up. "Look, I'll stay a little longer to help Mamoru then he can drop me off home. My parents stay up a little later on the weekends so I probably won't be disturbing them. We still have a little whiles before midnight anyway."
"But…Usagi…"
Usagi didn't let Rei finish.
"It's fine Rei really. This way Yuichiro won't have to worry about heating up a bath for me tomorrow." Usagi's follow up laugh seemed to break the tension amongst the others.
Rei however held Usagi's gaze for a moment before finally relaxing her body. "So long as you're sure..."
"Absolutely!" Usagi moved past Rei and went back to cleaning up the kitchen.
A few minutes later Usagi and Mamoru were standing in the passageway, bidding goodbye to the others.
"Drive safe now Minako."
"Don't I always?"
"Usagi," whispered Ami "Promise you'll tell my parents I love them."
"Those leftovers will taste better reheated in an oven not a microwave."
"I'll remember that for tomorrow. Thanks again Mako."
As the others began piling out, Rei lingered behind on the genkan. "Congratulations again." Mamoru smiled and nodded his thanks to her. Rei then turned her attention towards Usagi. "Are you absolutely sure you don't want to come back to my place?"
Usagi shrugged. "What kind of girlfriend would I be if I abandoned my boyfriend's apartment in such a state?"
She and Mamoru chuckled.
Rei remained silent.
As the chuckling died down she moved in and hugged Usagi, holding her for a moment longer than she really needed to. Very gently, Usagi pushed her back.
"See you soon, 'kay?" chirped Usagi.
Rei gave a small hesitant nod, her gaze never breaking from Usagi's face. "Definitely." There was a faintly deliberate quality to her voice.
In spite of this, Usagi managed to summon a cheerful smile as her friend finally exited through the door.
There was a soft click as it locked in place, leaving Mamoru and Usagi alone in the hallway.
She let out a small sigh, noting how her mouth was no longer dry.
Mamoru and Usagi headed back through the passageway together and continued cleaning up. They worked silently, aside from the randomly switching musical tracks. Usagi had returned to the kitchen and Mamoru was concentrating on the area just outside of it.
As he'd tried to do all night, Mamoru was subtly stealing glances at Usagi every so often. She seemed relieved now Rei and the others had left, which made a lot of sense. Rei's own attempts at observation hadn't escaped his notice. Evidently they hadn't escaped Usagi's either.
He thought back on what she'd been like at the start of the party, then after she put the sheet over the bed, how long she'd spent in the bathroom and the dozen other things he'd picked up on throughout the night.
His chest ached for a moment.
"Usa-ko, thank you so much for tonight" he tried to sound as casual as possible.
"You should be thanking the others, especially Mako. Did you hear how many people talked about her homemade juice? I haven't even tried it myself yet."
"Don't sell yourself short. You were running around all night, almost like you were a real rabbit." Mamoru took note of Usagi's body language but she gave nothing away.
"Well, I had no choice with so many people here. I had no idea you had that many friends."
"I suppose you could call them friends. To me they are mostly acquaintances. You meet a lot of acquaintances at college, especially when you first start out there." It might've been a trick of the dimmed lights but Mamoru could've sworn he saw Usagi's jaw clench. "You'll be a natural. You make friends with just about everyone."
He had said it without thinking and wondered if he'd done something wrong.
"Well…I didn't with you? Not at first"
Apparently he had.
He held his hands up to his chest in mock surrender.
"Hey now, I've apologized for that Usa-ko."
Usagi giggled. "I know. It was a long time ago anyway." For a split second Mamoru could almost see Usagi's mind drift back in time. "You know back then I used to think Motoki might be..." She trailed off "Ah, never mind."
Mamoru raised his eyebrow. "Might be what?"
She blushed. "It's embarrassing."
"Aw, c'mon" he teased. Usagi giggled again before nodding at something behind Mamoru. Following her gaze he saw the shelves by his bed and spotted the vase of roses. "Really?" Mamoru laughed as he turned back to Usagi.
"Really," Usagi said amidst giggles. Seeing her like that made Mamoru forget all his concerns and he laughed along with her.
He spoke up amidst his own chuckles. "Although I could see him as the type. So long as it was for the right lady."
Usagi's giggles quieted down too, "I know what you mean. For Reika he'd do any…" She trailed off again and returned to her work. "Umm, I'm so glad they seem happy right now."
Mamoru's concerns came flooding back. "Yes, they certainly deserve it."
In spite of the music, silence hung heavily in the air. Mamoru felt an urge to break the tension and opted for a change of subject. "That break out of the city I mentioned earlier tonight? Do you think your parents would be alright with you coming?"
Dishearteningly Usagi didn't even turn around to address him. "I think Mama might be but Papa…" she shrugged apologetically "…you know…"
"Oh, I know."
"He does like you Mamo-chan. It's just to him I'm…"
"It's alright. I understand." Briefly Mamoru allowed himself to daydream of a relaxing weekend out the city.
"It's silly. I'm eighteen after all. But I don't want to upset him right now."
"Of course not Usa-ko," he replied automatically.
"Don't let that stop you though. You deserve the break"
"If you're sure you can't come, maybe I'll head down to a lake after all."
"…Yeah…" Distracted as he'd been, Mamoru didn't detect the hesitancy in Usagi's voice until it was too late. He silently cursed himself for indirectly reminding her of the conversation with Ned and George.
"Phew. I'm parched."
Mamoru was so busy reprimanding himself he barely registered Usagi's words.
At worst he'd just brought up...He couldn't even finish the thought.
Dimly he noticed Usagi raise a glass of red liquid to her mouth from a corner of the kitchen.
At best he'd prompted her to recall the incredibly embarrassing night she accidentally…
His eyes suddenly widened and his head snapped towards the corner of the kitchen. The same corner Ami and Minako had been working in earlier.
"Usa-ko sto-!" Disbelief flooded him when he saw the glass was completely empty.
Usagi for her part looked utterly bewildered.
"What? What is it?" she asked anxiously.
"Those drinks aren-" That was when Mamoru spotted Usagi's other hand. I was holding a jug of red liquid. "Yo-You filled your glass from the jug...?"
"Of course I did. I wouldn't just pick up one of the pre-prepared ones. They might have-" Mamoru saw the realization dawn on Usagi's face. "Ooooooh, you thought I had…" she giggled. "I know I'm a lightweight but I'm not that careless or clumsy. Not anymore anyway."
Mamoru half laughed and half sighed with relief. "No Usa-ko. No you aren't. I think I just forget because we're together all the time. When you are so close sometimes you don't…"
He paused as he caught sight of them. Of course he'd seen them throughout the night. But it was only because they'd been talking about the past that his mind had made the connection.
She was wearing red beads around her buns. Just like she had that night.
Serenity enveloped Mamoru as the music switched to a new track.
"Of course, in other ways you are the same as you've always been." Slowly he entered the kitchen and walked up to her. "And I wouldn't want you to be anything else. Bun-head."
She seemed a little bewildered and put the drinks down.
"What…?"
He extended his left hand to her.
"Princess…Would you care to dance?"
Their hands met.
Usagi gave a quick curtsy and Mamoru led them out of the kitchen.
As they crossed the threshold the orchestra struck up a tune. They began to move to the music and were soon encircled by dignitaries and other guests. Mamoru was garbed in a simple white mask that complimented his tuxedo. For her part, Usagi wore a flowing pink gown and long gloves, both adorned with red flowers.
Usagi moved closer to Mamoru, the beads in her hair gently clicking as she rested her head on his chest. Mamoru slowed down his movements and gripped her waist a little tighter.
Their eyes closed, all sense of time lost as their dancing devolved into simple swaying.
Then the track changed.
'Search for Your LOVE Search for Your LOVE'
Usagi's eyes began to flit open.
'You were always shining
Your smile like a miniature star'
They were completely open now. Her mouth formed into a thin line.
'I've always cherished it (eternal starlight)'
Her face took on a melancholic expression.
'I can hardly bear my bitter tears
Remembering the day I couldn't protect you
All that's left now is my pain (I'll never forget you, sweet heart)'
Gently Usagi began to pull away from Mamoru. He didn't resist her efforts, although he looked mildly surprised.
"What's wrong?"
"I…just don't really like this song," she replied softly.
'I want to hold you
I've always been (searching) for your scent'
"Besides if I stay much longer my parents won't be awake by the time I get home."
Usagi turned away from Mamoru and headed towards his bed where her coat lay, the covering sheet having been discarded earlier.
'I've been calling out to you (I love you)
Where are you now (Moonlight Princess)'
"…You used to…" Mamoru had spoken quietly, but his voice had still carried over the music.
'My Princess'
"Hmm?" Usagi paused and looked over her right shoulder.
'Answer me (Answer for me)'
Mamoru's eyes narrowed slightly. "…You used to like this song."
'As soon as you can (Answer for me)'
For a brief moment Usagi's body seemed to stiffen.
'Answer me (Answer for me)'
Then she nonchalantly shrugged and turned forwards again.
'With a simple reply (Answer for me)'
She called back to him as she continued towards the bed, her tone casual. "Things ch-"
Usagi suddenly halted. She was facing forwards towards Mamoru's bed. To her immediate left stood the shelving unit, her head directly parallel with the top shelf.
Gradually her right hand reached over to her left, her thumb and index fingering the silver ring.
Mamoru's eyes darted from the ring to the back of Usagi's head.
'I'm rushing through the expanse of the night sky'
He strode across the room towards her.
'Wishing on a shooting star'
His pace slowed as he closed the gap. Ultimately he stopped a foot short of where she was standing.
'So I can whisper my love to you'
"I'm not going to England Usa-ko"
Moving to her right, Usagi whirled around to face Mamoru.
'(Tell me, Starlight)'
"You can't!" she said imploringly, "This is your second chance to study overseas. You might not get a third!"
"I don't care. After what happened last time with America I-" A haunted expression flashed cross his face but was soon replaced by steely resolve. "I'm not leaving you like that again."
Usagi turned away from Mamoru and stared at his shoes, an almost resentful look on her face. "That's not fair. I don't want to be the reason you give-"
He cut in before she finished, "It's not just you, I can't lea-"
"-up on your fut-"
'As the years pass I become more adult'
Abruptly they both fell silent.
Usagi was still staring at Mamoru's shoes, but her expression had changed. Now she looked like a rabbit caught in headlights.
Mamoru had seemed surprised at first, but this gave way to a mildly distraught look as he caught sight of Usagi's face.
"This...isn't just about me is it?"
"…No…" she whispered. "It's…it's everything. You, Rei, the others…me… and…"
"And 'Hotaru'?"
She didn't cry.
Nevertheless, her face morphed into an utterly despondent expression.
Seeing this Mamoru shoulders hunched slightly and he closed his eyes, looking defeated.
"Everything that's been happening…" he clenched his fists "It's natural it would make you dwell on…" He let out a quiet controlled breath then opened his eyes "…I've been thinking about her too…"
Usagi finally raised her head. Her eyes held an imploring, almost desperate look in them.
Slowly Mamoru straightened up. He fixed Usagi with a steely look of determination.
Usagi's expression didn't change but she didn't break eye contact with Mamoru either.
Mamoru moved an inch or two closer, his gaze never wavering.
Her body had become as fixed as her expression.
His body was equally still. Except for his eyes.
Very deliberately he shifted them to his left and then back to Usagi, all the while maintaining his determined expression.
For a moment Usagi was unchanged. Then pain possessed her features and she closed her eyes. However, when she opened them again they carried a similar steely resolve to Mamoru's. The rest of her face soon followed.
Mamoru gave a tiny nod.
In unison they're heads turned towards the top shelf.
Alongside the vase of roses there were several framed photos. Their gazes settled on the centre picture.
Mamoru was wearing an open orange shirt with a blue V-neck and giving a small smile.
Usagi, dressed in her middle-school uniform, had both her arms around one of Mamoru's and was leaning her head on him. She seemed to be in the middle of laughing.
And in front of them stood a little girl. She looked to be about ten years old and was wearing an elementary school uniform. Her arms were raised as though she wanted to greet someone with a warm hug. She wore delighted expression very similar to Usagi's.
The similarities didn't end there. The girl over all strongly resembled Usagi, with the exception of her hair. Instead of blonde locks, her hair was bright pink and wrapped in two buns resembling rabbit ears.
"That was a wonderful day," whispered Usagi.
Mamoru nodded. "And there I was worried we wouldn't be able to attend. But I suppose the park is for everyone."
Usagi shrugged. "Her teacher was also very understanding."
Several seconds of silence elapsed.
"Do you remember when she gave us that?" Mamoru inclined his head towards the photo.
"Of course. It was the Christmas before…"
"…Before she left…"
"…Yeah…"
"I remember being impressed that she'd bothered to pick out three different frames. The bunny one would've looked odd here."
"And in the living room back home," Usagi gave a short but sincere titter, her features becoming a little cheerier. "I remember…" the cheer left her, replaced with a far off look, "…I remember being surprised at how considerate it was. All those times she'd butted in on our dates. But then she went ahead and did something so nice for us."
"I wasn't so surprised. By then she'd started to become less 'possessive' of me."
The corners of Usagi mouth twitched, almost forming a smile. "That happens when daughters meet their first dream boy," her head turned to address Mamoru "Suddenly they aren't as interested in Da…"
His face hadn't changed, but there was sadness behind his blue eyes. She turned back to the photo. "…You always seemed a natural with her."
"Part of it was sympathy. When we met her she was a lost and lonely kid. I knew what that was like…"
"I always wondered, after we found out who she was, if that was why you were more okay with our…our 'unique situation' than I was?"
Mamoru shook his head. "Not exactly. It was…for all my life I never had a family. Then all of a sudden…" a small smile emerged as he trailed off. "If I'm honest I probably spoiled her."
"You definitely spoiled her," Usagi chuckled "Thankfully I never had that problem."
Now Mamoru chuckled. "No. You just wanted to kill her half the time."
Usagi continued to chuckle as she rolled her eyes, "More than half probably." Her eyes fell back on the photo, "Although…" her laughter settled "There were a lot times, like that Christmas, where she was sweet…"
"…Deep down she looked up to you. You know that right?"
"…Yeah…I know. Beneath all our bickering we always cared for each other." She hesitated for a moment before pressing on. "Sometimes, I've wondered if there was anyone I've ever been closer to…"
Mamoru's eyes narrowed and briefly he looked down.
"…But eventually I realized it was just a different kind of closeness."
Mamoru looked back up, a slightly guilty look on his face.
"It was…It was so complicated for me. I think more than for you because you weren't actually living with her. Most of the time we were like sisters, even though…we weren't. And we both knew it. But we rarely…we hardly…"
"It was always there Usa-ko."
She looked at him quizzically.
"Somewhere between the bickering and the sweeter moments I could always see it. It was there, for both of us, even before we knew who she really was."
"…You're right." A warm smile crossed Usagi's face. "Do you remember the day I-"
"Made the curry," he finished, smiling warmly himself.
"Yeah!" her face lit up. "I always…" she returned to a more serene expression, "Now, whenever I'm around curry, I always think of her."
"Me too," he said quietly.
"…Is…Is that why, whenever I offer to cook, you ask for curry?"
Mamoru seemed like he was about to laugh, but regained his composure upon seeing the utterly sincere look on Usagi's face. "No. You just make really good curry."
Usagi looked down for a second then turned back to the photo, Mamoru soon following her gaze.
"All thanks to her. I probably wouldn't be as good if I hadn't had to practice for her school thing…It would've been nice if I'd made it for her one last time before she…"
"…Usa-ko…" slowly Mamoru turned his head towards Usagi "You could still cook for her…someday…"
For a moment Usagi's expression remained unchanged.
Then it began to falter.
'I wonder if you'd even recognize me now'
She started crying.
She let out a sob as the first tears rolled over her cheekbones, her face soon buried in her hands.
Mamoru moved towards her but Usagi turned away before he could reach her. She picked up her purse from the bed and began to rummage around for some tissues, sitting on the mattress as she searched.
Mamoru stood helpless for a moment before slowly walking away and turning off the sound system. When he came back he sat to the right of Usagi, his eyes facing the ground.
Light was pouring in from the window behind them casting long shadows across the apartment floor.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
Usagi replied amidst sobs, "N-n-no. I-I'm sorry. I-I-I've r-ruined you-your d-day."
"You haven't ruined anything" Mamoru consoled. He attempted to muster an upbeat tone, "Besides…it's after midnight. The next day is already here."
Usagi's crying subsided a little as she laughed. A few seconds of silence elapsed before she regained more of her composure, the sobbing starting to slow down.
"I know she isn't really gone," she inhaled a sob then spoke in an almost 'matter-of-fact' tone "A-and when I see her again I know I'm going to love her. But…it…it…won't be…"
"It won't be the same" he finished robotically.
Her lip trembled as she nodded.
"…Because she won't be the same…? Because we won't be the same…?"
"…Yes…" she replied quietly.
"…Maybe that's for the best though. Maybe that's how it should be."
"I know!" she snapped, whipping her head around to him.
He turned sharply towards her, surprised by the outburst. "That's what kills me. I know I'm being a selfish coward. For her, things will probably be better than they were when she was here."
Mamoru looked hurt. Usagi took a few deep breaths, guilt passing over her face.
"I'm sor-"
"Usa-ko, please…don't talk about yourself like that…"
The guilt returned to her face.
"You are the most selfless person I know. And you are the bravest person in the universe."
Usagi gave a derisive little laugh amidst her tears. "Yeah right. If I'm all that then why did I almost leave this at home?" She flashed her ring at him.
"But Usa-ko…you didn't leave it."
He fixed her with another steely look.
"The first night we met you'd had your mind blown. You thought you were in a dream or a nightmare. But you still came running when your friend needed you. You were out of depth, scared and-"
"And you and Luna needed to help me!"
"But you still stood up and did what needed to be done. You could've cried some more or run away. But you didn't. You never have. One way or another, no matter how little you've wanted to or how scared you are, you've always done what's right to help people."
"But Mamo-chan…This is different…No one needs my help. It's just that I'm scared because things are…" Usagi fell silent and turned away from him, suddenly becoming very interested in the vase of roses on his shelf.
Mamoru moved back to centre and leaned forwards slightly. He placed his elbows on his knees and rested his closed right hand in his open left before shutting his eyes. After a few moments he opened them again and turned his head towards Usagi.
"…I know…but…change…doesn't have to mean bad. It…It could even be…After…after I lost my family, my life changed for the worse. But later my life changed for the better…because of you…"
A distant look came over Usagi, as though her mind had been cast to another time. She retained this distant expression as she moved around and caught Mamoru's own look. His eyes were warm and gentle, although a hint of steel had returned to them.
Her whole upper body was facing towards him, her hands resting together on the bed just to the left of where she was sitting.
"…You…You told me that once…a long time ago…You said…" Usagi's eyes came into focus as the distant look began to dissipate "…You felt like you'd been waiting all alone to meet me…"
"For…" for a second Mamoru seemed apprehensive, his arms visibly tensing. "…For all my life…"Resolve momentarily flickered behind Mamoru's eyes. Usagi held his gaze for a moment until her attention moved to the window and the night sky above, the clouds having slightly parted.
"…Millennia…" she whispered.
Mamoru's eyes narrowed. "What?"
Usagi looked back to him. "You waited all your life…and several millennia…"
Usagi's gaze zeroed in on Mamoru's eyes.
"Because we were…"
Mamoru's own gaze fixed upon Usagi's eyes.
"Because we are…"
The clouds parted more amidst the sky beyond the window. Usagi's ring twinkled as silver light trickled into the room.
Neither of them finished what they were saying.
Usagi and Mamoru inched closer to one another, their gazes never faltering.
A petal lightly fell from one of the roses atop the shelf.
"…Usa-ko…It's late. I think I should take you home…"
Neither moved.
"…Mamo-chan…I don't want to go home…"
A question passed silently between them.
Usagi gave a tiny nod.
Slowly, Mamoru moved his hand over to hers. She entwined her fingers in his.
He leaned his body closer. Usagi closed the gap between them.
Their eyes finally broke contact as their lips met.
Gently, they lay down, their bodies illuminated by the moonlight.