2. Memory
For a really long time, the second Sunday of May was just like any other Sunday of the Year, filled with chores that were not done during the week, sometimes a cute day with his Usa-ko, the occasional monster fighting and, in later years, the occasional patient when he was scheduled for a weekend shift at the hospital.
This however, changed once he married Usagi.
Once the date came around, he was completely clueless as to why his wife wanted to get up early on Sunday to go see her mother. Still, he went along with it, and only realised what day it was when she mentioned buying some red carnations on their way there.
Producing a small bouquet from thin air, Mamoru hoped his wife didn't notice just how clueless he was about the day, though considering the knowing gaze she sent his way, he had no such luck and knew he would hear about it later in the day.
Breakfast with the Tsukinos was a fun affair. Ikuko fussed over everybody even if she was supposed to be the one being fussed over. Kenji on the other hand was in charge of the Kitchen, along with Shingo; they were trying to cook something for the family, banning Ikuko from the Kitchen with general little success.
Mamoru offered them his aid, something that was received with relief by both Shingo and Kenji and in no time the three of them were working like a well-oiled machine.
They decided on a traditional Japanese breakfast; Kenji prepared the rice, Shingo got to work on the Soup, and finally, Mamoru worked on the tamagoyaki. Usagi, when she was finally free of her mom, was instructed to prepare the Tea for everybody and to set the table once the tea was ready.
Conversation between family members was rather easy, and there was not a moment in which Mamoru felt out of place or anything. In fact both Kenji and Ikuko made an extra effort to include him in every conversation and to ask for his opinion on everything that was discussed.
As if he had always been part of the family. As if it was not just now that he joined them and their family dynamics.
It was oddly comforting.
By midday, when they were saying their goodbyes, Mamoru decided to return the favour, by finally heeding Ikuko's request to call her Mother.
Wrapping her in a rare hug, he whispered "Thank you, Mother" in her ear. The tightening of her grip around him was the only indication that he managed to surprise her.
The gentle smile she gave him afterwards was the only answer he actually needed to know she understood and was glad to fill the role for him.
That night, Usagi found her husband lounging on the balcony, watching the city lights and enjoying a bit of fresh air before going to sleep.
In his hand there was an old photograph of his parents, one of the only proofs that they were real and not a figment of his imagination.
Usagi joined him and pressed herself to his back in a silent offer of support in what she knew was moment of reminiscence.
They stayed like that for several minutes, before Mamoru broke the silence.
"It's kind of strange that I can remember everything that happened on our past lives, but I am unable to recall a single memory of my parents in this life."
He turned around, prompting Usagi to let him go, before he closed his eyes as he leaned back on the railing. "It is kind of sad that the only thing that I can recall of my own mother is a sense of security so brief that I sometimes wondered if it was real or if it was just something my mind created to make me feel better when I felt lonely"
"I just hope that my mother loved me even a small fraction of what Ikuko loves you, Usa-ko"
Usagi hummed noncommittally, before slipping her hand in his and bringing it to her lips for a brief kiss. "But don't you know Mamo-chan, you are now part of this family too, so my Mama is your Mama now too!"
With their hands still joined, Usagi started to go back inside the apartment. Monday would be a really long day and they needed to rest.
The "Thank you, I love you, Usa-ko" that slipped from Mamoru's lips seconds before sleep claimed them, was all Usagi needed to know everything will be O.K.
Happy Mother's day!