A/N: I have no excuse for how late this is, other than I started another story that has preoccupied my thoughts. Anyway, I've decided, this story is almost over, 2 more chapters and maybe an epilogue. I can tell ya'll are excited. i won't even think about uploading the other story until this one is over so don't worry... or don't get excited. And I have the plan for how this is all going to go down, and it starts with the next chapter. I'm gonna try to get it out fast, it's planned, but not written, and my classes are like hell this semester. Anyway, to the chapter ^_^

Chapter 6- Realizations

A scream ripped through Tokyo as the moon princess bolted upright in bed, her eyes wide. Her new lover started as well, but retained enough sense to embrace the crying princess to her, whispering calming words in her ear. Michiru was just as upset as the girl crying in her arms; seeing the same girl, her love, her heart, kill herself in order to be with her left her disturbed, but somewhere deep down, it also made her a little happy.

Sniffling, Usagi pulled back from her wife, and looked up into her eyes, cupping her cheek. "It was you," she whispered, "It has always been you. I remember that now, I remember everything."

"I remember as well my love, my Selia," Michiru murmured, bringing their lips together for a tender kiss. "What were you thinking," she asked as soon as they separated, "killing yourself because of me?"

Usagi's eyes welled up with tears, "I- I couldn't stand the thought of living without you, I didn't want that. I wanted to join you in a new life, and didn't want to live in a world without you in it. Assana, I love you. I can't live without you, you hold my heart, and when died, you took my heart with you."

"Oh Usagi," Michiru cried, pulling the girl back to her, kissing her princess all over her face. "I can promise you, I will never leave you alone again. Nothing will ever separate us, not even death." Michiru pushed her lover down on the bed, and held her princesses body beneath her. The princess let out a squeal, followed by a moan as Michiru's naked body touched hers again. The Neptunian had a wicked glint in her eyes as her fingers began to dance beneath Usagi's waist, watching as Usagi's breath caught in her throat and her eyes darkened with desire. "I will show you exactly how much of you I hold in my heart, and that I will never let you go." Michiru proceeded to do exactly that.

The Neptunian continued to have her wicked ways with her wife, and brought her to heights unimaginable. Long strands of cascading silver clung to Usagi's back, neck and face, damp with sweat. Michiru thought she never looked more beautiful than in that moment when the moon princess was trying to regain her breath. Exhausted from the lovemaking, and the previous emotional outpour, Usagi snuggled against her sweaty wife slowly drifting off to sleep. Michiru held her princess close to her heart, tenderly brushing strays hairs off her face, and bent down to whisper in her ear, "You said that I hold your heart, well you are my heart, my dear Selia. You are my soul, the very breath I take, the life in my body. You are everything to me, and I will never part with you."

Michiru awoke with a start, and a little disoriented as to why she woke. She looked to her side and found a very naked, very beautiful moon princess snuggled into her. She smiled tenderly, before realizing that the telephone ringing on her nightstand next to her bed was what woke her from her sleep. Not wanting her wife to be woken up, Michiru grabbed the phone and answered it quietly.

"Michiru-san," a quiet murmur came from the other end of the phone.

"Minako-chan?" Michiru answered in a whisper, "What is it, what's wrong?"

The other end of the phone was quiet for a moment before Minako's voice was heard again, "I-is Usagi there?" Michiru remained silent, gazing at the sleeping princess; she heard Minako sigh on the other side of the line. "I thought so, don't worry Michiru-san, I have no objections. I just wish to talk to Usagi for a bit. If you would, could you please ask her if she will meet me for lunch."

Michiru smiled, "Of course Minako-chan, the Crown then?"

"No, there's too big a chance that the others will see us," Minako replied. She gave Michiru the name of a small American style diner and hung up. Michiru put the phone back on its holder, and continued to stare at her beloved. Running her fingers through silky strands of silver hair, Michiru kissed her lover on the lips, feeling her awaken. Michiru watched as light blue eyes opened and focused on her face.

A brilliant smile etched itself on the face of the moon princess, "Good morning Michiru."

An answering smile appeared on Michiru's face at hearing her beloved's voice in the morning, "It is a very good morning, love." They stared into each other's eyes for a long time before Michiru spoke again, "Minako-chan called, she wants you to meet her for lunch."

Usagi's eyes widened, before they mellowed and she nodded. "She was the only one back then who knew and approved of our relationship. She is my best friend, it'll be fine."

Michiru nodded in understanding and told her wife where Minako wanted to meet her. They proceeded to get up and get ready to greet a new day, together. Smiling and laughing, they made breakfast together, making a complete mess in the kitchen when they decided to have a "tongue battle" in the midst of eating breakfast. After cleaning up the kitchen, Michiru and Usagi spent some quality time together, getting to know each other better than before. Their likes, dislikes, hobbies, things that make them happy, things that make them sad, nothing was left unsaid between them. When it was time for Usagi to leave to meet Minako, it was safe to say that the two princesses had fallen harder in love with each other, and there were no secrets left between them.

Usagi dressed in a dark blue tank top and dark jeans. There was a sliver of skin peeking out from between the two, reveling a little of her firm stomach. The dark colors contrasted wonderfully with her new hair, and Michiru thought she looked absolutely stunning. The moon princess grabbed her purse and some sunglasses, and was about to head out when two arms encircled her waist. Hot breath hit her ear, and a voice whispered, "You are not going out of the house like that are you?"
The princess turned her head slightly and grinned mischievously, "I was planning on it; it's really hot outside this time of year."

"And who's to say I'm going to let you leave, looking as beautiful and sexy as you are," Michiru murmured closing the gap between their lips. To say that the kiss was hot and passionate would be an understatement.

When air was needed, the two broke away. "I need to go meet Minako-chan," Usagi gasped trying to regain her breath.

"You have time," Michiru whined, diving in for a repeat of the first kiss. Usagi moved her head slightly, and her lips landed on the other girl's cheek instead. Michiru decided to make use of this and moved her lips down to her princess' neck, sucking and nipping at her pulse point.

Usagi gasped, and pushed the Neptunian away. "Now, now, you naughty girl," she murmured, "we can have fun, when I get back." Michiru smirked, Usagi wondered that was for, and then realized, "You left a mark didn't you."

"Maybe," Michiru teased, nipping and the girl's neck again.

"You," Usagi laughed, pushing her away, and running out the door, "I'll be back later." The door shut to Michiru's laughter. Shaking her head at her wife's antics, Usagi hurried to meet Minako at the diner. When she arrived, she saw Minako waiting for her, so she walked up to the blond, "Minako-chan."

The blond turned her head and blinked, "Usagi-chan? Wow, I would not have recognized you if you hadn't walked up to me."

Usagi smiled at the girl, and sat down across from her, "What did you need Minako-chan, Michiru said you sounded… different on the phone this morning?"

"Ah, well," Minako looked away for a second, "I had a dream last night, a memory from my past. I dreamed about you and Michiru, that you were soul mates, and that I was one of the only people who knew and supported you. Your mother she… she knew that you and Michiru had something, but she was determined to marry you to Mamoru, er Endymion. My mother didn't even support you, she should have been able to see that you two belong together." Minako had tears in her eyes, Usagi could see that, and felt her own tears in her eyes.

"Is that what you wanted to tell me Minako?" Usagi asked, grasping the other girl's hand.

Minako sniffed, "Part of it. I just wanted to tell you in person that I support you two entirely. I don't know how everyone else will take it, but I will stand by you. Mamoru's a jerk and never has deserved you, little pansy flower boy." Usagi laughed a little at this, and Minako smiled at her with a little twinkle in her eye. "So," she started, "What has developed between you and Michiru-san? Since you spent the night at her place you must have done it already."

The moon princess' face turned a tomato red color, and Minako squealed, attracting the room's attention. When the occupants of the diner turned back to their own affairs and the waitress came and took the two girl's orders, Minako turned back to Usagi, "So what all happened?"

Usagi told her friend everything that happened yesterday, from Mamoru to Queen Serenity, leaving out the intimate details of her and Michiru. Some things should remain private. "So what are you going to do?" Minako asked after Usagi had finished her explanation.

"Honestly, I don't know," Usagi replied, staring at the ice cubes in her glass. The waitress brought over their food, and the moon princess took a huge bite of her burger, courage is found everywhere. "I should tell my parents, but as for everyone else, I think I'll wait for a bit. I'm afraid that everyone will be disappointed in me."

Minako took her hand, "I don't know what everyone will say, but I'll be there for you. I'll never fight against you, my princess, my best friend. And besides, if someone does decide to act up, we can just kick their ass."

That did it, Minako and Usagi fell into fits of laughter, and the tense and serious mood died. The two continued to eat their lunch while talking about various subjects; the topic of how the others would react to the news of Usagi's new relationship with Michiru was never brought up again.

After Usagi left to go meet Minako, Michiru pouted a bit at the absence of her new lover. How could she become such a big part of my heart and soul in such a short amount of time? This thought ran through the Neptunian's head repeatedly as she straightened the apartment, and put Usagi's new clothes in the closet. However, she realized that the moon princess has been worming her way into her heart since they met, and her presence has been growing ever since.

Michiru smiled like lovesick fool thinking about her beautiful bunny. She was broken out of her thoughts by a knock on the door. Looking at the door and then down at the pajamas she was wearing, Michiru remained seated on the couch where her thoughts had taken her, hoping that whoever it was would go away. When the knocking persisted, the sea senshi sighed, and rose to answer the door.

"Yes, who is it?" She asked opening the door to reveal the soldiers of Pluto and Uranus. "What do you want?" She asked, gritting her teeth.

"We need to talk," Setsuna replied, forcing her way into the apartment. Haruka followed, looking apologetically at Michiru, before seating herself next to her new lover on the couch.

The sea senshi sighed, and sat in the chair facing the pair on the couch. "What do you wish to discuss?" Michiru asked, annoyed, hoping that the two would be gone before Usagi came back.

"Look Michiru," Setsuna started, "What Haruka and I have done to you is unforgivable but you two need to be together! The future dictates it. Chibi-Usa told us that you two were together in the future, so that means that you have to work this out. I will be sad to lose Haruka of course, but this has to be done to preserve the future."

Michiru was quiet during Setsuna's speech. When the time guardian was done, she turned to Haruka and asked, "And you agree with this?"

Haruka nodded, "We need to think of the future, and I am willing to work this out for the greater good."

The Neptunian sat back and thought for a while. How could I have loved this person? Willing to sacrifice personal happiness for the sake of what's to come? And Setsuna too! They're both so blind to what is going on, and how bad they hurt me to think that this little "intervention" was going to work! "Well Michiru," Setsuna's voice broke the sea senshi out of her own thoughts, and back into reality.

Michiru shook her head and simply replied, "No."

"How could you be so selfish?" Haruka raged, standing up.

"Me! Selfish! What about you? How dare you two come in here, telling me that we have to stay together for a future that you don't know is coming after you have been cheating on me for half a year!" Michiru screamed. "The future changes Setsuna, and you have no say as to what it becomes, get over it."

Setsuna was about to reply when they heard the sound of the door opening and someone calling "Michiru I'm home."

They all turned to see a gorgeous silver haired young woman (goddess) who was looking back at them with shock. "Why" she started before Haruka cut her off.

"Who are you?" Haruka demanded. Usagi and Michiru raised an eyebrow at this, realizing that the other two in the room couldn't recognize her. The moon princess decided to use this to her advantage.

"Serena," she replied, looking Haruka full in the eye.

"Why are you here?" Haruka continued, advancing on the girl.

Michiru saw this and moved to place herself in front of her love. "She lives here, with me," the Neptunian saw rage building up in her former lover's eyes.

"So," she gritted, "You decided to replace me with this whore have you!?" The senshi of wind was going to say more before she was silenced by a slap on the face.

"How dare you?" Michiru was angry now; no one talked about her bunny like that. "You come into my home, insult my new love and my intelligence and you expect me to go along with your wishes. Get out!"

Haruka was about to start raging again but was stopped by a tug on her arm. Looking, she saw that Setsuna was holding onto her wrist and shaking her head. The time guardian turned to look at the Neptunian and whispered, "This isn't over Michiru."

"I think it is," the teal haired girl replied, before opening the door for the other two. They walked out, and she slammed the door behind them, fuming silently. She was pulled out of her outraged thoughts, however, when she felt two soft, warm hands holding and caressing her face. Her own hands came up and covered the two on her face, feeling the warm contours of those slender, graceful fingers. Finally, she opened her eyes to see her love, her Usagi staring at her as if she were the most important person in the world.

"Thank you," Usagi finally spoke, "for defending me." She placed a quick kiss on Michiru's lips before pulling back.

The Neptunian's eyes teared; she wrapped her arms around her princess and pulled her to her, burying her face in the other girl's hair. "I should be thanking you," Michiru murmured, her tears disappearing into a flurry of silver silk, "for loving me, for wanting me."

"Always and forever," Usagi replied, pulling the older girl's face to her own. Their lips were barely touching when she whispered again, "Always and forever I'll love you." They kissed again, just an innocent, tender touching of the lips to reassure and confirm undying, unending love. A few hours later found the lovers cuddling on the couch, enjoying each others' presence. Usagi told Michiru about her conversation with the senshi of Venus, and Michiru informed Usagi about what happened with Haruka and Setsuna before she arrived. "They aren't going to support us when they find out who I really am, they already don't support this," Usagi cried, tears dripping from her eyes.

Michiru rubbed the younger girl's back, "Does that bother you?" The sea senshi wanted to know if their relationship was going to hurt the younger girl, if it did-

"This doesn't bother me," Usagi said, placing her hand on her wife's chest, above her beating heart. "It bothers me that our friends can't see what we do, what Minako does, and what mother has started to see, that our love is one that should be, that should have always been nurtured and protected, and that we should have always been together."

Michiru felt tears come to her eyes, "Oh Usagi, you have no idea how much I've needed you to say that. I know we haven't been together for long, but I feel so connected to you. I realize now that it is because I've always loved you, from the moment I saw you I was in love. Love at first sight you see my dear, but it was so much more than that. I fell in love with your loving gentle hands, always reaching out to comfort and protect. I fell in love with your laughing mouth, so beautiful as it smiles a smile that could light up the world. I fell in love with your strong, stubborn eyes as they looked at me, asking me why I had to be alone, why there had to be a sacrifice. But most of all, I fell in love with your forgiving heart, one that forgives her enemies no matter what they have done, one that saved the soldier of silence, no matter the consequences, and one that has taken a battered old soldier and made her whole again."

The moon princess' response to the heartfelt declaration from her lover was to crush her lips against those of her wife. Michiru's mind went positively blank at feeling her wife's passion and love coursing through every bone, every fiber of her being. Usagi pushed her wife on her back, straddling her hips as much as possible on the couch. Pulling back from her wife's mouth, Michiru gasped, feeling Usagi's hands roam everywhere on her body. "Let's see how much you love my hands," Usagi grinned wickedly.

A while later (however long it takes Usagi to completely ravish her wife), the Neptunian lay panting, staring blankly at the ceiling while her lover lay curled up on top of her, a satisfied smirk gracing her features. "I think," Michiru gulped, trying to catch her breath, "that all of my brain cells have been roasted, because I can't really think anymore."

She fumbled with her words a bit, but hearing the sweet laughter coming from her love, she didn't mind. "Who would have thought that I could render the graceful, intelligent Sailor Neptune into a bumbling love sick puppy," Usagi laughed happily, shifting her body so that she could see eye to eye with her love. They both moaned as naked skin caressed each other, and about lost their minds when their naked breasts came to rest on each other when Usagi finally got into the position she wanted. Opening her eyes, she looked down into the eyes of her love, seeing the love that was surely in her own eyes reflected back at her. "My love, my wife," she murmured, placing kisses all over the other's face.

Michiru's eyes watered at the love and affection her lover was showing her, and the love and desire that was present in those beautiful light blue eyes. "Usagi," Michiru murmured, running her hands through her love's silver hair. The moon princess at settled her head into the crook of Michiru's neck, content to snuggle naked on the couch.

"Hmm," came the lazy reply, though the girl made no move to sit up.

"Why do your eyes get lighter? They're almost light blue now," Michiru asked, still running her hands through her beloved's hair.

Usagi smiled, expecting this question sooner or later, "They get lighter when I'm happy. They've been cobalt blue for so long because I haven't been happy, but now I am utterly and completely happy."

Michiru smiled, a wolfish smile, "Let's see how happy I can make you then." Her princess squealed out in laughter as she picked her up and proceeded to make her happy… all over the apartment.

Hours later found them eating dinner, consisting mainly of fruit (Michiru has neglected to go to the store recently), and snuggling in the bathtub. It was sensual, it was sexual, it was tangible and it was love. The sensation bubbling deep within their hearts would attest to that. Usagi and Michiru were happy, and that was all that matter in that moment. "Michiru," Usagi murmured, sitting comfortably between her wife's legs.

"Hmm," Michiru murmured back, rousing from her state of extremely relaxation.

"Will you go out with me tomorrow, I want you to meet some friends of mine, and I want to inform them of our relationship. I want Minako to come and meet them too," Usagi replied, reaching her arm back around to run her fingers through the older girl's hair.

"Anything you want my love, anything in the world."

The next morning found Michiru and Usagi standing outside of the younger girl's parent's home. Michiru remembered the conversation she had with her bunny the night before, and nowhere did she mention coming and talking to the girl's parents, oh no, that bomb was dropped on her this morning by her lovely wife. Little sneak, Michiru thought, turning to look at the silvered haired girl standing next to her. She would have continued to be angry with her princess, but seeing the tense look on her love's face, her anger was replaced with concern.

"It'll be alright love," Michiru said, lacing their fingers together. Usagi flashed her a small smile, before walking up to the front door and entering the house, her wife not two steps behind her.

"Mom, I'm home," Usagi yelled as she opened the door.

"Is that you Usagi? What did you- Usagi?!" Ikuto finally walked into the hall and saw her daughter, "What-What happened to you, and who is this behind you?"

"Can we sit down with Dad first, I have some things I need to tell you two?" Usagi asked quietly.

Ikuto frowned worriedly at seeing her daughter's expression, "Of course dear, I'll go get him."

After Kenji got over his shock at seeing how much his daughter had changed, they moved to the living room. Kenji and Ikuto sat in the two recliners while Usagi sank into the couch. Michiru sat next to her. "What I have to tell you isn't easy for me to say, but I have lied to you two enough, and it's time for you to know the truth. I hope you don't hate me after," Usagi began.

Ikuto glanced at her husband, before motioning for Usagi to continue. The moon princess sighed, and launched into her story, sparing only the fact of who Michiru was to her now. By the time she finished, Usagi had tears streaming down her face. Michiru desperately wanted to take her beloved in her arms and kiss her tears away, but she knew that it would be inappropriate with her parents there, not knowing of their relationship. Ikuto sat stunned before she rushed to the couch and embraced her crying daughter. "Oh Usagi," she cried, holding her daughter, "I-We didn't know, all this time, you've been sacrificing yourself, your happiness for everyone else. It's time you did something for yourself."

Kenji nodded, "Yes pumpkin, though, if I ever see that Chiba fellow again, I will kill him with my own hands."

Ikuto looked over to Michiru, "And you've been taking care of our daughter through this difficult time?"

Usagi intervened before the Neptunian could say anything, "Yes, that's the other thing I wanted to tell you two." Kenji and Ikuto glanced at Usagi as she took a deep breath, "Through this difficult time, and even since we've met, Michiru has always been there for me, and I see now that she has come to mean the world to me."

"So you're saying that you two are involved?" Ikuto asked, a little confused. Kenji clenched his hands; angry eyes glared at Michiru from across the room.

Michiru noticed this, and chose her next words very carefully, "Mrs. Tsukino, I love your daughter very much, she means everything to me. I found myself in love before I even knew what love was, or to what magnitude love could be, and," Michiru got up and moved in front of Mr. Tsukino, "I would like your permission to date, and to someday marry your daughter. I know that she is too precious a gift to give up, but I promise I will love and protect her for the rest of my days." If there was any doubt in Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino that this young woman in front of them loved their daughter, it was erased with that heartfelt declaration.

"Well," Kenji said clearing his throat, "You're already a step ahead of that Chiba creep, coming to formally ask for my permission, even though you're probably already living together." Usagi and Michiru had the courtesy to blush.

"I agree with your father dear," Ikuto said, smiling at your daughter, "As long as you're happy, it is okay with me."

Usagi smiled, hugging both her father and mother, before tackling her love in fierce embrace. "I love you," she murmured into teal hair. The two departed shortly after, leaving her parents with hopes of wedding plans, and finally seeing their daughter happy.

"Okay," Michiru said, once they were back in her car, "now, are we going to meet these people that you wanted to introduce me too." Usagi smiled, and directed them to a small French style café, outside of which stood Minako.

"Usagi-chan, Michiru-san!" The blonde girl waved happily as the two persons exited the car. She ran over and embraced the two girls. "So, Michiru, I hear you are quite the animal in the sack," Minako said, winking at the older girl.

"Oh, I would say that Usagi is much more animalistic than I am," Michiru replied with a wink, "I don't think I am as flexible as she is."

"Michiru," Usagi yelled, blushing straight to the ends of her silver hair, "can we just go in now please."

"Of course my love," Michiru smirked opening the door, "After you."

The moon princess shook her head at her wife's antics, and walked in, followed by Minako and Michiru. They watched as the silvered haired girl looked around, before running and embracing two women. "Bee, Nellie!" The girl cried out happily. One of the women had long dark blue hair, and the other long fiery read hair.

"Isn't that…" Minako started, looking at the two women. As the three women drew out of their embrace, the soldier of Venus saw their faces, "Queen Beryl and Nehellenia…" The two soldiers stood in shock as their princess waved them over to the two people.

"Minako, I sure you remember them," Usagi said before turning to Michiru, "but I would like to introduce you, Michiru, to Beryl and Nehellenia." Michiru and Minako both looked at her before another delighted scream erupted. Usagi turned and looked towards the squeal, giving off one of her own, "Prizma, Catzy, Avery, Bertie!" Another group came up behind them, consisting of about 8 people.

"This is like a bad horror movie," Minako murmured, listing off all the people. "The four sisters, Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Rubeus, Kunzite, Zoicite, Jadeite, Nephrite, almost all of our enemies from the past… Why, How are they here?"

"Usagi," Emerald started after the girl had finished embracing everyone, "We have a table in the back that we set aside for this meeting." Usagi nodded, grabbing her two companions, and following the group into a private back room.

"Alright, what is going on?" Minako burst out upon arrival into the private room, "You all are supposed to be dead!"

"Usagi forgave us," Beryl stated, "She gave us a second chance at life."

Nehellenia nodded, "She realized that we were being influenced by evil beings, and gave us a chance to start again, to live a life free of those influences."

"And for us," Kunzite added, pointing to himself and the other three generals, "Usagi realized that the ones that attacked you all were not us, just evil clones."

The teal haired senshi of Neptune yanked the moon princess back towards her, and crushed their lips together. "Have I ever told how much I love your loving and forgiving heart," Michiru murmured once the kiss was broken.

"A few times," Usagi giggled, touching their lips together momentarily. A cough broke them out of what could possibly have led to a heavy make-out session. They turned around to see everyone looking at her with shock evident on their faces.

"What about Endymion?" Diamond asked.

The moon princess' face turned dark, as she began to recount her story for the second time that day, only this time, Michiru's comforting arms were holding her and providing her with the strength she needed to finish her story. By the time she finished, the group was seething with anger.

"I had forgotten how big of a jack ass he was," Beryl reminisced, leaning into Nehellenia, "I loved him so much, and he just tossed me away. Asshole."

"Anyway," Minako said, breaking the somber mood, "So, since you are all good guys now, what have you been up to?"

"I think I can answer that for them," Usagi smiled, laughing, "Diamond and Emerald married, so did Catzy and Rubeus, and Sapphire and Prizma. They and Bertie and Avery own this café. Nehellenia and Beryl are engaged, and they own the small flower shop across the road."

"And what about you four hunky hotties?" Minako asked, winking at Kunzite, who, surprisingly, blushed.

"We're all going to college," Zoicite said, laughing at Kunzite's reaction, "I'm going for a degree in chemistry, Jadeite engineering, Nephrite astronomy, and Kunzite business."

"Oooh, I'm gonna have to let you run my business, sexy," Minako said, walking up to Kunzite, looking him up and down.

Everyone laughed, as the normal stoic general blushed straight to the ends of his white hair. Beryl watched as the silver haired princess laughed, a full true laugh, all the time holding onto the teal haired senshi of Neptune. The former dark queen had never seen the girl look so happy, and she had a feeling it was due to the woman who had a protective and comforting arm wrapped around her waist. "Michiru-san," Beryl said, drawing everyone's attention."

Michiru looked at the former queen, "Yes."

"Thank you, I haven't seen the princess this happy in a long time," Beryl whispered, tears in her eyes.

The sea senshi's eyes widened, turning to look at her love, who also had tears in her eyes. Fighting back the urge to ravish her wife senseless, Michiru leaned down and pressed a tender kiss against the girl's lips. "Always," Michiru murmured, "Always."

"Hey Setsuna, Haruka," Rei greeted the two as they entered the shrine, "come in, come in, Ami-chan and Mako-chan are inside."

"Where is Minako-san and the princess," Setsuna asked as the two outer scouts walked through the door.

Rei shrugged, "Minako-chan called and said that she was going out with a friend of hers for a few days, so that we might not see her very much, and as for Usagi, we haven't really talked with her since she moved in with Mamoru-san. I'm guessing she's with him."

Haruka sighed, "Well at least that's one thing we don't have to worry about."

Rei was puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Setsuna and Haruka shared a look. "We'll fill you in in a minute," Setsuna said. Soon, they were all settled on the floor. The three inners stared expectantly at the two outer scouts.

"Michiru dumped me a kicked me out," Haruka told them.

"What?!" The other three shouted, "Why?"

"Turns out that she has been sleeping with someone behind my back," Haruka replied. Setsuna and her had prepared this story ahead; they weren't going to be blamed for this, oh no, if Michiru wanted to destroy the future, then she was going to take the blame for it.

"Wow," Ami said, "I never thought Michiru would be one to do that."

Makoto nodded, "Yeah, so why are you two here?"

"We need help," Setsuna replied. "The future is changing, I can no longer see what it is to be. We need your help to separate Michiru from that whore she is currently sleeping with. If we don't, the future as we know it is gone." They sat in silence. The inner scouts reflecting on what Setsuna told them, and the two outers sat praying that the others wouldn't see through their lie.

The telephone ringing broke the quiet. "I'll get it," Rei said rising.

"So, where have you been staying if Michiru kicked you out," Ami asked Haruka.

"I've been staying with Setsuna, Hotaru is currently there as well," Haruka replied.

"Girls, I'm afraid we have another problem," Rei stated, re-entering the room, "That was Mamoru-san, apparently Usagi has disappeared."

"What?!" They shouted.

Rei shrugged, "He just said that he hasn't seen her for a while, and that if we saw her first, to tell her that he was looking for her." Rei scrunched her nose, "He sounded different, something in his voice. Anyway, we should meet up with him, find Minako and tell her, deal with the Michiru situation, and then find Usagi."

"Yes," Setsuna nodded, "the future must be preserved, for our princess, for her happiness."