Synopsis: Afraid that his dreams of Usagi dying will come true, Mamoru ends the relationship to save her, but his efforts will all be in vain when he finds out the truth; Usagi is slowly, but surely dying.

Author's notes: This was originally posted using my penname Katsumi-Saito. But for some reason, I can't log in using that account so I had to come up with a new account.

After my long hiatus from this story, here is the 3rd chapter. My deepest and sincerest apologies for taking such a long time uploading. Now that my kids are on their summer vacation (I'm a teacher), I now have more time to write. Yay me! I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to all those who gave their comments with the last chapter:

ISana55: Thank you for telling me you like the plot. I know that it's too dramatic :P Maybe she won't die? Hahahaha. We'll see.

Bin82501: Here's the next chapter! I hope you enjoy reading.

devilsangels11287: I am sooooooo sorry for the late update I know 4 months is a long time. I do hope I get to update faster.

LoveInTheBattleField: Here it is!

Usagi-mamo: Thank you for the words of encouragement. Here it is.

Guest: Thank you for making an effort to leave a comment.

James Birdsong: Thank you. I hope this chapter is also good for you ^^

AM: I love to see Mamoru feel guilty! Hahahahaha. Evil me, I know. Hahahaha. Thank you for noticing my error and informing me. I'll try to change it ^^

Guest:

SkylerKnight: Sorry! I hope to upload the coming chapters faster as not to keep you waiting.

Shallow Sleep

by Katsumi-Saito

Chapter 3: Broken Glass

Dark gray clouds continued to hover above the sky while what seemed like silver linings flashed as thunder rumbled in the background. The rain doesn't seem to be showing any sign of letting up, despite the fact that it has been raining continuously for over two hours already. The city drainage couldn't seem to hold up to the downpour as water gushed out from the steel frames of the drainage, making miniature fountains.

People in immaculate white uniform walked here and there in the waiting area; some with clip board containing patient information while others were carrying either medicines or medical equipments.

In a far off corner of the room, a short blond haired young man sat with a towel over his neck. He sat with his elbows resting against his knees with a cup of steaming hot coffee on his hand. He stared blankly at the mocha colored beverage which a nurse offered him, along with the towel to dry him off when he brought Usagi to the Emergency Room.

"Sumimasen (excuse me)" A female voice said, cutting his flashback. He looked up and saw a female nurse standing in front of him with a clip board. He quickly stood up, almost spilling his coffee in the process. "Were you the one who brought Tsukino Usagi-san?" He merely nodded at her question. "Are you anyway related to her?"

He shook his head. "Iie (no). I'm a close friend of hers." He elaborated.

The nurse nodded to show that she heard and understood him. "You might know her medical history because I need someone to answer a few questions regarding this." He nodded. "Please have a seat..."

"Furuhata Motoki" He immediately said when he noticed that the nurse had no knowledge of her name. Motoki offered his hand to the nurse, who in turn gladly took and they both shook hands. He motioned for the nurse to sit as well.

She gently placed the clip board down on the table and took out a pen from her chest pocket and clicked on the top. "Your full name is Furuhata Motoki. Is that correct?" Motoki nodded. "How old is Tsukino-san?"

Motoki took in a deep breath and replied, "14, and her birthday is on June 30" As he answered, the nurse wrote the information down. The questioning continued for at least five minutes, when finally, the nurse informed him that he has answered all the information they needed. Before the nurse could turn around, Motoki asked, "What's wrong with Usagi-chan?"

The nurse let out a sigh and said, "Gomen Nasai (I'm sorry) Furuhata-san, but we are only allowed to disclose the patient's information to his or her relatives." She bowed and walked away.

Motoki sat back on his chair. He couldn't force the nurse to tell him if that was the protocol, but he knew he had to find out what happened to her. He felt deep within him that something was terribly wrong with Usagi, something out of the ordinary.

"Who is the companion of Tsukino Usagi?" A white haired doctor called out. Upon hearing this, Motoki immediately stood up, dropping the towel on the floor. The doctor noticed the young man's actions and approached him with a soft smile on his lips. "Konbanwa (Good Evening). I am Doctor Tomoe. I am Usagi's doctor." He began, stretching out his left hand which Motoki took and shook. "You may see Usagi now." He continued, placing his right hand on the young man's back and motioning him towards the hallway.

Motoki's face brightened upon hearing the doctor's words. He quickly drank the coffee, disposed of the cup and walked frantically to Usagi's room. When he reached the door to her room, he stopped, took a deep breath, turned the knob and opened the door. The sight of Usagi lying on the hospital bed with a dextrose needle stuck in her was for Motoki a painful sight. She looked pail and weak.

"Hey." He called out as he closed the door and approached Usagi's bed. He saw Usagi smile. "How are you?"

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience Toki-chan." Usagi said weakly. Motoki shook his head furiously. "Easy with the head shaking or your head will bounce off." She said jokingly with a chuckle. "I'm fine Toki-chan. No need to worry too much."

Motoki's eyed narrowed at her last statement. "No need to worry?" He started. "Usagi-chan, why will I not worry? I saw you out there in the middle of the rain, unconscious and burning with a high fever. How will I not be worried?" Motoki calmed himself down when he noticed Usagi cringe at his voice. "Sorry." He took a seat beside her bed. "What were you doing out in the rain?"

Usagi looked out the window and saw the rain pour like there was no tomorrow. Nature seemed to reflect her emotions; her broken heartedness. Motoki saw that Usagi's eyes began to water; he also saw how hard she tried to keep them from falling. "I was just taking a walk." She lied.

He let out a smirk. He knew she was lying. Usagi was never good at lying, especially to him. He knew her all too well. "And I was just creating a time bomb in the Arcade. Come on Usagi-chan, tell me. What's bothering you?"

Just before Usagi could answer, the door opened, revealing the Doctor Tomoe. "May I please have a word with you Furuhata-san?" He heard Motoki reply with a yes as he stood up and returned the chair to its original place. When Motoki was outside in the hallway, Doctor Tomoe made sure he heard the clicking sound of the door before he spoke. "I am sure that Tsukino-san is a dear friend of yours Furuhata-san." He pushed his glasses up with his right pointing finger then placed his left hand in his coat pocket. "I am certain that Tsukino-san has not disclosed her condition to you yet."

~Condition? What condition? ~ Motoki wondered, puzzled.

Doctor Tomoe nodded softly, Motoki, by his actions, confirming that Doctor Tomoe was right. "We need to speak in my office"

Meanwhile, a short jet black haired young lad was reading a book with a serious expression on his face in his apartment. He read the same line over and over again for the 20th time, yet he seemed unaware of that fact as his mind wondered off. Sighing, he took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He knew all too well that he couldn't concentrate no matter how hard he tried. He looked to his right, and saw a picture of him and a beautiful long blond haired young lady. He tore his away quickly from the image.

He buried his face in his palms. The image of a calm and collected Usagi surfaced. He jolted. A sweat ran on the side of his face.

When he broke up with her, he expected her to wail and cry like a child, but she didn't. She appeared calm and collected, but deeply hurt. He knew, because he felt her emotions. Suddenly, he stiffened upon smelling a familiar scent lingering in the air. He closed his eyes and inhaled the intoxicating aroma. He knew all to well what it was.

~Serenity...~ His mind called out. Yes, it was Usagi's favorite perfume which she only wore when she went out with him; she wore it back when she was called Princess Serenity of the Moon. He opened his eyes and scanned his room. He had no recollection of Usagi ever leaving her perfume in his apartment, and suddenly, he remembered an old saying.

A chilling feeling enveloped his whole body. His heart began to beat faster as sweat poured from the side of his face. An image flashed before his eyes. He saw Usagi in the park, crying out brokenly. She sat on the grass while her arm rested on the bench...their bench. She buried her face while continuing to sob. Mamoru wanted to reach out and comfort her, but he couldn't. He was stuck. Usagi lifted her face and wiped away her tears. She took a brown envelope and removed the contents. Mamoru could not see what they were, but he saw her smile slyly.

"What if you found out Mamo-chan? What if you knew...will you come back to me?" He heard her say. Now, he was more curious that ever. She shook her head. "No." She shoved the contents back in the envelope. "I don't want you to be with me because you pity me. That is not love." Then, suddenly, Usagi felt a sharp pain in her chest. She quickly placed her hand on top of her chest and pounded hard. She was gasping for breath, her eyes mirrored fear.

"Usako!" Mamoru called out, but she did not hear him. He lunged himself at her, in an attempt to hold her in his arms, but he passed through her like a ghost. Horror filled his eyes as he fell on the floor. He looked back at Usagi and saw her lying on the grass soaking wet. "Usako!"

"Masaka (It can't be)." Motoki whispered. Shock was written all over his face as he sat across the white haired doctor with deep violet eyes. "How…how much time…does she have left?" He asked, quivering.

Doctor Tomoe clasped his hands together as his forehead rested on top. He looked up at Motoki, looking sorrowful as he took a deep breath. "Not much." Motoki's hands fell on his side upon hearing the doctor's response. He needed to tell Mamoru of Usagi's condition fast, but he didn't know how to start. He didn't know how Mamoru was going to react. As if reading his thoughts, Doctor Tomoe said, "I don't think that would be a good idea Furuhata-san."

FINALLY! CHAPTER 4! *Peeks from behind a tree* I'm so sorry for the really, REALLY late update. *Puts a shield in front of her*I know that this is way overdue... Oh, thank you for those who prayed for me during my LET Exam (Licensure Examination for Teachers) last year, March…good news….I PASSED! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all those who prayed 3

ヽ(^ェ^*)ノ .。.:*・゜ HAPPY NEW YEAR ゜・*:.。. ヽ(*^ェ^)ノ