MoonDragon: Hey, Sorry this update has been so late. I've got as least a billion excuses to toss over to you, but I'll just give you the starred ones. One: I got pretty sick the Sunday that updates usually come in. So the last thing I wanted to do was work on anything. Yeah, I selfishly took a week off, so sue me. Then I had writers block, so that just made everything worse, ha ha. I actually was going to get this up on Monday, but my internal clock was out of whack since I thought that today was Monday, but it's Tuesday. And my last excuse I'll reveal to you, I started playing Final Fantasy 10. Good game, but Tidus reminds me of a preppy jock. Oh well, at least he's hot, and the story line is interesting enough so I'm still playing. Next update will either be on Sunday or Monday, so watch out for it! Review or I might forget to write... ha ha.

Unspoken Memories

Chapter 14

"Wow, this is sooo good! I can't believe it! I could eat this forever…" Usagi's speech drifted off taking in another bite of the sundae Haruka bought for her. Across from the golden haired girl she sipped her soda watching her expressions change from delight to enjoyment. She mused to herself that it was sort of like watching a little girl at an amusement park. It was a charming quality, but Haruka wasn't going to let that reel her in. For all she knew she was faking everything. This 'innocence' and 'happiness' could just be a disguise she put on so others would like her. It did nothing but repulse the Nokemono member.

The cat that had accompanied them in the beginning had somehow disappeared along the way leading the older girl to believe it was just a stray that the teen had picked up to comfort herself. 'This Moon Brat is confusing. A few moments ago she was crying nonstop, but as soon as I stepped into the picture she acts like nothing's wrong. It's so obvious that something's still upsetting her, she keeps looking at the ground and frowning, so why isn't she saying anything?'

Haruka sighed running her finger tips through her hair getting the bangs out of her eyes. She had literally stepped up to the Moon Princess at the perfect moment. Not only was she alone, the kid was depressed as well. That was the opportune moment to make a new 'friend' because people like that always clung to others in times of sorrow. Having the girl pretending to be happy was a set back in her plans, but she could work around that.

"Do you want to talk about what made you cry?" she asked. Usagi looked up taken aback by the question not expecting it. She blinked a few times before giggling.

"I told you it was just allergies! All of the… pollen in the air just got to me." A sullen look overcast her eyes, but she was quick to hide it as she placed more of the sweet treat in her mouth. "So, this friend of yours, is she good? Is she playing solo or playing with a group?" It was difficult to know what exactly it was that she was feeling since she kept changing the subject. She put off the aura of a happy person, but that excuse about the pollen was just downright lying. Haruka decided that if anything was wrong then the Moon Brat would speak up, so she didn't question her further. Besides, it wasn't her job to play therapist.

"She's on the spotlight, but there's an orchestra backing her up."

"Oh, that's cool. What does she play?"

"Violin." Usagi's expression lightened up as she took in an excited gasp.

"Really?! That's amazing; I could never play one of those! I tried to… but it didn't end up that well." She stuck her tongue out saying without words that it was a disaster. Haruka found herself smiling without even having to force it there and mentally berated herself. No, she couldn't begin to like this person; her duty was to destroy her. 'Just keep noticing her bad points. She's a liar, a crybaby, and completely immature. There's not one good quality about her. She's the reason your planet suffered.' With that last thought the grin on her face had to now be faked.

"Michiru has been performing for a long time, you'll be shocked when you see her," Haruka said draining her drink of its last droplets. Noticing that Usagi was at the bottom of her sundae she decided that they should be heading off soon. The musical show would begin in a little bit.

"So… this girl… do you liiike her?" she inquired moving close enough to nudge Haruka in the arm with her elbow. Usagi's eyebrows slanted up as a toothy grin was set in her features. Haruka's cheeks tinted a bit from embarrassment before sharing a secret smile of her own with herself. 'Hmm, Moon Brat thinks I'm a male. I love it when this happens; it's so fun to mess with people like this.'

"Are you jealous?" she questioned moving it, taking a lock of her hair and messing with it. "I'm not with anyone right now, just so you know." She took satisfaction with the surprised expression that Usagi made as she backed away basically falling out of her chair.

"What are you- no! Sorry, but this girl's heart is already taken, too bad for you!" she exclaimed sticking her tongue out. The older girl smirked as the golden haired teen's face heated up thinking she was being hit on. She looked adorable. A few thoughts went into wondering who it could be that had her heart. Haruka didn't dwell on the matter though because to her it was insignificant.

"That's too bad, I might've taken a shot at you if you were available," she mock confessed. A picture of them together planted itself in her mind and she had to force back a gag. Even if her life was on the line she would never willingly spend time with this despicable girl. "Anyways, let's go, it's going to start soon."

ooOoo

Wind blew through her tresses like it was coming out of a hairdryer as Usagi sat in the passenger seat of Haruka's red convertible. The breeze felt comforting and passing by others at such speeds was enjoyable. She made a bigger deal of ridding in one than a normal person would; singing loudly along with the radio, putting her hands in the air, and laughing nonstop. Occasionally she would have to place a hand on her bags just to be safe that they wouldn't somehow fly away with the wind, but besides that she had a blast. Acting silly like that lifted her mood enough so she wouldn't even have to fake happiness anymore.

"I love your car, Haruka-kun!" she shouted so he could hear her. He looked to the side and gave a half-smile. The man stayed silent though since the only way they could communicate would be through yelling, so the rest of the way to the park was filled with tunes from the radio.

It didn't take long to get to their destination, and when they got close enough to the entrance he pulled over to the curb where the vehicle wouldn't be in anyone's way. Slamming the door shut after Usagi climbed out she laughed taking the bags along with her. She didn't expect to be getting in a second time and didn't want to leave them behind.

"Wow, I love convertibles!" she exclaimed trying to absently fix her hair which was tossed askew from the trip. Haruka couldn't seem to help but chuckle himself, but when he did he seemed to catch himself and he stopped instantly. Noticing the slight awkwardness that seemed to cover them like a thick blanket they started to walk towards the park to where Michiru's performance was going to be held; a small stadium with many chairs for onlookers to sit down in. While they strolled, Haruka seemed to force a smile on his face and Usagi could tell that in wasn't true. She had to make fake ones a lot these days so identifying one was simple.

"You should be in a car going up to 100 mph; it's even more incredible," he said, and Usagi was still in a bit of wonder that his voice held a feminine quality to it. Not that it was bad, but men as handsome as he was usually had much deeper voices. Then she pondered over something else.

"You've been in a car going that fast? What for, did you rob a bank and had to get away at top speed?" Usagi used her hands and acted as though a steering wheel was in them and began turning it like the cops were at her heels giving the illusion she was thinking about.

"I'm pretty sure I'd be in jail if I did that," he replied lightly rolling his eyes. "I'm a racecar driver when I'm not at school." The last sentence came out with pride and he seemed to walk a bit straighter with a more firm posture. Usagi smiled widely.

"That must be a lot of fun. What made you decide to do that? It's pretty dangerous."

"I like speed. It's as simple as that. When you're in a car it's like nothing can stop you. You can just keep driving for hours and hours for so long until it seems like time is just an illusion. I don't think there's anything in the world better than having the wind rush up against your face as you slam down on the pedal…" As he spoke his eyes took on a glint of excitement even though his tone was calm and collected. Just talking about it got Haruka energized as he started going into details about how glorious it was.

Usagi smiled peacefully when what seemed like the first real, true smile appeared on his lips. It wasn't forced or half brought up but an all out full-fledge grin. It was then that she realized that being a racecar driver must've been a dream of his for a long time and it brought her sudden warmth in the heart that he could live it out. 'At least there are others out there who can live their dreams… even if I'm not one of those people right now.'

Haruka then blushed, only noticeable if you were paying attention, and coughed into his fist as if he revealed too much. The man seemed embarrassed to start talking so deeply about something he loved. Maybe it wasn't that, maybe he just was embarrassed to go into it with Usagi, a stranger. She didn't know, but it was funny watching him act like this. The golden haired girl couldn't help but giggle.

"I'm glad there's something out there that you enjoy so much," she replied honestly, but she could identify the sad note in her voice. Mentally berating herself she commanded in her mind to not feel that way. 'Don't get jealous, Usagi. Haruka-kun has as much of a right as anybody else to be able to do what he wants in life and be happy. Don't be jealous.' "Things like that are really… very… special…"

Usagi's speech drifted off and she stopped in her steps. Her voice mimicked an echo, without repeating the same word, and got softer after each pause disappearing into the sky. Haruka trekked on a bit further before discovering that the golden haired teen was no longer following him. Retracing his footsteps he approached her and inquired what the matter was, but Usagi didn't answer him. Instead she gazed off into the distance, squinting, trying to identify something.

Right now they were near the lake that was placed in the park; where Usagi often sat and what used to be the meeting place for her and her old friends. Sitting on the bench was what appeared to be a little girl with light pink hair. Something was preoccupying the girl as she looked slightly hunched over and her right shoulder kept moving as if she were working on something.

'No way, I can't believe it. That's Sailor Chibi Moon! Darn it, I might not get another chance to corner her like this if I skip and go with Haruka-kun to see the performance. I really wanted to see it, too… but this is much more important. I need answers from that little girl, and I can't have her jumping into battle like she did last time. Even if she is powerful, this is my fight. I don't want anyone else involved. At the very least if she won't tell me anything I can get her to not interfere.'

"Um, Haruka-kun?" she hesitated still looking towards the bench. "Could you go without me? There's something I really have to do." He seemed baffled not quite understanding what changed her mind so suddenly.

"What? Are you sure? Michiru is going to be spectacular. She always is. You're going to regret missing it." He tried to convince her to reconsider, but Usagi desperately needed to get to that child. After a few moments of assuring Haruka that she really couldn't go, he gave in. "OK then, I suppose I'll see you around sometime."

"Yes! Of course!" she exclaimed excitedly. She hadn't really had any friends since the incident two years ago, so having Haruka here was important to her. It was a friendship starting to form. "Be sure to tell me about it next time we meet up; I want to meet Michiru-san as well!" He waved her off and went right back to walking to where the performance was going to be held giving her no mind anymore. It was then that it hit her that she didn't give Haruka a phone number to reach her by and prayed they would just randomly meet up on the streets.

Now to the task currently at hand which was sitting pleasantly on a wooden bench. Sailor Chibi Moon had to be reasoned with. You can't just run into the middle of a battle for someone her age. It was beyond dangerous and Usagi wasn't quite sure the child understood that her life could be lost at any moment. The Moon Princess was sure that as soon as this information reached the pink haired warrior she would give up her days of fighting which have barely begun.

Several yards away Usagi pondered on how to approach her tapping her fingers on the handle of her shopping bags. She was still positive that Chibi Moon had no idea who her real identity was, so she'd have to approach as Sailor Moon. That way the child would take her seriously, unlike if a strange teenager came up and suddenly announced she knew who she was and wanted her to cut it out. There weren't many people around the area either; they must've all been going to the violin performance. So transforming into the heroine wouldn't grab outside attention.

Ducking behind some bushes Usagi prepared herself to meet the little girl. After the ribbons had encased her yet again she came out looking in all directions just to make sure no one else was looking. Her things lay unnoticeable behind some shrubs. There were children pretty far off tossing a football, but from this distance she would just look like another civilian. Now that she was in costume, she snuck up behind the pink haired girl trying not to startle her.

Usagi gazed over the kid's shoulder unnoticed. She was too busy working on whatever it was she had in her hands. On closer inspection the senshi discovered that she was drawing on plain white paper with a pink pencil gliding over the parchment. Chibi Moon must've been in the fifth grade, so that would make her about 11 years old. Her skills were above average for someone her age as she continued her work still paying no attention to Sailor Moon.

Her sketches weren't spectacular, Usagi could do so much better on an expert level, but they were pretty good. The designs were simple enough for someone her age, but the lines were straight and her coloring never made it passed the line boundaries. Usagi figured that when she got a bit older the kid would be a wonderful artist. Sailor Chibi Moon was drawing a plethora of animals circling the ones that either she liked the most or for some other reason. Usagi didn't know, but a smile broke onto her lips as she circled in thick, big ovals the rabbit. Softly, Sailor Moon breaks the silence.

"Hey." The kid turned her neck to see who called her and gasped as Sailor Moon stood behind her. The opposite of her expectations, she didn't try to scurry away. Instead she smiled and greeted her back. Then fear ran across her face in some self discovery.

"On no, are you here because there's another youma attack?! No, that can't be right, I would've known, my detector would've gone off!" she pulled out of her pocket a small key chain with a black cat's head at the end of the small metal cuffs. She hit it apparently trying to get the item to work, saying the eyes should light up, but it did nothing. "Is it broken? Hmm, I'm going to have to get Plu to fix it…" she said disappointedly. Usagi raised an eyebrow wondering who 'Plu' could be, but that wasn't her main concern at the moment. Venturing to the other side of the bench she took a seat next to Sailor Chibi Moon who at the moment looked like any other 11 year old.

"There's no attack," she assured her, and sure enough it calmed her down right away. Then cocking her head she asked a question.

"Then what are you doing here? How'd you even find me?"

"I'm Sailor Moon, I can do anything!" she announced leaving out the part that the truth told was actually just chance. Then she smirked victoriously. "Thought you got away, didn't you? Well, ha! You didn't! Now you're going to answer all of my questions and listen to my request."

"OK, first question?" she said leaning back in her seat putting her parchment and pencil down near her colored pencils. Usagi's smirk disappeared. She didn't think it would be this easy.

"So, you're just going to tell me everything? That's not… what I expected…" For some reason she was disappointed. She was looking forward to the challenge of making her talk.

"Of course I'm not telling you everything," she replied pulling off a smile, but Usagi could identify it as a smirk. "If I said too much I'd probably get in trouble. I'll answer the simple stuff though."

"Fine," she pouted crossing her arms. She felt slightly uncomfortable in her senshi form when there was no youma around to eliminate, but she'd have to deal with it. "Anyways, for starters, what's your name?"

"Tsukino Usagi," she replied right away. Usagi fell back in her seat just a little bit. 'Is this some kind of joke?! That can't be her real name, because it's my name! Hmph, yeah, she was telling the truth when she said she'd answer my questions,' she thought sarcastically. Then she gasped. 'Or did she say that because she knows who I am?!'

"Nice try, tell me your real name, squirt." 'Usagi' pouted crossing her arms as well not liking the idea that Sailor Moon thought she was lying.

"I'm telling you it's Tsukino Usagi! Just because it's your name as well doesn't mean it's not mine, too!" She covered her mouth with her hands as if she spilt some terrible secret, and basically, she did. The golden haired teen's mouth dropped wondering how on Earth this little kid, who came out of nowhere, came across her name.