Chapter 9
The sound of metal scraping ceramic filled the silence. Usagi was left only to her thoughts as she gazed down into her half-empty bowl. Mamoru was content to merely observe the woman in front of him, washing as Usagi's spoon automatically made its journey from the bowl to her mouth, little time taken between each trip.
"How is it?" he finally asked, his question causing Usagi to pause in her robotic actions. She looked up at him, a sincere smile covering her face.
"It's so good!" She looking back into her bowl, slightly embarrassed by her next comment. "I missed your cooking."
Mamroru released a soft chortle under his breath. "Well, you don't have to worry about that anymore, Usako. You only need ask and I'll make you whatever you want," he assured her. A thought entered his mind as he pondered the years he had missed in her life. The crucial years of college which meant so much to his own life and he allowed himself to spew forth the questions which filled his mind. He realized how little he knew about the matured woman across the table. What else had changed in her life? He wanted to know every detail of the past years. "How's school?" he began, "What's your major?"
Surprised by the change of subject, Usagi only shrugged before responding. "I'm majoring in Literature. Don't really know what I'll do with it though. But I figured if I liked to read manga so much, maybe I should just keep studying stories. Didn't seem too big of a leap for me."
Mamoru smiled, recalling the many times she had sat patiently with him in this very apartment as he worked, her reading her newest manga, spread out on the couch. "What classes are you taking this year? Are you going to finish next year?" His questioning continued, his spoon now resting next to his bowl.
Usagi looked up and raised an amused brow, asking in return, "What's with all the questions?"
Mamoru's lip quirked to one side and he ran a hand through his hair. "Guess I'm just curious to know what I've missed." His honest answer surprised Usagi.
"You missed a lot more than my schoolwork." Her tone was accusatory and she barely noticed Mamoru's wince.
He let out a deep breath and lowered his voice, "I know that." He paused and considered his next words. "And I also know that I can't fix that, but I at least want to try."
Usagi shook her head slowly. "You weren't there for me, Mamoru."
She jumped as Mamoru's fists connected with the table. "And how could I be when you left me with now explanation?" His rhetorical question was angry and Usagi was surprised as she had rarely heard Mamoru raise his voice to her. Considering this burst of anger, Usagi stuttered as she searched for a response, her own self-righteousness suddenly gone. "You obviously didn't want me to know what was happening to you, you said it yourself! You cut yourself off from me, not the other way around, Usagi."
Seeing her wide eyes, he ran a hand through his dark hair once again, attempting to calm himself so as not to frighten her any more than he already had. As she watched Mamoru struggle with his anger, Usagi considered his words. For the first time she considered that maybe he wasn't completely in the wrong. Her contemplative state was disturbed, however, as Mamoru continued in a much more sedate tone. "Usako," he paused, "We have to forgive each other. We both made a huge mistake. We can't fix what happened, but we have to move on." Mamoru reached across the round wooden table to take her hand, noticing how cold it was before returning his attention to her face. "I told you before, but I'll tell you again: I am willing to do whatever it takes to have you in my life again. I was miserable without you. But we can't be happy unless we forgive each other for what happened."
SIlently, Usagi rose and removed her own bowl, reaching for Mamoru's as well. She moved to the kitchen, Mamoru's eyes following her intently, trying to measure her reaction, as she placed the two empty dishes in the sink. Her back turned to him, Mamoru opened his mouth to break the silence, but Usagi beat him to it.
"I got perfect marks last semester," she announced proudly, "And I should get my grades from this semester next week."
Taken aback by the quick change of subject, Mamoru recovered as he realized what she was doing - letting him back into her life. He smiled sincerely as her words sunk in. "That's wonderful, Usako! I'm so proud of you."
She turned back to the table to join him. "Yeah? I don't know about this semester though. I'm worried about my Russian Literature class."
Mamoru caught her hand in his as she moved toward the living room. "Even if you fail every one of your classes this time, I couldn't be more proud of you."
Smiling, Usagi's tone became light and jovial as she playfully smacked his shoulder. "Don't say things like that! You'll jinx me!"
Mamoru stood to follow her into the living room, the both of them landing on the couch. Mamoru turned to face her, ample sunshine filtering through the large windows, creating an ethereal glow around her as she lay her head against the back of the black leather, closing her eyes. After a few minutes in companionable silence, Usagi spoke. "Don't you have work to do or something?"
Mamoru was taken aback, a look of confusion coming over him. "No, not right now. Why?"
"Because you keep staring at me," she smirked, indicating her teasing, "It's creeping me out."
"Well in that case," he stood as he spoke, "there is something I need to take care of at work."
Suprised, Usagi sat up, attention on Mamoru's strong back as he walked away. "What? I was just kidding!"
"I'll tell you when I'm done," Mamoru replied cryptically and turned back to her as he retreated to his office, smiling reassuringly. "I'll let you know what I'm done." He winked at her and closed the door behind him, leaving Usagi to wonder.
A few hours later, a relieved Mamoru returned from his office, a smile gracing his dark features. Searching for the second occupant in the living room, he was only slightly surprised to find her asleep on the couch, her hands tucked under her cheek as a makeshift pillow, curled up like a child. His smiled softened and continued toward her to move her to the guest room.
Usagi woke up to see Mamoru's face hovering above her, a serene smile on his face. Seeing her large blue eyes open, Mamoru placed a large hand on her soft cheek, nothing the difference in his tanned skin to her own, porcelain shade. "I didn't want to wake you. Go back to sleep, Usako."
Instead of listening to him, however, Usagi sat up slowly and moved to sit with her back against the plush armrest of the couch, pulling her legs up to her chest. "It's OK," she assured him, "I think I've slept enough."
Accepting her response, Mamoru sat down next to her, pulling the tiny woman into his embrace as she tucked her head under his chin. "What can I do for you then?" he asked charmingly, running a hand through her now-shorter blonde locks.
"Just don't move." Her response was so quiet Mamoru had to strain to hear.
"Never," he assured her.
"Never?" Her soft voice repeated, an obvious question underlying the repetition.
Taking her chin, he raised her eyes to meet his own. "Never."
For that, Mamoru was graced with a breathtaking, yet sober smile. "Good."
The months that followed Mamoru's return resulted in a happy routine for Usagi. Now back at home with her parents and younger brother, Usagi pored herself into her studies. While there was much work to be done (both in school and out) she was finally able to find joy again. With her friends' and parents' insistence, Usagi had entered herself in therapy to battle her eating disorder. Mamoru had been patient throughout her recovery, being a shoulder to cry on when she needed it, as well as a strong voice to remind her of happiness.
Mamoru's appearance had given her (as well as the two of them) a second chance. As they were able to move past their own anger and hurt, they realized that they had been given an opportunity that others could only dream of. While their own mistakes had caused them to lose each other, fate had given them a chance to start fresh. Without the responsibilities of the senshi, they were now able to focus on each other, and schoolwork, of course.
Usagi sat at her white vanity, putting the finishing touches on her paper. She shook her head, attempting to rid herself of her thoughts and focus on the task at hand. Needless to say, it had taken some getting used to for Mamoru to realize Usagi's dedication to her studies. In the past, he tried everything in his power to get Usagi to take her work more seriously. With finals beginning in the next week, Usagi thought, she was going to have to stay focused to finish out the semester. Even thinking about Mamoru while doing work wasn't going to cut it.
With a sigh, Usagi went back to her paper, making a promise to herself to call Mamoru when she was finished. That created a renewed fervor as she pored herself into her paper, the clicking of the keys on her keyboard increased. After just a few minutes, however, she was interrupted by the shrill sound of her cell phone ringing. Leaning over her laptop to locate the phone, Usagi smiled as the caller ID reflected the name consuming her thoughts.
Usagi placed a hand on her waist in mock indignation and reached for the phone to answer. "How am I supposed to get any work done if you won't leave me alone," she teased.
There was a pause before a response, indicating the caller's confusion. "This is the first time I've called today," was the defensive answer.
Usagi laughed lightly. "Never mind. I should probably call it a night anyway. This paper is as good as it's going to get."
"How was your day?" was the question that came next.
Usagi shrugged, knowing her couldn't see her. "Classes were OK. We're starting to get ready for finals. I have so much work to do this weekend," she lamented.
"Did you see Dr. Okasa today?" Mamoru asked, knowing that Friday afternoons were reserved for her treatment.
"Yeah, I think it went really well today," she replied sincerely, recalling her discussion with her therapist. The woman was incredibly sensitive to Usagi's situation. While she certainly couldn't reveal every aspect of her life to the woman, she was able to discuss her lack of control in her life and learn how to deal with her emotions without resorting to her eating disorder.
Content with her response, Mamoru knew not to press Usagi on what she and her doctor had discussed. If she wanted to elaborate, she would. "Good. I'm glad, Usako," he replied sincerely. The change in her in the past few months had been obvious. The sparkle that had been missing upon his return has been renewed. The Usagi he knew and loved from before his departure was back and he loved her more now than ever. "Think you could spare some times for me this weekend?"
With a smile, she hummed, mentally checking her non-existing schedule for the weekend. "I guess I may be able to fit you in. It depends though," she teased, "What did you have in mind?"
His deep laugh rang through the phone. "Well you see," he drawled, "I had a talk with the managing partner at my firm this afternoon." At this, Usagi recalled Mamoru's transfer from his position as an associate attorney in the United States to the firm's branch in Tokyo. They were both relieved at his firm's willingness to work with him as he moved back to his native country. Hearing Mamoru continues, she turned her focus back to his story. "And they have decided to sign me on as a partner."
At this announcement, Usagi gasped in surprise and excitement. "Mamo-chan, really? That's incredible!"
Mamoru chuckled at her enthusiasm. "This will finally allow me to set my own hours and work when I want to work."
Usagi recalled the long hours Mamoru's position required. With both of their schedules filled, they often spent whatever time they did have together catching up on work. "That's such a relief, Mamo-chan. Now I won't have to go through your secretary to set up dates," she teased.
Mamoru's tone, however, turned serious. "I can give you the time you deserve now, Usako. No more late nights and weekends. So you better start clearing your schedule."
"And just in time for the summer!"
"So," he continued, "you and I will be having dinner tomorrow night at seven o'clock on the dot. I will pick up up at six-thirty," he stated matter-of-factly.
"Will it be fancy?"
"The fanciest!," he responded with a laugh. "As if I would take you anywhere less."
"Well," Usagi contradicted, "you often take me to the Crown, but I wouldn't quite call that a five-star restaurant."
"Why, Usa! Motoki-san would be insulted."
"I hope that wouldn't come as much of a surprise to him," she joked.
After saying their goodbyes, Usagi closed her laptop and moved to the bed, already in her pajamas, and fell asleep quickly, dreams of her Mamo-chan filling her night.
Mamoru opened to door to the passenger side of his sleek sports car as Usagi climbed in with an appreciative smile. Slinding into the dark leather seat, Usagi adjusted her satin dress, pulling the hem down to cover her knee as Mamoru moved to the driver's side.
As he fastened his own seatbelt, Usagi asked with a slight pout, "When are you going to teach me how to drive?"
Mamoru coughed uncomfortably at the question, tightening his grip on the steering wheel possessively. "When I buy you a car that's not this one," he replied seriously.
Usagi's pout deepened. "Do you not trust me?"
Seeing her downturned lips, he leaned across the console separating them to place a chaste kiss on them. "Of course I do, Usa. I would just rather teach in you in a car that's safer, and less expensive," he added under his breath. In order to fend off and lingering questions on the matter, he quickly turned on the charm. "Have I told you yet how beautiful you look?"
Unimpressed, Usagi turned away from him and replied, "Twice. That one makes three times."
Mamoru smirked at her stubbornness and put the car in reverse, pulling out of Usagi's parents' driveway. He kept his focus on the dark roads in front of him. The couple spent the first few minutes of the trip to the restaurant in silence until Usagi's mood shifted and her pout was replaced by a bright smile. She turned sideways in her seat, surprising Mamoru by the sudden action. He looked in her direction, only to see that the short dress slide back up her thigh from the movement.
"I'm just so happy for you, Mamo-chan! But I feel like I should be taking you out to celebrate, not the other way around."
Mamoru smiled adoringly at the statement, removing his hand from the gear shift to place a kiss on the back of her own. "Don't be silly. I love taking you out. Especially if I get to se you dressed like that," he smirked appreciatively as Usagi attempted, once again, to pull down the dress.
"Do you like it?" she asked shyly. "I had to borrow it from Minako-chan because all of my clothes are too small." Her voice trailed off as she spoke and Mamoru tightened his hold on her hand, realizing her embarrassment.
"You look incredible," he reiterated, returning his focus to the road. "I can hardly concentrate on driving, Usako."
She chuckled lightly, her moment of sadness slowly dissipating. "Minako-chan said I'm starting to look like I used to."
"I disagree," he added quickly and Usagi looked at him in confusion. "I think you've never looked better. You look happy, Usako. Genuinely happy."
Usagi stopped to consider this before finally nodding in agreement. "I am happy," she affirmed, taking his hand and giving it a slight squeeze.
End Chapter 9
Dear readers, how do I begin to apologize for the unreasonable long delay? I cannot atone for this at all, other than to say that life sure has been interesting lately. It's amazing how being alone in a completely new environment changes things for you - and quickly! I only hope that I have not lost your interest completely! We are in the home stretch now!
As for the song that inspired this story, no one has guessed it yet. Keep trying, and if no one has figured it out by the time we're done (which will be shortly, mind you), I will reveal it. I don't want to leave anyone hanging cause that's just not very nice.
I want to thank all of the reviewers of the last chapter who have been supportive and understanding of the subplot and Usagi's struggle. I always like to keep the characters more realistic, rather than some sort of superheroes, for lack of a better word, without any real human qualities to speak of. I've learned that all people have flaws - some more than other, some flaws more serious than others - and I like to reflect that in all of my stories. Flaws are what make people beautiful and relatable as characters. So I hope you enjoy that aspect of the story as well.
I will leave you at that and encourage you, once more, to continue reviewing! Your reviews truly mean a lot to me and definitely encourage me to keep going, even when it seems like a task at times. I truly love this process and getting feedback of all sorts for everyone! I read the reviews one at a time, obviously, but I never realized until about a week ago how many reviews this story has accumulated! I am truly touched beyond words! I can only hope that the reviews will continue!
Loves!