IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR (PLEASE READ):

Sorry for the delay. Work has kept me busy.

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Crossroads in Life

Written by Princess Kayla

Inspired by Naoko Takeuchi's "Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon"

Chapter Eighteen

View from a Rabbit

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The hands on the clock kept moving forward; each tick pulled me further and further into obscurity. Mamoru must have left over an hour ago, leaving me in a world of doubt. That doubt seemed to bring a heavy weight, pulling me to the ground. Silently, I sat cross-legged on cool carpet. Usually, it was a moment like this that brought Luna to my side, but even she was not around to comfort me.

It was left alone within a jumble of thoughts and emotions.

I knew that Chibiusa was gifted; my father often called her an old soul trapped in a little girl's body. It shouldn't have surprised me, even as young as she was, that she would connect the dots. She was so observant and studied all the things around her. Yet, she still possessed that precious carefree spirit that made you long to be a child once more. She had Mamoru's intelligence, but maybe she had what was once the best of me - my light heart.

Now, my heart felt so heavy.

When Mamoru had said 'She needs to know that I love her and never want to hurt her again,' I let my hidden emotions appear. As he said 'I love her,' my heart sang because even back when Chibiusa was in my tummy, I imagined Mamoru holding our daughter and saying 'I love her' over and over.

Suddenly, the tears I had forcefully brushed away returned with a vengeance because I was reminded of all the other things I had imagined - Mamoru coming home from work with a welcoming kiss on Chibiusa's head...Mamoru staying up all night with Chibiusa when she wasn't feeling good...Mamoru teaching Chibiusa how to make the hot chocolate that he used to make...for me.

That was the other thing. While my heart yearned for moments like that, it also yearned for my place in those moments - Mamoru kissing me when he arrived home...Mamoru letting me rest after a long day of taking care of our sick daughter...all of those little everyday moments where Mamoru and I were together.

My emotions escaped as I recognized the truth - I still wanted those things.

"Ow," I accidently scratched my face as I wiped me tears away. Looking down, I realized that it was the diamond on my engagement ring that brought the pain.

I stared at the large stone and knew that I was forgetting someone very important - Seiya. I had to remind myself that he was going to fill all those empty places in my life that Mamoru never would. Before Mamoru had returned, back when it was just Seiya, Chibiusa and me, things were clearer. Now everything felt out of sorts.

"No!" I groaned in irritation and forced myself to my feet. I hurried to the bathroom, turned on the sink, and splashed my face with a burst of cold water. Instantly, I felt more awake. That was it; I needed to wake up and get back to reality. I could never let myself be that weak in front of Mamoru again, and I definitely couldn't let Chibiusa see me have such a meltdown - thank goodness she was already asleep. In the morning, I had to be ready for whatever was to come. I had to prepare for Chibiusa's reaction.

As I finished drying my face, a soft 'meow' grabbed my attention. "There you are," I picked Luna up off the floor, "I really needed you earlier, you know?" Seemingly oblivious, Luna just responded by purring away. I carried her into my room and sat down on the bed. She rubbed against me until curling up on one of the pillows. "I guess, you aren't going to stay up with me either," I scratched her ear.

Sighing, I knew that I wasn't going to go to sleep as easy, so I sought sanctuary the only way possible; I grabbed my laptop from the end of the bed and opened up my manuscript. As I continued working on my book, I was slowly coming to terms that writing was my way of working out my life. I wondered if someone were to read it all the way through, would they make sense of it all because I was struggling.

. . .

"Momma?"

Gradually, I awoke and the light from the window burned my eyes. Once everything came into focus, I turned to see Chibiusa sitting next to me, her hair all disheveled and dress wrinkled from a long night's rest. I realized then that I had fallen asleep, laptop discarded to the side.

I let out a long yawn and pulled Chibiusa towards me. "Momma!" she protested. I smiled and responded by tickling her. She squirmed and giggled, bringing a smile to my face.

I kissed her face multiple times and squeezed her tight, "Good morning, sweetie." She exhaled as I stopped tickling her. "Did you sleep okay?" She nodded. "That's good," I yawned again, "I could use a little more sleep though."

"Wake up, Momma!" she shoved me as I pretended to drift off. Another shove.

"Oh!" I exclaimed, "Okay, okay. I'm awake." I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Finally my vision cleared, and I tucked some loose hair behind Chibiusa's ear. "Did you have fun last night?"

She nodded. "My daddy?"

There it was - the question. Silently, I nodded, preparing myself. However, her reaction surprised me.

She smiled, "I like him." My eyes widened; she was so accepting of the whole thing, something I did not expect.

"I'm glad," I said softly and gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead.

She jumped off the bed with a, "I'm hungry!"

I was stunned; that couldn't possibly be it. All my fears and preparations were answered with what appeared to be acceptance. There was that carefree spirit that I longed for myself. As I got up and followed her to the kitchen, I said a silent prayer for Chibiusa to never lose that light.

. . . . . . . . . .

Confined - that was how I felt in the puffy white wedding dress as I stepped out from behind the curtain. The looks on my mother's and Minako's face confirmed my thoughts on this dress option. Grabbing my ribcage, I exhaled, "This is a definite no."

"Yeah," Minako grimaced, "It's not you."

"Little six year old Usagi would disagree," my mother chuckled, "but Minako is right. This isn't the one."

I groaned, "The last eight weren't the one."

"Don't worry, Madame," the salesclerk helped, "We will find the perfect dress for you. Let me check our storage for some more options." After she disappeared, I sat down on the podium, drowning in white fluff. I ran my hand through my hair in distress.

"Okay, what's going on?" Minako came over and sat next to me, "This isn't just about the dress."

"No it isn't," I admitted.

"Honey, what's wrong?" my mother asked with concern.

"Yesterday, Chibiusa found out that Mamoru is her father," I said directly, receiving wide eyes from the both of them. "He didn't tell her on purpose; it just kind of happened."

"How did she take it?" my mother questioned me slowly.

"Honestly, she seems fine. I'm the one who took it hard," I stated.

"I can't imagine," Minako said, "What was Mamoru's reaction?"

I shrugged, "He was clearly concerned about how I would react, and what did I do? I cried."

"Oh, honey," my mother gave me a sad look.

"But the more I think about it, I am pretty sure I cried because I believe he loves her," I laughed, "Isn't that crazy? He loves her."

"That's a good thing, Usagi," my mother argued, "You wanted this, right? Why else would you let him into her life?"

"Of course, I want him to love her," I claimed.

"But you also want him to love you..." Minako added. I locked eyes on hers and saw only compassion. "Don't try to deny it, Usagi. You still love him."

My pulse began to race, "No I don't, Mina. You of all people should know that I don't feel that way about him."

She tilted her head as if saying 'Come on now, Usagi.'

I rose to my feet, stepping on the dress as I did so. Awkwardly, I corrected my balance and turned my back on them, "You all don't understand how hard this is for me. Here he comes back into my life. If it weren't for Chibiusa, he never would have. He made it clear that he didn't want me."

"You're right, Usagi. We don't understand," Minako stated, "But Mamoru isn't the same person."

Anger seized me as I turned back to her, "Mina, aren't you my maid of honor? It sounds like you are trying to break up my relationship with Seiya."

"Usagi, that's right, I am your maid of honor. Therefore, I cannot stand by and watch you battle with all of these emotions by yourself," she replied firmly.

"Usagi," my mother stood and stepped towards me, "This isn't fair for you, but it also isn't fair for Seiya." My heart clenched at her words. "Seiya adores you. He wants to marry and take care of you for the rest of your life. It's wrong for you to not come to terms with how you are feeling before you take these next steps. The wedding is approaching quickly."

"Don't you think I know that?" I sighed, fighting the burning tears that were threatening to fall. "Seiya is wonderful. He has sacrificed so much for me. He loves me and...I love him. I have to...I want to marry him."

"Usagi..." my mother started sympathetically, but the salesclerk interrupted her.

"Here we go!" she said as she carried in an armful of wedding gowns.

. . .

After settling on a dress, I left the bridal shop and asked to be left alone for a while. I knew it hurt them, but I just had to get away. So, I started walking. I could hear the sound of thunder in the distance, but I didn't care. Walking was good.

My mother's and Minako's words haunted me. It felt like they were trying to talk me out of getting married, which didn't make sense at all. It was like they had brushed aside the fact that Mamoru had hurt me so deeply, while Seiya was there to help me. They needed to be on my side and accept my decision to marry Seiya because he was everything I needed; there should have never been any doubt.

My pace slowed as I realized where my feet had taken me. It was laughable actually. I had arrived at the park that I escaped to many a times when I was younger, and it was also the park where Mamoru first called me 'Usako.'

I walked over to the rose bushes that were slightly asleep due to winter approaching. I pulled my coat tighter around me. The wind was starting to pick up, causing the lake to ripple rapidly. Even though a storm was brewing, this place was still beautiful. I took in a deep breath.

"Hey," a voice came from behind me.

I spun around to see the reason of my emotional dilemma. I sighed, "Of course."

He let out a sarcastic chuckle, "I was thinking the same thing." He stepped towards me, "Believe it or not, this is my first time coming here since I moved back. I just had this urge to come."

I shook my head, "Why does this always happen?"

"What?" his eyebrow rose in confusion.

"This," I clarified, "Why do we always run into each other like this?"

He shrugged, "I really don't know." After a moment, he asked carefully, "I know it's so soon, but I haven't heard from you since last night. Is Chibiusa okay?"

Eventually, I replied, "Yes. She seems happy that you are her father." His eyes lit up with evident joy that made my heart skip a beat. It was those types of expressions that made me weak.

"How about you?" he whispered, "Are you okay?"

I didn't answer.

He frowned, "Usagi, I truly am sorry. I wanted you to be there when she found out. Please forgive me."

I stiffened. 'Please forgive me' he said. I didn't even know how to start. There was too much to forgive.

"I know there is so much to forgive," he said, worrying me that he could possibly have heard my thoughts. "Truly, I don't deserve forgiveness, but...I am going to ask for it anyway. Please forgive me, Usagi."

I stared at him.

"Usagi?" he said my name with a hint of fear.

I chose my words carefully, "I'm not mad at you for Chibiusa finding out. It was going to happen and now we can move forward."

"Okay. Thank you," he responded solemnly.

"As far as everything else...I don't know what you want me to say," I shrugged.

"The truth," he stated, studying me.

"The truth," I repeated and turned away from him. All these years with all the things I had buried - I was afraid to open myself up. However, as I thought about how I had felt ever since he walked back in my life, I knew I couldn't hide anymore. I had to get it out - all of it.

Sighing, I closed my eyes, "The truth? The truth is that I have been tormented because of you. I gave everything I was to you. I was completely vulnerable, and you took that vulnerability and broke me." My throat clenched, and I had to force my words, "Mamoru, I loved you in a way that I have never loved anyone, and that day outside of your apartment, you opened my eyes to how foolish I was."

I clenched my fists at my sides. "You left Japan, but you never really left me. You haunted my memories and my imagination. I can't tell you how many dreams I have had of our future together - beautiful dreams. But it's those dreams that are the worst because they are delusions. They will never exist."

I took a deep breath as my thoughts trailed to moments that revealed something else. Mamoru was different. I saw that at the carnival as he winked at me on the teacups, making me laugh, and when he took my hand to help me up after the slide. I saw the difference at the painting class when he laughed as he rubbed the paint off my forehead. And, one of the clearest examples was the moment at the teahouse where he truly opened up about his past for the first time ever.

Remembering that made me realize one crucial truth that I had overlooked. Before he met me, before he left for America, he was completely broken. He had experienced a dark past that I couldn't imagine. He came into my life damaged, but I didn't know the root behind that damage until now.

I opened my eyes and looked out at the rough waters of the lake. That was what his life was like; he was drowning and didn't know how to swim to safety. But, now he had found his way.

"You are different, Mamoru, but why?" I questioned.

From behind me, he whispered a gentle yet stern, "Because of you." My eyes opened and I turned around to face him. I gasped at his weak frame and tear stained face. He cleared his throat and continued, "I was haunted too. No matter how much I tried not to, my thoughts always flowed back to you. Each time I thought of you, I thought of what I had done. Those thoughts of you hurt, but I am so thankful for them because overtime they ultimately saved me."

Rain gently began to fall, but we did not seek shelter.

"I didn't understand at first, but now I know that the fact that you loved me even when I was horrible shows how completely precious you are. I was a fool when I denied your love and pushed you away. The moment I left you on the sidewalk as I drove away in that taxi was the biggest mistake I have ever made; I will regret it for my entire life," he paused, the rain fallen harder.

His voice was shaking now, "Usagi, since I have been away, I came to terms with my past and realized I am stronger than it. Now that I am back, I vow to never let it define me again." He came closer to me. "I may never be able to fulfill all those things you imagined and wanted, but I promise from this point on to be at your side. I am not going to leave again. Please believe me."

In that moment, I was thankful for the rain because I knew it was camouflaging my tears. I was shivering from the cold and from my overwhelming emotions. His words and the genuine desperation in his eyes caused my wall to crumble. It was time.

I reached my hand to my neck, took hold of the rose necklace for strength, and in a muffled sob, I gave him his reply, "I forgive you."

. . . . . . . . . .

After a rough blow into the tissue, I sniffled and let out a small cough. Sucking in some air, I rested my head back against my couch as I pulled a blanket up over my shoulders.

"I knew you should have road home with me yesterday," my mother scolded, "Next time listen to me." She and my father had come to visit for the day, only to find me completely inhospitable. Instead, she was in the kitchen making an herbal tea to serve to me.

Sighing, I replied, "Mom, it's okay. It's just a little cold."

"How long did you walk in the rain?" my father said as he covered me with another blanket.

I thanked him for the blanket and shrugged off the question, knowing that there were more important things to discuss.

I straightened up as my mother presented me with a cup of tea. "It's hot so be careful," she warned, so I blew on the liquid and sipped it carefully. "That's good," she said, "Now, you drink that up and get some rest. We will take Chibiusa home with us for awhile."

"Actually," I lowered the cup, "I need to talk to you first." They looked at each other and then back at me with confusion clear in their expressions. I set the cup on the coffee table and turned all of my attention on my parents.

"Mom, yesterday, after the bridal shop, I thought about everything you and Minako said to me. Thank you for being so concerned for me," I smiled at her and continued my story.

"And then I ran into Mamoru on the way home," as I spoke, I noticed their eyes began to widen. "You both know how much I was hurt by him, and I needed time. This is my life, and sometimes it takes me longer to figure things out and work through things..." I took a moment, considering my words, "...but I am ready to put that hurt behind me for good. Over these past few years, I have lied to myself, saying that I had moved on. But, I truthfully didn't know how."

I stared at them, "Now, I do. I had to forgive him, and please believe me; I didn't think I ever could. But I have witnessed a change in him...and in myself." I let out a sigh, "So after debating with myself over and over, I forgive him."

"Usagi," my father studied me, "Are you sure about this?" Out of everyone in my life, my father had been quiet through my processing of emotions. He worried about me in a way only a father could worry for his little girl; I realized that he knew it was best for me to come to terms with everything on my own. That was the way he was. He was always there and knew when to step in and when to let me try it alone.

I reached over and touched my father's hand, "Dad, you watch over me in a way that I didn't understand before I had Chibiusa. The way you love me, with such a protective love, means so much. I know it hurt you to see my pain and it will be hard for you to move past it, but I ask you to forgive him too."

He remained silent for a moment, considering everything I had just told him. Then, he let out a sigh. "Okay, then. For you." I smiled in response.

My mother nodded and sat down next to me. "I'm so glad you have put this pain behind you, sweetie. I love you so much." She hugged me.

"And I love you too," my father leaned over and kissed the top of my head. In that moment, even with a stopped up nose, I knew that I was one of the luckiest girls in the world.

. . . . . . . . . .

"You seem calmer lately," Minako commented, "I would be a nervous wreck if I were you."

I laughed lightly. I knew the resentment I carried towards Mamoru no longer weighed me down. I felt free of that burden and could look at him without resentment. It was like we were starting over, slowly developing a friendship - a friendship between who we were now - not the Usagi and Mamoru of the past.

"When I was a little girl, I imagined a huge wedding, but after seeing everything you have to do, I am so glad Moto and I eloped," Minako stated, and I realized that she wasn't talking about my forgiving Mamoru; she was remarking on my wedding to Seiya.

I shrugged, "Makoto is taking care of most of it." I was thankful for a wedding planner because, honestly, marrying a celebrity was pretty overwhelming. The closer we got to the big day, the more I noticed people staring and pointing at me in public. My photo was appearing more on magazines and online. 'Lucky Tokyo Woman Marrying the Shining Light, Seiya Kou" - I recalled reading one day. All the attention made me a bit sick to my stomach, but I did my best to go about normally.

"How is Seiya doing? I read that the Three Lights are working on a new album," Minako stated.

I nodded, "Yes they are, but I don't know much about it."

She looked at me curiously, "Really? I figured you would be the first to hear what they have come up with."

"We've both been pretty busy. Lately, I have been writing a lot more," I claimed, but as I thought about it, I realized that Seiya had been pretty quiet about his latest work, which was unusual.

"Well, maybe we will hear something today," Minako smiled as we arrived at the recording studio with a surpise lunch for the group in hand. "Thanks for letting me come. I have always wanted to see how they record their mu..."

"Seiya, you need to get your act together." We stopped as we heard Yaten's voice coming from a nearby room. "These songs are great, but if we don't plan some show dates, people aren't going to be interested."

"Sadly, Yaten is right," Taiki added, "Listen, Seiya, we are still financially okay, but this is our job and if we hope to keep it, we have to get back out there."

"I understand what you are saying, but I can't leave Tokyo. The wedding is soon, and I can't leave Usagi. I won't," Seiya's strained words came and my heart clenched. His stress was evident, and I couldn't help but picture him being backed into a corner.

"What about after the wedding?" Taiki asked.

Yaten interrupted angrily, "Taiki, you know what's going to happen. Seiya is going to get married and then the Three Lights are done."

My eyes widened. That thought had never crossed my mind.

"Seiya, have you and Usagi discussed that part of your future? Does she plan on coming on tour with us, months at a time? Is she okay with all of this," Taiki asked the overwhelming questions as sensitively as possible.

My mind raced at those questions. We hadn't talked about those things; I couldn't believe how I had looked over that very crucial part of our future. I tried to imagine it - Seiya, Chibiusa and I living from hotel to hotel. I wondered where she would go to school and how often we would see my family...Mamoru.

There was silence.

"See..." Yaten groaned, "This is exactly what I am talking about. The Three Lights are going to become the Two Lights. Wow, doesn't that sound great?"

"Yaten..." Taiki replied sadly while Seiya still said nothing.

"Usagi," Minako whispered. My eyes met her concern filled ones. Shaking my head, I motioned for us to leave. There was no way I could see them now.

Once we were out of the building, I felt a new weight on my shoulders. "Mina," I whispered, "I am so stupid. How could I not even consider what our marriage comes with?"

"Usagi," Minako sighed, "With everything going on since the kidnapping, it's not surprising that you didn't think about everything."

I swallowed a lump that filled my throat, "What do I do?" I looked at Minako and repeated, "Mina, what do I do?" Minako took my free hand started guiding me away from the recording studio; I knew she was trying to give me some space from what I had just heard, but doing so physically wasn't helping. "Mina, my marriage to Seiya changes everything for him."

"That's what marriage does," Minako stated, "When Moto and I got married, we had to let go of some of our wants and dreams." She squeezed my hand, "But we knew that what we were gaining was greater. Our future became a unified dream - a dream that we both wanted without a doubt."

I stared at my feet as we walked, listening to Minako's wise words. I wondered how I had missed her becoming so mature.

"Usagi, you need to ask yourself 'do I want to give up my dreams to create a new one with Seiya?'" she explained. After receiving only my silence, she asked, "Or do you think you have to marrying him because he loves you...and you don't want to break his heart?"

Stunned, I stopped walking and looked at my friend. I had no idea what to say.

She frowned, "Usagi, don't marry him out of guilt."

Suddenly, tears rolled down my cheeks. It was hard to breathe, so I had to force my words, "But, Mina, I said I would marry him."

"Yes, you did, but if you marry him because you feel obligated, that is wrong. He deserves better than that," she paused, "And so do you."

I dropped the food the ground and sobbed into my hands. "I do love him, Mina. Really, I do."

I felt her comforting hand on my shoulder, "I know you do, Usagi. Everyone knows that, but do you love him enough to give your future to him or to ask him to give his to you."

I tried to envision what my life would look like with Seiya. I imagined that Seiya would have to give up a lot of the time he devoted to his music, a major part of who he was, and I would have to give up the precious time I had with my family and friends, a major part of who I was.

And, then there was Mamoru. He loved Chibiusa, and she loved him; that was evident now. I hadn't considered how my marriage would affect their relationship. There wasn't just Seiya's and my futures to think about; I had to focus on theirs as well.

"Mina, it's just too much," I muttered into my hands, "There is too much at stake."

"What are you saying, Usagi?" she questioned.

"This is more than just Seiya and I." Finally, I lowered my hands and sniffled, "I love Seiya, but I...I don't love him enough to ask him to give up his dreams...or for me to give up mine."

Suddenly, I felt weak. I had lied to myself for so long. Seiya was a dear friend, and I desperately wanted him to be more, but I realized that wasn't going to happen. Maybe in another life things would have been different - if Chibiusa didn't exits or he wasn't a celebrity. Considering all that, I found my answer.

I couldn't marry Seiya.

"I can't do it, Mina," I choked out, "I can't marry him." Again, tears came, but with them came an odd sense of relief.

Minako wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug.

. . . . . . . . . .

I stared at Seiya's back as he stood silently looking out the window of my apartment. Moments ago, I broke his heart. There was a painful irony to the situation. I remembered having my heart broken, and I had made a quiet vow to myself that I would never do that to anyone. Yet, here I was, doing just that.

"You said Chibiusa is out with Mamoru right now?" Seiya asked softly, surprising me. Knowing that I needed time alone with Seiya, I had asked Mamoru to watch her for the day.

I replied just as softly, "Yes."

Another minute of silence went by before he asked in an even voice, "Is he the reason?" My posture weakened because I knew what he really meant by the question. It wasn't about Chibiusa; it was about me...and how I felt about Mamoru.

"Partly. For Chibiusa," I clarified, "Seiya, he will always be a part of her life now."

"I understand." There was sadness in his voice. "But he is a part of your life too...in more ways than you will acknowledge." Slowly, he turned around and frowned, "In ways I never will be."

The strength I was clinging to was leaving me. "Seiya, this isn't..."

"Usa, I think I have known for awhile that we weren't meant to be together," he stated, startling me, "I saw it that day at the painting class. There was this moment where you smiled in a way I had never seen before."

"Seiya, really, this isn't about him, not in the way you are thinking," I argued, "This is about you and me." I bit my lip, doing my best not to cry. Seiya was such an important part of my life, and I knew from this point on, things would never be the same.

I took a deep breath and tried to explain. "When I think about us, I am so thankful. Years ago, you came into my life when I needed a friend, and then, you came back into my life when I needed you again. I was so deep in depression, and you brought me joy."

My eyes burned, but I tried to stay strong. I continued, "But it was always about me, about what I wanted and needed. I never considered what was best for you."

I lost the battle and the tears began to fall. "I think I agreed to marry you because I was afraid I would lose you."

Unexpectedly, Seiya approached me, "Usa, you will never lose me." He gently brushed my tears away, "I love you." He sighed, "But I understand that we both are meant for more." He gave a weak smile, "Still hurts though."

"Seiya," I sobbed, "I'm so sorry." He hugged me, letting me cry into his chest.

"But you have to know that I needed you too," he whispered, "You brought me joy too. You inspired me." He exhaled, "Looking back at everything - at all the ways we helped each other - I see how we are better as partners than lovers." He tilted my face up so he could look me in the eyes. He gave me a weak smirk, "But, you have to admit, the media did think we were pretty sexy together."

I let out a rough chuckle through my tears, and he touched my cheek, "Usa, living a life with me would be hard. You would have to give up a lot, and I can't ask you to do that for me."

I sniffled, "And I can't ask you to give up things for me." I touched his chest, trying to wipe away my tearstains, "I still remember that summer where a crazy blue-eyed boy shared with me his dreams of a life amongst the stars." I smiled, "I remember being so very proud when I purchased his first CD."

"But it was never you dream," Seiya stated.

I shook my head, "I wish it had been." I laid my cheek against him, "Somewhere though, there is a girl who will share that same dream. I believe that."

"Thank you, Usa," Seiya said, "I've known that our paths are different for a while, but didn't want to accept it." He kissed my head, "Thank you for being strong enough to admit it so that we don't stop each other from going where we are meant to."

I looked up into his blue eyes and a strange worry came over me. "It feels like we saying goodbye," I feared.

Pulling me in a deeper hug, he replied, "Of course not, Usa. We are just starting a new chapter in that story of yours." Even through his pain, he managed one of his Seiya laughs. "Promise that I get a dedication in your book."

Surprisingly, I let out a small laugh and answered with a soft, "I promise."

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Please Pardon Grammatical Errors and Review.