AN: Thanks for the reviews! :)

Usagi had surprisingly woken up early this morning. After her morning routine, she headed out to school with an hour to spare. The bright morning rays lifted added to her good mood. 'Today is going to be a good day' she thought. Humming as she walked, she was thinking about what to do after school with her friends since she was definitely not going to get detention today for being late.

So lost in her train of thought, she didn't pay attention when she turned a corner…

" … I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"

After assessing the situation, the person who she bumped into replied to her question with her own question, "You're the one on the floor after we bumped and you ask me if I'm alright?"

Usagi was slightly irked by the stranger's question and it must've shown on her face as the stranger continued, "Oh I didn't mean it in a bad way. It just seems like I should be the one apologizing and asking if YOU'RE ok?" And she reached out her hand to help the fallen girl.

"I'm ok". Usagi smiled as she took the stranger's hand to get up. She noticed something and exclaimed loudly, "You're wearing Juuban High School's uniform! I've never seen you before. Are you a new student?"

"Yes. It's my first day today."

Usagi's face lit up, "Welcome! My name is Tsukino Usagi and I'm in Yr 3. Please to meet you!" She bowed when she finished introducing herself.

'Her smile… it's as close to genuine as I've ever seen it. But the warmth it brings is still just as incredible as before…'

"My name is Seito Naomi. Please to meet you too." A small smile broke the surface on her usual stoic and serious face. "May I walk with you to school, Tsukino-san?"

"Of course, Seito-san!" answered Usagi, who had no idea that this was no chance encounter. Naomi had watched and waited for Usagi this morning, waiting for the opportune moment to meet her on a more personal level rather than in class. She had thought about the risk of being late after remember Neo-Queen Serenity's tardiness to events, but still took a chance and it paid off.

So the pair walked to school together. They got to know one another quite well… or more accurately put, Usagi got to know the fake background to Naomi quite well. Nevertheless by the end of it, both girls were on a first-name basis and Usagi even invited Naomi to lunch later with her and her friends on the rooftop. Since she didn't know anyone else and it fitted her plan quite well, Naomi agreed. They parted ways as Naomi went to the principal's office and Usagi to class.

Entering class, she scanned the room for her friends and spotted Mizuno Ami and Kino Makoto. She bellowed, "Good morning, Ami-chan, Mako-chan!"

"Good morning Usagi-chan" they yelled back in song-like unison. All three girls giggled and they talked until class started – the main focus of their discussion was how late their other best friend, Aino Minako, was going to be for class today.

No sooner than when the bell rang that Minako burst in through the door. She earned a few giggles and laughter in the class, but was not considered late. When she sat down, the teacher introduced a new exchange student joining their class. Naomi walked in and scanned the room. She had to maintain her composure when she saw the Sol Senshi in her class. Even though she had convinced herself that she would be able to deal with her emotions, it was still had a huge impact on her when she saw their faces. Forcing herself, she refocused her attention when the teacher asked her to sit down; she noticed a few empty desks, and made haste to sit in the one by Usagi.

"Psst…I'm so glad you're in my class Naomi-chan!" Usagi whispered as soon as Naomi sat down.

"I am too Usagi-chan. I can't wait to meet your friends at lunch." Usagi nodded and the two remained quiet for the rest of the class.

Perhaps it was better that way as Naomi was so lost in her thoughts. Every so often, she would glance over at the people she recognized – the Sol Senshis. It was like she was trying to absorb in every detail of their untarnished faces. Her face remained impassive but she was completely heartbroken on the inside. It had been too long since she's seen everyone, but seeing them now was only bringing up memories of their broken bodies…

Jupiter – lying in her own blood with a sword sticking out of her abdomen

Ami – her body sliced throughout as she lay dying, reaching out for the one she loves just before a wraith plunged into her chest to rip her heart out

Serenity – mutilated and violated while she laid on the floor of her room with no hope left in her eyes

Venus – waiting for death in a small pool of her blood… the gash across her stomach never to be repaired ever since -

The bell rung for lunch. The girls headed up to the rooftop for lunch. Naomi took a moment to calm herself, reminding herself that none of it would happen if she succeeded with her mission.

On the rooftop, Naomi got along with everyone quite well. It helped that she already knew their personalities, their likes and dislikes, etc. But somehow, everything was just a little different. Maybe it was because they treated her as an equal as oppose to a 10 year old child, or maybe the girls were more 'naïve' in this period. But different was good for Naomi as it helped her realize that these people are not exactly the same people who she had left in the future.

The girls were quite surprised at how easily the new girl fit in, but thought nothing more of it as she seemed quite friendly.

The day dragged on, but Naomi found it easier to focus on class and her mission after reacquainting with her 'family'. When class ended, they invited her to their usual hang out at Fruits Crown Parlour and she met one of their other friends, Hino Rei.

Mars –her clothes singed from her own fire attacks and bones broken to point that she couldn't even breathe without excruciating pain coursing throughout her body

They started chatting to get to know Naomi better. After a while, the conversation soon digressed to what Mina loved to talk about most: boys.

She sighed, "I wish I could meet the perfect boy and have the perfect romance" Mina sighed dramatically again.

"What do you look for in a guy, Minako-san?" Naomi knew better than to ask, but thought it would be a logical follow-up question.

"WELL…" her eyes started sparkling as she took the bait to open up and explain, "I want a guy who is tall and muscular, but not too muscular. Just toned. He would have smooth, pale skin, fair long hair and beautiful shining eyes… green would be a good color for his eyes… Yes. Green eyes and long silver hair…" she trailed off like she was lost in her thoughts. The sparkle never left her eyes but she had lost her cheerful demeanour.

"Mina-chan, you still love Yaten-kun don't you?" Mako asked kindly. Her question hung in the air as no one dared speak. The girls had tried to avoid talking about any topics that surrounded the Three Lights ever since their departure. They were still upset over it, some more than others, and they would fall into silence if the boys were brought up.

"Who's Yaten?"

"YOU DON'T KNOW WHO YATEN IS?" the group practically shouted in surprise.

Of course she knew. Naomi knew they were coming back in a week, but she had to act nonchalant in order to get the group to talk about them. "No. I just moved to Japan remember?"

Reluctantly at first, they started talking about the Three Lights, skipping the details about them being the Starlights. It was difficult for them but by talking about it, the girls remembered all the fun times they had with the boys. It helped them realize that although they were gone, they had fun and created a lot of good memories with great friends…friends they would never forget.

Although the stories were fascinating, Naomi's real goal in the topic was to gauge everyone's reactions.

Mina was becoming increasingly hyper. Naomi already knew she was in love with Yaten the way she described him before.

Mako was happily talking about the concerts and their friendships

Rei mostly listened and observed her friends. She would join in on the conversation occasionally.

Ami was also simply chatting about the Three Lights, but her cheeks had a slight pink tinge to it when she heard the name 'Taiki'.

Usagi's face was difficult to read. She didn't look happy or sad. She just looked a little… lost. The usually cheerful girl remained quiet while she just stared at her ice cream.

It had been a while since they openly talked about the Three Lights. At first, Usagi was happy that they were able to return home with their Princess. But after a while, the thought of never seeing or being able to contact the three of them again made her a little sad. She had a special relationship with Seiya. He would always drop everything he had to do just for her and he never backed down from his promise to protect her. She didn't know how he knew when she was sad, but he did and he always found a way to cheer her up whether it be teasing her or finding something fun to do. Seiya understood her more than anyone. She knew that her friends and her Mamo-chan were there for her too, but it was different with Seiya. It was a different kind of connection she had with him. She had no idea what it was but she just felt at ease with him.

They continued to talk and eat and after a while, the girls left. Naomi walked home with Usagi since they found out they live pretty close to each other. Pluto had arranged it so that Naomi could be close to Usagi at all times. It would give them more time to bond and when necessary, Naomi could reach her quickly to protect her.

"Usagi-chan? Are you alright? You haven't spoken much."

"Oh sorry Naomi-chan. I'm ok. Just thinking about things."

"Why don't you tell me about it? It always helps when someone is there to listen to you. I know we haven't met for a long time, but maybe that's what you need. Someone who doesn't know everything about you to lend you an ear and not judge you from what you have to say." Naomi smiled at her. Her explanation didn't really make sense when she thought about it, but she knew it was what Usagi needed. She needed someone who didn't know her past and destined future. That way, they won't chastise her about her feelings.

Naomi's words hit Usagi spot-on. Usagi didn't think much about how she had said it since she was just grateful that someone was willing to listen to her with an open-mind.

So she started talking about her relationship with Mamoru and how she loved him very much and how they were going to have a future together (Naomi cringed on the inside when she heard this because she knew the future Usagi was dreaming of will end in disaster). She talked a lot about Mamoru and how he is in university right now, so she doesn't see him as much due to his heavy course load. She continued to talk about how he had left for university the year before and how he had gotten 'lost' so she lost contact but had a special friend, Seiya, to help her through this difficult time. She then got to the part when Seiya left.

"He left because he had to go back home and Mamoru came back to me. I know everything is back to normal, but it just doesn't feel like it use to. It's difficult to explain because there's nothing wrong with my life and I just didn't want to cause any problems by telling any of the other girls or even Mamo-chan."

Naomi took the time to absorb the information and proceeded carefully, "Do you feel like you're missing something?"

Usagi frowned slightly, thinking about the question then nodded.

"Do you feel that your life is incomplete without… Seiya-san?"

Usagi stopped abruptly. She had never even considered this point. She thought she was happy knowing that Seiya was back on his home planet and having Mamoru back was everything she needed. She had never stopped to even think about what she wanted... And what she actually wanted is to see Seiya. But why did she feel this way?

"Why do you ask that? He is just a friend and he seemed happy when he left. I can't be selfish to keep him here with me."

Naomi noticed that Usagi did not deny the fact that her life was incomplete without him.

"Usagi-chan" Naomi placed a hand on the other girl's shoulder and smiled kindly at her, "I don't think you're being selfish for wanting him here with you. From what I've heard, he cares about you a great deal too, probably more than you know. Maybe he wanted to be by your side too but he probably also thought you were happy with your boyfriend and friends that he no longer has place in your heart."

"He'll always have a place in my heart"

"Have you ever told him that? I think that a person should never be embarrassed about expressing their true feelings. Even if the other person may reject you, at least you tried and you'll live without regretting never telling him." At one point in her 10 years of life, Naomi would have taken her own advice. But she no longer believed it. She learned to keep everything to herself now. More than anything, she just wanted to come right out and just tell Usagi to be with Seiya, but she can't. She had to let Usagi realize it on her own.

"But I have Mamo-chan…" her voice was laced with uncertainty.

"Your boyfriend sounds like a nice guy and I can't say for sure that you'll be happier with Seiya-san by your side. But I know that you need to look beyond what is normal for you because you just told me that normal isn't working for you anymore. Maybe what you thought is right for you really isn't…" she trailed off to let her think about this.

Usagi frowned and pondered on this point for a moment and started to speak again, "I…"

"Sorry! I know you probably didn't want for my opinion. But you're my friend and I just want to see you happy. I just… I just thought you could need an outsider's point of view." Naomi pretended to look concerned. It was true that she hated seeing Usagi so upset over the matter but she wasn't sorry about it. In fact, she was glad she said it and that it got the other girl to think about her feelings. It was partially true that Naomi wanted Usagi to be happy by following her heart, but Naomi's opinion was also heavily swayed on the fact that she knew what would happen if the queen continued to follow her predetermined destiny.

Seeing that the Naomi was so crestfallen after trying to help, Usagi quickly brightened up, "Oh no no… don't be sorry! You're a great friend for offering and I'll really think about what you've told me. It's just difficult to explain the entire situation. I'm glad that you want to help me though! I could never bring it up in front of the other girls. I'm more confused now but I do feel better sharing it with you!"

They continued walking for a short distance until they reached Usagi's house. Before she opened the gate, Naomi grabbed her hand. "Usagi-chan," her face was serious, "I want you to know that I will be here for you if you ever need someone to talk to about anything."

Shocked by her gesture, Usagi was nevertheless touched, "Thank you, Naomi-chan. I really appreciate it."

She released her hand and said goodbye, heading back to her apartment.

At night, Usagi stood on her balcony looking at the stars again. She thought about what she discussed with Naomi. She was happy that she could share her feelings with her new friend, thinking that Naomi's opinion was one that was not biased from her past in the Silver Millennium or the future of Crystal Tokyo. It was something her Sol Senshi friends could not provide as they were a part the matter. She knew it was a wasted effort on Naomi's part, but appreciated it nonetheless.

'Her opinion,' she thought, 'is one that is based on my heart.'

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