Chapter 10

The restaurant Usagi had picked was a nice small business, run by a family who had poured their heart and soul into making it successful. Nothing fancy, like a dress code or even reservations, they worked on a first come first serve basis. The dining area itself only held around 15 tables, but because it was a week night there wasn't a line. Makoto had agreed to meet Sol here instead of picking him up from his place, and she waited outside on a bench not far away from the entrance.

Wearing a full length solid green dress with an open back, and black high heels, which she never got wear because most boys her age were too short. It felt good to wear some nice shoes instead of her regular footwear. She felt confident that this would get his pulse racing. At least she hoped it would. Tonight she wanted to make a big impression on him and break the stigma that she was more masculine than feminine. This dress should do the trick she smiled to herself as the thought came to her.

Makoto checked her watch and silently cursed herself for coming so early. Usagi had given her the time to meet, and she still had another 15 minutes. Waiting on the bench a few doors down from the restaurant she noticed how quiet it was. Looking around she didn't see anyone on the streets walking around or any cars filling up the roadways. It was the early evening and the sun was still up so there should be someone around. Standing and walking over to the door of the restaurant, Makoto pulled the handle and it didn't budge. They shouldn't be closed already she thought as she checked the hours writing on the sign hanging from the door. Confirming her suspicions, the restaurant should be open for business until 10-o-clock tonight.

Wondering why the doors were locked, she started to hear a distant noise from her right. Turning to face the dull approaching roar she squinted to see down the street. She could barely make out the figure of someone who appeared to be running to her at a full sprint, blue jacket flailing behind them. With each step the person became clearer in her vision and she soon realized it was Sol. He isn't late, why is he running so hard? A dark mass of people suddenly came into view behind him, shouting and running, some were throwing rocks through windows and others running into the building and looting whatever they could find. The mobs of people were moving much slower than Sol, but it was still intimidating to see that many people with an obviously dangerous intent.

Panic and fear started to grip her as she realized that's why the streets were so empty. Makoto had faced numerous monsters before and not felt any kind of fear, but these weren't monsters. She couldn't transform and attack, they were innocent people. Well innocent to a degree, what they were doing was illegal. Sol came skidding to a stop beside her, hands on knees sucking in air deeply. She could start to make out features on people's faces as they continued forward. Gabbing Sol by the shoulder and pulling him back up she asked "What's going on Sol?" It seemed Sol hadn't noticed what she was wearing until just now as he looked her up and down, his breathing steadying. "You look gorgeous" Makoto looked down at herself at the compliment and immediately felt her checks go hot.

The feeling quickly wore off as the approaching deafening roar of the mob closed in. "Now isn't the time, what's going on? Why are those people...?" Shaking his head and taking her hand in his, he began to lead her down away from the impending riot, pulling her arm hard.

"We have to get out of here. Riots are popping up all over the city. The police have this area blocked off for a 7 block radius hoping it will die down on its own. C'mon, we have to hurry" Makoto felt awkward trying to run in her high heels, not accustomed to wearing the stylish footwear. She stumbled forward as Sol pulled her along twisting her ankle with each step. She had a hard enough time just walking in them, and now she needed to run? "Wait Sol, I can't run in these heels, I need to take them off" Sol stopped pulling and let go of her hand while she bent down to unlatch the small leather strap that held the shoe to her foot. Struggling with the tough leather she cursed herself for not being familiar with the shoes. She couldn't get the damn thing to unlatch.

"Makoto, we don't have much time" she could hear the urgency in his voice as the roar continued to grow. Looking back, the people at the front were now only a stone's throw away from them. Her mouth went dry and her heart raced as she pulled desperately, hoping the leather would snap off. A man at the front pointed in their direction and yelled something back at the rest of the group, and suddenly they started to charge.

She felt herself inhale deeply as even more panic built up inside her chest. Her hands didn't seem to be doing what she wanted any longer. Giving up on the shoes, she stood and tried to run, but the dress wouldn't allow her to take more than small steps at a time. Stumbling back down to the pavement, she looked up at Sol who was still beside her. He glared back at the approaching crowd, jaw locked in determination. He's going to fight them off! She felt touched that he wouldn't leave her, but if he tried to fight all of them, he would get killed. It was only a matter of time before they would land the fatal blow.

"You have to run Sol! Get away from here, save yourself!" She screamed as the roar grew even more. He looked down at her, blue-green eyes staring intensely into hers. Shaking his head, he crouched down and scooped her up in one swift movement. Turning away from the mob that was about to crash down onto them, he ran. Carrying her with one arm under her knees and the other across her shoulder blades, she wrapped her arm around his neck for support and held on tight as she bounced in his grasp.

"No way am I leaving you there. I'm not going to lose you too" she heard him say as he sprinted down the street. She knew he was referring to his parent's death, but chose not to say anything at this time. Looking back over his shoulder she could see some of the crowd had given up as the boy carrying her ran just as fast as when he was running alone. Others were only more determined to hunt them down, and pushed themselves onward. Spotting a rock flying through the air towards them she gasped "Rock!" Sol quickly darted out off the sidewalk and onto the street as the rock tumbled harmlessly where they had just been.

Staring into the resolved face of her new boyfriend, Makoto thought this was kind of romantic the way he was carrying her to safety, like a damsel in distress. Turning her attention back to the much smaller crowd pursuing them, she saw as a bottle came flying at them this time. "Bottle!" Adjusting his course quickly again, he returned back onto the sidewalk and pushed onward, bottle smashing into the ground.

Makoto was beginning to think they were gaining some ground, pulling ahead of the mob. Sol's new found stamina was the only reason he could outrun them while carrying her, but she knew it wasn`t infinite. It had almost been two whole blocks since he picked her up and took off at full speed. Her own heart was pounding from the adrenaline pulsing through her veins so she could only imagine what kind of stress his heart was being put through. As she looked up at him in admiration, his expression suddenly turned grave, mouth opening as he swore. Following his gaze ahead of them she saw why. More people were piling out of an alley half way up the block. Just past them she could see the police line, decked out with riot gear and clear plastic shields. That was their safe point to reach, but now there was a very big obstacle in their way.

Panic rising anew in her chest she was about to tell Sol to put her down when he said breathlessly "I'm sorry for what I'm about to do, no time to explain." Makoto felt that he actually quickened his pace towards the people forming a human wall in front of them. Is he going to charge right through? Only a few feet separated them from their assailants and Makoto looked on in stunned horror as everyone standing still braced for impact, bending at the knees, giving them a wide stance for a more stable base.

Makoto felt Sol pull her to one side, dropping her feet close to the ground. Time seemed to slow down as he propelled her up and forward, throwing her over the single file line that had formed in front of them. As she flipped upside down in slow motion, she watched as Sol dropped down to his hip, sticking one leg out like a baseball player trying to steal a base as he slide under one of the men. Floating weightlessly she marveled at the quick thinking and ingenuity of the young boy she was quickly falling for. Having flipped through the air enough times to know she wasn`t going to come down properly for him to catch her again, she twisted her shoulder and tucked her head to her chest, somersaulting and spinning, correcting the 'landing'. Gravity grabbed hold of the flying brown haired girl and pulled her back to earth as Sol's foot pushed down into the pavement, the momentum pushing him back upright just in time to catch her in his arms before she slammed into the hard ground.

As he resumed where he had left off before tossing her like some kind of rag doll, she looked over his shoulder at the shocked faces of the men still standing where they had been, unbelieving of what they had just seen. The officers ahead of them broke ranks allowing them a clear route through, some of them tapping their shields with their batons at what they had just seen, a few of them patting Sol on the back for his bravery.

More people were gathered behind the riot police, and upon seeing that Sol and Makoto had made it to safety, they erupted in a triumphant cheer for the couple that had just defied the odds. Sol gently placed Makoto back on solid ground, but she kept her arm wrapped around his neck and pulled him close to her, planting her lips on his. He was sweaty from the effort of carrying her so many blocks while running as fast as he could, but she didn't care. Right now he was her knight in shining armour and she couldn't help herself from showing her affection.

Losing herself in the romantic moment it took her a few seconds to realize someone was calling her name. Pulling back reluctantly she turned to see Usagi and Mamoru pushing their way through to the front of the crowd. Usagi looked like she was going to cry, clearly shaken at what was going on in the normally peaceful streets. "Are you alright Mako-chan?" Her voice cracked as she spoke, holding back tears.

"Yes I'm fine thanks to Sol. He was carrying me because I'm not used to wearing these" pulling her dress up a little and poking one foot out to reveal a high heeled shoe to the other two. Usagi visibly relaxed while others came to congratulate Sol on his courageous deed, politely offering him compliments. The shade of red on his cheeks deepened with every new expression of gratitude. One woman even tried to kiss him, Sol awkwardly pulling back from her puckered lips, looking horrified and that's when Makoto decided it was time to leave. Not to gently, she pushed the other woman away and stood in front of Sol "Well we still haven't had anything to eat and I'm starving" she suggested, trying to sound calm. The nerve of some people! Didn't she just see me kissing him?

"It's too bad we couldn't have our double date at that restaurant. It's a really nice small place with a warm atmosphere. I hope the owners don't suffer any damage from the riot, I know they don't have a lot of extra money like the big franchise chain restaurants." Mamoru said as they walked away from the large crowd of people trying to peer over the police, hoping to spot some action. Usagi raised her balled fist, gritting her teeth "I'm going to find out who started this riot and punish them for ruining our romantic evening" she growled darkly. Makoto knew that Usagi was mostly harmless, but when it came to romance, especially a night out with Mamoru, she became fierce quickly. "Usagi-chan we can still go out together, we just can't go there anymore" Makoto offered, trying to diffuse her angered friend. Usagi's demeanor changed instantly, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she laughed "Yes, yes. Let's enjoy a night out together. Of course any night I spend with Mamo-chan is a good night for me." The blonde girl purred taking Mamoru's arm in both of her hands and rubbing her face against him like an affectionate cat would.

As they walked discussing where they should go instead, more and more businesses were closing early. They tried going to three different restaurants they had come across, but all had their doors locked. It seemed the only places they could go for something to eat were fast food restaurants. So they all agreed they would stop at the next one they came across and continued to walk down the eerily quiet streets. Usagi and Mamoru walked ahead of Makoto and Sol, chatting quietly to each other. Mamoru turned his head back to the pair and said "That was really something Sol, the way you threw Makoto like that. You don't look like you're very strong, but somehow you were able to. I wouldn't have believed it unless I saw it with my own eyes." Sol blushed and ran his hand through his hair, looking down at his feet. Makoto noticed he put his hand through his hair anytime he became uncomfortable. "It must have been adrenaline" was all he said in reply. Mamoru nodded and turned his attention back to Usagi.

They found a burger place and stopped in for a quick bite. Makoto, feeling a little over dressed fidgeted nervously with her hair. A long strand dangled from either side of her face and she wrapped her index finger up, twisting her hair around it until the end bulged, turning red from the blood trapped inside. Usagi and Mamoru spoke with a carefree easiness that Makoto envied. Anytime she tried to spark up conversation with Sol he distantly gave one word answers and returned to gazing out the window. Maybe he's worried about another riot breaking out.

It wasn't long before everyone was done, and not wanting to be a burden on Usagi and Mamoru who seemed to be having a great time together, Makoto offered that she and Sol take their leave. "I'll see you tomorrow Mako-chan" Usagi waved enthusiastically as they walked away from the other two. The sun had gone down now and the dark buildings surrounding them sent a shiver up Makoto's spine. Sol was definitely on edge as she noticed he kept looking back over his shoulder, and tensing at any sound he heard. They hardly spoke as they strolled down the almost empty dark streets. The occasional person they did see was either a police officer or a frightened looking citizen running to wherever they needed to be.

As they approached the side street Makoto needed to take to get home, they were greeted by another line of riot police, decked out in all black protective gear, ready to fight unruly civilians if it came to that. It seemed that the police had been instructed to contain and not engage, hoping the mob mentality would die down on its own. Makoto approached one of the officers at the back cautiously, trying not to spook him, else he might lash out. "Excuse me sir, I need to pass through here to get home." The officer turned and lifted his clear face shield before speaking. "Sorry ma'am, but we're under strict orders to let no one pass, either way. You'll have to find somewhere else to go tonight, word is more and more people keep joining this group. And a piece of advice, once you get inside, stay inside. Riots are popping all over the city and we're already stretched thin." Without offering anything else he turned back to his guard duty.

The tall brown haired girl slumped her shoulders in defeat. Of course she could find another way around, on the rooftops or through an empty building if need be, but she couldn't do that in front of Sol. Trying to think which one of her friends was closest to where she was now she felt Sol place his arm around her. "C'mon Mako-chan, its dangerous here" letting him guide her away from the backs of the officers in front of them she offered "At least I can walk you home." Sol nodded his agreement and let a small smile spread his face.

Thinking about what had almost been a disastrous evening, Makoto remembered what he had said when he picked her up and started to run with her in his arms. "What did you mean when you said you didn't want to lose me too?" She inquired quietly. Sol stopped in his tracks and she noticed his breathing increased. She could see he was suddenly holding back tears as he swallowed hard and closed his eyes, taking deep calming breathes. When he spoke, she had to close the distance in between them as it was almost inaudible "Makoto-chan, I've lost both my parents" she knew that he had lost his parents, but hearing him say it broke her heart. She wanted to take his pain, knowing what it was like to have your entire world turned upside down. "If I had lost you tonight I don't..." His mouth moved wordlessly as tears flowed from his eyes, face distorted in agony.

She quickly pulled him close to her, feeling his heart pound inside his chest as she put her head against him. "Sol, I didn't know. I'm so sorry for your lose" tears were flowing from her eyes now as she spoke, a long forgotten pain emerging. She held him tight, wishing she lift him out of this walking nightmare. His body shuddered as he tried to maintain his calm, fighting back the overwhelming sorrow overcoming him. "Let's get you home" she finally mumbled into his chest. He let her go and they continued on to his house. They made the rest of the trip on foot in silence.

Once they were outside of his house like they had been the night before, he grabbed her and pulled her in tight. "Thank you Makoto-chan" he expressed in appreciation. Wiping newly formed tears from her eyes she responded "Your Welcome Sol-kun. If there's anything I can do to ease your pain, just ask."

"Stay here with me tonight" he blurted out. Turning her head up to face him, she blushed as words escaped her. Sol noticed her stunned face and quickly added "Not for... It's just when you're around me, I feel..." He didn't need to say it, she knew what he was trying to express. "Normal" she finished for him. He nodded slowly. Taking his hand in hers, she led him up the short walkway to the door. Trying the knob she found it wasn't locked so pushed the door open and they entered together.

She was greeted by an open closet door on her left and a stair case in front of her. Beside the stair case a hallway led back to what she assumed was the kitchen. A short wall on her right opened to the living room. She remembered when Sol was lying here as his father was on top of him, jaws closing in for the kill. Taking her shoes off she noticed a small wooden sign above the door that read Cead Mile Failte with strange symbols above some of the letters, so she knew it wasn't English. "What's that sign above the door say Sol-kun?" Rising from untying his own shoes he looked to where she was pointing "It's Gaelic. It means 'One hundred thousand welcomes.' It's something the Irish say to visitors, so apparently I have no manners." He answered while smirking. Leading her into the living room he asked if she wanted anything to drink. Taking a seat on the couch she told him water would be fine. As he was in the kitchen she found the remote and turned the television on, hoping there would be some news as to why the whole city seemed to be in an uproar.

As he returned with her drink in his hand, she found a channel that had continued coverage. "...As the police brace for what is expected to be a long night with rioters, some people are claiming that the images showing Sailor Moon ordering a monster to attack is nothing but an imposter..." A video of a woman dressed in a badly assembled Sailor Senshi uniform pointed at a scared helpless man, when she turned to face the camera Makoto's breath caught. She looks just like Usagi! The glass Sol had been holding crashed to the floor, pulling her attention away from the broadcast to the broken shards lying on the wet floor. "Sol-kun...?" He stared intently at the screen, eyes going wide. "Is something wrong?" Sol shook his head, bending down to retrieve the broken pieces of glass from the floor.

"No, the glass just slipped out of my hand" he answered. She stood and crossed the short distance to help him clean up the mess. Watching his face as he carefully plucked the sharp shards off the floor, she realized he looked exhausted. Once all the pieces were in his hand, he went back into the kitchen to throw them away and Makoto followed. His kitchen was big, much bigger than the small space Makoto had to work with. Pots and pans hung from a large square rack above a beautiful cheery oak square chopping block that also substituted for an island. All the appliances were stainless steel, and the oven had two compartments, ideal for an afternoon of baking. "This kitchen is amazing" Makoto admired. Sol opened a cupboard beneath the sink and threw the broken glass into the trash "Yeah, my mom really wanted a nice kitchen. She didn't care how big the house was as long as she got her perfect kitchen." Trailing her hand along the granite counter top while she slowly made her way around she replied "Well she has very good taste. This room feels like it was loved and well taken care of." Her gaze drifted around, marveling at the small details his mother had put into her dream kitchen and she finally rested on the tired figure of Sol, still standing at the sink. He looked like he was going to fall asleep where he stood, eyes almost closed, body swaying slightly. "Maybe you should go lay down" she suggested. He didn't seem to hear what she said, so she crossed the kitchen to where he stood and gently took his hand in hers.

Leading him out of the kitchen and up the stairs it was easy to find his room. The door was open and there were some clothes strewn about on the floor. Not too much to be a mess, but it looked untidy this way. She led him to the bed and threw the covers back, helping him get settled. As she turned to go he whispered "Can you lay down with me for a little while? When I hold you it calms me down." Without saying a word she turned the light off and crawled into bed with him, nestling in under his arm with her head on his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart as they lay together in a comfortable embrace. She decided she would wait until he was asleep and then sneak out to get to her apartment. She needed to contact the other girls and find out what was going on.

-/-*-\-

As Sol lay in bed with Makoto, a calming feeling washed over him. He struggled to keep his eyes open as thoughts raced through his head. That's the same woman I helped last night. She looked like Sailor Moon, but when she turned to face the camera, almost like she knew it was there, he knew. There was no mistaking that cold look. He remembered he still had her business card, just not in the pants he was wearing. In the morning he would call, and get to the bottom of this. He also recalled what Tuxedo Kamen had said about talking to the other Sailor Senshi on his behalf, but now he had no way of contacting them. He inhaled deeply, trying to think and the lavender scent of Makoto's shampoo filled his nostrils. His mind drifted to her, and the life line she was giving him. When he was alone, it felt like he was getting dragged under by unseen hands, unable to resist the urge to give up. Like a light house in the night for weary ships, she was guiding him out of the darkness that shrouded his heart. She felt so comfortable against him, and the sleepless nights had taken their toll. He struggled to stay awake, to come up with a plan for tomorrow, but the steady breathing of Makoto was like a lullaby, putting him to sleep. Instead of the usual nightmares of reliving his mother's death, his dreams were filled with laughter of him and Makoto living a happy peaceful life together.

A/N: Well I guess this is the new pace; I seem unable to write more than a few paragraphs at a time now. Hope you enjoyed this next chapter :D