I haven't updated in a while and I apologise, I work part time these days and I'm focusing on my serious fiction that I hope to publish in the future

I also suffer from burnout and writers block on occasion so I appreciate any suggestions from followers in reviews

Thanks so much ❤️

Usagi sat silently at her kitchen table, her eyes cautiously reading over every leaflet, so many decisions flickering before her eyes. She felt rather overwhelmed by all the choices laid out in front of her, she would need to make her decision soon but she needed input. She was glad her friends would be helping her through this, she needed them now more than ever. This was a drastic change in her life, happening too fast for her to comprehend, but she found comfort in knowing she wouldn't have to face this alone. She wasn't a high school student anymore, she wasn't a teenager anymore, it was hard to believe she had been Sailor Moon, Princess Serenity since she was fourteen years old. It felt like a lifetime ago, a crybaby teenager who Luna appeared before, giving her that locket and training her to fight. She had grown up so much since then, casting aside her selfish behaviour into the queen she would become. Facing many enemies, adversaries and heartaches, helping them heal, destroying them and some losing their lives after being manipulated. Her destiny was never easy, for the sake of protecting the earth and the ones she loved. The dark moon kingdom who tried to destroy Chibiusa's home, when Beryl tried to destroy her home in a past life out of jealousy due to her unrequited love for Mamoru. Usagi had shown mercy to those that could be redeemed, but destroyed those who were a threat to her home. Now she was freshly turned 20, soon to be a mother and future queen of crystal Tokyo. She had lost pieces of herself along the way, felt heartbreak, nearly lost Chibiusa too many times to count, nearly losing Mamoru. She had become stronger yet she felt there was still so much more she had to learn. She wasn't great at cooking so being a chef wasn't a good idea, maybe she could work in daycare with children to prepare her for the birth of Chibiusa. She could become a nurse, but her grades weren't as high as Ami's so that wasn't a high option. Maybe she could become a police officer, but Mamoru would worry and she wasn't willing to risk Chibiusa's safety. She had no idea which path would become her career aside from future queen, she couldn't act like a child anymore. She was protector of the earth, Princess and future queen of the moon, guardian of love and the future ruler of crystal Tokyo. People were relying on her, the weight of all her past casualties, battles and losses were something she never forgot. Her sailor scouts who protected her and stood by her side in the future, Minako who acted as her double to protect her. She sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of her nose in frustration and exhaustion, trying to avoid a headache or stress, she didn't need extra atop the ones caused by her pregnancy.

She was a being of the moon, in a past life she was a princess engaged to Mamoru/Endymion who was prince of the earth, their love was so powerful that when he was killed in a past life, she took her own due to the grief. They were reincarnated in modern day Tokyo as lovers all over again, protecting the world from evil. She was a human now, she had lived her whole life on earth, living in blissful ignorance with no memory of her past life until Luna came into her life. But now she had twice as many responsibilities as before. She had her studies to focus on, endless exams and paperwork to prepare for, unlike in middle school she couldn't sleep her way through classes, barely pass exams and daydream. She had breaks when she needed to, tried to eat better and focus better. She needed to make a good life for herself while Mamoru was in America, before their daughter was born, someday she would be a political royal leader and protect an entire kingdom. Slowly becoming the mother that Chibiusa admired and adored. She had at least managed to make small preparations, she worked part time as a waitress at a local restaurant, earning her income, rent money and allowing her to pay her bills. She couldn't rely on Mamoru for help all the time, their long distance relationship making that evident, he was proud of her growth, praising her, sending reassurance and advice. He'd always believed in Usagi and knew she would become a wonderful mother and queen. She had to learn to look after herself, she had become stronger during her time as a sailor scout. To learn to handle villains by herself, to become more independent, she had her friends by her side to keep an eye on them, but she couldn't leech off their good will forever. As an adult, albeit a newly turned one, she had to learn basic skills, cooking, cleaning, finances, all matters that would become prominent parts of her life. Her mother was amazed at how much she had changed in comparison to her younger self, barely recognisable to others. She didn't waste time at the arcade like she did in high school, she didn't goof off. She could still be stubborn, a crybaby and more, but her heart had grown bigger. In comparison to the heavy burden of becoming future queen, she could at least control some aspects of her life. Makoto had been teaching her how to cook, patience and understanding being the key, reassuring her when she made mistakes and helping her to grow. Meaning she could feed herself, Makoto and learn to make baby-food when Chibiusa would be born. Makoto was taking a cooking course, her innate talent already becoming better, her skill rubbing off on Usagi. Ami was helping her study while balancing her medical course into becoming a doctor, she was the smartest and most patient of the sailor scouts. Acting as a maternal figure to Usagi and a trusted friend to the rest of the scouts. All of them were proud of her growth, standing on her own.

It was hard, having her friends nearby when things became too much, it was a blessing, knowing they would always be there when she needed them most. The loneliness, the longing, the anxiety, all of it became too much sometimes, despite the brave front she put on. She was human, despite her life as a moon being in her past life, she had weaknesses just like anyone else. Mamoru had proposed to her before he travelled to America, promising to marry her once he came back from the states, finally belonging to one another, a huge step towards their future. The two of them reborn, their souls transcending time to be together, sacrificing one another repeatedly, for the sake of their love. Becoming rulers and a married couple in the future, producing Chibiusa their daughter. Her cheeks reddening at the thought, though it was many years into the future, it was the person she would become. She felt movement within her belly, distracting her from her thoughts, her unborn baby sensing her distress and anxiety. The love she felt for Chibiusa and the love her daughter felt in return, it was an unmatched emotion. She gripped her stomach fondly, stroking her small baby bump with a loving tenderness, she was 4 months pregnant, a small bump beneath her clothes, but not noticeable as of yet. She knew people would ask questions, people would judge her, call her a fool, condescend her for being a young mother. But this was her fate, her decision, she wanted this baby, she was fated to have this baby. Mamoru's baby was living inside of her, the future princess of the moon kingdom, their daughter, Chibiusa. She felt a small shiver run through her, anxiety trembling within her skin. The fear she felt, the expectations she needed to meet, scared of messing up, the role model she needed to become to her Seism and her daughter. This was the only future she was still preparing for, an endless anxiety that filled her with dread, her future as a mother, worried of the path she would be walking down, the future she didn't know. But she knew what kind of person Chibiusa she would be, she had met her when she travelled from the future. She was as strong, courageous and loyal as her parents, she was stubborn like her mother, sometimes a brat, but she had a kind heart. Being so young she was attached to Mamoru, her father in the future, but soon came to have that same adoration for Usagi. She hoped that in the present day she would become a good influence to her daughter. But what she didn't know, was what Chibiusa would be like as a teenager, the adult she would become as future queen. She worried of the influence she would bestow on Chibiusa, the life she would give her, how she would nurture her into a future ruler. Given she had her own memories erased from the past, rediscovering them had changed her whole perspective. Now she was having to adapt that she would become queen someday too, it was a lot to take in. Usagi took a deep breath, stroking her belly and calming her mind, trying to erase these negative thoughts from her mind. Love radiating into her womb, where her daughter resided within her. She knew she could do this, she knew as scared as she was it would work out in the end, she couldn't wait to teach Chibiusa all about the world and what was so important about protecting the life on it. "I can't wait to meet you, Chibiusa-chan" she smiled.

Usagi yawned wearily, stretching her aching limbs as exhaustion hit her in waves, she had rested well but somehow being a student was harder than it looked. In comparison to high school, this was much harder. Everything was happening all at once and she didn't know how to cope, it had been a few weeks since her enrolment into college, finding her classes and coping with the stresses of it all. She couldn't engage of many of the traditional college activities such as drinking, parties and other events, but she could still enjoy herself and find her own fun. Due to her pregnancy, which only her friends new about, she had to regulate her diet and cut some things out. She was still 4 months so nobody was suspicious of her and if her classmates got too nosy, her friends stood up for her, she knew getting pregnant in college was assuming she would drop out, that she slept around and other negative assumptions. Despite the fact she had been in a longterm relationship for six years. It was nobody's business of her own when it came to motherhood. Usagi knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, she needed to be brave, she needed to look to her mother for guidance, perhaps ask help of her future self.

Rei, Ami and Makoto still came over for study sessions, Minako visited it when she could, but she had been scouted by talent agencies post graduation and was now attending music college. Compared to how stern they were with her in high school, they had softened on her, they were very understanding and patient. Understanding if she had to cancel for any reason and her exhaustion due to her job and hormones. Being a mother was a full time job, balancing everything else atop that, she had been working tirelessly lately. Usagi's boss knew she was pregnant, working her shifts around what she could manage, this was her first serious job and she was relieved at how understanding they were. Expecting them to call her irresponsible or tell her to quit, instead they were understanding and kind. Reminding herself to sort out maternity leave soon, so she didn't get stressed and she could take time off to prepare for Chibiusa being born. Mamoru would be back soon, then he would be able to help with childcare and would be finished with his own studies. But while it was herself and the baby, she needed to prioritise both their wellbeing. She sent him copies of her ultrasounds in the post which he treasured deeply, calling and face-timing him about her updates and development. This was his daughter, he deserved to know how his fiancé and daughter were safe and well. Though known for being stoic, calm and passive, Mamoru was very protective, loyal and devoted to her. He was already making plans for a long visit when he had break from University, eager to see his fiancé. The age old saying distance makes the heart grow fonder couldn't be truer. She collapsed onto her bed with a delighted sigh of happiness, a long nap would be wonderful, allowing her to rest, she needed it now more than ever. The idea of a hot bath or shower sounded good right about now, soaking in hot water and cleansing herself. Rubbing her stomach fondly "I'm tired" she mumbled, Chibiusa stirring inside of her as if to comfort her. A bubble bath sounded good, or maybe just a hot shower to soothe her aching muscles, Chibiusa would enjoy either of those. But she needed a nap more than anything right now, she was mentally and emotionally drained, she felt like she could sleep for weeks. One of those coma naps where you passed out and when you woke up, time and reality felt distorted. She had chosen to take up nursing, in particular paediatric nursing, it felt like the right choice, making sense to her and something she was passionate about. The silver crystal healed those around it, as its protector she did the same. As well as being able to care for her own baby, she would be helping the children of others.

Ami had been very surprised but supportive of her choice, understanding her role as a mother feeding into her decision, helping her with her studies and classes, given they were both on the same medical course. She wondered what Mamoru would think when he found out. She would have never seen this as a decision when she was a teenager of all her career choices, daydreams of being a pop star, rich, or even a film star, childish dreams. But growing up made her realise that her dreams needed to be realistic, changing her views. She was terrified of messing up, making a mistake, being mocked or ruining her reputation somehow. But at least she had Amy for help, the previously shy sailor scout had become a maternal figure to Usagi. Ami's innately sweet nature helped Usagi feel grounded and assured she could achieve anything. Sobbing with happiness when Ami helped her pass after many trials and tribulations. But that fear of messing up still lingered, being a paediatric doctor meant she was responsible for the lives of children. That was something she couldn't afford. She smiled and rubbed her stomach "Do you believe in me Chibiusa?" she asked, hoping she could hear her voice.

Unexpectedly, Haruka and Michiru had been a huge aid to her through all of this, she knew Michiru and Haruka knew about parenthood after adopting Hotaru together as a couple. Maybe she could ask them for advice, to ease the pressure. They faced homophobia as well as sexism due to being a queer couple, helping nurture Hotaru's previous dangerous and volatile power into a controlled one and a good natured child. They knew all about the struggles of raising a child, sensing Usagi's anxiety and fear of messing up as a mother. Giving her advice and helping her when she needed it most. Setsuna occasionally visited too, aware of her role as future queen and Chibiusa being the princess, aware of how scared she must be. After all, Pluto knew better than anyone what was in store for her. Pluto was guardian of the time gate, but also the best friend of Chibiusa in the future. She knew all of what was to come, carrying a sombre air and maturity that exceeded her peers. But secretly harboured a gentle and maternal soul allowing her to care for her adopted niece Hotaru and Chibiusa.

Usagi sighed sleepily, rolling onto her side and grabbing a pillow, burying her face into it sleepily, imagining it as Mamoru, easing the loneliness inside of her. Missing his touch, his kiss, his warmth and presence, she missed him so much. Being so far apart from him hurt so much, as though a part of her was missing. She was relieved that her morning sickness hadn't been so bad, tolerable, but she worried it would worsen as time went on. She wished Mamoru was here, she wished he was by her side, cuddling her, stroking her hair, words of reassurance, soft kisses and gentle words. Helping her through this, her partner and fiancé, he would be so nice and warm, her happy place, a chest to rest on, listening to his heartbeat. The future they would share together, ruling the moon kingdom, being parents and guardians. Together they were unstoppable, together they were stronger. Mamoru knew Usagi could stand on her own, he never doubted her competence and strength, but he worried of the strain she put on herself. Putting a strain on herself instead of asking for help. She gazed at the ring on her finger, a pink rose quartz in the form of a heart, promising herself to call him later. She sighed sleepily, closing her eyes as she allowed her exhaustion to overcome her. Falling into a deep and comforting sleep, nuzzling her pillow affectionately.