Disclaimer: I watched PGSM Cosmos and now I feel like my life is complete. I grew up watching and they never released season 5 in the United States until much later. It was portrayed beautifully.

To the reviewer who said "slow burn" yes. I'm building this up steadily. I'm not trying to rush or worry about how many chapters it takes me.

_6_

"Mamoru is taking forever." Rei groans leaning against the concrete pillar.

"We are going to miss half priced milkshakes at the Arcade." Ami says agreeing with Rei's assessment.

Usagi turns her gaze toward her feet. She didn't expect him to take this long in the locker room and that was the only reason she agreed to wait for him. Somehow it turned into her friends deciding wait with her.

They stand just outside the gym under the awning where there is plenty of shade.

Usagi and Mamoru had been dating a little over a year. She had fears at the beginning, but Mamoru assuaged those fears and they've been inseparable ever since. Lately, Usagi noticed that Mamoru was acting differently, and she has all new concerns.

"I'm sure that Mamoru has a good explanation." Usagi finally states after moments of silence. "He wouldn't stand us up."

The doors leading out of the locker room burst open, startling the three girls and they whip their heads around to the doors. The silvery haired boy they knew as Diamond backed out, wobbling with Jadeite and Zoicite following him and Mamoru not far behind. Diamond is breathing heavily and snarling at the three men while they finally halt and wait for him to act.

"You're full of yourself, Mamoru." Diamond sneers. "One day you'll realize that your little Odango Atama over there is a child."

"You're fucking a woman who is a walking STD." Zoicite states nonchalantly.

"Get lost!" Rei yells as she stomps her foot and takes a step toward the men. Jadeite cringes and takes a step to get in between his girlfriend and Diamond. The last thing he wants is Rei to get ahold of him when the altercation is practically over.

Mamoru's eyes scanned the area and landed on Usagi's big bright eyes that were searching for his. There was confusion written all over her face. How could he even begin to tell her what just transpired? He didn't want her thinking she's inadequate, because she isn't. He didn't give a flying shit what anyone else thought about their relationship. Why was everyone around them so eager to climb in beds with just anyone? He offered her a warm smile, hoping to calm the nerves he knew was there.

"You'll understand one day, Mamoru." Diamond says as he rolls eyes and walks away. They watch as he goes, especially Usagi.

She scurries over as quickly as she can and stares up at him, "What was that about, Mamoru? What is his problem with me?"

She waits for a response and the man only sighs without giving her a response. He extends his arms and pulls her close into a warm embrace. She can feel that he's not changed and the warmth radiating off him. No, she had to be imagining that something was different earlier.

"Usagi, are you listening to me?"

No, instead she was carried back to the memories of her youth and certain situations were pulling at her heart strings. It didn't feel like she'd been in town long enough for a tug on them but seeing everyone and listening to Mamoru explain what happened back then, her memories feel skewed now with the new perspective.

"Eh?!" Usagi whips her head around and sees her father giving her a particular look before chuckling playfully. "Sorry dad."

"Don't be. I was just saying, be careful getting back to your apartment today. Call us when you get in."

She nods. After such an eventful week, she decides it is time to go back to her side of Japan and resume her normal routine there. Her father has been getting around well enough and by all accounts he seems recovered from the episode. Then there was Rei's wedding that Usagi is now planning events for.

"I will."

Ikuko dabs at the corners of her eyes as she stands beside Kenji with Usagi. They woke up early after Usagi announced her planned return, so they could drive her back to the airport. They didn't want any hiccups in her plans. Ikuko couldn't believe it has been over a week and while she understands, it doesn't make it easier to see her children leave the house again.

"Mama, I'll let you know as soon as I get there. I promise." Usagi sets her suitcase down and wraps her arms around her parents tightly.

They definitely weren't making her exit from Juban easier. She knew this would be difficult. It always has been. She didn't tell any of her friends in person because she didn't want them making a big deal over this. It isn't a permanent exit from Juban, she'll be back.

As her flight is called, she gives them once last hug before walking toward the gate she's going through.

She hands the attending her pass and she's welcomed through the gates and walked on through. The flight wouldn't be long at all.

As soon as she stepped foot on the tarmac, she felt her phone vibrate in her purse. Suddenly stopping and stepping to aside, she draws a few nasty glares from other people planning to board the same flight. "I'm trying to move out of your way." She says with a whine while digging for her phone.

"Hello?"

"Ms. Tsukino."

"Hi."

"You haven't boarded the plane yet, have you?"

Usagi's gut clenches and the air is drained from her lungs. What in God's name does that mean? Am I fired?

"Should I be looking for another job?"

"What? God no! We have good news actually." Usagi begins chewing furiously on her bottom lip waiting for her boss to reveal the good news. She can hear a few voices in the background on the other end of the call. "As you know, we've been looking into expanding our publishing firm and Juban seems like the right move. You're already there."

Oh no.

"Juban? I will be back in the office soon. I could potentially come in later today."

"This has nothing to do with that. Promise. While we are discussing this new office, would you be interested in doing your job from Juban?"

The wind was knocked from her a second time. Staying in Juban to work? She had been prepared to return to her apartment and get back to eating ramen and sushi more often than she probably should. It also allowed her to date freely if she decides she wants to. Being at home with her parents means she has to have boundaries. It also means she doesn't have to pay rent anymore.

"Ms. Tsukino?"

All her friends are here in Juban and let's be honest, she only has Makoto, a coworker that she would go out with after work to have a drink at the karaoke bar across the street. Makoto would be sad to see her go. Unfortunately, Usagi is the only friend Makoto has there because everyone else gives Makoto the cold shoulder. Usagi couldn't stand to see her sitting at lunch alone. Would they send Makoto to Juban if she asked them to? Her mind fills with ideas, what could she ask for?

"This might sound a bit odd, but is it possible to transfer Makoto Kino as well?"

Silence on the other end of the line for what feels like eternity. Usagi looks up and sees a flight attendant walking toward her looking pleasant but also concerned. She's probably wondering why Usagi is taking up their time. She's sure the plane was supposed to be in the air three minutes ago.

"Excuse me, are you planning to board?"

Usagi moves the microphone part of the phone away from her mouth, "I am so sorry, this is kind of an emergency phone call."

The flight attendant smiles but still looks at her expectantly.

"Ms. Tsukino? I've spoken with the other admin team, and we can accommodate if she agrees to the transition."

"I can take a later flight then. If she comes here, I'll stay." Usagi responds and squats down to pick up her bags and turns back toward the airport, leaving the flight attendant looking confused.

"Perfect! We will be in contact."

She hangs up the phone and re-enters the building only to see her mother and father still in the lobby. They glance toward the gate she reappears in, their mouths hanging ajar.

"Usagi?"

"I don't think I'm going anywhere at the moment." She says answering the unasked question.

"Why not?" Ikuko asks extremely confused by the turn of events. "Did something happen?"

"My employers want to expand in Juban."

Kenji blinks a few times and shares a surprised glance toward Ikuko before grinning like a fool. "That is awesome!"

"Unexpected but I am so happy you'll be close by." Ikuko says agreeing with Kenji. "I'm so happy at least one of our children will be here more often."

I honestly don't know how I feel about it, but I'm not going to rain on their parade and at least I won't have to use all my travel points every time we do something to prepare for Rei's wedding.

Kenji hurried over and grabbed Usagi's luggage and they walked back to the front doors. Usagi walks silently listening to the change of conversation from her parents. They went from jubilation to discussing the change of the season and the yucky weather they can expect this coming week. She's lost in thought about moving back home and how it seemed oddly coincidental to Mamoru apologizing and Rei's wedding. Did this mean there is some higher power at play?

Upon arriving back at her parents' house, she helped herself out and promised her parents she could get the suitcase and her purse out. She certainly doesn't want her dad straining himself. "Go rest and make sure you don't miss your upcoming dose of medicine." She reminds him.

Kenji sighs and walks inside with Ikuko groaning about his little girl being all grown up.

As she's lugging the suitcase to the walkway, she feels a vibration once more in her purse. Chewing at her bottom lip she stops and begins digging for that damned device.

Makoto Kino's name lights up on the caller ID.

"Usagi Tsukino speaking." She answers slowly.

"Juban eh?"

Makoto doesn't sound angry or concerned, oh no. Instead, her coworker is mirthful and sounds like she's enjoying the prospect.

"I thought you'd turn them down, honestly." Usagi says with a chuckle. "You'd like it here; I'll introduce you to everyone. I know you like milkshakes, I'll introduce you to Motoki."

"Do introductions include this Mamoru fellow?"

Usagi opens her mouth a few times, but words die on her lips. Only Makoto's chuckle can be heard. She shifts her weight from one side to the other and shakes her head. "He apologized."

"So, I don't need to beat him to a pulp now, excellent."

Makoto, as girly as she is, she also enjoys martial arts and is quite good. She stayed in trouble back in high school due to her unwillingness to allow people to bully others. It also doesn't hurt that she's tall as well as being limber.

I have to stop telling my friends about boys. God knows, Makoto could probably throw him across the room if she ever got the chance.

"I don't recall asking you to beat anyone to a pulp." Usagi says with a sigh. "Are you going to apartment hunt in person or online?"

"I don't know yet. I'd like to see Juban and taste these milkshakes you gush about when we do lunch together. That might have some sway."

It is true. Motoki can mix a mean milkshake, Usagi isn't sure what his secret is or if there is a certain cooking gadget he uses, she tried once to persuade him to tell her what the deal is about those mouthwatering milkshakes, but he never caved. Usagi could never replicate them. Not that she's the greatest cook in the world or even proficient. She does well enough to survive.

Usagi hangs up the phone and sighs as she looks around her room. There are so many good memories here as well as painful memories. They serve as reminders of where she came from as well as where she's been. She isn't sure this is the place she'll see where she's going. She closes her eyes and rolls over on her side. While living rent free is nice, she isn't sure she wants to live with her parents forever.

Then she has to tell her friends about the change of plans and what a circus that will be. She groans as she sees Rei's star-studded happy expression in her imagination. Sure, eventually Rei will see that Usagi isn't thrilled to be here particularly.

"So, you're stationed in Juban now?" Ami asks quirking an eyebrow, still not believing Usagi's unexpected news.

Usagi texted all her friends and asked them to meet her at the Crown Arcade because she had "news." They were all surprised to see that she didn't get on the plane and bombarded her with questions.

"I won't have to travel very far now to attend wedding stuff."

"That isn't the point!" Rei interjects quickly as she narrows her eyes before straightening up, "Is this is a promotion?"

"I suppose there is the possibility. They asked me to stay, and I did give them a condition."

"What condition?" Minako asks tilting her head.

"My co-worker Makoto must come here to join the office if I stay."

"Is she accepting the position?"

Usagi nods, "Yeah, she is." Upon her answer, the girls squeal excitedly and Minako knocks over her milkshake as she flails her arms. "Careful Minako!" Usagi whines removing her sugary drink from the table just in case.

Don't ask about Mamoru. God don't ask if he's a factor in my decision. Shit, I should have thought about it. Maybe they're all too caught up with Minako spilling her milkshake.

"Sorry!" Minako apologizes as she begins cleaning the cold drink off the table. "I can be a klutz when I get excited."

Rei rolls her eyes playfully and hands her more napkins. Ami chuckles and takes a look at her cell phone before drawing her lips thin and shoots a look at Usagi, "Was Mamoru a factor in your decision?"

The wind felt like it was knocked out of Usagi, and she leans back hard against the chair. Was he? She expected the question of Mamoru to be asked, and she should have given it thought instead of hoping they didn't ask.

Well shit.

"I mean it seems like a coincidence that he apologized to me as I was preparing to leave and now, I'm not leaving. I'm not giving it much thought."

"Maybe you should." All eyes were back on Minako as she finished ensuring the last bit of milkshake was wiped from the table. "It could be divine intervention telling you that you and Mamoru should be together."

"Or that cake testing is tomorrow at 3:30 pm." Rei chimes in as she again rolls her eyes at Minako. "You and Mamoru are joining us." Usagi cringes and pouts.

"I like divine intervention better." Minako says stiffly.

"I'm just happy that Usagi is staying, and we get to share so many more memories." Ami says smiling at them all.

"Oh! Are you planning to stay with your parents? What happens if you and Mamoru do get back together? You can't sneak him in that parent trap."

This is insane! Why are they obsessed with Mamoru and I getting back together?

"I am not interested in getting back together with Mamoru!" Usagi hisses loudly at them.

"I'm not interested in getting back together with you either, Odango."

Ice races up Usagi's spine at the response to her statement that she didn't ask for. That voice. There was only one person it belonged to. Was she being set up? Were they expecting her to admit some deep longing to be with Mamoru again and she just screwed up? Of course, she knows she did not screw up. Saying that loud enough when Mamoru could hear her, that definitely is screwing up.

"Damn." She mutters pinching her eyes shut hearing nothing but silence. She cannot imagine how that must've sounded to him. As she waits for further conversation, all she hears is the bell over the door chime and her eyes snap open and see him walk back in the direction he came from. She turns and looks at her friends who all wear guilty expressions.

"You were trying to make something happen between us, weren't you?" Usagi asks them curiously.

"I texted him earlier and asked him to swing by." Rei shyly states as she feels her cheeks burn. "We thought it was because of him. Like maybe he played a role in your decision, and we want you to be happy, Usagi."

"You were happy with him before shit happened." Ami adds solemnly.

"Were you trying to push us together?" Usagi asks, her cold expression pointed at Rei.

"Maybe?"

Usagi sighs and stands up to leave. "You're paying for my milkshake, Rei. Make sure you leave a fat tip." She walks toward the doors as fast as she can and hurries in the direction that Mamoru walked off to.

"She's following Mamoru." Minako states watching Usagi out the window.

"She never could stand to see him upset." Ami informs her. "I don't think we should have meddled, Rei."

Rei slumps in her chair and groans, "Big whoop. They'll get over their angst and get back together."