Disclaimer: I haven't forgotten to update, I've just been living and contemplating if this is still the story I wanted to tell and basically finishing the story.

Also been getting into Dragon Ball Daima as of late.

_7_

Running just feels like the worst possible idea that Usagi could have but at the speed she is walking she does not see Mamoru. Her eyes search both sides of the street for him, full of concern.

He apologized and this is how I thank him. Perfect. I cannot see any interaction with him going over well. Why couldn't they just leave it alone? She mutters a few undesirable cuss words earning looks from passerbys.

Hurrying to follow him definitely gave her time to think about that whole incident. She shouldn't want to punish him after he explained and apologized. The further away from Crown she got, she realizes that she's close to the complex he used to live in. With a sigh, she continues trudging forward with hopes that he did return as well as hoping he still lives there.

She opens the lobby doors and sees the main room has not changed at all in the years she's been absent. It is definitely a time walk to her younger years.

She sets her eye to the elevator and pushes the button and steps in as the door opens. There is no real plan in her mind other than explain the situation as best as she can. Taking the few quiet moments in the elevator, Usagi calms her frazzled nerves.

He has every right to be upset with her. It is no excuse that she didn't realize he was there. Her friends put them in a bad situation. Her breathing hitches in the back of her throat as the elevator comes to a halt and the doors slide open.

I have to make this right with him.

As she steps off the elevator with determination coursing through her veins, she suddenly stops, one foot managing to prevent her from smacking herself with the tile below her feet. Color drains from her face.

This is not real life.

"You're single, I'm single. Where is the harm?"

"Oh, there is plenty of harm, Beryl. I have never been interested in you." Mamoru reminds the tall red-haired woman blocking the door to his apartment, preventing him from entry.

"Is it because blondie is back in town? I thought that was old news."

Usagi's hands ball into fists tightly as she listens to the silky lecherous tone of Beryl and watches the exchange from afar. What she wants to do is march up to her and throat punch her and if she was younger and still dating Mamoru, she might. No, she would. She releases his clenched fists and unknits her eyebrows. The reality is that Mamoru is not hers anymore and she has no right to stop this.

"You don't get it, Beryl. You have zero class compared to her. I don't have to be with Usagi to know you're not better than her. Now go." Mamoru says darkly as he pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. "I will call the police."

Snarling and gently pushing herself off the front door of Mamoru's apartment Beryl begins her trek toward the elevator.

Oh shit.

Usagi realizes she stood too long and within seconds Beryl will discover there was an audience. She panics and looks around the hall for any potential hiding spot but there is none.

"Speak of blonde devils."

Usagi whips her head back around and finds herself face to face with Beryl who is glaring hard at her in return.

Mamoru slowly turns around as well hearing Beryl's lecherous voice again. Surely his own eyes betray him, and he is not seeing Usagi standing there in the hallway. No, she has zero reason to be here. She made it clear earlier. Still, Mamoru recognizes the potential for a problem to arise.

Usagi does not speak to Beryl, she sidesteps the taller woman silently, a bead of sweat forming on her temple as she does so.

"No comment? Just going in there for a romp?" Beryl teases as she places her hands haughtily on her hips watching the two.

"Some of us have more sophisticated business to attend." Usagi responds without looking behind her and doesn't stop until she's reached Mamoru's side. "I also believe he said something about calling the police if you don't disperse."

The satisfied look on Beryl's face disappears and she's reminded of why she found the blonde woman in the hall to begin with. She turns back around to the elevator, clearly muttering curses at them both before stepping into the elevator as the doors open.

Mamoru stares at Usagi, studying her quietly.

Usagi turns back around and looks at the tall man, recognizing the curious look on his face. "Can we talk?"

His mouth dries out and for a moment he can't find a single word to utter. The basics, you twit! "Uh sure. Come in." Mamoru finally manages to say as he fumbles with his door keys for a moment. Once the door opens, he stands aside and allows Usagi to walk in and follows.

Once inside and their shoes are off, Usagi takes a moment to look around. Mamoru had never been one to decorate very much and his taste certainly hasn't changed at all. His apartment still smells of fresh and earthy. Still the same as the last time she was here.

"Sorry, I just got sucked in looking around." She finally says when her eyes land back on the man leaning against the wall, still watching her.

"It's fine. I suppose I should've expected you'd take a moment to look around."

She nods and walks toward the couch and gently sits down. Mamoru follows suit.

"I am sorry for earlier."

He blinks and tilts his head slightly.

Usagi takes a deep breath and begins again, "I wasn't saying I don't want to get back together as a jab at you. Rei thought it would be cute if they could start something. They thought my decision to stay was based on you."

Suddenly Mamoru feels his chest tighten. He heard every word she said but he especially zeroed in on 'decision to stay' as if it was the secret ingredient to Motoki's milkshakes.

"I should have been more mindful about my words."

"Are you staying in Juban?" He asks, not concerned by anything else she said thus far. He watches as she stiffens her cheeks flush a beautiful shade of reddish pink.

"I was ready to board my plane today and suddenly I'm not going anywhere now. I do have to get my things out of my apartment in Ota at some point though." Usagi explains further and suddenly finds the random miniature statue across the room on a bookshelf fascinating.

Inwardly Mamoru is relieved to hear it but he keeps himself under control. He isn't sure what it is he feels when she's around. There are a lot of questions zooming through his brain when it concerns Usagi. He covers his tracks well enough and nods as he responds, "That explains it. Rei did text me and so I guess that was part of her scheme?"

Yeah, silly, right?"

Mamoru smiles at her and chuckles, "No harm done, Usagi. I understand you were probably agitated by her behavior." This also confirms that he still may have a chance to restore himself to the person she adored. Not that Mamoru would ever admit he's waited all this time to see if there was ever another chance with her. That would be idiotic, right?

I feel like I avoided a crisis. Usagi smiles back at Mamoru, delighted he understands that she didn't mean to hurt his feelings, if she did in fact. She studies his features for a moment. The strong jawline, the color of his eyes enhanced by his ebony hair that is still reminiscent of youth. Stop staring, Usagi!

"Usagi?"

"Uh, yes?" She responds quickly feeling some heat rise to her cheeks.

"The cake tasting tomorrow? Why are we invited?" He asks and she suddenly believes she was checking him out while he was asking her questions. She mentally screams.

"Rei said she wants the best man and maid of honor there. That's all I know." She finally says with a simple shrug before they both return to silence. She looks around as Mamoru reaches his hand to the back of his neck to scratch, trying to find any excuse to leave as she doesn't want this to be awkward.

"I better go. Beryl will start rumors that we were alone together." Usagi says with a curt nod and awkward smile. It is a weak excuse to go and they both know it.

"I understand." He says knowing all too well that she's just not sure what else to say. He watches her as she suddenly gets up and slips back into her shoes and gives him more smile before opening the door and leaving.

Mamoru leans back on the sofa and groans, "She's staying here." It looks like the perfect opportunity but if she's adamant they will never try again, the pang in his chest is too heavy. He never stopped caring about her despite his stupidity back in the day. With one more groan he picks up his phone and calls up Kunzite.

Since they met, Kunzite quickly became someone he could have these conversations with. He also knew that Kunzite wouldn't tell Minako because he knew Minako had become friends with Usagi. She isn't as close as Rei and Ami to Usagi but definitely close. There was something about Kunzite he knew deep down he could trust.

"Hello?"

"Usagi isn't leaving Juban for good."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"She might not want to give us another go." Mamoru states monotonously. He hears a pen click and what sounds like Kunzite leaning back in a chair.

"True. Are you going to sit around waiting for her to see you if you know that she may never want you again?

"I don't know. She's been the only woman I've wanted this way."

"You've not dated anyone else?" Kunzite asks him slightly taken aback.

"Lots of first dates that never went anywhere." Mamoru answers with a shrug he knows Kunzite cannot see.

"All you can do is show her that you've learned from your mistakes. If it is not good enough then move on."

Move on. Mamoru definitely is not sure he's capable of moving on from that petite blonde. She's ruined him for every other potential female. He begins chewing his lip while holding the phone, lost in his own thoughts.

"Mamoru?"

No answer.

"Are you going to be okay?" Kunzite asks loudly with concern.

"Huh?"

Kunzite rolls his eyes and mutters a few incoherent words before talking to Mamoru again, "Get your shoes on and let's go for a fucking drink. I'll call Jed and company."

"Ooh, yeah let's do that. I'll text you the address to meet at."

"Sounds good."

"I cannot believe how lucky we got, Jadeite." Rei says dreamily.

"I know."

"I remember that snooty girl I used to work with used this place for her own wedding. Remember that?"

"Rei, don't turn into bridezilla." Jadeite says mindfully. "Weddings are not competitions."

"I never said it was!" Rei retorts with a glare at Jadeite.

"You two go on like an old married couple already." Usagi says making her presence remembered. Rei and Jadeite sometimes handled themselves in public places like they were in private.

Rei leans back in her chair and pulls out her phone. She glances across the table at Jadeite and gives him a particular look that sends shivers up his spine. He turns his attention to Mamoru who had been quiet during the exchange.

What they were not expecting is to be put at a table in a huge room with similarly big windows to view the koi pond right outside and told to wait for the representative to be right out which had taken place nearly ten minutes ago. The building itself had a few rooms that were meant for clients to be met with in privately. Stairs along the backside of the lobby must lead up to offices. Along the left side opposite of the private rooms is where the kitchen and freezer rooms are located. The walls are minimally decorated but there is serene instrumental music playing to set a certain mood.

Rei is browsing Pinterest on her phone while Mamoru and Jadeite are locked in conversation about the basketball game they watched the night before. Usagi is left to her own devices, leaning back in her chair that creaks if she so much as sneezes.

"Stop fidgeting Usagi. You might break the chair." Rei states sternly with a hint of agitation.

"Why are we waiting? You made reservations with this place, correct?" Usagi responds with a whine.

"They're very popular. I'm perfectly fine waiting."

"Why is your eyebrow twitching then?" Jadeite asks with a smirk.

"I'm sorry, did you want to find a second mattress later?" Rei asks giving him the same look as before. If looks could kill, he'd already be dead.

"What flavor are you looking for exactly, Rei?" Usagi asks trying to take the heat off Jadeite. "There are only so many flavors. You aren't going to invent a new one."

"I know, girl. I want to taste lemon with blueberry first."

Mamoru scrunches his nose and shakes his head astonished. Of all the flavor combinations he isn't sure he agrees with that. "Why not just put kiwi on pizza with pineapple then." Without warning the other three at the table shoot him varying offensive looks without a word being said. "What?"

"You're just odd." Usagi says.

"Odd?"

"Fruits don't belong on pizza."

"Tried it before?" Mamoru asks.

"No, it just sounds gross."

"Why don't you try it before you knock it."

"Are you buying so I don't have to waste my money?"

Jadeite raises an eyebrow and looks to Rei without a word but questioning their entire conversation. Rei shrugs her shoulders. What were these two doing? Rei reaches for her glass of water, and they continue to watch the two's banter.

"Sure, why not? When and where?" Mamoru says with a nod and pulls his phone out to do a quick search in Juban.

"Is there even a place in Juban that makes that kind of pizza?" Usagi asks sarcastically leaning forward in her chair with a challenging look on her face. Again, the chair creaks.

"Did they just make a date? Jadeite asks in a whisper.

"Did hell just freeze over?" Rei asks him in return. "Someone better come out here."

"At least they aren't fighting though." Jadeite reminds her gently. "Do you want them throwing cake at each other?"

Rei opens her mouth to respond but takes a look at them and sees they're engrossed in their conversation about pizza toppings and considers this for a moment. She really doesn't want a scene where cake is thrown everywhere and they're stuck cleaning because Usagi and Mamoru couldn't help themselves. "This is good. I'll take this over them fighting."

Without warning, the door to the room burst open to reveal a suited man holding a clipboard with hair slicked back. His features are not as sharp, and his face is instead rounded with trimmed eyebrows and has this aura about him that doesn't seem friendly. "Hello!" His voice is loud and crisp, stopping the conversations taking place in the secluded room. "I am Ujiki. Welcome!" Usagi jumps out of her skin at his entrance and once again the chair makes an unforgettable noise.

With a sweat drop, Rei stands to make Ujiki's acquaintance and shake his hand. "Pleasure to meet you." Ujiki smiles widely and shakes her hand before turning to smile at everyone else.

"Two couples?" He asks curiously.

"Ack!" Usagi gasps suddenly. Jadeite smirks at Mamoru who stiffens in his seat and shrinks under the man's eye.

"I take that as a no?"

"They're part of our wedding party. That's all." Rei states interjecting before worse can be said. Mamoru waits with bated breath as Ujiki pulls a pen from his pocket and begins taking notes.

"Alright. So tell me what kind of theme are you into for the big day? Are you wearing a snow-white dress or more of a creamy white dress?"

"Snow-white. I don't necessarily know about a theme, but I know I'd like to taste a few variations with lemon and blueberry."

"Interesting choices. Does your soon-to-be husband share that sentiment?"

"Yeah, lemon is actually my choice. Rei loves blueberry." Jadeite adds reaching for the water pitcher placed in the middle of the table. Usagi looks across the table at Mamoru who is still looking at his own phone. She notices the slight parted lips and his eyebrows knitting together. Whatever would cause that look on his face? She studies him quietly as the conversation between Ujiki and Rei. He certainly didn't look his age.

She shuffles in her chair once again, trying to quietly get comfortable once more and turns her attention away from Mamoru. As she moves, everyone stops as a loud crackling sound comes from the crumbling chair leg. Rei shuffles backward immediately from the scene. Mamoru and Jadeite stand at attention, concern crossing Mamoru's features when he doesn't see Usagi standing.

"Youch!"

They all look at the mess on the floor that is whining in pain.

"Usagi!" Rei shouts and rushes forward and kneels beside the blonde who is staring blankly upward.

Why do these things happen to me?

With a pained groan, Usagi slowly sits up, hyper vigilant of possible injuries she sustained. "I think I'm okay." Mamoru walks around the table and kneels on the opposite side of her and begins looking for sign of injuries. "Mamoru, I'm fine." She says trying to assure him he does not need to examine her.

"Does anything hurt?" He asks.

"My ass obviously. I think I'm fine otherwise."

"Do I need to call an ambulance?" Jadeite asks unsure what to do.

"Are you suing us?" Ujiki asks worrying about his business more than Usagi's wellbeing.

"That's what you're worried about?!" Rei asks incredulously as she looks to the man who is now loosening the tie around his neck.

"Asshole." Mamoru mutters under his breath only loud enough for him and Usagi to hear.

"I'm fine." Usagi says aloud hoping to calm everyone down.

"That chair was creaking the entire time we've been here. You are not fine." Mamoru responds to her empty assurance. "Can you stand, Usagi?"

With a deep breath, Usagi begins trying to lift herself up. She reaches for the tableside to help support herself. She rolls her shoulders both ways and rotates her arms. Unfortunately, she realizes that her knees are wobbly and the sting on her rear from the fall is still present. "My lower backside hurts." She announces.

"Should we get you another chair?" Ujiki asks earning himself a glare from Mamoru.

"Will it be better than the last one?" He asks.

"I've apologized and we can do better."

Sensing that this is not going to get better and there is potential for another bad chair, Usagi decides to butt in. "I think I'll just excuse myself." Usagi says before Mamoru can retort. "You have time to ask Ami or Minako, Rei."

Rei looks around the room hard. She wanted this place because of their reputation for delicious wedding cakes and the prestige that came from having someone like Ujiki prepare the cake. Granted, Usagi should have been careful, it didn't excuse this business's duty to protect guests on the premises. The reality is that Rei can't ignore the lack of empathy from Ujiki. "I think we'll take our leave."

"Are you certain, hun?" Jadeite asks watching his fiancé curiously.

"I've seen enough, and I'm not interested anymore."

"You just have no taste."

All eyes narrow on Ujiki for his crass response to Rei's newfound lack of interest. Rei's face begins turning red and Jadeite looks between the two.

Mamoru gently takes Usagi's hand trying to be helpful and refocus his attention on her instead of being angry at that jackass. Rei and Jadeite can dish more out to him. "I'm going to get Usagi back home."

Usagi observes Mamoru's demeanor. She senses his disdain and the anger emanating from him. His concern for my safety is much appreciated and... She shakes her head and pushes that thought away. "I'm ready to go." She tells Mamoru and he helps her walk away.