Title: Christmas Magic Chapter 9 Author: Azn Angel Email: silver_dragon12@excite.com Rated: PG IN BOLD LETTERS, SO YOU PEOPLE WHO DON'T READ AUTHOR NOTES ~WILL~ READ THIS!! DO ~~~~NOT~~~~ EMAIL ME AT MY OLD EMAIL ADDRESS!!!! I WON'T ANSWER IT!!! I'M ABOUT TO DEACTIVATE IT, SO BE FOREWARNED!!!!!! EMAIL ME AT~ silver_dragon12@excite.com OK??????? THANK YOU!!!!! Yeah, now that it's over, I'm hoping this will be my last chapter, so I can be rid of all these threats. *mutters* So many... But it's OK! ^_^ Oh. Wait. There's also Locker Love threats. *sweatdrop* -_-; Anyways, I'm almost finished with this, which means I'll start working on Locker Love again! So many have emailed me about the cliffhanger! (I don't really know why... I mean, it's not even a cliffhanger, just a suspenseful ending point of my chapter... OK, never mind. -_-;) Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon. Unless it's up for bid at $5.67, nope, I don't own it. T_T ~*~*~*~* And there stood Mamoru, looking sharp with a tuxedo, and a quirky grin when he saw me. "Konnichiwa, Mamoru-san!" I greeted nervously. "Konnichiwa, Usagi-chan." he said in a smooth tone. He looked me up and down. "You look..." "Yes?" I asked nervously. "You look..." He was staring. Staring. Which, of course, made me feel uncomfortable. "Um, Mamoru?" His eyes were out of focus. "Hmm?" His eyes became sharp again. "Oh! Heh heh, loss of speech." "Oh..." "You look very beautiful, Usagi-chan." he said softly. "So pretty and enchanting..." I blushed. My mom appeared behind me. "Well, hello there!" she said with a bright smile. "Who might you be?" He gave her a big smile. A smile I recognized when he tries to charm me. "Konnichiwa. I'm Chiba Mamoru, your daughter's date." I blushed even more at the word "date". "Well, come right in!" "Uh, Ikuko-mama, we kind of have to get somewhere on time." I said, giving her a look. "Oh, right, I'm sorry, you guys go on your date now." She shooed me out. "Have a lovely time, dear!" she called. "Be back on time!" "I will! Ja ne, Ikuko-mama!" I called back. Mamoru and I walked over to his car. "Whoo..." I whistled. "Man, a Ferrari." Mamoru gave me a smile. "Yeah, I love this baby." He opened the car door for me, bowing like a chaffuer. I giggled, but it made me feel kind of awkward. I stepped in. He shut the door, and went around the car, entering the driver's seat. He turned the key, and the engine whirred to life, but so soft like a kitten's purr. "Nice car." I said. "Thanks." Silence. "So, Usagi, why did you want to leave the house so fast?" "Oh..." I swallowed embarrassedly. "Um, you see, my father, Kenji-papa, has a slight temper about boys and me..." "Oh." He nodded in understanding. Silence. "Um..." Mamoru said. I looked over to him, but he was concentrating on driving. "Uh..." Mamoru cleared his throat. I grinned a little. Is that a blush I see? "Um, did I tell you that you looked really beautiful?" he finally blurted out. I blushed, and smiled shyly. "Thanks. You look nice too." He shot me a quick smile. "You think so?" "Yeah," I said. "Nice tuxedo." 'Which just happens to be the one Tuxedo Kamen wears.' I thought. "Thanks." Silence. "Anou, Mamrou?" I asked timidly. "Yes?" "Did you accept my offer because of the reason you told me yesterday, or the reason you gave me over the phone?" He was quiet, then said in a low voice, "To be honest, Usagi, both. At the time, it was more because of the reason I gave you over the phone-" "Oh." I said disappointedly. "But, there was also a small percent of... the, uh, other reason. I'm sorry." "It's OK... I have a confession to make also." "Oh?" He looked at me through narrowed eyes. "What is it?" "Um, the only reason I asked you to the masquerade was because my friends dared me to." He was about to speak, but I quickly jumped in. "I had just canceled my date with Motoki, and my friends were angry about that, so they gave me a dare to ask you to the dance. I really hope you're not angry with me." I turned my head away shamefully. For a few minutes, it was noiseless in the car. (Including the engine!) He spoke up quietly. "But, Usagi, yesterday you told me that you... you liked me too." He said it with almost a... desperate tone? "Is... is it true?" "It is." I whispered, my head still turned away. "But, at the time," I said, borrowing Mamoru's words, "I had asked you only because of the dare. I'm really sorry." My head bowed down, facing the window. After a moment, I felt the car stop. I looked up quickly, my head snapping up. We had stopped along the road. I turned to Mamoru. "Why did we..." I never got to finish the question. Mamoru was looking at me with vulnerable eyes, not like his usual cold, gaurding look. I could see so many feelings... Pain, hope, desperation, determination, and so many others... He held my hand. "But, y-you still care for me, don't you?" I smiled, warmth flooding me. Feeling brave, I bent over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. "Of course." I said softly, looking at him with tender eyes. "Who wouldn't?" He gave me a soft smile, then squeezed my hand. Turning back to the wheel, he was about to start the car, when he stopped. He sighed. "Usagi-chan, would you like to know the reason why I want you, of all people, to care for me?" I was startled, not knowing how to reply. He continued on anyway. "When I was seven years old, I was in a car wreck. When I woke up, a doctor told me that my name was Chiba Mamoru, and my parents were killed by driving off of a curb and into some rocky terrains. I remebered none of this, because I had amnesia. I still do, actually. I'm not sure if my real name if Chiba Mamoru." "I had no known family, so I was sent to an orphanage. It was a horrible place for me. I had no friends there. Everyone was part of their own little gang, and no one wanted me in theirs. I grew up there until I could get a job, which I got right away, since I had high standards and grades. I also was accepted in Azabu University." "The only other real friend I've ever made was Motoki. I was passing the Crown Parlor, and I was in need of coffee. I entered in, to find some cheerful guy serving me my coffee. He was nice, and wanted to get to know me better, but, being me, I had a cold wall around me. I didn't want to get close to anyone, so I ignored him at first. Then, after a few more stops there, Motoki's cheerfulness was rubbing off of me. I found out he also attended Azabu. He was even in some of my classes, but I never realized it, of course. We got to know eachother better, and he eventually persuaded me to go to a party with him. He was by my side the whole time, being the friend he is. Girls came and went to ask Motoki and me to dance, but I of course refused, and Motoki refused so he could be with me. It was then when I realized what a great friend hed was. I became more friendly with him, and now we're best friends." "Then, one faithful day, I was passing by a jewelry store, when something hit me on the head. I instictively caught it. A crumbled ball of paper. I folded it open, and saw some kind of test with a mark of 30. I heard someone apologizing for their bad throw, and I looked up." "I saw a beautiful angel, standing right in front of me. (*blush*) I was nervous and clammy inside, so I did the first thing that came to mind; tease. Afterwards, you became very angry over something I said, and I don't even remember what I said; I was too busy admiring the goddess before me. (*major blush*) You snatched the paper out of my hands, and stomped away." "After that incident, I was on the lookout for my little odango, and found out that you hung out at the arcade quite often. I saw this as a chance to talk to you, but I screwed it up, teasing you again. You stomped away, like before, and then after that, I looked for you anytime, hoping to tease you. Even if you knew me as the "satan spawn", you noticed me at least. And I knew from kind of spying on you, that you were a warm-hearted person, caring, and kind. My angel..." "Then I noticed a little something of my own. I noticed you had a crush on Motoki. Jealousy raged through me, which made me tease you even more mercilessly. I enjoyed our petty little fights, and seeing you make such a kawaii angry face. I knew I should just try talking to you, but I didn't have the nerve. So, on went our little fights and arguments." "Finally, I got a call one night. It was you, asking me to the masquerade. I saw this as a chance to let you know how I really was, so of course I couldn't refuse. I was so happy about that, and now, here I am, with my angel." I blinked, trying to digest all this information. He brushed away a loose lock of hair from my face, then said softly, while looking into my eyes, "Usagi? Would you mind if I called you Usako?" I blinked again. Him?! Call me Usako?! "I'd be flattered." I whispered shyly. Then, I added, "Mamo-chan." He broke out into a wide smile, then leaned foreward, giving me a kiss on the cheek. He started the car again, and drove away. I was slightly disappointed. I wanted him to kiss me on the lips. But, I'd wait. But, still, the tingle on my skin, where he kissed me, was a reminder of how much he affected me. The rest of the drive was a comfortable silence. I would look at him a few times, sometimes catching him looking at me. I'd blush, he'd smile, and I'd turn nervously away. Once we arrived at the place, my breath caught. "Whoa..." It was a giant, beautiful white mansion. It was lit up, with icicle Christmas lights. There were fountains in front, but it was very cold, so they were frozen over. Best of all, it was staring to snow, which made the place look really magical. Mamoru parked the car, and helped me out, taking the role of a chaffuer again, making me giggle. Right when we were about to enter, he stopped. "Oops." he said. He pulled out a white mask, the same one Tuxedo Kamen wears, and put it on. "Wouldn't want to forget this." He grinned at me. I gave him an uneasy smile back. I knew his secret. He didn't know mine. Guilt, guilt, guilt... We entered the mansion, giving our names to the doorman. The halls were filled with paintings, vases, Oriental carpets, and many other elegant expensive things. 'Motoki's aunt must be loaded.' We entered the ballroom, which had a diamond chandelier, and was huge. Many people were dancing, and some were at the food table. All had masks. "Oh, WOW!" I said. Mamoru gave me a smile. He bowed to me. "Would you care to dance?" "I'd love to," I said breathlessly. As he pulled me onto the dance floor, I realized it was a waltz. A waltz?! I didn't know how to waltz! But, as we danced, Mamoru seemed to guide me. I ddin't mess up as all, and was beginning to get the hang of it. After the dance, we ate a little, and ran into quite a couple of people we knew. A lot of girls gave Mamoru a glance, and then glared at me. I looked away from them. Mamoru would wrap his arm around my shoulder. Several guys gave me a look, and some with a wink, and I'd blush. Mamoru would glare fiercely at them, then wrap his arm around my shoulder. I was getting quite accustomed with that. Time flew. (AN: *spots Pluto flying in air* OK... I am disturbed...) I was having a blast. Around nine thirty, I was in need of some fresh air, from the huge, slightly suffocating room. Mamoru offered to take me out onto the balcony, which was deserted. Once we stepped outside, I saw it was snowing again. Lightly, though, but just enough to give everything a sparkle. As I admired the view, I noticed Mamoru was gazing at me. I turned to him uncomfortably. "Nani?" He held a lock of hair in his fingers. "The snow is falling all over you." "...So?" He gave me a tender smile. "It makes you look like a heavenly snow angel." I blushed, realizing he meant the snow in my hair and on my dress. Speaking of dress... I shivered. It was really cold. Mamoru caught my shiver, and took off his jacket. He wrapped it around me. "Here, Usako. Take my jacket." "But, won't you be cold?" I asked. He flashed me a smile. "Don't worry about me." I smiled back, and snuggled deep into the jacket. 'Mmm...' I thought lazily. 'It smells like him...' I unconciously leaned back, which happened to be on Mamoru's warm chest. He wrapped his arms around me. I was looking at the sky. There were no stars, because of the snow clouds in the sky, but you could still see the moon's light. The moon. It triggered something in my mind. Me, being Sailor Moon, and Mamoru, being Tuxedo Kamen. I closed my eyes, dreading the moment, but I knew I had to tell him. I turned around slowly in his arms, which he kept around me, even if I was facing him. "Mamo-chan?" I said softly, barely above a whisper. "I have something to tell you." "Yes?" He looked at me expectantly. "What is it?" I looked away from his eyes. "I... I know something. About you." "You do?" "Hai." I shut my eyes. "Promise me you won't get angry." "What is it?" He ignored my plea. I sighed. Oh, well. Might as well try. "Mamo-chan," I traced a pattern on his tuxedo shirt. "I... I know who you are." He remained silent. "I-I know that you're... That you're... That you're T-Tuxedo Kamen." I trembled. I looked at his face. He was staring at me with intense eyes. "Nani?" "I know th-that you're the superhero, Tuxedo Kamen." I looked away. He didn't even try to deny it. "How did you know?" I hung my head. At least he was still holding me. If he hadn't, I would've fallen to the ground. "That's another thing...." I stumbled. 'Please don't kill me, Luna.' I prayed. "I-I'm..." He tightened his hold, and I don't think it was out of intimacy. "You're...?" I shut my eyes. I whispered, "I'm Sailor Moon." Everything was still. I felt him gently tilting my head up to him, and he said softly, "Open your eyes, Usako." Usako. The word made me squint my eyes open. His eyes were very soft and gentle. "Again, how did you know that I am Tuxedo Kamen, Sailor Moon?" I swallowed anxiously. "One n-night, after a b-battle," I stuttered. "I was feeling kind of adventurous, a-and I followed you. Then, I accidently saw you take off your m-mask. I didn't mean to, honest! I just saw who you were. Oh, I hope you're not angry with me..." I looked away again. He gently forced my gaze back to him. "How long have you known?" I silently counted. "About three days." "Three days." he repeated. I nodded. "That means you knew who I was before I told you my feelings." I looked away again, and gave a nod. Again, he grasped my chin, and I met his gaze. "So... did you say you returned my feelings just because I am Tuxedo Kamen?" My eyes widened, and I broke out of his hold. "Iie!" I said firmly, shaking my head furiously. "I like you because of YOU, not because you're a dreamy superhero!" His eyebrow went up. "Dreamy?" I gasped, and blushed. "..." He went on. "So, you know who I am, and I know who you are. Does anyone else know who I am?!" he asked fiercely. I flinched at his tone. Tears sprung to my eyes, but I quickly blinked them away. "N-no. No one knows that I know who you are." I whispered. "Not even the other senshi." "Really?" I couldn't take it anymore. I broke away from his strong arms. "Yes." I choked. "Everything I'm saying is true. I-I'm going to leave now." I turned to enter the ballroom again. But he was too quick. He grabbed me around the waist, and pulled me to him. "Oh, no you don't, Usako." he said into my ear. My heart fluttered with hope at the name. "I've waited for you way too long just to let you go like that." I looked up to him. "What do you mean?" I whispered. He smiled at me sweetly. "I've waited to hold you ever since the day that test bonked me on the head. I can't let you walk away from me until I've had my chance." His arms tightened around me. "I'll never let you go." (AN: NO, minna, this is NOT Titanic!) He kissed my hair. My heart flew with warmth, and I turned around in his arms. "Do you really mean it?" I asked hopefully. His forehead touched mine. "Of course, Usako." Then he kissed me, full on the lips. Tears of happiness sprung to my eyes as I responded to his warm, gentle caress. After all this time, I had gotten the main thing I wanted. I smiled inwardly. I knew one thing, for sure... Santa had brought my present early. THE END ~*~*~*~* *excited squeal* Oh, my gosh! I finished it! I finished my first fic! Oh, I'm so happy!!!!! *jumps up and down* If you read through the whole thing, man, I'm surprised. Thanks a bunch to all you guys who stayed with me the whole time! Thanks for the encouragement, comments, and everything! I would really appreciate it if you guys emailed me! That will give me a boost for Locker Love! Please, minna? I'll answer every single one of them! I always do! Just ask anyone! You guys can find my fics at~ http://www.moonromance.com or http://www.fanfiction.net Bye, everyone! I won't be writing for a while unless a certain amount of people email me about my fic! So please send me feedback! ~*~Azn Angel~*~