Chapter 3. Aren't you proud of me?! I was soooo thrilled to get this all out in the same week! Umm, short notes here, k? HUGE thanks to my wonderful editor Meara! **HUGS** HUGE thanks to everyone who has written me about my story! You guys are all so sweet to me!! **HUGS** Especially Gatos for keeping me on my toes! ^_~ Please visit mine and Sere's webpage - Moon Bunny's Closet http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/9333 Now - go read! ^_^ yeah, one more thing. I don't own SM - didn't know that, didya? ;) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mistakes - A Usagi and Mamoru Romance Chapter: 3 By: Bethany ^_^ Edited by: Meara *hugs* Rated: Umm... I don't know, PG sound okay to you? All comments, suggestions and Tiggers go to Bethany212@aol.com (insert hint here) All cows go to Serenity Raye ^^ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- ~*~ Pluto's P.O.V. ~*~ How could he?! How?? The truest love in the history of time and he is making her doubt everything. To stand in that room, and feel her uncertainty, her loss of life because of him... it was more than I was willing to take. She needs Chibi-Usa right now. She needs her to comfort her - to let her know that everything does work out in the end. The already shaking timeline is growing worse. Rifts are appearing in more than one place. Selene, I hope that this small action will help me in keeping the future set straight. There are already too many holes in the currents of time for me to try and smooth them over. Two futures are taking place at once. It's scary actually, I've never in my life been scared of what would happen. And to know that one man was behind it all. Damn Endymion. Suddenly my curses are brought to an abrupt death as two figures emerge from the fog. It's hard to distinguish them from one another, as they are so tightly pulled together. Light silver hair takes shape and I don't believe I've ever seen a more beautiful sight in all my years. "Your Majesty," I acknowledge, going to one knee. "Pluto, honestly, you know better!" Neo-Queen Serenity says playfully. Getting up, I eye Endymion with a touch of annoyance in my own eyes before I extinguish it. "What brings you here? How is it that you broke out of the crystal?" She yawns and I feel like laughing joyously. What a wonderful sight for sore eyes. "I gathered enough strength in my sleep and decided to come back to the real world." Just like her, a late sleeper. Of course, this also un-nerves me to a point. Because I'm suppose to know everything. This is not how I remember her breaking free. But right now there are so many rifts in the timeline, that it's really no huge surprise. Serenity slowly walks towards a time portal and peers inside. Endymion stays right beside her, I'd swear he was cutting off her oxygen with that hold. If he got any closer we'd have to surgically remove him. Her eyes flash a darker blue, with silver aspects running through them. She shakes her head sadly and licks her lips. "I remember this." Endymion looks up and bites his lip. "She - you, believed that he didn't love you at all," I inform them. She nods and Endymion gasps. "Not love you...? Sere, Usako baby, you know how much I love you." Smiling sadly, she turns to her husband. "Yes, I know now. But as I said earlier, did I know then?" Endymion looks back in the portal and his eyes glass over at the pain and sadness evident in Usagi's eyes. Then, to my surprise, because quite frankly I was wondering if he would ever let her go again, he released his hold on Serenity. "Love, I have something of extreme importance to attend to." She smiles wanly. "Hai, I know." He exits the time gate and Serenity turns to me. "I hope that Mamoru doesn't make the same mistake when he becomes King. I really hope that the past mustn't repeat itself." "He's a man, Usagi," I said flippantly. "Enough said." She laughs merrily. "We're still sleepy. I really must rest." I peer at her curiously "We?" Again that angelic laughter. "Hai, Small Lady and I," she answers, rubbing her stomach. I'm startled. "What?" Then like rocks, it hits me. This is not the Serenity from the time of the Black Moon Family. She is from the past of Crystal Tokyo. The Serenity of the Black Moon Family is still in the crystal. "Your a sly one, Queen." She giggles, and re-enters the time current. @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- ~*~ Mamoru's P.O.V. ~*~ I feel so hollow. So empty, lifeless. My eyes burn with unshed tears that I absolutely refuse to give into - for now. More than likely, I will give in before the hour is up. The pain is so strong in my chest that I feel it will explode. "Why?!" I scream to the uncaring sky. "Why Usako? Did I hurt you that bad?" That was softer. "Please forgive me, Love." That was more like a whimper. "Please?" I didn't hear the words, but felt them none the less. Everything in this apartment reminds me of her. The kitchen, where she made that wonderful, though not pretty, chicken curry for Chibi-Usa. The living room, on that couch we spent hours in each other's arms, listening to our breathing. The balcony that she came to the night before I broke-up with her, just to see the full moon. The hallway... where I broke her heart. See? I told you I'd cry before the hour was out. My sweet Usako, how could I do this to you? Am I that heartless? Yes, I am heartless. I don't have ownership over my heart, Usako does. She holds it in her small, soft hands. In her beautiful blue eyes that used to sparkle with love for me. They still do. Accompanied by a strong pain that I put there. "Usako..." "Crying about it doesn't help," a deep, somehow familiar, voice says behind me. I turn on my heels, wiping vainly at my face to see who my unexpected, and unwanted visitor is THIS time. I gape in shock at seeing a man exactly like me, but older somehow, and in a lavender tuxedo instead of my usual black one. It's a change from the tall green-haired woman of before. "Who are you?" I demand. "Come now Mamoru, you?re a smart man. I should know," he adds, a soft touch of amusement lining his booming voice. "You?re me?" "Hai. The stupid you, the one that caused all of this pain you and our Usako are now in." I growled. "She's not yours." "Technically, yes and no. But that's not why I'm here. I'm here because she's not yours either." Ouch. That hurt. "I'm listening." What did you expect? For some reason I believe that this man - myself at some future point and time - can help me get Usako to forgive me and love me again. "She still loves you, you know," he said, sitting down on my couch. I continued to stand. "Could have fooled me." He brings out a wallet from the inside of his jacket and opens it - holding a small picture album for me to take. I open the first page and my eyes widen. It's me, and Usako - getting married. Kami, it's everything I dreamed it would be. She's beautiful. The second picture shows us in a city that resembles Tokyo, but different somehow. Everything looks made of glass, or crystal. She is smiling brightly, her small arms wrapped around my neck. The third is a picture I had visualized in my head many times. Her blue eyes sparkled lively as she shows the person taking the picture her round stomach. Pregnant. I start quivering. Somehow I find myself turning the small booklet to look at the next picture. Usako is in a beautiful long white gown, wing-like fabric coming from behind her. I stand beside her, looking exactly like the man on my couch and oh Kami... in front of us is a small child with pink odagos. On the bottom of the picture there is writing: Mommy, Daddy and Me. I throw the booklet back at him and turn to face the balcony. "Are you here to mock me?" I finally say. "No," he answers softly. "I'm here to show you what you will miss out on if you do not get your ass over to the temple and do everything in your power to show Usagi how much you love her - how much she means to you. She doubts it, you know. And the longer you stand here feeling sorry for yourself, the more she believes it." "Chibi-Usa..." I whisper. "Is yours and Usagi's daughter. Mine and Serenity's daughter." I need no more coaching. I light out of there like a bat out of hell. I didn't think to thank him, I imagine he knows. @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- ~*~ Usagi's P.O.V. ~** My head spins. The name Mommy seems to come so innocently from her mouth, like it belongs to me and me alone. "Nani? What are you saying?" She looks down, almost ashamed. "I know I've been a bad girl, and you might not want me as your daughter... but I am," she whispers. Daughter? I have a daughter? With who? Where did she come from? As if she can hear my silent questions, she looks up hesitantly. "I'm from the future." "You... you are?" "Hai. Your my mommy from the past - my mommy in the future is asleep." I don't understand, but there is something a little more pressing that I must know before we venture into why her mommy - why I - can't take care of her in the future. "Who's your daddy?" Did I say that? My voice seems so dead and emotionless. "King Endymion," she says proudly. Then backtracks, "Mamoru." The breath I had no idea I was holding in releases its self from my lungs in a giant whoosh. A shaking hand reaches out and touches Chibi-Usa's soft hair. "Your mine... and Mamo-chan's... daughter?" A nod. I engulf her in a giant hug, squeezing her small body to me. After a moment of shock, she wraps her small, chubby arms around my neck. "I'm so sorry Mommy, I didn't mean to be a bad girl." "Shhh... it's okay baby," I assure her. Never did I think I would be so happy to be with her. My daughter. Mamoru's daughter. OUR daughter. The silence is interrupted by a door chime. Rei stands up and leaves the room quietly to go answer it. "Oh no you don't!!" her voice screams. "You aren't getting anywhere near her!" I look up in surprise, Chibi-Usa mimicking my act. "Nani?!" Makoto rushes out of the room, Keiko following shortly behind. I stare at the door like I expect it to step off it's hinges and start dancing the can-can. Everything is so silent, yet so loud. I smile briefly, I now understand what "deafening silence" means. "Please Rei-chan?" That voice, that beautiful, deep, smooth voice. Mamo-chan. My heart leaps for joy at the sound. I look down at Small Lady and see how hopeful she is. She needs her daddy. For whatever reason she is in the past, it must be horrible for me or Mamoru not to be taking care of her. And she needs me as much as I need her. "Chibi-Usa?" Huge red eyes look up at me, tears causing them to shine brightly. "Hai Mama?" I look at the girls in the room. They understand and leave, each bidding me a small smile and good luck. Minako giving me a thumbs-up sign. What more do I need than the approval of the goddess of Love and Beauty herself? "Chibi-Usa," I repeat. "Go get your daddy before Rei kills him." A brilliant smile dawns on her face and she climbs out of my lap, going out the door. ~*~ Rei's P.O.V. ~*~ Yep. Kill him. Sounds good, ne? I can't believe him! The gall! Standing here in front of me like he just lost his best friend, or true love, begging to see Usagi. Swearing he can make it right, that he loves her. His pleas fall on deaf ears. I love Usagi like she's my sister, (yes, I know your shaking your head no, but it's true) and I will not stand for her heart to be shattered like it is now, then have to face the man responsible on top of that. Nope, I won't. "Rei-chan! Rei-chan!" So this little spore is Usagi's daughter? How ironic. "Hai Chibi-Usa?" "Rei-chan," she repeats breathlessly. "Mama wants to see him." Nope, I won't allow it. I stand my ground, strong and true, like the Senshi of soul that I am. "Rei-chan?" Mamoru asks. He's testing his ground by taking a step forward. I growl softly. And he goes back two steps. Hehe, feel the power! He tries that again and we're going to have fried Earth Prince for dinner. Suddenly, and I mean out of nowhere, I'm grabbed from behind. A hand comes over my mouth and eyes and vagualy I hear Minako shooing Mamoru in the house. I'm going to kill her. Before my evil thoughts plan themselves out, I'm throw in a closet and the door shuts. Damn. The only closet in the house without paper walls. Minako is outside the door. "Mako-chan, you stay there so she doesn't get out." Kill. Murder. Scream? Ohhh... I can see stars I'm so damned mad! @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- @-->--- ~*~ Luna's P.O.V. ~*~ Everyone else left Usagi alone in Rei's bedroom, that is, except me. I took the outburst from Rei as a chance to hide under the bed so I can hear what is said. Now, I understand that this is wrong, but just in case things don't smooth over the way they should.... Hell, what am I saying? I'm nosey, I admit it! Anyhow, now that that is clear. From where I'm laying, I can see Mamoru slide the door back softly and step in uncertainly. He's fidgeting badly. I've never seen him so nervous in all his life. Slowly I feel Usagi sit up on the bed and walk over to him. Standing about three feet in front of him, she starts studying her hands. The silence rains over the room for a good five minutes. Usagi looks at her hands and Mamoru stares at her with love and longing written all over his face. If she was to take one look up, she's see just how deep his love is for her. But, alas, she doesn't. She's chipping her pink polish off her nails. Finally someone breaks the silence. "Come on already, work this out!" That was NOT who I thought would be the first to talk. "Artemis! What are you doing in here!?!" Usagi yells, pulling the white furball out of the dresser he's hiding in. "I.. I... uh.. " A red stain comes unbidden to his cheeks. "I got my tail caught in the... umm, that - over..." Usagi shakes her head no. "Try again." The open window suddenly has a white streak sailing out it and I hear Artemis land on the ground. I hide my snicker. He?s lucky cats always land on their feet! Now that the tension as been broken between the two, Mamoru eases out and takes Usagi's hands in his, looking at her to see if she will refuse him. When she doesn't move one way or the other, Mamoru bends his head down to look at her. "Usako, look at me," he commands softly. After the slowest possible pause, Usagi finally does as asked. Her eyes are shining with tears and her bottom lip is trembling almost harshly. "Oh baby... I-I don't know what to say to explain myself-" Usagi looks up. "Mamoru, I.." she is cut off from his finger pressing on her lips. "Don't, ne? Just.. just let me talk and you listen." Nodding, Usagi watches him lick his lips nervously and closes his eyes. "We were getting married. The most beautiful and wonderous thing in the world," I can see the wistfulness in his eyes as he recalls the dream. "You were so beautiful, so absolutely gorgeous. Kami-sama never created a more perfect creature. A white dress, the works. As the preacher finally said the last words to bind us together forever..." Swallowing hard, Mamoru closes his eyes again, trying to block a painful picture in his head. "I reached down to kiss you, and... and an explosion shook the ground. You were ripped from my arms, and pulled high above me. I tried to reach you, your cries for help reaching my ears, but I couldn't get to you!" A tear slips down his face that he allows to travel off his chin. His hands are holding Usagi's with a grip of a man that is about to lose everything. "You... you were gone... dead. A voice, a familiar voice told me to stay away from you or that dream would become real and I'd lose you forever." A sob rose in his throat and he swallowed hard. "I love you so much... much more than I could ever stand here and tell you. Much more than anything in the heavens. If I were to stand here and use every description known to man, I still couldn't express to you how much I love you, Usako. Words are too clumsy, too meaningless compared to the feelings that run thru my viens; for you." Mamoru bows his head, not daring to hope that she would forgive him. "Usako... I'm dead without you. Nothing. I can't do it, I-I can't..." My eyes widen. I've never seen a man actually sob before. Never. And in seeing this action, my heart twists in my chest. Usagi, you have to forgive him. He loves you so very much! My ward's blue eyes fly up at the sound of choked sobs coming out of Mamoru's throat. Tears are falling faster than a waterfall down his face, and he makes no attempt to wipe them away. His chest is shaking with the force of his emotions. The room is silent except for the sound of Mamoru's tears. I look down. She's still standing there, unmoving. What is wrong with her?! Can't she SEE the love in his actions? A heart-filling squeal comes from the far end of the room and I look back up to see Usagi throw her arms around Mamoru and press her body to his. "Please don't cry Mamo-chan, please don't! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry!" As she sobs in his shoulder, I notice a strange look creep into Mamoru's eyes as he looks down. ~*~ Mamoru's P.O.V. ~*~ I can feel a pressure up against me, but my mind isn't comprehending what it is. I feel so empty all of the sudden, like my whole life is over. Crazy... I think I'm going crazy. Without her there is no me. I need her. Suddenly that instant pain in my heart stops all together. And honestly, I feel a relief. Dead? That's the first thing that comes to mind. Only two things could stop that tormenting pain in my chest - death, or her. Then something tickles my nose and my eyes travel downward. A head with golden hair is cascading to the floor, but that's all I see. No face, no blue eyes looking at me in scorn for what I have done to her heart. What's this? Wetness? Hands grabbing at the back of my neck, demanding I pay attention. A warm, shaking pressure is against my cold body and I'm not so cold anymore. Warmth. Usako's warmth. Can it be?! "U-U..Usa.. Usako?" My voice is shaking and I realize there are tears traveling down my face in waves. No use in wiping them now... Words, sweet wonderful music comes to my ears. "Mamo-chan! Please?! What's wrong??" she's all but yelling now, her eyes searching mine and her arms slightly shaking me. "Mamo-chan!!" Without thinking I duck my head down and bring my aching lips to meet hers in a kiss so sweet that I feel weak. I pull her body close to mine, I can't get her close enough. She is surprised at first, but then starts responding. Her thin arms wrap around my neck, pulling at the skin; her body presses up to mine with urgency. I feel it, that same need to be as close to her as possible. I push my tongue through her lips, bending her backwards so that she is solely dependant on me to hold us both up. Luckily the bed is behind us, cause my whole body is shaking and I can't hold us up. We fall onto the bed, me on top of her and still we kiss. I can never get enough of her, her smell, her taste, her hair in my hands. Oh Kami-sama, if this is heaven I never want to leave. ~*~ Usagi's P.O.V. ~*~ I am completely unaware of anything else in the world at this moment. All the love I have ever felt for this man in my life times is wrapped up in this embrace; in this moment. The feel of his arms around me brings nothing but pure bliss. Finally for need of air and time to stop the trembling in both our bodies, he pulls away from me. There is maybe an inch between our lips and his eyes open and look into mine. "Usako," he breathes. He doesn't move and I can feel his short, ragged breathes on my face and neck. Finally after what seems like a life time of just holding each other, we hear another voice. "Let go of me Makoto!" Rei bellows. Damn, she must have got out of the closet. "No!" Makoto and Minako shout. "Do NOT go in there!" I move my eyes from Mamoru's long enough to see Rei's struggling form outside the paper door. She is trying to get *through* the door, but isn't because of Makoto and Minako holding her back. Mamoru rises off the bed and hauls me up with him right as the door opens, so to speak. In all actuality, Rei broke through it. For someone who acts as if she dislikes me so much, she sure can get pissed easily. However, all of her actions are brought to an untimely death as she sees Mamoru's arms wrapped tightly around my body, mine returning the gesture to him. "What?" I smile. "It's okay Rei-chan." "Okay?" she whispers, looking at our joined hands. "You mean.. I can't kill him?" she asks just a little *too* wistfully. "No," I answer shortly. Crossing her arms, she glares at Mamoru. "Don't you dare try anything stupid like this again, or even your princess won't keep you my wrath. Never in my life did I image I'd see Rei this mad over something that had to do with me. I release my hold on Mamoru and hug Rei. "Thank you, Rei-chan. You really are my best friend.? ~~~~~~~~~~~ Think I'll end this chapter on that little happy note ^_^ Email! Email! YAY!!! Email!!!!! Bethany212@aol.com http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/9333 Moon Bunny's Closet HEY!! SERE-ITTSUICHAN! *waves like a baka* ^_^