Title: Make My Wish Come True By: Angel Ally Rating: PG Disclaimers: I do not own Sailor Moon ::sighs:: Author's Note: This story takes place after Mamoru-kun and Usagi-chan became "somewhat friends". They acted like friends and everything, but they still argued a lot, both of them had feelings for one another, but both of them were too stubborn to confess their feelings. This is a short story, there might be a sequel, depending on how many e-mail messages I receive from everyone, I give thanks to all those who helped me, like Minmae and my friends back in Illinois such as Rachel, and Lexi, thanks guys! This is one of my four fan fiction stories I have ever written, and I'm only fifteen so don't (please) be too harsh if you're going to send feedback. Thanks! If you want to send feedback send it to Angel173145@hotmail.com, thanks again! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Make My Wish Come True By: Angel Ally ~Usagi~ The smell was so intense, it was sweet and full of flavor when I inhaled deeply to accommodate my lungs, I needed it so badly, I had been stuck in a smoke screen for so long I felt as if I were to collapse coughing. The sweet sugary pollen from the tulip in the gardens was pursued by a long and grateful exhale. The balcony, in which I stood upon, was made of gray and black marble, it was smooth under my white gloves that I wore with my dinner gown I was forced to wear this uneventful evening. It was Saturday evening at about 8:30, my parents took me to a dinner party that my father was supposed to attend. His boss's home looked like a mansion, with a tennis court and gardens that surrounded an oval swimming pool in which several other guests were sitting by the edge with their feet slightly in the shallow area. The dark blue night sky made it's way along the rosy horizon and fluffy white clouds. I was happy to get out of the kitchen where numerous of "old" people sat and chain-smoked. I could tell my parents were having a problem breathing, when I coughed out loud to let them know I was having a problem they permitted me to leave for a while. This is where I am now, standing out on a tall balcony looking out to the splendid view of oaks and pines on a tiny island in the middle of a gigantic lake. I slipped off my glove and walked down the long spiral staircase leaving the white lace item on the railing, trailing my fingernails down the bars that supported the railing and listening to the quiet clack of my heels a timid smile spread across my lips. It was the first time I smiled the entire night; I was deprived of laughter that evening. At the end of the stairs was a stone walkway, playing around I tiptoed on the square platform and turned a full circle with my arms above my head, my two pigtails twirled around like a helicopter, I laughed hard. I pictured a dandelion in my head; its seeds were being blown by the wind in all sorts of directions. My dress flew up in the air a bit as a big gust of wind came, and I giggled. After a while as I walked along a pathway I thought I heard footsteps behind myself. But as soon as I stopped so did the footsteps, so maybe I was just imagining it the whole time. I started to walk a bit quicker, but I still heard the same sound. "Hello!?" I half yelled. I was starting to get kind of freaked out. I now had my shoes taken off, and I carried them in my left hand. What's going on? Who's there? My mind raced in thought, questions without answers, and a person or persons following me, or, on the other hand, I could be tricking myself. I've done that in the past before. "I will repeat myself, and this time I want an answer, hello!? Who's there!?" I managed to choke out the last bit of my sentence. I fiddled with my fingers a moment before walking to where I thought the noise was coming from. I stopped at a rose bush, my five senses became acute, and my eyes squinted in the shadows produced by the towering trees. I took in every sound and it felt as if it were magnified one hundred times. "Hello?" I whispered this time. I was sure that someone was out there, this time the footsteps didn't stop when I did, and they kept coming, advancing upon me. I bent over the rose bushes, I thought I heard something inching toward me back there. It all became very suspenseful, like a movie of some sort. I jumped back all of a sudden when A rabbit came out of the bush and onto the sidewalk. I screamed in surprise and landed right into someone from behind. I sat in the person's arms stunned for a moment. The person had caught me from behind and held onto my arms so I would not fall right away. I blinked a few times and then stood up and apologized to the person. Wait a minute, he's the one who was following me! Why should I be apologizing!? My head yelled. "Gomen Mister, Gomen!" My form bowed down a bit so I didn't have to look into the eyes of the person who I fell onto. And wouldn't you know it, as soon as I raised my head to a man trying not to laugh he burst out, it was none other than the notorious Chiba Mamoru. My face flushed bright red with embarrassment and anger, my fists clenched, but all the while I couldn't help but feel excited, aroused, and happy to see him. I faked my happiness into a frown when he stopped laughing so hard. I wrapped my arms around my body to keep from strangling him. Or rather hugging him until he suffocates. I thought. ~Mamoru~ She looked so mad, but so adorable, I couldn't help but laugh at her, the way she always apologized, then the pout on her face when she came to see who she bumped into this time. Realization hit her hard. I clutched my stomach, it was the first time that night I had a good laugh, it was wonderful to see her again. Since Spring break started I hadn't seen her at the arcade at all. Something made me stop though, there was a twinkle in her eyes that made me want to stare into them and get lost forever. That twinkle was mysterious and ever so provoking, I wanted to hold her at that moment, but it took all my mental strength not to hold her. She cleared her throat; it broke my reverie. I shook my head to completely come back to reality, she furrowed her brow in confusion and I only said "Nothing" hoping she wouldn't ask. We stood there in silence for quite some time, the same twinkle from before had never left, I wondered what it meant, was something there that I never realized? Nah, she only thought of me as a "friend", we both made a truce right before spring break that we should be friends and to not always get at each other, so far we've managed, but I can't help but feel she hated me for some reason. She broke the stare she had given me from a moment before, her mouth opened a bit but a hesitant cough came out instead of any words. I noticed that a glove was missing from her hand, it was only one and it looked kind of odd. I said nothing to interfere. It felt just too good to look at her instead of saying anything, because for some reason, whenever I opened my mouth when I was near her I always wanted to say a compliment, but it always came out an insult on her behalf, it almost made her cry every single time. What is my problem? My head screamed out. I stuck out my hand out to take hers, I don't know why I did, and I just... did. Someone behind me called out before I had a chance to first. It was a woman; I'm guessing Usako's mother. "Usagi-chan, I told you, you could go out for a breath of air, not a stroll in the flower bed." Her mother said. "Good evening Chiba Mamoru." She said to me. From previous greetings she walked right past me and grabbed Usako by the hand, practically dragging her to the walkway near the staircase. Usako looked behind and motioned me to follow her to the dinning area for supper. I did as she wished, I was invited by the big cheese himself, my professor suggested me take up politics, and therefore I was recommended to the big cheese by my professor, I then was invited to this dinner party, it was formal, I was wearing a black tuxedo which, or so girls say, adorned my deep sea blue eyes. I personally didn't want to go, but Motoki-kun, my best friend, insisted that it could be a matter of life or death, I could lose my current job, get mugged by some beggar, then get into a serious car crash, and he kept going on with an outrageous story, just to get me go, so here I am. I put my hands into my pockets and shook my head nonchalantly as I walked behind Usako and her mother, I didn't expect to see her here, but earlier I thought I saw her father, it was quite funny now that I think of it. ~Flashback~ "Ladies, gentlemen, and young teenagers," I looked around for any sign of teenagers, but I saw none. "I welcome you this evening, to my home as official and qualified candidates for the new opening in management. It is my greatest honor to introduce you to the youngest candidate, whom is still in college, but very intelligent; his professor recommended him to me by showing the progress he has made throughout the entire semester, I, of all people, were astounded at the accomplishments made by the young man. Mister Chiba Mamoru will you please accompany me?" I stood up from my chair and walked over to the small podium, walking up the two steps I stood next to the extremely obese man with a smell of rotten eggs, and spoiled fish. He slapped his hand on my back, I quickly felt the perspiration he spilled, it soaked through my tuxedo; with a smile on my face I gritted my teeth and waved to everyone there. As I looked around ashamed of myself I saw that most of the people there were in their late forties early fifties, and here I am, all twenty-three years of me, standing next to some man I didn't know who was praising me. I saw some man clutch his hat like it was my neck, I looked into the eyes and recognized the immediate hatred, the protectiveness and fury, it was my Usako's father, next to him was his wife, she had a look of surprise spread on her features, looking next to her she saw her husband and tried to calm him down, by now his face was bright red. The hand was removed from my back, and I slowly made my way down the podium back to my own seat in the front row. Looks of distaste were planted towards myself, I was quite embarrassed. "Ladies and gentlemen, I now invite you to the kitchen and parlor where you may have refreshments and appetizers before the main course is served shortly, I will be around discussing business and politics of the sort." I heard a jolly laugh from the man, people made their way into the kitchen and it was soon flooded with immense smoke clouds. A cough was heard somewhere far from myself, the sliding patio/balcony doors were opened, and fresh air flowed into my lungs, once the door was closed I wanted to get out, walking to the doors a woman was walking down the staircase, she had left one of her lace gloves on the railing, wanting to be polite I picked it up and walked down the stairs to find her to return her lost glove. ~End Flashback~ (Mamoru) It was Usa's glove; it was my Usako who carelessly left the glove on the railing. That makes sense now that I think of it. I thought. "Usagi-chan?" I called out, somewhere deep in thought I happened to stop walking, about fifteen feet ahead of me Usako stopped and looked back at me, something soft, but a bit rough was against my skin, I took it out and showed her, her mother recognized it immediately and started yelling at Usako for being careless. Usako whimpered and stood cowardly in front of her mother, I walked over and handed the lace glove to her, graciously she took it from me, and her face was flushed. "Thanks, Mamoru-san." Usako said sheepishly. "Usagi-chan, I cannot believe you would leave such an expensive item just lying around at someone else's home, it's very un-lady like. What would your father think of it? We appreciate you finding and returning it to us Chiba Mamoru. Come along Usagi-chan, we'll be late for supper. You should get going too." She said to me. Usako was dragged again towards the stairs, I followed chuckling to myself, and I was amused by her mother's antics. Like mother, like daughter. I thought. Half an hour past already, and supper was nearly finished with, my head was light from all the smoke that had accumulated during the time. Covering my mouth I silently coughed, the smoke was so intense I lost all appetite and excused myself from the table I sat at. Twenty-six tables all together, I sat in the one farthest from everyone, unfortunately the big cheese sat down next to me, he ate more in that little time than I could in a week! I was fascinated in what he ate, they all seemed to be Swedish types of dishes with caviar on the side. I almost asked for a sample, but instead the woman next to me puffed a huge wave of cigarette smoke right in my face, she said a sarcastic apology to me, she heard me cough and did it on purpose, I can't help if they all despise me. Standing up I took my napkin off my lap and put it on my plate before excusing myself. I maneuvered my way around and in between tables to the sliding glass doors. The fresh air felt really good in my lungs, I took in deep breaths as I walked down the stairs and onto the path. I felt like going for a walk. ~Usagi~ There was a small chair in the ladies room of the home, I sat down and rested for a while, it was probably one of the very few places of the huge house that didn't permit smokers. My feet ached from the hard shoes, the outside was suede but the inside was rough and it wasn't padded. In my purse were some cosmetics, pencils, a small pad of paper, a calculator (A.N: in case of any surprise math tests. ^_^), and everything else imaginable, yet there still was some room left for any shoes that may be making my feet hurt like hell (A.N. hint, hint). I sighed and fell against the back of the chair wishing just to get out! Why did they have to bring me here? I whimpered to myself. A soft breeze flew against my neck, it gave me an idea on how to get out of this place for a while, my parents would be too busy to notice my disappearance for a while, they'll be too caught up on buttering up my father's boss. But all the while I know, since they don't smoke, they'll be trying to breathe. I can't seem to think of anything else except the nauseating stench! I screamed out. Where's the breeze coming in through? Somewhere outside of my thoughts, I heard a toilet flush in the nearby stall. It made me wonder, who in their right mind would actually build stalls in their home? Sheesh! A woman in her early forties walked out of the stall, not even noticing my presence she walked past the sinks and out the door. That's so gross! Why wouldn't she wash her hands? Who knows what kind of infections from bacteria she can get from not washing her hands? I thought. Behind her back I gave her a great look of distaste, on her way out she cleared her throat. Another breeze blew onto my neck, turning my head around as a source of whereabouts the window or door may be to the outside I felt a longing, it felt like a magnet, like I had to get out for some odd reason, it wasn't a danger type of longing, but some really weird kind of feeling, a feeling I have never felt before. I finally saw it; it was a small window up high above my head. How am I supposed to get up there? I thought. Thinking quickly I moved the chair over to the wall where the window was. But there was an obstacle; the sinks were in the way. Instead, I stood up on the chair then onto the sink, I heard it crack beneath my bare feet, it surprised me, I jumped up and knocked the air out of my lungs when my stomach hit the window pane. The fresh air flooded through every vein and back out through my mouth, I could feel the ground, it wasn't even four feet away from where I laid on my tummy. Before anyone was able to come in again I took one final leap off the sink and the remaining strength in my arms pulled me over the edge onto the soft grass, I rolled for a moment before landing flat on my back. I stared at the small hill up towards the gigantic home for a millionaire, giggling because of my stupid escape I sat up and wiped all the excess grass off my pink dress. The sky was growing darker by the minute I observed it grew late since I was last out here, about an hour or so had past since the beginning of supper and I haven't seen "him" anywhere since. I remember seeing him sit down at a table by himself, then my father's boss came over and sat next to him, Mamo-chan whimpered a bit, I tried to convince my parents to go over and sit next to him, my father hesitated a bit knowing how his boss could get, but quickly decided not to, to let him suffer, my mother tried to reason with him, but he refused, so I got stuck sitting at the only table with three chairs, about three fourths of the way across the room, away from him. Before today I hadn't seen him in so long, I missed him terribly, and it was starting to affect me physically, now I know how it felt when my mother said... "I was a lovesick puppy, and when your father had that serious car crash two years after you were born I felt torn apart, worn down, depressed all the time, then, your father made a breakthrough recovery. My prayers had been answered." I was experiencing it this time -sigh- . I started walking away from the pathway, it was like being hypnotized, some kind of electric charge was sending waves of energy into my legs, that's how my friend Ami-chan would put it. This would be a perfect setting in a Sidney Sheldon book (A.N. very good adult author). The sun was finally setting in the distance, the very last remaining bit of the sun lingered over the lake; it was a breathtaking sight. It also was starting to get cold; I rubbed my hands against my arms before turning in a different direction on a hidden path in the woods near where I stood. The wind died down, a light mist appeared out of nowhere on the lake, it made everything around me eerie. I started to get a bit spooked, I wanted to get back to the home, but I was foolish and I didn't mark the trail I had taken, following the path that I had taken I quickly walked back then stopped suddenly realizing my mistake. The whole time I was walking I was daydreaming and didn't think about which direction I had taken, there, in front of me was three other paths all leading different directions. I thought, well, I guess I will just take the one leading to the house, no big deal really. But then I remembered what my friend Makoto-chan had said to me when we were taking a hike in the woods one-day. We had gotten lost and my friend told me three things. "Number one Usagi-chan, you can follow the moss on the trees, it always leads you north, number two, you can follow the stars, and one thing you should never do is to follow the path which looks like it leads to your destination. Paths change over time, or they might be slightly turned so it could lead you the opposite direction than your destination." What a good idea, lord... remind me to thank Mako-chan when I get home, thanks. Now, since it's too early for the stars to be out I will try the moss thing. Uh oh. How come this tree has two different kinds of moss? Is that moss at all? I thought. I began to worry, how am I going to get home if I can't figure out what is the real moss? I stomped my little foot against a tree root in the ground. It was immediately in pain. I fell to the ground trying not to cry, holding onto my foot and rubbing it until the pain went away I thought hopelessly on how to reach the party. I sat on my rump, and finally started to cry, I let out loud sobs of anguish and pain, feeling lost, hopeless, and in the dark all alone. At that particular moment I didn't care about the coyotes' or the possible chance of a bear, or the bats or anything, I thought of nothing and I just sat there, crying to my heart's content. ~Mamoru~ The sky grew dark, an owl hooted in the tall tree tops above where I walked, wood peckers pounded their beaks on the hard barks of the great pines to make homes for their soon to be family. I enjoyed the time alone like it was a spa to a stressed out woman. It was luxurious, the smell of pine needles filled my lungs to it's peak. Far in the horizon, trees towered above the rest, their acme visible from where I stood watching, unblinking. My bangs of ebony fell in my right eye, with one shake of my head I put them back into place. All this time I had been walking up a hill, and never realized that while walking up may be a wonderful, romantic spot at the very top. I was here, at this romantic spot, for me, I lived in a dark and dreary environment, surrounded by praise and glory from my accomplishments, but now, it's just me and this view that probably not many people experienced. I sat down and my arm rested on one of my knees which were bent. My mouth was ajar as I watching the setting of the sun. Beautiful colors mixed in with the drowning gold and night blue, I could actually see the sun slowly making it's way down into a heavenly slumber. After the sun had rested I wanted to visualize the spectacle again and again, so I closed my eyes and for the first time I saw something, the same sight I had seen only a moment before. It was more beautiful the first time, and the second time I visualized it, it was more beautiful than the last. I had become soft hearted, I don't know what had gotten into me, but it felt good to let go for once. I laid down with my arms beneath my head, I heard something in the distance, it wasn't too far away, but it also wasn't close. It sounded like a person, a woman, a girl, an Usako. Is that who I think it is? Is it her? Whoever it is, I'm going to go and check, the person could use some assistance. I stood up putting my hands into my pockets and started walking down the path in which I had come from. The more I heard the more I became interested. It was a cry, more like a wail, and now I was positive it was from Usako. By now I was running towards the direction of the cry, it slowly became louder. How did she get this far away from the house? And didn't she notice that this is the dangerous part of the woods? Probably not. I'm coming Usako! My thoughts were scattered, I became aware of everything around me, the environment changed from a beautiful scenery to an ugly spooky surrounding. The trees were immense, and where I ran was only a small pathway, I noticed something on the side, it appeared to be dirty yet short and had legs, five of them to be exact. Wait, those aren't legs, and how can a bug be dirty from up here where I stand? That's a glove! Not again Usako, when will you learn? She must have gone by this way, not long ago I hope. I stopped a moment to pick it up and examine it thoroughly, I looked at the inside where a small size tag held her address, I saw a small hole where her ring finger should go. There was no doubt about it, I started running again, I watched with my ears, I let them guide my every move, they were in complete control. In time, I was lead off the path and into a dark area, all remaining light from before was all gone, it was pitch black. I suddenly went flying down to the ground, I tripped over a rock, or that's what I thought. My body hit the hard dirt with a thud, the side of my face ached, I rubbed it while groping with my other hand to find the glove I dropped. My hand was placed in something wet and thick, it kind of smelled too. "Dung." I said out loud, not really surprised. This is a perfect place for an animal to leave their shit. I thought irrationally. With the rock I tripped over I scraped off the remaining 'stuff' and continued to look for Usako's glove. I found it near something hard, but fury, and Oh... my... god. I picked up the glove and ran from the dark area. "I guess it was a cave of some sort, a home to be exact!" I yelled out loud from outside the cave. I didn't stop running, even though the animal didn't follow me, it was still safe. When you're in a situation like that, whether it is a bear or something else... you should ALWAYS stay calm! My mind screamed at me. I totally forgot about Usako at the moment (A.N. real nice of him to do to the love of his life, huh?), looking behind me I found no trace of animal ready to tear me to shreds. Bad idea. "OOF! Ouch, that... really hurt." ~Usagi~ I became stiff as a board, there was some kind of noise not far from where I sat, my cries ended and I watched in complete shock and horror at the advancing figure. It was a person, no wait... yea, it was a person, it was wearing pants, so I guessed it was a man, you never really saw any girls wearing pants these days. A while ago I noticed that during my walk I lost my pure white lace glove, in desperation I held onto my remaining glove in fear, the person/male was running at top speed towards myself, he shouted out something I could barely make out, and I instantly fell in love with the voice, I knew who it was, it was my one and only Mamo-chan... you've come for me. He was running away from something, but I didn't know exactly what. His head turned around away from my direction... I stared in horror as I saw him not realize where he was headed. BAM! Ugh, Mamo-chan, my klutzy syndrome must be contagious. I can't believe he just ran into a tree. I groaned. When he didn't get up right away I stood up from my sitting position and walked over kind of wobbly. Mamo- chan looks like he's... dead. I thought. I bit my thumb nail out of nervousness, he was still, it looked like he wasn't breathing. Mamo-chan, please get up... please. I stood still and remained silent above his lifeless body, I cannot believe he actually ran into a tree, hey, isn't that my glove? I bent down to get a better view of the item he held tightly in his right hand, it was my glove, only from where I squatted down next to him it certainly didn't look like it. His hand was tightly gripping it sort of in a protective kind of way, I had to pry his fingers off to get my glove back, although, I knew better than to put it back on. I stuffed it in my purse with the rest of my things. My eyes filled with tears when Mamo-chan didn't get up, I thought negative things like he got a concussion or hit his head so hard he got amnesia and wouldn't remember me at all. Once again I sat there helplessly crying until no more could come out. It was well after dark, a long time had past since Mamo-chan had a run in with a tree (A.N. literally) and I felt completely lost, lonely and I had no idea what I should do, I flunked first aid last semester. I was panicking and I knew that, but what was I supposed to do? My only hope is now unconscious laying on the ground, I am lost, freezing cold, and extremely hungry, my parents probably don't even know that I'm gone! How horrible is that? Looking up into the sky, I saw shimmering little dots twinkle and smirk at me, it gave me an idea, but that too was hopeless, I could probably navigate myself back to the party, but now I have Mamo-chan. For once Mamo-chan, why do you have to be here, right now? I shouldn't think that way, I'm happy he's here with me, even if he's "out of it". I stared at him for a moment, thinking how he looks just like a little boy when he sleeps, although I really wouldn't consider that sleeping. For the first time since before supper I smiled, it was a half smile, but it grew wider as I took my hand and lightly pushed away the bangs in his face, he stirred a bit, enough for me to sit on my knees instead of squatting. I have been squatting for a long time and as I sat on my knees my legs pulsated and sharp tingles pricked from top to bottom. Ami-chan once said that when your leg falls asleep it's because of not getting enough blood circulating throughout your veins, I missed Ami-chan right then, I wish I had part of her brain to navigate myself back to the party, and find some way to bring Mamo-chan with me. Totally out of tears I sat patiently awaiting for any kind of sign of conciseness from my Mamo-chan, after about fifteen minutes or so he finally groaned and his left hand lifted up to rub his forehead. My body stiffened, this was the moment, would he remember me at all? Oh god, let him remember me, don't let it be anything serious. I put my hand down on his free one as he continued to groan in pain, I could only imagine how much his head hurt at that moment. It pained me to see him in that much pain. Mamo-chan's eyes slowly opened, he took his hand to rub his eyes, his other one remained beneath mine. I unconsciously gripped onto it and squeezed, he laced our fingers together, his eyes were wide open now, staring up at me. He laid his other hand on his chest, he was groggy and in pain, but when he saw me leaning over him he smiled. ~Mamoru~ I didn't know any better, I thought it was a dream right then, and what a wonderful dream it was. But the pain brought me back to reality. I shook my head but it pounded like a jackhammer when I did so. My vision wasn't any better, it was blurry and I saw double. What did I do? I asked myself. I was down on the ground laying on my back, I seemed sort of restless, but I felt excitement surging through my body starting with my hand, some kind of indescribable force, hypnotizing, yet it felt like it was sucking me into oblivion. What's this strange feeling I feel at this moment? Why does it feel as if it's coming through Usa's hand and into my own? It didn't make any sense the more I thought about it. I felt energized the more I looked into Usa's beautiful deep blue eyes. Without thinking I said, "Usako." It was almost audible, but she looked at me the strangest way, like I was from a foreign. I realized my mistake and I felt my face grow hot. "What!?" She said. She was surprised. "Usa... gi." I almost made the same mistake. Good going Mamoru, now she's going to act really weird around you and everything, oh man, things are just not going my way today. We stared at each other for the longest time, but then she cleared her throat, the moment was gone. My eyes darted away from her looking in the distance, I saw darkness, deep blue stained the sky, and a crescent moon hung like it was on a string, shiny sparkles reflected against the lake, a slight breeze blew up from the northwest, it made me shiver. In the lakeside plants, little crickets chirped for their mates, creating beautiful love songs, ones that made me dance along in my head, small animals scurried past without a second thought and an owl hooted down from a nearby tree, all combined together made me think twice about what my friend Motoki-kun had said to me when he first started seeing Reika-chan... ~Flashback~ "Where are you going to take her on the first date, Motoki-kun? You better not scare her away." I said. "I thought about it for a long time actually, I know only so much about this girl, I wanted to make it special, something to remember, something romantic. After numerous ideas that you've given me and others, I decided on my own, I'm going to take her out in nature, nothing of what you may think, just so we can talk, get to know each other better. God forbid anything else." Motoki- kun started to laugh. "Why are you taking her out there?" "Have you ever been out late at night with a girl you adore, with the stars looking down at you, and the wind whispering in your ear? Have you ever paid close attention how romantic it would be just to sit out in the dark, real close to the one you love? I don't think you ever have, Mamoru-kun, you should try it with your next girlfriend, it's a real winner." The conversation had ended without another word from Mamoru-kun, he was too busy staring off behind Motoki-kun at a pretty young girl. He was practically drooling. "Mamoru-kun? Hey Mamoru-kun! Wake up." Motoki-kun looked behind himself, he saw a frequent customer at the arcade, chuckling he looked back at his best friend and knew right off the bat, they had to be introduced. "That's Tsukino Usagi, she comes to the arcade often to play video games." "Tsukino Usagi..." Mamoru-kun whispered. He was off in space, in a dream world, until his friend had to open his mouth and told her to come over and meet a friend of his. Bad idea. ~End Flashback~ (Mamoru) It was everything he said and more, it was romantic, the perfect place for a first date, it would be memorable, if only Usako knew about my feelings for her, it would make my dream come true, from the first time I set eyes on her to this very moment I've been obsessed and I've not been able to keep my mind off her, I need to announce my feelings, to make it apparent that she's the only one I've ever met that can actually make me feel this way for more than five minutes, she needs to know... tonight. "Mamoru-san, are you alright? You ran into a tree." Usagi-chan actually looked concerned, is there something here, I wondered. I started to laugh. She looked confused at the moment, without letting go of her hand I rolled to my side and coughed with a mixture of laughing. "What's so funny!? I don't see anything funny about breaking your neck." Her concerned face turned into an angered pout. "Nothing." I said half laughing, she knew though, that it wasn't the truth and she's the only one that has almost made me open up... to anyone. It was just her winning personality, and the vulnerability, and being so damn cute when she got angry at me that wanted me to always open up and share my thoughts, to tell her about my past and the car crash and amnesia, I was being selfish, I wanted her ever so badly... and I wanted her for myself, I always got jealous in the past when Motoki-kun talked to her, it was pretty bad. She was contagious. "No, there is something and you won't tell me, I don't see anything funny about this so why do you? You could have broken your neck!" Usako practically screamed out. "Be quiet Usagi-chan, you'll wake the dead! I find it funny only because I ran into a tree, How on earth did I manage to do that anyway?" I half lied. It was ironic a person like me could actually run into something so large and not even know it happened, and on top of all that, I fell to the ground in front of Usako unconscious. Talk about being traumatized! I kept laughing for a moment longer, and then I finally came to my senses. Where are we anyway? I asked myself, I stood up finally, not even realizing our hands were laced together, bringing Usa with me I held her close in a protective kind of way. "Usagi-chan, how did you manage to get all the way out here?" "I crawled through the window in the ladies room and I started walking, I was too amazed with the scenery to recognize me current surroundings, and somehow I managed to follow a path and I came to right about here, thinking that it was getting late and I should get back to the party before dessert was served, I walked until I came to this split in the pathway and I didn't know where to go. I tried using the moss on the trees, because it always grows on the north side, but I couldn't tell which was the moss. I then remembered Makoto-chan saying that when she gets lost she navigates by the stars, but there were no stars out then, so I... just sat... down and... cried, like I usually do, like a big baby." Her eyes began to tear, in desperation I said the first thing that popped in my head. "Usa... gi-chan, you're not a big baby, and you don't always cry, you smile a whole lot more than you frown, and that's what makes you so special to me... er... and everyone else." Hehehe good going Mamoru-kun. She looked at me funny (A.N. anime style). "You think so Mamoru-san?" Her eyes kept tearing, but for once she held it all back. She looked at me with such sincerity it made me want to melt. "Yes, Usagi-chan. When you smile everyone's day brightens, you're contagious, in such a way that no one can resist but being near you, you're like a flower, beautiful when in bloom, something that someone must smell, in this case you're so perky that no one can hate you, you're... you. You're so good there's no other way to explain it." I was extremely nervous about this, but there was no turning back. Usa stared at me in awe, or was it shock? Either way, her face was expressionless, I couldn't read anything that she showed on that face of hers. Her mouth was ajar a crack, her eyes were still tearing, her face seemed confused, yet knowing, and sad, but happy. I wasn't able to read out her expression, it was all too confusing for me to cope with. I just sat there, she was close enough for me to hug and or kiss to death, but I remained silent and awaited her response. The gaze she gave me was interrupted by a soft squeak from her mouth. She shut it and looked down at her bare feet. What's going to happen now? Usa started to speak so soft I had to bend down a bit to listen to her harmonic voice. "Do you really think so Mamoru-san, do you really think that? And why would you? All you've ever done to me was tease and hurt my feelings, so why are you saying this if you don't actually feel it?" If I had seen correctly she was blushing and smiling? I didn't know what to say, she had caught me, yet... I don't think she knew totally, I didn't know whether I should say something or remain silent, should I lie? I can't do that to her. ~Usagi~ I can't believe my ears, who is in front of me impersonating my Mamo-chan? This couldn't be real... my Mamo-chan hated me, my Mamo-chan always made fun of me, he teased me so not ruefully and grinned when I went running away, crying, why would he be saying this to me right now? Is this an imposter of some kind? Or is this the real... him? I stayed silent for a moment, I was flattered he said this, to me... he sounded enthusiastic saying this out loud. Maybe there was a chance for us yet, I hoped so with all my heart. ~Mrs. Tsukino~ Where is that girl of mine? "Darling? Have you seen Usagi-chan recently? She missed almost all of supper, and she might miss dessert as well, she better get back soon, it's getting dark and it's almost time to leave." "I'm sure she's in a better place than this, -cough- you can't breathe in this joint. -Cough cough-. Anyway, our girl has some kind of sixth sense when it comes to food, she'll be here. She's just lucky that the house dog ate all of the dessert dishes, if it hadn't then she would've missed it long ago." "Oh, I hope so, you know that young lad that Mr. X (A.N. the boss) introduced, we know him don't we? He looks familiar for some reason. Wasn't he the fellow who teased Usagi-chan? I think he likes her, you always teased me when we met, it could be the same way with him and Usagi-chan, ooh... this is so exciting, maybe he's madly in love with her, but too bashful to admit it, Usagi- chan is constantly talking about him to me, complaining and yet she always had a dreamy look in her eyes, maybe they love each other. Wouldn't that be exciting?" "He's too old." He said sternly. ~Usagi~ This is too good to be true, why isn't he answering me? Oh god, I've been a good girl, I want him so badly... let it be, let him like me dear lord. I pleaded. When he never answered I let it go. He doesn't feel anything for me, he never has, never will, so who am I kidding? I better live up to reality, but why does it have to be so painful? Never in my life have I ever felt such rejection as I was feeling now, it was like a never ending process. Like cutting yourself with a knife, the wound is deep and it hurts, but it heals after a while, but there will always be a mark, a symbol of what happened. "Mamoru-san, do you know the way back? I would like to get back before everyone leaves." I said quietly, I felt this warmth on my hand leave, I didn't even realize his hand was holding my own for such a long time. "Yes, Usagi-chan, I do know the way back, do you want my jacket..." I interrupted him. "No... no thank you, I'm not cold." Why tempt myself when there's nothing there? "Okay then, follow me I guess." A tension had built between us, all because I ruined it, I had to get away, at that moment I wanted to curl up in a corner and cry there for hours, I felt the need to be near him for a moment longer though. It was strange, but not all hope was lost, some part of my heart still rang out screaming... "Don't despair! He loves you! He's just too stubborn to admit it! Go for it girl!" It made me feel better for the moment, but exhausted the next, how late was it anyway? How long have I been wandering around until my knight in shining armor rescued me from the horrible chipmunks that would tear my flesh in an instant! My eyes were heavy and my eyelids stung, I almost leaned on Mamo-chan for warmth and for support, I couldn't do that though. Why did you have to be so handsome and tall, and nice... in a teasing kind of way? Why oh why Mamo-chan? I sighed, I recognized the path I had first taken before I entered the woods, it lead to the house, walking behind my one and only he turned around and I ran into his still form. I sat on the ground looking up at him with all one hundred percent attention, why'd he stop right in front of the house? He handed me his hand, graciously I took it, something went zapping through me at lightning speed. What was it though. ~Mamoru~ Think quick you dope, why'd you have to stop like that? Tell her all that you feel, spill until your hearts content... do it now! Now you baka! "Do you like flowers?" You did it again, when will you learn!? Maybe something can come out of what you just said, it's a chance with a great possibility. "What!? What kind of question is that!?" "Just answer me, do you like flowers or not?" I saw something behind Usako that gave me an idea. "I love them, why?" She asked me. "Alright, give me your hand and close your eyes." Usako looked at me in a strange way, her eyebrow raised before she closed her eyes and handed me her right hand. I melted, it felt like silk. I led her off the stone walkway and onto a little field of grass and wildflowers. In with the wildflowers were weeds, they were scattered here and there but basically they were everywhere. I bent down and picked up two weeds from the ground and brushed off all the roots and dirt. "Okay Usagi-chan, you can open your eyes now." I placed a weed in her hand and she looked at it strangely, then at me. "Yeah, and what am I supposed to do with a dandelion?" She asked me. "Close your eyes and when there is a gust of wind make a wish and blow all the seeds off the dandelion. Then, your wish will come true." I told her honestly. "I'm not superstitious Mamoru-san." "I'm not either." "Then why are you doing this?" She asked me with curiosity hidden in her voice. "You'll find out, make a wish, here's a breeze." Before I closed my eyes I knew my wish and I saw Usa hold the dandelion close to her heart and grin before blowing it away. I smiled. I too blew the weed's seeds away with Usa in the wind. I opened my eyes to see her gazing at me. "What did you wish for Usagi-chan?" "If I told you it wouldn't come true." She replied. "Then can I tell you mine? It's going to come true whether I tell you or not." I felt myself grow nervous, this was it, no turning back. "Alright, only if you're so positive it'll come true." She grinned at me. "Yes, I am positive. I wished for bravery." "Why bravery?" "You'll find out." Before she had another chance to speak I inched myself closer, putting my right hand on her shoulder and my left hand cupping her chin, I leaned down and touched flesh against flesh, I originally wanted to say "I love you Usa." But this happened instead, and I was happy. Our lips touched against each other briefly, but I could sense neither of us wanted to part. It was a simple kiss underneath the stars, it felt like it was to last forever, my wish had come true. Usako put her arms around my neck, I put mine on my lower back, I slowly pulled away from her, but we remained holding each other. "Usagi-chan, I wished for bravery to tell you my feelings that I felt towards you, but it ended up like this. Nothing seems to be going right for me today. From the first time I laid eyes on you, your winning smile, the way you walked an talked to your friends, I felt a pang jealousy when you laughed along with Motoki-kun, I purposely turned the corner everyday just so you could crash in with me, then I could see that adorable pout of your again. I had no control over my body or mouth when you were near, I've never felt this way for anyone before... therefore I didn't know how to act around you and whatever came out of my mouth to you was always an insult, I feel physically sick when I go days without seeing your bright and cheerful personality. You're a real personable type of person, and being immature, and vulnerable attracts me to you, I can't stand to be away. I guess what I'm saying is that I love you Usagi-chan... no, my Usako. I love you Usako." All the while I held her close, those gorgeous blue eyes of hers welled up and a smile formed on her face. When I was down she cried out and placed her head on my chest and squeezed my neck. I let her cry for a while, and when she picked up her head she told me to lean my head down, I did so, wondering what she was going to do, would she scream in my ear she hated my guts and to leave her alone? No, she whispered silently, just the few words I wanted to hear. "You just made my wish come true... Mamo-chan." ~Mrs. Tsukino~ "Where is our daughter?" I asked my husband. "I don't know, but can I have her dessert, please?" He replied. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ So... what did you think? Let me know!!! milky_way173@ix.netcom.com 1 2