Run away with my heart
By: Shantilah
Chapter Eleven: As this story draws to a close...
Disclaimer: I do not own Salior Moon, nor am I profiting from this story in any way.
AN: Finally, my first story is finished. I wanted to write an epilogue but I don't really have the time. But don't worry, I already have plans for a sequal... Let's hope I actually get a chance to work on that before finals kill me. Anyways,I would once again like to thank everyone who encouraged me. I especially want to thank my sister who made fun of the stupid parts and made me change them. I don't know for sure what I will do next but I hope it recieves the response this fic has gotten. On to the show...
The test came and went. Usagi breezed through, with only a few minor difficulties. But she was still confident that she had done well. That same day, Haruna put the top 10 grades on the board and Usagi gasped.
1. Mizuno Ami (no surpize)
2. Takura Nishi (ditto)
3. Tsukino Usagi (What the hell??)
"I Placed THIRD?" Usagi squealed. Ami-chan and Takura were the smartest people in the class so she knew they would have the top two spots but HER placing THIRD?
"Congratulations Miss Tsukino" Haruna said. "You have shown great improvment in such a short time!"
The whole class appluaded her as well. Usagi felt proud and was moved by the guesture. Things were MUCH different from the way they had been six weeks ago, when she would have been laughed at for getting the lowest score.
Usagi skipped over to Crown's archade after school. It had been so long she'd almost forgoten what it looked like. Mootoki greeted her when she entered. Usagi was so glad to be backm, she gave him a HUUUUUGE hug.
"Usagi-chan! I've missed you!"
"It's great to see you too Mootoki!"
"Do ya want a milkshake? It's on the house."
"You know I never turn down FOOD!"
Usagi inhaled her milkshake and looked around. Was it just her, or did the archade seem more impersonal than she remembered it. Compared to Mamoru-kun's achade this on seemed crowded and just ... wrong...
"Have you seen Mamoru-kun?" Usagi asked Mootoki.
"Actually, you just missed him. Oh, I've been saving the new Sailor V game for you, because it came out while you were ...you know... forbidden."
"Thanks Mootoki!" She chirped, neglecting to tell him she HAD played. At Mamo-chan's.....
She walked over to the machine and knelt down to insert her money. But she noticed that a small envelope was covering the change slot. Usako was written in a neat, precsise handwritting she recognised right away as Mamoru's. She opened the envelope, read the message and her head started to spin.
My Dearest Usako,
Usa-ko? Me his usako...
By the time you are reading this you have probably passed that test and have gone back to your old life, the one without me. I just wanted you to know these last six weeks have been the best in my life. Your friendship has meant so much to me. I wish you all the best.
Mamoru-kun
P.S. I saw you eyeing this at the mall. It's almost as pretty as you.
Usagi pulled out a silver, no a white gold braclet. Attached to it was a small star shaped locket. It must have cost a fortune but that wasn't why Usagi was suddently overcome with emotion.
Tears streamed down her face. She scanned the archade. There were no creepy goldfish to stare at her, no cozy leather couches. She compared her life six weeks ago to the life she was leading now. Back then Mamoru was just a cute jerk she kept running into but now .... he was like her best friend... no, her SOULMATE. No one got under her skin like Mamoru... and no one was as sweet and caring. Usagi felt incredably foolish. She had been so busy pretending to be annoyed by him, she hadn't even noticed a good thing staring her straight in the face!
"Usagi-chan, are you okay?" Mootoki asked his friend.
"Mootoki, I gotta go." Usagi said through her tears. She ran out of the archade and never looked back. She ran through the streets, alleys and even a few backyards. Criscrossing through oncoming traffic and swerving out of the way of fellow pedestrians, she finally arrived at her destination: Mamo-chan's apartment.
She let herself in with her key and looked around. No Mamoru in sight. She left and ran aimlessly. Where could he be? There was no track or karate practice today, so where was he? Her heart twinged when she realised that anyday in the last six weeks she'd know where he was right now... because they would be studying or playing games together....
Not paying attention to where she was going, her feet seemed to guide her to the park. As she ran through the familiar paths she felt more relaxed as if it was 6:30 in the morning and Mamoru had run ahead of her again, but it was only a matter of time before she'd find him. She stopped to catch her breath and noticed a tall dark-haired young man jog across her path. Her breath caught in her throat, it was Mamoru!
She called out to him and he must have recognized her voice but he didn't stop, instead he sped up. He was back to his old "catch me if you can" tricks. Usagi took a deep breath and started to chase him. Around and around they ran, Mamoru keeping just out of her reach. Finally he stopped to get a drink from a fountain and Usagi pounced on him.
"You JERK! Why the hell did you- oh I'm so sorry sir!"
OKaaay, that was embarrassing. It wasn't Mamoru! She had just chased a complete stranger all over Juuban park! What crazy things love makes you do! Was it really love? Usagi wasn't sure. Nothing seemed to make sense anymore.
"Usagi, I feel hurt. You honestly didn't think that was me did you? I'm MUCH better looking than him." Mamoru smirked, stepping out of the shadows.
"And much more concieted!"
" I guess I was right, video-games have made you nearsighted as well as sedentary."
"Shut-up! YOU JERK-FACE IDIOT!"
"Make me!"
"I WILL!" Usagi attempted to karate-chop him but he ducked.
"Sorry babe, but I'm not Minako-chan." Mamoru grinned. "Remember, I'm a black belt"
"Whatever!"
"Well, can I ask why you were chasing 'me'?"
"I ... uh... well..." Usagi scanned the park, the trees the skies, looking for an answer. After what seemed like an eternity, all she could think of was:
"Do you want to ride the swings? I haven't done that in years."
Mamoru raised an eyebrow but followed her over to the swings. A little boy and his mother were playing on a see-saw near the other side of the playground, but other than that it was deserted. Usagi plunked herself down on the nearest swing and started pumping her legs enthusiastically.
"Push me, push me!" Mamoru obliged, and Usagi had the exquisite sensation of flying. How free she felt, swinging back and forth in the air, eyes closed, hair swaying in the wind. It was poetic and freeing in a blissfully childish way. Mamoru stopped pushing her and climbed onto the adjacent swing.
"I love you."
THere she had said it. She hadn't meant to, but she honestly didnt care anymore. Nothing mattered but that she was flying to the moon and back with Mamoru by her side. She was concious that Mamoru had stopped swinging and she slowed down her movement as well.
"I love you too." Mamoru whispered. A shiver slipped down Usagi's spine. She was no longer in Juuban park, but another more mystical park on the moon. Her lover was by her side, declaring his undying love for her and she was declaring her love for him. They leaned over to share a passionate kiss and then she was back in Juuban park, kissing her beloved Mamo-chan. The world could have ended right there and niether of them would have noticed or cared... All she noticed was his soft passionate lips and his hard muscular chest pressed close to hers......
They finally pulled apart, breathing hard and staring at each others eyes.
"Mamo-chan"
"Usako"
"Why did it take so long for us to do this?"
"I've wanted to do this for a while."
"I thought you hated me!"
"I could never hate you! Well at first you did annoy the HELL outta me but after awhile I didn't know how I ever survived without you." Mamoru said, playing with her hair "You don't know how hard it was to keep myself from kissing the living daylights outta you!"
"Well, You don't have to stop yourself anymore." Usagi smiled impishly. " Thats exactly what I want you to do!"
"Well, that can be arranged..."
"Mamo-chan?"
"Yes Usako?"
"Maybe you should do that in a less public place. That kid and his mom are staring."
"Good idea."
THey held hands and ran off. Mamoru found a nice deserted spot and THEN proceeded to kiss the living daylights out of her. After they were finished Usagi looked at her watch.
"OH shoot!, it's 7:30, I gotta get home by 8:00." Usagi wailed. "I don't wanna go but after last time I always try to get home when my parents tell me."
They shared a few more hurried kisses and Usagi sped off towards home. She banged on the door and found to her astonishment that it was locked!
"MOM, DAD! I PASSED THE TEST!!! OPEN UP!!!" Usagi banged deperatly until she noticed the small note sticking out from the mail slot. SHe picked it up and slowly read it
Dear Usagi
We are so proud of you sweetie! Keep up the great work and ...
"SURPRISE!!!"
The door burst open and she saw her house was crowded with people. Her family, Mom , Dad, Shingo and a bunch of her aunts, uncles, cousins and godparents. Her friends; Minako, Makoto, Ami-chan, Rei, Mootoki, Micheal, Takura, Ama-chan , Diana, Fiona and so many others it would be impossible to name them all!
"Thank you Minna!" Usagi wiped away a tear with the back of her hand "I can't tell you how much this means to me!"
It meant a lot, more than words could say. Things were much better than they had been Six weeks ago, her life was much fuller. She was a little embarrassed that everyone was making such a big fuss out of a passed test even if it WAS really hard (let's say like the SAT's I don't know much about testing in Japan.)
A half hour later after Usagi had greeted almost every guest, she scanned the crowd with the distinct feeling that something ... or someone was missing. Her door creeked open and shut behing her and her spine felt that familiar tingle. Somehow she KNEW who was behind her even without looking..... She flung herself at him and once again the whole world faded away as she lost herself in his embrace.
"Now when did THIS happen?" Kenji broke up the romantic moment by yelling. Ikuko covered Kenji's mouth and dragged him away. Usagi had already told her about thier tutoring sessions and she'd met him once before. She knew he was kind and responsible and good enough for her daughter. After explaining all this to her husband, He was still red in the face but he did not get out the garden hose. All he did was shed a solitary tear My little baby is growing up ....
"You're late." Usagi pretended to pout.
"And you're beautiful" Mamoru whispered into her ear. He handed her the two dozen red roses he had brought with him. "Sorry. I stopped to get these... and to take a shower" Usagi put her nose against his neck and inhaled his scent. He smelled like roses.
"Hey will you two stop cuddling for a minute and come over here!" Rei yelled. Mamoru and Usagi walked over to where thier friends were standing. All at once everyone moved aside, revealing a humungous stuffed rabbit, dressed as a track star with a brown karate belt tied on its waist. Usagi hugged all her friends.
"Thank you it's wonderful! I'll keep it forever!"
"You'd better, we had it custom made and it cost a fortune!" Rei informed her mock-sternly.
THe party went on for hours. Since it was Friday, they were allowed to stay up late. Usagi's parents went to sleep around eleven but the party didn't wind down untill nearly two. Usagi and Mamoru speant most of the night in each others arms.
"Aren't they cute." Minako commented.
"It's about time they got together." Micheal agreed.
"Speaking of which, Andrew you owe me twenty bucks." Makoto reminded him.
"For what?" Andrew feigned innocence.
"Remember you bet me that saturday when we were at the mall that Usagi and Mamoru would never get together?"
"Aww, come on I was only kidding!"
"Nope, pay up!"
"Okay how 'bout I take you to the movies next friday instead?"
"Okay, it's a deal." Makoto blushed slightly.
"Wanna dance?"
"Sure." They headed to the dance floor hand in hand while the rest of their friends stared.
"Now when did THAT happen?" Rei asked.
"Even me, Minako the love expert, didn't see that comeing." MInako said incredulously.
"It seems our friends are full of surprizes." Micheal commented. "But enought about them, lets dance Mina!" Micheal dragged her to the dance floor. Rei and Yuuchiro and Ami and Takura followed soon behind.
They danced the night away. Finally the last guests left and it was just Mamoru and Usagi. They were sitting on her living room couch talking.
"You know what I think?"
"What do you think Odango?"
"Don't call me that!"
"What do you want me to call you."
"Usako"
"Okay, Usako what do you think?"
"I think you ran away with my heart six weeks ago."
"Do you want it back?"
"Nope, not as long as you let me have yours."
"It's a deal."
"So dya wanna go for a midnight run?"
"It's not midnight, its 2:00 am."
"Well you know what I mean."
"Okay." He opened her door and they began running through the streets. With a quick burst of speed Usagi ran ahead.
"Mamo-CHAN!" Usagi called. "Catch me if you CAN!"
And thats exactly what he did.
The End
coments and critiscism greatly appreciated!
By: Shantilah
Chapter Eleven: As this story draws to a close...
Disclaimer: I do not own Salior Moon, nor am I profiting from this story in any way.
AN: Finally, my first story is finished. I wanted to write an epilogue but I don't really have the time. But don't worry, I already have plans for a sequal... Let's hope I actually get a chance to work on that before finals kill me. Anyways,I would once again like to thank everyone who encouraged me. I especially want to thank my sister who made fun of the stupid parts and made me change them. I don't know for sure what I will do next but I hope it recieves the response this fic has gotten. On to the show...
The test came and went. Usagi breezed through, with only a few minor difficulties. But she was still confident that she had done well. That same day, Haruna put the top 10 grades on the board and Usagi gasped.
1. Mizuno Ami (no surpize)
2. Takura Nishi (ditto)
3. Tsukino Usagi (What the hell??)
"I Placed THIRD?" Usagi squealed. Ami-chan and Takura were the smartest people in the class so she knew they would have the top two spots but HER placing THIRD?
"Congratulations Miss Tsukino" Haruna said. "You have shown great improvment in such a short time!"
The whole class appluaded her as well. Usagi felt proud and was moved by the guesture. Things were MUCH different from the way they had been six weeks ago, when she would have been laughed at for getting the lowest score.
Usagi skipped over to Crown's archade after school. It had been so long she'd almost forgoten what it looked like. Mootoki greeted her when she entered. Usagi was so glad to be backm, she gave him a HUUUUUGE hug.
"Usagi-chan! I've missed you!"
"It's great to see you too Mootoki!"
"Do ya want a milkshake? It's on the house."
"You know I never turn down FOOD!"
Usagi inhaled her milkshake and looked around. Was it just her, or did the archade seem more impersonal than she remembered it. Compared to Mamoru-kun's achade this on seemed crowded and just ... wrong...
"Have you seen Mamoru-kun?" Usagi asked Mootoki.
"Actually, you just missed him. Oh, I've been saving the new Sailor V game for you, because it came out while you were ...you know... forbidden."
"Thanks Mootoki!" She chirped, neglecting to tell him she HAD played. At Mamo-chan's.....
She walked over to the machine and knelt down to insert her money. But she noticed that a small envelope was covering the change slot. Usako was written in a neat, precsise handwritting she recognised right away as Mamoru's. She opened the envelope, read the message and her head started to spin.
My Dearest Usako,
Usa-ko? Me his usako...
By the time you are reading this you have probably passed that test and have gone back to your old life, the one without me. I just wanted you to know these last six weeks have been the best in my life. Your friendship has meant so much to me. I wish you all the best.
Mamoru-kun
P.S. I saw you eyeing this at the mall. It's almost as pretty as you.
Usagi pulled out a silver, no a white gold braclet. Attached to it was a small star shaped locket. It must have cost a fortune but that wasn't why Usagi was suddently overcome with emotion.
Tears streamed down her face. She scanned the archade. There were no creepy goldfish to stare at her, no cozy leather couches. She compared her life six weeks ago to the life she was leading now. Back then Mamoru was just a cute jerk she kept running into but now .... he was like her best friend... no, her SOULMATE. No one got under her skin like Mamoru... and no one was as sweet and caring. Usagi felt incredably foolish. She had been so busy pretending to be annoyed by him, she hadn't even noticed a good thing staring her straight in the face!
"Usagi-chan, are you okay?" Mootoki asked his friend.
"Mootoki, I gotta go." Usagi said through her tears. She ran out of the archade and never looked back. She ran through the streets, alleys and even a few backyards. Criscrossing through oncoming traffic and swerving out of the way of fellow pedestrians, she finally arrived at her destination: Mamo-chan's apartment.
She let herself in with her key and looked around. No Mamoru in sight. She left and ran aimlessly. Where could he be? There was no track or karate practice today, so where was he? Her heart twinged when she realised that anyday in the last six weeks she'd know where he was right now... because they would be studying or playing games together....
Not paying attention to where she was going, her feet seemed to guide her to the park. As she ran through the familiar paths she felt more relaxed as if it was 6:30 in the morning and Mamoru had run ahead of her again, but it was only a matter of time before she'd find him. She stopped to catch her breath and noticed a tall dark-haired young man jog across her path. Her breath caught in her throat, it was Mamoru!
She called out to him and he must have recognized her voice but he didn't stop, instead he sped up. He was back to his old "catch me if you can" tricks. Usagi took a deep breath and started to chase him. Around and around they ran, Mamoru keeping just out of her reach. Finally he stopped to get a drink from a fountain and Usagi pounced on him.
"You JERK! Why the hell did you- oh I'm so sorry sir!"
OKaaay, that was embarrassing. It wasn't Mamoru! She had just chased a complete stranger all over Juuban park! What crazy things love makes you do! Was it really love? Usagi wasn't sure. Nothing seemed to make sense anymore.
"Usagi, I feel hurt. You honestly didn't think that was me did you? I'm MUCH better looking than him." Mamoru smirked, stepping out of the shadows.
"And much more concieted!"
" I guess I was right, video-games have made you nearsighted as well as sedentary."
"Shut-up! YOU JERK-FACE IDIOT!"
"Make me!"
"I WILL!" Usagi attempted to karate-chop him but he ducked.
"Sorry babe, but I'm not Minako-chan." Mamoru grinned. "Remember, I'm a black belt"
"Whatever!"
"Well, can I ask why you were chasing 'me'?"
"I ... uh... well..." Usagi scanned the park, the trees the skies, looking for an answer. After what seemed like an eternity, all she could think of was:
"Do you want to ride the swings? I haven't done that in years."
Mamoru raised an eyebrow but followed her over to the swings. A little boy and his mother were playing on a see-saw near the other side of the playground, but other than that it was deserted. Usagi plunked herself down on the nearest swing and started pumping her legs enthusiastically.
"Push me, push me!" Mamoru obliged, and Usagi had the exquisite sensation of flying. How free she felt, swinging back and forth in the air, eyes closed, hair swaying in the wind. It was poetic and freeing in a blissfully childish way. Mamoru stopped pushing her and climbed onto the adjacent swing.
"I love you."
THere she had said it. She hadn't meant to, but she honestly didnt care anymore. Nothing mattered but that she was flying to the moon and back with Mamoru by her side. She was concious that Mamoru had stopped swinging and she slowed down her movement as well.
"I love you too." Mamoru whispered. A shiver slipped down Usagi's spine. She was no longer in Juuban park, but another more mystical park on the moon. Her lover was by her side, declaring his undying love for her and she was declaring her love for him. They leaned over to share a passionate kiss and then she was back in Juuban park, kissing her beloved Mamo-chan. The world could have ended right there and niether of them would have noticed or cared... All she noticed was his soft passionate lips and his hard muscular chest pressed close to hers......
They finally pulled apart, breathing hard and staring at each others eyes.
"Mamo-chan"
"Usako"
"Why did it take so long for us to do this?"
"I've wanted to do this for a while."
"I thought you hated me!"
"I could never hate you! Well at first you did annoy the HELL outta me but after awhile I didn't know how I ever survived without you." Mamoru said, playing with her hair "You don't know how hard it was to keep myself from kissing the living daylights outta you!"
"Well, You don't have to stop yourself anymore." Usagi smiled impishly. " Thats exactly what I want you to do!"
"Well, that can be arranged..."
"Mamo-chan?"
"Yes Usako?"
"Maybe you should do that in a less public place. That kid and his mom are staring."
"Good idea."
THey held hands and ran off. Mamoru found a nice deserted spot and THEN proceeded to kiss the living daylights out of her. After they were finished Usagi looked at her watch.
"OH shoot!, it's 7:30, I gotta get home by 8:00." Usagi wailed. "I don't wanna go but after last time I always try to get home when my parents tell me."
They shared a few more hurried kisses and Usagi sped off towards home. She banged on the door and found to her astonishment that it was locked!
"MOM, DAD! I PASSED THE TEST!!! OPEN UP!!!" Usagi banged deperatly until she noticed the small note sticking out from the mail slot. SHe picked it up and slowly read it
Dear Usagi
We are so proud of you sweetie! Keep up the great work and ...
"SURPRISE!!!"
The door burst open and she saw her house was crowded with people. Her family, Mom , Dad, Shingo and a bunch of her aunts, uncles, cousins and godparents. Her friends; Minako, Makoto, Ami-chan, Rei, Mootoki, Micheal, Takura, Ama-chan , Diana, Fiona and so many others it would be impossible to name them all!
"Thank you Minna!" Usagi wiped away a tear with the back of her hand "I can't tell you how much this means to me!"
It meant a lot, more than words could say. Things were much better than they had been Six weeks ago, her life was much fuller. She was a little embarrassed that everyone was making such a big fuss out of a passed test even if it WAS really hard (let's say like the SAT's I don't know much about testing in Japan.)
A half hour later after Usagi had greeted almost every guest, she scanned the crowd with the distinct feeling that something ... or someone was missing. Her door creeked open and shut behing her and her spine felt that familiar tingle. Somehow she KNEW who was behind her even without looking..... She flung herself at him and once again the whole world faded away as she lost herself in his embrace.
"Now when did THIS happen?" Kenji broke up the romantic moment by yelling. Ikuko covered Kenji's mouth and dragged him away. Usagi had already told her about thier tutoring sessions and she'd met him once before. She knew he was kind and responsible and good enough for her daughter. After explaining all this to her husband, He was still red in the face but he did not get out the garden hose. All he did was shed a solitary tear My little baby is growing up ....
"You're late." Usagi pretended to pout.
"And you're beautiful" Mamoru whispered into her ear. He handed her the two dozen red roses he had brought with him. "Sorry. I stopped to get these... and to take a shower" Usagi put her nose against his neck and inhaled his scent. He smelled like roses.
"Hey will you two stop cuddling for a minute and come over here!" Rei yelled. Mamoru and Usagi walked over to where thier friends were standing. All at once everyone moved aside, revealing a humungous stuffed rabbit, dressed as a track star with a brown karate belt tied on its waist. Usagi hugged all her friends.
"Thank you it's wonderful! I'll keep it forever!"
"You'd better, we had it custom made and it cost a fortune!" Rei informed her mock-sternly.
THe party went on for hours. Since it was Friday, they were allowed to stay up late. Usagi's parents went to sleep around eleven but the party didn't wind down untill nearly two. Usagi and Mamoru speant most of the night in each others arms.
"Aren't they cute." Minako commented.
"It's about time they got together." Micheal agreed.
"Speaking of which, Andrew you owe me twenty bucks." Makoto reminded him.
"For what?" Andrew feigned innocence.
"Remember you bet me that saturday when we were at the mall that Usagi and Mamoru would never get together?"
"Aww, come on I was only kidding!"
"Nope, pay up!"
"Okay how 'bout I take you to the movies next friday instead?"
"Okay, it's a deal." Makoto blushed slightly.
"Wanna dance?"
"Sure." They headed to the dance floor hand in hand while the rest of their friends stared.
"Now when did THAT happen?" Rei asked.
"Even me, Minako the love expert, didn't see that comeing." MInako said incredulously.
"It seems our friends are full of surprizes." Micheal commented. "But enought about them, lets dance Mina!" Micheal dragged her to the dance floor. Rei and Yuuchiro and Ami and Takura followed soon behind.
They danced the night away. Finally the last guests left and it was just Mamoru and Usagi. They were sitting on her living room couch talking.
"You know what I think?"
"What do you think Odango?"
"Don't call me that!"
"What do you want me to call you."
"Usako"
"Okay, Usako what do you think?"
"I think you ran away with my heart six weeks ago."
"Do you want it back?"
"Nope, not as long as you let me have yours."
"It's a deal."
"So dya wanna go for a midnight run?"
"It's not midnight, its 2:00 am."
"Well you know what I mean."
"Okay." He opened her door and they began running through the streets. With a quick burst of speed Usagi ran ahead.
"Mamo-CHAN!" Usagi called. "Catch me if you CAN!"
And thats exactly what he did.
The End
coments and critiscism greatly appreciated!