A/N: Hiiii guys! Hope you didn't think I forgot about my fanfic. I was busy for the past couple of months with the holidays and new year. So, please enjoy the last chapter where everything will be explained and hope to see you guys again soon! Oh! And thanks so much for the reviews and comments!
Disclaimer: Still don't own Sailor Moon
Chapter Seven: Confessions of the Heart
Haruka and Michiru were silent for a while. The waiter came back a couple of times to check on them and then to deliver their food. They were surprised to see Usagi only ordered a small salad after they offered to buy her dinner. Usagi's appetite was non existant and that began to worry them. After the long moment of silence, Haruka finally couldn't take it anymore and flashed Usagi a kind and concerned smile.
"Listen dumpling head," Haruka finally spoke. "Minako is your best friend. I don't think she would ever steal Mamoru away from you."
Usagi just let out a small wine and poked at small tomato, covered with ranch dressing. She then felt a warm spot on her other hand that had rested on the table. She looked up to see Haruka's hand on top of hers. Usagi finally gave her friend a half-smile.
"Did you try talking to Mamoru or Minako?" Michiru joined in. "Perhaps what you saw was just a big misunderstanding."
Usagi shook her head. "No. I ran away before I could even talk to either of them."
Haruka chuckled a little and leaned back.
"Haruka that's not nice," Michiru shot her partner a mean look. "It's rude to laugh at someone who's hurting now."
"I'm sorry," Haruka replied. "But I have to admit, Usagi, you have been over exaggerating a bit for the past couple of days."
"No I haven't," Usagi snapped back.
"Remember yesterday," Haruka reminded her. "You thought that I..."
"Ok maybe a little," Usagi finally admitted as she cut Haruka's sentence off. "I'm just going through so much right now that I can't think straight anymore." she took a small bite of her salad. "Besides, you agreed to help me."
Haruka was caught. Usagi did make a good point. Posing as her fake boyfriend was one of the craziest ideas she's ever come up with. Still, she had to admit it did make Usagi happy and she couldn't stand to see her princess sad again.
"Usagi please don't be anger with Haruka," Michiru replied softly as if to apologize. "Her heart was in the right place. She did it for you because you were so sad and hurting so much. You're our friend and we care about you."
Usagi smiled at Michiru and wiped a bit of dressing off her mouth. Those words hit her like a bullet. 'We care about you,' rang inside her head one more time. Haruka and Michiru had been around with her after everyone else left for college. Usagi thought of them as big sisters she had always wanted. But then again, what was this other feeling she had had when she was with Haruka? It couldn't be love. Haruka loved Michiru-san and nothing would come between them. Not even a ditzy college student. Usagi could never be as pretty or as sophicated as Michiru was. She hated to admit it, but seeing them together made her jealous. A part of Usagi wanted to go back to it just being her and Haruka. Usagi finished her salad and downed her water in one big gulp. Haruka found that amusing and laughed.
"I suppose you want desert now?" Haruka asked.
"No thanks Im ok," Usagi replied.
Haruka and Michiru both blinked in shock. Usagi didn't want desert? They were beginning to think Usagi was replaced by an evil twin or something. Haruka then stood up from the table and offered her hand to her young princess.
"Come on we'll take you home," Haruka said.
Usagi took Haruka's offer and pulled herself up with Haruka's support. Michiru stood up as well and straightened herself. Usagi followed the two to Haruka's car and climbed into the back seat. She reached for the seat belt and buckled herself in as Haruka pulled onto the street and speed down the road. Usagi was silent for half of the trip. Michiru then had asked her how things at school were and how her family was. Usagi's both replies were, "fine." Michiru took the hint that Usagi wasn't in the mood to talk anymore and turned her attention back to the front and helped Haruka navigate through traffic. Before Usagi knew it, Haruka had pulled up to her house and stopped.
"Home again little kitten," Haruka turned her attention to the back seat where Usagi was unbuckling her seat belt.
"Thanks," Usagi climbed out from the backseat as Michiru got up out of the passenger side to let her out. "I'm sorry that I ruined your date tonight."
"You didn't," Michiru smiled as soon as she was back in the car. "We should do it again sometime."
"See ya later muffin head," Haruka waved goodbye and pulled her car back onto the road. With a small screech she sped down the road again. Seconds later, they were out of sight.
Usagi let herself into her house and slowly made her way upstairs. She opened the door to her bedroom and saw Luna sitting on the edge with a very concerned look.
"Where have you been Usagi-chan?" Luna immediately asked as Usagi closed the door.
"Out with Haruka-san and Michiru-san," Usagi replied as she sat down on her bed. "Why?"
"Your phone has rung off the hook," Luna handed Usagi her small phone. "You left it on your desk again when you left for school this morning. Minako was here about ten minutes ago wondering where you were."
"I'm sorry. I'll text them and let them know I'm ok," Usagi finished taking off her shoes.
"Usagi-chan," Luna moved closer to her moon princess and laid a small paw on the girls leg. "Are you not telling us something?"
Usagi blinked in shock. "W-what?"
"Everyone is very concerned about you," Luna replied. "Minako-chan said you have hung out with Haruka-san a lot these past couple of weeks. I thought you were wanting to get Mamoru back."
"I am," Usagi tried to defend herself. "I told you about the cooky plan we had where Haruka-san pretends to be my boyfriend right?"
"Yes. But it sounds like you're not pretending anymore Usagi-chan," Luna gave Usagi a serious look.
"What?" Usagi was now somewhat confused.
"Usagi-chan... are you in love with Haruka-san?" Luna finally asked.
"What?!" Usagi squealed. "No! No way! T-that's ridiculous! Me fall in love with Haruka-san? She's a girl Luna. Besides, I love Mamo-chan. Haruka-san's just helping me so I'm not sad all the time. That's it. Nothing else. We're just friends."
"Is it her gender that bothers you," Luna challenged Usagi.
"I just said we're just friends Luna," Usagi was starting to become very irritated. "Besides, why would Haruka-san fall in love with a low average college student like me? She already has Michiru-san and I can never compete with that. Michiru-san's too pretty and kind and caring to be replaced. Haruka-san would never cheat on her."
"Usagi-chan," Luna sighed sadily seeing Usagi was close to crying.
"I'm gonna go for a walk," Usagi quickly grabbed her shoes and slipped them back on. "I'll be ok Luna I promise. And thank you for being worried about me and helping me through this."
Before Usagi left she gave Luna a tight hug. Luna returned the hug by licking the side of Usagi's face. Usagi smiled at her feline partner and set her back down on the bed.
"I won't be long this time I promise," Usagi put on her jacket and opened her bedroom door. "I would ask you to come along but I remember you saying something about seeing Artemis today. You two have fun." she giggled a little.
Luna blushed. "Usagi-chan!"
"I'm kidding Luna," Usagi stepped out from her room and then stopped herself. She then turned back to Luna with a sad smile. "You're so lucky. Artemis still loves you even when you guys fight a lot. Don't let him go."
With being said, Usagi closed her bedroom door slightly and headed downstairs. Before she could make it to the door, she was stopped by her mother who had a plate of cookies for her today.
"Hello sweetheart. I made a fresh batch of cookies for you today."
Usagi gave her mother a kind smile and took a cookie. "Thanks mom. Can I be late for dinner tonight? I'm meeting my friends at Rei-chan's again to catch up on life."
"Sure honey. I'll leave a plate for you just incase you get hungry later."
"Thanks mom," Usagi gave her mother a small kiss and headed out the door.
She felt a little guilty lying to her own mother like that. When she was still fighting evil as Sailor Moon, lying to her didn't really feel all that mean. But now that the world is peaceful and settle, lying seemed really mean and unloving.
"I'm sorry mom," Usagi whispered under her breath as she began her walk down the sidewalk.
Usagi really had no idea where she was going. Her feet seem to take over and moved her forward, not stopping for anything. However, she found herself at the park again next to the elementary school she attended when she was a child. She smiled as memories of recess and hating her 2nd grade teacher popped into her head.
"Man I was a brat," Usagi laughed to herself.
She continued on her walk and found herself stopping again and her favorite place. The Crown Arcade. It amazed her how much the arcade stayed the same over the years. It also amazed her that Motoki was still working there. Well, he was manager now, but no one was really surprised when they found out. Usagi had to urge to go inside, but then realized her had no money. Then, as fate would have it, Motoki stepped outside from the building and saw Usagi.
"Well look who's here," Motoki greeted his favorite customer with a smile. "How are you Usagi?"
"Hi," Usagi greeted the boy with a small wave.
"You wanna come in?" Motoki asked.
"Sorry, I don't have any money," Usagi replied.
"That's ok," Motoki said giving Usagi a smile. "We can sit and talk for a while. It's not everyday I get to see an old friend."
Usagi smiled at Motoki's kind words. She excepted his invitation and joined him inside. He led her to an empty table and had drinks brought for them. Usagi started the conversation by telling him about college and about getting a really good grade in her sociology class and about Minako taking two theater classes this semester and getting a small part in a movie she had auditioned for a couple of months ago. She also mentioned Ami being able to go to America last year to study at NASA for her science class.
"Sounds like you girls are doing great," Motoki said after hearing Usagi's story.
"Yeah," Usagi said quietly.
"What's wrong?" Motoki asked setting his drink down. "You look a little sad all of a sudden. What happened to that smiling face?"
"Motoki..." Usagi was fighting to get her words out. "Am I... am I... desirable?"
Motoki blinked a few times, still taking in what Usagi had just asked. Usagi lowered her head again, waiting for him to scold her for asking such a question.
"Where did that come from all of a sudden?" Motoki was now a little concerned.
"Um... well... see...Mamo-chan and I... we, we broke up again last week," Usagi finally managed to get her sentence straight.
"Oh," was all Motoki could say. "Well I'm really sorry to hear that Usagi. What happened?"
"I don't know," Usagi told her friend. "He wouldn't tell me. I've been going around for the past week confused and scared and that thing with Haruk..." she caught herself and covered her mouth to end her sentence.
Motoki raised an eyebrow in interest, but decided to leave it alone. If Usagi didn't want to tell him, it was none of his business.
"Well," Motoki began to speak again. "To answer your question as a friend, I think a guy would be crazy to break up with you. You're a pretty and fun-loving girl. You brighten anyone's day up."
Usagi blushed slightly at Motoki's reply. "Thank you," she finally said. "But, let's say... well, I have this friend who thinks she may be falling in love with a really close friend. She thinks its not right because she still loves her boyfriend, yet at the same time, she wants to be with her really close friend. But even though she does, she's scared to admit it because this friend is the same gender as she is."
Motoki gave Usagi a very confused look. He took another sip of his drink and thought for a moment. He then leaned forward a little and cleared his throat.
"Well," he began to speak. "If your friend really likes her close friend, then she should tell her. But only if she feels comfortable with this friend. If the relationship with her boyfriend isn't working then she should find out and see if there's still a chance for it to survive. If not, then she should take some time and figure out her true feelings and act on them. Gender shouldn't matter if both people want to be with one another."
Usagi was silent. It took her a moment to take in what Mokotki had said. His words were so straight forward and pure. He always had an answer for her, even if it wasn't what she wanted to hear. Although, this time she was glad to hear what he had to say.
Thank you Motoki, Usagi said with a smile as she stood up from the table. I'll tell my friend she doesn't have to be afraid anymore about hiding her feelings.
"You're welcome," Motoki also stood up from the table. "Bring your friend over sometime. I'd like to meet her."
"Uhh... sure," Usagi nodded, feeling a little guilty. "I'll see you later Motoki. I've got some catching up to do on some school work. Bye."
Motoki waved goodbye to Usagi and went back to his work. Usagi glanced back at her friend and smiled one last time. She then let out a relieved sigh and made her way down the sidewalk. Her heart began to tighten with happiness, yet sadness.
'Maybe Luna's right,' she began to think to herself as she slowed her walking down. 'Maybe I do... like Haruka-san. She's been so kind and cheers me up on a bad day. When I'm with her, I keep forgetting what I'm really after in the first place.'
"Great," Usagi scolds herself as she turns a corner. "Now it sounds like I'm just using Haruka-san."
Usagi increased her walking speed a little as she checked her watch and realized what time it was.
"I probably should head back home now. Mom and Luna will kill me if I don't finish all my homework by tomorrow," she then smiles. "Haha, now I'm starting to sound like Ami-chan."
"Usagi-chan!"
Usagi blinked and spun around to see who had called her name. Her eyes widened as she saw Minako running towards her.
"Minako-chan," Usagi said as her friend stopped in front of her. "H-how did you find me?"
"I've looked... everywhere for you," Minako panted to catch her breath.
"If you're here to tell me Mamo-chan kissed you, I already know," Usagi sounded so serious.
Minako blinked. "How did you know?"
"I saw you guys near the arcade a while ago," Usagi kicked the back of her shoe and lowered her head a little. "I should be furious with you now, but I've been so confused for the past week and a half, my body can't keep up with me being sad or angry or confused or scared or happy."
"Usagi-chan listen," Minako placed a hand on Usagi's shoulder. "I'm so sorry. I tried to stop him, but for some reason he's been really stupid and can't see that it's me and not you."
"Its ok," Usagi replied.
"No its not," Minako shot back. "This plan has gotten so out of control. I blame myself. I should never have gotten involved in your relationship."
"Wow Minako-chan," Usagi was surprised. "You sound so mature and adult like. This isn't like you."
Minako softly smiled. "I can be serious too." she then grabs Usagi's hand. "Come on. We're going to find Mamoru and straighten everything out."
Usagi nodded and excepted Minako's hand. Minako led them to the amusement park they had been to the other day. Usagi felt her heart begin to pound harder again. The thought of finally knowing why Mamoru broke up with her began to scare her a little. What if it really was because she was still immature? She did admit, her maturity still needed some work, but Usagi hoped Mamoru would give her a little credit for maturing a little. She wined and cried less and wasn't late to school that much anymore. Then again, the wining and crying may have gone away from her Sailor Moon days. Being the solider of justice had taught her to be stronger and have a lot of faith in herself. She found herself being stronger and braver when it came to protecting the world from evil beings. Or perhaps another reason for her maturing was from age. Still, Usagi was a lot better then she used to be.
"Usagi-chan," Minako broke through Usagi's thoughts.
"Huh?" Usagi looked at her blonde friend.
"We're here," Minako pointed out. "Let's go find Mamoru."
Usagi nodded and joined her friend in scooping out her tall ex. After about 15 minutes of searching, they found no trace of the man anywhere.
"Maybe he went home," Minako said.
Usagi checked her watch again. "But he usually doesn't leave work until the park closes. And its only 7. The park doesn't close until 10."
"You're right," Minako replied. "Well, let's try again. Maybe we missed him somewhere."
"Missed who?"
As if their prayers had been answered, Usagi and Minako turned around and found Mamoru standing behind them.
"Mamo-chan," Usagi smiled.
"Did your boyfriend leave you here?" Mamoru asked.
"What? Usagi snapped. "No. We were looking for you."
"Me?" Mamoru raised his eyebrows. "Why?"
Usagi took a breath and stepped closer to Mamoru. "I have a confession to make. I'm sorry Mamo-chan, but I don't have a boyfriend named Haruto. I went to Haruka-san after you broke up with me again and told her what had happened. She decided to pose as a fake boyfriend to help me and to try and make you jealous."
Mamoru was silent for a moment. He then approached Usagi and hugged her. Usagi blinked in shock at what he had done.
"I'm sorry Usako," Mamoru whispered. "I have a confession too. I knew already."
Usagi pushed Mamoru back a little. She couldn't believe it. "But then... why didn't you bother to say anything?"
"I wanted to," Mamoru replied. "But Minako asked me to stay quiet. She said that maybe getting you mind off of the break up would make you feel better."
Usagi turned to face Minako. "Minako-chan. So he knew it was you the whole time?"
"Not at first," Minako said softly as guilt began to take over. "When I ran into him the third time, he finally told me why he broke up with you. When he decided to get back together with you," she paused and then glared at the dark-haired man. "And after laying that horrible kiss at me. Idiot. I stormed off but then came back and finally told him it was me."
Usagi stood silent. Minako continued.
"I told him your fake boyfriend was Haruka-san and you've hurt all this time about the whole thing."
Usagi looked at Mamoru and then back at Minako. "So, you were trying to get us back together?"
Minako nodded. "You guys belong together. Even if the future changes, you guys will still be together."
Usagi smiled as her eyes began to swell up with tears. Hearing Minako sound so mature and caring about her made her happy. The kiss thing still bugged her, but if Mamoru still wanted to be with her and not Minako, she was willing to toss that out of her mind.
"Thanks Minako-chan," Usagi gave her friend a sincere smile. "Thanks for doing this for me," she then placed a hand on her friend. "But don't ever kiss my boyfriend again."
"As long as you promise not to find anymore fake boyfriends," Minako smirked. "I'm still trying to find one for myself."
"Minako-chan!" Usagi squealed.
"Hehe kidding," Minako said. "But I think Mamoru wants to talk to you now. I'll leave you two alone now."
Minako waved her goodbye and disappeared around the ring toss game. Usagi turned her attention to Mamoru who still stood silent, letting the two girls talk first.
"Mamo-chan," Usagi began. "D-do you still... want to be with me?"
Mamoru finally let out a small sigh and stepped closer to Usagi. "Usako, I'm so sorry. I should have told you the truth from the beginning."
Usagi felt her heart pounding faster and harder at Mamoru's words.
"Three days before I broke up with you," Mamoru continue. "I had a visitor."
Usagi blinked. "A visitor. Who?"
Mamoru paused for a moment. Usagi started to feel nervous at the silence and placed her hands on her chest, She could tell Mamoru was beginning to feel sad about something. Her mind began to scream at him telling him to hurry up and spit it out. The silence was making her heart want to pound so hard that it rips out of her body.
"My future self came to visit me that day," Mamoru finally said after the long pause.
"King Endymion," Usagi was now confused. "Why?"
Mamoru sighed. "He came to tell me..." he stopped again.
"Mamo-chan please tell me," Usagi couldn't take it anymore. "If it's about our future I have the right to now. I'm an adult now. Did something happen to them... us? Is it Chibiusa? Is she alright?"
"Chibiusa is fine," Mamoru replied as he clenched his fists tightly. "It's you."
"Me?" Usagi questioned. "W-what's wrong with Neo Queen Serenity?"
Mamoru looked at Usagi and wanted to cry. He fought back his tears and grabbed his short princess and hugged her tight. Usagi hugged Mamoru back and felt small tears fall from her eyes.
"Mamo-chan..."
"She... she died," Mamoru finally said.
Usagi was shocked. "What? But... but that's impossible. She... she can't die. The future soldiers would have revived her..."
"They're not immortal Usako!" Mamoru stopped hugging Usagi and kept his hands on her shoulders.
"Something attacked their palace again and the sailor soldiers couldn't get to her or Chibiusa in time. Neo Queen Serenity sacrificed herself to save Chibiusa and everyone else. Crystal Tokyo is finally safe and protected... just without you."
"I don't believe it," Usagi wanted to burst into tears.
Her future self made the same sacrifice her mother made when the moon kingdom was attacked. But something inside told her Neo Queen Serenity did the right thing. She wanted everyone to keep living. Usagi then began to wonder how Chibiusa was taking it. Not having her mother around anymore had to have made Chibiusa very upset. If Chibiusa had come here, she would have just been sad again. Seeing Usagi would remind her of what her mother had done.
"I got scared," Mamoru finally finished. "I thought if us not being together anymore would have fixed that. I didn't want to see Chibiusa hurt and in pain again."
"Did she... come to see you," Usagi asked.
Mamoru nodded.
"I'm sorry. She told me she didn't want to see you. She didn't want to see her mothers face when she knows its you in the future. She would have cried again and it would have confused you. That's why I thought breaking up with you instead was the best thing. I wanted you to live your life Usako. If I had told you the truth it might have giving you second thoughts about wanting to be Queen. I thought I was trying to protect you."
Usagi finally let her tears fall as she fell into Mamoru's arms again and hugged him tight. Mamoru returned the hugged. Usagi cried in Mamoru's chest for what seemed like forever. She was happy, yet sad at the same time. Her future had taken a huge plunged. She wanted to scream, but couldn't get any sound to come out of her mouth.
"Mamo-chan," Usagi sniffed hard and looked up at her prince. "Thank you. I'm sorry for being so selfish and putting you through my horrible immaturity."
"Usako..."
"But...", Usagi tried to smile her best. "Remember, Pluto told us that not all futures are set in stone. I think King Endymion and Chibiusa came to you to warn you so WE could prevent this from happening when its our turn to rule the future."
Mamoru didn't say anything. Usagi sounded so sure that everything would be ok. Seeing her so grown up and talking like a mature adult was a little shocking. He smiled back and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Usagi excepted the kiss. Her heart filled with joy as her mind jumped with excitement to have her future king back. After a few seconds, they broke the kiss.
"So... can I stay with you tonight?" Usagi asked taking Mamoru's hand. "Or are you still working?"
"Actually they let me off early", Mamoru said. "So why don't I take you out to a late dinner."
"How about we stay here," Usagi suggested. "This is an amusement park after all. And adult or teenager, I still love amusement parks."
Mamoru chuckled and took Usagi's hand. "Alright you win. What do you wanna ride first?"
"Let's ride the carrousel", Usagi happily dragged Mamoru to the merry-go-around ride.
As the couple got onto the ride they stumbled upon two familiar looking faces sitting down on the bench part of the ride instead of the horses. Usagi smiled as she recognized them right away.
"Haruka-san! Michiru-san!" Usagi waved to them as she approached them.
"Hey kitten," Haruka smiled at her blonde princess. "Fancy seeing you here."
"Hello Usagi-chan," Michiru greeted her princess with a smile.
"What are you guys doing here?" Usagi asked as she climbed onto a horse near the bench.
"I wanted to come to this place since Haruka said you had a lot of fun here," Michiru smiled.
"You seem happy now," Haruka said . "You doing ok?"
Usagi nodded happily. "Yup. Mamo-chan and I are back together."
Mamoru finally caught up and joined Usagi. He was a little embarrassed to ride a kiddy ride, so instead he stood beside Usagi's horse.
"Hello," Mamoru greeted the two.
"Ah the prince returns," Michiru smiled. "You guys seem happier now."
Haruka didn't say anything. Instead, she gave the dark haired prince a small wave. As the ride started, Michiru leaned closer to Haruka.
"Looks like I won't be planning yours and Usagi's wedding now," Michiru whispered.
"Your teasing again," Haruka said.
"But you and Usagi made such a cute couple," Michiru smirked like she had something planned.
"Let it go," Haruka placed a kiss on Michiru.
She then looked up at Usagi who was laughing and having fun. She smiled softly seeing Usagi finally happy again after being sad for so long. She then turned her attention the other way. She couldn't explain it or didn't understand why, but something deep inside began to hurt.
Usagi giggled as she turned her attention to Haruka and Michiru as the ride began to slow down. She caught Haruka looking off into the distance. She smiled softly as she stared at the distracted woman. 'Thanks for everything Haurka-san.' she said to herself. As she turned her attention away, she began to feel sad inside. She brought her hand up to her chest again and placed it on her heart. She couldn't explain it or didn't understand why, but something deep inside, began to hurt.
FINISHED! Woohoo! Hmm... to be honest, I think I rushed through this a little. I think some parts still sound confusing. Or maybe that's just me. Hehe the last part I kind of thought of when I started this whole story. Man I hate it when I do that. ^^' Soooo, should I do another story where Haruka and Usagi finally DO become an official couple? I feel kinda guilty for leading everyone on and then ending the story with them not getting together officially. So maybe I will write one where they do become official. Kinda like a sequel. Thanks so much for your support and comments. This is my first official completed story so PLEASE don't kill me for any mistakes. I promise I will get better. I love you guys!