@--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." Jesus Christ, Luke 21:33 @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- The Coldest December By Aimee Chapter Seven "Sitting alone up in your empty room, In the stillness of the night, Where all the dreams that used to carry you, Are no longer in sight." ~Michael W. Smith I lay restless in my bed for a long time after I returned home, my confused state consoled only by wistfully watching the cold December wind blow through the barren trees outside my window. I tried to think about something else, but I couldn't. All that came to mind was him--the masked man in black. I brought a hand to my swollen lips and felt how tender they were. That had certainly been one hell of a kiss. I still blushed at the memory of it-- a memory which had been playing in my head repeatedly since the original incident. I couldn't figure out why he'd kissed me. There had been no signs, no clues, no subtle hints that Tuxedo Kamen felt that way towards me. He was always reserved and in complete control. But tonight, he had let go of that controlled demeanor for a few moments and let me see the true man behind the mask. And if the truth must be told, I didn't like what I saw...it frightened me. What was he after? Could it be...*gulp*...me? Shaking that frightening thought away quickly, I pulled the covers over my head and forced myself to think of something else. If I continued on like this, I would never fall asleep. Mamoru would arrive at ten to pick me up, and there was no way I was going to let this little incident spoil my day with him. Wearily, I peeked out from under my covers and glanced at my alarm clock. 5:15 a.m. Frowning deeply, I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- "May I have this dance, Princess? It could be our last." His voice was solemn and quiet, and my heart broke at the sound of it. His eyes were troubled and apprehensive as they peered at me from behind a white mask. I wished his face did not have to be hidden by a disguise, but it was necessary, as the people of the Earth were not welcome on the Moon...not since Beryl had claimed the blue planet. Not even my fiance was welcome. "I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you," I whispered as he lead me to the dance floor, glancing at those around us skeptically. Finally, he relaxed and allowed his gaze to fall on my face. "I've missed you, too," he told me in a regretful tone as we began to dance. His hand squeezed mine, and I felt my ring press into my finger like a reminder that I belong to him now. It was his ring--the one he had given me nearly half a year ago. How different everything was then. "I'm sorry things have to be this way, Sere." I sighed and closed my eyes sorrowfully. It had been difficult making it without him the last few months. It was a time of war. My mother originally sent me to the Earth for protection, but when the dark forces of the NegaVerse and their queen began to threaten the blue planet, my mother sent for me, fearful that I would be found and killed. It had been nearly four months since I'd seen Endymion, but even as he held me, I was too frightened to take pleasure in it. Rumors of Beryl's impending attack on the Moon were rampant, and they put a fear in my soul like I've never known before. "You're trembling," he murmured in my ear, squeezing my shaking form comfortingly. "There's no need to be frightened. I'm here." "I can't believe this is happening..." I whispered, beginning to cry softly. He placed a warm hand on my neck and slid it down with deliberate slowness till he reached the small of my back. His actions soothed, and I let out the breath that I didn't realize I was holding. "Princess, your mother knows that I'm not a spy. She's asked me to help protect the Moon Kingdom... and you." "Y-You'll be here?" I asked in hopeful surprise, glancing up at him with tear-filled eyes. "Hai," he whispered, running his hand down my back once more in the same soothing gesture. "I couldn't abandon you in such a time of danger, Sere." "Endy...I'm so glad you're here..." @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- For once, it wasn't Luna's insistent nagging that awoke me from my lovely trip to dreamland. Rather, I felt myself being shaken lightly, and the dream faded slowly as I heard a familiar voice. "Usa...come on, Odango. Wake up." My eyes drifted open slowly. "Mamoru?" I mumbled sleepily, rubbing my eyes so that I could focus better. Sure enough, there he was, sitting on my bed, one hand playing with my hair. I gasped softly, suddenly realizing how closely he resembled the man in my dreams. The kind blue eyes, the ebony hair, the gentle expression--it was all the same. "You know--you weren't kidding about your favorite color being pink," Mamoru commented as he skeptically scanned my room. "Your room looks like the Barbie aisle at Toys 'R Us." "W-What are you doing here?" I squeaked, pulling the covers up to my ears. "I'm here to pick you up, silly. Do you know what time it is?" My eyes drifted lazily to my alarm clock. 10:07 a.m. "Oh my gosh! I overslept!" I squealed. "I'm so sorry, Mamoru!" "It's all right," he said with a light chuckle as he gathered me close for a warm hug which I happily, albeit sleepily, returned. "Are you feeling all right?" he asked after we parted. I faltered. I was dead tired--that was for certain. Not only had last night's youma attack stolen a few precious hours of sleep, I had spent the remainder of the night in a restless sleep plagued by strange dreams. What did these dreams mean? They were really starting to concern me. "I'm fine," I assured Mamoru. I turned away from his concerned gaze, trying to conceal the confusion and exhaustion that was no doubt evident in my eyes. "We don't have to do this today, you know. If you need to get some rest, we can..." "No, I'm already up," I persisted as I slid out of bed (actually, I kind of fell out). "Oh--that's going to leave a mark," I groaned as I hit the floor. "See? I'm awake!" "Nice pajamas," Mamoru said with a wink as he admired my pink bunny pjs. "Nice jacket," I countered, scowling at the ugliest green jacket on the face of the earth. "I'm glad you like it, Odango. You know, I wore it just for you." "Awww, you shouldn't have!" I said sarcastically. "Really." Ah...nothing like a good fight with Mamoru in the morning to get you kicking. I grinned and threw a pillow at him. "I'll be ready in ten minutes. Wait here." @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- Once I was in the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face which woke me up a little faster than I'd anticipated. Glancing in the bathroom mirror as my teeth chattered uncontrollably, I noted that the bruise on my cheek was practically invisible now. I beamed at the reflection in the mirror. My smile, however, faded a few moments later when I heard the most peculiar sound... What was it? It sounded like a wild animal... a tiger maybe? No, it was a cat! And it was followed shortly by a strangled male cry. What in the world? I gasped, and my eyes grew wide as I realized that it could be only one thing. "Luna!" I threw open my bedroom door in a terrible rush and discovered that my overprotective kitty had chased Mamoru up a chair. Sharp teeth and intimidating claws were bared, and she stood ready to attack should the man so much as attempt to get down. "Odango, your cat is trying to *kill* me!" "Luna, get away from him this instant!" I squealed, snatching my kitty up from the floor. "What's gotten into you?!" Her cinnamon eyes glared at me accusingly, portraying all she was thinking quite nicely...'If he touches you, he will never walk again.' "Is she always that psychotic?" Mamoru marveled, descending cautiously from the chair. When he attempted to approach the snarling ball of fluff in my arms, Luna spat at him venomously. He backed off immediately, holding up his hands in surrender. "Nice kitty...good kitty...down...*down*..." "She's not psychotic," I assured him, glaring at the wretched cat. "Just a little overprotective. She's really sweet once she knows you. Do you want to pet her?" Luna gave him a look that seemed to say, 'Let's see you try, little man.' Mamoru laughed nervously, sweatdropping profusely. "Uh...no thanks." I shrugged as I walked back to the bathroom, growling feline in tow. "Suit yourself. I'm almost ready." I shut the bathroom door resolutely and proceeded to give Luna the lecture of her life. "What were you thinking?!" I cried, shaking a fist indignantly. "I can't believe you just tried to pulverize Mamoru! I could get sued, you know!" "I don't like him, Usagi," she hissed, glaring in the direction of my bedroom. "There's something strange about him." "You're imagining things..." I muttered, turning away from the ball of fur and towards the mirror. I began to pull my hair up into its normal style. "And *anyone* who goes from being your archenemy to your boyfriend overnight is questionable in my book..." "He's not my boyfriend!" I snapped. "Usagi, something is strange here. I don't understand why you can't see it..." "The only thing I see is you meddling in my business. I can take care of myself." I turned away from her, angry tears boiling up in my eyes. She sighed, shaking her head sadly. "Very well, child. Have it your way. I just hope you don't get hurt...be careful, Usagi. Please." Pretending to ignore her, I continued to hastily fix my hair. I quickly wiped away the tear that slipped down my cheek so that she wouldn't see that I was crying. What did she know, anyway? Still, somewhere in the back of my head, a small shadow of doubt was born. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- "Come on, Odango. You're taking forever!" Mamoru whined uncharacteristically. "Haven't you ever heard the phrase 'patience is a virtue?'" I asked as I rummaged through my bottomless closet. "No, I don't think I ever have. How did it go again?" Mamoru teased. I threw a shirt at him, which missed him by a mile. "Hush. Now tell me where we're going." "It's a surprise." "Give me a hint." "It's something that will inspire your mind and challenge your way of thinking..." I scowled. "It better not be one of those boring art museums." He just laughed. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- It was a dot. A little red dot in the middle of an enormous white canvas. Yet, for some strange unknown reason, the piece of artwork was the centerpiece of the entire art museum. It hung high and proud. No frame surrounded it to obscure the effect it made. "Stunning, isn't it?" Mamoru marveled. "The artist captures the hopelessness of existence so accurately. Love. Hate. Anger. Remorse. The battle between good and evil. It's all there. All in a single stroke of the paintbrush. Breathtaking..." A dot, dear readers. It was a little red dot. I scratched my head, trying my best to find the battle between good and evil in the tiny scribble. "Yeah...sure...it's great." I reluctantly tore my appreciative gaze away from the breathtaking and awe-inspiring dot and took notice of another painting. "Hey, look Mamoru!" I cried in excitement, finally finding something worthwhile to look at. "It's one of those cool 3-D Magic Eye pictures!" I immediately crossed my eyes to try to find the hidden image. "Um..." He cleared his throat, watching me contort my face. "Actually that's a replica of a Claude Monet painting. He was an impressionist artist from late 19th century. The painting is called 'Camille on her Deathbed.' Beautiful, isn't it?" My face fell. My goodness, this was boring. "Here's something you might like, Usagi-chan," Mamoru said, leading me to an attractively painted canvas. My eyes scrutinized its every detail in hushed bewilderment. There, depicted skillfully in the painting, was the scene from last night's dream-- a masked man dancing with a golden-haired princess. My resemblance to the princess in the painting was practically uncanny--all she lacked was to have her hair fixed like mine, but instead, her golden hair fell to the ground. My attention turned to the masked man in the painting. I frowned when I realized who it reminded me of--Tuxedo Kamen. The likeness of the two men made me almost suspect that the artist had used a picture of Tuxedo Kamen as a model. I found it remarkably strange, however, that the masked man in this picture looked exactly like the man in my dreams. But hadn't I thought he looked like Mamoru only this morning? Why would I suddenly see Tuxedo Kamen in his face? Damn dreams. What did they mean? "It's a painting by Lonnie Lanai called 'Last Dance. It's one of my favorites. Do you like it?" Mamoru asked, squeezing my hand gently, bringing me back to reality. "I love it," I murmured after a moment of reflective reticence, my eyes failing to deviate from the couple depicted in the painting. They seemed very much in love. I smiled, charmed by the beautiful picture. It sparked something inside of me. Something familiar. Something forgotten. Like a memory. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- After departing from the museum, Mamoru took me to a delightful restaurant for lunch where I thoroughly enjoyed stuffing myself. I was having a lovely time. Heck, any place that dealt with food was a worthwhile venture in my book. Plus, it was nice to be able to talk with Mamoru. Over the course of the day, I came to realize that I'd grown to enjoy his companionship. We were more compatible than I had originally assumed. We had our differences, of course, but that's what made spending time with him interesting. We balanced each other out, in a way. Still, though I was enjoying the meal and his company (*especially* the meal), I wasn't able to offer smiles without straining. I wasn't unhappy-- I simply had too much on my mind, namely my dreams. The painting in the museum made the questions already raging in my head harder to ignore. "So tell me what's on your mind," Mamoru requested. I supposed he'd noticed the dejected look on my face. "What do you mean?" I asked innocently, as if I didn't know. "You've been noticeably quiet ever since we left the museum, and I know for a fact that you're never quiet unless something is on your mind," he rationalized. I faltered in response. How was it that he could see through me so effortlessly? "Come on, Odango. It's just me here. Tell me what's wrong." "Well..." I began reluctantly, twisting my napkin into knots. "I've been having these dreams... but I'm not sure if I want to talk about them," I added quickly. "Come on--what if Martin Luther King had said that?" he joked as he emptied the contents of a pink Sweet N' Low package into his iced tea. I looked at him blankly. "Who's Martin Luther King?" "Never mind," he chuckled. "Tell me about your dreams." I cringed inwardly. "Promise you won't laugh?" "I promise," he assured me with a gaze that removed all apprehension and distrust from me and laid it to the side, forgotten. He directed his undivided attention to me and waited patiently for me to begin. I shifted in my chair and glanced up at him. "I've been having these dreams for months, but lately they've begun to occur more frequently--almost every night. Sometimes they're pleasant dreams, but often they're nightmares. I wake up in the middle of night practically screaming when the nightmares come...but I can never remember what happens after I wake up. I can recall some of the more pleasant ones, though," I explained quietly. "Tell me about them," Mamoru requested as he sat back in his chair thoughtfully. I explained in detail what transpired in the dreams that I could recall. There weren't many that I could thoroughly remember, but several stood out prominently in my head such as the one from last night. Mamoru listened patiently and spoke only after I had finished my account. "And why do these dreams have you so upset?" "Well, they feel so real. Almost tangible. It's like I'm really there," I explained. "Interesting," Mamoru murmured thoughtfully. He fell silent for a few moments and appeared to be attempting to phrase his next sentence carefully. "Perhaps they're recollections of the past, resurfacing from your unconscious mind by means of R.E.M sleep, and--" "Whoa whoa whoa," I stopped him. "You lost me. Would you mind rephrasing all of that so that it makes sense?" Mamoru hesitated before he spoke. "What if they're not just dreams? What if all of that really happened? Something you've forgotten?" I looked at him blankly. "Memories, Usagi." "Memories?" I practically laughed. "My dreams take place in a distant kingdom teeming with princesses and princes. I hate to break this to you, but I'm only 15 years old." "Just a theory," he said with a shrug. The conversation ended, and we both fell into a state of thoughtful silence. When I glanced up at him after a few moments, however, I noted with mystification that he had a hint of a smile on his face. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- The sun was low on the horizon as Mamoru and I walked quietly through a wooded area of the local park. There were few people around since it was near dusk, and it was quite romantic being alone with Mamoru in the dimming light of the woods I used to play in as a child. I couldn't help but smile at the warm hand that held mine protectively. True, I had grown accustomed to holding hands with him over the course of the day, but the simple gesture still delighted me to no end. Surely nothing else could have made me happier... "Are you cold?" he asked as he slipped a warm arm around my shoulders. I smiled. Nevermind--I liked this much better than holding hands. "Not anymore," I murmured happily, feeling very warm indeed. "Usagi, can I ask you something?" "Of course," I responded, trying to determine the reason for the nervous expression on his face. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "How do you feel about me?" I faltered, caught off guard by the question. "I...I'm not sure," I answered. "I like you a lot, especially the 'you' that I've gotten to know these past few days." "But do you think you could ever be happy with me?" he pressed as we came to a stop beneath a tree. "With you?" I echoed in bewilderment. "What are you trying to ask me, Mamoru?" "Usagi," he began, taking both of my hands into his own and squeezing them gently. "Would you like to be my girlfriend?" My eyes immediately became very wide, and my heart performed a little flip before melting into a little puddle on the ground. Hello! Of all the things I had expected to hear at that moment, mentions of a steady relationship were not among them. Astonished, I stared at him blankly for several moments. "Nani?" I breathed. A little bubble of excitement began to grow inside of me. "I could make you happy, Usa, if you'd give me a chance..." Speechless, I tilted my head back and simply looked at him, drinking in his features--his dark blue eyes, his smooth skin, the light sprinkling of freckles on his nose. My gaze then fell to his lips. They appeared soft, inviting, and very sensuous. "Usa...did you hear me?" he asked, tilting my chin up so that I had to look him in the eye. Dammit, why did the man have to be so wonderful? I reached behind his head, my fingers tangling in his thick hair. Mustering up all the courage inside of me, I pulled him to my lips in one swift motion and... ...missed his mouth completely. I heard him chuckle lightly before he cupped my cheeks and guided my lips (which had landed somewhere on his chin) to his own. I sighed happily and leaned further into the slow kiss.Mamoru started to pull away after one long moment, but I held him closer, refusing to let go. The kiss deepened significantly after that, and sensation after wonderful sensation washed over me. His mouth opened against mine, and I felt his tongue gently trace my lips. Tentatively, I parted them and let him slide into my mouth. I relaxed when I found that I liked the sensation. After what seemed like an eternity, he drew away slowly, planting a few soft kisses on my lips. He traced my cheek with a fingertip and moved to do the same to my swollen lips. "I'll take that as a yes," he commented with a smile, and I blushed furiously. His mouth came down once more, and we shared another long, sweet kiss that made me go limp in his arms. Our lips parted eventually, but I didn't leave his embrace for a long time. He seemed content to simply hold me. "You okay?" he whispered into my hair. "A little embarrassed," I confessed, hoping he wouldn't notice my burning cheeks. "Embarrassed?" he chuckled, kissing me again briefly. "Usa, there's nothing shameful about expressing what you're feeling inside." I inhaled deeply, smiling as the aroma that only belonged to him met my senses. Sighing happily, I glanced up to study his face. Though the light from the setting sun was dim, I could see his eyes held a troubled, almost sad expression. "Mamoru, what's wrong?" His gaze fell to the ground. "Usagi, I haven't been completely honest with you about something." He glanced up at me again, and I saw a look in his eyes that I couldn't quite place--something between longing and sorrow. I had seen that very same expression in Tuxedo Kamen's eyes only last night. "I...I'm listening." I noticed his hesitation to speak and did my best to offer him a look of encouragement. "Usagi, what I've been meaning to tell you is," he began slowly, "I'm Tux..." Before he could finish the sentence, a horrifying scream pierced through the peacefulness of the twilight, making both Mamoru and I gasp. "That sounded like Naru!" I practically screamed in panic, taking a few steps toward the direction the outcry had come from. "It's probably a youma," Mamoru said hurriedly. "You'd better transform." I froze. Slowly, I turned and gaped at him with wide, unbelieving eyes. He returned the gaze--almost guiltily. "Nani?" I breathed. "You heard me, Usagi," he said firmly, removing the locket from my blouse and placing it in my hand. "Transform--now! Your friend needs you." I stared for a few more moments, confused beyond words. How? How did he know? Another shrill scream, weaker this time, pulled me out of my daze. My thoughts were immediately torn away from Mamoru. "Naru..." I whispered, squeezing the locket. I shouted the transformation words without another thought. Mamoru disappeared from mind and sight as a blinding white light overtook me. My clothes vanished and ribbons materialized from seemingly nowhere. They tangled and meshed protectively around me, forming an all-too familiar uniform. My tiara appeared, and I immediately spun to a halt. No longer was I Tsukino Usagi. I stood before Mamoru, transformed as Sailor Moon, yet he didn't looked surprised in the least. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- Yes yes...another quirk in this chapter. I have no clue what Lonnie Lanai's name is in the Japanese series. Since it's not exactly an important detail, I let it go. ^^;; Chapter 8 is done! It's at Moonlit Eclipse. Feel free to go read it if you'd like: http://www.geocities.com/moonlit_eclipse/ Love, Aimee-chan