| standard disclaimers apply: I don't own sailor moon or any of the characters related to it and i don't own the song either, so please don't sue me! Don't find a fault. Find a remedy. - Anonymous Only the heart can change the heart. Friends are never far apart when they're together in the heart. Love doesn't imprison, it sets you free. My love for you - that is my only sin. - William Shakespeare If u live to be a 100, I want to live to be a 100 minus 1 day, so I'll never have to live without u. - Winnie the Pooh However far apart we may be, love will always carry me close to thee. - Tuxedo Mask/Kamen, Sailor Moon Super S now on with the story . . . enjoy! . . . "Mamoru, they found the guy that ran over Usa." "Nani?" "They believe that he was driving while intoxicated." "He was drunk? I'm going to loose my Usako because some guy decided to be dumb enough to drive his car after drinking!?!" None of the senshi could answer him. They all knew that he was right. How anyone could be so stupid was beyond their comprehension, but it happened. People actually did this, people were actually dumb enough to drink and drive. But, it only happened in the news. It only happened to other people. It didn't, doesn't, couldn't happen to the champion of love and justice. The sound of the heart monitor and respirator echoed throughout the room. The senshi and Mamoru waited for Usagi to wake up and laugh, smile, tell them a corny joke . . . they waited for her to do something. They knew that it was close to impossible for it to happen. The doctor's said that she was bleeding internally and that she didn't have a good chance of surviving. Still they waited. Outside the rain fell harder and faster. The citizens of Tokyo ran to shelter, not knowing that both the Earth and the Moon were sad . . . they too waited for their Princess . . . Here With Me (Sequel to Breathe . . . Passion for Life) The girls forced Mamoru to leave the hospital. Reasoning that he wouldn't be any good to her the way he was. Too tired, emotionally and physically, to argue, he reluctantly agreed. Leaving the senshi to take care of his most precious treasure . . . He got into the sleek BMW parked in the emergency lot of Tokyo General. The rain had still not let up. The droplets fell onto his car, staining it with its burning pain. He put the key in the ignition and drove away from the hospital. The rain fell faster. I didn't hear you leave, Mamoru entered his dark, empty apartment only moments later. He didn't bother to turn on the light, why would it matter? The light of his life was slowly slipping away from him and there was nothing he could do. I wonder how am I still here He walked over to his favorite chair. His cobalt eyes scanned the dark skies above and the empty streets below. It matched his mood perfectly. He shut his eyes, hoping that this whole thing was just a horrible dream . . . that if he fell asleep and woke up, he'd find out that none of it was true . . . He beckoned sleep, but it would not come. He hoped that this was a nightmare, but it was not. He sighed dejectedly. He didn't know what to do. If it had been a youma, then he would've killed it. But, it wasn't a youma, it was a human . . . someone he was sworn to protect as the Prince of Earth. He got up and walked to the window, pressing his warm cheek to the cold window as Usagi had done only a few weeks ago. The hot, burning tears came out, causing the window to fog up. His vision became blurry. He couldn't take it anymore, "Is this what you wanted!" he yelled to the heavens above, "YOU'RE taking her away from me! MY Usako! How dare YOU!" He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. He gritted his teeth and continued, "Is this why I risk my life, die countless times! Protect the people of Earth, only to have one of them take Usako away from me! Is it!! Why won't YOU answer ME!" His knees gave into the grief his heart and soul were feeling. Mamoru fell to the floor, shaking uncontrollably. He brought his knees to his chin and began rocking back and forth. The tears blinded his vision once more. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a silver frame on the coffee table. He knew what it was. He was looking at it just before he felt a sensation run through him, leaving him with a cold, empty feeling . . . he knew that she was in trouble . . . flashback . . . Mamoru sat in his chair reading his physics textbook. His glasses slowly inched down his nose, forcing him to push them back up. He sighed. Not even the physics textbook was helping him. He was nervous about the dinner tonight. Usagi's parents were told of their engagement and had decided to throw a little party for family and close friends. That wasn't what bothered him. Tsukino Kenji did. Mamoru could not get the glare his future father-in-law gave him out of his head. He shuddered at the thought. Mamoru knew that Kenji was very protective of Usagi, but so was he. Kenji didn't like the idea of his daughter getting engaged to anyone, let alone someone three years her senior. If it wasn't for Ikuko, he wouldn't be alive right now. Usagi had told him not to worry. She told him that her dad needed time. 'Yeah right,' Mamoru thought, 'he needs time alright, time to plan the most torturous way to kill me for "stealing" his daughter from him.' But his Usako had insisted about tonight. And who was he to deny her anything. Mamoru set the book back on the shelf and walked to his bedroom. He emerged seconds later with a silver frame in his hand. Usako had given it to him for his birthday. She had found the frame at a small antique store and immediately fell in love with it. The intricate pattern surrounding the frame was covered with hearts entwined with vines. The vines were painted with a hint of green that you could see when you held it in the light. He went to the kitchen and poured himself a cup of black coffee. Walking to the couch, he set the hot mug on a coaster, another gift from Usagi, it was also silver, with their names engraved in a heart. Mamoru lay down on the couch and looked longingly at the frame. It was a picture of them, taken in the park, on one of their many dates. Usagi was seated in the row boat. The sun was setting over the lake, its last rays flickering over Usagi, making her glow. She looked surreal. It was almost like he was staring at an angel. And indeed he was. Not just any angel, but his. He touched her face gently, wishing that she were here with him right now. Suddenly he shuddered. Something was not right. He sat up and looked around him. Creating a rose, he pointed the razor- sharp edge at the shadows, and got up, inspecting his apartment for any intruders. A sudden jolt of pain, despair, and emptiness caused him to fall down in agony. His Usako needed him. He didn't bother transforming. He grabbed the keys to his car and was out the door, paying no heed to the ringing phone echoing throughout the apartment. End flashback . . . I don't want to move a thing, it might change my memory He walked over to the frame, but didn't want to move it. He feared that if anything was out of place, it would make the nightmare real. oh I am what I am, I'll do what I want, but I can't hide He sat on the couch and stared at the picture of Usagi. She was so happy, smiling brighter than the blazing sun. A small, bittersweet smile tugged at his lips . . . a few tears escaped his eyes. and I won't go, I won't sleep, I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me The sound of the phone ringing broke him out of his reverie. He didn't bother to get up. He didn't want to. He didn't want to do anything. He only wanted his Usako there, in his apartment, with him, nothing more . . . and I won't leave, and I can't hide, I cannot be, until you're resting here with me I don't want to call my friends, they might wake me from this dream He got up and walked to the bedroom, just as the machine picked up, not bothering to hear who was calling him. He knew it was probably Motoki, but he was in no mood to talk. and I can't leave this bed, risk forgetting all that's been He sat on the bed and realized that this was where he had proposed to her . . . oh I am what I am, I'll do what I want, but I can't hide Flashback . . . and I won't go, I won't sleep, I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me "Nothing's wrong Usa. I just don't have the perfect thing to say to you." She looked at him with a confused look in her eyes. He smiled, "I mean, I can't think of the best, most perfect way to say *this* . . . actually, I have to ask you *this* question, and-" "Just say it Mamo-chan. I don't care how or what you have to tell, um, ask me, just do it." "Alright. Um, I love you always and forever." She smiled at him and blushed a bright red hue. "I knew from the moment I met you, that I wanted to be with you. I have been waiting for the day, this day to ask you . . . I want to know if you'll spend the rest of your life with me?" "Nani?" He took out a box from his pocket and opened it for her. It revealed a diamond solitaire ring. She gasped. "After our first encounter, I was restless, so I decided to take a walk through the city and came upon this jewelry store. I saw the ring and imagined you wearing it one day," he blushed slightly, "I've waiting until now to ask only because of everything we've been through . . . you know, school and the evil. But now, now I think that both of us are ready for this step. I want you to marry me Usa. Will you?" The apartment fell silent. Mamoru looked at the ring. Had he been rushing things? Had he scared her? Why wasn't she saying anything to him? If she didn't want to do it, he would understand, but she just wanted her to say something to him . . . and I won't leave, and I can't hide, I cannot be, until you're resting here Rather than answering, Usagi knelt down next to him and brought her face close to his. She whispered something in his ear. Her hot breath caused him to shiver. His eyes widened and his frown turned into a huge smile that went ear to ear. "Really?" "Would I ever lie to you Mamo-chan?" End flashback . . . But she did lie. She promised never to leave him, and she did. 'Not yet,' one side of his brain said, 'Usako will keep her promise, she always does . . . ' "If she does, then why isn't she here now . . . why is she *there*!" and I won't go, I won't sleep, I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me He lowered himself onto the bed, clutching the pillow tightly to his chest, picturing Usagi in his embrace . . . Flashback . . . He kissed her then, slowly at first, then passionately, hungrily. Her arms wrapped themselves around his neck and her fingers played with his hair, causing him to *want* her more. He groaned and leaned into her, slowly lowering her body down, onto the soft creme- colored carpet. His passion for her took over and he kissed her deeply, prying her lips open. He had been waiting all day to taste her lips. She gasped. She didn't know he had *this* in him. He was always so reserved when it came to matters like kissing. She wasn't about to deny him what he wanted, so she opened her mouth to him, allowing his tongue to play with hers, letting him to do her whatever he desired. He ended the earth-shattering kiss moments later, only when he realized that both of them needed air. He lay down on his back and brought her into his embrace. She nuzzled her head into his neck. Their hands entwined with one another as they sighed. He somehow managed to place the ring on her finger and was now touching it every so often to make sure it was real, that this was not just a wonderful dream . . . his Usako said yes. He looked at her and realized that she was his light. He had always known that, but this was the first time he realized just how much he needed her, wanted her . . . he'd wait for his wedding night though . . . it was definitely worth it . . . nothing and no one would take her away from him . . . or so he thought . . . and I won't leave, and I can't hide, I cannot be, until you're resting here with me End flashback . . . He held onto the pillow tighter, crushing it against his chest. It was finally sinking in . . . he would never *be* with her . . . he would never *feel* perfect happiness . . . Why had he stopped himself that night? Why hadn't he just gone through with *it* . . . made love to her? oh I am what I am, I'll do what I want, but I can't hide He knew he wanted her. He wanted her then and he wants her now. So then why had he held back? For wedded bliss . . . for their honeymoon. He held back for the one night when they could let their passions take over, locking self-control away for a little while. But *it* wasn't going to happen anymore. *It* wouldn't happen. He suddenly felt jealous. Even though his former self had died he still had a chance to *be* with Serenity, his Usako. His future self may not exist anymore, but still, Neo-King Endymion too had a chance to *be* with Neo-Queen Serenity, his Usako. But not him. Not Mamoru Chiba. He would never *be* with Usagi, his Usako. and I won't go, I won't sleep, and I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me As he came upon *that* realization, jealousy was coupled with despair and regret . . . He cursed the fates . . . first for taking away his parents . . . then for taking his Usako . . . A bright, golden light burned through the thick, black clouds, taking shape in Mamoru's bedroom . . . He sat up and quickly covered his eyes with his arm. He stared in awe as the light took the shape of a figure, no wait, two figures. He walked toward them, not feeling any evil. He gasped. It was his parents. "Son," the black-haired man said. "Mamoru," the woman said. He was too shocked to say anything. He didn't expect any of this. "Who are you?" he managed to say. The man chuckled. Turning to the woman he said, "You'd think that after all this time he'd remember who we are." "Oh shush," she replied, hitting him jokingly in the chest. He pretended to be hurt. She ignored her husband and looked at Mamoru, smiling brightly, "I know you must be confused, but we're your-" "Parents," Mamoru whispered. "Hai," Hana, his mother said softly. "Demo, how? Why?" "You're certainly full of questions," Kiyoshi, his father said. "Don't mind your father, he was even worse when he was alive," his mother said, leaving the two men. She walked to the living room and picked up the frame. Mamoru and his father followed, "Your mother was always the curious one," he said with a smile. Mamoru stood with his mouth agape, wondering how this was possible. He rubbed his eyes, believing that this was an illusion. But, he knew it wasn't. His father stood with his mother and they held onto the frame with knowing smiles. His father said, "So this must be Usako, ne?" "Darling, I don't think you should be calling her *that*. I think its more like a pet name. He's the only one allowed to call her *that*," Hana argued. "Is it true Mamoru? You're the only one allowed to call her *that*?" Mamoru nodded. "Well, sorry, I just assumed it was her name since you always call her Usako whenever you speak to us." "Speak to you?" Mamoru asked. "Hai," his mother answered, "You speak to us every week son, don't you remember?" "Oh, you mean in the cemetery." "Hai," they said. An uncomfortable silence filled the room. They continued staring at each other, not knowing what to say or do. "She's very kirei," his mother said breaking the silence. "Hai I-" "He knows that!" Kiyoshi exclaimed. "I know that he knows that, I just wanted to-" Mamoru laughed at their antics. It reminded him of the type of argument he and Usagi would have. "What's so funny?!?" "Sorry," Mamoru said, "demo, you two remind me of how Usako and I are, I mean were." His mother noticed the faraway look in his eyes and handed the frame to her husband. She walked over to her son and pushed some bangs away from his eyes. "She'll be alright," she said soothingly. "Your mother's right," his father said, joining the group, "She's a real fighter." "Demo, the doctors' said that-" "I don't care what the doctors' said!" "Your father is right. Did you know that when I was giving birth to you, they told me that you wouldn't live because of some complication." Mamoru gasped. "Its true. But I told them that nothing would happen to me or my child." "Your mother was very stubborn. I can still remember the looks on the doctors' faces when she practically ordered them to perform a cesarean on her." "Why are you telling me this? I don't understand." "Mamoru, we are here because you are losing hope in her. She needs you right now, she, Usagi needs your strength to get through this," Hana pleaded. "Hai, she does, son. What did she tell you? Oh, that's right, she said that as long as the two of you are together, anything is possible, ne?" Kiyoshi said. "Yeah, she said that when I broke up with her," Mamoru said, bowing his head in shame. His mother lifted his chin up. He looked at her, "Mamoru, I know you feel guilty for breaking her heart, but that was in the past and she has forgiven you long ago." "I know mother." "Well then, what are you doing here moping around! Go to her!" his father yelled. "Hai, go to her!" his mother agreed. "Demo, what about you?" "Our job here is done. Remember us always. We love you." The blinding light returned, engulfing his parents, "We love you." When he opened his eyes, they were gone. In their place was a white rose, reminding him that he wasn't dreaming . . . and I won't leave, and I can't hide, I cannot be, until you're resting here Mamoru got into his car and drove blindly through the wet streets. He knew it was dangerous but for some reason he knew that nothing would happen to him tonight. and I won't go, and I won't sleep, and I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me He reached the hospital and ran through the hallways, leaving a trail of dust and confused doctors, nurses, and patients in his wake. He didn't care. He reached the door and went in. He gasped. There was no one there. He searched every inch of the room. Still, he found nothing. This couldn't be happening. Had she died while he was away? No. It just couldn't be possible. He would've felt something, anything . . . "Ne, Mamoru-kun?" "Huh?" Rei stood in the doorway with a huge grin on her face. "Rei! Where is she!? Where is Usako?!" "Calm down. They moved her to another room. She opened her eyes," Rei said with tears streaming down her face, "they took her for some more tests before moving her to another room for observations. Its a miracle!" "Why didn't you call me?" "We did you baka! You didn't answer the phone," she said, leaving the room. Mamoru felt like smacking himself, but then he realized that Rei had already left, so he decided to do that later. He ran after her. They entered the room. The other senshi smiled knowingly and left the room. He walked to the bed, sitting on the edge, holding her small hand in his. She felt warm. "Usako . . . " He heard the door creak shut, but knew that the girls would probably be outside, eavesdropping, but it didn't matter. "Mamo-chan," she whispered, opening her eyes slowly. "Hai, koishi, its me," he said, kissing her hand, then her temples and each cheek. She smiled as a rosy hue colored her still pale face. "I thought I'd lost you," he said to her. She could hear his voice break as well as the hot tears he shed. She reached up and wiped them away. "You could never lose me. As long as we're together, anything is possible." He smiled before capturing her lips with his own. and I won't leave, and I can't hide, I cannot be, until you're resting here with me "Thank you Queen Serenity, Elios, for allowing us to visit our son." "It was not a problem. I think that he needed to see you one more time." "I agree. I'm glad that they're finally together." They watched as Usagi and Mamoru kissed, sealing their love once again. "Ne, Queen Serenity, can we go to the wedding?" japanese translations: youma - monster hai - yes demo - but ne (?) - eh (right?) kirei - pretty koishi - beloved hana - blossom or flower kiyoshi - quiet that's it. hope you guys liked it. the song is not mine. its called here with me and its by dido. its on her i'm no angel cd and is the theme for the show roswell. send feedback! i love to hear from you! ja ne! redrose |