Rectifying a Mistake by Sailor Em (sailorgalaxia1@yahoo.com) AN: hi! this is another fic based on a song. The song is sung by Celine Dion, and is called "It's All Coming Back to me Now." :sigh: what a nice song! WARNING: the first....4 paragraphs of this is very boring and cliche. but I need it to lead up to the interesting part. So, dear readers, don't despair and leave. The beginning is cliche but then it gets interesting! ^^;; I hope you all like this! C and C at sailorgalaxia1@yahoo.com. I love Email! Disclaimer: no, i don't own sailor moon. and i don't own toshiba, aiko animation and toei.         She stepped into Crown Arcade, closing her eyes briefly as cool air blasted her face. SHe stood underneath the fan, taking deep breaths and revving herself up. She was ready. It was 3:46, one minute before her daily bickering with Mamoru. Usagi sighed inwardly. Why did it have to be this way? She had had loved him since she first set eyes on him, but the only thing he saw her as was a sparring partner. Since that was their only way of communication, she dutifully thought up good come-backs every night to hurl at Mamoru. She highly doubted that he returned her silly schoolgirl feelings. But still, that little glance he secretly gave her every time she flounced her head.....it was the only thing that gave her hope. Usagi glanced at her watch again. 3:47. These days, something had come over Mamoru. Something weird. He still teased her, but the teasing had some kind of undertone to it, some kind of special meaning behind every insult. She felt uncomfortable being near him these days, but she wouldn't pass up the chance to talk to him.         "Hey Odango!" On time, the object of her affections came striding in confidently, giving her a boyish, crinkly grin that made her heart stop. She pasted on an annoyed look.         "I TOLD you, Mamoru-san. Don't call me that!" She put on an angry face and frowned at him.         Mamoru noticed her supposed anger and his face softened. "Gee, I'm sorry Usagi-chan. You know I don't mean it. I'm just kidding around with you."         Usagi almost couldn't keep her mouth from dropping to the floor. What was this? Why was he actually saying her name? Not that it didn't sound good coming from his lips.....         "Usagi, you mind if I buy you a sundae?"         She stood there again, dumbfounded. That wasn't fair! Two hits in a row! Was there something wrong with him? Did he have a girlfriend now so he felt kindlier to those unattached people? Her heart nosedived to her feet.         "Usagi-chan?" Mamoru waved his hand in front of her face.         "Oh...what? Oh, okay. Sure." Mamoru grinned and led her to a more secluded part of the booths and sat her down. He ordered one double chocolate sundae with everything on it, and set it in front of Usagi. He sat there, smiling his head off.          "Uh....thanks." She took the spoon gingerly and took a little bite of the sundae. She looked up at Mamoru, still staring happily at her. She smiled dreamily at his beautiful blue eyes locked with her gaze. Until she remembered her insignifcant role in this wonderful man's life. She snapped out of it and gave him a Look.         "Geez, is there something on my face? Stop it! Stop it! You're scaring me Mamoru!"         Mamoru snapped out of his trance. "Sorry. I'm just so happy to see--ahem. Sorry. I'm just happy that I passed my finals, you know?"         No, she didn't know. "Sure, Mamoru!" Convinced that Mamoru was a total lunatic, she began to dig in her sundae, content that nothing was wrong and that it was a perfect day. Until.....         "What do you think about me?"         "Wha....?" she stared at him, choking on a peanut.         He blushed. "What.....do you think of me? Who am I to you?"         "I think you're okay." Was this some kind of trick, she wondered? It must be. Some new cruel way to ridicule her. "Why?" she got rather suspicious. He fidgeted. "Well....I like you." Usagi smiled at him. "Mamoru, to tell you the truth, I think you're pretty...nice. *Sometimes.* When you're not being a jerk and ruining my life, that is." She saw him wince and she automatically wished that she never said that.         "What I mean to say is.....will you go out with me?"         Usagi dropped her spoon into the empty metal bowl. She suddenly felt deliriously happy, an overwhelming peace filling her veins. This was her ultimate wish; to live with Mamoru forever. She had fervently wished for this every single night, but had never thought, in her most impossible dreams, that this would happen. No. She was sure of it. This couldn't happen to a girl like her. This was some kind of sick joke, she knew it. She knew what her answer would have to be. As she looked at Mamoru, she saw something that scared her. Was it the *real* him, that scared, emotional little boy underneath his tough facade? His fear was obvious, and his eyes were slightly moist with unshed tears at her silence. Suddenly a flash went through her. Was she doing the right thing? Was this all truly a joke? Or....did he really like her? She laughed bitterly to herself. Of course not. It would never, ever happen.          "Of course not! You hate me and I hate you, right Mamoru? We'd never go well together." She laughed and coughed as it strangled in her throat. "Anyway, who would go for a cold-hearted guy like you?"         Immediately, she felt like she had done the wrong thing. Why was there such a stricken look on his face? His eyes were filled to the brim with tears....caused by her? Had she actually made someone cry? Was she even *capable* of making someone cry? Her heart broke. He had been asking her a real question....not a joke or a test....it was real. "Mamoru--wait--let me explain...."         Mamoru stood up, blinking back tears. His face had already changed into a cool, impassive mask. "If that's the way you feel," he said stiffly. "So be it."         "No, wait! Mamoru! Please!" she stood up, trying to yank his arm back.         He avoided her grasp and walked coolly out of the arcade leaving a sobbing Usagi.         ~End of the boring part~ ~Five Years Later~         Chiba Mamoru. The 24 year old entrepreneur of Toshiba Corporation. He had graduated from college at Harvard with flying colors and had been offered a job at Toshiba. From then, he had risen to the top and was now the President of Toshiba. He was ruthless and cold. He was handsome and suave. The most deadly combination ever to be imagined in a man. He resided in a mansion in Morioka, living only in the best conditions. However, as duty called, he had to go down to Tokyo and host a convention ceremony there. He had avoided it as much as possible, but his council stood firm and he was sent down immediately. Tsukino Usagi. The 21 year old CEO of Toei Animation. She went to Keio University, got a masters degree in two years and majored in art preservation. She worked as an intern at Toei, cleaning cells and organizing storyboards, until she was promoted higher and higher to become the chief executive officer. She lived in Nagoya, overseeing a subsidiary of Toei, the opening of a new branch. She was called back to Tokyo to discuss a merger personally, so she went back to her 'homeland.' He arrived, breathless. With a suitcase in each hand, he took a taxi to Hotel Riche and dropped off all his stuff. He was here 5 hours early, with nothing to do. He might as well go sightseeing, visit all his old childhood spots. He put on a black shirt and some khakis and strolled out into the busy street. He shivered as the wind blew at him and slipped on a thick green blazer. As he looked around, he realized that he didn't know where to go. Juban Public Library? Juban Shopping District? No, his heart didn't approve of it. His feet began walking in a direction he knew so well. Crown Arcade. She lay on her old room, her bunny room, trying to sleep. She had just finished arguing with that stubborn mule of a president of Aiko Animation, and had come home, physically and mentally exhausted. Her parents sent her off to her room to recuperate. Yet, as she lay there, she was excited to reminisce over old times. It was a shame that all her friends were scattered. Rei-chan was still in Tokyo, taking care of the shrine, but Ami-chan was in Fukuyama taking samples of some kind of horrid disease. Mako-chan was in Kobe teaching at the Culinary School of Fine Arts, and Minako-chan was in Tsukuba working part time as a model and singer. Where did she want to go first? Ichinohashi Park? The Takashita Fish Shop? She knew where. Crown Arcade. He stepped inside, smelling the old smells of the Arcade. He remembered the time Motoki spilled a whole bottle of peppermint oil on the mat, and he had to help Motoki scrub the oil out down on his knees. He sighed. How people change. Motoki was now in Africa with Reika on some kind of expedition. Unazuki's husband--husband!!--had been left the responsibility of maintaining the arcade condition. He took a quick peek at his watch. 3:25. There was a memory....he used to come here around this time and wait for Usa--. No, he told himself. Stop that. No more thoughts about her. He sat in his favorite booth, the one way in the corner, and closed his eyes, thinking about *good* old memories. Usagi walked inside, passing the old automatic sliding doors. This place was full of old memories. As she walked in, she passed by the giant wall clock next to the crane game. 3:27. Ah...she remembered a time when she used to come here every day to argue with Mamo--. But, she amended hastily, that was a thing of the past. Something that should be forgotten. She remembered the time she and the girls had gotten a little too drunk on life and ice cream, and they had begun singing oldies-but-goodies on the top of their lungs. She blushed at the memory. It was probably the most embarrassing moment of her life. Of course, that also was the time she fell off the tables and into Mamoru's arms--she closed her eyes tightly, willing the memories to leave her mind. Mamoru. That year, the year that Mamoru had left for America. He said to Motoki that it was because he had gotten a scholarship. But she knew it wasn't true. It was her. He had left Japan because of the coldness of a girl's heart. That was the year that changed Usagi. She stopped being a crybaby and grew up. Her parents were shocked by the sudden change in their bubbly girl, but they never found out what really happened. They had to accept the change and learn to love the new, cold girl. It was as if, that year, Usagi shut her heart on the past, living only for the present. All her friends knew that it had something to do with Mamoru's sudden disappearance, but they didn't know how much it had to do with him. Usagi smiled bitterly. Bygones were bygones, right? Anyway, Mamoru was just a boy, a silly, worthless boy. She had tried to convince herself this for so many years, but still.....somewhere in her heart knew that he truly loved her. And that she had truly loved him. Usagi blinked again, ridding her eyes of the tears she had not shed. She told herself to be strong, to forget about him. She walked to the counter, signalling a waitress to come over. As the waitress came over, Unazuki saw Usagi and came running. "Usagi-san?!" Usagi's eyes shot open. Unazuki was here! "Unazuki-chan!" "Oh, how are you? It's been forever since I've seen you!" Unazuki exclaimed. Usagi gave a little smile. "It's so good to see you! I'm doing fine, thanks. How's Motoki? And your *husband*? It makes me feel so old to know that you're already married!" Unazuki grinned. "Oh, Motoki's fine. In fact....he's here! He just came back from Africa yesterday. Let me get him!" Unazuki ran over to a man in the kitchen, and he came strolling out, eyes wide. "Usagi-chan?" Usagi jumped up, giving Motoki a hug. "Oh, Motoki, it's wonderful to see you. Just like old times, huh?" she had tears in her eyes once more as she saw one of her old friends. Motoki smiled at her warmly. "Yeah, Usagi-chan, just like old times. But...hey! What happened to your little odangos? You don't look the same without them!" She smiled unregretfully. "Well, I had to grow up, right?" Motoki knew something was wrong, but didn't want to press it. Usagi was never so....bitter before. "Well, it's been a while, right? 4 years. The arcade hasn't been the same without you, Usagi!" She laughed, tinkling bells filling the air. "Yeah, Motoki-onee-san, no klutzy girl running through the booths shouting for ice cream, right?" He chuckled. "Yeah. Hey, you want a hot chocolate fudge sundae right? I remember it's your favorite." She grinned widely. "You remember?" "Of course. How can I forget my favorite customer's orders? I'll be right back." he walked back to the kitchen, preparing the sundae himself. He came back out, presenting the biggest sundae Usagi had ever set eyes on. It was at least 5 inches high, topped with peanuts and chocolate sprinkles, and of course whipped cream and chocolate fudge. Sitting on the glorious mound of ice cream was a little red cherry. Usagi gasped. "Why--Motoki--I don't think that even *I* could eat such a.... gigantic sundae!" He laughed. "I think you could, Usagi. Well, I need to go back to the store room now, okay? I'll talk to you later." Her only response was a crunching of sprinkles and peanuts. Mamoru got up, dusting off his pants. He walked to the counter and sat on a revolving chair. "Waitress? Waitress?" he called. Nobody answered. "Gee." he grumbled. "Same old service." "Well, sir, just hold on a minute." a clear young voice replied. "I'm sure Unazuki and Motoki-onee-san are quite busy right now." He twirled around to his right to see a young woman, wearing a blue sundress, devouring the biggest sundae he had ever seen. The young woman blushed as the man stared at her. He kept staring at her, and the woman got annoyed. "Excuse me?" The man opened his mouth, and a word popped out. "Usagi?" The woman looked at this man. Deep blue eyes....thick, silky black hair...chiseled face...?? He seemed awfully familiar, but it couldn't be....then she saw it. That black mock-turtle and ugly green jacket. It had to be...."Mamoru?" He stared at this young face. She definitely was more gorgeous than before, her long golden hair so vibrant, her blue eyes so infinitely blue....but her eyes seemed so sad....so lonely. What happened to her? Where was that cheerful girl that everyone loved? "What happened to you?" he blurted. "What happened to your odangos?" She snorted. "Gee, Mamoru, 5 years and that's STILL the only thing you have to say to me? 'What happened to your hair?'" Bitterness flowed through him. Memories of his past life--as he used to tell himself--began making themselves known, painful memories that he had wanted to forget so badly. Memories that he would have given anything to be taken away. After he went to America, he thought that he could start a new life and forget about her. She who had rejected his heart. That evil vixen, temptress, seductress, siren, enchantress, femme fatale--whatever you wanted to call her--that had stolen his heart and never gave hers in return. He told himself that he didn't need her. She was a worthless tramp. It was all merely a flightless fancy, a chimerical dream of a young boy. He did such a good job of deceiving himself, that, for a while, he actually believed that he didn't need her. That he didn't remember her. And now here she was, looking as beautiful as ever, tempting his heart once more and forcing him to dive into the abyss, to fall--or was it remain?--in love with her. Hah. He laughed scornfully at his heart. No way, no how. He would never fall prey to her again. He scowled at her. "What do you want me to say? How are you?" She shot him a look. "That *would* be sufficient." "Fine. How are you?" "Very well. I'm the CEO of Toei." This fake cordiality was killing her. What was wrong with Mamoru? He was surprised. "Well, Usagi, I'm very....proud of you. That's great. How is your family?" "Great!" she replied enthusiastically. She always had been a sucker for people who cared for her family. "Mom's doing great. She's the librarian at Juban Library. And Daddy is still a photographer for Apple Daily. Shingo is 18 now, and he's about to go into Keio! Can you believe it? I feel so old...." He smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "That's wonderful Usagi." She realized that she had been too enthusiastic. 'Dammit,' she thought, 'Now he thinks I've been pining to talk to him.' She blinked, reverting into an icy person once more. "So, how have you been?" "Great, thank you. I'm the president of Toshiba Corporation." "Wow. That's very nice." That was all she was planning to say, but then she couldn't take it anymore. She dropped the bomb. "Did you have lots of *fun* when you left all your friends behind?" "What do you mean by that?" he said ominously. "I *meant* why did you leave us so suddenly?" she said sweetly, baring her teeth at him. He straightened up and began reciting his biography. "I left to fufill a scholarship in America. I have done extraordinarily well and have a most promising career." "That's b.s. and you know it. You left all your friends, Mamoru. Yes, your friends. You had so little friends....and yet you took us for granted. We were friends for such a long time. I thought you would understand that we all cared for you so much...." "Friends? Is that what you thought we were?" he shot back. Her eyes began to water, unwanted memories seeping into her mind, filling her soul, once again, with despondence and utter loneliness. "Yes, friends! I know we fought a lot. But through all that, weren't we friends?" He looked at her, searching her eyes. "Yes," he said finally. "I guess we were friends." "Then why did you leave?!" her sudden change of tone startled him. Anger once again fired in his heart. He wanted so much to scream at her, Because of you! but he knew he couldn't. He couldn't tell her the real reason why. He had already lost so much of his damned pride. He would lose no more to her. "I just....did." he replied lamely. Her quiet voice pierced his soul. "It was me, wasn't it?" she looked up at him, his eyes staring at the tiles on the counter. "*Wasn't it?*" He pounded a fist on the tiles and turned to stare at her, his face blazing hot with unshed tears and pain. So much pain. Even Usagi could tell that he had been in so much pain. She gasped in unhappiness. Was this all because of her? She had never meant to cause him so much unhappiness. It was all a mistake, a foolish mistake of a stupid girl. How she wished she could have said yes, instead of no. As he opened his mouth, she braced herself for a hot answer. "Why did you say no?" His voice came out soft, cracked, as he grappled with his senses and tried to stop himself from crying. She flushed, then tears filled her eyes once again. "I....don't know." "You don't know? What does that mean? How can you not know your own heart?" She grasped the edge of the counter, trying to steady herself. "Do you expect me to discuss this with you, right now?" "Yes." his voice was immovable, yet pleading.  She stifled a sob and told herself to be calm. Everything would be okay. She could give him the basics and make him happy. "You were my *friend*, Mamoru. My *friend*. You will never know how much your friendship meant to me. But through all that friendship and fighting...I just had different feelings for you. And I thought you definitely wouldn't return them. After all, I was a klutz queen, a dumb blonde. You were so intelligent....handsome...so infinitely perfect...you wouldn't ever be interested in someone so immature as me. So when you asked me, I thought....it was a joke. So I said no. I thought my heart would get broken in the process and I didn't want to risk that happening." she broke out in sobs, unable to contain herself. "And...when I did say no, it turns out that it wasn't a joke....and that I had broken your heart instead." She would never be able to describe the feelings and the anguish she felt since the day he had left. There would never be any words that would describe what she had felt. "You...thought it was a joke?" he asked incredulously. A spring of hope erupted in his heart. Was there a chance? Did she really love him then? He had been such a fool to leave the arcade so soon! If he had stayed for two more seconds....she could have explained everything and they wouldn't be like this today.... She hung her head down, ashamed of her actions. "Yes, I thought it was a joke. I would have said yes....oh, I definitely would have said yes...but since I didn't...I've regretted it ever since." "Have you?" he asked quietly. Usagi looked up into his eyes, the mercurial blue swirling with tints of grey. She saw such hope in his eyes...wonderful, soul-lifting hope...and she saw love. Everlasting love. Love she had always dreamed of having for herself. Love she thought she would never have. She understood that he was giving his heart to her again. He was offering his love in return for hers. And this time, she knew what her answer would be. "Yes." She smiled at him. He looked at her, and Usagi landed in his arms without ever knowing how she got there. The kiss was long and desperate, passion flowing through them endlessly. When they came up for air, he held her close to him, memorizing her scent....the taste of her skin... "I love you, Usako. I always have and I always will." he whispered into her ear. "I was so lonely when I left you. I felt so hurt...I hadn't even been planning on accepting that scholarship, but after you said you wouldn't love me, I had to go someplace where I could start over. I'm sorry..." "I'm so sorry, Mamo-chan. I shouldn't have lied to you like that. It's all my fault we were like this....." He smiled into her hair. "I'll forgive you if you forgive me." She shivered as warm air tickled her ear. "I love you, I love you, I love you." she repeated over and over again, as he began covering her neck, eyes, everywhere he could touch, with little sweet kisses. Usagi rested her head against his chest, breathing in that scent of roses and spices that always blew around him. "Mamo-chan?" He smiled delightedly at the adorable nickname she had bestowed upon him. "Yes?" She snuggled closer to him, burying herself into that ugly green jacket, savoring the warmth of his hard body. "Why are you still wearing that ugly green jacket of yours?" He chuckled, pulling her even closer to his chest. "In the hope that, if I ever found my Usako again, that she would remember me with my signature green jacket. However, to appease your mind a bit," he grinned,"I don't usually wear it anymore." She looked up at him, a twinkle in her eye. "I know you don't. I've read every single article and watched every show with you in it. I think, in my subconscious mind, that I was watching you because I missed you too much, not because I wanted to see you go down." He looked at her, faking hurt. "You wanted to see me go down?" "Well....you wouldn't let me apologize to you. So I was mad." He laughed. "I understand. After all, I own 6 copies of your biography. And that was not just to paint mustaches on your face and draw horns on your head." "Why....whatever did you buy 6 copies for?" she asked incredulously. "So I could have a copy in all of my bedrooms; for me and my guests." She giggled. "Oh....Mamo-chan, we should have done this much sooner." Mamoru bent his head down to kiss Usagi again, when they were so cruelly interrupted.... "3:47! Right on the dot!" a voice exclaimed. Mamoru turned around, turning Usagi with him. There stood Motoki, grinning widely. "You guys are so punctual! I'm impressed." "Motoki! I thought you were in Africa!" Mamoru exclaimed. "Actually, he came back yesterday." Usagi informed him. Mamoru eyed her suspiciously. "How did you know?" "BeCAUSE Unazuki told me!" she smiled cheerfully. "Back to the point." Mamoru turned back to Motoki. "How did you know we were going to be here? And at 3:47?" Motoki gulped. "Man, I forgot how scary you can be when you want something!" he grinned again. "Don't you guys remember? 3:47 was your time. The time you would meet and have your daily sparring matches. I can't tell you why I knew you were going to be here, but I *can* tell you that it's about time you two got together!" "Whaat? You mean....you planned this?" Usagi exclaimed. "Yup. Aside from Reika's exploration of Africa, we also run a small, modest matchmaking service." He laughed, happy to see his best friends happy. Mamoru grinned and snuggled closer to Usagi. "Well, Motoki, I must say that your services are very...good." Usagi wasn't satisfied. "How did you know?" Motoki laughed. "Patience, oh CEO of Toei, is a virtue. Let's just say I have two very illustrious uncles at Toshiba and Aiko that love romance and were willing to lend a hand to their poor nephew in the... shall I say....*future nuptials* of his two best friends. I was lucky that you two still remembered how important the 3:47 is." he grinned wickedly. "If all goes well by...say....November, we got ourselves a wedding in June!" Usagi blushed. "Motoki-onee-san!" Mamoru squeezed her shoulders and winked at her. "Hey, Usako, he might be right." She sighed dreamily at him and they stared into each other's eyes, engrossed by the love they found in each other. Motoki turned from them, heading back into the kitchen to leave the lovebirds some quiet time. He left them muttering something under his breath. "If all goes well, if all goes well." ~fin~ ~~~~~~~ mwahahahaha! you like? you hate? no matter! email me anyway! poor fanfic writers like myself feed on email! ^^;; i was planning to make this a song fic, but i decided not to. sequel material? or should i just leave it like this? if anyone might want a sequel, email me and tell me! everyone, just email me! please! even if it's to say hi, email me! ^_^ okie dokie, i have a question! does anyone know any good jpop search engines and/or downloading sites? please, tell me! ^_^ ja! ~Emi-chan