The Coldest December By Aimee Author's Notes Konnichiwa, minna-chan! I'm baaaaack! ^^ It's been quite a while since I've been around, ne? Did you miss me? The break was nice, but now that I've rested and taken care of some priorities (like sleeping ^^;;), I'm back in the game and ready to write! I've put a lot of hard work and a lot of myself into the story you're about to read. It may be familiar to some of you, but to others, it's new, so allow me to either refresh your memory or introduce it to you. It is a season one story about Usagi and Mamoru, told from Usagi's point of view. It doesn't really follow the plot of the anime or manga, but I think you'll like it. ^^ There are a few little quirks, like the fact that Minako is with the senshi, even though she's not supposed to be in the picture yet...you'll forgive me, right? I just couldn't leave the poor girl out! It wouldn't be fair! She was looking at me from my Sailor Moon artbook with those big, blue eyes that just seemed to cry out, "Please, Aimee! I *have* to be in your story!" Alas, I am a weak creature. Also, I've made Usagi 15 years old and in a freshman in high school for the sole reason that I HATED middle school. I've done some serious revising to this story, so for those of you who are familiar with the original, you might want to re-read the first chapters. I've added extra scenes, taken out a few, and added some serious angst...and you know how I *love* angst. ^_~ I've also changed the names and attacks from DIC to Japanese. Oh, and the dream sequences are no longer in present tense. I hope you enjoy the story. ^^ Please write me and tell me what you think. You should know that I get totally and utterly depressed and discouraged when I don't get e-mails from you guys...shall I pull out the big puppy dog eyes and pout to get you typing? *sniff sniff* ^_~ My e-mail is sailor_moon89@hotmail.com Here are some Japanese words that I've added in: Arigatou--thank you Gomen--sorry Hai--yes Konnichiwa--hello Konnichiha--good day Minna-chan--everyone (with added endearment) Goshinpainaku--don't worry Baka--idiot, also used to refer to the author Nani?--what? Demo--but This story is dedicated... To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, without whom I'd be nothing. To all my readers, who put up with my long author's notes and hiatuses. To Angela, who has volunteered to proofread this entire story. That's 200K worth of bad grammar. Angela is also the co-webmistress for Moonlit Eclipse, our new homepage! To Serena24, my wonderful friend and sister in Christ. *hugs* To Kimmie, my VeggieTales pal and one of my original editors. Let's all sing, shall we? "Oh where... is my hairbrush?" I miss you, Kimmie! Write me! NEWSFLASH!!! Moonlit Eclipse is finished! Angela and I have been working so hard to make it something special for you guys to enjoy. We've got just about anything you can think of...chatrooms, discussion forums, "Only the Best" fanfiction archive (come nominate your favorite author to be included in our archive!), graphics for your Sailor Moon webpage, artbook scans, MP3's, multimedia galore... geez, there's too much to list! Please come visit us! Please please please? *big puppy dog eyes* Oh, and my fanfiction will be posted there as well. ^^ If you'd like to know when future chapters of my stories are released, join our mailing list! http://www.geocities.com/moonlit_eclipse/ Happy reading! Aimee-chan >^..^< 11-12-99 (revised 6-00) Disclaimer: I know this may come as a shock, but I do not own Sailor Moon. Alas, it is true. This disclaimer applies to any and all installments to my story. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- "Let us praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens." Psalm 148:13 @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- The Coldest December By Aimee Prologue "With a world I try so hard to leave behind, To rid myself of all but love..." He waited patiently before me, his stormy eyes hidden by deep shadows and the mask I'd wished a thousand times didn't exist. His lips uttered not a single syllable, and I found I could not speak either. The gentle stirring of his lined cape in the light breeze was the only sound apart from the pounding of my heart. My surroundings faded to gray as he took a step towards me, the soft click of his boot joining the sound of his fluttering cape. The only thing I could focus on were his eyes. I marveled at them, noting their intricate design. They were the color of the ocean...like waves tossed by a storm. Flicks of green and gold added to their depth and beauty. You could easily lose yourself in those eyes. They searched my own, and I felt as though he could see straight into my mind. He entered my thoughts, surveyed my dreams, and delved into my innermost desires...all with a simple glance. I was drawn to him almost unwillingly, yet at the same time, completely intimidated by him. He took another step, and I began to tremble. Never have we been so close, and yet as he draws nearer, the more complete I began to feel inside. It was as if my own heart was not whole unless joined with his. I found I'd all but forgotten how to breathe as he continued his slow, tantalizing approach. His movements were smooth and his pace, steady. The long black cape, which hung from his broad shoulders, gave him a distinguished look--upon first glance, one could easily mistake the man for royalty. His tuxedo was the deepest of blacks, matching his untamed ebony hair. Never had I noticed quite how tall he was. His broad frame towered over my own frail form, and his legs and arms were strong and well-built. Still, I was not apprehensive or frightened by him in the least. Taking advantage of his closeness, I studied his features. I noted the sensual curve of his lower lip, his distinguished and well-defined chin, and the thick black eyelashes that outlined his intense, ocean-blue eyes. My gaze failed to stray from those eyes for some time, finding them quite addicting... almost as addicting as the man, himself. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I began to wonder what he might look like without the mask, which kept from me the rest of his features...and his identity. He spoke, in a voice that was deep as well as stirring. "I've been waiting for you." Somehow I managed to find my own voice, but it sounded small and unfamiliar. "Have you?" I breathed, licking my lips nervously. He nodded, a slight smile crossing his features. He reached out a gloved hand and brushed a few stands of golden hair from my face before cupping my cheek gently. I could feel the warmth of his hand through the fabric of the glove, and my heart raced faster still. He moved closer--so close that I was forced to look up to match the intense gaze he offered me. My breath stilled as I felt his other arm partly encircle my waist, his hand finding the small of my back. "You're trembling," he murmured into my ear, his breath causing my hair to sway gently. "Are you cold?" I was rendered speechless by his very presence and closeness and could do nothing but nod, although I felt quite warm indeed. He smiled yet again, and I found myself staring at his lips instead of his eyes. They appeared soft and inviting, especially to a girl who had never been kissed before. Perhaps he noticed by gaze, for he pulled me closer to him and slowly ended the distance between our lips. He kissed me once. Twice. Then slowly but surely, I began to lose count. His warm lips were rich and sweet but surprisingly gentle. He pulled away eventually but held me close still. "I have but one question, my sweet," he whispered in my ear. "Yes?" I asked, my head spinning, my heart dancing. "How many times can you hit your snooze button before you're late for school?" he asked in that tantalizingly sensual voice of his. "That's simple," I mumbled sleepily. "Four." I heard laughter. My eyes snapped open a few moments later to a voice and face far removed from that of my beloved Tuxedo Kamen. They belonged to none other than my mother. "I suggest you wake up, Usagi," she remarked, obviously amused. "And if it's not too much trouble, give my regards to Tux-Boy." And that, dear readers, is how my day began... @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- Beginning quote by Jars of Clay. Yes, I know...the author's notes were longer than the actual prologue. Sorry, but I had a lot to say! You'll forgive me, right? And besides, chapter one will be out soon. ^^ Stay tuned... Write me! ~Aimee sailor_moon89@hotmail.com http://www.geocities.com/moonlit_eclipse/ (sign up for Moonlit Eclipse's mailing list to hear about new chapters)