I expect most of you are impatient with me, which I 
totally understand.  But I think next time, I won't break my 
own rule, and I'll finish a story completely before I post it.  
That way, everyone's happy... I think.
	Thanks to Sailor Europa, Sidnei, and Sailor Andromida 
who helped me out tremendously with this chapter. (Read Europa's 
and Andi's work, it's great!) Your friendship is greatly 
appreciated!  And I can't forget the long list of music that 
inspired me as well. (I reccomend anything by Celine Dion and 
Jim Brickman's "Destiny" CD... wow.)
	All right, enough is enough.  Disclaimer: I would if 
I could but I can't so I won't. 'nuff said.  JA!


More Than Meets the Eye--chapter three
by Sailor Elysia [julcie@juno.com]
rating: gee golly whiz, I think it's a G.







	With Mamoru right behind her, Usagi grasped the metal 
handle on the door and pushed the heavy door open.  The 
receptionist looked up from her sheafs of paperwork on her desk, 
and smiled at the two as they walked in and closed the door 
behind them.
	"Konnichi-wa," Usagi said to the receptionist, "I think 
Kenko-sensei is expecting us."  Mamoru and Usagi had gotten to 
know Minako quite well from his many appointments, so she 
rarely ever had to ask their names.  She reached into a drawer, and 
pulled out a thick schedule book.  As her finger ran down the page, 
it stopped as she came to Mamoru's name.  Minako looked up, and 
smiled brightly at the two.  "Hai, you're a few minutes early, and 
Kenko-sensei is busy with some other work, but you can sit down 
over there,"  pointing to a row of chairs along the wall, "and he'll 
come out for you when he's finished."

	Usagi nodded politely, and led Mamoru over to the chairs, 
sitting only after she had made sure he was comfortably seated.  
Sighing softly to herself, Usagi glanced around the rather quiet 
office.  She picked up a dog-eared magazine, but then threw it back 
down onto the small end table because it held no interest for her.

	She suddenly felt a hand reach for hers, and she turned to 
look at her husband, who was wearing a curious look on his 
slightly pale face.  "Mamo-chan," she whispered, "are you all 
right?  You're looking kind of pale."  He gulped slowly, then 
nodded.  "Just a little nervous, I suppose."

	At that moment, the wooden door adjoining the two rooms 
creaked open, and Dr. Kenko, with a clipboard and an armful of 
folders, walked into the waiting area.  Walking over to the front 
desk, he picked up the day's schedule, and looked it over with a 
smile.  Usagi stood and cleared her throat to get the doctor's 
attention, and Dr. Kenko whirled around in surprise to find 
Mamoru standing up next to Usagi as well.  "Oh, Mamoru-san, 
Usagi-san, gomen nasai, I didn't see you there.  You're early as 
usual, Mamoru-san, but today I was expecting you.  Both of you, 
come right in and sit down," Dr. Kenko replied as he picked up 
Mamoru's file from Minako's desk and followed the two back into 
the other room.

	"I'm glad you could come on such short notice, Mamoru-
san, and I'm even more pleased that you brought your wife with 
you."  He bowed respectfully in Usagi's direction.  "Mamoru-san 
talks about you every time he comes here.  I was hoping you would 
accompany him; it makes this easier for me to explain."

	With Usagi's help, Mamoru sat down in one of the 
upholstered chairs.  His smile disappeared slowly, as he tried to 
understand the doctor's ramblings.  "Explain what, Kenko-sensei?  
You just confuse me even more with every word you say."

	Dr. Kenko shook his head, and smiled at them.  "Gomen, 
I just keep getting carried away.  With the news that has been 
going around here as well as down at the hospital, it's a wonder 
that I'm not confused myself.  I've been going through your file 
several times since your last visit, and found a few things that 
interested me.  I know I've probably asked you this once or twice 
before, but please, tell me again.  After the accident, did your 
vision disappear instantly, or was it more gradual?"

	Mamoru scrunched up his face in thought, trying to 
remember all those years ago.  "Well, the first thing I remember 
after waking up was that my vision was always hazy.  Nothing I 
did could make it clear, and none of the doctors at the hospital 
or later at the orphanage were able help me either.  After they 
enrolled me at the public school, it seemed to get worse every 
week. . ."

*FLASH*

	"So, you're the new kid.  They told us all about you," the 
older boy taunted seven year old Mamoru, standing in the shadows 
of the school building, having confronted him during lunch break.  
"They said you can't remember nothing," he laughed again, 
suddenly grabbing Mamoru's school case from his clutches.  The 
bully waved it in front of him, and the older group of boys started 
teasing and poking fun at him.  Mamoru lunged for his case, but 
with his receding eyesight, he missed terribly and tumbled to the 
ground.

	More laughter ensued, and Mamoru did his best to hold 
the painful tears back.  One tear escaped, and this did not go 
unnoticed by the teasing children.  "Aw, look.  The baby's gonna 
cry on us!  Boo-hoo little baby, can't get your bag?  Well, 
that's--"

	"Leave him alone."

	The bully and his cohorts turned around to find another 
figure standing there, his features shadowed by the morning 
sunlight.  He stepped up to the figure, as if he were trying to 
challenge him.  "And who's gonna make me?"

	"I said, leave him alone."  He stepped fully into the light, 
revealing himself.  The bully's eyes widened when he saw exactly 
who it was.  Slowly, he stepped backwards, until he was far away 
enough to take off in the opposite direction, his group of friends 
following close behind.

	Walking over to where seven year old Mamoru sat in the 
dirt trying his hardest to brush the dirt from his school case, the 
figure extended a hand and smiled.  "Ohayo, Mamoru-san, I'm 
Furuhata Motoki.  The teacher told me you're new around here."

	Mamoru looked up into a smiling face.  Returning the 
smile, he reached up for Motoki's hand, and pushed himself up.  
Motoki grinned again.  "Have you eaten lunch yet?  The rest of my 
friends have a spot under the big cherry tree where there's plenty 
of room to sit.  You can join us, if you want."

	The seven year old replied with only a grin, and followed 
Motoki to the large cherry tree in the middle of the school yard.

*FLASH*

	"Motoki-kun was the first real friend I ever made.  He 
didn't even care that I had lost my memory, or that my eyes weren't 
as good as his.  It was about three months later when the rest of my 
vision disappeared altogether."  His head dropped, and a single tear 
rolled down his cheek as he finished speaking.  Usagi leaned over 
and gently brushed the tear away, knowing how hard it was for 
him to remember the painful memories.

	Dr. Kenko looked to Usagi now, giving Mamoru some 
time to regain his composure.  "I don't think I've ever asked you 
this Usagi-san, but how did you and Mamoru-san meet exactly?"

	She smiled softly.  "It was really by chance, or maybe an 
accident.  Or you might say that Kage can be quite a matchmaker 
when he wants to be," she giggled.  With a soft fondness, Usagi 
gazed at Mamoru, nothing but pure and unselfish love for him 
shining in her eyes.  "But whatever the reason, I know it was meant 
to be.  I need Mamo-chan as much as he needs me," and with this, 
she leaned over and gently kissed his cheek, finally winning a 
small smile from him.

	Dr. Kenko leaned back against his large wooden desk, a 
small smile of satisfaction resting upon his lips. "Well, I'm sure 
both of you are wondering by now what all this is about.  It's 
simple in a way, really..  Mamoru-san, I have reason to believe that 
your sight can be brought back.  That's what all the excitement was 
about earlier.  Granted, there are still many risks involved, but my 
staff feels confident that this new procedure is on its way to 
becoming the most updated technology in the medical field.  I 
thought of you immediately."  He shifted from his position in front 
of the desk, and moved to sit in the high backed chair behind it.  
"The chances of you losing everything completely is less than half."

	Both Mamoru's and Usagi's jaws dropped to the ground in 
shock and surprise.  Of all the things they could have expected 
Kenko-sensei to discuss with them, this had never been an option.  
A miracle, a blessing, even a dream come true, were the words that 
had come from the doctor's mouth.  But there was just one 
problem standing in the way of their dreams, and both Usagi and 
Mamoru realized it at the same time.

	"We couldn't possibly afford it," Usagi replied sadly to 
the doctor, voicing both of their thoughts.  Mamoru groped for his 
wife's hand and held it tightly, and nodded in agreement.  Dr. 
Kenko glanced at the couple in front of his desk, and a small smile 
appeared on his face.  "Mamoru-san, Usagi-san, like I said, this is 
a voluntary thing, and if you agree, all medical expenses will be 
covered."

	Two mouths dropped open again at this revelation, and 
Kenko-sensei chuckled deeply.  "I thought that would get your 
attention.  You are my first choice for this operation, Mamoru-san.  
I won't pressure you into any decisions right now, but I would like 
to know within the week if you'd like to go through with it."  
Standing up from his chair, Dr. Kenko motioned towards the door.  
"Just let Minako-san know, and I'll take care of the rest."  
With those words, the doctor showed Mamoru and Usagi out the door, 
letting them battle their emotions in silence.


			*^*^*^*^*^*


	Later that night, Mamoru turned over in the bed and opened 
his eyes, though the darkness still remained.  Even the slightest 
sound caught his attention--the lack of one sense heightened the 
ability of the others--and he then realized the noise was right 
beside him.

	His little rabbit was crying.  He hated to hear her cry, no 
matter what reason she had.  All he ever wanted was to make her 
happy, because if she wasn't, he couldn't be either.

	He slid a hand onto her shoulder, and instantly he felt 
Usagi turn and latch onto his arm, like a small child might cling to 
a blanket or stuffed animal for security.  Mamoru stroked her soft 
hair, and held her close.  "Usako," he murmured gently, "what's the 
matter?"

	Through her sniffles and sobs, she quietly replied, "I was 
just thinking, Mamo-chan, about this operation.  Even the doctor 
seems kind of doubtful about it.  What if it works?  What if it 
doesn't?"

	Mamoru sighed.  He'd been having his share of doubts as 
well, and adding Usagi's to them only heightened the hesitation.  
"Usa, if we were to base our lives on 'what ifs', we'd drive 
ourselves mad.  We have a lot to think about, and this is a decision 
we both have to make.  All I want is your happiness, you know 
that.  I can touch your face, and imagine what it looks like, you can 
describe to me what a sunrise looks like, and I can try to imagine 
that too, but with this opportunity we've been given, maybe I won't 
have to imagine anymore."  He kissed her gently on her temple to 
reassure her.

	Usagi bit her lip, thankful for once that Mamoru couldn't 
see her expression.  This was what she feared the most.  Would his 
feelings towards her be any different if he could see her?  She had 
never really considered herself to be very pretty, and she believed 
the way her life had been before her marriage was all the proof she 
needed.  

	Mamoru had come along at just the right time in her life, 
just when she was needing someone to respect her for who she 
was, all her faults and bad habits, not for looks alone.  He had 
given her hope, and her self-esteem had soared.  She in turn was 
able to look past his physical disability and love him all the more 
for it.

	Now she was scared that if the operation did work and he 
saw her, he wouldn't feel the same about her anymore.  Would 
looks be as important to him as it was to everyone else?  And she 
knew that her life wouldn't be worth anything if she didn't have 
Mamoru's love to guide her.


			*^*^*^*^*^*


	Dipping her hands once more into the warm soapy water in 
the sink, Usagi cleaned the remains of their dinner off the 
plates.  Mamoru sat on the couch, fiddling with one of the throw 
pillows.  He had wanted to help her, but they both knew from past 
experience that it was better to just let her do it on her own. 

	While he waited for her to finish in the small kitchen, 
Mamoru's thoughts began to wander again, mainly from what the 
doctor had said the previous day, then on to other things.  
"Usako. . ." he mumbled, just loud enough for her to hear.

	Usagi shook off some of the soap, and continued to scrub 
the dishes.  "Hai, what is it, Mamo-chan?" she replied absently, 
her attention focused on removing the sticky rice from the plate.

	"I know you've been thinking about this as much as I 
have, but I almost feel as if this could be coming between us.  
Do you ever. . . well, do you ever regret that you married me?"

	Startled by his question, the plate slipped from Usagi's 
hands and with a clank hit the bottom of the sink. Not realizing 
that her hands were slightly shaking, she grabbed the nearest 
dish towel, and dried her hands quickly.  Crossing swiftly from 
the kitchen to the living room, she paid no attention to the hot 
tears rolling down her cheeks.  In a fierce whisper, she replied, 
"Chiba Mamoru, where did you ever get an idea like that?"

	She took his face into both her hands, and turned him to 
face her.  "Listen to me Mamo-chan.  I have never once regretted 
meeting you, or falling in love with you.  You are the best thing 
that could ever happened to me.  I know we have our struggles, 
but I'm willing to go beyond that if you are.  This is just 
another one of those trials we have to face.  Ashiteru, Mamo-chan, 
and I always will."  With a small smile, she fingered the ring on 
her right hand.  "Don't tell me you've forgotten about all the 
trouble you went through to buy me this gorgeous ring.  Motoki-kun 
told me more of the story when I couldn't get more out of you."

	Mamoru blushed slightly, as he remembered the night that 
he proposed to Usagi. . .

*FLASH*

	Mamoru fumbled with the words that he was trying to 
say.  "Usako. . . I know I'm not exactly what you could ever have 
in mind. . . but I. . . I can't ever picture a life without you in 
it.  I don't want to, actually. . ."  Usagi slowly knelt down on 
the floor next to where Mamoru was sitting on the sofa, tears 
brimming in her eyes.  "Mamo-chan. . . what exactly are you 
trying to say?"

	Scrubbing a few stray tears from his own eyes, Mamoru 
slowly pulled the small black box from his pocket, still hidden 
from Usagi's view.  "Usako. . . I know I'm far from perfect, and 
hardly what you would imagine as a worthy husband, but I've 
fallen so deeply in love with you that I never want to get out.  I 
would be deeply grateful if you would do me the honor of 
becoming my wife."  Shyly, he brought the box from behind him 
to Usagi's gaze and opened it.  There lay the sparkling ring that 
Motoki had helped him pick out earlier that week.  

	Usagi gasped softly, and with shaking hands, took the 
little box and laid it in her palm, staring at it in silence.  She 
got off her knees and sat next to Mamoru on the sofa.  Looking up 
into the face of the man that she loved, she replied with a teary 
voice, "Mamo-chan. . . how can you afford. . . it's beautiful. . . 
but me?  All my life, I've dreamed of this moment, but I never 
thought anyone would ever want me the way you do."

	His hand gently came up, and softly caressed the side of 
her face.  "Usako. . . you mean everything to me.  I know I'm 
probably not what you want, but I promise you now, I'll do 
everything in my power to make you happy."

	Usagi's tears continued to fall freely as she listened to 
Mamoru's declaration of love.  Lunging at him, she enveloped him 
in a tight embrace, which he quickly returned.  "You're wrong, you 
know.  You're everything that I could have ever asked for, and so 
much more."  Snuggling up against him, Usagi leaned over, and 
with a final whisper into his ear, she murmured, "I want nothing 
more than to be your wife, to wake up beside you each morning, to 
eat breakfast along side of you each day, without having to say 
goodbye to you each evening.  Yes, Mamo-chan, with all my heart, 
yes."

*FLASH*

	"Mamo-chan,"  Usagi stuttered slowly, "there's something 
else that I haven't told you.  Maybe that's why I haven't exactly 
seemed myself lately."  He held her tightly within his embrace.  
"What is it, Usako?  What are you holding back?"  She bit her lip 
again, trying to force the tears to remain where they were, but 
it was too late.  One by one, they slipped down her cheeks, and 
Mamoru felt them land on his arm.  "Usako, daijobu?"  She nodded, 
reaching up to dry her face.  "Mamo-chan. . . in a couple of 
months, you're going to be a father."

	Without warning, he bolted upright from the couch, still 
holding Usagi in his arms.  A hand came up and began stroking her 
hair.  "You're serious?" he asked in a husky whisper.  Usagi 
choked back her sobs, and nodded silently.  Now the tears started 
to fall from Mamoru's eyes.  He began smothering Usagi in kisses, 
and held her closer than before.  She began to giggle loudly when 
he started kissing her in all her ticklish spots.  

	"How long have you known?" he asked between kisses.  He was 
so excited now, it was all he could do to keep from yelling out loud 
in joy.  Trying her hardest to stop giggling, Usagi replied, 
"About two months."  

	Suddenly Mamoru stopped playing around, and he 
became very serious.  "This settles it, Usako.  I have to have that 
operation now, if I want to see our child in seven months.  I want 
to be able to look down upon your smiling face and our beautiful 
baby.  Don't you agree?"

	There was no way around it. Doubts or no doubts, Usagi knew 
it deep down inside.  Mamoru was right.  She kissed him softly on 
the lips.  "Hai, Mamo-chan.  We'll call Kenko-sensei tomorrow."








	Shorter than the first two, yes, but everything has a 
reason.  When I know what that reason is, I'll let you know.  
I apologize again for the long wait for this chapter, but it's 
given me lots to think about, not to mention my job seems to be 
running my life lately.  (*mutters*  who knew so many people 
would get married this summer?)
	I can't promise anything with the next part, I only 
hope I'll have it done before I go back to school (ACK!  Now 
that's a scary thought.)  Please tell me what you think!  Send 
all comments, concerns, questions and/or flames to me at 
julcie@juno.com.  Ja ne!  ^_^

Sailor Elysia

This chapter, aside from the main characters listed within (you 
know who they are) belong to me as of July and August 1999. ^_~