"A Love Carol" A Sailor Moon Christmas Tale By Sailor November PART ONE, Revised <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> During the Christmas Season, The City of Tokyo is a sight to behold. All of the bright colors and flickering lights, the shimmering white snow draped on leaves of evergreen trees and roofs of houses, and the happy families getting together for the holiday season.. In all it's chaos, the world is for once a peaceful place.... <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> Usagi stood peacefully on Mamoru's balcony, soaking in all of the Christmas sights. Her eyes glittered as she watched the twinkling lights hung around neighboring houses and buildings. A gentle breeze brushed the loose hair from her face as she let out a comforting sigh. She had spent the day at Mamoru's apartment, helping him clean, watching videos, and sitting by a warm fire as he studied. True, it wasn't the picture perfect date, because he'd been studying, but for her, it *was* perfect. Just having the time to spend with him made her day worth while. The night *could* be perfect if he could at least watch the lights with her. Usagi turned around to see what he was doing, only to find that he *still* had his face stuffed in his school books. She let out a frustrated sigh, and stepped inside to call him. "Mamo-chan? Why don't you stop studying for a bit and come out here with me?" Usagi asked. But from him, There was no answer. "Mamo-chan?" Mamoru mumbled to himself, still not hearing his girlfriend. Usagi shook her head, and stepped over to where he was sitting. She gently took the book out of his hands, making sure to keep his place. With a frustrated, yet caring voice, she stated, "Mamo-chan, I came here to spend time with you, not your balcony. Can you please stop studying for just a little while?" Mamoru smiled, not noticing her frustration, and replied, "I'm so sorry Usako, but I have an exam in two days, and I have got to study. I'll be on my Christmas vacation after that. Can we get together then?" Usagi frowned and looked down. He took the book from her hands, and set it open on the coffee table. "Sure, Mamo-chan... But you owe me," She said in a disappointed voice. "You're on." He replied vaguely as he picked the book up and sat back on the couch. "Bye, Usako." With that, she took her purse and walked to the door. She opened the door half way, and turned around to say a final goodbye. But, to her dismay, his attention was once again directed at the text book. It truly disappointed her that he didn't even have time to give her a goodbye kiss. "Goodbye, Mamo-chan." She said with less cheer than usual. He didn't hear her. Usagi just gave up, slamming the door as she left. <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> On the walk home, everywhere she went, Usagi saw couples bundled up together; holding hands, kissing, just taking a stroll. She remembered all of the wonderful times Mamoru and she had together, and how much they loved each other. 'Why has Mamo-chan been so distant lately? It can't just be his finals, because he had been distant before this. I wonder what's wrong... could it be me? Maybe he doesn't love me anymore..' Usagi thought. She continued to think about this as she walked home. She was so deep in thought, that she didn't see Seiya walk out of a store just up ahead. However, it would be impossible for Seiya not to notice Usagi. During the past couple years, Seiya's love for Usagi has grown drastically. He knows of Usagi's relationship with Mamoru, but his hopes remain high supported by his new found love. In a blink of an eye, he waved and yelled, "Hey, Ondango-Attma!!" She looked around to see where the voice was coming from. Seeing Seiya, her friend, made her feel a little better. "Hey Seiya! What are you up to?" She said in a friendly tone. They approached one another, exchanging greetings and current events in each others lives. After chatting for a while, Seiya asked where Usagi was headed. "Oh, I'm headed for home." She answered warmly. "Where did you come from?" Seiya asked in an almost controlling tone. "Sheesh! You sound like my father!" She told him, smiling. "I just came from Mamo-chan's apartment." Seiya frowned lightly at this, but Usagi didn't notice. "Well... May I walk you home?" he asked shyly as he rubbed the back of his head. Usagi smiled. "Sure." <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> Half way there, Usagi became unusually quiet. Seiya was a little concerned about this. "Umm... Usagi-chan? What's the matter all of a sudden?" Usagi thought for a moment, wondering if she could tell him, "Oh... nothing," deciding not to tell him what was on her mind. "Oh..." Seiya said, knowing that was a lie. Even so, he decided to get off the subject. "Anyway, Usagi-chan, What are you doing for Christmas?" The mere mention of Christmas brought Usagi's spirits up immediately, and she began to tell him about her big plans with her family. As they arrived inside Usagi's apartment building, the conversation was going very well. Seiya wished that Usagi didn't want to go home; he really wanted to spend more time with her. "Well, goodbye, Seiya. Thanks for walking me home," Usagi whispered softly as they waited for the elevator. Seiya replied, with much joy, "Sure, no problem!" An awkward silence ensued. Seiya, making the first move to break it, gave Usagi a big bear hug. She was surprised, but determined there was no harm in giving a friend a hug. He reluctantly released her just as the elevator opened. She stepped away, and smiling sweetly, Usagi said a final goodbye, as the doors closed between them. After the elevator door shut, a large grin spread across Seiya's face. He exited the building, throwing his hands up in the air in triumph. The people around him looked towards him strangely, but he simply replied with "Merry Christmas!" Seiya had finally made a step towards winning his true love's heart... <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> The next morning, Usagi woke to the smell of fresh-made pancakes. It was the first time in months that she wasn't eating frozen or pre-prepared food for breakfast; it was a real treat to have Makoto over this morning. 'It's great living in the same apartment building!' Usagi thought as she relaxed. It was hard for her to get up so early on her day off from work, but this was a special occasion... Pancakes! Usagi threw on some comfortable sweats and house shoes, and crept down the carpeted hallway to the kitchen. As she approached the breakfast table, her eyes gazed upon a stack of freshly cooked pancakes, covered in butter and, especially, maple syrup. Usagi grinned and hoped onto the chair, grabbing her fork and knife. She noticed that the apartment had been well decorated for the Christmas season, including her very own Christmas tree. She loved to decorate. It was one of her favorite past times, and Christmas was the most excellent opportunity to indulge in it. She smiled as she saw one of her best friends walk out of the kitchen with an apron on. "Good morning, Usagi-chan!" Makoto said cheerfully. "Oohh! Thank you so much Mako-chan! You're the best." She exclaimed between mouthfuls of pancakes. "No problem, Usagi-chan!" Makoto had her hands behind her back as she watched Usagi stuff the food into her mouth. "By the way, what are you planning on doing for Christmas?" "I was going to go Mamoru's apartment for a romantic Christmas, but Mom and Dad invited me to spend family with them. It is my first Christmas away from home, you know. I'm leaving tonight for home." "Oh, okay." Makoto said akwardly. Usagi stopped eating, and looked up at her curiously. "What do you have behind your back, Mako-chan?" She questioned. "Oh... Just something that came in for you today." Makoto smirked. "C'mon, Mako-chan! Show me!" Usagi exclaimed. Makoto removed the object from behind her, and set it on the table. Usagi joyfully gasped, for there was only one person that could have sent this! It was a bouquet of ripe, red roses. "Oh my gosh! It's from Mamo-chan!" She squealed. "He's apologizing for neglecting me!" Makoto smiled and handed it to her. "Did Mamo-chan come to drop it off?" Usagi said hopefully. "No, sorry Usagi-chan. It was delivered by the florist." Makoto replied. "Oh." Usagi sighed in disappointment. "There's no card..." "It has to be from Mamoru, Usagi-chan!" Makoto said cheerfully. With starry eyes, Usagi agreed. <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> Later that afternoon, Usagi decided to walk to Mamoru's apartment to thank him for the roses. Sometimes, he could be so romantic! She was really hoping that he was making up for the studying time he neglected her in. Usagi knocked under the Christmas wreath on his apartment door, once she arrived on the 10th floor. She heard a familiar voice call from inside. "Just a minute!" Usagi smiled and patiently waited for the door to open. A minute passed, and finally, Mamoru opened the door. "Usako!" Mamoru said surprisingly. "Hi, Mamo-chan!" Usagi grinned. "Come in. What brings you here?" "I just wanted to say thank you." She answered lovingly. Mamoru paused, and tried to think of what she was thanking him for. Nothing came to his mind. "Umm... for what?" Usagi looked puzzled. "For the flowers!" Mamoru smiled, and grasped her hand, "I'm sorry, Usako, but I didn't send you any flowers." "You... didn't?" She said hesitantly. "Sorry, no." Usagi was disappointed. "Well... if it wasn't you, then who?" "I thought, maybe, *you* would know the answer to that question, Usako." Mamoru couldn't help himself; What started out as a statement, turned into a very jealousy-based question. "Well it's nice to see that you care," Usagi said a bit sarcastically, thinking of how he neglected her a lot lately. "What is that supposed to mean?" Inquired Mamoru, who was beginning to get concerned. Usagi realized how angry her tone of voice sounded... but then again, she *was* a bit angry. Mamoru had been totally neglecting her.. 'He takes me for granted. He doesn't even hug me anymore. Sometimes, I don't think he even cares...' Usagi thought angrily, beginning to realize her deeper feelings. "Well?" Mamoru asked, still waiting for a response. "Oh... Sorry, nothing." Usagi asserted calmly. There was a short and awkward pause. "Well, I think I'd better be going. Someone had to have sent the flowers... And.. um.. I have to get Christmas shopping done." Mamoru frowned at this. "Goodbye, Mamor..." She quickly corrected herself, even though meant to say it, "Er.. Mamo-chan." This whole flowers thing frustrated Mamoru a lot, not to mention Usagi's near slip of the tongue. She wasn't sure he'd heard it, but how could he not? He wasn't going to let it go, not this time. "What did you just call me, Usako?" Mamoru said, raising his eyebrows. "What are you talking about Mamo-chan?" Usagi said innocently. "What is going on, Usako? What is wrong??" Mamoru said, raising his voice a little bit. "Would you even care?" Usagi snapped back, crossing her arms. "What?" Mamoru said loudly. "Usako, why *wouldn't* I care? You know I lo--" "You're too busy studying to notice what's going on," Usagi said, cutting Mamoru off. "Usako! I'm busy studying because I have *FINALS* in a few days! What do you expect me to do?" Mamoru snapped back angrily. "Well the excuse of finals isn't going to cut it, Mamo-chan, it's been lasting longer than that." "Finals aren't *excuses*, Usako, and what--" Mamoru began very angrily. "Look, Mamo-chan, I've gotta go. I can't handle this now. Maybe I'll see you around," Usagi said angrily, cutting Mamoru off again. With that, she turned around and slammed the door. Mamoru angrily stood there for a moment, trying to cool down. 'Something is going on.. I've got to find out...' Mamoru thought, as he quietly put on his coat, took his keys, and slipped out the apartment door. 'I'll follow her.' <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> Usagi had been shopping for a couple hours now, and it hadn't made her feel any better. That fight with Mamoru was too hot for her.. she wished she had handled it in a better way. But he was so defensive.. and SO stubborn!! She left to cool off before she said anything more she didn't mean... but now she was feeling sorry she did. Strangely, a few times she'd had this strange feeling that she'd been followed. But each time she'd turned to find the perpetrator, there'd been no one there. Being Tuxedo Mask, and being quite adept at hiding in the shadows, is what kept Mamoru's whereabouts secret from Usagi. She had been just shopping the whole time, and Mamoru was beginning to think following her was pointless. Just when he was going to leave, he noticed someone familiar walk out of a bookstore, right in the path of Usagi. When he recognized this person's face, it all came to him. This was the *only* suspect that could have sent red roses to Usagi. Like Usagi, Seiya had been Christmas shopping that day also. His day was to come to an end, for he found the most charming Christmas tale in his favorite book store. It was a beautifully illustrated Christmas tale called "A Christmas Carol." It was most definitely a tale from old England; for he could tell by the clothing in the pictures. Down the street a ways walked Usagi, with her hands full of shopping bags. Usagi had just decided that she'd had enough shopping for one day. Nothing had gotten her mind off of Mamoru.. and she was *still* thinking of him and their fight. Seiya was so into the story, and Usagi was so deep into her thoughts, that a collision was in-avoidable. They collided, and immediately spouted out apologies to one another, not realizing each others identities. As they recognized each other, they laughed, and exchanged greetings. Usagi noticed the book in Seiya's hand, and became curious. "What book is that, Seiya?" She said cheerfully. "Oh! It's a wonderful Christmas Carol I just bought. I was so involved in it, I didn't see you coming!" He said and smiled. "Sounds really neat." She said as she smiled back. 'I'm feeling really down right now. Maybe talking to one of my closest friends is just what the doctor ordered.' Usagi thought. "Hey, would you like to grab a cup of warm co-co? I'm so thirsty!" Usagi offered. Seiya smiled, overjoyed, and agreed. Seiya steered Usagi and Himself to the Clouveant Cafe, one of the most fancy and expensive ones in the 10th Street District. "No Seiya, we can't go here! It's way too expensive!" Usagi said, concerned. "You're worth it, Usagi-chan." He said sweetly. Mamoru didn't like that comment at all. Unfortunately, as they went inside the busy restaurant, Mamoru lost them in the crowd. 'Seiya had to have sent those roses..' He thought as he scanned the area. At the restaurant, Usagi decided that talking to Seiya about her problems would make her feel a lot better. "Seiya, we're close friends, right?" Usagi inquired. "You bet, Usagi-chan!" Seiya said eagerly. "Well, friends talk to each other about their problems, right?" Usagi said sadly. "Any time, Usagi-chan." "Well, it's about Mamoru." Seiya kind of frowned, but tried to hide it. "I'm here for you." "Well, earlier today we kind of got in a fight." She said hesitantly. "Really? Over what?" "Well, some one sent me flowers, and I thought it was him.. so I went to thank him for it." Seiya felt guilty.. the flowers he send weren't meant to cause a fight between Mamoru and Usagi-chan! Usagi Continued. "Then, one thing lead to another, and we were both kind of angry." "Oh..." Seiya said, not knowing what else to say. "But you see, lately, he's been ignoring me a lot, and he doesn’t treat me like he used to." Usagi said sadly. "Really?" Seiya said as he began to get concerned. "Maybe now that we know our future is set, he thinks he doesn’t have to woo me any more." "You may be right. Maybe you should talk to him about it." Usagi smiled. "I think I will. Thanks." Seiya would rather break them up than help them get back together, but hey! What are friends for? Usagi's attention was caught as Seiya set a brightly decorated book on the table in front of her. "Wow, that is a lovely book, Seiya. What's it called?" Usagi said curiously. "A Love Carol. It's a Christmas tale from Europe I bought at the bookstore. I haven't finished reading it, so I thought you'd like to hear it too. It might cheer you up, considering your road with Mamoru is getting rocky." "That sounds wonderful." Usagi said as she smiled. Just as she spoke those words, Mamoru finally found the couple sitting at the cafe. He was relieved as he de-transformed and got himself a table close enough to hear the conversation without being caught. "You got it." Seiya began. <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> "The story begins with a grouchy old man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who was a merchant in the City of London. He cared for only one thing: money. Not for what it could buy, but for itself alone. He thought very little of people, especially people who asked him for money on behalf of the poor. 'Are there no work prisons? Are there no workhouses?' he would demand. Above all, he hated Christmas, the season of goodwill. When his good-natured nephew invited him to Christmas dinner, he simply snapped 'Bah! Humbug!' and flatly turned him down." <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> Usagi laughed happily at the expressions Seiya added into the story. Mamoru just rolled his eyes at Seiya's flirtatious gestures. Seiya continued the story, continually taking quick glances of Usagi's blue eyes. Usagi was enjoying the story so much! Seiya was so glad he could cheer her up. As the end of the story came near, Mamoru grew very tired of Seiya's flirting and staring. But even though, he had been paying attention to the story, for it held a meaning deeper than he knew. <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> "Scrooge awoke on Christmas morning to find himself alive, with Time before him to make amends in! Full of joy, he flung open his window on the bright, cold morning, and called out to a passing boy: 'You know the Poulterer's on the corner? You know the prize turkey that's hanging there? Go and tell them to bring it here! Come back with the man in less than five minutes and I'll give you half a crown!' 'I'll send it to Bob Cratchit,' chuckled Scrooge. 'He shant know who sent it! It's twice the size of Tiny Tim!' Then he went to church, and then to his nephew's for dinner, and they had a wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity, wonderful happiness! "Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and to Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, he was a second father. It became said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well, and may that truly be said of all of us! And as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless us, Every One!" <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> With that, Seiya shut the book, and looked up at Usagi. The Christmas Carol had really touched her. She smiled and wiped away a tear before she spoke. "Thank you Seiya! That was absolutely WONDERFUL! And You are SUCH a wonderful story teller!" She said with glee. "It's no problem, Usagi-chan. My PLEASURE." He said with meaning. A silence ensued as Seiya stared into Usagi's eyes. Mamoru didn't notice this, for the story was stuck in his head; It had touched him also. As Seiya looked into Usagi's eyes, he saw what he had always wanted. Spirit, personality, warmth, and care. Usagi was perfect in every way. Knowing that he shouldn't, but couldn't help it, Seiya went for the gold and leaned in for a kiss. It was bold, yes, he knew, but If this wasn't the right moment, the right moment might as well never come. Mamoru directed his attention back to the couple just as Seiya went in for this kiss. He was outraged! Seiya lightly brushed her lips, wishing for the best. Usagi was shocked... Mamoru's name flashed through her head... and then their last fight.. and his anger.. he practically left her! Without thought, only a streak of revenge in her mind, Usagi returned the kiss. It was brief though, for Usagi released quickly. 'What have I done?' She thought worriedly. As Seiya looked at her curiously, She held a puzzled expression on her face. Mamoru was about to burst! He couldn't believe that his Usako could cheat on him like this... he *knew* something was up.. But before he could burst onto the scene, Usagi stood up from the table. Usagi didn't know how to handle the situation... "Um.. I'm sorry, Seiya, I'd better go..." Usagi said as she nervously shot up and left, taking her bags with her. Seiya was so confused... he didn't know what to think now. He looked down at the Christmas book, wondering what was going to happen next. As Usagi left the cafe, Mamoru shot up and went after her. He had to confront her about this. He followed her down the street until finally catching up on her. He grabbed her shoulder angrily, startling her greatly. She turned around to see who just touched her shoulder to find a red-faced Mamoru. "Usako.." was all he could manage to whisper without losing his cool. "What do *you* want, Mamo-chan?" She said nonchalantly. "What do you mean, 'What do I want'? Just what do you think you were doing back there!!!" "Back were?" Usagi asked, innocently. She set her packages down and proceeded to pick a piece of invisible lint off her sweater. "Don't play games with me, Usako!" he glared at her. "So you've been following me?" Usagi asked angrily, looking back up at Mamoru. "How could I *not* be concerned and follow you after that outburst at my apartment?!?" Mamoru snapped back. "Outburst?" Usagi yelled. "I was angry because you've been *neglecting* me like I'm yesterday's News!" "You're definitely not yesterday's news to that Seiya." "So now you're jealous because I found someone that wants to give me *attention*?" Usagi replied angrily. "Usako, I'm sorry I couldn't give you *all* my attention," Mamoru spat back with a hint of sarcasm, "But there are *SOME* things in my life that are more important than a *date*." He didn't realize until then how much he had just hurt Usagi. "It sounds to me, *Mamoru*, that constantly studying is a more important priority than I am to you." Usagi answered with a bit of harshness in her voice. Mamoru winced at the sound of the other name. "I guess that our future together isn't as important as I thought." "Well maybe it's not." Mamoru snapped back, too quickly to think about what he just said. As he saw the tears swell up in her eyes, Mamoru realized what he just said as she turned around and ran away twards her old house. <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> Mamoru had finally reached the door to his apartment. The walk home took longer than usual.. or maybe it just seemed that way. 'Usagi was being so stubborn!' Mamoru thought. 'I find her kissing Seiya, and she's angry with ME.' Letting out his frustration and anger, he jerked out his keys and fumbled around to find the right one. But to his surprise, above the keyhole was not his familiar door knocker, but Queen Serenity's face! To Be Continued... <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<> *^_^* :::nervous smile::: Okay.. I got a mail correcting me on Seiya's personality... Well I've only seen two Stars episodes and I *don't* speak Japanese.. so I'm sooo sorry if it doesn't seem like him!! :( I tried, but I had his personality the way it is to fit the story. Gomen!! And ya ya, this IS a Christmas story and I DIDN'T finish it back in December... but hey! ^_^ At least I'm working on SOMETHING!! And NEVER fear! I, Sailor November, vow to NEVER leave a story off with Mamoru and Usagi separated! They are DESTINED! So don't loose hope, people! Just go on to part two! And a **BIIG BIIG** thanks and a hug to Tiga Shadow and Sidnei, who both totally helped me through writers block with this one. You guys are the best!! And a big hug to Razzz, Mark Berger, Sue Mei, Sailor Mac, April Lee, Crystal Heart, Auston, and Jade for being so sweet too. ^_^ AND to my bf Julia who is the GREATEST girl a friend could ever wish for!!!!! And to my bf's here in California, Mare, Jess, Jenn, Jo, Lambert, and the rest of yalz! Ahh, I KNOW I'm forgetting someone... I'll get you next time, ok? =^_^= Ja ne! Sailor November "Usagi, Mamoru, and Romance, and you got yourself a fic! ^_^" The Usagi and Mamoru Fan fiction Archive http://members.tripod.com/~usamamo The Sailor Moon Mini-Mall! http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Temple/9103