Sorry if this chapter is a little erm...lame. I don't have any action or much drama in it, gomen. But hopefully you'll like the way I ended it. ~represent flashbacks~ enjoy the story, authors notes at bottom...meet ya there. Standard Disclaimer..not mine..sigh... A Morning Coincidence Part 6 By: Twilight Editor: Sailor Twin "Rita!!" Jumping from his seat he hugged her, "What are you doing here? I thought you would have called me to let you know you were coming down!? You know...so I could arrange and prepare things for you." Andrew babbled, shock and worry apparent in his gorgeous green eyes. Standing from her spot, Usagi lightly embraced her, smiling brightly, glad to see her again, but also a little worried about Mina and where she and Andrew now stood. "It's good to see you again Rita. How have you been?" She politely asked pulling her arms length away. "It's good to see you too Usa-chan. I've been good, just working my butt off at work." Rita laughed, then turned to look at Andrew who still stood there standing shocked. "Good news, Andrew! My work has decided to move me back here and work with the other scientists on their studies. Isn't that great?!" Rita exclaimed walking back over to him and giving him another hug which he uncomfortably returned. "Anyway, I have to go and unpack now, I'll see you later." Kissing his cheek she walked out of the cafe and headed for her old apartment complex a few blocks away. Usagi sat back down and watch the scene unfold before her. Rita seemed not to notice Andrew's nervousness and acted like everything was just as it was many years ago. Unfortunately, this also left Andrew in a tough spot....his first love or his new one who just happened to be her best friend. She watched Rita walk down the sidewalk for a second then tore her eyes to look at Andrew. He had his face buried in his hands with his elbows propped up on the table. "Usa-chan, please tell me this is NOT happening..." Andrew moaned clearly unnerved as he asked. Usagi just looked at him sympathetically and reached her slim hand across the table letting it rest on his arm. "I'm sorry to tell you this Andrew, but it's happening. I'm not going to involve myself in your personal relationships other than you better tell Mina what's happening. If you don't, I will make it my business and help you....she is my best friend Andrew. Don't hurt her....but do what your heart wants" Looking up he saw her smile coyly at him then gracefully stand up. "I'll talk to you later Andrew." Waving good-bye she walked out of the cafe leaving Andrew alone to sort out his emotions. After Usagi left, Andrew left some money on the table and made his way home. Each step was like a new weight holding him back, making it difficult for him to walk. Opening the door to his apartment he quietly closed it and leaned heavily against it. Sighing he brought a hand up to his head letting it slide through his blond hair. Looking up from the floor his eyes fell upon a picture across the room. Sluggishly, he pulled himself away from the door and walked to the shelf. Gently he picked up the small frame up and stared mournfully at the picture encased. It was the night when he, Mina, Usagi and Mamoru went to the fair. Setting it down he picked up another picture she had given him and traced over her face tenderly with his finger. Sitting near the back, another frame caught his attention. Carefully he set the one he was holding down and hesitantly reached for the hidden one. It was a picture of him with Rita from a few years back. Breathing in, he let out a staggered breath and fell back onto the couch. He was so confused!! Who should he choose, his old love..first one at that or his new fresh one? <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 Usagi sat down on the docks by the lake in the park, thinking. She hadn't seen Mamoru in two days and already she missed him. She didn't understand her feelings anymore, and she hated to think about it. It just confused her so much. Her heart wanted him; to be near him, steal glances at his beautiful face, and stare deeply into his dark mysterious blue eyes. While her mind on the other hand was thinking logically. Saying things like, 'you hardly know him..what about a past love he had? Did he have one?' That's what troubled her. It was strange how he seemed to remember everything else, but nothing of his love life. Sighing, she stood up and decided to see Mamoru then Mina, maybe they could talk. <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 Raye and Mamoru had talked most of the day about things 'they had done'. He must have been more tired than he thought because he was now snoozing away on the couch. Standing from her seat she quietly roamed around his apartment looking for extra pillows and blankets. Not finding any, she decided to just take the ones from his bed and cover him and slid down next to him watching him slumber. When they talked earlier he told her about the flash backs he was having with a girl who had blond hair and blue eyes. Raye automatically assumed it was Usagi and knew she had to do something about it. Leaning into his ear she lightly whispered words to confuse him. "Everytime you have a flashback of a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes...when you wake you will see black hair and violet eyes" (hey...it's possible!!) Mamoru started to stir in his sleep mumbling incoherent words flipping his head back and forth. A little worried, Raye started to make shushing noises and twirled some of his hair trying to calm him. Unfortunately for her, it didn't work for he seemed to be worse off. Sighing she kissed his check and left his apartment to wait for the elevator. Hearing the soft 'ding' she stepped in letting the doors close behind her. <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 Slowly the elevator doors opened to reveal a long, narrow, and empty hallway. Casually she stepped out and looked both ways as if searching. Making her way to Mamoru's apartment she started to try to think of what she would say to him when she saw him. Then an all too familiar apartment number came into view. Sucking in a breath she squared her shoulders and lightly knocked. No answer. This time she knocked again, only more loudly and firm. Apparently she knocked too hard because the door quietly creaked open revealing part of the room. Cautiously, she brought a hand up to rest on the door and gently pushed it open. Softly, her feet padded on his carpet as she slowly walked in. "Mamoru? Hello?" Usagi squeaked in a hushed whisper. Someone mumbling groggily by the couch caught her attention and made her turn. Walking over she saw Mamoru lying on his side with the pillow hanging half way off and the blanket hardly covering him. He seemed to be having a bad dream because he was tossing and turning lightly. Smiling fondly down at him she walked around to the front and gently ran her fingers through his soft silky black hair. Her touch seemed to calm him because she heard him sigh contentedly and fall back into a peaceful slumber. He lay unmoving, a smile tugging at his lips as she watched his chest rise and fall with each breath. Tenderly she let her hand slide from his hair to delicately trace down his strong jaw line and rest right under his mouth. Usagi's eyes seemed to glaze over as she thought about the brief kiss they shared at the fair. How even now it made her lips tingle just thinking about it. Slowly she edged her face closer to his and shut her eyes. Suddenly as if a thought bombarded her mind she jumped back, like she had been bitten by a snake. Flush faced, she turned away and stood up. Calming her heart, she looked back and pulled the blanket up over him. Lifting his head she set the pillow right under his head and made sure he was comfortable. Walking over to the small desk in his guest room, she found some paper and pen in a drawer. Quickly jotting down a short note she walked back to where he was and sat next to him. Bringing a hand to his forehead she let it rest there, then gently brushed away the fallen bangs. Cautiously, she bent over and kissed his forehead with one hand still resting in his hair and the other on his firm chest. Softly she placed the note in his curled up hand and then got up to leave his apartment when something stopped her. Standing in front of her was Mamoru's bookshelf. An idea came to her as she sauntered over to it and looked critically over his books. Finding what she was looking for, she pulled it half way out just enough for him to notice it and left his apartment, tightly closing the door behind her. As soon as she shut it though, she leaned up against the door and slid slowly to the floor, curling into a tight ball. For a few minutes she just sat there..thinking; of Mamoru, Mina, Andrew and her other close friends who she missed so dearly. Breathing in deeply she weakly stood up, relaxed her nerves and left the building to see Mina. <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 A knock interrupted Mina from her cooking and she happily bounced to the door with flour in her hair and on her face. "Hiya Min--, you're trying to make cake again, aren't you?" Usagi stated in an amused manner. "Yup, I sure am!! It's for Andy!" Mina happily chirped making her way back to the kitchen. Mina lived in a more spacious apartment with small decorations here and there. It almost looked like Usagi's but with orange instead of pink and a bit more extravagant. Unlike Usagi, Mina loved to shop and buy expensive things, even though she knew she would never use them. When she got home she would just set whatever she bought in random parts of her apartment where she thought it would look good. "Have you talked to him today Mina-chan?" Usagi questioned, following her into the kitchen. "No..not yet. We're having dinner tonight though....Why do you ask?" Mina asked stirring the batter of cake in a large bowl. "Oh....I think he said he needed to talk to you, that's all." Usagi replied in an off handed way. Mina just made a 'hmmm' sound and nodded. Then her eyes brightened remembering something. "Hmm..oh yea! I almost forgot, I have your pictures from the fair in my room. They're sitting on the dresser." "I totally forgot about those!" Usagi then made her way to Mina's room and found them where she said they would be. Picking them up she walked backwards towards the bed and sat down on the edge, one hand supporting her. She smiled remembering how much fun that night was as her eyes rested on the first picture. She was blushing a rosy hue and looking at Darien a little embarrassed and he was smiling back up at her with his arms resting on her hips. That was when they just got in the booth and hadn't expected it to start, so she liked to think of it as "the surprise picture." The second one was of them laughing and hugging each other close with Usagi's arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Since it was a face picture you couldn't see Mamoru's arms around her waist, holding her possessively; but she remembered how being that close to him made shivers run up and down her spine and feel all warm inside. Looking down again she gazed longingly at the next one. It was a simple picture of them smiling brightly at the camera. She had to admit they made a cute couple and silently wished they really were one. Letting her eyes leave that one, she stared sadly at the last one. They were looking at each other smiling faintly and staring deeply into each others eyes with their foreheads touching. 'We actually look like we're in love'. "What are you doing Usa-chan?" Mina had been standing at the door for awhile watching her. She could tell Usagi cared deeply for Mamoru but couldn't figure out what was holding her back. Looking up Usagi saw Mina smiling at her with concern. Standing from the bed she walked past her, back into the kitchen and carefully set the pictures on the counter, so she wouldn't forget them and pulled up a stool. Propping up her elbows she rested her chin in her hands and watched as Mina checked her food. "Why are you holding yourself back from Mamoru, Usa-chan? Mina suddenly asked, turning to look at her. Usagi's eyes went wide in surprise as she stared mouth opened at her. "Uh......well.......I, uh..... because." She finally blurted out after stuttering for who knows how long. Mina just sternly looked at her, contemplating if she should pursue this any further. 'Why not? She's been moping around for too long and it's not good for her'. "What's up with you Usa-chan?" That came out a little more harsh then she wanted, but what's done is done, "I mean you obviously care for the guy, and you're always so sad now! You're never happy like you use to be and I miss it...." "Mina-chan! It's not that simple. I hardly even know him and.....what about Raye? No...." Usagi cut her off before she could protest to anything, "I mean he doesn't even remember if he.....I just can't, okay?!!!!" she finished yelling out in frustration. Tears began to form in her eyes but she blinked them rapidly away, refusing to let them fall.. Feeling bad for making her feel worse than she already was, Mina walked around the counter to hug her. "No. I'm fine Mina-chan." Usagi said pulling herself from Mina's arms, "I'll be okay, can we just talk about something else? Please." she desperately pleaded turning around. It was still a touchy subject with her and no matter what, just the name of Mamoru still brought tears to her tired eyes. "Yea, sure Usa-chan. Anything." Walking back to the kitchen she checked on the food and joined Usagi back in the living room. She was sitting on the couch with her hands clasped tightly together in front of her, staring intently at them. "Have you thought of any new designs?" Mina asked sitting beside her. Almost immediately Usagi's face lit up, thankful for the topic change and excited to tell her of her ideas. Soon a knocking interrupted their conversation and Mina got up to answer it. Knowing who it was (or at least pretty sure) Usagi got whatever belongings she had and made for the door. "Hiya Andrew, I'm going to go now, Mina-chan. I'll talk to you later." Giving her a quick hug she turned to Andrew and hugged him whispering, "Your going to tell her RIGHT?" Pulling back she could see the inner turmoil in his eyes and lightly patted his shoulder saying 'it'll be okay'. Closing the door tightly behind her she moved to give Andrew a hug, smiling. Andrew only somewhat returned the affectionate hug, lightly embracing back. "What's wrong Andy?" Mina's voice deep with worry. "Nothing Mina, let's just eat okay." He whispered, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. Nodding numbly, she guided him to the den and went to get the food. After adding a good amount to each plate she carefully picked them up, making sure not to drop anything. Turning around she stepped to head back to where Andrew was but saw him standing a few feet behind her, startling her. Smiling he took both plates from her, and again gave her another kiss before leaving. Dreamily, Mina grabbed two glasses and a bottle of wine and followed him back to the table. All through dinner they had small conversations between bites, or they ate in a comfortable silence. Clearing the table of the dirty dishes they set them in the sink to be washed as Mina tended to them. They were having small talk when Andrew suddenly reached out and tickled Mina making her jump. Angrily, she turned away from him, holding her nose in the air, then out of no where she splashed him in the face with warm water. Before they knew it a tickle fight broke out and Andrew temporarily forgot about Rita. <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 A light creaking sound woke Mamoru from his sleep, causing him to stir. Opening his eyes he brought a hand up to scratch his head and heard the sound of crinkling paper above him. Confused, he brought his hand to his face and found a note in it. Sitting up, he opened it a little short of eagerly, hoping it was from his Usako. He hadn't been able to talk to her because of Raye. She was always over, jabbering about one thing or another. He now felt a bit more comfortable around her, but not nearly as much as Usagi. Mamo-chan, I came by earlier but you were sleeping and I couldn't wake you. Call me later so we can get together and talk. Usako Mamoru smiled to himself, getting a far away look in his eyes. Glancing at the clock he decided it was too late to get together, so he just called her instead. His fingers were shaking in anticipation to hear her melodic voice over the line. "Moshi Moshi" (:P) "Usako? It's me, Mamoru." He answered back a little nervously. "Mamo-chan?" Usagi breathed out. It was so good to hear his voice again. "Ya, what did you say you wanted to talk about?" "Oh, I would much rather talk to you in person if that's all right Mamo-chan. Can we talk tomorrow at lunch?" Usagi asked timidly. "Oh.....uh, you see," Mamoru stuttered, "Raye and I are going to lunch," If Mamoru could see Usagi, he would have seen the light drain from her eyes. "But I can always cancel, not like we get together often." He started again. "No..no it's okay, another time then?" Disappointed and hurt, she placed the phone back in its cradle not letting him finish his reply. "No, no it's okay Usa--" Mamoru began again but was cut short when he heard a click on the other end. Sighing he set it down and trudged to bed, an idea forming. Usagi shakily walked to her bedroom and collapsed on the bed, breathing heavily. 'No more tears. I've cried too many already.' Turning on her back she stared emotionless at the ceiling, mind in a blur and soon after, fell asleep. Someone banging on the front door made Usagi jump to alertness. Bouncing off the bed angrily, she stomped to the door mumbling under her breath. "Who in the hell would come banging on my door in the middle of the night!" Swinging it open she was greeted with a smiling face from a tall brown headed lady. "LITA!," Usagi screeched giving her a suffocating hug. "What are you doing here? Never mind that, why didn't you call me!" Pulling her inside she yanked her onto the couch and plopped down beside her smiling from ear to ear. "Well, I finished my masters degree early and I wanted to open my first restaurant here." Lita stated very proudly. "Wow! Congratulations Lita-chan. Where are you staying? Back in your old apartment building?" Usagi asked curiously. "Well actually, I'm going to look for an apart--" "No problem! You can stay with me! I've got a spare room and I would love the company!" Usagi cut in, talking in one long breath. She was nodding her head vigorously and smiling brightly, hope swimming around in her azure eyes. "Are you sure Usa-chan? I don't want to impose." Lita asked unsure. "No...no it's fine! Besides this is a big apartment and it gets lonely sometimes. Oh! Let me show you to your room." Grabbing some of Lita's bags she dragged them into the spare room, Lita following behind, smiling. She really missed her friend's cheery disposition. Setting her stuff down on the floor they made themselves comfortable on the bed and started to chat. Reminiscing of age old memories and giggling wildly at each others expense; they talked into the early hours of morning. Usagi fluttered her lids and opened her eyes, for once welcoming it. Sometime last night as they were talking, she managed to drag herself back into her room and fall asleep. Smiling she got up and showered, getting ready for the day. Sauntering into the kitchen she could smell the wonderful cooking of her dear friend at work. Giggling, she walked in and greeted her, getting herself a glass of Orange juice. Mina was going to be excited to see her. <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 Mamoru walked along the sidewalk avoiding any head on collisions from people passing by. For some reason the thought made him smile, even though he didn't know why. ~He was running a little late for work because he just HAD to stop by the flower shop and look around. Turning a corner he felt another body impact against his making him fall to the hard ground. A little angrily he listened to her rambling apology and looked up. Sucking in a breath he saw a beautiful blond sitting before him, still jabbering on about something. But then the image seemed to change and she was no longer blond...but with black hair.~ Raye?? Shaking his head he tried to recall the memory but only succeeded in seeing someone with black hair. Confused and frustrated he let out a low growl under his breath. The feeling of someone bumping into him brought his thoughts back to reality. Mumbling a quick apology he continued on with his destination. <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 "Hey Mina-chan!" Usagi piped, bursting through her office door, "I have someone here I think you should see." Pulling her from her chair she dragged the speechless Mina into the hallway anxiously. Mina just looked around but only saw the receptionist Hotaru and some lady with her back facing them. "Hi Mina-chan. Long time no see eh?" Lita asked turning around, a huge grin plastered o her face. "Oh my god!! Lita-chan what are you doing here!?" Pulling her into her office, Usagi giggled at them and left so they could talk as she walked to her office. Opening the door she was greeted by half a dozen, deep crimson red roses sitting in a small clear vase on her desk. Deeply she took in a breath, unable to move from her spot by the door. "A nice man came in earlier and asked to put them in your office. They're beautiful aren't they?" Hotaru quietly said from behind her. Not feeling she had a voice to speak she numbly nodded her head, still staring. Hotaru giggled at her then gently nudged her forward and closed the door. Walking over to her desk she saw a card resting beside the roses with her name written on it. With somewhat shaky hands she gently picked it up, a little excited, her heart pounding in her chest. The front of the card was of a little boy in black and white holding a tinted red rose. Smiling she opened it and started to read the scribbled hand writing. Usako, You didn't give me a chance to say anything last night. So figured why not do it this way? We 'will' meet for lunch at noon and I'll come by to pick you up. See you then princess...... Mamo-chan Usagi felt like she was on cloud nine and was giggling dreamily. 'He called me princess!' Sitting down she carefully set the roses aside and started to do some paperwork and drawing with a never ending smile playing on her lips. Mina and Lita walked into her office as she was making calculations on pieces of fabrics. Glancing up she smiled warmly at her two friends removing her wire glasses from her delicate face. "Hi guys, what's up?" She asked leaning back to rest from her work. "When did you start wearing glasses Usa-chan?" Lita asked curiously taking a seat. "Hmmm.....oh, I only wear them on occasion. Mainly when I have to read or draw a lot." She stated smiling fondly. "Oh, who are the flowers from? Mamoru?" Lita asked with a glint of mischief in her voice. Usagi snapped her head to Mina who was playing innocent looking around the room as if for the first time. Turning her head to Usagi she smiled brightly and tilted her head to the side a little. "What's wrong Usa-chan?" She asked in a disgustingly sweet voice, playing the role extremely well. Sighing she slumped in her chair closing her eyes for a moment. "Nothing......yea the roses are from Mamoru. We're going out for lun--" Someone knocking at the door cut her off in mid-sentence, "come in." Lita watched as a handsome young man came into the room holding six nicely bloomed roses completing a dozen. Smiling politely he nodded a hello then looked to Usagi. "Ready to go, Usako?" Mamoru asked directing his charming smile to her. Standing from her seat she grabbed her purse, waved good-bye to her friends and closed the door behind her. "So...I take it that's Mamoru, ne? Usako?" Lita whispered still staring at the closed door. "Yea pretty handsome huh? It's his pet name for her, she likes to call him Mamo-chan...cute ne?" Mina said smiling, "So, shall we follow them?" Lita looked over to her friend surprised she would suggest such a thing. "Mina-chan! How could you even SAY that?!" She yelled sounding repulsed. "Of course, you're right. It was a bad idea." Bowing her head in shame she looked at the carpet feeling guilty. Then, faster than a speeding bullet they were out the building screaming a brief 'we're out for lunch' and were gone. Hotaru sat still in shock as she listened to the gust of wind yell out something about lunch. Suddenly she burst out laughing uncontrollably. Oh, she was going to have to tell Rachel (Pluto) about this. Clearing her throat she pushed back her laughter and picked up the phone, still giggling. <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 ~ <3 Earlier....... Raye was walking around the hospital corridors searching for Mamoru. She had been pretty busy today and she hadn't had the chance to see Mamoru yet. Relieved her search was over she sighed when she saw him by the main entrance of the waiting room talking to someone. "Mamoru. I'm so glad I found you. About ready to go?" She asked walking up to him and giving him a hug. "Hi Raye," but he didn't return the hug, "I can't go. I forgot I promised Usako I would go with her already." He said removing her arms from his neck. "Usako?! Who's USAKO?!" Raye fumed, backing away from him. Her eyes burned with such anger it 'almost' frightened him. "Usagi is Usako; and don't getting all mad. I'm allowed to have other friends Raye!" Mamoru hissed a little angry himself. Calming herself down she looked him in the eyes talking more softly. "Of course Mamoru, I never said you couldn't have any friends...but why do you have to call her Usako? I mean it's so personal and I don't like it." She asked bringing a hand up to his arm letting it rest on his muscles hoping to get the point across. Mamoru sighed in defeat and relaxed his body. Raye really confused him. Sometimes he thought it was just an act, but could never fully tell. "I'm sorry you don't like me calling her Usako, but it's what I like to call her." He breathed out shaking his head slightly. "Well I still don't think it appropriate for you to be calling her that since you're not a couple!" Her voice beginning to rise again. "Look Raye. I hate to tell you this but...get over it! And who says we're a couple!?" Mamoru voiced, his anger ignited again. 'Everytime it comes to Usako, I always get so defensive now.' He mentally thought. Tears started to form in Raye's eyes and fall down her beautifully pale features. Standing in place she looked sadly at Mamoru, hurt. Sighing again, Mamoru walked over to her and sympathetically put his arms around her waist. Resting his head on hers he quietly mumbled another apology. "I'm sorry Raye." "Then will you stop calling her Usako?" She asked with a bit of hope in her voice that didn't go unnoticed by him. "Uh....sure Raye." Mamoru answered a little carelessly. 'I just won't call her that around you.' Pulling back he wiped her tears with his fingers and kissed her forehead then turned to leave. Raye watched his back until he walked out of the double doors. Bringing a hand up to her face, she brushed away her tears (that suddenly disappeared) and smiled smugly. Her look of hurt gone, like it was never there. Turning she went to the lounge and ate lunch with a couple of other nurses. From the corner, a body popped out revealing a tall slender lady. Her features were dark and disturbed as she watched the raven haired witch walk proudly down the narrow hall. Quickly she darted out the doors and left for where Usagi worked. To be continued....... Don't you guys love me!! gigglez...what no? sniff...sniff...fine. Again sorry this chapter was a little lame, hopefully the next one will be better and I might be taking a break from this fic...haven't decided yet. I haven't been in the mood to write it, gomen again, but I have a lot of stories I'm working on so bare with me. Thank you's go out to Sailor Twin (who got me hooked on something! you know what I mean! ggggrrrrrrrr) and to my two Imouto's! Usako3000 and my Neo Queen Serenity who I dubbed my imouto not too long ago. Suki da yo...and of course to all the readers and peeps who emailed me! Arigato very much, you guys are the best...oh check out my site of fics at http://ficmaze.cjb.net and please..visit Neo Queen Serenity's site!!! and sign the guest book...http://crystaltokyo.cjb.net It would mean a lot to us!!!!! PLEASE!!!! pouty face.....