LOVE AT THE SECOND TIME AROUND
Written by: Chette

Part 22: Usagi's Birthday

After Seiya fainted and Saphir took Dimande away, Taiki moved Seiya on his bed while Usagi put her clothes back and after that, she sat on his bed and clasped her hand with his. Taiki looked at her sternly and said, "It's best for you to go home."

Usagi slowly looked at Taiki, "No I can't... I will stay here until he wakes up-"

Yaten snapped out and glared at her. "Don't cause anymore trouble for him! If.. If I could just control him- I would separate you and him forever!" he yelled, "I just wished that he didn't have to experience all of these things. If only we still have that potion he drank before-" he stopped when Taiki hit him on the shoulder.

"What Potion?"

Taiki looked at her directly, "Seiya drank a potion from us... a potion that could erase his memories of you."

Usagi gaped at him, "W-Why? Why did you gave him that? Why did he drank-"

Yaten growled, "He chose to drink it okay? It was the night when Chiba forced you to do it with him!" he punched the wall, "Damn you princess... because of you, he experienced all of these misfortunes in life. He broke the locket for you, and now he was used to resurrect someone who wants you." he said, as he closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry-"

Yaten grabbed her shoulders, "Don't be sorry for him! DO SOMETHING FOR HIM!" he shook his head, his eyes filled with tears. "Haven't you hurt him enough, Moon Princess? Can't you at least do something for him?"

Usagi bit her lower lip, "Yaten... I didn't choose this life. I didn't choose this destiny. Sometimes, I even think that I am not even qualified to be a moon princess, and I-" she gasped when Yaten pushed her away.

"This is bullshit." Yaten said, as he turned his back on her. "You may be destined, But you have a choice. Seiya was one of the prince of the stars, who became a sailor soldier and turned into a girl because he was destined to do that. But now he is just a mere mortal. Seiya came back for the second time on this earth for you. I know it's a futile mission. But he was trying his best." he said, as he clenched his left hand. "But you were not helping him. You can't even decide for yourself. It was all because I have to do this and do that." he quickly turned around to look at her, "Well damn. If you can't fight for him or you can't love him then let him be!"

Taiki sighed, "Yaten-"

"You have no right to love Seiya, because you can't even fight for him!"

Usagi gasped, "That's not true! I am ready to fight for-"

"THEN PROVE IT!" Yaten growled, "PROVE THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF SEIYA!"

I've always been looking for your sweet smell...
...to convey my voice. (I love you)
Where are you now? (Moonlight Princess)
Our Princess...
Answer me right away (Answer for me)
Answer me gently (Answer for me)

Answer me right away (Answer for me)
Answer me gently (Answer for me)
Answer me right away (Answer for me)
Answer me gently (Answer for me)...

She sighed, rubbed her eyes, and picked up the remote control to turn the TV off. In the silence of the house, Usagi had remain sitting on the sofa while wrapping her legs and stared blankly on the television. Though she already turned off the television, she could still see him in her mind. It was so obvious that Seiya is back and that Dimande really left his body.

It was so strange and it gave her the creeps when she found out that for the past few days, she was with the Prince of the Negamoon and not with Seiya. Dimande almost got into her but Seiya protected her.

"Odango! No matter what happen! Impurity! Destiny! Hatred! Revenge! I'll fight them for you!"

Those were the last words she heard from him in person. After that night, they didn't get a chance to talk to each other. He became busy with his career because he had to make-up for all of those times he didn't show up. Interviews, Commercial taping, shows etc.

"Well damn. If you can't fight for him or you can't love him then let him be!"

When she heard those words from Yaten, she got angry because she was ready to fight for him, but Yaten couldn't see that. Maybe it was because she was not doing her very best. There were still times that she was afraid what will happen to Crystal Tokyo in the future if Endimyon and Serenity would not be together?

"Sometimes.. I wish I was not... the future neo-queen serenity of the Crystal Tokio..." she murmured.

"PROVE THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF SEIYA"

Usagi sighed, but she remembered that it was Seiya who proved to everyone that he wants her, while she on the other hand... she can't. "Seiya..." she whispered, "How can I prove to them? Mamoru still didn't accept the break-up. The Sailor Soldiers were still controlling me and checking up on me every minute, every second of the day."

"You may be destined, But you have a choice. Seiya was one of the prince of the stars, who became a sailor soldier and turned into a girl because she was destined to do that. But now he is just a mere mortal. Seiya came back for the second time on this earth for you. I know it's a futile mission. But he was trying his best."

Usagi glanced at the telephone on her right. "Second chance huh?"

His Black-Blue hair sleek from his shower and a stripped red bath towel secured around his toned-hard middle, Seiya took his time crossing the room to get to his cell phone ringing. He picked it up and saw an unknown number, He reluctantly opened up his cell phone. "Yeah?"

"S-Seiya?"

That voice... "Tsukino-san?" he felt all giddy while hearing her voice on the phone, "W-Why did you call and what phone are you using?" he asked,

"Our Landline phone..."

"I see.." he sighed, figures why it was an unknown number. "A-Anyway.. why did you call?"

"H-How are you? A couple of days ago.. you fainted after Prince Dimande left your body and I couldn't stay beside you because I don't want to disturb you.. so I just felt that I want to call you and ask if how are you.. Are you getting enough rest? food? fruits? You know I can buy some stuff at the grocery.. you've been busy and I don't want to be a bother but-"

"But?" Seiya asked, smiling. He just loves hearing her voice.

"I am... blabbering right?"

"Go on.. blab, gossip, talk or nag.. It's fine with me..." he said, as he entered his room and stared blankly at the bed. His smile faded remembering what he saw before. He was on this bed with her but it wasn't him... it was that prince. "I'll listen to you always-"

"Seiya?"

He felt a concern and worried tone on her voice, "Yeah I am still here..."

"Your voice changed.. is everything alright?"

"..Yeah." his eyes wandered on his desk calendar and blinked, the number 30th was encircled and said 'Odango's Birthday.'

"Well, anyway.. I might be taking your time. But just call me when you need me.. I am really sorry for-"

He picked up the calendar. "It's the 29th of June right?" he asked, while glancing at the calendar.

"Yeah.. why?"

"Tsukino-san...do you want to go out with me later?" he asked, "But I still have some taping to do.. I will be finished around 11:30pm..."

"Isn't that a little bit late?"

Seiya smiled, "No actually.. I know a restaurant that opens twenty-four-seven."

"...um.."

"Oh and be sure you're dressed in formal clothes. It's an expensive restaurant but we had no choice because that's my only free time... gomen nasai..."

"Formal..? oh..okay."

"Great. I'll meet you there okay? I'll text you the address on your cell phone."

Night...

"Hi," Seiya said, he was so handsome wearing a conservative black suit, white shirt and a red tie.

"...Hi" Usagi smiled, hoping that her reddish-pink floral chiffon dress was okay for him. "I-Is this okay?" she asked,

"You look beautiful..." Seiya said, he leaned over her and kissed her cheek. "Shall we?" he asked,

They started to walk, Usagi put her hand on his arm. "Do we have a reservations?" she asked, as he opened the door for her.

"Midnight, on the porch."

"Oh okay..."

"Mr. Kou? Your seat awaits." said the host as he bowed to them.

Usagi looked around and noticed that they were the only ones in that place. "Here I thought you said this place doesn't close?" she asked, as they started to walk up the stairs.

"I rented this place for us."

Before she could reply, the hostess showed them to the table for two on the outside porch. Usagi in shock, she released her hand on his arm to cover her mouth as she gasped in astonishment. The place was totally romantic. There were fresh flowers on the linen-covered table and a candle. Seiya pulled out Usagi's chair for her and then took his seat across from her. She continued to looked around, looked above while the moon and stars were shinning so brightly, while hearing Seiya telling the host that it's time. The host nodded and talked to the waiter.

"So.. are we going to eat?" Usagi asked, blinking. Seiya chuckled and she frowned. "I know right? I always think of food. Wow. Big deal." she pouted, Seiya just shook his head and she was about to say more when the waiter came back with a food tray. "Oh goodie.. here's the food.." she said, The waiter looked at Seiya. Usagi blinked, and saw Seiya looked at his watch.

"Wait for it..." Seiya said, the waiter nodded.

Usagi blinked again. What's happening? Why is Seiya looking at the clock and the waiter not serving the food?

"Okay.. Open it." Seiya said, smiling.

The waiter opened the food tray, Usagi saw a red square box. "What is this?" she asked, confused.

"Open it." Seiya said,

She opened the box, and the rings glittered against the red velvet of their case. Stunned, she drew in a deep breath. "W-Wha..?"

"Choose one, and it will be yours."

"I.. I can't choose..." she said quietly. Though her eyes didn't leave a one particular ring.

Seiya leaned forward and saw moon and stars ring. "How about this?" he asked,

How had he known that of all of them, this was the one she'd have chosen for herself? The Sapphire and diamond accent moon and stars ring was a symbol for the two of them. Like a match made in heaven.

"That sir is called the celestial romance ring." said the waiter.

Seiya plucked it from the velvet and held it out, "Try it." he invited.

She hesitated, but after a few seconds she held out her hand and watched numbly as he slid it onto her ring finger.

Seiya thought that it looked as though it had been made for her, he watched her face as the ring slid home, saw her mouth tighten and then relax, and wondered again what was she thinking now. When she looked at him, he smiled at her. "Perfect." then he raised her hand and kissed the ring, and then her hand. "Happy Birthday.. Tsukino Usagi."

Usagi shivered from the kiss, she was about to say thank you when she realized what he just said, "B-Birthday?" she asked,

Seiya blinked, "Your birthday is June 30 right?" he asked,

"Yeah tomorrow.." Usagi said, blushing.

"It's already the 30th." he said, as he pointed his watch. "Midnight."

Usagi gasped, "Mou... is that the reason why you-?" she stopped when Seiya nodded. "Mou~" she slumped on her seat. "I can't believe you-" she shook her head,

"You were terrified?"

Usagi shook her head, "I was confused!"

Seiya chuckled, "Anyway now let's eat." he said, and with that another waiter gave the menu to both of them. "So what where you thinking before?" he asked, when the waiter left.

"I don't know... maybe.. something... weird..." Usagi said, when she said that she covered her face using the menu.

"Weird?" he asked,

"We did weird stuff... for the past few days remember-" she asked, then when Seiya got silence; she looked at him. "Seiya?"

He got a strange look on his face, "That's not me at all."

Oh no.. "Well do not worry.. nothing happen. You were after all protecting me..." she said, as she resumes looking at the menu.

"..yeah.. like I said I will protect you.. no matter what happens." Seiya said, then a waitress came to the table and poured wine into their glasses. When she left them, he looked at her. "So what shall we have to eat?"

"I was thinking maybe scallops? I haven't tasted those yet.." she said,

"Oh good choice. Scallop in the white wine and garlic sauce are good here." Seiya said,

"But I want to.. taste their lobster?" Usagi asked, still looking at the menu with a childish look on her face.

"Decisions. Decisions," he teased. "Did you even had dinner?" he asked,

Usagi blushed, "Nope.. I didn't... because you told me to wear a princess style clothes and you're going to take me out so I didn't.."

Seiya smirked, "Well go ahead and order what you want. I can pay for it... it's your birthday after all."

The next hour flew by and before they knew it, they were already walking out of the restaurant, hand in hand. The night was cold so Seiya took off his jacket and put it around Usagi's shoulders. "You knew it will be cold so why wear a spaghetti type dress?" he asked,

She didn't answer his question, instead she asked him one. "Seiya.. why did you drink the potion to erase your memories of me?" she asked, Seiya stopped walking and looked at her. "Or.. you don't remember that?"

Seiya took a deep breath, "I.. remember and I remember everything now..." he said, "though.. I wish.. I don't remember some of the things..." he said, truthfully while he looked at the moon, it was in a full circle.

"Like?"

"Your screams.. you.. with Chiba.. screaming with fear.. then with ecstasy.." Seiya squeeze her hand; "I hated hearing your voice when you started to succumb to his desires." he shook his head, "so I had no choice but to drink that potion.. I wasn't thinking straight-"

"PROVE THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF SEIYA!"

Seiya looked scared and she couldn't control herself. She wanted to ease that pain.

"PROVE THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF SEIYA!"

She lifted on her toes and slid her free hand on his chest and raised her mouth to his.

Seiya's lips met hers, his touch hesitant, as if he still wasn't sure he would want to kiss her when he just finished telling her about that incident that made him want to erase her in his life. But her smell, his feelings, her skin, his longing, her perfume, overwhelmed the both of them. He released her hand and slid his hands on her waist. He heard her groaned as she slid her arms around his neck. She parted her lips slightly and their breath mingled. She felt light-headed and unsteady on her feet.

"Damn.. I wanted to do this badly," he breathed. When he pulled away from the kiss but his hands tightened around her small waist

"Then.. kiss me many times tonight..." Usagi said, smiling. "It's my birthday after all." she added,

He smiled as he lifted the other hand to caress her cheek, and his mouth pressed hard against her. Her lips parted on their own accord and she tasted the tip of his tongue. Usagi was glad that he was holding her, because at that moment her knees felt weak. After a few minutes, they finally parted, breathless and panting, nothing seeming the same as it had been a moment before.

Usagi brought her fingertips to her lips, "Wow.." she murmured.

"Wow.." he repeated, as he took a step back from her. He seemed unsteady on his feet too.

Silence..

"Seiya-" "Tsukino-"

They stared at each other and laughed,

"You first." Seiya said,

"Can I have another request for my birthday?" she asked,

"Sure."

"Call me Odango once again." Usagi said, smiling. "Though.. I hope Akemi wouldn't mind." she said, then it hit her. She's not available and so is he. "I mean.. oh no.. Akemi.."

Seiya looked at her, "Sure.. Odango..." he said, then he looked down. "And there's something you have to know about Akemi." he murmured. Usagi blinked, "She's not really my fiance."

"MINAKO!"

Minako smiled, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY USAGI!" she said, she was running to hug her but halted when Usagi held up her hand. "Eh?"

"Seiya told me everything about Akemi! It wasn't true that Akemi was his fiance right?" she growled.

Minako gulped, "Oh.. so.. Seiya told you-"

"Why did you do that? Why did you have to trick me like that?" she sighed as she took a seat from Minako's sofa.

Minako sat beside her, "Well.. Why did I do that? Because.. we wanted to know if you truly like him."

"That was cruel..." Usagi said, teary eyed at Minako.

"Hey. You're the cruel one!" Minako said, then she bowed. "Forgive me for saying that on your birthday" she said, then she looked away and crossed her arms. "But yeah. The victim here is Seiya."

"Minako-"

"Because you can't be honest about your feelings... Seiya is suffering and so are other people!"

Usagi sighed, "Well no more. I am going to be honest now. Actually.. I told Mamoru that I want to break up with him."

Minako gasped, "Y-You did?" she screamed, "And what happen? so you're now free?"

Usagi shook her head, "No.. Mamoru didn't... accepted it."

"Bummer..." she said, Usagi nodded. "Anyway there's a celebration for you later... at the Hino's shrine so.. let's all meet there together alright?" she asked, clasping her hand. Then she felt something and looked at the finger. "Oh my! Where did you get this marvelous ring?"

Usagi blushed, "S-Seiya's birthday present."

"Wow...Stars and Moon huh?" she giggled. "Looks like the destiny is changing."

"Minako-"

"Relax. People change their lives to be with other people all the time..." Minako said, smiling.

"What?"

Minako took a deep breath, "What I am saying is.. Princess... you should not be scared of what's ahead of you. Though we have destiny, we have our own choices. And people.. change their lives.. and choose for themselves. I maybe a senshi... but I want you to be happy. So now that another year have added to your age.. isn't it about time to stand on your feet and start choosing the best thing for yourself?"

"Happy Birthday Usagi!"

It was approximately the twelfth time she'd heard the words, but it was really nice when they came from the people who knew her so well. The senshi made a small celebration about her birthday and gave her gifts that she could treasure forever.

"Are you happy Koneko-chan?" Haruka asked, while leaning towards her.

Usagi smiled, "Yes.. thanks..."

Haruka looked skeptical, "Are you okay?" she asked,

"Happy Birthday Usagi!"

It was Naru, her childhood best friend who entered the Hino's shrine with her now husband Umino. Umino has changed from dorky glasses to just simple glasses. Usagi smiled her best 'birthday smile' as she was hugged and kissed by her.

She took a sip of her drink, "Well go ahead and get something to eat." she said, Umino entered the room to join the celebration.

"By the way... nice ring." Haruka whispered. Usagi blushed, "Let me guess... Seiya?" she whispered again. Usagi blushed deeper. "Don't worry I won't tell anyone."

"Usagi.. he's here." Rei said, giggling. "He entered at the back door, can't you believe him?"

Usagi turned to look at Rei and saw Mamoru holding flowers. "Happy Birthday.. Usako.." he said, giving the roses to her. All the Senshi (minus Minako and Haruka) yelled, "chu! chu! chu! where's the kiss?" Mamoru leaned forward and tried to kiss Usagi on the lips but she turned her head away so his lips touched her cheek.

"Thanks..." she said, then she received the roses. "Go inside, there's a lot of food.." she murmured. Mamoru nodded and left Naru and Usagi at the entrance of the Hino's shrine.

"So tell me... He is Mamoru-san right?" Naru asked, Usagi nodded. "So why aren't you being idiot and grinning like crazy the moment you saw him?" she asked,

"It's a long story..."

"Odango.."

Her breath caught in her chest and she slowly turned to look up into his blue eyes. "S-Seiya.."

Seiya smiled a slow, lazy smile at her. "Happy Birthday again.." he said, giving her roses.

Naru gasped, "You know this guy?" she asked, "I mean personally?" she added. Of course everyone knows Seiya Kou the leader of the 'Three Lights.' Before she could ask a stupid question, the other three lights appeared behind Seiya.

"Happy Birthday Tsukino-san" Taiki said, smiling. "I didn't know it was your birthday until Seiya told us."

"Yeah.. fine. Happy Birthday." Yaten said, sighing.

"Usako, Rei told me-" Mamoru stopped seeing Seiya. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice rose up.

"Mamoru.. he is my guest." Usagi said, Naru blinked.

"Usako!" Mamoru growled,

Seiya smirked and took three steps towards Usagi, Then he leaned forward and kissed Usagi, taking his time to caress first her bottom lip and then her top. He nibbled on her lower lip, then plucked deliciously at it with his.

Mamoru eyes went dark. "CUT THAT OUT!"

Everyone heard some yelling at the entrance of the Shrine. They all look and gasped when Mamoru punched Seiya while Seiya fell beside Usagi. Taiki and Yaten helped him to stand up, as he wipe the blood on his lips.

"H-HOW DARE YOU KISS MY FIANCE IN FRONT ME!" Mamoru yelled.

Seiya narrowed his eyes, "It's just a birthday kiss-"

"GET OUT" Mamoru said, pointing at the gate.

Usagi was still in shock with the kiss but when Mamoru yelled to Seiya to get out, she glared at him.

"GET OUT!" Mamoru growled.

"Let's go Seiya." Yaten said, grabbing Seiya.

"Seiya-" Taiki whispered.

Seiya looked at Usagi who looked down. Seiya sighed and turned his back on them ready to leave.

"Don't leave Seiya."

All eyes on the princess, while her head still bowing.

"Usako.."

Usagi glared at him, "Like I said, He is my guest. This is my Birthday and we already broke up remember?" she said, looking at him.

Seiya eyes widen, while everyone gasped.