AN: Most of you probably think that this is a break- up story, right? Well, think again. It *is* set in the ‘R’ season (I guess…), but you kinda have to take this song into a different view. Of course, the song ‘Hopelessly Devoted (To You)’ belongs to Olivia Newton-John, and whoever else may own it. Insert Standard Disclaimer (I don’t feel like being artistic, okay? Just know that I’m always open to a bid on *the* Mamo-chan.) ‘Hopelessly Devoted (To You)’ Rated: PG Lelu E-mail: ETLCHSIEH@Aol.com ~ This smile, is not the first heart broken… My eyes are not the first to cry…~ Tears rolled down her cheeks, as she flung herself onto her bed. She just couldn’t get over it. The shock… Of him not remembering her. ‘How could he just forget me…? True love,’ she thought, as she sobbed, ‘is not meant to be forgotten…It shouldn’t be. ‘I shouldn’t be like this. I should have the feeling of his arms wrapped around me again…the feelings of pure bliss and happiness… ‘I don’t want to go on living like this…What would be the point of living…without him…?’ The door to her room opened. “Usagi-chan,” the black lunar cat said, “Onegai… don’t cry anymore…” The only answer Luna received was more sobbing. “Usagi…I can’t stand to see you like this…Onegai…stop crying.” She sat up, and faced the cat. “You tell me to not cry?” she said icily. “How can you tell me to stop crying?” The scalding sarcastic words fell easily off her tongue. “If you had lost the love of your life- or, in this case, if he had forgotten you- what would you do? Wouldn’t you cry? Or are you,” she spat venomously, “not capable of loving?” Luna froze. Her breathing became shallow, until she looked like she wasn’t breathing at all. It was then that Usagi realized the harshness of her words. “Luna!” She cried. “Luna, I didn’t mean it! Gomen! Gomen! I only said it because…” “Usagi,” the cat said, as she stiffly turned around to exit the room, “Don’t take your anger out on me. And until you’re ready to grow up… “Don’t speak to me.” Usagi gasped. That had stung…but then again…she was sure that her words to Luna had stung much more. She couldn’t help it. She had become such a moody person, ever since that fateful day… When she found out that *he* did not even know who she was. ~ I’m not the first to know… That there’s just no getting over you…~ ***Flashback*** She saw him walking down the streets of Tokyo, and beamed. ‘Mamo-chan!’ Was what her head had screamed. ‘My lover,’ was the subdued thought that her heart had sent to her. ‘It’s been so long…I’ve missed you.’ Not even thinking, she crossed the busy street, and ran to catch up to him. Without knowing it, she had already caught his attention, when he had first spotted her across the street. ‘What a beautiful girl…She seems too heavenly to be here…She seems like a goddess…’ But he had quickly shook his head, and returned to the book he held in his hand. ‘I need to concentrate! The big history exam is tomorrow.’ And with that last thought, and last look at the enchantingly beautiful girl, he went back to the book. Usagi was now right in front of him, waiting for him to stop walking, and to look up. When he finally noticed the feeling of someone’s eyes boring into him, he abruptly shut the book and looked up. That was her cue. She stepped forward, and gave him a delicate hug, while whispering into his ear, “Mamo-chan…I’ve missed you...” And then she kissed him… Putting in 1000 years worth of passion into it. And he responded. They stood a good 3 minutes on the crowded sidewalk street, kissing- without even coming up for breath. Now understand, patient reader, that it was not everyday that a breathtakingly beautiful girl came up to Mamoru and kissed him…with so much vigor… With so much love… But…he was comfortable with this kiss. It felt familiar. In the back of his brain- or perhaps, his heart- he felt strings pulling at him… ‘Why does this feel…so right?’ But quickly, his brain intercepted. ‘Mamoru…something definitely isn’t right here…You don’t know the girl, and here you are, in the middle of a crowded street, kissing her like there was no tomorrow…’ And so he did what any reasonable person would do, if this was the situation that they were in. He pushed her roughly away from him….Although it hurt him to do so. Usagi gasped. “Mamo…Mamo-chan…?” He gulped audibly. She was hurt…’All because of you, baka!’ Although he was still stunned, he had some questions for her. “Excuse me, miss, demo…is it everyday that you walk up to innocent strangers on the street…” She paled. ‘Strangers…? What kind of joke is he playing?’ “And kiss them? And why are you calling me ‘Mamo-chan?’ I don’t even know you, and you have already given me such an intimate nickname…?” ‘I don’t even know you…’ ‘I don’t even know you…’ ‘I don’t even know you…’ Those words played around in her mind at, what must have been, a hundred miles per hour. What did he mean by that? Softly, she asked, “Mamo-chan, what kind of joke is this…?” Her eyes filled with tears. “Why are you hurting me like this…?” Usagi’s sky-blue eyes bravely, but painstakingly, stared directly into his. “Have you already rejected me…again…for another?” He narrowed cerulean eyes. “Miss, I don’t even know your name-” “My name,” she interrupted, “is Tsukino Usagi…” ‘Or,’ she thought, ‘what was once Usa-ko to you…’ “And you’re already accusing me,” he continued, “of vile things that I haven’t done“ “Demo… Mamo-chan,” she whispered, watching his eyes harden-and soften at the same time, “What I’m saying…is true… “Don’t you remember me…? Honestly, you don’t? You don’t remember Beryl, or the rest of the senshi…? She saw confusion cloud the eyes that she loved so much. “Demo… most importantly…you don’t….you don’t remember…” She couldn’t help it. She began to cry. She cried for her lost kingdom. She cried for the tumultuous emotions that were pent- up inside of her at the moment. But most importantly…she cried for her lost love… For her lost lover. Now, Mamoru could figure out that something was wrong. What he couldn’t figure out was what to do with the weeping figure in front of him. ‘Angels aren’t meant to cry.’ That was the first thought that had run through his mind when she has began to sob. And so he did what any other person in this (odd) situation would do. (Seems like he’s been in a lot of weird situations lately, ne?) He held her close, and began to stroke her head, trying to comfort her in any way he could. ~ In long, I’m just a fool, Fools will end… To sit around and wait for you… ~ She stiffened in his embrace…but slowly melted into it… She had wanted to be in his arms again for so long… And now that her wish was finally fulfilled… She was crying. There were many things wrong with this picture. “Tsukino-san-” the deep voice said above her. “You may call me Usagi.” Blushing, he tried again. “Usagi-san… What is the last thing… that I don’t remember?” She couldn’t help it. She just couldn’t stop crying. And those last words had made her cry even harder. But she tried to make the thoughts in her head form. “Mamoru…You don’t remember m-“ “Usagi!” Natsumi’s annoying high-pitched voice cut through their intimate conversation. “Usagi-chan! Hold onto that boy for me!” Mamoru raised his worried gaze from the blond deity in his arms, and his gaze fell onto the other girl… She was pretty, but…there was something not right about her… Something about her karma was off. Usagi shook in his arms. “Mamo-chan,” she whispered, trying to move her mouth as little as possible, while watching Natsumi dodge cars, left and right, “Run!” He looked down at her. “Demo, Usagi-san-“ “Usagi-chan.” She automatically corrected, while blushing, not daring to look up at him, He grinned above her. “Usagi-chan, I thought you wanted to speak to me…?” Natsumi was getting closer now. “Later, Mamo-chan. Now run!” She gave him a tiny shove. Looking at the redhead, and then back at the blond, he made his decision: He ran. But not before calling over his shoulder, “This conversation isn’t finished yet, Usagi-chan!” And one second later, Natsumi appeared right behind her. “Awww, Usagi,” she whined, “Why did you let the hot guy go?” ~ Baby, can’t you see, there’s nothing else for me to do… I’m hopelessly devoted to you …~ Two weeks later found Usagi in her room, pensively thinking about her current situation. Natsumi was making advanced towards Mamo-chan now, and- god help her- she couldn’t do anything about it. Their love, which had endured for so long, was slowly being diminished by a vicious red-haired vixen. Any time Usagi would find Mamoru alone, and try to talk to him, Natsumi wasn’t far behind- therefore, Usagi still hadn’t had a chance to talk to him. But she needed to. She and Luna had made up a week after the fight, and now they were back to their old routine. Usagi had cornered Luna into listening to her. ***Flashback*** Luna walked home, her head hung dangerously low from her feet. ‘Usagi is in a great deal of pain…demo that was no excuse for what she had said to me…And besides…I can love… ‘Artemis…’ She blushed furiously. ‘I don’t know why that baka’s name came into my mind! He has nothing to do with this! Besides…I’m trying to focus on Usagi-chan… ‘I can always give the rest of the girls their memory back…Then, at least, Usagi won’t be so lonely anymore…The girls look lonely, too…They each know, somehow, that something is missing in their lives-‘ And then suddenly, Luna felt herself being lifted into the air. She hissed. And was met by a large pair of blue eyes. The owner of the blue eyes crushed the kitty to her chest. And then pulled her back. “Luna-neko-chan,” Usagi said, “Gomen ne. You didn’t deserve what I said before.” Luna merely blinked and turned her small head to the side. She wanted to make Usagi beg a little. “Gomen, Luna, gomen! I was very wrong! Onegai… accept my apologies! “I know that it’s not your fault that Mamo-chan doesn’t remember me! I just needed someone to…” Luna stared at her. ‘Damn cat,’ Usagi thought. She’s really going to make it hard for me. “…to take my anger out on. And you just happened to be there. I know that you were only trying to cheer me up…Gomen, Luna!” “I forgive you.” Usagi looked at her for a minute, and then gave her another hug. Luna felt like her eyes were going to pop out. “Thank you, Luna. And Luna? I really am sorry for saying such a horrible thing.” A wicked look. “We all know that you love Artemis, anyway!” “NANI?!” Usagi dropped the cat, and ran as though there was no tomorrow. Pedestrians would wonder why such a beautiful girl was running like hell…until they noticed the crazed cat chasing after her. **End Flashback** Luna had also re-awakened the rest of the Sailor Senshi, and Usagi was very happy about that. At least she had her best friends back. What she really wanted, though, was still unattainable… At least, for the moment. ‘Luna told me that Mamo-chan needed to remember on his own…But…’ her eyes filled with tears. ‘What if he falls for Natsumi? What if he never remembers? What if…’ The last thought shook her to the core. ‘What if… he remembered… but didn’t want… me to know…? She shook her head. ‘Baka no Usagi. You’re so paranoid! Of course Mamo-chan would want to remember! Of course he would tell me! Our love has endured for so long! Why *wouldn’t* he want to remember? ‘Because you’re a childish little odango-head, with no brains and grace. ‘Because you’re a klutz, who isn’t worth anything. ‘Because he could have any other woman he wanted. ‘Because- “Matte!” She cried. “Stop it!! Make it stop!” She covered her ears with her hands, and sank to the floor, weeping quietly. And then, with renewed determination, she wiped the tears off. “No more tears, Usagi,” she vowed. “You’ve wasted enough time. You need to come up with a plan…To win back Mamo-chan, his memories, and his love.” And with determined eyes, she began to plot. ~ But now, there’s no where to hide, Since you pushed my love aside… I’m out of my head… ~ “Seijuurou, thank you for the flowers! They’re so lovely!” Usagi was truly delighted with the beautiful red roses. Only one problem; They reminded her so much of her Mamo-chan…Who she desperately needed to win back. But, on the other hand…What girl could resist a bouquet of deep red roses? Not Usagi! “I’ll take these home right away, and put them in a vase.” She reached out and gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek. “Arigatou, Seijuurou! You’ve made my day!” And then, she walked off, smelling her roses. Seijuurou smiled. ‘You’re welcome, Usagi- chan…One day, I will win you.’ However, the two didn’t notice that they had a watcher. *Two* watchers, in fact. Natsumi was hidden in the shadows of a building, and had watched as Seijuurou handed the damn bunny the flowers. ‘Ail, you never did that for me!’ Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. ‘What’s going on here?’ And then, her anger enflamed even more as she watched Usagi reach up and kiss him. ‘How dare she!’ She clenched her fists. ‘Ail, you have some explaining to do.’ And then she thrust her fist into the wall, leaving a dent in the brick building. Her hand didn’t even hurt. ‘Usagi…you’d better watch what you’re doing. I’ll be watching you.’ The second watcher had tears in his eyes. ‘Usagi- chan…? I thought that…that…’ Mamoru roughly wiped the tears from his eyes. ‘Iie…I won’t get so worked up…about a girl that I barely know… ‘Who cares,’ his heart said, ‘that she threw herself into your arms? And fit so perfectly? ‘Who cares if she kissed you so passionately, and sent your world turning? ‘Who cares that you have the feeling that you’ve known her forever? ‘Who cares…if you think…that you’re meant to be with her…’ ~ Hopelessly devoted to you….~ ‘But,’ his mind argued, ‘this is insane! You don’t know her! You’ve never seen her before- ‘Yes, he has,’ his heart broke in. ‘He’s known her…for a very. long. time.’ Mamoru shook his head. “I’m arguing with myself,” he muttered. And then, “Oh my god. I’m talking to myself, too!” He looked at the direction into which Usagi had walked off to. ‘We never did finish that conversation we had before…’ And so he ran off to find her, brushing past Seijuurou, who watched Mamoru run off in the direction his Usagi had. ‘Mamoru,’ he thought, You’d better watch out. ‘I’m going to win Usagi… ‘And her love.’ ~ Hopelessly devoted to you…~ “Usagi-chan! Usagi-chan, matte!” Usagi stopped in her tracks, as she heard His voice call out her name. She cringed. ‘*Usagi-chan*?! Such a far cry from what you used to call me.’ Pasting on a smile, she turned around, and was created with a wonderful sight. Although he was panting slightly, he still looked as beautiful as ever. You couldn’t call many men beautiful, but Mamoru definitely was. (*sighs* Ooooh, yeah.) His hair was slightly tousled from the wind, and from his run. His lips…Oh, Kami-sama…They were so kissable… And his eyes…those beautiful indigo orbs that she had become entranced with…when she first met him as the princess, and he as the prince…- they were focused on her so intently… as if reading into her very soul. She turned her head away to blink back the tears. When she felt them totally recede, she looked back up at him. “Konnichi’wa, Mamo-…Mamoru-san. Daijabou?” “Daijabou. Doushite?” Although he did not show it, Mamoru was surprised…’No more Mamo-chan?’ She blushed. “Watashi (I)…just wondered. You weren’t looking very good a couple minutes ago…” He gave her a ‘look’. “Well, Usagi-chan, considering that I just ran 10 blocks…” She blushed again. “Mamoru-san, was there a reason as to why you…uh…ran after me?” He gave her a quirky smile. “Actually, Usagi-chan, hai. And, by the way…those are some lovely flowers you are holding.” He made a gesture towards the roses, and tried to appear nonchalant, when he was really very jealous. “Who gave them to you?” She hid the roses behind her, and looked down as she answered, “Oh…just some sempai who has a crush on me…” And then, just to make him a *little* jealous… “Demo, that’s not anything new.” She swore that she could see steam coming out of his ears. “Doushite, Mamoru-san?” ‘Cool yourself down, Mamoru! You can’t show Usagi how much you really like her…that would just be too odd…’ ‘Well, her attacking you in the middle of the street was kind of odd, too…’ ‘But you enjoyed it, didn’t you?’ Sighing, he answered her question. “No reason…I was curious. That’s all- I mean, why else would anyway give such a pretty girl roses?” And he gave her a smile. She looked at him curiously. “If you say so, Mamoru…” ‘Pretty girl…?’ It was killing her inside… Calling him ‘Mamoru’ wasn’t right to her… It was like saying that cows could give birth to baby chickens. Just. Not. Right. And then she realized what he had said earlier. There was a reason as to why he wanted to speak to her…. The jealous streak. The gentle teasing. The little compliments… ‘Perhaps,’ Usagi thought, as her heart rate sped up, ‘he’s gaining back his memory? Oh, Mamo-chan! Are you coming back to me?’ ~ Hopelessly devoted to you…~ “Mamoru-san,” she whispered, noticing him coming closer to her, “are you finally starting to remember?” He looked at her funnily. “Remember what?” he asked, confusion in his voice. She sighed, disappointed. “Never mind, Mamoru- san…It was nothing important.” She turned to leave. A gentle tug at her wrist, and she turned around, nearly in his embrace. “Usagi-chan,” he whispered, “Why are you always leaving me…?” ‘Why are you always leaving me?’ ‘Why are *you* always… leaving… *me*….?’ Her eyes flashed. “Iie, Mamoru-san. It is *you* who has left me.” She saw the look of hurt in his eyes. She turned her head away, defeated. “Gomen, Mamoru. I…I must go.” “Usagi …don’t leave me…please?” ~ My head is saying, fool forget him… My heart is saying, ‘Don’t let go… Hold on ‘til the end,’ That’s what I intend to do…~ Sighing, she turned around. ‘I never could leave him when he needed me…’ And then she gave a wistful smile as she thought back to the happier times on the moon… **Flashback** She quietly stole away in the night, and transported down onto the earth… Where her love was. And she arrived, bathed in pure white light, in his bedroom, watching him sleep so peacefully. Her eyes grew soft and tender, as she watched the wind stir through his bangs… And without a second thought, she reached out one slender hand, to brush the bangs aside. Her breath froze as she watched him stir. ‘I didn’t mean to wake him…’ But it was too late. His eyes- the beautiful blue color that she loved so much- opened, and drowsily focused on her. And then, all of a sudden, he was awake and at her side. “Serenity,” he whispered in-between the kisses he gave her, “What are you doing here?” She pouted in his arms. “Endymion…it seems almost as though you don’t want me here…” His eyes grew large at the statement. “Of course not, Serenity,” he breathed. “I’m always happy to see you… “Every chance that I get to see you…is like heaven. “I feel so happy and calm when you’re with me… “I love you.” Tears of joy filled her eyes. “I love you too, Endymion…a hundred times more than I could ever explain… “All I feel is joy when I am around you… “You are my other half…I love you.” Her response was the in-drawn breath that he took, and a gentle kiss on her forehead. Sorrowfully, she added, “But I can’t stay much longer…The senshi will probably figure out that I have stolen away…it takes a bit of energy to come see you, you know.” “Serenity…” She looked up at him. “Stay with me…” “Of course, Endymion…” “Forever…?” She looked dazedly at him. “Marry me, Serenity?” His blue eyes shown with love. “Be with me forever? If you say yes…I’ll make you happier than any other person ever could…” “Endymion,” she cried, “I’m happiest just being with you. Of course I’ll marry you!” And she leaned up to kiss him…and the moon bathed them in a silvery light. Queen Serenity smiled. ‘Be happy…’ **End Flashback** Mamoru was jealous again. What thoughts were making her look so happy? *Who* was in her thoughts that was making her happy? He could feel the amount of happiness she was radiating…It was so obvious. Usagi was in love. His heart tightened in his chest. It couldn’t be… The angel in him embrace…was taken? But…he loved her. He had only known her for a week, but inside…he knew that he had known her for so much longer. And this….’Do you remember?’ It was obvious that she had known him, somehow, from before… So what was preventing him from remembering? ~ Hopelessly devoted to you…~ Gently, he shook her. “Usagi…? Usagi-chan…” She blinked once or twice, before settling on his face. “Endymion…” And then she reached up, drunk from her memory, to kiss him. He had known that this was going to happen. And this time, he was prepared. Just when her lips were going to meet his… He put a finger on her lips. Her eyes opened. “Usagi-chan…I don’t want to be the second person in your life…” Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want to be someone else for you…I don’t want you to see me as someone else in your head.” She slowly lowered herself down, and looked away. ‘Why can’t you be strong for him? Every time you meet him, you’re always reduced to tears. Just walk away now.’ “Gomen, Mamoru-san…It…” She held back a sob that was building in her throat. “It won’t happen again.” And then, slowly, she removed herself from his embrace… Away from his heat… Away from his love… And began to walk away. “Usagi…” An arm made its way around her waist, preventing her from walking any further. She sighed and gave up, leaning against his hard stomach. He bent his head down, positioning his mouth next to her ear. “Usagi, you have misunderstood.” Her breath caught in her lungs. “I want to come first.” He gently squeezed her stomach. “I want to be the one that you love. “I know that this comes suddenly, Usagi, but I think…” He shook his head, and Usagi felt his hair brush against her face. “I know…Usagi…forgive me, but…Aishiteru.” ~ But now, there’s nowhere to hide, Since you pushed my love aside, I’m out of my head…~ Her world spun… Not to mention her mind. ‘Forgive me, but…Aishiteru…’ ‘Forgive me, but…Aishiteru…’ Tears began to form in her eyes… Mamoru noticed them, and leaned forward, and kissed them away. She giggled, seeing the absurdity of the situation. ‘He loves me…and he doesn’t even remember the past…our past…Then this must mean that… ‘He’s always loved me…even before we found out about our secret identities… ‘He loves me…for me. ‘For who I am… ‘For what I am.’ And she took a deep shuddering breath. “Princess,” he whispered, noticing her back straighten, “are you that sad because of what I have said?” ‘Princess…? Oh, Mamo-chan…So close…and yet so far…’ “Mamoru-san…of course not…How could I be sad, when such a wonderful person has said the words you just have…?” ~ Hopelessly devoted to you…~ “Mo…mo aishiteru… (I love you, also), Mamoru-“ “Usagi…” he interrupted, giving her a smile, “What happened to ‘Mamo-chan’? She laughed. “I thought that…you would feel uncomfortable if I called you that…” “I don’t. I like it. Please…” She looked up into his eyes, and let herself be turned around, so her eyes could gaze directly into his. “Aishiteru…Mamo-chan.” And her hands wove themselves around his neck… And she felt him take a deep breath…before craning his neck to meet her lips. The roses (do we remember them?) dropped to the ground, forgotten… And the red petals…the color for passionate love…spiraled around them…and then flew off into the air. ~ Hopelessly devoted to you…~ He felt her lips press against his once again. And slowly, they began to kiss… Her lips were full and smooth against his, and he pressed on them, wanting more… ‘This feels so familiar…’ **Flashback** He was dressed oddly, in a cape and mask, and was observing a fight scene. And then he saw Kunzite aim the energy blasts toward Sailormoon. "I will protect her,” he thinks. "This time, I will." Tuxedo Kamen jumps up in front of her... And takes the blow meant for her. ‘Usa-ko…’ He falls back…only to be caught by her arms. **End Flashback** They were still kissing, and now her mouth had parted, to allow him access… **Flashback** Silvery laughter echoed throughout the Earthenian gardens. “Endymion,” she teased, “ If we play hide-and-go- seek, I’ll bet that you can’t find me!” He merely laughed at her childish antics. She turned away, arms folded over her chest. “Endy…if you don’t want to play…just say so.” He immediately stopped laughing, knowing that he had hurt her feelings, and walked over to her, enveloping her in a hug. She refused to look at him, still angry. “Love…don’t ever change.” A small smile was pulling at her lips. “This,” he gestured towards her, “is why I love you so much…” She looked at him. “What…? What do you love so much about me?” He chuckled. “I already told you yesterday. Do I have to again?” “If you want a kiss you will,” she retorted. “Yes,” he whispered, leaning in closer to her, “but I think you’ll give me one anyway.” **End Flashback** He broke off the kiss, looking into her slightly flushed face… Her glassy eyes… Her swollen lips… “Usa-ko,” he whispered, watching her eyes immediately clear. She didn’t dare to hope. “Sailormoon… “My Serenity…” Eyes wide, she looked into his. “Usa-ko… “I remember now.” She uttered a cry of joy, and flung herself back into his arms. “Mamo-chan…” she began to cry. “Oh, Mamo- chan… “Tuxedo Kamen… “My Endymion… “I’ve missed you so.” And she stood patiently as he rained kisses on her forehead, her hair, her eyes, her nose… And then, just before he reached her lips… “Usa-ko…Arigatou…for being so patient with me…and for wanting to take me back.” “Mamo-chan,” she said, tears running down her face, “How could I not want you back?” And then they kissed happily. Their hearts were once again full… They were complete… And with each other. ~ Hopelessly devoted to you…~ Fin ‘Hopelessly Devoted (To You)’ AN: ::giggles:: Another story finished! Only took me 2 days to write- aren’t you proud? ::sees crowd of nonchalant people:: O-o-okay then! Heh…-_-;; Please remember to write me- and a big thank you to everyone who has e-mailed me about R in NY. You guys are my ‘encouragement’ group! I love you all! Lelu