At The Beginning With You Chapter 12, a sailor moon fanfic

Chapter 12

As Usagi was on her way home someone suddenly bumped into her. She was taken aback when she saw who it was.

"Setsuna." she whispered.

Usagi immediately felt something hot building up in her chest, like she wanted to push Setsuna away and just resume walking. But she did notice how flustered Setsuna looked. Her eyes were red and her expression was depressing.

I don't care.

She started to walk until she felt Setsuna's hand on her wrist.

"Mamoru… He…" Setsuna's voice was breaking.

Usagi looked over and saw that there were indeed tears on her eyes. Did they break up? She doesn't really need to tell me, right?

"Look, it's not my business." Usagi replied with a cold voice, she shook her arm trying to free her from Setsuna's grip but the other held on tightly.

"He's in the hospital."

. . . . .

Usagi had to wait till the next day to visit Mamoru as it was already way past the visiting hours last night. He did break her heart but she could never erase the fact that he still was a friend and hearing that he was in the Hospital was something that came very urgent to Usagi.

The morning came, Usagi jumped out of her bed and immediately tidied herself to visit Mamoru in the hospital. The night when she bumped into Setsuna, she couldn't say anything that could comfort her. Usagi was only able to ask for the Hospital and nothing more. She randomly chose a light blue dress and slipped on her white sandals. She didn't bother to have breakfast either as she felt that she needed to see Mamoru as soon as she can.

Usagi took a cab and asked the driver to bring her at Juuban Medical Center. After getting the room number from the receptionist, Usagi agonizingly waited for the elevator door to open. She ran inside as soon as the doors slid open and pressed the number 4. Her nervousness was reflecting on her actions as she keeps tapping her foot and kept biting her fingernails. Before pushing the room's door open, Usagi collected herself. She smoothed the wrinkles on her skirt with her palm and tucked a few strands of her bangs away from her face.

She knocked a few times before hearing Mamoru's voice from the inside. "Come in."

She did see Mamoru a couple of days ago but this was the first in a very long time that Usagi took a good look at him. His skin was pale and the hollows of his cheeks were more visible. She could see how tired his eyes looked but he still managed to give her his usual friendly smile.

"Hi." Mamoru greeted and made a gesture for her to take the seat near his bed.
"Hi." Usagi replied. She slowly moved forward and sat at the chair Mamoru offered.

"I, I kinda bumped into Setsuna last night. So, here I am." Usagi tried to smile.

"It's been a while since we had a proper conversation, right Usagi? I missed you." Mamoru said.

"Is it something serious? Why you're here?" Usagi nervously asked. Fear was enveloping her heart especially when she saw Setsuna's frazzled face last night.

Mamoru chuckled, "Leukemia. I tried to fight it off and live a normal life but I knew that at some point it will exhaust my body and lead me back to this place."

"Oh God…" Usagi's heart dropped. Just thinking about the possible reasons last night gave her a nightmare but hearing the truth at this moment was worse. Usagi began to sob, she covered her face trying to conceal the tears that were coming out of her eyes.

"I guess you now know understand, why I couldn't return your feelings. I knew that once I gave into it, I will end up hurting you." Mamoru sighed.

"No, stop. It doesn't matter anymore. I'm sorry, I just wish that I had known!" Usagi cried.

"Believe me Usagi, I loved you in the best way that I could, by making sure that I see someone who can love you the way I couldn't. And I guess that you have already found him, right?" Mamoru said. Usagi knew that Mamoru was referring to Seiya and as much as she wanted to tell him 'No, he's an asshole', she kept her thoughts to herself as stressing him out is not an option at this point. If he sees it that way then it must be one of the things that has given him relief.

Yet, Usagi couldn't really agree with him so she answered back with "We're just friends."

"When I met Seiya, I thought that he was just another jerk who wanted to play around with girls and I was worried that he's trying to do the same thing to you. But little by little, I came to see who he is and it was all because of you." Mamoru said.

"It doesn't matter Mamoru, what matters to me is that you'll get well, that you'll leave this hospital soon." Usagi reached for Mamoru's hand.

"I'd like to see it that way but I know that it won't. My time is short, Usagi." Mamoru replied while covering Usagi's hand with his. Usagi sobbed again and he felt her tears dripping on his hand.

"I wanted to make sure that before I leave, I will find someone who can make you happy Usagi. You've given me so much happiness, more than I deserve, thank you for that. Now, I trust that Seiya can give you that happiness."

Usagi shook her head, "He's a celebrity and you probably know his reputation."

"Usagi, people change and what pushes them to change is because they have found a good reason to do so. You brought that change in him which is why I know that Seiya loves you."

How can you be this cruel? I just did the same realization last night that people can change but here you are telling it right to my face. Usagi smiled. She wiped her tears away as Mamoru cupped her face.

"Usagi, be happy. Okay?" Mamoru asked.

It took her a few seconds to respond, she sighed before replying "Okay."

"So – " Usagi sniffed, "How did you and Setsuna became an item?" she continued.

"You've probably guessed it since it is in her profession but yeah, I met her because I was in and out of the hospital. She was one of my personal nurses and we became friends. After a long time I came to realize that she had feelings for me and one day she confirmed it. I told her that I can't because of my health but she told me that she'd be the happiest, even for a short time, to have my final moments with her." Mamoru said.

"Did you love her?" Usagi asked.

He smiled, "Yes and I still do." Mamoru answered.

. . . . .

Usagi went home an hour after arriving at the hospital. She called up her best friend Minako and told her everything that has happened.

"Do you want me to come over?" Minako asked while talking to Usagi over the phone.

"I'm okay Mina but sure, I miss you!" Usagi replied.

Had it been a few days ago Usagi will no doubt refuse Minako's offer but today for some reason it seems like Usagi has slowly recovered from the gloominess that surrounded her. It's like a feeling of being renewed, a feeling of acceptance and a feeling of having able to move on. It's good that she had a talk with Mamoru, Usagi feels like she was able to catch a glimpse of the light although she was still hesitant of looking at it completely.

Just half an hour has passed after their phone conversation, Minako and Usagi met up at Crown's. Usagi told the whole story once again to Minako, about how she accidentally saw Setsuna, when she visited Mamoru and how pale he looked and of course their conversation.

"But you know, yesterday, I did my own realization." Usagi said while sipping her raspberry iced tea.

"Yeah? What was it about?" Minako asked.

"Somehow, I agree with what Mamoru told me, that people change because they find a good reason to do so. Do you remember how I thought that Seiya was such a despicable person?" Usagi asked.

Minako raised a brow, "Yes of course! You were begging me to switch seats with you, remember?" she laughed.

Usagi laughed along with her best friend. "Yes! You know at that time I couldn't stand even just a few minutes near him that's why it was really unexpected of me to…" she stopped.

"Like him?" Minako quipped.

"Not quite. Love him." Usagi admitted.

"And still do." Minako added which made Usagi blush.

"I understand how you felt about this Rei Hino thing especially that it came a day after… you know. But I think, if you do love Seiya don't you think you should hear what he has to say about it?" Minako said.

"I know but, you did read the articles about them right?" Usagi asked.

"Yes we did read some articles but it doesn't say any special relationship between them. It doesn't in fact say anything." Minako replied.

Usagi didn't answer.

"Oh, I need to go now. Do you mind? I am meeting up with Yaten in an hour." Minako said while checking the time on her wrist watch.

"No, of course. Go ahead." Usagi smiled.

"By the way, the Three Lights' concert is in two days. I am sure everyone will be glad to see you there." Minako said but she wasn't able to get any response from Usagi.

Minako sighed and stood, she stepped out of the booth ready to leave her best friend. Before leaving, she turned around once more to face Usagi.

"By the way, just this once, I have something that I agree with Mamoru. I too, do believe that Seiya loves you." Minako said as she left.

. . . . . . .

"Ah! I am so stoked! I'm sure tomorrow will be terrific!" Hiro stretched his legs and arms as he rested his back against the seat.

"Of course, let's do our best we worked hard for this." Taiki wiped the sweat that had built up on his forehead.

"Definitely. Hey, don't you dare miss the after party tomorrow evening Rei." Yaten said as he stood and walked away from the drums. He too, took a small towel and wiped his face.

"Of course! Hey Seiya, is this 'girl' you were telling me about going to the after party?" Rei asked a rather quiet Seiya.

Seiya placed the guitar down on its rack and moved to the leather sofa to relax his tensed body. "I hope but I'm not counting on it." Seiya gloomily replied.

Rei looked at Yaten then at Taiki, both men raised their shoulders.

"Okay, why don't we take a 15-minute break?" Hiro said to break the silence. He stood, took out his mobile phone to call someone then went to the conference room that was next to the band's practice room.

Seiya followed the same gesture, he stood and went outside to catch some fresh air. It was too stuffy and hot inside anyway.

"Hah." Seiya sighed. He wanted to talk to Usagi for so many days now but with how their last conversation ended he thought that Usagi may not be in the mood yet to see nor talk to him.

Just give me a chance to explain things, Odango. There's nothing you need to worry about.

"Seiya."

Rei followed him outside. She approached him cautiously as she doesn't want to appear too nosy at his affairs.

"Rei, sorry. Did Hiro ask you to call me?" Seiya smiled lazily, trying not to worry her.

"No. I came here just in case you needed someone to talk to." Rei smiled. "So, is everything alright? Weren't you excited to introduce this 'girl' to me?" she added.

"Yeah. Yeah, I was. But things got a little complicated lately." Seiya replied with a rather sad face.

"Maybe I can help you un-complicate it." Rei said as she nudged Seiya's shoulder.

Seiya chuckled. How do I explain this to her? "Actually, I don't think you can help me with it."

Rei raised her brow, "And why is that?" she asked.

Seiya took a deep breath, "She kinda saw me and you in the studio few days ago. She thinks that you and I… you know."

"WHAT?" Rei coughed while Seiya rolled his eyes and patted Rei's back.

"Don't sound too disgusted, Rei." Seiya frowned.

"Well who wouldn't? But I think it was quite normal for her to see it that way as we kept our connection private." Rei said.

"Yeah. That's why I'm really not expecting her to show up tomorrow." Seiya sighed again. "Sorry, but can you leave me for just a couple of minutes? I'll be back in the practice room soon." he added.

Rei nodded. "Yeah, sue. See you in a bit."

As Rei went back inside the practice room, she approached Taiki and Yaten who were reclining at the sofa. "Hey, I need your help with something." Rei whispered.

. . . . . . . . .

Don't be late, okay! See you later

It was the day of the Three Light's concert. Rei was inside a cozy coffee shop when she heard her phone beeped and saw that she received a text message from Yaten. The concert was at 7 in the evening and she agreed to be there by 6 but it was already 5 in the afternoon.

Of course. : )

Rei just pressed the send button when she saw a petite girl with golden pigtails with each a bun on top entered the shop. Usagi scanned the room as if her main intention was to meet up with someone than to buy a cup of coffee. As soon as Usagi's eyes met with hers, Rei offered a smile and waved at her. For an instant, Rei could see how Usagi's expression immediately changed as if she just saw something surprisingly terrible that afternoon.

Usagi approached Rei's table but her face was stern, she didn't bother to offer the brunette beauty even a tiny smile.

"I'm sorry. We haven't met but I'm a friend of… Yaten. He called me to meet him here. Did you come here with him?" Usagi asked with a raspy voice.

"No, but I asked Yaten to call you out for me. Please, have a seat Usagi." Rei smiled as her hand offered the seat across hers to Usagi. Usagi cocked a brow.

"You did? So, what do you want with me?" Usagi asked as she sat down.

Rei rested her elbows on the table as she leaned closer to Usagi.

"Usagi. I have a problem. Let's cut this short shall we? Because I am a pretty busy woman." Rei taunted.

"That will save time. Sure. I do have this urge to leave early anyway." Usagi replied as she crossed her arms.

Rei giggled, "Sorry, I don't mean to sound rash but I think we both know what my problem is because it concerns you. You do know that there is this one person between us."

"If you are talking about Seiya then you don't need to worry. You don't need to tell me to stay away from him because as far as I know I have done that for several days now. You know what? He's all yours and this talk isn't necessary at all. Besides, I think you're already late for the concert so I don't want to keep you here any longer and make myself look like the culprit for making you late – " Usagi stopped when she heard Rei's short reply.

"He's my brother." Rei smiled.

Usagi paused. She looked for any traces of deceit in Rei's eyes but all she found was genuineness. In fact, now that she was staring at it, Usagi saw the trace of familiarity in Rei's eyes. She should know as she had stared at something similar for the last few months, only that the hues were different but the shapes were exactly the same.

"Half. He's my half-brother. Seiya and I were supposed to do this project many years back. It was a romantic story which of course we both had to back out. We kept this detail in private to protect our families back then. We were born on the same year so I guess you understand what our father did." Rei explained while Usagi kept silent.

"I went with the last name Hino because Kou might spur the speculations we were avoiding." Rei added.

"I – I'm sorry." Usagi looked down with her cheeks flushed and eyes teary.

"Usagi," Rei reached for Usagi's hand and covered it with her palm. "Seiya loves you and I can see it."

"I don't know how to face him. I should have trusted him like what he wanted. I was just – just too depressed with the thought that my feelings were not strong enough to move him. Moreover, I wasn't confident in myself." Usagi said as tears slowly began to fall from her cerulean eyes.

"You can still make up for it." Rei said with a smile as Usagi looked at her in confusion.

. . . . . . .

It was 6:55 in the evening and the backstage were full of hardworking people running around to make sure that the concert will run just as planned. The Three Lights were ushered into a platform that will lift them up to the stage. The cheers were loud outside, Seiya, Yaten and Taiki were each given an earphone to help them hear their instruments and voices when they perform on stage.

"Alright, let's claim that this will be an awesome night! We all have worked hard for this so I wouldn't forgive anyone who screws this up!" Hiro said as he approached the trio.

"Don't worry Hiro, we'll give it all we can. Right, Taiki? Seiya?" Yaten beamed as he was too ecstatic to perform on stage once again after many months.

"Definitely!" Taiki smiled as he patted Hiro's shoulder.

"Yes, thank you for everything Hiro." Seiya added in as he gave a Hiro a hug.

"Fine, fine. Well you three will be doing an opening song first. Your song with Rei will come after it. Good luck!" Hiro smiled as he stepped back and watched as the platform began to rise.

"Sir, we need to have Ms. Hino up there in approximately 7 minutes." A crew told Hiro.

"Okay, I'll go fetch her in her dressing room." said Hiro.

As the three idols emerged on the stage, the frantic fans screamed even harder and chanted some of their popular songs. The Three Lights were first taken aback by the massive attendance of their concert even though the promotion period was quite short.

Minako, Ami and Makoto were all on the first row. Minako giggled when Yaten gave her a wink while Ami blushed and looked down when Taiki waved at her.

"Wow, seriously? I can already feel the discrimination here." Makoto rolled her eyes.

"Oh come on Makoto! Don't worry, Ami and I will devote our lives in finding the perfect Three Lights-inspired guy for you!" Minako quipped which made Ami laugh.

"Yeah-yeah." Makoto said but soon gave in and laughed along with her friends.

"Too bad Usagi isn't here." Ami said.

"Ah, that girl can be really stubborn at times." Minako sighed. "Ooh! Let's talk later, it's starting!" she added.

"Good evening everyone! Thank you all for attending this short notice concert. Yaten, Taiki and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the unwavering fans and for supporting us for many years. Let's start with something familiar shall we? If you do remember the lyrics of Nagareboshi he then I encourage you all to sing along with us!" Seiya began to strum his guitar, Taiki played notes on his keyboard then Yaten set the beat with the drums. Different lights circled the stage and soon the sought-after voices of the Three Lights began to fill the area.

As the song came to its conclusion, Seiya handed the guitar to a band back-up and carried his mic stand to the center of the stage. He made sure that the platform where Rei will soon come up is behind him as they planned an acting sequence once she's on stage.

"Yaten, Taiki and I took a short break from the limelight because we wanted to create something that we haven't done before. As you all know, we went back to school and tried our best to live like normal high school students. We were lucky as we got a taste of a normal life. We met new people who inspired us on creating a masterpiece that truly represents what I have personally gone through in the last few months. I wish… I wish that you will all find a reason to be inspired, to look forward to every single day, to be happy just seeing a special person's face. This is for you." Seiya said. The lights began to dim and soon the melody coming from Taiki's piano began to play.

Seiya felt the platform rose and he knew that it will soon reveal Rei Hino. What he failed to notice was how shocked Minako, Makoto and Ami's faces were when they saw who was on stage behind Seiya. Her golden hair was tied on its usual odango hairstyle, she wore a sapphire blue tube dress and a pair of silver glittery heels. Taiki who tried to compose himself while playing the piano couldn't help but smile when he saw who it was. Yaten on the other hand gave Minako a thumbs-up as he was able to help Rei fulfill her plan.

(Credit: Original Song and Lyrics from At The Beginning performed by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis)

Usagi:

We were strangers, starting out on a journey.

Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through.

Now here we are and I'm suddenly standing.

At the beginning with you.

Seiya knew that voice. He couldn't believe it so he immediately turned around and saw that it was indeed Usagi. He felt his heart fluttered like it was finally set free from the torment it was caged from for several days. She was smiling and so was he, he knew from that point on that there's nothing else he would want but to see Usagi's smile every waking day.

Seiya:

No one told me I was going to find you.

Unexpected, what you did to my heart.

When I lost hope, you were there to remind me.

While singing his lines, he went to Usagi's side and took her hand. He guided her to walk to the center of the stage. Usagi felt overwhelmed by the number of people watching her, them. But she pushed those worries away as she wanted to do this right for Seiya.

Seiya and Usagi:

This is the start.

And life is a road that I wanna keep going.
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing.
Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey.
I'll be there when the world stops turning.
I'll be there when the storm is through.
In the end I wanna be standing.
At the beginning with you.

Usagi:

We were strangers, on a crazy adventure.

Seiya:

Never dreaming, how our dreams would come true.

Seiya and Usagi:

Now here we stand, unafraid of the future,
at the beginning with you.

Knew there was somebody, somewhere

A new love in the dark.

Now I know that dream will live on.

I've been waiting so long.

Nothing's gonna tear us apart.

Seiya soon rested his forehead against Usagi's as they sang the last line of the song. Usagi tearfully smiled at Seiya as she placed a hand on his chest, near Seiya's heart.

Seiya and Usagi:

In the end I want to be standing at the beginning with you.

Everyone was clapping as the song ended. Seiya couldn't resist, he pulled Usagi into a tight embrace as more cheers (and a few *what the hell! and what the fuck* were drowned in the noise) were offered to the Three Lights and to Usagi.

Usagi hugged Seiya back as she whispered to his ear, "I'm sorry. I should have trusted you."

Seiya pulled back, he smiled and shook his head. He held the microphone as he began to spoke.

"Everyone, I couldn't take all the credit for making this beautiful song. The truth is that this girl, Usagi, helped me create it. However, she didn't know that she didn't only help me, she inspired me. It took me a long time to find a reason to be genuinely happy, inspired and of course, believe in love. That's why, Usagi, if you'll allow it, I want to keep you as my reason. I'm sorry if I never told you verbally, but know that you had been the reason for me to look forward to each day. It's been dreadful without you. I love you, Usagi."

Squeals and claps filled the area as Seiya kissed the back of Usagi's hand. Tears streamed out of Seiya's eyes but his gentle smile remained.

Usagi bursted into tears as she jumped and hugged Seiya tightly.

"Of course, of course!" Usagi sobbed. Seiya wrapped his arms around Usagi's waist as the joy in their hearts filled their little world as if nobody was around. And when they kissed, Taiki took it as the cue to play the song again.

Minako was crying too, her best friend's joy was her own. She, Makoto and Ami hugged each other as they looked at how blissful Usagi was at that moment.

The concert has already ended and thankfully it was a huge success. Hiro wanted to celebrate by going out with the whole team but he couldn't get Seiya to get out of his dressing room as he was too busy locked up alone with Usagi inside.

Seiya kissed Usagi like he was too frantic, like he had been eagerly waiting for it for years. He sat Usagi on a table as he placed himself in between her straddle.

"I'm sorry, I missed you so much. I love you." Seiya said in between kisses as he started to unzip Usagi's dress at the back.

"No! I mean, I love you but we can't! Not here! There's a lot of people outside!" Usagi breathlessly replied but she couldn't hide the fact that her body is needing the same warmth as Seiya.

"Who cares about them?!" Seiya rebutted as he continued to discard their clothing.

Beside Seiya's dressing room was Taiki's. Him, Yaten and the three girls congregated inside hoping that they could celebrate the success of the concert with the Seiya and Usagi.

"However, they seem really busy in the other room." Taiki rolled his eyes.

"Should I tell them that these walls are pretty thin?" Ami blushed.

Nobody answered as the oohs and aahs coming from Seiya's dressing room grew louder.

"Let them be for now, they should know how badly we'll tease them after." Yaten rolled his eyes as everyone laughed along his statement.

-The End-

AU: Holy potato I am done! Thank you all for reading my story. It is quite short, I must admit but I devoted a lot of time on each and every chapter. I hope that you all have enjoyed it! And yes, Seiya and Usagi got a lot of teasing from their friends after their 'reunion thing'. Thank you all again! : )