One

She was sleeping. She hadn't been sleeping well the past few days, keeping him up with nightmares she couldn't recall upon waking. His alarm went off and he rolled over, pulled her into his arms. Pressed a kiss against her neck. Murmured "I love you" into her silver blonde hair. How it smelled like moonlight still baffled him, even after all these years.

She ignored him. She was still hurt and still angry. She feigned sleep.

He murmured those three little words once again and she finally responded with a grunt.

With a sigh he pulled himself up from the bed to get ready. He returned some time later, announcing that the lights were coming on. She grunted again in response.

The lights came on violently and she turned over in his bed. She heard him sigh in defeat, shuffle around some clothing. Then, silence.

With a great deal of effort she turned over in bed to face him, opening one bleary eye. All anger melted away when she saw the look on his face.

"You still love me, right?" He asked when their eyes made contact.

She nodded in response. He still sat there in silence.

"Come here," her voice was soft, gentle.

He trudged over, tail between his legs. He knelt next to the bed and rested his head on her chest, sad and ashamed.

"Do you want to talk?"

"Kinda."

"Talk."

"I'm sad too," he whispered.

"I know," she whispered back.

"I'm really sorry, Usako."

She brushed a hand over his cheek, over his head, settled it on his neck, thumb rubbing behind his ear, "I know you are."

"I promise you I didn't sleep with her. I love you too much. I wouldn't do that."

"But you brought her back to your apartment." A tear slipped out.

"I know. And that is unforgivable," he bowed his head in shame.

They passed a few moments in silence. She continued to rub his neck. He wronged her in a terrible way, but she still couldn't stand seeing him in so much pain. It made her feel guilty. He turned his head, pressed his cheek against her hand. She could feel his desperation in the movement.

"You're human."

A dry, humourless chuckle, "I don't want to be."

"You see her every day, you were drinking, you haven't seen me in a long time, and you were unhappy." Reasons, not excuses.

"I should have told you. I shouldn't have let things go so far…I just kept thinking everything would snap back to the way before and it would all be okay."

Yes. He should have told her.

Silent tears made their way out as they continued to share each other's pain. How could she still treat him with such tenderness?

"I'm sorry I made you so sad."

He frowned at her and closed his eyes, shook his head. He didn't like her apologizing for his mistake, but she couldn't help it.

"I don't love you any less, Mamoru. I just don't trust you any more," her voice broke but she was determined not to cry.

He nodded his head. She couldn't even say his name anymore, reverting back to formalities, "I understand."

A brief, sweet kiss and he was gone.

Thank you for reading this story! After reading Sailor Moon fanfics for over 15 years, I finally decided to try my hand at writing. All feedback welcome!