IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR (PLEASE READ):

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! As we come to an end, this chapter is written from both Usagi's and Mamoru's points of view. You will notice the change between the two when you see (^.^) for Usagi and -;- for Mamoru. I appreciate all of you sticking with me through this story. I am thankful for each of you.

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Crossroads in Life

Written by Princess Kayla

Inspired by Naoko Takeuchi's "Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon"

Chapter Twenty

Views from a Rabbit and a Rose

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. . . . (^.^) . . . .

"The walls crumbled around her, and instead of feeling powerless and vulnerable, she found shelter in his arms. She attempted to steady her breathing as she laid her back against his chest. His breath was warm as he rested his face in her hair. Was this real? After all this time, had they finally arrived at this point?

"Needing to see his eyes, she slowly turned to face him. He was beautiful, even with his tear-stained face. Seeing him made all her insecurities leave her. Finally, she spoke the truth she had long denied. In a whisper, the declaration came, 'And I am the woman who loves you...for all that you were, are and will be.'"

After I shut my book, the crowd applauded. "Thank you, Ms. Tsukino, that was beautiful. I'm sure all of us can't wait to read the rest of your book, 'Crossroads in Life'," the bookstore owner announced, "Ms. Tsukino will be signing books now, so please line up over here."

"Thank you, everyone. I appreciate you all coming here today. I hope you enjoy my book," I smiled and took my seat at a desk, ready to sign my name. It was hard to believe that my book was finally published, and people actually liked it. Even though I changed the names, it was pretty much my life put into words, and those words seemed to touch people's hearts.

I signed each copy presented before me with a humble spirit; my dream to be an author had come true. "Who should I make this out too?" I asked as I opened the book set before me.

"My name is actually already written there." A hand reached out and turned the page to the book's dedication. I followed the arm up and my mouth dropped open to speak, but the man put his finger over his lips to quiet me as he tipped his sunglasses down to wink at me. "Meet me in the back after..." he said, took his copy and walked away.

I hurried through the rest of the signing, said my final 'thank you' and went to the back of the bookstore. "Over here," a voice called out quietly. Glancing around, I walked over to the secluded history section.

"Seiya," I whispered with a smile. To me, his disguise - hair tucked under a baseball cap, comfy clothes and glasses - had not tricked me; however, it seemed to prevent others from recognizing him. With happiness, I hugged him, "It's so good to see you. It's been so long."

"I know," he pulled off his glasses and smiled, "Things have been really busy."

"I have heard. A new record, world tour, and..." I grinned, "...a new girlfriend."

His eyes widened playfully, "Wow. You're not one of those creepy, stalker fans, are you?"

"Ha, ha," I pushed him. "What are you doing here?"

"I got the day off and was nearby, so I looked up your tour dates," he explained, "I had to come see you, and congratulate you." He lifted my book up, "It's amazing, Usa, really."

"Thank you," I blushed a bit.

"And, thank you for the dedication," he opened the book to where I wrote 'To Seiya. Thank you for inspiring me to break out of my shell and follow my passion.'

I met his eyes, "I promised you that I would dedicate it to you, didn't I?"

"Well, I'm honored," Seiya, my dear friend, hugged me again. Even after everything, he was still so good to me.

As he let me go, he asked, "How's Chibiusa?"

"She's doing great," I replied, "She started preschool and loves it."

"I'm so glad," he said, "And how about you?"

I smiled a deep, genuine smile, "I'm happy."

He grinned, "Good."

"How about you?" I questioned.

"I'm doing really well. You said you knew I have a girlfriend?" he stated, and I nodded. "You were right about a girl being out there that shares the same dream as me. When I have more time off, I will bring her here to meet you."

"I'd love that." Truly, I would. Seeing Seiya's happiness brought such a peace to me.

"Tell me about Mamoru," he said me with a sweet smile, "After reading your book, I assumed you were finally together."

"Finally?" I asked with surprise.

"Usa, you were always going to end up with Mamoru. I knew that after the day at the painting class. I was pretty jealous that day," he admitted, "But I knew that I couldn't compete with fate."

"Seiya..." I frowned.

"Don't be sorry for following your heart. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have found the love of my life," he bopped me on the nose jokingly. "Now, tell me that I am right."

"You're right," I replied honestly.

"That's great," he smiled, "I hope he treats you well."

I nodded, "He does." Mamoru and I had officially been together for six months. Once I had let me guard down, I felt safe and could appreciate all the ways he was there for me. He cared for me so well, and I had never been happier.

"That's what I want to hear," Seiya nudged me as he grinned.

"Someday, I hope we can all get together," I said, "Chibiusa misses you."

"I would like that," he agreed. He opened up his arms, "Now, give me a hug, my friend."

Laughing, I did so, very thankful for this lifelong friendship.

. . . . -;- . . . .

It was encouraging have grown in my relationship with Usagi's parents, especially her father. At first, it was unnerving to be around them because I felt like I had to impress them all the time. But, eventually, it became easier to be myself.

However, that didn't stop me from being nervous about the conversation I needed to have with Kenji.

We sat next to each other on his back porch, while Ikuko remained inside. I asked her to join us, but with a curious smile, she declined, saying she had some things she needed to get done. That left Kenji and me alone.

"It's a beautiful day," Kenji started up some small talk.

"Yes, it is," I agreed, taking in the warm summer sun and bright blue sky.

After a couple of minutes, I realized that I had been awkwardly tapping my foot against the pavement.

"Mamoru, there's no reason to be nervous. I'm pretty sure I know why you are here." My attention turned abruptly to him. He smiled at me gently, "You want to ask me a question?"

I let out a light laugh and nodded. "Yes, Mr. Tsukino..."

"Kenji," he corrected me.

"Kenji," I repeated appreciatively, "I am here to ask for your blessing...to marry your daughter."

He looked up at the sky for a moment, and I began to worry. He whispered, "I made a promise to my daughter when I first held her in my arms; I would never break her heart." A smile pulled at the corner of his lips as he turned back to me, "Therefore, I give you my blessing."

I let out a deep breath and bowed my head in gratitude, "Thank you. I will treasure your daughter forever."

"You better," he said with a stern tone but a playful look on his face. I laughed and let the weight lift from my shoulders.

. . .

"Almost there," I spoke to Usagi over the phone, "Are you ready?" It was date night, but this one was going to change everything.

"Yes, and Chibiusa has already gone over to Setsuna's," Usagi answered, "So, I will go ahead and meet you outside."

"Okay, great. Pulling up now," I parked the car in front of the building.

"Be right there." She hung up the phone, and I got out of the car to wait for her. My heart raced as she walked out of her apartment building towards me. Every time I saw her, I was overwhelmed by everything that she was. She was the beautiful love of my life. She walked towards me, wearing a lovely knee length yellow dress; over the past six months, Usagi began to wear brighter colors that made her shine even more.

"You look wonderful," I commented as I opened the door for her.

She stopped for a moment to straighten my tie. "So do you," she smiled and got in the car. I hurried to the driver's seat and started the car. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," I grinned playfully. I took her hand as I drove away from her building. It no longer felt awkward when we had quiet moments like this, just sitting together and enjoying one another's presence. There was such a peace in that moment that getting to our destination didn't take any time at all.

As I helped her out of her car, she looked around. "Are we eating at your place?" She noted my nearby building. I shook my head and lifted a basket out of the backseat. She watched me with curious eyes, "What's this?"

I extended my arm for her, "This way." Taking my arm with interest, I guided her across the street and down a block to our park. "Here we are." I walked ahead of her and set the basket down. I pulled out a blanket, draping it across the grass. Even though the bright moon shone down on us, I took out a lantern and lit it. As I carefully placed it on the ground, I heard a giggle from behind me. "What are you laughing about?"

"I can't remember the last time I went on a picnic. This is so sweet," she stepped over to me, "May I?"

I motioned her to sit, "Of course." She took her shoes off and tucked her dress under her as she made herself comfortable. I continued taking out our dinner, some wine, and a small phone speaker.

"Music?" she grinned as I attached my phone to the speaker and clicked 'play.' Her smile deepened as the music of Michiru and Haruka began to softly fill the air. She hummed, "I do love their music."

"I know," I watched her close her eyes and listen to the piano and violin. She looked angelic as the lantern light lit up her face. I touched her hand, "Dance with me."

Her eyes widened and she glanced around, "Here?"

I nodded and stood to my feet. There were a few people walking the park trail, but I didn't care. This was our moment. Gradually, she allowed me to lift her up. "My shoes," she started to move back, but I didn't let her.

"Leave them," I smiled and pulled her close to me, placing one of her hands onto my shoulder and keeping her other in my grasp. I gently placed my hand on her lower back and began to guide her with the music.

As I stared down at her beautiful face and glittering eyes, a memory flooded my mind.

I watched as she slowly stared up at the large moon. The light shimmered down, caressing her in a pale glow. She looked heavenly. Then, the words slipped out, "You look so beautiful."

Gaping at me, a blush claimed her cheeks. Turning back to the moon, she smiled, "My mother told me that I was born on the night of a full moon. She said that my eyes sparkle because when I opened them for the first time, some of the moonlight got trapped in them."

"I think she is right," I smiled at the story, trying to collect my emotions. Maybe it was the moonlight that had caused me to act in such a way.

"Ah!" Usagi let out a light scream, causing me to jump. Speedily, a rabbit darted from the nearby bush across to another. She laughed lightly, "Sorry, that startled me."

I laughed as well, "Doesn't your name mean 'rabbit'?"

"How did you know that?" she was amazed at my knowledge.

"Random, useless knowledge," I shrugged.

"Useless?" she raised her eyebrow playfully.

"I'm just teasing you, Usako." Immediately, I was shocked that those words came out of my mouth.

She chuckled, "Usako? That's a weird nickname."

"I didn't mean to call you that," I corrected; truly unsure of why I would call her that.

"It's way better than Dumpling Head," she grinned, "You know, I am going to give you a nickname. Something childish and cute."

"Really?" I was intrigued, "What name is that?"

Her forehead wrinkled in thought and then she said, "Mamo-chan. Yes, Mamo-chan."

I rolled my eyes, "Come on."

"Get used to it, Mamo-chan," she determined. A few moments passed, and she whispered, "I wouldn't mind if you called me Usako."

Thinking back on that moment with a new understanding, I realized the truth. That was the moment I fell in love with her. What I thought was an accident - letting 'Usako' slip out of my mouth - was really my heart acting upon impulse, already in love with her. Now, I couldn't imagine denying it.

"This is nice," she placed her head on my shoulder. I rested mine on the top of hers. Having her close like this, reassured me that I wasn't dreaming.

"Usako," I whispered, "This is where I first called you that."

"Yes, I remember," she replied softly, "Mamo-chan."

"I didn't realize until now, but this is the place I fell in love with you," I stated.

"Really?" she asked.

"Yes," I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and added, "And this is where I want to marry you someday."

My words caused her to lift her head so that our eyes could meet. There was confusion on her face, so I made my next move. I let her go and kneeled down before her. Gently, I took her hand. "Usako, I feel like the word 'love' doesn't do justice for how I feel about you. You have transformed and helped me to become a better man. For the rest of my life, I want you...as my wife."

I paused to take the diamond ring from my pocket. It was made specifically for her - a heart shaped diamond surrounded in a halo of diamonds. It shimmered in the moonlight.

I swallowed, "Will you marry me, Usako?"

In less than a second, I had to brace myself for impact as Usagi dropped to her knees, knocking me onto my back. My eyes widened as she kissed me. It was hard not to laugh when I felt a smile in her kiss. "Usako..." I mumbled through her lips.

She raised her head and grinned wildly.

Thankfully, I didn't drop the ring as we fell to the ground. Holding it in front of her face, I smiled and waited. With an eager nod, she replied, "Of course, Mamo-chan." She moved off of me so that we could sit in front of each other. I took her delicate hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. She proceeded to lift her hand and let the light hit the diamond, causing little sparkles. "I love it," she said softly and then looked back at me, "I love you, Mamo-chan."

"I love you too." I slowly pulled her in and kissed her sweetly; picturing the day we would kiss as husband and wife.

. . . . (^.^) . . . .

Gazing down at the gorgeous engagement ring, I found myself smiling at the memory of the first time he placed it on my finger.

"You are simply glowing, Usagi. Look at that beautiful smile," Minako worked her fingers through my hair.

I laughed, "I'm not the one glowing, you are!" I gently touched her pooched out belly; Minako was six months along and a simply adorable mother-to-be.

"Thank you, but today is about you," she said sweetly, "now let me finish your hair. I'm loving how this is looking."

"Me too," I nodded as I gazed at myself in the mirror. After all these years, I wore my hair once more in my signature buns. However, this time, Minako had taken the usual look and twisted the remaining hair into more sophisticated, delicate waves and curls on my head. To make it even more unique, she pinned a couple of small white roses throughout - creating a substitute for a veil.

"Minako, that looks amazing!" my mother commented as she entered the small white tent.

"I think this suits her perfectly," Minako grinned and pinned the final rose, "There. All done." She stepped back so I could stand.

The lace, ivory gown fell elegantly around me, lightly brushing across the ground. I smoothed out any wrinkles and made sure that everything was secure. My dress clung in all the right places without making me feel confined. There was a subtle glitter to lace that shimmered as I moved. I checked my golden pearl earrings to make sure they were fastened correctly and made sure my rose necklace lay perfectly on my neck. "So, does everything look fine?" I asked

My mother took a step back, eyes glistening, and folded her hands together on her chest, "Oh, Usagi, you look so beautiful."

"Don't cry," I took her in a hug.

She held me close for a moment, "I am just so happy for you, honey."

"You're a princess!" Chibiusa entered the tent and stared at me with wide eyes.

"No, you're the princess, Chibiusa," I commented. Her deep black locks were curled around her face; a pink rose pinned in the back. Her light pink gown twirled as she danced about the room. I pulled her close and tipped her chin up so I could look into her eyes, "You look as pretty as a rose. My little rose fairy!" She hugged me tight.

"It's about that time," my father entered, stopping as soon as he saw me. "Usagi, you look so..." he choked on the rest of his words.

My mother kissed his cheek, "Darling, keep it together."

"Okay, okay," he cleared his throat.

"We'll see you in a minute," Minako winked at me, took Chibiusa by the hand, and followed my mother out of the tent.

Turning back to the mirror, I studied my reflection. I imagined that youthful girl from high school wearing her blue and white uniform. That clumsy girl was made of such hopes and belief in love. For such a long time, I thought she had disappeared, but I was wrong. That girl still lived in me...I was still her, deep down. Her spirit still existed and would always be a part of me.

I lifted my hand to my heart and found it completely calm. This seemed unnatural because of the circumstances; normally, a bride would have been shaking with pre-wedding jitters. However, I was a ready bride. I had already had enough time to ease all my nerves. More than anything, I wanted this. I wanted to walk to him, say those words, and finally be his.

"Are you ready to go?" my father approached my side.

"More than you will ever know," I said as I lifted my dress and followed him out of the tent.

. . . . -;- . . . .

I smiled at Sir, my best man, as he placed an encouraging hand on my shoulder. "This is it, son," he looked at me with wrinkles of joy pulling at the corners of his eyes, "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you." After everything that had happened, I couldn't imagine celebrating this moment without him by my side.

The nearby harp began to play, and my heart began to race. I glanced out at the small group of our closest loved ones, and saw Rei. She smiled brightly at me and began to imitate an exaggerated breathing, moving her lips to show me how to blow out slowly. I let out a deep breath and mouthed a sincere 'thank you' - a 'thank you' that meant more than I would ever be able to say. She helped me to this point, and I would be forever thankful. She nodded sweetly as if she could read my thoughts.

Returning to the moment, I turned my attention to the flower-lined path before me. Suddenly, Usagi's closest friend appeared from around the trees. She gave a small wave to her husband Motoki as she walked towards the rose arch where I waited. So much time had passed that the three of us pretty much started our friendships over, but they were growing. So, as she reached her place, and smiled at me, I knew that smile was genuine.

Then, my sweet daughter made her debut down the path. She was adorable as she tossed ivory rose petals around her. As she approached me, I realized that we were about to become a completely united family and live together as we were always meant to.

She skipped towards me, happily. When she reached my legs, she wrapped her arms around them. I squatted and hugged her tightly. With a light kiss on her forehead, I directed her to take her place at Minako's side.

The music changed and everyone began to rise. I locked my eyes on the trees in exhilaration.

Then she appeared.

She literally glowed. I knew she was beautiful, but, in that moment, she was surreal. The sound of the harp stopped, the congregation disappeared. My eyes could only see her in all of her radiance. She truly was an angel as she floated down the aisle towards me.

. . . . (^.^) . . . .

When I saw him, I felt like a magnet being pulled towards the piece of me that was missing. I didn't look anywhere but at the most handsome face I had ever seen. My eyes were glued to him, the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. As I walked the path, I knew there was nowhere else I wanted to go. This was the right path. This was the path I had always meant to take.

When my father and I finally reached him, a peace rushed over me. I had arrived at the place I was destined for.

I could hear the minister speaking, but I could only pay attention to Mamoru's eyes; they were radiant. He smiled, taking my breath away.

"Her mother and I." My attention was taken for a moment as my father kissed my forehead and placed my hand in Mamoru's. I mouthed 'I love you' as he let me go. I would always be his little girl, but as I turned to Mamoru, I saw the man who would call me his. I squeezed his hand as he pulled me to his side.

. . . . -;- . . . .

Having her in front of me with her hand in mine eased my nerves. The roses around us, the lake, the sky...our place; I couldn't think of another place I would rather be. My face felt numb; I just couldn't stop smiling, especially seeing the endless smile on her face.

Distantly, I could here the minister speaking, but it was hard to pay attention to his words. Suddenly, I took note of the charm around Usagi's neck; it was the rose necklace I had given her all those years ago. I lifted my hand and gently touched the rose. Smiling, she whispered, "Always." My throat clinched with emotion. I had to hold it together.

"The two of you have decided to say your own vows. Please, Mamoru, share yours," the minister directed me.

I nodded and cleared my throat. "Usako, you know I am not good with words." She grinned playfully. "I am going to do my best."

Taking a hard swallow, I focused all of my attention on her. "For so long, I walked down a road that I thought was the best for me, but I was wrong. I was following a path to darkness, but you saved me. Usako, I needed you and will for the rest of my life."

I paused and took in her dazzling blue eyes. "Usako, you guided me out of my darkness with your brilliant light. It lifts me up and inspires me to be a better man each and every day. There will be times when I fail you, but I promise to rise above those failures."

I squeezed her hand, "I know it's hard to always shine. On those days, when you feel weak, I will be your strength. I promise to hold you through the night and wake with you in the morning. I will keep you safe and make decisions with your best in mind."

Taking a second to glance at Chibiusa, I continued, "Thank you for the beautiful gift of our daughter. The way you care for her makes me want to be the best father I can be. I promise to work side by side with you as we raise her. I will never take the moments I have with the both of you for granted. You and Chibiusa are my world."

Usagi bit her lip, and I could see her eyes were starting to shimmer. I kissed her hand and spoke my final words, "Usako, thank you for letting me love you. Thank you for becoming my wife and giving my life meaning. Thank you for all that you are. I am yours, eternally."

. . . . (^.^) . . . .

He was mine...eternally. This time, I had absolutely no doubt in my mind that we would always be together. As I watched a tear slip from his eyes, I knew how deeply he was in love with me. I lifted my hand to his face and brushed the tear from his cheek.

The minister turned to me, "Usagi, please share your vows."

I nodded. With my hand still on his cheek, I memorized his eyes and spoke the words only to him. "Mamo-chan, we are finally here. When I look back, I see all the roads we took, and the crossroads we came to. Every time I chose a direction, I second-guessed myself. I thought I had taken every wrong path, but I realize now that they all lead me right where I was supposed to go...to you."

I dropped my hand to his chest, right over his heart. "Mamo-chan, it may have seemed like we had taken the wrong paths, but we didn't. The paths that we took brought us here...brought us to each other. Yes, we made mistakes; I'm not denying that those mistakes were wrong. But, they were lessons that we needed to learn about ourselves. We both learned that we need the help of others."

Mamoru nodded.

"Understanding that, I now know we can help each other. I know you will not leave me to go on my own, and I will not leave you. I promise to walk side by side with you, Mamo-chan. I will love you faithfully, seeking to give counsel and encouragement or to remain in quiet spirit, as you so need. In times of pain and disagreement, where failure is evident, I will remember to offer grace. I will trust you as we take our first steps on this new road..." I grabbed his hand tightly. "...together." Smiling, I finished with a simple but meaningful, "I love you."

"Now, we reach the time to exchange rings." The minister directed, motioning for Sir to hand my ring to Mamoru. Minako took my bouquet and handed me Mamoru's ring.

"Mamoru, please place the ring on Usagi's hand." He slipped the beautiful, yet simple band onto my finger. "Do you, Mamoru, take Usagi to be your wife, to cherish in friendship and love today, tomorrow, and for as long as you both live, to trust and honor her, to love her faithfully, through the best and the worst, whatever may come, and if you should ever doubt, to remember your love for each other and the reason why you came together with her this day..."

. . . . -;- . . . .

My heart swelled with overwhelming joy. I said the words with complete and utter devotion. "I do."

The smile on her face was brilliant. With everything in my power, I had to hold back the urge to kiss her right then. But, I knew I had to wait.

"Usagi, would you please place the ring on Mamoru's finger?" The minister instructed. She slid the thick band onto my ring finger. I looked down at it with awe. This was the sign that I was taken; I belonged to the most wonderful woman in the world. I met her eyes as the minister asked the important question. "Do you, Usagi, take Mamoru to be your husband, to cherish in friendship and love today, tomorrow, and for as long as the two of you live, to trust and honor him, to love him faithfully, through the best and the worst, whatever may come, and if you should ever doubt, to remember your love for each other and the reason why you came together with him this day?"

She smiled with her lips and eyes. "I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Mamoru, you may kiss your bride."

With all the excitement I could stand, I placed both hands on each side of her face and pulled her in close. I kissed her, my bride, my wife.

. . . . (^.^) . . . .

As I shared the most important kiss of my life with my husband, I could hear the applause around us. We pulled apart, and both shared the brightest of smiles. My heart leapt with joy as I heard the minister say, "It is my honor to present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Chiba." The applause increased as the congregation rose.

We turned to face our friends and family as Chibiusa hurried to hug her father. He picked her up, kissing her cheek. They shared laughter. Seeing them like that made my soul sing. I wrapped my arms around them both - around my family. Finally...two roads, constantly crossing, were forever one.

The End.

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Thank you again. Please check out my other stories…coming soon. Please Pardon Grammatical Errors and Review.