Not many revisions at all to this chapter. Hope you enjoy. ^^ Wow! Nearly 2000 hits for Moonlit Eclipse, and we're only two weeks old! Thanks so much every- one! Congratulations to Kimberly Harrington, Isis, Meredith Bronwen Mallory, and W. Bymeeh for being added to the "Distinctions in Fanfiction" archive. It's hard to get in, folks! Give these ladies a big pat on the back! Love, Aimee @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- "He doesn't love us because of who we are. He only loves us because of who He is." Newsboys @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- The Coldest December By Aimee Chapter Two "Tears are falling on my storybook, Colors running, I don't want to look. There's a cloud on my looking glass, Full of questions, I'm afraid to ask..." ~Whiteheart Rain beat a steady rhythm on my window, painting dimly-lit, spiritless designs on the distant wall of my bedroom. I watched the rain droplets in reflective silence, unable to stop the frightened tears that fell. I glanced down at my wrists, which were covered in ugly bruises from where the attacker had so roughly handled me. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw ghostly shadows of the man--his muddy brown hair, his ragged clothing, his horrid face. If it hadn't been for Tuxedo Kamen... Fear became unadulterated terror in an instant. Clutching my sheets closer around my trembling body, I cried harder still, wishing all the while that Luna was there with me. She would know what to say and what to make of the situation. But she wasn't there. I was all alone. At least he had been there for me--Tuxedo Kamen, the man who had saved me from such a horrible episode. His cape, which had been lying on a chair in my room, drying from the rain that had thoroughly soaked it, had disappeared shortly after I returned home. I assumed that the mysterious man had detransformed. How he knew my name remained a complete mystery. It occurred to me that the man Tuxedo Kamen was when he wasn't transformed knew me--Usagi. But who could he be? Whoever he was, I was almost completely convinced that he was not an enemy. Surely a man who saved girls from being raped couldn't be corrupt. I shuddered, eyes clamping shut. Before the memories of the attack could once again resurface, I arose abruptly and stumbled into the bathroom. Avoiding the mirror in a feeble attempt to escape seeing the unsightly bruise that was on my cheek, I went to the shower and turned on the water as hot as I could stand. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the burning hot stream of water. Paying no attention to the scorching heat of the water-flow, I grabbed the soap and began scrubbing furiously at the skin the odious man had defiled with his abhorrent caress. But the soap could only do so much to rid me of the horrible memory of his touch. The tears I shed quickly became bitter sobs. I leaned on the frigid shower wall for support, and after a moment, slid to my knees, letting the water wash over me as I cried over all the hurt and shame inside of me. "Why?" was all I could say. "Why?" @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- I emerged from the bathroom hours later and genuinely hoped that no one would notice how the corners of my mouth now sagged. I felt years older than I should, as though my innocence had been stolen away from me, but I was determined that I was going to keep my chin up, no matter how much it hurt inside. Today, I would smile brilliantly and act as ditzy as ever...or at least try to. No one could find out what happened to me--no one. The shame was too much to bear. With a sigh, I entered my bedroom, glancing at the clock without interest. It was 7 o'clock in the morning, and I hadn't been to sleep yet. "Usagi!" came a sing-song voice. "Breakfast is ready, honey!" I raised an interested eyebrow. Breakfast, huh? Now there was something I hadn't been able to partake of for quite some time. Being late for school every day had taken its toll on breaking my fast. I thumped down the stairs, a bit groggy from lack of sleep. My eyes didn't seem to want to stay open, so I trusted my nose to lead the way toward the sizzling bacon and eggs that awaited me. However, I was rudely awakened by the sound of a glass slipping from my mother's fingers and shattering on the floor. "What on earth happened to your face?!" she cried, alarmed. I cupped my cheek in the embarrassed realization that I'd forgotten about the bruise. Well, at least I had tried to forget about it. That moment in my life was not something I wanted to relive again. How was I going to explain this to my mother? ", tripped?" My mother closed her eyes and shook her head sadly. "Honey," she began slowly. "You've got to be more careful. You could really hurt yourself one of these days." My mouth dropped open. I could hardly believe it--the woman actually bought my story. "I know, Mom. I'll try to be more careful. I promise." "That's my girl," she beamed, ruffling my hair a little bit. "Now let's see if some of my make-up can hide that bruise." Breakfast and a chance to wear make-up with my mother's approval? Perhaps today wouldn't be so bad after all... @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- The sun was rising in the eastern sky, and the grass blades were twinkling with sparkles of dew as I stepped from the porch. I was made up like a model thanks to my mother's expertise in the field of cosmetology. I smiled and began to walk at a leisurely pace. I didn't have to sprint to school for once, which was good because I found that I couldn't move very rapidly after such a hearty breakfast. What an awesome day... "Hey! Odango Atama!" said a painstakingly familiar voice behind me. I reiterate. What an awful day... "Odango," the voice repeated. "Wait up!" Wait up? Yeah right. I purposely began to walk faster but soon saw the shadow of my archenemy join mine on the sidewalk. I knew the day was too good to be true. "What do you want?" I asked impatiently, not even bothering to look at the insufferable man. I crossed my hands over my chest as I walked, trying my best to look highly irritated. "Well, um..." Mamoru hesitated, and I sensed him looking at my face rather closely. What was he up to? "Yes?" I pressed. "How are you feeling?" he asked a little sheepishly, running a hand through his thick, black hair. What kind of question was that? Since when is Baka-san interested in my health? "I'm fine," I snapped. "Why?" He looked a bit taken back, and he hesitated again. "Gomen," he said quietly, backing off a little--something he had never done before. "You just looked a little worn out, I guess." My mouth dropped open a few inches, illustrating my shock quite nicely, and I pinched myself for good measure. Doth my mind deceive me, or was he actually being nice to me? Was that concern in his voice? He was almost...considerate. "I'll be okay," I answered, a little less irritated. "Thanks for asking." "Sure," he said simply, his hands buried in his pant pockets. I held his gaze for a few seconds longer before I turned slowly and continued walking. "Konnichiha, Mamoru-san," I called softly over my shoulder. "Konnichiha," was the reply. I left Mamoru behind on my walk to school, but I had the strangest feeling that he was watching me the entire trip. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- "Are you okay, Usagi?" Makoto asked at the lunch table. "You look almost...drugged or something." Makoto-chan always did know how to wax elegant. "I'm fine," I mumbled, stretching and yawning simultaneously. "I just didn't sleep very well last night." "I didn't either," Ami said, daintily nibbling on a rice cake. "I was up most of the night studying for my Japanese Literature midterm. What were you doing, Usagi-chan?" "Just...thinking." Had my face not been buried in my arms in a meek effort to get a little rest, I might have caught the sideways glances Ami and Makoto exchanged. I felt Makoto's hand on my back. "Are you sure you're all right?" she asked again, concern evident in the tone of her voice. "Did something happen?" I felt tears sting my eyes, but I fought them back for the millionth time since I'd been at school. I should have known my friends would have sensed that something was amiss. Heck--even Mamoru had noticed. I bit my lip, feeling the dull ache from my bruised wrists and cheek. As much as they hurt, they were nothing compared to the ache in my heart. "I...I don't think I'm ready to talk about it...if that's okay," I said, glancing wearily at my friends. They exchanged concerned expressions once again at the sight of tears in my eyes. Both girls hugged me tightly. "Whenever you're ready to talk about it, Usagi-chan, we'll be here for you." @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- The rest of my day went relatively smoothly. People had been unusually nice to me, perhaps because of the downcast look on my face. Even Tutty-san's remarks weren't as cutting, and not one teacher gave me detention. I didn't fail any tests, mainly because I didn't have any to take. I did however, find myself getting sleepier and sleepier. I scolded myself for not resting the night before. I trudged home, praying that no energy sucking Nega-monster would feel like trashing Tokyo. I felt like a zombie, and I'm sure people were looking at me rather strangely. Must... find bed... need...sleep... "Hey, Usagi. Need a ride?" I heard someone say. It sounded like Mamoru, but it couldn't be him. He'd never called me Usagi before. I turned to face my addresser, and sure enough--there was Mamoru, standing next to the nicest car I'd seen in a long time. "No thanks," I replied, feeling like taking a snooze right on the sidewalk...I probably would have if it hadn't been so darn cold outside. "Come on, Odango," he insisted. "Let me give you a ride. You look awful." Boy, he sure knew how to compliment a lady... "I'm almost home, Mamoru," I argued, shivering as I pulled my thin sweater closer around me to ward off the frigid wind. "No, you're not," he countered my lie. How the heck did he find out where I lived? If I ever discovered the person who gave my address to him, they would soon feel my wrath. Oh, what was the use? I was too tired to argue, and I might as well take advantage of a free ride. Besides, it was freezing outside. I sighed loudly, making sure he heard me clearly and got in the car. "Arigatou," I muttered quietly, fumbling with my seatbelt. "It's no problem," Mamoru answered. He waited until I was situated before putting the car into drive and joining the rush hour traffic. We sat through most of the ride in silence. I stole a few candid looks at him, studying his profile as much as I could in a quick glance. He was very handsome--there's no denying that. But why on earth did the wretched man have to be so moody? "So Usagi," he began, calling me by my real name for the second time that day; I was impressed. "Did you have a rough night last night, or what? You look exhausted." "Um...I was just up late. I had to study for a math exam." Mamoru stole a sideways glance at me. "Is that right?" Was it just me, or did he not sound too convinced? "I wasn't aware you were so dedicated to your studies." Truly, that man knew how to rub me the wrong way. "Yeah? Well, there's a lot of things you don't know about me." He raised an eyebrow. "So I see." Why was he looking at me like though I'd done something wrong or needed to apologize to him? What on earth had he been smoking? I wanted to go home! I wanted to be in my nice warm bed cuddling with my stuffed bunny, not with this evil demon spawn in his fancy car. Growing impatient, I raised the sleeve of my school uniform to glance at my watch. Mamoru's eyes narrowed. He slammed on the breaks and pulled over suddenly, causing me to squeal. "What the hell are you doing?!" He grabbed my wrist, a bit roughly I might add, and pulled the sleeve up again. "What is this?" he demanded, pointing to the black and blue marks there. Darn it all, why did he have to notice the bruises? He must have caught sight of the injuries when I looked at my watch. He reached for my other hand, and I struggled with him for a second or two before giving in to his stubbornness. He inspected those bruises as well. "Tell me what happened," he demanded. "Nothing..." I said quietly, still trying to escape from his grasp. "I fell down, that's all. I fall down all the time if you haven't noticed." He looked at me that same way again--like he wanted me to admit something. Could it be possible that he knew the truth? "Don't lie to me, Usagi." Well, I certainly wasn't going to admit it-- and definitely not to him, of all people. "It's none of your business, Mamoru!" I snapped angrily, pulling my wrists away from his grasp and yanking the sleeves down so that the ugly marks were hidden. "Like you care about me, anyway..." A glimpse of hurt passed over his features, and his eyes clouded over and darkened like an unfolding shadow. "You know that's not true," he said, his voice quiet and smooth--a tone I'd never heard him speak with. For some strange reason, his vocal timbre remarkably resembled that of Tuxedo Kamen. "I care about you more than you probably realize," he continued. "Liar--you've always hated me," I growled, tears springing to my eyes as I unfastened my seatbelt. "And believe me when I say the feeling is mutual." His injured face melted into a deeper expression of hurt, and even as I threw open the door of the car and stepped out, that marred face stayed with me the entire trip home. Had I not been so angry, I might have felt sorry for him, but this was not the case. I ran as fast as my little legs could carry me, leaving the wretched man far behind but not forgotten. I reached my house in record time. Running up the stairs and into my room, I slammed the door for all I was worth and squealed, "I HATE HIM!" to anyone who cared to listen. "Let me guess," said a pleasant sounding voice with a hint of an English accent in her dialect. "You had another spat with Mamoru?" "I don't want to talk about it, Luna," I told my cat. She rolled her eyes and snuggled up in my bed to continue her nap. I paced around the room angrily. Mamoru and I had arguments all the time, but this was different. He hadn't insulted me, but rather he'd gotten too personal. He had delved where he was not wanted. Furious, I yanked my homework from my bookbag, slammed it on the desk, and did a quick eenie-meenie-minie-moe job on the multiple choice questions before throwing it back into the bookbag. In dire need of sleep, I ignored the fact that it was four o'clock in the afternoon and changed into my night clothes. In a huff, I yanked the covers of my bed back causing Luna to go flying across the room with a loud "Reeeeoowwwww!!" I thumped down on my bed and hastily arranged my hair so that I wouldn't die of a sudden and unexpected case of asphyxiation. "Sleep well, Usagi," Luna said pleasantly from the floor. She's obviously quite used to my silent rages. "Whatever..." I growled, shutting my eyes so that I could get down to the slumber I'd been look forward to all day. My eyes, however, slowly opened a few moments later, and I stared miserably at the ceiling. Exhausted from lack of rest, I began to cry pitiful sobs that I couldn't seem to control. I felt Luna jump on the bed; she walked over to me and nuzzled my hair. I gathered her close, crying still. "Gomen, Luna," I sobbed. "I'm just so tired, and..." I trailed off. "I know," she comforted me. "Just try to relax." Dear readers, can you believe this? The miserable man actually drove me to tears! Okay, so a mosquito bite makes me cry, but that's beside the point. If Mamoru were here now, he wouldn't care that I was crying...he'd probably laugh at me. Or worse...scoff and walk away. But deep down, I knew that wasn't true. His eyes had told me a different story while we argued. In fact, his eyes had told me many stories about him... Luna kept me company while I shed my tears, and soon her soft purring began to soothe my raw nerves. In no time at all, the fingers of sleep pulled me into a deep slumber. @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- I'm not certain what woke me up later that night, but I was quickly torn from sleep, sitting up in bed with a strangled cry. Perspiration drenched my body, and my breathing was labored. Trembling with fear, I struggled not to cry. Was it a nightmare? *The* nightmare? The dream had come and gone for nearly a year. I never remembered what happened in it, but whatever it often woke me up screaming. There were other dreams, too...ones that weren't bad at all. They were pleasant, even. I had always dismissed them, albeit hesitantly, as a product of my overactive imagination, but it often puzzled me how real they felt... Shaking off the initial confusion and grogginess of my awakening, I frantically tried to recall what I had been dreaming about before I had woken up in such a frightful manner. Still, I could remember nothing. I lay back in my bed, but I was still shaken. The nightmare, or whatever it was, had again rendered me sleepless. It always did. Thinking over my restless state for a moment, I decided on a remedy. I gently shook the sleeping cat beside me and waited till her eyes met mine before I spoke. "I can't sleep, Luna. I'm going to go for a walk. Maybe some fresh air will help me relax." "So open a window. It's nearly one in the morning," she mumbled sleepily. "You can't go out there by yourself." "I go out late all the time for senshi business!" I whined, I suppose a bit too loudly, since Luna put her paws over her ears. She's so cute. "That's different. The senshi are there. You're not alone." But wait! I could take Luna with me on my little stroll, and she could ward off any unwanted guests! A wonderful epiphany--my ticket to fresh air! Quickly, I jumped out of bed and grabbed my clothes. "Usagi, I told you that I don't want you out by yourself..." Luna said, eyeing me with a slightly annoyed tone in her voice. "I know," I responded, picking her up off the bed. "That's why you're coming with me." "What?!" she cried, struggling in my arms. "But I was having the loveliest dream..." "Please, Luna?" I begged, using my most effective puppy dog face. Luna can't stand it when I do that... She sighed and glanced at me with more affection and understanding. "Well, if it's that important to you, I'll go for a short walk." @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- Soon Luna and I were out in the fresh December air, enjoying the beautiful view of the stars and moon. I felt better already, and the nightmare was far from my mind. We came to my favorite place in the park--a little bench near the lake. The view was incredible, and I sat contentedly admiring its beauty for quite some time. Luna fell asleep in my arms after about twenty minutes, and I took the opportunity to shed a few more tears. I hated the fact that I was a cry-baby, but I couldn't help it. So much had happened over the past few days--it was just too much. However, lost in my little pity party, I failed to hear the soft sound of approaching footsteps behind me. "I thought I asked you not to go out unaccompanied," said a deep voice. I immediately shrieked, springing from the bench which I was sitting upon. I spun around and sighed with relief when my eyes met the familiar form of Tuxedo Kamen. Unfortunately, Luna jolted awake at my sudden movement. "Who? What? When? Where? Mmmmphhhh!" she hollered, her screeching effectively muffled by the hand I clamped over her mouth. Her eyes became wide when she saw Tuxedo Kamen looming before us both, and her struggling soon ceased. She began to play the part of a cat, watching him carefully, trying to learn as much as she could from the man who so often protected Sailor Moon. "Y-You scared me," I stuttered, trying to hide the fact that I was shaking with fright. Why did this man unnerve me so? "My apologies," he said simply, bowing his head a little for emphasis. "But the question still stands. Why are you out here alone? I thought we had an agreement." "My cat is here with me," I answered sheepishly. "Your pet isn't exactly what I had in mind, Usagi." "H-How do you know my name?" I asked, feeling more and more perturbed by the man with each passing moment. "You answer my question, and I'll be more than happy to answer yours," he evaded, approaching me slowly. The ball of fur in my arms promptly began to growl. "I um...I was looking for my cat again," I told him, holding up Luna for his eyes to scan. "See? I found her." "Are you sure that's the truth, Usagi? Is there something else that's wrong?" "You answer my question, and I'll answer yours," I countered, feeling a bit more brave. "How do you know my name?" He cocked his chin. "Fair enough. Your name is Tsukino Usagi. You attend Juuban High School, and you are perpetually tardy." I wanted to ask him what perpetually meant but decided to keep the issue to myself. "But how do you know all of that?" I asked, becoming uncomfortable. "I've seen you around, here and there. I know a lot about you, in fact," he said. "And yet you're still a complete mystery to me." "What's so mysterious about me?" I asked, my voice wavering a bit. "You hide from people; you're hiding from me right now. For instance, you've lied to me twice already. The first time was last night when I asked you what you were doing out so late, and the second was tonight when I asked you the same question. It would appear, Miss Tsukino, that you're concealing something. May I ask what it is?" The man was seeing right through me, and I didn't like it. "What makes you think I lied?" I asked, trying to act innocent. Please note that I was never known for my acting skills. He avoided my question and asked one of his own. "Why were you crying?" So he had been watching me. Why was I crying, anyway? I suppose it was because of everything that had happened...the near-rape experience, the fight with Mamoru, and the nightmares that I could never remember. Or was I simply crying because of my loneliness? I don't like admitting to others that I'm lonely. I suppose I'm afraid they'll laugh since I'm surrounded by caring friends and a loving family. Still, even with their love and support, I don't feel complete. But the Great Tuxedo Kamen wouldn't care to hear about that, so why tell him? I offered him an acceptable excuse instead. "I was just upset about...what happened last night," I explained, hoping he would believe me. Luna glanced up at me, questions evident in her eyes. "You're lying to me again." "Usagi, if something is truly wrong, and you're in some kind of trouble..." "I'm not in any trouble," I told him, truthfully. "It's just..." "Yes?" he prompted me. I hesitated, looking him in the eye for a long moment and soaked in the realization that this man actually cared. I wasn't just a nobody to him. He took my silence to heart. "You can trust me, Usagi. Please believe me when I tell you that." I trusted him. At least I thought I did...but I wasn't sure if I was ready to open up heart and soul to a person I hardly knew. "I'd rather not talk about it...if that's okay," I managed sheepishly. He eyed me carefully. "Well, at least you didn't lie to me again. That's progress. Very well-- keep your secret, but I ask that you be more wary of your surroundings, especially when you're alone. Promise me?" I nodded. "I promise." "I hope you know that I will hold you to that promise, Usagi, and that I expect you to be honest with me from now on. No more lying--that is never the best option. It will only get you into trouble." My thoughts turned to my mother and Mamoru-- two people that I had lied to today. Perhaps that wasn't such a good idea after all...but what could I do to redeem myself? Tell them the truth? I couldn't possibly! Could I...? "Do you trust me, Usagi?" the man in black asked. His eyes gazed at me with an intensity that was both intimidating and exciting. "I-I don't know," I answered, completely unsure of my feelings toward Tuxedo Kamen. Ami's argument that he could possibly be an adversary drifted to mind. "Why aren't you certain that I am trustworthy?" he asked, taking a step towards me--I likewise took a step backwards, away from him. Luna's growls were becoming rather loud. "Have I done anything questionable?" "No," I answered honestly. "I guess I just don't know you very well..." A slight smile pulled at his lips. "Understandable." I was gaining more courage. "Who are you?" I asked with a bit more volume in my voice. Luna fell silent, obviously wanting to know, too, the identity of this stranger. Another smile. "That is something you will have to figure out for yourself, Miss Tsukino." I was flustered. "But how can I...?" "Do you trust me, Usagi?" he repeated, cutting me off effectively. I hesitated, looked into his eyes, and saw kindness there. It took all of my courage to release the stubbornness inside of me, but I did. "I trust you." "Good," he answered my firm statement. "I'll never betray that trust, Usagi. You have my word." "D-does that mean I'll see you again?" I stammered. Luna looked at me incredulously. "Would you like that?" I hesitated--*would* I like that? Truly? My head was telling me, 'Go for it!', but my heart was telling me something else...something I couldn't put my finger on. "Tomorrow night," I decided hastily. "Same time as tonight." Another smile. "I'll be here." @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- @--<----- Yes, I know...I gave Luna an English accent *even though* I switched from DIC to Japanese. But I couldn't help it! I've always liked English accents! ^^ I told you this story had quirks in it. *grin* Stay tuned for chapter three...coming soon! Ja ne! Aimee-chan