That Special Magic
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
http://strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com
-or- http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net
A Sekkushiaru Roman
featuring characters from the anime "Sailor Moon"> Chapter 26 - Examination and Storm <
Makoto found herself in an enormous, very ornate ballroom. At one end of the room, on a dias stood a tall woman with a gentle smile and a commanding presence, whom she immediately recognized as Queen Serenity of the Moon. All of the other people there were masked. She spotted a young woman with blond hair dancing with a tall black-haired man, recognizing Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion despite their masks.
As she stood there, she noticed her own attire, a flowing gown of emerald green, worn off the shoulder, with matching gloves. The fabric of the dress was very smooth and satiny, and of exquisite quality. She glanced around, seeing several other women in green gowns, and finding herself comforted that her preference for green would not automatically give away her identity. Guests at this ball, she knew, were not to deliberately reveal their identities until the Queen gave her permission at midnight.
A young man approached her. He was slightly shorter than she, and formally attired in black tails, black dress pants, a white shirt with gold studs, and a flawlessly knotted white tie, wearing no emblem of rank or nobility. A black silk hood, common to most of the men present, covered his eyes and hair. He paused and bowed his head, then moved closer.
"May I have the pleasure of this dance, my lady," he asked, his voice a low whisper.
She felt her heart beating faster. Clearly, some part of her recognized who this man was.
"Certainly, my lord," she replied, fighting back a soft giggle.
He took her hand and they moved onto the dance floor. She felt like she was floating as they moved together. His fingers intertwining with her own and his hand on her back both felt so incredibly right. She breathed in the gentle fragrance of his cologne, feeling a sense of recognition sweeping through her. A powerful warmth swelled within her.
"Such a beautiful night, my lady," he said.
"Yes... Perfect for dancing with a nice young man," she said.
"And a very beautiful young woman," he replied, a smile dancing across his lips.
"Flatterer," she whispered.
"One should always compliment beauty when he sees it," he said.
"And what did you have in mind?" she asked.
He smiled, then leaned closer. In an instant, she felt his lips brushing hers. It was such an intense experience as reality suddenly closed down to just the two of them. Only vaguely aware of the music, and completely oblivious to the other guests, they held each other close, enjoying the feel of their bodies so close as they danced.
Their joint reverie was finally interrupted as the music came to an end, and the great clock chimed.
Queen Serenity returned to the dias. "The midnight hour has struck," she announced. "I now call upon you all to unmask."
Makoto reached up and lifted her mask away. She then looked at her young man, seeing him start to raise his own mask.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Beeeep. Beeeep. Beeeep. Beeeep. Beeeep."
Makoto's eyes burst open in confusion and, disoriented, she glanced around her. Finally, she reached over and fumbled for her alarm clock, silencing the annoying contraption after several attempts.
"Damn," she muttered, sitting up and looking around her bedroom, seeing that she was indeed in her own apartment. "What a dream."
She rubbed her eyes and yawned, silently cursing that the alarm had woken her up just then. Usagi had told them all about the possibility that all the Senshi might have soul-mates from the past waiting for them. Since then, Makoto had been trying to bring out memories of her past life, looking for any indication of just who her soul-mate might be, but with little success. This dream had brought her the closest to what she was looking for. She was certain the young man she had been dancing with was the one she was looking for, but she still had no idea of just who he was.
Clearing her thoughts, she tried to focus on the memories from her dream, hoping to recall more. Maddeningly, however, she still could not see his face.
With a disappointed sigh, she stood up and walked into her bathroom.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Later that afternoon, Ami, Makoto, and Rei were sitting together at the Temple.
"I see Usagi is missing again, as usual," Rei quipped.
"Come on, Rei," Ami objected. "She has her first checkup with her obstetrician this afternoon."
Rei cringed at the thought, then nodded. "But where's Minako?"
"She's at the university, playing volleyball with Geoff, that guy she met the other day," Makoto said. "I have a hunch he might be the one for her."
"The one? The one what?" asked Luna, who had just slipped in with Artemis.
"Uhm... well..." Makoto stammered, as she glanced nervously at the other girls.
Luna jumped up on the table, then noticed that Artemis was looking as sheepish as the girls. "Artemis, do you know anything about this?" she asked, accusingly.
"Well... actually... yes," he said.
"So... Is anyone going to tell me about this?" Luna asked, her impatience showing.
Artemis nodded. "Ami discovered that Ryo had a past life in the Silver Millennium, and is her soul-mate," he explained. "Usagi theorized that the other Senshi might also have soul-mates from the past waiting for them..."
"You can't be serious!" Luna interrupted. "Our only objective at the moment is to defeat the Dark Kingdom. We don't have time for such useless distractions."
The girls shook their heads and giggled.
"That's exactly what Usagi thought you would say, Luna," Ami said quietly.
"And that's why we didn't tell you," Artemis said, before Luna could reply. "Usagi was certain you wouldn't understand, Luna, and I agreed with her."
"What!?" Luna protested. "What is there not to understand? We do not have time for this nonsense! It's that simple!"
"Do you call Usagi's relationship with Mamoru useless?" Artemis asked. "And are you seriously suggesting that the girls must completely give up their lives just because they happen to be Senshi?"
"I am saying that some things are much more important," Luna said, shaking her head. "And girls their age do not need to be worrying about boys."
"Luna!" Makoto interrupted. "Newsflash for you. Girls our age spend quite a bit of time thinking about boys."
"And as Senshi, we have perhaps more need for a supportive, loving relationship than other girls our age," Ami added.
"That is entirely right, Luna," Artemis said. "And that is why I agreed with Usagi's decision that the girls should try to find their soul-mates."
"But this is a useless distraction," Luna insisted.
"No, it is not," Artemis declared firmly. "Queen Serenity arranged for all of this, remember? If a part of sending us all into the future included having each Senshi's past love reborn in this time, then Queen Serenity must have had a very good reason for doing so. Usagi and I both believe that reason was to allow all the Senshi to have the same type of loving, supportive relationship with a soul-mate that they enjoyed in the Silver Millennium."
"Yes," Ami agreed. "And I know from my own relationship with Ryo that I feel so much happier and more secure with him in my life, and knowing that I can share things with him about this."
"The bottom line, Luna, is that if it has even a chance of making them more effective as Senshi, we have to do this," Artemis said. "That's what the princess has decided."
Luna glared at him, but his reference to Usagi as the princess meant both of them were serious. She sighed and shook her head in resignation.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Usagi sat on the examination table in a small room at Dr. Hamada's office. Mamoru sat in a chair alongside the table. She wore a basic hospital gown. The nurse had already drawn blood, and had her give a urine sample.
The door opened and Dr. Hamada entered the room. Perhaps in his late thirties, he was short, with thick, close cropped black hair and a close trimmed beard. An amused smile played across his mouth, and his eyes sparkled behind wire-rimmed glasses.
"You must be Tsukino-san," he said to Usagi.
Usagi nodded. "Yes. I'm Tsukino Usagi."
"Pleased to meet you," Hamada said. He then glanced at Mamoru, who rose to his feet.
"I'm Chiba Mamoru," Mamoru said.
"He's my fiance," Usagi added.
"Fiance?" Hamada asked. He glanced at the information on the clipboard. "It says here you're only fourteen."
"That's correct," Usagi confirmed.
Hamada nodded. "Very well. And forgive me for asking, but I presume Chiba-san is the father," he said to Usagi.
She nodded. "Yes, Hamada-sama."
Hamada made a note on the chart, then sat down on a stool. Mamoru returned to his chair.
"So... how long have you two been together?" Hamada asked.
"Several months," Mamoru answered.
"And you estimate you're maybe six to eight weeks along?" Hamada asked Usagi.
"I think so," she said. "I had one light period, and then was hit with the morning sickness. That was about a week-and-a-half ago."
Hamada nodded, making another note. "It could be as little as four weeks," he said, thoughtfully. "Although the morning sickness usually shows up between four and eight weeks."
Usagi nodded.
"You're planning to keep the child?" he asked.
"Of course," Usagi said. "We're really happy to be starting a family together." She smiled happily at Mamoru.
Looking up, Hamada noticed her response. "That's nice to hear, Tsukino-san. I've seen a number of pregnant teenage girls... more than I care to admit, I'm afraid... and most are pretty upset about it."
"Well, it did happen sooner than we'd intended, but we've always planned to get married," Mamoru said.
"We're both convinced it was fate," Usagi said. "Being in love with him is the only thing in my life that is better than this."
"I'm happy to see you're so positive about this. That will be very helpful for you as you get farther along," Hamada said.
"Many people would object just because of her age," Mamoru said quietly.
Hamada turned to look at him. "That's not my concern, Chiba-san. Your fiancee has reached the age of consent and is fully capable of being pregnant. My only concern with her age is how it relates to possible complications as she carries the child to term. Having your full support in that will greatly help her."
"She'll have every bit of support I can provide," Mamoru said.
"How about your families?" Hamada asked.
"I have no family, other than her," Mamoru said. "And her family is being supportive."
"That's good," Hamada said. "Are you prepared to come in for regular checkups, Tsukino-san?"
"Yes," she said. "I have a pregnancy guide, and it contains a recommended checkup schedule in its reminders for each month."
"Which one?"
"The 'Month-by-Month Pregnancy Handbook'," Usagi replied.
Hamada nodded. "That's a pretty good one... Do you have the journal that goes with it?"
"Yes," Usagi said. "I keep it in my briefcase."
"Good," Hamada said. "Make a point of completing it regularly. That information will prove helpful at each checkup."
Mamoru retrieved the journal from her briefcase.
"May I look through it?" Hamada asked.
"Certainly," Usagi said.
Hamada quickly glanced through the journal, pausing to add several notes to her chart. "Thank you. This looks pretty good," he said. "I would suggest you check your weight more than once a week, however. You're pretty small to begin with, which will make sudden weight changes more of a concern." He handed the journal back to Mamoru.
"OK," Usagi acknowledged.
Hamada glanced over her chart again. "Now, should I presume you've never had a gynecological exam before?"
"No, I haven't," she said.
Hamada nodded. "OK. I'll explain things as I go along," he said. "I have a number of younger patients for gynecological exams... and I haven't lost one yet." He grinned.
She giggled softly.
"Now, we've already taken blood and urine samples," Hamada explained. "In your case, we already know you're pregnant, Tsukino-san, but it's a standard procedure to run those tests anyway. In addition, we're testing for conditions such as anemia and diabetes that might cause problems. Again, those tests are routine. Next, we'll do the pelvic exam... This is the part that young women are usually apprehensive about the first time, but just lay back and relax, and it should go fairly easily."
She nodded, taking a breath, then closed her eyes and willed herself to relax.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mamoru squeezed Usagi's hand reassuringly. She still sat on the table. Dr. Hamada had completed the examination, and had stepped out to check on the rest of the test results.
"Are you doing OK, my love?" he asked.
She nodded. "I'm OK... It wasn't all that bad, I guess... but I'm glad it's over."
He leaned over and kissed her. "Any regrets?"
"Oh, Mamo-chan. Of course not," she declared, running a hand along his cheek. "I'm starting a family with the most wonderful man ever, who I'm madly in love with. How could I possibly regret that?"
He smiled at her lovingly. "And I have no regrets being madly in love with such an incredibly beautiful young woman."
Just then, they heard Dr. Hamada outside the door. The door opened and Hamada entered the room, holding Usagi's file. He sat down on the stool again.
"Well, Tsukino-san, there was nothing unusual in any of your test results, and you're in excellent health," Hamada said. "That's all good news."
Usagi nodded. "I'm glad to hear it."
"Now... looking ahead," Hamada continued. "You need to come back for monthly checkups. At your next checkup, we should be ready to do the screen for potential birth defects. This screening is routine."
"OK," Usagi acknowledged.
"By the visit after that, you should be just about to your fourth month," Hamada said. "At that point, we'll plan to do the first ultrasound, unless we have a reason to do it sooner, and we should be able to determine the baby's gender."
Usagi looked at Mamoru and smiled. He squeezed her hand again.
"About the sixth month, you'll need to start childbirth classes together. These run once a week for six weeks. You can take those at Juuban Hospital... I have a pretty good feeling they'll be academic, but you still need to take them, just in case."
"Academic?" Mamoru asked. "Why?"
Usagi looked concerned.
"It comes down to how small you are, Tsukino-san," Hamada told her. He held up his hands together. "Your pelvis wraps around like this, with a space in the center. At the very best, I would think yours is barely large enough, and then only if the baby is on the small side."
"What does that mean?" Usagi asked, her voice hushed and strained.
"It means that we'll most likely have to deliver the baby by caesarian-section," Hamada said.
"You mean... cut me open?" She ran her hand down over abdomen.
"Basically, yes," Hamada said. He turned to a diagram on the wall. "But not quite the way you indicated, Tsukino-san... Now, there are two types of c-section procedures. The classic c-section involves the sort of incision you indicated, going down the length of the abdomen. It is still used on occasion, but only when absolutely necessary... In your case, however, the incision would be made here..." He indicated with his hand on the diagram. "...just above the hips and going across between them. This will correspond to where the bottom end of your uterus will be at the end of your ninth month... and it poses less risk of complications for future pregnancy."
"And it's perfectly safe?" Usagi asked.
Hamada nodded. "There is always a slight risk with surgical procedures, but statistically, it is no higher than delivering vaginally... and in your case, trying to deliver vaginally would be the much greater risk, to both you and your baby... Also, there are statistics to show that babies delivered by caesarian-section tend to develop better than children delivered vaginally."
Usagi nodded, and glanced at Mamoru, squeezing his hand.
"What about recovery after the operation, Hamada-sama?" Mamoru asked.
"We'll go through this in more detail as the time gets closer," Hamada said. "But basically, you'll spend three days in the hospital, Tsukino-san, and there will be some continuing bleeding for about two weeks. For eight weeks after the operation, you must not perform any sort of serious exertion, and no significant twisting of your mid-section. You'll want to be careful when riding in a car, and you must not lift anything heavier than your baby. After eight weeks, you should have healed sufficiently to start working yourself back to a more normal routine... Now, Chiba-san, during her recuperation, she will need considerable help, since there will be many things she can't do on her own. She will even have trouble sitting up."
"She's still in school," Mamoru said. "How will her recuperation period affect that?"
Hamada frowned thoughtfully. "We'll have to see how she's doing at that time, but I would suspect that, at least for those first two weeks while she's still bleeding, she shouldn't go to school... and during the remainder of the eight weeks, you absolutely must not participate in athletic activities, Tsukino-san."
"How about during the last few months, when I get bigger?" Usagi asked.
Hamada nodded. "Yes. You should definitely expect to cut back on strenuous activities as you get farther along, Tsukino-san. We'll keep an eye on how you're doing at your regular checkups, and when you get to that point, I can provide you with a medical excuse for your school." He thought for a moment. "Chiba-san, as she gets farther along, she will need help even getting out of bed... Are you going to be able to take care of that?"
Mamoru nodded.
Hamada raised an eyebrow, hesitating. "I ask because the information she provided suggests she doesn't live with you at the moment."
"That is true," Mamoru confirmed. "But I'm certain that as she gets farther along, her parents will agree to changing that. I can provide her that sort of help. They really can't."
Hamada frowned. "Well... I certainly hope things work out as you expect, Chiba-san. She's going to need your help... and, even though it is a little awkward for me to say so, probably the sooner you can start helping, even with small things, the easier it will be for both of you as she gets farther along."
Usagi grinned happily, squeezing Mamoru's hand again.
"I understand," Mamoru said softly.
"One more thing," Hamada said. "She's going to need help sooner than you might expect." He paused to look at both of them. "At about six months, a woman's pelvis separates, and when that happens, she's not going to be able to get out of bed without help. Now, because you're relatively small, Tsukino-san, it could easily happen for you around five months. And that will mean no athletic activities either. We're estimating that you're about seven to eight weeks along. So, you probably have only two to three months before you're going to need his help on a more or less full-time basis."
Mamoru nodded and looked at Usagi. Her eyes met his and she grinned.
"Uhm... That is sooner than I thought," she said.
"We'll take care of it," Mamoru said.
Hamada nodded, then reached into the drawer behind him. "Alright...," he said. He presented Usagi with some pamphlets. "First off, I can't make you go, but because of your age I'm required to recommend that you attend counseling sessions on teen pregnancy and child-raising. They're held regularly at Juuban Hospital. The second pamphlet contains some dietary recommendations. Instead of three meals a day, you should be eating four or five smaller ones. It will better balance your food intake. It's a bit of a cliche, but you really are eating for two now, and that means you're burning the food you're taking in even faster. Also, as the baby gets larger, your uterus will press up against your stomach, reducing the amount of food it can hold. That will make the five-meal schedule essential. In addition, I want you to start putting on some weight."
"Putting on weight?" Usagi asked.
"That's correct," Hamada said. "You're going to be putting on weight anyway, but you need to make it as easy on your body as you can. I'd like to see you add a few more kilos over the next several months. As I've said, your body is going to be working harder for the next seven months or so, and within reason the more reserves it has to work with the better."
"Alright," Usagi said.
"You also have some information there concerning pain relievers," he said. "It is critical that you do not take ibuprofen-based products, Tsukino-san. They will drive up your heart rate and the baby's, and could cause you to pass out."
Usagi eyes went wide, and she looked at Mamoru with concern.
"I don't have ibuprofen at my apartment," he said. "And we'll mention that to her parents."
Hamada nodded. "And lastly, this one has my direct number if you need to speak with my nurse, and the 24-hour number to Juuban Hospital's maternity center hotline. If you can't reach us, or if you have a serious problem, call them right away. There is always a nurse on duty to answer any questions you might have."
Usagi looked at the numbers then nodded.
"Do either of you have any more questions?" Hamada asked.
Mamoru looked over at Usagi, who shook her head.
"I... don't think so," she said. "At least not right now."
Hamada nodded, then rose to his feet. "Then I will leave you to get dressed, Tsukino-san. Just stop at the desk on your way out, and the receptionist will schedule your next checkup."
"Thank you," Usagi said.
"Thank you, Hamada-sama," Mamoru said.
Hamada bowed, then turned and left the room.
As soon as the door latched, Mamoru retrieved Usagi's school uniform, setting it on the table beside her.
"Would you untie this gown please, Mamo-chan?"
"Of course, my love," he said.
He untied the fastenings at the back of her neck and the middle of her back, and she slipped the gown off. She stepped into her panties and pulled them up, then slipped on her bra. He fastened the clasp for her.
"Thank you," she said.
"You're quite welcome, Usako."
"What do you think about what he said?" she asked, putting on her blouse. "That I'm going to need to move in with you in only a couple months."
"It certainly makes sense," he said. "You're going to need more help. And it only makes sense that I should be the one who provides it."
She nodded, then reached for her skirt. "I just wonder if my parents... and Daddy in particular... will go along with that."
"I know," he said softly. "But we will have to think about bringing this up pretty soon."
"Daddy's going to throw a fit," she said, shaking her head. She sat down and began putting on her socks.
"Maybe we should approach your mother first about this," he suggested, crouching down in front of her and handing her her shoes. "She's been through all this, twice. She may have anticipated some of this... and certainly the fact that Dr. Hamada recommends it should carry some weight."
She nodded. "Yes... Daddy can't really argue with the doctor's timetable... If I'm not going to be able to get out bed on my own in only two or three months, we all have to face that."
With her shoes on she stood up. He picked up her briefcase for her, and they walked to the door.
"I think we need to bring this up with your mother," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "When you get to that point, my love, I don't think I could bear it if I'm not the one who is able to help you with this. I love you more than anything, I'm going to be your husband, and you're carrying our child. I want to support you and share with you in all of this."
She turned, a smile forming on her face as she looked into his eyes, then leaned forward and kissed him. "I love you, Mamo-chan. You are the most wonderful man."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mamoru pulled his car out of the garage. Overhead, the sky was dark, with heavy, low clouds. The wind was picking up, and a heavy rain was beginning to fall, even as the temperature dropped. He switched on the radio.
"...storm alert is in effect for the Tokyo-Yokohama area," the announcer was saying. "The powerful storm had been expected to stay offshore, but suddenly turned inland earlier this afternoon. Heavy rains and unseasonably cold temperatures are expected, with freezing conditions possible."
"That doesn't sound good," Mamoru said softly. "I think we'd better head for my place first. It's closer."
As he drove, the rain grew heavier. Already several low spots were showing early signs of flooding. Many of the streets had large puddles that pulled on the car as he went through them.
"This is going to be a bad storm," she said.
He nodded, keeping his attention on the road.
The rain striking the windshield was showing early signs of freezing as the temperature continued to drop.
The radio report continued. "Most rail service into Yokohama and the southern districts of Tokyo has been halted. Flooding and freeze alerts are being posted for southern Tokyo," the announcer reported. "Power outages are already being reported, and authorities are asking people to stay off the roads as much as possible."
Mamoru pulled to a stop at an intersection, finding the traffic light not working. He edged ahead carefully, then pulled through. Several blocks further along, he slowed down and swung wide to get around two cars that had been involved in an accident. One of the cars had apparently lost control in the deteriorating conditions.
"Authorities have just issued a weather emergency order for Minato-ku," the radio announcer said. "High winds, flooding, and freezing are being experienced, making travel dangerous. Street access is restricted to emergency and utility vehicles only. Again, a weather emergency order has just been issued for Minato-ku..." Usagi turned off the radio.
"That affects us," she said.
Mamoru nodded. "We're just about home," he said.
In just a few minutes, he pulled into his building's parking garage and parked his car.
"What do we do now?" she asked. "I certainly can't get home with the streets closed."
"I know," he said, as they climbed out of the car. "We'll have to see just how bad it is."
They walked to the elevator. After the door closed and he pressed the button for his floor, she moved closer and kissed him. He took her in his arms and held her close.
"Have I told you lately that I love you, Mamo-chan?"
He nodded. "But you know I never tire of hearing it, Usako... Just as I never tire of telling you that I love you more than anything."
She smiled and kissed him again, enjoying the feel of his warm body against her own. His tongue slid across her lip and into her mouth. She sighed happily into the kiss.
The elevator came to a stop, and they walked along the hall, hand in hand. She smiled at him happily, truly considering this to be her home. He unlocked his door, and they stepped inside.
"We're home, my love," he said softly.
"Yes," she sighed. "Our home... I really like that idea, Mamo-chan."
He kissed her again. "So do I."
They removed their jackets, and then their shoes. He switched on the lights and drew the blinds closed. Turning on the television, he quickly found a report on the storm. The weather emergency order was being extended to much of southern Tokyo. The weather pattern seemed to have stalled over Tokyo Bay, making it clear that Tokyo and Yokohama were going to have to face it well into the next day.
Mamoru turned down the volume. "Well, if the weather emergency order is still in effect tomorrow morning, neither of us will have classes," he said.
She smiled. "I certainly wouldn't object to that, Mamo-chan," she said. "I'd just love to spend the day at home with my handsome, incredibly sexy prince."
"And I with my princess," he said.
They kissed again, and he took hold of the waist of her skirt and slid it down.
"Oh, Mamo-chan," she sighed. "I'm not up to that just now... Not after that exam, I'm afraid."
"I understand," he said, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. "Maybe you'd like a warm bath?"
She nodded. "That would be nice."
He raised her blouse and slipped it off, then led her back to the bedroom. She smiled lovingly at him, and his heart swelled with warmth as he again realized just how completely right it was to have her there with him. He kissed her softly, while unfastening her bra. She slipped it off, then removed her socks and stepped out of her panties.
She kissed him in return. "I'm going to go run a bath," she said. "I just want to take a long soak."
"OK," he said, running a hand gently and lovingly along her arm. "I should call your mother. She's probably worried about you now that they've closed the streets."
She smiled and nodded. "I love you, Mamo-chan... and I'm so happy I'm going to be your wife... and that I'm carrying our child."
He kissed her, holding his naked future bride in his arms. "I very happy I'm going to be your husband, Usako... You're the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me."
She pressed herself against him, and sighed happily as he unfastened her odangos, letting her hair fall down over her back. His arms enfolded her once more, and she savored the joyful feel of it, resting her head on his chest. After another moment, she stepped back, then went into the bathroom.
He stood there, hearing her turn on the water. Turning, he walked back into the living room and picked up the phone. He sat down on the couch and punched in the Tsukinos home number. The phone rang twice and there was a click as it was picked up at the other end.
"Tsukino residence," Kenji's voice said.
Mamoru's eyes went wide. 'Oh, great,' he groaned inwardly. "Uhm, Tsukino-san... this is Chiba Mamoru."
There was a pause at the other end of the line. "Yes, Chiba-san?" Kenji's voice was decidedly cool.
"I was calling because of the weather," Mamoru said. "Usagi didn't get out of her doctor's appointment until about half an hour ago... and they were already issuing traffic warnings."
"Yes, I understand it's pretty bad out there," Kenji said.
"It certainly is," Mamoru said. "Given the road conditions, we came to my apartment... since it's closer."
"I... see."
"We arrived just as they closed the streets... so we can't go anywhere," Mamoru continued. "I just wanted to call to let you and your wife know that Usagi is fine."
"I... uh... I appreciate that," Kenji said. "That she's safe is... ah... what's important."
"I couldn't agree more," Mamoru said.
"Just have her home as soon as possible," Kenji added.
"Alright," Mamoru said softly, struggling against an urge to say she was home. "And please let Ikuko-san know that everything went fine with Usagi's examination."
"I will. Thank you," Kenji said.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kenji hung up the phone, grumbling with displeasure. He still did not approve of Usagi's relationship with Mamoru, and in particular, considered Mamoru to blame for Usagi becoming pregnant. Still, Mamoru had called to let them know Usagi was fine, he had to admit. And Ikuko was right that few young men Mamoru's age would have taken full responsibility for their actions as Mamoru had.
Just then, the phone rang again.
"Tsukino residence," Kenji said into the phone.
"Tsukino-san," a woman's voice said. "This is Kayama Yuka, Mika's mother."
"Oh, yes. Of course... I believe you had the carpool today," Kenji said. "I hope you didn't have any problems, Kayama-san."
"No. No problems," she said. "I got everyone safely back to our house, but that's when the streets were closed. My husband and I have plenty of food in the house, and we have sleeping bags for each of the children. We're going to have a party of sorts for the kids, with movies and video games. I was just calling to let you know that Shingo is safe, and to assure you we'll send him home as soon as we can."
"Thank you for calling, Kayama-san," Kenji said. "My wife and I really appreciate it. I just hope this isn't too much of an inconvenience for you."
"Oh, not at all, Tsukino-san," Yuka said. "Mika's really enjoying hosting a party, and all the children are having a good time. It's no problem for us."
"Well, thank you very much," Kenji said. "Good bye."
"Good bye, Tsukino-san," Yuka replied, hanging up the phone.
Kenji placed the phone back on its cradle, and stood there for a moment, considering. A smile spread across his face. He walked into the kitchen and retrieved a bottle of wine and two glasses. Walking upstairs, he stripped down to just his shorts, then entered their bathroom where Ikuko was soaking in the tub.
"Kenji? What's this?" she asked, seeing the wine and his state of undress.
He filled both glasses and handed her one, sitting down on the edge of the tub.
"Thanks to the storm, we have the house to ourselves all night, darling," he said.
"Oh, really?"
He nodded. "The authorities have ordered everyone off the streets. Usagi is at Mamoru's apartment. Mamoru called to say she was fine and that her examination went well. Mika's mother also called and said she had Shingo and the other children of the carpool for the night. They're having a movies and video game party."
Ikuko took a sip of the wine. "And just what did you have in mind, dear?"
He reached down and swept his hand gently along her body. "Well... I was planning to offer to help my lovely wife with her bath, and then perhaps we could have a candlelight dinner for two... and then we might... retire early."
She smiled up at him. "Oh, Kenji," she sighed. "You are just the dearest man."
He leaned down and kissed her. "I may be about to become a grandfather, but I'm by no means ready to be put out to pasture yet," he said, his voice low.
She raised her eyebrows. "Really? I think I might like this side of you, dear."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Geoff and Minako stood at the door to the athletics building at the university.
"Yuck! It really is nasty out there," Minako said.
Geoff nodded. "And they've closed the roads, so you're not going to be able to get a bus home, I'm afraid."
"So now what do we do?" she asked. "Camp out here?"
"Can you handle walking four blocks in this mess?" he asked.
"I think so. Why?"
"If you don't mind, we can go to my apartment," he said. "It's small, but it's more comfortable than crashing on one of the sofas at the Student Union."
"Your apartment?" she asked. "Well... I, uhm, I guess that's OK... Thanks."
He nodded. "Ready to make a run for it?"
"Sure," she said.
They pulled their jackets tight and rushed outside.
"Gods! It is cold!" she exclaimed. "You'd think it was winter already."
"Let's keep going," he said, looking over to make sure she was alright.
They splashed across the first street.
"Oh! My feet are soaked," she muttered.
"Are you OK?" he asked.
"I'll be fine," she said, finding their hands coming together.
After crossing several more streets, they reached Geoff's building and ducked inside. They stepped into the elevator and she pulled off her shoes.
"I'm freezing," she said, clearly shivering.
"I can offer you a hot shower," he said.
"You don't have to twist my neck," she said.
He looked at her, trying to decide if she was kidding. "I think you mean 'twist my arm'," he said.
"Something like that," she said.
The elevator door opened and he led her to his door, unlocking it. They walked inside. He removed his shoes, and she set hers down.
The apartment consisted of a small living room with a couch and chair. A television, VCR, and stereo sat in one corner, with a small desk and computer along one wall. A narrow kitchen with a small table at one end was next to the door, with a closet and bathroom beyond that, and the bedroom opposite the bathroom. He led her back to the bedroom and retrieved a spare bathrobe.
"You can use this robe, Minako-chan," Geoff said. "And you'll find extra towels in the bathroom. Just help yourself."
"Thank you, Geoff," she replied.
"Oh, and there's a hair dryer under the sink," he said.
"Thanks."
He closed the door as he stepped back into the hall. With the door latched, she began to undress, peeling off her cold, wet clothes, then wrapping the robe around her naked body. Looking around, she noticed he had a double bed. After setting her clothes aside, she opened the door and crossed into the bathroom.
He heard the bathroom door close and the water turned on in the shower. Moving into the bedroom, he hurriedly removed his clothes and pulled on a robe. He then returned to the living room and turned on the television.
About ten minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom, her hair wrapped in a towel, and again wearing the robe he had loaned her. She felt much better after the shower.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"Oh, yes. Much," she said. "Thank you."
"You're quite welcome."
She hesitated for a moment. "Uhm... I... uh... I wanted to ask... ah... what the... sleeping arrangements would be," she said. "I mean... uhm... I only see one bed."
He smiled. "The couch folds out," he said. "I'll take that. You can have the bed."
"Are you sure?" she asked. "It's your bed."
"It's fine," he said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll take a shower myself."
She nodded. "I'd offer to make something, but I'm afraid I'm all thumbs in the kitchen..."
"That's OK," he said. "Most of what I have is ready to serve... It just needs to be warmed up."
He closed the bathroom door and started the shower. Stepping into the warm spray, he gasped as it initially felt much too hot. The sensation quickly passed as he began to warm up. He just stood there, letting the water run over him for more than a minute before picking up the soap.
In the living room, Minako picked up the phone and dialed her parents' number.
"Moshi, moshi," her mother answered.
"Hi, Mom. It's Minako," she said.
"Minako! Where are you?"
"I'm... I'm staying with some of my friends at the university who I play volleyball with," she said, deciding it was safer to fudge a bit on the precise details, letting her mother just assume she was staying with female friends. "They offered me a place to crash for the night. I just wanted to let you know I'm alright."
"Well, I am glad to hear that. Do give us a call when you're able to come home."
"I will, Mom. Bye." Minako hung up the phone.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ami and Ryo stood together in her kitchen, preparing dinner for themselves, when the phone rang.
"Mizuno residence," Ami said, after picking up the phone.
"Hi, Ami," her mother's voice said. "I take it you made it home alright?"
"Yes, we did," Ami said.
"We?"
"Uhm, yes... Ryo is here with me," Ami said, glancing over at him lovingly.
"I see... Well, I called to let you know that I'm stuck at the hospital tonight," her mother said. "They've asked everybody who's already here to stay, in case those on the later shifts can't make it in... I'm going to be here at least until morning."
"OK, Mom," Ami said. "Ryo is stuck here, and has let his parents know. We were just making some dinner."
"Alright, dear. Have a good time."
"Thanks, Mom."
"Just be careful," Dr. Mizuno added. "Use your common sense, Ami."
"Mom?!"
"Ami," her mother sighed. "I had a boyfriend too when I was your age... and we got pretty... involved, you might say. I know what it's like, and I know you'll be careful."
"Uhm... thanks, Mom," Ami said, more than slightly taken aback. "See you tomorrow."
"Good night, dear."
Ami switched off the phone.
Ryo looked at her. "What did she say?" he finally asked.
"She said she has to stay at the hospital tonight... They're all being held over at least until morning," Ami said. "And she pretty strongly implied that she knows we're not just studying together."
"Oh, wow... Ah... what did she say about that?"
"She just said she knows I would be careful... and that she knows what it is like," she said.
Ryo took her in his arms and kissed her. "I love you, darling... my beautiful girl genius," he whispered.
"I love you," she sighed. "And I'm so happy to have you here with me tonight."
"I'm always happy to be with you," he said, still holding her in his arms.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mamoru undressed and walked naked into the bathroom. Usagi was still laying in the tub, her hair piled up on top of her head.
"Oh, Mamo-chan," Usagi sighed.
He knelt beside the tub and kissed her.
"Feeling better, my love?" he asked.
She nodded. "Yes. A warm bath was just what I needed."
"I'm glad." He picked up a washcloth and swept it softly and lovingly over her naked form.
She sighed happily. "Oh, I like being pampered by my future husband."
"And I like pampering my future wife," he said softly, still caressing her with the washcloth. "But I really like having you here at home, my love."
"Yes. This is definitely my home... here with you, Mamo-chan," she said.< To be continued >
* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: Once again, special thanks to my wonderful better half, Hopeless Romantic, for her support and continuing 'technical' advice. More to come.Always remember, good gentles, that a yarnspinner works from and within existing legends and stories. The characters of "Sailor Moon" belong to others. In spinning my yarns, I do not seek to infringe on their rights of ownership, but merely to join with other fans to spread the legend still further. "The moonlight carries a message of love." Enjoy.
-12.27.2001