antivanruffles (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
antivanruffles) wrote2012-12-23 07:51 pm
antivanruffles) wrote2012-12-23 07:51 pm
Entry tags:
HO HO HO!!!
Suddenly a wild Kate appears, skidding to a halt as she hastily places the package beneath the Christmas tree -- she'd ALMOST been late! The box is beautifully wrapped in gold paper with a giant silver bow placed on top, flecks of glitter shimmering under the lights of the tree.
You take the gift, gently pulling at the ribbon and putting it aside. Slowly you lift the lid of the box and what do your eyes find? A FIC OF COURSE! No, it can't be, you whisper softly, hand going to cover your mouth. But it is! It's a follow-up to The Lonely Road!
Title: Coming Home
Who: Kunzite (and people but you can be surprised!)
Rating: R for swearing.
A/N: I honestly don't know how this happened, or what it is really, but I started this late last night and just now finished it (so it hasn't been beta'd). Tomorrow I'll be spending most of the day cooking and entertaining, so I won't be around, and thought I'll just post this up now. Merry Christmas y'all! I hope this does a bit to soothe to wounds left by Ficathon! <3
Title comes fro this song here, which I took a bit of inspiration from.
Pulling into Izmir, Sebastian was happy to see sunshine and people. Beyond the city line he could see the Aegean Sea; clear, turquoise blue, shimmering under the hot sun.
He’d been driving nearly nonstop since Asgat; across Mongolia, Kazakhstan, down through part of Russia into Georgia, and finally on to Turkey. Stopping only when he needed petrol or supplies, and sleeping little.
Sebastian stopped to fill his tank and spare cans, then drove onward to the docks. He bought a ticket for the next ferry leaving for Greece, then found a small cantina to hunker down in for the next few hours.
The place was a divey hole in the wall, and he liked that just fine. Though walking through beat-up old door he stopped dead in his tracks; languishing at a table in the corner was a hulk of a man, all broad shoulders and wild hair with a cocky grin. He nodded at Sebastian, then motioned to the seat across from him.
Heaving a resigned sigh, Sebastian moved forward quickly. He pulled out the chair, the legs scraping against the floor, and sat down heavily. Even though he’d never met this man in this life, he spoke as if he’d known him for years. In a way, he had.
“How did you find me?” He frowned.
“How do you think, numbnuts?” The other man rolled his eyes to ceiling, they were the same amber colour as the whisky in his glass. He was American, Sebastian noted, but he wasn‘t sure from where exactly. Perhaps New York. “That little dream you had? Princey-poo was affected, too. I thought you would’ve known better, how else did you account for all the info ya got?”
“I didn’t know if it was real or not. I couldn’t account either way.”
His companion stretched and yawned loudly, wiping the corner of his eye when it started to water. Then he reached forward, hand wrapping around the glass, and took a swig. He sat down the glass carefully, looking at Sebastian from the corner of his eye while itching the thick stubble covering his chin.
“Yeah, well, it was like a, uh, shared dream state or some shit. Rei explained it better.” He waved a hand airily. “Which means that was really Mamoru you were talkin’ to, not a dream, not a ghost.”
“Oh,” Sebastian breathed, unable to think of anything else.
“Even though we knew basically where you were, it was a still a bitch to find you. You’re ruthless in your travels, don’t you ever fucking sleep, man?” He knocked back the rest of his whisky.
“Why didn’t Endy--Why didn’t Mamoru come?”
“Because, sunshine, our dear little princeling is waiting to become a father.” He waved over the bartender, ordering himself a refill and one for Sebastian. “Cheers!”
“I don’t understand?” Sebastian stared at the glass in front him, eyes unfocused.
“What’s there to understand? Mamoru knocked boots with Usagi, now she’s laid up nine months, waiting to pop. He wanted to come, but there was no way he could miss the birth of his kid, so I volunteered.”
Too many things were swirling around Sebastian’s head; questions, memories, visions, feelings, and more questions. Instead he asked the simplest, most obvious one.
“Why?”
“Because I like a bit of adventure.” He threw back his head and barked out a laugh, starling the bartender behind the counter.
“What’s your name?” Sebastian asked abruptly.
“Oh, I’m called Leo Nervetti.” He held out a hand, it was big and wide and slightly calloused.
“Sebastian Kearney.” He reached out and took Leo’s hand, shaking it firmly.
“A pleasure.” Leo leaned back in his chair, hunkering down. He stretched out long legs, nearly bumping Sebastian’s, and stuck his hands in his jean pockets, head lulling to one side. “Alright Irish, how we gonna play this? You gonna come willing or do I have to knock you out and drag you back to Japan?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Don’t play dumb, it’s not a good look on you.” Leo rolled his eyes. “I have a counterargument for anything you could say. They’re good, too, nearly everyone back there had a bit to say.”
“I don’t understand?”
Leo straightened up and fixed Sebastian with a piercing look. “It means everyone had something to say about your, uh, inability to return to Mamoru. I mean you’ve been fighting it longer than the rest of us, haven’t you?”
“I’m not sure…”
“Look, you want to know the real reason I wanted to come?”
“I suppose…”
“I wanted to tell you something to your face. Something that needs to be said, but no one else has the guts to say. You,” he stressed, leaning forward, “are a fucking coward.”
Sebastian narrowed his eyes coolly, and leaned forward as well, face close enough to Leo’s that he could see himself reflected back in his dark eyes. Sebastian looked tired, haggard and far older than his years. “Have you forgotten? Or maybe you never remembered clearly? We are traitors. Murderers,” he said, voice low.
“I remember just fine, thank you very much. I also remember being tortured, driven to the point of fucking madness before being offered some reprieve. At that point I didn’t care who was offering it, where it came from, or what it entailed. I just wanted it all to fucking stop. We all did. Because we lost ourselves. Those traitors? Those murderers? They weren’t us, not really, we were empty shells by then.”
“We still let it happen!” Sebastian hissed.
“So that’s it? God, it’s even worse than I thought.” Leo straightened up, letting out a low whistle. “You’re pissed because you lost.”
“Fuck you,” Sebastian growled.
“Oh? Did I hit a little close to home? Poor baby.” Leo pouted at him mockingly. “Look, it happened. It’s done. You don’t get to decide shit anymore. You know why? Because now your fucked up, self imposed penance is affecting others. It’s not just about you. It’s about Mamoru. It’s about the Shitennou. Hell, it’s about friggin’ Usagi!” He paused, then smiled slowly. “It’s about Minako, too.”
“Don’t talk to me about her.”
“Why not? Do you want to know what she said? What her counterargument was?”
“Why do I have a feeling I’ll hear it no matter what I answer.” Sebastian finally gave into the whisky in front of him and knocked it back, downing it all one gulp.
Leo laughed, more softly this time. “She said, ‘when he starts spouting off things about loyalty and duty, just tell him the George Bernard Shaw quote: When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.’ Then she smiled serenely and said, ‘that should do it.’”
“Cursed woman hasn’t changed.”
“Oh, she has. She just kept some of the best parts of Venus.” Leo finished his drink and slapped down some money while rising. He looked down at Sebastian, hands splayed on the table. “Are you ready?”
“No.”
“Are you coming or do I have knock you out?”
“I’ll come.”
“Good!” Leo stood up straight and rubbed his hands together. “Come on, then.” He hauled Sebastian out of his chair and started dragging him toward the door. They stepped over the threshold and in a blink they were no longer in Izmir, or anywhere near it.
They stood outside a house; it was small but well taken care of, with red rose bushes in the front and a small walkway leading up to the door.
“How did we get here?”
Leo smiled gleefully and waggled his fingers. “Magic!”
“Idiot,” Sebastian sighed.
“Yeah, yeah. Come along!” Leo started shoving Sebastian up the pathway. Once they got to the door he reached around Sebastian and gave it a loud knock. Sebastian had no time to collect his thoughts or himself before the door was thrown open and Mamoru stood there.
“Merry Christmas, like six months late. My bad!” Leo laughed and patted Sebastian on the shoulder. “Alright, I’ll let you two kiss and makeup. I’ll be at Makoto’s if I’m needed, which I doubt I will be. I only got the bastard to come home is all…”
“Thank you, Leo.”
“Sure, sure!” Leo left, though Sebastian barely spared him a single glance, all his attention was focused on Mamoru. They stood looking at each other for a long time, neither one speaking or moving or barely breathing.
“Just hug him!” A light, feminine voice called from the depths of the house. “It’s a perfectly normal thing to do, stop being all stoic about it!” A light, tinkling laugh followed the words.
Never able to deny his princess anything, Mamoru stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Sebastian’s shoulders, fists digging into his shirt.
“I’m glad you finally made it.”
Sebastian returned the hug, his head bent and eyes shut tight. “It was a long road.”
“I know, my friend. I know.”
Mamoru pulled back first, his hands still on Sebastian’s shoulders. “Come inside, you must meet Usagi… and our daughter.”
“You’re a father now?”
“I am.” Mamoru nodded and stepped back, giving Sebastian room to enter. The inside of the home was larger than one would’ve thought. It was open and light, decorated with soft colours that cried out the princess’s name.
Usagi was standing in the living area, her long hair done up in the customary style he remembered from a millennia ago. She hummed softly while rocking a bundle perched on her shoulder.
“Hello!” She cried happily when she saw them, then made a face when the baby fussed. She started humming again, bouncing the bundle ever so gently. When the baby was calm again, she focused all her attention on Sebastian.
Her bright blue eyes looked him up and down and a grin spread across her face. “Well, we’ll have to clean you up a bit before you go see Minako, but you’re just as handsome as I remember!”
“E-excuse me.” Sebastian choked on air.
“Just as shy too!” She giggled then nodded to the bundle, “Do you want to hold her? She arrived three days ago, we share a birthday.”
“Oh, um, well.. Happy birthday.” He shifted uncomfortably. “No, I shouldn’t. I’m dirty… probably have germs.”
“Fine, be that way. Mamoru, take your daughter.” She held out the bundle to her husband, he took the baby gently in his arms, his face soft as he looked down at the tiny face.
“She’s beautiful,” Sebastian said.
“Thank you!” Usagi said happily then held out her arms to him, almost like a child. “You can’t come back and not hug me.”
Sebastian looked down at Usagi, at the princess. She was just as tiny as he remembered, nothing more than a slip of a woman. He thought it entirely possibly he could crush her.
“Oh, don’t be like that. Give me a hug.” She flapped her hands, beckoning him forward. Sebastian stooped down, wrapping her in a gentle hug, afraid he might break her like a porcelain doll. However Usagi was stronger than he imagined, and wrapped her arms so tightly around his waist he found it hard to breathe.
“I’m glad you’re here, now everything feels complete!” She gave him a final rib cracking squeeze and pulled back.
“I, um, thank you.”
“It will all be okay, I promise. Now come on, let’s get you showered and shaved and you can go see Minako!”
The entire thing felt surreal to Sebastian, and he was sure his eyes were comically wide by now. But he had spent so long fighting, so long mourning a life he would never -- could never-- have. Then in the blink of an eye he was here, with Usagi fawning over him and Mamoru watching with an amused smirk.
Was this another dream? Was this part of the torture he would endure in this life? Usagi slapped his arm, playfully, but with enough force to snap him back to reality. This was not another dream.
“Stop it,” she said firmly. “Stop it. You’re home now.”
Sebastian nodded slowly, then a smile crossed his face, his eyes softening as he looked down at Usagi. “I’m home.”
******
After a long, hot shower and quick nap, Sebastian stood in the tiny spare room Mamoru used as an office. Clean shaven and far less haggard, Sebastian buttoned up the pale blue oxford shirt Usagi had gotten him -- still marveling that she had thought about it at all, let alone gotten the right size.
“You’re just like I remembered, a giant!“ She had said breezily. “I ordered them online because I doubt I could’ve found anything to fit you in the shops here, Goddess knows Leo complains about it enough.”
Sebastian smiled while tucking the shirt tails into his black slacks, he adjusted the belt and slipped his feet into the slippers she had given him -- a pair of polished black shoes waited for him by the entry.
Nodding at his reflection in the small mirror on the wall, he stepped into the living room and Usagi gasped.
“Do I look alright?”
“You look so handsome!” she cooed, hands clasped under her chin. Mamoru had the gull to laugh. Sebastian sent Mamoru a questioning look, the other man only shrugged in response, hand covering his mouth.
Usagi had rushed up to Sebastian by then, reaching up on tiptoe to straighten his collar.
“Are you certain I have to do this? Now, I mean.”
“Yes, best get it over with. It will be fine, I promise. Stop worrying.”
“He likes to worry, it make him feel useful.”
“Is there a reason why you insist on teasing me?”
“I’m allowed, you’re an idiot.”
Sebastian blinked at Mamoru, then nodded his head in acquiesce. “You have a point.”
“Of course I do.” Mamoru grinned widely, eyes crinkling. Usagi shook her head at them, tapping Sebastian’s chest to get his attention again.
“Don’t be scared, she’s expecting you.”
“That I am.”
Sebastian whirled around to find her standing in the doorway, silhouetted by the setting sun, aglow with the golden light. She stepped inside and shut the door, when she turned back he was able to see her clearly; bright cornflower blue eyes, angelic face framed with soft hair spilling down her back like melted butter.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come to me, so I came to you.” She leaned to one side, hair spilling over her shoulder as she looked at Mamoru. “Do you mind if I steal your guardian for a moment?”
“Not at all.” He smiled, pressing his index finger to his lips, trying not to laugh.
“Thank you!” She returned the grin and straightened up, fixing her gaze back on Sebastian. “We‘ll go for a walk around the block. Come here,” she called to him as if he were a puppy. He supposed in a way he was, unable to keep his feet from moving toward her. She was a goddess born from his memories. Sebastian slipped his feet into his new shoes and reached for the doorknob.
“Remember his curfew is at eleven.” Mamoru called after them. Sebastian turned and eyed the dark haired man.
Mamoru merely grinned. “Remember; idiot.”
“I am starting to regret ever coming here.”
“Blame Leo!” Sebastian was unable to reply as he was yanked outside, the door slamming shut on Mamoru’s laughter.
They walked to the curb, and Sebastian followed Minako when she turned right. It was early evening, the day pleasantly warm. The sun was just dipping below the skyline, the world full of warm golden light, and Sebastian marveled at how much different everything was from just a few weeks ago.
“So,” Minako said slowly. “One does wonder how long you thought you could go on, alone.”
“I didn’t think of it that way.”
“You didn’t think at all.” She kept her voice light, but it did little to belie to edge to her words. They continued to the end of the block where Minako stopped him with a hand on his arm -- it was warm, but firm and he could feel power radiating from her.
“Sebastian,” she spoke softly. “I want you to know that I forgave you for all of that a very long time ago.”
He could only stare her, unsure what to say or do. Unsure how he had been granted her forgiveness so easily, how she could give it so readily.
“But,” she paused and smiled; the corners of her lips quirking, a wicked, teasing glint in her eyes. Minako started walking backward down the sidewalk. “I’ve not forgiven you for being stubborn, you’ll have to work for that.” She gave him a bright grin and tossed her hair over her shoulder as she turned around, continuing on her way.
Sebastian stood rooted to the spot, blinking while she walked away. He stayed there until she reached the end of the second block and turned around to look at him. “Are you coming or not?”
He laughed, unable to stop himself, and nodded, moving forward to catch up. He knew there was a long road ahead of him, but he also knew this one would not be so lonely.
You take the gift, gently pulling at the ribbon and putting it aside. Slowly you lift the lid of the box and what do your eyes find? A FIC OF COURSE! No, it can't be, you whisper softly, hand going to cover your mouth. But it is! It's a follow-up to The Lonely Road!
Title: Coming Home
Who: Kunzite (and people but you can be surprised!)
Rating: R for swearing.
A/N: I honestly don't know how this happened, or what it is really, but I started this late last night and just now finished it (so it hasn't been beta'd). Tomorrow I'll be spending most of the day cooking and entertaining, so I won't be around, and thought I'll just post this up now. Merry Christmas y'all! I hope this does a bit to soothe to wounds left by Ficathon! <3
Title comes fro this song here, which I took a bit of inspiration from.
Pulling into Izmir, Sebastian was happy to see sunshine and people. Beyond the city line he could see the Aegean Sea; clear, turquoise blue, shimmering under the hot sun.
He’d been driving nearly nonstop since Asgat; across Mongolia, Kazakhstan, down through part of Russia into Georgia, and finally on to Turkey. Stopping only when he needed petrol or supplies, and sleeping little.
Sebastian stopped to fill his tank and spare cans, then drove onward to the docks. He bought a ticket for the next ferry leaving for Greece, then found a small cantina to hunker down in for the next few hours.
The place was a divey hole in the wall, and he liked that just fine. Though walking through beat-up old door he stopped dead in his tracks; languishing at a table in the corner was a hulk of a man, all broad shoulders and wild hair with a cocky grin. He nodded at Sebastian, then motioned to the seat across from him.
Heaving a resigned sigh, Sebastian moved forward quickly. He pulled out the chair, the legs scraping against the floor, and sat down heavily. Even though he’d never met this man in this life, he spoke as if he’d known him for years. In a way, he had.
“How did you find me?” He frowned.
“How do you think, numbnuts?” The other man rolled his eyes to ceiling, they were the same amber colour as the whisky in his glass. He was American, Sebastian noted, but he wasn‘t sure from where exactly. Perhaps New York. “That little dream you had? Princey-poo was affected, too. I thought you would’ve known better, how else did you account for all the info ya got?”
“I didn’t know if it was real or not. I couldn’t account either way.”
His companion stretched and yawned loudly, wiping the corner of his eye when it started to water. Then he reached forward, hand wrapping around the glass, and took a swig. He sat down the glass carefully, looking at Sebastian from the corner of his eye while itching the thick stubble covering his chin.
“Yeah, well, it was like a, uh, shared dream state or some shit. Rei explained it better.” He waved a hand airily. “Which means that was really Mamoru you were talkin’ to, not a dream, not a ghost.”
“Oh,” Sebastian breathed, unable to think of anything else.
“Even though we knew basically where you were, it was a still a bitch to find you. You’re ruthless in your travels, don’t you ever fucking sleep, man?” He knocked back the rest of his whisky.
“Why didn’t Endy--Why didn’t Mamoru come?”
“Because, sunshine, our dear little princeling is waiting to become a father.” He waved over the bartender, ordering himself a refill and one for Sebastian. “Cheers!”
“I don’t understand?” Sebastian stared at the glass in front him, eyes unfocused.
“What’s there to understand? Mamoru knocked boots with Usagi, now she’s laid up nine months, waiting to pop. He wanted to come, but there was no way he could miss the birth of his kid, so I volunteered.”
Too many things were swirling around Sebastian’s head; questions, memories, visions, feelings, and more questions. Instead he asked the simplest, most obvious one.
“Why?”
“Because I like a bit of adventure.” He threw back his head and barked out a laugh, starling the bartender behind the counter.
“What’s your name?” Sebastian asked abruptly.
“Oh, I’m called Leo Nervetti.” He held out a hand, it was big and wide and slightly calloused.
“Sebastian Kearney.” He reached out and took Leo’s hand, shaking it firmly.
“A pleasure.” Leo leaned back in his chair, hunkering down. He stretched out long legs, nearly bumping Sebastian’s, and stuck his hands in his jean pockets, head lulling to one side. “Alright Irish, how we gonna play this? You gonna come willing or do I have to knock you out and drag you back to Japan?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Don’t play dumb, it’s not a good look on you.” Leo rolled his eyes. “I have a counterargument for anything you could say. They’re good, too, nearly everyone back there had a bit to say.”
“I don’t understand?”
Leo straightened up and fixed Sebastian with a piercing look. “It means everyone had something to say about your, uh, inability to return to Mamoru. I mean you’ve been fighting it longer than the rest of us, haven’t you?”
“I’m not sure…”
“Look, you want to know the real reason I wanted to come?”
“I suppose…”
“I wanted to tell you something to your face. Something that needs to be said, but no one else has the guts to say. You,” he stressed, leaning forward, “are a fucking coward.”
Sebastian narrowed his eyes coolly, and leaned forward as well, face close enough to Leo’s that he could see himself reflected back in his dark eyes. Sebastian looked tired, haggard and far older than his years. “Have you forgotten? Or maybe you never remembered clearly? We are traitors. Murderers,” he said, voice low.
“I remember just fine, thank you very much. I also remember being tortured, driven to the point of fucking madness before being offered some reprieve. At that point I didn’t care who was offering it, where it came from, or what it entailed. I just wanted it all to fucking stop. We all did. Because we lost ourselves. Those traitors? Those murderers? They weren’t us, not really, we were empty shells by then.”
“We still let it happen!” Sebastian hissed.
“So that’s it? God, it’s even worse than I thought.” Leo straightened up, letting out a low whistle. “You’re pissed because you lost.”
“Fuck you,” Sebastian growled.
“Oh? Did I hit a little close to home? Poor baby.” Leo pouted at him mockingly. “Look, it happened. It’s done. You don’t get to decide shit anymore. You know why? Because now your fucked up, self imposed penance is affecting others. It’s not just about you. It’s about Mamoru. It’s about the Shitennou. Hell, it’s about friggin’ Usagi!” He paused, then smiled slowly. “It’s about Minako, too.”
“Don’t talk to me about her.”
“Why not? Do you want to know what she said? What her counterargument was?”
“Why do I have a feeling I’ll hear it no matter what I answer.” Sebastian finally gave into the whisky in front of him and knocked it back, downing it all one gulp.
Leo laughed, more softly this time. “She said, ‘when he starts spouting off things about loyalty and duty, just tell him the George Bernard Shaw quote: When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.’ Then she smiled serenely and said, ‘that should do it.’”
“Cursed woman hasn’t changed.”
“Oh, she has. She just kept some of the best parts of Venus.” Leo finished his drink and slapped down some money while rising. He looked down at Sebastian, hands splayed on the table. “Are you ready?”
“No.”
“Are you coming or do I have knock you out?”
“I’ll come.”
“Good!” Leo stood up straight and rubbed his hands together. “Come on, then.” He hauled Sebastian out of his chair and started dragging him toward the door. They stepped over the threshold and in a blink they were no longer in Izmir, or anywhere near it.
They stood outside a house; it was small but well taken care of, with red rose bushes in the front and a small walkway leading up to the door.
“How did we get here?”
Leo smiled gleefully and waggled his fingers. “Magic!”
“Idiot,” Sebastian sighed.
“Yeah, yeah. Come along!” Leo started shoving Sebastian up the pathway. Once they got to the door he reached around Sebastian and gave it a loud knock. Sebastian had no time to collect his thoughts or himself before the door was thrown open and Mamoru stood there.
“Merry Christmas, like six months late. My bad!” Leo laughed and patted Sebastian on the shoulder. “Alright, I’ll let you two kiss and makeup. I’ll be at Makoto’s if I’m needed, which I doubt I will be. I only got the bastard to come home is all…”
“Thank you, Leo.”
“Sure, sure!” Leo left, though Sebastian barely spared him a single glance, all his attention was focused on Mamoru. They stood looking at each other for a long time, neither one speaking or moving or barely breathing.
“Just hug him!” A light, feminine voice called from the depths of the house. “It’s a perfectly normal thing to do, stop being all stoic about it!” A light, tinkling laugh followed the words.
Never able to deny his princess anything, Mamoru stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Sebastian’s shoulders, fists digging into his shirt.
“I’m glad you finally made it.”
Sebastian returned the hug, his head bent and eyes shut tight. “It was a long road.”
“I know, my friend. I know.”
Mamoru pulled back first, his hands still on Sebastian’s shoulders. “Come inside, you must meet Usagi… and our daughter.”
“You’re a father now?”
“I am.” Mamoru nodded and stepped back, giving Sebastian room to enter. The inside of the home was larger than one would’ve thought. It was open and light, decorated with soft colours that cried out the princess’s name.
Usagi was standing in the living area, her long hair done up in the customary style he remembered from a millennia ago. She hummed softly while rocking a bundle perched on her shoulder.
“Hello!” She cried happily when she saw them, then made a face when the baby fussed. She started humming again, bouncing the bundle ever so gently. When the baby was calm again, she focused all her attention on Sebastian.
Her bright blue eyes looked him up and down and a grin spread across her face. “Well, we’ll have to clean you up a bit before you go see Minako, but you’re just as handsome as I remember!”
“E-excuse me.” Sebastian choked on air.
“Just as shy too!” She giggled then nodded to the bundle, “Do you want to hold her? She arrived three days ago, we share a birthday.”
“Oh, um, well.. Happy birthday.” He shifted uncomfortably. “No, I shouldn’t. I’m dirty… probably have germs.”
“Fine, be that way. Mamoru, take your daughter.” She held out the bundle to her husband, he took the baby gently in his arms, his face soft as he looked down at the tiny face.
“She’s beautiful,” Sebastian said.
“Thank you!” Usagi said happily then held out her arms to him, almost like a child. “You can’t come back and not hug me.”
Sebastian looked down at Usagi, at the princess. She was just as tiny as he remembered, nothing more than a slip of a woman. He thought it entirely possibly he could crush her.
“Oh, don’t be like that. Give me a hug.” She flapped her hands, beckoning him forward. Sebastian stooped down, wrapping her in a gentle hug, afraid he might break her like a porcelain doll. However Usagi was stronger than he imagined, and wrapped her arms so tightly around his waist he found it hard to breathe.
“I’m glad you’re here, now everything feels complete!” She gave him a final rib cracking squeeze and pulled back.
“I, um, thank you.”
“It will all be okay, I promise. Now come on, let’s get you showered and shaved and you can go see Minako!”
The entire thing felt surreal to Sebastian, and he was sure his eyes were comically wide by now. But he had spent so long fighting, so long mourning a life he would never -- could never-- have. Then in the blink of an eye he was here, with Usagi fawning over him and Mamoru watching with an amused smirk.
Was this another dream? Was this part of the torture he would endure in this life? Usagi slapped his arm, playfully, but with enough force to snap him back to reality. This was not another dream.
“Stop it,” she said firmly. “Stop it. You’re home now.”
Sebastian nodded slowly, then a smile crossed his face, his eyes softening as he looked down at Usagi. “I’m home.”
******
After a long, hot shower and quick nap, Sebastian stood in the tiny spare room Mamoru used as an office. Clean shaven and far less haggard, Sebastian buttoned up the pale blue oxford shirt Usagi had gotten him -- still marveling that she had thought about it at all, let alone gotten the right size.
“You’re just like I remembered, a giant!“ She had said breezily. “I ordered them online because I doubt I could’ve found anything to fit you in the shops here, Goddess knows Leo complains about it enough.”
Sebastian smiled while tucking the shirt tails into his black slacks, he adjusted the belt and slipped his feet into the slippers she had given him -- a pair of polished black shoes waited for him by the entry.
Nodding at his reflection in the small mirror on the wall, he stepped into the living room and Usagi gasped.
“Do I look alright?”
“You look so handsome!” she cooed, hands clasped under her chin. Mamoru had the gull to laugh. Sebastian sent Mamoru a questioning look, the other man only shrugged in response, hand covering his mouth.
Usagi had rushed up to Sebastian by then, reaching up on tiptoe to straighten his collar.
“Are you certain I have to do this? Now, I mean.”
“Yes, best get it over with. It will be fine, I promise. Stop worrying.”
“He likes to worry, it make him feel useful.”
“Is there a reason why you insist on teasing me?”
“I’m allowed, you’re an idiot.”
Sebastian blinked at Mamoru, then nodded his head in acquiesce. “You have a point.”
“Of course I do.” Mamoru grinned widely, eyes crinkling. Usagi shook her head at them, tapping Sebastian’s chest to get his attention again.
“Don’t be scared, she’s expecting you.”
“That I am.”
Sebastian whirled around to find her standing in the doorway, silhouetted by the setting sun, aglow with the golden light. She stepped inside and shut the door, when she turned back he was able to see her clearly; bright cornflower blue eyes, angelic face framed with soft hair spilling down her back like melted butter.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come to me, so I came to you.” She leaned to one side, hair spilling over her shoulder as she looked at Mamoru. “Do you mind if I steal your guardian for a moment?”
“Not at all.” He smiled, pressing his index finger to his lips, trying not to laugh.
“Thank you!” She returned the grin and straightened up, fixing her gaze back on Sebastian. “We‘ll go for a walk around the block. Come here,” she called to him as if he were a puppy. He supposed in a way he was, unable to keep his feet from moving toward her. She was a goddess born from his memories. Sebastian slipped his feet into his new shoes and reached for the doorknob.
“Remember his curfew is at eleven.” Mamoru called after them. Sebastian turned and eyed the dark haired man.
Mamoru merely grinned. “Remember; idiot.”
“I am starting to regret ever coming here.”
“Blame Leo!” Sebastian was unable to reply as he was yanked outside, the door slamming shut on Mamoru’s laughter.
They walked to the curb, and Sebastian followed Minako when she turned right. It was early evening, the day pleasantly warm. The sun was just dipping below the skyline, the world full of warm golden light, and Sebastian marveled at how much different everything was from just a few weeks ago.
“So,” Minako said slowly. “One does wonder how long you thought you could go on, alone.”
“I didn’t think of it that way.”
“You didn’t think at all.” She kept her voice light, but it did little to belie to edge to her words. They continued to the end of the block where Minako stopped him with a hand on his arm -- it was warm, but firm and he could feel power radiating from her.
“Sebastian,” she spoke softly. “I want you to know that I forgave you for all of that a very long time ago.”
He could only stare her, unsure what to say or do. Unsure how he had been granted her forgiveness so easily, how she could give it so readily.
“But,” she paused and smiled; the corners of her lips quirking, a wicked, teasing glint in her eyes. Minako started walking backward down the sidewalk. “I’ve not forgiven you for being stubborn, you’ll have to work for that.” She gave him a bright grin and tossed her hair over her shoulder as she turned around, continuing on her way.
Sebastian stood rooted to the spot, blinking while she walked away. He stayed there until she reached the end of the second block and turned around to look at him. “Are you coming or not?”
He laughed, unable to stop himself, and nodded, moving forward to catch up. He knew there was a long road ahead of him, but he also knew this one would not be so lonely.
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Eeeee the moment he walked in and saw a guy with wild hair lounging around I just KNEW it had to be Nephrite. Nobody more perfect could have possibly tracked him down just to give him a proper talking to. I love that Leo just straight-up insults him, threatens him, and drags him home. That man gets shit done!
And Usagi is adorable with her hugs and her buying him shirts (I bet she shops for Mamoru all the time now and just knows men's clothes better than they do) and ordering him around. And Mamoru's constant teasing.
“He likes to worry, it make him feel useful.”
“Is there a reason why you insist on teasing me?”
“I’m allowed, you’re an idiot.”
YES THIS IS GOOD A+ I APPROVE.
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I'm so happy you liked it! :D <3
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I got your card btw, thank you!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! :D
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