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With the Softest Whimper	By : Setokaiva Category: Sailor Moon > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 149 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is owned by Viz Media I claim no right to Sailor Moon in any way shape or form and am making no money off this work I am submitting this for entertainment purposes ONLY

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
It was a new day in class, and Usagi's hopes for rain were dashed. It was overcast, but steady. Juban High School's imposing walls felt so much more intimidating than ever now. She almost wished a Youma would appear, just to give her an excuse.
That was stupid, though. She'd gotten through the exams to get here with her friends. She'd worked hard. She just had to keep pushing.
It was then that their homeroom teacher, Kawasaki-sensei, paused in the middle of shuffling papers—and then Usagi heard a polite rap-rap-rap at the door.
"Good, right on time." Their sensei rose, but halfway towards the door, she looked over the class, and spoke in a louder voice. "Everyone, as you already know, you'll be welcoming a new first-year transfer student to our class today. I expect all of you to treat her with the same respect and dignity you would any of your peers."
Minako hummed from the chair behind Usagi. "So that's why she didn't take attendance yet."
Usagi nodded absently. Sensei opened the door…
…and in walked a goddess.
Almost everyone in class quietly gasped, or started whispering to themselves.
The girl who entered had a heart-achingly beautiful face, with the kind of perfectly-chiseled jawline models dreamed about. Long, black hair poured off her smooth head, and all the way down her back to just over her hips. In the hush that'd fallen over the class, her shoes sounded crisp and clear on the tile floor.
She was a little taller than average, too, though still shorter than Makoto. Fuller eyes, more defined cheekbones. It was clear to anyone she wasn't exactly Japanese.
"Hello," she spoke clearly, and dipped her body forward in a flawless bow. "My given name is Sophia, family name Lorelei."
Usagi suppressed a shudder. Wow. Even her voice was pretty and smooth.
"I do not mind if you call me Sophia," she continued. "My family name is not well known here, and," she cracked a little smile, "I know it can be hard to say. Please, take care of me."
Rawra... Rorer... Ai. Oh, yeah, she wasn't kidding. Usagi hoped she didn't get teased for it; her family name probably didn't mean 'love'.
Sensei nodded graciously. "Thank you, Sophia. Please, take your seat."
Sophia scanned the room, her gaze lingering briefly on Usagi.
Usagi put on the warmest smile she could, and waved her hand. "Hello," she said quietly.
Sophia's lips quirked up. She walked down the aisle, and picked a desk a few rows down from her. As she passed, Usagi couldn't help but notice the graceful way she moved, almost like she was gliding rather than walking.
Silence reigned in the moments after. A few whispers still carried over—surprisingly, one of them was Minako.
"She's had practice, that's for sure."
Usagi blinked. She turned her head to look her way. "What do you mean?"
"Did you see her walking? That's gotta be from habit. I bet she's been on the runway before."
"What does the airport have to do with—?"
"No, the runway! " Minako wiggled her hands. "For fashion! The walk out in front of the judges!"
Usagi gave an 'ah' of comprehension.
"She's probably had six months of practice, at least, if she's doing that without even thinking about it," Minako continued.
Usagi gave her a thin smile. "Are you getting a little jealous?"
"No, more like worried," Minako said. "She's gonna get picked on. Period. She's foreign, and she really stands out."
Usagi winced. "Minako..."
Minako looked at her, and frowned. Still, she wound up shrugging her shoulders. "Hey, I'm just saying. I'm not gonna give her trouble, or anything."
Rap, rap, rap!
Loud taps of a ruler striking the chalkboard pulled Usagi's eyes forward.
"Alright, class, settle down," the teacher called out. "First things first, attendance. Aino Minako?"
"Here!" came her friend's bright voice.
"Tsukino Usagi."
She threw up her hand. "Here!" she chirped.
The list went on for about thirty more names. Usagi lost count after Sophia gave hers. She kept tossing her family name over and over on her tongue; the 'L' was a really tricky part of English classes.
"Now, then, I have a few announcements," Ms. Kawasaki stated. "First, the science club is hosting a group study session this Friday after school, in the library. Anyone needing a refresher on algebra should consider attending."
Usagi perked up. She quickly wrote that down in her notes.
"Lastly, I want to remind everyone that the midterm exams are next week."
Her pen dropped on the desk with a loud clack.
"This is an important day, so please plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to allow for delays. Use your study time wisely, and if you need help, don't hesitate to ask your teachers or classmates."
A black pit twisted in her gut like an eel. Shoot, shoot. Was it that time already? She was probably gonna skate by with a 'C' at most. But what could she do? Maybe… maybe Ami could spare some time to study with, later.
Yeah. Yeah, she could always count on her friends to help out. Without them, she wouldn't even have gotten into Juban High School in the first place.
Then, with a sinking feeling, she remembered what was up right after homeroom.
Math. High school math. An order of magnitude worse than ever! Prime numbers? Factorization? Polynumerials? Ugh. She'd tried to study it the night before, until all the numbers started jumping around and calling her names.
As if on cue, Ms. Kawasaki let out a mirthless chuckle. "I see we have some doubtful faces in the class. Perhaps a refresher's in order, then."
She turned to the blackboard, then wrote out… x… equals 56, divided, no, it was in brackets, that came after exponents…
…and just like that, Usagi lost it. There was just a big underline at the end, like the black hole forming in her stomach.
"Who wants to solve this one?"
A clear, confident voice answered, "I can, Sensei."
Usagi turned to see Sophia standing up, her face illuminated by a confident smile. She walked gracefully to the front of the class, her movements effortless and poised. For a fleeting moment, Usagi found herself comparing Sophia to her friend Ami. The same calm confidence, the same ease with academics. But there was something different about Sophia—an almost ethereal presence that captivated everyone around her.
"Well, well," Kawasaki noted, with a little smile of her own. "You all could use some of her attitude."
Sophia paid the compliment no mind. She just picked up a marker, and her hand… flowed. That was the only word for it. She didn't pause to think even once. Her hand wrote number after number, slowly but surely, taking the time to show her work for each piece.
"And the answer is x equals 7," Sophia concluded, stepping back from the board.
The class erupted into murmurs of approval, a few students even applauding. Sophia returned to her seat, passing by Usagi with a friendly smile on her lips. Usagi just sat back in her chair, staring at her in awe.
'Okay. When did Ami and Rei fuse into a single being?'
"Everyone!" Kawasaki-sensei called over the noise. "Another, rhetorical question. What did Sophia just do that I, someone who's gone through years of college, did not? The answer is nothing. How do you get from where you are to her, or me? Practice."
The rest of Homeroom flitted by in a blur. It was mostly notes about the cultural festival, different club activities, and a few points they touched on for coming classes. Classes she was probably gonna fail, still. Flunk high school like a deadbeat, bring dishonor to the Tsukino name, and mom and dad would ground her!
But, she reminded herself, that's what she thought when she got that thirty percent grade back when Ms. Haruna was her sensei in middle school. Now, Usagi was hunched over her desk, making use of the few minutes before math class started to check back over her notes. She knew how Sophia'd done it. It was right here, she'd written it down before! Why couldn't she keep it—
"Are you okay?"
"Wah!" Usagi blurted out. Her eyes flashed up, locking onto...
...Sophia?
Startled, all she could do was blink. Sophia stood mere feet away, head tilted slightly, peering at her with concern. The rest of the class was virtually empty, everyone else having gone to the hall to mingle and get ready for the next one.
The instant their eyes met, Usagi felt a strange but palpable sense of... connection. A little, glowing warmth in her chest.
"I... it's just..."
Ulp. Usagi swallowed, pushing that feeling aside.
"Ehe... i-it's math," she admitted. "I'm kinda bad at it. I'm just going over my notes."
"Oh?" Sophia tilted her head the other way. "Why are you 'bad' at it? Is it a lot to take in at once?"
Usagi fought to keep her eyes still. A lot. Yeah. Sophia was. She was trying very hard not to stare at how her hair swayed like a curtain with her neck.
"Well, i-it's, yeah. It's all new, I mean, I wasn't so good with it before, and now there's all this new stuff, all these numbers."
"Oh, dear," Sophia murmured. She gently shook her head—making her hair flex again.
'Stop doing that.'
"Well," she continued, "you've studied and taken it in enough to keep notes, which is better than some students I've known. Oh, I'm not patronizing you—it sounds like you're just trying to take on too much at once, when the key to mathematics is breaking it down, then working everything out in order of importance."
Usagi blinked again. W... Wow. She sounded like Ami. Except Sophia had real clout behind it—no offense to her friend. But Sophia could probably teach a class.
"I could help you out, you know."
Flinch. Usagi emphatically shook her head. "O-Oh, no!" she blurted out. "No, no cheating, please! My grades are bad enough a—"
Sophia slowly raised her own, smooth hand, and let out a musical little chuckle.
Struck dumb, Usagi could only stare in confusion.
"No, no. That's not what you need, not at all," Sophia emphasized. "Look. We're going to the same room, so let's just sit next to each other. I'll show you how to focus properly."
Stunned, Usagi stared back, working her lips uselessly.
Help her? Focus? What?
Ring-a-ling-a-ling-aling!
Shoot, shoot, shoot. No time! Usagi instantly jerked into motion, gathering up her books and—
—knocked her notes right off the desk, scattering them over the floor.
Grrr! She frantically gathered them up, and tossed them haphazardly back in her backpack. She rose up, and—clunk. Hit her head on the edge of her desk.
"Ow!" she squeaked, rubbing the spot.
'Oh, yeah, yeeaaah. Great first impression, Usagi.'
When she finally looked up again, though, she didn't have to worry about the tears starting to sting her eyes. Sophia was already walking out, heading to the next class. She didn't even look back.
"But...!" Usagi's voice choked into a whisper. "But why would you do that for me...?"
-----
Usagi careened to a halt, leaning on the wall with one hand. Her heart pounded in her chest. But here, she'd made it! And just shy of being late. For Hayabusa-sensei's torture chamber of a class.
'I guess that wish I left at Rei's shrine didn't come through, after all.'
She shook her head feverishly. Okay, no, that wasn't fair! Math was important; she couldn't have gotten here if she wasn't cut out for it! Right? Right! She just had to get her head in the game, and not think about his steely eyes of judgment hanging over her like a guillotine!
Usagi grit her teeth, and squeezed the tension out of her shaking hands. Then she stepped into the classroom, trying to ignore the few stares sent her way.
' Focus.'
She held her head high, and scanned the rows of desks.
There. Sophia sat on the left side, with an empty spot on her right.
For a second, something didn't feel right. That wasn't Usagi's usual chair; she sat near the back, not the middle. Was she even allowed to just switch like that without asking Sensei? Mr. Hayabusa wasn't looking at her right then, though… maybe it'd be okay.
Usagi found herself walking forward, heading right for that empty seat. That soon caught on with her peers, who let out a flurry of awed gasps—and whispers.
"Tsukino's sitting with the new girl?"
"Is she trying to make friends with a foreigner, now?"
"Maybe she thinks it'll make her look cool."
Usagi's jaw set hard. She really didn't need this right now—!
A gentle hand touched her shoulder. Her eyes snapped to the side, right onto Sophia's smiling face.
"Don't worry about them," Sophia whispered softly. "You're doing great."
'But I'm not!' Usagi instantly thought. 'I haven't done anything!'
Her tongue refused to work. "Concentrate, Usagi. Take a deep breath. You're further ahead than you realize."
Usagi blinked dumbly. "W... what?"
"You have been paying attention. You've read the books already, so the process is in your mind. Don't think about the whole problem at once. Walk yourself through each one, step by step. Break up the hard ones into pieces. Think of what has to be true for what you're seeing to work."
Usagi looked at her, confused—but only at first. Somehow, it... clicked. It was advice she'd heard before. But it felt different, now, somehow.
She squared her shoulders. Then, she took a long, deep breath.
Wait. Wasn't the teacher saying something while she was listening to Sophi—?
And there he came. Mr. Hayabusa passed among them like the gray-suited grim reaper himself, handing out their classwork.
The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. It was kind of like parentheses, exponents, multiplication, and...
Wow. Usually, she jumbled the order of those up. Now, it made sense. She just had to think about every problem through the right frame. If she took each part of the calculation into the next, it was almost like scooping up chewy dango from a plate!
A smile twitched on her lips. She began to write.
Ooh, yum, there goes the exponent! Wow, she didn't even need to calc—wait, no, she had to show her work. No problem!
Factorization... right. She had to factor the numbers first, which was really just... each number in the first bubble times the ones in the second. A jumps onto C and D, B sandwiches them and gives A a high-five. Just like Sophia said, breaking it down bit by bit made it easier, almost like doing a puzzle!
Right. Keep going. Just keep that pen moving, imagine the lines of ink are ramen, and her grade will be the mountain of red ginger on top. She just had to fill the bowl. Line by line. Five plus twelve. Divide by six. Decimals all the way, then percentages.
She didn't stop. She probably wasn't gliding through it like Sophia, but she wasn't chewing on her pencil, either!
Usagi glanced over at her. Sophia was sitting straight, shoulders steady, back just slightly forward. Usagi self-consciously checked her own posture. Nope, shoulders too slouched. Back to writing. Was Sophia glancing at her, too?
Ugh. Don't disappoint her. Can't disappoint her…
-----
The cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter as Usagi and Minako found a spot at an empty table, each carrying their own bento box from home. Usagi opened hers to reveal a neatly packed assortment of rice balls, tamagoyaki, and pickled vegetables, while Minako's contained a variety of colorful sushi rolls and fruit slices.
"So, what were you doing sitting next to Lorelei-san?"
Usagi paused, her chopsticks hovering over a rice ball. "Well, I wasn't going to," she admitted. "But then I heard how people were talking about her behind her back. It felt really unfair. And, well, Sophia offered to help me with math."
That earned her a giggle from Minako. "That's so like you, Usagi, always jumping in to protect someone in trouble."
Usagi blushed sheepishly. She took a bite of her tamagoyaki, and chewed thoughtfully.
"Mm," she hummed. "Well, I just couldn't stand hearing those mean things. She hasn't even done anything wrong!"
Minako nodded sagely. "Yeah, sadly, that's... kinda why they don't like her. She really gives off the 'perfect student' vibe."
"It's not fair, though!" Usagi protested. "She's actually really kind, and—"
"Now, hold on!" Minako raised a forestalling hand. "Tell me about that, actually. You said she helped you out?"
Usagi bobbed her head excitedly. "Oh, yeah, yeah! She knows, like, this concentration technique, I think. I tried it, and, I mean, you know how I hate math, but somehow, I was just getting it. She said I knew it all along, I just..."
Thunk. Minako gently flicked one of her ponytails. Usagi blinked.
"That's what we've been trying to tell you!" she burst out, beaming proudly. "You're really smart, Usagi, you just get in your own way a lot."
"Not like you're much better," Usagi droned sarcastically.
Snrrk! Minako muffled a laugh behind her hand, chuckling nervously instead.
"Mmnh. Oh, yeah, I gotta talk to this girl," she stated. "Muscling in on my turf, taking away my 'terrible grades' buddy?" Minako gasped. "She's probably a Youma in disguise!"
" A-Aino-chan! Don't jinx it!" Usagi squeaked, nervously glancing around the cafeteria.
" Annny way." Minako steepled her chin on her hands, fluttering her eyelashes. "How do you think you did? With math, I mean."
Usagi thought about the glowing warmth in her chest from Sophia looking her in the eyes. How calm and steady her thoughts had gotten, after she'd already given up on herself.
A full, confident smile rose to her face. "I won't know 'till tomorrow, but I think I did pretty good this time, actually. At least a 'B'."
Minako raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Wow, that's amazing! You never smile like that after Hayabusa-sensei's class. Maybe Sophia's a good influence on you."
Usagi nodded enthusiastically. "She really is."
She wasn't sure how to put it all into words, though. Just how she'd understood the material better. It was almost like flicking a switch. Not even the study group with Ami and the others went that smoothly! Sophia just had this… effortless way to make her focus!
"Well, she's right over there, y'know?"
Startled, Usagi followed Minako's pointing finger. Sure enough, Sophia sat at a table—by herself—with her back and shoulders straight, picking at what looked like chicken salad.
Minako gently nudged her with her elbow. "C'mon, Usagi, just go talk to her," she said softly. "Say thanks, at least, before classes restart. I'll be fine over here!"
Usagi blinked. 'Did I imply otherwise?'
But she didn't dwell on it for long. Minako was right. So Usagi got up, bento in hand, and walked over.
Sophia spotted her halfway. When those enchanting eyes fell on her, Usagi swallowed. But she stayed the course, until she stood right at the head of the table.
Then she clasped her hands over her stomach, and dipped into a bow.
"Senpai." Usagi spoke the honorific clear and loud. "Thank you so much for your help, earlier."
"I..." Sophia blinked. She smiled, blushing nervously, in a way that was actually adorable. "You're welcome, Usagi, I... wait, does that make you my kouhai?"
"Uh, technically, you're a first-year, but," Usagi shrugged, a little smile touching her lips, "you already feel like much more."
Sophia smiled back, but something tugged it—and her eyes—down a bit. "I'm honored, Sere—a-ah, Tsukino-san. Oh, sorry, you just reminded me of someone else for a moment. Um… would you like to sit with me?"
Usagi enthusiastically nodded. "Yes, please! If it's not any trouble!"
"Ah, yes! Before you spill all your soy sauce."
Usagi's smile vanished. She jerked her hands back up—and there was a brown puddle forming right at her feet.
" Ah! No, no, no!" Usagi whined. She quickly set her bento aside, and cast about for napkins—which Sophia quickly pressed into her hand.
Too embarrassed to look at her right then, Usagi knelt down and wiped up the stain.
Almost on cue, Sophia let out a breathy chuckle. Usagi grimaced.
"I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" she blurted out. "I'm really clumsy, it's not on purpose, I promise!"
“Hey, it's okay!" Sophia exclaimed. "It's part of your charm, really.”
'My wh—? I have what? '
She tried glancing back up—but found herself staring at Sophia's legs.
They were… flawless. Perfect, pale skin from her polished shoes to her skirt, without a single blemish or scrape to be seen. But if she practiced, if she did gym, wouldn't there be some strain? Was she an honor student with special privileges or something?
'Urngh! Focus!'
She lifted herself into the chair opposite Sophia, chuckling nervously to herself. "Um… thanks. But, hey, I hope you're doing okay," she said meaningfully. "I mean, with everyone. I promise, not everyone's mean and nasty like that."
Sophia lazily waved her fork in the air. "Oh, I'm used to it, Usagi. I like to think I have pretty thick skin. They want to tear me down because they can't bring themselves up. Where I'm from, we call that a 'troll'."
Usagi valiantly fought down a grimace—and a laugh. She didn't like calling people names, no matter how much they deserved it, but Sophia was right.
"Hey." Sophia cut across her thoughts. "You did great back there. In class, I mean."
"You think so? We still don't know the results, yet…"
"You were focused, confident, and intense. You probably didn't notice the others fidgeting around. They're probably jealous of you, too, not just me."
Usagi flushed beet-red. "W… What? M-Me?"
"Yeah! Like I said, you always had that in you."
"Just how would you even know? " Usagi blurted out. "Wait, why'd you help me, anyway?"
"Why not? Isn't it normal to lend help to others?" Sophia said pointedly. "If you want the real reason, though, you actually waved to me. You weren't intimidated. I really appreciated that."
Usagi stared at her, eyes wide. 'Me. ME? Not intimidated? Who does she think I'm not?! I-I mean—!"
"Plus, your hair's realllly cute! " the ravenette squeaked.
Suddenly self-conscious, Usagi pinched one of her ponytails.
Sophia just went on. "I mean, you clearly spend a lot of time on that, which means you really care about yourself. That's good to see, you know?"
Okay, now she was blushing. Usagi smiled weakly, and tugged her hair in front to try and hide her face. No dice.
"T… Thanks? I-I mean, yeah, but you, you're… you're really pretty, too, senpai. Um, are you a dancer, or something?"
"Oh, yes, actually! But just as a hobby. I like the feel of my body moving a certain way, and accenting it with different outfits is pretty fun," she said. "What do you like to do for fun, Usagi?"
"Oh! Uh, mostly the holy trinity! Ehe…" Usagi rubbed the back of her head. "Manga, video games, anime. I'm kind of an otaku."
"Mmm," Sophia hummed thoughtfully. "I need to get into those. Especially manga. It was all books where I'm from, and I mostly liked novels."
"Where are you from, Senpai?" she asked. "And what about your parents? Did they follow you over, or are they back home?"
Sophia paused, the briefest flicker of something unreadable crossing her features. "They're... not around anymore. I manage on my own."
WInce. Usagi wisely pivoted. "Well, um, I'm really glad you're here! That you chose this school, I mean. Or we might not've met!"
"Oh, I'm sure fate would've found some way," Sophia mused, not entirely looking her way.
Usagi raised an eyebrow. But before she could think about her odd smile right then, its owner pre-empted her.
"What were you thinking of doing after class today, by the way, Tsukino-san?"
She smiled back. "You can just call me Usagi, if you want."
That earned her a soft, musical giggle. One that made her shudder.
"Well, you can call me Sophia, then. No fair if it's one way around."
Ulp. "O-Okay. Well, midterms are coming up soon… I can't believe that's the first thing on my mind, ehehe…" Usagi chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her head, "...so, I was gonna see about signing up for that study group thing."
"The one the science club's doing?"
Usagi nodded—but right as she opened her mouth again, Sophia shook her head.
"It's a good idea," she began, "but with an unfamiliar group, this close to midterms? I'm not sure it'd work that well. Do you have any friends you could study with?"
Usagi's lips parted—then froze. The way Sophia said the last, while looking Usagi right in the eyes, felt… different.
Blink. Blink-blink.
"Um… well, yeah, actually. I was thinking of asking my friend Ami; she's really smart, and… she's good with this stuff. Super good," she emphasized, but somehow, she couldn't quite smile to match it. "Um… reminds me a lot of you, really…"
Then she trailed off, because something clicked in her mind.
Ami was studying to be a doctor, following in her mother's footsteps. Medical professionals needed long hours of excruciating study to get to that level. What good would it do if she had to bend over backwards to help her friends who kept struggling with basic math? Sure, she'd helped them all get through school exams to get into Juban High. Everyone had. But had her responsibility ended there? Shouldn't she be focusing on college admissions and sending out letters, or something?
Doubt started tugging her eyes down, but something kept her from looking away—but luckily, Sophia chose that moment to clear her throat.
"Well. She really sounds like a wonderful person, especially if she can earn someone as kind as you for a friend."
Usagi blushed. Her chopsticks fell from her nerveless hands, which she wrung in her lap.
"Ehe, u-um, what are you talking about?" she uttered, trying to laugh it off. "Ahm, I just, anyone would've done the same."
"But that's not true, Usagi-san!" Sophia exclaimed, beaming ear to ear. "I thought I might get hazed at this school, because I wasn't about to change who I am just to fit in. You're not afraid to show appreciation, even if it might get you some strange looks from your classmates. That says a lot about your supportive nature."
'…Supportive?'
Something about that word stuck in her head. It stuck in a good, good spot, like scratching a tough itch. It described her pretty well—she always wanted to do the best for her friends, she wanted them all to work in harmony, and… just as Minako said, she always wanted to throw herself towards trouble if it meant helping them, even if it was scary.
But wanting didn't always mean she did the best thing. She, Sailor Moon, was supposed to be in charge. She was supposed to know what to do. She was the destined Princess of a millennia-old kingdom. And she couldn't even get into high school without help. Was it a miracle they'd even survived this long?
Sometimes, she wished someone else could do it.
'Wait. Wait! NO!'
Usagi snapped her head left and right, whipping her ponytails against her chair.
"Are… you okay, Usagi-san?"
Okay. Yes, she was fine. She just had to tear her stinging eyes back open, and not cry. That was just a… a very sore spot that wasn't supposed to be touched, that's all.
Except when she did open them, she saw Sophia frowning thoughtfully at her.
'No. No, I'm sorry, please, bring the smile back!'
"C-Can we study together?"
Usagi pinched her skirt in both hands. Her features wound up tight as a rope.
Sophia's eyebrows rose. And rose.
What? What? What'd that mean, did she turn her off?! Did—!
"Of course we can!"
" Thank you! " Usagi blurted out, overcome with relief.
She drank in Sophia's grin. The sound of her giggling at her silliness. It was glorious.
Thoughts of Ami quickly faded from her mind. She didn't have to bother her over this. She'd let Ami focus on Ami, just like they all wanted her to do. And Usagi would take care of her own problems. She just had to follow Sophia's lead.
"We'll have to wait for a bit, though."
Usagi did a double-take. What? What'd Sophia m—?
Riiiiing!
She jumped. The lunch bell. Oh, no. She hadn't even finished her bento! But—! That's not fair, they weren't done talking, yet!
"After school, meet me out front, okay? We can—"
"Oh! Oh, yeah!" Usagi interrupted, bobbed her head excitedly.
Sophia was so smart. That'd give her time to check with her friends, too! She'd be proactive, figure out her schedule in advance for once, so she could tell her a good time, and…!
Wince. "O-Oh, I'm sorry for interrupting, that was rude," she murmured.
Sophia just favored her with a gracious smile. 'So pretty.'
"It's okay. I'm excited, too! We'd better get to class, though. You don't wanna be late!"
Usagi started to stand up—and then Sophia quietly put a slip of paper in her hand, then closed Usagi's fingers up around it.
She blinked. But Sophia just gave her a wink—making Usagi shiver down to her toes—and then followed the rest of the students out of class.
—--
The rest of the day passed by like a blur. Science and social studies went about as well as math, leaving Usagi with more idle time than usual between coursework. The half-hearted doodle drawing she'd started now lay forgotten in her backpack. She couldn't keep herself from daydreaming. She kept going back to her encounter with Sophia, replaying it over and over in her head.
And when school was over, when she was back at home, what was the first thing she did?
Homework.
And yes, did. As in done. Finished assignments that usually took her hours sat before her in a neat stack, supporting work and all.
She stared. And stared. But it wasn't a mirage. It was real.
The technique. Sophia. It had to be. That was the only thing that made sense, it was all that'd changed about her whole day! What did she even do? Who was Sophia? Why was Sophia?!
She tapped her pencil against her desk, her thoughts swirling around her—that gentle voice, her reassuring smile, and the way she made everything seem so simple and clear.
Usagi frowned. She was starting to obsess over this. Extraordinary help or no, wasn't it weird that she couldn't stop thinking about this one girl?
Or was it? She didn't have to bother her other friends for help, now. She'd taken care of… today, at least. But, well, who knew how well she'd tackle what was coming? Usagi knew how scatterbrained she was. It could take six months, like Minako said, for doing classwork like that to become a habit the way Sophia walked as though she was gliding over the floor…
Usagi squeezed a pillow around her head. Gah, there she went again!
Her gaze drifted to the window, where the moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft glow over her room. The familiar sight usually comforted her, but tonight it felt distant and cold compared to the warmth she felt when thinking about Sophia.
"Why can't I stop thinking about her?" she muttered, frustration creeping into her voice. She rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the haze clouding her mind. "How did I do all that homework so fast? Something doesn't add up..."
Her eyes scanned her desk, seeking something—anything—that might provide an answer. That's when she noticed a small slip of paper tucked under her notebook.
The paper Sophia'd given her. But Usagi'd forgotten about it in the rush to next class.
She pulled it out, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized Sophia's neat handwriting. It was a phone number.
Sophia had left her phone number.
Usagi's heart literally skipped a beat. She hesitated, shivering despite the neutral temperature in her room.
Then excitement took over, and she fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling over the buttons.
It rang. It was real. A real number. Usagi pinched her lower lip in her teeth.
"Hello? "
A rush of joyous relief coursed down her spine.
"S-Sophia, it's me, Usagi," she stammered.
"Usagi-chan! It's so good to hear from you, " Sophia replied warmly. " How are you doing? "
"I'm... I'm good. I mean, I got all my homework done, which is really weird 'cause I don't usually… u-umm."
Sophia chuckled softly. And so warm. Usagi's eyes fluttered closed, letting that angelic sound wrap around her like a blanket.
"That's wonderful to hear—but you sound confused. "
"H-How?" Usagi blurted out. "How did I do that? What did you do?"
"Usagi-chan. " Her tone was so patient, like her teachers on a good day. " You always had it in you. I couldn't have done it better. Remember, I wasn't even with you when you did that homework. You already knew the answers, like I told you before. They were just buried underneath, like… well, think of grass springing up from winter snow! "
Usagi huffed bemusedly. That… that made so much sense, and it was almost romantic how she put it! And it'd been Sophia's warmth and kindness that had melted that snow. Snow Usagi had so carelessly let pile up… because she was Usagi.
She blinked. What?
"You know, I had a feeling we were… connected, somehow, " Sophia continued. "Sometimes, things just happen for a reason, or two people wind up together in just the right way. "
Rei. Rei would've said something like that. But hearing it from Sophia, it really was like two of her closest friends had turned into one! She… she really was everything.
"Maybe your best course is just to not overthink it too much? Be kinder to yourself. Think of it as a real chance for growth, not some aberration of who you are. "
"I…" Usagi gulped. She gripped the phone a bit tighter.
'She doesn't know how right she is. I only did this because she brought it out of me. I'd have been completely helpless on my own. Useless. A burden. A shame.'
Warmth of a different kind stung her eyes. "T… Thank you, Sophia. That means a lot to me," she murmured, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Of course! I'm here for you, whenever you need me," Sophia said calmly. "Why don't you go ahead and get some rest? I think you've earned an extra hour of sweet dreams!"
Usagi opened her mouth to protest—but then out came a soft, breathy yawn, bubbling up from deep in her chest. A cozy weight settled over her thoughts, tiredness she'd ignored out of pure mental elation.
Sophia's amused giggle gently snapped her out of it. Usagi smiled back, imagining her doing the same. She wiped her eyes on her sleeve, and said, "You're right. Good night, Sophia-sama."
"Good night, Usagi. "
The line went dead. Usagi clutched the phone to her heart, and took a long, soulful breath.
A deep sense of peace laid over Usagi's body and mind, chasing away the doubts she'd held only minutes ago. She laid her phone aside, then went right to her bed, and slithered under the sheets.
"Warm…" she murmured softly, and let her eyes flutter closed, while visions of colorful flowers and wavy grass springing up from snow rushed across her mind.
She could've been forgiven for not realizing what had happened.
Her bedroom was as much a symbol of safety and security as it was a place to sleep. It was her space, her one and only truly private room held to her own thoughts. And now, Sophia's voice had reached her even there. There was nowhere left for Usagi's subconscious to hide.
She slept in blissful ignorance of the seeds that'd been planted, now sinking deep, strong roots into her mind. Roots that began weaving a cocoon of soothing darkness around her heart, while her slumbering face showed only a placid smile.
—--
Sophia ended the call with a satisfied smile.
She set her phone down on her bedside table and stood up, stretching languidly, as if the day’s machinations had been no more strenuous than a pleasant stroll.
Rich, dark wood paneling adorned the walls, and the floors gleamed with a polished sheen. Black silk lace curtains framed the tall windows, casting intricate shadows in the dim light. A grand, four-poster bed with velvet drapes dominated one side of the room, its bright crimson covers a striking contrast against the dark wood. An ornate full-length mirror stood in one corner, reflecting the room's opulence and adding a sense of depth to the already grand space.
Sophia walked over to the mirror, her bare feet hardly making a sound on the hardwood floor. She gazed at her reflection, her expression darkening into a smirk.
"Soon, my dear Usagi," she whispered to herself, her voice a soft, sinister caress.
She reached out and touched the mirror, her fingers tracing the outline of her own face. The face that so perfectly hid the depths that Usagi'd so innocently fallen into.
'Just a little more.'
She slowly turned away from the mirror, and walked over to her bed. One leg at a time, Sophia slipped under the velvet covers, then let out a contented sigh.
"Sleep well, Sailor Moon," she murmured. "Dream of me. For soon, your heart will belong to me."
With that, she let herself drift into peaceful slumber.
—--
Usagi's alarm rang.
For once, she rose on time, feeling an unusual sense of calm and clarity. Instead of hitting the snooze button, she found herself swinging her legs out of bed, and sitting upright on the edge.
That was all thanks to a strange, but familiar little voice in her ear.
'Time to get up, Usagi. Start the day right.'
It wasn't her own thoughts. It sounded like a voice. But it wasn't her mother's—it was Sophia's.
But when Usagi awoke, rubbing her eyes, she didn't see the ravenette anywhere. She could just feel her in her mind, though, as if her soft and encouraging smile was shining from right next to her.
She let out a bemused huff. Well, at least she was on time for a change. Usagi got up, brushed her hands over her pajamas, and started towards her dresser—
'No, Usagi. You must do your morning stretches.'
Of course. How silly of her!
Usagi took a deep breath, and stretched her arms above her head. She spread them out, then twisted left, and back the other way. Then she pulled up one leg at a time, all the way to her hips, then let her feet fall back to the floor.
Oooh, that felt good! Usually, she'd neglect something so simple, and wind up paying for it later when she got too tight.
'Good job, Usagi! Keep your body healthy. And remember, a tidy room is a tidy mind.'
A pleasant tingle ran down the back of her neck. She turned around, half-expecting to see Sophia beaming up at her, but it was just her own messy bed sheets. Had she even made her bed at all last night?
Oh, well. Usagi went to work, smoothing out her cover first, then laying on each sheet in order. Not only that, but she pulled them all halfway to the foot of the bed, to let any residual sweat evaporate. Thankfully, she remembered how her mom did that trick!
She didn't even need prodding to start the next steps. A quick shower, changing from pajamas to school clothes, and making sure she had her homework with her. There'd be no grabbing her backpack in a rush, this time!
'Don't skip breakfast!'
Especially because she'd be too busy for that! She had some time before heading to class, after all!
Usagi found herself moving through her morning routine with a newfound efficiency and purpose. She decided on a healthier breakfast—hard-boiled eggs and oatmeal—feeling the benefits of waking up early. The extra time allowed her to help her mother with preparing her bento for lunch, which brought smiles to her parents' faces as they noted her unusual energy and cheerfulness.
And when it was time for class again, she glowed with energy and focus, all thanks to the one person she was sure to see again today.
In homeroom, she took her seat just as the bell rang. Ms. Kawasaki was preparing the day's lesson, and the classroom buzzed with the usual morning chatter.
"Wow, Usagi! What's got you all happy?"
Usagi cocked her head, smiling at Minako's curious face.
She chuckled, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, it's just a phase. I'll probably crash and burn soon enough."
Minako snickered back. "Don't you worry, Ami's got us covered. She's gonna organize that session for us later."
Ami. Session? O-Oh. Usagi felt a pang of guilt. Right.
"Didn't she text you or something?" Minako asked.
"Oh, oh, yeah! I just got lost in thought, that's all." Because that's what silly old Usagi would do. She shouldn't let them suspect anything just yet.
…Wait. What did she just—?
Numbness and static. Her lips opened, then quivered shut. She turned her eyes forward, doing one more pass over her notes. She'd kept them from last time, so she knew what clubs were open to new members.
Clubs. Study sessions. Ami. Usagi put all of those in a mental box, shut the lid tight, and painted over it with a smile.
But the pause didn't last. Ms. Kawasaki came in, and Usagi quickly straightened up. "Good morning, class."
"Ohayo, sensei!" Usagi joined in the chant, right on cue.
And just like that, everything was on track, again. Somehow, though, Usagi knew she'd have to be a bit more careful. She couldn't pin the why, but she didn't want to appear so completely different so quickly. Even if it was true.
Despite her attention towards class, she did spot Sophia. Once, enough to know she was in homeroom with her. But despite her previous thoughts being consumed by her, her eyes didn't linger. She felt Sophia's presence keenly. It was like she just… knew that Sophia was there—a sense she rarely got, even among her closest friends and family.
Homeroom went by blissfully smooth. Usagi found herself more attentive than usual, jotting down notes and listening intently to Ms. Kawasaki's reminders about upcoming assignments and school events.
When the bell finally rang, signaling the end, Usagi gathered her belongings efficiently and stood up without any fumbling or clumsiness. She walked out of class, with her notes neatly tucked under her arm.
But she had one last place to visit before her next class—the bulletin board.
This was where all event postings, the calendar, and important deadlines were placed. It was also where the grades for each class were posted. She normally would've dreaded that, and passed right by the board with head held low and shoulders scrunched. But not today.
She squinted at a certain page. The page where grades were printed, on a table, rather than written on with big red ink.
Right there, in the middle of the board, written next to her name, was a single, bold letter.
A.
Usagi's mouth slowly dropped open.
An A. In. MATH!
Ulp! Usagi stumbled back, almost blundering into the path of another student. Her jaw clacked shut, and she murmured an apology, then just held still, shaking her head in disbelief.
It wasn't a fluke. It was real. She could change! She really didn't have to be the old Usagi, anymore!
Yes. Change. She would change, just like a butterfly in her chrysalis. The thought might've scared her before, but now, all those silly fears of not measuring up crumbled before what she—what she and Sophia could do. What Sophia did for her. The one she had to thank.
Except that it did scare her. Somewhere, something was screaming at her that this wasn't right. Everything was moving too fast.
Woodenly, Usagi stepped away from the board, and let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.
Right. Move on. Next class. She could do just as well there, right? It wasn't just a weird phase, was it?
It wasn't fair. Why couldn't she just wholeheartedly feel good about herself? Like Sophia said, all she did was bring out what she had in her all along! And before that, it would've been Ami and the others! She, Usagi, had done all the work. Right?
…Right?
Usagi hugged her arms around herself. "What is wrong with meeee…"
She slumped against the wall, eyes squeezed shut. Her fellow students passed by, and some whispered things at or about her, but she didn't care. She had a minute or two before next class. Time she'd earned from doing as well as she did.
Heh. Maybe if she kept doing well, she'd become an honor student. Oh, yeah, then she'd really have time. Special privileges and everything. Wouldn't that make being a magical girl easier?
Usagi let out a long, soft sigh.
Actually, that did give her an idea. She needed a minute to think about all this. And she knew right where to do it.
The cool breeze tugged at her hair. Something about the wind on a rooftop that just felt better. Maybe it was because she and her friends had used them for months, years in their moonlighting jobs.
Snrrk. Moonlighting.
Usagi sat on an HVAC vent, enjoying its steady hum. She wished she could lean on the railing, but someone might see her. At least this way, her bangs wouldn't whip back in her face. Students weren't really supposed to be up here, anyway. Usagi could get away with it sometimes; heck, people expected her to be absent at weird times, now. But that might change if she kept this up…
Ah, there it was.
She pressed a hand to her forehead, imagining her crescent symbol there. Who the heck was she, anymore? That was a question she hadn't thought about since she first became a magical girl.
'And how good am I doing with that?' she thought bitterly.
Decent. Okay. Getting by. Not nearly as well as she should be. Usagi was always just… Usagi. Everyone needed her to be Sailor Moon, too, and she did her best, but was it ever the best? No. One would think she'd take the responsibility—her destiny—more seriously. Like she had her math homework. Because one mistake out there, and…
Lost in thought, she didn’t hear the rooftop door creak open. Footsteps approached softly, and a gentle voice broke through her reverie.
“Usagi?”
Startled, Usagi turned to see Sophia standing a few feet away, her expression warm and curious.
“Sophia! What are you doing here?”
Sophia smiled reassuringly. “I could ask you the same thing. I noticed you weren’t in the cafeteria, and figured you might be up here. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
Usagi relaxed a little, a wan smile coming to her lips. She looked back over the edge, towards the city. "I just needed some space to think, that's all."
Sophia walked closer, her footsteps soft against the rooftop tiles. “Mind if I join you?”
Usagi shook her head, and Sophia took a seat beside her. The breeze caught her hair, too, wafting a light and sweet scent like vanilla and lilacs.
“What’s on your mind?” Sophia asked gently, her eyes fixed on Usagi.
Usagi hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Well, it's about this club I'm part of. I'm sort of the leader, but I’m really not sure I’m cut out for it. Everyone's waiting for me to decide what our next project should be, but I can't seem to make up my mind. I don't want to let them down, y'know?"
Sophia nodded thoughtfully, her eyes never leaving Usagi's. "I understand. Being a leader can be really tough. There's a lot of pressure to make the right choices."
Goosebumps. Usagi suppressed a shudder.
'And keep everyone from fighting,' she thought, remembering how Rei always wound up arguing with Ami and Minako because of her.
A hollow ache gnawed in her gut. Her lips worked soundlessly, and she just watched as Sophia moved to sit on the bench next to her.
"Maybe I can help," she offered. "Where are you at with this project, so far?"
"I just…" Usagi paused, swallowing the knot in her throat. "I just want everyone to get along. Rei says I'm not aggressive enough, Ami wants me to think before I act, and Minako has to step in to lead 'cause sometimes I just freeze up."
Sophia hummed thoughtfully. Her fingers drummed against the bench. "And the nature of the project itself isn't a problem, right?"
Usagi shook her head. "No, we all n—we all want to do it. We just don't always agree on how."
'I really wish someone else could do it.'
This time, Usagi let the thought settle on her heart, no matter how heavy it felt. Minako could do it, maybe; she actually had leadership experience. But no, Usagi brought everyone together, they said. She was their Princess. She was the reason they were anything but normal high school girls.
Sophia leaned a little closer. "And how do you feel when they're arguing like that?"
Usagi took only a moment to think about the answer. "Lost," she sighed. "I'm just not cut out for this, Sophia."
'It just isn't fair.'
"I'm not sure you're thinking about it the right way, Usagi."
She frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Maybe you're not supposed to come up with one big, solid plan on your own. Maybe you do lack the kind of mindset that's ideal for that. It sounds like the problem is more that you're dealing with some strong personalities in your group, and you just can't rein them in."
'She's right. I'm not smart like Ami. I'm not full of passion and drive like Rei. I don't have Makoto's strength, or Minako's charisma. What do I have?'
It wasn't the first, or even fiftieth time the thought had crossed her mind. But usually, she held it back. Now, though, it felt… almost precious, somehow. Like a truth she was so close to grasping, something she'd missed all this time.
She blinked. Twice. Then shook her head.
"I-I'm sorry, I don't get it."
Sophia shrugged. "So, you're not a good leader," she said flippantly.
Flinch. Usagi furrowed her brow, but… somehow, that just felt right.
"Your real talent—just going off what I've seen of you—is that you're an amazing friend, Usagi." A warm smile crossed Sophia's lips. "You're kind, helpful, and supportive. You think of others first, and do your best to help everyone get along. It sounds like you're the heart of the group, really."
Usagi held still, mouth open, as the words lined up in her mind. The… heart. The supportive friend. Not…
"You're straining within a role you're not made for, and it's hurting you inside," Sophia continued. "It sounds like you could help everyone come to a better solution, but you're having to play two roles at once. Having to make the decisions might not be your style, Usagi. Is there no one else who cou…?"
She trailed off. The reason was clear even through the hot tears stinging Usagi's eyes.
The truth overwhelmed her. She sniffled, and cast her eyes down to where her hands were balling up around her skirt.
She wasn't a leader. She wasn't. Sure, they'd gotten this far, but what if that was just a fluke? Maybe… maybe if someone else could do it, they could've stopped Beryl, Nehelenia and the others before things got so out of hand? Didn't her friends deserve someone who didn't let doubt get to her so badly?
"Usa-chan?"
Sophia slowly stretched an arm around her, and pulled her right up against her shoulder.
Usagi choked out a thin, weak laugh. Sophia knew just what to do, what she needed. She always did.
"S-Sorry…" she murmured. "I… I don't mean to be a burden."
But she was. She always was. She wasn't meant to do this, and so her friends always had to put up with her stupid, crybaby self and her weak leadership. They settled for her because there was no other option, and there never would be. And wasn't it wrong to have faith in herself, if all she could give was less than they deserved?
Usagi knew it was wrong. But somehow, it felt darkly comforting, in a tangible way she didn't want to stop. She felt… calmer, dwelling on it like that. The thoughts felt right. True. So she wrapped herself in them like a warm blanket, letting them sink in.
And when she did, it was like a balm to her soul. A soothing sense of rightness twisted its way into her, chasing away the pain. Because if they were right, she shouldn't feel bad about it. Right?
"You're not a good leader," came Sophia's voice, gentle and soft. Her hand pinched one of Usagi's ponytails, giving it a tug Usagi felt all the way in her scalp. "And you're not strong, or brave, or super smart. And that's okay. Acknowledging your weaknesses is important, Usagi. That's a sign of true strength."
Usagi sniffled. She didn't say anything immediately—even though part of her realized she should be aghast at what she was hearing.
But it felt so right. Not like a weight lifting off her shoulders, but settling, smothering her nerves and worries like a tight, warm cocoon.
"You're right," she whispered back, shaky at first, but growing steadier. "I've always screwed up being the leader. The one everyone needs. I'm not strong enough."
Goosebumps again. It felt so good. So good to stop fighting it. There was a sense of realness to those feelings, deeper and stronger than ever. Something ironclad, something safe that stayed put and grew roots. Her darker moments before never brought her that kind of calm, because she always doubted the truth even as she touched it. Now, she could actually believe it.
"Your strength lies in your heart," Sophia said, with an encouraging smile from ear to ear. "How you care for others. Without you, your friends would be lost. But you don’t have to bear the burden of leadership to be valuable. Your role is different, but just as important."
Usagi took in a deep breath, relishing the sense of relief it brought her. Still, there was something missing. How to bring it all together.
"They need a leader, though," she noted. "Someone… not like me. Someone who can make the hard choices without hesitating."
Sophia hummed thoughtfully. She pinched Usagi's ponytail in her fingers, and flicked it back over her shoulder.
"Someone like me, you mean?"
'Yes.'
The word thrummed through her thoughts before Sophia finished speaking. Usagi didn't even notice at first that she'd said it aloud.
A long, melodious giggle answered her. But it wasn't mocking at all. Usagi blinked, and stared up through widening eyes at Sophia's angelic face.
"That sounds like it could be a lot of fun, actually," Sophia cooed. "If I led this group of yours, that'd take a lot of pressure off you."
Usagi's chin wobbled. Her chest grew tight.
"I could make the decisions for you. You wouldn't have to worry about messing up, anymore. And with you at the heart of everything, making sure I understand everyone's needs, you can just be yourself. How does that sound?"
It was like Sophia had pulled out every dark desire, every suppressed weakness she had, just to show her how beautiful they actually were.
"But… you can't, Sophia," she muttered lamely.
Sophia tilted her head to the side. "And why can't I?"
Despite the innocence of the question, something deep and dark pushed the answer to Usagi's lips. "Because I—because we all have magic. We're magical girls. We do things no one else can! It's up to us to keep the city safe from monsters, and… worse!"
Anxiety rang hollow in her heart. She knew she shouldn't be sharing that so freely, and Sophia'd probably just laugh at her, but it felt good, like a rush of tingles rolling down her scalp. And so she found herself just staring back, with a dreamy smile on her lips.
Rather than surprise or mockery, though, Sophia's face showed only ecstasy. She smiled full and wide, and those beautiful violet eyes twinkled like stars.
"You're a good girl, is what you are, being so honest with me like that."
Usagi shivered in bliss. Good girl. She hadn't been called that since she was little. Back when things were simpler. Before she was thrust into all this.
"I already knew, silly. You and your friends are the Sailor Senshi. I've been watching you all for months! Fighting evil, protecting people. You all are so amazing together—and so beautiful. "
Usagi could only dumbly watch as Sophia brought her other hand around, and gently cupped her chin.
Sophia's expression softened, and she gently brushed a tear from Usagi's cheek with her thumb. "We'll do it together, Usagi. With my guidance and your heart, we can show your friends that this can help everyone. They trust you, and they'll see that this is for the best. They'll accept you as you are, not as this tortured soul straining in a role she never asked for. Doesn't that sound wonderful? "
With the softest whimper, Usagi leaned into Sophia's touch like a kitten. That was the final straw—her heart sang in joyous release, and the last of her walls crumbled to dust. That deep, comforting darkness poured inside, smothering the last of her worries as easily as blowing out a candle. It swaddled her thoughts up in layers upon layers of cotton, soothing her, but at the same time leaving her mind clear for the things that truly mattered. The only things that mattered.
She didn't resist. The only other time she'd felt so pure, so free of doubt was when she was working alongside her dearest friends. But now, she didn't need to let that feeling go. She didn't have to go back to normal. This was normal, now! And she knew exactly who she had to thank.
Usagi swallowed hard, choking back a joyous sob. She felt a rush of determination. With Sophia by her side, guiding her, she felt like anything was possible. She would help her friends see the truth, see that Sophia was the leader they needed.
"I... I promise!" she gasped out. "I'll help you, Sophia! I'll do whatever it takes!"
Sophia's smile grew warmer, and she let out a satisfied, victorious giggle.
"Thank you, Usagi," she cooed, and rewarded her with a stroke of her cheek. "That's the last hard choice you'll ever have to make."
Goosebumps. Usagi's throat seized up again, trying to cry and laugh all at once. She just stared back, a dreamy smile quivering on her face.
Just when she thought it couldn't get better, Sophia leaned over, closing the distance between them.
Usagi froze, her eyes flying wide.
And then Sophia pressed her lips to hers, and Usagi breathed out against the soft tongue that followed.
Her heart raced. Usagi's hands nervously spread out, one settling in Sophia's lap. She demurely kissed back, letting her angel lead as she always did.
Because she was an angel, one descended from the heavens to save her from the unfair destiny she'd been born into. Of course Sophia deserved her love, as well! Every bit of her heart and then some!
Sophia's other hand rested on Usagi's cheek, holding it gently. Usagi's heart beat even faster, glowing with tender warmth.
Then, Sophia pressed. Her lips spread wide, and Usagi curled hers to meet them. Sophia's tongue teased inside, eliciting a stunned murmur from her throat.
How much had she wished for someone to kiss her like this? She'd had daydreams, certainly, but they all felt silly, now. She hadn't quite imagined she'd find a girlfriend, either, but maybe she just hadn't figured that part of herself out, yet. She didn't remember feeling this way about her friends, for sure.
She forgot that by Sophia's next kiss. Sophia was beautiful, not just in her flawless looks, but as a person. So, so much stronger and more deserving than Usagi had a right to be. And—
Her legs buckled. Startled, she tipped forward—but Sophia caught her in her arms, and gently guided her down.
Usagi's knees hit the warm, sun-kissed rooftop. She instinctively looked up to Sophia… who cupped her chin in one hand, curling the other to caress her scalp.
"Nnh…" Usagi whined, leaning into her touch.
Sophia chuckled, soft and satisfied.
"Warriors of love and justice," Sophia intoned bemusedly. "From now on, I'll decide what those two things mean, Usa-chan. Things are going to change, and your friends might not take it well; but I promise, they'll come around." Sophia's eyes twinkled knowingly. "You trust me, don't you, Usa-chan? You'll do as I say, won't you?"
Usagi knew what she meant. Sophia would claim them all. She'd already taken Usagi, their silly, useless 'leader'. But she couldn't even begin to care. The decision simply wasn't up to her, anymore, leaving her free of having to worry about it. She knew there was only one answer she could give.
"Yes," Usagi whispered back, dreamily.
Sophia gently ran her palm over her cheek. "And will you always love me?"
Usagi pressed her hands around Sophia's wrist and palm, and gently lifted it away, to Sophia's pleasantly surprised smile. ' Anything to see that smile.'
She folded Sophia's fingers in, and laid a kiss on her knuckles. An image went through her mind, then, of each of those fingers bearing a ring, each symbolizing her and her friends in turn.
It was glorious.
"I am yours," Usagi breathed. "Now… and forever."
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With the Softest Whimper