AN: AHH! An attempt at a *short* fic! For those who read TGITM I know 
that you're probably laughing ^^;… This isn't really that waffy, but it 
does have some form of romance in here…This is a first season, although 
I can personally see Usagi as sixteen in this…well whateverz. This 
definitely includes more of a manga-like Mamoru in certain ways, with a 
little bit of that anime coldness lockedin…Some say Mamo-chan's eyes are 
midnight blue, blue gray, or gray. I take a personal liking to midnight 
blue, but I chose blue gray for this fic. What do you guys think? Oh, 
and I know that silver and gray aren't *quite* related, but close enough…

@>->-->---- = Flashback, end flashback

Ne, see if you can guess who the mystery woman is…

And, as always, a *huge* thank you to Sakura ^_^! Go read her work!

Disclaimer: I'm too tired to think of anything. Naoko-sama owns Sailor
Moon. And from what the [smrff] list has been talking about, DiC 
doesn't…::sings:: If you're happy and you know it clap your 
hands…::coughs:: If you're not, don't…
I'm not dub-bashing! It's what got me started on SM^_^. Although I 
don't like how they 'fixed' it either…


*******************
Shades Of Gray
Rated G
By April Rayne
Startear42@aol.com
*******************

	She flew through the sky, her skirts billowing beneath her, 
making dark shadows upon the city grounds. 


	Usagi sighed to herself, and her teacher watched with small 
amusement as the girl's blond odangos fall to the desk, tired and 
wanting sleep. Opening her mouth to discipline her student, she quickly
fought the urge. Usagi didn't seem very well this week. Maybe she 
really did need some rest. Another sigh escaped Usagi, and she looked 
out the window at the quickly darkening sky. The gray clouds had 
already started to roll in, their foreboding columns of gray darkness 
blocking the light of day. Her eyelids lowering, she took in a deep 
breath, her heartbeat slowly settling to a slow, steady beat… She was 
greeted with the dark of the realm before sleep, where one drifted in 
and out of consciousness. Only one problem. 
	'Mamo-chan…'


	The lady quietly watched the girl sigh with a heavy load in her
heart. She hated more than anything to see her like this… The girl 
was trapped. The realm of confusion. The gray prison. The perpetual 
shady gray area of love… To love with confidence, or to love with 
fear? 
	She was completely under his spell. 


	Usagi shut her eyes tightly as she visions of him plagued her 
thoughts. The visions traveled farther back to when they first met. 
They had accidentally bumped into each other…


	The woman smiled. 'Accidentally. Now *that's* something!'


	…After that first encounter, where she had snapped at him, 
and he at her, everything seemed to be spiraling down the eye of a 
hurricane, ready to be caught up in it's swirling shades of gray. Here 
he was, the essential tall, dark and handsome knight in shining silver 
armor, ready to sweep his princess off her feet, save her from her 
dungeon tower, capture her heart- bring her to life… He could've been 
perfect. If it wasn't for those damned blue gray eyes…
	He was a paradox, a riddle…
	She had told herself that she hated him from the start.


	After the girls teary eyes strayed to look upwards at the sky, 
the woman felt a tear trickle down her cheek, hitting the ground with a 
barely audible sound. 


	Usagi's eyes closed again, and she leaned her head on her desk 
so that no one would see her reaction. Then the clear raindrops, shaded 
with the sorrowful feel of the weather, began to fall against the 
window. They came without a purpose…one drop clinging to the window,
another following it soon after, the next taking it's time to catch up 
to the others that had already fallen. The beat was irregular… Usagi 
peeked out the window again, making sure to hide her eyes from the 
others. It seemed strange, but she could've sworn that it was following
her heartbeat…


	The woman still continued to listen to the message that Usagi's
sad figure sent her, lying dejectedly in her seat in the large 
classroom. She frowned, and moved closer to her object of attention. 


	Life had taken quite a turn for Usagi after she met Mamoru. He 
upset the delicate balance that was her sanity. (AN:*Very* delicate 
balance ^^;) They would bump into each other at the game center, and 
take the time to insult each other with the most unique insults ever, 
one trying to outdo the other. He's send her this incredibly quirky 
grin when he was annoyed, and he'd run a hand through his deep black 
hair. His bangs would fall over those blue gray eyes, as if hiding 
something…Then it was just a matter of leaving and getting on with 
their lives until the next day came by and the same would happen…
	Usagi hadn't given him a real chance since square one, and it 
looked like he wasn't going to give it to her either. They were never 
civil in public…
	But in private…


	She sighed to herself, sitting down on the soft cushion with a 
thunk, and resting her chin on her hands. The shadow seemed to loom 
larger, despite the different position. Another tear trickled down her 
cheek. The poor girl… Sitting up, her eyes became pools of compassion 
and determination. 
	She was going to help her.


	…Those blue gray eyes would open up to her for the briefest 
of seconds, come out of the hiding place, and become an amazing silver.
When someone walked in on them, then the storm clouds would roll in, 
and they would become just a bit darker, once again. 
	Ding…Dong…
	Usagi sat up in her seat, making sure to wipe a stray tear from
her eye before looking to the clock. School was over. Taking another 
look at the darkening sky outside, she cringed. She hated storms, and 
this one stormcloud was teetering over the edge and was ready to break. 
She walked through the hallways, ready to walk home alone today because
her friends were all busy with clubs. 
	She hated walking home alone. Walking home alone meant she had 
time to think. Thinking meant looking back on memories, dreaming of a 
future. Thinking meant going back into the gray prison.


	'I'm sorry, honey,' the woman murmured gently. 'I know how much
you hate this, but I promise everything can work out. How many times 
have I told you that?'


	The blond teenager and the raven-cropped Azabu High student 
were never just 'acquaintances'…
	They were never friends…
	They were never enemies…
	So where did they stand with each other?
	Usagi was still stuck in that gray mess. And it killed her.

	
	Following the footsteps of the girl, the woman began to follow 
her around, making sure that she stayed close at all times. She could 
hear Usagi's heartstrings playing the same tune again, tired and 
heartbroken. "Oh, ye of little faith…Don't you know that he feels the
same way?"


	She walked absentmindedly through the rain, her feet making 
small ripples in the growing puddles beneath her. She paused in her 
steps and leaned her pink umbrella against her shoulder, clinging to 
the handle as the wind blew with just a bit more force. Taking a look 
at the emptying streets around her, Usagi began to feel a little 
worried. Then she saw it.
	The gateway to the lakeside rose garden called to her, beckoned
for her to return to it. She shook her head, disagreeing with it. She 
was afraid that history might repeat itself…

@>-->-->----
	"Wait a second!" Usagi called out as she watched her four 
closest friends disappear out into the streets. She looked around the 
densely wooded park with a little scheme playing in her head.  They 
thought it was funny to run away from her for a while. 
	But what if she never caught up with them? 
	Grinning mischievously, she traveled further into the park 
until, going only where her steps and subconscious would take her.
	They led her straight to Mamoru. 
	He sat down at the bench by the water fountain in the center of 
the rose garden, reading a book, his reading glasses neatly settled on 
his nose. Usagi tried to ignore the incessant pounding in her head, and
the sudden rush of warmth flooding her veins. She paused, and slowly 
approached him from behind. They were alone. And, despite what she had 
told herself about hating him…She inwardly hoped that no one else 
would interrupt them this time…
	Throwing all caution to the wind, she moved to surprise him, 
sitting down next to him in a nonchalant manner, never meeting his 
eyes. He looked at her, and then back to his book. The Study of 
Crystals… She felt her heart cave in on her. He didn't even care-
	"Hello, Odango Atama," he said, a small smile playing at the 
corner of his lips. 
	"Hello, Mamoru-baka," she replied with growing enthusiasm, 
turning to face him. "No insults today, huh?"
	He sighed, which made her look at him quizzically. "Too tired."
	She sat back, nodding. "What'cha reading, bookworm?" she asked,
leaning over to inspect the book further. She took in a slow breath, 
the aroma of roses and spice making her feel wonderfully dizzy. 'You're
in a *rose* garden, baka.' 
	Mamoru looked at her, the way she was like a curious child. His
smile broadened. His Odango sure was special… He loved the way her 
eyes lit up, the way she'd flare like a flame whenever she was 
passionate about something… Not that she'd ever know that truth, of 
course.
	Looking back up at him, she froze. There it was… that silver
again… Grinning to herself and trying to suppress a smile, she 
laughed softly. He frowned. "What is it?"
	"Your glasses are crooked."
	He sat up, indignant. "No they're not."
	"So Mr. Perfect isn't that perfect after all," she mumbled, 
eyes hazy and voice husky. Not realizing what she had just said, she 
looked up with him with an inner shine in her eyes. His gray eyes 
reflected her once hidden emotions, while his mind ran in circles over 
what had escaped her. Both leaning in closer to each other, Usagi 
tentatively brought her hand to his face, taking the glasses and 
adjusting them, but not without the brush of electricity at contact. He
recoiled, and stood up, his eyes darkening. 
	"I'll ask for your help when I need it, Odango. Which I can 
guarantee will not be anytime soon," he shot out, closing the book with 
finality. He made a sharp turn and made his way out of the park. 
	What had happened? What did she do?
	Usagi inwardly kicked herself as she felt the first painstaking 
silver shaded tear make a tiny rivulet down her cheek. She had wanted 
to be with him more, learn about him, before anything stupid would 
happen- before she'd fall in love.

	Too late.
@>-->-->---
	

	The woman watched the girl's thoughts fly by as she stood at 
the gate. She could feel Usagi's heart say, "I want to know why…" 
This time, the woman's tears came down quickly, feeling as much pain as 
the young girl. 


	Usagi gave up trying to fight the force of the rain on her 
umbrella as it came down in torrents upon her. The sound of the rain 
dropping against the pavement resounded in her ears. Dropping the 
umbrella to her side unconsciously, she let the rain beat down on her, 
plastering her hair to her forehead and her making her clothes cling to
her. With trance like steps, she walked through the gate, and was 
transported back…


	Eyes scanning the place, the woman noticed Mamoru coming around
the corner, walking home. "It's time…"


	Mamoru stopped as he saw the vision before him. The rain from 
the dark cloud was as strong as ever, making a mist appear. Within this
mist, a beautiful blond angel walked with haunting calm through the 
large gates. It was a vision he could only have imagined in his 
dreams…
	Her umbrella lay on the ground, forgotten. She didn't notice 
him, and she disappeared from view, into the park. Unsure of what he 
was really thinking, he ran down the street, heart racing in time to 
the beating of the raindrops. 


	'Please work,' the woman repeated to herself, following Mamoru 
into the park as he grasped Usagi's umbrella in his free hand. 'For 
both of them…'	

	
	Usagi sat down on the bench, as she did yesterday. She leaned 
in towards the fountain, her tears making ripples along with the 
growing downpour. She was silent, and the only sound came from the 
pitter patter of the rain. She gave no heed to the chill, or to her 
drenched form. Every now and then, she'd have a sharp intake of breath 
as she cried.
	"You're insane…!" the familiar voice muttered angrily. Before
she had time to react, Mamoru draped his coat around her, mumbling 
about how underclassmen needed to get some common sense.
	"Am I?" She asked slowly, her rain covered lashes lifting to 
reveal hurt…and hope. Did the rain hide her tears?
	Mamoru sat down next to her. "Certifiably insane…" he 
whispered. 
	They sat as they did yesterday, Mamoru's coat providing shelter
and protection for Usagi, while he was the one being rained upon. 
Another intake of breath and she could sense his wonderful smell of 
roses…He took his umbrella and held it above the both of them, moving 
in closer to her for coverage. They huddled together in the rain as 
they shared their warmth. Watching his serious expression, she shifted,
and moved to take the jacket off. 
	"No," he replied sternly. In contrast, he gently smoothed his 
hands over her shoulders, telling her for a final time that she wasn't 
going to go against his word. 
	"I've never seen you cry like that before…" he brought up out 
of nowhere, still looking straight ahead. Usagi noticed the way he took
a deep breath, and his chest rose up and down. Regaining his composure,
he turned to her. "I don't want to see it ever again…" he whispered. 
	She couldn't believe her ears. "You don't know-"
	"Yes I do. Because you're hurting for the same reason that I 
am. Yesterday. I don't know what came over me. I wasn't even sure that 
we were even meant to be friends, let alone…enemies…But when I saw you 
yesterday, and then…after what had happened…"


	'This is the part where you tell you that you love her, 
loverboy…' the lady chided playfully from her hiding place. 


	"I realized that maybe what we really were destined to be was 
right in front of me, and not a shady mess, but clear as day…"


	"Mamoru, you can't get any closer than this!" The woman, 
usually calm and serene was nearly tugging at her hair in suspense.


	"I'm sorry, Usako…"
	"Eh?" Her eyes widened, and she blushed at the name that had 
come from him so affectionately. "But…But I…"
	He brought a finger to her lips to silence her. "I saw you 
walking in here today, looking like something out of my dreams…But 
you're real…always have been…" She stared at him blankly, not knowing 
what to say.
	"I wasn't sure if we'd have a chance after yesterday, but I 
decided I was going to make one, if I had to…"
	Her heartbeat rushed in her ears, as did his. Along with it,
the rain fell even harder, only this time playing to their emotions.
She paused, and then her eyes met his. Silver… "Nature did it for us, 
ne?" 
	"And we can't let an opportunity pass us by, ne, Usako?"
	"Always have to make things *perfect*, ne…Mamo-chan?" She 
blushed an even deeper red as she realized what she had said, but her 
heart sped up when she heard his voice huskily reply, "When it comes to
us…yes…". They kept the eye contact, the warmth, the electricity…
	The umbrella dropped to the ground along with Usagi's as Mamoru
wrapped his arms around her, their faces slowly inching forward for a 
kiss. 
	Their lips met, and it was filled with emotion, slow and 
passionate.

	The rain slowly died out. 


	The woman smiled from her position, looking down at the adoring 
couple. Her robes suddenly changed from gray to shimmering silver. Her
silver hair, caught up in her signature royal odango style, reflected 
the light of the sun, and the moon, which would come into mortal view 
soon. She sighed happily. Her cushion was now of a pure white, and she 
sat down on the edge comfortably.
	"I'll always love you, even if you think I'm not there," she 
whispered to the blond on the ground. "Now I know that he'll be around 
to love you as well…I'm so glad that you found him again, my 
dearest…" Her smile broadened. Gesturing to the ground, the birds 
that had hidden in the rain began to emerge, and sing another song for 
the lovers, as silver reflected off the lake and the fountain. Deciding
that they needed some time alone, she faded away into the eternal 
expanse of the sky. "I'll always be here when you need me, my 
dearest…"


	Her eyes traveled down from looking at the sky as it slowly 
cleared to reveal a blue sky with white clouds. Taking another glance,
Usagi shook her head. Maybe all this was getting to her, for she could 
have sworn that she saw someone smile at her from up there...Shaking 
her head, Usagi smiled, contentedly leaning her head against Mamoru's 
chest. Looking up, her heart jumped as his eyes shined silver.  He 
leaned in closer to catch another kiss, and they brought their lips 
together in a gentle melding of hearts. 
	
	Maybe gray isn't such a horrible color when it comes to 
love…After all, every cloud has a silver lining, ne?


@>-->-->----
*********************
End 'Shades of Gray'
*********************	

Okay, so who's our mystery guest of the day? Hmmm? And I also have a 
thing for working with lakeside rose gardens, I think it's just 
something I've gotten a little *too* used too...^^; Sorry if it seemed 
a little repetitive sometimes, I'm trying to work with motifs and 
personification and stuff...

***A grand thank you to Eternal Angel...I got the story of the month for 
March 2000 with 'To Exist' on her site, Cherry Blossoms (http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Tower/6023/)! Arigatou!

April Showers bring May Flowers...
April Rayne, April Rain, get it? Uh...nevermind. 
Quiz: Can anyone tell me what my favorite month is? 
::cringes after audience stares at her blankly::
::gulps:: *Anyways*, I'm hungry for feedback as always. Desperate, 
really. If you don't believe me, ask Mamo-chan, he'll tell ya 
everything ^_^.

Shades of Gray 3/2000