Divinity – A day in the life
The secret is in the details - Extra Chapter
After a very long and hectic shift at the hospital, Mamoru tiredly dragged his feet through the last stretch of the hallway and stood in front of his apartment door while he looked for his door keys in his duffle bag. The handsome young man usually changed his dark green scrubs for casual clothes before leaving the hospital but this time, all he wanted to do, was to get home as fast as possible and drink something warm and cozy to fight the chill that had been following him like a ghost since his shift ended.
With a long heavy sigh of relief, he found the shiny keychain and proceeded to unlock his door and pushed it open with so much laziness and walked inside feeling like he was about to collapse any second now. With that same uncharacteristic manner, he kicked it closed carelessly and went straight to his kitchen to put the coffee machine to work while he took a hot shower and wash away the stress and tiredness from his muscles; it was then, when he noticed he was not alone when he saw it was already on and brewing a fresh batch of coffee and turned to find Usagi sitting in the middle of his living room surrounded by layers and layers of scrapes of wrapping paper and tissue, huffing with exasperation while she tried to untangle yards of sparkly ribbon, "U-Usa?"
Usagi propped her head up and blinked genuinely surprised, "Mamo-chan! Hi!"
"Hi," Mamoru walked to the living room and let his duffle bag fall to the floor as he looked at the swarm of paper scattered all over with a face of pure confusion, "What are you doing?"
Usagi blew her bangs a little overwhelmed by the crazy amounts of unrolled wrapping paper, "I was trying to secretly wrap some Christmas presents..." she sighed heavily, "But, no matter how much I try, I just can't do it right... this isn't my forte," she tilted her head and looked at him with curious eyes, "Coming or leaving?"
Mamoru smiled and walked into the living room, careful enough not to step on the many boxes and paper invading his living room and crouched in front of his loving girlfriend to greet her with a soft kiss on her forehead, "Coming..."
"You just got out? It's 8 a.m." Usagi's eyes widened with surprise, Mamoru nodded tiredly, "I had to take an extra shift and stayed on guard duty all night... winter is a high season for doctors..."
Usagi looked at him with tenderness as she flicked his hair away from his azure eyes. It wasn't new to her, this crazy schedule of his. While it was very rare to meet under these circumstances where he had to take the night shift and she was there to greet him when he got home, since she was on winter break from college she could take some liberties with her time, this being the perfect opportunity to wrap some presents, but finding out Mamoru had to take an extra shift at the hospital again was not what caught Usagi's attention but how he dragged every word and the unusual low and heavy tone in his voice.
Mamoru looked beyond tired; his handsome face showed the clear effects of a person who had been awake for the last 24+ hours with little to no time to rest, to take a proper nap, or to eat something. He was uncharacteristically pale; his always loving and playful blue eyes were adorned with puffy under eye bags and the darkest circles she's seen. His lips looked dry and his hair was noticeably disheveled probably from running his fingers through it countless times, a common gesture from him when he was tired or frustrated about something. His usual sharp intuition and sardonic personality were nowhere to be found either, instead, Usagi noticed he was slightly confused and irritated, giving her the hint that something was not quite right with him. She has been part of this routine of his long enough to understand this was what his life had to be since he returned from Harvard and aimed for a position at the highly respected Toranomon Tokyo Hospital. There was no doubt that he was going the extra mile with his studies and work—he had a goal and Usagi knew he wasn't going to stop until he accomplished every single one of them, with her, by his side, but now, his extra efforts were starting to get the best of him.
The silver-blonde frowned when she saw him trying his best to keep his balance, barely awake and half-conscious, "Mamo-chan?"
"Hmm..."
"Are you okay?"
"Mhmm..."
"You sure?"
"Mhmm... just... very... very... tired,"
Usagi cupped his cheek with her hand and widened her eyes with concern, then quickly placed her other hand on his forehead just to confirm her suspicions and pulled back, "Mamo-chan... you are burning with fever!"
"No..." Mamoru shook his head with great denial then frowned confused, "Am I?"
"Yes!"
"No... it's because I just came from the cold... it's normal... this is normal..."
"What? That doesn't make any sense, this isn't normal... you're a doctor, you should know this." Usagi quickly pulled back his green and blue plaid scarf he had badly wrapped around his neck and pulled off his black coat, "Alright, Chiba Mamoru—you need to take off those stiff and cold scrubs and put something cozier and warmer..." she patted his arm, "Come on,"
"I'm not sick... Usa," a flushed Mamoru tried to focus his gaze on the blonde moving in front of him but in his poor attempts, he lost his balance and fell backward with a groan; Usagi leaned closer and frowned, "You were saying?"
"I'm not sick..."
Usagi sighed and stood up, "Yeah, you keep saying yourself that..."
"I'm not sick..."
Usagi stood behind him and channeled her Sailor Moon strength and started to pull him from his arms all the way to his bedroom; Mamoru frowned but couldn't focus his gaze on his freakishly strong girlfriend, "W-What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing? I am taking care of you," Usagi grunted as she continued dragging him to his bedroom and took a deep breath once they were inside, "Thank goodness for having hardwood floors—you're so heavy..." Mamoru furrowed his brows together, trying his best to process what was happening, "W-What?"
Usagi took another deep breath and stopped once inside his bedroom, "Okay," she took a look around and let go of his arms and remembered all this things Ikuko did whenever she or Shingo got sick and went straight to one of his dressers in his closet to get a pair of flannel pajama pants she was sure he had because it had been a gift from her, a thick sweatshirt and clean underwear—cozy socks included and put them on the bed before going into the bathroom to fix a shower for him. After a couple of minutes, she walked back into the bedroom and saw he was still lying on the floor, "Mamo-chan... I need you to help me, please stand up,"
"I'm good here,"
"Mamo-chan..."
"I just need to sleep for a little while... here is good,"
"On the cold, stiff floor... seriously?"
"I've slept in worse conditions, it's fine..."
Usagi sighed, "Mamo-chan..."
"I'm not sick..."
"Mamoru!"
Mamoru opened his eyes and turned to look at her with wide eyes. It was so rare to hear Usagi use his name without any suffix or endearing nicknames and while she barely ever did it, whenever she did, it was because she was being serious about something—very serious. Usagi sighed and shook her head, "What is the matter with you doctors? You help sick people all the time but tend to forget you too can get sick—and not only that, you won't admit it!"
"I won't admit it because I am not—" Mamoru's nose scrunched and let out a loud sneeze that even startled him of how strong it came, leaving him startled and blinking in disbelief, "—Sick,"
Usagi stood in front of him and pulled his arms to help him sit straight and make it easier for him to stand. She waited in his room until she made sure he got into the shower to walk into the bathroom, get his clothes, and toss them in the dirty clothes bin he had in the guest bathroom. She widened her eyes when she heard him sneeze several times in a row, confirming that he had in fact, had caught a severe cold.
A good 20 minutes later, Usagi returned to his bedroom and saw him walking out of his bathroom wearing the sweatshirt and flannel pants and sat on his bed, "Usa..." he moaned sheepishly; his warm voice while sounding less monotone and more like himself it had that characteristic nasal tone when one has congested sinuses. He looked up at her with glossy eyes and sniffed much like a scolded child and sighed, "I think I'm sick..."
Usagi walked up to him and combed his damp hair back; she gave him a soft, sweet smile, "Yes my love, you are," Mamoru sniffed again and rubbed his congested nose with frustration, "Ugh, I don't even know why... I took all the preventive shots available to avoid this... I hate being sick..."
Usagi cupped his face with her hands and looked at him with loving eyes, "Mamo-chan, your body is asking you to slow down..."
Mamoru blinked, surprised "What?"
"You have been working these killer shifts for weeks now. You haven't slept the hours you should and you haven't eaten much either—no matter how many flu shots you get, your body wasn't going to resist much longer. You may have been feeling somewhat alright while you were at the hospital but the minute you stepped into the cold weather, it got the best of you." Usagi caressed his lips with her thumbs, making Mamoru realize that she has been more aware of his life than he imagined. He figured that since she was busy with her own studies and friends she wouldn't notice he kept himself busy at the hospital.
"I'm trying my best Usa..." he muttered tiredly, finally admitting the situation, "I really want to have more than 30 minutes with you. I know I asked you to be patient with me and my schedules at the hospital but lately, it's been driving me insane,"
"If you keep this crazy rhythm, I won't even get to spend 30 minutes with you," Usagi sat next to him on the bed and held his hand, "Yes, it's hard, very hard, because I miss you too, so, so much..." she looked at him with tears in her eyes, "It's hard for me to see you just for a couple of minutes every other day but, it's worth it Mamo-chan." Her finger traced the natural upward shape of his brow and tilted her head, "I will wait for you as long as needed because I love you. This is a two-way street, my love, you have been waiting for me too because you know there are many things I still need to do. I still need to finish college and get my degree with the best grades possible. I want you to be proud of me, Mamo-chan. You have been in every step of this long journey with me, from the very start. When I said I wanted to be creative for a living, you were the first to encourage me to go for it without fear. You've been helping me with my courses, you help me read and double check for misspells or grammar enunciations on every essay I write despite you having a long day at the hospital. You let me stay at your place so I could work and study and don't get distracted by my brother's loud friends but most importantly, you've given me bottomless moral support. Every minute I don't get to see you, I think just how much you are doing for the both of us to make our relationship work despite the lack of time we have to spend together and it motivates me to do the same. I am doing it too, maybe not in the same way you are because I haven't found an internship yet but that's why I take extracurricular classes to speed up the process and finish this soon... all I want is to be with you and fulfill our dream, but I understand there are still many things to be done. But if you don't take care of yourself then what will become of us?"
Mamoru sniffed softly, partly because of his congestion and the other because he was truly moved by his girlfriend's words. He smiled but quickly after jerked his head to the other side and sneezed loudly again. Usagi smiled with tenderness and pulled him into her arms, "Aww, my poor baby is sick... hush, hush... I will take care of you..."
Her soft voice made Mamoru blush and shake all sorts of feelings inside him. It has been so long since he got this sick; he led a very active and healthy life and was always taking vitamins and supplements to avoid getting swept by the weather changes and even as a kid, he would do anything he could to avoid getting sick. At the orphanage, it was common for so many children to fall under the weather and while they got medical attention and good care, it never came with that loving warmth a loved one would give to make them feel better. Whenever this happened, they would get isolated until the virus was under control and presented no hazard to the rest, because, taking care of ten children was still easier and cheaper than to treat a hundred. When Mamoru caught a cold from another orphan kid, he got the same solitary treatment and was sent to a different room alone, except for the routinely visits from staff members to check up on him. After that, he made a promise to himself to never be so careless and do whatever it was necessary to keep himself healthy. Loneliness lurked in every corner and he had to keep himself busy to carry on.
Of course, Mamoru wasn't unbreakable. He did fell sick several times afterward and during his teen years and adulthood, but just like it was when he was at the orphanage, he dealt with the strain of being in pain and partially capable of doing things on his own, all alone. In all his years dating sweet Tsukino Usagi, this was the first time he fell under the flu wagon with such force; making him feel completely vulnerable and spoilt by her tender and loving care.
"There, there... it's okay to be sick once in a while, you don't have to be a scrappy lion and be strong and in control all the time Mamo-chan, that's why I'm here..." Usagi drew back and looked at her blushing boyfriend with a smile, "This is actually something good... you can call in sick and take a break from the hospital until you are all better and actually have time to get some well-deserved rest and good food."
Mamoru felt the uncomfortable itchiness in his throat and started coughing, "I don't think I can do that, Usako... also, my throat is burning like hell probably does."
The comment made Usagi chuckle and patted his cheek with tenderness. She looked at him in silence as she combed his damp hair with her fingers before she went to get the hairdryer and plugged it in the socket on his side of the bed and turned it on, "You can't go to bed with your hair this damp... you can catch pneumonia,"
Mamoru closed his eyes and quietly enjoyed the feeling of her hand running through his hair and the warmth coming from the blow-dryer and smiled. He found it incredibly sweet to see this nurturing side of her, and he loved how overprotective she was of him when he felt most vulnerable. It was the sweetest reminder that he finally had a place in someone's heart. Once his hair was fully dry and fluffy for all the teasing, the blonde turned to get the thick pair of socks and handed them to him and placed a hand on his forehead again, like an expert nurse, "You are still a little warm, but it looks like the shower did help you lower down the fever,"
Mamoru grabbed the pair of socks and slowly put them on, then looked at her, "Actually..." his voice had started to sound more strained and hoarser from the congestion, "To get rid of a fever... you have to place a cool, damp washcloth on the patient's forehead while they're resting."
"Okay, who's taking care of you?" Usagi put her hands around her waist, making Mamoru chuckle, "You,"
"Right, so trust me—I know what I am doing," Usagi put a finger up, "I learned a trick or two in all my years of catching bad colds." Mamoru nodded and raised his hands conceding Usagi full control of the situation; he was not the doctor right now, he was a patient—her patient. "Alright..." Usagi smiled with accomplishment and pulled up the covers, "Okay, hop on the bed, you need to catch on your sleep. I will keep myself busy with all the presents I still need to figure out how to wrap,"
Mamoru nodded and smiled once he was lying in his bed and let his girlfriend pull the covers all the way up. Usagi leaned down and kiss him on his temple and went to close the curtain to block the morning sun and headed to the door stealthy as a cat, so she wouldn't disrupt his light sleep. She was about to close the door behind her when a soft grunt stopped her and made her turn, "You okay?"
"Usa..."
"Yes, Mamo-chan? Can I get you anything else?"
"No..."
"Do you need another pillow?"
"No... I just..." Mamoru pulled the cover down enough to show his face to her, "I want you to know... I am proud of you—very much."
Usagi blushed and gave him a warm smile. She didn't say it and probably never have, but since she met Mamoru in this present era, aside from the intense crush she had on him, she has always had a secret admiration for the young man. Since day one and way before they knew their real identities, the attraction she felt for him went beyond his magnetic personality and obvious handsomeness. She was instantly drawn every time he opened his mouth to speak and let herself be instantly charmed by the warm tone of his voice, his sharpness, and intelligence. Mamoru didn't need to prove how smart he was, he just was. He spoke like a nerd because that's who he is and he was too humble and sometimes too naïve to even bother to fixate his attention on those things and try to change them so he could fit in. He never bragged and he never acted like a show-off and Usagi found that very inspiring, how he stayed true to himself.
Mamoru secretly became Usagi's role model and she tried to follow his example by striving for more and get ahead with her studies so she could later apply for college and get herself a degree, she wanted to earn her own achievements and have a career. To her, it was important to make her parents proud and happy but it was a bigger deal for her to make an impact in Mamoru and make him feel proud of his girlfriend because she wanted to be his equal in every way possible. Since day one, he has helped her with her studies and exams and slowly but surely, he offered his support and let her spread her wings and excel in every goal she set for herself regardless of the result. Good or bad, he was always there and always willing to go through the next big thing. Mamoru probably didn't know it, but he was her motor, her mentor, and inspiration. Aside from the fact that he was her best friend, hearing those simple words, it truly meant the world to her.
"I love you, to the Moon and back..." she smiled softly.
"...To the world where we belong. I love you too." Mamoru smiled, making Usagi feel like her heart could explode with extreme joy. "Sleep... I'll be here in case you need anything,"
"Thank you, Usa..." Mamoru coughed and hid under the covers, creating a protective cocoon with them. Usagi smiled and closed the door behind her and went straight to the phone to call the hospital.
"Toranomon Hospital, good morning—how can I help you?"
"Hi, good morning..." Usagi cleared her throat, "May I ask with whom I need to speak to give notice that one of your residents may be absent for a couple of days due to illness?"
"That would be direct with the resident's supervisor, Ma'am. Do you know who that is?"
Usagi bit her lower lip, "No..."
"Do you know what area the resident currently assists in?"
"No..."
"Alright, may I ask for the resident's affiliation number?"
"I-I... I don't know it..." Usagi's eyes widened, "No, wait—yes, I do! Could you wait a minute?"
"I'll hold,"
Usagi ran back to the bin with dirty clothes and looked for Mamoru's scrubs and looked for the id card she was so sure she saw pinned with a small clasp and smiled when in fact, had found it, and ran back to the phone, "Thank you so much for waiting, I have the number: 00156478952," she heard the receptionist typing the number with impressive speed at the other end, "Dr. Chiba Mamoru?"
"Yes!" Usagi excitedly, "That's him!"
"He assists the fifth floor... so... let me check who his supervisor is... oh right! He is a Specialized Internist, he works at MICUs—I see, he was here just a while ago. His direct supervisor is Dr. Furuhata Motoki, you would have to talk to him directly. Would you like me to transfer the call to his unit?"
Usagi smiled proudly, "That would be great, thank you so much,"
"You are very welcome, have a nice day—transferring..." Right after, Usagi was greeted by a different woman, "Medical Intensive Care Unit, this is nurse Takahashi Suki, good morning,"
This was the first time Usagi would call the hospital so all this excessive protocol was all too new for her that it made her feel quite uneasy and sloppy with her words, "Good morning Takahashi-san, my name is Tsukino Usagi, I am calling for Dr. Furuhata, is he available?"
"Are you one of his patients?"
Usagi bit her lower lip and thought that lying might be the quickest way to talk to her blonde friend without any more of that snobbish protocol she still needed to learn how to handle. She had to go with the flow and lie to avoid more questions about Mamoru she probably couldn't answer, thinking that she had to pay more attention whenever he talked about his profession and job.
"Yes, I am one of his patients—I would like to ask him a few things about my treatment, cof-cof,"
"Please wait in line," After several minutes of typical instrumental music, the kind she always says it's made specifically for these purposes, Motoki's warm voice finally welcomed her, "Usa-chan!"
"Hi, Motoki-oniisan!"
"So, you're a patient of mine, eh? Don't tell Mamoru, he'll get jealous if he knows you chose me over him,"
Usagi chuckled, "I know, I'm sorry I lied... but I was afraid I was going to get asked more things about Mamo-chan that I know I couldn't answer correctly,"
Motoki laughed at the other end of the line, "He's your boyfriend and you don't know what he does for a living? I am appalled Usa-chan,"
"I do know what he does for a living!" Usagi blushed, "Just... not enough—apparently. I didn't know you were his supervisor or that he was a Specialized Internist... or that he assisted the fifth floor... okay, I'll ask more about his job more often, I promise."
Motoki chuckled, "Yes, you should... your boyfriend is an important element in this unit. He has helped me a lot since he joined my team. He is close to starting his fellowship due to his specialization which is focused on treating patients with critical diseases and sometimes works with other specialists like me or Oncologists, for example, when a current patient is right about to start chemo so their treatments do not compete with each other—he's good, you can be very proud of him."
"I am," Usagi smiled "Very much,"
"So... what do I owe this lovely call from you?"
"Mamo-chan, of course,"
"What about him?"
"He just got home—burning with a crazy fever."
"I know,"
Usagi's eyes widened, "Wait, you do?"
"Why do you think he went home? I dismissed him—he doesn't know I did it because I knew he was sick. I had to give him other reasons but it was very obvious, he's a terrible liar."
"The worst,"
"So, where is he?"
"Sleeping, finally... he didn't want to admit defeat,"
"Of course not, it's Mamoru we're talking about. He has some pride and is very stubborn, but he's also very loyal—pretty much like a lion,"
"He's a very scrappy lion," Usagi sighed with worry, "He's very sick Furu-chan, is it possible he can skip a couple of days off work?"
"Coming from you such request Usa-chan, of course, he can, but also, because he earned it. He can take a couple of days off... after everything he has done, it's more than fair."
Usagi frowned, "Everything he has done? What did he do?"
Motoki chuckled, "I knew wasn't going to say anything about it but he has been taking extra shifts because one of his patients wasn't reacting to the treatment he gave him to treat a severe kidney failure, so he voluntarily chose to stay until he showed signs of improvement and while doing that, he also took care of his kid while his dad was unconscious—he didn't want to leave him alone. I believe the patient's wife passed away not too long ago, and the poor boy is still struggling with the loss of his mother, so... you know your boyfriend, that's a soft spot for him..."
"Mamo-chan did that? Really?"
"Yes, he did. He bought him food because he wasn't eating well, he took the time to play with him and even asked him to be his assistant, we could see the kid walking along with him carrying his charts and files from other patients with this huge smile on his face—he didn't leave his side all night Usa-chan, the kid was ecstatic, Mamoru really lifted his spirit. Of course, everyone at the hospital heard about this and was fascinated with Mamoru's noble approach to the kid. I was truly impressed to find out just how good he is with children,"
Usagi felt her eyes burn with tears. She knew how dedicated was Mamoru with his work, she knew how important to him was to become a doctor and be able to help others but Motoki's confession just made her think that it went beyond just his desire to help the ill. It hit her and it totally made sense. Mamoru became a doctor to prevent more kids to live the life he had when he lost his. He thought about his patients' families and took their health very personal, even if his own health was on the line and that truly moved her to the very core.
"I can't... I can't believe Mamo-chan did all that..."
"Once the patient regained consciousness and showed signs of improvement, we were finally able to locate a relative; one of the sisters came to hospital right away to check on him and took the kid into her care—that was my cue to act and send Mamoru home because he was reluctant to leave until he found the root of the problem and tackle it with success. He has been burning with fever for hours—I noticed it, and I was very impressed by his endurance—he never lost his concentration and dealt with this whole situation like a total pro. After all this, he can certainly take a couple of days off... I'll find someone to cover his shift. So, did you check his temperature?"
"Well, no, not yet because he didn't want to admit he was sick but I did send him to take a shower and that helped,"
"Yes, that always helps. Okay, my recommendations are to keep him hydrated, he needs plenty of liquids and plenty of rest. Make him eat something for the love of God—he needs to eat. Give him some chicken or vegetable noodle soup, something cozy and easy to swallow, nothing spicy because it will irritate his throat and will give him a cough, in case he hasn't caught one already... oh, and don't forget to give him the most important medicine of all, of course,"
"Yes?"
"Love. I know, I know, it sounds super corny but the poor man deserves to be spoilt. I know he is one tough cookie but you are the only one who can turn that man into a *koneko."
Usagi giggled, "Will do Motoki-oniisan, without a doubt,"
"Don't worry about a thing, I'll take care of everything."
"Thank you so much, Furu-chan."
"You are very welcome Usa-chan, let me know how he progresses and if there is anything else I can do to help,"
"Will do, thank you so much—say hi to Reika-san for me,"
"Sure thing Usa-chan, take good care of my bro, alright? I need him complete—he's my go-to doctor for complex diagnostics and treatments,"
Usagi smiled, "I promise,"
Motoki chuckled, "Bye Usa-chan,"
"Bye Furu-chan,"
Usagi pressed the end button and stayed in silence for a couple of minutes dealing with all kinds of emotions and a new respect for her boyfriend. She felt like the luckiest girl in the world for having such a wonderful person in her life. Now, his sickness was more than justified and she was certainly going to do everything she could to make him feel better. "Soup..." she sighed, "Me, cooking? All I can make are instant noodles... and they don't come out that good..." like a thunderbolt illuminating her thoughts she snapped her fingers and took the phone again to dial another number, one she knew by heart.
O—o—O
An hour later of struggling with another yard of lace ribbon she thought would look cute at first, and now she was regretting buying in the first place, a soft knock on the door interrupted her battle and went to open the door revealing a smiling Makoto standing in the hallway, "Ohayo, Usa-chan!"
The silver blonde threw her arms at her tall friend and let out a heavy sigh, "Oh! Thank you for coming on such short notice, Mako-chan!"
"Of course!" Makoto blinked and looked down at her with concern, "Everything okay?"
"Yes..." Usagi smiled and stepped aside to allow her friend walk into the apartment, "I was having another round with a lace ribbon I bought at the craft store to make bows and put on the presents I am supposed to have wrapped by now... it's been three hours and I haven't accomplished anything. It's really getting on my nerves this whole wrapping thing..."
"How long have you been here?" Makoto chuckled as she walked into the apartment and put her things on the slim table in the genkan while she slips off her botties, "It's 10:30 in the morning..."
"I've been here since 7:00 a.m. sharp,"
"Wow,"
Usagi sighed, "I know, as surprising as that sounds... I even thought I Mamo-chan was sleeping, so I was doing everything quietly but I just can't do anything at my house anymore. Shingo is always having parties or study sessions with friends and they're always so loud... and well, the presents I have to wrap are for my family, so they can't find out."
"I understand," Makoto smiled, "You want me to help you?"
"I do need your help, but, with something else..."
"Alrighty, shoot,"
Usagi looked at her sheepishly, "Could you teach me how to make a chicken or vegetable noodle soup?"
"Really?" Makoto blinked surprised, "You, cooking?"
"I know..." Usagi chuckled, "But Mamo-chan's sick and I want to feed him something warm and cozy..."
"Oh," Makoto widened her eyes and looked around, "Mamoru's here?"
Usagi nodded and pointed the door down the hallway, "Yeah, he's sleeping in his bedroom. He came home like an hour ago burning with fever and a terrible cough," she sighed softly, "He took this intense shift at the hospital and it took the best of him,"
"Oh no, poor Mamoru!" Makoto walked into the kitchen, "Of course I'll help you Usa-chan, that's what friends are for. It's great to be able to help you two, he sure does a lot and he's always checking up on us and prescribing our medicines whenever we get sick. This is nothing." She opened the fridge and started to take a good look at what was available, "Let's see... oh, he has a well-stocked fridge..."
"I spend most of my days here... even when he's not around, he makes sure to keep it stocked so I can make myself something to eat in case I come here to work or study—it's a big deal for him, for some reason," Usagi blushed when Makoto turned to look at her with a wide smile, "Goodness, that's so sweet, he is such a suave guy," she turned and began taking many items from the fridge and put them on the counter, "So, it seems we have everything we to make a hearty broth... well then, shall we begin?"
"Yes!" Usagi smiled widely and washed her hands, "I'm ready,"
"Alright... wash those vegetables I put over the counter and peel these carrots for me please," Makoto handed her a few carrots and turned to start the stove and put some water to boil inside a large pot "This will help me warm up for my interview at this French restaurant later today,"
"Oh, today's your interview? I'm so sorry Mako-chan!" Usagi widened her eyes as she saw Makoto cutting some chicken thighs into smaller pieces and put them in the hot pot, "Yeah it's today, but I still have plenty of time—don't worry, Usa-chan." She smiled and started dicing a few sticks of celery, "You put the vegetables that usually take a little longer to be done first, then you add the chicken and you wait until it's half cooked before you throw the rest of veggies inside—the same goes with the noodles because they cook pretty fast,"
"Got it," Usagi nodded and turned to her friend, "So... are you nervous?"
Makoto smiled and put the lid on the pot again, "No... not really, I am more excited than nervous. I know the chef at this restaurant is hard to please and that he's nothing like the other people I've worked before but I know working for him would open so many doors for me in the future and if I want to open my café, this would allow me to save faster—I do hope to get this job,"
"You will, I'm sure. You're the best, Mako-chan! There's nobody better qualified for the job than you," Usagi gave her tall friend a warm smile, "Will you bake my wedding cake, someday?"
Makoto chuckled, "Oh, Usa-chan, what kind of question is that? Of course, I will! It would be an honor! Chocolate, right?"
"Yep,"
"How many layers?"
"Two or three,"
"Fudge?"
"Of course,"
"Sprinkles?"
"Those are negotiable because I am aware the cake is not just for me,"
Makoto chuckled, "Of course," she looked at the boiling pot and smiled, "Alright Usa-chan, time to put the soft veggies inside, I will tell you how to season the broth when to throw in the noodles,"
"Oh yay!" Usagi nodded with enthusiasm. With a content sigh, she turned to her friend and leaned her head on her shoulder, "I don't know what I would do without you, Mako-chan. You're the best."
"Good thing you don't need to find that out," Makoto wrapped an arm around her petite friend's shoulder and nudged her gently, "I'm here for you, okay, it's time. So, the seasoning, play close attention because here's the trick to making any soup beyond delicious..."
O—o—O
Usagi was to a point of giving up on wrapping her father's gift and leaned her head on the sofa behind her and let out an exasperated sigh. After Makoto had to leave for her interview, she decided to give both ribbon and paper another chance only to fail in her attempts once again. While trying to untangle the ribbon, she spotted a small box that was still waiting to be poorly wrapped. Usagi put the ribbon aside and leaned to grab it and with all the care in the world, took out its content with a smile in her face. She remembered Motoki's words when describing her boyfriend as she looked at the object in her hands, 'he has some pride and is very stubborn but he's also very loyal—pretty much like a lion,'
"You are indeed a stubborn lion, Mamo-chan... but you're my scrappy lion." Usagi smiled and put the present back in its box and put an extra effort to wrap it nicely. She had found the cutest paper in silver tones with white and gold glittery snowflakes and little stars she thought went perfectly with the little present inside and tied some of that lace ribbon around it and made a cute little bow—the best she could make and put it aside feeling proud of her accomplishment.
It didn't take long before Usagi officially gave up wrapping the rest of the presents and decided it was better if she watched some television and chill. Since she was on a winter break from her hectic schedule from college, she felt like she also much needed time to relax and forget about the pile of essays she still had to write and designs that were still waiting to be done. After a couple of more hours later and several commercial breaks, she turned to the clock in the living room and realized that it was past six in the afternoon setting this a new record for Mamoru for sleeping ten hours straight—a truly rare event. She went to check on him since he hadn't shown any signs since he went to sleep and opened the door with much care and walked inside with as much stealth she could muster because she knew for a fact, he was the lightest of sleepers. With that same caution, she leaned closer to make sure he was alright and check his temperature as Motoki had recommended.
Mamoru was still with his head under the covers but Usagi could hear him coughing and having some difficulty to breathe through his nose. She sat next to him on the bed and slowly pulled the covers to look at him and pressed the back of her hand on his cheek very gently, "The fever is not fully gone yet... you're still a little too warm..." she mumbled softly to herself and sighed, thinking if she should give Motoki another call to ask him what to do next. She went to the bathroom to grab a washcloth and soaked it with cold water before walking back to the bedroom and claim her previous spot next to her boyfriend. She started pressing the cool cloth against his cheek, forehead, and all the way to the back of his neck with the most delicate care. It wasn't long after when she felt his hand moving slowly to find hers and looked down at him with worry, "Mamo-chan..."
Mamoru blinked slowly, showing every single sign of exhaustion in his face and snuggled closer to her, melting the blonde's heart even more, "How are you feeling?"
Mamoru shook his head and coughed softly, "I—fever—still?" he mumbled between short breaths; Usagi nodded and combed his dark hair with her fingers, "Yeah..." Mamoru groaned and slowly sat on the bed and raised his arms, "Sweatshirt—off—please..."
Usagi followed as instructed and pulled the thick sweatshirt up, leaving him with the simple white t-shirt he was wearing underneath and turned to turn on the lamp on his nightstand, "I brought you some water... you need to drink plenty of liquids," she said softly.
"Mmm..." A very flushed Mamoru hazily opened his eyes and turned to grab the bottle but Usagi took charge and offered him a straw to take small sips, "Is there anything else you need?" Mamoru cleared his throat and made a pained gesture when he swallowed the water, "You..."
Usagi chuckled, "No, silly—like medicine for the cold?" She saw Mamoru smile and tuck a loose piece of hair behind her ear; he loved to see her with her hair down, "Oseltamivir..."
"What?" Usagi blinked slightly confused, "Is that how I go buy it?"
Mamoru let out a hoarse chuckle and coughed again, "Could you—bring—prescription pad—please?"
Usagi nodded and went quickly to the other room he used as his study and looked for the pad he mentioned in his bag and brought it back to him. Mamoru took a pen and started writing down a list of strange names Usagi was sure she was not going to be able to pronounce correctly and silently thanked his impeccable handwriting so the people at the pharmacy could understand what she needed to buy. Mamoru stopped writing and turned to grab a thermometer he had in his nightstand drawer, took it out of its case and put it under his tongue for a minute.
"You are doing it again," Usagi sighed with frustration, "You are treating yourself when I am supposed to be the one taking care of you,"
Mamoru blinked and leaned closer to her and pointed the thermometer, silently asking her to take it and check the number for him. Usagi leaned close to look at the thermometer, "103 °F, is it bad?"
The young doctor waved his hand and started writing something else on the pad, did his signature on the bottom and handed her the prescription with a playful grin on his face. Usagi took the prescription and gave it a quick read and broke in giggles, "Seriously? This is what you need?" Mamoru chuckled and handed her the real prescription, "Take—my credit card," his voice was so aphonic it came out in whispers and pauses, worrying Usagi even more, "I can pay for these, don't worry Mamo-chan,"
Mamoru shook his head and held her hand, "My card—discount—not cheap—infection—need antibiotics."
"Oh," Usagi blinked surprised, "Okay, I'll go right now."
Mamoru took her hand and kissed it softly, "Thank—you—Usa,"
Usagi smiled and handed him the bottle of water, "I'll need to buy more stuff is that okay? Some vitamin-infused waters, cough drops... candy..."
Mamoru let out a muffled chuckle and nodded, "Careful," Usagi nodded and leaned to kiss him on his forehead, "I will. Please, please... please stay in bed, okay? Don't move." She drew back and saw him nodding, "I will be right back—I promise,"
Mamoru raised his right hand and nodded. After taking another sip of water with the help of the pink straw Usagi had put inside the bottle, he turned the light off and snuggled under the covers again.
Usagi went to put her favorite pink wool hat, her black coat and a pink scarf around her neck. She put on her knee-high boots and went to look for her purse and Mamoru's wallet to look for the pharmacy card and his credit card. She didn't like much to rummage through his personal belongings no matter how much trust they had for one another and it didn't matter how much he told her that his things were hers as well, doing things like these made her feel like an intruder. She found his brown leather wallet on the small table and as soon as she opened it, her eyes gleamed with instant tears when she found a little piece of paper neatly kept on the first slit where one would normally put an official ID card. It was a laminated card preserving a doddle, one she clearly remembered drawing in a small pink piece of paper when she was still in junior-high, probably right before Chibi-Usa appeared for the very first time. It had a small white bunny rabbit on a crescent moon and below were written the very words that have been the secret motto of their relationship for many years:
'このバニーはあなたを月に、そして私たちが所属する世界にあなたを愛しています '
'This bunny loves you to the moon and back to the world where we belong,'
"Oh my god... Mamo-chan..." she sniffed softly and dried her tears with her sleeve. Usagi didn't know why was she so moved by it. She didn't know why seeing that tiny piece of paper was making her cry this much; maybe because at the time she drew it, she thought it was something silly and unimportant, just a little tiny gesture—corny things a teen girlfriend would gift her boyfriend. She remembered drawing it during literature class and she gave it to him on a date at the park after school but she never ever imagined he would cherish it enough to make him go to a stationer's shop and get it laminated and keep it in such impeccable conditions after so many years.
This was solid proof on how it didn't matter how many years could pass by, Mamoru would never stop surprising her. He was a true master of details, that was his secret. For her to see he treasured something so simple was beyond her, but just to think that it was the first thing he saw every time he opened his wallet moved her to the very core. With flushed cheeks and teary eyes, Usagi sniffed once more and put the small laminated card back in its place before she took his credit and pharmacy card and headed out the door to get her boyfriend's much-needed medicines—also candy.
O—o—O
"Your fever seems to have gone down..." Usagi said as she looked at the thermometer, "How are you feeling?" Mamoru waved his hand, "Throat—hurts," his voice was still very aphonic, making it harder for him to maintain a conversation. Usagi combed his hair back and tilted her head to the side, "Want to sleep some more?" Mamoru shook his head and held her hand, "You." He whispered and kissed her hand softly, making Usagi blush, "I am just about to give that wrapping nightmare another try, want to see me struggle?"
"Still?" Mamoru arched his brow, Usagi sighed, "I am not good with crafts... wrapping presents is a nightmare for me. Every Christmas is the same, the ribbons get all tangled, the paper rips and wrinkles and I just never ever cut the right size for each box! It's so annoying..."
Mamoru chuckled and pulled back the covers, "Help—me?" Usagi nodded and helped her weak boyfriend get out of bed and quickly put a cozy blanket over his shoulders, "I turned the heat in the living room so you wouldn't be cold in case you wanted to get out of bed,"
Mamoru smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist and walked with her to the living room. His blue eyes widened when he saw the crazy amount of paper and ribbons scattered all over the living room. Usagi chuckled, "I told you, it's not my forte."
"Hmm..." Mamoru went to sit in the middle of what she made her crafting station and grabbed a piece of paper Usagi had cut in the wrong size and placed it diagonally and neatly folded the corners until the box was perfectly wrapped. He looked at her and handed her the box, "I wrap—you ribbon."
"H-How did you do it!?" Usagi grabbed the box and looked at it with wide eyes "I can't believe it..." she started to untangle a sparkly ribbon and tied it around the box and sighed, "My goodness Mamo-chan, is there anything you can't do?"
"Sing..." Mamoru began wrapping another box and cut a piece of tape, "Draw," Usagi blinked and looked at him, "What?"
"I can't sing—can't draw..." Mamoru whispered as he folded the corners of the paper and quickly finished with his second box and started working on his third. Usagi chuckled, "Sure you can, I've heard you before,"
Mamoru blinked and turned to look at her with a pink tint in his cheeks, "When?"
"You always do!" Usagi chuckled, "When you think no one's listening... you sing. It's so cute. I love it."
Mamoru felt his cheeks turn hot and looked down at the box in his lap, "—Can't draw..."
"Please... anyone can draw!"
Mamoru handed her another box and grabbed another one, "I can't."
"I am pretty sure you can, your handwriting is too neat to be bad at drawing." Usagi narrowed her crystal blue eyes, "Like, there's no way."
"Try me,"
"Well, maybe I will... while singing a cute song. What's that one you always sing? The one with the toothpaste?"
"Toothpaste kisses..."
"That's the one!"
"Hmm..." Mamoru blushed another shade more and cut a piece of paper to wrap the big box in his lap, "Big—box..."
"Ah yes... that's for Papa, from both of us," Usagi smiled, "It's a wool coat, I found it on sale and he needs a good coat for the winter, the one he has is in terrible shape but he's reluctant to buy a new one, pretty much like you were when I asked you to give up that green jacket." Mamoru blew his bangs, "That was—good—jacket."
"That was a horrible jacket Mamo-chan," Usagi gave her boyfriend an incredulous glare, "It didn't even have any pockets! Was it a coat, a windbreaker, a blazer—who knows?"
"Bought it—first paycheck. It was—only thing—could afford—then." Mamoru continued wrapping. Usagi stopped putting the lace ribbon around the wrapped boxes she had aside and looked at him with wide eyes. She froze, feeling completely ashamed and immediately regretted her words, "I'm so sorry... Mamo-chan... I didn't... I'm so sorry..."
"Never said—pretty." Mamoru smiled and handed her the big box, "Good—jacket—not pretty."
Usagi blinked, "Did you really buy it with your first paycheck?"
Mamoru nodded, "First—job at grocery store—"
"How old were you?" Usagi was now so deep into their conversation since it was rare for him to open up about his past that casually. She loved to hear those kinds of stories, with Mamoru everything had a motive, a reason and a secret fun fact—like his green jacket she now had learned to appreciate. Now that he was an accomplished doctor, it was inspiring for her to listen to stories of how he made a way in the world from a very young age and how he climbed his way up in life.
"Thirteen," Mamoru waved his hand and put another wrapped box aside before he started working on another one, "Fourteen... I organized—shelves," he let out a forced chuckle, his voice was so aphonic his words came out all choppy and sometimes inaudible, "Did inventory—cashier—stuff like that..."
"And the jacket?"
"Found it—thrift store, only thing—could afford—warm enough for me to survive—winter," he gave her the last box and smiled, "Done,"
Usagi sighed softly, "Thank you so much, you are always helping me, even when you are sick,"
"Of course—anytime." Mamoru winked an eye at her and went to sit on the sofa, Usagi smiled, "Hungry?"
"Little," Mamoru wrapped the throw blanket around him again and covered his mouth before coughing, "Want me—cook?" Usagi chuckled and shook her head "Nope, I did."
Mamoru blinked surprised, "You?" Usagi nodded proudly, "Yup. I told you I was going to take care of you. I promise you it's good—Mako-chan taught me how to make a hearty chicken noodle soup to help you feel better in no time, it has lots of vegetables,"
"Mako—came?"
Usagi nodded, "You were sleeping; she was on her way to an appointment and quickly stopped by to help me make the broth but the rest was made by me, want some? You need to eat something,"
Mamoru smiled and nodded "'Kay,"
Usagi went quickly to the kitchen and grabbed a soup mug from the cupboard and poured some of the hearty soup and walked back into the living room, "Be careful, it's hot." She smiled and stood there to wait for his reaction. Mamoru looked at the contents in his mug and took a sip of the broth then looked at her with a smile on his face, "Tasty,"
"Really?" Usagi bit her lower lip nervously, "You are not saying it just because I made it?"
"No—it's very tasty," Mamoru smiled at her and took a piece of chicken and noodles with his chopsticks, "Thank you—love."
Usagi blushed and leaned down to kiss him on his forehead, "You are very welcome, my Prince." She rearranged his blanket and put a pillow on his back, "Comfy? Do you need anything else? I brought you some orange juice—freshly squeezed—no pulp so it won't itch your throat—you need your vitamin C to regain your strength,"
Mamoru blushed, he was genuinely touched by Usagi's attention and care. It amazed him she knew every gesture, every smile. Usagi could decode him like an open book, something nobody could do, not even Motoki who was his closest friend and who knew the darkest moments in his life he still had not dared to share with Usagi. He looked down at his now empty mug as he tried to hide the tears in his eyes with a smile on his face; if this was what it was like to be taken care when sick, then he had to count his cold as a blessing and be grateful.
"Mamo-chan?" Usagi sat next to him and put the glass with juice on the coffee table and leaned closer, "Are you feeling okay? Is something wrong?" She put her hand over his forehead again, "Did the fever return?"
Mamoru shook his head and remained in the same position with his head down; Usagi tilted her head with worry, "Did the soup make your stomach hurt?"
"No..."
"Do you want to go back to bed?"
"No..."
Usagi pouted her lips, "Do you want me to leave?" Mamoru turned to look at her like a deer in the headlights, "No."
Usagi widened her eyes when she saw tears rolling down his cheeks and leaned closer to wrap her arms around his neck, "Mamo-chan... what's wrong?" Mamoru leaned his head on her shoulder and took a deep breath, hoping his voice would cooperate at least for a tiny moment, "I'm grateful—for you," he whispered, "I'm—lucky—have—you—my—life."
Usagi closed her eyes and pulled him closer in a loving embrace and smiled as she fought her own tears, "I spoke with Motoki-oniisan today... he told me... what you did for that boy,"
Mamoru opened his eyes but didn't say anything, he felt Usagi kissing his temple and took a deep breath. Usagi started combing his hair softly, "You gave that child the chance to spend the holidays with his Papa at the expense of your own health. You gave that boy the greatest gift he could ever have gotten..." she pulled back and cupped his face in her hands, "You say you are grateful for me but I am grateful and lucky to have such beautiful man by my side... I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you—I am so proud of you, my beautiful ray of sunshine." She leaned her forehead on his and smiled, "I value and appreciate all the things you do for the both of us, taking care of you is nothing... I love it, actually, I wish you let me do it more often... but you are as prideful and stubborn as a lion... but also, incredibly loyal and sweet and I wouldn't change you for anything in this world."
Mamoru smiled and caressed her cheek lovingly and quickly pulled back and covered his face, startling Usagi, "Mamo-chan?"
Mamoru let out the loudest sneeze and widened his eyes, "Good gracious..." he whispered and dried his runny nose with a tissue, "Haven't been—this sick—since..." he shrugged his shoulders, "Can't remember..."
Usagi handed him a clean tissue and smiled, "Can I stay?" Mamoru blew his nose and rubbed the tissue several times after and looked at her, "No. I—focus—infection..." he frowned and shook his head in disapproval, "You—can get—sick."
"I don't care," Usagi leaned closer and bit her lower lip, "You can prescribe me something in case I get sick... I want to stay and take care of you..." Mamoru narrowed his eyes "Usako..."
"Please, please, please—pretty please?" Usagi put her hands together and looked at him with puppy eyes, "I know the doctor in you would never allow such thing, but, the little boy deep down wants it too... plus, Motoki-oniisan asked me to take good care of his bro, now, how am I ever going to do that if I am not around, eh, Mamo-chan? He's a doctor too—that was his recommendation."
Mamoru sighed softly and pointed the cup of orange juice sitting on the table, "Drink," and leaned closer, "Take—Vitamin C—kitchen right—cabinet."
Usagi smiled and went to the kitchen to find the supplement and walked back with the small jar and sat next to her boyfriend, "How many?" Mamoru lifted two fingers and handed her the glass of juice and leaned back on the sofa with a surprised look on his face, "You called—hospital?"
Usagi swallowed both pills and nodded, "Yes," she turned to look at him, "I had to let them know you were sick so I spoke with Motoki-oniisan. He said you could take a couple of days off work to get better, rest, and eat because he needs you complete."
Mamoru smiled and acknowledged those words as something Motoki often said to his team and anyone that worked with him. He had to admit that he felt more relaxed, like if a heavy weight was lifted off his shoulders because he knew how hard it was to get time off, much less more than a day. This was going to be like the small vacation he had been waiting for months, even if he could not speak or if he had a runny nose or itchy eyes. Usagi has done so much for him he couldn't say no to her request for spending the night with him, this was the perfect opportunity to make up some lost time, together. He pinched her nose softly and cleared his throat, "Tomorrow—Christmas..."
"So?"
"No plans—girls?"
"Nope."
"Then you—be with—family."
"Well," Usagi leaned closer and kissed his temple, "You are my family... I can go home tomorrow to give them their presents, it's fine. We weren't going to do anything, either way."
"Fine," Mamoru smiled softly and a cupped her cheek lovingly, "Call home,"
Usagi smiled, "You're letting me stay?"
Mamoru nodded, "But—call—home."
The blonde bit her lower lip in thought, "Okay so... what should I say this time?"
Mamoru sweat dropped, "The truth,"
Usagi narrowed her eyes, "Yeah, right... 'hey Papa, so... Mamo-chan's sick and I'm staying over at his place to take care of him... and of course, I am going to sleep with him! Yes, in the same bed. So, I'll see you all tomorrow for presents!"
Mamoru sighed with defeat, accepting the incoherence of his request, "Hmm..."
"Mako-chan knows you're sick, she'll cover for me..." Usagi smiled and went to get the phone and dialed her number once she was back on the sofa with Mamoru; the blonde waited for a few seconds and smiled, "Hi Mama... yes, I'm still with the girls. Actually, I'm calling to let you know I'm staying with Mako-chan tonight... we're having a Christmas slumber party... Mako-chan cooked and all," she blinked, "Oh, okay—well, that's even a better reason for me to stay with her... yes, okay Mama... love you too—see you tomorrow, bye," Usagi pressed the end button and turned to Mamoru with a big smile on her face, "Shingo is throwing a party back at home, Papa and Mama are thinking of spending the night with auntie Kirito,"
"Ah..." Mamoru smiled, "He—parties—little too—much."
"A little?" Usagi chuckled, "He needs to start focusing more on his studies if he wants to do get into a nice college... but I guess today he can get a pass,"
Mamoru gave his girlfriend a startled look, making Usagi laugh, "What? I have become a very studious lady if you must know." She looked into his blue eyes and she could see there were still signs of exhaustion but also, much love. She loved how rich in color they were, like the oceans on earth, so deep and so blue—so true to his emotions. Usagi traced the line of his jaw with her fingertips and noticed how he was trying very hard to keep himself awake but just like her, he wanted to take advantage of every second together since they hadn't much time to spend.
It had been a very emotional day for both of them, but to Usagi, it was like unveiling a side of Mamoru she barely ever got to see but loved without measure. While he was normally very attentive and lovable with her, having him this vulnerable and dependable made her value him even more because it proved her just how much he trusted her. It was always him the one supporting her, taking care of her and looking after her and because it was very rare when he allowed himself to be seen in the condition he was currently in. Yes, Usagi though, he was truly a scrappy lion.
Mamoru groused softly as he lay down on the couch and curled as much as he could into a ball and hazily watched whatever was on the t.v. and frowned, "What's—that?"
Usagi chuckled as she patted his leg he had resting on her lap, "Oh, 'Love under the mistletoe' just a silly Christmas movie—you know I am a sucker for those things..."
"Hm..." Mamoru cleared his throat, "What's—about?"
"Oh?" Usagi smirked, "You? Interested in my cheesy movies... well that's new,"
Mamoru pulled his blanket and gave her an incredulous glance making Usagi laugh, "Well it's true! But since you are so interested, here goes... it's about a spoiled girl who has a lot of money and somehow ends up stranded when her car stops working and she's now stuck in this little village where everyone takes Christmas very seriously and well—while she's trying to get out of there and fix her car to leave, she finds love... and well... now she's rediscovering the meaning of Christmas but now, they are all getting ready to throw this major Christmas party but also, they need to have this big cookie sale to save Timmy from losing his house... but, her car is almost fixed... so... the question here is if she's going to stay for love or will she leave and go back to her luxurious life... dun dun duuuuun!"
Mamoru shook his head and tried to laugh despite his inability, "Goodness..."
Usagi chuckled, "Hey! I told you—I'm a sucker for these movies..."
"They're—in English..."
"They have subtitles... that's not a problem for me. I don't know how to speak English as you do."
"You should..."
"Sure..."
"For real,"
"I will... next year,"
"Hm..."
: Thirty Minutes Later :
"Why? No! She's leaving!" Usagi patted Mamoru's leg, "Mamo-chan, she's leaviiiing!"
Mamoru shook his head and rubbed his nose with his tissue, "Lily—so blind—what 'bout the—tree? The—cookie sale—for good Timmy?!"
"Ugh, nooooo! The cookie saleeee! Noo poor Ken, this is so unfair... she's going to break his heart..." Usagi sniffed and turned to Mamoru, "Can I have a tissue?" Mamoru handed her the box of tissues and sighed, "She'll—come—back,"
"You think so?" Usagi dried her tears and sniffed softly, Mamoru nodded fully convinced, "She has to—the mistletoe..."
"Oooooh, the mistletoe! She has to return, it's tradition—the mistletoe!"
: Twenty Minutes Later :
"Ahhhhh! That was a good corny movie," Usagi sighed with happiness, "They found love under the mistletoe... eh, eh, get it?" She nudged Mamoru's ribs with her elbow under the warm blanket they were both now sharing, not minding he had the flu and that she could get sick anymore. They got so engrossed in the silly plot of the movie that they couldn't help feeling infected by the mushy romantic vibe and snuggled together with Mamoru's leg over Usagi's waist to prevent her from rolling off the sofa while his arm lazily lay over her shoulder, keeping her close to him, "The cookie sale—success."
"Aww yes! They saved Timmy's house!" Usagi giggled, "See Mamo-chan, my corny movies aren't that bad..."
"'Kay, 'kay—right,"
Usagi smiled, "Oh look! Another Christmas movie is about to start—shall we?"
"Can't believe we—spending tonight—like this." Mamoru cleared his throat, "I'm sorry..."
Usagi looked for his hand and intertwined her fingers with his, "To me this is perfect, it's the first Christmas we actually spend just the two of us and I wouldn't change this moment for anything in the world. We always spend elsewhere and this is actually a special holiday for couples... and you are my couple so..." Mamoru smiled and tightened his arm around her and kissed her head, "Love you—Buns,"
"Me too, scrappy lion,"
"Scrappy?"
"So... should we see this one? It's a little cheesier than the last one... for what I am reading in the summary..."
"Yeah—what—the hell..." Mamoru chuckled, "This is—about a..." he trailed off and frowned, "Prince... from..." both blinked with disbelief, "Earth?! This—joke, right?"
"No, no it's not a joke..." Usagi broke into laughter, "Oh my god! This movie is about you! We have to see it!" She turned the volume up, "This is going to be interesting..."
"Huh..." Mamoru pursed his lips, "So—I'm supposed—to be blonde..."
"And a spoilt brat—"
Mamoru shook his head, "Why—everyone in these movies—have to be—spoiled brats?"
Usagi laughed, "I don't know! Maybe because the holiday is all about changing people's hearts..." her eyes twinkled with glee, "Oooooh there's going to be a ball and you have to choose a bride by then because the kingdom wants to be stolen by no other than—your evil uncle! Tuuun tuuuuun tuuuuuuuuuun!"
"Goodness—this is—unbelievable..."
"Too corny for you, Your Highness?"
"A tad,"
"Did you have evil uncles back then, Mamo-chan?"
"I—I..." Mamoru blinked, "I-I don't... know... no..."
"Did you have to choose a bride in a winter ball?"
"I-I don't...think so..." Mamoru frowned, "I don't remember..."
Usagi blinked and turned to look at him over her shoulder, "What if you did? Oooh! What if you had a fiancé back then and you were supposed to marry her?"
"Uh—well..." Mamoru covered his mouth to cough softly and took a hasty breath, "That would have made me—world's worst—fiancé ever..."
"Oooh, what if—"
"You watch—too many—of these movies, Usa..."
"Yeah... I do..." Usagi snickered, "But, let's watch this one! They're fun!"
Mamoru sighed, "Fine—I want to see—how Christmas changes my spoilt and bratty spirit..."
O—o—O
In the wee hours of the morning and because the sun was starting to hit right in Usagi's face, she slowly opened her eyes and groaned softly when she saw the famous wonder mop infomercial was playing on the t.v. and realized they fell asleep during the movie. She slowly turned over her shoulder and saw Mamoru had his face cuddled on her back while his leg was still secured around her waist proving her point that he was the most peaceful sleeper she has ever met in her life. He barely ever moved once he found his comfortable spot.
Usagi smiled softly and tried to move but Mamoru's arm tightened around her, letting her know that just like her he had woken up. "Good morning..." she whispered and turned to face him completely.
"Good morning Buns..." Mamoru mumbled and snuggled his head into her chest making Usagi giggle, "Hey... your voice is back!"
Mamoru smiled, "A little, yes..."
"How are you feeling?"
"Better... my throat hurts much less... the itch is still there but it's less than yesterday—for sure." Mamoru slowly opened his eyes and smiled at her, "Hi..."
"Hi..." Usagi smiled, "You're a good doctor... you cured yourself..."
"No, you did." Mamoru chuckled, "I wouldn't be feeling this better if it wasn't for you... I didn't do anything..." Usagi leaned down and kissed his nose, "We fell asleep watching your movie—I didn't get to see how it ended."
"I married the girl—and as expected, my soul was revived by the spirit of Christmas..."
"Seriously, you watched the whole thing?"
Mamoru smiled, "No... I fell asleep right before the ball happened, but that's pretty much how all your holiday movies go..."
"Hey, you liked the other one!" Usagi tackled her boyfriend and rolled her way up, until she was on top of him and snuggled in the nook between his head and shoulder, "This is how I want to spend our holidays... every Christmas... you and me... warm food, cheesy movies... snuggled on the sofa under a cozy blanket—minus the flu, of course."
Mamoru wrapped his arms around her in a loving embrace and took a deep breath; this was it, it was now or never and never was not even an option for him. He kissed the top of her head and took a deep breath, "Me too Usako... more than anything..."
"Oh," Usagi bit her lip with mischief, "I have something for you..." Mamoru blinked, "You do?"
"Yup," Usagi giggled, "It's something silly but... I saw it and immediately thought of you... want to see what it is?"
"Sure thing," Mamoru smiled and helped her get off the couch and saw her go to the tiny christmas tree she had put on the bookshelf to grab the small box she wrapped the day before with so much love and sat on the sofa next to him, "Here," she said with a smile. Mamoru took the small box and looked at the wrinkly paper, giving him the hint that she put an extra effort to get it wrapped as perfect as possible and smiled, "Buns, you shouldn't have spent on a present for me..."
"It's something silly, really... you might even think it was pointless for me to wrap it." Usagi smiled, "But I thought it was perfect for you, it's something for you to remember me by..." Mamoru cupped her chin, "My dear, you never leave my mind," he looked down at the small box and started to undo the wrapping with much care, one tape at a time. He saw a small white box and once open, he took its content out with a wide grin on his face, "Usa..." he looked at his present with so much awe, it turned out to be a black mug with gold engraving on both sides.
"It's the constellation of Leo, your astrological sign." Usagi smiled, "I was shopping with the girls the other day—when I found Papa's coat! Anyway, I saw it on a display and I immediately thought of you... and... also I thought it was a good replacement for the one I broke."
"Usa, I love it—thank you so much," Mamoru looked at the crisp and simple design and chuckled, "This is so cool!"
"Really, you like it?" Usagi blinked still a little hesitant to believe his words and excitement, Mamoru nodded and pulled her close, "I love it—not as much as I love you, but I love it just as much as I love coffee." Usagi giggled, "Wow, that's saying a lot! Well, you can take it to the hospital,"
"Oh no, no, no... this baby stays here with me—I want to take my morning coffees in this mug," Mamoru shook his head, "It may be a fancy hospital, my dear, but the staff doesn't very much respect other people's coffee mugs... so many have been lost or broken. I am not risking this one." He turned to look at her with a smile, "Thank you so much—well, now that we are exchanging gifts, I believe it's my turn," Mamoru walked to one of the shelves and grabbed a similar sized-box and handed it to her, "You'll find your present funny..."
"Why?" Usagi quirked a brow, "Is it a joke?"
"No," Mamoru laughed, "You'll see..."
"Hm..." Usagi gave him a quizzical look and started to rip the paper on her present and was met with a very similar white box and opened it; her crystal blue eyes widened twice in size "Oh my god!" Mamoru smiled when he saw her taking the contents out of the box, "I know..."
"Oh my god! It's a mug! My mug!" Usagi looked at the white mug in her hands with the same crisp design but with the constellation of Cancer engraved in silver, "Wait... how did you..." Usagi blinked at her boyfriend and gave him a query glance, "Did you know I had bought a mug for you?"
"No, not at all!" Mamoru chuckled, "One day, I was tired of eating the same thing at the hospital's cafeteria and took a stroll down the street and saw it on a display... I know you are not a heavy coffee drinker like I am but, you are a hot cocoa heavy drinker so... I thought this would be nice for you to have..."
Usagi blushed and looked down at the mug in her hands, "I love it so much... so, so, much..." she giggled "Now' we're mug buddies!"
"Yup," Mamoru smiled with a nod and pointed the mug, "But, with one minor difference..."
"What?"
"I believe there is something else inside that mug..."
"Is there?"
"Mhm..."
"Ooouh!" Usagi blinked and looked inside, "There is something else inside!" She took a smaller box wrapped in silver paper and giggled, "What's in here? A charm for my mug? I saw those are becoming popular..."
"Maybe," Mamoru crossed his arms and bit his lower lip nervously, "Why don't you open it and find out?"
Usagi grinned, "Ooouuh! So much mystery..." she started to tear the paper and froze in her seat when she saw a small black velvet box and slowly opened with a shaky hand and widened her eyes when she saw a rose gold ring with a single heart-shaped diamond inside delicately framed by the tiny diamonds all around the delicate band shining like a halo made of little stars. It had a slight resemblance to the one he gave her before leaving for America the first time but this one had a much sleeker and more elegant look and it had a lot more sparkle—serious sparkle, "M-Mamo-chan..." she looked up at him with a blush gracing her cheeks, "W-What..."
Mamoru watched her trying to process what was going on and went on one knee in front of her. He took the ring from the fancy box and looked at her with all seriousness and much emotion in his deep blue eyes, "Two thousand years ago... I made a promise to you. I said that no matter what happened, I was going to find you in another time, a time where we could live our love with total freedom. Eight years ago, I made you a promise that I would return to you and I sealed that promise with that ring you have on your finger—but now that I have found you, and that I have returned... I am here to stay and make that dream of ours, a reality..."
Usagi felt her eyes burning with unshed tears, "Oh my god... Mamo-chan..."
Mamoru smiled softly, "I want it too, Usako—to spend the holidays cuddled on the sofa under a blanket, watching corny holiday movies, but I also want the rest of my days to be like this and I want to spend them with you. If you allow me... Moon Princess... I will do anything in my power to make you happy for as long as I live because there is no one else in this world that I love more than I love you. There is no one brighter than you, no one quirkier, no one kinder, no one more beautiful... no one. There's no one else in my world, but you."
Usagi sniffed and wiped her tears with her free hand while she watched Mamoru gently pulling her worn promise ring off her finger as he looked into her teary eyes, "I want to ask you, this time with a future ahead of us and no longer being a dream, with nothing standing in our way and nothing keeping us apart... my beautiful Princess, Serenity, Tsukino Usagi—love of my life... will you marry me?"
"Y—" Usagi broke in sobs and nodded with a wide smile on her face, "Y-Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Mamoru slid her brand-new engagement ring on her finger and kissed her hand before looking up at her with a wide smile and teary eyes and pulled her closer into a loving embrace, "I love you, to the Moon and back..." he whispered in her ear, Usagi smiled widely, "...To the world where we belong..." she turned and captured his lips in a loving kiss that lasted for a good couple of minutes before pulling back. Usagi looked down at her new ring glistening proudly on her finger and giggled, still very much in shock by her boyfriend's wonderful proposal. Mamoru sat next to her on the couch and smiled, "Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it—it's so sparkly, it's like having a piece of heaven in my hand," Usagi wiggled her finger to make it gleam with the morning light. Mamoru held her hand and looked down at the exquisite piece of jewelry, "I know you didn't want me to get you a new ring... it was a whole ordeal to even make you agree to give the other one some much-needed maintenance and while it lasted, and still looks pretty and all—I still wanted you to have a proper engagement ring, one suitable for you."
Usagi widened her eyes and looked at the 3-carat pink diamond sitting proudly by itself over the sleek rose gold band with tiny diamonds, making it look like stardust, "Mamo-chan... this must have cost you a fortune..." Mamoru held her hand and smiled, "It can't be compared to that gorgeous smile on your face. It's so worth it..."
Usagi blushed, "I will take good care of it, I promise." Mamoru cupped her cheek lovingly, "Just promise me you'll stay with me always," Usagi nodded and moved closer to him, "I swear,"
Mamoru leaned his forehead on hers and smiled, "God, I love you so much..."
Usagi cupped his cheek, "I love you more."
"Nah,"
"It's true!"
"You said I was scrappy..."
"But I mean in a very very cute way,"
"Alright, I'll take it." Mamoru chuckled, "So, I have an idea..."
Usagi blinked, "Oh?"
"How about I put the coffee machine to work and we use our brand-new mugs to celebrate the first of many holidays together? Mm?" Mamoru took the mugs and looked at her with a smile on his face. Usagi nodded with excitement, "Yes! That sounds like a great idea... but... do you know what else would be great too?"
"What's that?" Mamoru blinked, Usagi bit her lower lip "If we accompany those cups of coffee with a stack of fluffy pancakes and come eat them here at the living room while we catch another corny holiday movie. We still have plenty of time before we have to go see Papa and Mama to give them the news, plus, your real present is back at home."
"My real present?" Mamoru chuckled and saw Usagi nodding effusively, "Well, yes, you didn't think I was just going to give you a mug, right?"
Mamoru looked at her with a sweet grin, "It's a perfect mug, and I also gave you one..." Usagi blushed and waved her left hand, "But what about this? This is much more than a simple present!"
"The ring came with the mug," Mamoru smiled, "Usa..." he cupped her face in his hands, "You are my real present. You wanting to spend the rest of your life with me is the best gift I could ever have and I couldn't be happier." He stood up and pulled Usagi into his arms lifting her from the floor making her squeal with delight. He kissed her nose lovingly making Usagi smile as she combed his hair back while looking into his deep blue eyes, "Merry Christmas Mamo-chan,"
Mamoru leaned his forehead on hers and took a deep contented breath, "Merry Christmas, Usako."
The Divinity Series is rated M.
I do not own Sailor Moon, just this plot and some of the characters.
A/N: My dearest readers, new and old.
This is an idea I had for the longest of time and somehow, it worked now that I was brought back to continue with the Divinity series. These are random chapters in their normal daily lives before the story (III) actually begins. You do not need to follow the series to understand what's going on, these can work on their own as one-shots; but if you do, you will find that these are actually easter eggs mentioned during the course of the chapters uploaded so far.
The song Usagi is talking about is called "Toothpaste kisses" by The Maccabees. You can find it on a playlist called "A day in the life" Spotify.
*Koneko is "kitten" in Japanese.
*If you want a reference to this chapter, read chapter 30 from Divinity: Fates and the Afterlife.
