Usagi's POV

The day was clear and sunny. I skipped towards my favorite Arcade with my school bag in hand. Even though it had been nearly 2 months since my plan to show Mamoru that I'm good enough to be with him with no results, I'm in high spirits because the hardest part of my plan had finally worked; I had gotten all A's on my report card! Now he'll see that I'm not an idiot and that I'm capable of being smart enough to be with a guy like him.

It all started 2 months ago.

I was late for school again, per usual, and I ran straight into Mamoru's chest when I turned the corner, also per usual. The only difference this time was that instead of letting me fall, he caught me against his chest. I looked up and locked eyes with him and I could've sworn that my heart skipped a beat. My breath got caught in my throat and my body became paralyzed. In the time that we'd known each other, I never wanted to take the time to really see Mamoru past the baka.

All other girls in the Juuban district knew that he was gorgeous and fell at his feet whenever they had the chance and his oddly devoted fan club had followed him around everywhere. I even got quite a few scowls after I had fights with him from various girls who couldn't believe that I was treating him that way. I always thought that they were ridiculous and thought myself apart from those drones.

But when I locked eyes with him, I felt something pull at my heart, my stomach filled with butterflies, and my skin began to tingle. I felt a blush creep over my face so I immediately pulled away from him and continued to run to class.

After that, I hadn't been able to get him out of my head! Along with that, I wasn't sure how to act in front of him anymore. I tried to continue our normal fights, but couldn't find the words to insult him that used to come so easily to me. All the flaws that I used to see in him had now disappeared and were replaced with things that I had started to love about him; like how his hair fell into his face when he acted indifferent, that he smelled like a weird mixture of coffee and books, and that ridiculous green jacket of his. Yes! Even that jacket!

The first argument we had after all these feelings happened had started normally, I walked into the Arcade and went straight to the Sailor V game. Mamoru spotted me, strolled over and proceeded to comment on my loud, obnoxious behavior. I don't even remember exactly what he said. I just felt him behind me. I got distracted and died on level 3. LEVEL 3. My head hit the controls and I quietly responded. "What do you want, Mamoru-chan?" Ugh. Saying his name even gives me goosebumps and butterflies.

"What's wrong with you, Odango? Too many chocolate shakes and late night manga sessions?"

I slowly turned my head and looked at him passively. He looked good today. His incredibly stunning smirk and cool demeanor seemed to bring out every positive thing about him. I turned my head away from him and cringed. I can't bear to say anything badly about him anymore. Why had we always fought? Why did he only see me as an obnoxious, loudmouthed child? Oh, right, Usagi. Because you are one. My eyes had started stinging from tears and to save myself further embarrassment, I decided to cut our meeting short.

I picked up my school bag and shook my head while looking down to hide the oncoming tears. "I-I've gotta go." I walked out the Arcade doors as fast as I could without looking idiotic and didn't stop until I reached my room.

Once my door was closed and locked, I started to cry all of the tears that I held back from the Arcade. I couldn't feel my legs anymore so I slid down my door and hugged my knees. I buried my face into my legs to muffle my cries so my parents wouldn't hear. After a few minutes, I realized how absurdly I was acting and banged my head into my door to try to knock some sense into myself.

This is ridiculous. Why am I suddenly acting like a love-struck teenager? Especially with him. I've gotta snap out of it. There's no way I can feel so strongly for someone in such a small amount of time.

I spent the remainder of the night trying to distract myself with my favorite Manga and snacks. None of it helped. The rest of that week I avoided the Arcade and tried to distract myself with anything to keep my thoughts away from Mamoru. I even scheduled extra training sessions for the Senshi and I to keep myself focused. None of it helped.

By the 6th day, I couldn't take it anymore and I lost it. I erupted into a screaming fit and started to throw around the Manga that had failed in distracting me. Poor Luna ran for cover out of my bedroom door as my mother came in. "Usagi, what's the matter?" She wrapped her arms around me just as I was about to fall to the floor.

"It's so stupid, mom. So stupid." I shook my head as the tears stung my eyes and cheeks. I clamped my eyes shut, not wanting to see whatever expression my mother had on her face for seeing her daughter act so childish over something so trivial.

"If it upsets you this much, Usagi, it isn't stupid. Talk to me. Maybe I can help."

I started to cry and I couldn't stop. It was like all that I tried to ignore and fight against was hitting me all at once. This crush wasn't like the other ones I had. I never felt such heartache over Motoki or even Tuxedo Kamen. I was able to recognize the differences and move on. Why is it I can't do that with Mamoru? Even though I've been avoiding him to keep from getting hurt, I'm hurting myself even more from being away from him.

After 15 minutes of hysterics, I was finally able to compose myself and look at my mother through my blurry eyes. "There's this boy."

Mom smiled and a gleam sparkled in her eye. "Ah, I see. A boy. Well…" She walked over to my bed, sat down, and motioned for me to join her. "Tell me what the situation is and maybe we can work it out together."

I walked over and plopped onto my bed. I sniffled, took a deep breath, and started my story.

Mamoru's POV

The day had gone according to plan. I woke up on time, had breakfast and my coffee, and now I'm walking my regular route to class. What had just happened, however, was not part of my regular routine. The Odango just ran into me, yes, that is something that normally occurs, but what doesn't was the look she gave me right before she bolted. No remark, no baka, no facial expression. Nothing. I thought I saw a faint blush on her face before she ran off, but it could've been her pale skin's reaction to the heat. Odd. Very odd.

Odango Atama was nothing new and her constant appearance in my life has caused her to become a part of my routine. Every time we bump into each other, one thing never fails; we argue. Childishly. It isn't something that is part of my normal character; normally I'm reserved and indifferent, however, once the Odango comes into my line of sight all of my regular characteristics are irrelevant. I've found that I cannot help, but to make her angry and flustered.

I can still remember the first day I met her; tossing her badly marked exam directly into my face. At first I didn't care to take a look and was about to just toss it into the trash that was next to me, but once she turned around, I had to find a way for her to talk to me. I'd never seen such purity before. In my conflicted and lonely childhood, I'd never seen such a girl and I prayed for someone like her every night. Oddly enough, my first instinct was to insult her. Her facial expressions pulled at my heart. Her animated responses were refreshing and pulled me like a moth to a flame.

With that, I had to find a way to keep her in my life. As luck would have it, my route to class is consistent with her hurried race to hers. Since our first meeting, we've seen each other at least once a day; twice if she decides to grace the Arcade with her radiant presence after her predicted detention.

The odd occurrence this morning had distracted my thoughts, however, and I decided to rush straight to the Arcade after my classes were over to make sure it wasn't necessarily me that had the Odango conflicted. I was on my second cup of coffee and in the middle of a debate with Motoki when the door chimed and she walked to her favorite game. I couldn't help but smile. Showtime. Motoki sighed and immediately knew that our debate was over.

The stool I was sitting on squeaked as I pushed it back and started to walk over to her. "Planning on assaulting the customers of the arcade with you yelling at that videogame again, Odango?" My comment made her jump and she lost her Sailor V game on one of the lowest levels I'd ever seen her die on. Her head hit the controls and my eyebrow rose at her defeated demeanor. "What do you want Mamoru-chan?"

I was taken aback. Mamoru-chan? No baka? Slight red flag. I tried to steer our interaction into one of our regular disputes.

"What's wrong with you, Odango? Too many chocolate shakes and late night manga sessions?"

She turned her head towards me and looked up into my eyes with passivity. Another red flag. Usagi never looked at me with anything but defiant fire within her eyes. I could've sworn I saw tears forming in her eyes before she turned away, bent over to pick up her bag, said something faintly about having to go, and left the Arcade.

For a few minutes after she left, I couldn't speak. I could hear the regular jingle that the Sailor V game played to draw in players and the conversations of crowds of people that were coming in. Motoki came over and said something to me, but it was all muffled. I felt him hit my shoulder. "Mamoru! What'd you say to her?"

"What? No-nothing! She didn't even try to argue with me."

"I hope she's ok…maybe you should take it easy on her for a while. I've never seen her so down."

Motoki walked away and I couldn't help but wonder what caused her vivacious fire to go out. I sighed and went home; hoping that I'd see her in the morning.

That hope quickly died out when it had almost been a week and I hadn't seen her. A week!

I had honestly hoped that this day would never come. I knew that she was vital to my routine, but I never knew my dependency on her was this severe. I was losing sleep and focus in my classes. I was very close to interrogating Motoki in order to learn her address and track her down. I couldn't go much longer like this.

My hands had become familiar with the feeling of my hair once again since it seemed that all I could do was run my fingers through it and pace. A nervous habit that I'd picked up as a young boy when I was trying to cope with various struggles.

Motoki had been refilling my coffee and suggesting decaf for the last half hour. His concerned expression wasn't lost on me, but it wasn't something I wanted to address either. I didn't know myself without her. I'm not entirely sure at what point I became so reliant on her, but I wasn't willing to stop anytime soon. I placed my hands on the counter, leaned forward, and was about to talk to Toki about my stresses when I heard the door chime and her melodious voice fell upon my ears once more. I looked upon her and gave a great sigh of relief. I felt like an addict who had just received his fix and I didn't want it to end.

Finally calm, I sat down on the stool at the bar and took a long drink from my coffee cup. By the time I finished and brought the cup down from my lips, she was in front of me, talking to Motoki about getting a glass of water.

She was a vision. Bright blonde hair, pale skin, light blue eyes, and her usual vibrant personality. She was wearing her normal school uniform which was tailored for her. It was snug and loose in all the right places to accentuate her form, but still leaving her the innocent young girl I knew she was. I was so hung up on my analysis of her that I almost missed it. Glass of water? Water? I'd never seen the Odango drink water in the entire time I've known her. I pulled myself out of my daze just in enough time to watch her walk away with the water in hand. But she wasn't going to the Sailor V game. She was walking over to a booth to meet her friend Ami. That's normal, I suppose. She'd always been popular and those four girls, Ami being one of them, were almost always around her.

Wait. She's pulling out a text book? Ami and the Odango are having a study session? Am I seeing this right?

I rubbed my eyes hoping I was hallucinating; I wasn't. I looked over at Toki to confirm. He had the same expression that I'm guessing I did. He shrugged his shoulders and started to wipe down the counter. "Don't ask me."

Ikuko POV

I was preparing dinner when I heard the ruckus upstairs. I was immediately alarmed. Was someone attacking Usagi upstairs? I made my way up to her room and right when I opened her door, Luna bolted out. Oh dear. This isn't good. Luna is usually pretty good with Usagi's temper.

When I looked at my daughter, I was shocked at her appearance. I'd never seen her so distraught. "Usagi, what's the matter?" She had been crying and I could tell that this outburst was because of pent up feelings. I hugged her to try to soothe her. She held back her cries and barely squeaked a response.

"It's so stupid, mom. So stupid." I hated seeing her like this.

"If it upsets you this much, Usagi, it isn't stupid. Talk to me. Maybe I can help."

Usagi started to cry harder. I was determined to comfort her and held her as she sobbed in my arms. After a while, she stopped and looked at me. Her eyes were red from crying and her hair was disheveled.

"There's this boy."

This is something I can help her through. I smiled lightly at her and was determined to help Usagi with her problem.

"Ah, I see. A boy. Well…" I walked over to Usagi's bed, sat down, and motioned for her to join me.

"Tell me what the situation is and maybe we can work it out together."

Usagi looked worried, like I was going to judge her on the issue. This was definitely not going to be the case. Before I met Kenji I had a heartbreaking situation that I had no one to talk to about. Even though I have Kenji now, there are times when I think back and wonder if I had gotten the right advice, if I'd be with someone else right now. If this boy is this important to my little girl, I'll do what I can to help her through it and hopefully win the boy's heart.

Usagi sat down next to me and readied herself to tell me the issue.

Usagi's POV

Mom and I talked for maybe two hours. I told her all about Mamoru; his personality, his likes, our arguments, and my sudden change in feelings.

"It's ok for you to like this boy, Usagi."

I threw my hands up. "But you don't get it. I'm the complete opposite of what he likes. He's studious, reserved, responsible, and…older…"

Mom looked concerned. "How much older?"

I looked down and started to pick at my fingers. "…about three years older…"

She shook her head and smiled. "That's not too big of an age difference, Usagi. Your father and I are five years apart."

I groaned and fell back onto my bed. "But that's not the issue! I don't want to turn into another addition of his fan club. I don't want to be pathetically following him around like a puppy."

Mom's tone of voice turned firm. "Usagi. I did not raise you to think that you could not be good enough for anyone. You're good enough just by being yourself. You already told me that you have been getting his attention since you met."

I sat up again to face her. "Yes, but only in arguments, mama. He teases me about almost everything that makes me, me. What do I do in that kind of situation?"

"Why don't you just try talking to him instead of arguing?"

I bit my lip and furrowed my brow. "That'll be too suspicious. He'll think I'm lulling him into a false sense of security again."

Mom raised her eyebrows. "Again?"

"I told you mom. We are enemies. I've pulled pranks on him before…"

A knowing look appeared on mom's face. "You know…some boys tease the girls they like."

"Really? Why?"

Mom crossed her legs and turned to face me fully.

"Some boys who are bad at relaying their emotions through words resort to insults and teasing because they can't think of a way to say what they truly feel. It sounds like this boy insulted you from day one because he didn't know how to say how he felt about you. If he truly was annoyed of you and felt the things that he's been saying, why would he take the time to argue with you each day?"

What mom said made sense, but I also feel like I shouldn't be that hopeful.

"I don't know..." I looked at the clock. 9:47pm

"Wow, um, I should get to bed. Thanks for the talk, mom. I feel better."

Mom smiled and kissed my forehead. "Good night Usagi. I'll see you in the morning."

The Next Day

AGH! I'm late! AGAIN! My alarm didn't go off and now I might run into Mamoru! Ugh. I rushed out of the house, giving my mom a chaotic goodbye before charging off to school. I ran desperately hoping that I wouldn't see him. I turned the familiar corner and closed my eyes to prepare for the familiar impact.

It didn't happen.

I opened my eyes and didn't see Mamoru anywhere. In a way I was disappointed. Even though I wasn't ready to confront Mamoru since the last conversation we had, I wanted to see him. My run slowed to a trot as I made my way to school.

I don't think that I can hide my disappointment and frustration easily throughout the school day. It wasn't before long that Minako and Makoto noticed my behavior. I'd been closed off for the past week from them, but it with a focused mindset and they assumed it was over the upcoming exams. My being upset got their attention more, which I have to admit, I appreciated.

Minako was the first to confront me at lunch. "Alright, Usagi, what is it? What's wrong?"

"You're not going to believe me."

"Try us."

Minako, Makoto, and Ami sat around me at the lunch table and looked at me with intrigued expressions. Ami had put her book down and Makoto slid her lunch closer to me. She knew how much I loved her cooking. I took a rice ball and told them the shocking revelation that came to light a week ago.

Makoto started choking on her rice. "You're *cough* you have feelings for Mamoru?!" Tears started streaming down her face as she attempted to breathe.

Minako pounded her fist on the table. "Finally! Something I can contribute to. Usagi-chan I know all about the inner workings of love! I can help you win Mamoru's heart!"

I shook my head. "I don't think it's that easy Minako-chan…"

"YES!" Her abruptness startled me. "Yes it is, Usagi-chan! I'm the Senshi of Love! I know how you can catch his eye!"

Ami decided that it was her turn to say her piece. "Usagi-chan, Mamoru-chan isn't going to be an easy one to win over. He has a fan club that follows his every move and it grows each day. His love for books, school, and reserved way of living will make him a hard guy to win over."

My spirits were down again and Makoto noticed. "Awh c'mon Ami, that's not very encouraging. We're her friends, not his. We'll figure it out Usagi-chan." Makoto winked at me and nodded towards Minako. "What's your plan?"

Minako's eyes were lit up like it was Christmas morning. I have to admit, this scared and excited me at the same time. Did she really have the answer? Did she have the perfect plan to win Mamoru's heart?

"Well…we have to show him that you're capable of doing all the things that he can; studying, being reserved, mature, and being responsible."

Ew. "That sounds like a horrible idea!"

Ami took off her reading glasses. "No, now wait, Usagi-chan. She has a point. These are Mamoru-chan's interests. If you can show in that you can commit yourself to them with ease, I think you'd have his attention."

My face definitely showed my feelings of disgust for this plan. "But I'd have to start studying? And being on time for class? AND be the leader of the Senshi?" I put my head in my hands. "This is just too much, guys."

Makoto put her hand on my shoulder. "Guys do it all the time to get a girl's attention. They're just as determined too. You've just gotta ask yourself, is Mamoru worth the trouble?"

My head lifted and I thought about the week of agony I just experienced over this ridiculous crush. I'm not so sure I could survive another. I looked to Minako. "Alright, let's do this."

The Plan

Minako repositioned herself in her seat. "Alright. We'll start small. All the changes have to take place in a location he'll see, so obviously our place will be the Arcade. This is going to be hard…but…" She bit her lip and looked at me tentatively. "Usagi…no more Sailor V and chocolate shakes."

I nearly had a heart attack. "Whaa? No more? Wha- but whyyy?"

"Only immature girls play video games and eat sugary things when they should be studying and taking care of their developing bodies. Which brings me to another point, eating healthier."

I let out a loud groan and smacked my forehead with my hand.

Minako continued, apparently ignoring me. "Then, we continue it with the shockers; study with Ami to bring your grades up and work with Rei on time management skills. No more tardies that are cause for detention. These next few weeks will have to be serious."

I sighed. "Is that all?"

Minako smiled and shrugged. "Well we'll start with that and see where it brings us. And it starts now."

She slammed a bottle of water in front of me and eyed it expectantly. I sighed again, opened it and downed the tasteless liquid. This is definitely going to be a challenge.

Arcade after School

It had been a week since I'd been inside the Arcade and my heart was racing when I stepped through the doors and saw him. I did my best to ignore his presence and made myself more aware of my surroundings. Ami sat at a book and readied herself for our first study session. I could hear the Sailor V game's music calling for me and I fought with all I had not to run to it to try to beat my highest score. I had to stay focused. I had a mission and that mission was that hunk of nerd right there. I could feel my feet lose their feeling as I got closer and closer to the counter. I could feel him staring at me, probably thinking of some insult to get me started on our arguments. Not today, you black haired beast.

I mustered up the courage to ignore him and walked up to Motoki.

He smiled cheerfully at me while he was drying a glass. "Hi Usagi-chan. You're early today. No detention?"

I smiled widely. He better have heard that…

"Nope! None today!"

"Great! So can I get you your regular chocolate shake?"

I shook my head and took on a serious expression. "Actually can I just get a glass of water? I'm about to study for a test and I need something to focus."

Motoki stammered for a minute and looked confused. Well if this small request was enough to rattle Motoki then I cannot wait for Mamoru's reaction. I smiled inwardly and took the water from my puzzled friend. All the worry that filled me before was replaced with confidence. Minako's plan may work brilliantly after all. All that I need to do is dedicate myself to it.

I sat down next to Ami and pulled out my English textbook. Easily my worst subject, but that was soon going to change. Ami cleared her throat and readied herself to begin her instruction. "You ready, Usagi-chan?"

I put my head on my hands. "You bet." I snuck a glance at Mamoru and smiled. Are you ready, Mamo-chan?

Author's Note: Let me know what you guys think so far! :)