UsaMamo: 100 Examples of Everyday Love
theme #1: Chocolate
by a quirky little tune
disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon in any way, shape or form - it was created by the lovely and brilliant Takeuchi Naoko. This is a repost of an older story of mine, so if the first two stories seem familiar, that's why! I'm starting anew to celebrate my graduation and the oncoming release of Sailor Moon Crystal.
I'm using the Japanese names because I prefer them to the English adaptations. The girls are 14-15 years old, while Motoki and Mamoru are 17-18 years old. It takes place in Tokyo, Japan - in the Azabu-Juuban district, just like the manga. I don't know yet if the girls will actually be senshi here, but if so, then the timeline does not follow canon. Sometimes I may make references to more modern devices or popular social media sites, but for the most part, I'll try to keep the time period more ambiguous/vague. Drop me a line if you have any questions!
"Why don't you just give it to her?" Motoki asked sympathetically, throwing his dishrag over his shoulder.
"Motoki-kun, look, I'm calling in a solid favor here," Mamoru looked intently at his best friend, pushing the fancy box across the counter once more. "She'd probably throw them away if I handed them to her."
The sandy-haired man opened his mouth to argue, sighed, then accepted the present, pursing his lips as Mamoru returned to brooding over his coffee. A small wistful smile adorned Mamoru's lips.
"She wouldn't, you know."
"Hmm?" Mamoru glanced up, the picture-perfect composed and collected genius once more.
"Usagi-chan wouldn't throw your gift out."
The raven-haired college student stayed silent, sipping his beverage and averting his eyes. While he did not argue, he also did nothing to agree. Motoki was about to try another persuasion tactic when the arcade doors swished open. Familiar odangos attached to a familiar blonde head bounced into the café area, making a direct beeline for the counter.
Motoki smiled winningly, casting intense looks at Mamoru, as if trying to say, 'This is your last chance.' His pleas were studiously ignored. Finally giving up, Motoki pushed the nicely wrapped box to the exuberant girl as she approached.
"Afternoon, Usagi-chan," he greeted cheerfully at her confused look. "Uhh, these are for you."
Her face brightened almost comically. She squealed, "For me? Thank you so much, Motoki-onii-san!"
Motoki's smile became a bit strained and his eyes strayed over to his best friend as Mamoru seemed to tense. Inwardly, Motoki urged his friend to do something, anything.
Usagi hugged the box to herself and leaned over the counter to give him a one-armed embrace. Mamoru's fist clenched unnoticeably. She moved to open the box.
"All of my favorite chocolates! This is one of those custom gift boxes!" Usagi gasped, fingering the loose ribbon lovingly. Her brow furrowed slightly. "What's the occasion, Motoki-onii-san?"
"Can't you just be grateful for once, Odango Atama?" Mamoru demanded loudly, forcing on his usual smirk. The diversion was totally weak, but he counted on Usagi's penchant for living emotionally, rather than rationally, to help make her fall for it. Motoki sighed at having dodged the bullet as Usagi easily forgot her question and whirled to face her tormentor.
"Hey, no one asked you, Mamoru!" she yelled, eyes flashing. "You can't say anything, considering you're too much of a jerk to ever do something for anyone other than yourself! These are all of my favorite chocolates, meaning Motoki-onii-san thought carefully about each and every piece in here! I bet an idiot like you is incapable of doing something so thoughtful for another person."
Motoki took the smallest step back, wincing. Usually, this type of banter would be harmless, but Usagi's accusation only rubbed salt into Mamoru's wound. Mamoru placed his coffee mug back onto the counter with a small clatter, face stony. "Odango. Shut it." He ground out through gritted teeth. Behind the anger blazing in his eyes, something that suspiciously seemed like hurt flickered briefly.
Usagi blinked and lost her steam, looking slightly wounded. Sure, they were mean to each other on a daily basis, but Mamoru had never... spoken to her like that before. "Geez, Mamoru, what's put you in such a nasty mood?" She attempted to continue their normal routine, as if by doing so would prompt Mamoru back into acting like the egocentric jerk that she, heaven forbid, actually felt comfortable with.
Mamoru knew she wanted him to stick with the script, but found for once he could not oblige. "You want to know why I'm in such a bad mood? Do you know what today is?" he grinned humorlessly as he stood up to leave. "It's the one year anniversary of when we first met. Enjoy those chocolates, Odango."
Hi, hello, and welcome! If this story seems familiar to you, that is because it is a repost - I started it years ago, but quickly got swamped with school work and real life stresses, and sort of fell off of the bandwagon. But now I'm back; I'm in a much better place now, and the promos of Sailor Moon Crystal have really brought my obsession with Sailor Moon back front and center! So stay with me, this classic 100-theme list from back in the day WILL get finished.
UsaMamo are my number one OTP, they were my childhood. I only hope I can adequately represent their big and small moments of love in these small stories.
I love feedback and messages, so feel free to drop me a line. Please let me know what you think!
Sincerely,
a quirky little tune
