And here it is! The finale for the Halloween holiday! Whoopie! This is shorter... mostly because I wanted to finish the blasted thing! I do realize there are some scenes that could be longer. And I may go back someday and add them in... but for now... here it is! :)

Oh, and I wanted to point this out. Mamoru has a micro fiber couch because in every fic I have read thus far, he always has black leather. Well, microfiver is what's in! So that's what he has. So there. Sorry to all the Mamoru-owning-leather-furniture fans out there.

"Hey Mamoru, can you take me to the orphanage this morning?" Usagi asked as she stood and took her dishes back to the kitchen and put them in the sink, "I have a meeting with Kimi-chan."

"Kimi-chan?" Mamoru arched an eyebrow and smiled. Of course Usagi would have a nickname for her—she had a nickname for everyone.

"Hai! She's the director at the orphanage and wanted to know how things were going," Usagi came out of the kitchen and leaned against the doorframe, allowing Mamoru to take in the sight of her. Sloppy undone frizzy hair, his navy shirt and black shorts—both too large for her, but bright blue eyes as always.

"Did you want to come with?"

"Sure."

~*~

"Usagi just called," Minako snapped her phone shut as she and Rei walked toward the arcade together, "She's going to the orphanage with Mamoru-kun to meet with Hayashi-san, then they're both coming over here."

"Get any juicy details?"

The blonde shook her head, "Iie. Mamoru was in the room with her, so she wouldn't spill."

Rei pouted, "Guess we just have to pester Mako-chan about Motoki-kun!"

Minako giggled, "Hai!"

~*~

"Konnichi wa, Kimi-chan!" Usagi beamed as she entered the director's office.

"Ah, kon'wa Usa-chan!" Kimiko smiled gently at the younger blonde. Hayashi Kimiko was an older woman, but nowhere near looking elderly, with fair skin with soft wrinkles, sleek black hair and inviting green eyes. She was petite—even more so than Usagi—and Mamoru welcomed the sight of her familiar face. It had been a few months since he had visited, "And you are?" Kimiko gave Mamoru a sly grin as they shook hands.

"This is Chiba Mamoru!" Usagi introduced, "Mamo-ba-chan, this is Hayashi Kimiko." She blushed at her stumbling over words. Mamoru couldn't help but like his new name, but from her light blush didn't indicate that the change impacted him.

"Good to meet you Hayashi-san." Mamoru bowed.

Kimiko laughed, enjoying the charade, "Call me Kimiko, Chiba-san."

"Mamoru."

Kimiko only nodded and made her way over to her desk, "Please you two, have a seat." The elder woman folder her hands on her desk, "Now, what can I help you with?"

"I wanted to let you know that we're all prepared for Saturday," Usagi continued, "And we have approximately 900,000 yen* already!"

The director shook her head, "Your efforts simply amaze me Usa-chan."

"She definitely knows how to put something worthwhile together," Mamoru complimented, "I'm sure the auction will bring in more donations as well."

"Hai!" Usagi nodded, smiling, "You won't have to worry about a thing for the next year! AND, I bet we'll get enough to spring for the Christmas decorations…" she sing songed.

Mamoru was taken aback, what was Usagi talking about?

At Mamoru's obvious confusion, Kimiko explained, "Unfortunately, some of the Christmas decorations were destroyed last year. Including the tree." She sighed, "A young boy now in the juvenile detention center had done it."

Mamoru's eyes saddened. He really hadn't been around like he had promised Kimiko after he left. He had sent his donation checks, but hadn't put his time into it. Medical school, part time job, and Tuxedo Kamen had taken over. Granted, he shouldn't feel guilty because he had helped Sailor Moon save the world a time or two… but the feeling still remained.

"But we'll be able to replace everything!" Usagi rambled, "Oh I can't wait to go holiday shopping! There is one specific reason I came here though Kimi-chan. Other than a briefing."

"Nani?" Kimiko blinked.

"I would really like it if you came tomorrow night," Usagi pleaded, "As a guest of honor. You don't have to speak, just wave and represent the orphanage."

Kimiko flushed, "Oh I don't know… I hate getting up in front of crowds."

"Bring Yoshi-chan and Kasumi-chan!" Usagi squealed, "They'll love it! There will still be games and karaoke after the auction. Other people are bringing their children too!"

"They're two of Usagi's kids," Kimiko explained, sensing Mamoru's confusion, "We began a program last year… volunteers or sponsors are responsible for a child. They send money or school supplies or spend time with them. Like Usa does."

Mamoru nodded in slow recognition. The thought of having someone spend time with him when he was a kid left a small ache in his heart. Maybe it would have made things less dark in his life… but then Usagi had lit his up for the last four years. He smiled at the realization.

Kimiko sighed, "Hai. I'll be there with Yoshi and Kasumi."

~*~

"Hey, where's Usa?" Ami asked as Rei and Minako as entered the arcade. She was lifting a table to the opposite side of the room, following Minako's floor plan, with the help of one of the volunteers.

"She'll be here soon. She had to speak with Hayashi-san." Rei explained and looked around for a brief moment, "Okay, I'm going to see who's already here and what needs done."

Minako nodded, "The uniform costumes are in the back. I think we should hand them out today as everyone shows up and checks in. Just send everyone over to Rei as you see them, Ami?"

"Hai," the blue-haired girl nodded as the table was set down, "Makoto is already in the kitchen. She has five people working on anything and everything she can before tomorrow. Everyone else has started moving tables and chairs around."

"Arigato," Minako chirped and made her way to the kitchen to check up on things.

~*~

"Konnichi wa."

Ami turned to see a handsome boy with brown eyes and blond hair. He was about 6 feet tall, wearing baggy jeans and a plain blue t-shirt. She smiled in response, "Kon'wa. Are you here for volunteering?"

"Hai," he nodded, returning the smile and extending his hand, "My name is Nakamura Yukio. Is Tsukino Usagi here?"

Ami shook her head, and wondered how Usagi knew him, "Gomen. She should be here soon. Why don't you go check in with Hino Rei. She's the girl with black hair… probably has a clipboard in hand and is—"

"NO! I SAID GET OUT TO THE FRONT!"

Ami sighed and shook her head, while Yukio looked at her a little worried, "Is that her?"

"Hai." She gave a small apologetic smile, "Good luck."

~*~

The car ride to the crown was a quiet one. For Mamoru, it was due to his thoughts on how the place he once grew up had changed—and was in dire need of help. For Usagi, her nerves were starting to get the better of her. Could you really do this?

Mamoru glanced over at the passenger seat to see Usagi deep in thought. He smiled, liking her beside him, and his mind wandered to that morning.

Mamoru opened his eyes to find Usagi still sleeping in his arms. Actually, he awoke to find her facing him and cuddling close to him in a silent slumber. He watched her for a few moments, memorizing how the sunlight streamed through the windows, making her form look as though she was glowing. He looked at the clock. Knowing Usagi, he figured he had enough time to get ready, head over to Makoto's for her things, and even make breakfast before she would be conscious. Reluctantly, he let her go, slipping out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

"Is something bothering you Usa?" Mamoru questioned, eyes never leaving the road as he shifted into fourth gear.

"Well…" Usagi gulped, "There's going to be so many people. What if I make a fool out of my self?"

"Don't you do that on a regular basis?" he laughed, but stopped when he noticed she hadn't punched him, slapped him, called him baka, or started yelling.

"Usagi-chan. Listen to me. You're going to be fine. People… people love to see you. They love to hear you speak. You have a big heart. You just need to tell them what everything is about, okay? You'll do fine. I have faith in you."

Usagi nodded, grateful for the pep talk. Mamoru was satisfied as soon as he saw the small smile on her lips.

A few minutes later, and they were at the arcade.

"Usagi!" Ami waived, "There's a Nakamura Yukio here to see you. I think he's in the kitchen with Mako-chan. Mamoru, can we get your help with the ceiling decorations?"

Puzzled, Usagi nodded, returned her friend's wave and headed to the kitchen while Mamoru joined Ami and a few of the shorter volunteers.

The sight before Usagi was impressive. Makoto was busy instructing a few of the new arrivals on how to cut the vegetables and showed them the ice bath they needed to go in to keep their crisp texture. Rei was checking in the last of the volunteers and handing out their uniforms for tomorrow night.

"I want you here at seven." Rei glared warningly at the newest group, "Not a second later! We start serving food at eight o'clock sharp."

"Tsukino-san."

Usagi turned at the unrecognized voice and smiled, "That's me! Can I help you with something?"

The boy frowned slightly, "You don't remember me?"

"Gomen…" Usagi apologized, a blush across her cheeks.

He laughed off his nerves, "Nakamura Yukio. EMT."

Usagi's eyes brightened with recognition, "Yukio-chan! You look so different out of uniform."

He blushed and nodded, "I suppose I do."

"Hey you two! This is no time to socialize!" Rei barked, right arm extended toward Usagi and Yukio, pointing with the pen in her hand, "Get to chopping!"

~*~

"Mamoru, would you go into the kitchen and see if there's any more sticky tack?" Ami asked as she began twisting another section of black and orange streamers, "I think there's another box or two of decorations in there too."

Mamoru nodded and made his way to the back. He needed his morning coffee anyway.

~*~

"So, the guy you were with when you were recruiting…"

Usagi blinked and stopped chopping, "Mamoru-kun?"

"Hai," Yukio nodded, eyes not leaving his cutting board, "Is he your boyfriend?"

"Iie." Usagi answered flatly, "We're friends."

"Are you seeing anyone?"

"Iie." Usagi answered again, clueless.

Makoto was eavesdropping at the station diagonal from the two and could have sent Usagi a bolt of lightening and it still wouldn't have registered with the blonde that the boy was trying to ask her out!

He cleared his throat nervously as Usagi went back to cutting carrots, "Would you bid on me tomorrow?"

Usagi dropped her knife, "Nani?"

"Well, I don't really want to be won by a stranger. So I thought… you know, we could go out?"

"You seem really nice Yukio, but I'm not looking for a boyfriend." Usagi reasoned with him, and turned back to chopping, "I'm really flattered, but I'm really focusing on school right now… trying to get into Uni."

Yukio smiled at her, and placed a hand over her chopping one, "It's fine Usagi-chan. I would still like to be your friend."

She smiled back at him grateful, "Arigato for understanding Yukio-chan."

Mamoru stood in the doorway watching the scene unfold before him. He couldn't hear what was being said but by their body language and Usagi's blush, he knew he didn't have to hear the conversation to know he didn't like it. His eyes narrowed at the boy next to Usagi. Unlike her, he had no trouble recognizing him from the hospital—and not just because both of them worked there.

"You need something Mamoru?" Rei asked, putting her hand on his arm and giving him a sly smile.

Mamoru had been so consumed in watching Usagi, he hadn't realized he was standing in the doorway blocking the flow of traffic. He shook his head out of his stupor and smiled at Rei, "Hai. Ami-chan said there's some more decorations back here—and sticky tack."

Rei nodded and slipped her pen into the clip of the clipboard, "This way."

Usagi watched the two, and couldn't help but glare at Rei holding Mamoru's arm. She instantly put down her knife, curious as to where the two were going. Without a word she followed them into the back room.

"Here you go." She heard Rei.

"These things weight a ton. What the heck did Usa buy?"

Giggling from the former Martian princess.

"Hey, she can shop like nobody's business. Minako too… only watch out for her. She's a total terror, and can do everything in stilettos."

Laughter from both.

Usagi scowled.

"Arigato. I'm going to bring these out and then start a pot of coffee."

"I can do that for you Mamoru."

Growl from Usagi.

"That would be great."

"Let me get the door for you."

Usagi scrambled away back to the kitchen and to her station. She hadn't even recognized that Yukio was no longer there.

Less than a minute later, Mamoru walked out of the kitchen. Rei walked up behind Usagi and smacked her with the clipboard.

"Ow! Rei-baka! Nani?"

"He's yours Odango brain. Quit spying on me!" and the raven-haired girl strode away.

~*~

"I can do this. I can do this. I can do this." Usagi paced back and forth behind the stage Ami and the others had built. She peaked out and gasped at all of the people. She had nightmares the night before that everyone would have forgotten or hadn't had their invitations in time so no one showed up. She had cursed Mamoru for possibly being right. However, she had nothing to worry about—other than her stage fright—because at 7:45 a line had started to form outside the arcade. Motoki had let people in early and Rei instructed servers to start handing out drinks. Minako got the music started while Ami and Makoto helped with the final preparations before food would go out. Usagi had snuck in the back unnoticed by her busy senshi, and was attempting to calm her nerves. Minako would be doing the auctioneering, but she still had to give a welcome speech.

"Come on… you're going to be Queen one day. Get it together Odango Atama." She coached herself.

A slow whistle behind her caught her attention, and she pulled the curtain shut and turned to face a smirking pirate Mamoru.

"Halo there Angel."

Usagi was dressed a simple white mini halter dress. Her odangos were looped up, glitter on her face and light make up. She had pink opaque glittered wings on her back, large enough to add the elegance she was looking for, and white high heels for shoes.

Usagi rolled her eyes, "Original Baka."

"Couldn't be helped," he gave her a genuine smile, "You doing alright?"

"I'll manage."

"Deep breaths. We might have a room full of doctors, but no one needs you to faint."

He laughed as she punched him.

"Odango?" Rei, in full vampire wear came back stage, "There you are! We've been looking all over for you!" she walked past Mamoru and grabbed Usagi by the arm roughly, pulling her to the side exit, "Hayashi-san is looking for you."

Mamoru watched, highly entertained, as Usagi was dragged off stage.

"Is that the big surprise costume? It's not that great, you could have just told us… Ow! That one hurt!"

He chuckled and he knew Usagi had punched her best friend in the arm at the remark and took a step to peek out of the curtain himself. Not to see the audience, but to watch Usagi.

The blonde angel beamed at the sight of Kimiko and two children, who he assumed to be Yoshi and Kasumi. Usagi pointed to the sweets, and then led Kimiko to a special table where she would be recognized shortly.

Mamoru looked down at his watch, five minutes until 8.

~*~

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Usagi smiled at the crowd, still slightly nervous. Her palms were sweating, and the spotlight was hot against her skin. She felt her skirt stick to her legs and the sweat between her toes. 'Everyone is naked… everyone is naked… everyone is naked…' she chanted, remembering Minako's tip. Unfortunately for Usagi, Mamoru was in the crowd, and picturing him naked was only raising her blood pressure—not lowering it.

"Arigato for coming tonight, and Happy Halloween!"

The response was uproar from the 150 guests.

"The Juuban Orphanage would also like to thank you for your generous donations." Usagi couldn't stop smiling as she took in the scenery. Black and orange streamers cascading from each corner to the center of the arcade, where a hanging disco ball was placed. Balloons everywhere, spider web cotton strung meticulously, mummies, ghosts, goblins, witches, tombstones, body parts, and fake blood. "And of course, thank you to all of our volunteers and auctionees!"

More applause.

"I would like to take this time to recognize a very important person in my life. Hayashi Kimiko! She has been a valued friend and is the director of the Juuban Orphanage."

A second spotlight swung to Kimiko, who modestly waved and smiled at the attention.

"Our auction will start in approximately 30 minutes. Please help yourself to the fabulous food, beverages, games and activities! We have bobbing for apples, a costume contest, and karaoke later tonight!"

~*~

Mamoru watched, entranced by Usagi's appearance. The spotlight and her costume had made her look like a real angel… and he would have mistaken her for one if he hadn't known better. However, a bossy Rei telling him he needed to get back stage with the other auctionees snapped him out of his trance.

~*~

"Arigato! 85,000 yen for the lovely… me!" Minako winked at her purchaser as the crowd applauded, "Now, the moment I know the ladies have been waiting for." Minako drawled as squeals could be heard all around, "The newest pediatrician at Juuban Hospital…" more squeals were let out, as though the room were filled with pre-teens at a Taylor Swift concert**.

Usagi rolled her eyes and scowled, telling herself it was because the women were overly annoying, not because she was jealous.

"Chiba Mamoru!"

Mamoru made his entrance onto the stage, but before he had both feet out, one woman's voice could be heard, "100,000 yen!"

"125,000!"

"150,000!"

Usagi closed her eyes and took in a deep sigh as the numbers continued to jump. Okay… so she was jealous. The jerk was even milking it for everything he was worth. Posing, winking, and egging on the bidders. 'Disgusting.' She huffed.

"400,000!"

Usagi's eyes snapped open as she heard the last bidder, and her eyes zoomed in on a brunette with black eyes. She was dressed in a skintight red cocktail tube dress, matching stiletto heels, and black stone jewelry. On her head she wore devil's horns, and held a pitchfork in one hand. Her red-tainted lips curved upward into a smile, and the confidence in her bid reflected in her stance.

'Devil indeed,' Usagi sneered, but her heart sank as she noticed Mamoru wasn't as displeased as she was.

"Going once! Twice… sold!" Minako announced, "Arigato! Ami-chan what is our total for this evening?"

"An astounding 2,000,000 yen!" the black cat spoke into the mic.

"Arigato ladies and gentlemen! Auctionees, please meet with your dates before this evening is through. Buyers, please see Ami-chan for payment. Everyone, enjoy the rest of your evening with the Crown Arcade! We have plenty of food, beverages, and games! Plus, to get started with our karaoke hour, Miss Hino Rei!"

~*~

The rest of the night was a complete success. Costume contest winners were announced, then most of the parents, and Kimiko, Yoshi, and Kasumi, had left to finish their trick-or-treating and head home. Everyone still there after the auction were adults, Motoki, Mamoru, and the senshi. Some of the people stayed with their dates, conversing, flirting, and scheduling when they would meet up next—much like Minako was doing now. Usagi made a mental note to tease her about it. The action had let Rei become the starlet of the evening with her karaoke singing—a position the two usually battled over.

She took a look around her. Balloons had deflated, the lights were fully turned on, lifting the ambiance of Halloween, and couples were scattered about. The cleaning of the food and drinks had already been done, and Motoki said everything else could wait, so there was no longer a need for her to stay. That is… unless… Usagi looked over at Mamoru, who was sitting in a booth having a deep conversation with… whatever her name was. She was smiling graciously and Usagi could hear his laughter.

'He's happy. He likes her.'

A heavy sigh, and Usagi quietly gathered her things. Not bothering to tell the others she was leaving, she exited and headed home.

~*~

Usagi was careful to not wake her parents, and went straight to her room. Flicking on the light, she smiled at the familiar ball of black fur at the end of her bed.

"You're home late Usagi."

"Hai. The party was tonight."

Luna picked her head up, and looked at Usagi still dressed in costume, "So I see. How did it go?"

"Amazing! Oh Luna, we managed to raise 2,000,000 yen!" the blonde beamed, but her eyes remained sad, "We're all going to go back tomorrow and help Motoki clean. How was the moon?"

Luna sighed and tucked her head back over her front paws as Usagi began to undress, "Still so much work to do Usagi. But we'll get there in time."

"No chance in seeing it again?"

The black cat picked her head back up and eyed Usagi as she undid her hair and wiped her face clean of glitter and make up, "Iie, gomen. Not for a while."

Usagi only nodded and turned off the light before slipping into the bed, "Good night, Luna."

"Good night, Princess."

Luna watched the young girl sleep, 'Something must have happened while Artemis and I were gone. She's never wanted to see the moon before. She even dreaded the idea of going there in the first place.'

"I don't want to live on the Moon!" Usagi whined, eyes watering, her slouching form in the middle of her bedroom, "I want to stay here! It was so dead and dark and—"

"I'm sorry Usagi, but there will be a time you will have to be on the moon. The Earth isn't going to agree to your ruling so submissively I'm afraid." Luna tried to reason with the 17 year-old, but was failing miserably.

"Why can't we just talk to everyone nicely and—"

"Because if that really worked, there would already be a country with supreme power."

"LUUUUNA!" Usagi wailed, "I'll be all by myself…" she sniffled.

Luna looked at her charge with soft, sad eyes, "Gomen Usa. Gomen."

She was truly sorry for the royal responsibilities being passed onto Tsukino Usagi. Not that Luna doubted her or her abilities… but Usagi had always dreamt of a "normal" life as soon as they found the Princess. Luna had even promised her that once the Princess was found, there would be no need for the Senshi of the Moon. Unfortunately for Usagi, she was the Princess; which meant her responsibilities were far from over. At fifteen years old, she learned she was the legendary Moon Princess the group had been searching for, for over a year. At sixteen she had battled the Nega-Moon and learned of her future as Queen of the futuristic Crystal Tokyo in the 30th century. And just before her 18th birthday, it was learned how Crystal Tokyo would be formed—the Earth would freeze over, and the Princess would return to the Moon until the planet and its inhabitants were ready to be reawakened. Her senshi would be first, to help design a new government and hierarchy, then followed by the citizens.

Luna and Artemis had spent the previous three months determining if the Ice Age would come anytime soon and to evaluate the moon's terrain. With Sailor Mercury's help, it was determined that the Moon would have to be deemed as livable for Usagi to be able to move there and thus, would be the impending signal for the upcoming freezing.

'I'll check with the senshi in the morning.' Luna concluded before nodding back to sleep.

~*~

Usagi woke, groggily the next morning. Lazily getting herself into the shower, she began to think about how she would handle being around Mamoru… and what it would be like if he had a girlfriend.

'Would will still get to hang out together?' Usagi thought sadly, and then another thought made her feel worse—the feeling she had when she had stayed with him… she'd never get that back. Is that why he hadn't tried anything? He didn't like her like that? A normal guy would have tried something… right? She wasn't overly egotistical about her looks, but Usagi did know she wasn't the most ugly girl in her school. She was 18 and growing up… then guilt swarmed her. She had told Yukio-chan she wasn't interested in dating because of her schooling. This was true, but then why was she so willing to begin a relationship with Mamoru but not him?

'Because Mamoru sends shivers through you and gives you butterflies in your stomach. He makes your heart race. He's not about impressing you or charming you… he makes you laugh and he's stubborn.' Usagi began to smile and feel her spirits lift as she thought of him. Until reality hit her. 'He doesn't feel the same.'

~*~

Usagi arrived at the arcade the next morning—and surprisingly, only Motoki was there.

"Where is everyone?"

Motoki laughed, "It's not that bad Usagi. I purchased some totes to store the decorations in, and the dishwasher will take care of everything pretty quick. The girls, Mamoru, and I were able to get quite a bit done last night."

Usagi blushed, realizing she had bailed on her own event's clean up duty.

"Gomen, Motoki."

"Iie," Motoki shook his head, "It's alright. Do you know what you've done for this place Usagi-chan? In addition to the orphanage, you helped me get back into the kid scene. I had old customers asking when I would be opening the restaurant again!" he looked away wistfully, "Who knows… maybe in a year I could do it."

Usagi smiled, knowing she had given more than business exposure to Motoki. She had given him hope.

'As Tsukino Usagi, former Princess Serenity and future Neo Queen of Earth I vow to focus on bringing joy to the world…' and she began humming as she started taking down the rest of the Halloween décor. Who needed a man anyway? Her mother had ruled for an entire decade without a husband. She could do it without a problem. But just in case… she left the Arcade before 3 that afternoon—knowing Mamoru would be there for coffee before his shift started.

~*~

^Missed you Sunday. Date w/Aika tonight. Rain check.^

Usagi blinked at the e-mail Mamoru had sent her and her face turned into a scowl (and forgetting her 'I don't need man!' declaration two days ago). Aika must be the woman who had 'purchased' Mamoru the Saturday before. She slapped her computer shut and flung it on the bed. Tuesday night. He was out on a Tuesday night! And he didn't even have the balls to call her. He had to E-MAIL it.

Over the past month, Tuesday night had been her and Mamoru's time together. Okay, so it was more like conversing and getting things put together for the ball… but it was still a religious occurrence.

'Yea for like five weeks… get over it Usagi. The costume ball is over, and so is your time with Mamoru.' Usagi pouted, and walked down stairs to find no one home. Sighing, she found the note her mother left on the refrigerator.

Usa—

Shingo is at a basketball meet, your father has late work at the office,

and I am over at your grandmother's. Know you will be with Mamoru.

Be home before your father!

Mom

Usagi growled. Even her mother knew Tuesday night was their night! She ripped open the freezer, grabbed the pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream and a spoon. Shutting the drawer violently with her hip, she stomped back to her bedroom where she turned off her light and began watching The Notebook, curled up in her bed and piled high with blankets and pillows.

If she couldn't have a romantic night out, she might as well watch someone else have one.

Not even 30 minutes into the movie, Usagi's mind began to wander as she polished off the ice cream.

Mamoru had asked for a rain check with her… and the date was on a TUESDAY night—not even a weekend night! That had to mean something right? Brightened by her sudden realization, she turned off the TV and curled up into bed.

~*~

"Baka." Usagi smiled and sat down across from Mamoru—head stuck in a newspaper as usual.

4PM at the Crown Arcade was now busier than ever. The two had to move their song and dance to a back booth in the right hand corner versus the front counter—which was now overly populated by the younger generations. The sight made Usagi smile as she remembered her junior high years fawning over Motoki.

"Odango." He responded faithfully, "Detention?"

"Iie, jerk." She glared at his newspaper, couldn't he at least put that thing away while she was there? Uhg.

"Meeting with Kimi-chan. She was exceptionally grateful for everything."

"Hai… there was an article in the paper today."

"Nani?!"

Mamoru slide a folded section of newspaper across the table to let Usagi read the article, which was accompanied by a picture of her standing on stage wearing her costume and looking absolutely radiant in Mamoru's opinion.

Tsukino Usagi organized this year's Halloween costume ball at the Crown Arcade.

The event was a resounding success, totaling 2,104,205 yen for the orphanage.

Hayashi Kimiko, Juuban Orphanage's director, described young Tsukino-san as a

"bright, caring, dedicated young woman who brings happiness to those around her."

Tsukino-san spends her time at the orphanage on a regular basis, according to

Hayashi-san, which sparked the idea of the event when Tsukino-san saw the

orphanage's need for financial help. A senior at Juuban high school, Tsukino-san

hopes to pursue a field in public relations and politics. Her actions last Saturday

have inspired other advocates to dedicate time, energy, and financial

assistance to a well deserving cause—the children, and future, of Tokyo.

"You should be proud of yourself, Odango." Mamoru's charming smile welcomed her as she lifted her eyes from the paper—her face giving off a disbelieving expression.

She gave a small smile and blushed lightly, "Arigato." She cleared her throat, "How was your date?" then looked around the arcade, as to act uninterested in the answer.

Mamoru shrugged, "It was a date. Nothing that spectacular. Gomen for cancelling on you… I know we usually hang out on Tuesdays. But it was the only night I had free."

Usagi nodded, a little sad that was the reason for a mid-week date, "Did you have fun?" Her real question, wanting to know if he liked her. But she couldn't bare to ask him. She wasn't ready to hear from his own mouth if he did.

Mamoru shrugged again, "It's not a big deal, Odango. But then I suppose any date for you is a big deal?" his voice was filled with sarcasm and distain, fearing the answer.

The blonde chewed her bottom lip, his tone and underlining insult lost on her. She was still trying to translate what he had just said. Realizing he had asked a question, she gave a simple enough answer, "Iie. Never had one."

The doctor's attention was immediately captured. Never had a date? Could he… shaking his head, he pushed the thought aside. 'Iie, Chiba. She left without saying goodbye Saturday and is hardly upset you missed your regular meeting. She's not interested.'

As childish as it was, and Mamoru knew… which is why he swore he would never admit it to anyone, Mamoru had scheduled his date with Aika specifically for Tuesday in order to get a reaction (positive or negative) from Usagi. Based upon her reaction, he would know whether there were any feelings for him on her end. But she hadn't responded to him after he had told her he had to cancel, and she was indifference personified over the placid topic. Aika's reaction hadn't been that splendid either.

"I bought you. I want a real date!"

Mamoru covered the mouthpiece of his cell phone and groaned.

"Gomen, but it's the only day I'll have time. I'm working nightshifts for the next two weeks. And I have overnights Friday and Saturday."

He swore he could HEAR her frown.

"Alright. But you had better make this GOOD!"

Rolling his eyes, he closed his phone and thanked Kami that his break was over. Granted, the auctionees and buyers had a month to get their dates out of the way, but Mamoru wanted to get the nightmare over with as soon as possible. He had never been one to date much, and his past experiences had always wound up as dead ends. Provided he had never trusted anyone enough to let something develop... he definitely hadn't wanted this Aika girl to win him. He had secretly fantasized about Usagi becoming overly jealous and bidding a ridiculous amount of money on him. He smacked himself in the face at the gutless and romantic-comediness of the thought, causing a few nurses to look at him strangely as he made his way to his next patient.

And the date had been horrible.

Not only was she overly expensive, she had demanded he act like Prince Charming throughout the entire night. Mamoru had no problem with that—when the woman he was with actually acted decent. She had been rude to everyone from the valet at her own apartment building, to the waiter at the five star restaurant (her choice), where she had sent her food back twice insisting it was cold, the tour guide at the art museum (her idea), where she inaccurately classified art eras and when corrected, lashed out in a manner that resembled a 12 year old, and all the way back to the doorman at her building, whom apparently had made her wait too long outside. When she leaned in for a goodnight kiss, Mamoru had declined only to get rewarded with a slap in the face.

"No one turns me down! You'll pay for this! No one in Tokyo will date you! I'll make sure of that!"

An ineffective threat. Mamoru didn't care if anyone in Tokyo wanted to date him. Well, almost anyone.

He sighed inwardly. There were still so many insecurities about the new friendship he was beginning with Usagi. Before her, the only other person he truly trusted was Motoki. And she wasn't interested. Could he win her heart?

"So, now that all of this is over… we friends now?" he gave her a genuine smile.

Usagi nodded slowly. 'Friends. Just friends.'

"Even though I'm no longer your human ATM?"

She beamed at him, finding comfort in the routine. Maybe being "Odango" and "The Baka" wouldn't be so bad. She would eventually let him go, just like she had done Motoki. It was just an innocent little crush. 'Any girl would fall for a guy who spent enough time and attention to her.'

She leaned across the table to smack the side of his head, "Hai, Baka!"

A few notes... I put these here, because I HATE reading ANs in the middle of a fic. Totally ruins the mood of the story!

*900,000 yen is just shy of $10,000 according to a calculator I found Googling… so, 2,000,000 yen is around $20,000.

**This is so NOT a bashing on Taylor. This is a diss at the squealing women. I love TS! I went to her concert, and she is FRICKIN AWESOME! Her show is absolutely amazing and creative and is all for her fans—it was all about entertaining us. I screamed like a pre-teen. I'm simply explaining how excited the women in the story are to be able to go on a date with Mamoru—the same excitement I had at going to a TS concert. GO SEE HER! SHE'S AWESOME! Okay… I'm done with my Taylor plug now. :)

YES! I know... not the ending anyone was expecting... or at least I hope. But I think I'll make this into a series and keep going since there is a swarm of holidays coming up. My goal is to try and make this story as "real" as possible, because I have never witnessed a girl have her secret crush suddenly pop out of no where and declare his undying love for her. However... if this shall ever happen to me, I will let you all know. :)