First off, I just want to thank everyone who has read my story. I appreciate every view, favorite, follow, and review, and I'm greatly encouraged by the response in others. I hope you continue to enjoy what I write.

Second, I must apologize for this shorter chapter. Life is going to be busy the next few days, but I wanted to give you guys something in the meantime. Plus, the next chapter(s? haven't decided yet) is going to take extra effort as I will be writing alongside Episode 34 (of Japanese sub and of the new Viz dub).

Thank you again for all your support, and feel free to critique in a review. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated!

"I need air!" Usagi gasped as she leaned away from Mamoru.

He gave a small laugh and shyly rubbed the back of his head as Usagi caught her breath. She used her hand to fan herself, and Mamoru couldn't help but find the gesture adorable.

Tentatively, he played with the hair at the nape of her neck and whispered in her ear, "Have you caught your breath yet?"

His husky voice mixing with his hot breath sent a shiver down her spine, but when she turned to look at him, a strange feeling crept into her stomach, and for once it wasn't a pang of hunger. The way he looked at her…he never looked at Rei like that. Or did he? If it happened to be Rei sitting on this bench instead of Usagi, would Mamoru be kissing the black-haired beauty instead?

The spell brought on by his kisses was broken. This man – this wonderful kisser of a man – was Rei's. She froze, eyes wide with fear.

Mamoru felt Usagi's body tense up, and questioned the sudden change, "What's wrong?"

"What are we doing, Mamoru?" She stood up without a pause and smoothed out the wrinkles that had formed in her khaki shorts. "We shouldn't be doing this. You're dating one of my best friends, and an hour ago, I hated your guts. Actually," she turned to face him, "I still hate your guts."

Hurt and confused, Mamoru stammered, "E-excuse me? Who am I dating?"

"Come on!" She shouted as she emphatically threw her arms in the air, "I know you're a jerk and all, but I didn't know you were some heartbreaking player as well!"

"I'm not dating anyone!"

"Oh, really? Then why are you always going out on dates with Rei? I might be kind of dumb, but I'm pretty sure that going on dates is dating."

"Those weren't dates," he said in an attempt to defend himself, "I was just hanging out with her. She's cool, and the attention is kind of nice, but I don't see her in a romantic way!"

"Oh, and suddenly you see me in a romantic way?"

He paused, unable to answer.

"Exactly," said Usagi, with a tone of finality.

And with that, the blonde pivoted quickly and stomped away.

"Wait!"

She halted. Still facing away from the stupid boy.

He continued, "Can we pretend this never happened? Can we go back to you throwing crumpled up failed tests and flying shoes at my head? You can call me a jerk, and I call you Odango. Like tonight never happened." He paused, noticing that Usagi's hands had formed rather strong-looking fists. "Please, Usagi?"

It was the first time he had actually said her name. Because of that, and probably only that, she muttered a barely audible, "fine" and left again. This time, though, she ran as fast as she could, for she'd much rather face Luna than see the boy she had just left behind.

Usagi grumbled incoherently until she was out of the park. It was then that she was finally able to form real sentences.

She spoke her thoughts aloud: "Damn him! Damn him and his hair and his eyes and his smile and his kisses and his hands. Oh his hands!" Her hands flew to cover her face as she shook her head with embarrassment. "Stupid, stupid Usagi. Kissing a stupid, stupid boy. Now I have to change my underwear because of some stupid boy who wears purple pants on a daily basis."

The park was especially quiet once Usagi left. The moon was soaring high above him, but for once, the moonlight didn't make him feel nostalgic. He was full of sadness as he sat alone on the park bench. He could still feel warmth where her body had pushed into his. His heart ached in a way that reminded him of the nightmares he had been experiencing for the past few months. His dreams consisted of what he assumed to be a princess begging him to find the Silver Crystal. He had no idea what the Silver Crystal was, but he definitely had his hands on two of the Rainbow Crystals. Oh, this was so confusing. He put his head in his hands, wishing the carefree blonde was still next to him, even if her lips weren't on his.

Dammit, he thought. He shoved his shoulders against the back of the bench, and was quickly reminded of the wound on his shoulder. With a laugh, he remembered that he went for this evening walk to distract himself from what happened with Zoicite and the Sailor Guardians. Who would have guessed that Odango Atama was the ultimate distraction?

Little did he know, once he returned to his apartment, Zoicite would give him the ultimate challenge.

What didn't you like? What did you like? Please let me know in a review, so I can become a better writer! Thanks for reading!