Hello all! I can't believe I'm actually keeping up with this fic. Yay! Here's a short and sweet Thanksgiving piece. Nothing too amazing. I realized halfway through this that Thanksgiving is an American holiday... LOL. Wow. Usagi-moment or what? Oh well... LOL, here it is anyway. I'm racking my brain on what to do for Christmas and New Years. We'll see what I have to dish out. Either way, Alicia Blade usually churns out something that is nothing short of warm-fuzzy-spectacular-Usagi-and-Mamoru goodness for one or both holidays each year, so I'm looking forward to that.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Usagi took in a deep breath and sighed. Slouching sideways in the back right corner booth, she glanced out the window. The sound of arcade games and karaoke singing echoed through her ears. Fall had officially reared its head. The sky was gray and the leaves had begun to change. She propped her head up with one hand, and with her free one, her fingers drummed on the smooth tabletop.

"What are you doing back here Usa?"

Motoki had noticed she came in and sat in the back even though the arcade wasn't nearly as busy as it had been over the last few weeks. With Thanksgiving approaching, most of the kids were spending time with family or out of town. He arrived at her table as soon as he had a free moment—usually she would sit at the counter and talk to him while he worked. At least that's what she did when it had been slower. The result of the Halloween costume party wasn't wearing off—and for that, Motoki was grateful.

The blonde smiled and turned to the friendly voice, "Just thinking Toki-onii."

"About what?"

Usagi took another deep breath, but held the sigh, "Christmas." She breathed out, now with both hands holding her face.

"Nani?" Motoki chuckled slightly and sat across from her, "It's not even Thanksgiving yet Usa."

She nodded and stared at the black speckled tabletop, "I know. Demo… Thanksgiving is only three days away, meaning Christmas is that much sooner. So I was thinking about gifts this year."

"Ah," Motoki smiled in recognition. Christmas was the girl's favorite holiday—and Mamoru's least, "Care to share? You look like you need someone to talk to."

Usagi nodded again, "I already know what I'm getting my family and the girls this year… actually, even you know what I'm getting the girls this year!" she giggled and met his eyes with hers, "I even know what I'm getting you," she smiled mischievously, "You, my friends, are all too predictable. Demo… Mamo-chan…"

Motoki grunted in agreement. Mamoru was always a difficult person to buy for. Mamoru hated the holiday. But how was he going to break that to Usagi? Christmas was when she shined the most—literally. The day after Thanksgiving, she was out shopping even before Minako! She would out bake Makoto, out decorate Rei, and even out school Ami so she would have her entire winter break for fun. Mamoru however, had never had a warming Christmas memory.

"He's a hard one to shop for."

"What do you get him?" Usagi asked hopefully, "This is our first year not hating each other… and well… I don't even know what he likes! He could use some more DVDs though." She crinkled her nose and Mamoru's lack of movie choices and overly crowded bookshelves.

Motoki shrugged, "Actually, Mamoru and I have never exchanged gifts."

Usagi gawked at him open mouthed, "NANI?!"

"He asked that we not exchange gifts. So we haven't."

"Never? What about birthdays?"

As Motoki shook his head, Usagi groaned. Great. Just great. Her one sure-fire source just fell flat because he had never even bought Mamoru a gift. Now what?

"Well… what does he like?"

Motoki laughed, "You know his likes as much as I do."

Usagi groaned. She had been to Mamoru's apartment more than once—for their weekly movie night. The routine began after the two had watched the first Saw movie. After school on Thursdays, Usagi would go to his house and she would work on homework while he would cook dinner. The two would eat, watch the next Saw installment, and Usagi would return home due to school the next morning. It only lasted for three weeks before Mamoru had to cancel. His work schedule at the hospital had changed and he had been moved to nights the previous Wednesday so they had to wait to finish Saw 4. Usagi was overly excited to see how Mamoru would act as the plot unfolded. But translating his apartment decor into discovering what to get him for Christmas seemed like an impossible task.

Mamoru's place was decorated tastefully, but it gave Usagi the feeling of a show room. There were little to no photographs; only ones of Motoki and him, but none of family. He had two bookcases packed with various textbooks and English literature works, a state of the art computer, an impressive kitchen set up (given he was a bachelor), music collection primarily of classical composers, and a well-packed closet of clothes. There wasn't anything Usagi could think of that Mamoru could want that he didn't already have.

"I want to get him something special," Usagi stared off dreamily, "But I don't know what."

Motoki smiled knowingly and nodded, "Hai, I know what you mean Usa. Why does Mamoru's gift need to be special?" he probed.

Usagi blushed and wished she would have been able to blame it on the cold, except she had already been inside long enough for the chill from the autumn wind to fade, "Well… I guess it's because he's a new friend. I want to find him something that tells him how important he is, but without sending him the wrong message. But something personal, not cliché or groupie."

"Kon'wa, Motoki. Odango."

Motoki clapped a hand on the new-comer's shoulder as he got out of the booth, "Hey Mamoru. Coffee coming right up."

Mamoru smiled, "Arigato."

Usagi raised an eyebrow, "Evening shift again?"

"Hai."

"When will you be done with those?" Usagi whined, "We missed our movie night last week!"

Mamoru laughed, "I'm doing this to have the Thanksgiving weekend off—"

"AAH!" Usagi screamed excitedly cutting him off, bouncing in her seat, "Really? Like off off… not off, but you have to carry around the beeper off?"

He laughed again, "Off off."

"That's great! Movie night is back on!"

"What about your family?" Mamoru questioned, "Just because I have the holiday off doesn't mean you need to desert them."

"Hai…" Usagi answered shakily. Was he trying to let her down gently? Maybe he didn't want her around now that the party was over, "But I can come over after we eat if you're not doing anything. That's wonderful you have the holiday off! I'm sure your family is excited."

Mamoru was relieved to see Motoki was back with the coffee, "What was that? Dr. Chiba Mamoru actually taking time off for a holiday?"

"Hai," Mamoru smiled and took a sip of his coffee, "But don't get used to it. I think I might have to work Christmas. I'm still the last link on the chain of command."

Usagi's face fell. She never realized the demands of a doctor's job until she and Mamoru had become friends.

Mamoru took note of her frown and covered her small hand with his, "Don't look so down Usa. You'll have your regular Christmas celebrations."

The blonde forced a smile and nodded, "Hai. I have to go. Ja ne." Usagi scooted out of the booth.

Taking her place, Motoki gave Mamoru a sly grin.

"Nani? What's the evil look for?"

"You like her."

Mamoru sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose—a sign of his impatience—and remained silent.

"So what are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing."

"Nani?" Motoki blinked, "What do you mean nothing?"

Mamoru shrugged and took a sip of his coffee, testing the temperature of the beverage, "I don't know what you want me to say. Usa has been concentrating on Uni and has little time for anything else. She's turned down several boys her age."

"Maybe that's just an excuse she's using."

"Regardless, it's true."

"Oh come on Mamoru. You know after the success of the Halloween party that she's going to be accepted into Uni. The board of administration would be crazy not to approve her application!" Motoki huffed and gave Mamoru a stern expression, " You haven't taken time off work in the past eight years that I've known you, and now all of a sudden you want the entire Thanksgiving weekend off? You're just making up dumb excuses because you're afraid of getting hurt."

"We're just friends Motoki." Mamoru took another drink, "And I like it. I'm enjoying having someone else to talk to and do things with… and I just don't want to ruin it. I mean, what if she doesn't feel the same? What if things fall apart? It's not just about me and her… you and the girls would be dragged through it."

"We'd deal with it if it ever happened." Motoki answered flatly, "Give us some credit. Sure, it may be awkward for a while—first, you getting together, then if you ever broke up after that, which I doubt would happen anyway. Come on… things would be fine."

"And if it ended, it'd be just the two of us again," Mamoru chuckled, "Maybe that's your scheme? Jealous of Usa, Motoki?"

The blonde laughed in return, "Iie. She's good for you. So what's the real reason you don't want to?"

"We're just friends, Motoki." Mamoru nearly snarled, mostly due to how he hated the amount of truth in the statement.

"For just friends, you two have fallen into the routine of having a date night." Motoki smirked as Mamoru began coughing at the observation.

"It's not a date night!" the dark haired man glared.

"Watching a movie every Thursday night at your place for the last three weeks doesn't count?"

"Iie," Mamoru shook his head, "Hardly."

"Man, if this is how you treat 'just a friend,' I can't imagine what you'd do if you ever had a girlfriend."

"Lay off Motoki."

"Is that why you pushed to get Thanksgiving off? To get back into your 'friend' routine with Usagi?"

"Of course not." Mamoru took the time to sound half-way offended at the notion, "She has family plans… and I have mine."

Motoki nodded in understanding Mamoru's comment and sighed. Noticing a younger boy needing help with a broken machine, he slipped out of the booth. 'He'll figure it out one day. I just hope it won't be too late.'

~*~

Usagi wandered Juuban Mall and sighed. She had been there for nearly three hours, and still had no idea what to get Mamoru. Sipping her coke as she walked through, Usagi glanced up at the varying store names.

'Books… no. Movies… yes, but no. Music?' Usagi smiled at the first time Mamoru had introduced her to Motzart. She had been so bored, that she asked him to put some music on to dance. Classical was not what she had envisioned, and the laugher that came from Mamoru over her dreaded expression made the memory special. The jerk had blared his stereo, insisting that she would love the song he chose. She had screeched, and jumped over the couch as the trumpets blared. Usagi hurled a pillow at an unsuspecting Mamoru, resulting in a half hour pillow fight. Once he flew the white flag, he turned down the music and promised to teach her to waltz (properly) one day.

'No to music... Shoes… no. Clothes… no. Jewelry?' Usagi slowed a she glanced at the stunning display of diamond earrings, tennis bracelets, engagement rings, and silver necklaces. One men's necklace caught her eye. The links were large squares and the finish was a dull-brushed look. The metal was a dark color, near black, and it screamed Mamoru.

'18000 yen…' Usagi sighed, 'I wouldn't be able to afford that.'

"Usagi-chan!"

Usagi turned and smiled at the voice of her best friend, "Naru-chan!"

"Fancy seeing you here! What are you doing?" Naru asked and peeked over Usagi's shoulder, "Looking at the diamond rings again?"

Usagi giggled, "Iie, I'm looking for a gift for Mamoru-baka-san."

"Ah," Naru nodded in recognition, "You two have gotten awfully chummy lately. What were you looking at?"

Usagi pointed at the necklace, opting not to acknowledge Naru's comment about her relationship with Mamoru.

"Oh, Usagi! My mom has something almost identical to that at her shop. You should stop by and check it out," Naru winked at her, "I'm sure she'd give you the family discount! Anyway, I gotta run. Umino is taking me out to lunch! Ja ne Usagi."

"Ja, Naru." Usagi waved and a small amount of hope rose within her at Naru's tip. Maybe she could get Mamoru something special after all.

~*~

Makoto wiped the sweat off her brow with the back of her forearm and lifted the last pan—a large deep dish with lid, perfect for a 20 pound turkey—out from the back of her car. It had taken her two trips, but she finally had everything she needed in Juuban Orphanage's kitchen to prepare the Thanksgiving meal. Kimiko had asked Usagi who had prepared the food at the banquet—to which Usagi had openly and willingly bragged about Makoto's culinary abilities. Kimiko had questioned if Makoto would help prepare a Thanksgiving meal at the orphanage. Flattered, Makoto was in no position to decline. Apparently, she and another volunteer would be preparing the meal together.

"I have done it every year since I became the director. However, this year I believe my old age is getting to me!" Kimiko laughed, "You'll actually be taking my place you see. I have had an assistant in the kitchen for only Kami knows how long now for every Thanksgiving since he was a boy living here… but I just can't do I anymore. I'll get you the money, and you shop your little heart's desire! We have plenty this year thanks to Usagi."

'I hope whoever it is really does know their way around the kitchen,' Makoto silently prayed. As she entered the kitchen, a tall form was bent over the oven pre-heating. As the figure turned to face Makoto, she nearly dropped the pan.

"What are you doing here?"

Mamoru took in a deep breath and let out a low sigh, "Apparently, WE are cooking Thanksgiving dinner together."

"Demo…" Makoto set the heavy pan down onto the counter and shook her head, "Why? I mean… no offense or anything… but Kimiko said she and her volunteer had been doing this for years. Ever since he—"

"Hai." Mamoru nodded and gave her a pleading expression. Something Makoto wasn't aware Mamoru was capable of, "Please don't let Usa know."

The brunette narrowed her eyes, and her lips pursed together into a tight line, "Why?" Betraying her Princess wasn't on her top 10 things to-do list, and she wasn't going to start just because some pretty boy asked her to.

Looking into his eyes, Makoto saw worry. Inside she gasped and was filled with shock and surprise. On the surface, she remained calm and steady, waiting for him to explain.

"I don't want her, or anyone's, pity."

"Why would anyone pity you?" Makoto asked, not needing to fake confusion, "Because you lived in an orphanage?"

"From the time I was six, until I was seventeen." Mamoru took another deep breath at Makoto's gaping mouth—her shock breaking through, "There's a lot to it that I'd rather not tell right now, and I don't plan on keeping Usagi in the dark about this. But our pasts… our family lives haven't ever really been a topic for discussion and I would rather she hear this part about me… this part of me from me. Rather than someone else."

Makoto nodded in understanding, "I know what you mean."

Never breaking eye contact, Mamoru raised an eyebrow.

"I lost my parents when I was twelve." Makoto began unpacking the groceries still in the bags and concentrated on the labels as though they held the meaning of life, "I'd been passed around from foster home to foster home until before I met Usagi. I was teased at school and would get into fights because I would defend myself. But it meant trouble for the people I was living with… and no one wanted to deal with meetings with school administrators and anger management classes," Makoto fought back the tears, but let her smile shine through. For the life of her, she wasn't sure why she was disclosing so much to the man she barely knew. "Usagi and the girls know. It took me a few months before I said anything. Usagi stopped over to return my book bag when I left it at her house one night. She ended up staying for a while and asked about where my family was and why I was alone for supper. I told her everything… believe me, the last thing you can expect from any of them is pity. Especially Usagi." Makoto met his eyes again, placing a can of cranberry sauce down, "I'm just letting you know for when you tell her."

Mamoru's smile was genuine and he began helping her unpack the groceries, "Arigato, Makoto-chan."

"Mako-chan," the Jupiter solider corrected and returned the smile, "Now… are you better at turkey roasting or pastries?"

~*~

"USAGI! Wake up!"

Blinking twice, the blonde heroine groaned as she became aware of her mother's screaming voice.

"IT'S THANKSGIVING!"

THAT caught her attention! However, for reasons different than previous years. It was Thursday… meaning she would be meeting with Mamoru that evening. Throwing her blankets off, she bolted into the shower calling a, "I'M UP MAMA!" over her shoulder before slamming the door to the bathroom.

A half hour later, Usagi walked into the kitchen, the turkey cooking already filling her senses and making her visibly drool.

"Aw, gross Odango Atama!"

"Don't call me that Shingo!"

"Kids, it's a holiday. Do we have to argue?"

"Gomen, ma." The two chorused, but shared a knowing look. Their arguing would continue well on into the evening, until finally, their mother became too tired to argue and their father too full to play referee and both parents would send them to their rooms to "cool off." However, by that point, everyone was in need of alone time. Every year, Ikuko would make the turkey and the family would haul it over to Kenji's sister's house—Aunt Naoko—where the entire Tsukino family got together for their meal. Nine hours filled with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews was enough to ware anyone down.

~*~

Mamoru laughed at Makoto's jabbering as she cursed the rolling pin and mumbling something about how she should have brought her marble one from home. He had finished stuffing the turkey and began helping Makoto with preparing the piecrusts.

"So how long does this need to chill?"

"30-60 minutes," Makoto answered as the two placed the plastic wrapped dough into the refrigerator, "In order for it to be flakey, the butter has to be cold."

Mamoru nodded, but was 99% sure that he would not be able to retain that fact the next time (whenever that would be) he would have to make a pie.

"So…" Makoto looked around nervously.

"Potatoes." Mamoru stated without hesitation and grabbed two 10-pound bags and set them on the workstation.

Makoto smiled and gave him thumbs up, then tossed him a peeler.

"So…"

Mamoru tried to hide the way he tensed every time the girl said that word in that way… but he couldn't help it. The brunette let a laugh out as his discomfort.

"I'm not gonna hurt you. I just wanted to ask you a couple questions," Makoto explained as she tossed a peeled potato into the large pot, "Did you wanna spill about Usa?"

"Nani?"

"Well… I've just noticed you two have started to get along… much better than before."

The room filled with silence as Makoto waited for some kind of response, but the only sound was the peeling of the vegetables and the plop of the skin falling into garbage cans.

"Hai."

That was it? Makoto was ready to pound him. Couldn't he see what everyone else saw? … Okay so everyone else but Usagi. 'Uhg, they're both clueless.'

"And…?" she probed.

"Look, Makoto, I know you're fishing… and I know it's because you've been speaking to Motoki." Mamoru gave her a sly smile that surprisingly made her nervous and regret that she had tried to scoop any information out of him regarding his feelings for Usagi. "By the way… I've noticed the two of you have also been getting along as well as Usa and I."

Makoto laughed catching on to his meaning, "Motoki was right. You are a smart guy."

Mamoru chuckled and shrugged it off, finishing another potato, "What can I say. I read too much. Or so Motoki says."

A few more moments of silence, minus slicing and potato skin dropping.

"So…"

Again… that word!

"If we were to talk… it'd just be… you know," Makoto blushed, "Two new friends talking to each other about their best friends… to make sure the new friend was… uh… nice enough for their best friend."

Mamoru shook his head. Half in confusion, and the other in the amazement that he actually understood what Makoto had said. It was endearing really. Knowing Usagi had a friend who wanted to be sure the guy she was dating wasn't a sleaze—wait a minute…

'When did we start dating?'

The question caused Mamoru to stop in mid-peeling motion. 'She just wants to know more about Motoki.' His brain spit out a reasonable response so his hands could start working again. Makoto hadn't noticed the awkward pause, and for that he was grateful.

"I think you're nice." Mamoru offered and let out a laugh as the warrior blushed, "Listen, Mako-chan… I'm not really good with… relationships. I'm still wondering how Usa and I became friends after years of bickering. But I will tell you this, Motoki is my best friend and he's been hurt."

"Reika."

"Hai," Mamoru sighed, "I'm not comparing you to her… and its sad really… that their relationship didn't work out due to circumstances." He blushed realizing this probably was a poor attempt at bonding or encouraging Makoto that she did have a chance with Motoki. He may be horrible at his own relationships with people, but he knew when his best friend had a thing for a girl.

Makoto nodded, "I understand Mamoru… he'll always love her. I have someone like that myself… don't worry about my feelings. I guess I probably shouldn't have put you on the spot like that."

"No worries," Mamoru finished the last of his potato bag, "Besides, the tables could be turned one day."

Makoto laughed and nodded, finishing her own bag and the two began to carry the pot to the sink to fill with water, "This is true."

Mamoru took the pot and carried it over to the stove top, secretly impressing Makoto as she turned off the faucet. 'Strong.'

"Usa says she's concentrating on school," Makoto offered the tid-bit while grabbing the plastic bag filled with fresh green beans in the other. Sitting back on her stool she began snapping off the ends and continued as Mamoru followed suit, "But she's scared of getting hurt."

Mamoru remained silent, not sure what to say. Hurt? Who had hurt Usagi?

"There was a boy… over a year ago. They had a thing. He was always around when she needed someone," Makoto explained, "But it ended when he just up and left her. No call, no note, no talk… They were never official… but she hurt for a long time." At Mamoru's continued silence, Makoto thought she should throw the poor guy a bone, "She's better now. She has you."

"We're just—"

"Friends, ya, ya I know." She finished for him and smiled, "That may be what you are now… but that's not where you want to be is it?"

Mamoru laughed nervously to try and distract her from the rising blush he felt rising from his neck to his ears, "Why would I want to date Usagi?"

Makoto smiled as she gathered the beans to put into a pot, "Why don't you tell me?"

He sighed, losing the fight. This girl was not going to back down and could read him like a book. When did that happen? He was spending way too much time with Odango's friends.

"Motoki's going to kill me."

"What for?"

"For not telling him first."

~*~

Usagi sat in the living room watching cartoons with her two younger cousins, Emi and Mai, but her attention wasn't on the television. Normally, Usagi would be playing a board game with the two and talking about the show they were watching. But this year, she couldn't help but wonder what her friends were up to. No doubt Minako would be with her parents, Rei with her grandfather and Yuichiro, Ami with her mother, and Makoto was helping Kimi at the orphanage. Motoki would be with his family and Mamoru… Usagi's brow wrinkled. What would Mamoru be doing on Thanksgiving?

"Alright kids! Time to eat!"

Usagi laughed as she watched her younger cousins and Shingo race to the table, her thoughts not leaving her.

"What's wrong Odango Atama? Usually you're the first one at the table!"

The blonde giggled, and for good measure and tradition, stuck out her tongue at her little brother and took her seat at the table.

"Who would like to say grace this year?" Ikuko asked, smiling at her family.

~*~

"Amen."

"Okay children, Mamoru-san and Makoto-chan worked very hard all day," Kimiko instructed as she handed the carving tools to Mamoru to begin cutting the turkey.

"Arigato Mamoru-san! Arigato Makoto-chan!" the children chorused.

Mamoru smiled and began carving as Makoto and Kimiko brought out the rest of the food buffet style so the children could fill their plates. Makoto watched as Mamoru interacted with the children, and how the relationship between Kimiko and him was much like mother and son. She smiled as he helped the younger children with their plates and juices, and couldn't help but understand Usagi's affection toward him. Granted, Usagi hadn't admitted it… but Makoto knew the softer side of Mamoru had won her over.

"I can't believe he's actually helping us!"

Makoto laughed as Usagi shoved another spring roll into her mouth, "You can't honestly believe he would have said no."

Usagi shook her head and took a drink of her milk, "Iie. But I didn't know he would be helping us out THIS much. Why do you think he's doing it?"

The brunette shrugged her shoulders, "Same as all of us… to do some good around here. There's no need to protect the world against the Dark Kingdom and any other evil right now. So we do what every normal person does."

"But he didn't have to do everything he has been… I mean, he's been really… amazing these last few weeks."

"Amazing?" Makoto blinked, "You think he's been amazing?"

Usagi shrugged, "Well… yea. I guess that's the right word. He's helped wherever he's needed and is funding this whole thing. He really cares about those kids… I guess Rei was right about him huh?"

"Hai," Makoto closed her eyes and she smiled and leaned back into the tree, "I guess so."

"Don't tell her I said that!"

Makoto laughed as Usagi's screeching broke the serene atmosphere.

After pumpkin pie, the children were instructed to place any left over food into the garbage and their dishes in the sink. Mamoru and Makoto were once again in the solitary confinement of the kitchen.

"So… are you going to tell her?"

Mamoru blinked, "Tell who what?"

"Usagi. You know… that when she laughs it brightens your day, and how you like the way her eyes shine when she's excited, how her perfume—"

"And this is why I didn't want to tell you anything."

Makoto laughed and waved his annoyed look off, turning on the water in the sink, "I'm just teasing. But you know… if you want this to go anywhere, you're going to have to tell her."

"That's the problem, Mako-chan." Mamoru sighed as he squirted the liquid dish soap underneath the running water, "I don't really know if I want it to go anywhere."

Makoto frowned, "Nani?"

"I like Usagi. I just… I mean… really. I just earned her friendship. I'm not really sure if I want to risk losing it by telling her I want more."

"But you do want more… right?"

"Only if I knew our friendship wouldn't be jeopardized."

Makoto nodded and began helping Mamoru load the sink with dishes that needed to soak the longest, "Listen Mamoru, remember that guy I mentioned? The one who I said I would always love no matter what?" she didn't wait for his response, "He was my best friend. We knew each other for four years before we decided to give it a try. True… we were really young when we dated. It was right before I met Usagi and Ami. Things got complicated… we both became involved in new lives and new people. It hurt. I mean, really hurt when things didn't work out, because I always thought we would end up being together. I could never picture myself with anyone else for over a year after the breakup. But I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. He was good to me. He's still good to me. We still talk and hang out, and it's like old times even. Every time I'm treated badly, I remember him. And I remember that I'm worth something, and that I don't deserve to be treated poorly. I learned so much from him, and I honestly believe that he and I are closer because of it. Mamoru," Makoto met his eyes, "What I'm trying to say is… wouldn't it be worth it to see what happened? You know, as well as I do, that Usagi isn't one to let go of a friend. You would never lose her in that regard no matter what happened between you two."

~*~

Usagi hummed as she skipped toward Mamoru's apartment later that evening. Her mother was disappointed she was leaving the family on a holiday, but didn't forbid her from going over to Mamoru's to watch "another one of those horrible gore films." Her father had been outraged, that she was still going over to see him. Apparently, the excuse of the Halloween party was enough to keep his temper and protectiveness in check. But as her mother pointed out, she was 18, responsible, and knew enough about "the birds and the bees" to understand that she would throw away a bright future if she made bad choices. After an excruciatingly painful and embarrassing talk with her parents and ensuring both, more her father, about how much of a gentleman Mamoru was, and always had been, she was allowed to go. After all, as Usagi pointed out, they had to be able to trust her as she was going to college next year. Besides, Usagi thought to herself, she doubted that Mamoru would be a bad choice if things ever escalated… she pushed her blush down as she realized what she was really thinking about and who she was thinking of doing THAT with. She kept the thought to herself, but was sure her mother knew what she was thinking, in a way only a mother would know because Ikuko suggested Usagi invite Mamoru over for dinner sometime soon, so she and her father could get to know the young man who had helped her out with her benefit. She had suffered a slew of insults and teasing from Shingo until Usagi pointed out how he had skipped out on helping her on the Halloween in order to spend time with Mika at the district's haunted house fundraiser. The result was pure satisfaction upon seeing his mouth open, close, and finally his entire face turn a bright pink.

"Odango. Right on time." Mamoru opened his door with a smile, and Usagi could already smell the popcorn, "I'm surprised."

"Shut up Baka. It's Thanksgiving. Do we have to argue?" Usagi quoted her mother from earlier that day and smacked his arm playfully. She took her traditional seat on the couch, positioning her legs into "crisscross applesauce" style and found her favorite blanket, "You ready for the next movie?"

"Hai," Mamoru brought the popcorn and two cans of Coke with him as he took his seat next to Usagi.

The petite blonde flipped out the blanket to cover her legs, and took the popcorn bowl from him, setting it into the opening between her legs. Mamoru reached for the remote and turned the television on and hit the play button.

"You weren't kidding." Usagi teased and was rewarded with a popcorn kernel hitting her nose, "Hey!"

"Shh, Odango. I would like to know what happens." Mamoru chuckled, "You have a tendency to talk through the movie."

"So?" Usagi challenged, "What I have to say is important. Besides, you seem to have the unique ability to multitask."

"How is that unique?"

"In men it is."

Mamoru laughed at the stereotype despite himself. He placed a finger over her lips, his eyes never leaving the screen, "Now hush. I want to know what's going on."

Alas, the movie wasn't even into the main Jigsaw game before Usagi began speaking again.

"Mamoru?"

"Hmm?" he asked, munching on a handful of popcorn.

"What did you do today?"

Mamoru chewed slowly, trying to figure out the words to use, "I had Thanksgiving dinner with some friends. And then ditched them because I had plans with you tonight."

Usagi giggled, enjoying the feeling of importance that came with his confession, "Really? You weren't alone?"

"Iie."

"Good." She snuggled closer to him and watched the next scene unfold, "I'm glad you weren't alone Baka. It would have made me sad."

"Really?" he quirked an eyebrow and looked down at her.

"Hai." Usagi nodded, feeling his eyes on her, "I don't like the idea of one of my friends being alone. Especially on a holiday."

Mamoru felt the familiar surge of warmth he got when Usagi claimed him as part of her crowd. He always assumed Usagi's family and friends were extremely important to her, and his conversations with Makoto today proved that he was right. It was a nice change. Being involved in someone's life instead of just part of it.

"Mamoru?"

"Hai Odango."

"What are you thankful for?"

"Nani?"

"It's a tradition," Usagi looked down at her fingers as they played with the blanket, "In my family, we go around the table saying what we're thankful for. This year, I said I was thankful for a new friend. You."

Mamoru smirked, "Well, I am amazing after all." He laughed again as she smacked him, nearly sending the full bowl of popcorn to the floor.

"Well?"

He thought for a moment, unsure how to answer her question without revealing what he was truly thinking and possibly ruining one of the most important developments of his life.

"I would say the same thing, Usa. I'm thanking for you and our new friendship."

Satisfied, Usagi smiled and let them both watch the movie in silence.

So... what did you think?

I know. This was more of a Mamoru-Makoto bonding chapter. I thought of doing the same with him and all the Senshi so they could essentially gang up on their leader and convince her to date him. Aw, crap... I just gave away the ending... Well, maybe. Opinions?

I also did what I hate myself for doing... more dialog based than description based... but 'eh. I guess that's my style huh? This was a much more difficult holiday to deal with than I thought.