Usual Disclaimer: I still don't own Sailor Moon.

Chapter 3 – Battle Cry

Mamoru took some time to collect himself once in the safety of the empty stairwell again. He leaned against the wall as his legs were no longer supporting him, his breath was short and he was choking the life out of the roses. She had looked so beautiful in her candy striper outfit, her cheeks were flushed with happiness and she had completely captivated him. He quickly relived their fight in his mind and grimaced at the way he had behaved. He had meant to come and make her feel better, to see for his own eyes that his Odango was fine. He had meant to have soft sweet words for her not more unfair insults, he had just not been prepared for the sight of her and his subsequent reaction to realizing he had been duped. His stomach clenched at the image of himself rushing out of the café in his panic. Now they all knew how he felt and he would never be able to keep it from Usagi. His thoughts turned darkly to the handsome young man and the conversation in the hallway. Who was that guy and what were his intentions? Mamoru felt an unfamiliar stab of jealousy and quickly squelched it. He would have to find a way to make amends to his beautiful blonde angel and quickly too. Since everyone already knows how he feels, his only course of action is to make her believe it too. He might have wanted things to go on as they have but today's events made him realize that he wanted to be more than just the Baka she so rightfully called him. He would really have to turn on the charm, besides she loved Tuxedo Kamen so there must be something there he could transfer over to make his other self more appealing to her.

He walked down the remaining stairs and as he passed the lady at the front desk he decided that he would give her the flowers to pretty up the entryway so they wouldn't go to waste. She thanked him with a surprised smile that lit up her face but before she could ask if he had found Usagi-chan the young man had walked out the front doors.

Mamoru wanted to get back to the apartment and plot out his next steps but he also wanted to go to the café and give everyone a very stern piece of his mind. He figured that even if the girls were gone he could still corner his best friend. He shook his head slightly and almost chuckled, "I'm surrounded by betrayal. They will just have to help me win the Odango Atama as retribution for their actions."

The bell chimed happily as he walked back into the café. The ominous silence that fell over the place told him instantly that they knew he was there and why. He slowly walked over to the corner booth and without ceremony laid both of his palms flat on the table with a slap. 5 people jumped at the sound. Mamoru looked up to see contrite faces staring back at him timidly.

"Now, Mamoru-san…" began Motoki. Mamoru cut him off with a raised hand. He began his well practiced speech in a low voice, "I can't believe the kind of betrayal that I have experienced today. Not only did I think better of you girls, but my best friend in the world conspired to make me into a fool today. Not only did you all lie to me but the fact that you lied about Usagi's health is despicable."

"Oh Mamoru-san, we never meant to hurt you." said Ami meekly. "We thought that it would just help you realize your feelings…" added Rei. "It's just that we all believed it would turn out alright in the end…" Makoto chimed in. "We thought that we would help you would find love, the everlasting kind that only happens once." Mina quickly added.

"We are all so very sorry Mamoru-san." chimed the 5 young people with heads bent low.

A small smile spread across Mamoru's face as he studied the 5 bent heads at the booth. He had succeeded in making them feel sufficiently guilty about their scheming. He also felt an incredible warmth spread through his chest as he heard their solemn explanations and realized that these 5 people at the booth were truly his friends and really wanted to see him happy. Mina was the first one to risk sneaking a peek at the furious Mamoru-san. When she saw the smile, she finally let out the breath that she hadn't realized she'd been holding. The others slowly raised their heads and saw it too.

"Now that you all understand the severity of your crimes, what are you proposing to do to win my forgiveness?" he asked with a charming smile.

It seems that everyone started talking at once. Mina was jumping out of her skin in her excitement to get started. Ami and Motoki wanted to know what exactly happened at the hospital, Makoto and Rei wanted to know exactly what it was he wanted to accomplish.

"You said WHAT?!" exclaimed the group at Mamoru's story.

"And to think, I used to think you were so cool." said Rei disappointedly.

"You really don't know how to woo a girl, ne?" Mako asked not unkindly.

"Well, what did you guys expect me to do? Profess my undying love to the dumpling in a room full of strangers? Don't forget, you guys made me think that she was seriously hurt!" he snapped defensively. "How was I supposed to react, especially with that guy there all hovering and solicitous over her?"

At that, the 3 girls all looked at Mina meaningfully. She didn't even bat an eyelash when she responded, "At least now you finally realize what a dope you've been and how very desirable our Usagi-chan is. If you don't do something quick she'll be snapped up by another guy who may be much more worthy than you."

Mamoru face turned dark. "That guy wasn't good enough to kiss the ground she skips upon."

As if produced by mere thought, the couple under discussion appeared inside the café with the soft chime of the bell announcing them. Mamoru's face turned a deep green. Mina and the girls hid similar smiles of understanding as the couple approached the booth. Motoki was the only one who seemed to notice that the girls were hiding something from them.

"Minna, I want to introduce you to my new friend Yamaguchi Takeshi. We met at the hospital. He's in town to visit a friend who is going into an operation in a few days. Takeshi-san, this is minna." Usagi said with a sweep of her hand over the group which dropped back to her side with a slap when she reached Mamoru.

"Welcome Takeshi-san, I'm Motoki and I run this café and the arcade. Could I get you anything while you join us?" Toki said offering his hand.

Takeshi shook his hand firmly and instantly understood why his cousin had such a crush on this guy. He just beams with good nature. "Thank you Motoki-san, I promised Usagi-chan that I would take her out for a chocolate milkshake."

"With whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry please Toki." asked Usagi with her natural sweetness.

Mamoru thought he was going to explode. He had noticed how close she was standing to Takeshi and her incessant flirting with Motoki but what he couldn't ignore was the lack of either directed at him. He mumbled something about getting a coffee and left the booth missing the longing look that Usagi shot at his retreating back. It was however, not missed by any of the other occupants at the table.

The introductions went around the table and they settled happily into chit chat. Usagi did notice that Mina and Takeshi seem to have an instant bond and affection. She filed that observation under further investigation. Afterall, just because my love life isn't working out why shouldn't Mina's have a good shot? As everyone chatted comfortably, she discreetly turned her head to observe the back of Mamoru who had moved to a stool at the counter and was in deep conversation with Motoki about something. Motoki had his hands on his hips and seemed to be lecturing Mamoru who had buried his head in both hands. She noticed that there was no coffee in front of him. She wondered what put him in such a bad mood. He didn't even say a word to her when she walked in. Maybe he was worried about whoever he went to the hospital to see. She decided that she had had enough insults today and didn't need another round even as she got up and excused herself to go eavesdrop…er…ladies room.

The guys were so deep into their conversation that they didn't even notice her. "You'll never win her affections the way you're behaving." she heard Motoki say sternly. "You have to show her how you feel and if you really love her like you say you do, you should be by her side right now sweeping her off her feet! You have a fan club for Kama's sake, you should have some idea how to deal with girls."

"Motoki, she's not just any other girl and you know it. I've never felt this way and she is certainly not like those crazy stalker girls you call my fan club." Mamoru looked up at his confidante and Usagi could hear the pain in his voice. She thought her heart would break with it. She headed for the bathroom in a near run.

She locked herself inside one of stalls just as her hot tears flowed down her cheeks. So he loves another. I will never have a chance with him because he has already fallen in love and undoubtedly with someone who is sophisticated, graceful, beautiful and smart. How I wish he would feel that way about me. Well, at least I still have my daily fights with him. I'll have to settle for that. I can't believe he hurts the way I do. I'm sure this girl will return his feelings once he tells her. She took several deep breaths and cleaned her face up. The girls were so wrong. They thought that if he knew I was helping people at the hospital that he may realize that I was more than just a young, stupid klutz but he just came to make fun of me. They will be so disappointed. At least, now they may leave me alone and give up their schemes. She resolved to go back outside with a smile on her face if it killed her. It'll only be a little while before she could go home and have her pity party.

When she passed by the counter again she felt Mamoru watching her but she kept her smile in place and returned to her friends. She finished her milkshake with delight and true to form; the free treat did wonders to lift her spirits. As the minutes ticked by, she was even able to join in the conversation around her. She resolutely turned her back on the counter and put all thoughts of the Baka out of her mind.

"Well, it is time that we get going. Miss Haruna gave us a ton of homework tonight and we should all get to it right away." announced Ami standing up. Everybody sighed loudly and complained but they knew that she was right and it was time that they started for home.

"Do you mind if I walk you outside Usagi-chan?" Takeshi asked. Usagi was surprised but nodded her assent. They said their goodbyes to the group and walked out of the café, Usagi didn't notice as Mamoru followed from a few paces away.

"I was wondering if you would allow me to take you to dinner tomorrow night, Usagi-chan." said Takeshi turning to face the blonde girl.

"Takeshi-san, I couldn't possibly take advantage of you like that. You already treated me to a milkshake today." said Usagi quietly with a blush in her voice.

Takeshi smiled at her knowing that she had no idea Mamoru was just a few paces behind and was listening intently to their conversation.

"It's just that I really wanted to get to know you better. I really admire what you're doing at the hospital and I think that we would have a good time out. We'll just go as friends." added Takeshi feeling inspired by his cousin.

"Well, sure since you put it that way. I'd love to go to dinner with you." said Usagi sincerely.

"Great, I'll pick you up at 7pm. I'll see you at the hospital tomorrow after school." he turned to walk away as she nodded not quite sure if the hunky guy just asked her out.

She was still standing there dazed after he rounded the corner when Mamoru appeared seemingly out of nowhere. "Odango Atama!" he shouted it like a battle cry.

A/N: I hope this was a longer chapter and that you are all not disappointed. I would really appreciate your reviews and feedback.