Pairings: Usagi x Mamoru, Usagi x Seiya

Synopsis: A man turns up at Tokyo General Hospital with no name or contacts. Alone in the world, a volunteer at the hospital, Usagi, takes him under her care. In close quarters feelings bloom. But not all feelings are requited.


The Ephemeral Rose


There was nervousness outside Room 264, as the blonde and blunette stood in the hallway as if waiting for some signal. They were on a 'mission' as Usagi called it ... a ridiculous mission but a mission nonetheless.

And as they waited for some unknown sign that would allow them passage into Room 264 five minutes had passed.

Ami was tempted to push the restless blonde into the room for all the fuss she was making.

Her job was the back up, the moral support – all for the price of a fortnight's free Irish coffee. It was a good deal but she still thought this was silly.

With a sigh Ami glanced over Usagi shoulder, nothing had changed. The guy was still favouring the view out the window – the same thing he'd been doing for the past six minutes. She wondered what he saw out there.

Exasperated, the blunette strolled into the room, coming to a stand still at the foot of his bed. His piecing eyes were still glue to the window.

Bypassing his rudeness, Ami smiled amiably at the man. "Good morning."

Her greeting, too, was ignored, his attention rather focused on Usagi as she darted into the room, settling partly behind Ami.

Amused he asked, "Hiding, are we?"

Usagi huffed but didn't answer.

Trying to diffuse the rising antagonistic atmosphere Ami spoke, "I'm Ami Mizuno, a medical student, and this is Usagi Tsukino, who I think you met yesterday. And you are…?"

Midnight blue eyes flickered in their direction before landing on the far wall.

"Why are you here?"

Behind her, Usagi fumed, snapping in an acidic tone. "What do you think it looks like? We're just trying to be friendly."

The man was silent so long Ami was beginning to think he wouldn't answer.

He sighed, his head rolling back against the bed with a muffled thump.

"Mamoru Chiba."

"What?" Usagi asked.

"My name, Mamoru Chiba."


Word count. 320