Usagi and Mamoru

Signs of Affection

100 Drabbles

Fifty-Two

Protector

"And it was so romantic! I mean, he didn't say much but you know how Mamoru is. I think a few more dates like that one and he'll really open up to me. Don't you think so too, Ami? ...Ami?"

Ami flinched a little and refocused on her friend's face. "Oh, I… I'm sure you're right, Rei," she said, the gentle girl unable to bring herself to contradict the other, even in this. Her cheeks flushed with guilt as she pondered what to do with this turn of events. Why on earth would Mamoru have asked Rei on a date? She'd always considered him such a level-headed young man.

Her fingers toyed with a spoon, not really paying attention as Rei enthusiastically informed her of all the details of the afternoon. Things had been much simpler before, when all she worried about was books and studying. Everything fit into a logical place and there was always a solution to be found, if you tried hard enough. Things had changed so much since she'd met Usagi.

Sure, being a Sailor Guardian and fighting monsters had added an additional level of strain to her life, but even there she had been able to use her intellect to do her part. She was shy and the opposite of outspoken, but there was no denying that Ami was a genius and she recognized her integral part in the heroine team.

It was the presence of people she considered dear friends that had thrown her for a loop. Fighting evil was a piece of cake compared to dealing with emotions. Now she found herself in a terrible quandary and as hard as she applied her keen mind to the problem, no solution was forthcoming. Usagi was going to be heartbroken by this. She couldn't tell Rei because she'd promised to keep Usagi's feelings a secret. Rei was overjoyed by what she considered a grand opportunity. What had Mamoru been thinking? Over and over the thoughts tumbled in her mind, refusing to fit together in an orderly way that would make everyone happy.

"Um, Ami? Are you… ok?"

Guiltily, the short-haired girl looked up again. "Yes, I'm sorry, what?"

Rei was staring at her with an unusual expression that Ami struggled to name. Concern? Annoyance? Anxiety? Before she could ask, her companion leaned close and in a very hushed, urgent voice, whispered, "The spoon, Ami."

Ami glanced down at the spoon she had been toying with. In her agitation, she'd somehow managed to freeze it. Little white flowers of frost bloomed all along the metal length. With a soft, 'Oh!' she dropped it onto the table where Rei slapped a hand over it, sending a wave of warmth into the utensil which quickly melted the ice. Ami glanced around hurriedly but, to her very great relief, no one seemed to have noticed her slip.

"What is up with you?" Rei asked, "Luna'd freak out if she saw that!"

Before Ami could answer, the door to the arcade chimed and she glanced up to see Usagi walking in. The blonde's cheerful smile told Ami that she had not learned of the date yet. She could almost see Rei's eyes light up as she found someone new with whom to share her supposed conquest, utterly unaware of the pain it would cause.

Hesitation was not an option. Ami hopped to her feet and with a quick apology, advised Rei that she urgently needed to speak to Usagi and that they would converse again later, certainly. Usagi and Rei exchanged a confused look as their normally quiet friend herded Usagi out the door.

She would have to find out sooner or later, Ami knew. It would hurt her terribly. But at least… At the very least, Ami hoped she could break the news to her gently.

xXx

Author's note: Oh dear. I've made myself sad.

It's been suggested that I stick to the perspective of Usagi or Mamoru for these shorts, and while that will definitely remain the majority, I do like to slip in the other characters from time to time. I think it's important in a developing relationship to see not only how two people feel about each other, but also how their interactions affect and are viewed by those around them.