Chapter 3: Bombed Test, Dinner at the Crown
*Usagi's POV*
"Hey guys, I think I'm going to skip the meeting today. I'm still not feeling 100%." I spoke quietly into my communicator.
"That's understandable Usagi. You should probably get some more rest after last night's attack. We will fill you in on everything tomorrow" Ami said lovingly.
"Oh please, Usagi always needs rest. Didn't you nap enough at school?" Rei added.
"I'm not fighting with you today Rei. I really don't feel up to it. I'll see you girls tomorrow." I said, sighing, shutting the communicator off. I turned around and bumped into a hard chest.
"Were you just talking to yourself bunhead?" Mamoru inquired, making me jump.
"So, what if I was?" I replied pushing my way around and into the Crown.
The delicious smell of food had me making my way straight to the counter. Toki was ringing up a customer, so I waved and pointed to a booth to let him know that I'd wait. I moved over to my favorite booth; the one with a full view of the arcade and the outside world. I plopped down forgetting my sore side. Thankfully, the cut was already healing but was so darn itchy. I thought about my English test and sighed. Mom was going to have a cow when I showed it to her, but I couldn't help but feel a bit proud of myself. I did get a higher score then last test. I tried to study in between sleeping, school, fights and family time. Maybe a tutor other than Ami would be better for me. She barely made sense when she explained the complicated bits of English. It wasn't her fault, she was just so smart. I've always been envious of Ami and very proud of her. I'm proud of all my friends to be honest. They all have strengths that I could never possess. Even Rei. She really did have a kind heart and she always seemed so put together.
I looked up as Motoki and Mamoru walked over. Mamoru looked almost guilty about something.
"So, what can I get for my favorite customer?" Toki asked beaming me a beautiful smile.
"Um, a double cheeseburger with all the works, loaded fries, and a chocolate shake….oh and do you have any of those deep fried cheese things? I requested.
"Yep. I can get ya that. So, are you scared to go home again?" Toki inquired.
"Why would she be afraid to go home?" Mamoru looked at me with worry in his eyes.
"My moms going be mad when she sees my English test, so I might as well eat here. She'll just send me to my room after she gets a look at it. "I explained.
"Oh, well why don't I look it over while you eat. Maybe I can see what's tripping you up?" Mamoru offered.
"I guess. Just don't ruin my appetite." I laughed
"Like anyone could ruin that." Mamoru conveyed in English.
"What?" I asked confused. "Are you making fun of me?" Mamoru just smirked and went back to reviewing my test and making makes on it. I studied him as he focused on my paper. A bit of his raven hair had fallen and hung in his eyes. Before I knew what I was doing, I reached out and gently brushed my fingers through it fixing it. His head jerked up making me jump.
"Sorry, I was just fixing it." I said shyly.
"Thanks." he blushed.
What is wrong with me? Every time I get around him I act and feel so stupid. My eyes wondered over his chest. He was wearing a form fitting black t-shirt that hugged his muscles. He had arms that I wanted wrapped around me. His lips were full, and he already had stubble showing. I wonder what it would feel like to have his lips touch mine. Would it be as gentle and caring as Tuxedo Mask or would be rough and passionate like you see on tv? I started feeling a surge of electricity between us and butterflies in my stomach.
"Earth to Usagi?" Motoki chimed waving his hand in my face. "I brought you your food."
"Sorry." I apologized blushing. I start helping him put the plates on the table and turn my attention fully to him. "So, how are you and Reika doing?" I asked trying to get my head out of the clouds.
"We're doing great. She gets to come home in like two weeks and we are spending every second we can together. I haven't seen her in 3 months, but it feels like forever." Motoki sighed.
"That's awesome. Be sure to tell her hi for me." I smiled. "I wish I had a love like you two. It's so romantic."
"Or nauseating." Mamoru added.
"Oh Mamoru, you just wait until you fall in love. You'll be worse than me." Motoki laughed.
"We'll see." He said staring intently at me. We didn't even notice Motoki walk away. I became lost his eyes. He quickly looked away breaking eye contact and I felt a small chill all over. I could swear I saw a sadness and longing in his look as he was going on over one of the test questions.
"So, this question is asking the meaning for "yearning"." He explained. "It basically means the same as desire or thirst for something you don't have. Like your milkshake." He snatched it and put his lips to the straw.
"Oh you evil chocolate stealing….BAKA!" I yelled.
"Hey, at least you get the meaning now. You know it could be fun tutoring and torturing you." He grinned.
A rapid beeping pulled me out of my thoughts. I ruffled through my bag looking for my phone. A picture of my mom waving greeted me.
"Hi mom." I groaned glaring at Mamoru.
"Hello honey. I was just wondering where you were and how your test went." She replied cheerfully.
"Oh well about the test. I got a slightly higher score than last time BUT I'm at the Crown right now with my new tutor." I sheepishly lied while looking at Mamoru hoping he would agree.
"TUTOR! Well you should invite them over for dinner tonight. It's the least I can do for someone helping my little girl." She gushed.
"Let me ask. Hang on." I said flatly covering the phone and looking at Mamoru. "My mom would like you to come over for dinner as a thank you for helping me."
"Sure. When?"
"Tonight." I replied.
"Yeah that sounds fine." He said rubbing the back of his head nervously.
"Mom, he would love to. We'll be over in time for dinner."
"HE? Is he handsome? You know you won't learn anything if you're busy drooling over him. Or maybe that will keep your attention. Good thinking Usagi!" Mom Said franticly. I blushed 3 whole shade brighter staring at Mamoru hoping he couldn't hear the chanting of my brother screaming USAGI'S GOT A BOYFRIEND!
"MOM! I have to go." I implored getting embarrassed.
"Goodbye honey and be careful. Oh, are you wearing a sweater?" Mom asked.
"Bye mom." I said hanging up.
"It's alright if you don't want to come Mamoru. My mom just wants to thank you for tutoring me. If you even decide to go through with it. My parents are super embarrassing and over-bearing." I tried to explain.
"No, its fine. I'd enjoy getting a home cooked meal and meeting the poor people that have to live with you." He joked. "So, how are you going to eat dinner after eating all this?
"I'll be fine. Mom probably won't notice if I don't eat much." I replied.
"Yeah, right." Mamoru laughed.
We continued to work in almost comfortable silence as time ticked by. Mamoru continued writing translations and explanations for me while I ate the rest of my food. He would occasionally ask me questions and write more in a notebook.
It was getting close to the time to leave and I started packing everything up.
"My house is kinda a long way to walk so we should get going now." I said looking up at him.
"That's okay. We can take my car. I always park outback." He replied.
"YOU HAVE A CAR!?" I screeched.
"Yeah. My parents left me enough to live comfortably and it helps a lot with school and getting around to different medical conventions. Let's get going"
We walked around back to a beautiful rose red car. He opened the passenger door surprising me. I carefully folded my skirt under me and slid into his car. He shut my door and headed to the drivers sit.
"All buckled up?" He asked
"Yep" I replied.
He started the car and pulled out. I gave him directions to my house as he drove. I couldn't help myself from occasionally looking at him and admiring the way he drove in the traffic. I don't think I'll ever be able to drive as well as him. Driving still scared me and other drivers here tend to be reckless and drive fast.
We made it to my house in record time and Mamoru again opened my door for me. If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was a gentleman. He stayed a couple steps behind me as we walked to the door. I wonder if he's heard of my dads' antics with his shotgun. He shouldn't worry though, it's not like I was interested in him, right?
I opened the door and yelled out to my mom.
"We're here!" I called.
My mother came rushing into the hall. "Oh hello. I'm Ikuko Tsukino, Usagi's mother. How do you feel about Yakisoba? I thought I'd try something new tonight."
"That sounds delicious. I'm Mamoru Chiba. Usagi's…friend. It's a pleasure to meet you." He smiled.
"Oh, you are just so polite. I'm so glad Usagi has found a tutor. She really needs it. Your girlfriend won't mind, will she?" My mother hinted. I could kill her.
"Like Mamoru could ever get a girlfriend." I snickered.
*After Dinner*
"So, Mamoru, what are your intentions with my little girl" My dad grilled.
"Eww dad." I grimaced.
"My only intentions are for her to get decent grades from now on." Mamoru interjected. He had been talking to my family so smoothly since he got her and was winning them over. He really was polite when he wanted to be. Which seemed to be anytime that I wasn't involved. My dad had been giving him question after question from anything from home life to grades. They actually swooned when he said he was studying to be a doctor.
"Do you like video games" Shingo asked. "I'm allowed to play for a bit after dinner. You could join me. I know how boring Usagi is."
"Sure, sounds like fun." Mamoru accepted. I was fuming. How could they all sit here and act like he was some kind of god? And putting down my grades with him.
With dinner finished up, Mamoru was in the Livingroom with my brother and dad while I helped my mom get everything cleaned up.
"He's very handsome Usagi. And studying to be a doctor. You've picked a really good guy." My mom gushed.
"He's not my boyfriend mom." I blushed.
"Not yet." She whispered.
"I heard that." I growled back.
After helping my mom I went to the Livingroom to watch them play Shingo's new video game. Of course they wouldn't let me have a turn. My dad continued to ask Mamoru a thousand questions. I never expected to learn so much about the baka in one night but here I was. Trapped.
"It's getting late. I need to study." I yawned. Everyone busted out laughing. Jerks.
"She's right. I need to get up early in the morning for a lecture." Mamoru politely said standing up.
"I'll walk him to the door." I exclaimed. I grabbed Mamoru arm lead him to the front door.
"I'll see you later" I said dismissing him.
"How about we meet up tomorrow and go over a study plan?" Mamoru asked.
"I…." I tried to come up with an excuse to get me out of it but I oddly wanted to spend more time with him. "Sure. We can meet at the Crown around 5ish?"
"Sounds good to me bunhead. Just bring all your recent school work. " He laughed walking away.
"I said STOP CALLING ME THAT!" I yelled.