Author's Notes:

Since I have gotten such great feedback I think that it to get my creative juices flowing and get this story on the road, so I hope you appreaciate it...please keep the emails and reviews coming!!! Special thanx to Nye for correcting my Japanese...arigato.

Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon and that is all you need to know



" "=dialogue
* *=thoughts


JAPANESE DICTIONARY

Usagi/Serena
Mamoru/Darien
Shingo/Sammy
Motoki/Andrew
Makoto/Lita
Minako/Mina
Ami/Amy
Rei/Raye
Konnichiwa= good afternoon
Daijabou=I'm fine
Hai=Yes
Iie=No
Onegai=Please
Baka=Fool
Arigato=thank you
Nani=what?


Now on with the feature presentation.........





Title: Wishful Thinking-Chapter 4
Author: Midnight Dreamer
Rating: G
Email: madintellect@hotmail.com



At around ten o'clock that night, four girls and a guy were huddled in a booth, about to begin an operation that was critically important to numerous lives....well just two, but to them it was all important. "I call to order the first meeting of the Affection Connection." Minako declared banging a class on the tabletop. "Affection Connection....can you get any cornier?!?!?" "Oh hush, Rei-chan and pay attention" Minako said as she glanced at the small gathering at the table.

"We have come together to bring together..." "Oh will you cut the speech and get on with it? My grandfather will kill me if he checks in on me and I am not in my room." Rei interrupted. "Can it hothead...now where was I? Oh yes, we have come together to bring others together. Now our first assignment is Tsukino Usagi and Chiba Mamoru." This caused an immediate reaction. "That is highly illogical...those two can't stand each other" commented Ami. "Yeah girlfriend, don't you see the arguments they have everyday?" Makoto asked. "Minna-san!!! Just give me a minute to explain....Motoki-chan, can you help you me out?" Minako looked over to Motoki wearily. "Sure...now what we as their friends have to make them realize is that they have deeper feelings for each other than friendship. Now Mamoru has already taken the first step and has extended the olive branch. Now all we have to do is make the branck grow into a tree....you got it?" Everyone shook their heads in understanding.

"Thanks for the heads up. Now does anyone have a plan?" Rei asked. "Well, that is why we are here. Does anyone have any suggestions?" Minako asked looking at her friends. At once, there was a great debate over whose plan was better. Once it turned into a Usagi/Mamoru level shouting match, Ami cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "Alright minna!!! We are all here for the same reason, so let's get it together. Now, it seems that we want to speed up things between our friends, right? How does this sound...." Ami said as everyone leaned in and listened to her plan. After some modification and some compromises, everyone was satified with the plan.
"Now we have to remember to act normally and try not to reveal anything. I now order this meeting adjourned." Minako said as she tapped her glass on the table. "It's about time...I gotta run guys before I miss the bus...see ya" Rei said as she ran out the door. "That goes for us too...ja ne Mina-chan, Motoki-chan." Makoto and Ami said as they followed Rei out the door.

Once Minako and Motoki was left alone, an arkward silence settled around them. It was a full minute before Minako broke it. "That went well didn't it?" "Yeah, I just hope that this doesn't backfire on us...." "It will all work out, besides we have love on our side." Minako said as she smiled at him. *Kami, where did she learn to smile like that?* Motoki thought until she heard Minako calling his name. "Venus to Furahata....come in" Minako said, waving her hand in front of his face. (AN: I couldn't resist :-p) "Umm...nothing Mina-chan. Well, it's getting late. Would you like a ride home?" Motoki asked her. "I would really appreciate it." Alright, well just wait for a minute while I close up, okay" "I'll be here" Minako said as she sat back down in the booth.

While Motoki was wiping down the countertops and closing out the register, Minako took the time to think about her own situation. * I know that Motoki and I are just good friends, but I would like to be so much more. He is so sincere, kind considerate and the added bonus of being a total hottie. I just wish I had a chance, but I guess bringing others together will have to do for now.* Since Minako was in her own world, she didn't feel Motoki's gaze on her. * I wonder why she is never with anyone....she is charming, idealistic, and brimming with vitality. Plus, she is attractive...very attractive. I just wish I had the nreve to approach her about deepening our friendship, but after what I went through with Reika, I don't want to put myself on the line. It's just as well, but wishing never hurt anyone.* Motoki concluded as he approached her.

"Mina-chan, are you ready to go?" Snapping out her reverie, Minako stood, smiled and followed him outside. On the ride to her house they talked about the plan and how they couldn't wait to get started. However, both were taking in small glances at the other, until finally they pulled up at Minako's door. "This is it...arigato for the ride Motoki-chan." Minako said as she got out the car. "Sure no problem...I'll see you tomorrow. Ja ne!" Motoki replied as he sped off into the night.


Over the next few weeks, Usagi and Mamoru's 'truce' started to develop into an actual friendship. Usagi began to trust Mamoru and not feel so guarded around him. She had thought that with her spending time with Mamoru would cause a commotion among her friends, but on the contrary, they seemed to urge her to be with him. Usagi began to really enjoy her time with Mamoru, and look forward to the time they spent together. On the other hand, Mamoru found himself being more open and enjoying her company more and more. To be truthful, he looked forward to spending time with Usagi. To hear her laugh, her opinions and to see her thousand watt smile. He was a little surprised that Motoki didn't hound him for information, but he took it as a blessing. Little did they know that everything was going according to plan.


As the school year was drawing to a close, everyone was excited about the summer vacation. It would mean a much needed break from school and time to have fun. However, the members of the Affection Connection were becoming extremely frustrated. Even though it seemed that their 'assignments' were becoming closer, they still hadn't progressed no further than friendship. Another added stress were the final exams that were coming up, and no one else was more worried about those exams than Usagi. As the girls were sitting down for lunch one day, Usagi expressed her troubles to them.

"Well minna-chan, what do you think I should do?" "Well you could always go to cram school with me, Usagi-chan.." Ami offered. Usagi sweatdropped and replied, "Uhh...that's okay, but would it be to much if you would help me afterwards?" "I don't really know..I have to prepare for my own exams." After this was said, Usagi looked heartbroken, but she didn't know that help was coming her way. Minako just had a lightbulb go off in her head. "Say Usa...why don't you ask Mamoru-san? Since he is in college already, he should be able to help you out." "I don't know Mina-P, I'm sure he has his own exams and I don't want to impose...." "Impose, schmose....just ask and find out! I mean if ya'll are such good friends now, I'm sure he won't mind." Rei interrupted. "Yeah.....just ask Usagi...you don't want to spend the summer in school, do you?" Makoto egged her on. After some careful consideration, Usagi finally conceded that maybe this might work. "Okay.....I'll ask him later. With that said, she went back to her lunch, missing the big grins that had split her friends' faces. An AC meeting would be called tonight.


Crown Game Center-Afternoon

"So...Mamoru-kun, how are things between you and Usagi-chan?" Motoki asked his friend as he placed his customary cup of coffee in fron of him. " As best as can be expected. We don't fight as much now..." Mamoru replied as he sipped the hot liquid. *Boy is he stingy with details, but I know if I push, he'll just clam up* Motoki thought as went to a booth to take an order. When Motoki left, Mamoru began to really think about Motoki's question.*How are things between me and Usagi? Well my feelings are becoming deeper than what they were and I don't have any idea how she feels about me. I'll jsut have to keep it cool and just wait....* At this moment, the entrance bell jingled, and five girls walked in and claimed a booth at the cafe.

When the girls entered the cafe, Usagi immediately started scanning the area for a mop of ebony hair. When her eyes finally landed on it, she began to feel anxious. Minako, seeing her distress tapped her on her shoulder. "Usa, daijabou?" "Hai, I'm just a little worried about asking Mamoru-chan for help. i don't want him to think that I am taking advantage..." "Oh nonsense!! If he REALLY is your friend, he will help you. Now go before I do it for you." WIth that said Usagi quickly made her way over to the counter.

When he felt a tap on his shoulder, Mamoru turned around as was greeted by the sight of deep azure eyes. *Kami, does she even know what she is doing to to me* he thought as he plastered on a smile and spoke. "Hey Usagi-chan, what's up?" "Ummm.....nothing really. Uhh...Mamoru-chan, is it alright if I ask you for a favor?" Mamoru was taken aback. She wanted a favor from him...maybe he could put this to good use. "Sure Usagi-chan, what is it?" "Well, I was wondering...ifyoucouldtutormeforexams..." she finished, trying to get it out all in one breathe. "Huh....I didn't understand you." "I'm sorry. I just wanted to know would you be willing to help me with my exams. I know you are probably busy and everything...." Usagi trailed off,waiting for his answer. "Usagi-chan, I would be happy to help you. Just let me know when you want to start." "For real?!?!?!??! Arigato Mamoru-chan, you won't regret this!" Usagi said as she jumped and wrapped him up in a bear hug. After his initial shock, Mamoru returned the embrace, albeit with less enthusiam. After a couple of seconds they pulled away, and glanced at each other, thinking the same thing, *What in the world did I just do, and why did it feel so right?* With this, they dropped their arms to their sides and glanced away from each other. Little did they know that those people who were watching them couldn't be happier. It seemed that something just might work after all.



to be continued....


I think this is a good place to stop. I know I haven't really developed a concreate plan yet, but I'm just ginna let it flow. Please give comments, suggestions, reviews, and even FLAMES! That is the only way I can get better. More romance in next chapter, I PROMISE!!! Until next time....ja ne minna-san!