Author's Note: Hey! I'm back! Sorry I'm so late. I had SO much work to do it wasn't funny… But here I am with an extra long chapter to make up for it! So, do you forgive me…?
Boy, I am really into continuing this story, aren't I? I think it's because of your guys' great reviews! I really can't say how happy and honored I am to get so many… *sigh* Am I so transparent? Let's just say I really like reviews, and leave it at that…*sweatdrop* ^_^
Anyway, someone asked why the name of this fanfiction is J-U-ri, and the reason is: Well…Juri and Usagi are the main characters, right? And the U in Usagi's name fits in Juri's name, right? So I kinda just…fit the two names together! Besides, there's no J in Usagi, right? ^_^ Sheesh, that's so bad… Ah well, can't win them all, ne? And on with the story!
Oh yeah, can you believe it, but for English, I had to bake a WEDDING CAKE!? Ahh! What's the world coming to!?? …^-^ Oh, what's this? How did it turn out, you say? Uhm… the words lemon lime sponge come to mind. Heh heh heh…
Oh yeah… some point of views are going to change, so beware. ^_^
J-U-ri
by Utena_Anthy_Antics
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Recovering from the crash with the three…triplets that all had a different hair color and thick glasses and kept on talking in harmony sing-songy voices, Usagi once again started for the cafeteria. Brushing herself off, she swung on her foot and…immediately crashed into a broad chest. Stumbling back, Usagi gracefully ended up on the ground. Shaking her head, she looked up into hard purple eyes framed by long green hair that spilled over the shoulders of the man's Student Council uniform.
"What do you think you are doing!?" the guy snapped, looking down his nose disdainfully as he clutched a scabbard of a katana in his hand.
"U-uh?" Usagi said articulately and shook her head, slapping one hand to her right ear. For some reason it was ringing, and she really wanted to get rid of the sound as fast as possible.
"You insolent fool! I asked you a question. Answer me!"
"Saionji! Be nice," a deep voice chuckled and a long body detached from the shadows, walking over to where Usagi still sat on the ground.
Opening her eyes, Usagi absently rubbed her ear, still hearing a slight echo, and looked up at the person who offered her a hand. Her gaze traveling up the arm, her blue eyes widened as she took in long fiery red hair and blue eyes. The eyes were humor-filled, yet sharp and calculating at the same time.
The man's hand was warm when he helped her up, and she quickly retrieved it for herself, feeling a slightly uneasy pit in her stomach. The man's eyes lingered on her for a second before he smirked and turned towards the other person.
"Saionji, this isn't like yourself. Can't you see she's in distress?" The man's gaze slid back to her, and Usagi tried to hide, feeling a little lost under his stare. She didn't know why, but she really didn't like him – make that BOTH of them, she amended when she saw the glare Saionji shot her. She bridled.
"Touga, stay out of this."
"Why? She's a maiden in distress. I've come to rescue her."
"Uhm…I really don't think I need to be 'saved'-!"
"You're always interfering!"
"Dear friend, I really don't see what you mean. I'm a prince; that's what princes do."
"I said-!"
"You're no prince!"
"And why not? Why am I not a prince?"
"HEY! I'M STILL HERE!" Usagi yelled, clenching her fists at her side. Rounding onto the green-haired man, she said quickly, "I'm really sorry for bumping in to you, and I think you should know that swords are dangerous, so I really think that you shouldn't carry around one with you.
"And as for you," she turned to the taller man she vaguely thought was called Touga, "I'm sorry, but I am not some kind of helpless 'maiden in distress'! So, if you want to try a different pick up line, I'm afraid you can't because I'm currently engaged to someone who is infinitively stronger then you, and I really think that it's pathetic when a person goes by first impressions!
"Now, if there's anything you two want from me, it'll have to be later as I really need to eat, and you don't want to see me hungry; it isn't very pretty. So…any questions?"
Surveying the expressions on the two men, Usagi smiled, satisfied when no one spoke up. Turning to go, she 'hmmphed' and picked up her book bag where it had fallen and started to stalk off.
The next thing she knew was that someone had grabbed her waist and pulled her rather close to them. Surprised, she looked up into blue eyes right before Touga murmured, "You know, you're rather cute when you're angry," and kissed her.
Her eyes growing big, Usagi gasped and pushed herself away roughly. "You- you BAKA!!" she managed out, that the only insult she could think of. He had KISSED her! Without asking! That-that--!! Usagi's mind couldn't think up anything bad enough to think of to describe how angry she felt, "You're just like MAMORU-BAKA!!"
Just then, the class bell rang.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Usagi's plans all went out of the window. No…food…
Today wasn't going all that well.
She dropped her head to her chest and slowly got up, hearing her stomach rumble. Listlessly pushing past the two tall men in front of her, she made her way to the cafeteria. Spotting the tall figure of Juri in front of her, she was just about to wave when a crying person sprinted past her. Instantly her heart reaching out to them, Usagi spun on her heels and followed, something telling her that it was very important she follow.
* * *
"I can't-I can't believe she did that… She-she–and her uniform…! U-t-e-n-a…!" she choked out, sobbing, tears running madly down her cheeks and shoulders shaking. It-it had to be that Anshi girl!! She was the one doing it!
Leaning against the cold stone wall, she collapsed, sliding down the surface and sitting on the ground. Hugging her arms tightly around herself, she mentally cursed the short puffy sleeves that didn't shield her arms at all from the cold of the wall, feeling the stone through the fabric of her uniform.
Somewhere in the back of her mind argued that it couldn't be Anshi's fault at all, that it was the Student Council President's. It had to be. The way he had been following Utena around was means for stalking, and frankly, Wakaba couldn't trust him at all.
But that still didn't explain why Utena was acting the way she was…
Burying her head under her arms, she barely registered the arms that slowly slid around her trembling body and held her close. A hand gently rubbed her back, welcoming her slack figure, holding her up. Sobbing into their shoulder, Wakaba clutched the collar of their school uniform, working her face back and forth.
"Shh, Wakaba-chan. It's all right. Let it out, let it out."
"She-she-!" she choked out, lifting her head slightly to speak, the flow of her tears not slowing, "Utena's acting so…so strange! And it's all Anshi's fault!"
Drawing back slightly, Wakaba was somewhat surprised when Usagi smiled gently and used the hem of her uniform top to softly wipe away her tears. "Are you sure about that? Is there any outside influence?" the older girl's voice was soft and her eyes shone kindly, "I've learned that problems are not always what they seem."
Frowning slightly, the blonde shook her head and grinned sheepishly. "I'm sounding like a cliché, aren't I?" she teased. Her expression sobering, she squeezed Wakaba supportively and asked, "You wanna talk? I'm glad to listen."
"Really?" Wakaba asked, sniffing.
"Hai. Of course. But before we do, I suggest we go somewhere more comfortable…?" Usagi mock-winced, "This floor's killing me. Why do they make the skirt so short?"
The brunette couldn't help laughing besides herself.
Hearing her short laugh, Usagi smiled, a relieved expression on her face. Getting up, she helped Wakaba to her feet and steadied her. Sniffing self-consciously, she was once again surprised when the other girl handed her a handkerchief. Seeing her surprised look, Usagi just smiled and led her down the halls and outside.
* * *
Boy, what am I going to tell Juri when she comes looking for me? I have a feeling she'll not take it so well… Usagi thought to herself before devoting her whole attention onto the girl in front of her. Wakaba was distraught, barely keeping things in check. She couldn't help admiring how well she was acting if she really was feeling the pain that shone from her eyes. Sighing, Usagi shook her head, casually reaching out to hug the younger girl.
How many times had Mamoru-baka reduced her into such a state? She regretted invoking his name earlier with the red-haired man, but no other insults had come up that were suitable enough to convey her feelings. She REALLY didn't like random people kissing her - - at all. But that didn't seem to stop them, did it? she thought scornfully as she comforted Wakaba.
First there was that weirdo alien Ail and than Prince Dimando, not to mention Haruka and Seiya, and now that sicko Touga. Why did everyone have to fall in love with her? Why not Minako? She was just as beautiful; but no-o-o-o-o-o, Usagi had 'purity', a sort of 'innocence' that surrounded her. Well pooh on you! She didn't need everyone falling at her feet, thank you very much!
Returning her attention onto her friend, she gently took her extra handkerchief from numb hands and wiped the girl's brown eyes dry, clucking softly. "It's a good thing you're not wearing mascara," she whispered, "Or else it'd be streaking down your cheeks. Do you want to tell me what happened? Maybe I can help."
Wakaba was about to answer when someone gave a shout and ran up. Wakaba froze and then struggled up, pushing away from Usagi's arms. She quickly gave a soft "Arigato" and ran. Usagi blinked, reeling from her fast disappearance. "Whoah…" she muttered, "That was sudden. I hope she's all right."
A girl stopped next to her side, and Usagi turned to see a young pink-haired girl staring sadly at Wakaba's back. A totally hopeless look was on her face and her blue eyes had a betrayed look in them. Surveying her silently, Usagi shook her head and softly put a hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Utena?" she asked.
The girl looked at her and nodded. Wrapping her arms around herself, she dropped her head to her chest and whispered brokenly, "I've lost another one."
"No," Usagi shook her head, "I may not know much, but I know that you have not lost her friendship. She cares a lot for you; I'm sure that you just need to talk her." She smiled encouragingly.
Utena stared at her for a second, and then nodded. Forcing a trembling smile across her face, she bowed. She followed the path the other had taken.
Usagi watched her go, bringing up a trembling hand to the broach on her chest. Seeing them like this, seeing the bonds of friendship that quested after each other, made her miss her friends. Taking a second to center herself, she shook her head ruefully and muttered, "You're the one who decided to accept the invitation to this school, aren't you? It's not as if they don't know where you are, Usagi!"
Smiling, she made her way back to the place Juri had said she would be waiting, hoping that she wouldn't be TOO mad. Wincing, she imagined the look on her face.
"Hoo-boy," she muttered, "What have I gotten myself into?"
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Hello. You can probably tell that this takes place after Utena's first duel with Touga if you have seen the Anime.
Anyway, if you were wondering, no, I don't know how Touga had time to go get Saionji away from his expulsion, place him in the hall where Usagi was, and talk to them after he walks away with Anshi from Utena and Wakaba. Just bear with me, please. ^_^
And, again, I'm so sorry for posting this so late. I hope to have the next part out, but it probably will be out in two weeks at the latest (With my track record, I can hope. ^_^).
Please review, I'm having fun, and your reviews DO help. (It makes me feel guilty when I don't post quickly, so it gets me motivated. Heh heh heh…that's almost pathetic…Ah well.)
Thanks! Bye.
(Oh, and I would be interested in seeing who you would like Usagi paired with, as you can see I don't like Mamoru-baka. I don't care who. It could even be Wakaba! Or Chu Chu! {Yes, I am weird.} So please tell me; it might inspire me to write it. Thanks.)