AN: The second chapter to Merry Christmas Usa. Hope you enjoy!

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As Mamoru made his fifth loop around Juuban Central Mall, he finally found a parking spot. I would have never guessed that it would be this busy today, Mamoru muttered to himself. He turned off the car and rushed towards the entrance, slightly frustrated with the growing crowd.

The mall was much more busy than Mamoru had ever dreamed. People with packages piled high were running to get to their next destination. Small children were playing and singing, overly excited that Santa Claus would be coming that evening. The noise of the hustle and bustle was roaring over the loud speaker music. It was utter chaos.

Mamoru stopped for a split second, completely in awe of the spectacles that surrounded him. Santa's workshop and sleigh were set up just in front of the food court, children were dancing around and the people.. oh there were so many people! he thought out loud, forcing himself to stay on track, I need to get Usa's gifts.

Mamoru proceeded to the nearest clothing store, Abercrombie and Fitch. It wasn't quite Usagi's style, but he thought he'd look. It was Mamoru's first time in the store, however Motoki and Minako often shopped there. He meandered over to the women's section, feeling slightly sheepish. I'm here to buy for my girlfriend.' he chanted to himself, I'm here to buy something special for my girlfriend. I'm here to by lots of special gifts for my girlfriend before I ask her to marry me.' Mamoru wasn't sure if that last statement boosted his confidence or made him more nervous and insecure, but it was the truth. He wandered through the store once, looking at the numerous clothes, before beginning to make his selections.

Near the front of the store was a red, plaid skirt. It was probably a little short for Usagi's liking but Mamoru knew that she would wear it. The skirt along with a navy turtleneck sweater would make the perfect Christmas outfit. He would give this outfit to Usagi tonight so she could wear it while unwrapping presents in the morning and then to Motoki's party. He wanted his fiancé to look great for Christmas.

The store contained numerous pairs of pants. Mamoru debated whether or not to get Usa a pair. She rarely wore pants and Mamoru rather liked it this way. However, it was winter. Mamoru decided on a pair of tan colour cords and a graphic tee that had rhinestones all over the writing.

Finally, Mamoru picked out a scarf and a pair of matching gloves. On his way to pay for his purchases, Mamoru caught a whiff of an intoxicating smell and grabbed a box of eau de toilet. It was very Usagi, he thought, cheerful and sweet smelling.

said Mamoru upon exiting the store, I have Usagi's Christmas outfit and I have an outfit for one of tomorrows gifts and the scarf set. I can put the perfume in her stocking, but I need something else for that. Mamoru looked up at the red glowing sign which read, Shoppers Drug Mart'. Slipping inside, he walked right into the cosmetics aisle. I have no idea what any of this stuff is or what she would want.' His eyes fell on the most colourful part of the aisle, Bonne Bell lipgloss. Mamoru went crazy picking out the kinds that sounded the best. He decided to narrow his choices down to three, rather than walking up to the front with an armful of lipgloss. Mamoru stopped on his way to the counter, picking up a package of Christmas Smarties and a Chocolate Orange to add to Usagi's stocking. Then, he went to wait in the growing line up beside the register. $30.64 dozo, sir, the sales clerk sang. As Mamoru whipped out his wallet, he caught a glimpse of his watch. 9:21. He handed the cashier $35 and ran out of Shoppers.
Keep the change! Mamrou called to her, I'm in a hurry.

The ring was Mamoru's main gift goal. He didn't want Usagi to have to pick it out. He wanted to pick it out for her, and he wanted it to be perfect. Mamoru knew that he would have to go to a jewelry store in order to find the kind of ring he wanted, so he headed to the exit of the mall. However, he never made it there. Mamoru took a wrong turn in the hectic mall and ended up beside a lingerie store. His attention was caught by a silvery pink slip hanging near the front. Moments later, Mamoru was out of the store and adding a new bag to the accumulating pile in his right hand.

As Mamoru jogged towards the exit, now heading in the proper direction, he recognized a familiar figure. It was a tall girl with a long brown ponytail. Look Rei-chan, she commented, There's Mamoru-san! Hiya Mamoru
Oh no!,' groaned Mamoru to himself, I'll never get out of here. I'm going to be stuck here forever.'
Konnichi-wa Mako-chan, Mamoru began, Hello Rei-chan, she nodded acknowledging him and smiled in response. Rei was shorter than Makoto and of a slimmer build. She had long dark hair and violet eyes. Doing some last minute shopping, are we girls?
Makoto laughed. I had to pick up this sweater for Shinozaki. She searched for it in her bag and held it up for Mamoru's inspection.
Oh very nice! He'll like that Makoto, Mamoru praised as he admired the forest green sweater. He noted the high quality as he touched it. He knew that Makoto had made a good choice.
What about you, Mamoru? What are you getting for Usagi? Rei questioned as she made a move towards the bags which Mamoru was carrying. I know she wants that teddy bear over there. She pointed to a nearby store. Mamoru instinctively moved away from Rei, quickly placing the lingerie bag inside on of the others. Mamoru didn't want the girls to see that he had bought that for Usagi.
Well, I bought her some perfume, a Christmas outfit, some clothes, a scarf and mittens and ..er.. some stocking stuffers. A few chocolates and lip glosses... and a few other things, Mamoru replied. Let's go look at that bear. The one with the Santa hat on?
Hai! That's the one! Makoto replied cheerfully. He's so soft, she said in awe of the bear.
I'd better get it for her then. Mamoru picked up the bear and began to pay for it, both girls trailing behind him. He silently pondered how he was going to get this bear out to his car and juggle the other gifts, let alone wrap it. It would be hard to hide such a large gift from Usagi.

After they left the store, the girls began to further question Mamoru as they helped him to carry his bags to his car.
This is a nice outfit for Usagi, Rei-chan said as she admired the tan chords and studded shirt.
Mako-chan agreed. Those are very nice gifts Mamoru-san. I'm sure that Usagi will be very excited.
Mamoru smiled. He was glad that he picked out a nice gift for his little blonde angel. Mamoru held the door open for the two girls, finally exiting the mall.
Rei-chan shrieked. Both girls gasped.
What's this for Mamoru? Makoto asked holding up the pink slip.
Er... well, their pajamas for Usagi.
Why did you pick this though? Wouldn't a nice pair of flannel pajamas be better Rei questioned.
Hai! This is something that you would get for your wife, maybe if you were married.... Makoto stated, her voice trailing off as the information sank in. Mamoru said nothing and Rei just stared gaping.
Rei smiled slyly.
Oh.. I guess I made a mistake. I thought that those pajamas were pretty.
They are very beautiful but are they really appropriate? Makoto pressed.
Mamoru again was silent. Should I tell them?' He wondered to himself. They might be able to help me with the ring, and I don't have very much time.' He looked down at his watch again. The numbers read 9:46. Yes Mamoru, you have to tell them. Forget your pride this one time. This is for Usagi. Don't you want this to be her best christmas?' A voice inside his head urged Mamoru to tell Usagi's best friends. Mamoru cleared his throat.
Err..well.. I want this christmas to be Usagi's best one. The girls nodded. .. because I'm going to ask her to marry me. Mamoru could barely believe he was telling them this.
Rei breathed.
Makoto shrieked, obviously excited for her friend.
Mamoru replied, But not if I can't find a ring. Do you girls think that you could help me. I can't find the right one and I only have an hour until Usagi wakes up.
Makoto agreed.
The three loaded their bags into the trunk of Mamoru's car and set off for the jewelry store.
Great! Just please, don't tell Minako!