AN : I've added a small section to this story, but it's not really long enough to be called a new chapter. It's about the meeting between Motoki and Mamoru. The ending of this chapter is part of chapter three... sorry everyone.. I took it out and added it in after the meeting with Motoki and Mamoru. It fits better here, I think. Anyways. Sorry it's incredibly short. This story's been kind of pushed to the back burner after chrismas and all. Well, enjoy!

Chapter 4 : The madman

***

Motoki glanced up from cleaning the counter, still crooning his Christmas Carols, when the large glass doors to the Crown Arcade swept open, revealing his best friend, Mamoru. He was the most calm and collected guy that Motoki knew. Even though Mamoru had some trouble expressing his true feelings, the two got along well. His appearance was a routine in the Crown.

Usually, Mamoru would saunter into the arcade and sit down at the counter with Usagi chattering away. His friend often came in the mornings to sit at the counter, drink his coffee and read the paper, or to have a chocolate milkshake with Usagi. However, Motoki found it odd that Mamoru had arrived at the arcade that morning.

Motoki was well aware that Usagi had spent the previous night at his friends apartment. Although this was a common occurrence, what was peculiar about this situation was that Usagi was not present today. As a matter of fact, neither was Mamoru, in a sense. The sight that was revealed to Motoki when those doors opened, instantly stopped his tunes. Instead of a calm, neatly groomed Chiba Mamoru who casually saunters into the arcade, there was a madman. Oh kammi! What has he done now?He thought to himself. However, Motoki could only gape in surprise and horror as Mamoru appeared, running through the arcade doors, with his hair sticking up in random tufts on his head.

Mamoru rushed over to Motoki and grabbed his apron, pulling him up from the counter. Something was wrong. Extremely wrong.
Mamoru asked breathlessly, still slightly panting from his run.
Hai Mamoru. What's wrong, buddy? Motoki was practically bursting with questions. Where's Usagi-chan?
She's still sleeping, Mamoru spurted. Listen, Motoki. Don't you have a toboggan around here somewhere.
Well, yes. A very confused Motoki replied. He had expected Mamoru's request to be of a very different nature. It's in the window.
Do you think I could borrow it? Dozo.
Yeah! Go ahead pal.
With that, Mamoru snatched the sled from the arcade window, shouted a quick thanks to Motoki and bolted from the Crown.
I'll see you later. If not, I'll see you tomorrow at the party! Merry Christmas! Motoki called to his friend, who was now a dot in the parking lot before the doors closed. Motoki could only stare after Mamoru and shake his head.

***
Mamoru silently crept in the doorway and walked to the end of the hall stuffing all of the gifts into his linen cupboard. He left the sled on the couch. Usagi was sure to see it there. She would be excited about going to play in the fresh snow. Mamoru quickly got to work making French Toast. He mixed the eggs and the milk together, beating them furiously and cut off four pieces of Italian bread.

Once they were cooked, Mamoru put two pieces on each plate and set the table, lighting a few sweet smelling candles. He dusted each piece with icing sugar to make them look nice and set the maple syrup on the table. After everything was prepared, Mamoru breathed a sigh of relief. Everything was finished. He had done it all and tomorrow was going to be Usagi's best Christmas. He was sure of it.

Mamoru opened the door to his room and slowly opened the blinds.
He spoke softly, Wake up, Usako. He kissed her forehead and Usagi stretched and opened her eyes. Ohayo sleepy bunny! Mamoru laughed.
Ohayo Mamo-chan! Usagi sang brightly before kissing him.
Breakfast is ready, sweetie.
Mmm.. breakfast! Smells great! Usagi got up and wrapped her housecoat around her. Usagi walked out into the living room and quizzically eyed the wooden toboggan sitting on Mamoru's sofa. What the....?!? Snow! She shouted, spotting the new white layer on Mamoru's balcony! Mamoru couldn't help but smile.
Usako. We'll play later. Let's eat.
Mmmm.. I'm starving. Looks great Mamo-chan! So, how long have you been waiting for me to get up? Yum! This is good, Usagi rambled, before fully digging in to her french toast, not willing to wait for a reply.
Oh, not that long. I was studying but then I thought I'd start breakfast. I figured you'd be hungry. Mamoru lied smoothly. Usagi's reply was barely audible. For practically the remainder of the meal nothing was said, except for the faint sounds of praise produced through a mouth full of food.