CHAPTER 5
For once in a long while it was silent as he woke up. No alarm clock blaring, no telephone ringing to tell him he was late, only peace and quite. Well maybe not so quiet. Dishes clinked softly in the kitchen and he could hear the low hum of a radio, but they were unobtrusive sounds. Not the infinitely annoying ones he normally woke to. The smell of eggs and bacon filled the room and his stomach growled. Grinning he pushed back the covers and got up to get some breakfast. On his way to the door he passed a mirror showing him his mussed hair, and wrinkled sweats. I'll live.
The apartment was dark, as usual, but the kitchen light was on and a plate of food stood on the stove covered by a plate warmer. He sniffed at it apprehensively remembering one of Usagi's last attempts at cooking, but unlike 6 years ago this smelled delicious. Taking a bite he found it to taste as good as it looked.
"I promise I wont try to kill you." A light cheerful voice told him from the doorway, and Mamoru sat down at the table looking over his shoulder at her. His breath caught in his throat and he forced himself to say something to cover it.
"That's good to know." Was all he managed. He still was unable to take his eyes off the woman in the doorway. Usagi wore soft pink short shorts, and a white midriff tank top. Her hair was brushed to a fine gloss and pinned up in her natural odangos. Her blue eyes sparkled and her smile was as cheerful as her voice. She really was quite thin, thinner than he had remembered her being. Luckily for her, her muscle and leanness covered it up well.
"I can cook now Mamoru-chan. I've had lots of practice since I realized that I didn't want to end up killing myself. A friend of my gave me some tips before we parted ways." There was a little bit of sadness there, but she shrugged it off.
"Hm... maybe you can teach me a couple things." He grinned devilishly. "Maybe. I happen to be a very good chef myself." He took another bite of eggs and finally managed to drag his eyes off her.
"I look forward to trying some of you're food then. Are we really going to Matoki's arcade today?" She padded across the kitchen floor in her pink slippers and sat across from Mamoru.
"Yes. I have to get ready, but then we'll go. I have to go shopping too. I don't have food enough for two people." He finished off his plate and put it in the sink. The dishes that had been in there before were gone, and he looked in the cupboard and saw the dishes cleaned. "You do not have to be the maid Usagi." He looked over at her. She was swinging her legs over the edge of the chair like a little kid.
"It's okay Mamoru-chan. It's the least I can do." She didn't look up at him, only at the bunny slippers on her swinging feet.
"Just Mamoru Usagi. Anyway, I'll go get ready. Thanks for doing the dishes." He flashed her a smile as he walked past. She looked about ready to say something, but she decided against it. Once he was out of the room she got up and walked to hers thinking to herself.
He really is handsome, even in is pajamas. She giggled. I just wish I knew what was going on. That weird feeling whenever we touch, how I can usually tell what he's thinking... She opened the door to her room and saw a black flash race under her bed.
"He's going to kill me for not telling him." She whispered. Sighing heavily she sat and the desk and turned her laptop on. She could do a bit of work while she waited. She was pretty far into her work when the black streak landed on the desk. She looked at it with large eyes.
"You know you aren't supposed to come out." She told it frankly. Just then the door opened and it ran out the door past a startled Mamoru. He had come to tell her that he was ready, when he heard her talking to someone. Quietly he opened the door knowing the whole time that he really shouldn't. Something small and black ran past his feet and Usagi jumped to her feet and slipping out the door she ran after it.
"What the hell?" He asked the empty room then went after them both. In the recreation room he found Usagi holding the black thing and giving it a good yelling. It was the black cat he remembered from when she was young and she was yelling at it as though it understood. When she saw him, she cradled it in her arms and lowered her head ready to get in trouble. Instead he reached out and pet the cat gently.
"Luna right?" He asked her. She looked up at him yet again shocked speechless. She nodded and handed over the cat as he reached for it. "What a beautiful cat. At least you match the furniture." He told it in the same manner Usagi had. The cat meowed back at him and he laughed.
"I'm glad you agree. You do have a cat box for her don't you Usagi? That was why the suitcase was so heavy." Again she just nodded watching him and the cat. "And before you ask, we are allowed to have pets here, and no I'm not mad you didn't tell me. After what you've been through I'm surprised you've told me anything." He told her softly gazing back at her with his intense blue eyes. She was suddenly hugging him, crushing the cat between them.
"O thank you Mamo-chan. I was so worried that you'd be upset about her." She murmured letting go when the cat yowled. She scratched the cat's ears. He set her down gently, then drew Usagi to him his hands wrapped around her waist and sending sparks through them both.
"I won't ever get mad at you Usako, not ever." He let go with one hand and used it to push her bangs out of her eyes. "I promise." He told her. Without thinking about it she wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him to her kissing him tenderly. When she drew back they were both shaking. Mamoru's hands had found their way back to her waist and were caressing the bare skin while she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Mamo-chan-" She tried to say something, but couldn't. He already knew how she felt just as she knew his feelings. They smiled at each other not wanting to let go.
"Usako, stay here. With me. Not as anything more than friends if you don't want to, but I don't want you to go. I don't think I could be anything but unhappy if you left." He whispered softly almost not able to say it. It was harder than he had ever thought to tell her his emotions but he did it anyway cause he wanted her to know.
I shouldn't... oh I really shouldn't. He'll figure it out. So what if he does... No, he can't find out who I really am, I've already bumped into him, what if he recognizes me? But I don't want to leave. I want him! She thought to herself almost frantically. She could barely think because of the feelings coursing through here and for the first time they won.
"I'll stay... I don't want to leave, but I don't want to stay as just you're friend either. I'm just not really sure I can be a girlfriend right now is there a between?" She whispered back looking at his chest and not him. He kissed her forehead and she looked up at him.
"That's just fine with me. Besides we have a lot to learn about each other too. You ready?" They really did have to leave now if they were going to get it all done today. She left his warm arms and grabbed her mini backpack. Before slinging it over her shoulder she looked at it funny.
""ll this because of a backpack I dropped. Amazing." She looked at him and Mamoru went and took it from her.
"It really is odd. Come on let's go." He handed it back to her then grabbed his keys and her hand leading her down to the parking lot. There he led her to his shining red car. Her eyes widened and she stood rooted to the spot.
"This is yours? My god Mamoru-ch- Mamoru." She could barely fathom how much money this thing had cost. The Ferrari cost more than she did. He laughed at her. He tugged on her hand and she finally had to either move or fall over. He opened the passenger side door for her and she cautiously climbed it. Never before had she ridden in something so grand.
"It's okay Usako. It won't bite you." He laughed again as he shut the door. I've never laughed this much in my life! She must be good for me. He sighed and got in the drivers side. She was still looking at it barely able to touch the seatbelt for fear of hurting something. Mamoru caught her hand in his and she looked up at him. "It's okay Usako. You can't hurt it." Oh... what a metaphor. He thought, but she nodded and snapped the seatbelt on.
"Okay Mamoru. Sorry I'm a bit... jumpy." What an understatement.
"It's okay, just try to relax and have a good time. How about I buy you an ice cream at Matoki's?" Time to go back to old tricks.
"Really?! I would love one!" She squealed happily in his ear, but he didn't mind the noise. He was only happy that he had found a way to get food into her even junk food at that. It was a quick drive to the arcade but all during the drive they could feel each other sitting side by side. Each one thought their own thoughts, but they were entirely conscious of the other with out thinking about it. Once there, Mamoru dropped Usagi off in front of the arcade while he parked behind the building.
To her the building looked just the same as it had years ago when she had come here every day. The same sliding doors, the same lighting, the same schoolgirls running back and forth between the games trying to decide which one to play or watch, it was all the same. Usagi missed it very much. Without waiting for Mamoru she stepped forward and the sensors swished the doors open. Cool air washed over her body making her shiver. She stood looking over the room until a familiar voice yelled at her.
"I'm not paying to air-condition all of Jubaan. Shut the door!" He sounded older, and more stern but there was a hint of playfulness in the voice as though he had said it all before and didn't really expect her to listen. Usagi stepped inside and the doors shut behind her. The noise from the machines assaulted her years and the giddy cries of the children brought tears to her eyes. A warm arm wrapped around her waist, and Usagi had never been so glad of the comfort.
"It's odd isn't it Usako. You used to be one of those carefree girls." His low voice filled her ears even over the din, and she nodded slightly leaning into him. Shifting her gaze, she looked over the counter top as he led her to one of the window-side booths. They sat at a booth warmed by the sunshine streaming through the windows, but even with the added warmth she seemed a little bit chilled.
Sitting across from him she tried on a smile and seemed to manage to hold it. He smiled back then turned to look at the counter and the man behind it.
"Hey Matoki a man could starve waiting for you to get your butt in gear." He yelled loudly. Giggles started up across the room and Usagi grinned too. When she was little she too had hidden a crush for Matoki but he was always spoken for. That didn't stop girls from dreaming now did it?
"Mamoru! Hey buddy I'll be there in a sec." Was the laughing reply. Usagi saw him handing a float over to a girl about the age of 15 who could barely keep from giggling. She had to smile at the effect he had over women of all ages. Mamoru caught her.
"He's perfect for this job." He said matching her thoughts.
"Aye that he is. Doesn't look like he's changed much. A little older of course but he still looks like he's having fun." She grinned as he pretended to spill something to the delight of someone else. Finally he wiped his hands on a towel and headed over. When he saw who Mamoru was with he stopped dead in his tracks.
"If you two start fighting, your both outta here. I've had a nice few years of peace." He looked back and forth between them waiting. When nothing happened he stepped forward. "Drugs… it's gatta be drugs. You two okay?" They both nodded and still said nothing. Finally he tossed his pad and pen on the table and eyed them. "What's the joke?"
"No joke Matoki we promise. Meet my new roommate Usagi Tsukino. I believe you remember her." Mamoru managed to keep a strait face while Usagi was on the verge of bursting. Matoki just grinned and held out a hand which she shook.
"Nice one Mamoru. Pull a good one over me. That's okay, I don't mind. It's nice to meet you Usagi… again. Now what would you two like to eat… oh no… wait. I remember your appetite. You'll eat me out of the restaurant given the chance. Who's paying?" He looked back and forth between them trying to figure this out and managed to be thoroughly confused. Mamoru raised a hand and Matoki's eyebrows went up. "If you say so man. It's your money."
"I'd like a double bacon cheeseburger, a side order of fries, a large banana sundae with extra whipped and a cherry on top." She rapped off without thinking about it. It was a chance to eat and she wasn't about to give it up. Mamoru chuckled silently and she shot him a glance. His eyes sparkled with silent laughter and she rolled her eyes.
"Right… a cherry on top. And you Mamoru?" He wrote it all down dutifully believing every word. Mamoru ordered the same thing. He ripped off the top sheet and went into the back to give the order to the cook. Once he had entered the swinging doors Mamoru and Usagi looked at each other. Neither could contain themselves a bit longer and they both burst out laughing. Matoki poked his head out of the door to give them a good look then went back into the kitchen.
Their order arrived which they both dutifully ate and Mamoru paid for all the while looking at Matoki who still didn't get that there really was no joke. Usagi pulled some extra change out of her purse and ran off to play her favorite game for a few moments while Mamoru and Matoki talked.
"Okay, what's really going on Mamoru-chan? You two used to hate each other" He ran his fingers through his sandy blond hair and gave Mamoru a meaningful look that said no more jokes. Mamoru sighed and sat down at the counter. Slowly he told Matoki the basics of what had happened leaving out the things he knew Usagi wouldn't want anyone else to know. When he was done Matoki was as livid as he had been.
"What a bastard! What are you going to do about it?" His eyes glinted with something that looked almost sinister. Mamoru was shocked that Matoki could feel that way about anyone since he had always thought he was such a fun loving guy.
"I'll have him watched for one thing. I don't think Usagi's willing to testify so we will have to catch him in the act. Most people who do this sort of thing, do it more than once. Other than that there isn't much I can do, but I can't tell you how good it felt to hit the guy." Mamoru clenched his fist as he spoke catching Matoki's attention but he just nodded.
Just then a familiar voice giggled and they both looked over at Usagi who had for once actually beaten the game. She felt their gaze and turned to them. She got up and came over to Mamoru who stood up.
"Is it time to go?" She asked softly and Mamoru nodded.
"Yup. We have shopping to do. See you Matoki, and thanks for the delicious food." They both shook Matoki's hand and Usagi bowed before they headed out. Usagi was tired and fell asleep during the car ride. They hurried through the shopping and once home he unloaded the groceries while she took a nap. In all it was a happy, if unusual day for both of them, and neither one really minded that during the night one of them awoke to the feeling of distress, and the other felt the beginnings of the same pain but remembered nothing else.
For once in a long while it was silent as he woke up. No alarm clock blaring, no telephone ringing to tell him he was late, only peace and quite. Well maybe not so quiet. Dishes clinked softly in the kitchen and he could hear the low hum of a radio, but they were unobtrusive sounds. Not the infinitely annoying ones he normally woke to. The smell of eggs and bacon filled the room and his stomach growled. Grinning he pushed back the covers and got up to get some breakfast. On his way to the door he passed a mirror showing him his mussed hair, and wrinkled sweats. I'll live.
The apartment was dark, as usual, but the kitchen light was on and a plate of food stood on the stove covered by a plate warmer. He sniffed at it apprehensively remembering one of Usagi's last attempts at cooking, but unlike 6 years ago this smelled delicious. Taking a bite he found it to taste as good as it looked.
"I promise I wont try to kill you." A light cheerful voice told him from the doorway, and Mamoru sat down at the table looking over his shoulder at her. His breath caught in his throat and he forced himself to say something to cover it.
"That's good to know." Was all he managed. He still was unable to take his eyes off the woman in the doorway. Usagi wore soft pink short shorts, and a white midriff tank top. Her hair was brushed to a fine gloss and pinned up in her natural odangos. Her blue eyes sparkled and her smile was as cheerful as her voice. She really was quite thin, thinner than he had remembered her being. Luckily for her, her muscle and leanness covered it up well.
"I can cook now Mamoru-chan. I've had lots of practice since I realized that I didn't want to end up killing myself. A friend of my gave me some tips before we parted ways." There was a little bit of sadness there, but she shrugged it off.
"Hm... maybe you can teach me a couple things." He grinned devilishly. "Maybe. I happen to be a very good chef myself." He took another bite of eggs and finally managed to drag his eyes off her.
"I look forward to trying some of you're food then. Are we really going to Matoki's arcade today?" She padded across the kitchen floor in her pink slippers and sat across from Mamoru.
"Yes. I have to get ready, but then we'll go. I have to go shopping too. I don't have food enough for two people." He finished off his plate and put it in the sink. The dishes that had been in there before were gone, and he looked in the cupboard and saw the dishes cleaned. "You do not have to be the maid Usagi." He looked over at her. She was swinging her legs over the edge of the chair like a little kid.
"It's okay Mamoru-chan. It's the least I can do." She didn't look up at him, only at the bunny slippers on her swinging feet.
"Just Mamoru Usagi. Anyway, I'll go get ready. Thanks for doing the dishes." He flashed her a smile as he walked past. She looked about ready to say something, but she decided against it. Once he was out of the room she got up and walked to hers thinking to herself.
He really is handsome, even in is pajamas. She giggled. I just wish I knew what was going on. That weird feeling whenever we touch, how I can usually tell what he's thinking... She opened the door to her room and saw a black flash race under her bed.
"He's going to kill me for not telling him." She whispered. Sighing heavily she sat and the desk and turned her laptop on. She could do a bit of work while she waited. She was pretty far into her work when the black streak landed on the desk. She looked at it with large eyes.
"You know you aren't supposed to come out." She told it frankly. Just then the door opened and it ran out the door past a startled Mamoru. He had come to tell her that he was ready, when he heard her talking to someone. Quietly he opened the door knowing the whole time that he really shouldn't. Something small and black ran past his feet and Usagi jumped to her feet and slipping out the door she ran after it.
"What the hell?" He asked the empty room then went after them both. In the recreation room he found Usagi holding the black thing and giving it a good yelling. It was the black cat he remembered from when she was young and she was yelling at it as though it understood. When she saw him, she cradled it in her arms and lowered her head ready to get in trouble. Instead he reached out and pet the cat gently.
"Luna right?" He asked her. She looked up at him yet again shocked speechless. She nodded and handed over the cat as he reached for it. "What a beautiful cat. At least you match the furniture." He told it in the same manner Usagi had. The cat meowed back at him and he laughed.
"I'm glad you agree. You do have a cat box for her don't you Usagi? That was why the suitcase was so heavy." Again she just nodded watching him and the cat. "And before you ask, we are allowed to have pets here, and no I'm not mad you didn't tell me. After what you've been through I'm surprised you've told me anything." He told her softly gazing back at her with his intense blue eyes. She was suddenly hugging him, crushing the cat between them.
"O thank you Mamo-chan. I was so worried that you'd be upset about her." She murmured letting go when the cat yowled. She scratched the cat's ears. He set her down gently, then drew Usagi to him his hands wrapped around her waist and sending sparks through them both.
"I won't ever get mad at you Usako, not ever." He let go with one hand and used it to push her bangs out of her eyes. "I promise." He told her. Without thinking about it she wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him to her kissing him tenderly. When she drew back they were both shaking. Mamoru's hands had found their way back to her waist and were caressing the bare skin while she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Mamo-chan-" She tried to say something, but couldn't. He already knew how she felt just as she knew his feelings. They smiled at each other not wanting to let go.
"Usako, stay here. With me. Not as anything more than friends if you don't want to, but I don't want you to go. I don't think I could be anything but unhappy if you left." He whispered softly almost not able to say it. It was harder than he had ever thought to tell her his emotions but he did it anyway cause he wanted her to know.
I shouldn't... oh I really shouldn't. He'll figure it out. So what if he does... No, he can't find out who I really am, I've already bumped into him, what if he recognizes me? But I don't want to leave. I want him! She thought to herself almost frantically. She could barely think because of the feelings coursing through here and for the first time they won.
"I'll stay... I don't want to leave, but I don't want to stay as just you're friend either. I'm just not really sure I can be a girlfriend right now is there a between?" She whispered back looking at his chest and not him. He kissed her forehead and she looked up at him.
"That's just fine with me. Besides we have a lot to learn about each other too. You ready?" They really did have to leave now if they were going to get it all done today. She left his warm arms and grabbed her mini backpack. Before slinging it over her shoulder she looked at it funny.
""ll this because of a backpack I dropped. Amazing." She looked at him and Mamoru went and took it from her.
"It really is odd. Come on let's go." He handed it back to her then grabbed his keys and her hand leading her down to the parking lot. There he led her to his shining red car. Her eyes widened and she stood rooted to the spot.
"This is yours? My god Mamoru-ch- Mamoru." She could barely fathom how much money this thing had cost. The Ferrari cost more than she did. He laughed at her. He tugged on her hand and she finally had to either move or fall over. He opened the passenger side door for her and she cautiously climbed it. Never before had she ridden in something so grand.
"It's okay Usako. It won't bite you." He laughed again as he shut the door. I've never laughed this much in my life! She must be good for me. He sighed and got in the drivers side. She was still looking at it barely able to touch the seatbelt for fear of hurting something. Mamoru caught her hand in his and she looked up at him. "It's okay Usako. You can't hurt it." Oh... what a metaphor. He thought, but she nodded and snapped the seatbelt on.
"Okay Mamoru. Sorry I'm a bit... jumpy." What an understatement.
"It's okay, just try to relax and have a good time. How about I buy you an ice cream at Matoki's?" Time to go back to old tricks.
"Really?! I would love one!" She squealed happily in his ear, but he didn't mind the noise. He was only happy that he had found a way to get food into her even junk food at that. It was a quick drive to the arcade but all during the drive they could feel each other sitting side by side. Each one thought their own thoughts, but they were entirely conscious of the other with out thinking about it. Once there, Mamoru dropped Usagi off in front of the arcade while he parked behind the building.
To her the building looked just the same as it had years ago when she had come here every day. The same sliding doors, the same lighting, the same schoolgirls running back and forth between the games trying to decide which one to play or watch, it was all the same. Usagi missed it very much. Without waiting for Mamoru she stepped forward and the sensors swished the doors open. Cool air washed over her body making her shiver. She stood looking over the room until a familiar voice yelled at her.
"I'm not paying to air-condition all of Jubaan. Shut the door!" He sounded older, and more stern but there was a hint of playfulness in the voice as though he had said it all before and didn't really expect her to listen. Usagi stepped inside and the doors shut behind her. The noise from the machines assaulted her years and the giddy cries of the children brought tears to her eyes. A warm arm wrapped around her waist, and Usagi had never been so glad of the comfort.
"It's odd isn't it Usako. You used to be one of those carefree girls." His low voice filled her ears even over the din, and she nodded slightly leaning into him. Shifting her gaze, she looked over the counter top as he led her to one of the window-side booths. They sat at a booth warmed by the sunshine streaming through the windows, but even with the added warmth she seemed a little bit chilled.
Sitting across from him she tried on a smile and seemed to manage to hold it. He smiled back then turned to look at the counter and the man behind it.
"Hey Matoki a man could starve waiting for you to get your butt in gear." He yelled loudly. Giggles started up across the room and Usagi grinned too. When she was little she too had hidden a crush for Matoki but he was always spoken for. That didn't stop girls from dreaming now did it?
"Mamoru! Hey buddy I'll be there in a sec." Was the laughing reply. Usagi saw him handing a float over to a girl about the age of 15 who could barely keep from giggling. She had to smile at the effect he had over women of all ages. Mamoru caught her.
"He's perfect for this job." He said matching her thoughts.
"Aye that he is. Doesn't look like he's changed much. A little older of course but he still looks like he's having fun." She grinned as he pretended to spill something to the delight of someone else. Finally he wiped his hands on a towel and headed over. When he saw who Mamoru was with he stopped dead in his tracks.
"If you two start fighting, your both outta here. I've had a nice few years of peace." He looked back and forth between them waiting. When nothing happened he stepped forward. "Drugs… it's gatta be drugs. You two okay?" They both nodded and still said nothing. Finally he tossed his pad and pen on the table and eyed them. "What's the joke?"
"No joke Matoki we promise. Meet my new roommate Usagi Tsukino. I believe you remember her." Mamoru managed to keep a strait face while Usagi was on the verge of bursting. Matoki just grinned and held out a hand which she shook.
"Nice one Mamoru. Pull a good one over me. That's okay, I don't mind. It's nice to meet you Usagi… again. Now what would you two like to eat… oh no… wait. I remember your appetite. You'll eat me out of the restaurant given the chance. Who's paying?" He looked back and forth between them trying to figure this out and managed to be thoroughly confused. Mamoru raised a hand and Matoki's eyebrows went up. "If you say so man. It's your money."
"I'd like a double bacon cheeseburger, a side order of fries, a large banana sundae with extra whipped and a cherry on top." She rapped off without thinking about it. It was a chance to eat and she wasn't about to give it up. Mamoru chuckled silently and she shot him a glance. His eyes sparkled with silent laughter and she rolled her eyes.
"Right… a cherry on top. And you Mamoru?" He wrote it all down dutifully believing every word. Mamoru ordered the same thing. He ripped off the top sheet and went into the back to give the order to the cook. Once he had entered the swinging doors Mamoru and Usagi looked at each other. Neither could contain themselves a bit longer and they both burst out laughing. Matoki poked his head out of the door to give them a good look then went back into the kitchen.
Their order arrived which they both dutifully ate and Mamoru paid for all the while looking at Matoki who still didn't get that there really was no joke. Usagi pulled some extra change out of her purse and ran off to play her favorite game for a few moments while Mamoru and Matoki talked.
"Okay, what's really going on Mamoru-chan? You two used to hate each other" He ran his fingers through his sandy blond hair and gave Mamoru a meaningful look that said no more jokes. Mamoru sighed and sat down at the counter. Slowly he told Matoki the basics of what had happened leaving out the things he knew Usagi wouldn't want anyone else to know. When he was done Matoki was as livid as he had been.
"What a bastard! What are you going to do about it?" His eyes glinted with something that looked almost sinister. Mamoru was shocked that Matoki could feel that way about anyone since he had always thought he was such a fun loving guy.
"I'll have him watched for one thing. I don't think Usagi's willing to testify so we will have to catch him in the act. Most people who do this sort of thing, do it more than once. Other than that there isn't much I can do, but I can't tell you how good it felt to hit the guy." Mamoru clenched his fist as he spoke catching Matoki's attention but he just nodded.
Just then a familiar voice giggled and they both looked over at Usagi who had for once actually beaten the game. She felt their gaze and turned to them. She got up and came over to Mamoru who stood up.
"Is it time to go?" She asked softly and Mamoru nodded.
"Yup. We have shopping to do. See you Matoki, and thanks for the delicious food." They both shook Matoki's hand and Usagi bowed before they headed out. Usagi was tired and fell asleep during the car ride. They hurried through the shopping and once home he unloaded the groceries while she took a nap. In all it was a happy, if unusual day for both of them, and neither one really minded that during the night one of them awoke to the feeling of distress, and the other felt the beginnings of the same pain but remembered nothing else.