Re-painting the Past
By Cosmic
Hey, I got chapter 5 out relatively fast, especially compared to my other chapters. Thank you for all the e-mails. I loved them! It makes me feel so special to know that someone like my story enough to e-mail me. Keep the e- mail coming! Cosmic@sailormoonfanclub.net This chapter is the same length as the one before it, maybe two or three sentences longer. Hopefully my next chapters will be longer than that. I know my chapters are kind of short… so please read & review! And e-mail me!
Same disclaimers apply.
Chapter 5 ~ Not Posing like That
Usagi stared put the passenger seat window watching the scenery go by. As the little white silver car neared The View she turned her head away and studied her aunt instead. Minako glanced over at her and smiled understandingly before returning her attention to the road.
"You're being awfully quiet," Minako comment a few miles later. Usagi looked out her window and down into the ravine that ran along side the road, wishing she chuck Mamoru and her damned contract into it.
"Usagi?"
"Just thinking… and looking at the scenery. It's a lot different from the busy New York City I'm used to."
Minako nodded, her expression telling Usagi that she knew her niece hadn't been exactly truthful with that answer. Usagi held back her sigh and returned her attention to the ravine. So what if I didn't tell her that I stayed up all night worrying about Mamoru painting me. It's not like she doesn't know anyway. At least she doesn't make a huge deal out of it. Like I am. But God dammit, why does it have to be Mamoru?
"You didn't, by any slight chance, leave any guy in New York did you?" Minako asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had been filling the car.
Usagi couldn't help but grin at Minako. "If you had seen some of the men I dated, you wouldn't even bother asking."
"Oh really? How so?"
"Um, well…" Usagi paused, thinking. "There was this one guy, Diamond, who had the bod of a God. He was a model, and was pretty much the first available guy I met in New York."
"A Godly model hmmm?" Minako wiggled her eyebrows. "He sound like a sexy piece of work."
"Heavens, yes. Totally and utterly gorgeous. And sadly he knew it. The guy had an ego the size of his wallet, which was rather large might I ad. He had a huge gym in his gigantic apartment and all the walls were covered in mirrors so he could watch himself work out. He would lie there on the bench and just stare at his beautiful body. He also had a habit of video taping himself working out and flexing, and making me watch them with him."
Minako giggled. "No!"
"Yes! When I first met him I thought I could happily just stare at him for hours. Unfortunately, he felt the exact same way."
Usagi's aunt snorted as she turned the car onto the highway running along the coastline.
"There was this other man, Taiki, who I met at some fancy party Makoto was throwing. He was cute in a cuddly, older guy kind of way. He was a very intelligent stockbroker, very considerate, intellectual, and had a great sense of humor. Plus he would have discussions with me, not blow me off as a air head model."
"Well, he sounds nice. A real catch."
"He was a good catch, except for the fact that he had already been caught. He had a wife and three children already. Can you believe it? Luckily I found out on our first, and last, date."
Minako burst out laughing. "That's hilarious! Ahh…" Minako shook her head. " But surely there must have been some good guys in the midst of all the losers. I mean New York City is not exactly a small town."
Usagi shrugged. "There were a few…" Like Seiya, she added silently to herself. "But…" She stopped. How could she tell her aunt that there was no one else who could make her go weak in the knees. Who had thick black hair and gorgeous blue eyes. Except for Seiya, but surely he didn't count. Even he didn't make her feel as Mamoru had, and after what happened…
"No one who made your toes curl?"
"Exactly." Seiya was only a toe twitch, yet I would have stayed with him if… Usagi shook her head. It was no use to think about the past now, never mind the fact that she had been doing it since she returned to Moon.
"Minako, did Motoki make your toes curl?"
"Definitely. It was really the only thing he had going for him. But I was so crazy about that man."
"What about Kunzite?"
"Absolutely. And the best kind, because he's also very sweet and very stable." Minako grinned as she turned off the highway and onto a smaller road. "Well, here we are! Finally."
Usagi looked out the window in surprise. All she could see was the road before them and small cluster of mailboxes up ahead. "We're here?"
"Well, not exactly," Minako admitted. "Akio's house is actually up a mile or so, and Mamoru's eight or nine. But we have entered Defillepo."
"Ah…" Usagi nodded and reached behind her into the back seat to start gathering her things.
"Here we are, the actually house. Welcome to your new home for the week," Minako said grinning as she pulled the car into the long driveway and parked in the three car garage.
Usagi grabbed her bag and climbed out of the car. She made her way down the drive and then turned around to look at the two-story house. "It's pretty," she commented. "The windows are nice." Minako nodded.
"I love French windows. The bedrooms face the other side of the house, and they each have a small balcony." She grinned at her niece. "But let's not stand around jabbering about it. Come in."
Usagi followed her aunt into the sitting room, which had comfortable looking couches and a huge stone fireplace.
"There's three bedrooms upstairs, each with it's own bathroom, as well as a small library/study. Over there is the kitchen and dinning area and the bathroom, coat closet, and laundry are to your left. In the basement is the dark room and a small gym," Minako said, gesturing in different directions as she talked.
Usagi looked around in awe. "This place is pretty grand for a vacation home."
"Isn't it though? It surprised me the first time I saw it too. Why don't you go pick at your room while I prepare a snack."
"I'm not really hungry. I think I'm just going to unpack and go to bed."
"Are you sure? At least call Mamoru and tell him that you're here."
"I'll do that," Usagi told her as she made her way upstairs. "This is a nice room," she called down to her aunt.
"Let me guess, it's the pink room."
"How did you know?"
"I know you my dear!"
Usagi shook her head and laid her suitcase on the bed, beginning to unpack. When she finished, she glanced down the hall to phone sitting on a small table. She stared at it, knowing that as much as she would love to put this off, it would be better if she just got it over with. She walked over and picked up the phone, quickly dialing the number on her piece of paper before she lost her nerve. She listened nervously as the phone rang once, twice, three times. I should just hang up, she told herself. And call later. It's obvious no one is home.
"Hello?"
So much for that idea.
"Hello, this is Usagi Tsukino calling. I just wanted to let you know that I've arrived."
There was a brief pause, then he answered. "Good. What time can you come over?"
"Tomorrow morning?"
"We could start in half an hour or so, however long it takes you to get here. There's still a bit of time left."
"No… I… I can't right now, I'm kind of busy getting unpacked and settled in."
"Well I'm busy tomorrow morning," Mamoru replied. "How about if you come over in the afternoon, say one o' clock or so?"
"Fine. Good-bye," Usagi hung up the phone abruptly, not able to handle the call anymore. Damn, why does he have to sound so sexy over the phone? She asked herself, placing a hand on her chest trying to calm her breathing. "Sleep…" she murmured. "I need sleep." Shakily she climbed under the covers and buried herself under them, trying to block out everything that bothered her.
Parking the car, Usagi climbed out and stared at the house in front of her. A large, two-story, redwood house stood in front of her, with two decks on both sides of it and a large porch gracing the front. She knew from her memory that a patio was in the back of the house with steps leading down to the beach. She looked at the house again and tried to still her beating heart. The house was intimidating her more than she would ever admit. And so was the dark haired man lounging on the front porch, obviously waiting for her arrival.
"You're late," Mamoru called as she walked towards him.
Usagi shrugged. She had a lot of trouble getting to sleep last night and she didn't really sleep until 3 A.M. or so. Of course, because of that, she slept in until 12:30. And when she did get up she still had to shower and eat. She couldn't have possibly made until 1:30.
"45 minutes late," he stated bluntly.
Usagi blushed. Ok so it was past 1:30. "Sorry," she murmured as she climbed up the porch stairs and stood in front of him. "I was running a bit a late this morning."
Mamoru stood and stretched, smiling. "It's ok, just don't let it happen again."
She nodded.
"Well, come in and we'll get started." He opened the door and gestured her in before walking in behind her and then leading her up the stairs into his studio. Usagi paused just inside the room, glancing around. The smell of paint, oils and acrylics, turpentine, and fixatives flooded her senses, mixed with the ocean breeze coming in through a window. The scent is the same, Usagi thought, and the room is the same. Oh God, I've walked into a fire pit. Memories of what she and Mamoru actually did in this house started tearing away the little confidence she had built up. Dang it Usagi, get a hold of yourself!
"I thought we could use the throne and the light blue crushed velvet," Mamoru said, thankfully breaking Usagi's train of thought as he pulled out the large chair. She could only nod as he went over to a chest and pulled out a large pile of velvet, which he artfully draped around and over the dais. He spun around suddenly, catching her off guard, smiling at he apparent surprise on her face.
"Ok Usagi, now lets try a pose like this." Carefully he lowered himself in front of the throne and rested his head on one leg, turning his body so he would look sensual and romantic. Usagi blinked at him, recognizing the pose as one that was often used in nudes. What kind of portrait does he think this is? She asked herself. Well, if he thinks it's nude, he's in for a surprise.
"There's a robe in that chest over there you can use when we're aren't painting, all right?" he told her, confirming her thoughts. She blinked again and stared at him. I guess he does think it'll be nude. Right, like I'll ever pose naked for anyone, especially Mamoru Chiba.
"Well that's an original pose," she said sarcastically. "Why don't you add a bear skin rug and fire place while you're at it."
"Hardy har har," Mamoru panned, rolling his eyes. "Since I'm the artist and you're the model, why don't you do this instead of me." Reaching up, he grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto the soft fabric and moved out of the way. Usagi hesitated and then carefully took up the position. It can't hurt to humor the man, she decided. Mamoru scooted in closer, adjusting her shoulder a fraction of an inch and then tilting her chin slightly. Usagi stared at him, her breath caught in her throat.
"Don't move," he whispered huskily and grabbed a piece of chalk on the floor. He leaned over her, drawing chalk lines on the velvet so she would know exactly how to pose again. He's so close, her mind screamed. Too close, way too close! He paused, his face only inches from hers. Their eyes met and Usagi was sure she was going to pass out. I can't take this, she thought frantically. This is too close.
Mamoru must have noticed something in her eyes, because he backed away and stood, clearing his throat. "All right, you can move now."
Usagi slowly rose, eyeing the white dusty marks. "Are you sure about this pose? It seems pretty cliched to me."
"You're the model, I'm the artist remember? You should just pose and not worry about it."
Her temper flared. " I may be the model but that doesn't mean I don't see a crappy played out pose when I see one. I'm not stupid. I'm so sick of being treated like I don't have a brain!"
Mamoru grinned. "Are you now? Well artists are like that you know. We're all bloody dictators. It's like we have a God complex; we're creators and therefore above thee."
The devastating, dazzling, sexy smile he flashed and his point of view on himself made Usagi lose her cold front. Suddenly she found herself laughing with him.
"I'm glad to know that you can still laugh," Mamoru said softly.
"Mamoru, of course I can. Now you being a dictator or not, something has to be done with this pose. It's wrong for this portrait and we both know it."
"Usagi…"
"Look, what if I was standing instead, like this." She walked over and stood one hand at her side, the other lightly resting on the throne's arm, one foot slightly in front of the other.
He eyed the pose critically. "That's it. It's like you are walking towards me, into my arms…" he trailed off. "No, it's to blatant for a nude study."
Usagi raised her eyebrows. Time to get the facts set straight. "You think you've been commissioned to paint me nude?"
"Well, why not?" he asked, smiling. "I think I can handle it. After all, I've been exposed to your charms before. It's unlikely that I'll be unprofessional and run amok."
Usagi glared at him, suddenly angry. It wasn't a joke anymore. Now it was about what had happened, and it was obvious that Mamoru thought what had happened was laughable.
"Don't you think I know that my charms don't make you 'run amok'? It doesn't really matter if they do or not anyway, since I already talked to the company about what kind of painting it would be before you were even chosen to paint this damn portrait. They had wanted it nude, and I said no. I won and especially glad that I did now," Usagi spat out angrily.
"But… oh, hell. Usagi I knew it wasn't a nude. That was made clear when I got the job. It was a joke, though obviously not a very funny one. I thought I'd break the ice, you know, lighten the mood. I'm sorry."
Usagi stared at him, her face set.
"Let's start over." Mamoru stuck out his hand. "Shaking hands is a way to say we're unarmed and can get along without hurting each other."
Usagi stared at his hand, and then reached forward, tentatively grasping his hand. To her chagrin, he kept holding on and didn't let go.
"A kiss is a way to say we'll play nice and not bite," he told her, stepping forward. "I won't bite." He wanted to kiss those lips again, something he had wanted to do since Kunzite's party. He watched with fascination as she nervously licked her lips and couldn't help but to edge a little bit closer to her.
Oh God, what do I do? Usagi's head was a flutter. She wanted like hell to just kiss the damn man but she knew it wasn't wise. Stepping back she shook her head. "Let's just show we're unarmed and start there."
Reluctantly Mamoru let her soft hand go and watched her retreat back a few steps. "Did you bring what they want you to wear?"
"Yes. It's over there," she said, gesturing towards the bag she brought with her.
"Fine. You can change in there," he told her, waving his hand toward the door on her left.
Usagi nodded, grabbed her bag, and walked through the door into his bedroom, closing the door firmly behind her. Drat, her mind cried out, the room's exactly the same. She stared at the bed she had spent exactly one night in and then got her heart torn out in before turning her eyes to the floor. Don't think, she told herself. Just change and get of this room.
To be continued…
Review it now! Or e-mail me! Cosmic@sailormoonfanclub.net
By Cosmic
Hey, I got chapter 5 out relatively fast, especially compared to my other chapters. Thank you for all the e-mails. I loved them! It makes me feel so special to know that someone like my story enough to e-mail me. Keep the e- mail coming! Cosmic@sailormoonfanclub.net This chapter is the same length as the one before it, maybe two or three sentences longer. Hopefully my next chapters will be longer than that. I know my chapters are kind of short… so please read & review! And e-mail me!
Same disclaimers apply.
Chapter 5 ~ Not Posing like That
Usagi stared put the passenger seat window watching the scenery go by. As the little white silver car neared The View she turned her head away and studied her aunt instead. Minako glanced over at her and smiled understandingly before returning her attention to the road.
"You're being awfully quiet," Minako comment a few miles later. Usagi looked out her window and down into the ravine that ran along side the road, wishing she chuck Mamoru and her damned contract into it.
"Usagi?"
"Just thinking… and looking at the scenery. It's a lot different from the busy New York City I'm used to."
Minako nodded, her expression telling Usagi that she knew her niece hadn't been exactly truthful with that answer. Usagi held back her sigh and returned her attention to the ravine. So what if I didn't tell her that I stayed up all night worrying about Mamoru painting me. It's not like she doesn't know anyway. At least she doesn't make a huge deal out of it. Like I am. But God dammit, why does it have to be Mamoru?
"You didn't, by any slight chance, leave any guy in New York did you?" Minako asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had been filling the car.
Usagi couldn't help but grin at Minako. "If you had seen some of the men I dated, you wouldn't even bother asking."
"Oh really? How so?"
"Um, well…" Usagi paused, thinking. "There was this one guy, Diamond, who had the bod of a God. He was a model, and was pretty much the first available guy I met in New York."
"A Godly model hmmm?" Minako wiggled her eyebrows. "He sound like a sexy piece of work."
"Heavens, yes. Totally and utterly gorgeous. And sadly he knew it. The guy had an ego the size of his wallet, which was rather large might I ad. He had a huge gym in his gigantic apartment and all the walls were covered in mirrors so he could watch himself work out. He would lie there on the bench and just stare at his beautiful body. He also had a habit of video taping himself working out and flexing, and making me watch them with him."
Minako giggled. "No!"
"Yes! When I first met him I thought I could happily just stare at him for hours. Unfortunately, he felt the exact same way."
Usagi's aunt snorted as she turned the car onto the highway running along the coastline.
"There was this other man, Taiki, who I met at some fancy party Makoto was throwing. He was cute in a cuddly, older guy kind of way. He was a very intelligent stockbroker, very considerate, intellectual, and had a great sense of humor. Plus he would have discussions with me, not blow me off as a air head model."
"Well, he sounds nice. A real catch."
"He was a good catch, except for the fact that he had already been caught. He had a wife and three children already. Can you believe it? Luckily I found out on our first, and last, date."
Minako burst out laughing. "That's hilarious! Ahh…" Minako shook her head. " But surely there must have been some good guys in the midst of all the losers. I mean New York City is not exactly a small town."
Usagi shrugged. "There were a few…" Like Seiya, she added silently to herself. "But…" She stopped. How could she tell her aunt that there was no one else who could make her go weak in the knees. Who had thick black hair and gorgeous blue eyes. Except for Seiya, but surely he didn't count. Even he didn't make her feel as Mamoru had, and after what happened…
"No one who made your toes curl?"
"Exactly." Seiya was only a toe twitch, yet I would have stayed with him if… Usagi shook her head. It was no use to think about the past now, never mind the fact that she had been doing it since she returned to Moon.
"Minako, did Motoki make your toes curl?"
"Definitely. It was really the only thing he had going for him. But I was so crazy about that man."
"What about Kunzite?"
"Absolutely. And the best kind, because he's also very sweet and very stable." Minako grinned as she turned off the highway and onto a smaller road. "Well, here we are! Finally."
Usagi looked out the window in surprise. All she could see was the road before them and small cluster of mailboxes up ahead. "We're here?"
"Well, not exactly," Minako admitted. "Akio's house is actually up a mile or so, and Mamoru's eight or nine. But we have entered Defillepo."
"Ah…" Usagi nodded and reached behind her into the back seat to start gathering her things.
"Here we are, the actually house. Welcome to your new home for the week," Minako said grinning as she pulled the car into the long driveway and parked in the three car garage.
Usagi grabbed her bag and climbed out of the car. She made her way down the drive and then turned around to look at the two-story house. "It's pretty," she commented. "The windows are nice." Minako nodded.
"I love French windows. The bedrooms face the other side of the house, and they each have a small balcony." She grinned at her niece. "But let's not stand around jabbering about it. Come in."
Usagi followed her aunt into the sitting room, which had comfortable looking couches and a huge stone fireplace.
"There's three bedrooms upstairs, each with it's own bathroom, as well as a small library/study. Over there is the kitchen and dinning area and the bathroom, coat closet, and laundry are to your left. In the basement is the dark room and a small gym," Minako said, gesturing in different directions as she talked.
Usagi looked around in awe. "This place is pretty grand for a vacation home."
"Isn't it though? It surprised me the first time I saw it too. Why don't you go pick at your room while I prepare a snack."
"I'm not really hungry. I think I'm just going to unpack and go to bed."
"Are you sure? At least call Mamoru and tell him that you're here."
"I'll do that," Usagi told her as she made her way upstairs. "This is a nice room," she called down to her aunt.
"Let me guess, it's the pink room."
"How did you know?"
"I know you my dear!"
Usagi shook her head and laid her suitcase on the bed, beginning to unpack. When she finished, she glanced down the hall to phone sitting on a small table. She stared at it, knowing that as much as she would love to put this off, it would be better if she just got it over with. She walked over and picked up the phone, quickly dialing the number on her piece of paper before she lost her nerve. She listened nervously as the phone rang once, twice, three times. I should just hang up, she told herself. And call later. It's obvious no one is home.
"Hello?"
So much for that idea.
"Hello, this is Usagi Tsukino calling. I just wanted to let you know that I've arrived."
There was a brief pause, then he answered. "Good. What time can you come over?"
"Tomorrow morning?"
"We could start in half an hour or so, however long it takes you to get here. There's still a bit of time left."
"No… I… I can't right now, I'm kind of busy getting unpacked and settled in."
"Well I'm busy tomorrow morning," Mamoru replied. "How about if you come over in the afternoon, say one o' clock or so?"
"Fine. Good-bye," Usagi hung up the phone abruptly, not able to handle the call anymore. Damn, why does he have to sound so sexy over the phone? She asked herself, placing a hand on her chest trying to calm her breathing. "Sleep…" she murmured. "I need sleep." Shakily she climbed under the covers and buried herself under them, trying to block out everything that bothered her.
Parking the car, Usagi climbed out and stared at the house in front of her. A large, two-story, redwood house stood in front of her, with two decks on both sides of it and a large porch gracing the front. She knew from her memory that a patio was in the back of the house with steps leading down to the beach. She looked at the house again and tried to still her beating heart. The house was intimidating her more than she would ever admit. And so was the dark haired man lounging on the front porch, obviously waiting for her arrival.
"You're late," Mamoru called as she walked towards him.
Usagi shrugged. She had a lot of trouble getting to sleep last night and she didn't really sleep until 3 A.M. or so. Of course, because of that, she slept in until 12:30. And when she did get up she still had to shower and eat. She couldn't have possibly made until 1:30.
"45 minutes late," he stated bluntly.
Usagi blushed. Ok so it was past 1:30. "Sorry," she murmured as she climbed up the porch stairs and stood in front of him. "I was running a bit a late this morning."
Mamoru stood and stretched, smiling. "It's ok, just don't let it happen again."
She nodded.
"Well, come in and we'll get started." He opened the door and gestured her in before walking in behind her and then leading her up the stairs into his studio. Usagi paused just inside the room, glancing around. The smell of paint, oils and acrylics, turpentine, and fixatives flooded her senses, mixed with the ocean breeze coming in through a window. The scent is the same, Usagi thought, and the room is the same. Oh God, I've walked into a fire pit. Memories of what she and Mamoru actually did in this house started tearing away the little confidence she had built up. Dang it Usagi, get a hold of yourself!
"I thought we could use the throne and the light blue crushed velvet," Mamoru said, thankfully breaking Usagi's train of thought as he pulled out the large chair. She could only nod as he went over to a chest and pulled out a large pile of velvet, which he artfully draped around and over the dais. He spun around suddenly, catching her off guard, smiling at he apparent surprise on her face.
"Ok Usagi, now lets try a pose like this." Carefully he lowered himself in front of the throne and rested his head on one leg, turning his body so he would look sensual and romantic. Usagi blinked at him, recognizing the pose as one that was often used in nudes. What kind of portrait does he think this is? She asked herself. Well, if he thinks it's nude, he's in for a surprise.
"There's a robe in that chest over there you can use when we're aren't painting, all right?" he told her, confirming her thoughts. She blinked again and stared at him. I guess he does think it'll be nude. Right, like I'll ever pose naked for anyone, especially Mamoru Chiba.
"Well that's an original pose," she said sarcastically. "Why don't you add a bear skin rug and fire place while you're at it."
"Hardy har har," Mamoru panned, rolling his eyes. "Since I'm the artist and you're the model, why don't you do this instead of me." Reaching up, he grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto the soft fabric and moved out of the way. Usagi hesitated and then carefully took up the position. It can't hurt to humor the man, she decided. Mamoru scooted in closer, adjusting her shoulder a fraction of an inch and then tilting her chin slightly. Usagi stared at him, her breath caught in her throat.
"Don't move," he whispered huskily and grabbed a piece of chalk on the floor. He leaned over her, drawing chalk lines on the velvet so she would know exactly how to pose again. He's so close, her mind screamed. Too close, way too close! He paused, his face only inches from hers. Their eyes met and Usagi was sure she was going to pass out. I can't take this, she thought frantically. This is too close.
Mamoru must have noticed something in her eyes, because he backed away and stood, clearing his throat. "All right, you can move now."
Usagi slowly rose, eyeing the white dusty marks. "Are you sure about this pose? It seems pretty cliched to me."
"You're the model, I'm the artist remember? You should just pose and not worry about it."
Her temper flared. " I may be the model but that doesn't mean I don't see a crappy played out pose when I see one. I'm not stupid. I'm so sick of being treated like I don't have a brain!"
Mamoru grinned. "Are you now? Well artists are like that you know. We're all bloody dictators. It's like we have a God complex; we're creators and therefore above thee."
The devastating, dazzling, sexy smile he flashed and his point of view on himself made Usagi lose her cold front. Suddenly she found herself laughing with him.
"I'm glad to know that you can still laugh," Mamoru said softly.
"Mamoru, of course I can. Now you being a dictator or not, something has to be done with this pose. It's wrong for this portrait and we both know it."
"Usagi…"
"Look, what if I was standing instead, like this." She walked over and stood one hand at her side, the other lightly resting on the throne's arm, one foot slightly in front of the other.
He eyed the pose critically. "That's it. It's like you are walking towards me, into my arms…" he trailed off. "No, it's to blatant for a nude study."
Usagi raised her eyebrows. Time to get the facts set straight. "You think you've been commissioned to paint me nude?"
"Well, why not?" he asked, smiling. "I think I can handle it. After all, I've been exposed to your charms before. It's unlikely that I'll be unprofessional and run amok."
Usagi glared at him, suddenly angry. It wasn't a joke anymore. Now it was about what had happened, and it was obvious that Mamoru thought what had happened was laughable.
"Don't you think I know that my charms don't make you 'run amok'? It doesn't really matter if they do or not anyway, since I already talked to the company about what kind of painting it would be before you were even chosen to paint this damn portrait. They had wanted it nude, and I said no. I won and especially glad that I did now," Usagi spat out angrily.
"But… oh, hell. Usagi I knew it wasn't a nude. That was made clear when I got the job. It was a joke, though obviously not a very funny one. I thought I'd break the ice, you know, lighten the mood. I'm sorry."
Usagi stared at him, her face set.
"Let's start over." Mamoru stuck out his hand. "Shaking hands is a way to say we're unarmed and can get along without hurting each other."
Usagi stared at his hand, and then reached forward, tentatively grasping his hand. To her chagrin, he kept holding on and didn't let go.
"A kiss is a way to say we'll play nice and not bite," he told her, stepping forward. "I won't bite." He wanted to kiss those lips again, something he had wanted to do since Kunzite's party. He watched with fascination as she nervously licked her lips and couldn't help but to edge a little bit closer to her.
Oh God, what do I do? Usagi's head was a flutter. She wanted like hell to just kiss the damn man but she knew it wasn't wise. Stepping back she shook her head. "Let's just show we're unarmed and start there."
Reluctantly Mamoru let her soft hand go and watched her retreat back a few steps. "Did you bring what they want you to wear?"
"Yes. It's over there," she said, gesturing towards the bag she brought with her.
"Fine. You can change in there," he told her, waving his hand toward the door on her left.
Usagi nodded, grabbed her bag, and walked through the door into his bedroom, closing the door firmly behind her. Drat, her mind cried out, the room's exactly the same. She stared at the bed she had spent exactly one night in and then got her heart torn out in before turning her eyes to the floor. Don't think, she told herself. Just change and get of this room.
To be continued…
Review it now! Or e-mail me! Cosmic@sailormoonfanclub.net