Title: To Call You Mine
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 2
Rating: G
Author's Notes:
Hey! Long time no see, huh? Well, I apologize for my delay in producing new chapters for my fics, but I have personal issues... And I probably won't be writing much over the summer, sorry. But not to worry, I will try my best to write as much as I can... Anyway, enjoy and please, please review! It will help me to write more. Happy reading!
This story is dedicated to my pet hamsters, Luna and Artemis, and all my newfound friends on the Internet, for without their continued support, I would not be writing. Thanks!
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
**************
An awful expression plastered on her now pale face, the shocked girl took a step back. "Why?" Usagi managed to choke out, while at the same time holding back tears that were threatening to spill. "Why can't we make it work? What do Katie and all of them have that I don't?" The words just slipped from her mouth and she put a hand over her mouth to keep herself for saying more. "Gomen," she muttered silently and turned to walk away, embarrassed that Mamoru had seen her so weak, so unable to control herself. Also, the people at the park were certainly entertaining themselves with her little outburst.'Great. What else could go wrong?'
"Wait." His hand clasped over hers and stopped her from leaving. "Just hear me out." Mamoru pleaded, his eyes imploring for her to stay. The words felt alien to his lips. He never had to plead with anyone, much less a girl he hardly knew. Yet, he couldn't bear the thought that he had made Usagi, one of the most cheerful girls he had ever met, sad in any way. No, he wouldn't forgive himself for that.
Mamoru recalled the first time he saw Usagi. They had been classmates for quite some while now, though he barely spared her a glance. Usagi usually kept her distance. He had no idea she felt this way until only a few moments ago. "I just wanted to tell you...what I really mean is...we don't know each other that well, and," he continued, letting loose his grip on her hand when he realized she wasn't going anywhere, "maybe we should just wait until we get to know each better before making any choices that we might regret."
Seeing the confused look on the blonde, he tried to explain more precisely. "Usagi, how can you just know that you like me and stuff..without really knowing what kind of person I am, and everything like that?" he inquired quietly.
Now that made sense to Usagi. She didn't know him well at all, now that she thought of it. He had been the person she admired for so long she could hardly recall the reason why she admired him. "You're right..." she muttered, her eyes down to avoid staring into his eyes.
"Then, why don't we be friends...get to know each better...then see what happens," he suggested.
Usagi contemplated for a brief moment. Mamoru was offering a friendship. The blonde barely had any real friends, so how could she refuse? "I would like that," she answered with a shy smile.
Mamoru, returning her smile, nodded. "Good."
Their eyes met in a brief encounter before Mamoru took hold of her hands once more. They were so warm and soft, he thought to himself but shook it off. "Come on," he said, "I want you to meet someone." He began dragging the blonde with him, Usagi enjoying every second of it. His hands were comforting against hers, making her feel a strange, tingling sensation inside. She couldn't help but blush a bit.
"So where are we going?" she asked, not that she really cared anyway. For all Usagi was concerned, she could stay like this way forever, just the two of them together. "Is it someplace I know?"
"You'll see." he responded over his shoulder. "I want you to meet a friend of mine."
They walked down the streets of Tokyo, Usagi busy chatting with Mamoru, telling him everything about herself. "My bother Shingo is a big pain, but my parents are nice...usually," she chattered on. "And Luna," she stopped for a moment to take a breath, "she's my pet cat and she's really nice to have around. You know, to keep you company and such when you're alone." Usagi then realized Mamoru wasn't saying much of anything and looked up, meeting his eyes. "Is something wrong?" she asked, afraid that maybe she had talked too much, and that he was getting tired of her. "Am I boring you?"
"Iie, of course not," he answered, grinning. "I have to admit though, I have never met a more talkative girl than you."
"Uh..." Usagi scratched her head. "Is that a compliment?"
"In a way." A small laugh escaped his lips, causing the girl to flush prettily.
"Alright then."
They came to a place Mamoru and Usagi were both familiar to. "The arcade center?" Usagi queried. "I've been here before, several times. They have like some of the best milkshakes here," she grinned, licking her soft, pink lips.
"Well, let's go in then." He opened the door for Usagi and she walked in, thanking him with a small smile of gratitude. 'What a gentleman he is,' she contemplated happily, turning around to catch a glance at Mamoru as he went inside himself. His dark bangs were partially covering his midnight blue eyes, giving him a adorable look. Usagi giggled mentally and sighed. 'He is just so...wonderful...'
As they walked up to the counter, a person working there greeted Mamoru. "Hey, long time no see, ne?" the guy with sandy blonde hair and green eyes greeted the dark-haired senior student with a playful pat on his back. "Where were you?"
"I should say the same about you," Mamoru replied with a smirk. "You weren't here every time I came, as I recall."
"So? Your point is?" the guy argued.
Mamoru shook his head and grinned. "Usagi, meet Motoki, my so-called friend here. Motoki, this is my classmate and newfound friend Usagi," Mamoru introduced casually returning Motoki's grin.
Usagi flushed and took Motoki's hand reluctantly and shook it shyly, looking down on the ground. "Nice to meet you," she murmured without looking up.
Motoki chuckled at her bashfulness and winked at Mamoru.
"Do you always bring beautiful friends with you?"
The comment made Usagi blush even harder, into a deep shade of crimson red instead of the pink color. 'I think I'm going to be good friends with this Motoki person.'
"Usually," Mamoru answered. "Well, we're just going to talk for awhile." He gestured to Usagi, meaning that they were going to sit down in one of the booths.
"Of course," Motoki said with a wink. "Take all the time you need. Usagi, it was nice meeting you."
"Same here," Usagi uttered with more confidence. Now that she was getting to know Mamoru and Motoki better, she felt more assured around them. "Ja ne." With a flip of her pigtails, Usagi was gone to sit with Mamoru. Usagi began to see a different side of Mamoru now, and it was not the serious one she had always imagined him to be.
They sat down together in one of the booths by the window, where the two had a clear view of the crowded streets. She tapped the table, clearing her throat once in a while, taking glances at Mamoru when he wasn't noticing. "So," she began, trying to start a conversation, "now that you know almost everything about me...tell me about yourself." she said with a kind smile.
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything."
He was taken back by that yet decided to that Usagi would be trustworthy enough to know his life which was kept secret from the rest of the world... "I'm...an orphan," he began, letting his head hang low. Usagi automatically regretted asking him her question. She felt sorry for him now, wishing that she could help him. Mamoru seemed to in a lot of pain when he told her that, she realized. A big swell of guilt washed over her.
"It must've been hard," she whispered, feeling tears well up in her eyes. Usagi was always one to take other people's pain as her own...especially for Mamoru. She didn't want him to feel any pain or sorrow, just happiness. "I'm sorry...for making you tell me that."
Mamoru then did something Usagi never imagined he would do at a time like this; he grinned. "I never met anyone who would feel that bad for someone else's sob story." He meant for it to be a joke but it turned out to be serious. "Arigato," he said, smiling. "And besides, you didn't make me tell you, I wanted to. You know Usagi, I feel like I can trust you with anything, even though we don't really know each other all too well."
Usagi beamed and nodded. "Me too." She fiddled with her thumb, becoming shy all of a sudden again.
"Want me to finish my story?" Mamoru inquired, though he already knew what her answer would be.
"Hai!" Usagi exclaimed cheerfully, glad that their friendship was working out so far.
"They died in a car crash when I was six...and I lost my memory...so...that makes me a person who it seems like has no past." he finished, sighing. "But I got over it I suppose...I know they wouldn't want me to be grumpy and cold-hearted for the rest of my life because of them."
"Yes, you're right."
They became quiet and Usagi felt nervous. He had just basically told her his whole past and she didn't know what else to say. "Who else knows?" she asked quietly, looking down at the table. "About your past I mean."
"Just you and Motoki...and me of course," he replied.
Motoki walked over all of a sudden and stood behind Usagi, smirking. "You two would make a good couple, you know?" he winked at the blushing pair.
"Motoki!" Usagi whined, lightly hitting him on the shoulder, still blushing.
"Mamoru!" a sharp voice rang out, surprising the threesome. Mamoru, Usagi, and Motoki all turned around to see Kishi walking over to them, smiling her twisted smile. She was wearing a pair of very short jeans and a quite revealing t-shirt with small flowering designs on them. Her long brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore small heart earrings.
She practically ran toward Mamoru, clutching onto his arm like there was no tomorrow. "Where were you?" she purred, not even noticing Usagi sitting there on the other end of the table, looking at her disgustedly, shooting dirty looks her way.
"Hello Kishi," she greeted coldly, not even smiling.
"Usagi," Kishi barely acknowledged her, an eyebrow twitching to get a good look at the girl. "I didn't see you here. Since when did you get here?" she asked rudely, still hanging onto Mamoru's arm like he was her possession. Even though Mamoru shifted uncomfortably and tried to pull away from her strong, clinging grip, she refused to let to.
Usagi felt anger bubbling up in her body, and turning red out of anger, she tried to think of a good comeback. "For your information, I was here with Mamoru, if it is of any of your concern," she shot back with equal harshness and smiled triumphantly at Kishi's shocked look on her face.
"Why I never! How dare you insult me!" Her face was also red now, and Mamoru decided to step in before she could say more, leading her away while he apologized for her obnoxious behavior.
Motoki sat down with a sigh. "I really dislike that girl, especially her attitude. I mean, when will she ever learn to back off and learn some manners?"
Usagi grinned. "Well said Motoki," she replied, tossing back her long pigtails. "So...how long have you been friends with Mamoru?"
Motoki laughed. "A long time," he answered, stressing the word long. "Ever since...I forgot." He scratched his head and shrugged his shoulders.
"That long, huh?" Usagi giggled.
"Hai." There was silence, something that had them both feel uncomfortable.
"I haven't seen you around here," Usagi began to say trying to start up a conversation again, "and I usually come here every few weeks or so."
"Oh." Motoki contemplated what she said. "I can't be here everyday, there is always a time when I'm sick or something. I suppose that's why."
"Yeah..." Usagi said, fiddling with the small bracelet around her wrist.
Motoki glanced over at Mamoru who was still talking with the oh-so-stubborn Kishi, a stern look in his eyes. He then looked over at Usagi, and remembering how well Usagi and Mamoru were getting along, he'd have to admit, Usagi was better and more unique than the other girls that Mamoru had dated before.
"Usagi, I have to say, you are so much different than the other girls." he smiled. "You don't seem to really be so pushy when it comes to Mamoru. You know, pressuring him into liking you and stuff." Seeing the strange look in her eyes, Motoki that he had said it wrong. "Or is it that you just want to be his friend?"
"I...really like him...but...it's better to get to know him better so I'll know for sure, right?"
"Of course. It is always the right choice, to actually know that person, their faults and beliefs and everything. Only then can you really know if they were meant to be or not."
They stopped talking when Mamoru came toward them, Kishi dragging behind him, scowling. Motoki excused himself, saying something about needing to get back to work, knowing Usagi and Mamoru would like to talk more privately. "Goodbye Katie." Mamoru said, gesturing her to leave.
She didn't argue and left, shooting daggers towards Usagi. Yet Usagi didn't care, not a bit. She just waved for good measures, angering the girl even more. Then Usagi realized what time it was, jumping out of her seat in a hurry. "Oh great! I'm late, Mom's going to kill me!"
Mamoru stood up with her. "Can I walk you home?" he offered, and Usagi couldn't resist.
"Sure, if you want."
After biding their goodbyes to Motoki, the two of them left. They silently walked down the walkway side by side. Usagi felt happy that Mamoru was being so nice to her. She had always thought Mamoru was this guy who never really cared about a girl's feelings or anything, since he was so popular, but today her guess was proved wrong.
"Are you taking summer classes?" Mamoru asked, breaking Usagi out of her thoughts?"
"Hai." She grimaced. "The schoolwork is so hard...I wonder if I can manage to pass this year."
"Of course you can," he encouraged lightly, and Usagi immediately felt more confident.
"But algebra is so hard!"
Mamoru stopped walking and looked her straight in the eye. "Is that what's bothering you? "Algebra?"
"Hai."
"Well, why didn't you say so? I can tutor you...algebra is one of my best subjects. I took it last year as well as this year."
Usagi's eyes grew wide. "Really?"
"Sure. How about we start next Monday, if it's alright with your parents."
"Great!"
They came to her house and Usagi insisted that her father was home, and that he wasn't fond of any male person who was seen with her daughter. "He's strict," she added with a slight shiver for emphasis.
Mamoru chuckled. "I understand."
They were silent and Usagi kicked the soft green grass beneath her feet. What was he going to say next?
"Do you have a date to the dance yet?"
Usagi looked down at her feet to hide her embarrassment. "No...you?"
"Iie."
"Nani? I mean, you're one of the most popular guys in school...and you don't have a date yet?" she asked, dumbfounded. 'Wow...' She added silently. 'Maybe we...no, that's impossible.' She shook her head.
"Hai..." Mamoru looked at her, and smiled. She was just so beautiful and vibrant. "Kishi wants me to go with her...but...I don't know, I don't like her. I can't stand her for that matter."
"Then who?"
"Someone you know." His eyes twinkled. "Someone who I barely know, and am regretting to have ignored her for so long now."
With her breath caught up in her throat, she looked up at him. Was this really happening, or was it all just a dream? Could he be possibly talking about...her?
************
Will Usagi be the one Mamoru has in mind? What will happen at the prom? Find out in chapter 3! Okay...*sighs* Not my best, but certainly a chapter, right? Hope you've enjoyed this chapter. I know, I know, you're going, he's going to ask her to the prom after just ONE afternoon talking? Well, it IS my story, and I can do what I want, right? So, besides, it fits into my plot perfectly. As always, PLEASE REVIEW!!!! Or send me an e-mail at LisaZUMstories@aol.com. I know you think this plot is going pretty fast, but...it's not. I'll make sure this plot runs smoothly, and not just rush by. Well, until the next chapter in a few weeks, ja ne!
This story written and posted June 2001, revised July 2001 and October 2002.
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 2
Rating: G
Author's Notes:
Hey! Long time no see, huh? Well, I apologize for my delay in producing new chapters for my fics, but I have personal issues... And I probably won't be writing much over the summer, sorry. But not to worry, I will try my best to write as much as I can... Anyway, enjoy and please, please review! It will help me to write more. Happy reading!
This story is dedicated to my pet hamsters, Luna and Artemis, and all my newfound friends on the Internet, for without their continued support, I would not be writing. Thanks!
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
**************
An awful expression plastered on her now pale face, the shocked girl took a step back. "Why?" Usagi managed to choke out, while at the same time holding back tears that were threatening to spill. "Why can't we make it work? What do Katie and all of them have that I don't?" The words just slipped from her mouth and she put a hand over her mouth to keep herself for saying more. "Gomen," she muttered silently and turned to walk away, embarrassed that Mamoru had seen her so weak, so unable to control herself. Also, the people at the park were certainly entertaining themselves with her little outburst.'Great. What else could go wrong?'
"Wait." His hand clasped over hers and stopped her from leaving. "Just hear me out." Mamoru pleaded, his eyes imploring for her to stay. The words felt alien to his lips. He never had to plead with anyone, much less a girl he hardly knew. Yet, he couldn't bear the thought that he had made Usagi, one of the most cheerful girls he had ever met, sad in any way. No, he wouldn't forgive himself for that.
Mamoru recalled the first time he saw Usagi. They had been classmates for quite some while now, though he barely spared her a glance. Usagi usually kept her distance. He had no idea she felt this way until only a few moments ago. "I just wanted to tell you...what I really mean is...we don't know each other that well, and," he continued, letting loose his grip on her hand when he realized she wasn't going anywhere, "maybe we should just wait until we get to know each better before making any choices that we might regret."
Seeing the confused look on the blonde, he tried to explain more precisely. "Usagi, how can you just know that you like me and stuff..without really knowing what kind of person I am, and everything like that?" he inquired quietly.
Now that made sense to Usagi. She didn't know him well at all, now that she thought of it. He had been the person she admired for so long she could hardly recall the reason why she admired him. "You're right..." she muttered, her eyes down to avoid staring into his eyes.
"Then, why don't we be friends...get to know each better...then see what happens," he suggested.
Usagi contemplated for a brief moment. Mamoru was offering a friendship. The blonde barely had any real friends, so how could she refuse? "I would like that," she answered with a shy smile.
Mamoru, returning her smile, nodded. "Good."
Their eyes met in a brief encounter before Mamoru took hold of her hands once more. They were so warm and soft, he thought to himself but shook it off. "Come on," he said, "I want you to meet someone." He began dragging the blonde with him, Usagi enjoying every second of it. His hands were comforting against hers, making her feel a strange, tingling sensation inside. She couldn't help but blush a bit.
"So where are we going?" she asked, not that she really cared anyway. For all Usagi was concerned, she could stay like this way forever, just the two of them together. "Is it someplace I know?"
"You'll see." he responded over his shoulder. "I want you to meet a friend of mine."
They walked down the streets of Tokyo, Usagi busy chatting with Mamoru, telling him everything about herself. "My bother Shingo is a big pain, but my parents are nice...usually," she chattered on. "And Luna," she stopped for a moment to take a breath, "she's my pet cat and she's really nice to have around. You know, to keep you company and such when you're alone." Usagi then realized Mamoru wasn't saying much of anything and looked up, meeting his eyes. "Is something wrong?" she asked, afraid that maybe she had talked too much, and that he was getting tired of her. "Am I boring you?"
"Iie, of course not," he answered, grinning. "I have to admit though, I have never met a more talkative girl than you."
"Uh..." Usagi scratched her head. "Is that a compliment?"
"In a way." A small laugh escaped his lips, causing the girl to flush prettily.
"Alright then."
They came to a place Mamoru and Usagi were both familiar to. "The arcade center?" Usagi queried. "I've been here before, several times. They have like some of the best milkshakes here," she grinned, licking her soft, pink lips.
"Well, let's go in then." He opened the door for Usagi and she walked in, thanking him with a small smile of gratitude. 'What a gentleman he is,' she contemplated happily, turning around to catch a glance at Mamoru as he went inside himself. His dark bangs were partially covering his midnight blue eyes, giving him a adorable look. Usagi giggled mentally and sighed. 'He is just so...wonderful...'
As they walked up to the counter, a person working there greeted Mamoru. "Hey, long time no see, ne?" the guy with sandy blonde hair and green eyes greeted the dark-haired senior student with a playful pat on his back. "Where were you?"
"I should say the same about you," Mamoru replied with a smirk. "You weren't here every time I came, as I recall."
"So? Your point is?" the guy argued.
Mamoru shook his head and grinned. "Usagi, meet Motoki, my so-called friend here. Motoki, this is my classmate and newfound friend Usagi," Mamoru introduced casually returning Motoki's grin.
Usagi flushed and took Motoki's hand reluctantly and shook it shyly, looking down on the ground. "Nice to meet you," she murmured without looking up.
Motoki chuckled at her bashfulness and winked at Mamoru.
"Do you always bring beautiful friends with you?"
The comment made Usagi blush even harder, into a deep shade of crimson red instead of the pink color. 'I think I'm going to be good friends with this Motoki person.'
"Usually," Mamoru answered. "Well, we're just going to talk for awhile." He gestured to Usagi, meaning that they were going to sit down in one of the booths.
"Of course," Motoki said with a wink. "Take all the time you need. Usagi, it was nice meeting you."
"Same here," Usagi uttered with more confidence. Now that she was getting to know Mamoru and Motoki better, she felt more assured around them. "Ja ne." With a flip of her pigtails, Usagi was gone to sit with Mamoru. Usagi began to see a different side of Mamoru now, and it was not the serious one she had always imagined him to be.
They sat down together in one of the booths by the window, where the two had a clear view of the crowded streets. She tapped the table, clearing her throat once in a while, taking glances at Mamoru when he wasn't noticing. "So," she began, trying to start a conversation, "now that you know almost everything about me...tell me about yourself." she said with a kind smile.
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything."
He was taken back by that yet decided to that Usagi would be trustworthy enough to know his life which was kept secret from the rest of the world... "I'm...an orphan," he began, letting his head hang low. Usagi automatically regretted asking him her question. She felt sorry for him now, wishing that she could help him. Mamoru seemed to in a lot of pain when he told her that, she realized. A big swell of guilt washed over her.
"It must've been hard," she whispered, feeling tears well up in her eyes. Usagi was always one to take other people's pain as her own...especially for Mamoru. She didn't want him to feel any pain or sorrow, just happiness. "I'm sorry...for making you tell me that."
Mamoru then did something Usagi never imagined he would do at a time like this; he grinned. "I never met anyone who would feel that bad for someone else's sob story." He meant for it to be a joke but it turned out to be serious. "Arigato," he said, smiling. "And besides, you didn't make me tell you, I wanted to. You know Usagi, I feel like I can trust you with anything, even though we don't really know each other all too well."
Usagi beamed and nodded. "Me too." She fiddled with her thumb, becoming shy all of a sudden again.
"Want me to finish my story?" Mamoru inquired, though he already knew what her answer would be.
"Hai!" Usagi exclaimed cheerfully, glad that their friendship was working out so far.
"They died in a car crash when I was six...and I lost my memory...so...that makes me a person who it seems like has no past." he finished, sighing. "But I got over it I suppose...I know they wouldn't want me to be grumpy and cold-hearted for the rest of my life because of them."
"Yes, you're right."
They became quiet and Usagi felt nervous. He had just basically told her his whole past and she didn't know what else to say. "Who else knows?" she asked quietly, looking down at the table. "About your past I mean."
"Just you and Motoki...and me of course," he replied.
Motoki walked over all of a sudden and stood behind Usagi, smirking. "You two would make a good couple, you know?" he winked at the blushing pair.
"Motoki!" Usagi whined, lightly hitting him on the shoulder, still blushing.
"Mamoru!" a sharp voice rang out, surprising the threesome. Mamoru, Usagi, and Motoki all turned around to see Kishi walking over to them, smiling her twisted smile. She was wearing a pair of very short jeans and a quite revealing t-shirt with small flowering designs on them. Her long brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore small heart earrings.
She practically ran toward Mamoru, clutching onto his arm like there was no tomorrow. "Where were you?" she purred, not even noticing Usagi sitting there on the other end of the table, looking at her disgustedly, shooting dirty looks her way.
"Hello Kishi," she greeted coldly, not even smiling.
"Usagi," Kishi barely acknowledged her, an eyebrow twitching to get a good look at the girl. "I didn't see you here. Since when did you get here?" she asked rudely, still hanging onto Mamoru's arm like he was her possession. Even though Mamoru shifted uncomfortably and tried to pull away from her strong, clinging grip, she refused to let to.
Usagi felt anger bubbling up in her body, and turning red out of anger, she tried to think of a good comeback. "For your information, I was here with Mamoru, if it is of any of your concern," she shot back with equal harshness and smiled triumphantly at Kishi's shocked look on her face.
"Why I never! How dare you insult me!" Her face was also red now, and Mamoru decided to step in before she could say more, leading her away while he apologized for her obnoxious behavior.
Motoki sat down with a sigh. "I really dislike that girl, especially her attitude. I mean, when will she ever learn to back off and learn some manners?"
Usagi grinned. "Well said Motoki," she replied, tossing back her long pigtails. "So...how long have you been friends with Mamoru?"
Motoki laughed. "A long time," he answered, stressing the word long. "Ever since...I forgot." He scratched his head and shrugged his shoulders.
"That long, huh?" Usagi giggled.
"Hai." There was silence, something that had them both feel uncomfortable.
"I haven't seen you around here," Usagi began to say trying to start up a conversation again, "and I usually come here every few weeks or so."
"Oh." Motoki contemplated what she said. "I can't be here everyday, there is always a time when I'm sick or something. I suppose that's why."
"Yeah..." Usagi said, fiddling with the small bracelet around her wrist.
Motoki glanced over at Mamoru who was still talking with the oh-so-stubborn Kishi, a stern look in his eyes. He then looked over at Usagi, and remembering how well Usagi and Mamoru were getting along, he'd have to admit, Usagi was better and more unique than the other girls that Mamoru had dated before.
"Usagi, I have to say, you are so much different than the other girls." he smiled. "You don't seem to really be so pushy when it comes to Mamoru. You know, pressuring him into liking you and stuff." Seeing the strange look in her eyes, Motoki that he had said it wrong. "Or is it that you just want to be his friend?"
"I...really like him...but...it's better to get to know him better so I'll know for sure, right?"
"Of course. It is always the right choice, to actually know that person, their faults and beliefs and everything. Only then can you really know if they were meant to be or not."
They stopped talking when Mamoru came toward them, Kishi dragging behind him, scowling. Motoki excused himself, saying something about needing to get back to work, knowing Usagi and Mamoru would like to talk more privately. "Goodbye Katie." Mamoru said, gesturing her to leave.
She didn't argue and left, shooting daggers towards Usagi. Yet Usagi didn't care, not a bit. She just waved for good measures, angering the girl even more. Then Usagi realized what time it was, jumping out of her seat in a hurry. "Oh great! I'm late, Mom's going to kill me!"
Mamoru stood up with her. "Can I walk you home?" he offered, and Usagi couldn't resist.
"Sure, if you want."
After biding their goodbyes to Motoki, the two of them left. They silently walked down the walkway side by side. Usagi felt happy that Mamoru was being so nice to her. She had always thought Mamoru was this guy who never really cared about a girl's feelings or anything, since he was so popular, but today her guess was proved wrong.
"Are you taking summer classes?" Mamoru asked, breaking Usagi out of her thoughts?"
"Hai." She grimaced. "The schoolwork is so hard...I wonder if I can manage to pass this year."
"Of course you can," he encouraged lightly, and Usagi immediately felt more confident.
"But algebra is so hard!"
Mamoru stopped walking and looked her straight in the eye. "Is that what's bothering you? "Algebra?"
"Hai."
"Well, why didn't you say so? I can tutor you...algebra is one of my best subjects. I took it last year as well as this year."
Usagi's eyes grew wide. "Really?"
"Sure. How about we start next Monday, if it's alright with your parents."
"Great!"
They came to her house and Usagi insisted that her father was home, and that he wasn't fond of any male person who was seen with her daughter. "He's strict," she added with a slight shiver for emphasis.
Mamoru chuckled. "I understand."
They were silent and Usagi kicked the soft green grass beneath her feet. What was he going to say next?
"Do you have a date to the dance yet?"
Usagi looked down at her feet to hide her embarrassment. "No...you?"
"Iie."
"Nani? I mean, you're one of the most popular guys in school...and you don't have a date yet?" she asked, dumbfounded. 'Wow...' She added silently. 'Maybe we...no, that's impossible.' She shook her head.
"Hai..." Mamoru looked at her, and smiled. She was just so beautiful and vibrant. "Kishi wants me to go with her...but...I don't know, I don't like her. I can't stand her for that matter."
"Then who?"
"Someone you know." His eyes twinkled. "Someone who I barely know, and am regretting to have ignored her for so long now."
With her breath caught up in her throat, she looked up at him. Was this really happening, or was it all just a dream? Could he be possibly talking about...her?
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Will Usagi be the one Mamoru has in mind? What will happen at the prom? Find out in chapter 3! Okay...*sighs* Not my best, but certainly a chapter, right? Hope you've enjoyed this chapter. I know, I know, you're going, he's going to ask her to the prom after just ONE afternoon talking? Well, it IS my story, and I can do what I want, right? So, besides, it fits into my plot perfectly. As always, PLEASE REVIEW!!!! Or send me an e-mail at LisaZUMstories@aol.com. I know you think this plot is going pretty fast, but...it's not. I'll make sure this plot runs smoothly, and not just rush by. Well, until the next chapter in a few weeks, ja ne!
This story written and posted June 2001, revised July 2001 and October 2002.