Holding - part 2
By Henra
HenraM@tuxedomask.com
PG rated
Yes, yes, there is a part two after all! Lol. But seriously, I
didn't take THAT long…
Part two's gonna have some background information--I think
(and hope) that you'll know how Mamoru's life basically is like
afterwards.
Visit my website, please!
http://www6.brinkster.com/moonieround
A whole new start…
Done in by a mistake…
He was happy.
She seemed to be…
Seemed. To be.
Part two
"Hello?" Mamoru said into the phone, sitting down tiredly.
"Hello, is Ami there?" Feminine voice. Soft, respectful.
Mamoru frowned. "I think you got the wrong number. There's no Ami
here." His hand still curled around the receiver.
For some reason--perhaps a certain inner voice, stopped him from
saying goodbye. There was an odd familiarity about the person's voice.
"Uh-sorry, I guess." Slight pause. No trying to hang up on her
part, either.
He racked his brain, hoping to come up with a face for the
voice. His eyes widened as realization dawned. "U-Usagi?"
"Mamoru?" The faintest laughter. "Is that you?"
He chuckled, incredulous. "Yeah. I don't believe it. You've
actually reached me without doing it consciously. What number does
this Ami person have?"
"2769022."
"Pretty close. I have 2769922."
"Incredible." She laughed lightly, saying the word with real
astonishment.
He shook his head slowly, disbelievingly, answering, "Yeah, I
know. So, um--what's up?"
"Nothing really--I just wanted to ask Ami about an assignment."
"Oh. Is it urgent?"
"Kinda. It's due tomorrow."
He didn't want to get off the phone. At least, not before he got
hold of her number. "What is the assignment? Maybe I can help."
"Are you smart?"
He lifted an eyebrow in surprise. Such a simple question, yet it
puzzled him at the way she could throw skepticism into it and make him
feel so inferior. He almost wanted to prove himself to her by informing
her of his grades. He cleared his throat, drawing his voice. "Just tell
me the problem. I'll see if I can help."
Slight hesitation. "Okay. It's a math question."
He grinned. Math was his best subject. "Shoot."
Fifteen minutes passed by, and finally he heard the
understanding in her voice. Breathing a sigh of relief, his shoulders
relaxed, and he asked with a smile, "Got it?"
"Yeah. I can't believe I didn't see it before…it seems so simple
now," she breathed incredulously. There was silence for a few seconds,
as he heard the quiet sound of lead scratching on paper.
He used the moment to think of a correct way to ask her out.
Unfortunately, there was no idea in his head--he hardly knew her, how
was he supposed to tell what she liked? His brows scrunched together,
and sweat dampened his hands.
So into his thoughts, he didn't notice that she had spoken until
the third time she called his name--impatiently. "Mamoru!"
He snapped, jolted by the annoyance in her voice, and he quickly
muttered an apology. "Sorry, I was thinking of something."
"Something along the lines of…a girl?" Annoyance gone,
playfulness in.
His eyes lit up. What a perfect opening she had given, without
knowing it. "Yes, actually."
"Rei?"
He frowned, confusion knocking at his head. "What? Rei? No,
she's just a friend--I'm not interested in her that way." He tried to
determine why Usagi would say Rei's name…had he shown any kind of a
sign…?
"Oh, right." Definite doubt. "But anyways, who is it then?"
He moistened his lips. No trying to predict her reaction, he
knew he would be wrong. "You would be surprised." He let his words
be light.
"No, I'm sure I wouldn't be."
He was taken back by the force of certainty she expressed.
Shaking himself clear of the surprise, he smiled and asked instead, "I
wouldn't be so sure." He drew courage. "Are you going anywhere on
Friday night?"
"Are you asking me out?"
"Maybe. I'm still trying to figure that out myself."
"Well, don't," she replied shortly.
"Why not?"
"Because I'll say no."
Slight hurt from her firm rejection made its cutting way into
his heart. He swallowed the frog in his throat, forcing his tone to be
relaxed. "Now that hurts me. Have I lost my charms?"
"I don't know. Maybe I'm just immune to them." It was hard to
tell whether she was joking or not.
Again, hurt. Except this time it was deeper. He had always
disliked girls who were quick with their mouths. Why was her case any
different? Still, he pressed on, despite it all. "If I was Yushiga,
would you have said yes?"
"You're not Yushiga. I have no way of answering that question."
Pure aloofness.
He sighed. "Then…pretend. You can do that, can't you?" He had
no idea why he kept dwelling on the subject--it was clear Usagi had
sent her message.
"Mamoru…you shouldn't go out with me. I'm not your type."
He almost laughed out loud. That was exactly what was on his
"cons" list--she hit right on target. "You've only known me for two
days."
"And I've already realized that the chance of us ending up
together is next to zero."
"Whoever said that all relationships last?" I must like her more
than I think, he realized. He never had a conversation that lasted this
long if he was asking a girl out.
"You don't seem like the 'fling' type."
"Again with the types. Why can't you just accept my invitation,
like a normal person?" The question involuntarily rolled out of his
mouth. He was annoyed that he had let his frustration slip through with
it.
She merely laughed. "Haven't you figured it out? I'm not normal.
I'm sure your friends have talked about me, and specifically indicated
that point."
He remembered. And yes, they had. A half-smile spread across his
face. "I have to hand it to you--you weren't kidding when you said you
were a good observer."
"It helps a lot with my life." And then she laughed, so genuine,
so lighthearted, it went straight to his heart.
He opened his lips to utter words, but she cut in, hurried.
"Mom's calling me for dinner. I'll see you tomorrow." She clicked off.
He sat staring at the phone in his hand, amazed at how she
managed to slip away so quickly.
Then he shook his head, a full smile stretching his lips
helplessly.
* * *
Seven hundred dollars. Mamoru stared at the money for a moment,
then stuffed it back in the envelope. He pulled open his desk drawer
and placed the money under a pile of papers. Sighing, he sat down on
the bed and closed his eyes.
Right on time. He glanced over at the calendar hanging on his
wall. Sunday. His aunt and uncle never missed it, almost as if they
had a timer that went off on the first Sunday of every month, telling
them to mail seven hundred dollars to their nephew.
He got up and walked to the kitchen. He didn't need the money
really--he had a job. A job that gave him enough money to last on his
own. Yet, his aunt and uncle insisted. Always saying something like,
"You're barely 17, you should be going out with your friends on the
days you're supposed to work." Or, "We can take care of you--we're
family."
He rolled his eyes as he pulled out a cold soda. He popped the
top, and gulped down practically one-third of it with one breath.
Yeah, of course--with their money, he could buy more things, get more
stuff that he liked and wanted--wouldn't have to save coupons like
some madman. Sure, he could use the luxury, but he always felt as if
he was in his aunt and uncle's debt. He didn't like that feeling.
He always kept the seven hundred nonetheless, occasionally
pulling out a hundred bill--but he always reported back to his aunt.
Always told her how much he had used. He didn't like that, either--
having to report to someone. His aunt had never asked him to, of
course, but it was just something he started doing a long time ago,
and it would seem weird stopping it all of a sudden.
He finished the soda, crushed the can in his fist, and tossed
it into the trash. He never bothered with recycling.
He went back into the bedroom, and looked at a framed picture
on top of his drawer. He was barely six when the picture was taken.
Both his parents looked so happy, and he too--a big smile seemed to
be glued on his childish face. It was one of his favorite pictures.
"Oh hell no…" Tears gathered in his eyes, and he quickly
blinked, wetting his eyelashes. He wiped the dampness away with the
back of his hand.
He glanced at his backpack. By the bed, lying listlessly. Damn.
He still had homework. With a grunt, he lugged his bag across the
floor to where he sat before the desk, and unzipped it.
* * *
The last bell of the day rang.
Mamoru, along with the rest of the class, immediately began to
gather books and stuffing them into backpacks; the noises blocked out
the last words of the faltering teacher. All he heard was "Pages 127
to 135!"
He said goodbyes to a few friends in the class, and then
quickened his steps toward the way to gym. His heavy backpack
hindered his moves, and he frowned in annoyance. As he rounded a
corner, someone brushed against him, and he felt the soft touch of
delicate hair tickling his arm momentarily. He stopped.
She noticed him at the same time. "Mamoru."
He smiled reservedly. "Hey." His heart began to hammer
involuntarily, and he controlled every muscle in his face, so as not
to betray his feelings.
"Going home?" Usagi asked, adjusting the strap of her backpack.
"No, I'm staying after school for the volunteer thing."
Her eyes met his, and they revealed a flicker of interest.
"Really? Anyone else you know who's also doing it?"
He used his fingers to show the number of names as he told her.
"Motoki, Minako, I don't think Sairu's going…Rei--"
"Rei's volunteering?" A smirk formed on her face, and she raised
her eyebrows.
"Yeah." He was perplexed; she managed to somehow include contempt
in her voice, and he couldn't figure out why.
She looked away for a minute, obviously thinking about something.
He used the chance to look at her, to take in her full beauty. He
wanted to run his fingers down her golden hair, to brush his hand
across her cheeks…
"I'll stay too."
The sudden sound of her voice startled him. It took a moment
before her words registered in his mind. His heart missed a beat.
"You are going to help out?"
She smiled slightly, shrugging. "I'm new to this school, and I
guess this is a chance for me to meet new people or something, right?"
He couldn't resist smiling back, barely able to hold back his
happiness. "We're supposed to meet in the gym. So, let's get going."
She nodded. "Come on then, guide the way." As she waited for him
to take the lead, he caught a fleeting look in her eyes that confused,
and, slightly chilled him. He didn't dwell on it; he was immediately
busied with trying to come up ways to make conversation.
"Damn, never realized this many people could want to help out,"
Usagi remarked as she and Mamoru walked through the double door into
the gym.
He looked around. People were scattered throughout the area,
huddled in their own groups, their faces animated as their mouths
moved excitedly. The chatting noises filled up the room with an
indistinctive buzz. He spotted Rei, and wasn't surprised when he
caught Motoki's eyes. His friend never missed a chance to do charity.
Motoki waved them over. "I was wondering where you were," he
said with a lopsided grin. He turned his eyes to Usagi. "I have to
admit, this was the last place I'd expect you to be after school,
Usagi. But I'm glad I was wrong."
Usagi smiled back good-naturedly, shrugging her shoulders. "I
wouldn't miss a chance like this for anything."
Mamoru felt a slight uneasiness hearing her words, as if he
had a feeling she was lying. He shook it off, and then faced Rei.
"Just stand there, and don't say hi," he said with purposeful
criticism.
Rei let out a small laugh, and said immediately, "Hey."
He grinned. "So what has been going on with you?"
"Nothing much, really," she admitted in a bored tone, "at least
nothing that will interest you."
"Don't be miserable--I'm not used to that."
She managed a brief smile back. "I'm actually using time after
school to volunteer…that should tell you how bored I am with life. I
wish there were something to make it more interesting…" As she said
this, her eyes flickered with something, and she glanced at Usagi for
a split second.
Mamoru noticed Usagi arch an eyebrow amusedly. "Well, maybe you
should go out more with friends to places," he supplied helpfully.
Rei's eyes widened visibly, but she immediately lowered them
again, silent.
A single flashback zoomed past his mind.
'Who do you like?'
'Ma…Mamoru.'
He looked at Rei now, a new feeling of uneasiness crawling into
him. He couldn't find anything more to say, as if he was tongue-tied.
Somehow his eyes darted to Usagi, and met her gaze easily. There
was a soft, thoughtful look on her face, and her eyes were clear, her
face serene. It was as if she was studying him silently.
"Okay--a woman just walked in. I think she's in charge of this
whole thing." Motoki spoke up, clearing his throat awkwardly.
Mamoru turned his body to face the woman who was holding a
clipboard, her face set in determination. He felt eyes on his back,
and he knew whose they were.
"All right, listen up! Will everyone go and sit on that section
of benches over there so I can start?" She pointed with her free hand,
raising her eyebrows.
In matter of five minutes everyone had settled down.
Mamoru was seated between Usagi and Rei, although he honestly
did not know how he ended up there. He stilled his right leg, the leg
that was only an inch away from Usagi's.
The woman, whose name was too long to remember, started to shout
out instructions while Mamoru listened half-heartedly. He wasn't
worried; there were plenty of things to do.
"And all right, everybody! Thank you for staying, and now let's
get to work!" Her last words boomed over the large group of students,
and she flashed everyone a pearly white smile before turning to go,
scribbling something on her clipboard.
The students began to stand up, and Mamoru raised his eyebrows,
uncertain.
"Well come on--you heard the teacher." Usagi grabbed his hand,
and led him down the benches, their shoes squeaking on the waxed
wooden floor.
Mamoru was beyond surprised. But not so surprised that he
forgot about his other friends. "Wait up for Motoki." He struggled
with himself; he didn't want to take his hand out of hers.
"Mamoru! Mamoru!"
He and Usagi both turned, and he found himself smiling at the
sight of Minako walking toward him. It was hard nowadays to find
someone whose eyes never failed to shine. "Hey--I knew you'd be here.
You couldn't stop talking about it."
Minako grinned, flipping her long hair over her shoulder. "So,
what are you gonna do?"
He frowned. "What?"
"Oh--we're gonna paint over the railings. It seems fun," Usagi
said, a smile softening her face.
Mamoru looked at her, and he could only nod when she turned her
blue eyes to him expectantly. "Yeah, yeah."
Minako flashed a smile at Usagi. "Hi, I don't think we've met.
I'm Aino Minako."
"Tsukino Usagi. Nice to meet you."
"You too. I'll be making the posters for upcoming events, with
my friends, of course. So I guess--I'll see you guys later." Minako
hurried away, waving a hand briefly.
Mamoru turned to Usagi. Again there was that thoughtful look in
her eyes, and he stared at her, the words now lost in his head.
At last she looked at him. She smiled lightly, and said, "Let's
go work on those railings."
He nodded, but turned back to try and spot Motoki and Rei. They
weren't in sight. Figuring they already found something to do, he
followed Usagi's lead.
Arriving at the railings, he noticed instantly the buckets of
paint and brushes sitting on the ground. He looked around, but
apparently there wasn't anyone else that was also doing this. He
glanced at Usagi, and almost immediately, her eyes turned to his.
She lifted a corner of her lips. "Guess it's just the two of
us."
"Guess so," he replied, his voice clear. A thought occurred to
him, and he turned to her, an eyebrow slanted. "You know…we might
get paint on our clothes. Maybe we should switch to something else,
like--"
"Like filing papers and making posters? I don't think so." She
rolled her eyes, and gestured toward her t-shirt. "I don't really
like this shirt anyways, and I have tons of jeans like this one." She
looked up at him, a smile in her eyes. "What about you? Can't have
stains on your precious clothes, or what?"
The sudden urge to turn defensive seeped into him, but he smiled
lopsidedly. "Nah. I have a good washing machine at home."
She laughed. Picking up a bucket from the ground, she wrinkled
her nose as it caught the scent of the brown paint. "Well, might as
well get started now." A look of uncertainty crossed her features,
but it was quickly wiped away as she shook the hair out of her face.
He watched as she grabbed a brush and walked to the end of the
railings. She set the bucket down, and slowly dipped the brush into
it. Then, quickly realizing that he was staring motionlessly, he
swiftly picked up the other brush and walked to her.
"So…" he started, feeling like a dork. He wetted the brush
with paint, and began to coat the railing smoothly. He silently
waited for a reply.
He saw her smile. "So…what? We should really do a good job on
this."
"Yeah." He chuckled. "Think how funny it'd be if any of the
students messed up on something. And no one will be able to blame
the person--because it's just volunteer."
She laughed. For the next few minutes there was only silence.
Her voice surprised him--soft, doubtful. "Mamoru…?"
"Yeah?" He brushed over a cracked part on the railing, and
moved his feet to go to another position. His ears perked up
unconsciously.
"Do you still wanna go out with me?"
Whatever he was expecting, it definitely was not this. He was
so surprised his hand stilled, and paint oozed down the brush,
gathered on the railing, and then dripped down onto his pants.
Noticing the new brown spot on his dark pants, he jumped up,
practically knocking over the paint bucket.
Feeling embarrassed and flustered, he stared down on his pants,
his cheeks warming. "Uh…" The words could not form.
Looking at him with amusement, Usagi finally giggled, shaking
her head. "Wow. I hadn't expected a reaction quite like this."
His pride took control, and he cleared his throat. Managing a
grin, he replied, "Well, it's not everyday that a girl asks a guy
out. Although, I'm not sure you ARE asking me."
She lowered her eyes, her hand moving the brush. "I am," she
said.
His heart leapt. Suppressing the urge to stretch his lips into
a huge grin, he bent down at the place where he left off the paint.
As he started to work again, he calmed slowly. "Okay…since that's
cleared…"
"Do you really want me to ask you out AND set the time and
place?" Usagi questioned, her tone light and full of amusement.
"No, how can I ever burden you with such challenging subjects?"
He was surprised that he still was able to come back with a reply.
She laughed. "Well, then?"
He thought for a moment. "Saturday night, seven o'clock. Dare
I say…the movies?" He caught her fleeting intense gaze. He almost
faltered, realizing that she was studying him.
But her sudden smile knocked over whatever suspicion that had
stood in his mind. "Then it's set!"
He grinned back, savoring the moment.
"Whoa! What's with the cologne?" Motoki exclaimed, waving a hand
in the air.
Mamoru turned from the mirror, his eyes round. He looked behind
his friend, then looked back, and asked incredulously, "How the hell
did you get in here?"
Motoki laughed. "You asked me to return your book by today,
remember? So I thought I'd drop by--and your door was open, so I just
came in. Didn't know you were making yourself pretty, otherwise I'd
stay out."
Mamoru rolled his eyes. "Just go sit in the living room. Or
better yet--put the book on my desk, and leave." He faced the mirror
again.
"Nuh-uh, I'm not budging." Motoki crossed his arms, a grin
forming on his face. "What's up, anyway? Cologne? Isn't that a little
bit too much?"
"Why? I'm going out--why is it too much if I don't feel like
smelling like a stink rat?"
"I've never seen you wear cologne ANYWHERE except to formal
dances. What's so important about tonight?"
Mamoru didn't answer. He touched his hair, and wondered if it
was too tousled. "Does my hair look…windswept?"
"Whoa, you're worried about your HAIR now?" Motoki came to
stand next to his friend, and touched a hand to Mamoru's forehead.
"What's WRONG with you?"
He grunted, and flung away Motoki's hand. "I'm going to the
movies with Usagi tonight."
"Aaah…" Motoki exhaled. "And here I thought I might have to
carry you to the hospital to have a serious checkup." He walked away
and sat down on the bed with a hard thump. "So Usagi's the reason.
What time are you picking her up?"
"We are meeting in front of the theater. She said she doesn't
need to be picked up."
Motoki raised an eyebrow. "That's weird. Most girls love to be
honked out the door by handsome guys with clothes sprayed of cologne."
"Would you stop it? So she wants to meet me there, what's so
bad about that? I don't even have to worry about meeting her
parents." Mamoru smiled, relaxing a bit. He took one last glance at
himself, and then walked out of the bedroom.
Motoki followed. "Your book's on the sofa." He headed toward the
door. "I'm leaving. Good luck tonight." He pulled at the doorknob, and
stepped outside. "And with a girl like Usagi--you'll need it."
The door closed with a bang. Mamoru stood there, the scent of
his only cologne surrounding his nostrils.
He swerved into the parking lot. Sitting still on the seat for
a moment, he told himself to stop being so jittery. She was just a
girl. Yes, just a normal girl.
He got out of his car, his old, shriveled car that desperately
needed to be replaced. He pulled at the handle after he closed the
door, making sure that he locked it. Adjusting his shirt, he walked
toward the front doors of the theater, half-expecting Usagi to be
there, waiting. When he got there, all he saw was two lines of people,
and a few chatty groups here and there. No Usagi.
He leaned against one of the big posts, his eyes daring around
the street before him.
He glanced at his watch. 7:01.
7:15. Mamoru looked at his watch once more. She was fifteen
minutes late.
He started to walk around, wondering what was keeping her.
Fifteen minutes wasn't that big a deal, at least now he knew how
punctual she was. He smiled lopsidedly. He would just remember that
he didn't need to be so on-time next time.
Next time? Was there gonna be a next time? He shook his head,
half annoyed at himself. Their "first" time hadn't even started, and
he was already thinking about a "second" time?
He unbuttoned the second button on his shirt, letting the night
air brush against his skin. He waited.
7:22. He began to get worried. She was almost half an hour late.
No matter how disorganized she was, she couldn't be so sloppy as to
miss twenty-two minutes. He ran a hand through his hair. Or maybe
something happened to her. That thought grew on him. What if she got
involved in an accident? Then, almost immediately, he mentally smacked
himself. What was he doing, cursing her?
Calm down, calm down, he thought.
And still. He waited.
7:46. He had the urge to throw his fist against the glass door.
Where the hell was she? Was he being stood up? Was he? He paced around,
watching the two lines get shorter.
7:52. He stared at his watch. Cursed his watch. Took one last
glance at the road. And then he left, disgusted.
***
Hehe. Bet you reaaaalllly wanna know what happens next.
No really.
Anyways! Emails, emails, and more emails! My inbox hasn't been as
"filled" as it had been before…I'm getting lonely. =)
http://www6.brinkster.com/moonieround
By Henra
HenraM@tuxedomask.com
PG rated
Yes, yes, there is a part two after all! Lol. But seriously, I
didn't take THAT long…
Part two's gonna have some background information--I think
(and hope) that you'll know how Mamoru's life basically is like
afterwards.
Visit my website, please!
http://www6.brinkster.com/moonieround
A whole new start…
Done in by a mistake…
He was happy.
She seemed to be…
Seemed. To be.
Part two
"Hello?" Mamoru said into the phone, sitting down tiredly.
"Hello, is Ami there?" Feminine voice. Soft, respectful.
Mamoru frowned. "I think you got the wrong number. There's no Ami
here." His hand still curled around the receiver.
For some reason--perhaps a certain inner voice, stopped him from
saying goodbye. There was an odd familiarity about the person's voice.
"Uh-sorry, I guess." Slight pause. No trying to hang up on her
part, either.
He racked his brain, hoping to come up with a face for the
voice. His eyes widened as realization dawned. "U-Usagi?"
"Mamoru?" The faintest laughter. "Is that you?"
He chuckled, incredulous. "Yeah. I don't believe it. You've
actually reached me without doing it consciously. What number does
this Ami person have?"
"2769022."
"Pretty close. I have 2769922."
"Incredible." She laughed lightly, saying the word with real
astonishment.
He shook his head slowly, disbelievingly, answering, "Yeah, I
know. So, um--what's up?"
"Nothing really--I just wanted to ask Ami about an assignment."
"Oh. Is it urgent?"
"Kinda. It's due tomorrow."
He didn't want to get off the phone. At least, not before he got
hold of her number. "What is the assignment? Maybe I can help."
"Are you smart?"
He lifted an eyebrow in surprise. Such a simple question, yet it
puzzled him at the way she could throw skepticism into it and make him
feel so inferior. He almost wanted to prove himself to her by informing
her of his grades. He cleared his throat, drawing his voice. "Just tell
me the problem. I'll see if I can help."
Slight hesitation. "Okay. It's a math question."
He grinned. Math was his best subject. "Shoot."
Fifteen minutes passed by, and finally he heard the
understanding in her voice. Breathing a sigh of relief, his shoulders
relaxed, and he asked with a smile, "Got it?"
"Yeah. I can't believe I didn't see it before…it seems so simple
now," she breathed incredulously. There was silence for a few seconds,
as he heard the quiet sound of lead scratching on paper.
He used the moment to think of a correct way to ask her out.
Unfortunately, there was no idea in his head--he hardly knew her, how
was he supposed to tell what she liked? His brows scrunched together,
and sweat dampened his hands.
So into his thoughts, he didn't notice that she had spoken until
the third time she called his name--impatiently. "Mamoru!"
He snapped, jolted by the annoyance in her voice, and he quickly
muttered an apology. "Sorry, I was thinking of something."
"Something along the lines of…a girl?" Annoyance gone,
playfulness in.
His eyes lit up. What a perfect opening she had given, without
knowing it. "Yes, actually."
"Rei?"
He frowned, confusion knocking at his head. "What? Rei? No,
she's just a friend--I'm not interested in her that way." He tried to
determine why Usagi would say Rei's name…had he shown any kind of a
sign…?
"Oh, right." Definite doubt. "But anyways, who is it then?"
He moistened his lips. No trying to predict her reaction, he
knew he would be wrong. "You would be surprised." He let his words
be light.
"No, I'm sure I wouldn't be."
He was taken back by the force of certainty she expressed.
Shaking himself clear of the surprise, he smiled and asked instead, "I
wouldn't be so sure." He drew courage. "Are you going anywhere on
Friday night?"
"Are you asking me out?"
"Maybe. I'm still trying to figure that out myself."
"Well, don't," she replied shortly.
"Why not?"
"Because I'll say no."
Slight hurt from her firm rejection made its cutting way into
his heart. He swallowed the frog in his throat, forcing his tone to be
relaxed. "Now that hurts me. Have I lost my charms?"
"I don't know. Maybe I'm just immune to them." It was hard to
tell whether she was joking or not.
Again, hurt. Except this time it was deeper. He had always
disliked girls who were quick with their mouths. Why was her case any
different? Still, he pressed on, despite it all. "If I was Yushiga,
would you have said yes?"
"You're not Yushiga. I have no way of answering that question."
Pure aloofness.
He sighed. "Then…pretend. You can do that, can't you?" He had
no idea why he kept dwelling on the subject--it was clear Usagi had
sent her message.
"Mamoru…you shouldn't go out with me. I'm not your type."
He almost laughed out loud. That was exactly what was on his
"cons" list--she hit right on target. "You've only known me for two
days."
"And I've already realized that the chance of us ending up
together is next to zero."
"Whoever said that all relationships last?" I must like her more
than I think, he realized. He never had a conversation that lasted this
long if he was asking a girl out.
"You don't seem like the 'fling' type."
"Again with the types. Why can't you just accept my invitation,
like a normal person?" The question involuntarily rolled out of his
mouth. He was annoyed that he had let his frustration slip through with
it.
She merely laughed. "Haven't you figured it out? I'm not normal.
I'm sure your friends have talked about me, and specifically indicated
that point."
He remembered. And yes, they had. A half-smile spread across his
face. "I have to hand it to you--you weren't kidding when you said you
were a good observer."
"It helps a lot with my life." And then she laughed, so genuine,
so lighthearted, it went straight to his heart.
He opened his lips to utter words, but she cut in, hurried.
"Mom's calling me for dinner. I'll see you tomorrow." She clicked off.
He sat staring at the phone in his hand, amazed at how she
managed to slip away so quickly.
Then he shook his head, a full smile stretching his lips
helplessly.
* * *
Seven hundred dollars. Mamoru stared at the money for a moment,
then stuffed it back in the envelope. He pulled open his desk drawer
and placed the money under a pile of papers. Sighing, he sat down on
the bed and closed his eyes.
Right on time. He glanced over at the calendar hanging on his
wall. Sunday. His aunt and uncle never missed it, almost as if they
had a timer that went off on the first Sunday of every month, telling
them to mail seven hundred dollars to their nephew.
He got up and walked to the kitchen. He didn't need the money
really--he had a job. A job that gave him enough money to last on his
own. Yet, his aunt and uncle insisted. Always saying something like,
"You're barely 17, you should be going out with your friends on the
days you're supposed to work." Or, "We can take care of you--we're
family."
He rolled his eyes as he pulled out a cold soda. He popped the
top, and gulped down practically one-third of it with one breath.
Yeah, of course--with their money, he could buy more things, get more
stuff that he liked and wanted--wouldn't have to save coupons like
some madman. Sure, he could use the luxury, but he always felt as if
he was in his aunt and uncle's debt. He didn't like that feeling.
He always kept the seven hundred nonetheless, occasionally
pulling out a hundred bill--but he always reported back to his aunt.
Always told her how much he had used. He didn't like that, either--
having to report to someone. His aunt had never asked him to, of
course, but it was just something he started doing a long time ago,
and it would seem weird stopping it all of a sudden.
He finished the soda, crushed the can in his fist, and tossed
it into the trash. He never bothered with recycling.
He went back into the bedroom, and looked at a framed picture
on top of his drawer. He was barely six when the picture was taken.
Both his parents looked so happy, and he too--a big smile seemed to
be glued on his childish face. It was one of his favorite pictures.
"Oh hell no…" Tears gathered in his eyes, and he quickly
blinked, wetting his eyelashes. He wiped the dampness away with the
back of his hand.
He glanced at his backpack. By the bed, lying listlessly. Damn.
He still had homework. With a grunt, he lugged his bag across the
floor to where he sat before the desk, and unzipped it.
* * *
The last bell of the day rang.
Mamoru, along with the rest of the class, immediately began to
gather books and stuffing them into backpacks; the noises blocked out
the last words of the faltering teacher. All he heard was "Pages 127
to 135!"
He said goodbyes to a few friends in the class, and then
quickened his steps toward the way to gym. His heavy backpack
hindered his moves, and he frowned in annoyance. As he rounded a
corner, someone brushed against him, and he felt the soft touch of
delicate hair tickling his arm momentarily. He stopped.
She noticed him at the same time. "Mamoru."
He smiled reservedly. "Hey." His heart began to hammer
involuntarily, and he controlled every muscle in his face, so as not
to betray his feelings.
"Going home?" Usagi asked, adjusting the strap of her backpack.
"No, I'm staying after school for the volunteer thing."
Her eyes met his, and they revealed a flicker of interest.
"Really? Anyone else you know who's also doing it?"
He used his fingers to show the number of names as he told her.
"Motoki, Minako, I don't think Sairu's going…Rei--"
"Rei's volunteering?" A smirk formed on her face, and she raised
her eyebrows.
"Yeah." He was perplexed; she managed to somehow include contempt
in her voice, and he couldn't figure out why.
She looked away for a minute, obviously thinking about something.
He used the chance to look at her, to take in her full beauty. He
wanted to run his fingers down her golden hair, to brush his hand
across her cheeks…
"I'll stay too."
The sudden sound of her voice startled him. It took a moment
before her words registered in his mind. His heart missed a beat.
"You are going to help out?"
She smiled slightly, shrugging. "I'm new to this school, and I
guess this is a chance for me to meet new people or something, right?"
He couldn't resist smiling back, barely able to hold back his
happiness. "We're supposed to meet in the gym. So, let's get going."
She nodded. "Come on then, guide the way." As she waited for him
to take the lead, he caught a fleeting look in her eyes that confused,
and, slightly chilled him. He didn't dwell on it; he was immediately
busied with trying to come up ways to make conversation.
"Damn, never realized this many people could want to help out,"
Usagi remarked as she and Mamoru walked through the double door into
the gym.
He looked around. People were scattered throughout the area,
huddled in their own groups, their faces animated as their mouths
moved excitedly. The chatting noises filled up the room with an
indistinctive buzz. He spotted Rei, and wasn't surprised when he
caught Motoki's eyes. His friend never missed a chance to do charity.
Motoki waved them over. "I was wondering where you were," he
said with a lopsided grin. He turned his eyes to Usagi. "I have to
admit, this was the last place I'd expect you to be after school,
Usagi. But I'm glad I was wrong."
Usagi smiled back good-naturedly, shrugging her shoulders. "I
wouldn't miss a chance like this for anything."
Mamoru felt a slight uneasiness hearing her words, as if he
had a feeling she was lying. He shook it off, and then faced Rei.
"Just stand there, and don't say hi," he said with purposeful
criticism.
Rei let out a small laugh, and said immediately, "Hey."
He grinned. "So what has been going on with you?"
"Nothing much, really," she admitted in a bored tone, "at least
nothing that will interest you."
"Don't be miserable--I'm not used to that."
She managed a brief smile back. "I'm actually using time after
school to volunteer…that should tell you how bored I am with life. I
wish there were something to make it more interesting…" As she said
this, her eyes flickered with something, and she glanced at Usagi for
a split second.
Mamoru noticed Usagi arch an eyebrow amusedly. "Well, maybe you
should go out more with friends to places," he supplied helpfully.
Rei's eyes widened visibly, but she immediately lowered them
again, silent.
A single flashback zoomed past his mind.
'Who do you like?'
'Ma…Mamoru.'
He looked at Rei now, a new feeling of uneasiness crawling into
him. He couldn't find anything more to say, as if he was tongue-tied.
Somehow his eyes darted to Usagi, and met her gaze easily. There
was a soft, thoughtful look on her face, and her eyes were clear, her
face serene. It was as if she was studying him silently.
"Okay--a woman just walked in. I think she's in charge of this
whole thing." Motoki spoke up, clearing his throat awkwardly.
Mamoru turned his body to face the woman who was holding a
clipboard, her face set in determination. He felt eyes on his back,
and he knew whose they were.
"All right, listen up! Will everyone go and sit on that section
of benches over there so I can start?" She pointed with her free hand,
raising her eyebrows.
In matter of five minutes everyone had settled down.
Mamoru was seated between Usagi and Rei, although he honestly
did not know how he ended up there. He stilled his right leg, the leg
that was only an inch away from Usagi's.
The woman, whose name was too long to remember, started to shout
out instructions while Mamoru listened half-heartedly. He wasn't
worried; there were plenty of things to do.
"And all right, everybody! Thank you for staying, and now let's
get to work!" Her last words boomed over the large group of students,
and she flashed everyone a pearly white smile before turning to go,
scribbling something on her clipboard.
The students began to stand up, and Mamoru raised his eyebrows,
uncertain.
"Well come on--you heard the teacher." Usagi grabbed his hand,
and led him down the benches, their shoes squeaking on the waxed
wooden floor.
Mamoru was beyond surprised. But not so surprised that he
forgot about his other friends. "Wait up for Motoki." He struggled
with himself; he didn't want to take his hand out of hers.
"Mamoru! Mamoru!"
He and Usagi both turned, and he found himself smiling at the
sight of Minako walking toward him. It was hard nowadays to find
someone whose eyes never failed to shine. "Hey--I knew you'd be here.
You couldn't stop talking about it."
Minako grinned, flipping her long hair over her shoulder. "So,
what are you gonna do?"
He frowned. "What?"
"Oh--we're gonna paint over the railings. It seems fun," Usagi
said, a smile softening her face.
Mamoru looked at her, and he could only nod when she turned her
blue eyes to him expectantly. "Yeah, yeah."
Minako flashed a smile at Usagi. "Hi, I don't think we've met.
I'm Aino Minako."
"Tsukino Usagi. Nice to meet you."
"You too. I'll be making the posters for upcoming events, with
my friends, of course. So I guess--I'll see you guys later." Minako
hurried away, waving a hand briefly.
Mamoru turned to Usagi. Again there was that thoughtful look in
her eyes, and he stared at her, the words now lost in his head.
At last she looked at him. She smiled lightly, and said, "Let's
go work on those railings."
He nodded, but turned back to try and spot Motoki and Rei. They
weren't in sight. Figuring they already found something to do, he
followed Usagi's lead.
Arriving at the railings, he noticed instantly the buckets of
paint and brushes sitting on the ground. He looked around, but
apparently there wasn't anyone else that was also doing this. He
glanced at Usagi, and almost immediately, her eyes turned to his.
She lifted a corner of her lips. "Guess it's just the two of
us."
"Guess so," he replied, his voice clear. A thought occurred to
him, and he turned to her, an eyebrow slanted. "You know…we might
get paint on our clothes. Maybe we should switch to something else,
like--"
"Like filing papers and making posters? I don't think so." She
rolled her eyes, and gestured toward her t-shirt. "I don't really
like this shirt anyways, and I have tons of jeans like this one." She
looked up at him, a smile in her eyes. "What about you? Can't have
stains on your precious clothes, or what?"
The sudden urge to turn defensive seeped into him, but he smiled
lopsidedly. "Nah. I have a good washing machine at home."
She laughed. Picking up a bucket from the ground, she wrinkled
her nose as it caught the scent of the brown paint. "Well, might as
well get started now." A look of uncertainty crossed her features,
but it was quickly wiped away as she shook the hair out of her face.
He watched as she grabbed a brush and walked to the end of the
railings. She set the bucket down, and slowly dipped the brush into
it. Then, quickly realizing that he was staring motionlessly, he
swiftly picked up the other brush and walked to her.
"So…" he started, feeling like a dork. He wetted the brush
with paint, and began to coat the railing smoothly. He silently
waited for a reply.
He saw her smile. "So…what? We should really do a good job on
this."
"Yeah." He chuckled. "Think how funny it'd be if any of the
students messed up on something. And no one will be able to blame
the person--because it's just volunteer."
She laughed. For the next few minutes there was only silence.
Her voice surprised him--soft, doubtful. "Mamoru…?"
"Yeah?" He brushed over a cracked part on the railing, and
moved his feet to go to another position. His ears perked up
unconsciously.
"Do you still wanna go out with me?"
Whatever he was expecting, it definitely was not this. He was
so surprised his hand stilled, and paint oozed down the brush,
gathered on the railing, and then dripped down onto his pants.
Noticing the new brown spot on his dark pants, he jumped up,
practically knocking over the paint bucket.
Feeling embarrassed and flustered, he stared down on his pants,
his cheeks warming. "Uh…" The words could not form.
Looking at him with amusement, Usagi finally giggled, shaking
her head. "Wow. I hadn't expected a reaction quite like this."
His pride took control, and he cleared his throat. Managing a
grin, he replied, "Well, it's not everyday that a girl asks a guy
out. Although, I'm not sure you ARE asking me."
She lowered her eyes, her hand moving the brush. "I am," she
said.
His heart leapt. Suppressing the urge to stretch his lips into
a huge grin, he bent down at the place where he left off the paint.
As he started to work again, he calmed slowly. "Okay…since that's
cleared…"
"Do you really want me to ask you out AND set the time and
place?" Usagi questioned, her tone light and full of amusement.
"No, how can I ever burden you with such challenging subjects?"
He was surprised that he still was able to come back with a reply.
She laughed. "Well, then?"
He thought for a moment. "Saturday night, seven o'clock. Dare
I say…the movies?" He caught her fleeting intense gaze. He almost
faltered, realizing that she was studying him.
But her sudden smile knocked over whatever suspicion that had
stood in his mind. "Then it's set!"
He grinned back, savoring the moment.
"Whoa! What's with the cologne?" Motoki exclaimed, waving a hand
in the air.
Mamoru turned from the mirror, his eyes round. He looked behind
his friend, then looked back, and asked incredulously, "How the hell
did you get in here?"
Motoki laughed. "You asked me to return your book by today,
remember? So I thought I'd drop by--and your door was open, so I just
came in. Didn't know you were making yourself pretty, otherwise I'd
stay out."
Mamoru rolled his eyes. "Just go sit in the living room. Or
better yet--put the book on my desk, and leave." He faced the mirror
again.
"Nuh-uh, I'm not budging." Motoki crossed his arms, a grin
forming on his face. "What's up, anyway? Cologne? Isn't that a little
bit too much?"
"Why? I'm going out--why is it too much if I don't feel like
smelling like a stink rat?"
"I've never seen you wear cologne ANYWHERE except to formal
dances. What's so important about tonight?"
Mamoru didn't answer. He touched his hair, and wondered if it
was too tousled. "Does my hair look…windswept?"
"Whoa, you're worried about your HAIR now?" Motoki came to
stand next to his friend, and touched a hand to Mamoru's forehead.
"What's WRONG with you?"
He grunted, and flung away Motoki's hand. "I'm going to the
movies with Usagi tonight."
"Aaah…" Motoki exhaled. "And here I thought I might have to
carry you to the hospital to have a serious checkup." He walked away
and sat down on the bed with a hard thump. "So Usagi's the reason.
What time are you picking her up?"
"We are meeting in front of the theater. She said she doesn't
need to be picked up."
Motoki raised an eyebrow. "That's weird. Most girls love to be
honked out the door by handsome guys with clothes sprayed of cologne."
"Would you stop it? So she wants to meet me there, what's so
bad about that? I don't even have to worry about meeting her
parents." Mamoru smiled, relaxing a bit. He took one last glance at
himself, and then walked out of the bedroom.
Motoki followed. "Your book's on the sofa." He headed toward the
door. "I'm leaving. Good luck tonight." He pulled at the doorknob, and
stepped outside. "And with a girl like Usagi--you'll need it."
The door closed with a bang. Mamoru stood there, the scent of
his only cologne surrounding his nostrils.
He swerved into the parking lot. Sitting still on the seat for
a moment, he told himself to stop being so jittery. She was just a
girl. Yes, just a normal girl.
He got out of his car, his old, shriveled car that desperately
needed to be replaced. He pulled at the handle after he closed the
door, making sure that he locked it. Adjusting his shirt, he walked
toward the front doors of the theater, half-expecting Usagi to be
there, waiting. When he got there, all he saw was two lines of people,
and a few chatty groups here and there. No Usagi.
He leaned against one of the big posts, his eyes daring around
the street before him.
He glanced at his watch. 7:01.
7:15. Mamoru looked at his watch once more. She was fifteen
minutes late.
He started to walk around, wondering what was keeping her.
Fifteen minutes wasn't that big a deal, at least now he knew how
punctual she was. He smiled lopsidedly. He would just remember that
he didn't need to be so on-time next time.
Next time? Was there gonna be a next time? He shook his head,
half annoyed at himself. Their "first" time hadn't even started, and
he was already thinking about a "second" time?
He unbuttoned the second button on his shirt, letting the night
air brush against his skin. He waited.
7:22. He began to get worried. She was almost half an hour late.
No matter how disorganized she was, she couldn't be so sloppy as to
miss twenty-two minutes. He ran a hand through his hair. Or maybe
something happened to her. That thought grew on him. What if she got
involved in an accident? Then, almost immediately, he mentally smacked
himself. What was he doing, cursing her?
Calm down, calm down, he thought.
And still. He waited.
7:46. He had the urge to throw his fist against the glass door.
Where the hell was she? Was he being stood up? Was he? He paced around,
watching the two lines get shorter.
7:52. He stared at his watch. Cursed his watch. Took one last
glance at the road. And then he left, disgusted.
***
Hehe. Bet you reaaaalllly wanna know what happens next.
No really.
Anyways! Emails, emails, and more emails! My inbox hasn't been as
"filled" as it had been before…I'm getting lonely. =)
http://www6.brinkster.com/moonieround