TRAPPED!
By: Krysia
Setting: First Season, PG-13ish
Chapter 14
e-mail: Krysia2882@hotmail.com
Usagi began to stir. She yawned and stretched before opening her eyes. She rolled to her side and much to her surprise, she found herself alone on the futon. Jerking upright, she looked around the apartment. Delicious smells were drifting from the kitchen area and she saw Mamoru working in the kitchen preparing their next meal. He was standing at the counter, back towards her with the sleeping bag wrapped around his waist. A brief moment of panic ensued until she realized that she was still in the sleeping bag also. As her mind processed the information, it finally came to the conclusion that Mamoru had finished ripping the seam and now they each had their own coverings. And she was not feeling disappointed once she realized that they wouldn't be in such close physical contact anymore. Granted, there were probably a dozen or so girls that would trade their right arm to be in Usagi's shoes, or lack thereof, at the moment. A brief pang reminded her that Mamoru would probably prefer any of those girls to her. They were all older, smarter and much prettier. Besides, they didn't like each other, so it was no point thinking along those lines. The only reason that thought entered her mind was that any normal teenage girl would like a handsome guy to notice her, it wasn't that she liked him or anything.
In spite of all the times Mamoru-baka had been a jerk to her in the past, he had been making an effort to be not quite so annoying during their imprisonment. Even though he'd always been a pain, there was something about the guy that made Usagi feel like she could trust him, in some warped cosmic joke-type of way. 'The same way you trust a horse not to kick you as you walk by.' Usagi was immediately ashamed by her malicious thoughts. 'He's been more than gentlemanly, worked hard at providing separate coverings AND he's making a meal.'
Glancing at the clock on the wall, Usagi started at the late hour. "Mamoru- san, is that clock showing the correct time?"
Without turning, he responded, "Yes, you were sleeping so deeply I didn't want to wake you. You must still be suffering from the after affects of whatever Motoki gave us so I thought it better to leave you be." He turned to face her with a grin, "Besides, you slept though lunch so that was one less meal to prepare and clean up after. I'm making larger servings now to make up for what we missed earlier."
She bounced up off the futon and with her sleeping bag secured, she ran over to the kitchen to give him a one-armed hug. "Thank you Mamoru-san, that was very considerate of you. I would reward you by finishing up here in the kitchen, but I don't think that would be more along the lines of cruel and unusual punishment." She beamed up at him. And just as quickly she was back in the living room dancing and twirling around rejoicing in the freedom of movement.
Mamoru leaned against the counter to watch the blonde girl as she traipsed about the apartment. To his surprise, her movements were sure and graceful. Blonde hair flowed behind her, one arm flung out wide while the other held the sleeping bag in place. Impulsively, Mamoru pushed himself from the counter and strode across the room. When he reached Usagi, he stopped before her with a sweeping bow and he extended his right hand.
"My lady, may I have this dance?"
Usagi dropped a curtsey. "My lord, you may," she responded with a giggle.
The couple began to waltz about the room, dancing to music that only themselves could hear. They were beautifully matched and after a short while, Mamoru twirled her away then towards him, ending their impromptu dance routine with Usagi pressed against his chest. Cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling, Usagi gave Mamoru a smile. Mamoru felt his heart give a little flip. Then reality came crashing down on him. This had felt so familiar. Maybe he had danced with the Princess before. Abruptly, Mamoru stepped back to increase the distance between them. Usagi also realized how close they were and took a step back. Unfortunately, a corner of the sleeping bag was dragging on the ground from their movements and her heel stepped on the edge, causing her to slip backwards.
Reacting instinctively, Usagi flung both arms out to balance herself and forgot to remain holding on to her meager covering. Usagi fell to the floor with a thump, her hands bracing her from falling completely back and hitting her head.
"Ooh, that hurt." Usagi dazedly shook her head and then realized that there was quite a draft along her legs. Simultaneously, she sat up and yanked the sleeping bag together. Fortunately, when she fell, she remained somewhat covered. Unfortunately, she flashed Mamoru a little more leg and cleavage than she would have preferred. Her thoughts raced, looking for something to say to reduce her humiliation, when Mamoru turned and fled for the kitchen.
'Dinner!'
Mamoru quickly grabbed some utensils and tried to salvage the meal that he had been preparing before he impulsively joined Usagi in her celebrating. He had been perfectly content watching her from the sidelines, but some unknown force seemed to propel him over to her. There was something about her light; maybe it was the same way a moth hovered around a flame. Attractive and alluring, but deadly if approached too closely. Usagi was a modern day siren and he would do well to remember that and stay as far away as possible.
'As if it were possible,' he groaned inwardly. Boiling in oil was too good for Motoki. He knew his best friend was trying to help, but he really had no idea was he was jeopardizing by putting Mamoru in the situation. He was distracting him from his true purpose, which was finding the princess. And no matter how lovely Usagi was he couldn't divert his attention. Besides, they hated each other, didn't they?
Usagi stood up slowly. Mamoru had his back to her, apparently rescuing their dinner. She had a choice, she could go set the table and pretend like nothing happened, or she could ignore him while remaining on this side of the room. And as wonderful as dinner smelled, she actually made the sensible choice and settled herself on the futon with the TV remote in her hand. When she had grabbed the remote before moving to the futon, her hand had momentarily drifted towards the communicator that the girls had left. Her moment of impulse was kept in check however; she would be darned if she was going to call begging to be set free. If anything, Mamoru would have to break down before she ever would. And with the determined lift of her chin, she aimed the remote at the TV and clicked the power button.
She soon discovered that no matter which button she pressed, the weather channel was the only station that showed. She dropped her head in one of her hands as she remembered Mamoru commenting on something like that the previous day. Mindlessly she watched as cold fronts and jet streams were marked showing predicted weather patterns for the next few days as she ran her hand absently though her hair.
Usagi could hear Mamoru set the table and the sound of the chair being pulled away from the table. She didn't even look over as he sat down and started eating. The blonde lasted all of ten minutes before standing up and stalking over to the kitchen area. Before she could blast him for not inviting her over and eating all the food himself, she noticed that her place had been set as well. She swallowed her words and silently sat herself and began eating. She focused on her plate before her, avoiding any potential eye contact with the man sitting across the table from her.
He was sitting as far away from her as humanly possible, while still being seated at the same table. He heard her walk over and sit down. He could feel that she was angry with him, but for whatever reason decided to join him anyway. 'Maybe resisting food was just too much for her,' he thought wryly. Under his lashes, he watched his petite sprite consume the food before her. Once she finished her food, he stood and reached for her plate.
She pulled back in her seat, still holding her dishes. She finally looked up at him. "You cooked dinner, Mamoru-san, it's only fair that I clean up." Mamoru moved to object, but not wanting to destroy the tentative working relationship thus far established, wisely sat his plate next to the sink and moved towards the futon.
As he settled himself comfortably, he winced slightly at the occasional loud clashing of dishes. Fortunately, it didn't sound like anything was being broken, yet, so he turned his attention to the TV. 'I wonder if they altered the wiring somehow to block the other channels,' he pondered. Before he could try to see how to divert the weather announcer advising travelers on various popular vacation spots, an annoying beeping sound began to emanate from the TV and a ticker banner began to run across the bottom of the screen. All thoughts of trying to see how to get other channels flew out the window. He found himself frozen in place as he read the words that flashed across the screen. He didn't even notice Usagi who had come over to stand behind him when that awful noise began. He didn't hear her gasp in horror as she too read the advisory.
Warning: Senshi are fighting a monster in Juuban Park. Please avoid the area and remain in your homes. Stay tuned for further announcements.
"Oh NO!" As Usagi moved to grab the communicator from the top of the TV, Mamoru stood and grabbed her arm.
"What are you doing?"
She turned and faced him. Her face was flushed and she looked panicked. "I need to make sure my sen.my family is alright." She struggled to remove herself from Mamoru's grip.
With his free hand, he snatched the communicator and held it from Usagi. "We can't use this right now. Wherever everyone is, they need to make sure they are safe. I'm sure your family is ok."
Usagi found herself in very close proximity to Mamoru. With her one arm holding the sleeping bag in place and the bag itself wrapped around her, she was not in a very good position to fight Mamoru. She was unable to kick him though the layers of blanket and she was not about to let go of her last shred of modesty to take a swing at him. Instead, she fruitlessly continued to tug on her captured arm.
Mamoru had pulled her close to him out of self-defense. With her pressed against him, he could weld more leverage and stop her from fighting him. "Calm down Usagi," he whispered soothingly. "I'm sure your family is safe and your friends too. This is not the first monster attack the senshi has had to deal with and any civilians nearby will be sure to get away as fast as they can."
"But how will they know we are safe?" Usagi made one last ditch attempt.
Mamoru shook his head and smiled through his concern, "The girls and Motoki know exactly where we are, even if we don't. And I don't know of any time where there has been more than one attack at different locations at the same time, do you?" Reassuring Usagi did nothing to help him deal with his own fears. 'What if Sailor Moon needs me?'
Usagi stopped struggling. Mamoru gave her a long look before letting her go. She sat bonelessly on the futon watching the ticker flash across the screen with the same message. Repeating over and over.
The two sat transfixed in front of the TV. Never had the weather station been studied so intently. Unfortunately, it wasn't the various weather- related programs and continual weather statistics that held Mamoru and Usagi's attention. It was the unchanging message that continued to scroll along the bottom of the screen.
Mamoru watched the TV and took surreptitious glances at the girl next to him. She was staring at the information, but by the emotions that flashed randomly across her face, he knew she wasn't really paying attention. She was thinking, but about what? And what was with that smirk, just before she started looking worried again?
Usagi inwardly fretted about the senshi. She knew she couldn't give into the pacing and ranting and raving that she desperately wanted to do. She couldn't give away her secret. The true reason she wanted to know if her friends were ok..because they were fighting the youma. She smiled involuntarily when she realized that Luna would probably fry their butts for having Sailor Moon indisposed, but then what if they were able to defeat the youma without her? Her smile faded away. Would they even need her? What good is a leader if she isn't there to lead? She unconsciously balled herself up as she became more upset and depressed. She was a lame warrior to begin with, what would happen when the others realized that they really didn't need her?
Mamoru was growing concerned that this message continued to flash across the screen. Senshi battles normally didn't last this long and hopeful this was just an error on the station's part. Any moment, a new message giving the 'all clear' would flash. But minutes dragged by and there was no change. The shadows were growing long across the room and night was quickly approaching. It took all of Mamoru's will power to remain sitting. He still hadn't felt the need to transform. Sailor Moon didn't need him. Maybe he was too far away to feel the pull that he normally felt. Whatever the reason, it was driving him crazy analyzing every possible scenario without any information to confirm or deny his speculations.
He felt his heart melt in sympathy as he noticed that Usagi was not faring too well either. She had curled herself in a tight ball and had her head down on her knees. He couldn't see her face to see if she was crying. He didn't know why Sailor Moon didn't need him, but obviously this girl did.
He slid closer to Usagi and placed an arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry Usagi-chan. I'm sure they are all fine. It's just a mistake. That warning should have been removed long ago." He made sure to keep his voice low and soothing. Surprisingly, the girl turned and flung herself at his chest. As he drew his arms around her unconsciously, he could feel her shaking slightly and a slight dampness against his chest. They sat like this for a while, before Usagi pulled herself from his arms. Mamoru stomped down on the feelings of disappointment as he felt an immediate lack of warmth with Usagi's removal of herself.
'Princess. Focus on the Princess,' he chanted inwardly.
Usagi wiped her face with a corner of the sleeping bag. "Thank you Mamoru- san for holding me. I was so scared and." Her voice trailed off as the TV caught her attention. A new message flashed across the screen. "All clear." Usagi immediately brightened and gave Mamoru a huge smile. "It's over."
"Yes. I wonder if the senshi won." Mamoru could have kicked himself for voicing his thoughts out-loud. With the stricken look on Usagi's face, Mamoru's new purpose was to relieve her fears. "I'm sure they won. If they didn't, that would be big news and there would be stuff flashing all over the screen. I'm sure the weather channel would deem it worthy and interrupt their normal programs."
"Do you think we could call the girls and Motoki now and make sure everything is alright?" Usagi asked hesitantly. Dark lashes wet with tears and her head turned so that his view was of her profile; again Mamoru felt a tug at his memories. And again, Usagi's question derailed him from his train of thought.
The dark-haired youth glanced down at the communicator that he still clenched in his hand. All this time past and he never let go. With an absent-minded shake of his head, he pressed the call button.
Nothing.
After a few moments, he tried again. He raised up his gaze to see Usagi's hopeful look disintegrate. Mamoru looked up at the clock; he could barely make out the time due to the darkness of the room. "Usagi-chan, look how late it is. They are probably all in bed asleep. Which is what we should do too. We can check in with them in the morning." This caused Usagi's protest to die before she could voice them.
Mamoru aimed the remote and clicked the power button. The room was plunged immediately into darkness. Usagi found herself drained from the emotional overload of the evening, and the idea of sleep very welcoming. Her last conscious thought before she drifted asleep was that she was sure she would have known if something truly awful had happened to the senshi.
Mamoru smiled tenderly at the sleeping girl lying next to him. He never knew anyone who cared so deeply for others like Usagi. It was blatantly obvious how much her family and friends meant to her. He forced away a wave of jealously. He didn't have anyone who really cared about him. Except maybe the princess and he hadn't even found her yet. Usagi cared about everyone, would she care if something happened to him?
Mamoru settled himself down next to Usagi, careful to maintain a modest distance between them. After all, they each had their own covering now and didn't need to share their blankets.
Unguardedly in their sleep, the two moved closer to each other. Mamoru placed an arm around Usagi's waist pulling her closer while she snuggled up against his chest. Blissfully they slept the night away drawing comfort and warmth from one another.
In the darkened Crown Arcade, a quiet beeping sound emanated from an apron pocket hanging on a hook in the back storage area.
Usagi began to stir. She yawned and stretched before opening her eyes. She rolled to her side and much to her surprise, she found herself alone on the futon. Jerking upright, she looked around the apartment. Delicious smells were drifting from the kitchen area and she saw Mamoru working in the kitchen preparing their next meal. He was standing at the counter, back towards her with the sleeping bag wrapped around his waist. A brief moment of panic ensued until she realized that she was still in the sleeping bag also. As her mind processed the information, it finally came to the conclusion that Mamoru had finished ripping the seam and now they each had their own coverings. And she was not feeling disappointed once she realized that they wouldn't be in such close physical contact anymore. Granted, there were probably a dozen or so girls that would trade their right arm to be in Usagi's shoes, or lack thereof, at the moment. A brief pang reminded her that Mamoru would probably prefer any of those girls to her. They were all older, smarter and much prettier. Besides, they didn't like each other, so it was no point thinking along those lines. The only reason that thought entered her mind was that any normal teenage girl would like a handsome guy to notice her, it wasn't that she liked him or anything.
In spite of all the times Mamoru-baka had been a jerk to her in the past, he had been making an effort to be not quite so annoying during their imprisonment. Even though he'd always been a pain, there was something about the guy that made Usagi feel like she could trust him, in some warped cosmic joke-type of way. 'The same way you trust a horse not to kick you as you walk by.' Usagi was immediately ashamed by her malicious thoughts. 'He's been more than gentlemanly, worked hard at providing separate coverings AND he's making a meal.'
Glancing at the clock on the wall, Usagi started at the late hour. "Mamoru- san, is that clock showing the correct time?"
Without turning, he responded, "Yes, you were sleeping so deeply I didn't want to wake you. You must still be suffering from the after affects of whatever Motoki gave us so I thought it better to leave you be." He turned to face her with a grin, "Besides, you slept though lunch so that was one less meal to prepare and clean up after. I'm making larger servings now to make up for what we missed earlier."
She bounced up off the futon and with her sleeping bag secured, she ran over to the kitchen to give him a one-armed hug. "Thank you Mamoru-san, that was very considerate of you. I would reward you by finishing up here in the kitchen, but I don't think that would be more along the lines of cruel and unusual punishment." She beamed up at him. And just as quickly she was back in the living room dancing and twirling around rejoicing in the freedom of movement.
Mamoru leaned against the counter to watch the blonde girl as she traipsed about the apartment. To his surprise, her movements were sure and graceful. Blonde hair flowed behind her, one arm flung out wide while the other held the sleeping bag in place. Impulsively, Mamoru pushed himself from the counter and strode across the room. When he reached Usagi, he stopped before her with a sweeping bow and he extended his right hand.
"My lady, may I have this dance?"
Usagi dropped a curtsey. "My lord, you may," she responded with a giggle.
The couple began to waltz about the room, dancing to music that only themselves could hear. They were beautifully matched and after a short while, Mamoru twirled her away then towards him, ending their impromptu dance routine with Usagi pressed against his chest. Cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling, Usagi gave Mamoru a smile. Mamoru felt his heart give a little flip. Then reality came crashing down on him. This had felt so familiar. Maybe he had danced with the Princess before. Abruptly, Mamoru stepped back to increase the distance between them. Usagi also realized how close they were and took a step back. Unfortunately, a corner of the sleeping bag was dragging on the ground from their movements and her heel stepped on the edge, causing her to slip backwards.
Reacting instinctively, Usagi flung both arms out to balance herself and forgot to remain holding on to her meager covering. Usagi fell to the floor with a thump, her hands bracing her from falling completely back and hitting her head.
"Ooh, that hurt." Usagi dazedly shook her head and then realized that there was quite a draft along her legs. Simultaneously, she sat up and yanked the sleeping bag together. Fortunately, when she fell, she remained somewhat covered. Unfortunately, she flashed Mamoru a little more leg and cleavage than she would have preferred. Her thoughts raced, looking for something to say to reduce her humiliation, when Mamoru turned and fled for the kitchen.
'Dinner!'
Mamoru quickly grabbed some utensils and tried to salvage the meal that he had been preparing before he impulsively joined Usagi in her celebrating. He had been perfectly content watching her from the sidelines, but some unknown force seemed to propel him over to her. There was something about her light; maybe it was the same way a moth hovered around a flame. Attractive and alluring, but deadly if approached too closely. Usagi was a modern day siren and he would do well to remember that and stay as far away as possible.
'As if it were possible,' he groaned inwardly. Boiling in oil was too good for Motoki. He knew his best friend was trying to help, but he really had no idea was he was jeopardizing by putting Mamoru in the situation. He was distracting him from his true purpose, which was finding the princess. And no matter how lovely Usagi was he couldn't divert his attention. Besides, they hated each other, didn't they?
Usagi stood up slowly. Mamoru had his back to her, apparently rescuing their dinner. She had a choice, she could go set the table and pretend like nothing happened, or she could ignore him while remaining on this side of the room. And as wonderful as dinner smelled, she actually made the sensible choice and settled herself on the futon with the TV remote in her hand. When she had grabbed the remote before moving to the futon, her hand had momentarily drifted towards the communicator that the girls had left. Her moment of impulse was kept in check however; she would be darned if she was going to call begging to be set free. If anything, Mamoru would have to break down before she ever would. And with the determined lift of her chin, she aimed the remote at the TV and clicked the power button.
She soon discovered that no matter which button she pressed, the weather channel was the only station that showed. She dropped her head in one of her hands as she remembered Mamoru commenting on something like that the previous day. Mindlessly she watched as cold fronts and jet streams were marked showing predicted weather patterns for the next few days as she ran her hand absently though her hair.
Usagi could hear Mamoru set the table and the sound of the chair being pulled away from the table. She didn't even look over as he sat down and started eating. The blonde lasted all of ten minutes before standing up and stalking over to the kitchen area. Before she could blast him for not inviting her over and eating all the food himself, she noticed that her place had been set as well. She swallowed her words and silently sat herself and began eating. She focused on her plate before her, avoiding any potential eye contact with the man sitting across the table from her.
He was sitting as far away from her as humanly possible, while still being seated at the same table. He heard her walk over and sit down. He could feel that she was angry with him, but for whatever reason decided to join him anyway. 'Maybe resisting food was just too much for her,' he thought wryly. Under his lashes, he watched his petite sprite consume the food before her. Once she finished her food, he stood and reached for her plate.
She pulled back in her seat, still holding her dishes. She finally looked up at him. "You cooked dinner, Mamoru-san, it's only fair that I clean up." Mamoru moved to object, but not wanting to destroy the tentative working relationship thus far established, wisely sat his plate next to the sink and moved towards the futon.
As he settled himself comfortably, he winced slightly at the occasional loud clashing of dishes. Fortunately, it didn't sound like anything was being broken, yet, so he turned his attention to the TV. 'I wonder if they altered the wiring somehow to block the other channels,' he pondered. Before he could try to see how to divert the weather announcer advising travelers on various popular vacation spots, an annoying beeping sound began to emanate from the TV and a ticker banner began to run across the bottom of the screen. All thoughts of trying to see how to get other channels flew out the window. He found himself frozen in place as he read the words that flashed across the screen. He didn't even notice Usagi who had come over to stand behind him when that awful noise began. He didn't hear her gasp in horror as she too read the advisory.
Warning: Senshi are fighting a monster in Juuban Park. Please avoid the area and remain in your homes. Stay tuned for further announcements.
"Oh NO!" As Usagi moved to grab the communicator from the top of the TV, Mamoru stood and grabbed her arm.
"What are you doing?"
She turned and faced him. Her face was flushed and she looked panicked. "I need to make sure my sen.my family is alright." She struggled to remove herself from Mamoru's grip.
With his free hand, he snatched the communicator and held it from Usagi. "We can't use this right now. Wherever everyone is, they need to make sure they are safe. I'm sure your family is ok."
Usagi found herself in very close proximity to Mamoru. With her one arm holding the sleeping bag in place and the bag itself wrapped around her, she was not in a very good position to fight Mamoru. She was unable to kick him though the layers of blanket and she was not about to let go of her last shred of modesty to take a swing at him. Instead, she fruitlessly continued to tug on her captured arm.
Mamoru had pulled her close to him out of self-defense. With her pressed against him, he could weld more leverage and stop her from fighting him. "Calm down Usagi," he whispered soothingly. "I'm sure your family is safe and your friends too. This is not the first monster attack the senshi has had to deal with and any civilians nearby will be sure to get away as fast as they can."
"But how will they know we are safe?" Usagi made one last ditch attempt.
Mamoru shook his head and smiled through his concern, "The girls and Motoki know exactly where we are, even if we don't. And I don't know of any time where there has been more than one attack at different locations at the same time, do you?" Reassuring Usagi did nothing to help him deal with his own fears. 'What if Sailor Moon needs me?'
Usagi stopped struggling. Mamoru gave her a long look before letting her go. She sat bonelessly on the futon watching the ticker flash across the screen with the same message. Repeating over and over.
The two sat transfixed in front of the TV. Never had the weather station been studied so intently. Unfortunately, it wasn't the various weather- related programs and continual weather statistics that held Mamoru and Usagi's attention. It was the unchanging message that continued to scroll along the bottom of the screen.
Mamoru watched the TV and took surreptitious glances at the girl next to him. She was staring at the information, but by the emotions that flashed randomly across her face, he knew she wasn't really paying attention. She was thinking, but about what? And what was with that smirk, just before she started looking worried again?
Usagi inwardly fretted about the senshi. She knew she couldn't give into the pacing and ranting and raving that she desperately wanted to do. She couldn't give away her secret. The true reason she wanted to know if her friends were ok..because they were fighting the youma. She smiled involuntarily when she realized that Luna would probably fry their butts for having Sailor Moon indisposed, but then what if they were able to defeat the youma without her? Her smile faded away. Would they even need her? What good is a leader if she isn't there to lead? She unconsciously balled herself up as she became more upset and depressed. She was a lame warrior to begin with, what would happen when the others realized that they really didn't need her?
Mamoru was growing concerned that this message continued to flash across the screen. Senshi battles normally didn't last this long and hopeful this was just an error on the station's part. Any moment, a new message giving the 'all clear' would flash. But minutes dragged by and there was no change. The shadows were growing long across the room and night was quickly approaching. It took all of Mamoru's will power to remain sitting. He still hadn't felt the need to transform. Sailor Moon didn't need him. Maybe he was too far away to feel the pull that he normally felt. Whatever the reason, it was driving him crazy analyzing every possible scenario without any information to confirm or deny his speculations.
He felt his heart melt in sympathy as he noticed that Usagi was not faring too well either. She had curled herself in a tight ball and had her head down on her knees. He couldn't see her face to see if she was crying. He didn't know why Sailor Moon didn't need him, but obviously this girl did.
He slid closer to Usagi and placed an arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry Usagi-chan. I'm sure they are all fine. It's just a mistake. That warning should have been removed long ago." He made sure to keep his voice low and soothing. Surprisingly, the girl turned and flung herself at his chest. As he drew his arms around her unconsciously, he could feel her shaking slightly and a slight dampness against his chest. They sat like this for a while, before Usagi pulled herself from his arms. Mamoru stomped down on the feelings of disappointment as he felt an immediate lack of warmth with Usagi's removal of herself.
'Princess. Focus on the Princess,' he chanted inwardly.
Usagi wiped her face with a corner of the sleeping bag. "Thank you Mamoru- san for holding me. I was so scared and." Her voice trailed off as the TV caught her attention. A new message flashed across the screen. "All clear." Usagi immediately brightened and gave Mamoru a huge smile. "It's over."
"Yes. I wonder if the senshi won." Mamoru could have kicked himself for voicing his thoughts out-loud. With the stricken look on Usagi's face, Mamoru's new purpose was to relieve her fears. "I'm sure they won. If they didn't, that would be big news and there would be stuff flashing all over the screen. I'm sure the weather channel would deem it worthy and interrupt their normal programs."
"Do you think we could call the girls and Motoki now and make sure everything is alright?" Usagi asked hesitantly. Dark lashes wet with tears and her head turned so that his view was of her profile; again Mamoru felt a tug at his memories. And again, Usagi's question derailed him from his train of thought.
The dark-haired youth glanced down at the communicator that he still clenched in his hand. All this time past and he never let go. With an absent-minded shake of his head, he pressed the call button.
Nothing.
After a few moments, he tried again. He raised up his gaze to see Usagi's hopeful look disintegrate. Mamoru looked up at the clock; he could barely make out the time due to the darkness of the room. "Usagi-chan, look how late it is. They are probably all in bed asleep. Which is what we should do too. We can check in with them in the morning." This caused Usagi's protest to die before she could voice them.
Mamoru aimed the remote and clicked the power button. The room was plunged immediately into darkness. Usagi found herself drained from the emotional overload of the evening, and the idea of sleep very welcoming. Her last conscious thought before she drifted asleep was that she was sure she would have known if something truly awful had happened to the senshi.
Mamoru smiled tenderly at the sleeping girl lying next to him. He never knew anyone who cared so deeply for others like Usagi. It was blatantly obvious how much her family and friends meant to her. He forced away a wave of jealously. He didn't have anyone who really cared about him. Except maybe the princess and he hadn't even found her yet. Usagi cared about everyone, would she care if something happened to him?
Mamoru settled himself down next to Usagi, careful to maintain a modest distance between them. After all, they each had their own covering now and didn't need to share their blankets.
Unguardedly in their sleep, the two moved closer to each other. Mamoru placed an arm around Usagi's waist pulling her closer while she snuggled up against his chest. Blissfully they slept the night away drawing comfort and warmth from one another.
In the darkened Crown Arcade, a quiet beeping sound emanated from an apron pocket hanging on a hook in the back storage area.