Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. . . blah, blah, blah. . . whatever =p
AN: Thank you all so much for reviewing and giving this story a chance!!! It means a lot ^^
^_~ Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Chapter 2: Push the Red Button!
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Her feet were beginning to ache, Usagi kept hoping that she act soon and get this whole thing over with because she couldn't stand there all day.
One hour was enough. . . thank you very much!
But as much as she wanted to lift her arm and knock on the door to Mamoru's apartment, she couldn't find the strength nor will to move. Before she arrived, she was moving perfectly fine but right when she stopped in front of his door. . . BAM!
All use of her muscles became none existent. She couldn't even twitch a finger damnit!
Usagi didn't know why she was finding this visit more and more difficult. She knew what she had to do and what she came here to accomplish. There was no reason for her to be acting this way!
It was simple really.
She knocks on the door, Mamoru opens it. At first he will be reluctant to let her in, but in the end, she will be able to convince him to give her a chance to speak to him. Then after clearing up this whole mess, she'll walk out of this very door with him as friends.
/I think/
'If it's so simple,' her mind mocked, 'what are you still doing here?'
Usagi began to wonder that herself.
So focused on figuring out the reasons for her strange behavior, she didn't hear nor see the door open in front of her.
The young man stepping through it didn't notice her either. He was too busy carrying books in his arms and struggling with the keys in his hands to watch where he was going.
The result of what happened next was inevitable.
Usagi was rudely interrupted from her thoughts when a body slammed right into her. A startled "eep!" escaped her lips as she began to fall backwards. Panic surged within her and she frantically reached out for something to hold onto to prevent the fall from occurring.
Likewise, Mamoru was just as startled. The books he was carrying fell from his tight grip as he stumbled, he tried to balance his footing; however, he was left no choice but to fall forward when a strong force grabbed and yanked him by the shirt.
As the two fell onto the floor, Usagi ending up on her back and Mamoru on top of her, there was complete and utter silence; except for the couple's heavy breathing that filled the air.
Usagi cautiously opened her eyes and felt her cheeks burn when she saw _who_ it was that had their body pressed intimately against hers.
The person's stormy blue eyes were a dead give away for one and the soft- spoken word of 'Usako' that was uttered was another.
'Did he just say what I think he just said?' She wondered, shock consuming her as if she had stuck her finger in an electric socket. It wasn't possible. . . was it? Maybe she was hearing things. Yes, that's right. Didn't Mamoru break-up with her because he didn't love her anymore? He wouldn't be calling her 'Usako' if he did!
For awhile, they laid there on the floor in the middle of the hallway. . . too stunned to move. Mamoru's forehead rested against Usagi's, the feel of his warm skin reminding her of the fact that is the closest she has been to him for over a week.
While it lasted, Usagi savored it.
The scent of mint toothpaste wafting over her face created delightful tingles teasing her cheeks, nose, and mouth.
_Especially_ her mouth.
His mouth was so close. If she decided to lift her head up just a tiny bit. . . their lips would instantly touch--- igniting a spark she knew would sear her to the very depths of her soul.
The gods must be teasing her. She just knew it! They must have planned this! Here she was with her body crushed under the man she loves and she no longer has the privilege to kiss him senseless!
IT'S not FAIR!
It was at that point that Mamoru collected his bearings and hefted himself off of her. Much to Usagi's disappointment. . .
"Usagi," Mamoru sighed, "what are you doing here?"
She opened her mouth to explain when he cut her off. Okay, he is really starting to piss her off.
"Didn't I tell you that it's over? Usagi when I said. . ."
"SHUT UP MAMORU!"
That did the trick. Mamoru didn't know what else to do but stand there and gawk at his furious ex-girlfriend as she picked herself up from the floor.
Huffing, she said, "Can't you let me speak for once? You act as if you know exactly what I'm going to say next!" Here she gave him piercing glare, which made Mamoru gulp and take a step back. "And for your information! I'm not here to beg and plead for you to take me back you egotistical baka!!! How conceited can you possibly be?! I _came_ because I _want_ to talk to you!"
"Oh," he answered dumbly, not knowing what else to say at first but snapped himself out of it.
Bending down to pick up his books, he replied, "I can't right now. . . maybe tomorrow." When he retrieved all of them, he walked passed Usagi, not having the decency to say 'bye' and headed straight for the elevator.
/you're gone to stay/
Usagi narrowed her eyes. He looked like he was in a _real_ hurry to get away from her. "Are you avoiding me Chiba?!" she yelled and began following him. There's no way she was going to allow him to run away from her!
Standing before the elevator, he pushed one of the buttons and glanced sideways at Usagi, raising a brow. "Don't be silly. I told you. I don't have time to talk right now."
Folding her arms above her chest, she retorted, "Sure we do."
Mamoru smirked and stepped through the elevator doors as they opened, Usagi right behind him. "I highly doubt it Odango."
'Ahhh. . .' she thought, staring at him with fire in her eyes, as they walked to their respective places inside the elevator. 'So its back to Odango Atama is it?' She always hated that nickname and Mamoru knew it. 'Well, if that's how it's going to be. Fine!'
When the elevator doors slid closed, Mamoru pushed the button that would take them down to the lobby.
It wouldn't be long before that happens. She knew once the elevator arrived to its destination, Mamoru would leave her in the dust, barely giving her enough time to say what she wanted him to hear.
Impulsively, she pushed the red button.
With a shudder, the elevator halted its descent.
Mamoru turned to gaze at her, shocked by Usagi's forwardness. "WHAT has GOTTEN into you?!?!?!" he bellowed.
Annoyed and downright frustrated, she replied, "I just want you to hear me out!!!"
Frowning, he carefully laid the books on the floor before advancing towards her. "I don't have time for this!" He stressed out the words, wanting her to realize how much precious time he's losing. He was going to be late!!!
"It'll only take a minute!" Usagi pleaded. "I promise!"
Mamoru shook his head. "Move," he commanded, stopping about three paces away from her.
Firm in her resolve to speak with him, even if it _killed_ her, she said, "No."
Mamoru raised a brow so high it almost disappeared behind his bangs. "No?" he asked softly, his dark blue eyes slowly darkening in irritation. "No??? I don't have time to play games Odango Atama!!!!!!!!" He scowled. "I have places to be!"
"This isn't a game Mamoru-baka!!!" she snapped. She may still love him with all her heart but he's beginning to get on her nerves the way he use to do before they discovered their feelings for one another. "I just need one minute of your time!"
His hands fisted at his sides, he took another step. "Odango," he said warningly, "I suggest you move."
"And I suggest you stay put!" she shot back. She was determined to get her way.
There was just one problem.
So does Mamoru.
Mamoru took the last two remaining steps, cornering her.
'So he's decided to play the big bad wolf?' Usagi thought seething. 'Well tough! _This_ little piggy ain't squealing in fright and going wee wee wee all the way home!'
"Last warning," he said softly. "Move."
Usagi gulped. She had to admit. He looked pretty darn scary right about now, looming over her like some bloodthirsty youma. But hey! She was Sailor Moon! She can take on this pansy, rose throwing Cape Boy!!!
Squaring her shoulders, she lifted her nose up haughtily. "Dream on Chiba! As if _I'm_ going to move just because _you_ say so!"
A sly smile appeared on his face. "Is that so?" He asked, sounding amused by this display of defiance and bravery.
Usagi did a double take. "Huh?" It was then she took a closer look at him. Her eyes widened at his devious expression. 'Ohhh boy.' This was not how she thought it would turn out. She just wanted to talk to him! Why is he making this so complicated?!
In a move she hadn't seen coming, his hand shot out to grab her arm, pulled her aside and pinned her to the wall with one of his arms. While the other pushed the red button, allowing the elevator to descend once more.
Smirking, he asked smugly, "You were saying?"
Usagi was gaping, shocked by what Mamoru did. Then she closed her mouth. She felt anger spreading through her like wild fire, making her body shake from the force of it.
That was uncalled for! Ooh! She was going to give him a piece of her mind! "Aaarrgggggh! You CREEP!! You unbearable OAF! You despicable BAKA!!! What was that for??? One minute I said! One minute to let you know that I forgive you! One minute to ask you if we can start over and become friends!!!" Usagi's voice rose to a crescendo. "But did you listen? NOOOO! You had to be a bully and treat me like I'm some little kid you can push around!"
Mamoru didn't hear the elevator doors slid open or that the sensation of going down had stopped. His mind was reeling from Usagi's revelation.
"Sir? Sir is everything alright?"
Tearing his eyes from the furious blonde, he glanced sideways at the man who had just spoken. 'He must be the electrician who works here,' he thought as he got a good look at his clothes, before mumbling a distracted, "Hmm? Yes?"
"I asked if everything is alright. The elevator stopped and. . ."
Mamoru waved his free hand, halting the man's sentence. He winced when he felt a sharp pain on his knee "Yes everything is fine here. I apologize for the inconvenience." He smiled sheepishly. "We were fighting—oww!—and I accidentally pushed the—oww! cut that out!—wrong button."
The man appeared skeptical but shrugged, deciding to let it go. He inclined his head at Mamoru and. . . the girl that happened to be struggling against the man's arm, shrieking angrily and kicking the man's legs. He sweat dropped. He didn't even _want_ to know. "Good day." And walked away from the strange scene.
Mamoru turned his attention back to Usagi when he felt another swift kick on his ankle this time. Through gritted teeth, he said, "Damnit! Stop it Odango!"
Usagi gave him a sugary sweet smile and fluttered her eyelashes. "Unless you let me go, you'll be bruise-free. But until then. . ."
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
Swearing, Mamoru released her and put as much space between them as possible. He bent down to rub his legs and directed a fierce glare at Usagi who was looking mighty pleased with this turn of events.
"What the HELL was that FOR?!" Mamoru yelled.
Usagi crossed her arms. "For being a bully," she stated simply.
Scowling, he replied, "But does that give you the right to kick me???"
"Hmmm. Let me think. . ." She rested her chin on the palm of her hand. Okay. Thinking time is over. "YES!"
The temptation to strangle her was becoming more appealing by the minute. Speaking of minutes. . . what time is it? He glanced down at his watch.
"DAMN! I'm late!" He pushed a button for the doors to reopen and rushed right through it.
"Wait Mamoru!" Usagi called out. She wasn't angry anymore. She just needed to know if they could start over.
He halted and turned around, glaring at her impatiently. "What?! I have to go."
Biting back an insult, she asked, "I want to know if there is any chance that we can start over as friends?" She bit her bottom lip nervously, waiting for his response.
His glare melted away and his face turned expressionless. "It won't work," he said, his voice hard as ice.
She swallowed the lump in her throat. That struck a blow. She felt as if he pierced her heart with an arrow. "Why?"
/Lonely nights that come/
"It'll be awkward." '. . . having you so close to me and not being able to envelop you in my arms or press my lips against yours,' was his unspoken thought. He wanted to be near her but he knew he couldn't bear it. And besides, he had to stay away from her. . . the dreams told him he had to or else.
Mamoru felt so cold and lonely without her. He missed the days when she would come over to his apartment on the weekends. They would cuddle close to each other on the couch, eating popcorn, watching some movies. When it got late, she would fall asleep with her head resting on his shoulder. He always loved that part because it gave him the opportunity to carry her in his arms and take her to his bedroom.
He can still remember wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close and feeling so complete as they lay sleeping on his bed.
Which is another reason why he can't be friends with her. She'll only be a reminder of what he's missing.
As he turned and walked away, he didn't see the knowing gleam in Usagi's eyes.
'He still feels something for me,' she thought, hugging herself joyfully.
For a brief moment, Mamoru's defenses had crumbled, giving her a glimpse to what he was truly feeling inside. Though, it was enough for her. She understood right then he was keeping up a front and it was all the more reason why she should keep on trying to befriend him.
She was about to leave when something caught her eye.
The books Mamoru was carrying earlier was still stacked on the floor.
He had forgotten them in his hurry to leave.
Usagi grinned. 'I'll be seeing you soon Mamoru.'
~*~*~*~
She should have left the cursed books alone!
Usagi was walking with six textbooks in her arms.
Yeah you heard her. SIX!!!
She was panting from exhaustion and her arms were aching so much, she was sure that they wanted to wither away and die it was so painful. And if that wasn't enough she kept bumping into people, the damn things were so high she couldn't see!!!
"HEY watch it girly!"
"OOPS! Sorry!"
"OWWW! That's my foot!"
"OOPS! Sorry!"
"YOWZER! You hit my nose!!!"
"I did?! Oh. . . I mean. OOPS! Sorry!"
And then there are times when she didn't bump into people.
"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Stay _away_ from the car! I repeat: STAY AWAY FROM THE CAR!"
"EEK!"
BOING!
"OWWIIIEEEE! What I hit?" Usagi shifts the books to the side for a moment to see. . .
A pole???
Usagi sweat drops. This was _not_ her day!
Shaking her head, she kept on going. Tripping over a dog, stepping onto a cat's tail, and slamming into a poor old lady later. . .
She finally made it to her destination!
You can imagine Usagi's relief in seeing the familiar Crown Arcade sign. It's almost over! 'But don't you still have to go see Mamoru to return these books?' Her mind reminded her, shattering her happiness.
"Hmmph!" Stomping over to the doors, she stood on the mat that was laid before it and waited till the automatic doors chimed open. When she heard the chimes go off, she continued on stomping and called out for Motoki.
"Motoki-san? Are you here? Motooooo—ARRGGGH!"
Due to not watching where she was going, she hadn't noticed the brown puddle on the floor. Which, incidentally, is what had made her slip. The textbooks she had balanced in her arms fell into a heap on the floor along with her.
She moaned, not just from the pain she was feeling but the cold liquid that happened to be seeping into the back of her shirt.
She cringed.
Of all days to be wearing a white shirt!
"I hate my life," Usagi muttered sourly.
Motoki had chosen that precise moment to appear. He was carrying a mop and bucket and whistling a merry tune, but it died down when he saw the pouting blonde on the floor.
Seeing the books scattered around her, he instantly knew what happened.
"Usagi-chan? Are you okay?"
"Leave me alone," she said grumpily, crossing her arms over her chest.
Motoki winced in sympathy. Putting down the mop and bucket on the floor, he stretched out a hand. "Here. Let me help you up," he said kindly.
Still pouting, she replied stubbornly, "No."
His mouth twitched. "It can't be comfortable lying on the floor, sticky with soda."
"At least I'll be safer down here. I've had enough bad luck to last me a lifetime!!!" Seeing the questioning look on his face, she said hurriedly, "And _no_ I won't tell you what happened!"
Motoki grinned. "What if someone accidentally spills soda on you?"
"That's okay. I'm already wet and sticky."
"What if they step on you?"
". . ."
Motoki laughed. 'I guess she hadn't thought that far.' "Usagi-chan. . . you can't stay here like that all day! Now get up!" The latter was said with a stern look.
Grumbling, she did as she was told.
Motoki went to pick up the heavy textbooks and winced when he lifted them up. He can't imagine how Usagi was able to walk all this way carrying these books. "Are these yours?!"
Glaring at them, wishing they'd burn, she said, "No they're Mamoru's." Not wanting to get into a discussion about it, she deftly changed the subject. "Any ways, Motoki-san, do you know where Mamoru is?"
He looked up at the ceiling, for a moment, thinking; then looked back down at her. "He told me he was going to work as an intern at the Rose Memorial Hospital today, starting at four in the afternoon. He received a letter from them about three days ago, notifying him that they accepted his application. He sounded real excited about it when he told me, since he's now closer than ever to becoming a doctor."
"Oh." Usagi smiled sadly. 'Too bad I wasn't there when it happened.' "I'm happy to hear that Motoki-san."
"You know," Motoki said carefully, noticing her despondent expression, "I heard that the staff at the hospital are looking for volunteers. . . if you're interested that is." This was Motoki's chance to help Mamoru and Usagi. He was sure if they spent time together in the same environment, they were bound to get back together as a couple.
Usagi perked up at the suggestion. "Really?" 'Baka! Don't look _too_ desperate for wanting to be near Mamoru!!!' Usagi cleared her throat and changed her expression to a look of nonchalance. "I mean. . . that's nice."
Inwardly, Motoki laughed. Usagi has never been good at hiding her feelings, which, he thought to be one of her best qualities. "You don't have to." He shrugged. "Just thought I should let you know."
"Thank you Motoki-san. I'll think about it." Then she sighed as she looked at the books in Motoki's arms. "I should be going. Could you give me the books? I have to go give them back to Mamoru." She stretched out her arms reluctantly.
Putting them on the counter, he shook his head. "Don't worry about it Usagi-chan. I'll drop these off at Mamoru's place later."
She was going to protest, when her mind exclaimed, 'Don't! He'll think you're desperate!' So instead, she smiled cheerfully and said, "Thank you so much Motoki-san! I really appreciate it!" Besides, she was sort of relieved that she didn't have to carry them any longer.
Motoki nodded. "Anytime."
With one last smile directed towards him, Usagi turned around and left.
He grinned slyly. Maybe he should go send in application as an intern himself. Things were bound to get interesting at Rose Memorial Hospital.
Of course, he wouldn't have the time. What with going to college and needing to work at his family's business and all.
"Damn," he muttered. He had forgotten all about it.
Oh well. He can always pry the details out of Mamoru.
~*~*~*~
Usagi shuddered as she peeled the white shirt off. She was glad to be home. Walking around with a soda-drenched shirt had been making her miserable and uncomfortable.
Pulling a pink shirt over her head, Motoki's words came rushing back to her.
There was no doubt in her mind that she was going to sign up as a volunteer at that hospital. She just knew that she couldn't volunteer alone. It would certainly lessen Mamoru's suspicion that she was only doing it to be close to him.
"Don't want him thinking I'm some stalker, do we now?" she mumbled.
Tomorrow at school, she can ask Ami and Makoto. And if they didn't agree then she can ask Rei and Minako, since there is going to be a Senshi meeting afterwards.
Apparently, Rei has been experiencing negative vibes lately.
'Don't tell me our youma free vacation is now coming to an end!' she wailed silently.
'Nothing lasts forever. . .'
Usagi sighed. She started realizing that when Mamoru broke up with her.
'Face it,' her mind said, 'life sucks!'
Her lips thinned and she got a determined glint in her eye. "I can't believe that," she declared. "It will get better! I'll make sure of it!!" Her voice rose higher. "You'll see!!! Before this month is through, Mamoru and I will be the best of friends!!!"
During her little speech, she had gotten on top of her bed and is now staring up at the ceiling with her arms waving around in the air.
However, she stilled when a snide voice said: "And I thought YOU couldn't get any weirder! I knew this thing would come in handy when I came into your room!"
Snap!
Usagi saw red. "Give me that camera you dork!!!!!!!"
Shingo grinned. He pulled down his bottom eyelid and stuck out his tongue. "Nyah! And miss this chance to embarrass you??? No way!" Then he ran away, laughing gleefully.
"COME BACK HERE!" And Usagi was off the bed, chasing after her annoying little brother.
If only Usagi knew that achieving her happiness is easier said than done. . .
~*~*~*~
Yay! I finished my second chapter!!! I didn't think I would. Hee hee. I know you guys probably have an odd look on your faces right about now, thinking 'then why'd you post this story in the first place?'.
Truthfully, I had it done for like a month and it was just sitting there in my computer. I had planned to post this after I finished my other story but it kept chanting 'post me. . . post me. . .post me.' And then finally I gave in. You guys know what that's like. . . don't you? ^_^
I didn't have a clue where this story was going. I mean I do now. . . sort of =p Any ways, enough of that! I'll be going now!
^_~ Bye!!!!
AN: Thank you all so much for reviewing and giving this story a chance!!! It means a lot ^^
^_~ Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Chapter 2: Push the Red Button!
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Her feet were beginning to ache, Usagi kept hoping that she act soon and get this whole thing over with because she couldn't stand there all day.
One hour was enough. . . thank you very much!
But as much as she wanted to lift her arm and knock on the door to Mamoru's apartment, she couldn't find the strength nor will to move. Before she arrived, she was moving perfectly fine but right when she stopped in front of his door. . . BAM!
All use of her muscles became none existent. She couldn't even twitch a finger damnit!
Usagi didn't know why she was finding this visit more and more difficult. She knew what she had to do and what she came here to accomplish. There was no reason for her to be acting this way!
It was simple really.
She knocks on the door, Mamoru opens it. At first he will be reluctant to let her in, but in the end, she will be able to convince him to give her a chance to speak to him. Then after clearing up this whole mess, she'll walk out of this very door with him as friends.
/I think/
'If it's so simple,' her mind mocked, 'what are you still doing here?'
Usagi began to wonder that herself.
So focused on figuring out the reasons for her strange behavior, she didn't hear nor see the door open in front of her.
The young man stepping through it didn't notice her either. He was too busy carrying books in his arms and struggling with the keys in his hands to watch where he was going.
The result of what happened next was inevitable.
Usagi was rudely interrupted from her thoughts when a body slammed right into her. A startled "eep!" escaped her lips as she began to fall backwards. Panic surged within her and she frantically reached out for something to hold onto to prevent the fall from occurring.
Likewise, Mamoru was just as startled. The books he was carrying fell from his tight grip as he stumbled, he tried to balance his footing; however, he was left no choice but to fall forward when a strong force grabbed and yanked him by the shirt.
As the two fell onto the floor, Usagi ending up on her back and Mamoru on top of her, there was complete and utter silence; except for the couple's heavy breathing that filled the air.
Usagi cautiously opened her eyes and felt her cheeks burn when she saw _who_ it was that had their body pressed intimately against hers.
The person's stormy blue eyes were a dead give away for one and the soft- spoken word of 'Usako' that was uttered was another.
'Did he just say what I think he just said?' She wondered, shock consuming her as if she had stuck her finger in an electric socket. It wasn't possible. . . was it? Maybe she was hearing things. Yes, that's right. Didn't Mamoru break-up with her because he didn't love her anymore? He wouldn't be calling her 'Usako' if he did!
For awhile, they laid there on the floor in the middle of the hallway. . . too stunned to move. Mamoru's forehead rested against Usagi's, the feel of his warm skin reminding her of the fact that is the closest she has been to him for over a week.
While it lasted, Usagi savored it.
The scent of mint toothpaste wafting over her face created delightful tingles teasing her cheeks, nose, and mouth.
_Especially_ her mouth.
His mouth was so close. If she decided to lift her head up just a tiny bit. . . their lips would instantly touch--- igniting a spark she knew would sear her to the very depths of her soul.
The gods must be teasing her. She just knew it! They must have planned this! Here she was with her body crushed under the man she loves and she no longer has the privilege to kiss him senseless!
IT'S not FAIR!
It was at that point that Mamoru collected his bearings and hefted himself off of her. Much to Usagi's disappointment. . .
"Usagi," Mamoru sighed, "what are you doing here?"
She opened her mouth to explain when he cut her off. Okay, he is really starting to piss her off.
"Didn't I tell you that it's over? Usagi when I said. . ."
"SHUT UP MAMORU!"
That did the trick. Mamoru didn't know what else to do but stand there and gawk at his furious ex-girlfriend as she picked herself up from the floor.
Huffing, she said, "Can't you let me speak for once? You act as if you know exactly what I'm going to say next!" Here she gave him piercing glare, which made Mamoru gulp and take a step back. "And for your information! I'm not here to beg and plead for you to take me back you egotistical baka!!! How conceited can you possibly be?! I _came_ because I _want_ to talk to you!"
"Oh," he answered dumbly, not knowing what else to say at first but snapped himself out of it.
Bending down to pick up his books, he replied, "I can't right now. . . maybe tomorrow." When he retrieved all of them, he walked passed Usagi, not having the decency to say 'bye' and headed straight for the elevator.
/you're gone to stay/
Usagi narrowed her eyes. He looked like he was in a _real_ hurry to get away from her. "Are you avoiding me Chiba?!" she yelled and began following him. There's no way she was going to allow him to run away from her!
Standing before the elevator, he pushed one of the buttons and glanced sideways at Usagi, raising a brow. "Don't be silly. I told you. I don't have time to talk right now."
Folding her arms above her chest, she retorted, "Sure we do."
Mamoru smirked and stepped through the elevator doors as they opened, Usagi right behind him. "I highly doubt it Odango."
'Ahhh. . .' she thought, staring at him with fire in her eyes, as they walked to their respective places inside the elevator. 'So its back to Odango Atama is it?' She always hated that nickname and Mamoru knew it. 'Well, if that's how it's going to be. Fine!'
When the elevator doors slid closed, Mamoru pushed the button that would take them down to the lobby.
It wouldn't be long before that happens. She knew once the elevator arrived to its destination, Mamoru would leave her in the dust, barely giving her enough time to say what she wanted him to hear.
Impulsively, she pushed the red button.
With a shudder, the elevator halted its descent.
Mamoru turned to gaze at her, shocked by Usagi's forwardness. "WHAT has GOTTEN into you?!?!?!" he bellowed.
Annoyed and downright frustrated, she replied, "I just want you to hear me out!!!"
Frowning, he carefully laid the books on the floor before advancing towards her. "I don't have time for this!" He stressed out the words, wanting her to realize how much precious time he's losing. He was going to be late!!!
"It'll only take a minute!" Usagi pleaded. "I promise!"
Mamoru shook his head. "Move," he commanded, stopping about three paces away from her.
Firm in her resolve to speak with him, even if it _killed_ her, she said, "No."
Mamoru raised a brow so high it almost disappeared behind his bangs. "No?" he asked softly, his dark blue eyes slowly darkening in irritation. "No??? I don't have time to play games Odango Atama!!!!!!!!" He scowled. "I have places to be!"
"This isn't a game Mamoru-baka!!!" she snapped. She may still love him with all her heart but he's beginning to get on her nerves the way he use to do before they discovered their feelings for one another. "I just need one minute of your time!"
His hands fisted at his sides, he took another step. "Odango," he said warningly, "I suggest you move."
"And I suggest you stay put!" she shot back. She was determined to get her way.
There was just one problem.
So does Mamoru.
Mamoru took the last two remaining steps, cornering her.
'So he's decided to play the big bad wolf?' Usagi thought seething. 'Well tough! _This_ little piggy ain't squealing in fright and going wee wee wee all the way home!'
"Last warning," he said softly. "Move."
Usagi gulped. She had to admit. He looked pretty darn scary right about now, looming over her like some bloodthirsty youma. But hey! She was Sailor Moon! She can take on this pansy, rose throwing Cape Boy!!!
Squaring her shoulders, she lifted her nose up haughtily. "Dream on Chiba! As if _I'm_ going to move just because _you_ say so!"
A sly smile appeared on his face. "Is that so?" He asked, sounding amused by this display of defiance and bravery.
Usagi did a double take. "Huh?" It was then she took a closer look at him. Her eyes widened at his devious expression. 'Ohhh boy.' This was not how she thought it would turn out. She just wanted to talk to him! Why is he making this so complicated?!
In a move she hadn't seen coming, his hand shot out to grab her arm, pulled her aside and pinned her to the wall with one of his arms. While the other pushed the red button, allowing the elevator to descend once more.
Smirking, he asked smugly, "You were saying?"
Usagi was gaping, shocked by what Mamoru did. Then she closed her mouth. She felt anger spreading through her like wild fire, making her body shake from the force of it.
That was uncalled for! Ooh! She was going to give him a piece of her mind! "Aaarrgggggh! You CREEP!! You unbearable OAF! You despicable BAKA!!! What was that for??? One minute I said! One minute to let you know that I forgive you! One minute to ask you if we can start over and become friends!!!" Usagi's voice rose to a crescendo. "But did you listen? NOOOO! You had to be a bully and treat me like I'm some little kid you can push around!"
Mamoru didn't hear the elevator doors slid open or that the sensation of going down had stopped. His mind was reeling from Usagi's revelation.
"Sir? Sir is everything alright?"
Tearing his eyes from the furious blonde, he glanced sideways at the man who had just spoken. 'He must be the electrician who works here,' he thought as he got a good look at his clothes, before mumbling a distracted, "Hmm? Yes?"
"I asked if everything is alright. The elevator stopped and. . ."
Mamoru waved his free hand, halting the man's sentence. He winced when he felt a sharp pain on his knee "Yes everything is fine here. I apologize for the inconvenience." He smiled sheepishly. "We were fighting—oww!—and I accidentally pushed the—oww! cut that out!—wrong button."
The man appeared skeptical but shrugged, deciding to let it go. He inclined his head at Mamoru and. . . the girl that happened to be struggling against the man's arm, shrieking angrily and kicking the man's legs. He sweat dropped. He didn't even _want_ to know. "Good day." And walked away from the strange scene.
Mamoru turned his attention back to Usagi when he felt another swift kick on his ankle this time. Through gritted teeth, he said, "Damnit! Stop it Odango!"
Usagi gave him a sugary sweet smile and fluttered her eyelashes. "Unless you let me go, you'll be bruise-free. But until then. . ."
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
Swearing, Mamoru released her and put as much space between them as possible. He bent down to rub his legs and directed a fierce glare at Usagi who was looking mighty pleased with this turn of events.
"What the HELL was that FOR?!" Mamoru yelled.
Usagi crossed her arms. "For being a bully," she stated simply.
Scowling, he replied, "But does that give you the right to kick me???"
"Hmmm. Let me think. . ." She rested her chin on the palm of her hand. Okay. Thinking time is over. "YES!"
The temptation to strangle her was becoming more appealing by the minute. Speaking of minutes. . . what time is it? He glanced down at his watch.
"DAMN! I'm late!" He pushed a button for the doors to reopen and rushed right through it.
"Wait Mamoru!" Usagi called out. She wasn't angry anymore. She just needed to know if they could start over.
He halted and turned around, glaring at her impatiently. "What?! I have to go."
Biting back an insult, she asked, "I want to know if there is any chance that we can start over as friends?" She bit her bottom lip nervously, waiting for his response.
His glare melted away and his face turned expressionless. "It won't work," he said, his voice hard as ice.
She swallowed the lump in her throat. That struck a blow. She felt as if he pierced her heart with an arrow. "Why?"
/Lonely nights that come/
"It'll be awkward." '. . . having you so close to me and not being able to envelop you in my arms or press my lips against yours,' was his unspoken thought. He wanted to be near her but he knew he couldn't bear it. And besides, he had to stay away from her. . . the dreams told him he had to or else.
Mamoru felt so cold and lonely without her. He missed the days when she would come over to his apartment on the weekends. They would cuddle close to each other on the couch, eating popcorn, watching some movies. When it got late, she would fall asleep with her head resting on his shoulder. He always loved that part because it gave him the opportunity to carry her in his arms and take her to his bedroom.
He can still remember wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close and feeling so complete as they lay sleeping on his bed.
Which is another reason why he can't be friends with her. She'll only be a reminder of what he's missing.
As he turned and walked away, he didn't see the knowing gleam in Usagi's eyes.
'He still feels something for me,' she thought, hugging herself joyfully.
For a brief moment, Mamoru's defenses had crumbled, giving her a glimpse to what he was truly feeling inside. Though, it was enough for her. She understood right then he was keeping up a front and it was all the more reason why she should keep on trying to befriend him.
She was about to leave when something caught her eye.
The books Mamoru was carrying earlier was still stacked on the floor.
He had forgotten them in his hurry to leave.
Usagi grinned. 'I'll be seeing you soon Mamoru.'
~*~*~*~
She should have left the cursed books alone!
Usagi was walking with six textbooks in her arms.
Yeah you heard her. SIX!!!
She was panting from exhaustion and her arms were aching so much, she was sure that they wanted to wither away and die it was so painful. And if that wasn't enough she kept bumping into people, the damn things were so high she couldn't see!!!
"HEY watch it girly!"
"OOPS! Sorry!"
"OWWW! That's my foot!"
"OOPS! Sorry!"
"YOWZER! You hit my nose!!!"
"I did?! Oh. . . I mean. OOPS! Sorry!"
And then there are times when she didn't bump into people.
"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Stay _away_ from the car! I repeat: STAY AWAY FROM THE CAR!"
"EEK!"
BOING!
"OWWIIIEEEE! What I hit?" Usagi shifts the books to the side for a moment to see. . .
A pole???
Usagi sweat drops. This was _not_ her day!
Shaking her head, she kept on going. Tripping over a dog, stepping onto a cat's tail, and slamming into a poor old lady later. . .
She finally made it to her destination!
You can imagine Usagi's relief in seeing the familiar Crown Arcade sign. It's almost over! 'But don't you still have to go see Mamoru to return these books?' Her mind reminded her, shattering her happiness.
"Hmmph!" Stomping over to the doors, she stood on the mat that was laid before it and waited till the automatic doors chimed open. When she heard the chimes go off, she continued on stomping and called out for Motoki.
"Motoki-san? Are you here? Motooooo—ARRGGGH!"
Due to not watching where she was going, she hadn't noticed the brown puddle on the floor. Which, incidentally, is what had made her slip. The textbooks she had balanced in her arms fell into a heap on the floor along with her.
She moaned, not just from the pain she was feeling but the cold liquid that happened to be seeping into the back of her shirt.
She cringed.
Of all days to be wearing a white shirt!
"I hate my life," Usagi muttered sourly.
Motoki had chosen that precise moment to appear. He was carrying a mop and bucket and whistling a merry tune, but it died down when he saw the pouting blonde on the floor.
Seeing the books scattered around her, he instantly knew what happened.
"Usagi-chan? Are you okay?"
"Leave me alone," she said grumpily, crossing her arms over her chest.
Motoki winced in sympathy. Putting down the mop and bucket on the floor, he stretched out a hand. "Here. Let me help you up," he said kindly.
Still pouting, she replied stubbornly, "No."
His mouth twitched. "It can't be comfortable lying on the floor, sticky with soda."
"At least I'll be safer down here. I've had enough bad luck to last me a lifetime!!!" Seeing the questioning look on his face, she said hurriedly, "And _no_ I won't tell you what happened!"
Motoki grinned. "What if someone accidentally spills soda on you?"
"That's okay. I'm already wet and sticky."
"What if they step on you?"
". . ."
Motoki laughed. 'I guess she hadn't thought that far.' "Usagi-chan. . . you can't stay here like that all day! Now get up!" The latter was said with a stern look.
Grumbling, she did as she was told.
Motoki went to pick up the heavy textbooks and winced when he lifted them up. He can't imagine how Usagi was able to walk all this way carrying these books. "Are these yours?!"
Glaring at them, wishing they'd burn, she said, "No they're Mamoru's." Not wanting to get into a discussion about it, she deftly changed the subject. "Any ways, Motoki-san, do you know where Mamoru is?"
He looked up at the ceiling, for a moment, thinking; then looked back down at her. "He told me he was going to work as an intern at the Rose Memorial Hospital today, starting at four in the afternoon. He received a letter from them about three days ago, notifying him that they accepted his application. He sounded real excited about it when he told me, since he's now closer than ever to becoming a doctor."
"Oh." Usagi smiled sadly. 'Too bad I wasn't there when it happened.' "I'm happy to hear that Motoki-san."
"You know," Motoki said carefully, noticing her despondent expression, "I heard that the staff at the hospital are looking for volunteers. . . if you're interested that is." This was Motoki's chance to help Mamoru and Usagi. He was sure if they spent time together in the same environment, they were bound to get back together as a couple.
Usagi perked up at the suggestion. "Really?" 'Baka! Don't look _too_ desperate for wanting to be near Mamoru!!!' Usagi cleared her throat and changed her expression to a look of nonchalance. "I mean. . . that's nice."
Inwardly, Motoki laughed. Usagi has never been good at hiding her feelings, which, he thought to be one of her best qualities. "You don't have to." He shrugged. "Just thought I should let you know."
"Thank you Motoki-san. I'll think about it." Then she sighed as she looked at the books in Motoki's arms. "I should be going. Could you give me the books? I have to go give them back to Mamoru." She stretched out her arms reluctantly.
Putting them on the counter, he shook his head. "Don't worry about it Usagi-chan. I'll drop these off at Mamoru's place later."
She was going to protest, when her mind exclaimed, 'Don't! He'll think you're desperate!' So instead, she smiled cheerfully and said, "Thank you so much Motoki-san! I really appreciate it!" Besides, she was sort of relieved that she didn't have to carry them any longer.
Motoki nodded. "Anytime."
With one last smile directed towards him, Usagi turned around and left.
He grinned slyly. Maybe he should go send in application as an intern himself. Things were bound to get interesting at Rose Memorial Hospital.
Of course, he wouldn't have the time. What with going to college and needing to work at his family's business and all.
"Damn," he muttered. He had forgotten all about it.
Oh well. He can always pry the details out of Mamoru.
~*~*~*~
Usagi shuddered as she peeled the white shirt off. She was glad to be home. Walking around with a soda-drenched shirt had been making her miserable and uncomfortable.
Pulling a pink shirt over her head, Motoki's words came rushing back to her.
There was no doubt in her mind that she was going to sign up as a volunteer at that hospital. She just knew that she couldn't volunteer alone. It would certainly lessen Mamoru's suspicion that she was only doing it to be close to him.
"Don't want him thinking I'm some stalker, do we now?" she mumbled.
Tomorrow at school, she can ask Ami and Makoto. And if they didn't agree then she can ask Rei and Minako, since there is going to be a Senshi meeting afterwards.
Apparently, Rei has been experiencing negative vibes lately.
'Don't tell me our youma free vacation is now coming to an end!' she wailed silently.
'Nothing lasts forever. . .'
Usagi sighed. She started realizing that when Mamoru broke up with her.
'Face it,' her mind said, 'life sucks!'
Her lips thinned and she got a determined glint in her eye. "I can't believe that," she declared. "It will get better! I'll make sure of it!!" Her voice rose higher. "You'll see!!! Before this month is through, Mamoru and I will be the best of friends!!!"
During her little speech, she had gotten on top of her bed and is now staring up at the ceiling with her arms waving around in the air.
However, she stilled when a snide voice said: "And I thought YOU couldn't get any weirder! I knew this thing would come in handy when I came into your room!"
Snap!
Usagi saw red. "Give me that camera you dork!!!!!!!"
Shingo grinned. He pulled down his bottom eyelid and stuck out his tongue. "Nyah! And miss this chance to embarrass you??? No way!" Then he ran away, laughing gleefully.
"COME BACK HERE!" And Usagi was off the bed, chasing after her annoying little brother.
If only Usagi knew that achieving her happiness is easier said than done. . .
~*~*~*~
Yay! I finished my second chapter!!! I didn't think I would. Hee hee. I know you guys probably have an odd look on your faces right about now, thinking 'then why'd you post this story in the first place?'.
Truthfully, I had it done for like a month and it was just sitting there in my computer. I had planned to post this after I finished my other story but it kept chanting 'post me. . . post me. . .post me.' And then finally I gave in. You guys know what that's like. . . don't you? ^_^
I didn't have a clue where this story was going. I mean I do now. . . sort of =p Any ways, enough of that! I'll be going now!
^_~ Bye!!!!