Disclaimer: (Author says in a bored monotone) Sailor Moon is not mine. It belongs to Naoko Takeuchi. Big whoop.
Give a round of applause! I've updated! And it didn't take me a century to do it :winks at Moonmoore jokingly: So, I hope this chappy will satisfy your cravings till the next update! And good luck to all of you on your finals!
alex: Gifted writer? Me? Awww. That's soooo sweet! Thank you!
taty w: An international fic, huh? Hmmm. I don't know. I'll think about it, k? ;)
Witchy-grrl: I couldn't agree with you more! Mamoru is sexy. And about utilizing his sexiness? Maybe it's the green jacket that distracts females from his good looks, lol. Who knows?
TropicalRemix: Bon-Bon? You'll see. Though, he doesn't end up in a jungle. That's for sure, lol.
Midnight:Offers a huge plate of brownies as a piece offering: Sorry! I couldn't resist!
Queen Asinoe: You'll find your answers here in this chappy! So, tell me. Who was Asinoe? Is it something you made up? It's an intriguing name :)
Enjoy! ;)
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Chapter 11: Nowhere to Hide
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Usagi felt immobilized. The smoldering dark blue eyes that were raging with passion held her captive, causing her brain to go mush. Her body tingled pleasantly from the pressure of Mamoru's body on top of hers and the heat that radiated off of his made her sigh with pleasure.
Her sigh was so soft that no one else heard it. Save for Mamoru. Their faces were close, the tips of their noses almost touching each other, it would be hard for Mamoru not to have heard it or catch the warmth of her breath wafting over his face like a gentle summer's breeze.
The triumph in Mamoru's eyes shone brilliantly. He knew, as well as Usagi, that she wanted this. . . wanted him. The corner of his mouth pulled up into a satisfactory grin. The knowledge made his heart swell, not just with lust but the love he felt for her as well. How long has he wanted to see the need and want in those beautiful, crystal blue eyes straight at him?
Mamoru lowered his head till their foreheads were pressed lightly against the other. He groaned out loud, while at the same time, Usagi gasped. The tension between them was getting to them both. The urge to touch each other was becoming unbearable.
It felt so wonderful: skin against skin. It made Usagi's mouth dry. Swallowing, she couldn't help but wonder. . . would it be a thousand times better if they weren't wearing any clothes? Usagi's face turned red as her heart pounded furiously. Staring up at him, a sinful thought popped up into her mind. 'Mmmmm. I bet it would feel real good though.'
However, their sounds of yearning resonated throughout the room and to those who were still present. It had made the Senshi snap out of the funk they were in when it registered in their minds that this was really happening.
Shingo, the poor kid, was desperately clinging to denial. "This isn't happening, this isn't happening," he chanted with his eyes closed, rocking on his heels in nervous agitation.
Mars and Jupiter immediately went to get Mamoru off of Usagi. At first, they didn't have much luck since Mamoru hadn't let go of the blonde when they pulled him up into a standing position.
Seeing their pleading looks for help, Venus rushed towards Usagi to get her away from the possessive man. Prying Mamoru's hands off of the girl was no easy feat. No matter how much she tugged and pulled, his hands stayed on Usagi's waist like superglue.
Maybe she should pry one finger at a time? She might as well try it.
"This little pig went to the market," she began in a singsong voice. Her brow furrowed when this little pig refused to move. "I said THIS little pig went to the MARKET! Lift your finger damnit!"
Poking her head out from behind Mamoru's back, Mars gazed at Venus with an incredulous expression. "What are you doing Venus! This is NOT the time to be fooling around!"
Venus pouted sullenly. "But I'M not! He---she pointed at Mamoru who smirked---won't let go of Usagi! What else can I do?" She turned to the blue-haired Senshi who was busy typing into her compact computer. "Don't you have any ideas Mercury?"
Instead of answering Venus's question, she muttered, "Interesting. . ." Then in a louder tone of voice stated, "The computer is picking up strange vibes coming off Mamoru."
This caught the interest of everyone present, with the exception of Mamoru who was distracted by the young woman in his arms. Thankfully, Usagi wasn't too far gone to not notice what was going on around her.
Blinking, Usagi asked, "What do you mean?" What else is wrong with him? Just look at him! He stares at her like a dog that has a nice, juicy bone in his grip.
'Not that you would mind Usagi,' a voice snickered. 'I'm suuuuure you'd loved to be nibbled on and---"
Then, Usagi squealed in outrage when she felt something where it didn't belong; nevertheless, she was a little glad to be steered away from where her thoughts were leading her.
Okay. As much as she loved Mamoru holding her, touching her, she wasn't ready to get too serious. She was all new to this. She hadn't even kissed a man until today!
She punched Mamoru in the shoulder as hard as she could.
"Hey! Watch your hands mister! I'm not a piece of MEAT you know!"
Mamoru's eyes widened, those beautiful, dark blue eyes of his shining with an innocence that Usagi never knew him, of all people, had the capacity of doing.
Her eyes narrowed dangerously into slits. Yet, that didn't mean she trusted him with that act he's putting on. One had to be wary. Mamoru didn't have an ounce of innocence.
"Hands? What hands?" He looked down the length of her back. The corner of his mouth curled upward. "Ohhhhh," he said in mock understanding, "you mean these?" He squeezed her derriere again eliciting another squeal from the vexed girl in his arms.
"Hentai!" Usagi smacked his face, leaving a hand imprint. "Stop touching my butt!"
(Insert Shingo's whimper)
She fumed when Mamoru smiled. WHY is HE smiling? He should be in pain! Aaaaarrrrrrggggh!
Not liking the fact that he was harassing their friend, Mars and Jupiter took turns in slapping him upside the head.
The only one who didn't think it was necessary was Venus. She sighed dreamily.
Recognizing the sound, Usagi turned irritated eyes on her. Gritting her teeth, she said, "Don't tell me that you think this is romantic?"
Venus shook her head. "No. I was thinking how lucky you are to have a guy to worship you."
Usagi bristled. "You want a guy to grope you?"
At this point, Shingo was repeatedly banging his head against a wall. Hoping to receive amnesia for being so dedicated for all the hard work he's put into making his dream come true.
The Senshi of Love cocked her head to the side, her lips forming into a sly grin. "Come on Usagi-chan! Think of all the fun you can have!"
Usagi's jaw slackened in disbelief. 'Unbelievable!'
Mercury was blushing at Mamoru's actions and Venus's innuendo; she looked up at the ceiling, having a difficult time facing her friends with her newfound information. "Well. . ." she began, hesitant, "for one thing, it indicates that his hormones are a little off the chart."
Raising a brow, Jupiter replied, "So?" She shrugged nonchalantly. "All boys are like that."
Mercury cleared her throat, it was apparent to all that she was nervous. "What I meant to say is that his hormones are higher than normal." She sighed. She gazed at Mamoru with growing trepidation. "And as time goes by--- it's going to get worse." Taking a deep breath, she gave them the final revelation that ended with a big bang. "But what worries me the most is that Mamoru is not aware of what he's doing. I haven't figured out why as of yet. I'll have to analyze him for a while longer to get more results."
"Let me get this straight," stated Mars, her mood growing sour, "Mamoru's libido is in over-drive and he's going to end up as a sex-fiend maniac?" She paused. "And seeing his interest in Usagi, he's going to want to get his groove on. Correct?"
Mercury didn't have time to answer.
"WHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?"
They all turned to see a hyperventilating Odango Atama going red in the face. Whether it was from lack of oxygen or embarrassment--- they couldn't tell.
Usagi had to do everything in her power NOT to scream out in horror. After all that has happened these past two days, this is what it has come down to? She moved from one foot to the other in her anxiety, then halted, when she remembered that she was standing right in front of Mamoru. With each movement she had made, her body brushed against his, creating a friction between them that made her shudder and hold her breath from gasping at the sensations.
Mamoru was a different story altogether. Instead of keeping his emotions in check, which he was prone to do, he got caught up in the moment by lowering his head to catch her lips in a heated kiss.
Usagi would have fought him. It's just that. . . well. . .
He was soooo good at what he did.
Melting against him, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back with equal fervor. Her hands slid up his neck to nestle them in his soft raven hair. "Mamo-chan," she murmured against his lips.
Mamoru felt his blood surge at the endearment. His hands wandered up her back and down again and growled--- wishing she was wearing a shirt, instead of a dress so he could feel her skin beneath his hands instead of this thin layer of material standing in the way. 'Bedroom,' his mind uttered in desire. However, he didn't think he could wait to get her upstairs.
'The living room will have to do.' He smirked.
Feeling a headache coming on, Mercury groaned and closed her eyes at the scene before her. "It's starting. . ." It's going to be hard to keep those two apart, she could tell. Now that Usagi seemed to have given in to the dark side.
Jupiter had enough. "You know what?" When she caught Mars's eye, she continued on. "Why don't you stay here? And I'll go around and pry Usagi off of Mamoru." She winced when she heard a guttural groan. Oh boy. "Before it gets any worse. . ."
Mars scowled and felt like slapping her hand on her forehead when harsh breathing reached her ears. Can this get anymore awkward? The guy she once had a crush on is making out with her best friend and she's holding onto his arm while they're doing it!
Why did she have to end up in this position?
"Fine! Just make them stop!"
Letting go of his waist, Jupiter walked around the preoccupied couple.
Staring at them both, she heaved a sigh. If it weren't for the circumstances they were currently in, she would have been happy for her friend, even whistled out in appreciation. That was some workout they had going on!
Other than that, Jupiter was dismayed. As Mercury had informed them earlier, Mamoru was not aware of what he was doing at the present moment. She believed her. After knowing Mamoru for a year—even if they were mere acquaintances—she knew he didn't normally act this way. If he did like Usagi he would have restrained himself more, that much was certain.
He reminded her of Heckle and Jeckle. The only difference is that his good side locks up his emotions and his bad side acts out on them.
But that was only a hunch. She hated to see what will happen once she pulled Usagi away from him.
This could get ugly.
In record time, she lifted Mamoru's hands off of Usagi's waist with her immeasurable strength and yanked her off of Mamoru before he has the chance to reclaim her.
Jupiter heard a growl and looked up to see the anger burning in Mamoru's eyes for the intrusion. No matter how brave or strong she was--- she couldn't help but gulp.
Venus went to stand by her, feeling the need to protect her fellow Senshi from the hostility the raven-haired man was directing towards her friend. She was aware that Jupiter was capable of taking care of herself; it's just that it seemed as if Mamoru can do a lot of damage from the looks of it.
It's not like he was a superhero with powers, right? Or a youma for that matter. . .
So there's nothing to worry about! Nope. Nothing at all.
"Grrrrrrrr."
Venus almost face-faulted. Ummmm. Heh heh. Maybe he can cause some damage? 'Nice doggy!' her mind squeaked. She sneaked a glance at Jupiter. 'I wonder if she'll be mad if I go to her for protection again.'
Probably.
While this was going on, Usagi didn't know if she should be mad at Jupiter for interfering or to be thankful. She was starting to realize that whenever she's near Mamoru, all the emotions that she tries to rear in spills out like black ink onto white paper; creating a mess that won't simply leave her alone until that ink of emotion leaves a permanent mark on her mind, her heart, her soul.
He makes her forget about so many things. How this intimacy they have going is moving too fast, too soon. How he's not acting like his normal, cool and composed, arrogant self. Usagi had to admit that she was starting to miss that side of him, even if she did find it annoying.
She had to restrain herself from going to him and to remember that he probably didn't even know what the heck he was doing. In the meantime, she had to bid her time and wait for Mercury to fill in the blanks of what was going on with Mamoru. She could only hope he wasn't in a trance or anything of that sort.
She would be crushed! She bit her lip as she mulled over the possibility. Usagi didn't know how she would cope if that were the case.
Though, it was hard not to act out on her emotions. Those searing,stormy eyes of his seemed to shoot an arrow of warmth into her heart, opening a torrent of. . . Gah! She had to stop thinking of what he DOES to her and focus on their current situation! She was over-analyzing this waaay too much.
Usagi mentally slapped herself. She's been hanging around Ami for far too long!
Her head snapped up when she heard Mars yell, "Venus! A little help here!"
Usagi did a double take, her eyes widening a fraction with every second that passed, not wanting to believe her eyes.
Mamoru was staring at her with a hungry look. Her stomach rumbled painfully. Come to think of it. . . She hasn't eaten ALL day!
ACK! Taking another step back, giggling with unease, her mind screamed that now WASN'T the time to dwell on food. Something more important has come up.
Liiiiiiiike. . . Mamoru dragging a panicked Mars who was fruitlessly trying to yank him back from enabling him to get within reach of her?
Jupiter let Usagi go to go help Mars and a now struggling Venus who wasn't having any success in stopping Mamoru from moving towards her.
She stopped short when she noticed his expression. It was almost. . . desperate. It was if he was relaying to her that he needed to be close to her.
Usagi swallowed hard. She didn't know what to do. Truth be told, she was scared as Hell. She wanted to go to him, yet, at the same time she wanted to flee and hide in a closet somewhere. Maybe that would be for the best until Mamoru can calm down and pull himself together.
She nodded, deciding to go with the latter.
However, when she turned around and ran, she realized belatedly that that wasn't the smartest move she has ever made. The sound of yelps and bodies hitting the floor, made her turn around for a quick peek.
Only to see her fellow Senshi slumped on the floor groaning and a startled Mercury staring at Mamoru as if he were inhuman.
She didn't blame her. 'I mean. . .' she thought in awe. 'He had gotten three Senshi off his back!'
Then Usagi remembered to be scared and run for her life when toga-clad Mamoru began to stalk her.
"EEP!" She zipped past the stairs and when straight towards the closet, grabbed the door knob to twist it open. As she was closing the door behind her, a bewildered frown replaced her frightened expression.
Usagi pulled the door again. She grunted when it didn't budge. 'Why did it stop closing?' she speculated, her brows deepening into a V. It didn't make sense! It was doing fine a moment ago, until she had gotten it halfway.
That's when it stopped moving.
'But why. . .'
A hand descended on her shoulder, clearing the cobwebs from her mind.
Oh. . .
Dear. . .
Kami. . .
Turning around, Usagi gazed up at her captor cautiously.
Having his love's undivided attention, he hulled her up to his chest. A wolfish grin made an appearance when she gasped. Mamoru nuzzled his nose against her neck affectionately. Those few minutes of not having her in his arms had driven him to the brink of despair.
He pulled his head away when he saw from the corner of his eye the Senshi running towards them.
He was not going to ALLOW them to take Usako away from him AGAIN. Not if he could help it. She was his and his alone!
"Let her go!" the fiery one screamed, one of her hands making a fist.
Hmmph. As if HE would. What do they take him for?
A quitter?
Dashing inside the closet with Usagi in his arms, he closed the door and locked it, severely cutting off the Senshi's chance of getting inside.
At least, that's what he had thought.
A tough voice, whom he guessed was the tall one, declared smugly, "We can always break down the door. There's no escaping us."
From the other side, Mercury turned to Jupiter. "Do you think that's wise? I mean that's private property," she commented, doubt creeping into her tone.
Mars sighed, while Venus groaned, along with Jupiter rolling her eyes.
Mercury blinked. "Minna?"Hereyes skimmed acrosstheir disgruntled faces. "Fine," she sighed, "I'll never broach the subject again. Happy?"
"Very," they all replied simultaneously.
Mercury frowned. 'They don't have to sound so relieved!' she thought offended.
Back inside the closet. . .
Usagi was fretting. BIG time! She had to get out of here! But how? Mamoru-baka is standing in the way! 'Aaaarrrggggh!' she screamed inwardly, yanking her pigtails in frustration. 'There has to be way out of here!' She cannot be in this small, tiny closet with Mamoru for very long. She didn't think she could stop herself from jumping his bones, since he's so willing to please her and all.
Usagi smacked her forehead. She can't afford to start having dirty thoughts at a time like this!
She was pulled from her thoughts when she noticed Mamoru whip something out from his. . . TOGA! She almost croaked at the sight. What could he possibly keep UNDER there? All she knew was that he was—no. She was NOT going to go there. She had to maintain a clean, pure mind. If she is going to resist Mamoru's attempts to seduce her, this was her only chance to escape his irresistible charm.
'NO you're wrong Usagi! He's NOT irresistible! He's resistible!' Usagi bobbed her head up and down frantically, wanting desperately to believe those false words. Her eyes widened when she picked up a red glow amongst the dark. She squinted. 'What is that?' A gasp got caught in her throat.
'No. . . It couldn't be,' she thought swallowing. 'Could it?'
The object Mamoru held flew from his hand striking the door's keyhole.
A rose. . .
It WAS a ROSE. Kami-sama! Mamoru was Tuxedo Kamen! She gawked at this revelation. Soooo, Mamoru and Tuxedo Kamen were the same all rolled into one like a delicious and warm, buttery croissant?
Her stomach groaned. Great. Now she was associating them with food.
So what if Mamoru is Tuxedo Kamen! That didn't mean she didn't have it in her to resist him now, right?
RIGHT?
Usagi whimpered.
She's not going to come out of this battle as the winner is she?
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A man with strawberry-blond hair was chortling merrily as he carried his new equipment with him. It was perfect.
"Purrrrrrrrfect darling," he drawled in a phony feminine voice, before guffawing at the silliness of it all.
This time he was going to get it right! True, taking a picture from a tree wasn't exactly a bright idea but he finally had the perfect solution! He was going to get proof of those two, who were once arch-enemies, are now puckering up. If he can achieve that, he'll win that stash of money!
A flash of white teeth grinned eerily on the streets of Tokyo. It spooked out most of the people who were walking out late at night, scattering away like a bunch of ants.
A camcorder was so much better than a camera. His grin fell away.
"Kami-sama! THE CAMERA!" he roared, angry with himself for forgetting to pick it up from the floor when he had fallen off the tree. His strides picked up speed into a full-fledged sprint. To any passerby, Motoki was a blur.
In record time, he had made it to Usagi's house, panting as sweat dripped down his face. He wiped it away in disgust.
Motoki made his way over to the tree. Since it was so dark, he fell onto his hands and knees; then began to crawl with his hand stretched out used to pat the floor for his camera.
After a few minutes had passed, Motoki still couldn't find it.
What would anyone do if they were in his position?
Freak out most likely.
Pacing, Motoki tried to console himself by giving reasons why he shouldn't worry.
1) If anyone had taken it, they wouldn't know who it belonged to.
2) It didn't have his name on it. It had Reika's.
He froze. Oh this is bad. He was going to get into so MUCH trouble!
Motoki moaned out loud, not caring who would hear him at the moment. Lost in his guilt and fear, hands covering his face, he didn't notice the bush rustle across from him. A small form came out of it, slowly moving towards Motoki out of sheer curiosity.
It didn't give out bad vibes, indicating that it was dangerous but a harmless creature.
Motoki felt a rush of awareness; somehow, he got the feeling that something was watching him. His hands dropped to his sides and took a look around him.
He didn't see anything.
That's when he heard it. His brows furrowed in contemplation. It had sounded like a muffled "woof".
Blinking, he gazed down at the floor squinting. It was a little, black poofy dog from what he could tell.
'Wait. . .' his eyes widened. 'What's that in his mouth. . .?'
He gaped, recognizing the object. "That's MY camera!" 'Reika's camera you mean,' his mind said dryly.
Oh yeah. He scratched his head. He kept forgetting that important fact.
'You're such a doofus,' said the voice in his head in an insolent tone.
The pooch wagged its little tail and gave an affirmative "woof"! He crouched down on his paws excitedly, knowing a good game when he saw one.
Motoki went to reach down and grab it.
The dog ended up backing away while shaking the object in his mouth playfully, growling.
Motoki wanted to whine in aggravation. He did NOT need this right now. There's a ton of money just waiting for him to claim as his own.
With the intention of turning on his heels and discard the camera as a lost cause, a scary and pissed as HELL Reika loomed in his mind like a vengeful goddess.
"You TRASHED my CAMERA! And all YOU can THINK ABOUT is MONEY?" Her teeth for some inexplicable reason grew into fangs. "Go get it," she growled, eyes burning red.
Motoki's skin had gone pale. That was the scariest thing his mind has ever conjured.
Gulping, he thought, 'Better go get that camera then.'
Taking a step forward, Motoki was annoyed when the dog took a few farther steps back.
"Here doggy doggy doggy," he said in a sugary sweet voice, taking slow, measured steps; hoping the dog would stay still.
No such luck. The scruffy thing thought he was playing and took off darting away from the house, wanting to be chased.
Motoki was torn. Should he go get proof of the couple first, before going after the runt? He wondered as he stared at Usagi's house. Yet, that would mean he'd have to search all over the city for it and that could take days.
He cringed. Reika loved that camera. She always took it with her whenever she went on a dig for a new artifact, so she could share her experience with him.
She would kill him if she ever found out that he'd lost it to a dog.
Moaning as if he were in real pain, he began running after that damn thing that could ruin his chances of winning that prized money.
"WHY?" he screamed. He pouted. It wasn't fair! That money could help him through college! Help him pay for his rent! Not that his job doesn't provide all that, thanks to his father who gave him the job in the first place. But there were times when he wished he didn't have to be stuck at the arcade six times a week! He wanted SOME variety in his daily life!
He could feel the strain in his legs as he tried to catch up to the black blur that was a good distance ahead of him.
Waving a fist in the air, he called out desperately to the mutt. "Wait!" When that didn't work, he searched for a word or command that little devil understood.
"Halt!" Nope.
"Heel!" All dogs knew that one but it seemed he encouraged it to move faster.
"Sit?" He saw it pause for about a millisecond then resumed running.
'Why that little. . .' he seethed and pumped his legs harder. More determined than ever to catch up to it.
"COME BACK HERE!" he bellowed, causing a few heads to turn his way.
Motoki huffed. Boy, this camcorder sure is heavy. He groaned, feeling his shoulder start to ache where it hung getting heavier by the minute.
This could take all night.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Mamoru gave his full attention to the girl in front of him now that he had sealed the door shut with the rose being provided as a barrier, preventing the Senshi from entering so he could have his way with Usako.
Wary at the anticipated look in his gaze, she backed away until she hid behind the coats hanging in the closet and could no longer see him.
She wanted to run and disappear without a trace. But it wasn't possible. There was nowhere else to go. She gulped, suddenly needing a huge glass of water; her throat had gone dry. 'Nowhere to hide'
She shrieked when Mamoru pounced on her.
"Boo." He grinned wickedly. He looked positively demonic with the rose's red glow reflecting off his face. "This is where the chase ends. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."
"You have?" she squeaked, she took a few steps back. Her back collided against the wall, signaling there was no more room for escape. She moved her hand against the wall. 'Maybe there's a secret compartment door?' she thought panicking, her heart rate speeding up. The idea that there was such a thing as a secret passage in a closet was laughable. However, considering the situation, she had to believe that it could happen.
"Mmmm hmmm." He licked his lips in anticipation.
Eyes wide, she pressed herself harder against the wall. "Stay back!" she poked a finger at his chest. HARD. "I am NOT doing ANYTHING! Got that?" She felt more confident as her anger escalated. She walked forward with her finger still on his chest, forcing him to move backwards. "The answer is NO! NO NO NO!" Chest heaving, she paused from her rant to get some air into her deprived lungs from all the yelling.
He pouted. As much as he wanted her, he could never force her to do anything she didn't want to do. He squirmed and groaned quietly under his breath. He wanted her so much, his bones ached! What is he going to do?
SHE WAS HIS DAMNIT!
Lifting his head, desperation coloring his words, he announced, "Can't I at least have some contact with you?" Longing welled up inside of him. He was going to explode any minute. He could feel it. He had to have her. But. . . she didn't want to have any form of contact with him.
That stung.
He sat down on the floor and lifted his knees up to his chest wrapping his arms tightly around them in an attempt from giving in the temptation to touch her.
Usagi was at a loss. It was now that she realized the Mamoru she knew so well was still there, only there's something not quite right with him. She hoped more than anything Mercury would figure it out soon so she could help him. She felt a new respect surge for Mamoru; he had a lot of self-control for a man.
What is she doing? She loved him! And he was in pain; she could very well see that. She had to ease his ache somehow.
Her cheeks heated in nervousness for what she was about to do.
"Mamoru?"
He didn't look up. He couldn't bear to look at her. If he did, he'd lose his head like the last time. All his inhibitions went out the window whenever he saw her beautiful, glowing face. That simple action turns him into this crazed man who has nothing else in his mind but to claim her; he was scared he could lose her to some other man.
He wanted her to love him and he would do anything to get it. But how?
"Hai?" he muttered.
Usagi felt her throat tighten. He sounded so sad.
"Umm." She chewed on her bottom lip. "I guess you can hold me."
He strained to keep his head from jerking up. Swallowing, he asked, "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Okay." Mamoru was relieved. Maybe she did care about him after all? "But can you do me a favor? Can you not face me when I'm holding you?"
Usagi cocked her head to the side. "Why?"
"I don't know really," he answered truthfully. "It's just that. . . something comes over me. I can't control myself anymore for some strange reason."
"Alright," she said. Can't control himself huh? She never thought herself to be so desirable that any man would lose his head over her.
It was flattering to say the least.
Turning her back on him, she slowly went down on her knees and lay on her side waiting for Mamoru to lie beside her.
Hearing the movements she made to lie down on the floor, he went to her trembling. When he was right next to her, he lied down and put his arm around her waist, pulling her to him. He buried his face into her silky, gold tresses, breathing in the scent of blossoms.
Mamoru was home.
The crazed need he felt to claim her as his own was forgotten, now that he was allowed to keep her close to him.
Usagi had been tense at first. Doubts began to plague her, wondering if she was doing the right thing. It's not like she knew for certain that Mamoru was tricking her into feeling sorry for him.
Her doubts were to put to rest, however, as the minutes rolled by. His hands weren't exploring her. He wasn't kissing her neck. He was. . . sleeping.
She blinked, astounded, as she listened to his soft, even breaths. Her lips tugged into a tender smile. Ignoring her stomachs protest for food, she followed suit, feeling the exhaustion seep in from the events that transpired throughout the day.
Feeling this sense of warmth and peace take hold of her, Usagi could almost believe that having Mamoru chained to her bed was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
If you can disregard the fact the few times she has gone into bouts of insanity, of course.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Mercury felt like throwing streamers up in the air. She has found the answer she's been looking for!
She glanced up when she heard shrieks of pain.
For the hundredth time, Mars tried to touch the door knob.
Only to get electrocuted. . .
"OWW!" Mars glared at the door and kicked it without thinking.
BZZZZZZZZZ
"Aaaarrrgggh!" She fell to the floor in a frying crisp, one leg up in the air twitching uncontrollably.
The others gathered around her and squatted to see if she was alright.
She moaned in pain. "I don't get it," she gritted, "what's wrong with that door!" Wincing, she sat up.
Mercury typed into her computer. A brow arched up. "A barrier was constructed," she announced shocked.
Their jaws dropped.
"But how?" asked Venus.
The blue-haired Senshi shook her head. "I'm not entirely sure." She frowned. "It wasn't Usagi. It hasn't picked up her signature, but someone else's."
Jupiter folded her arms. "Do you think Mamoru could have done it?"
She sighed. "It's possible. There isn't any other explanation I can think of."
Venus snapped her fingers. "He could be Tuxedo Kamen!"
"Let's not jump to conclusions, alright? Next time we see Tuxedo Kamen I'll scan him and compare his signature with Mamoru's, but till then we have to focus on Mamoru's problem."
Standing up, Mars stressed, "And that is. . . ?"
Staring straight at them, she replied, "He's thinks he's dreaming."
"Wait," Venus exclaimed, "that doesn't make any sense!"
Jupiter nodded. "Yeah," she said, siding with Venus. "We all saw him! He wasn't dream walking! He was wide awake!"
"To Mamoru. . . this IS the dream!" Mercury replied patiently. "What he's been doing all along was acting out on his innermost desires."
They all gawked at her as if she grew another head.
"That's insane!" Mars protested. How is that even remotely possible? But then again, they have seen STRANGER things than this! "And what does that have to do with his hormones going out of whack?"
Mercury suddenly felt drained. Sleep never sounded so good."Call it what you want. That's what I received from the computer."
"What are we going to do?" Venus asked, while they all stared at Mercury for answers.
Gazing at them helplessly, she replied, "I wish I knew."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Aphrodite had been watching and listening in on the Senshi's conversation, along with Morpheus. She turned to him with an expectant look on her face.
"Well?" She put her hands on her hips, her foot tapping on the floor impatiently.
Morpheus glowered at her. "Well what?" He crossed his arms over his chest.
She puckered a brow. "You heard the girl! 'What are we going to do'?"
He sneered. "You're asking ME?"
Aphrodite's face turned red in anger. "You're the God of Dreams! YOU fix IT!" she bellowed, her blue eyes blazing.
"You're forgetting one thing here," he said quietly as he walked towards her dangerously, his charcoal eyes cool as ice. "You ruined my concentration when I entered his dream. You're mess, not mine." Standing in front of her, he leaned down so they were eye to eye. "Remember?"
Aphrodite gulped and nodded furiously. "Uh huh!" She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding till Morpheus put some space between them.
She turned back to the other bubble that showed the sleeping couple. 'I have to fix this by myself?' she speculated with alarm. She didn't know the first thing about how the mind works! How the heck does Morpheus think that she could help Mamoru go back to normal again? Never mind that SHE only helped mortals find love! Cause it was obvious to her that he did not give a crap that she could do MORE damage to the poor soul's state of mind!
'Bastard,' she thought, scowling. Something occurred to her just then. Though, that didn't mean she couldn't persuade him. Begging wouldn't do. And flirting? She shot him a skeptical glance without his knowing. That man had a heart of stone, not even her penchant for turning a man on can she ever hope to succeed in giving him goose bumps!
'Let's face it. . . he's IMMUNE to my charms!' This alone aggravated her to no end. She was supposed to be the most beautiful woman to ever exist! Ugh.
What could she possibly do to get Morpheus to do what she wanted without being conspicuous?
An uncharacteristic razor sharp grin appeared. Too bad Morpheus hadn't noticed or he would have been running back to his welcoming cave and the comforting smell of poppy that surrounds his luxurious bed.
"You're right," she conceded, covering the grin that would alert him of her intentions with a cheery one, "it is MY mess."
Morpheus started at that. Sweets admitting she was wrong? And actually sounding apologetic about it? He narrowed his eyes at her, zeroing in on her for any warning of danger approaching.
"However," she began with a melodramatic sigh, "since I'm not familiar with getting inside a person's head and seeing what I can do to fix it. . .well." Here she shrugged. "I can go find help somewhere else."
Dread overwhelmed Morpheus's entire being. Somehow he knew where this was heading.
And he was afraid. The last thing he wanted was for her to—
"I'm sure Hypnos would be glad to lend a hand, once he sees I am in dire need of help!" she ended, a gigantic smile spreading across her flawless features.
—ask for his father's help.
Morpheus's skin had now turned to an unhealthy shade of green. 'I think I'm going to be sick. . .' he thought as held onto his stomach. His face screwed up as a wave of nausea washed over him.
He high tailed it out of there to get rid of the contents in his stomach that was desperately looking for an outlet.
Staring at the now faint outline of the gagging god, Aphrodite's smile broadened.
'He'll be back to help alright.'
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
AN: After re-reading this chapter a few times, I can't help but wonder what else I can say about Mamoru's condition. It's kind of hard to describe but I hope you all know what I'm driving at :crosses fingers:
So, a couple of nights ago, as I was falling asleep, I had realized something important after two years. Now I know you're all going to have a good laugh at my expense (I'm such a dork :rolls eyes:), but it had occurred to me that whenever I wrote a review, I would sometimes finish it off with a 'chow!' I just wish my brain would have alerted me sooner :growls: that it's 'ciao' NOT 'chow'.
Has this sort of thing happened to any of you?
I'll be going now!
Ciao! Lol.