Hello Mina, My muse has done a strange thing...she made me revisit one of my first stories "The Game" and she decided how much she liked it, but could see how much help it needed. She has not let me have a moment's peace until I finished editing and revising it. I do you hope you enjoy the new-improved version.
Author's Notes - 'Denotes People's Thoughts.'
I want to take a moment and inform you all before you read, this story centers around how easily women can fall into a dangerous unhealthy relationship. I have seen many times how strong women can be sucked in. I am not trying to make Usagi appear weak but rather how these men really mess with their minds.
This is set at the beginning of the R Season, during the Ail and An saga when Mamoru had no memories and the scouts were helped by the Moonlight Knight. (Ail's name while in disguise is Seijuurou and An's is Natsumi...They were only called Ail and An in their Alien forms.)
I hope you enjoy. Please R&R. Once again, I am not getting rich off of this and I hold no copyrights to this. It is just my overactive imagination.
Mind Games
Chapter 1 - Pleasurable Day
Usagi stood on the street corner lost in thought, her mind deciding between heading for the arcade or going shopping. Suddenly out of nowhere, Usagi with a painful thump landed on the pavement. Before she could even comprehend what happened, strong arms were picking her back up.
"Are you all right?" She looked up into beautiful midnight blue eyes getting lost in their depths; she felt a millennium pass which was no more than ten seconds.
"Hello Mamoru, having a klutz attack today?" She giggled madly, waved and turned walking away. She was smiling with glee having finally got the last word in when her heart clenched. A lone tear trickled down her cheek. 'I just wish Mamo-chan remembered me: remembered our love.' Knowing these thoughts would get her nowhere she swiped at the tear. 'I have to be strong enough for both of us.'
This thought provided comfort to Usagi as she realized she stood in front of the Crown Arcade. Deciding that a shake would definitely help she walked in through the doors. She glanced around the Arcade looking for any of her friends. Motoki looked up from wiping the counter.
"Hello Usagi, would you like your usual chocolate shake?" She nodded a sigh of contentment escaping without her notice. She walked up to the counter and slid onto a stool. Laying her cheek into her hand Usagi contemplated all of her problems. There was a new enemy stealing energy around Tokyo and no one knew anything.
Even Luna and Artemis could find no information. The two cats had found it necessary to bring all of the scout's memories back except Tuxedo Kamen he did not remember anything. Now they had new help from someone calling himself the Moonlight Knight. Ever since Usagi had saved Tuxedo Kamen, and the whole world, from Beryl's evil clutches he had lost all of his memories from before.
At that moment, Motoki set her shake in front of her. He smiled at her and then turned his attention to other customers. The bells on the door caught Usagi's attention and she turned around and spied Seijuurou coming through the doors. She knew it must be hard for him being new to her school. Feeling sympathetic to his plight, she thought it might be nice to be friendly.
"Hey Seijuurou," she waved him over. He walked over and sat on the stool next to her.
"Hello Usagi". He smiled at her and her heartbeat sped up.
"Would you like to join me?" She waited to see what his reaction would be.
"Of course, as long as I am not interrupting anything," He glanced at her questioningly waiting for an answer.
Her eyes sparkled. "You're not I promise." They sat in awkward silence for a minute and Usagi took this chance to study Seijuurou. He was cute with his over long brown hair, and those blue eyes that twinkled with mischief. His cute smile caused strange things to happen to her heartbeat. She finally broke the silence, "So what do you like to do in your free time?"
He thought for a second. "Flirt with a beautiful girl of course. Please Usagi call me Sei, I much prefer it." Sei watched as she reacted exactly as he expected. She blushed slightly grinned a little bit and then looked away. He smiled tenderly at her for a moment and then continued. "May I ask a favor of you, Usagi?"
She paused a moment scrunching her nose and then nodded. He looked embarrassed and then blushed. "Could you possibly show me around?" He waited to see her reaction before continuing. "I am not good at directions and finding my way around." He looked down and blushed, nearly laughing. 'This is too easy she is playing right into my hands.' He caught himself just in time.
She threw him a dazzling grin before replying, "I would love to show you around, just let me know when."
Motoki chose that moment to arrive. "Hey Usagi would you like another shake or are you heading home?" While waiting for her answer he took a moment to study the young man. He looked normal enough but Motoki thought he saw irritation on the kid's face when he first interrupted them. It had only been a quick flash so maybe he had just imagined it.
Usagi piped up, "I will take another shake Motoki."
Sei flashed an affable smile and interrupted. "Hey Usagi is an hour too soon?"
She smiled, "Not at all that would be great."
He reached over and gently took her hand kissing her knuckles. "Then I will see you back here in an hour, I can hardly wait." With a wink for Usagi and another affable smile for Motoki, he quickly left.
Knowing how stubborn Usagi could be Motoki decided to tread carefully and play it casual. "So who's your friend?" They both knew it did not sound casual.
"Oh that is Sei, he and his sister Natsumi transferred to Juuban a few weeks back. They are from some foreign country but I cannot remember just now."
Motoki sighed he could not do much more to warn her away from the person, so he just took the simplest route. "Just be careful okay?"
Usagi gave him a puzzled look but decided to let it pass. She nodded in agreement and Motoki wandered back to the counter and made her shake.
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Sei quickly left the arcade. If Motoki had seen his face change from affable enjoyment to vicious rage, he would have been terrified for Usagi. The coals banking in his eyes were there for all to see. 'That damn idiot just had to interrupt us. I would be farther along already if not for his interference.'
He walked up several blocks scanning the crowds. Shortly he spotted Natsumi hanging all over Mamoru. His hand clenched in rage, "Why do all these women like that dork?" He watched in sickening disbelief as she tried at every opportunity to get closer to Mamoru. He knew that Usagi also had a thing for Mamoru although she had not said it.
He had seen the look though in her eyes when Mamoru had run into her. He had also seen her face as she walked away. He laughed at the pain there and the tear that had slipped beyond her control. A plan formed in his mind. He would enjoy using Usagi to lure Mamoru and then he could maim them both watching as the tree suck the life out of both of them. He smiled in glee and realized he needed to head back.
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Walking back into the arcade the look of rage was completely gone. Sei walked over to Usagi and smiled.
"You ready?" Her heartbeat sped up as she nodded shyly. It would be great to be walking around with such a cute person. She stood up grabbing her purse and waved at Motoki.
Seeing the frown upon his face, she paused for a second. 'Ah well it could be anything.' She turned and smiled at Sei, "I'm at your service."
Sei had noticed her pausing and turned to see why. Irritation flashed on his face before changing to a look of triumph as he took Usagi's hand causing her to blush. Motoki noticed it and his frown deepened. Sei smiled down at Usagi looking completely enamored. "Then let's be off."
They walked to the doors and entered out into the sunshine. Usagi thought for a minute. "What would you like to see first?" She peeked up at him through her lashes gauging his reaction.
"How about somewhere we can have some fun, my treat."
She nodded. "I know just the place." They walked along in silence for a few minutes. Sei wanted to keep the tone of the conversation light.
"Hey what is your favorite subject?" he held up his hand and continued. "No...wait...let me guess?...hmmm...how about reading?"
She laughed, "How about you would be wrong. My favorite subject of the day is Lunch. My turn, what is your favorite subject?" Copying his move she held up her hand. "No wait let me guess...How about math?"
He stopped and really looked at her. "How did you know?"
She toyed with her lip. "Well I kinda take you for one of those intelligent guys. You know good grades and all."
Sei looked taken aback. Covering quickly he played it off and played right into her heart. Blushing a bit he continued, "I'm kind of shy so if you could keep that a secret." It was Usagi's turn to look shocked.
"I'll keep your secrets if you share them with me." She covered her mouth quickly looking abashed. "Wow did I say that."
He nodded, "You did." He leaned close to her and whispered in her ear. "I think I like you." He could see her reaction and knew that his plan was progressing nicely.
They walked a few more blocks to an amusement park and he bought them both tickets. They climbed in line and finally got in.
"Well what should we do first?" She looked at him expectantly.
He smiled and pointed "The Rollercoaster of course." He made it appear natural when she was frightened by the drop he slipped his arm around her and she hid her eyes in his shoulder. It almost seemed comforting to feel strong arms again.
She was not forsaking Mamoru, but he did not remember and well this seemed comfortable. As the ride came to a jolting stop, she looked up into his blue eyes there was a look of tenderness there causing her heart to jump a bit.
She gently disentangled herself from him and climbed out. They decided it was time for lunch and found the food vendors. They chatted and laughed as they ate until a comfortable silence fell between them.
She finally got her courage up to ask him a real question. "Hey Sei, can I ask you a question?"
He nodded solemnly. "Of course you may?"
She swallowed nervously, "Do you have a girlfriend?" He blushed a bit, "No but there is someone I like." He saw the confusion written upon her face at his words and he almost smiled.
She blushed a bit and turned away and he purposefully left her on tenterhooks to keep her engaged but a second later she turned back looking normal. "Well what other rides should we go on?" she asked.
"How about we check out the games?" He took her arm once more and they headed off to the games. Once they arrived, he found a game to win stuffed animals.
Approaching the Vendor, he asked, "How much for three tries?" The old man answered him smiling as he eyed Usagi.
"300 Yen" He handed over the money and proceeded to win a prize. Sei took his time making his selection. Watching her reaction, he caught her eyeing a little pink stuffed bunny.
He chose the bunny and turned to her. "Here it's for you." Her breath caught in her throat. It looked as though he was going to kiss her.
She was not sure what to do, but at the last moment, he pulled back and gently tucked the bunny into her folded hand. Keeping his hand tucked around hers he stared deep into her eyes searching for something. 'How corny' he thought, but he knew what he was doing. Softening his look, he smiled. "Come on, there are more rides awaiting us."
They decided next on the carousel. When he put his hands around her waist to lift her up on the horse, it seemed completely natural but her heart sped up. She covered her excitement with idle chatter.
"You know how long it has been since I have ridden on the carousel?" He nodded acting embarrassed once more.
Looking shyly at her he replied, "I know me too."
She dazzled him with a smile and then blew it laughing. "I know I know, please don't tell anyone." She teased him gently gauging his reaction. He smiled in return letting her wonder.
Before they realized it, the ride was over. They climbed off and made their way to the funhouse. Walking through the mirror maze he gently put his arm around her waist.
"Here let me guide you, I have an uncanny ability to find my way through these things." She felt wonderful with his arm tucked around her waist his hand resting gently on her hip. They had no accidents and laughed their way on through. Deciding it was time for ice cream they ended up on a bench each with a cone laughing and chatting.
When Usagi had licked up the last of the double scoop chocolate cone, she realized the sun was setting. "Oh wow I need to check in. Let me run call my mom and I will be right back." She stood up and ran off to the payphone.
Quickly dialing the number, she waited impatiently for an answer and finally her mom picked up. "Moshi Moshi?"
"Hi mom, it's me and I am at the amusement park with a friend."
"That's all right." Her mom assuming the friend was a girl continued. "Just remember to be home by nine so your dad isn't mad."
"Okay bye Mom, I love you." She hung up and ran back to the bench. Scanning around she could not find Sei anywhere but knew he would be right back.
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As soon as Usagi ran off, Sei looked around. Finding the vendor he wanted he looked over the merchandise. Pointing to what he wanted he asked the man, "How much is that little pink glass rose with the green stem?"
"Normally it would be 2000 yen but I will let you have it for 1000."
Sei nodded and the man proceeded to lay it on soft cotton in a little box. As he handed it over to Sei the vendor couldn't resist commenting.
"Ah young love" He winked at Sei as he accepted the payment.
Sei quickly tucked the box in his pocket and headed back to the bench. Usagi was already there waiting. "Well what did she say?" he teased.
"Oh I have until nine." she smiled.
"That is excellent." He replied his smile giving her goose bumps. "That gives us more time for fun." As he spoke, he took her hand and pulled her up, "How about the Ferris Wheel?"
She nodded clearly enjoying his excitement. Sei and Usagi walked over to the line and stood chatting. Shortly the line was moving, and before they knew it they were buckled in their seat.
With a creaking groan, the wheel began turning, lifting them. As they climbed above the lights of Tokyo, Usagi sucked in her breath.
"Waah...it looks beautiful from up here. Look there, see that is the Tokyo Tower, and over that way is my house. I can almost see it from here." A gentle wind rocked their car as they climbed even higher. At each stop, the view became more impressive. When they reached the top, it stopped with a groan.
Sei used her chatter as an excuse to watch her. Shocked by her exuberance and her love of simple things, 'She really is beautiful'. Then he kicked himself mentally. 'I cannot let her beauty and charms fool me.' Just as he finished that thought, he noticed she was not chatting any longer. Just sitting there staring at him.
"Sorry, what was that? My mind wandered for a minute while taking in the beauty." She looked confused at his comment so he clarified.
"Yes the beauty here in the chair with me." She blushed and hoped that the dark night would hide it. She shivered in the cool night air and he noticed. "Come here." It was a command not a question and she did not know how to respond.
Deciding not to over analyze things, she scooted right up next to him. He gently put his arm around her and pulled her even closer. She was snuggled right up to him.
"Is that better?" Bereft of speech she simply nodded her head. They enjoyed the view with a comfortable silence. Letting her mind take everything in she thought about the fun they were having together. His low voice broke into the silence.
"It is my turn to ask you a question." She nodded noting the seriousness of his tone. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Her heart clenching in pain she was able to answer honestly. "There once was someone but...well he has moved on." It hurt so much to admit it that a lone tear found its way to her cheek.
Sei gently used his thumb to wipe the tear away. He smiled at her tenderly, "Now, now, no sadness we are having way too much fun." Laying it on thick, he went in for the kiss.
"Look my lady the beautiful lights of Tokyo lay before us for our enjoyment as we reign from above." He lifted his thumb once more and gently ran it across her cheek. "So beautiful." he murmured looking deep into her eyes once more. He then took it one-step further by running it gently over her lips. Leaning in close he murmured "So beautiful," just before setting his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. His hand wandered up teasing through the back of her hair.
He could not believe his own reaction to her innocent vulnerability. He was hard in an instant and could only think of the pleasure to come.
The Ferris wheel chose that moment to groan back to life and they broke apart each lost in thought.
Usagi sat in the darkness thinking about what had just happened. 'My first kiss…waah…the girls will never believe this.' Her hand slowly wandered to her mouth. She could still feel his warmth tingling there. A sudden thought brought her excitement to an end, 'It should have been Mamoru.' Where had that thought come from. For just a minute, she pondered fate and destiny. Mamoru did not remember her, himself, or their history together. She thought about their new protector. The moonlight knight, he seemed somewhat familiar but she did not know why, maybe it was Sei? Shaking her head, she decided to wait and ponder it all later.
The ride stopped and they climbed out. When they stepped onto the platform, Sei gently took her hand melding his fingers with hers. At her surprised look, he smiled tenderly reassuringly and gently pulled her towards him. They walked off the platform her hand still tucked in his.
He smiled down at her, "Come on let's get out of here." They headed for the entrance and wandered out onto the street. She smiled gently at him.
"I have somewhere I want to show you." Usagi led him back towards the Arcade but stopped at the local park. He looked at her oddly but she tugged on his arm. "Come on, not much farther." They walked hand in hand down one of the trails. Usagi decided to break the comfortable silence. "This is one of my favorite places in all of Tokyo."
He understood her intentions of sharing it with him. The darkness hid his smile. He could see lights up ahead until he realized it was just reflections on a lake. They approached a marble bench and she quickly sat pulling on his hand.
Sitting down beside her, they both enjoyed the quiet serenity of the night. He thought about his next move in the game he was playing. Slipping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her close once more. His warmth took the chill out of the moment but her thoughts were too distracted to notice. 'It should be Mamoru sitting here beside me. Aren't we destined to be together? It seems really cruel that just when we met and remembered, his memories were stolen.'
A lone tear slipped down her cheek and she tried to swipe at it without Sei noticing. Of course, he had to look down at her.
"Sweetheart whatever is the matter?" He gently cupped her chin and lifted her face up. Seeing the sadness there and the tears slipping down her cheeks, he knew what to do. "Ah Love, what is it? You know you can tell me anything."
Usagi swallowed past the lump in her throat before speaking, "It's just that…well you know…I told you how there used to be someone…well we never got the chance to talk or say goodbye or anything. He just slipped away, I know I am not making much sense but I have never cried."
Sei looked down at her tenderly, "Come here," he gathered her close to him in a hug and gently rubbed her back.
"Just let it all go…Cry all you want…It is okay to grieve."
Usagi finally broke down. She sobbed in despair letting go of all the pain. Sei just stroked her back and murmured words of comfort. When she was finally calmed down some she noticed how natural this seemed. She pulled back just a bit and looked up at him. Her face was mere centimeters from his. Their breaths each mingled.
"Thank you I think." The look in her eyes gave him a sense of triumph that he did not show.
He covered the tiny distance taking her lips in a gentle kiss. Her questing innocence was almost his undoing. He knew how vulnerable she was in this moment and decided to use that to his advantage.
Stroking her back, he deepened the kiss just a touch. Her arms wandered up to wrap around his shoulders. He let his hands wander up to play in the soft hair at the nape of her neck. His mouth wandered from her lips down just a bit to her jaw and then returned to her lips.
Tilting her head back just a bit, he further deepened the kiss. Running his hands down her back, he let them explore. When his hand wandered to the front and under her shirt, she gasped as his finger tickled over bare skin.
He kissed her again deeply trying to distract her from his hand. He slowed his kisses down slowly stealing the breath from her.
Sei could tell she was completely innocent and this just helped his fires burn even hotter. His hand slid up over her taut stomach muscles to feel the soft material covering her breasts. When he first cupped one, she let a small gasp of pleasure. Keeping his touches gentle his hand wandered to the other one and cupped it.
He dropped his hand from her shirt and brought it up with the other one to tangle in her hair. He angled her head tenderly and kissed the tender skin behind her ear. When he gently sucked there, he let his hand drop to her knee. Slowly he skimmed his hand in ever widening circles towards her skirt.
Usagi could not think straight with all of the sensations assaulting her. His hot drugging kisses stole her breath and she felt a growing need, but for what she did not know.
Finally realizing he could not seduce her in a park on a marble bench he slowly pulled back. She felt his warmth dissipate and wondered at his sudden retreat.
His face was closed she could not read much there at all. He saw the confusion on her face and chuckled as he stood. "It is time to get you home we would not want you to be late. It is already eight forty five so we should get going."
Usagi sat stunned she had lost track of the time completely. Sei reached down and once more took her hand. Tucking her fingers into his he gently tugged on her. She stood up, thoughts wandering, and kept up with him.
"I should probably make sure you get home safe." She nodded and they made the short walk to her front porch. "Usagi, my sweet, I have never had such fun before. I got you a surprise well just because." He knew he was laying it on thick but one look at her dreamy face and he knew how well it was working.
Sei pulled the little box out of his pocket and with a grand flourish held it out. "For you,"
She tentatively reached for the small box wondering what it could be. Lifting the lid, she let out a sigh. "Ah" It was a tiny pink rose made of glass, even the little green stem was glass. "Oh thank you! It is too beautiful." A lone tear ran down her cheek. 'Kami-sama a rose just like my Tuxedo Kamen.' she thought. She could not tell him that.
"Oh love, why are you crying again?" he tenderly wiped the tear away.
"I am just so shocked it is a lovely gift, thank you." He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Good night sweetheart. I should let you get in." He then turned to leave. Bereft of words once more she stood watching until he was out of sight.
Well that is the end of Chapter One. What do you think? Please review and let me know.