Usagi sat on her bed reading a magazine with her phone beside her. She
heaved a sigh and turned to look at the clock: 9:30. She picked up the
phone and heard the dial tone. No one's on the phone, she thought as she
placed it back down gently. Maybe he's just studying hard, she thought.
Like mom said, he probably has a lot on his mind. She pouted, then snatched
up the phone and dialed his number. I'm so pathetic, she said as she rested
her forehead in her palm.
After a few rings she heard Mamoru's groggy voice, "Moshi moshi."
"Mamo-chan?" Usagi replied trying to hide her annoyance.
"Usagi?" Mamoru asked unsure.
"Hai. Who else?" She stopped trying to hide her tone.
"Can we talk some other time? I'm on my way to work." He sounded distant and disinterested.
"Iie! We can't talk some other time and you're not on your way to work cause it's 9:30 and you have school in the morning. Mamoru? What's going on?" She asked not sure if she wanted to hear the answer.
"What do you mean?" He sounded aggravated.
"Don't you want me anymore? Did I do anything wrong?" A single tear ran down her cheek, she absently brushed it away and put her forehead back in her palm.
His tone softened, "Oh, Usako. Of course I still want you. I just have a lot of things on my mind right now. But I really do have to go to work, they called me in for a couple of hours."
"Okay," She reluctantly agreed, "I'll talk to you later." She gently put the phone back down and looked around her room. She suddenly realized how lonely and bare her room was. Every thing was so neat, so organized, so. not her. She definitely was not neat and organized. She almost got up and started throwing things around her room, making as big as a mess as she could. But thought better of it when she realized how long it would take her to clean it. Her thoughts drifted back to Mamoru. He said he had things on his mind. Like what? Exams, as she had already established, right now they were a big part in his life. But he sounded more troubled than that. Maybe he was thinking about his parents again and how he doesn't remember them and wished he did. She wished he would tell her what was on his mind, maybe she could help. She had always been there before when he needed to talk to someone. Her mind wondered back to her first suspicion, what if he didn't want her anymore, or what if he's seeing someone else? She quickly shook that thought off. Don't be stupid, she thought. After all, they were destined to be together. Or at least that's what it felt like. She frowned, what if he doesn't feel the same? So then, what if he doesn't want her anymore? What if he is seeing someone else? She sighed, all this worrying isn't going to get me anywhere. She rolled over on her side and turned her TV on. After several minutes of flipping through the channels and finding nothing interesting she turned the TV off and turned back to her magazine. Finally, she closed her reading material and took a deep breath. Maybe she was being a little paranoid. There are a million good reasons that Mamoru was acting like he was, exams being one of them. She decided she needed to get her mind off of things, but not just yet. It was too late in the evening to do anything tonight. She picked up the phone and called Makoto. After a 10-minute phone call of establishing what they should do tomorrow after school, Usagi hung up and went to bed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Makoto greeted Usagi at her locker after school.
"So?" Usagi began, putting some of her books away, "What are we doing?"
"Well, Minako wanted to go to the arcade to grab a bite to eat, we usually do that anyway, and then we'll go from there." Makoto replied as she watched her friend close her locker. They both turned and began to walk side-by-side down the hall.
"Okay," Usagi responded, "Sounds good. Maybe we can go shopping. I need to have a day off from things."
"Still worried about Mamoru?"
Usagi drew in a breath, "A little. It's not so much that he didn't call and seems distant. But it's the fact that I can't figure why he's acting this. It's driving me insane!"
"Well, I'm sure everything will reveal itself in due time. But I don't think you have anything to worry about. He's probably just stressed over exams." Makoto tried to sound reassuring but wasn't sure if she was succeeding.
"That's what my mom says. And you guys are probably right," Usagi sighed again, "I mean, how many times have I stressed out about him and it's turned out to be something minor. Too many times to count."
"Exactly. So why worry this time?" Makoto linked arms with Usagi as they walked down the street toward their favourite hang out, besides Rei's temple, of course." Makoto thought it best not to mention the time Mamoru broke up with Usagi and was a complete ass toward her, all because of some dream. They did, however, she reminded herself, over come that and their relationship grew even stronger. Makoto looked up to the sky. They never did find out why he was having those dreams. But that was beside the point. Makoto was positive it was nothing but the pressure of exams that was bothering Mamoru.
She held the door open for Usagi, followed her to their usual seat and sat down. Usagi decided she wanted to look at the menu and did so. She did this every once in awhile. Makoto guessed it was because she didn't want to miss it in the event that something new was being listed. Even though Motoki would tell her straight off.
"Are you going to try something different today Usa?" Motoki asked after he greeted the five girls.
"Well, I'm going to have my usual beverage and some mozzarella sticks, I think." She replied with a smile.
"I'm going to have a vanilla shake and a burger," Minako informed.
Motoki smiled and left to fill the orders.
"So," Makoto started, "Usagi wants to go shopping. How 'bout you guys?" All the girls agreed. After several minutes Usagi piped up, "I think I'm going to get a pet." She said staring out the window. It caught everyone off guard. Where did that come from?
"A pet?" Rei repeated, "Are you sure that you wouldn't kill the poor thing?" She teased.
Usagi stuck her tongue out and then smiled at the teasing, "No. I don't know, I was thinking maybe I'd get a kitten."
"Kittens' don't stay kittens forever." Ami pointed out.
"Kudo's to Ami for always stating the obvious." Minako joked, quietly applauding.
"And what made you decide this all of a sudden?" Rei inquired, cocking an eyebrow.
Usagi shrugged, "I don't know," She said playing with an earring, "I just want one." Just then a pair of hands came down and covered her eyes. She recognized those hands, mainly the sent that their owner held. She didn't know whether she should be thrilled or wonder why the owner of those hands wasn't in school. But she decided to sound thrilled, for the time being, at least, "Mamo-chan! What are you doing here?" She turned and kissed him.
"Well, I decided that I needed a little bit break and come see you. I know you'd be here. So," he held out his arms as if to present himself, "here I am." He then sat down across from Usagi.
"Yup. Here you are," She said plastering on a fake smile, "When you should be in class studying for exams or least preparing for them."
"This coming from someone who never studies and barely passes." He replied.
Usagi's whole world stopped. People, movements, noises, everything stopped. Usagi stared at him, "Ouch." Was all she said. You could see the hurt in her eyes, in her voice. His words cut through her like a thousand jagged knives. Her friends just kept looking back and forth between the two. They were in shock of what they just heard. Usagi's eyes glazed over, she got up and headed for the washroom before he could see her cry.
"Not cool," Makoto said and ran after Usagi, the other girls following. They found Usagi sobbing in a stall.
"Usagi?" Ami asked concerned, "Are you going to be okay?" It was a dumb question, she knew it. But she didn't see anyone else making an effort to console their friend.
"Eventually," Usagi's weak voice came from behind the stall door.
"I cannot believe he said that to you," Rei fumed, kicking the garbage can over on its side, "Who does he think is?"
Usagi slowly opened the stall door and leaned against it, "It's Okay. He's right, I shouldn't be telling what to do. Especially when I don't do it myself."
"Why not?" Minako asked, "You just want him to succeed in life."
"You care about him and his future," Ami stated.
"Exactly," Rei agreed, "Why shouldn't you worry and be concerned when he's not is school like he should be."
"You wouldn't worry so much if you didn't love or care for him." Makoto pointed out.
"Exactly," Rei said, "So I don't know what the hell his problem is."
"It's true, you know?" Ami stated, "You have every right to be concerned."
"Then why do I feel so guilty?" Usagi mumbled.
"Because he's an ass." Rei said as if that would explain everything.
"Rei!" Minako slapped Rei's arm.
"What!? He's a guy and all guys are asses."
Usagi giggled, "True. But want are you gonna do? Come on," She cheered up, "Let's go shopping."
"Yeah!" Minako beamed, "Shopping!"
They headed back to their table to finish their food and get their stuff. Usagi and Minako went to the counter to pay. Mamoru was sitting on one of the stools chatting with Motoki.
"Usagi?" Mamoru turned his attention to her, "can I talk to you for a minute?" He sounded apologetic.
Usagi sighed, "I guess," She waved Minako on. She would catch up with them later.
"Look," Mamoru began, "I'm sorry about what I said. I'm just so sick of everyone telling me that I should be studying. Yes, I know exams are important. But I'm just so stressed out right now. The last thing I need is my girlfriend hounding, when all I want to do is spend time with her and get my mind off things. All I've been doing every day for the past week is studying. I want to go out and do things, and remember what it was like to have a life."
"I understand what you mean. It just would have been nice if you told me what was on your mind. I have been worrying for three days not knowing what was going on."
"What did you think was going on?"
Usagi sighed, "I don't know. But it scared me. Remember that time when you were having those dreams and you began to ignore me? And when Motoki's sister asked who I was, you told her that I was just some girl you knew?"
"It's nothing like that, Usako." He smiled, "Just exams. I promise."
She smiled back, "Okay." She thought a moment; "I still think you should have gone to school today." She mumbled.
"I did for a bit. I was on my way to my last class, and I thought that I would rather come see you and get my mind off things."
She smiled at that, "Well, at least you went for most of the day."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Usagi was walking home from her day with her friends when she bumped into one of Mamoru's professors.
Usagi smiled at the tall women, "Konnichi wa." She greeted.
"Hello, Tsukino-San. How are you this evening."
"Just fine, thank you. Just finished shopping and now I'm going home for the night." Usagi replied friendly.
"Sounds like you had a fun day," Usagi nodded, "Have you seen Mamoru today?"
"Yes." Usagi replied uncertain.
"He wasn't in class today which I thought was unusual. Was he not feeling well?"
"Which class does he have with you?" Usagi asked, anger building up.
"Uh? Anatomy, first thing in the morning. Why?"
Usagi tried hard to repress the growl in her throat, "Just curious. Yeah, he wasn't to well today. He's coming down with something." That son of a bitch.
"Oh. That's too bad. Tell him I hope he feels better soon." She smiled.
"Will do. But I should get going. I'll talk to you later." Usagi said before she headed toward her house. Just wait until she got a hold of a phone. Mamoru was sure going to hear it from her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, that's it for part two. Hope you enjoyed it ^_^ I apologized for the wait. But I've moved out of my dad's and I don't have the net where I live =p plus, this part took me a lot longer than I thought to write it. I kept getting writer's block... This story is going to be more difficult to write than I thought. But yeah, anyway, I hope you guys liked it.. don't forget to review....
After a few rings she heard Mamoru's groggy voice, "Moshi moshi."
"Mamo-chan?" Usagi replied trying to hide her annoyance.
"Usagi?" Mamoru asked unsure.
"Hai. Who else?" She stopped trying to hide her tone.
"Can we talk some other time? I'm on my way to work." He sounded distant and disinterested.
"Iie! We can't talk some other time and you're not on your way to work cause it's 9:30 and you have school in the morning. Mamoru? What's going on?" She asked not sure if she wanted to hear the answer.
"What do you mean?" He sounded aggravated.
"Don't you want me anymore? Did I do anything wrong?" A single tear ran down her cheek, she absently brushed it away and put her forehead back in her palm.
His tone softened, "Oh, Usako. Of course I still want you. I just have a lot of things on my mind right now. But I really do have to go to work, they called me in for a couple of hours."
"Okay," She reluctantly agreed, "I'll talk to you later." She gently put the phone back down and looked around her room. She suddenly realized how lonely and bare her room was. Every thing was so neat, so organized, so. not her. She definitely was not neat and organized. She almost got up and started throwing things around her room, making as big as a mess as she could. But thought better of it when she realized how long it would take her to clean it. Her thoughts drifted back to Mamoru. He said he had things on his mind. Like what? Exams, as she had already established, right now they were a big part in his life. But he sounded more troubled than that. Maybe he was thinking about his parents again and how he doesn't remember them and wished he did. She wished he would tell her what was on his mind, maybe she could help. She had always been there before when he needed to talk to someone. Her mind wondered back to her first suspicion, what if he didn't want her anymore, or what if he's seeing someone else? She quickly shook that thought off. Don't be stupid, she thought. After all, they were destined to be together. Or at least that's what it felt like. She frowned, what if he doesn't feel the same? So then, what if he doesn't want her anymore? What if he is seeing someone else? She sighed, all this worrying isn't going to get me anywhere. She rolled over on her side and turned her TV on. After several minutes of flipping through the channels and finding nothing interesting she turned the TV off and turned back to her magazine. Finally, she closed her reading material and took a deep breath. Maybe she was being a little paranoid. There are a million good reasons that Mamoru was acting like he was, exams being one of them. She decided she needed to get her mind off of things, but not just yet. It was too late in the evening to do anything tonight. She picked up the phone and called Makoto. After a 10-minute phone call of establishing what they should do tomorrow after school, Usagi hung up and went to bed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Makoto greeted Usagi at her locker after school.
"So?" Usagi began, putting some of her books away, "What are we doing?"
"Well, Minako wanted to go to the arcade to grab a bite to eat, we usually do that anyway, and then we'll go from there." Makoto replied as she watched her friend close her locker. They both turned and began to walk side-by-side down the hall.
"Okay," Usagi responded, "Sounds good. Maybe we can go shopping. I need to have a day off from things."
"Still worried about Mamoru?"
Usagi drew in a breath, "A little. It's not so much that he didn't call and seems distant. But it's the fact that I can't figure why he's acting this. It's driving me insane!"
"Well, I'm sure everything will reveal itself in due time. But I don't think you have anything to worry about. He's probably just stressed over exams." Makoto tried to sound reassuring but wasn't sure if she was succeeding.
"That's what my mom says. And you guys are probably right," Usagi sighed again, "I mean, how many times have I stressed out about him and it's turned out to be something minor. Too many times to count."
"Exactly. So why worry this time?" Makoto linked arms with Usagi as they walked down the street toward their favourite hang out, besides Rei's temple, of course." Makoto thought it best not to mention the time Mamoru broke up with Usagi and was a complete ass toward her, all because of some dream. They did, however, she reminded herself, over come that and their relationship grew even stronger. Makoto looked up to the sky. They never did find out why he was having those dreams. But that was beside the point. Makoto was positive it was nothing but the pressure of exams that was bothering Mamoru.
She held the door open for Usagi, followed her to their usual seat and sat down. Usagi decided she wanted to look at the menu and did so. She did this every once in awhile. Makoto guessed it was because she didn't want to miss it in the event that something new was being listed. Even though Motoki would tell her straight off.
"Are you going to try something different today Usa?" Motoki asked after he greeted the five girls.
"Well, I'm going to have my usual beverage and some mozzarella sticks, I think." She replied with a smile.
"I'm going to have a vanilla shake and a burger," Minako informed.
Motoki smiled and left to fill the orders.
"So," Makoto started, "Usagi wants to go shopping. How 'bout you guys?" All the girls agreed. After several minutes Usagi piped up, "I think I'm going to get a pet." She said staring out the window. It caught everyone off guard. Where did that come from?
"A pet?" Rei repeated, "Are you sure that you wouldn't kill the poor thing?" She teased.
Usagi stuck her tongue out and then smiled at the teasing, "No. I don't know, I was thinking maybe I'd get a kitten."
"Kittens' don't stay kittens forever." Ami pointed out.
"Kudo's to Ami for always stating the obvious." Minako joked, quietly applauding.
"And what made you decide this all of a sudden?" Rei inquired, cocking an eyebrow.
Usagi shrugged, "I don't know," She said playing with an earring, "I just want one." Just then a pair of hands came down and covered her eyes. She recognized those hands, mainly the sent that their owner held. She didn't know whether she should be thrilled or wonder why the owner of those hands wasn't in school. But she decided to sound thrilled, for the time being, at least, "Mamo-chan! What are you doing here?" She turned and kissed him.
"Well, I decided that I needed a little bit break and come see you. I know you'd be here. So," he held out his arms as if to present himself, "here I am." He then sat down across from Usagi.
"Yup. Here you are," She said plastering on a fake smile, "When you should be in class studying for exams or least preparing for them."
"This coming from someone who never studies and barely passes." He replied.
Usagi's whole world stopped. People, movements, noises, everything stopped. Usagi stared at him, "Ouch." Was all she said. You could see the hurt in her eyes, in her voice. His words cut through her like a thousand jagged knives. Her friends just kept looking back and forth between the two. They were in shock of what they just heard. Usagi's eyes glazed over, she got up and headed for the washroom before he could see her cry.
"Not cool," Makoto said and ran after Usagi, the other girls following. They found Usagi sobbing in a stall.
"Usagi?" Ami asked concerned, "Are you going to be okay?" It was a dumb question, she knew it. But she didn't see anyone else making an effort to console their friend.
"Eventually," Usagi's weak voice came from behind the stall door.
"I cannot believe he said that to you," Rei fumed, kicking the garbage can over on its side, "Who does he think is?"
Usagi slowly opened the stall door and leaned against it, "It's Okay. He's right, I shouldn't be telling what to do. Especially when I don't do it myself."
"Why not?" Minako asked, "You just want him to succeed in life."
"You care about him and his future," Ami stated.
"Exactly," Rei agreed, "Why shouldn't you worry and be concerned when he's not is school like he should be."
"You wouldn't worry so much if you didn't love or care for him." Makoto pointed out.
"Exactly," Rei said, "So I don't know what the hell his problem is."
"It's true, you know?" Ami stated, "You have every right to be concerned."
"Then why do I feel so guilty?" Usagi mumbled.
"Because he's an ass." Rei said as if that would explain everything.
"Rei!" Minako slapped Rei's arm.
"What!? He's a guy and all guys are asses."
Usagi giggled, "True. But want are you gonna do? Come on," She cheered up, "Let's go shopping."
"Yeah!" Minako beamed, "Shopping!"
They headed back to their table to finish their food and get their stuff. Usagi and Minako went to the counter to pay. Mamoru was sitting on one of the stools chatting with Motoki.
"Usagi?" Mamoru turned his attention to her, "can I talk to you for a minute?" He sounded apologetic.
Usagi sighed, "I guess," She waved Minako on. She would catch up with them later.
"Look," Mamoru began, "I'm sorry about what I said. I'm just so sick of everyone telling me that I should be studying. Yes, I know exams are important. But I'm just so stressed out right now. The last thing I need is my girlfriend hounding, when all I want to do is spend time with her and get my mind off things. All I've been doing every day for the past week is studying. I want to go out and do things, and remember what it was like to have a life."
"I understand what you mean. It just would have been nice if you told me what was on your mind. I have been worrying for three days not knowing what was going on."
"What did you think was going on?"
Usagi sighed, "I don't know. But it scared me. Remember that time when you were having those dreams and you began to ignore me? And when Motoki's sister asked who I was, you told her that I was just some girl you knew?"
"It's nothing like that, Usako." He smiled, "Just exams. I promise."
She smiled back, "Okay." She thought a moment; "I still think you should have gone to school today." She mumbled.
"I did for a bit. I was on my way to my last class, and I thought that I would rather come see you and get my mind off things."
She smiled at that, "Well, at least you went for most of the day."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Usagi was walking home from her day with her friends when she bumped into one of Mamoru's professors.
Usagi smiled at the tall women, "Konnichi wa." She greeted.
"Hello, Tsukino-San. How are you this evening."
"Just fine, thank you. Just finished shopping and now I'm going home for the night." Usagi replied friendly.
"Sounds like you had a fun day," Usagi nodded, "Have you seen Mamoru today?"
"Yes." Usagi replied uncertain.
"He wasn't in class today which I thought was unusual. Was he not feeling well?"
"Which class does he have with you?" Usagi asked, anger building up.
"Uh? Anatomy, first thing in the morning. Why?"
Usagi tried hard to repress the growl in her throat, "Just curious. Yeah, he wasn't to well today. He's coming down with something." That son of a bitch.
"Oh. That's too bad. Tell him I hope he feels better soon." She smiled.
"Will do. But I should get going. I'll talk to you later." Usagi said before she headed toward her house. Just wait until she got a hold of a phone. Mamoru was sure going to hear it from her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, that's it for part two. Hope you enjoyed it ^_^ I apologized for the wait. But I've moved out of my dad's and I don't have the net where I live =p plus, this part took me a lot longer than I thought to write it. I kept getting writer's block... This story is going to be more difficult to write than I thought. But yeah, anyway, I hope you guys liked it.. don't forget to review....