Eh heh. Hey everyone! *hides behind tree as sinks are thrown* GAH! Bs-
chan: took ya long enough! Liz: eep! Don't hurt me! Here's a new
chapter! And I'ts -15- pages long! (on Poor Richard font)
Disclaimer: If you haven't learned it by now, it's a hopeless cause
Enjoy:
Usagi Gets a Job?!
"Seifer." Squall growled.
"This is really interesting, I mean, here we have little Miss Perfect and Mr. Brooding, right across the hall from me. Who would ever expect this interesting plot twist?" He grinned snidely.
"Seifer. If you try ANYTHING I swear to Hyne-" Squall began.
"Relax Squall, I'll be a perfect gentleman." Seifer's grin widened.
"Oh?" Squall's glare, if it all possible, got worse.
"Hey Odango, what toppings do ya want?" Shingo broke into the argument.
"Go back inside Shingo." Usagi ordered.
"Aw, how cute! Usagi has a little brother!" Seifer cooed. Ryo snorted and rolled his eyes.
"Hey! I'm not cute!" Shingo defended himself.
"Shingo, back inside." Usagi hissed.
Shingo backed away warily and then vanished from sight.
"Seifer. I'm warning you, you do anything to any of the Tsukinos, let's just say there are worse things that death, or even jail." Squall threatened.
Seifer shrugged, still grinning like a Cheshire cat. "What ever you say. Leonheart."
~~~@~~~
Dinner was a bit awkward after the incident. Shingo kept asking who the two guys were and Ikuko was in a daze, still in denial about losing her husband and her house. Usagi ate another slice of pepperoni before glancing around the table, sighing. This was going to take a lot of getting used to.
"Hey Squall, before you go, can you hook up the TV?" Shingo asked, breaking the silence that had fallen.
"Sure." Squall replied.
Twenty minutes later, dinner was done, the TV was hooked up, and Shingo was sorting through his movies. Ikuko sat on the couch, still sullenly quiet. Squall and Usagi were standing by the door, trying to say good-bye for the night, but they couldn't get past the good night kiss.
"Good night." Usagi giggled, leaning up for another kiss.
"Sleep tight." Squall replied, before succumbing to the kiss.
"Aw, for Lara Croft's sake! He might as well spend the night at the rate you two are going." Shingo groaned.
Usagi giggled once more before opening the door. "I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked.
"Of course." Squall whispered before stealing another kiss.
"Yeah, and I love you too." Shingo mimicked his sister's voice as he came up behind them. "Good night!" He cried, exasperated, before slamming the door. "You two were totally grossing me out." Shingo made a face of disgust.
"Aww, someday lil' Shingo will have a girlfriend." Usagi ruffled his hair and walked back into the family room.
~~~@~~~
The Next Morning.
Ikuko was looking better, after a good night sleep. Well, as good as you can sleep on a big, lonely bed in a new place. She was cooking breakfast and humming quietly to herself. Usagi meandered to the breakfast counter and sat on a stool, facing her mother. "Morning Mom." She greeted.
"Good morning sweetie." Ikuko replied.
Shingo came in a few minutes later, sitting next to his sister. Ikuko set the bowls of cereal in front of her two children. "Cereal?" Shingo asked in surprise.
"Sorry honey, but we haven't gone grocery shopping yet." Ikuko smiled.
"It's still delicious anyways." Usagi complimented.
"Thanks sweetie." Ikuko smiled at her only daughter. "Usagi, I have a favor to ask of you."
"Sure, what's up?"
"Usagi. I think it would be best. if you got a job."
The room settled into an amazed silence.
Shingo broke the silence seconds later. "BWAHAHAHHHAHAHAHA! Odango with a job! BWAAAAHAHHHHHAHAA!"
Usagi glared at her little brother. "I can do it!"
"Sure." He grinned. "What skills to you have?"
"Well.uh."
"See my point?"
"Shingo! I'm serious!" Ikuko frowned at her only son. He promptly quieted down, only grinning now.
"Just you watch! I'll get a job!" Usagi cried defiantly before digging into her cereal and mumbling about the possibilities.
~~~@~~~
That day at school.
"Shampoo! Woman! Get back here!" Wufei yelled as he was chasing his girlfriend down the hall.
"No! Airen insult Shampoo cooking!" She yelled back.
"Looks like another day in the Land of Love." Duo joked as he watched the two approaching them.
Heero snorted and rolled his eyes.
"I agree." Duo nodded.
"I still don't see how you can translate his snorts and 'hn's'." Van shook his head and closed his math book.
"Easy. I compiled them all and published the 'Handy Heero Dictionary on tape!' [Written by Shinigami no Kamikaze]." Duo grinned. "I can lend it to you sometime."
Van just shook his head and sighed.
"Woman! Calm down! I said 'if I had to choose between Makoto and Shampoo's food, I'd pick Makoto! That woman is a professional chef!" Wufei cried exasperated.
"You like her food better than Shampoo." She cried.
"Are you listening to me Woman?" Wufei growled.
"It's gonna be a long day." Van sighed.
"Hey, did you all hear Usagi's mom wants her to get a job?" Duo bounced with a cheeky grin on his face.
"Dude, Duo, it's like, eight in the morning, how do you hear this stuff?" Ranma asked walking up casually.
"Minako." Duo answered.
"What does Usagi need a job for? I'm sure Squall can provide her a comfortable living." Van shrugged.
"Her mom probably don't want no charity." Ranma answered.
"Ranma!" The infamous mallet smacked Ranma's body into the ground. Akane stood behind him growling. "I hear you don't like my cooking!"
Ranma groaned. "Chill, ya tomboy! I said I liked Makoto's cooking! She's a chef for Kami's sake! Do you women tape record our conversations?" Ranma winced and dodged another swing of the mallet.
"No, but when you talk about my BAD cooking in your WOMAN OF THE WORLD class, I'm BOUND to HEAR!" Akane screeched.
"I'm so glad Hitomi doesn't cook." Van smiled with relief.
"What's wrong with Akane's cooking?" Duo asked. "It tastes fine to me."
The group sweat dropped.
"Duo, you've got a stomach of steel." Ranma muttered.
~~~@~~~
Tuesday After School, at Usagi's Apartment.
Quatre studied the board intently deciding upon the best strategy to win. His blond brow wrinkled in concentration and his blue eyes narrowed thoughtfully. The whole game might depend on this move, his career depended on this move, he hadn't gone to college for nothing!
His hand reached out hesitantly and he grasped the card in the middle of the deck that Ranma was holding. "And. you're a doctor!" Quatre sighed in relief. "But time for the SALARY CARD!" Ranma cried gleefully.
Quatre groaned. Van had all ready taken the $100,000 card. He closed his eyes and reached for the deck Ranma was holding now. He gently plucked one of the cards.
"NOOOO!" Ranma cried.
"ARG!" Gohan howled.
Trunks groaned in despair.
"YES!" Quatre leaped with joy. He had picked the $90,000.
"Sheesh, it's just a game of 'Life' guys." Hitomi shook her head sadly.
Hitomi, Rei, Ami, Usagi and Hotaru were sitting around Usagi's dinning room table eating pizza, while Van, Gohan, Trunks, Ranma and Quatre were playing a ferocious and brutal game of 'Life'.
"Hitomi, they're guys, everything is competitive." Rei pointed out.
"This sucks. I'm way ahead of your all, I've got all these children in my car, I've got more colored paper than the bank, and I have all the cards that say Life." Van complained.
"Van, that means you're winning." Trunks pointed out dryly.
"Oh. Well then, bring it on!" Van cried gleefully. The others groaned.
"Men." Hitomi shook her head as Ranma cried out, "NO! Not the trailer house!"
~~~@~~~
By Wednesday After School.
"I've applied everywhere! I even applied at McDonalds! Everyone wants experience!" Usagi groaned and grumbled, sinking to the floor in front of her locker.
Rei looked down at her sympathetically. "I'd offer you a job at the temple but we don't pay well. actually, we don't pay at all. And Gramps will always try to look up your skirt."
"And the worst part is Squall is on a tour with his father!" Usagi pouted.
"Usagi! You ready?" Gohan yelled as he came jogging into the locker bay.
"Yup." Usagi stood sullenly.
"And where are you two off to?" Rei asked.
"English project. we're getting supplies at his place then going to mine to do the project, and pray that someone calls me back."
"Call me if you do! I'll be over at Trunks' house." Rei grinned.
"Ohlala!" Usagi commented and winked before she and Gohan headed out of the school.
~~~@~~~
Chichi glared at Usagi with pure hatred. Usagi tried to avoid looking at her standing in the doorway trying to melt her with her gaze, but the woman was just too scary. "So, you are a friend of Gohan, eh?" She crossed her arms and calked her head while maintaining her glare.
Usagi got the impression she kept Uzis and rocket launchers under her bed. "Yes, I am. We have all of our classes together." Usagi tried to smile at her.
"How good of friends?" Chichi asked.
Usagi took a step back as her glare intensified. "Best of." She replied cautiously.
Chichi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So you're his girlfriend?"
Usagi tried wishing Gohan back down but to no avail. "No. But I am a girl, and I am his friend." Usagi tried to crack a joke.
Chichi humphed. "I don't like you. You are trying to steal my precious Gohan away from me with your evil, wanton ways! But you will not succeed, missy! I got rid of Videl, I can get rid of you too!" She growled.
Usagi gulped. "Actually, I have a boyfriend." She replied.
"So you admit it! You're dating my son!" Chichi cried.
"No! Selene, no! Here," Usagi reached into her backpack for a picture of Squall. She pulled one out of him with no shirt on and black jeans and her in a white t-shirt and jeans. It was the day he helped her mother move and it had been a hot day. "This is my boyfriend and I." She handed the picture to Chichi.
Chichi studied it intently. "So now my Gohan isn't good enough for you?" She glared again.
"What?" Usagi asked baffled.
Chichi thrust the picture back at her. "What's wrong with Gohan? He'd make you happy!" Chichi sniffed.
"But you just said-"
"Are you just using my Gohan?" She returned to her glare.
"We're just friends-"
"Then why are you here?"
Usagi threw her hands up in the air. "Because we're friends! Selene! Take a Prozac and chill woman! I'm his friend! We hang out together!" Usagi exploded.
Chichi looked offended. "You dare speak to me in that tone of voice?"
"That's it! Tell Gohan I'm outside! Away from his PSYCHO mother!" Usagi stormed out of the small house and marched into the clearing around their house.
"Hey, Usagi, right?"
Usagi looked over to see Gohan's dad, Goku, doing one-handed pushups with Goten sitting on his back, eating. "Yes, I hate to be rude, but how do you stand living with her?" Usagi sat down next to him. Goten waved and went back to eating his fish sandwich.
Goku laughed. "I stay away from home as much as possible. I assume Gohan told you about Namek-sei and the events after?" He switched to his other arm in mid air and continued his pushups.
Usagi grinned. "Yeah, I can see why you didn't come back right away."
"But she cooks real good." Goku grinned.
"Usagi! Mom said you were out here thinking about what you said to her. do I even want to know?" Gohan came running up, with the supplies.
"No, ready to go?" Usagi stood.
"Yeah, I'll be home later dad." Gohan slipped his arm around Usagi's waist and powered up, and flew off into the sky.
"Nice to talk to you Mr. Son!" Usagi called as Gohan blasted into the air.
Goku waved and called, "Have fun son!"
~~~@~~~
Usage and Gohan were sitting in the middle of the floor surrounded by poster board, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, tape, pencils, and books when Shingo walked in and gasped. "Odango! You're trying to give me a heart attack! First talking about getting a job and now you're actually working!" He feinted a faint to the couch.
"Oh, grow up Shingo!" Usagi muttered.
"So, whatcha two doin'?" Shingo sat up.
"We're thinking up themes for the book '1984', ever read it?" Gohan smiled at the small blonde boy.
"Eh. no. Why read a book when it's title is in the past?" Shingo scoffed.
"It's supposed to stop that world from ever happening." Usagi muttered and flipped aimlessly through the book.
BRRRING!
Shingo leaped up for the phone, which had just been installed two days ago. "Moshi moshi." He greeted.
He glanced at Usagi before replying, "Yeah, hold on one moment." He brought the phone away from his head. "It's for you, Odango!" He grinned.
Usagi sighed and stood, fully expecting it to be Minako. "This is Usagi." She answered.
Her eyes grew as wide as Goku's stomach as she sputtered, "Really? Eh, I mean, sure! Tomorrow? Great!" She hung up the phone and grinned like she had just collected all seven dragonballs.
"You gonna share the news?" Gohan asked, leaning against a chair.
"Let me guess, Squall is getting back tomorrow?" Shingo asked in a bored tone.
"I HAVE AN INTERVIEW!" She screeched so loudly that even Seifer paused in his videogame and glanced over at the door.
Gohan leaped to his feet. "That's great!"
Usagi squealed and jumped on Gohan. Gohan laughed and spun her around happily. Shingo sat on the couch dumbfounded. "Why I never." He muttered.
"Where at?" Gohan asked as he set the petite blonde down. "Ophelia Black Boutique! Cool, huh?"
"You'll be able to get me. uh. nothing." Gohan pouted.
"C'mon Gohan, I'm sure there's tons of people out there that wanna see you in drag!" Usagi giggled.
Gohan turned slightly green. "Heh, oh boy."
~~~@~~
Thursday, After School.
"Okay, chin up! Back straight, smile, laugh, cross your ankles, don't be too loud, but make sure you aren't soft. Laugh at the jokes, nod at important things, speak clearly, state how much you love working with people. am I forgetting anything?" Rei asked thoughtfully as she eyed her friend up and down.
"Don't chew on your fingernails." Ami added.
"Are we ready to go?" Hitomi asked, glancing at her watch.
Usagi nodded nervously.
~@~
Usagi walked into the small boutique in the Juuban Mall. The shop had two glass walls that looked over the mall, seven dressing rooms, and tons of dresses of all colors.
"Hi, how are you doing today?" A friendly voice asked.
"Hi, I'm Usagi Tsukino, I'm here for an interview." She smiled nervously.
Usagi looked the girl up and down. She was about five foot six and slim and could only be a few years older than her. Her very long, curly, red hair was tied up in a messy bun and her bright, blue eyes smiled warmly. Her had very pale skin and wore a black, spaghetti strap top and black flare pants and the most uncomfortable looking pair of heeled sandals she ever saw. "Usagi, I'm Maeve O'Connell." She said, in an accent.
"You're an American!" Usagi pointed out.
"Yeah, I was an exchange student and forgot to go home." Usagi grinned. "No, really, I was an exchange student and when Ophelia Black came to Japan, I was offered to work here as an assistant manager because I'd understand the Americans from our Corporate office."
Maeve showed Usagi all around the store, and explained all the different types of clothing, from wedding dresses, to formal dresses, to casual wear. all for women.
"Now let me warn you Usagi, always look busy around the manager, Hitori Jõshi. We've nick named her the Deity of Work or the Slave Driver. She used to be a convict in Tokyo Penitentiary. She got out on 'good behavior'." Maeve warned her.
Usagi's eyes grew wide. "Really? An ex-convict? What was she in for?"
"Trying to take over the world." Maeve told her honestly. "And, her boyfriend is the one that arrested her. They have a love at first arrest relationship. He's also her parole officer."
"Maeve! I need a transfer form filled out right away! And I have three POS's I need you to do. oh yes, Miss Tsukino is here."
Usagi tried not to stare at the manager, Hitori Jõshi. She was a short woman, with brown, wavy hair that reached her shoulders, and intimidating brown eyes that turned green when angry. or annoyed. Even though she was five foot, by her attitude you'd think she was six foot. She was a snappy, get-the-hell-outta-my-way-before-I-squash-you kind of girl. She was wearing a black business suit, a skirt instead of pants, and black heels.
"Hello, Usagi." She welcomed warmly, and then turned to Maeve. "Maeve, get that done ASAP while I conduct this interview!" She turned on her heels, motioning for Usagi to follow her, and they were off to the back.
~@~
Minako watched as Usagi followed the woman to the back, her nose pressed up against the glass and she breathed in excitement. "I can't believe Usagi is the first of us to have a job!"
"Uh. Minako, my work at the Temple is a job." Rei reminded her.
"And Shampoo work at Grandmother's restaurant." Shampoo added.
"And all the Gundam boys work as Preventers, except Trowa whose in the Circus." Ami spoke up.
"Gene and Jim have their own company." Makoto included.
"Okay, so she's the first out of the Inner Senshi to get a job!" Minako corrected.
"Minako, I still have my job at the Temple, ya know, the Priestess?" Rei cried exasperated.
"Of course I know that!" Minako snapped.
The other girls just rolled their eyes.
~~@~~
Maeve watched Hitori walk back out into the main part of the shop with Usagi. Both were smiling, Usagi's cheeks were a bit flushed. Hitori glanced over at Maeve. "Maeve, this is the newest member to our company, she's coming in tomorrow to fill out her paperwork and then she'll start next week."
"Congrats Usagi." Maeve grinned.
"Now get out of here and celebrate!" Hitori smiled as Usagi grinned and half walked, half ran out of the store in excitement.
"I like her." Maeve commented.
"As if your opinion matters. now get to work! Work, work, work!" Hitori ushered Maeve towards a rack that needed straightening.
~~@~~
"Mom!" Usagi screeched as she came peeling into the apartment after school. Shingo looked up from his video game and Ikuko looked up from her newspaper.
"Yes dear? How was school?" Ikuko asked absentmindedly.
"I GOT THE JOB!"
Shingo and Ikuko leaped to their feet. "What?" They cried in union.
"Who hired you?" Shingo asked in disbelief.
Usagi glared at her brother. "Ophelia Black, and watch it if you want me to take you out to eat with the money I'll be earning." Usagi stuck her tongue out at her little brother.
Shingo quieted down immediately.
"Oh! Honey! I'm so proud of you!" Ikuko sniffed before enveloping Usagi in a giant hug, she then pulled Shingo in as well. "I'm so proud of both of you!" Ikuko wept silently. "I'm going to go call your aunt and tell her the good news!" Ikuko rushed to her bedroom to use the phone in private.
"How you gonna juggle school, homework, working, and Sailor Moon?" Shingo asked as soon as their mom was out of hearing range.
"Sailor Moon has been pretty quiet lately, so I'm not worried about that. And don't forget I also am in Track." Usagi sighed sinking into the couch.
Shingo sank next to his sister and patted her shoulder reassuringly. "I can always take over Sailor Moon for ya, Sailor Shonen Moon!" Shingo leapt off the couch and struck a pose.
Usagi laughed merrily. "You're a riot Shingo."
~~~@~~~
End for now!
So. yeah, I promised a Halloween chapter, didn't I? **looks at half finished chapter** err.
Free Previews of the next few chapters if you can guess whom Maeve and Hitori are! Minus you BS-chan! You already know!
Review Korner Time!
BS-chan: *GLOMPS * thanks for getting me to work. You know I love ya! And you know I love your reviews! **winks** Pweeeeease! ? And it's up to you to keep me updating!
Anymos: the katana cheering squad has three members so far! Selphie, Quistis and Jade! Not to much. heh
Wing Zero Girl: **shudders** English teachers, they're all evil! Hope you enjoy the rest!
Shinigame Babe 88: **Glomps* thanks! Best story on ff.net? **head swells**
Storm Demon: Thanks for the advice, but everythings gotta have a serious moment or two, but now that we're outta that, back to the humor! Was that chapter any better on the humor scale?
Blooms of Tears: The main page of my website is a pic of Squall!
Anime Chick: Nope, that was future Trunks! **grins evilly**
LadyS: That was the PERFECT idea that fits in with an evil plot of seifer's coming up soon! **Grins** thanks for the ideas! (I always love your ideas!)
Ginny Starwind: Hey amiga! My spring break is coming up in two weeks, that's probably when the next chapter will be updated, unless BS-chan has anything to do with it! Thanks for the review! Sorry you had to go back 7 pages.. this time it'll be threeish!
Celestial DreamBlaze: Thanks for the LOOOOONG review! Sacrificing Squall's dignity? Hmmm. **Grins evilly* sounds good to me! Sorry about the cliffie! Wait till you see what's seifer's evil plan is (it'll be revealed in the next chapter) sorry about the long wait again. I really do try!
PrincessLesse: Another one of my favorite Reviewers! **glomps** Rei is a lucky girl . **sighs** LOOK! I FINALLY posted the Gohan part! **dances** did you like? But now what are you going to bug me about?
SA2-chan: You guessed my evil plot!
MB (blue Moon) oooh! Ideas! Ideas! I love it when people give me ideas! I got one of your longest reviews? **Eyes get starry* Wow! **Ego grows more** don't worry, I wont torture the katana boys forever. **grins**
Repori: That was quite a tongue twister!
Pyra: Rinoa is annoying! Wait till you meet her in the next chapter! **Shudders** Tidus is from FFX, he's the main character, and he's hott in the surfer kind a way. (not nearly as hott as SQUALL!)
Lalu: you guessed my evil plot too!
I'm not too sure when Buffy'll joing the scene, in a bit hopefully!
Hatami: your English isn't so bad, wait till you hear MY Spanish! Hablo malo espanol!
Tenshi No Nozomi: Sorry I took so long! I love all your ideas, in fact, you have inspired a future upcoming part when Rinoa is introduced! **Grins* and you too have guessed my evil, err, seifer's evil plot! Or why he has an evil plot.. Anywho, I hope you leave another idea filled review!
Madien Usagi: Oops. heh, well, I blame it all on spell check. err, or my just being to lazy to look up the spelling.
SORRY To the rest of the reviewers! But I just can't write anymore! @.@ my fingers are frozen and I think I'll go turn up the heat in the house. EEK! **Sees BS-chan running at her with her evil spork** eEp! Save me! I meant AFTER I post! GAAAAAAAAAH!
END!
Review PLEEEEAAAASSSE!
Disclaimer: If you haven't learned it by now, it's a hopeless cause
Enjoy:
Usagi Gets a Job?!
"Seifer." Squall growled.
"This is really interesting, I mean, here we have little Miss Perfect and Mr. Brooding, right across the hall from me. Who would ever expect this interesting plot twist?" He grinned snidely.
"Seifer. If you try ANYTHING I swear to Hyne-" Squall began.
"Relax Squall, I'll be a perfect gentleman." Seifer's grin widened.
"Oh?" Squall's glare, if it all possible, got worse.
"Hey Odango, what toppings do ya want?" Shingo broke into the argument.
"Go back inside Shingo." Usagi ordered.
"Aw, how cute! Usagi has a little brother!" Seifer cooed. Ryo snorted and rolled his eyes.
"Hey! I'm not cute!" Shingo defended himself.
"Shingo, back inside." Usagi hissed.
Shingo backed away warily and then vanished from sight.
"Seifer. I'm warning you, you do anything to any of the Tsukinos, let's just say there are worse things that death, or even jail." Squall threatened.
Seifer shrugged, still grinning like a Cheshire cat. "What ever you say. Leonheart."
~~~@~~~
Dinner was a bit awkward after the incident. Shingo kept asking who the two guys were and Ikuko was in a daze, still in denial about losing her husband and her house. Usagi ate another slice of pepperoni before glancing around the table, sighing. This was going to take a lot of getting used to.
"Hey Squall, before you go, can you hook up the TV?" Shingo asked, breaking the silence that had fallen.
"Sure." Squall replied.
Twenty minutes later, dinner was done, the TV was hooked up, and Shingo was sorting through his movies. Ikuko sat on the couch, still sullenly quiet. Squall and Usagi were standing by the door, trying to say good-bye for the night, but they couldn't get past the good night kiss.
"Good night." Usagi giggled, leaning up for another kiss.
"Sleep tight." Squall replied, before succumbing to the kiss.
"Aw, for Lara Croft's sake! He might as well spend the night at the rate you two are going." Shingo groaned.
Usagi giggled once more before opening the door. "I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked.
"Of course." Squall whispered before stealing another kiss.
"Yeah, and I love you too." Shingo mimicked his sister's voice as he came up behind them. "Good night!" He cried, exasperated, before slamming the door. "You two were totally grossing me out." Shingo made a face of disgust.
"Aww, someday lil' Shingo will have a girlfriend." Usagi ruffled his hair and walked back into the family room.
~~~@~~~
The Next Morning.
Ikuko was looking better, after a good night sleep. Well, as good as you can sleep on a big, lonely bed in a new place. She was cooking breakfast and humming quietly to herself. Usagi meandered to the breakfast counter and sat on a stool, facing her mother. "Morning Mom." She greeted.
"Good morning sweetie." Ikuko replied.
Shingo came in a few minutes later, sitting next to his sister. Ikuko set the bowls of cereal in front of her two children. "Cereal?" Shingo asked in surprise.
"Sorry honey, but we haven't gone grocery shopping yet." Ikuko smiled.
"It's still delicious anyways." Usagi complimented.
"Thanks sweetie." Ikuko smiled at her only daughter. "Usagi, I have a favor to ask of you."
"Sure, what's up?"
"Usagi. I think it would be best. if you got a job."
The room settled into an amazed silence.
Shingo broke the silence seconds later. "BWAHAHAHHHAHAHAHA! Odango with a job! BWAAAAHAHHHHHAHAA!"
Usagi glared at her little brother. "I can do it!"
"Sure." He grinned. "What skills to you have?"
"Well.uh."
"See my point?"
"Shingo! I'm serious!" Ikuko frowned at her only son. He promptly quieted down, only grinning now.
"Just you watch! I'll get a job!" Usagi cried defiantly before digging into her cereal and mumbling about the possibilities.
~~~@~~~
That day at school.
"Shampoo! Woman! Get back here!" Wufei yelled as he was chasing his girlfriend down the hall.
"No! Airen insult Shampoo cooking!" She yelled back.
"Looks like another day in the Land of Love." Duo joked as he watched the two approaching them.
Heero snorted and rolled his eyes.
"I agree." Duo nodded.
"I still don't see how you can translate his snorts and 'hn's'." Van shook his head and closed his math book.
"Easy. I compiled them all and published the 'Handy Heero Dictionary on tape!' [Written by Shinigami no Kamikaze]." Duo grinned. "I can lend it to you sometime."
Van just shook his head and sighed.
"Woman! Calm down! I said 'if I had to choose between Makoto and Shampoo's food, I'd pick Makoto! That woman is a professional chef!" Wufei cried exasperated.
"You like her food better than Shampoo." She cried.
"Are you listening to me Woman?" Wufei growled.
"It's gonna be a long day." Van sighed.
"Hey, did you all hear Usagi's mom wants her to get a job?" Duo bounced with a cheeky grin on his face.
"Dude, Duo, it's like, eight in the morning, how do you hear this stuff?" Ranma asked walking up casually.
"Minako." Duo answered.
"What does Usagi need a job for? I'm sure Squall can provide her a comfortable living." Van shrugged.
"Her mom probably don't want no charity." Ranma answered.
"Ranma!" The infamous mallet smacked Ranma's body into the ground. Akane stood behind him growling. "I hear you don't like my cooking!"
Ranma groaned. "Chill, ya tomboy! I said I liked Makoto's cooking! She's a chef for Kami's sake! Do you women tape record our conversations?" Ranma winced and dodged another swing of the mallet.
"No, but when you talk about my BAD cooking in your WOMAN OF THE WORLD class, I'm BOUND to HEAR!" Akane screeched.
"I'm so glad Hitomi doesn't cook." Van smiled with relief.
"What's wrong with Akane's cooking?" Duo asked. "It tastes fine to me."
The group sweat dropped.
"Duo, you've got a stomach of steel." Ranma muttered.
~~~@~~~
Tuesday After School, at Usagi's Apartment.
Quatre studied the board intently deciding upon the best strategy to win. His blond brow wrinkled in concentration and his blue eyes narrowed thoughtfully. The whole game might depend on this move, his career depended on this move, he hadn't gone to college for nothing!
His hand reached out hesitantly and he grasped the card in the middle of the deck that Ranma was holding. "And. you're a doctor!" Quatre sighed in relief. "But time for the SALARY CARD!" Ranma cried gleefully.
Quatre groaned. Van had all ready taken the $100,000 card. He closed his eyes and reached for the deck Ranma was holding now. He gently plucked one of the cards.
"NOOOO!" Ranma cried.
"ARG!" Gohan howled.
Trunks groaned in despair.
"YES!" Quatre leaped with joy. He had picked the $90,000.
"Sheesh, it's just a game of 'Life' guys." Hitomi shook her head sadly.
Hitomi, Rei, Ami, Usagi and Hotaru were sitting around Usagi's dinning room table eating pizza, while Van, Gohan, Trunks, Ranma and Quatre were playing a ferocious and brutal game of 'Life'.
"Hitomi, they're guys, everything is competitive." Rei pointed out.
"This sucks. I'm way ahead of your all, I've got all these children in my car, I've got more colored paper than the bank, and I have all the cards that say Life." Van complained.
"Van, that means you're winning." Trunks pointed out dryly.
"Oh. Well then, bring it on!" Van cried gleefully. The others groaned.
"Men." Hitomi shook her head as Ranma cried out, "NO! Not the trailer house!"
~~~@~~~
By Wednesday After School.
"I've applied everywhere! I even applied at McDonalds! Everyone wants experience!" Usagi groaned and grumbled, sinking to the floor in front of her locker.
Rei looked down at her sympathetically. "I'd offer you a job at the temple but we don't pay well. actually, we don't pay at all. And Gramps will always try to look up your skirt."
"And the worst part is Squall is on a tour with his father!" Usagi pouted.
"Usagi! You ready?" Gohan yelled as he came jogging into the locker bay.
"Yup." Usagi stood sullenly.
"And where are you two off to?" Rei asked.
"English project. we're getting supplies at his place then going to mine to do the project, and pray that someone calls me back."
"Call me if you do! I'll be over at Trunks' house." Rei grinned.
"Ohlala!" Usagi commented and winked before she and Gohan headed out of the school.
~~~@~~~
Chichi glared at Usagi with pure hatred. Usagi tried to avoid looking at her standing in the doorway trying to melt her with her gaze, but the woman was just too scary. "So, you are a friend of Gohan, eh?" She crossed her arms and calked her head while maintaining her glare.
Usagi got the impression she kept Uzis and rocket launchers under her bed. "Yes, I am. We have all of our classes together." Usagi tried to smile at her.
"How good of friends?" Chichi asked.
Usagi took a step back as her glare intensified. "Best of." She replied cautiously.
Chichi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So you're his girlfriend?"
Usagi tried wishing Gohan back down but to no avail. "No. But I am a girl, and I am his friend." Usagi tried to crack a joke.
Chichi humphed. "I don't like you. You are trying to steal my precious Gohan away from me with your evil, wanton ways! But you will not succeed, missy! I got rid of Videl, I can get rid of you too!" She growled.
Usagi gulped. "Actually, I have a boyfriend." She replied.
"So you admit it! You're dating my son!" Chichi cried.
"No! Selene, no! Here," Usagi reached into her backpack for a picture of Squall. She pulled one out of him with no shirt on and black jeans and her in a white t-shirt and jeans. It was the day he helped her mother move and it had been a hot day. "This is my boyfriend and I." She handed the picture to Chichi.
Chichi studied it intently. "So now my Gohan isn't good enough for you?" She glared again.
"What?" Usagi asked baffled.
Chichi thrust the picture back at her. "What's wrong with Gohan? He'd make you happy!" Chichi sniffed.
"But you just said-"
"Are you just using my Gohan?" She returned to her glare.
"We're just friends-"
"Then why are you here?"
Usagi threw her hands up in the air. "Because we're friends! Selene! Take a Prozac and chill woman! I'm his friend! We hang out together!" Usagi exploded.
Chichi looked offended. "You dare speak to me in that tone of voice?"
"That's it! Tell Gohan I'm outside! Away from his PSYCHO mother!" Usagi stormed out of the small house and marched into the clearing around their house.
"Hey, Usagi, right?"
Usagi looked over to see Gohan's dad, Goku, doing one-handed pushups with Goten sitting on his back, eating. "Yes, I hate to be rude, but how do you stand living with her?" Usagi sat down next to him. Goten waved and went back to eating his fish sandwich.
Goku laughed. "I stay away from home as much as possible. I assume Gohan told you about Namek-sei and the events after?" He switched to his other arm in mid air and continued his pushups.
Usagi grinned. "Yeah, I can see why you didn't come back right away."
"But she cooks real good." Goku grinned.
"Usagi! Mom said you were out here thinking about what you said to her. do I even want to know?" Gohan came running up, with the supplies.
"No, ready to go?" Usagi stood.
"Yeah, I'll be home later dad." Gohan slipped his arm around Usagi's waist and powered up, and flew off into the sky.
"Nice to talk to you Mr. Son!" Usagi called as Gohan blasted into the air.
Goku waved and called, "Have fun son!"
~~~@~~~
Usage and Gohan were sitting in the middle of the floor surrounded by poster board, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, tape, pencils, and books when Shingo walked in and gasped. "Odango! You're trying to give me a heart attack! First talking about getting a job and now you're actually working!" He feinted a faint to the couch.
"Oh, grow up Shingo!" Usagi muttered.
"So, whatcha two doin'?" Shingo sat up.
"We're thinking up themes for the book '1984', ever read it?" Gohan smiled at the small blonde boy.
"Eh. no. Why read a book when it's title is in the past?" Shingo scoffed.
"It's supposed to stop that world from ever happening." Usagi muttered and flipped aimlessly through the book.
BRRRING!
Shingo leaped up for the phone, which had just been installed two days ago. "Moshi moshi." He greeted.
He glanced at Usagi before replying, "Yeah, hold on one moment." He brought the phone away from his head. "It's for you, Odango!" He grinned.
Usagi sighed and stood, fully expecting it to be Minako. "This is Usagi." She answered.
Her eyes grew as wide as Goku's stomach as she sputtered, "Really? Eh, I mean, sure! Tomorrow? Great!" She hung up the phone and grinned like she had just collected all seven dragonballs.
"You gonna share the news?" Gohan asked, leaning against a chair.
"Let me guess, Squall is getting back tomorrow?" Shingo asked in a bored tone.
"I HAVE AN INTERVIEW!" She screeched so loudly that even Seifer paused in his videogame and glanced over at the door.
Gohan leaped to his feet. "That's great!"
Usagi squealed and jumped on Gohan. Gohan laughed and spun her around happily. Shingo sat on the couch dumbfounded. "Why I never." He muttered.
"Where at?" Gohan asked as he set the petite blonde down. "Ophelia Black Boutique! Cool, huh?"
"You'll be able to get me. uh. nothing." Gohan pouted.
"C'mon Gohan, I'm sure there's tons of people out there that wanna see you in drag!" Usagi giggled.
Gohan turned slightly green. "Heh, oh boy."
~~~@~~
Thursday, After School.
"Okay, chin up! Back straight, smile, laugh, cross your ankles, don't be too loud, but make sure you aren't soft. Laugh at the jokes, nod at important things, speak clearly, state how much you love working with people. am I forgetting anything?" Rei asked thoughtfully as she eyed her friend up and down.
"Don't chew on your fingernails." Ami added.
"Are we ready to go?" Hitomi asked, glancing at her watch.
Usagi nodded nervously.
~@~
Usagi walked into the small boutique in the Juuban Mall. The shop had two glass walls that looked over the mall, seven dressing rooms, and tons of dresses of all colors.
"Hi, how are you doing today?" A friendly voice asked.
"Hi, I'm Usagi Tsukino, I'm here for an interview." She smiled nervously.
Usagi looked the girl up and down. She was about five foot six and slim and could only be a few years older than her. Her very long, curly, red hair was tied up in a messy bun and her bright, blue eyes smiled warmly. Her had very pale skin and wore a black, spaghetti strap top and black flare pants and the most uncomfortable looking pair of heeled sandals she ever saw. "Usagi, I'm Maeve O'Connell." She said, in an accent.
"You're an American!" Usagi pointed out.
"Yeah, I was an exchange student and forgot to go home." Usagi grinned. "No, really, I was an exchange student and when Ophelia Black came to Japan, I was offered to work here as an assistant manager because I'd understand the Americans from our Corporate office."
Maeve showed Usagi all around the store, and explained all the different types of clothing, from wedding dresses, to formal dresses, to casual wear. all for women.
"Now let me warn you Usagi, always look busy around the manager, Hitori Jõshi. We've nick named her the Deity of Work or the Slave Driver. She used to be a convict in Tokyo Penitentiary. She got out on 'good behavior'." Maeve warned her.
Usagi's eyes grew wide. "Really? An ex-convict? What was she in for?"
"Trying to take over the world." Maeve told her honestly. "And, her boyfriend is the one that arrested her. They have a love at first arrest relationship. He's also her parole officer."
"Maeve! I need a transfer form filled out right away! And I have three POS's I need you to do. oh yes, Miss Tsukino is here."
Usagi tried not to stare at the manager, Hitori Jõshi. She was a short woman, with brown, wavy hair that reached her shoulders, and intimidating brown eyes that turned green when angry. or annoyed. Even though she was five foot, by her attitude you'd think she was six foot. She was a snappy, get-the-hell-outta-my-way-before-I-squash-you kind of girl. She was wearing a black business suit, a skirt instead of pants, and black heels.
"Hello, Usagi." She welcomed warmly, and then turned to Maeve. "Maeve, get that done ASAP while I conduct this interview!" She turned on her heels, motioning for Usagi to follow her, and they were off to the back.
~@~
Minako watched as Usagi followed the woman to the back, her nose pressed up against the glass and she breathed in excitement. "I can't believe Usagi is the first of us to have a job!"
"Uh. Minako, my work at the Temple is a job." Rei reminded her.
"And Shampoo work at Grandmother's restaurant." Shampoo added.
"And all the Gundam boys work as Preventers, except Trowa whose in the Circus." Ami spoke up.
"Gene and Jim have their own company." Makoto included.
"Okay, so she's the first out of the Inner Senshi to get a job!" Minako corrected.
"Minako, I still have my job at the Temple, ya know, the Priestess?" Rei cried exasperated.
"Of course I know that!" Minako snapped.
The other girls just rolled their eyes.
~~@~~
Maeve watched Hitori walk back out into the main part of the shop with Usagi. Both were smiling, Usagi's cheeks were a bit flushed. Hitori glanced over at Maeve. "Maeve, this is the newest member to our company, she's coming in tomorrow to fill out her paperwork and then she'll start next week."
"Congrats Usagi." Maeve grinned.
"Now get out of here and celebrate!" Hitori smiled as Usagi grinned and half walked, half ran out of the store in excitement.
"I like her." Maeve commented.
"As if your opinion matters. now get to work! Work, work, work!" Hitori ushered Maeve towards a rack that needed straightening.
~~@~~
"Mom!" Usagi screeched as she came peeling into the apartment after school. Shingo looked up from his video game and Ikuko looked up from her newspaper.
"Yes dear? How was school?" Ikuko asked absentmindedly.
"I GOT THE JOB!"
Shingo and Ikuko leaped to their feet. "What?" They cried in union.
"Who hired you?" Shingo asked in disbelief.
Usagi glared at her brother. "Ophelia Black, and watch it if you want me to take you out to eat with the money I'll be earning." Usagi stuck her tongue out at her little brother.
Shingo quieted down immediately.
"Oh! Honey! I'm so proud of you!" Ikuko sniffed before enveloping Usagi in a giant hug, she then pulled Shingo in as well. "I'm so proud of both of you!" Ikuko wept silently. "I'm going to go call your aunt and tell her the good news!" Ikuko rushed to her bedroom to use the phone in private.
"How you gonna juggle school, homework, working, and Sailor Moon?" Shingo asked as soon as their mom was out of hearing range.
"Sailor Moon has been pretty quiet lately, so I'm not worried about that. And don't forget I also am in Track." Usagi sighed sinking into the couch.
Shingo sank next to his sister and patted her shoulder reassuringly. "I can always take over Sailor Moon for ya, Sailor Shonen Moon!" Shingo leapt off the couch and struck a pose.
Usagi laughed merrily. "You're a riot Shingo."
~~~@~~~
End for now!
So. yeah, I promised a Halloween chapter, didn't I? **looks at half finished chapter** err.
Free Previews of the next few chapters if you can guess whom Maeve and Hitori are! Minus you BS-chan! You already know!
Review Korner Time!
BS-chan: *GLOMPS * thanks for getting me to work. You know I love ya! And you know I love your reviews! **winks** Pweeeeease! ? And it's up to you to keep me updating!
Anymos: the katana cheering squad has three members so far! Selphie, Quistis and Jade! Not to much. heh
Wing Zero Girl: **shudders** English teachers, they're all evil! Hope you enjoy the rest!
Shinigame Babe 88: **Glomps* thanks! Best story on ff.net? **head swells**
Storm Demon: Thanks for the advice, but everythings gotta have a serious moment or two, but now that we're outta that, back to the humor! Was that chapter any better on the humor scale?
Blooms of Tears: The main page of my website is a pic of Squall!
Anime Chick: Nope, that was future Trunks! **grins evilly**
LadyS: That was the PERFECT idea that fits in with an evil plot of seifer's coming up soon! **Grins** thanks for the ideas! (I always love your ideas!)
Ginny Starwind: Hey amiga! My spring break is coming up in two weeks, that's probably when the next chapter will be updated, unless BS-chan has anything to do with it! Thanks for the review! Sorry you had to go back 7 pages.. this time it'll be threeish!
Celestial DreamBlaze: Thanks for the LOOOOONG review! Sacrificing Squall's dignity? Hmmm. **Grins evilly* sounds good to me! Sorry about the cliffie! Wait till you see what's seifer's evil plan is (it'll be revealed in the next chapter) sorry about the long wait again. I really do try!
PrincessLesse: Another one of my favorite Reviewers! **glomps** Rei is a lucky girl . **sighs** LOOK! I FINALLY posted the Gohan part! **dances** did you like? But now what are you going to bug me about?
SA2-chan: You guessed my evil plot!
MB (blue Moon) oooh! Ideas! Ideas! I love it when people give me ideas! I got one of your longest reviews? **Eyes get starry* Wow! **Ego grows more** don't worry, I wont torture the katana boys forever. **grins**
Repori: That was quite a tongue twister!
Pyra: Rinoa is annoying! Wait till you meet her in the next chapter! **Shudders** Tidus is from FFX, he's the main character, and he's hott in the surfer kind a way. (not nearly as hott as SQUALL!)
Lalu: you guessed my evil plot too!
I'm not too sure when Buffy'll joing the scene, in a bit hopefully!
Hatami: your English isn't so bad, wait till you hear MY Spanish! Hablo malo espanol!
Tenshi No Nozomi: Sorry I took so long! I love all your ideas, in fact, you have inspired a future upcoming part when Rinoa is introduced! **Grins* and you too have guessed my evil, err, seifer's evil plot! Or why he has an evil plot.. Anywho, I hope you leave another idea filled review!
Madien Usagi: Oops. heh, well, I blame it all on spell check. err, or my just being to lazy to look up the spelling.
SORRY To the rest of the reviewers! But I just can't write anymore! @.@ my fingers are frozen and I think I'll go turn up the heat in the house. EEK! **Sees BS-chan running at her with her evil spork** eEp! Save me! I meant AFTER I post! GAAAAAAAAAH!
END!
Review PLEEEEAAAASSSE!