A big round of thanks to the reviewers! In all my stories I always like to thank you guys, because for many of my stories I used to have almost thousand reviews (but my stories were mysteriously deleted- apparently a very jealous writer said that I broke the rules; of course nobody has told me exactly which rule that was….) ANYWAYS, I'm not bitter at all.
So thanks to you all, except for that one particular person- YEAH I'm speaking to you! LOL
Enjoy!
Chapter Thirteen: Moon Kisses
"Mamoru! I can't believe you're even going to do this to her!" Reika shouted slamming the free Cruise tickets on the table counter.
"What's so hard to believe. I just don't think it's a good idea, is that so bad?" Mamoru retorted, his nose scrounged angrily to the air. He didn't want a lecture from her, or anybody else. He had gone through enough for one week. Motoki smiled trying to cut the tension with his kind words, but he was failing miserably.
"Why are you trying so hard to push her away!" Reika shouted back at Mamoru, demanding he give her answers. But those answers were complex, and in Mamoru's mind; none of her business.
"I don't need this." Mamoru snorted getting to his feet. He had a hard enough time sleeping last night, after all the sweet time he had spent with her. But he had made up his mind, he wasn't going to go through that mental stress again.
"Hey hey, wait, we have that presentation to give today." Motoki said stopping Mamoru from leaving his house. He hated this, it always seemed like no matter what he did, no matter how hard he tried; Usagi was always finding a way back into his life. He had spent enough time with her yesterday, time that would last him a life time; but now he would have to see her at school. What if she came up to him, looked at him with those eyes; would he be able to control himself. He grunted, his fists balled. Reika noticed the way his body clenched, like his nerves shut down at the thought of being near her again. But it wasn't that he was disgusted, he was hiding himself from the truth.
'He's torturing himself.' She thought.
Usagi was thrilled and yet horribly confused. What happened at the park. What were the odds of something like that happening. She talked to Luna about it, forgetting that a cat couldn't talk. And yet she felt so comfortable with the furry ball.
And yet, there was this sadness behind all her smiles. Mamoru still wasn't what she wanted him to be. Her feelings were strong for him, enough for her to finally admit; that she liked him.
Mean ol' Mamoru had captured her heart.
The stadium was full. All the students in Usagi's grade up to the seniors. Umino and Naru were saving Usagi a seat in the third row, at Umino's rush. He had note pads, coloured pencils and what not. He was the most excited person there. It was as if he had been waiting for this presentation his whole life, religiously documenting all the presenters and their presentations. Naru yawned, and looked over to her geeky boyfriend, annoyed by his geeky determined passion.
"Umino." She cringed.
"Naru-chan!" Usagi rushed over taking a seat next to her friends.
"Usagi-chan, glad to see you made it. I see you didn't bring a notepad, here use mine." Umino cheerfully smiled and handed her a three ringed binder. Usagi cringed as she turned down the note taking.
"Umino!" Naru shouted as she went ahead and pelted him down with that strange baseball bat.
"Hello students! I'm sure you're all very excited about today presentations!" The principal interrupted the little scrimmage between Naru and Umino as Usagi wiped a tear falling down her head. They all turned their attentions to the stage. The students remained silent as multiple teachers came up and explained the various different careers in medicine. Most of the students were falling asleep, all except Umino, who seemed more then alive.
The first few presenters came on. All of them very boring and very geeky. They explained details of things in very strange big words, which seemed to send Usagi off to the wonderful world of crazy. Naru smiled nervously thinking she should've brought a dictionary. Umino happily wrote away on his notepads. By the time the last presenters came on, Umino had used up 3 of his notepads and worn down 31 pencils. Naru threatened to hit him if he asked again for some help to write notes.
But it was Usagi's strange silent yelp that got Naru's attention back. Her eyes glassy and fixated on the stage in a somewhat horror struck expression.
"Usagi?" Naru asked following her eyes path. It was Mamoru, along with Motoki, Mizu and Ai. She looked over to Usagi again, who seemed more nervous then confused.
Mamoru kept his eyes to the very back of the stadium trying to avoid Usagi's eyes. He had seen her well before the presentations started, her trade mark hair buns hoping along the stairs to the third row. He had kept sighing not really wanting to go on the stage. But this project was worth a huge chunk of his grade. Reika was also watching from the sidelines, noticing how nervous Mamoru was. And he wasn't the nervous type, it was defiantly Usagi's presence that made him so uneasy.
'Mamoru'. She whispered.
It was the longest presentation for Usagi. Mamoru's voice came so clearly to her, bringing back all the sweet things he had said to her. But his voice sounded irritated like he didn't want to be there, near her. She could tell he was upset, that same stern glow he always had. She wondered if he was thinking about her. She sighed a couple of times when he stopped talking and Motoki took over. Mizu was trying to catch Usagi's attention, many times staring right at her with that winning smile. He wasn't sure why he wanted to be with her so badly, it was as if; she broke through his sluty barrier and found a human heart.
Usagi blushed out of nervousness each time her eyes met his. She hoped that Mamoru hadn't seen her. But then again, how could he have, he was too busy staring out to the very last person at the top of the stadium.
"Usagi, are you okay?" Naru whispered noticing her daze out at the end of Mamoru's presentation. It was normal for her to faze away into her dream lands when boring things came to be, but this time; it seemed she was vacant rather then bored.
"Uh? …Oh I'm fine." Usagi laughed nervously waving a hand. Lucky for her, by the time she looked back on the stage, Mamoru and his team was gone.
They were out of the school and in the courtyard, talking. The day was over, well at least for everybody else but Umino; who was still writing more notes even though all the presentations were over. He had been talking so much with all the presenters, harassing them for more in-depth information on their scientific fields. Naru tried many times, to drag him out and away from the disturbed and nervous college students, but Umino was too powerful when he went into nerd mode.
Usagi sat down on the grass adjusting her skirt. It was a really nice day. Used to be, that on days like this, she would hurry away from school to see Motoki; and day dream for a date with him. But she wasn't sure what she should be doing right at that moment.
"Usagi, it's okay" Naru smiled. Usagi smiled. It wasn't that she was sad, she was just in a weird place. She wanted to be with Mamoru so badly. But it seemed like he was with somebody else, that Ai girl. And then there was Mizu. Who was the nicest, most handsome guy she had ever seen, and yet there wasn't that feeling there for him.
"Naru-chan, do you think I'll really end up going on that cruise this weekend?" She asked, as if she was practicing. Naru blinked a few times not sure why she was asking her that. Then she burst out in laughter.
"You didn't ask your parents yet?" She smiled. Usagi slumped over.
"Uh yeah." Usagi wiped the large bubble over her head, looking nervous as her strange smile twitched.
Suddenly the two laughing girls heard a bunch of talking. A group of college students were passing by leading outside of the school courtyard. Motoki, Reika, that Ai girl, Mizu …but no Mamoru. Usagi scanned the students mindlessly hoping to catch a glimpse, but he wasn't there. She sighed feeling very disappointed.
"Usagi-chan!" Reika smiled and waved when she saw the cute blonde. Usagi's smiled back, nervously. It was Reika who first got Usagi involved in all this mess. If it hadn't been for her, maybe that kiss wouldn't have happened. Usagi wasn't sure if she should be happy or mad at her. She raced over along with Motoki. Mizu had passed too far away from the court, and thankfully couldn't see Usagi.
"OH hi Reika-san." Usagi nervously smiled. She and Naru got up to greet their arcade friends.
"How did you like our presentation?" Motoki asked, hoping that it wasn't too boring. Each time he looked over to Usagi, she seemed to be off in her little world. But he couldn't be sure if that was to do with the project.
"It was very well done! I sure learned more out of it then the others." Naru smiled. She did have to admit, that Motoki's presentation was a lot more fun then the others, even got the kids involved in the entertainment of it.
"Yep. Your's was the best." Usagi beamed him a brilliant smile. But she couldn't recall any of the stuff in the presentation, she was too busy thinking (as odd as it sounds).
"Usagi-chan, I need to talk to you about something." Reika smiled pulling out a card from her jacket. Usagi took it. It was her business card.
"I have to leave this evening, but make sure you call me later." Reika smiled, and winked. Motoki giggled nervously, not sure what to say. He knew very well what Reika was going to discuss with her. She failed speaking to Mamoru about the situation, but she hoped that she could get across to Usagi. And yet Motoki couldn't help but feel like it was wasted effort. No matter what, both would probably never admit anything to each other.
"Really, you think I should?" Usagi said to Reika over the phone. She had been chatting with her for less then five minutes when Reika blurted out what she felt was up with Mamoru. Usagi blushed madly.
"Of course. I mean Mamoru is a very busy guy. Just trust me." Reika smiled madly. She felt completely out of character for what she had been doing with Usagi and Mamoru. But something inside her kept telling her to help. Motoki was Mamoru's best friend, but knew very well he was used to 'chiba's grey ways'. But that grey needed to be stopped.
Usagi thought about the entire apartment cooking Mamoru desert mess, it all started from Reika's suggestion. Her face turned like a sneaky cat thinking about that moment, wondering if this was another set up some how. But Reika wasn't responsible for what happened inside that apartment on that day. After all, Usagi was the one who decided to fall asleep, Mamoru was the one who went to sleep on the same bed. And they were both at fault for kissing. Usagi blushed thinking about that kiss. It was so memorable, and yet she couldn't remember it at all. Her first kiss, was an empty flash in time. She wanted another chance to be with Mamoru. But it started to feel like he wanted nothing to do with her.
"Usagi-chan, I know this is very confusing for you. A lot of different things happened." Reika said noticing the line was rather silent. She knew that Usagi was thinking, thinking about what she should do. But her calm sweet voice brought her attention back to the conversation.
"Mamoru is a very reserved person. Always keeps to himself. He's been alone for a very long time. He was orphaned from when he was just a child, and was alone pretty much his whole life. He doesn't like anything to change that lonely world he created…." Reika said softly in a very small voice. Usagi's eyes glassed over, she always thought that Mamoru was a bitter goat, but she would be to, if she had been lonely her whole life. No parents, no siblings, not a single soul to worry for him.
"But your happy and bubbly smile takes away that routine. And it's scary for him." Reika added surprising Usagi. She turned red. It was as if Reika was saying out loud, the real feelings Mamoru and her share. Of course it was a big secret, even to the two themselves.
"But Reika-san-"
"Believe me Usagi-san. He needs that trip with you." Reika added beggingly. There was a long pause. Usagi wondered if this was a good idea. Her parents had said okay for her to go, but they didn't know that she was going with a boy. She looked over to a confused Luna, staring at her with big worried eyes.
"Alright." Usagi sighed with big glassy hopeful eyes and blushed cheeks. She always got hot whenever she thought about Mamoru and her on that Cruise. Reika squealed a happy 'great' and a couple of goodbyes were shared. When Usagi hung up, there was a certain content glow on her face. Luna wanted to desperately know what was happening. Usagi fell on to her bed, letting out a big happy sigh. She stared up to the night's sky, to the stars; and prayed that whatever force it was that made her meet Mamoru in the first place, would help them on Friday.
Poor Luna nuzzled closer against Usagi's arm, hoping that something would be revealed to her.
"Oh Luna. I'm so excited. I'm going on that romantic cruise…except that…it's not with Naru and Umino…" Usagi smiled happily. Her voice was low and pleased, like heaven was staring down at her. Luna's ears perked. She hoped that it wasn't that Mizu kid. What would happen if it was Mizu. This would lead to bad things.
"…It's with Mamoru…." Usagi smirked sweetly. She sighed, thanking her lucky stars. Usagi wondered how it would be like, what would be Mamoru's reaction tomorrow, when she asked.
Morning had finally come. Sun rise was beautiful, but it was then that Usagi finally was able to fall asleep. She had been up all night trying to think of what she would say to Mamoru. She pictured the different reactions. What if he changed his mind about the cruise, and wasn't going to go. But it was time for her to sleep. Luna got up, and saw the bags under Usagi's sleeping eyes. She had been up all night, tossing and turning; thinking and sighing.
'Oh Usagi-chan. Don't worry, things will get better.' She wanted to know what was going on between Mamoru and her. If they were really getting back to their normal selfs, or was this trip just a coincidence. She would have to get on that cruise, in order to assess the situation. It was easier back in the days, when she could talk to Usagi, and the other girls. But right now, they were all living their normal lives.
Usagi took in another big breath. What was she doing here. Would this work. She chomped away at her nails as the elevator came to a stop. She hoped that this didn't look odd that she was tracking him down at his apartment for the tickets.
"What am I doing. What if that girl is in his apartment right now…maybe that's his girlfriend." She was panicking now, this was a big mistake. Why did she have to listen to Reika. Her eyes circled in a weird way, her cheeks turned red, she was losing her mind thinking about all these things; when suddenly the doors opened.
"Odango?" it was that voice, Mamoru's voice that kicked her mind back into gear. He was standing there outside the elevator door, holding it open and watching her make strange panicking noises. What was she doing there. And then it occurred to him.
'She's here to see Mizu.' He thought bitterly. Every time he saw her, it reminded him of the kiss she shared with that rotten guy. How could she let the kiss they shared slip so quickly. His cool expression changed quickly to something very cold. He entered the elevator holding the door still open.
"Well you gonna get off or what?" He asked coldly. Usagi snapped out of her dreamy trance. He looked really nice, and smelled so good. Why hadn't she noticed those wonderful eyes.
"Um…well I actually was here …" Usagi stuttered and stumbled a lot with her small words. Blushing madly as she twirled her thumbs mindlessly. Mamoru looked at her strangely, wondering what she was talking about.
"I'm here to see you." She blurted out quickly not making any eye contact with him. Mamoru's eyes widen. He wondered if he heard wrong. But her glassy eyes staring up at him told him that it was true. She was here to see him.
His apartment was bland as ever. Maybe even blander. Functional, and dark; that's what it was always like. Usagi sat down on the couch, the very place she had once sat beside with him. He was standing up by the sliding door leading to his balcony. He wanted to look back at her, but told himself that looking at her would only make it difficult for him. He needed her out of his life, so then why did she always come back. He wanted things to go back to normal, but each time he saw her, his mind would change.
'She's a kid. And she's Usagi…And she's with Mizu' he thought angrily staring out to the apartment across his.
Usagi noticed how quiet it got between them. It used to be they were always at each other throats. That one night at the arcade changed all that. The night he saved her. So then why did it all go so weird between them after just one thing. She cleared her throat, catching Mamoru's attention.
"Um I was wondering. Um. About that Cruise. I just wanted to know…if we were still going?" Usagi asked quietly and keeping her eyes to her feet. She knew he had turned around quickly to see her. Probably really surprised. Mamoru was surprised. He never expected that. He had thought that she was here to maybe tell him that she wasn't going to go. In which case, life would be easier for him.
He didn't know what to say at first. Could this be her way of telling him that she wanted to be with him. He sighed.
"Are you sure you can go?" He asked thinking about what her parents would think. Would they really allow her to go with him, alone on a romantic cruise for a whole weekend? Usagi smiled nervously, blushing even more.
"Well, er."
"You have to tell them." Mamoru cut her off before she could say anything. He wasn't going to take a 16 year old girl on a romantic cruise. He pictured her father, running in a crazy frenzy gathering the necessary tools to make a large bunny cage, and that horrible sign.
"I know." Usagi said staring back down at her hands. This was going to be the weirdest conversation she'd ever have with her parents. She knew what they would say. A big fat NO.
"SURE! " Her parents jumped happily saying. Usagi was sitting on the opposite side of the table, confused and really weirded out.
"What?" Usagi blurted out thinking this had to be a joke. Her mother Ikuko and her father Kenji were smiling, as if she had announced she was getting married.
"With Mamoru, you can go wherever you like." Ikuko smiled.
'Okay, I knew it, it's a joke.' Usagi thought bitterly. She hated it when her parents were sarcastic.
"Listen honey, that young man saved your life and seems to care so much about you. And besides Mamoru is a great guy, and you both won that prize." Ikuko smiled petting her daughters hair. Usagi was in disbelief. Those weren't really her words, what she was seeing was in her head; what was really coming out of mother's mouth was 'are you crazy? Go on a Cruise with that older man!'. This had to be a dream, she was going to wake up any moment now.
"Just don't do anything daddy's might cage ya for." Kenji madly emphasized trying to pin the 'do not feed the Usagi' sign. Luckily, Ikuko always knew how to handle that sign situation, a good ol' wack to the head…a few dozen times.
Usagi couldn't believe it. They actually said yes. Usagi watched her parents fight for a few more minutes, the usual spatula on her fathers head routine; before she headed to her room. Luna stared at her. She knew very well where Usagi had been. She wanted so badly to get inside that apartment and make sure nothing 'interesting' happened. After all, the last time Usagi was in there, Mamoru and her ended up on his bed, kissing. Sweat drops fell down her face, as she waited for Usagi to say something. She looked confused, but very happy. She seemed more herself today, and it had been a long time since she looked herself.
"I can't believe it. Luna, I'm going on the cruise with him!" Usagi jumped happily.
"Are you sure, you and Mrs. Tsukino. One of you could go with her." Mamoru sounded very confused and very nervous. He had called her parents to convince one of them to go with Usagi instead of him. It was, in his little way, his way of getting Usagi out of his hair and out of his apartment. It was hard enough to see her there, sitting on his couch, looking just as pretty as always.
And now, her father was pressuring him, a 20 year college student to go on a romantic cruise with his teenage daughter. The world had gone mad. Mr. Tsukino laughed loudly for a bit on the phone with worried Mamoru still stuttering.
"Ah don't worry about it son. I trust you. And when I say trust you, I mean that you won't touch my daughter or I'll brutally dismember AAAHH-"
"Gomen Mamoru, forgive my idiot husband. What he was trying to say was, that we both trust that you and Usagi will have a safe and good trip." Ikuko smiled, hitting her wailing husband on the head behind her. Mamoru turned red. What was going on. Usagi's parents should've said no to him, no to this whole ridiculous idea. He sighed, defeated.
"Okay." He said softly, looking very stern and upset with his situation. It was getting more and more difficult to control himself. And this was a topper. Alone with Usagi on a romantic cruise. Could the odds get any bigger?
He said his goodbyes and hung up the phone. What was he going to do now. Suddenly the door knocked. Reluctantly, he went to answer the door. It was Ai, and her smiling happy face.
"Oh hi Ai." He said faintly. Somewhere in the back of his mind, there was this panic that it was Usagi again.
"Mamoru-san I got great news! I was able to pull some strings, and I'll be able to join you on that romantic cruise this weekend!" Ai squealed happily shoving her ticket in Mamoru's shocked face. He looked at the ticket, feeling the world end.
"Isn't that great! Now you can spend your time with me, instead of that other girl." Ai sounded a bit too bitter, infact she sounded an awful like her old self. And it didn't take Mamoru too long to realize that tone. He sighed, thinking back to the amusement park, and her attitude then. He hated to admit it, but he fell for a stupid trick. That she was actually different. In the end of the day, nobody could force anyone to change, that person needs to want to change. And Ai wasn't changing because she wanted to improve herself, she was changing just to get him. He let out a small grunt, feeling really weird about his situation. He didn't want to admit it, but he wanted to go with Usagi. To spend time with her, it was his grey attitude that kept him from her.
"Listen Ai. I'm going with Usagi. Sorry. Maybe some other time." He smiled nervously and shut the door quickly.
"But Mamoru." She angrily voiced. After she had gone through so much trouble to get the tickets. He stood behind the door, shaking his head. What was going through his head. He wasn't even in control of what choices he made anymore. The only reason he went out with Ai all those times, was to get Usagi out of his head, to connect to a female to drown his need for companionship. And then there was Usagi herself. He didn't want to be with her, to be around her because he felt so many different things for her. And yet, he wanted to be with her all the time and every time.
'What am I gonna do.' He thought bitterly to himself.
Time seemed to zip. He had kept himself awake pretty much the entire night, and now he was outside on the dock waiting for Usagi. What crazy twist in fate had brought him here, to tonight. He looked up to the Cruise boat, people had already started to board. The crowd wasn't as large as he thought it would be. He scanned the line, to see if Ai could be spotted. He really didn't want her around him, it would make things very strange.
"Hey Mamoru-san." Kenji said brightly waving at him as he and Usagi approached. Usagi seemed to be blushing madly, from embarrassment. Her father had come to drop her off, and give Mamoru a rule book, of all the things he could not do with his daughter. Kenji passed Mamoru this crazy 304 page book, eyeing him closely. Mamoru laughed nervously.
"Dad, stop that." Usagi groaned, an orange flaming aura surrounding her.
"Well kitten, you have a great time." Kenji smiled giving his daughter a nice big hug. Usagi hugged back taking a hold of her suit case.
"And you…I hope you don't have too much of a great time." Kenji's eyes became small like little slits, darting daggers to Mamoru, who became flabbergasted and pink.
It wasn't too bad. In fact it was going pretty good. Usagi had waved from the cruise down at her father, as he waved a flag demanding Mamoru keep his hands to himself. Both of them sulked embarrassed by his actions. But they had floated far from the port now, and were heading towards an open ocean, and a faint moon in the horizon. The sun set had stretched far and wide, kissing everything as it went. Usagi was at awe, she had never seen the sea look so magnificent. Mamoru had to admit, it was beautiful.
"We should go and get settled in." Mamoru suggested grabbing a hold of his suit case as well as Usagi's.
"Ah, it's okay. I can take it." Usagi smiled nervously. She wondered how awkward it would be for the rest of the two days. She reminded herself not to blush, but it couldn't be helped. Mamoru ignored her and walked away. Usagi ran after him to keep up as the crowd parted to do the same.
They weren't lost, just trying to get to their room. The hallways stretched for too long, making Usagi feel dizzy and tired. Mamoru finally found his room on his boarding pass.
"Okay well this is my room. Lets see where you are." He said grabbing a hold of Usagi's pass. She was too dizzy to know what was going on. Her eyes swirled as she made a silly noise to match the spinning sensation she felt.
"Are you sea sick?" He asked looking a little stern. Usagi nodded a funny no, and mentioned something about not wanting to go to school today. He sighed.
"What? This can't be. It's got to be a mistake." Mamoru's eyes shot wide, the shock and terror ripping through his mind. Usagi came out of her trance as the door to Mamoru's room opened. She looked inside and became just as alarmed.
"We're in the same room…." Mamoru whispered looking at the king size bed, in the romantic kisses décor. It was the most elegant room both had ever seen, but it was defiantly a honeymooners room.
"Oh my god, what're we gonna do?" Usagi bit at her nails, as if she was eating corn. She was red, with puffs of embarrassed smoke coming from her hair buns.
"You stay here, I'm gonna go see if this can be changed." Mamoru took off quickly leaving the bags at the door. He wasn't going to sleep in the same room as her, never mind the same bed. This could not be happening. His heart was racing, the urge to kiss her in a place like this was romantic. But it just couldn't happen. She was still a kid, and had plenty of time to grow up, not to mention the fact that it was Usagi. His sworn foe. He walked quickly, darting the corners to find someone he could bring up his problem with. And finally he spotted an attendant, wait, no not an attendant; the guy from the contest. The tall lean man who carried that annoying mega-phone, which he still had. Hopefully he would be able to help him.
Usagi scanned the bed, it was big and comfy, the best she had ever seen. The place was large. There was a roomy living area, with a large window, you could see the entire sea and horizon. A nice standard size mini kitchen, with a little fridge. And then, there was the bathroom. A large place of heaven away from heaven. Aside from the design and the size, a big Jacuzzi sat in the middle, waiting for Usagi to jump in. She squeaked with happiness. She'd never been or seen anything like this, and she couldn't believe she was in this room. But then it hit her, Mamoru had gone to replace this one wonderful room, for two pathetic rooms. She sighed, and walked out of the bath, regretting she couldn't try it out.
"Hey Odango!" Mamoru called out for her sounding very bitter. His hair was a bit ruffled too, and he seemed very distraught. Usagi walked out to the large living area, where he took out his car keys and rested down on the couch.
"Well what happened?" Usagi asked feeling irritated with him. He just walked in, insulted her and sat down, staring blankly out at the never-ending sea. Mamoru sighed again, this time sounding upset.
"We're stuck like this." He said not making any eye contact with her. Usagi swallowed hard, her cheeks a little flushed. Mamoru got up and took off his black jacket and placed it on the couch. He looked over at her, and a strange thought came to him. Had he been like this with her before. Aside from that time at his apartment. But this time it felt different. Usagi looked at him too, her eyes glassy wondering what he was thinking. In that mystic moon light, he looked even more handsome.
"Um what should we do then?" Usagi asked feeling very hot under his gaze. He didn't realize that he was staring at her so strongly. He looked out to the sea again and thought about how this was going to work out.
"Well first things first, we should get something to eat, or you'll become one flat Odango." He smirked hoping to bring some sort of normality. But the jokes came easily now that she had stuck out her tongue out at him.
"That's not my name and you know it!" She shouted pointing an accusing finger at him. He remembered that finger, it was the same finger she used at him that night, when she caught him with Ai. Of course that wasn't a date, that just happened to be Ai dragging him out. That reminded him, Ai was going to be here. She was probably lingering around the ship. He cringed. What exactly was she trying to pull.
"Anyways odango atama, we should go." He said walking to the door and waiting for her. She thought about her suit case for a second, remembering that they would be sharing this room. But no time for that, she was getting hungry. All that walking and sea sickness worked up her appetite.
The dinner hall was buzzing with couples and hopeless romantics. The air in there was heavy and saturated in a lovely mist. It was like some story from a book, a beautiful fairy tale. Usagi looked around the hall, it was a large hall, with a doom ceiling. Plenty of chandeliers' and candles, just all the deep romantic things expected on a cruise like this. Dinner was served, along with a short speech by the captain. Usagi couldn't believe it, she could eat whatever and however much she wanted, and it was all for free. She was ecstatic. Her eyes teared up with overwhelming happiness as her third serving of lobster came around. Mamoru's smile twitched. He knew she ate like a little monster, but this was scary.
Dinner was never ending, a singer sang a romantic song as some couples got up to dance. It was very casual Usagi thought, but she hoped that there would be some more formal things, so she could dress up. After all this was like some wonderful fairy tale dream, where she could pretend she was a princess. Mamoru ate his desert quietly, knowing very well he should take this opportunity to ask her to dance. But his attitude about this whole thing was very mixed. He just wasn't sure if he should lead her on with false ideas, when he wasn't sure what he was doing. Usagi seemed disappointed, but said nothing. She hoped that somehow Mamoru would think to ask, but she should've known better.
They had strolled outside for a bit after dinner to gaze up at the moon and get some fresh air. It was starting to feel very stuffy inside, with all the happy couples in love. It was making Usagi sick to her stomach not to mention how annoyed she was getting from all the mushy talk she overheard. She kept her eyes to her feet, wishing that she had come on this with a guy that liked her. She was starting to regret coming on this with Mamoru. So far, they shared less then 10 sentences with each other.
"MAMORU!" Ai screeched as she ran up to Mamoru. He gasped and turned to see that Ai had somehow snuck up and found him. Usagi stared at her blankly for a moment, wondering what she was doing here.
"OH I'm so glad we found each other." She squealed happily. Mamoru could tell that there was something very sinister about the tone of voice she used, and even that small glare to Usagi.
"Ai, hi" Mamoru replied trying not to look too pissed. He had never made any plans with her, but he knew that she would find him.
"Lets go at the front of the boat Mamoru-san, you can see the whole sea from there." Ai said grabbing gently on to his arm. Usagi's face dropped, and she looked down to her feet. She should've known that she would be here, after all that was his girlfriend. This was all a joke. She was the third wheel.
"Um well, Usagi and-"
"It's okay. You two go ahead." Usagi said bitterly and ran away quickly. He tried to stop her but she dashed off to the corner. He wasn't sure, but he could swear that he saw tears.
"Well lets go Mamoru-san." Ai smiled pulling him away to the opposite direction. He wanted to chase after Usagi, but that would again give her another impression that he didn't want to give. He retreated with Ai holding on to his arm.
She felt very triumphant. She was able to steer Mamoru away from her, that blubbly blonde. She sighed sweetly as she walked with Mamoru. It was dark. But without the commercial lights of the city, they could see every little star in the sky. The moon seemed hidden though, behind some strange black clouds. Mamoru wondered about the moon, why it was there, why it came and left like routine; and yet it had nothing to worry about. There was something reminiscent of the big ball of silver, a perfect relation he just couldn't link to. He wondered about Usagi the whole time, where she had run off to; and how he would find her.
"Isn't this beautiful Mamoru-san." Ai smiled tugging on his arm again. He took in a deep breath of fresh air. With Usagi on his mind, he answered a simple yes, and said nothing more. Ai could tell that his thoughts were still with her, but she hoped that her brother would be able to keep her busy.
Mizu did find her. Alone at the back of the Cruise, away from everyone. All the lights were off where she was, all except two little lanterns. She looked up at the stars, wondering why she was so happy about this in the first place. Of course Mamoru wasn't going to spend the entire weekend with her, why would he; when he had a beautiful woman like Ai.
"Usagi-chan." Mizu smiled placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned around quickly, hearing his voice. She was surprised to see him there, but he didn't seem shocked to see her.
"What are the odds uh? Even though we got separated, we still met up. What a great fate" He smiled softly. His eyes were calm and glassy, he really was very happy to see her. Her cheeks flushed. His words were always so romantic and always made her feel so important. Maybe it was fate, that they should meet on this cruise. And she was wishing to be on this trip with someone who really did care for her. Maybe the feelings she had for Mizu was confused because of the kiss she had shared with Mamoru. It was clear where his heart was.
"It's beautiful uh? I've never seen the ocean look so wonderful." Mizu smiled inhaling. He always did love the ocean air. Something about the filth of the real world drifting behind him always seemed to lift his spirits. Usagi had to agree. It was a beautiful night. She had never seen so many stars to wish on. But she couldn't make up her mind, on what she wanted to wish for.
"Usagi-chan. I was wondering…" Mizu asked softly. He wasn't doing this for Ai. He would never do anything for her really, and though her plans for Mamoru was evil; he couldn't help play on, he really wanted to spend time with Usagi. And it was for all the right reasons. She was pretty, sweet, kind; and just something about her, just made him smile.
Usagi looked up to him, waiting for him to ask. She hoped that it wasn't something about a kiss. She blushed. She wouldn't know what to say to him.
"Do you think I could spend the day with you tomorrow. I really want to show you a nice time, but it would seem whenever I try; something strange always happens." He smiled cutely, almost shy. He was feeling very timid for some reason. Maybe because for the first time in his life, he feared rejection. And her rejection would be very hard on him. He never chased after a girl, they always ran after him. And yet, Usagi was worth every marathon.
She smiled blushing shyly. He was just so sweet, and a lot more romantic then Mamoru; who was too busy having fun with his girlfriend. She wanted to be on this cruise with someone who cared for, and Mizu cared for her. She could tell in the way he looked at her. He was in love.
"Yeah." Usagi replied very quietly. It was very embarrassing to say it. Mizu's eyes lit up with happiness. It was as if she granted him another chance to life.
"Great!" He smiled. They stayed there for a while, leaning against the rails, ignoring the ocean. Right now, all they could do was stare at each other.
Usagi had come back late. Mizu had kept her tranced in his romantic talks, the pleasant things he said and did. She didn't realize that mostly everybody had gone off to bed. The halls were empty, the pathways on the cruise; all became ghostly. Mizu dropped her to her door, in attempt to see where her room was. She conveniently left out the part, that she was sharing the room with the man she came with. Luckily, she had waited until she saw Mizu turn the corner when she slid in her door key. She was nervous, wondering if Mamoru was there, or if he decided to stay with Ai.
She was upset, each time that pairing ran through her mind. It was a quick second, and she was in the dark room. What was she thinking, things weren't meant to be with Mamoru. It could never be.
"Where were you?" Mamoru shouted suddenly grabbing her by the elbows and pushing her against the door. Usagi yelped, alarmed by his panic rush to her. His eyes looked so strained, as if he had been sitting and staring at one spot, unblinked. Usagi stayed quiet, unable to say anything, she was so shocked.
"Where were you! Do you realize what time it is! You could've been hurt!" He shouted again. Usagi's mouth kept open thinking to say something, but she continued to stare at him, ready to cry. She hated hearing his tone so upset. Mamoru let go of her arms, feeling very stupid for jumping her. He sighed looking down at the ground, realizing how much of his sanity he had lost. He had left Ai, shortly after Usagi had left. He felt sick and disappointed in his life; suddenly nothing seemed worth while. He had sat alone in the dark, waiting and wondering about Usagi. The time ticked on, until it was past 12, and she hadn't stepped into the room. All sorts of crazy thoughts ran through his head. Wondering, had she kissed Mizu again. He worried, so much for her.
So much so, that the very instant he heard her keycard slid in the door, everything in his aching body made him jump. Usagi couldn't see his eyes, his fringe covered his emotions. She swallowed trying to think of something to say. The last time she saw him this upset, it was at the arcade, when he beat away all the danger from her.
But she didn't have to say anything right then, Mamoru said it.
"Did you kiss him again?" He asked silently. Usagi's mind raced, she wasn't sure what he was talking about.
"Kiss him?" Usagi stuttered, her hands suddenly became sweaty, her heart running another marathon.
'He's talking about Mizu-san' Usagi panicked.
'How did he know?' Usagi stepped back a little wanting to run away rather then imagine Mamoru standing there in front of her. Had he seen them together under the moon light staring blissfully at each other. Mamoru straightened up, his eyes in focus. The room became heavy in darkness and sadness.
"Mizu. Did you kiss Mizu." He asked again this time looking and sounding completely dead. Mamoru wasn't sure what had come over him suddenly. Why his heart heart him so much, why such a bad sadness swallowed all the little happiness's he had. Usagi's eyes teared up. She felt she had done something to betray Mamoru, even though there wasn't anything to betray. She imagined herself again, staring deeply into Mizu's eyes. How could she have stared at him so lovingly.
Her head slipped down to the floor, feeling the burden of his accusing eyes on him. Mamoru's eyes flinched, a sudden jolt of pain when he realized from her lowered gaze, she had.
"I see." He said turning around to walk away to the living area. Usagi felt disgusted with herself. But had Mamoru showed even a little bit of his care, she would never ever feel so broken down.
"I didn't do anything!" She shouted back after him feeling hot tears start to pool from her eyes. Mamoru looked to his side, wanting to look back at her.
"You kissed him once though, right?" He asked sounding heart broken. Usagi's tears wouldn't stop, she shook her head to a jittery 'no'.
"No I never did." She answered back quickly. She felt she was losing him, as if he was stepping out of their very important relationship. Mamoru could hear her cry, but he suddenly didn't care, he knew she was lying to him.
"You're lying Usagi. You don't have to lie to me." He said sounding even more broken. He felt he was going to cry too. What had happened since the time they came on the ship to now. Why had things changed so quickly. They were having fun together, even though things were quiet between them. It was Ai's appearance that made things turn so, the very thought of her made him angry.
"No I'm not! I never did." She shouted back at him. Usagi hopeful and defenseless. Mamoru turned to her, his eyes glassy. He looked miserable.
"I saw you. I saw him lean in and kiss-"
"No, I turned my face, he didn't kiss me. I would never do that to you." Usagi shouted taking a step towards him. Her tears came crashing down as her words echoed in his mind. His lips opened, shocked by what he heard. She seemed sincere, and yet how could he believe her; he had seen the kiss himself.
"Believe me Mamoru, I would never, not after…not after I kissed…you" Usagi's voice sad and soft, like she had admitted finally what was in her heart all this time. Mamoru was stunned, his expression changed drastically. His heart was racing, and yet he liked the feeling that surged through his chest. He heard her, clear as a morning dew. Usagi stood there, blushing madly, she stared at her feet feeling embarrassed for saying all that she had said. What did she expect but his silence and his strong gaze. She had said so many things to him, she already knew that he was Ai's. And yet, she hoped that perhaps some how he would become hers.
Her eyes closed at the realization of how stupid she was for saying what she said. Her love was unrequited, so why did she announce such things to him. She was shaking. When suddenly she felt his shadow fall over her and his feet come to hers. She looked up only to find his lips had crashed on hers. Her eyes opened widely not sure what she was seeing was really happening. One hand on her cheek and the other took a hold of her shoulder. Finally, he had done what he ached to do for so long. She felt the same for him, all this time; he kept himself so far away.
Usagi closed her eyes when the shock left her body. A warm sweet sensation ran down her spine, a fantastic beating of her heart. It was meant to happen, this kiss was meant to happen. Usagi kept her head titled up to his, as he kept his lips on her. He wasn't sure when he would separate from her, he hoped he would never have to.
But it wasn't just the warm love they felt for each other that kept their lips together, it was something else. A spark. A lingering thought that perhaps they were forgetting something. And whatever it was, was very important.
Finally Mamoru, overwhelmed with all his emotions and strange pulsing head; he parted opening his eyes slowly to capture her image. She opened her eyes, shaking from all the shock and happiness she felt when his lips crashed on hers. Her cheeks were red, a small smile on her lips. Her big happy eyes staring up at him, waiting for him to say the things she wanted him to say. Mamoru couldn't help feel that he had stared down at her like this before, once before those same loving eyes searched his as if he was leaving. His face softened even more, a sighing smile came on.
"You look very beautiful Usagi." Mamoru was able to whisper. He felt he would loss all his breath if he spoke too loud. He never wanted this to end, this one moment in time; he wished he could freeze and forever keep. Usagi blushed even more her eyes moving to the ground, she felt so shy.
"Usagi, can I tell you something?" he asked gently. Usagi nodded shyly, hoping that it wasn't anything bad. His head moved a little so that he could look at her eyes, another big smile on his face.
"I have been thinking about you from the day you were in my apartment, maybe even sooner. I don't know how this all happened, but I know that I can't be apart from you." Mamoru whispered gently pulling her chin up, so that he could gaze at those beautiful eyes. So that his true feelings could be conveyed to her in more then just words. Usagi's eyes became glassy. She wished for this moment for so long, and suddenly in one quick splash of time; her wish came true.
"…I…" He paused moving his lips closer to hers. Usagi anticipated feeling his lips again. Mamoru knew this was right, no matter what he tried to tell himself before, he knew this was right. His head moved until it rubbed against her forehead, and as his lips touched hers.
"I love you." Mamoru whispered, but before Usagi could blush like a bride; a brilliant light captured them both suddenly taking them away….to some place else.
Ahh, finally I'm done. Nah I'm just kidding, there's still more to come. I really hoped you enjoyed this huge chapter, I thought I'd make it long so that if I don't get the chapter up in the next week; no one would hunt me down. Tee hee.
On the next chapter: Where is this new place Mamoru and Usagi come to? What strange memories come back? A sweet romantic chapter coming up!