AN: The characters of Sailor Moon don't belong to me.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a few wonderful and relaxing days. The past two weeks had been extremely busy and I just didn't find the time (or motivation) to write. Even though Christmas has already passed, I hope you can extend your christmas spirit and continue reading this fiction. Maybe I'll finish this story before Christmas 2022. Okay, that's it. Here's the next chapter. I hope you'll like it.

Usagi was sulking in the kitchen she shared with her best friend Minako. The encounter with Mamoru the day before was still having effects on her. Lost in her thoughts she kept staring at the glass cabinet, which held all the funny cups and cute colorful glasses she and Minako had collected together in the past three years since moving in together. In the first months of living together, when they weren't so wrapped up in their time schedules, they went on extended shopping trips to various low budget stores to buy kitchenware and all kinf of knick-knacks to make their apartment homey. And for these two blondes the definition of a homey apartment meant to flood the living area with as much pastel pink stuff, they could find.

And now she was sitting on a worn-down kitchen chair with flowers printed on the fabric and mentally made a list of all the men she knew, who she could take to Motoki's Christmas Party. And most importantly who would show Mamoru Chiba once and for all, that she was indeed capable of finding a handsome, smart and elegant date, who was soo into her, even that baka would finally stop teasing her about finding a boyfriend. But none of the guys she knew possessed all three qualities.

Her instant cappuccino had cooled down a bit, so she lifted the yellow mug to her lips and took two huge gulps of the too-sweet drink. She thought of some guys, she already went on a date with or who had asked her out on one occasion and wondered, if one of them could be the one to make Mamoru jealous…She stopped her train of thought. To make Mamoru jealous? Why did that thought come up? No, it was not about making him jealous, Usagi mentally corrected herself. The whole point of this party-date was… get him to admit, that also distinguished and dashing men could fall for a cute and klutzy student, who was way too much into girlish and glittery things and got childishly excited for food.

Mamoru had seen her with some of the guys, she went out and always made a kind of disappointed face. The next time she stepped into the Crown, he pointed out, why they were flawed. Most of the times she just rolled her eyes at him or reacted with a remark, that would shut him up. But in the evenings, when she was at home, sitting on her bed slurping some ramen, she thought about his comments. More than once she tried to prove him wrong, but in the end, he was always right.

One guy had been too touchy, one guy just laughed at everything, the other one was so obsessed with video games, he forgot she was sitting right next to him on more than one occasion and that just was too much for Usagi. Mamoru predicted it all like some fortune teller. She never told him, that he had been right. Sometimes she wanted to thank him, but she feared he would just make a smug face and throw a big "Told you so!" into her face and that was something, she was not ready for. Even though he knew that the dates had never became anything more, he never said anything about that the next time they met and Usagi was glad about it. Mamoru only silently watched her and warmly said "Hello" and nothing else. As if he sensed her distress about her failed attempt of a blossoming romance and didn't want to stress her any further. How could a person, who understood her in so many ways so well, be such a jerk?!

Usagi was so lost in her thought, she didn't hear Minako enter their kitchen, until the other blonde was waving her hand frantically in front of her face.

"Hello?! Earth to Usagiiiiiii!" Minako's voice finally woke her from her trance.

"Oh hi. Good Morning, Mina", Usagi blinked a few times.

"You're up early. You know it's Saturday, right?" Minako was still standing in front of her, hands on her hips, just like her mother did, when she got up too late for school. How the tables have turned.

"I had trouble sleeping", Usagi took another sip from the now lukewarm beverage.

"Want to talk about it?" Minako put her hand on Usagi's shoulder in a calming gesture.

"It's nothing really…" There wasn't much Usagi kept from her friends. In all honesty she only hid every Mamoru-related thought or action from her friends in a box. And the box of secrets had over the years become a house of secrets. A house with four floors and an attic. No, her friends didn't know, that it was Mamoru's insight on her dates, not her own. And she could not show. That the desperate need to find a date in less than two weeks to that party had anything to do with that baka.

"Just… you know, university is kicking my ass lately. I can't wait until Christmas break," Usagi let out a deep breath.

"I already figured. I haven't really seen on you in the past weeks. And I thought I had a busy time. You want some toast?" Minako held up the plastic bag, that only contained four slices of toast. Usagi took a closer look. Minako was usually full of life, but right now she looked rather tired with barely visible dark circles under her eyes. Usagi nodded. Adult life really didn't suit them.

"What's going on?" With that Minako slumped down on the other kitchen chair, put her head in her hands and sighed audibly.

"Ugh, where do I start? So two weeks ago we got these two new interns. And they're like really nice, but they are like sooo lazy. I mean, I get it. I was super lazy myself, but never like that and not when I practically begged to get an internship. Like they kind of stalked my boss, until she gave in and now they're just sitting there scrolling on their phones and they're so overwhelmed with just the littlest tasks. How hard can it be to copy files?" The ding of the toaster interrupted Mina's rant. She got up, put the toasted slices on yellow plates and placed them on their round wood-table. Then she opened the fridge and started talking again, while retrieving almost empty jars of different kind of jams and butter out of the fridge.

"And now I am responsible for them, which actually means showing them how to do the easiest tasks and I have to work until late in the evening, because babysitting them means, I can't finish my work on time. Please tell me, we weren't like that?" Minako angrily took a soundly bite.

"Nope, definitely not." Usagi was pretty sure, that they never reached that level of laziness.

"For how long are they going to be there?" With a loud pop, Usagi opened one of the old jars and was greeted by a huge green mold. She immediately closed it again and reached for another one.

"Thank god only until the end of the year. But I just have so much stuff to do. Christmas campaigns are the worst. And it's apparently a habit to forget Christmas every year. Like last week, when this company asked to pull of this huge campaign, and they even dared to ask to film a stupid video. In one week. Ugh…You know…I really need a distraction. Maybe we had should go on vacation…" Minako huffed.

With that Usagi's eyes opened in excitement. "Yes, please!" She clapsed her hands together happily.

"And I already know, where we should go!"

"Really?" Now Minako's eyes were as wide as her blonde best friend's.

"Yes! Okay, I forget the name of the place, but it was the most beautiful onsen I have ever seen!"

"We haven't done a trip to an onsen in ages! Let's do that! Oh, we could go around New Year's eve. I don't think I'll survive a huge new year's party. I have so many Christmas Parties to attend… " That was the first time, Usagi heard Minako complain about too many parties. She was after all the life of every party without even trying.

"I'm so in! We should ask the girls tomorrow." The thought of spending some days with her best friends in a hot spring made her giddy again. She really needed this, they all needed this.

"Speaking of Christmas Parties…" Minako stared intently at Usagi, "did you by any chance talk to Motoki in the past few days?"

"Uh…yes. He's throwing a party at the Crown and we're all invited."

"Usa, please. We're not invited, we're on the guestlist." Minako's tiredness slowly got replaced by her usual dramatic self.

"Mark my words! It's really a difference. Trust me, I know." Minako winked at her.

"Okay, okay…" Usagi wholeheartedly laughed. "We're on the guestlist like the special people we are."

"That's the spirit, girl!" Minako cheered and laughingly pointed her index finger at her. Then her smiling face turned into a slightly different expression as she narrowed her eyes on Usagi.

"And did Motoki also told you to bring a date?" The blonde stared again intently at her roommate, which confused Usagi a little bit. Minako rarely looked at her like this and she only did that, because she wanted to talk about something serious.

"Um yes, he said that. Why?" Usagi furrowed her brow.

"Do you know, who you're going to take with you?" As the words were leaving Minako's mouth, she slowly inched closer towards Usagi and still looked her straight in the eyes. Blinking only occasionally.

"Uhm… no", Usagi uttered. "And you?" Minako sat back in her chair. A winning smile appeared.

"Yes, Kazu will be my date."

"Who was that again?" Usagi tried to think, if Minako had told her about him. There were times, when Minako found the love of her life almost every week. She loved love and she loved to date and even took Usagi to double dates. And even though Minako selected Usagi's blind dates really well, it just never clicked between them. And Minako easily got bored by some of her conquests and she was not shy to break up with them while giving them advice for their future relationships. And to Usagi's surprise, they were never mad. No, they idly listened to Minako's tips, as if she was the love guru.

Rei and Makoto often called her the goddess of love. And the title fit her perfectly.

"You know, the one with the long grey dyed hair? He's rather tall. We met him at school some years ago. Maybe you'll remember him, when you see him. He recently followed me on Instagram and we've been talking ever since. And I thought it's a good idea to invite him to the party." A faint blush was prettily spreading on Minako's cheeks and Usagi adored that look on her beautiful friend.

"Hm…", Usagi put her index finger on her chin in a thinking gesture, "I'm not sure, if I remember him, but maybe I'll recognize him at the party."

"Yeah, maybe. So… do you know, who's going to be your date?" Minako asked with a determined expression in her eyes.

As if that wasn't the question Usagi had pondered the whole past evening, the whole night and even in the morning. But then it dawned Usagi, that Minako could be her savior, since she knew so many intimidating people, who would make Mamoru go pale.

"Err…no. Not really. I thought about trying out one of these dating apps or maybe… do you know someone for me?" Usagi batted her long eyelashes.

This time it was Minako, whose eyes sparkled in excitement. "I'm glad that you asked, my dear friend Usagi-chan. Indeed I know the perfect guy for this occasion."

Usagi let out a sigh of relief. She could always count on Minako on matters like this.

"Really? Who is he?"

"He's a new colleague of mine. But he's working in the finance department. Don't worry, he's not boring. He's insanely good-looking, studied abroad for some time, has a huge manga collection and he volunteers at some kind of daycare center, where parents of low income can make sure, their children are taken care of, while they're working. When I met him, I immediately thought of you!" Minako looked proud of herself, as she looked at Usagi's gaping mouth. He really was perfect. Too good to be true. And maybe even too good for her, but if he would agree to accompany her to the party, he would surely whip that arrogant smile off Mamoru's stupid beautiful face. Beautiful? No, just stupid. Just stupid.

"When can I meet him?" Usagi exclaimed excitingly.

"Put on something nice. We're going to do some grocery shopping."

A look of confusion overshadowed Usagi's excited facial features.

"We're not going to our usual shop. I heard you can buy the best bread in that store next to his daycare center, where he'll be working today. You want the best bread, don't you?"

Usagi was too stunned to speak, so she just nodded. Minako was a mastermind.

It appeared the supermarket really was well-equipped. The store sold a variety of breads, that came from a traditional local bakery, who exclusively sold them in this store. One of the few stores, that were not part of a huge franchise.

Even though the way to the store was too long for some ordinary grocery shopping, Usagi made a note mentally, to do a detour and get some of the fluffy bakery products once in a while.

As she prepared herself for the chance encounter, she went through her closet and decided to get something new for the party. Everything looked dull and boring and she really needed something special for that day.

Minako had insisted on a cute, but effortless look. So she chose a pale blue dress, that had long sleeves, a snug waist and fell prettily against the middle of her upper thighs. In addition to that she put on light grey wool tights and her double buttoned checkered coat. She even tinted her lips with peach-colored lipbalm. Cute and effortless looking indeed.

As they exited the store, Minako grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her towards her.

"Okay, so we just casually walk by. I will look out for him and I will do most of the talking, okay?"

"Yes!"

"Good! Let's go!" This time Minako grabbed her hand and dragged her a few steps, then dropped her hand softly.

The tingling in her stomach and the slight falter in her steps were stark indications, that Usagi was nervous. She tried to listen to Minako's chatter, but to no avail. She was too focused on not looking on her right, where the daycare center could appear at any time. Minako's walk became slower, a sign that they were close by. Usagi trained her eyes on the street in front of her. She felt Minako's gentle tug on der coat sleeve and they came to an halt.

"Hey Hachiro!" She heard Minako say and dared to look up. Minako waved and a good-looking man stood up from the ground, where he was currently seated next to five children, who played in the snow. He had dark hair with a violet hue in it and the closer he got, Usagi could make out brown eyes with pecks of gold in it. He was dressed in dark blue jeans and elegant beige-colored wool coat.

"Hey Minako! Fancy seeing you here!" He exclaimed with a warm smile. Usagi was sure, that this smile could lighten up every room.

"Oh yeah, I followed your advice and we just bought some of the bread you recommended. Can't wait to taste it."

"Can't wait to hear, what you have to say about it." He looked over at Usagi and raised his hand in greeting. "Hi, I'm Hachiro." Usagi responded by taking his gloved hand.

"Hi, I'm Usagi."

"Usagi is my friend and roommate. She's the one, I told you about."

"Ah! Finally, I get to meet you! Nice to get to know the face behind the stories."

"I hope she only told the good ones", in true Usagi-fashion she beamed while talking.

"Of course." His laugh was deep and friendly, but she didn't get lost in the sound. At least not as lost as she sometimes did, when Mamo- Not the right time to think about that baka.

"Oh Hachiro, have you decided if you want to go our Office Party?" Minako put just enough curiosity in her voice to sound interested, but not too obvious.

"I don't think so. I'm not comfortable around most of my colleagues. And instead of a Christmas theme party, they want to throw an 80s hip hop dance party. You're lucky to go that Christmas Party at an arcade. I tried to buy tickets, but they're already sold out." He shrugged his shoulders in a sad manner.

Usagi felt Minako's sideways glance at her. In the corner of her eye, she saw her friend's encouraging nod. This was her cue.

"Hachiro, if you want to go, you could accompany me. I can bring someone with me." Smooth Usagi, no mention of a date. This would come later. Don't scare him off in a blunt attempt. She had followed Minako's instructions and waited for Hachiro's answer.

"Really? That would be great! Are you sure you really don't want to take someone else?"

"No. All my friends are going to be there and have their own spot on the list. It would be my pleasure." She smiled her most disarming smile and he returned the gesture with a dazzling grin. Internally she cheered. On the outside she hoped, she appeared friendly and collected. But not too collected, so that she seemed uninterested in him.

"Thank you, that's really kind of you."

She swiftly extracted her phone out of her backpack, unlocked the screen and handed it over to him.

"It's probably best, if you could give me your phone number and we'll talk about the details later. I have to go or I'm running late to my study group." Game, set and match. This was easier than she had initially thought."

Good idea." He typed his number on her screen and handed the phone over.

"Okay, I have to go. I'll write you later Hachiro and Mina, I'll be back home in the evening." Hachiro and Minako said their goodbyes and Usagi took off. After she rounded the corner, she allowed herself to cheer and jumped joyfully. Now she had a date and more than enough time to get him to know a little better. Take that, Mamoru!

When she got home, Usagi was still in good mood. She had exchanged a few messages with Hachiro and so far, Minako had been right: He really was a good match for Usagi. She took off her coat and shoes and placed the boots in the overstuffed shoe cabinet in their genkan.

"Hey Mina, I'm home." Her backpack landed unceremoniously on the kitchen chair. The light in the genkan, kitchen and Minako's room was on, so Minako was at home, but she didn't respond. She was probably listening to music on her headphones. The door to Minako's room was slightly ajar and Usagi came nearer to tell her friend about the exchange with Hachiro. And of course to thank her. Apparently Minako was on the phone, because she could make out her friend's voice in between talking breaks. Usagi was almost in front of the door and wanted to knock on the door as she heard Minako say: "No, Toki… We aren't mean. This is totally going to work out and we're making four people really hap –

"At that Minako turned around and saw Usagi at her door and immediately paled.

"Hi Usa, you startled me. You're home early. When did you get home?" A nervous stutter accompanied her words and she pulled one of her headphones out of her ear.

"Hm… Just now. I'm heading to the shower. Are you talking to Motoki?"

Minako worried her lip and silently nodded.

"Say Hi from me. Could you order some food? I'm really hungry." Usagi had the feeling something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Yeah, sure!" Minako put on a reassuring smile, that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Great!" And with that Usagi went straight to the bathroom and tried not to waste time on the meaning behind Minako's words and her phone call with Motoki. That alone was a strange occurrence itself.

AN: And this was chapter two :) I hope you liked it. Also many, many thanks to your nice reviews. I can't express, how much they mean to me. It really helps to motivate me. I want to become better and write at least once a week. And I really need to get back to my other Fic. If you haven't read it, maybe you could check it out?

Again: This fic is unbeta'ed and English is not my mother language, so please excuse the mistakes. Have good start into the next week.