A/N: I'm sorry this story is moving at a slower pace than usual. The hubs has been out of town, so I've been a lot busier. But he comes back tomorrow, so hopefully things will pick up again. And I hope this chapter doesn't feel too rushed. I just really wanted to get something out for you guys.
At someone's suggestion, I bumped the rating up from T to M. Mostly because of that bathroom scene in chapter 1. There will be some more adult situations like that, but no lemons. (Even if things look like they might be getting a little sour... no lemons in this story. I'll try my hand at some later this month in honor of Smutember.) So if you're okay with that level of content, please enjoy! If that was too much for you, you may not want to continue with this story.
In other news, would anyone be interested in posting to tumblr on my behalf? Shoot me a PM. I'd love to discuss details with you.
Without further ado, enjoy and review!
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon and all characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi.
Mamoru
Why couldn't I wake up? This was unlike any other dream I'd had before. For the most part, anxiety dreams were fairly predictable. You show up at school with no pants, you're forced onto the stage when you don't know the lines, you're the one that trips and falls in front of Odango. Aside from whatever specific embarrassment you were forced to endure, the plot was basically the same. At first, everything seems normal, then you discover the horror of your situation, you suffer the mocks and jeers of the witnesses, and then you wake up. But this dream had been one humiliation after another. It started with one and they just kept coming, just like the barrage of attacks we had been fighting at the hands of the enemy lately. It was endless. I should have woken up by now.
After the teacher had finally allowed Minako and me back into the classroom, we had been subject to judgemental smirks from the other students. And then there had been a test. Sure, that was certainly a common dream trope, but I actually knew all the answers this time. It was surprisingly easy. The simple algebraic equations were familiar, having already surpassed that level of mathematics years ago, and the solutions came quickly. I was the first to finish, even beating out Ami Mizuno by a few minutes, who I knew to be considered the genius of her grade. The teacher gawked at me when I turned in the exam and I didn't blame her. I would have, too, were I in her position. The bewilderment was fleeting, however, and quickly morphed into a look of suspicion. It was very uncharacteristic of Usagi to finish an exam so quickly, so the teacher had drawn up a new equation on the board for me to solve in front of the class to prove I hadn't cheated. Everyone was instructed to put down their pencils and watch me for any sign of dishonesty.
When she was satisfied that I truly knew the material, I was allowed to sit down amongst the snickers of my new peers. Even Usagi's friends stared at me in disbelief, eyebrows raised and probing. What friends they were. You'd think they'd have a little more confidence in Odango-Atama. Even if she was a total ditz.
Lunch could not come soon enough and I was relieved to be free of that suffocating room full of eyes. I followed the girls to the courtyard where they formed a circle in the grass beneath an expansive tree. The wind danced through my long hair as I sat with them, tickling my skin pleasantly. I stretched Usagi's little legs out in the grass and felt a relaxing stretch in her muscles. Poor girl. She was obviously sore to begin with and this morning's marathon hadn't done anything to help the aching in her calves. Her feet looked so small clad in those black, strappy shoes compared to the feet I was used to seeing when I looked down. It was a strange feeling, gazing at myself but finding someone else's body. At least it was a cute one.
"I'm impressed, Usagi." Ami was the first to address the elephant in the room. "I didn't realize you were so comfortable with the material. When did you find the time to study?"
Three sets of eyes stared at me expectantly.
"Oh, you know..." I shrugged, searching for a lie. "Here and there." It wasn't a very good one but it would have to do for now. I began unwrapping the bento, my stomach growling audibly in what felt like literal starvation. My mouth began to salivate as the aroma of onigiri drifted up to greet me like an old friend. "I love bonito flakes!" I did? They were alright, I guess, but I wouldn't say I loved them. Usagi's body certainly seemed to, though, and I couldn't resist grabbing one in each hand, alternating bites and stuffing my cheeks like this was my last meal on earth. What a nice dream mommy I had.
"Yikes, you better slow down there, Usa. If you're really that hungry, I'd be happy to share my lunch with you."
I blinked up at a pair of emerald eyes beneath a chocolatey fringe of hair. "Really? Thanks, Makoto." Maybe these friends weren't so bad after all.
"Of course. I started packing extra since you usually end up eating mine anyway. Probably since you always miss breakfast." I took it back. Even when they were being nice, they were teasing Usagi. Just like I did.
Either way, the tall brunette offered me a few of her fried shrimp and I accepted gratefully, unable to stop myself from inhaling them at record speed. Good god, was this girl always this hungry? No wonder she was able to eat so much junk all the time and still retain her excellent figure.
"Hey, Usa." Minako spoke this time, her voice low and mischievous. "Don't look now, but I think you-know-who is looking at you again."
I whirled around. Who could be looking at Uasgi? I thought I was the only one that looked at her.
Strangely, for the first time today, what my eyes saw actually aligned with my thoughts. It was me looking at Usagi. But it wasn't me, because I was here. I was Usagi. But it was another me. Or rather, it was my body looking at me in Usagi's body. This was surreal. But there I was, across the courtyard from myself, staring with piercing blue eyes and a furrowed brow. The whole picture served to create a rather intimidating effect and, I hated to admit it, but I looked scary. Was that how I really looked to other people?
I swallowed hard, forcing down the lump that had formed in my throat. I should chew better.
"I guess I should go see what he wants," I said nervously before standing and brushing a few blades of grass from the back of my skirt. (Nice ass, too.)
"Are you kidding?" Makoto asked, incredulous. "I thought you hated that guy."
"Sure, she does," the blonde retorted sarcastically.
I would have to investigate that thought later, though, because I was watching my own form stalk forward, quickly closing the distance between us. He came to a halt mere inches from my face as he towered over me.
"You," he-I?-said gruffly.
"Me," I whispered, unsure what exactly was about to happen.
"We need to talk," I watched myself say.
"Yes, I guess we do," I agreed in Usagi's voice.
Then I watched my body turn on its heel and storm angrily away toward the fence. Involuntary adrenaline surged through my miniature frame, causing me to tremble. Fueled by curiosity alone, I strode the short distance to the fence, anticipating what could very well be the strangest conversation of my life. When I reached him, his fists were clenched tightly at his sides, his chin pointing up slightly in a vaguely familiar way.
"Are you me?" he demanded, peering down at me.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"I mean, am I you?"
I blinked. "I still don't understand."
"Argh!" The deep, thundering sound was jolting and I flinched.
He lifted his hands to the space above his shoulders and seemed to tug at the air for a moment as if expecting something to be there. When his hands came up empty, he let out another bark of frustration before settling for placing his hands on his hips, one of them poking out to the side, lips pouting. It was odd. I had never taken on that posture before, so seeing it on my own body felt out of place. It was a distinctly feminine and petulant pose, the kind of stance I would expect from-
"Odango?"
His eyes went blank and his hands dropped limply at his sides.
"Baka?"
"What the hell are you doing in there?" I snapped. It was one thing for me to be in Odango's body. But it was another thing entirely for her to be in mine. For some reason, it outraged me. I felt violated. And, honestly, a little embarrassed.
"I could ask you the same thing, jerk-face!" Suddenly she lit my eyes with her rage and a hot flush spread across my cheeks. Her cheeks? We'll say they're her cheeks. "You better not have looked at my body!"
Even in a dream, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to tease her. "How do you suppose I took a shower before school, then?" I asked, smoothing my hands over the curves beneath my blouse.
Her cheeks flamed red again. "You perv!" she roared. And then two giant hands came down on my shoulders and shoved me. Hard. Unable to withstand the strength of her newfound muscles in this comparatively shrimpy body, I tumbled to the ground, landing flat on my backside.
"Usagi!"
In an instant, all three of the girls joined us. Ami and Mina came to crouch on either side of me while Makoto stepped between Usagi and me. She extended one arm defensively in front of me, the other curled back and ready to fight. Maybe these girls really were good friends after all.
"How could you push a girl like that? What the hell is wrong with you?" my protector hissed.
Usagi looked horrified, both hands held over her mouth in astonishment and horror as the reality of what she had done in my body began to churn the cogs in her brain.
"I-I'm so sorry. I didn't mean-"
"I deserved it." I brushed the other two girls from my elbows and stood, dusting myself off to show that I was unharmed. Albeit a little tender, but unharmed.
"What are you talking about, Usagi?" Makoto argued. "There's nothing you could have done to deserve being pushed around by some guy."
I stared up at my own face, contorted with Usagi's conflicting emotions. Tears were beginning to form and threatening to spill over. I couldn't let that happen here, in front of everyone. For my own sake, of course. My reputation would be ruined.
"I took it too far this time," I explained. "Besides, Mamoru isn't feeling very well today. He was just saying he was going to go home and rest. Right?"
I looked at Usagi for confirmation that she understood the meaning behind my words. She blinked away the tears and gave a single, short nod.
"That's right," she croaked. "Um...Usagi..." she continued tentatively, scratching one arm. "Do you think you could...bring me...that thing later? That thing we need to talk about?"
"Oh. Sure."
The girls looked at me with expressions varying from disgust to disappointment to...smug? Before any of them could respond, however, Usagi issued a quick thanks and then made a beeline for the school exit. At least she wouldn't be responsible for taking my calculus exam today.
"You can't be serious, Usa." Makoto's arms were crossed in front of her chest in disapproval. "There's no way you're going to go see that guy."
"Oh, give him a break." Was Minako really standing up for the guy who just laid hands on her friend? "You know people do crazy things when they're in love." I made a mental note to never set any of my friends up with that girl.
"Mina, I think Mako is right. It wouldn't be safe for Usagi to be alone with Mamoru. Even if he is just out of sorts today, we can't risk Usagi's safety." I had expected Ami to be rational, but weren't these girls acting a little overprotective?
"Uh, guys?" I attempted to interject, but they just continued over me.
"He's totally harmless," Mina crooned, waving a hand dismissively. "Besides, it seems like they're finally getting those feelings out in the open!"
"Wait, what feelings?" The question came out of my mouth before I could stop it. But it went unnoticed.
"No way." Makoto's tone was authoritarian and definitive. "I'm not letting her within a foot of that guy. At least, not today anyway. There's too much at stake right now."
"Guys!" They obviously weren't just talking about me anymore. But why was everyone talking about Usagi and making decisions for her right in front of her? Like she wasn't even there?
"Maybe this is what we've been waiting for! Some new motivation!" Mina's eyes glistened with a strange emotion as she jabbered. "I get that you guys are concerned, but I really don't think he could ever hurt her. Getting the two of them alone together might just give Usa that extra boost of energy she's been looking for, if you know what I'm saying."
"What if we compromise?" Ami suggested, completely ignoring Minako's lewd implication. "We could all go with Usagi to meet Mamoru somewhere public, like the arcade. And then she could give him the..." She turned to me, blue brows knit together. "What did you need to give him, again?"
Great, another lie. Normally, I was pretty quick to think on my feet, but so much had gone on today in such a short time that my brain felt like scrambled eggs sloshing around in my skull.
"Oh, um, he lent me a book."
Makoto raised a dubious eyebrow at me while Minako winked. "A book, huh?"
"Yep. And I guess he really needs it back. So, you see, it's completely harmless. I'll just stop by his place after school and-"
"No. I'm not letting you do that." Something about the set of Makoto's jaw had me on edge. I got the impression she was really not one to be messed with. But I still didn't care for the way she was giving out orders like I-Usagi-couldn't think for herself.
"You won't let me?" I challenged, indignation creeping into my voice.
Rather than push it further, Makoto sighed, exasperated, hands falling to her thighs with a loud smack. "You know it's our job to protect you." Job? "Why are you fighting this?"
There was obviously another, deeper layer and a complicated dynamic to this group of friends that I had no way of even beginning to breach at the moment. I changed my plan, hoping instead to evade the issue altogether.
"You're right," I relented. "I can return his book another time."
As if in accordance with my plan, the chime of the school bell sounded, dispersing the small crowd that, unbeknownst to me, had gathered to watch the show. Minako threaded her arm through mine with a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, I'll work on Mako for you during class. I'm sure she'll come around." She began pulling me along toward the building, but I resisted.
"You girls go on ahead. I forgot my bento."
"We don't mind waiting for you," Ami replied.
"That's okay." I waved her off. "I have to use the bathroom, too. I'll meet you there."
Eventually, the pack went on without me, leaving me to my own devices. I took the opportunity of their absence to exit the school grounds myself and started in the direction of my apartment. Truthfully, I was no longer convinced this was a dream.
Usagi
It was the eleventh floor, right? No, the twelfth. Crap, what was the apartment number?
I paced the gray, narrow hallway, checking the tiny nameplates next to each of the countless identical doors for the name Chiba. Finally, I found it and heaved a sigh of relief. This big, man body got so hot and sweaty in this school uniform. Why did they make those poor guys wear a blazer every day? I yanked the key from its hiding place in my pocket and shoved it into the lock. Even though I had the key-and the face-to match, I still felt guilty, like I was trespassing. Because I was. I flipped on the lights and removed my shoes, but I hardly felt relaxed.
The air inside the apartment was stale, devoid of life. I looked around for a distraction, for anything to help pass the time. That was another reason I knew I couldn't be dreaming: you never get bored in dreams. Mamoru's walls were lined with endless books, some of them technical, most I had never heard of, and even a few of them in different languages. Gosh, this guy was maybe smarter than Ami. But even she liked to let loose once in a while. Ami actually had the top score on the Sailor V video game. What did Mamoru-baka do for fun?
I stripped off my jacket and ventured further into the apartment. Maybe he had snacks. I hadn't thought to pack a lunch today. My search for breakfast this morning hadn't revealed anything tasty, but I had only checked the fridge and the pantry. If I were Mamoru, where would I hide the good stuff? My eyes darted to the miniature cabinet above the refrigerator. That had to be it. Tall people always hid stuff in that useless, little cupboard that the rest of us couldn't reach. I nearly pulled the door off its hinges in my excitement. It was going to take a while to adjust to having such large muscles. Why did he have such stupid, giant arm muscles-and ab muscles and leg muscles and butt muscles-anyway? This thought was quickly pushed aside, however, at my discovery:
It was chocolate. And a lot of it.
Chocolate bars, mini candies, truffles, kisses, cocoa mix, chocolate-covered donuts, name it and it was there. So, I guess he wasn't as perfect and refined as he appeared. That suited me just fine, for the moment. I grabbed the bag of donuts and poured myself a glass of milk before heading to the couch. The leather was cold to the touch and I shivered. Didn't this guy have any pillows or blankets? The only ones I knew of were in the bedroom. Ignoring the fact that he would probably kill me if he ever discovered it, I retrieved the comforter from his bed and brought it with me to the couch, wrapping myself in a cozy cocoon to prevent any of my body from coming in direct contact with the leather. Once settled and content, I switched on the tv and dove into my snack.
There must have been a million channels to choose from. I was surprised. Mamoru didn't strike me as a tv-watching kind of guy. Then again, I didn't really expect him to be living alone, either. I guess he was eighteen, so it wasn't that weird, but he was still in high school. Most kids lived with their parents until they graduated, at least. Mako had her own place, sure, but that was because she didn't have parents.
A hunk of donut fell from my mouth. Did Mamoru not have parents? The annoyance I had been feeling for him retreated, replaced by empathy. That must be the reason he was so cold and distant with everyone. Mako had been the same way in the beginning. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to grow up without Mom and Dad. And he didn't seem to really have any friends, either. The only people that had talked to him-me-at school today had been asking him about the homework or wanting to borrow a pencil. No one tried to sit with me at lunch. Mamoru's world must be a lonely one.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Without thinking, I left my blanket fortress to answer it and was stunned to find myself on the other side. Even though I had seen myself just a few minutes before, it wasn't exactly the kind of thing you could get used to.
I stood aside as he walked my body in, calmly removing my school shoes and leaving them next to his, small beside big, before turning on me.
"What were you thinking? You can't go around hitting girls in my body!" All the fury I was accustomed to seeing in him was still present behind my own shining, cerulean eyes, but a lot of the effect was gone when matched with my feminine voice and blonde hair. Speaking of which, was hanging in a tangled mess around my ankles. I guess they were his ankles, now.
"And you can't go around with my hair looking like that!" I retorted. "I have a reputation, you know!"
"Oh, I know," he seethed. "You have a reputation of being the biggest airhead in our school and I've had to put up with it all day! And what about my reputation, Odango? You just got me listed as the guy who beats up little girls."
"I am not a little girl," I asserted, stomping my foot. As I gazed down at the tiny blonde before me, a hilarious thought occurred to me. "You are." For some reason, the thought of the strong, unflappable Mamoru trapped in my puny, girly body was the most hysterical thing in the world. I broke into a fit of laughter, clutching my sides and struggling to stay upright.
"What are you laughing at?" he demanded, his attempt at a fierce expression coming off as adorable and only making me laugh harder.
"You," I managed between gasps for oxygen.
He gritted his teeth. Then his eyes fell on the couch behind us and stretched wide in shock.
"What the hell did you do in here?" He stormed over to examine my mess and held up the empty bag of donuts. "Dammit, I was saving those!"
He hurled the crumpled bag to the floor and another wave of giggles washed over me, this time actually bringing me to the ground.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, reclaiming his composure. "Would you stop that incessant noise and help me figure out why we're in this mess in the first place?"
I did my best to sober up, crossing my legs beneath me and resting my chin in my hands.
"Honestly, I don't know," I confessed. "I thought it was a dream at first, but now I don't think so."
"So we've reached the same conclusion."
My mind searched over the past twenty-four hours, hunting for any clue as to what might have happened to swap our bodies like this. I was drawing a blank. The only thing I could think of that might have had something to do with it was the battle last night, but that wouldn't make sense because Mamoru wasn't there, so how could he have been affected? What I really needed was to talk to Luna about this. She was probably the only one who would be able to help me figure out what was going on.
Oh my god, Luna. What if she had talked to him? I couldn't let him find out that I was Sailor Moon. Unless he already knew.
"So...you don't have any ideas either?" I probed.
He shook his head. "Nothing based in logic and science."
"And outside of logic and science?"
He gave me a pointed look. "This whole thing is illogical. I'm at as much a loss as you are."
Good. He didn't seem to have any suspicions. Yet. But I would have to keep him away from Luna. And the girls. And my parents. And pretty much everyone.
"Well, maybe we should decide what to do in the meantime while we try and figure this out," I offered.
"Okay. What do you suggest?" Now that his initial anger and receded, he was actually being fairly polite. I didn't think he had it in him.
"For one, I think you should stay here tonight," I said, hoping he wouldn't catch the twinge of urgency in my voice. "This is your place, anyway, and I can't have you freaking out my parents."
Thankfully, he didn't protest. "That makes sense. And what about you? Where will you stay?" I hadn't thought about that.
"Maybe I can get a hotel or something. Although I don't think I have enough money for that..." I trailed off.
"Nonsense. You'll stay here too," he said matter-of-factly.
"In what universe is that a good idea?" I screeched.
"The one where we're trapped in each other's bodies? I don't think we really have much of a choice here, Odango."
"Would you stop calling me that? I don't even have my buns!" I wailed.
"Neither do I," he smirked, knowing full well how annoyed I was by his complete disregard for my appearance.
"Okay, I think we need to set a few ground rules," I growled, fighting to keep my own temper in check.
"I agree," he said, returning to a serious tone. He held up a finger. "Rule number one is there shall be no odangos."
"You. Are. Infuriating!" I bit through clenched teeth. "Can't you be serious for one minute?"
"Sorry, sorry," he apologized. "Force of habit. How about this: we both do our best to uphold each other's image?"
"Done."
"That means you can't be flirting with Motoki."
I blanched. Just how long had he been watching me today?
"Rule number two," I countered, avoiding the subject. "No looking at or touching each other's bodies," I hoped he didn't see the flush beneath my cheeks.
"I don't really think that's possible. I mean, we do have to change clothes and take showers and use the restroom-"
"Did you go to the bathroom!?" I cried.
"Yes," he stated cooly.
I was mortified. He had succeeded in chucking all my modesty out the window with one simple word. I hid my face in my hands, feeling the blush spread and burning hot in my ears.
"Oh, come on, Odango. It was strictly business. Like a medical procedure."
This did nothing to soothe my embarrassment. It had been no big deal for him, but it was for me. No guy had ever seen that part of myself before and now the first one was my worst enemy, the guy who made my life a living hell. And the worst part was that he had seen my naked body without my permission. I understood that he didn't really have a choice, but that didn't negate the huge violation I felt at this discovery.
"Usagi." His voice was sincere and he placed a tiny hand on my giant shoulder as he crouched next to me. "Believe me when I say that I am doing my best to honor your privacy."
At his words, the heat in my face began to subside and I was able to make eye contact with him again.
"I'm doing the same," I assured him.
"Thank you," he said respectfully.
I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes," he said. "You are going to have to study for my makeup calculus exam that you skipped today."
"You can't be serious-"
"And I think we should try to stay together as much as possible to avoid any mishaps."
I groaned. As much as I didn't want to be around him, I knew he was right. Until we could figure this thing out and find a way to switch back, keeping my eye on him would be for the best. What concerned me most, though, was what would happen when I would be called into a battle. How would I keep that a secret from him? And how would I explain any of this to the girls?
"Okay," I nodded. "Let's clear a few things up and then meet back here. You need to go to my house to tell my parents you're staying at Rei's tonight to study. And get yourself some clothes. I have to go talk to Rei."
"What? You can't tell your friends about this," he countered.
"I have to tell someone. And Rei is like, a Shinto priestess who exorcises spirits and reads fire and stuff. She's probably our best bet at getting switched back." Second only to Ami or Luna, but I didn't want to explain to him about any of that. Rei could explain to the others and them on board to help without alerting Mamoru. "Besides, the others are probably pissed at you for ditching. Am I right?
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, only for them to get caught in the tangles. He yanked his hand free and I winced instinctively, rubbing a phantom pain on my scalp.
"You're right," he relented. "But go straight there and straight back. No stopping by the arcade or anything. I'll do the same."
"Fine. And stay away from my cat. She bites."
With a plan in place, we straightened up the room before slipping on our shoes and setting about our individual tasks. I really hoped to be out of this nightmare soon.