Saturday: Part 1
Both males and females are affected by oxytocin and vasopressin. However, the physiological effects of vasopressin support physical mobilization and defensive aggression, which may be especially critical in male mammals, as needed for guarding a partner or territory as well as other forms of adaptive self-defense.
I flipped the book shut on the counter next to the stove and made my way to the door of the guest bedroom.
"Wake up, Odango!" My cheerful greeting was met with a groan. Then silence.
"Odango-Atama! Come on, get up! Don't make me drag you out of bed," I threatened.
"Just five more minutes mom..." came the muffled reply.
I was expecting this, of course. How many times had Usagi body-slammed me in her rush to school every morning? I assumed she was a late sleeper. Just as I assumed there could only be one threat she would respond to. "In five minutes, all the food will be gone."
There was a brief rustling before the door cracked open. A single, cerulean eye peered up at me skeptically.
"There's food?"
I suppressed a smile. "Come see for yourself."
The door slowly inched open, revealing the rest of the sleepy girl. Her hair was completely tangled, probably from falling asleep with it down and wet, creating comical ridges along the top of her head. Creases of pillow face marred her rosy cheeks and there were still traces of sleep in her eyes, which were scrunched closed as she took a large whiff of the aroma now floating into her room. The smell of American style pancakes must have hit her like a truck, because her eyes snapped open, alight with that special twinkle.
"Two minutes."
She pushed past me into the guest bathroom, where she almost instantly let out a yelp.
"Why didn't you tell me I look like crap?" The accusation came from the other side of the door, along with the sound of running water.
I just shook my head as I walked back to the kitchen. "Because you don't," I murmured. You look adorable.
Usagi was met with a steaming plate of fluffy pancakes, saturated with butter and drowning in syrup. Her eyes grew to the size of saucers as she plopped herself down at the breakfast bar. She was practically drooling on herself, ogling the pancakes.
"Thank you Mamoruuuu!" She squealed, picking up her fork. She was about to dig in when something occurred to her, and she scanned the kitchen, apparently looking for something.
"Do you need something else?"
I had set a glass of orange juice for her, hadn't I? Yes, I had.
"No, it's just..." Her gaze finally met mine. "What about your pancakes?"
"Oh." I folded my arms and leaned back against the counter. "I'm not really a breakfast guy."
"You're not really a breakfast guy," she repeated flatly, the words apparently incomprehensible to her.
"I don't really care for sweets in the morning." I nodded toward my cup of coffee, black and lonely all by itself on the counter.
Usagi's mouth dropped open like a marionette doll. "A sweet breakfast is the best way to start your morning!" She took a big forkful of pancakes and let out an involuntary moan before quickly shoveling more into her mouth. "Tell me, Mamoru-baka, have you always been so dull and grumpy, or does all the fun get sucked out of your soul when you turn eighteen or something?"
I chuckled at the way she still managed to squeeze out an insult around her sticky, chipmunk cheeks.
"I think most people do lose a little piece of their soul when they get older. But in my case, I was born entirely without one." I took a large gulp of my black coffee and let out a satisfied "ahhh" for effect.
She rolled her eyes and lifted her fork in the air, her other hand resting over her heart. "Well, I vow to never lose my soul to the hopeless void that is adulthood."
When she was finished with her breakfast, I took her plate and began washing up.
"So," I began as she watched me curiously, "I have to run a few errands today. I thought it might be a good time to stop by your house and let you pick up some clothes as well."
"Oh yes!" She jumped up from her chair and within seconds had expertly tied her hair up in her signature odangos. "Do you mind if we go to my house first? I think it's going to be warm today and I'd really rather not be stuck in these hot sweats."
"Sure," I said. She was right, they were hot sweats, indeed. "Are you ready now, then?"
"Yup!" She slipped out of her house shoes and into her sneakers before flashing me a full set of gleaming teeth. "Let's go!"
I had been waiting in my car for about fifteen minutes when Usagi finally returned. Opening the door, she tossed her duffel in the back seat before climbing in next to me. She was definitely not in sweats anymore. Her long, lovely legs seemed to extend for miles before disappearing beneath the painfully thin material of her short, summer dress. The pink, floral print brought out the petal hue of her cheeks and her supple lips shone with matching gloss. The car filled with the delicious, dizzying aroma of strawberry and I couldn't help but wonder if she would taste as good as she smelled...
"Hello! Earth to baka!" She snapped her fingers in front of my eyes, jolting me out of my thoughts. "We can go now!"
"R-right," I stammered, shifting the car into gear. I tried to focus on the road, but it was especially difficult today for some reason. I blamed it on Usagi's tone deaf singing along with the radio. After a few songs, she turned the dial down and directed her attention to me.
"So," she queried, "what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well, I need to stop by the library and possibly the book store. And we should probably pick up some groceries if you're going to be cooking dinner tonight."
"Wh-what?" She gasped.
"Rule number three, remember?" I smirked.
"I thought you were joking..."
I stole a peek at her. Long lashes cast shadows across her cheeks, flushed with embarrassment. She averted her gaze and fidgeted with the hem of her dress.
"I really don't think you want me to cook for you."
Oh, how wrong she was. There was something very appealing about the thought of a delicious home cooked meal presented by my Odango-Atama...and if it was horrible, well, at least I would have some new ammunition to tease her with later.
"Oh, come on, Odango. It won't be so bad. I'll even help you."
"You will?" She perked up, the new intensity of her stare burning holes into my flesh. "Mako-chan was supposed to teach me, but she gave up after one lesson."
Okay, maybe this wasn't the best idea. But I wasn't backing down.
"Sure, it might even be fun." I smiled devilishly. "And if it doesn't turn out, we can always eat these." I reached over and gave one of her odangos a gentle squeeze.
Without warning, she smacked my hand away. "Don't. Touch. The dangos." She pulled down the car mirror and checked her appearance, smoothing her hand over her buns.
"Oh, so you admit they're dumplings, do you?"
"Shut up."
I couldn't say for sure, but I thought I saw a smile twitching at the corner of her mouth.
I sighed as I surveyed the scant section of Buddhist literature. Not quite what I'm looking for. I had never been particularly religious, but last night's dream had left me with a whole new set of questions, and I was determined to find answers.
It was the same woman. Every night. She was always the same, but each time, everything else was different. And tonight's dream was a new experience altogether: vignettes of the two of us. Some from previous dreams, and some snapshots of moments I hadn't seen before.
In the beginning, I rode atop a black horse, clad in shining armor, as She clung to me desperately. Cries of agony echoed all around us and a sense of urgency filled my being. We had to get away. Her pearlescent gown whipped behind us as we fled the scene of a gruesome battle, the red sky of sunset mirroring the bloody, other-worldly terrain. I had one hand around hers, the other clutching the reins. Her grip around my waist tightened.
And then suddenly I was struck, a searing pain in my ribs, hurled from the horse, and instantly the scene changed. The red sky of night became the azure of a summer afternoon and I landed hard inside of a small boat, something akin to a canoe. I sat on one beam and She sat across from me on the other, this time her dress very plain, and her golden hair fell down her back in intricate braids. Sunlight gleamed off the water, obscuring her face. When would I see her? The lake exuded peace and I had the sense that this was not a moment easily come by. I was relieved to be out of the first scene and hoped I could stay here long enough to glimpse her face. I leaned forward.
But all too soon, the environment shifted again, the water flooding into the boat and settling around my ankles. As the beam disappeared beneath me, I fell forward and my hands stuck in wet earth. When I looked up, I was surprised to find myself in a rice field with several dozen other people. Almost immediately though, I found Her, a few rows ahead of me, stealing glances in my direction, clearly unfocused on the task before us. She waved flirtatiously back at me, her face shadowed by her straw hat.
I raised my hand to reciprocate and was startled by the feeling of wet on my lips. Was the water rising again? I looked down only to find a sea of red in my hand. Wine. I lowered the crystal glass and scoured the new scene for any trace of Her. And there she was. Seated directly across from me once again, this time robed in an exquisite gown with full skirts and flashy ribbons, white hair piled stop her head and adorned with jewels and feathers. She held a fan before her face, only her tantalizing stare visible to my sight. Exquisitely dressed people bustled all around us, the cacophony of the party almost deafening, yet I could still pick out the high pitched bells of her laughter single from the rest.
In that instant, the velvet chair I was seated on gave out beneath me and I braced myself, prepared to slam down on my back. However this time I was caught by something soft. I was lying in a bed, a veil of moonlit hair surrounding me in a glowing curtain. She straddled me, the lush skin of her bare thighs pressed against mine. I was intoxicated. "Shhh," she whispered with a gentle finger to my lips. Her head slowly descended towards mine, her face shrouded in the darkness of night, until her lips found my ear. "We must not wake my father." I felt the torturously wonderful sensation of her teeth grazing my earlobe before she pulled away from me, the world swirling away with her.
A million other scenes flashed through my dream. Different years, different lives. Always Her. Finally the world slowed and there was nothing. Just her voice, small and distant, a whisper in the stillness. "Find me again."
Nearly half of the Japanese population were Buddhist, so I was moderately familiar with the belief system, and I had hoped to gain some insight through their belief in reincarnation. However, my latest read had proved disappointing, explaining that the process focused heavily on good deeds and progression. Whatever I was experiencing in these dreams seemed to revolve entirely around Her. As if my existence, my purpose for living, in each of those lives–if that's what I was really seeing–was Her. And I certainly didn't seem to be making much progress.
I sighed, returning the book I was currently examining back to its slot on the shelf.
"Mamoru! I'm ready to go!" Usagi skipped to my side, a whole stack of books in her arms. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
"No, but that's alright. Besides, it looks like you've got enough there for the both of us, Odango." I eyed her sizeable rack–I mean stack! Stack of books. I was surprised. Usagi didn't strike me as a literary enthusiast. What was she reading anyway? I reached for the top book, but she clutched the precarious tower close to her body and turned away, shielding her precious babies from the prying fingers of the Boogeyman.
"Hey!" She whined. "I'm not sharing!"
She turned quickly on her heel, flinging one blonde streamer over her shoulder, and headed toward the register. I observed, surprised once again, this time at the rather large sum she cheerfully relinquished in exchange for her haul.
As we exited the book store, I found my opportunity.
"You know, Odango-Atama, I'm surprised. Can you really afford to spend so much on–" I deftly confiscated a book from one of her shopping bags, ignoring her shrieks of protest. "–manga!?"
"You have NO idea how long I've been waiting to read those! Rei won't lend me hers anymore and I've been on the waiting list at the library for MONTHS!" She jumped, reaching for her book that I now held high above my head.
"Let me guess, too many chocolate fingerprints?" Finally I lowered my arm, allowing her to snatch the book away and return it to the safety of her shopping bag.
"It's not my fault!" She stomped her foot hard into the pavement. "The last one ended in such a cliffhanger–I needed my anxiety snacks!"
As if to emphasize her point, her stomach chose that exact moment to air its grievances. We both couldn't help but laugh
"Come on," I relieved her of her bags. "Let's get some food at the Crown."
The sliding doors of the Crown Arcade opened automatically, the sounds of youth and merriment drifting out to meet us. Usagi rushed in, looking eagerly for her favorite soda jerker.
"Motokiiii! Motoki-onii-saaaaan!" She crooned.
Motoki emerged from the kitchen, strawberry milk already in hand. "Hey, Usagi-chan!" He flashed her a winning smile and I felt a tightening sensation in my chest. "I thought I might see you today." Entitled jerk. What? Why was I mad at Motoki?
Usagi sat at the counter and Motoki handed her the drink. She took an enthusiastic gulp.
"Oh, Motoki-san, you're too good to me." She fluttered her eyelashes.
That did it.
Slam!
They both jumped as I dropped her shopping bags unceremoniously on the counter beside her. I took a seat.
"Well, hello to you too, Motoki." This was stupid. "Oh, I'm doing fabulously, how about yourself?" Why was I annoyed again?
"Mamoru?" His eyes darted between Usagi and me. "Were you guys out...together?"
I wanted to smack that dumb expression right off his face. What, Usagi and I couldn't possibly be spending time together? Was I truly that detestable? Or was she too enamored with "Motoki-onii-saaaaan'' for her to acknowledge my existence?
I took a deep breath. What has gotten into me? Clearly, Motoki knew of the mutual dislike between Usagi and me. He was my best friend, after all. That's all he was hinting at. So why did I suddenly feel so defensive? And...possessive? Maybe. Jealous? Hell, no. I managed to keep my expression to a minimal glare as Motoki placed my usual cup of coffee in front of me.
Usagi, probably feeling the completely random tension, spoke up. Bless her.
"Actually, Motoki-san, Mamoru has been letting me stay at his place this weekend."
I choked. I take it back. Usagi stared at me in concern, but I waved her off as I struggled to regain my normal bodily functions like breathing. Motoki gave me a knowing look.
"Oh, he has, huh?" He wiggled his eyebrows at me from behind Usagi's back. I had the sudden urge to punch him again. Motoki was lucky I was still sputtering like an idiot.
She nodded energetically. "Mhmm. He was actually super nice about it. Long story short, I showed up totally uninvited with nowhere else to go and he said I could stay with him. He was surprisingly cool about it." She gave me a sharp nudge in the ribs with her elbow. "Honestly, I didn't know he had it in him. But we've been having a good time, haven't we, Mamoru?"
She looked at me expectantly with those utterly enormous, crystal blue eyes and I couldn't help but blurt out the truth.
"Yes, it's actually been surprisingly... Not terrible." Well, it wasn't the whole truth, but it wasn't a lie. Desperate to get off the subject, I quickly added, "Hey, Motoki, why don't you put in an order for a couple burgers and fries?"
"Ooh! And a chocolate strawberry sundae for dessert. Thanks, Motoki-san!" She beamed at him and once again I felt my chest tightening.
Usagi excused herself to use the restroom, leaving me totally defenseless against Motoki's probing questions. As soon as she disappeared from sight, he dropped his cheerful demeanor and leaned on his elbows to give me one of his patented Motoki looks.
"Dude. Are you serious?"
I sipped my coffee, determined to remain in control of my emotions. And my faculties.
"What?"
"Well, I'm just not sure how to feel about this. As an upstanding member of society, and as Usagi's 'onii-san,' I feel a sense of duty to protect such a beautiful young woman from old perverts who-"
He was silenced by the book I chucked at his head. What did you know, that manga turned out to be good for something after all.
He caught it with ease and smirked at me, his eyes dancing mischievously. "Oh I see, you finally did it. I gotta say, I'm proud of you, man." He clapped me on the shoulder in congratulations.
"What the hell are you talking about?" I snapped.
"Oh, come on, Mamoru. I know you've had a thing for Usagi for, like, ever. I'm just glad you finally made your move."
I shot him an icy stare before responding, "I'm just doing the 'upstanding' thing by taking in a stray with nowhere to go. You would do the same in my position."
"But it's not my bed she's sleeping in, now is it?" He tossed the book back to me, which was a smart move on his part, because otherwise I would have landed a punch square in his jaw.
Usagi silently materialized next to me in that instant and pried her book from my white knuckles.
"If you ruin my manga before I even have a chance to read it, you will seriously regret it, Mamoru-baka!" I felt a sharp whap as I was struck on the back of the head with the paperback.
Motoki burst into laughter and just like that, all the tension evaporated. Even when she wasn't trying, Usagi had a magical way of bringing light into every room.
Our orders were ready and Motoki served us before leaning casually against the opposite counter.
"So, what are you two up to for the rest of the day?" He smiled innocently at Usagi.
"Well," she answered around bites of fries, "I think we still need to go to the grocery store to pick up supplies for dinner. Mamoru is going to teach me how to cook!" She beamed at me and I felt all the tightness in my frame melt away.
"That sounds like a fun date." Motoki winked. I glowered. "What are you making?"
Usagi, unable to speak with her mouth full of burger, raised her eyebrows at me questioningly.
"We should probably start with something simple. I'm not particularly interested in explaining to your parents why you returned with only nine fingers."
I was expecting another death glare, but was surprised when she dropped her head and nodded. "You're right," she agreed, "Makoto says I'm not allowed to use knives anymore."
Okay, no knives.
"How about omelettes and rice?" Motoki offered.
"That's actually not a bad idea." Basic skills, straightforward technique, and no knives required. "What do you say, Odango? Do you think we can get through it with all your limbs intact?"
She swallowed her mouthful and nodded, determination glimmering in her eyes. "I think so! But I won't make any promises for the state of your kitchen."
"Oh!" Motoki snapped his fingers and dashed into the kitchen. After a moment, he returned with a styrofoam takeout box. "For dessert," he said with another wink.
"Well, I think we've got everything we need." I checked the basket again. Ham, peppers, scallions, cheese, and extra eggs to allow for mistakes. "I have rice at home, so we can check out. Unless there's anything else you need?"
I looked up only to find I was talking to myself. Usagi had disappeared.
"Odango?" A brief scan of the produce department found Usagi next to the bananas, engaged in conversation by some boy I didn't recognize. I took a deep breath to steady myself and unclenched my hands that had unconsciously balled up at my sides. I strolled over as casually as possible.
"...so sorry, Usagi-san. I really did try to reach you. I called your house twice but no one answered," he was saying.
Is this the little asshole that stood her up?
"It's okay, Natsuki-san. I totally understand!" I could hear the smile in her voice. How could she be so nice to this jerk? What excuse could he possibly have for treating her so poorly?
"If it's okay with you, I'd really like to reschedule." The nerve of that kid.
"Oh, I-"
"Usagi." I placed my hand on her shoulder and she froze. A familiar current passed between my fingertips and her bare shoulder, raising tiny goosebumps along her delicate skin. For a split second, I forgot all about the idiot kid. Until he stupidly opened his mouth.
"Oh, please excuse me. My name is Tanaka Natsuki." He gave me a slight bow, obviously mistaking me for a guardian of sorts, before extending his hand. "I go to school with Usagi." He smiled politely.
So the little twerp did have some manners.
"Chiba Mamoru." I offered a polite nod, but ignored his hand.
It dropped awkwardly back to his side.
Usagi returned to her senses. "Mamoru, Natsuki-san was just telling me that there's a nasty bug going around. He got sick last night. That's why I didn't see him at the carnival."
"Well, you seem to be feeling much better now."
Both Usagi and Natsuki stiffened at my sharp tone.
"Y-yes," he stammered. "It seems to be a short, twelve-hour bug. But it's really rough. I'm here picking up some ginger tea for my parents. It seems to be their turn this evening." Shaggy, sandy hair fell over his eyes as he guiltily looked down at his shoes.
I stretched my arm across Usagi's back to her other shoulder and gently pulled her into my side. She didn't resist.
"We won't keep you, then. I hope your parents feel better soon.
Surely he could grasp that this conversation was now over. I headed for the registers, Usagi in tow.
"Wait, Usagi–" he began, but she cut him off.
"I'll call you later, Natsuki-san, okay?" She shot him a dazzling smile and a small wave before turning back and falling into step with me.
After we rounded the corner, Usagi's hands thrust into my side, forcing me away from her. A chill filled the hole left by her presence.
"What was that?" she snapped. She was glaring up at me, hands on her hips, face twisted in disgust.
I rolled my eyes. "He's not worth your time, Usagi."
"Were you not listening? He got sick! And he tried to call me, but I was already gone and my parents weren't home either. He didn't do anything wrong. And he definitely didn't deserve you being so rude!" She shoved me again.
Aware of the scene that was beginning to form, I quickly closed the gap between us, lowering my face within inches of hers. I could smell her strawberry lip gloss and instinctively licked my lips.
"You're too nice for your own good."
She opened her mouth to retort, but no words came out. The intensity of our closeness finally caught up with me and I needed to put some distance between us before I did something stupid. I straightened and stalked to the self-checkout, leaving Usagi behind. After a moment, she was beside me again, quietly placing the scanned items into a paper bag.
"I really hope I don't screw up this dinner. You deserve something nice for taking care of me this weekend." She continued to pack the groceries, not meeting my gaze.
I didn't have anything to say to that.
