Chapter 4
When Motoki awoke the next morning, it was with a smile on his face. He blinked the bleary-eyed remnants of sleep out of his eyes and sleepily raked a hand over his face.
Surprisingly, and quite unexpectedly, he'd really enjoyed his 'date' with Usagi the night before. He really enjoyed her company, and after this was all over, he wouldn't mind hanging out with her like that again. Just the two of them, as friends. Hell, if this whole scheme went according to plan, maybe he and Reika could double with Usagi and Mamoru?
He sighed as he climbed out of bed, stretched the kinks out of his neck, and proceeded to get ready for work. Admittedly, they were walking a thin line with this slightly farfetched scheme. He'd considered that this might not be the best way to go about things, and he only hoped that he didn't lose any friends over it. He just wanted everyone to be happy. Was that really too much to ask?
He was still nervously contemplating all of the possible outcomes, and the potential ramifications, of this little charade as he headed out to open the arcade.
oOo
Mina skipped into the arcade, a flurry of blonde hair and bright buoyancy in her demeanor. After a quick scan of the room, her lips curled into a wide, slightly impish, grin at the sight of Usagi seated at the counter. She was all friendly smiles, and bright eyes, her elbow perched onto the counter as she spoke with Motoki.
Mina's eyes glinted with determination as she remembered the conversation she needed to have with these two to make sure that this plan of theirs actually worked. After furtively glancing around to make sure that there was no Mamoru in the vicinity, she bounced over to the open bar stool next to her best friend and plopped down with an exaggerated flourish.
"Hey, guys!" She greeted brightly. Both sets of eyes snapped towards her, and her exclaimed greeting was met with warm smiles. "So," Mina focused her attention onto Motoki, "I heard all about your date last night!"
Motoki's eyes narrowed, an accusing, slightly embarrassed look glinting in his eyes as he turned to Usagi. She shrugged innocently, her cheeks tinged pink, and opened her mouth to defend herself.
Mina dismissively waved her hand and promptly interrupted her. "Don't worry, Motoki," she assured and rolled her eyes with an exasperated huff laced into her tone. "She wouldn't tell me everything. But she did tell me about the Reika and Mamoru incident." Motoki's face fell slightly. But Minako just smiled, straightened her posture, and leaned forward with a guileful glint glistening in her eyes and a wry smile curled onto her lips. "This is good news! We're moving faster than we expected!"
Usagi and Motoki exchanged confused looks before turning back to her.
"Listen! Reika -" she stressed the girl's name while staring at Motoki to convey to him that she wasn't just talking about Reika, "- seems to be pretty upset by this whole situation. We need to milk that!"
"Minako!" Usagi admonished. Minako's expression fell as she turned to her friend. "She was really upset!"
"Yeah. Upset. But not ready," Minako insisted.
Usagi frowned, "Ready?"
"Yes, ready! She's hurt. Then, she's going to get mad. Then, she is going to realize why she's mad. Because she still has feelings for him. Then, she is going to deny it. And when she can't, that's when she'll be ready." Then Minako looked straight at Motoki. "That's when." She pressed on adamantly.
He knew exactly what she was saying. That's when Mamoru would be ready as well. He would go through all of this too before finally realized his feelings. And then he would do something about it. At least Motoki hoped he would.
Motoki suppressed a grimace and raked a hand through his hair. "So what do we need to do?" he relented.
"'Toki, you don't have to do this," Usagi interjected, her brow creased into a frown. "I really think that last night was enough," she stressed.
Motoki shook his head. "No, Minako is right."
"But..."
"No, Usagi," Motoki demanded, catching both women off guard with his vehement and severe tone of voice. He inhaled deeply to reign in his emotions. "We have to do this right."
Minako nodded sympathetically. She really did understand Motoki's dilemma.
"Okay, so since Mamoru has already run back to Reika to tattle, you have to act like a couple whenever he's around," she exclaimed. Usagi's frown deepened and her expression was etched with confusion. Minako took a deep breath, bit back her urge to laugh gleefully at how perfectly this was going to work and opened her mouth to explain. "He needs to think you guys are dating so he'll run back and tell Reika."
It took a moment, but Minako watched as Usagi's mouth formed an "O", her frown smoothed away, and she nodded her head slowly in understanding.
Minako opened her mouth to go into more detail, but the loud chime of the bell on the door trilled loudly, an indication that someone was entering the arcade. Motoki immediately reached across the counter and firmly clasped Usagi's hand in his.
Usagi smiled, as she'd already concluded, by his actions, that the new arrival must have been Mamoru. She was correct.
Motoki furtively watched from the corner of his eye as Mamoru entered the arcade. His tall, ebony-haired friend stopped dead in his tracks when he saw their hands interlaced intimately together on the top of the counter, his face deadpan.
Motoki finally smiled and waved at his friend, and ushered him over. He watched as the mask that Mamoru used to effectively hide his emotions fell back into place as he tentatively made his way to the counter. He was putting up the wall that Motoki had come to know so well, and had spent so long getting through.
Mamoru took the seat next to Usagi and looked the couple over. "I take it last night went well," he said as more of a statement than a question. Usagi put on her best glowing smile and batted her long lashes at Motoki.
"It sure did! 'Toki took me out to dinner, then to the carnival. It was a wonderful evening!" She smiled. Motoki knew she wasn't just saying that for Mamoru's benefit either. They'd both had a good time.
"Yeah," he smiled back at the blonde. "We had a great time." She bit her bottom lip as she averted her gaze and a pink blush spread across her cheeks.
Minako watched the interaction with fascination, unable to decipher what was genuine and what was contrived when Mamoru loudly cleared his throat beside them. They all turned to look at the irritated, not sullen-faced, Mamoru who was staring at them in disgust.
"I thought this was where I got my coffee. Not a hotel room," he sneered with irritation. Motoki offered Usagi a smile and a wink before going to get his best friend the cup of joe he so desperately needed.
Minako grinned at Usagi, who rolled her eyes. She turned to Mamoru who was now purposefully ignoring them, his brooding gaze firmly fixed ahead of them.
"Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," she teased. He sighed deeply through his nose, still staring straight ahead.
"I didn't sleep well last night," he replied in a monotone voice.
Usagi frowned in confusion. No snappy comeback? That was strange. Instead, the odangoed blonde silently mimicked him, then turned back to Minako. Mamoru closed his eyes, his jaw tightening in frustration.
Motoki walked back up to the counter, a cup of steaming hot coffee in his hands. He frowned at his friend before shooting a look at the girls. Usagi pointed at Mamoru and shrugged. Behind her, there was a glint in Minako's eyes as she grinned. Motoki set the coffee in front of his friend, the clank of the cup on the counter bringing Mamoru out of his reverie.
Mamoru opened his eyes and thanked his blonde friend as he took a large sip. Motoki leaned against the counter toward him. He could feel the girls watching him as he looked his best friend over.
"Mamoru?" He said softly. Mamoru looked up at him over his coffee cup, his eyes tired and bloodshot. Motoki looked at him worriedly. "Are you okay?" Mamoru set the coffee back down on the counter with a sigh.
"I'm fine, Motoki," he replied. "Just tired. I didn't sleep well last night." He rubbed his eyes with his hand. "I think I need to just go home." He stood from the bar and ran a hand through his hair. "I'll see you later." And with that, he walked out of the arcade, three pairs of eyes watching him go.
Minako and Motoki exchanged a glance while Usagi continued to stare at the door a few minutes longer. She finally turned to the two of them slowly.
"What's wrong with him?" She asked, worry laced into her tone.
"I don't know," Motoki answered honestly, shaking his head. They'd only been on one date. Surely he couldn't be this upset over one date?
Motoki turned his attention back to Usagi and noticed that she'd become quiet. She was staring at the counter, a contemplative look on her face. He glanced at Minako who had an eyebrow raised and a tiny, almost confused smile on her face as she stared at Usagi. This was bigger reactions than they would have expected for just one night on the town. Things were moving faster than they thought it would.
"Usagi," Motoki called. Usagi looked up with a "hm?" and a smile plastered on her face. He could tell the smile was forced and her mind was elsewhere. "This coming weekend there is a charity ball at the college. It's a very important networking opportunity as many of the alumni will be there to donate money to the school."
"Oh," Usagi was listening intently. "'Toki, that sounds super important. But really fun! You'll have a great time!" She said excitedly. He smiled at her innocence with a slight shake of his head.
"I was kind of hoping we would have a great time," he smiled. She looked a bit confused. "I need a date, Usa." Sometimes she was so naive and innocent. He couldn't help but laugh at the shocked look on her face. Then the shock turned to horror.
"Motoki, that's a bad idea!" She said quickly. Both Motoki and Minako looked at each other with a frown before looking back to Usagi.
"Why is it a bad idea?" He asked, with a confused frown.
Usagi bit her lower lip nervously. "This is an extremely important ball for you! And we all know I'm not the most graceful person in the world…" she trailed off, clearly embarrassed.
Motoki laughed. "Usa, you've gotten so much better since you've gotten older. You're nowhere near as klutzy as when you were 14," He said, his tone indulgent and tender.
"But there will be highfalutin people there. I would have no idea how to talk to them!" She stressed.
"Usagi," Minako interjected. "You just used the word highfalutin. I'm pretty sure your vocabulary has blossomed quite a bit over the years also," she said with a wink.
But Usagi's shoulders still dropped. "I don't know how to dance," she admitted softly, her face reddening with embarrassment.
Motoki smiled and leaned closer to her. "I can teach you how to dance," he offered with a grin. Her responding smile was small and tentative. "The ball isn't until next weekend. I'll have you dancing circles around people." He promised, his grin widening.
Usagi raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "How do you know how to dance?" She asked suspiciously. Motoki grimaced, his eyes glossing over as he sighed, and abruptly straightened his stance.
He gave her a small wistful smile. "Reika," was all he could say. Usagi bit her bottom lip and nodded. Suddenly, Minako cleared her throat next to them to gain their attention.
"So, a ball it is!" She clapped excitedly. "Usagi, we have to go shopping for a new dress! This is going to be so much fun!" Usagi giggled at her enthusiasm. Minako grabbed Usagi's hand, pulling her off of the chair and toward the door. "The girls are waiting for us. We have to go. Bye, Motoki!" She waved. Usagi shrugged at her friend in a 'what are you going to do?' manner as she was being dragged off, which earned a laugh from Motoki.
"Hey, Usagi!" Motoki called as she hit the door and stopped to glance at him over her shoulder. "Dinner tomorrow night?"
Her responding smile was radiant. "Sounds great!" She said with a wave as she was yanked through the door by Minako. Motoki laughed and shook his head. Those two were a trip.
oOo
Minako and Usagi rushed up the steps of the temple where the other three were waiting. They ran into the room and hurriedly sat down.
Rei rolled her eyes."It's about time!" She spat, her tone laced with annoyance.
"Where were you guys?" Makoto asked, passing a donut to Usagi. Usagi's eyes lit up with appreciation as she shoved the sugary treat into her mouth.
"We were talking to Motoki," Minako answered brightly.
"How was your date?" Ami asked curiously, as she peered over the book the was reading to get the answer.
Usagi blushed as she swallowed her donut. "It was...fun," she replied with a smile as she let her mind wander to the memories of her night with Motoki.
"Details!" Makoto said as she leaned forward on her elbows and placed her chin in her hands, a wide grin curled onto her lips. Usagi could feel her face heat up as all the girls' attention turned solely to her.
"Well, we went out to dinner at that new fancy Italian place," she started but was interrupted.
"The place beside the park?" Rei interjected, her violet eyes growing wide. Usagi nodded with a grin, her blond hair bouncing with the movement.
"Oooo, that place is so fancy!" Minako chimed in, and Usagi shot her a look. Minako already knew everything about this "date". There was no reason to act surprised and play into it.
"And expensive," Ami added, receiving a nod from all the girls.
"So, are you guys like a couple now?" Rei asked one perfectly arched eyebrow lifting. Usagi felt her stomach turn. She should probably tell her friends about the arrangement. They wouldn't tell anyone! And maybe they could help her with all of this.
On the other hand, she knew how self-conscious Motoki would be about using her to get Reika back. She didn't want to lie to her friends. But she didn't want to take the risk of messing this up for Motoki.
Biting her bottom lip, she chanced a glance at Minako, who gave her a slight shrug. She could hear her blond friend in her head. "Tricky situation, Usagi!"
With a deflated sigh, she decided against telling them. She couldn't risk ruining this for Motoki. The girls would understand. They had to. "I don't know," she finally replied with a shrug and a fake smile. "It's only been one date. But we had a really good time!" At least that, she didn't have to lie about. She really did have a fantastic time with him!
Beside her, Minako raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I think it's great you guys are together," Makoto said with a grin. "It's about time you had a date!"
"And a boyfriend," Minako said with an overexaggerated wink. Usagi rolled her eyes but couldn't help the grin that took over. Motoki definitely wasn't her real boyfriend but it was still fun pretending.
The rest of the night was spent gossiping about boys, school, and life. As the sun set, Usagi let out a big yawn, fatigue setting in.
"I have to go home, you guys," she stretched as she stood.
"Want me to walk home with you?" Minako looked up at her as Usagi gathered her stuff.
"Nah, I'm good. I'll see you guys tomorrow!" She headed through the door with a wave of her hand, her long hair trailing behind her as she left.
oOo
It was completely dark as she headed down the sidewalk, the street lights flickering above her. She held her jacket tight around her as she hurried along. The wind blew slightly around her, rustling some nearby trees and causing a loose can to roll down the nearest alleyway.
Usagi tensed. She hated walking home in the dark. It was probably irrational but she couldn't help the fear that welled up inside her when a bird flew out of a bush on the opposite side of the street. Her breathing hitched and she picked up her pace.
Her heart clenched and she knew she was being silly as she looked around and saw someone in the distance. On the opposite side of the road, walking towards her, was a tall, dark figure. She slowed and tripped over her own feet, catching herself on the wall as the man slowed. She looked around quickly, finding an alley and slipping into it. She pressed her back to the wall and held her breath as she heard the footsteps coming closer, crossing the street in an attempt to reach her.
She closed her eyes, trying her best to melt into the wall and become invisible when - "Odango?" a deep baritone voice called out. She screeched and jumped, recognizing the voice immediately. She clutched her chest, her heart racing as she turned to the man standing in the entrance of the alley, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Damnit, baka! You scared me!" She bent over, trying to catch her breath, both hands on her knees.
"What the hell are you doing out here in the middle of the night?" He asked, motioning to the darkness that surrounded them.
Usagi rolled her eyes as she straightened, a hand popping onto her hip. "I'm going home, baka. Duh!" She moved out of the alley, walking around him and heading back down the sidewalk.
Mamoru quickly caught up with her, grasping her arm gently to being her to a halt. "You can't walk home by yourself in the dark. It's dangerous," concern laced his voice as he looked at her worriedly.
"This is a good neighborhood-" she started but his eyes widened as he cut her off.
"Bad people still live in good neighborhoods, Odango Atama! Just let me walk you home so I know you're okay," he stressed.
Her heart tightened and she bit her bottom lip as she smiled softly. She looked down at her feet for a moment before pulling away and taking a tentative few steps away from him. "Well, well, well, baka. I didn't know you cared." She smiled over her shoulder and the tension in his features melted away into a real smile. He took a few steps to meet up with her and they started walking together.
"Well, God forbid anything should happen to you, Odango. Who would I tease every day?" He grinned down at her and she chuckled into her hand.
"You know, you could lay off once and a while. How am I ever going to find a guy when you're always throwing out my flaws, willy nilly." Her arms flailed in the air and he couldn't help the laugh that escaped him.
She'd never actually heard him laugh. Like a real laugh. Sure, she'd heard that condescending chuckle he gave when he knew he was pissing her off. But this was an actual laugh. And she liked it.
Suddenly, he went quiet. She looked up to see the smile had disappeared from his face. He stared at the ground as the walked.
"Hellooo?" She jumped in front of him, walking backward so she could wave a hand in his face. "Baaaakkaaaa! Are you in there?" She snapped her fingers before suddenly tripping over a rock and falling. Strong hands shot out, grabbing her waist and setting her back on her feet. She looked up in wonder, finding his face still crestfallen.
He took a deep breath. "Like Motoki?"
She frowned in confusion. "Motoki?"
"'Never going to find a guy'...you mean a guy like Motoki?" The pain in his voice was apparent and she didn't understand it at all. Why was he upset?
"Yeah... Motoki…" she replied carefully. His hands dropped from her waist and he stepped around her, continuing down the sidewalk. She twisted and headed back to his side. They walked in silence for a few minutes.
"I can't believe you're dating Motoki," he said quietly, more to himself than to her.
"It was one date," Usagi giggled softly.
"I thought you were over that silly little crush," Mamoru sneered. Usagi frowned up at him but he looked straight ahead, not meeting her eyes.
"I am! I don't have a "silly crush!" I'm not a child anymore, baka!" She replied angrily.
"Then why are you dating him?" He retorted hotly, stopping in his tracks and facing her. Her eyes widened at the audacity.
"Mamoru! It's only been one date!" She laughed. She couldn't really be defending her "relationship" with Motoki to Mamoru, of all people, could she?
"So you aren't going to go back out with him?" he demanded. She remained silent for a moment, contemplating her answer.
"Actually...he asked me out for tomorrow night." She looked to face the disbelief on his face. He scoffed and shook his head before taking back off down the sidewalk. She ran to catch up with him. "I just don't see what the big deal is," she said to herself. He didn't respond; instead, sticking his hands in his pockets and huffing to himself.
They walked in silence side by side, neither looking at each other. The air was cool and crisp and she hugged her jacket tighter around herself and crossed her arms across her chest, a shiver running down her back. He sighed beside her and removed his jacket, leaning over to drape it over her shoulders. She looked over at him out of the corner of her eyes and there was just a hint of sparkle in his.
"Thank you," she muttered. He nodded, still not looking at her. She grasped the edges of the jacket, pulling it tighter around her. The smell of cedar and roses wafted around her and she closed her eyes as she inhaled the strong scent that was Mamoru.
He stopped suddenly and she had taken a few steps before realizing it. She halted and turned to face him, seeing him staring off to the side. "What's wrong now?"
"We're here," he said, calmly and she followed his gaze to see they were indeed standing in front of her apartment complex.
"Oh…" Even with their arguing, over something she still didn't understand, she hadn't been ready for their walk to end yet. Even with the anger between them, it was still a comfortable silence that she was actually enjoying for once.
She took a few steps toward him, biting her bottom lip as she pulled off his jacket and handed it over. "Well, thank you for walking me home...Mamoru…" she said shyly, a small smile on her lips. He smiled back at hearing her say his actual name. As she turned to head into the complex, she stopped and turned to look at him, confused. "Wait...how did you know to stop here? That this was my complex?"
Mamoru's eyes widened slightly. "'Toki told me…" he said, "when you first moved in. He told me where you moved."
She nodded slowly, not really sure if she believed him or not, and turned back to the building. "Bye, baka!"
"See you tomorrow...Usagi," he said softly but she still heard it. She paused for a moment but decided against looking back before continuing into her building, smiling to herself.
oOo
Guys….this surgery has been awful for me. I'm still in recovery. I'm so sorry this took so long to update. It's not been fun at all. But I hope this chapter was at least fun for you! What do you think?
Thank you, as always, to my best friends and wonderful bae-tas, Beej88 and Revy679. And just a reminder of our group, Elite SquadB. New chapters are coming to What Dreams May Come. We hope you enjoy it!