Hey, guys! I'm so sorry this next update took so long to get to you. Recovery time after my surgery was God awful and I wouldn't wish that on anyone! Took waaaay longer than I expected. Anyway, here is chapter 5! I really hope you like it. It's starting to get a little intense 😉

Thank you to my, as always, wonderful bae-tas and fellow Elite SquadB members, Revy679 and Beej88, for fixing all my mistakes and offering advice on the chapters. This story wouldn't be the same without you two!

~*~v~*~

Motoki moved down the counter and placed a large shake in front of his blond co-conspirator. She grinned through a mouthful of cheeseburger. "Fank oo!" Her words were muffled as she grabbed the milkshake and took a large sip. He shook his head with an amused smile and watched incredulously as she managed to swallow the oversized, half-chewed bite of food in her mouth.

"So, what's the plan tonight?" Mina asked, wiping some ketchup from the corner of her mouth. She looked at her own thumb before sticking it in her mouth, cleaning it of the condiment.

Motoki grinned as he leaned his elbows onto the scuffed countertop. "I'm thinking dinner at the burger joint and then a movie?" He was actually excited to go have some fun tonight. The stress of knowing his best friend was hurting because of all of this was weighing heavily on his mind. Seeing the look on Mamoru's face after just one date had been a little soul crushing. But at the same time, it gave him the motivation to keep going. This could actually work!

"She loves movies! And burgers! What movies are playing?" Minako took another huge bite of her cheeseburger, her cheeks puffing out as she chewed, blinking up at him with round, curiosity-filled eyes.

"I think-" he was interrupted, suddenly, as the bell above the arcade door jingled noisily as it opened, and he looked up to greet the newcomer. His smile faded and his breath caught in his throat as he straightened. "Reika."

Minako frowned and followed his gaze to see Reika standing in the doorway, her expression inscrutable as she coolly stared at him. She stopped chewing, swallowing nervously as the tension in the room becoming thick enough to slice a knife through it.

Reika took a deep breath and slowly made her way to the counter, her movements graceful and calculated. "Hi, Motoki," she murmured breathily, a soft smile gracing her lips. "How have you been?"

Motoki forcibly swallowed around the uncomfortable lump lodged in his throat. "I'm okay. H-how are you?" He stuttered nervously and caught a glimpse of Minako rolling her eyes just on the edge of his peripheral vision. The blonde continued to chew her food, albeit more slowly, as her eyes fixed curiously on them.

"I'm good. I'm good," she replied, and Motoki noted that she didn't sound convincing at all, and he shifted his weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably. It didn't help that Minako lifted a perfectly manicured eyebrow in amusement.

He cleared his throat and forced himself to ignore Minako as he focused solely on Reika. "That's good," he replied tentatively, as he uncomfortably fiddled with his apron. "Soo…." It was clear that his words were strained as he struggled to find the right words to say. What was he supposed to say to her?

"So," she began, effectively taking over the conversation, and he waited with bated breath to hear what was coming next. "The ball is this weekend…" She began, her tone tentative, her eyes wide, and full of a vulnerability that filled Motoki with dread. "I guess you're going, right?" She asked shyly, a prodding question layered in her tone. Motoki swallowed and nodded. Silence fell between them as neither knew what to say next.

Minako rolled her eyes again and swallowed the huge bite she had been slowly chewing. "He's taking Usagi," she blurted out. Motoki shot a glare in her direction and she shrugged, her eyes going wide like she had no idea what the big deal was.

Reika looked at Minako, crestfallen, before turning back to Motoki. "Great," she replied sadly, a fake smile plastered across her face. "I'll be there, too. It'll be nice to see you...and Usagi. I'm sure she'll look beautiful."

Motoki breath hitched painfully in his throat, and it felt like his heart was breaking all over again. He was sure that Usagi would look beautiful. But the image of Reika in a gorgeous gown...that was all he really wanted to see. He opened his mouth, willing himself to say something to make her feel better. The look on her face was truly heart wrenching, but he couldn't seem to find the right words.

Minako's eyes shot between both of them and she huffed at the tension-filled silence that had fallen in between them. "She's going to be gorgeous!" She exclaimed excitedly with a haughty toss of glossy blonde hair over her shoulder. Motoki closed his eyes, gritting his teeth as he suppressed a groan of aggravation. He knew what Minako was doing...but it didn't mean he had to like it. "We're going shopping for a dress later. I'm sure you'll look gorge too! You did say that you were going, right?" Reika nodded wordlessly. "Great!" Minako clapped. "You guys will have so much fun!"

Reika managed a small, forced smile with a slight nod of her head. "Yeah...fun...okay, well, I guess I'll see you there, 'Toki." She stammered, a dull blush tinging her cheeks, as she backed away from the counter. With one last fleeting look, she swiveled around and made her way out of the arcade. Motoki stared at the door before slowly turning to glare at Minako.

Her eyes widened innocently as she blinked up at him. "What? You weren't saying anything! And this is a good thing! Did you see how super jelly she was?" She said with an impish grin curled onto rosy-hued lips.

"I saw how hurt she was," Motoki growled with irritation.

Minako sighed, "It's seriously unfortunate, but she's realizing how much she misses you. Especially since you've moved on."

Motoki scoffed in disbelief, "But I haven't moved on!" He snapped, and he couldn't help the way his voice rose an octave, tinged with anger.

She sighed, a long-suffering, overly dramatic sigh, that thoroughly annoyed him. "But she doesn't know that! For all she knows, you're dating Usagi now!" She stressed and Motoki growled and ran his hands over his face in barely restrained frustration. "I have a feeling this is all going to come to a foot at the ball. Trust me, 'Toki. This is working...for everyone…"

Motoki's heart clenched painfully in his chest, and he sighed painfully as he stared up at the ceiling. He couldn't even be bothered to correct her idiom. His stomach hurt and he felt like he couldn't breathe. The pain on her face, the look in her eyes...he couldn't take it.

He leaned forward on the counter, banging his head against it when the arcade door opened again. When he finally lifted his head, Usagi had made her way to the counter, seating herself across from him with a frown creased on her brow. "Motoki. What's wrong?" She asked, her tone laced with concern as she gently laid a delicate hand on his arm.

Motoki straightened, and forcibly plastered a small smile on his face. "It's just been a rough day," he replied and hoped that the look on his face or the tone of his voice wasn't giving away his internal anguish.

Usagi frowned, unconvinced and promptly turned to Minako for answers.

"You just missed Reika," Minako answered. Usagi's eyebrows shot into her bangs as she turned back to Motoki, gaging his reaction as she listened to Minako. "She's super jealous! She didn't come right out and say it but it was written all over her face."

Usagi frowned. "Maybe you should go after her," Usagi offered, her eyes wide with concern.

Motoki's frown deepened, and he quickly glanced over at the door where Reika had just disappeared. The broken look on her face thoroughly etched into his mind. He shifted, drumming his fingers across the counter as he seriously contemplated Usagi's suggestion. He could chase her, explain what was going on, tell her he still loved her, that he wanted her back. But how would that impact their plan for Mamoru…

Motoki sighed with resigned defeat and shook his head.

Usagi smiled softly, "Do you want to cancel our date tonight? I would completely understand," she offered, her tone filled with a sweet sincerity that made Motoki smile. Usagi was always trying to look out for everyone else.

He took her hands in his. "I could definitely use some fun tonight, Usa. We're going out," he grinned. Her smile widened, and her face lit up brightly. It made his heart feel light again. "Let's see what's playing," he said with a wink as he released her hands and reached into his back pocket to pull out his phone. They both leaned over the counter towards each other, their faces inches apart in an attempt to see the screen as he swiped across the screen to pull up the movie listings.

They were both thoroughly distracted, firmly entrenched in perusing the movie listings, that they only dimly heard the bell above the arcade door as it opened once more. "Be right with ya," Motoki called out without looking. He huffed in aggravation as he scrolled, which elicited an amused giggle from Usagi. Why couldn't they find one silly website that clearly listed what movies were playing in what theater, and at what time?

A figure approached the counter, standing two stools down from where Usagi sat. Motoki took a moment to peer up at the new arrival to be greeted by Mamoru, who stood, his gaze fixed on the pair, his eyes wide with shock.

The corner of Motoki's lips quirked up into a lopsided grin. "Hey, Mamoru! Do you happen to know what movies are playing tonight?" He questioned, his tone chipper, as Mamoru's gaze darted between the couple, a confused frown furrowing with irritation on his brow.

He let out a bark of disbelieving laughter. "You're actually going out again?" he demanded incredulously. Motoki's brow drew together into a frown of confusion. Why wouldn't they be going out again?

"Yeah," he replied as he reached over and took Usagi's hand, giving her a sweet smile. "We've been having a lot of fun, haven't we, Usagi?" He directed at Usagi. She giggled with a nod as a crimson blush crept becomingly onto her cheeks. He smiled at her reaction. At least she was having fun as much as he was.

Motoki turned back to Mamoru and his smile faded. Mamoru's shock had turned to anger and it was a little disconcerting. Usagi spun in her seat toward him, a smile on her face.

"Oh, Mamoru," she said sweetly. Motoki and Minako looked at each other. Mamoru? Not baka?Mamoru turned his attention to the blonde, his anger only lessening slightly. "Thank you for walking me home last night." She bit her bottom lip slightly and Motoki shot wide eyes to Minako, who grinned wildly in response. Usagi was flirting!

Mamoru didn't catch on though, instead glaring daggers in her direction. "Don't go home in the dark again, Odango! I won't be there to walk you again!" Usagi's smile dropped as he turned on his heels and headed for the door.

"Wait! Mamoru! Don't you want a coffee or something?" Motoki called.

Without turning around, Mamoru yelled out, "No!" And he stomped out the door.

Motoki looked to Minako. She winked and he gave her a small, hidden smirk before turning back to Usagi, whose bright expression had dulled as she glared at the counter with a sullen scowl that quickly turned into an angry sneer.

"What was all that about?" Minako exclaimed loudly and slapped her hands on the counter, making Usagi jump. "He walked you home last night?"

Usagi nodded, her expression softening sadly. "Yeah. He saw me on the way home last night and walked me the rest of the way. Said it wasn't safe to be walking in the middle of the night alone," she murmured miserably.

"I did offer to walk with you, ya know!" Minako crossed her arms defensively and Usagi rolled her eyes.

"That was nice of him," Motoki ventured, a smile on his lips. Walking her home...what a big improvement so quickly. Much quicker than he'd planned. Maybe Minako was right and this would all be over at the gala! It was only a few days away.

Usagi nodded sadly and took a deep breath. Then, with the fakest smile he'd ever seen, she shook her head as if to clear her thoughts and leaned back over the counter towards him. "So... let's pick this movie."

He shot Minako one more knowing look before leaning back towards the girl in front of him, peering furtively at her expression, as he scrolled through his phone. It was clear that Usagi was softening towards Mamoru, too. Otherwise, his outburst —which was frankly tame compared to his usual sullen spats— would not affect her so much.

He inwardly reminded himself that this was a good thing in the long run, and they decided on a burger joint and a comedy playing in a movie theater a block from his place. With a sigh and a smile, Usagi left to get ready for their date. After that little encounter with Mamoru, he wanted to make sure that she had fun tonight, as well. They both needed a good time.

oOo

Usagi skipped out of her apartment complex and headed down the sidewalk. She was definitely excited about this date with Motoki. They were meeting at Bozer's, a local burger place. Her stomach rumbled and she clutched it as familiar pains of hunger wracked her body. She'd purposely not eaten earlier so she would be hungry for dinner. And she was starving.

She also really needed this date tonight. Her encounter with Mamoru earlier at the arcade had thrown her for a loop. And she wasn't entirely sure why. After he'd walked her home, she kinda felt like things had changed a bit between them. He'd even given her his jacket instead of making fun of her for not having one!

And seriously, why was he so upset about her dating Motoki? They weren't even really dating! Of course, she couldn't tell him that. He would blow the secret to Reika and then this whole plan would have been for nothing! She couldn't have that. Not after all the work they had put into this massive undertaking.

And really, it wasn't that much work. Her time with Motoki had been extremely fun! Why didn't they hang out more?! Well, she knew one thing. After all this was said and done with, they would be hanging out all the time! Well...Reika permitting. She wasn't really sure how Reika would take to her after all this. Usagi would hate it if they couldn't be friends because she fake-dated Reika's ex-boyfriend!

Usagi turned the corner onto a busy street when she slammed hard into someone else, her thoughts flying from her along with her breath. She felt herself falling and closed her eyes in preparation for impact when a strong pair of arms wrapped themselves around her waist. When she failed to hit the concrete, she opened one eye to peer up at her savior. Her heart immediately deflated at the realization that it was the same baka she had been thinking about moments ago.

Mamoru pulled her against his chest and into a standing position. And the second her feet steadied themselves on the pavement, she placed her hands on his hard chest and pushed her way out of the warmth of his arms.

"I don't need your help, baka," she spat, even though in that moment, she actually had needed his help, or she would have a bruised tailbone...again! It never seemed to fail that he was always the one she crashed into, sending her reeling to the ground. But like she would ever admit that to him.

She took a step back and brushed her pants off before looking up at him, catching him as he eyed her up and down. His breath caught in his throat and she heard it. She smiled, knowing damn well how good she looked. One might even say sexy.

This evening, she'd chosen a short-sleeved, peach-colored shirt in a light, stretchy nylon material. It had a scooped neckline that rippled loosely around her chest, before cinching into a wide band around her tightened abdomen. An inch of milky-white skin exposed alluringly beneath the bottom seam of her shirt. She also sported a pair of tight jeans that hugged her hips and bellbottomed around her ankles. On her feet she wore slightly heeled peach sandals that matched the color of her shirt.

She knew she looked good! And by the look on Mamoru's face, he knew it too. Usagi smiled to herself as she made to step around him. "Excuse you," she sneered, but was startled as a hand grabbed her arm. She stopped and looked at him confused.

"Listen," he swallowed. "About earlier…"

Oh, no! He wasn't going to just apologize and think everything was okay! With a curl of her lip, she yanked her arm out of his grasp. "I'm late," she scowled. "You know, for my date." Mamoru looked like she had just punched him in the stomach. But she didn't give herself time to dwell on why as she took off down the street, hurrying to her destination.

She was starving!

oOo

Motoki sat in a booth, reading over the menu when a particular blond slid in across from him. He looked up with a smile, only to be greeted by Usagi with a grimace on her face.

He frowned with concern. "You okay, Usa?"

"Ugh," she sighed with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. "Just your friend. Being all annoying and stuff," she huffed and shook her head, as if ridding herself from thoughts of the man who obviously irritated her...again!

Motoki eyed Usagi for a moment as she grabbed up her menu and began reading it over. He watched with amusement as she scrutinized her options, her nose scrunching up as she found various options she was not impressed with. Her eyes lit up with excitement, though, as she saw things she wanted.

He chuckled, gaining her attention. "What?" Her eyes were wide and innocent as stared at him and he couldn't help the rumble of laughter that took over him. She grinned as he laughed, even joining in a bit and giggling behind her hand.

Once he started, he couldn't stop; the hilarity of the situation they now found themselves in bringing tears to his eyes. Her laughter grew with his and he knew the whole restaurant had to be staring at them.

As his laughter slowed, he wiped his eyes and looked in her direction. She had calmed down as well, daintily drying her face with a napkin so as to not mess up her perfectly applied makeup. He hadn't seen her laugh this hard in a while and knew it had been quite a long time for himself as well.

"We're so stupid," he said with a grin and a sigh.

"What, this?" Usagi motioned between the two of them, indicating their date and he nodded with a smile. "Oh, yeah. Completely idiotic," she joked. "But it's working!" Her eyes twinkled mischievously, and he chuckled again. At that moment, he noticed a certain friend walk past the window outside, glancing in at their table before scurrying off.

"Yeah," he grinned. "It definitely is." He looked back to her as he picked up his menu. "So, you hungry?"

Usagi "pfted" loudly, picking up her own menu and running her eyes over it. "Look who you're talking to, 'Toki. I'm always hungry."

Motoki laughed again. He had definitely needed this date.

oOo

Reika sighed as she stood at the snack counter of the cinema. This had been just an awful week! Her breakup with Motoki had been the worst moment of her life. But this week...knowing he had moved on with Usagi...and so quickly...her heart was shattered.

She couldn't believe it when Mamoru had called to tell her that Motoki had made a date. And with Usagi, of all people. Reika had thought they were all friends. But apparently not. She felt betrayed by the blonde, and she knew she used to have a crush on Motoki. Or, Reika thought it was 'used to'. Had she just been waiting for her chance to swoop in and claim Motoki for her own?

Mamoru had made it clear on the phone that Motoki had been the one to ask Usagi; not the other way around. That had been soul crushing. But she knew in her heart, Usagi had to be the one pulling the strings. She just had to be!

She didn't believe Mamoru at first. There was no way Motoki could be out with someone else so quickly! But Mamoru had insisted, saying he was there when they left for their dinner date, and told her where they were going to eat; the little Italian place by the park. She had to know for herself.

So she went to the restaurant, sure that Mamoru has been mistaken. Her stomach twisted as she walked through the door and looked around. That's when she saw them, intimately holding hands. She immediately felt sick, running out of the restaurant in tears. She half expected him to follow her out; but he didn't. He hadn't called, hadn't apologized, hadn't checked to see if she was okay, nothing!

Reika had given it a few dates, thinking Motoki would come to his senses and realize he wasn't ready to be dating anyone yet. But when she walked into the arcade this morning to ask if he would go to the gala with her only to realize he was taking Usagi, she was crushed. How could he move on so fast? Had what they had meant so little to him?

After a full day of crying and eating ice cream, she had decided she needed to get out and do something instead of sitting around thinking about them. She needed to laugh; needed to feel better, at least for the moment. So, she had opted for a movie; a comedy. She cleaned herself up and headed to the theater.

She had thought about inviting some friends to go with her, but she knew how that would play out. It would be a pity party for Reika and she did not want that. She didn't need people feeling sorry for her and trying overly hard to cheer her up. It would only make her feel worse. So, she had opted to go alone, knowing that right now, it would be more fun.

That's how she found herself at the counter, buying a large tub of butter popcorn and a soda. After paying the man at the register and offering him a small smile, she grabbed her popcorn and drink and turned to head in to find her seat. That's when she saw them.

Her popcorn dropped to the floor, kernels spilling all over the gaudy green and blue swirled carpet, as she watched Motoki and Usagi walk in and head straight into the theater to the seat. Motoki's hand was on the small of her back, leading her inside. She knew what Motoki did at the theater; have them find their seats first, and then he would go get them both snacks from the bar.

As she watched them disappear behind the door, her blood boiled. How dare he. How dare he move on so quickly while she still cried herself to sleep at night over him! Her hands clenched into fists beside her as he jaw tightened. How could he do this to her?!

Fine! If this is how he wanted to play it, she could play, too! Without a look back, she headed for the door.

oOo

She had absolutely no patience at all as she banged on his apartment door continuously. Motoki wanted to take someone else to the gala? So would she!

Reika almost fell through the door with the force of her rapping as the door whipped open. Mamoru stood in the archway, his eyes wide with confusion and a drink in his hand.

"Reika?" His voice was hoarse, and his breath smelled like whiskey. She frowned, her eyebrows knitting in confusion.

"Are you drinking?" She asked, her voice laced with judgment. Mamoru didn't drink often. And certainly not by himself.

He scoffed with indignation. "What do you want, Reika?" She brushed past him, pushing her way into his apartment. "Come on in," he muttered, and she rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore his sarcasm as he shut the door behind her and followed her into the living room. "Want a drink?" He offered as he went to the kitchen and pulled her out a glass. He poured her some whiskey and brought it back out to the living room, handing it to her.

She took a sip, making a slight face as the burn trailed down, making her insides warm. "Smooth," she hissed, and it was true. Trust Mamoru to pay the big bucks to buy the smoothest whiskey.

Mamoru sighed as he set his own cup down on the coffee table. "What's going on, Reika?"

"How could he do this to me, Mamoru?" she said between clenched teeth and his eyebrows raised.

"Wha-" but she promptly cut him off with a growl of frustration.

"Motoki! How could he just move on like that? So fast!" She was on the verge of tears again and had to forcefully restrain herself from crying as Mamoru's eyes softened.

"Reika…" he started softly, taking a step toward her.

"And with her!" Reika spit angrily. Mamoru halted sharply, his eyes narrowing a bit.

"What?" he said slowly.

"Usagi! Reika yelled angrily. Mamoru's features hardened.

"I told you," he said through gritted teeth. "Motoki was the one to ask her out. Not-"

"But she said yes!" Reika screeched. "He just got over me just like that-" she snapped her fingers, "and went and asked out the girl he knew would say yes because she was already in love with him!" Mamoru was shaking his head before she even finished her sentence.

"She's not-" he started, denial laced in his voice. But Reika wasn't done.

"Don't even, Mamoru! They are dating! I bet you he is using her to get over me and she's using the fact that we broke up to finally get with him. Well, I'm not putting up with it!" Her face was red as the anger radiated from every pore on her body.

"Reika-"

"Go to the gala with me," she blurted. His eyes widened in surprise and he took a step back.

"What?! You cannot be serious!"

"Oh, but I am. He wants to throw it in my face that he's dating Usagi so much! Maybe I've moved on, too!" Tears streamed down her face, but she couldn't help it now.

"Not with me!" Mamoru said heatedly. "This is not a good idea, Reika."

"So you're okay with them dating, then? You could care less that your best friend is dating the girl you're in love with?" Her snarky attitude had his eyes widening even more and he visibly swallowed.

"I don't-" but he couldn't even finish the thought before she started laughing a crazed maniacal laugh.

"Okay, Mamoru. Stay in your denial. When you finally figure it out, it'll be too late. And if you don't want to help me stick it to Motoki, fine! I'll find someone who will!" She turned up her glass, drinking the rest the whiskey in two gulps before slamming it down on the table and walking out, leaving a stricken Mamoru in her wake.

oOo

A/N

I hope you like it! Reika is big mad, huh? Things in life always get worse before they get better, right? That's always been my experience.