It's just this chapter and one more after! We're almost there, folks!
~*~v~*~
Usagi wiped her eyes and cleared her throat as she headed to see who was knocking on her door. She was pretty sure she knew who it was considering her fake "boyfriend" had just seen how hard that jerk had made her cry. She really didn't want to see anyone; not looking like this. Fully intent on sending Motoki away, she took a deep breath and opened the door.
She was surprised to see, not Motoki, but Minako with a sad smile on her face. Usagi's shoulders slumped a bit more as she turned and headed back into her apartment, knowing Minako would let herself in. And she did, softly closing the door behind her.
"Motoki called you," she murmured, just above a miserable whisper as more of a statement rather than a question.
Minako answered anyway. "Yeah. He told me what happened," she said, her eyes as soft as her voice as she gently made her way into the apartment.
Usagi sighed, turned to her friend and plopped herself down on her shabby chic white couch. "I don't want to talk about it," she murmured, her head laid against the back of the sofa and her eyes closed. The last thing she wanted was to relive the awful things Mamoru had said to her.
A slut. He'd called her a slut!
She quickly shook her head in her best attempt to rid the image of the look etched onto his face as he yelled at her from her mind. She'd never seen him like that...and she never wanted to again.
"Well, that's good," Minako's voice sounded more cheerful than when she'd first walked in. Usagi opened her eyes to see her blonde friend towering above her, standing right in front of her, hovering less than a foot away. Her eyebrows knitted together in slight confusion. "Because I'm not here to talk about that asshat! I'm here to take you shopping!" She said gleefully. Minako's eyes sparkled mischievously as she held her hand out.
"Um," Usagi stuttered, looking from the hand to the eyes of her overly excited friend. "Why are we going shopping?"
Minako dropped her hand with an overly exaggerated sigh of irritation as she dramatically rolled her eyes. "Well, you do have a gala coming up, do you not? We've gotta' find you a dress just as gorgeous as you, my dear!"
Usagi frowned. "I don't know," she replied hesitantly. "I don't think I'm going to go." Really, after the way Mamoru had spoken to her, how could she attend this gala as Motoki's date?
The blonde fashionista gasped. "Not going to go!? Why? Because of Mamoru? Usagi, that's even more reason to go!" Minako threw her hands in the air. Usagi sighed and looked away. Why was this so important anyway? Minako took a slight step closer, lowering her voice to match that of a normal speaking person. "Look, Usagi. I don't know what Mamoru said to you. But whatever it was, it's not true. He's a jackass and you shouldn't let him decide what you do! Besides, fashion is like eating. You should always eat your favorites!"
Usagi giggled as she rolled her eyes. "Shouldn't stick to the same menu, Minako," she corrected.
"Whatever, Usagi! Come oooon!" The blonde whined with a stomp of her foot.
Fine," she conceded as she stood. "Let's go dress shopping."
Minako squealed, jumping up and down and clapping in her excitement. To tell the truth, Usagi was excited too. She could definitely do with some retail therapy
oOo
Usagi followed Minako into the dress shop. The girl had not stopped chattering on and on about her hair, make-up, and what kind of dress they should get. Usagi stayed quiet, chiming in here and there when manners dictated, but she couldn't keep her mind away from Mamoru.
Why had he been so angry? They'd fought before; said things that had hurt each other. He'd made her angry before. She'd made him angry before. But this...this was different. This was a type of anger she'd never seen from him in the past. His eyes...they'd looked...tortured. Like his heart was broken. Who could have hurt him that badly? And, for the love of God, why had he taken it out on her? What had she done to deserve that kind of torment?
Her spirits lifted slightly as Ami came into view. The bluenette was standing by a rack of dresses, admiring the different designs. She smiled as Minako caught her attention with an "Ames!"
"I invited Ami," Minako explained, though clearly, she needed no explanation as the girl was right in front of them. "Thought it might be fun to dress her up!" She giggled impishly as a slight blush tainted Ami's cheeks. Usagi couldn't help the smile that took over at the brilliant girl's clear discomfort.
"I thought we were here to find a dress for Usagi?" Ami replied sheepishly.
"Oh, we are!" Minako answered. "But after the way we caught you eyeing those dresses, there is no way you're leaving this store without at least trying some on! It's dress-up time, ladies! Let's have some fun!"
Admittedly, they really did have fun. Usagi's spirits couldn't help but be raised as they picked out dresses for each other to try on. It was extremely entertaining watching her two friends twirl around in beautiful gowns, gushing about fabric and giggling coyly like they were little girls.
Minako picked out another dress and handed it to her. "This one looks gorgeous! You have to try it!"
Usagi gathered the dress in her arms, bright-eyed with excitement, she took it to the dressing room. She quickly put it on, taking care to not rip anything as it slid over her body. As she fixed the gown into place, she gazed into the mirror at herself. Her head tilted to the side as her hands ran over the dress that now clung to her like a second skin and her jaw dropped just slightly.
This is it. This is the dress.
She took a deep breath and stepped out of the dressing room, praying the girls thought the same. And by the looks on their faces, they did. Minako's jaw almost hit the ground in dramatic, Minako-like fashion and a big smile curled across Ami's delicate face.
"That's it!" Minako yelled, catching the attention of every other patron in the shop. "That dress is perfect!"
"Usagi, you look beautiful!" Ami said, an excited pep in her voice. Usagi smiled and looked down at herself.
"I love it," she cooed softly as she looked back to the girls. This dress and how beautiful it made her feel had her excitement rising about the gala and she couldn't wait to show it off.
"Yes!" Minako clapped and bounced to her, getting a better look at the gown. "Oh, Usagi! This is the perfect dress. He's going to love it!"
"Who?" Usagi asked without thinking.
"Duh! Mam…uh, Motoki! Of course!" Minako stuttered. Usagi's smile faltered slightly as she looked to Minako, then to Ami, remembering the bluenette didn't know about the faux relationship.
"Yes," Ami added. "I do believe Motoki will agree with us that you look simply stunning in this dress, Usa."
Usagi smiled a genuine smile. Motoki. She had been so concentrated on what Mamoru had said to her, she hadn't thought about Motoki and what he would think of this dress. She hoped he would love it as much as she did. And maybe she would impress some of his colleagues. And hopefully, she wouldn't klutz it up around anyone!
Something caught her eye outside the shop windows. Her smile dropped as she watched Mamoru pass, unaware that the girls were inside. Minako touched her shoulder gently. She had seen him too.
"Usagi, what did he say to you?" she finally asked softly.
"Yes," Ami chimed in. "Won't you tell us what he said to you to upset you so much?"
Usagi sighed as she sat down on a cushioned bench against the wall. "He...he called me a slut," she said softly.
"What?!" Minako yelled, her face reddening in anger.
"Shh! Mina! Keep your voice down!" Usagi shushed her as Ami looked around in embarrassment.
"Why the hell did he call you a slut?!" Minako's voice still rang out in the little shop, even as she tried to reign it in. Usagi sighed and told them both what Mamoru had said to her on the street earlier. Ami's face was one of confusion while Minako's anger only seemed to grow. "How dare he say those things to you!"
"Something must be very wrong," Ami replied logically. "Even at his angriest, I've never heard Mamoru speak like that." Her eyes wandered, staring off into the distance as she thought over the words.
"I don't care if something was wrong with him! He had no right to treat you like that, Usagi!" Minako growled.
"I agree he didn't have any right to lash out at her as he did. Though, I do wonder what could have happened to set him off in such an explosive manner," Ami contemplated. Then, as if something clicked in her head, Minako's eyes widened and she immediately calmed down. Usagi frowned and tilted her head slightly as she watched the gears turning.
"Mina?"
The blonde's attention flew back to Usagi with a "hmm?" Then, remembering where she was, she spoke. "Oh. Yeah. Well, I agree with Ami. Something must have happened to set him off. I'm sure he didn't mean the things he said to you." Grabbing Usagi's hand, she pulled her off the bench and moved her to stand before the mirror, allowing Usagi to see herself again. A smile returned to her lips at seeing herself in the dress. She really did love it so.
"Just think about this dress, Usa," Minako continued, her voice now low and seductive. "Think about when your hair is done, and your makeup is on point. And you walk into that ballroom with an extremely sexy looking Motoki in a tux at your side…" Usagi couldn't help but grin, "...and the lights will be perfect and the music soft. And everyone will be staring at the two of you in envy. The most gorgeous couple in the room." The way Minako painted a picture, Usagi's felt excited and nervous. She closed her eyes as she pictured the scene. "And Mamoru will eat his heart out." Minako finished.
Usagi's eyes flew open as she looked in the mirror again. In the reflection, Minako's devious face was backing away. To the side, she could see a very confused Ami. She looked back to herself in the mirror, gazing over her features and the way this dress formed to her and flowed, and she grinned.
That's right. Eat your heart out, Mamoru.
The next day, Motoki stood at the counter, watching the clock. He was tired of working today. The day had started early, it had been very long, and he was just ready to go home.
This morning he had sent Usagi a text to make sure she was okay. She had responded with, "Yup! See you at the arcade!" Motoki shook his head. She was always one to bounce back so quickly.
He looked up as the door to the arcade chimed and Minako skipped in and up to the bar.
"Hey, how did it go with Usagi yesterday?" He asked concerned. He knew Minako would tell him what really happened between Usagi and Mamoru yesterday. And as Minako dropped to the counter stool with a huff, her bangs flying in all directions with the puff of air, he knew she was about to spill.
"Well, you were definitely right. We're at the angry stage. Very angry." Her eyes widened slightly as she looked over the menu like she hadn't been in here every day for the last few years and had memorized exactly what they served.
Motoki rolled his eyes in frustration. "Well?"
"Well, what?" She frowned, bringing her attention back to him.
"What happened with Usagi and Mamoru? What did he say to upset her so much yesterday," he growled slightly. She was so clueless sometimes!
"Oh! Right!" She yelled out as if the thought hadn't even occurred to her to explain. Motoki shook his head in wonder. Clueless was putting it lightly! Minako bent over the counter in a conspiratory way once again and Motoki followed suit. "So yesterday, Mamoru called Usagi a slut!"
Motoki shot up. "What?!" His voice lowered dangerously with anger. Minako's eyes widened slightly as she slowly sat back up. "He called her a what?!" His blood boiled with rage and Minako stood slowly, holding her hands up defensively.
"Take a deep breath, 'Toki. This is a -"
"How is this a good thing!?" He yelled, already knowing what his co-conspirator was going to say.
"Look, I was upset too. But this just shows just how upset this is making him! After anger comes realization. Then -"
"Denial. Then acceptance. Yeah, I got it, Minako." Motoki angrily ran his fingers through his hair, trying to calm himself down. "Ugh. This is crazy, Minako," huffed as he ran both hands over his face. "I don't know how long we can keep doing this." He paced behind the counter, stressed etched into his face.
"The gala is tomorrow, right?" Minako asked. Motoki nodded, exhaling slowly as he stared at the ceiling. "I think that will be the big night." Motoki looked to her, seeing the determination on her face. "He's hit anger. We just need the denial and acceptance. He needs to see you guys together again. We need to-"
But she was cut off as the door opened and Usagi walked in. She headed to the counter, a small smile on her face.
"Hey, guys," she said lightly as she took a seat on her favorite barstool.
"Usagi, I was just about to tell Motoki that we got your dress for tomorrow night!" Minako jumped excitedly with a grin. Motoki's demeanor immediately changed at the prospect of seeing Usagi dressed up. The gala was always full of men in tuxes and woman in beautiful gowns. He could only imagine how gorgeous she would look.
And how gorgeous Reika would be. His heart deflated a bit.
"Yeah. We got the perfect dress!" Usagi said cheerfully, a bright smile spreading across his face. "I really hope you'll like it," she added with a blush.
Motoki smiled, unable to resist his heart filling back up. He was on such an emotional roller coaster. He approached the counter, taking her hands gently into his.
"Usagi, you're going to turn every head there!" he said with a smile. Her blush deepened and she giggled. Then her face dropped and she looked at him from beneath long lacy lashes.
"Motoki...the dancing...I can't…" she didn't finish, ducking her head slightly in embarrassment.
"Don't worry, Usagi. Let's get together tonight. Here. After the arcade closes. I'll teach you how to dance," he said warmly. Her eyes brightened as she plastered on another big smile.
"Really? That would be great!" She stood quickly and propelled herself onto her tiptoes to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you! I'm going to go home and get my school work done for the day so I can concentrate on the dancing. I'll see you tonight!" And she happily bounced out of the arcade.
Motoki turned to Minako, realizing she'd been ignored the whole time Usagi was there. But she didn't seem upset. Quite the contrary. Instead, she sat on the barstool, watching, a small smile across her lips.
"What?" Motoki asked. Minako shrugged with one shoulder.
"That was just adorable. That's all."
Motoki rolled his eyes and shook his head slightly.
"So you're going to teach her how to dance, huh?" Minako wondered. Motoki's eyebrow raised slightly. "You better wear some steel-toed boots! That girl is going to crush your little tootsies."
Motoki frowned, "I'm sure it won't be that bad."
"Pft. It will be. She may have gotten a bit more graceful as she's gotten older but the girl is still clumsy as boar."
"It's as clumsy as an ox, Mina," Motoki corrected with a roll of his eyes.
"Whatever! I'm just saying, protect yourself, fool! You want to be able to dance at the ball, right?" She sounded exasperated.
"Yes, but I want to be able to dance with her," Motoki strained with a laugh. "It'll be fine. Worth it, even."
"Okaaay! Don't say I didn't warn you. She -" but she was cut off as the door to the arcade opened and Motoki's face dropped, anger etched into his features.
Mamoru walked in slowly, his head ducked in shame as he headed to the counter. Motoki crossed his arms, preparing himself for whatever his "friend" had to say now.
"Hey, 'Toki," Mamoru said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Mamoru," Motoki greeted in a standoffish manner.
"Look," he glanced at Minako as she leaned in to listen before turning his attention back on him. "I'm sorry about yesterday. It was uncalled for and I didn't mean it. I'm not sure what happened. I think I've just been really stressed lately over... well, I just mean…" he sighed. "I'm sorry," he finished.
Motoki felt his anger slowly dissipate. He looked to Minako, who gave him a grin and a nod. He did hate it when she was right.
"It's okay, Mamoru," Motoki accepted, giving the man his full attention again. "But you need to apologize to Usagi. I heard about what you said to her," Mamoru glanced at Minako, who gave him a 'yup'. "And that was even more uncalled for."
"I know," Mamoru nodded. "I'll apologize to her next time I see her," he promised.
Suddenly, Motoki's eyes widened slightly and out of the corner of his eye, he could see Minako give him a confused look with one eyebrow cocked. Why hadn't he thought of this before? Get it together, Motoki, he thought to himself.
"I'm actually meeting her tonight," Motoki said with a smile. Mamoru's shoulders dropped slightly.
"Another date?" He asked softly.
"Kinda. I'm teaching her how to dance for the gala tomorrow. We're meeting here after I close up. You should come!" Motoki offered. Minako's eyes widened slightly and an evil grin took over her features. She had finally caught on as well. "You know how to dance. You can help me teach her."
But Mamoru was already shaking his head solemnly. "I don't think that's a good idea. I wouldn't want to interrupt your...date," he swallowed thickly.
"Nah," Motoki waved a hand dismissively. "You won't be interrupting." Mamoru shook his head.
"I don't know. I think I'm just going to head home," Mamoru said distractedly. "I'll talk to you later." And he headed out the door, raking a hand through his hair.
Minako stood, her face painted in shock. She looked from the door to Motoki and back again. "Motoki!" She squealed and he couldn't help the surge of pride that went through him. Minako wasn't the only one who could have good ideas. "That was brilliant!" She clapped her hands excitedly.
"I know," Motoki laughed. "Now we have to make a plan."
Minako gave an evil cackle and leaned over the counter to conspire.
oOo
Usagi arrived at the arcade after closing time. She straightened her sundress before entering the doors into the air-conditioned building and looked around. Most of the lights were turned off, alluding to the fact that the place was indeed closed. With all the games turned off, the silence was a bit eerie and she looked around in haste for her instructor.
Unbeknownst to her, an excited blonde watched from the bushes across the road as she entered.
Motoki stood at the counter, a smile on his face. Without a word, he reached over to the boombox sitting on the bar. As he pushed the button, a beautiful classical piece began to play, the notes filling the room. She smiled as she walked toward him.
"Usagi," he greeted as he took her hand in his and kissed the back of it, just like a gentleman. "You look ravishing, as always," he grinned. She giggled in response and curtsied dramatically.
"Why thank you, my good sir." He laughed as she clumsily stood back up. "And you, too, are looking quite dashing."
They laughed together. This was what she loved; being able to be carefree with a friend she really enjoyed spending time with. Usagi truly hoped this wouldn't change after Motoki was back together with Reika. She would miss this so much if it ended.
"Okay," Motoki started, rubbing his hands together as he looked around. "I guess we just start, then?"
"Yeah, sure!" She moved with him to the middle of the cleared area in front of the bar; their "dance floor." He took her into his arms, one hand on her waist and the other taking her hand in his. "I apologize in advance to your poor toes."
"I'm sure it'll be fine. You'll catch on quick," he assured her. But she was still worried.
"If you say so. But if it's too much, I just won't dance tomorrow," she said but he just laughed.
"Come on, Usagi. Let's just dance." He took one step and winced as she stepped wrong and landed on his foot.
"Sorry!" She squealed.
"No worries. It's fine. This is a basic ballroom dance. Here, watch." He stepped away from her, then held his hands out, holding an invisible partner. "Watch my feet. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three." He stopped and look to her. "Shall we give it a try?"
Usagi nodded hesitantly and he took her back into his arms. She watched their feet as they danced. One, two, crush. He winced. She apologized. They went again. One, two, crush. One, crush, crush. Motoki's face scrunched up pain; pain that he tried to hide from her. But she knew it.
"Motoki, this is hopeless," she sighed in defeat, backing away from him. She didn't want to keep hurting him. But he shook his head.
"You have to learn, Usagi. My toes will heal. Don't worry. Let's go again," he said, taking her back in his arms. "Just take a deep breath." She nodded again and watched their feet as they danced around the room. Or rather, crushed his toes around the room. After he started grunting, she pulled away again.
"This is crazy, 'Toki. I just can't do this. I can't dance." She shook her head as he limped over to a barstool. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. But I did warn you in advance!"
"We just need a break, Usa. You'll get it. I promise. We just -" but he stopped as something, or rather someone, caught his eye outside. "Hold that thought!" He said hastily as he jumped up from the seat and ran to the door. She watched as he seemed to run down the sidewalk after someone.
Moving to her favorite barstool, she took a seat, adjusting her dress and crossing her legs in a dainty fashion. With a huff, she blew her bangs out of her face as she waited.
This was stupid. She couldn't dance. She had never been able to dance. Why did she think that would change now? Just because she wanted it to? That's just crazy.
Her eyes widened as Motoki came back into view, pulling a reluctant Mamoru by his arm and into the arcade. No. No! What was he doing here?!
She stood and crossed her arms as Motoki pulled Mamoru up to the counter.
"Look who I found lurking outside!" Motoki huffed in exertion.
"I was not lurking. I was just walking by. That's all," Mamoru said defensively.
"Whatever, dude. You-" Motoki stopped as his phone started ringing. He pulled it from his pocket and answered immediately. "Hey. What? Are you sure? Okay, I'll be right there." As he tucked the phone back into his pocket, he looked to Usagi. "I've got to run. I'm so sorry." He said, not sounding sorry at all.
Usagi dropped her arms. "Wait, you're leaving? What about teaching me how to dance?" She asked, panicked.
"Mamoru can teach you!" Motoki insisted as he backed up towards the door. Mamoru's eyes widened.
"What?!" Usagi yelled.
"Who was on the phone?" Mamoru questioned.
"Um...just Unazuki. She needs my help with something," he shrugged. "I'm really sorry, guys."
"Motoki!" Usagi pleaded. He could not leave her here with him.
"Just lock up when you leave. You got this!" And with that, he ran out of the arcade, leaving the two alone.
Usagi stood stock still, her jaw dropped and her eyes wide. She couldn't believe this. How could he just leave her like that? And with Mamoru of all people!
The man to her side cleared his throat, gaining her attention. "So...do you...would you like me to teach you how to dance?" he asked sheepishly. Usagi rolled her eyes and moved to step around him.
"Yeah, right. And give you more to tease me about? No, thank you!" She spit as she made her way to the door. But a hand clasped around her wrist brought her to a halt.
"Don't go," he pleaded and when she turned to face him, there was something in his eyes; something she couldn't quite place. "I'm sorry, Usagi. I'm sorry I said what I said the other day. I didn't mean it. I don't think that way about you. I was stressed out and upset and I took it out on you. I am truly sorry. Please forgive me."
She stood stock still, shock coursing through her. She couldn't believe it. Had he just apologized? And in such a heartfelt way? She was...touched.
"Please...let me teach you how to dance," Mamoru voice pleaded. Usagi felt a warm sensation in her belly as she nodded slowly.
"Okay, Mamoru," she replied softly. He gave her a warm smile and held out his hand. She stared at it a moment before timidly placing her hand in his and allowing him to lead her back to the dance floor. As he took her in his strong arms, she released a shuddered, nervous breath and looked up at him. "I'm apologizing in advance to your feet."
He gave her a lopsided grin and pulled her closer. "I'm sure I'll be just fine," he assured her.
"Okay. I warned you," she muttered to herself. As she looked down at their feet, they started moving. One, two, crush. Crush, two, crush. One, two, three. One, crush, crush.
As Mamoru winced once again, Usagi sighed and pulled away. She immediately missed his warmth but refused to dwell on why that was.
"I'm sorry, Mamoru. I just can't do this," she said, eyes downcast, and her tone laced with resigned defeat. But Mamoru only smiled again.
"Usa," he called, and her head snapped up at the sound of his voice, a pink tinge of embarrassment spreading across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. "Take a deep breath and relax," he commanded. She grimaced, still feeling discouraged, even as she obeyed. "Now take another one." She did, her shoulders relaxing as the tension began to melt away. "Good," he said softly as he pulled her back into his embrace. "Now, eyes on me," he breathed softly. She swallowed nervously, faltering under the intensity of his stare, and instead, looked down at their feet. "Eh, eh!" he scolded, placed a finger under her chin, and tilted her head up to bring her eyes back onto his face. "Right here," he pointed two fingers to his eyes. She looked up, inhaling sharply as she got lost in the deep cobalt-blue of his gaze.
Her breath caught in her throat and butterflies invaded her stomach, fluttering around like a whirlwind of emotion that she had no control over. Her head was spinning and she suddenly couldn't remember how to even think anymore.
And then he started to move. Mamoru danced gracefully around the room, taking her right along with him. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. He smiled down at her and she couldn't help but smile back. She didn't crush his toes; didn't bump into him as they glided in circles around the area. She also couldn't take her eyes away from his...and she didn't want to.
The music came to a stop and so did they. Yet he held on to her, staring deep into her eyes. It was then that she noticed that his head was dipping closer, his gorgeous eyes moving closer, locked unblinkingly onto hers. The excitement of what she knew was about to happen made her breath catch in her throat, as her heart began to race with anticipation.
He was so close she could feel his breath on her lips. She closed her eyes and couldn't help the words that spilled from her lips. "Mamo-chan," she breathed.
Suddenly he froze, her voice bringing him out of his trance. He immediately pulled away and she quickly felt cold. Her eyes opened to see him backing up, his eyes wide and his cheeks red. She could feel the flush on her own cheeks.
"I...I think you, um…I think you got it," he stuttered, his hand now rubbing the back of his neck. "We should…" he cleared his throat nervously. "We should go. Lock up. Motoki…" he strayed from the rest of his words as he hurried to the boombox to turn it off.
Usagi hadn't moved. She couldn't. What had just happened!? She felt dizzy and lightheaded. She had just been about to kiss Mamoru. Mamoru! Why?! Why did she feel like this? Was it the lighting? The music? How had she fallen into such a stupor?
She wanted it. She wanted him to kiss her. She still did! What is going on!?
"Usagi!" Mamoru called, touching her arm lightly. She jumped in response and looked to him questioningly. "We have to go," he said in an almost pleading tone. She slowly nodded and allowed herself to be pulled from the arcade to stand on the sidewalk while her dance instructor locked the door. Then he turned to her, raking a hand through his hair. "You did great, Usagi. I'll, uh...I'll see you later.
Usagi could only nod as he turned and headed in the opposite direction. She stood frozen in place, pondering what had just occurred inside her favorite place.
Mamo-chan. She'd called him Mamo-chan…
She swallowed deeply, past the lump in her throat, too scared to try and figure out what that meant. With a deep sigh, she turned on her heels and headed home.
From the bushes, two sets of eyes had been watching everything though the window. Without a word, they gave each other a high five.
oOo
Mamoru paced the floor of his apartment. He'd almost kissed her. His best friend's girlfriend! Odango Atama! The girl who disrupted his life on a daily basis. He'd almost kissed her!
And he would have if she hadn't said something; hadn't muttered a name that made his heart stop. Mamo-chan. A nickname he had never heard before that made his head spin and his breathing come to a complete halt. A nickname he didn't want to hear come from anyone's lips except hers.
He'd been so stunned it made him realize what he was about to do; and what she was about to do right back as her eyes closed and she had made her way onto her tiptoes. Had she even realized that she'd done that?
Mamoru stopped to take another sip of his whiskey before setting the cup down to begin his pacing again, running a hand through his hair.
Why? Why had he tried to kiss her? Why was she affecting him so much? Why did he care that she was dating his best friend? And why had he started seeing her completely different after they started going out? Why was he so fucking jealous?!
Reika's voice once again rang out in his head.
"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?"
"...your best friend is dating the girl you're in love with?"
"...the girl you're in love with?"
Mamoru froze, his breathing stopping and his face losing all color. He suddenly felt dizzy and quickly sat on the couch before he passed out.
He was in love with Usagi.
He was in love with Usagi!
No! That couldn't be it. If he was in love with her, he would have known long ago; when they first met! He would have noticed how beautiful she was. How her soft, golden hair was always perfect. Even when it was all over the place, it was still perfect. How her voice was like the most melodic song he had ever heard. How…
No! This couldn't be happening. He wasn't in love with her. He just wasn't!
Without a second thought, he reached over and picked up the phone. Scrolling through his contacts, he found the name of the person he was looking for and dialed. It only took a few rings before…
"Hello?"
"Reika. Still need a date to the gala?"
oOo
A/N: One more chapter left!
Thank you, as always, to my beautiful bae-tas, Revy679 and Beej88! You ladies keep me going!