Here it is. The last chapter!
~*~v~*~
Minako skipped into the arcade and looked around for her partner in love as he wasn't behind the counter like usual. Instead, he was sitting in a booth, pouring over some notes strewn about the table. She skipped the rest of the way to the booth and plopped down, the wind from her movement blowing some of his papers around. His arms immediately moved to cover the table in a vain attempt to hold them all still. He looked up, shooting her an annoyed glare as he reached down and picked up a few that had fluttered down onto the ground.
"Sorry," Minako said with a shrug, though her tone indicated that she wasn't really sorry at all. They had too much to discuss to be worried about his work papers. "Sooooo, last night was fun!" Motoki sighed as he began packing away his sheets into his bag.
"I really thought last night was going to do it," he said, his tone laced with defeat as he shook his head.
"We're almost there. They almost kissed! That's huge!" Minako cried excitedly and smacked her hands onto the table. Her antics drew the attention of the patrons around her and she waved dismissively in their directions, sending their looks back to their own tables. Motoki rolled his eyes with a smile. "Besides, we still have tonight."
"And what if it doesn't happen tonight, Mina? Mamoru is so stubborn. And I don't know how much longer I can do this," Motoki admitted ruefully.
She understood. Even though it was fun being so sneaky, she knew it had to be exhausting. Her part of this deal was easy; helping to create the plan. But it was Motoki doing all the leg work, all the lying and betrayal of his friend and ex-girlfriend. Though it may not be physically exhausting, in fact, she was sure he was having a good time hanging out with Usagi, it had to be mentally taxing.
"Then we need to get this done tonight. There has to be a way to send him over the edge. We just have to think of something good." Minako dropped her chin into her open hand with a plop and tapped her cheek with her finger. Motoki stared off to the side, his mind deep in thought.
What could they possibly do to take this further; to push Mamoru over the edge and make him finally confess his feelings? They had both seen how close they had come last night. Neither knew what had made Mamoru stop before he kissed their blonde beauty while they danced. So close!
Suddenly, Motoki stopped breathing. Minako's eyes shot up to see his eyes widen as he slowly turned back to look at her.
Minako straightened in her seat. "Whacha' thinkin'," she questioned, her eyes filled with curiosity as she watched Motoki's face pale slightly. For the life of her, she couldn't decipher what he was thinking. Did he have an idea? Had he just realized something? Was he having a stroke?! Was he dying?! "Motoki!" She called out, reaching up to snap her fingers in his face. He blinked and his eyes finally moved to hers. "What's happening in that sexay brain of yours?" She tapped his forehead. "Are you okay?"
"I'm going to sleep with her," he stated. Minako froze.
"What?"
Motoki smiled slowly, the color returning to his face. "I'm going to sleep with her," he stated again. Minako felt dizzy. Motoki had really lost it now.
"I don't...I can't...but you...what?!" She couldn't grasp at a single thought in her big beautiful brain! He was going to sleep with Usagi?! How could he do that! She knew he was tired, but this? This was going too far!
"I'm going to tell Mamoru tonight is the night! After the gala, I'm taking Usagi back to my place for a few drinks and some...fun times," he said suggestively with a wink. It was then that she finally understood. Her eyes widened and an impossibly wide smile took over her previously dumbfounded expression.
"Oh my God, Motoki! That's brilliant!" She squealed, once again gaining the attention of those around them. "That is JUST what we need to push him into confessing! He has to if he doesn't want to lose her to you!" Motoki chuckled softly and she couldn't help the surge of pride she felt. "'Toki, I've trained you well in the art of scheming and deception. The student becomes the trainer!" She clapped her hands excitedly.
"Master," Motoki laughed. "The student becomes the master."
"Pft, whatever," she rolled her eyes as she waved him off. "This is it, Motoki. This is the end. After tonight, the biggest enemies in the world will become the best couple ever!"
Motoki chuckled again. "If this doesn't work," he stated, "nothing will."
Minako reached across the table, taking Motoki's hand and shaking it. "It was great working with you, partner." She grinned. It really had been. "This is the most fun I've had in a long time." And she wasn't lying. This had truly been an incredible time. Getting her best friend together with the man she knew she loved, and working with Motoki to do it, had been quite the adventure.
"Okay!" Minako slammed both hands down on the table as she stood. Motoki followed suit. "Let's finish this. I'm going to go help Usagi get ready for tonight. You go find Mamoru and let him know your big plans."
"Sounds like a plan. It's been fun, Minako. Exhausting. But fun." Motoki said with a smile and Minako couldn't help but smile back.
"Call me tonight and let me know how it goes!" Minako sang as she headed for the door, Motoki right behind her. Before heading in opposite directions, Motoki gave her a wink.
oOo
After calling Mamoru with no answer and banging on his apartment door with no response, Motoki knew exactly where he was. As he walked through the entrance of the park, he marveled at how beautiful the flowers were starting to look as they bloomed around him. Juuban really was a gorgeous place, if you were able to admire it for the little beauties it held; beauties like this park.
It was one of Mamoru's favorite places. He loved the quiet and peacefulness it provided. At least, that's what he had told Motoki. But the blonde man suspected it was for far more gratifying reasons, such as the fact that he frequently ran into a certain long-legged blonde This was her favorite place as well, presumably for the actual reasons Mamoru had previously given him. When she wasn't running into him on the sidewalk or stuffing her face at the arcade, Usagi was here, admiring the world that surrounded her.
And it's exactly where he found Mamoru; where he knew he would be. Standing beside the pond and gazing out into the clear blue water, his hands securely in his pockets. Motoki smiled at his predictability as he approached him from behind and clapped him on the back, earning him a jump of surprise from his stoic best friend.
"What's up, man! Fancy seeing you here," he grinned, internally chuckling at his own private joke. Mamoru just nodded in greeting.
"You're awfully happy today," Mamoru pointed out as his gaze returned to the view in front of him.
"Well, it is the night of the gala," Motoki said, shifting his hands to rest behind his head.
"Yeah? And? They have these things all the time," Mamoru said nonchalantly. Go time.
"Yeah. But tonight is special," Motoki grinned.
"Ah," was Mamoru's only response. Motoki's stomach flipped in anticipation. Any time now. Come on, Mamoru. Take the bait. Take it! "And...h-how is it special?" he finally asked, nerves lacing his baritone voice. Yes!
"Well, Usagi and I have been going out for a while…"
"10 days," Mamoru immediately corrected, turning his head slightly to finally look at him. Motoki couldn't help the slight chuckle he released and knew it would come off as excitement.
"Yeah, 10 days," he confirmed. The silence was deafening as he waited for Mamoru's push. After a moment, Mamoru turned to face him fully, his face completely unreadable.
"And?" he pressed. Motoki looked over with a smirk.
"And tonight's the night," he said with a wink. To his delight, he watched as the color completely drained from Mamoru's face.
"Th-the night? What does that mean?" He stuttered slightly. Oh, this was fun.
"You know," Motoki finally turned to face him completely. "The night! After the gala, I'm going to take her back to my place for a little...fun time," he ended with another dramatic wink as he elbowed his friend suggestively.
"Fun time…" Mamoru breathed.
"Picture this," Motoki grinned, holding his hands up like a picture frame. "We get to my apartment, right? And I invite her inside for a glass of wine." Mamoru's face began turning a slight shade of green but Motoki continued. "I'm going to turn on some sexy music. Probably some old school R&B. You know girls love to get down to some bump and grind music, right?" Mamoru clutched his stomach as if he had just been sucker punched and looked away, his breathing coming out in short puffs as if he were about to hyperventilate. Almost there. "And just when we've both had a drink or two in us, I'm going to take her in my arms and kiss that little spot on her neck that make ladies melt. Then I'm going to-"
"I've got to go," Mamoru breathed, and Motoki watched as he took off, pushing past him in his rush to leave.
"But wait! I haven't gotten to the best part yet!" Motoki called after him. But he was completely ignored as Mamoru ran out of the park and out of sight.
Motoki smiled to himself as he pulled out his phone and shot a quick text to Minako. If that didn't do it, nothing would.
oOo
Minako grinned as she scrolled through the update from Motoki.
"What's up?" Usagi called out.
"Hm?" Minako looked up from her phone to her friend who was currently seated in the chair of a beautician. She quickly slid her phone into her back pocket with a shake of her head. "Oh, nothing." Then she pointed to a picture in the magazine they were currently thumbing through, changing the subject before she was questioned further. "This one. I think this would go perfect with your dress."
"Yeah? What do you think, Makoto?" She asked, showing their Amazonian friend the book.
"I agree. With the dress you showed me earlier and that hair, Motoki won't be able to keep his hands off of you," she said with a wink. And Minako couldn't help the smirk that immediately overtook her.
Yeah. Motoki. Sure. You mean Mamoru! She chuckled to herself, gaining quizzical looks from her two friends. But she waved them off.
"It's just going to be a fun night," was her answer back.
oOo
Motoki stood at the entrance to the gala, pacing slightly. Leave it to Usagi to always be late. A limo caught his attention as it pulled up and he breathed a sigh of relief. He'd sent this same limo to pick her up, knowing how classy it looked and how "hoity-toity" it would make her feel. He smiled as he walked to the vehicle, opening the door for her. A perfectly manicured hand became visible from the limo and he accepted it, helping her out. His breath caught as she stood, and he was finally able to get a good look at her.
She was an image of breathtaking perfection; her dress, the perfect shade of pale pink, complemented the peach-colored, blushing tones of her smooth skin. The flowing chiffon gown molded perfectly to her body and dipped below her collarbone into an enticing, sweetheart-shaped neckline. The fabric ruched flatteringly along the front and emphasized her slim waist that was tightly cinched with a glittering, silver, jewel-encrusted belt that wrapped around her waist and twisted up along the seams of the dress into ribboned sleeves. It was perfect; like a masterpiece of billowing beauty that rippled alluringly along her hips and swept along the floor. Usagi was the picture of elegance; as if the dress had been specifically designed for her.
Her hair was completely pulled back into an elegant twist at the nape of her neck. Silken, blonde curls rippled down her back in glossy waves. Fringe-like bangs swept back over a tightly braided crown, with tiny tendrils curling along her temples.
Motoki gave her a light smile, one that she returned. "Usagi, you look beautiful," he said honestly. A blush crept across her cheeks and she looked him over. He knew he looked dashing in his tux. And by the smirk that graced her lips, she agreed.
"You look quite amazing yourself," she chuckled. He laughed in response and held out his arm. She took it as he gracefully led her into the building.
Classical music, like the music that played during her dance lesson, resounded in the elegant ballroom. The place cascaded in gold and silver and patrons glided magnificently across the dance floor to the music. Waiters moved around the room, flutes of champagne on their trays that they passed around.
Usagi took a deep shuddered breath and Motoki squeezed her arm in reassurance. "You got this, Usagi," he whispered. She looked up at him with a grateful smile and a small nodded.
But as they headed into the crowd, her nerves got the best of her and she tripped, sending her stumbling forward into a waiter and knocking down his tray of drinks. Motoki caught her before she hit the ground, helping her to stand back up quickly. But the clash of broken glass and champagne hitting the pristine floor drew the attention of everyone and they all turned to look at the newly arrived couple.
Usagi's face was one of horror and embarrassment as she apologized profusely to the waiter. Motoki helped the man up, before wrapping an arm protectively around his date and leading her away from the contemptuous eyes that sneered at her.
"Motoki, I'm so sorry," her voice cracked with the tears that glistened in her eyes. "I knew this was a bad idea."
Motoki smiled and turned her to face him, both hands on her shoulders. "Usagi, it's fine."
"Did you see everyone staring at me?" She ducked her head in shame.
"I saw them unable to take their eyes off of the beauty that had just walked in and made sure she had captured everyone's attention," he responded with a smile. The corners of her rosy-hued lips curled up into a small, grateful smile as she peered at him through her bangs.
"Thanks, 'Toki," she said, a pink blush tinting her cheeks.
Suddenly, a movement to their side caught their attention and they both looked to see Mamoru urgently pushing through the crowd toward them, Reika on his heels. Motoki tensed and dropped his hands from Usagi's shoulders, the movement not going unnoticed by her. She reached out and took his hand, bringing his attention back to her.
"I'm sure she just didn't want to come alone," she whispered encouragingly. He nodded, though didn't really feel as confident as she did.
What were they doing here together? Were they here as friends? Did they just not want to come alone, just like Usagi had said? Or had their plan backfired? Had he sent his best friend and his ex into each other's arms?
The thought made his stomach turn and he immediately felt sick.
"Usa," the deep baritone of Mamoru's voice sounded slightly panicked. They both frowned as they turned towards him. "Are you okay? I saw you almost fall," he asked, his tone low, steady, and tinged with concern.
"Yes," Usagi nodded. "I'm fine. Motoki caught me." She gave him a shy, flirty smile, no doubt for Reika and Mamoru's benefit. Motoki smiled back, his tensed posture relaxing a little.
Mamoru, on the other hand, took over the abrupt tenseness, his shoulders squaring as if he were collecting himself. Then, to his horror, Motoki watched as Reika moved to stand beside him and Mamoru's arm snaked its way around her waist. Reika smiled as she laid her head on his shoulder and looked at them.
"Usagi, you look simply gorgeous!" She said in an overtly exaggerated tone. It was so unlike Reika and Motoki's breath hitched in his throat.
"Thank you, Reika. So do you," Usagi replied politely, and Motoki silently couldn't help but agree. Because she did. Usagi was the image of beauty and innocence in pale pink, but Reika… God, Reika was pure enticing, perfection, dressed in a deep red gown that fit her tightly all the way down. A slit up the side ran all the way to her thigh. She took his breath away.
"You really look amazing, Usagi," Mamoru praised softly, and Motoki looked up just in time to see Mamoru eye his date up and down. With a frown, Reika elbowed him in the side while Usagi blushed. A bright shade of red becomingly blossomed on her cheeks, even more so than when he, himself, had complimented her.
"Th-thank you, Mamoru," Usagi whispered with a smile.
"Well," Reika said loudly. "This was fun." Her sarcastic tone didn't fool anyone. "Mamoru, let's go dance," she demanded, tugging on his arm. "Have a great time, you two," she exclaimed with a smile that was clearly fake as she led Mamoru away, and onto the dance floor.
Usagi turned back to him as he watched the pair disappear into the twirling couples on the dance floor. "Are you okay?" she asked thoughtfully. Motoki sighed, because he was, admittedly, torn between common-sense and unbidden jealousy that was prompting him to chase after them and rip Reika away from Mamoru. This was no time to get caught up in his own emotions, though. He had promised Usagi a fun time, and already the night was turning him into a liar. He wanted to lighten things up for her.
Looking down, he graced her with a small, reassuring smile. "I'm okay. Care to dance?" He asked, offering her his hand. She grinned brightly, a tentative smile curling onto her lips as she accepted.
"I turned out to be a pretty decent dancer, ya know," she joked with a light-hearted giggle.
"I know," he chuckled as he led her toward the middle of the room.
She stopped short and frowned up at him. "You know?" she asked, her tone tinged with confused suspicion. His heart skipped a nervous beat when he suddenly realized his mistake.
He cleared his throat and shook his head. "I just mean Mamoru told me," he clarified his lie with a smile.
Usagi's face paled considerably. "He...he told you?"
Again, Motoki realized his mistake, and he internally cursed his loose tongue, as he shook his head. Of course she would think that Mamoru had told him of their almost kiss.
"I just mean that he told me you weren't crushing his toes by the end of the night. That's all," he amended, and he hoped that he sounded more convincing than he felt.
He could tell she was mulling over it, when her shrewd expression softened. "Oh," she said and slowly began to head toward their destination. Motoki took a deep breath and followed. He had almost blown it.
oOo
The night had gone by without another hitch. Motoki's toes were fairly crushed, to Usagi's horror, but they still danced across the room. Usagi was immensely graceful as she talked with his colleagues and superiors and Motoki beamed with pride.
On a few occasions, Motoki had caught a certain tall someone watching them and he'd grin. It was almost as if Mamoru just couldn't help but stare.
But he couldn't say much. He'd caught himself a few times staring longingly at Reika. His eyes seemed to be drawn to her, his gaze, almost of its own accord, sliding the slender curve of her hips, the enticing tilt of her head. She was, after all, the love of his life. To be honest, as much as he needed this plan to work for his two best friends, he desperately needed this to work for him and Reika, too. He would do anything to get her back.
With that notion coursing through his head, he couldn't help the way his eyes sought her out again. He fixed his eyes on the strange couple across the room, only to catch Reika looking back at him. Before he could give her a soft smile, she quickly turned back to Mamoru, and wrapped her arms securely around his neck pressing her body seductively against his.
Even as Mamoru looked at Reika like she was crazy, Motoki couldn't help how his blood immediately began to boil. He turned back to Usagi and lightly grasped her elbow, drawing her attention away from the older gentleman she was politely conversing with. She looked up at him with a frown of confusion.
"Everything okay?" she asked softly, seemingly concerned by the look on his face.
"Dance with me," he said through gritted teeth and he didn't give her time to reply as he dragged her out onto the dance floor. She dropped her champagne flute on a passing waiter's tray as she passed him. As Motoki swooped her around and pulled her ungracefully into his arms, she let out a slight "oomph".
"Motoki, what is going on?" she hissed. But he didn't answer. Instead, he pulled her tightly against him. "Motoki, talk to me," she demanded. He turned her just slightly, allowing her to see the couple behind him. Motoki watched as her face contorted into one of shock and... was that a little anger he'd seen flash across her face? "Why is she all over him!?" She spat.
Usagi's furiously whispered exclamation only served to enrage Motoki even more. Because it wasn't just him. Usagi had noticed, too. At that moment, it didn't matter that this had been his plan all along. That his scheming with Minako had been to push their friends closer together. He'd known that there was going to be jealousy. He just hadn't counted on his own jealousy.
And he was jealous. There was no doubt about that. Because… damn. He missed her.
He should have pulled Usa off of that dance floor. Maybe out onto the terrace where he could get some air. Take a moment, clear his mind, regroup before jumping back into the fray and playing out the rest of this ridiculous plan until the bitter end. That isn't what he did, though, and what happened next was purely born from hazy emotions that were a mixture of regret, anger, and jealousy. Because he suddenly wanted to make Reika jealous too.
He swirled Usagi onto the dance floor, and he only distinctly heard her gasp of dismay as she faltered a little, tripping into him because his gaze was firmly locked onto Reika's face. A small part of him relished the way her eyes narrowed on them, and her lips pursed in irritation, a beautiful pink tinge blossoming on her cheeks.
It was bothering her too. She wasn't unaffected by this, either.
He tightened his arms around Usagi, and his hands admittedly dipped a little lower than they should have, resting on the curve of her hips as they suddenly stopped dancing. Usagi's back was facing Mamoru and Reika, which provided him with a perfect, unobstructed view of the expression contorting Reika's face. She looked as angry as he felt.
It stopped him in his tracks, and his heart skipped a beat as he exhaled deeply. He hated this. He felt more than ready to drop this facade and go to her and explain everything. The corners of his lips began to quirk upwards into an apologetic smile, when suddenly Reika swiveled around, pressed her lithe form firmly against a shocked Mamoru, then propelled herself onto the tips of her toes and curled slender arms around his neck.
If there was a reasonable thought left in Motoki's head - like the fact that she was clearly just trying to get to him- it completely dissipated at the sight of the girl he loved in someone else's arms.
His arms must have involuntarily tightened around Usagi in his anger, because he was vaguely aware of her inhaling sharply, sucking in a pained breath. "Motoki! You're hurting me!" she hissed.
His hold loosened and he opened his mouth to apologize. But then Reika's face was only inches away from Mamoru's. If he'd bothered to look closer, he probably would have noted the horror on Mamoru's face, and how his raven-haired friend's eyes were firmly glued onto them. But, as it stood, he didn't take his eyes off of Reika, as he tensed, then did something really stupid.
He leaned forward, dumbly about to kiss his blonde-haired friend. He was stupid, so stupid, but he felt desperate, too.
Usagi's eyes widened, confused at first, until she realized what he was about to do. "'Toki! What are you doing?" she whispered sharply, in disbelief, but he barely heard her. His eyes on Reika who'd stopped her attack on Mamoru and was watching them.
He leaned in a little closer, until finally, Usagi had reached her limit as she angrily ripped herself out of his arms. 'Stop, Motoki!" she yelled, finally managing to get his attention.
He wasn't the only one whose attention she'd managed to gain, which was imminently clear as Mamoru pulled away from Reika, his movements filled with purpose as he angrily strode towards them before he roughly shoved Motoki hard.
"Get your fucking hands off her!" He growled, his tone filled with fury. Motoki's eyes widened, and though he should have known better, the sight of Reika's arms curled around his neck was still burned into the forefront of his mind and it spurred his anger again.
"How about you keep your hands off of my girlfriend," he retorted just as harshly, shoving Mamoru back a few steps. Mamoru, muscles coiled in preparation of a fight, took another step towards Motoki. He was intercepted by Reika that stomped in between them, her voice spitting with rage.
"Your girlfriend? That's a laugh! And what do you even care who touches me? You're the one planning on going heels up with Usagi tonight!"
"That's it!" Usagi screamed, and everyone in the ballroom was once again focused on her. "This has gone on way too far! You," she pointed at Motoki, "are being an asshole right now! This is not the Motoki I know. And you," she swung her finger on Reika, "are the stupidest woman I have ever met!"
"Excuse me?" Reika stuttered, taken aback by Usagi's sudden outburst.
"You really think this man is capable of sleeping with someone that's not you?" She hissed in disbelief and pointed back at Motoki but didn't take her eyes off Reika. "That he's capable of ever getting over you? You're an idiot!" She exclaimed, stomping her foot, and she was completely lost in her rant, unaware of her surroundings. "This whole thing was an elaborate scheme we concocted to bring the two of you back together! To show you that you belong together. That it's not over for him. That it will never be over for him. You are the love of his life and he's willing to do anything to get you back. Even if it means using me to do it!" The varying looks of shock on the people surrounding them was almost comical.
Usagi wasn't done though, "And believe me, I was very willing to do this because even I could see that you two deserve each other! So, unless it's the two of you 'going heels up' tonight, no one is sleeping with anyone!"
It was only then that Usagi noticed that the whole ballroom had gone completely silent. You probably could have heard a pin drop if not for the sound of soft music that still played in the background. They all looked around to see everybody staring at the four of them and the scene they were causing.
Usagi gasped in horror. "Oh my God," she whispered, grasping her cheeks in embarrassment. Motoki swallowed past the lump in his throat while Reika turned a bright red and Mamoru looked around the room. "Oh my God," Usagi hissed a bit louder before she took off, a whir of gold hair and pink fabric, as she flew towards the balcony and out through the door.
Mamoru stared in her direction, hesitating for only a brief moment, before tearing after her. Motoki took a deep breath and turned back to Reika, who was staring at him, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Was...was all that true?" Reika stammered, and his breath hitched in his throat as a tear trickled down her cheek. Still stunned from Usagi's outburst, Motoki nodded slowly.
"I love you, Reika. I never stopped," he said gently, the confession rolling off his tongue with ease.
She stared transfixed on him for a moment before throwing herself at him, wrapping her arms about his neck, and pulling his lips to hers. He immediately pulled her closer to him, his arms encircling her waist. When she pulled away, a giant smile had taken over her previous angry expression.
"I love you too, Motoki. I missed you so much!" And she kissed him again. This time, he lifted her just slightly and grinned into her lips as the crowd around them gave a soft applause at the show.
oOo
Mamoru took a step onto the balcony, finding Usagi leaned against the railing, looking out. He silently closed the door behind him and made his way to stand next to her. She didn't even flinch and he knew she'd probably known the second he opened that door.
"I just made a complete fool of myself," she said softly as she gazed over the city.
Mamoru chuckled gently. "You certainly gained everyone's attention," he admitted, and they stood in silence for a few moments before he spoke again. "Was all of that true? The relationship with Motoki. It was all fake?"
Usagi nodded. "Yeah. He wanted Reika back so badly. He and Minako were the ones who originally came up with the plan for us to "date" but when I found out about it, I had to go along. I had to help him. They deserve to be together. Everyone deserves to be with the one they love."
Mamoru's heart stopped as his gaze slid over her slender form bathed beautifully in the soft glow of the moonlight. Everyone? Did everyone really deserve to be with the one they loved? Even him?
"It really is beautiful, isn't it?" She murmured, the lilting tone of her voice barely above a whisper. She was clearly talking about the Tokyo skyline. But he couldn't tear his eyes away from the beauty before him.
"Yeah. Beautiful," he replied softly, the tone in his voice finally managing to pull her gaze onto him. She flushed a bright red with the realization that they were not talking about the same thing. With a half-smirk, he held out his hand. "Dance with me," he said. She stared at his hand, only hesitating for a moment, before taking it and allowing him to lead her onto the middle of the balcony.
The butterflies in his stomach flipped and spun as he pulled her into his arms, but he kept his demeanor cool. They could hear the music in the ballroom through the glass windows of the balcony and together, they moved across their own personal dance floor. Her eyes were locked onto his, like they were in the arcade only the night before. But this time, he didn't have to hold back. He couldn't hold back.
Before the song even ended, he dipped his head, touching his lips gently to hers. He could feel her smile against his lips and she pulled her hand out of his and curled her arm around his neck, deepening their kiss. His arms moved of their own accord, encircling her waist and pulling her flush against him. Her fingers intertwined in the hair at the nape of his neck and it only made him want her that much more.
He finally pulled away and looked down into her shining blue eyes. He had to take a chance. "Usako," he began softly. "I'm in love with you. I always have been. It just took you dating my best friend for me to see it. I'm sorry I've been a jerk. I didn't know how to handle my feelings and I was an idiot."
Tears glistened in her eyes as she smiled up at him. "I love you too, Mamo-chan," she said, and he rushed her deliciously inviting lips again.
He couldn't believe what was happening. She was his and he was hers. He finally understood the emotions that ran through him whenever he saw her; understood the reasons why he always seemed to look for her around every corner and run into her whenever possible. He loved her. And she loved him back.
Suddenly, she pushed away, frowning up at him. "Wait a minute. You didn't know you loved me until I started dating Motoki?" she asked skeptically. He blinked in surprise.
"Yeah...seeing you two together...I couldn't handle it. And after a while, I finally figured out why," he replied nervously. He watched in confusion as her eyes drifted to his chest and the wheels turned in her head, her mouth slightly agape as she pondered something.
Finally, her mouth closed and her face moved from one of confusion to one of resolve. Very slowly, her head turned to look at the glass windows separating them from the ballroom. He followed her gaze to see Motoki watching them with a big smile, Reika on his arm. A huff to his side brought his attention back to Usagi in time to see her crook a finger at their friend, beckoning him to them.
What the hell was going on?!
Motoki opened the door and led Reika toward them, a grin plastered on his face. Usagi pulled away, leaving the comfort of his arms to charge their blond friend. And he immediately missed her in his grasp.
Motoki released Reika, taking a few steps forward to face the onslaught he was about to receive on his own. Mamoru and Reika watched in silent confusion as Motoki crossed his arms and took a deep breath. Usagi ran up, shoving Motoki lightly with both hands. He laughed as the push sent him back a few steps.
"Reika wasn't your plan at all, was she?" Usagi yelled, her fists balled up at her sides. "It was me and Mamoru the whole time, wasn't it?" Motoki only grinned. "Of course it was. This plan reeks of Minako, too. The whole thing was her idea, wasn't it?"
Without a word, Motoki pulled out his phone, scrolled through for a minute, and held it up for her to see. It was a text from Minako: Did it work? Are they kissing yet? Are they in love? Tell me what's happening!
Usagi's mouth dropped opened in astonishment and Motoki roared with laughter. Mamoru and Reika looked at each other, finally understanding what was happening.
"You asshole!" Usagi yelled, hitting Motoki in the chest. Motoki laughed again.
"Calm down, Usagi!" He chuckled. "Yes, the plan was originally meant for you and Mamoru. We both knew you needed to be together. It was plainly obvious your feelings for one another. Well, obvious to everyone except the two of you," he said, throwing a knowing look to Mamoru before turning his attention back to Usagi. "It was actually your idea to make this about Reika. And I'm so glad you did." He looked over his shoulder to the girl he loved. "She is so very important to me and I needed her back. I love her," he said with a soft smile. She smiled in return. He looked back to Usagi. "I have you to thank you for reuniting us. I'm forever in your debt."
Usagi blushed slightly, a smile finally creeping onto her face. With a soft glance at Mamoru, he came to her side, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Consider the debt repaid," she said with a wink and a soft giggle. Motoki smiled and with a flip of a hand, beckoned Reika to his side. "I'm sorry if we hurt you, Reika," Usagi said sincerely. But Reika only shook her head.
"Thank you for helping me see that what I needed was Motoki. I was so depressed when we broke up. I need him in my life. And you gave that to me. Just...just don't date him ever again, okay?" she joked seriously. Usagi laughed.
"Deal."
"Well," Motoki sighed. "I supposed I should message Minako and let her know what's going on," he said as he held up his phone. But Usagi reached out, pushing his hand back down.
"Don't. Let her sweat a little," she said, throwing Motoki a wink. Motoki only laughed and slipped the phone back into his pocket. Without a word, he led Reika away and back into the ballroom.
Once again alone, she turned back to Mamoru, wrapping her arms around his neck again.
"Do you regret dating my best friend?" Mamoru said with a grin.
"Not for a second. It brought me to you," she said sincerely before pushing herself up on her tiptoes and crushing her lips to his again. He tightened his grip on her waist, pulling her as close against him as possible. And he had no intention of letting her go.
THE END
Thank you for stick around until the end and being super duper patient with me during my surgery recovery crap! I really hope you like the fluffy ending. Please let me know what you think!
And thank you so much to Beej88 and Revy679 for also sticking with me, pushing me to finish it, being amazing bae-tas, and of course, being the best ladies and friends a girl can ask for!
I've already got other things in the works so stay tuned for something new! Also, I've got a few Hot and Heavy Chronicles chapters I'm working on. So, there will be something new posted there as well. Can't wait to see you guys again! Until next time!