Good day everyone.
I hope you all feel well. I'm actually sort of sad that I haven't been receiving a lot of reviews, not that I think I should be getting a lot. But the truth is, getting those reviews really helps me develop more and understand what my readers are thinking and hoping to happen in this story.
But anyways, I'm still thankful to my readers who follow me and review the work.
Gabicg93: LOL, thank you for your review. And I'm so glad that I have your loyalty. Enjoy this chapter.
Tryntee13: I know, I actually loved that last part myself too Enjoy this chapter and let me know what you think.
TropicalRemix: So to answer your question, yes. So apparently the word, Bancho means a juvenile gang leader (it's not used anymore in Japan, as far as my research tells me) but I thought, 'hey, why not use it,' so yes they are trying to lay low from the police. Let me know what you thought about the new chapter. Enjoy.
Buffy Fan: It's always super exciting to read your reviews my friend. So thank you, first of all, for another detailed post. I will get into how they met, eventually. But as you can tell so far in the story, I do a lot of back and forth in timing, a lot of flashbacks and such. So, it will happen; but I can't tell you when I actually quite like the OC's that I'd done in "Her Eyes" as well; so thank you for pointing that out And I might do that in this story as well. But the whole basis of the story is not going to be on OC's. I hope you understand the general plot better, as I post new chapters. Enjoy this one. Let me know your thoughts.
Julie: I KNOW...I loved the ending myself as well. And I think the rose is just so Mamoru. My husband doesn't like flowers that much, 'they are going to die soon and isn't that just so depressing?' he always tell me. So this plot was quite different from my own life:D:D:D Please let me know what you think of the new chapter.
Jewelzy: Thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoy this one as well.
Guest: Don't worry, I will definitely tell you how they met. But I doubt that is going to be a whole separate chapter. I tend to do a lot of flashbacks...so maybe like that Enjoy.
Enjoy everyone.
PS: This chapter has been edited by my awesome beta-reader, BrownB.
A week had passed since Usagi's release from the hospital. She had spent a few days at home, resting. And even though her most favorite subject in life was sleeping...well second to eating of course, she had found it frustrating to be in her mother's watchful care the whole time; not to mention the weird worried looks her father would throw her way every now and then, before she would catch his eye; and then a creepy smile would appear on his face, as if he was so happy that Usagi was isolated from the world and under their care all day. Even Shingo's sudden interest in her health and well-being was irritating. So, shockingly, she had announced that she was healthy enough to go back to school on Wednesday morning, as she suddenly appeared in her white and dark blue uniform in the kitchen. She was out the door before her parents could even utter any objection.
She walked slowly towards school, taking her everyday route from the park, cherishing the crisp weather and the gentle touch of the sun. Oh, how it felt nice to be out again! She felt alive and happy, even though a slight prickle of pain would make her wince every now and then. She was looking forward to seeing her friends, and knowing that she was going to meet with her four besties at Rei's after school, plastered a huge smile on her face. Motoki had classes all afternoon, so she wasn't going to see him anyways; there was no point in going to the arcade.
They had seen each other over the course of the past week. He had visited her at the hospital almost every day; after her parents would leave the premises, of course. He had also managed to stop by at their house two times; after Kenji would leave for work. They had spent their time in her room, looking at baby pictures of Usagi, eating the Daifukus her mother had made (much to Motoki's delight) and talking about their school lives and friends. Getting to know each other better was much easier when it was just the two of them, without the interruption of her nosy friends and his overflowing workplace. She had learned a lot about his school life and how he always wanted to be a businessman; just like his uncle, who was a co-owner of the arcade. He had also shared stories about his childhood and family members; and knowing that how his funny stories and antics would put her in a better mood, he had tried his best to turn every little narrative into a comedy show.
"He's a good young man," her mother had reflected once after Motoki had bowed respectfully, thanking her for her delicious treats and left.
"And cute too, wouldn't you agree, Usa-chan?" The glint and mischievousness in her blue eyes had made Usagi simultaneously blush and laugh out loud. "But don't tell your father I said that," Ikuko said after joining her daughter in her mirth.
And now Usagi was reflecting on her mother's comments about Motoki, a tiny smile nestled on her lips as she thought about all the small caresses and kisses they had shared in the privacy of her room. 'He is a good guy', she thought to herself, 'he is really really good', she sighed and looked up at the sky. So what was the problem then? Why didn't her heart jump every time Motoki touched her? Why couldn't she feel that aching need and desire when his lips had tasted every inch of her face?
She shook her head, 8:15 am was not the time to be thinking about that kind of stuff, it wasn't the time to remember the passion she had witnessed in his forest green eyes...and the flash of intense blue that had entered her mind immediately after... 'Stop it you baka,' she condemned herself.
She picked up her pace, even though, at least for today, she had a pretty good reason to give to Miss Haruna for her tardiness; her attendance wasn't even expected until next Monday.
She had just walked by that familiar water fountain while trying so hard not to look directly at the spot she had last spent her time with him when a flash of familiar golden head caught her attention.
Her long strides slowed down when she saw Mamoru's blond friend walking leisurely in front of her. He was wearing his school uniform and his school bag was tossed over one shoulder in a blasé gesture.
Usagi watched him go, as she remembered his taunting words towards Yoshiro. "He took us to the hospital," Minako had said to her for the hundredth time, rolling her eyes against Usagi's constant questions about the aftermath of her fall. "What happened after that? After we arrived at the hospital?" Usagi had demanded, mouth full of Makoto's rice pudding and eyes focused with curiosity. "Oh my God Usa-chan, how many times do I need to repeat? Then, the police came and took both Yoshiro-baka and blond-baka to the station for questioning," Minako cried out before snatching the bowl out of Usagi's hands and shoving down the remaining delight into her own mouth. "Minako-chaaaan, that's mine," Usagi had whined like a 5-year-old, earning a disappointing glare from Rei.
'I should thank him, right?' Usagi kept asking herself, as she decreased her speed to be able to walk a few steps behind him. 'He basically saved me from Yoshiro-baka and he also took me to the hospital, I should thank him.' She tried to pull her wits together, knowing that once they crossed the park, they would have to part ways.
"Excuse me, mmm, sir," she flinched, what was up with her voice? Did he even hear her? He stopped in his tracks and titled his head to the side; well apparently, he did.
His eyes widened a little when he recognized the tiny person behind him, but nonetheless, didn't say a word.
Usagi was at a loss, 'Well, now what baka? Say something,' she shook herself mentally. 'You don't go calling someone without anything to say.' Granted, she had done that many times to Ami, but still, this guy wasn't Ami; he didn't care whether she had something smart to say or not.
"Um, hi," she finally managed to say. She didn't expect him to greet her back, recognizing that smug look on his face from their previous encounters. "I...I wanted to thank you...you know, for what you did that day...I mean," she stammered, hoping desperately that he would at least say something after her gratitude; but he just stood there, stoic and mute. "Um...I heard that you took me to the hospital, and that...after you were questioned by the police...I'm sorry if you got into trouble, I can testify or something...I mean," her words trailed off when she heard his deep chuckling. Her eyes left the pavement to look up and witness his form shaking with laughter.
She narrowed her eyes at him, shocked that his only response to her was laughter, and annoyed that he seemed to be enjoying himself while doing so. "Why are you laughing?" she demanded, surprised at her own boldness.
He continued laughing for a little while before he shook his head and met her eyes, "I'm obviously laughing at you Babe," he smirked when he saw Usagi's eyes turn from annoyed to surprised. "Don't call me that," she retorted, perfect light eyebrows knitted and lips pouting a little. "Okay...little girl," he nodded seriously, but then erupted in another fit of laughter. "Don't call me that either," Usagi cried out, fisting her hand in an annoyed gesture, "my name is Tsukino Usagi," she educated him.
"That is such a long name," he purposefully whined, enjoying her company and the cute reactions she was giving him. "It's either Babe or Little Girl, so choose," he said with a mischievous grin.
Usagi let out a deep and aggravated sigh. "Jeez, what is up with you people and nicknames? Can't you just call me by my own name?" she almost muttered to herself and jumped in surprise when he replied back, "We can't, no," his eyebrows lifted up when his lips curled into another smirk.
"Aaaagh, moving on," she gestured with her unoccupied hand. "Anyways, I just wanted to thank you...so thank you," she said firmly, standing to her full height and pushing out her chest.
He didn't say anything, so Usagi considered walking past him and continuing her journey. It was getting late after all.
She took a few confident steps towards him and then right past him.
"He would have done the same thing you know," came his voice from behind, and her confidence disappeared. "What?" she turned around and faced him with uncertainty. He was looking at the sky, "Or even worse, I suppose." He looked down and met her confused stare.
"Who are you talking about?" she asked him with suspicion, dreading his answer.
He smirked again, a noticeable amusement in his eyes, "Who do you think, Babe?" He stretched out his arms above his head and held his bag with both hands behind his shoulders. "He's not that good of an actor, you know," his grin widened. "Or maybe he is, and I'm just that much smarter than him, well, and you...but I don't think there could be any comparison there, could it?"
Usagi's jaw dropped...literally dropped to the floor, and for a moment she didn't even notice how he had insulted her, nor did she care. "I don't know what you're talking about," she stumbled on her words, as her hand took a hold of one long pigtail absentmindedly and started playing with it.
He kept looking at her with that huge grin, knowing too well that his teasing might backfire at any time, "Oh, you don't? Well then that's weird..." his voice trailed off as he held his chin between his fingers and frowned with a fake wonder, "So who did he visit at the hospital then..." his eyes immediately looked up and met Usagi's gaping stare.
"He," Usagi gulped, "he visited me at the hospital? When?"
"I thought you said you didn't know whom I was talking about?" he taunted hurriedly; thoroughly enjoying her flushed face and annoyed look.
Usagi gritted her teeth in irritation before biting down her lower lip and looking away from him. "You're such a big jerk...just like him, always teasing, I don't know why I even bothered talking to you," she whirled around, ready to run full speed to school.
"Maybe because I saved your life and it was only polite to thank me...you know...for saving your life?" he emphasized with sarcasm. "Well, and the fact that I'm also irresistible to talk to," he continued and instantly laughed out loud at Usagi's twisted little face.
"Arrrrgh...your just so...you're so infuriating," she shouted, taking a glance at her wristwatch, "and now I'm going to be late."
"So, does that mean you don't want to know about his visit then?" he started walking towards her.
Usagi stubbornly shifted her head to the other side. "No, I don't."
"Okay," he stopped in front of her and for the first time, gave Usagi a real smile...not that stupid smirk that was always huddled up on his face, nor the mocking grin she had seen a few times...this was a real genuine smile, and Usagi was lost at words for a moment. "I guess you can always get those details from him later," then the smile was gone, replaced by yet another obnoxious smirk.
And this time she knew she had to run to school. Because she could no longer hide the intense blush that colored her cheeks.
"You can tell your boyfriend to back off now...I don't think I want to go near you anyways," Yoshiro's harsh voice startled Usagi and she gasped before turning to his direction.
She was waiting outside for her friends to join her for lunch. She hadn't expected to see him that early after their last encounter. She had heard from Minako that he was taken to the police station, but they had to let him go. He had pushed her out of total reflex and she was aware of that fact better than anyone else. But still, she didn't want to see him, alone, anymore.
"It's not like it was my fault," he continued after seeing the confusion on her face, "you just jumped out of nowhere and..."
"I've already told everyone that it wasn't your fault," she cut him short. Her eyes darting around to see if Makoto was near; she didn't need to see him kicking and screaming one more time.
"Well, apparently, he doesn't quite get it. Tell him again, I don't want to meet his violence again," he spat and then turned to walk away, giving Usagi a chance to glance at the side of his face that was darkened by a cruel bruise. She couldn't remember him being punched in the face by Mamoru's friend. Her eyes widened with the implication.
"Motoki is not violent," she cried, patting her back internally for understanding the fact early on.
He turned slowly, facing her once more.
"I'm not talking about him." And with that, he left.
Usagi was walking slowly towards her house. She had parted ways with Makoto and Minako a few blocks away. There was still a good half an hour till sunset and the sky was rainbowed with colors. Hints of pink and orange adorned the cloudless sky and Usagi couldn't be more thankful; she would definitely be able to say goodnight to the moon tonight.
She was walking with her head tilted towards the sky, saying hello to those tiny little stars that were yawning their wake up and the faint shadow of the moon...her most favorite sight in the night sky.
A tiny smile was curled up on her lips...a smile that was instantly gone when she looked ahead and saw him a few meters ahead, half seated on the fence of a house, legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. He was looking directly at her; the same stoic expression displayed on his handsome face.
Usagi's steps faltered and she came to a stop. She was no longer dangling her school bag on her right arm; her body had become very still, only the steady rise and fall of her breathing. She watched him with suspicion, wondering why he would block her way on a busy street; and... well maybe he wasn't. She gulped; that was probably it. He was just there, he wasn't there to see her. He was just there.
With that in mind, Usagi started walking again; slowly. Every step bringing her closer to him, and his eyes never left hers. She blushed and finally downcast her stare. His midnight blue orbs were just too fucking intense.
She was on the verge of taking one final step that would bring her right in front of him when he stood up full height and buried his hands in his pockets. The small movement made Usagi jump out of her skin. She was sure that he wasn't going to speak to her or notice her for that matter.
"I see that you're okay," his deep voice surprised her more than anything else. She looked at him for a second before looking around in confusion. "What?" she asked dumbly.
Now that she was this close to him, she could see that his eyes didn't hold their usual sarcasm and mockery. He still looked impassive like always...but there was just something different about him. She could also see the faint lip split on the corner of his mouth that looked dry enough for her to know that it wasn't a new scar.
"You went to school, so you must be feeling better," he said again, staring at her and taking in her porcelain face and confused baby blue eyes.
"Are you speaking to me?" Usagi asked, dumbly again, not sure of what to say to his statement and still surprised by his changed behavior.
He narrowed his eyes for a second and...there it was...that God-forsaken smirk. "Do you see anyone else around here Oda...?"
His voice trailed off, eyes darting up from her eyes to her hair; a little frown appearing on his face.
"Hah...you can't call me that today," Usagi taunted, lightly touching her long braid.
"And don't call me that...like ever, anyways," she hissed and turned her head away from him. "And, yes, I do feel better," she continued with the same tone of voice.
She yelped a little, when his hand came up to touch the side of her hair braid, fingers brushing the twisted hairdo lightly. "What happened to your hair?" he asked softly, eyes focused on a spot between her neck and shoulder blade.
She closed her eyes, trying to still her frantic heartbeat; his light touch making it hard for her to breath.
"They shaved my hair around the wound, so I can't part my hair at the back right now," she explained in a low voice, cursing herself for doing so.
His hand stilled for a second. "Let me see," he said, borrows knitted together and eyes holding...was that concern in them? She wasn't sure.
Usagi took a tiny step to the side, making some space between the two of them. "There's nothing to see..." her voice trailed off when he grabbed her by the shoulder, as gently as his masculine hand allowed him, and turned her around, bringing the back of her head into his line of vision. "Hey, what are you doing?" Usagi spat and immediately shivered when his fingers touched around the wound.
Mamoru's hand lingered where it was for a mere second when he felt her cringe, and then tenderly parted her golden locks to have better access to the injury. It was still red and a little swollen, stitched perfectly and healing, golden locks shaved around the wound, like a skull of a newborn...soft and pink. "Does it still hurt?" he whispered and Usagi didn't know whether her heart missed a beat because of the question, or the way his voice delivered it.
"Umm, no...not that much," she mumbled. She went to turn around and face him when his arms enveloped her shoulders in a loose embrace. She gasped when her back was settled against his front; and then his lips were brushing the top of her head.
"What...what are you doing?" Usagi asked in an alert. She was flabbergasted, as her eyes frantically spun around the street, taking note of their not so private surroundings. "We're in the middle of the street," she continued, hands coming up to pull his away.
"You stupid girl," Mamoru murmured against her hair; she would have retaliated immediately, like every other time, if his voice hadn't held so much longing and passion. It seized her struggles to get out of his arms.
"What were you thinking? Jumping in the middle of a fight like that?" he asked her, pulling her deeper into his arms and burying his face in the crook of her neck.
"They were seriously hurting each other, and..." she whispered so only he could hear. Her eyes still jumping around, noticing a few people walking by, minding their own business, without a glance at their intimate situation.
"So you thought you could stop them by throwing yourself on top of him? You're what, 5'1" and probably 100 pounds? A little bunny like you can't get in the middle...shouldn't get in the middle," his lips brushed lightly against her neck and just like that, she was snapped out of her haze.
She pushed herself away from him, finally whirling around and facing him. "Don't do that..." she looked up at him with a deep frown, "I have a boyfriend, you can't just do stuff like that anymore," she sighed and looked away. "I know you came to the hospital," she continued after a short silence, "I just don't know when...because I surely don't remember seeing you there," she looked back at him.
His eyes averted to the end of the street, at the few cars that were waiting for the red light and two or three pedestrians crossing the road. "The head nurse is a family friend, she let me visit after hours," he responded shortly, not getting into details.
Usgai's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "When, exactly?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Yes, it does. It just feels so creepy not knowing when you were there..." She narrowed her eyes once more. "You didn't sneak into my room when I was in the shower or anything, did you?" His lips turned up into a devilish smirk and her eyes bulged out, "YOU DID...YOU JERK...YOU PERVERT!"
"Calm down, I didn't." He gestured with his hand for her to calm down. "Although, that would have been an excellent idea," he mused and grinned when her face turned crimson.
"You are such a jerk Mamoru-baka," she hissed and turned away to start walking again. But then something clicked in her mind and she titled her head to look at him. "You...you left me that Rose, didn't you?" Her face held a surprise and sheer understanding. Why hadn't she thought of that all day? Ever since his friend told her about his mystery visit...She had asked Motoki and her parents, and it was none of their doings. So...
"You came to my room in the middle of the night?" she almost whispered, trying to dig into her mind and grasp any memory she might have had of his visit.
He simply nodded and then took a glance at his wristwatch. "Come on," he said, "it's getting late. I'll walk you home." He started walking at the direction of her house, stopping midway to glance back at her. "Are you coming?" he asked, looking over her stalled and mesmerized form. His lips curled up into a knowing smile when her legs dragged her alongside him and she started walking by his side, almost unconsciously.
"Get some rest ex-odango, you look pale," Mamoru said when they reached near her house.
Usagi huffed at the nickname and touched her braid. "What's up with you and nicknames?" she shook her head in disapproval, which earned a chuckle from him.
"Get inside," he said and then turned to leave.
"Wait!" Usagi almost yelled behind him and her voice surprised her more than him.
He stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look at her.
"I know what you did to Yoshiro," she finally spoke the words that were swimming around her head ever since Yoshiro had approached her. "And I...I mean, I guess I should thank you," she averted her eyes to the side, no longer able to stare back at those waiting eyes. "But you should know that you don't need to go around threatening people for me...I'm not your responsibility Mamoru." The last few words came out like a tiny drop of water, transforming into small fists that punched Mamoru right in his gut. His whole body stiffen, as he stood there silent.
"I'm grateful that you're looking after me, and I'm also grateful for your friend...umm...I don't even know his name."
"Daiki."
Usagi looked back at Mamoru and blinked. His head was turned away from her and she couldn't see his face anymore.
"Daiki, yes...but Yoshiro-baka is just an idiot who thinks so much of himself. And besides, if he tries anything, I'm sure Motok..."
"Got it," his response came, harsh and cold, and Usagi's sentence was abruptly cut short.
"Good night." And then he walked away.
Usagi stood a few feet away from her house, looking at his silhouette against the darkness. What just happened? She was in the middle of a freaking speech...he was such a jerk.
She went inside and was greeted with the mouth-watering smell of her mother's famous ramen and the faint smell of Kenji's minted pipe.
Her mind drifted back to her recent encounter with Mamoru as she remembered his smallest antics.
He hadn't smoked once.
The girls were scattered around Rei's room, giggling and talking all at the same time. Makoto was perched on her bed, while Ami was sitting beside the turned off kotatsu, her face buried in a heavy looking chemistry book. Minako was busy curling Usagi's hair, and failing miserably as her hair was like strands of silk; too soft to be molded in any way.
"Ah, Usa-chan, this is hopeless. I think you need to do something else. This is like cat hair," Minako hissed while pulling a handful of her hair and spraying it.
"Owww, Minako-chan, don't pull too hard," Usagi whined and took a hold of the roots. "It's not my hair, it's your inability to do curls," she spat and stuck her tongue out at Minako through the mirror.
"Does she really need curls? Why can't she just have those stupid buns again?" Rei sighed and ignored Usagi's narrowed eyes at her.
"No...we're going out, with college students...we have to look our best," Minako said with a groan and attempted to use her own saliva to stick Usagi's hair together.
"Eewwww, MINAKO, DON'T YOU DARE," Usagi yelled at the top of her lungs and jumped from her seat.
"Come on Usa-chan, don't you wanna look hot for your date?" Minako cooed and gave a little sly smile. Her own hair was cascading her back, all bright sunlight and shiny. She didn't stand a chance to convince Rei or Makoto to their hairs, and Ami's hair was just too short to do anything with. Her only resource of practice was Usagi. And now she was being difficult.
"It's not a date, you guys are coming too. Besides, Motoki's friends are gonna be there too," Usagi spat irritated while trying to smooth out her half curly hair.
"I'm so excited..." came Makoto's voice from the bed. "I bet his friends are also hot," she beamed with enthusiasm while sitting up and hugging Rei's pillow.
"Please don't pretend that my pillow is one of them," Rei begged her, remembering all those times where Makoto would exercise her kissing abilities with that same pillow.
"Where are we going again?" Ami asked, without looking up from her book. She really didn't care where they were going, so long as she could hang out with the four of them, and be home at curfew.
"One of Motoki's friends is opening up a restaurant, and he invited all of us for the grand opening," Minako said before anyone else. Her eyes were sparkling with joy. Her short orange and light blue dress flared around her slender form as she whirled around once and clapped her hands happily. "We're going to meet so many new people!" she shouted with happiness. "So many new, hot, male people!" She clapped her hands together again.
The other occupants of the room looked at one another with raised eyebrows, before they too erupted into high-pitched laughter.
The main entrance of the restaurant seemed simple and maybe a little ghetto at first sight. But once inside, the interior design spoke of its owner's unique style and immaculate taste. The small hallway was covered with contemporary paintings from ceiling to the floor; all in different sizes and colors. The sitting space wasn't spacious, big enough to fit 30 to 35 round tables and a small bar on the right-hand side. The modern chandeliers shone with dimmed light, giving a gothic mood to the whole place. The tables were in different styles as well, although consistent in their shape. Motoki led the girls to one of the tables in the middle, around, raw wood table which gathered eight ghost chairs around it. They all settled at the table, with Usagi seated between Motoki and Minako. Unazuki sat across from her, while Motoki's friend, Hachiro sat beside her, deep in conversation with Makoto on his other side.
Usagi was truly mesmerized. She looked at her surroundings with awe. Taking note of all the little details that was around the spectacular restaurant, hoping that its food held the same luxury and taste.
"Do you like it?" came Motoki's voice from beside her, and she tilted her head to look at him with a huge smile. "I love it," she beamed and he smiled back at her. "This place looks great," she continued while her eyes roamed around the room once more.
"I'm glad you liked it, Saburo-san really slaved for this place," Motoki said while looking around himself. "I wasn't expecting this much lavishness to be honest," he whispered against her ear, earning a giggle from her.
"Hey Motoki-kun, glad you could make it," a tall guy approached their table. His dark brown hair was tied into a high ponytail and his brown eyes seemed sharp and astute. Motoki and Hachiro stood up and bowed a little in greeting, holding their hands to shake the newcomers'.
"Oh, and I see you've brought eyefuls with you...my-my," he almost cooed and flashed a smile at the young girls. Ami turned red almost immediately, averting her pale blue eyes away from him, while Minako, Makoto and Unazuki flashed him their most adoring smiles. Rei didn't even look up at him, too focused on her tea. Usagi's eyes went back and forth between him and her boyfriend before Motoki caught her eye and smiled at her.
"Ne, Saburo-san, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Tsukino Usagi, and this," his hand left Usagi's shoulder and gestured towards Unazuki, "is my sister, Unazuki."
The tall man greeted both girls with a polite smile and a little bow of his head, while they too stood up from their seats and bowed in return. "Konbanwa," they said.
"And who may I ask these lovely ladies are," he gestured towards the other occupants of the table, his eyebrows rose with amusement.
"These are my friends," Usagi said in a polite manner, suddenly finding this young man's presence a little intimidating.
After what it seemed like forever for all her friends to introduce themselves, and fawn over Saburo for a while, he nodded his head towards Motoki, "Well, enjoy yourselves, and please let me know what you thought of our food. I'll try to come and check on you again," and with another small nod, he went away.
Their group mingled in small talk immediately after. Minako and Makoto started talking about Saburo-san's level of hotness with Unazuki, while Rei smirked at their antics with knowing eyes. Ami was caught off guard when Hachiro cornered her and started to talk to her. She was beet red again, and she seemed pretty uncomfortable. She glanced around the table, hoping to catch someone's eye for a way out.
"Want to get some fresh air?" Motoki whispered against Usagi's ear and she nodded her agreement.
They left the table and walked across the restaurant, hand in hand, while Motoki led her to the giant glass doors on the other side of the establishment and into the massive patio.
"Wow," Usagi said with awe and astonish. "What a great balcony!" She looked around the space. Comfy looking dark furniture was placed around the patio, with small tables beside them, ashtrays and candles organized on each of them. "And what a pretty view," she focused her eyes on the small park right in front of the patio. Tall trees and tiny little lights shining through them. She stood at the wooden railing and put her hands on top of it, staring out at the park.
Motoki stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and bringing her closer to himself. She smiled and closed her eyes, relaxing into his warmth. The collar of her long-sleeved shirt was loose enough to expose a tiny part of her shoulder deliciously while keeping her guarded against the light spring breeze. Motoki brushed his lips against her hair before his head dipped down and nuzzled the junction between her neck and shoulder; one hand coming up to push down the shirt a little bit more; a little bit more of her silky skin uncovered. The memory of his lips, touching the same spot only a few days ago entered Usagi's mind and her eyes snapped open. She felt herself going tense. "What's wrong?" Motoki mumbled against her skin, his warm breath tingling the spot.
"Nothing," she whispered back, but she was totally distracted now, no longer able to savor his caresses. 'Damn him,' she thought to herself, before her hands wrapped around Motoki's biceps and she tried to pry them off herself gently. "We better go back inside," she muttered, unable to be alone with him at that moment. Her whole mind was invaded by images of Mamoru, and she was feeling sick to her stomach.
"But I want to hold you a little longer," he cooed and tightened his arms around her, "you smell so good." He breathed her scent audibly and it sent shivers down her spine; both in pleasure and guilt. "I want you so much Usa," his husky voice was nothing new to her ears, as he had whispered loving words to her before. It was the nature of those words itself that took her breath away... "he can expect so much more from you...so much more that you're not ready for Odango" he had said to her that night, in front of her house; after seeing her with Motoki.
Was she ready for this? What did Motoki mean by that? Wanting her? She felt stupid for a minute. She might have been a virgin, but she wasn't that naïve about the adult world. And who was she kidding; up until a few months ago, she had had passionate make out sessions with a guy who wasn't even her boyfriend. She had let him touch her, caress her in any way he pleased. And now suddenly she doubted whether or not she should allow her boyfriend to do the same? What was wrong with her?
"Are you okay?" Motoki leaned back and watched the side of her face. "What are you thinking about?" His fingers brushed a few loose strands away from her face.
"I'm okay, I was just..."
"Hey lovebirds, the food is going to disappear if you don't hurry," Minako's loud shriek pierced through their ears.
Motoki's head fell on Usagi's shoulder in defeat as he let out an annoyed chuckle. "Guess we have to go back inside," he said, unwrapping his arms and taking her hand instead.
"Yes, I think that's a good idea." And as if on cue, her stomach growled, making its presence loud and clear. She put a hand on her flatness and blushed.
Motoki laughed well heartedly before ushering her back inside.
"So... should we go and congratulate our friend for his recent success?" Hisa grinned while casting a knowing stare at the boys in the front seat. She met Daiki's green orbs from the rear-view mirror and she smirked again recognizing the laughter and glint in his eyes.
They both turned their heads toward the other occupant of the car, waiting for his response. He had his head leaned against the head of the seat and his eyes were closed. He felt the heaviness of their gazes and peeked at them with one eye.
"So..." Hisa mused, "what do you say? Wanna have some fun with the Tanakas?" Her lips quirked up once more as she pushed her short bangs away from her eyes.
Mamoru watched them both for a while; he had trouble focusing his mind nowadays. And he was in desperate need of a good sleep.
"Why not?" came his reserved response.
Daiki's black Mazda drove in the direction of the new restaurant in town.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon and its fabulous characters in any way. I wish I did. But I don't. All the delightful rights of this wonderful manga/anime and its characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi.