Time for another chapter to my lovely story, and please note that it came out on time this week. :)
This is still a lemon (though I haven't been very graphic on my part lately, but I'll try to fit something in somewhere..) and a yuri, so please don't read if you hate that kind of stuff. ANd parents, please note it's noit my fault if your kids read this. I feel silly warning them to stop when I know perfectly well it's not gonna do any good.
I still don't own the characters, and this story is still dedicated to Steel. :)
And now for my first chapter that doesn't really fit the title :)
Chapter 10: I am a MAN!
By the end of the day, I'm wondering if I had made a mistake. At the time, suggesting Makoto dress up as a guy had been sort of a joke. A joke taken half seriously. From my dreams and memories, I recall that the princess of Jupiter had often been mistaken for a man, but could Makoto, who has tried so hard to be feminine for half her life ever reach that level of masculinity?
What if mom sees through her disguise? Then what would I do? How on earth could I explain that??
I was so worried, I was chewing my nails.
"Is something wrong, Mina-chan?" Usagi asks me, bringing me back to the present. It's after school, and before Mako-chan was scheduled to come over. She said she had something to do, something to prepare for this evening, but she didn't specify. This worried and intrigued me. To keep myself distracted, I agreed to go shopping with Usagi, again. Now she's peering at me, using her princess instincts to probe my inner being. I hate it when she gets like this, cause it's so hard not to fess up.
"Nothing!" I say, waving my arms in a 'everything is just peachy' manner.
She wrinkles her brow and sort of hmmms. I'm sweating under her gaze. "I dunno, Mina-chan, you've been acting very weird lately. Especially during that fight yesterday. Are you sure nothing's wrong?"
I slump. For a clumsy ditz, Usagi was very perceptive. I find myself wanting to tell her everything. Maybe having another girl's P.O.V. would help me. Artemis was no help. He fell asleep right after I started trying talking. He was STILL asleep in my hand bag, so I set it down as I turned to Usagi and started talking. At least as much as I could tell her without telling her everything.
"Usagi-chan, what does it mean when you kiss someone and they don't really have a reaction?" I ask.
Usagi brightens up. "Ooooooo Minako-chan, you kissed somebody!? Who is he?? Is he cute?? Do I know him!!"
I fend off her questians with a wave. "No, no, no, this is a totally hypthetical questian."
She scrunches her eyebrows, again. "Then why would you want to know?"
I sigh and try to be patiant. Sometimes she can be so exasperating! "I'm writing a lemon fanfic, and I need to know why the characters are acting the way they do."
Hmmmm, that was a pretty good excuse. I wonder where it came from.
"Oooh!" said Usagi, buying it. "Well, what exactly WAS the reaction?"
"Well... one kissed the other, and the other didn't say anything when they parted. She didn't seem mad, but she didn't seem overjoyed either...she was just.. there."
"Aaah," Usagi said like she'd figured out the meaning of life and found it quite pleasent. "That means she didn't really like it."
I want to cry. "Why do you say that??" I practically wail.
Usagi gives me a "well, duh!" look, like it was totally obvious. "Because if it was a TRUE lemon, the characters would be doing it right after the first kiss!"
I slump. Maybe the lemon idea hadn't been a good idea after all...
"Come to think of it, I think they'd be doing it even if they didn't like each other.."
Definitely not a good idea...
"The poor dear was probably in shock and didn't know how to react." Taylor said, popping in between us. Did I mention we were at the Neko Yum Yum?
Usagi shrieked and jumped, but I gave Taylor a hopeful look. "Do you really think so?"
She smiled me a reasurring smile, which also held a hint of wanting to jump me. "But of course, she gave me the impression of the skittish type. You justkeep at it and her will will bend to yours in time."
"I sure hope so.." I sigh, as Usagi kept glancing between me and Taylor all confused like.
"I'm good at writing lemons, Darling," Taylor winked at Usagi, before sauntering off, probably to the back room, unless she had another customer to harass..
I watched her leave, hoping that what she said was true, but knowing I had other things to worry about, like what ever's gonna happen tonight....
I'm still worrying as I pace back and forth, waiting for Makoto to show up. Finally the knock came, and I swung open the door, ready to yell at her for keeping me waiting. But instead of My Makoto on the porch, there stood a smashingly handsome young man, wearing a casual suit with his long brown hair pulled back in a low pony tail. I stare a moment, honestly not recognising her.
But then I see her eyes and know it's her.
"Mako-chan?? Is that really you?!" I step onto the stoop and circles her, my mouth agape.
"Yeah, it's me. Some job the Outers did on me huh? It's kind of scary."
"It's really impressive.. I actually think you might be able to fool Mom.." My worries have been put to rest, at least regarding that part. She's even talking a little more deeper than usual, and I think Haruka showed her how to hold herself like a guy. It was a very thourough job!
"Well, that's the point isn't it?"I nod, and remembering my manners, I show her inside and into the living room where my mother is sitting. Fortunately, Makoto had been pretty punctual, for mom hadn't been sitting there for very long.
"Five o'clock sharp. You're punctual. I like that." Mom says, as if hearing my thoughts. She stands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Aino-san."
I can hear Mako-chan's voice go even deeper. She even bows! I'm gonna have to thank Haruka when this is all over!
"Mother, this's my boyfriend Ki-.." I hesitate a second. Mom knows Kino Makoto, so it wouldn't do to introduce my boyfriend by that name. "Kuno," I say instead, thinking fast. Hopefully, mom didn't notice my hesitation... "Kuno Matoki."
"Pleased to meet you, young man. Please, sit down." Makoto moves over to the couch and sits on the end, leaning back with one arm out over the armrest. I sit beside her and am surprised when Makoto's
arm sudenely rests on my shoulders.
I jump and look at her. She just looks back. She doesn't move her arm, so I lean back into her slightly then feeling cheeky rests my hand on her knee. Hmm, I kind of like this... and Mom doesn't seem to mind either.
"So," she says. "How long have you two known each other?"
"About three years." Makoto replies, telling the truth. I nod approvingly.
"And how long have you two been a couple?" Mom is relentless with her questians.
"Only a short time." I answer.
"We didn't realize we were in love until recently." Makoto adds.
I started thinking this isn't so bad, but then Mom decides to kick me out.
"Minako-chan, would you please leave us alone for a few minutes? There are a few things I'd like to discuss with Kuno-san in private."
I sigh and stand. To my surprise, Makoto stands, too.Still playing the polite boyfriend, I see. Then an idea strikes me and I decide to take advantage of the pretend boyfriend situation. I give my "boyfriend" a parting kiss. One that was probably a bit too.. involved, at least in front of one's mother, but hey, I can't help it.
To my surprise, Makoto's lips part and she actually seems as into the kiss as I am. She even pulls me closer into her, and I wrapped my arms around her neck. Usagi's words come back to me about an upcoming sex scene, but I shake them off, remembering that was silly and had no basis in reality.
And I didn't really need a sex scene, cause Makoto's lips were damn good, just by themselves. I was reluctant to part from them, but I WAS kissing in front of my mother, so that kind of killed the mood a bit.
She reminds us that she's in the room, and we pull apart. "Minako-chan, that really isn't a proper thing to do, especially in front of your mother."
"Sorry Mother." I apologize, though I'm not sorry a bit. I even give Makoto another kiss before I finally head up the stairs.
Once I was in my room, I paced back and forth and chewed up more of my poor nails. Poor, poor nails...
Artemis is STILL no help. In fact he isn't even here. Probably off trying to woo Luna again... jerk.
I try to distract myself in other ways. Hmmm, maybe I should go online and feed my Neopets, they're probably dying by now..
Oh, forget it! I'll just go listen to their conversation. That's what I really want to do anyhow!
Quietly, I open my door and sneak over to the top of the stairs. Perfect, place to eavesdrop...
Unfortunately, the coversation is pretty boring.
"No, I do. I think a proper education is very important." I hear Makoto say.
"Then how will you balance two jobs AND your school work?" Mom's voice.
"I have friends that can help me with school. It will take a lot of hard work and a some time management juggling, but I'm sure I can do it."
Man, they sound like they're conducting a job interview!
"And now, what are your intentions toward Minako-chan?" mom asks, and I lean in closer. Now, we're getting interesting...
"I plan on marrying her, Aino-san. I love your daughter with all my heart, and I want to be with her for the rest of my life. I can't imagine my life without Aino Minako, and I don't want to. She makes me smile when I'm sad, and laughs with me when I'm happy. I share every aspect of my life with her and I want to continue to do so until we're both old and wrinkled. She means everything to me and then some. I never want to be without her. My heart and soul both belong to her. I miss her terribly when she's gone and rejoice when we're together. I.. I just couldn't take it if she moved to England. Being so far apart would rip my heart out. I NEED her Aino-san. I don't know if you can understand that, but my world revolves around her and my mental stability hinges on being with her. When I don't see her for a few days, I get morbid and depressed, but when we're together, I'm happy and content and feel fulfilled. I know it's crazy, and sounds a little obsessed, but I really am. I am absolutely obsessed with Aino Minako. She's filled an empty part of my life that I didn't know existed until I met her. I feel whole around her and I won't let that be taken away."
I finally pick up my jaw off the floor. Makoto felt all THAT for me??
No, wait, it couldn't be!
This is a job interview, for crying out loud! Makoto's just saying that cause that's what my mom wants to hear...
She couldn't possibly mean all that and still not have the courage to say it to my face. If she really did mean them, then why hadn't she told me? She just can say it to my mom, cause it isn't true...
My eyes fill with tears, and I rush to the bathroom. There I try desperately to keep myself from crying. But all that does is mess up my eye makeup.
I just reapplied the stupid mascara, (They call this waterproof?) when I heard my name called.
Moment of Truth time...
I quickly come down the stairs, and not very discreetly look from Makoto, to my mother and back again. I can't read either expression. "Is everything alright Mother?" I ask after I've sat down next to Makoto, again.
"Yes dear, everything's fine. After talking with this fine young man, I've decided to let you stay with him."
And then it was like a giant weight had been lifted off of me and I was incredibly happy. I even squeal and hug Makoto close.
But mom wasn't done yet.
"PROVIDED.. Provided you keep up your studies, even with a job. Is that understood?"
"Yes Mother." I nod. I know that living with Makoto will take some sacrifices on my part, but I feel that anything would be worth it.
"Good. Now upstairs with both of you. I've got to start dinner and your father will be home soon. You're welcome to stay and have dinner with us, Kuno-san."
"Thank you Aino-san, I would be honored." Makoto says politely, bowing again. The moment she's righted herself, I drag her up the stairs.
I still can't believe everything worked out allright, but my doubts about Makoto's words to my mother still lurked in the back of my mind....
End Chapter 10
This is still a lemon (though I haven't been very graphic on my part lately, but I'll try to fit something in somewhere..) and a yuri, so please don't read if you hate that kind of stuff. ANd parents, please note it's noit my fault if your kids read this. I feel silly warning them to stop when I know perfectly well it's not gonna do any good.
I still don't own the characters, and this story is still dedicated to Steel. :)
And now for my first chapter that doesn't really fit the title :)
Chapter 10: I am a MAN!
By the end of the day, I'm wondering if I had made a mistake. At the time, suggesting Makoto dress up as a guy had been sort of a joke. A joke taken half seriously. From my dreams and memories, I recall that the princess of Jupiter had often been mistaken for a man, but could Makoto, who has tried so hard to be feminine for half her life ever reach that level of masculinity?
What if mom sees through her disguise? Then what would I do? How on earth could I explain that??
I was so worried, I was chewing my nails.
"Is something wrong, Mina-chan?" Usagi asks me, bringing me back to the present. It's after school, and before Mako-chan was scheduled to come over. She said she had something to do, something to prepare for this evening, but she didn't specify. This worried and intrigued me. To keep myself distracted, I agreed to go shopping with Usagi, again. Now she's peering at me, using her princess instincts to probe my inner being. I hate it when she gets like this, cause it's so hard not to fess up.
"Nothing!" I say, waving my arms in a 'everything is just peachy' manner.
She wrinkles her brow and sort of hmmms. I'm sweating under her gaze. "I dunno, Mina-chan, you've been acting very weird lately. Especially during that fight yesterday. Are you sure nothing's wrong?"
I slump. For a clumsy ditz, Usagi was very perceptive. I find myself wanting to tell her everything. Maybe having another girl's P.O.V. would help me. Artemis was no help. He fell asleep right after I started trying talking. He was STILL asleep in my hand bag, so I set it down as I turned to Usagi and started talking. At least as much as I could tell her without telling her everything.
"Usagi-chan, what does it mean when you kiss someone and they don't really have a reaction?" I ask.
Usagi brightens up. "Ooooooo Minako-chan, you kissed somebody!? Who is he?? Is he cute?? Do I know him!!"
I fend off her questians with a wave. "No, no, no, this is a totally hypthetical questian."
She scrunches her eyebrows, again. "Then why would you want to know?"
I sigh and try to be patiant. Sometimes she can be so exasperating! "I'm writing a lemon fanfic, and I need to know why the characters are acting the way they do."
Hmmmm, that was a pretty good excuse. I wonder where it came from.
"Oooh!" said Usagi, buying it. "Well, what exactly WAS the reaction?"
"Well... one kissed the other, and the other didn't say anything when they parted. She didn't seem mad, but she didn't seem overjoyed either...she was just.. there."
"Aaah," Usagi said like she'd figured out the meaning of life and found it quite pleasent. "That means she didn't really like it."
I want to cry. "Why do you say that??" I practically wail.
Usagi gives me a "well, duh!" look, like it was totally obvious. "Because if it was a TRUE lemon, the characters would be doing it right after the first kiss!"
I slump. Maybe the lemon idea hadn't been a good idea after all...
"Come to think of it, I think they'd be doing it even if they didn't like each other.."
Definitely not a good idea...
"The poor dear was probably in shock and didn't know how to react." Taylor said, popping in between us. Did I mention we were at the Neko Yum Yum?
Usagi shrieked and jumped, but I gave Taylor a hopeful look. "Do you really think so?"
She smiled me a reasurring smile, which also held a hint of wanting to jump me. "But of course, she gave me the impression of the skittish type. You justkeep at it and her will will bend to yours in time."
"I sure hope so.." I sigh, as Usagi kept glancing between me and Taylor all confused like.
"I'm good at writing lemons, Darling," Taylor winked at Usagi, before sauntering off, probably to the back room, unless she had another customer to harass..
I watched her leave, hoping that what she said was true, but knowing I had other things to worry about, like what ever's gonna happen tonight....
I'm still worrying as I pace back and forth, waiting for Makoto to show up. Finally the knock came, and I swung open the door, ready to yell at her for keeping me waiting. But instead of My Makoto on the porch, there stood a smashingly handsome young man, wearing a casual suit with his long brown hair pulled back in a low pony tail. I stare a moment, honestly not recognising her.
But then I see her eyes and know it's her.
"Mako-chan?? Is that really you?!" I step onto the stoop and circles her, my mouth agape.
"Yeah, it's me. Some job the Outers did on me huh? It's kind of scary."
"It's really impressive.. I actually think you might be able to fool Mom.." My worries have been put to rest, at least regarding that part. She's even talking a little more deeper than usual, and I think Haruka showed her how to hold herself like a guy. It was a very thourough job!
"Well, that's the point isn't it?"I nod, and remembering my manners, I show her inside and into the living room where my mother is sitting. Fortunately, Makoto had been pretty punctual, for mom hadn't been sitting there for very long.
"Five o'clock sharp. You're punctual. I like that." Mom says, as if hearing my thoughts. She stands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Aino-san."
I can hear Mako-chan's voice go even deeper. She even bows! I'm gonna have to thank Haruka when this is all over!
"Mother, this's my boyfriend Ki-.." I hesitate a second. Mom knows Kino Makoto, so it wouldn't do to introduce my boyfriend by that name. "Kuno," I say instead, thinking fast. Hopefully, mom didn't notice my hesitation... "Kuno Matoki."
"Pleased to meet you, young man. Please, sit down." Makoto moves over to the couch and sits on the end, leaning back with one arm out over the armrest. I sit beside her and am surprised when Makoto's
arm sudenely rests on my shoulders.
I jump and look at her. She just looks back. She doesn't move her arm, so I lean back into her slightly then feeling cheeky rests my hand on her knee. Hmm, I kind of like this... and Mom doesn't seem to mind either.
"So," she says. "How long have you two known each other?"
"About three years." Makoto replies, telling the truth. I nod approvingly.
"And how long have you two been a couple?" Mom is relentless with her questians.
"Only a short time." I answer.
"We didn't realize we were in love until recently." Makoto adds.
I started thinking this isn't so bad, but then Mom decides to kick me out.
"Minako-chan, would you please leave us alone for a few minutes? There are a few things I'd like to discuss with Kuno-san in private."
I sigh and stand. To my surprise, Makoto stands, too.Still playing the polite boyfriend, I see. Then an idea strikes me and I decide to take advantage of the pretend boyfriend situation. I give my "boyfriend" a parting kiss. One that was probably a bit too.. involved, at least in front of one's mother, but hey, I can't help it.
To my surprise, Makoto's lips part and she actually seems as into the kiss as I am. She even pulls me closer into her, and I wrapped my arms around her neck. Usagi's words come back to me about an upcoming sex scene, but I shake them off, remembering that was silly and had no basis in reality.
And I didn't really need a sex scene, cause Makoto's lips were damn good, just by themselves. I was reluctant to part from them, but I WAS kissing in front of my mother, so that kind of killed the mood a bit.
She reminds us that she's in the room, and we pull apart. "Minako-chan, that really isn't a proper thing to do, especially in front of your mother."
"Sorry Mother." I apologize, though I'm not sorry a bit. I even give Makoto another kiss before I finally head up the stairs.
Once I was in my room, I paced back and forth and chewed up more of my poor nails. Poor, poor nails...
Artemis is STILL no help. In fact he isn't even here. Probably off trying to woo Luna again... jerk.
I try to distract myself in other ways. Hmmm, maybe I should go online and feed my Neopets, they're probably dying by now..
Oh, forget it! I'll just go listen to their conversation. That's what I really want to do anyhow!
Quietly, I open my door and sneak over to the top of the stairs. Perfect, place to eavesdrop...
Unfortunately, the coversation is pretty boring.
"No, I do. I think a proper education is very important." I hear Makoto say.
"Then how will you balance two jobs AND your school work?" Mom's voice.
"I have friends that can help me with school. It will take a lot of hard work and a some time management juggling, but I'm sure I can do it."
Man, they sound like they're conducting a job interview!
"And now, what are your intentions toward Minako-chan?" mom asks, and I lean in closer. Now, we're getting interesting...
"I plan on marrying her, Aino-san. I love your daughter with all my heart, and I want to be with her for the rest of my life. I can't imagine my life without Aino Minako, and I don't want to. She makes me smile when I'm sad, and laughs with me when I'm happy. I share every aspect of my life with her and I want to continue to do so until we're both old and wrinkled. She means everything to me and then some. I never want to be without her. My heart and soul both belong to her. I miss her terribly when she's gone and rejoice when we're together. I.. I just couldn't take it if she moved to England. Being so far apart would rip my heart out. I NEED her Aino-san. I don't know if you can understand that, but my world revolves around her and my mental stability hinges on being with her. When I don't see her for a few days, I get morbid and depressed, but when we're together, I'm happy and content and feel fulfilled. I know it's crazy, and sounds a little obsessed, but I really am. I am absolutely obsessed with Aino Minako. She's filled an empty part of my life that I didn't know existed until I met her. I feel whole around her and I won't let that be taken away."
I finally pick up my jaw off the floor. Makoto felt all THAT for me??
No, wait, it couldn't be!
This is a job interview, for crying out loud! Makoto's just saying that cause that's what my mom wants to hear...
She couldn't possibly mean all that and still not have the courage to say it to my face. If she really did mean them, then why hadn't she told me? She just can say it to my mom, cause it isn't true...
My eyes fill with tears, and I rush to the bathroom. There I try desperately to keep myself from crying. But all that does is mess up my eye makeup.
I just reapplied the stupid mascara, (They call this waterproof?) when I heard my name called.
Moment of Truth time...
I quickly come down the stairs, and not very discreetly look from Makoto, to my mother and back again. I can't read either expression. "Is everything alright Mother?" I ask after I've sat down next to Makoto, again.
"Yes dear, everything's fine. After talking with this fine young man, I've decided to let you stay with him."
And then it was like a giant weight had been lifted off of me and I was incredibly happy. I even squeal and hug Makoto close.
But mom wasn't done yet.
"PROVIDED.. Provided you keep up your studies, even with a job. Is that understood?"
"Yes Mother." I nod. I know that living with Makoto will take some sacrifices on my part, but I feel that anything would be worth it.
"Good. Now upstairs with both of you. I've got to start dinner and your father will be home soon. You're welcome to stay and have dinner with us, Kuno-san."
"Thank you Aino-san, I would be honored." Makoto says politely, bowing again. The moment she's righted herself, I drag her up the stairs.
I still can't believe everything worked out allright, but my doubts about Makoto's words to my mother still lurked in the back of my mind....
End Chapter 10