Title: Touch Me There
Rating: R
Genre: Humor/Romance/Adventure
Disclaimer: Characters owned by NT and operated currently by Marronett
Author's Notes:
Well here it is! Chapter three updated and beautiful if I say so myself. I made gigantic changes to this chapter so take a look. I did leave those steamy scenes for all you fans out there though...
Here are the major changes:
Mamoru's character - I changed Mamoru almost completely giving him a definate handle on things and also making it like as when the girls were Senshi (They are retired at the moment - no baddies just mean TV executives) and he was Tuxedo Kamen he had dreams of the Princess asking for the silver crystal. Those dreams vanished mysteriously andin order for him to live on with his life he forgot everything and pushed himself into school and work zoning out everything but Motoki... which only makes the predicament he's put himself in with Usagi and the girls more relevant to the story.
That's all I'm giving you for now but do enjoy and I promise to make the next chapter HUGE not daring to cut it off where I left it before. Forgive me if it's taking so long... they have me working all the time and I have just two more little online courses to finish to be done.
Hope you like it!!
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She had yelled at him. Than Rei had yelled at him. Minako only stared at him almost uncertain of what to do. With a groan he closed his apartment door and leaned against it. He was exhausted. He started to feel his little world swivel out of control. Why did he volunteer for this?
"Because you want Odango attama out of your life." He growled out and pushed himself from the door to trudge into the comfortable confines of his habitation. She wasn't that bad he would argue but she was bad enough to want to ship her to the other side of Tokyo and not think another thing of it. She was a distraction and not a pleasant one that tore him away from his thoughts… away from the comfort of his everyday routine. He put a hand over his head as shame washed over him. When did he become old? His head began to rationalize attempting to cover up the fatal flaw in his character he had just exposed. He was uptight… and too mature… which was why her immaturity drove him insane and now he was in the predicament to have her four best friends invade his life like a pack of sisters he had happily once forgotten. He sucked in a deep breath trying to get a firm grasp on his continence. He would not have minded having a sister… he could easily even see himself getting along with Rei in such a way… she was uptight like him. They could have had the same father.
With defeat he fell onto his couch. It was still a mess from the other night when Usagi had thrown his pillows around the room. His eyes glanced up in surprise. He hadn't cleaned it? His fingers grazed over the out of place pillow and then pushed it onto the floor. He had to get rid of her…
He had to focus… ever since he met that stupid girl two years ago he bickered with her constantly… he tried to forget her but something in him wanted to always fight back and she readily rose to the challenge causing more effort from his side with comebacks and witty remarks. For a child she got under his skin… He rubbed the back of his neck. He was starting to feel the repercussion of stress upon his skeletal structure. He sat silently. He had grown accustom to silence but he had never grown to love it.
He leaned forward burying his head in his hands as his mind began to turn on its own accord. Why was he really angry at Usagi? Besides obvious reasons… she messed up his routine… yet why was he so focused on doing things in a certain manner? Always being busy… always… always…
"So I can forget…" The words fell from his lips and he raised his head as sadness crossed his features. He did everything to forget… it was why he took twenty-one hours at college instead of fifteen… why he held two jobs instead of one… why he never let himself rest… Usagi made him stop his revolving world… and when his world stopped it was then that he remembered. Remember that he had no past, no family and no identity. His eyes closed tightly as if it would hide him from the cold hard facts.
It had been a year and a half since he had been Tuxedo Mask. He heard his steady breathing echo through his ears. He had adjusted, become accustom to the way things are and almost accepted the fact that he would never know… never know why a Princess once haunted his dreams… why she vanished and left him alone… why those damn Senshi vanished… why everything in his life vanished.
His fingers ran down his face. His apartment was empty. He bent over gently and pulled the couch pillow from the floor. He held it between his fingers and gazed upon it thoughtfully… Motoki called him a fool once for wanting to try to know his past… he was only six… how much could he find out from six years? Six years… where you were born, who you are… Motoki had argued that who you are is determined by age and not where you began but where you end up. So he had given up his search… at least in front of Motoki… he still searched his mind… what Motoki never understood was that if you have no where to end up if you don't know where you began. He shook his head and pushed the pillow onto the couch where it belonged and straightened it in his spot. His mood was slowly sinking into the recess of depression when a thought jumped into his mind stopping his mood's path. His head rose.
What if Usagi didn't win? What if she was embarrassed in front of all of Tokyo? Something bristled up his back. He wouldn't let that happen… Usagi had a heart of gold… true she possessed a demon inside of her that came out whenever she talked to him but… she did not deserve to be taken advantage of on a stupid show that enjoyed demoralizing people like her.
"Damn… this sucks…" He whispered and shook his head, a smirk falling onto his lips as a new idea turned into his head… Usagi was such a pill… yet she was an on sight learner… if he wanted her to refuse someone's seduction techniques, he'd have to train her to refuse his after he trained her to… he smirked. Eleven days left.
Dark red eyes watched silently as the small frame shifted in her sleep. The pink comfertor enveloped her frame and Luna felt a smile curl on her lips. With a satisfied sigh she rested her head on her paws. It was when Usagi slept that Luna enjoyed her the most… it was then she always knew the warm body beside her would be for the precocious blonde, for the Princess she would stay by forever.
A sigh left Usagi's lips as she shifted once more, her cheek cuddling into the soft fabric of her pillow.
"Sweet dreams Usagi-chan…" Luna yawned and stretched once more fully before assuming her sleeping position beside her ward.
Wind blew around her, causing her white gown to swirl against the friction. A smile of happiness danced across her features. She felt complete… Suddenly a hand gently took hers and her fingers were enveloped. She glanced towards the hand that held her own when fingertips suddenly touched her cheek. Her head slowly rose as a hand caressed her cheek.
"Serenity…" The voice caressed over her skin and she felt her knees go weak. Her heart tugged towards the figure and her eyes searched for a face. Frustration crossed her features as she reached out for the figure before her in the pallid surroundings. His fingers slipped from her own and then slowly from her hand. She heard her gasp echo around her.
"Wait!" She cried and the volume of her exclamation slammed into her causing her to tumble backwards.
Usagi sat up and Luna let out a disgruntled cry as her frame was tossed to the floor with the sudden movement. Her heart beat in her ear and Usagi grabbed her chest trying to slow it. Luna spun and stared with anger at the girl who had pushed her off of the bed. Her eyes softened when she saw Usagi's pale demeanor.
"Usagi-chan?" Luna whispered with worry as she jumped back onto the fluffy surface. Usagi sucked in a deep breath and her eyes didn't meet the feline who was addressing her.
"So real… I felt him… He knew my name…" Usagi whispered, her pale digits reaching forward into the darkness of her room. Luna watched with curiosity Usagi's actions. "Who was he?" She asked and Luna's eyebrow rose.
"I don't know." Luna whispered and Usagi's eyes finally fell and met the feline's and Luna saw pain hiding in her depths. Was Usagi asleep? Would she remember this in the morning?
"I don't either…" Usagi whispered and her frame slowly fell back into the soft confines of her bed. "Do I?" Her question floated in the air and Luna sat next to her as she slowly fell back to sleep. What was that about?
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He turned over, his blank opaque covers shielding him from the coldness that enveloped his bedroom. Sleep had claimed his mind after he had finished three hours of homework. He fidgeted suddenly. He rose like a triggered mouse trap and let out a sharp gasp. His wide eyes glanced around his room with suspicion and panic as it fell upon him. His sheets tumbled down his chest in a tangled mess and he felt his hand grip onto it, twisting the fabric.
Should he fell comforted? His hand stopped his punishment against the defenseless sheets and joined the other hand as they ran up his face and through his hair.
"Princess…" He whispered and his eyes glanced towards his window. A full moon. His heart beat widely in his heart… she had touched him… spoke to him and not about a crystal… about… His heart shuttered. She was real… what kind of trick was this? Her skin had been so smooth… her fingers perfect when they touched his cheek. She wanted him… wanted to own him… Was she real? He gulped and put his head in his hands. Her words echoed through his ears like a pounding drum. "You are belong to me… and only me Endymion." Was that his name? More importantly… why did she want him?
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Day #4 – Monday Madness (Ten days till the show)
Yesterday was slamming into him at full force. At the time he had never given it a second thought but this morning his mind was a mess. He wanted to say he had four hours of sleep but he wasn't sure… he wasn't exactly sure of anything at the moment except that Motoki was angry and he was being haunted. He felt a shiver go up his spine as that word materialized in his mind.
"You look sick." Motoki suddenly sputtered and Mamoru's eyes widened and he took in the picture of his best friend before him.
"I had this dream…" Mamoru whispered and Motoki's eyebrows rose curiously. Suddenly Mamoru shook his head and raised his coffee cup, drowning his words into the stiff liquid and Motoki's eyebrows shifted into sympathy towards his best comrade. "Never mind… what were we talking about?" He asked, his words changing the subject and bringing remembrance back to Motoki's face, which made it shift dramatically. Motoki planted his hands on his hips as his eyes narrowed.
"Why you kissed her." Motoki bit out and Mamoru's ocean eyes stared into Motoki's azure catching a glimpse of an expression Motoki had never given him before. It was anger. Anger towards him for what he did. Oh great… Motoki was going to yell at him too. Fine… bring it on.
"I don't have an answer to that question." He mumbled flatly knowing well enough that answer would not satisfy the man behind the counter.
"I thought you said you weren't going to have her fall in love with you." He snapped and Mamoru growled. He was getting fed up with people yelling at him.
"I'm not, that's not even the direction I'm going in. I just kissed her. It meant nothing. I was trying to get her to shut up yet even that did not work! Next time I'm going to use a stapler and maybe that will make all of you happy!." Mamoru snapped causing Motoki to look away in disgust. Suddenly it occurred to Mamoru and he stared at his best friend with a little bit of wonder. He really did care for Usagi like a sister… "I just kissed her once Motoki… it was to get her to shut up but next time I kiss her it's going to be to teach her how to fend off the next one that will kiss her after me." Mamoru stated and Motoki's eyes shot back to his.
"You're going to kiss her again?" Motoki gaped out and mixed emotions jumbled over his face full of confusion and wonder. Mamoru gazed at him with patience.
"How did you think this was going to play out Motoki? You don't think that celebrity will kiss her little pink lips?" He asked causing each word to hit Motoki right in the chest with their reality and than Motoki blinked.
"Little pink lips." He repeated with wonder and then disgust flashed across his face. He did not want a picture of Usagi's little pink lips in his head.
"I think I've finally figured out how to help our hopeless mink so if you guys would just get off my back I'd be able to get it done!" Mamoru retorted and Motoki felt a gulp roll down his throat. Anger rose through Mamoru's system as emotions began to take over. "I'm tired of being yelled at by you and those damn girls! I did this for the sole purpose of getting her out of my life so I can go back to normal… yet it's only brought her more into my life and her little friends… they are like a disease that gets into your blood and slowly kills you over time…" Mamoru ranted and Motoki's eyes widened as panic traveled through his system. Mamoru continued to rant until in completion he clanged his coffee cup back in its saucer. Silence hung between them as Mamoru let his words settle. Motoki glanced at him. Mamoru was not an emotional guy and what he had just witnessed was the first time he had ever seen Mamoru openly have an emotional reaction to… anything. He had been Mamoru's only friend for as long as he could remember and for good reason. Chiba, Mamoru was cold and dark. It was a consequence of his past… a past of darkness, loneliness and sadness. All he had was facts and money to comfort him after the loss of his parents… the loss of his family and his plummet into darkness.
"Mamoru… I didn't mean to…" He began and Mamoru glanced up at him, his eyes normal and he let out a breath. Embarrassment began to flame up his stomach at the realization he had just yelled all of that out loud. People quietly turned their eyes away from the scene. This was her fault…
"I hate girls." Mamoru muttered. "Especially little ones like Usagi…"
"Well, at least you know my name!" A voice hissed from behind him and Mamoru's eyes narrowed slightly. He sucked in a deep breath and turned to look at his rival and now pupil of all things raunchy and seductive. He had figured out a plan… he had a plan… the words played through his mind and confidence once more built within him. He could teach her… if it took everything in his power to show her.
"Ah, Mamoru-san… I'm sorry to disrupt you… I just wanted to drop Usagi-chan off before I go to cram school… Gomen ne… I am afraid we are going to have to entrust Usagi-chan to you for a few hours since all of us will be tied up with other engagements. We shall join you as soon as possible I promise." A soft voice said and Mamoru glanced at them with patience.
"I'll take good care of her Ami-chan." Motoki said with a beam of confidence and Mamoru thought he saw an incredulous look pass Ami's face and then an innocent smile. Poor Ami… she had to put up with Usagi… Mamoru felt his heart tug as the scene before him changed cutting off his current thought. The genius had turned to the blonde and almost yanked her into her own little arms. "Be good Usagi-chan… do your best. I know you can do it. I'll always believe in you." He heard her whisper and he watched with fascination as something foreign to him came across Usagi's face. It was a smile… The pain in the ass was beautiful when she smiled. She smiled at Ami and hugged her back tightly before she let her go. "Oh… I bought you this as an encouragement." Ami suddenly said, a small smile on her lips as she reached into her bag. Mamoru watched her curiously as she pulled out a small plastic bag full of candy and placed it into Usagi's hands.
"Oh arigato!!" Usagi cried untying the ribbon revealing a slew of colorful lollipops.
"Eat them slowly Usagi-chan!" Ami smiled with a wave as she walked out of the arcade. Usagi quickly grabbed the first stick and untied the wrapping, plopping it into her mouth. Mamoru watched her, a slight disturbed look on his face. He had kissed that mouth… those little lips… how could such a young girl have such warmth come from her body? A rag fell upon the counter and Motoki let out a breath.
"All right… all done for the day. Let's go." He announced turning to his assistants as he removed his apron. He gave a few orders and then grabbed Usagi's hand and Mamoru watched them walk to the door. With a heavy sigh he threw his money on the table for his coffee and stood. He glanced at the floor. Why did he kiss her? Why did he want to do it again and the most sick question… why did he feel there was nothing wrong with it and that she wouldn't mind it either? She glanced over her shoulder and her eyes caught his. She turned up her chin. He smirked. He would teach her indeed…
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Day #4 of Usagi-chan's plight -
Secret Meeting
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Ami pushed open the door to see a figure hovering over a computer screen. She hurriedly moved to stand next to her, scooting into a chair as the three pairs of blue eyes stared at the screen.
"Did you find anything new in the databases?" Ami asked quietly of her companion and the blonde nodded encouragingly.
"I knew I wasn't going crazy… certain memories… flashbacks… they all foretold of the reason we all died… of the reason we went to war." Aino, Minako mumbled distractedly as she stared at the screen, volumes of information scrolling down its contents. She looked up at the aquatic genius. "There has to be more then just what we are doing right now… we have to be protecting her for a reason." She whispered and Ami nodded soundly.
"I have a feeling there was more to the war between the earth and the moon then was let on. Some underlying reason…" Ami mumbled and Artemis nodded.
"You are both correct. There was more to the war then you can remember… it was for a thirst for power but the minions that joined the rebellion, their leader Beryl… why she joined was for a completely different reason." Artemis said glancing at his two pupils with great interest. He had waited years to tell them this…years of standing next to Minako's side and keeping crucial information from her until she was ready. They heard a slight jingle and looked towards the door with alarm.
"Luna?" Ami asked softly as they saw and heard the black cat jingle towards them.
"Usagi's mother wants me to not scare her anymore… she put bells on me." A pathetic voice meowed and Ami scooped up the black cat, a collar around her beautiful neck with three bells attached to it.
"Aw… it's ok Luna." She cooed gently caressing the cats head.
"It's good to see you Luna… I was afraid you would never forgive us for letting Usagi-chan learn seduction techniques from Mamoru…" She started and Ami shot her a horrified look and a deep growl began to emit from the fur in her lap.
"I haven't." Luna snapped as her fangs bore before them. Minako gasped. "How can you protect her if you let her out of your sight for more then five minutes! Look at the disaster! What a mess! Her parents will be furious not to mention you are putting our helpless Princess in moral danger!" She yelled and Ami blushed slightly as Minako's face fell.
"I doubt she's in moral danger…" Minako stuttered and Ami rolled her eyes.
"There is nothing we can do about Usagi's current plight… Ami-chan checked it herself… It will be over in another week and a half… we have to see it out but Luna they are asking questions about the war." He said, his eyes bearing into his companion and her face shifted from anger to a little bit of shock.
"The war?" She repeated and Artemis nodded towards her with a knowing look. Suddenly they heard a gasp.
"You know more then you've let on!" Minako cried and Artemis let out a painful squeak as the young blonde grabbed a hold of him. "You know why we are here and what we really died for! Tell me you little rat before I stop feeding you!" She cried and Artemis grumbled trying to wiggle free from her grasp.
"The war was caused by the same thing you live today to protect." Luna spouted and Ami gasped glancing down to her lap.
"Usagi-chan?" She asked and Luna nodded. "But how could she cause a war? She wants anything but violence and anger…"
"Princess Serenity and her mother were the two most powerful creatures in the galaxy. She had fallen in love with the Earth's Prince and he had fallen desperately for her… it was Beryl's jealousy of Serenity that caused her to turn evil and want to kill Serenity for stealing her chance with Endymion." Artemis said clearly after Minako released him to sit back on the table. She glared at him.
"We knew that… Queen Selenity told us that herself… we were wondering why we were here today if we…." Minako's voice trailed off and her eyes widened. Ami gasped and both girls stared at each other. Pieces of information formed in their minds and clicked.
"The Prince." Ami mumbled and Minako nodded.
"He's here… he was brought back with us…he is the reason why we are all here." Minako said quietly and Artemis glanced at them curiously. They sounded like they were going in the wrong direction with this. Maybe he should step in. "Oh my God the world is going to be destroyed again!" Minako cried causing Ami's jaw to drop almost to the floor. Artemis's eyes widened. They were definitely going in the wrong direction now.
"Not if we prevent it." Luna hissed and Ami bounced that idea in her head and then her face brightened.
"Usagi has a true love out there! Once they get together they can do what they were meant to do centuries ago." Ami mumbled and Minako nodded.
"Get married and have kids!" She replied and Ami blushed slightly and shook her head slowly.
"No… to bring peace to the galaxy." She whispered and Luna jumped up.
"That's right! It was because they were from different worlds that they were torn apart… it was a gift from Selenity to make them born on the same nation, the same world so that they could find each other… be together and create the prophesied alliance that would save the galaxies!" She cried and Ami stared at Minako and a smile fell to the blonde's face.
"We have to find him!" The leader of the Senshi and Artemis nodded, content his ward was still not shooting in the dark. Ami turned to the computer. She began searching through the database system. Luna and Artemis had tapped through time and space into the Moon's Central Computer database… thousands of years of history and records rested within them including one on the elusive Prince of Earth. Her fingers typed furiously as Minako leaned closer, curiosity claiming her patience and sucking it dry.
"His name is Endymion… he is the Crown Prince of Earth. He had two younger brothers and a sister… it's doubtful they survived. Once the war took place everyone on earth had been destroyed in an attempt to start over… to create new life." She scrolled down, volumes of information flowing before her. "I have blood type, genetic makeup… histories… he has special powers granted to him through a crystal from a city called Elysian… he's very powerful." Ami whispered awed by the text that was flowing before her. Her fingers began copying and printing valuable pieces of information as Minako tried to soak it all in.
"No pictures… but look at this code… We could find him by his genetic makeup or even by his powers… this lost city of priests… is this world still alive?" She asked to Ami and Ami could only shake her head in wonder. The pages were more information then they had ever known about their beloved sphere. Near its core was rumored to be a city of magical proportion where priests resided and the Prince himself gained his powers… from a golden crystal.
"Golden crystal… is that like the Moon's Silver Crystal? Is it more powerful?" Minako whispered and Artemis and Luna leaned forward soaking up all of the information.
"What if he turned evil… what if Beryl had found him first?" Ami suddenly asked and the room fell silent. Fear struck inside Minako's heart as well as Ami's as Luna's panicked face gazed at Artemis.
"We have to find him… have to know for ourselves." Minako said and Ami nodded.
"You can't tell Usagi-chan." Luna suddenly blurted out and the two girls looked at her with surprise. "What if your assumptions are correct… she would get her hopes up for nothing… right now she doesn't have any memories of him… memories of her love. She would be heartbroken." Luna said with a shake of her head.
"But what if she remembers on her own?" Ami asked and Luna shook her head.
"We will have to deal with it then. Luna is right… we can't play with Usagi's fragile emotions more. She's too young to understand." Artemis said with a shake of his head and Ami let out a breath.
"I think you underestimate Usagi too much…" She whispered and both cats looked at each other sadly.
"Download all of that information onto your computer Ami." Minako commanded and Ami nodded pulling out her small compact computer and plugging it into the CPU.
"I can create a program that can help me identify him by just pointing it towards another… his signature would be loud and strong just like Usagi or I's." She said and Minako nodded.
"Let's keep this between us for now… the less that know the better." Minako commanded and Ami nodded and silently closed her computer. Her program was done.
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Day #4 – Lesson #4 at Mamoru-baka's apartment.
8:00 pm
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This was getting nowhere real fast, she was being difficult. He relaxed into his couch as the rigid form of Tuskino Usagi sat across from him, her arms crossed. He really should bring up the other day… his mind tossed that idea around. He couldn't move on with his next step if he had already damaged her… once the thought crossed him that he may have stolen Usagi's first kiss. Something clunked in his heart at that thought. He wasn't sure what he would do if it were true… He had to know.
"The other day when I kissed you wasn't the first time was it Odango?" He asked, his voice slowly washing over his pupil. Usagi looked around nervously. Why did Motoki have to go out for ice cream? The word hit her ears and she growled.
"Don't call me that baka!" She snapped glaring at him and Mamoru rolled his eyes and stood. He was having a difficult time approaching his new technique… he felt more comfortable when it was just the two of them as well as frightened. She also didn't give him much opportunity to learn… she was being a pain in the ass. They had been at it for two hours when Motoki had to escape their bickering… The only thing she had successfully learned so far was to be tempting… and it was amazing she learned that in between yelling at him and crying how her life was so unfair. His mind went back to two hours ago when Motoki and he were caught up in the most embarrassing tift…
"The girls said they were going to try their different methods on her subtly. Certain aspects they felt they could draw out of her with minimal effort." Motoki said with a slight shrug and Mamoru nodded and then turned to Usagi. She had been sitting quietly on the opposite couch and when Motoki turned as well both their gazes stuck. Involuntarily they followed a little pink tongue as it darted slowly over a stick of candy. Mamoru's mouth dropped slightly and Motoki cleared his throat. It was swirling around and round…Mamoru felt himself shift. What was this girl doing to him? He wanted to reach over and grab her telling her to stop her torturous licks on the lollipop. Good Lord! Who had taught her that!?
"Who gave you those Usagi-chan?!" Motoki asked, his voice slightly flustered and Mamoru had glanced at him. Motoki was sweating! The blonde bombshell was doing it to him as well. Usagi blinked and looked at them pulling the sucker from her tantalizing lips and Mamoru found himself swallowing.
"Huh?" Usagi asked and then looked at the lollipop in her hand. "Oh Ami-chan." She said with a content smile and Mamoru put a hand over his eyes. He would hit Ami later for this. Motoki growled. Even Usagi's stance had been distracting. She was contently sitting with knees slightly apart and in her cute way he wanted nothing more then to just jump her on the couch… Great. Mamoru thought. All he needed was to give the girl a bag of lollipops and shove her on the show. For sure she would win.
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Mamoru quickly shook his head from that memory only to have another replace it. This time guilt washed over him. Why did he do that? Why had he kissed her? He looked up at her. She had just finished another lollipop. He moved the bag out of her reach. She needed to save those for the show. She looked at him curiously at the action and he let out a breath. She was so young. He wished she would answer so she could put his nerves at rest and if he wasn't he could continue on with his new method without fear. Guilt slammed into him. He shouldn't really care but he did… Usagi was so damn innocent. He shouldn't even want to teach her seduction. He should hand her the bag of candy, push her out of his door and let her live her happy immature life for all its glory. That thought though happy and the right thing to do was crushed under the rememberance of the contract that was now not only destroying her life but his mental well-being. He needed to teach her this. She couldn't be an embarrassment to her family. He needed to know first though! Finally he growled out.
"You've been kissed before I kissed you the other day right Usagi?" He asked again and she huffed crossing her arms across her chest. He pushed his hands into his pockets and looked down at her. She was cute when she was angry. That must be the reason why he always enjoyed angering her.
"Of course I have! And by someone much better then you." She growled and looked away, a slight gulp dying in her throat. Mamoru wanted to laugh at that. A smirk came to his lips and he stepped in front of her. That was a good enough answer for him, now the real training could begin. She looked at him with worry, he had a weird glint in his eye.
"Really?" He asked as he slowly slinked to the floor before her. She grimaced and tried to scoot further into the couch's confines. He leaned forward, their eyes locking and she felt her breath hitch. "What was it like?"
"Uh…" She stuttered and he gently ran a hand up her cheek. "What are you doing?" She screeched and his fingers gently leaned her head towards his. His eyes flicked to her lips and her heart jumped into her throat. Was Mamoru going to kiss her? Before she had time to panic his lips gently rubbed over hers. Her frame stilled completely. He rubbed them over again and she wanted to close her eyes. His lips were soft. Completely unlike she would imagine stupid baka's to be. His eyes were closed and he looked so… so… she closed her eyes quickly and he brushed his lips over hers and pulled away.
"Just what I thought." He mumbled and her eyes opened to stare into his and she gulped. She stared at him stupidly and he let out a breath. He had a long way to go… he let out a breath. At least she hadn't fainted, that was a good sign. Usagi was not that difficult to figure out, her emotions hung on her sleeves like fresh laundry for the picking. He was going to use her determination to always beat him to teach her something. She was stubborn enough to fall for it too…
"Nani?" She asked, her voice much higher then she intended it to be.
"You're a bad kisser." He said emotionlessly and moved to stand as horror filled her eyes. Her hands clamped onto his shoulders and he fell back onto his knees with a grunt. That hurt. She was stronger then she looked.
"I am not!" She yelled pointing a finger at him and he looked at her with disbelief. "How could you say such a mean thing! You're such a jerk!"
"I'm sorry… it isn't my fault you are a bad kisser. You will learn with time but don't expect me to teach you." He said with a sigh and she gasped, anger rushing through her veins. What an arrogant… conceited… self-centered… baka!! Without thinking she dove forward and pressed her lips forcibly against his. He stumbled slightly and then grabbed onto her for support. Her hands anchored upon his cheeks as her lips pressed against his with all she was worth. Mamoru grumbled and then opened his mouth, his lips brushing over hers. She repeated the movement and he smirked. Finally… the girl was learning. Their lips warred for territory swallowing one another.
Images rushed through her mind. This felt so familiar… so… the kiss turned and it wasn't forceful anymore. He leaned forward pushing her back into the cushions and her hands weakly slid from his cheeks to rest around his neck. His lips… they moved so fast upon her own she felt dizzy. Warmth traveled through her and she didn't want it to leave. She felt a hand travel into her hair and she groaned weakly with approval.
It was the groan that woke him up. He pulled away and stared at the kiss reddened lips he had caused and gulped. Perhaps he had taken the first lesson a bit too far… the good news was that his little plan worked easier then he expected it too… the bad news was that he was making out with a sixteen year old on his sofa and that sixteen year old was Odango! He quickly stood and shook his head.
"All right… you know how to kiss." He mumbled uncomfortably and she looked up at him a little dazed. What had just happened?
The front door opened and she let out a squeal of surprise and jumped to her feet. She felt her feet land on soft sofa cushions and her arms wrap tightly around a solid surface.
"Making progress?" Motoki asked, two girls walking in behind him. "I found Rei and Makoto at the grocery store and we all decided to come back and wrap things up."
Suddenly the three halted at the picture before them. Mamoru let out a breath and looked calmly at them, Usagi's form wrapped securely around his head. This was getting more odd by the day.
"Not really." He mumbled, pale arms wrapped around his head as the frantic teenager stared in surprise at those who entered. Usagi gasped and pushed away from him and Mamoru rolled his eyes. This girl would be the end of him… but damn she was a good kisser. He turned away from her as the other three came in brining noise into his apartment. He liked having noise in his apartment…
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She shifted in the water drawing her knees up to her chest. A tear slid down her cheek. Why did she have to do this? She didn't mean to sign up for the show! She let out a sad whine and slumped into the hot water. She sniffed. She wasn't making any progress… she was going to lose and embarrass her family and her friends… She let out a defeated breath. Not to mention that but she can't stop kissing that baka! More crystal tears slid down her cheek as a huge ache filled her heart. She felt so lonely… his kisses of torture only made her wish for the real thing… her mind felt so jumbled and confused. What was that dream about? Why was her mortal enemy kissing her? Why did life have to be so complicated! She would rather battle any Negaverse trash than have to do this!
Slowly the door to the steam room opened and she looked up with a slight sniff.
"Are you feeling better?" A female voice washed over her as she shut the door and entered, a few towels in her hand. "Grandpa says nothing heals like a hot bath… not to mention you probably needed one… You get into the strangest things." Rei's voice said as she sat next to the tub eyeing the blonde before her. Her hair was held in a pink cap and Rei blinked noticing the sad look upon her face. "Don't worry Usagi-chan… we are here with you."
The water shifted as Usagi shot forward and wrapped her naked arms around the priestess white robes. Rei gulped and let out a sigh.
"You're all wet odango!" She cried and pried her Princess's arms from her and the two girls came face to face. Rei looked at her sadly.
"I don't want to do this anymore… please make it stop." Usagi whispered and Rei felt her heart tug and tears filled her eyes. She held onto Usagi's hands tightly.
"I would do anything for you… Usagi-chan… You just keep getting yourself in such weird situations!" She cried with a slight laugh as she pushed a tear away from her cheeks. "You have to be strong." She smiled at her and Usagi nodded and then shook her head as tears streamed down her face. "Usagi-chan…" Rei's soft voice called and Usagi looked up miserably.
"Why do I have to work with him? It's like he wants to train me to seduce him!" Usagi screeched and Rei smiled at her and gently pushed a blonde curl back into her pink cap.
"If you can seduce Mamoru-san… you can seduce anyone Usagi-chan." Rei grinned and Usagi's head slowly rose and she glanced at the priestess with wonder.
"Really?" Usagi asked and Rei nodded.
"Mamoru is the coldest guy I know… it's like he doesn't even need human warmth… maybe you can warm his heart…" Rei smiled and Usagi's face shifted and her eyes narrowed.
"I don't really want to do that Rei." She spat and Rei blushed slightly and splashed water at her. Usagi let out a breath. "He does kiss well…"
"Nani!? You've kissed him more then once?" She cried and Usagi gulped and shifted in the water. "Usagi-chan!" She yelled and Usagi gasped and tried to move away from her as Rei cornered her in the tub.
"Rei-chan let me out!" She screamed and Rei shook her head.
"Not until you tell me every detail Meatball head!" She yelled and Usagi cried.
"Rei-chan!!!"
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Day 5 – Tokyo Station
10:00 am
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"Ah we got it!" A voice yelled through the glass doors and eyes glanced up to see his partner open the door. In his hands was a glossy nine by eleven photo.
"Ah… Ms. Tsukino." Mr. Kimo smiled and Mr. Omoto beamed with pride.
"It took us several days to get a photo we liked…" He growled throwing negatives on the desk. Mr. Kimo blinked spying the array of photos of the young blonde sixteen year old. Many of them were here crying or on the ground after she had fallen. He looked up. But the one his partner held was perfect. He stood with a smile on his face.
"Start publicizing it… this shall be the greatest episode of Seduce This! Yet!" He cried with triumph and Mr. Omoto grinned.
"Not only that but your celebrity guest confirmed." Mr. Omoto grinned and Mr. Kimo's eyes widened.
"You mean…" He mumbled and Mr. Omoto grinned.
"Yes, they did. You've been trying to get them for months and finally out of the blue they call us. Very surprising." Mr. Omoto mumbled and Mr. Kimo shrugged.
"Maybe they saw a picture of Ms. Tsukino on our website…" He tried and Mr. Omoto balked.
"The one where she is eating?" He gasped and Mr. Kimo gulped. The girl was always in ugly situations.
"Maybe it's a publicity stunt…" He grumbled and then shrugged. "Whatever the reason this shall be our hit show of the season! We shall be superstars!" He cried and Mr. Omoto grinned looking at the photo in his hands. She sure was beautiful when she smiled.
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3:20 pm
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"You what?" A frantic voice said over her. "Usagi-chan!" She cried, her fists covering her face in horror.
"I know Naru-chan…" Usagi growled as she relaxed outside of the Juuban High. "Sigh… what am I going to do?" Usagi cried and then she sat up and a look of determination crossed her face. Naru blinked. "I have to win!" She cried finally standing. "Rei-chan was right… I can't embarrass my family or friends… including you Naru." She said a smile coming across her lips and Naru looked at her with sympathy.
"I'd love you even if you did embarrass yourself all across Japan and became a laughingstock never again being able to really date cause your reputation would be scarred…" Naru mumbled and Usagi's face fell. Her best friends words slammed into her like bricks and Usagi felt weight slam upon her chest and her feet shifted on the pavement.
"Oh… Naru-chan…" Usagi grumbled and Naru gasped and looked at her with a stricken face.
"Oh no! Was I not supposed to say that? Usagi! Usgai-chan speak to me!" She cried grabbing onto the blonde whose eyes had glazed over. "Ah!" She screamed and shook her trying to wake her. "Remember your determination Usagi-chan!"
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He pulled at his tie and looked at his watch. Half past five? He blinked and stepped out of the building. He rushed towards Motoki's. An emergency had sprung up and he couldn't leave… the educational experience alone was keeping him there. Surely Usagi would understand. She had to… he slowed and stopped.
"Why do I care?" He asked himself out loud and then he glanced up towards the lowering sun. True… he was making progress but this was exactly the reason he wanted her out of his life… she was messing up his content atmosphere. "She's just some stupid sophomore…" He spat trying to convince himself. Pride welled within him. When did some stupid sophomore tell him what to do? All of the fustration from the day's work and the four term papers he had due slammed into him and darkened his mood. He closed his eyes and began walking again. "The sooner I get her out of my hair the better… that will be one less annoyance I have to deal with." He growled and rounded the corner, taking his time. He was going to have her around his finger… not the other way around.
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She crossed her arms across her chest. He was late. Very late and she had arrived on time too. She grumbled and looked at Motoki who shrugged helplessly.
"I can't believe his carelessness!" She cried and Motoki let out a breath.
"Usagi… Mamoru has a very high stress internship… I'm sure there had to have been an emergency… Let's give him a little time." He tried and Usagi stood off of her stool and Rei looked up at her as did Makoto. They were tired.
"I only have nine days left! I need to learn this stuff now! Motoki why can't you teach me?" She said with pleading eyes and Motoki let out a breath.
"I've already taught you all I know… Mamoru knows more about women then I do." He admitted sheepishly and Usagi suddenly realized she wouldn't really want to kiss Motoki anyway… he probably couldn't envelope her like Mamoru-baka… she blinked rapidly and shoved that thought forcefully from her mind. The doors slid open to the Crown Arcade announcing its next customer. Usagi turned around and let out a huff.
"Where have you been?" She cried and Mamoru looked up at her with indifference.
"I was busy. Did you miss me so Odango?" Mamoru's lips tauntingly replied and Usagi's mouth dropped slightly and Makoto gulped as he walked towards them.
"Don't think so highly of yourself! Oh… you're so mean!" Usagi cried. "I'm willing to learn… I can't embarrass my family!" She cried and Mamoru rolled his eyes as he placed his bag on a barstool. He really didn't need her high pitched voice yelling at him right now…
"You act as if you've never done it before…" He grumbled absently and Rei gasped, her form launching from her chair.
"That was too far Mamoru-san!" She cried and Usagi's eyes bore into him as her face went passive. He glanced at her. He felt like a cad. Her eyes were like shining crystals that conveyed every emotion she was feeling towards him… and none of them were to his liking. He felt like she was seeing straight through him. He reached out for her wanting to apologize and she jerked away from him.
"You know why you are so good at this Mamoru-baka? Why you are so good at seduction and meaningless love?" She cried, tears filling her eyes. "Because you are cold… the coldest man in Tokyo! You wouldn't know real love because you've never had it!" She screamed at him and Motoki's mouth dropped.
"Usagi-chan!" He yelled and in that instant time froze. Mamoru stared at her. All he could hear was the beating of his own heart in his ears. It pounded. Boom. Boom. Boom. His upper lip twisted and his hand gripped to his bag. He was wrong for saying what he said and was going to apologize… but damn her… Usagi stared into his face. Her mask of strength crumbled when she saw something in the corner of his eye… it was a tear. A gasp left her lips.
"I don't need love." The voice that spat into the air surprised the five girls and one worker. Mamoru's eyes turned to ice as emotions slammed into him. He glared down at the child before him. "Love was never there for me. Everything in my life that I cared about always vanishes so why would I ever want love and why ever from stupid girl like you? If you are all this world has to offer then I am better off being a hermit, can't you see I'm doing this to get you out of my hair Usagi!" He snapped and tears flooded into Usagi's blue eyes.
"You only want to get rid of me because you can't figure me out!" She screamed at him and he took a giant step towards her and pointed a finger at her accusingly.
"Exactly… your immaturity drives me insane!" He growled and she scrunched her nose angrily.
"I'm young! It's ok to be for me to be immature! Yet what is your excuse? You are the most uptight person I've ever met! You're nothing but a monster!" She screamed out, anger and hurt flashing across her and his finger shook. He pulled it back and his eyes tore away from hers to look at nothing.
"So I am." He whispered and his breath wafted over her face. She felt the impact of every word and than his shoulder slammed into hers and she let out a cry. The impact had not hurt her as much as his pain filled words had. Oh God… she had gone too far.
He marched away from them all. He could have ripped her head off at that moment. He clenched his fists together. He wanted to rip her head off. Wanted to scream at her… wanted to hurt her and show her all the pain and hurt he felt inside. Wanted to kiss her senseless in an attempt to fill the gap that was left where she stabbed him. Tears filled his eyes as he stepped out into the cold. Rain began to pelt upon his frame. He didn't need anyone… especially that stupid blonde. He stormed away from it all…Why did it hurt so much to walk away from her? He put a hand over his heart and continued walking.
Cold air rushed past her and she stood frozen.
"Oh no Usagi-chan…" Makoto said standing and Usagi put a hand over her heart. She felt pain there. Motoki scrambled around the corner and towards the door. He stumbled out in the rain. He looked back into the arcade and Usagi stared at him. Rain pelted his frame and his eyes told her everything she had seen in Mamoru's face. She let a sob escape her lips.
"He had it coming to him." Rei mumbled weakly and then gulped as she stepped off of her stool. Usagi's gaze fell to the floor as guilt and pain slammed into her fragile body. Motoki stepped towards her. She watched rain droplets fall from his clothes and he put his hands on her shoulders forcing her eyes to look up at him.
"Never say that again Usagi-chan!" He said sternly shaking her and tears trickled down her face. "You don't know Mamoru-san… you don't understand all of the pain he's been through. He doesn't have a family Usagi. He's been alone his whole life… I am the only friend he has. This has been the most interaction with other people he has had most likely his whole life." Motoki's voice was pleading and Usagi felt another sob tear through her. He was alone? No family? A picture of the cold-hearted baka who plagued her existence came to her mind. Now she noticed the lines on his face… anger… resentment… loneliness… She threw herself into Motoki's arms as tears spilled down her face and she cried. She had finally gotten her enemy back… but now she wished she never had. The doors to the arcades slinked open once more as two figures rushed inside.
"That was so random… it just started pouring down raining in a matter of seconds…" Minako said astonished as she turned to the others and her feet stopped. Ami halted before them with wonder as both girls took in the scene before them.
"Uh…What did we miss?" Minako's voice asked and Ami gasped hearing Usagi's sobs.
"World War III may be coming to a close." Makoto whispered and Usagi threw herself into Ami's arms and the small girl caught her stumbling back a bit.
"Is that good?" Minako asked and Rei shrugged as they watched Usagi cry out on Ami's shoulder. The aquatic genius comforted her the best she could… but Usagi needed more than comfort… she needed to set things right.
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He gripped the railing of his balcony. He thought of jumping… but he would only bounce. He growled. Elaborate fabric clung to his skin as a cape swirled around him. Rain pelted onto his head but he didn't care.
"Where are you!" He yelled into the night sky and then sunk to his knees. He wanted to know… needed to know… "Why do you want me?" He mumbled quietly and sat upon the cold wet cement. He felt like he hadn't slept for days… every time he closed his eyes he was haunted by a Princess who called out for him… sought to own him. Why? Why did she want him? He put a hand to his head as if it would hold all of the mess that had gathered up there from broken emotions to doubt and uncertainty. Usagi had been so right about him… he knew nothing about real love… or did he? The dreams were becoming so vivid… so real… every night they came rushing into his mind like a flood filling his being with memories? Were they memories? She was always reaching for him, wanting to touch him as she claimed her undying love for him… for Endymion. Hard pounds echoed through his ears and he closed his eyes. Maybe they would go away. Everything always went away if you ignored it long enough…
Finally he stood and left the balcony. In a second he had shifted from his Tuxedo Kamen get up and was back in his wet dress pants and a dress shirt that was now too soaked to be wearable. He pushed a hand through his wet hair and let out a defeated breath. Once again rain had won against him. With a grumble he began to unbutton his shirt as he headed towards the pounding.
"Go away Motoki!" He yelled through the door.
"Mamoru-san!" A voice cried and he stopped. Slowly he glanced at the door. A female voice. Hesitantly he reached for the doorknob and turned it. Before him was the most exotic sight he had ever scene. Wet blonde hair clung to a perfectly over developed sixteen year old body as her uniform clung to her curves. Did she go to a catholic school or public school? He gulped. That uniform was not made to be wet.
"Candy and water… your strong points." He mumbled quietly and misty blue eyes looked at him with confusion.
"Nani?" Usagi's weak voice squeaked and he nodded when suddenly her form launched forward and her little hands wrapped around his slender waist. Shock shot through his system as if he had jabbed a fork into a electric socket. Why was she hugging him? "I'm so sorry Mamoru-san!" She cried into his wet chest and he looked down at her almost too stunned to speak. Did she care? She was soaking wet but her face pressed against his chest was warm… she was warm… he felt pain at her anguish. His eyebrows knit in angst. He felt as if he couldn't breath… as if he didn't want to breath if she was going to cry. Gently he put a hand on her golden head.
"What didn't you say that was not true?" He asked quietly and she looked up at him and for the briefest moment his heart froze. She opened her mouth to respond but in that moment he didn't want to hear it. He didn't care anymore. He didn't care that she was three years younger then him… he didn't care that she wasn't really his type. He didn't even have a type… but if he did he was going to start molding it after her. He dove forward and captured her lips. She only gasped once and then caught on.
Water squished as he pushed her wet form against the closed door as his lips assaulted hers. She even tasted like candy. Her arms weakly wound themselves around his neck as he dominated the kiss. He pulled back for a moment and she sucked in a deep breath.
"Fight me back…" He whispered against her lips and she looked at him through a hazy fog. Water was dripping from her hair. They were both soaking wet… this wasn't really a good situation. "Win this war." He whispered and she gulped looking up at him. Confusion played across her features. Was he kissing her to kiss her? Was he kissing her out of anger? Was he teaching her a lesson? She opted for the last.
"We're just kissing…" She whispered and he nodded tightening his grip around her. She was perfect… her waist as if it were made for his arms. God he needed sleep.. he was losing his mind and losing it hard over the soaking wet sophomore in his hallway.
"Beat me… Beat me and you'll win anyone. No one can win me." He whispered against her lips teasingly and her eyes widened. A picture of Rei came to her mind as her words flowed back to her memory.
"If you can seduce Mamoru-san… you can seduce anyone Usagi-chan."
Her hands suddenly lifted and framed his face as a flicker of energy burst through her eyes. Seduce Mamoru-san… She finally understood. His heavy breath wafted over her as his hands gripped onto her defenseless flesh. A smirk came to her lips and he grinned knowing she was now in on the game. Her greatest fight yet… His lips dove for her own and she was ready for him and welcomed them eagerly. Her arms wrapped around his neck tighter as she opened her mouth and he opened his eyes for a brief moment. Was that her tongue? He groaned when he felt her leg wrap around his hip. Wow… he didn't teach her that. He pressed her harder into the door, his lips trying to overpower her own but slowly and surely he felt her fight back. He smirked. She would learn yet. Suddenly a shock traveled through his system and he became more awake then he wanted to. He pulled away and touched his lip. He tasted blood. Amusement jumped to his eyes as he looked at the girl pressed against his door.
"Who taught you that?" he asked touching his tender lip. His eyes were dark. She gulped. Her heart raced faster then any yauma had ever made it. He smirked at her and her eyes lit up slightly and a smile fell to her lips.
"I'm winning?" She asked and he raised an eyebrow at her and a smirk fell to her lips as a new power surged through her. It was a new side of her… something she planned to not have ever again after this next week was over. It was fueled by her desire to not embarrass her family and friends… and now it was driven by a new sensation. This… was fun.
Mamoru looked at his fingertips to the blood she had drew from him with her little teeth. Her look of concern over his bleeding lip not to mention the embarrassment that jumped to her cheeks because she caused it turned when he smiled at her.
"Seems you are not as foolish as I thought Odango..." He mumbled and her eyes lit up as a knowing smirk came to her lips. It gave her great pleasure to get one up on him...
"Never underestimate a desperate woman." The words sputtered from her lips and he felt something bubble inside of him. It was laughter. He looked up at her and his chuckles ceased... her face had softened and she looked almost happy as she looked at him. "Do you forgive me Mamoru-san?" Her voice was soft and delicate. Usagi was soft and delicate. He leaned forward and her head lowered nervously waiting for his answer.
"I would only never forgive you if you didn't win on this show Usagi..." His thumb gently caressed her smooth chin. That feeling was coming over him again. He wanted to hold her... comfort her... protect her... a part of his brain was telling him that was his instinct and the other was telling him it was because it was stupid sixteen year old Usagi who couldn't tie her shoelaces without hurting herself. A smile curled on his lips. Than again he should never underestimate her... her deep blue eyes turned up towards his and for a brief moment he... he sucked in a breath and pushed a smile onto his face. "You can win it you know... if you would let me help you."
Usagi glanced up at him and felt her heart beat wildly in her chest. Why was she getting excited being next to Mamoru-baka? Maybe she did need a boyfriend... His words drifted over her and she bit her lip. His eyes darkened at her movement and it made the corner of her mouth lift.
"Would I have to kiss you again?" Her voice hissed out and he smirked catching the corner of her lip still raised in a smile.
"Oh yes." Mamoru smirked and leaned down, his lips rubbing across hers carrying her into another deep fit of conquest. He had finally broken down her walls... now she was like putty in his hands. He pulled away and swallowed a chuckle as he stopped her hand from traveling down his stomach. She was getting a little too good at this. Satisfaction played on her face at having gotten him. "You're going to be the death of me..." He snapped and her laughter filled his apartment. It echoed through the dark space and he smiled. Now the real games could begin…
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Wasn't that a better ending?
Man I'm having too much fun..
Hope you enjoy! Don't forget to review! I deleted all of the other chapters so if you have author alerts you can getmy immediate updates.
I'm going to have more time soon I promise. Merry Early Christmas!!!
Love always,
Marronett
Good night and God Bless