Thank you Dudly, Crystal Jade, Counterfeiting Shakespeare, roegueishLeia, pheobesapphira, skye668 and LanieV for your support.

As for hooking the most stubborn not-a-couple-yet duo in fandom… well. I'm going with canon here. Which means that there are only hints and almosts until the very end.

winks+

-

069. PENPAL

ping!

A balled-up piece of paper landed on his wrist.

ping! ping!

Another little ball appeared on his thigh and a second on the counter.

On a hunch, Mamoru unfolded them. Rolled his eyes at the three pink-inked 'JERK!'s greeting him.

After some thought – and four chunks of paper landing around him – Mamoru took a clean napkin and searched for a pen. He scribbled quickly and folded the napkin as he stood up. Seconds later the message landed neatly right in front of Usagi's face.

Curiously, she opened the note. And scowled.

Improve your aim, Odango.

Mamoru smiled to himself.

30/03/07

070. FOR THE LOVE OF

In an act of mercy for Motoki's nerves, Usagi and Mamoru were sitting quietly, ignoring each other

"I think he's the handsomest man," a schoolgirl chirped from behind them. "Even with the mask."

Usagi and Mamoru shifted uncomfortably.

"And very romantic, too," the girl's friend answered. "That he fights for the love of Sailor Moon! Can you imagine that?"

Usagi smiled brightly, but reality intruded and traded that smile for a wistful sigh. Mamoru's features hardened before he shook his head and chuckled darkly.

'If only it were that easy,' both thought to themselves.

But they still ignored each other.

30/03/07

071. QUIET DESPAIR

Usagi bounced into the parlour and jumped happily onto the stool at the counter. On a whim, she grabbed the menu, and paled at the crossed over dessert.

She wouldn't cry.

She wouldn't.

Maybe withdrawing it was for the Crown's benefit. Maybe few people asked for it. Maybe nobody else liked Mint & Orange Delux, with extra chocolate. Maybe….

Usagi pouted. But she didn't cry.

Mamoru strode into the parlour and sat calmly at the counter. Out of habit, he reached for the menu and, after a quick perusal, frowned in disbelief.

Where was his Mint & Orange Delux?

30/03/07

072. FORTUNE

Usagi pouted as she glared at her incomplete homework. They were working on Roman mythology, and most of the gods and goddesses' stories had come easily to her - except for this one….

Motoki was too busy, so she grudgingly applied to the only other senior she knew. "Mamoru?" He turned to her, thankfully without any visible sarcasm. "Help me?"

Mamoru leaned to see her work, then chuckled. "Fortuna was the goddess of luck, Odango. I don't think your teacher will appreciate this drawing of a cat."

Usagi blushed. But she'd never ever tell him that it was Luna. Reaching for-tuna.

30/03/07