MoonDragon: I realized I didn't put the date to when this has to be done. By March 7th, so I have 30 days to get 30,000 words done and get this story completed. Of course, there's no need to worry, this story will be done by then because I'm amazing. (Yes, I love to gloat.)
Unspoken Memories
Chapter 3
Huffing and panting the girls chased after the felines in an attempt to quench their curiosity. Dodging by-passers on the streets and nearly tripping over themselves they kept Luna and Artemis in sight. Rei was glad she was in shape or this might be troublesome. She also thanked God that she wasn't wearing high-heeled shoes and was still sporting her tennis shoes. That would've made this a painful experience.
Whatever was up with those two bundles of fur was beyond her. Then again, Minako's and Ami's cats were always strange in one way or another. Although, if they were just dragging them to some fish market they wanted to enter and ravage the shelves there was going to be heck to pay. It was undignified enough as it was to be chasing animals down the streets with everyone staring at you. If it wasn't for a completely, mind-blowing, and important reason Rei was fixing a few ideas for the felines that weren't pleasant.
Luna and Artemis led Rei, Minako, Ami, and Makoto to the park and inwards to the heart of it. There weren't too many people occupying it today. Recently a new ice-cream stand opened up drawing everyone's attention there. Actually, they were planning on going there later today, but were sidetracked from hunting the cats down. It seemed like they'd have to put off their sugary, sweet destination for awhile.
They all traveled deeper into the park near the lake which was nearly deserted. From the distance Rei could tell someone was sitting there while another began to walk up to the stranger. She wasn't used to seeing others in that spot, it had always been their place to meet up at since no one was ever there. Of course, it was common sense to suspect others might use it sometimes. She had just never seen someone else occupy it.
The felines ceased running and ducked into some bushes which Rei raised an eyebrow to. That was strange, but at least they halted letting the girls catch their breaths. She had to stifle a laugh at how random the disappearance was. They were several yards away from the bench and now she could see what these two people looked like. One had midnight black hair and the other had golden locks and was currently unaware of the man behind her. She seemed transfixed by the lake staring out into it as far as she could tell.
"Usagi…?" she whispered to herself unsure it that was who it was. The raven haired priestess had no idea how she knew it was her, but some inner feeling told her it must be. To say it unsettled her was an understatement. Then there was the overwhelming impulse to run up to her and call her 'Odango Atama' and start an insult-fight. Her two little buns looked just like dumplings making her grin. Soon hearing Minako talking confirmed her identity.
"Hey, that's her! Usagi-chan-" She made a move to run up to her but Rei held her back. Coving her mouth with one hand and using the inside of her elbow she gripped her throat from behind and dragged her into the bushes where Luna and Artemis disappeared into. Ami and Makoto followed her lead and dived in as well. Minako thrashed about from the sudden abduction and Rei didn't release her hold until she quieted down. Then, looking miffed, she turned around and asked what that was all about.
"Oh, of course it wouldn't scare her to just run up and shout in her face," Rei sarcastically remarked rolling her eyes.
"You told us last time you approached her she got past you, so this time we've got to think smarter," Ami said ducking down so her head wouldn't show from the top of the bushes. Listening to that comment Rei pieced together that it was indeed the girl Minako talked about before the movies who ran off. Using her hands she separated the leaves so she could see through the plant.
Rei wondered how they got to chasing cats to basically stalking Usagi. If anything they should be stalking some hot guy like the one who was behind the golden haired girl not moving or saying anything. It seemed strange, like he didn't want to be seen by her, but he was certainly eyeing her. He placed one foot forward, and then retreated to his original standing point. He looked like he wanted to talk to her so desperately, but something was holding him back. Some unseen force field kept him at bay.
The priestess took a glance at Luna and Artemis, the cause of their current position, and wondered if this was the reason they dragged them all the way to the park. Was it really to see Usagi? That just seemed too unbelievable, but there was no other reason she could think of. They both had their heads popped through the bush so they could see making it impossible to see their faces.
They were so interested in what was happening in front of them their tails were swaying back and forth. Luna and Artemis's heads came out of the bush and they gave each other a look. The white cat nodded his head in Usagi's direction and the black one almost seemed to smile widely. Rei blinked shaking her head looking away from the sight. Cats can't smile. She was more intelligent than that to think that they could.
By now they were all looking at the Usagi and the man not saying anything, too scared to utter a sound in case the two might hear them. Leaves could be heard being rearranged to give them more eyesight. Makoto let out a low whistle careful not to make it too noisy.
"Wow, he is so gorgeous. The back of his head looks just like my ex-boyfriend's," she sighed dreamily. Rei scoffed rolling her eyes.
"You think everyone looks like him," she replied jokingly. Makoto 'huffed' and chose to not banter with her.
"Oh, I knew it must be a problem related to love! That must be her boyfriend!" the blond whispered in a rush referring to the conversation at the temple. "Be quiet, everyone! He's approaching her!" Minako exclaimed waving her hands in excitement. Rei couldn't figure out why, but she guessed they were all excited to know or hear something about Usagi. They all hushed up and began peaking through the leaves and strained their ears to hear what they were talking about.
ooOoo
Chiba Mamoru stood behind the golden and silver haired girl before him not moving a muscle. He knew what would happen if she knew his presence was there. She would ignore him like usual and dart off somewhere too quick to be caught. The few times that he did capture her by the arm or shoulder she always managed to escape. More specifically, the trick she had to doing it was wailing loudly, in an undignified manner for someone of her age, in public making the masses think he was harassing her, thereby ganging up on him letting his little rabbit flee.
Although he would never admit it aloud, he loved it when he got tricked by the teen. She would always give this satisfied smirk at her accomplishment and it only fueled his fire to capture her. Then again, it also had the opposite effect which frustrated him to no end. Usagi absolutely refused to talk to him more than necessary. Whenever they ran into each other in the arcade or in the streets, which was surprisingly often, she made sure to leave as quick as possible.
He often found himself wondering why he became so interested in the high school student. He was in his third year of collage and she was just a sophomore. They had a four year age difference. He should be focusing on someone closer to his own age. Mamoru was considered one of the most desirable guys in Japan who was hounded by fan girls by the hour. There was no limit to the beauties and women who might go as far as to kidnap him to spend some time with the man. He could have any girl he wanted. So why should he bother with a girl who clearly had no interest in him?
Mamoru tried to tell himself countless times that he didn't like her. He smiled at how big of a lie that was; of course he did. It was impossible not to. When he wasn't around she was so bright and bubbly it reminded him of an innocent child. Her navy blue eyes shone so brightly it never failed to get him to actually smile which he didn't find himself doing too often. Just seeing her made his day better. Being incredibly striking and captivating was a nice bonus too.
He had stumbled across Usagi six months ago after spending a year and a half in America studying medicine. She had been rocketing down the street complaining aloud on how she was late to school. Again, apparently, by the way she shouted. He had been too busy reading while walking not watching where he was going. She smashed into him so hard he thought the world had tilted, but in reality he was just crashing towards the ground. The girl had tumbled atop of him because of her momentum and she didn't move trying to understand what happened. Cleary she didn't even see him.
He had closed his eyes in pain from slamming into the concrete and his arms came up to hold the woman to him so she wouldn't get hurt as well. He was glad she was feather-light or he'd be a lot sorer. Opening his eyes he stared at her. Her hands were fisted separating their chests tucked under her chin. Her liquid orbs were hidden beneath her lids so she couldn't tell he was staring.
His grip tightened even though there was no need to hold on anymore. He couldn't control himself. She had felt so warm and inviting he wanted the feeling to stay with him. Unconsciously he sniffed in her shampoo relishing in the sweet scent and caught himself moments later. He must seem like such a pervert at the moment. When she finally opened her eyes he gasped at the color. The most amazing blue-silver eyes he had ever seen. A wave of nostalgia washed over him. He was sure he'd seen them before. She seemed just as captivated as he was and they continued to stare at one another before she was finally pulled back into reality.
She struggled against him and he let go. He didn't want her to think he was planning to kidnap her or some other nonsense like that. That seemed to always be the first conclusion girls came to. Unwillingly he released his grip and they got to their feet. Mamoru, noticing her bag on the ground, picked it up, along with his book, and handed it to her like a gentleman. She stared wide-eyed and he hoped it was because she liked him, because he certainly was getting interested in her. Which was a first for him; he didn't usually pay attention to girls. Before he could introduce himself she had mumbled his name in a doubtful, affectionate tone, 'Mamo-chan'.
Truthfully, that was a bit too girly of a nickname for his tastes, but it didn't stop his heart from skipping a beat when she uttered it. He didn't find it weird that this stranger knew his name; nearly every girl in his region must know of him. He was quiet popular. As soon as he was about to inquire about her name she darted off, taking her bag from him, after apologizing for basically running over him leaving him alone. That was where his fascination had begun.
His best friend, Motoki, had informed him that she loved to come to the arcade his family owned. He did occasionally go since his friend always worked there, but he started going a lot more often knowing she would be there as well. Of course, he never really got to talk to her seeing as she ran away every time, so he settled for watching her play the games contently sipping his usual coffee. It felt like he used to do this all the time, even from before he traveled to America. Except in those vague ideas he felt like they were more open and actually talked to each other.
He sighed lowly enough so she wouldn't be able to hear him behind her. From any angle you look at it, he was stalking her in every definition of the word. He wanted to know everything about her and cursed the fact she avoided him like the plague. In his mind, he always told himself he was gentleman enough to not take pictures or spy on her in her room or at school. He only did when he spotted her in the streets.
This time, though, he was going to have a conversation with her. No matter what. He wanted this for six months, and he was going to get it. He deserved it for keeping at bay for so long. There was no one around for her to ask for help; it was just the two of them. He at least wanted an explanation as to why she kept avoiding him.
Finally taking steps toward her he straightened his posture and got in front of Usagi. He waited trying to spot any movement from her but she made none. In fact, her eyes weren't even open. She was napping, not looking out into the lake. Mamoru's shoulders fell and he couldn't help but chuckle. He was so worried about letting her know he was behind her, but she asleep the whole time.
He took the opportunity to sit besides her on the open space of the bench. The sudden shift of the seat made Usagi move just slightly, and her head unconsciously fell onto his shoulder and she burrowed into him like a pillow. He blushed, something he didn't do often, and wondered why her simple actions had such an affect on him. He smiled at how peaceful and cute she appeared and stroked her bangs out of her eyes. He settled for sitting contently there with her for awhile waiting for Usagi to wake up. Mamoru just wanted this short moment of peace with her before it went downhill.
Mamoru couldn't explain it, but he was so sure they belonged together. He couldn't even remember how long he'd been dreaming about her. He wanted to make her smile, to make her laugh, and protect her above all else. Whenever there was a youma attacking the area he would rush out from wherever he was to find Usagi to make sure she was safe. For some unexplainable reason he felt like she was being targeted by those monsters. He could never rest until he found her, and he knew she was somehow involved with the fights. She was always near the area where the youma targeted. Coincidence? He didn't know, but if she was surrounded by danger he'd watch her like a hawk to make sure she didn't get hurt.
He heard a rustle of the bushes behind him and cranked his neck back to see what it was. The leaves moved ever so slightly which led him to believe someone was there. Then he calmed down betting on it being a small forest animal. He would've sworn he heard feverish whispering, but let it go. This was his moment; maybe he was just being so cautious because he didn't want anything to ruin it.
Usagi stirred as her eyes fluttered half open. Mamoru stilled wondering how she would react to their current position. Without saying a word Usagi looked to see what she was leaning on, then grabbed hold of his arm surprising him. She hugged it as her eyes fell closed again snuggling up to him. By now Mamoru's face was completely flushed red. Running his hand through his midnight black tresses he calmed himself. She was partly awake, now would be as good a time as any to strike a conversation. If it turned out badly, then at least he'd have the warm memory of her cuddling him like this.
"Tsukino-san?" he questioned gently so she was fully awake. She looked between her grip on his arm and his face, blushed, and hastily let go scooting away. She started to mumble an apology looking at her lap and Mamoru swore she was the cutest thing in the world at that moment.
As he anticipated, she made a move to get up as he prevented her from doing so by grabbing a hold of her wrist. She offered him such a miserable, pain filled look like it was hurting her to be near him which nearly tore his heart up. He swallowed the lump in his throat and commanded himself to not release her wrist.
For some reason, she wanted them to be apart. It felt like this happened a long time ago as well. So long ago he wasn't even sure when, but sometimes he'd have images in his dreams. He would be incased in armor with a sword by his waist, and she would be in a pure white gown with gold lining. In these images there were reasons keeping them apart, but they still saw each other.
Maybe these memories he was witnessing were fake, but it felt so real it wasn't even funny. Even if they weren't just a part of his imagination they were at least together even if they weren't supposed to be. He liked her; he wanted to get to know her and see how she could feel about him. But for some reason, she kept him at bay. Whatever her reasons were, he knew they could come above the obstacle if he just knew what it was.
"Please let go of me, Chiba-san," she whispered pulling on her hand trying to free herself. He tightened his hold refusing her request. "Please-"
"Call me Mamoru?" he pleaded shredding his pride into little pieces. He had never had to beg for anything before. He just wanted her to call him 'Mamo-chan' again, even if it meant murdering his dignity. She sighed heavily and he saw her eyes misting over. He wondered why it was so hard for her to be near him.
"Mamoru-san," she offered making him frown. Not the name he desired, but it was good enough for now. "I should get going, let go." He shook his head aggravating her. "Let go!" she said more forcefully. His hand did not move. Now he was starting to lose his composure.
"Why won't you ever talk to me?! Every time I approach you, you find an excuse to leave and run like I've got the flu! Just tell me what's wrong and I'll fix it. I promise! I just want to get to know you…" A sullen look befell her and she turned her head away so she couldn't look him in the eye.
"It wouldn't work out. At least, not right now it can't."
"Well, why not?! Just give me a chance! That's all I'm asking for." The next thing she said was a whisper and he had to strain to try and listen.
"We did give it a chance and look what happened…" She covered her mouth so quickly he didn't even see the movement and he stared. It was too inaudible for him to hear and it left him curious to what it could be she said. Not thinking she had the strength to do it, she yanked her hand back and stood up. Before she could dart off he leaped up and embraced her so his head rested on her shoulder and hers was nestled between their chests. Her face glowed bright red and she fought against him.
"Let go of me, you idiot! I'll scream!" she threatened and he could've chuckled at how childish she was acting.
"There's no one around here, so go ahead and try, Odango Atama," he teased. She seethed and struggled like a wild cat to get free. He knew his little nickname for her got her fuming, but he loved to see her angry. She was so adorable that way.
Suddenly she went limp in his arms letting him embrace her without a problem. For several minutes they stood without saying anything and he was thankful thinking it was progress. His hand held her by the waist as the other came to hold her neck to get her closer to him. The golden haired girl did nothing to oppose him as she clutched his black shirt in her hands keeping him in place. It wasn't just him; he knew she wanted to get to know him as well. The feeling was mutual.
She brought her head outwards from him and looked into his eyes. He frowned because it looked like she was about to cry. She pushed on his chest lightly separating them.
"Mamo-ch… Mamoru-san, There's too much going on for us to be together… I can't-"
Usagi was cut off as the clouds above started to swirl and change to a blood red tint. Mamoru crushed her form to his in a protective manner as the clouds ripped and a creature fell from the sky dropping in front of them. Its weight made the ground underneath the drooling mess sink an inch or two as it let out a ferocious roar flexing its biceps. Mamoru growled at the creature for threatening them and Usagi groaned trying to free herself yet again. Currently she was fighting for air being squished into his shirt.
"Of all times in the world, why now…?" she whined while Mamoru jumped carrying her in his arms bridal style delivering them from danger as the youma's claws made a move at them.