My Best Friend's Brother
Written by: Jill Annette

CHAPTER NINE – HARD HEADED

"I know the two most hard headed people in the world!" Rei screeched. "Ugh!"

Yuuichirou raised an eyebrow, his dark hair fell into his brown eyes, and smirked. His girlfriend had been trying to convince her brother and friend to change their mind about each other. However, she was trying to be subtle about it.

With Mamoru, Rei would brag about Usagi here and make sure to mention her name there. She always had something to say or a way to bring Usagi into the conversation. Around the time Rei started to mention Usagi he would either change the subject completely (or try to) or just end the conversation completely.

Talking to Usagi was a completely different story. Rei, again, would mention Mamoru more often than usual. She would always try to bring Usagi around when Mamoru was home, or try to get the blond to tag along whenever she and Mamoru were out.

However, they were great at avoiding each other. If Rei did not know any better, she would be certain the two were determined to avoid each other completely.

"Maybe you should find a different tactic," Yuuichirou threw out.

Rei shrugged, "Maybe I need to perform brain surgery."

"Don't you mean heart surgery?" Yuuichirou asked, grabbing Rei and pulling her close.

She shook her head as she answered, her breath against his neck, "No, their hearts already beat for each other . . . it's just their heads that get in the way."

The movie the television displayed for them was long forgotten. It was well in the middle part of the action anyway and the storyline was lost on both of them.

"Sounds kind of like a couple I used to know," Yuuichirou noted.

Rei laughed, snuggling even closer as if it were possible, "You and me both."

- - -

Usagi opted against movie night over at Rei's. Makoto invited Usagi to go along with her to Neptune, since it was one of the few weekends Raiu's father kept him and she was free. Of course, Nephrite had been invited too, which made it possible that Usagi would end up a third wheel. However, this outing would be much more tolerable than one with Mamoru sitting three feet away from her.

She planned to meet Makoto and Nephrite at the Crown a good eight minutes ago. Old habits die hard, and it seemed that Usagi could never get anywhere on time. Usagi rushed in the arcade, relieved when she found that Makoto had not yet arrived. Taking a breath to calm her nerves, Usagi decided to sit at the nearest booth as she waited for her friends.

Moments later the bells rang again, noting that someone else had entered the building. She turned, thinking it might be Makoto and Nephrite; instead it was the blond from Motoki's party a while back. Minako, that was her name, was beautiful. Even Usagi had to admit it. Her teeth were whiter than white and straight, no wonder she easily became a model icon in no time. Usagi watched Minako laugh as she entered the door, followed by none other than a handsome man. She continued her gaze as Minako ushered the man to the bar. The two sat together, the man a little awkward with his movements, his hands resting in his lap, on the table, brushing his through his dark hair, rubbing against his thighs. It seemed as if he was not entirely sure why he was there and Usagi did not know why either.

Her eyes narrowed. He was supposed to be at the house watching movies with Rei. This was just not right. It was all she could do to keep from having a fit in the middle of the arcade once she realized that the guy Minako had brought in with her was none other than Mamoru. He did not even notice Usagi sitting by herself when he walked in – which he should have since she noticed him. Never did Usagi take her cobalt eyes from him as he sat with Minako, jealousy plagued her veins.

When Makoto came in with Nephrite, Usagi barely noticed. It was not until they left the arcade and Usagi was safely buckled into the backseat of Nephrite's car did she take a moment to breathe. Mamoru was only doing what he was allowed to do. He made it perfectly clear how he felt before Usagi had smothered all hope of that and all for Rei. Okay, so not all for Rei, because honestly, how would she truly feel if something truly serious did happen between her and Mamoru and they cut things off much like they did now. It would be a hundred times worse.

Besides, tonight Usagi promised herself a wonderful night out. Even if she spent most of the night meandering around by herself, maybe she could meet someone new.

- - -

Mamoru noticed her seconds before she noticed him. However, he pretended she was not even there. She would not ruin his night out. Usagi would not infect his mind. Not tonight. He refused to let her yet, his blood was boiling, the back of his neck was perspiring and he did not know what to do with his hands. Not to mention the fact that her gaze was burning a hole through the back of his shirt.

Minako gave him a questioning look that he shrugged off with a smile. "So, what do you want?" He asked, finally stilling his hands by clasping them together and set them on the table.

Minako flipped her hair behind her and looked up at the large menu in front of them. Her head leaned back a bit to catch the right angle to read the sign easily, and took her time. She elongated an "um" as she finally made her mind up. Glancing back at Mamoru she said, "A low-fat decaf mocha."

Mamoru nodded his head and walked up to the register. Since Motoki wasn't working tonight, Mamoru did not have the luxury of getting served where he sat. From the corner of his eye he noticed Usagi leave the arcade with a couple of her friends and wondered for a moment why she wasn't at the house watching movies with Rei.

- - -

Neptune was not much more of a bar with a stage and of course an open floor devoid of any tables or chairs. There were stairs that lead up to an upper area away that faced the stage for the types of people who would rather sit instead of stand. Already Usagi had seen two different bands play. Both of which she did not catch the names of. She followed Makoto and Nephrite around for a while as they introduced her to other people they knew. It seemed that everyone was in some sort of band.

Usagi finally said she needed to take a breather and found her way outside. Right beside the door was a cloud of smoke and the people with cigarettes that made it. Holding back a cough, Usagi continued down the entrance path and found a bench at the side of the building. The night air was refreshing and it felt good to get out of the throngs of people.

"Mind if I sit down?"

Startled, Usagi jumped.

"I didn't mean to scare you."

Her eyes shot up to the intruder but she scooted over so he would have enough room to sit beside her.

"So what brings you out here?"

Usagi looked into his grey eyes, wondering just what exactly this man was up to. "It was just getting a little loud and crowded. I needed the quiet." She waited a beat, long enough for him to nod his head at what she said. "What about you?"

"Why am I out here?" When Usagi nodded he continued. "I actually noticed you earlier. When you walked outside, I thought it might be a good chance to talk."

"Oh," Usagi said. That's strange.

"Sounds weird, huh?"

The blond almost laughed. He was thinking the same as her. "Maybe, just a little."

"The name's Seiya Kou," he held out his hand. "And I'm not in a band, if that makes a difference – yet."

"Usagi," she introduced herself and shook his hand. "I'm not in a band either, never will be. I'm glad to say I'm tone deaf."

He smiled, "Don't say that."

"But it's true." Usagi laughed. "It's horrible how true it is."

"Well, I can make up for that," Seiya countered. "For one, I'm going to make it big."

"Really?" Usagi raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Seiya nodded. "One of these days you'll see Three Lights on the cover of all music magazines."

"Don't you need a band to do that?"

"I said one of these days, not tomorrow." Seiya sighed. "I just have to replace Taiki, my brother."

Usagi shook her head, "You want to replace your brother because?"

"He's broken his collar bone a couple times, said he's tired of playing." He bent over, resting his for arms on his knees. He talked with his hands, Usagi noticed he had long fingers; maybe he played a guitar or bass. "You see, it was just the three of us, Taiki, Yaten and I. Now it's going to be Yaten and I and some other guy."

"Or girl," Usagi suggested.

He shrugged, "Or girl." He watched Usagi. His charcoal eyes clashed with her blues.

Holding up her hands in defense Usagi exclaimed, "But not me, definitely not me. Tone deaf, remember?"

"No, not you," Seiya shook his head. "You, I'd like to take out."

Usagi stopped breathing for a second. "Me?" she breathed.

Why would he be interested in her? She had nothing to offer him. No knowledge of music whatsoever. All she truly knew is that she liked a John Mayer song because of the lyrics and hated Beyonce Knowles new song because it did not make any sense to her. As for music itself she had hardly any knowledge whatsoever. So this one thing that could have been a key interest they both had was not there. What else did he know about her? Nothing really. So why is he interested?

"Yeah, you." He chuckled again. "I like you." He paused as he noticed her distraught face. "I'm not being too forward am I?"

What about Mamoru? Did she have strong feelings for him? How could she be interested in Seiya all of a sudden? Just a couple weeks ago she tripped over her own feet and landed in Mamoru's arms. Then she pulled herself out of them and ran away. She sighed mentally clearing her thoughts as she met Seiya's grey gaze again.

This could not hurt her. Usagi felt she needed to move on anyway. Besides, Mamoru apparently already has. Why couldn't she?

"No," Usagi shook her head. "You aren't being too forward."

Seiya grinned, "Good."

- - -

Okay, so, I felt bad for uploading a new story and not updating this one. Instead of doing homework like a good little girl, I spent a great deal of time on this... and it's still a little short. BUT, there's another twist. I'm horrible but I don't want this story to end just yet. I want their relationship to develop a little more. You heard me. It's going to develop a little more. But wait, their both in relationships? What will this mean?

It means, I'm procrastinating the finish because you guys probably hate Minako right now... and well... you. can't. not. like. her. Seriously. I've told you before she was my favorite character. Ever. So... yeah, keep that in mind. If you want.

I think graduation for the three that are still in High School (Usa, Rei, Ami) is due soon. Be looking for that too. I'm kind of figuring by now it has to be May-ish. Close? If it started out in January and some time has gone by. Help me out here... what time of year to you feel like they're in? That way I can work with what you guys are picturing. I don't want anyone to be stunned into thinking, What the fuck, it's SUMMER? So yeah, let me know.

Thanks!!!

J.A.

Psst! I mentioned it before... but I've posted a new story. My multi-parter I said I was going to be working on. I've posted the prologue. Go check it out. It's How Forever Found Us. Thanks again.