It was the best day of the year in Usagi's opinion. She felt on top of the world this day.
No detention, no homework, no youma for at least a week now. And best of all, it was her fifteenth birthday!
She skipped happily into Crown and sat down on a stool.
"Good afternoon Usagi-chan, you're happier than usual today. What's the occasion?"
"Well!" she began, "I have no detention, no homework aaaand…"
She drum rolled on the counter surface with two spoons.
"It's my birthday!"
"Oh!" Motoki exclaimed, "Happy birthday Usagi!" He poured out an extra large chocolate milkshake and set it down on the counter. "On the house, for the birthday girl."
Usagi lit up and slurped happily. She was so happy today. Even Mamoru-Baka couldn't ruin this perfect day of all days.
Speak of the devil, she thought, as he sauntered into Crown.
"Odango Atama! You sure you can manage that?" he asked. All three looked at the milkshake. Then Usagi smiled.
Picking up a straw, she handed it to him and said, "Help yourself Mamoru, I'm actually quite full on sweets and cakes today." She winked at Motoki, who smiled widely back.
Mamoru was shocked. Then he shook his head. "No thanks, I'm more of a vanilla man myself."
"Okay then." Reaching into her pocket, Usagi took out some change and put it onto the counter. "An extra large vanilla milkshake for Mamoru please Motoki."
Motoki smiled, more at the surprised look on Mamoru's face, then turned away to make the vanilla milkshake for his friend. As he turned however, the smile faltered. He hoped Mamoru wouldn't make a wiseass comment that may upset Usagi. Today of all days.
His smile back on his face, he turned back to Usagi and Mamoru, and handed Mamoru his milkshake.
Mamoru eyed it warily. He hadn't forgotten or forgiven that Tabasco incident on April Fool's Day.
"Don't worry," Usagi giggled, reading his thoughts, "There's no Tabasco in this, that was a one-off. I promise."
Mamoru looked sceptical for a second, then took a small sip. He grinned. It was delicious, and Tabasco free.
"So why are you so happy today Odango? I mean, more so than usual."
Usagi frowned slightly, but said, "Well you see it's-"
"Because if you think being even more cheerful and nice and buying me milkshake is going to get you something," Mamoru laughed, "You're quite mistaken."
"Oh so I can't be nice?"
"I didn't say that."
"Yes you did," Usagi said angrily, finishing her milkshake. "I don't expect you to be anything but crabby anyway, but just because you can't be nice, doesn't mean anyone else cannot show compassion." She was surprised at herself. She was sure she would get upset, but oddly enough, she felt the complete opposite. Maybe she was getting older, she thought. She was going to humiliate this man sitting in front of her for all it was worth. Hmmm. Maybe not.
"I don't know what your problem is Mamoru. Maybe if you talked to me instead of hurling such vicious insults at me day in and day out. I will tell you this once, and only once. Today marks the turning of a leaf. No longer will I take any more crap from you, no insults, no fighting, no witless comments. It ends today."
Usagi took a deep breath.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to Rei's to meet the girls for my birthday dinner. Thank you for the milkshake Motoki."
Ignoring Mamoru completely, she walked out of the arcade, feeling as though a heavy load had been lifted off her shoulders.
"Are you happy now?" Motoki hissed.
"I-I… it's her birthday?" Mamoru asked. Motoki nodded. Sometimes he had to admit, he did agree with Usagi. Mamoru really could be a clueless Baka sometimes.
