"Do as I say, not as I do"

Title: Preaching & Practicing
Theme: New Year's Eve_Toast (4b), usako_mamoru, 2009 anniversary challenge
Genre: Humor
Rating PG13

Mamoru laid a hand on Usagi's back, his own eyes squinting against the tiny bits of sunshine that had made their way into his room. He had no idea what time it was, but he did know they'd stayed at the New Year's Eve party for longer than his memory was allowing him to remember.

Groggily, he tried to say her name. Nothing came out but a slight rasping sound. He cleared his throat and tried again.

She stirred ever so slightly, groaning in the process.

"Drink some water, Usagi."

Without opening her eyes, indeed she squeezed them shut even tighter, she sat up and held her hand out. Mamoru put the glass in her hand and watched her swallow everything. When she was done, she held the empty glass out to him and flopped down into the pillows when he took it.

"How do you feel?"

"Uuugh…"

Mamoru patted her head gently.

"I'm going to try to eat; do you want anything?"

"Mmmuuugh…"

"Okay, then. I'll be back."

After drinking two glasses of water, Mamoru came back with two pieces of toast in his hand.

Usagi lay on her back, pressing the heels of her hands into her eyes and temple.

Speaking lowly, Mamoru said, "Eating might help, Usa."

Usagi squinted her eyes open. Mamoru offered the food to her. As soon as it got close enough for her to smell, Usagi wrinkled her nose. When the scent became stronger, she groaned loudly.

She jumped up and ran to the bathroom on wobbly legs, using her arms to push off the walls that kept bumping into her.

Following her far more slowly, Mamoru knocked on the closed door and repeated her name, until he finally understood her groggy and muffled, "Let me throw up in peace."

Mamoru slid down the door, content to wait for her. "I told you not to let Jiro make your drinks."

He took a delicate bite of the bread, closing his eyes and pausing with a grimace when he felt his stomach turn just a bit.

He probably could have followed his own advice a little more closely.

end