12. Present
Sailor Raspberry
216 Words
She watched with wide eyes as he limped into the arcade, flinching with each step. It was not like him to show emotion. It was so unlike him, that began it worry her.
He settled slowly onto his usual stool at the counter, releasing a breath of hot air at the uncomfortable pressure against the wound on his thigh.
Soft footsteps approached warily, and he turned his head slightly to see a petite girl standing before him, face taut with concern.
"Are you okay?" It was barely a whisper, so soft and quiet that he had to strain himself to hear her.
She frowned, outstretching delicate fingers to brush across his arm. "Tell me you're okay."
Usagi had not expected herself to approach him so defiantly; it was an unexpected move on her part. But she was here, and he was right there.
Mamoru stared at the girl who slid slowly onto the stool beside him, her blue eyes searching his own. He knew he couldn't lie to her; he knew she had already seen what he was hoping to hide.
He nodded slowly, giving her a reassuring smile, "I'm alright."
She gripped his wrist, forcing him to look at her fully. "Promise?"
His heart ached at her gesture, but he set it aside, "I promise."