Chapter 8 (Thursday)
"It was amazing! Mi-chan and I will get to share a room. Plus, we got to put together our schedules. I only have two required classes and the rest are electives; two art classes, one music class – choir, and a creative writing class Mi-chan is in too. My training schedule is set perfectly around my schedule – no interferences, no rushing from workouts to barely make it to class. Training begins this summer."
"Not excited, are ya, Buns?"
"Of course, I'm excited. We're really doing this!"
"And it's what you want?"
"Yes," she answered decisively.
"Then, I'm happy for you. Sounds like you need to celebrate."
"Yep."
"Trying to give me a hint here, Buns?"
"Oh, you picked up on that?" she questioned innocently as he laughed. "Well, I suppose I would appreciate your company tonight if it included celebratory ice cream."
"Subtle, Buns."
"Well, I do try," she assured him.
"I'll pick you up around 7:30. See ya then, Buns."
*M&U* *M&U* *M&U* *M&U*
"Momma, Mamoru's here! I'll be back later," Usagi called from the front door as she slipped her shoes on. "We're going to grab some ice cream."
"Have fun, darling, and don't stay out too late," Ikuko called back as she poked her head out of the kitchen. "Remember, you still have classes tomorrow."
"I know. Thanks, Momma. Love you," she replied, headed out the door. She smiled, seeing Mamoru leaning against his motorcycle in the driveway with his helmet in hand and an extra resting on the seat.
"Heya, Buns. You ready?"
"Yep. Let's go," she said, approaching him.
He handed her the spare helmet and helped her settle it properly on her head. Putting on his own helmet, he sat astride the bike and helped her on behind him. And, they made quite a sight as he pulled onto the street – he in his faded, torn jeans and a black button-down with sleeves rolled to his elbows looking perfectly at home on the bike and her in a dark purple v-neck tee, boyfriend jeans, and Pumas snuggled into his back.
Usagi relaxed into Mamoru and pulled herself even closer. She was thrilled as he maneuvered through the streets, taking them closer and closer to the ice cream shop that served as a hangout for the older Juuban students. She was surprised even more when he pulled to a stop beside a car that Motoki and Minako leaned against.
"Hi!" she greeted as Mamoru offered her a hand to get off after taking her helmet. She and Minako shared a brief hug as Mamoru settled his bike.
"Well, ladies," Motoki began, "I hear congratulations are in order."
"Yay," Minako squealed. "Tomoe here we come!"
"Woohoo," Usagi cheered in reply.
"I don't think they care, Motoki," Mamoru teased as he wrapped an arm around Usagi's shoulders and led the way inside. He chuckled as the girls shared an eye roll at his expense.
Eyes from tables all around the room shot to the four new customers as they entered. It sent Mamoru's eyes looking for Motoki's in question. Would this trip to a hangout for the girls' peers backfire? Mamoru knew without a doubt that word would get back to Rei; the question remained, would it be worth the trouble of letting the girls do something normal?
Minako ignored the looks as she spoke with Usagi about their dorm decorating, already planning a shopping trip. She had already taken quick stock of the people as they entered, realizing almost all were seniors and smiling in their direction. The senior volleyball team was even waving them over. She whispered her order to Usagi and threaded her arm through Motoki's before heading over.
"Are you okay here?" Mamoru asked quietly as they joined the short line to order.
"Sure. Mostly seniors and a few juniors, all who love Minako and have been nothing but nice to me over the years? No problem. So, today's question…"
"Now?"
"If you don't mind."
"No, please, go ahead."
"Good. Can I make a request for the next few days?" At his nod, she continued. "Have you heard of the Proust Questionnaire?"
"Yeah, in on one of my psychology classes we talked about it. We discussed how Bernard Pivot and James Lipton used those ideas to interview people. My favorite version is Lipton's for the American show, Inside the Actor's Studio. He boils the long questionnaire down to ten very telling questions."
"Yeah. Auntie loves Pivot's version – it was extremely popular when they lived in Europe. That's where I learned about it. But, I do know Lipton's version. I would be okay using that one."
"From the beginning then," he teased. "What is it? Favorite word?"
"Yes, mister. The beginning."
"I would have to go with understanding," he answered. "Uh, uh, no comments until after you answer with these. Deal?"
"Yes, deal. My favorite word is love." At his somewhat surprised expression, she continued. "It's so multifaceted, and I've got to experience so many facets. And it's just a word that means so much, to so many people. The concept of loving others and being in love carries such weight in so many different cultures."
"Again with the wise beyond your years thing. Have you ever experienced being in love?"
"No. Just watching my parents and Minako's has always made me want to strive for that myself. Crap, you ready to order before we discuss your answer?"
"Yeah," he answered as they stepped up to the counter. "We need a cone of mint chocolate chip, an orange sherbet and vanilla twist in a dish, and…" he trailed off, looking towards Usagi.
"Two chocolate fudge cones," she finished.
The server smiled and moved to fill the order as Mamoru dug out money to pay. She was back with half the order just moments later before dishing up the other two. They were served and moving to join Motoki and Minako in no time. The two were still visiting with the volleyball team, Motoki laughing as the old girls told tales about Minako.
"That didn't take long," Motoki commented as they came up.
"Nope. I think we're gonna eat outside," Mamoru commented as Usagi nodded agreement. "Too nice out to stay inside," he provided as way of explanation though Motoki understood his need to keep Usagi out of the limelight as much as possible.
"We'll be there in a few minutes," Minako replied, rejoining the girls' conversation quickly.
*M&U* *M&U* *M&U* *M&U*
Walking outside, the duo moved towards the empty section of picnic tables. "Understanding?" she questioned.
"Long story."
"Isn't that the point?"
"I suppose so. I guess it comes from losing my parents. I was pitied. No one understood; they just felt sad for me. No one tried to understand. Actually, they tried to ignore the subject and not bring it up because of not knowing what to say. Motoki just tried to understand and let me talk about it. You've done the same. Just being able to talk about them and my childhood has been beneficial."
She smiled at him, humming her understanding, and settled into contemplation as they waited on their friends to join them; she knew he understood she needed to process.
Thoughts?