Chapter 10 (Saturday, Week 2)
"This is where Mamoru lives?" Kenji questioned his daughter as they pulled up in front of the apartment building.
"Yeah. Just park out front and I'll run inside to get him."
"Alright; just be quick and I'll call Shingo to make sure he's set after his game," her mom told her.
"Okay," she agreed, climbing out. Hurrying inside, Usagi waved to the desk attendant who she had met after their dash through the rain earlier in the week. She actually didn't have to go far when Mamoru stepped from the elevator.
"You look great, Buns," he commented as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her temple. And, he was right; her purple sundress and pink cardigan complimented her body well.
She smiled, hugging him from the side, and returned the compliment. "And you look very nice as well." His faded jeans that clung just right looked amazing paired with his black button-down and dark gray vest.
He held the door as they exited and followed her towards her parents' car. "Hello," he greeted as he slid in after Usagi.
"Good morning, Mamoru," Ikuko greeted. "Are you ready for the day? Usagi tells me you enjoy art. I hope you'll enjoy this gallery. It's one we've been to many times. They have such a variety of artists show there."
"Oh, I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Usa's filled me in on the show theme – it sounds wonderful."
"We're just glad you could join us," Kenji chimed in. "Shingo decided he would much rather attend his soccer game and then spend time at Ryu's house."
"If I was his age, I'd probably feel the same way," Mamoru laughed.
"Gladly, you're not his age," Usagi commented, reaching over to squeeze his hand.
"Yeah," he murmured, turning his head to hold hers as he faced out the window.
She stole a glance at Mamoru and turned to face out her own window, a small smile playing on her lips. Both missed the look her parents shared. It was going to be a long, but comfortably quiet ride.
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What do you think of the show, Mamoru?" Kenji asked the boy as he joined him in front of a black and white photo of a couple in silhouette.
"It's astounding," he commented. "I can understand why Usagi and Ikuko were so excited to come. The work has such depth. I like the emotion they show in these even if it is all in silhouettes. Even though photography has never been my favorite medium, it's hard not to adore these."
"Very insightful. Well, Ikuko and I are heading to have lunch with some friends that we ran into. You are welcome to join us, or feel free to have Usagi show you around the area," Kenji offered as the two watched mother and daughter chat in front of a piece across the room. "Just, Mamoru," Kenji started as the younger man moved to join their companions. "Don't ever break my little girl's heart?" he requested.
"I'll do everything I can to protect her and make her happy," he pledged.
"That's all a father can ask," Kenji murmured as Mamoru walked away.
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"I hope you're having fun," Usagi commented as the two meandered down a street outside the gallery after seeing her parents off to lunch.
"I am. Are you still happy you invited me, not Minako?" he returned, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and tucking her into his side.
"Oh, yes," she answered, shooting a wide grin his direction. "I don't think sharing this with anyone else would have meant half as much," she admitted.
Pressing a quick kiss to her temple, he murmured agreement before shifting the direction they were headed.
"The park?" she queried, realizing his intent quickly. "What is it with us and swings?" she laughed, moving with him.
"I'm not sure, but I know I like it. Don't you?"
"Well, yes, but…"
"Nope. No buts. It doesn't matter; point is it works for us. Nothing else matters," he declared. Leading her towards a small swing set in the middle of a shady area provided by a tall oak tree, he directed her into a swing and began to push her gently. After a few quiet moments, he broke the silence. "What turns you on?"
Usagi's reaction was almost instantaneous. She planted her feet and swung her body to face Mamoru, features incredulous. "What?" she choked out as her face reddened.
"God, I'm sorry," he quickly amended. "That's our next question. I didn't mean to freak you out."
"It's okay," she assured, relaxing back into the swing and letting him resume pushing her. "You just surprised me is all – my mind was elsewhere." Following a brief pause, she continued. "Before I answer, I just want to make clear that I look at this question more as what trait you find most attractive in a significant other."
"I would concur with the assessment for our purposes," he agreed.
"Then, I suppose I have a two-fold answer. The first is self-assurance. The old adage you hear about not being able to truly love someone who does not love themselves? I find it very true. The hard thing is finding someone, anyone, around my age past the shallow way of doing that. There's a difference between just fitting in and being comfortable enough in your own skin that you don't even care – a very big difference."
"And part two?" he prompted.
"A quiet strength - someone who can instill faith in them without saying a word would be wonderful. The kind of person you have comfortable silences with; not because you have nothing to say, but because you don't have to use words to say anything."
For long moments, only the quiet rustle of the wind through the oak's leaves and the low creak of the chain as the swing moved filled the air. Hands reached out and slowed Usagi's swing before a quiet voice spoke in reply. "Joy, or happiness – however you so choose to describe it. My dad called it a 'joie de vivre'. There's nothing quite as special as someone who just loves and enjoys life. That kind of joy is so contagious. Being around you is like stepping into the sunshine from a dark room; leaves you blinking in awe at first, then just so stunned at what you've been missing."
A light blush dusted Usagi's cheek as she bowed her head. "Mamoru?"
"I know, Buns," he sighed. "We'll discuss it more, but how about we hit the restaurant and order? We can talk over food and both have some time to process."
"Yeah," she agreed, leading the way away from the swing. Like second nature, they walked step-in-step with each other and let their hands continuously brush.
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"So…" Usagi began, playing with her salad more than eating it.
"Look, Buns, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. That wasn't my intent at all," he cut in.
"No, Mamoru, stop."
"It's not that I'm uncomfortable exactly; I just don't understand where we stand. That was a big commentary on both our parts earlier.
"True," he agreed, neither knowing what else to say "Look," he continued, finally breaking the silence, "this doesn't have to change anything right this moment, or ever if you so choose. We can just let things fall as they may. Maybe, someday, we'll go there."
"Okay," she agreed.
"Okay?"
"Yeah. It's not like we weren't tentatively heading that direction anyway."
"So, we agree it'll happen, but we don't need to talk about it – at least, not now?"
"Right."
"Then, let's get done and get back to meet your parents," he suggested.
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"You okay, honey?" Ikuko asked Kenji as she noticed his constant glances in the rearview mirror.
"I know I'm going to have to get used to it sooner rather than later," he said, reference the two sleeping in the backseat that had cuddled together in the backseat, "but, it's hard to see my little girl so grown up. I still see our towheaded three year old."
"She'll always be our little girl, honey. Just think – you're going to be gaining a new kid, not losing one. And, you like Mamoru, right?"
"Yes, dear. It's fine – just seems weird.
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"Momma, I think Mamoru and I are going to watch a movie," Usagi said as she leaned forward to kiss her mother's cheek. "I'll be home about eight or so."
"Have fun then, dear," Ikuko told her. "Just make sure you leave some time to study."
"Yes, ma'am," she answered, backing away and waving as her parents drove off.
"What movie do you want to watch?" Mamoru questioned as he grabbed her hand and led her inside.
Thoughts?