Chapter 12 (Monday Week 2)
"Good morning, darling," Ikuko greeted as Usagi entered the kitchen. "Oh, no, dear," she stopped her as Usagi reached for the cereal. "Are you ready to go?"
"Of course," she answered.
"Then grab your bag and go meet Mamoru in the living room. He's here to take you out for breakfast before finals," Ikuko explained.
"Really?" Usagi questioned, a smile spreading across her face. Hurrying from the room, she popped into the living room to smile at Mamoru before rushing up the stairs. She was back momentarily, school bag in hand. "Hey, Mamoru," she giggled, throwing her arms around his neck in a hug as he stood.
"Hey, Buns," he replied with a chuckled. "You up for breakfast? Perhaps, some pancakes?" he questioned as he continued to hold her in a hug with her feet off the ground.
"I suppose so," she teased as he lowered her back to the floor. "How did you know I'd be up?"
"Called yesterday – I think your mom said you were at Minako's studying. I was going to just ask you, but you left your cell here and your mom answered. So, I thought this would work. Is that okay?"
"It's more than okay. Thank you, Mamoru."
"Great. Let's get outta here, Buns. I know this place that makes the most amazing pancakes," he suggested, slinging an arm around her shoulders and heading for the door. "We'll have to make it quick or you'll be late."
Calling a goodbye to Ikuko, the two headed outside to Mamoru's motorcycle parked in the drive. Sliding her school bag over her shoulder, she took the spare helmet and allowed Mamoru to help her on behind him.
*M&U* *M&U* *M&U* *M&U*
Usagi grasped Mamoru's hand as she followed him and the waitress to a small table in the corner. She smiled shyly as he glanced at her over his shoulder in response to her actions.
He pulled out her chair as the waitress left them. "I would recommend either the blueberry or the chocolate chip," he commented as he slid into his seat. "Or, the French toast is good too," he added.
"Chocolate chip sounds amazing," she commented to the waitress as she joined them. "Milk to drink," she added, "one percent."
"I'll have the French toast with coffee; black, please."
With a nod, the waitress was on her way and Usagi turned her attention to Mamoru. "So, can we go ahead and do our question for today?" she asked eagerly, hand grasping his forearm gently. "I double-checked what's next last night so I could really consider my answer."
"You still want to keep going?" he questioned, surprised.
"Of course," she replied, confusion wrinkling her brow. "Don't you?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. Then today is 'What turns you off?' and I want to answer first," she commented.
"Go ahead, Buns."
"I'm turned off by people who don't care, or pretend they don't care, about others."
"Oh, really?"
"Uh-uh," she cut in. "Remember the rules; we both have to answer before we discuss. No cheating, mister."
"Sorry," he laughed. "Arrogance."
They were interrupted as the waitress returned with the food and silence reigned as they both dug in.
"So," Mamoru commented as he settled back in his chair with a freshly refilled cup of coffee. "Not caring?"
"How can someone not care? It's horrible."
"I don't know, Buns. It doesn't make any sense to me either."
Sighing, she slumped slightly in her chair. "The utter disregard for other people, and their feelings, just disgusts me."
"Can I ask a question?"
"Sure?"
"You think it's because of that Rei girl you feel this way?"
"Probably. And a few of the popular guys that hang around and are just like her," she admitted, playing with her napkin. "There are very few people I don't like, but those guys are about as close as it gets."
"I would understand why."
"You shouldn't have to understand – no one should."
"Hey," he stopped her, reaching across and grabbing her chin to get her to look him in the eye. "Just because you don't like them doesn't mean you don't care. You're better than them, and you always will be."
"Thanks," she murmured with a blush. "Why arrogance?" she deflected.
"Why would you want to spend much time around someone who is overly wrapped up in themselves and most likely thinks they're better than you?"
"Makes sense. Ya know, I wouldn't say that the answers were completely the same, but do you find them similar?" she questioned, leaning forward intently.
"Yes," he agreed. "But, it makes sense to me. A dislike of those traits is something that we share. I doubt we'd get along as well if we both didn't feel that way."
"Probably. Oh, crap! We need to get going," she exclaimed, grabbing her bag and standing.
Mamoru quickly stood and dropped enough money on the table to cover the bill and tip before following Usagi to the door.
*M&U* *M&U* *M&U* *M&U*
Pulling up in front of the school, he helped her off the bike and slid off his helmet. "Good luck, Buns," he told her, pulling her in for a hug with an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'll see you after school. Can you manage to fit the helmet in your locker?"
With a quick squeeze, she pulled away and nodded. "Thanks, Mamoru! See you this afternoon," she called headed towards the school doors.
*M&U* *M&U* *M&U* *M&U*
"Woo hoo, freedom!" Usagi cheered to Minako as they exited the school. "Hey, Dr. Mizuno," she greeted as they approached Ami's mother. "Are you here to pick up Ami today?"
"Yes, dear; we are taking a trip to visit my parents. How do you think your finals went?"
"Oh, fine," Minako answered as Usagi nodded. "I better go. I see mom and we have a spa appointment. Call me tonight, Usa." With that, she headed off, calling goodbyes to people as she went.
"Well, Usagi, Ami tells me you will be moving schools for next year."
"Yeah, we've been talking about it for a few years and it finally worked out."
"Congratulations. Tomoe is a superb school."
"Thanks, Dr. Mizuno. Have a lovely visit with your family, but my ride is here so I've got to go," she excused herself as she saw Mamoru pull up. Hurrying down the sidewalk, she slipped on the helmet she had been holding and allowed Mamoru to help her back on the bike. "Hey," she greeted, squeezing his waist in a brief hug.
He glanced over his shoulder at her in response before easing the bike away from the curb and into traffic.
She snuggled into his back and held on tightly as she noticed the increasingly familiar route to Crown Arcade. It seemed like mere moments later that Mamoru pulled outside the establishment.
Popping down the kickstand, Mamoru slid his helmet off and turned to face Usagi as best he could. "How about a quick milkshake? I wanna talk to you about something for tomorrow before I take you home."
"Okay," she agreed.
Thoughts?