Chapter 14 (Wednesday Week 2)
Ringing the doorbell and taking a step back, Mamoru let out a breath. He wasn't surprised to see Kenji when the door opened. "Hello, sir," he greeted.
"Oh, Mamoru," Ikuko said, coming up behind her husband. "There's no need for that. Come on in and have a seat. I'll go hurry the girls along. Minako stopped by, so Usagi's running a little behind. Kenji, let the boy in."
"Do we need to discuss this?" Kenji queried as he allowed Mamoru to step inside and they both watched Ikuko climb the stairs.
"No, sir. I'd do anything to avoid hurting her and I will be nothing less than a complete gentleman."
"Good," Kenji replied. Clapping Mamoru on the shoulder, he led the younger man into the living room. "My princess deserves nothing less than the best."
"I agree."
"Which is a big part of why you're not staring down the barrel of a shotgun right now. How was today's sitting?"
"It went fairly well. A little awkward just because of the pose, but Ms. Meioh said she thinks she's done with us for now. She is supposed to let us know when she shows them – she'd like for us to come to the opening."
"I'm sure Ikuko will want to be there as well. You'll make sure to let us know when?"
"Yes, of course."
"Where will I want to be?" Ikuko questioned as she rejoined them and perched on the arm of Kenji's chair.
"The art opening of Usagi and Mamoru's painting, dear. The artist is supposed to let Mamoru know when it is so we can go."
"I see. How lovely. Well, Mamoru, they'll be just another moment or two. Did you want something to drink?"
"No, thank you. It's very kind of you to offer."
"Right? This is why Auntie is simply the best," Minako commented as she entered the room. "She's right behind me, but I have to run. I have dinner plans with Motoki, Mommy, and Daddy. I highly doubt he'll be near as calm as you, Uncle Kenji. Anywho, see you both later in the week. Usa and I were discussing baking at some point, so I'll be over. Love you both! Have fun, Mamoru!" And with that, the blonde whirlwind was on her way, calling goodbye to Usagi as she descended the stairs.
"Sorry, Mamoru," she said, entering the room and causing him to stand. "I hadn't planned on Mi-chan's dropping by."
"It's fine," he answered absently, taking in her appearance. He hadn't known what to expect, but this vision in a knee-length flowing skirt and a fitted tee was better than he could've dreamed. "You look amazing. Are you ready to go?"
"Sure. Momma, Daddy, I'll be home later."
"Have fun, darlings."
"And, behave."
Waving to the two parents, Mamoru led Usagi to the door and out into the fading light. "You really do look amazing, Buns," he murmured, leading her to the car. Opening her door, he let her slid in before making his way around to the driver's door. "You didn't eat, right?"
"Well, you told me not to."
"Good. Then, let's go."
"Where?"
"You'll see. Trust me, Buns," he assured with a wink in her direction. Sliding on a pair of sunglasses, he backed the car out of the drive and they hit the road.
M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U
It was a long drive, but didn't seem that way as the two chatted casually about the small time of day they spent apart and their friends on a date that night. Mamoru finally signaled a turn off the main road and sent a smile Usagi's direction. "I really hope you like this place. It's off the beaten path to say the least, but it's some place I've loved coming for years. Don't tell Motoki, but some of their food definitely beats out The Crown's."
Usagi laughed, a smile seeming to come unbidden. "I'm sure it'll be great. What do they serve?"
"A little of everything." He pulled in to an obscure lot, hidden by trees. "Being alone for so long has gotten me to the point of trying to find new places every so often. There's only so many times you can come in alone before the wait-staff starts to give you 'that look' from the moment they see you and I can hardly infringe on all the time Motoki spends with his family no matter how much they say it's no problem."
"Oh, Mamoru…"
"No. None of that tonight. It has been good thing in its own way over the years. Especially, over the last few as I've tried to find all those hole-in-the-places that most people never know. This is one of my favorites. And Maria has been the best. She takes care of me when I come in and checks up on me when it's been too long between times."
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. Even if it is just to make sure I'm still in school and doing my homework. Sometimes she makes me feel like I'm in grade school all over again." He turned off the ignition and turned to face her. "I know she'll love you," he told her, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. "Now, stay put," he ordered, climbing out and heading around to get her door again. Gallantly offering his arm again, he had her in giggles as they walked the short path to the little building.
It looked more like an old Victorian style house she had seen when visiting Minako in England than a restaurant as they entered, but they were greeted by a young man at the entry way who beamed upon seeing Mamoru. "You finally decided to come back, huh? Momma will be so glad to see you!" he enthused. "How about a table on the back patio?" he questioned, winking at Usagi as he led them through an inside seating area and out through open French doors.
Usagi gasped in slight surprise to see the Italianesque look of the brick patio.
"Just like a street restaurant in Italy where my Momma grew up. You like?" questioned the young man with a sly smile. "My Momma insists this is her little piece of Italy she brought with her when she moved here after marrying my Father. But, let's grab you a little table over here and I'll send your waitress right out." He guided them to a small bistro table in the corner and held out a chair to seat Usagi before retreating back indoors.
"Wow."
"Stunning, right? I couldn't get over it my first time here. But, he's right. Maria, his mother, styled this place after the restaurant her grandparents started after they were married. If she comes out to visit with us, I'm sure she can tell you even more about it. Oh, here comes Isabelle."
"Hi, Mamoru!" the young girl greeted, blushing when she took note of Usagi's presence. "Um, hello," she added, much more subdue.
"Hi," Usagi returned with what she hoped appeared to be a friendly smile. It didn't take much to figure out that this girl had a crush on Mamoru and she couldn't help but grin over how cute it all was. "Isabelle, right?"
"Yeah," the girl greeted, sparing a glance in Usagi's direction. "What can I get you to drink?" Her attention snapped by to Mamoru as soon as possible, focusing on him.
"Ice tea for both of us," he answered, with an agreeing nod from Usagi.
"I'll be right back with those. Do you want menus?"
"One will be fine, thanks," he answered. He was surprised to see Usagi covering a grin with her hand as he turned his attention back in her direction. "What?"
"You don't even know, do you?"
"Know what?"
"She has a crush on you. I think you crushed her when you brought me here."
"No way."
"Oh, but way. It's cute. I can't believe you never noticed."
"She's thirteen. And, I'm almost sixteen. She's actually not that much younger than me. And, I had the worst crushes from ages ten to fourteen. Trust me, I recognize the signs."
"If that's what you want to think," he said, not willing to continue discussing this crazy idea. "I already know what I want, but I'll let you know what's good when she gets back with the menu. I have a feeling I know what you'll order, but I'd rather just let you look in case."
"Alright." She accepted her drink from Isabelle with a smile as the girl again barely glanced in her direction. "Thanks for the menu."
The girl barely hummed some acknowledgement of her thanks, keeping her eyes glued to Mamoru, and handed the menu off to him. "Just let me know when you're ready to order. I'll be back to check on you shortly."
"Thanks, Isabelle," Mamoru told her, a bit uncomfortable with her focused attention. "Just give us a couple minutes and I'm sure we'll be ready to order." He watched the girl go before asking, "You're sure?"
Usagi laughed, reaching to grasp his hand. "You'll survive, and she'll grow out of it someday."
M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U
"Mamoru, il mio ragazzo, where have you been?"
Mamoru laughed and smiled as a beautiful woman approached their table. She was what Usagi could see Isabelle looking like once she aged past the awkward teen years. She was stunning with her long, dark hair and curvy figure. Usagi knew this had to be Maria as she watched Mamoru stand to hug the woman before she pulled back to reach up and pinch his cheeks.
"And just who do we have here?" she questioned, turning her attention to Usagi. "My, my darling, you are quite a beauty," she complimented, hugging Usagi as well. "You are watching out for our boy here, right?"
"It's a horrid job, but someone's gotta do it," she agreed.
"Oh, Mamoru, I like this one. I'm Maria, darling, and hopefully this one has been smart enough to tell you all about me."
"Oh, yes. And, all good no less."
"He is a smart one like that," Maria agreed.
Mamoru blushed slightly and laughed. "Please, join us for a few minutes," he offered Maria, grabbing a chair from a nearby, empty table for her. "I told Usagi you'd have to tell her about your grandparents' restaurant and just how you ended up here."
"Just a moment or two," she agreed.
M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U
Usagi giggled. "Seriously?"
"Yes, just like that. He took a seat beside my father and looked over and told him, we'd be moving back here after we married. It's a surprise my poor father didn't have a heart attack. But, my mama told him not to ask, just to tell him that we were marrying. I don't think it was exactly what she had in mind."
Usagi let out a full laugh, causing Mamoru to smile in response. "Maria, thank you so much," he told her. "I'm afraid we need to be headed on to our next destination, but this couldn't have been more perfect."
"Ah, my boy, you know you are always welcome here; as are you, darling. We better see that beautiful face around here again soon, you hear me?" she told Usagi.
"Yes, ma'am. Where is your bathroom? I'm going to run before we leave."
"Danny will show you," she offered waiving the young man from earlier over from bussing a table. "The woman's restroom, please," she instructed, waving the two off. "Mamoru, don't you dare ever let that girl get away. She's absolutely perfect."
"Don't I know it?" he assured her. "You approve though?"
"Completely. Come. You can pay the bill and meet your young lady up front so you can be on your way."
"No discount this time," he told her, bringing up the old argument.
"Consider yourself lucky that I let you pay anything," she teased, leading the way inside from the patio.
M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U
"What did you think?" Mamoru questioned as he slid into the driver's seat beside Usagi.
"Amazing," she answered on a sigh. "How soon can we come again?"
He laughed. "I'll see what I can do. You ready for part two of our evening?"
"As long as there's not more food."
"No food," he agreed. "But, we might be running into Minako and Motoki for a bit."
"Now that I can agree to," she answered.
M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U
"Motoki!" Mamoru called, leading Usagi towards the non-descript building.
"Hey, there you guys are," Motoki commented, stepping away from the side of the building and bringing Minako with him over to their friends. "Running a little late?"
"Nah. We're gonna grab tickets real quick. You two want to wait here for a minute?" he asked Usagi.
"Yeah, that's fine," she agreed, sharing a look with her best friend. "Well, how was officially meeting the parents?" she questioned as soon as the two were out of earshot.
"Daddy scared the crap out of Motoki with death threats for if he ever hurt me. After that, it went well. Where did he take you?"
"This little Italian place, way out of the way. It was amazing. I don't know if I could eat another bite."
"Poor thing," Minako teased, gently poking the other girl in the side.
The girls turned as they heard Mamoru call out to them. Jogging over to the boys, the three headed inside and down the steep stairwell into a basement room. The room was decorated in heavy blacks, shot through with glimpses of red and silver accents. They allowed the boys to lead them to a small corner table for four in the back of the room, allowing themselves to be maneuvered to sit all towards one side of the round table so they faced a stage.
"So, what is this?" Minako questioned, looking to Motoki in answer.
"Some of the people from the drama department at school work together to put on shows here every couple of months. Seiko, one of the guys we know, has been involved in the past couple, but has a big role in this particular one."
"What show is it?"
"It's actually a piece written by one of the actors. They do the occasional known show, but they like to actually write their own."
"Wow," Usagi commented.
"It's very impressive," Mamoru agreed. "Did anyone want anything to drink before the show starts?" Taking orders from the other three, he crossed the room to a small bar area to order. He waved Usagi over and they carried the drinks back across the room and settled in just as the house lights flicked and dimmed.
M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U
"I'm more impressed than ever," Minako commented, as they climbed the stairs towards street level after having finished visiting with Seiko.
"Me too," Usagi agreed, giving Mamoru's hand a small squeeze. Almost immediately, she felt a responding squeeze. Sharing a quick smile, they stepped out into the cool night air with their friends.
"I'd better be getting Usagi home," Mamoru commented.
"And we ought to be doing the same," Motoki agree. "It was a great idea, man. Catch you tomorrow?"
"Sounds good," he agreed as he watched the girls share a quick hug goodbye.
"Call you in the morning," Usagi called to Minako as they started to walk in opposite directions. She waited until her words were acknowledged with a wave and then allowed herself to be pulled into Mamoru's side with an arm around her shoulders as they headed towards the car. "Thank you so much," she murmured.
"Anything for you," he agreed just as quietly.
M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U M&U
"Thanks again, Mamoru," Usagi said as she stood at the top of the porch steps. "I had a great time."
"As did I," he agreed. A moment of quiet passed between them as their eyes locked.
Usagi allowed her eyes to flutter shut and took a deep breath. Opening her eyes halfway, she noticed Mamoru moving closer and closer. Anxiety began to set in as she realized just how this would play out. Stopping him just inches from her mouth with a hand at his chest, she stared at him with panic in her eyes. "I can't do this," she said before allowing herself to disappear inside the house.
Mamoru stood there in shock. What in the hell had just happened?
Thoughts?