Chapter 18 (one month)
"Okay, I admit; it was better than I thought," Makoto said as they slid into the booth. "Though, next time I think we need to see a comedy."
"As long as there's a next time, I'm game," Usagi agreed.
"Ditto," Minako agreed, sitting next to Usagi. "I'm thinking movie marathon next time. My mom's been asking how all of you are doing; I think she thinks we need to have you all over."
"Or, she's looking for a way to get you home," Usagi teased. "Between volleyball practices and scrimmages, spending time with Motoki, and our outings, when are you ever home?"
"Like you don't have that problem," Minako returned.
"Hey, Momma and I always spend Saturday afternoons together. Plus, I help her bake on a regular basis with how busy she is this summer."
"Is she getting a lot of orders?" Ami asked as she finally slid in the booth.
"Tons. She said to tell you all that she would welcome your help any time one of you wants to do some baking or decorating."
"That's wonderful," Makoto commented.
"Oh, yeah. She's really enjoying it, but, as she tries out new recipes, my 'healthy' diet turns to crap. My coach at Tomoe is thankfully pretty understanding. It's all just so appealing to my sweet tooth."
"And quite the sweet tooth it is," Makoto teased, referencing their middle school years where her sweet tooth was almost insatiable.
"Hey, now," Usagi started as the other girls laughed.
"It's a surprise you haven't gotten fat; or have you?" came the nasty sneer from over Usagi's shoulder. "Looks like you've put on a few pounds to say the least."
"Rei," Minako greeted, her voice losing its warmth. "To whatever do we owe this pleasure?"
"Daddy had a boring business meeting out of town, so I came back for Seiya's party. I assume you will be joining me? Well, most of you," she scoffed in Usagi's direction. "I would think you'd be too embarrassed to show your face there."
"Seiya's having a party?" Ami questioned, voice skeptical.
"Probably just said he was planning it as an excuse to throw me a welcome home party," Rei added, looking quite proud of herself.
"Oh, I bet…" Minako agreed, flashing a look Usagi's direction and rolling her eyes.
"It IS what happens when you're important," Rei said.
"Sheesh, Usa, aren't you going to be late?" Makoto questioned, making a show of looking at her watch.
"Huh?" Usagi said, confused.
"It is 9:30, Usagi," Ami commented.
"Honey, go," Minako told her with a little push to get her moving out of the booth. "Pass along that we say hello."
"But, I don't have to be home until…"
"That's why you were going to leave now; so you have plenty of time to squeeze in a visit. Now, hugs, and then get going, girl," Minako said.
"We'll finish catching up later," Ami threw in, standing to hug Usagi.
"Exactly," Makoto said, taking her own turn for a hug and then sitting back down.
"Later, love," Minako added. "I'll call you when I get home."
"Well, well, well. Someone seems to have left me a bunny on my doorstep," Mamoru teased when he opened the door to find Usagi outside. "What a wonderful surprise."
Usagi laughed, leaning in to wrap her arms around his waist. "Wonderful surprise, indeed," she agreed.
"What happened to your plans with the girls?"
"Rei's home. I'm not quite sure how she knew that's where we were going to be, but apparently her summer with her dad is over."
"You okay?" he asked, leading her in and to the couch.
"Yeah. Makoto and Ami helped Minako send me on my way. I knew they would be pretty understanding, but it just wows me how great they were about getting me out of there."
"Well, Buns, you have some pretty great friends."
"I do. So, wanna tell me how great a boyfriend I have since he'll take me in at the last minute, agreeing to make some popcorn and watch a movie with me?"
"Sounds like a great guy. Where'd ya find him?"
"Hilarious. Popcorn. Now. Pleeeaaase?" she implored, trying to push him off the couch.
He laughed at her pouting face. Pressing a quick kiss to her lips, he headed towards the kitchen. "Go ahead and pick something out," he called over this shoulder. "And, don't forget to call and tell your mom you are here instead."
"Yes, Mother," she teased, settling in.
Thoughts?