Notes: Episode 104, "Seeking Friends! Chibi-Moon's Actions". Or, "The one with the boy at the teahouse".

Episode 104

Usagi sat on the edge of futon, compulsively and repeatedly smoothing down the comforter. Her hand brushed against the fabric, erasing wrinkles as it went. Always, a few seconds later, it would regain its normal, wrinkly shape. Little creases rippled the bunny and moon patterns. Distorted them. Made them unique and interesting, but imperfect. There was one bunny in particular. Usagi wanted that bunny to be smooth, but no amount of stroking and coaxing could convince it to be so.

"Stop doing that!"

She heard her teeth clack together as the shrill demand lanced through her brain. Forget that stupid bunny then.

"If you want to make things neat, I'm sure Ikuko-mama has clothes you can fold! You can be USEFUL for a change!"

Little arms crossed and little eyes narrowed in a little glare, and Usagi had to resist the urge to wring little necks.

.

Why is she like this?!

Maybe because you're the most irritating person in the entire world regardless of the century?

Rei-chan.

She's probably just nervous. It's been months for us, but years for her. She just needs to settle in again. Don't give up.

.

Chibi-Usa had been back in the Tsukino home for less than an hour, but had already folded effortlessly into it. Ikuko hadn't batted an eye at the return of their "cousin", and the Luna-P didn't need to be used once, something that surprised both Usagis. The elder wondered briefly if her mother had permanent brain damage, but as she wondered that two or three times a week, it wasn't a concern worth lingering over.

Meanwhile, Chibi-Usa was already enjoying the perks of Ikuko's affections. Celebratory pancakes were made (and thoroughly eaten), she'd rattled off a detailed and slightly meandering account of her first day in Tokyo (with something about elephants? whatever), and then all talk turned to the tea master, Tamasaburo. Usagi had been devoted to finding the exact right moments to roll her eyes, but it meant she was actually listening. She could hear the desire in Chibi-Usa's voice to make Tamasaburo her friend, the hungry NEED. Usagi recognized it all too well, and decided not to roll her eyes after all.

Her restraint did not seem to have earned her any points as far as her future daughter was concerned. Upon hearing about Tamasaburo, Ikuko had suggested Chibi-Usa try to learn about the tea ceremony from him. The idea had been received to great enthusiasm, and now Ikuko was on the hunt for one of Usagi's old kimonos.

"You should be helping her," Chibi-Usa said, her voice dripping with disapproval that Usagi needed this pointed out.

"She told us to wait, so we're waiting!" Usagi shot back. "SOME of us know how to LISTEN to their parents!"

Chibi-Usa huffed at that and flailed for a retort. When none was forthcoming, she settled on an angry "Hrmph!" and tossed her hair.

Usagi felt the thrill of victory, but it was short-lived.

.

She's WORSE than when she left, Mamo-chan. I … I thought we'd made everything okay. I thought we were FRIENDS.

We don't know what it's been like for her. Obviously she doesn't have anyone near her own age in the future. She's young, and there's a lot to learn. Just be patient.

.

Patience. Not exactly Usagi's greatest asset. But they'd agreed to try to get along. They'd shaken on it. Before ice cream and Mamo-chan, THEY'D SHAKEN ON IT.

"So," Usagi began, picking at the comforter again. "So how are things? In the future. Are they better?"

"Better than what?" Chibi-Usa asked through a thick pout.

Usagi shrugged. "Than it was? I don't know. Am I..? Is the Queen..?" Her face scrunched in frustration. All this time stuff made her brain hurt. Forget it. There was only one question that mattered anyway. "Are you happy?"

It wasn't what Chibi-Usa was expecting to hear and it completely demolished her guard. She blinked several times, considering the question with every ounce of ten-year old seriousness. "Yeah," she finally said. "I need friends. For the experiences and to mature and … because I'm lonely sometimes. But mostly I'm happy."

Chibi-Usa smiled at Usagi – a genuine smile – and Usagi's heart made that happy flip she loved so much.

Then Ikuko bustled in, and everything was kimonos and cooing and photographs, and before long they were out the door and on their way to the tea ceremony. Chibi-Usa was walking with careful steps, arms at her side to avoid dragging the kimono on the ground. Usagi couldn't resist a grin; the little girl could be adorable, when she wasn't trying so hard.

"Chibi-Usa?"

"What?"

"You already have friends, you know."

Chibi-Usa didn't stop, just continued to march forward. "I know."