Notes: Episode 135, "Hearts that Communicate! Chibi-Usa and Pegasus". Or, "The one with Chibi-Usa's depressed art teacher."

Episode 135

"So you're doing well in school, huh?" Usagi asked. She ground the heel of her hand into Chibi-Usa's head just a little bit harder.

"I guess," Chibi-Usa replied, already bored with the conversation.

They watched the art teacher walking away, her head hung low. The rest of their afternoon would revolve around this teacher and her dream mirror, and while the experience was terrible, at least Morino-sensei seemed to be trying to make it as positive as possible.

Usagi was glad she was able to help.

But there was still a far, far greater problem.

... ... ...

"She's doing well in school!"

Usagi wailed like a wounded animal as geysers of tears shot from her eyes. Amy's hands darted out to protect her book. Rei moved her drink safely out of range and regarded Usagi with profound disgust.

Mako reached across Ami and patted Usagi's hand. "That's a good thing though, isn't it?"

"It certainly should be," Ami said, grabbing a handful of napkins to build a dam to protect her precious pages.

Usagi blinked through her tears and took a deep, heaving breath. "But … But …"

Her lower lip quivered.

"Here we go again," muttered Rei.

"She's better than meeee!"

The new round of blubbering lasted approximately two seconds before Rei had hit the limit of her patience. "A slug is better than you!" she snapped. Usagi glared through tear-soaked eyes but Rei was unmoved. "Thank the gods that Chibi-Usa inherited some of Mamoru-san's traits too! She obviously understands the value of studying and working hard and—"

Whatever else Rei was going to say was lost as she was forcibly shoved out of the way. Minako appeared in Rei's seat and wrapped her arms around Usagi's trembling shoulders. "Don't listen to Rei. She's like a shark: if she stops making herself feel superior to everybody else for even a second, she'll die."

"What did you say?!"

Minako ignored Rei completely. "It's okay that you're no good in school," she told Usagi, giving her shoulders a comforting squeeze. "School isn't for everybody and it's cruel to force us to learn things that are boring!"

"I really don't think that's the best way to look at this situation," Ami said with a frown.

"Minako-chan!" Usagi grabbed both of Minako's hands between her own and they gazed at each other with shimmering eyes. "You'll be there with me, won't you?"

Mako rubbed her forehead. "Oh boy."

"Yes!" Minako swore zealously. "Usagi-chan, you will not fail alone! I, Minako Aino, will be at your side at the bottom of everything academic!"

"Who needs traitorous daughters who pass their math tests?"

"Not us!"

Ami was just a few steps away from open panic. "Guys, I think maybe you're taking it too far?"

Usagi and Minako were beyond hearing, and together they spoke in perfect, eerie unison. "We are the champions of love and underachieving! Together, there is no test we cannot fail!"

Rei was back to looking repulsed. "Ugh, you two deserve each other."