damonika2009: Ambers time is not up yet. There's still more of her to come around. But she does have a small point in this, and that is that some people do get the hint…eventually. Lol! Glad you liked the sex scene! I love writing them!
AimlesslyGera: And I never read that book either but I do get inspired by others who have and become very creative myself from it! Wednesday updates come when 25 reviews come in so hopefully soon! And that phone call…LOL…you'll find out soon enough.
CaughtInAFantasy: it does feel weird but imagine how badly she must want to fight to protect her friends and fight along side them.
silverfaerie91 (Guest): the explorations aren't done yet, though I am open to placement suggestions!
witchoftheforest (Guest): I love your guys's compliments your all so sweet!
moonbella09022 (Guest): in time.
mistressofbakura (Guest): I really hadn't thought about it. Just thought they'd explore one another with their own little fantasies that otherwise they would have been fear full of before hand.
lunanekoanime (Guest)" you never know what'll happen but they are working on things still.
pandoraskiss (Guest): yep there is.
mizzladyoflondon (Guest): wow a 1000% huh! Cool!
LoveInTheBattleField, yamifangirl09 (Guest): heres your new ch/ep!
Nice 12 reviews, if I get my old 25 I can try to update Wednesday's to! But I'm fine with what I have! Let me know what you think!
Sailor Moon S 'Rise of the Messiah' ch.4
"Usagi – chan! Wake u – oh!" Ikuko began yelling to get her daughter up for breakfast, but once she entered the room she discovered a very asleep Usagi next to a very much also asleep Mamoru. Stunned by it she did a quick check to verify that her daughter and said male had all their clothes still on. With a small sigh of thanks they did. The yelling hadn't woken Usagi to much but it had woken Mamoru up somewhat.
He opened dark bleary blue eyes only to be fully and wide awake once he spotted a curious looking Ikuko standing in his beloved's doorway. Looking shocked and awkward, as if she was intruding in her own home.
Momentarily he wondered why his cell phone didn't alert him with his 6 am wake up alarm the way it usually did. Grabbing it he found the devices battery as dead as any daimon they had encountered. Grimacing then looking very much afraid of what Ikuko would say he began to apologize, "Gomen a sai, Mrs. Tsukino – san…" but truthfully he felt no shame in what he had been doing.
He loved Usagi to much to truly regret sleeping in her bed at night. Plus he was getting tired of having sleepless nights without her. It was taking effect on his ability to stay awake in classes, "I am to presume that this has been going on for a while? You sleeping in her bed and visa versa." It was more of a statement than a question, one that Mamoru became to flustered and red in the face to answer.
"Mama…?" Usagi woke up groggy and half coherent, only to bolt up-right in alarm. Once she remembered who had been sleeping in her bed from the night before. Now wide awake she blushed equally as bad as Mamoru. Ikuko sternly moved into the room and shut the door to prevent her father from seeing this dishonorable sight. There would have been no stopping him from getting his gun.
He would assume the worst despite them being obviously fully clothed, and think that Mamoru was defiling his daughter under his own roof. Ikuko feared for both Mamoru's safety a bit as much as she did her husband over reacting to the situation. "For the love of…kami…if there is a system to this…"
Ikuko couldn't believe what she was about to say but knew deep down her daughter had found her soul mate. The loving looks they passed back and forth, the defensiveness each presented with one another. How she was maturing since he became a part of her life, add to the fact that he was retaining a sense of honor in her eyes by NOT just having sex with her daughter in her childhood bed. Though if she truly knew that that had already happened. The 'spatula of justice!' would be wielded as her weapon of choice.
"Hai…" Mamoru answered in defeat, feeling there was no reason to lie to her, nor any way to avoid this. "Then by the kami's stick to it and don't get caught again." she warned before leaving out of the bedroom, shutting the door behind her in her wake. It stunned both of them for a moment. Before he scrambled out of her bed, knowing it also meant her father was awake as well and roaming about the house.
"I love you my Usako." He gave her a quick kiss before slipping out through her window.
Still stunned she got dressed for school and headed down stairs where her father and brother were as they were seated at the table.
Oh kami I can't believe that just happened!
(I sat down for some pancakes as papa was looking at his news-paper. He still hadn't had much of a conversation with me since I made him aware of how things were shifting. "I've been thinking of that Mamoru – san…" I shot my head up, hope sparking within my eyes that he had finally come around. "It seems our neighbor's niece has spotted the young man and has intentions of dating him. I figured it would be a great way to get you more focused on schooling and LESS on any ridiculous notions of the two of you together." My heart dropped.
It went past my throat, past my stomach and straight to my knees.
"I think that this is best since it seems his presence here has changed my sweet innocent little girl." His face was inscrutable, as he eyes bore into me accusingly.
I had lost my appetite. Shoving my plate away I held back my tears of anger, not wanting to seem like a child over reacting to losing a favorite toy and instead with a calming nature spoke, "Your wrong…and this papa…is to far…even for you." I stood up and walked out of the kitchen, proceeding out of the house.)
Once she left Ikuko who had been stunned silent from his callous statement, full on whacked him in the head with her spatula. "Nani were you thinking?!" she yelped at her husband. He turned around stunned by the un suspecting blow. "Ikuko I fixed the problem. He is not wanted here." Kenji grumbled. "No. you just can't seem to accept how grown your own daughter is becoming. She's becoming a young lady now, a young woman." Ikuko told him, her voice leaving no room for argument.
"I'm not ready for that." Kenji admitted.
"Doesn't matter, cause whether you are or not, she is still going to grow up, she is still going to mature and become a promising young woman." Ikuko relented stubbornly.
Kenji rose from his seat, "She can do all of that without that man in her life!" Ikuko shook her head in disappointment. "He's the reason she wants to mature. I overheard her talking to one of her friends a few days ago. She's going to talk to the school at some point this week and ask if there's a slight chance she can graduate early." To that Kenji looked shocked.
"Odango is trying to graduate early?!" Shingo stated in shock, before laugher erupted, "That's a good one mama!" Ikuko shot him a disapproving look. "I'm serious." But her look was now aimed at her husband, "You know what that means Kenji – san…if I get less time to spend with my daughter in her late teen years because you couldn't help but stick your nose in her private life like that then - " to this Shingo opened his mouth up once more.
"So papa knows their dating?" both looked to him, one in anger and shock the other in anger over spilling her daughter's secret. "NANI?!" Kenji roared. Shingo realizing he just put his foot in his mouth and got his sister into loads of trouble and was tempted to state it was a mere prank when he saw the look on his father's face. His wasn't prank upset, this was altering someone's life upset. "Papa." He gulped, taking in his father's rage. "Usagi – chan is a good onee-san. If you…" he became a tad scared at the anger his father was presenting him.
Building up his bravery he finished off before darting out the front door, "If you don't accept Mamoru – san, you might lose her." Kenji felt like raging against the world for bringing Mamoru – san into his daughter's life. It was bad enough everything seemed to improve for his daughter since his arrival, but now it seemed everyone was on the older boy's side. He knew it would become inevitable, for her to find a love of her own, he just didn't expect for it to be so soon. He didn't want it to happen till she was in her late 20's…at least.
He felt that as long as there were no boys in his daughter's life she could just be a good student, have a couple of friends and be done with it. At one point he had envisioned her as a proper nun, but his wife threw that notion out of the window when she told him she wanted grandchildren from the two. It irked him that he was losing this battle. His telling the neighbors that Mamoru – san was a free man, and he had no intention of letting his daughter date just yet was the icing on the cake for them.
But now it seemed his daughter was carrying on a private life with the young man without his consent or knowledge. Grabbing his toast he went to kiss his wife goodbye when she walked away, "No." she spun on him, "You crossed a line today and before you can get anything from the cake here you need to fix it." He face became nearly whinny. "NANI? Demo…?" she crossed her arms over her chest.
"FIX IT!" she demanded. He shrugged on his office jacket before walking out of the house, now completely upset. His wife was denying him, his daughter was changing on him, his own son was now standing up for Mamoru – san of all people, what next?! Getting into his car he didn't even bother looking for a radio station, he drove in silence. For Ikuko, she felt horrible for what her husband had done. She also felt bad that she pretty much denied her husband anything till he came to his senses regarding his own daughter.
She was stuck between giving in at some point since he was her husband and what her daughter might be going through now that there was another female out for her boyfriend's heart. "I hope all this does is test things between them. Kenji – san will figure it out and accept it…in time…I hope…" the defeated housewife finished putting dishes away from breakfast as she spotted Usagi's one bite eaten dish. She sighed, hoping things would go okay.
Still to upset to have an appetite Usagi went to the principal's office for a long needed discussion over her schooling. Waiting for five minutes in the modest office, she was finally called in, "Ms. Tsukino – chan, nani can I do for you today?" the principal was a robust man, with thinning dark hair. Many degrees adorned his walls, of the glory days, to never be regained again, "I was curious…do I have ANY chance if I improve enough to graduate early?" he took a long look at her to determine if it was a prank or not.
Seeing the resolve on her face he took a look at her grades from the past year to the most recent semester. He gave her a pensive look, "There is a very, VERY slim chance, demo, hai, there is one." It seemed to brighten her spirits up, "Arigato. Nani would I have to do?!" she now demanded. He took another look, "Honestly?" he asked, taking a look at the now excited student, the one that teachers were staring to doubt on even graduating at all.
"You would pretty much have to ace yours tests and score a near perfect score – WITH any extra credit you'd be getting from your teachers. Plus…" he pulled out a few papers, "Considering your previous test scores you'd have to go through a monthly exam to prove there aren't alternate ways you're getting your turn about grades." Usagi gave him a lopsided look, knowing he was initially stating it was to prove she wasn't cheating.
She nodded, accepting the papers to sign off on. "You sure you want to try this? You can still graduate on time with the other students, why the need to try and graduate early?" he was trying to press for the information without directly insulting one of his students. She may have been near the bottom but thanks to the student Ami's friendly study groups she seemed to have been improving already. "Hai, the things I want to become and will become when I finish everything will require a better education that the one I have now."
Truly the principal was stunned as she left his office. Seeing his somewhat matronly secretary come in with papers for him to sign off on she asked, "Did I really just over hear right? Tsukino – chan graduating early?" he nodded in disbelief to, "Next thing you know we'll be seeing pigs fly." She remarked, the principal knew what she meant. It wasn't just a small barb, the secretary hadn't liked getting used to dealing with Tuskino's many late tardy slips over time. It seemed the blonde could never listen to her.
Hours later, a fellow principal had his own issues to deal with. The principal out in Juban High was ready to leave his office for lunch. It had been a quiet morning and he was hungry and had skipped breakfast that morning. A tall, robust man in late his forties. With conservatively cut short cropped dark brown hair. With stern features and a strong jaw, dressed in black pants and a white dress shirt and tie.
He had just managed to finish off a pile of paper work and set it aside on his large wooden desk. Sliding his chair out from behind and proceeding to his office door. His mouth already watering over the delicious bento his wife had packed him, that lay waiting for him in the fridge back in the teacher's lobby. Barely crossing the small room a dull rapping sounded upon his door. With a groan he hung his head in disappointment, and turned back to his desk to sit down.
His lovely lunch would have to wait, as a young man, around 19 pushed the door open tentatively. A well build young man with handsome aristocratic features and thick dark hair that hung slightly in his midnight blue eyes. Dressed in a grey suit and tie, no doubt coming from the University.
Sighing he nodded for the dark haired man to come inside, "How may I help you…?" the young man answered, "Chiba, Mamoru, sir." The young man seemed to almost to be asking himself if he wasn't over thinking things…again. "I'm here because you have a student here that's been stalking me." This got the principals attention.
"All I know so far is that her name is Amber-san. She's keeps hanging around my apartment complex and just this morning she somehow managed to find a way to get inside my building." It had bothered Mamoru greatly that morning when he got back to his apartment. It wasn't 20 minutes into getting back that his doorbell rang that he spotted her through the peep hole. He hadn't considered the girl to be this ridiculous in trying to attain a man that wasn't interested, but it seemed she used whatever necessary to get to him.
It was disconcerting. "Being that I don't know her last name as of yet, and I really have no intention of knowing I would like for you to be able to identify her and let it be known to her parents that she's trespassing onto private property to harass an older gentleman. I thought the word's 'I'm not interested, and I'm involved' would have been clear enough, demo, she's persistent and insists I be with her."
"My young sir, while I understand this is becoming a problem for you, do you know how many Amber – san's we have here?" Mamoru shook his head no, "More than one, my boy." Mamoru's Face fell, "Would a description help?" he offered. "Maybe if I saw a year book with nothing but the Amber – san's I could ID her better." The principal considered it before replying, "Gomen demo, no I cannot." The young man's face fell.
As much as the principal wanted to help the odds that it might be someone making this up just to find out the last name of a student he was interested in was to high. "You find a last name and we'll notify her parents. Demo, that's about all I can do." Mamoru nodded before leaving the office. On the way out the young secretary roved her eyes over him. A pretty little thing, with a very petite girly frame. With short dark brown hair and soulful wide eyes, wearing a simple black skirt and collared blouse.
The principal saw this and rolled his eyes at it. Yes the young man was quite good looking, but for Kami's sake could the woman be any less professional. She was several years older, with a bad track record for keeping boyfriends...Kami knows he had endured many a love lorn conversations with the woman. But this boy was barely an adult yet...looks like he had one more conversation to have before lunch.
"Yamada-san...dear. Please come into my office for a moment." he sighed, the woman turned and nodded her face confused.
("Hey Usagi – chan!" Naru called over to me. Sitting with the girls in our booth at Fruits, I spotted her rushing over with Umino. Two small pieces of paper in her hands. Ticket shaped, if I wasn't mistaken. "Guess nani?" she stated excitedly, "Nani?" I asked, "Umino – chan and I signed up for a chance to be in that love contest." I was still clueless, "Nani contest?" she showed me the tickets. "Lovers Park: Affection Degrees contest." I read out loud. Immediately I couldn't help but think of Mamo – chan and myself.)
Oh we'd win the contest in a heartbeat! I wonder nani the prize is?
("I heard about that. The winning couple can put a heart shaped light on the monument to celebrate the opening of the new park." Rei spoke up. Not being able to come over for lunch that day we opted for a snack at Fruits after school. She wasn't able to get off her private school grounds often, it didn't help that her school was a few miles away so she came over only about three times a week, "Oh sweet. Mamo – chan and I can join to!" I exclaimed excitedly.
Minako slapped the back of my head, "No, you can't." I gave her a sour look, "Why not?" I whined softly.
Coming over she whispered, "Because you will be an instant win. You need to give Naru – chan and Umino – chan the chance to win and deepen their love." I nodded reluctantly. Holding in my full on pout, I congratulated the two, "I'm happy for you, when is it we can all root for you?!" giving us directions and a time with a date they cheerfully left. "Now that their gone I think we should discuss another semi important issue." I looked with everyone else to Makoto. "Mamoru – san's new 'friend', that Amber – san…" immediately red alerts went off.
"Now nani?" I asked, in a tired tone. "I saw her slipping into Mamoru – san's building this morning, on my way to school." For once I was thankful that her apartment building was along the way, if you took the scenic route, to Mamo – chan's apartment building. It was closer to the high rise area but her middle class apartment complex wasn't to far from it. "Mamo – chan didn't mention anything to me about it." I surmised. "Do the mailboxes in his apartment specify the apartment numbers and levels?" she asked.
I thought on it, "Hai…I believe so. That little sneak. That's like stalking right?" I asked them, "Only if Mamoru – san files a complaint. As it stands because she's a minor, all he could probably really do would be to alert her parents that she's seeking out the un wanted attentions of an older, un available male." Ami stated, "Yeah…about that…" I was brought back to my conversation with papa that morning.
"Nani?" they all asked, "Papa practically threw the suggestion of Mamo – chan to be with the neighbor's niece, who by chance is also Amber – chan. I just know it. My conversation with her alluded to such." I grumbled, "Gomen a sai Usagi – chan…" Makoto soothed. "Worst part is we don't know her last name so we can't make a statement that we've seen her seeking out the attentions of a male who is clearly not interested in her." Then as soon as the words left my mouth I shouted, "UMINO – kun!"
Jumping up from my seat, I dashed away. Seeking out the goggle glassed up nerd, finding him with Naru a few booths away, "Umino –kun I need some information." He got out his notebook, "Nani is it?" he asked, "Amber – san, the girl whose been asking all about my Mamo – chan, I need her last name." he flipped through his notebook but surprise, surprise, "Gomen Usagi – chan, demo, I could find out for you." I nodded, "Arigato, by the end of the day Umino – chan!" I ordered as Naru agreed that they'd help.
The girls and I talked things out again in our booth, working over our last fight. They defended themselves refusing to believe they had just left me to some Youma's mercy. I let it go as I wasn't truly getting anywhere with that line of questioning, but something was up with them. I might be on my own in figuring that part out. So I moved onto the vision I as given by my crystal, I caught Rei's stricken look when I mentioned the Messiah. It was a stressful but much needed conversation to have.
I left them over an hour later, needing to get home. I was reluctant about going home, not wanting to deal with my Poppa. He was being so irrational about Mamoru. Unwilling to speak with him about it, I hid up in my room all night. Faking I was sick and focusing on my homework. I needed to work things out before we talked again. The last thing I wanted was to break down around him and start yelling and crying about how unfair he was being.
It was the sight of a fearful Umino the next day at school that caught mine and Naru's eyes when walking onto school grounds, "Umino – chan nani happened?" I asked. "I talked to Amber – san." We both looked from each other to him, "And?" I asked, "I, gomen a sai demo, she's scary when she's threatening." He replied. The girl had obviously scared him off, "Where is she? I'll 'talk' to her." I replied.
He pointed, "Demo, I wouldn't advise you to go though. She snapped on about how her parents donate a nice amount of cash to the school every year, so trying to get anything out of her would be useless." I looked on a little confused by the excuse.
"She could tell the principal that there's a student harassing her and they'll be suspended or worse….expelled." I slumped. "Oh Kami…and without her last name we can't make the statement that she harassing my boyfriend. There's gotta be…wait!" I came up with a plan. Naru looked on hopeful, "Yeah demo, how many other Amber – san's are their in Juuban High, not like she's batting for the home team, you know. She's probably a gaijin like Owen-kun?"
I dropped my face again only to take some time thinking about that, "Let me think on that. See you guys at the contest."
I bolted as I tried to think of how many Amber's were truly are in Juuban High. It wasn't an easy process and being that I didn't know everyone over there, besides the high schooler's who frequented Crown. I could only come up with one solution. Catching up with Makoto, Minako, Rei, and Ami after school I told them of my scheme, "We know that Amber – chan is in Juuban High, first year?" they nodded, a bit pensively.
"Well nani if we all snuck into the office to look at the first year class roster?" Ami, and Rei were looking skeptical while Makoto and Minako were on board.
"Hell yeah! This girl is trying to come between our prince and princess, it's not gonna happen on my watch." Minako proclaimed. Makoto agreed as Ami and Rei reluctantly complied, "Someone's gotta make sure they don't get into trouble." Was Rei's reasoning. "Besides, Mamoru – san can't do anything to physically make the girl leave him alone. And without a last name he can't even give a name to the school's principal."
Ami reluctantly agreed with Rei's logical reasoning, knowing that this was necessary. I smiled brightly, hopeful that my girls would stay focused for me and not get side tracked by their obsessions as per usual lately.)
The high school stood silent before them. A modest white washed set of three story buildings, full of unassuming square windows. The lifeless blocky architecture lacked in any sort of beauty. Built for functionality and nothing less. Sneaking onto the high school grounds that night, the girls were on mission.
Each dressed in dark clothing and each in their own ways. Usagi, being the most flamboyant, in a full on ninja get up. Complete with twin katana's crossed on her back. The golden blonde snuck ahead down the stone path, moving on her tiptoes in the faint light of the moon. Moving with as much stealthy grace as she could muster.
"I am the Samurai of Love...no girl is going to harass and stalk my poor Mamo-chan. My sweet baby needs my protection..." She grumbled to herself as she began ducking behind trees, scanning around the trunks for custodial staff that might still be lurking around cleaning. Then crawling over the bare lawn before the main doors, as if she was a soldier attempting to safely make it into a trench.
Mina was in black leather pants and a black crop top. Copying her leader, more for the thrill of acting like a spy might have then any real need. Giggling and generally being far to loud, getting nasty looks from her Leader who did not want to get caught.
Lita strode down the path nonchalantly, in dark jeans and a black button up dress shirt. She had tied under the ample breasts, with a dark green tank top underneath. Her arms were crossed behind her head, as she absently chewed upon the end of a tooth pick. Acting truly uncaring if they got caught trespassing or not. This delinquent life style kinda suiting her.
Amy took up the rear, with her head in a book, her trusty flashlight that was to be used to get around in the dark, now in hand to light the pages. Rei rolled her eyes disdainfully at Usagi's silly getup and antics. The miko was dressed in a black pair of overalls with a grey long sleeve shirt underneath.
"Seriously...I swear Usagi was dumped on her head as a baby." She snidely professed to Lita, who barely acknowledged the cruel statement.
"Well Mina must be in the same boat then...those two are practically torn from the same cloth." Lita smirked, watching as both Usagi and Mina flanked the front glass doors to the main foyer.
Rei groaned and palmed her face...those two were so embarrassing.
Once Mako had picked the lock, they went straight for the office on the second floor. Moving through the empty dark halls by flashlight alone, their feet echoing eerily. Trusting in Amy's guidance since she was the only person to set foot in the high school before. Soon finding themselves before the plain wooden door to the main office. Waiting while Makoto crouched before the knob.
Picking the lock with ease while Rei stood watch at one end of the hallway and Minako at the other end. Ami would help Usagi look for the roster once inside the office, "I can't guarantee how long we have demo, here's your opening. Make every second count girls." Makoto said as she join in the fray of helping once the door was unlocked. "Close it and Minako – chan, Rei – chan, stand by the door to alert us for any custodial or teacher's appearance."
Following Ami's lead, who took them behind the large secretary desk towards the set of filing cabinets tucked against the back wall behind. The first drawer was unlocked, so she started to poke and pry through the folders. While Usagi began to jiggle several more handles looking for another locked one. Lita moved towards the secretary's metal desk behind the large counter, to search for its hidden treasures.
The first two drawers had nothing of importance in them. "Hey check it out, the entrance exam." Makoto said in glee. Ami grabbed it, "Don't even think about it!" before putting it back in the drawer. "Your guys will study and take that test honorably." She scowled at them both, catching their looks of yearning to cheat and make life easier. Usagi shook her head, chastising herself for falling back into her lazy ways. Amy was right she was better than that now. What was wrong with her?
After a few more minutes there's was a locked cabinet type of drawer at the bottom. "We need a key." Ami grunted once it wouldn't come open, "Or just a good set of lock picks." Makoto boasted proudly.
Ami sweat dropped, "Where did you learn to do this, anyway?" Amy stated in exasperation, she feeling very anxious and guilty.
Makoto looked up to her, "You really want to know?" Ami thought for a second then quickly shook her head no. It was a tad to much for the by the book Ami. Once inside they found the roster. "Why it was in there I will never know." Makoto stated. "Alright we got about five Amber's in this school..." She huffed hoping they would luck out and only find one.
Ami took control grabbing the folder from Mako, sitting herself before the secretary's computer. She had several classes with that Amber last term. The screen came to life, as her fingers danced across the keyboard. Cross referencing the names and classes of last term. It took a few minutes but they finally found her, "Kyoukan, Amber." That last name caught Usagi's ears, "Wait, why does that ring a bell?" she noticed the girls looking at her.
"I've heard that last name before, I just can't remember where." She crossed her arms, and held up one hand to hold her chin in contemplation, "Can we go now?" Ami pleaded, feeling ready to crack from the stress. This whole criminal affair was really starting to bug her strict morals.
Her need to avoid getting caught, getting the better of her courage. Shutting the cabinet drawer and with Makoto re locking it they ducked back into the hallway and moved swiftly out of the school. Her girls had held together tonight she was very grateful.
"It's going to bug me." Usagi whined as she walked with them.
"Give her name to Mamoru – san, he can contact the school then." Ami advised. Deciding to go right then she said her goodbyes and went to see him, "Don't forget Usagi – chan, the contest this Saturday!" Minako reminded her, "Okay!" she shouted back, before dashing away needing to shed her ninja uniform. She had stuffed her beige satchel in a set of nearby bushes.
The others smiled before walking a few paces behind her. Giving her odd looks and shaking their heads. As they caught sight of their silly bunny, hopping and cursing behind a bush in the small green space further up the street. Having a hard time dis tangling herself from her Samurai of Love getup.
Several grueling minutes later, Usagi emerged from the under growth. Now only clothed in what she had been wearing beneath her ninja uniform. Her cutest outfit to date she thought. A plush pink skirt with pleats and an hourglass tappered blouse with puffy short sleeves. Running to his place she waved at the security guard in the main entrance before going up to his apartment. She got to the door when she heard feminine laughter.
Eyes flying wide in horror and alarm, her hand frozen before the knob. Stopping her illogical thoughts and calming down her racing heart. She knocked lightly just in case, even though Mamoru had told her to come right on in. Having given back the key he had gave her before their breakup. She waited less than a minute as the conversation inside went silent. As the door slowly began to open, revealing young woman, roughly his age perhaps a year or two older?
Approaching the door from just behind him. Her face was elegant and refined with long raven hair and dark brown eyes. Her bangs hung low over her forehead, falling demurely into her beautifully arching eyebrows. Wearing a very proper black business suit on her well curved body, her silk blouse unbuttoned slightly hinting at the smooth pearl white skin of her bosom beneath. Silk stockings adorning her long slender legs and elegant feet.
Finding such a sultry beauty alone in his apartment was burning like hot irons in her mind's eye, leaving behind the festering insecurities that had once plagued her. Usagi instantly noticed her shoes were off. Seeing them next to Mamoru's she once again had to quell her frantic heartbeat, as sharp stinging barbs of anxiety were now piercing that soft, fragile flesh. Having to tell herself how there could have been over a dozen reasons why a sophisticated young woman was in her beloved's apartment, laughing and seemingly having a good time.
She paid her a mild smile that did not shine in her eyes, wanting to appear as calm and serene as anything, while ready to make the woman know who the woman of this apartment really was if need be.
Oh for the love of all things holy, I'm so very jealous! Get ahold of yourself!
(I scolded myself. "Konitchiwa, Tsukino, Usagi." I bowed respectfully. "I came here to see Mamo – c –ru- san." I was proud that my voice didn't go high pitched and girly but remained steady and strong.)
Mamoru had moved away to the kitchen to fix his guest a drink. Not realizing his guest had pinned his love out in the hall.
("He's a bit busy right now, maybe later." I saw the slight smirk on her face. This woman was aiming for my Mamo – chan. "Well I actually have something important to tell him. Excuse me." I tried to get in but she blocked my path, "Gomen, demo…" then I heard Mamo – chan, "Elle – san whose at the door?" before I could talk she iterated, "Just some little girl selling 'girl scout' cookies is all.")
Lying little….
("Mamoru – san!" I shouted, making sure he could hear my voice. I saw him coming around the hallway, still dressed in his grey suit from College. His black tie hanging loose around his neck, a faint smile still hanging on his lips, as if he was in a good humor.
"Usako?!" he seemed surprised. I used the woman's slight edge to slip past her and into the living room. I didn't bother taking my shoes off since I wouldn't be staying. Though I did get a good look at all the papers strewn about his coffee table. Trust fund was on them, "I got the name that you were looking for." He looked nearly puzzled.)
The name of the girl nearly stalking you now? I have her full name! I trust you want it still.
("Hai." He answered, "That's great nani's the name?" he asked reaching out to his pen and pad of paper on the kitchen counter to write it down. "Kyoukan, Amber. Thing is that last name sounds familiar. I just can't remember why." He looked at her in shock, "That's the name of one of my professors. Think their related?" he asked me, "I don't know…would it make a difference?" I asked him. "Mamoru – san we still have more papers to go over." I recognized the impatient tone she used.)
Hell no lady, that is MY man!
(Usako…relax…I looked to him at his internal near scolding tone, "Elle – san is here on behalf of my lawyer for the trust fund I was telling you about." I didn't mind what I minded was the yearning way she looked at my man and the distasteful way she looked down at me. Like I'm encroaching on her territory, "So who are you?" she asked in a bored tone, as if she had not heard my respectful introduction earlier.
There was a sharp snip to her tone. I already hated her. "Tsukino, Usagi, I'm his girlfriend." I repeated, in a frustrated huff.)
Proud of it you conniving little beotch!
Mamoru cringed, feeling her rage through their link knowing his little rabbit was about the bare her very sharp teeth. That he would need to gain some control over the next few moments before all hell broke loose in his apartment.
(It was the subtle laughter that came from her that threw me off, "That was a good one, seriously who are you?" I was aghast that she didn't believe me. I looked up to Mamo – chan to see a hint of anger in his eyes, "Elle –san she is my girlfriend." The woman shrank back a bit before replying, "Does your lawyer know your dating a minor?" she scoffed. That might be a problem for us, I knew.
So I did what any other girl protecting her relationship with her true love and soul mate would do, I lied through my teeth. "I'm 16 Elle - san, so I am perfectly legal." I felt incredibly proud of her falling face at the moment. She looked a bit angered like she was trying to control it. I couldn't help but smirk, not smile but smirked at her in a practically gloating. At least until I began to wonder to myself.)
Maybe it wasn't such a hot idea to tell her my full name.
(You think? Mamo – chan scolded a bit. I bit the inside of my lip to avoid pouting at him, "I just came over to give you that. See you this Saturday. I'll send you the details later." I left off, moving with purpose back into the shadows of the entryway, until he caught me at the door. Usako…I turned around as he leaned in and kissed me. The lip smacking caught the attention of Elle – san. "Mr. Chiba please we could get back to the paper work at hand…" he nodded though now reluctant.
I want to see you again tonight Usako…I don't want to wait till Saturday…I mentally nodded and smiled…when I'm done with my homework I'll call you over…he agreed as he gave me one last kiss…oh by the way, she's got her eyes on you…she's looking to help herself to a slice of you. He looked back obviously not having noticed that. You sure? He asked…trust me…it's the same determined look Rei used to give you before we started dating.)
Nodding he escorted her out the door. Becoming more careful in his surroundings with Elle –san around, he now noticed what Usagi was talking about. For the next five eye rolling minutes he watched the young woman as she blatantly flirted with him. He couldn't believe how he hadn't spotted it before. He was beginning to see though how Usagi was so easily taken when it came to Diamond's charming ways.
It was a slowly subtle manipulation of sorts, that drew you in a friendly way. Making you feel comfortable and off guard until it was to late. She was a master at this tactic just like Diamond had been.
He then thought to himself…maybe if I had tried to explain things in a different manner to Usako when it came to Diamond as she did with me that Diamond wouldn't have been able to snatch her from me. He ran his hand through his hair…maybe…maybe not…we'll never know…now get to work. He could hear Usagi's playful voice through his mind, she had heard every mental word he spoke. Then smiled mildly not realizing he hadn't heard a word of what Elle had said.
Mistaking his smile for something else she touched his leg. His head snapped up at the lusty look she had in her eyes before she leaned in to kiss him. He bolted from the couch, "Elle – san were here to discuss the trust fund, NOT on anything personal." Kami it's bad enough I have that school girl, Amber I think, practically stalking me, now I have to deal with my lawyer's secretary hitting on me on top of that? "I…gomen a sai for whatever impression you were under demo, I have a girlfriend." He stated cold and simple.
She narrowed her eyes at him, "She's a little school girl whom can't give you the things I can. You give me one night, and I'll make your every fantasy come true." He was now disgusted with her. Truthfully once the tart had seen the trust fund document on her boss's desk she called up her boss to tell him Mamoru had canceled and took his place instead. The money within the fund once he turned 21 would be great for paying off her numerous debts.
She admitted to herself a while ago she had over spent everything she ever was given but truly, she just didn't care. If there was money to burn, she could burn it. Everything she owned was luxurious and expensive, but the money in her account was dwindling down to fast for her secretarial job to replenish. If she bagged Mamoru, she could replenish her funds in no time. It was the tried and true gold digger life style, and she was good at it. No one had denied her anything in her life…till now.
She walked up to Mamoru and tried to caress his chest he stepped away, "I have a girlfriend, and if that's what your aim here was, then you can leave." His cold voice was enough to tell her to back off. But she wouldn't stay gone. "Believe me when I say that little tart probably wouldn't even know what to do with you. I bet she gets shy if you even try and touch her." He grit his teeth to avoid snapping back 'she's the best thing that's ever happened to me, AND when we make love its transcendent'.
She walked out as he remarked, "Kami where do these women come from?" making sure the door was locked he noticed she left the paper work there. For the next three hours he went over it himself. Once he had hit 18 he had been given a nice amount to live off of. A nice apartment was the first thing he got for himself. He then got a job modelling at some points, gaining him enough cash to buy himself a luxurious sports car.
Then with it a motorcycle. But truly those were it, everything else went into college. He took as many as was needed and possible while having a part time job. It was difficult but he made sure he could make due. Then he met Motoki, and started to hang out at the Crown where he met his Usako. A year later with all of their previous memories he never felt more alive and needed and loved in his life.
Then when he would hit 21, the full trust fund would be available to him. As it was his lawyer have him monthly checks to live off of. Most of which went to the apartment he had. The other half to college to which he also had the part time jobs for. But life was still good to him. Now if he could just get both this Amber and Elle to leave him alone…then his life would be drama and stress free...of the normal variety.
Usagi paced in her room unable to settle her mind and focus on her homework. She was trapped in a spiraling ever increasing agitated state. While Mamoru was stuck in the cursed woman's company, her stray thoughts were always receding back to her doubts over his loyalty. Over how she still felt she didn't rate as sexy, or elegant or even intelligent. Unable to grasp what Mamoru saw in her. Trapped in an endless round of loathing and discontent.
All she wanted to do was scream and rip her hair out. Her trust in Mamoru was being tested over and over again. These annoying women who looked down their nose at her, while trying to seduce her man was fraying her temper. She was honestly considering transforming and hunting that secretary down just for a good beating to purge her soul of this negativity. All created by her and that horrible girl Amber.
Darien found her later that night, working at her desk in the corner. Dressed in a long cotton pink sleep gown, with short sleeves and lace. He had been enduring a jagged buzz over their link all night. He was starting to get a headache from it. Knowing it was her anger still simmering in a near boil. He came over in a state of caution, hoping to smooth things over. To tell her how he had kicked that conniving woman out of his apartment, professing his love for her.
He slipped into her room threw her open balcony door, dressed for bed in his black sweats and white t-shirt. Approaching her quietly, watching with mild alarm her stabbing her math paper over and over again with an overly sharp pencil. She had the most satisfied and blissful smile on her face as she killed the innocent lined piece of parchment.
"Usako..."He touched her shoulder softly.
She jumped startled out of her fantasy by his voice and touch.
"Oh...Mamo-chan." She smiled sheepishly, blushing that he had caught her acting so violently with something so simple and fragile. Honestly, she didn't understand where all that rage had come from tonight. Her frustration had just compounded and exaggerated themselves until she was lost in very vicious thoughts. Now her math homework looked like it had succumb to a slasher movie.
"Usako...are you alright?" He moved to sit on her bed, clasping his hands over his knees in worry.
"I'm fine Mamo-chan. I guess I'm just getting really tired of always having to defend that I am worthy to be your girlfriend. After all the work I put into to becoming more grown up and mature. It's frustrating to have adults still look down upon me, seeing me still as a child. A lot of stuff just been getting to me lately. My father most definitely." She groaned, scrubbing her face as she sat beside him on her bed.
"Want to talk about it." He offered.
"No." She responded quietly, "Had a long enough day, thanks. Let's just get some sleep."
Mamoru nodded, as they prepared the bed. Pulling down her blankets and settling onto the mattress. He held her close, enveloping her small figure with his strong arms.
"Ashiteru, Usako." He whispered in her ear, kissing her softly on the temple.
"Ashiteru, Mamoru." She responded dreamily, falling asleep almost instantly in the comfort and warmth of his arms.
Saturday came around fast. Mamoru picked Usagi up at the temple where everyone decided to just simply walk to the affections contest. The day was turning cold. With a stiff wind buffeting the streets of Juuban. Rei had started out the day in a plain hourglass red mini dress with dark purple stockings. Having to accent her outfit with a black dress jacket. Mina's ensemble was less sophisticated, with a long soft pink pleaded skirt and cream colored blouse.
Accented with very girly frills, with a sweet looking red jacket over top that had thin lace trim along the long sleeves and neckline. Ami outfit was more plain of a powder blue skirt that trailed low to her ankles and a white blouse tucked in conservatively. A matching blue vest kept her warm against the wind. Mako was the most casual in jeans and her orange hoody. While Usagi's choice of clothing was more alluring in its sex appeal.
With long tight jeans, that had a tapered leg. A powder pink form fitting shirt the bunched around her hips and a short white jacket and hood. Mamoru was dressed in dark blue jeans and a black mock neck with his trusty dark green suit jacket.
Just coming onto the floral landscaped area of the contest. She caught sight of that nosy, yet quite charming blonde haired boy again. Dressed very well in a white suit jacket and matching pants. With a dark blue dress shirt underneath the collar folding smartly over the open jacket.
"Hey!" she stated without thinking. The guy turned his head towards her with an inquiring look, then smiled knowingly and walked over. Mamoru looked at him with mild recognition but otherwise said nothing, "You know I never got your name." the blonde asked with a very charming grin towards her.
"Tenoh, Haruka…" he offered, bowing his head slightly.
"Kaou, Michiru." Said an even toned voice from behind him. A female with similar aqua colored hair to a certain senshi rang in Mamoru's mind. Looking very elegant and refined in her lavender wrap style dress. It strangely looked like she was only wearing a trench coat, which gave her a very sexy appeal. Mamoru couldn't help but pay her an approving look. His libido of late had been raging a bit more than usual.
He was having a hard time keeping himself under control. His thoughts far more racy than normal. But he prided himself on his control. His erotic roof top encounter with Usagi earlier that week had unfortunately only been spurning him on. Images of his Usako showing up at his door step in that same lavender dress. Her beautiful golden hair flowing sexily down her back, as strode with purpose into his apartment...
The fantasy soon evolved in both dimension and depth, as a guilty little grin pulled at the corner's of his lips. Usagi was casting him odd looks, as she felt arousal over their link. Her eyebrows perking up at the quiet growls and moans he was making, though no one but her could hear them.
His imagination taking a more deviant turn, as in his mind he had tied her hands together with the dress's belt, pinning them over her head. Forcing her to lay nude upon the cold cement of his balcony. As he lavished kisses upon ever centimeter of yielding flesh she owned. Her moans and throaty cries the sweet music to his soul. Making love to her in a public setting soon becoming his greatest turn on.
Usagi abruptly elbowed him in the stomach, catching sight of his flaring cheeks and mounting tent now bulging in his pants.
Mamoru quickly banished those erotic thoughts, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment, as he chuckling ruefully over getting so involved in a fantasy.
Quickly clearing his throat and purging his mind of the last of his lewd thoughts. As it was not the appropriate time for him to be fantasizing about his girlfriend especially when in a conversation with someone else. He turned his thoughts towards this Haruka's and how similar he looked other blonde senshi. Which was silly because Haruka was a guy...right?
Then he noticed Haruka sizing him up and down as well, not looking pleased.
Mamoru didn't know if the man had caught the look of desire that had crossed his eyes. He knew what the man was thinking. He didn't want him to get the wrong idea in thinking he had been looking at the aqua haired woman, knowing his mind libido had been thinking only on his own girlfriend. Not wanting to tip his hand he replied, "Good to see you again…your girlfriend?" Mamoru asked cautiously. He nodded, "Haruka – san we should take to the stage." His girl gave Mamoru a small smile, before politely pulling Haruka away.
"They make a cutie couple." Remarked Usagi, who cast him knowing smirk. He felt a tad guilty for his loss of control, even if his thoughts had been on her the last image was caused by the outfit the aqua haired woman was wearing. He threw both arms around her waist possessively, "So do we." He added, affirming for himself that they were still good. Nibbling on her ear lobe with affection.
She smiled to that. "Hai." She agreed. "Why didn't we enter in this?" he asked her. Though he wasn't to thrilled with it he felt they could have been easy winners. "Because it would be a guarantee that we'd win. For this people like Umino – chan and Naru – chan can use it to strengthen their bond." He smiled at her sensitivity level for her dear friends, "You're to sweet Usako." He replied.
The contest went on for an hour, finally dubbing Umino and Naru the couple. But only after Haruka and Michiru bowed out. As Umino went to light up the big light up heart it blasted its power into the air and transformed into a daimon. A gaudy dressed woman with purple skin, wearing a full black leotard with a huge orange heart upon her breast, and heart shaped slippers and a huge purple and white floppy heart shaped hat that had a tacky arrow through it.
Her fluffy red hair was mostly tucked under the awful hat, except for a thick heavy lock that hung low over her face.
"Die Heart!" She called, laughing manically. Sending a pulse of light down towards the now stunned couple.
As the crowd fled, scrambling over each other unable to get away fast enough. Amid the chaos several flashes of light could be seen from the bushes nearby.
In an effort to protect his love from the heart shaped daimon Umino placed himself in front of Naru. Shoving her away he un intentionally gave the daimon its true target…himself.
The power slammed into his back, sending him screaming in agony off the stage. Naru cried out in terror as the only man honorable, and sweet enough that could replace Nephrite, sacrificed himself for her.
Usagi could do nothing but dart across the lawn for Naru. Holding the grieving girl tight, as she struggled against her. Umino's body landed nearby, broken and still. His face pale and eyes unseeing. Usagi glanced around franticly, finding the boy's heart crystal hovering near the daimon on stage.
"Hey, Stupid Cupid!" Venus shouted as she leaped from the bushes to gain the daimons attention. Her fellow senshi landing beside her, glaring in warning. While Tuxedo took the subtle approach circling from behind the fringe of trees. Coming up behind the Diamon, who was hovering over the contest stage.
Reaching into her heart on the chest piece, "Let's dancing!" She called, sending another pulse of energy towards the soldiers of love and justice.
She formed five young men, all equally handsome and one beautiful woman, that appeared to be a carbon copy of Usagi herself. All well dressed in sharp tuxedeo's and a very gorgeous pink ballroom gown. That hung low over her shoulders, accenting the upper swells of her breasts and showed off her slim stomach.
They moved gracefully towards the girls and Tux. Offering their hands, when their locked eyes with their victims. The illusion was solidified, the park faded away to be replaced by a majestic ballroom. Instantly the four girls started to get doe eyed, poor Tux included.
Usagi watched in horror as the friends were enthralled, and started to dance with invisible partners. Her love included, her heart freezing with worry and pain as he danced so loving with thin air, his pupils dilated as if trapped in a dream. Her beloved and her friends had been trapped far to easily. These Heart Snatcher's were becoming more powerful.
Naru had settled down somewhat in her arms, crying softly. Smart enough to know by now to stay out of the way when the Senshi were in battle.
Mamo-chan! Get a hold of yourself...You gotta snap out of it!
She pleaded nearly painfully through their link, hoping and praying that it was stronger than the spell he was under.
She waited with-held breath as he continued to dance in slow circles around her. Then suddenly he came to, and threw roses at both the male and female illusions surrounding them. Turning them into the monsters in disguise they truly were. Strange elongated creature of dull grey, looking more rubbery then solid.
"Senshi! Their not real! Their an illusion!" Usagi shouted. Each girl was suddenly attacked while Tux headed across the lawn towards Umino heart crystal. Left forgotten upon the stage, since the battle began. The daimon finally had a moment to regroup, as her minions now had all the Senshi locked is their tentacles sending waves of electricity into their frail bodies. The four girls were screaming in agony, while Usagi was screaming in terror. Feeling helpless and weak, her inner rage soon building out of her control again.
The Heart Snatcher was prepared to take the crystal when the two mysterious new senshi arrived, speeches and all. "Seriously, acting gorgeously and acting gracefully. Don't you think that's a bit pretentious?" Usagi snarled, leaving Naru's side to confront the Diamon herself and force her let her friends go as Tux threw a rose to disarm the daimon.
Yelping in rage the pure heart crystal flew into the new senshi's hands, her minions lost their focus as well. Giving the four senshi a breath to free themselves and regroup nearby to finish off the Youma. In seconds their-would be dance partners were consumed by their various elemental powers. Reduced to dust in a seconds, leaving behind very smug and satisfied Senshi.
Jupiter noticed one Youma left and sent a powerful lightening attack at Tux's, dance partner. The youma had been in route to attack Usagi at the time. Screaming in fury as the bolts of electricity writhed over her body reducing her to ash in seconds.
"It's not a talisman." The aqua haired one said. Letting the pure heart crystal go it fled back to its sanctuary within Umino while Naru cried happily. It was seeing a floating lady dressed in a near mini red dress with flaming red hair that caught the girls and tux's attention, "You must be Kaolinite!" Usagi confirmed, "Cutie little girls. You're playing dress up that's so sweet." She remarked. Not liking it Usagi shot back, "At least I'm not playing slut up!"
It enraged the red haired woman, but before she could say anything two sets of powerful attacks came her way.
"World Shaking!" The blonde cast her power towards her at blinding speed.
"Deep Submerge!" Her partner backed her up with a ball of energy all her own.
Kaolinite had to dart from her position away from the powers from the two new senshi that nearly collided into her. "How dare you!" she snapped. "NO how dare you send your crappy lackey's to attack innocent people. Hell how DARE you ATTACK innocent people!" Usagi raged on. Kaolinite was pissed by her remark, "This won't be the las - " she dodged again as another power strike came for her. This time she sent dark power attacks of her own.
One aimed at Usagi and Tux and the other at the two new senshi while the four of the others dealt with the daimon. "Die Heart!" she yelled capturing the daimon and the senshi attention, "Kill them all!" before disappearing.
The diamond went to attack the senshi again. Sending her dark energy strikes across the lawn. The Senshi braced themselves and prepared their defense kata's. Usagi launched herself at the daimon's back, she hadn't even bothered bringing her broach today. She needed to heal her crystal first, before she could attempt to transform again.
"Usako!" Tux shouted, sending a barrage of roses at the daimon. While Usagi attempted to scratch the monster's eyes out with her bare hands. The fury that burned in her heart now, blinding her rational thinking. She just wanted to fight, to protect the people who meant everything to her.
"Honestly, this is getting old." The blonde senshi commented, pinching her nose in disgust. She had remained behind once more, to see if this so called Moon Princess could transform. Again disappointed, as her would be sovereign was reduced to scratching and punching the Diamon uselessly, though valiantly.
Tuxes roses struck along the Diamon's flank, making her scream in rage. As she tore Usagi off her back and tossed her away. Usagi screamed in fright as was sent flying towards the tree line. Tux leaped after her, catching her in mid-flight. Usagi sighed in relief, wrapping her arms around her stalwart protector as he landed confidently behind the bushes with her.
"World Shaking!" The attack came out of nowhere, incinerating the Diamon before she knew what hit her. Transforming back into her original heart shaped light form. The grey egg fell out and broke as it always did.
"I should collect it before in disintegrates." Mercury then ran to the egg. Hoping that with a scan she could figure out the source and trace it back to that red haired lady.
(I dusted myself off, as Tux put me down. Attempting to swallow my bruised pride at being tossed around by a monster, only finding myself utterly miserable. Looking over to find the two new senshi walking away, "I should follow them." Tux told me, "No, not yet. Besides we have clean up to do."
I owed them for saving my life again. So they could keep their secrets for now. Reluctantly agreeing he followed along and not to later afterwards we finished celebrating the opening as Umino and Naru celebrated.
"Come on over to my apartment with me." he suggested, now back in civilian form I did need some alone time with my Mamo – chan. Agreeing happily we walked back with his arm wrapped around my waist to the bus stop. "Hey you guys where are you going we're going to the park for a picnic come on!" Minako waved for them. Mamo – chan groaned in a near sigh, "Let's give them an hour then go home, we can't keep ditching out on them." I placated. I guess this'll be like practice for the future.
I laughed at his internal remark, "Yup." Celebrating in the grass as the girls gabbed on and talked even Mamo – chan ended up getting into a few conversations, mostly on a brotherly level but still enduring many other conversations. It was during a few conversations that Rei asked me in a silent voice, "So how have things been going between you and Mamoru - san?" I blushed and smiled, "Perfect." It was the burning question that was in Rei's eyes I could see it, "Nani's the real question?" I asked.
She bit her lip, "Does he know about your egg shaped device?" it was then that every conversation seemed to stop to a grinding halt. Ami looked wide eyed but avoided her gaze, so I figured she already knew, Minako giggled as she had gone shopping with me for it, but Makoto looked stunned. "Oh. My. Kami…I thought I was the only one!" to that we all looked to her bright red flushed face.
"No, you're not demo, it is getting late and we have school work to do. Ja ne." I stated as Mamo – chan and I both fled the scene. Walking back to the bus stop as we had all taken it down here for the contest we waited in soothing silence as the bus came up. "I enjoyed today Usako…even with the daimon I feel great just having you back." It was sweet. I kissed him as I pulled down his head.)
Oh Mamo – chan…
Unbeknownst to either party a certain Amber had spotted them, hiding out of view just down the street in a nearby bus stop. Ironically but completely by accident, she had been on her way to do some shopping when she spotted the couple kissing lovingly. It just didn't make any sense to her as to why he would be with the blonde airhead and NOT with herself. To make it worse, both of them looked at each other with lovey dovey eyes it was sickening.
"Mark my words Tsukino – chan, he will be mine!" she threatened. Un caring or simply not aware of the looks she was gaining from passerby's.