Chapter 5: Lunchroom Babylon

[Scene: The school's icy parking lot. Zoi climbs out of the squad car, is all bundled up in a thick jacket, scarf, and gloves, and walks toward the school. A few people recognize him. They wave and he waves back.

Then he notices Kunzite O'Sama is staring at him in the distance. Kunzite is just standing there in a black leather duster and sunglasses with his arms crossed, watching Zoi with a smile on his face. Zoi smiles back, until he remembers how cold Kunzite was toward him in the previous day.

He turns his back on Kunzite and makes a show of acting as aloof as possible until his dad turns on the siren when he drives away. The noise startles Zoi so much he loses his footing on icy asphalt and falls on his behind.

Zoi gets up and sneaks a glance at Kunzite, who is chuckling with amusement before walking away. Zoi dusts the snow off his bottom and goes to class.]

[Scene: Later at lunch Zoi sits next to Umino. Zoi notices the O'Sama kids bought sushi, which they are eating off lacquer dishes with chopsticks. All but Kunzite, who is just holding his chopsticks and staring at Zoi with a fond smile. This is really starting to creep Zoi out. Especially since Kunzite's eyes, which Zoi was fairly sure were a light blue the previous day, appear to be a wolfish silver.]

Umino: [Looking into Zoi's Tupperware] Are those enchiladas?

Zoi: They are left over from the ones I made last night. You want some?

Umino: Don't mind if I do.

[Zoi passes him the Tupperware container with a shaky hand, never taking his eyes off Kunzite.]

Umino: Are you ok, Zoi?

Zoi: Kunzite O'Sama is staring at me again.

Umino: [Sneaks a peek at the O'Sama table] He doesn't appear to be in quite such a bad mood today.

Zoi: That's why I'm worried.

Umino: Huh?

Zoi: He's probably planning something mean. I don't think he likes me. [blushes with shame]

Umino: [Passes back the Tupperware after helping himself to an enchilada] The O'Sama's don't like anyone… or I should say, they don't notice anyone enough to like them. [Nudges Zoi] But Kunzite sure seems to notice you.

[Zoi averts his eyes away from Kunzite and stares at the table.]

Umino: Zoi? [Watching Kunzite watching Zoi]

Zoi: [Queasy whisper] Stop looking at him.

[Umino opens his mouth to tease Zoi a little until he realizes how truly frightened his friend is.]

[Fortunately Motoki and Mamoru arrive with their lunch trays to break the tension]

Motoki: Mind if we sit here?

Umino: Go right ahead.

[Kunzite's smile falters as Mamoru races Motoki for the seat next to Zoi, then gives Zoi a pleasantly surprised look as if he didn't realize anyone was sitting there. Kunzite shudders a little then forces himself to look away.]

[Usagi and Naru arrive. Usagi sneaks up on Motoki and puts her hands over his eyes.]

Usagi: [Giggling] Guess who?

Motoki: [Smiles] Must be my best girl, Usagi. [gently pulls her hands away and gazes at her over his shoulder] I'd recognize that lyrical little laugh anywhere.

[Usagi giggles some more]

Mamoru: That's funny, this is the first time I've heard a rabid hyena referred to as lyrical.

Usagi: [Stops laughing] Oh, grow up, you jerk.

Naru: Room for two more, boys?

Umino: [blushes deep red] For you, Naru? We have all the room in the world. You don't even need to ask. [Moves this things to make room for her.]

Naru: Thank you. [She and Usagi take the seats on the other side of Motoki.]

Usagi: [Eyeing Zoi's lunch] Are those enchiladas? Can I –

Zoi: No.

Usagi: [whines] You didn't even know what I was going to ask.

All the other boys: Yes he did.

Usagi: [sniffs with indignation before she and Naru finish their lunches] Hey, Motoki. Naru and I are thinking of putting together a beach bonfire party at Blackmoon Cove in a week or two. You're invited to come if you'd like.

Motoki: Sure thing. Sounds like fun. Can I bring my friends?

Usagi: [makes an exaggeratedly sour face at Mamoru] That depends on which friends you plan on bringing.

Mamoru: I'll go if Zoi goes.

Zoi: I'll go if Umino goes.

Umino: [Looks right at Naru and blushes] I'm definitely going.

Usagi: Hooray, the boys are all in! [Pulls Naru from the table] Come. Let's go invite the girls!

Motoki: [sighs as he watches them leave] That Usagi sure is a goodhearted girl.

Mamoru: …but silly.

Motoki: There's nothing wrong with a bit of silliness now and then. It makes the world a brighter place.

Mamoru: Maybe. In small doses. I'm not really into the whole blond bimbo scene. I prefer my blonds cute and brainy, with just a touch of class. [Casually drapes his arm against the back of Zoi's chair]

[In the distance one of Kunzite's chopsticks snaps in half]