A.N. Welp, been more than a year, but I am back! I got a new laptop! I don't have to write on my phone! xD I own nothing, especially not Sailor Moon.
Slumping in her seat and scribbling on her paper, Usagi sighed as she tried to work through the math again. If she didn't pass this test, her mother would kill her! The sounds of the arcade were distracting, but the idea of going home to the smothering stare of her mother, or even going to study at the temple and getting teased made the blonde ready to cry.
A familiar figure wandered in, blinking at her slumped figure before smiling. "Usagi-chan! I knew you liked it here, but I didn't think I would run into you here doing homework."
Jumping, Usagi straightened and covered her work in embarrassment. "Berthier! It's nice to see you! What brings you here?"
"Just got paid for some tutoring sessions and wanted a shake. What are you working on? Petz said she gave you my number to call me." She sat across from her, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Oh, I didn't want to bother you." Usagi looked away from the white-blonde's inquisitive blue eyes, cheeks tinting pink under the scrutiny.
"Don't be silly! My sisters and I wouldn't even be here without you!" Berthier countered, getting up and moving to sit next to her instead so she could get a better look at the somewhat mangled paper. "It can't be so bad."
Hesitantly, Usagi shifted to show the older girl her paper, wincing a little. "Ami tried to explain it to me at lunch, but I just don't get it."
"Well, lunch isn't a good time. I can't think so well hungry. Why don't I get my shake, and get you some fries? Then we'll look at it with fresh eyes, hm?" the older girl offered, smiling gently.
"Oh, but I can't pay you much, and I don't get allowance until next wee-" Usagi started, not wanting to take advantage when she knew that tutoring was what she did to earn a living.
"Well, you can pay for my shake then, and we'll work for 30 minutes today. We can set something else up another time, hm? I'm sure we can work it out." She rifled through the papers and started making a plan.
Fishing through her purse for some money, Usagi nodded, determined not to waste her time. "What flavor?"
"Strawberry, please."
A half an hour later, Usagi actually had a tenuous grasp after Berthier showed her a short cut, then took her back through the way shown in the book. "Why don't they show us THAT way?" She erased the shorter way and inserted the long form formula into the spot for showing her work.
"In theory, they want you to learn this way instead because the math builds upon these formulas as you go along. However, if you get stuck at this part, knowing another way to get the answer can help you understand it better. Do you think you're okay for now?" She slurped her shake and stole a fry, looking pleased to have made progress.
Nodding, Usagi slumped in relief. "I think I might pass this test." Her mom wouldn't lock her out this time!
"You will. Have confidence in yourself." Berthier stood and straightened up. "I should get home. Do you want me to walk you?"
"No, I'll be fine. Thank you." She jumped to her feet and hugged her tightly. "I'll get you some money next week."
Eyes softening, she stroked her hair a little and hugged her back. "You're going to do great, Usagi-chan."