Your Average Day Usagi-chan Usagi@lunap.com http://hop.to/minako_usagi Special thanks to: MK who helped me with my big plot decision, Minako-chan for her unending encouragement, Lina for her support and everyone who is part of SMRFF for their never ending willingness to read anything I write. ^_^ And to everyone who joined muul just for joining! I don't own Sailormoon or anything pertaining to The one flaw to this story, is that everyday is a school day. Live with it. ^_^ E-mail me! *** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Yes, six fourty THREE. Mamoru had how long his morning rituals took timed down to nearly the second. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. The kettle whistled, alerting Mamoru that his water was boiling, and he poured it into the black mug and added the instant coffee grinds that really got him going in the morning. The only problem was that there were no instant coffee grinds. He had used them all up the previous morning and had forgotten to buy more. "Damn." Mamoru muttered. Sighing, he dumped the hot water down the drain and set the mug in the sink. "I'll just have to buy more after my classes." He decided. Grabbing his books that were sitting on the kitchen counter, Mamoru headed towards his front door. Slipping on his shoes, he was on his way to school. He walked swiftly towards his lecture hall, knowing the class was going to have a pop quiz first thing. He didn't want to be late. As he rounded the corner, Mamoru braced himself for 98 pounds f Odango to slam into him, but nothing. Mamoru was still standing and no Odango anywhere. Puzzled, Mamoru shrugged his shoulders, consoling himself with thoughts of seeing her after school at the arcade and continued on his way. Mamoru sank into his seat with three minutes to spare. He stuck his books under his seat in the metal book holder and began to twirl his pen between his thumb and forefinger. "Hi Chiba-san." A pretty red head smiled at him, leaning flirtatiously on his desk. Mamoru sighed before glancing up at her. "Hi." He replied shortly. "I was wondering if you were free tonight?" She tilted her head to the side, letting her hair tumble down. "Actually, I have a date tonight." Mamoru told her. The girl sighed. "Maybe another time?" She asked. Mamoru shrugged before turning his attention to the lecturer. True enough, there was a pop quiz and as soon as Mamoru saw the questions he knew he was going to bomb it. ** Mamoru was in an extremely bad mood as he headed towards the arcade. One week until Valentines, but he thrust the thought from his mind. Running one hand through his hair, Mamoru let his eyes scan the crowds for a certain odango atama. As his intense blue gaze fell on the familiar blonde girl, he smiled. "Hey! Odango!" He called out. Usagi looked up at him and frowned. "It was such a good day until you had to come along and ruin it, Mamoru- baka." She sighed and averted her eyes, missing the look of pain that flashed across his face. "Gee Odango, I know what you mean. It was so novel not to be crashed into on my way to classes in the morning." He replied. "Eh." Usagi shrugged and stepped around Mamoru, heading towards the arcade. Mamoru whirled around and followed her. "So, Odango, fail any tests today?" He asked, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Not that it's any of your business, but no." She replied. "I got a b plus on my test." "Oh really? That's one for the books." Mamoru laughed. Usagi glared up at him. "Why are you following me, Mamoru-baka?" Usagi asked, pulling open the door to the arcade. "Following you?" Mamoru repeated. "Not exactly, Odango. I happen to be coming here for the same reason you are." "And what exactly would that be?" Usagi asked. "To see Motoki. The difference being I'm not madly in love with him." Mamoru replied. Usagi huffed and stormed into the arcade. "Neither am I, Mamoru-baka." She called over her shoulder as she collapsed in front of the Sailor V game. "Sure, Odango." Mamoru called as he sat down to talk to Motoki. "Another fight with our little Odango?" Motoki asked, leaning on the counter in front of Mamoru. "Yeah. Annoying kid, huh?" Mamoru asked. "Nah. I think she's sweet, and really pretty if your into blonde hair and blue eyes." Motoki replied. "She's fourteen!?" Mamoru exclaimed. "Is she? I never knew that." Motoki shrugged and handed Mamoru his usual cup of black coffee. "Thanks." "No problem. So how did you do on the test today?" Motoki asked. Mamoru groaned. "Why did you have to remind me about it?" "That bad, huh?" Motoki asked, and Mamoru nodded. "Well, maybe you'll be able to retake it, or something." "I dunno." Mamoru shrugged. "I guess I'd better go home and study." Mamoru quickly gulped his coffee before standing up and leaving the arcade. He headed towards his apartment, stopping at the local grocery store long enough to pick up some coffee. He certainly didn't want a repeat of the hideous experience of not having his morning coffee again. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. The kettle whistled, alerting Mamoru that his water was boiling, and he poured it into the black mug and added the instant coffee grinds that really got him going in the morning. The only problem was that there were no instant coffee grinds. Mamoru stared at the empty place in his cupboard in disbelief. He was sure he had bought coffee the previous night before. He had gone to the arcade, made fun of Odango, picked up coffee grinds, come home, studied, slept. Mamoru glanced at the clock and swore. He was going to be late if he didn't hurry. Grabbing his books, he was out the door and on his way to class. Mamoru turned the corner fully expecting to meet Odango, up close and personal, especially since he had missed her the previous morning. Again, she wasn't there. Mamoru was puzzled beyond belief. "Two days in a row? I'm impressed." Mamoru spoke out loud, then shrugged and continued on his way to his class. As usual, Mamoru was three minutes early. He set his books under his chair and began fidgeting with a pen. "Hi Chiba-san." A pretty red head smiled at him, leaning flirtatiously on his desk. Mamoru sighed before glancing up at her. "Hi." He replied, curiousity filling his voice. He wondered why she was talking to him again. "I was wondering if you were free tonight?" She tilted her head to the side, letting her hair tumble down. Mamoru looked at her incredulously. Hadn't he told her yesterday that he had a date, and hadn't that implied that he wasn't interested? "Uhmm, not really." Mamoru told her, not quite sure what was going on. The girl sighed, and before she had a chance to say anything else, the lecturer entered and announced that there was going to be a quiz. Mamoru's eye brows shot up as he thought 'Again?!' then he sighed and looked up at the questions. They looked awfully familiar. 'Is this some kind of joke?' He glanced around to find everyone scribbling down answers as fast as they could. Sighing, Mamoru did the same, glad he had studied the previous night. ** Mamoru had a huge headache by the time he had left school and was heading towards the arcade. Everything had been exactly the same, and had no clue why. His lectures were all the same as the day before, the same people spoke to him and he had received the same assignments. "It's like the day is in repeat." He mumbled, then saw Usagi. He smiled. "Hey! Odango!" He called out. Usagi looked up at him and frowned. "It was such a good day until you had to come along and ruin it, Mamoru- baka." She sighed and looked away. Mamoru's jaw fell. That was *exactly* what she had said the day before. Mamoru was sure. "Doesn't look like you had a good day." Mamoru commented once he had regained his composure. "What would you care, Mamoru-baka?" She asked before continuing on her way to the arcade. Mamoru followed her. He glanced at her sideways before venturing out on a limb. "Well, since you got a b plus on your math test, I don't know what is so wrong with today, Odango. Besides me." Usagi looked up at him with huge blue eyes. "How did you know what I got on my test?" She exclaimed. Mamoru looked as shocked as she was. "What's today, Usagi?" He asked, gripping her shoulders. "February seventh, exactly one week until Valentine's Day." She replied. "Why?" "I don't get it." Mamoru mumbled. "What's not to get?" Usagi asked, pulling away from Mamoru. "Yesterday was..." He sighed. "Never mind." "What's up with you, Mamoru-baka?" Usagi asked, peering up at him in concern. "Nothing. Come on, Odango. Let's go to the arcade." Mamoru gently propelled Usagi forward before walking himself. As soon as the two were in the arcade, Usagi headed straight to the Sailor V game, and Mamoru sank into a seat in front of Motoki. "Another fight with our little Odango?" Motoki asked, leaning on the counter in front of Mamoru. "Just like every other day." Mamoru replied. "I don't know why you two always fight, Mamoru. She's really very sweet, and really pretty if your into blonde hair and blue eyes." Motoki replied. "Yeah well." Mamoru shrugged. 'Either this is a *huge* joke and someone's gonna pay, or somehow I'm in the past repeating this day.' Motoki handed Mamoru his usual cup of black coffee. "Thanks." "No problem. So how did you do on the test today?" Motoki asked. "Piece of cake. I studied that last night." "How on Earth did you know that was going to be on the test?" Motoki asked. "Lucky guess?" Mamoru grinned. "Sure, whatever." Motoki smiled before glancing over at Usagi. The pretty blonde was yelling at the game. "I guess I'd better go over and help her." "Don't bother. Deal with the paying customers. I'll go make sure Odango doesn't break the game." Mamoru told him. Motoki raised an eyebrow at Mamoru before shrugging. Mamoru gulped is coffee and stood up to go tease Usagi some more. "Gee, Odango. I don't think it's the machine's fault." "What do you want Mamoru-baka?" Usagi asked, standing from the stool in front of the game. "Just to make sure you don't break the game." He replied, smirking at her. "Ooh! You make me so mad Chiba-baka!" Usagi glared at him before stomping out of the arcade. Mamoru chuckled before following her out. He turned in the opposite direction that Usagi had gone, and headed home. On his way, he stopped at the grocery store to pick up some more coffee. He still hadn't a clue what was going on, but he was sure he needed coffee. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43.Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. The kettle whistled, alerting Mamoru that his water was boiling, and he poured it into the black mug and opened the cupboard expecting to find coffee. Well, not really. The bare space in the cupboard didn't startle him nearly as much. Mamoru sighed, taking it in stride this time. Running one hand through his hair in misery, Mamoru reached over for the hot chocolate he kept for any guests who didn't want coffee. He dumped in some hot chocolate powder and stirred it into the hot water. Mamoru sat down at his kitchen table and drank the liquid slowly. sense, and logic was something Mamoru relied on. Mamoru looked up at the clock and groaned. He was going to be late, again, if he didn't hurry. Grabbing his books, he was out the door and on his way to class. Mamoru rounded the corner, not expecting to meet Odango face to face, and he was correct. No Odango anywhere. Not surprised at all, Mamoru continued on his way to class, knowing full well that he would see Usagi later that night at the arcade. Mamoru spent his three minutes before class trying to think of something creative to tell that red head who was about to ask him out. He still didn't know her name. "Hi Chiba-san." Right on cue. Mamoru smiled. "Hi." "I was wondering if you were free tonight?" She tilted her head to the side, letting her hair tumble down. Mamoru's grin widened. "Actually, I'm not. Tonight I have my monthly ritual to worship the aliens." "Al.. Aliens?" She repeated. "Yes." Mamoru paused. "Your welcome to join me." 'This is crazy!' Mamoru thought, then shrugged mentally. 'Sounds like something Usagi would do.' He told himself. "Uhm... No thanks." The red head turned, shoulders slightly slumped as she sank into her seat a few rows away from Mamoru. The lecturer entered, and Mamoru found himself writing the same quiz for the third day in a row. ** Mamoru was nearly skipping towards the arcade, knowing Usagi was going to be there. Not that he cared. Why would he care? "Hello Usagi-chan." He greeted with a smile. The petite blonde looked up at him, confusion clearly written across her features. "Hello Mamoru-san." She replied before ducking into the arcade, away from him. Mamoru followed her, walking up behind her as she played the Sailor V game. Waiting patiently for her to loose, Mamoru sat down on the stool next to her. Finally the words 'Game Over' flashed on the screen and Usagi looked at him. "Yes?" She asked. "I uhmm.." Mamoru hesitated, not exactly sure why he was sitting there. "I just wanted to congratulate you on your test score. A b plus is excellent, Usagi-chan." "How... How did you know I got a b plus?" She asked, her eyes wide blue saucers. Mamoru chuckled. "Lucky guess?" Usagi shook her head in disbelief. " What's wrong with you, Mamoru-san? You certainly aren't acting like yourself. Maybe you should go home and rest." Usagi told him before getting up and heading towards the arcade doors. "I hope you feel better tomorrow!" Mamoru stood as well, deciding that sleep probably would do him some good. This repeating the day was certainly not very healthy for him. "I'll talk to you tomorrow Motoki-kun." Mamoru waved at his friend before heading out of the arcade. Mamoru walked home quickly, not bothering to buy coffee. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. The kettle whistled, alerting Mamoru that his water was oiling, and he poured it into the black mug and added instant coffee grinds. Sipping the hot black liquid, Mamoru almost screamed. He threw the mug into the sink and it shattered, splashing coffee everywhere. Mamoru looked at the brand new jar of coffee grinds and nearly fainted. He ran back into his bedroom and turned on the radio, listening for the date. "And out countdown to Valentine's continues. Today is February 8th..." He shut it off and sighed in relief. "Who knows what was up with the past few days, but I'm glad that's over with." Mamoru glanced at his watch and found that he was almost late. Turning around the corner, Mamoru was greeted with 98 pounds of Odango, something he had really grown to miss. "Morning Usagi-chan!" He greeted cheerfully. "Morning." She echoed. "Are you feeling better Mamoru-san?" She asked, before glancing at her watch. "Aieee! I'm so late." Before giving Mamoru time to answer, Usagi ran down the street towards her school. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. Mamoru put the kettle on, and opened the kitchen cupboard. He paused, seeing both coffee and hot chocolate. Hesitating slightly, he grabbed the hot chocolate and quickly made a mug for breakfast. After finishing the sweet brown liquid, Mamoru set the mug in his sink and was on his way to school. Mamoru whistled cheerfully. He had heard on the radio that it was February ninth. Although closer to Valentine's, it meant that his days weren't repeating anymore. For that, he was certainly glad. Books in hand, Mamoru exited his apartment and began the brief walk to hislecture hall. Turning the corner, Mamoru braced himself for the collision he knew was coming, and he wasn't disappointed. "Oof!" Usagi flew backwards after slamming into Mamoru's chest. " Odango! What a way to greet the morning." He smirked at her. Usagi glared up at him. "Ooh Mamoru-baka!" Usagi leapt to her feet. "I guess your feeling better." She muttered before dashing off down the street again. Mamoru laughed as he watched her run towards her school before continuing on his way to his own class. "Hi Chiba-san." It was the infamous red head again. Mamoru sighed. He'd hoped she had remembered the Alien story and had decided to leave him alone. No such luck. He nodded his head slightly in acknowledgement, but turned away before any other communication could occur. "I'd like to hand back your quizzes before we get started today." The professor stood in the front of the room and spoke into the microphone. "I'd like to say I'm disappointed in almost all of the results. Only one person passed, and he did with 100%. Congratulations Chiba Mamoru." ** Mamoru headed to the arcade with a smile plastered across his face. Not only had he been praised in class, but now he was on his way to see his Odango. Mamoru paused. 'Where did that come from?' He asked himself, before shacking his head and continuing on his way. He walked into the arcade, the bells chiming cheerfully above his head. "Hi Mamoru-kun!" Motoki greeted. Mamoru nodded in his friend's direction while his eyes scanned the arcade for the blonde Odango haired girl. She was sitting in front of her Sailor V game, playing as visciously as one can play a video game. "Hi Odango." Mamoru called across the arcade before sitting in front of Motoki and ordering a cup of coffee. Usagi continued to sit there, completely ignoring Mamoru and the nick name. "So what's with you and Usagi?" Motoki asked, grinning at Mamoru. "What do you mean?" Mamoru asked, sipping the bitter liquid. "You two seemed pretty chummy yesterday, and now your seem awfully cheerful." Motoki shrugged. Mamoru pulled out the quiz, and handed it to Motoki without a word. "Amazing Mamoru-kun. I don't even remember this stuff." "Yeah well." Mamoru shrugged. "But since you seem so nochalant about this, something else must have you so.... cheerful." Motoki glanced over at Usagi. "Wonder what it could be..." "I dunno." Mamoru shrugged again. "Maybe a certain golden haired teen?" "Not likely." Mamoru replied, scoffing. "Are you sure?" Motoki asked. " Quite." Mamoru stood up. "I have to get home. I need to study more." "Sure Mamoru-kun." Motoki laughed. "See you tomorrow." ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. After putting the kettle on, Mamoru grabbed the hot chocolate and made himself a mug. 'This stuff really reminds me of Usa.' He thought, sipping the chocolatey drink. He glanced at the calendar and paused, wondering if it was still the ninth, or if time had decided to move on to the tenth. Shrugging, he grabbed his books and was on his way. He would know soon enough, from Usa's behaviour. Turning the corner, Mamoru crashed into the little blonde teen. She flew backwards to the ground with a loud 'oof!'. She glared up at Mamoru. "Why don't you watch where your going, Mamoru-baka?" She asked, gathering up her books. "Here, let me help you." Mamoru knelt down, picked up her books then hauled Usagi to her feet. Carefully he handed her the books she had dropped. Usagi accepted them cautiously, staring intently at Mamoru. "Okay... Aren't you feeling better?" She asked finally. "What do you mean, Usagi-chan?" He asked. She shook her head. "If I weren't going to be so late I'd be worried." She told him, before realizing that she was, in fact, very late. "Aiee!" She cried, dashing off in the direction she had originally been heading. Mamoru shook his head before continuing on his own. Once seated in the lecture hall, Mamoru escaped any contact with the red head by pretending to be very busy reading his text book. "I'd like to hand back your quizzes before we get started today." The professor stood in the front of the room and spoke into the microphone. "I'd like to say I'm disappointed in almost all of the results. Only one person passed, and he did with 100%. Congratulations Chiba Mamoru." The praise was something Mamoru could get used to. ** Heading towards the arcade, Mamoru's mind wandered over what had been almost a week for him, and three days for everyone else. He was sure no one else was experiencing this. He had repeated the seventh several times, the eighth only once, but this was the third ninth. It didn't make any sense. "Why would I only go through the eighth once? What was different?" He wondered aloud, before his mind began to take a different route. 'Why would the seventh suddenly change?' The only connection he could make was Usagi, and that was certainly not the connection he was hoping for. With a sigh, Mamoru looked up to see Usagi standing on the street corner where they usually collided, tapping her feet and checking her watch. "Hey Odango!" He called out, waving to her. "Mamoru-baka! Where have you been?" She asked, marching over to him. "I've been worried sick about you all day, and then you decide to be late. Hmph!" She snatched his hand in hers and began pulling him towards the arcade. "What are you doing, Odango?" He asked, but she didn't say anything until she had him seated in a booth at the back of the arcade. "Okay, do you feel nauseated?" She asked, resting one hand on his forehead. "Dizzy? Faint?" "No, I feel fine. What is this all about?" He asked. Usagi looked at him suspiciously. "Is this some sort of joke?" She asked. "Joke?' He echoed. "Why are you acting so funny?!" Usagi collapsed into the seat across from him. "What do you mean?" "For the past two days, you've been nice to me." She was watching him suspiciously. Suddenly Mamoru clued in. It was like a giant lightbulb had been turned on above his head. The past two days that she was talking about he had been at least marginally nice to Usagi. In his warped terms, the past two days she referred to were the ones that time had actually moved forward in. Being nice to Usagi meant moving on in life. It lacked sense, but it was a place to start, and for Mamoru he couldn't ask for more. "Well, Mamoru? What's the deal?" Usagi asked. "Nothing, Usagi-chan. Nothing at all." Mamoru was trying to figure it out. His being nice to Usagi let him move on, but why? Why did someone want him to be nice to her? What difference could it make? And who was doing it? "Listen, Usagi-chan, I have to go, but I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?" Without waiting for an answer, Mamoru stood up and quickly left the arcade, leaving a confused Usagi in his wake. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Mamoru had how long his morning rituals took timed down to nearly the second. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. The kettle whistled, and Mamoru made the hot chocolate he had become dependent on, rather than the coffee. Sitting down to drink it, Mamoru let his mind wander over what he had discovered the previous day. Usagi was key, central, but he didn't know why. With a sigh, Mamoru set the mug in the sink and picked up his books. He was out the door, and on his way to school still trying to figure everything out. When Mamoru rounded the corner, he was more than ready to crash into Usagi. Rather than letting her fall to the ground as he usually did, Mamoru caught her and held her upright, though close to him as he did so. "Ari... arigato Mamoru-san." Usagi blushed furiously at their rather compromising position. Mamoru smiled faintly and released her. "No problem Usagi-chan." He smiled more as she looked up at him in puzzlement. "I'd... I'd better get going." Usagi dashed down the street without looking back. Mamoru watched as she dashed towards her school. 'That was certainly an interesting turn of events.' Mamoru thought before heading towards his lecture hall, eager to learn something new after so many days of the same lecture. ** Mamoru entered the arcade, slightly confused at not having met Usagi on the way. His cobalt blue eyes scanned the arcade for the blonde haired teen. He saw her seated at the counter talking to Motoki and sipping a chocolate milkshake. Mamoru headed over, trying to hear what Usagi was saying. "He's been acting so strange. I'm worried." Usagi sighed. "I've noticed that as well, Usagi-chan, but don't worry. I'm sure he'll be fine in a few days." Motoki smiled reassuringly. "Hi Mamoru-kun." Usagi whirled around on her stool, a look of surprise flitting across her features. "Hi Motoki-kun, Usagi-chan." He smiled at the pair before sitting next to Usagi. "February tenth, four days until Valentine's Day." "Yes. Reika and I are going on a cruise." Motoki replied. "How romantic!" Usagi exclaimed. "If you like that sort of thing." Mamoru shrugged. "Don't you?" Usagi turned on her seat to face him, a dreamy smile on her face. "I think it would be wonderful." "Well, I hope Reika things so." Motoki replied. He was washing the counter with his always present red cloth. "I'm sure she will." Usagi smiled sincerely at her friend. "As it is, I have to jet. Mom will be furious if I'm not home on time. Bye!" "Wait Usagi-chan! It's getting late. Let me walk you." Mamoru jumped up after the blonde, shocking himself, Usagi and Motoki. "Uhmm.. That's okay, Mamoru-san." Usagi felt herself blushing slightly. "No, I insist. Let's go." Mamoru grabbed her hand and led her out of the arcade. He turned the direction he always saw her leave and began walking. The pair walked in silence, and it wasn't for some time that Usagi realized Mamoru was still holding her hand. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Yes, six fourty THREE. Mamoru had how long his morning rituals took timed down to nearly the second. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. It was February eleventh, he was sure of it. Three days until Valentines Day. Somehow, Mamoru knew that was key as well. He contemplated his situation as he sipped his hot chocolate. 'Okay, so someone out there wants me to be nicer to Usagi, but I wonder why? I mean, who cares if I'm nice to Odango? What difference can it make?' Mamoru bit his lip. 'And how are they messing with my life like this?' Mamoru swallowed the last gulp of hot chocolate before setting the cup in the sink and heading off towards school. When he rounded the corner, Usagi was no where in sight. Mamoru wondered where she was, but continued on his way, sure that he would see her after school. ** When Mamoru reached the arcade after his classes, he was extremely worried. Usagi wasn't at the arcade, as he had expected her to be. "Hey Motoki-kun." Mamoru greeted his friend. "Hey." Motoki smiled. "So what's the deal with you? Are you finally ready to admit your feelings for our Odango?" "Feelings?" Mamoru scoffed, but even as the words left his mouth, he began to doubt them. "I don't care about her!" "Oh? Then you won't care that she's couped up at home with the flu?" Motoki smiled deviously. "Look Motoki-kun, I've got to go study." Mamoru stood up abruptly. "Right.. Study..." Motoki laughed as Mamoru left the arcade. 'Okay, now Usagi's sick and I'm in love with her.' Mamoru thought. '.... In love with... Oh boy. I'm in love with Tsukino Usagi. I love her!' The realization hit him hard. A goofy smile spread itself across his face as he repeated the words over and over in his head. 'I love Tsukino Usagi.' Mamoru practically laughed out loud. 'So what do I do now?' 'Then you won't care that she's couped up at home with the flu?' Motoki's words replayed themselves in Mamoru's head and suddenly he knew what to do. ** Raising his hand to knock, Mamoru took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He knocked three times and waited as patiently as he could for someone to answer the door. It didn't take long for a tall, blue haired woman to open the door and smile at him. "Hello. Can I help you?" "I'm here to see Usagi-chan." He told her. "I heard she wasn't feeling well." "Oh! I'm sure seeing a friend will make her feel better. That was very kind of you. Please, come in! I'm Usagi's mother, Ikuko." "Thank you." Mamoru smiled. "I brought her some soup." Mamoru offered Ikuko the container full of soup with a tentative smile. "How sweet! Why don't you go straight up to her room and I'll bring her the soup in a few minutes?" Ikuko suggested before gently shoving Mamoru towards the stairs and making her way into the kitchen. Mamoru climbed the stairs and turned down the hallway, not sure which room was Usagi's. He smiled when his eyes fell on the door with the little bunny sign, the letters USAGI printed across it. After knocking gently, Mamoru opened the door to see Usagi sprawled across her bed, staring at the ceiling. She was obviously bored, manga spread around her. "Hello Usagi-chan." Mamoru held his breath waiting for Usagi to reply. She looked at him and nearly fell off her bed. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. "Mam... Mamoru-baka!" She exclaimed. "It's nice to see you too." He smiled wryle before clearing a place off on her bed and sitting down next to her. "How are you feeling?" "What are you doing here?" She sputtered. Mamoru smiled. "Motoki told me you weren't feeling very good. I decided to visit you." He explained. "Oh." "I brought you soup." At the mention of food, Usagi's eyes lit up. "What kind of soup?" "Chicken noodle. It's traditional, you know." Usagi laughed, a beautiful smile lighting up her face. Mamoru smiled at this, and was about to comment when Ikuko walked in with a bowl of soup for Usagi. "Here you go darling. Your friend was kind enough to bring you some soup. And it's chicken noodle, your favourite." Ikuko set a tray up in front of Usagi before setting the bowl of hot soup on it. "I guess I'll leave you two alone now." Ikuko winked at Usagi before exiting the room without looking back. "So, uh.. How are you feeling?" Mamoru asked, nervously fidgeting with the blankets Usagi had tossed down around her waist. "Better, I guess." Usagi was nervously playing with the spoon resting in the soup. 'This is so weird! Chiba Mamoru sitting in *my* room, asking me how *I* am?' "That's good." Mamoru bit his lip. He could _feel_ the awkward silence setting in. "Yeah..." Usagi nodded slightly before taking a mouthful of the soup. Her eyes lit up as she looked up at him. "This is amazing! Did you make it yourself?" "Yeah..." Mamoru chuckled. "It's an old receipe." "Family secret, huh?" She asked smiling at him. "Something like that." Mamoru glanced out the window. The sun was shining brightly and he wished he could see Usagi outside spinning around and around, rather than cooped up inside. He could hear her laughter ringing in his ears. A smile spread itself across his face. "What?" Usagi asked, catching the look on his face. "Nothing." Mamoru smiled warmly at her, and Usagi could feel herself melting. 'Baka! This is Mamoru! Don't get all mushy.' She scolded herself. Usagi forced herself to focus on the soup in front of her and and took another spoonful. It really was the best soup she had ever had before. "So, Usagi-chan, do you think you'll be up and at 'em tomorrow?" Mamoru asked, watching Usagi carefully. "I dunno. I hope so. I mean, I don't like school, but sitting cooped up in here is even worse." She replied. 'Besides, I don't get to see you.' "That's good." Mamoru smiled at her. Usagi finished the soup, and set the spoon in the bowl. Mamoru lifted the tray up and set it on the floor next to Usagi's bed. "Thanks." Usagi started to smile shyly at him, when she was overcome with a yawn. Mamoru chuckled. "Feeling tired little one?" He asked. Usagi blushed. "How 'bout I leave you to rest now?" "No, that's *yawn* okay." Usagi tried to protest, but Mamoru shook his head. "If I don't see you tomorrow after school, then I'll stop by with more soup, alright?" He promised. Usagi nodded as she snuggled down in her bed. Mamoru stood up and gently tucked the blankets around Usagi's neck. "Sleep well." With a gentle kiss on her forhead, Mamoru made a hasty exit. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Yes, six fourty THREE. Mamoru had how long his morning rituals took timed down to nearly the second. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. Mamoru decided to forgo coffee or hot chocolate in favour of waiting at the corner to be sure he didn't miss Usa if she was on her way to school. He had been extra nice to her, because he didn't want her to have to repeat her day home sick, and because he had wanted to. These days he found himself really wanting to see a smile light up her face, or to hear her laughter.It seemed to make his day to see the glow on her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. It seemed to make life worth living. Mamoru stood at the street corner, his eyes scanning in the direction he knew Usa took every morning. After glancing at his watch, Mamoru sighed. She was usually here by now, even on the days she was extremely late. Mamoru turned to head towards his classes when an high pitched wail caused him to freeze. "Aieeeeee!!!!!!!" He knew that sound. It was the sound of a _very_ late Usa. "I'm so totally beyond late!" Mamoru smiled as whirlwind Usagi whipped passed him on her way to school. Mamoru shook his head and headed towards his lecture. ** The smile was still on his face as Mamoru headed towards the arcade. His lessons had been relatively easy, and he had managed to finish the assignment at the library earlier in the day. "Hello Motoki-kun!" Mamoru greeted as he stepped into the arcade. "Hi Mamoru-kun. Well, your certainly in a good mood." Motoki smiled at his friends cheerfulness. "Yeah, well..." Mamoru shrugged. "This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain odango haired girl about to step into the arcade, would it?" Motoki asked as the bells above the door jingled. "Wouldn't you like to know?" Mamoru asked before turning around. "Hey Usagi-chan! Feeling better?" "Definately Mamoru-san! Thank you." She beamed at him, and Mamoru almost melted into a puddle. That was the first time she had used that smile on him, the first time it had been sent in his direction, to him, for him. Yes, Tsukino Usagi certainly made life worth living. "How about a shake to celebrate?" Mamoru asked as soon as he was able to pull himself together. "Uhmm... I'd like to, but mom wants me home soon. I just stopped in 'cause we agreed to meet here." Usagi told him, sadness filling her blue eyes. "That's okay. How about I walk you home?" Mamoru offered. "Sure, I'd like that." Usagi blushed slightly as Mamoru held the arcade door open for her. The pair headed towards Usagi's home talking quietly, about anything and everything. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" Usagi asked, unable to look Mamoru in the eye. "Sure thing. Sleep well Usa." Mamoru leaned forward to gently kiss her cheek before he was gone with a hop, skip and a jump. Usagi stood there, shocked. Mamoru just kissed her. Chiba Mamoru just kissed *her*. Granted, it was on the cheek, but it was a kiss none the less. Usagi fumbled for the door handle and managed to open the door and step inside. She floated up to her room, happily seated on cloud nine. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Yes, six fourty THREE. Mamoru had how long his morning rituals took timed down to nearly the second. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. Except that today was the day before Valentine's Day, and although Mamoru normal hated it with a passion, this year was different. This year was an Usa year. Instead of hating the day and stressing over it because Mamoru had no one to share it with, Mamoru stressed over it because he wasn't sure how to tell ther person he wanted to share it with how he felt. "Well Usako, you certainly make life interesting." Mamoru muttered as he headed out the door towards his job. He was walking along the street where he usually ran into Usagi when a thought occurred to him. He wasn't going to see her past this brief meeting today. He was going to end up spending a long night in the lab. He wouldn't see her again until it was Valentine's Day, and that might be too late. "Usa!" Mamoru cried as he saw the blond headed in his direction. "Mamoru-san!" She screeched to a halt, nearly knocking Mamoru over. "Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I won't be seeing you after school today." He told her. "Oh? Why?" Was it just Mamoru or did she seem disappointed? "I have to work late. Sorry Usa..." Mamoru smiled slightly. "How we hang out tomorrow?" "But it's Valentine's Day. Don't you want to spend it with your girlfriend?" Usagi asked. "I don't have a girlfriend. Why don't we meet at the arcade when you get out of schjool?" Mamoru bit his lip as he waited for her to reply. He couldn't believe he just asked her out. What is she said no, what if.. Before he came up with any more 'what if's', Usagi squealed with delight. "Yes! It'll be so much fun. See you tomorrow Mamoru-san!" With that, Usagi took off at her unnatrually high speeds. Mamoru smiled at the retreating form of the woman he loved. ** Mamoru quickly reached over and shut off his alarm clock. The red digits read 6:43. Yes, six fourty THREE. Mamoru had how long his morning rituals took timed down to nearly the second. Climbing out of bed he jumped in the shower, stepped out, dressed and was in the kitchen by 7:12. 29 minutes as usual. Except that that isn't how it went. Mamoru couldn't figure out what to wear. He had to look good for Usagi, he needed to look extra good. Mamoru tore through all the clothes in his closet trying to find the perfect outfit. Finally he settled on a a pair of black khakis and a blue shirt that brought out his eyes. After spending twenty minutes on his hair, Mamoru dashed out the door, late himself for the first time ever. ** "Motoki-kun! What do I do?!" Mamoru had Motoki by the top of his shirt, holding the poor poor over the counter at the arcade. "Let.. go.. Can't.. breathe..." Motoki gasped out, clawing at Mamoru's hand. Mamoru sighed and released Motoki's shirt. Motoki slowly slid off the counter, gasping for breath. "So what do I do?" Mamoru asked, a lot calmer than before. "First of all, tell me again why you need my help." Motoki smiled maliciously. "Because I, Chiba Mamoru, am in love with Tsukino Usagi." Mamoru mumbled. "Now help." "It's simple, Mamoru-kun. All you need to do is give her flowers, be romantic, woo her and tell her you love her. You know, the usual." "Ths usual? With me there is no usual." Mamoru sank into a stool and buried his face in his hands. "It's hopeless." "It is not hopeless. Shape up man! Haven't you seen the way she looks at you? You have nothing to lose tonight, Mamoru-san. Nothing." Motoki smiled at Mamoru before turning his attention to other customers. ** Mamoru sat nervously in one of the boothes as he glanced from his watch, to the door, to his watch, to the door and back to his watch. Usagi was late. What if that meant she didn't really want to meet him? Or she got a better offer? Or.. Or.. Or what if...? The little bells jingled annoouncing the arrival of a certain blond angel. "Sorry I'm late, I got a detention." Usagi blushed. "It's okay." Mamoru smiled. "So what do you want to do?" Usagi shrugged. "What do you want to do?" She asked back. "Maybe take a walk?" He suggested. "Sure." The pair stood up and left the arcade together. Without a word passed between them, the two headed in the direction of the park. "So..." Usagi shrugged gently, trying to start a conversation. "Yeah..." Mamoru stuck his hands in his pockets as they continued to walk. "Mamoru-san? Why did you all of a sudden decide to be nice to me? I mean, you've really changed recently, and I like it, but I want to know why." Usagi glanced up at him as she spoke. "I... I guess it has to do with a few things. I mean, there was no real reason I was ever mean to you in the first place. I guess I just realized what I really wanted." "And what's that, Mamoru-san?" Usagi asked softly. Mamoru took a moment before replying. "You." His answer was so soft that Usagi wasn't quite sure she had heard him correctly. "Me?" She echoed. "Yeah. Over the past few weeks, I've realized how much I love you. How much I've come to rely on you for the joy you bring to my life. I wanted to spend Valentine's Day with you." Mamoru was watching her reaction carefully. "I.. Mamoru-san... I'm speechless.. I mean, I..." Usagi stuttered. For the first time in her life, someone told her something that utterly shocked her. "Mamo-chan! I love you too!" Mamoru smiled, and gently leaned forward to kiss the petite blond. Somewhere in the distance, a tall woman stood watching the pair. A smile spread itself across her face as tears welled up in her magenta eyes. *** The End. Feed back is VERY nice. ^_^