You'll Never Know
By Princess Destiny 
[ princessdestiny@hotmail ]
 
***
Chapter One: The Scent Of Roses 
***
*Roses. Ah the scent* Usagi thought blissfully. She inhaled deeply, nose 
buried in the soft petals. Red rose especially, were her weakness. And no 
wonder!

"The red one's?" Makoto asked in a sly tone. Usagi glanced up from the 
table, eyes wide and innocently. 

"I have NO idea what you're talking about, Makoto" She protested. Her blue 
eyes fell back to the long table, filled with multi-colored roses. The 
flower-shop had been quite a find. In fact, it was the only place to sell 
the roses out of season. They were grown specially in a hothouse.

Ami came down the isle, hands wrapped around a large pot. In it was a 
small plant with beautiful light-blue flowers, the color of the sky on a 
summers day. Smaller white flowers, like snowflakes were sticking out here 
and there, completing the arrangement. "What do you think Makoto? Will 
they survive?" The blue-haired genius teased, staring down at her find. It 
was well known to them all what a terrible person Ami was with planets of 
any kind. Probably because she studied too hard and forgot to water them.

Makoto walked over, examining the flowers critically. "Sure" She said 
finally. "These will be find Ami. Just water them occasionally and you'll 
have them thriving in not time!"

"They won't-die easily?" Ami inquired, blushing.

"Not if you give them the right feed and water regularly" A quite voice 
noted from behind Usagi. She stiffened, already knowing who was standing 
there. "Those flowers are quite resilient"

Ami and Makoto glanced up from the pot with surprise. Then both 
automatically looked at their fuming friend, seeing her red face and 
flashing eyes. The blonde whiled, fists clenched at her sides. Her short 
white skirt flared out dramatically. "Who ASKED you? Hmm, Mamoru? Keep out 
of our conversation!" Usagi almost shouted.

Mamoru stared down at her, eyes glinting challengingly. He was holding a 
large tub, filled with red roses. "Make me, Odango Atama"

"Arrgghhhh! You are so annoying!" She fumed. Usagi's eyes fell on the tub, 
growing wide. "What, you're robbing the store? What do you need with that 
many roses?"

"No of your business" Mamoru said easily. 

Usagi saw a slight tightening about his eyes and wondered at it. Then she 
was furious with herself. *What do I CARE what's wrong with him? Since 
when could I read him anyway?* The blonde whirled back towards her 
friends, back purposefully displayed for Mamoru's benefit. If he thought 
he could just butt in- "I don't care anyway. Jerk" She muttered, looking 
right through her friend's resigned faces. She wasn't even seeing them, 
her whole being focused in the annoying guy behind her.

Mamoru laughed low, amused. "Of course not" He murmured. Usagi stiffened 
in disbelief as he came right beside her. She could feel the warmth of his 
arm through the shirt as it brushed hers, while trying to keep a firm hold 
on his tub. She'd swear it was deliberate. Frankly, she wouldn't put it 
past him! "Remember to water it Ami, Sheryl told me about the last time 
you bought something from here" He shook his head, seeming genuinely 
disappointed.

Ami flushed. "Yes. I was studying so hard that month. I let the poor fern 
die" the genius looked at Mamoru earnestly. "So, what is this plant food 
you mentioned, Mamoru?"

"It's down the back there. Hang on a second and I'll show you" Before 
either of the girls could say a word, Mamoru disappeared down the isle and 
around the corner. They were silent, listening as he talked to the girl at 
the counter. Sheryl.

"You can go with him. I'M going to look at the-" Usagi cast around for 
something to do. "Statues. Yeah" She walked off, just as Darian was coming 
back. Usagi could strangely feel him watching her until she left the room 
and went into the next. There was displays with fountains and statue's. 
The statues fascinated her. From what Ami had said, they were classical 
greek. Women and men posed in cloths called toga's. Usagi grinned to 
herself, staring intently at such a statue. *I'm learning stuff from Ami 
all the time!*

"DON'T touch anything, Odango Atama. Not a thing" A voice said in her ear. 
Usagi shrieked, flailing. She fell forward, straight into the statue. 
Hands caught at her waist, moments before she could smash it and she was 
snatched backwards out of harm. "See what I mean?" Darian said in 
amusement, letting her go.

Usagi immediately whiled, anger written over her features. "I would have 
fallen if you hadn't snuck up on me! Jerk!" She told him furiously. Her 
blue eyes met his, flashing with anger.

"If you say so. But these are expensive. Way more than doughnuts" He 
grinned, folding his arms across his chest. 

Usagi's eyes followed the movement, noting not for the first time, how 
muscled he looked. Under that shirt was a fit body. She wondered what he 
did to keep fit. "I KNOW that!" She told him smugly. She'd peeked at the 
prices earlier-and he was right. It'd take her a thousand years to pay 
this place off if she smashed something! She'd rather have died than admit 
Mamoru saved her a bundle by pulling her back. *But HE cause me to fall in 
the first place* She thought to herself resentfully.

"Your friends are waiting for you" He told her smoothly. 

Usagi glanced up at his face, seeing nothing but the usual annoyingly smug 
expression there. "Fine!" She stepped past him, heading purposefully out 
of the room. And away from HIM. Annoying guy!

Sure enough, Makoto and Ami were waiting for her just outside the store, 
their arms full of packages. Her eyes sought out Ami's flowers, but saw 
that they were missing. "Where are the flowers? They were so pretty Ami! 
You didn't get them?" The blonde said in disappointment.

Ami smiled happily. "Yes, I did-" 

Makoto gave her a warning glance, that Usagi intercepted. "What?" She 
asked suspiciously.

Ami took a deep breath, looking as if she were betraying a great secret. 
Something that would annoy Usagi. "Mamoru is taking it home with him to 
his apartment. I'm going over later to pick it up"

"What?!" Usagi shrieked. "Why his apartment?"

"He's made a special pot mix that would be perfect for Ami's flower. He 
uses it on his roses" Makoto said knowledgeably.

Usagi's face worked madly, trying to figure out a way of stopping her 
friend. She couldn't think of any excuses though. "But he's jerk!" She 
protested.

"A jerk that has the secret recipe for growing beautiful flowers" Makoto 
corrected, grinning. They moved away from the shop, Usagi throwing Ami a 
doubtful look.

"Well. Okay" She murmured. What could it hurt really. Ami going to 
Mamoru's apartment. The blonde was abruptly curious. "Can I come?"

"Huh?" Ami stared at her in astonishment. "You WANT to go to Mamoru's 
home?"

"Are you feeling well, Usagi?" Makoto demanded, a hand against Usagi's 
forehead to check the temperature.

"I'm fine Makoto, Ami" Usagi laughed guiltily. "I just-I want to see his 
apartment, okay?" She blurted.

Makoto and Ami burst into laughter. "Okay! Sure, you can come" Ami 
giggled.

"It's not till five, so lets get some lunch or something" Makoto 
suggested. 

Immediately, Usagi's eyes lit up eagerly. "Yes! And some ice cream too" 
She enthused.

Makoto's grin widened. "Of course"

***

"Wow" Usagi breathed, staring up at the apartments. "Mamoru must be real 
rich"

"Loaded!" Makoto breathed in awe.

"He does go to Collage" Ami reminded them. "He has to have money to attend 
there"

"And how do you know that?" Makoto demanded, heading towards the front 
doors of the apartments. The doorman opened them for the girls, who 
continued into the lobby. The carpet was deep blue. The entire lobby 
practically screamed 'rich'. The three hurried tot he lifts and inside. 
Makoto pressed the button for the fifth floor. "So give Ames!" She urged, 
fixing her eyes on the blue-haired girl.

"We...Talked in the flower shop" Ami admitted, blushing. Her eyes lit up. 
"Did you know he's studying to become a doctor? A Mamoru is really smart"

"And rich" Makoto's green eyes gleamed. "If Rei hadn't already bagged him, 
I might try for Mamoru" She said enviously.

"I don't know what she sees in the jerk" Usagi muttered, staring blankly 
at the lift doors. They opened and the girls stepped out hesitantly. Ami 
looked left them right.

"He's apartment 507" She mused, looking at the door closest to them. 
'502'. The blue-haired girl led the way, Makoto second and Usagi trailing 
behind. Even the HALLS looked posh! She's kill for nice carpet like that 
too. Blue was one of her favorite colors. Other than red and white.

"This is it" Ami said nervously. She stopped before a door that looked 
like the others, the numbers in large gold letters. The genius raised a 
hand and knocked firmly. They waited for a moment, then heard someone 
moving within. The door opened quickly, revealing Mamoru there. He had 
removed his green jacket and was wearing only a black shirt and slacks. 

Usagi stared at him for a moment. She'd never seen him so-informal. He was 
wearing sneakers and his hair was slightly mussed. A curl falling over his 
eyes. Her fingers itched and for a moment, Usagi had an insane urge to 
smooth the lock back from his brow. "Ugh!" she breathed, as Mamoru greeted 
the other two. Usagi was slightly back behind them and Darian didn't see 
her at first. Ami and Makoto walked in, leaving the blonde and Mamoru 
there. He noticed her, a fine brow raising. "Odango Atama. I'm surprised"

"Yeah" She said quietly, passing him without a glance. "Well, me too"

"Wow" Makoto said, glancing around with admiration. "This place is 
amazing! I wish I had stuff like this"

Usagi had to agree, no matter how reluctantly. Darian's place was 
something from a dream. It was spacious and perfectly coordinated. The 
curtains matched the deep blue carpet, the couch in cream like the walls. 
She could see a large kitchen area over towards the right. On the left was 
a long hall, no doubt leading to the bedroom, bathroom and whatever else 
was in the place. The living room area was huge too. Her eyes blinked, 
admiration in the blue depths. Mamoru's TV was huge. He had a VCR and a 
stereo with large speakers. CD's were in a tower on the side, video's and 
books in shelves along the far walls.

"Impressed?" Mamoru chuckled as Usagi scowled, unwilling to admit it.

"It's...Pretty cool" She finally admitted, crossing her arms. She glanced 
at him coolly. "For the place of a jerk like you. What did you do? Rob a 
bank?"

"Do, my family has-had lots of money. I inherited it when I turned 18 a 
few months ago" Mamoru said quietly. 

Usagi looked at him, sensing something wrong. There was an uncomfortable 
silence as the other two girls sensed it also. "So, how about Ami's 
plant?" Usagi said hastily. She couldn't have been sure, but she thought 
she saw a flash of relief in Mamoru's deep blue eyes.

"This way" He said, leading them towards the large glass doors leading 
onto the balcony. He opened them smoothly, stepping out. 

Usagi followed them, going straight to the balcony railing. She wasn't 
afraid of heights. Not with as much as Sailor Moon had to do constantly! 
"Mmm. Nice" She murmured under her breath. The view was incredible from 
there! Absolutely amazing. He must have had the best view in all of Juuban 
from that balcony. Tokyo tower was even visible above the city.

"Don't fall over" Mamoru warned from her left. 

She glanced his way, where Ami and Makoto were leaning over a large 
arrangement of flowers. Usagi hadn't even seen them. She let Mamoru's 
comment slid, her feet leading her towards the flowers. He was forgotten 
as she stopped right next to him, eyes glued to the roses in the coolness 
of the shadows. Mamoru had erected a green mess over the flowers to keep 
the sun out. She saw row upon row of red roses. "You really like roses" 
Usagi noted, wondering. Of course, if she'd had a green thumb like Makoto, 
she'd have this many roses too.

"Yes. I love them" Darian said quietly, voice just above her head. She 
glanced up, seeing that his eyes looked far away. "They're my favorite 
flower. For as long as I can remember"

"I love red roses. They're MY favorite" Usagi said absently.

"Oh?"

"Mmm, they remind me of T-" She began, forgetting who she was talking 
about.

"Usagi!" Makoto breathed, shocked. She reached out and drew the blonde 
close, covering her words. "Look here, don't these flowers look 
wonderful?"

"Mmm hmm" Usagi agreed hastily, not daring to look at Mamoru. To think 
that she had almost blurted out that the red reminded her of Tuxedo Kamen! 
She wandered away from the others, staring out again over Tokyo. The sun 
was starting to go down, casting beautiful colors of red, pink, orange and 
silver over the buildings and sky. It was the most breath-taking thing 
Usagi had ever seen. It somehow-reminded her of something. She frowned, 
thinking. Leaves. Yes leaves. That's what it was. There were leaves all 
over the ground. She'd watched them slowly fall from the tree's. Her eyes 
went blank as she tried to remember. Someone had put leaves down her 
dress- *Dress?* Usagi almost blurted out-loud. She only wore dressed when 
she went out.

"What are you thinking about Odango Atama?" Mamoru asked her. Usagi 
blinked, turning her head to look at him. Mamoru was only a few feet away, 
staring out over the city also. His arms were resting on the concrete 
rain, a relaxed look on his face.

She frowned at him, sticking out her tongue. "You'll never know!"

"Oh really?" He countered.

She blinked at him again, astonished. Was that a challenge?

"I bet I'll find out one day"

"You'll get run over by a bus one day" She snapped.

"Cut it out you two" Makoto grinned at them. "Anyway, it's getting late"

"We should go" Ami agreed. "Let's go Usagi"

"Sure" The blonde stuck her tongue out at Mamoru again, walking back into 
the apartment with the others.

"You'll catch fly's with a mouth that big" Mamoru whispered into her ear 
as she followed Makoto and Ami to the door.

"Who asked you, jerk!" She hissed back, fuming. 

He grinned at her mockingly. "Odango Atama"

"Usagi!" She whispered back furiously.

"Odan-Go-Atama"

"Jerk!"

"Usagi, come on" Ami called, holding the front door open. "Bye Mamoru!"

"Yeah. Bye Mamoru!" Makoto echoed.

Usagi waited till she'd passed through the door before calling out to 
Mamoru. "Bye jerk!" She slammed the door behind her before he could say 
anything.

"That was rude, Usagi" Ami scolded.

"Not really. It's Mamoru after all!" The blonde protested. "And he IS a 
jerk!"

The girls parted in the street outside the apartments, heading in 
different directions to their homes. "Don't forget the Scout meeting 
tomorrow, after School" Makoto whispered, before taking off.

"I'll remember" Usagi muttered, heading towards home. "How could I forget 
with Rei on my back?"

***

Chapter Two:  Identity Revealed

***

The rose sped with amazing speed and accuracy over the distance between 
Tuxedo Kamen and the Negaverse General. Zoisite saw it coming from the 
corner of her eye, but was unable to move quickly enough, pinned in as she 
was by the Sailor Senshi. Somehow, they'd backed the woman into a building 
wall. A three-headed monster stood between them and her, spurting fire 
from it's many mouths. The red rose sped past the monster and right at 
Zoisite. She shrieked in agony as it buried itself into her shoulder. Blue 
blood began to ooze through her uniform. She felt it sliding down her left 
arm to her white gloved hand. "You-you are going-" She gasped, clutching 
at the wound. "To PAY for that! I promise you, cape-boy!" She screamed at 
him.

"And we promise to kick your butt!" Jupiter yelled, the rode in her tiara 
rising. Lightning began writhing around her head and shoulders as the 
Scout readied to attack.

"Arrgghhhh!" The monster roared, charging for the Senshi. They nimbly 
leapt aside, scattering. 

Except Sailor Moon, who was frozen to the spot. Her blue eyes went wide 
with fear, mouth gaping open at the sight of the three-headed fire-
breathing monster baring down on her. "No, no, no!" She whimpered, falling 
backwards. Before she hit the ground, she was spent into strong arms. 

The air whipped past them as Tuxedo Kamen leapt to safety with the blonde 
in his arms. He landed on the roof of the building Zoisite was leaning 
against, his cloak flapping in the breeze. Sailor Moon clung to his 
shoulders as he lowered her legs to the grown, eyes on the fight below.

"Mars Fire Ignite!" Sailor Mars shouted, drawing Sailor Moon's attention. 
She glanced down at her friends to see them engaged in a fierce battle 
with the Monster. The blue eyes moved then to Tuxedo Kamen, silent beside 
her as he too watched the battle.

"What is she up to?" He murmured. If Sailor Moon has not been standing so 
close, she wouldn't have heard him speak.

"What?" She asked hesitantly.

Tuxedo Kamen's eyes swung down towards her face, resting there for a 
moment, before he abruptly looked away. It was hard to see his expression 
in the dark, but the Moon overhead was bright enough to convey the worry 
in the deep blue depths of his eyes. Not for the first time, Sailor Moon 
wished she knew who the mysterious man was. 

"Sailor Moon, a little help?" Mars shouted in exasperation. Bubbles filled 
the area as Mercury called out her attack. Zoisite was obscured, then 
disappeared completely in the fog.

"That's your cue, I believe, Sailor Moon" Tuxedo Kamen told her in a quiet 
voice. She hesitated, something in his tone making her wonder.

Sailor Moon nodded, her face turning away from him. Tuxedo Kamen studied 
her profile silently as she waited for the fog to lift enough for her to 
see the fight. Her long blonde hair blew in the breeze, her skirt 
ruffling. Tuxedo Kamen's heart froze. There was something infinitely 
familiar about the scene. Before he could open his mouth, she was gone, 
leaping into the concealment of the fog.

"Moon Healing-Activation!" Her musical voice called out, triumph in every 
word.

"Tuxedo Kamen" a voice gritted from behind him. 

He whirled, but was too late. Tuxedo Kamen saw a blur, Zoisite's face and 
then she backhanded him across the roof. He hit the ledge on the far side, 
agony creeping through his back. "Ugh" He gasped, trying to catch his 
breath. He raised a hand gingerly to his aching face and discovered that 
his half-mask was gone. 

"I am going to KILL you for this!" Zoisite growled.

Tuxedo Kamen's eyes widened as the General translocated, appearing 
abruptly in front of him. He got swiftly to his feet, trying to ignore the 
pain. Zoisite's gloved right hand began to glow purple. Her green eyes 
swept over him scornfully. "So this is what you look like" She showed a 
brief curiosity, studying his face for a few seconds. "Not impressed"

"You should talk" He said, edging back.

Zoisite scowled at him furiously. "And what is that supposed to mean?" She 
almost shrieked at him.

"Just that you're definitely no beauty Queen" He taunted, a grin playing 
about his mouth. If he was going to die, he was going with a fight!

"Why you-" She snarled, hand moving in for the kill.

"Zoisite!" A voice demanded. Tuxedo Kamen was stunned to see the General 
freeze, her glowing hand a few centimeters from his face.

"My Queen?" She gaped, staring upwards.

Tuxedo Kamen did the same and saw a woman's vision there. Long red hair, 
sharp teeth and yellow eyes. It seemed hauntingly familiar to him.

"Return at once!"

"But-" Zoisite stammered, hand moving closer to Mamoru's face. 

He felt the heat radiating from the purple flames. His face broke out into 
a fine sweat. 

The vision's face became furious and cruel. "Are you questioning me, 
Zoisite?"

"N-no" The flaxen-haired General backed away from Mamoru in fear, the 
flames disappearing from her hand. She met his eyes for a moment, before 
fading, hate clear in the green depths. "This isn't over!" She whispered 
fiercely, fading a flurry of pink flower petals.

"I didn't think it was" Mamoru murmured. He groaned, clutching at his back 
for a moment, then limping over towards the far side of the roof. He saw 
his half-mask lying in the dirt in a corner, the white gleaming in the 
moonlight.

"Tuxedo Kamen?" A tremulous voice questioned. Mamoru stiffened, hastily 
slipping on his mask before turning. Sailor Moon stood there, a hand to 
her throat. The other Senshi were behind her, looking around warily. 
Tuxedo Kamen wondered how much they had seen and heard. And more 
importantly, had they seen who he was?

"Did Zoisite leave?" Mercury asked, clutching her computer to her chest.

"She's a coward. Always leaving her monsters to do the dirty-work" Jupiter 
growled. She reached back to hitch up her ponytail, a motion strangely 
familiar to Tuxedo Kamen.

"Yes, she left" He said quietly, relieved. It appeared that they had seen 
nothing. Sailor Moon opened her mouth to ask something, moving forward. He 
cut her off quickly. "I have to go"

Tuxedo Kamen leapt off the roof, down into the alley below. He moved 
swiftly, flitting from shadow to shadow until he had left the Senshi far 
behind. Then he de-transformed, back into his black shirt, black slacks 
and green jacket. His eyes were thoughtful as he turned towards his 
apartment, tucking his hands into his pockets to keep warm. "Who was that 
woman? Zoisite called her Queen, so she must be the leader of the 
Negaverse. They saw who I was too-" Mamoru broke off, frowning. He reached 
the apartments, pushing open the lobby doors absently and making his way 
towards the elevators. "Why did she leave then?" He wondered.

The elevator doors opened and he entered, pressing the eighth floor 
button. Mamoru leaned against the wall as the elevator rose steadily, 
leaving him in complete silence. It was a puzzle. Zoisite could have 
killed him, but didn't. So what was the Negaverse up to now?

***

Chapter Three:  Substitute Teacher

***

"What's their game?" Makoto scowled at nothing, green eyes furious. She 
bit into her lunch sandwich viciously.

"That's what I want to know" Ami murmured, taking a mouthful of her own 
sandwich. "And Tuxedo Kamen too. I know he's hiding something"

Across from them, Usagi wolfed down her food, as if she hadn't eaten in a 
week. "Oh come on Ami" Usagi grinned, scrunching up her plastic wrap and 
throwing it into her bag. "We all know you love a mystery. Tuxedo Kamen is 
just another"

"Yeah" Makoto's eyes glazed over. "And he's majorly hot too!"

"Makoto!" Usagi glared at her friend. "Tuxedo Kamen is mine!"

"Okay, okay" Makoto laughed, waving a hand about negligently. "He's yours"

"Right" The blonde said smugly, leaning back against the tree behind her.

Makoto smiled mischievously. "But only if I can have Motoki"

"What? You want Motoki too?" Usagi shrieked. She jumped to her feet so 
fast that her bag went flying.

"Yeah? Want to make something of it?" Makoto demanded, jumping to her feet 
also. They glared at each other, faces close.

"But Makoto"! Usagi moaned, lip beginning to tremble. "You always go for 
all the cute guys!"

"Don't wail! I'll share" Makoto said hastily, backing off. Her eyes caught 
a movement of green in the distance. She turned her face that way, eyes 
widening with surprise. "Hey isn't that-"

"Mamoru" Ami finished, curiosity in her blue eyes. 

Usagi immediately glared, turning her face towards the front entrance of 
the School. Sure enough, it was Mamoru. He was heading into the front 
entrance, carrying a folder. The blonde frowned as she watched his tall 
form. Strangely, her heart clenched at the sight. As it always had. He 
annoyed her no end, but still, he WAS good looking-

"Earth to Usagi! He's gone inside, you can stop staring" Makoto giggled.

Usagi blinked, staring at her two friends. She caught the end of Makoto's 
words. "I wasn't staring Makoto!" She protested, flushing. He HAD been 
staring, but she'd rather die than admit she found that annoying jerk 
gorgeous. *Wait a second!* Usagi thought in horror, eyes going back 
swiftly to the School's entrance. *Gorgeous? Isn't that going a bit far?!*

"There she goes again" Makoto smirked. 

Usagi's head swung around, blue eyes spitting fire at the brunette. Then, 
inevitably, tears swum in her eyes. "Why are you being so mean to me 
Makoto? You know I can't stand Mamoru and you're being like, Rei!" Usagi 
wailed.

The bell went, cutting the blonde off. She fell silent, tears disappearing 
miraculously. "Is lunch over already?" She demanded. Usagi checked her 
watched in disbelief. "No! It can't be! We have math now"

"I hope you studied" Ami murmured, gathering her stuff.

Makoto looked at Usagi, then took her friend's arm firmly. "Come on, 
Usagi. No use delaying!" Makoto said cheerfully. 

Usagi dug in her heels, but the brunette was stronger. The blonde was 
dragged into the School unceremoniously, ignoring the pleas. Usagi slumped 
into her seat, a sullen pout on her mouth. *Math! Who invented it anyway? 
It's a form of torture. Yes, that's it* She thought unhappily.

Miss Haruna entered the class room, looking unusually cheerful. She closed 
the door behind her. "Good afternoon class" She said happily. Instead of 
moving behind the desk, she went in front of it and sat on the surface. 
"You'll be happy to know that the usual routine has been changed for class 
today! You'll have a substitute"

The class broke into cheers. Miss Haruna didn't take it badly, in fact, 
Usagi swore she smiled brighter. "Why is that, Miss H?" Umino demanded, 
taking out his notebook. He waited expectantly for the gossip, a pen 
poised over the paper.

"I er-have something to do today" Miss Haruna flushed, looking confused 
for a moment. A hand came to her cheek.

"Must be a date or something" Makoto whispered to Naru.

"Yeah, that's it" The red-head declared. She smiled slightly. "But in the 
middle of the day?"

"Is it-" Umino began.

Miss Haruna cut him off quickly, glaring slightly. "No Umino, before you 
ask. It isn't a date!" She snapped. Her smile re-plastered onto her lips 
as there was a quiet, but firm knock at the door. "This must be him now! 
Be good for him children"

"Of course" Ami said seriously.

"Of course" Usagi and Makoto and Naru exchanged a secret look of delight.

Usagi turned her head to see the door open. A familiar figure entered, 
drawing all eyes. He was dressed in the familiar black turtleneck sweater, 
black slacks and green jacket. "I DON'T believe it!" She shrieked loudly.

"No way!" Makoto shouted, almost as shocked. Ami just stared.

"Usagi! Mind your manners for Mr. Chiba!" Miss Haruna scolded. She smiled 
at Mamoru. "I'm sure they'll be good for you!"

"I'm sure they will" Mamoru smiled back, voice charming. His eyes were 
amused as they swept over the class, resting briefly on Usagi's outraged 
face.

"This is Mr. Chiba, the substitute. He's studying for Medical Collage, but 
has an interest in teaching also. The Principal gave him this chance to 
teach you all for an afternoon. So be on your best behavior-Umino, stop 
that!" She scolded in exasperation. 

Umino stopped scribbling furiously at his notepad. "But Miss H! This is 
great gossip! Er, research" The boy stammered, covering his slip-up 
quickly.

"Sure it is" She gritted her teeth. "Well by all! Miss Haruna sailed out 
of the room swiftly, the door slamming behind her. Immediately, the class 
broke into whispers and giggles. Most of the girls stared at Mamoru.

"He's the huskiest substitute I ever had" Naru sighed, love-hearts in he 
eyes.

"Medical School is very important. Math is a large part of it" Ami said 
with interest, looking at Makoto and Usagi. "I had no idea that Mamoru 
wanted to be a doctor"

"Do we care?" Usagi muttered, looking away from them all. She stared out 
the window.

"Could I have your attention please?" Mamoru called out patiently. After a 
while the class fell silent. 

Usagi only half-listened as her dark-haired enemy spoke. She was 
determined to ignore him! "Jerk" She murmured under her breath.

"My name as miss Haruna said is Mr. Chiba. I'm doing Medical Collage. I'm 
eighteen. I have a ref Ferrari. I live alone in my apartment and I have no 
pets" He paused as they gaped at him. "Any questions?"

"Do you have a girlfriend?" Naru called out, giggling.

Mamoru turned his eyes in her direction. Usagi shivered as she felt his 
eyes sweep over her. She could FEEL them on her. She glared at the window, 
refusing to look at him. "No. I don't have a girlfriend" Darian said, 
laughter in his voice. "I don't have time"

There was a disappointed murmured from the girls in the class. Umino wrote 
it all down furiously. He pushed the glasses back onto his nose. "Are you 
rich? Do you get to dissect frogs and stuff in biology? What's your 
favorite color? Your view on politics?" The rush of questions was thrown 
at Mamoru swiftly.

Usagi peeked at Mamoru from under her lashes, delighted to see that 
Umino's interrogation had thrown the guy. Mamoru blinked, then grinned at 
them all. It lit up his face, making Usagi abruptly aware of how gorgeous 
he was. She studied him as he spoke to the class, but she noticed he 
didn't answer anymore questions. And nothing that Umino had asked. *His 
eyes are almost the same color as mine* Usagi mused, staring at Mamoru.

"-So, I'll need a volunteer to show me where you are all up to in this 
book, Miss Haruna left me" Mamoru's voice broke into Usagi's thoughts. She 
was startled by the way her heart started to leap. She had a sudden 
feeling just before Mamoru looked right at her, eyes mischievous. "How 
about you?"

"What?" She gaped, hands clenching around her pencil.

Mamoru looked down at the list on the roll as if thinking. "Usagi Tsukino, 
would you come up here please?" Mamoru said patiently. His eyes met hers 
in a faint challenge that no one else seemed to see.

Usagi gritted her teeth. She got to her feet and walked slowly towards the 
front of the class room. Naru and Makoto broke out into furious whispering 
behind her. *I bet I know what they're doing too!* Usagi glared as she 
reached the teachers desk. She stopped right in front of them, looking 
down at the book and deliberately keeping the length of the table between 
them.

"You can hardly show me from there, Miss Tsukino" Mamoru said calmly, 
beckoning her with his index finger. 

Usagi glared, letting him see her fury as she made her way around the 
desk. Mamoru grinned tauntingly and then faced the rest of the class. "The 
rest of you talk amongst yourselves until we establish where you are up 
to" He ordered. As if a switch had been flipped, the class broke into 
talk. 

The volume rose and Usagi was uncomfortably aware of how close she was 
going to have to stand to Mamoru. She stopped at the corner of the desk, 
refusing to go any closer.

Mamoru leaned back in the large chair, watching her with a mocking glint 
in his eye. A smile played about his mouth as he studied her. "Well, well. 
Behold my good fortune" He almost purred at her. "To have the very class 
for the afternoon as the Odango Atama"

"Don't CALL me that!" She hissed, affronted. *I can't believe he's here! 
And he called me Odango Atama in the classroom!* She stared around 
nervously, but saw no one could hear them or was even paying any 
attention.

"You're right" Mamoru sobered, smile becoming faint. "I'm your teacher for 
the day. It wouldn't be right to call you Odango Atama in front of 
everyone"

"Exactly!" Usagi said, eyes sparking.

"However, after School" Mamoru went on. "It's back to business"

"Fine!" Usagi said, impatient. She walked around the edge of the desk, 
moving in close. Mamoru pulled the book away slightly with his fingers as 
she reached for it. She glared and moved closer, leaning over. Mamoru 
moved the book across the table again, away from her. She gritted her 
teeth and snatched at the book. Her fingers wrapped around the bottom and 
she yanked. Mamoru wouldn't let go of the top though and it was a silent 
tug-of-war across the desktop, neither trying to call attention to the 
fact that they LOATHED each other. 

"Let it go you jerk!" She whispered at him furiously, raising her eyes. 
Usagi was startled to find that his face was centimeters away. So close 
that when she turned her head, his warm breath wafted over her face 
gently. Usagi stared for a moment, almost spellbound. His eyes were deeper 
a blue than she had thought. They said nothing as they merely stared at 
each other. Then Usagi blinked and jerked back. Mamoru let go of the book. 
Usagi held it jerkily up to her face, flipping through furiously. The 
pages fanned her burning cheeks and she knew she was blushing. She found 
the A Chapter and thrust the book back at him. "I think we're up to here"

"You think?" He murmured, amused. There was a faint tremor in his voice. 
It was hardly detectable, but Usagi had heard it. Probably because she was 
still so close.

"Well yeah. Okay, I'm going back to sit down now" She muttered, backing 
off. Miraculously, she didn't trip over anything on the way back to her 
desk. Her hands though, were trembling.

***

He watched as she made her way back to her desk, wondering why he was 
watching her. He found himself doing that sometimes. More recent than not. 
*What is it about that girl?*

She was annoying. She always bashed into him. And yet, she was pretty. 
Really pretty, he admitted wryly. That long blonde hair he was so fond of 
teasing was amazing. Her legs were long, her body slender. She had a sense 
of humor. A caring nature and- "She's fourteen" He muttered under his 
breath. "AND annoying!"

Before he could think anymore on the subject, he threw himself into the 
day. It didn't take him long to realize Usagi was the worst student in the 
class. It gave him pleasure to call her out. She stumbled over the 
answers, but surprisingly, when he probed he found she actually did know 
the answers. It was baffling. He observed her the rest of the day. Usagi 
found many times to doze off, so he woke her up rudely. He liked the way 
she glared at him, her brows down together in a frown.

"And take the fourteen and seven, divide-" Mamoru broke off as the last 
bell went.

The class scrambled to their feet and most were out the door before Mamoru 
could yell. "Do your homework!"

Naru, Ami and Makoto gathered around him, Umino in the background. "How 
did you get this gig?" Makoto asked with interest.

"IS it true you're interested in being a teacher?" Ami asked too.

"Yes" Mamoru said, glancing past them to Usagi. The blonde was snoring in 
her seat. 

Makoto followed his glance and groaned. "Usagi! Really"

"I'll wake her up" Mamoru offered, eyes mischievous. Makoto and Naru 
grinned at him, aware that Mamoru would probably do something drastic to 
wake the blonde up. Like a bucket of water.

"Don't make her angry" Ami warned. They left the class, Makoto flashing 
him a grin before closing the door.

Mamoru sat there, then his eyes swung towards Usagi. He grinned wickedly. 
"Oh the possibilities" he murmured, getting to his feet. He walked around 
the desk and down the isle towards the blonde. She'd stopped snoring as if 
sensing his presence and was now moving restlessly.

"Oh, Tuxedo Kamen" She muttered. Mamoru froze in surprise. "A fudge 
sundae? I'd love to" She went on. He grinned slowly. Usagi, the Odango 
Atama, had a crush on Tuxedo Kamen. Him!

"Well, well" He found himself rubbing his hands together like some 
medieval villain. His grin widened. Mamoru hesitated, wondering what to 
do. Chances were, she was going to react badly to whatever he came up 
with. Mamoru lowered himself down until he was crouching right next to her 
chair. Her ear was placed right near him. "Oh Odango Atama"

"Don' call me that. Jerk" She muttered, still asleep.

"Amazing" Mamoru shook his head. Even in her sleep, she knew it was him. 
For a moment, his heart speed up. "Wakey, wakey-"

"No" She sighed, thrashing around slightly. "Don't want to give 
up...Crystal..."

"What?" Mamoru said, mouth open in shock. "Did she just say something 
about a crystal?" He blinked at her, wondering what she was dreaming 
about.

"Luna, let me sleep some more" The blonde murmured, whining. "You work me 
too hard! I need my food!"

Mamoru sniggered, covering his mouth with his hand. The Odango Atama was 
dreaming her cat was depriving her of food? She was more wacko than he 
thought! He moved closer until his lips brushed her ear. She shivered in 
her sleep. His eyes widened for a moment. Mamoru hesitated, then brushed 
his lips over the curve of her ear. She shivered again, but seemed to move 
closer. Her face brushed Mamoru's, his lips sliding involuntarily over her 
cheek. She sighed almost wistfully. Mamoru jerked back, stunned at his 
response and hers. Even though she was asleep, she had responded to him. 

His eyes narrowed into blue slits. "This is Odango Atama. I don't like her 
and she doesn't like me, right?" She said to himself. Taking a deep 
breath, he moved back slightly. "WAKE UP Odango HEAD!" He bellowed at her. 
Usagi shrieked, leaping out of her chair so fast that Mamoru was bowled 
backwards. The blonde tripped on her bag and flailed, whacking Mamoru in 
the nose. He sat back on his heels, scrunching his eyes in pain. "Thanks" 
He muttered dryly.

"Arrgghhh!" Usagi shouted, loosing her balance. She fell forwards, bag 
twisted in her feet. Mamoru couldn't even move out of the way before she 
crashed into him. He hit a table and sent it skidding backwards as they 
crashed to the floor in a tangle of arms and legs. Usagi groaned, her nose 
buried into Mamoru's chest. He felt her slight weight upon him and 
strangely didn't mind.

The door abruptly opened and they both froze, aware of how it would look. 
Usagi squeaked and hid her face in Mamoru's neck, clinging to his jacket. 
He blinked at her, wondering at the strange feelings that flowed through 
him at her touch. To have her so close to him. He watched as a pair of 
feet entered the room. He and Usagi were practically under the desks, so 
nothing could be seen. "Darn kids" A man muttered. The footsteps retreated 
and the door closed.

"Oh thank god!" Usagi murmured, lifting her face. She stared towards the 
door, relief in her blue eyes. Mamoru found himself frozen, eyes on her 
chin. He couldn't have moved to save his life. Usagi's warmth against him 
was almost...drugging. An electricity seemed to flow through him 
everywhere that she was pressed. Usagi seemed to sense his stillness and 
glanced down, her eyes meeting his.

They were much closer this time. More than when she had to stand near him 
at the desk. She could abruptly feel him pressed against her. His body was 
warm and comforting, but there was nothing comforting in his eyes. The 
blue blazed into hers with an indefinable emotion. They were so close that 
she could see the silver flecks in his eyes that she knew was in her own. 
Strange that their eyes WERE alike.

"Mamoru" She stammered, realizing that her hands were wrapped into his 
jacket, almost like she'd hauled him closer. His hands were around her 
waist tight. Somehow, he must have caught her as she bowled them over. She 
was so confused! She hated this guy, but he made her feel so strange. 
Almost languorous. Usagi felt an electricity flow through her body, 
strange but exciting. Her stomach was tightening into knots. She was 
suddenly very nervous.

"Usagi" Mamoru murmured, voice faint to her ears. They continued to stare 
at each other, perplexed at what they were feeling. She licked her dry 
lips and was startled to see his eyes follow the gesture, something 
flaring in their blue depths. The blonde felt like a small animal before a 
dangerous wolf or panther. Mamoru seemed to get a hold of himself. Usagi 
watched in amazement as his eyes narrowed at her. "Guess what?" He 
drawled.

Usagi blinked at him, confused. She sensed the obscure feeling of danger 
and excitement leave the air, as if a breeze had come through the room. 
"What?" S he asked, not knowing if she trusted the glint in his eyes.

"You have detention" He said calmly.

Usagi stared at him for a moment, then her eyes flared into fury. 
"Detention?" She shouted at him, pulling back slightly. "What for?"

"You fell asleep in class" He said smoothly. "Not one, twice or even three 
time. Six times, Odango Atama"

"I told you not to call me that, Jerk!" She yelled at him, moving her face 
close. She moved her hands so that they were twisted into the shirt near 
his neck threateningly. "You take it back. You can't give me detention"

"I can and I have" He said smugly, a strange expression in his eyes. It 
was only when his fingers moved lightly over the bare skin between her 
skirt and her top that she realized she was still lying on top of him. 
Their legs were twisted together, his arms about her waist and she had her 
hands clenched into his chest and shirt. Usagi's face turned red, then 
white, then pink with embarrassment. She saw fascination in his eyes, 
before he hid it. *That jerk!* She fumed silently. *He's waiting for me to 
hit him or something so he can taunt me!*

"Are you going to get off of me anytime soon, Odango Atama?" He asked 
coolly, smiling. :You weigh a ton. Must be all those doughnuts!"

"I would, if you let go of me!" She blazed back. Both stopped, staring 
again. Usagi realized she still had a hold of him and Mamoru realized that 
he still had his hand wrapped around her waist. Simultaneously, both 
wrenched their hands away. Usagi scrambled to her feet, reaching for her 
bag. She flushed, turning her face away. *Of all the embarrassing 
situations!*

"See you" She muttered, heading swiftly for the door.

"Not so fast" Mamoru spoke mockingly. "Aren't you forgetting detention, 
Odango Atama?"

"Oooh! You can't be serious!" Usagi fumed, spinning to face him. "It's 
Friday! I want to go to the Arcade"

"And see Motoki, I know" He taunted. Something flashed in his eyes for a 
moment and they both realized they were staring at each other again. Usagi 
wet her lips nervously and spun back towards the door.

"Fine. It's in room 202" She threw over her shoulder, then slammed the 
door. She strode down the corridor, cheeks flaming and heart racing What 
was WRONG with her? That was Mamoru! The Jerk! Usagi slowed, entering the 
detention room, eyes lost in thought. "How did he make me feel that way? 
It was almost...Familiar"

"Did you say something?" A student asked, raising his head from a comic. 
There was no teacher there, so Usagi sank into a chair and reached for her 
manga. There were three others in the room, having detention also. 

Footsteps came down the hall. Usagi stiffened, knowing to whom they 
belonged. She wasn't up to facing Mamoru at that moment, but really had no 
choice. He entered the room. Usagi refused to look up as he moved behind 
the teachers desk. All was silent. Usagi's eyelids felt heavy. She peeked 
up to see Mamoru involved in a thick book and ignoring them all. Usagi 
lowered the manga and rested her head on her hands, completely missing the 
smile Mamoru threw in her direction as she drifted off to sleep.

***

To Be Continued...

***