The Longest Day Ever
by Lady Aishiteru
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.geocities.com/anniemaniac_99/index.html
Chapter 5: When Hell Freezes Over
'I do NOT want to do this,' I thought as I stood in front of the Tuxedo Mirage dance studio. I mean, even if the name of the school IS rather catchy.
The name is what drew me to the dance studio in the first place. After thumbing through the Tokyo Yellow Pages, I felt almost confident that here was a place that wouldn't insult my manhood. Or threaten my sexuality. At least I hoped so....
I stood there in front of the studio, hoping against hope that it would turn into a gym, or a movie theater, or...I don't know, something I would enjoy doing. I sighed, idly wondering if I should have come in disguise. Nah. The suave, ever-so-sexy Tuxedo Mask couldn't be seen at a place like this. It seemed just a wee bit...fruity.
'Might as well face the music,' I thought.
"Well, Hel-ooo, there, handsome! My name is Cecil. Don't we just look delectable?" an obviously gay man cooed.
'So much for non-threatening. Damn! Gotta do this for Usako....' I thought. I smiled wanly at the man and, mustering as much enthusiasm as I could, stated "I'd like to take dance lessons. Some time today would be nice," I said.
"What luck!" Cecil cooed. "I have an opening available right now." And so went the most emasculating two hours of my life. It wasn't the dancing that bothered me. It was Cecil. I tried to get it through to him that I was not gay, but it didn't work. I wished that there was a decent female dance instructor in the studio, but to no avail. He did let me lead...most of the time. I planned to return to the dance studio many times, whether I liked it or not, completing my plan to become, in Usagi's eyes, a decent human being.
Next on my quest for humanity was Kaiou Michiru's Violin Studio.
'Michiru sounds like a girl's name. Maybe this won't be so bad...' I thought, hand poised to knock on the door.
"Hello, can I help you?" a tall, slender man with short, sandy blond hair answered.
"Hi. My name is Chiba Mamoru, and I'd like to sign up for some violin lessons. Are you Miss Kaiou's assistant, sir?" I asked.
The man laughed. "I guess you can say that. My name is Ten'ou Hakura. Come on in."
With that, I sat in the waiting room with Hakura for a bit.
"So, tell me a bit about yourself, Mamoru. Why do you wish to take lessons?"
I smiled, the kind of smile only a lovesick baka like me would make. "It's for this girl..."
"Ah. Say no more." he said, smiling knowingly. "Well, Michiru is a great teacher. She even taught me a few scales. I'm more of a piano kind of gal, though."
'Gal?' I thought. "Ah. Gomen nasai, ma'am."
Noticing the shocked expression on my face, Hakura laughed. "Everyone thinks that. Don't worry about it. And call me Hakura. I'm not THAT old."
I let out a breath of relief. "Arigatou, Hakura."
Soon, a blue-haired beauty came out of the room, escorting a small boy.
"Hello," I said, smiling. "I'm Chiba Mamoru. You must be Miss Kaiou."
"Michiru, please," she said, extending her hand. I shook it, smiling.
"Could you possibly fit in a lesson now?"
"It seems a little sudden, but I guess I could squeeze you in. I have a spare violin in the playing room. Follow me."
That's how I got my first lesson. Michiru turned out to be an excellent teacher, very understanding. By the end of the lesson, I found out where F# was, and I was playing "Hot Crossed Buns." Even with Michiru's expert tutelage, I knew it would take many Valentine's Days to master this instrument. But I had heard that Usagi loved violin music, so I was happy to learn.
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I pulled over my Harley next to the backyard, where the students of Juuban Middle school were enjoying their lunch. I wasn't sure how to go about doing this without being accused of stalking again, but by now I was in too deep to turn back.
I snuck up behind Usagi, effectively cutting off all conversation between her and her friends, holding a dozen homemade roses in front of her nose.
Usagi gasped and whirled around. "Mamoru!" she exclaimed. I sat down across from her motioned for her to open the note and she did. I had written:
Roses for the most beautiful flower.
Love,
Mamoru
She blushed, then eyed me suspiciously. "Is this some kind of joke?" she asked.
I shook my head. "Happy Valentine's Day, Usagi," I said.
Then she came up to me and put her hand on my forehead, causing my pulse to quicken. "Nope, you don't seem feverish," she said, then drew back.
The moment her hand left my skin, I felt like a man drowning in the sea of love who had just been deprived of his life preserver. Yes, I know that's corny, but after being stuck in the sappiest day of the year for...only God knows how long, what do you expect?
So I did what any drowning man would do. I grabbed my life preserver, her hand.
"M-Mamoru!"
"I meant every word of that, Usagi."
Her face turned beet red, and she seemed to be at a loss for words. From the look in her eyes I could tell that she was drowning too. I wanted so badly to kiss her right then, but in front of her friends, who had gathered to watch, it didn't seem like the correct time. Instead, I stroked her hand with my thumb, looked her straight in the eye, and asked her,
"Meet me after school?"
"S-sure," she said.
"When do you get out?" I asked, even though I knew the answer perfectly well.
"3-ish, unless I get stuck in detention again."
"Okay then. Ja!" I said, waving casually as if my heart wasn't pounding against my ribcage. I got on my motorcycle, noting the impressed oohs and ahhs of her classmates, and I felt her eyes on my back as I put on my helmet. I hoped to God that I would get it right this time.
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Usagi hopped over to the car at 3:00, swinging a basket full of Valentine's Day cards and stuffed bunnies.
"Hi, Mamoru!" she sang cheerfully.
I helped Usagi unload her goodies into the backseat of the Ferrari. "I see I'm not the only one who gave you a present," I remarked.
"I know. It's so weird I mean, this is the first year ever that the guys paid any attention to me. Even you show up and give me flowers,"
she said, a faraway look in her eyes. "I don't get it."
"I do," I said.
"Lemme guess, some weird spaghetti and meatball fetish?"
I laughed. "Nope."
"Then tell me, oh great wise one," she said.
"Nope. I can't tell you 'till we get to the park," I said, smiling. Even though we had already had this conversation, it was still loads of fun.
"Come on! Tell meeeee!" she squealed.
"No way!"
"Pleease?"
"Nope."
"Pretty please with a cherry on top?"
"Nope."
Soon, we arrived at the park, and I opened the door for Usagi. As if on cue, a stray snowball hit Usagi squarely on her stomach.
"I'll protect you, fair lady!" I said, scooping up snow and hurling it at her would be assailant.
"Thank you, brave sir!" she said, giggling. "Now kneel, brave sir."
"Hai," I said, grinning, even though I knew I was about to get a scalp full of snow.
She scooped up some snow and deposited it squarely on my head. "I dub thee Sir Mud," she said, laughing.
"Grrr!" I said, even though I wasn't really mad. How could I stay mad at her? "You'll pay for that!"
She took off and I was close on her heels. I soon outran her, came up from behind and tackled her to the ground.
Having Usagi pinned to the ground, I tickled her where she was most ticklish, under her arms. I remembered this not only from before, but from watching her and her little brother. "Do you surrender?"
"Never!" she said between peals of laughter.
"Say uncle! Say uncle!"
"All right! Uncle, uncle!" she said, crying she was laughing so hard.
"Now will you tell me?"
"Tell you what?"
"Tell me why I'm so popular with the guys this year," she said, breathing hard.
I gathered my thoughts and told her the same thing I had said the last time I had her under me. 'Oooh...hentai! Down, boy!' my conscience said.
"That...has to be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me," she said, a tear making a salty trail down her face.
I leaned over and kissed the tears from her face. "And I meant every word of it. And then some. Would you like to go out tonight?"
"After all that, how can I say no?"
"Great! I'll pick you up at seven?"
"That would be good," she said.
"Well, it's getting dark now," I said. "I'll drive you home You'll have to tell me how to get there, though," I said, feigning ignorance.
She nodded, and I escorted her home. I didn't notice it before, but that damned song by Evan and Jarod was playing on the radio.
"Oooh, I love this song! Turn it up, onegai?"
I groaned inwardly but turned up the volume. I almost lost focus on the road listening to her sing along. The way her voice sounded, like bells chiming in the wind and the emotion she put into each note made the song seem new and exciting, even if I had heard it countless times before.
"That was great. You have a beautiful singing voice, Usagi."
"Really?"
"Yep. Well, see you at seven. Ja!"
I drove off and began preparations for that evening. Soon, I arrived at the Kaiou residence. I rang the doorbell, smiling my best smile.
"Hi, Mamoru. Can I help you?" asked Michiru, poking her head through the door.
"Yes, you could."
She didn't say a word to that. Instead, she motioned for me to come in.
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I rang the doorbell of the Tsukino residence at precisely 7:00, holding a box of cherry cordials behind my back.
Shingo answered the door, eyeing me quizzically. "Who are you?" he asked.
"My name is Chiba Mamoru. I'm here to see Usagi."
"Usagi? Why would anyone your age want to see her? You're way too old," he said.
"Old? As in older guy? Usagi, you didn't tell me he was older," said a male voice, presumably Usagi's father.
"Oh, come on, Kenji," I heard a female voice, who I thought to be Usagi's mother respond. "You were three years older than me when you asked me out."
"T-that's not the point!" Kenji blustered.
At this, I heard a pounding, like someone running down a flight of stairs, and Usagi showed up at the front door, breathless. "Let's go, NOW!" she said, grabbing my arm.
I was only too happy to comply and I opened the car door for her.
"Aren't we the gentleman?" she asked.
"Only the best for you," I said, chuckling.
"So what was that all about?" I asked as I shifted the gears to drive.
"My dad's a little overprotective, that's all," she said, giggling.
"Be glad you didn't stick around, or he would have made you take a urine test."
"A urine test?"
"To make sure you're not on drugs or something. Isn't he weird?"
"Yeah," I said, laughing.
"And sometimes he sends the poor guy into the bathroom with a magazine with some naked lady on it. I don't know what THAT's about."
"Eh heh heh..."
"One guy even had to take a lie detector test!"
"Are you serious?"
She sighed. "Totally. Is it any wonder I don't go out on dates much?"
"Me either," I admitted, deciding honesty was the best route to go.
"Really? Hn, I thought you'd be totally booked, especially on V-day."
"Why, Usagi, you overestimate me," I said. "But I thank you for the compliment."
"You're welcome," she said.
"Well, we're here," I said. I opened the car door for her and bent my arm for her to slip hers through. She did, and I was amazed at how well we fit together, almost like two puzzle pieces.
"Chiba, table for two," I said to the maitre'd.
"Right away, sir," he said, and led us to a table in front of the stage.
"Wow, so there's live music here? Who's playing?" she asked as I pulled out her chair.
"Kaiou Michiru," I said, thumbing through my menu.
"The famous concert violinist?"
I nodded.
"Sugoi! I wonder if we can meet her later."
Soon, the waiter came to the table, and it was time to order. "What would you like, Usagi?" I asked, even though I knew she would order the Hawaiian pizza.
"Hawaiian pizza, please," she said.
"Make that a large," I added.
"Hai. Your order will be ready in about twenty minutes," the waiter said, then hurried off.
"This is a nice place, Mamoru," she said.
"Best pizza in Tokyo," I replied.
"This is something new for us," she said.
"Oh? How so?" I asked, raising my eyebrow.
"We're both here together. You haven't insulted me once today. No silverware has been thrown, and I'm not angry with you."
"Well, that's definitely a plus," I said, laughing.
"Yeah," she said.
"So, how is school going?"
She groaned. "Kami, don't remind me!"
"I'm sorry. Is that a bad topic?"
She nodded. "Stupid psycho teachers."
"I can tutor you, if you would like."
Her eyes shone. "You would do that for me?"
I nodded. "What subject gives you the most trouble?"
"Everything," she admitted. Soon, she launched into a tirade of her academic woes, as I sat and patiently listened.
"There. Do you feel better, now that you've vented?" I asked.
She nodded happily.
"Your pizza, sir," said the waiter.
At this, Usagi's eyes shone even more, and I wondered if I could come between her and her first love; food.
A man came up to the microphone on stage, tapped it a few times, then spoke. "And now it is our privilege to present to you miss Kaiou Michiru, accompanied by the talented Ten'ou Hakura and our guest performer, Chiba Mamoru!"
Everyone clapped and Usagi stared at me, mouth wide open. I walked up to the stage and Michiru handed me the spare violin I had asked her to bring. "Thanks for doing this," I whispered.
"No problem," she said, smiling.
I lifted the bow, poised and ready and Hakura started to play the piano. Michiru played the first few lilting notes of "Heart and Soul," then I joined in for a round. I glanced at the music every now and then, but my focus was on Usagi. Thinking of her made me play even better, because I wanted to do my best for her. Every vibrato, every pull of the bow, was for her. When it was over, everyone stood up, including Usagi, and gave us a standing ovation. I put the spare violin away, and Michiru smiled. "Pretty good for a first day student."
I smiled and nodded. As I passed the piano bench, Hakura patted me on the back and whispered, "Go get 'er, Tiger."
I was still beaming when I returned to the seat where Usagi was sitting. As soon as I got there, Hakura had started to play another song, "Everything I do." "Care to dance?" I asked.
Usagi nodded, and we made our way to the dance floor. She put her head on my chest and we moved in time to the music. Michiru stepped up to the mic and began to sing, her lilting voice filling the room.
Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me there you'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
"I didn't know you knew how to dance, or play the violin for that matter," she said.
"I am a man of many talents," I said, smiling as she playfully smacked me.
"I love this song. It's so romantic," she said.
"Me too." I said, and we were silent for a few minutes.
Look into my heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all I would sacrifice
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
There's no love - like your love
And no other - could give more love
There's nowhere - unless you're there
All the time - all the way
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - Ya I'd die for you
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
At this, Michiru and Hakura played a fast song. "Would you like to go to the Chocolate Shoppe? I mean, what is Valentine's Day without chocolate?" I asked.
"I like the way you think, Mamoru. Let's roll."
We shared a box of mint chocolates under the stars, until Usagi's communicator went off.
"I...I've got to go," she said, ready to make a hasty retreat.
I took her hand and shook my head. I withdrew a rose from the night air and transformed right in front of her. After all, what did I have left to hide?
"Well, I might as well transform now too," she said, not bothering to ask me how I knew she was the heroine of Tokyo, even though I knew she was dying to find out. A spectacular light show followed, and I couldn't help but blush. For a few seconds of her transformation, she was completely naked.
The same ridiculous, evil Valentine started terrorizing people as soon as she had transformed.
She took one look at the youma and cracked up. She couldn't help it, she just burst out laughing.
"What? Is it my tutu?" asked the youma.
"I...*giggle* am Sailor Moon! How dare you attack *laugh* people on Valentine's Day who just *giggle* want to enjoy their sweets! In the name of the *guffaw* moon, I will punish you!" she managed to finish, ending in her trademark pose but still shaking with laughter.
"I will NOT be mocked! Take THIS, you fashion freak!" said the youma, throwing a chocolate at Sailor Moon.
"Oooh, chocolate!" she squealed.
"No, Sailor Moon! You'll be trapped in chocolate!"
"WHAAAT?" she screamed, then leapt out of the way.
"Drat. Curse you, Cape Boy!"
"That's Tuxedo Mask to you."
"Whatever. Take THIS!"
Just as the chocolate came barreling my way, I pierced through it with my rose, causing the chocolate to shatter.
I nodded to Sailor Moon, and she finished it off.
"Moon dusted," she breathed.
"Aw, come on!" said Sailor Mars, who had just arrived.
"You didn't save any action for us!" whined Jupiter.
"I got out of bed for THIS?" asked Venus.
Mercury simply shook her head. "Good job, Sailor Moon."
"Thanks, guys. I have to be going now."
At this, I gathered her into my arms, and began the trip to my apartment, via the rooftops.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"My apartment. I've got some explaining to do," I said.
I set her on my balcony, de-transformed and opened the door. She came in and sat on the couch.
"Before you start explaining, can I use your bathroom?" she asked.
"Sure."
When she came out, she was wearing the same clothes as during our date.
"Okay, explain."
"Have you ever seen the movie 'Groundhog's Day?'"
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So I did explain, as best as I knew how. At first, her expression was that of disbelief, but I supplied plenty of evidence. By the end of my tale, I could tell that she was convinced.
"So you took...dancing lessons, violin lessons..for me?
I nodded.
"Why did you do it, Mamoru?"
I saw the question in her eyes and I knew right then that the time for words had passed. I caught her lips in a kiss, gently at first. When she wrapped her arms around my neck and drew me towards her, my heart pounded even faster, and I knew I wouldn't get slapped this time. We danced passionately in each other's mouths until I had to break the kiss or suffocate.
We both broke apart, panting. "Ai...Aishiteru, Usako," I said.
"I...have been waiting for you to say that, ever since I beaned you with that test paper," she said.
A lone tear came down my face.
"What's wrong, Mamo-chan?" she asked.
"Tomorrow you won't remember any of this. I'll have to start all over again, and you'll hate me."
"I could never hate you, koiishi. Somehow, we'll find a way back to each other."
That sounded awfully familiar, but I think I had said it. Not on Valentine's Day, but somewhere else, a long time ago.
"Well, it's past midnight," I said.
"I don't care," she said. "I'm staying."
And she did stay. I fell asleep smelling the sweet lilac scent of her hair, feeling her heart beat in time with mine, my arms wrapped around my odangoed beauty as if I would never let her go.
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Epilogue
"Ohayo, minna!" chirped the annoying radio announcer.
"It's too early," I heard a female voice groan, and I felt a body roll over to turn off the alarm.
"U-Usako!" I stammered. "You're here! Quick, Usako, what is today's date?"
"February 15th. You didn't think I'd let a silly little thing like a time loop stop me, did you?"
"I guess not," I said, kissing her head.
"Well, I guess we should get breakfast," she said. But she was unable to get up, held fast by my arms.
"Let go, Mamo-chan!"
"Never," I said. "I'll never let you go."
"But we'll staaarve!"
I sighed and let her freshen up. Then we enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes and scrambled eggs, courtesy of me and my culinary skills. But I would keep my promise. I resolved never to let her go.
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Pluto smiled as she watched the happy scene unfolding in Mamoru's apartment. "It's done," she said.
King Endymion walked up behind her. "I take it everything worked out?"
"Just as you said it would, your majesty."
"For the record, just how many Valentine's Days did it take?"
Pluto grinned. "Some things must remain secret even to you, your majesty."
"I guess so. Well, I'll see you later, Pluto."
She nodded and continued to watch her king's past self through the time gate. 'Besides, his majesty would be humiliated to know that he spent one and a half year in Valentine's Day. I'm glad I never have to do that again,' she thought. She waved her garnet rod and settled on another era in the history of the earth.
~*~THE END~*~
by Lady Aishiteru
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.geocities.com/anniemaniac_99/index.html
Chapter 5: When Hell Freezes Over
'I do NOT want to do this,' I thought as I stood in front of the Tuxedo Mirage dance studio. I mean, even if the name of the school IS rather catchy.
The name is what drew me to the dance studio in the first place. After thumbing through the Tokyo Yellow Pages, I felt almost confident that here was a place that wouldn't insult my manhood. Or threaten my sexuality. At least I hoped so....
I stood there in front of the studio, hoping against hope that it would turn into a gym, or a movie theater, or...I don't know, something I would enjoy doing. I sighed, idly wondering if I should have come in disguise. Nah. The suave, ever-so-sexy Tuxedo Mask couldn't be seen at a place like this. It seemed just a wee bit...fruity.
'Might as well face the music,' I thought.
"Well, Hel-ooo, there, handsome! My name is Cecil. Don't we just look delectable?" an obviously gay man cooed.
'So much for non-threatening. Damn! Gotta do this for Usako....' I thought. I smiled wanly at the man and, mustering as much enthusiasm as I could, stated "I'd like to take dance lessons. Some time today would be nice," I said.
"What luck!" Cecil cooed. "I have an opening available right now." And so went the most emasculating two hours of my life. It wasn't the dancing that bothered me. It was Cecil. I tried to get it through to him that I was not gay, but it didn't work. I wished that there was a decent female dance instructor in the studio, but to no avail. He did let me lead...most of the time. I planned to return to the dance studio many times, whether I liked it or not, completing my plan to become, in Usagi's eyes, a decent human being.
Next on my quest for humanity was Kaiou Michiru's Violin Studio.
'Michiru sounds like a girl's name. Maybe this won't be so bad...' I thought, hand poised to knock on the door.
"Hello, can I help you?" a tall, slender man with short, sandy blond hair answered.
"Hi. My name is Chiba Mamoru, and I'd like to sign up for some violin lessons. Are you Miss Kaiou's assistant, sir?" I asked.
The man laughed. "I guess you can say that. My name is Ten'ou Hakura. Come on in."
With that, I sat in the waiting room with Hakura for a bit.
"So, tell me a bit about yourself, Mamoru. Why do you wish to take lessons?"
I smiled, the kind of smile only a lovesick baka like me would make. "It's for this girl..."
"Ah. Say no more." he said, smiling knowingly. "Well, Michiru is a great teacher. She even taught me a few scales. I'm more of a piano kind of gal, though."
'Gal?' I thought. "Ah. Gomen nasai, ma'am."
Noticing the shocked expression on my face, Hakura laughed. "Everyone thinks that. Don't worry about it. And call me Hakura. I'm not THAT old."
I let out a breath of relief. "Arigatou, Hakura."
Soon, a blue-haired beauty came out of the room, escorting a small boy.
"Hello," I said, smiling. "I'm Chiba Mamoru. You must be Miss Kaiou."
"Michiru, please," she said, extending her hand. I shook it, smiling.
"Could you possibly fit in a lesson now?"
"It seems a little sudden, but I guess I could squeeze you in. I have a spare violin in the playing room. Follow me."
That's how I got my first lesson. Michiru turned out to be an excellent teacher, very understanding. By the end of the lesson, I found out where F# was, and I was playing "Hot Crossed Buns." Even with Michiru's expert tutelage, I knew it would take many Valentine's Days to master this instrument. But I had heard that Usagi loved violin music, so I was happy to learn.
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I pulled over my Harley next to the backyard, where the students of Juuban Middle school were enjoying their lunch. I wasn't sure how to go about doing this without being accused of stalking again, but by now I was in too deep to turn back.
I snuck up behind Usagi, effectively cutting off all conversation between her and her friends, holding a dozen homemade roses in front of her nose.
Usagi gasped and whirled around. "Mamoru!" she exclaimed. I sat down across from her motioned for her to open the note and she did. I had written:
Roses for the most beautiful flower.
Love,
Mamoru
She blushed, then eyed me suspiciously. "Is this some kind of joke?" she asked.
I shook my head. "Happy Valentine's Day, Usagi," I said.
Then she came up to me and put her hand on my forehead, causing my pulse to quicken. "Nope, you don't seem feverish," she said, then drew back.
The moment her hand left my skin, I felt like a man drowning in the sea of love who had just been deprived of his life preserver. Yes, I know that's corny, but after being stuck in the sappiest day of the year for...only God knows how long, what do you expect?
So I did what any drowning man would do. I grabbed my life preserver, her hand.
"M-Mamoru!"
"I meant every word of that, Usagi."
Her face turned beet red, and she seemed to be at a loss for words. From the look in her eyes I could tell that she was drowning too. I wanted so badly to kiss her right then, but in front of her friends, who had gathered to watch, it didn't seem like the correct time. Instead, I stroked her hand with my thumb, looked her straight in the eye, and asked her,
"Meet me after school?"
"S-sure," she said.
"When do you get out?" I asked, even though I knew the answer perfectly well.
"3-ish, unless I get stuck in detention again."
"Okay then. Ja!" I said, waving casually as if my heart wasn't pounding against my ribcage. I got on my motorcycle, noting the impressed oohs and ahhs of her classmates, and I felt her eyes on my back as I put on my helmet. I hoped to God that I would get it right this time.
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Usagi hopped over to the car at 3:00, swinging a basket full of Valentine's Day cards and stuffed bunnies.
"Hi, Mamoru!" she sang cheerfully.
I helped Usagi unload her goodies into the backseat of the Ferrari. "I see I'm not the only one who gave you a present," I remarked.
"I know. It's so weird I mean, this is the first year ever that the guys paid any attention to me. Even you show up and give me flowers,"
she said, a faraway look in her eyes. "I don't get it."
"I do," I said.
"Lemme guess, some weird spaghetti and meatball fetish?"
I laughed. "Nope."
"Then tell me, oh great wise one," she said.
"Nope. I can't tell you 'till we get to the park," I said, smiling. Even though we had already had this conversation, it was still loads of fun.
"Come on! Tell meeeee!" she squealed.
"No way!"
"Pleease?"
"Nope."
"Pretty please with a cherry on top?"
"Nope."
Soon, we arrived at the park, and I opened the door for Usagi. As if on cue, a stray snowball hit Usagi squarely on her stomach.
"I'll protect you, fair lady!" I said, scooping up snow and hurling it at her would be assailant.
"Thank you, brave sir!" she said, giggling. "Now kneel, brave sir."
"Hai," I said, grinning, even though I knew I was about to get a scalp full of snow.
She scooped up some snow and deposited it squarely on my head. "I dub thee Sir Mud," she said, laughing.
"Grrr!" I said, even though I wasn't really mad. How could I stay mad at her? "You'll pay for that!"
She took off and I was close on her heels. I soon outran her, came up from behind and tackled her to the ground.
Having Usagi pinned to the ground, I tickled her where she was most ticklish, under her arms. I remembered this not only from before, but from watching her and her little brother. "Do you surrender?"
"Never!" she said between peals of laughter.
"Say uncle! Say uncle!"
"All right! Uncle, uncle!" she said, crying she was laughing so hard.
"Now will you tell me?"
"Tell you what?"
"Tell me why I'm so popular with the guys this year," she said, breathing hard.
I gathered my thoughts and told her the same thing I had said the last time I had her under me. 'Oooh...hentai! Down, boy!' my conscience said.
"That...has to be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me," she said, a tear making a salty trail down her face.
I leaned over and kissed the tears from her face. "And I meant every word of it. And then some. Would you like to go out tonight?"
"After all that, how can I say no?"
"Great! I'll pick you up at seven?"
"That would be good," she said.
"Well, it's getting dark now," I said. "I'll drive you home You'll have to tell me how to get there, though," I said, feigning ignorance.
She nodded, and I escorted her home. I didn't notice it before, but that damned song by Evan and Jarod was playing on the radio.
"Oooh, I love this song! Turn it up, onegai?"
I groaned inwardly but turned up the volume. I almost lost focus on the road listening to her sing along. The way her voice sounded, like bells chiming in the wind and the emotion she put into each note made the song seem new and exciting, even if I had heard it countless times before.
"That was great. You have a beautiful singing voice, Usagi."
"Really?"
"Yep. Well, see you at seven. Ja!"
I drove off and began preparations for that evening. Soon, I arrived at the Kaiou residence. I rang the doorbell, smiling my best smile.
"Hi, Mamoru. Can I help you?" asked Michiru, poking her head through the door.
"Yes, you could."
She didn't say a word to that. Instead, she motioned for me to come in.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I rang the doorbell of the Tsukino residence at precisely 7:00, holding a box of cherry cordials behind my back.
Shingo answered the door, eyeing me quizzically. "Who are you?" he asked.
"My name is Chiba Mamoru. I'm here to see Usagi."
"Usagi? Why would anyone your age want to see her? You're way too old," he said.
"Old? As in older guy? Usagi, you didn't tell me he was older," said a male voice, presumably Usagi's father.
"Oh, come on, Kenji," I heard a female voice, who I thought to be Usagi's mother respond. "You were three years older than me when you asked me out."
"T-that's not the point!" Kenji blustered.
At this, I heard a pounding, like someone running down a flight of stairs, and Usagi showed up at the front door, breathless. "Let's go, NOW!" she said, grabbing my arm.
I was only too happy to comply and I opened the car door for her.
"Aren't we the gentleman?" she asked.
"Only the best for you," I said, chuckling.
"So what was that all about?" I asked as I shifted the gears to drive.
"My dad's a little overprotective, that's all," she said, giggling.
"Be glad you didn't stick around, or he would have made you take a urine test."
"A urine test?"
"To make sure you're not on drugs or something. Isn't he weird?"
"Yeah," I said, laughing.
"And sometimes he sends the poor guy into the bathroom with a magazine with some naked lady on it. I don't know what THAT's about."
"Eh heh heh..."
"One guy even had to take a lie detector test!"
"Are you serious?"
She sighed. "Totally. Is it any wonder I don't go out on dates much?"
"Me either," I admitted, deciding honesty was the best route to go.
"Really? Hn, I thought you'd be totally booked, especially on V-day."
"Why, Usagi, you overestimate me," I said. "But I thank you for the compliment."
"You're welcome," she said.
"Well, we're here," I said. I opened the car door for her and bent my arm for her to slip hers through. She did, and I was amazed at how well we fit together, almost like two puzzle pieces.
"Chiba, table for two," I said to the maitre'd.
"Right away, sir," he said, and led us to a table in front of the stage.
"Wow, so there's live music here? Who's playing?" she asked as I pulled out her chair.
"Kaiou Michiru," I said, thumbing through my menu.
"The famous concert violinist?"
I nodded.
"Sugoi! I wonder if we can meet her later."
Soon, the waiter came to the table, and it was time to order. "What would you like, Usagi?" I asked, even though I knew she would order the Hawaiian pizza.
"Hawaiian pizza, please," she said.
"Make that a large," I added.
"Hai. Your order will be ready in about twenty minutes," the waiter said, then hurried off.
"This is a nice place, Mamoru," she said.
"Best pizza in Tokyo," I replied.
"This is something new for us," she said.
"Oh? How so?" I asked, raising my eyebrow.
"We're both here together. You haven't insulted me once today. No silverware has been thrown, and I'm not angry with you."
"Well, that's definitely a plus," I said, laughing.
"Yeah," she said.
"So, how is school going?"
She groaned. "Kami, don't remind me!"
"I'm sorry. Is that a bad topic?"
She nodded. "Stupid psycho teachers."
"I can tutor you, if you would like."
Her eyes shone. "You would do that for me?"
I nodded. "What subject gives you the most trouble?"
"Everything," she admitted. Soon, she launched into a tirade of her academic woes, as I sat and patiently listened.
"There. Do you feel better, now that you've vented?" I asked.
She nodded happily.
"Your pizza, sir," said the waiter.
At this, Usagi's eyes shone even more, and I wondered if I could come between her and her first love; food.
A man came up to the microphone on stage, tapped it a few times, then spoke. "And now it is our privilege to present to you miss Kaiou Michiru, accompanied by the talented Ten'ou Hakura and our guest performer, Chiba Mamoru!"
Everyone clapped and Usagi stared at me, mouth wide open. I walked up to the stage and Michiru handed me the spare violin I had asked her to bring. "Thanks for doing this," I whispered.
"No problem," she said, smiling.
I lifted the bow, poised and ready and Hakura started to play the piano. Michiru played the first few lilting notes of "Heart and Soul," then I joined in for a round. I glanced at the music every now and then, but my focus was on Usagi. Thinking of her made me play even better, because I wanted to do my best for her. Every vibrato, every pull of the bow, was for her. When it was over, everyone stood up, including Usagi, and gave us a standing ovation. I put the spare violin away, and Michiru smiled. "Pretty good for a first day student."
I smiled and nodded. As I passed the piano bench, Hakura patted me on the back and whispered, "Go get 'er, Tiger."
I was still beaming when I returned to the seat where Usagi was sitting. As soon as I got there, Hakura had started to play another song, "Everything I do." "Care to dance?" I asked.
Usagi nodded, and we made our way to the dance floor. She put her head on my chest and we moved in time to the music. Michiru stepped up to the mic and began to sing, her lilting voice filling the room.
Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me there you'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
"I didn't know you knew how to dance, or play the violin for that matter," she said.
"I am a man of many talents," I said, smiling as she playfully smacked me.
"I love this song. It's so romantic," she said.
"Me too." I said, and we were silent for a few minutes.
Look into my heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all I would sacrifice
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
There's no love - like your love
And no other - could give more love
There's nowhere - unless you're there
All the time - all the way
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - Ya I'd die for you
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
At this, Michiru and Hakura played a fast song. "Would you like to go to the Chocolate Shoppe? I mean, what is Valentine's Day without chocolate?" I asked.
"I like the way you think, Mamoru. Let's roll."
We shared a box of mint chocolates under the stars, until Usagi's communicator went off.
"I...I've got to go," she said, ready to make a hasty retreat.
I took her hand and shook my head. I withdrew a rose from the night air and transformed right in front of her. After all, what did I have left to hide?
"Well, I might as well transform now too," she said, not bothering to ask me how I knew she was the heroine of Tokyo, even though I knew she was dying to find out. A spectacular light show followed, and I couldn't help but blush. For a few seconds of her transformation, she was completely naked.
The same ridiculous, evil Valentine started terrorizing people as soon as she had transformed.
She took one look at the youma and cracked up. She couldn't help it, she just burst out laughing.
"What? Is it my tutu?" asked the youma.
"I...*giggle* am Sailor Moon! How dare you attack *laugh* people on Valentine's Day who just *giggle* want to enjoy their sweets! In the name of the *guffaw* moon, I will punish you!" she managed to finish, ending in her trademark pose but still shaking with laughter.
"I will NOT be mocked! Take THIS, you fashion freak!" said the youma, throwing a chocolate at Sailor Moon.
"Oooh, chocolate!" she squealed.
"No, Sailor Moon! You'll be trapped in chocolate!"
"WHAAAT?" she screamed, then leapt out of the way.
"Drat. Curse you, Cape Boy!"
"That's Tuxedo Mask to you."
"Whatever. Take THIS!"
Just as the chocolate came barreling my way, I pierced through it with my rose, causing the chocolate to shatter.
I nodded to Sailor Moon, and she finished it off.
"Moon dusted," she breathed.
"Aw, come on!" said Sailor Mars, who had just arrived.
"You didn't save any action for us!" whined Jupiter.
"I got out of bed for THIS?" asked Venus.
Mercury simply shook her head. "Good job, Sailor Moon."
"Thanks, guys. I have to be going now."
At this, I gathered her into my arms, and began the trip to my apartment, via the rooftops.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"My apartment. I've got some explaining to do," I said.
I set her on my balcony, de-transformed and opened the door. She came in and sat on the couch.
"Before you start explaining, can I use your bathroom?" she asked.
"Sure."
When she came out, she was wearing the same clothes as during our date.
"Okay, explain."
"Have you ever seen the movie 'Groundhog's Day?'"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
So I did explain, as best as I knew how. At first, her expression was that of disbelief, but I supplied plenty of evidence. By the end of my tale, I could tell that she was convinced.
"So you took...dancing lessons, violin lessons..for me?
I nodded.
"Why did you do it, Mamoru?"
I saw the question in her eyes and I knew right then that the time for words had passed. I caught her lips in a kiss, gently at first. When she wrapped her arms around my neck and drew me towards her, my heart pounded even faster, and I knew I wouldn't get slapped this time. We danced passionately in each other's mouths until I had to break the kiss or suffocate.
We both broke apart, panting. "Ai...Aishiteru, Usako," I said.
"I...have been waiting for you to say that, ever since I beaned you with that test paper," she said.
A lone tear came down my face.
"What's wrong, Mamo-chan?" she asked.
"Tomorrow you won't remember any of this. I'll have to start all over again, and you'll hate me."
"I could never hate you, koiishi. Somehow, we'll find a way back to each other."
That sounded awfully familiar, but I think I had said it. Not on Valentine's Day, but somewhere else, a long time ago.
"Well, it's past midnight," I said.
"I don't care," she said. "I'm staying."
And she did stay. I fell asleep smelling the sweet lilac scent of her hair, feeling her heart beat in time with mine, my arms wrapped around my odangoed beauty as if I would never let her go.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Epilogue
"Ohayo, minna!" chirped the annoying radio announcer.
"It's too early," I heard a female voice groan, and I felt a body roll over to turn off the alarm.
"U-Usako!" I stammered. "You're here! Quick, Usako, what is today's date?"
"February 15th. You didn't think I'd let a silly little thing like a time loop stop me, did you?"
"I guess not," I said, kissing her head.
"Well, I guess we should get breakfast," she said. But she was unable to get up, held fast by my arms.
"Let go, Mamo-chan!"
"Never," I said. "I'll never let you go."
"But we'll staaarve!"
I sighed and let her freshen up. Then we enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes and scrambled eggs, courtesy of me and my culinary skills. But I would keep my promise. I resolved never to let her go.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pluto smiled as she watched the happy scene unfolding in Mamoru's apartment. "It's done," she said.
King Endymion walked up behind her. "I take it everything worked out?"
"Just as you said it would, your majesty."
"For the record, just how many Valentine's Days did it take?"
Pluto grinned. "Some things must remain secret even to you, your majesty."
"I guess so. Well, I'll see you later, Pluto."
She nodded and continued to watch her king's past self through the time gate. 'Besides, his majesty would be humiliated to know that he spent one and a half year in Valentine's Day. I'm glad I never have to do that again,' she thought. She waved her garnet rod and settled on another era in the history of the earth.
~*~THE END~*~