Title: The Games Series 1: The Games We Play
Author: Princess Destiny
Email: In Profile
URL: In Profile
Couple: Usagi And Mamoru
Rating: M 15+
Summary: During a battle, Tuxedo Kamen gets hit with a love arrow. The first person he sees after the battle is Usagi-who has just de-transformed from Sailor Moon and immediately he falls for her. Chaos ensues, where Mamoru is hit by an irresistible need to kiss the blonde and goes to amazing lengths to get it! But when the spell wears off, Mamoru is still in love with her. Now-how to convince her? With a little help from his alter-ego Tuxedo Kamen! Little knowing, his identity has been discovered by a gleeful Usagi, who in turn, pays him a few visits as Sailor Moon. Soon, a game is born...But what will the consequences be?
Chapters: 1/11
Status: Completed
Year Completed: 2000

Comments: Hi everyone! I'm currently unable to write anything new due to writer's block because of the pain of my injury, so I thought that I would post this very old, old Fanfic. :Grin: This was written way back in 2000 and is a mixture of romance, comedy, action and adventure. Actually, there is a lot of comedy in here. This Fanfic won an Award at the old First Love Sailor Moon Archive for Fanfic Of The Month and was much loved back then. A pity no one really would remember it by now, but I'm hoping to get some new fans of the plotline and that you'll all enjoy it. Three books were planned for this Series, and a couple of Chapters of the Sequel will be posted after this Fanfic goes up here completely. I am hoping to continue the rest of the Sequel if there is enough interest. :Hint, hint: I had so much fun writing this one! Oh! And I think I was suffering from insomnia back then, as well as living off of java, so you'll excuse the tongue-in-cheek moments through the plot. It's all in the name of fun. LOL.

Keep in mind also that my writing style was much different back then, so I might be editing this monster sometime. I was still writing 'Argggggh' and lots of exclamation marks into the Fanfics back then, instead of describing the scream or shriek, so it will be very much like the Anime for some part of it. Er-but I sort of did a little revamping of this Chapter before sending it out, so it actually came out pretty serious at the beginning. O.o

NOTE: There are some scenes in here that some of you huge Sailor Moon fans might find familiar, as quite a few Authors asked permission to write Fanfics along the same lines as some parts of my plot over the years.

ORIGINAL NOTES: Thank you's: A huge thank you to Stormlight, who edited this huge fanfic until her fingers were numb! Think you're up for the sequel, girl? Evil grin Also, to my cousins Karri and Bobbi-who will probably not even see this dedication, due to a dislike of SM. Clears throught Umm-And of course, Alicia Blade-who has been very majorly patient with waiting for this monster for Fanfic of the Month-which was umm...a few months back. Mutter Sorry, Ali-Chan!

Please review me! You don't know how much it means to an Author to get a review on their Fanfic and to know that you're enjoying it. Believe me, it makes us want to write more for you. LOL.

Enjoy the Fanfic!

Hugs,
Princess Destiny

THE GAMES SERIES 1:

THE GAMES WE PLAY

By Princess Destiny

Chapter One

The moon was high into the sky and a young blonde girl deeply asleep when a shrill persistent beeping penetrated the quiet of the night.

Luna woke up immediately, eyes blinking with alertness. She saw that her charge was still sleeping deeply and bounded swiftly up to the pillow. "Usagi!" The small black cat said urgently. "Your communicator is beeping. There's a battle."

Usagi's eyes silted open, sleep wanting to claim her again. She felt drowsy and had been having a wonderful dream. In the darkness, the saw the form of her guardian standing on her chest. "What's all the shouting, Luna?" she asked tiredly. There'd been a battle that day and it had left it's toll. As had going to school that day and going through her usual routine to maintain the life of an average fourteen year old girl. 'I want to go back to sleep and think of Tuxedo Kamen!' she muttered internally, terribly resentful.

There had been this handsome prince and she had been dancing in his arms. It was a dream that the blonde girl had often over the last few months since she had become Sailor Moon. Strangely, Usagi was never quite able to recall his features when she awoke.

"Get your communicator and find out." Luna said in exasperation, tail lashing back and forth in irritation. Why had she been cursed with such a lazy Senshi to be guardian to? Honestly, the girl could have a little more responsibility in her role as leader of the Sailor Senshi. They were the only warriors standing between the Dark Kingdom and the total domination of Earth. Was she really asking too much!

The blonde yawned widely, stretched, then snatched her communicator from her bedside table. Usagi turned sideways, half-rising from the covers and sliding her legs to the ground. She pressed the flashing blue symbol of Mercury. "Usagi here?" she said, trying to wake up.

"Usagi! You need you get to the park," Ami said urgently. In the background, Usagi and Luna could see the night sky. The Senshi of Mercury was clearly outside and on her way to the battle already. "A Youma is attacking some couples here!"

"Couples?" Usagi questioned, bewildered. But wasn't it really late? She looked over at her clock, frowning as she saw the time. "Ami, it's one O'Clock in the morning. What are people-and you-doing there?" she demanded, feeling a little apprehension for her shy friend. Ami should not be out wandering past midnight. Her mother would have a heart attack if nothing else.

"That's a good question," Luna said angrily, sitting on Usagi's lap and glaring into the communicator screen. "That's no time of night for a fourteen year old girl-"

"You can scold me later, Luna," Ami replied worriedly, glancing away from the communicator for a moment. Her mouth tightened and her blue eyes glittered with determination. "I have to transform, I think the Youma is looking for energy, not a Rainbow Crystal. Zoisite isn't here." The screen went blank then as the Senshi prepared herself for battle.

Usagi shut the communicator off, sliding reluctantly out of bed. She stood there for a long moment in the cold, mind going over her options. Since she didn't know the whole situation, she could hardly plan ahead. All she could do was transform and high-tale it to the others before the youma did some serious damage. And wouldn't Luna and the others have head a heart attach to hear her thoughts?

"Okay, Luna. You stay here," The blonde girl ordered, and thrust a hand into the air. "Moon Prism Power, Makeup!"

The power consumed her, bringing that great, indescribable joy with it. Something had always felt so very natural about becoming her alter-ego.

Sailor Moon raced to the window and jumped out of it as gracefully as she could. Unfortunately she hit hard; wincing she tripped and fell onto her knees in the grass. 'I really have to get that jumping thing down-pat.' she groaned internally, getting to her feet and rushing into the night.

The park was lit up with the colours of the rainbow as she reached it, running quickly through the trees. She recognized the green of Jupiter's lightning and the red of Mars' fire. "They started without me!" she cried out involuntarily. Sailor Moon was irate. Now Mars would yell at her, merely because she had reached the fight first and they had to wait for her to reach them. 'Ugh! Is it my fault I live further away than the other Senshi?'

Sailor Mars plowed into her as Sailor Moon reached the Senshi, throwing both girls to the ground.

"Glad to see me, huh Mars?" Sailor Moon teased, trying to lighten the situation. Her priestess friend was always far too serious.

"Hardly, Sailor Moon." Sailor Mars growled, getting off of the blonde. She put her hands on her hips, eyes moving upwards as the blonde rose to her feet. "Can't you ever be more graceful?"

Sailor Moon had felt an elbow in the stomach as the other Senshi rose and knew it had been on purpose. "You weigh a ton, Mars! Go on a diet." Sailor Moon taunted, sticking out her tongue.

Mars immediately responded alike. "Ha, ha. You're the one who pigs out all the time, Odango Atama!" she snipped, tossing her hair over her shoulder haughtily.

"Don't call me that. That jerk calls me that." Sailor Moon complained, rolling her eyes skyward. Were they really standing there arguing whilst the other two Senshi fought a youma? As if hearing that thought, the Senshi of Jupiter called out to them.

"Hello? All Senshi call here!" Jupiter shouted wrathfully, lightning dancing about her head from the rode in her tiara. Two battles in 24 hours was ridiculous and a serious thing. What on earth was the Dark Kingdom up to now? And her two friends stood there bickering like little kids. "Youma?" she said through gritted teeth, throwing a pointed look at the monster.

Sailor Moon looked that way, contritely-then saw the Youma. She immediately broke into involuntary giggles, holding her sides. "It's-it's a…demented Cupid." she gasped in mirth. 'Oh my god, this is so funny. Here I ran all the way to battle, and it looks completely harmless.'

Sure enough, it was the silliest looking youma they had ever seen. The creature looked like one of those Cupid dolls they gave out at Valentines day-but it was stretched all out of proportion. What was hilarious was the wings and bow, complete with toga. And how unusual, it wasn't a female, but a male. The only male creatures they had seen from the Dark Kingdom were the Generals.

"You know," Jupiter said thoughtfully, studying the Youma. "It is a demented Cupid!" Against her better judgement, she also laughed.

"All the better to shoot you with, my dears!" the Cupid cried out gleefully. He reached behind his back into the quiver and withdrew a dozen arrows. Then he aimed swiftly and let them fly at the startled Senshi.

Sailor Moon shrieked, diving out of the way. Several arrows thudded into a tree behind her and she looked at them with a shudder. Stupid-looking the youma might be, but his weapons were lethal!

"Wrong fairytale, you creep!" Sailor Jupiter called as she dodged the arrows nimbly. She ran up the side of a tree and back-flipped, spinning back to face their foe. Her green eyes went anxiously to her friends and saw with relief that they were all okay.

"Do we care?" Mars snapped, diving after Sailor Moon. The ditz might be their leader, but she was hardly able to look after herself with only her tiara to protect her. Well, she had the Moon Wand, but it could only be used when the youma was mostly incapacitated. It was no good on a frontal attach. The dark-haired Senshi crouched beside the blonde and took her arm as they rose to their feet, eyeing the enemy cautiously.

"Oh darn," Sailor Mercury sighed, staring at the arrow sticking in the dirt a centimetre from her boot. That had been entirely too close. They needed some cover-and fast. "Shabon spray!"

The area was filled with blinding bubbles. Luckily that the Senshi could see-although not that clearly.

Sailor Moon stumbled about, squinting. She had lost Sailor Mars and her supportive hand when the clearing became obscured. "Mars?" she whispered tentatively, trying to see through the mist. She thought that she saw something to her left and moved that way.

"Fire Soul!" Mars' voice rang out triumphantly as she spotted their enemy. Her fire ripped through the mist as if it was not there and engulfed the youma.

There followed a cry of pain from the Youma and a thudding sound.

"Did we get her?" Jupiter shouted eagerly, waving her hand about to dispel the mist. It had sounded like the monster had been hit and by Sailor Mars' fire.

"I bring you looooove," the Youma declared, leaping out of the fog right before Sailor Moon's eyes. She shrieked and stumbled backwards. It paused, looking slyly at the blonde.. "Oh come on, Moon girl." He coaxed, readying an arrow out of her sight. "Don't you want love? It won't hurt-much!"

"Ugh, get away! Get away." Sailor Moon yelled, reeling backwards. The blonde still couldn't see much at all and so tripped over a tree roof her boot caught on. She shrieked and wind-milled her arms wildly, trying to stay on he feet. Naturally, she ended up on her butt-

As always.

"Can't I be a little graceful?" she complained to the world. Her immediate concern, of course, was the arrow-wielding Cupid maniac standing over her. And where on earth was Tuxedo Kamen when she needed him? Sailor Moon looked around wildly, trying to spot her hero. He had never let her down before!

"Say 'Love'," The youma crowed cheerfully, pulling back the bow and aiming the arrow at her. It's expression was a mixture of malice and amusement. "Oh and by the way-I failed to mention something." It giggled at her.

Sailor Moon stared at it as the mist cleared, her being filled fear and curiosity. "What?" She said, the word reluctantly dragged out of her. She looked from the corner of her eyes and saw Jupiter, Mars and Mercury closing in carefully from all sides. But would they be able to help their leader in time?

"Unfortunately, no love comes without pain...and this pain comes in the form of madness!" The cupid aimed at Sailor Moon's chest, grinning maniacally. "You'll be dying to find love-believe me." he added, eyes glowing red.

"Sailor Moon!" Mars yelled, terror filling her heart. There was no way any of them could stop the youma. Her hands rose, ready to blast it with fire, before she realised that her friend was far too close to it. She would be consumed by the fire also.

The other Senshi were similarly encumbered. They couldn't do anything without hurting the blonde. There was nothing the Senshi could do without hurting their leader. The youma was too close...

Sailor Moon covered her head with her arms, shaking. This was it, her last moments. She waited for that old cliched 'your life flashes before your eyes' moment to happen, but all that popped into her head was the dashing visage of her hero, Tuxedo Kamen. He was way overdue to saving her life. 'Of course, if Tuxedo Kamen rescues me…I can live to be a beautiful old lady!' she thought hopefully.

Something shot swiftly through the last of the dissipating fog, piercing through the Cupid's heart. It screamed, releasing the arrow. Sailor Moon peeked out just as it flew at her. She shrieked as her heart skipped a beat, but the deadly arrow was far off it's shot and went over her head, disappearing into the dark night.

Sailor Mars looked at Sailor Moon, then the Youma groaning on the ground, a red rose piercing it's heart. "You sure are a Dark Kingdom magnet, Sailor Moon," she said acidly. "Get up and dust this thing!" She had to be angry or she would just cry! The youma had come too close this time to taking her friend's life. 'I'm going to kill Tuxedo Kamen...slowly...if he's ever this late again.' she vowed silently, looking around for the man. As usual, he was hidden somewhere. His saving of Sailor Moon at the last moment was his only saving grace at each battle.

"Right," Sailor Moon leapt to her feet, reaching into her sub-space pocket. She pulled out the Crescent Moon Wand and levelled it at the grounded Cupid. "Your arrow-shooting days are over, mister." she announced. "Moon Healing Escalation!"

Despite the words, the bright golden light that consumed the once-plush Cupid Doll was far from healing. It shrieked in pain, then fell into dust at Sailor Moon's feet. She paused for a long moment, then took a deep breath and let relief fill her. "Ha! Dusted," she shouted, jumping around triumphantly. "Take that Dark Kingdom! Bring on Zoisite."

Now that the danger was over, the Senshi began to wind down, feeling all the aches and pains that came with a battle. They still had bruises from earlier that day. "Not tonight, please," Jupiter groaned, holding her shoulder. "I think I have a bruise the size of Mount Fugi forming on my shoulder."

"Oh, Jupiter!" Sailor Moon cried, racing over to her friend's side. "Are you okay?" And here she had been so happy to destroy the youma that she had not checked to see if her friends were alright. She ran a hand carefully over the limb. "Just bruised?" she questioned, looking over her shoulder for Mercury.

"I'm fine." Jupiter said wanly, smiling. She patted Sailor Moon's hand, then stepped back. The Senshi had long ago made a pact never to let their leader know how badly injured they got in battle. She was just too sensitive a girl and had a huge heart. Luckily though, it was just bruising this time.

"Actually," Mercury said after a moment of scanning Jupiter's shoulder. She nodded and smiled as everyone turned to her. "I think it's Naru that's the Dark Kingdom magnet." she said with mock-seriousness.

The Senshi stared at each other, then grinned. "I think you're right there," Sailor Mars said, laughing. "But Odango here is a close second!" she slapped her best friend on the back, almost knocking her over.

"I am not!" Sailor Moon protested, smiling at them all. She stuck her tongue out at the raven-haired priestess, then turned and ran off. "I'll see you tomorrow everyone! Night!" she called over her shoulder.

'Boy, I bet Mars is fuming about not getting the last word in!' She giggled quietly, vaguely wondering where on earth Tuxedo Kamen was. It wasn't like him not to show his face at all in battle. Where were his usual encouraging words? 'Oh well.'

As Sailor Moon reached the street, she looked carefully about her and then de-transformed. The cool night air caressed her heated cheeks, feeling wonderful. Battling always left them so hot and bothered from the exercise. It bothered her deeply that there had been too battles in the one day, but she would put that aside in her mind until morning when they could all discuss it at Rei's Temple.

The small blonde girl started towards home, keeping a wary eye out for strangers. 'I hope I can get in some more sleep before Luna wakes me for school in the morning.'

"Tuxedo Kamen... Bring me the Mystical Silver Crystal."

The haunting, musical voice spoke from the surrounding fog. As always, Mamoru could see very little, other than her faint form and the huge palace behind her. The dark-haired man knew that she was a Princess, but for the life of him, he did not know how he knew that fact. "Who are you?" he shouted in frustration, walking closer. He had to be careful where he put his feet, as he could not exactly see the ground he stood on.

"I am-" The woman began to respond, but was cut off before she could say more.

Abruptly, a searing pain filled Mamoru's being. A familiar pain... She was in trouble. Sailor Moon.

He blinked at the hidden Princess, wondering how on earth the call to battle had reached him even in a dream-

And then he woke up. Mamoru panted heavily from the stress of the dream, then he leaped out of bed quickly and stumbled down the hallway towards the balcony. On the way, he stubbed his toe on the couch, completing his flight towards the balcony doors on one foot. "Ouch! Damn it, who put that couch there!" he swore, clutching his injured toe.

The upperclassman groped past the pain, unlocking the siding glass doors and flinging them open. Making a graceful motion in the air, a blood red rose was dropped into his hand by magic. He transformed-still holding his foot...only now, it was an expensive black shoe. "Wonderful!" he muttered sarcastically, dropping his limb so that he could make his rescue effort.

The hero leapt out into the night, heading towards the pull. Sailor Moon's pull. He always knew when she was in danger. The blonde girl was hardly the most graceful person he had ever known, and she did defeat the youma's usually by blind-luck, but she was his responsibility. Tuxedo Kamen was sort of fond of her, despite being at odds with her Senshi. She sometimes reminded him of a blonde airhead he fought with regularly.

The wind flowed past him as he leapt from building to building, his senses leading him in the direction of the golden-haired Senshi. This was the second battle that day, surely this was no coincidence?

When Tuxedo Kamen reached the park, he groaned, rolling his blue eyes expressively. "Of course it's in the park! When is it not?" he grumbled under his breath, racing through the trees nimbly. The sky was lit up with brilliant colours, signifying that the Senshi had already began their battle.

The Youma, he noted with amusement as he stopped in a tree not far from the girls, was a huge plush toy that had once been a Cupid doll. Complete with arrow and bow. As he watched, Mercury filled the area with dense fog.

Tuxedo Kamen peered around vainly, trying to see. He was practically as blind as the Youma! Sailor Moon was obscured from his sight. He could still feel her presence though and he moved along the branch in that general direction.

"How am I supposed to rescue her when I can't see?" 'Mercury's power was sometimes a real pain in the butt.' He growled, crossing his arms. Then, he remembered wrinkles and uncrossed them quickly. Wrinkles would just ruin his dashing hero image.

So, he waited, blue eyes narrowed against the gloom and prepared to swoop in to save the heroine of the moon. Shouting came from the fog occasionally and flashes of lights.

When the mist finally began to clear and he caught sight of Sailor Moon, the Cupid standing over her. Tuxedo Kamen's breath caught in fear, his fist clenching. Why had his stupid senses not told him that she was in terrible danger right then? For once, it had let him down. He would not be able to reach her in time and scoop her out of harms way, so there was only the one option.

"Sailor Moon," he whispered, reaching swiftly into his tuxedo for roses. He grasped a rose gratefully and flung it with deadly precision. 'Dead hit! Woo hoo! All right! One more for Tuxedo Kamen!' he silently congratulated himself, grinning. Luckily, the Senshi couldn't see him.

And then something sharp pierced his chest.

Tuxedo Kamen gasped, clutching at himself with his hands. He looked down frantically, but could see no wound…but something was wrong. His body became hot and sweaty and he de-transformed. The dark-haired man clutched desperately at the tree trunk as his legs shook and his vision blurred.

Then…he completely forgot what he was doing.

"Huh? What am I doing here?" Mamoru looked around in befuddlement, but didn't see anyone. He looked down and realised that he was up in a tree, clutching at the bark as if his life depended on it. The last thing he remembered was...was...

Mamoru blinked as a fog effectively shrouded his mind. He slid down the branches of the tree until he was on the ground. "I'm in the park." The handsome man looked up at the night sky. "Why aren't I at home in bed?" Had he been sleep-walking again?

He shook his head and started to walk. He was obviously in the park for a reason, but couldn't think what that was. Mamoru was feeling very strange. Vague and befuddled, and cold. The upperclassman sighed down at his boxers and shirt and wondered what the hell was going on. He was dressed for bed!

As he left the park grounds and stepped into the silent street, something walking further ahead caught his gaze. Immediately, his heart began to thunder in his chest. Mamoru took great gasping breaths…then his body raced after the figure quickly. It was as if he had no control over himself what-so-ever. Mamoru obeyed his instincts, staying to the other side of the street and shadowing the person. He needed...something. His body craved it!

As he came alongside her, he looked across the empty street-and saw Tsukino Usagi.

His eyes widened, his breath quickened and his heart swelled. 'Oh, what an angel!' he declared silently. His eyes narrowed, hands clenching. "I must-I must-" he muttered. 'Kiss her!' Control and all thought went out of his head as he focused on that one thing. His shining light, his beacon. The one he had to lock lips with or he would die right that minute!

Mamoru took a step off the curb, fulling intending to dash across the road and sweep her into his arms, but saw that she had disappeared. "What!" he shouted, feeling cheated. He had just caught sight of his true love and she had vanished! This wasn't happening. Damn it all.

Mamoru snapped his fingers, frowning. "Damn," He smiled quickly. "But I will see her in the morning." Although his body was screaming at him to hunt through the city till he found her, he managed to control himself. In the morning, he would see her there.

He quickly turned and headed down the block towards his apartments. As sure as the sun rose in the morning-he would crash into Usagi before college even started! It was destiny. Like clock-work. "Oh, wait!" he shouted, remembering. "Tomorrow is Saturday! Now what?"

Chiba Mamoru's mind went completely blank and he stared into space. And then he began to pace along the path, wandering aimlessly towards his admittedly comfy and expensive apartment. "She'll probably get up around-twelve O'Clock? So I'll go there, to where I usually crash into her-I'm sure she lives around there-and…kiss her?"

He was rather confused about that point, but he could work the details out later. Mamoru had a girl to catch at midday! But what to do until then?

'Do' involved a lot of sitting, cups of strong coffee and a cushy chair.

Chiba Mamoru blinked slowly, but despite his action, his eyes remained dry and sore. He'd sat thus, in his favourite chair, staring into space for hours. And the sun had taken so long! He took in the magnificent sight of the rising sun, feeling jumpy. His feet kept a constant tattoo on the floor, the only thing keeping him slightly sane. Because, if he was truthful, he was anything but calm and sane at that moment. "Soon," he murmured, blinking again.

And so he waited…

And waited…

Until finally, he stared at the clock for the millionth time and saw that it was twelve fourty.

Mamoru started to his feet, panic raising through his body. He looked again, harder. Yes, it was really twelve fourty. "On no!" he shouted, leaping to his feet. The chair skidded away from him from his rough movement, scraping on the floor loudly. "Now I'm late to catch her." He was sure that she'd be up by then! Shopping or something…

Again his mind went blank. Something seemed terribly wrong with this whole scene, but he couldn't put his finger on it. All he could think of was Usagi whenever he tried to focus.

Mamoru quickly raced into the bathroom, ran a brush through his hair, gave himself a cursory look and bolted from the apartment. The handsome upperclassman raced down the plush-carpeted hall to the elevator and thrust a finger at the down button.

Then he waited. His eyes swung from side to side, foot beginning to tap nervously on the floor again.

He looked up, frowning darkly at the little needle, which seemed to be taking far too long to reach his floor. "Who the bloody hell would be catching the lift at this time of the morning!" he bellowed loudly-just as the lift doors slid open to reveal the slight form of Mrs. Porter…a frail and delicate thing that a gust of wind could blow over.

She started back, clutching at her chest. "Oooh." she groaned, to Mamoru's horror. He leapt into the lift, just as the doors were closing and descended on the slight form. Had he killed her? No, wait, she was still breathing.

"Are you okay? Mrs. Porter? Hello?" The dark-haired man demanded, waving an impatient hand in her face. He repeated the gesture, then leaned closer. She seemed to be trying to say something… "Yes?"

"You-you-" she croaked, a hand still clutched to her chest.

"Yes? Yes?" Mamoru gritted his teeth.

"You're standing on my foot, Mr. Chiba!" she fairly shrieked at him, displaying an amazing lung capacity for such a small woman.

Mamoru reeled back, eyes going wide with stunned amazement. He glanced down guiltily at his own foot, staring at it as if it didn't belong to him.

Then, he remembered a certain blonde and spun around, thrusting a finger desperately at the down button. He had bigger problems right then, and Mrs. Porter seemed just fine. Blue eyes flashed into his head and he almost groaned at the overwhelming longing he felt to see Usagi. It was almost painful. "Sorry, sorry! I really didn't mean to yell or stand on you're foot-but I have a girl to catch." he announced, spinning back to face the old lady.

The old lady immediately dropped the act, staring at him with interested eyes. "Really?" she said, puttering forward on her small shoes. Mamoru suddenly found himself plastered effectively against the wall of the lift. Cornered there by a so-called "innocent" old lady.

"Umm…" He stared at her face, which hardly reached his chest, but was nevertheless a foot away. What on earth was she up to...and why was the bloody lift taking so long to descend!

"Did you know I was the head of the gossip club?" she told him slyly, reaching into her handbag for something. She rummaged around, returning with a pen and pad. She slowly flipped the top over to a new page and looked up at Mamoru expectantly.

"What?" Mamoru said nervously, eyes rolling around from side to side. 'What is taking the blasted lift so long!'

"Details, young man," she demanded, then paused. "Now."

"Huh?" Mamoru said intelligently, staring at her with disbelief.

"Come, come," she said sweetly, leaning up on her toes to peer into his face short-sightedly. "No details of the lovely young lady-and I tell management that you harassed me." she added blithely.

"What!" he shouted at her in utter outrage. He blinked down at her through bemused blue eyes. "Is this by any chance-blackmail, Mrs. Porter?"

"Call it what you like, dear," she told him in a motherly way. She patted him on the chest condescendingly. "Just who are they going to believe, hmm?"

"Okay, okay." Mamoru said darkly. The lift chimed and the doors slid open. Mamoru quickly bolted out, before she could catch him.

"There's no where to run, Chiba!" Mrs. Porter croaked after him, making her way out of the lift falteringly.

Mamoru stopped in his headlong flight through the foyer, gave the curious security guard there a hard look, then turned tail and fled back to the innocent old lady. He bent over close to her face, dark eyes burning. "She's blonde, beautiful, hair down to her ankles, umm…does okay in school…" Mamoru broke off, trying to think. Lovely, his angel was just lovely.

"Uh huh," Mrs. Porter muttered, laboriously writing down every word.

"Umm, these absolutely amazing legs, deep blue eyes, the sweetest voice, the heart of an angel…" Mamoru went on and on, voice becoming more sure as he sang his angel's praises. Didn't he have to be somewhere right then?

"Quite a paragon you have there, Mamoru," Mrs. Porter interrupted, still writing. She looked up, eyes steely. "You will bring her around to meet me, won't you?"

Mamoru swallowed, staring. Her words obviously were not an invitation-but rather an order. "Yes, ma'am!" He felt like saluting, but he was late! "I have to go now." he called, backing up. When he was a few feet away, he turned and dashed towards the front doors, passing an amused security guard. "Morning, Tom," Mamoru muttered as he passed.

"Morning, Mr. Chiba." Tom grinned wider as Mamoru dashed past, clothes rumpled. "I see that Mrs. Porter cornered you."

"Huh?" Mamoru muttered intelligently, running out into the street and down the sidewalk like an axe-wielding maniac was after him. "How is it that everyone in that building knows things but me!" He frowned, absently passing people with care. 'I think I'll grill Mrs. Porter when I get the time.'

He was fit, tall and leggy-but he was still running late by the time he reached the right place. He bent over, gasping for breath. 'With luck, she's late-later.' he amended, grinning.

He straightened, looking left and right down the block for his blonde angel. But she was nowhere in sight. "Maybe, it's further down," he wondered, starting to hurry further down the block. Mamoru continued swiftly down the street, eyes swinging left and right. Where was Usagi! They always crashed into each other most mornings!

Mamoru frowned. "How does this work? I'm not paying attention and then-wham, Usagi hits me and knocks us over…right?" he questioned aloud.

The handsome upperclassman grinned, reaching up to place a large hand over his deep blue eyes. The reasoning was sound enough, to him anyway. And to the fate that constantly had them crashing headlong into each other's arms-

Suddenly, something did crash into him. With enough force to rock him backwards a foot. Mamoru's hand flew down, arms wind-milling in order to gain his balance. He glanced down to see a girl with long blonde hair laying practically at his feet like some pagan sacrifice. He grinned lasciviously, thoughts running away with him. She was wearing a short grey skirt and pink sweater, along with a matching pink handbag.

'What do you know?' he thought in amazement. 'The hand over the eyes thing actually worked!'

Usagi looked up, eyes thunderous. "You." she accused, pointing a finger up at him. She glared, then stumbled to her feet, handbag clutched in her free hand. "I should have known-wait...I'm late. I don't have time to argue!" She made to pass him, and was stunned when he side-stepped quickly, right into her path. 'What is he doing?' she asked herself, bewildered.

"Hello, Odango." he announced loudly, grinning at her like a maniac. Mamoru had found her finally, and now he would have his reward. A niggling of doubt filled him for a moment before it was dispelled. Along with the feeling that this was very, very wrong.

Usagi eyed him doubtfully, noting his tired-looking eyes, rumpled clothes and weird smile. "Don't call me that," she told him absently, frowning. Her eyes skimmed down his tall form to his feet, noting that a shoelace was undone. 'When is Mamoru ever un-impeccable?' she asked herself incredulously. Mr. Perfect looked like-Mr. Homeless Person. A grin started over her face.

"Ah, that smile just lights up my heart! I feel-full and complete!" he told her, eyes glinting strangely.

Usagi took a nervous step backwards, looking at him sideways. "Huh?" she said intelligently. 'What is he going on about?' She shook her head, long hair swinging lightly against her hips. "Look, I don't have time for this, you jerk. I have to meet the guys for a day of shopping!" And other things, like discussing last night's battle.

"But, I had to tell you-" Mamoru began, annoyed when he was again cut off.

"No. And don't call me Odango Atama!" She stormed at him, attempting to pass again. He dodged to the same side, blocking. Usagi frowned at him, dodging to the other side. Mamoru followed her with his taller frame. And then she dodged back and forwards several times-followed faithfully by him.

"Just-"

Dodge

"What-"

Dodge

"Do you think-"

Dodge

"You're doing, you total jerk-!"

Dodge

Usagi halted her words, raised her handbag and promptly bashed Mamoru over the head. She rushed around him swiftly when he was wincing with pain and touching his head to check for blood. "And I'll have you know that I did that on purpose this time, Chiba!" she shouted at him, incensed. 'Okay, so it's usually by accident-but he deserved it. Weirdo.'

"Jeez, Usagi, that's going to leave a mark." Mamoru muttered, spinning to face her. He smiled again, advancing on the suddenly nervous girl like a stalking wolf. "Now-" he began again.

"The time! Oh no." Usagi suddenly shrieked, looking angry and upset. She levelled a glare at Mamoru, that was meant to melt ice burgs. "You idiot! Jerk! You made me late."

'How the hell does she know that!' he wondered, impressed. Usagi was wearing no watch. Was there no end to his angel's perfection? His eyes clung to her, noting her long hair as the sun's rays shone directly onto the tresses and lit them like gold. 'Gold!'

"Your hair is like golden-" he began, staring into her eyes lovingly.

Usagi frowned at him, entirely put out. Not only was she late for a majorly cool day of mall trawling, she was stuck with this creep as he ranted! Wait-what had he said about her hair! "What was that about my hair?" she demanded.

"It's like golden ropes, dazzling to the eyes!" Mamoru declared, hand on chest dramatically. 'That should get her attention,' he told himself. 'I wonder if she'll bash me again if I try to kiss her?'

Usagi nodded slightly, then backed away, eyes on his. "Uh huh," she said, still backing off. 'This is just too weird! And I want to shop.'

Mamoru pursued her, frowning in determination. "Usagi," he began. 'She's leaving? But…I waited up all night!'

She shook her head, eyes wide. "No, no you creep. You're weirding me ouuuuuuut!" she yelled at him. Before he could blink, she had turned and was dashing back down the street the way she had been heading, putting shame to a pro runner.

Mamoru immediately ran after her, eyes blazing delight. "Ah! The chase. She means to play hard to get...I love it!" he shouted, increasing his speed. But as he reached the corner, he saw that once again, Usagi had disappeared.

Mamoru stopped, panting. 'I never knew she could run that fast! Who would have thought she could with all the food she devours! No doughnut is safe-' His thoughts broke off at that. "Wait a second. I love her," he mumbled, confused. "Then why did I just insult her?"

He looked left and right, then determined there was only one place she could be. "The Arcade." he determined, taking off again. He had no idea why he wanted to chase her so much, but he wasn't quite with it right then.

The upperclassman munched on a burger, watching Usagi closely from across the arcade. Usagi had met her friends-and exactly where he had thought she would too. He grinned, taking another bite. He was entranced with her every move. Every sip of her shake, every movement of her long hair, every expression-

"Mamoru? Buddy? Can I get you a coke with that?" Motoki said into Mamoru ear.

Mamoru stumbled back, eyes wide. Damn, where had Motoki popped up from? His burger went flying and both watched with fascinated horror as it made a spectacular dive to the floor, divesting itself of all its delicious contents on the way. The resulting-er-masterpiece was spread quite wide over the pristine floor of Motoki's arcade.

"Oh, sorry about that!" The dark-haired man apologised sheepishly. He was never this jumpy, so what was going on? His blue eyes went again to Usagi, unable to look away from her for long.

Motoki grinned, a hand to his face. "Oh well, I can get you another," he offered.

"No. Fine," Mamoru muttered, still looking intently towards Usagi and Co., who looked as if they were readying to leave.

"Mamoru?" Motoki waved a hand in front of Mamoru's face, drawing his attention.

"What!" Mamoru demanded, eyes glazed. Sweat was dripping down his back and he felt really hyped. He also felt as if he had just run a marathon. 'Something is wrong. Something is wrong!' his mind told him.

Motoki's eyes widened and he backed away slightly. "You don't look so hot," he said, looking Mamoru over quickly. "How about you come into the back room and fix yourself up?"

Mamoru threw a quick look at his angel, who was thankfully eyeing the Sailor V game with an expression of glee. Moments later, she raced over, thrusting a coin into the machine.

"Sure, sure. I pulled an all-nighter," he lied quickly, following his friend out of the boot and down the isle. They passed the other girls-Usagi's friends-with only a cursory look. Mamoru began to sweat more as he left sight of Usagi. He and Motoki entered the back room, complete with bed and couch.

"There's a shower in here. Help yourself. You really should take more care though, Mamoru," Motoki scolded, pushing Mamoru towards a small door.

Mamoru nodded, waiting until Motoki had left, then bolted frantically into the small bathroom. He chucked off his clothes, dashed into the stall and had the quickest shower in his life. Then, clad in a towel, he raced to the mirror, brushed his hair, checked his teeth and then threw his clothes on. He paused, looking into the mirror. Considering how he had looked, he now appeared to be his usual suave self. "Ha!" He grinned. "This will get her attention-I hope." He frowned, changing emotions swiftly. "Right?"

Mamoru turned and left the room, passing through the other room and into the arcade.

"Wow, that was quick!" Motoki stared at his friend strangely. "Are you sure you didn't want to take longer?"

Mamoru quickly looked down at himself. "What? I don't look cool?" he demanded. This was a blow to his ego. He always looked good.

"No, no. You look great," Motoki said hastily, confused. "So-you want to go to lunch and me with Reika this afternoon? I've got a new girl working for me and she's ready to take over-for now." He winced slightly, looking sheepish. "The truth is, that she's a little clumsy-but she's doing okay."

"Clumsy?" Mamoru's eyes widened. He ran past Motoki and scanned the Arcade quickly. They were gone. She was gone. "No!" he roared in disbelief. "How could this happen? I was only gone for a minute!"

"What? What!" Motoki looked freaked, staring around the arcade as if a blood- covered murderer were in the place.

"Usagi. Damn it." Mamoru muttered, staring at his feet. 'Damn, she moved fast.'

"Usagi? Odango Atama?" Motoki queried, staring. "Why are you looking for her? You hate her...she hates you!"

"Since when? Oh, never mind," Mamoru grumbled, beginning to sweat again. His hands started to twitch with the need to hold her. "I have to go," he said quickly, stumbling away from Motoki.

The guy watched his friend bolt from the arcade with a semblance of normality. Then, he grinned. "There's hope yet! I'm raising the betting stakes everyone!" he announced to the room. Dozen's of groans greeted his words.

"It's already way more than I can afford." someone muttered.

"I have reason to believe that-" Motoki paused dramatically.

"Yes!" everyone shouted, eyes on him.

"-The game is afoot!"

Groans were heard again. As well as some mysterious thumping noises.

To Be Continued...

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