Konnichiwa, minna-chan! Since Valentine's Day is upon us once again, I thought that I would write a holiday story for you. Allow me to issue a "mush warning" before you begin reading, so if you don't like that kind of thing, well. . . you know. ^_~ The final chapters of "The Coldest December" will be out soon. I wanted to post this fanfiction first so that it will be read in February. ^^ To my male editors: It's Valentines Day so. . .* *smoooooooch* To my female editors: How about a handshake? Disclaimer: Sailor Moon ain't mine. This disclaimer applies to all installments of this story. @<~~<~~ Bed of Roses - A Valentine's Day Story The Prologue By Aimee @<~~<~~ Red. A lovely cherry red. That was the hue of Tsukino Usagi's face as she glared at Chiba Mamoru with all the contempt and detestation that her little 14-year-old heart could muster. Mamoru, a lad of 19 years, swallowed nervously as the petite figure before him grew redder still, her anger now showing in clenched teeth and fists. Motoki saw the impending eruption that was Usagi and nudged his best friend urgently. "Mamoru, I have one word for you. Run." Unfortunately, Mamoru, foolish man that he was, chose to stand his ground. He did not have to wait long for the volcano to blow. "Aaauuuuuuuuggggggghhhh!!!" was the unearthly sound that came from somewhere inside of the Odangoed- One. She stomped her foot on the ground like a wild beast ready to charge, and screamed at the unfortunate Mamoru, "How dare you insult me!" "Geez Odango. . . " Mamoru gasped at the outburst and unwittingly fueled the fire burning inside Usagi by addressing her with a rather un- flattering nickname. He was completely surprised that Usagi's eruption had been so loud. A couple in the far booth of the Crown Center Arcade were beginning to stare, while Usagi's friends watched in horrified silence as their comrade unleashed fire and brimstone on the unsuspecting Mamoru. Even Motoki had cowered behind the counter of the arcade in the not entirely unlikely event that Usagi might begin throwing things. "I was just kidding with you," Mamoru claimed, trying to keep his composure while in the midst of the monster that was Usagi, but failing miserably. "Calm down. Cool off." "Calm down?! COOL OFF?!?! Maybe you're the one who needs to cool off! Here--let me help!" Usagi growled with a venomous tone as she grabbed her chocolate milkshake from the counter and dumped the contents on Mamoru's lap. Ami gasped and made a little "eep" sound. Minako and Makoto gave a victory cry and promptly exchanged high five's. Rei rolled her eyes, buried her face in her hands and began mumbling, "this is not happening. . . this is not happening. . . " repeatedly. Motoki simply stared, still halfway hidden behind the counter. And Mamoru? He lept up in shock and gaped incredulously at the furious rabbit, whose face had crescendoed into a dark crimson hue reminiscent of an overly-ripened tomato with a lingering after- taste of paprika. Mamoru (again, being the foolish, silly, ignorant, and sorely deceived man that he was) then he did something that no one in the group expected, nor would ever dare to attempt themselves. He laughed. Yes, a little chuckle escaped from the man's lips, and the effect it made on the individuals in the group was quite varied in genre. Ami's eyebrow went up in mute confusion. Minako and Makoto, the pep squad of the group, began rooting for their friend, chanting, "Usagi. . . Usagi. . . " in low, but encouraging tones. Rei peeked momentarily between the fingers that were covering her eyes, and then went back to her random mumblings. The couple in the corner tried to sneak out of the arcade quietly. Motoki sunk down a little more behind the counter, not knowing what to expect from the fighting duo. "Oh man. . . " Motoki marveled incredulously at his best friend's laughter. "Mamoru's lost it. He's gone completely mad. I always knew he was a little crazy, but this just takes the cake." And still, Mamoru continued to laugh. His chuckle had become somewhat more defined and could now be safely dubbed as mockery. He couldn't help it. Goodness, but she was cute when provoked. And terribly amusing, to boot. Usagi, however, was not amused. A growl began to grow deep within her, and by the time it made it to her throat, even Minako and Makoto had fallen silent. The odangoed-one took a step forward--a single solitary step, which brought her directly in front of her archenemy. She glared at him with unspeakable contempt. The group of onlookers leaned forward in anticipation of Usagi's comeback. Oh, the joys of a good argument! Energy crackled in the air like lightning, and a deep sense of regret and unassurance fell upon the unfortunate Mamoru, as though his doom had been sealed with that simple laugh. Was that 'Taps' he heard being played somewhere in the back- ground? All eyes fell upon Usagi as she lifted a single hand slowly so that it was directly in front of Mamoru's face. With that, four of her fingers dropped resolutely, leaving one proudly standing, relaying all her feelings and more to the young man before her. More gasps filled the air. With a sparkle of satisfied glee in her eyes, the odangoed-one turned on her heel and began walking towards the exit, leaving her victim behind, completely shocked and mute as he watched his opponent leave, followed closely by her friends. Ami gave Mamoru a weak smile before she left. Minako and Makoto floated out of the arcade, in awe of Usagi's masterful execution of silent vengeance. Rei's hands were still cover- ing her face in embarrassment. Motoki was thanking the sweet Lord that his arcade was not destroyed in one fiery sweep of Usagi's rage. After the girls departed, Mamoru struggled to find his voice but found it quite difficult. "She. . ." he stammered in unbelief. "She just flicked me off!" "You're lucky she didn't deck you," Motoki remarked as he peeked meekly from behind the counter. "I think I just saw my life flash before my eyes. Oh, and let's not mention your chocolate covered slacks." "I'm just glad it didn't get on my jacket," Mamoru breathed in relief as he adjusted his beloved green jacket. "Oh yeah," Motoki deadpanned, but hid it masterfully. "Now *that* would have been a shame." With that, the blond-haired man gave his friend a slap on the back. "So, are you still going to go through with this silly plan of yours. . . even after all of that?" Mamoru glanced up at his apron-clad friend with a sparkle in his eye. "Of course. Why wouldn't I?" "Well, first of all, Usagi hates you. And secondly. . . geez, I don't even need a 'secondly'. She hates you, Mamoru!" "You underestimate me, my good man," Mamoru remarked. "We shall see," Motoki commented, deciding to humor his friend. "Yes, we shall." "So when does the first part of your 'brilliant' Valentine's Day scheme come into effect?" inquired a curious Motoki. "This afternoon. She'll find it when she comes home," Mamoru announced with a satisfied smile. "Do you think she suspects?" asked Motoki. Mamoru grinned. "Not a chance." @<~~<~~ Ja! Aimee sailor_moon89@hotmail.com http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Teahouse/4986/