To Remember the Truth Chapter 5: Baby-sitting Blues: Together Once More By Annabelle hannah@predlinux.info.com.ph (changed it) DISCLAIMER: Sailormoon was never mine, is not mine, and never will be mine. Ownership goes to Naoko Takeuchi, Toei Animation, DiC, and all other respective companies. Why? Go figure. AUTHOR?S NOTES: If you were to notice, I?ve sent two chapters this week. That?s because chapter four wasn?t very progressive. So this is a catch up. I was feeling good and inspired. Anyway, for all you Seijuurou haters, go have a party! He won?t be showing up in this chapter (aww!). This is basically the last ?normal? chapter - the intro to the climax of the story. This chapter was made basically to bond the two of them in friendship, so don?t be surprised as you read. NOTICE: Okay, as some of you may have noticed, my e-mail account crashed (again). So I changed me e-mail address. It?s at hannah@predlinux.info.com.ph, or if you want to mail me without having to memorize the new (long) address, you can just send your messages to annabelle_g@usa.net Oh, and why don?t you visit my web site? ;) http://surf.to/storybox Lastly, here are some stories I think are worth reading. You all know who the bests are, so I just want to recommend the others - they are good, mind you: Selena - Out of the Darkness and Into the Light, Cords of Silver... Guardian Angel One: United Love Saki: The Tempest Lunar Rose - anything she writes Lois Fogg - Bread and Chocolate (so sweet!) Moon Rose - a new one, have you read ?Silver?? It?s great. Serena Chiba - Wedding Rehearsal and Separation Princess Faux - Trial and Betrayal (I have a link to her page) I won?t put Caleyndar?s, Brick Girl?s and Alicia Blade?s names here, I think they?re famous enough to go to another category. Which brings me to the point: This chapter may sound like Alicia Blade?s ?Baby Cupid.? I had already written an outline for this story, but when I read hers, I just couldn?t resist. Go read it! It?s the cutest story ever. So, anyway, (Alicia, if you?re reading ^_^) I had some ideas from her story and I fully credit her. I?m not trying to imitate her, it just seems to go well enough for the chapter. There you have it: I CREDIT ALICIA BLADE. Was that large enough? :) But this would never be as good as the original one - okay? Now one to the story: Chapter 5 I Hate You Then I Love You I'd like to run away from you But if I were to leave you I would die I'd like to break the chains you put around me And yet I'll never try No matter what you do you drive me crazy I'd rather be alone But then I know my life would be so empty As soon as you were gone Impossible to live with you But I could never live without you For whatever you do / For whatever you do I never, never, never Want to be in love with anyone but you You make me sad You make me strong You make me mad You make me long for you / You make me long for you You make me live You make me die You make me laugh You make me cry for you / You make me cry for you I hate you Then I love you Then I love you Then I hate you Then I love you more For whatever you do I never, never, never Want to be in love with anyone but you You treat me wrong You treat me right You let me be You make me fight with you / I could never live without you You make me high You bring me down You set me free You hold me bound to you I hate you Then I love you Then I love you Then I hate you Then I love you more / I love you more For whatever you do / For whatever you do I never, never, never Want to be in love with anyone but you I never, never, never I never, never, never I never, never, never Want to be in love with anyone but you But you -Celine Dion & Pavarotti from the album, "Let's Talk About Love" "There is always one fine line between love and hate." -Unknown "Opportunity rarely knocks twice." ?Never say ?Never.?? Story: "Dum, de dum!" Usagi hummed as she exited the arcade. She twirled her index finger in tiny circles as she stared at the number of tokens she had won from the Sailor V game she had played. "Wow, I must be seeing stars... a winning streak, imagine! Usagi, you are just so good at games, and you know it." She whistled happily as she began to skip down the neat sidewalk; tomorrow, she'd win another series of games. But, of course, tomorrow's a Saturday so HE'd be there all day. And then she'd tease him, and he would call her "Odango Atama," and then he would smile... Oops. She sighed. 'What is it about him?' she asked herself as she unknowingly smiled. No don't do it! Don't think about HIM! You know it, you SHOULDN'T. Who knows what trick he's planning on next? It's probably just a joke -- No, I can't go on like this forever! I like him. Then again, I hate him. It was all because of him, darn him. It's just simply his doing. She only realized that it was already happening. And she wasn?t sure of how she would react to this... development of feelings. He had been just an obnoxious jerk who was her eternal tormentor and she was the girl who threw test papers at him: no strings attached, no more connections. But why did he have eyes that sparkled a deep summer night sea's blue? Why did he look so upset when he saw her with her friend, Seijuurou? And why did he keep on blushing whenever he thought she wasn't looking? And why was he so gentle and so sweet? What was that thing... that emotion in his eyes that he had always left shining for her to see? For her eyes only. And then what was it that made his lips so sweet and demanding? What did he do to make hearing him call her "Odango Atama sound so right, nice and beautiful? What was it that made her LOVE to love him? She wasn't sure if she wanted to. No one could blame her... it was all so confusing. She didn't want to feel that way. He... she just couldn't. He was so perfect and everything, so kind to her these days. It all seemed so impossible, and she didn't know what to think... Was he worth all of it? Did she really feel that way? Or rather, did *he* feel THAT way? Was he sincere--? Wait. Oh no, that was it. It's was the forsaken thing she had always hated, always bugging her out of her wits. Yet it always seemed to come back again, and then again... Her doubts. Was it all true? Or was it just another trick? 'Mamoru-Baka, what are you doing to me?' she asked herself somewhat bitterly. 'Me? Queen of klutzes, Ms. A-Thirty-A-Day, Keeps- the-Good-Grades-Away? You'd be the most low person to even look at me that way.' She remembered the way he was looking at her the day they played at the Virtual Shootout. She remembered his eyes, the soft glow in them... The way he held her hands -- like she was the only thing that mattered in the world. And his words... 'I will always remember, Odango Atama, I will always remember the truth...' 'I don't understand...' she had replied in her mind. ?Mamoru, I want to kick you. Why won't you just stop speaking in riddles... please? There's something you want me to know.? From the brief glimpses she had seen, curiosity turned into a need. She wanted, needed to know what it was. I feel something for him - but I don?t want to understand these, yet. Maybe the best way is to put distance between the two of us... to keep you away. Then maybe I?d know why, and I?d stop being confused. If only I knew you more, if only you just let me in... Groan. "Hey Usagi-chan!" She left her thoughts and smiled as Makoto-chan came into view. Her smile grew wider when she saw her together with all of her other friends... Mina-chan, Ami-chan and Rei-chan. "Hey guys!" she yelled in an equally loud voice as she waved her hands to them. She grinned happily as they drew nearer. "Hello, Usa, what have you been up to?" Minako asked with a friendly hug. "Not much, I just won several few games," she answered with a wink. Rei gave her a wry look "You're lying." "What was THAT supposed to-" "Chu goo!" They all looked to the direction of the voice and saw a lady hushing a baby to sleep. But the baby was busy smiling at them. She was so cute; with her cuddly rose cheeks and bright blue eyes. Usagi felt like she was staring at the most precious thing in the world... The baby pointed to her, "Goo goo gum!" she squealed "Oh, how CUTE!" she squealed as she suddenly jumped up and down in excitement. They walked nearer to the baby and her mother. "She's the most adorable thing in the world," Rei agreed as she nodded. Ami cuddled the baby's arm, "What is your name?" The mother beamed proudly, "It's Manami - baby Manami." "Manami, so CUUUUTE!" Usagi repeated happily as she began to play with the baby. Rei rolled her eyes as Makoto tried to stifle the giggle welling up in her mouth. "Hey, Mamoru!" and Usagi suddenly let go of baby Manami's hand as she heard Minako voice to Mamoru. "Hello, Mina," she heard him reply with that awfully handsome voice of his. She began to smile, but immediately frowned with the invasion of her previous thoughts. She knew she couldn't go on like that, but she needed time, and as of now, she didn't know what to do. Quickly, she decided to do the only thing she always did whenever she wasn't sure about what she should do. "Um, er, guys... I just remembered, Mom said something about... cleaning my room. And I know that if I don't start now, I'd probably be dead tomorrow. So, I guess I have to go now," she hurriedly said as she quietly moved away, shaking her hands. Far away, where she wouldn't see him and he wouldn't see her as well, "Bye, Manami! Please play with her for me. Bye!" and with that, she hurried off, leaving the girls staring at her, wondering about the *real* reason for her sudden departure. Mamoru moved nearer to see what the scouts were hustling all about, and gasped as he saw the most innocent and sweet thing in the world ('A tie between him and Odango Atama actually... I need to see her soon'). "Whoa, hey there, little guy. I'm Mamoru," he said gently as he held the baby's chubby hands, "Who is this?" Rei gave an adoring smile to the baby, "Oh, that's Manami. Ain't she so precious?" He frowned as he stared at the baby, "Isn't it a 'he?'" They stared curiously as Manami's mother began to laugh softly, "My, you teens are quite amusing," she remarked in a fit of small giggles. Ami just shook her head knowingly, "So, may we ask what her real gender is?" The lady smiled, "Well, Manami's a -- ohh..." The group gasped as they saw the woman fall down before them, and fortunately, Minako caught Manami with an arm. But when they all looked up... It was big, disgusting, and hissing with a very terrible voice. And mostly, it had sharp knife-like hands glowing with blue spheres. They nodded as they transformed. ~~~ Usagi walked from her house with a determined grin. It turned out that her mom had given up and cleaned her room for her, 'Well what do you know...' But that was not the real thing that made her smile -- it was the fact that she had finally decided to face Mamoru. "Who do I think he is? It doesn't really matter. So what if he's confusing and quite unreadable? And what if I?m confused about the way I feel for him? That doesn't give me the right to think of avoiding him. I shouldn?t let that bother me, I control my OWN life," she said decidedly, "Besides, it won't be so bad to see him. All that happens to him is *his* problem -- not mine." She smiled proudly at her words and began a confident stride back to the day care center, "I don't care if he is there, no, I don't care AT ALL--" "Usagi." She instantly stopped dead in her tracks as she heard that familiar voice of a person she never knew, yet so evidently recognized and understood. A person whom she knew she could trust, even though their connection seemed unclear. "Moonlight Lady." She said her name out loud even before turning around to see her. And when she did, she was surprised as the white angel shed her eyes away from her. "W-why?" she asked as she noticed the way the Lady behaved, "What's wrong with me?" 'What?s it in her eyes? She's hiding them away from me... but what is that supposed to mean?' she thought to herself with confusion and hurt. The Moonlight Lady quickly changed the course of their conversation, "Never mind this. These are matters that are yet to be discussed in a better time -- in the future. Usagi, you know that there is some kind of bond between the two of us, and from that, you should just hold on for now. But for now, there is something of greater importance that you should bring your attention upon," she said meaningfully, all the while still looking away and keeping that serious tone in her voice. When Usagi nodded, she lifted her cape and revealed baby Manami, crying openly on her arms. Usagi gasped as she ran over and took the baby from her. The Moonlight Lady smiled, "I leave the child in your care, Usagi. I hope you can take care of her." Usagi nodded as she whispered soothing words to the crying baby. She smiled back as the lady saluted her and jumped off in a flash. She sighed as she stared at the retreating figure on the roof, "What is it about you... I know you," she whispered to her. ?Never mind that,? she rocked the baby and was surprised as she had quieted the baby's wails. And now, she was lying peacefully in her arms, a pretty smile on her lips. This made Usagi smile more. And to top that, she could actually stop a baby from crying! She began to hum a tune as she resumed her walk to the day care center. "I tell you, little baby, if something happens to you, I'll be the first one to take care of you. Do you like that, huh?" The baby's little hand closed around her finger, and she took it as a yes. "Goo." ~~~ Her eyes flew open, and she immediately thought of the one thing that mattered most in her life. "My baby! Where is my baby?" she asked frantically. The scouts ran to her side. The cardian was immediately discarded after they applied the strategy they had planned. But the damage wasn't repaired, and many civilians were hurt. Their worry was on Baby Manami's mother, however. They were in the hospital - and things weren't going well. "I really need to see Manami," she cried, "Where is my child!" "I have your baby here." The group of five followed the lady's gaze. There was Usagi on the doorway, carrying a calm Manami, who was sleeping happily in her cradled arms. Mamoru stared at her as she walked across the room. Again, conflicting emotions restrained in him. "Someone gave her to me moments ago. I heard there was an attack." "Oh, my baby!" she said as she tried to take the baby from Usagi's willing arms. But her strength disabled her, and she fell back down to the bed. "Oh!" Usagi reacted as she immediately brought Manami down for her to hold. The baby's mother smiled gratefully and rocked Manami, "Oh, sweet baby, I?m glad you?re safe...? she hushed. ?But I'm going to have a very big problem with you. I won't be able to take care of you just for a few days, Manami. I'm still weak... ?Maybe I'll just get a babysitter for Manami,? she suggested, looking at them, ?Do you know anyone whom I could trust?? "Oh, no!" Usagi quickly said, "You don't need to. I'll do it for you, for free!" The woman looked at her, her eyes wondering if the girl was enough to take her baby. 'Well, the young lady seems kind enough, and she even made Manami stop from crying, now that was an achievement!' she thought, smiling. 'But she's too young.' A hand lay on her shoulder, "No need to worry, Ma'am. I'll be helping her. And I assure you, I have experience." she stared up and saw the lad Mamoru, smiling gently at her. She had heard about him and his good standards. She smiled, yes, this would be perfect. "That's very nice of you. I can't tell you how much I really appreciate your offer," she began, but stopped as she noticed that both of them stopped paying attention to her. They stood, staring at each other, as if seriously playing a game -- a match. One made of confusion, and Usagi felt her resolutions slip off and disappear... "Not to worry, Mamoru, I can do it on my own," she said with an unreadable, somewhat nervous tone. 'No you won't. And I won't let you get away with those excuses this time,' he told her in his mind. She was bothered again, he knew that. Steadily, he said, "I know you can, but it's quite difficult. I'm volunteering my help." Usagi began to glare at him, but thought for a moment, 'I might lose my chance with baby Manami, I don't want that,' she thought while staring at the baby. 'Staying with Mamoru for a few hours probably won't be that bad. If I watch myself, no scenes and other feelings like that would happen... no confusion,' she added as she took a small glance at him. Warily, she noticed that the girls were all waiting with anticipation for her answer. "Okay, if you say so," she said simply, not looking at him. He ignored the questioning looks the others gave him. 'What the heck is wrong with you, Usagi?' he asked in his mind angrily. 'Why do you have to be so stubborn?' They were all right the other day, but she had built that barrier between them again. She was establishing one of those ways to get away from certain things, namely him. Sure, things were quite complicated between the both of them now, and he could understand if she wasn't feeling very good about it. Who would? But she didn't have to make it go that way, with distance and silence, 'I know you, Usagi. I'm going to make it really hard for you to remain that way.' He took his keys out, "So, Mrs. Ayashi, may we ask where your house is? Your baby's staying with me." ~~~ "Look, Mamoru-Baka, why can't she just stay at MY place?" He sighed as they walked to his apartment room, "Because the baby may be a burden to your family. You already have your mother, father, and Shingo with you. It would be very hard,' he stated, "And besides, I need company." "Oh, alright," she decided slowly, and Mamoru could tell she was trying to sound bored and stubborn, or rather, upset. But that won't work. They reached his door and when they entered, he found her admiring it, "Wow, Mamoru... you're as neat as a pin!" He took off his jacket and nodded, growing red at the compliment, "Enough for Manami, right?" "Okay, okay. So you win," she sighed. And he smiled. So, finally melting, eh? He took the baby down on the couch. And he wasn't surprised to see Usagi staring at the kitchen, "Want something to eat?" She beamed at his offer, "Sure! What have you got?" "Some pastries. Want them?" he asked her, amused at her expression. "Of course!" she said happily as he gave her Manami and walked over to the kitchen. "Maybe you're not such a baka, after all," she remarked. Usagi, you know he never was one, You just can't find something to say. Let's just see if this works... "Of course, not. I'm 'Mamoru-chan,' remember?" he asked back as he turned his back on her. It was better to hide his pained face, and not to make her wonder than to make her situation worse. 'No, I'm Mamo- chan.' He lifted the small cake sandwich and jumped as Usagi immediately snatched it, "Thank you," she said as she placed Manami in his arms. He laughed as he saw her practically munch the whole cake in what seemed like a split second, "Thanks." she told him. "So, what do we do?" ~~~ "AII!" Usagi shrieked, "She won't stop crying, Mamoru. What should we do? She might cry all day long and may get a nose clog. She won't breathe! What do we do?" "WAAHH!" Mamoru sighed as he frantically turned his back from the baby. He was quite positive every single person in the building heard Manami's bugle-like wails. He tried to think what to do... aha! He looked at Usagi, 'This may seem embarrassing, but for him...' He then took a deep breath... and started making funny faces at the baby. It was quite hard. And he knew he was blushing a beet red at the moment... And that was when she began to laugh out loud. He grew redder, "Mamoru-Baka, that's a first!" she said between laughs. He just gave her a smug look, obviously full of enjoyment himself, and resumed in trying to make the baby laugh. "HA, HA, HA..." No, he felt like growing darker than cherry, but he didn't feel embarrassed at all. It felt... nice. As he tried to continue, he heard Usagi stop laughing and gave her a wondering look as sat beside him on the floor. And she innocently asked, "Hey, I'm here to help you, right? I'm not as bad as you may think." She made a funny face at Manami, and he felt deep laughter welling up inside of him. As he laughed out loud as well, she gave him a glare. But then, she smiled soon, "Look, you're funny, too. Besides this is fun!" "Ha! Nothing's more funny than..." he faded as he felt like cowering beneath her perilous gaze, "Nothing." Suddenly, he was knocked out of his breath as a figure lunged at him and pinned him to the ground. He gasped as he realized that Usagi was once again on top of him -- and it was a good thing he was facing the floor. "Take that back!" she commanded. "Uh, huh, Odango, you want me to take that back - you think I'd give up that easily?" he asked from underneath her. And when she saw his face, she was threatened by a mischievous grin. "What are you planning do there mister -- aii!" She found him in the opposite position as he faced her, pinned below him. Before she could say something, she felt warmth spread on her cheeks like fire. She knew this would happen. It was him again... maybe it was the cake he fed her, or maybe he had done something to her. But why did it feel just... so right and special? He laughed as his face loomed dangerously close. And she thought she would faint out of excitement. "Odango..." he began, as all the previous burlesque vanished. There it was again, that look in his eye. There was that, deep, meaningful feeling that stirred restlessly within them. Then, the pain. Clouded eyes. The truth. He told her he would always remember the truth. Was that what he hid? Was that the reason for the emotions she had always seen? What she wanted to know? "I..." he began, his voice quivering. "Yes?" she barely whispered. Tell me... "I... I take it back," he said abruptly, as if breaking away from his chain of thoughts. "Take what back?" she gasped inwardly as his eyes seemed to flash, and once again, it was gone. Hidden from her forever. "Teasing you," he answered. He took notice of their position and slowly drew away, "Sorry for that, Odango." She couldn't answer. And she felt tears trying to well up in her eyes. He was leaving her in the dark again. What was he doing to her? He made her want to cry... she wanted to know him more now... these feelings... the way he hid from her. Why? She tried to suppress a sob and turned her eyes to Manami. And to her surprise, she wasn't crying anymore. The baby was just staring at them, startling her. It seemed like Manami knew what they were talking about and was listening attentively to their exchange of words. She shook her head, no. It was impossible. "She stopped crying," she said bluntly, trying best not to make her voice sound choked. "Yes, he did," he echoed. He? They both stared at her. Suddenly, before them, Manami burst out crying again. This time, the wails were louder and had such intensity that it made her think her wails were just whispers. ?WAAHH!? Usagi clamped her hands over her ears in the hopes of surviving. ~~~ "Oh, how do I get this MILK right?" she grumbled, loud enough for Mamoru to hear on the other room. It was better to make him think that she was in her normal condition. She tasted the mixture she had made, ?Yuck! It tastes just like medicine...? she took more sugar and placed it on the bottle, grumbling as she tried to mix it. That was okay, the longer it takes, the better - so that she wouldn?t have to see him right away, so that he wouldn?t see her misery. It really hurt, him and his hated secrets. They were confusing her all the more. And she felt the suppressed tears now well up in her eyes. She knew this would happen - why did she have to agree to this? When through all the confusion, amidst the emotional uncertainty, she'd always end up feeling bad. Even with reasons she weren't sure WERE actual reasons. She wanted to know more about him, what he truly felt, and about the truth. Things had gone much deeper than they already were these days. She needed the answers to her questions. Now, she wasn?t only confused because of the fact that he made her feel such things, she was also pained because of his secrecy - how he kept her away... "Why do I put up with this?" she quietly asked herself. "I can't believe THIS is the reason I'm crying. Who is he anyway? It's not like there's something between the two of us." Clouded eyes... She had wanted to learn the Truth with such passion... "NO! NEVER!" she shrieked out. "Odango Atama, are you alright?" She knew he was behind her, probably on the door. So she immediately thought of a response -- an excuse, "No, I won't give up. I'll make this the best-tasting milk in the whole world for her! Get back in the living room Mamoru, I'll handle this." She had practically ordered him to do so without looking at him. So she felt his confused gaze and watched him leave. No, not now, Usagi. Don't feel that way... it's not right. I will never understand you Mamoru... but I don't want you to hurt yourself, as well as me. You do things; you... make me feel these emotions. You're this nice and confusing guy I've grown to know, and you show me these things, yet you turn away. Was it I? Am I not good enough to know? The truth? DON'T CRY... But wasn't she good enough to help him? ~~~ He stared at her as she carried the bottle of milk. There was this broken expression on her face. Yet she remained sullen and steady, even. He had hurt her: that must be it, it was possible... But he knew he was trying to lie to himself again - it wasn?t just ?possible,? it was the truth, he had hurt her. But how could he tell her, when he, himself was confused. When was the right time? Was it the right thing to do? ?Here,? she lifted the bottle and swung it before his face, ?You make her drink it.? Wordlessly, he took the bottle and pointed it to Manami?s mouth, waiting for him (or her. But he was convinced Manami was a boy) to open his tiny mouth and drink it. But to his surprise, the baby drew his face away from the bottle and began to cry again. ?Huh?? he thought. ?Oh, maybe we need to change his diaper. Here, you hold this while I- argh!? Usagi had pushed him out of the way; ?I?ll do it. I?ll change *her* diaper. Just relax and I?ll do the rest,? she quickly told him as she began to remove disposable article. And he just stared, his eyes wide, as she did so. Why was she so intent on doing everything herself? She was even more insistent than she had been with mixing the powdered milk... ?Oh my GOSH!? He quickly rose to his feet, ready to kill whatever bug Usagi had seen. But when he looked, he realized THAT was NOT the reason for her reaction. ?She has a...? ?He, Odango, I told you he was a boy, and this just proves it.? She gaped, staring at Manami, and Mamoru had to laugh out loud at her facial expression. ?Eeep! You change him!? she shrieked as she hid behind him, purposely covering her eyes. He never stopped laughing as he changed Manami, forgetting all his troubles, with the awareness that Usagi, herself, forgot her own problems. The ice was broken for the moment, and he was thankful to God for that. ~~~ He stared at her as she sat, telling stories to Manami; she looked so peaceful, and Manami was likewise falling fast asleep in her arms. They were like mother and son, a pleasant picture of paint. He couldn?t help but imagine him beside them, looking at *their* child, who absolutely *had* to look like her. It felt so special; to have a family some day... and he only hoped that it would be with her. Oh, what he would do if she left him... His mind began to drift back to the past, slowly floating past familiar dark halls, awry faces staring, staring at him... finding a small boy, shaking, crying for someone to love... to understand... to show him the truth... And the Truth came when an angel came to his room and offered him a rose. The Truth became clearer when she told him she loved him before dying... when he gave her a locket... and then he learned the whole Truth, he had someone to love, someone to understand. He had a family. Then the angel forgot. And then there was no one. He found himself clenching his fists, and the pain began to ebb within him, forcing a sob to escape his throat... ?Mamoru, where?s your Mama and Papa?? His pained eyes met her concerned ones. ?Oh, I?m, sorry - I-? she began. ?No, you don?t need to.? He assured her firmly. ?But I should,? she interrupted. ?I?m sorry, I?m very sorry, Mamoru-? And then a silver tear fell down his cheeks. ?Oh, Mamoru-chan,? she exclaimed, and she found herself hugging him, and he was crying on her shoulder. ?Don?t cry, Mamoru... you have Motoki Onii-san, and you have Manami. They?re your family, you have... me.? At what she said, his eyes flew open, and he found himself holding her tighter, he wanted to cry harder... never to let go... but his mind stopped him. He quickly drew away, ?Uh, yes. Never mind Odango Atama.? Then he saw her eyes. And he instantly regretted his actions. She was hurt again, and was hurting very much. Her emotional self was racking. She quickly stood up and brought Manami with her, walking to his room where Manami?s crib lay. He quickly followed her, God help him; he didn?t mean it to seem that way... ?Look, Odango-? ?Look, ODANGO?? she asked him furiously as she turned to him, ?Is THAT what you have to say again, Mamoru? You?ll HIDE again with YOUR EXCUSES?? He found himself speechless as she left his room and went back to the living room. ?What-? ?You know what I mean, Mamoru,? she turned to him, and he felt broken at the sight of her teary eyes, filled at the height of anger, ?AREN?T I GOOD ENOUGH? ?Am I that stupid that you can?t trust me with what you think and how you feel? Can?t you look at me as a friend and someone who cares for you? WHAT DID I DO? Do you know why I drown my sorrows in trying to do things on my own? That was to prove to you that I could ALWAYS help. ?Sometimes, I hate myself for being born this way - clumsy, ditzy. But Mamoru, I?m a person myself. I feel things! I want to know! There are things you hide from me, and when I offer my help, it?s like, you get scared and leave.? ?You?re my friend Mamoru, and whatever relationship there is between us, I can?t help but not care for the moment. All of a sudden, it hurts, when I know it shouldn?t. This has gone deeper than I had expected. But, I can?t just sit here and smile like a fool! He felt them; she didn?t understand the better part of the whole story. He wished he could tell her, but his whole concern and love for her forbade it. He closed his eyes as he tried to shut the pain that would soon come with the words that followed. ?And Mamoru, there?s something else. You KNOW something about me. Do you think I wouldn?t notice that? I have a RIGHT to know! And somehow, I have a feeling there?s more to you than it seems...? He stared as she looked away, her words fading, ?You?re eyes are clouded, Mamoru-chan, if only I could help them shine. But you won?t let me... ?And I just wish that I could understand why you won?t trust me.? They both stared at each other, both of their faces pained and filled with tears. And pain wrenched at their hearts emotionally. Usagi took her jacket and choked a ?Goodbye,? before leaving the door. He grabbed her wrist. And when she turned to look at him, she tried not to break at his face. But the pain was too much. ?It was never that way, Usagi.? She looked away, but continued to listen. ?I would want to tell you, but it?s not the time, Usako. The Truth has to wait. There are things I can?t say for reasons I can?t explain.? She stared at him in the eye, feeling the sincerity in his voice. Maybe, it was real. Somehow, she felt that she should trust him. And then, she nodded to herself, believing... ?I trust you, Mamoru-chan. I only wish...? she left her thoughts and decided to leave things to him. ?Usako,? what a beautiful name... ?But I trust *you, * please believe that. If there is only one person I could trust, that won?t be me, but you. But there are some things that can?t be done easily. ?All I need,? he said with a whisper, ?is for you to believe, and to understand. Please tell me you?ll do it for me, please?? There was light in his words, and she felt somehow content. She nodded and gave a small smile, squeezing his hand encouragingly. More tears feel from his eyes, but he was smiling. She smiled too. Mamoru suddenly took something from his pocket. He smiled, ?Here, I know this may seem peculiar. But I want you to have this,? he offered as he raised his hand. And Usagi opened it... It was a star-shaped locket. A very beautiful, precious locket. She stared at its beauty, ?It?s beautiful,? she whispered. ?I-I can?t take this, Mamoru. It must be so special-? He gave her an assuring smile as he wiped the tears from her eyes, ?No, take it. It?s my friendship offering. To remind us of this short interlude here.? She beamed gratefully as she slowly took it from him. She cradled it in her hands, like it was the most precious thing in the world, and stared at its beauty. ?Wear it,? he laughed. ?Okay, Mamoru-chan, but it?s too pretty,? she answered uncertainly. He smiled at the regained ease. ?Don?t worry, it will look just fine,? he commented. And he took it from her and placed it around her neck, ?See?? They both blushed happily at their positions. But it *did* look right. And as Usagi fiddled with its cover she gasped as a sweet melody floated from it, ?Oh...? Behind her, Mamoru gasped as well. And a sharp realization hit him, making him smile. And the sadness that had filled him was replaced with genuine happiness. ?Do you like it?? he asked her. ?I LOVE it, thank you!? she enveloped him in a bear hug. As he returned the gesture, he felt the burden in his heart lighten more. When Usagi withdrew away, she gave him a bright, beautiful smile; ?I better go. Thank you very much, Mamoru-chan.? She gave him a small salute and walked away, ?Take care of yourself, too!? he yelled after her. There was that beautiful face, smiling at him, not with contempt, but with kindness and care. And it was filled with what he could hope was love. That was the last thing he saw before the elevator closed. He gave a heartfelt grin as he went back inside to check on Manami. Things were still complicated, but now, he only felt lightness and rest. There was that easy feeling that enlightened him in this journey. And he was grateful for it. Let the troubles pass for tomorrow. Now, it would only be him, Usagi, and their renewed bond. Oh, and how could he forget? Put Manami in, too. ~~~ She impatiently jumped up and down, ?Come on, hurry up!? ?Wait a second, Odango Atama, it?s not yet the end of the world!? a muffled voice sounded behind the door. ?Well it seems like that when it comes to waiting for you!? she retorted back. ?Now speed up and give me Manami!? The door opened and Mamoru came out in a light green shirt and khaki pants. He looked quite uncomfortable, with Manami in one arm and a basket full of food in the other, Usagi thought he looked really cute and comedic at the same time. She laughed as she took Manami from him. Mamoru had to smile at her attire. She was wearing a long sleeved pink blouse with a small bunny on the upper right. Her legs were donned with a pair of blue shorts. She had a cap without a top that still made her odangos stand out. He looked away, trying not to blush. Usagi smiled as she gently threw Manami in the air, ?So, little tike, wanna have some fun in the park today?? she asked, her eyes sparkling playfully. Her response was another ?Goo? and a fit of cute giggles. Mamoru swung the basket behind him, ?Let?s take that as a yes. So, are we ready?? She adjusted Manami?s position securely, ?Sure!? ~~~ They decided to drop by the grocery store first. Manami was running out of baby supply. So, there they was arguing between brands and talking animatedly, as if there were no such things as problems to them. ?Are you sure?? she asked one more time as Mamoru placed the box of powdered milk in the cart. ?Sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, Odango. He liked it before, right? Surely he?d like to stick to the same thing.? They both pushed the cart and proceeded down the aisle, ?But the commercial said that the other one was the best for babies!? He gave her a lopsided grin, ?Ah, but the TV doesn?t say everything. This one?s better.? She seemed to think for a moment, ?Oh, alright, you win. Now let?s go to the diapers.? ?Oh, how cute, just like a real family.? They both turned to the source of the voice and saw Minako gushing over them. Makoto was snickering while Rei kept laughing, ?So, Usagi, when did you have Mamoru?s baby?? She glared at them, trying to keep their attention from the blush rising on her cheeks, ?You?re all so green-minded. I would never do THAT.? In his seat on the cart, Baby Manami began to giggle. And Usagi was sure the baby knew something. Her face was flaming a soft, rose red and she was pretty sure the man behind her was feeling the same. Oh no, she couldn?t look at him... ?Oi, Usa-chan, you have such a fine-looking daughter down there. In fact she looks just like her *dad. * ? ?Baka, baka, baka! All of you! I told you, I?d NEVER do that. And for your information, she?s a he. Manami?s a boy.? Ami, who just arrived from behind them, continued the chain of banters, ?Usagi-chan, what happened with Mamoru-san?? ?AARGH! BAKA, BAKA, BAKA...? Makoto sweatdropped as she added quickly ?Hey, cool down girl. We were just teasing you! No need to fuss over it.? ??No need to fuss over it,? right Mamoru?? Minako asked, winking. He laughed nervously as he grew redder (if that was possible), ?Er, yes, right,? To Do List: Number One - Remind me to ?accidentally? throw roses at the four of you on our next battle. ?I?m going to get you later, minna. I promise you.? That?s just alright, Usako, do it. Double trouble. The more, the merrier, he added. Rei suddenly squinted her eyes, ?Hey guys, ain?t that Natsumi over there?? Surely, there was a brown-haired figure walking down another aisle, who, Mamoru was grateful for, hadn?t seen them yet. Usagi quickly snatched a pack of diapers, ?This one, right?? He nodded hurriedly, ?Right.? ?Well, nice seeing you guys here, bye!? Usagi said hastily. Both Mamoru and her gave them small waves and fleetly ran off with Manami. The girls smiled with amusement. Natsumi then noticed the group, she swayed nearer, ?Hello, have you seen Mamoru or Usagi somewhere?? Ami began innocently, ?Oh, yes, as a matter of fact, we saw them together over there-? she was cut off with Rei?s hand covering her mouth. ?Oh, no. We haven?t seen them. In fact, we?re also wondering where they are at the moment,? she said while blocking Natsumi?s view on the pay counter. Natsumi tactfully made her way through Rei, and gasped as she saw... ?Since when have they been hiding this from me? They both HAVE a BABY?? ~~~ They both lay, staring at the sky. It was sheer bliss, as cottony cauliflower-like clouds slowly tiptoed in their flight in the endless, blue sky. The wind passed by the meadows, whispering to the flowers, making them dance to her rhythm. The birds seemed content as they stood perched on almond branches. The emerald leaves slowly swayed, giving them glimpses of the sunlight?s jewels. And Usagi felt like she was in heaven. There, she felt content, with Mamoru and Manami-chan. ?Hmm...? she murmured, closing her eyes as she relaxed and let the soft breeze pass her by. ?Feeling good?? Mamoru?s masculine voice broke through her veil of sweet resting. ?Uh, huh...? she answered, ?This is so nice.? He took a glance at her; she looked just like a bunny finally resting after a day of running, so sweet, white, and adorable. But she?d never know that, of course. He didn?t try to be so cautious, looking away whenever she caught him doing so. This day was for both of them, no attachments. Tomorrow, things will return to normal, but... ... But it would still be special, knowing that he had assured her with his trust. That there was that bond between them, that friendship she was sure to treasure. She still hated him for other things, like his mood shifts, and his emotions. But she was gifted with a promise, that someday, she would find out, and that she had to understand him. She opened her eyes and laughed as she saw Mamoru, trying to make Manami walk. ?Look, Manami, I?d hold your arms and you try to walk. Step by step, okay?? he instructed the baby. She watched with anticipation as Manami tried to walk. Her eyes caught his and she smiled, encouraging Manami to walk. The latter beamed and started, trying to walk with all his heart... ?BLAG!? ?WAAAHH!? She quickly went nearer. Although Mamoru had caught him, Manami seemed to be embarrassed and irritated at the same time - he couldn?t walk! ?Oh, baby,? she cooed, taking him away from Mamoru. She patted him on his back, ?It?s alright, you?ll learn how to walk soon enough. We?ll just have to wait, okay?? Manami stopped crying and sniffled a little, but there were still those tiny teardrops on his face, it made her heart break. ?Here, let me have him,? Mamoru, he told her gently, taking Manami in his arms, ?How about if you try to talk, would that be enough, huh?" The baby nodded his head briskly, excited about the new plan. Usagi crept beside them and joined them as they tried to make Manami talk. Several attempts later, all they had as a result was another fit of Manami?s wails. It had been quite fun, actually, but it was still tiring. Usagi covered her ears as Mamoru successfully pacified him. Usagi then decided to tease him, ?You?re so good at this, I wonder why... hmm, maybe you already had a baby before!? She waited for him to give a retort, but was surprised when none came. She looked at him and saw his amused look. He gave a smirk, ?I am, Odango. But unfortunately, your theory was wrong. Don?t worry, maybe someday. When whoever my future wife will be gets pregnant, I?ll make sure that you?ll be the first one to know.? ?Oooh! So, who?s the girl?? ?I don?t think so, in the future, Odango Atama, in the future.? She looked a little bit disappointed, but she soon brightened up and stood, ?You two wait here, I?m going to pick some flowers in the meadow.? He nodded, content at just watching her. But when she began to walk off, Manami started crying. ?Huh, why? Is anything wrong?? Manami only pointed at Usagi, who was fast leaving their sight. Mamoru tried to reason with the baby, ?She?s going to have some fun and get you some flowers, she?ll come back later.? Manami only shook her head and continued to point at her, all while sniffling; it made him look so irresistible, he had to do what he said. He didn?t really mind, after all, since he didn?t realize that Usagi was going that far. He picked Manami up and shouted, ?Hey, Odango Atama, wait!? She stopped, her ponytails dropping, ?What?? He walked, telling her at the same time, ?I think he wants to go with you!? She gave a happy grin, ?Really? Sure!? she ran back to meet them and carefully took a happy Manami in her arms. ?Okay, bye!? she said cheerfully as she began to walk off again. ?Huh? But wait-? he tried to continue, and then he sighed. ?Yeah?? I want to go with you too, ?Uh, never mind. Just wanted to check if he has his shoes on.? She didn?t seem to believe him, but she checked on Manami?s feet, just to be sure, ?Oh, he has them, don?t worry.? He nodded, and as she waited for him to talk again, she gave up and resumed her walk. And Mamoru just stared at her as she left, ?Some day for the both of us, I can?t even find he courage to walk with her,? he thought. ?WAAH!? What? Usagi returned, looking confused, ?I thought you told me he wanted to be with me, he seems to want to go with you.? He scratched his head, puzzled, ?I don?t know.? ?Here, you take him,? she offered. Manami cried. ?Uh, how about if you take him?? He still cried. ?I don?t get it, what does he want?? Usagi asked, befuddled. ?I?m not sure...? Mamoru said, holding the baby?s hand. Then the crying stopped. Both of their set of confused eyes rested on a baby, sitting contentedly in Usagi?s arms. He then realized that babies weren?t exactly what they seemed. It almost gave him a shiver. This one was special, he *knew* something. And it seemed like he completely understood Mamoru?s feelings. Like an angel God sent to help him... He snapped out of it, what was he THINKING? This baby? Nah. Maybe it was just an effect of those wild figments of imagination they say on TV... But anyway, he was thankful for that action. Usagi began nodding with realization. She slowly looked at him, ?Want to go with me?? she asked shyly. Of course I would, even if the whole world told me not to, ?Gladly.? She smiled brightly, ?All right, let?s go!? To Do list: Number two - Give Manami a warm, full, fresh bottle of milk and read him all the stories he wanted until it hurt. He could even try to sing for him if the baby wanted. He didn?t need a dog, he already found his ?man?s best friend.? ~~~ ?He?ll be a lawyer.? ?No, a rock star idol, and girls all over the world will swoon at him.? ?I don?t think so, what about a teacher?? ?Probably, but how about a swimming instructor? He?ll look so cute and muscular!? ?Cuter than I am? Ow - Hey! I was just kidding!? ?Uh, huh? Well, I bet he?ll be one of the most handsome doctors in the world, I hope *you* can beat that!? He looked up from his lying position on the ground, ?Doctor?? he asked wondrously. The day was ending, and they decided to, once again, rest under a tree and watch the sun set. It had been tiring, and quite eventful to say at least. They had run in the meadows, gobbled up all the food they could, went to the nearby theme park for Manami and spent up all pocket money they had. But mostly, they had fun (especially in those awkward situations they had in the ?Love Ride,? which Manami had insisted on going to) It was quite a refuge to lie there, another point of rest for the day. ?You like doctors?? he echoed once more. She gave a small laugh, ?Yeah, doctors, why?? He blushed as he looked away, those were the jobs *he* wanted, ?I was just... surprised.? ?Well, I?m not *that* ditzy, you know,? she said good-naturedly. He sat up, ?That?s not what I meant, you know that. It?s just that I want to know why.? She stared thoughtfully at the sun, patting Manami on her lap, ?Well, I like doctors, not because they help cure the sick. You see, they bring happiness to patients and their families, they give encouragement to those troubled and try their best to save the life of a person. They shed light to others. I like them, not because they cure people, but because they *heal* them, that?s what true doctors are.? He nodded, understanding. That was one of the reasons he loved her. She didn?t see things people normally do, like how they solve algebraic expressions and how auroras are formed. But instead, she saw the deeper side every single thing had: like how the birds sing to keep the young babies from being lonely, or how God made the clouds to dance for her, and how everyone possessed that certain magic they had to harness with all their hearts. That was something he learned from her, and that made him love her. ?You?re deeper than people normally think you are, and I know that,? he said thoughtfully. She blushed, ?I don?t know. Mamoru, you know that I?m a klutz, a crybaby, all thumbs and stupid. Just...? ?Don?t start, Odango Atama, I know you. You try to prove your worth by trying your best at everything, only, things don?t work that way. So you start giving up. You then start thinking that everything you do becomes hard... then you stop trying...? He was suddenly aware of his words as Usagi gave him a surprised look, ?H - how did you know?? He could only answer the single phrase he always had in mind, ?I know you more than you think, Odango.? ?In due time,? she murmured, nodding, ?I?ll know how you do.? He gave her an encouraging smile, ?Don?t give up, Usagi. Doing things correctly isn?t always as easy as eating cake. You have to work hard, to try, to fail... and soon you will succeed. ?I believe in you, so you should. Try your best, Odango. I assure you, things will be alright.? He was shocked when Usagi suddenly hugged him, and he felt dizzy, dizzy with happiness. Finally, all that he had hoped for were slowly taking place. He hoped only for the best, and that soon, things will be all right. ?Thank you very much, Mamoru-chan. I might regret saying this,? she said with a small laugh, ?But maybe you?re better than I thought you were.? His hands slowly came behind her and hugged her back, ?Thanks.? He stared at Manami, who was sitting behind them, and... he winked? ~~~ ?Okay, tell me, what do you know? I know you?re just pretending to be innocent and cute - you show us that you don?t even know how to talk. But there?s something about you. And I demand you to speak up and tell me all about it.? He pointed an accusing finger at Manami, who only stared at him innocently with his big, blue eyes staring widely at him. He only stared back, trying hard not to groan, ?No, don?t give me that, DON?T lie.? Stare. He covered his eyes, with remorse, ?What was I thinking? This baby?? He looked back uncertainly at Manami, who gave him a charming smile. He leveled himself with Manami, ?I don?t know much about you... maybe you ARE innocent. But why do you seem to know something?? No reply. ?I give up!? he said exasperatedly. ?Chiba Mamoru, logic expert, why do you even think of such things? ?And you,? he faced Manami, ?Why do I have a feeling you want things to be better between me and Usako? Do you?? Manami nodded. He stared, shocked. Then there was a knock on the door. He quickly went to open it, maybe it was Usagi, maybe she forgot something, or maybe she wanted to tell him something about Manami. Manami! He took a box of tissues and gave it to Manami to play with, and the baby seemed to be content with it. Manami began pulling the tissues out - and he was thankful for that. Yet, he still kept a watchful eye on the child as he approached the door. Remembering that Usagi might be the one on the other side, he cleared his throat and straightened his jacket. He then opened the door. A brown-haired girl barraged him with a hug, nearly toppling him over. He gave a huge gulp. He could almost imaging Manami staring at them with VERY wide eyes... ?Mamoru-chan!? Natsumi sighed. Mamoru-chan?(??) Since when did they agree that she start calling him that as well? ?What?? She innocently looked at him, ?What?s wrong? The girls told me (actually, they BRAGGED to me) that Usagi calls you ?Mamoru-chan.? Can?t I do that as well? After all, you ARE a friend of mine, and I am yours too, right? So there?s nothing wrong with it, and I can call you that as well, right?? He sweatdropped as he stuttered an, ?Uh...? She beamed at him, ?That?s a yes! Why thank you! You?re soo kind, Mamoru-chan!? she turned on her back, spotting Manami, ?And what do we have here? What a cute baby!? He stepped back remorsefully and put his hand on his face, shaking his head. His eyes widened as he saw her heading for Manami, and he immediately followed her to make sure nothing would happen to the baby (if things were THAT bad when it came to Usagi, what more with Natsumi?). ?What?s the cutie-pie?s name?? she asked sweetly. ?Oh, that?s Manami. Usagi and I are babysitting him.? She looked at him, and he could nearly swear he saw an angry glint in her eye, ?Oh, really? I don?t see her anywhere here... I bet she?s caught in detention again. So maybe I can help you for the moment.? He coughed nervously, ?Oh really? You don?t have to, Natsumi, after all, it?s a pretty hard job...? ?Not to worry, if that ditz Usagi - I mean, if Usagi can do it, so can I!? ?She?s NOT a ditz.? He replied steadily. She just shrugged and smiled, ?Whatever, now go make some milk while I play with her.? ?Him,? he corrected. She continued to push him, ?Uh, okay, him. Now go, shoo!? She shoved him in the kitchen and went back to face Manami. And Manami felt a sense of foreboding as she went beside him and snatched his beloved tissue box from his small, chubby fingers. He stared widely as she crossed her legs beside him, looking at him disgustedly, ?Now look, brat,? she sneered, ?I don?t care if you?re a she or a he, but you better cooperate with me, especially if he?s watching. Or else.? He cowered in his seat as she began to carry him up. ~~~ ?AAAAIIIII!? Mamoru nearly dropped the bottle of milk he was making as he heard the shrill scream coming from the living room. He clasped the cap of the bottle and hurriedly ran to the said room. ?Natsumi, what?s wrong with-? He tried to stifle the laugh rising in his throat, covering his mouth as he stared at the sight before him. She stood, glaring at Manami, her short skirt wet, ?He peed on me!? ?He WHAT?? he asked, trying hard to sound shocked. But there was the laughter slowly escaping him... ?Oh, I HATE THIS!? she shrieked, she faced Manami, ?AND YOU... I HATE YOU!? She stalked over to Manami, intending to slap him. Mamoru?s strong grip quickly stopped her hand. She gave him a shocked look, ?Mamoru! Why are you doing this? Don?t you think this brat should be punished for what he did to my expensive skirt?? He had an angry look on his face, ?You shouldn?t blame such things on a child. He didn?t know what he was doing, you know that. It was an accident. You shouldn?t even try to hurt a baby - he can?t defend himself, don?t be partial.? She looked indignant, breathing deeply. Finally, she gave him another candy-coated grin, ?Oh, I?m SO SORRY,? she patted Manami on his head (the child tried to crawl away) ?You?re right, I?ll take care next time. But I?m afraid there might not be one. I just realized that babies aren?t my specialty.? He was relieved - call him mean if you want, but he was *still* relieved. ?Well, I guess I better go now,? she sighed. Once again, she rose and hugged him, this time longer than the first one. And he felt himself being confused - what did Natsumi really feel for him? How could he show her that his heart already belonged to another? She still wasn?t letting go. Manami suddenly cried. He untangled himself from her arms and kneeled before Manami, ?What?s wrong, Manami-chan?? More milk for you later, my friend. I promise you that. We are kindred spirits, you know much about how I feel... In fact I?m willing to share another day together with Usako with you... I?ll even get you the most expensive toy-train on your first birthday. As unusual as you may seem, I don?t EVER want you to stop. He felt a miffed Natsumi impetuously stomp her foot and leave the room, and he (as much as he tried not to) smiled. ?You?re my saving bell,? he commented to Manami as he gave him a five. Suddenly, he heard voices. ?Oh, hello there, Usagi-chan.? ~~~ ?Natsumi, hi! What are you doing here?? Usagi, asked, surprised as she saw Natsumi standing right outside Mamoru?s door. With a very wet skirt and an *angry* look. She felt sweat forming in her neck as she stared at the look Natsumi gave her. She suddenly looked up and said saucily, ?I was just helping MY Mamoru-chan take care of Manami while you were gone. And you can say, we work pretty well together, better than him and any of someone here.? ?Mamoru-chan? Since when did he start telling *her* nickname for him to everybody? And to Natsumi?? she thought incredulously, somehow feeling upset. ?I...? she didn?t know what to say. Then she heard Manami cry out loud from inside. Then she realized a few things. If Natsumi was saying the truth, why was Manami crying? It didn?t seem like she did a *very good* job. ?Are you sure, he seems... unhappy around there.? Natsumi froze, looking caught and she stuttered, ?Oh - really? That?s because... I?m leaving, he?s sad.? The crying stopped. ?Huh?? she asked, forgetting about Natsumi from amazement, ?How did he do that in cue?? This time, Natsumi was blushing a beet red, glaring angrily at the door. And Usagi can only imagine her irritation on Manami. The child was a wonder. ?Natsumi?? she asked, wondering if the girl was alright. She then laid a hand on her shoulder, ?Are you okay-? To her surprise, Natsumi threw her hand off, ?I?ll get you for this. You watch it, Odango Atama!? Usagi was suddenly confused, what did she do? There was this angry gleam in her eyes that warned her to prepare for something bad. But why in the world would she suddenly act like that to her? ?What do you mean?? she began. Natsumi just glared at her and passed by her coldly, purposely bumping to her shoulder. ?Ow! What was that for? There?s such a large space for you to pass in the hallway.? ?I just felt like bumping into useless people today,? she responded, a warning look in her eye as she left for the elevator. ~~~ Mamoru abruptly left for the hallway. Exactly when he came near his doorway, Usagi entered, looking upset. ?I see you already found a good replacement for me, do you want me to leave?? she said sadly, her eyes dropping. ?Look, let me explain -? ?Wow, when you said you were ?Mamoru-chan,? I never thought that that would mean everybody else, too. Maybe you just got tired of one of your enemies calling you ?Mamoru-baka.?? She said bitterly. ?She came here alone!? he said exasperatedly, trying desperately to make her understand. ?Yes, and so, why should I care? Why *do* I care, anyway? Come to think of it - what am I even doing here? Why did I even believe-? ?Stop it, Usagi, would you? Listen to me-? ?Listen to you? I don?t know. Why do I feel angry now?? she shook her head. ?I thought things were okay, and here we are again. I just can?t understand,? she placed her hands on her face, she couldn?t stop. It was so darn difficult. She wasn?t talking to him anymore, she was talking to herself, ?Why is this happening again, Mamoru? Why do you-? ?WHY? Because I CARE FOR YOU! I care for you a lot, you don?t even know it!? he said, frustrated. She gasped, and they both froze as his words echoed past the hallway hauntingly. ?Goo!? Usagi gave him an confused look and they both turned to see... Manami walking in their direction! Their eyes widened as Manami slowly walked to them. Slowly. There, another step. Another one, four steps... One more time... BLAG! Manami slowly raised his eyes; maybe they?d get sad because he wasn?t able to reach them on his own. He looked up... ?OH MY GOSH!? Usagi squealed, looking at Mamoru with joy. ?THIS IS... THIS IS OUTSTANDING!? he replied, his delight mirroring hers. As if nothing had happened, they grabbed each other?s hands and started *jumping and dancing about, ?WE?RE GENIUSES! WE MADE HIM WALK!? * = Think Tasuki and Kouji from Fushigi Yuiigi - aren?t they just COOL dancers? ?We?re such good babysitters - we?ll make good parents when we grow up!? ?This is a success! Wait ?til Mrs. Ayashi hears this!? Manami smiled contentedly as he watched them hugging. At least things worked out between them. He grabbed a tissue and threw it in the air, making it fall softly to the carpeted floor - just like a real wedding. ~~~ ?You two are such blessings given by God to me! I can?t thank you well enough, you even made him walk!? Usagi smiled shyly at the appraisal given by Manami?s mother, she blushed and almost (almost!) leaned on Mamoru, who had a proud, coy look himself, ?That was okay, we had fun with him.? Mrs. Ayashi gave them a bright, happy smile, ?Really? That?s great, I?ll make sure to call you up about him every now and then. He loves you!? They were outside the day care center, bidding Manami goodbye. It was two days after the previous incident, and things have been peaceful ever since (although they didn?t really talk about the fight anymore). Now there they were, having a bittersweet farewell with each other - which meant that there won?t be building-rocking wails and regular afternoon visits from Usagi. Yes, they were going to miss it all. Mamoru, who was now wearing a maroon jacket (Manami had somehow ?accidentally? spilled milk on his green one earlier, to Usagi?s delight. He was suspicious, however), offered, ?If ever you need someone to baby-sit for him again, we?ll be here.? ?Of course they?ll be there, after all, they just *love* doing it. They work well together, you know,? Rei remarked as Makoto snorted behind her. ?Oh, I don?t doubt that,? Mrs. Ayashi assured, smiling as she shifted Manami in her arms. A car suddenly stopped by the sidewalk, and another middle-aged woman emerged from it, ?Mai, so good to see you! I hope I came just in time.? ?Just on time,? Manami?s mother nodded, giving her an amused grin. ?We better go now, we?re in need of a break. Take care of yourselves!? ?We will, bye, Manami-chan!? Usagi waved. Manami happily waved back as his mother walked off to talk to her friend. Rei and Makoto suddenly disappeared, to Usagi?s great wonder. Then there was a sudden discomfort. ?Look, Usagi, about that incident with Natsumi-? ?Mamoru, what I said-? They both laughed at the mistake and Usagi found herself comfortable again, "Why don?t we just forget it happened?? He gave her a handsome smile, ?I definitely agree. There are no other words needed for this, friends?? Usagi shook his extended hand, ?Friends, Mamoru-chan.? They began to stroll down the sidewalk, ?So, would you still be visiting me now that Manami?s gone?? ?Sure, why not? Just remember your pastries, okay?? ?Uh, huh, I will.? ?And the ?in due time? thing.? He smiled, a deep, meaningful one, ?I just hope, Odango Atama.? Manami laughed back in the car, ?Yay, Mamo-chan, Odahgo Atoma!? his first *considerable* words... End of Chapter Five That?s all for now. Part six may come quite sooner. It?s quite hard to do. I just hope that you remember the things that happen here, since they are very much closely related to chapter six. The story?s end is drawing nearer. It stops at part seven. So wait for it! I hope you liked this chapter. Give your thanks to Alicia Blade (I wasn?t able to ask for your permission, my e-mail crashed, remember?). Tell me what you think, okay? Annabelle - hannah@predlinux.info.com.ph / annabelle_g@usa.net Okay, a preview to chapter six: (Note: This is subject to change) Usagi ran, blinded by her tears. She needed to get away, away from them all... away from him. She fled past people, ignoring the looks they gave her, no, she couldn?t notice all of them. It was because of him - it hurt too much. She drifted to an alley, and there, she lay desperately on the dark, red bricks. And in her desperation, allowed herself to sob loudly. As her thoughts dwelled upon the earlier events, a pained sound came from her. She slowly sunk to the ground, her chest heaving with sobs. How could he do this to her? How could he just raise her hopes and throw everything down in her face? He had broken her, over and over again... Voices... they were everywhere, haunting her, leering at her... and she couldn?t get away from them all... ?He said he trusted you? YOU? Ditz of the century? Get real, Odango Atama! You?re dreaming in a fictional world...? ?No...? she gasped hoarsely. I love him - I LOVE HIM! You thought me how to love you. Oh, Mamoru, how could you do this to me? You just played with my heart... ?It?s just an act!? Natsumi had sneered. It was all naught. Why did she even believe? He had just played a part of the script he had made. And how successful he was: he had made a perfect fool out of her. ?I thought you felt the same way too. I was too foolish to believe it was all real...? she moaned as she took the locket he had given her, gripping it tightly, ?Mamoru, you broke my dreams. Why? What did I do?? and pain overtook her senses as she lay there, sobbing in the dark. She drowned in self-torture as memories flashed, spinning around her, intensifying her pain... The star locket stopped playing.