Usagi and Mamoru

Signs of Affection

100 Drabbles

57. Confessions

Ami sat in the shade beneath a tree at the Hikawa Shrine. It was so quiet here and peaceful. A perfect place to come and read for a while, keeping her friend company while she raked the leaves. Ami had offered to help, of course, but Rei had insisted that it wasn't necessary and that she was just glad for someone to talk to while she worked.

Up until now they'd been chatting about simple things; the recent chill in the weather, the latest round of exams Ami had completed, and the new look Rei was considering trying out with her hair. Then, rather unexpectedly, the subject shifted.

"I'm getting a little sick of it," Rei had said in a quiet, guilt-laden tone.

Ami glanced up, caught off-guard and uncertain. "Sick of what?" she asked.

Rei focused intently on her raking for a few minutes before answering. Ami let her take her time. Finally her temper seemed to push through whatever was holding her tongue and she exclaimed, "Mamoru! I'm getting a little sick of Mamoru!"

The blue-haired girl's brows arched. It seemed that all Rei had talked about for the last few days was how wonderful it was being Mamoru's girlfriend. She winced a little remembering how Usagi had smiled and congratulated her.

Rei huffed and sat under the tree next to her friend. "I don't know what's wrong with him. I've done everything right. I'm the perfect girlfriend but…" She trailed off, scowling at the half-raked leaves.

"But?" Ami prompted, gently.

"But he keeps ignoring me!" Rei spit. "We've only even been on one date and when we see each other he hardly says two words to me and just looks like he wants to be somewhere else. I seriously figured that with a bit of care and affection he'd stop being such a stick in the mud, but how can he change if he won't even accept my care and affection?"

Ami studied her friend's face thoughtfully. Mostly her eyes reflected annoyance and smoldering temper, but she didn't miss the hint of hurt that lingered there, too. Resting her hand over Rei's, she softly asked, "What will you do?"

Leaning back against the tree trunk, Rei sighed. "I'm going to call him tonight and if he actually answers I'm going to tell him it's over between us. I don't need to bend over backwards for someone else. I deserve someone who sees how amazing I really am and appreciates it."

With a small smile, Ami squeezed Rei's hand. "Yes, you do."