Hi everyone! So this is what I have been doing instead of typing out Prophecy... you know... aside from 2 jobs, a 4 year old, and full time college homework :) I was hoping to get this finished by Halloween, but it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to by this Saturday. :( So sad... However, I thought getting the first part as a teaser would be a fabulous idea!

My inspiration for this story was mostly because there are never any good Halloween stories about my favorite Anime couple getting together! *pout* I fed off of one of my favorite stories by Maronett -- Stolen Moments when it came to some of the plot. Read it! It's amazing! Unfinished... but amazing. To answer any lingering questions, yes, Alicia Blade is one of my favorite authors and no, I did not take her date auction idea from "The Gentleman in Back" and twist it into my own story. I actually had the idea and had written (and completed!) a 4th of July fic when I was 13... however, the file was lost with ASMR (RIP) went down. So here's a new rendition with a different holiday, and hopefully MUCH better writing skills.

"PleeeeeeAAAASE?!"

Motoki sighed and lowered his gaze to the floor, shoulders drooping and dishrag in hand. An hour of Usagi's whining, begging, pleading, and large puppy-dog eyes was starting to break him.

"Well… you see… Usa…" he tried, twisting the kitchen towel with his two hands nervously.

"PLEEEEEEEEEE---EEE-EEE-EEEASE?"

Another exasperated sigh came from Motoki. Looking back up, he saw the pink of her bottom lip sticking out into a pout; blue eyes shining with desperation, her head tilted slightly to the side, and both hands clasped together, her arms stretched out. Her knees and legs were tucked under her on the barstool, allowing the entire top half of her body to drape over the counter.

Just then the door chimed, and a familiar sent of roses and coffee filled Usagi's senses. Forgetting her mission for a moment, she spun around and glared, "Baka."

"Odango."

"Mamoru!" Motoki exclaimed in excitement, "Good to see you! How are you?"

Cocking an eyebrow at the clerk's eagerness, he smiled and in one swift movement, removed his jacket and sat next to Usagi at the counter, "I'm fine." Turning his attention to the blonde beside him, he poked her in the side, "What's with the odd sitting position Odango?"

Usagi huffed her attention back to Motoki, but not before sticking her tongue out at him.

"PLEASE!"

Mamoru noticed Motoki's deep sigh as his best friend brought him his coffee. Obviously, Usagi's charms could be resisted, but only for a short time frame. Motoki was extremely close to giving into the girl.

"It's obvious he doesn't want to, Odango. Leave Motoki alone."

Usagi fumed, "Do not tell me what to do, Baka! I'm not a child."

Mamoru rolled his eyes and he took his first sip of coffee, "Says the girl who still sticks out her tongue at people and sits on a barstool like a five year-old."

She glared, declaring, "You don't even know what we're talking about!" and sat in her seat "properly" crossing one leg over the other.

"Whatever it is, Motoki doesn't want to. Quit pestering him."

"She's not pestering," Motoki stood up for Usagi, trying to settle the dispute, "I really would like to help, but… I just don't know Usa."

Sighing, the blonde slumped over the counter, her left arm propping her head up—purposely invading Mamoru's space with her elbow and one golden bun. He glared and poked at her hair with the bottom of his black ballpoint pen, "Odango, I'm trying to read the paper."

"You know, for a doctor you're sure rude."

"And for a high school senior, you're sure immature."

She whirled her head to face him, nearly slapping him in the face with her pigtail, "Why do mothers let you see their children? Honestly, aren't enough things out there today scaring children, other than their pediatrician?"

"You would know. Don't you still see one? Why don't you transfer to my practice?" Mamoru sneered, taking another drink.

"Ooookaaaay!" Motoki butt-in before Usagi attacked, "Wow. Um… Usagi, why don't I lend you the Arcade for the night? Would that work instead? You said you still needed a location…"

The diversion worked. Usagi beamed and hurled over the counter to grasp Motoki in a famous-Usagi-bear-hug.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Oh, thank-you-thank-you-thank-you-thank-you-thank-you-thank-you-thank-you-thank-you-thank-you!"

Motoki laughed and untangled the girl's arms from behind his neck, "No problem. Besides, it'll be good for this place."

"Someone mind telling me what's going on?"

Usagi ignored him and hopped off the stool, proceeding to the exit, "See you later Toki!"

"Man, she's immature. Ow! Motoki, what was that for?" Mamoru rubbed the back of his head, guessing the stinging sensation from the towel snap he received would not be leaving any time soon.

"You can be such a baka, Chiba."

Mamoru rolled his eyes, "Nani? Don't tell me you agree with her."

"Of course I agree with her! You don't know what we were talking about. Which, you might have if you had been the half-decent human being I know you can be."

"What do you mean by half decent?" Mamoru pulled up his paper, hiding him from Motoki's view, "And what, exactly, were you talking about?" he grabbed his mug, taking in a large drink.

"She's organizing a Halloween party to raise funds for the orphanage."

Mamoru's coffee sprayed all over his beloved Tokyo Times, "NANI?"

He lowered the paper and was met with a smug look from the blond, "You heard me. Usa wants to get into the public relations field. She had an interview with one of the admission administrators at Tokyo University last month. Apparently, Usa has all the marks she needs to get accepted into their program next year—but in order to be accepted she needs to bump up the extra curriculars or do something outrageous."

Mamoru groaned, "And she HAD to pick my sanctuary?"

Motoki laughed, "Your sanctuary? I knew it was important to you Chiba, but I didn't know it was your holy place."

"It's the only place I haven't run into her yet. It's been Odango free for the past four years. What did she ask your help for?"

Motoki shrugged and began wiping the table, cleaning Mamoru's coffee, "I guess the orphanage has been tight on funds." He held up a finger at Mamoru's opening mouth, "And so Usa decided to show off her PR and organizational skills" he reinforced that he wasn't finished by pushing his finger forward as Mamoru opened his mouth once again, "by organizing a fund raiser for the kids' activities, building repairs, and even new playground equipment." Motoki pulsed his finger forward again, shutting Mamoru up so his lips pursed together in a tight frown, "It's a costume ball and she'll be inviting all of the elitists and anyone else who wants to help with donations. She was asking for a large sum for advertising, but I just can't do it. I'm not sure if this place will last any longer on its own. But I'd be willing to shut it down for a night, if at least to get some bodies inside." Motoki dropped his finger, and turned to help a set of new customers that had just walked in, "Let her do this without the help of the "anonymous" donor, okay?" Beat. "And don't tell her I told you!"

Mamoru took another drink of what was left of the lukewarm charcoal beverage and thought for a while. Usagi's idea would most definitely help Motoki. Motoki had switched majors after the two completed their first two years of college and followed his family's footsteps into the business world. His father had decided to sell the business—calling it a place for "young people and not old farts" like himself. That was all the motivation Motoki needed to realize he wanted to keep the Crown instead of leaving it in the hands of someone else. Shortly after graduation, Motoki purchased the place on his own, wanting the transaction to be "real," not something he received as a gift. Mamoru had offered to loan his friend the money, but Motoki refused to be indebt to a friend. But then the economy had changed and kids had changed… the arcade became somewhat forgotten. Mamoru and Odango and her friends still met there regularly, but most of the customers who were patrons had moved past the days of arcade games and karaoke.

"Ja, Motoki." Mamoru announced his departure. After receiving a wave from Motoki, signaling he had heard, Mamoru grabbed his coat and tossed his paper into the trashcan. Exiting the arcade, he couldn't help but scheme how he could team up with Odango to help out the Crown. And Motoki.

~*~

Usagi chewed on the end of her pen looking over her chicken scratch of notes, "Talk to Toki, check. Mako-chan, check. Rei-baka, check. Minako, check. Ami, check." Her blue eyes stared at the last to-do that was left undone, "Chiba-san." Groaning she let her head hit the hard wood of her desk, "Uncheck."

"Usagi, are you alright?"

"Hai, mama!" Usagi called, her head still face down, "Just… dropped something!"

"Okay! Dinner will be ready soon."

Usagi took in a deep breath, puffing out her cheeks. Sitting up, she let it out and flopped back into her chair—the back of the chair giving, letting her stare at the ceiling easily. Her plan had been to help the orphanage with its fundraising—since she had to stop volunteering soon after she discovered she was Sailor Moon and the Moon Princess they had been searching for, for nearly a year. The orphanage would benefit, Motoki and the Crown would benefit, and she and the girls would all have something impressive to put down on their college admissions—much to Ami's delight. What made her friends think Mamoru-baka was the key to their success? Oh right… Rei.

"He knows LOTS of important people, Odango. And he has a really big heart." Rei swatted the backside of Usagi's head at her snort, "Just ask him and tell him what it's for. I know he'll say yes."

"Why can't YOU talk to him? You dated before right?"

Rei rolled her eyes, scribbling Mamoru's contact information on a piece of paper for Usagi, and waved her free hand dismissively, "It was a couple of outings when we were kids, and I'm already helping out. This is supposed to be YOUR event, remember?"

Usagi sighed, "Yea yea… I just don't see how much help the Baka could be. I mean really… the only friend he has is Motoki. Who could he possibly know with connections?" she studied the address Rei had handed her and shoved it into her planner.

Makoto laughed, "He works at the hospital in the pediatrics division, and I read in the Tokyo Times he's close friends with the director. Even Ami's mom likes him."

"Come on Usa," Minako winked, "I bet he could swoon loads of girls out of their money."

Usagi cackled, "Yea, all the cougars."

Ami gasped, as the other three scouts giggled hysterically, "Usa! Where did you learn that?"

"It's from the Cosmo magazine Minako gave me last week."

The blue genius rolled her eyes, "Not exactly the English lesson I thought you'd be teaching her Minako."

Mina tried her best to look sheepish, but there was too much enjoyment out of the situation showing in her eyes.

"What's so wrong about it?" Rei turned the conversation back to the original topic.

"It's completely outrageous and will give the Baka a bigger head than he needs!"

"Mamoru-san is NOT narcissistic."

"Oh right, he's SADistic. My mistake."

"Odango!"

"Don't call me that!"

"Think of how much he could bring in for the orphanage?" Makoto tried to persuade.

"Not to mention the customers for Motoki." Ami chimed.

Usagi groaned, "You're all ganging up on me!" she whined. To add to her immature act, she stomped her right foot on the temple floor, crossed her arms over her chest, and brought out her lower lip into a pout.

Rei rolled her eyes, "We're not ganging up on Odango. This was YOUR idea to talk to the hospital for extra help and getting donations. We're just stating the obvious. If Mamoru-san is involved the higher the participation rate! Even you, Odango brain, can't deny how great that would be for the orphanage, the Crown, and your project. Think like the PR rep you want to be, not the whiney brat you are!"

"I am NOT a whiney brat!"

"You just stomped your foot and pouted. Yes, you are!"

"REEEEI!!!! Why are you so MEEEEEAAAAN?!"

"Well, at least its good to know her being the future queen of Earth isn't going to change Usa." Makoto laughed, shaking her head at the two.

"This was YOUR idea to get into college. Why are you being so—"

"I do think Rei has a good idea," Minako winked, "Mamoru-san is a hunk! And he's smart. All of the doctors and nurses like him. He could bring in a lot of money and really help support everything."

"I am not! He's been nothing but a jerk to me for the past—"

"I know Motoki could use the additional patronage too." Ami added, "Do you think we can talk Usa into it?"

"You're such an Odango brain!"

"Quit calling me that, Pyro!"

"Listen to your second in command! You know I'm right!"

"You'll be my fifth in command if you keep this up!"

"You can't demote me for doing my JOB!"

"This is my idea!"

"That was MY point, Odango Atama!"

"Let me do this my way!"

"You asked for our help!"

"My event will be a success without Mamoru-BAKA IN IT!"

Usagi's voice rose and the two continued to throw insults at each other.

"Maybe not today," Makoto sweat dropped.

"Usagi! Phone!"

Sighing, she stood and grabbed the piece of paper with Mamoru's address on it, folding and sticking it into her pocket, "Coming mama!"

~*~

"Moshi, moshi! Usa-chan."

"Odango."

"Nani?! Baka!" Usagi fumed, taking a moment to stare at the phone before placing it back to hear ear, "How did you get my number?"

"Rei-chan."

Usagi made a mental note to moonbeam the once-Martian at the next senshi training, "Wait, why are you calling me?"

Mamoru chuckled, and Usagi felt her face flush. 'Leave it to Odango to have a two second mood change.'

"I wanted to talk to you about what happened at the arcade."

"Apology accepted," her voice traveled through the phone. Mamoru removed his cell from his ear and stared at it with confusion, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some things I need to take care of."

He brought the phone back to his ear, "Iie, Odango. I'm not apologizing."

"…"

At her silence, he continued. At least she hadn't hung up on him yet.

"I wanted to ask you what your project was and if you needed any help."

"Nani?"

"Well," he paused, "I'm a little fuzzy on the details," he didn't need Odango knowing he and Motoki and talked about her. 'It would give her the wrong idea' he concluded, "but from what I understand Motoki and the Crown could really benefit from whatever it is you're doing."

Usagi gulped, "H—hai, Chiba-san."

"Chiba-san? Is your mother there watching you? And what 18 year-old doesn't have their own phone line?"

The insult brought Usagi back to reality, "You're such a baka!" her voice carried through, earning him a few looks from the nurses around him.

His chuckle made her blush, and she wasn't sure why. Frustrated, she forced herself to scowl. "The girls and I are meeting tomorrow at Rei's temple after school."

"I'll be there."

"Ja ne."

"Ja, Odango."

~*~

"HE called YOU?" Minako squealed.

Usagi cringed at the reaction, "Hai. What's the big deal? And that reminds me, NEVER give my number to ANYONE or I will unfreeze you LAST." She glared toward Rei.

The miko simply smirked, "If you've forgotten, your highness, you need all your senshi to unfreeze the Earth."

"You're still last." Usagi muttered.

"The BIG DEAL," Minako stressed, "Is that a GUY called YOU! And a hottie at that!"

Usagi gagged.

"He's quite handsome Usagi," Ami piped up, "You have to give Chiba-san that."

"Iie."

Makoto entered the room and plopped down a plate of finger foods.

"Yum!" Usagi reached out to grab a pastry, when Makoto slapped her hand away, "Ow! Mako-chan… why?" Usagi asked, her eyes tearing, more devastated at being denied a delicious treat than the damage done to her fingers.

"We have to wait for everyone, Usa."

Usagi sighed, "I told the baka after school. Doesn't he remember when it gets out? He was only in my way for the last four years."

"Hai, Odango. But I figured you would have detention. It appears I was wrong."

She turned around and glared at him, her hands on her hips, "You're wrong about a lot of things."

He lifted an eyebrow out of curiosity, but their moment was interrupted by Rei.

"Okay, Mamoru, go ahead and have a seat. Usagi said that she didn't get to tell you what she's doing, so we thought we'd brief you and then tell you what we've already figured out."

"What happened to this being MY event?"

Violet eyes rolled, "Fine. Go ahead PRINCESS."

Usagi narrowed her eyes at Rei for the double meaning, but turned her attention back to Mamoru, "Well, the orphanage is in need of funding. They're tight on necessities this year and their funding is low. They haven't had many donations recently… and I spoke with the director about putting together a fundraiser." She paused for a moment, and realized he was going to let her speak without being interrupted, "I need something spectacular to put on my entrance exam for Tokyo U next year. The girls have already received acceptance letters, they're just waiting on me!" she giggled nervously, expecting an insult. When she didn't receive one, she continued, "The idea is a costume ball with date auction—and going all out for it. Rei will be working on advertising and people management, Mina on music, sound effects, lighting, and costumes, Ami is helping with decorations, financials, and paperwork, Makoto will be in charge of the menu, and Toki has given us a location."

"And what exactly are you doing Odango?"

"Uh," she gulped, the first time since the birth of the project her nerves showing. Would he laugh at her? Call her stupid and foolish for thinking she could pull off something this big? This important? "I'm organizing and supervising the event."

Silence filled the room, as the girls anticipated Mamoru's reaction.

"Where can I help?"

Usagi let out the breath she didn't know she was holding and continued, "We were hoping you, um… well, we were hoping you… you know… you could um, uh—"

"You'd invite all the beautiful rich people you know!" Minako blurted out.

Usagi sent her a look as Makoto slapped the palm of her hand to her head, Ami looked anywhere as long as it wasn't on Mamoru, and Rei rolled her eyes.

"Nani?" Minako blinked, "You weren't saying it."

Mamoru chuckled, "Think I'm made of money Odango?"

"No, but Rei does," she grumbled, "OW!" Usagi glared at the priestess for pulling her right pigtail, "We—I just thought you would know some people who were more financially well off than those I know, and could benefit from a tax break. Mina would like to talk to anyone single, males and females," she shot a look at the other blonde who only smiled, "to sign up for the auction."

Mamoru thought for a moment, "I suppose I can get a guest list put together. I can even help anywhere else that's needed."

"Really?" Usagi gawked.

Rei held a triumphant smile for being right.

He shrugged, "Sure. I'd like to be more than just the supervisor of bankroll though."

"Would you see if any of the non-singles would be willing to help serve?" Makoto asked hopefully.

"I don't see why that would be a problem," he smiled at the brunette who openly swooned.

Usagi rolled her eyes.

"Ah!" Minako squealed, slightly frightening Mamoru—unused to her outbursts, "This will be SOOO much fun!"

Usagi giggled inwardly at his wide eyes, which were staring at her fellow blonde friend.

"There is one other little, tiny, microscopic detail the OTHER girls thought you could help with." Usagi smirked. Mamoru eagerly met eye contact, but suddenly felt uncomfortable seeing Usagi's expression. "They want you to be the last auctionee. Apparently, they think you can rake in the big bucks."

Mamoru raised an eyebrow, and a grin slowly appeared on his face, "Sure. Why not?"

Usagi gawked at him again, much to his satisfaction, but their millisecond moment was interrupted again by another squeal from Minako.

"Here's the planned menu!" Makoto said proudly, changing the subject and offering the plate of food she had banished Usagi from moments before, "Dark fudge chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles, candied applies, peanut brittle, popcorn balls, and homemade marshmallow fudge!"

Mamoru's eyes bulged out at the sugary concoctions that had just been placed in front of him, "Uh, was there anything else Makoto-chan?"

She blinked at him in confusion, "What else do you think I should do?"

"Well," he cleared his throat, unsure of what to say without insulting the girl, "Perhaps… some more savory items would balance the menu out. Like sushi or shrimp?"

Makoto was silent for a moment before a broad smile came across her face, "You're right Mamoru-san! This is my opportunity to let my culinary skills shine! Oh I can't wait to get started!"

Mamoru laughed nervously at the aggressive movements Makoto was expressing, as she dashed around the room looking for her notebook and a pencil to write down her ideas.

After two hours, things started to take shape. Mamoru was going to put Rei in touch with the producer at the news station he worked for during college, Makoto's menu was finalized, Minako made plans to meet Mamoru the next day after school and he promised to have a list of fellow auctionees, and gave a blank check to Ami for decorations without batting an eye. Ami and Makoto parted East to walk home together, Minako went West, and Usagi and Mamoru walked South.

"Those girls are a handful," Mamoru commented after a few minutes of silence, "How do you keep up with all of them?"

Usagi giggled, "It gets easy after a while. Arigato for helping us Mamoru."

Surprised at her thank you, he smiled, "No problem Odango."

"Ya know, I never knew you were such a big push over."

Usagi walked in front of him, while he gawked at her.

"Nani?"

She laughed again, this time, Mamoru decided he liked the sound, 'It's more pleasant than her screeching,' and easily caught up with her.

"Why are you helping us?"

"It's for the kids. Is there any other reason I should be?"

Usagi shrugged and looked down at her feet while they walked, "I guess I feel selfish. I'm doing this to get into school, the girls are doing it for their resumes, Toki for the Crown… but what about you?"

"Tax break. And a hot date." He wiggled his eyebrows.

She smiled and shook her head, "Not what I meant, baka."

"I… I just want to help." Mamoru hesitated in saying anything else, "I want the kids to know someone is thinking about them."

Usagi simply nodded as silence took over.

"How will this help you with school?" Mamoru asked, playing dumb.

Taken back by the genuine interest, Usagi sighed, "Well, you know my grades weren't that great in middle school." She waited for his laugh but it never came, "Well, I didn't start pulling better grades until last year. This year I'm fine, but I need something amazing to prove that I'm willing to work for the grades and degree when I get into University. I'm going for a communication major with a public relations concentration and a political science minor."

Mamoru turned to her, trying to hide his shock, and simply raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"I figure it ties in together. I want to run for office one day," she half-lied, "and I figure politics are nothing more than talking people into doing things a certain way. You know, besides figuring out how the system works."

His chuckle surprised her and she swatted at his arm, "Don't laugh at me!"

"I'm not laughing at you. It's just nice to see your goals have gone beyond polishing off three milkshakes in one afternoon."

She smacked him again, only to cause another laugh to escape him.

"And you shouldn't feel selfish. You're doing something for the community."

"Mamoru," Usagi inhaled, "How much trouble is Toki in?"

The silence that settled between them was filled with concern for their mutual friend.

Usagi faced Mamoru, who was looking up, "He wouldn't come out and say it, but I have this feeling that he—not just the Crown—are in financial trouble. Lots of financial trouble."

"I don't know."

More silence.

"I know that he needs help. And he won't take any from me. At least none that will matter," Mamoru smirked and looked back to Usagi, "But I'm glad he's willing to take some from you."

Smiling, Usagi nodded, knowing she wasn't going to get any more information from Mamoru. She understood she was asking a personal question. Even though the two both cared for Motoki, she would never betray any of the girls' confidence had Mamoru asked about any of them.

"So I'll see you tomorrow? I go this way." He made a gesture with his head indicating left.

"Huh? You and Minako—"

"Look, Odango. This is your project! You need to head it, which means supervising each step. I know you trust Minako, and I hope you trust me, but I think you have what's needed to sell the idea. Minako-chan means well, and she had a good heart. I know I'm capable of recruiting volunteers for the date auction and serving, but you… well you shine when you talk about this. Besides, I think waiting until after her volleyball isn't going to be the best idea. We have a little over a month to get this put together."

Usagi beamed at his compliment and nodded, "After school? We can walk together."

He shrugged, showing indifference, "Sure."

"Ja, Mamo-baka!" she winked at him before skipping away from him.

"Ja, Odango!" he called out after her.

He watched until she was out of sight. Shaking his head as he turned to walk home, not realizing the smile that was plastered onto his face.

~*~

Minako smiled at Usagi's exclamation, "Sure Usa. That's fine with me. It would be much better if I did the following up with everyone, there's not point in both of us doing the recruiting. Just be sure to get their names, addresses, phone numbers, and the amount they would like to donate if they don't want to be a date. I have to get to volleyball, so I'll see you tomorrow at the temple okay?"

Usagi nodded, relieved that Minako hadn't been upset or felt as though she were taking over the responsibilities that she had volunteered for, "Ja!" she waved her friend off.

Suddenly, a rumble was heard right next to her. Usagi turned ready to scold whoever had just come up beside her, when she recognized the familiar form… Chiba Mamoru… on a Kawasakii Ninja?! Usagi's surprise was outdone by Mamoru's as she grabbed the helmet he offered to her, slapped it on her head easily, pulled out a pair of her favorite pink sunglasses and hopped onto the back of the bike with ease.

"You've done this before?" he called out to her.

~*~

Mamoru laughed at Usagi's unstable form as she climbed off his motorcycle with shaking legs, "I thought you said you'd done this before."

"Iie baka!" she snapped, removing the helmet, "I've always wanted to. That was wicked fun!"

He laughed again turning off the bike and dismounting himself. He smirked at her reaction as he sped through town, her arms clinging to his waist and the weight of her against him—'Wow. Okay Chiba, shake it off. It's Odango.'

The two made their way to through the employee parking lot and into the hospital, where Usagi noticed Mamoru was welcomed with over a dozen smiling faces.

"Don't they know what kind of jerk you are?" she teased.

He laughed, "Only you know what kind of jerk I am, Odango."

Her face flushed despite herself, and growled at him, "Baka. Don't call me that!"

Mamoru bent down to whisper into her ear, and his breath tickled her neck. "Just while we're here," he compromised, "Usa." He smirked as he noticed goose bumps form on her neck, and pulled away.

Usagi shuddered as the nickname her friends had bestowed upon her sounded so different coming from his lips.

~*~

"So, why aren't YOU willing to be in the auction Motoki-kun?" Minako flirted, batting her eyelashes and leaning suggestively over the front counter in her volleyball uniform.

The arcade owner laughed nervously, putting one hand behind his head, "I don't know. I guess I don't think I could get much raised. And I have a lot of pride, despite what people think. What about you Minako?" and went back to cleaning and stocking behind the counter.

Minako nodded, beaming, "Of course!" she sighed in faux-despair, "Besides, I couldn't afford a date anyway."

Motoki's laugh was genuine this time, "Me and you both. I'll think about it though. It is for a good cause."

"Mamoru-san is even participating."

Motoki's laugh grew louder, "Really? I didn't think Mamoru was the type of guy who needed to buy a date."

Minako shook her head, "Iie, he's willing to be auctioned off."

Motoki's eyes bulged out of his head, his mouth dropped open, and the box of straws he had been carrying fell from his hand, resulting in the white sticks scattering across the floor. Minako laughed so hard she snorted. However, Motoki's stupefied expression was too priceless for her to feel embarrassment.

"Nani?"

"Hai!" Minako nodded enthusiastically, "Usa asked him to do it—and he said he would!"

"I think I need to sit down."

"I told you they were perfect for each other."

"All their arguing…"

Minako waved it off, and took a long slurp of her vanilla milkshake, "All part of their chemistry. In fact, those two are at the hospital right now getting more dating recruits."

Motoki shook his head in disbelief, "Well I have to hand it to you Venus. I never thought they would… I mean, how could they?"

"Opposites attract. Simple science!"

~*~

"It's not MY fault Usa."

The response was a growling noise that, Mamoru was positive, resembled a rabid dog. However, due to their current location (his work place), he opted not to point that out.

"Oh come on, you can't be angry at me for this!"

Growl.

"Usa." He frowned becoming annoyed. She continued to stomp ahead of him down the corridor, "Usa!" Still no response, "Odango."

Usagi spun around so fast she nearly lost her balance. Her eyes were blazing and she held out an index finger accusingly, "YOU said you weren't going to CALL ME THAT!"

"SHHH!" a nurse glared at the senshi harshly, but openly smiled as soon as she noticed Mamoru, "Chiba-san! Konnichi wa! How can I help you today?"

Annoyed, Usagi took a side step and gestured with her arm as to allow Mamoru to walk past her. Gulping, Mamoru put on his best smiling face and walked up to the nurses' station.

"Konnichi wa Maemi-chan. I was wondering if you would be willing to help Usagi-chan and me?"

Upon speaking with Mamoru, the redhead nurse had forgotten there was another presence in the vicinity. Gesturing to Usagi, who was now leaning against a wall and scowling, Mamoru suddenly understood a portion of the blonde's anger. But was it really HIS fault that the female nurses kept ignoring her? Or when they did acknowledge her, they called her—

"Oh Mamoru-kun! I didn't know you had a little sister!"

That.

Sighing, he openly rubbed the bridge of his nose for a split second.

"Iie, she's not my little sister Maemi-chan. Usagi-chan is a friend of mine. We're working on a project to help the local orphanage raise money to help pay for some necessities."

"Oh Mamoru-kun!" Maemi's eyes glazed over with tears as she came out from the opposite side of the nurses' station, "I knew you had such a big heart! You're always thinking of others! You are on the road to becoming an incredible doctor!" The semi-attractive woman, Usagi had to admit she wasn't ugly, wrapped her arms around Mamoru without a second thought and brought him into a hug, "I can't imagine just sitting in the sidelines not doing anything. I will do anything within my power to help those poor children."

Usagi rolled her eyes and let out a grumble, "Honest child my ass."

Mamoru choked down the chuckle, and was thankful he was the only one who heard it. He continued on with his speech and told of Usagi's plan, skipping out how this was to help her with school, and finally asked if she would be interested in being an auctionee.

How could Usagi be mad at him when he was the one doing all of the talking so far? Come on, he was the one suffering the discomfort. The flirting. The high-pitched squeals of sadness. The clinging. The over-dose of perfume. What was Usagi complaining for? It was most certainly not his intention, nor his fault, that every nurse who heard his explanation of the event and his small part in it had responded with—

"Oh no I couldn't! Not with YOU to bid on Mamoru-san."

That.

~*~

"Really? You've NEVER seen Mamoru-san out on a date?"

Motoki shook his head at Minako's wide eyes.

"Oh my gosh!"

"I know. I've tried to set him up countless times, and girls are always trying to date him. But he always declines politely. He used to use his studies and part-time job as an excuse. But since he started his internship, he's had more free time. I don't know what he tells them now. I still haven't seen him go out!"

"Wow," Minako was in awe, "He must really like Usagi-chan!" she pumped her fist in the air.

Motoki blinked, "Nani?"

"Why else would he go out on a date if he doesn't really want to? And to anyone who has the bucks to buy him?"

~*~

Usagi giggled at the EMT's obvious flirting. It was Mamoru's turn to scowl and roll his eyes. Usagi was aware of the change in attitude, and found the new situation quite entertaining. Honestly, what was wrong with him? Hadn't she been tortured enough with all of the nurses and female doctors practically throwing themselves at him? Was it really HER fault whenever she asked a guy if he would help out his response was—

"So, are you auctioning off a night with yourself?"

That.

"Iie," Usagi smiled, "I'm just supervising."

"Aw, come on. It's for a great cause. You said so yourself!"

Usagi giggled, mostly to annoy Mamoru, and pulled out an information sheet, "How about this. You sign up and I'll sign up. Deal?"

Mamoru's jaw clenched. Never mind this was the tenth clueless boy Usagi had just manipulated into participating. Usagi was acting like she was ENJOYING it, while he had to suffer. Couldn't she see she was just walking into an opening for—

"I'd still love to take you out. Even without the auction."

That.

Usagi giggled and simply hit his arm playfully. He finished signing his name and gave the paperwork back to her.

"Sayonara, Usagi-chan."

Waving a friendly goodbye, paper in hand, Usagi giggled one more time, "Sayonara!" and skipped toward Mamoru. Usagi handed him the paper, "Is he gone?" when Mamoru nodded, she let out a "Thank god!" and began rubbing the sides of her face with both hands, "Ow! My face hurts from all that smiling."

"You're not too bad at this Usa." Mamoru complimented, "Very sneaky."

Usagi laughed—a real laugh—and punched him in the arm, "Learned from the master."

~*~

The dinging of the bell attached to the front door of the arcade rang out throughout the empty building. Only Minako sat at the front counter. Usagi shivered. It was so… dead. All of the machines were turned off, no music played, the only lights on were the in the entrance way, and the only sounds were the buzz of the refrigerator and freezers behind the front counter. Usagi made her way over to Minako, who smiled and waived.

"Kon'wa! How did it go?"

Usagi beamed, "Over 20 volunteers for the auction, and 20 for serving and the kitchen, plus a few for decorating and set up."

"Wow! You guys make a great team!"

"That's just the hospital," Mamoru added, "We'll have more when the ads start running."

"Rei called," Minako turned her attention back to Usagi, "She said the news station was happy to advertise for free! On all mediums! Internet, television, and radio. He said ANYTHING for his favorite former employee." Minako winked at Mamoru.

"You're just a regular suck up to everyone aren't you Baka?" Usagi teased.

"Iie Odango," Mamoru shook his head, "I simply work hard and show up on time."

Usagi smacked his arm for the tenth time that afternoon. Mamoru simply laughed and pretended to rub where she had hit as though pain had been inflicted.

"We didn't keep you long, did we Minako-chan?" he asked, smiling at her, and Usagi couldn't ignore the anger she suddenly felt toward her blonde companion. 'Why are they flirting?! Hadn't he gotten his fill while they were at the hospital?'

"Mamoru!"

Motoki's voice carried over before Minako could answer.

"Can I get your help with the delivery?"

"Excuse me ladies," Mamoru rushed to the back room to help Motoki with inventory.

"Soooo…" Minako sing-songed, "How were things today with Mamoru-san?"

Usagi's eyes narrowed, "They were just fine." She answered half-snubly, "How were things with Toki-onii?"

Minako blushed, "It's okay if you like Mamoru-san, Usa." She teased, trying to move focus from her long-time crush, "But I'm really worried about Motoki-kun."

The Moon Princess' eyes softened as she frowned, "Hai. Mamoru wouldn't say much. But I think he and the Crown are in trouble."

"I wish this place could stay open forever!" Minako laughed, "It's been our headquarters for so long."

Usagi laughed with her, "Hey, in a thousand years we'll still be in the basement holding senshi meetings!"

The two busted out laughing.

"What's so funny?"

The two girls quieted their giggling once they noticed Motoki and Mamoru and returned.

"Nothing!" the two chimed, only to break out in more giggles.

Motoki and Mamoru shared a look that clearly stated, 'Girls.'

Usagi pulled out a piece of paper from her purse, "How are decorations? Did you speak with Ami?"

Minako nodded, "Yup! She said she got quite a hefty discount from the Halloween store downtown when she told them what they were for. Rei went with her, and our conniving priestess got the manager to agree to give out small handouts with the event information on them!"

Checking off two items on her list she looked at Motoki, "When can we get in to decorate Onii?"

"Well, I suppose you can start doing a little now," Motoki thought and glanced around the arcade, "And a good cleaning first wouldn't hurt."

Usagi nodded and made a note on her paper, "The girls and I can come by tomorrow and bring by the decorations, you have a place where we can store them?" Nod. "Great! We'll help clean and then start decorating the small stuff. We'll leave everything else for the night before. 34 days left, and counting." Glancing at her watch, she sighed, "I better go. I have an English exam tomorrow. Ja minna!"

"Ja!"

The three watched her leave. Sensing a "guy bonding moment" was waiting to happen, Minako hopped off her stool and gathered her things, "I should go too. If Usagi is actually going to study for tomorrow, that means I'm going to need to cram too. Ja ne."

"Ja ne Minako-chan." Motoki bid her goodbye and Mamoru simply gave a curt wave.

"So how were things with Usa today?"

Mamoru shrugged, "They went well. We got along, which is surprising." He jumped at Motoki's laughter.

"Its not that surprising Mamoru. You just need to let your guard down. If there's one person who would never hurt you, it's Usa. And now, I'm kicking your butt out. I have to be here at 6 tomorrow, so out!"

Smiling, the raven-haired man nodded making his own exit and leaving Motoki to finish locking up.

~*~

After studying and dinner, Usagi laid in her bed staring at the ceiling recalling the day's events. Mamoru had been nice! Heck, he had even been pleasant! So, why was he such a jerk to her every other time? Sure, his teasing hadn't stopped. But it wasn't very malicious compared to before… come to think of it, Usagi giggled to herself as she remembered the first day they met. He had called her Odango Atama, and lazy for her algebra grade. Sighing, she rotated onto her side and stared out the window. He had on that hideous green blazer. Usagi mentally ran through every other encounter they had and realized she had over reacted… in all of them. She was only 14, so she was hardly going to blame herself. Learning she was a senshi who fought for love and justice, dealing with the entire world on her shoulders—literally, and discovering she was once a princess a millennia ago and would one day rule the Earth was a lot to process as a kid. Then, she thought of today and how he only teased her out of fun, versus embarrassment. How he looked when he smiled and the way his hair fell into his eyes, the charisma and professionalism he held when talking with his superiors and co-workers. How he looked when he had picked her up from school, and how all the other girls were green with envy. And…

Usagi sat up like a shot and groaned loudly, "I can't actually LIKE *the* Baka! Uhg…" she fell back down onto the mattress with a plop.

Hai. She did.

And there you have it ladies and gents! Part 1 completed. Part 2 is halfway finished. I know... I do the stupid thing where I post what I've written instead of writing it all then editing and posting... I don't know. I figure if I don't post something, it's just going to sit on my hard drive unfinished until it rots.

Reviews please! They feed the desire to write. :)

Just in case I am my unreliable self... everyone have a safe and Happy Halloween!