A Morning Coincidence part 4
by: Twilight
Editor: SailorTwin
    
	 Mamoru delicately carried Usagi's limp body to his apartment being careful not to stir her.  Laying her gently on his bed he ran to the kitchen to get a wet towel for her head.  Closing the door behind him he walked back into the den where Mina was walking curiously around like a new born kitten.
     "Mina, would you like something to eat or drink maybe?"  He asked silently laughing at the picture she made.
     "Hmmm, some water would be nice, thanks." Then she went back to eyeing everything in his spacious apartment.  Turning around he went to retrieve a glass of water and handed it to Mina who graciously accepted.
     Just as Mamoru was about to check on Usagi a soft knock made it's way to his ears. 
Strolling casually to the door he opened it with Mina standing in the far distance, curious to see who it was.  An annoyingly sweet voice spoke up apologizing.  The same lady from the arcade, the one who threw a huge fit, was standing in front of Mamoru. Mina scowled.
     "Hello Mamoru. I'm.....sorry for getting upset back there.  I really didn't me--"  Raye's
voice stopped, leaving the sentence to die.  "What is SHE doing here?!?" pushing her way past Mamoru she stalked over to Mina thinking she was Usagi.
     Stopping directly in front of her, Raye eyed her as if she were nothing more than a pesky rodent.  Soon her faced changed from anger to shock and then back to anger.
     "You're......you're not Usagi?  You look like her though.  Oh well, it doesn't matter. What are you doing here anyway?  Is that little tramp here too?!"  she yelled at the frightened blond.  As if on cue, Usagi sluggishly opened the bedroom door holding one hand to her head, eyes half closed.  Suddenly a loud voice began yelling at her, not expecting it, she felt the force of
another body slam into hers making her collapse to the ground under the person.  Usagi caught a
split second of a glance at the person who was mercilessly beating on her.  Instinctively, she
brought her arms up and around her face to protect herself, still in too much shock to fight back.  Her heart was pounding so fast in her chest it was making her head throb with pain. She could hardly make out the profound words Raye was yelling but caught enough to understand.
     Mina and Mamoru were in shocked at what Raye was doing but Mina recovered first and
heaved Raye's body off of Usagi and threw her to the floor, showing more strength than one
thought she could manage.  Not giving Raye a chance to recover she swiftly grabbed the front of her shirt and lifted her up off the ground.  With her other hand she swung back and with full force made contact with her face.  Spinning around she fell to the ground with a loud thump.  Mina was furious, no longer frightened like before.  What gave her the right to insult
her best friend when she didn't even know her!  Getting ready to charge again she was confronted
with two very scared but caring blue eyes.  Gently but firmly Usagi held Mina's shoulders to hold
her back as she quietly pleaded to her friend.
     "Please Mina-chan, stop this.  It's okay really." Mina looked at her for a moment then
withdrew from her fighting stance and slumped her shoulders calling it quits.  Mamoru after finally knocking himself out of his stupor held Raye roughly and dragged her out the door into the hallway.  
     
     Serena pulled Mina down on the couch and told her to stay as she ran to get an ice pack. 
Cautiously she placed it on her swollen hand.  Wincing slightly from the pressure and pain, she
closed her eyes and let all tension leave her body.
     "Are.....are you all right Mina?...What happened! I mean everything just happened so fast!"
Usagi's voice cracked as she asked letting the tears fall from her frightened eyes.  Mina
immediately gathered her into a hug rocking her back and forth, soothing Usagi as best she could.
     "I.....I was so scared and I didn't know what was going on."  
     "Hey....it's okay now.  She was just jealous of you and couldn't hold her temper.  Don't
worry about it anymore.  It's okay."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
     Mamoru shoved Raye across the hallway away from him.  Written vividly on his handsome
face was a look of disgust and rejection.  Raye opened her mouth to say something but was clearly cut off by a loud growling voice.
     "DON'T.....don't say ANYTHING to me.  You make me sick and there is no way in hell a
person like you could possibly be my girlfriend.  It's over Raye. I don't ever want to see you
anywhere near me or Usagi again!"  Turning on his heel he threw open his door and slammed it
shut behind him locking the knob and then dead bolting the top.
     However, all anger he was feeling quickly melted away with one glance at the crying girl
before him.  Rushing to her side he took her away from Mina's comforting embrace and lifted her into his arms, cradling her.  Usagi was startled at first but soon found she felt protected and safe. Before she knew it she was fast asleep in Mamoru's arms, head resting comfortably against his chest.
     "Will she be all right?"  He softly whispered in a voice full of emotion.  Mina smiled kindly
at him, seeing the true concern and worry in his stormy blue eyes.
     "Yea, she'll be fine.  She's been emotionally stressed lately and I guess today she was just
overwhelmed."  Nodding his head he carried her into the bedroom and tucked her in.
     "She can stay here until she gets better if....if that's okay with you of course."  Mamoru
asked never letting his eyes waver from the angel slumbering before him.
     "It's okay with me.  I'll come back by later to see how she is okay?"  Turning to leave she
said her good-byes and left. 
     Mamoru sat on the bed a few moments longer just drinking in her beauty.  Shyly he ran a
finger over her soft ivory skin, feeling her warmth.  Usagi stirred slightly in her sleep and began to softly mumble.
     "I love you.....please don't leave now."  Small crystalline tears fell from her closed eyes as
she silently sobbed in her sleep.  Bringing a hand up, Mamoru lightly stroked her forehead
whispering shooshing noises to calm her.  When she finally settled back into a peaceful sleep he
slowly got up and walked into the den laying down on the couch.  What Usagi muttered in her
sleep sounded so familiar, like she had said it before.  Suddenly a tender memory flashed in his mind.
     ~ He was lying on the concrete somewhere his body numb, until pain ruptured through
him.  Out of nowhere a tender, petite hand begins to stroke his forehead, calming him.  As he
turned to look at the lady, the memory began to slip away before he could grasp it.  Then he saw
her eyes, amazing blue eyes.....~ 
     Stunned, Mamoru snapped opened his eyes and jumped to a sitting position.  His heart was
pounding and he was breathing heavily.  After calming his racing heart he lay back down and
stared at the ceiling.  He could see her eyes.....so blue....caring....worried...and fearful
Closing his eyes he could still picture them, staring intensely at him boring into his soul and heart, uncovering his deepest secrets.  
     `Those eyes! Where have I seen them before?!' Searching his memory he thought of
everyone he knew and drew a blank.  Every now and then, memories and events would pop into 
his mind and stick.  He remembered that he was a doctor, where he worked, lived, what he liked and some of his dreams, but a major part was still missing.  Exhausted by the day's calamity he too fell asleep dreaming of forgotten things.

     Usagi's eyes fluttered open and surveyed the room around her.  Confused at first she sat up
and silently wondered where she was.  Then everything clicked together.  She was in Mamoru's
room sitting on his large, cozy bed.  Turning her head, she searched for a clock.  Throwing
her feet over the edge she quietly rose and walked out to the den.  
     Soft snoring could be heard from the couch and Usagi peered over. Sleeping comfortably was Mamoru, using his hands as a pillow.  Smiling lovingly down at him she turned away and returned with a pillow and blanket.  Cautiously she raised his head and
slipped the pillow beneath his silky hair then carefully covered his body with the blanket.  She
sat down on the floor next to him just staring at him.  His ebony black hair was in disarray and his clothes were slightly wrinkled with little creases here and there.  She wished for him to remember.....even if she played only a small part in his life.  Staring at him awhile longer she  proceeded to get up and stretch, walking to the kitchen, grabbing a sweater on the way to cover her small bruises.  It was about dinner time and she was hungry, as she was sure he was.
     
     The wonderful smell of food in the air woke Mamoru from his dreams.  Sleepily, he
rubbed his eyes and yawned while stretching, making him look like an innocent little boy.  The
sounds of cooking could be heard from the kitchen, dumbfounded he slowly approached. 
Working away was none other than Usagi herself, stirring whatever it was she was cooking.  The
sight of her made him feel warm inside and he wished everyday could be like this.
     Without thinking he walked up to her and kissed her cheek.  Surprised, Usagi turned her
head to look at him, a blush sweeping her cheeks.  Embarrassed Mamoru quickly pulled away averting his eyes away from her, finding the wall more interesting.  If just felt so right to him, so
natural...that one simple act.
     "Uhmm....I'm sorry....I didn't mean to ..."  Trailing off he left the sentence hanging, not
knowing what to do or say.  Smiling adoringly at him Usagi answered, apparently knowing the
unsaid question.
     "It's okay Mamoru, I didn't mind...and...it was kinda nice" she calmly said, trying to
control the urge to tremble before him.  Turning back to the food away from him she started to stir again.  "Could you do me a favor and pull the bread out of the oven?"  Nodding he went to the oven and pulled out a pan with bread carefully setting it on the counter, away from anything
burnable.
     "What are you cooking anyway?"  Mamoru curiously inquired as he walked back beside her
peeking over her shoulder.
     "Oh....Spaghetti and Meatballs.  Do you like spaghetti?"  A pang of worry shot through her
as she turned to him.  Mamoru was about to answer when he was suddenly captivated by her
intriguing blue eyes.  Slightly raising her brow she tilted her head prompting him.
     "Huh?....yea I do.  It's my favorite." He finally replied a little lazily.  Relieved she smiled
and shooed him away to the table.  Taking a seat, he watched as she cooked and grabbed utensils
from the cabinets. He was amazed at how well she knew her way around the kitchen, like she had done it several times.
     "You sure know your way around the kitchen Usagi.  Have you been here before?" Caught
off guard she dropped the small carton she was holding but quickly caught it before it hit the floor. Still facing the counter, her back towards him she blushed another rosy hue as she pulled out some plates.
     "Well, yea you could say that." She hoped her voice didn't sound too nervous and shaky. 
Adding some food to the plates she gently placed them on the table then went to get some drinks. After situating herself across from him they bowed their heads in a small prayer.
     "It looks delicious Usagi!" he then quickly dug in, enjoying it.  A few minutes were
spent in silence as they ate feeling incredibly comfortable in each other's presence.
     "How are you feeling now?  I want to apologize to you about Raye"  He smiled coyly at
her.
     "I'm okay now.  She just surprised me that's all.  You shouldn't have to apologize for her. 
It's okay though, thanks."  She didn't bother to tell him about the small scratches and bruises she
developed.  They were just small minor things and would eventually heal never to be noticed.  
     "I hope you don't mind that I borrowed one of your sweaters, I started to get a little cold."  She
hated lying but she wanted to save him the worry because for some reason she knew he would.
     "No...no it's okay. Besides, it looks cute on you." He said after a few moments, resisting
the urge to reach across the table and kiss her.  He could feel his cheeks burn at the thought but
decided to go with his better judgment, though the offer was tempting.  Quickly shaking his
head he decided to change the subject.
     "So, Usagi what were we before....I forgot?"  Stupid stupid!! What a smooth topic change,
he mentally kicked himself over and over again.  
     Usagi, seeing his discomfort, smiled thoughtfully at him taking another bite of her food
before answering him.  "We were friends Mamoru, that's all."  She knew she sounded a little sad
but hoped he didn't notice.  Looking at him she noticed how his face changed. Dissapointment?  No, that can't be right.
     Before anything more could be said someone started knocking on the door.  Excusing
himself he got up from the table and left to answer it.  As soon as he was out of sight Usagi let out a long suffering sigh as she propped her elbows on the table and rested her head in her hands.  She could vaguely hear Mamoru in the back of her mind as he talked to someone.  Noticing his voice becoming clearer she hastily raised her head and pasted on a bright smile.
     Walking around the corner she was greeted with her best friend Mina and her boyfriend
Andrew.  Jumping from her chair she ran to hug them, elated that they were here.  Andrew playfully grabbed her arm trying to tickle her, but when he did she cried out softly and squinted her eyes shut.  Afraid he had hurt her, he quickly released her, a worried expression in his eyes.  Mamoru having an idea to why she would cry took her hand and sensitively pushed back the sleeves of his sweater. Along both of her arms were small bruises already becoming visible to the naked eye.
     Taking her hand away she pulled the sleeves down and walked into the den, the others
following.  Sitting on the couch she motioned for the others to join her, she knew they would want an explanation.  Mamoru took the seat next to her while Mina and Andrew took the other couch holding hands.
     "As you've probably guessed the bruises are from....the fight earlier.  Wait! Don't worry I'm
fine really.  Besides they're just small bruises, nothing that won't get better.  So I don't want to hear anymore about it."  The tone in her voice said she was right and not to argue with her.  The other sensing this quickly dropped it knowing she `was' right. 
     "Hey Usa-chan it's still early evening, how bout we go to the fair?  Double date, it would
be fun!!"  Mina suggested, killing the tension in the atmosphere.  Usagi looked a little doubtful at
first, she did want to go with him but she didn't know if he wanted to go with her.  Mina then
decided to give them her puppy dog look and added a small pout to her lips, trying to look as
pathetic as possible.  Unable to resist Usagi laughed heartily while the others joined in.
     "Okay...okay Mina-chan you win."  She then turned to look at Mamoru beside her and was
a little surprised to see him staring at her.  "What do you say Mamo-chan?"  Mamo-chan, he
liked it....it was, nice.  
     "I'd love to Usa-chan"  He said showing off his charming smile making Usagi's heart melt. 
The two sat there staring into each others eyes until the sound of clapping could be heard. 
Turning to look they could see Mina clapping her hands and squealing joyfully.
     Seeing that everyone agreed they stood up to leave and walked out towards the parking
lot.  Mamoru and Usagi both silently agreed they would do the dishes later when they got back. 
Jumping into Andrew's car they took off for the fair for an evening of fun.
     "You know Mina, I've been meaning to ask you.  Where did you learn to punch like that? 
That's some right hook you got, remind me to stay on your good side!" Mamoru chuckled.  Usagi lightly tickled him on the side teasing him as he laughed harder and grabbed for her wrists.  Sensing this she quickly withdrew her hand away and giggled at him.
     "Actually another close friend of ours, Lita, taught us.  Me and Usagi."  Mina cut in over
their laughing, giggling herself.  Looking over to Usagi, Mamoru saw her nod her head in
agreement.
     "Yea, she's like another sister to us.  Lita's off at school right now finishing her classes to
become a cook.  Andrew you've met her before right?  Anyway, when she comes down remind me to give you a call and invite you over so that you can taste her wonderful cooking!"  Usagi excitedly drooled as her eyes glazed over thinking about Lita's marvelous food.  Mamoru burst out laughing again and lightly pinched her sides snapping her out of her fantasy.
     Usagi then started to punch him as `punishment'.  Grabbing her wrists he apologized trying
to look as sorry as he could.  Two voices laughing made them look away from each other and to
the front.  Andrew and Mina were laughing hard as they watched the two flirt.
     "Okay Andrew, you can stop now.  It wasn't that funny." Mamoru sarcastically said, but
added a small smile to let them know he was kidding.
     "Yea, Mina!! You can quit it too!  Before I tell them about one of your embarrassing
moments...."  Usagi lightly joked and giggled at the look on her face.  Andrew turned his head
away from the road and looked to Mina, a questioning look in his eyes.
     "What would one of them be Usagi??"  Usagi opened her mouth to say something but
Mina started yelling and screaming at her to not say anything.  Her flushed face caused everyone
in the car to burst out laughing again.  Never once did Mamoru and Usagi notice their fingers
entwined within another.

To be  continued....