Name: Starlit Princess Title: I Could Fall In Love With You, Chapter 2 E-mail: starlitprincess@tuxedomask.com http://www.homestead.com/aneternalstarlitromance/welcome.html @)~~>~~>~~~ I can only wonder how Touching you would make me feel, And if I take that chance right now, Tomorrow will you love me still... And I should keep this to myself, And never, let you know... I could fall in love with you... (ooh baby,) I could fall in love with you... from "I Could Fall In Love With You" by Selena We lay a rose in memory, always. @)~~>~~>~~~ ~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~ <3 <3 <3 @)~~>~~>~~~ <3 <3 <3 ~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~~ She ran after me, pleading for me to stop a moment, and I smiled in anticipation. This would work, I hoped... I had to tell her how I felt about her; it was practically eating me alive. The flurry of golden tresses came to a stop as Usagi caught up with me and tugged my sleeve. "Mamoru-san! Wait! What did you say to me before you left? Did I hear you right? Did you actually say I had a 'sweet smile?' She gazed up at my face in earnest, if a little amazed, expression on her face. "Well, yes, Usagi-chan, I did... why? What's wrong?" Her eyes widened as she started to scuffle her feet nervously. "Er... nothing, just, um, why are you so nice today? And what happened to 'Odango Atama?' Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Concerned, she leaned towards me, and... Oh my God, she... She took my head in her hands and gently kissed my forehead... The world was spinning around in circles, and I didn't care; I was reeling with happiness and shock. She kissed me! Even if it was just on the forehead! She does like me! But, of course, all actions do have some sort of a reason, and of course, that little kiss did. As soon as my heart stopped pounding madly in my chest, I realized she had said something. "Nope, no fever... hmm, maybe you ate something bad for lunch, Mamoru-san? Or did you hit your head?" I winced. Ouch, that hurt. A crushing blow to my heart *and* my ego. "Er, no, Usagi, I said I was fine! But like I said before, your sweet smile just brightened my day today, that's all. You look pretty today, Usagi-chan." I reached into my schoolbag and handed her a carefully wrapped, small rose that had been blossoming nicely that morning in my garden... I had picked it especially for her. It was a soft crimson, with velvety petals that sparkled with dew, just like those azure pools of blue that were Usagi's eyes. A bit small, like Usagi, but every it as beautiful, and a long, curved stem... er, like Usagi? I almost laughed out loud at the thought. Comparing Usagi's body to a rose stem? Although, she was slender and gently curving, like a flower stem... Shaking off the ridiculous blathering running through my mind, I took her hand and placed the rose in it. She gasped in surprise, and looked up at me, as I still held her hand gently but firmly in mine. "As I said, Usagi-chan, you look very pretty today; you always do. Every bit as pretty as this rose I'm handing you. Never forget it." I smiled. Her eyes shone as she clutched the rose in her slender fingers. She breathed in the lovely, fragrant perfume, and sighed happily. "Mamoru-san, how lovely! It's so pretty... Arigato!" She grinned up at me, and I cleared my throat. "So, Usagi-chan, what are you planning to do today? It's Friday, you know." "I... um... well, nothing really..." she stammered. "Well, if you're not doing anything, then would you like to go with me and have a crepe or something? My treat." I asked, somewhat jittery. Suppose she just laughed in my face? What could I do then? However, all was not lost, because at the very mention of crepes, her eyes lit up in delight. "Crepes? Ooh, I LOVE crepes! Let's go!" With that, she tugged my sleeve and started dragging me down the street. I chuckled. "Wait, Usagi! Slow down!" "Crepes are waiting! One can't wait!" She grinned again, and I wanted to take her in my arms for seeing that sunny smile. I pulled her to a halt. "Then, maybe after that, can I show you something really neat? I promise, you'll like it." Usagi gave me a questioning look, puzzled. "What is it, Mamoru-san? What do you want to show me? "Well, Usagi, if I tell you, it really won't be a surprise, now, would it?" I winked. "Come on, let's go to the Azabu Rose. Not only will their crepes blow you away, but they have the best strawberry ice cream floats!" As her eyes shone at the mere thought of pure sugar, she latched onto my jacket sleeve. And once again, she started dragging me down the street, dashing in the direction of the Alcove. "Um, Usagi-chan, wait a moment!" "Nani?" "Er, Usagi, don't you want me to tell you where it is first?" "Oh... er, yes I would; heh heh..." @)~~>~~>~~~ Once we were finally at Azabu Rose (and I told the sugar-driven Usagi where to go to get there), I pushed open the door with a light jingle, and pushed away the silvery glass beads that hung at the door frame. "Wow, Mamoru... this place is so nice!" Usagi gazed around her, in appreciative awe. I had to admit, it was pretty lovely. A place for artists and writers alike, it was draped with breathtaking intricate tapestries on the walls, alongside murals of the City of Light, Paris, and the Parthenon. Two huge, velvet couches were perched on the sides, where a few poets lounged comfortably, sipping steaming mugs of tea. There were several tables in the middle, shining glass with curving iron legs, two soft, cushiony crimson chairs at each, and on each table lay a silver vase with a single red rose. Soft, quiet jazz was playing, filling the room with its calming melodies, and the room was shadowed with a soft glow. I loved it here. It was a veritable mecca of creativity, and the atmosphere was enough to catch your breath. I was certain Usagi would love it. And I think she did. "Utskushi..." she breathed. "This is sheer heaven! Mamoru, do you come here often?" she asked me. Before I could reply, however, a figure wiping a crystal glass pushed open a door and quickly came over before us. "Mamoru-senpai!" he called. "Asanuma-kun! Hi, how are you!" I smiled. He grinned sheepishly. "Well, this new job is kind of hard on me--I feel like I'm not poetic enough to work here! Not as good as you of course, Mamoru-senpai." "Aw, come on, Asanuma-kun, you're always putting me on a pedestal; you've gotta stop that!" Usagi, at this point, was looking back and forth between us. "Um, Mamoru, who..." I turned and realized Usagi had never met my friend. I could have smacked myself for forgetting that! "Gomen, Usagi-chan! Asanuma, I'd like you to meet Tsukino Usagi, a good friend of mine. Usagi, this is Asanuma. He goes with me to Moto Azabu High." She gave him another one of her lovely smiles. "Nice to meet you, Asanuma!" He smiled. "Same here, Usagi... you sure are pretty! Mamoru really knows how to choose the best girlfriends!" I turned crimson at that. "Asanuma, she is not my girlfriend!" Glancing at Usagi, I noticed that her face was as flaming red as mine, and she was looking down at the floor in embarrassment. Well, at least not *yet,* anyway... Still flushed, I tried to change the subject, before Asanuma could start asking lots of questions (like he usually did). "Anyway, Asanuma, can Usagi and I get a table?" "Of course!" He gestured us over to a dimly lit corner of the room, where he pulled out the chairs for us. "Best table in the place; total privacy. Only the best for Mamoru-senpai and his lovely friend!" He smiled. "What can I get for you?" "Crepes and a strawberry ice cream float for Usagi, and my usual." "Coming right up!" He grinned and hurried away. Usagi giggled. "Wow, he really seems to look up to you, Mamoru! Are you that respected at Moto Azabu?" "Well, Asanuma really... I guess he kind of admires me a little." She cupped her face in her hands. "Wow, Mamoru, you sure are lucky to have an 'otaku!'" She giggled again. I swatted her with my hand. "Stop it, Usagi!" I smiled. After a few moments, Asanuma came back with the tray, set our stuff down, and left. Before Usagi started downing her goodies, she was curious. "Is that your 'usual?'" Her eyes widened. "That's a lot of chocolate!" I had ordered what I always got; herbal tea sweetened with honey, and double chocolate fudge ice cream topped with hot fudge and miniature Hershey bars. "Yes, um, I kind of have a passion for chocolate." I sighed. "Ya think?" said Usagi skeptically, as she smiled at my chocolate concoction. Without further ado, she dug right into her crepes, while I sipped my tea. Everything seemed just perfect. Alone at my favorite cafe, with the most beautiful girl at the galaxy just inches away. Could this be any better? I hoped she was appreciating this... I just had to win her heart! In a flash, she had already polished off the crepes, and the ice cream float was now just a thin puddle of melted pink liquid in a crystal dish. I, on the other hand, was still digging into my 'chocolate fix,' as I like to call it. Usagi was staring at it longingly, as there was plenty left over... Of course, I knew how speedily she ate, so I had taken my time. With a calculated grin, I scooted my chair close to hers and lifted a spoonful of the sweet, sugary treat up to her mouth. "Here, Usagi, taste; you really should try it; it's delicious... open up!" Her eyes sparkling, she giggled and opened her mouth obediently, and I put the first spoonful in, which she swallowed happily. With that, I commenced to feed her the rest of my ice cream, not at all minding that she was enjoying it more than I had. I was simply enjoying the calmness I felt at just being close to her, and the sweet thought that I was actually sitting so close to this wonderful girl, and feeding her ice cream too! Wow. The ice cream disappeared quickly, to my utter regret. Usagi's eyes were glazed with a contented, peaceful look in those azure depths as she sank back into her chair. I noticed that she had a small smear of fudge running from her lip. I chucked softly. "Usagi, you've got some chocolate on your..." I reached over and gently wiped it off with my fingertips, delighting in the feeling of Usagi's soft, velvety skin. Her eyes widened in surprise, as my fingers stayed there, not wanting to part from the full rose lips. "Mamoru..." Was I taking a daring chance here? "Usagi, I have to tell you something... it's been on my mind for a long time, and I just wanted to say that--" "Mamoru! Are you guys done?" Asanuma, in his usual curious way, had poked up suddenly behind me, eyes wide, in that inquisitive nature he seemed to have. I sighed heavily. Don't get me wrong, I like Asanuma; he's a kind friend... but right now I really didn't want him around... Pulling at a nearby chair, he dragged it over and plunked in it with a thump. "Well, since I'm on break, I guess I'll sit here with you two, if that's okay with you, Mamoru?" he asked. I shrugged. "Fine with me." Well, I just blew it, anyway. And with Asanuma lurking about, I'd never get the chance to tell Usagi about the way I felt about her... it was so perfect! And then it was interrupted... "So, Mamoru, what's new lately? Have you written any new poetry lately?" Asanuma asked. An audible gasp came from Usagi as she gazed at me incredulously. "Since when? Wow! You write poetry, too, Mamoru?" Asanuma grinned, as his hands went suddenly down to his lap. "Sure he does; he could be Moto Azabu's poet laureate, if he wanted... if he wasn't so shy about reading his poetry out loud or showing it to anyone!" "Really? Why, if you're that good people should know, Mamoru... why don't you ever show anyone your work?" Usagi asked me. I shifted uncomfortably. "Well, I'm a little embarrassed about it all..." Not to mention a good deal of those poems I wrote were therapy for the soul; they either dealed with my past, painful as it was, or love poems... of Usagi... "Can you read me some, Mamoru? Please?" Usagi pleaded, hanging on my arm as she stared up at me hopefully. Oh, why did she have to do that? It made it even harder. "Well, er, I..." "Have you written anything new lately, Mamoru?" Asanuma asked. Phew! Good timing. "Actually, I have, it's kinda short, a little nature reflection-type thing, and..." However, I stopped as soon as I saw Asanuma pulling a very familiar black velvet notebook out from under the table... The very notebook I usually keep in my schoolbag... "AsaNUMA! So that's why your arms were down there so long! WHAT are you doing with my poetry?!" I nearly yelled. What if Usagi saw some of those poems... "Well, I thought that if you weren't going to show her your writing, I thought I should at least show her that last poem... it was really sweet!" He grinned, but all I could do was frown and make a grab for the book. However, Asanuma pulled it away and started to flip pages, scanning for the latest one. I sighed with defeat, as I sank back into my chair. Well, at least the last one wasn't about Usagi, for a change... "Hey, Mamoru, it looks like you tore a page out here..." Oh... oh no! I'd forgotten that I had ripped it out to revise it a little... "Well, no matter, I'll just show Usagi this one before it..." He peered at the title. "Called 'Wonder...'" "NANI?" I snatched the book away from Asanuma in one fluid motion. "That's... um... not really that good, and I really don't want you to read it yet... uh..." "Aw, Mamoru, please? Will you read it to me? Pretty please with triple hot fudge and miniature Hershey bars on it?" Usagi begged, staring back into my eyes. Well, I don't know if it was the hot fudge, the look of longing in the crystal aqua eyes, or perhaps frustration that she probably didn't even have a clue that I liked her... With that, I opened the pages of the book again and flipped to the page. However, I didn't want Asanuma there listening to my heart poured out on paper... "Wait a minute... hey, Asanuma, shouldn't you get back to work already? Your boss might get mad or something..." I said pointedly. Looking at his watch, he sighed. "Guess I better... I'll just take the dishes out of your way... guess I'll see you later, Mamoru. Nice meeting you, Usagi!" And then he was gone. Usagi smiled and cupped her chin in her hands. "Okay, now go, on, read, please, Mamoru! I'm listening!" I gulped. Well, maybe she wouldn't know it was her I was referring to... I cleared my throat, and started to read aloud. "Wonder" @)~~>~~>~~~ I raise my eyes Up to the sky And wonder what it would be like, Just you and I? Lost in embrace Warms me to the touch, It's hard to believe That we tease so much I cannot believe You'd hate me so But do you, really? I need to know Please tell me now 'Cause I hold you dear If you should reject me I may shed a tear Since when did this start? I do not recall Any such reason That we should fight at all Just kiss me, my dear What are you waiting for? It's you I love It's you I adore But only a wonder You couldn't love me We are drawn across a battlefield Fists clenched tightly But if only you knew What lay in my heart The ultimate truth is >From you I can't be apart So I'll bear the hurt I'll tell you soon Perhaps under the stars Or under the light of the moon? But whenever it is It shall be said Nothing can prevent me Unless I am dead But the stars give me faith Soon the wondering will cease. If I can get you in my arms I will never, ever release. *** And with that, I closed the notebook with a soft slap, and I kept my gaze level to the table. If I looked sideways, at Usagi, I'd be afraid to see her reaction. Did she hate it? Like it? And if she did like my poem, did she realize it was about her? Slowly, I looked up and turned to look at Usagi. Her mouth was hanging open a little, and her face looked expressionless. Noooo... she must have hated it! Why was I such a horrible poet anyway? Or maybe she knew it was her I wrote of? My heart was nearly ready to jump right out of my chest. Why wasn't she saying anything?! For a moment, all was still. Then, Usagi's eye's lit up, and she smiled the most dazzling smile I'd ever seen on her. She clapped her hands softly, and giggled. "Mamoru, that was fantastic! I was totally blown away for a moment..." she exclaimed. Well, I was relieved... at least she didn't hate it then. "I can't believe that you actually write poetry like that... were you thinking of anyone in particular? "I..." I broke off. "Actually... um... well, actually..." I stammered. Should I tell her now? "Ooh, Mamoru, you have a crush on someone, don't you! Let's see... who is it? Can you tell me?" If ONLY I could! She kept charging on, in her curiosity, wondering who the mystery girl was. "Let's see... so, do I know her?" "Uh, sort of, I guess..." "Well, now I think I'll have to find out then! This is going to drive me crazy!" She laughed. "Hmm... I wonder who it could be..." I put the book back in my schoolbag, DEEP into it this time, and took Usagi's hand. "Come on, Usagi, let's go. I told you I was going to show you something, remember?" "Oh, yeah, I guess I forgot... well, let's go, then!" I paid the bill, and we were off once again, alone. I wanted to put my arm around her, because it was pretty cold out, but I drew back. Not yet, takes time... wait... If I had impressed her with my poem, I guess I was going in the right direction here; she doesn't seem to hate me at all! Thank goodness... Anyway, if I impressed her again, maybe then I could tell her, or something, soon, before this drove me insane... ~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~~ Hey all! Sorry 'bout the long delay, but honors and an AP class are really taking its toll on me... *sob* But anyways, did you like 'Wonder?' It's actually one of mine that I had written in Mamoru's point of view. I hadn't written it especially for the story, but I figured it would be perfect here... *hee* If you're all still reading, (which I hope you are! I put a lot of heart into writing this one) please e-mail me! Positive e-mail is pretty much the only incentive a fanfic writer gets for their stories, so come on! Write me!!! Oh, and my website's getting completely revamped! Yay! *dance dance* Now that I have pretty good knowledge of HTML and CSS, I can make a decent site! I'm working hard on it, so maybe in a couple of weeks, maybe even next (?) it will be out. And a possible change of addy, since I've kinda had one on 'layaway...' Anyway, so, I'll see you all soon! ~May the stars shine brightly upon you, Starlit Princess, gentle, wise (but panicky)ruler of the Realm of Romance @)~~>~~>~~~