THWACK! By: Leiclea, a.k.a. Psa Part: 1/1 Rating: PG Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or have any affiliation with the wonderful Naoko. This story, however, is a product of me, myself, and I. *K...won't talk 4 2 long...just need to send a big thank you to Loralei for all her help with the Japanese....VIELEN DANK LORALEI! oh...one other thing...when the characters are thinking their thoughts appear in *asterisks*.....hope you enjoy....EMAIL ME! Mamoru turned his head toward the sun, basking in its healing rays. THWACK! His knees buckled as a soccer ball collided with his head. Darkness slowly began to replace the familiar setting. The next think he knew, he was lying on a park bench with several of his friends bending over him. He squinted at the obtrusive light shining in his eyes. "Daijabou? We were about to call an ambulance!" His friend Motoki exclaimed, worry written across his features. "Iie…..don't. I'm fine." Mamoru mumbled, groggily sitting up. "What happened?" "You were daydreaming, and Akira tried to score. You know how hard he kicks, and you head was in the way." "Hey, I'm sorry Mamoru-kun. I didn't mean-" "It's ok, it was my fault." Mamoru interrupted. He put his head in his hands. "I need a sec to get myself together." He paused for a minute, then looked up. "Alright, let's play." The others looked at each other in disbelief. "Mamoru, you might wanna take it easy today. You did lose consciousness for awhile, bud." Motoki mused. "Iie, I'm fine. REALLY. Let's play." With that, Mamoru ran onto the field, followed by his friends. * * * A few hours later, Mamoru was still playing strong. However, his friends were *slightly* tired after such robust physical exertion. After much arguing, they convinced Mamoru that the game WAS over and they COULD go see a movie. As they headed off the field, Mamoru looked around hesitantly. *It's such a beautiful day…I don't want to be stuck in a dark theatre!* "Minna, I think I'm going to stay here for a few minutes. I'm not really in the mood for a movie." Before they had a chance to reply he was jogging away, soccer ball tucked under his arm. When Mamoru reached the field, he found a group of girls playing their own game. He plopped down on a nearby bench with his water bottle, intent on watching the game. All seemed to be enjoying themselves, except for the blond who was constantly kicking out of bounds. *She has a strong kick….too bad she hasn't got any aim!* Busy contemplating soccer techniques, he became less aware of what was going on in the game. Before he knew what was happening…….THWACK! Down he went. He dimly heard a girl scream, but couldn't muster enough energy to raise his head. Within an instant he found he didn't have to, for the blond was instantly beside him. She gingerly moved his head so she could examine him. "Daijabou? Gomen nasai….I'm an awful soccer player…." the girl stammered. Dazed as he was, Mamoru could see that she was on the verge of tears. "Iie……don't worry about it. This happens to me all the time, BELIEVE ME!" He pulled himself up and gave the girl a reassuring smile. "See, not a scratch!" he said, gesturing to his head. The girl finally managed a smile. Relief was written all over her face. *She must have been really worried! Not that many people are that compassionate these days!* Mamoru held out a hand. "Hi, watabashi no Chiba Mamoru." She shyly took his hand. "I'm Tsukino Usagi, and these are my friends Mizuno Ami, Kino Makoto, Aino Minako, and Hino Rei." The girls gave Mamoru a friendly wave, looking relieved themselves. As her eyes passed over her watch, Ami's expression turned to one of shock. "Oh no! It's 6:30! We're supposed to baby-sit in fifteen minutes! We've got to hurry!" She turned quickly to Mamoru. "It was nice meeting you, and I hope you feel better! Sayonara!" "Ne, minna, go on without me. I don't really feel like babysitting." Usagi said. The other girls gave her an understanding look as they ran towards the city, shouting promises of calls later in the evening. Once they were gone, Usagi turned to Mamoru. "I really am sorry. I should have been more careful." she said. "Really, I'm fine. I promise." Mamoru looked Usagi straight in the eye and saw the worry leave. Assured that she was no longer upset, he began to gather up his belongings. "I'll see you later, ok? "Sure, bye!" She replied. Usagi watched his retreating back, promising herself she'd improve. She picked up the ball and made her way back to the field. Her eyes gazed across the landscape, searching for a suitable target. Finally, they rested the goal post. Usagi dropped the ball in front of her and began to practice. As Mamoru got in his car, he glanced towards the field. To his surprise, he saw Usagi practicing her kick. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be making much progress. She persistently kicked, but seldom hit the target. *Poor thing, this really must be bothering her,* Mamoru thought. *Maybe I can help.* He got out of his car and loped slowly toward Usagi. "Hey, Usagi-san. Having fun?" he asked with a grin. She turned around, an indignant look on her face. When she saw who it was, her expression changed. "Not really…I just wanted to improve my aim. I don't want to hurt anybody else!" She grinned at him sunnily. "Besides, I feel much better in the company of one of my victims." Mamoru chuckled. He knew he was going to like this girl. "Victim, am I? Lucky me. Anyway, I saw you practicing, and thought you might like a few pointers." "Definitely. Anything to prevent someone from going to the emergency room." Usagi said sarcastically. Mamoru smothered another chuckle as he picked up the ball, and then proceeded to explain the basics of the game and how to keep coordinated. After demonstrating, he gave the ball to Usagi. She set it in front of her, then…..THWACK! Her eyes widened in amazement as it hit the target. "Great job! Once you've established concentration, there's nothing to it. You've got a strong kick; now all you need is a little practice," he assured her. Usagi's eyes shone with joy as she surveyed the scene. Nobody was hurt, and she could actually see where the ball landed. She turned to Mamoru with a look of gratitude. "Arigato for all your help. I really appreciate it." Mamoru reddened. "Hey, no problem. It was a pleasure." Mamoru picked up his bag. "Maybe I'll run into you playing sometime. Don't forget to practice!" "Ja Mamoru-san!" Usagi called as he headed for his car. Mamoru turned and waved one last time. Her dignified countenance brought a smile to his face. *I've never met a girl so determined to better herself.* he thought. *I'm sure she'll practice everyday; she improved tremendously in the time we spent together…maybe I should offer to practice with her until she feels comfortable by herself…..* Mamoru whirled around and sprinted in the direction Usagi was heading. "Usagi-saaaan! Wait up!" Mamoru called. Usagi turned just as Mamoru caught up with her. Her face had a confused yet pleased expression as it regarded his. "What can I do for you Mamoru?" she inquired. "I…was thinking.." "Heaven forbid!" she interrupted with a smile. Mamoru smiled sarcastically. "ANYWAY. I was THINKING about how much your skills improved after we worked together. I think it would be beneficial if we set up a regular practice time." "You think a lot…" she murmured almost inaudibly. THWACK! Now it was her turn. Mamoru's water bottle came down on Usagi's head. "NE!" she squealed. "YOU HIT ME!" "Hardly, Usagi-san." he said with an indulgent smile. "You had it coming." She stuck out her tongue at him, then smiled brightly. "I guess we're even." "I guess we are." he replied. "Back to business. What time is good for you?" "How about 4:30 after school tomorrow? I don't think I have any plans then." "I'll be there." "Good, See you then." * * * *Several Weeks Later* "Mamo-chaaaaaaaaan! Iiiiieeeeeee! That's mine! You stole it from me!" Usagi cried as she chased a smug Mamoru. "Iie, Usako, it's mine! I got the ball after you kicked it at my head." he yelled, not realizing the danger this comment possessed. He glanced back just in time to see a laughing Usagi charging at full speed. Before he knew what happened, she rammed into his back, the impact bringing them to the ground. He lay there stunned while Usagi forced the ball out of his hands. She dropped the ball and began dribbling towards his goal. "SCORE! Ha! What is it? 7-2? I never thought I'd live to see the day I beat Chiba Mamoru, the Soccer God of Tokyo-" Down she went. Not about to accept total defeat, she pulled him down as she fell. After catching her breath, Usagi started to get up. Sensing her movement, Mamoru also began to rise. As they stood, Mamoru's gaze passed over hers. They remained for a minute, not knowing what to do. Suddenly, Mamoru shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't think so Usa. You'll never beat me; you're only ahead of me by 5 points! I don't think you've given it your best shot yet." With that, he grabbed the ball and sprinted down the field, Usagi close at his heels. Catching up to him, Usagi eyed the ball warily. Mamoru was shielding the ball excellently, making any interception extremely difficult. She ran beside Mamoru for a few minutes, making several futile attacks on her opponent. Mamoru neared the goal. His muscles tightened, preparing to score.……..THWACK! The ball went sailing. With a burst of energy, Usagi darted in front of the ball. It rammed into her side, but she didn't care. Up the field she went, leaving Mamoru far behind. SCORE! Usagi's eyes danced in excitement. Mamoru jogged up panting. As he approached, his face broke into a wide smile. "Now THAT is soccer, Usa! Great job. Once you stopped being self conscious, you were awesome!" Usagi blushed. "Thanks, Mamo-chan." * * * The game continued, resulting in a win for Usagi. Mamoru darkly hinted that he had allowed her to win, but we all know he was being dishonest ^_^. As Usagi hurried home, Mamoru rushed to catch up with her. "Hey Usako, you played really well today. I just with you wouldn't hold back on the field; you could be explosive," he remarked quietly. "I know, Mamo-chan. I still feel apprehensive whenever I kick the ball. I can't seem to get past that." Mamoru stopped and looked at her for a long time. "Look Usa. You and I have been working rigorously for the past few weeks. I've never seen someone improve so much in my life, nor have I seen someone with so much raw potential. The only thing holding you back is this fear. I have total confidence in you. Just give it your best shot." Usagi looked directly at Mamoru. "Arigato, Mamo-chan," she said softly. "You have no idea what it means to hear you say that." He gave her an awkward smile as they reached his car. "Anytime. Can I give you a ride home?" "Of course." * * * "Come on, Usa! Give it your best shot!" Mamoru called from the goal. Usagi sprinted up the field, easily dodging the impending defense. She was within feet of the goal, with her opponents far behind. *Kick, Usagi! Motoki doesn't COMPLETELY block the goal….break the tie and lead us to victory!* she said to herself. Determination crept across Usagi's features as she surveyed the scene. Picking a point, she got ready to kick. THWACK! The ball went in, taking Motoki with it. An excited cry escaped her lips, but was replaced with a groan. *OH NO!* she thought. *I've done it again! I hope he's all right!* She rushed over to Motoki, who had picked himself up. "Wow, Usagi-chan! That was absolutely amazing! Akira couldn't even kick that hard!" he exclaimed in awe. A beaming Mamoru ran up the field, heading straight for Usagi. Before she could say anything, he swept her up and began to spin. Usagi shrieked with laughter as they gained speed. Her hair streamed out like two whips as they went faster and faster. The wind hit her face, smelling of freshly cut grass. At that moment, the sun blinded Mamoru. He lost his grip and sent Usagi sailing. The remaining momentum slung him across her. He looked at her, radiant and grass covered, and began to laugh. Feigning indignation, Usagi immediately launched a grass assault against her offender. However, Mamoru's laughter was contagious. Before long, both of them were rolling on the field in a mad fit of hysteria. They remained like this, unaware of their retreating friends. As they came to their senses, Mamoru suddenly reached out and stroked Usagi's cheek. Realizing his actions, his hand began to pull away. Before it could leave, Usagi caught it and held it here. Mamoru looked at her nervously, not knowing what to say or do. Usagi leaned closer, smiling slightly. "Come on Mamo-chan. Give it your best shot." His reply was not in words, but Usagi was happy none the less. As he kissed her, he felt the earth spinning beneath and around them. Only she remained solid. Finally she broke away, gasping for air. She looked at him shyly. No longer hesitant, he took her face in both of his hands. "Aishiteru, Usako," he whispered. "Aishiteru, Mamo-chan." So? What did you think? I MUST KNOW!! EMAIL!