Stark White Christmas
‘Easy Usa. Take the cut. This is a simple incision. Think of a happy place. You’re not going to kill this man. Think happy thoughts. Slowly, easy, woah Usa your hand is shaking. Get a grip. Stop. Take a breath. Why are you nervous? Don’t be nervous Usa. No…stop…damn it don’t look at his face.’
She looked.
He was beautiful. Dead to the world. Beautiful. She hated that. That feeling of utter compassion. Had she forgotten who this man was? Had she forgotten the horrible words he’d said to her just the other day? Usagi shook her head daftly.
It didn’t matter what he said to her.
He was her patient. His life was resting in her hands. She couldn’t let
bias get in the way of his operation.
Plus, the whole of New York was breathing down her neck to do this
right. Usagi’s face set. She’d show them. All of them. The politicians,
the superstars, the male surgeons. She’d show them she was better.
With a grin to her male nursing assistant, Usagi continued with the
operation.
"I trust you didn’t slip while Motoki was under the knife." Mamoru
stood behind her. His hands resting casually in his pockets.
She was slipping off her surgeon gown when he appeared before her.
Usagi’s eyes filled with contempt. She had no need to hide it.
"Mr. Norton will be fine. He now has no need to worry about the rib
that was puncturing his kidneys. All vital statistics are level and he
should be able to leave within the next two days."
She pulled off her cap, face mask and finally gloves, throwing them all
into necessary compartments.
Usagi was searching around the bench for her Santa hat, eager to leave
Mr. Chiba alone.
"When can he have visitors?"
She looked up. Screw the hat. She needed to get out of here. Her
composure was crumbling simply from hearing his tone.
"He’ll be taken back to his room in an hour or so. Ask a nurse. She’ll
tell you."
Usagi stormed away.
Mamoru simply scowled.
Christmas dinner. Four friends sat around a small dinner table, lazily
enjoying drinks. Empty plates were scattered across the table along
with several empty bottles of wine.
"Usagi that was beautiful, I had no idea you could cook like that."
Kunzite leant back in his chair, a look of pure satisfaction on his face.
Makoto rolled her eyes.
"Of course she can’t cook like that. I made the main course. All she did
was decorate the ginger bread house."
A giggle escaped Usagi’s lips as she shrugged.
"I was busy?"
Her and Makoto stood, clearing the dishes. Together they carried the
load into the kitchen, chattering idly.
"So do you think you’ll be spending Christmas with your family?"
Makoto was filling up the sink.
"I don’t know Mako, I don’t think I can handle them on Christmas day.
I might drive up to the manor on boxing day. Oh god, I’ve got a lunch
with mother and Rei tomorrow. And god knows who else they’ll bring
along."
The dishing liquid was squirted in.
"It’s not that bad is it?"
They both watched in silence as the white foamy bubbles soon clouded
the sink.
"Yeah…it is."
Makoto laughed, her throaty laugh.
"Honestly Usa, you’re such a drama queen."
Usagi smiled, scooping up some of the bubbles with an evil glint in her
eye. She proceeded to clap her hands together sending the bubbles
flying all over Makoto’s green woolen sweater.
"My dramatic antics are just a repercussion of their dramatic antics."
She ducked a clump of bubbles heading towards her.
"Yeah. And my throwing bubbles is just a repercussion of your
throwing bubbles."
Usagi was smacked dead in the face with a handful of bubbles.
"Oh you’re going to die."
In the next instant the two girls were shooting about Usagi’s apartment
with handfuls of bubbles.
Minako, Kunzite and Nephlyte simply continued on their conversation
about politics.
Makoto had Usagi pinned to the floor, hands raised, each filled with
bubbles while Usagi was screaming as if her life hung by a thin thread.
Her scream was cut off by a brisk knock on the door. Usagi and Makoto
looked at each other before erupting into a fit of giggles.
"I’ll get it."
Makoto cracked up again.
"Usa you might wanna…"
"Relax, it’s probably just the land lady."
Pulling herself up from the floor, the tinsel still wrapped around her
head from her and Kunzite’s charade games, Usagi made her way to the
front door. Making sure to grab her purse on the way there.
She was totally unaware of the huge dollop of bubbles on her nose,
forehead and left ear. Or the fact that she still had tinsel wrapped
around her head.
Another knock sounded through the apartment.
"Just a second, I’m just grabbing my key…oof!"
Usagi had tripped on a piece of stray tinsel on the floor.
"You alright Usa?" It was Kunzite’s voice.
She groaned.
"Kunz, I thought I told you to pick up the tinsel."
She heard laughter.
Muttering quietly, she picked herself off the floor and opened the door
without looking up. She was fumbling around in her purse, looking for
the rent money envelope.
"Sorry Mrs. Martin, it’s in here somewhere I know it."
"Doctor Tsukino?"
She looked up, her mouth hanging open.
Before her stood Motoki Norton and Mamoru Chiba, holding a bottle of
champagne and a bunch of flowers.
"Mr…Mr. Norton, Mr. Chiba, what…how did you get my address?"
Motoki grinned and brushed past Usagi.
"One of the cutesy nurses gave it to us. Here."
He handed her the bottle of champagne.
She rolled her eyes.
"Well by all means come on in."
"Thank you."
She gingerly placed the wine on the entry table and turned to Mamoru.
"Come on in…I guess."
He smiled winningly, pushing the flowers into her arms. He leaned over
and gave the tinsel a little pull.
"Nice hair-do."
Her eyes rolled again.
"And I love this new shade on you, what is that? Foam?"
His hand, brushed across her cheek, wiping the white bubbles from her
face. She found herself blushing. Despite who this man was, he was
gorgeous. And it wasn’t every day that she found a gorgeous man
caressing her face.
She swatted at her nose, disintegrating the remaining bubbles and led
him to the dining room where the rest of her friends were standing up
gathering their things to leave.
"We’re off Usa, thank you for dinner it was wonderful. Merry
Christmas." Kunzite planted a kiss firmly on her lips.
"Yes, thank you Usa, watch it Kunz, you’ve got an angry blonde on
your hands if you exceed the friendly kissing limit." Minako winked at Usagi and led her fiancée away.
"I’ll call you tomorrow Usa, we’ll talk about that…thing." Usagi looked
at Makoto, scrunching her brows. What was the woman on about?
Makoto shot a subtle glance at Mamoru and then back at Usagi. Her
eyebrows were wiggling.
"Oh yes, yes of course. We’ll see Makoto. We’ll see. Bye Neph, don’t
forget to read that book."
"Yes Usagi, I’ll read it. Along with the other two in the trilogy.
Honestly couldn’t you have recommended…"
"You’ll love them trust me."
He smiled and kissed her chastely on the cheek.
"What’s the blonde’s number?"
Usagi spun around to see Motoki grinning at her from his place, sitting
at the dining table, pouring himself a glass of wine.
"The blonde’s number is private."
Mamoru pulled up a chair beside Motoki.
"She looks pretty familiar. What line of work is she in?"
Usagi sighed in defeat and joined the boys at the table.
"Modeling."
Motoki startled her with a loud clap.
"Minako Aino right? Damn she’s fine. I had no idea you were friends
with her."
"Of course, I’m just the ice princess aren’t I?"
Motoki’s smile fell and he looked down.
"Look I’m sorry about that. That’s the main reason we came really. To
apologise and thank you for the operation."
"Apology accepted and you’re welcome. Do you often arrive uninvited
at strangers homes?"
Motoki pouted.
"I’m hurt. You think me a stranger?"
She rolled her eyes.
"Well we were hardly on friendly terms, I know nothing about you and
up until a few moments ago the mention of your name turned my
stomach. As for your friend…"
"We get the point Usagi."
Mamoru handed her a glass of wine.
Motoki was grinning from ear to ear.
"So what made you change your mind?"
She frowned.
"Excuse me?"
"You just said, up until a few moments ago the mention of my name
turned your stomach. Which insinuates that now it does not."
She stood then. With the flowers in her arms she headed for the kitchen.
"You know, for the nephew of the mayor whose occupation is clearly
unknown you are a huge smart ass."
Motoki grinned at Mamoru. Who in turn rolled his eyes.
"Why I’m shocked Dr. Tsukino."
She appeared from the kitchen with the flowers spread in a purple vase.
"Call me Usagi. We might as well try and be friendly while you’re in
my home."
Truth be told, she was quite at ease around the young man. However
when her eyes turned on Mamoru she felt his stare penetrating her own. What was with that man. So serious. She couldn’t help but think back
to the storage room. She remembered his hard gaze as she brushed past
him. He was an asshole.
"As you wish. Where was I? Oh yes. You of all people should know
my chosen career path."
She lowered herself into the chair at the head of the table. Mamoru at
the opposite end, Motoki between the two. She sipped languidly at the
glass of wine.
"You mean you’re actually studying? And what might be your chosen
career path anyways?"
He smiled, flashing his perfect teeth.
"Surgery."
Both men noticed her eyes grow wide. Both chuckled.
"My god. You don’t seriously think anyone would trust you with their lives?"
"Of course they would Usagi, I’m the mayors nephew. And it’s about
time I did something notable for the city."
Usagi’s voice suddenly lost the tone of mirth.
"You mean this is a publicity stint?"
She watched Motoki and Mamoru glimpse at each other with smirks
drawn across their faces. They were brought out of their reverie when
Usagi’s fist slammed on the table.
"You can’t be serious?"
Motoki grinned.
"You’re right. I’m not."
She rolled her eyes.
"Honestly."
"It’s actually been my goal since I was a young boy. Before I turned
into a heartless, cruel, womanising, rich, conceited…"
"Right, right I get the picture. How long have you got to go?"
"Two years…maybe three."
"Maybe three? Correct me if I’m wrong but most doctorate degrees do
have a certain number of years. You’re unsure because…?"
She could feel Mamoru staring at her. She hated that feeling. Uneasily
she brushed a tendril of hair behind her ear.
"Well I was speaking with Dr. Mizuno and she recommended doing
some work experience with her. That way I can be absolutely positive
that I’m ready to begin surgery."
This surprised her.
"You were speaking with Dr. Mizuno. Am I the only person in New
York that has yet to meet this Dr. Mizuno?"
Motoki shrugged.
"She’s quiet. But she’s a legendary surgeon. Quite like yourself only
she’s attacked the foreign competitors while you stuck to the American
big boys. Personally I think you have the greater courage. She just has
more skill."
Usagi was taken aback. He admired her surgery skills. She knew she
was good, but to hear Motoki Norton admit it. This was proving to be a
very different night.
"Well thank you Motoki. I have been following the work of Dr. Mizuno
for quite some time. Her heart transplants are amazing."
"Yeah. Like I said she’s a great surgeon. I guess I’m lucky that
Mamoru’s fucking her. Good connections."
Usagi laughed. She noted Mamoru’s discomfort at Motoki’s vulgar
interpretations of his relationship with Dr. Mizuno. Usagi assumed the
same as Motoki did. She suddenly felt she had a lot in common with
Motoki Norton. How strange.
As she laughed, that unique, husky laugh of hers, she was totally
unaware at Mamoru’s seemingly deeper discomfort as her laughter
filled the room. Motoki too seemed to shift uncomfortably. Did she
have any idea of how sensuous she was. Of the wicked images vividly
displayed in both men’s minds. Images of her in absurd positions. If
she did. She did not care. She knew she was sexy. She loved it.
Truthfully most men were frightened of the fact that she was a beautiful
woman with brains. They assumed she could trap any man she wanted
into her bed. Truth be told she could count the number of lovers she’d
had on one hand. Still she had her share of experience with all things
sexual.
While Mamoru and Motoki believed in bedding as many woman as they
could, performing as many positions as possible, Usagi believed in love.
Her past lovers were men with whom she’d shared love with. Of course
Usagi knew that with love came pain. She’d been hurt by those lovers
far too many times. She was stronger now. Smarter.
"So tell me Usagi, who are you ‘fucking’ as Motoki so nicely puts it."
Usagi raised a slender eyebrow, chuckling as the two men leaned
forward, both seemed a little too interested in her personal life.
"Who I’m ‘fucking’ is none of your business Mamoru, neither is it
yours Motoki. Nor will it ever be." She downed the last of her wine
and poured another glass as the two men slumped back into their chairs
with dejected sighs.
"Oh come on. Just a little hint. You know Mamoru’s fucking Dr.
Mizuno. And me, well lets just say we’d be here all night if we tried to
list all my pulls." Motoki was grinning. The idea of him sleeping with
all these woman really did repulse Usagi. But she couldn’t help but
warm up to this young man.
"Your pulls? That is a new one Motoki. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a
grown man use that term." The gauntlet was down. Motoki chuckled.
"Well perhaps you need to give up socialising with teenagers, then
maybe you will have an understanding of the vocabulary of a ‘grown
man’."
He was grinning. So was she. Mamoru had his eyes glued to her chest.
Typical, she thought. She was flattered all the same.
"Very good Motoki, I see you’re talented in the field of adult banter."
"Indeed. It is a skill one can never tire of."
A groan came from Mamoru’s direction.
"Will you two stop with the pompous talk. Christ."
Usagi smiled sweetly at Mamoru. "Of course your highness, would you
like your feet rubbed while we’re at it?"
He rolled his eyes, "I’d kill for a good foot massage."
Motoki leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs beneath the table. "I’d kill for a good lay."
Usagi simply snorted. "Honestly. Is your brain focused on getting into
the bed with a woman every hour of the day?"
Motoki stood up, stretching his arms. He really was gorgeous, Usagi
had to remind herself of who these pair were. New York’s two greatest
bachelors. She didn’t notice him approach and in an instant, Motoki had
pulled her by the hand off her chair and wrapped his arms around her,
lifting her feet off the ground.
"When a beautiful woman is in the same room with me practically
alone, how can I not think about it?"
Her eyes were wide open along with her mouth. A faint blush stained
her cheeks as she felt his firm manhood press against her. His eyes,
gleaming with boyish mirth bore into her own, wide, innocent pair.
Mamoru cleared his throat at that indication Motoki grinned and placed
her softly on the ground.
"And that my dear is our cue to leave. Will I ever see you again?"
She rolled her eyes. "You’re such a whore. Call me sometime if you
like. I’m sure you grabbed my phone number from the same place you
grabbed my address."
"Well Mamoru made a note of it. In case we should call before we
arrive unannounced once again."
She looked to Mamoru who stood with a firm stare.
"Thank you for the consideration."
They all laughed before Motoki trotted out the front door. "I’ll grab the
car."
She stood alone with Mamoru. She suddenly felt very small. His body
seemed to fill the room as he slipped into his coat. She was admiring
his broad shoulders when she finally spoke. Her voice was small.
"Thank you for the flowers, and the wine. It was very nice of you."
He shrugged. "It was no problem. Thank you for the company."
He sounded so distant. "Your most welcome, perhaps we can do this
again sometime. It’s nice to be civil to each other every once and
awhile."
He smiled then. God he was gorgeous.
"I’ll see you tomorrow?"
"Maybe, I’m on call. Most probably yeah," she laughed at this, "hospital shifts got to love them."
He laughed. His hand rested on her arm and rubbed softly. The
attention she was receiving from this pair was getting to her head.
"You’re a great doctor. The hospital wouldn’t be the same if you ever
left."
She smiled, a shy smile and looked up at him through her lashes.
"Thanks, I don’t think I’ll be leaving NYG anytime soon."
"Good. I’ll see you later Usagi."
"Yeah. Thank you again. For the flowers."
He smiled. She hated that her legs felt wobbly as she watched him walk
out the door. Or that her heart was beating that extra bit fast and her
arm tingled from where he had caressed her arm. Who was she kidding.
This was Mamoru. Usagi sighed and collected up the remaining dirty
dishes. Men. Who needed them?
"She is so fuckable." Motoki swung a sharp right and sped down the
next street in Mamoru’s sleek black jaguar.
"Didn’t you fucking learn anything after your accident? Slow the fuck
down Motoki before I slam your head into the steering wheel and make
you walk home."
Motoki shot Mamoru a side long glance, "Yes Mummy."
"And keep your fucken eyes on the road you dip shit."
Motoki simply rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Shit you got a dirty
mouth. What the hell is up with you?"
Mamoru snapped. It was simple really. He wanted Usagi. He wanted
to get between her legs and pound her hard, fast and deep. Then he
wanted to walk away the next day like nothing ever happened. Just like
all his lovers. Motoki should have known this. Motoki was on his
territory.
"I had my eye on Usagi. You cut in."
Motoki lost his joking tone. "Fuck off Mamoru."
"No you fuck off. I want her. You stay the fuck away from her. And
slow the fuck down."
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe I want Usagi as a friend. Maybe
even someone I can consult or even work with one day? We really hit it
off in there. I think we have lots in common. To be friends I mean."
"Don’t fuck with me Motoki, since when did you put women and
friends in the same category? I know you want to fuck her. I know that
you would never consider women as friends. Any women."
Motoki slammed on the breaks and pulled over outside what looked like
a night club. Flashing neon signs were lit everywhere. Typical New
York evening.
"What the fuck would you know?"
"You. That’s what I know. Just drop it."
"No. I’m not going to drop it because you think that I don’t have any
women friends when I do."
"I said drop it Motoki before I do something we’ll both regret."
"No I fucken won’t drop it. Ami Mizuno. There. She’s a friend. And
you’re the one fucking her. That’s fucken ironic."
"Whatever Motoki. I just know that Usagi isn’t your type of girl to call
a friend."
"And what the fuck is that supposed to mean?"
"It fucking means that she is too beautiful for you to just simply say
‘Let’s be friends eh?’"
"Fuck you. I happened to enjoy spending time with her. I’m not all
about sex unlike you. And are you saying that Ami isn’t beautiful?
Wait till she fucken hears that."
"I’m saying that Usagi is too beautiful. We both know that Ami isn’t
beautiful. She is. She’s not drop dead gorgeous. And the sex isn’t all
that great either but…"
He stopped. What was Ami to him?
"But she’s a trophy. You want to be able to brag that you fucked the
surgeon who is killing the male surgeon industry in Japan. When really
she’s a timid little woman who only gets loud when she’s debating
surgery or speaking about something she’s passionately involved in."
There was a long pause.
"I’m going to break that woman’s heart."
"You certainly are."
"I want Usagi."
"I don’t."
Mamoru sighed, "sorry man. I’m high strung. It’s that time of year you
know the cases are just piling in."
"It’s ok Mamoru. Just fuck, lighten up a bit ok."
"Right. Lets go."
"Yeah."
Motoki pulled out and flew down the street.
"Slow the fuck down Motoki."
Motoki laughed.
"Darling, where have you been? We’ve been waiting for you for some
time now."
Usagi smiled icily at her mother as she was pecked chastely on each
cheek.
"Happy Birthday mother, I had some work to do at the hospital before I
came here. I hope it wasn’t any inconvenience."
Her mother smiled back, everything on her face screamed falsity, even
the cheek bones and lifted eye lids.
"Of course not dear, come take a seat. Rei and I were just discussing
the issues of your work. You seem to be snowed under. I’m worried
about you Usagi."
Usagi looked up from slipping out of her coat. She heard the concern in
her mothers voice and as she stared into the deep blue eyes of her
mother she saw genuine disquiet. Probably the only true thing left on
her mothers face.
Usagi smiled inwardly. Her mother had had so many nips and tucks that
Usagi could no longer recognise the once exuberant woman. Since her
father had hit big in law and the money streamed in Ilene Hino could not keep herself away from the plastic surgeon. Usagi missed that carefree
smile and the glowing skin. Now she saw a fake tan, stretched skin and
a face that wasn’t her mothers. But amongst all the plastic there was her
mothers eyes. Those eyes would never change and Usagi loved them as
much as she loved her mothers unchangeable heart.
"Don’t be silly mother, I’m fine. You knew as well as I did that this
career would subject me to particular stress levels. I’m dealing fine."
Ilene smiled again. It reached her eyes this time. Usagi smiled back.
"I’m proud of you sweetheart, you know that."
"Of course I do mother. Now, as for you Rei, tell me how is your love
life. And don’t you bring me into the equation, we all know I have no
time for one night stands and the like."
Rei’s face turned bright red as her mother and sister turned their
sparkling eyes to her. It was just like old times. The three of them
discussing boys and romps between the sheets.
Ilene had never sheltered her children. She knew that if she wanted
them to be smart they had to be well educated. In return the girls put
their complete trust in their mother. There were no secrets between
these three. No matter how distant they appeared this mother and
daughter trio were as close as they could possibly get.
With a sly look to either side of her, Rei’s face lit up.
"He’s a killer in the bed. One of New York’s elite bachelors. You’ve
probably both heard of him. We’ve been seeing each other for two
weeks now. He’s absolutely gorgeous."
Usagi grinned, pulling her hair into a high pony-tail, kicking her shoes
off underneath the table.
This was her home. She had spent the better half of her life here and no
matter how classy and regal the Hino manor appeared, the residents
made it a home rather than a house.
"So," Usagi leaned forward, tucking her legs underneath her body, a
position she was well used to at her spot at the dinner table.
Her mother sent her a scolding look, she never approved of Usagi’s
‘unladylike’ positions.
"So?" Rei grinned back, crossing her long slender legs.
"So is it serious?"
Rei’s laughter filled the room causing Ilene and Usagi to raise an
eyebrow at one another. Rei rolled her eyes, "it’s purely sex. This man
has a heart of ice. He’s one of the coldest men I’ve met. In bed he’s
smoldering but our relationship is completely physical."
Ilene laughed at this.
"Oh Rei, one day you’ll find a man to treat you right."
Usagi rolled her eyes.
"Mother," Rei glared at Ilene, "He treats me like a princess. Takes me
out to meet his friends. To benefits. Buys me gifts. I’m just saying,
both of us are in it strictly for sex. No man has ever given me a better
orgasm."
The three woman laughed.
He smiled at the butler who took his coat.
"Thank you good man, tell me, where are the ladies of the house? I
believe we are here to celebrate Lady Hino’s birthday."
The butler bowed low for the handsome man.
"Yes sir, come, Madame Rei is expecting you."
The two men stopped mid-walk to hear three very attractive laughs
coming from the dining room.
The butler led the other man inside only to hear a gasp.
Usagi stood, her mouth hanging open and shock clearly written all over
her face.
"Usagi what on earth is the matter with you?"
She turned to her mother, than to her sister, "what is HE doing here?"
"Usagi this is the guy I was telling you about. You know him?"
Usagi stared at Rei incredulously.
"You mean…you’re…he’s…oh god."
Mamoru was as shocked as she was. What the hell was Usagi Tsukino
doing in the same room as his lover and her mother.
Before he could process another thought, Rei had tangled her fingers
into his hair and brought him down for a steamy kiss. He was
embarassed. This was her mother. And Usagi Tsukino. What the hell
had he gotten himself into?
When Rei finally let him go, sending a wink to her mother and Usagi
she cleared her throat.
"Mother, Usa, this is Mamoru Chiba. Mamoru, this is my mother, Ilene
and my sister, Usagi."
By this stage, Usagi had gathered herself and was seated with a
composed smile. This was precious. She could see the inner turmoil in
Mamoru’s eyes. He was both shocked to see Usagi and embarassed to
have shared such a passionate kiss in front of Ilene.
He saw that Usagi was smirking at him. She was loving his discomfort.
It was then that he finally composed himself.
Mamoru turned to Ilene, kissing her lightly on the cheek while slipping
a small rectangular box into her hands.
"Happy Birthday, Lady Hino. My apologies for the belatedness, Rei
only informed me of your birthday last night."
Usagi raised a slender eyebrow. So he had seen Rei after his visit with
her. This was interesting. Had she stirred his desires so much that he
needed to release it with Rei? Or was he simply the worlds biggest flirt?
Nonetheless Usagi did feel a bit used. Of course she had warned herself
of the pathetic ideas sprouting into her head. That simple caress had
obviously meant nothing. She was a fool for thinking otherwise.
"Nonsense dear boy, you didn’t have to buy me a gift. How charming
of you."
Ilene’s eyes were twinkling. Usagi saw that she loved the attention and
also realised that she had forgotten to give her mother her own gift.
As she was leaning over to retrieve her purse, she caught Mamoru’s eye.
He raised his eyebrows, seeming to ask for permission to sleep with her
sister.
Usagi rolled her eyes in return. She couldn’t care less. In truth, she
found the whole situation very amusing.
As Usagi slipped the small velvet case out of her purse she heard her
mother gasp.
"Oh my this is absolutely gorgeous. Mamoru you fiend I can’t possibly
accept this from you."
Usagi rested her eyes on the beautiful gold bracelet that hung delicately
from her mothers wrist, encrusted with diamonds and intricate lacy
designs flowering around her wrist. It looked almost familiar. Usagi
shook away the haunting feeling that she had seen that bracelet before.
Mamoru’s chuckle brought her out of her reverie.
"Nonsense Mrs. Hino, you only deserve the finest for raising this
wonderful woman." His hand rested protectively on Rei’s knee.
Usagi and Ilene swapped a knowing glance, Usagi fighting hard to
control the laughter.
"And now for my gift mother," Usagi handed Ilene the small velvet box
and kissed her softly on the cheek, "Happy Birthday, I want you to wear
these and stop worrying about me."
Usagi smiled in delight as her mother’s eyes flew open to see the
matching ring and earrings.
"Usagi you little devil they match the bracelet. Are you and Mamoru in
cohorts."
Ilene’s twinkling eyes moved from Usagi to Mamoru with glee.
"Thank you darling. Thank you both, they’re all beautiful."
Of course, the matching bracelet. Usagi had purchased the earrings and
the ring with the cash she had on her. She had wanted to buy the three
piece set but only had enough cash on her for the earrings and the ring.
That afternoon she had raced home to retrieve some more cash but on
her return to the jeweler was informed that a young man had brought the
bracelet for his girlfriends mother, ‘how positively charming, and to
think my boyfriend didn’t even acknowledge the fact that my mother
was celebrating her birthday only two weeks ago.’ Usagi had smiled, a
little disappointed and simply stated that they were a dying bread those
charmers. And to think she was talking about Mamoru Chiba.
Ha, Usagi thought dryly, the day Mamoru Chiba is charming is the day
that I become an astronaut. Usagi turned her gaze to her mother,
admiring her brand new matching jewelry set and frowned. Although
stranger things have happened. She shook the thought from her head.
This was Mamoru she was talking about.
"So Usa, you never told me Mamoru and you knew each other."
Usagi smiled, reverting back to her famed position of curling her legs up
on the chair.
"You never told me you were seeing him Rei. I honestly had no idea."
Rei shrugged, sipping at her champagne.
"So how do you two know each other?" Ilene cut in.
Mamoru raised an eyebrow at Usagi. She urged him to go ahead.
"We work together."
"Ah so you’re a doctor then?" Ilene smiled her dazzling smile.
Mamoru laughed then. His timbre voice made both Usagi and Rei
squirm in their seats. Everything about him was sensual.
"I’m a lawyer. Usagi has made it clear that she simply detests my
presence at the hospital but a lot of my clientele are in critical conditions
when they introduce me to their cases."
"I don’t detest it. I just think that you should do your work from your
own office. Not mine."
"You let him work in your office?"
Usagi turned to her mother with a frown.
"Mother, I’m simply making a generalisation that the hospital is my
office."
"Oh. Of course. Well I’m sure it’s not too bad. I think it’s charming
that he visits his clients while they’re sick."
Ilene smiled at Mamoru, who in turn smiled back before turning to
Usagi with a smirk.
She simply scowled.
"Usagi how many times do I have to tell you, keep your feet off the
furniture. This is…"
"16th century federation French styling. I know mother. I know."
Usagi slipped her bare feet to the floor noting that Mamoru and Rei
were chuckling at her.
At that moment the lunch trolley was wheeled in. The four of them
smiled appreciatively at the chef. Lunch was served. And it was a delicious meal.
"Thank you very much for lunch Lady Hino, it was stunning. As
expected."
Ilene smiled.
"Call me Ilene dear boy. Rei isn’t he charming. Usa? He’s charming
isn’t he?"
"About as charming as a door." Ilene frowned at Usagi.
"You’ll have to speak up dear, you mutter far too much. What did you
say?"
Usagi smiled falsely, "I said, I’ve never met another as charming
before."
Mamoru grinned at Usagi, raising an eyebrow as he downed the
remnants of his champagne.
Ilene smiled then. "One big happy family."
Mamoru choked.
It was Usagi’s turn to grin.
Rei simply laughed, "Please mother lets be realistic. Two weeks is
hardly a time to be judging such things."
Ilene smiled wider, "I rose you to be realistic dear. I’m simply pulling
Mamoru’s chain. I know his type. Now if you’ll excuse me I have a
tennis match to prepare for. I’m going to show that Hillary Clinton who
has the better backhand. Can you believe the nerve of her…"
Ilene had left the room muttering about the New York senator. This
caused Mamoru to laugh.
Rei stood, taking Mamoru’s hand.
"Come darling, I’ll show you the gardens as promised. Would you like
to join us Usa?"
Usagi raised an eyebrow. "Hardly, I think I’ll leave you two alone. I’ve
got some patients I need to…"
She was cut off by the shrill beeping. Mamoru reached into his pocket
pulling out his beeper. Usagi grabbing her own from her purse while
Rei retrieved hers from the edge of the table.
"Mine." Rei smiled and excused herself as she grabbed her cell phone,
strode out of the room blowing a kiss to Mamoru. He simply smiled
dryly at her.
Usagi had taken her seat once again and was slipping on her shoes when
Mamoru approached, leaning on the table beside her.
"Expecting someone?"
Usagi looked up with a raised eyebrow.
"You seemed in an awful hurry to check your beeper. Waiting for your
boyfriend to call?"
She laughed. This man was unbelievable.
"Well actually now that you mention it…"
She saw the fire in his eyes as he pushed himself off the table and
stormed to the doorway.
"I’m on call."
He stopped, turning to face her with a dry stare. She was grinning.
Ready to laugh.
He simply rolled his eyes, storming out of the room.
She burst into laughter as she collected her purse from the floor. That
was definitely a point in her favor.
She walked out of the room to be met with Rei slipping into her coat.
"…he said it was a big case and I had some experience with the client,
I’m sorry baby I really wanted to show you the gardens." Rei looked
up, striding to Usagi and kissing her lightly on the cheek. "Unless," she
mused this "Usa, are you free for half an hour or so?"
Usagi looked from Mamoru to Rei in apprehension. Rei was giving her
the pleading stare.
"Sure, I guess so. What’s up?"
"Great. Mamoru wants to see the gardens. Think you can show him
around?"
Mamoru smiled uneasily and placed two heavy hands on Rei’s
shoulders.
"It’s ok sweetie, I’ll see them another time."
"No don’t be silly baby, I want you to see them."
Mamoru’s jaw clenched. "But honey, I want to see them with you."
"Don’t be silly baby. There’ll be plenty of chances over the holidays to
see them together. Just let Usa show you around today. It won’t take
long I promise."
Rei had obviously been oblivious to the biting tone of his voice. Usagi
heard it loud and clear. It had actually chilled her bones to hear that hint
of agitation. She suddenly remembered their heated argument in the
storage room. Usagi cringed slightly.
"Actually Rei it might be better, I’ve got loads of work to catch up on."
"Usa please, just take a breather for half an hour. It’ll be good for you
both. Some fresh air. You both work way too much. Come on you can
start out front and walk me to my car."
It was a lost cause with Rei. She simply didn’t take anything other than
what she wanted. She had been like that since childhood. Usagi was
used to the feeling of utter defeat when it came to any issue with her
sister.
She looked at Mamoru who was scowling at Rei’s back. Rolling her
eyes, Usagi slipped into her black leather coat and pulled it tight around
her beige pant suit. She wrapped her beige scarf around her neck,
finally slipping her cream beret onto her now loose hair.
Mamoru was staring at the petite blonde as she slipped her leather
gloves on. She looked utterly beautiful wrapped in her protection from
the snow.
He himself, wore black gloves, scarf and coat. He wasn’t one for
colours although he always looked handsome. He didn’t even have to
try.
"Come on you two we’re not getting any younger." Rei slipped her arm
around Mamoru’s waist and beamed at Usagi. Usagi simply smiled
politely as she slipped her handbag onto her shoulder.
The trio stepped outside into the brisk air. Usagi noted Mamoru’s
chiseled features. He looked furious.
"Hardly the weather for midday strolls. Rei really, I’ve got a lot of
work to do as I’m sure Usagi does also."
"Oh hush you spoil sport. Usa is taking you for a walk around the
gardens and that’s that. Stop being such a spoilt brat and for once
relax." She kissed him softly on the lips and turned to Usagi.
"Christmas is next week Usagi."
Here we go, Usagi thought, the lecture was bound to happen anytime.
She glanced at Mamoru who stood with his hands buried in the pockets
of his overcoat. He was staring with dark eyes out at the snow covered
gardens, his jaw jutting forward. Usagi could see the muscles twitching
in his neck. Could she really spend the next half hour walking with him alone? God knows.
"What are your plans?" Rei lit up a cigarette.
"To get you to quit. Those things will kill you Rei." Rei saw Usagi’s
disapproving stare and chuckled.
"You’re too kind. These are my number one on my list of stress
relievers."
"They’re also number one on your list of things that will kill you."
"How did this get to be about me? What are your plans for Christmas
Usa?"
Usagi sighed. There was no way to avoid this, she knew it as did Rei.
By this time Mamoru had approached and wrapped his arms around
Rei’s waist. Grabbing the cigarette from her mouth and taking a long
drag for himself.
Usagi laughed at this.
"I can just imagine the room filled with smoke after you two have made
love."
"Usagi." Rei snapped taking the cigarette from her lover.
Usagi just rolled her eyes.
"Stop avoiding my question. What are you plans?"
"So far I have none. Probably just a quiet day at home. Boxing day
here. And you?"
"You’re spending Christmas alone? Oh god Usa you must get sick of
it."
Usagi was cursing herself inwardly.
"Sick of what?" She was feigning innocence. She was also praying that
Rei would let it go.
Rei rolled her eyes.
"Of being alone. You live alone. You spend your free time alone. It’s
like you’re destined to be alone."
Usagi saw Mamoru’s eyebrow rise. Her eyes shot fire at Rei.
"I don’t want to get into it here Rei."
"Why not Usa. I’m worried about you that’s all. Why don’t you spend
Christmas with us?"
"Us?"
"Mamoru and me and some of our friends."
"I don’t want your pity Rei. I have my own friends. Please can we just
drop it. You meddle enough in my life as it is."
Rei rolled her eyes again.
"Yes, yes. Alright I’m off. See you tonight baby." She butted her
cigarette on the railing before flicking it into the garden below.
This prompted yet another of Usagi’s disapproving stares.
"Please Usagi, that’s what the landscaping staff are for. I’ll call you
alright."
"I hardly think mother pays them to remove your carelessly disposed
cigarettes from the freshly mulched garden beds."
Rei sighed and kissed Usagi’s cheek.
"I’ll talk to you soon."
Usagi smiled in defeat. "Of course. It was good to see you."
Rei smiled back and slipped into her car. Usagi and Mamoru watched
as she sped out the huge driveway until her car was nothing but a cloud
of dust.
Mamoru snorted.
"She really needs to slow down or she’ll end up like Motoki."
Usagi raised an eyebrow.
"I hardly think you’re one to talk, I’ve seen you hooning out of the
hospital parking lot. In fact we’ve received numerous complaints from
our ambulance staff."
Mamoru shot her a leveled glance. Before offering her his arm. "Shall
we?"
She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and nodded. "Of
course."
Together they walked down the elaborate marble steps of the entry way,
towards the snow covered front gardens.
Neither of them saw Ilene gazing down at them from the window,
smiling happily. It would be wonderful if such a charming man saw
something in Usagi other than a bedmate. She knew him and Rei
wouldn’t last. Rei was to surreal for him. He seemed like a true
romantic. Either that or he was a huge male slut. She hoped it wasn’t
the latter. He would be perfect for Usagi. Ilene smiled softly to herself.
If only.
They had made their way to the side of the house where the snow
covered rose garden swayed gently in the crisp wind. Usagi had led
Mamoru through to the centre of the garden where a beautiful fountain
was pumping streams of water through the hands of two cherubs.
"Well this is a very charming garden. Just like me I suppose."
Usagi rolled her eyes. Seating herself beside him, noting that their arms
were still entwined.
"Naturally."
They sat together in silence, staring at the fountain before them. It
wasn’t so much as an uncomfortable silence more of a peaceful silence.
A break from the playful teasing. It was Mamoru who finally broke the
silence.
"So you were married once?"
She frowned.
"Excuse me?"
He turned to her. Her arm still hooked in his.
"Well it all makes sense. Your last name, the fact that you don’t wear a
ring, how you never want to talk about your relationship status," he was
talking excitedly, "it hurts to talk about it doesn’t it?" His voice softened
at that.
Before she let him go any further, Usagi had burst into laughter. It was
his turn to frown.
"What? What’s so funny?"
When she finally simmered down the giggles she spoke.
"I was never married Mamoru. God, I’ve never even come close to that.
Rei didn’t tell you that we’re not real sisters?"
Mamoru’s brow creased.
"You were adopted then?"
She chuckled, "No. No. Rei is my step-sister. Ilene is my real mother
and Rei’s step-mother. When I was quite young my father…" she
caught herself. "Mother remarried Rupert Hino." She smiled then, "I
kept my fathers name. Mother changed hers. Rei is Rupert’s daughter,
of his first marriage."
"Ah. So your mother married into money then? How convenient." He
was smiling dryly.
Usagi’s soft smile dropped, she yanked her arm out of his and glared at
him.
"My mother and Rupert are very much in love. He was a poor man
when they met. They built their lives together. Everything they did was
for Rei and I."
Mamoru stood, raising his hands in defense.
"Woah, easy Usagi. I just assumed. It seemed like the typical
scenario."
"It’s none of your damn business anyway. And what the hell are you
doing looking at my fingers in the first place."
Mamoru laughed at this. She was astounding. Looking at her, worked
up like this really got his blood boiling. What the hell is wrong with
me. This woman is like the royal ice queen. Mamoru smirked at the
thought of melting the ice queen from the inside out. God he wanted to
get between her legs.
"It’s not funny. My god. You’re impossible." Usagi had calmed down
considerably, taking a seat once again beside Mamoru.
He was smiling at her. She hated that.
"I’m impossible? You’re the impossible one. Spilling out your life
story than claiming it’s none of my business."
"You don’t know the half of it. And it is none of your business."
"It is if I’m involved with your sister."
Usagi snorted in disbelief.
"Your relationship with my sister has nothing to do with this. Nor do
any of your other string of women."
He raised an eyebrow. Did he hear a hint of jealousy in his voice.
"Why Usagi, I had no idea you were…"
He was interrupted by the same shrill beeping. He cursed his pager,
ready to smash the damn thing against the stone bench he sat on.
Mamoru loved to argue with Usagi. Almost as much as he loved to see
her worked up, with that hint of colour in her cheeks and her features
creased in anger and the way her jaw stood out and…he mentally
reprimanded himself. What the hell was he doing analysing a woman
that way. Never in his life had he ever paid that much attention to a
woman.
His pager was clear.
"Duty calls." Usagi tossed her own pager back into her hand bag,
standing as she wrapped her coat tighter around her body.
Mamoru closed his eyes, steadily counting to ten, urging the strain in his
pants to calm itself.
"That’s a shame," he said standing, thanking the coat for hiding his
otherwise obvious arousal, "I was about to state…"
"I know damn well what you were about to state and you can bet your
bottom dollar that you are way off track."
Mamoru grinned.
"Of course I am. The very idea is preposterous."
Usagi cursed herself for the rapid increase of her heartbeat as he
grinned.
"Naturally."
She was totally oblivious as to how her arm had somehow tangled into
his again, this time their hands finding each other. She did, however,
note the warmth that spread through her body as their fingers entwined.
She stopped briefly to dig through her purse for her cell. He stood a
little in front of her, staring at the garden. She looked at his back as she
dialed the hospital. God he had a great ass.
*~MUAH~*
When everything is gone, there should be nothing to fear. This world will not bring me down, because I'm already here.