View source for 467/And With Her Hair Down

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/10/19
|Location=Iris Shelby's Apartment Complex
|Synopsis=The day after Apatite Loss, Mamoru finally goes to visit Usagi in the meguca clinic. And ends up getting shanghaied into brushing her miles of tangled hair.
|Cast of Characters=38, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi's phone is blinking with a text message when she wakes up, timestamped around dinner time on Saturday.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unknown Number TXT: Usagi-chan? I heard where you were and checked up on you, but you were sleeping and I didn't want to wake you. I'll come by again when I can, but I'm trying to get people moving on Kyouko-chan's situation, and I know you're stable.<br /><br />It's not dinnertime anymore, it's maybe eleven in the evening, and the senshi have all come and stayed for a bit, then left to let her sleep. Eventually. She wouldn't have kicked anyone out, but Mamoru was decidedly not receiving guests, and Rei knew he was tolerably all right by last night. He doesn't want to face them, any of them. They might not know he's Tuxedo Kamen, but he can't face them right now.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi raises her eyebrows at the text. Her hair is down, and that shouldn't really matter in this moment but it does. Because with her hair down she feels as emotionally vulnerable as she is physically..<br />[Odango-Chan]: Um...yes! (Her fingers pause for a moment, then decides that it's only logical. After all, he was there when it happened.) I'm really sorry for what happened. Are you feeling better?<br /><br />Her fingers tap against the side of the phone when she is done. She hopes so.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tux-kun TXT: I am, yes. Thank you. Why are YOU sorry? You got hurt defending me...<br /><br />Mamoru is getting out of a cab in Iris' apartment complex: he does not feel particularly safe driving himself anywhere at the moment; he pays before he texts from the Tuxedofono. And he makes damn sure his ringer is off, just in case.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>%t Odango-chan: Well, yeah, but that wasn't you're fault it was mine!<br /><br />She taps her fingers against her phone again after she sends the message. Her last message makes no sense! So, instead, she asks him a question that has been burning on her mind ever since.<br /><br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Odango-chan: Do you think Mamoru-kun will be mad at me? He keeps his place very clean!<br /><br /> And then, just because she is almost positive he's Protecting Her.<br /><br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Odango-chan: You're not lying to me, right? You're for really reals okay? If you're not I'll know! You saw ribbons, so you know! (a moment of panic) OR DID YOU IF NOT IGNORE ABORT ABORT wait what?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tux-kun TXT: he's not mad at you.<br /><br />Mamoru, in the parking lot, rolls his eyes even as he leans against the side of the building and texts like the 21st century digital boy he is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tux-kun TXT: i'm p sure he was a lot more concerned with your health than the floor<br /><br />Then he breathes through his teeth at the next text, and pinches the bridge of his nose before texting back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tux-kun TXT: i know, its ok i wont tell anyone. you need to stay calm, youre still recovering. i'm fine. you did a good job, as always. i have to go do a lot of things, very quickly, so i'll talk to you later ok?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>She is Very Relieved! For some reason it's believable when he doesn't basically say 'nah, Mamoru hates you since you bled all over his floor.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Odango-chan:Okay, but if you feel bad let me know! And get help! Or! Even if you don't let me know you're feeling Yucky!<br /><br />She sighs in happiness, trying to work the kinks out of her hair. She's not quite managing it, though. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Odango-chan: Stay safe! &lt;3<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>While waiting for Usagi's next text to come, Mamoru takes out his actual phone and starts texting her, because the double life business is difficult but necessary. ... right? Somehow he doesn't think his conclusion is correct, but if he's wrong, now's not the time. Not in the middle of this mess.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jerk-kun: Hey are you awake? If not I'm getting Starbucks.<br /><br />Then he thumbs out a quick message on the burner and sticks it in his pocket, heading for Iris' apartment.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tux-kun: you too &lt;3<br /><br />Did he just...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>She has a very distinct tone for Mamoru. It's something embarrassing he'll hopefully never hear, even if he is a 'jerk.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Odango-chan: !!!! If you do and don't bring me something I'm stealing your mouth to taste stuff so there. If you're visiting me! Are you? Please? BOOOOOOOORED!!!! You don't have to...<br /><br />She, of course, is oblivious to whatever double meanings things at this point may have. After all, she's been denied yummies for like, ever.<br /><br />She reads Tux's text and blushes. Oh dear! Her brain knows not how to maintain two crushes at once! So they sort of converge. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tux -kun: &lt;3 &lt;3 &lt;3 /(=^x^=)\ &lt;3 &lt;3 &lt;3<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Not that they hadn't really sort of been converging for them both for a while... but Mamoru, having silenced his Tuxedofono, will get a whole bunch of hearts surrounding a bunny later and smile a lot where no one can see. And then probably get depressed again because he has no right, and everything's his fault, and he feels like the Senshi are right for the wrong reasons and he shouldn't go anywhere near her.<br /><br />He'll just get her hurt.<br /><br />(This is actually what is going on behind the unwell face masked by his usual unreadably pleasant expression.)<br /><br />Thankfully, Usagi's next text gets to him before he gets to her, and he blinks and flushes red (where no one can see). He does not have the wherewithal to answer it, because he is very much not oblivious to the fact that she sure sounds like she's going to kiss him to get a taste of pumpkin spice latte.<br /><br />Up the stairs he goes, then knocks; Iris let him in, and in the ensuing conversation he looks uncomfortable and then annoyed and then like he's actually starting to get a little mad-- so Iris does not actually scan him, despite the fact that he looks like he hasn't slept for a week.<br /><br />A few minutes after Usagi last texted Mamoru, he sticks his head around the corner--<br /><br />--and her hair is down.<br /><br />He inhales sharply, suddenly, and his eyes are wide. It's a second before he can even move again. When he can, he doesn't, he just asks from the doorway, "Usagi-chan?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi is trying to figure out how so many tangles got in her hair. Normally, at home, it's a more or less simple brush-and-style if only from years of experience. Now? She's just a total and complete mess.<br /><br />The texts from both Tuxedo Kamen ''and'' Mamoru are a welcome distraction from her predicament.<br /><br />In between texts, she is trying to tame whatever she has going on. After all, it's not like anyone will see he---------<br /><br />Holy Rusted Sheets of Metal, Batman!<br /><br />Mamoru is there, or at least his head is. She gives up and sets the brush in her lap, fiddling with the bristles and is for some reason Very, Very Nervous.<br /><br />"Um, hi. Come in?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Okay," says Mamoru uncertainly. He steps in.<br /><br />He stands uncertainly just inside the doorframe. After a second of forgetting to talk, he unslings the small backpack he brought and tears his eyes away from Usagi, opening it. As he pulls out the pair of fuzzy bunny slippers from Senshi Anime Night, he notes without looking at her, "I figured one of the girls would've brought you a couple of changes of clothes, and I know Dr. Shelby has plenty of guest slippers, but you seemed to like these a lot."<br /><br />He has to look up now, it's what one does. And Mamoru's eyes may be a little too bright in his shadowed face, but the very faintly softer version of his usual expression -- the one he always wears around Usagi when they're not being snippy with each other -- it's undeniably present.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi's face breaks out into a very, very wide grin when she sees what's in his hands. Her feet wiggle a happy dance under the blanket. Bunny slippers! The will match her bunny pyjamas!<br /><br />"I like them a lot. I promise to return them!"<br /><br />But for now, they are meant to keep her toes warm! Warm and happy!<br /><br />But he's staying very near the door. She wonders if maybe he ''is'' unhappy with her (despite his cuddly demeanour). Maybe Tuxedo Kamen's assurances were a platitude?<br /><br />"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean for earlier."<br /><br />Which earlier? She wants to know! Even more than she's afraid of him being upset at her!<br /><br />"Are you mad I used your place when you weren't there, o-or that I got your place messy, o-or that...something else?"<br /><br />Usagi is not a complete dummy. Well, maybe a lot of times, but not in Certain Cases!<br /><br />Her voice grows very quiet, and her fingers twist in her rarely loosened hair. "Do you like her less since she's just me?"<br /><br />If he knows, he knows. If not, the question is from a very delirious girl. (But if not, does this explain the inexplicable tears in her eyes?)<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"You'd better return them, they're for when you come over," Mamoru says, flushing slightly and looking away again, though there's a slight smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. But then her tone changes and he looks back quickly, tired face resolved in an analytical look as he scans her features, listens to her speaking.<br /><br />And then he just looks at her, uncomprehendingly for a second and then faintly annoyed and then completely taken aback--<br /><br />--and then he sees the tears and it's all over.<br /><br />"I liked you first. So I like her more since she's you," he tells her firmly, crossing the room in a few long strides and crouching down next to the bed, so she won't have to crane her neck. He reaches up and brushes her bangs from her eyes, then lets his hand fall, still talking. "Though I have no idea why you care what I think. I'm annoying and a jerk, right?" he asks with a smile.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Wait. What again?<br /><br />Usagi watches him, her eyes wide. And he's all stridey and there and Saying Words. And the words Mean Things.<br /><br />Her hands cover her eyes and she's trying not to cry and gloriously fails because someone is choosing Usagi over Sailor Moon. So she does cry, and it's embarrassing.<br /><br />When she has a somewhat coherent response, she's able to at least somewhat answer.<br /><br />"A big Jerkity Jerk Face Jerk." But she means it as much as she means a proclamation for a love of math, and his shoulder is a convenient hidey place for her eyes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>His shoulder is exceptionally convenient because as she put her face in her hands and started crying, heedless of her embarrassment, he got up to sit next to her and put his arms around her.<br /><br />Mamoru is not generally a tactile person, for quite a number of reasons, but that's always different with ''her''. With Usagi, with Sailor Moon-- he never hesitates, he never even thinks about it. He's never startled if she touches him, she never has the awkward psychic feedback other people are subject to. He may wear masks around her, but his heart never does.<br /><br />"So there you are," he says into her tangly hair, voice mild and gentle and amused. "You shouldn't care what I think. Anyone who gives you trouble over who you are and what you do isn't worth your worry. Conveniently enough, I happen to think you're the bravest and most selfless person I know."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Normally this is where she calms down. Normally his words will soothe her (because he's very much not a Jerk, not even when she says he is, though admittedly he is sometimes Jerk''ish'') and her tears will stop.<br /><br />But this isn't a normal time.<br /><br />Instead, she begins to shake as her fingers seek out and clutch at the fabric of his shirt so hard her knuckles are white. He's given her fears, which until now she's kept shoved down, the perfect time to sneak out and try to devour her.<br /><br />"But I was so scared." She's not brave. He is Very Wrong about this. "The entire time."<br /><br />She is shaking, possibly worse than through any thunderstorm. It hurts to cry like this, full bodied, and she tries to find a way where her breathing doesn't hurt but it still does.<br /><br />There's really only one other thought that can be voiced. The others may come out one day, but for now. "Don't tell anyone?"<br /><br />Is it a selfish request? Probably.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Usako."<br /><br />His voice is just breath against her hair, and it's infinitely tired and infinitely warm, and he holds her close, trying to instill some sense of peace, trying to stop her shaking, but he has no power.<br /><br />He has no power to give her, no power to help her. Nothing but words.<br /><br />He bends his head further down, slid against her hair, until his mouth is next to her ear, and his voice is quieter still. "Usako. That's what bravery is. It's not a lack of fear-- it's having the strength to act despite it. It's fighting even though all you want to do is run. That's what bravery is. That's what courage is. You are the bravest person I know."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's weird. He's being very unfair in her wallowing.<br /><br />It starts with a loosening of her fingers when he begins whispering, an initial jolt to the system because it's that name again, and by the end her shakes are at least somewhat under control and she's not just a Hug Vampire but a Hug Participant.<br /><br />Instead of just stealing hugs, she's also hugging in return.<br /><br />"Well, if you believe it, I guess it's okay."<br /><br />It will probably be awhile before she believes it, though.<br /><br />He's nice. Even when he's being UG SUCH A JERK he's nice. Something's a bit off, though, but she is unable to put her finger on it. Mamoru's obviously really, really tired if he feels like a drained battery. Still, even this off kilter him is nice. Does he know? He should. Yes.<br /><br />"You have very pretty insides." He also has a very pretty face, but she's not that drugged!<br /><br />Also, she really could have phrased that better.<br /><br />She isn't done crying, because she's still scared, but now it's the quiet kind that doesn't strain the tummy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Apparently that name is used sparingly, because after 'very pretty insides' the older boy laughs against the side of Usagi's head and then pulls back very slightly to look down at her, expression entirely amused. "When did you perform surgery on me, Odango Atama?"<br /><br />He'd joke about having seen more of her insides than she has of his, but given the way he feels about the whole thing, the second his mind starts going into inappropriate joke territory, it veers away with startling rapidity.<br /><br />And, well, even when teasing her, he's not immune to her quiet crying; he pulls his jacket sleeve over his hand and gently wipes at her face. "It's okay to cry now, too. You're doing it in the right order. Deal with the scary things first, and cry after. You're so strong."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There's a faint blush on her cheeks, but then her face is already red so it's probably not noticeable. He is saying Sweet Things and she does not know how to comprehend even if she is leaning into his tears wiping.<br /><br />"Sometimes I do both." It's like, just now, she realizes she has someone outside her circle of (very much beloved) girls to say Things to, and she looks at him with a tiny shy smile. "At the same time. And break glass."<br /><br />She thinks he'll find this amusing. Outside of it, she does. (During, of course, she is too busy being scared and crying to notice!)<br /><br />Also, speaking of. The thought she had earlier, when Ami-chan was here, had been one that came back to poke around in her head. And she had come to the Obvious Conclusion.<br /><br />She just has to Verify!<br /><br />"I was bored and played Detective Usagi earlier. Hard to do without a bubble pipe. But..." But no he looks happy and he'll get sad BUT SHE HAS TO KNOW! So she fiddles with her fingers, because she's a bit nervous how he'll react. "Speaking of surgery and you can laugh if I'm wrong are you kind of like a magical human band-aid, or did I just completely miss something else altogether?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It takes Mamoru a moment to figure out what Usagi's talking about, because 'magical human band-aid' is kind of obscure in the tangential reference department. He does get it, and when he does, he looks wry and slightly embarrassed-- or maybe it's shy? It's hard to tell, because he's doing that thing where he can't look at her, again. "That's a terrible way to put it. And it doesn't always work."<br /><br />That's not a 'no'.<br /><br />"I don't," he says, and his arms are still around her, and though it feels like part of him is missing -- that comforting warmth he has isn't there, but only the overt part, because his Presence remains the same -- he's not making any signs of letting go, "like touching people, and it requires touch. So it doesn't often come up."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Oh." She deflates a little and it's a soft sound, and she wonders if she's been making him uncomfortable since...forever. She's a tactile person by nature, and it's so easy for her to forget that some people just don't like it. She'll have to try harder!<br /><br />Her eyebrows knit together in confusion, though. Now that she thinks about it, there was always a hesitation if he had to touch someone, or he just didn't. Did he do that with her? She really doesn't remember. Oh, she hopes not!<br /><br />It's all very confusing, so she shakes her head and gives him a wide, bright smile. "That means you saved me again. My hero." Her tone is a bit sing-song, but her expression is her I'm Happily Not Joking one.<br /><br />Despite having ''just'' mentally going over and deciding against doing what she does next, she presses her lips against his cheek before giving him another, this time a For Reals, hug.<br /><br />"Ug. You're going to have to let me know if you want me outside your bubble. And I'll try."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And-- apparently-- Mamoru has never actually thought about this. Or even noticed-- he was talking about it and he didn't even notice he was talking about it with his arms literally around Usagi.<br /><br />He hugs her tightly in return, then laughs a little, and still doesn't let go. "I don't. I don't want you outside."<br /><br />He decides against saying, 'It doesn't hurt when you touch me.'<br /><br />He doesn't say, 'You make me feel like I'm home.'<br /><br />He thinks about saying 'I'm never afraid when I'm with you' but ultimately chooses not to.<br /><br />What comes out of his mouth instead is, "I like it when you burst my bubble."<br /><br />Seriously what's wrong with this guy?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh!<br /><br />This time it's an internal word, but she perks right back up.<br /><br />And then she is giggle, because oh my goodness.<br /><br />"That was bad."<br /><br />And hilarious. She loved it.<br /><br />Then she's pulling back, twisting a little, and reaches under her pillow. She pulls out a sacred tin of holy food and slowly raises it up, and slowly lifts the lid a little, not taking her eyes off of him.<br /><br />Her hair becomes even more haphazard, but she doesn't really notice. Because she's going to offer him something that many a man have lost a hand trying to obtain from her. Because he's him.<br /><br />"I suppose, since you're letting me in your bubble, I can share some Mako-chan cookies with you."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Did he just see a carrot under her pillow? He totally did. He decides it's something Iris would be amused to find, so doesn't mention it or do anything with it. Instead, he finally lets go of Usagi when she pulls back, letting his hands fall to his lap-- and then, miracle of miracles, ''Usagi is offering to share cookies with him''. Not just any cookies, either. ''Mako-chan'' cookies.<br /><br />His eyes are wide. He says reverently, only half-teasing, "Are you sure?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>She pokes him in the arm. "Yes, but hurry before I change my mind. They're a precious commodity. Like gold. Or milkshakes. And I mean the fancy, expensive milkshakes." Her eyes get momentarily distant and dreamy. Those were good milkshakes.<br /><br />And then she is focusing again.<br /><br />"But don't tell anyone I shared. They'd get jealous. Or ask if I was delirious." Then, vague flashes of earlier snippets of things she said earlier come floating through her mind, and she blushes again. "Or both."<br /><br />She sets the tin on her lap and chooses ''not the smallest cookie'' because Mamoru and hands it to him.<br /><br />As she does, her hair attacks her face in wispy strands of eyelash attacks and mouth infiltrations and there's a moment of flailing as she pushes everything back.<br /><br />She really shouldn't have let it get this dry before doing anything.<br /><br />Well, okay, she tried. But maybe she should have left to washing it for later. Now, if it stays down like this, she's going to spend most of tomorrow getting out all the tangles.<br /><br />She speaks from experience.<br /><br />And it seems this is her fate, unless--<br /><br />Her face becomes beat red. Burning red. And she's looking at something Over Yonder.<br /><br />Is it too forward?<br /><br />Too weird?<br /><br />Even a lot of girls wouldn't do it!<br /><br />But...<br /><br />"Um... I-if." She clears her throat. Tries again. And it's in a rushed breath. "Can you help me with my hair?"<br /><br />And she's still looking Over Yonder. "It's okay if not, it's just, it'll be tangled tomorrow, and I'd do it, I normally do, but..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Not even-- she even gives him a cookie that's not the smallest.<br /><br />Mamoru watches her select, and then looks honest to god startled, because that's a huge sacrifice in the mind of anyone who loves cookies and has a whole tin to themselves, but for Usagi? That's practically a love confession in and of itself! It's actually with true reverence that he solemnly takes the cookie, and then makes a point to enjoy the hell out of it, thoroughly, as Usagi fusses with her hair and then starts blushing.<br /><br />The blushing gives him pause.<br /><br />There's almost a moment of 'what are you doing', asked suspiciously, but the fates are on his side today: his mouth is full of the last of his cookie, and then Usagi starts stammering and then blurts out a question he was absolutely not expecting.<br /><br />And she's not looking at him, either.<br /><br />Good, she won't see the faint pink tinge to his too-pale face.<br /><br />"Uh--" he starts, licking cookie crubs off his fingers then wiping his hands on his jeans, "uh, sure."<br /><br />Before Mamoru can change his mind, he takes her brush and immediately does what someone who's generally efficient but completely unversed in the mysteries of Long Hair would do: he turns her to face away from him and she can ''feel'' the brush bristles touch her scalp, which is the absolute last place they need to be right now.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh! He will! He gets at least another cookie. No, two! ...one and a half?<br /><br />She turns her head when she's guided.<br /><br />Then Usagi giggles as she flinches and puts her hand on his to stop him from brushing. "Not there, yet."<br /><br />She picks up the end of a large section. "Supposed to be from the bottom up, kind of like 'guiding the tangle-bunnies out instead of chasing them away.'"<br /><br />Her mother may or may not have said this to her several years ago. (This was, of course, after she would cry because her mother would say rats instead of bunnies. So instead of rat's nest, her hair was always a bunny's nest.)<br /><br />He likes explainy stuff, right? And while not science or math or something else boring...<br /><br />"It's easier to break the hair if you start at the top." She studies his hair for a moment. Sometimes she wonders if it's nice to have short hair. Then she's afraid of having short hair. "Yours is nice."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mamoru freezes in place, then stays stock still as her hand goes over his-- and he listens intently to the instructions. He has his serious business face on, which is probably hilarious given the situation, but it's also pretty damn typical of him.<br /><br />She tells him his hair is nice, and he gives her a crooked grin and poses in profile for a half second. "So I've heard." A beat, and it's a more real smile -- still lopsided, but real. "Thanks. Okay, so like this?"<br /><br />He takes the section of hair from her hand: if he focuses on the mechanics of this, he'll be able to get past the fact that he's brushing Usagi's hair. He takes it, and he starts brushing from the very bottom, then flinches when she winces and holds the lock more tightly so it won't get any loose strands tugging at her scalp.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Wait, what? Heard? From who? Why does she want to know and why does she want to find and pout that them?<br /><br />Then he's smiling his Not Jerk smile and her shoulders relax.<br /><br />And he has a very ''very'' serious Hair Brushing face.<br /><br />She's about to correct when she winces at the billions of sharp little tugs in her scalp, but he corrects himself. "Yes! That's much better."<br /><br />Then, because she feels odd that she knows about something he doesn't but also kind of thrilled, she holds up the end of another section of hair and holds it between her palm and thumb. "If your hands get tired, you can hold the hair like this. And if your arms get tired, well, you're a novice so I ''suppose'' we can take cookie breaks."<br /><br />Does he realize how long it takes to brush long hair?<br /><br />"You don't...have anywhere to be for awhile, right? This takes some time..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER...<br /><br />At this point, Mamoru's been upright or sprawled across half the bed sideways every which way, switching hands or shifting position or taking cookie breaks or trying to find any configuration that doesn't involve arm-ache in a guy who is still very very much recovering his strength after the horrors of the previous day.<br /><br />He hadn't been quite sure what to make of Usagi sort of melting all over the place when he finally got to the top of her hair, but since she'd growled every time he stopped to make sure she was okay, he'd just gone with it.<br /><br />Now he's even done with that part, and-- "Um. I was going to ask... how are you planning on keeping it from getting tangled again when you go to sleep?"<br /><br />From his tone, he's expecting an answer like 'magic'.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh boy. She forgets how nice it is to have someone else brush her hair. And, though she is still very aware by the end that the brusher is a Boy, the initial nerves of 'Oh My Gosh Boy' was gone by the time he reached scalp.<br /><br />She wonders if she purred. She hopes not! Embarrassing!<br /><br />At his question, she wiggles her fingers and gives him a sly smile. "Magic!"<br /><br />Then she's just regular smiling. Why is she revealing girl magic? Because he's curious and wants to know. And his face is interesting when he's curious and wants to know things. "Most school nights, I sleep with it up. I...usually...fix it between classes..." In the bathroom... "But for tonight, ''maaaaaagic.''" She points to a pile of bows.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mamoru blinks at the pile of bows. He starts to reach for them, then pauses. "--actually uh. I should go. It's getting close to one in the morning and-- I really need to sleep."<br /><br />He doesn't just sound regretful, he actually sounds apologetic. Seriously who is this guy. WHO IS THIS GUY. "There's a lot of people I need to talk to about Kyouko tomorrow. Some of them are going to want to go nuclear. I'm afraid that my place probably shouldn't be considered safe territory for a bit."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Her eyes widen. She's kept him too long! He has been here awhile, yet it feels like he's just arrived.<br /><br />"Oh! Okay! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep you up so long." She eyes the bows. "If you hand them over, I should be able to put them in?" Enough, at least, to where she doesn't have one massive ball of twine in the morning.<br /><br />"And, um. Thank you. For the hair. Brushing."<br /><br />She chews her lip. "I'm sorry. About your place." Because of her, it's not safe. "If it will help, tell people...I'm not mad at her?"<br /><br />And she levels him with as steely a gaze as she is capable of. "And where are you going to sleep, if your place isn't safe?"<br /><br />Challenging him to say home. Challenging him to dare be not safe. "I'll go right over there and hide you in my attic if I have to."<br /><br />Then, while waiting for him to respond, she knows she'll more than likely fall asleep soon after he leaves, so she tests how much of the pain reliever in her system there is with a few sharp pokes to the gut. "Owwwwww." Only six w's, better than the eight just before she took her last one, but she was going to wake up hurting if she didn't take one now. She sighs, because she really doesn't want to, but she promised. So she reaches for the stand next to her bed and takes the pill.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Handing Usagi the bows, Mamoru looks wry. "Technically, my place already wasn't safe. Half the magical girls in the city know where I live, and not all my friends tread the straight and narrow path. There have already been a couple of awkward situations. It has, until now, at least been a truce zone -- except I still have no idea how a grief seed wound up in my hall closet -- but the Dark Kingdom doesn't care about truces. It was only a matter of time. We'll see if Kyouko takes the information back or not."<br /><br />All of a sudden, she's giving him that Tsuki Ni Kawatte Oshiokiyo look, and he scrambles off the bed and holds his hands up, conciliatory and wide-eyed. "Hey! Hey, I have some places I can stay, it's all right. Virtue has safehouses set up, for one thing." Like he's going to use them, riiiight. His home is HIS. But without any power, it might be a good idea if he stayed elsewhere until he recharged enough to henshin.<br /><br />Then he leans forward again and catches at Usagi's hand, frowning. "Don't poke it," he tells her sternly before letting go. "Sleep well, Usagi-chan. And, uh--"<br /><br />Mamoru pauses, glances away, reaches up to rub at the back of his neck. "If you have bad dreams, you can call me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Suddenly the idea of hiding him in her attic is sounding better and better and--<br /><br />No, Usagi, that woulnd't be good. And she feels guilty that she's a reason his place is less safe and--<br /><br />He is suddenly scrambling off the bed and she sometimes gets that expression from Rei. She stares at him in a bit of shock. "That look wasn't that scary...I just want you to be safe."<br /><br />Then she pokes, and her hand is caught in his, and she gives him a Look through the faint blush. "If I don't poke it, how will I know when to take my meds?" Duh.<br /><br />And then he ruins things again by looking shy. "Sweet dreams. And if yours get bad, you can call me, too. If I ask you about the weight of mangoes on Saturn, I'm probably asleep, but it'd be amusing!"<br /><br />Then it's her turn to be shy. "Thanks for visiting me, Mamo-chan."<br /><br />Dangit! What! Ug.<br /><br />Maybe he won't notice.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>He's heard it from her once before. But this was the first time it's been when things weren't terrifying, and instantly, even if it's not a restoration of power, he feels better. He feels more warm inside. And his words to Hannah the other night -- she's the most important person; of course he'd give her everything, he'd give his life to protect her -- they're only reinforced.<br /><br />Mamoru smiles, and it's that tiny secret smile reserved only for her, full of a vast ocean of affection. Then he leans down to kiss the top of her head, no hesitation. "As if anyone could stop me," he tells her, and there's no safe joke in his tone, his expression. "Good night, Usako."<br /><br />With that, he heads out the door, not staying to see her blush-- it'd mean she'd see his.<br> <br>
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