View source for 509/Of Masks and Men

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/10/30
|Location=Plot Room #2
|Synopsis=Ami admits her mistake in revealing herself to Daisuke to the other senshi, and most of them quickly decide she must be crushing on the boy. After much embarassment, she dissuades them by claiming that Usagi and Mamoru went on a date! Her gambit successful, the group quickly returns to the more important topic: should Daisuke be introduced to Virtue?
|Cast of Characters=38, 40, 42, 54, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Friday evening, well after school and homework. The city is chilly and rainy, and most sensible people have sought a place indoors. The phrase 'sensible' does not always apply to the Senshi, but nevertheless, Ami has asked them all to meet at Makoto's house this evening.<br /><br />The blue-haired girl shows up at Makoto's house dressed in bluejeans and a grey cardigan, bookbag slung over her shoulder and a small potted mint in her arms. "Here, this is for you," she offers the mint plant to Makoto when she opens the door.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi sighs as she walks down the sidewalk, ignoring the random odd look she gets for talking to the cat in her arms.<br /><br />She would rather be not talking. Instead, she wants to daydream. Mostly because her daydreams of late are secretly close to reality!<br /><br />But instead. Talking to cat.<br /><br />Well, more like scolding her.<br /><br />Which is ''really'' odd, since usually it's the other way around.<br /><br />"All I'm saying is that Ami-chan doesn't need other people being mad at her. You ''know'' her, she's being harder on herself than anyone else could be."<br /><br />In an elevator, so the cat can finally talk. "She was irresponsible."<br /><br />"Yeah, and if it were me, the kitty glares would serve a purpose. You're only hurting her more."<br /><br />Luna sighed. She is close to relenting.<br /><br />And then Usagi pulls out the big guns as the elevator opens.<br /><br />"Do you ''want'' her to think you hate her?" She walks down the hallway. "She probably already does. And she won't confront you. So this will fester until she thinks you hate her, and she'll never invite you over or give you scritches and--"<br /><br />When the door is open, Luna leaps down and scampers for the blue haired girl, kitty tears abound as she leaps and clings. "Ami-chan I don't hate you!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino comes a'visiting too!<br /><br />She's not got much to say for now. Her days are full of Mamoru-stalking and cat-backpack-barfing and now she's just coming over for a visit and a meeting.<br /><br />She does feel weird when gifts are given, as if this were some rule of etiquette she was not aware of. She offers an Artemis as a gift.<br /><br />"He can do chores. Even cook!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Time to prepare means that Makoto has tea and freshly-baked anpan ready by the time the other girls begin to arrive at her apartment, and the always-cozy apartment is full of the fragrance of baking bread. She greets Ami at the door, and lights up with a smile at the gift of the potted mint. "Ami-chan, thank you!" Taking the pot carefully between her hands, she leans her head down to breathe in the fresh scent of the leaves before she steps back to clear the doorway. "You didn't have to do that, but I'm glad."<br /><br />She's on her way to the kitchenette to make some space for the pot next to her other potted herbs when Usagi and Luna arrive. Luna's wail as the moon cat gloms onto Ami makes Makoto pause. Clearly she's missed something; her green eyes are wide in surprise and confusion as she looks to Usagi and Minako as though in hopes of an explanation.<br /><br />And is instead offered a cat. "--Ah? That's okay, really. Artemis, you're welcome as a guest any time, you don't have to do chores or anything."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ami smiles a little at Makoto's pleasure, and ditches her shoes just inside the door while Makoto finds space for the plant. "I really did, though," she responds to Makoto quietly. "You'll understand soon enough." Ominous words.<br /><br />When Usagi knocks at the door, Ami opens it for her, and then is practically bowled over by Luna's attack of conscience. "Hi, Usagi-chan," she says as she kneels down to pick up Luna. "Hi, Minako-chan," she continues as she pets Luna's ears gently. <br /><br />"Hello, Luna," she says to the cat. "I know you don't hate me, but I'm going to fix everything as best I can. I promise."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino tickles her Artemis on the chin and whispers that he does, in fact, have to do chores. "She's just being polite. Do chores anyway," she whispers, before depositing him on the table in the middle of the room and whispering that everybody is going to pet Luna and not him because he has fleas.<br /><br />"Hi, everybody!" she answers, belatedly but confidently.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Instead of answering Makoto's silent question, she gives the taller girl a very warm hug. "Mako-chan! I haven't seen you in ages!" It's been what? Since after school? An eternity!<br /><br />And then her nostrils flare as she sniffs the room. "Mmmmmm! I smell Mako-chan Food!"<br /><br />Luna is still a bit sniffly and rubs her chin on Ami's jaw. If she were a regular earth cat, she would even be shedding to show her appreciation.<br /><br />"So long as you know! And I know we will. I'm sorry."<br /><br />Usagi waves in return. "Hi, Minako-chan! Hi Artemis!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Makoto is still looking a bit baffled as she shifts her grasp on the potted plant in order to accept and return Usagi's hug. "It's only been a couple of hours, Usagi-chan," she says, a trace of laughter in her voice. "Come on, everybody sit and have some snacks. It sounds like there's some things to talk about."<br /><br />As for Mako, she goes to settle the mint into place, then sets about making sure everybody who wants one has a cup of tea before she finally sits down herself with an anko-filled bun and waits to hear what's transpired that has Luna and Ami both off-kilter.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ami accepts tea and anko bun both as she settles into a seat. As before, she sets her tablet down gently in the center of Minako's table, allowing it to record their conversation. Luna, though, receies very gentl earscriches throughout.<br /><br />"I suppose there's no sense in drawing it out," Ami says quietly. Letting Luna go long enough to lean forward and pick up her tea, she explains, "Two days ago, I met a boy named Daisuke Hansuke. He is a little older than us, and attends Verone University. His father is a doctor, and he is very devoted to charity work and helping others. Similar to his father, Daisuke wants to be a veterinarian.<br /><br />"And similar to us," Ami continues, "Daisuke has been experiencing a strong sense of deja vu when he comes into contact with some of us. Usagi, myself, and Chiba-san, for sure. Of Chiba-san, in particular, he said he is very familiar."<br /><br />Ami takes a sip of tea, then places it back on the table before continuing. "Some days ago, Daisuke found a ring that transforms into the Rod of Asclepius. He can also use it to transform himself into a magical boy. I am not sure the extent of his powers, but it is clear he has some."<br /><br />Here, Ami grimaces a little as she comes to the important part. "I ... honestly don't know what I was thinking, at the time, but I made the mistake of revealing that I am Sailor Mercury to him. I believe, based on association, he has also surmised that Usagi is Sailor Moon. It was irresponsible of me, and I owe you all an apology. I honestly don't know why I thought it was a good idea. But it's been done, and I regret it immensely, if only because I don't wish to put you all in danger."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino sets Artemis down and points out how even the plant is getting a Mako-embrace while all he can do is curl up on the recorder. Poor Artemis. But she makes up for it by petting Artemis on the head continually.<br /><br />Once Artemis-teasing time is done and Ami starts talking, Minako's expression slowly goes from obnoxiously effervescent to a plain, dull look, her lips pulled taut in a line and her expression becoming more rigid. Her shoulders straighten up and she listens with more attention, displeased but silent. Her Artemis-pettings become more firm and rigid and uncomfortable as she listens.<br /><br />It's a bad day for white cats.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As Ami's speaking, the door is opening. Could it be Rei?<br /><br />No: it's just Chiba, sleeves rolled up and smudged with dust, hair pretty messy. Jeans instead of uniform trousers. He's holding a pair of work gloves in one hand, and he closes the door behind him, leaning against the wall next to it as he toes off his shoes.<br /><br />"I'll note," he says, subdued, "that it's unlikely he figured out Sailor Moon's identity. I knew all of yours before I knew hers, and I didn't know hers until she detransformed in front of my eyes. So there's at least that."<br /><br />He glances over to Makoto and gives her a brief thumbs-up.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Now now, Mamoru-san, that's possible. But we can't rely on everybody being as inobservant as you," Minako Aino notes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Unlike Minako, Usagi, who had already heard this the day before, had no stern looks for Ami-chan.<br /><br />And then she sees poor Artemis, and after another squish to Mako-chan, she slinks over to the couch and saves him from cranky hands. She's stroking his ears as Mamoru walks in, and and and--<br /><br />Her heart flip-flops and she tries to ignore it. Because People.<br /><br />But he's dusty!<br /><br />"Mamoru-kun ''is'' observent. I'm just good at hiding who I am." She looks at the other blonde. "Would you suspect ''me'' of being Sailor Moon if you didn't already know?"<br /><br />Yep, heart still flip flopping.<br /><br />"Also, two cents. Daisku-kun has a huggable vibe."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Makoto falls quiet, absently reaching to pat Artemis with one hand as she listens with an increasingly serious expression to Ami's explanation of what's happened. Faint surprise flickers through her eyes, but she doesn't say anything even after the facts have been laid out - instead, she sits there chewing thoughtfully on a mouthful of anpan, until Mamoru comes in and flashes her that thumbs-up.<br /><br />Then Mako straightens up a little, brows lifting. "It's fixed?" she asks. "Thank you, Mamoru-san. It probably would've been cold water until tomorrow if I had to call the landlady..."<br /><br />As though there were not more significant issues at hand than her hot water. Settling back down, Makoto looks back toward Ami. "I'm kind of surprised," she admits. "I mean, you're usually more careful than the rest of us. But it's too soon to get really worked up about it, isn't it?" Tipping her head towards Mamoru-- "It's not like I can get on your case about it; I don't even know since how far back Mamoru figured out I was Sailor Jupiter, but it had to have been before I stopped thinking he was Nephrite."<br /><br />She pauses for a sip of tea, then glances toward Usagi, curiously. "'Huggable'?" Beat. "Is he cute?" Mako no.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ami glances to Mamoru as he enters, but doesn't look terribly reassured. Before she can respond to him, however, Makoto drops the million dollar question, and Ami turns a bright shade of scarlet. Rather than answer the question, she hides behind Luna, who is suddenly subjected to very affectionate attentions from the blue-haired girl while Ami composes herself from the question.<br /><br />"Nevertheless," she eventually manages to say, "I do not want to assume that he cannot figure out the rest of you by association. I have put you all at risk, and I am not certain how to proceed. He is very unhappy; confused about what all is happening. I think... perhaps Mamoru should introduce him to Virtue." Something about her expression says she's not happy with her own suggestion.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I think me being an idiot about it is what made you think I was Nephrite," Mamoru tells Makoto sheepishly, then blinks, mouth open, as she adds the last. He glances back at Ami instantly, and Ami's hiding behind Luna, and slowly, one side of his mouth curls up.<br /><br />Shipper. On. Deck.<br /><br />He clears his throat and pushes off the wall, heading for the tiny bathroom to go wash some of the most smudgeable dust off so he doesn't get Mako's apartment (or Usagi) dirty. As he goes, he says easily, "Caution is wise. I'd be more than happy to introduce him to Virtue."<br /><br />He also gives Minako stinkeye on the way.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino gets another unpleasant look on her face at the phrase 'huggable'. She makes faces at Usagi and then back at Artemis at this realization.<br /><br />"Oh, Usagi-chan. I can see through you like you're a mile away," she says confidently.<br /><br />"Anyway! Ami-chan! Mamoru-chan! That doesn't follow. There's SO MUCH investigation that has to happen first. I haven't even seen him yet. Or hugged him," she adds, making the dopiest expression to all the girl's, like she's going to go and hug-encroach on their territory.<br /><br /><br />"But, but, but, no. We can't just introduce him to Virtue because you accidentally revealed yourself to him in public after he showed you his rod, Ami-chan" she says, shaking her head. "More investigation is in order."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi pouts at Minako. She's not sure if she's supposed to be confused or insulted, so she quietly goes for both.<br /><br />And then.<br /><br />"He did help Tuxedo Kamen and I the other day. Even if he's still new, all he wanted to do was help." She shrugs. "I'm not saying reveal all, but."<br /><br />And then, she gives Makoto a sly grin. It increases at Ami's blush. "He ''is'' cute, but I think he has eyes on...someone else."<br /><br />The 'hue hue hue' is heavily implied.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh. *Ohhhhhhhh.* "Sorry, Ami-chan!" Makoto hurries to apologize. "I didn't realize!" Daisuke Hansuke is promptly, sight unseen, categorized in Makoto's mind as 'off limits'.<br /><br />A moment later she looks toward Minako. "--Why shouldn't we introduce him to Virtue, though?" Mako wonders. "There's more of them than there are of us, and we already know he's a magical person. Isn't that kind of what they're there for in the first place?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ami opens her mouth to respond to Minako's concerns, but gets bowled over, instead, by Usagi and Makoto's continued discussions about whether he is cute. Her blushes grow fiercer, and poor Luna gets squeezed unfairly hard as she tries to hide from the topic. She doesn't succeed. "It's okay, he's just a boy! I don't think he has his eye on anyone, and anyways I'm too young for him!"<br /><br />Luna leaps out of her lap the moment Ami lets her go, hastily avoiding further squishing. This leaves Ami with nothing else to hide behind, so she picks up one of Makoto's red bean buns to nibble on, instead. Something, ''anything'' to avoid having to speak further on this topic while her face is bright red.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Older guys are the best, though," Makoto counters, eyes sparkling with a trace of a familiar enthusiasm as she looks toward Usagi for solidarity for... some reason. "Right, Usagi-chan?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The water's running in the bathroom, because Mamoru's washing off grime from the basement, but it gets shut off abruptly and Mamoru sticks his head and shoulders out, towel in his hands and hair dripping a little, and he looks... annoyed. "He's younger than I am, Mizuno-san."<br /><br />This is almost on top of Makoto's words, and they process right after he speaks, and suddenly his face is bright red and he is back IN THE BATHROOM AND THE WATER IS RUNNING.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino still is a bit grumpy at Ami but manages to give her a wink. "If you're too young, my recommendation is just wait a bit! You'll be old enough in no time," she promises. "Old is just a state of mind. Also, a felony in some districts."<br /><br />"And if there's something you don't know about 'cuz you're too young. Just ask me. I know it all!" she claims, but quickly gets serious.<br /><br />"ANYWAY! They might be about the magic peoples, but it's not an open-invite party. I'm gonna get in trouble if the wrong sorta' people find out about Virtue!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi gives Ami wibbly wobbly lips, very close to tears. And then Makoto to the res--<br /><br />Oh look, a convenient white cat to hide her furious blushing face!<br /><br />What! He was blushing, too! He's not helping!<br /><br />Part of her wonders if it will look suspicious to hide in the bathroom with him.<br /><br />Yes, Usagi. It would.<br /><br />She clears her throat, lets Artemis go (who possibly joins Luna for a nap) and looks at Ami and Makoto. "Older boys are nice, it's true."<br /><br />And then, because her cheeks are still pink, she leans toward Ami. "Isn't that right~ Ami-chan? Huehuehue!"<br /><br />Then, at Minako, as though she hadn't just ensured one of her best friends' face would burst into flames. "But Minako-chan. If people don't get help, what if their only choice is to go to...other people?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ami would really like to get back to the conversation about virtue. The problem is, the hole that is 'Is he cute?' just keeps getting deeper and deeper. "I didn't mean it like that!" she blurts out to Usagi and Mamoru. She scratches at her arms furiously, then stands up and heads towards the bathroom. Wait, Mamoru's in there. She paces back to the kitchen to check on the mint, then back to the bathroom--still Mamoru--then back to her seat, all at a speed much faster than a casual stroll through the house ought be.<br /><br />With no defense left to hide behind, no easy way out of the conversation, and no better information left to spill, Ami diverts the only way she knows how, "Usagi and Mamoru went on a date yesterday!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino looks a little upset. "Double-dates? And nobody mentioned it to me?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Makoto's reaction is immediate. "Whaaaaat?" Wide eyes flit from Usagi to the bathroom door and back as she parses the idea - well, okay, she already knew that Usagi had some kind of feelings for Mamoru, but the two of them on an actual *date* is a whole other notion. "Seriously? Usagi-chan!"<br /><br />Ami's object is thoroughly achieved; Makoto has abandoned teasing one friend to turn a mock-wounded look toward the other. "Come on, I don't get to go out on any dates myself, the least you could do is tell me all about yours!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"WHAT?!?!?!?!" A Very Angry Luna leaps uo and hisses. "WITH THAT GUY?!?!?!"<br /><br />Now it's Usagi's turn to have a face catch on fire!! She is nearly glowing a bright red right now.<br /><br />"A-AMI-CHAN!"<br /><br />Hurt! Betrayal! ET TU, AMI-TE?!?!<br /><br />And then Minako! With double dates!<br /><br />And now Makoto!<br /><br />And Luna's gonna have her killed and left on the back porch like an actual bunny!<br /><br />Is it still too late to sneak to the bathroom?! She tries!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And the bathroom door finally opens, just then, and Usagi smacks right into Mamoru's chest. "Wh--?" he starts, catching her, then looks down. "Sorry, I'm done."<br /><br />And damp, but much less grimy! He lets go of Usagi and steps out of the way of the bathroom door, face still slightly pink because scrubbing ''honest'', and he stares at the rest of the Senshi present and at the suddenly angry Luna, and he sighs and reaches up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "What did I do ''now''."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino peers around and doesn't have anything more to say about this. Instead, she's raptly listening for more talk of dates and double dates and boy-talk.<br /><br />And hugging Artemis. This is going to be good, or so she says to her cat.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ami breathes a soft sigh of relief. Even the look from Usagi is not enough to deter her from feeling better about it. She gives Usagi an apologetic look, but doesn't even try to help her with the sudden influx of attention. Instead, Ami sinks quietly back into the background, just where she likes to be.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Well, this is becoming a bit awkward, isn't it? Usagi has fled to the bathroom, and Makoto gets up from where she's been sitting to pour a cup of tea, which she presents to Mamoru with a somewhat guilty expression.<br /><br />"...Something about you and Usagi-chan on a date?" Mako suggests meekly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi is leaning against the bathroom door, ear pressed against the wood.<br /><br />Maybe in five minutes, her cheeks won't be as red. Or maybe in five years.<br /><br />In the living room, Luna is very much Not Happy.<br /><br />"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING! Do you realize how complicated you're making everything for her?"<br /><br />She'll yell at Usagi later, of course.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mamoru takes the tea from Makoto with dignity. "Not at all. We stopped for cake on the way here yesterday, and Ami-san told us about Hansuke-san. You were ''there'', Luna." He lowers his voice and says firmly, "I don't want to get between her and Tuxedo Kamen. She was probably trying to cover for me or something yesterday, but she's told me she likes him. So--"<br /><br />He glances at Makoto, then looks directly at Luna for a long second and a half. Finally, he glances around at everyone else. "You've all told me what you need me for. I'd appreciate it if the subject were dropped, now. I believe something was being argued about Hansuke and Virtue?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino makes a few gaspy sounds. "Luna was there on the date too? Is even ARTEMIS sneaking out on group dates without me!?" she wails, bringing cat-embarrassment into the mix.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ami gladly takes the baiit Mamoru has provided her, and scoops Luna up into her arms. "Maybe I was mistaken," she says gently, petting the cat's ears. "Whatever the case, I would like to return to Hansuke-san and Virtue as the topic of the evening, as it is why I have asked you all here."<br /><br />Ami turns to Minako and says, "I don't necessarily want to tell him everything about Virtue, but I believe he wants to help people, and do good things with the powers he has found. I have not paid enough attention to how Virtue works to truly understand their process, but whatever that process is, I believe he should be introduced to it, and soon. Right now he is despondant about things he doesn't fully understand. We already know that there are powers out there which can play upon the negative emotions of good people to twist their worries into darker things. I don't want that to happent o Hansuke-san. I would like to get him on the right path, with the right people. If you are not comfortable with Chiba-san making this decision on his own, Minako-chan, would you e willing to go with him?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Settling back down to a seat, Makoto folds her arms loosely in front of her and looks from each of her friends to the other in turn. "I didn't get the impression that Virtue was supposed to be a big secret," she opines. "But if it's too risky to tell him about them, we should at least tell *them* about *him.* That'd at least let them have some people other than us keeping eyes out for him, if they think they need to, and make their own decisions from there. Ami's right, there are lots of bad guys out there who could take advantage if there's nobody to back him up, and just the six of us - and Luna and Artemis, sorry, that's eight, isn't it? - we can't be everywhere."R<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mamoru gives Minako a seriously unimpressed look when she keeps on about date business, then very pointedly sips his tea.<br /><br />Sipping tea is a really great method of casting shade, for the record.<br /><br />Finally, he leans against the wall next to the bathroom door and says calmly, "I've been a Virtue point of contact for a while now. I'd been planning on introducing him to the organizers since yesterday-- at least putting him in contact with Hotori-kun. Hotori can make the decision as to whether or not he should join -- it's not actually up to any of us. Feel free to investigate him independently, of course, but it's not right to keep someone clearly in need of a support network from actually making use of an extant one designed for exactly that purpose. You are, naturally, welcome to join me, Minako-chan."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino claims that she can be everywhere. <br /><br />"And, I don't mind bringing him around and showing him off. Takin' responsibility. But we should at least test him out first," she says.<br /><br />"And I don't mean in dates!" she says quickly, turning her eyes to Ami and making a little 'tisk tisk' motion with her fingers.<br /><br />"I mean, you know, making sure it's not a clever trick. And it's earnest and honest."<br /><br />She makes a face at Mamoru, clearly uncomfortable. "Thanks. I might. Or might not. But right now, we sorta' don't know much about him and just revealing a bunch of people to a potential enemy is... not responsible. And I'll catch the blame if something goes wrong, which might not be the most important thing but it does weigh on the top of my mind"!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"If you prefer, Minako-chan, I can remain his contact," Ami notes quietly. "He already knows that I am Sailor Mercury so there is no risk in it. With Mamoru's help, I'm sure I can guide him towards Virtue in the right way." And she's not going to be biased at all. Honest.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Makoto Kino (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Makoto's brows draw together in visible confusion as she looks between Minako and Mamoru. "Huh?" she says. "I don't follow. Minako-chan, why would you be the one to get in trouble for things going wrong if Mamoru-san or Ami-chan is the one who introduces them?"<br /><br />A pause for thought doesn't seem to clarify things for her any, and Mako shakes her head again. "I still think it should be up to them to decide, like Mamoru-san said."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Truly," Mamoru tells Minako quietly, with a sort of kind encouragement behind his blue eyes, "you won't be blamed for what I do, or what Ami-san does. It's true that I feel as though I know him, but I haven't guided all those I felt I knew to Virtue. You may find my judgement suspect, and you may not trust Hotori or Tsukasa to be wary enough, but then-- isn't it a better idea to keep him where he's being watched? By, as Mako-chan says, more than this group?"<br /><br />He looks like he does when he truly believes in something; he looks like he does when Rei says he looks like a prince. His bearing, his carriage, his voice-- even the kindness on his face. "It wouldn't be revealing all of Virtue to him. It would be introducing him to the ones effectively in charge of a loose network that has no actual heirarchy and letting them deal with him -- and I can confirm that Hotori doesn't make decisions blindly. He was one of those attacked by Princess Runealy, and he was willing to make hard decisions concerning her if she didn't stop. He is a better check than I am. I forgive too easily."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi spends the next couple minutes just regaining her bearings.<br /><br />It's hard! It's all so hard! She doesn't know what to say!<br /><br />(But it's also totally worth it. Which is why she won't complain at all!)<br /><br />Then, she splashes cold water on her face, flushes the toilet (because otherwise why would she have been in here this long?) and runs the water. Another face splash, use guest towel.<br /><br />Then she's opening the door, and there's Mamo-chan like right there, talking about forgiveness, so she leans with him. Because why not?<br /><br />"That's true, you ''are'' forgiving! Speaking of!"<br /><br />She reaches for the tea.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino makes a few faces at Mamoru. "Arrrg, is everybody in love with this guy," she asks, trying to keep it professional and serious. She sounds a little perturbed and doesn't let one iota of jealousy shine through.<br /><br />"Anyway, I'll be blamed 'cuz... of reasons. But if you guys are so sure, fine. We can drag him along to virtue parties. But I STILL wanna meet this guy first," she says.<br /><br />"And see his rod. I gotta. There might be something suspicious about it. If he's really all his cracks are up to being, then he won't mind a little hands-on investigation," she decides.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:54|Ami Mizuno (54)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Minako!" Ami says, a faint chiding tone in her voice. Where did she get the backbone for ''that''? "I will be glad to introduce him to you, preferably as Sailor Venus. But can you please cease with the childish jokes at his expense? He is legitimately scared and uncertain of what is going on. He could use your support."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Mamoru Chiba (38)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I think you're making a big deal out of nothing," Mamoru tells Minako, and as he does, ''archly'', he gets his tea stolen for his troubles.<br /><br />"Hey!" he scowls at Usagi, but it's hot tea and if he tries to take it back it'll spill.<br /><br />So he just grumbles and crosses his arms. "Anyway, don't worry, Ami-san. It'll work out. And if you want to have a meeting without me butting in, let me know and I'll find something else to do. I do need to talk to Hotori-kun about some other things, mostly Puella Magi problems. I should be fine with him and Tsukasa there."<br /><br />He flips up a hand and waves it around a little dismissively. "I'm going to do my homework out on the fire escape. Goodnight, Sailor Team. Artemis, come on, let's go talk about girls to break up the social studies."<br /><br />He huffs out through the kitchen, but it's a super obvious show.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:40|Minako Aino (40)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minako Aino shoos Artemis to go crawl on Mamoru's head. "Go keep that sour puss happy, happy puss," she says, giving a complaining kitty a huge kiss on the forehead before shoving him onwards.<br /><br />"And I don't make big deals! I'm just cautious. That's all. I'll go handle it, but..."<br /><br />She gives Ami a weird little look. "It wasn't a joke. I'm serious. I wanna check him out. THat's not 'teasing childish jokes'. That's just being responsible with the safety of my friends," she explains. "If you got a plan to show me to him, we can do that. Otherwise, I'll do it on my own time... Minako-style," she murmurs, which involves spying from on top telephone poles and in trees.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:58|Usagi Tsukino (58)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Usagi doesn't really know what to do with the tea. So she shrugs and sips it.<br /><br />Ew.<br /><br />Makoto must have made this for his taste buds.<br /><br />"I think." Another sip, just in case. Ew. Her face is gonna freeze this way. "Public meeting place. Those are good."<br /><br />One final sip. She makes all the faces, holding the tea cup out in front of her as she follows after him.<br /><br />"Mamoru-kun, you forgot your delicious tea take it take it nooooooow."<br> <br>
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