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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 5, 2009 15:32:15 GMT -5
Finally, after a minute of translated conversation between herself and the overenthusiastic hand-shaker, Usagi was happily able to pass him on to Lucan, once again grimacing and rubbing her hand behind her back. She would just start bowing to everyone if they were going to insist on shaking hands so firmly. She knew it was considered a sign of trustworthiness to have a strong handshake, but obviously these guests were trying much too hard! She was the Queen of the world, and sure that they'd get over it if she made the sudden decision to just stop shaking hands!
Usagi nodded politely to the next man in line, who said something like 'fancy seeing you here,' which struck her as odd. Of course she was here, being Queen and all... Then, suddenly recognition struck and her eyes widened. Usagi squealed with delight, throwing decorum into the wind and launching at Motoki with a tight hug of excitement. "Motoki!" she exclaimed, laughing. "Don't you dare call me your majesty or Usagi-sama or anything else so stupidly formal! You've known me for ages, we're old friends, right?" she grinned, pulling away. "I'm SO happy to see you, you have no idea! I've missed you! I miss your milkshakes," she giggled. "The milkshakes at the café just outside my office simply don't compare-- just ask Minako, she was there with me the other day," Usagi joked, beaming brightly. It was so good to see an old friend. "You should come see me more often! How is Reika doing?" she inquired.
The smile froze on her face as she saw a too familiar face in her peripheral vision. Usagi turned, hearing her heart pound in her ears at the sight of Mamoru. For a moment, she couldn't say anything. Truthfully, she had never expected him to show up. He was welcome to, of course, at least that's what she had thought-- but even then, supposed that if he did, he certainly wouldn't be around her. Withdrawing was Mamoru's specialty. It felt so ironic that she had been thinking about Tuxedo Kamen, and there he was, but without the domino mask. Looking just as handsome as ever, so much that it hurt to take him in. It wasn't fair.
For a moment she felt suspended, the noise and bustling about her muffled by the rush of blood through her veins, as he seemed to look at her with something akin to longing. But the moment she looked directly at him, it seemed to fade like a mirage, to be replaced by the other mask that he wore so well, the composed veneer of icy calm, a suit of emotional armor that nothing could penetrate. She ought to know, she tried for a decade.
Two could play that game. She let her joyous smile for Motoki mellow into a polite, diplomatic one for him, suddenly aware that they were being watched very carefully by those around them. He almost called her Usako... She had to stifle a flinch at that. It made the anger from the night before come roaring back for a moment-- was that it? Was the slip intentional? What was he here for, and what did he want with her?
Suddenly, Usagi found herself perversely thankful for formality. It was the first time she ever considered social rank to be an asset. It was an easy way to put distance between herself and the achingly handsome man before her, it could tell the entire world what the extent of their relationship was. Usako? she found herself fuming internally. That's Neo effing Queen Serenity to you, pal.
"Chiba-san," Usagi replied cordially, offering her hand as with all of the other people who came through the line. "Welcome." It suddenly seemed absurd-- she had greeted Motoki by his first name, and with an embrace, now she was treating her ex-fiancé as just another official passing through.
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Aino Minako
Senshi/Shitennou
Senshi of Love and Beauty
Your Favorite Idol!
Posts: 246
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Post by Aino Minako on Apr 9, 2009 20:00:45 GMT -5
Minako continued to greet those who came down the receiving line after Lucan and Usagi. The foreign and local dignitaries greeted her with handshakes, head bows, and even a few full waist bows depending on the culture. She smiled at each, doing her best to imitate their culture and show them proper respect, although she drew the line at the waist bows. Her kimono wouldn't allow for such flexible movement. She spoke to each, mostly small talk, as on this celebration night even the politicians avoided too much talk about policy. A few gave her compliments on her latest album, or expressed that they were excited about her upcoming movie, but most of them hadn't followed her career, which was aimed mostly at japanese fangirls, and instead they knew her only as Sailor Venus.
While wondering how Usagi ever kept up with all these people, she glanced over to the queen and saw her speaking with Motoki. She gave her current conversant a final head nod a few words of thank you for attending the party, and slipped to Usagi's side. "Motoki-san!" she exclaimed following Usagi's hug with her own. "I miss those milkshakes too! Usagi is totally telling the truth!" Minako laughed, wondering why it was that seeing Motoki made her feel like a happy teenager again, even if the moment didn't last.
Because even Minako noticed Mamoru, standing right there behind him. The smile dropped. Instantly Minako could tell that Mamoru was miserable, which spoke volumes about his current state. Even if he'd been an ass to Usagi earlier, no longer being with her was definitely taking effect. Minako glanced at Usagi, and watched as she stuck out her hand to shake Mamoru's.
She turned back to Motoki for the moment - she'd have her chance to greet Mamoru whenever Usagi passed him off. "I hope you'll honor me a dance later on," Minako smiled. The thought of dancing reminded her of Khalid and she felt a small hint of red grace her cheeks at the though of dancing with him. Pushing Khalid from her mind for a moment, she echoed Usagi's question. "How's Reika? Where is she?"
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Post by Furuhata Motoki on Apr 10, 2009 13:12:03 GMT -5
Motoki grinned at Usagi's friendly greeting and returned her hug as tightly as she gave it. "It's been far far too long. I've just been busy with work and Reika, when she's not traveling." He was happy to see Usagi again. The queen had grown from the awkward gangly teenage girl he had fun teasing in the arcade, to a gorgeous woman who appeared confident of her every move.
At least until Mamoru stepped up to greet her. Motoki winced as the expression on Usagi's face changed. He felt suddenly uncomfortabled, wishing that Mamoru could have skipped the whole receiving line and simply met up with him discreetly at the bar. Given the way the press had managed to swarm the two men the last time they were together and drinking, Motoki briefly wondered if perhaps they should avoid alcohol, then realized for him that was easier said than done anyway.
He was saved from the awkward moment between the former couple when Minako bounced up to greet him. She was as lovely as he remembed. He reached his arms around her to give her a hug as well, which she returned as fiercely as Usagi's. "I missed you too, Minako-chan," he laughed, "Even if you only missed the milkshakes." Motoki listened to her question, and repeated the same answer he'd given Usagi, adding on that Reika was doing just fine. "I'd love to dance with you later Minako, especially since Reika is off traveling again and most of these people," he waved a hand towards the other end of the receiving line, "I've never seen before in my life."
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Apr 10, 2009 14:47:54 GMT -5
Mamoru could see the exact moment when Usagi noticed him standing at Motoki’s side. Her normally friendly smile seemed to freeze upon her face. This only served to reinforce the idea that he shouldn’t have come, or at the very least decided not to come through this line. He could have entered in one of the other doors set up, but he had figured that Motoki would really like to see Usagi, not to mention he knew she hadn’t been able to speak with Motoki for quite awhile. For an instant he had an irrational desire to flee, but steeled himself to stay put. He didn’t want to confront her, didn’t want to have to see the lack of warmth and love in her eyes; but he was here now and he couldn’t turn back not after he had already been seen.
When Minako came over to join Usagi, Mamoru stiffened just a little. He had spoken with Ami after everything had gone down, but he wasn’t certain how the other Senshi would react. Mamoru was already wary of meeting Rei tonight, knowing that they weren’t on the best of terms. Makoto and Minako were the unknowns however, he didn’t know how they would react upon talking with him. Since she was currently engaging in conversation with Motoki, Mamoru diverted his attention back to Usagi. He would have to speak to her momentarily, but he didn’t have to worry about it right now.
He hated the polite, diplomatic smile Usagi gave him when she turned toward him. It hurt far more then he had thought it would. He supposed he deserved it since he knew very well that it was exactly what he was doing to her, had done to her for years. Still this was Usagi, she was friendly to a fault, even to those that others thought of as enemies at times. She forgave people as easily as most people breathed. For once his composure slipped, the feelings too intense for even him to keep easily hidden and at bay. As he stood there watching Usagi, attempting to come to terms with what he was seeing, his thoughts tumbled over one another gone and replaced by the next almost as soon as they entered his mind ... his emotions just as chaotic.
Mamoru remembered the last time he had hurt her, the time he had broken up with her. She had forgiven him then, had even continued to be there even while he had been doing everything within his power to chase her away. What was different now? She loved him, he knew that ... at least she had loved him. Had he really killed everything between them so badly that there was no hope of going back?
despair ...
He was in the right, he knew he was. He had kept the Shitennou secret for a reason and he still felt that it had been a good one. Mamoru still felt certain that the Senshi wouldn’t have understood his desire to keep them with him, to take advice from the souls of people they viewed as enemies. They had just finished fighting with them and hadn’t had very many memories of their pasts. He couldn’t have taken the chance that they would want to destroy them, he just couldn’t.
anger ...
Mamoru would concede that he should have mentioned the Shitennou to Usagi sometime long before she found out on her own, especially when he had figured out that they might have been very important to the Senshi in the past. He knew he could have handled that night a good deal better then he had. He could have explained how he felt, could have at least reacted diplomatically and attempted to not let things go out of control. Instead he had chosen to strike out and say things he knew would hurt just for the sake of his own stubborn pride, ruining everything.
regret ...
He flinched just a little when she referred to him as Chiba-san, treating him in the same manner as she would any other person in line with them. Mamoru glanced at her hand, struggling to compose himself once more. Pride might have been something he couldn't really afford to have right then, but it was the only thing left to him. He was very aware of the people watching them both very carefully, eager to gossip amongst themselves about this newest development. With that last thought he was able to get his emotions carefully hidden behind his usual stoic mask as he took her hand and coolly murmured, “Thank you, Your Majesty ... ”
Mamoru would have much preferred calling her by her given name, but her message had been loud and clear. She obviously wanted formalities to be observed, he wouldn’t make the mistake of not doing so again. He couldn’t help keeping hold of her hand for a moment longer then was polite gently running his thumb over her wrist in an instinctive caress, unable to bring himself to release her right away. However, even though he hadn’t actually looked at him he knew Lucan was at her side and so he released her hand after a moment, unwilling to have Lucan be required to force him to let go. “I do hope that you are able to enjoy your evening tonight ...”
I think ...
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 10, 2009 15:54:32 GMT -5
Usagi grinned at Motoki once more. "Don't get too busy that you can't some and see an old friend now and then! I'm absolutely serious, Motoki, come see more often." She reached out to touch his shoulder. "I don't want to lose touch with you. You're practically family!"
And then, Minako stepped in. Did she notice Mamoru? She must have. Usagi felt dizzy all of a sudden; she wanted to sit down. He was here, everyone was watching, Minako was handling Motoki and now... what? Now she just stared at him, until she felt as if his gaze burned away her calm facade to pluck out her aching soul, as if he could resurrect her love and respect from the ashes of their fight. She felt she could never hide, never run from his encompassing gaze... How was it that she could feel so transparent, and he was so opaque? How was it that she could do nothing but tell the truth, and it was all returned with omissions and distrust?
And then... For a fragment of a moment, he let his mask drop, and a torrent of emotions impelled over his face, a dark juxtaposition that struck out at her heart, like a phantasmagoria in a shadowed room.
It would be so easy... she even shifted her weight to move forward, to encompass him with her embrace, do whatever was necessary to remove the pain from his countenance, even if she shed the delicate remnants of her dignity in the process. It went to the core of who she was; Tsukino Usagi could not tolerate pain in either friend or foe.
How ironic that Mamoru himself saved her from her own bleeding heart. His polite murmur and lingering grasp of her hand rescued her from embarrassment. Did he know, that if he had kept that wounded appearance for a fraction longer, that he would have been in her arms? Perhaps he had just miscalculated the time-- was a planned slip? Intentional? Was he playing on her weaknesses as he did so adeptly that last night? Oh, he could be a manipulative snake when he wanted to... She sought refuge in those angry thoughts; they were easier to acknowledge than the unconscious pull he had over her still. Well played, my love, well played...
It felt like a bead of ice cold water was rolling down her spine at his long touch, the sweep of the pad of his thumb stealing her breath from her mouth. Her heart seemed to rip from her chest, leaping up inside of her to yell don't let go!!
And then he did. Without thinking, Usagi's hand jerked forward, snagging his fingers in her own again.
"We should talk," she said, barely resisting the urge to clear her throat. Her voice seemed too thick for the message she wanted him to hear. "But not here. Too many people are watching to discuss anything." She glanced about as she remarked on their observers; finally, her eyes wandered back to his.
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Aino Minako
Senshi/Shitennou
Senshi of Love and Beauty
Your Favorite Idol!
Posts: 246
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Post by Aino Minako on Apr 11, 2009 9:28:09 GMT -5
Minako smiled, "Well, later in the evening I'll be changing into a formal Western style gown. I plan to do my dancing then. By the time I finish all the greetings here at the receiving line, I suppose I'll have a dancing line to follow. You're already my second offer and I haven't been standing here all that long."
Minako glanced over to where Usagi and Mamoru were talking. She was close enough to hear the words Usagi spoke to Mamoru, close enough to see the fingers release then re-entwine, and close enough to feel relieved that perhaps Usagi and Mamoru would work things out. No matter what he had done, Minako believed strongly that the success of Crystal Tokyo was wrapped around the fate of Usagi and Mamoru and their destiny together that had been defined over a thousand years ago.
Minako gave Motoki one last smile. "You should go visit with Makoto and Ami. I imagine they'd be thrilled to see you as well. Let me take this next guest. I'll talk to you later." Minako tolod him. Then she scooted around Usagi to greet some dignitary from Romania, hoping that she could keep the line satisfied, while giving Usagi a few more minute with Mamoru. No doubt the press covering the receiving line had already picked up on the fact that he'd lingered longer than a few seconds and were reporting back to the national and global news stations as much of a play-by-play as they could get from observation.
She glanced at the clock, wondered what time was appropriate to leave the line. She decided she'd follow suit and exit whenever Usagi felt the move was appropriate, and continued with the greeting of guests.
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Post by Furuhata Motoki on Apr 11, 2009 9:42:18 GMT -5
The conversation between Mamoru and Usagi had not gone unnoticed by Motoki either. He nodded to Minako and gave her a smile, "I'll find you later then. Perhaps, I will go hunt down the other girls." The last he said with a wink, then watched as she walked away.
He wasn't sure how long Mamoru was planning to talk to Usagi. He decided that Mamoru couldn't tie up the line forever, and he would wait rather than abandon his friend. Noticing that Lucan was also standing in the receiving line, Motoki stepped up towards him and offered his hand. "Good to see you again, Lucan," Motoki grinned, "With a much better circumstance than the previous."
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Apr 11, 2009 15:45:54 GMT -5
Mamoru, observant as always, caught the fact that Usagi shifted forward, almost as if she was going to embrace him. He would have liked nothing better then to take her into his arms and kiss away the hurt that he had caused. He’d give anything to be able to just hold her tight and make everything right again, but he couldn’t. Besides, he was more then likely mistaken. Usagi was angry, he could see it in her gaze ... it had only been his own want that had caused him to see what wasn’t really there. She was probably just tired of standing here in this line, thus shifting to try and stand in another position.
He was very much convinced that Usagi didn’t want anything more to do with him and so he was mildly surprised when she jerked forward and snagged his fingers in her own while he had been trying to release her. He rose an eyebrow in surprise, but he didn’t pull away. A very small surge of hope blossomed in his heart as he watched her impassively waiting to see what it was she wanted.
Was it possible that he had been mistaken? Could he fix things? He refused to give any sign of his thoughts. He had successfully gained control and he wouldn’t lightly let down his guard again. If it had been just her possibly, but definitely not with all the people standing ready to discuss the situation the moment they had the chance. He cast a dark and irritable glance toward their observers before turning back to Usagi.
Mamoru gently untangled her hand from his and bowed ever so slightly before murmuring, “It would be an honor your majesty, I’ll be around all night. However, I’m afraid I’ve kept your other guests from your presence for too long. I wouldn’t want to cause them any further distress, I’m sure they have many things they’d wish to run off and discuss given the chance.”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Apr 11, 2009 16:59:23 GMT -5
Usagi nodded slightly at his words, her eyes once more snapping from left to right, taking in those around them. "I'm glad you understand the situation, Chiba-san," she said cryptically, referring to the fact that they could not talk openly here with so many listening ears and the press trying to hang on every word.
"I will see you later," she muttered under her breath so that just he could hear, and returned his bow with a slight one herself, tearing her eyes from his handsome frame to greet the next guest, surprised to find her eyes were strangely bright. She had to get out of this stupid line, especially since the next three guests seemed just as intent as the ones before them to wrench her hand off. She couldn't even concentrate on their greetings, and fudged up someone's name, which caused her to have to apologize to the VIP profusely.
She had been standing there for at least twenty minutes as it was, no one could be offended if she left now. Usagi excused herself with a bright smile that didn't quite meet her eyes, ignoring some of the groans of disappointment, and slipped outside the ballroom, resting her head against the wall in the small moment of privacy that she could obtain, trying collect herself enough to go back out there.
What the hell had she been thinking? She wanted to talk to him again? She had to, she did have some things that needed to be said, but... Why torture herself? Why the moment of masochism?
Curse duty and everything that came with it.
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Aino Minako
Senshi/Shitennou
Senshi of Love and Beauty
Your Favorite Idol!
Posts: 246
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Post by Aino Minako on Apr 11, 2009 20:28:05 GMT -5
Out of the corner of her eye, Minako watched as Usagi slipped away from the receiving line. She was still in the middle of greeting another dignitary, or she would have immediately followed. Instead, she turned back to the man, someone from Latin America, and continued the few brief words she'd been having. He moved on then, to another Japanese official in the upper echelon of Usagi's new government and Minako took that moment to slip away as well.
She half debated following Usagi, but instead decided to move through the crowds and mingle with the other guests until it was time to change into her dress.
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Post by Furuhata Motoki on Apr 11, 2009 23:22:45 GMT -5
Motoki returned the man's easy smile with one of his own. If he weren't so busy being head of security, Lucan seemed like a guy he'd easily get along with. At Lucan's question, Motoki shook his head, "I was ribbed pretty bad at work by my co-workers, but most were simply impressed that I was out drinking with Chiba Mamoru. I guess I never bothered to mention to them our long and illustrious relationship in college." He didn't bother to mention to Lucan that every single women in his office had showered him with favors in hopes of getting a date with the former first man. Motoki had nicely brushed them off. Mamoru was in no shape to date, and secretly, Motoki hoped that Usagi forgave him. Mamoru was obviously miserable without her.
He continued answering Lucan's other question, "I haven't had to deal with any personal impacts.. yet. My wife is out of the country traveling for her profession and she's probably a thousand miles from a television. I doubt she knows, but she won't be very happy when she returns." Motoki was dead certain Reika would be pissed off at him. She wasn't aware that he even went to bars when she was out of town and add onto that the arrest even if the charges were dropped? He knew she'd forgive him, at least, he hoped she would. "But we'll cross that bridge when we get there. You working tonight or off the clock?" Did heads of security ever take the night off?
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Apr 12, 2009 1:54:38 GMT -5
Mamoru tried not to cringe too terribly much when she once again referred to him as ‘Chiba-san’. It just really felt wrong to hear those words come from her, even way back when he had first met her he had been ‘Mamoru-baka’. She hadn’t ever called him by so formal a name and it was starting to really bother him. He knew that she had no real reason to call him anything other then ‘Chiba-san’, but still it was fast becoming irritating. He nodded once to her softly muttered words to let her know that he had heard her before turning to Motoki and Lucan.
Nodding politely in Lucan’s direction, Mamoru glanced back towards the waiting vultures once more before saying, “Listen Motoki, Lucan ... as much as I’d love to stand here and chat some more, I really don’t want to stand here in the spotlight any longer.”
He caste another irritated glance over his shoulder before patting Motoki on the shoulder and adding, “Enjoy your conversation with Lucan and don’t worry about me. I don’t want to ruin your fun here tonight. Makoto, Ami, and Rei would love to talk with you, just like Usagi and Minako ... they shouldn’t be terribly hard to find.”
Mamoru felt a little guilty about running off and leaving Motoki there to fend for himself, but he really didn’t think he could stand another moment under the prying eyes of the press. He had to find a corner to himself and think things through just a bit. He was feeling off center right now and didn’t really think he could handle chatting right now. Motoki would understand, he had too. He gave his friend another pat on the shoulder, nodded once more toward Lucan, before slipping away from the receiving line and into as much obscurity as he could.
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Post by Furuhata Motoki on Apr 12, 2009 21:09:50 GMT -5
Motoki nodded. Lucan was right. He needed to contact Reika. Occasionally his wife was able to set up sattelite connections in the field, but this particular dig was too remote for even that. "She's an archeologist," Motoki replied, "And she often spends time away on her digs. She's gone here and there. Sometimes we can communicate, but this time she's off somewhere remote and isolated. I'm not exactly sure when she'd due back - the schedule can shift depending on their success and private funding."
Then Mamoru was sweeping by, heading off to some corner to pout alone after his encounter with Usagi. Motoki half thought about going after him, but Mamoru didn't appear to desire his company and he was enjoying his short chat with Lucan. He decided he'd catch up with his friend later, and take the advice of both Mamoru and Minako to seek out Ami or Makoto or Rei. "Yeah, I don't know what happened. Mamoru didn't feel up to talking about the details the other night, but he and Usagi were in love forever. I haven't been as in touch recently, but I was certainly ready for the wedding..." He was, after all, Mamoru's best man, even if the pair were often too busy to get together.
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Post by Furuhata Motoki on Apr 19, 2009 14:46:21 GMT -5
"Law, Lawyer. I'm a lawyer." Motoki laughed, "Not one of those crazy crooked ambulance chasing ones. I represent corporations in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, patent law, and sometimes lawsuits. Our firm handles both big name clients and smaller businesses. Sounds boring, but it suits my background in engineering. Most of my clients are in the chemical business, but I get oil and gas, environmental firms, and here and there are the green companies. Lots of patents in that area that need representation since it's an area of expanding technologies. A lot of interesting work for me - probably too boring for an action man like yourself."
Motoki paused to think about Mamoru for another moment, "He mentioned the secret, but he didn't explain what it was to me. I, of course, tended to side with him that sometimes people keep secrets. I have a few of my own." Of course, Lucan already knew that.
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Post by Furuhata Motoki on Apr 20, 2009 22:29:29 GMT -5
"Usagi's new government has generated a ton of work for my company, I'll give you that," Motoki agreed, nodding as he spoke, "And it's been fascinating to see how the companies adjust their positions in light of the new laws. They all want to serve the queen and vie for her attention and preference, but they still maintain their own identities seperate from the state government. There are still plenty of disputes settled through the courts, which is part of the job I find I enjoy."
Motoki listened as Lucan spoke about his career. He had pictured Lucan dodging bullets, driving through car chases, jumping from exploding buildings.. perhaps the man was more normal than he'd thought. Still, Lucan's presence commanded authority and Motoki could only assume that he'd had plenty of experiences in which to develop his self-confidence. "I assume you enjoy heading up the Queen's security".
And then there was the dicussion on secrets. Lucan's comments were obviously pointed not just at Mamoru, but himself as well. Still, Motoki felt that everyone was entitled to keep a few pieces of their lives, for better or for worse, just to themselves. "I suppose it depends on the relationship, and what the couple agrees on. Perhaps Mamoru should have let Usagi know he felt it was important to maintain some things to himself." The subject was suddenly uncomfortable and Motoki tried to end that direction of the conversation, "I am sure they will work it out. Until then, I plan to simply be Mamoru's friend. So where is the bar around here? Let's leave the stuffy line and get a drink."
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