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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Jul 8, 2009 3:13:37 GMT -5
Mamoru had gotten Usagi’s current email that morning before heading off to work. He hadn’t had a chance to respond until he had gotten home this evening. However, when he sat down to respond he decided to call instead. So here he was sitting at the desk in his room, dialing her number and listening to the phone ring as he waited for it to be answered. It wasn’t long before the line was picked up and Hikari was on the other end.
“Kouyama-san, this is Chiba Mamoru. If it’s at all possible, I’d like to speak with Us ... uh you know the queen please. She said you were expecting my call."
He really needed to fnid out if Usagi wanted him to remain formal around Hikari or not. It was just a little embarrassing to stutter over her name like he kept doing.
“Can you see if she’ll take the call for me?”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jul 8, 2009 17:31:20 GMT -5
"Good evening, Chiba-san," Hikari responded politely. "The Queen did mention you might call. She's currently wrapping up a meeting, and then she'll be returning to her apartments for the evening. I'll forward your call."
Usagi once more kicked off her heels on the elevator ride up to her apartments. She sighed as the doors opened, tossing the shoes aside for some maid to pick up, and bounded into the room. She had decided to finish up some work for the evening in her own place instead of the office, maybe she could even turn on the movie. However, the phone was ringing. What now? Usagi picked it up. Hikari must have forwarded the call.
"Serenity speaking."
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Jul 8, 2009 20:17:52 GMT -5
Mamoru politely thanked Hikari before waiting patiently for Usagi to pick up the phone. He grinned momentarily when she finally did answer before saying, “No business tonight Usa ... just a friendly call as promised. I didn’t make you wait by the phone too long did I?”
He moved over to one of his more comfortable chairs and leaned back in it before saying, “Tell me about your day Usa. Anything interesting happen that doesn’t involve something to do with the world government?”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jul 8, 2009 21:40:07 GMT -5
Usagi laughed a bit, feeling some of her energy return as she heard Mamoru on the other end. "So you finally called," she remarked, amused, flopping down onto the window seat on the west side of the room and looking out over the city. "I wondered if you'd get up the nerve. You know, if it was another girl who was waiting for a call, and another guy making it, she would write him off as not interested in her, if it took him this long," Usagi teased him.
"Oh, that's a difficult question! I've pretty much been in the Palace all day, so basically everything I did could in some way be connected to the government. I guess the only thing I can think of is that I finished the last bit of one of the books I got with you," she remembered with a smile. "I even wrote a review on Amazon for it, under a pseudoname, of course," she giggled. But it made her feel normal to do something like that.
"How about your day? Tell me how work's going. I know you can't talk specifically about patients, but in general, any really interesting cases you have right now?"
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Jul 8, 2009 23:12:43 GMT -5
“I did finally call,” Mamoru replied. “I told you I would didn’t I?” He paused briefly before asking, “Would a girl really give up that fast? It’s only been two days since I last saw you and I wrote you at least four different times yesterday.”
He chuckled softly at her delight and murmured, “Well you’ve managed to read a book faster then I have. I haven’t even finished one yet. However, I will admit that I’m finding that one feminine book you made me buy more interesting then I remember. I do hope that you enjoyed your book.”
Mamoru thought back over his day trying to think of something interesting to tell her. She was right, he couldn’t specifically talk about any of the patients. “I didn’t really see any interesting cases today. I’ve just been getting back into the hang of things I guess.” Remembering one of the people he had seen that morning he said, “Apparently there are some patients that find it really fascinating to be seen by me these days. There was this one guy, I obviously can’t tell you much about him but anyway, he was overjoyed to be seen by someone that he had read about in the papers.” Mamoru sighed before laughing a little and adding, “I guess I’m just glad he doesn’t believe everything he reads.”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jul 9, 2009 1:32:47 GMT -5
"Yeah, you told me but I wasn't sure if you'd follow through or not," Usagi remarked, amusing. She idly twirled a strand of hair around her finger, smirking. "Yes, because according to dating rules if a guy doesn't call or leave a voice mail within the next couple of days, he'll forget how great the last date was, or something, and it means it wasn't good enough to stick in his mind. That's true about the email, though conventional dating rules say that means he has a problem with talking on the phone and therefore some commitment issues. However, conventional dating rules don't take things into account such as the Queen's Office of Royal Advance and the Office of Appointments and Scheduling and security all have to coordinate, partially via email," Usagi joked. "So you're in the clear, I think."
Usagi found herself giggling again as Mamoru confessed to enjoying the feminist book. "You're just saying that to get on my good side," she teased. "Though don't feel bad about me finishing one before you, it was really short and an easy read, certainly nothing scholarly like what you're reading. I just read it during brief breaks. It was nice to read something that wasn't policy or briefing or a law coming from committee, or something with Top Secret/SCI stamped all over it. You know, I'm surprised you actually did decide to read it again, I was sure from the way you reacted that it might sit collecting dust."
She shook her head at the thought of one of his patient's getting all excited to be treated by Chiba Mamoru. "Oh, you had one of those moments! Must have been a bit awkward, I expect. I wonder if you'll get referrals or patients that really don't need your expertise, but just want to play sick or something so they can talk to you. I just hope you never have to advise a patient that they're genetically disposed to alcoholism and not to go to bars, that might be awkward for you," Usagi ribbed him gently. "Or maybe it might be a good thing, you could speak from experience. I'm joking, of course."
She leaned forward, resting her head against the glass. "You know, I don't think you told me where your new apartment is, just that you're rooming with Zacharie."
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Jul 9, 2009 14:23:38 GMT -5
“If I say I’m going to do something,” Mamoru murmured idly, “I tend to follow through with it my dear. I might have my faults, but failure to follow through on what I say I’m going to do has never been one of them.” He reached up and loosened his tie, pulling it off and setting it aside. Undoing the first few buttons of his shirt, Mamoru relaxed further into his chair as he said, “So there are dating rules, are they written down anywhere? Perhaps I should read them to make sure I don’t accidently break any of them.” The corners of his mouth turned up in an amused smile as he teased, “There must not be much confidence in a guy’s memory if people think he had forgotten a great date in just two days. What if he just got so busy he didn’t have the time to call? What if he called on the evening of the third day, would these dating rules still say he wasn’t interested?” He grinned even further, adding, “I’m glad that I’m in the clear, I’d hate to have broken any of these rules because I really am interested.”
He smiled softly as he listened to her giggles before saying, “That would depend on whether it’s working or not.” Mamoru shook his head and murmured, “If you enjoyed it that much Usa you should make sure to do it more often. Don’t let yourself be pulled into all that politics and government work without taking time for doing things you enjoy doing. Reading a book that interests you is a small thing, but it can help make your day more enjoyable. I’ll even take you back to that bookstore to buy more if you run out of fun things to read . . . you can read the store another passage from a book while we’re there. I’m certain the patrons enjoyed that. As for the book I’m reading, I figured I might as well read it since I bought it. Besides,” he teased, “you were awfully insistent that I read it. I wouldn’t have wanted to disappoint you. You might have asked questions later.”
Mamoru shrugged uncomfortably and murmured. “Yeah, it was a little awkward I guess especially since there was a coworker there at the time that wasn’t terribly pleased with the situation. I suppose those things happen. Don’t they? Maybe it won’t be too bad.” He frowned a little at her next words and muttered, “Funny . . . you do of course realize that only happened once and after having Lucan have to rescue me I don’t intend to have it happen again. I’d rather not have to face his look of disappointment if he had to come and rescue me a second time.”
He gazed out of the nearby window, glancing in the direction of the palace. “I was going to tell you where it was the first time I called, remember. You didn’t want to come. It never came up again. Still,” he added teasingly, “I’ll tell you where I am just on the off chance you ever decide to stop by . . . how’s that?”
Mamoru knew very well that would probably never happen. The press would get too many ideas from that, ideas he’d really rather them not get. Thinking back to what had almost happened in the elevator, well it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to have her here for exactly the same reasons as the ideas that the press would get. Still he certainly didn’t mind telling her where he was living.
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jul 9, 2009 22:18:23 GMT -5
"This is true, but I've known you to be skittish when it comes to women," Usagi remarked with a smirk. "Yes, there are dating rules, some are written down and some aren't. I'm sure you'll come across a few in those self-help books you got," she laughed. "But don't worry about following them, because I'm going to break a few, I know. For example, you better not be counting on the Third Date Rule. That's probably not going to happen."
"Don't worry about me, Mamoru, if I want to do something I'll find a way," Usagi said, wishing she could just voice her enjoyment without being told to take more time for herself, or whatever. "Yeah, I don't think I'll be reading another passage for a very, very long time. The press secretary and the Office of Communications had a conniption fit over the Vagina Monologues stunt. I've gotten lots of fanmail from the Women's Studies departments in local universities, though," Usagi laughed. "Oh, you really thought I'd give you a pop quiz on it? Do you know how ironic that is? Now I have to, so you better be prepared!
"Oh, relax, Mamoru, I was only kidding. I'm sure it was awkward, and yes you'll have people come in just to gawk at you, but it'll get old hat after awhile. Your coworkers will adapt, some of them might even try to steal your limelight. Anyway, once is enough, isn't it?"
Usagi raked her eyes over the skyline. "Yes, I remember, but that wouldn't have been appropriate. However, I'm just curious, and who knows, maybe I'll want to mail you something." She smiled to herself before adding, "...and I'm wondering if I can see your building from here, too..."
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Jul 10, 2009 2:28:44 GMT -5
“Yes, well I told you that I wasn’t going to give up remember? That would involve not being too skittish to call you,” Mamoru replied firmly. “If the rules are in the books then I’ll be sure to find them.” He smirked at her next words and murmured, “I don’t know Usa. I remember that Third Date Rule. I kind of like that one ...”
Mamoru dropped the subject, not wishing to press her into taking more time for herself. She knew how he felt and he didn’t feel the need to continue talking about it with her. “I’m not surprised that the Women’s Studies departments have decided that they love you. You’re little stunt would have brought them a lot of attention.” He chuckled softly when she said he’d have to prepare for a pop quiz now. “I told you, I’m a good learner. I don’t think I have too much to worry about.”
He shook his head and muttered, “Once is more then enough Usa. I don’t like people gawking though, it’s a little irritating. Still, I’ll get over it.”
Mamoru grinned and said, “You might mail me something? Should I look forward to that or be wary?” His smile only grew when she mentioned that she was wondering if she could see his building from where she was. “I don’t know, you’ll have to tell me. The location is 151-0063 2, Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. It’s the Park Cube Yoyogi Tomigaya.”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jul 10, 2009 2:43:31 GMT -5
"Yes, that's true," Usagi replied, finding it hysterical how insistent he was that she believe he would follow through with a phone call. That was the responsible, stubborn Mamoru that she knew. "Uh-uh, no third date rule for us. You'll have to behave yourself." A mischievous tone crept into her voice as she added with a taunt: "if you can. After last date's performance, I'm beginning to wonder...
Usagi shook her head, even while on the phone. "Yeah, you're the academic overachiever type, I'll just bet you'll be prepared. I never thought I would be giving a pop quiz, but I like to keep you on your toes. That's just how I roll."
She sighed, wishing he could lighten up about things, but maybe it was a bit too soon for that. "Well, it would always be worse. You could have been arrested in, say, Turkmenistan or Serbia before the rise of New Earth. Now that would really suck. Holding cell in Japan is a 5-star hotel compared to that."
She pouted at his response. "Be wary?! What would you have to be wary for? That's not nice! Most people like getting mail, especially mail from the Queen! Hence I have to autograph all those pictures of myself to send back to all the little kids who have to write letters in. You big meanie, now I won't send you a New Year's card or a Valentine's card or anything like that, and you'll be all lonely with no mail to keep you company during those lonely, lonely nights, but you'll have no one but yourself to blame." Still, she took out a pen and carefully scribbled down his address on the Crystal Palace stationary.
"Shibuya, huh? Well I'm not familiar with that particular building, but... hold on..." she got up, sliding on the marble floor in her stocking feet, but threw open the doors to the foyer/reception area of her apartments. It was built like a small rotunda, without a dome overhead, simply a circular floor plan with a staircase leading to the second level. Her apartment were counted as one floor, technically, even with two levels, though the second was smaller than the first. Once upstairs, she looked through the windows facing west over the city. One thing she had demanded when the quarters were built was that there should be magnificent ceiling to floor windows, and the architects did not disappoint.
Shinjuku still looked odd in the distance, but Usagi looked in the direction of Shibuya, and waved through the window. "Can you see me?" she laughed to Mamoru. "I'm waving at you!" She knew he couldn't, but it was fun to try.
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Jul 10, 2009 16:10:06 GMT -5
Mamoru smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief as he silkily replied, “Once I’ve gotten a taste of misbehaving, I’m not sure I want to. It was . . . enjoyable to say the least, what happens if I choose to not behave? Let’s not forget, I seem to recall not being the only one misbehaving in that elevator.”
His lips tilted a bit in a half grin as he said, “I don’t know, that other guy in the cell with us wasn’t exactly what I would call five star hotel material. He had a most unpleasant aroma about him . . . but I’ll take your word for it.” Actually he knew she was right. Things could have been a lot worse.
Mamoru frowned briefly at the mention of Valentine’s Day that had been the day scheduled for their wedding after all. However when he spoke up his tone held no indication of his momentary lapse into sadness as he teased, “You wouldn’t leave me out in the cold on Valentine’s Day would you Usa? I couldn’t bare it. Imagine me here in my apartment knowing all the world was getting a card while I was sitting there miserable and alone. You wouldn’t be so cruel.” He grinned broadly as he murmured, “Actually I’d much prefer chocolates on Valentine’s Day Usa, otherwise how could I ever return the favor on the following White Day?”
He chuckled softly as he glanced once again out the window in the direction the palace was. There wasn’t any way he was going to be able to see Usagi, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t play along. “Hmm, let me see now. Oh yes! There you are, a tiny golden haired queen waving enthusiastically in my direction. I’ll wave back . . . ” Mamoru waved toward the window, feeling just a little silly but doing it anyway.
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jul 11, 2009 15:39:35 GMT -5
Usagi blushed at his reminder of her own part in that debacle. "Well, I'll be sure not to imbibe so much alcohol, just in case you do misbehave." She couldn't entirely blame things on alcohol, she knew, but that was her excuse and she was sticking to it. Actually, he had been drinking too, they could both blame it on the booze. It was a very easy scapegoat.
"At least that guy hadn't decided to make you his new bitch," Usagi pointed out.
She smirked at his response. "Nope, no card or chocolates for you, because you were a big meanie about it. Besides, as much as convention goes for having to handmake chocolates, I'd be afraid I'd mess up Mako's lovely kitchen here if I tried." And, besides, she thought it might be a little inappropriate to do anyway. "You might have to just settle with a phone call like this one, and a kiss through the phone." She giggled a little. "You know, kind of like the song? Do you know the song?"
Usagi laughed as he played along, increasingly her waving. "Oh, I can see you too," she pretended, before laughing, leaning against the window, looking over the beautiful city. "At least now I can look in your direction whenever I want."
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Jul 11, 2009 22:22:45 GMT -5
Mamoru grinned devilishly and purred softly, “but Usa you can’t deny that up until the end it was fun . . . are you sure you wouldn’t want that alcohol?” Honestly the entire event had humiliated him and he still had trouble wanting to face Lucan and Khalid both two days later. However, here in the privacy of his own home on the phone with Usagi he didn’t mind teasing her relentlessly. As he had said, the experience had been fun and no matter what she said he was very much aware that it hadn’t only been the alcohol that had responded to him that night.
“That’s true and that’s certainly a good thing, though it probably would have been poor Motoki’s problem instead of mine. He was in the cell alone with the guy far longer then I was. I was able to get out to call Lucan remember?”
Mamoru gave a mock mournful sigh and said, “I guess I’ll just have to be lonely and miserable then. I would even have settled for store-bought chocolates or even just the card.” He grinned slightly at her next words and said, “I think settling for a phone call and a kiss through the phone is a much better deal then the chocolates or the card. Do you promise you’ll call?” His grin broadened at her giggle as he murmured, “I’ve heard the song.”
He chuckled softly, enjoying the game even if it was silly. He fell silent after a moment though, gazing in her direction through the window. Mamoru wished with all his heart that he could be there right then and actually see her in person, not having to just be content to look in her direction whenever the mood struck him. Finally he murmured, “My window faces your direction, so does the balcony . . . I’ll be looking often Usa.”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jul 12, 2009 15:25:31 GMT -5
"The trouble with what we did was, like the alcohol, it felt great at the time but I had one hell of a hangover afterwards," Usagi remarked truthfully. She felt horrible after they had been caught, and the experience had rattled her enough that she didn't want a repeat any time soon.
"Yes, I remember," Usagi replied.
She laughed. "The call is supposed the be the downgrade from the card! You'd really like the call more? I might have to just send you an email, then, with the youtube link to the song. That'll be a downgrade to punish you for being a meanie about the mail." She smiled. "I can't promise I'll call...not right now, at least. I can't believe you've admitted to know the song. That, and you know the lyrics to the I'm So Sexy song... I thought you only listened to serious music, but you have some interesting tastes. I'll have to look through your music collection sometime, I think you've been hiding a few things from me."
She smiled softly at his response. "...you have a balcony," Usagi repeated quietly, her mind flashing back to all of the memories they had at his old apartment balcony.
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Jul 12, 2009 17:10:06 GMT -5
Mamoru started to apologize, knowing that she had been very upset with how things had ended. He hadn’t meant for things to go that far in the first place and he sure as hell hadn’t meant for them to be caught like that. However, she should know all of that and therefore it would only be patronizing her if he attempted to apologize. Besides, he honestly couldn’t find it in his heart to feel sorry for things getting out of hand. Getting caught definitely, but not for the actual experience. If anything it showed him more clearly that he should have done something like that a long, long, long time ago. Not in an elevator obviously, but he should have shown her how very much he had desired her long before they were broken up and it wasn’t very proper anymore. “You’re right I suppose . . .” was the only response he felt comfortable giving.
“I already told you in the email the other day that I thought that Australian PM was a lucky man for being able to talk to you over the phone didn’t I?” He grinned a little and added, “With a phone call I get to actually talk with you, hear your voice . . . of course it’s going to be better then a card or even chocolates. Don’t take that chance away by saying you’ll send an email instead, how about I apologize for being mean about the mail. Would that help?”
Mamoru grinned even further. “Promise me that you’ll think about it then. I know you can’t promise how your day will be, but there is nothing stopping you from promising that you’ll think about trying to call me on that day. As for the songs, I like serious classical music. It relaxes me, but I do enjoy other less serious songs from time to time. You will never get me to admit that to anyone else though, nor will you find any of them in my music collection. I tend to listen to other kinds of songs over the radio.” He smirked just a little as he added, “You do realize that to look through my music collection you would have to come here. Unless of course you plan to order me to bring my entire collection to you over there at the palace and then you’d have to contend with the fact that I could always leave some at home.”
His gaze softened as he murmured, “I wouldn’t have chosen this place if it didn’t have a balcony. I’ve always like to go out there to stand and think sometimes, but even better a balcony brings back old memories of us.” Mamoru was lost in thought for a moment before suddenly saying, “It’s a little longer then the old one that I had at the other apartment, more space.”
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