Closed to thetombkeeper - First meeting

[moonlightshine]

[The entire school was buzzing with news of a new student. Some were claiming he was from a far away land, others said he was from the port city of Domino. There were whispers that he was handsome beyond all reason, and some that claimed that he was secretly a model, trying to live a "normal" life. When teenagers were bored and faced with meeting someone new, their imaginations ran wild.

As for Usagi, she was curious about the new student. Ami-chan had heard he was smart, and she was sure Mako-chan would likely swoon and say they reminded her of her ex-boyfriend.

Funny enough, said new student was placed in her class: Ishtar, Marik. A boy that was certainly taller than her (but then again who wasn't?), with beautiful hair and eyes of lavender. He did have a bit of an intimidating aura about him, but Usagi thought that was him being nervous. He placed to sit next to Ami-chan to help him catch up with class. A very good call on Haruna-sensei's part since Ami-chan always had the best notes...

Usagi would know, she had to borrow them a few times when a lesson didn't make sense.

By the time lunch came around, Usagi was left with a few choices: eat at her desk, find Naru-chan and sit with her or...introduce herself to Marik. Ami-chan and Mako-chan were busy with their respective clubs, so she couldn't have lunch with them for today so...

She found herself standing by his desk, giving him a friendly smile.]

Hi, I'm Tsukino, Usagi. I hope your first day is going well. I, um, wanted to find out if you had any plans for lunch? [He probably did. She already heard a few girls in their class murmur about trying to get know him over sweets or something.]

Comments

[thetombkeeper]

[That is indeed a bright smile in more ways than one. He seems taken aback for a second but recovers quickly enough.

... It was strangely cute how tiny she was compared to him. He couldn't help but smirk a bit to himself as he walks along side Usagi.

Once they reached the spot, Marik takes a seat next to her and opens his own bento box.]

She is very intelligent. It's been... strange jumping in to this higher level of education but her notes have helped a lot.

[He pauses before giving her a playful little grin.]

Ami had mentioned you make use of them from time to time.

I can't fault you for that though. Gods know I'll need to do that as well...

[moonlightshine]

Strange? How so?

[It was an innocent question. A means to get to know her new classmate better. There were topics they could talk about; from what his life was in Domino, if he had any siblings, to what his hobbies were. Though, Usagi knew not to take it too fast. It took Ami-chan a while to warm up to her. But...then again, they were drawn together because they were senshi. So a different set of circumstances, but Usagi hoped she and Marik could be good friends.]

A-ahhh...I should've known she'd tell you that. [A bashful bow of her head, and a small note of the playful grin on his face.... Yup, he was bound to attract a lot of attention with that smile.]

But, if you need help studying, Ami-chan and I have a study group with some other friends. We usually get together at the Crowd Arcade or at Hikawa Shrine. There's also cram school but... [Usagi wrinkled her nose at the thought of them.] Those aren't the most fun things to do...

[Now that she was sitting next to him, she could see his make-up. That supermodel rumor might be true.]

Wow...your eye liner is really good. Like, completely perfect.

[thetombkeeper]

I stopped schooling at age 12. Had some things to deal with.

[Which was true it just wasn't the whole truth. He was fine admitting that since it seemed Usagi had trouble studying as well.

He chuckles softly at her sheepish attitude at being caught red handed. Yes, interacting with her was going to be fun.]

I appreciate the offer. As long as your friends don't mind, I'll gladly join you all.

[The grin softens into a smile as he studies Usagi's eyes and expression, as if trying to see through a possible bluff. When it's apparent she's being genuine he puffs up a bit with pride but acts somewhat humble.

He very much likes having his ego stroked.]

Thank you. My brother taught me how to apply it when I was a child.

[moonlightshine]

Ohhh, okay. [Marik doesn't need to explain further. It sounds personal, and it wasn't Usagi's place to ask. Maybe he moved, or maybe something else happened? Whatever the case, it was probably too heavy of a topic to discuss for his first day of school.]

I can talk it over with them, and ask. I'm sure it won't be too much trouble.

[The girls were a very welcoming group. Though, there might be days where they had senshi meetings and Marik couldn't go to those, so...best to still ask. He could meet Luna too, and who didn't love meeting a cute cat?]

What, he did? [There wasn't anything to hide with Usagi. She was genuine in her emotions and her interactions. It would be very difficult for her to hide something. Though, it was hard to keep her alter ego a secret, but luckily, there hadn't been any youma appearances, so there wasn't a need for Sailor Moon to make an appearance.

She was more excited to learn about Marik.]

That's so cool! My little brother doesn't like that, he's... [Usagi looked annoyed for a moment, thinking about her bratty brother but the expression gave way to a slight sigh.] He's a handful, and really into soccer. He also beats me in video games. [Sometimes she could win, other times, she failed. At least it was an activity they could bond over.]

You're bound to have a few girls ask you for make-up tips, you know.

[thetombkeeper]

[He bows his head slightly.]

Thank you. I do really appreciate it.

[Marik was finding her reactions very charming. She wore her heart on her sleeve. While his natural reaction was to use that to his advantage, there was another part of him that wanted to... protect her because of that. Something so pure and genuine should remain as such.]

Mn. He taught me how to do most things in life. He's staying with me for the week while I adjust to life here before he'll be returning home to join my sister.

[His smile widens a bit.]

Sounds like he might need to learn to appreciate the beauty in life. A man should be skilled and appreciative of both masculine and feminine things.

[He's about to get a scoop full of rice from his lunch when she mentions the lessons in makeup and laughs nervously, tapping his chopsticks against his cheek.]

You think? I doubt many of them use kohl so that might be difficult to get the same look...

[moonlightshine]

Of course! And, if you find your own study group, that’s fine too. I know Umino-kun studies just as hard as Ami-Chan. [But he came in second, which was also okay. Ami was a tough student to beat. ] Whatever you feel comfortable with.

[He didn’t have to study with her and her friends if he didn’t want to. She just wanted him to feel welcomed and feel comfortable in a new school. ]

That’s nice of him. [So Marik has a brother and a sister. Very nice, though…was he living by himself? Another question she wouldn’t ask now or possibly ever. It might be a sore topic. ] Is your sister older or younger than you? I only have Shingo-kun.

[That earns a chuckle from her, she has to bring her hand up to cover her mouth. ]

Yes, a man should be able to appreciate feminine and masculine things, but…Shingo-kun, is at that age where he wants to do his own thing with his friends. [A sort of ‘what can you do?’ type shrug. ]

Yeah! You have a steady hand, so they might ask you for tips and stuff. [She started to eat some of her small salad that her mom packed. ] Or maybe they’ll ask you for other advice—fashion or make up. You have a….[Whats the word or phrase?] Unique style about you?

It’s really eye catching either way.

[thetombkeeper]

I tend to... do things by myself so I doubt I'll find another group to really click with.

[Umino was. Uh. Passionate. A bit too much for Marik's tastes from what he had seen throughout the day.]

Mn. Both of my siblings are older than me.

[He can't help but wonder if he and Odion would have gone through that phase of their entire life had been normal.

More compliments. Marik takes the time to eat a bit before responding to her comments although he looks like a pleased cat that's just been served milk.]

Hmm. Is it? As long as people aren't mistakening me for a ganguro.

[Even if he does dress very gyaruo when out of uniform.]

[moonlightshine]

Ahhh, okay. Well, if you want to try things with other people, we have a few clubs at school. You should check them out if you have the time for it.

[And not get detention like her for falling asleep in class, but no need to mention that.

There’s a nod of understanding. So he’s the youngest? Lucky! He got to have older siblings to fawn over him—assuming they did. ]

That must be nice, someone to talk to or share interests with. Do you talk to them often?

[Hopefully he has a better relationship than the one she has with Shingo, but that’s mostly due to age difference and a difference in interests.

She finally started eating her small sandwich, managing to get a bit of mustard on the corner of her mouth. ]

E-eh?! How could they? I don’t think that’s even a thing now. [Was that something that happened in Domino? No, no, she wasn’t going to ask.] But, yes? Your style is unique so…

[Huff, she’s going back to eating her food and pouring a little.]

[thetombkeeper]

I'll have to check those out once I've settled in.

[He takes another bite of food.]

My brother's been by my side my entire life. We talk every day. My sister... it's a bit complicated.

[Alas, it's a bit worse but that's entirely Marik's doing. Ishizu is more than willing to put things behind them but Marik doesn't feel he deserves her forgiveness.

He smiles at her answer, pleased to know she thinks his style is unique.]

Well, thank you, Usagi. It's flattering you find my style unique.

[moonlightshine]

Mhmm! They’re a lot of fun from what I’ve heard.

[ Sadly, saving the world as Sailor Moon didn’t lend itself to having a lot of time to do school clubs and stuff. Then again, there wasn’t one Usagi had any interest in…unless there was one specifically for Sailor V games.

Somewhere, someone probably over heard Marik’s comment and was crafting it into another rumor. A handsome new transfer student who had a close relationship with his brother—perfect boyfriend material. ]

Mmm, families often are…[Complicated that is, but she hoped things between him and his sister would be okay.] If you and your brother need places to visit before he leaves, I can recommend a few, if you’d like. [Since moving can be overwhelming and hard to get ones bearings.

A faint blush appeared on her cheeks at the thanks. Her pout gave way to a shy smile. Yup, he was a charmer. No doubt he already had someone special. ]

You’re welcome, Marik-kun. [The honorific slipped out easily enough. Usagi paid it no mind since she was always friendly towards everyone.

She wiped the corner of her mouth with her napkin and offered Marik a cookie. ]

Would you like one? My mom packed a few for me. They’re pretty amazing.

[thetombkeeper]

[The baby of the family! Able to understand women and men, in touch with both sides, and a family man. How romantic! Think his siblings are just as beautiful as he is?]

Yeah... That would be fun. Only if you don't mind.

[Oh. ... That blush is cute. Marik's smile widens a bit more. The honorific doesn't bother him. It... kind of fits? It sounds nice too.

He blinks and looks down at the cookie before returning his attention to Usagi.]

Ah... Y-yes, I would. Thank you.

[The Egyptian takes a hold of the cookie and sheepishly nibbles at it. Much like a child, it's obvious he's trying to hold himself back from devouring the cookie whole. Usagi can see it in his eyes. There's a bit of a light to them for a moment as he eats.]

... This is really good. Your mother is a good cook.

[moonlightshine]

[More than likely his siblings were just as beautiful as him. No doubt the family were comprised of super models who had fancy cars and money to burn. At least that's what tomorrow's rumor will be.]

I don't mind at all. [There's a kindness in her eyes, showcasing the light she carries within her.] It'll be fun to write that list for you, maybe it'll give me ideas on what to do on a free weekend.

[She could even ask some of the girls too.

A grin appears on her face seeing him take a cookie. He could devour it if he wanted to, but seeing him hold back makes her do the same. No need for him to see the messy side of her just yet.]

You're welcome, and I'll be sure to pass the compliment along. [Her mom loved people praising her baking.]

If you want another cookie, you can have one. I've tried to follow her recipes before, but I end up burning the cookies. [Her grin turns sheepish for a moment.] Mako-chan, the tall brunette, she makes the best bento boxes. She's a great cook, and baker too. You can taste the love she puts into each item she makes.

[She nods her head at her words. Yes, she does hype up her friends.]

She's part of my study group and will sometimes bring cake. [Which...doesn't really help with studying, but it certainly makes it more enjoyable.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Clearly. That was the only logical conclusion.

Marik stares into those bright eyes, feeling an unusual calmness washing over him. Like the darkness in his soul is disappearing... Is it just his imagination? What's causing him to feel that way...? He breaks eye contact to act like something off in the distance caught his attention.]

Then thank you for that as well.

[He finishes the cookie and his eyes go straight to the next. Yeah, it seems like he wants another.]

... Only if you don't want it. I don't want to take your lunch away from you.

[The Egyptian offers a sympathetic smile.]

Ah, you too? That's... one thing I never had Odion teach me to do until now. Cook. It's been... er... a task for him, that's for sure.

[The smile turns into a sad one for a moment as he thinks of how nice to must be to have a group of friends like that. To have people who care about you that aren't just your family. Maybe... Maybe someday he'll get to have that too, Gods willing.]

Maybe, if they're okay with me joining you, I'll get to try her cooking someday.

[moonlightshine]

You’re welcome. [She notices him looking at something off in the distance and while part of her wants to see if she can see what he’s looking at…she should be focusing on her food.

Almost all the cookies are gone, but she doesn’t mind giving him another one. He could even have the last one too, if he wants. ]

It’s fine, I’m the one offering.

[Her eyes widen a little. He can’t cook either?! He might have a flaw? Who would’ve thought?

Oh, but wait, is that a bit of sadness there? She’ll need to fix that. ]

I think they would be okay with you joining our group. I’ll still ask, but maybe for our next study session, I’ll ask Mako-chan for a cake?

[And maybe talk to Mako-chan if she could give them a cooking lesson or two. ]

But, um, if you have a rice cooker…that’ll help out a lot. It’s the one thing I can cook properly.

[thetombkeeper]

I'll take one more then.

[His smile lights up a bit but still seems a touch apprehensive.]

You don't need to go to any special trouble on my account. ... I don't want to be an inconvenience to anyone or... force my presence on to them.

[He lets out a soft chuckle.]

I do have one. I haven't quite gotten the hang of using it yet but rice dishes are my favorite.

[moonlightshine]

It’s not an inconvenience! [ Usagi quickly stated, even reaching out to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. ] And you’re not forcing your presence on anyone.

If the study group doesn’t happen, we can still hang out. At school or afterwards, if you like.

[Assuming he wanted to, if she didn’t make him run for the hills by feeding him cookies or by trying to strike up a friendship with him. ]

That’s good! I mean, I know it’ll take some getting used to, but it takes a lot of the guess work out if the rice is done or not. And it doesn’t burn!

…it may dry out if you leave the rice in the pot over night. Keeping it warm for too long will do that.

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik tenses up slightly when she touches him but quickly relaxes until it. Such kindness is still so alien to him. The fact that someone would want to seek out his company and actually enjoy his presence is... shocking in a way.

It might even bring a bit of color to his cheeks.]

Th... That would be nice.

[To be around someone genuine like her. Treated like a regular human being...

He'd barely spent time with her and already he found himself very glad Usagi was the first person to really approach him.]

It dries out if you store it too, doesn't it? Is there a way to get its moisture back to reheat it...?

[moonlightshine]

Yeah? [Usagi asked with a reassuring smile. She saw the color on his cheeks and it was cute. Maybe he was just shy and he was starting to come out of his shell?] Okay, whichever you prefer. At school or after, or before.

[She was sure the girls were really going to like him. He seemed very nice and caring so far. ]

Ahhh… [She had to think on that for a moment. ] you could try heating it up on a pan, or if you have a microwave, sprinkling some water on the rice before heating it up.

[The bell started to ring, indicating there was a few minutes left of lunch. Usagi started to clean up her bento box and put things away.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Was today after school too soon? He didn't want to come off as too much... Hmm...]

Before might be difficult unless you want to walk to school together. I guess I could just... give you my number? This way you can tell me what your group says and we can chat or something.

[He nibbles on the cookie sheepishly.]

I don't... I don't really know what friends do together. So I'm sorry if I'm kind of awkward...

[After finishing the cookie and upon hearing the bell, Marik packs up his own bento box.]

I'll have to try that with my leftovers then. Thanks for the tip.

[moonlightshine]

Depends on where you live, but I wouldn’t mind walking to school together. [Give her another reason to not run late to school or over sleep. ] But, yes, let’s exchange numbers so we can text and meet up. [And also give Usagi the chance to warn him if she was running late. ]

Hm? [Maybe he was really close to his siblings growing up? Or he didn’t have too many friends in Domino?] No, need to apologize. Friends, hang out, they can play games—I know there’s one that’s been pretty popular, Duel Monsters? Ami-chan plays it, and she’s really good. And the best part of being friends? You don’t need to worry about being awkward, just be yourself.

[Says the girl with a secret identity.

Bento box packed, she stood up and brushed her skirt a little. ]

You’re welcome! I hope it helps, but we better hurry back to class. You don’t want to get on Haruna-sensei’s bad side.

[thetombkeeper]

I live about... 15-20 minutes on foot from here.

[He pulls out his phone and gives her his number, as well as collecting her's.

Huh. His first contact outside of his siblings. Odion will probably be happy about that.

Marik looks up at Usagi as she gives him that explanation of what friendship is, staring for a moment. He seems almost like a lost child with the look in his eyes. That's... what friends do? He really hopes her's will be okay with him hanging around...

He blinks and the look disappears.]

... I play Duel Monsters. I have my deck with me but I've been meaning to start a new one since mine's sort of broken now.

[The Egyptian stands up to join her after packing up his own things.]

R-Right. Let's get going.

[... Usagi will have to lead the way because he doesn't know the school's layout.]

[moonlightshine]

That’s not bad! You don’t have to worry about the bus or the train. [He’s lucky to have snagged such a good spot so close to school.] I’m about 25 minutes away on foot, 20 if I’m running late.

[Said sheepishly. She probably shouldn’t have told him that. He might think she runs late all the time…and she kind of does, but sleep is very important!

They exchange numbers and she makes a mental note to text him later. Nothing over bearing, just something small like a hand wave emoji.

Oh, he looks so precious. Like, she wants to hug him and tell him things will be okay. Has he been alone for a long time? Another question she doesn’t need to ask, but now she’s truly determined to be a good friend to him. ]

Oh, you do? You should with Ami-chan if you can! She’s really good at it, along with chess…and arcade games. She gets a good high score almost all the time. [She doesn’t understand what he means by his deck being “broken” but suggesting he play against Ami shouldn’t be too bad, right?

Once they’re both up, she leads them both back to their classroom. There were a few girls patiently hovering near Marik’s desk, hoping to talk to him before class started again. ]

Phew, made it back in time. [ And she didn’t trip, always a good sign!]

[thetombkeeper]

I'd be 5 minutes if I could just drive my motorcycle here but I don't know if the school allows that...

[Oh, more rumors for tomorrow. Marik's a bad boy with a motorcycle!

He thinks nothing of her admittance of being late, thankfully.]

Y-Yeah. I guess I could ask her if she'd be interested in playing...

[No point in bringing up the tournament if she doesn't know. He doesn't want her seeing the footage and deciding not to be his friend anymore.

Once back in the classroom, Marik gives Usagi a smile.]

Thanks again for inviting me to have lunch with you. I'll talk to you after class.

[A bow of the head to be polite before he makes his way to his desk to talk with the fangirls. At least with them he can just put on a charming mask and not worry about them being able to put a kink in his armor like Usagi seems to be able to.

Not that he minds that about her, it's just... odd that he finds himself feeling vulnerable around the girl.

Something he'll need to ruminate on later.

After school has finished, Marik entertains the girls again for a bit before excusing himself when Usagi begins to leave. He's smooth in his exit though, not making it obvious to the fangirls that he's ditching them to follow the fellow blonde. Once they're down the hall and away from the homeroom, he walks beside her.]

Hey. Thanks again for earlier. That really helped in making me feel welcome.

[moonlightshine]

[Oh, yes. More rumors that he is a bad boy and probably goes out for joyrides. Though for Usagi, she doesn’t seem to mind. She seems rather intrigued, because he probably meant scooter, right?]

I wouldn’t know about that, but you could find out with the teachers or someone else within the school.

[There’s an enthusiastic nod of her head. ]

You could! I bet she would like it! Since, well.. I think she’s tired of trying to explain the rules to me. [ A nervous chuckle. Could he tell she wasn’t one for strategy games?

She returns his smile with one of her own.]

I’ll talk to you after class, but we can do lunch again whenever you like.

[They both part ways with Usagi quickly going to Naru-chan to see how she was doing. Ami and Makoto soon join in, checking in on one another. There’s some chuckling and good nature ribbing, with Makoto sighing in a dreamy fashion.

The teacher comes back into the room and class once again resumes. It’s all a blur to the blonde as she tries her best to pay attention. Marik was a very interesting individual, but seeing how child like he was at times…it made her wonder if he truly didn’t have any friends before. Maybe things for him would be different at Juban?

She hoped so. He seemed like someone who deserved to have at least one good friend—she could be that person! If he wanted her to be.

The thought swirled around her mind even after class ended. She said her goodbyes to Ami, wishing her well with cram school and asking Mako-chan to take care as well. She was about to walk out of the building when she heard someone approaching her.

Turning her head, she saw it was Marik. A smile easily came over her face. ]

Hi, and of course. I’m glad you didn’t mind the company. [He certainly didn’t have to look far for people willing to talk to him. If she hadn’t stepped in, someone else would have. ]

Which direction are you heading? We might be able to walk together.

[thetombkeeper]

Yeah, I could... but that might attract even more attention...

[And he's not sure he wants that just yet as much as he loves his bike.

Marik can't help but chuckle at the fact that the game doesn't click with her. That's understandable. It isn't for everyone. If Ami's playing is as good as her notes are, she'll be quite the opponent.

When she finally notices him walking with her, he offers a smile in return. In what seems to be his style, his has his bag slung over one shoulder and his jacket unbuttoned.]

Of course not. Why would I? It was nice to just talk, you know?

[He points in a particular direction. It's a bit out of the way towards Usagi's.]

That way. Is that near your place?