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]

[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?

[moonlightshine]

[There was a shrug from the shorter blonde.]

You could’ve decided to read Ami-chant’s notes during lunch instead. Or, done something else. Either way, I’m glad we got to know each other better.

[She means that truly.

And, Marik looking more comfortable/casual has probably sent some fan girls into a tizzy. They’ll have to try harder to get his attention next time! ]

Mm, a similar direction, but I can take a different route today. Mama will be happy I’m coming home at a normal time either way. [Another sheepish chuckle. She was used to getting detention for her tardiness that coming home at an earlier time was seen as a rarity.]

So what do you think of the school so far?

[thetombkeeper]

I can study her notes tonight.

[His sway over people is incredible even without the powers of the Millennium Rod. That's certainly a nice stroke to his ego. As long as he doesn't abuse that persuasion though.]

Nah, we don't need to take a different route. I'd rather you get home safely.

[She was... tiny and adorable, okay. People would think twice about messing with him but Usagi was at risk.]

I like it. I sort of miss just Odion teaching me but I think... the socializing aspect is good for me.

[moonlightshine]

Me? [ Usagi repeated. ] I’ll be okay. Juuban is a pretty safe place. [And she was Sailor Moon, not that he knew that.

Her biggest enemy was tripping over invisible cracks in the sidewalk. So far, she had been conquering that for just fine. Still…it was nice of him to offer to walk her home. ]

But, if you insist. Just text me when you get home? [ If he’s concerned about her safety, she got to do the same. It was only fair. ]

Odion? Is that your brother? [She asked, glossing over the socialization aspect for now.] He must be really smart to have taught you for so long. [A teacher or someone in education. ]

The teachers here are pretty good, as are the students. I mean…some of them can be a bit passionate. [ Like Umino, but that was neither here nor there. ] But, they’re just excited. Are you thinking of joining any clubs after school?

[thetombkeeper]

Still. It's rude to leave a woman by herself, right? I'll text you as soon as I get home though.

[Ah, yes. He'd never said his or their sister's name earlier.]

Mmn, yeah. And my sister's name is Ishizu. I don't know if Juuban got any commercials for the Domino City Museum but she was in them talking about the exhibit she's running.

They're both really smart... I worry I dropped the ball. But that's why I'm back in school though now, isn't it?

[He chuckles sadly, happy to shift the subject to something else.]

I still have no idea. I want to see how I am at managing homework before I go involving myself in school activities, you know? So I don't stretch myself too thin.

[moonlightshine]

I guess? [She hasn’t heard of that rule before but she won’t fuss over it. ] Good! I would hate for you to get lost on your way back. [Says the blonde who forgets that map apps on phones exist.

Her eyes widen hearing his sister’s name and how she’s associated to museums. That’s pretty cool! Plus, she was in a commercial? That had to make her something of a celebrity then? Or maybe she was taking things a bit too far. ]

Oh wow! That’s pretty neat. I haven’t seen any of the commercials, but I know some of of our classmates are into museums—Ami-chan included.

[What? He doesn’t think he’s smart?! Oh, does he have a lot of pressure on himself? That’s never good…]

I’m glad you’re back at school though. [An odd thing to say, but she quickly explains:] We wouldn’t have met otherwise and I’m glad I did, Marik-kun.

[ Someone was glad to have met him. Spoken with pure sincerity and a touch of happiness. A lovely light that radiated from her, as bright as a star.

There’s a nod of her head, agreeing with Marik’s words. ]

No, never a good idea to spread yourself thin. You might run yourself ragged and then get sick—and that’s never any fun.

The homework feels like it takes forever, but I think that’s just me. Ami-chan and Mako-chan seem to have a handle on it.

[thetombkeeper]

[Chivalry or something like that.]

I've got my phone so I can just use the mao on it if I do.

[She was by far the most successful out of the family given her occupation and their upbringing. It was definitely something to be proud of.

Marik's smile drops and that child-like look of wonderment takes over his expression. She's glad they met... He has... a friend for the first time in his life? And that light. Whatever darkness he had in his soul receded whenever she smiled. It felt like she was literally shining like the sun on his soul.

He blinks, seeming to snap back to "normal."]

I guess we'll see how well I do tonight. If I get the hang of it, maybe I can try to help you?

[moonlightshine]

[Had her words touched him that much? Or was he staring at her because she was being too presumptuous in thinking they were friends? They could be friends! If he wanted to be, that is.

Before Usagi could touch upon the subject, the look on his face changed again. ]

Ahh, no need to worry about me. I’ll get through it. [Homework never held her interest for very long. ]

It’s just hard to get started , and then keep at it. I prefer to play video games or read manga, but…Mama would be mad if I brought home bad grades. [Again, is the word she leaves out. ]

So, otherwise of school…so you have any hobbies? You said you okay Duel Monsters. What else?

[thetombkeeper]

[The Egyptian hums in thought, trying to think of what he did to study when he was younger.]

Maybe if you break it up with things you enjoy? Spend 15 minutes studying, 5 minutes doing something else, then repeat. This way it breaks it up and you give rewards for keeping at it, you know?

[He looks around nervously. What the hell does he tell her? He doesn't actually have any hobbies. He'd always been so busy and didn't really have any time for himself...

... Usagi's been honest with him. Maybe he should do the same.]

I don't have any. That's another thing I'd like to work on...

[moonlightshine]

Mmm, I could try that. [A reward system that could help her with her studies. It’s worth a shot!

But that also meant sticking to a schedule…and she didn’t have the best time management skills. Maybe she’ll do better this time around? ]

Ahh, well, like you said, you don’t want to spread yourself too thin. You don’t have to rush to find a hobby, just…[How can she put it? ]

Take your time in finding something that you like. Like reading, or cooking, or watching dramas….[Okay, that last one might be more of her mom’s thing, but it’s still a good example. ] You’ll find something, I know it.

[thetombkeeper]

I hope it works.

[Marik can always help her with that if she has trouble with it.

He takes Usagi's words to heart though and nods. Find something he likes. He wants to try everything now that he has his freedom but sometimes he doesn't know where to start.

She's giving him good suggestions though.]

Mnn. Yeah. I appreciate the suggestions. I'll have to try some of those later this week. Maybe I can do them with Odion before he leaves.

[moonlightshine]

I will let you know if it does.

[If this technique worked, then Ami might give Marik a gift...along with Usagi. Trying to get the blonde to pay attention and do her homework was a feat in and of itself.]

Ah, yeah! You could do that. There's plenty of things to do around Juuban and the Tokyo area. If you need more suggestions let me know.

[There was a pause as she thought about it for a moment longer.]

And if you want someone to go with you to do exploring or trying new hobbies, I can go with you. I wouldn't mind.

[Friends partake in each other's hobbies. It was bound to be fun trying out new things.]

[thetombkeeper]

[If he can manage it, surely Usagi can. But Marik's more willing to learn just so he can learn of things whether it's useful to him or not. Know thy enemy and whatnot.

He smiles as Usagi's offer, happy to have someone so genuinely eager to be his friend and spend time with him. It's unusual but certainly not unwelcomed. He's very glad the two met.]

I'd like that a lot. I'm fine with jumping into new things by myself but... I wouldn't say no to the company. As long as it isn't inconveniencing you. I'm sure you have plenty on your plate already.