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]

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.

[moonlightshine]

It’s not an inconvenience, promise. [Usagi gives Marik a reassuring smile. In a way, he reminded her of Ami, wanting to make sure he wasn’t an inconvenience but always willing to try new things.

Maybe he would feel more comfortable if Ami-chan went along with them?]

My plate is there, but I like spending time with friends. [Was it too soon to say that? ] And that’s very important to me—we only have this one life, right?

[ Says the girl who had been reincarnated. ]

[thetombkeeper]

[Perhaps. He needed to become more comfortable with the two of them in general but there was something specific Usagi had that Ami didn't.

And she was pretty cute.

Marik's smile softens as he gazes down at his classmate.]

Your friends are very lucky to have someone like you in their lives.

[That includes himself but he'll let her pick that one up herself.]

Do you have anything planned after school tomorrow? Maybe you can show me that arcade.

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi felt her heart skip a beat seeing Marik's smile. It was soft, kind...and there was something else she couldn't place. A faint blush came across her face, but she did her best to not draw attention to it.

He probably had a girlfriend...or someone special back in Domino.]

I think I'm just as lucky to have them in my life.

[That includes him, but did she outright say that? No, she didn't want to force it.]

After school tomorrow? [She repeated, thinking about it for a moment. There wasn't a senshi meeting tomorrow..] I don't have anything planned, so yeah. We can go. Oh! [She stopped in her tracks as excitement took over.] You can meet Motoki-niichan! He works at the Crown Arcade and he's really nice. Plus, they have a food area where we can get drinks and stuff.

[A parfait or a milkshake, perfect to share! She started walking again with a little bounce in her step.]

You'll have so much fun!

[thetombkeeper]

[She isn't the only one blushing although he's mentally yelling at himself for doing so. Why does he feel like this around her...? They've only just met.

Still, she's right. He doesn't exactly consider Usagi lucky for having met him. He isn't a good person. He might... somehow get her in danger of something.

The Egyptian hates that's where his mind goes first rather than just being happy he has a friend.]

Motiki... I thought you said you only had a little brother?

[His Japanese isn't perfect so he's taking the nickname as literal.]

That sounds fun though. I'd love to do that. I can cover any costs too. Consider it my treat for... for being my friend.

[moonlightshine]

[Ahh, it was a good thing they were heading away from the school. If any of their female classmates saw Marik blushing, they might get jealous of the blonde. Whereas Usagi…all she could think about was how cute he looked.

No, she couldn’t let her mind wander down that rabbit hole!]

I do! Shingo-kun is my little brother, but Moroni-niichan is another friend. He’s older than me, but he treats me like a little sister. [He was there as a shoulder to lean on and someone she could talk to before she met Ami-chan and the others. ]

Huh? [ Wait, was he really offering to pay?! ] Ahh, you don’t have to! [He doesn’t need to treat her! Not yet anyway!] I’ll feel really bad if you do that, why don’t we split the cost? Is that okay?

[thetombkeeper]

[Little did he know, they'd be seeing it soon enough and he'd gather even more fangirls.]

Oh...! I see. You didn't mean literally...

[Marik blinks, not seeing the problem for offering to pay for everything. He's rich. Why would it matter? (Although his own funds were illegally obtained, he's been trying to work through it as naturally as possible.)]

You don't need to feel bad. If I couldn't afford it, I wouldn't offer. It's... It's the least I can do, you know?

[moonlightshine]

[The fan girls will always follow Marik. This was a fact of life. His looks, his charm and personality were enough to draw people in. ]

Ahh, no, no. Not literally. Sorry for the confusion. I know honorifics are a bit confusing at times—if it makes you feel any better, my kanji skills are horrible.

[Because she should know better by now and she doesn’t.

Usagi blinked and shook her at Marik. ]

But, I should be treating you, you’re new to the area after all. [Okay, how could they compromise on this. Think, Usagi. Think. ]

How about…if you pay for tomorrow, I’ll pay for the next one. Is that a fair deal?

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik chuckles. While her admitting she isn't good at Kanji is meant to make him feel better, it makes him a bit worried for her own education. He knows three spoken languages and can read about four. If she's struggling with an aspect of her own...]

I guess. If you need help though, just... let me know.

[He takes a moment to consider Usagi's offer.]

Heh... Okay. You've got a deal. I'll pay tomorrow and you get the next time.

[Provided he doesn't beat her to the bill.]

[moonlightshine]

Ahhh, I will. [There was a nervous chuckle from Usagi. Ami was trying to help her, but now she had Marik helping her too. ]

I’be gotten better this semester, so that’s some improvement. [But, she would be impressed to know how many languages Marik knew. It would only serve to have more fans flock to him. ]

Okay, it’s a deal! [ She held out her hand for him to shake on it.

She’ll get that pay check, just watch. ]

[thetombkeeper]

I'm glad to hear it. I know languages can be difficult, even your native one.

[He is genuinely glad. That shows she'll only get better if she keeps at it!

Marik pauses before taking a hold of her hand and giving it a firm but gentle shake. He doesn't let go right away though, instead looking down at the size difference between them. Her hand is tiny in his... And the contrast of their skin. It... looks nice.

Realizing that he's just staring, the Egyptian lets go and clears his throat, the color returning to his cheeks slightly. Time to shift topics to distract himself.]

S-So, how long have you known Ami and the others...?

[moonlightshine]

Y-yeah. I don’t know how people are able to be fluent in more than one language. The grammar, the rules—oh and the vocabulary! It’s all hard to keep track for one language, let alone multiple ones.

[ His hand feels soft in hers, even with his firm handshake. There’s something else as well, but she couldn’t place when or where.

Holding his hand…it does feel really nice.

Wait—Usagi! Don’t let your mind wander!

She slowly pulls her hand back and shyly averts her gaze. They were coming up on her house soon. Lunar was already waiting for her, resting on top of a tree branch. ]

A-ah, well, I’ve known Naru-chan since grade school. Then last year, Ami-chan and Mako-chan transferred. We also met Rei-chan, and Mina-chan around the same time. We kind of bumped into each other…and became friends.

[Thats a very…simple way of putting it.]

D-did I tell you that Mina-chan lived in England for a time? She says it’s nice there but the food is okay.

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik gives a bit of a cheeky grin.]

It's challenging. The younger you are when you start learning a different language though, the easier it is to retain.

[He listens to Usagi tell him about her friends. Strange how things like that work out. He hasn't sure what she grade school is but he assumes she means they've known each other for quite a few years now.

As they get in view of the house, Marik spots the cat in the tree but doesn't think anything of it for the time being.]

Did she? That's impressive. She knows English then?