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“Mamoru, I think you’re stressing over nothing. Sure, Usagi’s clumsy, but have some faith. Michiru wouldn’t have asked her to join her if she expected anything bad would happen." Minako could never have foreseen the day she would have to comfort Mamoru Chiba, of all people. In all her dreams of making the Earth Prince plead with her for something, she should have expected the reality to be Usagi-related.
“Mina, I’m practically begging at this point. I’m telling you, I know something will go wrong if we wait any longer, just—”
"Am I supposed to believe your jealousy is equivalent to your perceived ‘bad feeling’ about Usagi attending the Ladies Social with Michiru? I don’t think she’ll take lightly to your assumption that she can’t take care of your girlfriend, i.e., her princess who, mind you, she swore to protect with her life?” She watched as he looked away before turning back to her with desperation in his eyes. He had been at this for a solid ten minutes at her door, rather frantic, but it was a testament to the depth of his feelings for her friend, which is always a positive.
“No, it’s not that, but it’s something Usako might actually need me for—”
“Then how, pray tell, will you get into the hall? It's a women's only event, and last Usagi told us, I doubt your anatomy has changed significantly in the last month." Minako had to stifle a laugh at his momentary stunned expression before ignoring her implication because he was desperate.
“...That’s why I came to you. I need your compact mirror.”
A silence filled the air, only interrupted by distant human noise and a few cars passing by.
“...You want my compact mirror… to turn into a girl… to follow Usagi and Michiru.” The thought alone was incredulous, and Minako had to fight the instinct to laugh. She was never good at that, though.
“Yes.” He needed it now and emphasized it by grabbing her wrists.
Minako and Mamoru had a rather… fraught relationship. Early on, it was tough when she had taken a hostile attitude towards him after things relaxed upon Metalia's defeat due to the past. It was a grudge she had needed time to overcome because she refused to acknowledge that if he was to blame, Usagi also had some to shoulder. The Prince of old did not fall in love without Serenity's persistent visits to Earth, and it briefly strained her friendship before she grasped that her feelings were unfounded and unfair.
Once crossing that bump, they formed a great friendship that allowed for casual discussions on the street or mutual interest. It’s at a point where casual requests for aid in certain situations were no problem, seeing as Mamoru had no shame or worry about coming to her home out of the blue. Though tentative based on Mamoru's personal anxieties, a matter of the scale he was asking...
"...When it comes to her, you're always so unashamedly bold. But no." She felt his grip tighten to an ever-so-uncomfortable degree. "Chiba! I can't just go handing it out all willy-nilly! I at least have to pretend I’m responsible with my things!”
“I’m not asking you for homework help, Mina, I have a legitimate cause for concern.” His insistence almost reminded her of a particular cat.
“Yeah, an aqua-haired handsy one.” He frowned at her words.
“Mina.”
“Just saying!”
"And I'm being serious. I know they're just there to enjoy an evening, but I have an odd feeling, not just as a gut thing. Like… a planet thing." Mamoru scrambled to find the words for it, as he had never truly disclosed this ability to anyone beyond his girlfriend.
“A planet thing?” She dramatically looked at him like he was insane.
“Yeah. Hm…” He grabbed her hand.
“Whoa, slow down there, Chiba, we’re not anywhere near that point—”
"Shush." He then yanked her down, slightly smugly satisfied at her yelp, as he kneeled to place his other hand on the soil. Establishing a connection, he shared the ominous feeling and location with the Venus Guardian: "...The dark spot is near that building where it’s being hosted.”
“Oh… That’s how… No wonder you can find Usagi anywhere.” It provided a vivid image for Minako: the sight of an actual being slowly expanding to cover the whole garden area. The two guardians there had their own distinct aura, Usagi being the brightest light of the two amidst a sea of humans with slightly differing shades of tame, pale colors.
“And Usako can’t sense this because it’s burrowed deep into the floor beneath them. She mentioned it was outside, right?”
“Yeah? Oh… I see, then.” Minako stood up, Mamoru following up, feeling like he had finally made a breakthrough.
“Yes! So can I—”
“One condition!” She held up her index finger to his face to silence him. That kind of thing from Minako could never be a good thing.
“Yes…?”
“You owe me, big time. And it can be absolutely anything.”
“...Within reason.” Mamoru knew she would never make him do anything untoward, but she was still a wild card that even Ami’s calculations could never truly predict.
“Sure, sure, of course…” Minako turned into her house, slamming the door in Mamoru’s face, leaving him in shock. Not long after, she reappeared, compact in hand, before beckoning him to enter the home. “You can use it for the disguise, but we may need extra work. It is a fancy event, after all.”
“Can’t I just say ‘make me a fancy lady’?” He had only ever silently observed his girlfriend’s use of her disguise pen and how her silly phrases always seemed to work, no matter how unconventional.
“Sure. But that’s too complex for a novice user like you, so just turn into a woman, and we'll figure out our next steps." She could not explain it either; she knew using it wasn't a hassle, and Minako only wanted to make Mamoru work a bit harder for his goal.
“Complex? It needs more than just a simple phrase?” He could never take the magic they had been blessed with seriously. "...My powers aren’t so limited as before, I’m pretty sure I can handle it.”
“Yeah, just don’t question it.” She pulled the older man by the arm. Then, she shoved him into the bathroom. “Don't worry. My family won't be home for a while, so just do it here. Don't let me know if you need help."
“Gee, thanks.” He rolled his eyes before looking at the compact mirror in his hand, folding it over. "Okay, so… how…?”
He suspected Minako was making this more entertaining for her own sake, but if he were to be honest, he would prefer her aid directly than try on his own and fail horribly. His powers were still new; he had more than he knew how to control, and he could not practice alone in good faith without worrying about potential drawbacks.
There was available help from the friends he had made through Usagi, but asking for that help was a whole different ballpark for him. Unless it comes to said girlfriend, of course.
He could not ask, and he knew it was simply Mina being difficult with him (when is she ever straightforward?), but he was on a clock and worried about Usagi. She could have instructed him on a phrase or something he needed to say.
Deciding against the conventional, he simply decided to try to infuse it with power. It was a long shot, but he had no other ideas.
Holding it between his hands, he let his energy flow into the small device, lighting its center as it began to react. When he felt it heat up in his hands, he murmured his desire for a cover, a false identity allowing him to aid and protect.
He shut his eyes, the compact flashing a blinding white light.
Minako's cackle echoed off her bedroom walls after she called all the Inner scouts to come to her place. It would be great fun to see how Mamoru struggles. In an affectionate way, as a friend would be there for another, of course. The man was still closed off, and in a way, she did see this as a way to help him beyond the usual of "forcing him to socialize."
The goal is to get him to be more active, at least in the sense that he needs to communicate with the girls more than he already does on his own, without Usagi being there as a point of focus.
Ulterior motives aside, everything about this was amusing. Of course, it was admirable what Mamoru would willingly do just to be able to rush to Usagi's aid at any point. Though generally speaking, this whole scenario alone is just one of those unexpected things from which she knew she could derive joy.
Of course, she knew all this stemmed from her friend's jealousy of his partner going off with a formerly antagonistic woman they had made allies with. Upon reflection, Mamoru and Usagi were similar in that they were both dependent on each other in a way that almost bordered on unhealthy. Still, at least there was an effort from the two to display that bond, and as the goddess of love herself, Minako was always pleased to see her best friend was happy.
For now, Minako had to plan what sordid kind of favor she could ask from Mamoru. As is her nature, she would love to get the most out of making him squirm uncomfortably while indulging in something she liked.
The ring of her doorbell snapped her out of her vicious plotting. She then lept from her bed to rush to the door, opening it to the faces of her three friends with varying expressions of interest.
"Ah, great. Makoto, did you bring what I asked?" Minako looked at the taller woman, who was carrying a bag filled with some of her formal gowns and a separate one with shoes.
“Yes, but you didn’t elaborate to why…?” Makoto followed the others as they made their way into the Aino household.
“Did you just call all of us over for… Makoto’s dress choices?” Rei asked, sitting on the blonde’s bed after they entered the room. To the other two’s surprise, she seemed quite comfortable being here.
“No, something infinitely funnier.” The blonde laughed dramatically at her tall friend's offended 'hey!'
“Coming from you, that could be literally anything.” The raven-haired woman was suspicious as Minako relaxed on the bed beside her.
“It's great, I promise. Just wait with me a bit longer.”
“Somehow, I worry what that means for poor Makoto's clothes…" Ami chimed in, laughing with Makoto, who did not seem too unnerved.
“I brought what I could, but I’m not doing an impromptu fashion show, as far as I know.”
Meanwhile, someone a few doors over was having an identity crisis.
Looking in the mirror was… odd. Mamoru knew he was looking at himself, but it did not look like him.
“...That’s not actually me, is it…?”
He covered his mouth, the softer voice foreign but clearly from his lips. That was what he wanted to say; it was just from the woman in the reflection instead. His face had lost the sharp masculine edges, appearing more gentle. His body became more curved than he anticipated, and fortunately, he kept his height, so his clothes still fit, even if they felt a bit big. The most significant change was the hair that now fell down his back, curling naturally as if this was normal.
“Huh… Never would have thought I’d grow my hair out as a woman… Never thought I’d consider looking like one either.”
He was pulled from his thoughts as he heard the conversation of many familiar female voices down the hall. Minako called in reinforcements, and the mere idea of walking out to face the girls made Mamoru self-conscious. However, when considering his options, he knew he had to hurry and get to Usagi as soon as possible. The monster beneath her feet could choose any time to attack, growing in size as every second passed.
With a deep breath and a prayer, Mamoru strolled out of the bathroom, careful in his steps, as his now bigger shoes made his footfalls clumsy. It was time for him to embrace the womanly body for the evening.
“Mina...?” Her room door opened, and the three other women watched as the speaker revealed themselves with ocean blue eyes and cascading curls down her back, cautiously entering the room. “I thought I heard your voices.”
“Mamoru?!” She sat up in genuine shock, the other three heads snapping to look between her and the woman at the door. “Oh my god?!”
“What?” Oh lord, even the feminine voice he now had was alluring. “Did I do it wrong?”
“No, annoyingly enough. You’re just… You could start another Terran-Moon war.”
“...Please don’t joke like that.” He ran a hand through his curls, pulling his hand free of the many sudden tangles. “So, I’ve figured it out. What now?”
“Mamoru???” Rei stood and circled around the tall woman as Ami and Makoto followed, noting his height and physical change. “Is that really you? Good god, even as a woman, you'd turn heads...”
“Yes… I needed a disguise to help Usako… Not because of jealousy, but an actual, valid reason.” He pointedly looked at Minako, who held her hands up. "There’s something under that building, waiting and growing its strength for a chance to attack, but I can’t do anything from a distance.”
“So you want to be there in person… How did you know to check?” Ami asked, curious about his apparent ability to locate enemies or people.
“…”
“It was to just check on Usagi, wasn’t it?” Makoto slyly slid beside him, nudging with her elbow. “Ha, yeah, he’s totally jealous.”
“Shut up… I at least found something for it. As her guardians, shouldn’t you be glad?”
"Um, can we focus?" Ami cut in, swatting at a giggling Makoto's shoulder. "So, Mamoru, you found something and want to handle it yourself?"
“I can completely wipe it out without causing a commotion or battle because it’s currently embedded in the Earth. With me closer, I can subtly trap it with the roots and soil, which will wrap around and purify it. Then… they can… enjoy the night… without knowing.” He explained, looking at his feet. His… now smaller feet in his giant man shoes. In his… now very feminine body. “They likely won’t be able to tell.”
"Definitely not. Surprisingly, you make for a very hot lady. " Minako walked to Makoto's bags, grabbed the dresses, and scattered them on the bed. “Now, I assumed you'd fit Makoto’s measurements at a glance, so I asked her to bring a few options from her dresses. Though, seeing you now, I could be wrong...”
“Ah, that was why…” Makoto and Mamoru looked at each other. The latter was only taller than the former. “...And I thought I was freakishly tall. Looks like you would have had me beat there as a woman.”
“Haruka might actually be a better comparison in height, but otherwise…" Ami had pulled out her computer, scanning the two and the comparisons. "...Your physical measurements are actually pretty similar in body type. Mamoru's just being slightly bigger to accommodate the difference in his body mass.”
“I feel like I've slimmed down significantly, honestly…" He placed his hands at his waist, dragging in his shirt and highlighting his changed figure. "No wonder you're all so agile."
“That's all just practice." Minako grabbed two simple dresses in shades of green and blue, respectively, and held them up in front of Mamoru. “Hm… We’ll check out all the options Mako brought before moving on further. I can’t wait to play with your hair!”
“Just nothing that stands out too much… I just want to stay in the background and work from there." Mamoru had a vague idea of the process, having been privy to watching Usagi get ready a few times at his apartment.
“I think you forget what drew Usagi to most of us, seeing as she approached several isolated, pretty women repeatedly." Rei pointed out, laughing despite Mamoru's glare. "Just don't act like Mamoru-usual and she likely won't pick you out of a crowd."
“What does that mean, exactly?”
“Just don’t look like a sad, lonely woman, and you’ll be spared the interaction. You know how drawn Usagi is to people like that.”
“...Actually, I can fight you as a woman now.”
“Alright, Rei, stop trying to get a rise out of him. We need to get you into a dress and some make-up. The Ladies Social requires at least some effort, not that you need much…” Minako pulled Mamoru to stand by her bed. “Take off your shirt.”
He instinctively wrapped his arms around himself, leaning away. “No.” Only Usagi had a right of anyone to ask that, but she was not there.
“Mamoru. We can’t dress you if we can’t see your figure.” The blonde rolled her eyes at his sulking. “Now, let’s see… How about the black and red one here? Your signature colors, if I’m not mistaken. Mako, where were you hiding this??”
The color changed from a lovely black, fading to red at the end. It was a halter top with a tulip skirt and an attached train of fabric sewn into the side, trailing the floor. The fabric was covered in glitter, too, with varying sizes on the skirt while being small and imperceptible on the top except at certain angles.
“I bought it when I had a bit of spare cash after a brief job I had a bit ago. I never had a reason or found an appropriate time to throw it on for a night. The fabric is comfortable, so Mamoru shouldn't have any issues or be uncomfortable. I even have some simple black heels to go with it.”
“Great. Now, Mamoru." The women in the room all turned on him, greedy with the need to dress him like a doll. "You want to help Usagi, right? Drop the man's clothes.”
It was the longest hour of Mamoru's life, having his friends help him fit into the (admittedly comfortable) dress, fix his hair, and do some make-up. In all his years in this incarnation, he never expected to have Usagi's guardians dress him up, but he knew he would never want to do it again. At least if it were to be them handling it again.
Shuddering, he recalled how rapidly they worked, Ami giving him verbal instructions about walking in heels, Minako and Makoto undressing and redressing him while tending to the hair (with Minako making the worst kinds of jokes), and Rei looking through the variety of Minako’s make-up to use for him. He could not even recall all the comments Minako made in exclamation about his body before the other girls had to threaten to tape her mouth shut.
As funny as it was looking back, in the moment, it was mortifying.
“Women are terrifying…” He sighed as he stepped his way onto the premises of the Ladies Social. Ami had easily formulated a duplicate ticket invite for him to use and gain access. He recalled what she told him about it, and it was all he needed to know to figure out what kind of face he needed to show here.
"I did some research after Michiru mentioned it, and it's basically made for people like her. Artists, musicians, rich people… or anyone wanting to spend time with other women. Their site allows people to register online for a minimal fee, but no one would know unless they actually went into a sort of deep dive to find it." Ami brought it up on Minako's computer, pointing to the tab display."That, or they were sent a link by a member, and it wouldn't be a lie to say you know Michiru Kaiou, but just stick with something fake. Like… You're just an upcoming med student looking to make connections."
“I am a med student, though.”
“Yes, but they don’t need the details.”
He could recall the past, the kind of training and etiquette he would need to present stability, present to the people, the weight of the crown upon his head. Straightening his shoulders, he continued forward to the gardens where the event was taking place, on a mission to ensure nothing would be ruined—for Usagi's sake.
He walked along the outskirts, inspecting his surroundings before kneeling down and scanning for the monster. He stood above an arm of sorts, still growing. Yet, it was still within a contained area, and he could work with this space.
“What are you doing?" A voice behind him asked, and he immediately shot up to look. An older woman dressed in a simple floor-length gown. A look of judgment across her countenance.
“Oh, I… simply dropped my purse." He held up the small velvet purse in his hand. "I'm… so clumsy…"
“I see… Be careful, then, dear. As it gets late, it will get lost in the night." The old lady turned away, returning to a group of other older women, speaking in hushed tones, glancing at him occasionally. Taking the hint, he walked away, maintaining his distance from other gaggles of socialites not exploring the dance floor.
There had to be a way for him to use his power to trap the waiting demon beneath the surface. His eyes trailed the area, traveling along the tables covered in food and drinks. Rose bushes were strategically placed behind them to highlight the space they were in, and green trees provided shade.
“Roses, hm…?” One graced his hand as he had willed it, in full bloom, not unlike the ones in the garden. “Nothing suspicious about a lady observing the rose bushes when she loves gardening.”
Delicately placing it at the top of the bush allowed its root to connect to the branches, embedding itself and the purifying power in the bush itself. It was a wall to the beast below their feet, slowly closing in until the rest of the sides were ready.
Turning back to the festivities, Mamoru spotted her. His beautiful girlfriend was chatting beside the Guardian of Neptune, very animated, devouring the nearby snack table in between breaths.
However, he had no time to gawk at her, how she looked in that dress, or her hair as she moved while she spoke to other women. He had to focus on planting his roses discreetly, and fortunately, he found it easy to maneuver around the slowly growing darkness. The only drawback was the dress train that got caught every so often.
At one point, he found himself hidden behind Michiru, noticing how she seemed to always have a hand on Usagi. He had never been a fan of the Outers' casual, flirty behavior in general, but the other girls were at least acceptable targets. His girlfriend, his future wife, should remain far off the list of their flustered victims. Unfortunately, he could only glare from a distance as he continued, unable to rip the woman's hand off Usagi's waist.
Michiru felt a sudden chill run up her spine, noting she ought to maintain a bit more distance for now. Earth’s oceans suddenly bring a sense of threat and danger, so she may cancel her beach trip tomorrow.
Once he had made a full circle, he could feel the shift in the energy, the grass looking more vibrant, if only subtly more green. With that done, he was able to relax as he observed the women around him, who would know nothing of this. With this sudden free time, he had much to think about, and his body unconsciously turned to the dance floor.
“What brings an odd little thing like you here?" A voice practically in his ear startled Mamoru as he turned to face the same older woman, along with a few of the younger ones who seemed to have rounded in on him.
“Uh… You know… I got an invite and all…” Confronting him on his legitimacy was anticipated, that much he knew to expect, but the way they looked at him had his nerves on fire.
“We’ve never seen you at a meeting, though. How did you gain access to our group?” One of the younger, bolder women pushed forward, eyeing him up and down. Mamoru now understood Minako’s indignation about women sizing each other up.
“Oh, don’t pressure her… She’s clearly new. We promote kindness and accept everyone here. Or should I call over Michiru to scold you all again?” Another approached, though she seemed to be in charge as if she held a higher role within this odd society. "Please, do not mind them. They're set in the exclusivity of it all."
“I suppose I can understand that… um… Michiru Kaiou… actually gave me an access link…"
“Ah, I see. She’s always growing our group, and that tends to make those richer ladies sour, but they have nowhere else to go, nor do they seek to get on her bad side. They seem to forget the group was founded to be accessible to women of all kinds, but elites got to it before us in the modern day. Yet, thanks to our resilient and somewhat terrifying violinist, it's reaching the goal of its original purpose. My next step is abolishing that forsaken need to register." She held her hand out to Mamoru. "I'm Naomi."
Mamoru shook her hand with a relaxed smile, glad to have someone who would keep the masses of scowling women away for the moment.
“I must get back to making the rounds now, however. If anyone stirs further trouble, just run to me. I may need to start revoking memberships at this rate.” Naomi had kindly offered before she stepped away to approach a separate group. This left Mamoru with a chance to observe, losing himself to his thoughts and unwittingly staring at the others in the area.
Across the way, Usagi had noticed the forlorn woman, longingly looking at the other ladies as they laughed and talked in their cliques. She felt an overwhelming rush of familiarity and sympathy, deciding then and there to break her tension.
“Psst. Michiru.” She gently nudged the elegant woman next to her, who turned to eye her princess with admiration and a hint of amusement. “There’s a cute lady over there…!”
“Hm..? Don’t get too starstruck, Usagi… I may have to rat you out to Mamoru.” Michiru replied, always quick to tease, enjoying Usagi’s mortified expression before she readjusted to determination.
“It’s not like that! If anything, I think she just looks like him! And I’m curious!” At her insistence, Michiru glanced at the woman in question, noting that she had similarities to Mamoru.
“Ever the active participant, I see.” Michiru could not help but laugh. “Maybe you’ll encounter her soon.”
“One dance wouldn’t be bad, right? You know these ladies better than I do, and I know they're dying to talk to you alone.” Usagi pulled Michiru to one of the tables of finger foods. “Look, she’s even looking at the others and probably needs a shove into socializing. I’ll be quick, I just get a good feeling, you know?”
"Ah, so you're sacrificing me to the masses to satisfy your curiosity? How cruel, Usagi... Even after all your bravado to Haruka..." She poked fun at her friend, feigning sadness.
"Not like that! I just…” The blonde sputtered, arms waving with crazed denial.
Michiru laughed and waved off her friend’s emerging guilt. She would need a closer look to make any definitive calls on the woman’s character, but given Usagi’s insistence to meet her, Michiru could not find a reason to refuse. “Just be alert, then. I’ll go and socialize with a few other guests.”
Usagi smiled and nodded before strolling past several other guests to make her way to the alluring woman, Michiru observing carefully. “Hm… If I didn’t know any better, I would say that is him.”
Then, she shrugged it off. “Well, it’s not my business what he’s curious about...”
Mamoru felt discerning eyes running over him as he looked around, spotting Michiru's speculative gaze as if trying to decipher his very being. It brought back the day he picked up her mirror for her and how it made for an unnerving introduction to her as a person.
Then he noticed the lack of blonde hair beside her, which filled his stomach with dread. He whipped his head to the surrounding groups, unable to spot her.
“Where…?!”
“Hello there!”
His girlfriend's sudden appearance beside him was both calming and alarming. Mamoru froze for a moment before he turned to look at her, wide smile, and she seemed eager to know this stranger.
“Oh…! Hello…”
“I saw that you were standing alone… Why not join in any of the conversations?” She inquired, unintentionally batting her eyes (blinking normally) at him, trying to coax him for an answer. Mamoru cursed himself as he did exactly what Rei said not to do, and now she would not leave until he replied in a way that satisfied her curiosity.
“Um… Yes, I just… I feel a bit odd inserting myself into random discussions…" God, could the feminine voice shake any further? He sounded a lot more timid than he expected. “Did I look that obvious?”
“A little." Her giggle was melodious as usual; it was a shame he wore a different face right now. Her excitement to chat was palpable. "What's your name? Mine is Usagi!"
Name? He didn’t think of one at all! He had hoped to not talk to anyone to get to that point! Hell, Naomi didn’t even ask.
“Uh…” M. M. What else could start with M and be suitable as a woman’s name?! C’mon, Chiba, think. Think!!! “M… Masami…”
“A pretty name for a beautiful lady! So…” Usako, please, you’re killing me. “I haven’t gone out to dance yet, so would you like to join me?"
“You haven’t yet? That’s… a bit surprising. You seem like… someone who would like dancing.” Mamoru briefly glanced across the event grounds, Michiru busy talking with what appeared to be a few fans.
“Oh, I do, but…” Usagi glanced over to the same woman. “...My friend is a bit popular, so she wanted to stay on the outskirts. Though, now that I technically abandoned her… Her girlfriend will kill me later.”
“Protective partner, huh…? I guess I can understand that…” With what small glimpses Mamoru rarely got around Haruka, he knew she had a tempered and slightly lax version of Usagi’s jealousy. Vaguely, he recalled the brief stint he stayed at Rei’s home. “...My girlfriend is rather protective herself.”
“Really? Why isn’t she here with you?” Said girlfriend asked, tilting her head, and Mamoru bit his tongue. He seemed to completely forget himself around her.
“She's… busy with her own friends tonight. They had prearranged movie and dinner plans before this event came around. I… Didn't want to bother her with it." Lying had become second nature in their lives, but when it came to her, he felt guilty.
“Oh, really? Well, never feel too guilty. Maybe she would have liked to spend time with you, too."
“Maybe… But she talked about the plans often enough, so I don’t think that would have been the case this time around.”
“Shall we, then?” An offered hand and a simple smile in his direction were enough to weaken his resistance (if any existed against her in the first place). "Small warning! I'm very clumsy."
"...Of course. I'd enjoy a simple dance with you." With those words, he allowed Usagi to pull him forward, not giving any of the women around attention. They seemed displeased to see two unfamiliar faces roaming their home grounds.
He guided Usagi along as he had done many times before, both during events and dates in his apartment. It was a habit to often bring her close as he so often desired when she would soon have to leave for home. Asking that she stay the night was only allowed if Chibiusa was also around, and on the off chance she could do so without the child to worry about, they were not averse to making the most of that time.
They comfortably glided past the other groups dancing nearby, partners in designated, shared colors. Mamoru and Usagi stood out, his black and red against her lilac shade that matched more with Michiru's purple. He remembered how frazzled his girlfriend was when her friend asked her to attend, as Haruka had other plans with her cars that could not be put off. Not to mention, the dress she wore was gifted to her the same day and was of an expensive brand that made the poor blonde panic and refuse. Unfortunately, Michiru still managed to persuade her princess otherwise, promising she knew the risk of Usagi's clumsy nature and, in turn, took her from Mamoru for the evening.
He'd find a way to return the favor, but for now, he'd focus on having Usagi in his arms as they danced at her fancy event.
“You're not as clumsy of a dancer as you think." He complimented, allowing his magic to work as he guided Usagi along the open dance space. His hands fell into place casually, forgetting he was not himself at the moment, too focused on trying to keep her close.
“Thanks, I had a patient teacher! Er…" Usagi took notice of this woman's sudden informality in her hand placement, leaving her a bit uneasy, but she wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, Haruka and Michiru often do the same, but to make a point, she should mention Mamoru. “...My boyfriend was the one who helped me the most because we dance when we can.”
“Oh, really? He sounds great… He best keep you close in the future." That did not seem to deter her. Usagi's annoyance and lack of patience grew by the second. "For the best, isn’t it, Bun-head?”
“Masami!" She grabbed the taller woman's hands, turning to face her completely, to the other's surprise. "You..! You're very nice, but I just met you and mentioned my very loving and very important boyfriend! And! Don’t forget you have a partner yourself! What would she think? Are you getting close to some other girl like it's normal?!"
Having forgotten for the umpteenth time that he was not in his usual body type, Mamoru mentally cursed himself for getting comfortable around her again. Her anger was morally justified, even if the fact stood that they were each other's halves. He was someone else right now and could not declare the truth to her, at least not yet.
Sensing for the beast beneath their feet, he felt the malevolent energy had died significantly, and it should have been entirely gone within minutes. For now, he should calm her down before others look, and he marks his feminine face with a scandal of infidelity.
“Right, of course. My sincerest apologies, Usagi… I guess I just really miss her, and you remind me of her a lot. Please, let us continue, but just like this.” He grabbed her hands gently, careful to keep a respectable distance while still maintaining the grace of the music.
“...Better. But if I ever see you outside this party, I'm telling your girlfriend!" Usagi glared before easing back into her calm demeanor. This evoked a laugh from Masami, and Usagi found herself concerningly aware it was too... recognizable.
“I'll tell her when I see her again and pay for a buffet of food as an apology while I pray she forgives me for my poor behavior. And if I see you…" which he definitely will, "I'll extend one to your boyfriend. Does that sound good?"
“Hmph. Works good enough for me.” Her attitude waned as they continued, her smile returning as they completed the dance.
Mamoru bowed at the end, deciding to not opt for the usual hand kiss he would have offered under normal circumstances.
“I’ve been around long enough to bother you and keep you away from your friend.” He could sense the faint sparks of the negative energy dying out, allowing him the chance to finally leave. The monster was gone, and the rest of the ladies around them seemed eager to continue their party into the night. Surely, Usagi and Michiru would stay to enjoy the fun.
With a final farewell, he quickly made for the exit, the heels clacking against the floor in his haste, ignoring the silent stare from the woman behind him. Now, he just had to head out and meet the girls who would help him… undo everything they did back at Minako's place before he headed home to rest. Possibly. He may still need to keep an eye on Michiru…
“Cleared up just as fast as you said it would be.” Ami nodded in approval as Mamoru approached. “We just got here a minute ago.”
“Yeah, swift work, Chiba. I hope you kept to yourself the whole time!” Minako walked up beside him, looking up at him with a glint in her eye. “Though, knowing you… I doubt you were successful.”
“…” He looked away, clearly guilty.
“Well, I wouldn't say it was completely unexpected." Rei shook her head with a smug smile. You two seem to have trouble avoiding each other. Forget not even touching for less than you both find necessary."
“Alright, alright, let's stop needling him. Let's get Mamoru back and let him change back. I'm sure he needs to get his feet out of those heels." Makoto chuckled as she hit him on the back almost roughly.
“Yeah, remind me that none of you get to do this to me again," Mamoru spoke sternly, but they did not seem to take him seriously.
“Oh, you dear, stupid man. You're stuck with us for millennia. We will definitely do this again."
“Masami?" The five women froze before turning around, Usagi and Michiru following them. "What are you girls all doing here…? With Masami…?"
No one rushed to answer, but Michiru seemed to have clued into the situation quickly, her usual teasing smile emerging. Usagi remained confused as she searched her friends' faces to find an answer, finding their lack of response suspicious.
After the longest minute of their lives, Minako turned to look at Mamoru. “…‘Masami’? Really?”
“I panicked! We didn’t go over it before I left!”
They were interrupted when Usagi stepped away from her aqua-haired companion to discern the details of her dancing partner standing before her, really seeming to actually look at her for the first time that night.
The eyes, the hair, the build… the warmth in her hands that healed her feet pain and boosted her energy output—it was all something that she was intimately acquainted with on a deep level, that she had sensed, but she did not want to believe he was nearby somewhere. The separately outstanding golden glow she could spot when she shut her eyes in the dark of the night—that laugh.
“…Mamo?”
“uh…”
“Ooh, correct, Usa!” Minako smiled, elbowing Mamoru’s side and practically knocking the wind out of his side. “We dolled him up just for his silly little mission here since he spotted some danger. Though, of course, he couldn’t keep himself far from you!”
“Mamoru?!" Usagi heard nothing Minako said as she took her boyfriend's feminine hands and pulled him to and fro, scanning over his differently shaped body with intrigue across her countenance. "You… your body is… Why are you still so tall?!"
“Hm… I thought she’d be pretty mad. Not interested.” Michiru had gotten closer to the group. “I suspected as much, but now that I know for certain, I must say that this is quite the look on you.”
“Please, don’t… I heard enough from Mina earlier…”
“What?!” His girlfriend glared at her friend as she protectively wrapped her arms around his considerably smaller waist. “No! Unfair! I should have seen first!”
“Usa, please… I’m scarred enough for the night as it is…” He was trying to ignore how she held him so tightly. Was she always this strong?
“Oh, you’ll survive… For now, anyway.”
“Beyond his oblivious naming skills… Anything else he told you, coming up with a fake identity that was actually convincing?"
“That he also had a crazy jealous girlfriend… Wait a minute! Mamo! You’re so mean!”
“If the shoe fits, I mean…”
“Shut up, Rei; of course you’d think that!" Usagi stuck her tongue out before turning back to Mamoru.
"At least you know now. He was probably planning to only mention it after he locked you down with marriage so you didn't go out seeking the pretty lady." Minako's words only got an eye-roll from the couple across from her. Always picked a fight with Mamoru, that one, but the other blonde really preferred to focus on her partner (so easily withheld in her grip like this!)
“I didn’t notice immediately, but I thought your hands were a familiar warmth! You have such a distinct scent, too… I can't believe I only pieced it together after…" Usagi's arms around his smaller waist allowed her to draw Mamoru closer than usual. "You really are so pretty!"
“Who is? Oh…" Haruka strolled up, looking well-dressed. In typical Haruka fashion, she greeted Usagi and her new friend with a dramatic bow. “Greetings, lovely ladies. Did Bun-head here make a new, beautiful friend?”
The others observing the three all giggled to themselves, clearly not willing to tell her any details. It just made her more curious to find out.
"Careful, Haruka. You might not get an answer you like." Usagi warned with a light giggle herself; Mamoru was more or less not sure what to think when Haruka was never one to pay him compliments usually. Yet, he can acknowledge these are less-than-normal circumstances.
“Bun-head, you know me. I can never ignore gorgeous ladies...” Her girlfriend lightly hit her back. “...With limits! I just like to stay informed on your friends…”
“Back off, Haruka…! Mamo is mine, no matter what he looks like!” The shorter blonde found Haruka’s sudden paleness amusing. Mamoru’s eyebrow quirked up in his usual smug smile as he watched her back away in terror.
“What, is the pretty lady suddenly no longer worth the flirting because you know it’s me now? I may just have to use this face against you one day.”
“I’d know!” She roared, indignant.
“Would you?” Michiru had snuck behind Haruka, hands on her girlfriend’s waist, making her jump in place. “You hardly ever pay him enough attention to have known before attempting to get his number. I thought it was him based upon a simple glance across the greenery, yet you strolled up without even considering the possibility…"
“He… should’ve made the effort to tell me!”
“Why? It was nice to have you compliment me for once.
“You...!”
“Alright, alright, let’s let Haruka off the hook. Round in on Mamoru’s reason for crashing the party.” Minako rounded around to stand on the other side of Michiru with a mischievous glint in her eye. The poor man felt his gut sink at her words.
“He was adamant about getting in to solve the monster problem and leaving unnoticed. Unfortunately, he seems to have forgotten that he can’t really escape your attention in any regard.” Rei cackled, ignoring his glare once more. “Not to mention how he found out about it…”
“Hm? How?” The bun-headed blonde turned her attention back to her disguised partner, casually laying her head on his bust, more or less flustering him beyond possible cognitive function. In this form, he was lighter, and it was easier for Usagi to practically manhandle into certain positions. Forget pushing her face away; he could not even breathe. She was so much stronger when he was like this.
“Jealousy." Minako nudged Michiru, surprising the other woman. "He was checking in with his weird Earth powers to ensure you were keeping your hands off his princess.”
“Oh, really? I should have asked Usagi to dance earlier…”
“Well, too late now. She's got Mamoru in her clutches, and I don't think he's up for responding anytime soon. Nor do I think she’ll let him go…” Makoto chimed in as they observed their two friends, Usagi completely (or maybe not at all) oblivious to the plight of her partner. Haruka took the chance to extract herself and her girlfriend from the scene, Michiru making it a point to continue to tease her about not recognizing Mamoru.
“She'll have to soon." Minako held out her hand to the Earth Prince. "I need my compact back. You did what you needed to; now, hand it over."
“Not yet, I wanna keep him like this for a little longer…!” Usagi whined, pulling Mamoru further away from her friend’s grasp. “I wanna do his hair and… stuff!”
“I hope that’s not you saying you’d prefer me as a woman…”
“No, Mamo! I’d love you no matter what you were!”
“Usagi, he can’t keep my device because I might need it! Hand it over!”
“Minako, he's still in the dress. At least let him go home and change out of it first! It'll rip Mako's dress."
“Nah, he should keep it for later. I think Usagi likes it on him.”
“Makoto!”
“Hm…” Thinking momentarily, Usagi brought out her disguise pen, attaching it to the top of the train, near the midsection of the dress. With a vague glow from the pen top, she assuredly snatched the compact from Mamoru and tossed it to Minako. He remained as his female counterpart, looking at his girlfriend with surprise.
“I wasn’t sure that would work, actually…!” She grabbed Mamoru by the hand. “Okay, we’ll head back to his place now!”
The others stood silently as Usagi easily and excitedly pulled her partner into the night.
“I guess she was really happy to start experimenting…”
“Mina!”
They had anticipated anything but Chibi-usa storming the shrine grounds the next morning, her loud wails echoing in the area as she ran to their usual meeting room.
“What’s wrong? Is there a monster?”
“No! I…!" She spoke incoherently; no one could make heads or tails of the child's sobs aside from her repeatedly saying something about Usagi. She burrowed into Makoto's arms as the older woman did her best to comfort her with little success.
Shortly thereafter, Usagi and Mamoru appeared. The former was annoyed, while the latter did not make eye contact with anyone. Both still had bedhead from having been woken up, dressed, and rushed out after a distraught child. Minako swore she could see the color of Usagi's lipstick from the night before decorating the side of Mamoru's mouth.
"Chibi-usa! Don't just run away like that!" Usagi scolded, walking over and sitting beside her. The little girl shrugged her hand off and crawled up Makoto more. "You could've gotten hurt!"
“Don’t touch me! You’re terrible, idiot Usagi! I saw you and… that… that…!”
“Geez, you're so dramatic…!" Her future mother rolled her eyes before effortlessly picking up the squirming child. "You looked in too quickly. That was not a random woman; it was just Mamo! You know, since it was his apartment.”
“Whoa, whoa, hold on… What happened, exactly?” Rei asked, trying to not laugh, as it was pretty clear, but she just had to hear itfrom the guilty party.
“This one grabbed my key from home after I didn't return last night, sneaking into Mamo's apartment. Then, she jumped on his bed and didn’t see correctly while we were there." Usagi spoke through gritted teeth as she held out the wriggling child to Mamoru. "Take her, please—She has it in her head that I was in his bed with someone else and gave them his pajamas and everything.”
“Oh, because he—” Minako cut Ami off with her laughter, hitting the table with her rambunctious gasps for air. Chibi-usa had grabbed Mamoru and his clothes with a death grip, still blubbering about the supposed 'other woman' that was in his bed.
“I don’t want her as my mama anymore!”
“Too bad, that’s up to me, not him. Come on, we’ll get you brunch at your favorite place. I doubt you ate before you left the house.” Usagi turned and left, not finding any real issue in the current situation. The other girls stared at Mamoru, who only kept his eyes on his girlfriend as he walked out with the calming little rabbit in his arms.
The shrine was inundated with loud giggles as the family left the grounds.