@<~~<~~ Bed of Roses - A Valentine's Day Story Chapter Three By Aimee @<~~<~~ Mamoru emerged from the Tsukino residence with a satisfied look gracing his features. After stepping from the porch, he turned and said, "Thanks for everything, Tsukino-san. You've been very kind and helpful." "Don't mention it," the older woman assured him with a smile. My my, but Usagi had snagged a handsome one. "I'm sure she'll love the surprise you left." "I hope so," commented Mamoru quietly as he turned to leave. He whistled a familiar tune as he walked towards his apartment complex, and his mind wandered to the third "anonymous" deed that had just been completed. Would she like it? Had she liked the presents he had left so far? Were they too forward? How was she going to react when she found out they were from him? But most importantly, would he. . . *could he* even tell her who they were from? Mamoru shook his head. No, she had to know how he felt towards her, and soon. Each day without her was sheer torture. It was less than a week ago that he knew that he could not take it anymore--that she would have to know how he felt. If she rejected him, he would be heartbroken, but at least she would know. The young man reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his newly attained treasure. In his hand was the valentine that Usagi had given him. It was a little pink heart that simply said, "To Mamoru. Happy Valentine's Day. From Usagi." It was short, sweet, and to the point, but to him it was the world. Never had she given him a card on any occasion. Why would Valentine's Day be different? Why would she choose now to give him something? Unless. . . @<~~<~~ "Hi, sweetheart," Usagi's mother called when her daughter came home later that afternoon. "How was your day?" "It was nice," remarked the odangoed-one. "I've decided to go to the dance tonight after all." Her mother smiled knowingly, realizing what a few flowers and notes could do to change a made-up mind. "Wonderful! I'm glad!" "I'd better go get ready," Usagi said as she began to ascend the stairs. "The girls are picking me up soon. Minako's going to fix my hair." "All right, honey. I'll send the girls up when they arrive." With that, Usagi's mother smiled and watched as her daughter disappeared down the upstairs' hallway. It wouldn't be long now, and she anxiously awaited Usagi's reaction to what was now in her room. She began the countdown. "Three. . .two. . .one. . . " "Aaaaaaauuuuuuuugggggghhhhhhhh!" was the cry that echoed down to the older woman's satisfied ears. Usagi's mother laughed. Yes, Usagi definitely liked Mamoru's present. With that in mind, the older woman drifted into the kitchen to make some dinner, humming "Here Comes the Bride" to herself as visions of bridesmaids and flowergirls came to mind. @<~~<~~ Never in her life had Usagi seen so many roses. They were everywhere. Vases of them were on her bookshelves, on her night table, on the window sill, and everywhere in-between. Countless petals lay on her bed and on the floor. They were all deep red--the color of wine. They were perfect and exquisite. Usagi, after her initial squeal of shock and delight, was for once in her life speechless. She stood in her doorway, her purse and sweater abandoned and forgotten at her feet. She whimpered in sheer delight and gave a little dance of joy. After a few moments of celebration, Usagi realized that there was a package on the bed among the petals. A card lay on top of it. She sprang over to where it lay and opened it quickly. The card read. . . @<~~<~~ Beautiful Usako, Red roses symbolize love, but all the roses in the world could never express the depth of my love for you. Dare I hope that one day you might feel the same way towards me? Happy Valentine's Day. Someone who loves you. PS. . . Open the package, and wear what you find tonight at the dance. @<~~<~~ "He. . . he loves me?" Usagi whispered in disbelief, tears and little hearts shining in her eyes. Breathless and excited, she reached for the package that lay under the card. Removing the tissue paper, she gasped in delight when she found the prettiest dress she'd ever laid eyes on. It was a little sundress--white, with pink and red roses all over it. It was delicate and beautiful, and Usagi fell in love with it at first sight. Beginning to sniffle, she searched deeper and found a little box that held pearl earrings and a matching necklace. Usagi was bawling at this point. As much as she cherished the gift, she was far more deeply touched by the sentimental words held in that little card than by the present. She had never expected to hear such words. Someone loved her! Someone cared enough to do all of this for her! The happy girl beamed at the reflection in the mirror as she held the dress in front of her. Tonight, she was going to go to the dance, and she was going to find the one who had given her such joy. @<~~<~~ Four girls gave simultaneous gasps as they entered Usagi's sweet smelling room. Each silently wondered exactly when their friend had taken up such a liking for roses, for the room was practically drowning in them. "Usagi-chan. . . " breathed Ami as she glanced around with wide eyes. "What's all this?" Usagi stepped from her walk-in closet, zipping up her new dress. She seemed to sparkle, and the girls gasped in awe of the pretty picture she made. "Where did you get that gorgeous dress?" Minako exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it." "A friend gave it to me," Usagi announced with a happy smile. "Who?!" came the unison cry of four girls. "I. . . " the odangoed-one faltered. "I don't exactly know." "Nani?" cried Makoto. "What do you mean, you don't know?" "Minna-chan, look at this!" exclaimed Minako, holding up Usagi's treasured cards for all to see. "She has a secret admirer!" Cries of excitement and disbelief soon flooded the room as four girls leapt for the cards. "Give me those!" Usagi cried in embarrassment. "They're mine!" Too late. . . The screaming was soon replaced by romantic sighing as the girls read through each and every one. "How romantic. . . " breathed Makoto. "Someone sent all these flowers to *you*?" Rei marveled. "Is that the dress he gave to you?" Ami asked, pointing at the white, flowery dress that adorned her friend. "Hai," Usagi blushed. "Do you like it?" "You look beautiful, Usagi-chan!" Minako beamed proudly. "But we need to add some finishing touches. Girls, hand me my hairbrush and back away! Mark my words--tonight Usagi is going to shine like no other person there!" @<~~<~~ Ja! Aimee sailor_moon89@hotmail.com http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Teahouse/4986/ @<~~<~~