Chapter 1 - The Naked Truth Usagi and Minako arrived together to Figure Drawing, both of them dragging huge cases crammed full of the art materials Ms. Tuttle had told them to buy in one hand, and sketchbooks in the other.  Minako’s school shopping had been much easier; all she had to buy was a new sketchbook. “Well, here we are.  Nudity 101.  Are you happy now?” Usagi snapped at Minako upon entering class.  Judging by the HUGE grin on Minako’s face, one would think it would be safe to say that she was happy.  Very happy.  “Gee, Usa-chan, you act as if you’ve never seen a naked guy before.” “H-how do you know it’s going to be a guy?” Usagi stammered, blushing madly. “Trust me.  I’ve taken this class, remember?” “Trust YOU?!  HAH!” Usagi sputtered.  It wasn’t that Usagi was gay.  Far from it, in fact.  Usagi could remember her days as Sailor Moon, when she battled alongside the other Senshi, and the mysterious Tuxedo Kamen.  Even after years of being Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen had not revealed his identify to any of the senshi, even Usagi, who wanted to know who the face behind the mask belonged to the most.  He had remained the silent, enigmatic, dashing stranger, spouting roses and rhetoric, arriving at just the nick of time and leaving as soon as the battle was won. Minako had pinpointed the truth, as the former Senshi of Love had always done when it came to matters of the hormones and the heart. Usagi really hadn’t seen a naked guy before, except for when she used to change Shingo’s diapers when he was a baby.  Somehow, Usagi knew that they wouldn’t be drawing babies.  And, even though Minako was boy-crazy to the point of obsession, if it weren’t for figure drawing, she wouldn’t have seen the opposite sex in their birthday suit either. (AN: I heard it said once that as Sailor V, a nasty curse was put on Minako by a dying youma-that she would forever flounder in her dealings with men.  Manga only, of course.) As Usagi and Minako took their seats, Ms. Tuttle, clad in a neon miniskirt, black shirt and earrings that looked like burnt macaroni, began her mini lecture.  “Well, I see we’re all prepared, hmmm?  Well, then, let’s begin.  We’ll be starting with the male nude.  Get out your charcoals and your sketchbooks and draw what you see as best as you can.” Usagi took a deep breath.  ‘Okay.  You can do this,’, she said, attempting to reaffirm herself. Minako rubbed her hands together in anticipation.  “Oh boy, this is going to be great!  If this model’s half as good looking as last semester’s...’ “Class, this will be your model for the next few weeks,” said Ms. Tuttle, who was barely able to manage a professional air and not giggle like a schoolgirl. A man walked in, clad only in a black silk robe.  On the outside, he appeared completely confident and in control, but on the inside, Mamoru was shaking like a leaf.  ‘Oh man.  Why do they all have to be WOMEN?’  Mamoru stepped in front of the cube.  ‘Okay, here goes nothing,’ he thought.  With one quick motion, he untied the robe and it fell into a pool of black on the ground. Usagi’s jaw dropped practically to the floor.  ‘Oh....my....GOD!’ she exclaimed in her mind, barely able to keep a grip on her charcoal stick.  Even Minako looked a bit flustered, and that was understandable, considering the circumstances. The model was GORGEOUS.  That word didn’t even do him justice.  Each student tried their best to capture his muscular arms, chiseled jawline, silky ebony hair, stormy blue eyes, strong chest, eight pack abs, followed by his...package...and strong, sexy legs built like tree trunks.  Even his feet looked sexy somehow, if you can really call feet sexy. Usagi’s heart pounded in her chest like a jackhammer.  This was without doubt the most erotic moment of her life, and she had experienced it as a virgin.  With sweaty palms, she drew the last line on her paper. “OK, class.  That’s enough for today,” said Ms. Tuttle after an hour of sketching.  She loved this part of her class the most...when her shell shocked students returned to reality.  Mamoru put on his robe and Ms. Tuttle came up behind Usagi eyeing her drawing. “Oh...my...goodness!  This is excellent!  I have never seen such an eloquent capture of masculine beauty!” she exclaimed. Usagi blushed furiously, her face beet red.  “Well....umm...you to...uhh...told us to draw what we saw...”stammered Usagi. “And so modest too!  You have earned my special approval. Mwuah(smoochy noise)!  Bravissimo!” The clock struck the hourly mark and Usagi speedily closed her sketchbook and began gathering her things.  She was so embarrassed that she wanted to RUN out of class.  And she HATED running. But run she did, and right into Mamoru.  Usagi bowed repeatedly. “Gomen nasai!” she said before looking up to discover the model from class in front of her, fully clothed and...smiling at her? “So,” Mamoru began, “I noticed you eyeing me like a slab of beef.” The moment he had said that, he felt like smacking his head.  ‘Great pick up line, baka!  She’ll want you for sure now,’ his mind chided him.  “Well, DUH!  The whole class was!  We had to DRAW your naked butt, you moron!” Usagi said.  She hadn’t known this guy for ten minutes and he was already getting on her nerves.  Even though he did remind her of someone she knew as a teenager... “Good point.  Well, my name is Chiba Mamoru.” “Tsukino Usagi.” “So, Usagi, can I take you out for a cup of coffee?” “I don’t drink coffee.” “Tea?” “I don’t drink tea.” “Cappuccino?” “Nope.” Mamoru was quickly running out of ideas.  Granted, he wasn’t exactly the king of the pick up line.  He was much more eloquent during his stint as Tuxedo Kamen.  But those days were long behind him.  All he knew now was that if he didn’t win this girl’s heart, he would regret it for a long time.  Even when she’s mad, she’s  still gorgeous, he thought.  ‘In fact, she’s really cute when she’s mad.  The way her adorable face crinkles up like that, the fire in her eyes, and the cute little buns in her hair...’ “Well, what do you drink?” Usagi gave him a Look.  This guy was obviously not taking a hint. There was no WAY she would spend two seconds with him outside of class, dead sexy or not.   Still, fate(AN: And a sadistic author) took over her lips as she blurted out, “Hot cocoa!” “Cocoa?” asked Mamoru.  “Sounds great.” Before Usagi could protest, she realized that she had walked with Mamoru all the way to his car.  He got into the driver’s seat, winked and said, “See you at 6:00.” “SHIMATTA!”  Usagi yelled as Mamoru drove off. ‘Now he’ll think I WANT to go out with him!  How am I going to get out of this one?’ ***** Usagi lamented her situation to Minako, who listened patiently.  They were in the dorm bedroom that they shared, Usagi on her beanbag chair and Minako swinging her legs on her bed. ‘If anyone can help me out of this, it’s Minako.” thought Usagi. “And he didn’t even give me the chance to say no!” Usagi ended, wailing. Minako blinked, hopped down and waved her hand in front of Usagi’s eyes.  “What are you CRAZY?” “Nani?” asked Usagi innocently. “The most incredibly hunky guy on campus asks you out for coffee,” began Minako. “Cocoa,” corrected Usagi. “Whatever.  Cocoa.  Anyways, you get asked out by an incredible hottie and all you can do is think of a way to get out of it? “But you don’t understand!  He’s a total baka!” “I don’t care if he has the IQ of a flea!  You owe it to yourself to find out!  A chance like this only comes once in a lifetime!  I’d KILL to be in your shoes!” “I guess I did judge him a bit too fast...” “Damn right you did.  And besides, if you’re right about him, you can have the satisfaction of making him squirm.  With the right clothes and a little makeup, you could really stun ‘em.” “You think?” “Definitely.” “Okay, I’ll do it!” Minako smiled.  ‘I can’t believe Usagi fell for the whole making him squirm bit!  This could be fun,’ she thought.  “Okay, let’s knock ‘em dead!” she said.  They got up and began rummaging though their closet. ***** Mamoru stepped out of the shower at 5:00.  He wrapped a towel around his waist and ran a comb through his wet black hair.  He frantically searched for his favorite cologne and practically jumped for joy when he found it, an old fashioned scent that resembled spices and leather.  Mamoru pulled out a black tuxedo that he hadn’t worn in a long time, then shook his head.  No sense in getting overdressed for a cup of cocoa.  Mamoru then pulled out a pink dress shirt and a pair of khakis.  He held them up in front of the mirror.  ‘Damn!  Now I look gay!’  He shook his head and pulled out his favorite blue sweater, the one that matched his eyes, and a pair of jeans.  ‘Something’s missing.’ he thought.  Then it hit him.  He pulled out his khaki blazer and put on the outfit.  He checked out his reflection and grinned.  ‘Perfect.’  Mamoru paused and drew twelve thornless red roses, one at a time, out of his sleeve.  He was very grateful for that ability, for without it, he would have ran up a considerable bill at the florist’s as Tuxedo Mask.  He put on a pair of brown shoes and headed out the door. ***** After a hour of primping, Minako stepped back from Usagi and whistled. “You look good, girl.” “Really?   You think so?” “Well, you did get MY help,” said Minako.  “Look in the mirror.” Usagi did so and gasped, wondering who the stranger was staring back at her.  Her hair was done up in her usual odangos, but a pink ribbon was woven into them, trailing down with her hair.  Twin curls adorned each side of her face.  Her face was expertly made up by Minako; her eyes looked larger and her lashes thicker and longer, her lips were shiny and her cheekbones were brought out by a choice application of blush.  Minako had chosen a light cashmere sweater(a gift from Usagi’s mom), a powder blue skirt that was just short enough to show off Usagi’s long legs, and white clogs.  Usagi then shrieked.  “What could possibly be wrong?” asked Minako. “I forgot my perfume, and it’s 5:45!” “Not cutting it TOO close, ne?” asked Minako. “Shut up and help me find my perfume.” Minako gave a fake salute and said, “Aye, aye, captain!”  The pair turned their bedroom upside down looking for Usagi’s bottle of Fetish.  “Oh, here it is!  I was holding it in my hand!” Usagi spritzed it on her neck. Minako slapped her forehead and groaned.  “Well, let’s get going. I’ll drive you to the building.” “OK,” said Usagi.  As they headed towards Minako’s yellow VW Beetle, Minako said, “Remember to give him the benefit of the doubt.  But don’t get impressed too fast.  Nobody likes an easy girl.” “Easy?  Me?  You misjudge me, Mina-chan.” “Gomen,” said Minako as they got into the car.  “I’m telling you the advice I would need to hear.” “That’s okay, Minako.  Well, here we are.” Mamoru was waiting on a bench in front of the building.  As soon as he saw Usagi, he stood up and gave her a lopsided grin.  “You’re late,” he said.  ‘But well worth the wait,’ he thought, reveling in the presence of the blonde goddess before him. Usagi just rolled her eyes.  Her eyebrows arched when they arrived at Mamoru’s sportscar. “Nice car,” Usagi said sarcastically. “Gee, you don’t sound like you mean it,” said Mamoru, opening the car door for her. “Well, you know what they say about guys who drive these things.” Mamoru raised his eyebrows.  “And what is that?” “That they’re making up for something else.” “Really?” Mamoru said, grinning.  ‘Ouch,’ he thought.  ‘This girl’s tongue is as sharp as a razor.’  But he didn’t care.  He was a little put off that she wasn’t impressed by his set of wheels, but he reasoned that she wasn’t that into material things.  He smiled.  He liked that in a girl. Usagi blushed a bit.  ‘I’ll bet that Mamoru is used to women fawning all over him.  Okay, so he looks good.  Really good.  But he’ll have to prove to me that he’s not just some jackass whose only good point is his looks.’ “Well, here we are.  The Empty Mug.” said Mamoru.  He got out first, opened the car door for Usagi and helped her out of the car. ‘Well, at least he’s polite,’ she thought. From seemingly out of nowhere, Mamoru pulled out a dozen roses. “Here.  These are for you.” he said. Usagi took the bouquet and inhaled deeply.  They were the most beautiful and sweet smelling roses she had ever seen.  “Thanks,” she said.  Mamoru grasped Usagi’s hand.  A jolt of electricity hit Mamoru as soon as his hand touched hers.  ‘Whoa.  I wonder if she felt that.’  “Well, shall we go in?” he asked. “Sure,” muttered Usagi.  Even though she wouldn’t admit it to him, at least not yet, she actually LIKED holding hands with Mamoru. “Hey, it’s Mamoru!” said the guy at the counter as they walked in. “And he’s brought a GIRL with him!” Mamoru’s face flushed bright red and Usagi giggled. “What would you like to order?” asked the guy. “Cocoa, please,” said Usagi. “I’ll have a cappuccino.” said Mamoru. “Well, they seem to know you pretty well here.” said Usagi as they found a table. “Yeah, I work here as a busboy.” “Then how come you’re working as...a...well, you know...” stammered Usagi, looking down at the table and turning a million shades of red. “Male nude?” asked Mamoru, raising his eyebrows. “Uh....yeah....that.” “Well, this job is good for many things.  I get to meet fine, upstanding individuals like Maurice over there,” he said, gesturing towards the man at the counter. “Hmph.” said Maurice, used to Mamoru’s dry sense of humor. “But paying for my tuition at Okinawa U isn’t one of them,” said Maurice. “I know.  If my mom wasn’t paying for tuition, I don’t know what I’d do.  I really depend on my parents for a lot of things.” Mamoru winced as if she’d hit him.  “I...have no parents,” Mamoru mumbled.  ‘Oh boy.  Now she knows I’m an orphan.  Here’s the part where she starts to feel sorry for me.  That’s the last thing I want from her.’ thought Mamoru. But instead of pity, Usagi’s eyes generated an aura of compassion. “Wow, you must be really independent, huh?” “Yeah, I guess so.” said Mamoru, grateful that Usagi didn’t look down on him like everyone else did when they found out about his family...or lack thereof. “You’re....different from other girls.” “How so?” asked Usagi, feeling a bit suspicious. “I don’t know.  It’s just this feeling I have.  I feel like I can be honest with you.” “Oh,” Usagi said, smiling.  ‘Maybe this guy isn’t such a baka after all.’  The sportscar, the way he dressed, those weren’t the kinds of things that impressed Usagi.  Mamoru’s warmth and sincerity did.  His good looks and sexy voice didn’t hurt, though.  She wanted to hear more. “So, what classes are you taking?” asked Mamoru. “I’m going for a Liberal Arts degree.  I’m not sure what I want to do, you know, as a career, yet.  Taking a sprinkling from everything, I think I’ll figure it out best that way.” she said. “Good plan.  I’m sure you’ll find something you like.” “I hope so.  What are you majoring in?” asked Usagi. “I’m studying to be a doctor.  I’m taking Physics, Math Theory, Latin, and Biology III.” said Mamoru.  ‘No need to mention that they’re all honors classes.  I have a feeling that wouldn’t impress her much.’ “Wow.  You’re pretty busy, then, with all those honors classes.” ‘So much for that.’ thought Mamoru.  “Yeah, I guess so.” “So what makes you want to be a doctor?” “My parents died in a car crash.  It was a miracle that I survived.  I had suffered several broken ribs, and I was bleeding internally.  If it wasn’t for the doctors at the hospital, I wouldn’t be here.  I guess...I just want to repay the favor.” said Mamoru.  “That is so cool!  My friend, Ami, is studying in America to be a doctor.  She says med school is a bear.  And she was the one who was always 10 chapters ahead in everything when we were in grammar school.” Mamoru laughed and smiled knowingly.  “Grad school is no picnic, either.  That’s okay, though.  I’m meeting a lot of interesting people,” he said, smiling at Usagi. Usagi took a sip of her cocoa and grimaced.  “What’s the matter?” “After all this time talking with you, my cocoa got cold!” Mamoru stuck a finger in his cup.  “Yeah, my cappuccino’s cold too.” Usagi laughed.  “Some cocoa.  Well, we might as well get the check,” said Usagi, motioning to Maurice, who had been listening to their conversation intently from the bar.  Usagi took out her wallet and began counting her yen, but Mamoru stopped her.  “It’s on me,” he said. “Great!” said Usagi.  ‘I’m pretty low on yen, anyways.  Time to hit Mom up for money.’ Mamoru paid Maurice and they walked to the door. “Oh no!  It’s pouring outside!” moaned Usagi. Mamoru took off his blazer and held it over her head. “No, don’t do that.  You’ll get soaked,” protested Usagi. Mamoru honestly didn’t care if he had to walk over hot coals for this girl.  And he was beginning to figure out why. “It’s no problem.  My car is nice and warm.” he said.  He opened the passenger door for her to get in, cranked the heat WAAAY up and turned the radio on.  “Crazy for This Girl,” by Evan and Jaron, was playing. “I love this song!” squealed Usagi.  “Turn it up, please?” Mamoru was only too happy to oblige. She rolls the window down And she Talks over the sound Of the cars that pass us by And I don't know why But she's changed my mind Chorus: Would you look at her She looks at me She's got me thinking about her constantly But she don't know how I feel And as she carries on without a doubt I wonder if she's figured out I'm crazy for this girl She was the one to hold me The night The sky fell down And what was I thinking when The world didn't end Why didn't I know what I know now Would you look at her She looks at me She's got me thinking about her constantly But she don't know how I feel And as she carries on without a doubt I wonder if she's figured out I'm crazy for this girl Right now Face to face All my fears Pushed aside And right now I'm ready to spend the rest of my life With you Would you look at her She looks at me She's got me thinking about her constantly But she don't know how I feel And as she carries on without a doubt I wonder if she's figured out I'm crazy for this girl Would you look at her She looks at me She's got me thinking about her constantly But she don't know how I feel And as she carries on without a doubt I wonder if she's figured out I'm crazy for this girl When the song ended, Mamoru looked at Usagi and asked her, “Would you like me to take you to your dorm?” “Sure!  There’s no WAY I’m walking home in THAT,” she said, gesturing out the window at the still pouring rain. “I don’t blame you,” said Mamoru, smiling.  “You’ll have to tell me how to get there.  I’ve...never been to the girl’s dorms before.” Usagi was shocked.  ‘I’d think that he’d have all the dorms memorized,’ she thought.  She told him how to get there, and, despite Usagi’s lack of direction, they didn’t get lost. “Well, here we are.” said Mamoru. “Yeah,” said Usagi.  ‘I’ve heard about this part from Minako’s romance novels,’ thought Usagi.  ‘This is the part where he gives me a goodnight kiss.’  She looked up at Mamoru expectantly, holding him prisoner in her gaze. But Mamoru honestly didn’t care.  If this was captivity, he didn’t mind it one bit.  He returned her gaze with equal intensity.  Both of their hearts were pounding a mile a minute. “Usagi?” Mamoru asked. “Yes?” “What would happen if I kissed you?” “Why don’t we find out?” Usagi asked breathlessly Gently, Mamoru cupped Usagi’s face in his chin and lowered his face to hers.  He intended to give her a quick peck on the lips, but the second Mamoru tasted the sweet flavor of her lips, the world went hazy around him.  Electricity flowed between them, and he couldn’t get enough of it.  He licked Usagi’s lips, and she parted them happily. He poured every ounce of passion he had for her into the kiss, and when they broke apart, Mamoru was like a man dying of hunger for her mouth.  He trailed butterfly kisses up her neck and settled on a crook between her ear and her neck, causing Usagi to moan with pleasure.  “Can I see you again tomorrow night, sometime around 7?” asked Mamoru, stepping back just before he lost all control. “Uh huh...” said Usagi, still reeling. “Sayanora, then.” After Mamoru had driven away, Minako ran to the doorway.  “That was soooo romantic!” she said. Usagi blushed.  “I don’t remember asking YOUR opinion.” she said. “I think you burned up the grass with that kiss,” said Minako, pointing to the spot where they were.  “Fireworks, anyone?” “Shut up, Minako.” The former Senshi of Love was nothing if not persistent.  “So, how was your date?” she asked. “It was...wonderful,” said Usagi, who then prattled off every detail about her date to her eager audience of one. ***** As Mamoru drove back to his apartment, he figured out what he was feeling for Usagi.  It was called Love.  As he went to sleep that night, he said, “Good night, Usako.  I hope I see you in my dreams.”