That Special Magic
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
http://strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com
-or- http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net
A Sekkushiaru Roman
featuring characters from the anime "Sailor Moon"> Chapter 21 - Adapting <
Mamoru and Kobayashi sat together in a private dining room at the Tokyo Business Club, having finished a gourmet lunch. Kobayashi took a sip of his tea and gazed thoughtfully at the younger man.
"Mamoru, I have a hunch there is more to this than just discussing business affairs," Kobayashi said.
Mamoru nodded, pausing to drink more of his own tea. "I need to ask for a change in my financial allowance from the trust fund," he said.
"Right away?" Kobayashi asked. "You know that in less than a year, you'll have full control of your affairs."
"I know that," Mamoru said. "But this can't wait."
Kobayashi rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then opened his notebook. "Just what is the situation?"
"My girlfriend is pregnant."
"Pregnant?" Kobayashi sat up in surprise.
Mamoru nodded. "It was an accident, but we're both determined to go through with this and to raise the child ourselves."
Kobayashi leaned back, taking a long, slow breath. "You're absolutely sure about this?" he finally asked.
"Yes," Mamoru replied.
"Do her parents know about this?"
Mamoru nodded. "They're not particularly happy about it, but they're at least accepting it."
"You're very fortunate there," Kobayashi said. "Her parents could have made things quite difficult for you."
"I know, but Usagi and I are determined to see this through together," Mamoru said.
"So... you need additional funds because of this."
"That's right," Mamoru said. "I'm not sure yet of just how much, but I have to be able to support her in this... And eventually, I'll need to find a larger apartment."
"You're expecting them to let her move in with you?" Kobayashi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I have to be prepared," Mamoru said. "In any case, my current apartment is simply too small to have a baby."
Kobayashi remained silent for a moment. "Your family's home up in the old section is still there, you know."
"I know," Mamoru said. "But her family and school are in the Juuban section of Minato-ku, and the university is close by, so I'd prefer to stay in that area."
Kobayashi nodded his understanding. "Well, I have a pretty good idea of what rents are like in Minato-ku. I can use that as a starting point."
"I contacted the manager of my building this morning," Mamoru said. "He told me a three-bed unit would be opening on the top floor in the next month or so."
Kobayashi made a note in his book. "Find out how much of a deposit would be necessary to hold it and what the rent would be," he said. "I'll have some inquiries made to see what else is available and how rents compare."
Mamoru reached into his jacket pocket, retrieving a slip of paper. "I already got rent and deposit figures. It's right here." He passed the slip to Kobayashi, who looked it over then wrote down the figures in his book.
"That will be fine," Kobayashi said. "But you'll need to ask the manager how quickly you'd need to make a decision."
"I already did," Mamoru said. "He said he could give me ten days to put down a deposit, then he has to go to the waiting list."
"Alright. I'll have something for you well before then," Kobayashi said.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ami and Makoto sat with Usagi in a booth at the Crown Café. School was still out, but Rei and Minako had been unable to join them.
"So, Usagi, how did your parents react?" Makoto asked, keeping her voice low and glancing around to make sure they weren't being overheard.
"I only got to talk with my mother," Usagi replied. "She wasn't happy about it, but she decided to tell my father herself, so I didn't hear the explosion."
"So that explains the minor earthquake last night," Makoto laughed.
"But I take it your mother didn't make you stop seeing Mamoru," Ami said.
"No, she didn't," Usagi confirmed. "But she did put some additional restrictions on us."
"What about your father?" Makoto asked. "Is he going along with that?"
"I guess so. If he wasn't, I'm sure I would have heard something," Usagi said.
"How are you doing?" Ami asked softly.
"I'm doing OK," Usagi said with a nod. "The sour stomach was still there this morning, but nowhere near as bad as before. I'm feeling better now, and didn't have any real trouble with lunch."
"Well, that's good to hear," Ami said. "But have you decided on an obstetrician yet?"
Usagi shook her head. "Not yet. Mamo-chan and I have to make arrangements for that in the next few days."
"I take it Mamoru gave you that ring," Makoto said.
Usagi smiled and nodded. "Isn't it lovely?"
Ami placed her hand over Usagi's. "I think you should avoid showing that off if you can, Usagi-chan, when we get back to school. Most people there won't really notice, but a few will, and then rumors will start."
"Ami's right," Makoto agreed. "You're going to have enough difficulties at school when people realize you're pregnant. The longer you can keep that private the better."
"Are you saying that I should be ashamed that Mamo-chan and I are engaged?" Usagi asked defensively.
"No. Of course not," Makoto said. "But most girls our age aren't engaged, and I think we all know the kids aren't particularly kind to those who are different... whether it's taller, smarter... or engaged and pregnant."
Usagi looked at her two friends, having an increased realization of what she was going to have to face. She took a slow breath and nodded. "OK."
"And you shouldn't tell anyone you don't think you can trust completely," Makoto added.
"She's right," Ami said. "You'll want to keep this to yourself."
"But you said people are going to catch on eventually," Usagi said.
Ami nodded. "It's going to be virtually impossible to hide it under our school uniforms as you get farther along."
Usagi paused, considering her uniform, realizing that Ami was right.
"You'll probably have to arrange for an alternative uniform at that point," Makoto said. "This particular design seems to only come in the more 'normal' sizes. I know I couldn't get one for someone of my height."
Usagi shook her head, again beginning to feel overwhelmed by it all. "I hadn't even thought about that," she said softly. "I mean, I know many of the kids at school will treat me differently."
Makoto nodded. "I'm afraid so... But you know we're going to stand by you."
"That's right," Ami agreed.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mamoru stepped into the lobby of the Tokyo Business Club. He winced as he looked toward the doors, seeing Tsukino Kenji entering the club. 'Oh, gods. I don't need this now,' he thought.
As Mamoru considered the possibility of ducking out through a side room, it became clear Kenji had already seen him, a frown forming on the older man's face. Seeing that he could not avoid an encounter, Mamoru strode purposefully toward the door. "Tsukino-san," he said politely.
"Chiba-san," Kenji replied, his voice cold.
"I trust all is well with the magazine," Mamoru said, taking another step toward the door.
Kenji scowled, struggling with his temper. "Spare me the false pleasantries," Kenji finally said, his voice a low growl.
"Tsukino-san. Please, let me assure you..."
"No!" Kenji interrupted testily. "My wife insists we must accept the current reality and do our part to make the best of it, but if it were solely up to me, I would not be nearly so tolerant. From where I stand, you have wronged my daughter, and have betrayed both her trust and her youth in the worst way possible. You have a long way to go before I can have any confidence in your judgement and intentions again."
Before Mamoru could say anything, Kenji turned and strode up the stairs.
Kobayashi stepped into the lobby and placed his hand on Mamoru's shoulder. "I'm certainly glad they're accepting it, Mamoru-san. I'd hate to see what he'd be like if they were hostile to you."
Mamoru nodded and sighed. "Mostly, he's just venting, but I'm sure he's being truthful when he says he's going along with his wife on this."
"Are you sure the situation is really as positive as you think it is?" Kobayashi asked.
Mamoru nodded again. "Yes, I think so. They know I'm determined to stand by her and support her. And in time he'll come to accept that. It just may take a while."
Kobayashi looked at the younger man thoughtfully. "Tell me. How do you really feel about starting a family so young?"
"I've known from the beginning that Usagi was the one," Mamoru said. "I just wouldn't have done it so soon."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Later that afternoon, Naru met Usagi outside the arcade. Naru's eyes immediately focused on Usagi's left hand.
"Usagi-chan, let's talk," Naru said.
"What's up, Naru-chan?" Usagi asked.
"I think that's what I should be asking you," Naru said. "What's the story with that ring? You don't wear a ring on that particular finger for just any old reason."
Usagi looked at her friend, then nodded. She led Naru up to the café and they found a quiet booth.
"You can't make a big deal out of it, Naru-chan, but Mamoru gave it to me," Usagi finally said.
"That's so romantic," Naru sighed. "So, when do we start calling you 'Chiba Usagi'?"
"Naru-chan! You know that can't happen for quite some time, and I really don't want a bunch of rumors flying around," Usagi said, glancing around nervously.
"Of course not. I wouldn't think of it," Naru said. Suddenly, her eyes went wide. "Hey... there wouldn't be any particular reason for why he gave you that ring now, would there?"
Usagi's gaze dropped to the table.
"Usagi-chan!" Naru exclaimed, leaning closer and grasping her arm. "Come on. You have to tell me."
"Naru-chan, please," Usagi protested softly, but saw that her friend would not be denied. "Alright, but this you have to keep absolutely to yourself. You can't tell anyone."
Naru stared at Usagi, stunned. "It's that?"
Usagi hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Oh, Usagi-chan." Naru embraced her with obvious concern. "I'm so sorry. What are you going to do?"
"I thought this ring told you that," Usagi replied softly. "He and I are going through with it."
Naru gasped. "You're really going to have a baby? But you're only fourteen."
"I'm well aware of how old I am," Usagi said. "And I was pretty upset when I first discovered it, but we've both come to realize we couldn't bear to put an end to it."
Naru shook her head in surprise. "Well, Usagi-chan, I guess I can understand your distaste for having an abortion... I've never seen you as the type who could do that... but don't you think going through with the pregnancy is a bit drastic? I mean, I would think giving it up would be even harder for you."
"I'm not going to give it up," Usagi said firmly. "Mamoru and I are going to keep our baby."
"You're serious?" Naru asked.
Usagi nodded, her eyes showing her determination.
Naru was amazed, having never seen Usagi like this before. "I can see why you want to keep it a secret, but eventually everyone is going to find out. There's nothing you can really do about that."
"I know," Usagi said. "But at least for now, I can keep it quiet. The longer I can protect my privacy, the better, but I need your help for that."
Naru fell silent, looking at her friend. "I'll help you however I can, Usagi-chan. You know that. But who else knows?"
"Well, only you, Ami, and Makoto," Usagi said. "And Rei and Minako, along with my parents and Mamoru, of course."
Naru nodded. "I take it you're not planning to tell anyone else."
Usagi shook her head.
Placing her hand on Usagi's, Naru smiled. She was stunned by all this, but pleased to know Usagi considered her one of the few people she could share this with. "You're just going to let people find out when you begin to show?"
"Probably," Usagi said with a nod. "I haven't really had a chance to think about that yet, though."
"Well... I think you might want to give some thought to that," Naru said. "But I am glad you told me... So, how are your parents taking it?"
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Mom was not happy, but she's at least accepting it."
"And your father?"
"I don't know yet," Usagi said. "Mom told him privately last night, and I haven't heard how he reacted. I'm sure I will tonight." She shook her head ruefully.
"Well, whatever happens, I'm still your friend, and I'm here if you need to talk," Naru said.
"Thanks, Naru-chan. I appreciate that."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mamoru returned to his apartment, finding Usagi was already there. After he had removed his jacket and his shoes, she embraced him and kissed him.
"How was your day, Mamo-chan?" she asked.
"My meeting with Kobayashi went fine," he said. "But I'm afraid I had a run-in with your father."
Usagi's breath caught. "What happened?" she finally asked.
"He said he was only going along with this because of your mother," he said. "But he made it clear he thinks this is all my fault."
She stood there, feeling a wave of anxiety sweeping through her. Seeing her reaction, he guided her to the couch and they sat down. He slipped his arm around her.
"Oh, Mamo-chan. What are we going to do?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "I couldn't bear being kept apart from you."
"I know. Neither could I," he said softly. "Maybe you should discuss this with your mother, to find out what the situation really is. You don't want it to look like you're trying to play one against the other, but only to learn if they've changed their minds."
Usagi shook her head and sighed. "I certainly hope not."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Hi, Mom," Usagi called, as she entered her home.
"Hello, dear," Ikuko replied, sitting in the living room reading the newspaper. "How was your day?"
"It was OK," Usagi replied. She sat down on the couch and glanced around. "Can we talk privately?"
"Certainly," Ikuko said, putting down her paper. "Neither Shingo nor your father are home yet. What is it?"
Usagi remained silent for a moment. "Mamoru said he had an encounter with Daddy today."
Ikuko raised her eyebrows. "I see... And I take it things didn't go entirely well."
"According to Mamoru, Daddy said he blames Mamoru for what has happened, and is only going along with it because of you," Usagi said.
Ikuko frowned, then nodded. "I'm sorry you had to find out like that, but I'd have to say that sounds pretty accurate. Your father was not happy when I told him."
Usagi closed her eyes and took a breath. "I didn't really expect him to be thrilled with it... But how does this effect the rules you laid out yesterday? Just how much is Daddy going along with it?"
Ikuko looked at her for a moment. "He is going along with that," she said. "He's not happy, but he is going along with it. Just don't let there be any more problems, Usagi."
Usagi nodded. "There won't be. I could never get through this without Mamoru," she said quietly, her voice choked with emotion. "I just couldn't."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Later that evening, Ikuko followed Kenji into their bedroom and closed the door.
"I understand you ran into Mamoru today," Ikuko said, as Kenji was removing his jacket and his tie.
Kenji paused, looking up in surprise. "That's true," he said. "Should I presume you also know what I said to him?"
Ikuko nodded. "Usagi told me... I know you're not happy with this, and I appreciate the effort you're making to go along with it, but an open confrontation with Mamoru isn't helpful for anybody."
"Isn't it?"
"No," she declared. "Usagi came home frantic to learn if we'd changed our minds."
"Well, I still think we were premature to just go along with this, and I see nothing wrong with letting Mamoru know we are very upset with his behavior," Kenji said.
Ikuko shook her head. "They both share equally in this, Kenji. Usagi was a willing partner. It is wrong of you to try to lay sole blame on Mamoru."
"If she hadn't been seeing him..."
"It was never within our power to prevent it," Ikuko interrupted. "And we learned of it because they chose to tell us. Throughout it all, they've kept us informed."
"And we should be happy for that?" he asked sourly.
"Of course," she said. "Would you prefer that they hadn't told us anything, and that we'd only found out on our own that she was pregnant?"
"I would prefer that we'd been able to put a stop to this a long time ago."
"That was never an option, Kenji," she said firmly. "And if we just keep dwelling on that, we're only going to make things worse for Usagi. She's going to have enough difficulties without us putting extra stress on her."
"So I'm supposed to just pretend that I'm happy with all this?" he asked.
She shook her head. "We've been through this already. We agreed we would support Usagi and Mamoru as best as we could with her pregnancy. That means we really have to work to support them... both of us... and we can't dwell on what we wish was different."
Kenji stepped toward the closet, scowling unhappily.
Ikuko moved after him. "We know Mamoru cares for her, and unlike most young men his age, he is willing to stand beside her and support her in this," she continued. "Furthermore, I'm convinced that forcing them apart would be devastating for Usagi. She says she can't face this without him, and I think we must believe her."
Kenji stood there silently, torn. "You really think it would makes things worse?"
"Yes, I do," she said. "In every possible way."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dinner had been quiet, with a palpable tension in the air. Kenji said nothing, and his efforts to hide his displeasure were far from successful.
"Is something going on?" Shingo finally asked.
"No, dear," Ikuko said. "It's nothing."
Shingo glanced around, then nudged Usagi. "Did you get into some kind of trouble again? Maybe another failed test?"
Usagi glared at him.
"Shingo. That's enough," Kenji said, his voice low.
Shingo looked up in surprise, then nodded.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Later, Usagi lay on her bed, with Luna at her feet. There was a soft tap at her door, and Ikuko stepped into the room, closing the door behind her.
"How are you feeling?" Ikuko asked softly, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Usagi nodded. "OK, I guess... My stomach's a little upset."
Ikuko sighed. "Stress?"
"I think so."
"I was afraid of that," Ikuko said. "I'm doing what I can. Your father's trying to watch his behavior, but he's very upset by all this. He's taking it quite a bit harder than you have, I'm afraid."
"So what am I supposed to do?" Usagi asked.
"Nothing for the moment," Ikuko answered. "But I do want to know if you're having any problems. Too much stress can be dangerous, particularly in these circumstances. For now, however, just let your father work out his own issues. That's my concern, not yours. And it might help if Mamoru didn't have any more meetings with him alone, if he can help it."
"He didn't plan to run in to Daddy today, Mom," Usagi pointed out. "Mamoru was just there to meet with Kobayashi-san about his trust."
"I understand, dear," Ikuko said. "And I know Mamoru may not be able to avoid him completely, but until your father becomes more at ease with this, anything we can do to make it easier on him will make it easier on you."
Usagi nodded. "Well, at least Shingo doesn't know."
"I will have to tell him soon," Ikuko said.
"Mom! No!" Usagi objected. "He'll just blab it all over the place! You can't!"
"I have to, dear," Ikuko said quietly. "He lives here too. There's no way we could keep it from him... I'll make sure he understands he can't talk about it."
"But, Mom! By the time you find out he has blabbed, it'll be too late!"
"Now, Usagi," Ikuko said firmly. "I will take care of this."
"OK," Usagi agreed, knowing not to push her mother any further.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"How did it go, Usako?" Mamoru asked.
Usagi lay on her bed, talking with him on the phone. "Daddy hardly said anything. There was hardly any conversation at dinner, and now my stomach's upset from stress."
"That's not good," he said. "I understand stress can be really bad in this case."
"Mom said the same thing," Usagi agreed. "And she said she'd try to do something about it. But she said Daddy's having difficulty accepting this."
"It sounds like she's trying to balance both sides," he said softly. "That means she's got her hands full. But I take it they haven't changed their minds about us."
"No, they haven't," she confirmed. "The rules Mom laid out yesterday still go."
"Well, that's good to know," he said. "How are you doing?"
"I'm OK, I guess," she said. "I'd rather be with you, Mamo-chan."
"I know, but we can't manage that for the time being," he said. "Remember what your mother is trying to cope with. We can't afford to do anything that makes her position more difficult."
"I know, and I'll do everything I can," she said.
"Good night, Usako. Sleep well," he said softly. "And remember, I love you more than anything."
"I love you, Mamo-chan," she said. "Good night."< To be continued >
* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: Sorry for the delay, but events in my life have kept me from writing for several weeks, and I suspect my output will be slowed for the foreseeable future.Always remember, good gentles, that a yarnspinner works from and within existing legends and stories. The characters of "Sailor Moon" belong to others. In spinning my yarns, I do not seek to infringe on their rights of ownership, but merely to join with other fans to spread the legend still further. "The moonlight carries a message of love." Enjoy.
-11.09.2001