The next few days passed without any odd occurrences. Which was an odd occurrence in itself. For three whole days the five girls had been able to study without interruption. No demons, monsters or other supernatural threats manifested, no one seemed to need the energy of Tokyo denizens. Not even bad weather punctuated their lives. It was driving them crazy. Rei laughed. "Who would have thought that three peaceful days would make us all so cagey?" "Who're you calling cagey, Rei-chan?" Usagi complained, while trying to filch another cookie from the plate in the center of the table. Rei slapped her hand and the two tussled as they had so many times before. Ami sighed audibly. "I think we need a day off. I proclaim tomorrow a holiday! We will do anything else, except study." She was a little abashed at the enthusiasm of the cheers. "But then right back to work..." she threatened. Everyone nodded. Minako practically bounced up and down where she sat. "After a day off, Ami-chan, we'll be so refreshed, we'll be even better at our studies!" The rest of the girls nodded emphatically in agreement. With this incentive before them, the rest of the afternoon passed quickly and studying was concluded with great fanfare. "Usagi-chan, you'll probably go to the Crown tomorrow, right?" Ami turned to their leader, who was helping clean with more enthusiasm than skill. "Yes and I'll meet Mamo-chan for a date!" Usagi's voice overflowed with joy. "I haven't seen much of him lately - he's been working so hard." "Well, why don't I meet you there and we can go shopping together?" Ami asked shyly. Everyone stopped and stared at Ami. "You're going shopping?" Minako asked. "You're not studying?" Rei spoke at the same time. Ami blushed prettily. "I need some new shoes and I know how much Usagi-chan likes to shop..." Rei laughed, "I'll come along! I need new shoes too!" Usagi began to protest, but then agreed when Rei offered to take them to a new restaurant for lunch. "How about you, Mako-chan? Will you go shopping for shoes too?" Minako turned to the taller girl. Makoto shook her head. "I'm not in a shopping mood. I thought I'd make a picnic lunch and go to the park." Minako laid a hand on her arm and asked quietly. "Can I join you? You can show me how to make the steamed buns and then we can take some with us." Makoto swallowed in a suddenly dry throat. Not trusting her voice, she nodded. She watched Minako-chan's eyes light up with an unfamiliar fire. "Great - I'll see you then!" Minako laughed lightly and tripped away down the temple hill, catching up with Ami and Usagi, grabbing them by the arms and dragging them neatly down the steps. Makoto shook her head at the emotions about to overwhelm her. Rei watched from her window, smiling to herself. "She's about to be hit by something stronger than her own Supreme Thunder." Speaking the words, "Senshi of Love and Beauty" just barely audibly, Rei turned away.
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