I wrote this one a long time ago, but always avoided posting it here because I knew it would do hideous things to the formatting. The first and last words of this piece are supposed to be in HTML tags, not parentheses. Enjoy!

#99 – Geek
222 words

(geek)

Usagi tilted her chin, looking quizzically at the only white letters imprinted on the front of the otherwise black shirt Mamoru was wearing. Was it just her, or had his fashion sense decreased dramatically since yesterday afternoon? Even the green jacket was better by far... or perhaps not.

“Nice shirt, baka,” she greeted with a touch of sarcasm, slightly annoyed when his attention remained fixed on the latest issue of New Scientist. And to think she had bothered to take a detour via the arcade in hopes of finding an entertaining conversation partner...

Usagi was about to make a not-so-nice comment so their customary arguments could kick into action, when he flipped a page, mumbling, “Thanks, Odango.”

“You’re welcome,” she responded automatically. When he made no further indication of continuing the (rather non-existent) conversation, Usagi let out a tiny sigh and stood, ready to head home to her newly acquired Fruits Basket manga.

As she was about to leave, Mamoru’s eyes brushed over her, his gaze appreciative. “You’re rather 1 over Cos C yourself.” His lips curled slightly, and he went back to reading the article ‘Quantum foam blows away naked singularity’.

Completely confuzzled, Usagi headed out the arcade, glancing behind her one last time to see the only white letters imprinted on the back of his otherwise black shirt.

(/geek)