"But guys, there's nothing wrong with my study habits," Usagi whined.
"Technically, she is right," Ami said.
"Thank you, Ami," Usagi said triumphantly.
"Only because, she has no study habits to have a problem with," Ami finished.
"Ami! I thought you were on my side," Usagi whined.
"She is," Makoto said. "We all are. But you barely skated through junior high."
"And you barely made it through the high school exam," Rei added. "We need to get you some new habits, now."
"All right, all right," Usagi mumbled.
"Ladies," Ranma said, producing a pair of wire rimmed reading glasses from the inside of his vest and settling them neatly on the bridge of his nose. "Welcome to Bornes and Nables. My name is Ranma. Is there anything I can help you find?"
"Excuse me, but don't you mean Barnes & Noble?" Minako asked.
"Perhaps. Can I help you find anything?"
"Yes, actually. My friend needs to improve her study habits," Ami said.
"I see," Ranma nodded sagely. "I have trouble in school myself. Tell me more and we'll see if I can recommend something that might help. The rest of you are welcome to browse around, or enjoy refreshments in the lounge area. Of course, I'm afraid that store policy forbids us from allowing books and magazines in the lounge until you've paid for them. Spills, you know."
"That makes sense," Makoto said. "You gonna be okay?"
Usagi looked from her friend to Ranma's gently smiling face and nodded. "Yeah, I think so."
"I think I'll tag along," Ami said. "I'm interested in any advanced course study."
Usagi sweat dropped. "Ami that's all you do is study. You need to loosen up and be a normal girl once in a while."
"Now Usagi, we should not begrudge Ami her pursuit of knowledge," Ranma chided gently, strolling down an aisle as the other girls dispersed through the store. "Besides, she knows you better than I do. Now, tell me about your schoolwork."
"It's just so boring," Usagi whined as she and Ami followed along behind him. "I mean I know in my head that I need to know this stuff but I can't seem to get interested in it."
"Boring subject matter," Ranma nodded sympathetically. "It doesn't matter how good a student you are. If the material doesn't interest you, you're not going to remember it."
Usagi hung her head. "That's another thing. Even when I do study I get so worried I end up forgetting most of it."
Ranma nodded sagely. "I see. I recommend three things then. First, you need to learn to make what you're learning fun. Second you should improve your memory. We have books on both subjects here in our study skills section. Across the aisle is our mind, body, and spirit section. I believe that you may benefit from any of our meditation books. If you need anything else just ask one of the staff." With that Ranma slipped back behind the counter.
"Very well done, Ranma." Yomiko said.
"You did real good." Maggie said, patting him on the back.
"Thanks. Where is everybody?"
"Nabiki's circulating and getting a feel for the layout. Anita and Michelle are back stocking new inventory."
"Excuse me..." A voice piped up from the counter.
Ranma turned and looked at the delicate brunette and the leather bound tome she clutched close to her chest.
"I think... she wants to buy that book," Maggie said as Hotaru ducked her head.
"Hotaru sweetie, can I see the book please?" Ranma asked. Hotaru hugged the book a little tighter as she whipped her head from side to side to see if anyone was watching. Ranma lowered his voice. "Hotaru, you're going to attract someone's attention and then you won't be able to buy your book so please just let me have it and it'll bought and paid for. It'll be yours."
Hotaru flicked her eyes from side to side looking to see if anyone was looking before slipping the book across the counter to Ranma who quickly and professionally rung it up while sparing a glance at the title.
Hymn of the Innocent: A White Mage Grimore. "An interesting choice," Ranma said half to himself, handing Hotaru her book and her change, all of which was hastily stuffed into her backpack. "Thank you for shopping Bornes and Nable's. Stop back anytime."
In the lounge area, Setsuna watched discretely as Hotaru made her purchase and smiled.
"So what was so important about us coming to this bookstore?" Haruka asked.
"I felt like it. Besides, watching Usagi is always an amusing diversion." Setsuna nodded at pigtailed blonde on her knees wailing in the aisle as
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(Posted Fri, 22 Jul 2005 06:31)
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