Chapter 2 – Hello, Stranger
Usagi could not remember a time when Kaioh Michiru was not famous—may it be in the field of music or art. She considered herself very lucky that she had a chance to join Michiru's violin performance along with two other violinists, Mako Kino and Minako Aino.
Usagi believed that Michiru was at her most magnificent when she was playing alone that's why she was grateful when she was recruited to be in the artist's group. Together, they may not be as popular as the Bond girls, but she really didn't mind. It was a steady source of income and the occasional spotlight was a balm to her sometimes restless spirit.
As always, after the performance there was bound to be a party. But tonight it was different. It was rather special. Usagi had accepted the proposal of a suitor in the industry, as Michiru liked to tease about it. He was Alain McLeod. The man, as her friends would love to joke, had been chasing her for two years, since he'd met Usagi in fact. He told Usagi his mother was Japanese and his father partly European.
The dinner that was to follow was sort of an engagement party for both of them, courtesy of the gorgeous Haruka Tenou, long-time friend and partner to the stunning and talented Michiru.
The dinner which was held at the restaurant of a five star hotel was now in full swing. This was the first time they were back in Japan after the group's world tour. They never stayed in a place long enough to establish meaningful, romantic relationships. That was why Usagi thought this might be her destiny. After all, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Marriage to a composer and producer like Alain McLeod might not be the passionate dream she'd been after, but it could be enough for her. It should be. Greed was certainly no hobby of hers. And what did she know of passion? Yes, it would be a good match. She would strive to make it one.
There was a big white cake with yellow icing for flowers as design. She didn't know why Mako should be so contrary. Usagi said that she preferred them to be pink, and the cake more subtle—considering that they were all artists. Mako prepared the cake in advance. It was beautiful anyway so she didn't give Mako the gobsmacking that a typical irate fiancée would rain on a stubborn pastry-chef.
Come to think of it, she wasn't even angry. Not one bit. Perhaps it was the fact that Haruka paid for the cake. He paid the earth for it, in Usagi's estimate. Or maybe she wasn't angry because Mako was one of her closest friends and the cake was just—a cake. Who cares? They'll cut it, share it, and forget it.
Champagne was overflowing and the guests were definitely very happy about the amount of wine that Michiru's lover was willing to flood this event with. The media was present. Usagi felt a little ill at ease about it but she'd dealt with the press before, and she was still alive today. Besides, the group's spokesperson, Minako Aino, would never let her down. Not tonight of all nights.
To be fair to him, Alain McLeod was famous in his own right albeit Usagi admitted, however reluctantly to herself, that this engagement helped make him more popular. He was not this known in Japan or in other countries where Michiru's group, Sweet Haven, usually performed before the announcement of this event. Suddenly—everyone, especially the women, more women, wanted to meet him.
Usagi discovered that she did not resent it. They moved in such a world that was similar to Hollywood, where engagements were considered fickle and marriages disposable. So why was she going through all these trouble? Was it because she believed that Alain was different? That he would not disappoint her?
"He loves her," an observer remarked. The woman tried to conceal the envy in her voice without success. "I can see it in his eyes, the way they follow her around. I heard he has French blood. Aren't the French allegedly the best lovers in the world?" She giggled with the group she was talking to.
Usagi didn't want to be discussed like an object but tonight that was how she felt. Shouldn't she be happy? Wasn't that how she was supposed to feel? Overjoyed?
She had an idea what they must be thinking. Alain was French, therefore it must follow that because they were now engaged she must have already given him the liberties a typical fiancé would demand. Usagi turned upon her heels and walk to where Alain was standing, holding up a champagne flute in her honor, and giving quite a spiel.
The atmosphere was festive. Alain extended his delicate hand to enclose hers. He kissed her fingers. They had lightly discussed the arrangements after the wedding. Usagi would continue with her career as a musician and part of Sweet Haven. Michiru said that they'd be recruiting another violinist, so there'd be someone to fill in her place, when she needed to be at her husband's side.
Alain drew her closer to him, embracing her tightly to his side. "I trust you're happy, my love?"
"Hai," she agreed. "Totemo desu." Her Japanese accent was without fault. She knew Nihongo well enough to make her stay there very convenient and satisfactory. She spoke it whenever she got the chance. She's proud of her heritage, though she and Minako were always mistaken for English girls because of their delicate looks—blonde hair and blue eyes.
Alain understood Japanese but he didn't speak it. She'd never questioned him if it was because he couldn't or because he did not particularly want to. Sometimes she was bothered that she didn't seem to care enough.
"Haruka sure gifted us with a wonderful party," she continued, still in Japanese.
"That he did," he returned with a smile.
"When is the wedding?" someone asked from the crowd.
"Soon," her fiancé answered.
"Where's the venue of your next production, Mr. McLeod?" the press inquired.
"We're still considering the request of the artist. As of now, it's a secret. Let's concentrate on my engagement, okay?"
General agreement.
"Will you feature Tsukino-san in one of your music video productions?"
"Yes. I believe she sings better than she plays the violin, no offense to my love. And her ethereal grace should be enough to inspire me. Though I would have to ask permission from Sweet Haven, don't I?"
Usagi kept a smile pasted on her face. She's beginning to feel faint. Was it giddy excitement finally coming over her?
"Tsukino-san, will you tell us how you and Mr. McLeod met? This engagement surely took us all in the music industry by surprise," a reporter suggested.
"You really should ask him. I fear that if I answer incorrectly, he'll retract his proposal," she replied.
"Then you shouldn't have thrown back mine in my face seven years ago," a voice in the crowd jeered sarcastically before Alain could supply a witty retort.
Suddenly the noisy, bubbly throng was dead quiet.
Usagi's eyes burned fiercely her irises were almost violet. Suddenly, cameras from all angles were flashing. Questions were yet to come. The crowd made way for the arrogant male who dared interrupt the engagement party. There were many people who were taking her photo with her fiancé earlier but the clicks were more audible this time.
"Who are you?" Alain demanded when he appeared to have recovered from the shock the statement had caused. "I don't remember inviting you."
"I invited myself. Considering that I'm saving you from marrying a two-faced woman, I didn't think you'd require a fancy invitation," the man coldly jeered.
Usagi's friends were looking at her. She shook her head, her face only marred by a slight frown. It showed no distress. Haruka removed her from Alain's side and led her outside the restaurant. Michiru and the girls were at their heels.
"Let Alain deal with him, Koneko-chan," Haruka said.
"Must be another gatecrasher," Michiru seconded.
"A gatecrasher in a very expensive suit that screamed old money? Come on, Michiru-chan, you're more intelligent than that."
"Yes, I'm more intelligent than you, Mina-chan. Just because he looks like a celebrity, not to mention a million dollars, it doesn't follow that we should believe what he says about Usagi-chan," Michiru replied.
"You're all spoiling me," was all Usagi said.
"I fear that we can only do so much. Because your dark knight and red wolf are right behind us," Lita advised. "Hurry up! Hurry up!"
"Do you want this rabbit to fall down the stairs straight into the arms of that stranger?" Michiru asked, a little irritated with the situation.
"Sounds good to me if she did," Minako replied.
"I don't know what you two can complain about Alain," Haruka remarked.
"You're a guy. You wouldn't know," Lita snorted.
"I can hear you," Usagi said, not really wishing to discuss it. So she was right about Lita and Minako not liking Alain. She didn't know if it was personal or if they simply didn't think him good enough for her. Friends are really wonderful. She felt like singing the Garfield song. She wondered if Haruka and Michiru were only tolerating Alain because of her. She had this hysterical desire to laugh, but she was afraid that Michiru would slap her. The woman had no scruples sometimes.
"Where do you think you're going, Serena?" the stranger shouted.
"Am I right or am I right? You are the one he is calling Serena, aren't you?" Mina pointed out.
"Let's go straight to our suite," Lita suggested from behind. They were now waiting for the elevators to open. It would take them to their floor. "What are you doing here with us, Mina-chan? You're supposed to take care of the media and their ruckus back there."
"I instructed my bodyguards to do it," the princess said haughtily. She was a model before this and knew how to deal with the paparazzi better than anyone. "Unless you want me to act as decoy?" she asked flirtatiously.
"Oh, no, you don't! What a horrid idea. And besides, that man will recognize you however much you pretend to be Usagi-chan. It simply won't work this time. It never worked absolutely fine before in the past either, for that matter," Michiru stated.
"And besides, he's now right behind us! What's wrong with these elevators?" Lita was a force to be reckoned with when angry. She was almost destroying the elevator buttors. "It's a good thing your bodyguards are doing a pretty darn good job down there, Mina-chan."
Mina smirked good-naturedly as if saying, 'told ya!' Instead she asked, "How are you holding up, Usagi-chan?"
"I'm fine, don't worry," she said without conviction.
"Stay right where you are," the voice ordered once again.
It seemed like Alain couldn't keep up with the man's lengthy pace. The stranger was obviously taller, his limbs longer and his shoulders wider. It was no contest. Alain was frail and thin, the stranger's clothes barely concealed his lean muscles and strength. Usagi decided she liked Alain's physique better. They suited her perfectly.
"What is your problem?" Alain almost shouted. He finally caught up with the gatecrasher.
"I don't have a problem. But you'll have plenty if you marry that woman."
Alain was just four inches taller than Usagi, whereas the man was roughly six feet. His jet-black hair was what one could call wispy, quite long—especially the bangs, but the cut was still clean and manly. Alain's hair was fine and what might have been expected of an artist, perhaps a rock star image that failed to meet a certain standard of today's youth.
"What the heck are you talking about?" Alain demanded. "There is no if about it. I am going to marry her and that's final."
The man looked at Usagi directly. It almost made her flinch but she stood her ground.
"I do hope you know who and what you are taking on," the man continued.
"Stop talking in riddles," Alain ordered, though his voice was lacking in authority, to Usagi's ears.
"Who am I taking on? You—" Alain began to laugh.
"I'm talking about her! She's not who she says she is. That woman is my fiancée. She has already promised to marry me. So I hate to burst your bubble, Red, but if she's marrying somebody, it'd better well be me." The man raised his dark, arrogant head.
"You're insane! I don't even know you!" Usagi cried, finally finding her voice.
But the man seemed to be as determined as his resolve. And his intent was to take her away from Alain.
"See, she doesn't know you," Alain declared triumphantly.
"She should. But I'm not surprised she's trying to find a way out of this mess. You're a very fine actress, Sweetheart. Can't say I'm sorry you didn't fancy Hollywood though," the man put emphasis on the endearment.
"I'm not your Sweetheart. Go away. Stop making a scene here. You're the actor. I do not know you. So get lost," she muttered in a low but fierce voice. There are people who are beginning to gather in the hallway to witness the drama.
"You wish," was the stranger's only answer.
The elevator made a ding sound.
"Finally," Lita remarked. She'd been exchanging quiet looks with the Haruka and Michiru throughout the exchange.
"Are we going in or—?" Mina asked.
"We're all going in," the man answered. "I've disgraced myself enough. But I'm willing to continue this, Serena, if you are," he threatened.