Hey, look! I still don't own anything. ^_~
Revisions and edits done 10/18/10.
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"So tired! Need SLEEP!" The last word sounded surprisingly enthusiastic considering the speaker claimed to be dead on his feet.
"Yes, and I will leave you to that as soon as I find my biology book. Goodness Zoi, how do you find anything in this mess!" I grumble while picking my way through the pile of papers, dirty clothes, and used coffee cups to the couch where he is currently lounging.
"It's not a mess, it's organized chaos. Your biology book is on top of that stack right there." His waves his hand flippantly toward my right. I glance over to the pile of books and sure enough there it is. I make a slight detour in the mess and grab it before finally settling down next to him.
"What did you mean by 'leave' me to it? Aren't you going to stay the night?"
"Zoi, you do this every time, and the answer is always the same."
"I know, I know, but a guy can hope. Can't he? He can hope that one day his amazing, beautiful, smart, sweet, and caring girlfriend will finally say yes and stay the night with him so that they might finally consummate their relationship." He finished his little speech with a very suggestive waggle of his eyebrows that had my cheeks on fire.
"Zoisite! Must you be so... so… brazen!"
"I'm sorry Ami, just stay for a little while longer, please? I'll be good. Promise." I know from past experience that particular smile he's giving me belies his promise, and that I should go before he gets too carried away, but I can't seem to make myself move.
It is so utterly comforting sitting next to him like this, even if the room is a mess. I can feel his warmth seeping into me. He shifts himself slightly, grabs a remote off of the coffee table and hits a couple different buttons; the lights dim in the apartment and soft music starts streaming from the stereo.
When I first learned of his little universal remote, I wasn't sure if he had because he was a player or because he was lazy. Now I know it's a little bit of both and I allow myself a little giggle at that.
"What's so funny?" Zoi asks while pulling me closer to his side.
"You."
"Oh, okay, just so long as I'm not funning looking."
Leaning over I brush a quick kiss against his jaw. "You're definitely not funny looking."
"Ah, so you think I'm cute?" His leaf green eyes are sparkling in amusement now. He's such a narcissist.
"No."
"What do you think then?" I giggle again at his childish pout.
"I think you're sweet, and beautiful, in a masculine way. I think you're witty, intelligent, and kind. And I think, no, I know, I love you. Very much." I answer while cuddling up against him.
"Well that's convenient, I love you too."
My head drops to his shoulder and he places a kiss on top of my head. We sit in companionable silence for a few moments and I can feel my eyes getting heavier the longer we sit. Gradually I end up with my feet curled up, and my head resting on Zoi's lap as he strokes my hair gently.
Being an intern is truly the most exhausting experience of my life. More so than working day and night in college to end up the youngest med student at the university. Heck, it's even more exhausting than when I was a junior high student trying to squeeze in cram school and being a Senshi.
"Ami?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you remember the first time we met?" His voice is strange, far away sounding.
"Of course. " I shift slightly on the couch to get more comfortable. "Minako and Rei were on some delegation trip, and Makoto was no where to be found, so that left me to go fetch Serenity when she snuck off to earth. She and Endymion were in his private gardens; you came to let me know she was fine, and I think to distract me. I thought you very handsome and charming, even if I didn't let on." I mumbled out before sleep over came me.
====================
I awoke to darkness and sat up to try and figure the time. I blink several times before my eyes finally adjust, and then I realize I have no idea where I am.
I'm in a bedroom of some sort, a very large one. Glancing around I can tell it's about as big as my entire apartment, with vaulted ceilings, large bay windows with gauzy blue drapes, and double doors leading out to what I imagine is a balcony. I shift slightly and take note of the bed I'm laying in; a large wooden frame that lifted it high off the floor, a tall canopy with the same gauzy blue draperies. The softest cotton sheets I have ever felt, a beautiful quilt in varying shades of blue, and a man laying next to me!
I stifle a gasp and pull the sheets up to hide my bare chest-wait a minute. I'm naked! Oh kami, oh kami! Deep breath Ami. Deep breath.
The man is facing away from me, so I can't tell who it is. I lean over, taking note of his well defined back, and curly blond hair. I put my hand down to lean over his body ever so slightly. Oh thank the Goddesses! It's Zoisite! I settle back to my previous sitting position and slap a hand to my forehead.
Okay, now that that's taken care of. Where the heck are we! I look out the windows and nearly face vault on the bed. Instead of the Moon hovering in the sky, I see a giant blue planet. I see Earth!
I see Earth?
Because I'm on the Moon.
Oh my Goddess!
Ami, calm down. You're dreaming. That's the only logical explanation. I scrub my hands over my face and feel something scrap against my cheek.. A ring? I look down at my left hand, and sitting there on my ring finger is a huge pear cut diamond with sapphires on either side. Okay what the heck is going on?
I glance to Zoisite, back to the ring, and then look around the room again. I take notice of several small things I had missed before; candles lining the walls and sat on end tables, all burned out. I notice a light grey uniform crumbled up by the bed, along with a long, powder blue dress. A large wooden table that had what looked like a romantic dinner for two set out.
I start to chew on my thumb nail in agitation, why does this all seem so familiar?
That's right!
This isn't a dream, this is a memory. A memory from the Silver Millennium; I was the crown Princess of Mercury, faithful protector of Princess Serenity, and Zoisite was third ranked Shitennou and presided over what's now called Europe.
This. This is three days before the fall of the Moon Kingdom, and he has just asked me to marry him. Tomorrow morning he'll return to Earth, where Beryl will capture him along with the rest of the Shitennou….
'Ami.'
I turn to look at Zoisite next to me, but he hadn't spoken.
'Ami, wake up love. You're having a nightmare.'
====================
I sat bolt up right; my head smashing into something hard, and judging by the curse Zoisite just yelped, it was his jaw.
"I'm sorry Zoi! I was dreaming, and you were there and you asked, and then we…" I stutter out. "Zoi? Do you remember too?"
I watch him for a moment as he worked out his jaw. "Yes."
"Was it you?" I grab hold of his forearm, and I know he understands my vague question.
"No, well sort of. When I went back to Earth, Beryl and her army were waiting for me; they already had Jadeite and Nephrite, and when they captured me, we were the perfect bargaining pieces they needed to get Kunzite. I'm not exactly sure how Beryl did it, but she trapped our souls in crystals and then used our bodies to fight. Like some sick puppeteer."
"Were you aware of what was going on?"
"Vaguely. It was odd; I had slight consciousness, but I couldn't say I had actual thoughts. I know what happened, both times, but I can't say that I remember what happened."
"Needless to say though, it wasn't me you fought. I would never hurt you Ami." He reached over to cup my cheek. "I love you too much."
With that he captured my lips and gave me a soft kiss before pulling away again.
"Do you think the others remember?" I can see a glimmer of hope in his eyes, I know he wants to be reunited with his brothers. Just as much as I want to reunite with my sisters.
"I'm not sure, I think we should contact Rei first."
Zoisite glanced to clock on the wall; it read twelve thirty-five.
"Damn, it's too late to call her, but this is important. She'll forgive us, right?" Zoisite glanced back to me.
"Let's wait until morning."
"But don't you want to find out? What if she remembers everything? Or maybe she can divine something in the Sacred Fire?" Zoisite started to pout at me.
"I do, but I'd much rather spend the night, here, with you." I reach over and pull him toward me, his eyes quickly darken in realization. I had missed that look.
"I can't argue with that, now can I?"
We tumble back against the couch; our arms and lips tangling together.
*Clank* *Bang*
"Damn." I quickly glance back to the bedroom and hold my breath. I wait for the count of five, release my breath in a sigh, and go back to work. Good thing Jadeite sleeps like the dead.
Whatever possessed me to get up to make him breakfast in bed, I'll never know. Okay, that's not true. I know exactly why; I love the dolt. I continue on with the preparations in relative silence and I'm so intent that I don't hear the tell tale signs of life behind me, until a deep, groggy voice speaks;
"Rei, why are you up so early?"
I nearly drop the jug of orange juice in my hand. Fumbling, I turn to find Jadeite seated on one of the stools in front of the counter top. His hair is sticking up in adorable disarray, and his blue eyes are half closed in sleep.
I shake myself out of my moment of admiration and fall back into my usual mode of 'bitchy girlfriend.'
"Jadeite! Don't sneak up on me!"
"I didn't sneak, you were just too busy to take notice."
"Whatever." I mutter and go back to filling a glass with orange juice. My back is turned, but I can feel his eyes on me. I'm only wearing a pair of panties and one of his t-shirts. I feel like a frumpy dwarf whenever I wear his shirts, but I know for a fact he thinks it's sexy. I allow myself a wicked little smile while my back is still turned.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm making you breakfast." I slip the juice back in the fridge, and turn to see him looking at me with his head cocked to the side.
"But you can't cook."
"I can too! I just don't, because I hate it and you kind of seem to enjoy it… Anyway! I thought I would make you something… special." He continued to stare with his head cocked to the side, and the sweetest, confused look on his face. I take a deep inhale and blow my bangs out of my face.
"Alright, if you must know, I was going to surprise you with breakfast in bed. I figured I could pull it off since you could sleep through the apocalypse." I huff out.
"Nice try, but you know I can't sleep without you there." He offered me a cheeky grin which I return with a glare.
"Stop trying to butter me up." I lean toward him over the counter and notice that he didn't even bother dressing before coming out here. "For the love of Kami! Will you go put on some clothes? Honestly, you have no shame!"
"Funny, you didn't seem to mind last night.." I can feel my cheeks flair at that.
"Shut up. Just go get dressed and wait in the bedroom for me. Awake or not, you will not ruin my breakfast in bed!"
"Yes ma'am." He salutes and saunters off to the bedroom. What an infuriating man! I quickly plate the food, throw the dishes in the sick, and try my best to artfully arrange everything on the tray. Where is Makoto when you need her?
I stare at the tray for a moment, something's missing. Ah! I know! I grab a small vase from under the sink and steal a Casablanca Lily from the bouquet sitting in the entry way. There, perfect!
I grab up the tray and make my way to the bedroom. When I enter, I find Jadeite positioned on the bed doing his best impression of the King of Sheba; he had pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms and was leaning back against a multitude of fluffy pillows.
I ignore his heated looks and gently sit the tray over his lap, before settling myself down next to him. His eyes widen in appreciation as he takes in the feast I had made him. Ha! Told you I could cook!
Slowly he turned to look at me. "What's this for?"
"Nothing." I mumble while fiddling with the bed sheets. Part of me hates how vulnerable he can make me feel, but another, larger part, finds it exhilarating.
"Rei.." He says my name so gently I can feel my insides melt.
"Fine! It's just after remembering everything and then you remembering too…. I mean, I loved you when I was just plain Rei and you were plain Jadeite, but now there's so much history. And I wanted to, well I don't know what I wanted really, but I thought this would be a nice gesture." I waved my hand in what I hoped was a nonchalant manner.
"I know that I'm a bit, um, difficult at times. And I can be overbearing. But I really do love you, even if you are a sarcastic, arrogant jerk." I can't seem raise my voice above a whisper. Passionate feelings I can deal with, I can show him that side. But this softer side, this is hard.
"Marry me." I'm not sure if he meant it as a request or an order, but I don't really care either way. He quickly moved the tray and sat it on the floor before turning to me and rashly continuing on. "I love you Rei. I love you more than I can express in words. I've loved since the very first time I saw you; fires blazing as you came marching down the palace halls looking for Serenity. And I wish I could eloquently profess my feelings for you, but I can't. I don't even have a ring to offer you. I only have myself to give, and my heart, but you already have that."
I stare into his honest blue eyes, I can see his feelings for me. Plain as day. I can feel tears stinging my eyes, but I can't be bothered to try and hide them. "Yes."
Jadeite stared at me for a full minute, you would think I answered him in another language. I feel a tear slip down my face and that seems to bring him back to the moment.
"Hey! Don't cry." Tenderly he wiped away my tears. "It's not that bad.. .is it?"
"No! It's wonderful you moron!" Unable to control myself any longer I dive at him and start raining down kisses on his beautiful face.
He captures my lips when they get close enough to his, and I am drowning in his essence.
After a moment he flips us over and deepens the kiss, skimming his hand up my thigh. Things were just getting good when the blaring ring of the phone interrupts the silence. He shifted his head away from mine slightly at the noise.
I grab his face in my hands and bring his lips back down to mine. "Ignore it." I whisper the commend against his mouth; he seems more than happy to obey.
"Hey guys, it's Zoi. Uhh… Ami and I have something important we want to talk to you about, so give us a call when you can…"
Something's not right with Zoisite's voice; something big is up. Jadeite pulls back from me and reaches for the phone before Zoisite could hang up.
"Zoisite! I'm here. What's up?"
He plops back down on the bed, and even though I understand why he answered, I still glare daggers at him. He mouths 'sorry' while still listening to Zoisite.
"Is something wrong?" He pauses and I can hear Zoisite's muffled voice on the other end. After a moment I can almost see a light bulb go off over Jadeite's head. "Sure, come on over! We'll be here." He hangs up and I arch an eyebrow at him.
"They remember!" I merely watch as he starts jumping up and down on the bed.
"They do?" Both eyebrows are raised now.
"Yeah, well I think they do. Zoi didn't say so, but they want to talk to you about something important, and he just sounded…. different. They'll be here in about an hour."
I hide my disappointment when I notice how excited he is; and of course he would be, he misses his brothers. I tell him to go shower, while I go clean up the kitchen. Standing, he drops a kiss on my head and makes his way toward the bathroom. I wait until I hear the shower running before picking up the forgotten food tray, and head to the kitchen.
I start to load the dish washer, but I'm interrupted by the blaring of the phone. We really need to change the ring tone, it's so annoying!
"Hello?" I all but bark into the phone, good thing the person on the other end is used to such things.
"REI! Can I come over? I have HUGE NEWS!" Minako screams into the receiver.
"Ow! Tone it down, would you? I would like to retain my hearing."
"Sorry, I'm just so excited; it's the best news ever!" I can't see Mina right now, but I know she's bouncing up and down in full on Junior High mode.
"Fine, come on over. Ami and Zoi are going be here in an hour anyway."
"Perfect! I'll see you then! Bye!" She doesn't even wait for my response before hanging up. Flighty blonde.
I go back to cleaning up the kitchen, then move on to straighten up the living room. When I'm finished I notice Jadeite is dressing in the bedroom, so I duck inside the bathroom to make myself presentable.
I got ready in record time; honestly I think I gave Usagi a run for her money, and just as I was running a brush through my hair there's a knock at the front door.
I can hear Jadeite shuffle to the door, a loud creak (note to self, change ringer on phone and oil door), then muffled greetings. I sat the brush down on the counter and slipped out into the living room where a mini reunion was going on.
Ami was standing quietly by the door with an amused look on face, and a glow to her skin. My eyes quickly swivel over to where two grown men were jumping up and down like toddlers on a sugar high.
"This is fantastic!" Jadeite screamed as he grabbed Zoisite around the neck. "Do you remember the time when we went swimming and stole Kunzite's clothes so he had to walk back naked? Priceless!"
"Of course, he made you run doubles for a month." Zoisite's eyes were sparkling like emeralds.
"Actually it was two months, but it was worth it. All the serving girls blushed every time they saw him for the next year! And remember…"
I leave them to their immature reminiscing and focus on my fellow Senshi.
"Mars." She greets me in her quiet voice.
I smile before wrapping her in a hug. "Mercury."
A moment later we jump apart, startled by a loud knock on the door; that must be Minako. I open the door slowly and she comes bounding in, practically radiating with the power of Venus.
"Venus?" Ami whispers. Minako stopped dead, and turned to look at Ami with wide eyes. "Mercury?" At Ami's slight nod Minako scrambled over and grabbed her in a bear hug. I shut the door and Minako grabs me up in the hug as well, all the while screaming in my ear.
"Oh my goodness this is wonderful! The group is almost whole again AND I'M GETTING MARRIED!" Before I know what's happening all three of us are hopping around, squealing, like fan girls at a Three Lights concert.
I stop and stare at her. "Seriously?"
"Yup! Look!" She thrusts her hand into my face. "Okay, okay I see it! I think I could see it from space, that thing is huge!"
"Isn't it gorgeous though!" Minako cradled her hand and stared at the ring adoringly. "It was so beyond sweet last night, he was so nervous and he's had the ring for a while but was waiting for the right moment; then he said that I'm the only one he wants to be with for all eternity." She let out a dreamy sigh. "And he doesn't even have his memories from the Silver Millennium yet!"
In a whirl of blonde hair and red ribbons she turned on Ami, Zoisite, and Jadeite. "Enough about me though, you guys all remember now, too!"
She grabbed Zoisite and Ami by the hand, and was ready to flop down onto the couch, when she stopped and lifted Ami's hand. "What's this?"
She leaned down slightly, peering at Ami's delicate hand. ".Goddess! You're engaged TOO!" She screeched out, and I plugged a finger in my ear.
"When?" Minako continued to screech at Ami, who was starting to blush furiously.
"Last-last night, or this morning.. I don't know! When we got our memories back, we realized that Zoisite had proposed back then, right before the fall. So it was a mutual agreement to pick up where we left off, and then on the way here we passed by an antique shop, La Lune Blanche, or something like that, and in the window was this ring. It's exactly like the ring he gave me in the Silver Millennium. So we stopped in and bought it." Ami beamed at Zoisite.
"This is just the most wonderful news! What about you two?" Minako turned on Jadeite who coughed nervously. "Well.. Uh.."
"Yeah, us too. No ring yet, but I'm sure that's coming soon. It was kind of an impulsive thing. " I answer with what I knew was a silly grin.
"Why am I not surprised? You two never plan anything out." Minako rolled her eyes. "But I am so happy! I think I'm the happiest I've ever been! Now we just need to get Kunzite, Nephrite, and Mamoru to remember! Then we can all get married, have gorgeous little babies, and live happily ever after!"
Minako punched the air for emphasis. My only response was to roll my eyes. How in the hell she ever became the leader of the Inner Senshi, I'll never know. I watched as Minako plopped down on the couch. "Now come on, let's reminisce!"
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And reminisce we did; we spent the next hour or so talking about our past lives, and updating the guys as to what exactly happened the second time around.
Before too long though Ami and Zoisite had to depart for the Hospital. We all hugged goodbye and made arrangements with Ami to meet up later in Makoto's room, so we could fill her in on everything. The three of us were just settling down with a fresh pot of coffee when Jadeite jumped up and looked to the clock.
"Shit! It's ten! I need to get to the studio, we're recording Michiru's new CD. I'm sorry, babe." Before rushing out the door he placed a quick kiss on my cheek. "I'll see you later!" He called out as he slammed the door.
I stare for a moment, "tell her we said 'hi.'" I mutter to the closed door.
"Well," Minako said slowly, "I guess that just leaves us." I nodded my head and refilled by cup.
"Minako?"
"Mmm?"
"Should we tell Usagi?"
"I-I don't know," she sighed. "I'll know she'll be happy, this was what she wanted; for us to have normal, happy lives. But the more I think about it, the more I'm sure it'll make her sad too, since Mamoru doesn't remember yet. Especially my news, since Kunzite doesn't remember either."
"I know what you mean. I'm going to call her though, tell her about our meeting with Ami and Makoto, but I'll tell her to come later, so we can discuss it first." I reach over and grab the phone from its cradle.
"Good idea, maybe you can reach her." Minako took a sip of her coffee.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh well, um, in my excitement this morning after Kunzite left for work, I called her before I called you. I wasn't thinking at the time. She didn't answer through."
"That's odd, maybe it was too early?" I smile as I dial her number and waited for her to pick up. One ring, two, three.. four.
'Hi! This is Usagi! I'm not home right now, but leave me a message and I'll call you back when I get in!' *beeeeeeeeeeep*
I don't bother to leave a message. I hit the talk button twice and dial her cell instead but it goes straight to voicemail.
I turn to look at Minako, whose eyes mirror my worry. "Where is she?"
Mmm warm. I snuggle in closer to the heat. This is nice, maybe I can just stay here forever. Soft, cuddly bed. I try to fall back asleep, but find it's a useless cause; I'm already awake. Boo.
I blink my bleary eyes for a moment, before taking in the sight dark sheets and a dark comforter. Huh?
I inch up slightly on my elbow, and look closer at the bed coverings, they aren't mine, mine are pink. I don't know this bed. I look around the room, very minimalist, with beige walls, and black furniture.
I don't know this room!
I sit up quickly, something heavy falling from my waist to my lap and I look down. A hand.
A hand attached to an arm, a very well defined and muscular one. The arm is attached to a body, again very well defined and muscular; one that I know all too well. I look down into sleepy blue eyes.
"Mmm, go back to sleep Usako."
Mamoru muttered before grabbing my waist and pulling me back down to his side and snuggling against me. How did I get here? I can't remember. Does he have his memories? Did we.. OH MY KAMI!
I take a silent account of myself and realize that I'm fully clothed, and sneaking a glace over my shoulder, I can see he is too. Okay, we didn't. But how did I get here?
What happened? And what time is it?
I try shifting to catch a glimpse of a clock, but Mamoru's strong arm around me keeps in place. Damn. Looks like I won't be moving anytime soon.
I relax back against him, to make myself more comfortable, and take in a deep breath filled with his scent.
You know, this would actually be very enjoyable… if I didn't have to pee so bad!
Shit, shit, shit. Late, late, late! Boss will kill me, Michiru will be disappointed with me, and Haruka will laugh at me. Not cool!
I skid to a stop at the recording room door and pull it open.
"Sorry I'm late, people stopped by the house and I couldn't get away… Hey! Where is everyone?" I look around the empty room. Odd. I back track out the door, room 12. So I'm in the right place, and I'm not that late. Okay, maybe an hour, but they should still be here.. Right?
I take a seat behind the soundboard and start going over my options when the door opens and in walks my boss, Mr. Kiwana, followed by Michiru and Haruka.
"Jadeite! Didn't you get my message? We changed the time. Well, obviously you didn't or else you wouldn't be here. I'm sorry we kept you waiting all this time!" Mr. Kiwana pats me on the back.
"Oh, it's not a problem sir." Heh, saved. "Shall we get down to business then?"
=============================
It didn't take much time to get the tracks laid down; Michiru is a consummate professional with bundles of talent. I watch as she holds out the last note, and then drops her violin to her side. I stop the recording and hit the intercom button.
"That was fantastic, Michiru! I think we have everything we need." She nods at me, sets down her instrument and comes into the studio. I play back the last song, and she smiles quietly at me.
"See, it's beautiful."
"Thank you so much for helping with this Jadeite, I really appreciate it." Michiru takes a seat next to Haruka on the waiting couch.
"Hey, it's my job, and an easy one at that. No temper tantrums, no screeching vocals that I have to somehow make palatable to the human ear, or lazy musicians who can barely play. Just real talent." I lean back in my chair with my hands behind my head.
"Jadeite, if you weren't such a great technician, I would fire you for your rotten attitude. Spoiled or not those people make us money." Mr. Kiwana scowls at me.
"What? I'm entitled to my opinion, and it's not like I say it to their faces." I grin at him.
"Except that you do."
"That was just one time! And the girl needed someone to tell her she was crap."
"You lost us an entire recording contact!"
"But then I brought you the extremely talented and well known Kaioh Michiru, that has to mean something, right?" I laugh.
"Insolate boy!" Mr. Kiwana fumes. "Just make sure you're on your best behavior later, alright? We're recording the Three Lights, and this is a big contract!" Mr. Kiwana throws me a warning glance before bowing respectfully to Michiru and Haruka. "It was a pleasure working with you today. Now if you'll excuse me I have to get to an appointment."
"By all means, Mr. Kiwana. We'll see you later." Michiru smiles genially at him before he disappears out the door.
I chuckle to myself as I grab a water bottle out of the mini fridge in the corner; technically it's for the artists, but the boss isn't here to yell at me. I'm just about to take a sip when I notice Haruka staring at me intently.
"What?" I ask before taking a gulp.
"So you remember now General?" She asks with one blonde eyebrow raised. I spray water all over my control panel. Damn it! I grab a towel and prey to every God I know that I didn't ruin it. When I'm satisfied its still in working order I round back on Haruka. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh come off it, Jade. We know you remember the past." She settles back against the couch and crosses her legs. "You're practically glowing with magic."
"Wait, what! How long have you two remembered? Why didn't you tell the girls!"
"We were, uh, advised not to interfere in that way." I turn to look at Michiru.
"Why do you mean? Who advised you?"
"That doesn't matter. We were just waiting for the right time."
"What about Usagi! She's known the truth for years, shouldn't you have at least told her?" I glace between the two of them, and have some satisfaction when they both shift uncomfortably.
"I told you, we were advised not to interfere in that way. Things had to play out on their own." Michiru said as she stared at the back of her hands.
"Well, I'll be damned. You have to go tell Usagi now, she'll be thrilled!"
"We will, in time." Haruka stated with a hard look. It was a look not to be argued with.
"Fine, fine. Do as you please, you always have."
"Well now that that's taken care of, why don't we all get some lunch? I'm starved!" Haruka stood up slowly and spread her arms wide. "There's a great Korean place down the street."
I glanced at the clock above her head. "Crap, I can't, I have finish up Michiru's recording and it's almost time for Three Lights to get here. I hate working with pop groups. There will be at least one indignant out burst or melt down, and I always have to kiss ass until they agree to finish the recording. Do you know how hard it is to say nice things to no talent hacks with huge egos?"
Haruka just laughed at me and patted my shoulder. "I'm sure you'll live. We'll see you around, Jade. If not before we'll at least catch you at the Halloween Party, right?"
"You know I can't miss it. Are you two dressing up? Remember you have to go with the theme.. Famous Couples." I snigger at Haruka, she hated playing dress up.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." She mock glared at me as she walked toward the door.
"Goodbye Jadeite, don't work too hard." Michiru gave me a brief hug and left.
I finish what I need to for Michiru's recordings, and leave for the humungous studio down the hall. Since they're extremely famous and popular right now the Three Lights had a huge entourage; who, of course, had to be present at the recording studio to make sure their asses were properly kissed.
I step inside, and notice I'm the first one to arrive, thank Kami. I set up the soundboard and wait. But not for long.
The door soon opens to reveal the normal flow of cronies; managers, assistants, publicists, agents, band aids, and groupies. In the middle are the stars, bedecked in their trademark suits. Oh crap, what are their names again?
I stand up and a tall, middle aged man greets me. "Hello, you must be Jadeite? I'm Sakamoto Takuya, the Lights' Manager. Pleased to meet you." He's very smooth, and shakes my hand with a firm grip. "And of course, these are the Three Lights; Kou Taiki, Kou Yaten, and Kou Seiya." He nods to each man in turn and I shake their hands, except for the one called Seiya; he merely looks at my hand like it offended him and slipped his sunglasses back on his face.
"Pleasure to meet you all, I'm looking forward to working with you." I plaster on a huge smile and prey they don't see through it.
We quickly get down to business, and against my better judgment I'm actually impressed with the band. They play their instruments quite well, and judging by Seiya's battered notebook, they write their own songs as well.
It's still a bit too bubblegum for my tastes, but they're definitely not a bunch of hacks.
We get through their first set quickly and for the most part it sounds good, much to my chagrin. Mr. Sakamoto leans over the soundboard and hit's the intercom; "That sounds great guys! Why don't you take five and have a listen?"
The group makes their way inside and sit down for the play back; they seem pleased with what they hear, and they should. It sounds great.
The groupies and everyone are quick to heap praise on the band as they sit back with water bottles, and in Taiki's case, a newspaper.
I ignore the commotion and continue with my work. "What do you think?" I hear a voice ask behind me, I turn and come face to face with Seiya.
"It sounds good." I tell him.
"Of course, but what do you think of the music?" He takes a seat next to me.
"Honestly?" I wait for his nod of assent before I continue. "It's not my thing, but it's not bad." I shrug a shoulder and continue working.
"Ha! I like you, you're honest. A rare breed in this industry." He offers me a genuine smile, and for a moment I can almost see why the girls go crazy over him.
"Glad you're not offended; most of the time it doesn't go over too well."
"I think it's refreshing."
"Oh that sounds like fun!" There's a squeal from one of the groupies in the background. Seiya turns around to face Taiki. "What is?"
"A Halloween party at some bar. There's an ad in the paper." He holds up the newspaper briefly before reading the advert. "It takes place a week from Saturday, on the 28th. It's a theme party with prizes and bands. The place is called Elements."
"It is fun. My girlfriend's friends own the bar; they go all out."
"Hmm, interesting." Seiya muttered as he rubbed his chin.
"Now, now Seiya! I know what you're thinking and the answer is no!" Mr. Sakamoto said.
"What? It's a costume party, no one would recognize us, and I'm sure Jadeite will keep our little secret, won't you?"
"Of course, I understand the need for normalcy."
"See! Takuya, no need to worry. Besides, we just got done with touring and are starting a new record. We need to have a little fun while we can!" Seiya beamed at his manager.
"Alright, fine! But you better stay out of trouble." Mr. Sakamoto threw his hands in the air.
"Of course we will." Good thing Mr. Sakamoto had his back turned, because I'm sure he would have been extremely worried had he seen the mischievous look on Seiya's face.
This could be interesting.