The Queen of Fire Chapter 4, a sailor moon fanfic

CHAPTER 04

Usagi was finally at Mamoru's door and she rang the bell. No answer. She reached for the bell again. Nothing. She was about to leave when he opened the door all of a sudden.

"Oh, My God!" Usagi brought her hands to her mouth, but it was late. Her voice echoed through the hall.

"Good afternoon to you too, Usako." Mamoru said grumpy, completely opening the door so the girl could step inside.

"Does it hurt?" She asked but then she thought it was a stupid question. That probably was extremely painful.

"Yes. But I'm taking some pain killers." He stated.

"But... it will get better... right?" The blonde asked tentatively. Mamoru's nose was swollen and the area bellow his eyes was dark. Rei did caused some damage.

"Yes. But maybe I'll have another surgery. It depends on my recovery." He shrugged. "So... how is Rei? I heard a loud 'crack' when her hand smashed my face." He said ironically and his nose throbbed harder when he spoke the miko's name.

"Rei is... fine." Usagi answered slowly. A few seconds later, she spoke again. "So what did you want to talk about?"

Mamoru studied the princess's expression for a moment. There was something different about her, something that he couldn't describe it... but it was there. He wondered if her memories had already begun to surface.

Lie to her. She's yours.

Mamoru heard a voice inside his head whispering those words. He fought against it, trying hard to ignore it. Then he turned to face Usagi. "Usako. I'll be honest with you. The main reason I called you here is because Rei threatened to kill me if I didn't. And I *think* she wasn't kidding when she said that." Usagi's eyes widened. So this was probably what Rei had shouted at him that day outside the Crown Arcade. Mamoru went on. "However, she's right. I really need to talk to you instead of just keep on backing you off."

Usagi simply nodded her head, trying to not show her disappointment. The reason Mamoru had called her was because he was afraid of what Rei would do to him. "I'm listening..." She muttered.

"I've been having those dreams... And I feel like I have to be away from you... for your own good." He began to talk and Usagi rolled her eyes. He was using that lame excuse *again*. "I can't feel our connection right now. And I know you can't either. So I thought that maybe it would be better if we took a break. If we are really destinated to be the King and Queen of Crystal Tokyo in the future, we don't have to put so much pressure on ourselves *now*, right? "

Usagi was about to tell the same thing for the thousandth time. "Setsuna-san said the present has a huge influence on the future. How do you expect us to get along if you're planning on staying away from me?" She couldn't understand why he thought that way.

She's right. Don't let her go. She's yours!

"Usako, trust me. This is the best for you. Right now you need to be alone and think about things. You need to rememb- OUCH!" He felt an excruciating pain and placed his head on his hands.

"Mamo-chan? What happened? Are you okay?" Usagi approached him, clearly worried.

No! Don't tell her anything. Take her in your arms. She belongs to you!

"NO! Stop it!" Mamoru screamed out loud, holding his head tighter.

Usagi was astonished. "Ma-Mamo-chan?"

"Usako, I have a bad headache. Could you please... go home?" Mamoru muttered. But as he saw she hadn't moved an inch, he insisted. "Go away."

Usagi gulped and nodded. There was no point on arguing. "If you need anything, please let me know."

Mamoru didn't answer. He just stared while Usagi made her way out and gently closed the door.

It was Sunday afternoon, but you could find Ami Mizuno at the Anatomy Lab. She was one of the monitors so she had a key and her professor had allowed her to study there on the weekends. Obviously, she was the only one there at that moment. Well, besides Bill, of course.

"Life isn't easy, right, Bill?" The girl asked him.

Silence.

"Yeah, I know. Women are so complicated." She sighed.

Bill was still lifeless, which was a relief. If a corpse had made a move, it would certainly give Ami a heart attack. But somehow, the senshi of wisdom could find some comfort sharing her thoughts with that John Doe she had kindly named Bill.

"You see, Bill... there's this girl. I've mentioned her before, but I don't know if you remember her. Her name is Makoto Kino." Ami spoke while she was examining the corpse's lung. "Wow, Bill... you certainly should't have smoked that much."

Ami placed the lungs aside and began to examine the liver. "So the thing is... I've been having all this feelings for her for a long time. Looking back, I think it all started when we all went to that party at Mamoru and Motoki's University. Mako-chan was all alone waiting for some boy to ask her to dance. I felt sorry for her, so *I* asked her to dance with me." Ami blushed a little. "I know! I was bold, right?! And we had so much fun!"

Ami went on. "From that day on, something began to change within me. I was always longing to see her smile, to be around her and to never let her feel alone anymore..." Ami said with her cheeks still lightly red.

"I know, Bill. I know. She's probably not into girls. And if she were, I know she wouldn't go for someone like me." The blue haired girl had a sad look on her face. "Mako-chan is so strong and courageous, she loves sports and nature. And I'm... I'm just a nerd who can't talk about nothing besides books and computers and also speaks to cadavers. No offense."

Ami paused, looking away from Bill's corpse. "She would go for someone like Haruka. Yes, Haruka would definitely captivate her; she is strong and bold, so as Mako-chan. Or maybe she would fall for Rei, who's one of the most powerful senshi and so intense and passionate during the battles. Minako also seems more suitable since she is our leader, therefore highly qualified as a senshi. And as for me..." Ami sighed. "I barely can damage the enemies. During the battles, Mako-chan always had to protect me, because she knew I was not strong enough to take care of myself."

Ami gently placed Bill's liver inside his body, where it was before. Now she picked up his heart to examine it. "It's funny, Bill... I literally have your heart in my hands. And metaphorically Mako-chan has mine in hers. I just wish she won't break it when I finally tell her about my feelings."

Usagi came back home still thinking about Mamoru's odd behavior. She sighed. She knew that being with him was her destiny, her future. But what she didn't know was how to get there. Mamoru could be so frustrating sometimes.

She stepped inside her room and saw a sleepy Luna above her bed. She walked to where the cat was and sat beside her.

Luna yawned. "So? How was your date with Mamoru-kun?" She asked.

"Oh, Luna... Why is so difficult to make a relationship work? If we really are meant to be together, shouldn't things be easier?" Usagi seemed depressed.

Luna looked at her intently. She hated seeing Usagi like that. Then she noticed that the princess was actually waiting for an answer. "I don't know, Usagi-chan. But I think you two will get along soon. And when that happens, I'm sure you'll make each other very happy."

"Do you really think so, Luna-chan?" Usagi asked with her head low.

"Sure I do." Luna lied. She thought things couldn't be worse between the prince and the princess. But she had to be supportive instead of discouraging Usagi. "Chibi-Usa is a sign that you and Mamoru-kun will eventually get together." She argued. And that was a good point.

"Chibi-Usa..." Usagi muttered. "I wonder if they are having fun."

"Oh, you don't have to worry. Mars and Chibi-Usa get along pretty well. Who would have thought that Rei could be so patient and affectionate towards a child?" Luna smiled. She always thought that the miko acted completely different when she was around the pink haired girl.

Usagi also smiled. "Oh, Luna, Rei is the sweetest of girls." She paused and faced Luna."It was Rei-chan who made Mamo-chan call me, you know?"

"Really?!" Luna's eyes widened.

"Yes. He said that Rei threatened to kill him if he didn't." Usagi chuckled, but soon her smile turned into a sad expression.

Luna couldn't help feeling sorry for the senshi of fire. Rei loved the princess and she was willing to give up on Usagi because she thought Usagi was meant to be with the prince. Giving up the one you love must be the hardest of things. And Rei was not only giving up on Usagi, but she was also trying to *help* her to get together with Mamoru.

Suddenly, Luna felt a wicked impulse overcome her. "Usagi-chan..." She said tentatively. "Have you ever thought about being with... somebody else?" Usagi's eyes widened as Luna went on. "I mean... haven't you ever thought that somebody else could make you happier than Mamoru-kun does?"

Usagi was silent for a few seconds. "No, Luna. I should not think about it." She paused. "Maybe my destiny isn't associated with *happiness*... or love. Besides I have more important things to deal with. The world's peace and safety is what really matters to me." She paused. Then she put up a happy smile on her face. "I'm gonna grab something to eat, okay?"

Luna lowered her head and sighed. She knew it was a fake smile.

She didn't say a word as Usagi walked out the room.

A few days later, the inner senshi were at the park, enjoying their college vacations and watching Chibi-Usa and Hotaru playing together.

"Come on, guys! We'll have so much fun!" Minako said without holding her enthusiasm.

"Well, that wasn't my idea of birthday partying, but if you all agree with that..." Makoto said thoughtfully. She'd rather stay at home and cook some delicious food for her friends. But surely the cheerful Goddess of Love would have some more interesting plans.

"I'm not so sure about that..." Ami said hesitantly. But soon after she noticed Minako's look of disapproval, the blue haired girl added. "But if you all go, then I go."

"Yes, Ami-chan! You won't regret it!" Minako squealed. "What about you, Rei-chan?

"Count me in." The miko answered without protesting, much to the senshi of love's delight.

"Usagi-chan! What do you say?" Minako's deep blue eyes were begging for a positive answer.

"I don't know, Minako-chan. I'm not in the mood for party since..."

"Since Mamoru-kun broke up with you... *again*." Minako rolled her eyes. "But that's exactly the reason you should go with us! To have some fun for a change! Come on, it'll be great!"

"Well, I suppose if you're all going, then-" Usagi was brutally interrupted for a scream of victory.

"KAMI, YES! We're all going!" Minako bounced around the four girls, making them laugh. "Oh, I'm calling the outer senshi right now. Well... only the ones who are over 18 years old!" Minako grinned. "I'm so excited! I think I won't be able to sleep until Saturday night!"

"Wow, Minako-chan, you are way more excited about my birthday than I am." Makoto chuckled.

"Well, I think there's been a while since we had some real fun. I mean, with college and all, we're always busy. We see each other a lot, but we never go to different places or do different things. And since it's your birthday, we should not waste that opportunity to celebrate!" Minako's eyes sparkled.

"Where are we going, anyway?" Ami finally asked.

"Oh, there's this great nightclub! It's called Open Bar. And since we're all over 18, we can have all the wonderful drinks from there!" Minako said mischievously.

"I think you're the only one here who's willing to get drunk, bimbo." Rei stated and all the other girls nodded her heads, agreeing with her. All except Minako, who rolled her eyes.

"Fine, so you can drink water if you want to, pyro, but we'll shake our bodies on the dance floor all night long!" The senshi of love was now dancing around the miko, teasingly. It was Rei's turn to roll her eyes.

"How do you know this place?" Makoto asked.

"Well, I've been there a couple of times. Okay, plenty of times! It's so cool! You're gonna love it! There's a huge dance floor and the place has its own band! The musicians play all kinds of songs. And it's crowded with hot men and women!" Minako was speaking compulsively. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have to intimat-, I mean, to invite the outer senshi." She said taking her cell phone and stepping aside a little.

Rei, Makoto, Usagi and Ami all looked at each other.

"Hey, girls, how do you feel about this?" Makoto asked.

"Well, I don't see any problem. Besides, Minako-chan is right. There's been a long time since we last had a girls' night out." Rei said while Minako was making that ridiculous dance one more time, holding the cell phone. She had probably convinced one of the outer senshi to join them on Saturday.

"That's true. And since the battle with Sailor Galaxia, nothing too exciting has happened." Makoto added, touching her chin. "I'm not complaining, but I really miss having a good fight."

"That was two years ago. It seems peace finally came to us, right?" Ami said. "I surely needed a break from fighting. Now I can focus on my studies."

"But Michiru-san and Haruka-san said they felt a suspicious energy around them a few days ago, don't you remember? We just didn't have a chance to talk about it." Usagi pondered. Then she turned to face Rei. "Can you sense anything, Rei-chan?"

Rei narrowed her yes. "Actually, I can. But I can't tell you exactly what it is. I've tried to do a fire reading, but nothing came up. It's just a feeling, like something was about to happen."

"Let's stay on guard, then. If a fight comes up, I'll be ready!" Makoto said clenching her fist and roaring. Then she cursed herself. She had decided to try and be more delicate but that was *so* difficult. Ami was now staring at her, probably thinking that she was a tomboy.

But Makoto's thoughts were disturbed by Minako's cries of excitement. The four girls watched as the Goddess of Love smiled brightly and gave them a "V" sign with her fingers. The blonde hung up the phone and approached them.

"It's settled! Hotaru's gonna stay with Chibi-Usa at Usagi's house. Haruka and Michiru said they're coming with us. And guess whaaat..." Minako sang. "Setsuna-san is coming too!"

All the girls' jaws dropped. Setsuna at a nightclub?! This would be priceless.

Minako spoke again. "Haruka and Michiru said they can pick up Ami and Makoto. Rei-chan, could you take me and Usagi with you?"

"Okay. As long as odango doesn't take too long to get ready." Rei stated.

"Hey! It takes time to get pretty, you know?" Usagi protested.

"Oh, really? How long does it take? A life time?" Rei asked seriously.

Ami, Makoto and Minako giggled.

"WHAT?!" Usagi roared with fire in her eyes. Then she paused and seemed thoughtful. "Hey... wait. Are you saying that I'm not pretty or that I'm always highly late?!"

"Both." Rei said nonchalantly.

Usagi growled at the miko. "Ugh! You are so annoying, Rei!"

Ami sighed. "Oh... Here they go again..."

"Girls, girls... As much as we adore watching your displays of affection, we should get going." Makoto said cheerfully cutting the girls off. "The sun is setting."

"Yes! And we have to get ready for the night of our lives!" Minako squealed, making all girls sweat drop since it was only Wednesday and their night out would be on Saturday.

Saturday night came and all girls met at the nightclub's entrance to get inside together. Setsuna indeed showed up, much to their surprise.

The place was fabulous. It had a modern decoration and all kinds of lights sparkling around. The dance floor was crowded. Minako had not exaggerated, it was full of handsome men and beautiful women.

"Oh, hey, Minako-chan!" They heard a feminine voice calling the blonde. Minako turned to face the beautiful girl with green eyes and red straight hair reaching her mid-back.

"Naomi-chan!" Minako practically threw herself into the girl's arms, giving her a warm hug. "I didn't expect to see you here today!"

Naomi smiled. "Well, my father couldn't come, so here I am." The red-haired girl took a look at the bunch of girls standing beside Minako, patiently observing them. "That's a lot of people! Are you celebrating something special tonight?"

"Yes, today is Makoto-chan's birthday." Minako said, pointing to the tall girl with a pony tail. "And these are Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, Ami, Usagi and Rei." All girls bowed her heads, greeting Naomi.

Naomi's green eyes, however, were stuck on Rei. Her lips parted in surprise. She was mesmerized. "Rei Hino?!" Naomi cried out with a big smile. "I can't believe it!"

"Do you... know me?" Rei asked tentatively.

"Oh, name one girl who has gone to T*A Academy for Girls and doesn't know *you*! You were like a celebrity there! I can't believe you are one of Minako-chan's friends! That is awesome!" Naomi was in pure bliss.

The senshi looked at each other, then all of them looked at Rei who was clearly uncomfortable. "Well, maybe you know me because I used to sing and-"

"Oh, please! There's no need to be humble. You had a fan club! And I must confess... I was your biggest fan." Naomi said teasingly.

"A fan club? Please tell me you're joking." Usagi muttered but she was loud enough to be heard.

"No. I meant it." Naomi turned to Usagi. "How could one resist her? She is gorgeous, she sings beautifully and she also plays the piano! Come on! I don't know about you, but I've always been head over heels for her!" Naomi stated, making Rei blush.

Usagi entwined her arm with Rei's, pulling the girl closer. "I knew you could sing, but you never told me you could play the piano." Usagi said claiming Rei' attention. The princess was a little hurt because a stranger knew something about her Rei-chan that she, Usagi, didn't know yet.

Rei took her eyes off of Naomi and stared at Usagi. "Really? Well, maybe it's because this subject never came up. Besides, my piano is in my father's house and you always meet me at the jinja."

"Well, speaking about 'father', mine owns this place. What if I got you all a V.I.P. table? After all, tonight is a special night." Naomi said making all girls (except for Usagi) smile and Minako scream in joy. "But... there's a price." Naomi sang as she stared directly at Rei.

"A price?" Minako asked puzzled.

All the senshi looked at the red-haired girl intently. "Yes. I would like Rei-san to honour us with her beautiful voice. I'd like her to join our band tonight on a special appearance."

Rei opened her mouth to answer, but Minako cut her off. "Oh, she's singing whatever you want her to sing! Now come on! I wanna go to the V.I.P. table!" She squealed happily.

The miko was stunned, but she nodded her head 'yes'. Fighting against it would be pointless. Besides, she loves singing. It wouldn't be such a sacrifice after all.

Naomi called one of the waiters. "Seiji-kun! These beautiful girls are my special guests. Take them to our best table and make sure they get all they want."

The boy bowed and motioned them the way.

After they got at the table and ordered some drinks, Haruka turned to face Rei. "So, Rei-chan... You never told us you were *that* popular with girls. Especially gorgeous girls like this Naomi-san... I'm so proud of you, pyro!" Haruka said mischievously.

"Oh, so am I! Naomi is astonishing! Have you noticed how her green eyes were stuck on you?" Michiru was smiling at Rei. "If you had stared her for a little longer you would have got her on *fire*!" Michiru said, making all girls laugh (all except one, of course).

"Oh, really? Because I didn't like the way she stared at Rei!" Usagi said grumpy.

"Would you mind telling us *why* you didn't like it, Usagi-chan? Naomi is a very nice girl." Minako teased. But before the princess could answer, Minako spoke again. "Besides, I think she really likes Rei-chan. I've come here a thousand times and she's never offered me the V.I.P. table. I think it was not just a coincidence." Minako sang.

Rei rolled her eyes, visibly uncomfortable but she never said a word.

"I think you should give her a try, Rei-chan." Makoto said cheerfully. "You're single and that girl is so appealing!"

Ami did her best to not show her disappointment. She saw the way Makoto had looked to Naomi. So Makoto could be attracted to girls after all, and that is a good thing. But the bad thing is... it seems Makoto likes strong and confident women. And Ami didn't consider herself strong nor confident.

"I have to agree with Mako-chan." Ami said, trying to sound nonchalant. "She looks like a goddess."

Makoto's eyes wide opened. She stared at Ami, who blushed and tried to hide herself behind the menu she was holding. The senshi of thunder had never heard Ami talk that way about a girl before. She was a little jealous, of course, but she tried to think of it as a good sign. Maybe Ami could feel attracted to girls. But the problem is that she seems to be attracted to beautiful and feminine girls, like Naomi.

"Ladies, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but Miss Saito asked me to give this glass of champagne to the most beautiful girl in the whole world. Those were exactly her words and I see she wasn't lying." The handsome waiter looked directly at Rei, who smiled politely as she accepted the gift.

All girls looked to where Naomi was seductively winking at Rei and raising her own glass. Rei returned the gesture elegantly.

"Oh, my God! That was so... bold!" Minako whispered, trying to hold her enthusiasm. "I loved it!"

"Go talk to her, Rei-chan!" Haruka quickly said. "If I were you, I would never dismiss a hot chick like Naomi, with those lovely green eyes and that body that- Mmmmmf!"

"Oh, love, did my foot accidentally beat your shin?" Michiru asked curiously. Haruka's eyes were full of water. That stung as hell.

"Well, I suppose I should go there and thank her, right? It was a nice gesture." Rei said softly and then she stood up, making all the girls squeal in excitment, except for Setsuna (who had an almost unnoticeable smile on her lips) and Usagi (who looked stunned).

Usagi also rose from her chair. "I'm... I'm going to the toilette." She muttered and, before anyone could offer to go with her, she left the table.

All the girls looked at each other.

"She's still clueless, right?" Haruka asked after Usagi was out of sight.

"Apparently she has no idea of what's going on with herself. I wonder if we should go and talk to her." Michiru said softly.

"She must figure it out alone." Setsuna stated then she sipped her drink.

"She is clearly jealous. Maybe seeing another girl's interest in Rei will make her question her own feelings." Haruka added and Michiru nodded her head agreeing with her girlfriend.

Makoto frowned. "Do you really believe it? Because she's still obsessed with the idea of making her relationship with Mamoru-kun work. Maybe that's exactly what is keeping her from figuring out her feelings for Rei."

"Usagi truly believes that she and the prince belong together and that their destiny is to rule Crystal Tokyo. I guess she won't allow herself to think of other possibilities." Ami pondered.

"The memories from your past lives have a huge influence on you all, but that's especially true when it comes to the princess. But someday she'll understand that no fate is set on stone. The present days may interfere with the future." Setsuna stated.

"Really? Does that mean that we can change the future?" Ami asked curiously.

"That's true." Setsuna said monotone.

Minako's eyes sparkled. "So all we have to do is make Usagi see that there are lots of possible futures ahead. Maybe that will open her mind."

"Telling her won't work." The Guardian of Time aswered. "Besides, it's not the future that is holding her back. She carries a burden related to her past. Well, at least what she *thinks* it was her past."

"What do you mean?" All senshi asked in unison.

"Nothing." Setsuna stated stoic. She saw the disappointed faces her friends were giving her, but she had already gotten used to it.

"But... I thought she was being that obsessive because of what we know about the future! And now you're telling us this is related to our past?! Setsuna-san, haven't we regained all our memories yet?" Minako asked puzzled. "Usagi and Mamoru, I mean, princess Serenity and Endymion were engaged and Beryl killed them. All the senshi were killed a little before that. What's more to know?"

"Oh, there's a lot to know. Not everything you said is exactly true." The older woman said absently. Her crimson eyes were staring at nothing in particular like she was thinking aloud and not talking to them.

All the girls' jaws dropped. "What did you say?" They asked in chorus.

"Nothing." Again, she gave them that stoic expression that they all began to consider extremely annoying.

Setsuna saw the look of frustration on everyone's face again. She sighed. "How could you know the future, if you don't even know your past?" She stated and all the girls looked at her stunned. "But don't you worry. Once the princess regains her memories, you all will regain as well." Setsuna answered mysteriously as usual and sipped her drink again.

There was a moment of silence.

"Well, let's forget about this, then. At least for tonight. Let's have fun!" Minako said cheerfully. Then she pointed to where Rei was talking to Naomi. "It seems they're getting along, uh?"

Naomi was gently touching Rei's arm while saying something that made the miko laugh.

"Oh, Usagi-chan should realize her feelings soon enough or it will be too late. Rei-chan is a beautiful, captivating young woman with a wonderful bod- Ouch!" Haruka screamed in pain and faced her girlfriend, who was gracefully withdrawing her elbow.

"We all agree that Rei's quite appealing. There's no need to emphasize." Michiru politely said.

"Haruka-san is right. If Usagi takes too long, then Rei will probably move on." Makoto added still staring at the miko and the red-haired girl.

Minako sighed. "After Chibi-Usa came from the future, Rei completely lost any tiny hope that she could have ever had. It must be difficult to have a living reminder that the girl you love will marry someone else and have his baby."

Michiru made a move to warn them that Usagi was approaching the table.

"So... What were you talking about?" The princess asked soon after she sat down. She had taken so long in the bathroom that she thought Rei would have already returned to the table. But soon she noticed that the miko was still talking to that annoying girl.

"We were just staring at the dance floor. But now you're here, we can all go there! I love this song that has just started! Let's go dancing!" Minako rose from her chair, quickly followed by Haruka and Michiru.

Ami and Makoto looked at each other and smiled. "Let's go?" They both said at the same time, which made them smile even brighter.

"I'd love to." Ami said gently with a light blush on her cheeks.

"Hey, what about you two? Aren't you coming with us?" Minako blinked, staring at Usagi and Setsuna, who were still sitting at the table.

"You go. I'm gonna stay here and have a drink. I'm thirsty. Setsuna-san, please don't feel like you have to keep me company." Usagi was strangely serious and sounded very disturbed. But nobody asked her anything, since they already knew the reason of that sudden bad mood.

"Oh, I'm fine. I'm staying with you." Setsuna said softly with her crimson eyes at the moon princess.

The other girls nodded their heads and made their way to the dance floor.

"What's wrong, princess?" The Guardian of Time asked slowly.

Usagi stopped looking at where Rei was to stare the older woman. "It's just that... I thought Rei-chan and I would get to talk tonight." Usagi sighed. "But it seems she's more interested in that... girl." She said dismissively.

Setsuna's expression was softer than her usual. "You know Rei-chan is the most devoted to you of all your senshi. But she deserves to have some fun now and then. Trust me, I know how hard it is to be alone. And considering that we will live for thousands of years, it would be nice if she could find someone."

Usagi seemed puzzled. "But why would she need 'someone'? She's got me! She will never be alone." The princess stated and Setsuna rolled her eyes. Usagi then sipped her drink and grimaced. It tasted awful, since the ice cubes had melted and watered her drink.

"So... are you two having fun?" Naomi asked coming out from nowhere. Rei and two other girls were right beside her.

"Yes, everything's perfect. It was very kind of you to offer us this table." Setsuna said politely.

Usagi just nodded her head dismissively and Naomi noticed that the girl seemed disturbed. "Do you need anything... uh... sorry, I can't remember your name." The red girl said shyly.

"My name is Usagi. And I'm fine, thanks." The blonde answered sharply.

Naomi frowned but said no word. Then she called for the waiter and asked him to bring them more drinks. "Can we join you while your friends are dancing?"

"Please." Setsuna replied with a smile.

Rei sat beside Usagi and Naomi quickly sat beside Rei, which made Usagi roll her eyes with disgust.

The two other girls sat beside Setsuna and one of them spoke cheerfully. "We could hardly believe when we saw Rei-san was here!"

The other one added. "It's true. We all have asked her out, but she never said 'yes' to any of us. She was always so mysterious... Maybe that was her secret to draw everyone's attention."

Rei looked at Setsuna and then at Usagi. "Don't waste your time listening to these girls. They are overreacting." But Usagi knew they weren't.

The waiter approached them, bringing their drinks and replacing Rei and Naomi's glasses of champagne. He winked at Rei, who pretended she had not seen it. But Usagi was pretty aware of all the attention her senshi was getting from almost everybody. Usagi grimaced. For some reason, that was pissing her off at an indescribable level.

"A toast!" Naomi raised her glass. She was looking directly at Rei with sparkling eyes. Usagi unwillingly raised her glass too. Setsuna smiled and did the same, quickly followed by the two other girls.

"To what are we toasting?" Rei asked charmingly.

"To your presence here tonight and to the show you're going to perform soon." Naomi winked at Rei. "Oh, yes... and to the birthday girl!"

Soon after they touched their glasses, Naomi pulled a microphone out of God knows where.

"Ladies and gentleman, it's a pleasure to have all of you here tonight!" Naomi said excitedly. "I have some guests of honor. Please give a round of applause to Makoto-san, our birthday girl!"

The public reacted instantly, greeting Makoto, and the band started to play the happy birthday song. Makoto blushed furiously then she shyly bowed to thank everybody. Ami was delightfully observing the girl's reaction, finding it adorable.

"And I've saved the best for last, guys! Please welcome on our stage the most beautiful girl of this whole world – and yeah, you're about to see that I'm not overreacting – Miss Rei Hino!"

The audience was silent for a moment. A sound of "oh" began to rise as they all looked at Rei, who was seductively walking down the stairs. The spot of light was right on her, bringing up her beauty.

Usagi held her breath. Rei was so... gorgeous. It was hard to take her eyes off of the girl.

Rei hit the stage and the audience was already mesmerized by her beautiful features. But once she started to sing, they fell in love with her instantly. Rei had the strongest, the sweetest, the hottest voice. All in one.

Nobody dared to sing along with her, just to not ruin the heavenly sound of her voice. That song was familiar, but Usagi couldn't name it. The lyrics were about a girl who was asking somone to take her breath away. She heard someone mutter it was from the Top Gun Soundtrack.

Soon lots of girls were weeping. Usagi never knew that Rei had that powerful effect on people. The princess also noticed that Naomi was staring at Rei in pure bliss.

This stupid Naomi is nothing but a... groupie, Usagi thought. But soon she concentrated again on Rei, whose lovely voice matched perfectly with her physical features.

When Rei finished the song, thunderous applauses echoed throughout the place. She smiled and everybody was asking for more.

"Rei will play the piano now. What if we get near the stage to get a better view?" Setsuna suggested to Usagi, who nodded slowly. She surely would like to be near Rei.

"Oh my! Thanks for singing my favorite song ever, Miss Hino! Isn't she amazing, guys?" Naomi asked the audience, who responded with much enthusiasm. "Could you please sing another song, Rei-san? It seems everybody is loving to slow dance while hearing your delightful voice."

From where she was, Rei nodded and then walked to the piano after muttering something to the other musicians.

Usagi and Setsuna made their way through the crowd and they were now standing by the stage. Rei had just started to play. Her delicate fingers were gracefully running through the piano keys. And her amethyst eyes were now stuck on her princess.

Usagi didn't know why, but soon as their eyes met, she felt her heartbeat fast and butterflies in her stomach. Lately she was getting a lot of that.

Setsuna was looking at Usagi out of the corner of her crimson eyes. Then her lips turned into a light smile. She silently hoped that the girl would get the message.

And so Rei began to sing. Her voice was like a velvet wave caressing everybody's ears. Some people even gave up dancing just to stare at that beautiful girl who was singing so passionately. But she never noticed their reactions. Rei's eyes were locked on Usagi.

I am thinking of you in my sleepless solitude tonight
If it's wrong to love you, then my heart just won't let me be right
Cause I'm drowned in you and I won't pull through without you by my side

"Girls..." Minako started from where they were, her eyes wide opened. "Am I wrong or Rei's singing this song to a certain princess we all know?"

"Something tells me you're not wrong, Minako-chan." Ami softly answered.

I'd give my all to have just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel your body next to mine
Cause I can't go on living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight

"Wow... This is so romantic..." Michiru sighed and Haruka held her even closer to her own body and kissed her affectionately.

Baby can you feel me imagining I'm looking into your eyes?
I can see you clearly, vividly
Emblazoned in my mind
And yet you're so far, like a distant star I'm wishing on tonight

Usagi's lips lightly parted and she closed her eyes. She could almost reach something deep inside her mind. That was such a familiar feeling. Then she opened her eyes just to watch Rei playing and singing. Usagi thought that the girl seemed even more beautiful, if that was possible.

Oh, I'd give my all for your love tonight
I'd give my all for your love tonight

Rei finished the song and the place exploded in a round of applause that seemed to last forever. Then she stood up and bowed charmingly at the audience. Some people were with tears in their eyes, thrilled by her presentation.

"I didn't know she had such an incredible voice." Haruka said stunned. "And she also plays the piano beautifully!"

"Yeah... But this time... there was something different about Rei. Something in her eyes." Minako said thoughtfully. Then she smiled. "I think it's different when you sing directly to the one you love, right?"

"That was amazing, Miss Hino! Thank you! I think everybody here is in love with you right now! I know I am!" Naomi was now at the stage and winked at Rei, who gave her a lovely smile.

The audience protested against Rei stopping singing. "Oh, don't get too sad. I'm sure she'll honor us with her presence again." The red girl added.

Rei bowed again and made her way out of the stage. Usagi followed her with her blue eyes. She was dying to talk to Rei and tell her how beautiful she was, singing and playing the piano.

But then Usagi saw that Rei was surrounded by lots of boys and girls who also wished to greet her personally. Instantly she knew she wouldn't be getting Rei's attention anytime soon.

Author's kind and humble request:

Review, please. This is what encourages us to keep on writing. I was impressed with so many accesses to this story, but it would be great if you took a minute or two to tell me how you feel about this.

Author's note:

Ami did ask Makoto to dance. Check out episode 147 from the Anime.

Rei does plays the piano. Check out Casablanca Memories, a side story created by Naoko Takeuchi and published in RunRun (a manga magazine). You can find it online. My jaw dropped when I read that, not too long ago. I also play the piano and I found it amazing that my favorite character plays the same instrument as I do.

Naomi isn't a character from Sailor Moon. At first, I thought about using Naru, but she has a completely different personality than what I've pictured for Naomi. No character from Sailor Moon seemed to be perfect for this special plot. So I gave up and decided to create one that would fit my purpose.