A/N Sorry!! I didn't mean to go AWOL on everyone, I just became very busy with some stuff and was distracted. I apologize! And many thanks to Skiser for sending me a pm, it really was very sweet of you!! :huggles: Anyway to make up for it here's this chapter. I'm sorry it's a bit short, but I really want to end them on light note's. I view this story as a comedy as well as a romance, and the characters themselves are just too much fun to take seriously. Besides the next chapter has enough angst and drama to have its own soap opera. And with that note, on with the fic!
Disclaimer: Don't own! College student who is poor, please don't sue!
"Well, first thing's first."
"And what might that be Mamoru?" Rei asked, voice tight with fatigue and annoyance. Jadeite had a moment to marvel at her ability to mask fear. He knew she was afraid, knew what each movement of her body meant. Her shoulders straightened when she was annoyed or treated like a child, arms would cross when she was hurt, chin would tilt when she was thinking. Truth be told, there was nothing about Rei that Jadeite didn't remember, nothing he didn't love. His girl could take on a youma with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back without breaking a sweat. It really was something to be impressed by, even a stalwart and seasoned warrior could admire her for it. But right now her blatant disregard for his presence was irritating Jadeite beyond belief. She hadn't so much as glanced at him since the polite poltergeist had made his exit. It was damned irritating.
"The generals need a place to stay. I can't fit them all in my apartment."
"I told you, we don't need their help."
"Red, I'm standing right here. And I'm telling you, you do need our help. So stop being stubborn and find us a place to sleep."
"You can stay with me."
Nephrite glanced over as Mako stepped forward. He watched as she met everyone's gaze in turn. Kunzite first, as he met her eyes he gave a small nod, which she returned with deliberate delicacy. Mamoru, the smile on his face a clear sign of his gratitude, Ami next, whose face gave nothing away. A grinning smile appeared as she glanced at Zoisite. Rei's face was turning as red as her element by the time Mako looked at her, but Jupiter's eyes, and the message in them left little argument for Rei. Lastly, Mako met Jadeite's eyes, and he spoke quietly.
"Thank you, Mako-san. It's appreciated." Kunzite spoke softly, but the gratitude of having that little problem resolved was evident even in the general's usually stoic voice.
"No problem. Well, actually one small problem. I can only fit two people in my house. There's only one spare bedroom and it only has a twin bed. I have a couch also, so someone can sleep on that. I'm afraid it's not very comfortable. I don't have a lot of visitors you see and-"
"That's quite alright Mako-san, any help is appreciated."
"I stay in a dorm, I'm sorry that I can't be of more help in this."
"Yea sorry, I don't think my mom would be too cool with four random strangers living in our house."
"Well it looks like the rest of you will be camping."
Mamoru's eyes flew to Rei's, while Ami, Mako, and Usagi glared at her.
"All right! All right! They can stay here, but you'll have to work, and we can't afford to pay you."
"That's fine, Rei-san. We will do our best to be of service to you, thank you for your generosity." Only the other generals and the prince could detect the hint of sarcasm in Kunzite's voice. He does make a wonderful diplomat when he needs to.
"Who will stay with whom then?"
"I go with Mako," came Neph's immediate reply.
"Of course, because no one expected that at all." Jadeite muttered under his breath.
"I will also go with Mako-San," said Kunzite, his voice deliberately low to signal no arguments.
While Rei sputtered and Jadeite glared, the others went to gather their things and depart.
"Ami-chan!!" Zoisite raced after her as she slid open the doors of the temple and proceeded to walk out into the cold night. "May I speak with you for a moment, Ami-chan?"
"Of course, please excuse me," she murmured, bowing to the others.
"Listen, I was wondering, would you be able to show me that com-u-tar, thing again?"
"The wha- oh! The computer! Yes of course."
"Wonderful, when would be the most convenient?"
"Oh well, tomorrow? I have an anatomy test, which I really need to finish studying for, but after that, I'll be able to. Does four sound alright?"
"Perfect. It's a date then!"
"A d-date?"
"Yes! Bye Ami-chan!" And with that Zoisite leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her cheek before waving cheerfully, and dashing back up the steps to the temple.
Rei and Jadeite watched the exchange from the temple doors, neither one willing to admit the joy and peace the meeting had caused them. Maybe, maybe things will be okay after all, even if they are back.
"Well Red, it looks like you're stuck with us." This statement was accompanied by the ever present smirk on Jadeite's mouth as Zoisite came rushing back in.
"Hey Rei-san?"
"Yes?"
"What's a date?"
"You asked Ami out on a date without knowing what it was?"
"Well the people in the next booth over we're planning to go see a movie, and they said that. So I figured it was suitable."
"It's a fruit." Jadeite said, and Rei couldn't help but laugh.
