Late the next morning the two lovers wake up at almost the same time and silently stare at each other, their bodies still entwined under the sheets...
"Good morning, Usagi"
"Good morning Helios- how are you feeling?"
"Pretty good" is the reply back with a nervous smile. "I think we're starting to get the hang of this..."
Usagi kiss her boyfriend on the cheek. "Maybe... but we need more practice"
Helios boldly squeezes her behind. "Yeah... I'm umm... starting to get the hang of this but know I could do better"
Usagi moans aloud as his hands continue their work. "Mmmm... you keep squeezing my ass and we'll need to get in some morning practice"
"Sorry..."
"It's fine- we should get up and see what Setsuna's cooking for breakfast- it's already 10 and I'm sure she's up and waiting for us"
Usagi rolls out of bed and turns on a nearby lamp for more light. She quickly finds her clothes and starts getting dressed... when she gets to her bra she's surprised to feel Helios helping her out by refastening the hooks on the back.
'He must be getting used to me and my sexy body, that's good. He wants bad and now he's getting better at showing me just how much'
Once the hooks have been refastened Usagi says "Thanks" before reminding him to get dressed as well.
"Better hurry or I'll I go out there without you"
Helios wastes no time on getting dressed. "Okay, I got your point- one second"
It isn't long before the pair emerge from the room to an oddly quiet apartment. Usagi sniffs the air and is surprised to not smell any breakfast at all.
"I wonder where Puu is?"
"I have no idea, Usagi"
After a quick search of the kitchen and front room reveals nothing, Usagi quietly opens the door and sees Setsuna inside.
"Wait for me in the kitchen, I'll just be a few minutes"
Helios nods his head and heads down the hallway, leaving his girlfriend to check on Setsuna.
Quietly, Usagi steps inside the room and closes the door. She notes the clothes on the floor and the way her friend is spread out on the bed.
'Looks like she had a rough night' she sadly notes. A sudden twitch, though, causes her to rethink that. 'Is she grinning?'
Bending over the bed, Usagi gets a closer look at her sleeping friend who seems to be enjoying her dream...
"More... please..."
Usagi's eyebrows go up. 'No... it couldn't be... she's actually dreaming about having that kind of fun!'
The pink haired woman notes the lingerie her friend is wearing and mentally notes that it wouldn't be very hard to get someone's attention with that.
"Puu... Puu... wake up!"
"Huh? What?"
Usagi grins. "Someone was having a dream... a very naughty one from the sound of it"
"USAGI!" the now fully awake Setsuna exclaims before sitting up on the bed. "What are you doing in here?"
"Looking for you- it's past ten and I was hungry! Helios and I didn't see you anywhere so I figured you were here. I didn't mean to intrude"
Setsuna blushes and shakes her head. "No problem- I'll be out in a minute"
After her friend leaves, the Senshi of Time gets up and walks over to the mirror and looks at her reflection.
'Before she came back I wouldn't have cared this much about my appearance or even worn stuff like this. Still... this is kind of fun...'
A quick tug on her bra strap straightens out the garment and, satisfied with her appearance, Setsuna gets dressed and meets Usagi and Helios in the kitchen.
"So what are we going to eat for lunch? Helios and I are mighty hungry!" Usagi rubs her stomach to emphasize this point before a loud gurgling noise is heard.
"Just like your mom..." Setsuna ssys with a grin.
Usagi rolls her eyes. "Very funny..."
Helios smiles and looks at his girlfriend. "I recall incidents like that with your mother"
"Anyways..." Usagi fakes a cough and tries to change the subject. "Lunch- what are we ordering?"
"Hmm... we're feeding six people, maybe something large and group related" is Setsuna's suggestion.
After a quick snap of her fingers later the Pink Usagi has the solution to this problem.
"Pizza! How about it, Helios? Doesn't that sound good?"
The prospect of spending more time with his girlfriend is appealing to Helios... and to try some pizza, which he had seen in Pegasus form but not tried, was too good to pass up.
"Sure, I'd love to have some"
Setsuna nods her head. "Then pizza it is, I already know what our friends like for toppings so I'll take care of the order"
"And I'll take care of the refreshments- Helios and I are going to take a trip down to the local 7-11, we'll be back"
A gentle tug on his sleeve is all the coaxing that Helios needs, he follows his energetic girlfriend back to her room and both change into regular clothes before heading out, leaving Setsuna alone with her thoughts.
'I hope we can change things for all our sakes... who would've thought we'd lose everything after winning such a major battle in the future'
Across town, all of the Inner Senshi except for Mars are out on an all day shopping trip/female bonding trip to prepare for the upcoming holldays and to get their minds off of the distant future, even if it is just a temporary respite from the issue. Makoto and Minako have their own personal mission as well...
In Northern Japan two figures appear at the top of a ski slope and peer down the ominous looking run...
"Are you sure you're ready for this? This is a pretty advanced run"
"I'll be fine, Yuuchiro. I think you should worry more about beating me to the bottom, though" Rei says with a wink.
Sensing the familar competitive spirit within Rei manifesting itself once again, Yuuchiro plays along. "It's on now!"
"Good- I'll see you at the bottom!"
With that, Rei pushes off and begins zooming down the snow-covered hill, her boyfriend following close behind. Both exchange the lead several times as they dodge trees and other obstacles... one glance at Rei's face by Yuuchiro speaks wonders.
'She's so determined today... it must be that issue she wanted to talk to me about. Maybe I can ask her about it later'
It isn't long before the bottom of the hill comes into view and both skiers do their best to cross the "finish line" first...
"Gotcha!" is the reply from Rei as she skids to a stop a few meters in front of her boyfriend.
"Just barely Rei- you won by less then a meter!"
"A win is still a win... but I think I've had enough skiing for a while. Did you want to take a break... maybe grab some lunch and then head back to the cabin?"
Yuuchiro rubs his stomach. "Yeah, definitely... I'm getting mighty hungry. Maybe we can talk some more"
"Okay..." is Rei's quick reply, sensing his desire to learn about the issue that's been plaguing her ever since that vision. "Let's talk a little on the way up in the lift, too"
Seeing an invitation to talk, the rocker takes it. "Sure, I've got some questions for you"
Silently at first the pair make their way over to the ski lift... once safely seated they begin talking.
"I'm so glad your grandpa lets up come up here... I was worried that he would say no"
"Well, I am serious about you after all... it's not like we started dating yesterday. You and I are... serious business..." A red blush covers Rei's face and she shyly turns her head a little.
Now it's Yuuchiro's turn to confess something. "I'm serious about you, too. I have been ever since I first saw you"
"Aww, thanks. You're a really sweet guy and you've gone through such lengths to impress me- I was a little overwhelmed at first but now I've come to expect it"
"Oh?"
"And I like it"
Gently, Rei slips her left hand into his right and squeezes it, conveying her feelings at the moment with a simple squeeze. The red on her face intensifies as the lift reaches the top of the hill and the two ski on down to the restaurant.
About thirty minutes later the pair return to the cabin they're staying in and change out of their winter gear.
"I guess we aren't going skiing again today- I saw you ditching the jacket and gloves so I did the same thing"
Rei shrugs her shoulders. "Yeah, my muscles are feeling a little stiff and I thought maybe we could relax in that outdoor jacuzzi you've got here"
Yuuchiro's eyebrows shoot up and the rocker blushes. "Oh... well... maybe I can umm, massage your shoulders then"
Noticing his blush, Rei shyly nods her head. "That'd be nice"
With a combination of nervousness and excitement, both head for their backpacks and head off to seperate bathrooms once they have their swimsuits. Yuuchiro is the first one outside, he quickly turns the jacuzzi on and cautiously dips his toe in the water after it runs for a minute. Rei steps outside a moment later and sees the bubbling jacuzzi...
"How's the water?"
"Give it a minute to warm up"
"I hope it doesn't take long... this towel isn't the warmest thing in the world..." is Rei's quick reply as she begins shivering due to the cold air around her.
'I hope Rei will be more talkative here... something's not right and I can feel it!'
After thinking that though, the rocker dips his toe in the water again. "It's getting better, I think we should just go in now or we'll freeze!"
"Okay..."
Yuuchiro quickly drops his towel on a nearby chair and steps into the warm water. Rei follows suit and slips into the water, relaxing her body as the jets and bubbles work their magic and warm up to the proper temperature.
"This feels good..." Rei comments aloud. "But I could use your hands to help me relax"
Knowing what she means, Yuuchiro takes a deep breath and then smiles. "Sure, I can give you a massage now..."
Rei closes her eyes and tries to relax and clear her mind. "Thanks..."
"No problem"
Yuuchiro begins to massage Rei's shoulders, helping her relax a little. Despite being distracted by her red bikini, he remembers her attitude and demeanor throughout the day and asks a question.
"Is something on your mind... I can tell you've wanted to tell me something..."
Rei is silent for a moment and then speaks softly while rubbing her eyes. "I'm trying my best to tell you... that's why I've been trying to be comfortable as possible, even me being..."
"Go on" is the reply after Rei's pause.
"Me wearing this to feel sexy and to flirt with you... it's still not helping. It's really important and I..." Rei closes her eyes again and takes a deep breath. "I need to tell you... damn!"
Yuuchiro does his best to calm his girlfriend down. "Rei, take your time... we're on vacation here so..."
Rei nods her head. "It's perfect time to tell you. You and I have gotten very close and I need to talk to you about something- your massage is helping me get the courage to talk, though"
"I'm glad to hear it- but maybe you should just relax now- we can talk when we get back inside, okay?"
The soft words from her boyfriend are just what Rei needs and she takes his advice, allowing her body to relax as she enjoys the shoulder massage and the loosening effects of the warm water on her body. She closes her eyes and mentally prepares to talk about a secret that she hasn't revealed to anyone outside of the Senshi...
Once the massage is finished the pair exchange glances and look at the cabin... which looks particularly inviting since the wind outside has picked up, dropping the temperatures even further.
"Run for it!" is Yuuchiro's cry as he quickly steps out of the jacuzzi and dries himself with the half-warm towel before running inside, Rei isn't far behind him. The door is quickly shut and the two teens try to stop shivering...
"Brr, that's cold!"
"You can say that again Rei! Let's get changed..."
The two teens head into the bedroom and Rei grabs her backpack and heads into the attached bathroom. Yuuchiro hangs his towel to dry and then grabs some clothes to relax in...
"Rei, I'm going to change so let me know when you're coming out of the bathroom"
"Okay" is the reply back from Rei who cannot help but grin. 'I'm not that bold to walk in on him doing that... yet. I think my bikini was enough of a tease earlier...'
The Senshi of Fire glances in the mirror at her new pajama combo. 'Not bad at all... functional and flirty'
Rei waits a moment and then calls out: "Almost done?"
"Yeah, I'm done"
"All right, I'll be right there"
After taking a moment to steele herself for the upcoming conversation, Rei is ready. She opens the door and finds Yuuchiro sitting on the bed. She says nothing but sits next to him and rests her head on his shoulder.
Rei speaks, almost in a whisper. "Thanks for being so understanding"
Yuuchiro gets a better look at her outfit and cannot help but blush. "Umm... no problem. Nice, umm... pajamas?"
"Yeah... I call it relaxing wear. Red tank top and red boxer-like shorts..."
A nod is her boyfriend's reply before getting a better look at her exposed legs. "I'm noticing the red theme... but those boxer shorts look like underwear to me..."
"I suppose" Rei coos softly. "You don't mind, do you?"
"No... but I do want to know what's wrong..."
Rei sighs aloud and decides to face the problem head on, finally. "Okay... here it goes. I'm about to tell you something I haven't revealed to anyone besides my closest girlfriends"
Yuuchiro's eyebrows go up, as does his curiosity. "Ah..."
"It's nothing personal against you... we're close and I've got no problem revealing my secrets to you- but this was an exception until now. Something's changed and it's not for the better- but I can't tell you until I explain a few things"
Sensing that she's about to explain the issue to its' fullest, Yuuchiro wisely chooses to keep silent- he reassures Rei with a gentle pat on the head.
"I'm... I'm... Sailor Mars" Rei breathes a sigh of relief. "There, I said it. I don't know why it was so hard to tell you but..."
Yuuchiro interrupts Rei. "No way!"
"I'm not joking, silly" Rei tilts her head and looks at her boyfriend. "I'm the Senshi of Fire"
After gazing into her eyes there's no doubt in Yuuchiro's mind that she's telling the truth, as surprising and shocking as this development is.
"It kinda makes sense, now that I think about it"
That comment surprises Rei. "Oh?"
"Well, something told me you were more then an ordinary woman..."
"Yeah... and there's something about my Senshi form that prevents other people from making the connection to Rei Hino... same goes for my friends. The only way you could tell would be if you directly saw one of us transform"
The comment about "her friends" also makes Yuuchiro realize that her girlfriends must be the other Sailor Senshi that he's seen on occasion. Another conclusion comes to mind as well...
"You've saved me, then... since you're Sailor Mars. You've saved my life..."
"Yeah, I have..." Rei says softly. "I couldn't let you get hurt, my handsome rocker..."
"Thanks"
"No problem"
The two exchange glances and wonder what to do next... when a thought suddenly comes to mind...
"I know this sounds... weird... but can I..."
Rei is curious and prompts him to continue.
"Can I see you transform? I want to see you be Sailor Mars"
It takes a moment for the request to be processed in Rei's mind... she knows that he believes her story and must be curious...
"Sure..."
Yuuchiro watches with much fascination as Rei stands up and takes a few steps back from the bed. Seemingly out of nowhere, she pulls out what appears to Yuuchiro to be some sort of wand. His eyes lock onto her body as she calls out for her transformation and is instantly bathed in light... he says nothing as the process continues and finally finishes with Mars doing her trademark pose.
"Not bad, huh?"
"Yeah, that was kinda cool" Yuuchiro's voice drops off. "There was one part of that process where I could..."
Mars notices the sudden blush on his face and wonders what he's thinking. She walks up to Yuuchiro and looks down at him. "Where you could what?"
"I umm... didn't mean to... but you were, you know, naked for a second there... I could see the outline... sorry Rei"
"I know what happens... pervert" Rei playfully sticks out her tongue. "I hope this is enough proof"
A firm nod confirms her last statement. "It sure is"
Mars sits down next to Yuuchiro and nervously taps her fingers on the bed. "There's more to this story... as a Sailor Senshi, I'm immortal"
"What?" is the shocked reply from the rocker. "You can't die?"
Rei thinks about that and what she's seen of the future and decides to pass the information on. "Well, I can... but I won't get old. That's the other problem... I've seen the distant future thanks to another friend of mine... and it's not good for any us. To say that everyone's unhappy is the understatement of the century"
That concerns Yuuchiro. "That bad, huh?"
"VERY bad" Mars says with much emphasis. "Love... love or lack of being with the ones you love causes everything to fall apart"
Sudden depression overtakes the rocker. "So I can't be with you..."
Rei instantly disagrees. "NO! I need you to be with me... I've never felt like this about anyone..."
After closing her eyes, Rei summons her inner strength and begins glowing... a few seconds later, a crystal appears in front of her.
While Yuuchiro gazes at the crystal in amazement, Rei explains what he's looking at. "This is my pure heart crystal... and even though I haven't looked at it in a long time, I know it's much brighter since you and I've become close... and I can't stand to lose you"
"So pretty... can I touch it?" the curious rocker says while reaching towards the crystal.
"Wait... don't..."
Rei's words are too late as Yuuchiro touches the crystal and is instantly consumed in flames.
"REI!"
Sailor Mars reaches out to try and combat the flames just as the body of her boyfriend falls back on the bed before disappearing in a cloud of ash followed by a soft thump. With the ash blinding her temporarily, she began waving her arms trying to disperse the cloud and find what remained of her boyfriend.
"YUUCHIRO!" she cried, "YUUCHIRO!"
Back in Tokyo, Usagi suddenly feels a sharp pain in her stomach and quickly tries to run into the bathroom, but she is stopped short by a massive dizzy feeling dropping her to the groud where she promptly empties the contents of her stomach on the floor. Setsuna and Hotaru are jolted out of thier surprise by their friends behavior and they are both at their frined side holding her as she shakes wildly causing them both to wonder wonder what's wrong with their pink haired friend.
Unaware of what was happening in Tokyo, Rei was nearing her own panic mode before a voice broke through the haze of fear in her mind and the ash in the room. "Rei... I'm fine..."
With tears in her eyes, Rei moves around the bed towards the voice and sees her boyfriend lying there, apparently unaffected by the raging fire from a moment ago with the sheet haphazardly covering him. "What the hell just happened? I thought you were burned alive!" she cried happily and wiped the tears from here eyes a moment before she was in his lap and hugging him tightly.
"I thought I was a goner but then this warm feeling came over me and the flames were gone," the rocker pulls the blanket over his body a little more as he spoke. "My clothes are toast, though..."
Rei wipes her eyes with relief. "Oh... so that's where the ash came from... and that means you're naked, she suddenly blushes and jumps up after saying that.
Both teens blush and are silent for a moment allowing him a chance to move off the floor and onto the bed to use the sheets to cover himself a little more.
Shyly turning her head, Rei changes the subject. "Anyways... I still don't know what happened. You touched the crystal and then... BAM..."
"For a moment there was this intense heat, then I just felt warm all over... and somehow connected to you, Rei..."
Rei closes her eyes and places a hand on her heart. "You know what, so do I..." She walks over to him and places her hand on top of his heart as well. "We're one now..." she states in awe as she tries to comprehend what she was feeling.
"What does that mean?"
Rei grins. "You gave yourself to me when you touched that crystal, you wanted to be with me more then anything else in the world and the crystal recognized that."
Yuuchiro grins. "Well, I do want to be with you... always."
"You're stuck with me now" Rei says playfully. "No complaints about my temper or attitude."
Now it's Yuuchiro's turn for a joke. "Oh, I know what I was getting into, don't worry. I won't get 'burned.'"
"Maybe... but they do say if you play with fire you're going to get burned and right now I have this urge to..." Rei blushes and looks down at her boyfriend and realizes what she was about to say. But not just what she was about to say, but her whole reason for being here, but ever since that vision she wanted this time, a time to look back on. 'I wanted something special to happen here... it was more then just being alone, the way I dressed and acted... I need him- especially right now.'
"Urge to do what?" is the response from the suddenly playful Yuuchiro who has no idea why he's suddenly "in the mood"...
Silently, Rei knows what she wants... and what he wants, it's as though they are one mind now, one soul. She sits on the bed and then crawls across the blanket and snuggles on top of him.
"Yuuchiro... I love you"
Despite the situation, Yuuchiro has no feelings of nervousness at all. "I love you too, Rei"
Their eyes meet and the lovers reach out for a kiss, igniting the passion between them. Both have one thing in mind- never, ever letting the other go. It isn't long before the passion level increases and the two begin to french kiss with a level of need and lust unlike any they've experienced before. Yuuchiro's hands wander around her back and eventually begin squeezing her behind, causing Rei to moan softly...
"Mmm... more... I like what you're doing..."
Inwardly, Rei feels a little surprised about this sudden escalation of activity but brushes it aside, knowing that he's given her the best present of all- his eternal love. A gentle but firm tug on the back of her neck collar brings her full attention back to her boyfriend.
"What are you doing?"
Yuuchiro seemingly ignores the question and yet answers it at the same time. "There's no zipper..."
Rather then get mad, Rei is very surprised. "Really?"
"Not as far as I can feel..."
After further thought, Rei can't remember any similar situations in the past. "Come to think of it, I've never tried to take off my Senshi uniform before. It must be the magic involved with it... sorry..."
"Oh... it's no problem. You must change back somehow, though" is the obvious conclusion by Yuuchiro.
A grin forms on Rei's face as she gets out of the bed and stands next to it, seemingly grabbing her transformation wand out of nowhere. Once again, Yuuchiro watches his girlfriend change outfits and blushes heavily. Despite her overwhelming feelings at the moment, Rei has a few things to ask before things go any further...
"You want me... forever?"
"Of course... you make me happy and I couldn't stand the thought of you being so unhappy in the future that you would do those terrible things. It sounds like your friends have the same problem..."
"They do... but I think this could be the solution..." Rei winks at her boyfriend. "If the person is the right one"
"Umm, yeah..." is the reply from Yuuchiro who suddenly feels a little nervous, especially after the continued silent staring by Rei.
"I'm a little nervous, too..." Rei admits softly while blushing. "It's like we just got married..."
"I guess that's one way to look at it... lifelong commitment... for all time... with the lovely Sailor Mars"
After recieving another verbal confirmation of his love and dedication for her, Rei gets back into bed, this time climbing under the covers and positioning herself on top of her lover.
"Rei..." is about all Yuuchiro can say as he feels her lower her body on top of his, the soft fabric of her shorts doing nothing but adding to his excitement over the situation. A clear view of Rei's cleavage as she settles her chest on top of his doesn't help matters, either...
"Sexy..."
"Thanks... I can tell you like what I'm wearing... but something's not fair" Rei says in a mischevious tone before tenderly kissing his neck.
"What's that?"
"I burned all of your clothes... so I didn't get to take them off myself..."
Seeing the naughty side of Rei Hino is one thing that Yuuchiro had dreamed about for a long time... and after their last date it was really manifesting itself. This incident with the crystal only serves to bond the two together even more as is plainly evident by Yuuchiro's response.
"Sorry- let me help even the score..."
With a bit of initial hesitation, Yuuchiro's hands head down Rei's back, admiring the soft fabric of the top along the way. After pausing for a quick squeeze of her behind, the rocker reaches under the shorts and pulls downward as far as he can. Rei finishes the job and kicks off the shorts...
"I thought you were going to start with my top..." is Rei's reply in a mock pout as her boyfriend lets his hands wander around on her behind and panties, giving an occasional squeeze.
Yucchiro smiles. "Well, I do like your butt, Rei... and those are some sexy panties..."
"For your eyes only..."
Remembering Rei's words from a moment ago, the tank top is Yuuchiro's next target, he gives a gentle tug downward at first to signal his intentions and then pulls upward. Rei offers no resistance as the top is quickly shed, giving her boyfriend a perfect view of her full figure and sexy red lingerie that she had chosen to wear for this getaway...
"Woah... now that's hot! Red is definitely your color..."
"You should expect no less from the Senshi of Fire" is Rei's reply before going in for a kiss and passionately rubbing her chest against his. Few words are spoken as the two continue exploring their most primal urges, feeling free to do so due to the total commitment that they had showed to each other just a short while ago... both let their hands roam around each others' bodies and it isn't long before the last of Rei's clothing is removed and the playing field is evened out...
Back in Tokyo Usagi has finally has calmed down from her trembling and vomiting, Hotaru quickly asks, "Are you okay?"
"Unnhhh...
"I don't ever remember you throwing up before..." Setsuna adds. "I really haven't seen you get sick, either"
Usagi ponders that thought for a moment. "Must've been something I ate... or maybe it was the sake. I thought I had a tolerance for liquor by this point..."
Setsuna is about to say something about "moderation" but recalls her own recent activity with alcohol, but that does not explain the sudden trembling or her collapsing like that. "I'll make you some green tea... something light for your stomach that'll replenish your fluids"
"I'll help you out- will you be okay, Usagi?" Hotaru asks with even more concern, knowing all too well that it doesn't feel good to be sick.
Help me to the bathroom the girl asks, to which both Setsuna and Hotaru help the girl to the bathroom where Hotaru helps Usagi get cleaned up while Setsuna works on cleaning her floor and is glad that the floor is not carpeted.
"Are you sure you're fine? You look kind of pale"
"Hotaru... I really don't know" is the soft reply back to her friend.
Taking matters into her own hands, Hotaru touches her friend on the forehead and attempts to heal her friends sickness with her special powers. After several seconds and no results, Hotaru is more puzzled then ever.
"Something's not right- I don't feel anything wrong to heal within you"
Usagi shakes her head. "Oh... I don't know then. Maybe I'll take a nap and see if that helps"
Not entirely convinced by her solution, Hotaru makes a counter offer in order to help her friend. "I'll wake you up in a few hours and we'll have some tea, okay?"
"Sure"
Usagi makes her way back to her room and crawls into bed, falling asleep immediately. Her dreams are filled with memories of her new lover and boyfriend, Helios... who has no idea what's going due to his departure after lunch.
Elsewhere in Tokyo, the blonde Usagi has a sudden rush of euphoria and a warm feeling comes over her.
"Mmm... Mamoru"
"Yes?" Mamoru asks aloud, wondering what's gotten into Usagi, who sounded almost... seductive a moment ago.
"I want you" the blushing blonde says while latching her arm around his. "I feel a little weird... but warm..."
Mamoru touches her forehead. "You do feel a little warm"
"Mmm, I think I'm feeling more then warm... I'm feeling hot" Usagi says a little louder then Mamoru would like, causing some passerbyes on the street to glance at the couple. Mamoru tries to straighten Usagi's walking pattern but she can't seem to walk straight any more.
"Are you drunk?" is the half hearted joke by Mamoru, trying to get his girlfriend to respond to him on a subject other then love.
"We're in public, you know..." Minako teases, feeling a little envious about her friend and her closeness to her boyfriend.
"Oh come on now, Minako... he's mine and no one else's, we can be open about certain MATTERS" Usagi says with a wink.
Ami says nothing but blushes and tries not to be jealous herself. Makoto shakes her head and wonders just what kind of "juice" her friend got from the vending machine earlier- or was that beer?
Noticing their current location, Mamoru has an idea. "Let's go over to Setsuna's apartment, I think we need to get off the street here"
Usagi pinches Mamoru's behind. "Bad boy... let's just go to a love hotel and send the girls off to Setsuna's..."
There is utter silence and then several reactions to Usagi's "proposition"
Mamoru is mortified. "WHAT?"
Ami is shocked that her friend would say something like that... especially out loud, in public no less. Minako grins and pats Usagi on the shoulder.
"About time you took your future role seriously"
Usagi nods her head in response to that and turns around to see what her friend Makoto thinks- a sudden wave of dizziness overcomes her and she begins to lose her balance.
"Makoto... catch me..."
Makoto moves forward and tries to catch her falling friend who's face ends up getting planted right in the middle of the brunette's blouse.
"USAGI!" Mamoru cries out in concern and shock/embarassment from her current position.
Makoto sighs aloud and straightens her friend out, removing her face from her cleavage. "Geez Usagi"
The others crowd around her to find she is indeed out cold... her eyes are all swirley...
"We're definitely going to Setsuna's now- can you girls help me out?" the concerned Mamoru asks, not wanting anymore "situations" to develop out in public.
"Of course" is the common reply from the three others and they quickly help their friend get Usagi off of the street and up to Setsuna's apartment.
Needless to say, Setsuna is a little surprised about her late night visitors as she opens the door and welcomes them inside.
"Please sit down"
"Thanks" Mamoru says as he and the other guide Usagi to the nearest couch where she tilts her head back and burps loudly...
Setsuna is hesitant to say something at first but cannot help but ask- "Is she drunk?"
"She appears to be but I didn't see her drink any beer..." is the first reply from the concerned Mamoru.
Makoto immediately shares the information she has with the others. "Well, I remember her disappearing for a few mintues to get something from a vending machine earlier- she said it was juice"
Ami moves closer to Usagi and immediately proves that theory wrong. "No smell of alcohol, I don't think she's drunk"
Setsuna is more confused then ever. "Then what happened here? Why is she like that?"
Minako speaks next, adding to Mamoru's embarassment. "We have no idea, one minute she's acting fine and the next minute she's propositioning Mamoru on the street in front of everyone"
"I knew you two were close but I thought you two got together in the future..." Setsuna cannot help but blush herself, a victim of her increasing open mind about this subject.
Mamoru frantically waves his hands and disputes that thought. "It's not like that"
Without warning, Usagi reaches for Mamoru and pulls him to her, planting a kiss on his lips before he can react.
In a whisper, Usagi lets her boyfriend know what's on her mind. "Let's go back to your place..."
Gently, Mamoru pulls back and pats Usagi on the head. "Let's stay here for a few minutes..."
Down the hall from the living room a door opens and Hotaru peers outside. 'The Inner Senshi are all here, except for Mars. Usagi doesn't look well at all... maybe I can help her out?'
"Hi everyone"
Makoto recognizes the voice first and says "Hotaru's here" as the purple haired woman makes her appearance.
"Maybe you can help us" Ami says, remembering her friend has special healing power.
"Her face is quite red"
"I've never seen it so red before" Minako adds. "She's been going on and on about..."
"Minako!" Mamoru cuts his friend off there.
The blonde idol gets defensive and will not be deterred. "What? If she's going to help us then she needs to know what's going on, right? It's not my fault Usagi suddenly got all excited and wanted to drag you to a love hotel!"
"Love hotel?" Setsuna says with a blush. A small blush creeps on Hotaru's face as well... she learned about the meaning of "those" places on night on a walk around town with Usagi.
To save her friend Mamoru from further embarassment, Hotaru reaches out and touches Usagi's forehead. She instantly feels the warmth of her skin and realizes that she has some kind of fever... similar in feeling to her daughter's...
"She does feel warm... let me see if I can help" Hotaru then closes her eyes and focuses her healing energy on her friend. The others watch and hope that Hotaru can help...
A warm glow surrounds Usagi as Hotaru transfers her energy into the passed out blonde. Only a few seconds are needed before the effects are felt by both Usagi and Hotaru...
'I feel what she's feeling- a desire to love and create. When I healed her daughter, it was a desire to exist. What's going on here?'
Slowly Usagi's haze begins to disappate and the blonde rubs her eyes. "That was weird... and why are you all looking at me like that?"
Several sighs of relief are heard as the healing appears to have cured Usagi. Makoto decides to answer the question.
"No reason... but what do you remember about the last half hour?"
"Hmm, it's the strangest thing, I felt like I was in a dream- a romantic dream" is the response back after a few moments of thought by Usagi.
"I'm glad I could help" Hotaru says, feeling relieved that her help actually did help with the situation.
Mamoru is very grateful for what Hotaru has done and nods his head appreciatively. "Thanks for the help!"
"It was nothing" Hotaru says shyly.
"We'll see you two tomorrow for our Senshi Christmas Eve party!" Minako says happily. "We can talk and have a good time... the Inners and the Outers"
"Oh, yes, the party... I almost forgot. Be here after six, okay?" Setsuna says while wondering to herself what to do about the pink haired woman sleeping in the next room.
Ami waves to Hotaru and Setsuna. "See you tomorrow!"
Both Makoto and Mamoru say "Bye" and both Minako and Usagi say "See yah!"... it only takes a few moments and then the door closes, ushering in silence once again.
"I totally forgot about the party- they have no idea that our pink haired friend from the future is back!" Setsuna says, feeling a little panicked.
"I'm sure we'll figure out something... I'll go home and ask Haruka-papa and Michiru-momma about it"
"Good idea, Hotaru. Call me tomorrow and let me know what you come up with"
"Will do!" is the cheerful response from Hotaru, who heads to the door and grabs her jacked. "Take care of Usagi for me"
"I will"
The purple haired teen quickly heads home and talks about the situation with Michiru and Haruka- the three exchange ideas and, after some deliberation, come up with an idea... that could actually be "fun" to do...
With the night well along, Hotaru decides to call it a day and turns in for the evening. As she passes her mirror, she cannot help but stop and take a look at herself.
'I wonder... is what Usagi said about me true? She certainly grew up as an adult, matching what the others told me about her alter ego, Black Lady. Maybe I'll fill out, too... like this Mistress Nine they were talking about, I do want to look good after all!'
With that thought in mind Hotaru takes a few moments to pick out what she's going to wear for tomorrow. She looks in her closet and picks out a purple button down sweater and places the garment on her desk.
'That shows off my figure a little... but for some reason I'm not feeling shy at all right now. Usagi picked this out for me... why do I want to wear it so badly?'
Hotaru grappels with that thought while looking through the contents of one of her drawers. She soon comes across another purchase from an earlier shopping trip...
'That's the purple bra from that pajama shopping trip- I've never worn it so I guess now's a good time as any'
The garment is picked up and placed on top of the sweater, setting the stage for the party tomorrow. Hotaru sits down on her bed and sighs aloud, finally realizing what's going on inside of her. 'I must've picked up some of Usagi's condition, whatever it was. This isn't me... is it?'
Hotaru goes to sleep and ponders that very question...
To be continued in Chapter 8: XMAS Eve
Afterword:
First of all, I have two picture references for this chapter to make visualizing it a little easier.
Reference for Rei's red 2 piece bikini in this part: .com/art/Sailor-Moon-Vacation-Colored-75351418
Reference for Rei's outfit at the end of this part, the tank top/shorts combo: .?namespace=productDisplay&origin=&event=display&prnbr=EG-183228&page=1&cgname=OSSLPSETZZZ&rfnbr=5241
I also have an omake as well- keep in mind this is for fun and is not going to happen in the story, it's made up.
Omake 1- In Northern Japan at Yuuchiro's parent's cabin:
Yuuchiro grins. "I had this warm feeling..."
"Yuucchiro... you were on fire..." Rei coos softly as she snuggles up to her lover.
"Oh yeah... in more ways then one. What are you going to tell your friends when you get back?"
"That they shouldn't have bet on Usagi- just because she's with Mamoru in the future doesn't mean she's first to get some action..."
Unawares to Rei and Yuuchiro, another Senshi had already beaten her to the punch earlier in a love hotel in Tokyo while on her way home from a friend's apartment...
"I don't know what came over me... I'm sorry..."
The pig tailed martial artist shakes his head and smiles, though inside he's very worried. 'Akane's gonna kill me! But it was sooooooo worth it! This purple haired girl is so... hot!'
"Ranma?"
"Yes Hotaru?"