~Wavering Destiny~
by Strawberry Moon Rose
Does anyone else notice how much Seiya winks in the anime? I swear, like every episode she's throwing a flirty one at Usagi:
-"If a thief breaks in, I'll knock 'em out!" *Winks*
-"Bun Head's gonna play softball with me! I already told our teacher." *Winks*
-"Bun Head! Let's show them our love-love power!" *Winks*
-The teacher, "These three will be in our class from now on. Please show them around." Seiya, standing at the front of the class looks at Usagi and *Winks*
See? :) That's why I make her wink so much in case you guys were wondering XD lol
Enjoy! :D
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.
Chapter 26: Heartbeat
"Where's Usagi?" Makoto asked when Seiya entered the dining room alone that evening.
Seiya pulled back her chair beside Taiki. "Bun Head said she's kind of tired. I'll bring her something later," she answered. She noted that the chair at the head of table was empty before remembering The Princess had some business to attend to and would be late.
Tonight it was the finest tomato soup, biscuits, and an exotic Kinmokian fruit that looked like a purple apple. Seiya picked up her spoon and started to dig in.
"I'll bet she's too humiliated to come out," Yaten snickered. She dipped her biscuit up and down in her steaming liquid, careful not to wreck her manicure.
"What do you mean?" Taiki asked.
Cat green eyes narrowed across the table to Seiya. A devious smile played on her lips. "Come on Seiya, tell 'em," Yaten taunted.
The one thing Seiya hated about herself was that she blushed easily. With her outgoing attitude and tomboyish nature, she felt that it didn't suit her. At that moment, she could feel her face growing hot. She raised her glass of water to her mouth. After a long, time-buying sip, she sat it down on the table with a clink. "I have no idea what you're mumbling about," Seiya said with poise, avoiding their eyes.
"Okay then. Since you won't tell them, I will." Yaten rested her spoon against the side of her soup bowl. "I mean, what's the point in hiding it any longer?"
Seiya glared up under black lashes. She didn't care if everyone knew about them. But she knew Usagi wasn't prepared to have Makoto, Ami and Taiki judge their decision yet. She shot daggers across the table.
"Hiding what?" Taiki asked, turning to Seiya.
Down a few chairs, Rei and Minako exchanged anxious glances. Ami and Makoto looked at each other in confusion.
"Seiya and Usagi," Yaten said smugly. She looked square at Seiya as she spoke, although she was talking to Taiki. "I was just minding my own business earlier today when I happened to walk in on the two of them making ou-"
"Making omelets!" Seiya said quickly, her voice drowning out Yaten's. "Bun Head was hungry earlier so we came to the kitchen and made omelets. Yaten walked in and wondered what we were doing, because we weren't supposed to be in there." She shot a stern, silencing stare across the table.
Yaten frowned.
"Omelets, huh?" Taiki repeated. "I haven't had those since we were on Earth."
Makoto knitted her brows. "But...I was in the kitchen all day. I never saw the two of you in there-"
"SO! Who's excited for the party?" Rei interrupted, cutting her friend off. "I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait! What about you, Ami?"
Ami blinked, surprised the attention was suddenly turned to her. "Oh, um yes. I can't wait either, Rei," she replied after swallowing a mouthful of buttery biscuit. She dabbed her lips with a fabric napkin.
Seiya gave a light sigh of relief. She caught Rei's attention and subtly smiled.
Rei nodded before turning back to her food. Just as she'd promised, she had their backs.
Yaten sank back in her chair. She kept quiet for the rest of the meal, throwing occasional glances at her leader. There was no doubt she was amused by the whole situation. Putting the pieces together, it all made sense now.
"Starlights?" a feminine voice rang like a bell. Kakyuu entered the dining room and approached the rectangular table.
All three of them started to push their chairs back, but Kakyuu raised her hand. "It's alright. I just came to remind you of tomorrow's agenda." She walked slowly and elegantly with grace. Her casual evening gown swished around her heels with each step. Many intricate designs stitched in the finest materials embroidered the edges in what looked like gold.
"Duties will be first thing tomorrow morning at seven," Kakyuu said, "just a short run though; Fighter you take outside the northern gate, Maker through town, and Healer here at the palace."
"Yes, Princess," the three of them in unison.
"After lunch, the stylists will be ready for you. Be ready by three. Guests will start showing up at five. And remember, be in the ballroom by seven for your performance. The fireworks are at ten."
"Understood," Seiya answered for them.
Yaten turned to Minako sitting to her left. "Since you're doing the opening song, we'll be getting ready around 6:45. It can get pretty crowded during events like this, so stay by my side when it comes around."
"No problem!" Minako gushed. She squirmed in her seat. "Oh I'm so excited! And kinda nervous!"
"Don't worry, you'll do fine."
"Thanks!" Minako beamed.
Kakyuu added, "That is all. You three know what to do." She turned and left the room just as regally as she had entered.
Everyone watched her leave before turning back to their almost empty plates. A few workers appeared through the swinging kitchen doors to collect dishes.
"Is there anything we should do for tomorrow?" Ami asked the tallest Starlight.
Taiki shook her head. "No, everything is taken care of. Just be ready in your gowns by three. It's gonna be a big day tomorrow, get a good night's sleep."
9:57 P.M.
Usagi stared diligently at the clock on her nightstand. The red digital numbers were leaving imprints in her eyes, she forced herself to look away. Three more minutes. Every night since the storm, she'd been sneaking into Seiya's bedroom at ten on the dot. Not that there was anything wrong with her bed of course. She wanted to spend every second she could with her, especially since Seiya had been so busy these past few days.
She stood before the mirror one last time, examining her reflection. She wore a simple silk nightgown the color of her eyes. It fell mid-thigh, and had white lace decorating the hems. Her undone hair shimmered around her shoulders like a golden curtain to her knees.
9:59 P.M. Close enough. Usagi clicked the light off and opened her door with hesitation. Peeking around to make sure the coast was clear, she hurried down the hall. As many times that she'd done this, her heart never failed to start jumping in her chest.
She didn't have to knock. Seiya would be expecting her at the same time as usual.
"It's me," Usagi whispered into the darkness. Soft moonlight poured in through the window above the bed. Her eyes hadn't adjusted, but she could still see Seiya's womanly figure lying in the shadows.
"Come here," she beckoned.
Usagi crawled across the mattress to where she was laying, right in the middle over the cool sheets. The second she got near her, Seiya reached out pulled her into a embrace.
Their bare legs brushed against each other. Seiya was wearing her usual slumber fashion; short shorts and a tight, mesh tank top. Her hair was also undone, blueish tresses with a natural curl falling around her shoulders.
With her lips to Usagi's ear, she whispered, "Are you ready for tomorrow, Bun Head?"
"I can't wait! The palace looks great. And all that delicious food that's gonna be there, mmm-mmm! Oh, I wonder if they'll have chocolate chip cheesecake!"
"Is that all you think about?" she teased.
"As a matter of fact, it most certainly is."
"You're too cute." Seiya yawned. "I'm so tired. Ugh, and I have duties tomorrow morning. It's going to be busy, that's for sure. Looks like the next time I'll see you, you'll be all dressed up."
"That's right. And you're going to wear that dress I picked out, aren't you, Seiya?"
"Of course I will." Seiya found Usagi's hand, entwining their fingers. "Everyone's going to be so jealous watching us dance together."
"Dance?" Usagi looked horrified.
"Well of course. It's a party after all. You're going to save one dance for me, aren't you?"
"Um, Seiya, I don't think you understand," Usagi protested, "I can't dance."
"Of course you can, Bun Head. Everyone can dance."
"No, Seiya, I really mean it. I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time. You've seen how klutzy I am! I'll trip and fall over, and take you down too! It'll be like the time with Mr. Garapan all over again!"
Seiya chuckled at the memory. "Garayan, Bun Head. And don't you worry. I'm a great dancer. I had all sorts of dancing lessons when I was in the Three Lights. As long as you're with me, I'll lead and we'll be fine."
"I don't know, Seiya...just don't complain if I step all over your feet," Usagi warned.
"I won't."
Besides the dancing part, Usagi was sure the party was going to be a hit. She was really looking forward to seeing the Three Lights perform. Usagi was certain everyone would love them just as much as they did on Earth. She was dying to hear their new music. Back home she listened to their CD so much, she couldn't get "Nagareboshi e" and "Todokanu Omoi" out of her head. Hearing some recent work would be more than a treat. And even better; live. She had missed the bus to see one of their concerts before, but this time she'd have front row and Seiya all to herself.
"There's going to be so many people coming, isn't there? I'm kind of nervous," Usagi admitted.
"Hmm? About what?"
"Well..." Usagi fidgeted. "A lot of things..."
"Like?"
"Like meeting your family..."
Seiya's lips curled into a smile. "Is that it? Don't worry, Bun Head! They're gonna love you. I love you."
Usagi chewed on the inside of her lip. 'I love you.' The words echoed in her head. I love you. I love you. I love you. She swallowed. After everything, she had yet to tell Seiya those three words. She was sure she had noticed by now. How pathetic of me! I can't even gather the courage to tell her the truth.
Seiya yawned and rolled onto her back. "It's gonna be a big day, we should probably get some shut eye." She pulled the blankets over their bodies and snuggled closer to Usagi.
"Um...Seiya?"
"Yes, Bun Head?"
"I uh...I want to tell you something. I should have said this a lot earlier, but I never found the right time," Usagi whispered.
"What is it?"
Usagi gulped. "Well...you see, I..." She looked up into Seiya's eyes. Her pupils could be the night sky; white glittering reflections of the stars, speckling over blue ocean water.
"What is it?" Seiya murmured, inching closer. Her breath scorched the side of Usagi's face.
"I..." What was I going to say again? What was it? I can't remember! Quickly say something before - Geh! Why's she getting so close!? Don't...don't look at me that way when I'm trying to tell you...trying to tell you that I...
"Bun Head?" She propped herself up on her elbow.
"Y-yes?"
Her eyes met Usagi's before drifting to her lips and back up to her eyes again. Seiya started to ease in, closer to her face.
Usagi felt her eyelids drifting shut a mere second before warm lips pressed against hers.
Seiya leaned down, keeping it soft and sweet. Her ebony locks tumbled over her shoulders, mixing with golden tresses on the sheets. It took all of Seiya's power to fight the instinctive urge to roll on top of her and extinguish the blaze of passion building within her. Seiya caressed the soft skin of her cheek with her hand.
Usagi moved her mouth in a delicate gesture, matching her slow pace. Seiya's lips were a delicious confection, tasting faintly minty.
It was short and sweet, lasting no longer than ten seconds. Seiya slowly pulled away, lingering a mere inch from Usagi's lips. She chuckled and eased back down beside her.
"Every time," she whispered with a small laugh. She brought the back of her hand to her forehead.
Usagi's head was fuzzy and her lips were still tingling. "Every time what?" she said.
Seiya reached out and found Usagi's hand in the darkness. She pulled it towards her body and placed it on her chest and asked, "Do you feel that?"
"Feel what?" Usagi managed. If she was referring to her lacy bra under thin top, yes, she could.
Seiya said, "My heartbeat."
"Oh." Usagi closed her eyes. Da dum. Da dum. The pulse was strong and steady like a racing bass drum flowing under her fingers. "Yes, I do," she whispered.
Even in the dim moonlight, Usagi could see a light blush casting Seiya's face.
"It happens every time."
"Seiya..." Thump. Thump. She couldn't decide whose heart was jumping faster, hers or Seiya's.
"Same here."
"Can I feel yours?"
Usagi felt herself nodding.
Seiya pulled herself closer. She brought her hand to Usagi's chest and for a intimate moment, they lay in silence, feeling each other's heartbeats.
"No matter what happens, I'll always cherish moments like this," Seiya said softly. Her voice choked up at the end.
"I will too."
"We had better get some sleep. Tomorrow's a big day."
"You're right."
"Sleep tight, Bun Head," Seiya whispered. Another yawn escaped her.
"Goodnight, Seiya."
Usage pulled the comforter they shared to her chin and closed her eyes. Why do I...have this feeling? Like something big is going to happen tomorrow... Usagi pushed her pessimistic thoughts out of her mind. No, it's probably just nerves. I'll be okay as long as I have Seiya by my side. Her eyes popped open. Oh no! I never did tell her how I felt! She totally distracted me with that kiss!
"Hey, Seiya?" she whispered.
For a few moments it was silent. Examining her close face in the moonlight, she saw the Starlight's eyes fluttered open for a brief second before drifting shut again. "Mmm, yeah Bun Head? I'm listening..."
"Well I..." Buh-bum. Buh-bum. Her heart started to accelerate again. Too bad Seiya couldn't feel it this time. But as loud as it was, she probably could hear it.
"I...I just wanted to tell you what you mean to me," Usagi whispered. "I mean, I know it may be obvious, but I still think I should say it anyways. We became really good friends and somewhere along the line, even though I didn't know it back then, I kinda...fell for you. I sorta figured you well, liked me a little bit too." Her voice wavered.
Usagi paused, trying to collect her thoughts. "It wasn't until you left that I realized how much I missed you. I still expected to see you in class, but your chair was empty." Her eyes stung at the memories. "But when we came here, and the moment I saw your face, something clicked. It was like I found my missing puzzle piece. And being here, I've had the time of my life. You make me so happy Seiya, and every time I see you, I smile. The way I feel is so strong and crazy that I guess..." Usagi swallowed. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that...is that...well, I love you."
Usagi held her breath. I did it. I finally told her how I feel.
Seconds went by, and the Starlight didn't say anything. Usagi figured she was trying to process everything she told her, but something was off.
"Seiya?" Usagi whispered. All she could hear was her faint breathing. She snuggled even closer, examining her face.
She was already fast asleep.
Usagi let out a disappointed sigh. Then she kissed Seiya tenderly on the cheek, and tucked them both in.