~Wavering Destiny~
by Strawberry Moon Rose
Don't worry, I didn't forget about Yaten & Minako. It's coming :D
Enjoy! :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.
Chapter 27: The Amazing Party
"Shh! How are we gonna wake her?"
"No idea. Ugh, Usagi. Leave it to her to sleep in today of all days. She's such a lazy bum."
"Hehe, I know Rei, let's tickle her! You take her feet, I'll get her stomach, 'kay?"
"I was thinking of just yelling in her ear, but that works too. You go over there. Ready?"
"Yep!"
Two figures had sneaked into Seiya's bedroom. It was midday, and bright sunlight shone into the room creating a pretty glow. Minako and Rei crept to the bed where Usagi was sleeping.
Minako crawled on her knees across the sheets. "Seiya's bed is huge!" she exclaimed.
"No kidding. Ten people could fit in it," Rei agreed.
Minako giggled as she got closer to Usagi. She was sleeping on her stomach, snuggled up to the pillow enjoying a pleasant dream. Too bad that was all about to change. If only Seiya wasn't on duties to see this.
Rei positioned herself at the end of the bed. "Okay," she initiated and started tickling the her feet.
Minako tickled just under Usagi's chin. "Come on, Usagi! It's time to get up..." she cooed. With little response, Minako brought her hand to her stomach and tickled her.
Usagi flinched. The corners of her lips curled up as she squirmed around. She rolled over, bringing her arm out catching Minako, pulling her down. "Seiya...I love you..." she mumbled.
"Uh, Rei!" Minako whispered. "Help...me!" She flailed an arm out in her direction.
Rei gripped her side, choking back laughter.
"This isn't funny!" Minako began inching out of Usagi's grasp, but she only held on tighter. Usagi nuzzled her face against Minako's. "R-Rei! Do something!"
Rei continued to snicker as she walked around the side of the bed. Bending over, she took a deep breath before yelling at the top of her lungs. "U-SA-GI!"
Usagi's eyes flew open. A look of disorientation crossed her face. Realizing who was in her arms was, she panicked and pulled away. "Minako! Rei! What are you two doing in here?! This is Seiya's room!" she shrieked.
The two of them lost it with laughter. Minako, lying in the bed, rolled over, banging her fist against the mattress as she chortled. Rei cackled with her hand to her mouth.
Usagi frowned. "What's going on?"
"You should have seen the look on your face!" Minako laughed.
"No kidding!" Rei said. "And are you gonna sleep 'til noon?"
"Eh?" Usagi crawled across the bed, around Minako, over to the clock on the nightstand. She brought the device to her face. 11:38 AM.
Minako rolled off the bed and fixed her frazzled hair. "We came to wake you up," she explained. "You weren't in your own room, so we figured you'd be in here."
"Of course she'd be in here," Rei blabbed with a grin.
Usagi turned her gaze to the ajar bedroom door. "Seiya must have left it open," she muttered under her breath. "I know I locked it last night..."
Rei reached across the bed. "What are you mumbling about? Come on!" She grabbed Usagi's hand and gave her a tug. "You can't lay around in bed all day. We've got a party to get ready for, remember?"
"The party? Oh right, that's today isn't it?" A classical sweat drop situation for Usagi.
"Hey! Seiya!"
There was only one person with such a distinct, whispery voice.
Seiya turned around, sighing. "What, Yaten? I've got to get going. The stylists are waiting for me and I'm already late."
Entering the front gates outside, Yaten walked slowly down the stone path towards the palace. Running would only mess up her hair and make her hot and sweaty. Gross.
Seiya tapped her foot. She had finished her duties and had already detransformed back into her civilian self. She was just about to head into the palace.
"So," Yaten started, once she finally caught up with Seiya. She folded her delicate arms in front of her chest. "Do you wanna explain to me what's going on between you and Usagi? It seems both of you have been avoiding me lately."
Seiya sighed and continued to walk on. The strong afternoon sun beating down from above made her squint. "Isn't it obvious enough? And if you're trying to embarrass me, it's not gonna work. Just don't mention it to Bun Head, she's pretty upset about the whole thing."
Yaten rolled her eyes. "I couldn't care less what you two do in your free time."
"Good, because it's none of your business."
"Anyways, that's not what I'm talking about," Yaten continued, sounding slightly irritated.
"Then what are you talking about?"
Yaten looked straight ahead. She didn't say anything for a few moments as they walked. "Be honest with me, okay?" Her tone suddenly changed.
"Yeah, sure."
"You can do what you want. And I know you will anyways," Yaten said, "but I think you and I both know how dangerous this is."
"Dangerous?"
Yaten frowned. "Seiya, you were a wreck for the longest time, and it was all because of that girl. Is being with her really the best idea? What happens when she leaves again? Then what are you gonna do?"
Seiya ignored her, marching on towards the palace.
"Fine then, ignore me. But at least tell me if you two are serious or if you're just fooling around like you tend to do with women."
Seiya's gaze snapped back. "Of course we're serious. This isn't something that just happened here." Seiya's expression and voice softened. "Being away from each other wasn't exactly easy for either of us."
"So is that why...they came here?" Yaten was genuinely curious.
"I think so."
"Well...what are you two gonna do? She's has to leave eventually, you know." Keeping her relationship with Minako in mind, she used their similar situation as a sneaky way to get answers for questions that had been swimming in her own head lately.
Seiya sighed, sounding tired. She looked Yaten in the eyes. It was clear she'd already asked herself this more than once. "I really don't know. We'll just see what happens, I guess."
Yaten scowled. That was so like Seiya, always putting things off and acting before thinking. But considering there was no easy answer, she was willing to think the same way. At least for a little while longer.
"Well good luck, I guess," Yaten said.
"Thanks."
"Come on Usagi, let's see it!" Ami called.
Pulling the bathroom door open, the moon princess emerged wearing her party dress. Four pairs of eyes took her in. "Well? How do I look?" Usagi asked. The purple halter dress ruffled out around her as she spun in a small circle.
"Oh my gosh, it's gorgeous!" Minako gushed. "You look so pretty!"
"Haha, you really think so?" Usagi looked down at herself. It was a cute dress. As expensive as that boutique was, it had better be!
Minako stepped forward and grabbed Usagi's hand. "Come on! Let me do your makeup." Minako dragged her to the vanity, forcing her to sit in the cushioned chair while she fished in the drawers for cosmetics.
"I can start on your hair!" Makoto offered, hurrying after them.
The five girls were in the guest room Ami and Makoto shared. Outside the bedroom doors, the palace was buzzing. Guests would be arriving in an hour and everything had to be perfect.
"Okay, close your eyes. No, don't squeeze them shut! Relax, Usagi," Minako told her before applying a soft shade of eyeshadow over her lids.
"How do you want your hair done?" Makoto asked, standing behind her. She ran a brush through Usagi's undone locks.
"Here, let me help you." Rei stepped in. "You trust me, don't you, Usagi? I know exactly how you'll want it..."
If Minako wasn't smearing a coat of lip gloss over her mouth, Usagi would have objected.
She felt like royalty getting pampered. Of course, everyone was swooning over her because she was the last one to get ready. Everybody else was in their dresses with their hair, makeup, and nails already done. After rudely being awoken and hurried through eating her brunch, she was still a little out of it and slow moving. Just as Seiya had said, she wouldn't be seeing her until that afternoon when the party began. I bet she's getting ready right now too...I can't wait to see her!
"Like this, Rei?" Makoto asked, gently twisting a strand around the curling iron.
"Yes, now pin it there." Rei reached for a bottle of hairspray and spritzed the strong fragrance. Usagi tried not to cough as the mist settled over her.
"Usagi, I'm trying to do your mascara!" Minako complained. She sighed and reached for a tissue to wipe away the smear.
"Sorry Minako." Usagi held as still as she could for the next forty-five minutes. It wasn't easy. They'd spun the chair around so she couldn't see herself, and Rei was making her nervous twisting and pinning her locks. Ami offered to fetch her a book while she waited, but she declined. She was too anxious to read.
"Done!" Rei announced at last. She took Usagi's hand and helped her up. "But keep your eyes closed! I'd put my hands over them, but I don't want to mess up Minako's lovely makeup job."
Minako beamed.
Rei lead her to the full length mirror on the other side of the room. "Okay. You can open them in three...two...one!"
Blue eyes popped open. Usagi gasped at her reflection.
Her hair was tied up in her signature trademark, but a much more ornate version. The Bun Heads were laced with tiny braids and adorned curls. Streaming out of them, golden tresses cascaded in gentle waves to her knees. The makeup around her eyes was natural, accenting tinted cheeks and glossy pink lips.
"Wow," Usagi breathed. She touched the side of her face. Even her skin seemed to glow. It was like an artist had swept their magic brush over her features, enhancing them. Her hair looked like something a princess wore out of a fairy tale. Usagi lifted the sides of her dress and turned, examining herself from every angle, speechless.
"Well? Do you like it?" Minako asked, rocking back and forth on her high heels.
Usagi threw her arms around her. "Yes! It's perfect!" She then moved to Rei who awkwardly accepted her hug. She reached for Makoto and Ami when a knock on the door startled everyone.
"It's me," Taiki called. "Are you girls ready? It's almost time. People have started to arrive."
Everyone exchanged nervous glances. It was really happening. The party they'd been preparing for was finally here!
Ami hurried to answer the door. When she moved, her blue, baby doll dress threw sparkly sequins into the light like ice crystals. There wasn't a dress more suited for the guardian of water.
When she pulled the door open, everyone did a double take at the tall girl standing in the doorway. Was that really Taiki?
Taiki stood before them wearing a violet gown the color of her eyes. It was loose and comfortable looking, flowing down to her ankles. Tiny diamonds embroidered the edges, matching the ones hanging from her ears. Chestnut locks were tied back into a ponytail, much higher than usual. Her eyes were played up with a soft shades of purple.
"Taiki..." Ami breathed. She could feel her face flushing. "You look...wonderful!"
Taiki smiled. "As do you..." she replied, still eying in her. Taiki bowed, offering her hand. "Shall I escort you to the party?" she whispered so the others couldn't hear.
Nodding, the red-faced girl took her hand and followed her down the hall. It was as if she'd forgotten all about the four of them.
Rei peeked into the hallway after they left. "Did you just see that?" she asked, dumbfounded.
"It was like she forgot all about us!" Makoto added, slightly amused.
Usagi giggled. "Come on guys, let's follow them!"
Maneuvering through the labyrinth of halls, they reached the ballroom corridor. Unlike the other hundreds of hallways, this one was dimly lit. The strings draped high along the walls gave off sparse, twinkling fireflies of light that guided them on their way.
"Oh, it's such a romantic atmosphere!" Minako cried, taking it all in.
"I feel like we're walking in the halls of a castle at night," Rei commented. She strutted beside her, sassy and hot in high heels and a red dress. Thin spaghetti straps held up the bold, fire engine-colored material. It was simple, yet eye-catching against her creamy, alabaster complexion.
Usagi chewed on the inside of her lip. She barely even recognized it as the same hallway she'd fallen off the ladder in. She could still feel Seiya's protective arms when she caught her. Soft and warm...and her soothing rosy scent were fresh on her mind as if it'd just happened yesterday. Usagi shook her head, bringing herself back to reality. This was a big night, and she needed to focus.
The four of them caught up to Taiki and Ami whom were walking side by side. As they got closer, they could hear faint white noise of people chattering and quiet music. Stepping past the guards who gave them a nod, they entered the buzzing room only to be blown away.
"Wow..." Usagi gasped. The sparkling ballroom was dressed to the nines. The tall walls, carved in intricate designs that reminded her of European palaces, seemed to stretch out before them endlessly. Dazzling chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting the vast room in a soft, dusky glow.
To their right was a small stage where the Three Lights would perform. Large speakers and microphones were set up on the glossy, black platform with a glittering backdrop.
On the other side of the ballroom, the entire wall was lined with tables upon tables of dishes. Finger sandwiches, escargot, wine, punch, chocolate velvet cake, only the finest was arranged for everyone to pleasure their taste buds with.
The ballroom was slowly filling with bodies. Women, men, and children of all ages dressed in their best attire laughed and talked amongst each other. A group of girls their age walked by wearing glamorous gowns, linked arm in arm with handsome men in tuxedos. A mixture of sweet perfume and spicy cologne wafted as they passed by.
"This...is..." Makoto couldn't find the words. Her eyes trailed after a suave man with sandy hair.
"Amazing!" Usagi finished, stepping forward. "I feel like I'm in a dream!" Her eyes sparkled as she took it all in. She loved elegant parties like this!
"Eek! Oh my god!" Minako squealed and started jumping up and down.
"What is it?" Rei asked.
Jabbing her finger in the direction, Minako just grinned. "Over there! It's Yaten! And does she look ah-mazing!"
Usagi giggled, watching her friend dash off like a puppy to its owner. Speaking of Starlights, she wanted to find Seiya and show off her cute dress. The last time she'd spoken with her, Seiya had fallen asleep just before she'd confessed her feelings. It felt like a lifetime ago.
"I'm going to find Seiya," Usagi said. She waved to Makoto and Rei before wandering away. Somehow they'd already lost Taiki and Ami in the growing crowd.
The blonde meandered through the sea of people, swerving in and out of unfamiliar faces. Her eyes swept each person. Click. Click. Her heels echoed off the shiny ballroom floor. Not her. Nope, not her. Hmm...where is she? You think she'd be looking for me too...
Fiery red hair caught her attention like a burning flame. Kakyuu stood just up ahead, surrounded by important looking people. Usagi walked in her direction, hoping Seiya would be close by.
"Why hello there," Kakyuu greeted Usagi. The middle aged people surrounding her turned to see who the Princess was addressing.
Usagi gulped under all their stares. She gave an uncertain bow. "Um...hello, Princess. Er...your majesty," she said. As far as everyone else was concerned, Kakyuu was her princess and she was from Kinmoku. She had to go along with the facade.
Usagi wondered if she was doing the greeting right. How long did they bow for on Kinmoku anyway? Or would a curtsy have been more appropriate? Was a "common" girl like her even supposed to talk to the Princess? She nervously eased up, hoping she wasn't being rude.
It seemed she'd done something right, because the men and women surrounding her glanced for a moment, then returned to their conversation.
"Please enjoy the party," Kakyuu said sweetly. She gave a small nod only Usagi would notice before turning away to greet more guests with a warm, welcoming smile.
Usagi exhaled and hurried off. If she's not around the Princess, then where is she? And why haven't I run into her yet?
She caught sight of Ami and Taiki conversing not too far away. Usagi smiled. It seemed like the two of them had become pretty close lately. She hadn't seen Taiki so smiley or Ami so red before. She was so preoccupied sneaking a peek at the couple, she bumped right into someone.
"Oh!"
"I'm so sorry!" Usagi apologized.
"It's alright, don't worry about it..." When the older girl turned around, Usagi gasped. As unfamiliar as she was, Usagi felt like they'd met somewhere before. Her skin was porcelain white and free of blemishes. Glossy black hair swept across her forehead into a short bob, falling below her chin. Her blue eyes were wide set, giving her an exotic feel. The girl wore a stunning yellow gown. If Usagi didn't know better, she would have guessed she was a sophisticated Japanese model. But that was absurd. She was Kinmokian and Usagi never could have seen her before. Right?
"Are you okay?" The mysterious girl asked. Her voice was like melting chocolate; sweet and smooth. Her forehead crinkled in worry as the blonde continued to stare at her, speechless.
Usagi felt a blush cross her face, partly because she'd ran into her and partly because she was gorgeous. "Uh huh. I wasn't looking where I was going. Sorry," Usagi said again. She gave a nod before walking away. She was certain now they hadn't met before. She would have recalled those eyes and creamy voice. But still...who on Earth was she?
"Hey, did you find Seiya yet?" Makoto asked as Usagi approached her.
Usagi hung her head, dejected.
Makoto patted Usagi's back. "I'm sure she's around here somewhere. In the meantime, why don't we go get something to snack on? I bet you want to try one of my brownies, don't you?"
Usagi's eyes lit up. "Yes!" She followed her brunette friend to the long line of tables on the other side of the ballroom. There was so much food, she didn't even know where to start!
Usagi went straight for the dessert section. Caramels, cupcakes, doughnuts, pretzels, pastries, jams, everything she'd dreamed of and more was all there. Grabbing a plate, she began piling on a little bit of everything.
"Slow down, Usagi!" Makoto joked, reaching for a vanilla cookie.
"Mm! Mako, you have got to try this shortcake! It's so yummy!" Usagi raised her fork to her lips, swallowing the strawberry bliss.
Makoto smiled. The two girls stood against the wall, indulging on their treats. The music had turned to what must have been a popular pop song, because the younger people started moving to the beat.
"You know Usagi," Makoto said as they watched everyone dance, "I'm really happy you seem back to yourself these days."
"Eh?"
Makoto brushed her bangs out of her eyes. Her brunette curls were let out of their usual ponytail, shimmering like waves down her back. Her hairstyle went well with her one shouldered, light pink gown that touched the floor. "You seem much happier lately," Makoto said to her, after swallowing a bite of cookie.
"Really?" Usagi asked over the music.
Makoto nodded. "Yeah. You know, you really had us all worried. You were pretty quiet back home. I don't know what it is, but ever since we've come here, you've done a 180. I'm so relieved to see you smiling again."
Usagi grinned. "Thanks, Mako," she said honestly. She finished off the last bite of her cake.
"No problem." Makoto smiled and gazed back into the sea of people.
Usagi raised an eyebrow, a familiar smile emerging. "Alright, Mako...come on, which one is it?"
"Huh?"
"Which one of those guys are you checking out?" Usagi asked giddily, as she followed the her starry gaze.
Makoto blushed and scratched her head. "What? I don't know what you're talking about, Usagi!" she said quickly.
"Come on, you can't hide it from me! I know you well enough. Is it...that one? With the dark green hair? Or the one with the glasses?"
Makoto knew it was pointless to try and hide it from her. Makoto shook her head. "No...it's that guy over there. The one by the girl in the white dress," she admitted.
Usagi spotted him. A tall, good looking guy with sandy hair and brown eyes. He wore a white tux. "Hey nice eye! Let me guess, he looks exactly like-"
"My ex-boyfriend who broke my heart," Makoto finished in a dreamy voice. She sighed. Her pupils were practically hearts.
"Hey, don't you think he kinda looks like Motoki?"
"Eh!?" Makoto almost choked on her cookie. She swallowed and quickly brushed the crumbs off her lips.
"Yeah, he's got the same hair and everything!"
Makoto's eyes trailed back to him, seeing the resemblance. "I guess you're sorta right."
Usagi gave her a little push. "You should go talk to him, Mako!"
"No way! He's probably already got a girlfriend!"
"Aw, come on! You can just say hi!" Usagi giggled. "That won't hurt anything! It's the only time you'll ever see him!"
"Well, um...maybe later. I just remembered, I've got to tell Rei something. Later!" Makoto laughed nervously and slipped away.
Usagi grinned and rolled her eyes. "Fine then, Mako. That just leaves more sweets for me!" she called after her. Usagi reached back to grab another chocolate brownie when someone caught her hand.
"I knew I'd find you here," a voice purred.
Usagi looked up. "Seiya!" It was as if the stars had aligned right there.
The Starlight smiled. Just as she'd promised, she wore the mermaid dress Usagi picked out. It was midnight blue, the color of her guardian uniform. Made of tiny glittering sparkles, the pattern resembled the night sky. It was tight, daring, and ravishing. The tube top clenched at her waist, hugging all her curves.
What stunned Usagi the most was not the dazzling dress, but the beauty wearing it. When Seiya was dressed as a guy, she didn't wear makeup. She was the kind of girl that didn't need it anyways. But now, matching her daring dress, her eyes were lined with glittery liner, smoky shadow, and framed by luscious lashes. She'd never looked so radiant before.
Like Taiki, her ebony locks were tied back in a high ponytail, tumbling in natural waves down her back. Under the chandelier lights, they glistened blue.
"You look..." Usagi was speechless. Captivating? Gorgeous? Charming? All of the above.
"It's all thanks to the stylists." Seiya shrugged modestly, trying but failing to hide the light blush that came to her face.
Usagi couldn't take her eyes off her.
"But I have to tell you..." Seiya lowered her voice and took a step towards Usagi. She bent and whispered in her ear, "You look insanely beautiful, Bun Head."
Usagi's face turned red as Seiya pulled away. She folded her arms in front of her chest. "You're just saying that," she said.
"I am not. You're by far the cutest girl here."
Usagi smiled. "Shut up..." she said with affection.
Seiya extended her hand.
"What?"
"You're my date. And this is a party isn't it? I say we enjoy it..." Seiya narrowed her eyes in a way Usagi knew all too well.
She hesitantly took a step forward and placed her hand into Seiya's, wrapping her fingers around her warm touch.
Seiya raised Usagi's hand to her lips and kissed her skin gently. "Come with me, Bun Head," she whispered.