~Wavering Destiny~
by Strawberry Moon Rose

I'm a better artist than I am a writer, so I drew Seiya and Usagi in their party dresses to go along with this chapter!

You can find the image by googling "Strawberry Moon Rose deviantart" and it'll come up on my old deviantart account.

Nowadays I am known as "taylorlynn04art" on deviantart, tumblr, and instagram. Instagram is where I make updates about fanfiction I'm currently working on, upload fan art, and anything anime/Sailor Moon! As you may know, I am working on more Seiya and Usagi fanfictions, and follow for updates here on too!

Enjoy =D

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.

Chapter 31: The Turning Point

As expected, the Three Lights were a hit.

Usagi stood in the front row between Ami and Minako, feeling like a starstruck fan. She couldn't take her eyes off Seiya even for one moment. There was something about the way she sang that made her even more attractive.

Seiya had a stunning voice. With an unparalleled vocal range, rich in tone. Taiki's deep background vocals and Yaten's distinct pitch echoed her words, creating the original Three Light's sound in a pitch perfect harmony.

All the songs were catchy and well-written. After just one, they had the crowd singing along and cheering them on.

Waiting for the crowd to settle down after a popular number, Seiya took the mic out of the holder and gazed into the sea of faces. "Before we finish up tonight, I'd like to slow it down," Seiya announced. "I wrote this song a while ago about...someone very dear to me. I hope you like it."

A slow, steady beat begun to play. A beautiful melody of strings trickled through the air, sad and hopeful.

Subconsciously, Usagi's hands rose over her heart. It was such a powerful string of chords, it moved her. She could feel the energy around her shift.

Seiya started to sing the solo:

"I still remember the first time I saw you, how could I forget?

I can never replace him, I shouldn't even try, but I won't give up yet

There is something special about you that pulls me in

This is a fight that I can't win

I have to give up and surrender

If only I'd met you earlier

I may not be trapped in this

One sided love"

Usagi swallowed. She knew exactly who the song was about. She fidgeted in her spot, hoping Seiya wouldn't look her way. Some of the people were slow dancing, unaware of the powerful emotions she was emitting.

"I still remember the sound of your voice, it is beautiful

I can never forget you, I don't want to, just so you know

More than anything I just want to see you happy wherever you are"

"Usagi?"

"Huh?"

"Are you okay?" Ami asked over the music.

Usagi realized a few tears had escaped her and were sliding down her cheek. Self-conscious, she raised her hand to her face and dried them on the back of her hand. "Yeah, I'm fine," she assured her.

Ami looked at her for a few longing seconds before turning back to the stage.

Usagi rested her hands over her heart again. She looked up at the lead singer. Seiya... It's not a one sided love. I love you and I always have. If only I'd realized that sooner, it would have saved us both a lot of pain and regret. I still need to tell you how I feel...

I won't hurt you again, no matter what. You are too special to me. I'm not going anywhere without you. I promise.

Maybe because all the boys around her were drooling over Seiya, Usagi became very aware of how good-looking the Starlight was standing up there on the stage. Her blue eyes glided up Seiya's body.

From her love of sports and strenuous duties as a sailor guardian, Seiya had an all-over toned body. Usagi could see her arm muscles holding the mic to her lips from where she stood. When Seiya sang, she had a tenancy of raising her head up, like she was releasing the song from her heart up to the sky. When she did, the glossy locks from her high ponytail tumbled even further down her back. From the angle the spotlight came down on her, the tresses shimmered blue.

The midnight blue dress wrapped tight around her full chest, clenching her waist, and accenting her hips before flaring out to the floor.

A light blush rose across Usagi's face. She couldn't believe how pretty Seiya was. Even though she was a woman, Seiya held the same qualities she did as a man; handsome, strong, and fearless. And yet also tender, delicate, and beautiful.

The ballad faded out. Everyone stopped in their slow dance to give a warm response. Usagi blinked, realizing she'd spent the entire song staring at her lover. She quickly joined the applause, clapping the loudest. She felt like she owed her that much since the song was written about her before their trip.

Seiya's eyes fell to the front row and immediately met Usagi's. She smiled and gave her a subtle wink.

Usagi smiled coyly.

Seiya nodded to Yaten and Taiki. It was time for their final song.

A catchy beat started to play. It was the most contagious of them all and had everyone dancing. Unlike their other stuff where the three of them sang at once, this one had each of them doing a verse on their own.

"Is it me, or did their music get even better?" Minako shouted.

"I really enjoy this one!" Ami agreed. Her baby doll dress sparkled ice crystal reflections as she moved to the beat.

"Hey Minako," Makoto said, "do you think you could get Yaten to make a CD of this for me?" She grinned knowingly.

"I supposed I could ask her about that." Minako giggled and stuck out her tongue. Now that everyone knew about them, she was destined to get an earful from her friends. But she didn't mind one bit.

Saeko rolled her hazel eyes at the girls' infatuation with the Three Lights. She said in her high pitched voice, "Did you guys know that when Yaten lived at home, she'd sing in the shower?"

"Really? Aw, that is so cute!" said Minako.

"I think she sounded like a croaking frog," Saeko stated bluntly with a smirk.

Rei patted the little girl's silver pigtails. "Little sisters. How adorable."

The finale ended and everyone broke out in a thunderous applause that lasted for a whole minute. The Three Lights bowed before making their way off the stage.

"Come on guys, let's go see them!" Minako was jumping up and down like she had ants in her pants. She skipped eagerly over to her girlfriend.

Usagi laughed and hurried after her. "Minako, hold up!" Like a sixth sense, Usagi felt someone was following her. She glanced back over her shoulder. "Ami? You're coming with us?"

"Um, yes. I just wanted to...congratulate Taiki. Er, not just her, I mean all of them! You know, for such a lovely performance. Why? Is that so strange, Usagi?"

Usagi's eyes squinted, lips curled up; a sneaky expression. Her voice was thick with giddiness. "Hey, Ami... What exactly is up between you and Taiki? The whole time we've been here, you two have been off by yourselves doing stuff."

"What?" Ami blushed. "We're just...talking, that's all! There's a lot of enriching culture here on Kinmoku that she's been teaching me about. I just...well... Usagi, why are you still looking at me like that?"

"Haha, no reason..."

"Hey! Bun Head!"

Usagi looked up to see Seiya sashaying towards her. Taiki and Yaten followed close behind, eyes on their corresponding partners at Usagi's side.

"Whataya think of the performance? I rocked it didn't I?" Seiya winked.

"It was amazing! I loved every song!"

"Really?"

"Really!"

"You guys are gonna be as popular as you were back home in no time!" Minako added.

"Uh oh," Taiki said, looking over Ami's shoulder. "Looks like we've got fans already..."

The six of them spotted a group of giggling girls huddled together, trying to work up the nerve to approach them. When they glanced in their direction, they all squealed and looked away.

Yaten frowned. "I've had enough of fans," she said under her breath. Reaching out for Minako's hand, she whispered, "Come on, let's go before they jump me again."

Seiya smiled smugly. "Oh and where are you two going?" she teased.

Yaten ignored her, walking away with the blonde in hand. Minako glanced over her shoulder and made a peace sign at her friends.

"Don't have too much fun, love birds!" Seiya called after them. She chuckled.

Taiki sighed and shook her head. "Why do you always try to get a rise out of her? You know she hates it."

Seiya laughed. "Aw come on, Taiki. You can't tell me you weren't a little surprised when she kissed her back there. I mean, Yaten with Minako? Who woulda thought? I didn't know she had the guts to do something so daring in front of everyone! What was she thinking?"

"I think she's being ridiculous, but that isn't new."

"I think it was romantic and cute," Usagi chimed in. "I'm happy for both of them."

Seiya narrowed her made-up eyes. "Hey Bun Head, it's too hot and noisy in here, don't you think? We should go someplace quieter..."

Usagi blushed at her tone. She was sure Taiki and Ami had heard, but they were busy talking about something else.

"Come on." Seiya took her hand and led her away.

"Where are we going, Seiya?" Usagi asked. They were heading towards the hallway door. As they walked past one of the food tables, Usagi snatched up a chocolate cupcake with her free hand when Seiya wasn't looking.

"Outside," she replied. "I want to show it to you before everyone goes out there for the fireworks." Seiya nodded to the guards as they exited the ballroom. She led Usagi down the hallway of twinkling lights to the door at the end. With each step, they got farther away from white noise of the party. The air got cooler from not being filled with dancing bodies.

They reached the exit. "After you," Seiya said politely.

Usagi smiled at the kind gesture. She stepped outside only to have her breath taken away.

The palace's ackyard stretched out before them, sparkling like a thousand firelies. Tables scattered around were dressed in white cloths fluttering in the wind. Burning candles in glass bowls sat on top of each of them.

Tree trunks were wrapped ornately in dazzling lights. Speakers were tied to the branches, playing soft, slow music. The setting sun beyond the horizon shimmered pink reflections on the dark ocean waves.

To their right, a giant fountain trickled, crisp water bubbling up from the center.

What caught her eye right away was the gazebo. The top was strewn in glistening lights from the pointed center. Each pillar was coiled in tiny shining bulbs, the entrance decorated with white flowers. The glossy wooden floor shimmered under the lights. They stood at the beginning of the stone pathway leading to it.

"Wow..." Usagi uttered.

In no time at all, the stars would be popping out in the darkening sky, making it even more romantic. She couldn't wait to hear the whining whistles and exploding bursts of rainbow colors from the fireworks later on.

"It's something, isn't it?" Seiya took her hand and led her down the path. A warm breeze whirled by.

"You can say that again..." Usagi felt like she was in a starry dream. It looked like something out of a movie! And to think there wasn't a soul outside except for the two of them. "Are all parties here this fancy?" she asked.

"Yeah, most of-" Seiya snickered.

"What?"

"There's..." Seiya glanced away and grinned some more.

Usagi frowned. "What's so funny?" she asked, feeling uneasy. She looked down at her purple halter dress. Everything seemed to be in place.

Seiya faced her. The pink sunset shone on her in warm, pastel colors. "There's a little something on your face, Bun Head," she told her.

"What? Is it a bug?!"

Seiya laughed. "Not unless it's made of frosting."

"Huh?" Usagi touched her lips. She could feel creamy icing at the corner of her mouth. It was from her cupcake a moment ago.

"Stop laughing," she told her. Usagi quickly wiped it off with the back of her hand.

"I can't help it. You're just so cute, Bun Head!"

"Shut up."

Seiya stepped in and tilted her chin up with her hand. "You missed a spot," Seiya whispered. Without warning, she covered her mouth over Usagi's.

She gave the shorter girl's shoulder a gentle squeeze with her hand. The Starlight pressed up against her so their bodies met. Deviating from her lips, Seiya ran her tongue over Usagi's bottom lip.

Usagi flushed crimson, tickled under her warm, wet touch of her tongue.

Seiya pulled away. "Mmm, chocolate," she purred.

Usagi rolled her eyes and gently pushed her away.

"Come on." Seiya took Usagi's hand and led her to the glittering gazebo.

"Huh? What are we doing?"

Seiya didn't reply. She walked Usagi past the flowery entrance and onto the shiny wooden floor, making sure she didn't trip. She took her to the center.

Usagi looked horrified. "Oh no, Seiya, please no dancing!" she protested.

"Come on Bun Head, you've been avoiding this all night. Just one? Please?"

Usagi pouted. "But I..."

"Don't worry, there's nobody out here to laugh at you besides me."

"But..."

Seiya pulled Usagi close to her body. "Don't worry, I'll lead," she whispered.

Instantly comforted by her rosy, cherry fragrance, Usagi relaxed. "Okay..." she agreed halfheartedly.

Seiya placed her right hand on Usagi's left hip and entwined their fingers with her left. "Just follow me," Seiya instructed. She strode backwards.

Usagi awkwardly stepped after her, staring down at her feet the whole time. She couldn't see Seiya's heels under her floor-length gown, and couldn't predict where she was going to move next.

"Relax," Seiya told her. "Don't even worry about the steps. Just move to the music, 'kay?"

"Alright." Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Her heartbeat throbbed in her ears. She brought her gaze back to Seiya and focused on the song. The lyrics were ironic, telling how far someone would go to make a person feel their love. She could almost hear Seiya singing them to her. In fact, the Starlight was singing along as they danced. Her voice was sublime.

Usagi realized she was a second too late as they swayed to the side. Trying to make up for it, she rushed ahead. In her haste, she stepped on Seiya's foot.

"Sorry," she quickly apologized.

"Don't worry about it."

Usagi was more careful where she stepped, but they were hardly dancing anymore. When Seiya tried to spin her around, she clumsily stumbled. She could tell Seiya was trying hard to be polite and not laugh.

Usagi sighed. "It's useless. I'm terrible, just admit it."

"You're not that bad, Bun Head," she lied. "You just need some...practice."

"I suck."

Seiya grinned. "Okay, maybe just a little... Haven't you danced with anyone before?"

"Well..." Now that Usagi thought about it, she and Mamoru rarely slow danced together. She only recalled it in their past lives during the Silver Millennium on the moon. But that wasn't really her, it was almost somebody else.

She remembered sharing one dance with Haruka at a party they were invited to. She'd done just fine with her but she knew it was because Haruka had a great lead that made even the most uncoordinated look graceful.

But Seiya's a great dancer too, even better than Haruka. Then why do I keep messing up? Maybe because I'm so nervous...ah, my heart is beating like crazy! I can't focus when I'm near Seiya. If she wasn't so distracting...

"Bun Head?"

"Yeah?"

"It's okay if you don't do it right. I don't mind," Seiya whispered.

"You don't?"

Seiya shook her head. She leaned down so their faces were close. "Just holding you like this is more than enough."

Four blue eyes gazed into each other. The pretty song continued to play, the chesty voice melting with the music. The sun had set, the sky turning cool shades of dark colors. The fairy lights around them could be stars.

A flurry of wind disheveled blonde and black locks around them. They could hear the faint chirping of crickets and the ocean waves.

Usagi knew it was the right moment. She stood on her tiptoes, beckoning for Seiya to meet her level.

The Starlight read her body language and eased down, expecting a sweet kiss. She was confused when Usagi brought her lips to Seiya's ear. Her breath tickled her skin as she whispered softly, "Seiya...I love you."

A sharp breath of air sucked in. Her heart skipped a beat. Maybe two. When Usagi pulled away, she met her gaze with wide eyes. The moon princess smiled. A smile so warm and kind it had to belong to an angel.

Seiya was speechless. Her lips were parted, but no words came out. After a few seconds, her eyes glistened and she just smiled.

Usagi bit her lip, pleased with her reaction. She inched a little closer. I said it. Finally.

"Bun Head," Seiya said at last. "You...have no idea how much it means to hear you say that. Thank you."

"I've been meaning to tell you for a while, but something always came up. I said it last night, but you fell asleep on me."

"Are you kidding?"

"Nope."

Seiya sweat dropped.

"And um, about your song earlier...it was about me, wasn't it?"

Seiya nodded sheepishly.

"Well you were wrong, Seiya. I've loved you this whole time." Usagi swallowed and looked at the ground. "I didn't know it back then. It wasn't until you were out of my life that I realized how important you were to me. I'm sorry..."

Seiya patted one of her hair buns. "It's okay," she told her. "What matters is that you're here with me now."

"Thank you."

"And for the record, I love you too, Bun Head."

Usagi blushed. Her eyes dropped. "I know..."

Seiya inched in. She cupped both of her hands at Usagi's face. Grazing her lips with feather-light pressure against the blonde's, she kissed her. Her hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer.

Usagi's eyes drifted shut. She could still see the lights from the gazebo imprinted in her eyes. The dusky sundown made the air dip cooler, but skin on skin, Seiya's hot breath warmed her up. She found herself standing on her tip toes, hands wrapped around the taller girl's shoulders.

A small moan escaped Seiya as her breathing increased. She squeezed her eyes shut harder. Touching Usagi in such an intimate way... She was incredibly soft and delicate.

'I love you.' The words echoed in her mind. She would never forget how they sounded coming out of her mouth. All the nights she'd dreamed of her, missing her so much it hurt, she never expected to hear those three words. There couldn't have been a happier moment in her life.

"S...Seiya," Usagi managed between kisses.

The Starlight rested her forehead against hers. "Yeah, Bun Head?" Her breath was uneven. Blood was pumping to her face, making her heat up.

Usagi's eyes flitted uneasily around them. They had the whole place to themselves, but nothing was stopping anyone from walking through the back doors. She wanted to avoid any more situations like what had happened with Yaten.

"What if someone sees us?" she asked nervously.

Seiya eased in, lips to Usagi's ear. "Then let's give them a good show," she whispered.

Usagi flushed in embarrassment.

Seiya chuckled. In one swift movement, she swept the blonde off her feet and pulled her up to her level. Usagi immediately wrapped her legs around Seiya's waist. Her arms found their place at the Starlight's shoulders and neck.

Nuzzling their noses against each other, Seiya whispered, "Bun Head...can I carry you off after the party?"

Usagi smiled. She pretended to contemplate over the idea. "Hmm, I'll have to think about that..." She reached down and pecked Seiya on the lips unexpectedly. "Just kidding. Of course," she whispered.

Seiya grinned. She touched her mouth against Usagi's again, capturing her bottom lip between hers. Slow and soft, she moved in a gentle motions, loving the way she tasted. If Usagi would let her, she'd kiss her forever.

Usagi tilted her head to the side, running her fingers through her ponytail. Naturally, her mouth opened more, giving the Starlight more access.

Usagi's strawberry scent was tantalizing her senses, sending her spellbound. Seiya darted her tongue into her mouth before retreating, beckoning her to tag back.

Usagi explored the tenderness inside her. She'd never french kissed anyone before, but she found herself intrigued by the idea of Seiya being her first.

"Mmm..." Usagi let out a soft moan. She caressed Seiya's face, running her fingers under her jawbone. They were so close, their galloping heartbeats were beating off each other.

"Bun... Head..." Seiya couldn't take it any longer. Usagi didn't object when Seiya's hands started to wander down from her shoulders. She welcomed the Starlight's gentle touch, exploring her body over the violet material of her dress.

"Seiya..." she murmured, shuddering in pleasure.

Seiya strayed from her pink lips, trailing sweet kisses down her neck. Usagi lolled her head back, eyes closed. She tightened her legs around Seiya's waist so she didn't fall back.

The Starlight continued pressing her moist lips along her neck, reaching her collarbone. Moving lower, she hesitated slightly before kissing the warm skin near her cleavage. Her hands slid up silky flesh of the blonde's thighs, under the hem of her dress. She toyed with the hem of her panties.

Hands tightened at the Starlight's neck, breathing rapidly increasing, a red flush covering her chest.

"Ah-hem." Someone cleared their throat. Neither Seiya nor Usagi noticed the three figures that were standing outside the gazebo.

"Fighter." The feminine voice was clear and crisp, audible over the quiet music and crickets.

Seiya snapped her head up, mortified at who was standing not too far away.

"Princess!" She gasped.

Usagi panicked and yanked away from Seiya, letting go of her shoulders.

Bad idea.

Her legs were still wrapped around the Starlight's hips, and with nothing to hang onto, she fell backwards. She whirled her arms to catch herself, but it was too late. Landing on the ground, her butt took a bruising.

"Bun Head!" Seiya fell to her knees, hovering over her. "Are you okay?"

Usagi nodded, rubbing her bottom. "Yeah..." Luckily the fall hadn't been more than a few feet, but it still hurt. Unfortunately, it was nothing compared to the painful humiliation that engulfed her when Seiya helped her back up and she saw Princess Kakyuu step forward.

Seiya looked like she wanted to die. Being caught by Yaten was embarrassing, but comical. But by the Princess was a different story. And even worse where her lips and hands had been on Usagi. She hoped she didn't the wrong idea, but there was no wrong idea to get.

Kakyuu tried to keep a poker face, but her red-orange lips curled up slightly. Seiya was glad she found it amusing.

Usagi stared at the ground, fidgeting with her hands at her sides. Ashamed to look up, she managed to steal a glance anyway.

It was hard to see Kakyuu in the shadowy trees. There were silhouettes at her side she couldn't make out.

"Sailor Moon," Kakyuu said, "there are two guests who wish to speak with you." She bowed. Kakyuu gave a sly smile to Seiya that made her blush even more before walking elegantly back to the palace doors.

It was silent for a few seconds.

Seiya and Usagi were too embarrassed to speak. They were certain the guests had witnessed their display of affection as well.

Usagi couldn't bring herself to look up. She hoped Seiya would initiate a greeting, but she didn't, which was unusual. Usagi peeked over at her.

Seiya stood stiff as a board with her jaw clenched. Her gaze bore straight ahead at the figures. Her blood that had been excited and hot now run ice cold.

Taken aback by her chilly vibe, Usagi curiously squinted into the shadows.

One of them stepped forward, the gazebo lights illuminating his face. He opened his mouth to speak, a mixture of affection, confusion, and anger.

"Usako."